VI.BE

Dead Serious, the Belgian cult thrash metal band, is back. Founded in 1987, the band played its final show in 1993. Their music blends old-school ‘Bay Area style’ thrash in the vein of Anthrax and Exodus with a strong dose of humor, a trademark that always defined their music, lyrics and stage presence.

During their original run, Dead Serious released one album, It's A Nice Day (1991, West Virginia Records). The record sold particularly well in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, and the band shared stages with acts such as Messiah, Pestilence, Blind Fury, Faithful Breath and Cyclone.

In 1993, tragedy struck when drummer Marc Vereecken was killed in a traffic accident, bringing the band’s story to an abrupt end.

Yet the band never faded from memory. Over the years, Dead Serious built a loyal cult following, which led to a successful remastered re-release of It's A Nice Day in 2021 by Sounds of Hell Records.

After the passing of original frontman Armando Thiebaut in 2021, a reunion seemed impossible. But fate had other plans. Three talented younger musicians joined original members Jan Van Der Poorten (guitar) and Gunther ‘Gunny’ Poppe (bass): Jan Schepens (ex-Aerostone) on guitar, Xavier Weekers (Tyrant King) on drums and William Lawson (Promise Down) on vocals, whose voice and presence strikingly echo the spirit of Armando.

At the end of 2025, Dead Serious returned to the stage after an incredible 32-year absence. Their remarkable comeback story even caught the attention of national television, where it was featured in a prime-time broadcast.

On March 7th 2026, the band released their first new single and video in 33 years, “Not Dead Not Serious.” In 2026 Dead Serious will once again hit the road and appear on numerous stages and festivals, including the prestigious Alcatraz Metal Festival in August.

One thing is certain: the Thrashing Duck is back.

Dead Serious 2026 Line-up:

🎤 William Lawson – Vocals

🎸 Jan Van Der Poorten – Guitar

🎸 Jan Schepens – Guitar

🎸 Gunther ‘Gunny’ Poppe – Bass

🥁 Xavier Weekers – Drums