Progressive Thrash Metal Pioneers Receive Major Media Coverage Ahead of October 16 Live Album Release
BERKELEY, CA | September 2026 — Progressive thrash metal pioneers Blind Illusion are continuing to make noise ahead of the October 16, 2026 release of their highly anticipated live album, STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre , and the band's latest announcement has now received major coverage from Blabbermouth .
Following the distribution of the band's official announcement through Metal Devastation PR , Blabbermouth published a full feature on September 1 covering the upcoming release, its historic lineup, and the remarkable story behind the recording.
The feature puts a spotlight on STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre , which captures Blind Illusion's historic 2025 performance at the UC Theatre in Berkeley, California, featuring the return of original Blind Illusion vocalist David White .
The performance took place during a special celebration surrounding Exodus' 40th anniversary of Bonded By Blood and on the birthday of the late Exodus frontman Paul Baloff . Blind Illusion shared the stage with Exodus, Death Angel, and Nukem for the memorable event.
For a band with roots stretching back to 1978, the release represents another significant chapter in an already legendary history.
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE BLIND ILLUSION STORY
Led by mastermind Mark Biedermann on lead guitar and vocals, Blind Illusion's current lineup features Martin Lacour on lead guitar, Avery Thurman on bass, and Phil Cosentini on drums.
The band's history is deeply connected to some of the most influential names in progressive and technical metal.
Blind Illusion's landmark 1988 debut album, The Sane Asylum , featured Biedermann alongside guitarist Larry Lalonde , bassist Les Claypool , and drummer Mike Miner . The album has since become regarded as a classic of progressive thrash metal, featuring tracks such as “Vengeance Is Mine,” “Death Noise,” “Kamikaze,” “Smash The Crystal,” and “Blood Shower.”
Biedermann's musical history also extends beyond Blind Illusion. In 1987, while working with legendary producer Sandy Pearlman , he contributed rhythm guitar and guitar leads to four songs for Blue Öyster Cult's Imaginos , working alongside musicians including Joe Satriani and Robbie Krieger of The Doors .
Blind Illusion continued evolving throughout the decades, returning in 2010 with Demon Master before reconnecting with the progressive thrash sound that defined The Sane Asylum . The band's later history included musicians such as Harald Oimoen of D.R.I. , Doug Piercy of Heathen and Anvil Chorus , and legendary Death Angel drummer Andy Galeon .
In 2022, the band released Wrath Of The Gods following Galeon's arrival, continuing Blind Illusion's long-running evolution while maintaining its distinctive place within the underground metal world.
THE RETURN OF DAVID WHITE
One of the most significant elements of STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre is the appearance of original vocalist David White , who reunited with Blind Illusion for the 2025 performance.
White's return connects the new live recording directly to the band's earliest history while showcasing Blind Illusion's continuing evolution nearly five decades after its formation.
The UC Theatre performance ultimately became the foundation for STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre .
The band's story continued to unfold after the recording, with Blind Illusion later appearing at Frost And Fire V in Ventura, California, where the band performed The Sane Asylum in its entirety live for the first time in the group's history.
COMING OCTOBER 16
STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre will be released October 16, 2026 through Hectic Records / Bleeding Priest Records .
The release will be available as a 12-inch vinyl LP , pressed at 33 RPM and limited to 500 copies .
RELEASE INFORMATION
Artist: Blind Illusion
Title: STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre
Release Type: Live Album
Genre: Progressive Thrash Metal
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Label: Hectic Records / Bleeding Priest Records
Catalog Number: Hectic 009
Format: 12-inch Vinyl LP
Pressing: Limited to 500 copies
UPC: 810213561508
CURRENT LINEUP
Mark Biedermann – Lead Guitar / Vocals
Martin Lacour – Lead Guitar
Avery Thurman – Bass
Phil Cosentini – Drums
BLABBERMOUTH FEATURE
The full Blabbermouth feature on Blind Illusion's STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre is available now:
BLIND ILLUSION To Release 'Stage Flight: Live At The UC Theatre' Live Album Featuring Original Vocalist David White
https://blabbermouth.net/news/blind-illusion-to-release-stage-flight-live-at-the-uc-theatre-live-album-featuring-original-vocalist-david-white
With a career approaching five decades, Blind Illusion continues to prove that progressive thrash metal doesn't need to look backward to honor its history. STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre brings together the band's past and present in one historic performance, documenting the return of an original member while showcasing the continuing power of one of progressive thrash metal's enduring underground acts.
Blind Illusion – Established 1978
Progressive Thrash Metal
Check them out on YouTube:
Connect:
https://blindillusion.bandcamp.com/album/stage-flight-live-at-the-uc-theatre
https://www.instagram.com/blindillusionofficial
https://www.facebook.com/officialblindillusion
https://ffm.to/bclink1
https://www.hectic.com/product/blind-illusion-live
Contact:
David Hecht
Hectic Records
david@hectic.com
https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29379/blind-illusions-stage-flight-live-at-the-uc-theatre-lands-feature-at-blabbermouth?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger
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