Category: news

Danish death/metallic hardcore outfit LIFESICK returns with another stand-alone single, “At War With You,” a raucous and driving auditory assault that matches the band’s reputation for ferocious, emotionally charged music. The band comments, “‘At War With You’ opens with a death metal-inspired bass riff before the full band crashes in with relentless double-kick energy. The track moves […]

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Ontario heavy newcomers As Oceans Divide will release their self‑titled debut EP on July 9, 2026, with a full‑album stream premiering exclusively at BraveWords.com. The EP stands as both the band’s official introduction and a deeply personal tribute, released in memory of bassist Dale Burrows, whose passing in March 2026 profoundly shaped the band’s journey and the emotional weight behind […]

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Story & photos by Joe Schaeffer

Once again, Ringo Starr returned to Beverly Hills to ring in his 86th birthday on July 7, 2026. Taking place at at the Beverly Hills Garden Park, Ringo was joined family, band members, friends, and fans. The event, hosted by T-Bone Burnette, featured musical performances of Beatle songs with The Texans — Molly Tuttle, Sarah Jarosz, Daniel Tashian, Colin Linden, David Mansfield, Ketch Secor, Jeff Picker and the Children from Adopt the Arts Chorus.

Other luminaries in attendance included Ringo’s wife Barbara Starkey, Marjorie Walsh, Ed Begley Jr, Gregg Bissonette, T Bone Burnett, Henry Diltz, Warren Ham, Colin Hay, Sarah Jarosz, Jim Keltner, Colin Linden, Steve Lukather, David Mansfield, Richard Marx, Blake Mills, Roy & Asa Orbison, Matt Sorum, Daniel Tashian, Molly Tuttle, Diane Warren, Gabe Witcher and many others.

As with every Ringo birthday party came the special “Peace & Love” exclamation at noon, shared worldwide, before they cut the birthday cake and celebrated 86 trips around the sun for Ringo Starr. Check out photos from the event below.

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
METAL DEVASTATION PR CLIENTS TAKE OVER POWERPLAY ROCK & METAL MAGAZINE’S DEEP PURPLE COVER ISSUE
Element Of Fate, Sum Of Seven, Hellrazor, Stygian Mind, Awaiting Abigail, and The Crooked Skulls Featured Alongside Rock & Metal Legends
Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that multiple clients have been featured in the latest issue of Powerplay Rock & Metal Magazine , one of the UK’s premier rock and metal publications. The highly anticipated issue features legendary rock icons Deep Purple on the cover and includes appearances from some of the biggest names in heavy music including Rachel Bolan of Skid Row , Armored Saint , Moonspell , Lex Legion , and many more.
With a lineup this stacked, this issue is expected to move quickly off the shelves, making these features a major achievement for the independent artists involved.
Representing the strength and diversity of today’s underground metal scene, Metal Devastation PR clients featured throughout this special issue include:
ELEMENT OF FATE

Dreamfall

Symphonic Metal | Independent

Washington, DC and Portland-based symphonic metal duo Element Of Fate received an album review for their debut release Dreamfall . The review highlights the band’s ambitious blend of symphonic, gothic, and progressive metal while recognizing the creative vision and musical talent of Scott Loose and Carol Phillips.
The magazine praised the duo’s dramatic approach and noted the ambition behind their debut, acknowledging the band’s drive to create a powerful and expansive sound.
SUM OF SEVEN

Echoes Of The Hypermind

Progressive Rock / Metal | Inverse

Finnish progressive metal band Sum Of Seven earned major coverage with both an in-depth interview and album review for their latest release Echoes Of The Hypermind .
The feature explores the band’s evolution, their return after a seven-year gap, the addition of vocalist Marko Loukamaa, and the creative concepts behind their futuristic and thought-provoking new album.
Powerplay praised the album’s ability to balance progressive complexity with melodic accessibility, highlighting the band’s unique approach to exploring the relationship between technology, artificial intelligence, and humanity.
HELLRAZOR

Wings Of Deliverance

80s Rock | Independent

Rockers Hellrazor are featured with an interview and album review discussing their latest release Wings Of Deliverance .
Frontman Kasey Haze sat down with Steve Swift to discuss the band’s independent approach, modern music business strategies, songwriting philosophy, and their decision to maintain creative control outside of the traditional label system.
The review celebrates Hellrazor’s Sunset Strip-inspired sound, praising their catchy songwriting, arena-ready guitars, memorable hooks, and classic 80s rock influence.
STYGIAN MIND

The Fear Machine

Heavy Metal | Settle For It Records

Metal veterans Stygian Mind received coverage for their debut album The Fear Machine . Featuring members connected to legendary death metal act Deceased , the band delivers a powerful traditional heavy metal attack built on soaring vocals, dueling guitar work, and epic songwriting.
Powerplay highlighted the band’s classic metal influences, cinematic arrangements, and standout vocal performances, drawing comparisons to legendary voices such as Rob Halford, Ralf Scheepers, and King Diamond.
AWAITING ABIGAIL

Bad Mind

Rock / Metal | Independent

Rising American rock/metal band Awaiting Abigail earned a glowing review for their debut EP Bad Mind .
The review praises vocalist Abigail Hill’s powerful performance and compares her commanding style to the likes of Lzzy Hale of Halestorm . Powerplay highlighted the band’s memorable songwriting, strong production, and ability to deliver a debut release that makes a lasting impression.
THE CROOKED SKULLS

Midnight Sun

Stoner / Desert Rock | Electric Desert Records

New Jersey stoner/desert rock trio The Crooked Skulls were featured with a review of their debut album Midnight Sun .
Powerplay praised the band’s heavy grooves, Sabbath-inspired doom influences, psychedelic atmosphere, and exceptional musicianship, highlighting the band’s ability to capture the raw energy and feel of a powerful live performance.
The review also recognizes guest guitarist Bob Balch of Fu Manchu and celebrates the band’s authentic approach to riff-driven desert rock.


CELEBRATING INDEPENDENT METAL ON A GLOBAL STAGE

Having multiple Metal Devastation PR clients featured in the same issue alongside legendary artists is a testament to the incredible talent coming from the independent metal community.
From symphonic metal and progressive rock to traditional heavy metal, hard rock, and stoner/desert sounds, this issue showcases the incredible variety and creativity thriving throughout today’s scene.
“Getting independent artists into respected publications like Powerplay Rock & Metal Magazine is exactly why we do what we do,” says Zach Moonshine of Metal Devastation PR. “These bands work incredibly hard, and seeing them share pages with legendary artists like Deep Purple, Skid Row, Armored Saint, and Moonspell is a huge accomplishment.”
Congratulations to Element Of Fate, Sum Of Seven, Hellrazor, Stygian Mind, Awaiting Abigail, and The Crooked Skulls on this outstanding achievement.
A huge thank you to the team at Powerplay Rock & Metal Magazine for continuing to support and spotlight incredible artists from around the world.
About Metal Devastation PR

Metal Devastation PR is an international heavy metal public relations company dedicated to helping independent bands, established artists, and record labels reach new audiences through strategic media campaigns, magazine features, interviews, reviews, radio promotion, and worldwide press coverage.

French black metal outfit MIASMES will release their second full-length album, Violence, Blasphème et Pourriture, on September 18, 2026 via Les Acteurs de L’Ombre Productions. Formed in 2021, MIASMES brings together three musicians with varied backgrounds: G. on bass and vocals, formerly of Ritualization and also known for live work with Antaeus and Seth; K. […]

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Last month L’Rain announced her new album fata morgana and shared the phenomenal lead single “soulless cycle,” which some are calling the Song Of The Summer. I would not argue with them. On July 4, she briefly put the track “July 5” on streaming for a day. Now Taja Cheek is back with “borderline.”

The post L’Rain – “borderline” appeared first on Stereogum.

Cat Out of Hell by Fantastic Cat Fantastic Cat’s third album is another classic, nothing but pure pop perfection. Four songwriters with distinct styles blend here in a way that shouldn’t work as well as it does — sharp and spirited in both lyric and melody. And credit where it’s due: any album title that […]

German symphonic metal band XANDRIA presents the third single from their upcoming album, Eclipse. “Northstar” is a guiding light in their discography. The track features uplifting dynamics with Celtic tin and low whistles, weaving together heavy guitars, cinematic grandeur, and folk elements, to create a journey full of discoveries. Looking back on a career spanning more than 30 years and […]

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Brazilian heavy metal roadsters Creatures will return to Europe in early 2027, promising “another heavy metal assault”. The dates include appearances at Up the Hammers Aftermath in Athens, Greece, and Heavy Metal Thunder Festival in Pisek, Czechia. The band’s latest album, Creatures II, was released in November 2025.
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A new chapter begins. German metal veterans BRAINSTORM have officially announced their brand-new studio album, Nightfall. The band’s forthcoming full-length will be released via Reigning Phoenix Music in Spring 2027, marking the next milestone in a career spanning more than three decades.

Following the critically acclaimed Plague Of Rats, BRAINSTORM continue to expand the lyrical universe inspired by Indian mythology while delivering the powerful songwriting, memorable hooks and unmistakable heaviness that have become the band’s trademark. At the same time, Nightfall will see the band embracing an even rawer and more dynamic approach, reaffirming the qualities that have made BRAINSTORM one of Germany’s most enduring metal acts.

Nightfall also introduces BRAINSTORM‘s current lineup, welcoming bassist Danij Perl and drummer Kevin Lütolf. Together with vocalist Andy B. Franck and guitarists Torsten Ihlenfeld and Milan Loncaric, the renewed lineup has forged an album that confidently looks ahead while staying true to the band’s unmistakable identity.

Andy B. Franck comments:
“It’s been a while since you last heard from me, right? Well, buckle up because next year sees the release of our new album, Nightfall, which takes us even deeper into the realm of Indian mythology and more demonic realms.

Nightfall brings you to a world of beauty and grace, but also of death and despair. I’m so excited and can’t wait to drag you all down into these abysses with me, haha! I’m really keen to bring more of that raw, primal power back into the traditional sound. The result is going to blow your minds, and with my friend Seeb (Sebastian ‘Seeb’ Leverman\Orden Ogan) at the mixing desk, we can look forward to an awesome metal album in the spring of ’27! So, get ready for an incredible journey…”

Further details about Nightfall, including a first single and more info, will be revealed in the coming months.

Connect with BRAINSTORM:
www.brainstorm-web.net
www.facebook.com/officialbrainstorm
www.instagram.com/official.brainstorm

Source: C Squared Music