News

• UNPUNISHED Ignites The Mosh Pit w/ New Single "Burn the Traitors" ft. Alex Leblanc (ex-Fracturus, ex-Neuraxis) From EP "Echoes of History" Out Sept 2025

  Jul 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Unpunished, one of Quebec’s fiercest metalcore exports, have officially announced their second EP "Echoes of History" set to be unleashed on September 5th, 2025. A blistering five-track journey through despair, defiance, and destruction, this EP from the ferocious five-piece is ready to ignite mosh pits around the globe.

  Originally formed as tribute act Tidal Wave, performing songs by Trivium and Parkway Drive, the band reinvented itself during the COVID pandemic, writing original music that blends metalcore roots with melodeath and deathcore elements. Their sound is melodic, intense, diverse, energetic, and aggressive.
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  “Echoes of History took us over two years to write, and each of us faced major personal challenges during that time. Sorting through dozens of demos was tough; we all have different musical tastes, which makes it hard to agree, but also gives us our unique sound,” adds the band.
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  Rather than follow a formula, Unpunished built each song with its own emotional journey, combining the brutality of modern death metal with the melody and groove of classic metalcore. The EP was also produced by drummer Justin Lefebvre. From its guitar tones to vocal layering, every detail reflects hours of obsession and refinement, reflecting the band's obsession with perfection.

  “We want every track to hit differently. From anxiety and despair to rage and revolt, this EP is all about movement and mood,” says the band.

  Their first glimpse from their sophomore EP "Burn the Traitors" features guest vocals from Alex Leblanc (ex-Fracturus, ex-Neuraxis, ex-Mass Murder Messiah) and is the band's most brutal song ever.

  The band comments:

  "It’s much more melodic death metal than metalcore, as there are no clean vocals. We wrote this as a relentless track with little place to breathe. The chorus is melodic and catchy, but without the use of clean lyrics. The solo is the slowest section of the song, as a way to catch our breath before the breakdown and final stretch of intensity. Lyrically, the theme is centered around vengeance, inflicting pain on those who betrayed, abused, and inflicted pain on their people. Remastered from its initial 2023 release, Burn the Traitors ends the EP with ferocity and leaves no one indifferent."

  Listen to "Burn the Traitors" featuring guest vocals from Alex Leblanc (ex-Fracturus, ex-Neuraxis, ex-Mass Murder Messiah) at the following links:

  Digital - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/unpunished​

  Unpunished prides itself on precision and passion. No ego, just relentless intensity that invites fans to scream and sweat as one. Recommended for fans of As I Lay Dying, The Black Dahlia Murder, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Bleed From Within, the "Echoes of History" EP pre-order (out Sept 5th) is available at https://unpunished.bandcamp.com.

  Track Listing:​
  1. As Water Fills My Lungs - 4:49
  2. Plague of Our Race - 4:39
  3. Shattered in Dissaray - 5:06
  4. Echoes of History - 4:52
  5. Burn the Traitors ft. Alex Leblanc - 4:38
  EP Length: 24:06

  More info: Facebook.com/Unpunishedband | Instagram.com/unpunished_band

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• Streaming Now! Blackened Thrash ETERNAL DRAK New EP "The Warrior Order"

  Jul 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  A year after unleashing their fourth studio album, "Imprisoned Souls," in July 2024, Eternal Drak, formerly from Colombia and now residing in Quebec City, Canada, returns with their next offering, "The Warrior Order", a five-track record that includes the band's rendition of Metallica's "Leper Messiah,".

  Set to be available on digital platforms on July 17th, the blackened thrash band has teamed up with Bravewords for its full stream premiere. Listen HERE.

  "The Warrior Order" serves as a heartfelt homage to the band's journey, a way to honour the memories they’ve created and express their immense gratitude to the fans who have stood by them through the years. By revisiting and reimagining these older tracks from their 2002 debut, "La Resurreccion De La Orden Guerrera", the now-formed trio aims to rekindle the connection with their long-time listeners while simultaneously inviting new fans to discover and embrace our unique sound. They hope to bridge the past and the future.

  Fans can expect the blending of raw, nostalgic vibes of classic metal with the refined production and innovation of contemporary music. By doing so, the EP seeks to evoke powerful memories and untold stories from the past while offering a renewed, enriched auditory experience that resonates with both long-time metal enthusiasts and newer audiences.

  "This EP bridges two distinct eras in the journey of Eternal Drak: the energetic creativity of the 1990s and the refined artistry of the present day. It represents a homage to the band’s origins, where young minds passionately crafted what is now revered as old-school metal. These early works have been revisited and revitalized, bringing their raw spirit into the modern soundscape with enhanced production quality that respects the authenticity of the era while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences. Through meticulously re-recording the four original tracks, Eternal Drak breathes new life into their debut, preserving the integrity of black thrash metal while making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. To complement this effort, the album includes a cover of one of the most iconic and influential bands in metal history, serving as both a tribute and a testament to the enduring inspiration these legends have provided. This project encapsulates the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a sound that is timeless yet refreshingly current," adds band founder Andres Martinez, “Drakar” (Vocal/Guitar).

  The lyrics on "The Warrior Order" are drawn from Eternal Drak's inspiration from a narrative crafted during the band's early years, which delves into the tale of Lucifer's exile to the underworld. The story portrays how his influence pervaded humanity, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations in profound ways. It explores the impact of his legacy on Earth, touching on themes of power, temptation, and rebellion. Furthermore, the narrative captures Lucifer's relentless quest to find pathways back into the mortal realm, ultimately aiming to reclaim dominion and challenge the celestial forces that banished him. This intricate and evocative storyline serves as the foundation for much of the band's lyrical content, blending mythological depth with existential reflection to resonate powerfully with listeners.

  Recommended for fans of Venom, Celtic Frost, Metallica, and Sepultura, "The Warrior Order" will be available on July 17th, 2025, at the following links:

  Digital - https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/thewarriororder​

  Bandcamp - https://eternaldrak.bandcamp.com/album/the-warrior-order​

  Online Store - https://eternaldrak.com/store​

  Single stream - "Eternal Drak" at the following links:

  Spotify - https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/eternaldrak

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Oda a la luna - 4:22
  2. Contra Viento - 5:16
  3. Eternal Drak - 5:50
  4. La Nueva Orden - 5:51
  5. Leper Messiah (Cover) - 5:29
  EP Length: 26:48

  More info: http://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak

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• DARKNESS IS MY CANVAS New Single "Ink In The Water" Off New Album "The End Of Times" Out Aug 2025

  Jul 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  With “Ink In The Water”, Finnish alternative/progressive rock band Darkness Is My Canvas showcase their most instinctive and unpredictable side. The track is the latest single taken from their upcoming debut full-length "The End Of Times", due out August 1st, 2025 via Rockshots Records.

  Originally written in a matter of minutes during a spontaneous studio session, “Ink In The Water” captures the band’s no-rules approach to songwriting. “We just felt like doing something fast and upbeat,” the band recalls. “The lyrics were literally transcribed from Pete’s first take on the demo. When we listened back, we knew it had something special.”

  A bold dive into post-punk and pop-punk territories, the song stays true to the band’s emotional and melodic core while introducing a refreshing twist. Short but impactful, “Ink In The Water” reflects the band’s ongoing refusal to stick to a single genre. “If a song demands a certain approach, we go for it without hesitation. Genre doesn’t matter—we just serve the song”.

  Like other tracks on "The End Of Times," the single balances spontaneity with depth. Its tight structure, punchy rhythm, and unapologetic tone reveal a new side of the band’s sonic identity—one that is vibrant, immediate, and still unmistakably Darkness Is My Canvas.

  Listen to "Ink In The Water":

  Spotify - https://lnk.to/xGLkY28i​

  ​

  "The End Of Times" is the debut full-length album from Finnish band Darkness Is My Canvas — a bold and emotional journey through melody, introspection, and modern rock expression. Blending progressive elements, cinematic atmospheres, and sharp alternative energy, the album explores the collapse and rebirth of meaning in a chaotic world. With intricate arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful hooks, "The End Of Times" is a record that invites repeated listens, each time revealing new layers and deeper resonance.

  For those who appreciate bands like Muse, Ghost, and My Chemical Romance, prepare to rock out with Darkness Is My Canvas!

  PRE-ORDER the album (Out Aug 1st) at the following link: https://rockshots.eu/products/darkness-is-my-canvas-the-end-of-times-cd​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Wash
  2. Rejected
  3. Bleed
  4. Ink In The Water
  5. The Maze
  6. The End of Times
  7. Day Zero
  8. Subliminal
  9. These Times
  10. Skin & Bones

  Darkness Is My Canvas is:
  Pete - Lead Vocals
  Panu - Guitars
  Fellu - Bass
  Guitar Juza - Drums

  For more info:
  ​Rockshots.eu​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/darknessismycanvas/​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/darknessismycanvas/

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• NYC's CHAKA Unleashes Ferocious Music Video “It’s Not Human” Ahead of First Full-Length Album "Amplifying the Past"

  Jul 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  NYC heavy trio CHAKA has dropped their thunderous new single “It’s Not Human”, a primal assault of groove and aggression that marks the first release from their upcoming debut full-length album, "Amplifying the Past", due out later this year.

  Formed as a studio project and now evolved into a live sonic force, CHAKA has deep roots in Queens' metal and hardcore scene. Founding bassist and vocalist Mark Sokoll, a veteran of bands like Darkside NYC and Terminal Confusion, is joined by longtime friends Mike C. (ex-White Trash) on drums and Frank P. (Lost Cause) on guitar. The band also collaborates remotely with Ireland-based guitarist Ty Canon, a childhood friend whose riffs continue to shape their recordings.

  Lyrically, “It’s Not Human” presents a sonic excavation. The song delves into the real-life discovery of a Neanderthal tooth, a pivotal moment in tracing the human genome.

  “It’s about evolution, science, and ancient ancestry,” says Sokoll. “We’ve always drawn inspiration from human origins, military history, and authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Carl Sagan.”

  Musically, the track is a relentless juggernaut—starting abruptly, rushing forward with thrash intensity, then shifting to a dreamy tone before returning to a pummeling close.

  The single’s artwork visually echoes this evolutionary theme, featuring crossed primitive weapons behind a grotesque DNA helix, flanked by dueling skulls—one ancient, one modern.

  Listen to “It’s Not Human” now on all major streaming platforms.

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/46AwqtL

  ​

  Set for release later this year, "Amplifying the Past" represents CHAKA's most dynamic and collaborative work to date.

  “This record expands on our earlier sound but lets the songs breathe more. We want listeners to feel like they’ve been on a cathartic, headbanging ride,” adds Sokoll.

  The band’s style is best described in five words: Primal. Loud. Heavy. Aggressive. Groovy. Drawing on influences like Black Sabbath, Carnivore, Motorhead, and Celtic Frost, CHAKA delivers raw, no-frills metal with a scientific twist.

  On stage, CHAKA amplifies their sound even further. Fans can expect not just volume, but presence.

  “We’re a loud trio—maybe even louder than four or five-piece bands. We’re all in our 50s, but we don’t hold back.”

  Despite geographical distance—band members live in New York, New Jersey, and Ireland—CHAKA thrives on modern file-sharing and old-school chemistry as the trio has known each other for over 40 years. That connection fuels their sound.

  More singles and videos will follow as the band finalizes the LP. CHAKA also promises future EPs and extended releases, all staying true to their mission: creating music that’s as thoughtful as it's heavy.

  More Info: Chakametalband.com | Facebook.com/NEANDERTHALTALES | Instagram.com/chakametalband | X.com/ChakaMetalBand

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• WOODHAWK Announces Cross-Canada Tour For New Album “Love Finds a Way” Out Now! + LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FEST w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT and more!

  Jul 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After five years of anticipation, Calgary’s stoner groove rock trio Woodhawk announces they will be hitting the road this August through October for tour dates across Canada (dates listed below). The show dates are in support of their latest and third album, "Love Finds a Way," released on June 6th of this year via Grand Hand Records. Fans can expect a high-energy set packed with new material and favorites from their discography that will be delivered with the raw power and passion.

  Their most personal and powerful release to date, their new full-length album, "Love Finds a Way", marks a turning point for Woodhawk. Demonstrating their evolution from early stoner rock roots into something more emotionally complex while maintaining the infectious grooves and memorable hooks that have defined their sound.

  "Love Finds a Way" explores themes of darkness, healing, and hope, while still delivering the infectious hooks and thunderous riffs fans have come to expect. With contributions from longtime collaborator Jesse Gander on synth, the band expands their sonic palette without losing their edge. The trio of Turner Midzain (guitar/vocals), Mike Badmington (bass), and Kevin Nelson (drums) poured five years of growth, struggle, and creative evolution into this record.

  “We are over the moon to get this album out. Love Finds a Way is easily the hardest we have worked on an album to date. We poured our heart and soul into this one. It really is a journey of getting out of the darkness and into the light. Check in with your friends and loved ones. Hug the ones you love. Be nicer to each other. Love will always prevail and be stronger than anything else. After 10 years of being a band, I feel like we are still just getting started!” adds the band.

  After a decade together, Woodhawk is proving they’re just getting started. "Love Finds a Way" is more than an album; it’s a statement of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of rock.

  Recommended for fans of The Sword, Red Fang, and Thin Lizzy, the album is a dynamic journey from start to finish, balancing soft and heavy, slow and fast, light and dark.
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  ​Album order (out June 6th): https://woodhawk.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/44veRdv​

  ​

  In additional news, Woodhawk will be performing on day three of this year's LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL on August 3rd in Drumheller, AB alongside Revocation, Cyborg Octopus, Beguiler, Thirteen Goats, Famous Strangers, and more! Full details on LAH can be found at www.loudashell.ca.

  Show Dates: ​
  Aug 3 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Open Air
  Aug 27 - Calgary, AB - Ship & Anchor
  Aug 28 - Lethbridge, AB - The Owl Acoustic Lounge
  Aug 29 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Aug 30 - Winnipeg, MB - Side Stage
  Sept 2 - Windsor - Phog Lounge
  Sept 3 - Hamilton, ON - Club Absinthe
  Sept 4 - Ottawa, ON - House of Targ
  Sept 5 - Montreal - Turbo Haus
  Sept 6 - Toronto, ON - The Monarch
  Sept 7 - Kingston, ON - The Mansion
  Sept 9 - Oshawa, ON - The Atria
  Sept 10 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Soo Blaster
  Sept 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Black Pirates Pub
  Sept 12 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Sept 13 - Saskatoon, SK - Black Cat Tavern
  Sept 25 - Kelowna, BC- Jackknife Brewery
  Sept 26 - Vancouver, BC - Green Auto
  Sept 27 - Victoria, BC - Lucky Bar
  Oct 10 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
  Oct 11 - Edmonton, AB - The Aviary

  Track Listing:​
  1. Grave Shaker – 4:41
  2. Strangers Ever After – 4:24
  3. Truth Be Told – 7:21
  4. White Crosses – 6:10
  5. The Unholy Hand – 5:21
  6. No Place For Hate – 5:18
  7. Love Finds a Way – 6:16
  8. Relapser – 4:52
  9. Killing Time – 8:37

  Woodhawk is:
  Turner Midzain – Guitar & Vocals
  Mike Badmington – Bass & Vocals
  Kevin Nelson - Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://www.woodhawkriffs.com​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/woodhawkriffs​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/woodhawkriffs

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