THE BEAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BELTFED WEAPON Announce New Single “Digital Genesis”
Sci-Fi Dystopia Meets Speed Thrash Death Metal

Release Date: January 1, 2026
Genre: Speed Thrash / Death Metal
For Fans Of: Exodus, Judas Priest, Morbid Angel

Seattle metal institution BELTFED WEAPON kick off 2026 with fire and fury, releasing their new digital single “Digital Genesis” on January 1. This is not just a song. It is a warning shot.

“Digital Genesis” is a sci-fi dystopian concept piece exploring humanity’s rise, downfall, and eventual assimilation by an advanced hybrid force. The track dives headfirst into the addictive grip of modern technology and a twisted, almost religious ideology built around it. Think machines preaching salvation while quietly pulling the plug on free will. Heavy stuff, and BELTFED WEAPON delivers it without blinking.

Musically, the single is a crushing blend of thrash and death metal with flashes of power metal precision. Razor-sharp riffs collide with blast-driven aggression, while Kragen Lum delivers blistering, surgical guitar solos that cut straight to the bone. The rhythm section hits like a wrecking ball, with Mike LePond laying down thunderous bass lines and Bryan Newberry driving the track forward with relentless precision. Vocals come courtesy of Stu Block , whose distinctive and commanding delivery gives the story its voice and its bite.

The track was written and arranged by Frank Hetzel , with lyrics and concept penned by Stu Block . Mixing and mastering were handled by Juan Urteaga , ensuring maximum impact and clarity. Artwork comes from Iwenk Art , with a lyric video created by Andrea Giambona (Andrzej Art) to visually reinforce the song’s bleak futuristic vision.

While the BELTFED WEAPON merch store is currently offline, the band encourages fans to support the release the old-school way. Spread the word. Share the track. Tell your friends. Grassroots metal still works, and it always has.

BELTFED WEAPON Lineup
Digital Genesis, Tortured Within, Rise From Eternal Darkness
Frank Hetzel – Guitar, Songwriter
Stu Block – Vocals
Kragen Lum – Lead Guitar
Mike LePond – Bass
Bryan Newberry – Drums

Darkened Demise EP Lineup
Frank Hetzel – Guitar, Songwriter
Jeff Loomis – Lead Guitar
Kragen Lum – Lead Guitar
Tim Aymar – Vocals (R.I.P.)
Steve Tucker – Vocals
J.D. DeServio – Bass
Jason Viebrooks – Bass
Dagna Silesia – Bass
Bryan Newberry – Drums

Founded in 1999 by guitarist and songwriter Frank Hetzel , BELTFED WEAPON have long been a fixture of the Seattle metal scene, known for their lethal fusion of thrash, death, and technical metal. After navigating multiple lineup changes, Hetzel steered the band forward by collaborating with some of the most respected names in heavy music.

The band’s 2015 EP Raining Plague earned strong critical praise, with Metal Gods TV rating it 8/10 for its fast-paced riffs and shredding guitars, and Ever Metal awarding it a 9/10 for its balance of aggression and melody. The release featured standout contributions from Jeff Loomis and Steve DiGiorgio , cementing BELTFED WEAPON’s reputation for elite-level musicianship.

That momentum continued with the Darkened Demise EP, which featured vocals from Steve Tucker of Morbid Angel, pushing the band further into darker and more extreme territory. In September 2024, BELTFED WEAPON returned with the single “Tortured Within” , a brutal and introspective track tackling addiction and inner conflict, again showcasing Hetzel’s uncompromising songwriting and high-caliber collaborators.

With “Digital Genesis,” BELTFED WEAPON continue their forward march. No gimmicks. No compromises. Just heavy metal done right, with brains, brawn, and a message that hits uncomfortably close to home.

Metal is alive. The machine is watching. Choose wisely.

Check out this teaser while you get ready:

Connect with the band:

www.beltfedweapon.net
https://www.facebook.com/beltfedweapon/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTHXH8qSCYmPVVqQK2oXxFA
https://beltfedweapon.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/29UmL3qkm2Evn8gOZmC8kc

Contact Frank Hetzel beltfedweapon.net@gmail.com