Latest Articles

• WOODHAWK Returns with Emotionally Charged Third Album “Love Finds a Way”

  Jun 5, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L to R: Kevin Nelson (Drums), Turner Midzain (Vocals/ Guitar), Mike Badmington (Bass/ Vocals)

  Portrait by Mark Kowalchuk

  Five years since their last full-length release, Calgary stoner groove rock trio Woodhawk unveils their most ambitious and personal work yet with “Love Finds a Way” available as of June 6th across all platforms. The album marks a significant milestone for the band, Turner Midzain (guitar/vocals), Mike Badmington (bass), and Kevin Nelson (drums), representing their longest creative process to date and showcasing a more mature, introspective approach to their signature sound.

  “This is the longest it's taken to put out an album for us, and I think that shows”, reflects Midzain. "We really took our time and did it on our terms. I think you get some really riff-rocking songs, but also a lot of hardship and honesty in them. We poured our heart and soul into this one. It really is a journey of getting out of the darkness and into the light. Check in with your friends and loved ones. Hug the ones you love. Be nicer to each other. Love will always prevail and be stronger than anything else. After 10 years of being a band, I feel like we are still just getting started!”

  “Love Finds a Way” demonstrates Woodhawk's evolution from their early stoner rock roots into something more emotionally complex while maintaining the infectious grooves and memorable hooks that have defined their sound. The album brings ‘a bit more of the riff back’ while diving deep into lyrical content that explores the personal struggles the band has faced over recent years.

  True to their philosophy that the album should be an experience from start to finish, Woodhawk has crafted “Love Finds a Way” as a cohesive journey with carefully considered dynamics, balancing soft and heavy, slow and fast moments throughout.

  The album features contributions from longtime collaborator Jesse Gander on synth, maintaining the band's commitment to their established sonic palette while exploring new emotional territories. It is recommended for fans of The Sword, Red Fang, and Thin Lizzy.

  Listen to the album's full stream premiere via Doomed & Stoned HERE.

  Album pre-order (out June 6th): https://woodhawk.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3RQO83S​

  In aditional news, Woodhawk will be announcing at a later time, upcoming tour dates for August and October and will be performing two album releases show in Edmonotn (June 14) and Calgary (June 13) plsu day three of this year's LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL on August 3rd in Drumheller, AB alongside Revocation, Cyborg Octopus, Beguiler, Thirteen Goats, Famous Strangers, and more! Full details on LAH can be found at www.loudashell.ca.

  Show Dates:​
  June 13 - Edmonton, AB - The Buckingham (Album Release Show) - info​
  June 14 - Calgary, AB - The Palomino (Album Release Show) - info​
  Aug 3 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Open Air

  Track Listing:​
  1. Grave Shaker – 4:41
  2. Strangers Ever After – 4:24
  3. Truth Be Told – 7:21
  4. White Crosses – 6:10
  5. The Unholy Hand – 5:21
  6. No Place For Hate – 5:18
  7. Love Finds a Way – 6:16
  8. Relapser – 4:52
  9. Killing Time – 8:37

  Woodhawk is:
  Turner Midzain – Guitar & Vocals
  Mike Badmington – Bass & Vocals
  Kevin Nelson - Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://www.woodhawkriffs.com​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/woodhawkriffs​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/woodhawkriffs

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• AUTUMN LIES BURIED New EP "Mob Mentality" + Kick-Off HELLHOWLER TOUR w/ Casket Robbery

  Jun 5, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Extreme metal outfit Autumn Lies Buried is proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated “Mob Mentality” EP, available worldwide starting June 6th, 2025. The release coincides with the first date of the Hell Howler Tour, where the band will share stages with Casket Robbery across the United States. The EP delivers the band's signature blend of extreme metal styles with a powerful social message. The band comments:

  “Mob Mentality is a reiteration of what we were talking about in previous songs like Inhuman Skin. The common people have been trained to think they are powerless to change their course in life. They think that the hands of the powerful will hold them down generation after generation, and that’s “Just the way it is. Well, we are preaching sin with Mob Mentality, and by sin, we mean Strength In Numbers. We cannot be held down if we band together against the grifters, charlatans, oppressors, and connivers. Burn it all.”

  'The EP is a call to arms against injustice. Fuel for the fire that cleanses,' the band continues. All members contributed to the writing process, with each individual taking responsibility for fine-tuning and lyrics, followed by collaborative adjustments. This democratic approach to songwriting reflects the band's commitment to their message of collective action and solidarity.

  Autumn Lies Buried delivers an anti-fascist message with their music while still maintaining a fun and jovial environment for all present at their live shows. Fans can expect breakneck energy with a positive message, if not a bit violent sometimes. The band just wants to have fun and wants the same for everyone there. The Hell Howler Tour runs from June 6th to June 15th, giving fans across the United States the opportunity to experience Autumn Lies Buried’s notoriously energetic live performances. They are recommended for fans of Tech N9ne, The Acacia Strain, and Twisted Insane.

  Listen to the full stream premiere for “Mob Mentality” on Decibel Magazine HERE.

  EP pre-save (out June 6th) via Exitus Stratagem Records - https://hypeddit.com/autumnliesburied/mobmentality​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Strappado – 3:13
  2. Blood Money – 3:02
  3. Guillotine – 3:05
  4. Told Off Witta Sawed Off – 2:52
  5. Debt Of Silence – 2:58
  EP Length: 15:30

  Hellhowler Tour - Casket Robbery, Autumn Lies Buried, My Own Will

  #Autumn Lies Buried Not Appearing | + My Own will Not Appearing

  5/29 - West Chicago, IL - WC Social Club #
  5/30 - Hamtramck, MI - Sanctuary #
  5/31 - Battle Creek, MI - The Music Factory #
  6/1 - Cleveland, OH - The Foundry #
  6/3 - Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose #
  6/4 - Clifton, NJ - Dingbatz #
  6/5 - Salisbury, MD - Lurking Class Skate Shop #
  6/6 - Gastonia, NC - The Rooster +
  6/7 - Wilmington, NC - The Eagles Dare +
  6/8 - Duluth, GA - Sweetwater Bar +
  6/10 - Winter Park, FL - Conduit +
  6/11 - Miami, FL - Bar Nancy +
  6/12 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheum +
  6/13 - Pensacola, FL - Handlebar +
  6/14 - Clarksville, TN - The Revel House +
  6/15 - Hobart, IN - Hobart Art Theatre +
  ​

  More info: Facebook.com/autumnliesburied | Instagram.com/autumn.lies.buried

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• DECIMATE METALFEST Adds QUIETUS To 2025 LINEUP w/ INTO ETERNITY, THE BUNNY THE BEAR, UNTIMELY DEMISE, NECHT, AND MORE!

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Decimate Metalfest announces the addition of Edmonton progressive metal band QUIETUS to their 2025 lineup, which features INTO ETERNITY, THE BUNNY THE BEAR, UNTIMELY DEMISE, NECHT, and more!

  DMF returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena in Millet, Alberta, on June 13th and 14th, 2025, for another electrifying weekend of heavy metal music and community spirit. As one of Western Canada's premier metal festivals, Decimate Metalfest continues to deliver unforgettable experiences for metal enthusiasts of all kinds!

  The 2024 edition of Decimate Metalfest was a monumental success, featuring an impressive lineup of bands from across Canada and the United States. Attendees were treated to performances spanning various alternative and metal genres, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. The festival's commitment to inclusivity was evident, welcoming fans of all ages and all walks of life to partake in the festivities. Highlights included thrilling air guitar contests with real guitars as prizes, an array of vendors, gaming, delectable offerings from local food, and the convenience of nearby camping facilities. ​“We are so grateful to the community of Millet for welcoming us with such open arms. We cannot wait to see you all again this year!”

  Building on the momentum of previous years, Decimate Metalfest 2025 promises to elevate the experience even further. Organizers have diligently curated a roster of bands that will deliver high-octane performances. This year's festival promises to be the biggest yet, featuring an incredible lineup of talent from across Canada and beyond:

  Decimate Metalfest 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist: https://spoti.fi/4l4TbLb

  INTO ETERNITY – Regina, SK
  THE BUNNY THE BEAR – New York / Florida, USA (First time playing in Alberta!)
  FAMOUS STRANGERS – Edmonton, AB
  UNTIMELY DEMISE – Saskatoon, SK
  HAWKING – Vancouver, BC
  NECHT – Calgary / Ireland
  THE UNENDING – Kelowna, BC
  SYRYN – Calgary, AB
  BRAIN STEM – Edmonton, AB
  AGE OF ASHES – Edmonton, AB
  ALMOST DEAD – San Francisco, USA (First time in Canada!)
  FLOODGATE – Kelowna, BC
  SKEPSIS – Edmonton, AB
  THE 21ST AGENDA – Red Deer, AB
  WARWOLF – Edmonton, AB
  OCEANS UNDER STARS – Edmonton, AB
  QUIETUS – Edmonton, AB
  SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY – Fort McMurray, AB
  BEYOND SUFFERING – Calgary, AB (Wacken Metal Battle Canada Alberta Winners)
  ACCIDENTS HAPPEN – Edmonton, AB (System of a Down Tribute Band)
  VICTORIA LIES – Calgary, AB
  COUNTED AMONG SAINTS – Edmonton, AB
  PER VELUM (YOUTH) – Calgary, AB
  KRADYIL (YOUTH) – Banff, AB
  BIRTHDAY GIRL – Calgary, AB (Hostess of Ceremonies)
  RED SILENCE – Edmonton, AB
  DAMIEN GHOUL – Edmonton, AB
  MORTIS X – Edmonton, AB
  ABOYACTUALLY – Edmonton, AB
  JOJOMOJO – Edmonton, AB

  Ticket Information: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/tickets​

  Advance tickets are now available, offering attendees the opportunity to secure their spots at a discounted rate:​

  2-Day Pass: $135 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to both days of music and entertainment, plus a free pancake breakfast.
  ​
  Friday Day Pass: $60 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to Friday's performances.
  ​
  Saturday Day Pass: $90 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to Saturday's performances and a free pancake breakfast.
  ​
  YES! WE OFFER AFTERPAY!

  Children 10 and under can attend for free, making this an inclusive event for families! ​

  Camping Accommodations

  For those wishing to stay close to the action, camping is available at the Millet Lions Memorial Campground, conveniently located within walking distance of the Millet Agriplex Arena. Camping rates are not-for-profit and go towards maintaining the wonderful community of Millet! Please note that camping reservations must be made separately through the campground's official website: https://milletlionscampground.com/reserve-campsite/​

  Vendor and Volunteer Applications Now Open

  Decimate Metalfest is now accepting applications for vendors and volunteers! Whether you want to showcase your business to passionate festival-goers or become an essential part of the event team, we welcome you to apply. Vendors can take advantage of the opportunity to sell their products to a dedicated audience while volunteers gain behind-the-scenes experience and help bring the festival to life. (Yes! We accept Youth volunteers!)

  Vendor Applications: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/vend​

  Volunteer Applications: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/volunteer​

  Join the Metal Community

  Decimate Metalfest is more than just a music festival; it's a gathering of the metal family, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned metalhead or new to the scene, this festival offers an unparalleled experience of music, camaraderie, and community.​

  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:​

  Website: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/​

  Facebook: Decimate Metalfest Facebook Page​

  Instagram: Decimate Metalfest Instagram​

  Linktree: Linktree

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• FAMOUS STRANGERS' New Single "L.S.C." Digs Deep Into Power, Obsession, and Emotional Survival + Festival Dates - Decimate Metal Fest, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell Open Air

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals) | Braden Sustrik (Bass) | Brian “Beej” Jolly (Drums) | Amanda Keirnan (Lead Vocals, Lyrics)

  Edmonton, Canada's Famous Strangers, is proud to unveil their fourth single entitled "L.S.C." as they gear up for perfmances at this year's festival appearances at Decimate Metalfest (Millet, AB - June 13-14), Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC - July 11-12) and Loud As Hell Open Air (Drumheller, AB - Aug 1-3) along with upcoming tour dates to be announced.

  "L.S.C.." is meant to take you on a ride. It starts soft, like it is letting you in slowly, and then it flips the switch. The heaviness hits out of nowhere. It grabs you, shakes you, and then drags you through the rest of the track without letting go. It eases you in, then completely takes over, and by the time it is done, it feels like it has drained the life out of you in the best way.

  "LSC is one of the most intense and personal songs we’ve released. It digs deep into power, obsession, and emotional survival, all wrapped in a sound that’s meant to hit you hard and stay with you. It is heavy, emotional, and completely unhinged in the best way. Come get some," adds guitarist Jeff Kittilitz.

  Famous Strangers wants fans' listening experience to be unpredictable, emotional, and honest. This single, and everything they have been working on, doesn’t stick to one lane. They jump from the heaviest riffs they can come up with to slow, bluesy, chilled-out moments. It’s all over the place, and they know not everyone is going to be into that…and that’s okay.

  What they hope is that it opens people up a little, even if it’s not what they usually listen to. There’s so much music out there that people miss out on because they’re stuck in one genre or one mindset. Famous Strangers are trying to break through that and just write what feels real, no matter what it sounds like. They are about being fearless in their songwriting. Put everything on the table, be yourself, and don’t hold back. That’s the energy they’re trying to give people when they press play.

  Famous Strangers has had a healthy and steady evolution. Since their earlier singles in 2024, Famous Strangers have started to lock in with each other creatively and naturally found a sound that they can all stand behind. It flows and feels more cohesive, and everyone in the band feeds off each other in a way that keeps pushing the songs to a new level.

  Listen to "L.S.C." at the following links:

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4kNbe7F

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/album/39G3IRfkkPcQDYSPnFAUPh?si=ZFoBN8nnQUSt9JencN7NSg[/embed]

  Previous Singles:

  Music Video - I'll See You In The Stars" - https://youtu.be/OtdfaMp4Hec​

  George - https://youtu.be/fz85ChqELO4​

  Deepstar - https://youtu.be/00jujvck9sM​

  More info:

  ​Famousstrangersband.com

  ​Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

  ​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

  ​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

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• TANGENTS Announces Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour" In Support of New EP "Molt"

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  TANGENTS Announces Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour"

  New EP "Molt" Out Now!

  L-R - Will Tennant - Guitars/Backing vocals, Nathan Chechock- Guitars/Backing Vocals, Rob Barnes- Bass, Matt Williams - Vocals/effects/samples, Simon Oliver- Drums/Backing Vocals

  Photo Credit - Rory P​

  Formed simply as a creative outlet in which there are no rules, Orillia, ON's TANGENTS plays music with the idea of no constraints, no guidelines, and producing what they would want to hear. Releasing their fourth EP entitled "Molt" this past April, Tangents announces they will be hitting the road this coming July for tour dates across Eastern Canada in Ontario, Quebec, New Brwunwick, and Nova Scotia. (dates listed below).

  With elements of mathcore, prog, and post-hardcore, Tangents take you on a brutally honest journey with nothing to hide during an emotional and heavy 10 minutes on their latest EP's three tracks. The band's goal is to keep the listener on their toes, along with themselves as musicians. Keeping things fresh and ever evolving.

  "For this EP, we decided on the 3 songs simply to capture that specific moment in time. I feel that there’s always room for growth, so we constantly keep evolving, we're stoked and proud to release Molt. With our most focused effort, we present to fans a multitude of experiences in a compact timeframe. This offering allowed us to open and embrace challenges and overcome the obstacles that come with growth," adds guitarist Will Tennant.

  Taking pride that each member of the band is a multi-instrumentalist, Tangents are a bare bones heavy band, and at the end of the day, they get up there and rock out live to showcase very visceral songs. It's a roller coaster of emotions throughout each track.

  Recommended for fans of avant-garde mathy metal and bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mr Bungle, Every Time I Die, Dog Fashion Disco, and Better Lovers, Tangents' new EP "Molt" is available at the following links:

  Bandcamp - https://tangents1.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4knPCPM​

  YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lbqCZ2QJmSbse8S6jgMo8AsgHKm7Gx-H0

  ​

  Tangents live by the motto “No dragons, no Lasers,” which basically means nothing fancy, just give them electricity and they can play their tunes! No relying on gizmos and gadgets. Check them out live on the "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour".

  Tangents - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour"​
  July 16 - Montreal, QC - Bar L'Hemisphere Gauche
  July 18 - Windsor, NS - (Gutterfest) - Avon Valley Lanes
  July 19 - Yarmouth, NS - The Red Knight
  July 20 - Halifax, NS - Gus' Pub
  July 22 - Woodstock, NB - Monteith Manor
  July 23 - Bathurst, NB - Bathurst Southside Lounge
  July 24 - One Star Studio (secret location)
  July 25 - Edmundston, NB - Microbrasserie Ateepic
  July 26 - Lachute, QC - Royal Canadian Legion

  Track Listing:​
  1. Assimilate (3:01)
  2. Mass Delusion (3:33)
  3. Forge (3:59)
  EP Length: 10:34

  More info: https://linktr.ee/Tangents705

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