Chained Saint Guitarist Joins Sepultura Onstage After New EP

In a striking convergence of metal generations, 19-year-old guitarist Ethan Kahn of Florida-based band Chained Saint performed alongside Sepultura during the latter’s farewell tour in Mexico City. This milestone event occurred just two days following Chained Saint’s release of their latest EP, Rise to Fall, signaling a pivotal moment in the young band’s ascending trajectory.

On October 11, Kahn joined Brazilian thrash pioneers Sepultura at the Pepsi Center, sharing the stage with guitarist Andreas Kisser for a rendition of “Propaganda.” This performance not only underscored Kahn’s growing profile but also connected Chained Saint with one of the foundational acts that shaped the thrash metal landscape.

Chained Saint’s Rise to Fall EP was unveiled on October 9 through Patriark Records, delivering five tracks that refine the band’s blend of thrash, hardcore, and groove metal elements. Building upon their 2024 debut, Blindside, which involved production work by Alice in Chains’ William DuVall, the new material exhibits increased focus and complexity.

The EP opens with “Snakeskin,” a track characterized by aggressive riffs and a confrontational tone. “Drive” follows with tempo changes and guitar work reminiscent of Bay Area thrash, while the brief but intense “Punk” bursts with raw energy targeting duplicity. “Uncrowned” introduces anthemic themes supported by distinctive drumming, with complete lyrics penned by vocalist Sean Sterling — a first for the band. The title track “Rise to Fall” closes the set, exploring themes of resilience and control through riff-driven intensity.

Instrumentation throughout the EP is anchored by Kahn’s intricate guitar work, melding sharp rhythms with heavy grooves. Drummer Cameron Cottrell provides a propulsive backbone, balancing thrash speed with groove dynamics. Production duties were managed internally alongside Rob Roy at Power Station Studios, emphasizing an authentic, analog sound that remains raw yet polished.

Chained Saint’s music has begun to resonate beyond live venues, earning placements on key streaming playlists such as Spotify’s All New Metal and New Blood, as well as Apple Music’s Best New Songs and New in Metal selections. Additionally, SiriusXM’s Liquid Metal channel has regularly featured tracks like “Snakeskin” and “Uncrowned,” indicating growing radio traction.

The band’s recent touring schedule has been robust, spanning major European and UK festivals including Bloodstock Open Air, Alcatraz, Leyendas del Rock, and Dynamo Metalfest. In the U.S., they secured a main stage slot at Louder Than Life in Louisville, reflecting their rising stature within the metal community.

Rise to Fall demonstrates a maturation in Chained Saint’s songwriting and performance, highlighting their ability to fuse high-energy live dynamics with studio precision. This EP not only consolidates their early sound but also marks a step toward forging a distinct identity amid thrash and hardcore influences.

Ethan Kahn’s opportunity to perform with Sepultura embodies the bridging of metal’s past and present, illustrating the ongoing influence of genre-defining acts on emerging artists. As Chained Saint continues to expand their reach through festival appearances, streaming success, and critical recognition, Rise to Fall stands as a significant chapter in their evolving career.

With a combination of aggressive riffs, thematic depth, and live intensity, Chained Saint’s latest release and Kahn’s notable onstage collaboration signal a band poised for greater impact within modern metal circles.