Chicago thrash bringers Misfire will release their new studio album “Product of the Environment” on May 2nd, 2025, via MNRK Heavy, today unveiling the record’s lead single and preorders.
When drummer James Nicademus co-founded Misfire back in 2018, he wanted to bash the skins and unleash full-bore tracks that could serve as musical therapy for his band and the fans. As with any new group, there were exciting opportunities to evolve and difficult circumstances that threatened to derail them. But under Nicademus’ watchful eye and vision, Misfire survived the brutal times and arose stronger than ever.
Misfire’s renewed and reinvigorated lineup – which includes vocalist Tim Jensen, guitarist Kostadin Kostadinov, and bassist/vocalist Dan Stapinski – is now raging full steam ahead with their sophomore album, “Product of the Environment”. This new, twelve-song collection is the product of the tumultuous changes that the Illinois foursome endured over the last three years. Misfire’s original lineup featured a different vocalist/guitarist and bassist. But in 2022, prior to a major tour supporting Warbringer, their frontman departed for personal reasons. Jensen and Kostadinov swooped in to save the day. After a successful cross-country trek, their bassist departed to pursue audio engineering, so Misfire enlisted Stapinski.
All four Misfire members have met their musical matches in each other, and their talents shine through on “Product of the Environment”. Jensen brings clarity and melody to his aggressive vocals, finding his sweet spot between the raspy delivery of Dave Mustaine and the bellows of Phil Anselmo. Pulling from his European background, Kostadinov balances aggression with melody in his six-string playing, shredding when he needs to and showing tasteful restraint at other times. Laying down his bass lines, Stapinski shows equal shrewdness in how he works the groove of each song. Nicademus may pound away behind his kit, but his musical influence reverberates along the group’s front line. He also plays guitar and conjures most of the riffs that drive the band’s music.
Whereas the group’s 2021 raging debut “Sympathy for the Ignorant” was a set of high energy demos that saw release through MNRK Heavy, “Product of the Environment” was a more polished effort. Misfire journeyed to Atlanta for ten days to work with co-producer & engineer John Douglass and mixer Alex Parra, who also plays guitar in the band Paladin. The results roar for themselves. “Artificially Intelligent” and “Privacy” address concerns about the devious digital forces that are monitoring and shaping our lives. “Twist of Fate” allows Stapinski to vent about people who take advantage of others without remorse while lead single and video “We Went Through Hell” angrily addresses the near dissolution of the band following their original frontman’s departure.
Further elaborates Nicademus on “We Went Through Hell”: “We went through hell these last couple of years, but we made it through… and what doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger. This song is for anyone going through it. Let that aggression out with us”!
Watch the official video for “We Went Through Hell” below.
“Product of the Environment” includes guest guitar solos by Douglass, Parra, and Death Angel’s Rob Cavestany while Exodus frontman Rob Dukes appears on the song “Left For Dead” (Dukes portrays the pernicious voice placing Misfire’s frontman under his control). The record features cover art by Rick Zesati and will be released on CD, LP, cassette, and digital formats.
Pre-order & pre-save “Product of the Environment” here.
Tracklist:
1. Borrowed Time
2. Day to Day
3. All Over the Place
4. We Went Through Hell
5. Born to Die
6. Living the Dream
7. Left for Dead
8. End of an Age
9. Privacy
10. Twist of Fate
11. Artificially Intelligent
12. Product of the Environment
In conjunction with the release of “Product of the Environment”, Misfire will join Exodus and Deicide for a short run of Spring shows from April 27th through May 13th. Tickets are on sale now! See all confirmed dates below.
US Tour Dates 2025:
4/27/2025 Nile – Phoenix, AZ
4/29/2025 Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
4/30/2025 Mesa Theater – Grand Junction, CO
5/01/2025 The Hall – Little Rock, AR
5/02/2025 Diamond Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK
5/04/2025 Deluxe @ Old National – Indianapolis, IN
5/06/2025 Machine Shop – Flint, MI
5/08/2025 Piere’s – Ft. Wayne, IN
5/11/2025 Workplay – Birmingham, AL
5/13/2025 Orange Peel – Asheville, NC
Weblinks:
www.facebook.com/Misfireofficial
www.instagram.com/misfire_official
