THE BEAST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SCREAM MAGAZINE (NORWAY) FEATURES MULTIPLE METAL DEVASTATION PR CLIENTS IN LATEST ISSUE A strong showing in the newest issue of Norway’s legendary heavy music publication brings international attention to several Metal... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SCREAM MAGAZINE (NORWAY) FEATURES MULTIPLE METAL DEVASTATION PR CLIENTS IN LATEST ISSUE A strong showing in the newest issue of Norway’s legendary heavy music publication brings international attention to several Metal Devastation PR roster artists, with reviews spanning melodic symphonic metal, groove and thrash, black metal influence, and experimental heaviness. The coverage highlights releases from Element of Fate, Creeper, Thy Sanatorium, and Eternal Drak, all featured in the latest edition of Scream Magazine. ELEMENT OF FATE – “Dreamfall” Self-financed melodic symphonic heavy metal release from American duo Carol Phillips and Scott Loose earns a detailed spotlight. Reviewer Stig Bøgeaard notes the album’s atmosphere, drama, and stylistic range across its seven tracks, pointing out standout moments like “Shadow Self” and the title track’s Type O Negative vibe. Key highlights from the review include praise for the album’s atmosphere and composition variety, with comparisons to Amorphis, King Diamond, Nightwish, and early Iron Maiden influences appearing throughout the coverage. The review closes on a positive note, stating the album delivers a solid, atmospheric experience with a charismatic vocal presence. CREEPER – “Crushing” The second full-length from Creeper receives a more critical response in the No Life Til Metal segment. Per Aage Melby describes the groove and thrash influenced effort as uneven, noting a lack of punch and consistency across the release, while still acknowledging the band’s effort in pushing heaviness within the style. THY SANATORIUM – “Thy Sanatorium” A masked black metal project draws attention for its melodic and symphonic approach, tight production, and strong guitar work. Frank Bøkseth highlights the guitar performance and vocal mix, while also noting the band’s influences in the Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth sphere. The review suggests potential, while pointing out the band is still developing its own identity within the genre. ETERNAL DRAK – “The Violence Of Time” Canadian act Eternal Drak receives the most direct critique in the issue, with reviewer Per Aage Melby delivering a harsh assessment of the album’s energy and impact. The review describes the release as lacking punch and inspiration, with concerns about the overall production feel and performance energy, while also noting vocal delivery as overly strained. ABOUT THE FEATURE This latest coverage in Scream Magazine continues the publication’s long-standing tradition of spotlighting underground and international metal releases across multiple subgenres, giving readers a raw cross-section of the global heavy music scene. For Metal Devastation PR, the feature marks another wave of international press visibility for its roster, reinforcing the global reach of independent heavy music promotion. Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOTHERTOMB ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM DYING TO LIVE OUT JULY 14 Northern Michigan Doom Collective Unleash a Crushing Journey Through Darkness, Transformation, and Occult Atmosphere Stream and pre-order:... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOTHERTOMB ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM DYING TO LIVE OUT JULY 14 Northern Michigan Doom Collective Unleash a Crushing Journey Through Darkness, Transformation, and Occult Atmosphere Stream and pre-order: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mothertomb/dying-to-live https://mothertomb.bandcamp.com/album/dying-to-live Emerging from the frozen forests of Northern Michigan, Mothertomb are preparing to unveil their debut full-length album, Dying to Live, arriving July 14, 2026. Blending the crushing weight of traditional doom metal with the hypnotic textures of stoner rock, heavy psych, gothic atmosphere, sludge, and progressive songwriting, the independent quartet delivers a powerful first statement that is as emotionally haunting as it is sonically devastating. For fans of Black Sabbath, Windhand, Pentagram, Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, and Acid King, Dying to Live presents five expansive compositions exploring themes of suffering, transformation, transcendence, and the eternal struggle between darkness and light. Inspired by Welsh folklore and the shadowed depths of the human psyche, the album journeys through allegorical landscapes populated by ancient spirits, inner demons, and the unseen forces that shape the human condition. The band's name itself was born from tragedy. During Northern Michigan's historic ice storm of April 2025, widespread devastation left more than 145,000 residents without power for weeks in below-freezing temperatures. Witnessing the forests encased in thick ice, simultaneously breathtaking and catastrophic, the members found themselves staring into what felt like Mother Nature's own tomb. That surreal duality of beauty and destruction became the inspiration for the name Mothertomb, perfectly reflecting the emotional and sonic contrasts that define their music. "Set for release on July 14, 2026, Dying to Live is Mothertomb's debut full-length album. Across its five tracks, the record explores themes of transformation, suffering, transcendence, and the timeless struggle between darkness and light. Drawing inspiration from Welsh folklore and the shadowed corners of the human psyche, the songs traverse landscapes inhabited by ancient spirits, inner demons, and the forces that shape the human condition. The album unfolds through layers of metaphor, allegory, and introspection, inviting listeners into a world where darkness and illumination coexist. From brutal heaviness to moments of eerie beauty, Dying to Live is a journey through the depths of the human experience. Created entirely as an independent DIY effort, the album was written, recorded, produced, and artistically directed by the band itself. Dying to Live stands as a testament to that labor of love, and we are honored to share it with the world." Long before the album's release, Mothertomb began earning widespread praise throughout the underground metal community with the singles "Beware" and "Mountain Hag." Steve Howe of Outlaws of the Sun described "Beware" as: "An intriguing and superbly executed proposition from MOTHERTOMB which has me excited to hear more from their upcoming debut album in 2026. Excellent and Highly Recommended." Michael D'Amato of Playgroundz Rocks called the single: "Dark, immersive, and heavy as hell... a statement. By the end, you're left wanting more, and you know whatever comes next is going to hit just as hard." Spanish publication La Habitación 235 praised the band's occult atmosphere, writing: "One of the bands that could emerge as a new revelation in the coming years." The follow-up single "Mountain Hag" continued the momentum, with Outlaws of the Sun calling it: "Nothing short of a revelation with Mothertomb continuing their progression in perhaps becoming one of the best upcoming acts the underground scene currently needs right now." The band's music has also received support from respected underground outlets including Doomed Nation, Progressive Rock Journal, Weedian, Stoner World Blog, Female Fronted Power, Monuments in Ruin, La Capsule Stoner, TRAIL of SMOKE, Hour of the Riff, and Sunday's Heavy Tunes, establishing Mothertomb as one of doom metal's most promising new voices. Recorded at Death Box Records in Charlevoix, Michigan, Dying to Live was produced by Alton Minor alongside the band, with mixing and mastering handled by Minor. Every aspect of the project reflects the group's fiercely independent DIY philosophy, from the songwriting and production to the striking artwork illustrated and designed by vocalist Alice Gawlinski. Check them out on YouTube and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="MGRIzhZIpgU"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="3CQuhe64_0E"] Album Credits Recorded: Death Box Records, Charlevoix, Michigan (2026) Music: Mothertomb Lyrics: Alice Gawlinski Produced by: Alton Minor & Mothertomb Mixed & Mastered by: Alton Minor Recording Engineers: Alton Minor & Mike Benitez Artwork & Illustration: Alice Gawlinski Mothertomb Lineup Alice Gawlinski – Vocals Chance Gawlinski – Guitar Alton Minor – Bass Mike Benitez – Percussion Dying to Live arrives July 14, 2026, independently released worldwide. Stream and purchase: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/mothertomb/dying-to-live https://mothertomb.bandcamp.com/album/dying-to-live Connect:  https://www.mothertombmusic.com/https://mothertomb.bandcamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/Mothertombofficial/https://www.instagram.com/mothertomb.officialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@mothertomb?lang=enhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5CBNKRs5QWFqkowr0TDmG4 Contact: mothertombband@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THY ANTICHRIST ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE "SCORPIO" ARRIVING JULY 3, 2026. PRE-SAVE NOW! International black metal force Thy Antichrist will unleash their brand new single, "SCORPIO," on July 3, 2026, across all major streaming... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THY ANTICHRIST ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE "SCORPIO" ARRIVING JULY 3, 2026. PRE-SAVE NOW! International black metal force Thy Antichrist will unleash their brand new single, "SCORPIO," on July 3, 2026, across all major streaming platforms. Forged in the spirit of black metal and ancient mysticism, "SCORPIO" is a journey through venom, darkness, power, and rebirth, showcasing the band's signature blend of crushing riffs and occult atmosphere. Fans can pre-save the new single now:https://ffm.to/nv3a9y7 The band's international "SCORPIO" cover art contest has officially concluded, with a winning design selected from submissions by talented artists around the world. The official single artwork, featured with this announcement, celebrates the creativity of the global Thy Antichrist community and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the band. The momentum continues as Thy Antichrist prepares for their first-ever South American headlining tour, including a stop in São Paulo, Brazil, bringing their powerful live performance to fans across the continent. Mark your calendars for July 3 and prepare for the sting. Cuernos Arriba!  Connect: https://thyantichrist.bandzoogle.com/home#biohttps://www.facebook.com/THYANTICHRIST Contact: thyantichrist@gmail.com Less

(Photo by: Hannah Wheeler/Canis Panthera Photography) Temple Witch is emerging as one of the most compelling voices in the growing Northeast Ohio doom metal movement — a scene shaped as much by bleak industrial landscapes and punishing winters... More

(Photo by: Hannah Wheeler/Canis Panthera Photography) Temple Witch is emerging as one of the most compelling voices in the growing Northeast Ohio doom metal movement — a scene shaped as much by bleak industrial landscapes and punishing winters as by the music itself. In an era where metal continues to splinter and evolve into increasingly diverse forms, the band embraces the heavier, fuzz-drenched edges of the genre, crafting songs that feel both colossal and deeply human. Blending the raw urgency of 1980s and 1990s underground punk with the crushing weight of modern stoner rock and doom metal, Temple Witch has carved out a sound that feels distinct within their regional scene. Their music balances towering riffs with emotional honesty, creating immersive songs that unfold like journeys through isolation, struggle, and catharsis.That emotional depth is front and center in the band’s recent video releases, “Wraith” and “Earthen Jug,” both of which have generated growing attention around the group. “Wraith,” a hybrid of animation and live action, explores themes of loneliness through haunting imagery and atmosphere. “Earthen Jug,” meanwhile, confronts mental illness with stark realism, continuing the band’s commitment to unfiltered expression and vulnerable storytelling.   [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="NPSi-AdiyeM"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="YSODGMSeggo"] Momentum around Temple Witch continues to build heading into 2026. The coming months will see the band taking part in multiple festivals, out-of-state runs, interviews, and radio appearances, all while preparing a wave of new material.Among the most anticipated developments is the band’s forthcoming full-length album. In October 2025, Temple Witch traveled to Pittsburgh to record at The Vault with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Hillis. Known for his work with legendary acts including Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam, and Temple of the Dog, Hillis helped the band capture the record in an intense three-day session. Anticipation surrounding the release continues to grow as fans await what may be the band’s defining statement to date.At its core, Temple Witch remains driven by a simple philosophy: to express honestly what they feel and observe through music. While their influences stretch across decades of heavy music, the band sees emotional experience — not genre conventions — as the true force shaping their sound. Through that authenticity, Temple Witch hopes to create genuine human connection and contribute something real to the ever-expanding world of heavy music.For Temple Witch, this is more than a moment. It is the beginning of something larger, and they are inviting listeners to be part of it. Follow Temple Witch: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/templewitchband/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/doomhoundsYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TempleWitchSite - https://templewitch.squarespace.com/ Stream Temple Witch: Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0X4B2ZTACi9bBq303f0H5hApple Music - https://music.apple.com/us/artist/temple-witch/1571273824Deezer - https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/135509352Bandcamp - https://templewitch.bandcamp.com/ Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE PRP PREMIERES COVERT STATIONS' ELECTRIFIED COVER OF CHEAP TRICK'S "THE FLAME" Featuring Vision of Disorder Guitarist Matt Baumbach, Covert Stations Returns With The Latest Entry In Its Acclaimed Borrowed Singles Series... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THE PRP PREMIERES COVERT STATIONS' ELECTRIFIED COVER OF CHEAP TRICK'S "THE FLAME" Featuring Vision of Disorder Guitarist Matt Baumbach, Covert Stations Returns With The Latest Entry In Its Acclaimed Borrowed Singles Series Watch the Video Premiere:https://www.theprp.com/2026/06/26/news/covert-stations-enlist-vision-of-disorders-matt-baumbach-for-their-cover-of-cheap-tricks-the-flame/ Covert Stations returns with another unforgettable installment in its acclaimed Borrowed Singles Series, delivering a powerful new interpretation of Cheap Trick's timeless 1988 hit, "The Flame." The music video made its exclusive premiere via ThePRP on June 26, introducing fans to the project's latest all-star collaboration before the single became available across all major streaming platforms. Originally released as the lead single from Cheap Trick's landmark 1988 album Lap of Luxury, "The Flame" became the band's first No. 1 hit and remains one of the most recognizable power ballads in rock history. Written by Bob Mitchell and Nick Graham, the song has endured for nearly four decades through its soaring melodies and heartfelt emotion. Covert Stations honors that legacy while injecting the classic with renewed energy, modern production, and the unmistakable chemistry of some of the underground music scene's most accomplished musicians. The current lineup behind Covert Stations' rendition of "The Flame" features vocalist Craig Cirinelli (Hidden Cabins, (Damn) This Desert Air, The Atlantic Union Project), guitarist Matt Baumbach (Vision of Disorder, M@), drummer Brian Leahy (Eyeswan, Hidden Cabins), bassist Mark Wilkinson (The Evening Sons, Rydell, The Atlantic Union Project), and keyboardist, engineer, and producer Chris Badami (I Can Make a Mess). Recorded during the first months of 2026, the project embodies the collaborative spirit that has become synonymous with Covert Stations. Each musician tracked their parts independently from locations spanning Northern New Jersey, Long Island, New York, and Brighton, England before the recordings were brought together at Portrait Recording Studios in Pompton Plains, New Jersey, where Chris Badami mixed the song into a seamless and emotionally charged performance. Founded by Craig Cirinelli, Covert Stations has built a reputation for pairing ever-changing lineups of respected underground musicians with iconic songs from rock history. Rather than simply recreating familiar classics, the project reimagines them through fresh arrangements and inspired performances that bridge generations of rock fans. Previous installments in the Borrowed Singles Series have paid tribute to artists including Fleetwood Mac, INXS, Roxette, The Cult, R.E.M., Modern English, and The Psychedelic Furs, each receiving praise for honoring the originals while offering listeners a unique new perspective. With "The Flame," Covert Stations continues its mission of celebrating timeless songwriting through modern collaboration, proving that great songs can find new life when placed in the hands of passionate musicians. "The Flame" Personnel Craig Cirinelli – Vocals Matt Baumbach – Electric & Acoustic Guitars Brian Leahy – Drums & Percussion Mark Wilkinson – Bass Guitar Chris Badami – Keyboards Recording Credits Vocals: Recorded in a home office in Boonton, New Jersey Electric, Acoustic & Baritone Guitars: Recorded in a home studio in North Babylon, New York Drums & Percussion: Recorded at Digital Mix Studios in Landing, New Jersey by Guy Neighmond Bass Guitar: Recorded at Sussex University in Brighton, England by Jason Douglas Keyboards: Recorded at Portrait Recording Studios in Pompton Plains, New Jersey by Chris Badami Mixed: Portrait Recording Studios, Pompton Plains, New Jersey by Chris Badami Mastered: Sun Room Audio, Cornwall, New York by Dan Coutant About Covert Stations Created by Craig Cirinelli, Covert Stations is a collaborative recording project that brings together musicians from across the underground rock and metal world to reinterpret some of the most beloved songs ever written. With an ever-evolving roster of contributors and an unwavering commitment to creative reinvention, the project continues to shine new light on classic material while introducing it to a new generation of listeners. Promo Stream:[jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="zTDYgXLXg6M"] For more information and to explore the complete Borrowed Singles Series, visit: https://covertstations.com Connect:  https://www.facebook.com/covertstationshttps://www.instagram.com/covertstationshttps://covertstations.bandcamp.com/ Contact: covertstations@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOLYSTALGIA UNLEASHES CRUSHING SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM OUT NOW VIA NAMELESS GRAVE RECORDS Featuring guest vocals from Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties, Crypt Sermon), with drumming by Austin Wheeler (Savage Oath)... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOLYSTALGIA UNLEASHES CRUSHING SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM OUT NOW VIA NAMELESS GRAVE RECORDS Featuring guest vocals from Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties, Crypt Sermon), with drumming by Austin Wheeler (Savage Oath) Stream and purchase: https://namelessgraverecords.bandcamp.com/ https://namelessgraverecords.com/ Death-doom newcomers Solystalgia have officially released their self-titled debut album, available now through Nameless Grave Records. Combining suffocating doom, intricate death metal riffing, and haunting atmospheric passages, Solystalgia delivers a powerful and emotionally devastating listening experience that is already earning widespread critical acclaim. Clocking in at 37 minutes, Solystalgia explores themes of grief, unimaginable atrocity, and inherited suffering through massive riffs, mournful melodies, and immersive songwriting. The album features the commanding drumming of Austin Wheeler (Savage Oath) alongside guest vocal performances from Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties, Crypt Sermon), whose contrasting vocal styles deepen the emotional weight of the record. Produced and mixed by the band before being mastered by acclaimed engineer Arthur Rizk, the album balances crushing heaviness with expansive ambient textures, allowing every colossal riff and echoing synth passage room to breathe. Austin Wheeler describes the album simply: "Solystalgia is a 37 minute riff-filled meditation on loss, unfathomable atrocity and the monumental weight of inheritance." Critics have responded with overwhelming praise. Invisible Oranges recently hailed the record as: "Solystalgia is nothing short of a triumph from all involved." The publication went on to compare the album's emotional impact to landmark releases such as Trisagion by Ethereal Shroud and The Mantle by Agalloch, praising its remarkable balance of devastating heaviness and atmospheric depth. Fans of Hooded Menace, Dream Unending, Mortiferum, Ahab, and Disembowelment will find plenty to admire in Solystalgia. Rather than relying solely on brute force, the band crafts an immersive sonic landscape where crushing death-doom collides with melancholy ambience, resulting in an album that is both emotionally resonant and sonically overwhelming. With its sophisticated songwriting, exceptional performances, and oppressive atmosphere, Solystalgia stands as one of the year's most compelling death-doom releases and an essential listen for fans of the genre's modern evolution. FFO: Hooded Menace, Dream Unending, Mortiferum, Ahab, Disembowelment Release Information Band: Solystalgia Album: Solystalgia Release Date: June 26, 2026 Genre: Death/Doom Metal Label: Nameless Grave Records Drums: Austin Wheeler (Savage Oath) Guest Vocals: Tanner Anderson (Obsequiae, Majesties, Crypt Sermon) Mixed By: Solystalgia Mastered By: Arthur Rizk Stream & Purchase: https://namelessgraverecords.bandcamp.com/ https://namelessgraverecords.com/ Read the full Invisible Oranges review: https://www.invisibleoranges.com/solystalgia-cover-grief-in-all-its-forms-album-review Check out the full album streaming now on YouTube:  [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="lI7XOwJSKxk"] Connect with the band:  https://www.instagram.com/solystalgia.officialhttps://solystalgia.bandcamp.com/album/solystalgiahttps://open.spotify.com/album/4k2Vs3RBCeSCCZ2NnChDlqhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/solystalgia/6773436289 Connect with the label:  https://namelessgraverecords.bandcamp.com/https://namelessgraverecords.com/ Contact the band: solystalgia@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE METAL DEVASTATION PR BACKS “QUIESCENT MANTIS LIVE FROM THE HIVE” FREE ALL-AGES METAL TAKEOVER IN DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE Knoxville, TN – Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT Downtown Knoxville is about to get loud... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE METAL DEVASTATION PR BACKS “QUIESCENT MANTIS LIVE FROM THE HIVE” FREE ALL-AGES METAL TAKEOVER IN DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE Knoxville, TN – Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT Downtown Knoxville is about to get loud in the best possible way as the free all-ages event Quiescent Mantis Live From the Hive invades Market Square on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Presented in part with support from Metal Devastation PR, this stacked summer night brings together a heavy hitting lineup of underground and rising metal acts for a four hour outdoor assault right in the heart of the city. This one is open to everyone, no ticket required, no excuses needed. LINEUP Autumn Lies Buried Quiescent Mantis Official Warclown Do Yourself In Once More Again Plus a special secret set still under wraps EVENT DETAILS Market Square, Downtown KnoxvilleFree show, all ages welcomeMusic runs 6 PM to 10 PMOutdoor stage takeover featuring multiple heavy sets and a surprise moment built for true metalheads ABOUT THE EVENT “Live From the Hive” brings the underground spirit right into the city center, turning Knoxville’s historic square into a full scale metal gathering. Expect crushing sets, community chaos in the best way, and that raw DIY energy that keeps this scene alive. With Metal Devastation PR backing the event, the goal is simple: amplify the underground, pack the square, and give the scene a night to remember without barriers or gatekeeping. FINAL WORD This is not a background music situation. This is a full volume, boots on the ground, shake-the-pavement kind of night. Show up early, bring the crew, and let Knoxville feel it. Let’s make Market Square shake. Go here for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1210834637623626 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, TRIVAN , crushed the... 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, TRIVAN , crushed the competition with a staggering 6,396,074 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, July 3rd at 9PM EST! Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 06/29/26 - 07/03/26 Less

JERRY WARDEN REVEALS THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND THE FAMOUS JAMES HETFIELD AND DIMEBAG JAM SESSION PLUS RARE TALES FROM THE BIRTH OF THE DFW METAL SCENE Some of heavy metal's greatest stories never made it into documentaries. They were passed around... More

JERRY WARDEN REVEALS THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND THE FAMOUS JAMES HETFIELD AND DIMEBAG JAM SESSION PLUS RARE TALES FROM THE BIRTH OF THE DFW METAL SCENE Some of heavy metal's greatest stories never made it into documentaries. They were passed around backstage, traded between musicians, or simply forgotten with time. On a recent episode of The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio, longtime Texas metal pioneer Jerry Warden pulled back the curtain on many of those stories, offering listeners an unforgettable journey through the early Dallas/Fort Worth metal scene that helped launch bands like Pantera and Rigor Mortis. For more than an hour, Warden shared firsthand accounts from a lifetime spent building the Texas underground. As founder of Warlock Texas, promoter, radio host, club owner, and now founder of the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame, Warden wasn't watching history happen from the audience. He was helping create it. The Story Behind the Famous James Hetfield and Dimebag Photos One of the biggest moments of the interview came when the conversation turned toward the iconic photographs showing Metallica's James Hetfield and Pantera's Dimebag Darrell trading guitars during an intimate jam session. Fans have circulated those photos for years, often wondering what really happened that night. According to Warden, he was there. Even more remarkable, he wasn't just standing in the crowd. He says he joined James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Dimebag Darrell, Rex Brown, and others onstage during the impromptu performance, singing Metallica classics while legendary photographer Stuart Taylor captured the moment on film. Following the interview, Warden even shared one of those rare photographs showing himself performing during that historic jam session, adding another piece of evidence to one of heavy metal's most talked about moments. The Ride The Lightning Era Through the Eyes of Someone Who Lived It Warden also recalled Metallica visiting Texas shortly after the Ride the Lightning tour and described how friendships between members of Metallica and Pantera led to unforgettable nights of partying, music, and spontaneous performances. He also discussed Rita Haney's early connections within that circle, providing personal recollections from someone who witnessed those events unfold firsthand. Rather than repeating stories already told in books or documentaries, Warden offered his own memories from inside the room, giving listeners a perspective rarely heard in public. Before Cowboys From Hell Long before Pantera became one of the biggest names in heavy metal, Jerry Warden knew them as ambitious young musicians trying to carve out a place in the Texas scene. He shared memories of meeting the band in 1982, working alongside them during their earliest years, helping organize shows, serving as part of their extended crew, and watching the group evolve from local favorites into international metal icons. Warden also reflected on Phil Anselmo's arrival and described conversations surrounding the band's decision to embrace a heavier direction, helping shape the sound that would eventually define albums like Vulgar Display of Power. Building the DFW Metal Underground The interview also explored the incredible effort required to create a thriving metal scene before social media, streaming services, or the internet. Warden recalled organizing massive backyard festivals that attracted well over a thousand fans, launching dedicated metal clubs throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, promoting countless underground bands, and helping establish one of the region's earliest heavy metal radio programs. Many now legendary Texas musicians crossed paths with Warden during those formative years, making his stories an important firsthand record of the underground's explosive growth during the 1980s. Preserving Heavy Metal History Today, Warden has turned much of that passion toward the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving heavy music's legacy while recognizing artists who helped shape the genre. Throughout the interview, he stressed the importance of recording these stories while the people who lived them are still here to tell them. As generations of musicians and fans continue discovering heavy metal's rich history, interviews like this become more than entertainment. They become living archives. Streaming now Whether you're a lifelong Pantera fan, a Metallica historian, or simply fascinated by the roots of underground heavy metal, this conversation delivers an incredible collection of firsthand stories that deserve to be heard. Check out the full interview with Jerry Warden on The Zach Moonshine Show via Metal Devastation Radio and discover a side of heavy metal history that few people have ever had the chance to hear directly from someone who lived it. The Full Zach Moonshine Show Track List:  Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners: 1 - Another Demon - Drawn and Quartered feat. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) - (16,295,890 votes)2 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (289,428 votes)3 - Rage of Justice - Digital Prison - (28,658 votes)4 - Heidbekka - Völva - (10,971 votes)5 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (2,772 votes)6 - Onus Vitae - The Flame Still Burns - (1,032 votes) The Zach Moonshine Intro 7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Children Of The Grave - (Live)8 - Rob Zombie - Tarantula9 - Lord Gryphus - Bloodpath Dominion10 - Mothertomb - Beware Jerry Warden | DFW Metal History, Warlock Texas & The Heavy Metal Hall of Fame - Interview featuring SOTR/Hotter_Than_Fire/Iron_Jaw 11 - Lost Relics - Saint Catharines12 - FAR FROM YOUR SUN - Eternity13 - Symphony of Destiny - Chariot of Ra14 - Hexjakt - Svartkonst15 - Doomherre - Blood Relics of Old16 - VHS - A Grave For Every Bullet17 - Solystalgia - Funeral18 - Pradhe - Six Times19 - False Messiah - Break the Silence20 - Riftpatrol - Divide – (ft. Andreas Würth)21 - Barrage - Dealer's Choice22 - Nocturnal Ceremony - Seasons of hate Available now on Mixcloud: You can also listen to just the interview segment on YouTube, Spotify, Apple: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="sCSHeSy20Mk"] Super massive shout out and thanks to the 403,122 metal maniacs from around the world that tuned in for the live broadcast of devastation Friday!  Less