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Amplify Merch Spotlight: Septarian – From Hometown Heroes to Headliners

At Amplify Merch, our mission has always been to empower local bands—and it’s only fair to say that Septarian is one of the main reasons Amplify Merch even exists. Watching their raw talent, unrelenting drive, and burning passion for metal as they tore through the Columbus, GA / Phenix City, AL / Opelika, AL scene, we realized that bands like them deserved a partner who would handle the merch and let them focus on the music.

Growing Up Together in the Scene

Septarian comes from the same gritty, supportive, tight-knit community where Amplify Merch got its start. The DIY shows, shared rehearsal spaces, late-night drives, and never-say-die attitude—those are the roots that shaped us both.

Meet the Band

Septarian’s intensity comes not just from their music, but from the people behind it. The lineup includes:

  • Megan Hudson – Lead Vocals
  • Kenneth Galloway – Drums
  • Josh (Joshua) Cunningham – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
  • John Martin – Bass Guitar & Vocals
  • Nick Thiessen – Lead Guitar (joined in 2024)

They bring a fierce, melodic, and heavy-solid sound rooted in melodic death and thrash metal, and their instrumental synergy reflects the years of playing together and growing side by side.

The New Album: Bludgeon the Offended

Released on April 10, 2025, Bludgeon the Offended is the band’s latest sonic assault—melding shredding guitars, melodic keyboards, and driving double-bass drums into a ferocious, powerful package. The six-track release includes:

  1. No More Boundaries
  2. Deception
  3. Instinct
  4. The Maw
  5. Motion of Mayhem
  6. Sacrifice

This album doesn’t just knock on the door of your ears; it kicks it down.

See Their Sound in Motion

“THRESHOLD”

To get a proper feel for Septarian’s energy, check out their official music video for “THRESHOLD.”

Fun fact: one of Amplify Merch’s very own Jimmy even makes an appearance in this video

“ARSENAL” – The New Release

Septarian isn’t slowing down—in fact, they just dropped another killer video: “ARSENAL.” This track takes the intensity of Bludgeon the Offended and blasts it straight through the speakers with razor-sharp riffs, crushing rhythm, and Megan’s unmistakable vocals leading the charge.

This release shows Septarian pushing their sound to new levels—balancing technical precision with raw, live-show aggression. If Threshold pulled you into their world, Arsenal makes sure you don’t leave.

A Tradition Fans Can’t Miss: Annual Halloween Parties

Beyond the studio and stage, Septarian is known for throwing one of the best annual Halloween parties in the region. These events have become a tradition—combining live music, costumes, and that signature Septarian energy into a night fans look forward to every year.

For the band, it’s more than just a show—it’s about creating a community event where metal fans, friends, and families come together to celebrate not just Halloween, but the spirit of the local scene itself. If you’ve never been to one, consider this your warning: you don’t want to miss the next.

Why This Matters to Us at Amplify Merch

Amplify Merch was born because of bands like Septarian—bands that needed time, focus, and bandwidth to create. They inspired us to build something that could lighten that load and amplify those voices. The fact that they trusted us from the start—and continue to—is a testament to what we aimed to build.

Working with Septarian isn’t just business—it’s personal. We’re part of the same roots, same proud region, and same passionate metal community. Watching them release new albums, throw legendary Halloween parties, and continue to evolve is exactly why we wake up every day excited to do merch.


Ready to Dive Deeper?

  • Stream Bludgeon the Offended on Bandcamp
  • Watch “THRESHOLD” and “ARSENAL” above
  • Don’t miss their Annual Halloween Parties — stay tuned for dates and details
  • Grab Septarian Merch here!
  • Support the scene—because backing Septarian means backing the heart of Columbus-Phenix City-Opelika’s metal scene

Follow Septarian on Social Media

How to Care for Your Merch: Tips to Make It Last

When you invest in custom merch—whether it’s for your band, business, or event—you want it to look great for as long as possible. But not all merch is created the same. The type of printing used on your shirt, hoodie, or hat makes a big difference in how it feels, how it looks, and how long it lasts.

At Amplify Merch, we work with different printing and decoration methods depending on the product and design. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of printing, along with the best care tips to keep your merch looking fresh and avoid fading.


Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printing

What it is:
DTF involves printing a design onto a special film, applying adhesive powder, and then heat-pressing it onto fabric. It’s one of the newer technologies in merch printing and has quickly become the most popular option thanks to its affordability and versatility.

Why it’s great:

  • Works on cotton, polyester, blends, and more
  • Durable and flexible print that resists cracking
  • Perfect for detailed, colorful designs
  • Great balance of quality and cost

Care tips:

  • Wash inside out in cold water
  • Avoid high heat—tumble dry on low or hang dry for best results
  • Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals
  • If ironing is needed, place a cloth between the iron and design

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing

What it is:
DTG is like a high-tech inkjet printer for shirts. It prints directly onto fabric, making it ideal for detailed artwork or full-color designs.

Why it’s great:

  • Photorealistic prints with fine detail
  • No minimums—great for small runs or one-offs
  • Soft feel since the ink soaks into the fibers

Care tips:

  • Wash inside out on cold, gentle cycle
  • Skip fabric softeners (they break down ink faster)
  • Air dry when possible; if using a dryer, use low heat
  • Avoid direct sunlight when storing to prevent fading

Embroidery

What it is:
Instead of ink, embroidery uses colored threads stitched directly into the fabric. You’ll often see it on hats, polos, jackets, and hoodies.

Why it’s great:

  • Professional, high-end look
  • Extremely durable—threads won’t “fade” like ink
  • Adds texture and style

Care tips:

  • Wash on a gentle cycle in cold water
  • Avoid wringing out embroidered areas
  • Air dry or tumble dry on low—high heat can shrink fabric around the thread
  • Store flat or hanging to avoid puckering of the design

Heat Transfer & Vinyl

What it is:
Designs are printed onto a special transfer or cut from vinyl, then pressed onto fabric with heat.

Why it’s great:

  • Sharp detail and crisp colors
  • Great for small runs and custom names/numbers
  • Works on many fabric types

Care tips:

  • Wash cold and inside out
  • Never iron directly over the design (it will melt!)
  • Hang dry to prevent peeling

Screen Printing (The Classic)

What it is:
Screen printing is the traditional method where ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto fabric. It’s bold, durable, and still the gold standard for high-volume orders.

Why it’s great:

  • Vibrant, long-lasting colors
  • Best for simple designs with solid colors
  • Extremely durable with the right care

Care tips:

  • Wash inside out in cold water
  • Avoid bleach and harsh detergents
  • Hang dry or tumble dry on low to prevent cracking
  • Don’t iron directly on the print

Final Word: Make Your Merch Last

No matter the method, the golden rule is cold water, a gentle wash, and low heat. Heat and harsh detergents are the main culprits behind cracking, fading, and peeling. Treat your merch like the investment it is, and it’ll keep looking stage-ready for years.

At Amplify Merch, we don’t just print your designs—we want them to last. Whether you’re rocking the latest DTF, DTG one-offs, embroidered hats, or the timeless look of screen printing, following these care tips will keep your merch looking as good as the day it arrived.


Want help figuring out which printing method is right for your next design? Reach out to us—we’ll help you choose the best option for your style, budget, and long-term wear.

Be sure to use coupon code #harleysayshi at checkout to get 20% off any purchase!

Underground Beatdown Festival

Join us for the 1st Annual Underground Beatdown Festival

on November 8th 2pm at The Reverb Room in Warner Robbins, Ga

Get your tickets early!

ADVANCE TICKETS $15

At the door $20

Line-Up:

Violence System

Autumn Lies Buried

Massakrd

Necrofear

Jawjacked

Corrupted Empire

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

Derailer

Return to Sender

Endera

 

Presented by:

Supernova Studios

GMO Productions 

Amplify Merch

Sponsors:

Dark Sails Entertainment

Mosh4Lives

 

Amplify Merch Was Built for You—Let’s Keep It Moving Forward

We created Amplify Merch to support artists, bands, and small businesses—to take the weight of merch off your shoulders so you can focus on creating, performing, running the day-to-day of your business, and growing your brand.

But lately, we’ve hit a few bumps in the road.

🚫 Stores are live—but fans & customers don’t know they exist.
🚫 Designs are finished—but they’re not being shared.
🚫 Orders are slow to non-existent, and momentum is fading.

Let’s be real—we believe in this. 100%.
We believe in artists. We believe in community.
We believe in building something bigger than any one of us.

But this only works when we’re all in.

We’re still doing our part—creating designs, running ads, fulfilling orders, managing stores, and making sure the backend runs smoothly. But we can’t do it alone.

We need you to show up:
📢 Share your merch
📢 Tag us in your posts
📢 Promote your store like you believe in it
📢 Tell your fans where to find it

If you’re ready to grow, we’re here and fired up to grow with you.
If you’re not—that’s okay too. But have to be more intentional about where we invest our energy moving forward.

And if you’ve outgrown Amplify Merch, or if it’s just not the right fit anymore—no hard feelings. Just let us know, and we’ll remove your items to make room for those actively building with us.

We’re here for the doers, the dreamers, and the teams that want to rise together.

Let’s make it count.

—Team Amplify Merch


🎉 Amplify Merch Just Got an Upgrade – Meet Harley + Our Brand-New Music Player! 🎶

🎉 Amplify Merch Just Got an Upgrade – Meet Harley + Our Brand-New Music Player! 🎶

Big things are happening at Amplify Merch, and we’re excited to share some major updates that are making our online experience smoother, cooler, and way more fun for everyone who stops by!

Whether you’re a band, a small business, or a dedicated fan of the local scene — you’re going to love what’s new on our site.


🚀 Say Hello to Harley – Your AI Merch Assistant

We’re officially welcoming Harley to the Amplify Merch team! Harley is our brand-new AI assistant, ready to help you with everything from navigating the site to answering your burning questions about merch, shipping, customization, and more.

Think of Harley as your always-on tour guide through all things Amplify Merch. Need help placing an order? Want suggestions for your band’s next big merch drop? Harley’s got your back — no waiting on emails or wondering what’s next. It’s like having a virtual roadie who never sleeps.


🎵 Vibe While You Shop – Check Out the Background Music Player

You asked, we listened. We just launched our background music player, and it’s turning every visit into a mini listening party. Now, while you browse artist shops, check out custom designs, or snag your next tee, you can vibe to a curated mix of tracks that highlight local musicians and community favorites.

This isn’t just a feature — it’s an experience. We’re using the player to spotlight the sounds of the scene, giving you a taste of the artists we support (and the ones you’re wearing).


💻 More to Come…

These are just the first steps in a series of updates designed to make AmplifyMerch.com the best place online to rep your people, discover new music, and support small businesses — all while having a little fun.

So go ahead:
🧭 Ask Harley for help.
🎧 Press play on that music.
🛍️ And explore everything Amplify Merch has to offer.

Let us know what you think, and keep your eyes peeled — more updates are on the way. Because this isn’t just about selling shirts. It’s about building a movement.

FYI-Thanks for reading! You can use the coupon code HarleySaysHi for 20% any merch!

#AmplifyTheScene #ShopLocalSoundGlobal #HarleySaysHi

Brewstock Music Festival-Gastonia, NC

Brewstock Music Festival – Gastonia, NC 🎸🍻

Get ready, Gastonia! The annual Brewstock Music Festival is rolling back into The Rooster at 334 W Main Ave for a day of live music, brews, and community vibes. Launched by homegrown musicians and now celebrating its 5th anniversary, Brewstock brings local and regional talent across multiple genres, alongside family-friendly activities, food vendors, and craft beer pairings

https://www.facebook.com/BrewstockMusicFestival

This year’s celebration is extra special because Amplify Merch is proudly sponsoring Brewstock—helping amplify the talent and bringing you an even more unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to support great music, great brews, and great people.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 27, 2025—we’ll see you there!

Dark Sails Showcase Tour & Supernova Studios-Jacksonville

Narcotic Wasteland

Summer Showcase Tour-Black Strap
Dark Sails Entertainment Presents:
Septarian (Melodic death metal)
Necrofear US (ATL Deathcore)
Blackstrap Music Hall, Gainesville Ga
7pm $15
Summer Showcase Tour-Birmingham