The underground thrash metal legacy of Texas comes roaring back to life.
On October 6, 2026, Savant Guarde Records, through its heavy metal cassette subsidiary Old Guarde Records, proudly released the official reissue of GAMMACIDE’s legendary 1987 Demo, faithfully reproduced from the original release and now available on cassette.
Originally released in 1987, the five-song demo represents one of the earliest and most important documents of Gammacide’s devastating Texas thrash attack. The band’s original lineup featured Varnam Ponville (vocals), Rick Perry (guitars), Eric Roy (bass) and Jamey Milford (drums).
The demo was recorded at Pantego Sound Studios and recorded/produced by Jerry Abbott, father of Pantera legends Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott. The recording captures Gammacide at a crucial moment in the development of their sound, years before the band would release their acclaimed 1989 debut album Victims of Science.
The original five-song track listing is preserved in full:
- Endangered Species
- Shock Treatment
- Gutter Rats
- Walking Plague
- Incubus
The 2026 edition has been digitally mastered from the original tapes, while the physical release has been manufactured in the USA by National Audio Company (NAC), one of the very few remaining cassette manufacturers in the world and the last major cassette manufacturer in the United States.
The release uses NAC’s classic high-performance music-grade ferric tape, maintaining the authentic character and aesthetics of the original format.
The J-card artwork faithfully reproduces the original cassette packaging, including the historic band photograph, credits and lyrics.
This is not a modern reinterpretation of the demo.
It is an attempt to preserve the sound, artwork, atmosphere and physical identity of the original 1987 Gammacide cassette for a new generation of metal fans and collectors.
Gammacide originally established their reputation throughout the worldwide underground with their uncompromising Texas thrash metal attack. The band would go on to share stages with legendary acts including Dark Angel, Exodus, Death, Sacred Reich and Morbid Angel, as well as fellow Texas metal pioneers such as Rigor Mortis and Watchtower.
After decades of cult status, Gammacide returned to action and are once again active on the metal scene, bringing the band’s legacy into a new era.
THE 1987 DEMO IS AVAILABLE NOW
The Gammacide – 1987 Demo cassette is available now through:Savant Guarde Records / Old Guarde Records
Official Savant Guarde Records Website – Savant Guarde Records – Bandcamp – Gammacide Official Landing Page – 1987 Demo – The cassette is also available through eBay.
STREAM “ENDANGERED SPECIES”
The first track from the historic demo, “Endangered Species,” is available to stream on major digital platforms, including Spotify, YouTube Music and Deezer.
GAMMACIDE ONLINE: Official Gammacide Website
