XENTRIX WERE BRITAIN'S ANSWER TO METALLICA. THEN IT ALL WENT TO SHIT.

Thirty years ago, Xentrix were genuine contenders. Widely hailed as the UK’s most credible answer to Metallica, the young Lancashire quartet led the charge for British thrash. Signed to Roadrunner Records early in 1989, they released their debut album, Shattered Existence, a few months later and swiftly became the hottest name in the scene. Unfortunately, timing is everything. Despite a steadily rising profile and the release of an acclaimed second album, For Whose Advantage?, in 1990, Xentrix were just one of countless thrash casualties in the early 90s, as thrash’s old guard began to wander from the genre’s previously rigid path and grunge loomed on the horizon.

Today, Xentrix guitarist and chief songwriter Kristian ‘Stan’ Havard has no regrets, with the possible exception of his band’s goofy version of (recorded for Radio 1’s and released as a single in 1990), and is in an excellent mood. Now fronted by Jay Walsh,, and it’s an absolute beast. With a main stage appearance at Bloodstock looming, he admits that there was a time when seemed possible.