Cyclone Known Unto God CD (Jewel Case, 2026, High Roller Records)

Known Unto God is the comeback mini-album from Belgian thrash metal veterans Cyclone, featuring five brand-new tracks that reconnect the band with the aggressive old-school sound that established them as one of the notable names in European thrash metal.

The roots of Cyclone date back to 1981, when the band was originally formed in Aalst, Belgium under the name Centurion. As their music became heavier and more aggressive, the group adopted the name Cyclone and began developing the uncompromising thrash metal sound that would eventually earn them a place in the European underground.

After releasing a series of demos, Cyclone signed with Roadrunner Records and released their now legendary debut album Brutal Destruction in 1986. The album became an important release in the development of Belgian and European thrash metal, establishing Cyclone's reputation for aggressive riffing, powerful rhythms and catchy but hard-hitting songwriting.

Cyclone followed Brutal Destruction with Inferior To None in 1990 on Justice Records before the band eventually disbanded in 1993. In 2018, Cyclone rose from the ashes and returned to active duty, bringing their classic thrash metal attack back to the stage with headline performances and appearances at respected festivals including Headbangers Open Air.

Known Unto God represents the next chapter in that story.

Recorded in December 2024, the mini-album features five new compositions performed by the band's current lineup of Maxime Deschamps on lead guitar, Jesse Van Den Bossche on rhythm guitar, Vincent Heyman on bass, Gabriel Deschamps on drums and founding vocalist Guido Gevels.

Rather than simply attempting to recreate the band's classic recordings, Cyclone approached Known Unto God with the intention of capturing the spirit of Brutal Destruction and Inferior To None while giving the material a fresh identity. The songs are generally shorter and more direct, with unnecessary riffs removed in favour of concise arrangements, memorable hooks and a focused old-school thrash metal attack.

The result is a release that sounds authentically Cyclone without becoming a nostalgia exercise.

The title Known Unto God takes its inspiration from the war graves of unknown soldiers in Flanders Fields, where the inscription “Known unto God” appears on the graves of unidentified servicemen. The title track reflects this deeply Belgian historical connection while giving the comeback release a darker and more reflective dimension.

Nothing Is Real is particularly noteworthy, revealing another side of Cyclone through stronger influences from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal and early-1980s American heavy metal. The band's longstanding appreciation for influential acts such as Satan, Holocaust, Angel Witch, Sweet Savage, Diamond Head and Venom can be heard in the melodic guitar work, classic heavy metal phrasing and traditional metal character.

Known Unto God therefore sits comfortably between classic European thrash metal, traditional heavy metal and NWOBHM, retaining the aggression of Cyclone's established style while demonstrating that the band still has new ideas to explore.

High Roller Records' release makes this comeback mini-album an essential addition for collectors following the Belgian thrash metal scene and fans of classic European metal returning to the genre's roots.

For collectors, Known Unto God also provides an important new chapter in the Cyclone catalogue, connecting the band's legendary 1980s material with their modern era while leaving the door open for further new releases.

Recommended for fans of Cyclone, Brutal Destruction, Inferior To None, Belgian thrash metal, European thrash metal, old-school thrash, NWOBHM and traditional heavy metal.

Also recommended for listeners who enjoy Voivod, Razor, Exciter, Artillery, Sodom, Kreator, Destruction, Satan, Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Venom and other classic aggressive metal acts.

Ideal for fans of 1980s thrash metal, Belgian metal, European underground metal, NWOBHM-influenced thrash and collectors of High Roller Records releases.

Artist: Cyclone 
Title: Known Unto God  
Label: High Roller Records
Catalogue Number: HRR1057CD
UPC: 4251267723348
Release Year: 2026
Duration: EP
Format: CD 
Packaging Type: Slipcase/Jewel Case
Condition: New & factory sealed

Tracklist:

1. Eliminate
2. Known Unto God
3. I Fear Myself
4. Nothing Is Real
5. The Truth Lies