Dan Lilker’s Nuclear Assault Announces Permanent Split After Four Decades
After four decades, New York City thrash metal band Nuclear Assault has broken up for good. The band, which bassist Dan Lilker co-founded after leaving Anthrax, announced the decision on Facebook in what it called its final message.
“For more than 40 years, Nuclear Assault has been a part of the lives of metal fans around the world. From the early days of playing small clubs to performing on stages across the globe, we’ve had an incredible journey that few bands ever get to experience,” they wrote. “We’ve shared our music, our energy, and our passion with generations of fans, and we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished together. But every journey eventually reaches its end, and for Nuclear Assault, that time has come. We want to make it absolutely clear that Nuclear Assault has officially come to an end. There will be no reunions, no farewell tours, no future live performances, and no new studio recordings. This chapter of our lives is permanently closed.”
The post added that the decision does not diminish the band’s incredible history. Lilker founded the group in 1984 with guitarist/vocalist John Connelly, guitarist Mike Bogush, and drummer Scott Duboys. They released six full-length studio albums, starting with 1986’s Game Over and ending with 2005’s Third World Genocide. Nuclear Assault’s latest release was the Pounder EP in 2015.
The band took several breaks throughout the years. Lilker initially quit in 1992 to focus on Brutal Truth, during which time Scott Metaxas took over on bass. Nuclear Assault went on hiatus in 1995, returned in 1997, disbanded again, and returned in 2002. Throughout it all, they did it for the fans.
“To all the fans who bought our records, attended our concerts, wore our shirts, and supported us throughout the years, we cannot thank you enough,” they conclude. “Your dedication helped take four guys with a passion for aggressive music from the clubs of New York City to stages around the world. Although Nuclear Assault will never take the stage together again, the music isn’t going anywhere. Our recordings, remastered releases, and videos will remain for longtime fans to enjoy and for future generations to discover. Nuclear Assault’s story has been written. There are no more chapters to come, but the music and the legacy will live on. To every fan, in every country, who has ever been a part of this journey, we offer our deepest and most sincere thanks. Thank you for over 40 years of unwavering support.”
Relive Nuclear Assault’s glory days with the music video for “Critical Mass,” featuring Lilker’s snarling bass tone.
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
