News

• Yellowknife's GNARWHAL Unveil Fuzzy New EP “Altered States” + Out On Vinyl!

  May 24, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Since their inception in 2021, Canada’s Gnarwhal has been at the forefront of the heavy music resurgence in their northern home of Yellowknife. With their self-titled debut album released in early 2023, the band quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Western Canadian Music Award and the Best New Single award at the 2022 Music NWT Awards. They are following that album up with a new EP “Altered States” and ready for the ears of those who like fuzzy, doomy rock. Vocalist Mark Kilbride comments on the EP:

  “There seems to be a common thread to most of the lyrics on the album and I feel listeners will be able to relate their own experiences to the songs. I know what these songs mean to me and try to steer toward authentic emotions to accompany the instruments. The songs on the album portray a sense of resilience and a fight against the complexities of our own thoughts and emotions. No matter how much the characters in the songs endure, you can still feel a sense of hope and resilience.”

  “Altered States” represents a significant evolution in Gnarwhal's musical journey, offering a darker and heavier atmosphere compared to their debut release. From the haunting melodies of “Tides” to the introspective depth of “From Her Hands”, each track on the EP contributes to a cohesive and immersive listening experience.

  The creation of the EP was not without its challenges, as the band navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic and unforeseen obstacles during the recording process. Despite these hurdles, Gnarwhal remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering a powerful and authentic musical statement. “Altered States” was produced and mixed by Dan Ponich, mastered by David Collins, and the album artwork was done by Jonah Cutler. It is recommended for fans of Mastodon, Elder, and Truckfighters.

  Recommended for fans of Kyuss, Mastodon, and Elder, “Altered States” is due out on May 24, 2024, and is available for pre-order digitally and on vinyl at https://gnarwhalband.bandcamp.com​

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Tides (3:37)
  2. The War / Nothing More (6:36)
  3. From Her Hands (3:46)
  4. Altered States (3:19)

  More info: Gnarwhalband.com | Facebook.com/gnarmusic | Instagram.com/gnarwhalsounds

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• Dive Deep Into Immersive Swancore With VICTORIA LIES’ New Video “Trial By Fire”

  May 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Victoria Lies, the electrifying new Canadian metalcore band emerging from the remains of From the Flame, is now releasing their latest video single “Trial By Fire”. This release marks the debut of the band's invigorated lineup, featuring Brett Hetherington on vocals, Nick Shyrokov on drums, Chris Kohler and Rory Fitzsimmons on guitars, and Jay Powell on bass. They comment on the single:

  “This one came together so beautifully, there was no resistance from the song at all. It just kept coming and coming. It started with Jay and I (Rory) in the studio trying to come up with anything to help move the album writing along. The start was the hardest part because you’re starting with a completely blank canvas and zero direction on where to go. Eventually, Jay dug up an old riff he had from his days in Florida, he gave the riff to me, I put my spin on it and we finally had our start! From that moment we were off to the races.”

  The artwork for “Trial By Fire” is as provocative as the music itself. Based on the striking opening line of the song, “Who brings a fucking gun to a wedding?”, the artwork is a close-up of a distressed bride, hinting at a larger, dramatic narrative that unfolds in the accompanying lyric video that can be viewed via its premiere on TheCirclePit.

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  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/trial-by-fire​

  Victoria Lies is poised to surprise and challenge listeners with their innovative approach. By integrating unexpected genre elements and focusing on what serves the song rather than individual egos, they aim to deliver a fresh and compelling sound. They are recommended for fans of Northlane, Bad Omens, and Of Mice and Men.

  More info: Victorialies.com | Facebook.com/victorialiesband | Instagram.com/victorialiesband | Tiktok.com/@victoria.lies | Youtube.com/@VictoriaLies

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• PARADISE IN FLAMES Meld Classical And Metal In New Video “Concerto No 6 Minor, Cold Spring” From Upcoming Album "Blindness" Out June 2024

  May 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Formed in 2002 in the heart of Santa Luzia, Minas Gerais, Paradise In Flames emerged with a mission to challenge pre-established ideas and forge a new path in the metal landscape. Drawing inspiration from the brutal scenes of death and black metal, the band brings together heavy riffs with unconventional elements that are exemplified by their new single “Concerto No 6 Minor, Cold Spring”, which comes off their upcoming album “Blindness” slated for a June 14 release. The band comments on the album:

  “This album proved to be the most challenging of the band’s career, as it required a strong correlation between the music and lyrics. The concept was to have one set of lyrics for all 11 tracks, ensuring each song had a logical sequence while collectively creating an engaging atmosphere to captivate the listener.”

  Paradise In Flames believes they’ve successfully achieved their objectives with this album. In the physical CD and LP versions, listeners will be able to enjoy following along with the lyrics in hand, allowing them to seamlessly experience the album’s narrative unfold throughout its entirety.

  “Concerto No 6. in C Minor, Cold Spring”, the name references Vivaldi as it is a violin orchestral song. The lyrics present the initial context of the story, describing a world desolate by the epidemic of an unknown disease that caused blindness. It is recommended for fans of Satyricon, Dark Funeral, and Batushka.

  “Blindness” will be out on June 14, 2024, and will be available from Xaninho Discos and Demoncratic Records.

  Online Store - https://paradiseinflames.loja2.com.br/​

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Desolate World (1:00)
  2. Concerto No.6 in C Minor, Cold Spring (3:37)
  3. Black Wings ( 4:00)
  4. Reasons To Not Believe (3:32)
  5. I Feel The Plague (4:17)
  6. The Cure (3:13)
  7. The Priest (3:26)
  8. Endless Night Battle (4:18)
  9. War Sonata (3:28)
  10. Age Of Death (4:15)
  11. Angels & Devils (3:52)
  Album Length: 38:57

  Upcoming Tour Dates:​
  June 14 - Belo Horizonte, MG - Mister Rock
  Aug 6 - Porto Alegre, RS - Opiniao **
  Aug 8 - Florianopolis, SC - Celula Showcase **
  Aug 9 - Limeira, SP - Mirage **
  Aug 10 - Sao Paulo, SP - Legends **
  Aug 11 - Belo Horizonte, MG - Caverna Pub **
  ** dates w/ Batushka

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

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• Canada's Mountain Mosh Pit ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2024 Lineup w/ THE BROWNING, DECREPIT BIRTH, XUL, OPAL IN SKY, CYBORG OCTOPUS, ARKAIK and more!

  May 17, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Western Canada's largest mountain mosh pit Armstrong MetalFest announces this year's 2024 lineup being held on July 12th and 13th at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC with the beautiful backdrop of the Okanagan Valley.

  The 14th annual gathering of metalheads will once again witness a pilgrimage of extreme metal music fans for two days of unforgettable moshing, headbanging, and camping. From iconic headliners to promising newcomers, the 2024 lineup is set to showcase the best of diverse metal genres, ensuring an electrifying experience for all.

  "It's one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music." - Vancouver Sun

  This year's lineup will be headlined by Californian Tech Death Giants DECREPIT BIRTH and Kansas City THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. Also featured on this year's two-day festival, is the return of Okanagan Black Metallers XUL (Vernon, BC) and Edmonton death metallers EYE OF HORUS along with first-time performances from Vancouver twin brother duo OPAL IN SKY, San Francisco's outside-the-box prog metallers CYBORG OCTOPUS, plus the tech death fury of Riverside, CA's ARKAIK among many more (full lineup listed below).

  Festival weekend passes are on sale now at the following link: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca​

  (All tickets provide General Admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2023, until 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2022. Free camping is included.)

  AMF 2024 Lineup:​
  Decrepit Birth (Santa Cruz, CA)
  The Browning (Kansas City, MO)
  Xul (Vernon, BC)
  Opal In Sky (Vancouver, BC)
  Cyborg Octopus (San Francisco, CA)
  Eye Of Horus (Edmonton, AB)
  Arkaik (Riverside, CA)
  Nott (Seattle, WA)
  Dessiderium (Phoenix, AZ)
  Odinfist (Armstrong, BC)
  Misyrion (Vancouver, BC)
  Death Machine (Kelowna, BC)
  Satanic Tea Company (Calgary, AB)
  Ravensun (Nanaimo, BC)
  Crown Of Madness (Vancouver, BC)
  Vaegon (Edmonton, AB)
  Lynx (Calgary, AB)
  Kelevra (Regina, SK)
  Kings Rot (Calgary, AB)
  Dendros (Kamloops, BC)
  Thirteen Goats (Vancouver, Bc)
  Anomalist (Prince George, BC
  Burn It All (Kamloops, BC)
  Augur (Kamloops, BC)

  The 2023 edition of Armstrong MetalFest broke attendance records again with its eclectic earth-shaking lineup that featured 28 bands performing on the two-day festival that included headliners LA thrashers WARBRINGER, San Francisco tech-death giants FALLUJAH, festival alumni Spokane, WA's ENTERPRISE EARTH, and Los Angeles' THE ZENITH PASSAGE, along with Denver's H.P. Lovecraft extreme metallers VALE OF PNATH, and Edmonton's Juno award-winning heavy metal champions STRIKER.

  Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

  Each year hundreds of metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in as much metal over two days, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

  The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

  West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C., it gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

  For more info:​
  ​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
  ​​Facebook​
  ​Instagram​
  ​Twitter

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• DENDERA Unveil New Single "Fading"

  May 17, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Following the overwhelming success of their previous single "Mask Of Lies" from the upcoming eponymous album, British metalcore powerhouse Dendera is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single called "Fading".

  "Fading" is a progressive, modern, and melodic song with heavy-hitting, bouncing riffs that move from light to dark throughout. The story of the song begins by referring to the thoughts and feelings of someone suffering from deep depression. As the song travels through three different scenes, the story changes to how it feels to overcome these challenges, culminating in an epic, uplifting ending where the darkness finally lifts. Music and vocals come together in this piece to take the listener on a truly emotional journey.

  But the surprises don't end here. In addition to the release of the single, Dendera has also unveiled a captivating music video that takes viewers on an exciting and evocative visual journey. The video is available for viewing at the following link:

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  Recommended for fans of Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Dream Theater, "Mask of Lies" is due out on June 14, 2024, and is available for album pre-order at https://bit.ly/Dendera-MaskOfLies.

  Previous music video - "Mask of Lies" - https://youtu.be/lTsEE4S-ZwM​

  Track Listing:​
  1 - Face to Face
  2 - Mask of Lies
  3 - Scream in Silence
  4 - Fading
  5 - Guiding Light
  6 - The Fall
  7 - Drift Away
  8 - Inside My Head
  9 - Stare Into The End
  10 - Drag Me Below

  More info: Rockshots.eu | Dendera.co.uk | Facebook.com/DenderaUK | Instagram.com/denderaband​

   

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