News

• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces National Winner - BEGUILER - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  May 28, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  One band to rule them all! Down to the final five bands from across the country, the national final for Wacken Metal Battle Canada was held this past Saturday, May 25th in Edmonton, AB at the Starlite Room with regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB - 2023 National Finalist).

  The night was MC'd by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor - Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM - Alerte Metallique - Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography - Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations - Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions - Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager - The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire - 2023 National WMBC Winner - Trois-Rivières, QC).

  After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest and is now crowned the 2024 champion is Toronto's Beguiler.

  "The level of the bands this year was very impressive, I am very glad that everyone killed it on stage and played for a full venue in Edmonton. And a massive congrats to Beguiler for being the chosen ones, I expect they will make quite an impression at Wacken," adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

  As this year's crowned Canadian champion, Beguiler will now move on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd), one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).​

  Beguiler will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2024 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  Beguiler joins the list of previous WMBC national winners Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC - 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON - 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON - 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON - 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON - 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC - 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON - 2013).

  
  

  Info:

  Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

  About:

  Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/​

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

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• Out Now! THE MISFIRES New Album "are Dead, long Live The Misfires" Is The Last of Their Legacy!

  May 24, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  The Misfires are a high-energy skate-punk band from Edmonton, Alberta, known for their dynamic stage shows that actively involve the audience. The band quickly gained a following and performed numerous high-profile shows, including opening acts for Face to Face and Authority Zero. Their debut album, "Songs about Stuff," is highly regarded in the punk community.

  Despite their success, the band disbanded in 2016 due to internal strife. However, before their breakup, they had completed tracks on a full-length album "are Dead, long Live The Misfires", which is now out on May 24th, 2024. The album serves as a final testament to their legacy.

  "I didn't want this to sit unfinished on a hard drive forever," says Barrett Klesko, the driving force behind The Misfires. "Though the band didn't survive, we made an incredible album that is both a love letter to the skatepunk sound of the 90s and a step forward in modern punk. Our specific style of satirical social and political commentary continues to be loved by our fans. Throughout the years, we've received a steady stream of messages and fan mail urging our comeback. While I can't guarantee it, a reunion is never out of the question. After all, aging punks are still punks, and we definitely still have shit to say."

  The band consisted of notable Edmonton metal scene veterans: Barrett Klesko of All Else Fails, Degenerator, The Secret Places of the Earth, ex. The Order of Chaos (vocals), Seedy Mitchell Sleepwraith, ex. All Else Fails (guitar), Justin Cruse, King Theory, ex Naked Beauty (bass), Ryan Biggs Sleepwraith, ex. All Else Fails(drums), and Colton Taylor Violet Riot (guitar).

  The Misfires' music was characterized by a potent blend of scathing social and political commentary, sardonic self-analysis, and an explosive musical sound that paid homage to 90's skatepunk while injecting a fresh perspective into the Canadian punk scene. Their songs resonated with a generation disillusioned with the status quo, making them a band to remember in the punk rock landscape.

  ​

  The album "are Dead, long Live The Misfires" is available on the following platforms:

  Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Np6kZZMUbvSd7ZGnRQrKZ?si=lueOhtAvSf2BSfIzRnAOQQ​
  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-misfires/1743126204​
  Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCWHPhb7tW2sTmNCu95zvGxw​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Poultry in Motion
  2. She was only a Whiskey Maker
  3. Non-Prophet Organization
  4. Nightfall
  5. No More Words
  6. 21 Years Later
  7. High School Love Song
  8. Interlude
  9. Turning Lepers into Lemonade
  10. Crystal Methodist
  11. Us vs Them

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/Themisfiresband

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• Yellowknife's GNARWHAL Unveil Fuzzy New EP “Altered States” + Out On Vinyl!

  May 24, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Since their inception in 2021, Canada’s Gnarwhal has been at the forefront of the heavy music resurgence in their northern home of Yellowknife. With their self-titled debut album released in early 2023, the band quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Western Canadian Music Award and the Best New Single award at the 2022 Music NWT Awards. They are following that album up with a new EP “Altered States” and ready for the ears of those who like fuzzy, doomy rock. Vocalist Mark Kilbride comments on the EP:

  “There seems to be a common thread to most of the lyrics on the album and I feel listeners will be able to relate their own experiences to the songs. I know what these songs mean to me and try to steer toward authentic emotions to accompany the instruments. The songs on the album portray a sense of resilience and a fight against the complexities of our own thoughts and emotions. No matter how much the characters in the songs endure, you can still feel a sense of hope and resilience.”

  “Altered States” represents a significant evolution in Gnarwhal's musical journey, offering a darker and heavier atmosphere compared to their debut release. From the haunting melodies of “Tides” to the introspective depth of “From Her Hands”, each track on the EP contributes to a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

  The creation of the EP was not without its challenges, as the band navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic and unforeseen obstacles during the recording process. Despite these hurdles, Gnarwhal remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering a powerful and authentic musical statement. “Altered States” was produced and mixed by Dan Ponich, mastered by David Collins, and the album artwork was done by Jonah Cutler. It is recommended for fans of Mastodon, Elder, and Truckfighters.

  Recommended for fans of Kyuss, Mastodon, and Elder, “Altered States” is due out on May 24, 2024, and is available for pre-order digitally and on vinyl at https://gnarwhalband.bandcamp.com​

  ​

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Tides (3:37)
  2. The War / Nothing More (6:36)
  3. From Her Hands (3:46)
  4. Altered States (3:19)

  More info: Gnarwhalband.com | Facebook.com/gnarmusic | Instagram.com/gnarwhalsounds

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• Dive Deep Into Immersive Swancore With VICTORIA LIES’ New Video “Trial By Fire”

  May 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Victoria Lies, the electrifying new Canadian metalcore band emerging from the remains of From the Flame, is now releasing their latest video single “Trial By Fire”. This release marks the debut of the band's invigorated lineup, featuring Brett Hetherington on vocals, Nick Shyrokov on drums, Chris Kohler and Rory Fitzsimmons on guitars, and Jay Powell on bass. They comment on the single:

  “This one came together so beautifully, there was no resistance from the song at all. It just kept coming and coming. It started with Jay and I (Rory) in the studio trying to come up with anything to help move the album writing along. The start was the hardest part because you’re starting with a completely blank canvas and zero direction on where to go. Eventually, Jay dug up an old riff he had from his days in Florida, he gave the riff to me, I put my spin on it and we finally had our start! From that moment we were off to the races.”

  The artwork for “Trial By Fire” is as provocative as the music itself. Based on the striking opening line of the song, “Who brings a fucking gun to a wedding?”, the artwork is a close-up of a distressed bride, hinting at a larger, dramatic narrative that unfolds in the accompanying lyric video that can be viewed via its premiere on TheCirclePit.

  ​

  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/trial-by-fire​

  Victoria Lies is poised to surprise and challenge listeners with their innovative approach. By integrating unexpected genre elements and focusing on what serves the song rather than individual egos, they aim to deliver a fresh and compelling sound. They are recommended for fans of Northlane, Bad Omens, and Of Mice and Men.

  More info: Victorialies.com | Facebook.com/victorialiesband | Instagram.com/victorialiesband | Tiktok.com/@victoria.lies | Youtube.com/@VictoriaLies

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• PARADISE IN FLAMES Meld Classical And Metal In New Video “Concerto No 6 Minor, Cold Spring” From Upcoming Album "Blindness" Out June 2024

  May 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Formed in 2002 in the heart of Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Paradise In Flames emerged with a mission to challenge pre-established ideas and forge a new path in the metal landscape. Drawing inspiration from the brutal scenes of death and black metal, the band brings together heavy riffs with unconventional elements that are exemplified by their new single “Concerto No 6 Minor, Cold Spring”, which comes off their upcoming album “Blindness” slated for a June 14 release. The band comments on the album:

  “This album proved to be the most challenging of the band’s career, as it required a strong correlation between the music and lyrics. The concept was to have one set of lyrics for all 11 tracks, ensuring each song had a logical sequence while collectively creating an engaging atmosphere to captivate the listener.”

  Paradise In Flames believes they’ve successfully achieved their objectives with this album. In the physical CD and LP versions, listeners will be able to enjoy following along with the lyrics in hand, allowing them to seamlessly experience the album’s narrative unfold throughout its entirety.

  “Concerto No 6. in C Minor, Cold Spring”, the name references Vivaldi as it is a violin orchestral song. The lyrics present the initial context of the story, describing a world desolate by the epidemic of an unknown disease that caused blindness. It is recommended for fans of Satyricon, Dark Funeral, and Batushka.

  “Blindness” will be out on June 14, 2024, and will be available from Xaninho Discos and Demoncratic Records.

  Online Store - https://paradiseinflames.loja2.com.br/​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Desolate World (1:00)
  2. Concerto No.6 in C Minor, Cold Spring (3:37)
  3. Black Wings ( 4:00)
  4. Reasons To Not Believe (3:32)
  5. I Feel The Plague (4:17)
  6. The Cure (3:13)
  7. The Priest (3:26)
  8. Endless Night Battle (4:18)
  9. War Sonata (3:28)
  10. Age Of Death (4:15)
  11. Angels & Devils (3:52)
  Album Length: 38:57

  Upcoming Tour Dates:​
  June 14 - Belo Horizonte, MG - Mister Rock
  Aug 6 - Porto Alegre, RS - Opiniao **
  Aug 8 - Florianopolis, SC - Celula Showcase **
  Aug 9 - Limeira, SP - Mirage **
  Aug 10 - Sao Paulo, SP - Legends **
  Aug 11 - Belo Horizonte, MG - Caverna Pub **
  ** dates w/ Batushka

  More info: https://linktr.ee/paradiseinflames

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