Nothing Sacred – Band Biography

Formed in 1983, Nothing Sacred emerged from the Australian hard/heavy music scene at a time when the landscape was dominated by the gritty pub rock of bands like Rose Tattoo and AC/DC. But as the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) made waves globally, a new generation of Australian bands was inspired to push the genre’s boundaries—and Nothing Sacred was at the forefront. 

Founders Sham and Karl, fueled by a shared love for hardcore punk, infused their music with a raw, blistering energy that set them apart from other Melbourne bands at the time. This fusion of punk speed and metal aggression not only defined Nothing Sacred’s sound but also helped spark the punk/metal scene that exploded in Melbourne in 1984.

Relentless gigging built the band a fierce reputation across the east coast of Australia. Their live shows were known for being uncompromising and intense, culminating in a headlining spot at the 1986 Metal for Melbourne Festival, a local unsigned band event that drew over 1,400 fans.

Early Releases and Rise

In the 1980s, the band self-released two pivotal recordings:

• The ‘Deathwish’ EP, a 4-track blitz that became a cult classic.
  
  
• The full-length ‘Let Us Prey’ album, both recorded and mixed in just four days—a testament to their raw energy and urgency.
  
  

Legendary Motörhead artist Joe Petagno (known for Overkill and Bomber) donated an original piece titled “Sacred Lay”, which became the cover art for Let Us Prey.

Things looked promising when Nothing Sacred landed a support slot for Megadeth’s first Australian tour, but the opportunity was lost when the tour was cancelled due to Dave Mustaine’s health issues.

Crossover with Hobbs Angel of Death

Shortly afterward, core members Woolley, Sham, and Karl were recruited by Peter Hobbs to record a demo that would become the foundation for Hobbs Angel of Death. Hobbs soon secured a record deal in Germany, and although Woolley joined Hobbs full-time, Sham and Karl chose to stay with Nothing Sacred.

Despite lineup changes, the band persisted into the early 1990s. While grunge and alternative shifted the musical tides, Nothing Sacred remained a fan favourite, often seeing spikes in ticket sales whenever they were announced on a bill—even as activity slowed.

Revival and Modern Era

With a resurgence of interest in classic metal during the 2000s, a new generation of fans began discovering Nothing Sacred’s legacy. The band reformed, playing select high-profile gigs and writing new material. Their legacy was further cemented with the inclusion of Sham and Karl in the 2014 documentary Metal Down Under, which chronicled the rise of metal in Australia during the ’80s.

The documentary led to an invitation to perform in Japan, where the band was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reception—proving that international demand was alive and well.

Recent Activity (2020–2025)

• 2020: Released a red 7″ vinyl single as a preview for the full-length album “No Gods”, their first in over 30 years. A box set followed, including unreleased tracks from Deathwish and a DVD of the Japan performance.
  
  
• 2023: Dropped the “Leviathan” EP (6 tracks, CD). Picked up international support slots with Udo Dirkschneider, Metal Church, Paul Di’Anno, and co-headlined the Metal United Down Under Festival.
  
  
• 2024: Embarked on their first European tour, starting at Germany’s Headbangers Open Air Festival and concluding at the Speed Metal Party in Finland.
  
  
• 2025: Returned to the studio, releasing:
  
  
• “Break” (June)
  
  
• “Burning From Above” (August)
  
  
• The band also recorded a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Am I Going Insane” for a Rue Morgue Records Ozzy tribute compilation.
  
  
• September 2025: Supported Uli Jon Roth, marking the 40th anniversary of the Deathwish EP. Their set featured a blend of new songs and concluded with a full performance of the Deathwish EP in its entirety.
  
  

Legacy & Influence

From sweaty pub stages to international metal festivals, Nothing Sacred has carved out a unique and enduring legacy in Australian metal. They’ve proven not only resilient but artistically relevant—bridging the old school with the new, and still commanding respect on stages worldwide.

With new music, global recognition, and a history that reads like a blueprint for Aussie underground metal, Nothing Sacred remains a part of the heavy metal scene they helped forge in Australia.