Latest Articles

• LEVINIA Sinks Their Teeth Into 2026 With Dracula Inspired Single “Bite”

  Jun 12, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Los Angeles cinematic‑metal outfit Levinia returns with the third installment of their 2026 four‑single cycle, releasing their heaviest and most visceral track yet: “Bite.” The single and accompanying music video arrive as the follow‑up to the band’s recent releases “Silver Tongues” and “The Thorn,” continuing the group’s evolution into a darker, sharper, and more emotionally charged era.
  ​
  ​“Bite,” like all four upcoming singles, is produced by Brandon Friesen (Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach), whose cinematic approach and modern metal sensibilities have helped elevate Levinia’s sound into its most refined form to date.
  ​
  Drawing inspiration from Dracula, specifically the character of Mina Murray/Harker, “Bite” reimagines the classic Gothic arc of vulnerability transformed into strength. Vocalist Kourt Henson channels Mina’s evolution from prey to force of will, weaving a narrative of emotional reclamation, toxic entanglement, and the quiet power of survival.
  ​​
  “‘Bite’ is for anyone who’s ever felt drained by something or someone that tried to control them. It’s about finding the strength to fight back and become something stronger than what tried to break you,” says Henson.
  ​
  Musically, “Bite” is Levinia at their most aggressive, relentless riffs, cinematic tension, and a vocal performance that swings between haunting restraint and explosive catharsis. Fans of the band’s heavier material, especially tracks like “Push and Pull,” will immediately gravitate toward its intensity.
  ​
  The single’s artwork features a single drop of blood, a minimalist but potent symbol tied directly to the song’s themes. More than a nod to vampiric imagery, the blood represents the shedding of a former self, a transformation born from pain, loss, and the reclaiming of personal power.

  “Bite” continues Levinia’s 2026 collaboration with producer Brandon Friesen, who worked closely with guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal and vocalist Kourt Henson during pre‑production to refine the band’s most ambitious material yet. The partnership has resulted in a sound that is heavier, more cinematic, and more emotionally deliberate than anything in the band’s catalog.
  ​
  This single marks the third chapter in a four‑part release cycle that showcases the full spectrum of Levinia’s identity, from groove‑driven modern metal to atmospheric balladry to the ferocity embodied in “Bite.”

  Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and Delain, listen to “Bite” at the following links:

  ​Digital - https://hypeddit.com/levinia/bite612

  ​

  Levinia:​
  Vocals - Kourt Henson
  Guitar - Alon Mei-Tal
  Bass - Liam Alexander
  Drums- Dylan Suierveld

  More info:

  ​https://www.leviniaofficial.com/​

  ​https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/LeviniaOfficial/​

  Read more

• POWERLÖAD Drops Music Video “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” For New Album "In The Pocket" Out End of June 2026 + Tour Dates ANVIL

  Jun 12, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Canadian sleaze‑rock troublemakers POWERLÖAD have released their brand‑new music video for “Drunk in a Taxi Cab”, the latest single from their upcoming album "In The Pocket," due out on June 26, 2026, from Luv Machine Records (Vinyl), Night Strike Records (Cassette) and Nice Load Records & Marital Aid (CD).

  The video is a hilariously literal, grimy, one‑location ride through the life of a drunk trying to get home, shot entirely in the back of a car. The concept came straight from bassist/vocalist Shel Shock, who adds:

  “One night I was in a car coming home from the bar & in the midst of all the spinning, some lyrics appeared. Anyone who’s listening to POWERLÖAD has been there, you drunks. Can’t get more literal or bonehead than that.”

  A slower, swagger‑heavy rocker, “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” captures the bleary, reflective moment between the chaos of the night and the consequences of the morning, all wrapped in the band’s signature maximum-voltage street rock attack attitude.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/6r7vD3wBNn5j6qdqvKdpVk?si=qqnV1ZABQhe6IBZwtMRVrA

  ​

  POWERLÖAD’s new album is eight tracks of unapologetic, high‑octane sleaze rock that chronicle a full night of the band’s self‑proclaimed lifestyle.

  “We wanted this album to be almost conceptual of the POWERLÖAD lifestyle. People compare it to Tommy or The Wall, mostly because of the musicianship & lyrical themes, which are superior on In The Pocket,” adds Shel Shock.

  Lyrically and musically, the band sums the album up in three words: sex, drugs, and rock’n’ roll. The record is a full‑throttle plunge into that chaos, ripping through eight filthy, high‑energy chapters that kick off with the AC/DC charged opener "Tons of Tail", a song that sounds like it’s about lots of chicks, but it’s actually about lots of cocktails. Rolling into "Bad Girls," a tribute to the strong, street‑owning women the band admires. "The Ballad of Shit Faced Tony" follows Toronto’s most persistent blow‑seeker, while "Chains of Rock n’ Roll" channels the reckless spirit of the Sunset Strip. The stakes rise, literally and chemically, with "Stakes Are High (& So Am I)," a gambling‑fueled Motörhead homage, before the weed‑worshipping "Defenders of the Eighth" lights up the room. "Lapdog Deluxe" dives into glam‑trash absurdity inspired by ZZ Top confusion, and the night finally collapses into "Drunk in a Taxi Cab," a bleary, stumbling ride home that closes the album with hungover honesty.

  Following the album release, POWERLÖAD will hit the road with ANVIL for three Western Canadian shows, including a hometown blowout in Edmonton, AB.

  Tour Dates:​
  June 25 - Kelowna, BC - Unleashed Brewing Co. w/ Corpus Upir, Charlie Handsome & the Brats
  June 26 - Chilliwack, BC - The Chillhouse Tour w/ Anvil
  June 27 - Vancouver, BC - Astoria Tour w/ Anvil
  July 2 - Edmonton, AB - Divebar Tour w/ Anvil

  POWERLÖAD formed as a reaction to safe, sanitized rock, choosing instead to deliver raw, dirty, high‑energy sleaze rock built for people who want to feel “sexy as hell” when they hit play. The trio features Shel Shock (Bass + Vocals), Hell Hammered (Drums), and Brett Michaels (Guitar).

  Recommended for fans of G.B.H., Motorhead, AC/DC, and Mötley Crüe, "In The Pocket", out on June 26th from Luv Machine Records (Vinyl), Night Strike Records (Cassette), and Nice Load Records & Marital Aid (CD) is available for pre-order (CD/ Vinyl/ Cassette) at https://powerload.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-pocket​​

  Track Listing:
  ​1. Tons Of Tail (2:36)
  2. Bad Girls (3:02)
  3. The Ballad Of Shit Faced Tony (2:58)
  4. Chains Of Rock n’ Roll (2:51)
  5. Stakes Are High (So Am I) (3:21)
  6. Defenders Of The Eighth (2:42)
  7. Lapdog Deluxe (2:20)
  8. Drunk In A Taxi Cab (3:25)

  Band Line Up Album + Live
  ​Shel Shock - Bass, Vocals (Tracks 1, 3, 4, 6)
  Brett Michaels - Guitar
  Hell Hammered - Drums, Vocals (Tracks 2, 5, 7, 8)

  More info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/POWERLOADYEG​

  ​https://instagram.com/POWERLOAD.YEG​

  Read more

• TAMPA DEATH FEST 2026 Lineup w/ VIOGRESSION, NASTY SAVAGE, LEPROSY, GANGRENESIA and more!

  Jun 10, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Tampa Death Fest returns to the legendary Brass Mug for its 8th annual edition on September 4th and 5th, 2026, delivering one of the strongest underground death‑metal weekends in Florida.

  This year’s lineup fuses rising underground brutality with veteran icons. Friday, September 4th will erupt with Syndicate, Eroguro Phantasmagore, Homicyde, Unholy Disciple, Leprosy, Sacrilous, Viogression, and Foreverless. While Saturday, Sept 5th crushes with Grave Filth, Ramtha, Gouted Corpse, Coathanger Abortion, Sapraemia, Gangrenesia (Puerto Rico), Must Not Kill, and Tampa legends Nasty Savage closing out the night.

  As one of the bands that helped ignite Florida’s extreme‑metal movement in the mid‑80s, Nasty Savage remains a cornerstone of the scene and a perfect headliner for a weekend built on pure aggression. If you crave real death metal, raw, heavy, and unfiltered, the kind Tampa helped define, this is one of 2026’s essential weekends. Two nights. Zero filler. Maximum brutality. See you in the pit.

  Event Details:

  Date: September 4th and 5th

  Venue: Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Road, Tampa, FL

  Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1261714482664268​

  Ticket Links:

  Fri, Sept 4 - https://ticketbud.com/events/25a37be2-3998-11f1-af02-42010a71700b

  Sat, Sept 5 - https://ticketbud.com/events/3510b89e-39a0-11f1-ac5f-42010a71700b

  Get a preview of the lineup wth the TDF Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xXgzAxsCqGvjraz6l8YNh​

  TDF Promo Video - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYwwzZXR8qK/​

  Tampa Death Fest 2026 Lineup:

  Friday, September 4th: ​
  Foreverless (Florida)
  Viogression (Wisconsin)
  Sacrilous (Florida)
  Leprosy (Pennsylvania)
  Unholy Disciple (Florida)
  Homicyde (South Carolina)
  Eroguro Phantasmagore (Florida)
  Syndicate (Florida)
  ​
  ​Saturday, September 5th: ​
  Nasty Savage (Florida)
  Must Not Kill (Florida)
  Gangrenesia (Puerto Rico)
  Sapraemia (Florida)
  Coathanger Abortion (Tennessee)
  Gouted Corpse (Ohio)
  Ramtha (Florida)
  Grave Filth (Florida)

  About the Headliners:

  Viogression - https://viogression.info/​

  ​

  Formed in 1988, Viogression rose from the Midwest underground with early demos that led to their acclaimed debut, Expound & Exhort (1991), earning them a world tour with Death and Pestilence. After Passage (1994) and a long hiatus, the band returned with A Pure Formality (2014), reigniting their momentum and live presence. They pushed forward with 3rd Stage of Decay (2022) before crafting their fourth album, Thaumaturgic Veil (2025), praised for blending old‑school brutality with cerebral, metaphysical themes. The record marks a bold new chapter in Viogression’s evolving legacy.

  Nasty Savage - https://www.nastysavage.com/​

  ​

  Nasty Savage is a thrash metal band from Brandon, Florida, that became well known for the wild and theatrical stage antics of frontman “Nasty” Ronnie Galetti. During the band's early years, Galetti gained a reputation for his high-energy performances, which famously included smashing television sets over his head onstage. The group's debut album, featuring the standout track “XXX,” was recorded at Progressive Music in Tampa and helped secure a deal with the influential metal label Metal Blade Records. Nasty Savage released four albums between 1983 and 1989 before disbanding. Following years of reunion rumors, the band returned with the album "Psycho Psycho" in 2004, marking their comeback with a collection of new material. Since then, Nasty Savage has continued to perform select live shows while maintaining its legacy as a cult favorite in the thrash metal scene. In October 2024, the band released its latest studio album, "Jeopardy Room".

  Leprosy - https://leprosy.cc/home​

  ​

  Imagine horror, blood, and gore splattered across a heaping dose of true old‑school death metal, shoved into a meatgrinder and served with a smile. This is Leprosy. Exhumed in 1988, Leprosy is a Death/Splatter Gore metal force hailing from the Pittsburgh “Steel City” underground. Over the decades, they’ve shared the stage with giants including Napalm Death, Cannibal Corpse, Malevolent Creation, Forbidden, Entombed, Venom Inc, Exodus, Deicide, and many more, earning their reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most enduring and blood‑soaked extreme‑metal acts.

  Gangrenesia - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561028699841​

  ​

  Gangrenesia is an active, slamming brutal death metal band from Caguas, Puerto Rico, formed in 2022 and known for their ultra‑violent gore themes, hyper‑percussive slam riffs, and extreme vocal brutality. They’ve quickly become one of Puerto Rico’s most vicious new extreme‑metal exports, releasing multiple singles, demos, and EPs that have circulated heavily in the slam/brutal‑death underground.

  A band to watch! RAMTHA - https://linktr.ee/ramthabandfl​

  ​

  Recent WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2026 National Finalists! ​Ramtha is an extreme‑metal band from St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida, known for fusing death metal, thrash, grind, and hardcore into a high‑intensity hybrid sound. Active since 2022, the band has carved out a distinct identity within Florida’s extreme‑metal scene. They’ve released two EPs, Void Tyrant (2023) and Through Eyes of Death (2024), and are currently developing a third EP slated for 2026. Ramtha has earned a reputation for explosive live performances, frequently hitting Tampa’s Brass Mug and sharing stages with major acts such as Exhorder, Crypta, Worm, Gruesome, Artillery, Killing Addiction, Bandit, Gillian Carter, Dayglo Abortions, and Hong Kong Fck You. With momentum continuing to build, the band remains a rising force in the underground.

  More info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577052471967

  ​https://www.instagram.com/tampadeathfest/​

  Read more

• TONIC BREED Teams Up With Legends Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) For New Single "Name Dealer"

  Jun 10, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Norwegian one‑man metal force Tonic Breed, led by creator and multi‑instrumentalist Patrik K. Svendsen, returns with a brand‑new 2026 single, "Name Dealer", a high‑intensity track featuring two legendary guest musicians, Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) on drums and Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) on lead guitar.​
  ​
  The single follows Tonic Breed’s earlier 2026 release, "Close In," which featured Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch), continuing Svendsen’s ongoing tradition of bold collaborations and creative reinvention.
  ​
  Since transforming Tonic Breed into a solo project in 2019, Svendsen has pushed the project into new territory with each release. With "Name Dealer," he once again avoids repetition, opting instead for a fresh, unexpected direction while preserving the intensity, energy, and melodic edge that define the Tonic Breed identity.
  ​​
  “I haven’t followed the same path as the previous release. Because of that, I think this song will once again come as a surprise to fans. If you’ve followed Tonic Breed over the years, I hope you’ll find it worth a listen,” says Svendsen.

  "Name Dealer" wastes no time. The track launches with immediate force and maintains its momentum from start to finish. Musically, it blends sharp riffing with a hook‑laden chorus, a twist not typically associated with Tonic Breed’s catalogue.
  ​
  The single was recorded across three different locations in Norway and the United States, then mixed and co‑produced by Adrian Bjerketvedt, who also contributed atmospheric keys that elevate the track’s depth and dimension.
  ​
  For Svendsen, working with Aldridge and Hoekstra marks a milestone moment in the Tonic Breed’s journey.
  ​
  ​“It’s an absolute honor to have Tommy Aldridge and Joel Hoekstra on this song. Their performances exceeded all expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Having the opportunity to collaborate with musicians of their caliber means a great deal to me, and it’s something I’m truly grateful for,” adds Svendsen.

  Listen to "Name Dealer"

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/7CLRXXMpEeVCuSKczgBUzB​

  ​
  ​
  ​For more info:​
  ​https://tonicbreed.com​
  ​https://facebook.com/tonicbreed​
  ​https://instagram.com/tonicbreed​

  About Tonic Breed:​
  Tonic Breed is a Norwegian thrash and heavy metal one-man music project by Patrik K. Svendsen. Until 2019, Tonic Breed was originally a four-piece band, established in Sarpsborg, Norway, in 2006. As of 2022, Tonic Breed has released three albums and one EP. Today, Tonic Breed is constantly reinventing itself in songwriting and guest collaborations, which already include Chris Adler (Lamb of God), Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam) and Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch, Scale The Summit, Idealogy).

  Read more

• AFTER INFINITY Shares Uplifting New Single “Infinite Feeling” From Upcoming Album "Beyond Eternity" Out Fall 2026

  Jun 9, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Finnish melodic metal act After Infinity continues the journey toward their upcoming album "Beyond Eternity" with the release of the new single "Infinite Feeling", accompanied by an official visualizer.

  Following the heavy riffs and themes of rebellion explored on the previous single "King With No Crown", the band now reveals a brighter and more uplifting side of its musical identity. Featuring guest vocalists Nitte Valo (Dreamtale, ex-Battle Beast) and Leonard F. Guillan (ex-King Company), "Infinite Feeling" combines energetic melodies, driving rhythms, and an irresistible synth-driven hook, showcasing another facet of the stylistic diversity that defines "Beyond Eternity".

  Conceived and led by guitarist and songwriter Zsolt Szilagyi, After Infinity's sophomore album expands upon the foundations of the band's 2024 debut, exploring the intersection of power metal, heavy metal and progressive metal while maintaining a strong melodic core. While the album embraces a wide emotional spectrum, "Infinite Feeling" stands as one of its most uplifting moments.

  Commenting on the new single, Zsolt Szilagyi states:

  "Infinite Feeling is an ode to the eccentric and perhaps neurodivergent artists who aren't afraid of being 100% who they are. Even if they might have extra struggles in their daily life, they make it up by giving extra deep feelings into their lives and the lives of people around them. It's a happy and energetic song driven by a synth riff that makes your head bob, like it or not."

  The song celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression, paying tribute to those who embrace their uniqueness and transform it into something meaningful. Musically, it balances catchy melodic sensibilities with the layered arrangements and dynamic songwriting that characterize the band's approach.

  With the release date now confirmed for October 23rd, 2026, "Infinite Feeling" offers another glimpse into the diverse musical landscape of "Beyond Eternity". The album follows closely in the footsteps of the band's debut, combining heavy riffs, memorable melodies, and rich orchestral arrangements while pushing further into progressive territory. Across its nine tracks and six guest vocalists, the record delivers a constantly evolving listening experience without losing its distinctive identity.

  Rather than relying on a fixed vocalist, After Infinity has built the project around a collaborative concept, allowing each song to develop its own character while remaining part of a cohesive artistic vision. This approach once again plays a central role in "Beyond Eternity", where every guest performer contributes a unique voice and perspective to the album's narrative.

  Produced by Zsolt Szilagyi, with orchestrations by Gideon Ricardo and bass performances by Ville Koskinen, the album combines powerful songwriting with carefully crafted arrangements, balancing immediacy and complexity throughout its running time.
  ​
  ​For fans of: Europe, H.E.A.T, Van Halen, Sonata Arctica, Symphony X, Helloween

  Listen: https://lnk.to/KuMexr​

  "Beyond Eternity" will be released on October 23rd, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

  Pre-Order "Beyond Eternity":
  ​https://rockshots.eu/products/after-infinity-beyond-infinity-cd​

  ​

  After Infinity Line-up:

  Zsolt Szilagyi: Guitars, Synths, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals
  ​Gideon Ricardo: Orchestrations, Synths
  ​Ville Koskinen: Bass

  Guest Vocalists:

  • Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, Leverage, Seraphiel)
  • Aitor Arrastia (Metal de Facto)
  • Nitte Valo (Dreamtale, ex-Battle Beast)
  • Mika Tauriainen (Entwine, Shamrain)
  • Sara Strömmer (Shereign, ex-Fear of Domination)
  • Leonard F. Guillan (ex-King Company)

  More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/afterinfinityofficial | https://www.facebook.com/afterinfinityofficial​

  Read more