FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SINISTRUM PREMIERES “SCOURGE AWAKENED” VIA NO CLEAN SINGING AHEAD OF THE HAMMER OF CONQUEST Kentucky black/death metal force unleashes the first single from its darker, more chaotic and violent second full-length, due... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SINISTRUM PREMIERES “SCOURGE AWAKENED” VIA NO CLEAN SINGING AHEAD OF THE HAMMER OF CONQUEST Kentucky black/death metal force unleashes the first single from its darker, more chaotic and violent second full-length, due November 13, 2026 via Remorseless Records For Fans Of: Zyklon, Belphegor, Earlier God Dethroned CENTRAL KENTUCKY, USA — From the depths of the Kentucky underground comes Sinistrum, a black/death metal force built on death metal brutality, black metal savagery, and flashes of thrashing, riff-driven aggression. Today, the band has unleashed “Scourge Awakened,” the first single from its upcoming second full-length album, The Hammer of Conquest, through an exclusive premiere with No Clean Singing. Written by Islander, the No Clean Singing premiere welcomes Sinistrum to the publication's pages for the first time and describes “Scourge Awakened” as a “pulse-pounding, soul-shuddering, and quite quickly addictive sign of what The Hammer of Conquest brings to the table.” The review continues: “The awakening of this musical scourge isn’t a gradual dawning of violence but an immediate explosion of maniacal viciousness.” Islander also highlights the track's full-throttle drumming, aggressive tremolo riffing, dual-guitar attack, vicious vocals, groove-driven passages, and blazing guitar work, ultimately calling it an “infectious and riff-packed introduction to this new album.” “Scourge Awakened” serves as the first official taste of The Hammer of Conquest, which will be released November 13, 2026 through Remorseless Records. CD, cassette, and vinyl editions will be available through Remorseless Records, with digital and vinyl pre-orders also available through Sinistrum's Bandcamp. Originally forged by members of Kentucky's extreme metal underground, Sinistrum features lead vocalist and drummer Scott Briggs, guitarist and vocalist Timmie Ball, guitarist and vocalist Matthew Smith, and bassist Mike May. The lineup brings years of experience from acts including Fornicus and Kentucky death metal veterans Abominant, combining old-school heaviness with a vicious blackened edge. Sinistrum first emerged in 2022 with the three-song demo/EP Trichotomy of Death. The band followed it with its debut full-length, Infernal Dawn, released in February 2024 through Adirondack Black Mass and Morbid and Miserable Records. Following lineup changes, the band regrouped with Matthew Smith joining on guitar and vocals while Scott Briggs took over drum duties in addition to continuing as the band's lead vocalist. Over the following two years, Sinistrum meticulously crafted The Hammer of Conquest, taking the foundation established on Infernal Dawn and pushing it further into darker and more extreme territory. The result is an album forged in chaos, darkness, violence, and relentless riff-driven aggression, bringing together the crushing weight of death metal with the cold savagery of black metal and the raw energy of thrash. “Scourge Awakened” immediately throws the listener into that sonic world, exploding into a barrage of hammering drums, aggressive tremolo-picked guitars, savage vocals, and tightly locked riffing before shifting into heavier groove-driven passages and blazing guitar solos. The album features all-new material written and performed by Sinistrum, with the sole exception of “Flag of Hate,” the band's rendition of the classic Kreator track. Timmie Ball handles vocals on the song, while Scott Briggs delivers lead vocals and drums throughout the remainder of the album. The album's artwork was created by Johny Prayogi, with the band's logo and sigil designed by Gragoth. Album photography was provided by Brandon McQueen, with EPK photography by Brett Griffeth. Sinistrum recorded, mixed, and mastered the album themselves, with Scott Briggs handling production, recording, mixing, and mastering. On October 1, the scourge has awakened. On November 13, the hammer falls. Death has arrived. THE HAMMER OF CONQUEST SinistrumRelease Date: November 13, 2026Label: Remorseless RecordsFormats: CD / Cassette / VinylGenre: Black/Death Metal Track credits:All music and lyrics by SinistrumExcept “Flag of Hate” by Kreator Lineup:Timmie Ball - Guitar, Vocals on “Flag of Hate”Matthew Smith - Guitar, VocalsMike May - BassScott Briggs - Lead Vocals, Drums Album Art: Johny PrayogiLogo & Sigil: GragothAlbum Photography: Brandon McQueenEPK Photography: Brett GriffethRecorded, Mixed & Mastered by: Scott Briggs “Scourge Awakened” Premiere:No Clean Singinghttps://www.nocleansinging.com/2026/10/01/an-ncs-premiere-sinistrum-scourge-awakened/ Connect:  https://www.remorselessrecords.com/https://remorselessrecords.bandcamp.com/https://sinistrum.bandcamp.com/https://www.facebook.com/Sinistrum.Deathhttps://www.instagram.com/sinistrum.death Band Contact: sinsitrum.death@gmail.com Less

IN MEMORIAM: Conrad “Cronos” Lant, The Voice That Helped Change Heavy Metal Forever VENOM Frontman, Bassist and Creative Force Behind Some of Extreme Metal's Most Influential Records Has Passed Away By Metal Devastation RadioOctober 1, 2026... More

IN MEMORIAM: Conrad “Cronos” Lant, The Voice That Helped Change Heavy Metal Forever VENOM Frontman, Bassist and Creative Force Behind Some of Extreme Metal's Most Influential Records Has Passed Away By Metal Devastation RadioOctober 1, 2026 Heavy metal has lost one of its most important and unmistakable figures. Conrad “Cronos” Lant, the legendary vocalist and bassist of VENOM, has passed away. VENOM announced the news today in a statement to the band's Legions around the world, describing the loss as one felt deeply throughout the VENOM family. Cronos' son, Nathan, also shared a message thanking fans for the support they had given his father throughout the years. “He has laid down his soul, and his music will live on. The legend of Cronos will never die.” For generations of metal musicians and fans, those words carry enormous weight. Because the music Cronos helped create is not going anywhere. THE SOUND THAT CHANGED THE DIRECTION OF METAL VENOM formed in Newcastle, England, in 1978 and eventually settled into the classic lineup of Conrad “Cronos” Lant on vocals and bass, Jeff “Mantas” Dunn on guitar and Tony “Abaddon” Bray on drums. Together, they created a sound that pushed heavy metal toward something faster, harsher and more extreme. Their 1981 debut album, Welcome to Hell, immediately established VENOM as something very different from the polished hard rock and heavy metal dominating much of the era. Then came Black Metal in 1982. The album's title would eventually become the name of an entire genre. VENOM's music became a major influence on the development of black metal, while the band's aggressive approach also helped pave the way for the rise of thrash and later extreme metal. AllMusic describes VENOM's influence on the subsequent thrash scene and notes that Black Metal ultimately lent its name to the genre. That is an extraordinary legacy for any band. And Cronos was at the center of it. WELCOME TO HELL VENOM's first four studio albums with the classic trio remain central to the band's history: Welcome to Hell — 1981Black Metal — 1982At War With Satan — 1984Possessed — 1985 Those records helped establish the foundation for the band's reputation and influence. The music was raw and aggressive. The production was abrasive. The imagery was deliberately dark and provocative. VENOM didn't sound like a band interested in smoothing off the rough edges. That approach resonated with musicians who were looking for something heavier. Cronos' bass and unmistakable vocals became a defining part of that sound. His voice wasn't designed to be pretty. It was designed to be heard. And decades later, it still is. A NAME THAT BECAME A GENRE There are few moments in music history where a band's album title becomes the name of an entire musical movement. Black Metal was one of those moments. The influence of VENOM's early work spread throughout the underground metal world, particularly among musicians who would go on to develop the first waves of black metal and other forms of extreme metal. Cronos himself later discussed the impact of VENOM on the emerging Norwegian black metal scene, including bands such as Mayhem and Burzum, and reflected on how hearing that music helped him reconsider what VENOM represented. The influence wasn't limited to black metal. VENOM's music became an important part of the lineage leading into thrash metal as well. Metal bands that followed took elements of VENOM's speed, aggression and attitude and pushed them in their own directions. Metallica, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Mayhem and Behemoth are among the bands and artists that have been associated with VENOM's influence. That chain of influence continues to this day. CRONOS KEPT THE FIRE BURNING VENOM's history was complicated. There were lineup changes, periods of separation and different incarnations of the band over the decades. But Cronos remained the central figure in the version of VENOM that continued recording and performing into the modern era. In 2026, VENOM released Into Oblivion, the band's sixteenth studio album. Cronos remained heavily involved in the record, handling vocals and bass while also receiving songwriting and arrangement credits. Official album information also credits him as producer and composer on tracks from the record. The album arrived more than four decades after Welcome to Hell. That alone says something about the endurance of the music. While entire musical movements rose and fell around him, Cronos continued making VENOM records. As recently as August 2026, Louder published a feature interview with Cronos discussing his life, music and the release of Into Oblivion. Now, only weeks later, that interview becomes part of his final chapter. MORE THAN A VOICE Cronos' contribution to VENOM went beyond performing. He was involved in the band's songwriting and creative direction, and his work extended into the visual identity surrounding VENOM as well. The band's imagery became just as recognizable as its music, helping establish the dark aesthetic that would become deeply associated with extreme metal. On Into Oblivion, Cronos is officially credited with bass, vocals, songwriting, lyrics and arrangements. That creative involvement stretched across decades. He wasn't simply the person standing behind the microphone. He was one of the people who helped define what VENOM was. THE LEGACY OF CRONOS It is difficult to measure the influence of a musician solely through record sales, chart positions or awards. Sometimes the better measurement is what happens afterward. How many bands formed because somebody heard Black Metal? How many guitarists picked up an instrument after discovering Welcome to Hell? How many musicians decided they wanted to make something heavier, darker and more extreme? That's where Cronos' legacy becomes enormous. VENOM helped show musicians that heavy metal didn't have to remain within established boundaries. It could become something uglier. Something faster. Something more extreme. Something completely its own. The generations that followed took that idea and ran with it. Black metal. Thrash metal. Death metal. Extreme metal in countless forms. The music evolved, but the fingerprints of VENOM remained. And at the center of those early recordings was Cronos. THE LEGION CARRIES ON In its announcement, VENOM thanked the Legions who supported the band through the decades. Those fans are an important part of the story. They bought the records. They went to the shows. They wore the shirts. They passed the music to their friends. They formed bands. They introduced another generation to VENOM. That's how heavy metal survives. Not because the musicians live forever, but because the music keeps getting passed down. A kid discovers Black Metal decades after its release. That kid starts a band. Someone hears that band. They start another band. The chain continues. And somewhere in that chain, there will always be VENOM. There will always be Cronos. THANK YOU, CRONOS There are musicians who make great records. There are musicians who influence their peers. And then there are musicians whose work becomes part of the foundation upon which an entire generation of music is built. Cronos belongs in that conversation. He helped create the sound and identity of VENOM during one of the most important periods in heavy metal history. He helped produce records that would influence black metal, thrash and extreme metal for decades. And he continued carrying that legacy forward until the very end of his career. The man is gone. The music isn't. The records aren't. The influence isn't. And the Legions aren't going anywhere. Metal Devastation Radio extends our deepest condolences to Nathan, Hel, Cronos' family, friends, bandmates, and the VENOM Legions around the world. Thank you, Conrad. Thank you, Cronos. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the noise. Thank you for helping make heavy metal what it is today. REST IN PEACE, CONRAD “CRONOS” LANT. THE LEGEND LIVES ON. ESSENTIAL VENOM LISTENING Welcome to Hell — 1981Black Metal — 1982At War With Satan — 1984Possessed — 1985Calm Before the Storm — 1987Cast in Stone — 1997Resurrection — 2000Metal Black — 2006Hell — 2008Fallen Angels — 2011From the Very Depths — 2015Storm the Gates — 2018Into Oblivion — 2026 REST IN PEACE, CRONOS. HAIL VENOM. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="1kbon057vPk"] Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOUL REBORN Unleashes Crushing Death Metal/Deathcore Album Cerebro After an 18-Year Hiatus From Guitar, Stefano Pelosi Returns to His Instrument With a One-Man Project Built on Passion, Brutality, and a Lifetime of Metal... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SOUL REBORN Unleashes Crushing Death Metal/Deathcore Album Cerebro After an 18-Year Hiatus From Guitar, Stefano Pelosi Returns to His Instrument With a One-Man Project Built on Passion, Brutality, and a Lifetime of Metal ITALY — October 1, 2026 — Italian death metal/deathcore project SOUL REBORN has officially unleashed its new full-length album, Cerebro, available worldwide today, October 1, 2026. Built around crushing riffs, punishing rhythms, and an uncompromising extreme-metal approach, Cerebro is the work of Stefano Pelosi, who handled the music, lyrics, guitars, bass, drum programming, recording, mixing, and artwork for the album. The only exception is the vocal performance, provided by Gonzalo Viviani. The album represents the return of Pelosi to the guitar after an 18-year absence. His relationship with music began with legendary rock acts including Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, before discovering thrash metal, groove metal, and death metal at the age of 14. Those heavier influences would remain with him for life. After putting the guitar down at the age of 25, Pelosi eventually picked it back up nearly two decades later with a new goal: to write and produce his own music. That journey ultimately became Soul Reborn. “This album is special because it is the work of a single person, with the exception of the singer, and represents my passion for music.” That passion is at the heart of Cerebro. Rather than being the product of a traditional full-band lineup, the album is a deeply personal creative statement, with Pelosi responsible for virtually every musical and production element. Gonzalo Viviani's vocals complete the project's brutal sonic attack, while mastering by Ilarion Ivanenko brings the finished album across the line. Sonically, Soul Reborn sits firmly in the territory of modern death metal and deathcore, combining crushing guitar work, aggressive rhythms, programmed drums, and harsh vocals into a relentless full-length. Fans of Slaughter to Prevail, Cattle Decapitation, and Decapitated should find plenty to explore throughout Cerebro. For Pelosi, however, Soul Reborn is about more than genre. It is the continuation of a relationship with music that began decades ago and survived an 18-year break from the guitar. His philosophy is simple: the music represents his ideas, his passion, and a love for metal that never went away. Cerebro is out now worldwide. Cerebro Credits Music & Lyrics: Stefano PelosiGuitar & Bass: Stefano PelosiDrum Programming: Stefano PelosiVocals: Gonzalo VivianiRecording & Mixing: Stefano PelosiMastering: Ilarion IvanenkoArtwork: Stefano Pelosi Listen to Cerebro Soul Reborn Links:https://linktr.ee/soulreborn Stream Cerebro:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/soulreborn/cerebro-2 ABOUT SOUL REBORN Born from a lifelong passion for heavy music, Soul Reborn is the solo project of Italian musician Stefano Pelosi. Inspired first by classic rock before discovering thrash, groove, and death metal as a teenager, Pelosi spent years away from the guitar before returning to write and produce his own music. With Pelosi handling nearly every aspect of the musical and production process and Gonzalo Viviani providing vocals, Soul Reborn is a deeply personal project built around one musician's ideas, influences, and enduring passion for metal. For fans of: Slaughter to Prevail, Cattle Decapitation, Decapitated, modern death metal, and deathcore. Cerebro by Soul Reborn Connect: https://linktr.ee/soulrebornhttps://soulreborn.bandcamp.comhttps://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/7bIZEHkA82uABORaBkkF9F Contact: plooto.76@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SECOND BRAIN UNLEASH NEW SINGLE "ABOVE AND BELOW" AHEAD OF UPCOMING ALBUM BLACKSHINE Rome's Dark Thrash / Progressive Metal Trio Reveal First Taste of Their New Chapter With Atmospheric New Single and Official Visualizer... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SECOND BRAIN UNLEASH NEW SINGLE "ABOVE AND BELOW" AHEAD OF UPCOMING ALBUM BLACKSHINE Rome's Dark Thrash / Progressive Metal Trio Reveal First Taste of Their New Chapter With Atmospheric New Single and Official Visualizer For Fans Of: Coroner, Kreator, Melechesh ROME, ITALY — Rome's Second Brain have officially unleashed "Above and Below," the first single from their upcoming third full-length album, Blackshine, due for independent release on December 10, 2026. Marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Italian trio, "Above and Below" captures Second Brain's distinctive collision of dark thrash and death metal riffing, atmospheric synths, progressive rock elements, and an eclectic melodic sensibility. The single offers the first full glimpse into Blackshine, an album built around contrast, complexity, and the dichotomous nature of reality. LISTEN TO "ABOVE AND BELOW" Stream / Listen: https://ditto.fm/blackshine WATCH THE OFFICIAL VISUALIZER "Above and Below" Official Visualizer:[jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="bozfjplf0SI"] The accompanying visualizer expands upon the dark and atmospheric character of the track, providing a visual introduction to the world Second Brain have created around Blackshine. Originally formed in Rome in 2010 by guitarist, vocalist, and programmer Agravain alongside co-vocalist Lala Gabarth, Second Brain released their debut album, Synthesis, in 2014. The band expanded its lineup with bassist Anagoor, drummer Mishu, and rotating lead guitarists before making their live debut in 2015. A series of performances throughout central Italy followed through 2018. In January 2020, Second Brain released their second full-length, The Mind Awakes. The album was followed almost immediately by a hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. By late 2023, Agravain, Anagoor, and Gabarth had reformed Second Brain as a three-piece, using the opportunity to refine their musical identity and develop a new body of material. That evolution ultimately became Blackshine. The forthcoming album explores the dichotomous nature of reality, pairing aggressive and intricate metal foundations with atmospheric textures and progressive arrangements. Rather than confining themselves to a single stylistic lane, Second Brain embrace contrast as a fundamental part of their identity, moving between dark and forceful riffing, melodic passages, electronic atmosphere, and expansive progressive territory. "With Blackshine, we feel we've created an album that truly captures Second Brain's diverse and complex artistic identity. It's dark, eclectic, melodic yet powerful. It's a statement about who we are as a band and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter." The album was mixed and mastered by Alex Ecker at Pearlsound Studio in Germany, with Ecker also contributing additional drum arrangements. The striking cover artwork comes from renowned visionary artist Costin Chioreanu, whose work has become closely associated with the darker and more experimental corners of the international metal scene. With "Above and Below," Second Brain begin the road toward Blackshine, introducing a record that reflects both the band's history and its evolution into its current three-piece incarnation. The full album, Blackshine, will arrive independently on December 10, 2026. BLACKSHINE Second BrainIndependent ReleaseDecember 10, 2026 First Single: "Above and Below"Single Release Date: October 1, 2026 Stream / Listen: https://ditto.fm/blackshine CURRENT LINEUP Agravain – Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitars, ProgrammingAnagoor – BassLala Gabarth – Vocals, Synth PRODUCTION Mixed & Mastered by Alex Ecker at Pearlsound Studio, GermanyAdditional Drum Arrangements by Alex EckerArtwork by Costin Chioreanu For Fans Of: Coroner, Kreator, Melechesh Above and Below by Second Brain Connect:  https://www.facebook.com/secondbrainband/https://www.instagram.com/sekbrain/https://ditto.fm/blackshinehttps://secondbrain.bandcamp.com Contact: sekbrain@gmail.com Less

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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