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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.
  ​
  ​“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.
  ​
  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.

  ​
  ​"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.
  ​
  ​“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.
  ​
  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.
  ​
  ​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​
  ​
  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.
  ​
  ​"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”.
  ​
  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".
  ​
  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.
  ​
  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.
  ​
  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.
  ​
  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.
  ​
  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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• ASHEN HORDE Announces New Album "The Harvest" Out May 2026; Unveil Music Video “Entropy and Ecstasy"

  Mar 18, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Los Angeles extreme‑metal shapeshifters Ashen Horde return on May 1st, 2026, with "The Harvest", their fifth full‑length album and the first to feature new vocalist Karl Chamberlain (Putrefier, Alcyone, Necrotic Remains). Known for weaving black metal, death metal, prog, and 90s‑inspired grit into something unmistakably their own, Ashen Horde push their sound further than ever, embracing melody, chaos, and sharp contrasts across eight thematically linked tracks.
  ​
  Alongside the album announcement, Ashen Horde have unveiled the first single, “Entropy and Ecstasy”, a whirlwind of jagged riffs, angular Voivod‑like progressions, and Chamberlain’s soaring, chilling vocal hooks. The accompanying video represents a major milestone for the band: despite recording the entire album remotely, this is the first time the members have appeared together on camera.

  The first preview to the album, “Entropy and Ecstasy,” captures the album’s core idea: finding exhilaration in collapse. The song follows a couple who thrive on the chaos of a world falling apart, a concept Portz admits was likely sparked by the early COVID lockdowns.

  Guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz recalls being floored by Chamberlain’s audition:
  ​
  ​“I sent him a demo of ‘Entropy and Ecstasy’ with unfinished lyrics, and he sent back his take. His vocals on the line ‘how can we thrive if we expect to survive?’ still give me chills.”

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://show.co/z0ZVdF9​

  ​"The Harvest" marks a turning point for Ashen Horde. After a decade as a studio‑driven project, the band is preparing to play its first‑ever live shows in May, coinciding with the album’s release. It’s also the first full‑length to feature Chamberlain, whose dynamic range helped reshape the band’s sonic identity.
  ​
  While Ashen Horde’s previous four albums were tightly constructed concept records, "The Harvest" takes a different approach. Each track stands alone, yet all orbit the idea of endings, personal, societal, historical, and cosmic.
  ​
  ​“I didn’t have a single story this time, but the lyrics kept circling reactions to things ending. From societal collapse to ancient rituals to the last days of Pompeii, everything tied together naturally,” explains Portz.
  ​
  Musically, the album is a showcase of the band’s eclectic influences. From the opening track, “Autumnal”, a slow-burning ascent into full black‑metal fury, inspired by the Sensorio light installation in Paso Robles. “Backward Momentum” blends Opeth‑style clean‑vocal layering with 90s‑rock riffing and one of Portz’s favorite solos on the album. “Voids in the Ash” pairs grunge‑inflected vocal harmonies with hyperspeed black‑metal bursts, telling the story of Pompeii from both mortal and divine perspectives. “The Apparition” channels early death metal before spiraling into odd‑meter prog weirdness. The title track, “The Harvest,” closes the album with an apocalyptic vision inspired by Iceland’s stark landscapes and the album’s striking cover art.
  ​
  The album’s cover, featuring two red skeletons locked in an eerie, autumnal tableau, was created by artist Venus Kohana, whose work Portz discovered at an art show. The imagery’s blend of beauty, decay, and ritual perfectly mirrors the album’s themes.
  ​
  ​“I bought a print and couldn’t stop staring at it. Eventually, I realized it had to be the cover. It even inspired the lyrics to the title track.”​
  ​
  For over a decade, Ashen Horde has carved out a unique place in extreme metal, refusing to be confined to any single subgenre. Rooted in black and death metal but unafraid to explore melodic prog, 90s alternative, and avant‑garde experimentation, the band appeals to fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Amorphis, Ihsahn, and metal’s more adventurous corners.
  ​
  Originally founded as a solo project by guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz, Ashen Horde has evolved into a full lineup featuring vocalist Karl Chamberlain and Australian-based drummer Robin Stone (The Amenta, Convulsing).

  "The Harvest" represents the band’s most dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious work to date.

  Album pre-order (release date May 1, 2026) available on limited splatter vinyl and CD (along with t-shirt bundles) on Bandcamp, as well as everywhere digitally - https://ashenhorde.bandcamp.com/album/the-harvest​

  Tour Dates:​
  May 14 - Montclair, NJ - The Meatlocker
  May 15 - Wallingford, CT - Cherry Street Station
  May 16 - Brattleboro, VT - Midnight's

  Track Listing:​
  1. Autumnal (6:12)
  2. Entropy and Ecstasy (5:47)
  3. Backward Momentum (5:21)
  4. Voids in the Ash (5:41)
  5. Remnant (4:37)
  6. A Place in the Rot (4:38)
  7. Apparition (4:57)
  8. The Harvest (5:46)
  Album Length: 43:03

  Credits:​
  Mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios
  Artwork by Venus Kohana (venuskohana.com)

  Lineup:​
  Trevor Portz: Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals
  Karl Chamberlain: Vocals
  Robin Stone: Drums

  More Info:

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

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

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• ATLAS at The Gramercy Theatre 03/11/26

  Mar 17, 2026 ArmyOfOneTV 0 Comments

   

  

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• DECIMATE METALFEST Announces 2026 Lineup w/ GLYPH, THE CONVALESCENCE, SQUIDHAMMER, FAMOUS STRANGERS and more!

  Mar 17, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Western Canada’s underground metal community will once again come together this summer as Decimate Metalfest returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 and 27, 2026, in Millet, AB. What began as a grassroots gathering of heavy music fans has grown into a weekend-long celebration where heavy music, independent arts, and community come together in rural Alberta, welcoming fans, artists, and families of all ages.

  This year's festival lineup will feature Glyph, The Convalescence, Squidhammer, Famous Strangers, and Let It Rot, alongside a diverse roster of local and regional performers. Overall, 28 performing acts will take the stage over the two days, including touring artists, Canadian metal bands, youth performers, a featured DJ, and specialty entertainers.

  Friday evening launches the festival with a powerful night of heavy music, including a performance by the “Fundraiser Band”, a rotating act selected from bands who participate in Decimate fundraising events throughout the year, highlighting the festival’s community-driven spirit. Saturday expands into a full-day festival experience featuring bands, youth artists, live performers, and interactive entertainment. With top-notch production, high-quality sound, professional staging, and access to convenient local amenities in Millet, the festival ensures an unforgettable experience for fans and families.

  All performances take place at the Millet Agriplex Arena, with festival activities continuing throughout the weekend, including camping, breakfast events, interactive entertainment, and vendor booths by independent artists.

  Official Decimate Metalfest 2026 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PtsotZY8YfTAZV0NNBudk​

  Event Details:​
  Event: Decimate Metalfest 2026
  Dates: June 26 and 27, 2026
  Location: Millet Agriplex Arena, Millet, Alberta, Canada
  Format: All ages metal and arts festival
  ​
  Tickets: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/tickets

  Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/938257911895899​

  Decimate Metalfest 2026 Lineup:

  Friday, June 26, 2026​
  • The Convalescence (Ohio, USA)
  • Squidhammer (Wisconsin, USA)
  • Anomalyptic (Edmonton, AB)
  • Let It Rot (Michigan, USA)
  • Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
  • Godfall (Calgary, AB)
  • TBA Fundraiser Band
  • Kilusan (Edmonton, AB)
  ​
  ​Saturday, June 27, 2026​
  • Glyph (Seattle, USA)
  • Famous Strangers (Sherwood Park, AB)
  • Cries of Blood (Montreal, QC)
  • Thousand Frames (Colorado, USA)
  • Counterfeit (Calgary, AB)
  • From Beneath (Winnipeg, MB)
  • No Faith In Fortune (Vancouver, BC)
  • Femmes Voyous (Edmonton, AB)
  • Spineless (Winnipeg, MB)
  • Black Friday (Edmonton, AB)
  • Light Drawn In (Edmonton, AB)
  ​
  ​Youth Bands​
  • Kleaver (Calgary, AB)
  • Desicrate (Edmonton, AB)
  • TBA Youth Band

  Featured Performers
  ​• DJ Alex Kayne (New York, USA)
  • Birthday Girl (Calgary, AB)
  • Damien Ghoul (Edmonton, AB)
  • Severina (Edmonton, AB)
  • Meatsack (Edmonton, AB)
  • Lust Dust (Calgary, AB)

  Decimate Metalfest is about connection. The all-ages festival brings together musicians, visual artists, performers, and creators from across Canada, the United States, and beyond for two days of crushing riffs, artistic expression, unforgettable performances, and a shared love of underground culture.
  ​
  The festival’s reach continues to expand each year. For the 2026 edition alone, performer submissions were received from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces, and 25 US states, highlighting the growing international interest in the event and the strength of Western Canada’s metal community. From youth bands playing their first festival stage to international touring acts, Decimate Metalfest celebrates every generation of the metal and alternative community while creating opportunities for artists of many disciplines to showcase their work.
  ​
  Decimate Metalfest has become known not only for its music lineup but also for the welcoming environment it creates. The festival brings together longtime metal fans, young families, artists, and first-time festivalgoers in a space that celebrates creativity and community.
  ​
  Beyond the stage, the festival offers a full weekend experience that includes independent art vendors, free tented camping, fan-favorite air guitar contests for youth and adults, community gatherings, and the traditional Saturday pancake breakfast. Children under 10 attend free, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and multi-generational participation.
  ​
  Built by members of the metal community, for the metal community, and proudly organized and operated by women, Decimate Metalfest continues to challenge expectations while creating a space where everyone is welcome.
  ​
  ​Stay Connected

  For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:​

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

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