Latest Articles

• KILLED BY SORROW Unleashes "Betrayal" Off Forthcoming Debut Album "Empires of Excess" Out October 2026

  Aug 25, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Montreal metal outfit Killed By Sorrow has officially announced the release of their first full‑length album, "Empire of Excess," due out on October 23rd, 2026, to follow EPs "Careless of This Sadness" (2023) and "Time Has Come" (2022). The record marks the band’s most dynamic, emotionally charged, and musically evolved chapter to date.
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  To give the first glimpse into the album, the band has unveiled the first single, “Betrayal”, a heavy, riff‑driven track built on explosive breakdowns and raw emotional intensity. The song explores the collapse of trust after deep personal betrayal, poisonous lies, emotional wounds, and the breaking point where deception becomes unbearable.

  "This is a heavy-punching song with a great breakdown. Great guitar riffs," adds rhythm guitarist Samuel Ham.
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  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/0nW7DcnjyCJpw4iBTBYdi6

  ​

  "Empire of Excess" is a refined evolution of Killed By Sorrow’s early sound, still aggressive, still emotional, but more mature, more atmospheric, and more intentional. With 10 tracks, fans can expect a blend of heaviness and melody that draws listeners into the story behind each one. From its polished, immersive production to its mix of fast, downbeat tracks infused with metalcore, thrash, prog, and punk. The record will take listeners into a deep emotional atmosphere with a track list designed to feel like a journey from start to finish,
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  ​"The contributions on this record from our bassist Marty Bersier‑Carpentier have significantly shaped the new sonic direction and have been a real blessing in refining our sound,” adds Ham.

  Killed by Sorrow emerged from Montreal’s South Shore metal-music scene in the mid-2000s, carving out their identity with a sound heavily inspired by the emotional intensity of Poison the Well, the razor-sharp riffing of Unearth, and the melodic precision of Trivium. These influences shaped the band’s early songwriting, blending aggression with dynamic melodic structures.

  During their formative years, Killed by Sorrow built a reputation through high-energy performances across local venues. A major milestone of this era was sharing the stage with renowned Swedish hardcore band Raised Fist, a moment that reinforced the band’s credibility.

  As a group of friends, they have been determined to channel the intensity of the music they loved into something of their own. What began as basement rehearsals has quickly evolved into a serious project as the band discovered a natural chemistry.

  Recommended for fans of Unearth, Killswitch Engage, Poison The Well, Trivium, and Lamb of God, "Empire of Excess" is due out on October 23, 2026, and available for pre-save/ pre-order at https://killedbysorrow.bandcamp.com/.

  Track Listing:​
  1. The End is Near - 3:38
  2. Empire of Excess - 3:04
  3. The Burial - 3:28
  4. Betrayal - 3:51
  5. Never Give Up - 2:37
  6. All My Brothers - 3:18
  7. In The Spotlight - 3:17
  8. Killed By Sorrow - 3:29
  9. Unchained - 3:42
  10. Stay In Line - 3:28
  Album Length: 33:55

  Band Line-up:​
  Sébastien Mailloux – Vocals
  Martin Bersier-Carpentier – Bass
  Tommy Forand – Guitar Lead
  Samuel Ham – Guitar Rhythm
  Mathieu Lassonde – Drums
  ​

  More info:

  ​https://killedbysorrow.com/​

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

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

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• TRISKELYON New Cover Album "Metalmorphosis" Supercharges Timeless Hits Into Metal Fury

  Aug 21, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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  Canada’s unstoppable metal force Triskelyon unleashes “Metalmorphosis,” a digital‑only barrage that reforges iconic rock and pop classics into a high‑octane blast of metallic fury. The album is now available on all major digital platforms as of August 21, 2026, via Moribund Records.
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  Founded in 2021 by guitarist and mastermind Geoff Waye (Category VI), Triskelyon has carved a fierce path through the underground with acclaimed singles and albums including “Downfall,” “Artificial Insanity,” “Shattered Elysium,” and “Maelstrom of Chaos.” With "Metalmorphosis," the band pushes its creative boundaries further than ever, delivering a full‑length collection of crushing cover versions forged from the fires of thrash, speed, power, and traditional heavy metal.
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  Aptly titled, “Metalmorphosis” represents the complete metalization of timeless classics, each track reborn heavier, faster, darker, and more explosive. From the arena‑sized lift of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” to the brooding tension of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Triskelyon injects razor‑sharp riffing, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and blistering solos into every song. Fan‑favorite covers return as well, including the band’s celebrated renditions of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Major Tom (Coming Home),” “It Doesn’t Really Matter,” and “Nobody’s Business.”​
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  Drawing from icons such as Tears for Fears, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Men Without Hats, Men at Work, Platinum Blonde, Peter Schilling, and Bryan Adams, the album stands as both a tribute to the golden age of rock and pop and a declaration of Triskelyon’s limitless creative fire. Each track preserves the unforgettable hooks that made these songs legendary while amplifying them into full‑throttle metallic weapons.
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  More than a covers album, “Metalmorphosis” is a celebration of transformation through metal, a collision of nostalgia and aggression that proves Triskelyon can reshape any musical form into molten steel. As with previous releases, all songs were mixed and mastered by Michael Small, with album artwork by Ellim.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/42SL4SDxh88LWrMfhoc2Te​

  Download on Bandcamp - https://triskelyon.bandcamp.com/album/metalmorphosis​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears cover)
  2. Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams cover)
  3. The Safety Dance (Men Without Hats cover)
  4. Overkill (Men at Work cover)
  5. Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar cover)
  6. Nobody's Business (Billy Idol cover) <Downfall album>
  7. It Doesn't Really Matter (Platinum Blonde Cover) <Artificial Insanity album>
  8. Hungry Like The Wolf (Duran Duran Cover) <Shattered Elysium album>
  9. Major Tom (Coming Home) (Peter Schilling Cover) <Maelstrom of Chaos album>

  Note: ALL album-released covers are the same except “Major Tom,” which is a remaster (not a remix).

  Note: 5 brand new covers packaged with the 4 covers already done into one compilation album!

  More info:

  ​https://www.moribundcult.com/​

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

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

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• FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Debut Self-Titled Album + New Video "Fire Inside"

  Aug 21, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The wait is over. Famous Strangers have officially released their debut self‑titled album, a heavy, emotional, genre‑breaking first statement from one of Alberta’s most exciting new heavy rock acts. Built on themes of self‑worth, growth, vulnerability, and raw honesty, the album delivers a full‑spectrum listening experience that moves from explosive riffs to atmospheric introspection, always anchored by the band’s signature unpredictability and emotional depth.
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  At its core, the record is about knowing your worth, breaking free from what holds you back, choosing yourself, and emerging stronger on the other side. Across seven tracks, the band blends grunge, punk, blues, classic metal, and modern heaviness into something moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing. Every song lives in its own world, yet the journey feels unified, intentional, and deeply personal.
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  The debut album showcases the band’s evolution over three years of writing, rewriting, experimenting, and trusting their instincts. Some riffs lived on guitarist Jeff Kittlitz's hard drive for over a decade before finally finding the right home. Some songs were born in a single jam session. One track, "Ghosts of Men," was written just three days before entering the studio. The result is a record that pushes boundaries, breaks rules, and refuses to sit still.

  "We feel like our first record will take them on a journey, evoking many different emotions that reflect the flow of this new album. Some may not understand what we are trying to do, but by the end, we hope they are surprised, refreshed, and inspired. We hope the lyrics dig deep into parts of them they didn't know existed or had hidden away. Opening their hearts and souls, making them feel unstoppable and worthy. Whatever they may be doing while listening, we want our music to captivate them, drawing them deeper into themselves. Feeling the emotional pull through each track. Moments of inspiration and grit, leading to a complete surrender of self. With a touch of silliness and definitely some seduction," adds the band.
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  To celebrate release day, Famous Strangers have shared a brand‑new rehearsal video for "Fire Inside," giving fans a raw, behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the album’s most powerful tracks. The song began as a progressive metal riff and evolved in the studio, becoming a grounding anthem about embracing mistakes, honouring your journey, and discovering the light within yourself. The track has a special history with the band, as it was once performed live by asking the audience for lyrical ideas while Amanda freestyled the entire song, including a legendary dinosaur‑themed version during a show date in Drumheller, AB.

  Famous Strangers features Amanda Kiernan (vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (guitar), Braden Sustrik (bass), and Brian “Beej” Jolly (drums), formed after years of crossing paths in the Alberta music scene, with members with roots in Compromise, Pugnacious, This Is War, The Order of Chaos, Sleeping Girl, and more. With decades of Alberta heavy‑music experience, they built a project on trust, honesty, and complete creative freedom. What began as casual jams evolved into a full creative force once Amanda joined in 2023. The chemistry was instant. Lyrics poured out, old riffs found new life, and the band quickly realized they had something far bigger than a side project.

  Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, the self-titled album is available on all digital platforms (Vinyl pre-order to be announced at a later date) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/famous-strangers

  Upcoming Show Dates:​
  Aug 6 - The Exchange - Regina, SK
  Aug 7 - Dickens - Calgary, AB
  Aug 21 - Album Release Show 1 - Rec Room - Edmonton, AB
  Aug 22 - Album Release Show 2 - Temple at Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB

  Track Listing:​
  1. Fire Inside - 4:06
  2. Ghosts of Men - 4:54
  3. Please Her - 4:34
  4. As Your Leader - 3:49
  5. Desires - 3:50
  6. Far Away from Home - 4:18
  7. Rain - 9:23
  Album Length: 34:57

  Album Band Line-up:​
  Jeff Kittlitz - Guitar, Back-up Vocals
  Amanda Kiernan - Vocals, Lyrics
  Braden Sustrik - Bass, Back-up Vocals
  Brian “Beej” Jolly - Drums, Back-up Vocals

  More info:

  ​https://www.famousstrangersband.com/​

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

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

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• Icelandic Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Announces Debut Album "Guðlaugar Saga" Out Sept 2026 + New Video “Heljarhlíð”

  Aug 21, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Sorcerous folk‑metal rising force Hrafnablót announces that their debut album, "Guðlaugar Saga," will be available on September 11, 2026.

  A true epic, "Guðlaugar Saga" blends Icelandic folklore, Sagas, magick, and folk‑metal tradition into a cohesive narrative concept record. The story follows Guðlaug, a modern woman hurled into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser, as she navigates battles, celebrations, kidnapping, fate, and the choice between returning home and reshaping history.
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  Sonically, "Guðlaugar Saga" contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.
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  The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.

  “We want to give listeners a sonic journey inspired by Icelandic nature and folklore, harsh, fragile, intimate, and always beautiful,” adds the band.

  After previewing tracks “Dísablót” and “Svartigaldur”, Hrafnablót is sharing their newest single and music video, “Heljarhlíð”, continuing the album’s narrative of Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into Iceland’s settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser.

  “Heljarhlíð” marks the first appearance of harsh vocals from keyboardist Ólafur Daði Jónsson, paired with the soaring clean vocals of Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir. Musically, the track channels melodic death metal influences and closes with a powerful vocal harmony.

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/5d5tsvnMNn38HrPFbwfd4h​

  Bandcamp - https://hrafnablot.bandcamp.com/​

  Hrafnablót was formed in Reykjavík, Iceland, in fall 2024 and channels the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick, Sagas, and folklore. Their music merges heavy riffs, folk influences, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, a sound deeply rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.
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  Since forming, the band has become a striking presence in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival. Their shows are ritualistic experiences, rich with visuals, storytelling, and dramatic intensity.

  Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, "Guðlaugar Saga" will be available on all digital platforms on September 11th, 2026.

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Spádómurinn - 1:49
  2. Dísablót - 5:44
  3. Heljarhlíð - 6:22
  4. Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur - 1:22
  5. Fögnuður - 5:41
  6. Nornarheimt - 5:21
  7. Svartigaldur - 5:17
  8. Heimþrá - 4:59
  9. Örlagavegur - 11:23
  Album Length: 48:02

  Band Line-up:​
  Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir - Vocals
  Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson - Bass & Backing Vocals
  Ólafur Daði Jónsson - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
  Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson - Guitar & Backing Vocals
  Andri Pétur Dalmar - Drums & Backing Vocals
  Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir - Guitar

  For more info:

  ​https://hrafnablot.is/​

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

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

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• GODFALL's New Single "Default" Confronts Modern Burnout and Your Life On Autopilot!

  Aug 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Calgary’s genre‑defying five‑piece Godfall return with their most introspective and hard‑hitting release, the single “Default”. A track that captures the suffocating repetition of living life on autopilot, the endless cycle of tasks, obligations, and burnout that leaves no room for surprise, growth, or self‑reflection. The band describes the song as a wake‑up call: a reminder that life is happening now, not after the to‑do list is finished.
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  As with all Godfall releases, “Default” was shaped through full‑band collaboration. Guitarist Omer Khan sparked the foundation of the track, bringing the initial riff and vibe that guided the vocal direction. Vocalists Karina Khristova and Abel Boban crafted lyrics that complement the music’s tension, choosing words, syllables, and melodies that highlight the emotional peaks of the instrumentation.
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  The band’s writing process remains fluid and democratic as their ideas are refined, reworked, and sometimes cut entirely if they don’t serve the song. This commitment to quality over quantity continues to define Godfall’s evolution.
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  Every member of Godfall comes from a different country and speaks a different first language, creating a melting pot of influences that shape their unique sound. Their music blends heaviness, melody, emotional storytelling, and raw grit, a mix fans often compare to Bad Omens and Evanescence, though the band prefers to let their own identity lead the way.
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  ​“Default” marks another step in Godfall’s ongoing refinement of their sonic identity, shifting between phases of anger, melancholy, and soaring melody while staying true to the heart‑first approach that defines their catalog.

  "I think Default will be a pleasant surprise since we are constantly refining our sound and working on our songwriting skills. I think ultimately we want our fans to have a Godfall song for any kind of day: a day when you're annoyed, sad, happy, motivated – you name it. We want them to be able to sing along and headbang at the same time," says Karina Khristova (Clean Vocals).

  Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Evanescence, Bring Me the Horizon, Bad Omens, and Linkin Park, listen to “Default” at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/23PvFFwfFYQWtyugbsDXua

  ​

  More info: https://linktr.ee/godfallband

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