Latest Articles

• THE FIXER & TEKNOSIS Team Up For The "Ugly Knots Tour" Across Central Canada (QC/ON/MB/SK/AB)

  Aug 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Two of Thunder Bay, ON's rising metal forces, THE FIXER and TEKNOSIS, are teaming up this Fall for an epic tour of mind-melting metal across dates in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in October.

  Touring across Canada heavily in support of their 2023 debut album "Your Lie' released on WormHoleDeath Records, this next adventure of show dates will be special ones, as they are taking hometown friends Teknosis on the the road who will be supporting their latest EP 2024's Return To Civilization", recorded and mixed by Ryan MacDonald at Lionheart Sound Co and mastered by Topon Das (F*ck The Facts) at Apartment 2.

  "Touring is something we all look forward to in The Fixer. The most rewarding part of being in a band is seeing people connect with something you’ve created, and our favourite way to do that is in the live setting. We will be heading out with fresh songs, as well as bringing a couple of songs back into the set that we haven’t played in some time. Similarly, we are excited to be playing some places we haven’t played before and some of the first places we ever played outside of our hometown," says Vic Sin, Guitar - The Fixer

  “We are incredibly pleased with our first EP, ‘Return to Civilization’. These 5 songs are the perfect introduction to the sound of Teknosis. Fans of all genres of metal will enjoy our hybrid of metal genres. We are now beyond thrilled to be bringing these songs and more on tour this October with The Fixer,” adds bassist Travis Doggett - Teknosis.

  The Fixer is a genre-defying force in the pop-metal underground. They continue to captivate audiences with their latest full-length album, "Your Lie," released in 2023. When witnessed live, they channel Addams Family vibes with rapid-fire sets, minimalist yet impactful lighting, and a palpable emotional connection with their audience. Their shows are more than performances; they’re cathartic rituals. Those who have not seen them live should brace themselves for The Fixer's theatrical flair and emotionally charged soundscapes. Fans can expect not only the immersive live experience they’ve come to love but also brand-new music unveiled on this next road escapade.

  The Fixer’s sonic identity is a fusion of industrial metal, melodic hardcore, and gothic textures. "Your Lie" showcases this blend with haunting ambiences, unexpected rhythmic shifts, and emotionally raw lyrics. From the swagger of “Get Greasy” to the introspective dirge of “Your Truth,” the album is a journey through highs, lows, and everything in between.

  “When we started The Fixer, we never imagined how far it would go. With Your Lie, we wanted to dig deeper, building on The Prowl EP while exploring more personal themes. It’s been powerful seeing fans connect with that. Musically, we didn’t want to be boxed in. While we’re rooted in metal, punk, and industrial, we brought in influences from other genres we’ve lived in. Blending those sounds has been one of the most rewarding parts of the process,” adds Vic Sin.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ny8HJc6iUvmIKGlY5TxSs​

  Formed out of pure love for metal. Teknosis has quickly evolved into a tight, aggressive unit with a shared vision: to make heavy music that hits hard and leaves no room to breathe. Set to ignite stages across the country this October, Teknosis is bringing their relentless live energy to fans in support of their acclaimed 2024 EP "Return to Civilization", a five-track barrage of groove-laced hardcore and death metal influences. It's a compact, violent sonic explosion that lyrically channels frustration and isolation from lockdowns, with themes ranging from societal collapse to personal survival.

  With ambient samples bridging each track, Teknosis will be a visceral live experience as they deliver a seamless, high-impact set that’s organic, heavy, and hypnotic.

  “We still believe in live amps and drums straight to the cochlea. It’s all about maximum intensity. A sonic experience that’s as brutal as it is addictive," says bassist Travis Doggett.
  ​
  Fans can expect new singles starting in Fall 2025, leading up to a full-length album in late 2025 or early 2026. The October tour will feature tracks from "Return to Civilization" alongside unreleased material, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Cu2jRvDUKvEZdqJd5QjwJ​

  Ugly Knots Tour 2025 - The Fixer, Teknosis​
  Oct 2 - La Sarre, QC - La Brute du Coin *
  Oct 3 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar *
  Oct 4 - Espanola, ON - Shorty's *
  Oct 9 - Fort Frances, ON - Pink Parasol Tea Room
  Oct 10 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Oct 11 - Prince Albert, SK - Studio Q
  Oct 12 - Edmonton, AB - The Rendezvous
  Oct 13 - Calgary, AB - Pin Bar
  Oct 14 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice
  Oct 15 - Moose Jaw, SK - Chillers
  Oct 16 - Saskatoon, SK - Green Room
  Oct 17 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Oct 18 - The Pas, MB - The Wescana Inn
  Oct 19 - Winnipeg, MB - Osborne Taphouse
  Oct 31 - Thunder Bay, ON - The Hunger 18 (Downtown-wide Hallowe'en Festival)
  * = without Teknosis

  More Info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/TheFixerBand | https://www.instagram.com/thefixercanada | https://www.tiktok.com/@thefixercanada​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/teknosismetal | https://www.instagram.com/teknosis.metal/

  Read more

• Ex-Nile Frontman Dallas Toler-Wade Revives "Annihilation of the Wicked" on NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Fall Tour "Annihilation of The Wasteland"

  Aug 19, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by ex-Nile guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade along with drummer Joseph Howard (Fields of Elysium, Neuromorphic) and bassist Kenji Tsunami (Ontogeny), will be hitting the road for the "Annihilation of Wasteland Tour" (dates listed below). On this tour, they will be celebrating the 20-year release of "Annihilation of the Wicked", in which Dallas will perform two of the songs he wrote for the album: "Lashed to the Slave Stick" and "The Burning Pits of the Duat", giving Nile fans the unique opportunity to hear these tracks played live by the original voice and composer. Narcotic Wasteland will also be performing fan favorites and new material, including such tracks as "Barbarian", "Sex, Lies and DNA", "Introspective Nightmares", "Coastal Killings", "The Best Times Have Passed", and more!

  To mark the launch of their tour, the band is unveiling the official music video for "Introspective Nightmares" today, exclusively on Bravewords HERE.

  Narcotic Wasteland is a relentless force in the metal scene, delivering a crushing blend of technical precision, unyielding aggression, and raw energy. Fronted by Dallas Toler-Wade—renowned vocalist and guitarist best known for his work with Nile—he brings his signature technical prowess and intense energy to the band.

  On drums, Joseph Howard unleashes a torrent of precision and power, driving the band’s pummeling rhythms with thunderous intensity. His dynamic performance creates the perfect foundation for the band’s heavy and often dark sonic atmosphere.

  Kenji Tsunami commands the low end with inventive, hard-hitting bass lines that add both depth and texture, solidifying the band’s signature wall of sound. His stage presence and musicianship bring an extra dimension to Narcotic Wasteland’s live assault.

  Together, Dallas, Joseph, and Kenji forge an unstoppable musical unit—one that captivates audiences with high-octane performances and uncompromising compositions. With unmatched technical skill and a shared vision for pushing metal’s boundaries, Narcotic Wasteland stands as a true powerhouse in today’s extreme music landscape.

  ​

  ​

  Merch Stores:
  Narcotic Wasteland – https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/narcotic-wasteland​
  Dallas Toler-Wade – https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/dallas-toler-wade​

  Tickets & Tour Info:​
  ​https://tr.ee/rZ3dOvB3TC​

  Headlining Shows:​
  9/03 – Madison, WI – The Annex
  9/04 – West Chicago, IL – WC Social Club
  9/05 – Flint, MI – Flint Local 432
  9/06 – New Haven, IN – Carl’s Tavern
  9/07 – Cleveland, OH – The Foundry
  9/08 – Rochester, NY – Photo City Music Hall
  9/09 – New Bedford, MA – The Vault
  9/10 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones
  9/11 – Spartanburg, SC – GroundZero (Special Guest to Crypta)
  9/12 – Chattanooga, TN – JJ’s Bohemia
  9/13 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry St. Station
  9/14 – Dunbar, WV – Live at the Shop
  9/15 – Charleston, SC – Tin Roof
  9/17 – Orlando, FL – Conduit
  9/18 – Fort Pierce, FL – Tipsy Tiki
  9/19 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug
  9/20 – Long Beach, MS – Trax Bar & Grill
  ​
  ​Special Guest to Filth:​
  9/21 – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social & Supply
  9/22 – Pensacola, FL – Handlebar
  9/23 – Shreveport, LA – Strange Brew
  9/24 – Amarillo, TX – The Atomic Yellow
  9/25 – Denver, CO – Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues
  9/26 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater
  9/27 – Casper, WY – Wyoming Hardcore Festival
  9/28 – Colorado Springs, CO – Vultures
  9/29 – Lincoln, NE – Witches’ Brew
  9/30 – Nashville, TN – The End

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

  Read more

• PsyDeathTechProg THE JUDGE THE JUROR's New Single “Heliconian Optivisor” Is Metal Alchemy At Its Finest

  Aug 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton, Canada’s most electrifying new metal force, The Judge The Juror (TJTJ), has dropped their blistering new single, “Heliconian Optivisor,” the first taste of their upcoming conceptual EP, "Primitive Minds," set to release in early fall 2025. This marks the beginning of an ambitious trilogy of EPs that will unfold over the next eight months, each exploring the collapse of the human condition through the band’s self-forged genre: PSYDEATHTECHPROG.
  ​
  A mesmerizing, fast-paced assault of sonic force, “Heliconian Optivisor” dives deep into the psychological tension of viewing the world through distorted lenses, red flags we fail to see until it’s too late. The track blends blistering tech-death precision with psychedelic synths and progressive structures, reflecting the band’s desire to find authentic community without compromising identity.

  “What happens when you realize that you may have been viewing parts of your life through a lens you didn’t create? This song speaks of our human desire to find community and belonging that doesn’t come at the cost of selling our souls to fit in. This sentiment has been an ongoing discussion for the band members, as we try to carve a new, unique, and niche sound. We don’t always know where we fit into the metal scene, but we know we want to be authentic and stay true to what we believe without compromising. This balancing creates a push and pull of emotions that the musical structure of the song builds on,” says David W Frontenac (Vocals/Synth/Programming).​

  ​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thejudgethejuror/heliconian-optivisor

  
  ​​

  The first of three conceptually linked EPs, "Primitive Minds" explores the paradox of modern humans trapped in ancient mental frameworks. Lyrically and musically, it’s a psychedelic futurist journey, equal parts brutal and introspective. TJTJ's release plans for the EPs will be Fall 2025 "Primitive Minds", early 2026 "Medieval Institutions", and mid-2026 "Godlike Technologies". Each release will build on the last, culminating in a sweeping narrative about societal collapse, technological alienation, and the search for meaning.

  In addition to unveiling the new single, The Judge The Juror will be hitting the road for an August tour in Alberta and BC with The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor. Catch them live for one of the most high-energy performances in Western Canada. Expect a barrage of increasingly weird and wonderful proggy tech-death.

  Tour Dates - The Judge The Juror w/ **The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor​
  Aug 21 - Kelowna, BC - Jackknife Brewing**
  Aug 22 - Kamloops, BC - Bridgeview Theatre** (UGEFEST)
  Aug 23 - Salmon Arm, BC - Solid Urban Studios**
  Aug 24 - Abbotsford, BC - Heavy Metal BBQ**
  Sept 13 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
  ​
  ​More info: https://linktr.ee/thejudgethejurorofficial

  Read more

• IN LIMINE Unleashes “Unfollow” ft. George Kollias (Nile): A Ferocious First Glimpse into Debut Album "Inveteratus"

  Aug 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Italian extreme metal project IN LIMINE presents “Unfollow”, the long-awaited first single from the upcoming debut album "Inveteratus", set for release in October 2025. With its blend of circular, infectious riffs, ferocious grooves, and unexpectedly melodic vocals, “Unfollow” encapsulates the dynamic contrasts that define IN LIMINE’s sound, a dense, abrasive, and yet surprisingly accessible approach that draws from thrash, death metal, metalcore, and melancholic melodic passages.

  Led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Matteo Galimberti (ex-Cripple Bastards), IN LIMINE was conceived as a studio project driven by deep personal expression and conceptual depth. “Unfollow” introduces listeners to a dystopian world in decline, echoing the broader themes of "Inveteratus" - a term that once meant endurance but now suggests a hardened, irredeemable state. Through its lyrics and sound, the song reflects on moral decay and the loss of critical awareness in a hyper-connected society addicted to conformity and consumerism.

  Featuring throughout the entire album, George Kollias (Nile) delivers blistering yet nuanced drumming that pushes each track far beyond genre conventions, while Laur Lindmäe (Pridian) brings a gripping vocal performance whose wide range adds contrast and emotional impact.

  Recorded across multiple sessions between 2022 and 2024, "Inveteratus" was produced with meticulous attention to detail. All guitars and bass were recorded by Matteo Galimberti and later reamped at Domination Studio by Simone Mularoni, who also handled the mixing and mastering in July 2024. The result is a finely balanced sonic landscape: raw yet articulate, violent yet conceptually refined.

  Thematically, the album explores the cyclical nature of time, transformation, and cultural decline through a symbolic and visual lens. From Greek deities like Kairòs and Kronos to fractured sundials and crumbling clocks, every element - both sonic and visual - contributes to a broader meditation on time, change, and the failure to evolve.

  IN LIMINE’s debut is as thoughtful as it is visceral — a work for fans who seek more than just sonic aggression. For admirers of Death, Slayer, Morbid Angel, and Lamb of God, “Unfollow” is a compelling introduction to a band that refuses to follow trends and instead crafts its threshold.

  Digital Single (Add to your Spotify Playlist) - https://lnk.to/sC5zov​

  Visualizer - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNVL-dji8Yj/​

  "Inveteratus" will be released worldwide on October 24th, 2025​
  ​ALBUM PRE-ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/in-limine-inveteratus-cd​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Soldier Child
  2. Same Language Babilonia
  3. Misleading
  4. Instinction
  5. Echoing To Nothing (Instrumental)
  6. Ruins Of Flesh
  7. Psychic Frame Subsidence
  8. Silence Completion
  9. A Veil, A Shield (Instrumental)
  10. Unfollow
  11. Misoneism
  ​
  ​In Limine Line Up:​
  Matteo Galimberti: Rhythm, Lead, and Acoustic Guitars
  George Kollias: Drums and Percussion (session member)
  Laur Lindmäe: Vocals (session member)

  More info: ​
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​
  ​FOLLOW:​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inlimine_band

  Read more

• Check Out This Festival Spotify Playlist! Aug 16th - Denver's MILE HIGH POWER FEST 2025 w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, GREYHAWK, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

  Aug 12, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  As we count down to this year’s Mile High Power Fest on August 16th at The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO (4335 W 44th Ave), the festival invites you to crank up the volume with a sneak peek of the lineup!

  Featuring epic acts like POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, GREYHAWK, CELESTIAL WIZARD, and many more, immerse yourself in the sound of MHPF with their Spotify playlist.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZOTgQVburG34RYN5Aub1C

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZOTgQVburG34RYN5Aub1C[/embed]

  Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, Mile High Power Festival champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

  "After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver's next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!" adds festival co-founder Lucyfer - BiteSize Productions.

  General Admission Tickets ($45 USD) are available at the following link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/444811​

  Featuring headliner Boston's PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP, "The Super Smash Bros," in August 2024. Listen at https://spoti.fi/4b2wcvJ​

  They are joined by the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band; they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs; they’re building worlds, and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory," released in March 2024.

  ​

  Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album "Chaos to the Realm" (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album "Feather & Claw" on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon. 

  ​

  Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver,” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication.

  ​

  GREYHAWK, with new singer Anthony Corso at the helm, is ready to bring the power with what will surely be their best performance at Mile High Power Fest! Anyone who has seen this traditional heavy metal titan knows they are in for an incredible set. Their newest album, "Thunderheart," released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music, has been making waves across the heavy metal and power metal scenes worldwide. 

  ​

  Local hometown heroes, Denver's Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their third studio “Regenesis,” was released on July 11th by Scarlet Records. Check out the album's opening track, “Pale Horse”. The song teases the concept of endings and beginnings that is ever present throughout the record. 

  ​

  Also supporting the lineup will be Denver's blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn, who released their latest album "Our Grief Is Thus" in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly anticipated follow-up. 

  ​

  To open the festival's night, the winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

  In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:​
  Powerglove
  Glyph
  Owlbear
  Empress
  Greyhawk
  Celestial Wizard
  Oak, Ash, & Thorn
  Viperwitch
  Signs of Tranquility

  More info:​
  Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest​

  FAQ - https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release​
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest

  Read more