Tommy Lee and Bill Maher Get Real on Sobriety, Fame, and Rock ‘n’ Roll at Club Random In a refreshingly candid and often hilarious episode of Club Random, legendary Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee joins host Bill Maher for a wide-ranging... More

Tommy Lee and Bill Maher Get Real on Sobriety, Fame, and Rock ‘n’ Roll at Club Random In a refreshingly candid and often hilarious episode of Club Random, legendary Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee joins host Bill Maher for a wide-ranging conversation that mixes humor with honest introspection. What starts as a lighthearted debate over whether being a stripper beats a 9-to-5 grind quickly evolves into a deeper exploration of life in the fast lane, addiction, fame, and the emotional aftermath of decades in the spotlight. From the opening moments, the duo set a playful tone, riffing on the absurdity of choosing between exotic dancing and office life. But by the two-minute mark, the discussion takes a more serious turn as Lee reveals he’s celebrated one year of sobriety, prompting a sincere and thoughtful exchange about addiction and the process of recovery in a culture built on excess. Lee shares a wild story involving Snoop Dogg and a cloud of smoke that left him dazed and disoriented—an anecdote that highlights the unpredictability of drug experiences, even for seasoned party veterans. That unpredictability becomes a metaphor for much of the conversation: a life of extremes, hard-earned lessons, and the surprising twists that come with aging as a rock icon. The conversation also touches on celebrity relationships and infidelity, with both hosts acknowledging the unique pressures of maintaining fidelity under the magnifying glass of fame. As they reflect on the wild days of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, there's an undercurrent of wisdom—neither shying away from past debauchery nor glamorizing it. A standout moment comes when Maher references attending a Metallica concert, using it as a springboard to discuss the enduring power of music to spark memory and emotion. This segues into a humorous jab at music critics, with both hosts poking fun at the often contradictory and superficial nature of industry commentary. As the episode draws to a close, Lee and Maher muse on celebrity culture and the misplaced priorities of fame, leaving viewers with a thoughtful reflection on what it really means to live a life constantly in the public eye. Bottom line? It’s a raw, real, and at times ridiculous ride through the mind of a rockstar and a comedian—equal parts laughs, lessons, and a look behind the curtain of the world so many fantasize about. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" id="174662"] Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRST JASON Joins Forces with CDN RECORDS — Horror Icon Ari Lehman Unleashes a New Era of Metal Mayhem "Razor sharp hooks, monster playing and infectious melodies take FIRST JASON to a level that you need to see to... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FIRST JASON Joins Forces with CDN RECORDS — Horror Icon Ari Lehman Unleashes a New Era of Metal Mayhem "Razor sharp hooks, monster playing and infectious melodies take FIRST JASON to a level that you need to see to believe!" – Spencer Charnas, ICE NINE KILLS FIRST JASON, the horror metal powerhouse fronted by Friday the 13th icon Ari Lehman, has officially signed with CDN RECORDS, marking a new chapter in their relentless rise through the heavy music underground. Known for his role as the original Jason Voorhees, Lehman now channels that same menacing energy into every face-melting performance—this time with a keytar slashing through the mix like a machete. Formed in 2004, FIRST JASON has toured across the U.S., UK, and Europe, building a devoted cult following through electrifying live shows, a relentless DIY ethic, and genre-defying songwriting. Their unique blend of horror-themed theatrics, jazz-trained musicianship, punk attitude, and world music influences sets them apart in a crowded metal landscape. "First Jason is amazing... hits you over the head with an anvil being swung at 1000 miles an hour by the metal gods," hails College News. "Lehman and crew break out of your speakers in surround-sound, get in your face, flash you the devil horns... and will leave your jaw dragging across the floor." Lehman, a classically-trained pianist and NYU alum with a background in jazz, reggae, and Afrobeat, has carved out a sound all his own. With past support slots for major acts like ICE NINE KILLS, AVATAR, IN THIS MOMENT, INCANTATION, and TWIZTID, FIRST JASON is now poised for even greater impact under the banner of CDN RECORDS. Get ready—the next chapter of horror metal has arrived. For press inquiries, interviews, or booking, please contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="2lZwxJll-Ps"] Follow FIRST JASON: 🔪 https://www.facebook.com/FirstJasonOfficial🔪 https://www.instagram.com/firstjason13🔪 https://www.youtube.com/@firstjason3584🔪 https://open.spotify.com/artist/07EZ45YzHRTS7q2XLDKAyu Less

Photo credit: Alberto Villalobos Pittsburgh deathcore juggernauts Signs Of The Swarm have officially announced the release of their sixth studio album, To Rid Myself of Truth, due out August 22, 2025 via Century Media Records. Alongside the... More

Photo credit: Alberto Villalobos Pittsburgh deathcore juggernauts Signs Of The Swarm have officially announced the release of their sixth studio album, To Rid Myself of Truth, due out August 22, 2025 via Century Media Records. Alongside the announcement comes the release of a blistering new single and music video, “HELLMUSTFEARME”, showcasing a band that’s both honoring its roots and charging boldly into new sonic territory. Reuniting with acclaimed producer Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Mental Cruelty, King 810), Signs Of The Swarm are shedding their slamming deathcore shell, evolving into something even more menacing and multidimensional. Drawing influence from the mechanical precision of Meshuggah, the atmospheric weight of Gojira, and the industrial onslaught of Fear Factory, the new record promises to be the band’s most mature and punishing effort yet. “'HELLMUSTFEARME' is a nod to our roots: all gas, no brakes from start to finish,” says drummer Bobby Crow. “We wanted to channel the albums that brought us into deathcore—like The Cleansing by Suicide Silence—and hit it with that SOTS flavor.” Vocalist David Simonich adds: “The song was born from a dark joke about my own survival through multiple suicide attempts—if Hell was real, they wouldn’t want me. The song is about being so low, even Hell rejects you. Yet, despite that, I overcome. This song is about defiance, power, and survival.” Watch the official video for “HELLMUSTFEARME” here: YouTube [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="dLD1_WdmxtI"] With a stable and sharpened lineup featuring guitarist/backing vocalist Carl Schulz and bassist Michael Cassese, the band entered the studio with more time and creative energy than ever before. What emerged is an album that’s not just heavier—it’s smarter, more intricate, and deliberately more aggressive. To Rid Myself of Truth Tracklist: To Rid Myself of Truth HELLMUSTFEARME Natural Selection Scars Upon Scars Chariot Clouded Retinas (feat. Will Ramos, Lorna Shore) Iron Sacrament (feat. Phil Bozeman, Whitechapel) Forcing to Forget Sarkazein Fear & Judgement (feat. Jack Murray, 156/Silence & Johnny Crowder, Prison/ex-Dark Sermon) Creator Album artwork by Stripes Arts.Photo credit: Alberto Villalobos. Pre-orders for To Rid Myself of Truth are live now in various formats:👉 Pre-order here North American Headline Tour Announced To support the album, Signs Of The Swarm will hit the road this fall for a monstrous headlining tour across North America, bringing along Mental Cruelty, ten56., Carcosa, and Face Yourself for a stacked lineup of extreme metal fury. Tour Dates – Fall 2025: Oct. 2 - Montreal, QC @ Théâtre Fairmount Oct. 3 - Toronto, ON @ Axis Club Oct. 4 - Ferndale, MI @ The Loving Touch Oct. 5 - Chicago, IL @ Reggies Oct. 7 - St. Paul, MN @ Amsterdam Bar Oct. 8 - Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theatre Oct. 9 - Wichita, KS @ WAVE (Indoor) Oct. 10 - Denver, CO @ HQ Oct. 11 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Soundwell Oct. 12 - Boise, ID @ The Shredder Oct. 14 - Seattle, WA @ El Corazon Oct. 15 - Portland, OR @ Dante’s Oct. 16 - Roseville, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post Oct. 17 - Fresno, CA @ Full Circle Brewery Oct. 18 - Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom Oct. 19 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater Oct. 21 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live Oct. 22 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater * Oct. 23 - Little Rock, AR @ Revolution Music Room Oct. 24 - Nashville, TN @ EXIT/IN Oct. 25 - Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage (The Loft) Oct. 26 - Orlando, FL @ Conduit * Oct. 28 - Columbia, SC @ New Brookland Tavern Oct. 29 - Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819 Oct. 30 - Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage Oct. 31 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Preserving Nov. 1 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Meadows * Nov. 2 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium *Face Yourself not performing on dates marked with asterisk. Pre-sale & Ticket Info: May 2 – Band Pre-sale: signsoftheswarm.com May 5 – Promoter Pre-sale May 6 – Spotify Pre-sale May 7 – Bands In Town Pre-sale May 8 – General Public On-sale at 10AM local Signs Of The Swarm is: David Simonich – Vocals Bobby Crow – Drums Carl Schulz – Guitar / Backing Vocals Michael Cassese – Bass With To Rid Myself of Truth, Signs Of The Swarm are poised to transcend deathcore, proving they are more than a product of the genre—they're shaping its future. Less

Photo Credit: Megan Rose FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jawfane Announces Debut EP “Me And All My Demons” — First Single “Cataclysm (Nightmare)” Out Now Rising post-hardcore force Jawfane is set to unleash their long-awaited debut EP “Me And All My... More

Photo Credit: Megan Rose FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jawfane Announces Debut EP “Me And All My Demons” — First Single “Cataclysm (Nightmare)” Out Now Rising post-hardcore force Jawfane is set to unleash their long-awaited debut EP “Me And All My Demons” on June 26th via Exitus Stratagem Records. Leading the charge is the blistering new single “Cataclysm (Nightmare)”, now available on all streaming platforms, accompanied by a visceral music video that captures the band’s unfiltered intensity. “I am of the ‘00s hardcore scene with a deep love for Norma Jean,” says guitarist Cory Pack, referencing the track’s crushing opening riff. “Chase [Schumann, bassist] did a great job writing us out of that familiar territory into something more modern. We went all in on the breakdowns and chorus but made sure to keep a sense of structure. I never want those parts to end.” Jawfane — Cory Pack (guitar), Jesse Marquez (keyboard), Austin Heipp (vocals), AJ Chacon (drums), and Chase Schumann (bass) — spent the last four years honing a sound that blurs the lines between metalcore’s aggression and post-hardcore’s emotional pull. What began as a group of friends writing behind closed doors has evolved into a genre-defying juggernaut, offering music rooted in lived experiences and raw expression. “All of our songs are based in reality—whether it’s something one of us went through, someone we know, or things we needed to say but couldn’t any other way,” the band shares. “Me and All My Demons is a reflection of those moments—pain, struggle, catharsis, and ultimately, growth.”* Initially self-produced, the EP caught the attention of Exitus Stratagem Records, who partnered with the band to rework and professionally re-record the entire release. The result is a cohesive yet diverse body of work that is as brutal as it is honest—perfect for fans of Misery Signals, Cane Hill, and King 810. Jawfane will be hitting the road this summer in support of the EP. More tour details to be announced soon. Listen to “Cataclysm (Nightmare)” now:https://hypeddit.com/jawfane/cataclysmnightmare📺 Watch the Music Video [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="HNBtGIHT7f0"] 💿 Pre-save the EP “Me And All My Demons” https://hypeddit.com/jawfane/meandallmydemons For interviews, press materials, or booking inquiries, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com Follow the band at these links: https://www.instagram.com/jawfanehttps://www.facebook.com/Jawfanehttps://www.instagram.com/exsrmusichttps://www.facebook.com/ExSRecordshttps://www.exsrmusic.com/ Contact: Jawfane@gmail.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Metal Devastation Radio and PR Shatter 20 Million Views Milestone! April 2025 has marked a massive breakthrough for Metal Devastation Radio and Metal Devastation PR as they officially surpass 20 million views—a monumental... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Metal Devastation Radio and PR Shatter 20 Million Views Milestone! April 2025 has marked a massive breakthrough for Metal Devastation Radio and Metal Devastation PR as they officially surpass 20 million views—a monumental achievement for the underground metal community. Record-Breaking Stats With 867,883 views in April alone, Metal Devastation Radio and PR have now reached an astounding 20,579,548 total views! This marks another month of explosive growth, continuing a powerful upward trend that shows no signs of slowing down. As always, the bulk of this traffic remains organic—driven by a passionate and loyal community of metalheads around the globe. Celebrating Success “I don’t even know what to say—this is beyond huge!” said Zach Moonshine. “To cross 20 million views is absolutely insane. The support from the scene is real, and we’re just getting started.” A Community Effort This milestone is the result of tireless effort from everyone involved: Media Outlets and Magazines – Amplifying the voices of underground and independent artists. Bands and Labels – Fueling the fire with relentless creativity and heavy music. Global Listeners – Keeping the underground spirit alive, one stream and read at a time. DJs and Staff – Bringing the chaos and passion to life day in and day out. Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Festival – Uniting the scene and showcasing the best in the underground. Looking Ahead With this milestone behind us, Metal Devastation Radio and PR are more committed than ever to pushing boundaries and giving underground bands the exposure they deserve. “If you’re serious about making noise in the scene, this is where you want to be,” added Moonshine. “Bands we work with through Metal Devastation PR consistently land front-and-center on our blog, which is now generating millions of views!” Thank You Metal Devastation Radio and PR extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who has made this possible. You are the lifeblood of the underground metal movement. About Metal Devastation Radio and PR Since 2013, Metal Devastation Radio and PR have been a driving force in supporting underground and independent metal artists. Through their online radio, magazine, and PR services, they provide a massive platform for emerging talent to reach the global metal community. ContactFor more information, please contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com Less

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Carbonstone Announces New Single “Standoff” Featuring Jonny Santos – Out May 30thLatest Track “Echoes” Streaming Now on All Platforms Pre save here:... More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Carbonstone Announces New Single “Standoff” Featuring Jonny Santos – Out May 30thLatest Track “Echoes” Streaming Now on All Platforms Pre save here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/carbonstone/standoff-feat-jonny-santos-of-spineshank/ Baltimore, MD – Industrial Alternative Metal juggernaut CARBONSTONE is set to release their explosive new single and music video, “Standoff,” on May 30th. Featuring a powerful guest vocal collaboration with Jonny Santos of Silent Civilian and Spineshank, the track is a bold evolution of the band’s signature sound—fusing unrelenting energy with emotional intensity. The announcement follows the release of their current single, “Echoes,” which is now streaming on all major platforms. A hard-hitting fusion of crushing guitars, haunting synths, and unforgettable vocal hooks, “Echoes” has cemented CARBONSTONE’s status as a band to watch in the modern metal scene. Known for their genre-blurring blend of nu-metal and industrial elements, CARBONSTONE appeals to fans of Linkin Park, Static-X, and Korn. With a unique sonic identity and electrifying stage presence, they continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences. Recently nominated for Best Metal Band at the Maryland Music Awards 2024 and recognized as 98 Rock’s Band of the Month, CARBONSTONE is gaining serious momentum in both their hometown of Baltimore and the national scene. The band has shared the stage with a range of notable acts, including Orgy, Cold, Priest, Drowning Pool, Saliva, 10 Years, Nita Strauss, and Diamanté. Their high-energy live shows are becoming legendary, and anticipation is building for what’s to come. Both “Echoes” and the upcoming “Standoff” are part of CARBONSTONE’s forthcoming album, “The Absence Of Self,” produced in collaboration with Jonny Santos. This next chapter promises to be their most intense and emotionally resonant yet. “Standoff” drops May 30th—don’t miss it. “Echoes” is available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all major streaming platforms. https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/carbonstone/white-noise For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:zach@metaldevastationradio.com Follow the band at these links: https://carbonstone.net/epkhttps://www.Facebook.com/CarbonstoneMusichttps://www.twitter.com/xcarbonstonexhttps://www.Instagram.com/carbonstone_band https://www.tiktok.com/@carbonstone_bandhttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5WL2Q4raXiOnmn40fTQMXb Contact:  Management: EMG.Damien@gmail.com Contact at: Carbonstone616@gmail.com  Less

Photo credit: Linda Florin Swedish thrash metal legends THE HAUNTED have returned with fire and fury, releasing the official music video for their blistering new single “In Fire Reborn.” The track is the second offering from their highly... More

Photo credit: Linda Florin Swedish thrash metal legends THE HAUNTED have returned with fire and fury, releasing the official music video for their blistering new single “In Fire Reborn.” The track is the second offering from their highly anticipated tenth studio album, Songs Of Last Resort, which is set for release on May 30 via longtime label Century Media Records. The video, directed by renowned filmmaker Patric Ullaeus of rEvolver (known for his work with IN FLAMES, ARCH ENEMY, and DIMMU BORGIR), visually captures the raw aggression and classic sonic assault that fans have come to expect from THE HAUNTED. Frontman Marco Aro describes “In Fire Reborn” as, “a more classic THE HAUNTED-sounding song with the aggression turned up to 11… just in case you missed the memo on our previous single!” Guitarist Patrik Jensen adds, “I wrote the start, verses, and ending of the song, but it wasn't until Jonas wrote the chorus when ‘In Fire Reborn’ really bloomed out. The lyrics continue the theme of war, this time from a soldier's perspective.” The album was tracked across several studios, with Oscar Nilsson recording the music at Studio Bohus, while vocals were laid down by Björn Strid (SOILWORK, THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA) at The Cellar Studio. Mixing and mastering were handled by genre powerhouse Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, whose resume includes KREATOR, ARCH ENEMY, and SEPULTURA. The striking album art was once again created by long-time collaborator Andreas "Diaz" Pettersson. “In Fire Reborn” follows the release of the first single “Warhead,” also directed by Ullaeus. The track struck a nerve with fans and critics alike for its blunt commentary on global conflict. Aro calls it “an aggressive statement about the absolute horrors of the world we now have to live in.” Jensen recalls how inspiration struck hard and fast, “The main riff came to me at work, and I had to take the afternoon off to get it down. The song is about people in power — ‘warheads’ — who thrive on war.” Songs Of Last Resort marks THE HAUNTED’s first studio effort since 2017’s Strength In Numbers, and brings together a seasoned lineup of metal veterans: Marco Aro – Lead vocals Ola Englund – Rhythm and lead guitar Patrik Jensen – Rhythm guitar Jonas Björler – Bass, backing vocals Adrian Erlandsson – Drums The album will be available in several formats, including a limited CD mediabook with a bonus track (“Feeding The Furnace”), a standard CD, digital album, and 180g LP with poster. With Songs Of Last Resort, THE HAUNTED prove once again that they are not only survivors of the modern metal age but a force that continues to evolve, inspire, and obliterate expectations. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="KbpFFUAegTw"] [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="itmNIR-akwk"] Less

NinjaWitch Wraps Up New Recording Sessions with Danielle Fehr at The Wizard ProductionsKnoxville’s space doom conjurers return to their sonic temple for more cosmic heaviness August 2025 — The stars have aligned once again, and Knoxville’s cosmic... More

NinjaWitch Wraps Up New Recording Sessions with Danielle Fehr at The Wizard ProductionsKnoxville’s space doom conjurers return to their sonic temple for more cosmic heaviness August 2025 — The stars have aligned once again, and Knoxville’s cosmic space doom practitioners NinjaWitch have officially wrapped up a brand-new recording session with producer Danielle Fehr at The Wizard Productions. Returning to the very same studio where they conjured their acclaimed debut Order of the Red Horse, the band has rekindled their alchemical chemistry to craft the next chapter of their interstellar saga. A behind-the-scenes glimpse was shared via Danielle Fehr’s Facebook page, offering fans a short but powerful teaser of what’s to come: Watch the studio teaser here This latest session marks a major milestone as the band continues to ride the momentum of their 2024 debut EP. Order of the Red Horse dropped on November 8, 2024, drawing attention for its massive riffs, psychedelic lyricism, and a hypnotic visualizer for the title track released earlier this year. That video, created by Raven Moonla of Metal Devastation PR and Moonraven Studios, painted a surreal, kaleidoscopic portrait of cosmic doom that perfectly captured the band’s vibe. NinjaWitch’s lineup includes: Nathan Wright – haunting, apocalyptic vocalsHerb Himes – blistering lead guitarHaley Clark – crushing rhythm guitarJohn Springer – bass-heavy gravity wellsBrandon Clark – thunderous drums Lead guitarist Herb Himes described their style as “the bastard child of Dave Wyndorf and a groupie from a 1994 Monster Magnet backstage orgy,” and this next release promises to push those wild cosmic boundaries even further. In addition to new music on the horizon, fans can catch NinjaWitch live at the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest 2025 on October 11th, where they’ll join a stacked lineup of underground metal mayhem. Tickets are available now at:👉 www.hubcityevents.com/events/tennessee-metal-devastation-music-fest-2025-10-11-2025 With new recordings complete and live rituals on the way, the spell is far from over. Stay tuned—NinjaWitch is preparing to take us deeper into the void. Check them out on YouTube and subscribe: [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="Ngjd2y7I5ew"] 🎧 Stream the EP: https://ninjawitch.bandcamp.com For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com #NinjaWitch #CosmicDoom #SpaceDoom #OrderOfTheRedHorse #DoomMetal #MonsterMagnet #Hawkwind #BlackSabbath #NewMusic2024 #HeavyMetal #KnoxvilleMetal #Bandcamp #MetalRelease #SummonersCircle Follow the band at these links: https://ninjawitch.bandcamp.comhttps://www.facebook.com/NinjaWitchBand/https://www.instagram.com/ninjawitch_official/https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/NinjaWitch/3540552384https://open.spotify.com/artist/6euBcwvcnIFMeTboUM1f0Dhttps://music.apple.com/us/artist/ninjawitch/1772776235 Less

It's Worse Than You Think: Why New Artists Struggle to Break Through in the Streaming EraBased on Rick Beato’s Video Breakdown In a sobering and insightful video titled "It's Worse Than You Think: The TRUTH About Why New Artists Fail", music... More

It's Worse Than You Think: Why New Artists Struggle to Break Through in the Streaming EraBased on Rick Beato’s Video Breakdown In a sobering and insightful video titled "It's Worse Than You Think: The TRUTH About Why New Artists Fail", music educator and YouTuber Rick Beato takes a hard look at the current state of the music industry—and the odds stacked against emerging artists today. Drawing from hard data and deep industry knowledge, Beato explains why the road to success in the digital age is not just difficult—it's increasingly rigged in favor of those who already made it. The Surprising Age of Top Artists on Spotify Beato opens the video by pointing out something few people consider when browsing today’s charts: the average age of Spotify’s most-streamed artists. He highlights Bruno Mars as a case study and then digs deeper into Spotify’s top 25 artists. The result? A surprisingly high average age of 36 years and 2 months. In a world that often glorifies youth culture, the dominance of older artists is both revealing and alarming. This number stands in stark contrast to previous generations. Beato compares it to The Beatles, who were in their early to mid-20s during their peak. So, what’s changed? Why are today’s top stars not fresh-faced newcomers, but seasoned veterans? Enter the Matthew Principle At the core of Beato’s argument is the “Matthew principle,” a concept drawn from sociology that explains how success tends to compound. In other words: the rich get richer. Once an artist breaks through and builds a fanbase, algorithms, social proof, and industry infrastructure work in their favor to maintain and expand their audience. According to Beato, artists who rose to prominence in the early 2000s benefited from a unique moment in music history—just before streaming took over and while record labels still had dominant gatekeeping power. These artists now sit at the top of algorithm-driven platforms like Spotify, where past success is rewarded exponentially. The Visibility Trap of Streaming Beato draws an effective parallel to YouTube’s social proof system, where videos with more views naturally attract even more attention. The same thing happens on Spotify. Songs with millions of plays are pushed to the top of playlists and search results, while new artists are often buried unless they go viral or get label support. In effect, the streaming model favors the already-successful. It becomes increasingly difficult for new voices to cut through the noise, let alone build a sustainable career. It’s not that younger artists lack talent—it’s that they lack visibility. What Can New Artists Do? While the video paints a grim picture, Beato doesn’t end on a hopeless note. He emphasizes that success is still possible—but it requires more than just good music. Artists must become relentless learners, experimenters, and marketers. They need to master the platforms they use, understand their audience, and be willing to evolve constantly. Beato closes with a reminder that experience and persistence matter. In an industry where algorithms reward familiarity and fanbases are built over time, the only real advantage left for new artists is grit. Final Thoughts Rick Beato’s analysis is a must-watch for anyone trying to navigate the modern music landscape. It challenges the romanticized idea of the breakout star and replaces it with a much-needed reality check: the system is built to favor those who already made it—but with hard work, creativity, and persistence, new voices can still find a way through. [jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="CgnpNLk59PY"] Less

South San Francisco, CA – April 28, 2025 — Brian Montana, former guitarist and founding member of the iconic death metal band Possessed, was fatally shot by South San Francisco police following an intense armed standoff that lasted nearly half an... More

South San Francisco, CA – April 28, 2025 — Brian Montana, former guitarist and founding member of the iconic death metal band Possessed, was fatally shot by South San Francisco police following an intense armed standoff that lasted nearly half an hour. The incident, which began over a dispute with a neighbor, ended in tragedy and has shocked both the metal music community and local residents. Who Was Brian Montana? Brian Montana was best known as one of the original guitarists for Possessed, a band widely credited as one of the pioneers of death metal. While his time with the band was early in its history, his contribution to the genre helped shape the aggressive and dark sound that defined a generation of extreme metal. What Happened in the South San Francisco Shooting? According to The Daily Journal and a statement released by the South San Francisco Police Department, the 60-year-old Montana became involved in a confrontation with a neighbor over tree debris. The situation escalated quickly when Montana allegedly brandished a firearm and began shooting at the neighbor’s house. Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:55 p.m. on April 28. Upon arrival at the scene on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive, officers were met with immediate gunfire. Montana, reportedly taking cover behind vehicles in his driveway, fired multiple weapons at both the neighbor’s home and responding officers. During the standoff, Montana used at least three different firearms—a handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle—firing from multiple positions while using cars and landscaping for cover. Officers returned fire and eventually struck Montana, who was later pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving measures. Was Anyone Else Injured? One resident sustained a non-life-threatening graze wound and was transported to a local trauma hospital. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the shootout. District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe confirmed that alcohol was a contributing factor, noting: “His death is a tragedy, but it's fortunate that nobody else was hit or injured more seriously.” Ongoing Police Investigation and Public Response The South San Francisco Police Department, in collaboration with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, is conducting a full investigation. Body cam footage and additional information—including audio and video recordings—are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. Authorities emphasize that the investigation is still active, and all details are subject to change as more evidence is reviewed. Anyone with information is urged to contact the South San Francisco Police Department. Less