News

• LIVA Unveils Epic Orchestral Metal Music Video For “Samson & Dalila I” Off New Album “Ecce Mundus”

  Oct 29, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Liva, the pioneering Canadian metal band known for their unique fusion of classical and heavy metal, has released a captivating music video for “Samson & Dalila I”, from their latest album “Ecce Mundus” released on CD in November 2023 and digitally January 2024. The band's fourth full-length marks Liva's triumphant return to its roots, featuring medieval poetry and Latin texts set against a backdrop of majestic orchestral metal. The album explores timeless themes from antiquity, including the glory of Rome, the tale of Samson and Delilah, and enduring human flaws such as greed, corruption, and hypocrisy. Vocalist/guitarist Pier Carlo Liva comments on the single:

  “This is the flagship song of the album. This song has all the elements that are to be found in the Liva style. It’s about the old story of Samson & Dalila. To avenge her people, Dalila cuts off Samson's hair, thus weakening him."

  The “Samson & Dalila I” video is a visual feast that complements the band's expansive sound, featuring more developed orchestrations and heavier guitar parts than ever before. It offers fans a glimpse into the lyrical experience and otherworldly atmosphere that defines Liva's music.

  Formed in Sherbrooke, Québec in 1997, Liva has been at the forefront of blending classical music with metal in Canada. The band's unique sound features extensive sonic explorations, grandiose orchestrations, and powerful vocal performances that transport listeners to another world. They are recommended for fans of Therion, Nightwish, and Leaves’Eyes.

  Their latest album “Ecce Mundus” was released on CD on November 17, 2023, and digitally on January 12, 2024, via Stoke Records with distribution by Outside Music (Canada) and Orchard (US).

  CD and digital - https://livametalband.bandcamp.com/​

  CD - https://www.livaband.com/merch/​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3NyGqcp

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. De avaritia et luxuria mundi – (9:30)
  2. Materiae summa - (6 :33)
  3. Ecce mundus demundatur - (5 :06)
  4. Sunt – (3 :34)
  5. Samson & Dalila I – (5 :29)
  6. Samson & Dalila II – (5 :19)
  7. Obscura – (7 :31)
  8. O Roma nobilis – (6 :57)
  9. Silence – (6 :04)
  Album Length: 55:51

  Liva is:​
  Pier Carlo Liva (tenor vocal, death vocal, guitars, electronics)
  Nadine Guertin (soprano vocal)
  Martin Tremblay (bass)
  Claude Lacroix (drums)

  More info: Livaband.com | Facebook.com/www.livaband | Instagram.com/livametalband​

  -30-

  "There are fewer rules in metal nowadays, and fellow Francophones Liva have taken the ones that remain and stomped them to dust. The mix is raw and yet warm. The hook finds you it won’t let go. 8/10" - Brave Words (Ecce Mundus)

  -« (…) le compromis parfait entre puissance et mélodie. Un voyage au travers de sonorités lointaines et saisissantes. Le groupe a apporté un soin particulier à créer une atmosphère enivrante. Tout simplement splendide, transcendé. Il est évident que Liva est un groupe au potentiel énorme. Sublime ! » 9/10, Rock Hard (France) (Ecce Mundus)

  ”This is a fantastic album. Highly recommended.” Powerplay Magazine (Ecce Mundus)

  ​
  --
  ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
  Jon Asher - Music Publicist
  #.514.581.5780
  jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
  Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
  Instagram @AsherMedia
  Tweet @AsherMedia

  Read more

• BornBroken Unleashes Poetic Death/Thrash Metal Video For “Am I Invisible” Directed by The Agonist's Chris Kells

  Oct 25, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Canada’s BornBroken recently released their third album “Am I Invisible” this past September and to keep the momentum up, they are now releasing the music video for the title track directed by Chris Kells of The Agonist. This pummeling display of death and thrash metal complements the visceral and provocative lyrics the band members work hard to craft. They share their thoughts:

  “We wanted to use our music to call for unity and empathy. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a message, a call to action for anyone who feels unheard or unseen. We’ve always aimed to create music that tells a story, and ‘Am I Invisible’ is our most ambitious story yet. The themes of invisibility, isolation, and resilience are universal, and we wanted to convey them through powerful lyrics and compelling music.”

  For BornBroken, each track brings out different emotions, from the stress and monotony captured in “7 Mondays” to the introspective nature of “Will You Remember”. Songs like “Age of Anger” address the division and intolerance we see every day. The band goes on to express gratitude to their current fans for their unwavering support and hope that the albums resonate deeply with them.

  BornBroken delivers a no-nonsense, straight-up metal approach, they write what they want to write, with a personal approach and death metal roots. They pay homage to their influences and invite other metalheads along for the ride. They are recommended for fans of Slipknot, Chimaira, and Decapitated.

  The album “Am I Invisible” is available on vinyl and digitally at the following links:

  Bandcamp - https://bornbroken.bandcamp.com​

  Vinyl - https://loudtrax.com/bornbroken-am-i-invisible-vinyl-74535​

  Digital Album - https://ffm.to/785376b4ad1c4c7e8b394d6c59d215c6​​

  Tour Dates:

  Oct 26 - Montreal, QC - Foufounes Electriques - info w/ Within the Ruins
  Nov 8 - Sainte-Thérèse , QC - Le Montecristo - info - w/ Buffalo Theory, Thrash La Reine

  Track Listing:​
  1. Time Pays No Respect - 5:04
  2. Am I Invisible - 3:54
  3. Will You Remember - 4:03
  4. How Strong You Are - 4:41
  5. Conflicting Lies - 5:09
  6. Scabs & Scars - 3:36
  7. 7 Mondays - 4:00
  8. Fold - 6:30
  9. Age of Anger - 5:23
  10. The Day I Die Inside - 5:07
  Album Length: 47:31

  BornBroken Album Lineup​
  Mike Marino (Bass)
  Michael Decker (Vocals/ All Guitars)
  Carlos Ojeda (Drums)

  BornBroken live and Official New Lineup​
  Mike Marino (Bass)
  Michael Decker (Vocals/Guitar)
  Carlos Ojeda (Drums)
  Rob Henx (Lead Guitar) Newest member after recording

  More info: BrokenMusic.ca | Facebook.com/BornBroken | X.com/bornbroken | Instagram.com/bornbrokenofficial

  Read more

• EXUVIAL Set to Release Ambitious Sci-Fi Concept Album November 2024 + New Music Video "Autonomic Awakening"

  Oct 24, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Progressive metal outfit Exuvial is poised to make waves in the metal scene by announcing their debut concept album “The Hive Mind Chronicles Part I: Parasitica” set for release on November 22, 2024. This ambitious project marks the first installment of a planned trilogy, promising listeners an immersive journey through themes of science fiction, human nature, and our complex relationship with AI and technology.

  The band's lyrical content draws inspiration from various sources, including iconic science fiction films like Contact, Alien, and The Matrix, as well as video games such as Metroid. These influences have shaped Exuvial's unique approach to storytelling, exploring themes of extraterrestrial intelligence, existential dilemmas, and the limits of human understanding. The band comments on what’s in store:

  “We love concept albums, so we approached this project with intentionality, carefully considering which elements could be reintroduced in various forms to tie it all together. Additionally, we aimed to blend elements of progressive metal, black metal, and technical death metal, allowing the songs to dynamically ramp up or down. This approach lets the parts breathe, giving each musical passage the space to develop fully and resonate. By doing so, we create an ebb and flow within the tracks, providing intense, high-energy sections while also incorporating moments of calm and reflection. This contrast not only enhances the emotional impact of the music but also ensures that each element can be appreciated in its own right."

  Featuring 11 progressive tracks, the album includes overtures and interludes that provide moments of respite amidst the chaos. The songs are characterized by heavy compositions with a diverse array of riffs, twists, and turns. The ambitious and adventurous song structures intricately weave together to narrate the unfolding story. The music spans a dynamic spectrum, ranging from technical and djent-inspired riffs to introspective acoustic passages and everything in between.

  Today, the band unveils their latest music video for the single "Autonomic Awakening". The song marks a pivotal moment in the album's story, offering a glimmer of hope and a chance to shift the tides of the conflict within its tale. Musically, the track aims to capture a somber yet hopeful mood, leading up to the album's climax.

  Guitarist Fernando del Valle III adds:

  "Autonomic Awakening mirrors its lyrical journey with an introspective start featuring acoustic guitars and soft snare percussion, evoking beauty and contemplation. The mood shifts abruptly to a darker 5/8 passage, erupting into distortion and intense screams alongside double-picked tech death riffs.

  Verses unfold with melodic double-picked guitars, alternating with breaks of beautiful clean vocal harmonies that convey the struggle against inner turmoil. The song progresses into expansive sections of big chords and locked-in grooves, showcasing a melodic guitar solo that reflects moments of clarity amidst chaos.

  Evolution continues with groovy syncopated rhythms and atmospheric synths amidst odd-time signatures, followed by chunky riffs and dynamic drum fills that build to a satisfying groove. Piano and vocals enrich the composition, leading into melodic clean vocal harmonies over a groovy melodic progression, culminating in a poignant guitar solo and dual harmonies. The track concludes with gentle acoustics and piano, capturing the song's journey through contrasting emotions."

  ​

  Recommended for fans of The Faceless, Obscura, and Ne Obliviscaris, “The Hive Mind Chronicles Part I: Parasitica” is due out on November 22nd, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://silentpendulumrecords.com/collections/exuvial​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3A8ryOQ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Hive Mind: Overture (0:55)
  2. Hive Mind I: Convergent Evolution (5:44)
  3. Hive Mind II: Advent of Segmentation (7:54)
  4. Hive Mind III: Neural Convolution (4:42)
  5. Holometabolous (5:30)
  6. Hypermanipulation 8:55)
  7. Autonomic Awakening (6:46)
  8. Parasitica (feat. Sanjay Kumar) 5:18)
  9. Subterranean Swarm (feat. Ben Towles) (6:12)
  10. Requiem for Ruin (1:06)
  11. Necrotic Dissolution (feat. Ben Gassman and Kyle Chapman) (5:45)
  Album Length: 58:45

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

  Read more

• NARCOTIC WASTELAND (ex-Nile Dallas Toler-Wade) Announces "Cemetery Slam Tour" w/ Pyrexia + SwarmFest (Tampa, FL) + New Music Video "Barbarian"

  Oct 23, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by ex-Nile guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade along with drummer Joseph Howard (Fields of Elysium), Neuromorphic) and bassist Kenji Tsunami (Ontogeny), will be hitting the road with Long Island, NY old school death metallers Pyrexia for the "Cemetery Slam Tour" from November 15th to 23rd. Narcotic Wasteland will also perform at this year's SwarmFest in Tampa Bay, FL following the tour (dates listed below).

  Plus fans who purchase tickets for Austin and Houston show dates will be automatically entered in the raffle to win a Jackson guitar signed by all the bands playing. Check out the Instagram videos below.

  Houston, TX - Nov 18th - https://www.instagram.com/p/DBRf47Ai0ue/​

  Austin, TX - Nov 19th - https://www.instagram.com/p/DA_HMo0PCUQ/

  In additional news, the trio unveiled their new music video for the single "Barbarian" this past September and will be featured on their forthcoming album "Digital Cordyceps" out on Megaforce Records (release date TBD) to follow their 2017 breakout sophomore album "Delirium Tremens".

  Dallas Toler-Wade comments on the track:

  "For me, Barbarian is a prime example of me doing the thing I love and that defines me the most. Continuously striving to improve my craft as a musician and a songwriter. But also the overall message of this song. Live!!! Be free!!! Find your own path!!! Question everything!!! And also we don't need politicians or religion to shape our moral centers. In fact, It seems they distort the truth every chance they get. This whole album cycle has seemed to have this recurring theme about the narcissistic oligarchy that we have all fallen victim to. I Dallas Toler- Wade the barbarian will fight this mockery until I leave the land of the living, and even after that, my powerful voice will echo through the halls of time!!! Because I am a barbarian!!!"

  Digital Single - https://orcd.co/nwbarbarian​

  Pyrexia (Headliner) + Narcotic Wasteland Tour Dates:
  11/15/2024 - Oklahoma City, OK - 89th Street
  11/16/2024 - Fort Worth, TX - The Rail Club
  11/17/2024 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger
  11/18/2024 - Houston, TX - BFE Rock Club
  11/19/2024 - Austin, TX - The 13th Floor
  11/20/2024 - Tulsa, OK - The Vanguard
  11/21/2024 - Corpus Christi, TX - Boozerz Friday
  11/22/2024 - Shreveport, LA - Strange Brew
  11/23/2024 - Long Beach, MS - TRAX
  ​Narcotic Wasteland only​
  11/24/2024 - Tampa, FL - Swarmfest - Brass Mug

  Narcotic Wasteland is a relentless force in the metal realm, known for its infernal performances and unyielding sound. Led by former Nile guitarist Dallas Toler Wade, the band has forged an unholy covenant with legions of devoted followers, spreading chaos and devastation wherever they tread.

  A face-melting experience, Narcotic Wasteland unleashes blistering guitar wails to heart-pounding drum onslaughts, with every track promising to be an infernal ritual that will leave metalheads possessed by the spirit of pure chaos. Prepare for sonic hellfire!

  More info: ​Narcoticwasteland.com | ​Facebook.com/narcoticwasteland | ​Instagram.com/narcoticwastelandofficial | Twitter.com/Narco_Wasteland | Tiktok.com/@narcoticwasteland​

  ​

  Read more

• Chrysalïd New Album "Breaking The Chains" ft. Guests Tim "Ripper" Owens, Zak Stevens, Fabio Lione, Henning Basse and more!

  Oct 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is excited to unleash “Breaking The Chains”, the brand-new album from Northern England powerhouse Chrysalïd.

  For the album's release day, the band has unleashed a lyric video for the title track that features guest appearances by Zak Stevens (TSO, Savatage), Fabricio Rocha (Hell Bound), and Kayo John (Dark Avenger). This anthem is all about fighting for your dreams and standing tall through adversity. With epic vocals, crushing riffs, and a message of resilience, it’s a must-listen for metalheads everywhere.

  ​
  Founded in 1999 by the talented Emmanuel Thorsen, Chrysalïd's music is a passionate blend inspired by NWOHBM, power metal, and thrash metal. If you love a "straight to the point" attitude, that's exactly what you'll get from Chrysalïd. Their sound perfectly captures the energy, passion, joy, and chill of their metal roots.
  ​
  The new album "Breaking The Chains" features special guests like Tim "Ripper" Owens, Zak Stevens, Fabio Lione, and Henning Basse. This album is more than just a collection of songs; it's a powerful message to the world about never giving up, always fighting for your dreams, and standing tall no matter how many times you fall.
  ​
  For fans of Savatage, Helloween, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Angra, "Breaking The Chains", out as of October 18th, is a must-listen. Let the music of Chrysalïd ignite your spirit and fuel your passion for metal.

  CD order - https://bit.ly/ChrysalïdBreakingTheChainsCD​

  Spotify here.
  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1-Overture ft. Zak Stevens, Fabrichio Rocha
  2-Eternal Flame ft. Tim 'Ripper' Owens
  3-Far Beyond The Sun ft. Henning Basse
  4-Into The Night ft. Lisa Skinner, Andre Tulipano, Fabio Alessandrini, Cristiano Lopes
  5-The King ft. Craig Carns, Simon Robertshaw, Jase Tyler
  6-Breaking The Chains ft. Zak Stevens, Fabrichio Rocha , Kayo John
  7-Blackstar ft. Nick Kariotis, Jase Tyler
  8-War Of Illusions ft. Fabio Lione, German Madonado, Emirhan Yler, Jase Tyler
  9-Another Day ft. Jase Tyler
  10-My Way Home ft. Fabio Lione, Fabrichio Rocha
  11-Under The Thumb ft. Eugene Simone, Jase Tyler
  12-The End Of Chapter II ft. Zak Stevens, Ariel Perchuk
  13-Sleepless Nights (Bonus Track) (King Diamond cover) ft.Paul Skinner, Guilherme Peixoto

  SPECIAL GUESTS CREDITS:​
  VOICES:
  ZAK STEVENS - OVERTURE/BREAKING THE CHAINS/THE END OF CHAPTER II
  TIM RIPPER OWENS - ETERNAL FLAME
  FABIO LIONE - MY WAY HOME/WAR OF ILLUSIONS
  HENNING BASSE - FAR BEYOND THE SUN
  CRAIG CAIRNS - THE KING
  LISA SKINNER - ANOTHER DAY
  ANDRE TULIPANO - ANOTHER DAY
  ​
  DRUMS:
  FABIO ALESSANDRINI - INTO THE NIGHT
  KAYO JOHN - BREAKING THE CHAINS
  PAUL SKINNER - SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
  ​
  GUITARS:
  FABRICIO ROCHA - OVERTURE/BREAKING THE CHAINS/MY WAY HOME
  EUGENE SIMONE - UNDER THE THUMB (SOLO GUITARS)
  CRISTIANO LOPES - INTO THE NIGHT (SOLO GUITARS)
  NICK KARIOTIS - BLACKSTAR (INTRO SOLO, RHYTHM GUITARS AND FINAL SOLO)
  GERMAN MALDONADO - WAR OF ILLUSIONS (RHYTHM AND LEAD GUITARS)
  EMIRHAN YELER - WAR OF ILLUSIONS (CHORUSES GUITAR SOLOS)
  ​
  BASS:
  SIMON ROBERTSHAW - THE KING
  GUILHERME PEIXOTO - SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
  ​
  KEYBOARDS:
  JASE TYLER - BLACKSTAR/ANOTHER DAY/WAR OF ILLUSIONS/THE KING
  ARIEL PERCHUK - THE END OF CHAPTER II
  ​
  TAMBORINE:
  JASE TYLER - UNDER THE THUMB

  Chrysalïd Line Up:​
  Emannuel Thorsen: Vocals
  Fabricio Rocha: Lead Guitars
  Ben Hurst: Rhythm Guitars
  Jase Tyler: Keyboards
  Wolf Deiuliis: Bass Guitars
  Mark Harrison: Drums

  More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/chrysalidheavymetal | https://instagram.com/chrysalidband

  Read more