Hand of Fire is an American thrash metal band that originated in California. The project was initially formed in 2010 as a collaboration between Jim Settle (formerly of Tantrum of the Muse) and Corey Steger (formerly of Underoath) before evolving into a full band in 2015 under Settle's leadership. After signing with Rottweiler Records in 2016, they released their critically acclaimed debut album Nuclear Sunrise in 2017. The band has undergone several lineup changes throughout their career, notably including brief stints with former Testament bassist Greg Christian and Jungle Rot drummer Jason Borton. As of 2024, the band consists of Jim Settle (vocals), Tiago Souza (lead guitar), Forrest Nelson (rhythm guitar), Scotty McRib (bass, backing vocals), and Gary Neff (drums). Their sound has been characterized as a modern take on thrash metal, drawing influences from both classic and contemporary metal styles.[1][2]
Background
Hand of Fire emerged in 2010 as a collaborative project between Jim Settle (formerly of Tantrum of the Muse) and Corey Steger (formerly of Underoath).[3] The duo began writing and recording material, which caught the attention of Rottweiler Records, who offered them a contract.[3] However, geographical constraints led to Steger's departure, prompting Settle to establish an official lineup featuring members from his other project, Bore.[4]
By 2015, Hand of Fire had evolved into a fully-realized vision under Settle's leadership.[1] The band officially signed with Rottweiler Records in May 2016,[5][6] with a lineup consisting of vocalist Jim Settle, guitarist Tiago Souza, bassist Tom Eaton, and drummer Bill Davies. Their debut album, initially titled Let the Killings Begin, was scheduled for release in December 2016.[7] The band released a lyric video for the title track,[2][8] and ultimately released their debut album, retitled Nuclear Sunrise, on November 17, 2017, to critical acclaim.[9][10][11]
On August 24, 2018, the band premiered their new track "World of Deception" on The Covenant Metal Show through Reanimated Radio. The band underwent significant lineup changes in March 2019, with bassist Tom Eaton and drummer Bill Davies departing, replaced by Greg Christian (ex-Testament) and Jason Borton (Jungle Rot, Kataklysm) respectively.[12] By March 2020, the lineup shifted again, with Davies returning to the band and Marcel Eaton, formerly of Trauma, joining as the new bassist, replacing Borton and Christian.[13] Tragically, founding member Corey Steger passed away in a car accident on March 17, 2021.[14]
Jungle Rot, Kataklysm, Throne of Awful Splendor, Treasonist, Thanatopsis, Where Lovers Rot, Seized of Darkness, Velaraas, Zorakarer, Arkaik, Mortal Plague, Beyond the Red Horizon, Nocturnal Plague, Zero Divide
^Settle, Jim (April 12, 2015). "Jim Settle (Tantrum Of The Muse)". Interviewed by Stephen Sarro and Trav Turner. As the Story Grows. Retrieved July 10, 2016.
