A project led by Kam Lee, the original vocalist of MANTAS and an early DEATH alumnus, will perform live and re-record the entire MANTAS ‘Death By Metal’ demo with his current band MASSACRE as a tribute to the material.

He recalls the DIY tape-trading era and CHUCK Schuldiner’s evolving influence, noting how MANTAS/DEATH demos helped shape the genre’s trajectory.

The project is titled Massacre Plays Mantas Death By Metal Demo, framed as a tribute to the formative songs that shaped death metal.

Lee stresses paying homage to the foundational death metal material and delivering a high-quality performance with top-tier musicians, acknowledging mixed opinions but focusing on legacy.

The aim is to secure the lasting impact of the material through live renditions and re-recordings, ensuring the early death metal sound continues to resonate.

Official presale and event links are available for supporters and attendees, including Kill-Town Death Fest XI announcements and related social channels.

The inaugural showcase is Kill-Town Death Fest XI in Copenhagen, Denmark, scheduled for early September 2026, at Pumpehuset, described as MASSACRE’s only performance worldwide for 2026.

Organizers frame Kill-Town Death Fest XI as the first-ever live presentation of the Death By Metal material and the sole MASSACRE performance of the year.

The festival set will debut the full demo live, marking the year’s only performance of this material.

Reeder, promoter and founder of Metal Addicts, is highlighted as the driving force behind the coverage and promotion of the event.

Lee reflects on his early vocal development and influences, from screech to primal growl, citing Venom, Slayer, Possessed, Hellhammer, and Tom G. Warrior.

Kam Lee discusses the historical debates over which band defined death metal, acknowledging influence from DEATH, Possessed, and others, while noting that legacy interpretations can be contested.