🔥 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... More

🔥 Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 🔥And who will dominate next month as Band of the Month on Metal Devastation Radio? Last month’s winners, TRIVAN, crushed the competition with a staggering 19,218,672 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, November 6th at 9PM EST! Less

TRIVAN CROWNED BAND OF THE MONTH AGAIN WITH MASSIVE 19,218,672-VOTE VICTORY! Croatian Metal Powerhouse Dominates October's Battle of the Bands, Securing Another Championship With Nearly 20 Million Votes! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CROATIA: TRIVAN... More

TRIVAN CROWNED BAND OF THE MONTH AGAIN WITH MASSIVE 19,218,672-VOTE VICTORY! Croatian Metal Powerhouse Dominates October's Battle of the Bands, Securing Another Championship With Nearly 20 Million Votes! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CROATIA: TRIVAN have done it again! The Croatian metal powerhouse has once again conquered Metal Devastation Radio's Battle of the Bands competition, earning the title of October's Band of the Month with an astounding 19,218,672 votes! Following their previous championship victory, TRIVAN have returned to claim the crown with an even more staggering display of support. Nearly 20 million votes in a single month is a phenomenal achievement, demonstrating the dedication of their supporters and the growing international reach of their music. Winning once is an accomplishment. Coming back and doing it again on this scale is a statement. Founded in 2018 by guitarist Vanja Šantak and bassist Ivan Bertović, TRIVAN have steadily established themselves as a force within the Croatian metal scene. Like countless bands worldwide, their early momentum was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than allowing that setback to define their future, the band regrouped with renewed determination. Following the pandemic, vocalist Tomislav Žiljak and drummer Robert Vlašić, formerly of Darkendome, joined the lineup, helping shape TRIVAN's evolving identity. Rhythm guitarist Marin Buljan came aboard in 2025, further strengthening the band's sound with additional layers of melody, power, and aggression. FROM PERSONAL LOSS TO A CROWNED NEW BEGINNING TRIVAN's latest single, "Crowned With Dread and Power," released September 25, 2026, marks the next chapter in a deeply personal musical journey that began with grief and evolved into a declaration of resilience. The story began with the band's previous single, "Abyss of Crawling Shadows," released April 24, 2026. Written by Vanja following the loss of his beloved Cane Corso, Amon, who had been his loyal companion for nearly thirteen years, the song confronted the devastating silence and sorrow that followed such a profound loss. Driven by crushing riffs, dark atmospheres, and haunting imagery, "Abyss of Crawling Shadows" explored grief, despair, and the struggle to find strength when everything feels lost. Its closing declaration, "I rise unbound, defiant in abyss," captured the determination to endure the darkness rather than surrender to it. But the story didn't end there. Following Amon's passing, Vanja welcomed a new Cane Corso, Baal, into his life. That new beginning helped inspire "Crowned With Dread and Power," a continuation of the emotional journey explored in the previous single. Where "Abyss of Crawling Shadows" confronted the pain of loss, the new track shifts the focus toward transformation, strength, and reclaiming power in the face of adversity. Together, the two songs form a compelling narrative about enduring heartbreak, confronting the darkness within, and finding the strength to move forward. Rather than pretending that loss disappears, TRIVAN channel those experiences into music that acknowledges the pain while refusing to let it dictate the future. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes the heaviest music comes from the most personal places. A SOUND BUILT ON INTENSITY AND EMOTION TRIVAN continue to combine uncompromising metal aggression with songwriting rooted in genuine human experience. Their ability to channel personal struggles into dark, forceful compositions gives their music an emotional dimension that extends beyond the riffs. Both singles showcase a band committed to evolving creatively while maintaining the intensity and atmosphere that define their sound. With their latest release, TRIVAN continue to push forward, bringing their music to new listeners while building on the momentum of their previous work. NEARLY 20 MILLION VOTES. ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP. TRIVAN's October victory in Metal Devastation Radio's Battle of the Bands competition marks another major milestone in the band's journey. With 19,218,672 votes, they have once again demonstrated the extraordinary enthusiasm of their supporters and earned another Band of the Month title. The achievement reflects the commitment of the band and the people standing behind them, proving that independent metal continues to thrive when musicians connect with dedicated audiences willing to make their voices heard. Metal Devastation Radio congratulates TRIVAN on their latest championship and thanks every fan who helped make this remarkable victory possible. The crown is theirs again, the numbers speak for themselves, and TRIVAN are showing no signs of slowing down! LISTEN TO TRIVAN Latest Single: "Crowned With Dread and Power" Listen on Bandcamp: https://trivan.bandcamp.com/track/crowned-with-dread-and-power TRIVAN IS: Vanja Šantak – GuitarTomislav Žiljak – VocalsIvan Bertović – BassRobert Vlašić – DrumsMarin Buljan – Rhythm Guitar Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHRIS MARAGOTH EXPLORES THE DARKNESS BENEATH THE SURFACE WITH NEW SINGLE “DARK THOUGHTS” Featuring Cherry Summerfield on Clean and Harsh Vocals, the German Gothic Metal Project's Latest Single Precedes the November 27... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHRIS MARAGOTH EXPLORES THE DARKNESS BENEATH THE SURFACE WITH NEW SINGLE “DARK THOUGHTS” Featuring Cherry Summerfield on Clean and Harsh Vocals, the German Gothic Metal Project's Latest Single Precedes the November 27 Release of Bonds of Grief Listen Now: https://song.link/CM-DarkToughts Release Date: October 23, 2026Genre: Gothic Metal / Cinematic Symphonic MetalFor Fans Of: Nightwish, Apocalyptica, Dark SanctuaryLocation: Dessau, Germany DESSAU, GERMANY – German gothic metal solo project Chris Maragoth explores the struggles hidden beneath outward appearances with Dark Thoughts, a dark and atmospheric new single featuring vocalist Cherry Summerfield and bassist Robert Tornow. Released October 23, the track is the second single from Maragoth's forthcoming album Bonds of Grief, arriving November 27, 2026. Blending baroque-inspired instrumentation with gothic atmosphere and increasingly aggressive metal arrangements, Dark Thoughts moves from intimate melodic passages into a heavier, more intense sonic landscape. The result is a dynamic composition that balances classical elegance with the emotional weight of modern gothic metal. The song opens with clean vocals accompanied by harpsichord, cello, and violin, establishing a restrained atmosphere steeped in classical influences. As drums, bass, and guitars gradually enter, the arrangement grows heavier and darker, building toward a more aggressive sound. Recurring harpsichord and choral elements preserve the track's cinematic character even as the metal instrumentation takes center stage. Cherry Summerfield delivers a versatile vocal performance that follows the song's dramatic progression, shifting between melodic clean vocals and harsher passages. Her contrasting delivery reinforces the tension between the song's more delicate opening and its increasingly intense later sections. Lyrically, Dark Thoughts examines the contrast between outward appearances and the struggles that remain concealed beneath the surface. Even when life appears fortunate from the outside, painful memories and persistent thoughts can tell a very different story internally. Rather than prescribing a single interpretation, the lyrics leave the nature of these struggles open, allowing listeners to connect with the song through their own experiences. On bass guitar, Robert Tornow reunites musically with Chris Maragoth following their earlier time playing together in the band Kanit. His contribution anchors the heavier instrumental passages while helping bring the composition's darker atmosphere to life. Dark Thoughts follows the instrumental single The Entrance (Renascentia), released September 25, offering a contrasting perspective on the musical direction of Bonds of Grief. Where the first single emphasized harpsichord, string quartet, and heavy guitars through an entirely instrumental arrangement, Dark Thoughts places the interplay between clean and harsh vocals at the center of a more direct gothic metal composition. Together, the two singles reveal different sides of Maragoth's approach, combining classical influences, cinematic arrangements, and metal instrumentation to explore a range of moods and emotional landscapes. The project also maintains a firm commitment to human creativity. Both the music and visual material surrounding Bonds of Grief were created without generative AI, reflecting Maragoth's dedication to an artist-driven creative process. With Dark Thoughts, Chris Maragoth continues building anticipation for Bonds of Grief, an album that brings together gothic melancholy, baroque-inspired elements, and symphonic metal within a cohesive musical vision. “Dark Thoughts” is available now on major streaming platforms and Bandcamp. Bonds of Grief arrives November 27, 2026. LISTEN TO “DARK THOUGHTS” Single Landing Page:https://song.link/CM-DarkToughts Bandcamp:https://chrismaragoth.bandcamp.com/ [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="VEtjwLQdMd0"] FOLLOW CHRIS MARAGOTH Official Website:https://www.maragoth.info/https://www.instagram.com/chris_maragoth/https://open.spotify.com/artist/01OJBw7i5uLKADzURGFQr3https://music.apple.com/de/artist/chris-maragoth/1477547761https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCn6GVHiPCqHQPOZEQ6kBfnghttps://www.deezer.com/de/artist/72370552https://tidal.com/artist/16649638/u CONTACT:Chris Maragothchris@maragoth.net Less

BURNT WITCH RETURN TO THE ZACH MOONSHINE SHOW: NEW ALBUM, DELTA DOOM FEST, MASSIVE AMPS AND A WHOLE LOT OF SLUDGE! Photo Credit: Rebekah Bennett's Photography West Tennessee's Doom and Sludge Metal Outfit Talks About Their Upcoming Self-Titled... More

BURNT WITCH RETURN TO THE ZACH MOONSHINE SHOW: NEW ALBUM, DELTA DOOM FEST, MASSIVE AMPS AND A WHOLE LOT OF SLUDGE! Photo Credit: Rebekah Bennett's Photography West Tennessee's Doom and Sludge Metal Outfit Talks About Their Upcoming Self-Titled Debut, Their Explosive Delta Doom Fest Experience, New Music, Future Plans, and Why Everything Is Better Louder. West Tennessee's own BURNT WITCH returned to The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for a special Devil's Night conversation packed with heavy riffs, underground metal camaraderie, gear talk, and plenty of laughs. With their brand-new self-titled single already unleashed and their debut full-length album scheduled to arrive November 23, 2026, the band has plenty happening. Following their recent appearance at Delta Doom Fest in Memphis, we caught up with the guys to talk about the new record, their rapidly growing momentum, the festival experience, and what's coming next. And naturally, there was plenty of discussion about amplifiers loud enough to rearrange your internal organs. A NEW ALBUM WITH A HEAVIER, ANGRIER EDGE The upcoming self-titled album, Burnt Witch, represents another step forward for the band, pushing further into aggressive sludge territory while retaining the crushing doom foundation that defines their sound. When discussing the direction of the record, the band described it as: "This album is very much more on the sludge side of the sludge-hyphen-doom genre." They also weren't shy about the increased aggression. "A little angrier, too. We got a lot of angst and aggression, for sure." The title track, which shares the band's name, is already available, while fans who preorder the album through Bandcamp can also download "Drug Lust" immediately. There's another bonus for Bandcamp supporters, too. The album preorder includes the band's complete live set from Delta Doom Fest, professionally captured and mixed following the performance. The band credited the excellent live recording setup at Growlers and the work of sound engineer Jay for making the recording possible. According to the band, the tracks were practically ready to go as soon as they got everything into the mixing process. And there's more music waiting in the wings. The guys revealed they've already been working on material for their second album, with three additional tracks fully recorded and mastered that didn't quite fit the direction of the upcoming release. Apparently, they're not planning on slowing down anytime soon. DELTA DOOM FEST: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER One of the biggest topics of conversation was Delta Doom Fest, the band's recent appearance at Growlers in Memphis. The festival exceeded expectations, especially considering it was the first year of the event. "We had no idea that many people were going to turn out and it was going to get the reception it did for a first-year fest." The band was particularly impressed by the crowd response, including the appearance of a circle pit during one of the performances. As the band pointed out during the conversation, you don't necessarily expect to see a circle pit at a doom show! The guys also took time to recognize the people responsible for making the festival happen, including the organizers, volunteers, sound crew, and everyone who came out to support the underground metal community. They specifically praised the organization and execution of the event, noting how smoothly everything ran despite the enormous amount of work involved. As one band member explained: "If you play in a band and have ever dealt with booking agents at various venues, you know how hard it is to set up anything." The band also discussed the possibility of more events growing out of the success of Delta Doom Fest, with the overall experience helping demonstrate just how much potential there is for heavy underground music in the region. LOUDER AMPS, BIGGER RIFFS, AND THE PURSUIT OF TONE Of course, no conversation with a doom and sludge metal band would be complete without discussing equipment. And Burnt Witch definitely has some opinions about volume. During the interview, the guys talked about their rehearsal setup, where their amplifiers are cranked up to nearly the same volume they use onstage. One particularly entertaining description involved the first time a band member experienced the group's full volume. "It's like I suddenly became aware of my internal organs. It's hard to explain the vibrations." That pretty much sums up the Burnt Witch live experience. The conversation eventually turned toward amplifier choices, including Laney, Orange, Sunn, Sovtek, and the various pieces of gear responsible for producing those massive low-end tones. The band also discussed the recent addition of a Laney amplifier and how it completely changed the way certain pedals and frequencies responded compared to their previous setup. There's clearly no shortage of experimentation happening behind the scenes. And apparently, there's an ongoing arms race between band members to see who can get the loudest. As the guys joked, that's probably how every doom band eventually ends up with ten refrigerators onstage. NEW SHOWS AND BIGGER PLANS FOR 2027 Burnt Witch isn't just focused on releasing the new album. The band is already looking ahead to a busy 2027. They discussed booking opportunities, playing new states, and getting out in front of audiences they haven't reached yet. Before that, however, they've got some upcoming dates to look forward to. Their next announced performance is November 14 in St. Louis alongside Stonewielder, Granite Goliath, and Jadeed Entity at Utopia. They also announced an appearance at Valley of Doom in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on April 10. The guys are excited about continuing to build relationships with other bands from the Delta Doom Fest lineup and expanding their reach into new areas. With new material already being developed and plenty of shows on the horizon, Burnt Witch appears to be just getting started. MORE THAN JUST A BAND One of the best parts of this conversation was hearing how much the band enjoys being part of the underground metal community. From organizing events and supporting other bands to sharing equipment recommendations and helping promote the local scene, there's a genuine sense of camaraderie behind everything they're doing. They also made a point of recognizing the people who helped make Delta Doom Fest possible, including Brutal Media for capturing footage of the event. The band's approach is straightforward: keep writing, keep playing, keep supporting the scene, and have a damn good time doing it. As the guys put it during the conversation, they're not doing this because they're getting paid. They're doing it because they love playing music. And that attitude is exactly what keeps the underground alive. CHECK OUT BURNT WITCH! NEW SINGLE: "BURNT WITCH" OUT NOW! UPCOMING SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM: NOVEMBER 23, 2026 Preorders are available now through Bandcamp. Fans who preorder can download "Drug Lust" immediately and receive the exclusive Delta Doom Fest live set. BANDCAMP:https://burntwitch.bandcamp.com/album/burnt-witch Catch the complete conversation and hear it straight from the band below. Keep supporting independent music, support the bands doing the work, and keep the underground alive! Full Track List: Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners: 1 - Trivan - CROWNED WITH DREAD AND POWER2 - Voidmaker - Of Digital Creation3 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us4 - AETHERFALL - PARALLAX5 - Rhino Rawkstar - Warning Labels6 - Mistress - Terrified eyes The Zach Moonshine Intro 7 - Type O Negative - Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All) (Edit)8 - Electric Wizard - Satanic Rites of Drugula9 - ACID WITCH - I Hate Halloween10 - Dread Witch - Altar Burnt Witch - Interview featuring Burnt Witch/Druglust/Bastard 11 - Summoner's Circle - Pious12 - GHOST PIPE - Spirit Speaks13 - The Gates of Slumber - Death March/Full Moon Fever14 - Grave Next Door - White Room15 - St. Madness - Seek and Destroy/Sweet Leaf16 - Conan - Foehammer17 - Visions of Morpheus - Utopian Lies18 - Chris Holmes - Let It Roar19 - Brutal Death Fuck - Elizabeth/Alcohol20 - Skullgrinder - Black #1 (Type O Negative cover)/Malevolent Pestilence21 - Netherdred - Necrodancer22 - Smoulder - Smouldering Remains23 - Lode Star - Somewhere In Time24 - False Messiah - Hold the Line – No Surrender Rework25 - Marshall Beck & The Totally Tough Guys - War Pigs26 - Fatal Burden - Feed the Swarm27 - SAL - Die But DIY (feat. Barney Greenway)28 - Parallel Minds - Bhopal Full show streaming now on Mixcloud: Super massive shout out and thanks to the 182,618 metal maniacs from around the world that tuned in Friday night to the devastation! Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUMMONER'S CIRCLE RELEASE NEW SINGLE “PIOUS” FEATURING HALEY GROW OF ARSENIC ADDICTION Dark, Theatrical Metal Outfit Explores Faith, Manipulation, and Spiritual Surrender on New Single Featuring Guest Clean Vocals and... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUMMONER'S CIRCLE RELEASE NEW SINGLE “PIOUS” FEATURING HALEY GROW OF ARSENIC ADDICTION Dark, Theatrical Metal Outfit Explores Faith, Manipulation, and Spiritual Surrender on New Single Featuring Guest Clean Vocals and Growls from Lady Arsenic October 30, 2026 - Dark, theatrical metal outfit Summoner's Circle has released its new single, “Pious,” featuring guest vocals from Haley Grow, also known as Lady Arsenic of Arsenic Addiction. Available now on major streaming platforms, the track combines the band's ominous musical atmosphere with Grow's dynamic vocal performance, delivering a dark exploration of devotion, manipulation, and the price of surrender. “Pious” confronts the darker side of faith, examining the promises of salvation and the consequences of surrendering one's identity to a greater power. Its lyrics evoke images of broken covenants, forbidden knowledge, spiritual submission, and the gradual loss of self, creating an unsettling narrative in which the promise of hope becomes entangled with control. The repeated demands to surrender the flesh and hollow the soul reinforce the track's central tension between belief and autonomy. As the song progresses, its imagery shifts toward separation, uncertainty, and the fear of being found inadequate despite complete devotion. Rather than offering easy answers, “Pious” leaves listeners with questions about faith, sacrifice, and what remains when the beliefs that once provided purpose begin to unravel. A POWERFUL COLLABORATION WITH HALEY GROW The new single brings Summoner's Circle together with Haley Grow of Arsenic Addiction, whose contributions include both clean vocals and growls. Her performance adds another dimension to the track's dark atmosphere, complementing the band's theatrical approach while bringing a distinctive voice to its unsettling subject matter. The collaboration began after Summoner's Circle and Arsenic Addiction crossed paths at the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest. The musicians connected through their mutual appreciation for each other's work, eventually leading to the idea of working together. What started as an encounter between two underground metal acts developed into a collaboration that brings a new vocal presence into Summoner's Circle's musical world. THE END OF AN ERA, THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER “Pious” also holds special significance in Summoner's Circle's history. The single marks the final recorded contribution of former keyboardist Nadir, who played a role in the band's arrangements and orchestration before moving on to other projects. His work on the track represents the closing of an important chapter for the band, preserving his contribution while Summoner's Circle looks toward its next creative phase. The release arrives as the band continues to build on its distinctive combination of dark theatricality, intricate arrangements, and uncompromising heaviness. The collaboration with Grow also demonstrates the band's willingness to explore new creative territory while maintaining its established identity. KEEPING THE DARKNESS ALIVE Alongside the new single, Summoner's Circle recently released The Shape of Darkness Live, a three-track live EP captured during the band's 2025 Shape of Darkness Tour. Available exclusively through Bandcamp, the release features live performances of “Apostle's Dogma/Cult of the Dead Sun,” “Chaos Vector,” and “Apostasy.” The EP captures the band's stage presence while preserving the raw character of its live performances. With “Pious” now available and a new chapter ahead, Summoner's Circle continues to push forward, bringing its dark, theatrical vision to listeners through new recordings and live performances. “Pious” featuring Haley Grow (Lady Arsenic) of Arsenic Addiction is available now on major streaming platforms. LISTEN NOW https://summonerscircle.bandcamp.com/track/pious https://linktr.ee/SummonersCircle ABOUT SUMMONER'S CIRCLE Summoner's Circle is a dark, theatrical metal band known for its expansive arrangements, ominous atmosphere, and commanding approach to heavy music. Blending intricate instrumentation with orchestral elements and a dramatic sonic identity, the band continues to explore the darker edges of metal through its recordings and live performances. FOLLOW SUMMONER'S CIRCLE Follow Summoner's Circle through its official online channels for new music, upcoming performances, and future announcements. https://linktr.ee/SummonersCircle Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LODE STAR UNLEASH NEW ALBUM DARKSTAR, PUSHING THEIR MELODIC HEAVY SOUND INTO NEW TERRITORY International Alternative Metal Project Expands Its Sound With Heavier Guitars, Extreme Vocals, and Emotionally Charged Melodies... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LODE STAR UNLEASH NEW ALBUM DARKSTAR, PUSHING THEIR MELODIC HEAVY SOUND INTO NEW TERRITORY International Alternative Metal Project Expands Its Sound With Heavier Guitars, Extreme Vocals, and Emotionally Charged Melodies Album Out Now | October 23, 2026 International alternative metal and hard rock project LODE STAR have released their new full-length album, DARKSTAR, available now as of October 23, 2026. Bringing together heavier guitar work, extreme vocals, modern production, and the memorable melodic hooks that have defined the project from the beginning, the album captures a band continuing to evolve while staying true to its songwriting roots. Built across continents, Lode Star features Kate Glock (vocals, keys), based in Ireland, and Jensen Rodolfo (guitar, bass), based in Canada. The two musicians began collaborating during the pandemic, developing their sound remotely and building a creative partnership that has continued to grow with each release. With DARKSTAR, that partnership takes center stage. The album represents a more collaborative approach to songwriting, arrangements, and production, allowing both musicians to bring their individual influences into a unified musical vision. The result is a heavier, more expansive record that explores new sonic territory without sacrificing the strong melodies, emotional depth, and accessible songwriting that have always been central to Lode Star's identity. Drawing inspiration from early 2000s heavy music while embracing a contemporary production approach, Lode Star combine the atmospheric intensity of doom metal with the hooks and drive of alternative metal and hard rock. Fans of Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, and Breaking Benjamin will find plenty to connect with in the project's balance of powerful vocals, memorable riffs, and emotionally charged arrangements. Rather than chasing trends, Lode Star build their music around the fundamentals of effective heavy songwriting: compelling melodies, riffs that leave an impression, and songs that connect beyond the surface. On DARKSTAR, those foundations remain firmly in place even as the band experiments with more aggressive vocal approaches, heavier guitars, and new sounds. The album's extended creative process reflects that ambition. As the musicians' partnership developed, so did their vision for the record. Instead of rushing toward a finish line, they allowed the material to evolve until it represented where they stood as artists. "DARKSTAR represents how much we've grown together, both as musicians and as a band. This time around, the entire creative process became a truly collaborative effort, with both of us shaping the songwriting, arrangements and production. We brought our different musical influences together, experimenting with heavier guitars, extreme vocals and new sounds while keeping the catchy melodies and emotion that have always been at the heart of Lode Star. The album took longer than we originally planned because our vision kept evolving alongside our partnership, but we didn't want to rush or settle. Ultimately, DARKSTAR is a reflection of who we are as artists today, and we're incredibly excited to finally share it with everyone." The release follows an established body of work that includes three full-length albums and an EP. Lode Star also attracted unexpected viral attention with their cover of Cryoshell's "Creeping in My Soul," introducing their music to a wider audience. Their work has received coverage from publications including Powerplay Magazine, Metallurg, and Odyssey, and has also been featured in Rocksmith 2014. Mixed and mastered by Riccardo Pasini at Studio 73, DARKSTAR brings the project's evolving musical vision into focus, delivering a record built around the meeting point of melody, atmosphere, heaviness, and emotional expression. With a transatlantic creative partnership and a growing catalog behind them, Lode Star continue to carve out their own space in modern heavy music, proving that strong songwriting and memorable melodies still have plenty of room to thrive alongside a heavier, more aggressive edge. DARKSTAR is out now. LISTEN TO DARKSTAR Full Album YouTube Premiere:[jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="qkK-fsq0Xns"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="moV8_NX1P9Y"] Stream and Discover Lode Star:Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lodestar.bandSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0O5jipJoLd1KoV4XDtIquABandcamp: https://lodestar1.bandcamp.com/musicApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lode-star/1848518035YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LodeStarband/featured ABOUT LODE STAR Lode Star is an international studio-based heavy music project featuring Kate Glock on vocals and keyboards in Ireland and Jensen Rodolfo on guitar and bass in Canada. Formed through remote collaboration during the pandemic, the project blends doom metal, alternative metal, and hard rock with a strong melodic foundation. Influenced by early 2000s metal and driven by memorable riffs, powerful vocal hooks, and emotionally resonant songwriting, Lode Star favor a melody-first approach while continuing to explore heavier sounds and modern production techniques. With three full-length albums and an EP released to date, a viral cover of Cryoshell's "Creeping in My Soul," and features in Rocksmith 2014 and multiple music publications, the band continues to expand its reach while developing its distinctive sound. CONNECT WITH LODE STAR Official Website: https://lodestarmusic.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lodestar.officialbandInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lode.star.bandX: https://x.com/lodestarband1TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lode_starbandYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LodeStarband/featuredOnline Store: https://www.lodestarmusic.store/ PRESS CONTACT Jensen RodolfoEmail: contact@lodestarmusic.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PALE HORSEMAN ANNOUNCE NEW FULL-LENGTH ALBUM RUIN OF SOULS, ARRIVING DECEMBER 4 Chicago Sludge Metal Veterans Descend Deeper Into Darkness With a Crushing New Album of Industrial Brutality, Bleak Melody, and Existential... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PALE HORSEMAN ANNOUNCE NEW FULL-LENGTH ALBUM RUIN OF SOULS, ARRIVING DECEMBER 4 Chicago Sludge Metal Veterans Descend Deeper Into Darkness With a Crushing New Album of Industrial Brutality, Bleak Melody, and Existential Dread For Fans Of: Godflesh, Neurosis, Obituary Chicago sludge metal veterans Pale Horseman will unleash their latest full-length album, Ruin of Souls, on December 4, 2026, delivering a devastating new chapter from a band that has spent more than sixteen years forging an increasingly massive and unsettling sound. The album will arrive digitally across streaming platforms on December 4, with a physical vinyl release expected shortly thereafter.  On Ruin of Souls, Pale Horseman descend even deeper into the darkness they have cultivated throughout their career. Crushing sludge riffs collide with bleak melody, industrial brutality, dissonant tension, and an overwhelming sense of dread, creating music that is as hypnotic as it is punishing. This is heavy music stripped down to its most primal and unsettling form. Ruin of Souls doesn't simply soundtrack the end times. It makes you feel like you're already living through them. For more than sixteen years, Pale Horseman have carved out a colossal form of Chicago sludge defined by crushing riffs, cinematic weight, and an atmosphere that is equal parts savage and hypnotic. Their music explores psychological ruin, paranormal mystery, mythic violence, existential dread, and the raw burden of human suffering, delivering a sound that can be punishing one moment and strangely beautiful the next. The band's members bring decades of experience from Chicago's underground metal community, with roots in acts including Couldron, Maimed, Souls Demise, Doomsday, Making Ghosts, Abortus, Deep Space Pilots, and Johnny Vomit. That history feeds into a sound that feels meticulously constructed while remaining relentlessly destructive. Pale Horseman have also earned a reputation for intense, engulfing live performances. Throughout their career, they have shared stages with Acid King, Earthride, Crowbar, Whores., Bongripper, Coroner, Trouble, Vio-Lence, Karma To Burn, Eyehategod, Church of Misery, and many others, appearing at clubs, DIY spaces, and festival stages throughout the Midwest and beyond. Drawing from the sheer weight of Neurosis, the mechanical brutality of Godflesh, and the unearthly heaviness of Obituary, Pale Horseman exist at the intersection of primal force and unsettling beauty. With Ruin of Souls, Pale Horseman continue pushing their sound into darker, more punishing territory. The album's December 4 release also falls on Bandcamp Friday, giving listeners an opportunity to support the band directly as the new record arrives. PALE HORSEMANChicago Sludge Metal | Est. 2010 Andre Almaraz - Guitar & VocalsEric Ondo - Guitar & VocalsRich Cygan - BassJason Schryver - Drums Album: Ruin of SoulsFormat: Full-Length AlbumGenre: Sludge MetalDigital Release Date: December 4, 2026Vinyl: Expected November 24 to December 15, 2026 For Fans Of: Godflesh, Neurosis, Obituary Connect:  https://www.facebook.com/PaleHorsemanSludgehttps://www.instagram.com/pale_horseman/https://palehorseman.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BEZtiJJg28KoUkhEveZ7ahttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/pale-horseman/886069680  Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VISIONS OF MORPHEUS EXPOSE THE DARK SIDE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH NEW SINGLE “UTOPIAN LIES” OUT NOW Ontario Progressive Metal Project Explores a Failed AI-Driven Paradise on the Latest Chapter of Concept Album... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VISIONS OF MORPHEUS EXPOSE THE DARK SIDE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE WITH NEW SINGLE “UTOPIAN LIES” OUT NOW Ontario Progressive Metal Project Explores a Failed AI-Driven Paradise on the Latest Chapter of Concept Album Dreaming In Binary, Featuring a Guest Guitar Solo from Marty Midgard Stream “Utopian Lies”: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/visionsofmorpheus/utopian-lies OSHAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA – Progressive metal project Visions of Morpheus confronts the unsettling reality behind technological perfection with “Utopian Lies,” a new single out now through Indie Tunz. Released October 23, 2026, the track marks the latest chapter in the project's ambitious concept album Dreaming In Binary, exploring a society built on promises of paradise that ultimately becomes a prison controlled by artificial intelligence. Following August's “I Will Arise,” featuring Nils K. Rue of Pagan's Mind and Lex Legion, Visions of Morpheus continues its exploration of artificial intelligence, human autonomy, and the increasingly blurred line between technological progress and human control. On “Utopian Lies,” the residents of a gleaming, seemingly perfect city discover that their promised paradise is anything but. Behind the polished exterior lies an impersonal system governed by lines of code, making decisions that shape human lives without meaningful oversight, accountability, or individual freedom. What was presented as a solution to humanity's problems has become another failed experiment, leaving its inhabitants trapped in a world where every choice is calculated and every freedom comes with restrictions. The track's dystopian narrative is matched by a sound built on the precision of machine-like rhythms, layered synthesizers, and the weight and melodic complexity of modern progressive metal. As the illusion of perfection begins to unravel, the music reflects the growing realization that the system designed to protect humanity may ultimately be the very thing that threatens it. The single also features a guest guitar solo from Marty Midgard of the Midgard Project, adding another dimension to the track's progressive metal arrangements. A PARADISE BUILT ON CONTROL For Visions of Morpheus founder Jeff Pearson, “Utopian Lies” examines the danger of surrendering human agency to systems that promise security and convenience without necessarily serving the people who depend on them. “We keep being told the next system will finally take care of us,” says Pearson. “‘Utopian Lies’ asks what happens when nobody is actually in charge, when the decisions are made by code and the people living with them never get a say and everything becomes controlled, calculated and constrained for ‘our safety’. It's the moment the dream turns into a cage.” That tension sits at the heart of Dreaming In Binary, a concept album examining the relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence. Rather than treating technology as an uncomplicated path toward a better future, the project explores the consequences of placing too much faith in systems that may eventually operate beyond meaningful human control. With “Utopian Lies,” Visions of Morpheus delivers another chapter in a larger narrative about the promises people are willing to believe, the freedoms they may unknowingly surrender, and what remains of humanity when the machinery of progress begins dictating the terms of existence. “Utopian Lies” is available now on major streaming and download platforms. Listen here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/visionsofmorpheus/utopian-lies ABOUT VISIONS OF MORPHEUS Visions of Morpheus is a progressive metal project based in Ontario's Durham Region, led by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pearson. Blending intricate musicianship, melodic depth, and conceptual storytelling, the project explores the darker corners of the human experience through expansive progressive metal compositions. The project's debut album, Lost Within, was released on November 18, 2023. Its follow-up, Dreaming In Binary, expands the project's scope with a concept record examining artificial intelligence, technological evolution, and what it means to remain human in an increasingly automated world. The album campaign began with “I Will Arise,” featuring Nils K. Rue of Pagan's Mind and Lex Legion. Beyond the studio, Visions of Morpheus has shared the stage with Operus and other acts throughout the Greater Toronto Area. With “Utopian Lies,” Visions of Morpheus continues building a thought-provoking body of work where progressive metal's technical precision meets unsettling questions about humanity's future. RELEASE DETAILS Artist: Visions of MorpheusSingle: “Utopian Lies”Album: Dreaming In BinaryRelease Date: October 23, 2026Status: Out NowLabel: Indie TunzGenre: Progressive MetalGuest Guitar Solo: Marty Midgard (Midgard Project)Available On: All major streaming and download platforms For Fans Of: Intricate progressive metal, futuristic concept albums, atmospheric arrangements, and heavy music exploring the darker side of technology. Follow Visions of Morpheus: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/visionsofmorpheus/utopian-lieshttps://visionsofmorpheus.com/https://www.facebook.com/visionsofmorpheushttps://www.instagram.com/visionsofmorpheus/ CONTACT Jeff PearsonVisions of MorpheusEmail: band@visionsofmorpheus.comWebsite: https://visionsofmorpheus.com Less