Ruthless. The word in itself means "without mercy". Formed in 1982 by vocalist Sammy D., and guitarist Kenny McGee. The original lineup included Jack Black (bass), Todd Billings (drums) and Roland Schroader (guitar). After playing local clubs for a while, the band built a very large and loyal following. Together with Bill Metoyer (Slayer, Fates Warning, W.A.S.P.) producing and engineering, Ruthless put out the now classic "Metal Without Mercy" MLP on the Iron Works label. After making a couple of lineup changes with Todd Billings and Roland Schroader leaving the band, and adding drummer Bryant Scott and guitarist Steven Yeager, the band signed with new label Axe Killer Records, and went into the studio with Ethan James. The band emerged with the highly acclaimed "Discipline Of Steel" LP. Over the years, the band has shared the stage with Heavy Metal monsters such as Slayer, Metal Church, Accept, Saxon, Dark Angel, Armored Saint, Lizzy Borden and Exodus, just to name a few. Due to musical differences, the band disbanded in 1989

In the early 2000's, Sammy and Kenny reunited to form a local band called Scarred which still plays around the local LA club scene today, with one original member, guitarist John Toscano. In 2008, Sammy was contacted by the organizer of the legendary Keep It True Festival from Germany and asked if Ruthless would reunite to play the festival. After a few phone calls and some negotiating, Ruthless was back. They played Keep It True in 2009 and a few other selected shows with the lineup of Sammy D., Kenny McGee, Jim Durkin (from Dark Angel), Jack Black and drummer Bob Guitru. After the band decided to go their separate ways, longtime friends, Sammy and Kenny remained in contact with one another.

In 2013, the song writing duo started writing together again. Ruthless is back with a new lineup, including original members: front man Sammy D., Kenny McGee (guitar), Marc McGee (bass), Dave Watson (guitar), and Jason Van Slyke (drums). Armed with a new full length album titled "They Rise" (released on Pure Steel Records in 2015), produced by the legendary Bill Metoyer once again, Ruthless is ready to bring back its vicious attack of True Heavy Metal to the masses!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ruthlessmetal/about/?entry_point=page_nav_about_item&tab=page_info