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  • Country Joe McDonald, Whose Antiwar Song Became an Anthem, Dies at 84

    One of the starring acts at Woodstock, he and his band, the Fish, came out of the Bay Area’s psychedelic rock scene. He went on to a long career as a solo artist.
  • Zion Bittenbender Responds to Sexual Misconduct Allegations; Vulvodynia Releases Statement

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    We might as well just start a trend called “shithead Sunday” or something, since it seems like we always end up talking about the shitty bums on the dark lord’s day. This edition features Zion Bittenbender, who was recently kicked out of Vulvodynia for sexual misconduct allegations. Other than his removal the band have remained pretty silent on the situation, though they’ve now released a statement. Let’s get that out of the way first:

    “We would like to apologize for the delay in addressing this situation. We took time to step back and carefully consider the appropriate course of action. After serious internal discussion, we have decided to part ways with Zion. We will also no longer be participating in the upcoming US tour with Defeated Sanity.

    “We take allegations of sexual misconduct extremely seriously. Our priority is maintaining an environment that reflects our values and respects our fans, peers, and the wider community. After careful consideration of the circumstances, we believe this decision is in the best interest of the band moving forward.

    “We also acknowledge that aspects of how this was initially handled were not managed in the way they should have been, and we sincerely apologize. We will now begin the process of finding a new vocalist. Details regarding auditions will be shared soon. In the meantime, Lwandile will be handling vocal duties for our remaining shows this year.

    “We appreciate the patience of our fans and remain committed to moving forward with focus and integrity.”

    Bittenbender wasn’t even in the band for that long. The allegations came out pretty much right after Vulvodynia named him as their new vocalist. Bittenbender isn’t going down without a fight though, since last night (Saturday, March 7), he took to his Instagram and released his own statement of sorts and a gaggle of receipts that allegedly support his side of things. The 15-slide carousel shown screenshots of him talking with the band and their manager, which to him, show that that they didn’t believe the allegations but chose to fire him anyway.

    Here’s the whole post, typed out by our loves at our sister publication Metal Injection:

    #1, Bittenbender: “I didn’t want to have to make this post but I have to defend myself regarding Vulvodynia’s statement about removing me from the band. Firstly, I want to talk about the Defeated Sanity Tour.

    #2, Bittenbender: “This is a message from Vulvodynia’s manager, Lyn. It states that we got removed from the tour purely on a business decision and risk of losing money.
    Lyn: “Just to update you, the US agent has confirmed that Vulvodynia have been removed from the Defeated Sanity tour. This was ultimately a venue and promoter decision. When the allegations first surfaced, venues had already threatened to pull the shows, and the only reason the band remained on the tour at that time was because Zion was sent home and not present. With him back in the lineup, the agent doesn’t want to risk cancellations or financial losses across the tour. There won’t be any public reason listed for the removal, to avoid drawing further attention to the situation.”

    #3, Bittenbender: “Here is another email from Liam Frith explaining that if Vulvodynia removed me, they would still be on the tour. Vulvodynia only got kicked from the tour because they knew I was innocent and stood up for me.

    Liam: “Hey guys, I want to make this one super clear, in case there is a misconception somewhere. The reason we had to remove Vulv from the tour is because when the allegations came to light we had venues threatening to cancel their dates, prior to the tour being announced, but I was able to cool the situation after you had sent Zion home. With Zion staying in the band, the same promoters will pull out of the dates, which was not an option for us. This was purely a business decision, and not a personal decision. For reference, we did not want to remove the band from the tour, and I made it very clear to Lyn for a week beforehand that if Zion were to stay in the band, this would be the outcome because I cannot have this blowing back on Defeated Sanity for your decision, and risk Defeated Sanity’s headline tour being negatively impacted financially.”

    #4: The next slide is a recording of a voice note that Kris [Xenopoulos] sent into a band group chat, stating that “the thing about this though is not that people believe that this is real, they’re just so worried about money. We are here to make music, and make the music that we want to make… all these industry people that are so scared. But, we’ll get over this, we just need to prove ourselves… it might take a year or two of proving ourselves, but after this new music releases, people will show the love for us.”

    #5, Bittenbender: “I was waiting on the band to make a statement about the situation. We were advised to say nothing until a plan was made.

    [Unspecified]: “Okay, understood! Just know we aren’t going to stay silent, we are just waiting to know what the plan is. Unchained manages huge bands like Lorna Shore. They just are going to give us some direction. Because we also don’t want to bring anymore attention to it and blow it up again when we can keep it under control. That’s all we’ve been advised from our manager is to just say nothing for now until he knows what to do.”

    #6, Bittenbender: “For reference, this was the statement that Vulvodynia was going to post about the situation but never ended up posting it. We all agreed to vote on a statement and this was the one the majority of us agreed upon.

    [Unspecified]: “Unfortunately as you may have noticed, we have been dropped from the Defeated Sanity tour. This was out of our control. For transparency, this decision was made after venues threatened to cancel the shows as a result of false rumours spread about our new vocalist, Zion.

    “Defeated Sanity had nothing to do with this decision, and we’re stoked our friends in Inferi are replacing us on the bill. Please support the tour if you do have tickets.

    “We know this is disappointing for our fans and we sincerely apologise. As a South African band touring in the USA, it’s very expensive and we’ve already invested heavily into this tour with visas and will be working towards a return to North America soon.”

    #7, Bittenbender: “Comments were being made by fans wondering why we were removed from the tour. Luke [Haaroff] stating that Vulvodynia was removed from standing up for an innocent friend.
    “Yeah, the last few times was vias. This time it’s because we’re standing by our completely innocent friend. :)”

    #8, Bittenbender: “I waited roughly two weeks and nobody gave me updates and no statement was made. They started to remove themselves from tagged posts with me and distance themselves so that it looked like they had no association with me so they could get future tours and shows.”
    “Yes, we need a complete social media blackout for now, especially from Zion. Let’s get this settled over the weekend with the agent and we can get on a call next week to discuss future touring plans.”

    #9: Bittenbender then includes a collage of screenshots showing the band removing themselves from collaborative posts.

    #10, Bittenbender: “About a week or so after, the band wanted to jump in a video call to discuss some things. In this call, I was informed that I was to part ways with the band. They stated that the backlash from everything scared management and venues enough that it caused too much of a financial loss for the band that they can’t recover from if I were to remain an active member.”

    #11, Bittenbender: “In the video chat, we came to an agreement that the band would not post a statement until we all agreed of what it entailed. I waited weeks for a statement and nothing came of it.”

    #12, Bittenbender: “A day later, Luke [Haaroff] messages me this explaining that the decision was a business decision and that he would defend me if anyone talks bad on my name.

    [Haaroff]: “Hey bro… hope you’re doing okay and everything. Still here for you if you ever need and I’ll always be here to talk to. The business stuff sucks, but I still see you as a friend and will vehemently defend you if anyone talks bad on your name around me no matter what. I love you dude, and I mean that. I’m so sad that this all came down the way it did, genuinely. And I totally understand if you don’t like me or anything after this. But as we said it literally wasn’t our decision anymore and it fucking sucks man. We all love you… but if you wanna talk and just kick the shit, hit me up. I’m here for you. You’re my fucking friend and nothing will change that. I’m so passionate about that fact, like you have no idea. Just know that I’m here for you through the thick and thin, no matter what dumbass bullshit business there is. I’m here for you. I love you so much as a person…”

    #13, Bittenbender: “I was tired of waiting and nobody was man enough to make a statement on the matter. I posted this on my story in annoyance of the metal community as a whole. Unfortunately, Vulvodynia took this as a personal attack and proceeded to block me on everything.

    [Statement Posted]: “For those who are wondering, yes, I’m no longer in Vulvodynia. The community is a shitshow and scared management enough to get me removed/cancelled. Nobody is man enough to post a statement and just say what happened. I’m still here, it’s not a big deal to me. New music coming, fuck ’em all.”

    #14, Bittenbender: “Two days later, Vulvodynia posted a statement that was never agreed upon as they said they would. I have since been blocked by everyone in the band.”

    #15, Bittenbender: “For the foreseeable future, I will be continuing as business as usual working on projects and covers. I appreciate Vulvodynia for the experience and opportunity they gave me. I just wanted to come on here to provide answers.”

    I don’t even have words anymore.

    The post Zion Bittenbender Responds to Sexual Misconduct Allegations; Vulvodynia Releases Statement appeared first on MetalSucks.

  • KREATOR’s MILLE PETROZZA Reflects On Almost Joining CELTIC FROST

    A photo of the band Kreator.

    Kreator frontman reflects on 1986 offer to join Swiss metal pioneers Celtic Frost, ultimately choosing to focus on his own band.

    The post KREATOR's MILLE PETROZZA Reflects On Almost Joining CELTIC FROST appeared first on Metal Injection.

  • Joseph “Country Joe” McDonald Dead At 84

    Joseph Allen “Country Joe” McDonald has died. The singer/songwriter who fronted counterculture folk-rock icons Country Joe And The Fish passed away last night, according to TMZ. McDonald wrote the Berkeley, California psychedelic band’s most enduring songs, including the Vietnam War protest anthem “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag” and “Not So Sweet Martha Lorraine,” their sole Hot 100 hit. Country Joe And The Fish were a fixture of San Francisco’s Summer Of Love in 1967 and also played Woodstock. Over his career, McDonald released dozens of solo albums in addition to his output with the band, most recently 50 in 2017. He was 84.

    The post Joseph “Country Joe” McDonald Dead At 84 appeared first on Stereogum.

  • Punch The Monkey Visited By Fellow Celebrity

    Japan’s Ichikawa City Zoo is the latest zoo to benefit from one of their animals having a viral moment online. This time the animal star is Punch, a baby snow monkey who started getting a lot of attention earlier this year due in part to his sad origin story: He was abandoned by his mother shortly after his birth last summer, and in her absence Punch got attached to a stuffed orangutan toy from IKEA. Other macaques at the zoo, oblivious to the outcast’s rising fame, have been documented bullying poor Punch. But in recent weeks, the folks at Ichikawa say Punch has been doing a much better job socializing, he’s clinging to his plushie less often, and he’s even able to go a full day without getting bullied. Now Punch is hanging out with real-deal celebrities.

    The post Punch The Monkey Visited By Fellow Celebrity appeared first on Stereogum.

  • ZION BITTENBENDER Claims VULVODYNIA Believes Assault Allegations Made Against Him Were False, And He Was Fired Anyway

    Vulvodynia

    Zion Bittenbender claims that his ex-bandmates in Vulvodynia didn’t believe the sexual assault allegations made against him were true, and still fired him anyway.

    The post ZION BITTENBENDER Claims VULVODYNIA Believes Assault Allegations Made Against Him Were False, And He Was Fired Anyway appeared first on Metal Injection.

  • Ex-The S.E.T. Brady Ebert Urges Fans Not to Support “Cover Band” After Exit

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    Honestly, the whole Brady Ebert saga just keeps getting funnier and funnier. He’s really out here just throwing shade and being shitty for like, no reason, and I cannot stand how it just makes me giggle. As a refresher, Ebert was kicked out of the band about a month ago for talking shit on his other old band Turnstile and being a shitty person in general (more on that here) and now, he’s got another lil shit message to deliver about them.

    The S.E.T. just released their debut EP, Self Evident Truth, on March 6, which prompted Ebert to take to his Instagram that same day to throw some shade:

    “The S.e.t. Ep came out today. Check it out on Spotify or somewhere streaming but dont support the band, as at this point it’s more a cover band than anything. I’m proud of the sound I created and the riffs on that album, as well as the whole art direction and image that I contributed.

    “I’m not normally one to talk on the internet or publicly as anyone who knows me knows but misinformation and lying are becoming an epidemic in this world”

    Calling your old band a cover band is just so funny to me, especially since you know he’s got other (and more important) things to tend to, like his new project called Experience with drummer Ben Rogers and bassist Bobby Faithful. Instead of still looking for ways to poke at your former bandmates, maybe focus on not getting kicked out of this band? Even though I think he started Experience himself, I wouldn’t be surprised if he somehow managed to fuck this one up, too.

    Ex-The S.E.T. Brady Ebert Urges Fans Not to Support “Cover Band” After Exit

    The post Ex-The S.E.T. Brady Ebert Urges Fans Not to Support “Cover Band” After Exit appeared first on MetalSucks.

  • Review: Kevin Steele – One Thing Left To Do

    Review: Kevin Steele – One Thing Left To Do Steele Records – (February 27th, 2026) Reviewer – David Brighouse Kevin Steele the legendary lead singer and frontman of Roxx Gang and The Mojo Gurus is back with his first solo record which features 11 tracks that showcase his masterful songwriting across a variety of musical […]

    The post Review: Kevin Steele – One Thing Left To Do appeared first on ROCKPOSER DOT COM!.

  • Negative Sixxx Brings the Fury: Exclusive Interview on Metal Devastation Radio – @thebeast

    Negative Sixxx Brings the Fury: Exclusive Interview on Metal Devastation Radio

    Friday night, the metal underground was rattled as Sid Frankosky of Negative Sixxx joined Metal Devastation Radio for a live interview, talking about their crushing new single “Agony,” the upcoming Blood and Bones EP , and the relentless energy that’s been turning heads across the thrash and modern metal scene. The full show is now available on Mixcloud, but we’re breaking down the highlights from this raw, no-compromise conversation.
    Blood, Bones, and Brutal Riffs

    Negative Sixxx is not here to play nice. Sid Frankosky and his bandmates deliver a full-throttle mix of thrash and modern metal, with razor-sharp guitars, punishing rhythms, and ferocious vocals that hit like a sledgehammer. Their new single, “Agony,” was a key focus of the interview. Sid explained how the track evolved from a song originally called “Gravity,” with lyrics that now channel the chaos and negativity of the modern world while keeping fans’ hearts pumping:


    “Every day the world’s going crazy, man. So yeah, we’re trying… to write a ship that gets your heart pumping, your blood flowing, dude.”


    The band’s upcoming EP Blood and Bones is set to showcase their evolution further, with a mix of aggressive riffs and precise songwriting that’s built for live performance.
    DIY Metal Meets Professional Vision

    Fans were curious about the making of the “Agony” video, and Sid didn’t hold back, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the process. Filmed in a tight, intense five-hour session, the video included some unplanned natural rain on the drum kit—adding to the authenticity and raw energy:


    “That was real, not fake… we had to make the best of it before it rains too hard because of our gear.”


    Sid also credited the pro team behind the video, including Paul McGuire , known for working with Hatebreed and Fear Factory. The combination of DIY grit and professional expertise captures the band’s ethos perfectly: heavy, real, and relentless.
    Sharing Stages with Legends

    The conversation quickly turned to live experiences, and Sid didn’t hold back about the thrill of sharing stages with icons like Vio-lence, Sadus, Suicidal Tendencies, and Exodus :


    “All these dudes are giving us props… it’s pretty wild, man. Respect is earned, and I think we’ve earned it from these guys.”


    He also shared stories about guest appearances from members of Hatebreed and Machine Head , highlighting the sense of community and respect within the metal scene:


    “We jammed with Wayne Lowry… he just beat a brain tumor, man. Such a super cool dude.”


    Fans also got insight into the band’s early history, forming six to seven years ago in the Bay Area and building from casual jam sessions to opening for some of thrash metal’s most legendary acts.
    The Tennessee Metal Scene and Beyond

    Though the band hails from California, Sid is pumped about the growing metal scene in Tennessee, including the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest :


    “These people come out of the woodwork… they’re so hungry for it, man.”


    Plans are already underway for more tours, including West Coast dates across Nevada, Arizona, Washington, and Oregon, with hopes of circling back to Tennessee once resources allow.
    Gear, Recording, and Songwriting

    Sid opened up about the technical side of the band’s sound, from Chris and Rick’s killer pedal and amp setups to Mark’s laser-accurate drum triggers sourced all the way from Russia:


    “It shoots a laser down to his kick drum so it never misses. It’s lazy. It’s laser, bro.”


    The recording process at Trident Studios, with engineer Juan Urteaga (known for working with Exodus, Testament, and Death Angel), follows a structured workflow: drum tracks first, scratch guitar, additional guitar layers, and finally vocals, ensuring that every note is as powerful live as it is on the record.
    Sid also emphasized the collaborative nature of songwriting:


    “Lyrically, I write most of the lyrics, but we all contribute… some things get changed, drum beats, guitar riffs. Everyone puts in their talents.”


    Listen, Stream, and Support

    Fans can catch the full interview and weekly new releases on Mixcloud, while clips and highlights are available on Spotify, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. Follow Negative Sixxx to stay updated on upcoming shows, merch, and their Blood and Bones EP :
    Track List: 
    Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners:
    1 – Ethereal Darkness – The Cycle – (164,458 votes)
    2 – NIKOLA’S CAGE – Chopped Up Jesus – (48,595 votes)
    3 – Fury date – Wait for me – (5,615 votes)
    4 – Mistress – Terrified eyes – (3,436 votes)
    5 – DoomsVein – Unholy – (1,184 votes)
    6 – Apex Fallen – Holy War –  (446 votes)
    The Zach Moonshine Intro
    7 – Ozzy Osbourne – Gets Me Through
    8 – HÖWLER – The 9 to 5 Trap
    9 – Venom – Lay Down Your Soul
    Negative Sixxx – Interview featuring AGONY/Sentenced to Burn
    10 – Immolation – Descent Attrition
    11 – Demon Spell – Curse of the Undead
    12 – Hag Roast – Winter Dead Wasp
    13 – Mortgrim – In nomine Stanae
    14 – Burnt Witch – Bastard
    15 – Inherently Lost – Corpse Lying Beside You
    16 – Suffer – Pendulum of Vengeance
    17 – The Despair Collective – Retribution
    18 – Fell Harvest – A Touch of Evil
    19 – Black Label Society – Destruction Overdrive
    20 – Zach Moonshine – Barbarian
    21 – Brutal Death Fuck – Sodomized On The Crucifix
    22 – The Red Mountain – The Devils Whiskey (feat Zach Moonshine)
    Full show streaming on Mixcloud!

    Interview also on YouTube, Spotify etc:



    Super massive thanks to the 158,270 metal maniacs from around the world that joined us for the live broadcast Friday night! 

    Follow and stream Negative Sixxx on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora .
    https://negativesixxx.com/
    Press Contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com


    Connect with the band:
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569894442307
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy8Fbe4nbvg4KuRiZPrQodQ
    https://www.instagram.com/negative.six6x/
    https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dr3jVwP7VINXcq6oHFjxj
    https://music.apple.com/au/artist/negative-sixxx/1449323698
    https://negativesixxx.com/
    Contact: sidfrankosky@gmail.com