PRESS RELEASE:
Bear Mace
Slaves Of The Wolf
6 June 2025
In the heart of Chicago, amidst the city's vibrant cacophony, a ferocious new chapter is being written by BEAR MACE with their latest release, Slaves Of The Wolf. This third studio album, set to be unveiled on June 6, 2025, is a testament to the band's evolution and their unwavering commitment to the raw energy of death metal. For BEAR MACE, composed of Chris Scearce on vocals, Mark Sugar and Tommy Bellino on guitars, Garry Naples behind the drums, and John Porada on bass, this album is not just another collection of tracks—it's a narrative deeply rooted in the themes of warfare, survival, and the echoes of historical battles.
The journey of Slaves Of The Wolf begins with its opening track, an eponymous piece that channels the spirit of soldiers lost to the annals of history, their lives swallowed by the vast, cold embrace of war. This sets the stage for an album where each song weaves part of a larger, darker tapestry. From "Worthless Lives," which reflects on our dystopian reality with poignant lyrics and relentless riffs, to "Drown Them In Their Blood," a slower, heavier homage to the brutal necessities of war, the album crafts a compelling saga.
One of the standout tracks, "The Iceman Cometh," explores the chilling life of Richard Kuklinski with an intensity that matches the cold-blooded tales of his crimes. Meanwhile, "Captured And Consumed" features guest vocals by death metal pioneer Kam Lee from Massacre, adding a visceral layer to the haunting recount of WWII atrocities.
The production of the album, managed by the band and captured in the diverse acoustics of Hypercube Studios and Miracle On Mace Street Studios, showcases the meticulous care of engineer Sanford Parker and mixing and mastering by Damian Herring. This technical expertise ensures that each note and nuance is sharply delivered, from the guttural depths of Chris's vocals to the dual assault of Mark's and Tommy's guitars.
The visual representation of the album, crafted by artist Dedy Badic, mirrors the music's raw ferocity and historical depth, encapsulating the essence of BEAR MACE's narrative in a striking image that promises to resonate as powerfully as the music itself.
As Slaves Of The Wolf prepares for release, BEAR MACE is also gearing up to bring this new material to life on stages across the country. Known for their explosive live performances, the band promises to deliver shows that not only showcase their latest work but also highlight their growth as musicians and storytellers.
For fans old and new, Slaves Of The Wolf is more than just an album. It's an invitation to explore the depths of human history and emotion through the lens of BEAR MACE’s distinctive, relentless sound. As June approaches, the anticipation builds not just for a series of tracks, but for a powerful narrative set to be unleashed in the most explosive way possible.
About BEAR MACE:
Hailing from the robust metal scene of Chicago, Illinois, BEAR MACE has carved a formidable niche within the death metal genre since their inception in 2012. The band’s name, a nod to both ferocity and defense, perfectly encapsulates their sound: relentless, powerful, and unyielding. Comprised of vocalist Chris Scearce, guitarists Mark Sugar and Tommy Bellino, drummer Garry Naples, and bassist John Porada, BEAR MACE is a force to be reckoned with, known for their brutal riffs, historical and darkly imaginative lyrical content, and explosive live performances.
BEAR MACE's music is a deliberate throwback to the death metal of the late '80s and early '90s, drawing significant inspiration from the genre's pioneers like MASSACRE and BOLT THROWER. Their sound is characterized by a blend of raw aggression and meticulous craftsmanship, with themes that delve into historical wars, mythical narratives, and modern dystopias. This thematic depth sets BEAR MACE apart, as they weave intricate stories with each track, engaging listeners not just with sound, but with storytelling that invites reflection on the past and present.
Since releasing their first demo, Kodiak Killers, in 2014, BEAR MACE has consistently upped the ante with each subsequent release. Their debut album, Butchering The Colossus (2017), was a breakout success, establishing them as serious contenders in the metal community. This was followed by Charred Field Of Slaughter in 2020, an album that received acclaim for its intensity and complexity, further solidifying the band’s reputation.
Beyond their studio recordings, BEAR MACE is known for their dynamic live shows, which capture the band’s energy and technical prowess. They have shared stages with notable bands and played at major festivals, strengthening their presence in the metal scene. Their tour with death metal legends MACABRE in the summer of 2022, including a co-headlining spot at Into The Darkness Fest in Ohio, highlights their standing among contemporaries and legends alike.
The release of their third album, Slaves Of The Wolf, in 2025 marks another milestone for BEAR MACE. This album not only showcases their growth as musicians but also highlights a stable lineup that has been together for over five years. With Slaves Of The Wolf, BEAR MACE continues to push the boundaries of their sound while paying homage to the roots of death metal, crafting tracks that are both aggressive and deeply narrative.
As BEAR MACE continues to evolve and expand their auditory assault, their dedication to the craft and their fans remains unwavering. With a solid foundation and a clear vision, they are poised to remain a staple in the playlists of metal enthusiasts and a commanding presence on the global metal stage.
BEAR MACE is:
Chris Scearce - Vocals
Mark Sugar - Guitar
Garry Naples - Drums
John Porada - Bass
Tommy Bellino - Guitar
Connect with BEAR MACE:
Bandcamp: https://bearmace.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bearmace1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearmace_metal/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bearmace8259
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bpYbAeJkSr4R95J9nVtLm
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bear-mace/1212215294
