South Carolina death metal force Narcotic Wasteland tore through The Brooklyn Monarch on February 19, 2026, as part of the Praise The Beast North American Tour 2026. Sharing the stage with extreme metal heavyweights Belphegor, Incantation, and Hate, the band delivered a relentless set that reaffirmed their standing in the American death metal underground.
Led by former Nile guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade, Narcotic Wasteland unleashed a precision-driven assault packed with razor-sharp riffing, punishing blast beats, and venomous vocal delivery. The Brooklyn crowd responded with immediate intensity circle pits ignited, heads banged in unison, and the room carried that unmistakable density that only true death metal can produce.
The band’s live performance balanced technicality with raw aggression, locking into tight transitions while maintaining a crushing, groove-laden backbone. Under stark red and green lighting, the atmosphere felt claustrophobic and feral — a fitting environment for the sonic devastation unfolding on stage.
This gallery captures the energy, precision, and brutality of Narcotic Wasteland’s NYC stop a night where the underground spirit was alive, loud, and uncompromising.
Montreal dark experimental metal band Disorientation returns with “The Pact,” a new standalone single that signals the beginning of the group’s next chapter. Following the acclaim surrounding their 2023 EP "Survival Mode," the band now emerges as a fully formed lineup, an evolution that is both sonic and symbolic. Formed in 2020 by Marie‑Claude Fleury and Daniel Daris, Disorientation quickly carved out a niche with their unsettling blend of harsh vocals, dissonant woodwind arrangements, and structures that defy conventional metal boundaries. Their 2021 self‑titled EP earned early praise from local fans and media outlets such as Metal Trenches and Metalperver, while "Survival Mode" pushed their sound further into unorthodox territory, drawing accolades like “oddly fascinating” (Real Gone Rocks) and “madness bottled into just wonderfulness” (The Doorway to Zine). Now joined by guitarist Samuel Arseneau‑Roy (Spectral Wound, Basalte) and drummer Laurent Bellemare (Chthe’ilist (live), Basalte, Sutrah), Disorientation is stepping into a fuller, more organic incarnation of itself. “The Pact” was intentionally crafted as a standalone release, an opportunity to integrate the new members quickly and establish the band’s updated identity. “We decided to limit ourselves to a single track so we could bring our two new members into the band quickly. We had to take some extra steps to bring the music to life, but it was worth it. This is our best‑sounding effort to date,” says vocalist/oboist Marie‑Claude Fleury. Musically, “The Pact” is a journey through tension, revelation, and unease. It opens with a distant, noisy oboe motif before erupting into a fast, jagged pace. The track shifts through abrupt stops, whispered exchanges, mid‑tempo introspection, and acoustic glimmers of light, only to be swallowed again by the return of its initial riff. The final section, driven by palm‑muted guitars and unsettling vocal textures, places the listener at a crossroads. “Which way do you go? This is the moment where choices must be made,” adds Fleury. Lyrically, “The Pact” explores the rapid formation of intense connections and the darker undercurrents that can accompany them. “It’s about those people you meet and get close to very quickly. As the attachment forms, a dark side appears. Is the bond as positive as it first seemed? And where can it lead?” says Fleury. The single’s artwork reflects this duality: two hands clasped willingly, yet bound by shackles, an alliance that is both chosen and constrained. With the addition of Samuel Arseneau‑Roy and Laurent Bellemare, who, along with Fleury, also perform in Montreal’s Growlers Choir, Disorientation’s sound has expanded in depth and physicality. “Having a real drum and an extra guitar player definitely improved our sound. We now sound fuller and thicker. We’re looking forward to creating more music together,” comments Fleury. Although Disorientation has yet to make its official live debut, the newly completed lineup has already explored its chemistry through private semi‑acoustic performances, an early glimpse of the versatility and intensity they intend to bring to the stage. Their unsettling atmospheres, atypical structures, and the uncommon presence of the oboe within extreme music remain central to their identity. The band fully embraces its odd, miserable, in‑your‑face, and troubling sonic character, and with "The Pact," they push those traits even further while solidifying themselves as a unified creative force.
Recommended for fans of Celtic Frost, Imperial Triumphant, Sear Bliss, Fear of God, and Show of Bedlam, listen to "The Pact" at the following links:
Canada’s filthiest, funniest, and most fearlessly unwashed rock band, Sons of Butcher, return with "Skids", a brand‑new four‑song EP due out in March 2026 to mark a fresh chapter in the band’s long, greasy legacy. After a decade‑long hiatus, the band behind Teletoon’s cult animated series is officially back in the butcher shop, with their most polished, unhinged, and radio‑ready material to date. “This EP is an honest batch of comedy songs from the grease‑clogged hearts of a band of has‑been butchers,” says Ricky Butcher, lead vocals/guitar.
After releasing five full‑length albums and becoming infamous for spandex, pepperette‑throwing, and the roaming meat tray, the band stepped away until a reunion show reignited the flame. A photo from that night now serves as the EP’s cover art, capturing Ricky and Doug in a triumphant, full‑body rock pose that symbolized their return.
"Skids" is a raw, four‑track eruption of cheap‑meat swagger and skid‑life grit, marking Sons of Butcher’s first batch of songs not tied to their Teletoon storyline, aside from the fully overhauled “Peppercorn Steak,” revived from an indie pilot episode. Reuniting with longtime producer Jordon Zadorozny at Skylark Park and featuring drumming from Kellii Scott of Failure, the band carves out a sound that pushes their legacy forward while staying true to their cult‑favourite chaos. Across the EP, Sons of Butcher swing from the denim‑soaked bounce of “Denim Dreamin’” to the metal‑fired frenzy of lead single “Makin’ Bacon,” slide into the gritty pop‑rock swagger of “Steeltown Handy,” and land squarely back in classic SOB absurdity with the 80s‑riffed peppercorn‑obsessed anthem “Peppercorn Steak” (planned for release to be the band's official anthem for National Steak Day on April 25th).
The EP’s lead single, “Makin’ Bacon,” is a high‑speed, metal‑tinged celebration of bacon worship. It’s chaotic, catchy, and quintessentially Sons of Butcher, shot out of a cannon and straight into your frontal lobe. The accompanying music video is a meaty, maximalist feast of absurdity, riff‑fueled energy, and pure mock‑rock spirit.
Sons of Butcher began as the real‑life incarnation of their animated Teletoon alter‑egos, blending absurdist comedy and heavy riffs into the proudly self‑made genre of mock rock. The band quickly grew beyond the cartoon, releasing five albums, one live album, and an EP, and has built a cult following through chaotic, spandex‑clad live shows and meat‑soaked theatrics. "Skids" marks their first major release since 2020’s "Lockdown In Steeltown" and their first collection of songs not directly tied to the original series’ storyline.
Recommended for fans of Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Psychostick, and Steel Panther, "Skids" will be released on March 27th, 2026, and is available for CD pre-order at: https://sonsofbutcher.bandcamp.com/album/skids Sons of Butcher will support the EP with a run of Spring 2026 tour dates, including five shows with Hamilton’s beloved skid‑icon B.A. Johnston.
Show Dates: Feb 28 - The Parlour @ Ridiculous - Hamilton, ON - ‘Makin Bacon’ single release w/ Marty Topps March 14 - The Bank Arthouse - Welland, ON w/ Monsters of Schlock April 2 - Honey Dip - London, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston April 3 - L’Hemisphere Gauche - Montreal, QC - opening for B. A. Johnston April 4 - House of Targ - Ottawa, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston April 17 - The Corktown - Hamilton, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston April 18 - Baby G - Toronto, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
Quebec metal/hardcore veterans Hopeless Nation erupt into 2026 with the release of their explosive new single “Disaster”, accompanied by a gripping cinematic music video. The track marks the band’s most intense and precise work to date, blending their hardcore roots with modern metal atmosphere and emotionally charged storytelling. Formed in 1998 and revitalized after a decade-long hiatus, Hopeless Nation has re-emerged as a powerful force in heavy music. Their 2025 comeback single “Silverspoon” premiered on Hardcore Worldwide (HCWW), earning them accolades from fans new and old. With renewed momentum, the band now pushes further with “Disaster,” the first in a series of new releases leading into an EP. “Disaster” plunges listeners into a world on the brink, cities in ruin, humanity under pressure, and the search for hope amid destruction. Musically, the track delivers crushing riffs, relentless rhythms, and raw vocals that mirror the urgency of a live performance. The accompanying video amplifies the narrative: band members move through collapsing environments as firefighters, first responders, and civilians, navigating danger and fleeting moments of courage. Flickers of resilience cut through the chaos, creating a visual experience that is both cinematic and deeply human. “We’re thrilled to release Disaster and the upcoming singles. These songs are a mix of energy, reflection, and raw honesty, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible people around us,” adds the band. The band highlights the contributions of engineer Francis Perron (RadicArt), known for his work with Voïvod, whose production elevated the music to new heights. They also pay tribute to former members Jonathan Houle and Maxime Dupont, whose years of musicianship helped shape Hopeless Nation’s identity. “These releases are our way of honoring their legacy,” says the band. Hopeless Nation’s sound has transformed from fast, raw hardcore into a heavier, more dynamic form of modern metal. Their influences span All Out War, ZAO, Gojira, Darkest Hour, Turnstile, and more, resulting in music that is cinematic, explosive, aggressive, intense, and evolving. The writing process remains collaborative and deliberate. Lead guitarist Louis‑Simon Bellerose and the rhythm section spark ideas through riffs and melodies, while arrangements and breakdowns are shaped collectively.
“Every song gets the time it needs. We don’t rush. The goal is impact, not quantity,” adds the band. Members Steve DC (drums) and Guy Provencher (rhythm guitar) also perform with Strigampire, winners of the 2023Wacken Metal Battle Canada, representing the country at Wacken Open Air (Live Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RCPWXKf7RA). Collectively, Hopeless Nation’s members have played more than 200 shows, sharing stages with Despised Icon, 100 Demons, Bane, With Honor, Lofofora, and many more. “Disaster” is the second of many more singles leading into a new EP. These tracks revisit and reimagine material from the band’s 2014 archives, refined with modern precision while preserving the raw hooks and intensity that define Hopeless Nation.
Apocalyptic death metal entity Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OxE) has announced the release of “Hurt Beyond Healing,” the first single from their upcoming full‑length album "Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum," out April 3, 2026, through Gore House Productions. The track marks the beginning of a new era for the multinational trio, Canadian guitarist Alice Simard, Australian vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis, and German multi‑instrumentalist Popu, whose sound has evolved from raw goregrind origins into something far more calculated, dissonant, and otherworldly. “We chose Hurt Beyond Healing because it’s one of the more straightforward tracks on the record. It still carries our weirder elements, but it gives listeners a taste of the brutality before the rest of the LP throws them into far stranger territory,” says vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis.
"Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum" is OxE’s most ambitious and punishing work to date, a labyrinth of warped synths, alien textures, and meticulously crafted brutality. Musically, the album pushes the band deeper into experimental territory, drawing inspiration from releases such as Nithing’s "Agonal Hymns" and Dripping’s "Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss." “The LP is definitely the most experimental OxE release so far. Between the carnage of the main instrumentals are layers of synths and organic instrumentation that have been sonically destroyed to give everything an alien feel,” says Popu. Lyrically, the album follows a cryptic conceptual arc centered around a mythic “godslayer” figure, an entity on a cosmic, God‑of‑War‑esque rampage through the universe. The narrative mirrors the album’s emotional core: cold, calculated violence intertwined with themes of mental illness, mythological annihilation, and existential dread. For the album's artwork, the band once again collaborated with acclaimed artist Mei Maro, whose surreal, folklore‑infused style visually captures the album’s fusion of myth, brutality, and psychological distortion. “We wanted something that represented all of our combined influences. Mei always delivers something incredible, and this piece ties together everything we explored on the record,” adds the band. The album’s eleven songs carve out a relentless and disorienting sonic journey. It opens with “Conquering Divinity,” a chaotic, myth‑laden assault designed to immediately destabilize the listener. “Gutted & Corpsed” delivers ferocious blasting, inhuman vocal textures, and a plunge into an underworld‑like atmosphere. “Heaven’s Empty Halls” shifts into eerie, dungeon‑synth‑infused territory, setting the stage for the album’s final descent. The closer, “Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy,” ties the record together with a melodic yet brutal homage to the band’s key influences. Across the journey, from the twisted melodicism of “Apotheotic Apotemnophilia” to the crushing weight of “Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon,” the album balances experimentation with the visceral heaviness fans expect.
"With this album, we’ve done what we’ve always done, simply better. We don’t want to stray too far from our original DNA, from what makes the band who we are, but there’s always going to be progression in some direction. This record marks our longest gap between releases, which isn’t something we had in mind, but great art can’t be rushed out the door, and while it may have taken some time to materialize, I’m certain that this record will be everything fans have wanted and then some, because it certainly was for us. Each album is a learning process, and I feel as though these new tracks we’ve got, more than anything else we’ve made, have taught us invaluable lessons about who we are as people, and just how much we love music and the creative process," says vocalist Jesse. Formed in Quebec City, OxE began as a solo project by guitarist Alice Simard, who sought to explore heavier, more grotesque sonic territory. After recruiting vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis in 2019 and later joining forces with German musician Popu, the project evolved into a fully collaborative, internationally connected force. Their sound, described by the band as Inhuman, Unnerving, Calculated, Chaotic, Apocalyptic, draws from brutal death metal, black metal, avant‑garde experimentation, and a wide range of non‑musical influences, including Dark Souls, NieR, Berserk, Evangelion, and global mythology. For Fans of Deathspell Omega, Disentomb, Artificial Brain, First Fragment, Disgorge, and Ulcerate, OxE's "Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum" is available on CD, Cassette, and digitally from Stillbirth Records /Gore House Productions at https://orcd.co/scabbed-god-cerebrum
Track Listing: 1. Conquering Divinity - 3:17 2. The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends - 1:21 3. Severing What Makes Me Human - 2:41 4. Apotheotic Apotemnophilia - 3:03 5. Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon - 2:23 6. Gutted & Corpsed - 3:05 7. Heaven's Empty Halls - 5:13 8. Hurt Beyond Healing - 2:33 9. Abyssikataplexika - 2:35 10. Vile Verses Flogged into the Wings of Angels - 1:23 11. Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy - 4:58 Album Length: 32:32 ROLES: Jesse Agiomamitis: Vocals, Lyrics Alice Simard: Composition, Guitars, Lead Guitars The Popu: Additional Songwriting, Mixing and Mastering, Guitars, Bass, Orchestration and Sound Design, Additional lyrics, Additional Vocals
