News

• WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces 2024 National Final Bands w/ w/ Cascade Effect, WarTroll, Versipul, Prime Prophecy, Father Wolf - One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Jun 7, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  One band to conquer them all! After multiple battles with bands from across the country, Wacken Metal Battle USA announces this year's 2024 national final with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

  These final five bands will meet in San Diego, CA on June 22nd at the Brick By Brick with special guest headliners, 2023 WMBU champions Fadrait.

   

  Each competing band will be judged by a panel of music industry professionals where one will be crowned the 2024 champion and move on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd), one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).​

  Event Info - https://www.facebook.com/events/s/wacken-metal-battle-national-f/440409358569224/​

  "I am excited to finish up another successful battle on the 22nd. I want to thank all of the bands, judges, promoters, and media partners who put in their valuable time and effort. Can't wait to crown our next champion!" adds WMBU representative Eric Dow.

  Wacken Judges for 2024 National Final:​
  Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music)
  Craig Goldy (Dio)
  Derek Engmann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation)
  Patrick Stone (Adler's Appetite, Budderside)

  2024 WMBC National Finalists

  Spotify - 2024 WMBU National Finalists Playlist - https://spoti.fi/4cbAEb8​

  Cascade Effect (San Diego, CA) - https://cascadeeffectband.com​
  ​WarTroll (NorCal - San Francsico, CA) - https://linktr.ee/wartroll​
  ​Versipul (Pacific North West - Puyallup, WA) - https://versipul.bandcamp.com​
  ​Prime Prophecy (East Coast - Brooklyn, NY) - https://www.primeprophecy.com​
  ​Father Wolf (Texas - El Paso, TX) - https://linktr.ee/fatherwolf​

  To date, the battle has sent five previous bands to perform on metal’s most holy grail of stages. 2023 witnessed San Diego’s Fadrait crowned champion, following previous winners San Diego’s Mythraeum (2022), San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

  2024 battles were hosted in the following cities: New York, NY, Clifton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX.

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  For the last 5 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:​
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/​

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​
  ​MetalBattleUSA.com​
  ​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA​
  ​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa

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• Montreal's WORLD ON ALERT Announces Progressive Debut S/T EP And Video For “Insecurities"

  Jun 6, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Montreal, Canada’s World On Alert is thrilled to announce the release of their progressive and thrashy self-titled debut EP, alongside the premiere of the music video for their powerful new single “Insecurities”. This highly anticipated project features a unique blend of personal introspection and diverse musical influences, crafted by Gino LaPosta with the collaboration of several talented guest musicians. LaPosta comments on the single:

  “‘Insecurities’ was a track I had going on for a long time. I had almost every riff on this track written almost six years ago. I just never found any place to really put it. Musically, it has a darker tone. Also, progressive, with a thrashier ending. Lyrically, this is about my struggles with shyness which stopped me from completing many life experiences. But then breaking out of that shyness to finally be who I am.”

  The single dives deep into LaPosta's personal battles with introversion and self-assertion, themes also explored in “Alone With My Thoughts”. Justyn Vynn's evocative vocals and guitar work bring an added layer of intensity to the track. The accompanying music video visually captures the raw emotion and transformative journey detailed in the song.

  During the pandemic, when live performances were halted, Gino LaPosta took the opportunity to focus on creating music in his studio. This EP is a testament to his ability to draw from personal experiences and collaborate with a network of talented friends and family. This debut offering is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Rush, and Tool.

  Watch and listen to the music video for “Insecurities” below.

  Due out on June 28, 2024, World on Alert's self-titled EP is available for pre-order at https://worldonalert.bandcamp.com.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3V9Imvl​

  Track Listing: ​
  1. Freedom In Disguise ft. Max Rex (CroMagnum), Nick Amalfi, Alex Walsh (6:10)
  2. Insecurities ft. Justyn Vynn (Orchad), Alex Walsh (6:00)
  3. They Came From the Pleiades ft. Costa Skoulikas (Mutank), Alex Walsh (8:34)
  4. Alone With My Thoughts ft. Justyn Vynn (Orchad), Alex Walsh (4:32)
  5. The War Inside ft. John Vincelli (Void Within), Costa Skoulikas (Mutank), Armen Apekian (Ashes Of Eden), Alex Walsh (5:38)
  EP Length: 30:54

  More info: Instagram.com/world.on.alert | Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555752466553 |Twitter.com/WorldOnAlertMtl

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• DERELICT Embrace Inclusivity With Single For “Spectrum” Off New Album “Versus Entropy” Out End of June 2024

  Jun 4, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Montreal, Canada’s Derelict, the brutal melodic technical death metal band known for their intense musicality and thought-provoking themes, is back with their next single “Spectrum” off their upcoming album “Versus Entropy”. This track marks a significant stylistic departure for the band, blending their signature death metal sound with southern metal and blues influences. The band shares their thoughts on the track:

  “This is a call of allegiance to anyone who has been made to feel lesser than because of the expression of their identity, gender, sexuality, or personality in general. Nobody gets to tell you how to be, and we’ll stand for that. How you treat others is the determination of your worth.”

  The band continues to explain that Southern metal often has this tough guy vibe about it, and although they enjoy a lot of that stuff, that’s not the kind of feeling or message they have ever wanted to convey themselves as artists. So they came up with the idea of writing a song about the acceptance of alternative masculinities, essentially a celebration of the different kinds of men that exist and how it’s OK to just be who you are.

  The track showcases the collaborative songwriting approach of Eric Burnet and guitarist Max Lussier, who together created a song that merges southern swagger with Derelict's trademark brutality. It is recommended for fans of Allegeon, Decapitated, and Death.

  Listen to “Spectrum” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

  Due out on June 21st, 2024, the album “Versus Entropy” is available for pre-order - http://derelictmetal.bandcamp.com/​​

  (Album Artwork by Cate Francis)

  Track Listing:​
  1. Versus Entropy - (4:32)
  2. Infinite Dread - (4:23)
  3. Terminal - (4:02)
  4. Workhorse - (3:00)
  5. Attunement - (5:05)
  6. Dans les Dents - (2:23)
  7. Spectrum - (3:59)
  8. Derelict - (4:11)
  9. The Escapist - (4:15)
  Album Length 35:50

  More info: Facebook.com/DerelictMetal | Instagram.com/derelictmetal | Youtube.com/derelictmetal | Spotify

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• June 8th - TOLEDO DEATH FEST w/ OCEANO, THE CONVALESCENCE, VISCERAL DISGORGE, ROSE FUNERAL, CASKET ROBBERY and more!

  Jun 3, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  A destructive vortex of extreme metal returns to Toledo, OH this coming June 8th, with TOLEDO DEATH FEST announcing its 2024 lineup featuring OCEANO, THE CONVALESCENCE, VISCERAL DISGORGE, ROSE FUNERAL, CASKET ROBBERY, and more!

  Hosted at Mainstreet Bar & Grill (141 Main St.), the all-ages event will be hosted with two stages of non-stop brutality from some of the midwest's most gut-punching visceral spitting metal to plow into Toledo.

  Highlights of the confirmed bands include headliners Oceano with their blast beats, sonic double bass, slow heavy breakdowns, low death metal growls, and shrieking metalcore vocals ready to annihilate the pit with their discography since 2009. The Convalescence is one of the USA’s unstoppable tour de forces, pillaging all across the globe to support their latest album "Harvesters Of Flesh And Bone". Baltimore's brutal death metal tyrants Visceral Disgorge bring their slamming riffs, guttural growls, and an onslaught of blast beats to savage the pit. Hailing from Cincinnati, OH, Rose Funeral brings its haunting deathcore melodies, insane blasts, and groove to tremble festival goers. Emerging from the darkest and most desolate areas of the Midwest, Casket Robbery creates its signature style of death metal by infusing horror and occult themes. Their trademark huge riffs and unstoppable grooves create the unrelenting, brutally catchy, and eerie sound that only Casket Robbery is known for.

  Since its inception in 2009 by Keith Wampler, the frontman of The Convalescence and owner of The Legend Agency, the festival has showcased the talents of some of the American Midwest's best up-and-coming metal bands. Past editions have seen past support from well-known artists such as Jungle Rot, Malevolent Creation, Filth, Signs of The Swarm and The Breathing Process among many more. The festival has been an extreme metal pilgrimage for fans living in the surrounding states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia.

  Tickets are available at https://theconvalescence.bigcartel.com/product/toledodeathfest (General Admission, VIP Packages)

  Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/680497694013243​

  TOLEDO DEATH FEST 2024 LINEUP​
  Oceano (Chicago, IL)
  The Convalescence (Toledo, OH)
  Visceral Disgorge (Baltimore, MD)
  Rose Funeral (Cincinnati, OH)
  Casket Robbery (Madison< WI)
  Mutilatred (Toledo, OH)
  Sea Of Treachery (Hebron, KY)
  Embryonic Autopsy (Chicago, IL)
  Gorepig (Jonesboro, AR)
  Ignominious (Norwalk, OH)
  Mutilation Barbeque (Cleveland, OH)
  Goonlord (De Land, FL)
  Stand Abandoned (Barnstead, NH)
  Killcrown (Hastings, MI)
  72 Legions (Akron, OH)
  The Behest Of Serpents (Canton, OH)
  Cerebral Cortex (Toledo, OH)

  To follow updates for Toledo Death Fest 2024, please visit the following links:

  ​Facebook.com/ToledoDeathfest | Facebook.com/thelegendagency | Instagram.com/thelegendagency/

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• Brazil's AURO CONTROL Unveils New Album "The Harp"

  Jun 1, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Auro Control is a new Brazilian band dedicated to excellent Prog/Power Metal, today they released their debut album titled "The Harp". Led by vocalist Lucas de Ouro, the band comprises a talented lineup including bassist Thiago "Bonga" Baumgarten, guitarist Lucas Barnery, drummer Davi Britto, and guitarist Diego Pires. With their fast, precise, melodic, virtuous, and energetic sound, Auro Control delivers an amazing auditory experience that leaves a lasting impression.

  
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  ​"The Harp" is an ambitious album, uniting the greatness of Power Metal with the depth of Prog Metal and the richness of percussion from Bahia-Brazil, resulting in a unique and surprising sound. The album, recorded at Estúdio Fusão in São Paulo and produced by Thiago Bianchi, will feature the participation of Bianchi himself (Noturnall, ex-Shaman), Aquiles Priester (W.A.S.P., ex-Angra), Felipe Andreoli (Angra), Bahian singer Aiace, and Metal icon Jeff Scott Soto. In its Japanese version, the album will feature the exclusive bonus track: Inside the Mirror.
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  The album is full of songs showcasing their main influences and delivering energizing anthems with messages that encourage introspection and reflection. As the album unfolds, listeners are taken on a journey through the subjectivity of the human soul, with moments of power and complexity interspersed with Brazilian percussion and Northeastern rhythms.

  
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  The lyrics draw inspiration from dark moments and overcoming difficulties, serving as reflections and invitations to find one's spotlight in life. Metaphors of battling loneliness and transformation resonate throughout, emphasizing the importance of willpower and courage.
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  For fans of bands like Angra, Stratovarius, Helloween, Symphony X, and Dream Theater, "The Harp" offers a refreshing and mature debut album that combines technical prowess with beautiful melodies and melodic ideas. It's a compelling fusion of Power Metal classics and the rhythmic traditions of northeastern Brazil, marking Auro Control as a band to watch in the metal scene.
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  ​LISTEN: https://lnk.to/aurocontrol​
  ​
  ​ALBUM ORDER - https://bit.ly/4aDZjol​

  ​​Auro Control is:
  Lucas de Ouro - Vocals
  Lucas Barnery - Guitars
  Diego Pires - Guitars
  Thiago Baumgarten - Bass
  Davi Britto - Drums

  For more info:​
  ​Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/aurocontrol | https://www.instagram.com/aurocontrol/

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