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• Canada's Mountain Mosh Pit ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2024 Lineup w/ THE BROWNING, DECREPIT BIRTH, XUL, OPAL IN SKY, CYBORG OCTOPUS, ARKAIK and more!

  May 17, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Western Canada's largest mountain mosh pit Armstrong MetalFest announces this year's 2024 lineup being held on July 12th and 13th at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC with the beautiful backdrop of the Okanagan Valley.

  The 14th annual gathering of metalheads will once again witness a pilgrimage of extreme metal music fans for two days of unforgettable moshing, headbanging, and camping. From iconic headliners to promising newcomers, the 2024 lineup is set to showcase the best of diverse metal genres, ensuring an electrifying experience for all.

  "It's one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music." - Vancouver Sun

  This year's lineup will be headlined by Californian Tech Death Giants DECREPIT BIRTH and Kansas City THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. Also featured on this year's two-day festival, is the return of Okanagan Black Metallers XUL (Vernon, BC) and Edmonton death metallers EYE OF HORUS along with first-time performances from Vancouver twin brother duo OPAL IN SKY, San Francisco's outside-the-box prog metallers CYBORG OCTOPUS, plus the tech death fury of Riverside, CA's ARKAIK among many more (full lineup listed below).

  Festival weekend passes are on sale now at the following link: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca​

  (All tickets provide General Admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2023, until 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2022. Free camping is included.)

  AMF 2024 Lineup:​
  Decrepit Birth (Santa Cruz, CA)
  The Browning (Kansas City, MO)
  Xul (Vernon, BC)
  Opal In Sky (Vancouver, BC)
  Cyborg Octopus (San Francisco, CA)
  Eye Of Horus (Edmonton, AB)
  Arkaik (Riverside, CA)
  Nott (Seattle, WA)
  Dessiderium (Phoenix, AZ)
  Odinfist (Armstrong, BC)
  Misyrion (Vancouver, BC)
  Death Machine (Kelowna, BC)
  Satanic Tea Company (Calgary, AB)
  Ravensun (Nanaimo, BC)
  Crown Of Madness (Vancouver, BC)
  Vaegon (Edmonton, AB)
  Lynx (Calgary, AB)
  Kelevra (Regina, SK)
  Kings Rot (Calgary, AB)
  Dendros (Kamloops, BC)
  Thirteen Goats (Vancouver, Bc)
  Anomalist (Prince George, BC
  Burn It All (Kamloops, BC)
  Augur (Kamloops, BC)

  The 2023 edition of Armstrong MetalFest broke attendance records again with its eclectic earth-shaking lineup that featured 28 bands performing on the two-day festival that included headliners LA thrashers WARBRINGER, San Francisco tech-death giants FALLUJAH, festival alumni Spokane, WA's ENTERPRISE EARTH, and Los Angeles' THE ZENITH PASSAGE, along with Denver's H.P. Lovecraft extreme metallers VALE OF PNATH, and Edmonton's Juno award-winning heavy metal champions STRIKER.

  Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

  Each year hundreds of metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in as much metal over two days, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

  The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

  West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C., it gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

  For more info:​
  ​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
  ​​Facebook​
  ​Instagram​
  ​Twitter

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• DENDERA Unveil New Single "Fading"

  May 17, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Following the overwhelming success of their previous single "Mask Of Lies" from the upcoming eponymous album, British metalcore powerhouse Dendera is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single called "Fading".

  "Fading" is a progressive, modern, and melodic song with heavy-hitting, bouncing riffs that move from light to dark throughout. The story of the song begins by referring to the thoughts and feelings of someone suffering from deep depression. As the song travels through three different scenes, the story changes to how it feels to overcome these challenges, culminating in an epic, uplifting ending where the darkness finally lifts. Music and vocals come together in this piece to take the listener on a truly emotional journey.

  But the surprises don't end here. In addition to the release of the single, Dendera has also unveiled a captivating music video that takes viewers on an exciting and evocative visual journey. The video is available for viewing at the following link:

  ​

  Recommended for fans of Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Dream Theater, "Mask of Lies" is due out on June 14, 2024, and is available for album pre-order at https://bit.ly/Dendera-MaskOfLies.

  Previous music video - "Mask of Lies" - https://youtu.be/lTsEE4S-ZwM​

  Track Listing:​
  1 - Face to Face
  2 - Mask of Lies
  3 - Scream in Silence
  4 - Fading
  5 - Guiding Light
  6 - The Fall
  7 - Drift Away
  8 - Inside My Head
  9 - Stare Into The End
  10 - Drag Me Below

  More info: Rockshots.eu | Dendera.co.uk | Facebook.com/DenderaUK | Instagram.com/denderaband​

   

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• Streaming Now! APE VERMIN’s “Andromedas Colossus” Is A Sludgy Progressive Prelude To Planetary Destruction + USA Tour Dates

  May 16, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Ape Vermin is an American 3-piece metal act delivering a hellish avalanche of sludge with progressive and thrash tendencies. Hailing from Valdese, North Carolina, the trio is composed of guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee, drummer Seth Lynn and bassist Jared Edge. They vow to continue pushing the boundaries of the genre with “Andromedas Colossus” a thrilling, space-themed concept album that is out on May 17th. Lee speaks on the record and its potential reception:

  “This record is going to be well received by most of the ‘Metal’ Community. We are a Sludge metal band pushing the boundaries with progressive and thrash metal as well. Fans can most definitely expect more crushing material from us, we have a lot of stuff on the line for the next LP as well.”

  Across ten tracks, listeners will encounter an atmospheric and tribal acoustic intro that gives way to crushing metal with a machine gun-like double bass. Evil instrumentals and guitar leads reminiscent of Dimebag Darrell and Kerry King in their prime and enough low-end to destroy planets.

  Inspired by outer space phenomenon, extra-terrestrials, prehistoric tales, murder, psychedelics, and sci-fi horror games, “Andromedas Colossus” will take listeners on an expansive voyage into the unknown. This album is extremely dynamic, melodic, visceral, and brutal and the lyrics are extremely dark. It is recommended for fans of Mastodon, Yob, and Conan.

  Due out May 17th, 2024, “Andromedas Colossus” can be heard via its full stream premiere on DoomedandStoned HERE.

  Album pre-order - https://apevermin.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Obliteration Imminent - 5:12
  2. Colony - 7:00
  3. Solaruss - 5:30
  4. Pulse Driver - 3:47
  5. Mining The Colossus - 8:06
  6. Signal Transmissions - 2:45
  7. Motherlode - 8:32
  8. Awakened - 3:17
  9. Unearthing the Artifact - 7:43
  10. Return to Andromeda - 7:57

  APE VERMIN - Riders of the Damned Tour Dates:​
  5/17 Spartanburg, S.C - Ground Zero
  5/18 Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
  5/19 Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
  5/21 New Orleans, LA - The Goat
  5/22 Houston, TX - Black Magic Social Club
  5/23 Fort Worth, TX - Haltom Theatre
  5/24 San Antonio, TX - Bonds Rock Bar
  5/25 Laredo, TX - Cold Brew Rock Bar
  5/26 Austin, TX - Valhalla
  5/28 El Paso, TX - Rockhouse Bar & Grill
  5/29 Tucson, AZ - The Rock
  5/30 Phoenix, AZ - Blooze Bar
  6/1 Richmond, CA - Baltic Kiss
  6/2 Reno, NV - Alturus Bar
  6/4 Salt Lake City, UT - International Bar
  6/5 Casper, WY - The Gaslight Social
  6/7 Ridgeway, CO - The Sherbino
  6/8 Denver, CO - Hermans Hideaway
  6/12 Asheville, N.C - The Odditorium
  ​

  More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official

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• THIRTEEN GOATS Tramples On With Video For “A Wolf In Shepherd’s Clothing” Off New Album “Capricorn Rising” Out July 2024

  May 15, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, the four-piece Thirteen Goats has, with their upcoming album “Capricorn Rising”, crafted a death metal rock opera that follows the journey of their mascot, Shepherd: a goat-skull wearing Antichrist leading an army of 12 demon goats to liberate the earth from humanity’s wars and greed. They introduce this album to the world with the first single, "A Wolf in Shepherd's Clothing", out now in music video format. The band comments:

  “A Wolf in Shepherd’s Clothing wasn’t originally going to be a single, but as we were finishing it in the studio, we changed our minds. It felt like we were able to take a lot of the more aggressive elements of our sound and put them together in a surprisingly accessible way—it has these angry riffs and big, heavy grooves, but they’re anchored by a catchy chorus with a dynamic vocal hook.”

  In the story that is being told on the record, this song is Shepherd’s recruitment anthem—he’s trying to convince the animals of Earth to join his army and finally stand up to humanity so he can get his revenge. But taken in a broader context, it’s also a song about how making someone feel like an outcast is the easiest way to strip away their humanity and radicalize them.

  Digital Single - https://hypeddit.com/thirteengoats/awolfinshepherdsclothing

  “Capricorn Rising” is not just an album—it's a journey through madness, destruction, and the perils of letting anger consume you. Is it thrash? Death? Groove? Thirteen Goats don’t care, and neither should you. This Vancouver four-piece tramples all over subgenre conventions to create an alchemical style of infernal riffs, huge hooks, and uniquely theatrical songwriting. They are recommended for fans of System of a Down, Megadeth and Cannibal Corpse.

  Due out on July 12, 2024, “Capricorn Rising” is available from Exitus Stratagem Records for album pre-order at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-thirteen-goats-capricorn-rising

  Track Listing:
  1. Sign of the Goat (4:53)
  2. Murder Lives in the Heart (5:30)
  3. A Wolf in Shepherd’s Clothing (4:10)
  4. Global Fuckup (3:57)
  5. Beheading Zoo (3:44)
  6. Permission to Die (3:48)
  7. Beating the Disease (4:24)
  8. Goats of War (5:25)
  9. Animal Kingdom (6:19)

  More info: Exsrmusic.com | ThirteenGoats.com

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• Yellowknife's GNARWHAL Get Ready For A Stoner Sludge "War / Nothing More" With Latest Single Off Upcoming EP “Altered States” Out May 2024

  May 14, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  From the far reaches of the Canadian North in the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife's award-winning (Best New Single at the 2022 Music NWT Awards) Gnarwhal are bringing forth their doomy stoner sludge rock sound to the masses with their forthcoming EP "Altered States" due out on May 24th, 2024.

  Unveiling singles "Tides" and the EP's title tracks over the last few weeks, the quartet is getting ready with their latest peek at the release with "The War/Nothing More", which is actually two songs that the band wrote at completely different times and thought they would work well stitched together.

  Guitarist Benji Straker comments:

  "I wrote The War shortly after we finished recording our first album. At that same time, I was writing music for my Hughes project EP so lyrically and thematically it fit right in line with that. Once I finished it, I actually released it as an acoustic solo version on the EP, Here I Am. The Nothing More demo was written shortly after and musically it was inspired by my classic post-hardcore/punk influences. I think Refused would be the main driver of the rhythm on this track."

  Vocalist Mark Kilbride adds:

  "In Nothing More, I am fond of the lyric: “Shed your skin to make it”. This part relates to putting in the work day in and day out, wanting something so bad you are willing to do anything just to grasp it. Pushing your own boundaries, knowing you put the time and effort into your vision. “Whole again you can’t fake it”: Being authentic. To be whole this character has to believe in this process and be present in his delivery of the songs."

  ​

  The band's sophomore record, “Altered States” promises to deliver a diverse and introspective musical journey in which the band artfully navigates the realms of heavy alternative fuzz rock and progressive metal, creating a sound that is uniquely their own.

  "We hope our progression as a band and as songwriters appeals to our fans and listeners. The Altered States EP is a bit darker and maybe heavier than our first one. Conceptually and thematically, the songs on the EP fit together better as a package and we hope this is conducive to a front-to-back experience for listeners." says Srtaker.
  ​
  Recommended for fans of Kyuss, Mastodon, and Elder, “Altered States” is due out on May 24, 2024, and available for pre-order at https://gnarwhalband.bandcamp.com​

  Previous singles

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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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