
Acid Age blends thrash metal with diverse influences, coining their style as "Hyper Thrash" and even "War-Jazz". They were formed in 2013 by Jude McIlwaine, initially as a solo project but soon adding a drummer and bass player Jake Martin. They later added a dedicated vocalist expanding to a four piece for awhile before paring back to a trio. Their music is primarily thrash metal, but also influenced by death metal, hardcore punk and other varieties of aggressiveness.
The band’s discography reflects their varied influences and evolution, and includes the full length albums Drone Shark Ethics [2014], Like A Runaway Combine Harvester In A Field Of Crippled Rabbits [2016], Semper Pessimus [2021] and Perilous Compulsion [2025].
Acid Age won the Metal 2 The Masses Northern Ireland competition in 2023, securing a slot on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air. They have shared stages with acts such as Gama Bomb, D.R.I., and Acid Reign.
Members:
Jude McIlwaine (vocals and guitar)
Jake Martin (bass)
Aran Howe (drums)