Latest Articles

• BURY THE PAST Introduces Its New Era With Their Heaviest Single "Clarity"

  Mar 24, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Metalcore/Post‑Hardcore outfit Bury the Past has officially dropped their brand‑new single “Clarity,” now available on all major streaming platforms. The track marks a defining moment for the five‑piece Canadian band as they step boldly into a heavier, more modern metal direction.
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  Formed through the natural evolution of guitarist Til Dubois’ creative vision, Bury the Past has grown into a powerhouse collective of musicians from across the Gatineau/Quebec scene. With the addition of drummer Mathieu “Fretch” Fréchette (Fractures & Outlines / Soulthief (Upstate Records) & 2025 Wacken Metal Battle Canada National Finalists), the band found the missing piece that would help shape their new sonic identity.
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  ​“Clarity was the first song we wrote together with the latest lineup. It introduced a new drumming style as I joined the band permanently. From fast‑paced verses to slower, heavier sections, the single shows what we’re capable of,” says drummer Mathieu Fréchette.
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  Musically and lyrically, “Clarity” is a turning point. The band leans into a more aggressive, modern metalcore sound while keeping the emotional depth and diversity that define their identity. Though heavier than previous releases, the band emphasizes that Bury the Past refuses to be boxed into a single genre; evolution is part of their DNA.
  ​
  If fans are expecting more intensity, they won’t be disappointed.

  “Heavy, catchy, emotional, evolving, diverse, that’s how we’d describe our sound. “I think fans are really going to appreciate the new direction. Having Til back on guitar is a major upgrade, and the writing process has never been smoother,” adds Fréchette.
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  The band’s lyrics, primarily crafted by vocalist Charles Morin with contributions from Til and Kris, draw from everyday struggles, personal experiences, and the universal challenges humanity faces. The result is music that hits as hard emotionally as it does sonically.
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  ​Bury the Past pulls inspiration from giants like The Ghost Inside, August Burns Red, The Amity Affliction, Alexisonfire, and Parkway Drive, blending metalcore, modern metal, and post‑hardcore into something uniquely their own.
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  And while their music is serious, the band’s personality is anything but one‑dimensional. From inside jokes like shouting “Tooteeth” (a reference to Til’s cats) to a lineup spanning ages 20s to 50, Bury the Past is a family built on passion, humor, and a shared love for heavy music.
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  With plenty of material already written and waiting for the studio, fans can expect more singles from Bury the Past in the near future.

  “Timing is key, but trust us, there’s a lot more coming,” adds Fréchette.

  Turn it up, dive in, and hear the new era of Bury the Past. “Clarity” is streaming now on all major platforms.
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  ​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/58hT043E252gg4jgq2m2fB​

  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VPu2lWhu8​

  More info: https://linktr.ee/burythepast​

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• KARMIAN Unleashes New Concept Album “Horror Vacui” - A Haunting Dive Into the Void of the Human Psyche

  Mar 20, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records proudly announces the release of Horror Vacui, the new full‑length album from Italian melodic death metal force Karmian, available March 20th. A concept record rooted in true events, "Horror Vacui" marks the band’s most ambitious, introspective, and emotionally charged work to date, a descent into the psychological and existential void behind real acts of murder and moral collapse.
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  ​“Horror Vacui is the darkest and most introspective chapter of our journey. A descent into the psychological and existential void that hides behind real acts of murder and madness,” says the band.

  
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  Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Audiocore Studio by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi, the nine tracks on "Horror Vacui" transform true Italian crime cases into harrowing portraits of human fragility, alienation, and the emptiness that breeds violence. Vocalist and lyricist Andrea Bertolazzi approached each story not to sensationalize, but to expose the void beneath the brutality. As he explains:
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  “We didn’t want to glorify horror; we wanted to expose its roots. This record is about the emptiness that breeds violence, and the fragile humanity that hides beneath.”

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  From the tragic collapse of nurse Sonya Caleffi to the cult‑like spiral of the Beasts of Satan, from the myth‑shrouded Alleghe murders to the disturbing obsessions of Marco Mariolini and Gianfranco Stevanin, each track becomes a psychological study rendered through Karmian’s signature blend of aggression, melody, and narrative depth.
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  With "Horror Vacui," Karmian pushes their sound further than ever. The album fuses Swedish‑influenced melodic death metal with cinematic tension, intricate arrangements, and a raw, live‑driven production approach. Every instrument was recorded acoustically without studio trickery, preserving the band’s trademark authenticity.
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  ​“It’s our most mature and intense work to date, melodic death metal meets cinematic tension, raw energy, and psychological storytelling. We wanted the album to leave a lingering sense of inner unease, a discomfort that wounds, but is also exorcised through the act of listening,” adds the band.
  

  The result is an album meant not just to be heard, but felt, a visceral experience that lingers long after the final note. The band hopes listeners will explore the layers of meaning, the connections to real events, and the emotional weight embedded in every riff and lyric.
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  ​"Horror Vacui" stands as Karmian’s most profound artistic statement, a fusion of philosophy, extreme metal, and psychological exploration. It is a record that challenges, confronts, and compels reflection on the abyss within.

  Recommended for fans of The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames, "Horror Vacui" is available now as of March 20th, 2026, through Rockshots Records.

  CD - "Horror Vacui" - https://rockshots.eu/products/karmian-horror-vacui-cd​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/4lEIA86baPxAQIlIq7jCzE?si=4lFqJB9MQQGnYxBluhv5cA​

  More info:

  ​https://rockshots.eu/​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/karmian_official/​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/KarmianBand/

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• TAMPA DEATH FEST Announces Band Submissions For 2026 Lineup

  Mar 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  

  Celebrating eight years of showcasing some of the most debaucherous and brutal extreme metal to roll through the state of Florida. Tampa Death Fest returns for two nights of uncompromising extreme metal on September 5th and 6th at the legendary Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida.

  The festival has announced it's accepting band submissions to fill remaining slots for its 2026 lineup. Bands interested in performing at Tampa Death Fest are encouraged to submit their materials before the April 1st deadline. TDF welcomes extreme-metal acts of all styles and origins, with a commitment to curating a lineup that reflects the genre’s depth, diversity, and global reach.
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  ​Bands can apply their EPK at: tampabaymetalscene.booking[@]yahoo.com​
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  Since launching in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the underground extreme‑metal community. Rooted in the city widely hailed as the Death Metal Capital of the World, TDF continues to unite bands, fans, and local businesses under its guiding mantra: “Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Metal.”
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  Each year, TDF showcases a diverse roster of international, national, and regional acts, offering a platform for rising underground talent to share the stage with established legends. Past editions of TDF have hosted such notable acts as Satan, Venom, Inc, Ringworm, Diabolic, Leishmaniasis (Colombia), Repulsive Vision (UK), Massacre, Atheist, GraveHuffer, Blasphemation, Carpathian Funeral, Kill The Imposter, Sadistic Vision, Nibiru, Merciless Scum, Quiescent Mantis, MRSA, Pantheon, and more.

  With an ever‑growing international presence, Tampa Death Fest continues to strengthen connections across Florida and beyond, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community engagement within the metal scene.

  Event Details:
  ​Dates: September 5–6, 2025
  Location: The Brass Mug, Tampa Bay, FL
  ​
  ​About Tampa Death Fest:​
  Founded in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has grown into a premier event within the extreme metal world. The festival’s mission is to uplift artists, unite fans, and celebrate the culture of heavy music through a shared passion for brutality, creativity, and community.

  More Info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577052471967​

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• IRON KINGDOM Unveils First Single "Defenders" From Sixth Album "Shadows and Dust" Out June 2026 + Cross Canada Tour!

  Mar 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  Vancouver, Canada’s traditional heavy metal torchbearers IRON KINGDOM proudly announce the release of “Defenders,” the first single and music video from their upcoming sixth studio album, "Shadows and Dust," due out June 6, 2026. The album is also being released in partnership with Steel Shark Records (France), which will offer an exclusive EU edition limited to just 300 double‑CD copies. Disc 1 will contain the full "Shadows and Dust" album, while Disc 2 will feature a “Best Of” collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.

  “Defenders” sets the tone for "Shadows and Dust" with a powerful blend of speed, emotion, and classic heavy metal grit. Inspired by the Battle of Gdansk, the track pays tribute to the Polish soldiers who held their ground for seven days against Nazi invasion, an act of courage that deeply resonates with vocalist/guitarist Chris Osterman, whose own family history is tied to the conflict.
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  ​“Being that my family is half Polish, this song strikes a chord for me. I imagined what my great‑grandfather experienced riding with the Polish cavalry in WWII, and I also imagined what people in Ukraine must be feeling right now. Even though the song is fast and heavy, it’s very emotional. It speaks to the courage of those who defend their families, their friends, and their way of life,” says Osterman.
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  Musically, “Defenders” channels the band’s signature blend of classic heavy metal, drawing influence from acts like Tyran Pace and Primal Fear, with soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a relentless sense of urgency.

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  ​"Shadows and Dust" sees IRON KINGDOM exploring darker lyrical themes, death, hardship, impermanence, while maintaining the triumphant spirit and melodic fire that define their sound.
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  ​“This album plays in a dark realm of topics, but I think that’s what will make it accessible to people going through tough times. The music shows hope for a positive way out. It’s a journey from front to back,” adds Osterman.
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  The album’s artwork by Alan Lathwell was inspired by the track “Blood and Steel” and the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson, depicting an army marching through a harsh, unforgiving landscape, a metaphor for perseverance through adversity.
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  ​IRON KINGDOM will celebrate the release of "Shadows and Dust" with a hometown headline show at the Rickshaw Theatre on June 5, delivering the high‑energy, classic‑metal stage show they’ve become known for. Info at https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127​
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  Following the album launch, the band will hit the road across Western Canada with confirmed festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Festival.

  True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour - Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
  ​https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates​
  June 5 – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw
  July 2 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
  July 3 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
  July 4 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
  July 5 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
  July 17 – Armstrong, BC – Armstrong MetalFest
  July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
  July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
  July 24 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
  July 25 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
  July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – TBD
  July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
  July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
  July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlight
  July 31 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival
  Aug 1 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
  Aug 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
  Aug 3 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
  Aug 4 – London, ON – Supply & Demand
  Aug 5 – Waterloo, ON - Maxwells
  Aug 6 – Hamilton, ON - TBC
  Aug 7 – Toronto, ON - Bovine
  Aug 8 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
  Aug 9 – TBD - TBD
  Aug 10 – TBD - TBD
  Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB - Monteith Manor
  Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
  Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – TBC
  Aug 15 – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse
  Aug 17 – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
  Aug 18 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
  Aug 19 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
  Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – TBC
  Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s
  Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing

  Formed in 2011, IRON KINGDOM have spent over a decade championing the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influence from legends such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their electrifying live performances, intricate musicianship, and unwavering dedication to the genre, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley.
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  ​"Shadows and Dust" marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.

  Album pre-order (release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:

  Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop​
  Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music

  For more info:
  ​https://www.iron-kingdom.com​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom

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• RIMMAR New Music Video "These Ruins" ft. Marco “Biuller” Bertuccioli (Smelly Boggs, J27, 80’s Sunset Strip)

  Mar 18, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  “It’s a dream come true, lasting for years. Now everything can begin”.
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  With these words, Italian guitarist and composer Marco Rinaldi introduced Rimmar, his visionary solo project. Today, that vision continues to unfold with the release of the new music video “These Ruins”, out now via Rockshots Records, marking a new chapter in the cycle of the latest album "Raises".
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  Far from being a traditional band, Rimmar remains a one-man artistic endeavor driven entirely by Rinaldi’s creative direction. As with the entire "Raises" album, "These Ruins" is fully written, composed, and arranged by Rinaldi himself, blending classic, progressive, and industrial metal with synth-driven and electronic elements into a sound that is both modern and distinctly recognizable.
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  Continuing the conceptual path established by singles "Planet Mars" and "Unreal", "These Ruins" explores a more introspective dimension within the album’s narrative framework. In comparison, earlier releases focused on rebirth, transformation, and elevation, the new single turns toward the idea of constraint, those invisible forces that bind the individual - and the inner tension required to break free. The result is a track that balances melodic depth and rhythmic impact, expanding the project's emotional range.
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  The song features Marco “Biuller” Bertuccioli (Smelly Boggs, J27, 80’s Sunset Strip), whose vocal performance brings a raw and expressive edge, enhancing the track’s intensity and reinforcing its thematic weight. His contribution adds a distinctive character while remaining fully integrated within Rimmar’s sonic identity.
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  At the core of the project lies a composition-first approach: Rinaldi develops each piece starting from riffs or rhythmic structures, later expanding them through layered arrangements, synth textures, and detailed production work. Lyrics emerge from reflections, dreams, and personal insight, serving the music rather than guiding it - “The word is a servant of music in my case”, he explains.
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  The music video for “These Ruins” transforms the track’s tension and atmosphere into a striking visual language, reinforcing the project’s identity and narrative through a hybrid sound that fuses metal, electronic elements, and progressive influences.

  ​

  Originally released on July 4th, 2025, the full-length "Raises" introduced a concept centered on rebirth, transcendence, and emotional elevation, symbolized by the image of a constantly rising volume knob. The record features a cast of exceptional guest performers from the Italian metal scene. Among them, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) appears on two tracks ("Mighty Messenger" and "Vortex"), along with Kyo Calati (MindAheaD), Marco Andreotti (Imagine Dragons tribute), Mattia Fagiolo (White Thunder, Dragonhammer), and Alessandro Cola (Eldritch), each lending their voice and energy to the project.

  For fans of Devin Townsend, Pain, Nine Inch Nails, and Faith No More, Rimmar stands at the intersection of power, experimentation, and modern songwriting, continuing to shape a distinctive voice within the contemporary metal landscape.

  Digital Album - https://lnk.to/LSOElQT4​

  CD ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/rimmar-raises​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Unreal (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
  2. Mighty Messenger (feat. Fabio Lione)
  3. These Ruins (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
  4. 8th Sin (feat. Marco Andreotti)
  5. Planet Mars (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
  6. Vortex (feat. Fabio Lione)
  7. Queen of the Gold (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
  8. Cruel Summer (feat. Kyo Elisa Proietti)
  9. Raises

  ​
  ​Rimmar Line Up:​
  ​Marco Rinaldi: Guitars
  ​Tommy Pellegrini: Rhythm Guitars
  ​Marco Moretti: Drums
  ​Alessandro Cola: Bass Guitar

  ​More info:

  - https://rockshots.eu/​

  - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063487690785

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