News

• FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Debut Self-Titled Album + New Video "Fire Inside"

  Aug 21, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The wait is over. Famous Strangers have officially released their debut self‑titled album, a heavy, emotional, genre‑breaking first statement from one of Alberta’s most exciting new heavy rock acts. Built on themes of self‑worth, growth, vulnerability, and raw honesty, the album delivers a full‑spectrum listening experience that moves from explosive riffs to atmospheric introspection, always anchored by the band’s signature unpredictability and emotional depth.
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  At its core, the record is about knowing your worth, breaking free from what holds you back, choosing yourself, and emerging stronger on the other side. Across seven tracks, the band blends grunge, punk, blues, classic metal, and modern heaviness into something moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing. Every song lives in its own world, yet the journey feels unified, intentional, and deeply personal.
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  The debut album showcases the band’s evolution over three years of writing, rewriting, experimenting, and trusting their instincts. Some riffs lived on guitarist Jeff Kittlitz's hard drive for over a decade before finally finding the right home. Some songs were born in a single jam session. One track, "Ghosts of Men," was written just three days before entering the studio. The result is a record that pushes boundaries, breaks rules, and refuses to sit still.

  "We feel like our first record will take them on a journey, evoking many different emotions that reflect the flow of this new album. Some may not understand what we are trying to do, but by the end, we hope they are surprised, refreshed, and inspired. We hope the lyrics dig deep into parts of them they didn't know existed or had hidden away. Opening their hearts and souls, making them feel unstoppable and worthy. Whatever they may be doing while listening, we want our music to captivate them, drawing them deeper into themselves. Feeling the emotional pull through each track. Moments of inspiration and grit, leading to a complete surrender of self. With a touch of silliness and definitely some seduction," adds the band.
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  To celebrate release day, Famous Strangers have shared a brand‑new rehearsal video for "Fire Inside," giving fans a raw, behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the album’s most powerful tracks. The song began as a progressive metal riff and evolved in the studio, becoming a grounding anthem about embracing mistakes, honouring your journey, and discovering the light within yourself. The track has a special history with the band, as it was once performed live by asking the audience for lyrical ideas while Amanda freestyled the entire song, including a legendary dinosaur‑themed version during a show date in Drumheller, AB.

  Famous Strangers features Amanda Kiernan (vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (guitar), Braden Sustrik (bass), and Brian “Beej” Jolly (drums), formed after years of crossing paths in the Alberta music scene, with members with roots in Compromise, Pugnacious, This Is War, The Order of Chaos, Sleeping Girl, and more. With decades of Alberta heavy‑music experience, they built a project on trust, honesty, and complete creative freedom. What began as casual jams evolved into a full creative force once Amanda joined in 2023. The chemistry was instant. Lyrics poured out, old riffs found new life, and the band quickly realized they had something far bigger than a side project.

  Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, the self-titled album is available on all digital platforms (Vinyl pre-order to be announced at a later date) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/famous-strangers

  Upcoming Show Dates:​
  Aug 6 - The Exchange - Regina, SK
  Aug 7 - Dickens - Calgary, AB
  Aug 21 - Album Release Show 1 - Rec Room - Edmonton, AB
  Aug 22 - Album Release Show 2 - Temple at Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB

  Track Listing:​
  1. Fire Inside - 4:06
  2. Ghosts of Men - 4:54
  3. Please Her - 4:34
  4. As Your Leader - 3:49
  5. Desires - 3:50
  6. Far Away from Home - 4:18
  7. Rain - 9:23
  Album Length: 34:57

  Album Band Line-up:​
  Jeff Kittlitz - Guitar, Back-up Vocals
  Amanda Kiernan - Vocals, Lyrics
  Braden Sustrik - Bass, Back-up Vocals
  Brian “Beej” Jolly - Drums, Back-up Vocals

  More info:

  ​https://www.famousstrangersband.com/​

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

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

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• Icelandic Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Announces Debut Album "Guðlaugar Saga" Out Sept 2026 + New Video “Heljarhlíð”

  Aug 21, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Sorcerous folk‑metal rising force Hrafnablót announces that their debut album, "Guðlaugar Saga," will be available on September 11, 2026.

  A true epic, "Guðlaugar Saga" blends Icelandic folklore, Sagas, magick, and folk‑metal tradition into a cohesive narrative concept record. The story follows Guðlaug, a modern woman hurled into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser, as she navigates battles, celebrations, kidnapping, fate, and the choice between returning home and reshaping history.
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  Sonically, "Guðlaugar Saga" contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.
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  The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.

  “We want to give listeners a sonic journey inspired by Icelandic nature and folklore, harsh, fragile, intimate, and always beautiful,” adds the band.

  After previewing tracks “Dísablót” and “Svartigaldur”, Hrafnablót is sharing their newest single and music video, “Heljarhlíð”, continuing the album’s narrative of Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into Iceland’s settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser.

  “Heljarhlíð” marks the first appearance of harsh vocals from keyboardist Ólafur Daði Jónsson, paired with the soaring clean vocals of Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir. Musically, the track channels melodic death metal influences and closes with a powerful vocal harmony.

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/5d5tsvnMNn38HrPFbwfd4h​

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

  Hrafnablót was formed in Reykjavík, Iceland, in fall 2024 and channels the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick, Sagas, and folklore. Their music merges heavy riffs, folk influences, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, a sound deeply rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.
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  Since forming, the band has become a striking presence in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival. Their shows are ritualistic experiences, rich with visuals, storytelling, and dramatic intensity.

  Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, "Guðlaugar Saga" will be available on all digital platforms on September 11th, 2026.

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Spádómurinn - 1:49
  2. Dísablót - 5:44
  3. Heljarhlíð - 6:22
  4. Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur - 1:22
  5. Fögnuður - 5:41
  6. Nornarheimt - 5:21
  7. Svartigaldur - 5:17
  8. Heimþrá - 4:59
  9. Örlagavegur - 11:23
  Album Length: 48:02

  Band Line-up:​
  Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir - Vocals
  Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson - Bass & Backing Vocals
  Ólafur Daði Jónsson - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
  Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson - Guitar & Backing Vocals
  Andri Pétur Dalmar - Drums & Backing Vocals
  Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir - Guitar

  For more info:

  ​https://hrafnablot.is/​

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

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

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• GODFALL's New Single "Default" Confronts Modern Burnout and Your Life On Autopilot!

  Aug 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Calgary’s genre‑defying five‑piece Godfall return with their most introspective and hard‑hitting release, the single “Default”. A track that captures the suffocating repetition of living life on autopilot, the endless cycle of tasks, obligations, and burnout that leaves no room for surprise, growth, or self‑reflection. The band describes the song as a wake‑up call: a reminder that life is happening now, not after the to‑do list is finished.
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  As with all Godfall releases, “Default” was shaped through full‑band collaboration. Guitarist Omer Khan sparked the foundation of the track, bringing the initial riff and vibe that guided the vocal direction. Vocalists Karina Khristova and Abel Boban crafted lyrics that complement the music’s tension, choosing words, syllables, and melodies that highlight the emotional peaks of the instrumentation.
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  The band’s writing process remains fluid and democratic as their ideas are refined, reworked, and sometimes cut entirely if they don’t serve the song. This commitment to quality over quantity continues to define Godfall’s evolution.
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  Every member of Godfall comes from a different country and speaks a different first language, creating a melting pot of influences that shape their unique sound. Their music blends heaviness, melody, emotional storytelling, and raw grit, a mix fans often compare to Bad Omens and Evanescence, though the band prefers to let their own identity lead the way.
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  ​“Default” marks another step in Godfall’s ongoing refinement of their sonic identity, shifting between phases of anger, melancholy, and soaring melody while staying true to the heart‑first approach that defines their catalog.

  "I think Default will be a pleasant surprise since we are constantly refining our sound and working on our songwriting skills. I think ultimately we want our fans to have a Godfall song for any kind of day: a day when you're annoyed, sad, happy, motivated – you name it. We want them to be able to sing along and headbang at the same time," says Karina Khristova (Clean Vocals).

  Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Evanescence, Bring Me the Horizon, Bad Omens, and Linkin Park, listen to “Default” at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/23PvFFwfFYQWtyugbsDXua

  ​

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

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• ABSOLUTE DARKNESS Unveils New Banger "Attritional Warfare" From Sophomore Album "Witness To A Dying World" Out Oct 2026

  Aug 18, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  San Francisco Bay Area death/thrash metal force Absolute Darkness unleashes their first single, "Attritional Warfare", marking the beginning of the rollout for their highly anticipated sophomore album, "Witness To A Dying World," due out on October 23, 2026. The album also features a faithful, modernized tribute to Bay Area legends Vio‑lence with a cover of their classic track “World In A World.”​
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  Formed in 2015, Absolute Darkness blends the ferocity of Death, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth with the thrash roots of Testament, Vio‑lence, and Exodus. Their sound is defined by aggressive riffs, layered harmonies, memorable solos, and socially conscious storytelling that confronts corruption, war, propaganda, addiction, homelessness, and the decay of modern society.
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  The first single sets the tone for the album’s thematic weight and musical intensity. Written collaboratively by the full lineup, "Attritional Warfare" showcases Absolute Darkness at their most focused and explosive, fast, sharp, and unrelenting.
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  The track continues the band’s tradition of story‑driven lyricism, exploring the human cost of conflict through the eyes of those caught in the machinery of war. It’s a brutal, high‑energy introduction to the world the album inhabits.

  "The war theme of this song is brought home by high-quality 2D traditional animation interjected with a live performance from the band. Be warned, the war footage can be very graphic and was inspired by anime such as Attack on Titan and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade," adds Ron Dorn (Guitar/Lead Vocals).

  ​

  Bandcamp - https://absolutedarkness1.bandcamp.com/track/attritional-warfare​
  ​
  The new record marks a major milestone for Absolute Darkness; it's the first album written entirely by the current lineup from the ground up, with every member contributing meaningfully to the songwriting process. Musically, the album expands on the death/thrash foundation of their 2021 release "Failure Of State," delivering aggressive riffs, fast, energetic structures, melodic guitar harmonies, layered solos, and story‑driven vocals. A standout moment on the album is Absolute Darkness’ tribute to Bay Area thrash icons Vio‑lence. Guitarist/vocalist Ron Dorn, who grew up attending their shows, approached the cover with deep respect, preserving the original’s raw energy while delivering vocals in his own death/thrash style. The band intentionally avoided a click track to maintain the natural tempo shifts of the original recording, resulting in a version that feels both nostalgic and freshly intense.
  ​
  Lyrically, "Witness To A Dying World" explores unchecked power, propaganda, authoritarianism, war, addiction, homelessness, and societal collapse, told through characters and narratives rather than direct commentary.

  "Witness To A Dying World is the album I've wanted Absolute Darkness to make for a long time. Not because it's heavier or faster than our previous releases, but because it finally feels like a complete band effort. Everyone contributed to the songwriting in one way or another, and I think that made every song better. Some songs are straight-up thrash. Others lean more into melodic death metal. There are a lot of guitar harmonies, plenty of solos, and enough twists along the way to keep things interesting, but we always tried to make every change feel natural instead of complicated for the sake of being complicated.

  At the end of the day, we're doing this because we genuinely enjoy making music together. None of us are trying to become full-time musicians or make a living from the band. We all have careers, families, and lives outside of music, and that gives us the freedom to write the songs we want to write instead of chasing trends. If people come away remembering the songs, wanting to hear them again, and maybe even thinking about the stories they tell, then we've accomplished exactly what we set out to do," adds Dorn.​
  ​
  Recommended for fans of Testament, Vio-lence, Exodus, At The Gates, The Crown, and Amon Amarth, "Witness To A Dying World" will be available on October 23rd, 2026. Album pre-sale will begin on October 1st.

  Track Listing:​
  1. Above The Law - 3:56
  2. Attritional Warfare - 3:50
  3. World Decay - 3:28
  4. Snake Oil - 4:14
  5. Different Illegally - 3:33
  6. Loyalty To Me - 3:32
  7. I Guess I Die - 3:59
  8. Big Lies - 3:51
  9. Extreme Accountability - 3:34
  10. World In A World (Vio-lence Cover) - 4:13
  Album Length: 38:21

  Band Lineup:​
  Ron Dorn - Guitar/Lead Vocals
  Douglas Vetter II - Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals
  Orson Sojo - Bass
  Scott Russell - Drums

  More info:

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

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

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• NARCOTIC WASTELAND's New Single Battles The "Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse" To Kick Off USA Tour w/ Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and Yotuma

  Aug 14, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler‑Wade of NILE fame, fires the first shot of their August tour with the release of their blistering new single “Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse.” The track arrives as the band launches the "FENTANYL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE TOUR," featuring select dates with support from Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and Yotuma (dates listed below).
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  A ferocious blend of technical precision, social commentary, and unrelenting aggression, the single stands as one of Narcotic Wasteland’s most urgent works to date, an explosive warning siren aimed at the escalating fentanyl epidemic and the societal collapse surrounding it.
  ​
  ​Dallas Toler‑Wade comments on the new single:
  ​
  ​“I am very excited to release our new song, Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse! The song is, of course, about the fentanyl epidemic and the overall impact it has on an already failing country. Musically, it really captures the mood of this very well. Fast and tricky, yet twisted and catchy! Kenji really brought some great bass and keys to the table. And Austin needs a drum set that won't collapse under pressure! I am super proud of the work we have done together, and I cannot wait to show the world what we have been working on behind the scenes.”
  ​
  ​Narcotic Wasteland continues to evolve into one of extreme metal’s most formidable units, featuring Dallas Toler‑Wade, former Nile guitarist, vocalist, and key songwriter; a defining force in technical death metal since the early ’90s. Austin Vicars, a high‑octane drummer known for blistering blast beats and commanding stage presence, and Kenji Tsunami, an inventive bassist whose depth, texture, and ferocity amplify the band’s overwhelming sonic assault.

  Together, they deliver a live experience that is both punishing and surgically precise, an unrelenting wall of sound that has packed venues and earned critical acclaim throughout recent tours. Narcotic Wasteland has cemented its position as a dominant force in modern death metal, unleashing a volatile blend of razor‑sharp technicality, feral aggression, and raw intensity. Their music confronts addiction, corruption, and societal collapse with unflinching honesty, powered by musicianship that continually pushes the boundaries of extreme metal. Expect a barrage of new material, explosive performances, and the full force of Narcotic Wasteland’s latest evolution.

  Recommended for fans of Nile, Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Incantation, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, Immolation, and Gorguts, listen to “Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://orcd.co/fentanylzombieapocalypse

  FENTANYL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE TOUR
  Narcotic Wasteland – August 2026 Tour Dates
  Select dates with support from Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and YOTUMA
  ​​
  August 12 – Columbus, OH – Spacebar With Visitant
  August 14 – Akron, OH – Afterlife Nightclub
  August 15 – Battle Creek, MI – Michigan Metal Fest With Monochromatic Black
  August 16 – Chicago, IL – Liars Club With Visitant
  August 18 – Saint Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall With Visitant
  August 19 – Cudahy, WI – X-Ray Arcade With Visitant and Yotuma
  August 21 – Scranton, PA – The Ritz Theater With Visitant and IATT
  August 22 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station With Visitant
  August 23 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall With Visitant
  August 25 – Louisville, KY – Portal With Visitant
  August 26 – Atlanta, GA – 529 With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
  August 27 – Nashville, TN – The Cobra With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
  August 28 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
  August 29 – Salisbury, MD – Lurking Class Skate Shop With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
  August 30 – Charleston, WV – Live at the Shop With Monochromatic Black and Visitant

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

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