ALPHA DESTROYER are releasing a special-edition cover of the KISS classic, “God of Thunder.”
The band dug deep into the annals of KISStory to put their own unique stamp on the song. Guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett explains. “We based our version on Paul Stanley’s original demo version instead of the Bob Ezrin produced version everyone knows. Paul used 1/16 note high hats and a more upbeat tempo. We swapped those for double basses a la ‘Exciter’ from Judas Priest. Paul also used a more pop sensibility and falsetto vocals in the chorus, which we embraced fully.”
The single will be available as a hand-numbered, limited-edition, hand lathe-cut, clear vinyl 7″ that ships on August 11. Pre-order now at: necromanticpress.com
ALPHA DESTROYER is a high-octane collaboration featuring Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry), and Eric Sexton-Dorsett (Sleepless). The band’s debut album, Fast Lane, is available on physical formats via Necromantic Press Records, including limited-edition red splatter and standard black vinyl. Order now at this location.
Stream Fast Lane on Spotify and Apple Music
Watch additional videos from Fast Lane at: www.youtube.com/@Necromanticpress.
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“This Isn’t a Band. It’s a Warning.”
Alpha Destroyer was born in 2022, shortly after trad/thrash metal band Sleepless released its debut LP. Looking for a new creative outlet, Sleepless guitarist Eric Sexton-Dorsett began writing a series of dissonant, groove-heavy tracks, something that channeled the high-powered spirit of bands like Def Leppard, while drawing on the chaos of Voivod and Morbid Angel.
After tracking initial guitar parts, Eric brought in drummer Ryan McPhaill to lay down drum tracks. The results exceeded expectations; every take locked in with the raw energy and precision the project demanded.
With a solid foundation in place, Eric filed the songs under the name Alpha Destroyer and started mapping out the next phase.
Soon after, on the Monsters of Rock Cruise, Eric met bassist Kelly LeMieux (Goldfinger, Buckcherry) through mutual friend Kevin Hahn (vocalist/lead guitarist for Sleepless and now a guitarist for Alpha Destroyer). Late-night conversations on the cruise led to a strong creative connection. Back in Portland, Kelly heard the early tracks and immediately added his signature, larger-than-life basslines. The songs, now three deep, began to take shape.
In 2024, another key moment happened on the same cruise. Eric met Martin Sweet (Crashdïet), a longtime influence. After staying in touch, Eric sent him the developing tracks, initially just to contribute guitar, yet Martin offered something more: vocals. His performance on the first completed track, “Straight into the Grind,” helped define the band’s sound and opened the door to a deeper collaboration. What was meant to be a four-song EP quickly expanded as the ideas flowed naturally.
The result is Fast Lane, a 10-track debut album that rides the line between doom-laced introspection and high-octane rock. The title track and first single, “Fast Lane,” kicks things off with a punk-edged urgency and Martin’s heavy yet melodic take on personal struggle.
With new music already in the works and plans for live dates in 2026, Alpha Destroyer is just getting started.
THE STORM IS BUILDING. ALPHA DESTROYER IS COMING.
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Source: ClawHammer PR
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