http://www.metalcontraband.com/

Metal Contraband, Valley Stream, NY (2026)

08/21/2026

Death Dealer Union Unleashes Video For Dark Sister. New
Music Arrives A Head Of Dark Sister Album Out September
18th.

Los Angeles-based Heavy metal force DEATH DEALER UNION has unleashed the official music video for “Dark Sister,” the title track from the band’s forthcoming album, Dark Sister, arriving September 18, 2026.

Watch Here:
Directed by Margarita Monet
Filmed by Julian Oyanedel Santiesteban
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFLrzpUVEcg

Driven by crushing guitars, commanding vocals and a dark, cinematic atmosphere, “Dark Sister” offers another look into the world Death Dealer Union has built around the upcoming record. The track brings together the band’s modern metal intensity with the melodic and theatrical elements that have become central to its identity.

Death Dealer Union has teamed up, once again, with Margarita Monet of Edge of Paradise, who directed the visuals for the "Dark Sister" video.. Continuing their creative collaboration, Monet brings a cinematic eye to the song’s dark atmosphere, translating the intensity and character of “Dark Sister” into a striking visual world that complements the music.

Fronted by vocalist Kay Bellows, Death Dealer Union features Doug Weiand on guitar, Brice Snyder on bass and CC McKenna on drums.

Dark Sister was produced by Max Morton and represents the next chapter for the Los Angeles-based band, expanding its sound while maintaining the weight, melody and larger-than-life character at the core of Death Dealer Union.

The new video follows the release of “Cult of the Moonlight,” continuing the buildup toward the full album this September.

The release also arrives during a period of expansion for Death Dealer Union. The band recently announced its signing with DNA Entertainment Collective for global booking representation, joining forces with agent Andrea Toler-Wade as DDU prepares for the next stage of its live career.

“Death Dealer Union has a powerful sound, strong vision and undeniable presence,” says Toler-Wade.

Death Dealer Union will celebrate the release of Dark Sister with an album release show at

The Viper Room in West Hollywood on October 8, 2026, joined by Sapient Scar from Los Angeles and Wendy from Tokyo, Japan.

Upcoming Shows

Oct 8: Viper Room - Los Angeles, CA
Oct 10: The Dive Bar - Las Vegas, NV

More tour dates and venues to be announced soon!

DEATH DEALER UNION is:

Kay Bellows - Vocals
Doug Weiand - Guitars
Brice Snyder - Bass
CC McKenna - Drums

About Death Dealer Union
Death Dealer Union is a Los Angeles-based heavy metal band known for its modern heavy sound, commanding vocals, and unforgettable live performances. Following the success of its debut release, the band returns with its highly anticipated second album, Dark Sister, arriving September 18, 2026, and continues to establish itself as one of heavy music's rising forces.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/deathdealerunion
Official Website: www.deathdealerunion.com
Merch: https://deathdealerunion.com/shop

08/21/2026

Miss May I Share "Death Threat" Video. New Album No Place
For Me Out October 2nd Via Solid State Records. Band Has
Co-Headlining Tour With Born Of Osiris Set For November &
December:

MISS MAY I — Levi Benton [vocals], Jerod Boyd [drums], Ryan Neff [bass], and Elisha Mullins [guitar ] — will unleash their new album NO PLACE FOR ME on October 2 via Solid State Records. Pre-order it here. Today, the band delivers the video for "DEATH THREAT.

Watch Here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVRra0Ez6qk

Pre-Order Here:
https://mmi.ffm.to/noplaceforme

The video is also completely DIY endeavor for the band. The concept was conceived by Benton and produced and directed by William Story and the video was shot at the band's own properties and with whatever they could get their hands on!

The song confronts a harsh but necessary reality so many are unwilling to face in order to grow and learn. And it does so with with groove-centric, anthemic energy.

"'Death Threat' is about being held in an emotional chokehold while someone uses your own flaws against you," declares Benton. "Our darker habits deserve to be seen and worked through, not weaponized. The song walks through that worst-case scenario — someone turning your darkness on you — before landing on clarity; finally hearing what needs to be heard and doing what needs to be done."

Regarding the album, the singer reveals it was a truly cathartic process to write and record it, saying, "No Place For Me is everything I've felt for a long time but never had the words for. Writing it taught me who I actually am even when that hurt to look at. It's a full journey: Where it started, what I discovered, and where I am today." These are the tentpole concepts of the album and are why fans are going to connect with it on a level so deep, it touches marrow.

No Place For Me Tracklisting:

Sanctuary
Portrait of Pain
Hand Me A Halo"
Pray for Silence
Death Threat
Die on the Vine
Fire Falls
Bury Me Down
Ashes Of The Altar
Highbrow Thieves

Miss May I have also announced their Fall 2026 tour plans. They will hit the road on the The Perpetual Iron tour, which is a co-headline trek with Born of Osiris. Convictions and Downswing will also appear. All dates are below. Get tickets here.

Miss May I US Tour Dates With Born of Osiris Downseting, &
Convictions.

11/06 Pontiac, MI/The Crofoot
11/07 Pittsburgh, PA/Preserving
11/08 Asbury Park, NJ/House of Independents
11/10 Norwalk, CT/District Music Hall
11/11 Reading, PA/Reverb
11/13 Greensboro, NC/Hangar 1819
11/15 Nashville, TN/Eastside Bowl
11/16 Greenville, SC/The Radio Room
11/18 Charlotte, NC/The Underground
11/19 Charleston, SC/Music Farm
11/20 Tampa, FL/Orpheum
11/21 West Palm Beach, FL/The Banyan Live
11/22 Jacksonville, FL/The Albatross
11/24 Destin, FL/Club LA
11/25 New Orleans, LA/House of Blues
11/27 Houston, TX/Warehouse Live Midtown
11/28 Austin, TX/Come and Take It Live
11/29 Deep Ellum, TX/Puzzles
11/30 Odessa, TX/Ector Theater
12/02 Albuquerque, NM/Sunshine Theater
12/03 Mesa, AZ/Nile Theater
12/04 Pomona, CA/The Glass House
12/05 Fresno, CA/Fulton 55
12/06 Roseville, CA/Goldfield Trading Post
12/08 Portland, OR/Hawthorne Theater
12/09 Seattle, WA/The Crocodile
12/11 Boise, ID/Shrine Social Club
12/12 Salt Lake City, UT/The Metro Music Hall
12/13 Denver, CO/Summit
12/15 Columbia, MO/The Blue Note
12/17 Minneapolis, MN/Cabooze
12/18 West Chicago, IL/WC Social Club
12/19 Dayton, OH/Relentless Fest

Instead of letting doubts, anxiety, negativity, and intrusive thoughts run wild, Miss May I will catch and turn even the most volatile feelings into airtight anthems. The Ohio-bred quartet ground extreme emotions in a taut framework of technically adroit riffing, hardcore grooves, and unforgettable melodies. The band has expertly honed an uncanny ability to make sense of life on tape. That's why fans worldwide have leaned on the group's music since their emergence in 2007. Following years of grinding, 2012's At Heart marked a breakthrough moment for the group when it bowed at #32 on the Billboard 200. Their impact only expanded with Deathless [2015] and Shadows Inside [2017], which both debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Independent Albums Chart and Top Rock Albums Chart. In 2022, Curse Of Existence received widespread critical acclaim from the likes of Alternative Presswho raved: "Miss May I have penned one of their strongest records yet." V13 hailed it as "packed full of emotion and heartfelt rage," and Outburn marveled at "their fast, aggressive, thrashy metalcore mixed with powerful lyrics." Along the way, they generated hundreds of millions of streams and toured with everyone from Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive to Motionless In White. In 2026, the collective continue to strike a deep chord with their eighth full-length offering and Solid State debut LP, No Place For Me.

08/20/2026

BMG announces the release of the 40th Anniversary of Ratt’s third studio album, Dancing Undercover to be released on September 25th 2026.

This Limited Edition Gatefold LP features reimagined cover artwork, and a zoetrope vinyl with moving images of the iconic band’s logo and the members themselves, all housed in an opaque bag.

Pre-Order Here:
https://ratt.lnk.to/DU40PR

Formed in Los Angeles, RATT was featured as an unsigned act on Uncle Joe Benson’s Local Licks Drive Time Show on KLOS-FM. This was their first time on radio and led to their signing to Atlantic Records.

RATT exploded on to the national scene in 1984 with the release of ‘Out Of The Cellar.’ Featuring an undeniable hook and legendary music video, lead single “Round And Round” hit #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, while ‘Out Of The Cellar’ reached #7 on the Billboard Top 200 and was certified triple platinum. Two more charting singles followed with “Back For More” and “Wanted Man”. RATT started the tour as an opening act, but by the end of the tour had climbed to arena headliner.

RATT returned in 1985 with their 2nd full length album, ‘Invasion Of Your Privacy.’ Certified double platinum and also reaching #7 on the Billboard Top 200, ‘Invasion of Your Privacy’ also featured the classics “Lay It Down” ( #40 Billboard Hot 100) and “You’re In Love”.

‘Dancing Undercover’ followed in 1986 as RATT toured North America with a brand new LA band called POISON as the opening act. The lead single “Dance” hit the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned another music video hit with “Slip Of The Lip”, while “Body Talk” was featured in a key scene in the Eddie Murphy film, ‘The Golden Child’. ‘Dancing Undercover’ became RATT 3rd consecutive PLATINUM album and reached #26 on the Billboard Top 200.

Dancing Undercover features the classic line up of Stephen Pearcy (vocals), Warren DeMartini (guitars), Robbin Crosby (guitars), Juan Croucier (bass/vocals), and Bobby Blotzer (drums).

Tracklist

Side A

Dance (Pearcy/Crosby/DeMartini/Hill)
One Good Lover (Crosby/Pearcy)
Drive Me Crazy (Pearcy/Crosby/DeMartini/Blotzer)
Slip Of The Lip (DeMartini/Pearcy/Croucier)
Body Talk (DeMartini/Pearcy/Croucier)

Side B

Looking For Love (Crosby/Pearcy/Croucier)
7th Avenue (DeMartini/Pearcy/Croucier)
It Doesn’t Matter (Croucier/Pearcy)
Take A Chance (DeMartini/Pearcy/Crosby/Croucier)
Enough Is Enough (DeMartini/Pearcy/Crosby/Croucier)

08/20/2026

Punk-Metal Pioneers Snot Officially Sign to BLKIIBLK New Studio Album Coming Summer 2027.

Today, BLKIIBLK is proud to announce the signing of legendary California punk-metal pioneers SNOT to a worldwide recording deal. One of the most influential cult bands to emerge from the late-'90s heavy music explosion, SNOT is currently writing and recording its long-awaited new studio album - the band's first collection of new material in nearly three decades – set for release in summer 2027, with new music set to arrive in early 2027, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of their landmark debut, ‘Get Some.’

Mikey Doling, founder and guitarist of SNOT, comments:

“I am beyond thrilled to announce SNOT’s signing with BLKIIBLK! From my very first conversation with Mike Gitter, it was clear that the team at BLKIIBLK and SNOT were a perfect fit. They truly believe in what we’re doing, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. We're proud to be joining the Frontiers/BLKIIBLK family. I've got my sunglasses on because the future is so bright! We're fired up to bring the new SNOT songs we've been working on to our fans around the world. This is just the beginning!”

Mike Gitter, Head of A&R, Frontiers Label Group, adds:

“BLKIIBLK isn’t merely just proud to be working with SNOT but, more importantly, to be part of fulfilling a legacy that has only intensified as time has gone by. SNOT is really the high-octane stopgap between fellow Santa Barbara punk miscreants, RKL and Generation Nu-Metal. Mikey, John, Jamie and Andy are on fire and not only celebrating their history but making it much more than a classic-album-and-then-we’re-out proposition. F- that! SNOT lives!”

SNOT never played by anyone else's rules. Originally formed in Santa Barbara, California, in 1995, they featured the charismatic Lynn Strait on vocals, guitarist Mikey Doling, bassist John Fahnestock, and drummer Jamie Miller. The band forged a sound that blurred the lines between hardcore, punk, funk, groove, and metal with an attitude that refused to fit neatly into any scene. Built around the unforgettable presence of frontman Lynn Strait, the unmistakable guitar work of Mikey Doling, and a rhythm section that balanced precision with swagger, SNOT created music that was as infectious as it was uncompromising.

Released in 1997 through Geffen Records, 'Get Some' has become one of heavy music's defining cult classics. Its explosive combination of crushing riffs, undeniable groove, raw humor, and fearless individuality helped shape the emerging nu-metal movement while standing apart from it entirely. Decades later, the album continues to inspire generations of musicians across metal, hardcore, punk, and hard rock, earning its reputation as one of the era's most distinctive and enduring releases.

Although Lynn Strait's tragic passing in 1998 brought the band's original run to an abrupt end, SNOT's legacy only continued to grow. In 2000, the surviving members honored Strait with the acclaimed tribute album 'Strait Up,' featuring an extraordinary roster of guest vocalists including Jonathan Davis, Corey Taylor, Fred Durst, Serj Tankian, and many others. Meanwhile, SNOT's members went on to help shape bands including Soulfly, Bad Religion, Amen, Lo-Pro, and Channel Zero, extending the band's influence across multiple generations of heavy music.

In 2025, SNOT returned with powerhouse vocalist Andy Knapp, ushering in a new era while honoring the spirit that made the band a cult favorite.

Since returning to the stage, SNOT has experienced an overwhelming resurgence, fueled by passionate fans and acclaimed performances at major festivals including Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple, Inkcarceration, Louder Than Life, Aftershock, Download, Graspop, Alcatraz, and Motocultor, alongside sold-out headline club shows throughout North America and Europe. The response has firmly established SNOT as one of heavy music's most celebrated comeback stories.

The current SNOT lineup features Mikey Doling (guitar), John Fahnestock (bass), Jamie Miller (drums), and Andy Knapp (vocals), with Doc Coyle joining the band as touring support guitarist for live performances.

Now signed to BLKIIBLK, SNOT is preparing to release its first new music in nearly thirty years, opening an exciting new chapter while staying true to the spirit that made the band legendary.

Current SNOT Lineup:

Mikey Doling – Guitar
John Fahnestock – Bass
Jamie Miller – Drums
Andy Knapp – Vocals

Touring Support:
Doc Coyle – Guitar

08/19/2026

Colorado Thrash Quartet Havok Announces North American Headline Tour with Special Guests Hellripper, Slackjaw and Xoth.
Tickets On Sale Friday at 10:00 AM Local Time

Today, thrash metal powerhouse HAVOK are thrilled to announce a massive North American headline tour for Fall 2026, joined by Hellripper, Slackjaw and Xoth.

The 26 date run kicks off October 21st at Metro Music Hall in Salt Lake City, UT, before tearing across the United States and concluding with a hometown show at Denver's Gothic Theatre on November 20th.

The stacked package brings together four distinct forces in contemporary heavy music, with HAVOK leading a relentless night of thrash, speed and extreme metal.

The tour announcement follows an exciting new chapter for HAVOK, who recently signed with BLKIIBLK, the heavy music imprint of Frontiers Label Group, debuting on the label with the new single, “Fifth Generation Warfare.” Tickets go on sale Friday at 10:00 AM local time.

The band comments:

“We're thrilled to bring this killer package to The States and end the run in HAVOK's hometown. This will be Hellripper's first time touring the USA, so you won't want to miss this. Slackjaw and Xoth will get the party started properly. We can't wait to see everyone on the road. Buy your tickets early!”

HAVOK Live: w/ Hellripper, Slackjaw, Xoth

October 21, 2026 - Salt Lake City, UT - Metro Music Hall
October 22, 2026 - Boise, ID - Shrine Social Club Ballroom
October 23, 2026 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
October 24, 2026 - Portland, OR - Dante's
October 26, 2026 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post
October 27, 2026 - Berkeley, CA - Cornerstone Berkeley
October 28, 2026 - Los Angeles, CA - The Regent Theater
October 29, 2026 - Fresno, CA - Strummer's
October 30, 2026 - Las Vegas, NV - Backstage Bar & Billiards
October 31, 2026 - Mesa, AZ - Nile Theater
November 2, 2026 - Dallas, TX - AM/FM
November 3, 2026 - Austin, TX - Come And Take It Live
November 4, 2026 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live Midtown
November 6, 2026 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade (Hell)
November 7, 2026 - Nashville, TN - Basement East
November 8, 2026 - Asheville, NC - Eulogy
November 9, 2026 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club
November 11, 2026 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
November 12, 2026 - Harrisburg, PA - Capital City Music Hall
November 13, 2026 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
November 14, 2026 - New York, NY - Racket
November 15, 2026 - Lakewood, OH - Mercury Music Lounge
November 16, 2026 - Detroit, MI - Catacombs at the Sanctuary
November 18, 2026 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
November 19, 2026 - Kansas City, MO - RecordBar
November 20, 2026 - Denver, CO - Gothic Theatre

We can only move forward when we understand what came before. HAVOK possess an airtight grasp on the fundamentals of thrash, enabling them to usher the genre into the fire of the future. The Colorado quartet lock and load throat-slicing guitars with breakneck rhythms and venomously vitriolic vocals. After piling up tens of millions of streams and earning acclaim from Metal Hammer, Loudwire, Consequence of Sound, and many more, the band ignited their first independent release, the ‘New Eyes’ EP, in 2024.

HAVOK have never stopped pushing forward without apology. Thus far, they’ve unleashed a series of fan favorite albums, including ‘Burn’ [2009], ‘Time Is Up’ [2011], ‘Unnatural Selection’ [2013], ‘Conformicide’ [2017], and ’V’ [2020]. The latter represented a critical high watermark with Metal Hammer proclaiming, “HAVOK have nailed 21st century thrash.”

Along the way, the group also lit up stages on tour around the world with the likes of Megadeth, Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Testament, Killswitch Engage, Exodus, Sepultura, Kreator, Children Of Bodom, and many more.

Kickstarting this next era with worldwide touring and new music coming in 2026, HAVOK has enabled itself to move at a prolific pace. In the end, HAVOK are leveling up and taking thrash with them.

08/14/2026

MENTAL CRUELTY Announces New Album ‘Echoes Of A Forlorn Land’ Out on October 23rd via Century Media. Unleashes New Single ⁠"Raise The Raven Banner". European Headline Tour with Ov Sulfur, Extermination Dismemberment & More This November and December.

Today, MENTAL CRUELTY announces their new studio album ‘Echoes of a Forlorn Land,’ set for release on October 23rd via Century Media. The band also unveil the album's third single, "Raise The Raven Banner," available now alongside a thrilling official music video, available below.

Watch Here:
https://mentalcruelty.lnk.to/RaiseTheRavenBanner

Pre-Order Here:
https://mentalcruelty.lnk.to/EchoesOfAForlornLand

With ‘Echoes of a Forlorn Land,’ MENTAL CRUELTY opens a powerful new chapter, delivering their most ambitious and immersive work to date. Expanding beyond the boundaries of modern deathcore, the German six-piece forges a sound where blackened death metal collides with elements of black metal, folk and power metal, creating a cinematic and emotionally charged experience that pushes the band's identity further than ever before.

Produced, mixed, and mastered by acclaimed producer Jens Bogren (Dimmu Borgir, Behemoth, Kreator, Amon Amarth, Opeth), ‘Echoes of a Forlorn Land’ captures MENTAL CRUELTY at the height of their creative evolution. Building on the momentum of 'Zwielicht,' the band continues to establish itself as one of the most forward-thinking and uncompromising forces in modern extreme metal.

To coincide with the album release, MENTAL CRUELTY will embark on a European headline tour throughout November and December, bringing ‘Echoes of a Forlorn Land’ to audiences across the continent for the first time.

MENTAL CRUELTY comments on their new single and the upcoming album:

“‘Raise the Raven Banner’ feels like the perfect song to announce our new era, 'Echoes of a Forlorn Land.' The flag referenced in the title was once flown in battle as a symbol of Odin; the Raven Banner was believed to bring victory and the strength of the Norse Allfather and God of war. Now, we’re raising our own. With 'Echoes of a Forlorn Land,' we embrace a darker, heavier sound, blending black metal, folk metal, and melodic death metal with our deathcore foundation. It’s our declaration of evolution: a new chapter forged to stand tall in a scene filled with exceptional bands.

We’re confident, waving our flag and planting it wherever we go as we tell the tales of Norse mythology. You’ll find nods to it throughout one of our best merch drops yet, including a very special box set edition of the album that we’ve poured as much love into as the music itself."

They continue, "Since we’re writing about Odin, Loki, Thor and their kin, we figured we better get some Scandinavians on board. Enter our Swedish friend Jens Bogren, who mixed and mastered the album to great impact. The same goes for the video for 'Raise the Raven Banner.' We hold ourselves to the highest standards when it comes to visuals, making sure they match and elevate the music. We travelled to Estonia to work with our boys at Riivata Visuals from Finland, whose impressive portfolio also includes videos for our labelmates Orbit Culture, Humanity’s Last Breath, Allt, and Insomnium.

As part of the Century Media family alongside so many incredible bands, we’re equally grateful for the company we’ll be keeping on the road. Our album release tour and very first headline tour ever features further labelmates, Ov Sulfur on their inaugural European run, alongside Extermination Dismemberment, Acranius, and Sun Eater."

'Echoes Of A Forlorn Land' Track List:

1. Weltennacht

2. ⁠Fenrir

⁠3. Blood For Blood

4. The Serpent Of Midgard

5. ⁠Helheim

6. Draugar

⁠7. Raise The Raven Banner

8. Cry Of Batariel

9. Frost

10. Dämmerbruch

11. Ride Of The Valkyries

'Echoes Of A Forlorn Land' will be available in the following formats:

=> Ltd. CD Digipak

=> Standard CD Jewelcase (US version)

=> Bloodlust LP & LP-Booklet – All Retailers

=> Ltd. Crimson Snow LP & LP-Booklet – Band Edition – Limited to 500 Copies Worldwide

=> Deep Sea LP &LP-Booklet (US version) – All Retailers

=> Ltd. Berserker LP &LP-Booklet (US version) – Band Edition – Limited to 500 Copies Worldwide

=> Ltd. Deluxe Box Set – Band Edition

European Headline Tour

w/ Ov Sulfur, Extermination Dismemberment, Acranius, Sun Eater

27.11🇳🇱Rotterdam @ Baroeg ~

28.11🇩🇪Köln @ Club Volta ~

29.11🇳🇱Nijmegen @ Doornrosje ~

30.11🇬🇧Birmingham @ Asylum ~

02.12🇬🇧Manchester @ Academy 3 ~

03.12🇬🇧London @ Downstairs At The Dome ~

04.12🇫🇷Paris @ Glazart ~

05.12🇧🇪Antwerp @ Zappa ~

06.12🇩🇪Hamburg @ Bahnhof Pauli ^

07.12🇩🇰Copenhagen @ Hotel Cecil ^

08.12🇸🇪Stockholm @ Kollektivet Livet ^

10.12🇫🇮Jyväskylä @ Lutakko ^

11.12🇫🇮Helsinki @ Ääniwalli ^

13.12🇸🇪Gothenburg @ Monument ^

14.12🇩🇪Berlin @ Hole 44 ^

15.12🇨🇿Prague @ Rock Café ^

16.12🇩🇪Frankfurt @ Das Bett ~ ^

17.12🇩🇪München @ Backstage ^

18.12🇨🇭Aarau @ KIFF ^

19.12 🇩🇪Schweinfurt @ Alter Stattbahnhof ^

20.12🇩🇪Karlsruhe @ Substage ^

^ w/ Acranius

~ ⁠w/ Sun Eater

Since forming in 2014, MENTAL CRUELTY have grown from their deathcore roots into an internationally recognized force in extreme metal. Their rise has taken them across Europe and beyond, sharing stages with Lorna Shore, Cradle of Filth, Carnifex, Shadow of Intent, Kanonenfieber, Signs of the Swarm and more. With an expanding global audience and a reputation for powerful live performances, the band continues to cement its place among the leading names of a new generation of extreme metal. With 'Echoes of a Forlorn Land,' MENTAL CRUELTY now takes their next major step, presenting their most expansive and fully realized vision yet.

MENTAL CRUELTY are:

Lukas Nicolai – Vocals
Nahuel Lozano – Guitars, Vocals
Marvin Kessler – Guitars
Jonathan Koltun – Drums

08/14/2026

NARCOTIC WASTELAND's New Single Battles The "Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse" To Kick Off USA Tour w/ Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and Yotuma

Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler‑Wade of NILE fame, fires the first shot of their August tour with the release of their blistering new single “Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse.” The track arrives as the band launches the "FENTANYL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE TOUR," featuring select dates with support from Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and Yotuma (dates listed below).

A ferocious blend of technical precision, social commentary, and unrelenting aggression, the single stands as one of Narcotic Wasteland’s most urgent works to date, an explosive warning siren aimed at the escalating fentanyl epidemic and the societal collapse surrounding it.

Dallas Toler‑Wade comments on the new single:
“I am very excited to release our new song, Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse! The song is, of course, about the fentanyl epidemic and the overall impact it has on an already failing country. Musically, it really captures the mood of this very well. Fast and tricky, yet twisted and catchy! Kenji really brought some great bass and keys to the table. And Austin needs a drum set that won't collapse under pressure! I am super proud of the work we have done together, and I cannot wait to show the world what we have been working on behind the scenes.”

Narcotic Wasteland continues to evolve into one of extreme metal’s most formidable units, featuring Dallas Toler‑Wade, former Nile guitarist, vocalist, and key songwriter; a defining force in technical death metal since the early ’90s. Austin Vicars, a high‑octane drummer known for blistering blast beats and commanding stage presence, and Kenji Tsunami, an inventive bassist whose depth, texture, and ferocity amplify the band’s overwhelming sonic assault.
Together, they deliver a live experience that is both punishing and surgically precise, an unrelenting wall of sound that has packed venues and earned critical acclaim throughout recent tours. Narcotic Wasteland has cemented its position as a dominant force in modern death metal, unleashing a volatile blend of razor‑sharp technicality, feral aggression, and raw intensity. Their music confronts addiction, corruption, and societal collapse with unflinching honesty, powered by musicianship that continually pushes the boundaries of extreme metal. Expect a barrage of new material, explosive performances, and the full force of Narcotic Wasteland’s latest evolution.

Recommended for fans of Nile, Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Incantation, Cannibal Co**se, Dark Funeral, Immolation, and Gorguts, listen to “Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse” at the following links:

Spotify
https://orcd.co/fentanylzombieapocalypse
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5D7ruAX63c

FENTANYL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE TOUR

Narcotic Wasteland – August 2026 Tour Dates
Select dates with support from Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and YOTUMA
August 12 – Columbus, OH – Spacebar With Visitant
August 14 – Akron, OH – Afterlife Nightclub
August 15 – Battle Creek, MI – Michigan Metal Fest With Monochromatic Black
August 16 – Chicago, IL – Liars Club With Visitant
August 18 – Saint Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall With Visitant
August 19 – Cudahy, WI – X-Ray Arcade With Visitant and Yotuma
August 21 – Scranton, PA – The Ritz Theater With Visitant and IATT
August 22 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station With Visitant
August 23 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall With Visitant
August 25 – Louisville, KY – Portal With Visitant
August 26 – Atlanta, GA – 529 With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 27 – Nashville, TN – The Cobra With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 28 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 29 – Salisbury, MD – Lurking Class Skate Shop With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 30 – Charleston, WV – Live at the Shop With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
More info: https://linktr.ee/narcoticwasteland
- 30 -

Narcotic Wasteland dropped a caustic, pi**ed off new single titled “Barbarian” off their forthcoming album Digital Cordyceps. Though we don’t know too much about said album, Toler-Wade explained that the new track was essentially one big middle finger to the ruling class." - Metal Sucks

"We’ve got the latest and greatest from drug-themed death dealers Narcotic Wasteland, the new video for “Victims of the Algorithm.” The song takes on lightning-fast and heavy riffs, in the tradition of the band, and the lyrics tackle our dependence on social media in the modern age." - Decibel Magazine

"Narcotic Wasteland have hit us with another dark, campy gem in the form of “Sex, Lies & DNA.” The thrashy, aggressive new single is the latest from the band led by Dallas Toler-Wade of Nile fame. This track features guest vocals from Andrea_N_Black and takes on the beloved death metal fodder of true crime." - Decibel Magazine
"Narcotic Wasteland showcases Toler-Wade’s penchant for writing killer riffs, which he did for a decade as a member of Nile, in a manner that’s reminiscent of early 1990s metal — when the lines between the “thrash” and “death” tags weren’t as rigidly defined, and everything just sounded fast and heavy as all hell." - Denver Westword (NW Headlines Denver DeathFest 2023)
"Delirium Tremens is just pummeling, non-stop death metal that covers a ton of ground." - Metal Injection

"More often than not, death metal bands have a tendency to stick to the familiar topics. Death, gore, killing – that sort of thing. There’s always exceptions, or bands that have a different take on the subject, but as they say, dark music demands dark themes. Narcotic Wasteland does, for one of its lyrical slants, face a slightly different (yet still suiting) take – that of addiction. Plenty of grim to still go around with such a concept, and Narcotic Wasteland hits just as hard sonically as any other death metal act to come through the pipeline." - Dead Rhetoric

"another incredible death metal album that has the potential to end itself up on the year end top album lists." - Metal Nexus (2017 - Delirium Tremens)

"On the track, Toler-Wade furiously rails against “expectations,” “silly rules,” and “f**king filters,” and victoriously celebrates being “totally free” with a repeated battle cry of “Let the music flow!” In case there was still any remaining doubt as to the meaning of the song, the track is as magnificently brutal an old school death metal song as you’re likely to hear this season. It gallops, it lacerates, it uses the listener’s skull as a battering ram. There can be no doubt that this truly is Toler-Wade, undiluted and free of limitations. We hope he lets this music flow for a long time to come." - Metal Sucks (single Return to the Underground off 2017 album Delirium Tremens)
"Narcotic Wasteland have released a fantastic album in ‘Delirium Tremens’. It is not easy to thrust the listener consistently into an aural landscape orchestrated by the band and make them stay put for the entire length of the album. Narcotic Wasteland does it brilliantly as they take you through the nightmarish journey of Delirium Tremens." - Metal Wani (2017 - Delirium Tremens)

Metal Contraband

08/21/2026

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