South Africa’s industrialised thrash metal force Chaos Doctrine returns with an unprecedented triple release, delivering an overdue promise, a reimagined track, and an all-new sonic assault. Dropping simultaneously on Friday, 28 February, these three tracks showcase the band’s relentless creativity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of their unique sound.

Behold The Triple Threat...

• ‘The SA-bbath Doctrine Chapter III: SA Tribute Mix' — A' long-awaited tribute to Black Sabbath featuring an all-star lineup of South African rock and metal vocalists.
• ‘The Rite (Devil Divas and Harps Remix)’ — A bold reimagination of their original track, now infused with bluesy harmonica and haunting female vocals.
• ‘The Rite Verse II' — Is a brand-new song that expands on the story and sounds of ‘The Rite’ with a heavy groove and unexpected elements.

1) A Promise Fulfilled: ‘SA-bbath Doctrine Chapter III: SA Tribute Mix’

Legendary heavy metal pioneers Black Sabbath announced their final concert, ‘Back to the Beginning,’ set to take place on 5 July at Villa Park, Birmingham. This historic event will mark the first time in two decades that the band's original lineup—Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward—will reunite on stage. Featuring a stellar lineup of supporting acts, the concert will be a celebration of the band's unparalleled legacy, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes. This farewell performance signifies the end of an era for one of the most influential bands in rock history, whose impact on the metal genre and musicians worldwide is immeasurable.

In tribute to Black Sabbath's enduring influence, Chaos Doctrine is set to release ‘The SA-bbath Doctrine Chapter III: SA Tribute Mix’, a powerful medley reimagining classic Sabbath tracks through their signature sound (and a follow-up to Chapters I and II, both released in 2024). This project brings together some of South Africa’s finest metal and rock vocalists, including Carlos Sanches (Deadline), Jamie Hendry (Jasper Dan), Laura-Ann Cayzer (Capgras Delusion), Bronwyn Bing (ex-Apocalypse Later), Charl du Plessis (Nerve Zero, Sacrifist), Buchanan Marais (Nachtegal), Aiden Morris and Jaz de Wet (State Dependency), and Ryno Theron and Renz Kruger (Truth Decayed).

The track reimagines classic Sabbath songs through Chaos Doctrine's lens, offering familiar riffs infused with fresh energy. As we bid farewell to the legends of Black Sabbath, it's heartening to see their influence celebrated by artists across the globe.

2) A Reimagined Classic: ‘The Rite (Devil Divas and Harps Remix)’

Chaos Doctrine continues their tradition of bold remixes and collaborations with ‘The Rite (Devil Divas and Harps Mix)’ - a reimagining of their sludge-meets-Southern-groove track from their album ‘And in the Beginning... They Lied’.

Guitarist and producer Alec Surridge explains the band’s creative process: “We constantly explore new sounds. While working on our album ‘Bellum’ we’d ask, ‘What if this was hardcore industrial?’ or ‘What if so-and-so sang on this?'... and then we’d make it happen.”

This remix features powerhouse vocalist Bronwyn Bing, adding a sinister twist to the song’s devilish theme. To elevate the bluesy edge, harmonica virtuoso Craig MacKinnon was brought in, delivering what bassist Phil Carstens calls “a performance that feels inspired, possessed, or both.” The band overhauled the track, introducing slide guitar, stripping out industrial elements, and adding fresh backing vocals from Dr D.

More remixes are coming - this track signals full-scale production of ‘The Chaos Chronicles Volume II’, an EP featuring alternative versions of fan favourites from across their discography.

3) A New Chapter: ‘The Rite Verse II’

Chaos Doctrine continues to push musical boundaries with ‘The Rite Verse II’, a brand-new track that expands the story of its predecessor while carving out its own distinct identity. Packed with thunderous drumming, groovy riffs, haunting Hammond B3 organ, and blistering solos like you have never heard from the band, the song blends the raw energy of Sepultura and White Zombie with the classic rock essence of Cream and Deep Purple.

Drummer Jason Eedes shares how the track came to life: “Dr D bought a new guitar and played it nonstop - so he wrote a song. When we heard it, we knew it naturally extended the story of ‘The Rite’”

While it serves as a sequel, ‘The Rite Verse II’ is anything but a rehash. “It’s a fresh, original song with elements we’ve never explored before,” says bassist Phil Carstens. “This is our first time incorporating a Hammond B3, and Alec’s guitar work is on another level.”

Lyrically, Dr D cleverly weaves in phrases and samples from the original track while introducing new lyrics, creating both continuity and evolution. “It’s a way to keep the theme alive while making sure this track stands on its own.”

‘The Rite Verse II’ is a bold fusion of groove, aggression, and haunting atmosphere, proving once again that Chaos Doctrine refuses to be confined by genre.

Expanding the Chaos Doctrine Legacy

This triple release also signals the upcoming EP ‘The Chaos Chronicles Volume II’, which will feature alternative versions of tracks spanning their entire discography, and one or two surprises. The band also promises that following this 'stroll into sludge metal’, their next official release will be ‘heavier than ever’.

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