Former EXODUS Singer STEVE 'ZETRO' SOUZA To Emcee THRASH AGAINST CANCER Benefit

Steve "Zetro" Souza, ex-vocalist for Bay area thrash bands LEGACY (pre-TESTAMENT) and EXODUS, will emcee the Thrash Against Cancer benefit concert on Friday, July 9 at The Pound SF outdoor amphitheatre. Headliners TESTAMENT will be joined by HIRAX, LAAZ ROCKIT and VICIOUS RUMORS.

"It's great to help out these families because I have children of my own and I would hate to see one of them lost to this dreadful disease," said Souza. "I'm sure everybody at some time in their lives has lost someone to cancer and they know how devastating it is."

Souza had the privilege of singing for two of the most influential bands in the Bay area. He originally sang for LEGACY, later renamed TESTAMENT, from 1983 to 1986. He left to join the now-legendary thrash band, EXODUS, for whom he sang with until 1992. Souza rejoined EXODUS in 2003 and the band recorded their first album in 11 years, the critically acclaimed "Tempo of the Damned", which was voted "Best Metal Album" last year by the readers of Metal Maniacs.

"The Bay Area metal scene is my home," said Souza. "It's what made me what I am and who I am. Our scene is famous all over the world for the thrash bands it has produced and I'm proud to be a part of that history."

MUDFACE, formerly SIFT, the side project of DEATH ANGEL guitarist Ted Aguilar, has been added to the Thrash Against Cancer benefit. This will be the band's first show for new members, guitarist Rich Pia and bassist Nila, as well as their first performance under the name MUDFACE.

"It feels great to play on the same stage with bands that I grew up listening to and still listen to now," said Aguilar. "I'm excited and everyone involved is excited; not only to play music with great friends, but to play music for a good cause."

MUDFACE's current lineup is: Chris Dinsmore (vocals),Ted Aguilar (guitar),Rich Pia (guitar),Nila (bass),and Danny Stevenson (drums). The band recently reformed from a two-year hiatus due to the members' duties with their main bands.

"MUDFACE is basically a side project for all of us since we all have our priority bands," said Aguilar. "We all share the same thing. We love to play HEAVY music."

The proceeds from the Thrash Against Cancer benefit will aid in the financial recovery for families dealing with life-altering medical diagnosis. Among the families that will benefit from the concert are Keith and Brandy Regan, whose son, Cole Regan, was born with cancer (leukemia / AML) and survived up until three months short of his second birthday before passing away on July 28, 2004. The show will also help other families who have who have children with pediatric cancer and are in severe need of help.

Tickets for the Thrash Against Cancer benefit are on sale now. The Pound amphitheater is located at 100 Cargo Way- Pier 96 (3rd St). This is an all-ages event (21 years old w/ID to drink). Tickets are $40.00 in advance and are available through Ticketfusion.com and at The Pound SF's box office (415-826-5009) as well as www.poundsf.com.