News

• VORTEX Unleashes “When Humans Defy the Void” Off New EP “Alien Realms” Out April 2025 + Eastern Canada Tour w/ France's XAON (ON, QC, NB)

  Mar 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  ​Orchestral blackened death metal outfit Vortex has emerged from the void with their most ambitious release with their next concept record “Alien Realms”, set for release on April 11th, 2025, alongside the first single “When Humans Defy the Void”. With this release, they also announce eastern Canada tour dates with France’s XAON for April followed by European dates in October and November. They comment on the single:

  “This song is a melodic assault, blending thrash-driven verses, hyper-melodic choruses, and an epic finale, all immersed in grand, sweeping orchestrations. Bold and daring, humans leave Earth in search of intelligent extraterrestrial life. This track is divided into three distinct sections: the thrashy, aggressive verses; the ultra-melodic choruses; and the glorious, epic ending.”

  The band further explains that “Alien Realms” is a natural progression from their previous work. They've enhanced the orchestral elements while pushing deeper into blackened death metal territory. The EP explores humanity's venture into space in search of intelligent life, though what they discover isn't quite what they expected.

  Known for their ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with emotional depth, Vortex promises performances that showcase both crushing intensity and melodic sophistication. This can be witnessed at one of their live shows or felt through the song “When Humans Defy the Void”. They are recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Shadow of Intent, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

  Listen to “When Humans Defy the Void” at​ the following links:

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4inCj0i

  

  Track Listing:​
  1. When Humans Defy the Void - 5:03
  2. Haunting the Abyss - 5:26
  3. Ripping the threads of Reality - 4:10
  4. Where Wonders Dwell - 3:00
  EP Length: 17:40

  Symphony For The Dead Tour - Vortex + XAON (QC, ON, NB)​
  April 15 - Montreal, QC - Le Petit Campus ***
  April 16 - Edmundston, NB - Ateepic *
  April 17 - Saint John, NB - Haven Music Hall and Cafe *
  April 18 - Moncton, MB - Xeroz *
  April 19 - Rimouski, QC - Coop Le Paradis *
  April 22 - Ottawa, ON - The Rainbow
  April 23 - Drummondville, QC - La Ste-Paix ****
  April 24 - Quebec City, QC - L'Anti ****
  April 25 - Saguenay, QC - Microbrasserie Port-Alfred
  April 26 - Trois-Rivieres, QC - L'Entite **
  ​
  * Omnivide
  ** Strigampire
  *** Ulfhednar
  **** Burning Attic

  Vortex is:
  Simon Desjardins (Bass)
  Mathieu Duguay (Guitars, Orchestrations)
  Alexandre Labrie (Vocals)
  Dany Lévesque (Guitars)
  Olivier Harrisson (Drums)

  For more info (Official Website, Socials, Videos, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music): https://linktr.ee/vortexband​

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• California Prog LUNAR Reflects On Painful Memories In “A Summer To Forget” Lyric Video Off New Album “Tempora Mutantur”

  Mar 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Following the recent release of their emotionally charged concept album “Tempora Mutantur” this past January, Sacramento, USA’s progressive metal collective Lunar unveils their lyric video for “A Summer To Forget”. The final visual installment in the album's narrative arc promises to be a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the transformative power of musical storytelling, continuing the band's unique approach to progressive metal as a form of emotional expression. They comment on the track:

  “The album starts off with a song that sounds a bit upbeat musically (heavy with the horns) despite a fairly dark lyrical theme: dealing with memories, how we sometimes forget what we wish we wouldn’t and cling on to what we wish we could forget.”

  The track represents a powerful entry point into the album's complex exploration of temporal experiences and personal transformation. “A Summer To Forget” embodies the band's commitment to creating music that transcends traditional genre limitations, offering listeners a nuanced journey through personal pain and potential healing.

  Continued and driven by drummer and primary songwriter Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) after the passing of co-band founder Ryan Erwin in 2018, “Tempora Mutantur” is the result of a deeply personal and introspective creative process. The video continues the band's tradition of transforming personal struggles into universal musical experiences, inviting listeners to find their own emotional resonance within the intricate layers of sound and metaphorical storytelling. Fans of Tool, Porcupine Tree and Ayreon should be among the first to check out this track.

  Watch and listen to the lyric video for “A Summer To Forget” via its premiere on Prog-Sphere HERE. ​

  Lunar's fresh lineup features guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist), and Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse).

  A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

  LUNAR's "Tempora Mutantur" was released on January 31, 2025 and is available from Saibot Reigns Records.

  Album order - http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3ESMviX​

  Previous Videos:

  "Watch The Weather Change" - https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE​

  "Weakening Winter Touch" - https://youtu.be/0in2WNVshGM​

  "Spring In My Step - https://youtu.be/mtOhnwOpK_0​

  “Fall Back Into Old Habits” - https://youtu.be/J4jTMq-XaTY​

  (Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

  Track Listing:​
  1. A Summer To Forget – 6:37
  2. Fall Back Into Old Habits – 11:16 ft. guest guitar solo by Wayne Ingram (Wilderun)
  3. Seasonal Interlude – 4:47
  4. Weakening Winter Touch – 8:46
  5. Spring In My Step – 7:26
  6. Tempora Mutantur: Part I – Passage of Time – 3:12 ft. guest guitar solo by Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse)
  7. Tempora Mutantur: Part II – Broken Pendulum – 3:47
  8. Tempora Mutantur: Part III – Watch The Weather Change – 4:51
  Album Length: 50:45

  Album Credits:​
  Performance and Writing credits - full info HERE.
  Produced by: Alex Bosson
  Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
  Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

  Album Main Lineup:​
  Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
  Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
  Carlos Alvarez – Rhythm Guitar
  Connor McCray – Lead Guitar
  Ryan Price – Bass
  Alex Bosson – Drums
  Anthony Stahl – Keyboards

  Live Lineup:​
  Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
  Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
  Jordan Price – Guitars
  Ryan Price – Bass
  Alex Bosson - Drums

  For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl​

   

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• France's KINGCROWN Unveils New Single "Rockstar Dechue"

  Feb 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  French power metal band Kingcrown is proud to announce the release of their exclusive new single, "Rockstar Dechue" today, February 28th, 2025 via Rockshots Records. Recorded as a special gift for the fans who backed their "Nova Atlantis" crowdfunding campaign, this mid-tempo track encapsulates the band's signature blend of powerful riffs, soaring melodies and evocative storytelling.

  What sets "Rockstar Dechue" apart is its exceptionally crafted lyrics in French—a rare and bold choice in Kingcrown’s discography. This unique element not only pays homage to the band's roots but also infuses the track with an added layer of cultural depth and sophistication.

  Exclusively created for their most dedicated supporters, "Rockstar Dechue" is both a heartfelt thank you and a statement of Kingcrown’s unwavering commitment to innovation and musical evolution. The track reaffirms their place in the metal scene, bridging epic tradition with a fresh, contemporary twist.

  Moreover, the album "Nova Atlantis" continues to be a resounding success among critics and fans alike—even months after its release—proving the exceptional quality of Kingcrown’s material in today’s power metal landscape.
  ​
  Produced by Simone Mularoni (DGM), "Nova Atlantis" represents a bold evolution for Kingcrown, blending their influences from Iron Maiden, Symphony X and Helloween with fresh energy and maturity. Each track takes listeners on a journey through myths, legends and reflections on human nature, making "Nova Atlantis" a must-hear album for fans of power and melodic metal.
  ​
  With "Nova Atlantis", Kingcrown brings fans a sound that is both melodic and powerful, and a story that transports them to a realm of epic legends and timeless mysteries.

  Stream "Rockstar Dechue" on all major platforms starting February 28th, 2025, and join Kingcrown on this exciting new chapter.

  Listen at https://lnk.to/CDLq3L

  ​

  “Nova Atlantis” is available at https://lnk.to/onF6nF​

  Music Video - “Real or Fantasy” - https://youtu.be/dbt9BPiK5Ug​

  Music Video - "Nova Atlantis" - https://youtu.be/ud6bBacimak​

  Music Video - "Utopia Metropolis" - https://youtu.be/eG23m2RHseM​

  Tracklist:​
  1. The Magic Stone
  2. Nova Atlantis
  3. Real or Fantasy
  4. Guardian Angels
  5. Letter to Myself
  6. Judgement Day
  7. A Long Way to Valhalla
  8. Souls of Travelers
  9. Utopia Metropolis
  10. When Stars Are Aligned
  11. Endless Journey

  Line-up:​
  Joe Amore: Vocals
  Ced Legger: Guitars
  Bob Saliba: Guitars
  Seb Chabot: Bass Guitars
  David Amore: Drums

  More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off

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• RISEN CROW New Album "Requiem For A Damned Love" + New Lyric Video "Black Widow"

  Feb 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After unveiling two singles and their respective music videos, Risen Crow are set to release their long-awaited debut album, "Requiem For A Damned Love" today, February 28th 2025 via Rockshots Records. This record marks the full realization of the band's unique sound—a blend of power metal energy and gothic atmospheres, where elevated melodies meet intense riffs and evocative storytelling.

  At the heart of the album lies "Black Widow", the focus track, which embodies the themes of betrayal, vengeance and obsession. The song carries a dynamic mix of dramatic vocal lines, intricate guitar work and evocative atmosphere, making it a defining piece in Risen Crow’s growing discography.
  ​
  To support the release, the band has produced an Official Lyric Video for "Black Widow", now available on YouTube.
  ​
  ​Watch here: https://youtu.be/T4mUn_3RRow

  [embed]https://youtu.be/T4mUn_3RRow[/embed]

  ​

  Today's new single follows the success of tracks "Risen Crow" and "Believe In Me" that have already gained momentum, with the first music video surpassing 90,000 views on YouTube.
  ​
  Drawing inspiration from bands like Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Kamelot and Lacuna Coil, Risen Crow deliver a collection of songs that weave together emotional depth and powerful instrumentation. "Requiem For A Damned Love" is an album that explores obsession, madness and the fragile line between love and destruction, with each track serving as a chapter in an intense and cinematic journey.

  Since their formation in 2020, Risen Crow have honed their craft combining symphonic elements, dark atmospheres and melodic complexity. Their debut album reflects a band that has embraced its influences while forging its own identity.

  Fans of melodic and atmospheric metal will find a compelling and dynamic album that balances raw emotion with refined musicianship.

  Risen Crow’s "Requiem For A Damned Love" is available for digitally and on CD at https://lnk.to/4DdftW

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/album/0Z8tCibmR6dNxcXef7FeVg?go=1&nd=1&dlsi=cd05076d3bec4364[/embed]

  ​

  Music Video - Risen Crow - https://youtu.be/mgYBWxVzZDo​

  Music Video - Believe In Me - https://youtu.be/zNqJ0UKs_TA​

  Track Listing:
  1. Never surrender
  2. Black Widow
  3. Funeral Jack
  4. Risen Crow
  5. Revelation
  6. Dark In my life
  7. Believe in me
  8. Black Rose
  ​
  ​Recording, Mixing & Mastering: Francesco Mattei and Kate Nord at Underworld Studio​
  ​underworldstudiocasperia.com | Facebook.com/UnderworldStudio​

  Cover, Artwork & Layout Design: Harley Velasquez at Infinity NucleArt Studio​
  ​Instagram: @HarleyVelasquezArt | Facebook.com/InfinityNucleArtStudio​
  ​
  ​Risen Crow Line Up:​
  Antonella Della Monica: Vocals
  Claudio Vattone: Vocals
  Giuseppe Longo: Guitars
  Francesco Menale: Guitars
  Alessandro Bernabei: Keyboards
  Flavio Cicchetti: Bass
  Filippo Martini: Drums

  More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/risencrowband | https://www.instagram.com/risencrow

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• "Feel It Too" w/ Canadian Punks THE BLOODY HELL's New Single / Music Video Off Forthcoming 2025 Album "Blood Code"

  Feb 27, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Halifax, Canada's The Bloody Hell are back with their first taste of new music since releasing their sophomore album "Nobody Cares" in 2020. Entitled "Feel It Too", the track is a peek at what's to come from the Atlantic Canada street punks in 2025. The song's lyrics were written by vocalist Ian Kean during the deepest darkest recesses of the Covid pandemic and quarantine that came along with that.

  "Everyone was sitting around all day, wasting away, sinking deeper and getting more depressed. The only connection to the outside world was through social media, so everyone was posting their opinions and concerns all over the internet. It all seemed so lost and desperate. So that's what the song is about essentially, how stupid everybody was acting during that time online, and although I would see countless bad takes and shitty opinions, I also felt confused, lost and hopeless. I felt it too. So I wrote this song as a way to make fun of or call out all the stupid things people were saying, but also to admit to myself that it was coming from a place of fear and uncertainty, and that I felt the same way. To say you’re not alone - I feel it too. This is the first single off our upcoming album entitled “Blood Code”, which we are currently in the process of finishing up and hope to release this summer or fall. This eight song album will be a big step forward for the band, we have added a new guitar player and the song writing has gotten much more interesting while still maintaining the simplistic catchiness of the previous two albums." adds Ian Kean.

  Suitable for a variety of fans, The Bloody Hell cites influences ranging from Misfits, Nirvana, and Motorhead, anyone who enjoys a fun and dirty romp with a bull horn of grungy vocals.

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3XjKoLc

  ​

  The Bloody Hell is what would happen if George Thorogood sang for the Misfits but all the songs were written by Tom Petty - Super catchy guitar rock songs about hardship and heartache played with intensity and passion, at punk rock speeds.

  Since forming in early 2017 The Bloody Hell have gained a local following by tearing up stages with touring acts Propagandhi, DOA , Ripcordz , RayGun Cowboys and Heart Attack Kids as well as local favorites such as The Blackrats, Worst Part, Cluttered, Diner Drugs, Hitman and Orchids Curse.

  2018’s self titled debut “The Bloody Hell”, went on to spawn 6 singles and music videos, and earned nominations for “Loud Recording” of the year at the 2018 Nova Scotia Music Awards and “Canadian Independent Music Video” Of The Year 2019 from Dropout Entertainment dot com.

  When the global pandemic canceled all of the gigs The Bloody Hell had lined up for 2020 / 2021, it didn’t slow the creative process or forward momentum of the band. The Bloody Hell returned to Fang recording studio in Summer 2020 and Spring of 2021 to record their sophomore album.

  In November 2022, “Nobody Cares” was officially released, from which three singles have been released thus far, each accompanied by a unique and thought provoking music video. The video for the second single “When You’re Gone” was recently nominated for “Canadian Independent Music Video” of the Year by Dropout Entertainment dot com. Our second nomination for this award in three years. The video for the single “Out of Our Minds” was also nominated for that award in 2019. The sophomore album has also earned a nomination from Music Nova Scotia for “Loud Recording of the Year” 2023 and has been regarded as a huge step forward for the band, by both fans and critics alike.

  In fall 2024, The Bloody Hell hit the studio to work on their new album "Blood Code", which is slated for release in 2025.

  The Bloody Hell is:​
  Ian Kean - Vocals
  James Densley - Lead Guitar
  Joe Woods - Bass
  Andrew Welsmen - Guitar
  Ben Schulman - Drums

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/thebloodyhellhfx

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