Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 05/18/26 - 05/22/26 - @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, ANTIPOPE , crushed the competition with a staggering  721,717 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, May 22nd at 9PM EST!








Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 05/18/26 - 05/22/26


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29000/who-will-rise-as-this-weeks-champion-on-the-mdr-battle-of-the-bands-05-18-26-05-22-26?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Mephisto Odyssey on The Zach Moonshine Show: Industrial Chaos, Hollywood Horror, and the Art of Staying Real - @thebeast

Mephisto Odyssey on The Zach Moonshine Show: Industrial Chaos, Hollywood Horror, and the Art of Staying Real


The latest episode of The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio went deep into the underground where electronics, metal, film, and pure chaos all collide. This wasn’t just an interview. It was a full-on time capsule from one of the most important crossover artists in underground music history: Mephisto Odyssey.

From early rave culture to Warner Bros releases and Hollywood horror soundtracks, the conversation with Mikael Johnston traced a career built on breaking rules, ignoring industry expectations, and chasing sound wherever it leads.

From Crash to Cult Status


The discussion opened around the evolution of “Crash,” a track that has lived multiple lives across decades. The artist reflected on revisiting the song years later, reshaping it alongside ideas originally discussed with the late Wayne Static.

The goal was never nostalgia. It was correction. A chance to realign the track with the original vision before label pressure and external forces shaped its first release.

That philosophy carried through the entire conversation: make what feels right, not what fits the machine.

Horror Films, Soundtracks, and a Wild Connection to Hostel


One of the most surprising revelations came from Mephisto Odyssey’s deep ties to film. The artist shared how their music ended up in Eli Roth’s cult horror film Hostel, specifically in the opening nightclub scene in Amsterdam.

The track placement wasn’t just background noise. It helped define the energy of the scene, blending underground club chaos with cinematic violence and tension.

The connection to horror didn’t stop there. The conversation drifted into current scoring work on a slasher film set to appear at the Frightmare convention in Dallas, reinforcing how deeply film and music have always been intertwined in this artist’s career.

Brad Gillis, Alameda Roots, and Rock History in Motion


A major highlight of the interview was the story behind legendary guitarist Brad Gillis joining the “Crash Reborn” project.

Both coming from Alameda, California, the connection between the two musicians goes back decades, long before the collaboration ever happened. A chance demo turned into a lightning-fast response from Gillis, who recorded guitar tracks almost immediately after hearing the material.

The result: a powerful fusion of industrial electronics and classic rock guitar energy delivered by a player who helped define the sound of Ozzy Osbourne’s early 80s era, namely with the iconic Speak of the Devil live recordings.

The story also revisited Gillis stepping into Ozzy Osbourne’s band after Randy Rhoads’ passing, a moment that reshaped rock history and cemented Gillis as one of the most respected guitarists of his generation.

The Philosophy: Make Art for Yourself First


A recurring theme throughout the conversation was creative independence.

The artist pointed to industry pressure across both film and music, comparing modern franchise filmmaking and formula-driven music production to earlier eras where innovation came first.

A reference to Rick Rubin’s philosophy summed it up clearly: if you’re making something for approval, you’ve already lost the point.

That mindset shaped both the original and reborn versions of “Crash,” as well as decades of Mephisto Odyssey’s work across electronic, industrial, and cinematic spaces.

From Raves to Record Deals


The interview also pulled back the curtain on the early rave scene of the 1990s, when underground events were built on word-of-mouth flyers, hidden locations, and warehouse chaos powered by generators and pure instinct.

That era led directly into early production experiments, MIDI setups, and DIY vinyl releases that eventually crossed the 10,000-copy mark independently, a number that immediately put industry attention on the project.

From there, the path led through City of Angels Records, alongside acts like The Crystal Method, and eventually into major label territory with Warner Bros.

Static-X, Ministry, and a Scene That Never Sat Still


The conversation expanded into the evolution of industrial and electronic rock, touching on Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, The Prodigy, Smashing Pumpkins, Korn, and Static-X.

Rather than strict genre lines, the era was defined by collision. Metal, electronics, punk energy, and club culture all bleeding into each other in real time.

Mephisto Odyssey existed right in that overlap, helping define a sound that didn’t fully belong to any one category.

Closing Moments: Still Moving Forward


Before signing off, Mikael Johnston confirmed new work is on the way, including remasters, unreleased material, and future rock-leaning projects that still retain the electronic edge fans expect.

He also acknowledged a long hiatus to focus on family life before returning to music with renewed energy and independence.

And of course, the show ended the only way it could on Metal Devastation Radio: loud, unfiltered, and absolutely unapologetic.

Full Show Track List: 

Battle Of the Bands Top Six Winners:

1 - La Paille - Aeon Dissector - (752,391 votes)
2 - Trivan - Abyss Of Crawling Shadows - (524,844 votes)
3 - Another Demon - Drawn and Quartered feat. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) - (152,749 votes)
4 - Heidbekka - Völva -  (86,331 votes)
5 - NIKOLA'S CAGE - RASCAL - (66,963 votes)
6 - Severed Sun - Complex -  (51,696 votes)

The Zach Moonshine Intro

7 - Ozzy Osbourne - That I Never Had
8 - Anthrax - It's For the Kids
9 - Ov Ruin - A Throne of Nothing
10 - East Ov Eden - Boundless

Mephisto Odyssey - Interview featuring CRASH Feat. Brad Gillis, Wayne Static/ Static-X- Push It (Mephisto Odyssey Crucified Mix)

11 - Lords Of Acid - Dream Boy
12 - Bitter - Malevolent
13 - Nomadic Narwhal - Call of the Current
14 - Conjurist - Skinwalker
15 - GREG C. BROWN - Phobos
16 - CHEMICAL BURN - Doomscroller
17 - The Word66 - Sky Is Falling
18 - Burnt Witch - Bastard
19 - Black Label Society - Ozzy’s Song/Name In Blood
20 - Zakk Sabbath - Sweet Leaf/The Wizard
21 - Marilyn Manson - As Sick As The Secrets Within

Streaming now on Mixcloud:





The Interview is also available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple:





Super shout out and thanks to the 314,878 metal maniacs from all over the world for tuning in live to the devastation broadcast Friday! 


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28999/mephisto-odyssey-on-the-zach-moonshine-show-industrial-chaos-hollywood-horror-and-the-art-of-staying-real?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CYANIDE Releases New Single “Get Up and Dance” and Official Music Video Out Now - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CYANIDE Releases New Single “Get Up and Dance” and Official Music Video Out Now

Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas hard rock band Cyanide has officially released their new single “Get Up and Dance,” now available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify. The track is also available on CD through Kivel Records alongside the newly released official music video, out now.

Built on a foundation of classic hard rock energy with a modern punch, “Get Up and Dance” captures Cyanide at full throttle. Driving rhythms, bold vocals, and a straight-ahead rock attitude define the track, delivering a sound made for loud speakers and bigger crowds.

At the center of the single is a lyric that sums up the band’s connection with their fans:

“The power we get from you, it’s electric, you know it’s true.”

That line reflects the push-and-pull energy Cyanide thrives on, where the audience is just as much a part of the sound as the band on stage.

Recorded with the intent to bring a live-wire feel into the studio, “Get Up and Dance” leans into raw performance energy rather than overproduction. It is built to move bodies, shake rooms, and remind listeners what real hard rock is supposed to feel like.

With the single and official music video now unleashed, Cyanide continues to carve their path in the modern rock world by keeping things simple, loud, and honest.

Stream “Get Up and Dance” here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cyanide9/get-up-and-dance-feat-keith-robert/ />
Watch the official music video here:





 Connect: 


https://linktr.ee/Cyanide.21Gun />
Contact: cyanidelv2003@gmail.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28998/cyanide-releases-new-single-get-up-and-dance-and-official-music-video-out-now?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

ANTIMOZDEBEAST AND SUM OF SEVEN FEATURED IN METAL INJECTION’S WEEKLY NEW RELEASE ROUNDUP - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANTIMOZDEBEAST AND SUM OF SEVEN FEATURED IN METAL INJECTION’S WEEKLY NEW RELEASE ROUNDUP


Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that two of its client releases have been featured in Metal Injection Weekly Injection of New Releases, placing them alongside major names in the global metal scene including Periphery , Jungle Rot , Crown Lands , Gozu , and Held .

This week’s feature highlights two distinct and powerful releases:

AntiMozdeBeast – “Unkempt Grave”


AntiMozdeBeast is the solo project of Gabriel Palacio, delivering a bold fusion of industrial and black metal that cuts deep both sonically and thematically.

Born in Queens, New York in 1985, Palacio’s creative vision was shaped by a life marked by adversity, including congenital heart disease requiring multiple open-heart surgeries, personal loss, and the pressures of an extremely religious upbringing. Rather than silence him, those experiences sharpened his artistic focus.

Founded in 2019, AntiMozdeBeast stands as a direct confrontation of religious, political, and societal corruption, while also pushing listeners toward introspection, awareness, and personal awakening. “Unkempt Grave” continues that mission with uncompromising intensity and purpose.


https://antimozdebeast.bandcamp.com/album/the-vagrant-unkempt-grave />
Sum of Seven – Echoes of the Hypermind


Sum of Seven return with their most ambitious release to date, the concept album Echoes of the Hypermind , out May 15, 2026 via Inverse Records.

Blending intricate musicianship with emotional weight, the album expands their signature sound into new territory, combining soaring melodies, razor sharp riffs, and layered storytelling. Fans of Haken, Threshold, and Vola will find plenty to connect with, while the band continues carving its own distinct identity.

Originally formed in Turku under the name Sonus Corona, Sum of Seven began as a passion project between friends before evolving into a serious creative force. Their 2019 release Time Is Not On Your Side earned recognition from Prog Magazine and strong reviews from Finland’s Inferno.

Their momentum was later challenged by the pandemic, lineup changes, and a serious accident involving guitarist and primary composer Ari Lempinen during the final stages of the new album’s creation in 2024.

Most bands would have folded under that pressure.

Sum of Seven didn’t.

With vocalist Marko Loukamaa now leading the charge, the band returned stronger than ever, culminating in a packed hometown comeback show in Turku in September 2025. That same resilience and forward drive pulses through every moment of Echoes of the Hypermind .


https://sumofsevenofficial.bandcamp.com/album/echoes-of-the-hypermind />



Metal Devastation PR extends a massive thank you to Metal Injection for continuing to support underground and independent heavy music, and for helping amplify these releases to a global audience.

More announcements coming soon. Stay loud, stay independent.

Check it out here:
https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-periphery-jungle-rot-pro-pain-and-more-out-this-week-5-15 />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28997/antimozdebeast-and-sum-of-seven-featured-in-metal-injections-weekly-new-release-roundup?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Metal Injection Features Matt Zane Interview Amid Ongoing Documentary Discussion - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Metal Injection Features Matt Zane Interview Amid Ongoing Documentary Discussion


Metal Injection has featured the recent interview with filmmaker and Society 1 frontman Matt Zane , continuing the growing media attention surrounding his ongoing documentary project and public commentary.

The interview, originally appearing on We Were Loud Once Pod , has drawn significant discussion across the metal community as Zane speaks on the evolving situation surrounding his film project connected to the final years of Wayne Static and broader conversations around legacy, authorship, and creative control.

Zane’s remarks have been widely circulated across multiple outlets, with Metal Injection’s coverage further amplifying the conversation within the global metal media landscape.

At this time, the discussion continues to develop as interest in the project and its surrounding context remains active across industry platforms.

Media Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Check it out here:
https://metalinjection.net/spout-off/filmmaker-matt-zane-details-what-he-thinks-is-the-reason-as-to-why-static-x-doesnt-want-him-to-continue-wayne-static-documentary />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28996/metal-injection-features-matt-zane-interview-amid-ongoing-documentary-discussion?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Matt Zane Featured Across Major Outlets Following Explosive Interview on Wayne Static Documentary Dispute - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matt Zane Featured Across Major Outlets Following Explosive Interview on Wayne Static Documentary Dispute


Los Angeles, CA – Filmmaker and Society 1 frontman Matt Zane is once again at the center of widespread media attention following a series of new features and commentary from The PRP , Blunt Magazine , and the Moshpit Network regarding his recent appearance on We Were Loud Once Pod .

In the interview, Zane addressed ongoing controversy surrounding his unauthorized documentary project focused on the final years of Wayne Static and his relationship with Tera Wray. The project has been met with legal resistance from parties connected to the Static-X camp and associated estates.

Zane stated that he was initially brought into the production process of the official Evil Disco documentary and claims there was an understanding that he would later be permitted to pursue a separate project centered on Wayne Static’s personal story during his final years. According to Zane, that understanding later changed as production circumstances and external funding evolved.

He further claims that as the band’s reunion activity expanded, creative direction shifted, leading to disagreements over narrative control, representation of Wayne Static’s legacy, and the direction of the band’s visual identity and live presentation.

Zane also alleges that compensation arrangements changed during the course of production, including claims regarding revoked equipment and legal pressure connected to his independent documentary efforts and crowdfunding attempts.

Despite ongoing legal disputes, Zane maintains that his project remains in development and that he intends to continue pursuing its completion through independent funding channels.

At the heart of the controversy is a larger debate over legacy ownership, creative control, and who has the right to tell the final chapters of a public figure’s life.

The discussion continues to gain traction across the metal media landscape, with no resolution currently in sight.





Link: Watch the Interview


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28995/matt-zane-featured-across-major-outlets-following-explosive-interview-on-wayne-static-documentary-dispute?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

EAST OV EDEN’S DEBUT ALBUM BOUNDLESS FEATURED BY MUSIC JUNKIE PRESS - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EAST OV EDEN’S DEBUT ALBUM BOUNDLESS FEATURED BY MUSIC JUNKIE PRESS

Memphis, Tennessee based extreme metal outfit East Ov Eden continue building momentum following the release of their debut full-length album BOUNDLESS, now receiving praise from Music Junkie Press for the album’s crushing intensity, cinematic atmosphere, and fearless songwriting approach.

In their recent feature, Music Junkie Press described BOUNDLESS as “an absolute monster of a release,” highlighting the band’s seamless fusion of deathcore, technical death metal, orchestral arrangements, atmospheric melodies, and massive choruses.

The feature praised East Ov Eden for refusing to stay confined within genre boundaries, stating:

“One minute the album is crushing and chaotic, the next it shifts into cinematic layers and massive choruses. It honestly feels like they refused to put any limits on what this record could be.”

Music Junkie Press also noted the band’s ability to stand apart from modern extreme metal peers while still appealing to fans of All Shall Perish, Signs of the Swarm, and Cattle Decapitation.

Specific attention was given to standout tracks including “…TO A MOONLIT GARDEN” and “PERPETUAL HORROR” for their dynamic songwriting and atmosphere, while “SOULWEAVER” and “IT ENDS IN FEAR” were recognized for delivering relentless deathcore aggression and punishing breakdowns.

Since the release of BOUNDLESS, East Ov Eden have continued gaining traction throughout the underground metal scene with their explosive blend of brutality, technicality, and cinematic scope. The band has shared stages with artists including Vended, Filth, Inferi, Hunt The Dinosaur, Æther Realm, Ov Ruin, In Gloom, and more, while also appearing at the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest.

BOUNDLESS is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Listen / Follow:

https://www.liinks.co/east.ov.eden />
Check out the feature here:
https://musicjunkiepress.com/new-music/east-ov-eden-push-boundaries-with-crushing-debut-album-boundless/ />


Check out the band here:
https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28993/east-ov-eden-unleash-debut-full-length-boundless-out-now />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28994/east-ov-edens-debut-album-boundless-featured-by-music-junkie-press?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger