THE BEAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HXTXD Unleashes Ambitious 20-Track Double Album The Hour Between Dog and Wolf Los Angeles Metal Trio Delivers Its Most Expansive and Emotionally Charged Release Yet LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles metal trio HXTXD... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HXTXD Unleashes Ambitious 20-Track Double Album The Hour Between Dog and Wolf Los Angeles Metal Trio Delivers Its Most Expansive and Emotionally Charged Release Yet LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles metal trio HXTXD (pronounced Hated) has officially unleashed its ambitious new double-disc album, The Hour Between Dog and Wolf, released August 21, 2026 via Riot Ready Records. Spanning 20 tracks, the sprawling new release represents the band's most expansive and fully realized work to date, pushing the boundaries of its sound while maintaining the raw aggression, emotional weight, and underground authenticity that have defined HXTXD since its formation. Formed in Los Angeles in 2020, HXTXD emerged from the chaos with a simple goal: make heavy music that hits as hard emotionally as it does physically. Featuring Wesley Richards on vocals and guitar, Staxx Tightsey on bass, and Cash Monty on drums, the trio draws from metal, melodic death metal, hard rock, metalcore, and hardcore without allowing itself to become trapped by any single genre. On The Hour Between Dog and Wolf, those influences collide in a record that embraces both brutality and atmosphere. Crushing riffs, aggressive rhythms, emotionally charged melodies, and moments of unexpected clarity create a dynamic listening experience built around contrast. The album's title reflects that very idea. The Hour Between Dog and Wolf refers to the uncertain space between light and darkness, instinct and reason, violence and vulnerability. HXTXD uses that liminal concept as a foundation for an album that explores alienation, resilience, despair, catharsis, and the human instinct to fight back. Rather than simply delivering one relentless barrage of heaviness, HXTXD allows the music to breathe, shift, and evolve. The result is an album that can be savage one moment and deeply reflective the next, finding common ground between bone-crushing intensity and genuine emotional songwriting. "The Hour Between Dog and Wolf is our most expansive and fully realized work to date," says Wesley Richards. "We wanted to push the sound into new territory without losing the rawness, grit, and authenticity that have defined HXTXD from the beginning." The entire album was written, engineered, produced, mixed, and artworked by Wesley Richards at Riot Ready Records in Los Angeles, California. Mastering was handled by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege in Portland, Oregon. With years of underground experience behind them and a growing reputation for intense live performances, HXTXD continues to carve out its own space within the West Coast metal scene. The band proudly wears its influences on its sleeve while transforming them into something distinctly its own. For listeners drawn to the aggression of Cannibal Corpse, the melodic intensity of modern extreme metal, the raw energy of hardcore, and the emotional punch of metalcore, HXTXD offers something that refuses to sit neatly inside a box. The Hour Between Dog and Wolf is more than a collection of heavy songs. It is a record about existing in the space between extremes, where chaos becomes catharsis and darkness can become its own form of clarity. HXTXD is: Wesley Richards — Vocals / GuitarStaxx Tightsey — BassCash Monty — Drums The Hour Between Dog and Wolf Artist: HXTXDRelease: The Hour Between Dog and WolfFormat: Double-Disc Album / 20 TracksRelease Date: August 21, 2026Label: Riot Ready RecordsLocation: Los Angeles, California Check them out on YouTube:  [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="7hobsrqGlSc"] The Hour Between Dog and Wolf by HXTXD Listen & Followhttps://linktr.ee/RiotReady Contact Wesley RichardsRiot Ready Recordsinfo@riotreadyrecords.com HXTXD — The Hour Between Dog and WolfTwenty tracks. Two discs. No interest in staying inside the lines. Less

🔥 Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 🔥And who will dominate next month as Band of the Month on Metal Devastation Radio? Last month’s winners, OKL'S FRUITLOOPS, crushed... More

🔥 Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 🔥And who will dominate next month as Band of the Month on Metal Devastation Radio? Last month’s winners, OKL'S FRUITLOOPS, crushed the competition with a staggering 5,083,542 VOTES, claiming the title of Band of the Month on Metal Devastation Radio! You can check them out HERE! This is the weekly championship edition of the Band Of The Month – Battle Of The Bands that we host every month on MDR! How does it work?Every Monday, we launch a new poll featuring bands that submit music each week on metaldevastationradio.com. Voting runs until Friday at 9PM EST. Each Friday night, at the start of The Zach Moonshine Show, I’ll be spinning the Top Six weekly winners, and announcing the #1 band of the week live on air — getting thousands of listens on Mixcloud! At the end of the month, all weekly votes are added up, and the band with the highest total votes becomes our Band of the Month! Winning Band of the Month gets: A featured post on our Facebook page, reaching thousands of fans A front-page spotlight on metaldevastationradio.com, which pulls in hundreds of thousands of views every month A free PR email blast from Metal Devastation PR, hitting 40,000+ contacts including labels, zines, stations, and more Airplay every hour during general rotation Tons of social media shares and exposure across our network If you want the world to know who your band is, this is the easiest way to make it happen! 💥 Want in on the next battle?Comment below with your band name and we’ll add you to next week’s poll — or email me at zach@metaldevastationradio.com with “Battle Submission” in the subject line. Bands can compete as many times as they want, and if you enter multiple weeks in the same month, your votes combine toward the Band of the Month title! 👇 Click on the bands below to vote as many times as you like, or add your own! Poll closes Friday, October 2nd at 9PM EST! Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 09/30/26 - 10/02/26 Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THRENODY RETURNS TO THE FILTH WITH NEW SINGLE “FLASHLIGHT OVER FILTH” Old-School Death Metal Veterans Unleash the First Taste of Upcoming EP They Looked Better Dead Release Date: August 19, 2026Genre: Old-School Death... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THRENODY RETURNS TO THE FILTH WITH NEW SINGLE “FLASHLIGHT OVER FILTH” Old-School Death Metal Veterans Unleash the First Taste of Upcoming EP They Looked Better Dead Release Date: August 19, 2026Genre: Old-School Death Metal / GrindcoreFor Fans Of: Bolt Thrower, Carcass, Death READING, PA — Some bands form. Some bands disappear. And some refuse to stay dead. Old-school death metal veterans Threnody have unleashed “Flashlight over Filth,” the first single from their forthcoming EP They Looked Better Dead. Released August 19, 2026, the track marks the latest chapter in a story that began nearly four decades ago in the underground of Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1988, five young musicians from Berks County, Pennsylvania, joined forces with a singular purpose: to create music capable of devastating everything in its path. Todd handled the microphone, Rich took command of the drums, Bill and Sean wielded guitars, and Dave held down the bass. Together, they became Threnody. Initially influenced by underground gods including Carcass, Entombed, and Obituary, the band quickly moved beyond imitation, developing its own identity and establishing itself as a formidable force in the Reading metal scene. For nearly two years, Threnody sharpened its attack from the top of the local underground, eventually unleashing the six-song EP Internal Infestation in late 1990. The release ignited a demand for live performances, sending the band into a relentless campaign of shows and further honing its lethal sound. Their proving ground was Unisound, Reading's only all-ages club at the time, where Threnody continued building its reputation among the underground faithful. The band began writing more material and recorded another EP, but before that next chapter could be released, fate intervened. The record remained unreleased, and the original members eventually went their separate ways. Then came 2020. During the global pandemic, guitarist Bill set out to reignite the torch and reunite Threnody's original members. Founding members Sean and Dave returned, while vocalist Todd and drummer Rich were unable to participate. With the world locked down and distance becoming little more than a technical obstacle, Harry from the UK and David from Ecuador joined the resurrected lineup on vocals and drums. Rather than simply dusting off the past, Threnody took eight songs originally written more than 30 years earlier and re-visioned them for a new era. The result was the band's first full-length album, Rid of Flesh. Now Threnody is moving forward once again. “Flashlight over Filth” serves as the first single from the upcoming EP They Looked Better Dead, delivering another dose of the band's old-school death metal and grindcore attack. The track was produced by Threnody, with mixing and mastering handled by Steve Perrino. This isn't nostalgia dressed up as death metal. This is a band that was there when the underground was being built, disappeared, came back decades later, and decided it still wasn't finished. The riffs are still loaded. The filth is still there. And the torch is still burning. Let it rip. STREAM “FLASHLIGHT OVER FILTH” https://linktr.ee/threnody ABOUT THRENODY Formed in 1988 in Reading, Pennsylvania, Threnody emerged from the formative underground death metal scene of the late 1980s. Influenced initially by Carcass, Entombed, and Obituary, the band quickly forged its own identity and became a force in the local scene. In 1990, Threnody released the six-song EP Internal Infestation and built a reputation through relentless live performances, including shows at Reading's legendary all-ages venue Unisound. A second EP was recorded but never released before the original members eventually went their separate ways. Three decades later, guitarist Bill began the process of resurrecting the band. With Sean and Dave returning and Harry from the UK and David from Ecuador joining on vocals and drums, Threnody transformed eight songs originally written in the early 1990s into the 2020 full-length Rid of Flesh. Now the band continues that resurrection with its forthcoming EP They Looked Better Dead and its first single, “Flashlight over Filth.” Threnody isn't looking to recreate the past. They're bringing it back to life. Flashlight over Filth by Threnody Connect: https://linktr.ee/threnody Contact: threnodyusgrindgore@gmail.com Less

METAL DEVASTATION PR BANDS FEATURED THROUGHOUT THE NEW ISSUE OF ROCK HARD MAGAZINE ACCEPT GRACES THE COVER OF ROCK HARD 111 AS MULTIPLE METAL DEVASTATION PR ARTISTS Earn Reviews, Features, and In-Depth Interviews The new issue of Rock Hard... More

METAL DEVASTATION PR BANDS FEATURED THROUGHOUT THE NEW ISSUE OF ROCK HARD MAGAZINE ACCEPT GRACES THE COVER OF ROCK HARD 111 AS MULTIPLE METAL DEVASTATION PR ARTISTS Earn Reviews, Features, and In-Depth Interviews The new issue of Rock Hard Magazine is officially out now, and it is packed with coverage for artists represented by Metal Devastation PR. With Accept commanding the cover of Rock Hard 111, the latest issue delivers a strong showing for independent and underground metal, with multiple Metal Devastation PR clients appearing throughout the magazine in reviews, feature interviews, and artist profiles. From progressive metal and extreme industrial experimentation to classic heavy metal, symphonic metal, doom, thrash, and death metal, this issue showcases just how wide-ranging the Metal Devastation PR roster has become. Here is a look at the coverage. THE PRODIGAL SON RUMOR | Rating: 7.5/10 Los Angeles progressive metal veterans The Prodigal Son receive a strong 7.5/10 rating for Rumor, with Rock Hard highlighting the band's long history and continued evolution since their beginnings in 1994. The review praises the band's "complex, evolved progressive metal," intricate arrangements, technical ability, and ambitious songwriting, while drawing comparisons to the early work of Nevermore. Rock Hard describes the track as a "successful and remarkably well-packaged mix" and points to the release as another major step forward for the veteran Los Angeles act. THEPRODIGALSONBAND.COM Silence Of Kaos by TPS DARKWAVE EVANESCENT HORIZONS | Rating: 8/10 Hungarian progressive death metal project Darkwave, created by Zsolt Némethy, earns an impressive 8/10 for Evanescent Horizons. Rock Hard notes that the new release pushes the project beyond the already acclaimed Horror Sacri, expanding its dark and decadent atmosphere while introducing new layers of experimentation. The review specifically highlights tracks such as Gaslight Elegy, The Parchment Night, and Farewell To The Angel Of Sardis, praising Némethy's compositional and performance abilities and his commitment to highly personal musical ideas. FACEBOOK.COM/DARKWAVEMETAL Evanescent Horizons by Darkwave CARCERAL DESCENDING REPRISAL | Rating: 7.5/10 Brazilian instrumental death/thrash act Carceral earns a 7.5/10 for their debut release Descending Reprisal. Rock Hard calls attention to the unusual structure of the album, which contains 24 tracks, most of which clock in at under two minutes. The review praises the band's complex structures, guitar and bass work, virtuosity, and willingness to experiment across a wide range of musical ideas. Despite being a debut, the record demonstrates what Rock Hard describes as a level of maturity and preparation that immediately stands out. CARCERALOFFICIAL.COM Descending Reprisal by CARCERAL ANTIMoZDEBEAST PROPHECY | Rating: 7.5/10 Gabriel Palacio's AntiMozdeBeast project returns to the pages of Rock Hard with Prophecy, earning a 7.5/10 rating. The review describes an increasingly unsettling musical world built from avant-garde soundscapes, industrial passages, black metal elements, noise, and chaotic rhythmic structures. Rock Hard highlights tracks including Leap Of Fate and End Of Faith, emphasizing the project's uncompromising approach and its ability to challenge the listener through abrasive and experimental compositions. The review ultimately describes the release as "the new frontier of an anarchic and iconoclastic devastation." LINKTR.EE/ANTIMOZDEBEAST Prophecy by AntiMozdeBeast FLIGHT OF ODIN I TRAVELED THE CROOKED PATH | Rating: 9/10 SELF-PRODUCTION OF THE MONTH One of the biggest highlights for Metal Devastation PR in the issue belongs to Flight Of Odin, whose I Traveled The Crooked Path earns an outstanding 9/10 and the distinction of Self-Production Of The Month. Rock Hard describes surrendering to Flight Of Odin's doom soundscapes as entering "fog-drenched moors" populated by ethereal and elusive entities. The review praises the band's syncopated pacing, dreamlike and psychedelic atmosphere, melodic sensibility, experimental passages, and especially the near-constant presence of piano within their sound. At the center of it all is Xyra's warm and magnetic vocal performance, which Rock Hard says provides a faint sense of comfort within the band's otherwise shadowy musical world. The magazine describes Flight Of Odin's music as captivating, enchanting, visionary, ecstatic, and ritualistic.  http://linktr.ee/odinmaiden  I Traveled the Crooked Path by Flight of Odin PAINDEMIC REWRITING HISTORY California heavy metal outfit PainDemic are featured in an in-depth interview with bassist Gary Monardo and vocalist Rob Perkins, discussing the band's origins, musical direction, lineup, songwriting, and debut single FWF, short for Fuck With Fate. Gary explains that the band was formed around a desire to bring back a heavy metal sound built around powerful riffs while retaining memorable melodies. The band's influences reach back to the era when Metallica, Anthrax, and Slayer were exploding onto the scene. The interview also explores the chemistry between veteran members and guitarist Cheyenne Scott, whose energy, work ethic, and different approach helped shape the band's current lineup. Gary explains that while his earlier work with Hirax focused heavily on speed, PainDemic is taking a different approach, emphasizing heavier riffs, tempo changes, transitions, and carefully constructed arrangements. Rob discusses the personal experiences behind FWF, while also explaining the band's commitment to authenticity and creating music that translates naturally to the live stage. FACEBOOK.COM/PAINDEMIC FWF by Paindemic NOTHING SACRED THE ROAR OF OLD LIONS Australian heavy metal veterans Nothing Sacred are featured in an extensive interview discussing their decades-long history, the current resurgence of classic heavy metal, their latest single Your Time Will Come, and their decision to revisit Black Sabbath's Am I Going Insane. The band makes it clear that despite more than four decades of history, their motivation remains essentially unchanged: writing and playing the kind of heavy music they genuinely love. Sham discusses the importance of avoiding becoming a shadow of the band's former self, while Karl reflects on how the group's approach to the music industry has changed over the years. The interview also explores the inspiration behind Your Time Will Come, a song centered around someone refusing to compromise what they believe is right. And when it comes to their Black Sabbath cover, Sham explains why Am I Going Insane was one of the rare Sabbath classics they felt could be transformed without sacrificing the original song's character. The band also reflects on touring abroad and the financial realities that have shaped their career. NOTHING SACRED. THE ROAR OF OLD LIONS STILL HAS TEETH. NOTHING SACRED.COM.AU Leviathan by Nothing Sacred SYMPHONY OF DESTINY ON THE BANKS OF THE NILE American symphonic metal act Symphony Of Destiny are featured in an interview centered around their debut release Heroes Of Egypt and the band's unique combination of heavy metal, classical composition, cinematic orchestration, and ancient Egyptian mythology. Composer and guitarist Wesley Eldridge discusses how the members' classical training has been translated into the band's metal sound, combining cinematic orchestration, dynamic songwriting, seven-string guitars, and instrumental technique. The interview explores the band's carefully planned artistic direction, which was built around mythology and ancient civilizations from the project's earliest stages. Eldridge also discusses his fascination with ancient Egypt, including the musical atmospheres associated with film soundtracks, and explains how he and vocalist Anne Dueweke researched the original myths behind figures including Ra, Bastet, and Horus. Rather than simply retelling ancient stories, the band approaches each song from a different perspective, connecting mythology with modern emotions and experiences. SYMPHONYOFDESTINY.COM Heroes of Egypt by Symphony of Destiny ANTANIA THE UNHOLY 33 | Rating: 7/10 California electronic extreme metal duo Antania round out the Metal Devastation PR coverage with a 7/10 review for The Unholy 33. Rock Hard highlights the project's unconventional approach, built entirely from synths, distortion, programmed drum machines, and vocals, with no guitars or bass. The album combines extreme metal with industrial electronics, oppressive atmospheres, blast beats, mid-tempo passages, and excursions into electronic styles including drum 'n' bass. Rock Hard notes that traditional songwriting structures are deliberately avoided, creating a challenging listening experience that demands patience while offering plenty for listeners interested in the intersection of extreme metal and industrial electronics. https://linktr.ee/antaniaofficial METAL DEVASTATION PR CONTINUES TO BREAK THROUGH From a 9/10 Self-Production Of The Month for Flight Of Odin to strong reviews for The Prodigal Son, Darkwave, Carceral, AntiMozdeBeast, and Antania, plus major interview features for PainDemic, Nothing Sacred, and Symphony Of Destiny, the new issue of Rock Hard Magazine represents another major round of international exposure for Metal Devastation PR artists. This is exactly the kind of coverage we work to secure for independent metal artists: legitimate editorial coverage from established metal media, covering the music itself while giving the artists a platform to tell their stories in their own words. A huge congratulations to all of the artists featured in Rock Hard 111. Metal Devastation PRMajor Metal Media. Real Coverage. Worldwide Exposure. Grab a copy here: https://www.rockharditaly.com/shop/it/arretrati/328-rock-hard-settembre-2026.html Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOST RELICS RELEASE NEW EP MONUMENTS TO THE USELESS VIA GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS Denver sludge and dirt rock trio unleash five tracks of crushing riffs, abrasive noise, and bleak atmosphere Denver, Colorado sludge and dirt... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOST RELICS RELEASE NEW EP MONUMENTS TO THE USELESS VIA GOLDEN ROBOT RECORDS Denver sludge and dirt rock trio unleash five tracks of crushing riffs, abrasive noise, and bleak atmosphere Denver, Colorado sludge and dirt rock heavyweights Lost Relics have officially released their new EP, Monuments to the Useless, worldwide via Golden Robot Records. Originally previewed by the singles “Saint Catharines” and “False Idols,” the five-track EP is now available in full on all major streaming platforms. Built from weight, tension, noise, and raw emotional pressure, Monuments to the Useless finds Lost Relics pushing their sound deeper into the darkness. The band combines abrasive sludge, noise, post-hardcore aggression, and dirt-soaked rock into something chaotic, punishing, and hypnotic all at once. Formed in 2018, Lost Relics have developed a distinctive three-vocalist attack that gives their music an unpredictable and confrontational edge. Their sound carries the crushing density of the underground while leaving plenty of room for hypnotic passages, atmosphere, and carefully constructed tension. Across Monuments to the Useless, the band moves between hypnotic desert rock passages and punishing sludge-driven intensity. Riffs, vocals, noise, and atmosphere constantly collide, creating a sense of pressure that builds throughout the release rather than simply relying on sheer volume. The EP draws inspiration from the bleak expansiveness of Neurosis, the raw experimental force of Melvins, and the abrasive urgency of KEN mode, while Lost Relics shape those influences into their own distinct sound. Lyrically, Monuments to the Useless explores disillusionment, aggression, pressure, and the quiet collapse of modern life. There is no attempt to polish away the ugliness or provide an easy escape. Instead, the band embraces the discomfort and lets the songs sit in the tension. “Saint Catharines” opens the door, while “False Idols” and the remaining tracks expand the EP's bleak and uncompromising atmosphere into a complete statement. Monuments to the Useless was recorded and mixed by Felipe Patino at Green Door Studios in Denver, Colorado, and mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room in Fort Collins, Colorado. The EP is available worldwide now through Golden Robot Records. Listen to Monuments to the Useless Now: https://orcd.co/monuments-to-the-useless Lost RelicsMonuments to the UselessOUT NOWGolden Robot Records [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="s-lURXDYNb8"]  Connect:  https://www.gigaboogie.com/lost-relics/electronic-press-kithttps://www.facebook.com/LostRelicsDenverhttps://www.instagram.com/lostrelicsband/http://www.youtube.com/@lostrelics8355https://lostrelics.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/72LrIzEDjX4Nz2ZwTaDTFC Contact: lostrelics303@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CATHARIA TO UNLEASH NEW SINGLE “WINTER SOLSTICE” AHEAD OF NOVEMBER 2026 ALBUM PORTRAIT OF ANTIQUITY Melodic black metal force returns with a darker, more expansive sound featuring new permanent vocalist John Harrah and... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CATHARIA TO UNLEASH NEW SINGLE “WINTER SOLSTICE” AHEAD OF NOVEMBER 2026 ALBUM PORTRAIT OF ANTIQUITY Melodic black metal force returns with a darker, more expansive sound featuring new permanent vocalist John Harrah and guest vocalist Kassandra Chandler of Divine Martyr Presave here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/catharia/winter-solstice-feat-kassandra-chandler For Fans Of: Dissection, Immortal, Satyricon CATHARIA is preparing to unleash its new single “Winter Solstice” 10/02/26, offering the first taste of the band's upcoming full-length album, Portrait of Antiquity, due for release in November 2026. The new single features John Harrah, Catharia's new permanent vocalist, alongside special guest vocalist Kassandra Chandler of Divine Martyr, adding another dimension to the band's evolving sound. Formed in 2018, Catharia has spent the years since its inception developing a sound rooted in the cold atmosphere and ferocity of black metal while incorporating the crushing weight of death metal and a strong emphasis on melody. With Portrait of Antiquity, the band expands that foundation into a darker, more melodic and symphonic direction. According to the band: “More melodic and symphonic then previous releases.” “Winter Solstice” serves as the first preview of that expanded musical approach, combining Catharia's established aggression and darkness with a greater emphasis on atmosphere, melody and symphonic elements. The upcoming album Portrait of Antiquity continues to push the band's melodic black metal and blackened death metal foundation into broader and more expansive territory. Drawing influence from the atmospheric intensity of classic melodic black metal and the relentless force of blackened death metal, Catharia aims to balance sweeping musical passages with uncompromising heaviness. Portrait of Antiquity is scheduled for release in November 2026. While Catharia is currently signed with Rockshots, the album will be released independently. The album was produced and recorded with Jackson Ward at Strata Recording Studio, bringing a focused production approach to Catharia's evolving sound. With the arrival of “Winter Solstice,” Catharia begins the next chapter of its evolution, introducing a new permanent vocalist, welcoming a guest vocalist for the first single, and unveiling the darker and more expansive direction of Portrait of Antiquity. Portrait of Antiquity Artist: CathariaAlbum: Portrait of AntiquityFirst Single: “Winter Solstice”Format: Full-Length AlbumGenre: Melodic Black Metal / Blackened Death MetalSingle Release: October 2nd, 2026Album Release: November 2026Release: IndependentLabel: RockshotsProduction: Jackson Ward, Strata Recording StudioPermanent Vocals: John HarrahGuest Vocals on “Winter Solstice”: Kassandra Chandler, Divine Martyr For Fans Of: Dissection, Immortal, Satyricon Connect: https://catharia.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KJD5NIWuDkbULQMJJQuybhttps://www.facebook.com/cathariatrue Contact:Matt Powellpowellmatt52@yahoo.com Less

Gammacide Interview: Texas Thrash Legends Talk Toxic Mercenaries, Victims of Science and Their Return Gammacide are back. On the latest episode of The Zach Moonshine Show, Joey, Rick, and Scott sit down with Zach to talk about the band's history,... More

Gammacide Interview: Texas Thrash Legends Talk Toxic Mercenaries, Victims of Science and Their Return Gammacide are back. On the latest episode of The Zach Moonshine Show, Joey, Rick, and Scott sit down with Zach to talk about the band's history, their return to the stage, the new album Toxic Mercenaries, and the renewed interest in their music from a younger generation of thrash metal fans. Gammacide formed in Texas in 1986 and released their debut album, Victims of Science, in the late 1980s/early 1990s era. More than three decades later, the band has returned with Toxic Mercenaries, their first new full-length album in more than 35 years. The album was released September 11, 2026 through No Life 'Til Metal Records, with a vinyl edition scheduled for October 30. During the interview, the band looked back at the road that brought them back together, talked about the reaction to their return, and explained how new material that was initially approached as rough demo recordings eventually became their new album. From Hell's Heroes to a Full Gammacide Return One of the major subjects of the conversation was Gammacide's reunion appearance at Hell's Heroes in Houston, Texas. What started as a return to the stage developed into something much bigger after the band experienced the reaction from the crowd. That response helped convince them to continue moving forward with Gammacide rather than treating the appearance as a one-time event. Rick summed up the band's long dormant period with one of the most memorable lines of the interview: "It just goes to show you that the effects of a nuclear meltdown sometimes last for years and years and years... the half-life on this shit is extreme." The band has since continued performing and has been met by audiences that include both longtime fans and younger listeners discovering Gammacide for the first time. A New Generation Is Discovering Gammacide One of the more surprising parts of the band's return has been the number of younger fans showing up to their shows. During the interview, Gammacide discussed meeting fans as young as 15 who discovered the band online while digging deeper into the history of thrash metal. For a band whose debut dates back more than three decades, that renewed interest from younger listeners has become an important part of the current Gammacide story. Rick described the experience this way: "When they find Gammacide, it's like, 'Well, this is the real hardcore, uncut, super-thrash for underground people.' They feel like they found a hidden gem of thrashtastic riffs and explosions." The band also talked about recent shows in Texas, Connecticut, and Mexico City and the response they have received from audiences along the way. The Story Behind Toxic Mercenaries The new Gammacide album Toxic Mercenaries is the band's first full-length release of new material in more than 35 years. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered through DDTstudio Productions and features Joey Gonzalez on drums, Rick Perry and Scott Shelby on guitars, Varnam Ponville on vocals, and Chance Lehman on bass. But according to the story told during the interview, the recording process wasn't originally designed around making a polished new Gammacide album. The band recorded the material at singer Varnam Palm Bill's house with David Treadway of DDT Studios. What began as a rough songwriting demo developed into something the band felt was strong enough to release. Scott explained why they decided not to try to recreate the recordings a second time: "It came out so good. Why do it twice? We may not catch that magic that we did when we did it the first time." That decision ultimately led to the material becoming Toxic Mercenaries. The album contains eight tracks, including "Overload," "Soldier of Fear," "Sinkhole," "Expiration Date," "Predator or Prey," "These Eyes," "Toxic Mercenaries," and "Meet Your Maker." Learning the Gammacide Catalog in Two Weeks The interview also touched on the band's current lineup and the challenge of getting a new member ready for live performances. Bass player Chance Lehman stepped in and had approximately two weeks to learn the Gammacide catalog ahead of the band's Mexico shows. The band also gave credit to booking agent Zach Oler of Extremity Retain Booking while discussing their recent live activity. It's another part of the practical side of bringing a classic underground band back into an active touring schedule. Victims of Science Gets a New Physical Release While Gammacide are looking forward with Toxic Mercenaries, their classic debut Victims of Science is also receiving renewed attention. No Life 'Til Metal Records has been involved with new physical editions of the band's catalog, including a remastered vinyl edition of Victims of Science released in July 2026. The edition was limited to 300 copies. The label is also handling the upcoming vinyl edition of Toxic Mercenaries, scheduled for October 30, 2026. The listed pressing is limited to 300 copies, with 100 "blood moon" red/black swirl copies and 200 "toxic" neon green copies. "You Thawed Out the Caveman" Gammacide's return after such a long period away naturally became one of the central themes of the conversation. Rick had another memorable way of describing it: "It's kind of like I always say... you thawed out the caveman. He'd been frozen for 40,000 years, they thaw him out, and Neanderthal man walks again." The band isn't simply looking backward, either. The conversation covered future plans, including prospective West Coast dates and Gammacide's scheduled appearance at Headbangers Open Air in Germany, which would mark the band's first European tour appearance. "The Kids Want a Circle Pit" For Gammacide, the connection between the band's music and the live environment remains central. Joey summed up what he sees happening with the band's younger audience: "The kids want a circle pit, and Gammacide is the quintessential circle-pit fucking band." Rick also compared today's crowds with those from the band's earlier years: "When you go to the shows today, you can't tell the difference between a crowd from 1989 and a crowd from today because they're dressed the exact same." It's a fitting observation for a band whose music has traveled from the tape-trading era into the digital age without losing its connection to the underground. Gamma-Mania And then there was Scott's Hulk Hogan-inspired message to the younger generation: "Let me tell you something, brother, about Gamma-Mania... You young kids, keep taking your vitamins and say your prayers, and listen to Gammacide if you want to make yourself a life." We'll let Scott take that one home. Listen To The Full Gammacide Interview The full conversation with Joey, Rick, and Scott of Gammacide is now available on The Zach Moonshine Show via Mixcloud, Spotify, Apple, Youtube. The band discusses the origins of Gammacide, Victims of Science, their return to the stage, the Hell's Heroes appearance, the creation of Toxic Mercenaries, the response from younger fans, touring, the band's current lineup, No Life 'Til Metal Records, and what comes next. Listen to the full interview and hear the story directly from Gammacide. Gammacide's Toxic Mercenaries is available now through No Life 'Til Metal Records, with the vinyl edition scheduled for October 30, 2026. Full Show Track List:  Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners: 1 - Another Demon - Reduced to Ash - (4,608,339 votes)2 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (52,943 votes)3 - Sharp n' Loud - Armored sexy girl - (21,074 votes)4 - Voidmaker - The Post-Human Emergence - (20,563 votes)5 - Unspeakable Tales - Reanimator - (7,705 votes)6 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (5,120 votes) The Zach Moonshine Show Intro 7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Rock 'n' Roll Rebel8 - Illusion Of Fate - Exsanguination9 - BEHEMOTH - In League with Satan10 - Locust Pointe - Handmaidens of the apocalypse11 - Iron Jaw - Tonight We Raid Gammacide - Interview featuring Sinkhole/Soldier Of Fear/Crackdown (Demo 1991) 12 - Warbeast - Scorched Earth Policy13 - Pantera - Rock The World/Over And Out14 - Art Of Shock - You Are The Plague15 - What Weapons Bring War - Crown of Blood (feat. Sanguisugabogg)16 - Trivan - CROWNED WITH DREAD AND POWER17 - Ashes Reign - Start Of The End18 - Deth Provider - Feral Vermin19 - Rhino Proof - Play by the Rules20 - PS:23 - The Angel They Call Evil Streaming now in full on Mixcloud: Interview segment on YouTube, Spotify, Apple: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="Cl3wjHngXcE"] Super shout out to the 208,699 metal maniacs that tuned in for the live broadcast Friday night! Check out Gammacide and support!  [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="oO-naAxsMsE"] Less