Metal Devastation Radio Blog

Sunday, August 2, 2026

Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 08/02/26 - 08/07/26 - @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, TRIVAN , crushed the competition with a staggering 10,525,129 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, August 7th at 9PM EST!

Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands? 08/02/26 - 08/07/26

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29275/who-will-rise-as-this-weeks-champion-on-the-mdr-battle-of-the-bands-08-02-26-08-07-26?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

TRIVAN CROWNED AUGUST 2026 BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER MASSIVE 10,525,129 VOTE VICTORY - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TRIVAN CROWNED AUGUST 2026 BAND OF THE MONTH AFTER MASSIVE 10,525,129 VOTE VICTORY

Croatian extreme metal force TRIVAN have officially been crowned Battle of the Bands Champions and Band of the Month for August 2026 after dominating the competition with an incredible 10,525,129 votes , securing one of the most commanding victories in Battle of the Bands history.

The overwhelming support from metal fans across the globe propelled the band to a decisive win throughout July, further cementing TRIVAN as one of the underground's fastest rising extreme metal acts.

Originally formed in 2018 by guitarist and songwriter Vanja Šantak and bassist Ivan Bertović , the band's momentum was temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the shutdown, Šantak rebuilt the lineup by recruiting vocalist Tomislav Žiljak and drummer Robert Vlašić , both from Darkendome. In 2025, rhythm guitarist Marin Buljan joined the fold, adding another layer of depth and aggression to the band's ever-evolving sound.

Their latest single, "Abyss of Crawling Shadows," stands as one of the band's most emotionally powerful and musically devastating compositions to date. Released on April 24, 2026 , the song explores the crushing weight of grief, despair, and ultimately resilience through a relentless wall of crushing riffs, thunderous drums, and haunting melodies.

The inspiration behind the track is deeply personal. After nearly thirteen years, Vanja Šantak lost his beloved Cane Corso, Amon , an experience that left an immeasurable void. Rather than simply writing about loss, "Abyss of Crawling Shadows" transforms that grief into a journey through darkness toward strength. The song captures the silence left behind after losing a lifelong companion before culminating in a defiant declaration of survival.

What begins as a descent into sorrow becomes a triumphant refusal to surrender, embodied in the closing lyric:

"While demons laugh, I rise unbound, defiant in abyss."

Musically, TRIVAN blend crushing extreme metal with dark atmosphere, memorable songwriting, and emotionally charged lyrical themes that resonate far beyond traditional genre boundaries. Their ability to combine brutality with genuine human emotion has quickly earned them a growing international following.

"Abyss of Crawling Shadows" was recorded, produced, and mixed by Dave Kaminsky at Studio Wormwood , with mastering handled by Ryan Williams , delivering a massive production that perfectly captures the band's crushing intensity and cinematic scope.

Receiving 10,525,129 votes in the July Battle of the Bands competition is a remarkable achievement and reflects the incredible dedication of TRIVAN's rapidly expanding fanbase. Their overwhelming victory demonstrates that the band's music is connecting with listeners worldwide through authenticity, passion, and uncompromising heaviness.

As August 2026 Band of the Month , TRIVAN now join an elite group of Battle of the Bands champions whose music has captured the attention of metal fans across the globe.

Congratulations to TRIVAN on an unforgettable victory and a well-earned place in Battle of the Bands history.

Abyss Of Crawling Shadows by Trivan

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29274/trivan-crowned-august-2026-band-of-the-month-after-massive-10525129-vote-victory?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Frolic Talks Legacies of Cybernetica, Bay Area Thrash, Hectic Records and More on The Zach Moonshine Show - @thebeast

Frolic Talks Legacies of Cybernetica , Bay Area Thrash, Hectic Records and More on The Zach Moonshine Show

San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal outfit Frolic joined The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for an in-depth conversation about their acclaimed new album, Legacies of Cybernetica , their journey as one of the Bay Area's most exciting modern thrash bands, and what the future holds.

Released through Hectic Records , Legacies of Cybernetica has been turning heads across the metal underground, earning praise for its razor-sharp musicianship, progressive songwriting, and seamless blend of classic Bay Area aggression with modern technical precision. During the interview, the band expressed their gratitude for the overwhelmingly positive response.

"We're incredibly proud of it... we were excited and glad to finally be able to share this with folks."

Following the album's July release, Frolic celebrated with a pair of CD release shows before hitting the road to continue building momentum behind the record.

The conversation explored the creative process behind Legacies of Cybernetica , with the band discussing how they balance honoring the legendary Bay Area thrash legacy while refusing to become a nostalgia act. Rather than trying to imitate the past, Frolic embraces a wide range of influences that naturally shape their sound.

"We are as individuals, have our own influences... and we're gonna sound how we sound."

The band also spoke about working with Hectic Records , whose support helped bring the album to fans on vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital platforms, giving metalheads multiple ways to experience the release.

One of the interview's most memorable moments came when Frolic discussed receiving recognition from Banger TV's Metal Monthly , where Legacies of Cybernetica was highlighted as one of the standout releases of the month. For the band, it was a surreal milestone.

"I've been watching Banger for like 10 years... The fact that it got pushed all the way to the monthly video... I was screaming and shaking. I was so happy."

Throughout the interview, it was clear that Frolic is focused on writing the best music possible rather than chasing trends. Their dedication to musicianship, songwriting, and authenticity has positioned them as one of the strongest new voices carrying the Bay Area thrash tradition into the future.

If you missed the live broadcast, be sure to check out the full interview and hear the band discuss the making of Legacies of Cybernetica , their influences, life on the road, working with Hectic Records, the current state of thrash metal, and what's next for Frolic.

Listen and support the bands keeping metal alive!

Full Track List:

Battle Of the Bands Top Six Winners:

1 - Trivan - Dark Malicious Desire - (1,786,990 votes)
2 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (74,794 votes)
3 - Rage of Justice - Digital Prison - (18,968 votes)
4 - Heidbekka - Völva - (9,970 votes)
5 - K Gizzle - Viral - (6,666 votes)
6 - Virya - Technophobia - Live from FLSS 2026 - (6,031 votes)

The Zach Moonshine Intro

7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Sweet Leaf
8 - Iommi - World Alone (Single)
9 - SHERI MOON ZOMBIE - I Love My Robot
10 - Clusterfux - American Gestapo
11 - Blood Druid - Cowards
12 - Violence System - Kingdom
13 - Larcenia Roe - Sandy Cheeks

Frolic - Interview featuring Legacies of Cybernetica/Where the Spiders Sleep

14 - Megaton Communion - DisBelief
15 - MAUSOLENT - Stench of Death
16 - Stone Wielder - Nihilist
17 - JOHN FLY - LET IT GO
18 - Diamond Rain - I Need Love
19 - AS-33 - Lay With You
20 - GAME MISCONDUCT - Fullspeed Zamboni Massacre
21 - Death of the Heron - Demon Inside
22 - Maris Anguis - Tombs of Kaelis
23 - The Red Mountain - When The Hammer Drops/Cosmic Guns/N.I.B.
24 - Beyond Defiance - Cry
25 - Jonestown - Jonestown
26 - NetherDred - Necrodancer
27 - Sight of Theia - Children of the Uplift
28 - Post Death Soundtrack - Eve of Disaster (Explicit Lyrics)

The interview clips are also available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple etc.

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29273/frolic-talks-legacies-of-cybernetica-bay-area-thrash-hectic-records-and-more-on-the-zach-moonshine-show?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

Friday, July 31, 2026

BLACK ALTAR Unleashes "Infernal Damnation" Video From Upcoming 30th Anniversary Album XXX Years ov Rituals Upon the Black Altar – 1996-2026 - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLACK ALTAR Unleashes "Infernal Damnation" Video From Upcoming 30th Anniversary Album XXX Years ov Rituals Upon the Black Altar – 1996-2026

Black Altar returns to the abyss with the first taste of its highly anticipated 30th anniversary release, XXX Years ov Rituals Upon the Black Altar – 1996-2026 , due out October 15, 2026 via Odium Records .

Celebrating three decades of uncompromising darkness, the band has unveiled the official video for the new track "Infernal Damnation," offering fans a glimpse into a monumental retrospective that honors Black Altar's legacy while reaffirming its unwavering devotion to the black arts.

Spanning approximately 80 minutes, XXX Years ov Rituals Upon the Black Altar – 1996-2026 serves as both a celebration and a ritualistic journey through the band's storied history. The album combines newly recorded material with carefully selected tracks from across Black Altar's discography, all newly remastered to create the definitive anniversary collection.

Steeped in themes of death, witchcraft, devil worship, and the Qliphotic Void, the release captures the essence of Black Altar's signature sound and enduring influence within the underground black metal scene. The anniversary album stands as a testament to three decades of relentless dedication to the genre's darkest traditions.

Fans can experience the first chapter of this occult celebration now by watching the official video for "Infernal Damnation."

Watch "Infernal Damnation"

Release Information

Band: Black Altar
Album: XXX Years ov Rituals Upon the Black Altar – 1996-2026
Release Date: October 15, 2026
Label: Odium Records
Format: Digital, CD
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Poland

For Fans Of

Behemoth, Marduk, Watain, Dark Funeral, Infernal War

Follow Black Altar

Website: www.black-altar-horde.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackaltar
Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackaltarband

Follow Odium Records

Website: www.odiumrex.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/odiumrex
Instagram: www.instagram.com/odiumrecords
Bandcamp: www.odiumrecords.bandcamp.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/odiumrec

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29272/black-altar-unleashes-infernal-damnation-video-from-upcoming-30th-anniversary-album-xxx-years-ov-rituals-upon-the-black-altar?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announces New Single "Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse" Out August 14, 2026 - @thebeast

Thursday, July 30, 2026

VIOLENCE SYSTEM UNLEASHES DARK MELODIC DEATH METAL ASSAULT WITH THE HOLLOWING ARRIVING AUGUST 7TH - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIOLENCE SYSTEM UNLEASHES DARK MELODIC DEATH METAL ASSAULT WITH THE HOLLOWING ARRIVING AUGUST 7TH

Atlanta Metal Force Builds Momentum With Four Crushing Singles Including “Endmother,” “Reflection,” “Pain Made Me God,” and “Kingdom”

Atlanta, Georgia melodic death metal force Violence System are preparing to unleash their newest full-length release, The Hollowing , arriving August 7th on all major streaming platforms. Leading into the album’s arrival, the band has delivered a relentless series of singles showcasing the depth, aggression, and evolving darkness of their latest material.

The album campaign began with the release of “Endmother” on May 7th, 2026, introducing listeners to the devastating atmosphere and crushing intensity that would define The Hollowing . The band continued building anticipation with “Reflection” on May 28th, followed by the emotionally charged and punishing “Pain Made Me God” on June 26th, and most recently, the explosive “Kingdom” released on July 17th.

Each single reveals another layer of Violence System’s signature sound, blending razor-sharp melodic death metal precision with crushing heaviness, dark cinematic textures, and an uncompromising emotional intensity.

Drawing influence from the brutality of Thy Art Is Murder, the technical ferocity of Decapitated, and the grand, atmospheric darkness of Dimmu Borgir, Violence System have crafted a sound that is both devastating and immersive. Their music balances complex musicianship with memorable melodies, delivering a powerful experience that feels massive, chaotic, and deeply personal.

Formed in 2015, the Atlanta-based five-piece has spent years carving out their place within the underground metal community. Known for their explosive songwriting and intense live presence, Violence System continue pushing the boundaries of modern melodic death metal while staying rooted in the aggression and authenticity that drives the genre.

With The Hollowing , the band explores themes of decay, suffering, existential collapse, and the darker aspects of human nature. The album promises to deliver some of Violence System’s most ambitious and punishing material to date, combining devastating riffs, haunting atmospheres, and relentless intensity from beginning to end.

Fans can stream “Endmother,” “Reflection,” “Pain Made Me God,” and “Kingdom” now ahead of the full release of The Hollowing on August 7th.

Stream Violence System:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wE9grWmR6adR4mvqjuenS">
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wE9grWmR6adR4mvqjuenS />

For more information, promo requests, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

zach@metaldevastationradio.com

Follow the band and label at these links:

https://facebook.com/ViolenceSystemOfficial />
https://violencesystemga.bandcamp.com/ />
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wE9grWmR6adR4mvqjuenS">
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wE9grWmR6adR4mvqjuenS />
https://www.facebook.com/DarkSailsEntertainment />

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29263/violence-system-unleashes-dark-melodic-death-metal-assault-with-the-hollowing-arriving-august-7th?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger

LORD GRYPHUS Unleash Sepultura Cover “Troops of Doom” Featuring Members of Creeping Death and Soulfly - @thebeast

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LORD GRYPHUS Unleash Sepultura Cover “Troops of Doom” Featuring Members of Creeping Death and Soulfly

Austin Death Metal Trio Releases Bonus Track Video From Debut Album “Summoning the King of Death”

Stream “Summoning the King of Death”:

https://lordgryphus.bandcamp.com/album/summoning-the-king-of-death-2">
https://lordgryphus.bandcamp.com/album/summoning-the-king-of-death-2 />
https://lordgryphus.hearnow.com/">
https://lordgryphus.hearnow.com/ />
Austin, Texas death metal outfit Lord Gryphus have unleashed a new music video for “Troops of Doom,” a devastating bonus track from their debut full-length album Summoning the King of Death , released July 17, 2026.

The track delivers Lord Gryphus’ ferocious take on one of extreme metal’s most influential early anthems, originally written and performed by Sepultura for their legendary 1986 debut album Morbid Visions . Staying true to the raw aggression and primitive energy of the original, Lord Gryphus transform the classic track through their own ritualistic and uncompromising death metal vision.

The cover features guest appearances from Reese Alavi of Creeping Death on vocals and Mike De León (Flesh Hoarder / Soulfly) with a blistering guest guitar solo, adding further intensity to this tribute to one of metal’s foundational moments.

The accompanying video brings the concept of Summoning the King of Death to life, following the album’s ritualistic themes as Reese Alavi and Mike De León are summoned through flames before the video transitions into a live performance from Lord Gryphus, capturing the band’s raw energy and ceremonial atmosphere.

“Troops of Doom” represents a salute to the pioneers who helped define extreme metal while honoring the underground spirit that continues to drive the genre forward.

Formed as an anonymous masked three-piece, Lord Gryphus channel the darkness and aggression of classic death metal while building their own mythology around execution, sacrifice, and devotion to the carrion deity Lord Gryphus, inspired by Vultur gryphus , the Andean condor and a symbol connected to death, transcendence, and spiritual power.

Their debut album Summoning the King of Death delivers a crushing blend of old-school death metal brutality, oppressive atmosphere, and ritualistic intensity. Drawing influence from legendary acts including Morbid Angel, Gorefest, Sepultura, Grave, Autopsy, Incantation, and Sinister , the band creates a sound rooted in the savage spirit of the early extreme metal underground.

Lyrically, the album explores themes of colonial violence, cultural erasure, imposed religion, ancestral traditions, and forgotten histories, creating a release that is as conceptual as it is confrontational.

Summoning the King of Death was recorded at Red Nova Ranch in Bastrop, Texas , with Jeff Henson handling tracking, reamping, guitars, and bass. Vocals were recorded and produced by Kike Valderrama at Buziraco's Lair Studio . The album was mixed and mastered by Andrés Mauricio Gallón at Sound Blast Studios in Armenia, Colombia .

Lord Gryphus also recently brought their ceremonial brand of destruction to the stage alongside legendary death metal veterans Internal Suffering during select dates of their 30th Anniversary North American Tour .

Album Details

Artist: Lord Gryphus
Album: Summoning the King of Death
Release Date: July 17, 2026
Genre: Death Metal

For Fans Of:
Morbid Angel, Gorefest, Sepultura, Grave, Necrot, Morgoth, Autopsy, Baphomet, Incantation, Sinister, and classic underground death metal.

“Troops of Doom” Credits

Originally written and performed by Sepultura
From Morbid Visions (1986)

Guest Vocals: Reese Alavi (Creeping Death)
Guest Guitar Solo: Mike De León (Flesh Hoarder / Soulfly)

Album Credits

Produced by Lord Gryphus

Drums tracked and instruments reamped by Jeff Henson at Red Nova Ranch, Bastrop, Texas

Vocals recorded and produced by Kike Valderrama at Buziraco's Lair Studio

Mixed and Mastered by Andrés Mauricio Gallón at Sound Blast Studios, Armenia, Colombia

Artwork by Luisa (Subhuman Being)

CD Layout and Art Direction by Chalo

Photography by TYLORD

Lord Gryphus Statement:

“This album is our declaration of allegiance to death metal in its purest form. Influenced by the savage spirit of the early 90s, Summoning the King of Death delivers raw aggression, ritualistic atmosphere, and a reverence for death that transcends time and culture.”

Watch the videos:

Connect :

https://www.facebook.com/lordgryphus/ />
https://www.instagram.com/lordgryphus />
https://www.youtube.com/@LORDGRYPHUS />
https://lordgryphus.bandcamp.com/album/summoning-the-king-of-death-2">
https://lordgryphus.bandcamp.com/album/summoning-the-king-of-death-2 />
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5sW7Q2eHbT0hZgAjZJIm3U />
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lord-gryphus/1867239265 />
https://lordgryphus.hearnow.com/">
https://lordgryphus.hearnow.com/ />
Contact:
Carlos Ramirez
lordgryphusband@gmail.com

https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29262/lord-gryphus-unleash-sepultura-cover-troops-of-doom-featuring-members-of-creeping-death-and-soulfly?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger