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• Horror Fiends NECRONOMICON EX MORTIS To Unleash New EP "You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over" End of June 2024

  Jun 12, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Formed out of the love for classic death metal, 80s shred worship, and creating gory lyrics about B-horror movies, Chicago's Necronomicon Ex Mortis unleashed two EPs in 2023, (Self-Titled - March 2023) and (Silver Bullet - August 2023) and now return in 2024 with their third entitled "You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over" due out on June 28th. Over the past few months they have been feeding the frenzy of horror metal fans with their singles "My Bloody Valentine", Leprechaun", "In The Mouth of Madness" and "The Dead Zone".

  "This EP shows Necronomicon Ex Mortis at our most versatile; proving we have multiple ways to rip your face off! We think the fans will love the variety on this release! We want to have the listener have their expectations constantly challenged on this record!" - Guitarist - Michael Nystrom Bala - Necronomicon Ex Mortis

  The tracks on "You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over" were chosen specifically by the band to all be incredibly different from one another. These recordings are a love letter to death metal, but also sometimes lean on the melodic side; sometimes brutal, sometimes technical. The band hops in and out of subgenres like various seasonings over baked chicken. Lyrically, the record touches on horror murder and blood.

  All the tracks on the EP tell an extreme metal interpretation of the movies they are titled after. From its opener, "My Bloody Valentine", a thrash and technical death metal collision, to "Leprechaun", a melodic metal track that’s short and sweet, just like an actual Leprechaun. "In the Mouth of Madness" is low, slow, and filled with symmetrical scales. This one takes a more mid-paced approach to death metal. This song retells the story of John Carpenter's legendary movie of the same title. "The Dead Zone", is a song based more on the 90s progressive death metal sound with lots of symmetrical scales, extreme dissonance, and a cool guitar moment from Manuel Barbara. And EP closer "Jason Lives", screams “guitarist, songwriter/lyricist Mike Bala has been listening to too much Autopsy." and witnesses the band down the path of death/doom section right in the middle. This song retells the story of “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.”

  "You and Your Friends Are Dead: Game Over" will be out on June 28th, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://necronomiconexmortis.bandcamp.com​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. My Bloody Valentine - 5:50
  2. Leprechaun - 3:35
  3. In the Mouth of Madness - 4:59
  4. The Dead Zone - 4:02
  5. Jason Lives - 5:43
  EP Length: 24:11

  EP Lineup:​
  Michael Nystrom Bala - Guitars/Songwriter/Lyrics
  Manuel Barbara - Guitars
  Yusuf Rashid - Bass
  Craigh Schmuhl - Vocals
  Joey Ferretti - Drums

  More info: Necronomiconexmortisband.com | Facebook | Instagram.com/necronomiconexmortisband

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• CULLED Hit Back With Politically Charged Grind Video “Halo of Flies” Off New EP “Psycles” Out July 2024

  Jun 11, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Curtis Blair - Drums, Chris Chapman - Bass, Shane Hawco - Vocals, Ben Harbak - Guitar

  Photo Credit by Dana Zuk

  Culled, the politically-charged, sludge-encrusted grind band hailing from Edmonton, Canada, is proud to announce the release of their newest single “Halo of Flies”, which is the first look at their upcoming EP “Psycles” coming out on July 26th on Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. The record has been long-awaited since the release of their debut, 2018’s “Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn”. The band comments on the single:

  “We wanted to bring a direct intensity and ferocity for our lead single to show just how different this release will be from our debut. Directly addressing the harms and trauma caused by the patriarchy and our collective roles in it. It goes beyond the history of harm, and oppression of 50% of our society but also addresses the manipulation to propagate the myth that a majority of our society needs to be subservient to our masters who have been gifted privilege by simply being born in the right color, shape and righteous area of the world.”

  The lead track is another quick and intense battering. It showcases how formidable Culled is, in their present state with a lineup change including Chris Chapman on bass and Curtis Blair on drums. With a blend of slow crushing sludge and blistering speed and chaos of grindcore “Halo of Flies” delivers a powerful message urging empathy over apathy in today's unpredictable political and ethical climate. It is recommended for fans of Napalm Death, Nasum, and Pig Destroyer.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3Vmr1PJ​

  Due out on July 26th from Horror Pain Gore Death Productions, “Psycles” is available for album pre-order (CD / Digital/ Bundles) at https://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com and (Cassettes/ Vinyl/ Digital) https://www.culled.ca.

  Track Listing:​
  1. Trauma of History (7:22)
  2. Psycles (1:45)
  3. Coercion (3:14)
  4. Halo of Flies (1:54)
  5. Excision (Lost Cause) (6:40)
  EP Length: 20:57

  EP Band Line Up:​
  Ben Harbak – Guitar
  Chris Chapman – Bass
  Curtis Blair – Drums
  Shane Hawco - Vocals

  More info: Culled.ca | Facebook | Instagram.com/culled.ca

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• Lÿnx Embody Rebellious And Belligerent Rock N’ Roll With Video For “Pull the Trigger”

  Jun 9, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  Calgary, Canada’s Lÿnx, is hot on the heels of the release of their latest album “Claws Out”, which came out in May, and now they present a lyric video for the single “Pull The Trigger”. Founded with a vision by guitarist Blade, the band has evolved its sound to encapsulate the spirit of true 80s Rock'n'roll. However, Lÿnx distinguishes itself by infusing the classic glam and hair metal influences with modern-day production and mastering finesse. They comment on the single:

  “This song is about the 1950s Anti Rock n Roll movement/propaganda where it was considered as the ‘Devil’s Music’ or was believed as the cause of the nation’s social ills and youthful rebellion. As a result, it was banned from many radio stations, schools, etc. Pull the Trigger is our way of telling them to F*ck off!”

  Working in a truly collaborative fashion, their writing process is a testament to their synergy, where individual riffs, titles, and lyrics come together to create a musical tapestry that reflects the band's shared passion. Lÿnx understands the importance of collaboration not only in the creative process but also as a means to connect with its audience on a deeper level. With a commitment to writing music for the people, not just themselves, Lÿnx invites fans into their world of sonic alchemy, where the fusion of ideas creates the unmistakable Lÿnx sound.

  “Claws Out” is a whole experience suitable for all occasions, if you want to tour downtown with your girl or your boys and crank up the tunes, it’s got that. If you want to sit back and chill, listen to some good time rock, it’s got that too. You’re having a party? Hell Yeah! That’s what Lÿnx is. Fans of Mr. Big, Poison and Skid Row shouldn’t hesitate to pick this one up.

  "Claws Out" was released on May 9th and is available via Bullzhorn Records at https://getlynxed.bandcamp.com and all digital platforms at https://li.sten.to/clawsoutfullalbum.cals
  Flash- Drums/ Percussion

  For more info: Lynxrocks.com

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• Experience The World of ISLE OF THE CROSS With "Immortal Kiss" Off Forthcoming Album "Faustus The Musical" Out July 2024

  Jun 7, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Isle of the Cross, the US-based progressive metal powerhouse led by the multifaceted Je Schneider, will be releasing their eagerly awaited sophomore album, "Faustus The Musical". The album is slated to hit the airwaves and digital platforms worldwide in July 2024 via Rockshots Records.

  This groundbreaking album is a metal opera that draws inspiration from the epic 16th-century saga, 'Doctor Faustus' by Christopher Marlowe. Led by the visionary Je Schneider, the compositions weave an engaging narrative, accompanied by a powerful vocal delivery from a stellar cast. Daniël de Jongh takes on the role of the lead vocalist, guiding listeners through an exhilarating journey. From symphonic heights to brutal depths, the entire album is masterfully mixed and mastered by the renowned Joost van den Broek (Epica, Ayreon, Powerwolf). "Faustus The Musical" boasts an impressive lineup of talented contributors:

  Eric Gillette: Guitar
  Daniël de Jongh: Lead Vocalist (Faustus)
  Diane Lee: Vocals (Good Angel)
  Charles Elliott: Vocals (Lucifer)
  Matthieu Romarin: Vocals (Mephistopheles)
  Angela Di Vincenzo: Vocals (Helen)
  Amrit Sandhu: Vocals (Narrator)

  The captivating artwork, crafted by Theopisti Tiftikoglou, adds a visual dimension to the musical opus.

  Je Schneider expresses his excitement, stating, "Faustus The Musical is one I'm very excited about. The finished product came out well-polished and solid. It was an honor to feature the wonderful vocals of the cast and have Joost at the helm of the mix. This album is the best representation of Isle of the Cross."

  Today, the band is sharing with fans "Immortal Kiss", the second single off their forthcoming concept album 'Faustus The Musical'.

  The band adds:

  "Helen was known as the most beautiful woman to have lived and Faustus desires her as his paramour. Upon her arrival, Faustus asks her for an immortal kiss:

  ‘Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.

  Her lips suck forth my soul; see where it flies!

  Come, Helen, come, give me my soul again.

  Here will I dwell, for heaven be in these lips,

  And all is dross that is not Helen.’"

  Listen to "Immortal Kiss" at the following links:

  Digital - https://lnk.to/XB15xQ​

  First single, 'Ghost At The Feast'

  Digital - https://lnk.to/ISgatf​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Prologue
  2. Wittenberg, 1587 (Instrumental)
  3. Metaphysics of Magicians
  4. The Divine Apostate
  5. Blood Oath
  6. Immortal Kiss
  7. Coven of Wittenberg
  8. Hourglass
  9. Ghost at the Feast
  10. Dragons Astralis (Instrumental)
  11. Candlelight Contemplation
  12. Eleven’s Hour
  13. 12:00
  14. Epilogue

  More info:
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/Isleofthecross/
  ​https://www.instagram.com/IsleoftheCross

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• Canada's THE APHELION Announce Prog Metal Opus Album “Nascence” And First Two Singles “Deserter” and “Flight”

  Jun 7, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  Hard-hitting progressive metal band, The Aphelion, from Ottawa, Canada proudly announces the release of their upcoming album “Nascence” coming out on August 9th, 2024, and have two music videos already out for the debut singles “Deserter” and “Flight”. The album is one half a pair, an enrapturing concept album that tells the story of a man’s descent into madness and his own mind in response to the mundanity and repetitiveness of the world around him. They dive into the singles:

  “‘Deserter’ was the obvious choice for a lead single; it’s a great cross-section of what the rest of the album has in store and a barnstormer of a tune from the first second to the last. The live reception to this song has always been big so we tried to capture that energy on the record. ‘Flight’ is by far the heaviest piece of music we’ve ever released, and one of our favourite live songs as well.”

  The album finale “Deserter” is a culmination of all of the sounds across this album, and features indulgent non-linear songwriting tied together with catchy choruses. The song pushes each member to their limit at one point or another across its runtime and features complex polymeters and incredibly fast passages. “Flight” is by far the heaviest song on the album, an homage to thrash metal and prog death giants such as Gojira. It moves at a near break-neck pace across its nearly seven-minute track time across blistering solos, thrashy riffs, and pummeling breakdowns.

  Since their formation in 2015, The Aphelion has built a reputation for their innovative sound, dramatic flair, and emotional depth. Their music is complex, with unexpected shifts in genre to create contrast and bring levity. The singles are available on YouTube and recommended for fans of Haken, Leprous, and Opeth.

  ​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3wWgJOq

  ​Due out on August 9th, 2024, album pre-order for “Nascence” is available at https://theaphelionofficial.bandcamp.com.

  Track Listing:​
  1. Prenascent (2:38)
  2. Nascence (6:55)
  3. The Seed of Doubt (5:26)
  4. Fragility (5:49)
  5. The Heavy Mist (5:31)
  6. Flight (6:48)
  7. The Interloper (6:36)
  8. Deserter (7:45)
  Album Length (47:28)

  More info: Theaphelionband.com

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