Atlanta Progressive Power/Speed Metal Pioneers KINETIC DISSENT to Release ‘Controlled Reaction’ Vinyl Anthology
via M-Theory Audio April 10th
M-Theory Audio has announced a definitive vinyl reissue for Atlanta’s unsung progressive thrashers, KINETIC DISSENT. Titled ‘Controlled Reaction,’ this massive 2LP set compiles the band’s entire demo discography, meticulously remastered to capture the technical ferocity that nearly made them household names in the early ‘90s.
A Legacy of “What Could Have Been”
Emerging from the Atlanta scene in the mid-1980s, Kinetic Dissent stood apart from their peers by blending the aggressive “chugging” of thrash with thought-provoking, progressive songcraft. Their 1988 demo, Controlled Reaction, became a cult classic with much positive underground fanzine attention and college radio airplay, earning them a deal with the legendary Roadrunner Records.While the band released their landmark full-length, ‘I Will Fight No More Forever,’ in 1991, they never received the touring support necessary to break into the mainstream. Despite sharing stages with titans like Death Angel, Pantera, and Fates Warning, the group disbanded shortly after, leaving behind a legacy of “what could have been” that has only grown in stature among metal historians.
The Ultimate Demo Collection
The upcoming release on April 10, 2026, brings together 17 tracks spanning the band’s four key recording sessions:
- 1987: The Fall of Individualism Demo
- 1988: Controlled Reaction Demo
- 1989: Roadrunner Records Sessions
- 1992: Channel One Sessions
Originally compiled and released on CD by Divebomb Records in 20202 and remastered by the renowned Jamie King (Cynic, Between the Buried and Me), this first-time on vinyl package is on distorted blood colored 2LP vinyl limited to 250 copies. It includes an 8-panel zine-style insert featuring lyrics, original photos, and a deep-dive interview with the band. To preview the band listen to “Choose Your Fate” HERE https://youtu.be/8QohPEvipps?si=e74m9XjKxyPH8AAW
“In the late ‘80s underground there were a few standout demos – Sindrome, Confessor, Bitter End, Forced Entry, Arcane… and KINETIC DISSENT – bands that wowed me and I felt were destined for brighter days. And while many were signed breakthrough success alluded them all which doesn’t take away the fact that these recordings still bring back memories and shine in their innocence and potential,” states label founder Marco Barbieri. “I positively reviewed KINETIC DISSENT’s ‘Controlled Reaction’ demo and interviewed them for my fanzine, and even included them on a tape compilation. Almost 40 years later it’s an honor to reissue this collection onto a 2LP set and further the band’s legacy for old fans and intentionally new.”
Reflecting on the reissue and the band’s history, drummer Ed Reimer shared, “Our debut album came out at a time when vinyl production had just ended. So to finally get KINETIC DISSENT music on vinyl is awesome! We are so thankful to M-Theory for making this happen and to the fans out there that have kept our music alive for over 35 years. You all are the best!”
Pre-Order Information
Fans can now pre-order the ‘Controlled Reaction’ 2LP HERE www.m-theoryaudio.com/store via the M-Theory Audio webshop or it’s available at your local retailer April 10th.
For more information:
www.m-theoryaudio.com
