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• ORBIT CULTURE at The Gramercy Theatre 03/11/26

  Mar 14, 2026 ArmyOfOneTV 0 Comments

   

  

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• “Where The Raven Flies”: RAVENMOCKER’s New Single Elevates Native American Storytelling

  Mar 12, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   Southern California melodic death metal newcomers Ravenmocker have unleashed their second single, "Where The Raven Flies," in 2026, following the strong reception of their debut track, "Infallible." The new single continues building the band’s identity: soaring melody, cultural storytelling, and a modern take on the melodic death metal spirit once championed by acts like Children of Bodom, Insomnium, and Kalmah.

  Formed in 2025 by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney after departing Thrown Into Exile, Ravenmocker was born from a desire to create music that honored Tierney’s Native American heritage while embracing the emotional depth and melodic aggression he had been writing for years.

  “I wanted to forge my own path with songs that didn’t have a home yet. Ravenmocker became the vessel for that—something cultural, melodic, and meaningful,” says Tierney.

  "Where The Raven Flies" is an anthemic, cinematic track that tells the origin story of the Raven Mocker, a cryptid from Adirondack and Cherokee lore. Known as a harbinger of death, the Raven Mocker feeds on the sick and dying, stealing the remaining years of its victims’ lives. The single paints vivid imagery of the creature soaring over forests and villages, acting as both reaper and omen.

  The single’s artwork mirrors this mythology: a raven perched on a branch beneath a rising moon, its eyes glowing with supernatural intensity as a flock circles overhead. The visual directly reflects the music video filmed in Angeles National Forest, captured by Darkslate Media.

  “Kim and Andrew took the song’s visceral, lofty feel and turned it into visual art. It’s beautiful, eerie, and exactly what the track needed,” explains Tierney.

  Compared to "Infallible," the band describes the new single as “loftier, more epic, and meant to feel like gliding over mountains and trees while still hitting hard.”

  Ravenmocker’s lineup brings together musicians from across the Southern California metal scene: vocalist and guitarist Tom Tierney (formerly Thrown Into Exile), guitarist George Patmas (ex‑Dianthus), drummer Dylan Suierveld (Levinia), and bassist Will Buckley (Levinia, Anubis).

  Their combined influences, melodic death metal, blues, prog, jazz, funk, and even classic country, shape a sound that is intricate yet accessible, emotional yet aggressive.

  “We want to write songs people can sing with us at shows. Melodies that stick with you. Emotion you can feel,” adds Tierney.

  The band’s writing process is collaborative and evolving. While Tierney brought the foundation of the first EP, the new material is shaped by all members. "Where The Raven Flies" itself features a key change and expanded structure suggested by drummer Dylan, an example of the band’s open, exploratory approach.

  Ravenmocker’s first single, "Infallible," quickly gained traction online, with early clips surpassing 75,000 views and drawing praise for its melodic hooks and nostalgic energy reminiscent of early 2000s melodic death metal. Fans have responded to the band’s blend of modern production, emotional lyricism, and classic melodic sensibilities.

  “We want to give the scene something familiar enough to feel nostalgic, but unique enough to be refreshing. There’s beauty in simplicity and melody, and we’re leaning into that,” adds Tierney.

  With "Where The Raven Flies" marking the second release of 2026, Ravenmocker is preparing to introduce their full debut EP later this year. The band promises a wide emotional and musical range, from thrashy aggression to ballad‑like atmosphere, crafted to resonate with fans of melodic death metal’s golden era while carving out a new identity of their own.

  “We’re just getting started. These songs were years in the making. Now we finally get to share them,” comments Tierney.

  "Where The Raven Flies" can be heard along with its music video premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

  Spotify pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ravenmocker/where-the-raven-flies/​

  More info:

  ​https://www.ravenmocker.net/​

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

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

  ​https://www.tiktok.com/ravenmockerofficial

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• METATRONE Unveils New Single “Stato Infame” From New Album SANGUEACQUA

  Mar 11, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Italian Christian power-prog metal band Metatrone returns with the new single “Stato Infame”, alongside an official lyric video. The track is the third preview from the band’s upcoming album “SANGUEACQUA”, scheduled for release on March 13th, 2026, from Rockshots Records, marking the group’s long-awaited return ten years after their acclaimed album "Eucharismetal".

  Following the previously released singles “Emmaus” and “Facsimile”, “Stato Infame” further reveals the musical and conceptual direction of the new record. Musically, the song combines Metatrone’s trademark blend of European power metal energy, progressive structures, and sharp thrash-driven riffing supported by the dynamic interplay between Jo Lombardo’s commanding lead vocals and the distinctive vocal contributions of keyboardist David Brown.

  Lyrically, “Stato Infame” addresses the humiliation and oppression of collective identity under abusive political power. The song depicts a society where the dignity of an entire people is mocked, manipulated, and ultimately crushed by authority - a warning shaped by historical memory and moral responsibility. Within the broader concept of “SANGUEACQUA”, the track represents one of the album’s most direct and uncompromising statements about identity, freedom, and resistance.
  ​
  The upcoming album “SANGUEACQUA” stands as a manifesto of identity for the band - both human and artistic. Across its eight tracks, Metatrone explores different dimensions of identity: personal, spiritual, cultural, and collective. The result is a record that merges melodic power metal roots with a sharper, more aggressive sonic approach while preserving the band’s unmistakable stylistic signature.

  After years marked by lineup changes, personal challenges, and the global pandemic, “SANGUEACQUA” represents a powerful statement of resilience and rebirth for the band.

  Just one day after the album’s release, Metatrone will perform at the prestigious Elements Of Rock Festival in Uster, Switzerland, on March 14th, 2026, one of the most important events in the international Christian metal scene. The appearance will mark the band’s official return to the stage with the new material.

  With “Stato Infame”, Metatrone delivers a fierce and uncompromising chapter in the story of “SANGUEACQUA”, reaffirming their identity as one of the most distinctive voices in European Christian metal.

  For fans of: Theocracy, Stratovarius, Angra

  DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/uvhvyy​
  ​​
  New album “SANGUEACQUA” out March 13th, 2026 as CD / DIGITAL

  PRE ORDER "SANGUEACQUA": https://rockshots.eu/products/metatrone-sangueacqua-cd​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Fuori dal tempio – 3:42
  2. Stato Infame – 4:09
  3. Emmaus – 4:19
  4. Facsimile – 4:41
  5. I Want Out (Helloween cover) – 4:44
  6. Il mio dolore – 4:36
  7. Un nome nuovo – 3:59
  8. Anima Christi – 3:09
  ​
  ​Metatrone Line-Up:​
  Jo Lombardo: Lead Vocals, Keyboards
  Stefano "Ghigas" Calvagno: Guitars, Bass
  David Brown: Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Growl
  Simone Alberti: Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/metatroneband/ | https://www.facebook.com/metatroneband/

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• ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2026 Lineup w/ RIVERS OF NIHIL, DYING FETUS, CYBORG OCTOPUS, INTO ETERNITY, FERVENCE, VINTERSEA and more!

  Mar 9, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  ARMSTRONG METALFEST is proud to announce their most devastating lineup to date for 2026 with co-headliners RIVERS OF NIHIL and DYING FETUS, along with CYBORG OCTOPUS, INTO ETERNITY, FERVENCE, VINTERSEA, LYCANTHRO, IRON KINGDOM, ODINFIST, ART OF ATTRITION and many more!

  The loudest and most extreme music festival returns for its 16th year of delivering British Columbia, Canada's ultimate mountain mosh pit on July 17 and 18, 2026, at the Hassen Arena in the Okanagan town of Armstrong. Fans can look forward to two full days of moshing, headbanging, thrash wrestling, and camping.

  Check out the festival Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0jvJmitxkamWl1FaGxcUmr​

  Early bird tickets have already sold out, with advance pre-sale tickets now available until midnight (PST) on July 9th.

  Festival passes are available at: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets/

  All prices apply to full weekend passes and are subject to applicable taxes. Each weekend pass grants general admission and access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 18, 2026. Free camping is included.

  ​(Tickets will be mailed starting after March 9th if you have chosen the “Ticket Mailed” option.)

  Headlining opening night, Friday, July 17th, Reading, PA progressive/technical death metal juggernauts Rivers of Nihil bring their blend of crushing heaviness with atmospheric and experimental elements to the Okanagan. They’ve become one of the most forward‑thinking acts in modern extreme metal. Their breakthrough album, Where Owls Know My Name, charted on the Billboard 200, cementing their reputation for pushing genre boundaries. The band has released five studio albums, including their most recent self‑titled record, Rivers of Nihil (2025), which marks a new era with a refreshed lineup and an evolution of their sound.

  ​

  Joining them on opening night is San Francisco’s Cyborg Octopus, a genre‑bending force blending progressive metalcore with jazz, funk, electronic music, and experimental rock. Known for high‑energy performances and boundary‑pushing musicianship, they’ve become a standout act in the Bay Area metal scene. Their acclaimed releases Between the Light and Air (2022) and Bottom Feeder (2024) showcase their mix of technical precision, sci‑fi themes, and adventurous songwriting, making them one of the most exciting and eclectic bands in modern progressive metal.

  ​

  A highlight for Friday night is up-and-comers Fervence, a progressive metalcore band originally from Reno, NV, now based in Austin, TX. Their sound blends atmospheric ambience with heavy, emotionally charged intensity, drawing on influences like Deftones and Architects. After lineup changes and the addition of vocalist Stevie B, the band entered a new creative era, leading to their signing with Metal Blade Records in 2025. Their debut album, Ghost (2020), established their cinematic, immersive style, and they continue to build momentum through dynamic live performances and evolving songwriting. Fervence stand out for their mix of technical precision, lush soundscapes, and raw emotional weight.

  Music Video - Age of Aquarius - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsBAkPwXIb0​

  Headlining Saturday, July 18th, and closing night is legendary Dying Fetus, considered one of the most defining acts of American extreme metal. They bring decades of legacy, unmatched heaviness and nine studio albums under their belt. Their performances are known for precision, intensity, and crowd‑moving power, making them a cornerstone act for any extreme‑metal‑focused event.

  ​

  Supporting day two of AMF is Into Eternity, the Canadian (Regina, SK) progressive/melodic death‑metal veterans whose nearly three‑decade career is defined by technical precision, soaring clean vocals, fierce growls, and dramatic, forward-driven songwriting. Currently, they are finishing their long‑awaited new studio album, their first with vocalist Stu Block (ex-Iced Earth) since his return to the band. Fans will feel the emotional intensity and a powerful blend of old‑school roots and modern, boundary‑pushing metal energy that this band projects to the masses.

  ​

  Also featured on day two of the festival is Vintersea, a band whose identity is shaped by the Pacific Northwest and a blend of extreme and atmospheric metal elements. They bring a distinctive mix of melodic death metal, blackened textures, post‑metal atmosphere, and intricate musicianship, rooted in their origins in Portland and Corvallis, Oregon.

  ​

  Other standout attractions at this year’s AMF include a return from festival alumni and Vancouver heavy‑metal champions Iron Kingdom, performing in support of their upcoming sixth studio album "Shadows and Dust," arriving in June. The Okanagan’s own Odinfist will mark their 20th anniversary with a special set featuring fan favourites from across their catalogue. Also on the bill are Nott, the Seattle‑based deathcore/sludge duo known for their bleak atmosphere and Alaska‑to‑Washington roots, and Edmonton’s genre‑defying force The Judge The Juror, whose sound blends elements of PsyDeathTechProg into something entirely their own.

  Armstrong MetalFest 2026 Lineup:
  ​
  ​Friday, July 17th​
  Rivers of Nihil (Reading, PA)
  Cyborg Octopus (San Francisco, CA)
  Fervence (Austin, TX)
  Nott (Seattle, WA)
  Iron Kingdom (Vancouver, BC)
  Lycanthro (Ottawa, ON)
  W.M.D. (Vancouver, BC)
  Syryn (Calgary, AB)
  Nameless King (Vancouver, BC
  Frosthymn (Calgary, AB)
  Die Another Day (Calgary, AB)
  Pharm (Kelowna, BC)
  Storm the Empire (Kelowna, BC)
  Shotgun Divine (Nelson, BC)
  Skeksis (Vernon, BC)
  ​
  ​Saturday, July 18th​
  Dying Fetus (Baltimore, MD)
  Into Eternity (Regina, SK)
  Vintersea (Portland, OR)
  Odinfist (Okanagan, BC)
  Wych (Calgary, AB)
  Art of Attrition (Red Deer, AB)
  Fallen Sun (Prince George, BC)
  The Judge The Juror (Edmonton, AB)
  Brain Stem (Edmonton, AB)
  Gregorious (Kamloops, BC)
  Empalement (Victoria, BC)
  Broken Crow (Kamloops, BC)
  Daniel Martin & The Infamous (Edmonton, AB)
  The Collapse (Kelowna, BC)

  In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest will have the following on-site activities: Yeti Games, Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling.

  Please Note: Camping – RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, a vehicle pass is not required.

  For more info:​
  https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/​

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

  ​https://www.instagram.com/armstrongmetalfest/​
  ​
  ​https://x.com/amfcanada

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• NEFASTIS' Dark Concept Album "Shadows At The Light Of Dawn" + New Music Video "Vortex of Light"

  Mar 6, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Italian symphonic death metal band Nefastis mark the release of their new studio album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, out today, March 6th, 2026, a concept work unfolding across four acts and conceived as a single, continuous sonic journey. Alongside the album release, the band also unveiled the official video for the track “Vortex Of Light”, one of the record’s most intense and dynamically layered compositions.

  Conceived as a concept album unfolding across four acts, “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” develops as a continuous narrative and sonic journey set in a bleak post-apocalyptic world. Each act opens with an instrumental composition that introduces the atmosphere of the chapter ahead, allowing the record to evolve as a cohesive listening experience in which orchestral textures, progressive structures, and extreme metal intensity coexist within a single dramatic arc.

  Across its twelve tracks, the album blends symphonic death metal with elements drawn from classical music, progressive rock, and extreme metal traditions. Violent riff-driven passages alternate with melancholic orchestral interludes and expansive progressive arrangements, creating a constantly shifting dynamic landscape that reinforces the narrative dimension of the work.

  Following the release of the singles “Shadow Spell” and “Stardust”, the album now emerges in its complete form, revealing the full scope of the band’s vision. At the center of this new chapter stands “Vortex Of Light,” accompanied by a newly released official video. The track embodies the album’s dual identity: energetic thrash-death riffing and relentless rhythmic drive merge with symphonic layers and melodic tension, striking a powerful balance between aggression and atmosphere.

  Formed in 2008 by Andrea Lenzi and Simone Colombo, Nefastis debuted with the concept album "De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis". After a period of inactivity and lineup changes, the band gradually reshaped its musical identity, evolving from its original thrash/death roots toward a broader symphonic death metal direction.

  With “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, the band consolidates that evolution. The album expands the orchestral dimension already hinted at in earlier material while strengthening the progressive approach to songwriting, resulting in a record that is both technically intricate and narratively cohesive.

  Recorded across several studios in Italy and mixed by Frank Altare at 33Hz Studio, the album was mastered by Toni Lindgren at the renowned Fascination Street Studios in Sweden, known for his work with acts such as Angra, Amorphis, Kreator, Dimmu Borgir, and Opeth.

  Blending symphonic grandeur, progressive structures, and extreme metal intensity, “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” represents the most ambitious and fully realized chapter in the band’s journey so far.

  For fans of: Wintersun, Hypocrisy, Fleshgod Apocalypse

  ​​

  New album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” out today, March 6th, 2026

  ORDER "Shadows At The Light Of Dawn"
  ​https://rockshots.eu/products/nefastis-shadows-at-the-light-of-dawn-cd​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Cosmic Silence at the Edge of the New World – 2:50
  2. Shadow Spell – 4:30
  3. Seduced by the Beauty of the Darkness – 5:05
  4. Absence of Illumination – 2:52
  5. Tears of the Past – 4:29
  6. Vortex of Light – 5:09
  7. Lights of Dawn – 3:43
  8. Alone Again – 5:57
  9. Stardust – 5:05
  10. Blackened Vision – 2:45
  11. Collapsing Dream – 8:01
  12. Flowers Swept Away by the Autumn – 5:33
  Album Length: 55:58
  ​​
  Nefastis Line-Up:​
  Simone Colombo: Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars
  Andrea Lenzi: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals, Orchestrations
  Fulvio Manganini: Bass
  Claudio Invidia: Drums
  ​
  ​More info:

  ​https://rockshots.eu/​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/nefastis.italy/​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/nefastis.italy​

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