Not too long after drummer Shawn Drover and guitarist Chris Broderick announced they were quitting Megadeth, Broderick when on SiriusXM Liquid Metal's weekly live show 666-Live to announce he and Drover are forming a new band. Not much was known at the time about it, but slowly news began trickling out. We learned they recruited vocalist Henry Derrick Bonner, formerly of Scar The Martyr and that Shadows Fall guitarist Matt Bachand would also be involved.

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Moments ago, the band released an official press release announcing that the band will be known as Act Of Defiance and they have signed a deal with Metal Blade Records to release their debut record. The band are currently in the studio recording with Zeuss and hope to have an album ready for release this summer.

To keep fans on the edge of their seats, the band released this snippet of a demo they've titled "Throwback," which certainly sounds very shreddy:

It certainly sounds solid, but I am hoping the final product is a bit more aggressive. Here are quotes from all parties involved about how excited they are:

Broderick states: "I am so excited to finally be able to announce ACT OF DEFIANCE to the world. Shawn just finished tracking drums the first week of February and his performance and tones are simply incredible. I have started tracking rhythms and leads, as well as working with Henry to get final vocal takes while Matt will record bass at his studio. The final mix and mastering will also be handled by Zeuss. "I am also very honored to announce that we have signed with Metal Blade Records. There is not a better label to be on than one where the employees (and owner) still understand and listen to METAL! They have shown a loyalty, backing and drive for their artists that few other labels have. As for our music, I am really enjoying the ability to create what is a killer mix of thrash and modern metal. It has a unique combination ranging from thrash to classical influences. I am very proud of what we have written and hope that you all dig it.” Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. Drover adds: "Having our new band, ACT OF DEFIANCE, sign with Metal Blade Records is a real thrill for me. I started my musical career with Brian Slagel and the Metal Blade family many years ago, so to come full circle at this point is a real musical home-coming, of sorts. I couldn’t be happier about that. "What thrills me the most is the fact that myself, Chris Broderick, Henry Derek and Matt Bachand all have in common is that from the get-go, we wanted this band to be 100% PURE Heavy Metal! No compromises, no ulterior motives other than making the best HEAVY METAL music we can. Metal Blade shares this vision, which really puts us all on the same page, musically.” Bachand states: "I couldn't be more excited to begin this new adventure with ACT OF DEFIANCE. The positive energy that has collected between the four of us in such a little amount of time has been nothing short of incredible. Writing bass lines is something new for me as well, and I am looking forward to the challenge. All the songs are coming together great and I can't wait for the world to hear this." Derek comments: "I’m extremely honored and excited to be a part of AOD. Everyone has been super cool and supportive, which is always a huge plus. I know this is going to be an awesome musical experience and the fact that I’m embarking on this journey with good people means everything. Cheers." Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading. Brian Slagel further comments: “I am super excited to welcome ACT OF DEFIANCE to the Metal Blade family. I have known Chris and Shawn over the years and really admired their work. I am honored to be able to work with these two legendary musicians. Really excited to work with all the guys on this exciting new band!"

They're excited, but are you?