S.L.R. Magazine

Apocaelypse CD Unveiling Event on September 23rd, 2026, by Don Adkins

Guitarist Ira Black is well known in the metal world known for his work with Vio-Lence, Metal Church, and Lizzy Borden and a host of other groups who’ve gone to Ira over the years as the experienced hired gun for tours. Fresh-off of his US & European tour with Vio-Lence Ira put the finishing touches on his first-ever release where he is in the driver’s seat. Leading a group of his own making that features his son Ira Black IV on guitar, bassist Matt Snell (ex-Five Finger Death Punch), and drummer Lonny Pasillas (ex-Kill Devil Hill) to create this group called Apocalypse. A review of the music and lyrics finds Ira reaching deep into his personal experiences, overcoming adversity and thoughts and dreams. SLR Magazine attended the official CD Listening event for the new album “Faenix”. Attendees included a slate of well known artists and personalities from SoCal music scene including Britt Lightning who had just returned from her Riot Fest appearance with William Shatner’s first-ever live metal show.

Promotional poster for a listening party of the debut album 'FÆNIX' by the band Apoc/Elypse, featuring four members in dark attire, event details including date, time, and location at Pulse Studios in Los Angeles.

The Faenix album features 10 songs that hits a very high level on the metallic index from start to finish. The album is in the genre of modern metal and is very catchy and listenable for a debut album. One gets the feeling that the songs in Faenix is the culmination of years of ideas bouncing around Ira’s head and coming out of the gate this is one great debut. The YouTube numbers already reveal millions of views for a brand-new release, so word is getting out with the always loyal metal community.

Check out the videos below and listen to the album on the usual streaming sources and stand by for a very special duet in the works and some live shows to follow.

Apocalypse Out Of Flames Video