News

• Out Now! HIGHWAY QUEEN's New EP "Extendead Play" + Music Video "Lies"

  Jan 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of Highway Queen’s new EP, "Extendead Play", a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers' journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP will be available on all major platforms as of January 17th, 2025.

  "Extendead Play" continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. An official music video for the track "Lies" is out today adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.

  Since their formation in late 2019, Highway Queen has been a rising force in the melodic hard rock scene. After the successful release of their debut album, "Bitter Soul" in 2022, the band has continued to evolve and refine their sound. The songs on "Extendead Play" like those on "Bitter Soul" were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, who has also worked with bands such as Waltari and Before The Dawn. Their music is recommended for fans of melodic hard rock, heavy rock, and the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

  With "Extendead Play" Highway Queen reaffirms their position as torchbearers of melodic rock with a modern edge, delivering music that resonates with the heart and soul. Prepare to turn up the volume and join the ride as Highway Queen takes you on another electrifying musical journey.
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  ​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

  [embed]https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk[/embed]

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  Track Listing:​​
  1. Lies
  2. I Will Take You To Hell
  3. Come To Me
  4. I'm Calling You
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  ​Album Credits:​​
  All songs written by
  - Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
  - Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
  - Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
  - Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
  - Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
  ​
  ​Highway Queen are:
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  Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
  Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
  Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
  Henri Backman: drums

  For more info:​
  ​www.rockshots.eu​
  ​www.highwayqueenband.com​
  ​www facebook.com/highwayqueenband​
  ​www.instagram.com/highwayqueenband​

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• Fox Lake Drop "Cold Hard Truth" Video

  Jan 16, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  FOX LAKE are roaring into 2025. The band has dropped the video for the new single "COLD HARD TRUTH." Watch it here.
  
  The song, a ferocious rap x rock hybrid, will rattle your teeth loose from your gums. 
  
  "'The 'Cold Hard Truth' is a blend of some our favorite elements from nu-metal, hardcore, and hip-hop," the band states. "We wanted the whole song to feel like the moment your luck runs out. It's just as heavy as it is groovy and the lyrics cut like a knife."
  
  The band announced its signing to MNRK HEAVY last year.

  Born in the high elevation of Denver, FOX LAKE bring an elevated and energetic sound to the heavy music scene. The band started in 2017 as four friends jamming in their basement, looking to branch out from the metalcore sound by incorporating elements of their favorite genres: hardcore, hip-hop, and rock 'n' roll. FOX LAKE has continually leveled up by giving audiences undeniable grooves, punch rhythms, and an anti-establishment swagger. It all culminates in a sonic, brass-knuckled punch to the face that lands on anyone in their proximity.

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• NECRAMBULANT’s New Music Video Has You “Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit” Off Guttural Death Metal

  Jan 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  L-R - Andy "Bonemeat" York - Vocals & Lyrics, Matt Riena - Drums, Trent Pittard - Bass, Ron Clark - Guitars

  Photo Credit: Matt Riena

  Phoenix, Arizona's Necrambulant will be unleashing their second full-length "Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance" via Gore House Productions this coming March 2025 to follow 2022's "A Feast of Festering Flesh" (EP) and 2013 debut album "Infernal Infectious Necro-ambulatory Pandemic".

  Revealing their first single "Chunked Pus Chowder" with a claymation video this past November, they are unshackling their next music video and second single "Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit".

  "This was the first song written for the new album. Lyrically, the theme came from watching movies like Army of Darkness and Return of the Jedi; where there is some sort of criminal sentence of being cast into a pit containing something within that will consume you. In this story, it's a septic pit that serves as both an open sewer for human waste and a habitat for flesh-hungry zombies awaiting someone to be "sentenced to the pit"..." adds the band.

  The music video can be seen and heard via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

  Necrambulant's sophomore album is a relentless record presented as an anthology of all that they represent, horror, gore, and slamming brutal death metal. Incorporating a full arsenal of death metal and slam to further define their self-described sound of "Inhuman Slam Grind", "Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance" has something to offer on many levels of thematic brutality; zombies, serial killers, cannibals, sci-fi, and Warhammer.

  "This new album is just a relentless barrage of slamming brutal death metal. We strived for a no-bullshit / no-filler tracklist that will just pummel the listener with heaviness. We spent the past two years working on fine-tuning these songs to be a proper representation of our original moniker of "Inhuman Slam Grind". We hope this new album is something that fans of our earlier material will appreciate and something fresh for the newer fans as well. Expect a full audial assault of horror, gore, and guttural slamming sickness the Necrambulant way." says the band.

  Recommended for fans of Devourment, Kraanium, Cephalotripsy, Cannibal Corpse, and Abominable Putridity, Necrambulant's "Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance" will be available as of March 7th, 2025 from Gore House Productions.

  Album pre-orders (Cassette and CD) will be available at https://orcd.co/uomnecrambulance​

  First Single - "Chunked Pus Chowder"

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  Bandcamp - https://gorehouseproductions.bandcamp.com/track/chunked-pus-chowder-2​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3ZpLKWm​

  Track Listing​
  1. Amalgamation of Gresome Curdling Ambonination - 3:09
  2. Inhumane Creophagus Repulsion - 3:14
  3. Catastrophic... / Epoch 0 - 3:14
  4. Barbarian Brute Force Annihilation - 3:47
  5. Sentenced to a Guttonous Pit - 2:59
  6. Pestilential Ascendancy - 2:53
  7. Ineffable Tormenting Possession - 2:24
  8. Chunked Pus Chowder - 3:04
  9. Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance - 2:01
  10. Coffin Meat - 2:50
  11. Self-Biologic Carnivorous Cannibalism - 3:00
  Album Length: 32:35

  More info: ​Gorehouseproductions.com​ | Facebook.com/necrambulantaz | Instagram.com/necrambulant | Tiktok.com/@necrambulant

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• DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album "Troubled Mind" Out March 2025

  Jan 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Toronto, Canada's progressive metal band Derev is unveiling their latest single “Cyclone” a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band's evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track follows their earlier single “Room 9” and is the latest preview of their highly awaited first full-length album “Troubled Mind” slated for release on March 26, 2025. The band comments on the lyrical content:

  “Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state, "Imposter Syndrome" makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.”

  “Cyclone” demonstrates Derev's masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax. The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that gradually intensifies as layers of bass and drums create an underlying sense of unrest. This tension ultimately gives way to a soaring, heartwarming guitar solo that brings a moment of clarity before concluding with a memorable cliffhanger riff.

  The forthcoming album "Troubled Mind" promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, featuring both energetic highs and poignant lows. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

  Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Cyclone”.

  Spotify - https://show.co/XRS9Tlm​

  Due out March 26, 2025, "Troubled Mind" is available for album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store​

  First single - Animated video for “Room 9” at https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​
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  Track Listing:​
  1. Buried Voice (7:23)
  2. Cyclone (5:39)
  3. Crawl Space (1:16)
  4. Room 9 (6:15)
  5. Paracusia (4:35)
  6. Tides of Time (5:59)
  7. Darker Self (5:44)
  8. Trace Within (5:01)
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  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  Adel Saflou - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys
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  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  Mike Symons - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys

  More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

  About: “Divided by war, United by music”

  Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.

  After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member, and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

  Derev’s debut release "Leap of Faith" melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.

  The band's dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev's sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering "Troubled Mind". Symons' compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.

  As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album "Troubled Mind" on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.

  Discography:
  2025 - Troubled Mind - LP
  2021 - Leap of Faith - EP

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• Ice Nine Kills Raise Over $100,000 For California Wildfire Victims With "Heed The Call For California" Benefit Shirt

  Jan 14, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Ice Nine Kills have raised over $100,000 and counting for victims for the California Wildfires with their exclusive "Heed The Call For California" benefit shirt, 100% of the proceeds from which are going to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund.   Having been personally affected by the wildfires, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas shares   "The band began on the East Coast, but we consider Los Angeles our second home.   Most of us live in California, and like many people here, we felt powerless as we watched the devastation unfold. However, our global community of supporters and friends is strong. We knew that if we called on them for help, they would rise to the occasion, and they have.   We are proud to stand alongside other musicians, creatives, and workers in our industry to support the ongoing relief efforts in any way we can."    The "Heed The Call For California" benefit shirt will be available for the rest of this week HERE or fans can donate directly to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund HERE.

  About Ice Nine Kills    Ice Nine Kills craft passionate and precise anthems that blend metalcore, melody, and punk with theatrical bombast, which has fostered a devoted fanbase of “Psychos” who revel in the band’s horror-infused pop culture lore. Hit singles such as “Hip to be Scared,” “Funeral Derangements,” and “The American Nightmare” celebrate horror legends with inescapable hooks, heavy riffs, and clever lyrical twists. Led by Spencer Charnas, the band’s breakthrough albums, The Silver Scream and The Silver Scream 2: Welcome to Horrorwood,propelled them to new heights, earning spots on major tours with Slipknot and Metallica and firmly embedding them within the horror community.   The band’s immersive “INKverse” includes cinematic videos, the Psychos Only Club, graphic novels, true crime mockumentaries, and the annual Silver Scream Convention, which expanded to the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2024. Spencer Charnas, who started the band during high school, has guided Ice Nine Kills through stylistic evolutions from their beginnings playing battle-of-the-band competitions to their status as visionary multimedia raconteurs. The Billboard chart topping Silver Scream albums paid loving homage to horror icons like Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, Chucky, Pennywise, patrick Bateman and more. The Silver Scream 2: Welcome To Horrorwood landed Ice Nine Kills their first Top 20 placement on the Billboard 200 and introduced the chilling new slasher icon, Silence.   Hailed by Loudwire as “one of the most unique acts in metal right now,” Ice Nine Kills captivates with inventive band-fan connections, immersive, theatrical live shows, and a growing legion of "pyschos" the world over. With over 2.3 million monthly Spotify listeners, 1 billion career streams, and 210 million YouTube views, the band has cemented itself as a dominant and visionary force in modern metal, fearlessly carving out a thrilling, horror-inspired legacy.

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