News

• DECIMATE METALFEST Announces 2026 Lineup Changes w/ Addition of Headliners RIOT CITY and more! To Join THE CONVALESCENCE, SQUIDHAMMER, FAMOUS STRANGERS, and more!

  May 6, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Western Canada’s underground metal community will once again come together this summer as Decimate Metalfest returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 and 27, 2026, in Millet, AB. What began as a grassroots gathering of heavy music fans has grown into a weekend-long celebration where heavy music, independent arts, and community come together in rural Alberta, welcoming fans, artists, and families of all ages.

  DMF announces its recent lineup changes, with RIOT CITY replacing original headliners Glyph, who unfortunately had to bow out of this year's festival. Also joining this year's lineup are Calgary youth band Pollux and Edmonton's Kill the Eclipse, adding to the already stacked lineup featuring The Convalescence, Squidhammer, Famous Strangers, Cries of Blood, alongside a diverse roster of local and regional performers. Overall, 26 performing acts will take the stage over the two days, including touring artists, Canadian metal bands, youth performers, a featured DJ, and specialty entertainers.

  Friday evening launches the festival with a powerful night of heavy music, with The Convalescence and Squidhammer co-headlining the night. Saturday expands into a full-day festival experience featuring Riot City headlining alongside up-and-coming bands from Western Canada, youth artists, live performers, and interactive entertainment. The second day also includes a performance by Kill the Eclipse, the “Fundraiser Band,” which is a rotating act selected from bands that participated in DMF's fundraising events throughout the year, highlighting the festival’s community-driven spirit. With top-notch production, high-quality sound, professional staging, and access to convenient local amenities in Millet, AB, the festival ensures an unforgettable experience for fans and families.

  All performances take place at the Millet Agriplex Arena, with festival activities continuing throughout the weekend, including camping, breakfast events, interactive entertainment, and vendor booths by independent artists.

  Official Decimate Metalfest 2026 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PtsotZY8YfTAZV0NNBudk​

  Event Details:​
  Event: Decimate Metalfest 2026
  Dates: June 26 and 27, 2026
  Location: Millet Agriplex Arena, Millet, Alberta, Canada
  Format: All ages metal and arts festival

  Tickets: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/tickets​

  Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/938257911895899​

  Decimate Metalfest 2026 Lineup:​
  ​
  ​Friday, June 26, 2026​
  • The Convalescence (Ohio, USA)
  • Squidhammer (Wisconsin, USA)
  • Anomalyptic (Edmonton, AB)
  • Let It Rot (Michigan, USA)
  • Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
  • Godfall (Calgary, AB)
  • Pollux (Youth Band – Calgary, AB)
  • Kilusan (Edmonton, AB)
  ​​
  Saturday, June 27, 2026​
  • Riot City (Calgary, AB)
  • Famous Strangers (Sherwood Park, AB)
  • Cries of Blood (Montreal, QC)
  • No Faith In Fortune (Vancouver, BC)
  • From Beneath (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Counterfeit – A Tribute to Limp Bizkit (Calgary, AB)
  • Femmes Voyous (Edmonton, AB)
  • Spineless (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Thousand Frames (Colorado, USA)
  • Black Friday (Edmonton, AB)
  • Light Drawn In (Edmonton, AB)
  • Kill the Eclipse (Edmonton, AB)
  • Kleaver (Youth Band - Calgary, AB)
  • Desicrate (Youth Band - Edmonton, AB)
  ​
  ​Featured Performers​
  • Birthday Girl – Mistress of Ceremonies (Calgary, AB)
  • Lust Dust – Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Edmonton, AB)
  • Harlot – Drag Queen (Calgary, AB)
  • DJ Alex Kayne (New York, USA)

  Decimate Metalfest is about connection. The all-ages festival brings together musicians, visual artists, performers, and creators from across Canada, the United States, and beyond for two days of crushing riffs, artistic expression, unforgettable performances, and a shared love of underground culture.
  ​
  The festival’s reach continues to expand each year. For the 2026 edition alone, performer submissions were received from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces, and 25 US states, highlighting the growing international interest in the event and the strength of Western Canada’s metal community. From youth bands playing their first festival stage to international touring acts, Decimate Metalfest celebrates every generation of the metal and alternative community while creating opportunities for artists of many disciplines to showcase their work.
  ​
  Decimate Metalfest has become known not only for its music lineup but also for the welcoming environment it creates. The festival brings together longtime metal fans, young families, artists, and first-time festivalgoers in a space that celebrates creativity and community.
  ​
  Beyond the stage, the festival offers a full weekend experience that includes independent art vendors, free tented camping, fan-favorite air guitar contests for youth and adults, community gatherings, and the traditional Saturday pancake breakfast. Children under 10 attend free, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and multi-generational participation.
  ​
  Built by members of the metal community, for the metal community, and proudly organized and operated by women, Decimate Metalfest continues to challenge expectations while creating a space where everyone is welcome.
  ​
  ​Stay Connected

  For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:​

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

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• KINGCROWN Unveils Single "Lost Horizon" From New Album "Moonfall" Out Sept 2026

  May 1, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  French melodic heavy/power metal band Kingcrown return with "Lost Horizon", the first single taken from their forthcoming album "Moonfall", due for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

  Following the strong reception of "Nova Atlantis", the band opens a new chapter with a track that immediately reinforces their identity while expanding the narrative framework introduced in previous releases.

  "Lost Horizon" serves as a direct sequel to "Endless Journey", continuing a storyline rooted in time distortion and speculative fiction. The track follows a WWII B-17 pilot suddenly caught in a temporal vortex and propelled into the year 2045, merging amazing storytelling with a tightly constructed heavy/power metal framework.

  Musically, the single is driven by fast-paced riffing, dynamic vocal delivery, and an anthemic, hook-oriented chorus, balancing immediacy with structural precision. The band’s approach remains firmly grounded in the European heavy/power metal tradition. At the same time, the production handled by Kingcrown and refined through mixing and mastering by Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio) delivers clarity, weight, and definition across the entire sonic spectrum.

  Founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, Kingcrown have progressively built a cohesive and recognizable identity within the European metal landscape. The current lineup - Jo Amore, David Amore, Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) - continues to operate with a strong sense of continuity, a key factor in the band’s increasingly focused sound.

  With "Moonfall", Kingcrown further develops a conceptual direction centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and the fragility of human existence. Within this context, "Lost Horizon" stands as a fundamental entry point - introducing both the narrative scope and the sonic approach that define the album.

  For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Powerwolf

  LISTEN - https://lnk.to/4mhjvC​
  ​

  ALBUM PRE ORDER / PRE SAVE - https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd​

  Kingcrown Line Up:

  Joe Amore: Vocals
  ​Ced Legger: Guitars
  ​Bob Saliba: Guitars
  ​Seb Chabot: Bass Guitars
  ​David Amore: Drums
  ​
  ​More info:

  ​https://rockshots.eu/​

  ​https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off​

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• AS OCEANS DIVIDE Unveil Debut EP in Memory of Bassist Dale Burrows, Reveal First Single “Into The Dying Light”

  Apr 30, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  A new force forged from decades of Canadian metal history, As Oceans Divide has announced its self-titled debut EP, arriving July 9th, 2026. Alongside the announcement, the band has released its first single, “Into The Dying Light,” accompanied by a powerful lyric video that introduces their signature blend of aggression, melody, and emotional weight.
  ​
  The EP marks a major milestone for the band, and a deeply personal one, as it is also being released in memory of bassist Dale Burrows, who passed away suddenly in March 2026. Dale, known for his work in Odium, was a longtime friend, collaborator, and irreplaceable part of the band’s foundation.
  ​​
  ​“Dale brought an energy and positivity that lifted everyone around him. Moving forward without him has been incredibly hard, but his spirit is in every note of this EP,” the band shares.
  ​
  ​As Oceans Divide is composed of seasoned musicians whose roots run deep in the Ontario metal scene, with members previously performing in Bloodshoteye, Aquila, Odium, Atria, Scaithe, Hellfire Syndicate, and more. Their combined history brings undeniable weight, experience, and authenticity to the project. The lineup includes Tom Emmans on vocals (Odium, Atria, Scaithe), Eric Camilleri on guitar (Hellfire Syndicate), Thomas Ireland on guitar and EP producer (Battlesoul, Scaithe), and Matt McGuire on drums (Bloodshoteye, Aquila, Atria, Cowboys From Hell tribute). Together, they channel the spirit of early 2000s metalcore through a modern lens, harmonized guitars, crushing rhythms, soaring melody, and emotionally charged intensity.
  ​
  Their introductory single, “Into The Dying Light,” is a defining statement for the band as it's the first song written, the track that shaped their sound, and the perfect introduction to their identity.

  Lyrically, it explores regret, internal struggle, and the weight of the past. The repeated line “I walk into the dying light” becomes a moment of both acceptance and defiance, walking the line between surrender and survival.
  ​
  Musically, the song moves between technical aggression and melodic atmosphere, mirroring the emotional arc of the lyrics. Dynamic vocals shift from intensity to clarity, building toward a cathartic final release.
  ​
  ​“It captured exactly what we were trying to do, balancing heaviness with melody and emotion,” says the band.
  ​
  ​As Oceans Divide is built around contrast, aggression vs. atmosphere, technicality vs. melody, and collapse vs. resilience. Lyrically, it draws on real experiences, personal battles, and the emotional weight each member carries, especially in the wake of Dale’s passing. Every track is crafted as a journey, with intentional structure and flow designed to pull listeners in and leave a lasting impact.
  ​
  ​“We want people to feel something real, whether that’s energy, emotion, or getting lost in the atmosphere of the music.”

  Recommended for fans of Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, All That Remains, Unearth, and God Forbid, listen to “Into The Dying Light” at the following links:

  ​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/32ag5rO88NHS2Ks6aKBucf​

  EP pre-order / pre-save (out July 9, 2026) - https://asoceansdivideband.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Into The Dying Light – 4:04
  2. White Noise – 3:31
  3. World Collapse – 3:16
  4. Cursed Oblivion – 3:59
  5. One Of The Herd – 3:25
  EP Length: 18:15

  For more info:

  ​https://asoceansdivide.com

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

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

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• EXTREMA Unleash “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” - A 30-Year Thrash Milestone Captured in Full Force

  Apr 29, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  EXTREMA Unleash “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” - A 30-Year Thrash Milestone Captured in Full Force

  Italian thrash metal pioneers EXTREMA are set to release “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club”, a high-impact live document celebrating the 30th anniversary of their legendary debut “Tension At The Seams”. The performance was recorded at Slaughter Club in Paderno Dugnano (Milan) on October 7th, 2023 - exactly three decades after the album that helped redefine the sonic and cultural framework of Italian metal.

  The full show will be rolled out as an episodic live video series on the band’s official YouTube channel, alongside a digital release across all major streaming platforms.
  ​
  ​Subscribe and follow the full series here: https://bit.ly/ExtremaLive​

  Released in 1993, “Tension At The Seams” stands as a cornerstone of European thrash: a record built on razor-sharp riffing, percussive precision, and an uncompromising compositional approach that pushed beyond genre orthodoxy. Its impact extended well beyond the Italian scene, setting new benchmarks in terms of arrangement density, production clarity, and expressive aggression.

  To mark its 30th anniversary, EXTREMA returned to the stage with a purpose-built show engineered for maximum impact - conceived as a full-contact, no-compromise live assault. The setlist moves with surgical intent: a dominant portion of the debut album performed with renewed intensity, seamlessly integrated with key tracks from across the band’s catalog, culminating in material from their latest release, “Headbanging Forever”.

  “Thrashing ‘Till The End – Live at Slaughter Club” captures that performance in its entirety - preserving the raw kinetic energy of the band’s live delivery while enhancing it through a modern visual production pipeline.

  Beginning April 29th, all 16 tracks from the show will be released on a weekly schedule via the band’s official YouTube channel with three videos dropping per week - structuring the release as a sustained content cycle designed to maintain engagement and narrative continuity.

  Filming and direction were handled by Daniele Farina, with the production delivered in 4K. The visual language combines tight shot sequencing, dynamic camera movement, and performance-focused editing, resulting in a final product that translates the physical intensity of the live set into a sharp, high-definition audiovisual experience.

  Subscribe to EXTREMA’s official YouTube channel to follow the full release schedule:
  ​https://www.youtube.com/@Extrema_Official​

  Line-up​
  Tommy Massara – Guitars
  Tiziano "Titian" Spigno – Vocals
  Marco Cassone – Guitars
  Gabri Giovanna – Bass
  Francesco "Frullo" La Rosa– Drums

  For more info:​
  ​https://rockshots.eu/
  EXTREMA:
  ​https://www.extremateam.com/​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/extrema.official/​

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

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2026 National Final! w/ BORNBROKEN (QC), GRAVEARTH (ON), ASHES OF YGGDRASIL (AB), EMPALEMENT (BC)

  Apr 28, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Let's get ready to rumble! One band will rule them all as WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA announces this year's 2026 national finalists.

  After battles hosted across the country, the final four have emerged to represent the best of the best underground metal bands in Canada and compete at the national final on May 9th in Montreal, QC, at Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine Ouest), where they will perform in front of metal-hungry fans and be judged by a panel of music industry veterans that includes Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM - Alerte Metallique), Pierre Beaubien (CIBL 101.5 FM - Décibel Métal), Andrew Wieler (CJLO 1690 AM - Metal Director), Kaje Jenkinson (Promoter, Freelance Metal Writer, Asher Media), Dany Soucy (Nova Spei, Bam&Co-Heavy Label and Trois-Rivieres Metalfest), Patrick Loisel (Augury), and JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Thunderor, Skull Fist).

  Only one will be crowned champion and move on to perform at this year's 35th anniversary of Wacken Open Air and the international Wacken Metal Battle, which hosts bands from 30 countries. The final four meeting at the Wacken Metal Battle Canada National final are the following:

  WMBC 2026 National Final Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Yizi851LwbShAduRaqHf3​

  Staples of Montreal, QC’s underground metal scene, BORNBROKEN, unleash an aggressive sound, socially conscious themes, and high‑energy performances that have won over legions. The band recently welcomed new drummer, Peter Tzaferis, who some may recognize from his days in Slaves On Dope. They released their third album, "Am I Invisible" in 2024, which Decibel Magazine commented as "a sonic soiree in waiting for those who like their metal in the neighbourhood of early Machine Head, post-Roots Sepultura, Lamb of God and Fear Factory, resplendent with big guitars, bigger grooves and the biggest choruses.”

  ​https://linktr.ee/bornbroken​

  Oshawa, ON's GRAVEARTH is a death/groove metal band known for blending brutal heaviness with melodic groove, emotional intensity, and complex arrangements. Their songwriting emphasizes heart, intensity, and memorable hooks, aiming to leave a lasting impression on listeners. Critics and reviewers highlight their unique blend of math, djent, groove, death, prog, and extreme tech metal, noting that the band manages to balance these complex elements into cohesive, powerful compositions. Their music often features layered guitars, dynamic rhythms, and intricate production choices that reward repeated listening.

  ​https://linktr.ee/Gravearth​

  ASHES OF YGGDRASIL is a 5-piece melodic death metal band from the barren prairies of Lloydminster, AB/SK. Formed in 2017, our sound has continually evolved across our three albums: The Path (2019), Bearing the Pelt of the Wolf King (2021), and our newest, Crossing of the Realms (2025). While we are melodic death metal, we have hints of thrash, black metal, and even the odd prog sprinkle to shake things up! If you like war drums, melodic guitars, thundering bass, and vicious war cries, we are your raiding party!​

  ​https://ashesofyggdrasilba.wixsite.com/ashesofyggdrasil

  ​

  EMPALEMENT is an extreme metal act from Victoria, BC, channeling a sound they describe as “Black Metal of Death,” shaped by the crashing coastal waves and dense forests of Vancouver Island. The band blends elements of melodic black metal and death metal, creating a style often referred to as deathened black metal. Their thematic focus spans nihilism, misanthropy, religious hypocrisy, blasphemy, love, heartbreak, depression, fury, war, and hedonistic freedom, giving their music a visceral emotional core. Empalement’s sound is marked by feral black‑metal atmosphere, death‑metal weight, and a strong emphasis on visual and conceptual storytelling. Their releases often pair music with cinematic or ritualistic imagery, reinforcing the band’s dark aesthetic.

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

  Event Details:

  Date: May 9, 2026

  Venue: Piranha Bar (680 Ste. Catherine Ouest)

  Time: 8 pm

  Cost: FREE ADMISSION

  Bands: BornBroken, Gravearth, Ashes of Yggdrasil, Empalement

  Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/889250847462376/​

  About Metal Battle:

  The Wacken Metal Battle is an international metal music contest that culminates at the famous Wacken Open Air festival. It features the top bands from each nation, showcasing fresh and young metal music directly from the underground. The contest is open to unsigned metal bands and has become a significant platform for breaking through the local circuit. The 2026 edition of Wacken Metal Battle Canada is currently underway. The winner will have the opportunity to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's largest metal festivals, attracting tens of thousands of metal fans from around the globe. For more information and updates, you can visit the official Wacken Metal Battle website - https://www.metal-battle.com/​

  About Wacken Open Air:​
  Wacken Open Air is the largest heavy metal festival in the world. Starting with 800 visitors in 1990, nowadays 85,000 fans from all over the world travel to Wacken every year, turning the small village in Schleswig-Holstein into the center of the festival scene for several days. The organizing WOA Festival GmbH is connected to a broad network, including band management, the Wacken Foundation, tour booking, music publishing, Travel & Stay, merchandising distribution, and ticketing. In cooperation with partners, these results in creative solutions and ideas that revolutionize the festival experience, enable technical innovations, and produce extraordinary event concepts. Wacken Open Air 2026 will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026.

  More info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/wmbcanada.official/

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