Throwback Thursday: Ruthless (USA)

Our next Throwback Thursday post is covering a band that was active in the 80’s and like many came back in more recent years. And that is the one and only Ruthless from LA! What memories do you have of their early years? Let us know!

Ruthless is a heavy/power metal band hailing from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1982. Known for their hard-hitting sound and lyrical themes centered on occultism, battle, and death, the band quickly gained attention with their early releases, including the single The Fever / Mass Killer (1984) and the EP Metal Without Mercy (1984). Their debut full-length, Discipline of Steel (1986), remains a cult classic among metal fans.

Although Ruthless disbanded in 1988—leaving a second planned album and an unreleased track, “Hell is Rising,” on the shelf—they reformed in 2008 and have since experienced a resurgence. With albums like They Rise (2015), Evil Within (2019), and The Fallen (2024), the band continues to carry the torch for traditional heavy metal.

Ruthless is currently signed to ROAR / Rock of Angels Records and maintains an active presence in the metal scene. The current lineup features founding vocalist Sammy DeJohn, drummer Bob Guitrau, bassist Sandy K. Vasquez, and guitarist Glen Paul. Over the decades, the band has seen numerous members come and go, including notable figures like guitarist Jim Durkin (ex-Dark Angel, R.I.P. 2023) and bassist Jack Black (R.I.P. 2017).

Ruthless is not to be confused with similarly named bands from New Hampshire or Florida. Their legacy is rooted firmly in the Los Angeles metal underground, with a discography that blends raw power, melodic intensity, and a relentless drive that has carried them across generations of heavy metal.