Latest Articles

• Fort McMurray's SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY Tapped As Local Support for ANTHRAX and EXODUS

  Jan 26, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Fort McMurray, Canada's hottest punk thrash commodity, Supermodel Taxidermy has been tapped as local support for legends ANTHRAX and EXODUS' performance in the Alberta North on February 22nd at MacDonald Island.

  This one has been a long time coming for the fanboy trio who have looked up to both bands as influences. Frontman Shawn Maynard comments:

  "Ripping up the stage with Gary Holt, Scott Ian, and their crew is definitely unlocking a childhood dream of mine. On February 22nd, you'd best be wearing some shorts because we're going to bring the heat."

  Event info and tickets can be found at https://www.macdonaldisland.ca/special-events/after-hours-featuring-anthrax-with-special-guest-exodus​

  Unleashing their second album, "At What Cost," in May 2024, the band has torn through the Western Canadian scene like a wrecking ball, quickly becoming one of the region’s essential live acts. Released through Punishment 18 Records, "At What Cost" ignited a surge in their following with its explosive mix of razor‑sharp riffs, commanding vocals, and relentless energy that keeps listeners hungry for more.

  Across ten tracks packed into just under thirty minutes, the record, produced by Rob Lawless and mixed/mastered by Terry Paholek, captures the band’s dedication to crafting a fierce, high‑impact listening experience. This collision of thrash metal and hardcore punk is a natural fit for fans of Iron Reagan, Dayglo Abortions, and Slayer.

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  "At What Cost" is available digitally, on CD, and Orange Splatter Vinyl (in honour of the hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers) at https://supermodeltaxidermy.bandcamp.com/album/at-what-cost​

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/4F96Mi3MTPDaA0LKw63G9f​

  Supermodel Taxidermy is currently halfway through writing their third album. And fans can expect to see the first single released later this year in a new music video. The band will also be supporting a Canadian tour with its full release. In the meantime, you can expect to see their name pop up at a few Canadian Festivals this summer.

  In other exciting news, the band is set to appear on Punk Canada Compilation Volume 5, which drops on vinyl this June. The release features sixteen Canadian punk bands putting their own spin on sixteen classic Canadian punk tracks from the 20th century. Supermodel Taxidermy chose to cover Vancouver’s Lummox, a project founded by Murray Acton of Dayglo Abortions.

  As the band put it, “We even got Murray to hop on the track for a solo, so you know it’s not going to disappoint.”

  Pre-orders can be submitted at supermodeltaxidermy[@]gmail[.]com

  Supermodel Taxidermy is:
  Shawn Maynard - Guitar & Vocals
  Michael Cheney - Bass & Back Up Vocals
  Reilly Williams - Drums

  For more info: https://www.facebook.com/supermodelmodeltaxidermy | https://www.instagram.com/supermodeltaxidermy

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• Lord of the Lost Live at Irving Plaza – January 23, 2026

  Jan 25, 2026 ArmyOfOneTV 0 Comments

  German gothic metal visionaries Lord of the Lost returned to New York City on January 23, 2026, transforming Irving Plaza into a dark, immersive spectacle of sound, emotion, and visual intensity. Known for their fearless fusion of gothic metal, industrial textures, glam aesthetics, and symphonic elements, the band delivered a performance that was both theatrical and deeply personal.

   

  Led by the commanding presence of Chris Harms, Lord of the Lost blurred the lines between metal concert and dark art performance, combining dramatic lighting, expressive stage movement, and a powerful connection with the audience. Their ability to balance heaviness with vulnerability was on full display, reinforcing why the band has become one of the most distinctive and forward-thinking acts in modern gothic metal.

   

  This photo gallery documents the atmosphere of the night from striking silhouettes and raw emotion to the intricate visual details that define Lord of the Lost’s live identity capturing a band fully in control of its artistic vision and a crowd fully immersed in it.

   

  Lord of the Lost Live at Irving Plaza – January 23, 2026

   

  

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• AITTALA's Animated Video “Ashes” Brings a Dark Tale of Collapse and Consequence to Life

  Jan 22, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  AITTALA has released the official music video for “Ashes,” the latest single from their second EP of 2025, "Ill‑Gotten Gains," which arrived this past November through Exitus Stratagem Records. The animated video brings to life one of the EP’s most traditional heavy‑metal‑driven tracks, a song centered on the story of someone who spirals far beyond their limits and drags others down with them. Musically, “Ashes” captures the band’s signature fusion of classic metal grit and modern heaviness, showcasing the dynamic songwriting and emotional weight that define AITTALA’s evolving sound.

  Watch the video via its premiere on Outlaws of The Sun HERE.​
  ​
  ​"Ill‑Gotten Gains" continues AITTALA’s long‑standing tradition of blurring genre boundaries, weaving together elements of traditional metal, doom, groove, progressive influences, and hard rock to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Lyrically, the EP explores the darker corners of human behavior, focusing on the creation of chaos for personal benefit, the inevitable consequences that follow, and the difficult search for redemption. The EP’s artwork features an updated interpretation of the band’s mascot, Frank, a cartoon pig head in a pentagram originally created in 2014 for the song “Pigs” from the album Effigy. In the world of AITTALA, Frank represents the shady figure who can acquire any “ill‑gotten gains” for the right price, making him the perfect symbol for the EP’s themes.
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  Across the EP, AITTALA delivers a series of songs that reflect both musical evolution and lyrical depth. “Isolation” opens with a doomy, heavy atmosphere that shifts between crushing riffs and clean passages while confronting the consequences of past decisions. The title track, “Ill‑Gotten Gains,” drives forward with a powerful eight‑string riff before descending into a darker, doom‑laden interlude, lyrically exploring the exploitation of chaos for personal advantage. “Blacklisted” counters the themes of the earlier tracks by calling out manipulative personalities with a sludge‑infused groove, while “Ever After” offers a modern metal ballad steeped in internal conflict and the longing for redemption that may never come. The EP culminates with “Ashes,” a traditional heavy‑metal burner that now takes visual form in the band’s newest music video, capturing the emotional descent at the heart of the song.
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  ​AITTALA, pronounced EYE‑tah‑la, has long been recognized for a sound that refuses to fit neatly into any single metal subgenre. Their music blends classic heavy metal, doom, progressive elements, power metal, thrash, and hard rock, all tied together by lyrics inspired by the darker side of the human condition. This unique combination has earned the band a reputation for crafting a sound that is distinctly their own, a rare achievement in today’s crowded metal landscape. The band’s origins trace back to 1991 in the Netherlands, where founder Eric Aittala first formed the group with American and Dutch bandmates. Their early EP, "Selling Heaven," gained traction in the European underground scene and led to opening slots for acts such as The Gathering and Sadist before Eric’s return to the United States brought the project to a temporary close.
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  ​AITTALA was revived in 2008, leading to a prolific run of releases that includes "Bed of Thorns" (2009), "Haunt Your Flesh" (2011), "Effigy" (2014), "American Nightmare" (2016), "False Pretenses" (2019), "Live to Regret" (2022), and "Machines" (EP, 2025). Each release reflects the band’s continued growth while preserving the unmistakable core of the AITTALA sound.

  Today, AITTALA is anchored by founder Eric Aittala on guitars and vocals alongside drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith, known for his work with The Fifth and formerly with Mr. Blackwell. The pair continues to write, record, and tour with the goal of delivering AITTALA’s unmistakable brand of metal to audiences everywhere. The band has also expanded its live lineup with the addition of bassist Dane Taylor, whose arrival brings a renewed surge of energy and chemistry to the stage. His presence strengthens the group’s momentum as they push their sound forward while remaining true to the identity that has defined AITTALA from the beginning.

  "Ill-Gotten Gains" (released Nov 21, 2025) is available from Exitus Stratagem Records - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Isolation - 4:22
  2. Ill Gotten Gains - 4:20
  3. Black Listed - 3:35
  4. Ever After - 4:29
  5. Ashes - 3:50
  EP Length: 20:37

  For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic

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• Chilean Prog ENGRUPID PIPOL Unveils New Video “Inspireichon Burn”

  Jan 22, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Chilean instrumental progressive metal trio Engrupid Pipol returns with the release of their new music video “Inspireichon Burn,” a fierce insight into their latest album "Quadragenta At Finem Mundi," released this past November 2025. The track, Act IV of the album’s seven‑part conceptual narrative, captures the apocalyptic devastation of thermonuclear war and the self‑destructive greed of those who seek power at any cost. The video amplifies the song’s intensity, offering a visceral entry point into the band’s most ambitious work to date.
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  Formed from a lifelong friendship between guitarist Kaztrol and bassist John Dai, later joined by drummer Nacho García, Engrupid Pipol grew out of a shared belief that music is essential nourishment for the soul. What began as intricate teenage compositions evolved into a power trio known for its energetic, soulful, and technically sharp sound. Their influences, ranging from Megadeth and Metallica to Rush, King Crimson, and Dream Theater, inform a style that blends thrash, prog rock, prog metal, and djent into something unmistakably their own.
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  ​"Quadragenta At Finem Mundi" marks a major evolution for the band. It is their first fully conceptual album, a seven‑act instrumental journey through the collapse of modern civilization. Themes of nuclear conflict, AI dependence, narcissistic ambition, and runaway technological control shape a dark, prophetic vision of humanity’s end. Each track represents a “symptom” of the approaching downfall, woven together through shifting soundscapes that include acoustic passages, synthesizers, and even the traditional Latin American bombo leguero. The band describes the album as their most challenging and demanding project in nearly 25 years together, made possible in part by funding from the Chilean Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Heritage. With only three rough demos ready when studio deadlines approached, the trio spent months composing, refining, and reworking material until every piece reached full maturity.
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  According to Nacho, the album’s production represents a leap forward in clarity, power, and authenticity. The band focused on preserving the essence of the trio format, avoiding layers they couldn’t reproduce live while achieving a modern, crystal‑clear sound with warm, natural tones. The result is a record that captures the identity of each member and the emotional weight of each composition. Guitar melodies and groovy riffs replace lyrics, allowing listeners to interpret the music freely and immerse themselves in an altered state of consciousness.
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  For the band, "Quadragenta At Finem Mundi" is both a creative triumph and a personal milestone.

  "The album was born from a different place than usual, one that pushed us to our limits and presented obstacles we never expected. The finished work was an auditory delight and a reward for our souls after all the effort and sacrifice,” adds Kaztrol.

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  Recommended for fans of Liquid Tension, Rush, Megadeth, King Crimson, Night Verses, and Animals as Leaders, "Quadragenta At Finem Mundi," released worldwide on November 7, 2025, is available at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/7i6N3YPymMG6Bk6SAwrhPb​

  Digital Download - https://www.portaldisc.com/contenido/disco-engrupid-pipol-quadragenta-at-finem-mundi​

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  Track Listing:
  ​1. Tripel Ultimatum - 5:48
  2. Voragine - 6:53
  3. Animal Inteligenz - 7:34
  4. Inspireichon Burn - 4:59
  5. Vairal Madness 5:01
  6. Aztral Configureited 8:24
  7. Ameba Emenens 4.20
  Album Length 45:20

  For more info: Engrupidpipol.cl | Instagram.com/engrupid_pipol | Facebook.com/engrupid​

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• MOSH THE ROCK ISLAND METALFEST (Sooke, BC) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ ANCIIENTS, ARROW IN THE QUIVER, THE RISING FALL, SQUIDHAMMER and More!

  Jan 22, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Mosh The Rock Island Metal Fest 2026 - Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5l4cOfqstUMbeJsivsJMeQ

  Vancouver Island is set to shake when Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 takes over Fred Milne Park in Sooke, BC on Sunday, August 9, 2026. This all-ages, family-friendly outdoor metal festival brings together a stacked lineup of international, national, and regional talent for a full day of crushing riffs, pit energy, and community spirit on the West Coast.
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  Headlining the festival are Vancouver’s Multiple Juno Award–winning metal heavyweights Anciients. Joining them as co-headliners are Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver), The Rising Fall (Chicago, IL), and Squidhammer (Watertown, PA), delivering a powerful blend of progressive, extreme, and modern metal.

  The day will also showcase a strong lineup of West Coast metal acts, including:
  ​Wolf Venom (Sooke, BC)
  Grundles (Duncan, BC)
  Dead Rights (Victoria, BC)
  Overditch (Victoria, BC)
  Neveranother (Vancouver, BC)
  Conjure Hands (Victoria, BC)
  As Ash Fell (Nanaimo, BC)
  Mutual Trauma (Victoria, BC)

  With a world-class headliner, international acts, and a powerful lineup of Vancouver Island talent, Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated metal events of the summer.
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  In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and a licensed beer garden, making it a full festival experience in a scenic coastal setting. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.
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  ​Event Details:​
  Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
  Location: Fred Milne Park, Sooke, BC
  Gates Open: 11:00 AM
  First Band: 12:00 PM
  Ticket Information:
  Advance Tickets: $50
  Gate Tickets: $65
  Youth (12–17): $25
  Children (11 & under): FREE with adult ticket
  ​Online presale tickets available at: https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2146​
  ​Hard Copy Advance Tickets Available At:​
  Phoenix Bar and Grill
  Cavity Curiosity Shop
  Long & McQuade
  Sooke Forbes IDA
  Sooke Pharmasave

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563939716534

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