Producer/mixer/engineer Steve Evetts was hit with some apparent terrible news yesterday, May 03rd. A massive fire broke out in Belleville, NJ yesterday afternoon, and appears to have gutted his Belleville recording studio. ABC 7 report that the blaze reached 11 alarms and was fueled in part by strong winds and chemicals found in a neighboring warehouse. The local Mayor declared a state of emergency as the fire spread roughly a block.
Evetts, known for his work with countless metal and hardcore bands, including Hatebreed, Snapcase, Sepultura, The Dillinger Escape Plan and countless others, took to social media yesterday, May 03rd, to say:
“Well, my Sunday just took an interesting turn. I don’t know too many details as of yet, but it seems my studio is gone. I can’t get in there as it’s still on fire….More to follow as I know.”
Update: May 05th, 2026 10:45pm:
A follow-up post saw Evetts confirming the loss of his studio and equipment, it reads as follows:
“This is a clear view of water flooding into what used to be my control room. Talked to the building owner today. They’re bringing in cranes to rip it down, in order to put out what’s left of the fire. The floor apparently collapsed last night, sending the entire contents of my studio into the burning pit below. 30 years of collected gear, and memories, gone in a matter of hours. But it’s just stuff.
Spend times with the people that matter. Make art that matters. That’s what endures.I’m ready to do what it takes to get up and going again asap. Thanks to everyone for reaching out. I’m still figuring out what the next steps are, but I most certainly will”
