🔥 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, HETSHEADS , 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, HETSHEADS , crushed the competition with a staggering 322,430 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, March  7th at 9PM EST!  Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 03/02/26 - 03/06/26 Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HETSHEADS NAMED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER SHATTERING RECORD WITH 322,430 VOTES Stockholm, Sweden — Swedish death metal legends HETSHEADS have been crowned Band of the Month for March 2026, amassing an astonishing 322,430... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HETSHEADS NAMED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER SHATTERING RECORD WITH 322,430 VOTES Stockholm, Sweden — Swedish death metal legends HETSHEADS have been crowned Band of the Month for March 2026, amassing an astonishing 322,430 votes in a historic showing of fan support. Their only release, “…We Hail the Possessed,” has cemented its status as a cornerstone of early ’90s Swedish Death Metal and continues to captivate metal enthusiasts worldwide. Originally emerging in 1991, HETSHEADS quickly distinguished themselves in the burgeoning Swedish death metal scene, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cult acts such as GOD MACABRE, NIRVANA 2002, and UTUMNO. Though the band never recorded a full-length album and eventually shifted into more mainstream projects under the name BLACKSHINE, their 1991 demo and unreleased double EP, now compiled on “…We Hail the Possessed,” remain an essential document of the era. The album’s journey has been as legendary as its music. Initially released by Repulse Records in 1994 and later licensed in Malaysia on cassette in 1995, the recordings have endured chaotic reissues, poor presentations, and long periods of scarcity. Today, under official license from Cherry Red, Xtreem Music has delivered the definitive edition — fully remastered on CD and 12” LP with original artwork, inserts, and silver printing, alongside strictly limited cassette and T-shirt editions. “…We Hail the Possessed” showcases pure Swedish Death Metal at its finest, combining crushing riffs, feral vocals, and relentless aggression. Fans of ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, GOD MACABRE, NIRVANA 2002, and WOMBBATH will find a rare gem that captures the raw intensity of the genre’s early ’90s peak. Notably, HETSHEADS’ vocalist went on to record the first album by NECROPHOBIC, further cementing the band’s influence in extreme metal history. This recognition as Band of the Month highlights the enduring power of HETSHEADS’ music and the passionate community that continues to celebrate it decades later. With over 322,000 votes, fans have propelled this cult classic back into the spotlight, ensuring its place in the annals of Swedish death metal legend. HETSHEADS is: Vocalist – Former NECROPHOBIC member Additional members – (original line-up details preserved in reissue booklet) “…We Hail the Possessed” is available now on CD, vinyl, cassette, and limited T-shirt editions. Support and explore HETSHEADS here: http://xtreemmusic.bandcamp.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Royal Hunt Unleashes Unplugged Acoustic Video of Fan-Favorite “Half Past Loneliness” Global Progressive Metal Icons Celebrate Fans with Stunning Acoustic Performance Copenhagen, Denmark – Legendary progressive metal outfit... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Royal Hunt Unleashes Unplugged Acoustic Video of Fan-Favorite “Half Past Loneliness” Global Progressive Metal Icons Celebrate Fans with Stunning Acoustic Performance Copenhagen, Denmark – Legendary progressive metal outfit Royal Hunt has released an unplugged acoustic version video of their fan-favorite track, “Half Past Loneliness”. Fans can watch the intimate performance now on YouTube: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="vieZ61TENTM"] Originally recorded for the 2011 album Show Me How To Live (https://royalhunt.com/show-live/), the acoustic rendition comes from the recently released EP Behind the Curtain, which debuted on November 5, 2025 via NorthPoint Productions & Sound Pollution (EU / North & South America) and October 29, 2025 via King Records (Japan / SE Asia). The EP was created as a celebration of Royal Hunt’s global fan community and made possible through overwhelming fan support. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1PMdP7oiKzPNewkNOYTh2i Get the CD, DVD, and Official Merch: https://royalhunt.com About “Ride Into the Sunset”Originally intended as the closing chapter of Dystopia, Pt. 2, “Ride Into the Sunset” tells the story of a man disillusioned with the world, longing to break free and disappear into the horizon – reminiscent of the epic finales of classic western films. After nearly two years on the shelf, the track now takes its rightful place in the spotlight. About Royal HuntFormed in 1989 by keyboardist André Andersen, Royal Hunt has forged a reputation as a powerhouse of progressive and symphonic metal. With over 1.8 million albums sold worldwide, the band fuses classic rock energy with intricate, modern arrangements. Their recent global performances include headlining Leyendas del Rock Festival (Spain), Jailbreak Festival (Denmark), Posada Rock (Romania), Epic Festival (Denmark), and a standout Japanese tour in 2025. Royal Hunt also delivered unforgettable performances at the 70,000 Tons of Metal Festival in 2026, with additional major festival appearances confirmed for summer 2026. Royal Hunt Lineup: André Andersen – keyboardsDC Cooper – vocalsAndreas Passmark – bassJonas Larsen – guitarsAndreas HABO Johansson – drumsMore Info: www.royalhunt.com Connect with Royal Hunt https://open.spotify.com/artist/2CzAMm46coQpauDZj4a4ichttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/royal-hunt/72774929https://www.instagram.com/royalhunt_officialhttps://www.facebook.com/royalhunt Contact: info@northpoint-productions.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Director Of Unauthorized Wayne Static Documentary Claims He Was Offered Money To Halt Production Los Angeles, CA — The controversy surrounding the unauthorized documentary about Wayne Static and Tera Wray continues to... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Director Of Unauthorized Wayne Static Documentary Claims He Was Offered Money To Halt Production Los Angeles, CA — The controversy surrounding the unauthorized documentary about Wayne Static and Tera Wray continues to intensify. Director Matt Zane now claims he was offered a substantial financial payout in exchange for abandoning the project altogether. According to Zane, he received a call from a production company attempting to broker a deal between himself and Static-X management. “I got a call from a decent-sized production company that was attempting to work out a deal between myself and Static-X management regarding my documentary, saying they would basically be willing to essentially pay me to not make the film,” said Zane. Zane says he refused the offer, but alleges that further attempts followed. “A day or so later I get a call from Josh Vargas, another director friend of mine who’s done some notable stuff. He says he has an even bigger project for me and can start getting me money by the end of the week as long as I drop the Wayne and Tera project. Obviously the timing was incredibly suspicious. I politely declined.” The estates of Wayne Static and Tera Wray have previously issued a cease and desist order against the production. Despite the legal pressure and what he describes as financial incentives to step away, Zane insists he will continue forward. “I’m self-funding it now. Whatever it takes. Wayne and Tera asked me to do this and it will become apparent when the movie is released.” The documentary, which remains unauthorized by the estates, is currently in development. Zane has stated he intends to proceed independently. For updates on the film’s progress, follow Zane on Instagram: @lordzane. Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Machine Cult Ritual Announces Debut Album Occult Mechanics Out April 3 Denmark’s industrial underground is about to get a whole lot heavier. Machine Cult Ritual will unleash its debut full-length album, Occult Mechanics,... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Machine Cult Ritual Announces Debut Album Occult Mechanics Out April 3 Denmark’s industrial underground is about to get a whole lot heavier. Machine Cult Ritual will unleash its debut full-length album, Occult Mechanics, on April 3 via LÆBEL on all major streaming platforms and Bandcamp. A strictly limited edition cassette will also be available in the United States through Dungeon Squid Productions for those who still believe music should feel dangerous in your hands. Founded in 2025, Machine Cult Ritual is the industrial death doom brainchild of Danish composer and producer John R. Mirland, also known as Mirland. If that name rings a bell, it should. Mirland has built an international reputation in the industrial and dark ambient scenes through a steady stream of solo releases and production work. Now he turns the dial toward the abyss. Occult Mechanics fuses crushing doom riffs, punishing drum machines, corrosive synth textures, and cavernous growls into a sound that is as mechanical as it is suffocating. It is industrial death doom done with intent, not trend chasing. Fans of Godflesh, Paradise Lost, and the Filth Pig era of Ministry will find themselves right at home in this bleak, grinding landscape. Lyrically, the album dives headfirst into folk horror and cosmic terror, weaving tales of ancient dread and mechanical inevitability. The result feels like ritual music for a post-industrial wasteland. Cold, oppressive, and strangely hypnotic. Mirland’s first step into metal came with the 2021 black metal mini album Liv Uden Liv, released under the name Udpint. With Machine Cult Ritual, he pulls together every thread from his past work, from extreme metal to dark ambient to industrial noise, and forges it into something cohesive and unapologetically heavy. Produced and mastered by Mirland himself, Occult Mechanics is not a side project. It is a statement. Precision engineered despair with weight behind every note. Occult Mechanics drops April 3 on all major streaming services and Bandcamp:https://machinecultritual.bandcamp.com/album/occult-mechanics Digital and streaming release via LÆBEL. Limited US cassette edition through Dungeon Squid Productions. Prepare accordingly. For press inquiries, interviews, reviews, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com Connect:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588459781626https://machinecultritual.bandcamp.com/album/occult-mechanics Contact: machinecultritual@mirland.dk Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Titan Arum Unleash “The Phantom of the North” Out Now via Camazots Records Release Date: February 27, 2026FFO: Blind Guardian, Ensiferum, FalconerGenre: Power Metal, Melodic Death Metal Titan Arum have released their brand... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Titan Arum Unleash “The Phantom of the North” Out Now via Camazots Records Release Date: February 27, 2026FFO: Blind Guardian, Ensiferum, FalconerGenre: Power Metal, Melodic Death Metal Titan Arum have released their brand new single, “The Phantom of the North,” the first of several upcoming tracks set to arrive in 2026. Blending soaring power metal heroics with a sharp edge of melodic death metal, the band continues to carve out a sound that feels both epic and untamed. Rooted in a deep appreciation for their local arts community in Peterborough, Titan Arum enlisted artist Nyx to create the artwork for the single. Given full creative freedom, Nyx channeled the band’s dark fairy tale themes and animal-driven imagery into a striking visual companion piece that perfectly mirrors the music’s atmosphere. Musically, “The Phantom of the North” is an owl-themed power metal epic with a flash of the band’s signature melodic death metal intensity. The lyrics tell an original tale of a mystical owl pursued across dimensions by relentless enemies. The track also features audio sampling from The Secret of NIMH, whose own mysterious owl mythology made it a natural fit for the song’s narrative world. For production, Titan Arum once again turned to the trusted ears of Tyler Martin at Electric Alchemy for mixing, with mastering handled by Steve Kilpatrick. The result is a polished yet powerful track that captures both cinematic scope and raw metal energy. Stream / Download:https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/titanarum/the-phantom-of-the-north Label: Camazots Records Production Credits:Mixed by Tyler Martin at Electric AlchemyMastered by Steve Kilpatrick Media Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com Connect:  https://linktr.ee/Titanarumband Contact: titanarumtheband@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTANT Announces New Single Spirit Featuring Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds Of Life Release Date: March 4, 2026Genre: DeathcoreLabel: Century Media Records DISTANT, a formidable force in the deathcore genre hailing... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DISTANT Announces New Single Spirit Featuring Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds Of Life Release Date: March 4, 2026Genre: DeathcoreLabel: Century Media Records DISTANT, a formidable force in the deathcore genre hailing from Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Bratislava, Slovakia, returns with their most personal single yet, Spirit, featuring Tyler Beam of The Last Ten Seconds Of Life. The track channels raw human emotion, inspired by a real-life stabbing of a family member at a clinic called Spirit. "Spirit is one of Distant’s most personal releases to date," the band states. "It channels grief, shock, and the uncomfortable surge of rage and revenge that follows trauma. It’s raw emotion turned into relentless sound—not to glorify violence, but to confront it." Formed in 2014 by bassist Elmer Maurits and guitarist Nouri Yetgin, DISTANT quickly established themselves on the global deathcore stage with their debut EP Tsukuyomi (2017) and first full-length Tyrannotophia (2019, Unique Leader Records). Their sound continued to evolve with Aeons of Oblivion (2021) and, under a three-album deal with Century Media Records, Heritage (2023), which showcased a faster, more technical, and produced deathcore experience. DISTANT’s music is not just sound, it’s storytelling. Their expansive fictional universe—including narratives like The Rise of Tyrannotophia—forms the foundation for lyrics and compositions, giving each release depth beyond the pit. Their live shows, renowned for energy and precision, have sold out venues across Europe and the United States, cementing the band’s reputation as a global deathcore powerhouse. Production Credits: Mix by Nouri Yetgin; Master by Nouri Yetgin and Roelof Klop For fans of: Spite, Lorna Shore, Slaughter To Prevail Streaming / Pre-Save Link: https://distantofficial.com/pages/presave Recent Media Highlights: DISTANT’s “Nothing Left To Hate” Named One of Revolver Magazine’s Best New Songs – Revolver Metal Hammer & Louder Name Distant’s “Nothing Left To Hate” One of the Best New Metal Songs You Need to Hear  Metal Injection Announces DISTANT North American Tour With In Flames, Thrown & Tracheotomy DISTANT North American Tour Announced – Featured by Metal Injection, The PRP, MetalSucks, Lambgoat, Blabbermouth, Metal Insider & The Moshpit Network With Spirit, DISTANT transforms trauma into a relentless sonic assault, confronting life’s chaos head-on and proving why they remain at the forefront of international deathcore. Check out their last single Nothing Left To Hate on YouTube and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="4U-cKUpPkQ0"]  Connect with the band:  https://linktr.ee/DistantOfficialhttps://distantofficial.com/https://www.instagram.com/distantofficial/https://www.facebook.com/DistantOfficialhttps://twitter.com/distantnlhttps://distantofficial.com/pages/epk Contact: Distantbandnl@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CREEPER’s ‘Crushing’ Out Now – Produced by Pantera & King Diamond Alumni Purchase vinyl & CD: www.nolifetilmetalrecords.com Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX — Texas metal war machine CREEPER USA has officially unleashed their... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CREEPER’s ‘Crushing’ Out Now – Produced by Pantera & King Diamond Alumni Purchase vinyl & CD: www.nolifetilmetalrecords.com Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX — Texas metal war machine CREEPER USA has officially unleashed their long awaited new album Crushing, and it is exactly what the title promises. No filler. No trends. Just straight up, Texas groove driven heavy metal done the way it is supposed to be done. Formed in 2007 by guitarist Jimi Fritz, Creeper has spent nearly two decades grinding it out in the trenches of the Texas underground. With the current lineup locked in and firing on all cylinders since 2021, the band has evolved into a tightly wound wrecking crew built for both stage destruction and studio precision. Crushing was recorded at MediaTech Institute, House of Wags, and Boot Hill Studios, and shaped by Texas metal heavyweights Kerry Crafton and Sterling Winfield. Winfield’s track record alone speaks volumes, having worked with legends like Pantera, King Diamond, and Mercyful Fate. Crafton brings the pedigree of Rigor Mortis and Warbeast into the fold. Together, they helped forge a record that is punishing, precise, and unapologetically heavy. The sound? Think the aggression of Slayer, the groove and swagger of Pantera, and the Southern grit of Exhorder, all filtered through Creeper’s own battle hardened identity. This is not nostalgia. This is legacy level metal carried forward the right way. The lineup delivering the damage: Texx Duncan – VocalsJimi Fritz – GuitarPaul Fritz – GuitarIan Train – BassKurtis Lawrence – Drums Over the years, Creeper has shared stages with heavy hitters including Drowning Pool, Symphony X, UDO Dirkschneider, Loudness, Metal Church, Anvil, Primal Fear, Overkill, and Prong, proving night after night they belong in that company. Standout singles from the album include “The River,” “Big Bad Wolf,” and the hard hitting “White Devil,” all showcasing the band’s blend of bone cracking riffs, thunderous rhythm work, and commanding vocal delivery. This isn’t a comeback. This isn’t hype. This is a band that put in the years, sharpened the blade, and delivered when it counted. Crushing is available now on digital, CD, and limited vinyl through No Life Til Metal Records, as well as select retailers including Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Tower Records, Walmart, and Bandcamp. For fans who still believe heavy metal should hit like a sledgehammer and groove like a freight train, Creeper just dropped your soundtrack. For interviews, press, or review requests: zach@metaldevastationradio.com [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="eFG1KV3CFTs"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="i0rLzLQP4Aw"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="aiJBmWCsmJ8"]  Follow the band here at these links: creeperband.comhttps://www.facebook.com/creeperUSA/https://www.instagram.com/creeper_the_band/https://x.com/CreeperBandhttps://www.youtube.com/@Creeperusahttps://www.reverbnation.com/creepertexasmeta Contact: Creepermetal@gmail.com Label Contact:NoLifeTilMetal Recordswww.nolifetilmetalrecords.combill@roxxproductions.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vick LeCar Ignites the Revolution with “The Gold Record” – Out March 6, 2026Raw Rock That Refuses to Be Silenced New Orleans, Louisiana – March 1, 2026 – The countdown is over. Guitar virtuoso and blues-rock powerhouse Vick... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vick LeCar Ignites the Revolution with “The Gold Record” – Out March 6, 2026Raw Rock That Refuses to Be Silenced New Orleans, Louisiana – March 1, 2026 – The countdown is over. Guitar virtuoso and blues-rock powerhouse Vick LeCar is set to shatter the noise of today’s trend-chasing music scene with the explosive release of The Gold Record on March 6, 2026. This isn’t your typical polished imitation. The Gold Record delivers 15 tracks of raw, heart-pounding authenticity, channeling the primal intensity of horror-tinged blues, blistering rock, and virtuoso guitar mastery. Drawing inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore, Carlos Santana, Brian May, Terry Kath, Al Di Meola, Paco de Lucía, and Gary Moore, LeCar doesn’t copy—he evolves, unleashing a ferocious, unmistakable style that hits harder than ever. “You’ve got to feel it live to believe it,” LeCar declares. “The guitar screams straight from the soul—metal strings ripping through wood, cranked to electrifying amplifiers. My songwriting, my voice, my riffs—it’s all genuine, strong, loud, and proud. No formulas. No fakes. Just pure rock that breaks through every wall.” Mastered for crystal-clear, bone-shaking impact, these 15 tracks pack grit, emotion, blistering solos, and lyrics that cut deep. In a sea of manufactured noise, The Gold Record stands tall as the real deal—music with fire, heart, and soul. Physical CDs will also be available for die-hard collectors. Release Details: Title: The Gold Record Artist: Vick LeCar Release Date: March 6, 2026 Tracks: 15 unrelenting anthems of hard rock truth Formats: Streaming & digital download on all major platforms, plus CDs for collectors www.vicklecar.com For more information, interviews, or to request a review copy, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com   Follow Vick LeCar at these links: www.vicklecar.comhttps://www.facebook.com/vick.lecarhttps://soundcloud.com/vick-lecarhttp://itunes.apple.com/album/id1769734049https://open.spotify.com/album/1ykvdgTcGaaDe9HMfG1vfb Contact: vicklecarofficialyt@gmail.com Less