The Haunted North Unleash “Savage Ghost” – Randy V Talks Origins, Heavy Hitters, and What’s Next on Metal Devastation Radio - @thebeast

The Haunted North Unleash “Savage Ghost” – Randy V Talks Origins, Heavy Hitters, and What’s Next on Metal Devastation Radio


If you like your heavy with grit, groove, and zero plastic polish, this one hits like a hammer.

On a recent episode of The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio, The Haunted North stormed in with their crushing new single “Savage Ghost” , and frontman Randy V pulled back the curtain on how this whole thing came together. The result is a band rooted in real history, real connections, and a sound that doesn’t chase trends, it bulldozes through them.




“It’s like a freaking hammer” – The Sound of Savage Ghost


Right out of the gate, the vibe was clear. This isn’t overproduced, copy-paste rock. This is weight.




“It is smash your head… it’s like a freaking hammer, isn’t it?”




That pretty much sums up Savage Ghost . Thick, groove-heavy riffs with a dark, almost cinematic feel. You can hear the DNA of classic heavy hitters, but it never feels like imitation. It feels lived-in.




Heavy Hitters in the Mix: JD DeServio & Jeff Fabb


One of the big talking points was the involvement of some serious players behind the scenes.

Randy V broke it down:




“JD jumped in… Jeff did the last two singles… these guys literally did their tracks and then jumped on a plane to LA to start rehearsing.”




That kind of commitment shows up in the final product. The rhythm section alone gives Savage Ghost that undeniable punch, the kind that hits you in the chest and sticks.




A Wild Origin Story You Can’t Make Up


The Haunted North didn’t form the usual way. No Craigslist ad, no “hey let’s start a band” moment.

This thing is built on what can only be called pure rock and roll fate.

From gym meetups in Canada…
To connections through Black Label Society circles…
To a chance encounter with Layne Staley’s mother…

Yeah, seriously.

Randy V shared one of the most surreal moments:




“I realized… that’s Layne Staley’s mom… and we ended up becoming really good friends.”




That connection eventually led to the creation of music tied to tribute material, which snowballed into something much bigger.




“It wasn’t coincidental… all that had to happen for us to meet.”




You don’t script stuff like that.




From One-Off Track to Full-Blown Band


What started as a single turned into something else entirely.




“He said, ‘What if I could get Jeff and JD to play on it?’ I said… ‘well, then I’d have to reconsider.’”




That reconsideration turned into a full project, and now The Haunted North is building serious momentum.




Influences: From European Metal to Grunge Darkness


Randy V didn’t shy away from talking influences, and it paints a clear picture of where that sound comes from.




“We were more into European metal… Priest, Schenker… then when everything shifted, the two bands that grabbed you… Soundgarden and Alice In Chains.”




That blend explains a lot. You’ve got the precision and power of classic metal mixed with the mood and weight of early 90s darkness.

And it shows.




No Fake Emotion. No Industry BS.


One of the real standout moments was Randy talking about authenticity in music.




“People know when you’re… not real… when you actually felt it, they hear it.”




That’s the difference between something that sounds good and something that sticks with you.

The Haunted North leans hard into that second category.




Gear Talk… Sort Of


For the tone chasers out there, there were a few nuggets dropped, even if Randy laughed off being “the wrong guy” for full gear breakdowns.

What we do know:

Friedman amps are part of the tone equation

Gibson-style guitars in the mix

A serious, dialed-in setup from guitarist Sean




“I know tones very well… if it sounds like shit, I’ll call it instantly.”




Fair enough.




What’s Next: Live Shows and More Releases


The focus now is simple. Take this thing to the stage.




“We’re hyper focused on getting out and playing live this summer.”




Plans are pointing toward shows around Sturgis and beyond, with more content rolling out, including:

The Bleed video gaining traction

A new Savage Ghost lyric video using 30+ year old footage

A growing catalog of heavy tracks like Medusa , 21 Grams , and The Beast




The Haunted North Is Just Getting Started


There’s something refreshing about a band that isn’t trying to fit into whatever the algorithm says is hot this week.

The Haunted North is building this the old-school way:

Real connections

Real players

Real stories

Real heavy music

And it shows in every riff.




Listen Now


The full episode featuring Randy V of The Haunted North , including the interview and a stacked lineup of new underground releases, is now available on Mixcloud via Metal Devastation Radio.

Turn it up loud. This one wasn’t made for background noise.

Track List: 

Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners:

1 - Antipope - The Maker - (289,749 votes)
2 - Another Demon - Drawn and Quartered feat. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) - (131,632 votes)
3 - NIKOLA'S CAGE - RASCAL - (27,654 votes)
4 - Severed Sun - Complex - (25,239 votes)
5 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (9,493 votes)
6 - Heidbekka - Völva - (6,412 votes)

The Zach Moonshine Intro

7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Over The Mountain
8 - Black Label Society - Pedal to the Floor/Lords Of Destruction

The Haunted North - Interview featuring Savage Ghost/The Beast

9 - Dark Chapel - Sign of Life/Hit of Your Love
10 - Zakk Sabbath - Electric Funeral/Lord Of This World
11 - Jeff Fabb - Listen to Hear
12 - Awaiting Abigail - Funhouse
13 - The Funeral Procession - Carrion
14 - SEEING HELL A.D - DISSECTION
15 - Empire of None - You
16 - Broadslab - Keep On Rollin'
17 - LANGUISH IN DESPAIR - Killing Spree
18 - Stygian Mind - Crown of Bullets
19 - Riftpatrol - Parasite (feat. Yuuko Sings, DJ Neon Nights & Amanda Power)
20 - Crystallion - Shell Shock (MANOWAR Cover)
21 - Bjarte K. Helland - The Final Count
22 - HELL-BORN - In Scarlet And Death
23 - Mephisto Odyssey - CRASH Feat. Brad Gillis, Wayne Static
24 - MARTYRED - WHERE THE BODIES LIE
25 - VITHIAL - War of the Gods, the Balance of Darkness and Light





Also check out the interview portion up on YouTube, Spotify, Apple:





Super massive shout out to the 292,325 metal maniacs from around the world that tuned in for the live devastation Friday night!



Follow the band: 


https://www.thehauntednorth.com/ />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28951/the-haunted-north-unleash-savage-ghost-randy-v-talks-origins-heavy-hitters-and-whats-next-on-metal-devastation-ra?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

EMPIRE OF NONE ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM “KEEPSAKE” OUT MAY 15, 2026 - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EMPIRE OF NONE ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM “KEEPSAKE” OUT MAY 15, 2026

From the coastal town of Sölvesborg, Sweden, rising alt-rock force Empire of None are stepping into the spotlight with their long-awaited debut full-length album Keepsake , set for release on May 15, 2026.

Blending modern alternative rock with alt-pop hooks, emo urgency, and flashes of punk and post-hardcore intensity, Empire of None carve out a sound that feels both familiar and fresh. Fans of A Day To Remember, Dayseeker, and Sleep Theory will find plenty to latch onto, but this band is clearly building something with its own fingerprints all over it.

Formed in 2018, the band has stayed true to a fully DIY ethos from day one. Every track has been shaped in-house, with the band handling recording, video production, and visual storytelling themselves. That grind has paid off in a sound that feels personal, raw, and unfiltered, no corporate gloss, no shortcuts, just real work and real emotion.

In 2023, Empire of None turned heads across Sweden by landing 2nd place out of 78 acts in the Rockflödet Unsigned competition, proving they can hold their own in any lineup and any room, from sweaty clubs to festival stages.

Now, with Keepsake , the band are ready for a much bigger stage.

About the Album


“Keepsake” is a deeply emotional collection of ten tracks that explore memory, identity, loss, and the moments that shape who we become. The band describes the record as a balance of darkness and light, built around honest storytelling and melodic impact.

“Keepsake is about the things we hold closest to our hearts. The memories, the emotions, everything that has shaped us. Across ten tracks, we have poured our soul into capturing a world where both darkness and light coexist. Every song tells a story. Every word, every note is meant to pull the listener in.”
– Empire of None

Production Credits


Music: Martin Karlsson, Filip Tell, Christoffer Eriksson, Henrik Eriksson
Recorded by: Filip Tell
Mix / Master: Erik Karlsson Productions
Artwork: Henrik Ivansson & Martin Karlsson
Press Photos: Filip Tell & Martin Karlsson

Label


Unsigned (actively seeking label partnership)

Empire of None aren’t chasing trends, they’re building momentum the old-school way: write strong songs, hit hard live, and let the music do the talking. With Keepsake , they’re not just releasing an album, they’re opening the door to everything that comes next.



Management & Contact

Heli Wiklund, HW Management
heli.hwmanagement@gmail.com


Connect:


https://linktr.ee/empireofnoneofficial />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28942/empire-of-none-announce-debut-album-keepsake-out-may-15-2026?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CYANIDE Releases New Single “Get Up and Dance” May 15 - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CYANIDE Releases New Single “Get Up and Dance” May 15


Las Vegas, NV – Las Vegas hard rock band Cyanide is set to unleash their new single “Get Up and Dance” on May 15, arriving on all major streaming platforms including Spotify. The track will also be available for CD release through Kivel Records.

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 momentum building in their corner, Cyanide continues to stake their claim in the modern rock world by keeping things simple, loud, and honest.

“Get Up and Dance” drops May 15 on all streaming platforms.

Stream and pre-save here:

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cyanide9/get-up-and-dance-feat-keith-robert/ />


Connect: 


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


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28941/cyanide-releases-new-single-get-up-and-dance-may-15?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

BROADSLAB UNLEASH “HELLACIOUS SOUL METAL” WITH NEW ALBUM THE FIFTH ESSENCE — OUT JUNE 26, 2026 - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BROADSLAB UNLEASH “HELLACIOUS SOUL METAL” WITH NEW ALBUM THE FIFTH ESSENCE — OUT JUNE 26, 2026

Benson, NC – From the dusty outskirts of North Carolina comes a sound that doesn’t ask permission and sure as hell doesn’t play it safe. Broadslab are set to drop their full-length album The Fifth Essence on June 26, 2026 via Electric Desert Records, delivering a heavy, groove-soaked punch they’ve branded as “Hellacious Soul Metal.”

Leading the charge is the first single, “Keep on Rollin’,” released April 24, 2026, followed by the second single “Leslie” arriving May 22, 2026. Both tracks give listeners a taste of the band’s raw blend of Southern grit, psychedelic soul, and no-frills heavy metal muscle.

Broadslab pull from deep roots, fusing the spirit of classic rock with a darker, modern edge. Think the swampy groove of Southern rock colliding head-on with thick, down-tuned riffs and outlaw attitude. Fans of Corrosion of Conformity, Superjoint Ritual, and Down will feel right at home, but Broadslab aren’t just rehashing the past, they’re dragging it into the present, kicking and screaming.

The band’s name traces back to a region steeped in moonshine history, and that outlaw DNA runs through everything they do. Their music channels stories of midnight runs, backroad chases, and a lifestyle that doesn’t clock in or punch out. It’s loud, it’s dangerous, and it’s got dirt under its fingernails.

Recorded and mixed by Mike Dean and produced by Broadslab alongside Dean, The Fifth Essence captures the band in full throttle, no studio polish masking the grit. Just honest, hard-hitting sound the way it was meant to be.

North Carolina concert promoter Tony “Dio” Leonard sums it up best:
"If the Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath and Captain Beyond had a threesome, Broadslab would be the dirty result."

This isn’t just another release, it’s a statement. Broadslab are here to carve out their own lane and leave tire marks all over it.




STREAM & PRE-SAVE:

The Fifth Essence (Album)

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/broadslab1/the-fifth-essence?ref=release />
“Leslie” (Single)

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/broadslab1/leslie?ref=release




Release Dates:
Album: June 26, 2026
“Keep on Rollin’”: April 24, 2026
“Leslie”: May 22, 2026

Label: Electric Desert Records
Genre: Hellacious Soul Metal

Production Credits:
Recorded & Mixed by Mike Dean
Produced by Broadslab & Mike Dean

For Fans Of: Corrosion of Conformity, Superjoint Ritual, Down




Contact:
booking@broadslab.com




If you’re tired of overproduced fluff and want something that hits like a shot of backwoods lightning, Broadslab’s The Fifth Essence is about to be your new addiction.

Check them out on YouTube and subscribe:





Connect: 


https://linktr.ee/Broadslabmusic />
Contact: booking@broadslab.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28940/broadslab-unleash-hellacious-soul-metal-with-new-album-the-fifth-essence-out-june-26-2026?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

LANGUISH IN DESPAIR DROP “KILLING SPREE” OUT NOW AND ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM STRAIN OF PROFANITY - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LANGUISH IN DESPAIR DROP “KILLING SPREE” OUT NOW AND ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM STRAIN OF PROFANITY

Canadian/Australian death metal unit LANGUISH IN DESPAIR have officially unleashed their latest slab of brutality, “Killing Spree,” now available worldwide via CDN Records. The track arrives as a full force statement ahead of their upcoming full-length album Strain of Profanity , set for release May 21, 2026.

This is not cleaned up, not softened, and not built for comfort. This is death metal stripped down to the bone.

Built on a foundation of pure hostility and minimalist extremity, LANGUISH IN DESPAIR operate as a two-piece with zero interest in polish, trends, or accessibility. What you get is raw execution, fast impact, and absolute underground intent. No filler. No gloss. No mercy.

The project features Jason, known for his work with Human Barbecue and Putrified J, alongside his transcontinental counterpart Marcel. Together they lock into a shared vision of relentless aggression, trading finesse for force and atmosphere for straight violence.

“Killing Spree” wastes no time. Blistering percussion, razor edged guitar tone, and guttural vocal delivery collide in a track that feels less like it was written and more like it was released into the world fully formed and fully hostile. It hits hard and keeps hitting harder.

With Strain of Profanity , the duo pushes that same philosophy into a full length assault built on chainsaw intensity, suffocating speed, and no interest in compromise. It is designed to punish speakers and listeners alike.

Two countries. One mission. Total death metal devastation.

ABOUT LANGUISH IN DESPAIR

LANGUISH IN DESPAIR is a Canadian/Australian two-piece forged in raw aggression and stripped down extremity. Featuring Jason and Marcel, the project removes anything unnecessary and leaves only riffs, speed, and anger. No gimmicks. No image games. Just pure underground death metal delivered without compromise.

“Killing Spree” is out now via CDN Records.

Strain of Profanity arrives May 21, 2026 via CDN Records.





Connect: 


https://cdnrecords.com/label-artists/languish-in-despair/ />
Contact: 

lambertjason4000@gmail.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28939/languish-in-despair-drop-killing-spree-out-now-and-announce-new-album-strain-of-profanity?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

STALEMATE OF WILLS FEATURED IN Metal Injection WEEKLY INJECTION ALONGSIDE HEAVY HITTERS AS THEY UNLEASH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM EXISTENCE DENIED — OUT NOW VIA FFTC RECORDS - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STALEMATE OF WILLS FEATURED IN Metal Injection WEEKLY INJECTION ALONGSIDE HEAVY HITTERS AS THEY UNLEASH FULL-LENGTH ALBUM EXISTENCE DENIED — OUT NOW VIA FFTC RECORDS

Appearing in “New Releases Out This Week – 5/1” | Stream the Crushing Single “Two Worlds” Now

Pittsburgh, PA — Doom-laden heaviness just kicked the door in. Rising underground force Stalemate of Wills have officially released their debut full-length album, Existence Denied , out now via FFTC Records. Loaded with suffocating riffs, bleak atmosphere, and raw emotional weight, the record puts this trio firmly on the map in the Doomcore and Sludge underground.

The band is already gaining serious traction, landing a feature in the Weekly Injection from Metal Injection as part of the “New Releases Out This Week – 5/1” roundup. They’re in strong company too, appearing alongside heavyweights like Sevendust and The Claypool Lennon Delirium , as well as a stacked lineup including -(16)-, Cage Fight, Health, Cognizance, Infected Dead, and Spell. Not a bad table to be sitting at.

Check it out here at this link:
https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/heavy-new-releases/the-weekly-injection-new-releases-from-sevendust-the-claypool-lennon-delirium-and-more-out-this-week-5-1 />
Leading the charge is the album’s standout single, “Two Worlds,” a crushing introduction to the band’s sound. Built on down-tuned groove, punishing atmosphere, and emotionally charged vocals, the track hits like a cinder block to the chest and lingers long after it’s over.

Listen to “Two Worlds” now:

https://stalemateofwills.bandcamp.com/track/two-worlds />
Drawing influence from sludge legends like Crowbar , Kingdom of Sorrow , and Down , Stalemate of Wills blend old-school weight with a modern edge. Their mantra of delivering “heavy riffs for a withering world” rings loud across Existence Denied , a record that dives into themes of internal collapse and external decay without pulling punches.

The trio lineup includes:
Derek Frustration – Guitar/Vocals
Jake Morris – Bass
Bob McSherry – Drums

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Eric Klinger , the album delivers a raw but clear punch, capturing the band’s intensity without sanding off the grit.

With Existence Denied now out in the wild and already rubbing shoulders with major names, Stalemate of Wills are proving they’ve got the weight, the grit, and the songs to back it up.

For fans of: Crowbar, Kingdom of Sorrow, Down
Genre: Doomcore / Sludgecore / Doom Metal / Sludge Metal

For press inquiries, interviews, or promo requests:
zach@metaldevastationradio.com




















 Follow STALEMATE OF WILLS:


https://stalemateofwills.com />
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089514490476 />
https://www.instagram.com/stalemate_of_wills_pgh/ />
https://stalemateofwills.bandcamp.com/music />
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0MtYfRDOat5ltNfpeqRNfB />
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stalemate-of-wills/1611800967 />
https://music.apple.com/us/album/two-worlds/1822116707 />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28937/stalemate-of-wills-featured-in-metal-injection-weekly-injection-alongside-heavy-hitters-as-they-unleash-full-length-album-existe?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

CRYSTALLION HONOR METAL LEGENDS WITH NEW MANOWAR TRIBUTE SINGLE, CONFIRM NEW ALBUM IN THE WORKS - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


CRYSTALLION HONOR METAL LEGENDS WITH NEW MANOWAR TRIBUTE SINGLE, CONFIRM NEW ALBUM IN THE WORKS

Bavarian heavy power metal outfit Crystallion return with a powerful new single, a tribute cover of a classic Manowar anthem, released in memory of legendary guitarist Ross the Boss . The track stands as both a salute to one of heavy metal’s most influential figures and a statement of respect to the roots that helped shape the genre itself.

The band delivers the cover with a heavier, more modern edge while staying true to the spirit and majesty of the original. It is raw, direct, and unapologetically metal, exactly what fans have come to expect from Crystallion’s renewed creative era.

The release marks an important moment in the band’s current chapter, as they continue to sharpen their identity following years of evolution, lineup changes, and a rebuilt creative direction. Rather than looking backward, Crystallion are using this moment to bridge their legacy sound with a more aggressive and focused modern approach.

Alongside the new single, Crystallion have confirmed that work is well underway on their upcoming sixth studio album. Recording sessions are scheduled for summer 2026 in Munich , with the record expected for release in Winter 2026/27 . The new material is being described as their most direct and forceful work to date, combining classic power metal foundations with a heavier, more urgent edge.

The upcoming album will mark a defining step forward for the band, expanding on the momentum of their recent creative resurgence while pushing deeper into a modernized sound without losing their identity.

Crystallion are not revisiting the past. They are reshaping it.

This new era is already in motion, and the message is clear. The fire is still burning, and it is only getting hotter.

For fans of: Manowar , Grave Digger , Riot , HammerFall , Helloween , Blind Guardian

Check out the new video and subscribe for updates on the upcoming album release.





 Connect:


https://linktr.ee/crystallion

Contact: tonimuehlbacher1@gmail.com


https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/28936/crystallion-honor-metal-legends-with-new-manowar-tribute-single-confirm-new-album-in-the-works?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger