Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 03/31/26 - 04/03/26 - @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, ETHEREAL DARKNESS, crushed the competition with a staggering   339,768 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, April 3rd at 9PM EST!








Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 03/31/26 - 04/03/26


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28843/who-will-rise-as-this-weeks-champion-on-the-mdr-battle-of-the-bands-03-31-26-04-03-26?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

ETHEREAL DARKNESS CROWNED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER DOMINATING WITH 339,768 VOTES - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ETHEREAL DARKNESS CROWNED BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER DOMINATING WITH 339,768 VOTES

Belgium — Rising melodic doom force ETHEREAL DARKNESS have been officially crowned Battle of the Bands Champions and Band of the Month for April 2026, racking up a massive 339,768 votes in a decisive victory fueled by overwhelming fan support worldwide.

What started as a one-man project has now evolved into a full-fledged band ready to take on the global stage. Helmed by mastermind Lars, ETHEREAL DARKNESS first turned heads with their independently released debut Smoke and Shadows , showcasing a deeply atmospheric blend of melancholic doom and melodic death metal. Now, with their latest release Echoes , the band has elevated their sound to towering new heights.

Released March 20, 2026, Echoes is a sprawling, 60-minute journey through crushing melodoom landscapes, combining emotional depth with cinematic scale. Featuring production by legendary producer Dan Swanö and artwork by renowned artist Adam Burke, the album represents a significant leap forward in both ambition and execution.

Critics have taken notice. A standout review from Angry Metal Guy praised the album as “a sumptuous feast for the ears and mind,” highlighting its massive compositions, immersive atmosphere, and standout tracks like “Gone With the Tide” and “The Cycle.” Drawing comparisons to genre heavyweights such as Insomnium, Be’lakor, and Before the Dawn, ETHEREAL DARKNESS have firmly planted themselves among the modern elite of melodic doom and death metal.

The album blends soaring clean vocals, punishing death growls, and carefully layered instrumentation, with Lars handling guitars, bass, keyboards, and harsh vocals. The addition of live musicians, including acoustic guitarist and clean vocalist Brecht and drummer Peter, brings a newfound depth and organic power to the band’s sound.

With Echoes , ETHEREAL DARKNESS deliver an experience that is as expansive as it is emotionally gripping. From sweeping epics to blackened bursts of intensity, the record pushes boundaries while staying rooted in the traditions that define the genre.

This overwhelming victory, with nearly 340,000 votes, marks a major milestone for ETHEREAL DARKNESS and signals their arrival as a serious force in the metal underground. The band’s rapid ascent is a testament to both their musical vision and the dedication of a growing global fanbase hungry for substance and authenticity.

ETHEREAL DARKNESS is:

Lars – Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Harsh Vocals
Brecht – Acoustic Guitar, Clean Vocals
Peter – Drums





Echoes is available now worldwide.

Support and follow ETHEREAL DARKNESS:

https://etherealdarkness.bandcamp.com />
https://facebook.com/etherealplace />
https://instagram.com/etherealdarknessband />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28842/ethereal-darkness-crowned-band-of-the-month-after-dominating-with-339768-votes?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Ashen Sun and Under Exile Featured in Metal Injection’s Weekly Injection of New Releases - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metal Devastation PR Clients Ashen Sun and Under Exile Featured in Metal Injection’s Weekly Injection of New Releases

March 31, 2026 – Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that two of its standout clients, Ashen Sun and Under Exile, have been featured in the latest Weekly Injection of New Releases by Metal Injection , placing them alongside some of the biggest names in heavy music today.

Ashen Sun’s latest release, Velarium (Desert Plain Records), continues the project’s evolution into a dark and cinematic force. Spearheaded by Johnny Hagel , known for his work with Tiamat and Sundown , the project blends the melancholic essence of classic gothic rock with modern cold-wave textures. With themes rooted in isolation, decay, and post-human longing, Ashen Sun builds on a foundation inspired by acts like The Sisters of Mercy , Fields of the Nephilim , and Type O Negative , while pushing the genre into new territory.

Also featured is Under Exile’s Ephemera (Self-Released), a crushing display of modern metalcore intensity. Hailing from Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation, Under Exile has built a reputation for relentless live performances and a powerful blend of precision, aggression, and raw emotion. Since forming in 2015, the band has shared the stage with heavyweights such as Fear Factory , In Flames , Whitechapel , and Killswitch Engage , further cementing their place in the modern metal landscape.

Both releases were highlighted alongside major acts including Black Label Society and Party Cannon , showcasing the strength and growing global reach of independent artists in today’s metal scene.

This recognition from Metal Injection underscores the rising momentum behind both Ashen Sun and Under Exile, as well as Metal Devastation PR’s continued mission to amplify powerful voices across the underground and beyond.

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Check out the feature here:
https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-black-label-society-party-cannon-more-out-this-week-3-27 />


More details on the bands here at these links: 


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28363/ashen-sun-haunts-the-gothic-shadows-with-debut-single-faiths-funeral />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/26892/under-exile-announces-new-single-the-lament-out-february-28-2025 />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28841/ashen-sun-and-under-exile-featured-in-metal-injections-weekly-injection-of-new-releases?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CONJURIST Unleash Debut Album I Am The Earth — A Primal Fusion of Atmosphere, Aggression, and Arcane Themes - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONJURIST Unleash Debut Album I Am The Earth — A Primal Fusion of Atmosphere, Aggression, and Arcane Themes

Nashville, TN – Rising from the underground with a sound as immersive as it is unrelenting, atmospheric extreme metal project CONJURIST has officially released their debut full-length album, I Am The Earth , on Friday the 13th, March 2026.

Clocking in at just under 40 minutes across 10 tracks, I Am The Earth is a dense and dynamic sonic journey that blurs the lines between melodic death metal, post-black and blackgaze, doom, and hardcore. Written and recorded by Blake Bailey and brought to life through mixing and mastering by Robbie Bingham, the album delivers a carefully crafted balance of technical precision, raw intensity, and haunting atmosphere.

CONJURIST’s music dives deep beyond surface-level aggression, pulling listeners into a conceptual world steeped in mysticism, ancient history, mythology, and existential reflection. Themes of ritual, primal energy, and humanity’s connection to the Earth run throughout the record, giving it both a cerebral and visceral weight.

This vision extends into the band’s visual identity as well. The music video for the track “Solace for the Shaman” features members adorned in animal skull masks, evoking ritualistic imagery and a raw connection to something ancient and otherworldly. It’s not just music, it’s an experience rooted in symbolism and atmosphere.

Sonically, CONJURIST channels a wide range of influences while carving out something distinctly their own. Fans of bands like Gojira , Fallujah , Alcest , Meshuggah , Pallbearer , Converge , and Acid Bath will find familiar elements woven into the project’s expansive sound.

Early reactions are already highlighting the album’s unique identity. Mark’s Metal Minute praised the release, stating:

“This album is heavy, atmospheric, and weird in the best way. Musically it lives somewhere between blackened metal, doom, experimental, and extreme metal. The riffs seem ancient — slow, crushing sections suddenly explode into faster chaos. The theme leans hard into Earth, ritual, and ancient power. It feels primal.”

With I Am The Earth , CONJURIST doesn’t just introduce themselves, they make a statement. This is a band unafraid to push boundaries, blending genres and ideas into something that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

The album is available now on all major streaming platforms.

For fans of: Atmospheric extremity, conceptual depth, and genre-defying metal that hits as hard as it haunts.

Media Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Check them out on YouTube and subscribe:





Connect with the band: 


https://conjurist.bandcamp.com />
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566891959330 />
https://www.instagram.com/conjuristmusic />
Contact: Conjuristmusic@gmail.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28840/conjurist-unleash-debut-album-i-am-the-earth-a-primal-fusion-of-atmosphere-aggression-and-arcane-themes?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Crucial Velocity Returns with “Mortal Fallacy,” First in a Trilogy of New Singles - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crucial Velocity Returns with “Mortal Fallacy,” First in a Trilogy of New Singles

Veteran hard rock/metal band Crucial Velocity is set to unleash their latest single, Mortal Fallacy , within the next four to six weeks via Golden Robot Records’ distribution platform, Robot Distro. Marking their first new music in over a year, the track also serves as the opening strike in a planned series of three singles set for release over the coming months.

Mortal Fallacy dives into the eternal search for something pure, only to uncover that the so-called “new messiah” is no better than the last. Frontman Androo O’Hearn delivers soaring, Queen-inspired layered vocals, while guitarist Michael Harris brings his signature virtuosity with a sharp prog edge. Behind the kit, Matt Thompson, fresh off touring with King Diamond, lays down the heaviest and most technical drum performance ever captured on a Crucial Velocity release.

“All music and lyrics are written by Nate Bauer,” the band states. “Musically, we’re picking up right where we left off after the Controller album. After two full-length releases, we’ve really locked in a sound that blends classic ’80s and ’90s metal with something modern. Heavy groove, strong melody, and a clear identity. This single is exactly what Crucial Velocity stands for.”

Fans of Queensrÿche, Black Sabbath, and Ghost will find plenty to latch onto, but Mortal Fallacy stands firmly on its own with layered harmonies, driving riffs, and a powerful, modern production.

Mortal Fallacy will be distributed digitally through Golden Robot Records and available on all major streaming platforms.

Pre-save now:
https://orcd.co/mortal-fallacy

For updates, exclusive content, and early listens, follow Crucial Velocity on their social media channels.

Press Contact:
zach@metaldevastationradio.com





  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/28839/crucial-velocity-returns-with-mortal-fallacy-first-in-a-trilogy-of-new-singles?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

TAZER Unleashes Debut Album “Taze Is The Rule” — A High-Voltage Electro-Industrial Assault - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAZER Unleashes Debut Album “Taze Is The Rule” — A High-Voltage Electro-Industrial Assault

Release Date: April 30, 2026
Genre: Electro-Industrial
For Fans Of: Combichrist , Rammstein , Rob Zombie
Label: Hellektrokution Records

Emerging from the shadows of Norway with a sound built to shock the system, TAZER is set to detonate the electro-industrial scene with their debut full-length album, “Taze Is The Rule” , arriving digitally on April 30, 2026 via Hellektrokution Records .

Cold, aggressive, and unapologetically intense, “Taze Is The Rule” delivers a crushing fusion of mechanical beats, searing riffs, and relentless energy. Spearheaded by the title track released March 9, the album stands as both a mission statement and a warning shot: this is discipline through sound, impact through voltage.

The album opens with “Your Sins Will Taze You Out,” deceptively pulling listeners into a moment of calm before unleashing a sonic assault that sets the tone for what follows. From there, the title track “Taze Is The Rule” establishes the band’s manifesto: direct, punishing, and absolute.

Tracks like “You Stabbed (Until He Was Dead)” explore the darker edges of human nature, weaving narratives of violence and consequence, while “Tazer Erazer” pushes toward transformation, wiping the slate clean with razor-sharp industrial force. “Raise the Voltage” cranks the intensity to dangerous levels, urging listeners to live at full throttle, while “Rest in Beatz” injects groove into the chaos without losing its crushing backbone.

“The Tazer Way” and “Taze Your God” double down on the band’s uncompromising ethos, rejecting authority and redefining belief systems under the TAZER doctrine. Closing tracks “Taze Like Me” and “Hellektroshot” drag listeners deeper into the experience, ending the album on a hypnotic, almost addictive high that lingers long after the final note.

Formed in 2024, TAZER has quickly carved out a distinct identity within the electro-industrial underground. Their debut single, “A Razor Can Slit, A Tazer Can Kill,” introduced audiences to their brutal, precision-driven sound. This was followed by their self-released EP “9001 Volts” , which expanded their reach and showcased their ability to blend electronic aggression with metal intensity.

Their breakout single “Striptazers” continues to gain momentum across streaming platforms, pulling in new listeners and building anticipation for this debut album.

TAZER’s lineup consists of:
Calico InHell – guitar & programming
Drumnibal – drums & vocals
Oni X01 – vocals & programming

Driven by a strict philosophy of impact, tension, and execution, TAZER isn’t just making music, they’re building a movement. And with “Taze Is The Rule” , that movement hits critical mass.





 Connect:


https://linktr.ee/Tazeistherule />
Contact:
Oni X01 – tazeistherule@gmail.com
Salem – management@hellektrokution.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28838/tazer-unleashes-debut-album-taze-is-the-rule-a-high-voltage-electro-industrial-assault?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

DEFEATED SANITY Vocalist JOSH WELSHMAN Talks New Music, U.S. Tour, And Death Metal’s Resurgence Defeated Sanity - @thebeast

DEFEATED SANITY Vocalist JOSH WELSHMAN Talks New Music, U.S. Tour, And Death Metal’s Resurgence

Defeated Sanity vocalist Josh Welshman recently spoke with Metal Devastation Radio’s Zach Moonshine for an in-depth interview covering the band’s latest activity, upcoming U.S. tour, and the current state of the death metal scene.

The conversation took place shortly after the band returned from a run of European festival appearances.

“We actually just came home,” Welshman said. “We were over in Europe for a week or so. We played a festival in Zurich two weeks ago, and then this past weekend we played Heidelberg Deathfest in Germany… it was great to be back over in Europe, especially as a primer for this U.S. run we have coming up.”

He added that the shows helped the band get back into performance mode following a break from touring.

“It was nice to kind of shake the cobwebs out a little bit before we hit the ground running on this U.S. tour.”

Regarding the band’s upcoming North American trek, Welshman clarified that while Defeated Sanity has headlined before, this marks their first U.S. headlining run in several years.

“It’s our first headlining tour in a few years in the U.S.,” he said. “We’re hoping the amount that we’re hyped for it is reflected in the audience every night.”




NEW MUSIC IN THE WORKS


Welshman also confirmed that new material is currently being developed, though he suggested it may surprise some fans.

“New music is on the way,” he revealed. “It might not be what people are particularly expecting… it’s material that Defeated Sanity has explored one time before about ten years ago.”

He continued: “Real fans will know what I’m talking about when I say it’s not like the brutal stuff. It’s something else. But we’ll also be doing the brutal stuff after that is complete.”

Despite the stylistic shift, Welshman emphasized that evolution has always been part of the band’s identity.

“Every album evolves a little bit in its own way. We stay true to the brutality, but every album does something a little different.”




SUCCESS WITH SEASON OF MIST


Defeated Sanity’s most recent album, Chronicles Of Lunacy , has seen increased visibility since the band joined Season of Mist .

“It’s been great,” Welshman said of the partnership. “The step up in PR has been great for us. Chronicles Of Lunacy has been a great success… our listeners have gone up, our PR has been better, and even the shows feel like the turnouts have been better.”

“I have nothing bad to say,” he added. “I’m very happy to be part of the Season Of Mist roster.”




FROM FAN TO FRONTMAN


Welshman, who has now spent over a decade with the band, reflected on his journey from fan to member.

“Defeated Sanity was one of my favorite bands,” he said. “To this day, it’s still very surreal to be in the band and to have contributed what I’ve contributed.”

He also spoke about performing older material he once listened to as a fan.

“It’s a very surreal experience to play songs that you were so familiar with as a listener… it hits different.”

Welshman noted that he is now the longest-serving vocalist in the band’s history.

“At this point, I’m the longest-standing vocalist… and I think technically been on the most releases. It’s nice to have that feeling after so many years, because imposter syndrome is totally a thing.”




MUSICAL ROOTS


Discussing his early influences, Welshman cited an entry point that may be familiar to many fans of his generation.

“Korn was one of the first metal bands I ever heard… Slipknot too,” he said. “That kind of got me into the sound of extreme music.”

However, his introduction to death metal came shortly after.

“The first death metal album I ever got was Cannibal Corpse’s Live Cannibalism . I saw the cover and thought, ‘This is insane.’ I was hooked.”

From there, he discovered bands such as Dying Fetus, Nile, and Disgorge.




DEATH METAL IS “GOING THROUGH A BOOM”


Welshman also weighed in on the current state of the genre, noting a noticeable increase in interest, particularly among younger fans.

“I feel like death metal is going through a boom at the moment,” he said. “The attendance at shows is going up, and a lot of younger kids are coming out.”

He attributed part of that resurgence to the post-pandemic live music landscape.

“After things bounced back, it felt like a lot of people discovered death metal while they were locked up… and now people are very hungry for live music.”

“The community has always been strong,” he added, “and I think it always will be.”




TOUR AND FESTIVAL PLANS


Looking ahead, Defeated Sanity will embark on a month-long U.S. tour beginning April 16 and running through May 16, covering much of the country.

“We’re literally on tour the entire month,” Welshman said. “So I just encourage anybody to come check out the shows… especially if you haven’t seen us before.”

In addition, the band is scheduled to appear at Hellfest in June.

“We’ve never played Hellfest before,” he noted. “So we’re all super excited—not just to play, but to watch all the bands too. It’s going to be like kids in a candy shop.”




As for what fans can expect next, Welshman kept it simple.

“New music is coming, the tour is coming… and we’re just excited to get back out there and see what’s on the horizon.”

Full Track List:

Battle Of The bands Top Six Winners:

1 - NIKOLA'S CAGE - Chopped Up Jesus
2 - Ethereal Darkness - The Cycle
3 - Matanzick - Shattered Omen
4 - Severed Sun - Complex
5 - Mistress - Terrified eyes
6 - DoomsVein - Unholy

The Zach Moonshine Intro

7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Babies/Sweet Leaf
8 - Black Label Society - Pedal to the Floor/Ozzy’s Song

Defeated Sanity - Interview featuring Accelerating The Rot/The Odour Of Sanctity

9 - Dimmu Borgir - Ulvgjeld & Blodsodel
10 - HELLRIPPER - Blakk Satanik Fvkkstorm
11 - Nocturnal Ceremony - Seasons of hate
12 - Too Much Said The Nature - Eat The Rich
13 - Eternal Dialtone - Third Song
14 - Burnt Witch - Bastard
15 - Rhinderpest - Clown Puppet
16 - Riftpatrol - I DO
17 - Sight Of Emptiness - Break Stuff
18 - Worldwide Panic - The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen
19 - Filth - Rollin

Streaming on Mixcloud:





Also check out the interview segment on YouTube:



And Spotify, Apple etc:



\

Super massive shout out to the 194,125 metal maniacs that tuned in to the live devastation Friday night as well as everyone that also joined us in our Discord chat! We had a blast! 



Check out the band here:
https://www.season-of-mist.com/bands/defeated-sanity/ />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28837/defeated-sanity-vocalist-josh-welshman-talks-new-music-us-tour-and-death-metals-resurgence-defeated-sanity?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger