Threnody, Cultic, Thunderchief, Cruel Bomb, and Night Attack featured and reviewed by Soulgrinder Zine! - @thebeast

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Metal Devastation PR Clients Dominate Soulgrinder Zine Coverage

Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that five of its clients— Threnody , Cultic , Thunderchief , Cruel Bomb , and Night Attack — have been featured and reviewed by Soulgrinder Zine , earning high praise for their recent releases and contributions to the metal underground.

Night Attack – Necromancer ( 2025)
Reviewer Paul Caravasi notes the band’s daring blend of black and German thrash metal, calling it “ blistering heaviness, impeccable riffage… mature and stylish, all you need for exposure to in- your- face metal.” Fans of extreme metal looking for something beyond the standard fare will find themselves impressed.

Cruel Bomb ( 2025)
Caravasi declares the Richmond- based thrashers a “ one- man circle pit in your brain,” praising the aggression, razor- sharp riffs, and high- energy crossover thrash that demands attention from the first track to the last. Standout cuts like Scorched Earth and the reworked Atomic Demolition Munition showcase the band’s relentless energy and live- ready intensity.

Thunderchief
Soulgrinder’s in- depth interview with drummer Erik Larson highlights the Richmond duo’s commitment to authenticity and catharsis over fame. Founded in 2006 and solidified in 2018 with Larson joining, Thunderchief continues to grow with a Fall tour on the horizon and new recordings underway, maintaining a steadfast connection to Richmond’s thriving underground music scene.

Cultic
This dark dungeon metal trio from Yoe, PA, impresses with a unique blend of early death- doom, first- wave black metal, and punk, punctuated with dungeon synth interludes. Founders Brian and Rebecca Magar, alongside bassist Andrew Harris, create a cohesive fantasy universe through immersive storytelling and atmospheric music, cementing their place in the Pennsylvania metal landscape.

Threnody
Representing Reading, PA’s old school death metal scene since 1989, Threnody continues to deliver relentless OSDM with a refined visual identity and strong social media presence. Currently on Sodeh Records’ Metal Incorporated division, the band remains a key pillar of Pennsylvania’s underground metal community.

Metal Devastation PR continues to champion extreme music talent worldwide, offering promotion, media placement, and artist support for bands breaking new ground in metal’s most aggressive and creative forms.

For press inquiries, interviews, or review copies, contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

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Check out the bands at these links:


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/22662/threnody-rid-of-flesh-reviewed-by-metal-digest />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28065/cultic-premieres-nomad-video-with-decibel-magazine-drops-crushing-new-single-night-grifter-ahead-of-upcoming-album />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28662/eyehategod-thunderchief-heat-things-up-new-thunderchief-pressing-and-kill-your-sauce-hot-sauce-drop />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/27611/cruel-bomb-unleashes-self-titled-full-length-album-a-modern-thrash-metal-juggernaut />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28430/night-attack-conjure-old-school-chaos-on-new-ep-necromancer />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28772/threnody-cultic-thunderchief-cruel-bomb-and-night-attack-featured-and-reviewed-by-soulgrinder-zine?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Rhino Proof Set To Unleash New Album Light, Dark, The End Featuring Singles “Deeper Form of Love” and “My Life Is Fine” - @thebeast

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Rhino Proof Set To Unleash New Album Light, Dark, The End Featuring Singles “ Deeper Form of Love” and “ My Life Is Fine”


The Finnish heavy metal underground continues to deliver the goods, and Rhino Proof is ready to prove it again. The band has officially announced their upcoming album Light, Dark, The End , the long- awaited follow- up to their self- titled debut, delivering a fresh blast of classic- inspired heavy metal forged in the spirit of legends like Judas Priest , Accept , and Dio .

Formed in Joensuu, Finland in 2016 , Rhino Proof quickly made their mark with their 2018 self- titled debut album. The release earned strong praise across the European metal press and even landed the band fourth place in Hard Rock Highlights lists in Italy and Portugal that year. Since then, the band has weathered lineup changes and spent years refining their sound, returning now stronger, heavier, and more focused than ever.

The upcoming album Light, Dark, The End represents the next chapter in the band’s evolution. Packed with soaring vocals, twin- guitar power, and classic heavy metal attitude, the record blends old- school metal grit with modern energy. Two singles will lead the charge: “ Deeper Form of Love” and “ My Life Is Fine,” both showcasing the band’s dynamic songwriting and unmistakable heavy metal punch.

The album was produced by guitarists Rane Riikonen and Erkko Joronen , with mastering handled by Jone Väänänen , ensuring a powerful and polished sound that still keeps the raw edge metal fans crave.

With the new lineup locked in and a new album ready to roar, Rhino Proof is primed to make serious noise in the global heavy metal scene.

Lineup


Jukka Nummi – Vocals

Pasi Nousiainen – Bass

Erkko Joronen – Guitar

Rane Riikonen – Guitar

Sami Ratilainen – Drums

Fans can stream and follow the band’s latest releases here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rhinoproof/f8ui />
For press inquiries or additional information: zach@metaldevastationradio.com



Connect: 


https://rhinoproof.com/ />
https://www.facebook.com/rhinoproof />
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Six Feet Under Announce Next to Die Album – New Single “Unmistakable Smell of Death” Streaming Now - @thebeast

Six Feet Under Announce Next to Die Album – New Single “Unmistakable Smell of Death” Streaming Now


American death metal legends Six Feet Under are back with a brand new studio album. Titled Next to Die , the record is set for release on April 24 via Metal Blade Records . Alongside the announcement, the band has unleashed the brutal new single “Unmistakable Smell of Death” and confirmed a massive North American tour for Summer 2026.

For longtime fans of classic death metal, this release marks another major milestone for a band that has been grinding since the mid-1990s.




A New Chapter in the Six Feet Under Legacy


Next to Die will be the 15th full-length album from Six Feet Under , continuing a legacy that began with their 1995 debut Haunted . The band was founded by vocalist Chris Barnes after departing Cannibal Corpse , where he had previously helped shape the early sound of death metal.

The new album features 12 tracks and showcases a creative direction that blends raw aggression with the groove that helped define the band’s early sound.

Guitarist Jack Owen explains that the songwriting approach naturally split the album into two distinct sonic styles.

One half focuses on fast, aggressive death metal , while the other leans into groove-driven riffs reminiscent of classic Six Feet Under material . This dual concept gave the band room to experiment while staying true to their roots.

Barnes emphasized tempo during the writing process, encouraging Owen to craft songs inspired by the BPM and feel of the band’s earlier releases.

The result is an album that balances old-school brutality with thick, crushing grooves , giving longtime fans exactly what they expect while still pushing forward creatively.




“Unmistakable Smell of Death” Sets the Tone


The first single from Next to Die , “Unmistakable Smell of Death,” delivers everything fans love about the band: punishing riffs, relentless pace, and a dark cinematic narrative.

According to Owen, the song started with riffs pulled from his personal archive before being updated and reworked into the finished track.

The story behind the lyrics is pure death metal storytelling. The song follows a killer who toys with a victim before giving them a chance to fight back. The plan backfires, and the victim ultimately turns the tables, killing the attacker in brutal fashion.

The twist brings the song full circle as the “smell of death” ends up belonging to the killer himself.






Production and Recording Details


Next to Die was produced by Barnes and Owen , continuing the creative partnership the pair reignited in 2017.

Mixing and mastering duties were handled by Mark Lewis at MRL Studios in Nashville , known for delivering heavy and polished production across the metal spectrum.

The album follows the band’s 2024 release Killing for Revenge and represents the third record created by Barnes and Owen since their reunion .

Rather than planning themes together, Barnes says both musicians simply write about whatever inspires them at the moment.

That approach has helped keep the songwriting authentic and unpredictable.




Six Feet Under Current Lineup


The modern lineup of Six Feet Under features a devastating roster of veteran musicians:

Chris Barnes – vocals

Jack Owen – guitar

Ray Suhy – lead guitar

Jeff Hughell – bass

Marco Pitruzzella – drums

Together they form one of the tightest and most aggressive versions of the band to date.







Next to Die Tracklist


The album features twelve new tracks:

Approach Your Grave

Destroyed Remains

Mister Blood and Guts

Mutilated Corpse in the Woods

Unmistakable Smell of Death

Wrath and Terror Takes Command

Skin Coffins

Mind Hell

Naked and Dismembered

Grasped from Beyond

Next to Die

Ill Wishes







Vinyl Variants and Pre-Orders


Next to Die will be available on CD, digital, and multiple vinyl variants , including:

180g Black (EU)

Red with Black Smoke (US)

Bone Brown Marbled (EU – limited to 500)

Blue Grey Marbled (EU – limited to 300)

Blood Splatter (EU – limited to 300)

Bone White Green Splatter (EU – limited to 200)

With limited runs across several colors, collectors will likely want to grab these quickly.




Six Feet Under 2026 North American Tour


To support the album, Six Feet Under will launch a North American headlining tour beginning July 8 in Detroit and running through August 11 in Chicago .

Joining them on the road will be Canadian death metal veterans Kataklysm along with technical death metal crushers Wormhole .

Barnes expressed excitement about returning to the road and especially about playing Canada again after many years away.

Fans can expect a set packed with classics and new material from Next to Die .






A Veteran Death Metal Band Still Crushing


Few bands have remained as consistently active as Six Feet Under . With fifteen albums spanning three decades, the band continues to prove that old-school death metal still has plenty of bite.

Next to Die promises a mix of ferocity, groove, and classic horror-driven storytelling , keeping the band firmly planted in the genre they helped build.

The album arrives April 24 through Metal Blade Records , and judging by the first single, the death metal veterans are far from slowing down.


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28767/six-feet-under-announce-next-to-die-album-new-single-unmistakable-smell-of-death-streaming-now?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Screamer Magazine Features Awaiting Abigail as Texas’ Next Major Hard Rock Breakout - @thebeast

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Screamer Magazine Features Awaiting Abigail as Texas’ Next Major Hard Rock Breakout

Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX – March 11, 2026 – Texas hard rock rising stars Awaiting Abigail are making waves nationwide, earning top media attention with their debut EP, Bad Mind . Featured on the high-traffic Screamer Magazine website, the six-piece band is being recognized for their powerful riffs, soaring vocals, and unapologetic attitude—proving they’re more than just another local act.

Formed in 2024, Awaiting Abigail has quickly attracted national press praise:

“Kicks in like a wrecking ball wrapped in velvet… demands to be heard, felt, and turned up way past eleven.” — Illustrate Magazine

“Arguably the most exciting metal newcomers to emerge in a long time.” — SONGSCOPE

“Every single song would be worthy of being played on Rock radio stations.” — Metalheads Forever Magazine

Their debut EP Bad Mind delivers a blend of classic-metal-inspired riffs and radio-ready vocals across four tracks, including I Hate You , Falling Under , and the title track Bad Mind . The band’s dynamic sound and stage presence have also earned them features in Power Play Magazine , Decibel Magazine , and a landmark live performance at Whisky A Go Go alongside L.A. Guns.

Awaiting Abigail’s music is rooted in resilience, tackling themes of empowerment, personal struggle, and the fight to rise above adversity. With growing national and international radio play, strong press traction, and a rapidly expanding fanbase, the band is positioned for a major breakout.

Fans can join their free fanlist for early access, exclusives, and behind-the-scenes updates at:
https://fans.awaitingabigailband.com />
About Awaiting Abigail
Formed in Texas in 2024, Awaiting Abigail combines heavy, chugging instrumentation with melodic, emotionally charged vocals. Drawing comparisons to Halestorm , The Pretty Reckless , Evanescence , and In This Moment , the band has quickly established a distinct identity in modern hard rock. With national media praise, growing radio traction, and standout live performances, Awaiting Abigail is shaping up to be one of the next breakout names in hard rock.

Media Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Check out the feature here:
https://screamermagazine.com/press-releases/awaiting-abigail-rise-as-texas-next-major-hard-rock-breakout/ />


Follow them on social media for updates, new releases, and tour dates!


https://awaitingabigailband.com/ />
https://www.facebook.com/awaitingabigail/ />
https://www.instagram.com/awaitingabigail />
https://www.youtube.com/@awaitingabigail />
https://awaitingabigail.bandcamp.com/album/bad-mind />
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/awaiting-abigail/1781286595 />
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UNMERCIFUL Announces Maryland Deathfest Debut with James “Freight Train” Lee & Full “INFERNALLY CONQUERING TOUR 2026” - @thebeast

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UNMERCIFUL Announces Maryland Deathfest Debut with James “Freight Train” Lee & Full “INFERNALLY CONQUERING TOUR 2026”

Kansas death metal titans UNMERCIFUL are ready to scorch stages across the Midwest and East Coast this May, culminating in their first-ever performance at Maryland Deathfest 2026 . Fans are in for a monstrous treat, as James “Freight Train” Lee—legendary for his work with Origin on III , Echoes of Decimation , and Antithesis —will command the vocals for a jaw-dropping set of UNMERCIFUL’s unrelenting death metal assault.

The band had this to say:




“Our first ever performance at Maryland Death Fest is just 3 months away. With that, we want to announce a very special guest that will be performing on vocals. This man is none other than the almighty James ‘Freight Train’ Lee!!! Hearing him performing our material will be something NOT to miss!!

Also, Trynt is still dealing with some health issues, so Andy Vincent will be handling the relentless drum duties. We are in the process of booking some shows around this time (May 20th–May 28th). More information on show dates and venues coming soon.

We look forward to delivering an unforgettably crushing set! We will see you all soon.”




Following the cancellation of their previous tour with Vitriol and Weeping , UNMERCIFUL returns stronger than ever. Their latest album, Devouring Darkness (Willowtip Records), has been hailed as a brutal triumph:

“ Devouring Darkness is an unceasing beatdown of a death metal album where technicality takes a backseat to brutality.” – Angry Metal Guy

“Malicious guidance does well to hold their focus tight on bludgeoning brutal death metal here, an ideal ratio of unreal skill and severe impact.” – Mystification Zine

“Unmerciful are among us to blast our ears with Brutal Death Metal at its finest.” – The Headbanging Moose

“A swirl of riffs will wrap themselves around you like a coiled snake, and the drums will cave your head in.” – Dead Rhetoric

With longtime guitarist Jeremy Turner returning and Josh Riley debuting on vocals, UNMERCIFUL continues to define the cutting edge of American death metal. The record was engineered and produced by Clinton Appelhanz at Waveworks Studio, mastered by Alan Douches ( Cannibal Corpse, Hate Eternal ), with artwork by Santiago Francisco Jaramillo.



UNMERCIFUL 2026: INFERNALLY CONQUERING TOUR

Prepare for full-throttle death metal devastation from May 20th–28th, as UNMERCIFUL hits the following cities:

5/20 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge

5/21 – Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary

5/22 – TBA

5/23 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz

5/24 – Baltimore, MD (Maryland Deathfest 1st performance)

5/25 – Harrisburg, PA @ Capital Music Hall

5/26 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups

5/27 – Indianapolis, IN @ State Street

5/28 – Kansas City, MO @ The Warehouse

2026 Live Lineup:

Jeremy Turner – guitar / vocals

Clint Appelhanz – guitar / vocals

James “Freight Train” Lee – vocals

Andy Vincent – drums

Steve Giddens – bass

Fans can expect a blistering mix of technical ferocity and unrelenting brutality that will leave stages in ruin. Devouring Darkness is available now wherever extreme metal is consumed. For more information, tickets, and updates, visit
https://deathfests.com. />


 Follow the band at these links:


https://www.facebook.com/officialunmerciful/ />
https://www.instagram.com/official_unmerciful />
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/unmerciful/173905522 />
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1A7qyjUuQGJTkOL8LUmmtG />
https://www.pandora.com/station/play/98443676228797847 />
https://www.iheart.com/artist/unmerciful-393849/?autoplay=true />
https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/81522 />

Contact: unmercifulbooking@gmail.com


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False Messiah Unleashes “Iron Sky” – First Single from Upcoming Album Seven (Out June 19) - @thebeast

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False Messiah Unleashes “Iron Sky” – First Single from Upcoming Album Seven (Out June 19)

Presave and stream:
https://idol-io.ffm.to/ironsky
https://idol-io.ffm.to/ironsky />
Prepare for impact. False Messiah, the visionary force in cinematic symphonic dark metal, announces the release of Iron Sky , the first single from their highly anticipated album Seven , dropping June 19 via Semetery Records.

Iron Sky is more than a track—it’s a declaration. Rooted in the raw energy of death and thrash metal while embracing modern sonic sophistication, the song constructs a dystopian universe where technology rises as the ultimate false messiah. As mass surveillance, automation, and algorithmic governance shape society, Iron Sky confronts humanity with a stark choice: submission or conscious resistance.

Musically, False Messiah constructs a massive soundscape, fusing dark orchestral arrangements, piercing modern guitars, electronic textures, and ritualistic atmospheres. The result is a seamless bridge between symphonic grandeur and extreme metal intensity, creating a narrative-driven, almost conceptual experience that invites listeners into a fully realized dystopian mythology.

At the heart of Seven , of which Iron Sky is the opening fracture, False Messiah rejects the notion of providential salvation. The message is clear: question systems, refuse false saviors, and embrace lucid survival in an age where apocalypse is manufactured and resilience is revolutionary.

Fans of Nightwish, Within Temptation, Epica, Amaranthe, Lord of the Lost, and In This Moment will find themselves drawn into this expansive, cinematic metal journey.

Pre-save and stream Iron Sky now:
https://idol-io.ffm.to/ironsky

Genres: Cinematic Symphonic Dark Metal

Label: Semetery Records

Check them out on YouTube and subscribe:





Connect: 


https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTGhUpDfU/ />
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Contact: girardmusic@gmail.com


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Synthre Unleash Assyrian-Themed Black Metal Concept EP Thus Burns the House of the Sun – Out April 28, 2026 - @thebeast

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Synthre Unleash Assyrian-Themed Black Metal Concept EP Thus Burns the House of the Sun – Out April 28, 2026

Pre-Save / Pre-Order:

https://distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/synthre/thus- burns-the-house-of-the-sun

Bandcamp:

https://synthre.bandcamp.com/ album/thus-burns-the-house-of- the-sun

Emerging from Lohja, Finland, black metal project Synthre is set to release its new concept EP Thus Burns the House of the Sun on April 28, 2026. Blending ferocious black metal with haunting Middle Eastern influences, the release continues the band’s ambitious historical narrative exploring the rise, fall, and transformation of ancient Assyrian civilization.

Founded in 2024 by Mircea Purdea (Exhalus), Synthre was created as a vehicle for exploring Assyrian themes through a distinctive and unconventional take on black metal. The project first surfaced in 2025 with the debut EP Heterodoxa , laying the groundwork for a broader conceptual saga. Each Synthre release functions as a chapter in an evolving storyline tracing the dissolution of Assyrian culture and its transformation into Syriac Christianity.

With Thus Burns the House of the Sun , Synthre pushes that narrative further into historical and mythological territory. The EP centers on the fall of Hatra in 241 CE, weaving together documented history and imaginative storytelling.

“ Thus Burns the House of the Sun is a concept release revolving around the fall of Hatra in 241 CE. It blends historical facts with fiction in a story recounted from two perspectives, one Assyrian from the city of Assur, and one from the perspective of al-Nadirah, the Hatrene princess. Unlike in the later legends, though, the fall of Hatra is here framed by a context of religious rebellion, and how life-impacting events such as a volcanic eruption and an enemy siege are reflected against belief in personified gods.”

Musically, Synthre channels the intensity of black metal while incorporating tonal and rhythmic elements inspired by ancient Near Eastern traditions. The result is a sound that feels both ancient and relentless, echoing the epic scale of the historical events the EP portrays. Fans of Melechesh, Sumerian Tombs, and Nile will find plenty to sink their teeth into as the band fusing history, mythology, and extreme metal into a cinematic listening experience.

Thus Burns the House of the Sun will be self-released and available across major streaming platforms as well as Bandcamp.
https://synthre.bandcamp.com/album/thus-burns-the-house-of-the-sun

Media Contact:
zach@metaldevastationradio.com



Follow Synthre

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/synthre /> Bandcamp:
https://synthre.bandcamp.com/
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Contact: necroticist@yahoo.com


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