DISTANT FEATURED IN NEW METAL HAMMER INTERVIEW AHEAD OF INTO DESPAIR - @thebeast

DISTANT FEATURED IN NEW METAL HAMMER ITALIA INTERVIEW AHEAD OF INTO DESPAIR


Dutch/Slovak Deathcore Powerhouse Discuss Their Most Personal Album Yet, Working With Ricky Myers of Suffocation, and Turning Real-Life Pain Into Crushing Music


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dutch/Slovak deathcore powerhouse Distant have been featured in a brand-new interview with Metal Hammer Italia , discussing their upcoming album Into Despair , their evolution as a band, their collaboration with Ricky Myers of Suffocation , and the deeply personal experiences behind their most emotionally intense record to date.

The interview, titled “Distant – In the heart of despair,” explores the creative direction behind Into Despair , which is set for release November 6, 2026 via Century Media Records .

For Distant, this album represents a major shift in perspective. While previous releases have explored fictional narratives and expansive concepts, Into Despair draws directly from real experiences involving pain, loss, suffering, trauma, and resilience.

“What could be more intense?”


Speaking with Metal Hammer Italia, Distant explained how the personal nature of the album developed naturally during the writing process.




“It happened naturally. We hadn’t planned to do anything like this; during the writing process of this record, that’s just what felt right about it at the time.”




The band also opened up about the emotional challenge of confronting those experiences through music.




“It was definitely difficult to open up on certain topics, but at the same time it was also a sense of liberation.”




That vulnerability has not come at the expense of the brutality Distant are known for. If anything, the band believes the emotional weight makes the music hit even harder.




“What could be more intense than someone who pours into their music their own traumas, doubts and their own pain?”




BACK TO THE ROOTS


Musically, Distant say Into Despair finds them returning to the fundamentals of what made the band heavy in the first place, with a renewed focus on groove, crushing riffs and devastating breakdowns.




“We are more focused on groove and heaviness. We want to leave people speechless, but also make them move their heads and even jump in some moments.”




The band also emphasized that their evolution does not mean abandoning the sound their fans have come to expect.




“The aggression without compromise and the breakdowns have not disappeared.”




RICKY MYERS JOINS “ALL WILL BE (N)ONE”


The album's single “All Will Be (N)One” features Ricky Myers of legendary death metal band Suffocation , adding another level of sheer brutality to the track.

The collaboration grew naturally through Distant's touring history with Suffocation and their friendship with Myers.




“We’ve done several tours with Suffocation over the last few years and Ricky became a good friend of ours, so we wanted to do something together.”




The band knew Myers' voice would be a perfect fit for the song, and the result speaks for itself.




“This song had a part that fit his voice perfectly and the end result was just that: simply perfect!”




A RECORD ABOUT NOT BEING ALONE


At the heart of Into Despair is the idea that even the darkest experiences can become something shared.

When asked what they hope listeners will carry with them after hearing the album from beginning to end, Distant offered a simple but powerful message:




“We hope people remember that they are not alone in their suffering. We want them to be able to release all their negative emotions through this album.”




That message captures the core of Into Despair : an album built from darkness, but created as a way of connecting with others who have experienced it.

The full interview with Distant is available now through Metal Hammer Italia :


https://www.metalhammer.it/interviste/2026/09/08/distant-nel-cuore-della-disperazione/ />



DISTANT – INTO DESPAIR

Release Date: November 6, 2026
Label: Century Media Records

Century Media Records:
https://www.centurymedia.com/ />


    Connect with the band: 


https://linktr.ee/DistantOfficial />
https://distantofficial.com/ />
https://www.instagram.com/distantofficial/ />
https://www.facebook.com/DistantOfficial />
https://twitter.com/distantnl />
https://distantofficial.com/pages/epk />
Contact: Distantbandnl@gmail.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29387/distant-featured-in-new-metal-hammer-interview-ahead-of-into-despair?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

MURDERY Unleash New Death Metal Assault With “Killing Grandma” - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MURDERY Unleash New Death Metal Assault With “Killing Grandma”
Spanish-Polish Death Metal Force Return With the First Taste of Their Upcoming Full-Length

Full Length Release Date: October 2026

MURDERY are back to deliver another dose of crushing, groove-driven death metal with their upcoming new single “Killing Grandma,” arriving worldwide in October 2026. The track serves as the first official preview of the band’s forthcoming studio project, with the first four songs from the upcoming album being unveiled as part of this next chapter.

Formed in Murcia, Spain, in 2018 and now operating between Spain and Poland, MURDERY have carved out a sound that combines the brutality and authenticity of old-school death metal with a powerful groove-oriented attack. Their music is raw, aggressive, tightly played, and built around the kind of crushing riffs that demand to be experienced at full volume.

Following the band’s 2023 release Bloodshed , “Killing Grandma” signals an even heavier and more uncompromising direction. The song captures the experience MURDERY have accumulated throughout their career while refusing to bury the music under unnecessary production or studio gloss.




“This next work sums up the production, technique, rawness and aggression learned and forged in all of our career.”




Produced by JFT Studio , “Killing Grandma” represents the first taste of a larger body of material that will soon reveal more about MURDERY’s next era. The band is also preparing to unveil the full album details, with additional announcements and the accompanying music video expected soon.

The track has already proven itself in the live environment, becoming a centerpiece of MURDERY’s performances during their Spring Annihilation Tour across Poland. That live-tested intensity is at the heart of the band's approach: aggressive, tight, direct, and designed to hit with maximum impact.

MURDERY bring considerable experience to their attack, featuring former and current members of respected Spanish acts including Vendetta FM, 91Suite, and Siberia . Over the years, the band has also shared stages with international heavyweights including Napalm Death, Brujeria, Hatebreed, Crisix, and Dust Bolt , further establishing their reputation as a formidable live act within Europe's underground metal scene.

Rather than chasing trends, MURDERY remain focused on what makes death metal hit hardest: massive riffs, crushing grooves, raw aggression, dynamics, and authenticity.

“Killing Grandma” is the beginning of the next chapter.

And if the first taste is any indication, MURDERY are preparing to make one hell of a racket.

“Killing Grandma”


For Fans Of: Cannibal Corpse, Bloodbath, Obituary, Dismember, Deicide, Napalm Death

About MURDERY


Formed in Murcia, Spain, in 2018, MURDERY are a death metal band currently operating between Spain and Poland. Built on old-school death metal foundations, the band combines crushing groove, dynamic songwriting, modern aggression, and a deliberately raw production philosophy.

With members bringing years of experience from across the Spanish metal scene, MURDERY have developed an uncompromising sound designed equally for the record player and the live stage. Their mission is simple: death metal driven by groove, power, and authenticity.

Check out the video: 





Connect: 


https://linktr.ee/murdery_europe />
Contact:
Juan Robles aka Tito Crowlord
robjua4@gmail.com
murderyeurope@gmail.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29386/murdery-unleash-new-death-metal-assault-with-killing-grandma?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

PLUSMINUSZERO ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ILLUSIONS OF LIFE DUE OCTOBER 16 VIA DOWNFALL RECORDS - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PLUSMINUSZERO ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ILLUSIONS OF LIFE DUE OCTOBER 16 VIA DOWNFALL RECORDS

Finnish Hard Rock / Metal Outfit Returns to Its Heavy Roots After Decades of Musical Experience


HELSINKI, FINLAND | SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 | Finnish hard rock and metal band PlusMinusZero are set to release their new full-length album, Illusions of Life , on October 16, 2026 , via Downfall Records .

Formed in Helsinki in 2025, PlusMinusZero may be a relatively new name, but the musicians behind the band bring decades of experience, a history of recording and touring together, and a lifelong connection to heavy music.

Illusions of Life features 10 tracks of melodic hard rock and metal , combining catchy songwriting with a strong musical foundation and the experience of musicians who have already spent years on stages and in recording studios across Finland.

The album follows the release of the singles “Runner’s High,” “Wasted,” and “Tears of Fire,” offering an introduction to the sound of PlusMinusZero ahead of the full album's arrival.

FROM OLD FRIENDS TO A NEW BEGINNING


The story of PlusMinusZero begins long before the band's formation.

In the early 2000s, the musicians were already making music together, releasing three full-length albums with a previous band and touring steadily throughout Finland. Their experience took them from small bars and clubs to some of the biggest festivals of the era, with their live activity further supported by radio airplay and television appearances.

That chapter came to an end around 2005 when the lineup disbanded.

But the desire to make music never disappeared.

Dr. Sundström and Iledelay continued playing together, exploring different musical styles and experimenting with various lineups. In 2010, they released another full-length album with a new band. The lead single from that Finnish-language album received attention on television, and the project would eventually become part of the path that led to PlusMinusZero.

Through the years, vocalists and drummers changed, musical styles evolved, and different projects came and went.

The core duo remained.

Eventually, Dr. Sundström and Iledelay began asking themselves a bigger question: why keep moving away from the music that first inspired them?

The answer was waiting where it had always been.

Metal.

BACK TO THE ROOTS


The musical direction increasingly returned to the heavy music that had made such an impact on them when they were younger.

Iron Maiden. Black Sabbath. Dio. Helloween. Scorpions.

The classic metal bands that once filled record collections and appeared across the back patches of denim jackets became the signposts for a new chapter.

As the band puts it:

“Metal was, and still is, the answer.”

In the summer of 2025, PlusMinusZero consisted of Dr. Sundström, Iledelay, and little more than a name and the desire to create something new.

Then came two important coincidences.

Pete joined as vocalist, followed by Janne on drums. Both were already familiar to the founding duo through previous projects and were available to jump into a new musical adventure.

The lineup was complete.

Since the fall of 2025, PlusMinusZero have been independently recording and mixing their upcoming material, putting their years of experience into a new collection of songs built around strong foundations, memorable melodies, and their renewed love for hard rock and metal.

ILLUSIONS OF LIFE


The result is Illusions of Life , a 10-track album that represents both a new beginning and a return to familiar territory.

The album includes the previously released “Runner’s High,” along with nine additional tracks that explore the band's melodic hard rock and metal sound.

With Illusions of Life , PlusMinusZero aren't trying to pretend they are newcomers discovering heavy music for the first time.

They've already been there.

They've released albums. They've toured Finland. They've played clubs and major festivals. They've experienced radio and television exposure. They've explored different musical directions and spent years developing their craft.

Now they're bringing all of that experience together for something new.

“Expect catchy songs built on a strong foundation and years of experience — ready to deliver something new and our very best to everyone!”

Illusions of Life will be released Friday, October 16, 2026 , via Downfall Records .

For PlusMinusZero, the name may represent a new beginning.

The music represents everything that came before it.

And after all these years, the answer remains the same:

Metal is still the answer.

PLUSMINUSZERO


Album: Illusions of Life
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Label: Downfall Records
Catalog: FALLCD066
Genre: Hard Rock / Metal
Origin: Helsinki, Finland
Formed: 2025

LINEUP


Pete – Vocals
Dr. Sundström – Guitar
Iledelay – Bass
Janne – Drums

Press Contact:
mike@downfallrecords.com

Pre order here:
https://downfallrecords.bandcamp.com/album/illusion-of-life />


 FOLLOW PLUSMINUSZERO

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/plusminuszeromusic/ />
Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590972147464 />
DOWNFALL RECORDS

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/downfallrecords666 />
Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/downfallrecords_666/ />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29385/plusminuszero-announce-new-album-illusions-of-life-due-october-16-via-downfall-records?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CELTIC HILLS REPRESENT ITALY ON METALLURG MUSIC COMPILATION 8.1 WITH “I AM VRIL” - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CELTIC HILLS REPRESENT ITALY ON METALLURG MUSIC COMPILATION 8.1 WITH “I AM VRIL”
FROM THE ALPE ADRIA TO THE INTERNATIONAL METAL STAGE

September 9, 2026 – The metal world has no borders, and Italian metal force Celtic Hills are once again proving it with their track “I Am Vril,” which will be featured on the international METALLURG Music Compilation 8.1 / Digital Magazine No. 8 , arriving September 17, 2026, through Metallurg Music in Poland.

For Celtic Hills, this is more than another compilation appearance. It is another step in an international journey that has been building for years.

With “I Am Vril,” Celtic Hills will once again take their place among metal artists from different countries and backgrounds, bringing the sound and identity of the Italian metal scene to an international audience.

The band's connection to an international project like METALLURG comes naturally. Celtic Hills were born at the crossroads of the Alpe Adria , a region where cultures, languages and musical influences have long intersected. That same spirit of crossing boundaries has become an essential part of the band's identity.

Their music draws from Heavy, Power, Speed, Thrash and Melodic Metal , combining powerful riffs and memorable melodies with epic atmospheres and storytelling inspired by history, mythology and legends .

Now, that identity is set to travel even further beyond Italy.

ONE BAND. AN INTERNATIONAL PATH.


The story of Celtic Hills has never been confined to a single territory.

The band has previously appeared on international compilations, including earlier editions of METALLURG , as well as Metal Music GlobAlliance and Mister Folk .

Their 2022 album Huldufólk further strengthened their international profile, earning recognition from Metal Pedia as Album of the Year 2022 , while European Metal Channel has repeatedly selected Celtic Hills among its Best European Metal Bands .

With every release and international appearance, the band has continued building a presence that reaches well beyond its Italian origins.

METALLURG Music Compilation 8.1 is the next chapter in that journey.

And this time, Celtic Hills arrive with a song that reflects the band's increasingly international dimension.

“I AM VRIL”


Recorded and produced in Los Angeles by Eddy Cavazza , “I Am Vril” brings together the core elements of the Celtic Hills sound: crushing guitars, powerful melodies, epic atmospheres and relentless metal energy , all delivered with a sharper, contemporary production.

At the center of the band is founder Jonathan Vanderbilt on vocals and guitars, joined by an international lineup featuring Edi Žorž on guitars, Luca Fumagalli on bass and Luka Stone on drums .

Italy. Slovenia. United States.

The lineup itself reflects what Celtic Hills have become: a band whose roots are firmly planted in the Alpe Adria, but whose musical horizon has no geographical limits.

THE ALPE ADRIA MEETS THE WORLD


From their earliest releases to appearances on international compilations, Celtic Hills' journey has been one of constant expansion.

Now, with METALLURG Music Compilation 8.1 / Digital Magazine No. 8 , that journey continues.

Italy has a voice on the compilation.

That voice is Celtic Hills.

And on September 17, “I Am Vril” will once again carry the spirit of the Alpe Adria onto an international metal stage.

The borders may be geographical.

The music is not.

COMING SEPTEMBER 17, 2026


METALLURG MUSIC COMPILATION 8.1 / DIGITAL MAGAZINE NO. 8

The full compilation will be available through Metallurg Music on September 17, 2026.

PRE-SAVE / FOLLOW THE COMPILATION ON BANDCAMP


https://metallurg.bandcamp.com/album/metallurg-music-compilation-81-digital-magazine-no8 />
CELTIC HILLS – “I AM VRIL”


Featured On: METALLURG Music Compilation 8.1 / Digital Magazine No. 8
Release Date: September 17, 2026
Label: Metallurg Music
Recorded & Produced: Los Angeles by Eddy Cavazza

Celtic Hills Lineup:
Jonathan Vanderbilt – Vocals / Guitars
Edi Žorž – Guitars
Luca Fumagalli – Bass
Luka Stone – Drums



 Connect: 


https://www.facebook.com/CELTIC.HILLS.Official/ />
https://www.instagram.com/celtichillsofficial/ />
https://celtichills.bandcamp.com/music />
https://open.spotify.com/intl-it/artist/3Q8Wu2BrFtbdYR5N8ZSt2L />
https://www.n1m.com/celtichills />
Contact: jonathanvanderbilt@yahoo.de



Metal Devastation PR
Bringing the world's underground metal scene to the forefront.


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29384/celtic-hills-represent-italy-on-metallurg-music-compilation-81-with-i-am-vril?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

BEYOND DEFIANCE UNLEASH NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “RAIN” - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEYOND DEFIANCE UNLEASH NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR “RAIN”

Swedish Melodic Death Metal Newcomers Continue Their Rise With a Powerful New Visual From Debut Album Utopia

FFO: Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy, Sylosis

Sweden – Swedish melodic death metal newcomers Beyond Defiance are keeping the momentum rolling with the release of their brand-new official music video for “Rain,” taken from the band's recently released debut album, Utopia .

Following the release of Utopia , Beyond Defiance are returning with another visual statement that showcases the band's ability to combine crushing heaviness with atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth. “Rain” delivers another dose of the band's modern take on melodic death metal while highlighting the songwriting and musicianship that have quickly established them as a band to watch within Sweden's underground metal scene.

Formed in the spring of 2025 by Lars Karlsen, Torbjörn Andersson, and Sven Erik Fritiofsson , Beyond Defiance set out to create music that was brutally heavy without sacrificing melody or atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Gothenburg melodic death metal tradition , the band also incorporates elements of thrash and black metal to create a sound that respects the genre's roots while pushing toward something of their own.

Now, with Utopia officially out, “Rain” gives listeners another opportunity to dive into the world Beyond Defiance have created.

The band's debut album combines blistering riffs, ferocious growls, layered harmonies, soaring melodies, and dynamic songwriting , resulting in a record that balances old-school melodic death metal influence with a distinctly modern edge.

The album was independently produced and recorded at the band members' home studios, with Sven Erik Fritiofsson handling mixing and mastering under the close supervision of his bandmates.

As the band explains:




“The album was recorded at the band members' own home studios, mixed and mastered by Sven Erik Fritiofsson under strict supervision from the other guys.”




That independent approach has not kept Utopia from sounding massive. The album delivers the precision, aggression, atmosphere, and production quality expected from a modern melodic death metal release while retaining the raw energy that comes from a band creating music on its own terms.

“Rain” follows the band's previously released music and video for “Cry,” as well as the official video for “Imposter,” continuing a growing collection of visual material surrounding Utopia .

For fans of Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy, Sylosis , and the classic Gothenburg melodic death metal sound, Beyond Defiance are proving that the next generation of Swedish metal still has plenty of fire left to unleash.

STREAM UTOPIA


Utopia is available now on major streaming platforms.

RELEASE INFORMATION


Artist: Beyond Defiance
Album: Utopia
Featured Video: “Rain”
Album Release: Out Now
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
For Fans Of: Dark Tranquillity, Arch Enemy, Sylosis
Label: Independent

PRODUCTION CREDITS


Produced by: Beyond Defiance
Recorded at: Band Members' Home Studios
Mixed & Mastered by: Sven Erik Fritiofsson

For press inquiries, interviews, review requests, and promotional opportunities:
Zach Moonshine
zach@metaldevastationradio.com

WATCH “RAIN” NOW


Beyond Defiance – “Rain”





Utopia by Beyond Defiance



Connect With Beyond Defiance


Website:
https://www.beyonddefiance.com/ /> Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/beyonddefiance/ /> Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/beyond_defiance/ /> YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Beyonddefiance />
https://beyonddefiance.bandcamp.com/album/utopia />
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7nABnenVFKd1AAy4Alhdwf />

Media Contact:

Sven Erik Fritiofsson

info@beyonddefiance.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29383/beyond-defiance-unleash-new-music-video-for-rain?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CRAIG NEILL CLAIMS INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM WITH AWARD-WINNING INSTRUMENTAL METAL SINGLE “BALOO KA TOOFAAN” - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





CRAIG NEILL CLAIMS INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM WITH AWARD-WINNING INSTRUMENTAL METAL SINGLE “BALOO KA TOOFAAN”



Dutch-Based Multi-Instrumentalist Takes Home Best of European Metal Honors at the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards


Release: “Baloo Ka Toofaan”
Release Status: Available Now
Genre: Instrumental Heavy Metal / Progressive Thrash / Cross-Cultural Metal
For Fans Of: Marty Friedman, Bernth, Ola Englund
Artist: Craig Neill
Label: Independent / Unsigned

SOEST, THE NETHERLANDS — September 4, 2026 — Independent multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and engineer Craig Neill is celebrating a major international milestone following the award-winning recognition of his instrumental metal single “Baloo Ka Toofaan,” which was officially named the Winner for Best of European Metal at the 14th Annual InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) .

The award was announced during the ICMA ceremony on August 23, 2026, marking a significant achievement for Craig and his entirely independent approach to creating and releasing music.

With more than four decades of musical experience behind him, Craig has developed a distinctive sound that combines the precision and aggression of heavy metal with progressive, technical, and cross-cultural influences. “Baloo Ka Toofaan” brings together technical guitar shredding, driving rhythm work, progressive metal foundations, Indian classical scales, and traditional rhythmic influences to create a track that refuses to stay inside conventional genre boundaries.

Rather than relying on a traditional band lineup or outside production team, Craig handles virtually every aspect of his recordings himself. From his private studio in Soest, Netherlands, he writes, performs, produces, mixes, and masters his material, incorporating live guitars, MIDI arrangements, Logic Pro, and virtual amp routing into his production process.

Most importantly, the music is 100% human-created without generative AI .

That hands-on philosophy is central to Craig's identity as an independent artist, allowing him complete control over the sound, performance, and production of his music.




“Baloo Ka Toofaan represents an uncompromising convergence of aggressive modern metal guitar work with Indian classical scales and traditional rhythmic energy. Winning Best of European Metal at the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards has been an incredible honour and milestone. Having this work recognised on a global scale reinforces my dedication to pushing the envelope as an independent instrumental artist.”




FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO THE NETHERLANDS


Originally born in South Africa , Craig ventured to the Netherlands approximately 11 years ago and quickly became involved with the Dutch metal scene.

That international journey has become an important part of his musical identity. Drawing from decades of experience while continuing to explore new techniques, sounds, and influences, Craig has established himself as a completely independent artist capable of creating music that crosses borders without sacrificing the aggression and attitude at the heart of heavy metal.

His work combines technical musicianship, hard-hitting riffs, progressive arrangements, atmospheric passages, shred guitar, and influences that reach well beyond traditional Western metal.

FOUR DECADES OF MUSIC, ONE MAN'S VISION


Craig has spent more than 40 years developing his skills as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, mixer, and mastering engineer .

His catalog demonstrates a willingness to move between technical musicianship, heavy riffing, atmospheric passages, and experimental influences. Previous releases include “Flatline,” “Demonic Whispers,” “Gasoline,” “Junkyard Shred,” and “Crescendo of the Damned,” the latter featuring guest guitarist 7stringer.

“Flatline” was also recognized as a 2025 ICMA European Metal Finalist , establishing a history of international recognition that has now culminated in the Best of European Metal victory for “Baloo Ka Toofaan.”

Craig is also no stranger to collaboration, having worked with notable names from the metal world while continuing to develop new material and future releases.

NEW MUSIC AND PHYSICAL RELEASE ON THE HORIZON


The “Baloo Ka Toofaan” award is only the latest chapter in Craig's musical journey.

Craig is currently preparing a forthcoming vinyl and CD release , with the official release date still to be announced. The upcoming physical release will feature a collection of fast, aggressive material built around one of the defining characteristics of Craig's music: riff after riff after riff .

The project will also feature a variety of guest musicians, bringing additional voices and personalities from the metal world into Craig's increasingly ambitious musical vision.

Alongside the forthcoming physical release, Craig is continuing to work on exciting new collaborations and upcoming releases , giving fans plenty more to look forward to as he expands his catalog.

For listeners drawn to technically demanding guitar work, aggressive riffing, progressive metal, and instrumental music that refuses to play by the usual rules, Craig's next chapter promises to turn the volume up considerably.

Craig Neill is an independent multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, mixer, and mastering engineer born in South Africa and now based in Soest, Netherlands .

After moving to the Netherlands 11 years ago and becoming involved in the Dutch metal scene, Craig continued building on more than four decades of musical experience. His instrumental metal combines technical guitar playing, progressive metal, thrash, shred, aggressive riffing, and non-Western musical influences.

Working independently from his private studio, Craig writes, performs, produces, mixes, and masters his own material without generative AI. His growing catalog includes “Baloo Ka Toofaan,” “Flatline,” “Demonic Whispers,” “Gasoline,” “Junkyard Shred,” and “Crescendo of the Damned.”

Following his 2025 ICMA European Metal Finalist recognition for “Flatline,” Craig has now claimed the 2026 InterContinental Music Awards Winner for Best of European Metal with “Baloo Ka Toofaan.”

With a vinyl and CD release in development, new collaborations underway, and additional music on the horizon, Craig Neill is continuing to build an independent metal career on his own terms.

Check out this video: 



Connect:


https://linktr.ee/craigneill

Contact: craig@theneills.nl


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29382/craig-neill-claims-international-acclaim-with-award-winning-instrumental-metal-single-baloo-ka-toofaan?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 09/08/26 - 09/11/26 - @thebeast

🔥 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, OKL'S FRUITLOOPS, crushed the competition with a staggering 5,083,542 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, September 11th at 9PM EST!








Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 09/08/26 - 09/11/26


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29381/who-will-rise-as-this-weeks-champion-on-the-mdr-battle-of-the-bands-09-08-26-09-11-26?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger