FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE METAL DEVASTATION PR BACKS “QUIESCENT MANTIS LIVE FROM THE HIVE” FREE ALL-AGES METAL TAKEOVER IN DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE Knoxville, TN – Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT Downtown Knoxville is about to get loud... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE METAL DEVASTATION PR BACKS “QUIESCENT MANTIS LIVE FROM THE HIVE” FREE ALL-AGES METAL TAKEOVER IN DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE Knoxville, TN – Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM CDT Downtown Knoxville is about to get loud in the best possible way as the free all-ages event Quiescent Mantis Live From the Hive invades Market Square on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Presented in part with support from Metal Devastation PR, this stacked summer night brings together a heavy hitting lineup of underground and rising metal acts for a four hour outdoor assault right in the heart of the city. This one is open to everyone, no ticket required, no excuses needed. LINEUP Autumn Lies Buried Quiescent Mantis Official Warclown Do Yourself In Once More Again Plus a special secret set still under wraps EVENT DETAILS Market Square, Downtown KnoxvilleFree show, all ages welcomeMusic runs 6 PM to 10 PMOutdoor stage takeover featuring multiple heavy sets and a surprise moment built for true metalheads ABOUT THE EVENT “Live From the Hive” brings the underground spirit right into the city center, turning Knoxville’s historic square into a full scale metal gathering. Expect crushing sets, community chaos in the best way, and that raw DIY energy that keeps this scene alive. With Metal Devastation PR backing the event, the goal is simple: amplify the underground, pack the square, and give the scene a night to remember without barriers or gatekeeping. FINAL WORD This is not a background music situation. This is a full volume, boots on the ground, shake-the-pavement kind of night. Show up early, bring the crew, and let Knoxville feel it. Let’s make Market Square shake. Go here for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1210834637623626 Less

🔥 Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 🔥And who will dominate next month as Band of the Month on Metal Devastation Radio? Last month’s winners, 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 6,396,074 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, July 3rd at 9PM EST! Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 06/29/26 - 07/03/26 Less

JERRY WARDEN REVEALS THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND THE FAMOUS JAMES HETFIELD AND DIMEBAG JAM SESSION PLUS RARE TALES FROM THE BIRTH OF THE DFW METAL SCENE Some of heavy metal's greatest stories never made it into documentaries. They were passed around... More

JERRY WARDEN REVEALS THE UNTOLD STORY BEHIND THE FAMOUS JAMES HETFIELD AND DIMEBAG JAM SESSION PLUS RARE TALES FROM THE BIRTH OF THE DFW METAL SCENE Some of heavy metal's greatest stories never made it into documentaries. They were passed around backstage, traded between musicians, or simply forgotten with time. On a recent episode of The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio, longtime Texas metal pioneer Jerry Warden pulled back the curtain on many of those stories, offering listeners an unforgettable journey through the early Dallas/Fort Worth metal scene that helped launch bands like Pantera and Rigor Mortis. For more than an hour, Warden shared firsthand accounts from a lifetime spent building the Texas underground. As founder of Warlock Texas, promoter, radio host, club owner, and now founder of the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame, Warden wasn't watching history happen from the audience. He was helping create it. The Story Behind the Famous James Hetfield and Dimebag Photos One of the biggest moments of the interview came when the conversation turned toward the iconic photographs showing Metallica's James Hetfield and Pantera's Dimebag Darrell trading guitars during an intimate jam session. Fans have circulated those photos for years, often wondering what really happened that night. According to Warden, he was there. Even more remarkable, he wasn't just standing in the crowd. He says he joined James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Dimebag Darrell, Rex Brown, and others onstage during the impromptu performance, singing Metallica classics while legendary photographer Stuart Taylor captured the moment on film. Following the interview, Warden even shared one of those rare photographs showing himself performing during that historic jam session, adding another piece of evidence to one of heavy metal's most talked about moments. The Ride The Lightning Era Through the Eyes of Someone Who Lived It Warden also recalled Metallica visiting Texas shortly after the Ride the Lightning tour and described how friendships between members of Metallica and Pantera led to unforgettable nights of partying, music, and spontaneous performances. He also discussed Rita Haney's early connections within that circle, providing personal recollections from someone who witnessed those events unfold firsthand. Rather than repeating stories already told in books or documentaries, Warden offered his own memories from inside the room, giving listeners a perspective rarely heard in public. Before Cowboys From Hell Long before Pantera became one of the biggest names in heavy metal, Jerry Warden knew them as ambitious young musicians trying to carve out a place in the Texas scene. He shared memories of meeting the band in 1982, working alongside them during their earliest years, helping organize shows, serving as part of their extended crew, and watching the group evolve from local favorites into international metal icons. Warden also reflected on Phil Anselmo's arrival and described conversations surrounding the band's decision to embrace a heavier direction, helping shape the sound that would eventually define albums like Vulgar Display of Power. Building the DFW Metal Underground The interview also explored the incredible effort required to create a thriving metal scene before social media, streaming services, or the internet. Warden recalled organizing massive backyard festivals that attracted well over a thousand fans, launching dedicated metal clubs throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area, promoting countless underground bands, and helping establish one of the region's earliest heavy metal radio programs. Many now legendary Texas musicians crossed paths with Warden during those formative years, making his stories an important firsthand record of the underground's explosive growth during the 1980s. Preserving Heavy Metal History Today, Warden has turned much of that passion toward the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame, an organization dedicated to documenting and preserving heavy music's legacy while recognizing artists who helped shape the genre. Throughout the interview, he stressed the importance of recording these stories while the people who lived them are still here to tell them. As generations of musicians and fans continue discovering heavy metal's rich history, interviews like this become more than entertainment. They become living archives. Streaming now Whether you're a lifelong Pantera fan, a Metallica historian, or simply fascinated by the roots of underground heavy metal, this conversation delivers an incredible collection of firsthand stories that deserve to be heard. Check out the full interview with Jerry Warden on The Zach Moonshine Show via Metal Devastation Radio and discover a side of heavy metal history that few people have ever had the chance to hear directly from someone who lived it. The Full Zach Moonshine Show Track List:  Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners: 1 - Another Demon - Drawn and Quartered feat. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) - (16,295,890 votes)2 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (289,428 votes)3 - Rage of Justice - Digital Prison - (28,658 votes)4 - Heidbekka - Völva - (10,971 votes)5 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (2,772 votes)6 - Onus Vitae - The Flame Still Burns - (1,032 votes) The Zach Moonshine Intro 7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Children Of The Grave - (Live)8 - Rob Zombie - Tarantula9 - Lord Gryphus - Bloodpath Dominion10 - Mothertomb - Beware Jerry Warden | DFW Metal History, Warlock Texas & The Heavy Metal Hall of Fame - Interview featuring SOTR/Hotter_Than_Fire/Iron_Jaw 11 - Lost Relics - Saint Catharines12 - FAR FROM YOUR SUN - Eternity13 - Symphony of Destiny - Chariot of Ra14 - Hexjakt - Svartkonst15 - Doomherre - Blood Relics of Old16 - VHS - A Grave For Every Bullet17 - Solystalgia - Funeral18 - Pradhe - Six Times19 - False Messiah - Break the Silence20 - Riftpatrol - Divide – (ft. Andreas Würth)21 - Barrage - Dealer's Choice22 - Nocturnal Ceremony - Seasons of hate Available now on Mixcloud: You can also listen to just the interview segment on YouTube, Spotify, Apple: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="sCSHeSy20Mk"] Super massive shout out and thanks to the 403,122 metal maniacs from around the world that tuned in for the live broadcast of devastation Friday!  Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IRON BONES, HEXJAKT, AND DOOMHERRE FEATURED IN METAL INJECTION’S “NEW RELEASES THIS WEEK – 6/26” Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that clients Doomherre, Hexjakt, and Iron Bones have been featured in Metal... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IRON BONES, HEXJAKT, AND DOOMHERRE FEATURED IN METAL INJECTION’S “NEW RELEASES THIS WEEK – 6/26” Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that clients Doomherre, Hexjakt, and Iron Bones have been featured in Metal Injection’s latest weekly roundup, “New Releases – 6/26”, standing alongside major names including The Pretty Reckless, Junius, Nunslaughter, Amberian Dawn, Mortiis, Muse, Haggus, Exploring Birdsong, Sans Froid, and more. The feature highlights a strong showing from the underground, with Metal Injection spotlighting multiple releases representing the heavier end of the spectrum this week. FEATURED RELEASES IRON BONES – “STRIGOI (BRINGER OF DEATH)” OFFICIAL VIDEO From the upcoming album Poison Riot (out February 19, 2026) Chile’s Iron Bones deliver a relentless surge of Heavy Speed Roll on their latest single “Strigoi (Bringer of Death)”, the first official video from their forthcoming full-length Poison Riot. The track showcases the band’s uncompromising blend of speed, grit, and raw rock and roll aggression, driven by razor sharp riffs and a no compromise attitude. Blending the ferocity of Motörhead, Venom, Discharge, and Midnight, Iron Bones push a sound built on velocity, attitude, and intent rather than nostalgia. Lyrically and visually, the track explores mysticism, collapse, and confrontation, delivered with a raw, ritualistic edge. Iron Bones are currently seeking label partnership and worldwide release support for Poison Riot, a fully completed album set to arrive February 19, 2026. HEXJAKT – FOUR ALTARS OF SIN (SPLIT) OUT NOW VIA MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS Swedish doom force Hexjakt appear on the new four way split Four Altars of Sin, released June 26 via Majestic Mountain Records. Emerging from Västmanland’s underground, Hexjakt craft slow moving, atmospheric doom built on dense fuzz, heavy low end, and patient, ritualistic pacing. Their contribution, “Svartkonst,” leans fully into their signature approach, where repetition becomes pressure and atmosphere becomes weight. Four Altars of Sin unites four distinct acts from the Nordic underground:Doomherre, Hexjakt, Ordos, and Kaiser, each contributing exclusive material to a unified statement of modern doom heaviness. DOOMHERRE – FOUR ALTARS OF SIN (SPLIT) OUT NOW VIA MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RECORDS Stockholm’s Doomherre appear alongside Hexjakt, Ordos, and Kaiser on the newly released four way split Four Altars of Sin, out June 26 via Majestic Mountain Records. Doomherre contribute “Blood Relics of Old,” a slow burning descent steeped in decay, pursuit, and inevitability. The track moves with deliberate force, stripped of excess and grounded in classic doom weight and atmosphere. The release stands as a unified statement from four distinct Nordic acts, each delivering a different interpretation of heaviness while maintaining a shared ritualistic thread. ABOUT THE FEATURE Metal Injection’s weekly New Releases series continues to highlight both major label releases and underground movements, with this week’s edition showcasing a strong balance of established artists and rising independent heavy acts. Metal Devastation PR extends a massive thank you to Metal Injection for supporting underground heavy music and highlighting our roster alongside some of the biggest names in modern rock and metal. Go check it out here: https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-the-pretty-reckless-junius-nunslaughter-and-more-out-this-week-6-26 Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Sketching the Soul” Explores the Hidden Struggles Behind One of Extreme Metal’s Most Iconic Visual Artists A new feature documentary from Poppitt Productions takes viewers inside the life and creative grind of legendary... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Sketching the Soul” Explores the Hidden Struggles Behind One of Extreme Metal’s Most Iconic Visual Artists A new feature documentary from Poppitt Productions takes viewers inside the life and creative grind of legendary artist Tony Koehl 2026 – The world of extreme metal has always been defined by its sound, but just as much by its visuals. Now, a new documentary pulls back the curtain on one of the genre’s most recognizable and prolific artists. Sketching the Soul, directed by filmmaker Tanner Poppitt, is a raw and personal feature documentary following acclaimed graphic artist Tony Koehl as he navigates the daily realities of life as a working artist in today’s fast moving, often unforgiving creative economy. Known for his unmistakable style and extensive catalog of album artwork across the extreme metal landscape, Koehl has contributed iconic visuals for bands such as Job For A Cowboy, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Waking the Cadaver, among countless others. His work has helped define the visual identity of modern death metal and beyond. This documentary goes beyond the artwork and into the life behind it. A Story Behind the Canvas Sketching the Soul follows Koehl through the pressures, persistence, and uncertainty that come with sustaining a long term creative career in an industry that constantly demands evolution while rarely offering stability. As the film explores, even a legendary name in metal artwork is not immune to the grind of deadlines, changing markets, and the constant challenge of staying relevant while staying true to a signature style. A quote from the production summarizes the heart of the film: “Sketching the Soul follows legendary visual artist Tony Koehl through the trials and tribulations in order to still be a viable working artist in today’s environment.” Built for Fans of Iconic Metal Art This documentary will resonate with fans of influential metal illustrators and visual creators such as Dan Seagrave, Demorph, Wes Boscoter, Ed Repka, and Derek Riggs, offering a deep dive into the culture and craft that shaped some of metal’s most unforgettable imagery. Production & Credits Production Company: Poppitt Productions Director: Tanner Poppitt Management: Poppitt Productions Contact: Poppittproductions@gmail.com Watch the Film The full documentary is available here:[jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="oq-fMk2Tj_8"] More Information IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt37533863/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppittproductions_official/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PoppittProductions https://www.sketchthesoul.com/ At its core, Sketching the Soul is about more than metal artwork. It’s about endurance, identity, and what it takes to keep creating when the world keeps shifting under your feet. Less