Latest Articles

• PYTHONIC Sheds Its Skin w/ New EP "Laws of Karma" Out July 2026; Streaming Single “Sentience” + Western Canada Tour Support w/ Exit Wound

  May 29, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Saskatoon, Canada's Pythonic return in 2026 with "Laws of Karma," their heaviest and most personal release to date. Arriving July 10th, the EP marks the band’s third chapter following 2025’s "Decomposition" and 2024’s "EP01", pushing their signature death‑groove sound into darker, more aggressive territory. The first single, “Sentience,” is streaming now.
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  Rising from the ashes of their previous lineup, Pythonic have rebuilt themselves into a tighter, more ferocious unit, aggressive, groovy, raw, thick, and dirty. The new EP captures that evolution with revamped tracks, sharpened performances, and a renewed focus on emotional intensity and extreme heaviness.
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  ​“These songs mark the true step forward for Pythonic. Even the ‘worst’ track on the EP is still a killer. We’re driving the death‑groove harder than ever,” says the band.
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  ​"Laws of Karma" delivers five tracks forged from hardship, recovery, and personal transformation, written during periods of physical limitation, disability, and emotional turmoil. The EP captures Pythonic’s resilience and their determination to create music that moved others, even when they themselves could not. Musically, the record pushes deeper into death‑metal and slam territory while holding tight to the groove‑driven backbone that defines the band, resulting in tighter rhythms, heavier riffs, ripping solos, and vocals that swing between grit, terror, and raw catharsis.
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  At its core, "Laws of Karma" is the final evolution of older, unrecorded material, now rewritten, re‑lyricized, and reborn through the current lineup. Tracks like "Venom," "Set You Free," "Feed the Flames," and the title track channel deeply personal experiences, religious critique, abusive relationships, supernatural horror, and the consequences of one’s actions. The EP’s artwork, created by @apocalyptic.nuke, depicts a figure impaled on a liberty scale in a hellscape, a stark visual metaphor for karmic justice that ties directly into the record’s themes.
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  “This is the first set of music that is fully me. We made music to make you move when we ourselves at times could not,” says vocalist Morgan.
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  The lead single “Sentience” is Pythonic at their most emotionally charged. Written after guitarist Vincent returned from a nearly two‑year hiatus caused by injury, the track channels existential dread, rebirth, and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity. Lyrically, the song explores the chaos of awakening, questioning reality, confronting internal contradictions, and wrestling with the burden of awareness.
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  ​“It’s as though sentience itself is calling out to you, telling you that you can’t escape it,” adds the band.
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  The track’s head‑banging verse riff, crushing chorus breakdown, and standout vocal performance from Morgan make it one of the band’s strongest singles to date.

  Listen to "Sentience" at the following links:

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/0sgsoKfdkUTIGRKggTPNf3?si=7fb02f34759645b8​

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  In additional news, Pythonic will join Calgary’s Exit Wound for select Western Canada dates, bringing their destructive live energy to new cities. Known for their tight performances and explosive crowd response, Pythonic continue to build a reputation as one of Saskatchewan's most intense rising acts.

  Tour Dates (with Exit Wound):
  ​May 28 – Regina, SK – The Exchange (Club Side)
  May 29 – The Pas, MB – Venue TBA
  May 30 – Brandon, MB – The Hall
  May 31 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage
  June 5 – Calgary, AB – The Rock Shop
  June 6 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room (Temple Stage)

  Track Listing:​
  1. Laws of Karma (3:17)
  2. Feed The Flames (3:52)
  3. Set You Free (4:07)
  4. Sentience (4:36)
  5. Venom (2:59)
  EP Length: 18:51

  EP and Live Lineup:​
  Morgan Warriner - Lead Vocals
  Ryan Hunter - Lead Guitar
  Vincent Kohut - Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
  Max Hiske - Bass
  Jayden Warriner - Drums

  More info:

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

  ​https://instagram.com/pythonicband​

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• Edmonton's FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Explosive Single “Ghosts of Men”

  May 29, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Edmonton, Canada’s heavy rock force, Famous Strangers, unveils the explosive single “Ghosts of Men” from their long‑awaited self‑titled debut album, co‑produced with Phil Anderson, mixed by Joel Wanasek, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, set for release on August 21, 2026.

  “Ghosts of Men” was originally somewhat written back when Braden, Beej, and Jeff first got together, but put on the back burner. It was then rewritten, including vocals, just three days before entering the studio. The track evolved rapidly into one of the album’s most personal and hard‑hitting tracks.

  “Famous Strangers tear down the double standard with ‘Ghosts of Men,’ a track that hits as hard as the conversation it starts. Bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore,” adds Kiernan

  The music video takes a wild, tongue‑in‑cheek look at the emotional chaos of being ghosted, an over‑the‑top visual interpretation of the song’s raw vulnerability.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/ghosts-of-men​

  The self-titled album marks the band’s first full‑length statement after a run of well‑received singles and videos throughout 2024–2025, including "Deep Star," "George," "I’ll See You in the Stars," and "LSC". Built on decades of collective experience in the Alberta music scene, Famous Strangers deliver a sound that is unpredictable, moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing, a fusion of classic heavy rock energy with modern emotional depth.

  Famous Strangers formed organically after years of crossing paths in the Edmonton scene. Guitarist Jeff Kittlitz and drummer Beej had accumulated several original songs over a decade of part-time jamming. Bassist Braden Sustrik and Beej had a history in other past projects, and he was integrated into the jams around 2018. When vocalist Amanda Kiernan joined in 2023, everything clicked instantly.

  “The connection was undeniable, the energy and vibe were pure magic. The lyrics poured out of me as if they’d been waiting for this exact moment,” says Kiernan.

  The self‑titled debut is built around a central theme: knowing your worth. Drawing from deeply personal experiences, the album explores self‑love, growth, resilience, and the journey of breaking free from what holds you back. Musically, it’s a dynamic ride through heavy grunge‑soaked riffs, explosive high‑energy moments, atmospheric breakdowns, and softer introspective passages. The band pushes genre boundaries, embracing creative freedom and emotional honesty. Tracks range from the empowering opener “Fire Inside”, to the punk‑driven alien‑abduction romp “Far Away from Home”, to the blues‑infused vulnerability of “Rain.”

  Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, the self-titled album is available for pre-order / pre-save (Vinyl/Digital) (Out August 21, 2026) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/famous-strangers​

  Album artwork and track listing will be revealed in the coming weeks.

  Upcoming Show Dates:​
  June 27 - Decimate MetalFest - Millet, AB
  July 3 - The Slice - Lethbridge, AB
  July 4 - The Blox - Calgary, AB
  Aug 6 through 20 - Western Canadian Tour
  Aug 21 - Album Release Show 1 - Rec Room - Edmonton, AB
  Aug 22 - Album Release Show 2 - Temple Starlite - Edmonton, AB

  More info:

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

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

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

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  About: Famous Strangers is a heavy metal band from Sherwood Park, Alberta. Rooted in the classics and built for today, the band brings together four veterans of the Alberta music scene with over 20 years of collective experience. With four singles, a music video for every release, and a debut album on vinyl dropping in August 2026, Famous Strangers is all raw power, emotional depth, and a sound that refuses to sit still.

   

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• Streaming Now! Prog Fusion Visionaries LUFEH's New Album "Overwhelmed"

  May 28, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Progressive rock collective LUFEH will release their highly anticipated sophomore album "Overwhelmed" on May 29th, marking a major new chapter for the band as they continue to evolve their sophisticated fusion of prog rock, metal, jazz, and Brazilian musical influences. Fans will get their first chance to hear the full record a day early with an exclusive album stream premiere on TheProgSpace at https://theprogspace.com/lufeh-overwhelmed-album-premiere/​
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  The release follows a powerful run of singles that have steadily revealed the album’s musical depth and emotional range. “He Commands the Sun and the Stars”, the first single, is a rhythmically complex yet instantly memorable track that sets the tone for the album’s direction.
  “Overwhelmed”, the cinematic title track featuring a standout violin performance from new featured vocalist Ginny Luke. “Double Dip”, a time‑shifting prog fusion piece highlighted by the exotic Bulbul Tarang. “War of Emotions”, the band’s heaviest single to date, explores the internal battles of the self.

  
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  Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and produced by keyboardist Gera Penna, "Overwhelmed" represents LUFEH’s most refined and expressive work to date. While the band’s debut "Luggage Falling Down" leaned heavily into technicality, the new album strikes a deliberate balance: intricate musicianship paired with catchy, memorable vocal melodies designed to stay with listeners long after the songs end.
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  “We still have that elaborate, complicated playing, but this time every song has vocal parts and choruses that are easy to remember and sing along to. It’s complicated music that’s also catchy,” says band founder and drummer Lufeh Batera.

  
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  The album also marks the arrival of Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s new featured vocalist and electric violinist. Known for her work with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and more, she brings a dynamic voice and violin performances that add a new dimension to the band’s sound.
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  Though Lufeh Batera resides in Los Angeles and the rest of the band is based in São Paulo, Brazil, the group crafted nearly 70% of the album online, exchanging ideas daily and refining arrangements collaboratively. Longtime musical partners Deio Tambasco (guitar) and Duca Tambasco (bass) bring decades of chemistry, having played with Lufeh since the early ’90s.

  
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  The band’s creative process remains deeply collective, something Batera says defines their identity:
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  ​“Our creative process is like a drawing that passes from hand to hand. Everyone adds their own stroke until it has the right colors and depth.”​
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  Across its eight tracks, "Overwhelmed" explores themes of pressure, renewal, duality, longing, and self‑reflection. From the rock‑opera drama of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost” to the uplifting message of “Breathe” and the spiritual catharsis of “End of the Tunnel,” the album blends technical mastery with emotional storytelling.

  
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  With influences ranging from Dream Theater and Rush to Vola, Tool, and Haken, LUFEH’s new album stands as their most cohesive and expressive work yet. It’s a record built for both musicians and melody‑seekers, complex, modern, refined, and deeply human.

  Album pre-order (Out May 29th, 2026) - Bandcamp - https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0an1zJbJGzCFkoXapSmjaB​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
  2. Breathe – 4:03
  3. Double Dip – 4:39
  4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
  5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
  6. Live The New Today – 4:50
  7. War of Emotions – 3:50
  8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

  Album and Live Band Line Up:​
  Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
  Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
  Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
  Lufeh Batera – Drums
  Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

  More Info:

  ​https://www.lufehband.com​

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

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

  About:

  LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical precision with emotional depth and genre‑bending influences. Formed by drummer Lufeh after a long hiatus from music, the band now features guitarist Deio Tambasco, bassist Duca Tambasco, keyboardist/producer Gera Penna, and vocalist/violinist Ginny Luke. Their sound draws inspiration from Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, Haken, and Brazilian musical traditions.

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• VICTORIA K – New single “Oh So Weary”; The First Glimpse From Upcoming Album “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”

  May 28, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Australian gothic/modern metal act Victoria K unveil “Oh So Weary”, the first single taken from the upcoming album “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”.

  With “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”, Victoria K moves toward a darker and more intimate sound, combining gothic atmospheres, modern heaviness, haunting melodies, and emotionally driven songwriting. The album expands the band’s sonic identity while exploring themes of grief, mortality, vulnerability, and rebirth.

  “Oh So Weary” offers the first glimpse of this new direction through a composition that balances fragility, tension, and crushing dynamics. Layered arrangements, haunting melodies, and a sharp modern production approach - helmed by producer Lee Bradshaw and elevated through Lance Prenc’s mixing and mastering - shape a track that feels both massive and deeply personal. Additional electronic textures and sound design elements further reinforce the song’s contemporary edge and immersive atmosphere.

  The single reflects on mortality and on the human body as a temporary shell inhabited by the soul. Recurring references to “home” and “house” symbolise physical existence itself, questioning what may remain once that form disappears.

  Rather than relying on traditional genre formulas, Victoria K continues refining a sound built around atmosphere, emotional weight, and contemporary influences. Over the years, the Australian act has developed a distinctive identity within the modern gothic and alternative metal landscape through dynamic songwriting and cinematic storytelling.

  Further details regarding “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”, including the album release date, will be revealed in the coming months. Stay tuned!

  Listen to “Oh So Weary” here: https://lnk.to/b2R91u

  ​For fans of: Spiritbox, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil

  VICTORIA K lineup:​
  ​
  ​Victoria Knight: Vocals
  ​Charlie Curnow: Extreme Vocals
  ​James Davies: Drums
  ​Ethan Collusi: Bass

  BIOGRAPHY:

  Emerging from the sepulchral mists and haunted landscapes of ancient myth, Victoria K cast a lengthening shadow over Australia and beyond. Leading the Australian Gothic Metal charge with soaring vocals, expansive melodies, and bombastic songwriting that draws on the resonance of the oldest tales and fresh emotion.

  Victoria K first came to the notice of listeners with their single "Lacuna," which was distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia) and was an early taste of things to come with their debut album, "Essentia".

  Soon after the release of the 2019 single "Lacuna" ahead of the band’s first album, Victoria K were invited to support Swiss Folk Metal legends Eluveitie at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom. Though this was Victoria K’s first live outing, they took the crowd by storm and left them chanting for more. This entry into the live scene set the stage for the release of "Essentia" perfectly.

  The diversity of music across the "Essentia" album is showcased across the four single/video releases - "Essentia", "Forsaken", "The Haunting", and "Matrix". While "Forsaken" reaches into the darker corners of Victoria K’s musical palette, "Matrix," by contrast, is a fast and uplifting song guaranteed to get the blood pumping.

  Just as Victoria K was about to play their first headline show, however, the world was plunged into the throes of lockdowns and the now-infamous pandemic. Even in the face of such a challenging time for the music industry, the band remained undeterred and performed a live show streamed directly from the studio, which was later released as the DVD "Essentia - Live Isolation Concert".

  By the time the world opened up again, Victoria K were ravenous for touring and embarked upon an extensive trek across the Great Southern Land that took in capital cities and regional towns alike, from their hometown of Melbourne to Whyalla.

  Even as they toured, Victoria K showed no sign of slowing down in their songwriting, and 2023 saw the release of their sophomore album "Kore". For this release, Knight drew on her own Greek heritage to weave an enchanting interpretation of the story of Persephone, including lyrics and chants sung in Ancient Greek to truly capture the epic tale.

  The lineage from such luminaries of Gothic Metal as Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, and Evanescence, as well as Prog/Power acts like Evergrey and Melbourne’s own Teramaze, to Victoria K is clear; however, with their latest release, Victoria K pays tribute to a more surprising inspiration, Madonna. In April 2024, Victoria K released their heavy rendition of the iconic 1998 ballad "Frozen", running the gamut from heavy riffs to more dulcet moments, giving homage to the soulful and introspective nature of the song.

  In addition to Knight’s majestic lead vocals, Victoria K’s current touring line-up includes Charlie Curnow tearing up the stage on harsh vocals, Ethan Colussi holding down the bottom end on bass, and the indomitable percussive machine of James Davies on drums.

  Victoria K has amassed over 475,000 streams on Spotify and accumulated over 717,000 views on YouTube, averaging over 90 hours a month of watch time, with Matrix achieving over 150,000 views. They also boast over 6300 Facebook, 4000 Instagram, and 2700 TikTok followers, as well as over 6600 YouTube subscribers and 1000 monthly Spotify listeners primarily in Australia and the US.

  With Victoria K leaning into epic and fantastical tales, it’s only fitting that they supported Blind Guardian at the Northcote Theatre on Friday, February 9, 2024, and Katatonia at The Croxton on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

  Victoria K’s have recorded their 3rd studio album, "The Pleasure of Sorrow." The details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

  More info:
  ​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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

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• China's DEHUMANIZING ITATRAIN WORSHIP Drops “Yomi” A Slam‑Fueled Tribute to Acheron and Japanese Folklore From New Album "二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex"

  May 28, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  China’s most unhinged fusion of anime culture and extreme metal, Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship, return with their newest single “Yomi”, taken from their upcoming full‑length album "二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex" out this July 2026 through Stillbirth Records, the subsidiary label from Gore House Productions. ​
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  Known globally as “the best anime death metal from China,” the band continues to push their bizarre, hyper‑violent, kawaii‑infected sound to new extremes. With brain‑melting anime‑style melodies, high‑speed blast beats, and a chaotic blend of J‑pop, brutal death metal, blackgaze, and Japanese folk, DIW have carved out one of the most unique identities in modern extreme music.
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  Having toured extensively across China, Japan, and Europe, and appearing at major festivals including Deathfeast Open Air, Eastsea Metal Fest, Monster Kill EU Tour, and Shockwave Fest, along with sharing the stage with such bands as Suicide Silence, Stillbirth, Born of Osiris, Origin, Belphegor, Vulvectomy, and more, the band now prepares to unleash their most ambitious and personal work yet.
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  Today, the band unveils their new single "Yomi" featuring Alan Grnja (Distant). The song stands as one of the album’s most striking and emotionally charged tracks, blending DIW’s signature slam brutality with Japanese folk elements and a solemn, atmospheric tone.
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  ​“‘Yomi’ features Alan Grnja from the Dutch deathcore heavyweights Distant. We blended in Japanese folk elements here. It’s solemn yet fierce, I think you guys are going to love it,” adds vocalist Kiryu.
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  The track follows the atmospheric piano interlude “Utsushiyo”, setting the stage for a descent into a mythic, folkloric underworld inspired by the character Acheron from Honkai: Star Rail.​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/1fyoWtozo3cyRSOTiUrGuc

  "二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex" marks a major evolution for Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship, both musically and lyrically. While the band first gained notoriety for their meme‑driven anime‑slam chaos, this album digs deeper into Otaku psychology, isolation, and emotional collapse.
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  ​“We moved away from pure gore this time to focus more on anime culture, the hikikomori life, and my own mental state. These Otaku memes are just a shell. What’s actually inside is pain, hatred, and a genuine urge for self‑destruction. Imagine a car crash in Akihabara, that’s our music in a nutshell. We threw in everything from J‑pop and Blackgaze to Japanese folk. Every track is meant to stick with you. This album refuses to be boring,” adds Kiryu.​
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  Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship was formed from the collision of Japanese animation and extreme metal. DIW has become one of the most recognizable names in the global slam scene. Their sound is fast, brutal, kawaii, weird, and funny, a chaotic blend that has earned them a cult following across Asia and Europe.
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  For fans of: Ingested, Vulvodynia, Within Destruction, and Maximum The Hormone.

  Due out on July 10, 2026, from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions, "二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex" is available for pre-order / pre-save at: https://orcd.co/2d-complex​
  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Lucky☆Slam - 1:32
  2. Slamonogatari (feat. Andrew Lee from Ripped to Shreds) - 3:57
  3. Brutal Panzer - 3:14
  4. Twisted Light (feat. Akihiro Muto from Agent 0) - 3:11
  5. 苦痛昇天 (feat. Yui from Earthists.) - 3:03
  6. Song of the Neet (feat. Yanchi from 5PM Promise and Matt Yakesh from No Face No Case) - 3:35
  7. Utsushiyo - 1:38
  8. Yomi (feat. Alan Grnja from Distant) - 4:01
  9. 約束 (feat. Niik from Pale) - 5:51
  Album Length: 30:03

  Album and Live Band Line Up:​
  Kiryu Zhang - Vocals
  Xenochrist - Guitar
  Zen - Bass
  Shiru - Drums
  Khezk - Composer

  More info: ​Gorehouseproductions.com​ | Facebook.com/DehumanizingItatrainWorship | Instagram.com/dehumanizing_itatrain_worship​

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