METAL TO THE GRAVE: Matt “Skitz” Sanders’ Final Live Performance A Thunderous Farewell to a Legacy of Extreme Metal Annihilation

Adelaide, Australia – Saturday May 3^rd 2025 – Prepare for the ultimate blitzkrieg of pure, unrelenting extreme metal chaos as Matt “Skitz” Sanders, one of the most brutal and influential drummers in the history of underground metal, delivers his final, devastating performance at METAL TO THE GRAVE. This is not just a show – it is a sonic onslaught, a ceremonial obliteration of the mainstream, and a ferocious tribute to the underground that Skitz has helped forge. 

The Line-Up will Include Diabolic Rites, Destruktor, Demoninacht, Hell Machine, Oath of Damnation, Persecution, Spectral Dominion & Tzun Tzu.

The event will take place at the JIVE on Saturday May 3^rd 2025, and promises to be an explosive, skull-crushing farewell to a career spanning nearly four decades of extreme metal carnage.

For nearly four decades, Matt Sanders has been the unholy heartbeat of the extreme metal scene. From his pioneering work with Damaged, Sadistik Exekution, Hobbs Angel of Death, Abramelin, Blood Duster, Gravetemple, and countless other boundary-pushing projects, Skitz’s ferocious blast beats, double-kick annihilation, and relentless precision behind the kit have redefined the art of percussion in the extreme metal world. 

His contributions have reverberated through the hallowed halls of the underground, leaving a trail of obliterated eardrums and shredded amplifiers in his wake.

This will be the final time that Matt Sanders steps behind the kit for a live performance, and he’s vowed to go out with the raw, unbridled force that fans have come to expect. 

But he’s not doing it alone. Skitz has personally curated an apocalyptic lineup of bands who share his commitment to pure aggression, brutality, and underground integrity. Prepare to be pummeled by the unrelenting riffs, blast beats, and guttural growls of an army of extreme metal warriors. No genre is safe. This is extreme metal in its purest, most unadulterated form.

Confirmed Bands for METAL TO THE GRAVE:

Diabolic Rites – the rabid & insidious spawn of Raw Black Satanic Metal playing their final show ever; DEMÖNINÄCHT/Matt Skitz Sanders (Skinvocations), BLODGRIS (Bass & Blackened Chants) & MUTILATOR (666 Strings) will take to the stage for one last hellish ride into the Infernal flames of blood- drenched & sadistic old school extreme metal!!! CHANT THE SPELLS OF KAOS & FIRE!!!

Spectral Dominion – An orgiastic feast of blackened death metal ripped from the city of churches

Oath of Damnation – Adelaide-based purveyors of a dark, symphonic style of blackened Death Metal reaching from Stratospheric orchestral heights to low, guttural, blasting devastation. Oath of Damnation is an onslaught of fury and malevolence upon the senses.

Demoninacht –  the Malevolent Bastard child of Matt Skitz Sanders, Paying An Unholy Tribute to the 1980's Lord's of Infernal Thrash Metal Debauchery

Hell Machine -“Hell Machine is a demonic two-piece blackened thrash attack, conjuring unholy chaos from the depths of Adelaide—pure sonic warfare forged in fire, blasphemy, and relentless aggression.

Destruktor – Geelong Extreme Metal Veterans Destruktor are ready to desecrate with brutality and fresh off the launch of the 3rd album "Indomitable", DESTRUKTOR are looking forward to kicking your arse as we send Skitz off in style.

Tzun Tzu – TzunTzu is a four piece Death Metal band from South Australia with oriental influences both lyrically and stylistically performing oriental sounding passages intertwined with the heavy music.

Persecution - 

A Statement from Matt “Skitz” Sanders:
"After nearly four decades behind the kit, countless shows around the world, and a lifetime of unforgettable memories, I have made the difficult decision to retire from playing live. This isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly – it’s something I’ve been contemplating over the past year for many personal and professional reasons."
"Drumming has been my life’s passion, and the journey it has taken me on is something I could never have imagined. From the sweat-soaked stages of underground venues to the massive festivals, I’ve been privileged to share this wild ride with incredible bandmates, loyal fans, and a thriving community that has supported me every step of the way."
"The time has come, however, for me to step back and hang up the drumsticks when it comes to live performances. While I may no longer be behind the kit on stage, my love for music and the extreme metal scene remains as strong as ever."
"To everyone who has come to a show, banged their heads, or shared this journey with me: thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your energy and support have made it all worthwhile. This isn’t goodbye – just a new chapter."

Skitz’s legacy in extreme metal cannot be overstated. He has been a central force in the formation of Hate-Core and Grind subgenres, an architect of sonic devastation who has brought the fury of underground acts to audiences around the globe. With world tours, festival appearances, and relentless studio work with Destroyer 666, Funerary Pit, Cemetery Urn, Humonic, Insidious Torture, and more, Skitz has become a living legend among extreme metal’s most devout followers.

Get ready for the final blast!
METAL TO THE GRAVE – an explosive, no-holds-barred farewell to the live stage.
The storm is coming. Stay brutal. Support the underground. Murder the mainstream.