News

• SONS OF BUTCHER New EP "Skids" + Video 'Denim Dreamin'" + Tour Dates

  Mar 27, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After a decade‑long hiatus, the band behind Teletoon’s cult animated series is officially back in the butcher shop with their most polished, unhinged, and radio‑ready material to date. Canada’s raunchiest rock‑and‑roll carnivores, Sons of Butcher, have unleashed "Skids, a brand‑new four‑song EP and their first batch of fresh cuts since 2020. Released today, March 27th, 2026, the EP arrives alongside the new music video for “Denim Dreamin’,” the follow‑up to their first single “Makin’ Bacon.”

  Known for fusing vulgar absurdist comedy with heavy riffs and chaotic live antics, Sons of Butcher first carved out their legacy as the real‑world extension of their Teletoon animated series, building a cult following through spandex‑clad performances, pepperette‑throwing, and unapologetically ridiculous rock theatre. Forged in the grease‑splattered heart of Hamilton’s mock‑rock scene, "Skids" marks a new chapter, one that slices away from their animated origins and dives headfirst into a raw, unfiltered batch of comedy‑rock anthems.

  “This EP marks the first time we’ve written songs that don’t have a direct connection to the cartoon storyline, except for Peppercorn Steak. Instead, this EP is an honest batch of comedy songs from the grease‑clogged hearts of a band of has‑been butchers,” adds frontman Ricky Butcher.
  ​
  Produced by longtime collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Meatlantis, Rise & Fall of the Steaks) at Skylark Park in Pembroke, ON, "Skids" is a loud, unapologetic love letter to skid‑life: cheap meat, denim devotion, and the gritty charm of back‑alley ambition. The EP also features drumming by Kellii Scott of the acclaimed band Failure, a full‑circle moment for Ricky Butcher, who first discovered Zadorozny’s work through Scott’s playing.
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  Musically, "Skids" pushes Sons of Butcher into their most radio‑ready territory yet, without losing the filthy heart that made them cult icons. Opening track "Denim Dreamin’" is a surprisingly wholesome, socially acceptable anthem celebrating denim as a lifestyle. Catchy, bouncy, and tailor‑made for anyone who’s ever bought a patch or band tee. "Makin’ Bacon" is a metal‑forward, riff‑heavy ode to the universal love of bacon. Chaotic, catchy, and dangerously addictive. "Steeltown Handy" is a pop‑rock earworm exposing the underbelly of Hamilton’s gritty streets, raunchy, melodic, and impossible to forget. And EP closer, "Peppercorn Steak," is a return to classic SOB absurdity. Originally featured in an independently created third‑season pilot of the cartoon, now fully realized with soaring vocals and chunky riffage.

  The EP's cover features a live photo from the band’s first show after their ten‑year hiatus, Ricky Butcher and Doug Borski locked in a triumphant rock pose. The image has become symbolic of the band’s rebirth and renewed momentum.
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  To celebrate the release of the new EP, SOB's newest music video brings “Denim Dreamin’” to life with a tongue‑in‑cheek celebration of denim culture, matching the track’s upbeat swagger and infectious chorus. It follows the success of the EP’s first single, “Makin’ Bacon,” which kicked off the new era of Sons of Butcher with a blast of high‑energy mock‑metal.

  "This is the first clean‑cut Sons of Butcher track we have ever written! With a catchy refrain and bouncy riff, the song proudly declares that denim isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s a full‑blown way of life. Anyone who’s ever bought a patch or a band tee will feel this one in their soul," says Ricky Butcher.
  ​

  ​With "Skids," the band isn’t just back, they’re carving out a new chapter in their meaty legacy.

  Recommended for fans of Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Psychostick, and Steel Panther, "Skids" is available now as of March 27th, 2026, at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/7M0suHkgLiADLzbMXegRjV

  ​Bandcamp (CD and Digital) - https://sonsofbutcher.bandcamp.com/album/skids​

  In additional news, Sons of Butcher are gearing up for a handful of Spring 2026 tour dates, including five shows with Hamilton’s beloved skid‑icon B.A. Johnston.

  Show Dates:​
  April 2 - Honey Dip - London, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
  April 3 - L’Hemisphere Gauche - Montreal, QC - opening for B. A. Johnston
  April 4 - House of Targ - Ottawa, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
  April 17 - The Corktown - Hamilton, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
  April 18 - Baby G - Toronto, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston

  Track Listing:​
  1. Denim Dreamin’ – (3:05)
  2. Makin’ Bacon – (2:37)
  3. Steeltown Handy – (2:21)
  4. Peppercorn Steak – (1:42)

  EP Line Up:​
  Ricky Butcher – Lead Vocals, Guitar
  Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
  Kellii Scott – Drums
  Jordon Zadorozny – Lead Guitar
  Brandon Wars – Lead Guitar

  Live Band Line Up:​
  Ricky Butcher – Vocals, Guitar
  Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
  Crissy Stixx – Drums
  Joey Salami – Lead Guitar

  More Info:

  ​https://www.sonsofbutcher.ca/​

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

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

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• Streaming Now! SIEGE PERILOUS' New Album "Becoming The Dragon" ft. Guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) + Music Video "Echoes of Home"

  Mar 27, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Denver, CO power-metal storytellers Siege Perilous have unveiled their long‑awaited debut full‑length concept album, officially out now as of Friday, March 27th, via Crunchtronic Records. Along with the concept records release, the band is sharing the new music video for the emotional power ballad “Echoes of Home” ft. Kristin Starkey. The release follows months of anticipation fueled by the band’s earlier singles, including the title track and the Fabio Lione-fronted “As the Dragon Falls."

  "Becoming the Dragon" is a cinematic, story‑driven concept album chronicling the rise, fall, and transformation of the “Child of Prophecy,” a hero who ultimately embraces destiny by becoming the very dragon he was sworn to slay. Across ten tracks, Siege Perilous blends epic riffing, soaring vocals, and symphonic arrangements into a cohesive narrative arc that stands tall among modern power metal concept records. The album features two major guest vocalists who helped shape the band’s identity: Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) as the voice of the dragon in “As the Dragon Falls”, Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) as the Mystic in “Echoes of Home”.
  ​
  For vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, these collaborations are deeply personal:
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  ​“Getting to sing alongside one of the voices that got me into metal as a teenager is an indescribable blessing, and having Kristin Starkey rip a power ballad with us is far beyond anything we could have hoped for.”​
  ​
  The newly released video "Echoes of Home" highlights one of the album’s most emotional moments, the “all is lost” chapter of the story. Written during a difficult period when McDaniel’s newborn son was in the NICU, the song channels grief, fear, and hope into a sweeping Jim Steinman-inspired power ballad.
  ​
  ​“Those nights going home alone while my wife stayed with our son really fueled the sadness and sense of loss that became the core of ‘Echoes of Home.’ Thankfully, he’s now happy, healthy, and just celebrated his second birthday in February.”

  ​
  ​​
  ​
  Formed in Colorado by longtime friends and LARP companions Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums), Siege Perilous grew from a shared passion for fantasy storytelling and the electrifying inspiration of seeing Unleash the Archers live in 2021. Joined by Eric Fischer (bass) and later Ryan Flanagan, the band has evolved into a fully collaborative creative unit. Every track on "Becoming the Dragon: was shaped collectively, with each member contributing to the story beats, arrangements, and narrative flow. The result is a unified musical saga with each chapter standing strong as an individual song.

  
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  Epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story‑driven, Siege Perilous is recommended for fans of Manowar, Battle Beast, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia.

  "Becoming the Dragon" is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:

  CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12" Vinyl in Draconic Red) - https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LbZQwXnTZE0nv3s8aDaSQ

  ​

  In additional news, Siege Perilous will also mark the launch of their debut concept album, "Becoming The Dragon," with a release show in Greeley, CO on April 4th at the Moxi Theater, joined by Starwraith and Wicked Vixen. Full details are available at https://siegemetal.com/album-release-show-april-4-moxi-theater.

  Track Listing:​
  1. Overture (Instrumental) - (2:37)
  2. Ancient Rite - (4:37)
  3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) - (4:33)
  4. Child of Prophecy - (4:05)
  5. Shattered Mirage - (4:07)
  6. Chieftain - (4:03)
  7. Cut Down - (3:01)
  8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) - (4:48)
  9. Becoming the Dragon - (5:09)
  10. Eschaton - (7:50)
  Album Length: 44:54

  More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal

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• NYC Thrashers ANOTHER DEMON Signs To Ragebreed Records for Re-Release of EP "As Above So Below" ft. Guest James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary)

  Mar 25, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  NYC thrash metal outfit Another Demon will officially re‑release their debut EP "As Above So Below" on April 18th, 2026, through Ragebreed Records, with global distribution handled by Earache Records. Originally unveiled independently, the EP now returns with expanded reach and renewed momentum as the band continues its rapid ascent through the East Coast metal ranks.
  ​
  Formed in 2023, Another Demon has quickly carved out a reputation for a sound they define in five words: Powerful, Fast, Aggressive, Thrashing, Evil. Their music fuses high‑velocity riffing, death‑tinged precision, and a dark atmospheric edge, an approach that feels instantly familiar to fans of classic thrash while pushing into new territory.
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  ​“We feel like anyone hearing us for the first time will immediately get what we’re about. Another Demon is the kind of band you can feel instantly familiar with and instantly want more,” says guitarist Frank Tosi.
  ​
  The EP delivers a layered listening experience, offering both surface‑level adrenaline and a deeper emotional catharsis. The band’s collaborative writing process, built on trading riffs, expanding ideas, and prioritizing results over ego, creates songs that feel cohesive, urgent, and alive.
  ​
  A major highlight of "As Above So Below" is “Drawn and Quartered,” featuring a guest solo from legendary guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary), whose presence adds both historic weight and technical ferocity to the record. Across its six tracks, the EP delivers a spectrum of thrash intensity: “Reduced to Ash” erupts with frantic, horror‑driven chaos inspired by The Evil Dead, while “Deaf Gods” channels spiritual collapse and frustration through sharp, unrelenting heaviness. “Skull Vessel” pushes deeper into the band’s darker, riff‑forward territory, and “War March” unfolds as a slow‑burning, cinematic descent, massive, ominous, and ritualistic. The title track, “As Above So Below,” ties the EP together with atmosphere, weight, and precision, capturing the full scope of the band’s vision.
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  ​Another Demon is powered by four musicians deeply rooted in the NY/NJ/CT heavy music scene. Bassist and vocalist Max Capshaw, known for his work with Sick Of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, and Burn, brings decades of hardcore pedigree and a commanding presence at the front of the band. Frank Tosi, the EP’s primary songwriter, shapes the group’s modern thrash identity with guitar work that is tight, aggressive, and atmospherically driven. Alongside him, guitarist Jun Takeshita blends 80s thrash with the intensity of Japanese punk and metal, expanding the band’s sonic range with speed, melody, and precision. Behind the kit, Dave English delivers dynamic, powerful drumming that fuels the band’s relentless pace and rhythmic complexity. Together, they forge a sound built on heavy riffing, razor‑sharp execution, and a balance of pure aggression and immersive atmosphere, music that hits hard and stays with you long after the final note fades.
  ​
  The tracks on "As Above So Below" were shaped over years of dormancy and renewed creative drive. With a full‑length album currently in development, the band promises an even broader expression of their identity.
  ​
  ​“These songs reflect our influences and personal tastes. The full‑length will show even more of our collective personality—our best, our heaviest, and our most honest work,” adds Tosi.

  Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, "As Above So Below" is available on the following platforms.

  ​

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kNaNyl0Lcp2NffXJUwjT6?si=SbY0-uwdTE6jlNyjTIRDJA​

  Bandcamp - https://anotherdemon.bandcamp.com/album/as-above-so-below​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Reduced To Ash - 3:13
  2. Deaf Gods - 3:05
  3. Skull Vessel - 1:49
  4. Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) - 5:42
  5. War March - 5:44
  6. As Above So Below - 5:45
  EP Length: 25:20

  EP Band Line Up:​
  Max Capshaw – Vocals / Bass
  Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
  Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
  Frank Vaturina – Session Drums

  Live Band Line Up:​
  Max Capshaw – Vocals
  Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
  Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
  Fred Romer – Bass Guitar
  Dave English – Drums

  More info: https://linktr.ee/another_demon_official​

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• BURY THE PAST Introduces Its New Era With Their Heaviest Single "Clarity"

  Mar 24, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Metalcore/Post‑Hardcore outfit Bury the Past has officially dropped their brand‑new single “Clarity,” now available on all major streaming platforms. The track marks a defining moment for the five‑piece Canadian band as they step boldly into a heavier, more modern metal direction.
  ​
  Formed through the natural evolution of guitarist Til Dubois’ creative vision, Bury the Past has grown into a powerhouse collective of musicians from across the Gatineau/Quebec scene. With the addition of drummer Mathieu “Fretch” Fréchette (Fractures & Outlines / Soulthief (Upstate Records) & 2025 Wacken Metal Battle Canada National Finalists), the band found the missing piece that would help shape their new sonic identity.
  ​
  ​“Clarity was the first song we wrote together with the latest lineup. It introduced a new drumming style as I joined the band permanently. From fast‑paced verses to slower, heavier sections, the single shows what we’re capable of,” says drummer Mathieu Fréchette.
  ​
  Musically and lyrically, “Clarity” is a turning point. The band leans into a more aggressive, modern metalcore sound while keeping the emotional depth and diversity that define their identity. Though heavier than previous releases, the band emphasizes that Bury the Past refuses to be boxed into a single genre; evolution is part of their DNA.
  ​
  If fans are expecting more intensity, they won’t be disappointed.

  “Heavy, catchy, emotional, evolving, diverse, that’s how we’d describe our sound. “I think fans are really going to appreciate the new direction. Having Til back on guitar is a major upgrade, and the writing process has never been smoother,” adds Fréchette.
  ​
  The band’s lyrics, primarily crafted by vocalist Charles Morin with contributions from Til and Kris, draw from everyday struggles, personal experiences, and the universal challenges humanity faces. The result is music that hits as hard emotionally as it does sonically.
  ​
  ​Bury the Past pulls inspiration from giants like The Ghost Inside, August Burns Red, The Amity Affliction, Alexisonfire, and Parkway Drive, blending metalcore, modern metal, and post‑hardcore into something uniquely their own.
  ​
  And while their music is serious, the band’s personality is anything but one‑dimensional. From inside jokes like shouting “Tooteeth” (a reference to Til’s cats) to a lineup spanning ages 20s to 50, Bury the Past is a family built on passion, humor, and a shared love for heavy music.
  ​
  With plenty of material already written and waiting for the studio, fans can expect more singles from Bury the Past in the near future.

  “Timing is key, but trust us, there’s a lot more coming,” adds Fréchette.

  Turn it up, dive in, and hear the new era of Bury the Past. “Clarity” is streaming now on all major platforms.
  ​
  ​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/58hT043E252gg4jgq2m2fB​

  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VPu2lWhu8​

  More info: https://linktr.ee/burythepast​

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• KARMIAN Unleashes New Concept Album “Horror Vacui” - A Haunting Dive Into the Void of the Human Psyche

  Mar 20, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records proudly announces the release of Horror Vacui, the new full‑length album from Italian melodic death metal force Karmian, available March 20th. A concept record rooted in true events, "Horror Vacui" marks the band’s most ambitious, introspective, and emotionally charged work to date, a descent into the psychological and existential void behind real acts of murder and moral collapse.
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  ​“Horror Vacui is the darkest and most introspective chapter of our journey. A descent into the psychological and existential void that hides behind real acts of murder and madness,” says the band.

  
  ​
  Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Audiocore Studio by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi, the nine tracks on "Horror Vacui" transform true Italian crime cases into harrowing portraits of human fragility, alienation, and the emptiness that breeds violence. Vocalist and lyricist Andrea Bertolazzi approached each story not to sensationalize, but to expose the void beneath the brutality. As he explains:
  ​​
  “We didn’t want to glorify horror; we wanted to expose its roots. This record is about the emptiness that breeds violence, and the fragile humanity that hides beneath.”

  ​
  From the tragic collapse of nurse Sonya Caleffi to the cult‑like spiral of the Beasts of Satan, from the myth‑shrouded Alleghe murders to the disturbing obsessions of Marco Mariolini and Gianfranco Stevanin, each track becomes a psychological study rendered through Karmian’s signature blend of aggression, melody, and narrative depth.
  ​
  With "Horror Vacui," Karmian pushes their sound further than ever. The album fuses Swedish‑influenced melodic death metal with cinematic tension, intricate arrangements, and a raw, live‑driven production approach. Every instrument was recorded acoustically without studio trickery, preserving the band’s trademark authenticity.
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  ​“It’s our most mature and intense work to date, melodic death metal meets cinematic tension, raw energy, and psychological storytelling. We wanted the album to leave a lingering sense of inner unease, a discomfort that wounds, but is also exorcised through the act of listening,” adds the band.
  

  The result is an album meant not just to be heard, but felt, a visceral experience that lingers long after the final note. The band hopes listeners will explore the layers of meaning, the connections to real events, and the emotional weight embedded in every riff and lyric.
  ​
  ​"Horror Vacui" stands as Karmian’s most profound artistic statement, a fusion of philosophy, extreme metal, and psychological exploration. It is a record that challenges, confronts, and compels reflection on the abyss within.

  Recommended for fans of The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames, "Horror Vacui" is available now as of March 20th, 2026, through Rockshots Records.

  CD - "Horror Vacui" - https://rockshots.eu/products/karmian-horror-vacui-cd​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/4lEIA86baPxAQIlIq7jCzE?si=4lFqJB9MQQGnYxBluhv5cA​

  More info:

  ​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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

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