FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Metal Devastation PR Clients Dominate Transcending the Mundane Issue #60 with Reviews, Interviews, and Featured Ads
The latest issue of Transcending the Mundane (Issue #60) delivers a powerful snapshot of the global underground metal scene, featuring an impressive lineup of reviews, interviews, and label advertisements spotlighting artists represented by Metal Devastation PR. From stoner doom and old school death metal to black metal, thrash, speed metal, and extreme metal, Issue #60 showcases the diversity and vitality of modern heavy music.
This issue features in-depth coverage of the following artists and releases:
Black Moon Cult – Ophidion Future (Black Doomba Records)
American band Black Moon Cult is a trio of stoner doom metallers who have released a very impressive debut album, Ophidion Future . The album kicks off with the six minute “Moonchild Ritual” which offers a heavy rock groove and psychedelic influences. The vocals of guitarist Caleb Riser are hypnotic and seductive during “Supernova,” and Black Moon Cult bring an adventurous spirit to the title track. You will find heaviness in “At the Mountains of Madness” and psychedelia in “Sunfish.” “Stoned Ape” brings in a total seventies vibe, delving into mellow territory before picking up midway through.
Deteriorot – Awakening (Xtreem Music)
American death metal legend Paul Zavaleta returns with the fourth Deteriorot album since forming the band thirty five years ago. Following releases on Xtreem Music and 2023’s The Rebirth , Awakening finds Deteriorot once again delivering old school death metal at a high level. “The Flame” alternates between fast and slow tempos, while “Programmed by Fear” brings crushing death doom elements with a final burst of speed.
Electrocutioner – Harbinger (CDN Records)
Long Island thrashers Electrocutioner continue to build momentum with Harbinger , the follow up to their 2023 debut False Idols . The album opens with “Doomsday Device,” blending keyboards with tight thrash riffing. Highlights include the gang vocals on “The Chariot,” the locked in guitars and drums of the title track, and the depth and riff work of “Seven Seals of Koresh.” The unique guitar tone sets Electrocutioner apart within modern thrash metal.
Hellslaught – Violent Iconoclasm (Witches Brew)
Formerly known as Kommand, American speed metal thrashers Hellslaught unleash a fast and relentless album with Violent Iconoclasm . Tracks like “Slaves of Torment” set a raw, aggressive tone, while “Charnel Planet” adds memorable vocals. Album closer “The Crimes of Tetragrammatron” stands out with some of the record’s strongest riffs and most intense vocal moments.
Illvilje – La Meg Sja Alt Omkring Meg Falle (Downfall Records)
Norwegian black metal trio Illvilje make a strong debut with La Meg Sja Alt Omkring Meg Falle . Rooted in guitar driven, old school black metal, standout tracks like “Djevelklo” and “Morklagt” emphasize mid tempo riff heavy brutality. The nearly ten minute “Burdeferd” begins acoustically before building into full black metal ferocity, showcasing the band’s depth and dynamic range.
Infest – Ambassadors of Aggression (Violent Creek Records)
Serbian thrashers Infest continue their decades long run with Ambassadors of Aggression , a relentless follow up to 2021’s Psychosis . The album opens with the furious “Man God,” while “Songs of Violence,” “Shoot to Kill,” and “Screaming Your Name” deliver punishing riffs and speed. Closing track “Requiem for the Balkans” adds an exotic flair, underscoring the band’s ability to blend aggression with atmosphere.
Jord – Traden (Hammerheart Records)
Swedish dark metal project Jord solidify their standing as one of the strongest contemporary acts in the scene with Traden . Opening track “Stay” blends melody, depth, and black metal aggression. “King of the Night” dives into darker territory, while closer “Bortom Tundran” delivers a haunting and memorable finale. Traden positions Jord as a band on the verge of major recognition.
Killerwitch – Palace of the Dragon (Witches Brew)
Malta based metallers Killerwitch return five years after their self titled debut with Palace of the Dragon . The album’s long, well developed tracks showcase strong traditional heavy metal songwriting, with standout performances by vocalist Luke Debono. Tracks like “Silent Angel,” the title track, and “Leonidas” highlight the band’s epic, melodic approach and strong musicianship.
Brainmaze – When Your Demons Come
Written and recorded over a decade ago and now finally released, When Your Demons Come presents Brainmaze’s groove heavy, late nineties influenced sound. Drawing comparisons to Sadist, Helmet, and Unsane, the album features prominent bass, keyboards, and mid tempo grooves. The production highlights the rhythmic focus of the material, with “Envy” standing out as a groove driven highlight.
Featured Interviews
Blood Of The Wolf Interview
Blood Of The Wolf is a veteran extreme metal band from Chicago. Their fourth full length and fifth chapter, Indomitable , is out now on Horror Pain Gore Death Records. Here, vocalist and guitarist Mike Koniglio speaks with Transcending the Mundane :
Q: What is something good that's happened in your life recently?
A: I’m doing pretty damn good. I just celebrated a birthday and bought myself some new gear! Plus, we got Rick Hernandez back on drums, and after two years of inactivity, that is very exciting for me. The fact that Frank and Chris are still in the band is also something I will be eternally grateful for.
Q: How do you feel about the new album, Indomitable ?
A: I like it a lot and I think it came out great! I think it’s our heaviest album and that is something I was going for. There might be a little less melody on this one, but that’s because I felt like the rhythms were strong enough on their own.
Q: I think bands like Marduk and Belphegor are so underrated in their impact on the extreme metal scene and the blending of black metal with death metal brutality—how does your band continue that tradition?
A: Marduk and Belphegor are two of my favorite bands of all time. They are a direct influence on me. I don’t know if that comes across to the fans in our music, but I hope it does, because I intend to keep that relentless, aggressive sound alive.
Q: Have you found a permanent drummer yet? If not, what are you looking for in a drummer?
A: Rick Hernandez is playing with us again. He was in the band before from 2016–2020. We are very glad to have him back.
Q: I loved the last Kommandant EP, what's new with that band?
A: We recorded two songs back in March that will be on an upcoming split. I’m really happy with how that whole process went. In September we played a pretty big show with Beherit. Jim is working on new material for the band which we will start rehearsing after the New Year.
Q: What is a personal philosophy that is important in your life and how you live?
A: Tough question! I feel like I have a bunch of personal philosophies that are kind of context dependent. I guess, generically speaking, I try to do what is right rather than what is easy. I’ll give you an example: when I rejoined Kommandant, I had about six weeks to prepare for a live performance. I had to learn eight new songs. So I learned two a week and practiced just about every day. This was quite time consuming, but it was exactly what needed to be done in order to deliver a tight performance.
Q: What are some bands you feel a strong connection to due to either friendship or musically?
A: I feel a musical kinship with Infernal War, Hate, God Dethroned (Grand Grimoire through Under the Sign of the Iron Cross ), Vader, Morbid Angel, Negator, and Marduk and Belphegor (as previously mentioned). On a side note, I try not to let personal feelings or friendships influence how I feel about a band’s music.
Q: What is a significant event that made an everlasting impact on your life and helped shape the person you are today?
A: There’s a few shows that stand out in my memory that really left an impact. The first death metal show I went to was in 1997. I saw Vader, Monstrosity, Broken Hope and a bunch of local bands at the Riviera in Chicago. I remember being blown away by Vader and I went to the show mainly for Broken Hope. Coincidentally, Rick Hernandez, was the guitar player in a band called Euphoric Evisceration and they were on that bill! Seeing Manowar live for the first time was life changing, as was Slayer.
Q: What was the best musical and/or personal decision you have made?
A: I think the best musical decision I ever made was not quitting.
Q: If you could create a fictional band lineup who would you have and what would it sound like?
A: It would sound like Formulas Fatal to the Flesh with a slightly more modern mix and master. Seriously, this is all I want from Morbid Angel, one more GREAT album.
Q: Looking back on 2025, what were some things you did or happened which impacted your life? What do you hope for from 2026?
A: Our previous drummer, Max Colunga, died in November of 2023. We played our last show with him in September of 2023. Just continuing to write music while the band was basically on a forced hiatus was very important to me. I’m glad to have Rick back in the band with us and I hope to play some killer shows in 2026.
Final comments?
A: Thanks for the interview. People can find us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Bandcamp. I hope you enjoy our music!
Visitant Interview
One of the best debut full lengths in extreme metal is Rubidium , out now on Exitus Stratagem Records. We hooked up with vocalist Chelsea Marrow for this interview about the album and the band:
Q: What is something good that's happened in your life recently?
A: I flew all the way to Canada from Florida to be a part of The Grindmother’s farewell fests.
Q: How do you feel about the new album, Rubidium ?
A: I love our music. I think it’s relatable, catchy, intense… I know we’re on the right track creatively. There will always be things that you feel need improvement. We have such a wonderful group. I feel fortunate to be able to work with such phenomenal people all around and amazing musicians.
Q: This album just blows me away—the technical playing, the duality of beauty and aggression—what are the key ingredients to a Visitant song?
A: It’s gotta make you feel something. Depth is key. We love hooks and melodies but also broody darkness. The juxtaposition of something beautiful with something dark and visceral. Life is like that. We want to convey that in our music, too. Also, it’s gotta have some ASS / good riffs.
Q: Do you work out the melodies and different styles yourself or do you do this together as a band?
A: Mostly myself. I flew up to Massachusetts to engineer with my drummer Tony. He writes the orchestrations as well. He had some great ideas along the way too! I love experimenting and feeling free in our music. I usually create melodies / rhythms first and separate from lyrics.
Q: Will Exitus Stratagem be releasing this on CD/tape/ or vinyl anytime soon?
A: I wish I knew, friend. Everything feels up in the air. We’re doing everything we can to get the rights back. We will be seeking other routes of distribution for sure.
Q: What is a personal philosophy?
A: What is the point of life, if you aren’t doing what you love. You can always change your story line. You’re never stuck. Also, people who love you will help you. People who matter are the ones that want to see you succeed.
Q: How are things with Voraath? Joshua's death was so senseless and tragic, how do you cope with that as a bandmate and friend?
A: I just… I hyper focus on music. And helping others when I can. I work a lot. I honor my friends in music. I will forever honor them in such a way.
Q: What is a significant event that made an impact on your life?
A: My drummer and friend’s death last New Year’s Eve. I will be relentless. I will not fear success. I will carry them with me always. They guide me.
Q: What was the best musical and/or personal decision you have made?
A: To never give up.
Q: What is the best way to support your band?
A: Listen to us. Comment on our music / YouTube. Add us to your playlists. Merch store coming soon.
Q: Looking back on 2025, what were some things which impacted your life?
A: Ooofff death, being mishandled by a label, the stress of the entire release. Touring. Learning what we want, need, and deserve as a band throughout this year. Umm… flying to Canada!! Everyone was so nice! And Grindmother… she is such a beautiful soul. She makes me think of my own grandmother. I am really close to her. Although, she doesn’t sing in a grind band, she does everything she can to be a part of my life. Grandmothers rule!!
Featured Label Advertisements
In addition to editorial coverage, Transcending the Mundane Issue #60 also features label advertisements highlighting more underground artists:
Witches Brew Records ad featuring Vaulderie, Neckbreaker, and Maxilla
Electric Desert Records ad spotlighting CLEEN, Strangled By The Sun, and Slowrepeat
With its wide range of styles and in-depth coverage, Transcending the Mundane Issue #60 stands as a strong representation of the vitality of today’s underground metal scene. The issue is now available through Transcending the Mundane and participating distributors.
For more information, visit:
https://transcending-the-mundane.com/archive/
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