News

• HOPELESS NATION Remerges Amid The World Chaos To Unleash New Video "Disaster"

  Feb 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  ​Quebec metal/hardcore veterans Hopeless Nation erupt into 2026 with the release of their explosive new single “Disaster”, accompanied by a gripping cinematic music video. The track marks the band’s most intense and precise work to date, blending their hardcore roots with modern metal atmosphere and emotionally charged storytelling.
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  Formed in 1998 and revitalized after a decade-long hiatus, Hopeless Nation has re-emerged as a powerful force in heavy music. Their 2025 comeback single “Silverspoon” premiered on Hardcore Worldwide (HCWW), earning them accolades from fans new and old. With renewed momentum, the band now pushes further with “Disaster,” the first in a series of new releases leading into an EP.
  ​
  ​“Disaster” plunges listeners into a world on the brink, cities in ruin, humanity under pressure, and the search for hope amid destruction. Musically, the track delivers crushing riffs, relentless rhythms, and raw vocals that mirror the urgency of a live performance. The accompanying video amplifies the narrative: band members move through collapsing environments as firefighters, first responders, and civilians, navigating danger and fleeting moments of courage. Flickers of resilience cut through the chaos, creating a visual experience that is both cinematic and deeply human.
  ​
  ​“We’re thrilled to release Disaster and the upcoming singles. These songs are a mix of energy, reflection, and raw honesty, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible people around us,” adds the band.
  ​
  The band highlights the contributions of engineer Francis Perron (RadicArt), known for his work with Voïvod, whose production elevated the music to new heights. They also pay tribute to former members Jonathan Houle and Maxime Dupont, whose years of musicianship helped shape Hopeless Nation’s identity.
  ​
  “These releases are our way of honoring their legacy,” says the band.
  ​
  ​Hopeless Nation’s sound has transformed from fast, raw hardcore into a heavier, more dynamic form of modern metal. Their influences span All Out War, ZAO, Gojira, Darkest Hour, Turnstile, and more, resulting in music that is cinematic, explosive, aggressive, intense, and evolving.
  ​
  The writing process remains collaborative and deliberate. Lead guitarist Louis‑Simon Bellerose and the rhythm section spark ideas through riffs and melodies, while arrangements and breakdowns are shaped collectively.

  “Every song gets the time it needs. We don’t rush. The goal is impact, not quantity,” adds the band.
  ​
  Members Steve DC (drums) and Guy Provencher (rhythm guitar) also perform with Strigampire, winners of the 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada, representing the country at Wacken Open Air (Live Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RCPWXKf7RA). Collectively, Hopeless Nation’s members have played more than 200 shows, sharing stages with Despised Icon, 100 Demons, Bane, With Honor, Lofofora, and many more.
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  ​“Disaster” is the second of many more singles leading into a new EP. These tracks revisit and reimagine material from the band’s 2014 archives, refined with modern precision while preserving the raw hooks and intensity that define Hopeless Nation.​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DHSU9qBA5i8Fzs0yLI6b7

  ​

  More info: https://www.instagram.com/hopelessnation_official | https://www.facebook.com/hopelessnation​

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• ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY Unleashes Single "Hurt Beyond Healing"

  Feb 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Apocalyptic death metal entity Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OxE) has announced the release of “Hurt Beyond Healing,” the first single from their upcoming full‑length album "Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum," out April 3, 2026, through Gore House Productions.
  ​
  The track marks the beginning of a new era for the multinational trio, Canadian guitarist Alice Simard, Australian vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis, and German multi‑instrumentalist Popu, whose sound has evolved from raw goregrind origins into something far more calculated, dissonant, and otherworldly.
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  ​“We chose Hurt Beyond Healing because it’s one of the more straightforward tracks on the record. It still carries our weirder elements, but it gives listeners a taste of the brutality before the rest of the LP throws them into far stranger territory,” says vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/67zmkZcB3tOdb3RUcUFmww

  ​"Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum" is OxE’s most ambitious and punishing work to date, a labyrinth of warped synths, alien textures, and meticulously crafted brutality. Musically, the album pushes the band deeper into experimental territory, drawing inspiration from releases such as Nithing’s "Agonal Hymns" and Dripping’s "Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss."
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  “The LP is definitely the most experimental OxE release so far. Between the carnage of the main instrumentals are layers of synths and organic instrumentation that have been sonically destroyed to give everything an alien feel,” says Popu.
  ​
  Lyrically, the album follows a cryptic conceptual arc centered around a mythic “godslayer” figure, an entity on a cosmic, God‑of‑War‑esque rampage through the universe. The narrative mirrors the album’s emotional core: cold, calculated violence intertwined with themes of mental illness, mythological annihilation, and existential dread.
  ​
  For the album's artwork, the band once again collaborated with acclaimed artist Mei Maro, whose surreal, folklore‑infused style visually captures the album’s fusion of myth, brutality, and psychological distortion.
  ​
  ​“We wanted something that represented all of our combined influences. Mei always delivers something incredible, and this piece ties together everything we explored on the record,” adds the band.
  ​
  The album’s eleven songs carve out a relentless and disorienting sonic journey. It opens with “Conquering Divinity,” a chaotic, myth‑laden assault designed to immediately destabilize the listener. “Gutted & Corpsed” delivers ferocious blasting, inhuman vocal textures, and a plunge into an underworld‑like atmosphere. “Heaven’s Empty Halls” shifts into eerie, dungeon‑synth‑infused territory, setting the stage for the album’s final descent. The closer, “Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy,” ties the record together with a melodic yet brutal homage to the band’s key influences. Across the journey, from the twisted melodicism of “Apotheotic Apotemnophilia” to the crushing weight of “Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon,” the album balances experimentation with the visceral heaviness fans expect.

  "With this album, we’ve done what we’ve always done, simply better. We don’t want to stray too far from our original DNA, from what makes the band who we are, but there’s always going to be progression in some direction. This record marks our longest gap between releases, which isn’t something we had in mind, but great art can’t be rushed out the door, and while it may have taken some time to materialize, I’m certain that this record will be everything fans have wanted and then some, because it certainly was for us. Each album is a learning process, and I feel as though these new tracks we’ve got, more than anything else we’ve made, have taught us invaluable lessons about who we are as people, and just how much we love music and the creative process," says vocalist Jesse.
  ​
  Formed in Quebec City, OxE began as a solo project by guitarist Alice Simard, who sought to explore heavier, more grotesque sonic territory. After recruiting vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis in 2019 and later joining forces with German musician Popu, the project evolved into a fully collaborative, internationally connected force.
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  Their sound, described by the band as Inhuman, Unnerving, Calculated, Chaotic, Apocalyptic, draws from brutal death metal, black metal, avant‑garde experimentation, and a wide range of non‑musical influences, including Dark Souls, NieR, Berserk, Evangelion, and global mythology.
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  For Fans of Deathspell Omega, Disentomb, Artificial Brain, First Fragment, Disgorge, and Ulcerate, OxE's "Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum" is available on CD, Cassette, and digitally from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions at https://orcd.co/scabbed-god-cerebrum​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Conquering Divinity - 3:17
  2. The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends - 1:21
  3. Severing What Makes Me Human - 2:41
  4. Apotheotic Apotemnophilia - 3:03
  5. Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon - 2:23
  6. Gutted & Corpsed - 3:05
  7. Heaven's Empty Halls - 5:13
  8. Hurt Beyond Healing - 2:33
  9. Abyssikataplexika - 2:35
  10. Vile Verses Flogged into the Wings of Angels - 1:23
  11. Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy - 4:58
  Album Length: 32:32
  ​
  ​ROLES:​
  Jesse Agiomamitis: Vocals, Lyrics
  Alice Simard: Composition, Guitars, Lead Guitars
  The Popu: Additional Songwriting, Mixing and Mastering, Guitars, Bass, Orchestration and Sound Design, Additional lyrics, Additional Vocals

  More info: ​​

  ​https://gorehouseproductions.com/​

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

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

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• Visit The “Desolate Lands” With EMBRACE OF SOULS' New Music Video

  Feb 18, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Embrace Of Souls release today “Desolate Lands”, the new single and official video taken from their upcoming fantasy concept album "The Battle Of The Dead", set for release on May 22nd, 2026.

  ​Listen: https://lnk.to/7wfF6l

  Forged in classic power-metal steel and sharpened with symphonic force, “Desolate Lands” delivers fast, militant rhythms, massive orchestral arrangements, and a relentless melodic drive rooted in the ’80s and ’90s tradition. Dark tonalities and epic tension shape the track, driven by Giacomo Rossi’s commanding vocals and reinforced by Martina Mazzeo’s operatic power - a song of devastation, sacrifice, and defiance rising from the ashes of war.

  Taken from the upcoming fantasy concept album "The Battle Of The Dead", the single introduces a world torn apart by a mysterious plague that corrupts the soul, pushing kingdoms toward an inevitable clash between the living and the dead. The album unfolds as a complete narrative experience, exploring themes of power, betrayal, sacrifice, and hope.

  Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls began as a studio project aimed at bringing together talented musicians from the Italian metal scene, before evolving into a full band with a strong identity and a collaborative creative approach.

  This new chapter is marked by a renewed line-up. Giacomo Rossi steps forward as lead vocalist, delivering a powerful and expressive performance, while Martina Mazzeo’s soprano vocals add a theatrical dimension. Their interplay reinforces the balance between power metal intensity and symphonic elegance, a dualism of light and dark that runs throughout the album.

  The songwriting process reflects the same collaborative spirit: initial ideas developed by Michele Olmi are expanded together with the band, with each member contributing to the final shape of the music and the narrative.

  The album also features a special guest appearance by Morby (Domine), further strengthening the connection with the classic Italian power metal tradition.

  "The Battle Of The Dead" was mixed and mastered by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Studios, London, enhancing the clarity, impact, and cinematic depth of the band’s sound.

  As the band states:

  “We want The Battle Of The Dead to be a complete listening experience. Each track has its own identity, but everything is connected to the story. We want listeners to dive into the world of the album and discover it step by step.”

  "The Battle Of The Dead" will be released on May 22nd, 2026, in digital format and digipak CD edition, and will be available for pre-order at the following link: https://rockshots.eu/products/embrace-of-souls-the-battle-of-the-dead-cd​
  ​
  ​OFFICIAL MERCH: https://embraceofsoulsband.bigcartel.com/​

  For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish.

  Track Listing:​
  1. The Battle Of The Dead
  2. Eversun
  3. The Plague
  4. The Gathering
  5. Spine
  6. Who Can Save Us
  7. Betrayal
  8. The Dark Lord
  9. The War (feat. Morby)
  10. Sacrifice
  11. Desolate Lands
  ​
  ​Line-up:​
  Giacomo Rossi – Vocals
  Martina Mazzeo – Vocals
  Edward De Rosa – Guitars
  Xavier Rota – Bass
  Davide Baldelli – Keyboards
  Michele Olmi – Drums

  More info: ​
  ​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

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

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

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• VANDERLUST Unveils First Single "Humanity 2.0 - The Human Farm" From New Sci-Fi Metal Opera "The Human Farm" Out April 2026

  Feb 18, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of "The Human Farm", the ambitious new sci-fi concept album by progressive metal band Vanderlust, hitting stores worldwide on April 17th, 2025.
  ​
  To ignite this interstellar journey, the band has unveiled the first single and opening chapter of the album today: "Humanity 2.0 - The Human Farm".
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  ​STREAM "HUMANITY 2.0 - THE HUMAN FARM": https://lnk.to/iEpgIm​

  ​
  ​
  "Humanity 2.0 - The Human Farm" is the symphonic overture that opens the gates to the band’s dystopian universe. More than a standard song, it serves as the narrative prologue, setting the atmosphere for the entire record. The track transports the listener to the year 2500 A.D. Humanity, suffering from poverty and despair, is visited by an ancient alien species known as the Coelacanth. They offer a "perfect life" inside a "Human Farm": safety, comfort, and care, but at a terrible price -execution at the age of 40. This opening chapter poses the central dilemma of the record: if you were offered a short but perfect life in exchange for your freedom… would you accept?
  ​
  Arriving April 17th, "The Human Farm" is a metal opera that blends traditional melodic power metal with technical progressive elements and thrash intensity. Inspired by Plato’s Cave allegory and classic sci-fi lore, the album tells the story of Abe and a group of rebels who discover their "perfect life" is a prison and attempt a desperate escape through the cosmos. Musically, the band describes the sound as energetic, refined, and atmospheric.
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  Drawing inspiration from the melodic grandeur of Angra and Dream Theater, the new material incorporates intricate, sci-fi riffing reminiscent of Vektor and Megadeth. Guitarist Francesco comments on the release: "To me, this album represents the band’s maturation. It is a journey; to fully enjoy it and truly understand its content, it needs to be listened to in its entirety. Just like the story tells, it unfolds as a narrative in which each track follows the previous one with a particular sense of continuity."
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  The album features special guest appearances by Martina Barreca (Mess Excess), who provides the growls and operatic vocals representing the alien Coelacanths, and Francesco Londino (S91), who contributes keyboard solos and arrangements.
  ​
  ​PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: https://rockshots.eu/products/vanderlust-the-human-farm​

  Track Listing:
  ​1. Humanity 2.0 - The Human Farm
  2. Golden Shackles
  3. The Turning Point
  4. Connection Failed
  5. Viral Escape
  6. … Find Them!
  7. Battlefield
  8. From The Cave - Fuga
  9. Drive
  10. Reborn … Again
  11. Humanity 3.0: The New Canaan
  ​
  ​Line-up:​
  Ricca "ZP" Morello: Vocals
  Francesco "Franz" Romeggini: Guitars, Backing Vocals
  David Cantina: Bass
  Giacomo Mezzetti: Drums, Backing Vocals

  More info:
  ​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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• THE DIVINE PROJECT Unleash Video "Don't Startle The Murder" Off New "Rebirth" EP + Ontario March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ SELIAS

  Feb 17, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian metal act The Divine Project has officially re‑emerged with "Rebirth," a ferocious and emotionally charged EP that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band. Faster, heavier, and more complex than anything in their catalogue, "Rebirth" is a declaration of intent, a sharpened, revitalized version of The Divine Project that refuses to be ignored.
  ​
  The band is sharing their latest music video for “Don’t Startle The Murder”, as well as a run of March tour dates across Ontario with SELIAS, bringing their high‑energy, pit‑starting live show to fans new and old (dates listed below).
  ​
  ​"Rebirth" is a four‑track journey through resistance, collapse, danger, and endurance. Written as the band’s official relaunch, the EP blends modern metal, groove, djent, metalcore, and cinematic aggression into a sound that fans struggle to categorize, but instantly recognize.
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  The EP was built on a strict philosophy: If the five of them can’t play it live, it doesn’t go on the record. Every sound on "Rebirth" is performed live without essential backing tracks.
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  Pre‑production was done entirely in‑house, with demos so polished that Eardrum Valley Records used the original guitar and bass tracks in the final mix. Only drums and vocals were re‑recorded in the studio.
  ​
  The band has released a new music video for “Don’t Startle The Murder”, the EP’s most volatile and cinematic track. The song’s title is intentional wordplay; a “murder” is a group of crows, and the lyrics explore the predatory nature of self‑righteous authority figures. A fun fact about the track is that the Latin‑inspired bridge features percussion recorded using children’s toys, a plastic maraca, and a clapper, after the band realized they had no Latin instruments on hand during vocal tracking.
  ​
  The video amplifies the song’s tension, psychological pressure, and explosive energy, capturing the essence of The Divine Project’s new era.

  ​

  Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, The Divine Project blends hard rock and metal into a sound that is raw, emotive, and aggressively modern. Their electrifying live performances have earned them direct support slots for Eyes Set To Kill, Black Satellite, Awake At Last, Sumo Cyco, and Escape The Fate.
  ​
  Each member brings a distinct musical background, from djent and deathcore to nu‑metal, funk, prog, and 80s metal, creating a signature sound that fans say reminds them of Trivium, Linkin Park, Killswitch Engage, Static‑X, and All That Remains, while still being unmistakably TDP.​
  ​
  The band is already deep into their next EP, heading into the studio this April. While "Rebirth" is fueled by anger, speed, and defiance, the next release explores darker emotional territory, a lonesome story with a faint glimmer of light.
  ​
  ​"Rebirth," released November 28, 2025, is available at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/1ROxx7e7BhrPDtZizNhsNk​

  Bandcamp - https://thedivineproject.bandcamp.com/album/rebirth​

  Track Listing:​
  1. The Revolt (3:46)
  2. Ruins Of Truth (3:27)
  3. Don’t Startle The Murder (4:18)
  4. The Longest Night (5:53)
  EP Length: 17:24

  The Divine Project will bring "Rebirth" to the stage this March with a series of Ontario shows featuring their signature high‑energy, crowd‑driven performance. Known for jumping into the pit, starting mosh circles, and feeding off fan energy, the band promises a live experience that is intense, immersive, and unforgettable.

  March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ Selias, The Divine Project​
  Ticket info - https://www.tdp-official.com/event-list​
  March 13 - The Richmond Tavern - London, ON
  March 14 - The Atria - Oshawa, ON
  March 27 - See Scape - Toronto, ON

  More info:

  https://www.tdp-official.com/​

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

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

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