NoCleanSinging: Bokkerijders Premiere New Track “Calcination Pyre” Ahead of Debut Album Crush Kill Destroy Belgian black metal outfit Bokkerijders have unleashed their latest track “Calcination Pyre,” the second song revealed from their highly... More

NoCleanSinging: Bokkerijders Premiere New Track “Calcination Pyre” Ahead of Debut Album Crush Kill Destroy Belgian black metal outfit Bokkerijders have unleashed their latest track “Calcination Pyre,” the second song revealed from their highly anticipated debut full-length, Crush Kill Destroy. Hailing from Belgium’s rich but often overlooked black metal scene, Bokkerijders formed in 2021 and quickly established their identity with the release of their debut demo in 2022. The band followed it with the Silver Dust and Swords of Gold EP in 2023, further developing their raw, riff-driven approach to metal. Now, Bokkerijders are preparing to unleash Crush Kill Destroy, which is scheduled for international release on October 23, 2026, via Personal Records. The band has premiered “Calcination Pyre” through NoCleanSinging.com, giving listeners another glimpse into what the Belgian trio have been forging on their debut album. Listen to “Calcination Pyre” in its entirety via NoCleanSinging: https://www.nocleansinging.com/2026/09/22/an-ncs-premiere-bokkerijders-calcination-pyre/ While Bokkerijders are rooted in black metal, the band takes a far broader view of what constitutes heavy metal. Their influences span the likes of Aura Noir, Slayer, and Turbonegro, with the group approaching the music without being overly concerned with rigid subgenre boundaries. That attitude carries directly into Crush Kill Destroy. The album delivers exactly what its title promises: aggressive, direct, riff-heavy metal that balances a ripping, raw production with enough clarity to let the layers of guitar work come through. The songwriting is concise and energetic, with pounding rhythms, memorable riffs, strategically placed solos, and a sense of urgency running throughout. Beneath the straightforward attack, however, there is considerably more going on. The record draws from the crusty, archaic edges of extreme metal while maintaining the band's commitment to simple, powerful songwriting. Crush Kill Destroy also carries a particularly significant weight for Bokkerijders. The album serves as a final musical statement featuring lead guitarist Wouter Lemmens, who passed away in September 2025. Following Lemmens' death, Bokkerijders will continue forward as a power trio, with Crush Kill Destroy serving as both a debut statement and a lasting piece of the band's history. The previously released title track, “Crush Kill Destroy,” is also available through Personal Records' Bandcamp, while preorders for the album are now underway. Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ART OF SHOCK KICK OFF A NEW ERA WITH EXPLOSIVE SINGLE “YOU ARE THE PLAGUE” Los Angeles Metal Force Unleashes First Release Through Their Own AOMFS Records Release Date: Friday, September 18, 2026Genre: Metal / Alternative... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ART OF SHOCK KICK OFF A NEW ERA WITH EXPLOSIVE SINGLE “YOU ARE THE PLAGUE” Los Angeles Metal Force Unleashes First Release Through Their Own AOMFS Records Release Date: Friday, September 18, 2026Genre: Metal / Alternative Metal / Thrash MetalFor Fans Of: Metallica, Pantera, Avenged SevenfoldLabel: AOMFS Records Listen / Follow Art of Shock:https://artofshock.netlify.app/links/ Bandcamp:https://artofshock.bandcamp.com/ Los Angeles metal veterans Art of Shock have officially entered a new chapter with the release of their explosive new single “You Are The Plague,” now available through their own label, AOMFS Records. Forged through years of chaos, relentless touring, lineup changes, personal setbacks, industry upheaval, and sheer survival, Art of Shock returns with a song that reflects exactly where the band stands today: louder, heavier, more aggressive, and completely unwilling to disappear. “You Are The Plague” moves without warning between speed and crushing heaviness, combining powerful clean vocals, vicious growls, massive hooks, and the kind of uncompromising metal that has defined Art of Shock throughout their career. “Art of Shock is back, baby! It was a hard process, but here we are. Introducing ‘You Are The Plague,’ the first of many songs coming your way through AOMFS Records. On this one, we go through some familiar places, but with our sights fixed firmly on the future. You’ll notice!” Written by Art Geezar and Adrian Geezar, “You Are The Plague” was produced, mixed, and mastered by Thurman Shumway. Forged in Hollywood. Built Through Survival. Art of Shock's story began in Los Angeles, where Art Geezar, Adrian Geezar, and Brice Snyder cut their teeth on the Sunset Strip. The band became known as the Whisky a Go Go's unofficial house band, turning the legendary Hollywood venue into a proving ground for their explosive live performances. That same energy carried onto the Vans Warped Tour, where Art of Shock commanded stages by day and became notorious for hosting the tour's afterparties every night. The band went on to release two full-length albums through Century Media Records, earning placements on Billboard, VEVO, and college radio charts, while sharing stages with major names including Sepultura, Crowbar, Brujeria, Sacred Reich, Trivium, Hirax, and Cavalera Conspiracy. But the road forward was never easy. Lineup changes, personal losses, financial pressure, industry upheaval, broken plans, and the disruption caused by the pandemic repeatedly forced Art of Shock to rebuild. Rather than becoming a victim story, those experiences became fuel. Every setback created new material. Every collapse demanded another version of the band. Now, Art of Shock is turning that survival instinct into something louder while taking greater control over how that music reaches the world. Taking Back Control With AOMFS Records, Art of Shock is entering this next chapter on its own terms. The label represents the band's decision to take control of its artistic output and determine for itself how its music is released, presented, and ultimately experienced by its audience. That independence is at the heart of the band's new era. After years of navigating the traditional music industry, Art of Shock is no longer waiting for someone else to decide what comes next. AOMFS Records puts that decision back in the band's hands. And “You Are The Plague” is the first statement from that new chapter. “You Are The Plague” The band's new single takes direct aim at weaponized misinformation, anti-scientific thinking, and political control disguised as religious faith. The song confronts those who transform ignorance into influence and use that influence to pull society backward. The aggression is intentional, the target is clear, and the message is delivered with the full force of Art of Shock's trademark metal attack. For Art of Shock, “You Are The Plague” is not simply a comeback. It is the next move. This is a band that has survived enough to know exactly what matters, and they have no intention of slowing down. “You Are The Plague” is the brutal sound of survival. About Art of Shock From the streets of Hollywood to stages around the world, Art of Shock was forged through loud shows, debauchery, chaos, and survival. Art Geezar, Adrian Geezar, and Brice Snyder turn their inner demons into intense, uncompromised metal built on crushing anthems, ferocious vocals, and massive hooks. After two full-length releases through Century Media Records, appearances on Billboard, VEVO, and college radio charts, Vans Warped Tour performances, and tours and shows alongside some of metal's most respected acts, Art of Shock enters its next era with “You Are The Plague,” the first release through their own label, AOMFS Records. The past built the band. Survival made them louder. Now they're taking control of what comes next. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="Uap29BOeA0I"] Release Details Art of Shock – “You Are The Plague”Release Date: September 18, 2026Release Status: Out NowRelease Type: SingleGenre: Metal / Alternative Metal / Thrash MetalLabel: AOMFS Records Written by: Art Geezar & Adrian GeezarProduced by: Thurman ShumwayMixed by: Thurman ShumwayMastered by: Thurman Shumway Official Links:https://artofshock.netlify.app/links/https://artofshock.bandcamp.com/https://aomfsrecords.com/press/you-are-the-plague/ Media / Booking / General Contact:Artinfo@aomfsrecords.com 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, September 25th at 9PM EST! Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 09/22/26 - 09/25/26 Less

Helldrifter Begin Preparing New Material Following Busy Touring Cycle German melodic death metal outfit Helldrifter are already looking toward their next chapter, with the band confirming that work on new material will officially begin after the... More

Helldrifter Begin Preparing New Material Following Busy Touring Cycle German melodic death metal outfit Helldrifter are already looking toward their next chapter, with the band confirming that work on new material will officially begin after the summer. German melodic death metal band Helldrifter are gearing up for the next phase of their career. Following an extensive period of touring and live activity, the southern German outfit has announced that they will begin working on new material after the summer. While the songwriting process remains in its early stages, the band has revealed that a substantial amount of new music is already beginning to take shape behind the scenes. The announcement comes as Helldrifter approach the end of a particularly active touring cycle supporting their latest release, Shell of Inexistence. Over the past year, the band has taken their melodic death metal attack across Germany, including an extensive support run with Dutch death metal veterans Sinister. Helldrifter subsequently continued their campaign with a series of club shows throughout Germany, building on the momentum generated by the release. The band are now preparing for their final festival appearances of the summer before turning their attention toward songwriting and the creation of what will become their next release. Although Helldrifter aren't revealing many details about the new material just yet, their latest announcement suggests that the band isn't short on ideas. Lead vocalist Billy Kolins comments: "Something new is brewing, and we're incredibly excited about what's coming. It will take some time, but one thing is for sure: there will be a lot of new material." That last part should certainly get the attention of anyone who has been following the band. With the Shell of Inexistence touring cycle winding down, Helldrifter are entering a different phase. Rather than immediately rushing another release into production, the band will have time to develop the material and determine where they want to take their sound next. For a band operating in the melodic death metal territory occupied by acts such as Carcass, At The Gates, Benediction, and Death, expectations will naturally be high. For now, however, the details remain firmly under wraps. What is known is that Helldrifter have new music brewing, the writing process is set to begin in earnest after the summer, and according to Kolins, there will be a lot of new material coming out of the process. For fans who have been following the band through their recent touring run, the next chapter is already beginning to take shape. Listen To Shell of Inexistence [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="eSJWBJoc9O4"] For Fans Of Carcass • At The Gates • Benediction • Death Follow Helldrifter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Helldrifter/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helldrifter_/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/16Zbu9rjTiX5AVQBjfTOUa Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FERAL VERMIN BRINGS PARANORMAL ENCOUNTERS, OLD-SCHOOL METAL, AND THE DARKER SIDE OF HUMANITY TO “HARVEY IN THE HOUSE” Texas-Based Heavy Metal Act Delivers a Nostalgic, Theatrical Trip Into the Supernatural With Their New... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FERAL VERMIN BRINGS PARANORMAL ENCOUNTERS, OLD-SCHOOL METAL, AND THE DARKER SIDE OF HUMANITY TO “HARVEY IN THE HOUSE” Texas-Based Heavy Metal Act Delivers a Nostalgic, Theatrical Trip Into the Supernatural With Their New Album Release Date: September 7, 2026 Feral Vermin invites listeners into a world where old-school heavy metal, paranormal encounters, theatrical imagery, and the darker side of human nature collide with the release of their new album, Harvey in the House, released September 7, 2026. Described by the band as “old school metal with crazy paranormal encounters,” Harvey in the House draws heavily from the group's appreciation for classic metal while bringing a distinctly modern sense of atmosphere and storytelling to the material. At the center of that story is Harvey, a ghost-like entity connected to a true account from guitarist Gary Watson's home. Founded by Steven Eddie in 2013 as a largely private musical project, Feral Vermin remained relatively quiet for years with little emphasis on promotion. That changed as the lineup expanded, bringing together Eddie with Gary Watson, Morgan Heck, Cameron Brown, and theatrical performer Rick Kalifa. The resulting incarnation of Feral Vermin is built around a mixture of experience, contrasting musical backgrounds, and a shared appreciation for heavy music and theatrical presentation. Eddie handles vocals, lyrics, and guitars, bringing his experience as vocalist for Cryptic Veil, a project formed in 2013 that went on to perform throughout the DFW area and tour through Colorado and Oklahoma. He has also performed with Portals of the Tomb Guard alongside Heck and serves as vocalist and guitarist for Ink'nOrbodica, which has since evolved into Feral Vermin. Guitarist Gary Watson brings decades of musical history to the project. His career stretches back to the early 1970s, when he joined the band SWEETLEAF. The group spent years performing throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Mississippi before Watson later became involved with the Texas punk band The Mentals in the early 1980s. That musical history plays an important role in the sound of Feral Vermin. Watson's songwriting and composition help give Harvey in the House its nostalgic character, while Eddie's metal vocals and lyrical approach provide the heavier edge. Morgan Heck adds another layer of experience to the lineup as a seasoned musician and founder, guitarist, and vocalist for Sign of the Times. Bassist Cameron Brown also brings a wide-ranging musical skill set to the project, including his work on keys. Rick Kalifa completes the lineup by taking on the theatrical side of Feral Vermin, helping bring the band's visual identity and the character of Harvey to life. But Harvey is only part of the story. Feral Vermin's music explores what the band describes as “the beast of mankind”, the feral side that exists within all of us. Their subject matter reaches into darkness, wickedness, mental trauma, disorders, bad days, and the struggles that can shape the human experience. At the same time, the band doesn't view its world as being entirely consumed by darkness. There is balance. Everything is not gloom and doom. That contrast between darkness and positivity forms part of the conceptual identity behind Feral Vermin, creating a world where horror, humor, human struggle, theatricality, and heavy metal can exist side by side. Harvey in the House was produced and recorded by Steven Eddie at Hard Wall Studios and Bee Cave Records, with mixing and mastering handled by Rick Greenwood at Geneva Post Audio. For listeners drawn to the classic heaviness of Black Sabbath, the darker theatricality of Marilyn Manson, and the straightforward power of AC/DC, Feral Vermin offers a distinctly personal take on heavy metal that reaches backward for inspiration while creating its own strange little corner of the genre. Welcome to their world. Welcome to your world. Welcome to Feral Vermin. Harvey in the House is out now. Feral Vermin Genre: Heavy MetalAlbum: Harvey in the HouseRelease Date: September 7, 2026 Featuring:Steven Eddie - Vocals, Lyrics, GuitarsGary Watson - Rhythm & Lead GuitarsCameron Brown - BassMorgan Heck - DrumsRick Kalifa - Theatrics Production:Produced & Recorded by Steven EddieHard Wall Studios / Bee Cave RecordsMixed & Mastered by Rick GreenwoodGeneva Post Audio Listen to Harvey in the House:https://feralvermin.bandcamp.com/album/harvey-in-the-house Harvey in the House by Feral Vermin Connect: https://feralvermin.net/https://www.facebook.com/zezachs/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_QV0FBYuS0K511r_yZjDWghttps://www.instagram.com/feral_vermin_band/ Contact:Steven Eddiecrypticveil@gmail.com Less

METAL DEVASTATION PR ARTISTS TAKE OVER THE LATEST ISSUE OF METALIZED MAGAZINE Five Finger Death Punch Lands the Cover as Multiple Metal Devastation PR Artists Receive Reviews and Feature Coverage in the Latest Issue The latest issue of Denmark's... More

METAL DEVASTATION PR ARTISTS TAKE OVER THE LATEST ISSUE OF METALIZED MAGAZINE Five Finger Death Punch Lands the Cover as Multiple Metal Devastation PR Artists Receive Reviews and Feature Coverage in the Latest Issue The latest issue of Denmark's long-running Metalized Magazine has arrived, featuring Five Finger Death Punch on the cover and a substantial showing from artists represented through Metal Devastation PR. From symphonic power metal and classic speed metal to industrial doom, thrash, technical death metal, and extreme metal, the issue showcases a wide range of artists working across today's international metal underground. Among the featured Metal Devastation PR artists are Symphony of Destiny, Sönus, Nothing Sacred, Machine Cult Ritual, Iron Wings, Eaten By Sharks, Blood of Angels, Archfiend, Blood Desecration and Doomherre, with several receiving dedicated album reviews while others are featured in in-depth interviews. SYMPHONY OF DESTINY Heroes of Egypt | 7/10 Metalized describes Symphony of Destiny's debut EP as a dramatic and heavy first chapter that combines symphonic layers, power metal energy, and cinematic gestures with Egyptian mythology. The review highlights Anne Dueweke's dramatic vocals and Wesley Eldridge's guitar work, specifically praising tracks including "Exile of Horus," "The Riddle," and "Rampage (Bastet)." Metalized calls the release "promising, dramatic, and heavy", noting that the Virginia band "dares to dream in CinemaScope and play with pharaonic weight." Heroes of Egypt by Symphony of Destiny SÖNUS Planes of Torment | 7/10 California trio Sönus receives recognition for their blend of classic rock, psychedelic textures, progressive elements, and metal, with Metalized noting the spirit of rock's golden age throughout the seven-track release. The album was recorded live in the studio in an effort to preserve its raw energy, and the review describes the result as "charming" and "a nostalgic breath from a bygone era." Planes of Torment by SÖNUS NOTHING SACRED 4 Tracks | 8/10 Australian speed metal pioneers Nothing Sacred receive one of the issue's strongest review scores, with an 8/10 for the four tracks released from their upcoming EP. Metalized emphasizes that the band, formed in 1983, sounds "hungrier than many bands with a fraction of their seniority" and makes clear that Nothing Sacred is not simply relying on its history. "Break" and "Burning From Above" are praised for their classic speed metal, strong riffs, and catchy choruses, while "Your Time Will Come" is singled out as a highlight with a chorus that "sticks after just a few listens." The review also praises the band's ability to avoid chasing modern trends while continuing to write relevant metal, describing the production as heavy and well-balanced without losing raw energy. MACHINE CULT RITUAL Occult Mechanics | 9/10 John R. Mirland's Machine Cult Ritual receives the highest score among the featured reviews with an impressive 9/10. Metalized describes Mirland as a longstanding figure in Denmark's industrial underground, with decades of work spanning dark ambient, experimental electronica, and industrial noise. With Occult Mechanics, those influences are channeled into a combination of industrial, death doom, and folk horror, creating a narrative centered around civilizational decay, cosmic horror, and the cold rituals of machines. The review highlights mechanical drums, suffocating riffs, and corrosive synth pads, describing the resulting atmosphere as something closer to "a dystopian ceremony than a traditional record." Occult Mechanics by Machine Cult Ritual IRON WINGS Alpha & Omega | 7/10 Latvian thrash/heavy metal band Iron Wings earns a 7/10 for Alpha & Omega, their third full-length album. While the review is critical of some of the album's weaker moments, Metalized recognizes the band's strongest material and describes the record as a "nice cross between thrash and heavy metal." The review specifically highlights the opener's unexpected impact, several tracks on the second half of the record, and closer "Cyanide," while calling Alpha & Omega the band's third and clearly best record. Iron Wings also receive a full interview in the issue, discussing their history, their transition from Latvian to English lyrics, the evolution of their sound, the inspiration behind "Halo from Hell," their songwriting, and plans to tour in support of Alpha & Omega. Alpha & Omega by Iron Wings EATEN BY SHARKS The Undertow of Hate | 6/10 Canadian death metal outfit Eaten By Sharks is featured with a review of their second full-length, The Undertow of Hate out now via CDN Records. Metalized describes the record as brutal technical death metal, highlighting the band's ocean-themed approach, extensive use of samples, and vocalist Matt Sheriff's ability to move between deep guttural roars and high-pitched screams. The review also notes the album's spotless production and the band's clear technical ability. The Undertow Of Hate by Eaten By Sharks BLOOD OF ANGELS Les Angst Ov Thanatous | 7/10 Tampa, Florida's Blood of Angels earns a 7/10 for Les Angst Ov Thanatous, with Metalized describing the band's music as a high-octane combination of death, black, thrash, and power metal. The nine-track album explores themes surrounding grief, violence, rituals, remembrance, and reflection. Blood of Angels also receive an extensive interview with guitarist and founder Aaron Robinson, covering the band's origins, international touring, the evolution of their songwriting, the themes behind the new album, Nordic mythology and family roots, and the band's commitment to the live experience. Robinson also discusses the band's goal of continuing to tour the UK, USA, Mexico, and Europe while helping connect generations of metal musicians. ARCHFIEND Lost Forever | 8/10 Midwest metal band Archfiend receives an 8/10 for Lost Forever, a concept album following the harrowing story of 14-year-old Jenna Lee, from an abusive home situation through human trafficking and its consequences. Metalized praises the album's strong and unsettling narrative, as well as the additional visual dimension provided through animation on the band's YouTube channel. The review calls the story "well thought out and executed" and praises the band's old-fashioned approach to music and art. Lost Forever by Archfiend UP DOOMHERRE "When the Doom Bullfinch Chirps" Swedish doom trio Doomherre receives a dedicated feature exploring the band's origins, influences, latest album Plaguelords, and plans for their next record. The feature highlights the band's classic doom foundation, with references to Black Sabbath and Candlemass, while bassist Max Collin discusses how the project began as a way to combat isolation during the pandemic before growing into something considerably more ambitious. Doomherre has already begun writing its third album, with Collin revealing that years of accumulated musical ideas have given the band an unusually large amount of material to work with. The feature also covers their Four Altars of Sin EP collaboration with Kaiser, Hexjakt, and Ordos, as well as the long musical history shared by members of the trio. Plaguelords by Doomherre BLOOD DESECRATION Demonvangelist | 7/10 Rochester, New York black/death metal band Blood Desecration receives a 7/10 for Demonvangelist, a six-track EP described by Metalized as an intensely dark and aggressive release. The review highlights the band's fire, screams, shouts, and growls, describing the music as "damn evil" and emphasizing its extreme black/death metal character. Metalized's reviewer particularly leans into the band's uncompromising darkness, ultimately describing Blood Desecration as "more black than black and more dead than death itself." Demonvangelist by Blood Desecration ANOTHER STRONG SHOWING FOR METAL DEVASTATION PR The latest Metalized issue represents another significant round of exposure for the artists working with Metal Devastation PR, spanning multiple countries, generations, and corners of the metal spectrum. With album reviews, interviews, and dedicated feature coverage appearing throughout an issue carrying Five Finger Death Punch on its cover, the issue provides another example of the international media opportunities available to independent metal artists through Metal Devastation PR. Metal Devastation PR continues to connect independent and underground metal artists with legitimate media, radio, magazines, and promotional opportunities around the world. Major Metal Media. Real Coverage. Worldwide Exposure. For information about Metal Devastation PR campaigns, contact: Zach MoonshineMetal Devastation PRzach@metaldevastationradio.com Grab a copy here before they sell out: https://www.metalized.dk/ Less

VENOM INC. guitarist Curran Murphy has sparked a discussion among his social media followers after sharing a lengthy and outspoken post addressing his experiences with the United States and his views on American society. Murphy's comments center... More

VENOM INC. guitarist Curran Murphy has sparked a discussion among his social media followers after sharing a lengthy and outspoken post addressing his experiences with the United States and his views on American society. Murphy's comments center around what he describes as the difference between the way America is presented to its citizens and what he believes people encounter when they travel outside the country. "The weirdest thing about leaving America is realizing how much of America is just a sales pitch," Murphy wrote. He went on to compare aspects of life in the United States with what he says he has encountered overseas, pointing specifically to public transportation, healthcare, worker vacation time, pedestrian-friendly cities and other social infrastructure. "You spend your whole life hearing 'greatest country on Earth,' then you go overseas and see clean trains, safer streets, affordable medicine, cities where people can walk without playing Frogger with an SUV, and workers who take vacations without acting like they committed treason," he wrote. Murphy then turned his attention toward issues he believes Americans have become accustomed to tolerating, including infrastructure, healthcare costs, gun violence, homelessness and political polarization. "And somehow we're all supposed to stand there, hand over heart, and pretend this is normal," he wrote. Despite the criticism, Murphy made a point of distinguishing his frustration with the country's problems from hatred of America itself. "I don't hate America. I hate what America has been taught to tolerate," he stated. Murphy also challenged the idea that policies such as universal healthcare, paid leave, environmental protections and increased protections for children should be considered inherently radical. "Healthcare? Radical. Paid leave? Radical. Clean air? Radical. Kids not getting shot in math class? Somehow political," he wrote. The guitarist also took aim at what he described as performative patriotism, arguing that symbols of national pride cannot substitute for addressing problems affecting ordinary Americans. "A flag doesn't pay rent. A bald eagle doesn't cover insulin. Fireworks don't fix bridges. And chanting 'USA' doesn't make a broken system less broken," Murphy wrote. Murphy concluded by arguing that criticism of the United States does not necessarily represent a rejection of the country itself, but can instead come from a desire to see conditions improve. "America has incredible people. That's the tragedy. The people are better than the system they've been forced to defend," he wrote. He finished the post with a statement that summarizes the central argument behind his comments: "Real patriotism isn't pretending the country is perfect. Real patriotism is being angry that it isn't." Murphy's post has generated discussion among followers, with reactions ranging from agreement with his criticisms to disagreement over his characterization of American society and the country's political system. Regardless of where one stands on the issues Murphy raises, his message is unmistakably direct: he believes loving a country and criticizing its problems are not mutually exclusive. The post comes from Murphy's personal social media account and represents his own views. Less

SIX STRING REVOLVER’S RAVENHAWK TALKS ‘BE SOMEBODY,’ BREAKING FREE, MUSIC, AI AND THE POWER OF ROCK AND ROLL There are plenty of bands making noise in the underground, but every once in a while you come across an artist whose music is tied... More

SIX STRING REVOLVER’S RAVENHAWK TALKS ‘BE SOMEBODY,’ BREAKING FREE, MUSIC, AI AND THE POWER OF ROCK AND ROLL There are plenty of bands making noise in the underground, but every once in a while you come across an artist whose music is tied directly to the life they've lived. For “RavenHawk” of Six String Revolver, the songs are more than just riffs, hooks and volume. They are a vehicle for telling stories, confronting darkness and, in his words, being “the voice for the voiceless.” RavenHawk recently joined The Zach Moonshine Show for a wide-ranging conversation covering the band's history, their latest album Be Somebody, the stories behind several of their songs, growing up in a high-control religious environment, his love of classic rock and metal, the importance of physical music and magazines, the growing presence of AI in music, and what lies ahead for Six String Revolver. One of the songs discussed during the interview was “Sick Mind,” a track RavenHawk describes as a statement song dealing with online predators and the dangers facing children on the internet. “You see injustice in the world like that, man. You want to speak out,” RavenHawk explained. “And the way I know how to speak out is through our music.” That philosophy appears to run throughout Six String Revolver's material. RavenHawk says longtime producer Chris Richardson once told him to “be the voice for the voiceless,” a phrase that has stayed with him. FROM A LAST-MINUTE GIG TO SIX STRING REVOLVER Six String Revolver came together in somewhat unconventional fashion. RavenHawk had previously stepped away from music after a former band dissolved. Then came an opportunity to open for Saving Abel and P.O.D. There was just one problem. He didn't actually have a band. “I got a call to open up for Saving Abel, the band, Saving Abel and P.O.D.,” RavenHawk recalled. “And I was like, ‘Oh, I don't have a band, but OK, I want to do it.’” So he assembled what he describes as some of the best musicians he could find locally and revived the Six String Revolver name from an earlier project. The newly assembled lineup went directly onto the stage opening for P.O.D. and Saving Abel, and according to RavenHawk, things took off from there. One of the key pieces of the Six String Revolver lineup is guitarist Hawkeye Pierce, whom RavenHawk describes as a “living legend” around Southern Utah. “He really is the sixth string of Six String Revolver,” RavenHawk said. “If I'm the revolver, he's the sixth string.” MUSIC AS AN ESCAPE Perhaps the most revealing portion of the conversation came when RavenHawk discussed his childhood. Born into a doomsday religious cult, he grew up in an environment where music and popular culture were heavily restricted. His parents were members of the group, and RavenHawk says his childhood was dominated by fear, control and the belief that the end of the world could arrive at any moment. His first major musical obsession came from an unlikely source: a library book about Jim Morrison. “I ran across the book called No One Gets Out of Here Alive, the Jim Morrison story,” he explained. He hadn't even heard The Doors at that point. After reading about Morrison, however, RavenHawk knew exactly what he wanted. “I was like, ‘I want to be freaking Jim Morrison.’” A video of The Doors performing at the Hollywood Bowl cemented it. From there, he began secretly seeking out music and eventually discovered bands including Guns N' Roses. RavenHawk says music ultimately became his escape from the environment in which he was raised. “I went out and got in a band and started touring with a band,” he said. “Music was basically my escape from all of this that I had to go through.” He later wrote an entire book about his experiences and says helping people who have escaped high-control groups has become an important part of his life. “DEAD JAIL ROCK'N'ROLL” IS PERSONAL That personal history also finds its way directly into the Six String Revolver catalog. RavenHawk discussed “Dead Jail Rock'n'Roll,” explaining that the song contains an event from his own life. “I once threw a knife at my boss's ever-loving head,” he said. “That's an absolute true story.” The song reflects his deep resistance to being controlled, something he connects directly to his childhood. “I was taught to be a slave my whole life,” RavenHawk explained. “I just can't do it, man.” For him, rock and roll represents the opposite of that experience. “That's what rock'n'roll is about, man. Freedom.” THE INFLUENCE OF JIM MORRISON, AXL ROSE AND THE CLASSIC ERA RavenHawk's musical education may have started with The Doors, but his influences eventually expanded into the hard rock and metal world. Guns N' Roses made a particularly strong impact. When he heard Axl Rose's vocals on Appetite for Destruction, he heard something raw and unpredictable that connected with him. RavenHawk also spoke about how reading stories about musicians who had survived difficult childhoods affected him personally. He specifically discussed Axl Rose's background and the way discovering similarities between their experiences gave him inspiration. “If he can do it from a very similar environment, why can't I?” RavenHawk recalled thinking. That became part of the reason he chose to tell his own story publicly. “Maybe it'll be some kid listening and going, ‘Hey, that guy can do it. I can do it too.’” SIX STRING REVOLVER AND THE HUMAN ELEMENT OF MUSIC The conversation eventually turned toward the current state of the music industry and the growing presence of artificial intelligence. RavenHawk isn't completely opposed to AI as a tool. He explained that he can see value in using technology to build out a song idea when presenting material to other musicians. But when it comes to Six String Revolver, he is clear about one thing. “No AI on it at all,” he said. The band's music is performed by the musicians themselves, with the record having been recorded in California with engineer Tom and produced by the band's drummer, known as Monster. For RavenHawk, the imperfections of human musicianship are part of what makes rock and metal special. He wants to hear what an artist has experienced, what they have to say and what they bring to the music. “I want to hear the passion. I want to hear the message,” he said. He also wants the complete album experience, from the lyrics and artwork to the production choices and the little details hidden inside the recordings. That human connection is something he doesn't believe can simply be replicated by a machine. BRING BACK THE MAGAZINES The discussion also took a nostalgic turn as RavenHawk and Zach Moonshine talked about the golden era of metal magazines. Titles such as Metal Edge, Hit Parader, Circus, Metal Maniac and RIP were all part of the conversation, along with the posters, advertisements and interviews that introduced an entire generation of fans to new bands. Before streaming algorithms and social media feeds, the record store and magazine rack were discovery engines. You bought a cassette. You read the liner notes. You checked out the advertisements. You saw a band you'd never heard of and went looking for their music. For RavenHawk, that physical connection still matters. He wants to know who made the music, what the musicians are doing, what they believe in and what their lives look like outside the songs. It's also one reason he believes the human side of underground music remains so important in the age of AI. BE SOMEBODY AND WHAT COMES NEXT Six String Revolver is currently promoting its latest album, Be Somebody, while also working on new videos and continuing to push the band's music forward. The road ahead, however, has included a major challenge. Guitarist Hawkeye Pierce is currently battling stage 3 cancer and had recently undergone surgery at the time of the interview. Despite the difficult circumstances, RavenHawk remains determined to keep the band's music moving. “He's going to come back better than ever,” he said. And apparently Hawkeye hasn't lost his sense of humor. While recovering in the hospital, he has reportedly been attempting to convince hospital staff to ditch their scrubs in favor of Six String Revolver merchandise. He has even tried recruiting nurses for the band's imaginary dance team. So far, hospital policy has prevented the campaign from succeeding. But Hawkeye apparently isn't giving up. A LADDER IN THE SKY Outside of Six String Revolver, RavenHawk has also released a solo song titled “Ladder in the Sky,” written years ago and recently released by Rage Breed around the 25th anniversary of September 11. Although the song moves outside the normal Six String Revolver style, RavenHawk says it allowed him to revisit material he'd written long ago. He also revealed that his experience as a volunteer firefighter influenced the song's focus on the firefighters who rushed into danger during the attacks. Whatever questions people may have about the events themselves, RavenHawk says the people who risked and lost their lives trying to save others deserve to be remembered. THE REVOLVER KEEPS SPINNING What comes through most clearly during the conversation with RavenHawk is that Six String Revolver isn't simply another band releasing another album. The music is connected to a lifetime of experiences. From discovering Jim Morrison in a library to secretly listening to rock and metal as a kid, from escaping an abusive environment to building a career in music, RavenHawk has spent decades turning those experiences into songs. And now, with Be Somebody out in the world and Six String Revolver continuing to release music, that story is still being written. “I love expressing myself,” RavenHawk said. “I love trying to help other people that are in need of a message and a story that they can grab onto, that can inspire them.” In an era where an endless stream of new music can disappear almost as quickly as it arrives, that's perhaps the most important thing an underground artist can do. Have something real to say. Then turn it up loud. Full Track List From the Show: Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners: 1 - Another Demon - Reduced to Ash - (4,716,530 votes)2 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (38,205 votes)3 - Sharp n' Loud - Armored sexy girl - (11,541 votes)4 - ELICERE - Erased I : The dome - (4,176 votes)5 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (3,020 votes)6 - Adam Zar Novafall - Ashes Don't Lie - (1,327 votes) The Zach Moonshine Intro 7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Suicide Solution - Live From Blizzard Of Ozz Tour8 - MIDNIGHT - You Can't Stop Steel (Live)9 - L.A. Guns - Space Truckin'10 - Peeling Flesh - Murderous Intent (feat. Mike from Missing Link)11 - 200 Stab Wounds - Pangs of Conscience Six String Revolver - Interview featuring Sick Mind/Death, Jail, Rock & Roll 12 - NervoChaos - Embrace Chaos13 - THE BLEEDING - Born in a Casket14 - Falling In Reverse - "Joseph" (feat. Corey Taylor and Serj Tankian)/God Is A Weapon - Feat Marilyn Manson15 - Droid Killer - 2030 JiHad16 - Templum Silva - The Soil Soaked Our Blood17 - Netherdred - Necrodancer18 - PS:23 - The Angel They Call Evil19 - Frequency Overload - Buoyancy20 - Culak - Crossfire21 - Estertor - Evil Black Church22 - Phenomy - Death May Die23 - Black Hole Zion - I Don't Care if This Thing Crashes Streaming now on mixcloud:  You can also hear the interview on YouTube, Spotify, Apple etc. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="E2PF1TMZJZk"] Super massive thanks to the 112,843 headbangers from around the world that tuned in live to the broadcast Friday night! Less