https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:40:02 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29354/metal-for-nepal-launches-emergency-appeal-following-devastating-nepal-floods https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29354
The organization rooted in Nepal's metal and arts community is calling on the global heavy music family to help communities devastated by catastrophic flooding

The global metal community has never exactly been known for sitting quietly on the sidelines when people need help. Now, Metal For Nepal is asking that community to once again come together following a devastating natural disaster that has torn through communities in Nepal.
On the morning of August 26, 2026 , a sudden and catastrophic flash flood surged through the Bhotekoshi River system in Nepal's Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, after originating from the Tibetan side of the border. Villages, roads, bridges and critical infrastructure were swept away or severely damaged, leaving families displaced and communities facing an enormous humanitarian crisis.
The exact chain of events that triggered the disaster is still being investigated. Initial assessments pointed toward a possible glacial lake outburst flood, while subsequent geological assessments have examined the possibility of an ice avalanche creating a temporary debris blockage that later failed. What is beyond dispute is the scale and speed of the destruction.
The flood traveled downstream through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems, affecting communities well beyond the initial impact zone. Search-and-rescue operations involving the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police remain underway, while damaged roads, bridges and difficult mountain terrain continue to make access extremely challenging.
Communities Were Hit With Almost No Warning

According to Metal For Nepal, the disaster swept through settlements along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers, including areas around Timure and Syabrubesi in Rasuwa.
The organization reports that six major hydropower and transmission facilities were damaged, resulting in an estimated 430 MW of lost generating capacity , roughly one-eighth of Nepal's installed power capacity. Flood warnings have also been extended to downstream districts including Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.
For the people living in these communities, however, the statistics only tell part of the story.
Homes, belongings and food supplies have been destroyed. Families have been displaced. Children are among those facing the immediate consequences, including loss of shelter, clean water and access to basic necessities.
And that is where Metal For Nepal is stepping in.
Metal For Nepal Is Mobilizing Again

Metal For Nepal was founded in 2015 by members of Nepal's metal community , including the band Underside, following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country that year.
Working alongside international supporters and local partners, the organization helped rebuild more than 300 homes in Gorkha following the earthquakes. Since then, its work has expanded to include food distribution, vaccination campaigns, hot meals, education initiatives and other humanitarian projects.
Now, the organization is once again activating its network.
Metal For Nepal says it is working with established local NGO partners in Nepal to deliver emergency assistance to affected communities, including emergency supplies, clean water and longer-term rebuilding support.
While children are a particular priority because of their vulnerability following a disaster, the organization stresses that the response will serve affected people of all ages.


"We need to come together exactly like we did after the 2015 earthquake. The heavy metal and tattoo community has always shown up for people in need, and this moment is no different. Every donation goes straight toward getting families and children the support they need right now."
Flower KC, Director, Metal For Nepal


This Is Where The Metal Community Comes In

This isn't about a record release. It isn't about streaming numbers, chart positions or who is headlining the next festival.
It's about people.
The heavy music community is spread across virtually every corner of the planet, and Metal For Nepal has spent more than a decade proving that the connections created through music can be turned into something tangible when disaster strikes.
A donation doesn't have to be enormous to matter. Metal For Nepal is asking people to contribute whatever they can, while also encouraging musicians, promoters, media outlets, artists, tattoo communities and fans to help spread the word.
If you can't donate, share the appeal .
If you're a band, post it.
If you're a promoter, put it in your newsletter.
If you're a metal media outlet, run the story.
If you have a platform, use it.
Sometimes the most valuable thing you can give is simply helping the right message reach the right people.
How You Can Help

Metal For Nepal has established an Emergency Appeal for the August 2026 Nepal floods , with donations supporting its response alongside local partners on the ground.
Emergency Appeal:
Metal For Nepal Emergency Appeal 2026
Donate:
Metal For Nepal Donation Page
Main Website:
Metal For Nepal
The organization says the situation remains fluid and that its emergency appeal will be updated as verified information becomes available.
The Metal Family Has A Long Memory

Nepal's metal community has already shown the world what can happen when musicians and fans decide that their scene can be about more than music.
After the 2015 earthquake, the international metal community answered the call.
Now Nepal needs that same spirit again.
This is one of those moments when the metal family needs to turn the volume up for something that actually matters.
Share the appeal. Donate if you can. Get the word out.
Because when disaster strikes, the heavy metal community has always had a pretty simple rule:
We take care of our own.
]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:26:34 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29353/ministry-unleashes-new-single-we-hate-ahead-of-final-album-hate-to-go-take-out-or-delivery https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29353
Industrial metal pioneers Ministry have released their new single “We Hate,” the second track to emerge from what is being billed as the band’s final studio album, Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery).
After more than four decades of industrial noise, political fury, controversy, experimentation and enough sonic destruction to make a busted factory sound like a recording studio, Ministry is preparing to call it a day.
The Al Jourgensen-led outfit has unleashed “We Hate,” the latest single from Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery), which is scheduled for release October 30, 2026 through Cleopatra Records.
And if the title wasn't already a pretty big clue, Jourgensen apparently isn't planning to go quietly.
The new track takes aim squarely at the current political climate, with Ministry once again using its music as a weapon against what Jourgensen sees as the increasingly absurd state of American society. The accompanying video, directed by Joshua Bradford, continues that confrontational approach.
The song follows “Burned Out,” which was released in July and served as the first preview of the forthcoming record.
Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery) will feature 10 tracks:


Crickets
Voices of Hate
Clown Car
We Hate
Delete
Grifter
The White Man Lied
Singularity
Burned Out
We're Still Here (feat. Paul Barker)

One of the most significant moments on the album comes with its closing track, “We're Still Here,” which features the return of longtime Ministry bassist and collaborator Paul Barker. Barker's involvement gives the album an especially interesting connection to Ministry's past as Jourgensen prepares to close the book on the band's studio career.
The current Ministry lineup contributing to the record includes guitarists Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto, bassist Paul D'Amour, keyboardist John Bechdel and drummer Pepe Clarke Magaña, alongside Jourgensen.
45 Years Of Ministry

Founded in Chicago in 1981, Ministry began life with a considerably different sound from the industrial-metal juggernaut that would eventually emerge.
The band's early material leaned heavily into synth-pop and the emerging electronic sounds of the era, culminating in the 1983 debut With Sympathy. Jourgensen soon began pushing Ministry into considerably darker and heavier territory, resulting in landmark releases including Twitch (1986), The Land of Rape and Honey (1988) and The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste (1989).
Then came 1992's Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and the Way to Suck Eggs, which propelled Ministry to its biggest level of mainstream recognition and earned the band its first Grammy nomination.
Over the decades, Ministry became one of the defining forces behind industrial metal, influencing countless bands while maintaining Jourgensen's reputation for saying exactly what he thinks, whether anyone asked him to or not.
The band has released 17 studio albums, eight live releases and numerous side projects, while touring across five continents. Jourgensen has also survived enough personal and professional chaos to fill several bands' worth of memoirs, documentaries and rock 'n' roll cautionary tales.
Ministry went on an indefinite hiatus in 2013 before returning in 2018 with AmeriKKKant. That record continued the band's long tradition of political commentary, something that remained central to subsequent releases including 2021's Moral Hygiene and 2024's HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES.
Last year's The Squirrely Years Revisited saw Jourgensen revisit and rework material from Ministry's early synth-pop period.
Now, with Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery), Jourgensen appears ready to put a final stamp on the Ministry legacy.
One Last Trip Around The World

Ministry will support the album with an international farewell tour, giving fans one more opportunity to experience the band's blend of industrial metal, electronic chaos and politically charged aggression in the live setting.
The European portion of the farewell campaign is currently scheduled to kick off April 2, 2027, in Utrecht, Netherlands, and will continue through May 1 in Helsinki, Finland.
The “Goodbye Europe 2027” run includes 21 shows and will feature Die Krupps as special guests.
The scheduled dates are:
April 2 – Utrecht, Netherlands – Ronda
April 3 – Saarbrücken, Germany – Garage
April 4 – Brussels, Belgium – Ancienne Belgique
April 6 – Manchester, UK – O2 Victoria Warehouse
April 7 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia
April 9 – Nottingham, UK – Rock City
April 10 – London, UK – Troxy
April 12 – Paris, France – Bataclan
April 14 – Madrid, Spain – La Riviera
April 15 – Barcelona, Spain – Paral-lel
April 17 – Lausanne, Switzerland – Docks
April 18 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle
April 19 – Vienna, Austria – Gasometer
April 21 – Prague, Czech Republic – Forum Karlín
April 22 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja
April 24 – Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle
April 25 – Hamburg, Germany – Grosse Freiheit 36
April 26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio
April 27 – Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller
April 29 – Stockholm, Sweden – Fållan
May 1 – Helsinki, Finland – House of Culture
Special meet-and-greet packages with Jourgensen will also be available for the tour, including a photo opportunity, souvenir laminate, silk-screen poster and commemorative tour coin.
Whether Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery) ultimately proves to be Ministry's final album remains something only time will tell. Rock 'n' roll has never exactly been famous for keeping retirement plans simple.
But if this really is the end of Ministry's studio journey, Jourgensen certainly seems intent on leaving the building the same way he spent the last 45 years: loud, abrasive, unapologetic and pissed off.
Hate To Go (Take Out Or Delivery) arrives October 30, 2026 via Cleopatra Records and will be released on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital formats.
Watch the video for “We Hate” below.

]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2026 11:16:29 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29352/bleeding-antlers-unleash-darker-heavier-sophomore-album-songs-of-praise-out-now https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29352 BLEEDING ANTLERS UNLEASH DARKER, HEAVIER SOPHOMORE ALBUM SONGS OF PRAISE OUT NOW
UK Doom Metal Collective Returns With Seven Tracks of Crushing Doom, Gothic Atmosphere, Folk Horror, and Occult Storytelling

UK doom metal collective Bleeding Antlers have officially unleashed their long-awaited sophomore album, Songs of Praise , out now as of August 22, 2026 .
Six years after emerging from the shadows with their critically acclaimed debut Stagmata , Bleeding Antlers have returned with a darker, heavier, and more expansive collection that pushes their bizarre and theatrical brand of doom metal even further into the darkness.
Originally formed out of what was supposed to be nothing more than a stag party adventure across Europe in 2016, Bleeding Antlers somehow turned an unlikely brotherhood into one of underground doom's most distinctive outfits. Their sound combines crushing doom metal with progressive rock, sleaze, folk shanties, gothic atmosphere, and a healthy dose of theatrical madness.
Where Stagmata introduced the world to Bleeding Antlers, Songs of Praise finds the band embracing the silence between the riffs and using it to make the heavy moments hit even harder.


"Stagmata was us finding the sound of Bleeding Antlers. Songs of Praise is us learning what to do with the silence around it. More space, more weight, and a lot darker in tone than Stagmata."


Produced, mixed, and mastered by Simon Bismarck , Songs of Praise delivers seven haunting compositions exploring temptation, loss, mythology, mortality, and spiritual conflict.
Despite its title, this is certainly no traditional hymnbook. These are songs of devotion aimed toward altogether different altars.
The album moves from the apocalyptic groove of "When the Sun Bursts" and the folk-horror atmosphere of "Meet Me in the Woods at Midnight" to the Norse-inspired weight of "Fimbulwinter" and the band's haunting reinterpretation of Lana Del Rey's "Blue Jeans."
The journey concludes with "Crooked Lines," an epic meditation on faith, temptation, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
Bleeding Antlers first made their mark with Stagmata , earning widespread praise throughout the underground metal community for their uniquely theatrical approach to doom.
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR STAGMATA

"Behind the satyr masks and cloven-hoofed animal obsession they have genuinely excellent songs and an album that draws you in with each listen."
4.5/5 – Emerging Rock Bands Magazine
"Perhaps the finest set of sleazy psychedelic doom shanties ever committed to record."
The Metal Show
"Folk-goth glamour, Hammer-horror camp and drunken satanic swagger... you'd have a hell of a good time."
No Clean Singing
"Stagmata is the sound I wish Metallica had evolved into after Reload."
7.5/10 – Rock Hard Greece
With Songs of Praise now available, Bleeding Antlers are taking the new material to the stage with a series of UK headline performances beginning in September, followed by appearances at Rustfest , North West Doom Fest , Godivageddon , and additional festival dates extending into 2027.
Equal parts cathedral doom, occult folk tale, folk-horror fever dream, and drunken midnight sermon, Songs of Praise represents Bleeding Antlers at their darkest, heaviest, and most ambitious.
The sermon has begun.
Turn it up.
ALBUM INFORMATION

Artist: Bleeding Antlers
Album: Songs of Praise
Release Date: August 22, 2026
Status: OUT NOW
Genre: Doom Metal
For Fans Of: Pallbearer, Candlemass, Type O Negative
Produced, Mixed & Mastered By: Simon Bismarck
BAND LINEUP

Simon Bismarck – Vocals
Good Luke – Guitar
Prince Ben – Bass
Bad Luke – Brown Notes
Ghost Pete – Drums & Vocals
FOLLOW BLEEDING ANTLERS AND LISTEN TO SONGS OF PRAISE NOW


Check out the video: 


Listen / Follow

Pre-Save: https://bleeding-antlers.ffm.to/songsofpraise
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BleedingAntlers
Bandcamp: https://bleedingantlers.bandcamp.com
Website: https://bleedingantlers.com
Email: Bleedformedonington@gmail.com]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2026 10:16:17 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29351/twisted-sister-plays-first-show-with-sebastian-bach-on-vocals-im-the-lead-singer-of-twisted-sister https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29351 The performance is part of a limited series of 2026 shows that sees Bach stepping behind the microphone following Dee Snider's departure from TWISTED SISTER earlier this year.
Joining Bach in the current lineup are founding guitarist Jay Jay French, longtime guitarist Eddie Ojeda, bassist Russell Pzütto and drummer Joey Cassata.
The show was originally announced under the BENT BROTHER name, a longtime TWISTED SISTER alter ego, before ultimately being promoted as the first live appearance of the Bach-fronted lineup.
The band delivered a 17-song set spanning several eras of its catalog, with a particularly heavy emphasis on the material from TWISTED SISTER's early years.
The setlist was:


What You Don't Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll
We're Gonna Make It
Shoot 'Em Down
Tear It Loose
Destroyer
The Kids Are Back
Like A Knife In The Back
Ride To Live, Live To Ride
Under The Blade
The Beast
Burn In Hell
The Price
I Remember You (SKID ROW)
I Wanna Rock
Youth Gone Wild (SKID ROW)
We're Not Gonna Take It

Bach also performed two SKID ROW classics, "I Remember You" and "Youth Gone Wild," giving fans a chance to hear the singer revisit some of the material that originally made him a household name in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The pairing of Bach and TWISTED SISTER is hardly random. Bach has been an outspoken fan of the band for decades and has repeatedly talked about the influence TWISTED SISTER had on him during his formative years.
In a recent interview with Meltdown of Detroit's WRIF, Bach explained that he considers himself an especially devoted TWISTED SISTER fan and singled out Under The Blade and You Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll as particular favorites.
Bach also emphasized that he intends to bring the aggressive energy of TWISTED SISTER's early club days to the stage.
"When they were a club band, they would come out there like a punk rock band or a total thrash metal band," Bach said. "That's the kind of energy that I'm gonna bring."
He added: "I'm the lead singer of TWISTED SISTER. How much fun is that to say?"
For Bach, the opportunity is clearly something considerably more personal than simply filling a vacant microphone position. He has repeatedly described himself as a genuine fan of the band and has said that he received Snider's blessing before taking on the role.
Snider's departure came after TWISTED SISTER's planned 50th-anniversary world tour was cancelled earlier this year. Snider cited health challenges, including degenerative arthritis, as a major factor in his decision to step away from performing with the band. He has subsequently made it clear that he supports Bach taking over for the scheduled shows.
That leaves one obvious question hanging over the future of TWISTED SISTER:
What happens after the Bach shows are over?
At this point, there is no indication that Bach is permanently replacing Snider or that TWISTED SISTER has officially established a new long-term lineup. The current arrangement has been presented as a series of select 2026 performances, and the band's official website continues to promote the dates specifically as TWISTED SISTER featuring Sebastian Bach on lead vocals.
Whether Snider ever returns to the stage with TWISTED SISTER remains an open question.
For now, however, Bach has the microphone, and Friday night's performance marked the first time audiences got to hear exactly what that combination sounds like in a full TWISTED SISTER concert.
And judging by the setlist, the band wasn't simply trotting out the greatest hits.
Songs like "Shoot 'Em Down," "Tear It Loose," "Destroyer," "Under The Blade" and "The Beast" suggest that this version of TWISTED SISTER is leaning heavily into the band's rawer, heavier material, something Bach has specifically expressed excitement about.
The band has additional performances scheduled throughout the remainder of 2026.
For the moment, the experiment is officially underway.
Whether Sebastian Bach is simply the voice of TWISTED SISTER for this particular chapter, or whether this turns into something more permanent, remains to be seen.
But there's no denying that hearing the former SKID ROW frontman step onstage and scream "We're Not Gonna Take It" with Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda is one hell of a sight for metal fans.



]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:41:19 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29350/talia-hoit-unleashes-new-full-length-album-when-the-skies-fall-out-now-via-saol https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29350
TALIA HOIT UNLEASHES NEW FULL-LENGTH ALBUM “WHEN THE SKIES FALL” OUT NOW VIA SAOL

ROCK HARD MAGAZINE AWARDS “WHEN THE SKIES FALL” AN 8/10 RATING AS TALIA HOIT DELIVERS HER MOST PERSONAL SYMPHONIC METAL STATEMENT YET

Symphonic metal artist Talia Hoit has officially unleashed her highly anticipated second full-length album, “When The Skies Fall,” out now via SAOL, a division of CMM GmbH . https://orcd.co/wtsf
The new album has already earned strong recognition from the international metal press, with Rock Hard Magazine awarding “When The Skies Fall” an impressive 8/10 rating . Reviewer Iberis describes the album as an “even more powerful and evocative evolution” from Hoit’s 2024 debut, “Oceans,” praising its ten intensely emotional tracks and its unique progression from the simplicity of piano and voice into richly layered symphonic metal.
Rock Hard Magazine highlights the deeply personal nature of Hoit’s songwriting, noting that each song gathers fragments of her past and brings them into a new sonic dimension. The review also praises the album’s personal melancholy and confessional quality, ultimately describing it as “art born from urgent necessity, not commercial calculation” and “a work as powerful as it is fragile.”
That vulnerability is at the heart of “When The Skies Fall.”
Combining intimate piano-driven songwriting with sweeping orchestral arrangements, soaring vocals, and crushing metal instrumentation, the album explores what happens when everything familiar begins to crumble and the struggle to find meaning, identity, and hope in the aftermath.
Across ten immersive tracks, Hoit delves into deeply personal themes including existential crisis, identity, transformation, love, grief, loss, resilience, and emotional survival . The result is an album that moves between vulnerability and power, darkness and beauty, intimate confession and cinematic grandeur.
At the heart of Talia Hoit’s music is something remarkably simple: piano and voice .
Long before the songs became fully realized symphonic metal compositions, they began as personal reflections, poems, melodies, and emotional processing. That foundation remains central to Hoit’s songwriting, giving even the album’s largest moments an unmistakably personal core.


“Writing poems or songs was my way of processing life and my emotions and things,” Talia explains. “A lot of what I have written was not originally intended to be a commercial product, so I guess it really fits under the idea of a ‘piano confessional.’”


That concept of a “piano confessional” is an important key to understanding “When The Skies Fall.” Beneath the massive orchestration and metal instrumentation are songs born from genuine human experiences, uncertainty, heartbreak, transformation, and the need to keep moving forward when the world seems determined to pull you backward.
The album continues the artistic journey Talia Hoit began with “Oceans” in 2024, expanding her sound while maintaining the emotional honesty that defines her work. Rather than simply relying on symphonic metal’s familiar cinematic scale, Hoit uses that scale to amplify deeply personal stories.
The result is music that can feel simultaneously massive and intimate .
Recent singles including “All You Want” and “Again” have already introduced listeners to different sides of the album. “Again,” in particular, captures the record’s recurring themes of uncertainty, destruction, painful memories, and resilience, offering another window into the larger emotional narrative of “When The Skies Fall.”
But the album is ultimately meant to be experienced as a complete journey.
“When The Skies Fall” explores the moments when life changes beyond recognition, when old identities begin to disappear, and when the things we once considered permanent prove anything but permanent. Yet beneath the darkness is a persistent thread of hope.
Talia Hoit does not present resilience as an easy victory. Instead, she explores the messy, painful process of continuing forward while carrying everything that came before.
That balance between devastation and hope gives “When The Skies Fall” its emotional weight.
For listeners drawn to the cinematic grandeur of Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica, Delain, and Evanescence , Talia Hoit offers a deeply personal take on symphonic metal, one built not only around powerful instrumentation, but around storytelling and emotional honesty.
With “When The Skies Fall,” Talia Hoit invites listeners into a world where darkness and beauty exist side by side, where vulnerability becomes strength, and where even after everything comes crashing down, there may still be a reason to rise again.
ROCK HARD MAGAZINE REVIEW

8/10

“A work as powerful as it is fragile.”
“Art born from urgent necessity, not commercial calculation.”
Rock Hard Magazine – Iberis
“WHEN THE SKIES FALL” RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: Talia Hoit
Album: When The Skies Fall
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Release Date: August 28, 2026
Status: OUT NOW
Label: SAOL, a division of CMM GmbH
Format: Full-Length Album
Track Count: 10
For Fans Of: Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica, Delain, Evanescence
Listen to “When The Skies Fall”

Listen to the album and previously released singles, including “Again”:
https://music.suricatemusic.com/Again
https://orcd.co/wtsf

Press / Media
For press inquiries, interviews, reviews, premieres, and coverage: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

   Connect: 
http://www.taliahoit.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/taliahoitofficial
https: //www.youtube.com/@taliahoit 
https://instagram.com/talia_hoit 
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3XtANhnSi6eU5Ol9zegWvW
https://taliahoit.bandcamp.com
https://patreon.com/taliahoit
Contact: taliahoit.management@gmail.com
Photo Credit: Jonathan Betz ]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:09:23 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29349/stryfe-featured-by-blabbermouth-as-breathe-makes-its-mark https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29349
LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles progressive metal powerhouse STRYFE has been featured by major metal news outlet Blabbermouth in a feature highlighting the band’s new single “Breathe” and their recent partnership with Candlepower Records .
Originally published August 15, the Blabbermouth feature spotlighted STRYFE ahead of the August 22 release of “Breathe,” discussing the band’s dynamic blend of progressive metal, heavy rock, intricate songwriting, and influences rooted in Armenian classical and folk traditions.
The article also highlights Candlepower Records’ discovery of STRYFE during a packed performance at The Viper Room in West Hollywood, where label co-founder Diego Negrete was immediately impressed by the band’s live performance.
Now that “Breathe” is officially out , STRYFE continues to build momentum with their latest release through Candlepower Records, with distribution through Virgin Music Group/UMG.
For fans of TOOL, FATES WARNING, DREAM THEATER, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, and KARNIVOOL , STRYFE delivers a unique combination of progressive ambition, heavy riffs, powerful vocals, and emotionally charged songwriting.
Read the full feature on Blabbermouth and listen to “Breathe” now.
Listen to “Breathe”:
https://music.stryfeband.com/breathe
Check it out here: https://blabbermouth.net/news/los-angeles-metal-band-stryfe-to-release-breathe-single-through-candlepower-records



Candlepower Records:
https://candlepowerrecords.com/contact
Candlepower Records and Stryfe are ready for the next level.
Let's Go! ]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:58:11 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29347/talia-hoit-dragonborn-gods-punks-symphony-of-destiny-paindemic-nothing-sacred-greg-c-brown-and-archfiend-featured-in https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29347
EIGHT MDPR CLIENTS FEATURED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE LEGENDARY METAL PUBLICATION, INCLUDING ALBUM REVIEWS, INTERVIEWS AND STRONG RATINGS

METAL DEVASTATION PR is proud to announce that eight of its clients are featured throughout the latest issue of ROCK HARD MAGAZINE , one of the most respected publications in the international rock and metal world.
The new issue features FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH on the cover , while inside, readers will find a powerful collection of underground and independent metal talent represented through album reviews and in-depth interviews.
For Metal Devastation PR, having eight clients represented in a single issue is another major milestone and a testament to the continued momentum being generated for the artists working with the agency.
The featured MDPR clients include Talia Hoit, Dragonborn, Gods & Punks, Symphony of Destiny, PainDemic, Nothing Sacred, Greg C. Brown, and Archfiend .
TALIA HOIT – WHEN THE SKIES FALL

Rating: 8/10

(Iberis)
When The Skies Fall is the second solo album by American artist Talia Hoit , following Oceans (2024). It represents an even more powerful and evocative evolution. Composed of ten intensely emotional tracks, the album explores themes such as existential crisis, desire, transformation, and the lasting weight of human relationships.
Each song gathers fragments of Talia’s past, born in different phases of her life, now awakening in a new sonic dimension. The album begins with the simplicity of piano and voice and expands into a richly articulated symphonic metal, distinct from the usual formulas.
Though the songs may seem similar at first, they are deeply infused with a personal melancholy, like a heartfelt confession rather than a mere lament. Even her voice avoids elaborate virtuosity, instead seeking emotional and less trivial solutions, not always immediate, but requiring repeated listening and patience.
This is art born from urgent necessity, not commercial calculation. A work as powerful as it is fragile, revealing a vulnerability that becomes music and will captivate those who truly listen without prejudice.
Antonino Blesi
DRAGONBORN – THE DAWN OF A NEW WORLD

Interview with Michele Martini

Turkish power metal band Dragonborn , founded in 2024 in Ankara , are featured in an interview discussing their debut album No Mercy , their artistic philosophy, and their approach to combining power metal with fantasy-inspired storytelling.
Led by Ekrem Kani , Dragonborn describe their music as a meeting point between emotional authenticity, cinematic atmosphere, and mythological imagery. The band originally began as a project designed to merge power metal with fantasy themes while creating a unified and evocative sound.
The interview explores the concept behind No Mercy , which uses dragons, fallen kingdoms, battles, and other fantasy elements as metaphors for human conflict, resilience, rebirth, and transformation.
Dragonborn also discuss their collaborative creative process, including working with international musicians and artists for orchestration and production. Their goal is not simply technical showmanship, but music that feels sincere, urgent, emotional, and immersive.
The band also discusses their theatrical live performances and ambitions to expand internationally while maintaining their Turkish identity.
For Dragonborn, No Mercy represents only the beginning of what they hope will become a much larger musical and international journey.
GODS & PUNKS – A SHRINE BY THE SEA

Rating: 6.5/10

(Electric Valley)
A Shrine By The Sea , the new album by Brazilian band Gods & Punks , presents itself in an unusual way, being made up of just two long tracks that together create a majestic ode to the sea.
Each track runs for over twenty minutes, during which the band pours all its love for psychedelic rock, stoner rock, and neo-prog . The result is a solid and well-executed work, though not without moments of great value. However, the listening experience can sometimes feel heavy due to the excessive length of the two pieces.
Andrea Raffaldini
SYMPHONY OF DESTINY – HEROES OF EGYPT

Rating: 7.5/10

(Symphony of Destiny)
Characterized by a distinctly technical component, with all members of the group boasting skills developed in prestigious music institutes, the debut of Symphony Of Destiny reveals considerable potential.
The Virginia band fully embraces the cause of symphonic metal with female vocals , enriching their music with themes inspired by ancient Egyptian mythology. The compositions are elaborate, while the arrangements are elegant and well-structured.
Each track on Heroes of Egypt combines undeniable power, with a rhythm section that clearly benefits from careful production, alongside intricate and engaging musical solutions.
Guitarist Wesley Eldridge , the main driving force behind the project, shines throughout, with her compositional quality and musicianship weaving a sonic tapestry of impressive impact and color.
Special mention also goes to vocalist Anne Dueweke , whose classical training fits perfectly within the metallic architecture of the band's sound.
SYMPHONYOFDESTINY.COM
PAINDEMIC – FWF

Rating: 7/10

(PainDemic)
The American band PainDemic presents itself with solid credentials. Although the project was formed quite recently, its roots trace back to the 1990s U.S. metal scene , with bassist Gary Monardo and drummer Johnnie Tabares , both former members of legendary thrash band Hirax , among its founders.
Vocalist Rob Perkins also brings extensive experience, having worked alongside musicians such as Gene Hoglan and the late Michelle Meldrum .
This combination of experience naturally led to a sincere and intense tribute to thrash metal in its purest form, delivered with passion and determination.
The single FWF stands out for its raw and direct energy , featuring aggressive vocals, earth-shaking rhythms, and razor-sharp guitars.
There is no room for compromise or contamination. PainDemic's sound remains firmly rooted in classic thrash traditions.
Their debut album, expected in early 2027 , promises to build on these solid foundations with confidence and conviction.
FACEBOOK.COM/PAINDEMIC
NOTHING SACRED – YOUR TIME WILL COME

Rating: 7.5/10

(Nothing Sacred)
The origins of Nothing Sacred date back to the early 1980s , making the band a true piece of Australian heavy metal history .
Despite the ups and downs of a career spanning more than four decades, the band continues to champion its cause with passion and determination.
Renewed interest in their sound has helped further establish them as a reference point, prompting the quintet to release new material.
Their latest studio effort, the single Your Time Will Come , is a concentrated burst of power that draws directly from the best of NWOBHM , showing clear inspiration from that movement while also embracing the speed metal evolution that followed.
Their connection to tradition is further demonstrated by their choice to revisit Black Sabbath's "Am I Going Insane (Radio)" , included on a charity compilation.
With decades of experience and mastery of the genre's secrets, Nothing Sacred remains a true guarantee of quality in heavy metal.
GREG C. BROWN – JOURNEY AMONG THE STARS

Interview with Michele Martini

Virtuoso guitarist Greg C. Brown is featured in an interview surrounding his latest release, Solar Winds .
Brown discusses how the new album represents another step forward in both his playing and composition, while exploring a broader range of sounds and brighter tones. He also describes Phobos and Deimos as the heaviest pieces he has ever written, while highlighting the challenging composition "Shadows in the Dark" , written for electric guitar and string quartet.
A major theme of the discussion is Brown's fascination with astronomy , which provides the conceptual foundation for much of Solar Winds . The moons of Mars, the asteroid Theia, solar winds, and other cosmic subjects all become part of the album's musical world.
Brown also discusses the relationship between technical ability and emotional expression, explaining that technique is ultimately a tool for communicating what he feels through music.
The interview looks back at his beginnings as a guitarist, including learning Def Leppard's "Foolin'" and AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie" , and how those songs opened the door to a lifelong journey with the instrument.
Brown also confirms that he remains open to collaborations, following the music wherever it leads.
ARCHFIEND – THE STORY OF JENNA LEE

Interview with Michele Martini

Archfiend , the project created by singer and multi-instrumentalist Brian LaFave , is featured in an interview centered around the concept behind the album Lost Forever .
Inspired by the tradition of classic heavy metal operas, Lost Forever is structured as one long composition divided into ten chapters.
The album tells the fictional story of Jenna Lee , a fourteen-year-old girl who experiences devastating circumstances involving domestic abuse, the death of her mother, exploitation, kidnapping, and ultimately suicide.
LaFave explains that while the story is fictional, its purpose is to raise awareness of horrific situations that can occur through exploitation, violence, and the pursuit of money.
Musically, the album was written to follow the emotional arc of the story. Moments of fear become slower and more restrained, while scenes of anger and intensity push the music in a heavier direction.
LaFave also discusses the influence of W.A.S.P.'s The Crimson Idol , another classic metal concept album centered around abuse, isolation, fame, and tragedy.
Looking toward the future, LaFave says he would love to bring Lost Forever to the stage as a full metal opera. Archfiend is currently seeking promotional opportunities, potential label support, and the financial backing necessary to bring the ambitious project to audiences.
EIGHT CLIENTS. ONE ISSUE. MAJOR METAL MEDIA EXPOSURE.

For Metal Devastation PR, this issue of Rock Hard Magazine represents another powerful example of what can happen when independent artists receive consistent professional promotion and are given opportunities to reach established metal media.
From symphonic metal and power metal to thrash, traditional heavy metal, psychedelic rock, progressive music, and guitar-driven instrumental metal , the eight featured MDPR clients represent a wide range of sounds and styles.
And with eight separate MDPR clients appearing throughout the same issue , this is more than a single placement. It is a snapshot of the growing presence of the artists we work with across the international metal media landscape.
Congratulations to Talia Hoit, Dragonborn, Gods & Punks, Symphony of Destiny, PainDemic, Nothing Sacred, Greg C. Brown, and Archfiend on their features in this month's issue of Rock Hard Magazine .
The cover may belong to Five Finger Death Punch, but inside these pages, there's a whole lot of METAL DEVASTATION.
METAL DEVASTATION PR

Don't just release music. Build momentum.
Grab a copy here: https://www.rockharditaly.com/shop/en/in-edicola/327-rock-hard-agosto-2026.html
]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:45:08 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29346/chemical-burn-unleash-the-fury-new-album-out-now-via-megasonic-records https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29346
CHEMICAL BURN UNLEASH “THE FURY” — NEW ALBUM OUT NOW VIA MEGASONIC RECORDS

California groove metal powerhouse CHEMICAL BURN have officially unleashed their new album The Fury , out now via MegaSonic Records .
Alongside the album’s release, the band has also unleashed the official music video for the title track, “The Fury,” delivering a crushing display of groove-driven heaviness, explosive aggression, and raw emotional intensity.
Fueled by thunderous riffs, punishing rhythms, and a vocal performance that pushes beyond pure rage into melodic chaos, The Fury showcases a band reborn through adversity and sharpened by experience. After years of lineup changes, setbacks, and rebuilding, Chemical Burn return tighter, heavier, and more focused than ever.
Frontman Mike Garnica describes the material as some of the most intense and personal work the band has ever created, channeling years of struggle and resilience into a relentless sonic assault.
The official video for “The Fury” captures the same energy that has made Chemical Burn a force in the underground metal scene for more than two decades. Rooted in the groove and grit of classic heavy hitters while embracing a modern production edge, the band continues to evolve without losing the raw power fans expect.
Produced alongside acclaimed producer Juan Urteaga at Trident Studios , The Fury delivers a massive sound that balances precision and chaos in equal measure.
From the opening riffs to the final crushing moments, Chemical Burn bring together groove, aggression, melody, and hard-earned experience into an album that sounds like a band with something left to prove.
FFO: Pantera, Machine Head, Testament

WATCH THE OFFICIAL “THE FURY” VIDEO


LISTEN TO / STREAM THE FURY

https://chemicalburn.hearnow.com/
Album: The Fury
Title Track / Video: “The Fury”
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Label: MegaSonic Records
Produced by: Chemical Burn and Juan Urteaga
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered at: Trident Studios
The Fury is out now. Stream it, turn it up, and experience the latest chapter from Chemical Burn.
Chemical Burn are not slowing down. They are kicking the door wide open.

 Connect: 
https://linktr.ee/chemicalburnofficial
Contact: chemicalburninfo@yahoo.com]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:20:15 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29345/nicarus-unleashes-new-ep-degree-of-doneness-and-premieres-official-video-for-vegan https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29345 NICARUS UNLEASHES NEW EP “DEGREE OF DONENESS” AND PREMIERES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “VEGAN”
A raw, unfiltered sonic experience forged in reality

Listen to “Degree Of Doneness”:
https://share.amuse.io/album/nicarus-degree-of-doneness
EP links:
https://degree-of-doneness.submithublinks.com/
Watch the official video for “Vegan” below.
Israel - Emerging from the underground with intensity, purpose, and zero compromise, one-woman force Nicarus has unleashed her new EP, “Degree Of Doneness,” via GreenMuzic. Alongside the release comes the official music video for “Vegan,” one of the standout tracks from the new EP.
Blending post-grunge grit, stoner rock weight, blackened atmosphere, and alternative edge, Nicarus continues to carve out her own lane with a sound that is as unpredictable as it is deeply personal. Fans of Neurosis, Deftones, and Foo Fighters may find familiar territory here, but Nicarus has created something unmistakably her own.
At its core, “Degree Of Doneness” is a reflection of pressure, survival, transformation, and the reality of living through turbulent times. It is heavy, honest, and unapologetically raw. This is music that hits straight in the chest and lingers long after the final note fades.
“VEGAN” OFFICIAL VIDEO

The new official video for “Vegan” brings another dimension to the EP, giving listeners a visual entry point into the world Nicarus has created with “Degree Of Doneness.”
The track and video are part of a larger body of work born from an intensely personal and immediate creative process. Rather than chasing trends or following a predetermined formula, Nicarus embraces the raw emotion and urgency that have become central to her music.
Watch “Vegan” and experience Nicarus’ latest sonic assault for yourself.

ONE WOMAN. ONE VISION. ZERO SHORTCUTS.

Nicarus isn’t simply another studio project. She is a fully independent artist who has been building her vision since 2017, handling every aspect of her work from writing and performing to producing and engineering.
Her journey has taken her across the globe, including recording drums at Electrical Audio in Chicago with Sanford Parker and sessions at Urban Sound Studio in Norway, while continuing to develop her sound in her own GreenLab studio in Israel.
And she doesn't stop at recording.
Nicarus also performs her material live as a complete one-woman band , armed with full gear and amplifiers. Her unique “Re-Amping” live show brings the same DIY spirit and controlled chaos to the stage. No backing band. No shortcuts. Just real amps, real instruments, and real energy.
MUSIC FORGED IN A TIME OF WAR

“Degree Of Doneness” was written in just three days during a time of war in Nicarus’ home country. That sense of urgency is woven throughout the EP.
One of the tracks also incorporates a Persian poem as a tribute to the Iranian people and culture, using music as a way to push back against division and create a space for connection through art and expression.
As one early statement about Nicarus’ music puts it:


“Nicarus creates music that doesn't just ask to be heard, it demands to be felt.”


That spirit runs throughout “Degree Of Doneness.” The EP captures vulnerability, urgency, resilience, transformation, and the courage to stand fully in your truth.
With “Degree Of Doneness,” Nicarus proves she isn't here to follow trends or play it safe. She is here to build something real, something loud, and something that matters.
“Degree Of Doneness” is out now via GreenMuzic.
RELEASE INFORMATION

Artist: Nicarus
EP: “Degree Of Doneness”
Featured Video: “Vegan”
Label: GreenMuzic
Production: The GreenLab of Tali Green
Written, Recorded, Produced & Engineered by: Nicarus
Management: GreenMuzic
Listen to “Degree Of Doneness”:
https://share.amuse.io/album/nicarus-degree-of-doneness
More EP links:
https://degree-of-doneness.submithublinks.com/

 Follow Nicarus:
Website: https://share.google/BtxON22vsPdcDGVbb
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CQ94bNQuV/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tg_nicarus
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nicarus8468
Bandcamp: https://share.google/tPbuEG8nqv6nCEpz6
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RFVoveiHCBOeHQPqfzbn7

Contact : Tali Green - greenmuzicpro@gmail.com]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:56:10 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29344/dave-mustaine-megadeth-opened-doors-for-metal-guitar-players-to-earn-respect https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29344 During a recent interview with Poland's Mystic Festival, Mustaine was asked to name Megadeth's greatest accomplishment. His answer was a reminder of just how important the band's impact has been on heavy music.


“Just getting respectability for metal guitar players.”


Mustaine explained that when Megadeth first emerged, there were plenty of incredibly talented metal guitarists, but the musicians playing that style were often dismissed because many of the bands existed on a much smaller scale.
As Megadeth grew, however, the band began forcing open doors that had previously been closed to heavy metal musicians.
“Some of the doors we had to kick in,” Mustaine recalled, “but we opened doors for ourselves and other people.”
And that's a pretty damn important legacy.
FROM THE UNDERGROUND TO THE BIG STAGE

When Megadeth arrived in the mid-1980s, technical and aggressive guitar playing was already a major part of the emerging thrash metal movement. But Mustaine and his fellow musicians pushed the concept further.
The riffs were complicated. The arrangements were ambitious. The solos were demanding. The lyrics tackled politics, war, corruption, religion, social issues, and the darker sides of humanity.
Megadeth wasn't interested in making metal that simply sounded heavy. They wanted to make music that challenged the listener.
That approach helped establish a new standard for what a metal guitarist could be.
For countless players who picked up a guitar after hearing albums such as Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?, So Far, So Good... So What!, Rust In Peace, and Countdown To Extinction, Megadeth proved that technical ability and songwriting could coexist with aggression and attitude.
And according to Mustaine, “Peace Sells” was an especially important moment in the development of his identity as a musician.
“PEACE SELLS” HELPED DEFINE DAVE MUSTAINE

Released in 1986 on Peace Sells... But Who's Buying?, “Peace Sells” remains one of Megadeth's most recognizable songs.
But Mustaine says he didn't necessarily recognize it as a career-defining turning point at the time.
What he did recognize was that something different was happening in his songwriting.
The song was slower and more melodic than some of the band's earlier material, while the sarcastic lyrics introduced another side of Mustaine's personality.
He specifically pointed to the middle section of the song as the first time he had written something that melodic.
That combination of melody, aggression, sarcasm, and social commentary would become a major part of the Megadeth identity.
Mustaine described “Peace Sells” as the beginning of his character coming into focus as a frontman, singer, and lyricist.
And nearly 40 years later, the song still sounds like Megadeth distilled down to its essential ingredients.
MUSTAINE'S THREE FAVORITES

When asked to name his three favorite Megadeth songs, Mustaine selected three tracks that represent different sides of the band's legacy:
“Symphony Of Destruction”
“Holy Wars... The Punishment Due”
“Peace Sells”
It's a pretty difficult list to argue with.
“Holy Wars” showcases the technical precision and progressive ambition that made Rust In Peace such an influential album for guitar players.
“Symphony Of Destruction” demonstrates the band's ability to strip things down and create an instantly memorable metal anthem without sacrificing substance.
And “Peace Sells” represents the sarcasm, wit, attitude, and social consciousness that became central to Mustaine's songwriting.
Mustaine explained that “Symphony” and “Holy Wars” reflect the idea that people need to stand together, while “Peace Sells” represents the desire of metal fans to have something better.
That last point is particularly interesting.
For Mustaine, “Peace Sells” wasn't simply a sarcastic song about society. It was also about the people listening to it. The metal fans wanted more. They wanted something better. They wanted to be heard.
A LEGACY THAT GOES WELL BEYOND MEGADETH

The influence of Megadeth on generations of guitar players is difficult to overstate.
Mustaine, along with the elite musicians who have passed through Megadeth's ranks, helped establish a musical vocabulary that would influence thrash, death metal, progressive metal, technical metal, and countless other subgenres.
The band's legacy isn't just about how many records they sold.
It's about how many guitarists heard a Megadeth riff and thought, I want to learn how to play that.
It's about musicians who spent years working on alternate picking, complex rhythms, unusual time signatures, harmonized leads, and blistering solos because Megadeth showed them what was possible.
In that sense, Mustaine's comments about “respectability” hit the nail right on the head.
Megadeth helped demonstrate that metal musicians weren't simply loud guys making noise in basement clubs.
They were serious musicians capable of extraordinary technical ability, ambitious songwriting, and cultural impact.
And those doors Mustaine talked about opening?
A hell of a lot of guitar players walked through them.
THE FINAL CHAPTER IS NOW UNDERWAY

Megadeth's influence is still very much alive, even as the band prepares for what Mustaine has described as its final multi-year global farewell journey.
The band recently announced the European chapter of its farewell tour, “Breakout: Hibernation Of The Nations,” which will begin March 9, 2027, in Belfast and run through April 13 in Lisbon.
Joining Megadeth for the European arena run will be fellow metal heavyweights Black Label Society and Testament.
The tour will visit 12 of the 22 global markets where Megadeth's latest album reached the Top 5, further demonstrating that the band's international audience remains massive.
And speaking of that album, Megadeth's self-titled 2026 release made a huge impact commercially.
The record debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 after moving 73,000 equivalent album units in the United States during its opening week. A remarkable 69,000 of those units came from traditional album sales.
The album also reached No. 1 in Australia and Austria, while landing inside the Top 5 in several other major international markets.
For a band approaching the end of its journey, that's one hell of a final statement.
THE DOORS ARE OPEN

Dave Mustaine has never been shy about his opinions, and there is no shortage of controversy surrounding his career. But when it comes to Megadeth's contribution to heavy metal, the band's influence is undeniable.
They helped take technical metal guitar playing out of the underground and put it in front of a worldwide audience.
They helped prove that a metal song could be vicious, intelligent, melodic, complicated, catchy, and commercially successful all at once.
And perhaps most importantly, they inspired generations of musicians to pick up a guitar and see just how far they could push it.
That's what Mustaine means when he talks about opening doors.
Some of those doors had to be kicked in.
But once they were open, an entire generation of metal guitar players came charging through.
And nearly four decades later, they're still coming.
]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:45:04 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29343/tony-iommi-shares-behind-the-scenes-footage-from-making-of-world-alone-music-video https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29343 Iommi shared footage from the video shoot on August 24, offering fans a glimpse into the production behind the song's dark, futuristic visual presentation.
From The Dark is scheduled for release on October 23 via BMG and marks Iommi's first full-length solo album since 2005's Fused .
"World Alone" originally premiered on July 29 during a special global streaming event held in Iommi's hometown of Birmingham, England. The event took place near the famous Black Sabbath Bridge, which was opened in 2019 as a civic tribute to the pioneering heavy metal band.
Musically, "World Alone" is a full-throttle showcase of Iommi's unmistakable guitar work, combining crushing riffs, soaring solos and a driving rhythm section with the powerful vocals of acclaimed Norwegian singer Jorn Lande .
The accompanying music video takes things into a decidedly dystopian direction. The story unfolds in a retro-futuristic universe in which a character known as The Believer is thrown into a twisted video game where he must fight to survive and ultimately find salvation.
For Iommi, the project represents another chapter in a remarkable solo career that has continued to evolve while remaining firmly rooted in the heavy guitar sound he helped create.
On From The Dark , Iommi is joined throughout the album by Lande, who also shares songwriting credits on every track. The lineup is rounded out by bassist Becky Baldwin and drummer Karl Brazil .
The album was co-produced by Iommi and longtime collaborator Mike Exeter , who has worked with the guitarist extensively over the years.
Iommi previously described the album simply and confidently: "It's an album we've really enjoyed making. We're not trying to prove anything — it's a great album, it rocks!"
The eight-song main album opens with "Over The Violent Sun," built around a classic down-tuned Iommi riff and Lande's commanding vocals. From there, From The Dark moves through a series of heavy, atmospheric and increasingly dramatic tracks.
"Black Times" delivers another hard-hitting assault before "World Alone" kicks the album into high gear. "Beyond The Dead" shifts the mood with a darker, more orchestral approach, while "Stormwatcher" and "Death Wake" explore more expansive territory.
The album closes with "Return Of The Arbalist" and the epic "Legacy."
Lyrically, Lande's contributions explore themes of mortality, isolation, humanity and the uncertain nature of existence, with dystopian imagery appearing throughout the record.
A limited-edition seven-inch single of "World Alone," backed by an instrumental version of the song, is scheduled for release on September 4 . The single will be housed in a deluxe foiled sleeve. "World Alone" will also be featured on the Gibson learn-to-play-guitar app.
From The Dark will be released in multiple deluxe vinyl and CD formats, including a double-LP edition pressed in four different colors. The album will be cut at 45 RPM and packaged in a deluxe gatefold sleeve featuring Iommi's signature cross design.
The deluxe CD edition will feature two bonus tracks: "Scent Of Dark" and an extended version of "Deified."
From The Dark Deluxe CD Track Listing:



Over The Violent Sun
Black Times
World Alone
Beyond The Dead
Stormwatcher
Death Wake
Return Of The Arbalist
Legacy
Scent Of Dark (exclusive bonus track)
Deified (extended version, exclusive bonus track)

The new album also connects to several pieces of Iommi's recent musical work. "Scent Of Dark," released in 2021, marked Iommi's first new music in eight years at the time and arrived alongside a fragrance created through his collaboration with perfumer and guitarist Sergio Momo of Xerjoff.
"Deified" followed in 2024 and reunited Iommi with Exeter. The recording featured Laurence Cottle on bass, Karl Brazil on drums and orchestral arrangements by Ben Andrews.
Iommi has previously revealed that he has an enormous collection of unused musical ideas, telling fans that he had "four or five hundred" riffs stored on his phone that could potentially be developed for future projects.
His solo catalog began with the 2000 album Iommi , which featured an extraordinary collection of guest vocalists and musicians, including Billy Corgan , Dave Grohl , Phil Anselmo , Henry Rollins , Serj Tankian , Skin , Peter Steele and Ian Astbury .
Iommi followed that album with 2005's Fused , which featured former DEEP PURPLE vocalist and bassist Glenn Hughes and drummer Kenny Aronoff .
Of course, Iommi's greatest musical legacy remains BLACK SABBATH .
As the band's founding guitarist and primary composer, Iommi is widely regarded as one of the architects of heavy metal. His distinctive riffs and dark, down-tuned guitar sound became one of the defining musical signatures of the genre.
The guitarist's unique approach was born in part from tragedy. As a teenager, Iommi suffered an industrial accident that resulted in the loss of the tips of two fingers on his right hand. Rather than abandoning music, he adapted his technique and developed the playing style that would ultimately become one of the most recognizable sounds in rock history.
Alongside Ozzy Osbourne , Geezer Butler and Bill Ward , Iommi helped launch BLACK SABBATH and establish the foundation for an entire musical movement.
His career has since included multiple Grammy Awards, Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame recognition, honorary academic distinctions and numerous civic honors. Most recently, in June 2026, Iommi was awarded an MBE , one of the United Kingdom's highest public honors.
Iommi has also continued pushing beyond traditional rock music. In 2023, he collaborated with the Birmingham Royal Ballet on Black Sabbath - The Ballet , a production inspired by his compositions and the band's legacy.
In 2025, BLACK SABBATH returned to Birmingham for the monumental "Back To The Beginning" concert, which served as the band's farewell celebration and brought together an enormous lineup of rock and metal legends.
The event would become especially poignant following the death of Ozzy Osbourne just weeks later.
Now, as Iommi prepares to release From The Dark , the guitarist is once again turning his attention toward the music itself.
And judging by the crushing riffs of "World Alone," Tony Iommi still has plenty of fire left in the furnace.
The man who helped invent heavy metal isn't finished yet.


]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:42:35 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29342/def-leppards-vivian-campbell-reveals-cancer-has-returned-im-continuing-treatments-to-manage-it https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29342 Campbell, 63, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2013 and has spent more than a decade undergoing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, combination therapies and stem cell transplants. Despite the ongoing health challenges, the guitarist says he remains determined to live his life and continue doing the things that matter most to him.
Speaking to Francisco Sigüenza of Radio YSKL FM, Campbell reflected on how his cancer diagnosis changed his perspective and ultimately strengthened his determination to keep moving forward.
"I think you have to keep moving forward," Campbell said. "And I do think that that's what helped me, even when I was at a really low ebb with cancer treatment. The fact that I could still continue to work, that gives me something to live for, something that you enjoy, that you're passionate about, that you can wake up in the morning and look forward to."
Campbell explained that continuing to work has helped prevent his illness from becoming the sole focus of his life.
"I've always felt like I'm gonna continue to live my life as much as possible. In fact, even more so," he said. "After getting a cancer diagnosis, it amplifies that desire to tick all the boxes, to do the things you wanna do."
The guitarist also acknowledged that he has been fortunate to have caught his cancer relatively early, describing his experience primarily as one of managing the disease.
However, Campbell revealed that there was one period when he became genuinely concerned that the cancer could take his life.
"There's only been one time that I felt it was gonna kill me," he admitted. "In the winter of 2023, I got really scared about what was happening and the pace at which it was happening."
According to Campbell, doctors determined that a donor stem cell transplant was his only remaining chance of survival. He underwent the procedure in January 2025.
"I did a donor transplant. Unfortunately, it didn't stick. So the cancer has returned," Campbell revealed. "And I'm continuing treatments to manage it."
Campbell said he may ultimately need to undergo another transplant with another donor in the coming years in an effort to achieve a cure.
For now, however, he has no intention of putting his life on hold.
"I'm certainly not slowing down," Campbell said. "I'm doing as much with my life as possible, not just with DEF LEPPARD and with LAST IN LINE."
In addition to his musical commitments, Campbell has increasingly pursued another longtime passion: rally driving.
"I'm also rally driving, 'cause I always wanted to do that," he explained. "So I've been doing that more and more, 'cause I love cars and I love driving. And as a child, I thought, 'If I don't play guitar for a living, I'm gonna be a race car driver.' So, I'm very, very, very fortunate and blessed that I get to do both."
Campbell concluded his discussion with a message encouraging people to take their health seriously and, for those facing a cancer diagnosis, to find a way to move beyond the initial fear.
"Life is for the living," he said. "And I encourage everyone to look after their own health. And if you are unfortunate enough to get a cancer diagnosis to overcome the fear. Fear is inevitable when you're first told those words. But once you get over that, you gotta realize just how to manage it and how to deal with it as best as possible, and just don't give in."
Campbell's latest revelation comes after he announced in June 2025 that he was "completely in remission" following a donor stem cell transplant.
At the time, Campbell told SiriusXM's Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk that he had endured extensive treatment over the years, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a stem cell transplant using his own cells, which ultimately failed to stop the cancer from returning.
"The cancer kept coming back, and then a couple of years ago, it really got bad," Campbell said during that interview. He explained that doctors subsequently recommended a donor stem cell transplant as his best chance for a cure.
The transplant forced Campbell to miss DEF LEPPARD's first concert of 2025. However, he later received encouraging news when a PET scan performed in April showed no evidence of the disease.
"I am a hundred percent clean, completely in remission for the first time in 12 or 13 years," Campbell said at the time. "And I am obviously overjoyed. You couldn't ask for more than that."
Unfortunately, that remission did not prove permanent.
Campbell first went public with his Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosis in June 2013. Over the years, he has undergone three separate courses of chemotherapy as well as stem cell transplantation, only to see the disease return.
Despite the latest setback, Campbell continues to maintain an active schedule with both DEF LEPPARD and LAST IN LINE while pursuing his passion for motorsports.
Before joining DEF LEPPARD in 1992, Campbell established himself as a respected guitarist through his work with DIO and WHITESNAKE. He has remained a key member of DEF LEPPARD for more than three decades.
DEF LEPPARD was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in March 2019, 14 years after becoming eligible.
The band's most recent studio album, Diamond Star Halos, was released in May 2022 through UMe.
Campbell's latest comments serve as another reminder that his story with cancer is far from over. But judging by his own words, neither is his story with music, cars, or life itself.
]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:38:40 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29341/vulnificus-unleash-the-madness-of-ohio-deathfest-with-crushing-live-performance-of-excursus-vulnificus https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29341 VULNIFICUS Unleash the Madness of Ohio Deathfest With Crushing Live Performance of “Excursus Vulnificus”
Technical Brutal Death Metal Outfit Tear Through Ohio Deathfest in New Live Video

Technical brutal death metal innovators VULNIFICUS are bringing the chaos of Ohio Deathfest straight to your speakers with a new live video capturing the band’s punishing performance of “Excursus Vulnificus.”
The performance showcases VULNIFICUS at full force, delivering the dense, claustrophobic brutality and technical precision that define their sound. With crushing riffs, relentless drumming, commanding vocals, and a devastating low-end attack, “Excursus Vulnificus” demonstrates exactly why VULNIFICUS have become a formidable force within the modern brutal death metal underground.
Relive the madness of Ohio Deathfest and watch VULNIFICUS tear through “Excursus Vulnificus” live:

The Ohio Deathfest performance arrives as VULNIFICUS continue to push their debut full-length INCLINATION , released through Comatose Music and available everywhere now. The album represents the culmination of four years of evolution and three previous EPs, combining the band's technical approach with a darker, more mature and oppressive sound.
Drawing influence from death metal titans including Suffocation, Immolation, Morbid Angel, and Deeds of Flesh , VULNIFICUS embrace the genre's classic brutality while injecting their own modern and technically demanding edge.
The band's vision behind INCLINATION was recently explored in an exclusive interview with Necromance Digital Magazine , where vocalist and founding member Eston discusses the album's creation, production, lyrical themes, artwork, and the band's philosophy toward death metal.
The interview also explores the work of producer Scot Moriarty at Backroom Studios , whose production balances crushing intensity with enough clarity to reveal the intricate layers buried within VULNIFICUS' arrangements.
Lyrically and visually, INCLINATION dives headfirst into darkness. The album reflects the decay and bleakness of the post-pandemic world, while the suffocating artwork created by Ricky “Pileworm” Pile reinforces the record's oppressive atmosphere. Even the track titles contain a subtle tribute to early Morbid Angel releases through their use of the letter “I.”
Now, with the devastation of Ohio Deathfest captured on video, VULNIFICUS offer fans another chance to experience the sheer intensity of INCLINATION in its natural environment: LOUD, LIVE, AND ABSOLUTELY UNFORGIVING.

 Connect with the band:
http://www.vulnificusbdm.com
http://www.facebook.com/vulnificusbdm
http://www.instagram.com/vulnificusbdm
http://vulnificusbdm.bandcamp.com
https://open.spotify.com/album/2pnEBfYMCzwXXId9iMxtHI
https://music.apple.com/us/album/inclination/1831096791
http://vulnificusbdm.bandcamp.com/merch
Contact: VULNIFICUSBDM@GMAIL.COM]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:22:29 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29340/wildfire-unleashes-debut-single-sweet-sensation-bringing-1980s-arena-rock-attitude-into-the-modern-era https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29340


WILDFIRE Unleashes Debut Single “Sweet Sensation,” Bringing 1980s Arena Rock Attitude Into the Modern Era


Debut single from Nashville hard rock newcomers WILDFIRE is out now
NASHVILLE, TN, USA | August 25, 2026 | Forged in the furnaces of Music City, Nashville hard rock and arena metal newcomers WILDFIRE have officially unleashed their debut single, “Sweet Sensation,” now available on all major streaming platforms.
Listen / Stream / Follow:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/wildfire18/sweet-sensation
Built on heavy riffs, untamable rhythms, and soaring melodic vocals, WILDFIRE channels the larger-than-life spirit of classic arena rock while giving it a modern production edge. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts including Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Led Zeppelin, Ratt, Hardcore Superstar, and Avenged Sevenfold , the band delivers a sound that bridges the glory days of hard rock with the energy of a new generation.
“Sweet Sensation” serves as WILDFIRE's first official statement, resurrecting the excitement, swagger, and attitude of 1980s arena rock through the lens of modern songwriting and production.
Produced by WILDFIRE, the single was engineered and mixed by Jordan Logue , with mastering handled by Wally Joseph Niemiec . The track was recorded at Sienna Studios in Nashville, Tennessee , and mastered at Wheelhouse Studios in Andover, Minnesota . Artwork was created by Justin Whipple .
WILDFIRE features Daniel Winfree on lead vocals, Logan Stahlecker on guitar and vocals, and Tad Taddeo on drums and vocals.
Like their namesake, WILDFIRE is spreading uncontrollably.
The band has hit the scene hard and has no intention of slowing down. With their debut single now unleashed, WILDFIRE is positioning itself as one of the next generation of hard rock bands ready to bring big riffs, big melodies, and the larger-than-life attitude of arena rock back to the forefront.
One thing is certain: WILDFIRE is just getting started, and the smoke is already rising.
“Sweet Sensation” Release Details

Artist: WILDFIRE
Release: “Sweet Sensation”
Release Type: Debut Single
Release Date: August 21, 2026
Status: Out Now
Genre: Hard Rock / Arena Metal
FFO: Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Ratt, Hardcore Superstar
Label: Independent
Production: WILDFIRE
Engineering & Mixing: Jordan Logue
Mastering: Wally Joseph Niemiec
Artwork: Justin Whipple
Recording: Sienna Studios, Nashville, TN
Mastering: Wheelhouse Studios, Andover, MN
Follow / Stream WILDFIRE

“Sweet Sensation” is out now on all major streaming platforms.
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/wildfire18/sweet-sensation




Listen / Follow WILDFIRE

Pre-Save / HyperFollow:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/wildfire18/sweet-sensation
Bandcamp:
https://wildfireofficialband.bandcamp.com/track/sweet-sensation
Official Links:
https://www.liinks.co/wildfireofficialband
WILDFIRE Is:

Daniel Winfree - Lead Vocals
Logan Stahlecker - Guitar, Vocals
Tad Taddeo - Drums, Vocals
Press / Contact:
Logan Stahlecker
lstahleckermusic@gmail.com
wildfirebandtn@gmail.com
]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:54:16 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29339/kitahrah-releases-emotional-acoustic-cover-of-evanescences-my-immortal https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29339
For Immediate Release

Kitahrah Releases Emotional Acoustic Cover of Evanescence’s “My Immortal”
Pre-Save / HyperFollow: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kitahrah/my-immortal
Acoustic artist Kitahrah unveils a deeply personal rendition of “My Immortal,” arriving September 26, 2025. Originally made famous by hard rock powerhouse Evanescence , Kitahrah’s version draws inspiration specifically from Dayseeker’s haunting interpretation , bringing a stripped-down acoustic approach to one of alternative rock’s most emotionally resonant songs.
For Kitahrah, “My Immortal” is more than simply a cover. The song has been a part of her life since childhood, when its haunting melody and unmistakable sense of sadness first captured her attention.


“As a child, I’d listen to the song and wonder about the sadness and longing in Amy’s voice,” Kitahrah explains. “As I grew older, the lyrics started to have more meaning.”


That evolving connection became the foundation for her own interpretation of the song. While “My Immortal” can evoke many different emotions and experiences, Kitahrah was particularly drawn to the themes of grief, death, loss, and longing that have resonated with listeners for generations.
Taking cues from the emotional weight of both Evanescence’s original and Dayseeker’s version, Kitahrah sought to capture those same feelings while putting her own vocal personality and emotional delivery at the forefront.
“With that, I feel that my emotional delivery has improved since Homesick , and I’m rather proud of that,” she says.
The result is an intimate acoustic performance that places the emotional core of “My Immortal” front and center. Rather than relying on a massive arrangement, Kitahrah allows the song’s melody, lyrics, and vocal performance to carry the weight, creating a vulnerable interpretation that feels both familiar and distinctly her own.
“My Immortal” by Kitahrah will be available September 26, 2025.

Connect With Kitahrah

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/kitahrahmusic
Pre-Save / HyperFollow: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/kitahrah/my-immortal
Artist: Kitahrah
Single: “My Immortal”
Genre: Acoustic
Release Date: September 26, 2025

]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:38:28 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29338/first-world-appetite-featured-by-bravewords-for-silence-of-god-lyric-video https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29338 FIRST WORLD APPETITE Featured by BraveWords for “Silence Of God” Lyric Video
Dutch Industrial Alt-Metal Project Earns Coverage for Latest Visual Release Featuring DIFFY
August 25, 2026 – Dutch industrial alt-metal project First World Appetite has been featured by BraveWords following the release of the official lyric video for “Silence Of God” featuring DIFFY.
The new lyric video, taken from First World Appetite’s latest full-length album Angel Shades Demise , expands on the record’s themes of isolation, questioning, identity, and the search for meaning in an increasingly uncertain world. The track combines mechanical industrial intensity with raw emotional vulnerability, while the cinematic visual presentation further brings the dark atmosphere of the album to life.
Released June 12, 2026, Angel Shades Demise represents First World Appetite’s most ambitious release to date, blending industrial aggression, nu-metal weight, dark electronic textures, and cinematic atmosphere.
The project, founded in 2017 by Ronald de Groot, draws influence from Ministry, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Slipknot, and Korn while forging its own dark and introspective identity.
BraveWords highlighted the release as part of its Heavy Metal, News, and Video coverage, giving First World Appetite another notable media spotlight for Angel Shades Demise and the new “Silence Of God” lyric video.
Read the BraveWords feature:
https://bravewords.com/news/first-world-appetite-releases-lyric-video-for-silence-of-god-ft-diffy/
Listen to Angel Shades Demise and discover First World Appetite:
First World Appetite continues to push forward with a sound built around confrontation, atmosphere, aggression, and the psychological weight of modern existence.

 CONNECT
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/first_world_appetite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063702990432
Contact: firstworldappetite@gmail.com]]> Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:17:07 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29337/starved-of-light-release-new-single-wander-the-holler https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29337 STARVED OF LIGHT RELEASE NEW SINGLE “WANDER THE HOLLER”
Atlanta Melodic Technical Death Metal Force Follows “Cut Into Moonlight” With a Dark, Relentless New Track

Atlanta melodic technical death metal outfit Starved of Light is back with another crushing new single. Following the recent release of “Cut Into Moonlight,” the band has unleashed “Wander the Holler,” now available on Bandcamp.
Listen to “Wander the Holler” on Bandcamp:
https://starvedoflight.bandcamp.com/track/wander-the-holler
“Wander the Holler” continues Starved of Light’s rapidly developing sonic assault, combining punishing technical death metal riffing with melodic passages, aggressive rhythms, and an atmosphere steeped in darkness. The new track further establishes the band as one of Atlanta’s rising forces in the modern extreme metal underground.
The release arrives on the heels of “Cut Into Moonlight,” a single that showcased the band's ability to balance razor-sharp musicianship with emotionally charged songwriting. Produced, mixed, and mastered by Josh Curl at True Fiction Audio , the band's latest material demonstrates a clear evolution from their debut full-length, Into Early Mourning , released through Dark Sails Entertainment.
Fans of The Black Dahlia Murder, Job for a Cowboy, and Revocation will find plenty to sink their teeth into, but Starved of Light are quickly carving out an identity of their own through a combination of melodic intensity, technical precision, crushing riffs, and raw emotional weight.
ABOUT STARVED OF LIGHT

Formed in late 2024, Starved of Light brings together four veterans of Atlanta's extreme metal scene:
Tim Jones – Vocals
Leaf Blower, All American Organ Grinder
Josh Kerston – Guitars
Burning Palace, Abattoir
Robbie Cook – Drums
All American Organ Grinder, Abattoir
Elliott Stotler – Bass
Coat Hanger Abortion, Abattoir
Drawing from years of experience in the underground, Starved of Light combine melodic intensity, technical mastery, and emotionally driven songwriting into a sound that is both ferocious and unforgettable.
WHAT'S NEXT

With “Wander the Holler” now available and “Cut Into Moonlight” continuing to gain momentum, Starved of Light are setting their sights on the next chapter. The band is continuing to work on new material while preparing to bring its devastating live performance to audiences.
More music, videos, and live announcements are expected in the months ahead.
For interviews, review requests, promo materials, or additional information, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

 For updates, music releases, and more, connect with Starved of Light:
https://www.instagram.com/starved.of.light 
https://www.facebook.com/Abattoir.atl.metal
https://starvedoflight.bandcamp.com/
https://darksailsentertainment.com/
Contact: starvedoflightbooking@gmail.com ]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:54:23 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29336/megaton-communion-release-new-official-video-for-echoes-in-time https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29336 MEGATON COMMUNION RELEASE NEW OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “ECHOES IN TIME”
Cleveland Heavy Rock Trio Unveil Atmospheric New Video From Upcoming Album Three of Cups
Cleveland, Ohio heavy rock trio Megaton Communion have released their brand-new official music video for “Echoes in Time,” available now. The track comes from the band's upcoming album, Three of Cups , due September 11, 2026 via Black Doomba Records .
“Echoes in Time” explores memory, distance, loss, hope, and the uneasy feeling of watching the past slowly drift further away. The song moves through reflections on days gone by and relationships that may no longer exist as they once did, ultimately arriving at a choice between holding onto hope or surrendering to the darkness.
With lyrics centered around fleeting memories, uncertainty, and the possibility of another day, the track showcases a more introspective side of Megaton Communion while retaining the band's signature weight and groove.


“A glimpse of hope for another day
A glimpse of pain don't want to stay
A ray of light all around
Or sit in darkness without a sound”


Musically, “Echoes in Time” combines massive hard rock riffs, hypnotic rhythms, desert-rock atmosphere, and melodic songwriting , creating a sound that feels both heavy and expansive. Fans of Soundgarden, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, and Tool will find plenty to sink their teeth into.
The new video arrives as Megaton Communion continue building momentum toward the release of Three of Cups . The album's first single, “Evil Speak,” was released July 24 and introduced listeners to the band's latest chapter, while Three of Cups expands upon that foundation with a collection of songs centered around resilience, growth, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
Formed in late 2022 by lifelong friends Derrick (guitar), Ryan (drums), and Joe (bass/vocals) , Megaton Communion quickly established themselves within Cleveland's underground rock scene through dynamic songwriting and immersive live performances. Following Ryan's departure in March 2025, Ken Gosselin joined the band on drums, bringing renewed energy to the lineup.
Three of Cups was produced by Curran Murphy at Custom Audio Mutation Studio , where the band shaped their latest material into a powerful and emotionally resonant full-length.
With “Echoes in Time,” Megaton Communion offer another glimpse into an album that refuses to stay locked inside one particular corner of heavy music. Dark, melodic, atmospheric, and driven by huge riffs, Three of Cups is shaping up to be a defining release for the Cleveland trio.
Megaton Communion – Three of Cups
Release Date: September 11, 2026
Label: Black Doomba Records
Genre: Hard Rock / Desert Rock / Stoner Rock
For Fans Of: Soundgarden, Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Tool
Produced By: Curran Murphy at Custom Audio Mutation Studio
Watch “Echoes in Time” now and experience the latest chapter from Megaton Communion.


 Connect with the band: 
https://linktr.ee/megaton_communion
https://linktr.ee/BlackDoomba
Contact:
blackdoombarecords@gmail.com
megatoncommunion@gmail.com]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:17:24 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29335/death-has-spoken-announce-first-ever-vinyl-release-of-elegy https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29335
Polish death-doom metal band Death Has Spoken will release their third full-length album, Elegy , on 180g black vinyl for the first time on September 11, 2026, through Meuse Music Records. Limited to just 200 copies worldwide, the release marks the band's first-ever vinyl edition.
Almost one year after Elegy originally arrived on CD and digital platforms, Death Has Spoken are bringing the album to vinyl, a format that feels particularly suited to the record's crushing weight, melancholic atmosphere and immersive songwriting.
Originally released in October 2025, Elegy serves as the final chapter in a trilogy that began with the band's debut album Fade . Across seven original compositions, Death Has Spoken explore themes of mortality, loss and the unknown, blending crushing death-doom heaviness with atmospheric passages and deeply melancholic melodies.
For collectors and fans of physical releases, the new edition has been given special attention. The 180g black vinyl includes the album's original artwork, a full-size lyric insert and a band photo. Mastering duties were handled by Greg Chandler of legendary UK doom metal outfit Esoteric at Priory Recording Studios in Birmingham, England.
The vinyl edition also features a slight difference from the original CD and digital versions of Elegy . To preserve the best possible sound quality throughout the vinyl's running time, the release contains only the seven original Elegy tracks. The Agalloch cover featured on the CD and digital editions has been omitted from the vinyl pressing.
With only 200 copies being pressed worldwide , the release is set to become a highly collectible addition to the Death Has Spoken catalog.
The Elegy vinyl will be available through the Meuse Music Records store , Death Has Spoken's Bandcamp page , and directly from the band at live shows.
To celebrate the release, Death Has Spoken will also perform two special concerts in Poland:
September 11, 2026
Sześcian, Białystok, Poland
September 12, 2026
VooDoo Club, Warsaw, Poland
For fans who have followed Death Has Spoken through the Fade trilogy, the arrival of Elegy on vinyl offers a chance to experience the trilogy's final chapter in a definitive physical format. And with only 200 copies available, this is one of those releases where waiting until later probably isn't the smartest move.
Listen to Death Has Spoken

Death Has Spoken Bandcamp:
http://deathhasspoken.bandcamp.com/

Meuse Music Records:
https://www.m9music.eu/

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3i6Su11UGj2B6dPcDRZxNv?si=Sqt9FS8USoiUqLGiscQjUQ

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/in/album/elegy/1814283689

"Within the Hills" Official Music Video:


"Through Shaded Ways" Lyric Video:


Follow Death Has Spoken
Website: http://deathhasspoken.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deathhasspoken
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deathhasspoken
]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:37:08 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29334/who-will-rise-as-this-weeks-champion-on-the-mdr-battle-of-the-bands-08-24-26-08-28-26 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29334
🔥 Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 🔥
And who will dominate next month as Band of the Month on Metal Devastation Radio?
Last month’s winners, TRIVAN , crushed the competition with a staggering 10,525,129 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, August 28th at 9PM EST!




Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 08/24/26 - 08/28/26


























Click Here To Chat On Mobile
Click Here For Help Streaming On Chrome




]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:59:04 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29333/brat-drops-reactive-new-single-trophy-hunting-ahead-of-new-album-manslayer https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29333 Set for release September 25, Manslayer follows BRAT’s 2024 debut Social Grace and pushes the band’s filthy blend of primitive death metal, garroting thrash, and swamp-drenched hardcore even further into the darkest corners of the underground.
The album was recorded at Chicago’s Bricktop Recording, with Weekend Nachos’ Andy Nelson handling production, engineering, and mixing. Brad Boatright, whose credits include Deadguy, Pig Destroyer, and Lathe of Heaven, handled mastering, giving the record the kind of massive, punishing sound BRAT’s material demands.
At the center of “Trophy Hunting” is vocalist Liz Selfish’s exploration of reactive abuse and the cycle of control that can ultimately reach a breaking point.


“Trophy Hunting is a classic tale of older men seeking a trophy wife that they can control,” explains Selfish. “The video showcases the brutal aftermath of a young wife who has had enough.”


The accompanying video takes that concept and turns it into a violent reckoning, bringing the song’s themes of manipulation, control, and retaliation to life with the same unrelenting intensity that defines BRAT’s music.
Watch “Trophy Hunting” here:

Interestingly, one of the influences behind Manslayer comes from a place that might not be the first thing you'd expect when listening to BRAT: country music.
Selfish drew inspiration from country songs centered around women getting revenge and taking their power back after being wronged. Songs such as The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl,” Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats,” and Miranda Lambert’s “Gunpowder & Lead” provided an unlikely but fitting source of inspiration.
There is something undeniably metal about those stories. Betrayal, revenge, rage, and consequences have been staples of heavy music forever. Country music just sometimes delivers them with a different accent.
With 17 tracks of uncompromising heaviness, Manslayer looks set to continue BRAT’s assault on the underground while expanding the band's already distinctive perspective. “Trophy Hunting” offers another taste of what is coming, and if this track is any indication, BRAT isn't interested in pulling its punches.
Manslayer arrives September 25.
]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:42:24 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29332/dread-witch-unleash-a-cinematic-descent-into-darkness-with-new-doom-metal-album-cult https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29332 DREAD WITCH Unleash a Cinematic Descent Into Darkness With New Doom Metal Album CULT
Danish doom metal force DREAD WITCH will release their crushing second album, CULT , on October 31, 2026 via DHU Records and Gateway Music
Danish doom metal outfit DREAD WITCH are preparing to unleash CULT , their second full-length album and a darker, heavier and more cinematic evolution of the band's sound. Set for release on October 31, 2026 , CULT is a 36-minute descent into an occult nightmare built from colossal riffs, crushing drums, ritualistic vocals and an immense wall of sound.




Formed in Denmark in 2023 by former members of Scamp, Horned Almighty, Stone Cadaver and The World State , DREAD WITCH came together with one simple mission: create exceedingly heavy and dark doom metal inspired by horror literature, cult cinema and bands such as Pink Floyd and Triptykon .
With CULT , that vision has been pushed even further into the darkness.
The album unfolds like a horror movie translated into sound. From the unsettling opening instrumental "Born Again," where the cries of a bawling infant collide with dissonant guitars, to the monumental eight-minute closing journey "Omen of Oblivion," DREAD WITCH create a bleak and immersive universe inhabited by serpents, witches, human sacrifices and unspeakable horrors.
The title track, "Cult," drives the listener deeper with bone-shattering riffs and dark psychedelic textures, while "The Summoning" introduces occult chanting, sinister lyrics and an eerie atmospheric passage before erupting into a crushingly groove-heavy finale.
The pace picks up on "Cyclops," the album's shortest and most aggressive track, delivering an in-your-face barrage of riffs built for serious headbanging. "Altar" brings another dimension to the record with a guest appearance from Sofia Schmidt of Ethereal Kingdoms , who takes on the role of the Dread Witch herself in a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply unsettling.
Then comes "Marrow," where up-tempo death metal phrasing and staccato riffs collide with the unexpected sound of a didgeridoo, creating what feels like an infernal freight train barreling straight into the abyss.
Instrumental "Vesexuff" serves as an ominous prelude to the album's epic finale, "Omen of Oblivion," completing a journey through dark landscapes of monumental riffs, powerful vocals and oppressive atmosphere.
At the center of the sonic assault is an immense wall of sound created from three low-tuned guitars, distorted bass, crushing drums, ritualistic vocals and ambient textures . The result is doom metal that is massive without sacrificing dynamics, atmosphere or detail.
CULT was engineered, produced, mixed and mastered by legendary Danish producer Tue Madsen , whose extensive credits include Meshuggah, Baest, Moonspell, The Haunted and Belphegor , among many others. The album was recorded at Antfarm Studios , with artwork created by Deliriavision and layout by Andreas Cadaver .
DREAD WITCH previously established their reputation with their 2023 debut, Tower of the Severed Serpent , which Deathrattle Podcast praised for its "riffs of gravitational force and neutronium density." The band has continued to develop that crushing foundation on CULT , creating what is arguably an even more immersive and sinister statement.








DREAD WITCH creates Boschian landscapes of doom that, as RockHard Italy said, "capture the listener in a magnetic whirlpool that is difficult to escape."
With CULT , there may be no escape at all.




DREAD WITCH - CULT
Release Date: October 31, 2026
Labels: DHU Records / Bottomless Pit / Gateway Music
Formats: Digital / CD / LP
Genre: Doom / Death Metal
For Fans Of: Conan, Triptykon, Devin Townsend
DREAD WITCH

Mikael Rise - Lead Vocals & Guitar
Dennis Larsen - Drums
Andreas Cadaver - Guitar
Leifur Nielsen - Bass & Vocals
Jesper Kragh - Lead Guitar
Credits

Recorded at Antfarm Studios
Produced, Mixed & Mastered by Tue Madsen
Artwork by Deliriavision
Layout by Andreas Cadaver
Music & Lyrics by Andreas Cadaver
Discography

Tower of the Severed Serpent - 2023
CULT - 2026
The official "Cult" music video was directed by DREAD WITCH and edited by Leifur Nielsen.
EPK, logos and additional band materials:
https://linktr.ee/dreadwitch
DREAD WITCH's CULT arrives October 31, 2026. Enter the darkness. Join the cult.
No generative AI was used in the making of CULT.
Check out the video: 


Connect:
https://linktr.ee/dreadwitch






]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2026 15:59:32 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29331/nemesis-unleashes-new-wave-of-thrash-metal-with-sophomore-album-eye-for-an-eye https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29331
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEMESIS Unleashes New Wave of Thrash Metal With Sophomore Album Eye for an Eye
Houston, Texas thrash metal force NEMESIS is set to unleash its highly anticipated sophomore album, Eye for an Eye , in late summer/early fall 2026.
For Fans Of: Megadeth, Slayer, Metallica
Houston, Texas has a long history of producing bands that know how to bring the heat, and NEMESIS is carrying that tradition forward with a vicious brand of thrash metal built on relentless riffs, breakneck tempos, razor-sharp musicianship, and pure pit-ready aggression.
Formed by Nick Broussard, Reagan Burkhardt, Ezra Terry, and Alex Fullerton , NEMESIS draws heavily from the classic 1980s thrash movement, taking inspiration from genre-defining acts including Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Forbidden, and Exodus , while delivering the sound with a modern underground intensity.
The band's sophomore album, Eye for an Eye , follows their 2023 debut, False Reality , which introduced listeners to the band's raw and uncompromising attack through tracks including Aggressor , Slave of Mistakes , State of Pain , and Escape . The album earned attention for channeling the fury of Slayer and the early bite of Metallica while establishing NEMESIS as a force to watch within the American thrash underground.
Now, NEMESIS is coming back harder.
Eye for an Eye features the singles "Hell's Last Kiss," "Governed With Fear," and "Eternally Lost," three unhinged blasts of thrash that showcase a band operating at full power. The album is co-produced by NEMESIS and legendary producer Randy Burns , with Burns handling mixing and mastering. Steve Simpson of Subhuman Recordings provides drum engineering.
Burns' legendary production credits include work with metal heavyweights such as Megadeth and Kreator , making his involvement with Eye for an Eye a particularly fitting collaboration for a band deeply rooted in the classic thrash tradition.
The band's live reputation has become just as formidable as its recorded output. NEMESIS has shared stages with legendary acts including Armored Saint, Metal Church, Fueled By Fire, Eyehategod, Goatwhore, and ACCEPT , winning over both younger metalheads and longtime thrash veterans with dynamic performances that combine old-school nostalgia with a fresh, aggressive edge.
That momentum helped NEMESIS reach the national finals of the Wacken Metal Battle USA Championship , while also earning the distinction of being crowned Texas State Champions .
As JC of JC's Kick Ass Rock Show puts it:


"NEMESIS is truly the NWOT (New Wave of Thrash)."


The band's tightly locked musicianship has also earned praise from Vim Feugo of Metal Music Archives, who described NEMESIS as being "so tight, that when they play, you can't slip a credit card between them."
With Eye for an Eye , NEMESIS is proving that thrash metal isn't a relic of the past. The riffs are still sharp, the tempos are still vicious, and the pit is still waiting.
NEMESIS isn't just a band. It's a thrash uprising.
Eye for an Eye

NEMESIS
Release: Late Summer / Early Fall 2026
Genre: Thrash Metal
Label: Independent / Self-Released
Watch the Official Video for "Hell's Last Kiss"


Production Credits:
Co-Produced by NEMESIS & Randy Burns
Mixing & Mastering: Randy Burns
Drum Engineering: Steve Simpson
Management: Self Managed

Connect: 
https://www.nemesisriffs.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095389874020
https://www.instagram.com/nemesisriffs
https://nemesisriffs.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KRQTIJyTao9YAOtekwqBD
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nemesis/1611789985
]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2026 15:23:28 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29330/candlepower-records-signs-los-angeles-progressive-metal-powerhouse-stryfe https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29330 CANDLEPOWER RECORDS SIGNS LOS ANGELES PROGRESSIVE METAL POWERHOUSE STRYFE
Dynamic Southern California Band Joins Candlepower Records Through Virgin Music Group/UMG; New Single “Breathe” Available Now
LOS ANGELES, CA — Candlepower Records and ElectraCast Media are proud to announce a new distribution agreement with Los Angeles-based progressive metal powerhouse Stryfe , bringing the band into the Candlepower Records family with distribution through Virgin Music Group/UMG .
The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Stryfe, whose dynamic combination of heavy rock, progressive metal, intricate arrangements, and commanding vocals has established the band as one of Southern California's distinctive rising metal acts.
The first release from Stryfe through Candlepower Records, “Breathe,” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Listen to “Breathe” and find Stryfe online:
https://music.stryfeband.com/breathe
A Band Built for the Big Stage

Candlepower Records first discovered Stryfe in a packed house at The Viper Room , where the band's commanding live performance immediately caught the attention of label co-founder Diego Negrete .
Stryfe delivered a set so compelling that Negrete could instantly envision the band commanding a much larger stage.
"It was easy for me to imagine the entire show on stage at The Forum," says Negrete.
That ability to connect with an audience while delivering sophisticated, hard-hitting musicianship is at the heart of what makes Stryfe stand out.
The band's sound brings together progressive metal and heavy rock while drawing from Armenian classical and folk traditions, creating a sonic identity that is both adventurous and accessible. Each member brings decades of musical experience and a diverse cultural and artistic background to the group, resulting in songs that are technically impressive without sacrificing emotion, melody, or impact.
Stryfe isn't simply interested in writing songs that sound good on record. They're creating music designed to be experienced live, remembered long after the final note, and carried with listeners wherever they go.
The Critics Have Spoken

Stryfe's distinctive sound has already earned praise from music media:


“Stryfe delivers a very lively sound consisting of heavy rock accents, harmonious chord arrangements and powerful captivating vocals. The best way to describe the sound is a modern metal band with progressive ambitions... Giving the group a unique yet familiar sound.”
— Soundmagnet




“A sound that has an alternative flavor but is ultimately dominated by progressive metal in a positive way.”
— World Of Metal Magazine




“Hard hitting. Riff driven. Both relentlessly upbeat and laced with brooding intensity.”
— V13 Media




“Metal rock powerhouse... Stryfe delivers music that is as technically compelling as it is emotionally resonant. Fusing intricate arrangements with influences ranging from progressive metal to Armenian classical and folk traditions, they create a rich sonic tapestry.”
— Wormholedeath Records


For fans of Tool, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Butterfly Effect, and Karnivool , Stryfe offers a powerful meeting point between progressive ambition, heavy riffs, memorable songwriting, and emotionally charged performance.
This is Stryfe's next chapter. And they're ready to turn it up.
Candlepower Records: Built By Musicians, For Musicians

Founded by hard rock veterans Diego Negrete and Bill Metoyer , Candlepower Records is a division of ElectraCast Media built around decades of real-world experience in the music business.
Negrete is a founding member of 1980s metal band MX Machine and a three-time Primetime Emmy Certificate recipient. Metoyer is the former Vice President of Metal Blade Records and has produced and engineered recordings for some of heavy metal's most influential names, including Slayer, D.R.I., Fates Warning, and Dark Angel .
With Candlepower Records, that experience is now being brought directly to a new generation of artists.
The signing of Stryfe represents a natural fit between a band with a powerful and forward-thinking sound and a label founded by musicians who understand what it takes to build a lasting career in heavy music.
“Breathe” Is Available Now

Stryfe's first Candlepower Records release, “Breathe,” is available now .
Listen, stream, and connect with the band:
Stryfe Official Music & Social Links:
https://music.stryfeband.com/breathe


Candlepower Records:
https://candlepowerrecords.com/contact
Candlepower Records and Stryfe are ready for the next level.
Let's Go! ]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:55:52 -0500 https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29329/megaton-communion-talk-new-album-three-of-cups-working-with-curran-murphy-doom-metal-gear-and-more https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29329
MEGATON COMMUNION recently joined The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for an extensive conversation covering the band's upcoming sophomore album, Three Of Cups , working with Curran Murphy of VENOM INC., their evolving lineup, recording techniques, gear, songwriting, Delta Doom Fest, and the increasingly bizarre world of social media.
The band is preparing to release Three Of Cups on September 11, 2026 through Black Doomba Records , with the pre-order and pre-save campaign scheduled to launch August 28.
The first taste of the album arrived with the single "Evil Speak," a track that immediately caught Zach Moonshine's attention.


"The riffs, the vocals, the drums, the bass, the guitar, everything, man. The production. It's just on another level."


According to MEGATON COMMUNION, several important changes took place between the band's previous release and Three Of Cups , including a change behind the drum kit and a different approach to recording.
WORKING WITH CURRAN MURPHY

One of the biggest elements of Three Of Cups is the involvement of Curran Murphy , known for his work with VENOM INC. and his extensive career as a guitarist, producer and gear builder.
Murphy produced the new MEGATON COMMUNION album, contributing not only behind the console but also helping the band rethink portions of its recording process.
"He doesn't want to take over," MEGATON COMMUNION explained. "He doesn't try to tell you exactly what to do. But when you're in there, he's like, 'I think maybe you should do this. Maybe we approach it this way.'"
That collaborative approach proved to be a perfect fit.


"Nine times out of 10, it's exactly what we're looking for."


The band also described Murphy as incredibly humble despite his extensive experience and accomplishments.
"He's just one of the guys, man, just hanging out," the band said.
The recording process itself was also approached differently than on MEGATON COMMUNION's previous album.
The drums were recorded live, once again without a click track, in an effort to preserve the organic feel of the band's music. From there, guitarist Derek tracked his rhythm parts using two different amplifiers, while the lead tones were created using two additional amps.
For the rhythm guitars, the band used a Mesa/Boogie Rectifier and a Marshall Vintage Modern . The leads featured a Fender Pro Sonic and a Soldano SLO-100 , with the latter combination running in stereo.
The resulting approach helped give Three Of Cups a guitar sound that combines modern punch with vintage atmosphere.


"The Mesa delivers a modern kind of dry low end... but for our style, we have a lot of airy ambient guitar in our music as well. And the Marshall carries over that vintage tone."


The band also revealed that the bass was recorded with an equally elaborate setup, including an Orange rig, a 2x15 cabinet and an 8x10, with moving blankets used to capture and contain the low-end energy in the recording room.
"YOU DON'T REALLY NEED A LOT OF HIGH GAIN"

Despite MEGATON COMMUNION's doom and stoner-metal leanings, guitarist Derek doesn't rely on a traditional fuzz-heavy setup.
In fact, there isn't a fuzz pedal on his board.
There isn't even a distortion pedal.
Instead, the band relies on amplifier gain and drive pedals to create its crushing sound.


"You don't really need a lot of super fast and high gain to make heavy music. You just got to write the heavy riffs."


The band compared its approach to the classic sound of SOUNDGARDEN, pointing out that some of the heaviest guitar tones aren't necessarily built around extreme amounts of gain.
The bass setup is similarly stripped down. The bassist uses a Rickenbacker , an Orange bass head and an EarthQuaker Devices Plumes boost, keeping the rig deliberately simple.
The conversation naturally turned into a celebration of the Rickenbacker bass, with Moonshine recalling the influence of players like Lemmy Kilmister and Cliff Burton .
A NEW DRUMMER AND A SPINAL TAP RECRUITMENT PITCH

MEGATON COMMUNION's new drummer Ken joined the band in March 2025 following the departure of Ryan.
The lineup change turned out to be a major positive for the band.
Ken brought a different drumming style to the group and had already been familiar with the band's material. He quickly learned the songs and stepped into the lineup, eventually contributing heavily to the new material that would become Three Of Cups .
But the story behind his recruitment is something straight out of a SPINAL TAP movie.
Ken had previously been unable to join the band because he was caring for his wife, who was battling cancer. She ultimately passed away, and after taking time to deal with the loss, Ken eventually reached back out.
His message to MEGATON COMMUNION was simple:


"If anything ever happens to your drummer, a Spinal Tap happens and he spontaneously combusts or dies in a freak gardening accident, I want that guy's job."


Not long afterward, the band and Ryan parted ways due to differences regarding touring commitments.
Ken was ready.
He jumped into rehearsals, learned the material and hit the road with MEGATON COMMUNION.
The band also praised Ken's personality, describing him as hilarious and suggesting that he could have a future in stand-up comedy.
Fans can even catch him showing off that personality in the video for "Evil Speak."
THE MEANING BEHIND 'THREE OF CUPS'

The title Three Of Cups comes from the tarot card of the same name, and its meaning became a major inspiration for the album.
The card represents friendship, celebration, community, teamwork, belonging and the bonds that develop between people.
For MEGATON COMMUNION, those themes became especially meaningful following the band's lineup changes and the challenges involved in creating the new album.
The band described the record as a celebration of everything that came together to make the album possible, including the members' talents, personalities and shared commitment.


"It's a celebration of all the stuff that comes together, our talents, our personalities and everything."


Although the songs explore darker subjects, the overall message isn't one of surrender.
The album deals with hardships, betrayal, toxic relationships, manipulation and the struggles of modern life, but the band says the larger message is about overcoming those challenges.


"Even though the songs on the album touch on some dark topics and some struggles in life, at the end... brighter days ahead and celebrating is always going to be the thing that drives us forward."


DARK THEMES AND A DESERT CENTIPEDE

One of the album's more unusual songs is "Desert Centipede."
The idea came from MEGATON COMMUNION's fascination with videos created by people who deliberately allow dangerous insects and animals to bite or sting them for internet views.
After seeing a video featuring a desert centipede, the concept stuck.
But the song isn't literally about an insect.
Instead, the desert centipede becomes a metaphor for getting involved with something or someone you probably shouldn't.


"If I didn't tell you, that's what the song was about. If you read the lyrics, it's about somebody you probably shouldn't have a relationship with."


Other songs on Three Of Cups tackle themes including betrayal, people talking behind your back, two-faced relationships and the feeling that a small group of people in positions of power can make life unnecessarily difficult for everyone else.
The result is an album rooted in real-world frustrations while still maintaining the band's heavy, riff-driven identity.
"ECHOES IN TIME" IS NEXT

Following "Evil Speak," MEGATON COMMUNION is preparing to release another video for "Echoes In Time."
The band filmed the video in early August following a short run of shows.
While "Echoes In Time" remains heavy, the band says it highlights another side of MEGATON COMMUNION.


"It's heavy, but it's got melody."


The group sees "Evil Speak" and "Echoes In Time" as complementary introductions to Three Of Cups , giving listeners a better idea of the range contained throughout the album.
DELTA DOOM FEST COMES TO MEMPHIS

MEGATON COMMUNION will also make its Memphis debut at Delta Doom Fest , taking place October 17 at Growlers in Memphis, Tennessee.
The lineup includes Tommy Stewart's Dyerwulf, Ninja Witch, Red Sun Sermon, Stonewielder, Ponddigger, Megaton Communion, Burnt Witch and Ruined God .
The band said it immediately wanted to be involved once the event began coming together.


"We've never played Memphis. I've heard great things about playing all these shows in Tennessee, so we weren't going to pass up on that."


The festival will also give MEGATON COMMUNION an opportunity to debut new songs from Three Of Cups that audiences haven't heard yet.
The band is planning to bring new merchandise to the event, including shirts and special items connected to the new album.
One particularly cool piece of merchandise will be a deck of playing cards featuring the Three Of Cups artwork, tying directly into the album's tarot inspiration.
WHEN FACEBOOK BANS YOUR BAND NAME

Perhaps one of the most frustrating stories discussed during the interview involved the band's battle with Facebook.
MEGATON COMMUNION's Facebook page was repeatedly restricted, eventually forcing the band to delete the original page and attempt to start over.
When the band created a new page using the name MEGATON COMMUNION, it was immediately flagged.
Facebook's eventual response?


"Megaton Communion, the name itself implies violence and it's permanently banned from the Meta platform."


As a result, the band lost its Facebook, Instagram and TikTok presence.
The group eventually created MTC Music as its Facebook presence and launched its own website, megatoncommunion.com , ensuring the band would have a platform it actually controlled.
The situation led to a larger discussion about the importance of social media for independent musicians, even when artists are increasingly frustrated with the platforms themselves.
For an underground band, social media isn't simply about posting memes and collecting followers. It's also about giving media outlets, radio stations, promoters and fans an easy way to find and tag the band.
As MEGATON COMMUNION put it, if you make your information too difficult to access, you're doing yourself a disservice.
A BAND THAT IS STILL HUSTLING

MEGATON COMMUNION has a busy schedule ahead, including shows in Grand Rapids, Michigan; Meadville, Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; Spartanburg, South Carolina and additional dates throughout the remainder of the year.
Some of those appearances are benefit events supporting families dealing with cancer and programs helping veterans.
The band emphasized that supporting veterans and charitable causes is important to them, particularly because the sacrifices made by service members affect not only the individuals who serve but their entire families.
Meanwhile, the band is balancing touring and recording with their regular day jobs.
"We should probably get like a Red Bull sponsorship," they joked.
With Three Of Cups arriving September 11, another video on the way, Delta Doom Fest on the horizon and more touring being planned for 2027, MEGATON COMMUNION has plenty of momentum heading into the next chapter.
And through all the lineup changes, recording challenges, social media headaches and miles on the road, the band says the most important thing remains simple:


"We stay true to ourselves in the way that we write."


That's exactly what makes Three Of Cups worth watching.
MEGATON COMMUNION isn't trying to reinvent heavy music for the sake of it. They're taking the riffs, atmosphere, groove and heaviness they already do well, adding new chemistry, new ideas and a carefully constructed production approach, and pushing it forward.
Three Of Cups arrives September 11 through Black Doomba Records .
Until then, crank up "Evil Speak," keep an ear out for "Echoes In Time," and catch MEGATON COMMUNION on the road.
The underground is alive and well.
And apparently, Facebook still thinks the name MEGATON COMMUNION is too fucking dangerous.
MEGATON COMMUNION:
Three Of Cups
September 11, 2026
Black Doomba Records
Delta Doom Fest:
October 17, 2026
Growlers, Memphis, Tennessee
Check out the full show now on Mixcloud: 
Track List: 
Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners:
1 - Okl's FruitLoops - Scream Of Silence - (1,092,857 votes)
2 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (111,437 votes)
3 - Rage of Justice - Digital Prison - (13,556 votes)
4 - Heidbekka - Völva - (7,162 votes)
5 - Leach - Serpent Of Time - (6,109 votes)
6 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (5,647 votes)
The Zach Moonshine Intro
7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Never Say Die
8 - Ola Englund - DOGMA PROGMA
9 - Smoulder - Water Wars
10 - DOWN - Blood Oath
11 - Megaton Communion - Evil Speak
Megaton Communion - Interview featuring Evil Speak/DisBelief
12 - Narcotic Wasteland - Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse
13 - Maidenhead - Maximum Clonage
14 - Tårfödd - Totalt Mörker
15 - Burnt Witch - We Hate You - (Electric Wizard Cover)
16 - Surtur's Awakening - Yggdrasil i Flammor/Helvetets Revenanter
17 - Hellripper - Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm
18 - Korpse - Now You_ve Got Something To Die For
19 - Necrocene - Ordinary Enemy
20 - Thy Legacy - Seven Witches
21 - HKSPK - rot in despair
22 - Watain - Angel Of Disease (Morbid Angel Cover)/Morbid Visions (Sepultura Cover)/Stellarvore Live
23 - Brutal Death Fuck - Sodomized On The Crucifix/Elizabeth/The Devils Whiskey


You can also hear just the interview on YouTube, Spotify and Apple: 


Super massive shout out and thanks too the 309,856 metal maniacs from all over the world that tuned in Friday for the live broadcast of devastation! 

Listen to “Evil Speak” here:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/megatoncommunion/evil-speak



Connect with the band: 
https://linktr.ee/megaton_communion
https://linktr.ee/BlackDoomba
Contact:
blackdoombarecords@gmail.com
megatoncommunion@gmail.com]]> Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:07:32 -0500