Origin: Lithuania
Formed: 2014
Status: Active
Location: Vilnius
Genre: Black / Speed Metal
Label: Independent
Themes: Not officially listed
Gangrena is a Vilnius‑based black/speed metal trio formed in 2014, channeling the feral, high‑octane spirit of early blackened speed metal while injecting it with a distinctly Lithuanian underground edge. Their sound is fast, sharp, and unapologetically abrasive—riff‑driven chaos fused with punk‑leaning immediacy and the venomous attitude of first‑wave black metal. Gangrena’s music thrives on momentum: rapid‑fire drumming, snarling vocals, and razor‑cut guitar lines that evoke the reckless energy of the genre’s earliest pioneers.
The band introduced themselves with the 2016 demo Ace of h8, a raw and aggressive statement of intent. Its lo‑fi production and relentless pacing positioned Gangrena firmly within the tradition of blackened speed metal, while hinting at the more structured songwriting they would develop later. The 2018 EP Razor Queen sharpened their identity—faster, tighter, and more venomous—earning attention within the Baltic underground for its blend of punk ferocity and black metal atmosphere.
Their 2021 EP Hexekution marked a significant step forward, delivering a more refined yet still feral sound. The riffs became more intricate, the vocals more commanding, and the overall execution more cohesive without sacrificing the rawness that defines the band. In 2022, Gangrena appeared on the split Rituals in Plague Time, further cementing their presence in the Lithuanian extreme metal scene and showcasing their ability to stand alongside other underground acts while maintaining a distinct voice.
All three members—Karolis, Ryklys, and Stiklas—also play in Eliminator, and that shared lineage is audible: the same speed‑driven aggression, the same dedication to old‑school extremity, but with Gangrena leaning harder into blackened atmosphere and venomous vocal delivery. Their music is built for speed, sweat, and spite, carrying the torch of black/speed metal with conviction and a proudly underground ethos.
Karolis – Drums
(also in Eliminator)
Ryklys – Vocals, Bass
(also in Eliminator)
Stiklas – Vocals, Guitars
(also in Eliminator)
Demo
EPs
Split