Although the Bay Area proper ushered in more great thrash acts than should be humanly allowed (i.e., Exodus, Possessed, Testament, Death Angel, and more), it was the bands on the peripheral, like Antioch’s own Sadus, that played some of the nastiest and most ferocious guitar riffs around.
Today, founding member/vocalist/guitarist Darren Travis and drummer Jon Allen are out playing live after a seemingly never-ending hiatus. Backed by touring members guitarist Claudeous “Scooby” Creamer (Possessed) and bassist Bobby Real (Deconstruct), the band is chomping at the bit to play live for their friends before tackling some of the most prestigious metal festivals abroad.
As luck would have it, Sadus are playing Petaluma’s longest-running and greatest live music venue, The Phoenix Theater, both a home and safe-haven for area teenagers and anyone else that wanders through its always unlocked front doors.
For those not in the know, the band issued its first full-length – “The Shadow Inside” (November 2023), after an unnerving 17-year wait. And while bassist Steve DiGiorgio was noticeably absent from the studio recording this time around, Travis stepped up to the plate playing all instruments but drums and hit yet another thrash metal grand slam. Propelled by songs like “First Blood,” “Scorched and Burnt,” “Ride the Knife,” and The Devil in Me,” it’s wholly evident Sadus has not lost a step.
Numerous accolades and mentions from all over the globe have helped their cause considerably, and the quartet has been yielding countless festival and headlining show offers from some of the world’s most disparate regions.
We caught up with local promoter and all-around nice person Stacy Maisenbach to get the 411.
Bohemian: When did your new (er) company start and why?
Stacy Maisenbach: I started Evil Eye One Promotions about two years ago. I noticed that small music venues were shutting down and there was only one promoter in my area. I wanted to help the music scene and keep it alive. I’ve also been playing music in bands, promoting shows, and hosting various radio, podcast and live-stream video for years.
Bohemian: How many shows have you done to date, and in what cities.?
Maisenbach: I have promoted about ten shows in Ukiah and Petaluma. The Phoenix Theater is my favorite venue. It’s a great place for anyone and everyone to see a show. It’s also a nonprofit. Manager Tom Gaffey keeps it open so locals have something to do during the day and night.
Bohemian: Who are some of your favorite local bands and why?
Stacy Maisenbach: Hellbender is my favorite local band at the moment. They are super fun to work with because they help put up posters and get people out to the shows. Some local bands are easier to work with than others, while some bands just want to get paid and don’t bring anyone out.
Bohemian: Sadus rarely ever play the area and this is their only California show until they head overseas for festival dates and more. How did that come about?
Stacy Maisenbach: I’ve always loved Sadus. I saw them when I was younger and soon became friends with them. They reached out to me and asked me to put on this show. It was that easy.
Doors open at 7:30pm and the show kicks off at 8pm, at the Phoenix Theater located at 201 Washington St., in Petaluma. Sharing the bill are Hellbender and Negative Sixxx. Tickets are just $20 advance and can be purchased at the door or www.thephoenixtheater.com. All ages are welcome.
