Get ready to have your eardrums shattered and your necks permanently sore, because NEFARIOUS is back with a vengeance—and they’ve got a new vocalist who’s about to set the metal world on fire. But here’s where it gets controversial: after parting ways with Katon W. De Pena (HIRAX), the band has welcomed Sean Rivera, a powerhouse vocalist with a range that’s as limitless as his stage presence is explosive. And this is the part most people miss: Rivera isn’t just a singer—he’s a musical wizard, proficient on guitar and keyboards, and his energy is pushing NEFARIOUS to new heights of speed, intensity, and raw power.
Formed by a supergroup of metal legends—Rick Hunolt (EXODUS, DIEHUMANE) and Doug Piercy (HEATHEN, ANVIL CHORUS) on guitars, Tom Gears (BLIND ILLUSION, ANCIENT MARINER) on bass, and Will Carroll (DEATH ANGEL) on drums—NEFARIOUS has always been about raw talent and unyielding commitment. Piercy puts it bluntly: ‘We needed someone in the room with us—creating, rehearsing, and ready to play. Long-distance relationships in a band? They’re a recipe for disaster.’ Hunolt echoes this, praising Rivera for taking the band to the ‘next level’ and calling him a ‘true musical wizard.’
Rivera himself admits he was both ‘excited and nervous’ to join such a seasoned lineup. ‘These guys are fantastic players with incredible histories,’ he says. ‘Stepping into that felt significant, but I’m stoked to be here.’ His addition isn’t just about vocals—it’s about chemistry, energy, and a shared vision for the future.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Katon W. De Pena’s departure. During a livestream, De Pena clarified his focus is on HIRAX, his band of 40 years. ‘I’m proud of what we did with NEFARIOUS, but my heart’s with HIRAX,’ he said. Carroll, however, hinted at deeper issues, citing ‘communication problems’ and months of silence from De Pena. ‘We had to move on,’ Carroll explained during an appearance on Zetro’s Toxic Vault. ‘And that’s where Sean comes in.’
Here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Rivera’s addition isn’t just a replacement—it’s a transformation. His band, COFFIN HUNTERS, brings a traditional heavy metal edge, and his discovery by Rick Hunolt feels almost serendipitous. As Carroll puts it, ‘Rick saw him perform, and we knew we had to bring him in.’
NEFARIOUS’s sound? Think early thrash metal meets heavy metal harmonies, with influences ranging from DEEP PURPLE and THIN LIZZY to BLACK SABBATH and classical music. Katon once described it as ‘a gang ready to crush skulls and make eardrums bleed,’ and with Rivera on board, that promise feels more real than ever.
Their first show with Rivera is set for January 3, 2026, at San Francisco’s DNA Lounge, followed by a full European tour kicking off at Belgium’s Alcatraz festival. A new version of their song ‘Day After’ featuring Rivera’s vocals is already available—and it’s a thunderous preview of what’s to come.
But here’s the question: Can NEFARIOUS maintain their raw, skull-crushing energy while evolving with a new vocalist? And will Rivera’s addition push them into uncharted territory, or will they stay true to their thrash metal roots? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one metal story you won’t want to miss.
