Vicious Rumors brings ‘Digital Dictator’ anniversary tour to the Pin

In 1979, power metal band Vicious Rumors formed in the Bay Area, around the same time acts like Exodus and Metallica were taking shape.

The band quickly built a fanbase around California, and in 1985, Vicious Rumors, which then included singer Gary St. Pierre and guitarist Vinnie Moore, released its debut album “Soldiers of the Night.”

Three years later, the band, now featuring vocalist Carl Albert and guitarist Mark McGee, released “Digital Dictator.”

Riding the success of “Digital Dictator,” the band performed at Aardschok Festival and the Dynamo Open Air Festival, both in the Netherlands, and signed with Atlantic Records in 1989.

In celebration of the album’s 30th anniversary, Vicious Rumors – vocalist Nick Courtney, guitarist Gunnar DüGrey, drummer Larry Howe, bassist Tilen Hudrap and founding member Geoff Thorpe on guitar and vocals – is heading out on an extensive North American tour, which brings them to the Pin on Monday.

This show will be a homecoming show of sorts for new vocalist Courtney, who hails from Vancouver, Washington.

“Nick has a real kick ass approach,” Thorpe said on the band’s website. “We’re ready to tear it up on tour with his powerful and melodic voice.”

Working with German label SPV/Steamhammer, Vicious Rumors plans to have a new album out next summer.