Metal Devastation Radio Blog

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Metallurg Magazine Issue #7 Spotlights Metal Devastation PR Roster With Featured Cover The Prodigal Son! - @thebeast

Mephisto Odyssey’s Mikael Johnston Receives RIAA Gold Certification for His “Crucified Dub” of Static-X’s “Push It” - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mephisto Odyssey’s Mikael Johnston Receives RIAA Gold Certification for His “Crucified Dub” of Static-X’s “Push It”

Alternate version developed with Wayne Static during the band’s early Warner Bros. era earns Gold status, highlighting one of Static’s most notable creative collaborations outside Static-X

April 21, 2026 — The RIAA has officially certified Static-X’s iconic single “Push It” as Gold. Among the versions featured on the original 1999 maxi-single was the “Crucified Dub,” an alternate version created by Mikael Johnston of Mephisto Odyssey with creative input from Wayne Static.

Johnston recently completed a 2026 remaster of the track at Pop Twist Studios. The updated version is now streaming here:

The accompanying video was edited by filmmaker Matt Zane.

Wayne Static did not just approve of the “Crucified Dub” — he embraced it, recognizing the creative chemistry he shared with Johnston as something distinct from the core Static-X sound. That connection became the foundation for an ongoing creative partnership.

Static later contributed vocals and writing to Mephisto Odyssey’s “Crash” from the album The Deep Red Connection . The track was featured on the Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker soundtrack, received significant alternative rock radio play and MTV2/MTVX rotation, and was supported by a music video directed by Len Wiseman, featuring Koichi Fukuda on guitar.

Over the following years, Wayne Static continued to work with Johnston whenever he wanted to explore material outside the traditional Static-X framework. Johnston and Mephisto Odyssey contributed remixes and alternate versions for several key tracks, including:

“Love Dump” (Mephisto Odyssey Voodoo Mix) — featured on the 2001 film Valentine soundtrack

“Cold” (Mephisto Odyssey Remix) — released on German promotional singles tied to the Queen of the Damned soundtrack and distributed to winners of a Static-X fan contest

Additional remixes for Static-X tracks including “This Is Not” and “Black & White”

Johnston and Wayne Static remained close collaborators and friends until Static’s passing in October 2014.

In addition to his own work, Johnston has become a visible supporter of filmmaker Matt Zane’s upcoming unauthorized documentary on Wayne Static and Tera Wray, a project that has faced resistance in some circles. Johnston has granted Zane permission to use his 2025–2026 reimagining of “CRASH: Reborn” in the film.

“Wayne was genuinely happy with how the ‘Crucified Dub’ turned out, and that trust led to us working together on several projects over the years,” Johnston said. “I’m proud of the music we created together, and I’m happy to support Matt’s documentary. Wayne’s story deserves to be told honestly, not filtered or controlled by people with their own agendas.”

As interest in Wayne Static’s unreleased recordings and unfinished projects continues to grow, Johnston’s long and well-documented history with Static has placed him at the center of ongoing discussions about how the singer’s legacy should be preserved and presented moving forward.

Mikael Johnston continues to work at Pop Twist Studios in Texas.

Media Contact: poptwistmanagement@gmail.com & zach@metaldevastationradio.com

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29074/mephisto-odysseys-mikael-johnston-receives-riaa-gold-certification-for-his-crucified-dub-of-static-xs-push-it?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CEMETERY ROT UNCLOG THE SEWERS WITH NEW SELF-TITLED TRACK FROM UPCOMING ALBUM “DECOMPOSING BODIES UPON THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE” - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CEMETERY ROT UNCLOG THE SEWERS WITH NEW SELF-TITLED TRACK FROM UPCOMING ALBUM “DECOMPOSING BODIES UPON THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE”

From the filth-soaked underground of Kern County, California comes a new slab of pure death metal rot. Cemetery Rot return with a self-titled track lifted from their forthcoming full-length, Decomposing Bodies Upon the Altar of Sacrifice , arriving via CDN Records .

This is not polished. Not cleaned up. Not watered down for comfort. This is death metal dragged straight through the sewer line and left to ferment.

Cemetery Rot have always operated like they crawled out of the pipes rather than a practice space. Formed in 2022 by guitarist and vocalist Gar, the band quickly carved out a name with their debut EP Euphoric Consumption of Human Flesh , establishing a sound rooted in early 90s demo-era death metal brutality. No gloss. No compromise. Just decay, despair, and distortion.

Now they push deeper into the rot with a new self-titled track that sets the tone for their upcoming record Decomposing Bodies Upon the Altar of Sacrifice . The song leans hard into what the band has always represented, suffocating atmosphere, low end punishment, and that cold reminder of what death metal is supposed to feel like when it is done right.

Cemetery Rot describe themselves as coming “from the sewers,” and honestly, it tracks. This is music that sounds like it was unearthed, not recorded. A direct transmission from the slumber of decay, where everything is collapsing in slow motion and loving every second of it.

For anyone still loyal to the raw spirit of early tape-trading era death metal, this is aimed right at you.

Watch and listen here:

https://cdnrecords.com/artists/cemetery-rot/

ABOUT CEMETERY ROT

Cemetery Rot emerged in 2022 from Kern County, California, formed by guitarist and vocalist Gar. The project quickly built its identity around a sewer-drenched aesthetic and a sound inspired by early 90s death metal demos. Their work channels decay, despair, and suffocating atmosphere into a raw, unfiltered sonic assault.

ABOUT CDN RECORDS

CDN Records is dedicated to pushing extreme music in its rawest and most uncompromising forms, supporting artists who keep underground metal ugly, honest, and loud.

No polish. No filter. Just rot.

Follow the band at these links:

https://cemeteryrot.bandcamp.com/track/it-came-from-the-sewers />
https://www.instagram.com/cemetery_rot/ />
https://linktr.ee/cemetery_rot />
https://cdnrecords.com/label-artists/cemetery-rot/ />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29073/cemetery-rot-unclog-the-sewers-with-new-self-titled-track-from-upcoming-album-%E2%80%9Cdecomposing-bodies-upon-the-altar-of-sacrifice%E2%80%9D?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

RADIANT BLACK’S “THROUGH THE VALLEY OF DECAY” OUT NOW - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RADIANT BLACK’S “THROUGH THE VALLEY OF DECAY” OUT NOW

Stream and purchase:
https://radiantblack.bandcamp.com/album/through-the-valley-of-decay

Progressive / Melodic Death Metal duo Radiant Black unleash their most immersive and structured release to date with “Through the Valley of Decay,” out now, June 8th, 2026. The new full-length marks a clear step forward in their evolution, pushing deeper into atmosphere, contrast, and tightly constructed songwriting, anchored by expressive lead guitar work and intricate melodic soloing that continues to define their sound.

Built as a continuous emotional descent, the album moves through shifting layers of melody, intensity, and dynamic guitar interplay. Opening track Ascent sets the tone before diving into the evolving textures of Viridian and First Light , expanding the band’s sonic palette into more experimental and progressive territory while showcasing detailed phrasing and lead passages. Tracks such as Elegy for the Condemned , Between the Faces , and The Witness drive into darker, more aggressive ground, while the closing piece Hall of Voices delivers a reflective and atmospheric finish.

A standout moment arrives with a guest saxophone performance by Hugo Lee on First Light , adding an unexpected layer that pushes the record further into progressive territory.

“Through the Valley of Decay” was produced and mixed independently by guitarist Raphael Meissonnier, with mastering by Dave Otero (Archspire, Cattle Decapitation, Fallujah, The Zenith Passage), delivering a sharp, powerful final sound.

Radiant Black, formed in 2022 by Raphael Meissonnier and vocalist Voiicide, continues to operate outside traditional label systems while steadily building momentum through releases including Epoqualypse (2022), Reborn (2023), and Rituals of Anarchy (2024). Their sound keeps evolving around melodic precision, progressive structure, detailed guitar work, and modern extreme metal intensity.

Production Credits:
Music by Raphael Meissonnier
Vocals by Voiicide
Produced and mixed by Raphael Meissonnier
Mastered by Dave Otero
Guest musician: Hugo Lee (saxophone on First Light )

Radiant Black continues carving its own path in the underground, delivering a record built for listeners who still value albums as complete experiences rather than disconnected singles.

Check out the video via The Circle Pit!

Connect:

https://radiantblack.bandcamp.com/ />
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ts8SIGPZ3tnYN7cgkiiR8 />
https://www.instagram.com/radiantblackofficial/ />
https://www.facebook.com/RadiantBlackOfficial/ />
Contact: Rafaeldanm@gmail.com

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29072/radiant-blacks-through-the-valley-of-decay-out-now?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

BraveWords Features Crucial Velocity's New Single "Martyr's Blood" Featuring Dan Mongrain of Voivod - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BraveWords Features Crucial Velocity's New Single "Martyr's Blood" Featuring Dan Mongrain of Voivod

Crucial Velocity continues to gain momentum following the release of their latest single, "Martyr's Blood," with leading metal publication BraveWords recently spotlighting the track and its accompanying video.

In their feature, BraveWords highlighted the band's blend of classic heavy metal influences, progressive musicianship, and modern production while emphasizing the special guest appearance from Voivod guitarist Dan Mongrain. The publication praised Mongrain's contribution, noting that his distinctive guitar work adds "an added layer of intensity and technical brilliance" to the song.

"Martyr's Blood" also features commanding vocals from Androo O'Hearn, virtuosic guitar work from Michael Harris, and powerhouse drumming from Matt Thompson of King Diamond fame.

The recognition from BraveWords marks another milestone for Crucial Velocity as the band continues to expand its reach with one of its most ambitious and acclaimed releases to date.

Stream "Martyr's Blood" now:

https://orcd.co/martyrs-blood />

Press Contact:
zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Check it out here:
https://bravewords.com/news/crucial-velocity-release-new-single-martyrs-blood-featuring-voivod-guitarist-dan-mongrain/ />

Follow the band at these links:

https://crucial-velocity.com/ />
https://www.instagram.com/natebauermusic/ />
https://www.facebook.com/nate.bauer.12 />
Contact: mrnatebauer@gmail.com

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29068/bravewords-features-crucial-velocitys-new-single-martyrs-blood-featuring-dan-mongrain-of-voivod?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Monday, June 8, 2026

CDN Records Announces “The Forgotten” Red Vinyl LP Reissue from Canadian Death Metal Legends Rotting - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CDN Records Announces “The Forgotten” Red Vinyl LP Reissue from Canadian Death Metal Legends Rotting

Out Now • Limited Red Vinyl Edition Available for Order

https://cdnrecords.com/shop/rotting-the-forgotten-lp/">
https://cdnrecords.com/shop/rotting-the-forgotten-lp/ />
CDN Records proudly announces the release of The Forgotten , a definitive archival compilation from Canadian brutal death metal pioneers Rotting , now available as a striking red vinyl LP. Remastered by acclaimed producer Dan Swäno, this release dropped May 29th, 2026 and is available now through CDN Records while supplies last.

This special edition stands as a raw and unfiltered document of one of Canada’s most important underground extreme metal acts. Before technical precision and modern production defined the genre, Rotting helped shape the foundation of brutal death metal through sheer weight, atmosphere, and uncompromising intensity. Emerging from Newmarket, Ontario in 1991, the band carved out a reputation built on devastating riffs, cavernous vocals, and a deliberately abrasive sonic identity that influenced a generation of underground musicians.

The Forgotten collects essential early recordings that trace Rotting’s evolution before their landmark album Crushed . The compilation features material from the infamous “Human Race Liquidation” demo alongside the more refined but equally punishing “Drown in Rotting Flesh” sessions. Together, these recordings capture a band operating at full creative force, refusing trends and leaning into a sound defined by analog heaviness and physical impact.

Guitar work from Jeff White and Rob Macaulay drives the record with dense, crushing riffs, while Keith Devry delivers relentless percussion that anchors the release in pure rhythmic violence. Korey Arnold’s subterranean vocal delivery completes the signature Rotting sound, a style that became instantly recognizable within global tape trading and underground zine culture.

In keeping with the band’s original ethos, this reissue preserves the integrity of the source material. No modern overproduction has been applied, and the recordings remain faithful to their original tape-era grit. The result is a release that prioritizes atmosphere, weight, and authenticity over digital refinement.

This edition of The Forgotten also includes two of Rotting’s final recorded tracks, “I Want You Dead” and “Bear Attack,” offering a rare glimpse into the closing chapter of their early era.

Released through CDN Records , the red vinyl edition of The Forgotten is available now for $30.00 CAD. International orders outside Canada and the United States are available upon request through the label.

This is not just a reissue. It is a restoration of a foundational era in Canadian extreme metal history.

Connect:

https://cdnrecords.com/shop/rotting-the-forgotten-lp/">
https://cdnrecords.com/shop/rotting-the-forgotten-lp/ />
Contact: rottingband@protonmail.com

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29063/cdn-records-announces-the-forgotten-red-vinyl-lp-reissue-from-canadian-death-metal-legends-rotting?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

LOKUST Unleash Crushing New EP Pair of Lies Featuring International Metal Collaborators - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOKUST Unleash Crushing New EP Pair of Lies Featuring International Metal Collaborators

Modern Groove Metal Project Led by Matt Bidart Delivers Darker, More Melodic Evolution

May 22, 2026 – Modern metal powerhouse LOKUST has officially released their explosive new EP, Pair of Lies , available now through Play No Games Recordings. Blending crushing groove metal riffs, soaring melodies, and aggressive vocal performances, the release marks the next evolution of guitarist and songwriter Matt Bidart's collaborative metal project.

Stream Pair of Lies now:

https://distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/lokust/pair-of- lies

Purchase the EP:

https://lokustband.bandcamp. com/album/pair-of-lies

Known for assembling talented musicians from across the global metal scene, Bidart has continued the LOKUST tradition of international collaboration with a lineup featuring some of Italy's rising metal talents. The new EP showcases vocalists Sime (SEVENSENT) and Matt Montis (Abysso), alongside bassist Javier Cuba (Chaos Black) and drummer Joseph Estrada (Ravage The Empire / AHTCK).

Fans of Lamb of God, Machine Head, and Chimaira will find plenty to appreciate in Pair of Lies , which combines punishing groove-driven heaviness with memorable hooks and dynamic songwriting.

"With Pair of Lies, I wanted to push Lokust further into a darker and more melodic direction while collaborating with some incredible musicians and friends from Italy/Sardinia," says Matt Bidart. "This EP captures everything I love about modern metal, powerful vocals, crushing riffs, and big hooks."

LOKUST has steadily built a reputation for bringing together respected musicians from around the world. Previous releases have featured notable collaborations with Cristian Machado (Lions at the Gate), Carlos Zema (Immortal Guardian / Heaven's Guardian), and legendary producer and guitarist Roy-Z, known for his work with Bruce Dickinson and Halford.

The latest EP further expands the project's sonic identity while remaining rooted in the aggressive energy and groove-laden foundation that has become synonymous with the LOKUST name.

Pair of Lies Lineup:

• Sime (SEVENSENT) – Vocals
• Matt Montis (Abysso) – Vocals
• Matt Bidart – Guitars, Songwriting
• Javier Cuba (Chaos Black) – Bass
• Joseph Estrada (Ravage The Empire / AHTCK) – Drums

Pair of Lies was produced, mixed, and mastered by Alby Bandino of Cut Fire Studio, delivering a polished yet devastating sound that amplifies the EP's powerful performances and dynamic arrangements.

With its combination of modern heaviness, melodic depth, and international collaboration, Pair of Lies stands as LOKUST's most ambitious and compelling release to date.

For press inquiries, interviews, reviews, and promotional opportunities, contact LOKUST through their official channels.

About LOKUST

LOKUST is a modern metal project founded and led by guitarist and songwriter Matt Bidart. Built around collaboration with talented musicians from across the global metal community, LOKUST combines aggressive groove metal, modern production, and melodic songwriting to create a distinctive and evolving sound. Each release brings together unique contributors while maintaining Bidart's singular creative vision.

Check them out on YouTube:

Connect:

http://lokustmetal.com />
https://www.facebook.com/lokustband/ />
https://www.instagram.com/lokustmetal/ />
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/lokust/pair-of-lies

https://lokustband.bandcamp.com/album/pair-of-lies

Contact: lokustmetal@gmail.com

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29062/lokust-unleash-crushing-new-ep-pair-of-lies-featuring-international-metal-collaborators?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger