Category 7 Previews ‘Mousetrap’ BTS Ahead of Hollywood Debut

Behind The Scenes Of The ‘mousetrap’ Video

Category 7, the heavy metal supergroup featuring John Bush, Phil Demmel, Mike Orlando, Jason Bittner and Jack Gibson, has dropped a series of behind-the-scenes photos from their filming sessions for the “Mousetrap” music video. Shot by photographer Nadine Joy, the images offer a raw look at the band as they bring their debut track to life—complete with neon-lit backdrops, vintage amplifiers and candid moments between riffs. “We couldn’t be more excited to finally be launching the band officially,” the group wrote alongside the snaps.

The Instagram gallery captures guitarist Phil Demmel dialing in a searing lead tone, Bush layering his signature vocals in a darkened booth, and drummer Jason Bittner positioning his Pearl drum kit under stark spotlights. Bassist Jack Gibson and six-string shaper Mike Orlando round out the frame, underscoring the film’s gritty aesthetic and hinting at the high-voltage performance that inspired it.

Hollywood Live Debut At Whisky A Go-go

All signs point to a big live reveal: Category 7 officially launches on June 30 at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go on Sunset Boulevard. Hosted by SiriusXM Liquid Metal and Octane’s “Metal Ambassador” Jose Mangin, the night promises a blend of new material and career-spanning nods to each member’s past. The band is offering standard tickets and VIP meet-and-greet packages—touted for exclusive photo ops and Q&A sessions with the lineup—through links in their Instagram bio.

The Whisky A Go-Go isn’t just another venue; it’s the birthplace of artists from The Doors to Guns N’ Roses. Mangin’s involvement guarantees on-air coverage, while a limited-edition run of Category 7 merch will be available only at this maiden show. Fans can expect a setlist heavy on original compositions, plus surprise fragments of classic Anthrax, Machine Head and Armored Saint tunes woven into medleys.

South America Tour Kicks Off

The very next day, Category 7 embarks on its first South American tour, hitting five countries in ten days. According to an earlier Instagram announcement, the schedule looks like this:
• July 3 – Mar del Plata, Argentina
• July 4 – Buenos Aires, Argentina
• July 5 – Rosario, Argentina
• July 6 – Córdoba, Argentina
• July 8 – Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
• July 10 – Santiago, Chile
• July 12 – São Paulo, Brazil (Manifesto Bar)

The São Paulo show doubles as a World Rock Day celebration at the iconic Manifesto Bar, where local act Clash Bulldogs joins Category 7 onstage. VIP packages for each stop include early venue access, merch bundles and post-show meet-ups. Ticket links and full routing are available via the band’s linktree.

Phil Demmel’s Role and Legacy

Guitarist Phil Demmel (tagged as @phildemmel on Instagram) anchors the band’s sonic attack. Born in 1969, he rose to prominence as the lead guitarist for Machine Head from 2002 to 2018 and helped co-found Bay Area thrash outfit Vio-Lence. His razor-sharp riffs on albums like Clench the Fist of Dissent and The Blackening have earned him a place among modern metal’s most respected axemen.

Joining him is vocalist John Bush of Armored Saint and ex-Anthrax fame, guitarist Mike Orlando of Adrenaline Mob and Sonic Universe, drummer Jason Bittner from Shadows Fall, and bassist Jack Gibson of Exodus. Each member brings decades of pedigree and live prowess to the stage, ensuring that Category 7’s first run will be a master class in heavy metal showmanship.

Fans eager to witness this convergence of talent can still secure their spots for the Whisky A Go-Go debut and select South American dates. Tickets and VIP experiences are selling fast via the band’s Instagram story highlights and official website.

As the “Mousetrap” video rollout builds momentum and stages light up from Hollywood to São Paulo, Category 7 is positioning itself as one of the year’s most formidable new forces in metal. Whether you’re chasing a VIP pass or ready to bang your head in the crowd, the countdown to their maiden voyage has officially begun.