Kitchen Knife Conspiracy emerged in 1998, blending death metal, hardcore, nu-metal, and thrash metal into a volatile concoction labeled ‘stompcore’ early in the band’s career. Forged in the industrial, run-down steel mills of Youngstown, Ohio, the group has laid down brutal riffs and relentless grooves over the course of five full-length albums, one EP, and a live DVD set.

The band has always diversified their sound from album to album: their debut, Sin-Pathetic, leans proudly into death metal and thrash. Their sophomore effort, Handicapitated, bears influence from hardcore, nu-metal, and sludge. Worst Case in Stereo, recorded and produced by Steve Austin of Today is the Day, “stands firmly in the shadow of grind-kings like Obituary,” as reviewed by Cleveland Scene. Their fourth effort, A Friend in Need…Is a Friend to Kill, incorporates a large dose of thrash and grind. Their most recent album, Seven Deadly Sins, is an ambitious concept record dealing with the faults of man, handing out hardcore beatdowns with hints of black metal throughout.

The future is now at hand as Kitchen Knife Conspiracy signs with a label as diversified and ambitious as their own discography—Deko Entertainment. KKC will release a remastered classic from their back catalogue in 2026, followed by new material the same year. Stompcore looks to expand to a wider audience—a blunt force weapon ready to deliver the killing strike.