Chicago thrashers BLOODRUNNER are back… UNPLUGGED!
- Jason Hesley
- Dec 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Chicago’s own Bloodrunner, a force in the Midwest metal scene since 2004, proudly announcs the release of their live album “Unplugged Live At WZRD”. Recorded in the Summer of 2025 at Northeastern University’s legendary radio station, WZRD, this special performance introduces fans to the band’s stripped-down acoustic side while showcasing a brand new line-up.
Formed by Neal Rodriguez (vocals, guitars) back in 2004, Bloodrunner has endured lineup changes, a record deal and a constantly evolving sound. From their debut album “Total Annihilation” (2007, re-released in 2025) to the self-titled EP of 2023, the band has never stopped pushing boundaries of thrash metal. Now, with the bassist Tito and the drummer Jeff, Bloodrunner reimagines their setlist in an intimate unplugged format, proving that raw emotion and powerful songwriting cut through even without heavy distortion.
“We wanted to show a different side of Bloodrunner” says the founder, Neal Rodriguez. “These songs have always had a heart, playing them unplugged lets that shine through in a new way. It’s exciting to share this chapter with our fans”.
Stream “Unplugged Live At WZRD”:
BAND BIO:
Bloodrunner is a metal band from the unruly south side of Chicago, with roots in the 2000s metal scene. They are here to take over the music world one state and country at a time getting a new generation of fans to free themselves from the hell of everyday life.
Formed in 2004 by Neal Rodriguez and high school friends. He formed the first official lineup by 2006 and they released and toured throughout the Midwest for their debut album Total Annhilation. By 2010 things changed and the original lineup parted ways. In 2025 they signed a deal with Golden Core Records and remastered Total Annihilation with CDs and Vinyl available for purchase.
Neal joined several bands throughout the 2010s and formed The Upsets with some success. They released an EP and parted ways before Neal decided to reform Bloodrunner in 2020.
In 2020 he reformed Bloodrunner and released their first single in over 10 years: Wasting Away with the COVID lineup. Sadly members parted ways and he reformed the lineup for their 2023 self titled release.
They played several shows around the city of Chicago. Members quit once again and Neal once again had to reform the lineup.
By 2024 Neal decided to make some unplugged versions of past songs from previous albums and reformed again as a 3 piece for the Bloodrunner Unplugged EP, which is set to be released on CD sometime in 2026.
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