photo by Bartek Krawczyk
The Texas and Alaska-based trio SCATTER blends thrash, speed metal, and death metal influences across a fast-paced introduction to its cyberpunk-inspired sound.
Emerging thrash metal outfit SCATTER has officially launched its debut EP, Tech Hell Cyber Thrash, introducing listeners to a project rooted in old-school aggression, cyberpunk aesthetics, and a fascination with hacker culture.
The release marks the first recorded material from the Texas and Alaska-based trio, which brings together founder Spenser Hodge alongside guitarist Ruben Cantu and longtime collaborator Justin Rodda. According to information provided by the band, the project was inspired by pandemic-era hacker film marathons, late-night electronics projects, and a shared appreciation for 1990s cyberpunk themes.
Across five tracks running less than nineteen minutes, Tech Hell Cyber Thrash explores a range of extreme metal influences. While thrash serves as the foundation, the EP also incorporates elements of speed metal and death metal, creating a release that moves quickly while drawing from several corners of the underground metal scene.
The band’s lyrical and thematic direction centers on technology, paranoia, and the increasingly interconnected modern world. That concept is reflected throughout the EP’s title and overall presentation, which pairs cyberpunk imagery with the intensity of classic extreme metal.
Production duties were handled by Greg Wilkinson at Earhammer Studios in Oakland, California. Wilkinson is known for his work with acts including Autopsy, Vastum, and Necrot. The release’s artwork was created by Matt Stikker, whose portfolio includes work associated with Metallica, Power Trip, and Billy Strings.
In addition to digital availability, Tech Hell Cyber Thrash has also been issued on a limited cassette run through Immortal Jaw Recordings, with only 50 copies produced.
Early reactions from metal media outlets have highlighted the EP’s blend of influences. Heavy Metal HQ described the release as “a breakneck cybernetic trip,” noting the combination of thrash, speed metal, and death metal elements throughout the material.
Dead Rhetoric similarly pointed to the project’s stylistic range, highlighting connections to classic thrash, speed metal, and death metal while emphasizing the band’s balance of melody and aggression.
Meanwhile, The Metal Crypt praised the release’s energetic approach, describing it as possessing an old-school spirit without sounding dated and suggesting the material would translate effectively to a live setting.
While still in its earliest stages, SCATTER’s debut offers a clear introduction to the band’s musical identity. Drawing inspiration from both classic extreme metal and retro-futuristic cyberpunk culture, Tech Hell Cyber Thrash establishes the foundation for what could become a distinctive new voice within the underground thrash scene.
Track Listing
Punching Deck
404
[Additional tracks not provided in source material]
Album Information
Title: Tech Hell Cyber Thrash
Artist: SCATTER
Format: Digital and Cassette
Cassette Edition: Limited to 50 copies via Immortal Jaw Recordings
Production Credits
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Greg Wilkinson
Studio: Earhammer Studios, Oakland, California
Artwork: Matt Stikker
Additional Information
SCATTER features Spenser Hodge, Ruben Cantu, and Justin Rodda. The project originated as a collaboration inspired by cyberpunk media, hacker culture, and classic extreme metal influences spanning thrash, speed metal, and death metal.
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