| Now, nearly 40 years since its initial release, Divebomb Records proudly unleashes a deluxe 22-track edition of Rise to Offend, featuring the original album fully remastered by Jamie King Audio, plus the 1985 demo and the complete Sanctify sessions. The package includes a 20-page booklet packed with rare photos, flyers, lyrics, and a brand-new retrospective interview with guitarist John Plumley.
Formed in early-'80s Philadelphia, Innocent Exile quickly evolved into ANVIL BITCH by late 1983, solidifying a lineup of John Plumley (guitar), Chuck Stadulis (drums), Dave Carr (bass), and Gary Capriotti (vocals). Initially cutting their teeth on covers of Metallica, Slayer, Motörhead, and Exodus, the band soon channeled that energy into original compositions influenced not only by the rising thrash metal movement, but also the hardcore/punk crossover scene—drawing inspiration from acts like Crumbsuckers and C.O.C.
In 1985, ANVIL BITCH recorded a four-song demo at The Sound Bank, which led to a deal with New Renaissance Records and an appearance on the Speed Metal Hell II compilation the following year. Their sole full-length, Rise to Offend, was recorded with Shawn Tierney at DAK Audio and released in late 1986. Situated within the thriving Northeastern U.S. metal scene, ANVIL BITCH earned their stripes opening for heavyweights such as Exodus, King Diamond, Motörhead, and Overkill.
Momentum was building, and work had begun on a second album—but by 1988, the band splintered, with most members moving on to form the more aggressive thrash act Dominance. Two decades later, ANVIL BITCH briefly reunited for the Sanctify EP, but it’s Rise to Offend—long out of print for over 20 years—that remains a cult favorite among die-hard thrash collectors.
For the fans, by the fans! FOR FANS OF: RAZOR, INDESTROY, HALLOWS EVE, EXUMER, ARTILLERY, WEHRMACHT, ANGKOR WAT
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