Killswitch Engage Announce Massive Summer 2026 U.S. Headline Tour Massachusetts metalcore titans Killswitch Engage are loading up the bus and taking no prisoners this summer. The band has officially announced a headline U.S. tour set to kick off... More

Killswitch Engage Announce Massive Summer 2026 U.S. Headline Tour Massachusetts metalcore titans Killswitch Engage are loading up the bus and taking no prisoners this summer. The band has officially announced a headline U.S. tour set to kick off June 3 in Detroit and wrap up June 27 in San Francisco, marking their first full U.S. run since last year’s Summer of Loud trek. If you’ve been waiting to scream every word back at Jesse Leach, this is your moment. The tour comes in support of their latest album This Consequence, out now via Metal Blade Records. The record has already made serious noise, fueled by the Top 5 single “I Believe,” which climbed to No. 3, and a successful Winter/Spring 2025 run that proved KsE are still swinging harder than ever. A Lineup Built for Total Destruction This isn’t just a tour. It’s a stacked bill that reads like a metal fan’s dream. Joining KsE on the road: Machine Head Iron Reagan Havok Yes, that Machine Head. And yes, Robb Flynn is bringing the heat. Jesse Leach didn’t hold back on the hype: he’s fired up to hit major cities with what he calls an absolutely killer lineup. With thrash fury, hardcore grit, and modern metal precision all packed into one bill, this one is built to electrify and dominate every stop. Festival Appearances Included Along the way, the tour will hit major festival stages, including: Milwaukee Metal Fest DC Warped Tour Festival sets plus headline club and theater dates means fans get both the big-stage spectacle and the up-close chaos. Tour Dates With Machine Head, Iron Reagan, and Havok 6/03 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore6/05 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore6/06 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Metal Fest*6/07 – South Bend, IN – Four Winds Field6/09 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz6/11 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount6/12 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner6/13 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center6/14 – Washington, DC – DC Warped Tour*6/16 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live6/17 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle6/19 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom6/20 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center6/21 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port6/23 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center6/24 – Tempe, AZ – The Marquee6/25 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium6/27 – San Francisco, CA – Warfield *Festival appearance Pre-sales begin March 3 at 2pm ET and run through March 5 at 10pm local time. General on-sale starts March 6 at 10am local time. 25 Years and Still Crushing Formed in 2000 in Western Massachusetts, Killswitch Engage helped define early 2000s heavy music by fusing European-inspired guitar precision with East Coast hardcore intensity. Their 2002 breakthrough Alive or Just Breathing became a genre benchmark, while The End of Heartache earned gold certification and As Daylight Dies went platinum. With three Grammy nominations, multiple Top 10 Billboard debuts, nearly 3 billion streams, and countless sold-out tours alongside the likes of Iron Maiden, Slipknot, and Slayer, KsE have long since moved from rising stars to certified pillars of modern metal. Now celebrating 25 years as one of the most vital bands of the 2000s metal movement, they’re proving once again that consistency, passion, and road-warrior grit still matter. Bottom line? This summer run is not a nostalgia lap. It’s a statement. Killswitch Engage are back on the road, armed with a fresh record, a brutal supporting cast, and something to prove. If this tour rolls through your city, you already know what to do. 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, HETSHEADS , 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, HETSHEADS , crushed the competition with a staggering 322,430 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, March  7th at 9PM EST!  Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 03/02/26 - 03/06/26 Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HETSHEADS NAMED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER SHATTERING RECORD WITH 322,430 VOTES Stockholm, Sweden — Swedish death metal legends HETSHEADS have been crowned Band of the Month for March 2026, amassing an astonishing 322,430... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HETSHEADS NAMED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER SHATTERING RECORD WITH 322,430 VOTES Stockholm, Sweden — Swedish death metal legends HETSHEADS have been crowned Band of the Month for March 2026, amassing an astonishing 322,430 votes in a historic showing of fan support. Their only release, “…We Hail the Possessed,” has cemented its status as a cornerstone of early ’90s Swedish Death Metal and continues to captivate metal enthusiasts worldwide. Originally emerging in 1991, HETSHEADS quickly distinguished themselves in the burgeoning Swedish death metal scene, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cult acts such as GOD MACABRE, NIRVANA 2002, and UTUMNO. Though the band never recorded a full-length album and eventually shifted into more mainstream projects under the name BLACKSHINE, their 1991 demo and unreleased double EP, now compiled on “…We Hail the Possessed,” remain an essential document of the era. The album’s journey has been as legendary as its music. Initially released by Repulse Records in 1994 and later licensed in Malaysia on cassette in 1995, the recordings have endured chaotic reissues, poor presentations, and long periods of scarcity. Today, under official license from Cherry Red, Xtreem Music has delivered the definitive edition — fully remastered on CD and 12” LP with original artwork, inserts, and silver printing, alongside strictly limited cassette and T-shirt editions. “…We Hail the Possessed” showcases pure Swedish Death Metal at its finest, combining crushing riffs, feral vocals, and relentless aggression. Fans of ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, GOD MACABRE, NIRVANA 2002, and WOMBBATH will find a rare gem that captures the raw intensity of the genre’s early ’90s peak. Notably, HETSHEADS’ vocalist went on to record the first album by NECROPHOBIC, further cementing the band’s influence in extreme metal history. This recognition as Band of the Month highlights the enduring power of HETSHEADS’ music and the passionate community that continues to celebrate it decades later. With over 322,000 votes, fans have propelled this cult classic back into the spotlight, ensuring its place in the annals of Swedish death metal legend. HETSHEADS is: Vocalist – Former NECROPHOBIC member Additional members – (original line-up details preserved in reissue booklet) “…We Hail the Possessed” is available now on CD, vinyl, cassette, and limited T-shirt editions. Support and explore HETSHEADS here: http://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Royal Hunt Unleashes Unplugged Acoustic Video of Fan-Favorite “Half Past Loneliness” Global Progressive Metal Icons Celebrate Fans with Stunning Acoustic Performance Copenhagen, Denmark – Legendary progressive metal outfit... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Royal Hunt Unleashes Unplugged Acoustic Video of Fan-Favorite “Half Past Loneliness” Global Progressive Metal Icons Celebrate Fans with Stunning Acoustic Performance Copenhagen, Denmark – Legendary progressive metal outfit Royal Hunt has released an unplugged acoustic version video of their fan-favorite track, “Half Past Loneliness”. Fans can watch the intimate performance now on YouTube: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="vieZ61TENTM"] Originally recorded for the 2011 album Show Me How To Live (https://royalhunt.com/show-live/), the acoustic rendition comes from the recently released EP Behind the Curtain, which debuted on November 5, 2025 via NorthPoint Productions & Sound Pollution (EU / North & South America) and October 29, 2025 via King Records (Japan / SE Asia). The EP was created as a celebration of Royal Hunt’s global fan community and made possible through overwhelming fan support. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1PMdP7oiKzPNewkNOYTh2i Get the CD, DVD, and Official Merch: https://royalhunt.com About “Ride Into the Sunset”Originally intended as the closing chapter of Dystopia, Pt. 2, “Ride Into the Sunset” tells the story of a man disillusioned with the world, longing to break free and disappear into the horizon – reminiscent of the epic finales of classic western films. After nearly two years on the shelf, the track now takes its rightful place in the spotlight. About Royal HuntFormed in 1989 by keyboardist André Andersen, Royal Hunt has forged a reputation as a powerhouse of progressive and symphonic metal. With over 1.8 million albums sold worldwide, the band fuses classic rock energy with intricate, modern arrangements. Their recent global performances include headlining Leyendas del Rock Festival (Spain), Jailbreak Festival (Denmark), Posada Rock (Romania), Epic Festival (Denmark), and a standout Japanese tour in 2025. Royal Hunt also delivered unforgettable performances at the 70,000 Tons of Metal Festival in 2026, with additional major festival appearances confirmed for summer 2026. Royal Hunt Lineup: André Andersen – keyboardsDC Cooper – vocalsAndreas Passmark – bassJonas Larsen – guitarsAndreas HABO Johansson – drumsMore Info: www.royalhunt.com Connect with Royal Hunt https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CzAMm46coQpauDZj4a4ichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/royal-hunt/72774929https://www.instagram.com/royalhunt_officialhttps://www.facebook.com/royalhunt Contact: info@northpoint-productions.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Director Of Unauthorized Wayne Static Documentary Claims He Was Offered Money To Halt Production Los Angeles, CA — The controversy surrounding the unauthorized documentary about Wayne Static and Tera Wray continues to... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Director Of Unauthorized Wayne Static Documentary Claims He Was Offered Money To Halt Production Los Angeles, CA — The controversy surrounding the unauthorized documentary about Wayne Static and Tera Wray continues to intensify. Director Matt Zane now claims he was offered a substantial financial payout in exchange for abandoning the project altogether. According to Zane, he received a call from a production company attempting to broker a deal between himself and Static-X management. “I got a call from a decent-sized production company that was attempting to work out a deal between myself and Static-X management regarding my documentary, saying they would basically be willing to essentially pay me to not make the film,” said Zane. Zane says he refused the offer, but alleges that further attempts followed. “A day or so later I get a call from Josh Vargas, another director friend of mine who’s done some notable stuff. He says he has an even bigger project for me and can start getting me money by the end of the week as long as I drop the Wayne and Tera project. Obviously the timing was incredibly suspicious. I politely declined.” The estates of Wayne Static and Tera Wray have previously issued a cease and desist order against the production. Despite the legal pressure and what he describes as financial incentives to step away, Zane insists he will continue forward. “I’m self-funding it now. Whatever it takes. Wayne and Tera asked me to do this and it will become apparent when the movie is released.” The documentary, which remains unauthorized by the estates, is currently in development. Zane has stated he intends to proceed independently. For updates on the film’s progress, follow Zane on Instagram: @lordzane. Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Machine Cult Ritual Announces Debut Album Occult Mechanics Out April 3 Denmark’s industrial underground is about to get a whole lot heavier. Machine Cult Ritual will unleash its debut full-length album, Occult Mechanics,... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Machine Cult Ritual Announces Debut Album Occult Mechanics Out April 3 Denmark’s industrial underground is about to get a whole lot heavier. Machine Cult Ritual will unleash its debut full-length album, Occult Mechanics, on April 3 via LÆBEL on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp. A strictly limited edition cassette will also be available in the United States through Dungeon Squid Productions for those who still believe music should feel dangerous in your hands. Founded in 2025, Machine Cult Ritual is the industrial death doom brainchild of Danish composer and producer John R. Mirland, also known as Mirland. If that name rings a bell, it should. Mirland has built an international reputation in the industrial and dark ambient scenes through a steady stream of solo releases and production work. Now he turns the dial toward the abyss. Occult Mechanics fuses crushing doom riffs, punishing drum machines, corrosive synth textures, and cavernous growls into a sound that is as mechanical as it is suffocating. It is industrial death doom done with intent, not trend chasing. Fans of Godflesh, Paradise Lost, and the Filth Pig era of Ministry will find themselves right at home in this bleak, grinding landscape. Lyrically, the album dives headfirst into folk horror and cosmic terror, weaving tales of ancient dread and mechanical inevitability. The result feels like ritual music for a post-industrial wasteland. Cold, oppressive, and strangely hypnotic. Mirland’s first step into metal came with the 2021 black metal mini album Liv Uden Liv, released under the name Udpint. With Machine Cult Ritual, he pulls together every thread from his past work, from extreme metal to dark ambient to industrial noise, and forges it into something cohesive and unapologetically heavy. Produced and mastered by Mirland himself, Occult Mechanics is not a side project. It is a statement. Precision engineered despair with weight behind every note. Occult Mechanics drops April 3 on all major streaming services and Bandcamp:https://machinecultritual.bandcamp.com/album/occult-mechanics Digital and streaming release via LÆBEL. Limited US cassette edition through Dungeon Squid Productions. Prepare accordingly. For press inquiries, interviews, reviews, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com Connect:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588459781626https://machinecultritual.bandcamp.com/album/occult-mechanics Contact: machinecultritual@mirland.dk Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Titan Arum Unleash “The Phantom of the North” Out Now via Camazots Records Release Date: February 27, 2026FFO: Blind Guardian, Ensiferum, FalconerGenre: Power Metal, Melodic Death Metal Titan Arum have released their brand... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Titan Arum Unleash “The Phantom of the North” Out Now via Camazots Records Release Date: February 27, 2026FFO: Blind Guardian, Ensiferum, FalconerGenre: Power Metal, Melodic Death Metal Titan Arum have released their brand new single, “The Phantom of the North,” the first of several upcoming tracks set to arrive in 2026. Blending soaring power metal heroics with a sharp edge of melodic death metal, the band continues to carve out a sound that feels both epic and untamed. Rooted in a deep appreciation for their local arts community in Peterborough, Titan Arum enlisted artist Nyx to create the artwork for the single. Given full creative freedom, Nyx channeled the band’s dark fairy tale themes and animal-driven imagery into a striking visual companion piece that perfectly mirrors the music’s atmosphere. Musically, “The Phantom of the North” is an owl-themed power metal epic with a flash of the band’s signature melodic death metal intensity. The lyrics tell an original tale of a mystical owl pursued across dimensions by relentless enemies. The track also features audio sampling from The Secret of NIMH, whose own mysterious owl mythology made it a natural fit for the song’s narrative world. For production, Titan Arum once again turned to the trusted ears of Tyler Martin at Electric Alchemy for mixing, with mastering handled by Steve Kilpatrick. The result is a polished yet powerful track that captures both cinematic scope and raw metal energy. Stream / Download:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/titanarum/the-phantom-of-the-north Label: Camazots Records Production Credits:Mixed by Tyler Martin at Electric AlchemyMastered by Steve Kilpatrick Media Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com Connect:  https://linktr.ee/Titanarumband Contact: titanarumtheband@gmail.com Less