British thrash institution XENTRIX have announced a new studio album, "Allied With The Enemy," set for release later in 2026 via Listenable Records. It marks the band's first full-length since 2022's "Seven Words" and continues the creative resurgence that began with their 2019 reunion record "Bury The Pain."
The album was recorded between late 2025 and 2026 at Backstage Studios in England with producer ANDY SNEAP (JUDAS PRIEST, ACCEPT, TESTAMENT, SAXON) at the helm — a natural pairing, given Sneap's own roots in the British thrash scene with SABBAT. The cover artwork comes courtesy of acclaimed U.K. artist Dan Goldsworthy, whose visuals have adorned albums by ACCEPT, AVENGED SEVENFOLD and SYLOSIS.
XENTRIX describe the record as an unapologetic return to first principles, promising a collection that "brings the metal back into thrash, kicking out the trash and doubling down on the band's signature bite." It's a mission statement that nods to the sound the band helped define in the late 1980s, when they broke out of Preston, Lancashire as one of the leading lights of British thrash alongside ONSLAUGHT and SABBAT. Their 1989 debut "Shattered Existence" and 1990's "For Whose Advantage?" remain genre touchstones.
The current lineup features founding guitarist Kristian Havard, vocalist and guitarist Jay Walsh, bassist Chris Shires and drummer Dennis Gasser.
The full 11-track "Allied With The Enemy" track listing is as follows:
- Rip Saw
- Allied With The Enemy
- Killer Unknown
- On Burned Remains
- Nil By Mouth
- Doomsday Hook
- The Dark Eternal
- Where The Madness Lies
- Snake In Waiting
- No Bridges Left To Burn
- We Drink The Same Poison (bonus track)
With ANDY SNEAP's signature production muscle and a tracklist that leans into the band's classic strengths, "Allied With The Enemy" is shaping up to be one of the more anticipated British thrash releases of the year. A first single and a release date are expected in the coming weeks.