Stormtroopers of Death
| Stormtroopers of Death | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | S.O.D. |
| Origin | New York City, United States |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1985–1986, 1992, 1997–2003, 2007 |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts |
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| Website | www.sgt-d.com |
| Past members |
Scott Ian Dan Lilker Charlie Benante Billy Milano |
Stormtroopers of Death (also known as S.O.D.) was an American crossover thrash band formed in New York City in 1985. They are credited as being among the first bands to fuse hardcore punk with thrash metal into a style sometimes referred to as crossover thrash, and is also known for reuniting Anthrax members Scott Ian (guitars) and Charlie Benante (drums) with their former bassist Dan Lilker. The song "Milano Mosh" from their 1985 debut album, Speak English or Die, was the Headbanger's Ball intro anthem for many years.
The band were the source of some controversy due to the deliberately racist and misogynist lyrics. Bassist Dan Lilker stated: "The lyrics were never intended to be serious, just to piss people off." The band had several periods of inactivity following their formation in 1985. According to singer Billy Milano, the 24-song extended play of live and unreleased material called Rise of the Infidels, released in August 2007 on Megaforce Records, "will finally be the last of S.O.D.," laying to rest rumors of another reunion.
After finishing his guitar tracks on the Anthrax album Spreading the Disease, Scott Ian would draw pictures of a character known as "Sargent D." The pictures would be accompanied by slogans such as "I'm not racist; I hate everyone" and "Speak English or Die," and Ian would write lyrics about the character. He decided to form a hardcore band based on Sargent D, so he recruited Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante, ex-Anthrax bassist Dan Lilker, and Psychos bassist Billy Milano on vocals.
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