Skrape vocalist Billy Keeton‘s newly unveiled plans to resurrect the defunct nü-metal outfit for new music and touring have been met with some legal resistance. The group called it quits back in 2004, after releasing a pair of albums via RCA Records. Keeton began teasing their return in recent weeks, before making the following announcement on March 08th:
“Original Vocalist Billy Keeton Announces a New Era of SKRAPE
After more than two decades, SKRAPE is officially entering a new frontier.
Original vocalist Billy Keeton has introduced a powerful new lineup and a renewed creative vision for the next era of SKRAPE. Known for their explosive blend of heavy groove, melodic aggression, and raw intensity, SKRAPE first rose to prominence in the early 2000s with the release of their RCA Records debut New Killer America and the follow-up album Up the Dose.
During the band’s original run, SKRAPE toured nationally alongside some of the most influential heavy acts of the era, including Pantera, Slayer, Static-X, and Disturbed. Their single “Waste” climbed the Billboard charts, helping cement the band as one of the emerging forces in heavy music at the time.
Now, with a new lineup behind him and a renewed creative drive, Keeton is bringing SKRAPE back with a focus firmly set on the future.
“SKRAPE has always been about energy, intensity, and connection with the fans,” says Keeton. “This isn’t about looking backward — it’s about building something powerful moving forward. We’re writing new music, and the goal is to take this band into the next chapter the right way.”
The upcoming phase of SKRAPE will focus on new music, new performances, and a revitalized sound that honors the band’s legacy while pushing forward creatively.
Fans can expect new material to be released in the near future, along with live performances as the band prepares to reintroduce SKRAPE to audiences both old and new.
This new chapter is a major moment for longtime fans who remember SKRAPE’s early impact, while introducing a new generation to the band’s unmistakable intensity.
Further announcements regarding new music, tour dates, and lineup details will be revealed soon.”
Today, March 11th, Loudwire reported that they have received notice from an attorney representing an undisclosed individual associated with the band’s rights, indicating that a cease and desist has been filed against Keeton regarding his plans for the group. That notice is said to have been filed on February 20th, 2026.
The attorney in question, Tom Player, of the Florida-based Player Entertainment Law, told the aforementioned publication: “Billy Keeton has gone rogue and does not have the right to unilaterally co-opt the Skrape name.”
Skrape was is thought to have been co-founded by Keeton and drummer Will Hunt in the mid-90s, with guitarist/keyboardist, etc. Brian Milner and bassist Pete Sison also being early members of the outfit. Hunt went on to join Evanescence in the wake of the band’s demise, while Milner went on to play with Dope for a time.
