Scarecrow are a thrash metal band from the San Francisco Bay Area, originally active in the mid‑2000s and revived in 2020, featuring musicians from influential bands such as Exhumed, Death Angel, and Hammers of Misfortune. Combining razor‑sharp riffing, breakneck tempos, and commanding vocals, Scarecrow channel the intensity and spirit of classic Bay Area thrash while carving out their own heavy identity.
Originally formed around 2006–2008, the band built a local following in the Bay Area thrash and metal scene before dissolving. In late 2020, guitarist/vocalist Matt Harvey reached out to drummer Will Carroll to resurrect Scarecrow, aiming to finally capture the band’s songs in recorded form and share them with a broader audience.
Scarecrow’s sound draws on the foundational traits of thrash metal — fast riffs, aggressive rhythms, and a blend of speed and precision. Their music embraces the genre’s classic attributes: tight guitar interplay, blistering drum work, and commanding vocal delivery. Songs often shift between blazing sections and mid‑paced grooves, showcasing both brute force and dynamic songwriting that rewards repeated listening.
With a line‑up that includes Bud Burke on lead guitar, Will Carroll on drums, Matt Harvey on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Damien Sisson on bass, the band embodies experienced musicians applying their collective background to thrash metal’s energetic template.
Scarecrow / Landmine Marathon split EP (2008) – early release that documented the band’s initial era and captured their thrashing drive before their initial hiatus.
Raise the Death’s Head (2021) – comeback EP released via Relapse Records featuring three powerful tracks that emphasise driving riffs, classic thrash energy, and commanding performances. The title track delivers razor‑wired solos and fast‑paced riffing, “The Desperate Hours” pacing itself with anthemic heft, while “Victory?” returns to blistering speeds with relentless momentum.
Scarecrow’s revival connects them with the enduring legacy of Bay Area thrash, a movement historically driven by bands like Exodus, Testament, and Death Angel. While Scarecrow may have formed later than the first wave of ’80s thrash, their music carries forward the genre’s core ethos: fast, heavy, and riff‑powered metal that values energy and impact.
Listeners who appreciate thrash metal’s blend of speed and precision — particularly with an old‑school bent — will find Scarecrow’s work compelling and true to the genre’s roots.
All Scarecrow releases we carry are official physical formats only, focusing on CD and vinyl editions sourced from authorised labels and distributors.
We also stock official Scarecrow clothing, allowing fans to combine their music collection with authentic apparel.
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Scarecrow merchandise is available through Relapse Records - browse the full roster here.
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