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  • Brennan Wedl – “High Priestess”

    Brennan Wedl’s eponymous debut arrives in just a few days. So far the Nashville singer-songwriter has shared the alluring previews “Pretty Little Fantasy,” “Let’s Be Models,” and “Two Dollar Pistol,” and today she’s releasing the tarot-inspired ballad “High Priestess.”

    The post Brennan Wedl – “High Priestess” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • THY SANATORIUM, FALSE MESSIAH, FIRST WORLD APPETITE, DAY40 AND BRIAN MOODY FEATURED IN METALIZED MAGAZINE’S LEX LEGION ISSUE – @thebeast

    METAL DEVASTATION PR CLIENTS TAKE OVER METALIZED MAGAZINE’S LEX LEGION ISSUE

    THY SANATORIUM, FALSE MESSIAH, FIRST WORLD APPETITE, DAY40 AND BRIAN MOODY FEATURED IN DENMARK’S LONGEST-RUNNING METAL MAGAZINE

    Metal Devastation PR is proud to announce that multiple MDPR clients have been featured in the latest Lex Legion issue of Metalized Magazine , Denmark’s longest-running and biggest metal magazine, which has been covering the world of heavy music since 1987 .
    The issue delivers a strong showing for the Metal Devastation PR roster, with Thy Sanatorium, False Messiah, First World Appetite, Day40 and Brian Moody all receiving coverage, while Machine Cult Ritual was also showcased through a dedicated advertisement.
    From crushing extreme metal and melodic death metal to industrial, groove, thrash and atmospheric sounds, the issue demonstrates the international reach and diversity of the artists working with Metal Devastation PR.
    THY SANATORIUM – THY SANATORIUM

    9/10

    Thy Sanatorium receives one of the highest scores in the feature lineup, earning an impressive 9/10 for their self-released debut album.
    Reviewer Mike Gehrcke praises the band’s ability to balance heaviness with atmosphere, highlighting the album’s dark yet inviting character, dynamic song structures, melodic passages, tempo changes and strong sense of identity.
    Gehrcke describes Thy Sanatorium as a debut that demonstrates enormous potential and an album that rewards repeated listening.


    “All in all, Thy Sanatorium is a debut that impresses and shows enormous potential.”


    FALSE MESSIAH – SEVEN

    8/10 | Cemetery Records

    False Messiah earns an 8/10 for Seven , with reviewer Kim Vestergaard Nielsen praising the album’s aggressive riffs, powerful production and dark atmosphere.
    The review highlights the band’s combination of melodic black metal and brutal death metal , resulting in a dynamic and captivating record that showcases the musicians’ technical abilities while maintaining plenty of aggression.
    FIRST WORLD APPETITE – ANGEL SHADES DEMISE

    8/10 | Self-released

    First World Appetite also receives an 8/10 , with reviewer Stephen Rocky highlighting the project’s dark and atmospheric approach.
    The review describes Angel Shades Demise as a deeply personal debut built around frustration and inner turmoil, combining heavy riffs with electronic elements to create a dystopian, cinematic atmosphere.
    The record’s ability to move between harshness and beauty is singled out as one of its strengths, resulting in a debut that leaves a lasting impression.
    DAY40 – PHENOMENON

    8/10 | Self-released

    British-based, Bulgarian-founded melodic death metal outfit Day40 earns an 8/10 for Phenomenon .
    Reviewer Nolder highlights guitarist Nikolay Atanasov’s technical precision and the band’s combination of melodic death metal with modern and atmospheric elements.
    The album also features guest appearances from Andy LaRocque , guitarist for King Diamond, and Dencho Dimitor of Eufobia.
    The review praises the album’s energetic mix of fast riffs, melodic passages and variety, calling Phenomenon a well-produced and ambitious release worthy of attention from melodic death metal fans.
    BRIAN MOODY – BRIAN’S BRAIN

    8/10 | Metal Devastation

    Brian Moody earns an 8/10 for the reissue of his debut album Brian’s Brain , with reviewer Christoffer Kofoed examining both the music and Moody’s distinctive one-man approach.
    The reissue features real drums rather than drum sampling, along with mixing and mastering by Theodor Borovski , while retaining the character of the original recording.
    Kofoed points to the album’s strong ’90s thrash influence , metallic one-man-band approach, grunge references, double-kick drumming and harmonized guitar work. While noting that the record can sometimes feel overwhelming because of the sheer number of ideas packed into it, the review recognizes the strongest tracks and Moody’s intense combination of heavy riffs and depressive vocals.
    The final verdict: 8/10 , with Kofoed describing the release as tight and solid.


    FROM BASEMENT TO INTERNATIONAL PR CAMPAIGN

    In addition to the album review, Brian Moody receives an in-depth feature from Christoffer Kofoed titled From Basement to International PR Campaign .
    The article explores Moody’s evolution from a completely independent one-man musician handling recording, production and promotion himself into an artist actively pursuing an international audience.
    The feature examines the story behind the re-release of Brian’s Brain , including the new mix and master by Theodor Borovski, Moody’s creative process, his musical influences and the themes of chaos, personal struggle and emotional intensity that run through his work.
    The article also looks at Moody’s growing understanding of the business side of being an independent artist, including branding, networking and the role of professional promotion in helping his music reach listeners outside his home territory.
    At its core, the feature presents Brian’s Brain as more than simply a reissue. It represents another step in Moody’s development as an artist and his efforts to build an international career without losing the independent spirit that shaped the project from the beginning.
    Moody’s philosophy is summed up by his desire to create an emotional reaction in the listener, with the ultimate goal being to make people feel something when they hear his music.


    CHAOS, RIFFS, AND LOSS OF CONTROL

    First World Appetite also receives an extensive feature from Kasper Kudsk , titled Chaos, Riffs, and Loss of Control .
    The article dives into the project’s industrial and groove metal foundations and the creative vision of Dutch musician Ronald de Groot .
    De Groot discusses the project’s origins, including his inspiration from guitarist Tim Skold , as well as the evolution of his songwriting and production approach.
    The feature explores the contrast between chaos and control within the recording process, along with the expanded use of acoustic passages, melody and atmosphere.
    Kudsk also examines the themes behind First World Appetite, including human greed, destruction, overconsumption and the consequences of humanity’s desire for more.
    Influences including Fear Factory, Nine Inch Nails, Black Sabbath and Tom Waits are discussed, giving readers additional insight into the musical landscape surrounding the project.
    The article ultimately presents Angel Shades Demise as both a deeply personal musical statement and the closing of an important chapter for de Groot, while exploring the darker themes that inspired the project in the first place.


    MACHINE CULT RITUAL FEATURED IN METALIZED

    Adding even more Metal Devastation PR representation to the issue, Machine Cult Ritual was showcased through a dedicated advertisement.
    The inclusion gives another MDPR artist visibility within the pages of one of Europe’s longest-running metal publications, putting the project directly in front of Metalized’s established readership.


    ANOTHER BIG INTERNATIONAL WIN FOR METAL DEVASTATION PR ARTISTS

    With five MDPR clients receiving editorial coverage, multiple strong review scores, two in-depth features and an additional advertising showcase , the Lex Legion issue of Metalized Magazine represents another significant piece of international exposure for the Metal Devastation PR roster.
    Coverage like this is exactly why getting independent metal artists in front of legitimate music media still matters. Social media comes and goes, algorithms change, and everybody’s fighting for attention in the same damn feed. A respected metal publication with decades of history gives artists something different: editorial credibility, lasting coverage and another piece of press that can be used to build their international story.
    Congratulations to Thy Sanatorium, False Messiah, First World Appetite, Day40, Brian Moody and Machine Cult Ritual on being featured in the latest Lex Legion issue of Metalized Magazine .
    Metal Devastation PR continues to put independent and underground metal directly in front of media, journalists and fans around the world.
    Grab a copy here: https://www.metalized.dk/
  • Bloc Party – “Pigwig”

    Imagine that you’re in a relationship and your partner’s pet name for you is “Pigwig.” How would that ever work? How would you have a future with this person? I truly don’t believe it would matter that the nickname had a cute backstory or an emotional resonance. I’d have to get out of that situation immediately. I’d be like, “This person does not respect me.” I don’t think that’s what I’m supposed to take away from Bloc Party’s new song “Pigwig,” but it’s what I got.

    The post Bloc Party – “Pigwig” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • Gang Of Youths – “Things Take Time”

    Not so youthful anymore, are they? It’s been four years since Gang Of Youths, the earnest and anthemic Australian rock band, released their deeply personal masterpiece angel in realtime. But they’ve been posting teasers from the studio, they recently returned to the stage with a residency at no less a venue than the Sydney Opera House, and now a whole new Gang Of Youths song is finally here.

    The post Gang Of Youths – “Things Take Time” appeared first on Stereogum.

  • “We feel that we have been seriously misled and let down”: GoFundMe launched for Indonesian metal bands stranded in Ireland after being allegedly abandoned by promoter

    A Gofundme has been set up for three Indonesian heavy metal bands stranded in Ireland after they were allegedly let down by their promoter.

    The extreme metal acts Deadsquad, Jasad and Death Vomit have been playing across Europe as part of the 2026 Cataclysmic Tour. Problems began on Sunday, August 16, when a planned show at the Pavilion in Cork that night was cancelled. Promoter Diablo Productions attributed the stoppage to “an unexpected issue with the van”.

    The same day, the bands issued a joint statement explaining that their next show, at the Underworld in London on August 17, was also cancelled. They allege that Diablo has mishandled previously agreed-upon venue, accommodation and travel plans, including never formally hiring the Underworld for the show.

    They claim to have received no response from Diablo since these problems arose.

    They write: “We have made every effort to resolve these matters internally and have remained cooperative throughout the process. However, what happened demonstrated a serious lack of preparation, organisation, communication, and professionalism from the promoter.

    “With multiple commitments left unfulfilled and the losses we have experienced, we feel that we have been seriously misled and let down by Diablo Productions.

    “We are sharing this statement as a matter of transparency, and as a warning to everyone involved in the music industry, especially those working within the extreme music scene around the world.”

    The Underworld team put out their own statement on August 17, confirming that Diablo had not paid for the venue and saying that they too have not heard from the promoter.

    They lambast “rogue/cowboy promoters in the music industry”. “Shows don’t always sell well, but decisions should be made with agreement from all parties, and with decent advance notice,” they write.

    As the bands remain stranded in Ireland, local Ailsa Dempsey says she’s letting them and their crew, 16 people total, stay at her home. She has set up a fundraiser seeking €10,000 (£8,557 / 11,575 USD) so that they can book flights and ground transportation to their next show at Eindhoven, Netherlands on August 20. Fans can donate via this link.

    “Having seen firsthand what they’ve been through, I’m now organising this fundraiser on their behalf to help them get back on the road,” she writes.

    She adds: “The clock is tight, the bands need to be in Eindhoven by August 20, just days away. Every donation, no matter the size, helps close the gap left by a promoter who didn’t hold up their end.”

    Dempsey says that the remainder of the Cataclysmic Tour will be overseen by a new promoter, DF Bookings.

    Diablo has not issued a public statement since the August 16 Cork cancellation. Metal Hammer has reached out to the company for comment.

  • ALCATRAZZ Shred Lord JOE STUMP Unveils New Solo Album “Lord Of The Strings” & Shares First Single “Full Throttle”

    The Professor of Shred Joe Stump returns with the pedal firmly to the metal on his new solo album, Lord of the Strings, set for release on October 16th via Silver Lining Music. Pre-orders are available here from 18th August.

    The first single taken from Lord of the Strings, aptly titled “Full Throttle”, kicks off the album in blistering style. An unfiltered blast of riff-driven firepower and shreddery, the track sets the tone for what’s to come, delivering a relentless introduction to the electrifying virtuosity that runs throughout the record.

    “”Full Throttle” is a high-velocity track incorporating all the elements you’d expect to hear from me on one of my solo records,” Joe Stump affirms. “Fierce Metal riffage combined with strong classically influenced melodies and of course, the usual absurd amount of highly technical blazing shred guitar pyrotechnics. All of it is executed with a modern-day Ritchie Blackmore badass rock attitude. If you’re a guitar enthusiast or a metal fan, there’s certainly plenty of action on this one!”

    Stump doesn’t just lay down the speed as he does in “Full Throttle” or revisit the classic grounds of traditional melodic heavy metal on tracks such as “Playing with Fire”, on this 12-track instrumental opus, Stump takes the guitar into lyrical territory with the likes of “In the Hall of the King” and “Eternity of Darkness” with his supremely detailed licks taking the lead narrative role. Stump also exercises moments of poetic acoustic reflection on “Den of Vipers” and “Leipzig 1722”, but overall, Lord of the Strings is a belting, relentless beast, and (as the man himself says) ‘a heavy metal guitar orgy’.

    If you crave screaming guitars of Valhallic proportions, this one is for you. Stump is a guitarist who likes his riffs to roar and his leads to flash like lightning. Stump delivers every track with extraordinary power, precision, and purpose, pushing the guitar to its limits while never holding back. From searing riffs to jaw-dropping shred, Lord of the Strings is designed to hit hard, hit fast and leave its mark. This is guitar playing at full force and you won’t want to miss it.

    Lord of the Strings will be released on standard CD digipak, special edition CD digipak, digital download, streaming and special D2C bundles.

    Joe Stump / All Guitars and Bass Guitar
    Francisco Palomo / Keyboards and all Drum Programming
    Produced by Joe Stump and Francisco Palomo
    Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Francisco Palomo at the Dungeon
    All Guitars recorded at the Dragon’s Den

    The post ALCATRAZZ Shred Lord JOE STUMP Unveils New Solo Album “Lord Of The Strings” & Shares First Single “Full Throttle” appeared first on Sonic Perspectives.

  • 2026 MTV VMAs Scraps ‘Best Rock’ Category After 35+ Years

    After being added to the MTV Video Music Awards back in 1989, the Best Rock category will not be part of the 2026 VMAs. Continue reading…