NEWS: Metal Devastation Music Fest was voted #1 annual event in West Tennessee

16th February 2025 admin 65 Views 3 min read

The metal community has spoken! ABC News Channel 7 WBBJ recently conducted a poll asking locals which annual event in West Tennessee they are most excited about in 2025. We are beyond thrilled to announce that Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest came in first place with an overwhelming 2,691 votes! Not only that, but the festival was also featured on the Ten O’Clock News —a massive victory for underground metal and independent music!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the metalheads who voted and continue to support this festival. Without you, none of this would be possible! Mark your calendars— Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest 2025 is set for October 11th , and we cannot wait to see everyone there!

Metal Devastation Music Fest have a few band announcements coming soon, so stay tuned! 🔥

🤘 DON’T FORGET: Fest tickets officially go on sale at the Misfits Market EXPO on Saturday, March 29th ! In-person only, physical tickets, BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE! Online tickets will be available after the Expo —but this is your chance to grab a killer deal and be part of the madness! We cannot wait to see all of you there! \m/

From our humble beginnings in 2022 , when we faced backlash from protesters and religious leaders making outrageous claims of devil worship, demonic summoning, and other absurd accusations, we have come a long way. After the first festival’s massive success in Lexington , the city refused to let us return despite the clear economic benefits. In 2023 , we relocated to The AMP in Jackson, TN , a much better venue for what we do. The event has only grown since then, with 3,000 attendees in 2024 , proving that underground metal has a thriving, dedicated fanbase.

We remain committed to supporting underground music by treating all bands equally, giving them the same stage, sound, and setup, and allowing them to keep 100% of their merch sales —a rarity in the festival world. In addition, our festival features over 50 food, craft, and oddity vendors , creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The journey of Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest has also caught the attention of filmmaker Randall Kendrick , who has been documenting our story—including the ongoing backlash from religious leaders and politicians . His upcoming film, “Death Reigns – Blasphemy is Free Speech,” will explore the festival’s impact and the fight for artistic expression.

The highly anticipated official trailer for Death Reigns , the documentary about the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest, has been released.

The official trailer for Death Reigns offers a deeper look at the journey of radio hosts Zach and Raven as they organize an underground metal festival in the heart of the Bible Belt, uniting a community of outsiders while facing opposition from religious fundamentalists.

More than a tribute to underground metal, the documentary explores the genre’s rebellious roots and its defiance against oppression from organized religion and government authorities. Chronicling the Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest, it highlights the founding of Metal Devastation Radio, the festival’s origins, and the backlash it faced—from church protests in Lexington, TN, to political attempts to shut it down in Jackson, TN—showcasing how metal culture thrives in unlikely places, amplifying the voices of the marginalized.

While this isn’t the first time we’ve been featured on WBBJ , each moment in the spotlight reminds us of how far we’ve come. The support from the metal community far outweighs the negativity, and we will continue to bring underground metal to the forefront.

🔥 See you on October 11, 2025, at Tennessee Metal Devastation Music Fest! 🔥

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