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🔥 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, HETSHEADS , crushed the competition with a staggering 322,430 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, March  7th at 9PM EST ! 





Who Will Rise as This Week’s Champion on the MDR Battle Of The Bands?? 03/02/26 – 03/06/26

From KAMELOT Facebook:

North America, we’re coming for you, too! We will headline a North American tour of epic proportions, beginningAugust 28 in Orlando, FL and hitting a month of dates before ending in Silver Spring, MD on September 27.

Each night will feature very special guests Visions of Atlantis as direct support, with Frozen Crown opening each show.

https://kamelot.com

KAMELOT North America 2026 – w/ VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, FROZEN CROWN

08/28/26 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live

08/29/26 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Heaven)

08/31/26 – Dallas, TX – The Studio at the Factory

09/02/26 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

09/03/26 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

09/04/26 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

09/05/26 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

09/07/26 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre

09/08/26 – Seattle, WA – Neptune

09/10/26 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell at The Complex

09/11/26 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall

09/12/26 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman

09/14/26 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue

09/15/26 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

09/17/26 – St. Charles, IL – The Arcada Theatre

09/18/26 – Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron

09/19/26 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre

09/20/26 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS

09/22/26 – Quebec City, QC – Theatre Capitole

09/24/26 – Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre

09/25/26 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium

09/26/26 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square

09/27/26 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring

Why This Loaded Radio Episode Is Unmissable

This week on The Loaded Radio Podcast, host Scott Penfold brings together two heavy music figures driving real momentum in 2026: Crispin Earl of The Veer Union and Shane Lyons of Varials. They dive deep into The Veer Union’s latest Reinvention and Varials’ explosive Where The Light Leaves — no news segment, just real conversation.

TL;DR

Scott Penfold sits down with Crispin Earl and Shane Lyons for a double-feature podcast episode that delivers insight, passion, and context around two standout heavy releases of 2026. Shane discusses Varials’ new album Where The Light Leaves — which arrived on February 27 via Fearless Records — and his influences, including a particular guitarist from Lamb Of God and working with producer Josh Schroeder. Crispin breaks down The Veer Union’s Reinvention — released February 20 via Arising Empire — and the band’s unique journey, including their outsized success in the U.S. compared to Canada.

In an era where nostalgia runs rampant, both guests feel like they’re writing the next chapter — not revisiting the last one. That mindset fuels this episode from the jump.

Varials Are Back With Where The Light Leaves

Where The Light Leaves is the Philadelphia metalcore band’s fourth studio album, released on February 27, 2026 via Fearless Records. The album marks a new chapter for the group with Skyler Conder as vocalist and is produced by Josh Schroeder, known for his work with Lorna Shore, Dayseeker, and The Plot In You.

The album’s title track and subsequent singles have hit hard with fans and critics alike, drawing on introspective themes of struggle, acceptance, and raw emotion. Tracks like “The Hurt Chamber” showcase the band’s range — heavy, cathartic, and unafraid to lean into atmosphere where the songwriting demands it.

Shane Lyons doesn’t hold back in the episode when he talks about what this era means for the band, and how his love for bands like Lamb Of God informs his approach. That combination of personal musical DNA and forward-motion intensity gives Where The Light Leaves a fierce identity that feels lived-in — not manufactured.

Get Your 2026 Varials Tickets Here

Inside The Veer Union’s Reinvention

The Veer Union’s Reinvention hit on February 20, 2026 via Arising Empire — and it’s exactly what its title promises: a band refining their identity while staying true to the hard rock and alt-metal blend they’ve perfected over nearly 22 years.

Tracks like “My Empire,” “Caught In The Crossfire,” and “Feel Again” balance grit and melody in a way that reflects both confidence and evolution. Crispin Earl digs into what this era feels like creatively, personally, and in terms of how The Veer Union’s audience responds in the U.S. versus their Canadian home.

Even listeners who only know The Veer Union from hits like “Seasons” will appreciate how this record feels both familiar and fresh — a true modern rock statement that bridges their legacy with momentum for what’s next.

Loaded Radio Recommends – Biohazard’s Billy Graziadei Explains Why “Divided We Fall” Had To Happen On The Loaded Radio Podcast

Two Perspectives, One Episode That Clicks

This isn’t a talk show with soundbites.

It’s two musicians in different but resonant places, talking craft, influence, momentum, and real creative intention.

Scott lets the conversation breathe, and it pays off. Between Varials’ heavy exploratory angles and The Veer Union’s melodic grit, this is the kind of episode where fans find something unexpected — insight, humor, honesty, and real artistic reflection.

This week’s episode feels less like promotion and more like conversation. That’s exactly why you’ll want to hear it from top to bottom.

Check This Out – Dying Wish’s Emma Boster Talks ‘Flesh Stays Together’ on the Loaded Radio Podcast

Hit Play Below

The embedded podcast player can be found below — press play and immerse yourself in one of the most honest Loaded Radio conversations of the year.

 

FAQ

When Was Where The Light Leaves Released?

Varials’ Where The Light Leaves was released on February 27, 2026 via Fearless Records, featuring 13 tracks and produced by Josh Schroeder.

When Was Reinvention Released?

The Veer Union’s Reinvention was released on February 20, 2026 via Arising Empire, showcasing modern hard rock and alt-metal that is both punchy and melodically memorable.

Who Are This Week’s Podcast Guests?

This week’s episode features Crispin Earl of The Veer Union and Shane Lyons of Varials, hosted by Scott Penfold.

The Veer Union Band Bio

The Veer Union formed in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2004 and emerged with a distinctive blend of alternative metal and hard rock. Over a career spanning multiple label cycles and lineup evolution, they’ve built a catalog of memorable tracks and widespread airplay, including Billboard-charted success with early hits like “Seasons.” Their 2026 release Reinvention continues their trajectory with melodic grit and cultural resonance across North American rock audiences.

Varials Band Bio

Varials are a Philadelphia metalcore act known for their emotional intensity, groove-driven heaviness, and commitment to raw sonic expression. Their 2026 album Where The Light Leaves — produced by Josh Schroeder — represents both a creative rebirth and a sonic statement that balances visceral impact with thematic depth.

The post The Loaded Radio Podcast Hosts Shane Lyons Of Varials And Crispin Earl Of The Veer Union In a Rare Double Guest Episode appeared first on Loaded Radio.

Last December on his The Magnificent Others podcast, Billy Corgan shared some insights about the apparent dark inner workings of the music industry. The Smashing Pumpkins bandleader claimed that George W. Bush’s White House tried to enlist him in an influence campaign and hinted at a conspiracy to sideline rock music’s impact in the culture. This episode was a conversation with Conrad Flynn, the occult historian who went viral in certain corners for referencing Nurse With Wound on The Tucker Carlson Show a couple of months earlier.

The post Billy Corgan Claims Rock Was Deliberately Marginalized — Joseph Kahn Argues Political Correctness Killed It appeared first on Stereogum.

Alt-rock legends The Superjesus are set to bring their seminal sophomore album ‘Jet Age’ across the country for a special 25 year anniversary tour in June, playing the record in full as well as a selection of their greatest hits. 

The band have been busy over the last year, releasing their self titled fourth studio album in March 2025 to widespread acclaim – finding themselves at #10 on the ARIA Australian Chart more than 20 years after the release of their third LP ‘Rock Music’ (2002).

With the band in full-flight once again, they’ll be primed and ready to take their classic album ‘Jet Age’ on the road – hitting stages in Brisbane, Gold Coast, St Kilda, Castlemaine, Margaret River, Fremantle, Adelaide, Central Coast and Marrickville. 

‘Jet Age’ came at a pivotal moment for the band in 2000; following the release of their breakthrough debut album ‘Sumo’ in 1998, the band were shot into spotlight – playing packed out crowds at the Big Day Out, touring relentlessly at home and overseas, and even picking up a few ARIAs along the way. All the strain and pressure put on the band eventually led to some internal turmoil, with founding guitarist Chris Tennent leaving the band and Tim Henwood taking his place. 

“We felt so much pressure going in to make Jet Age because of the success of Sumo and the departure of our founding member, guitarist Chris Tennent. We needed to prove to ourselves that we could stand on our own two feet without him. As he was my writing partner I was terrified the magic pathway to creativity would be broken, but it was not broken at all, it was actually strengthened by fresh collaborations with new guitarist Tim Henwood.” SARAH MCLEOD

“Back at the end of the ’90s, I was both excited and honoured to be asked to fill the guitar position in The Superjesus after Chris left the band.Playing guitar live in such an established and powerful rock outfit with Sarah, Paul, and Stu was a huge rush — but it was during the songwriting and preparation for Jet Age that I realised Sarah and I had a special connection as songwriters. Our very first co-writing session together became the album’s first single, “Gravity.” I’m incredibly proud of Jet Age and grateful for the opportunity to have been part of The Superjesus story.” TIM HENWOOD

The band worked with producer Ed Buller on the record (Suede, The Psychedelic Furs), writing their material on the road while touring in Los Angeles and laying it down in the studio in Sydney at Festival Studios. The eventual album debuted a new refined, mature sound for the band, and featured some of the biggest hits in their catalogue; including ‘Gravity’, ‘Secret Agent Man’, ‘Enough To Know’ and ‘Second Sun’.

“Gravity,  to me at least, stood for everything we felt at the time, the hardships, the cold floors, the hope, the disappointment , but most of all, the accomplishment and joy we all felt when we finished recording the JET AGE album.” STUART RUDD

‘Jet Age’ went on to peak at #5 on the ARIA Albums chart in Australia, and was certified platinum in 2002 – with single ‘Gravity’ currently sitting on over 19 million streams alone. 

Now, the band are taking the album on the road, celebrating its legacy with fans across the country. The tour will mark one of the first times playing through the full tracklist for recent band additions Cam Blockland (guitar) and Ben Todd (Drums) – both of whom are keen to dig into the albums deeper cuts. 

“Playing for this tour feels like plugging straight into history-these songs still hit hard, and bringing Jet Age back to life night after night is going to be an absolute blast. We have the chanceB to honour a record that shaped so much of what the band is, while feeling how alive these songs still are after 25 years. See you on the road!” BEN TODD

“I actually grew up with Jet Age without even realising I’d one day be playing it. I used to listen to it on drives with my dad in his ute when I was in high school, so these songs are wired into my brain in a properly nostalgic way. Obviously everyone knows Gravity — that song’s a classic — but what’s been really exciting for me is digging into the rest of the album and playing some of my other favourites like Over To You and Everything Turns. I feel like I’m discovering the album all over again, and I’m excited to be involved in bringing it to life in a new way 25 years later.” CAM BLOCKLAND

Joining The Superjesus on all dates will be Sydney’s The Art, and New Zealand’s The After.

“We have played many tours with The Art as they are good friends of TSJ and recently did a tour of New Zealand with The After and loved them so decided to bring them to Australia to play with us on this tour . Both bands are a must see!” SARAH MCLEOD

Tickets for the tour or on sale now, and available at thesuperjesus.com

THE SUPERJESUS: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

The post THE SUPERJESUS To Celebrate 25 Years Of Classic Record ‘JET AGE’ With 2026 National Tour appeared first on The Rockpit.

Walk in file, dance in line,
take another leap toward an early grave now.

Imagine waking and sensing that the strangest fact is not your troubles but that you are here at all. In his 1927 work Being and Time, Martin Heidegger turns our gaze to that plain astonishment. We arrive unbidden, born into histories and habits we did not choose, and yet must answer for how we live among them. Time is not the clock on the wall, but the stretch of memory behind us and possibility before us, narrowing toward death. Most days, we drift with the crowd’s murmur. Then a tremour of fear and loss clears the air, and we feel the brief, stern charge of choosing our own life.

Lachlan P. Rother, operating as Ohms, has taken a page from Heidegger and wired it straight into the dancefloor. Geworfenheit, that famously thorny term about being thrown headfirst into existence, becomes less a seminar topic and more a wiry, kinetic groove you can move your hips to while pondering cosmic injustice. Born into a world you didn’t choose, handed a script you didn’t write, and still expected to improvise: that’s the thesis. Rother makes it swing.

The man’s résumé reads like a roll call of Melbourne’s underground circuitry: U-Bahn, GLASNOST, High Control Group, and you can hear that lineage in the bones of this track. The arrangement jitters with odd time signatures and rhythmic guitar figures that feel like they’ve been diagrammed, dismantled, and reassembled with deliberate mischief. Dissected drum patterns skitter beneath it all, forming a nervous but danceable groove that nods toward Talking Heads’ twitchy intellect, Yacht’s playful precision, and The Contortions’ crooked funk. Then come the wacky breakbeats, tipping their hat to Regurgitator, Sparks, DEVO, and more, because sometimes existential dread needs a little hip-hop shimmy. We also love a vibraslap moment, and this one delivers the goods in spades.

Instead of shouting into the void, Rother offers a carefully measured diagnosis of the void itself, dissecting the economics of despair with an engineer’s clarity and a poet’s fatal shrug. Free will gets exorcised in real time, right there between the snappy snare hits and the elastic bass.

Rother wrote and performed the song himself, then teamed up with Andrew Robinson, Timothy Dunn, and Stuart Mackenzie of King Gizzard for recording, engineering, and mixing. The result balances clarity with just enough abrasion to keep things interesting.

Geworfenheit turns existential philosophy into something you can march and do a genuine David Byrne dance to, a reminder that being thrown into the world might be absurd, but it can also be hella fun.

Listen to “Geworfenheit” below and order here:

Follow Ohms:

• Instagram
• Bandcamp
• Facebook
• Spotify

The post “Another Leap Towards an Early Grave” — Melbourne’s Ohms Debuts Funky, Existential Lament “Geworfenheit’ appeared first on Post-Punk.com.

Intent To Harm from Brisbane, Australia, release their debut single, Drained Of Life, available everywhere now via Vicious Instinct Records. Featuring some familiar faces from the Australian underground, including members of Internal Devour, Splatterpuss and Body Prison, this new act is built on the foundations of proper old-school brutality: filthy riffs and knuckle-dragging grooves.

Not representative of the Small Faces’ style and released without their knowledge, Sunday Afternoon became a big hit – and “was the final nail in the coffin in finishing us off”

Following the release of their sixth studio album CONFLICT DLC last year, HEALTH are showing no signs of slowing down. Now, the band have released R-TYPE 1, the first in a series of remix EPs that compliment and expand the universe the band created on CONFLICT DLC. Listen/share here: https://i.hlth.band/healthr-type1. CONFLICT DLC resonated far and […]

“We’ll break it down, and start it all over again…”

Kansas City isn’t supposed to cough up cathedral gloom and dance-floor deliverance in the same breath, but REVISER never asked permission from the plains. They came up through the Kosmic City collective like a midnight transmission cutting across AM static, and by 2025, they’d staked their claim as a black beacon in a region better known for barbecue than baritone despair. Now they return with the haunting DOLOROSO, eight tracks pressed to vinyl and loosed into the ether, a record that feels like a street sermon delivered under a dying streetlamp.

The lineup comprises Krysztof Nemeth handling lead vocals and baritone guitar with the gravity of a man who’s seen the inside of his own skull and taken notes; Dedric Moore on guitar, slicing rhythmic lines with the instincts of someone who knows how to make bodies move; Dawn Don lifting the choruses heavenward with backing vocals that glide in at just the right moment. Together, they haul the classic spirit of ’80s post-punk, goth rock, and darkwave across state lines and refit it for modern times.

Across DOLOROSO, you hear a band that understands tension: internal battles, external pressure, the push and pull between romance and reckoning. The baritone guitar hums low and ominous, drum machines stomp with mechanical insistence, and icy synths hang in the air. Four of these songs stalked the world as singles in 2025, now remixed and re-produced, while four new cuts complete the picture.

Darksiders rattles like a boxcar rolling through borrowed decades, steel wheels sparking against old rails before veering off into unmapped territory. It pulls tones from another era and bends them until they gleam with fresh edges, carrying a whiff of psychedelia that recalls a darker Kula Shaker – less paisley daydream, more midnight mantra. The track eases in on a current of voltage and vapour, rhythm section hitting with the heft of history and the hint of battles still brewing. REVISER handles their inheritance with steady nerve, splicing past and present into a living charge that stalks the floor.

Celestine, an expansive hymn to mysticism and longing. Featuring haunting vocals from Breaka Dawn, the track drifts away from the band’s usual darkwave depths, tilting instead toward the crystalline heights of Ultravox, the grandeur of Simple Minds, the spectral shimmer of Pastel Ghost. Synths glisten like morning frost, guitars cut sharp and clean, and an aching nostalgia seeps through every note. Kansas City’s brooders trade gloom for something luminous: an incantation, a breath of light against the encroaching dark, a hymn to the unknown.

The newest single, The Flames, burns brightest. It’s billed as a clarion call in dark times, and it earns the phrase. Insistent bass and drum machines push forward with clenched purpose, guitars braid and unbraid over buzzing keys, and Nemeth’s voice rises from the chest like a warning siren. He throws the question straight at you: will you join the call to justice? The track carries the urgency of In Shreds by Chameleons and the stark fire of Dark Entries by Bauhaus, yet it moves with REVISER’s own heat, their own hard-earned hunger.

In a time when lines are being drawn everywhere you look, REVISER plants their flag in solidarity, standing against fascism, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and transphobia, and turning the dance floor into common ground.

Listen to DOLOROSO below and order the album here.

Follow REVISER:

• Instagram
• Bandcamp
• Spotify

The post Kansas City Gothic Rockers REVISER Set the Shadows Alight With “DOLOROSO” LP appeared first on Post-Punk.com.