THE BEAST

@thebeast

Followers 184251
Following 183750
Updates 41149

forum

Blog Categories promo UNMERCIFUL Unleashes James “Freight Train” Lee on Vocals for Maryland Deathfest Debut

UNMERCIFUL Unleashes James “Freight Train” Lee on Vocals for Maryland Deathfest Debut Tuesday February 24 2026, 11:15 AM

THE BEAST
PLATINUM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

UNMERCIFUL Unleashes James “Freight Train” Lee on Vocals for Maryland Deathfest Debut

Kansas death metal powerhouse UNMERCIFUL is set to make their first-ever appearance at Maryland Deathfest 2026 , and they’re bringing a very special guest along for the carnage. James “Freight Train” Lee—renowned for his monumental work with Origin on III , Echoes of Decimation , and Antithesis —will be stepping in on vocals, delivering an unforgettable performance of UNMERCIFUL’s relentless death metal assault.

The band shared the news directly:

“Our first ever performance at Maryland Death Fest is just 3 months away. With that, we want to announce a very special guest that will be performing on vocals. This man is none other than the almighty James ‘Freight Train’ Lee!!! Hearing him performing our material will be something NOT to miss!!

Also, Trynt is still dealing with some health issues, so Andy Vincent will be handling the relentless drum duties. We are in the process of booking some shows around this time (May 20th–May 28th). More information on show dates and venues coming soon.

We look forward to delivering an unforgettably crushing set! We will see you all soon.”

Following the recent tour cancellation with Vitriol and Weeping due to drummer availability, UNMERCIFUL is back stronger than ever, promising fans a blistering return to the stage. Their latest album, Devouring Darkness (Willowtip Records), has already been hailed as a brutal triumph:

“ Devouring Darkness is an unceasing beatdown of a death metal album where technicality takes a backseat to brutality.” – Angry Metal Guy

“Malicious guidance does well to hold their focus tight on bludgeoning brutal death metal here, an ideal ratio of unreal skill and severe impact.” – Mystification Zine

“Unmerciful are among us to blast our ears with Brutal Death Metal at its finest.” – The Headbanging Moose

“A swirl of riffs will wrap themselves around you like a coiled snake, and the drums will cave your head in.” – Dead Rhetoric

With longtime guitarist Jeremy Turner returning and Josh Riley debuting on vocals, UNMERCIFUL continues to define the cutting edge of American death metal. The record was engineered and produced by Clinton Appelhanz at Waveworks Studio, mastered by Alan Douches ( Cannibal Corpse, Hate Eternal ), with artwork by Santiago Francisco Jaramillo.

Fans can expect crushing new performances and select shows leading up to Maryland Deathfest. UNMERCIFUL’s blend of technical ferocity and unrelenting brutality guarantees that this set will be one for the ages.

Stay tuned for full tour dates and ticket information. Devouring Darkness is available now wherever extreme metal is consumed. https://deathfests.com/