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Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest 2024 Breaks Records and Exceeds Expectations

Jackson, TN – Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest 2024 has once again proven to be a monumental success, surpassing all expectations with a record-breaking turnout and a day full of incredible performances. This year’s festival saw a doubling of last year’s attendance, reaching nearly 3,000 attendees by nightfall. Despite the unseasonably hot October weather, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees, fans showed up in waves, and wristbands sold out by 5:30 pm.

“We sold out of armbands before it even got dark! The turnout was insane, with around 2,400 to 2,800 people coming and going throughout the day,” said festival organizer Zach Moonshine. “If you include the vendors, the bands, and the staff, we definitely had 3,000 people at the Amp. The amphitheater staff told us they were blown away by the size of the crowd, and that it surpassed the bigger events they have had there.”

The 2024 band lineup included Soma Irot, Sun Mantra, Quiescent Mantis, EMBR, Crazy Mad Ride (replacing Magnets For Maniacs), H1Z1, Diabology, Illusion Of Fate, The Red Mountain, Arsenic Addiction, Violence System, Summoner's Circle, and Autumn Lies Buried (Headliner).  The diverse lineup of bands from across the country delivered  high-energy performances from start to finish. Highlights of the day included bands walking out into the crowd to play along with fans as well as joining in the mosh pits.  

Zach himself had a special moment during The Red Mountain’s set, joining them on stage to perform “The Devil’s Whiskey” from his solo project Brutal Death Fuck. “It was totally impromptu, but a blast! I forgot half the words, but it was a moment I’ll never forget,” Zach shared.

There was also a special memorial performance, honoring Metal Devastation fest “family” who passed away since last year’s fest.  Fest co-owner Raven Moonla gave a speech about Courtney Stafford Turner and her son Nolan, Jacob Thomas, and Even Scott.  Then, a special solo performance was given by Crazy Mad Ride’s Brandon Barker.  

Festival co-organizer Raven Moonla echoed the sentiment of pride and excitement, stating, “We did the damn thing! Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest was amazing in every way. We broke records with the number of people coming through the gates, and every band brought their A-game. This event gets bigger and better every year, and we’re so humbled and grateful.”

Raven also expressed gratitude for the vendors, food trucks, and staff who worked tirelessly to make the day a success. “Our vendor city was packed with some of the coolest stuff ever, and the food was top-notch. We had over 50 vendors there that day/night, which is the most we have ever had.  Thank you to everyone who endured the heat and helped make this event so special. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.”

As the sun set, the energy only increased. Arsenic Addiction from Salt Lake City delivered a theatrical, witchy gothic metal performance that set the stage for the bands that would follow. Violence System from Atlanta triggered massive mosh pits, while Summoner's Circle transported the crowd into another realm with their Appalachian black metal. Headliner Autumn Lies Buried closed out the night with an unforgettable set, launching pool noodles, confetti, and even a mattress into the crowd for some epic crowd surfing.

“This festival wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible team, sponsors, and all of you who came out to support it,” Zach added. “A special thanks to my wife, Raven, who pulled through to organize this after her illnesses this year and a recent health scare. We came close to canceling, but she couldn’t imagine letting everyone down. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re already looking forward to 2025.”

The organizers also thanked their dedicated crew, including emcees Chris Grant and Skully, sound engineer Richie Brannon, stage managers Colton Hunt and Keith Yap of Hunt the Sound, vendor mom Melissa Denton, their security staff, stagehands Alex, Tyler, and Jarett, a special thanks to Julia, Jennifer, Tyler, and Scotland for running the fest merch booth, and a big thank you to the lighting crew, Personified Productions, led by Phillip Ray Coopey. They also gave a shoutout to Randall Holt Kendrick and his film crew for documenting the event for an upcoming documentary film called, “Death Reigns”, set to be released in 2025. There was also special thanks given to Cranium Radio for broadcasting the entire festival, live on air, for those who couldn’t attend.  The organizers also gave a special shoutout to their official fest photographer, Lisa Adkins, and videographer, Lily Retherford for their tireless work in capturing the entire event from start to finish.  Special thanks to other photographers and press who joined in to document the event, such as Eno Miriam and Rebecca Bennett photography. 

The Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest also thanks their sponsors who helped to make this event possible.  The fest was presented by Dark Sails Entertainment, Metal Devastation Radio, and Metal Devastation PR.  Additional sponsors include Extreme Management Group, Inc., Exitus Stratagem Records, Black Doomba Records, The Downtown Tavern, Misfits Market EXPO, SmithodditieS, Beauty and Bees, Beards and Bees Beardcare, Enchanted Inks' Tattoo & Piercing Studio, Michigan Metal Fest, Lisa Adkins Photography & Marketing, and Metal-O-Mania

Stay tuned for more updates as the team works on releasing a live album compilation from the fest, celebrating the bands and the growing community of metal fans.

About Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest: Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest is an annual outdoor metal festival held in Jackson, TN. The festival celebrates the underground metal scene, showcasing local and national bands, and featuring over 50 vendors and food trucks. The event is organized by Zach Moonshine and Raven Moonla, with support from Metal Devastation Radio and Metal Devastation PR.

For more information, please visit https://metaldevastationradio.com or contact zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Check out this video posted by WBBJ New Channel:

Check out some photos by Lisa Adkins, Eno Miriam, and Rebekah Bennett's Photography below: