Latest Articles

• ANTHEA Unveils First Single “Phantom In The Masquerade” From New Album "Beyond The Dawn" Out April 2026

  Jan 16, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records announces the release of “Phantom in the Masquerade”, the brand new single by Los Angeles symphonic metal act Anthea, out now on all digital platforms.

  “Phantom in the Masquerade” is the first single taken from Anthea’s upcoming third full-length album, "Beyond The Dawn," and serves as an introduction to the band’s most ambitious and theatrical chapter to date. The song explores the feeling of being invisible while surrounded by others, translating emotional isolation into a powerful and evocative musical narrative.

  Commenting on the track, the band states:
  ​
  “‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ is one of the most theatrical songs we’ve written. We wanted it to feel both catchy and haunting, with lyrics that capture the experience of being surrounded by people yet completely unseen. It sets the stage for the dramatic direction we’ve been embracing, both musically and visually.”

  Musically, the single highlights Anthea’s evolved sound, blending symphonic metal foundations with strong melodic hooks, driving guitar work, and layered orchestrations. The balance between immediacy and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of "Beyond The Dawn", an album conceived as a dynamic journey where each song offers a distinct mood while remaining part of a cohesive whole.

  Expanding on the vision behind the album, the band adds:
  ​
  “This record pushed us to explore every corner of our sound - from fast and heavy tracks to more emotional and melodic moments. ‘Phantom in the Masquerade’ introduces that range and gives listeners a clear sense of the dramatic and expressive path the album follows.”

  An official music video accompanies the release, transforming the song’s themes into a symbolic visual narrative centered on identity, isolation, and transformation. Set within a masquerade ball, the video reinforces Anthea’s strong theatrical aesthetic, a defining element of both their music and live performances.

  “Phantom in the Masquerade” marks the opening step toward "Beyond The Dawn", an album shaped by themes of growth, transition, uncertainty, and renewal, representing a significant evolution in Anthea’s songwriting and artistic vision.

  For fans of: Dynazty, Kamelot, Powerwolf

  DIGITAL SINGLE: https://lnk.to/sIZl8W​
  ​

  ​New album “Beyond The Dawn” out April 17th, 2026.

  PRE ORDER "Beyond The Dawn": https://rockshots.eu/products/anthea-beyond-the-dawn​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Beyond The Dawn – 4:13
  2. Phantom in the Masquerade – 3:32
  3. The Lost Soul – 3:44
  4. Awakening (Song for Spring) – 4:16
  5. Bygone Age (Chicxulub) – 4:03
  6. From Shadows to Light – 4:40
  7. Crystal Moon – 4:11
  8. Wanderer’s Quell – 3:53
  9. Whispers of the Heart – 4:46
  10. Duality of Gaia – 4:12
  11. Burnin’ in the Third Degree (Tahnee Caine and Tryanglz cover) – 3:38
  Album Length: 45:08
  ​

  More info:​
  ​https://rockshots.eu​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/antheametal​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/antheametal

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• DOLL Shares New Single “Bear Claw” To Follow 2025 Comeback Album "Better Days, Better Times"

  Jan 16, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Ottawa alternative rock band DOLL launches into 2026 with the release of their explosive new single “Bear Claw,” premiering today exclusively via New Noise Magazine alongside a brand‑new lyric video. The track serves as the next chapter in the band’s creative resurgence following their 2025 comeback album "Better Days, Better Times."​
  ​
  ​“Bear Claw” continues DOLL’s evolving “Animal Crackers” trilogy, which began earlier this year with the fan‑favourite single “Shark Bait,” featured on "Better Days, Better Times."​
  ​
  ​“We had such an amazing response to our first ‘Animal Crackers’ concept with ‘Shark Bait. We always planned to release three animal‑themed songs, but that positive feedback really propelled us as we finalized the next piece of the trilogy, Bear Claw,” the band explains.
  ​
  The band believes fans will connect strongly with this new installment:

  “I think it’s safe to say this is our best effort yet. We brought back some of that legacy DOLL riffing, mixed in the hardcore elements we toyed with in ‘Shark Bait,’ and really pushed ourselves creatively with the vocals and lyrics. We hope this one is just as well received, if not better. I guess it depends on whether you’re more of a land or sea animal lover.” ​
  ​
  The single’s artwork pays homage to classic Smokey the Bear posters, reimagined through DOLL’s gritty, tongue‑in‑cheek lens. Artist Mark Kidd once again brought the concept to life with bold character design and a nostalgic yet rebellious aesthetic.
  ​
  ​“We wanted to revive some of the artwork we grew up with. We went heavy on that Smokey‑the‑Bear look, but added our own comedic twist, putting Doll on the hat and rebranding Smokey as Grungey. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, some attitude,” the band adds.
  ​
  Musically, “Bear Claw” taps into the band’s classic sound while pushing into new territory. The track features signature leads, heavy wah‑wah pedal work, Christina’s unmistakable bends, and bursts of rapid‑fire strumming. The chorus hits with a hardcore‑infused punch from Pete, driven by drop‑tuned guitars that add weight and urgency.
  ​
  The band also leaned into atmosphere and tension, crafting a breakdown recorded through a low‑fi head and amp setup to create a spooky, suspenseful moment before slamming back in with the crunch of the PRS MT100. The result is a dynamic blend of old‑school grit and modern heaviness, achieved without relying on keyboards, instead letting raw instrumentation carry the emotion.
  ​
  With “Bear Claw,” DOLL continue to build on their renewed momentum, delivering a track that’s fierce, fun, and unmistakably their own.

  “This song is definitely our most creative vocally. Christina changed up the delivery in ways we haven’t done before. We wanted the song to be fun, with some light‑hearted lyrics, but still true to the raw rock vocal and lyrical style that DOLL has always been about.”​
  ​
  Watch the “Bear Claw” lyric video via its premiere on New Noise Magazine HERE.

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/1BGF0Pec0KtHMKPFUaOIPY

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband | https://www.instagram.com/dollbandmusic/

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• SIEGE PERILOUS Unveils First Single "As the Dragon Falls" ft. Fabio Lione From the Concept Album "Becoming the Dragon" Out March 2026

  Jan 16, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Colorado power metal storytellers Siege Perilous ignite the next chapter of their musical saga with the release of their first single and music video, “As the Dragon Falls”, featuring legendary vocalist Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra). The track serves as the first glimpse into the band’s sweeping debut concept album, "Becoming the Dragon," out March 27, 2026.
  ​
  Forged from the camaraderie of live‑action roleplay and a shared love of epic storytelling, Siege Perilous has built a reputation for crafting cinematic, narrative‑driven metal that blends myth, history, and high‑fantasy adventure. Their upcoming full‑length album marks the culmination of years of collaborative writing, world‑building, and musical evolution.
  ​
  ​“As the Dragon Falls” is more than a single; it’s a milestone for the band, especially for vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, who has been a devoted Rhapsody fan since his teens.

  “As the Dragon Falls represents a true heavy metal dream come true for all of us, but especially for Shaughnessy. Working with Fabio far exceeded anything we could have hoped for. His classic soaring vocals combined with Shaughnessy’s lower register create a really unique and cool power metal sound,” adds the band.
  ​
  The song’s narrative twist, where slaying the dragon becomes a metaphor for the double‑edged nature of achieving one’s goals, adds a bittersweet emotional core to the track. Lione himself was drawn to the story and, according to the band, “really gave it his all.”
  ​
  Musically, the single fuses Siege Perilous’ signature melodic power with the symphonic grandeur of classic Rhapsody, delivering a heroic anthem that darkens into something far more ominous by its final moments.

  Watch and listen to the music video for “As the Dragon Falls” featuring Fabio Lione via its premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/siegeperilous/as-the-dragon-falls-feat-fabio-lione​

  "Becoming the Dragon" is a ten‑part epic chronicling the rise, fall, and metamorphosis of the “Child of Prophecy,” a hero who must confront fate, tragedy, and ultimately his own transformation into the titular dragon. The album features guest performances from both Fabio Lione and powerhouse vocalist Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance), who also serves as McDaniel’s vocal mentor.
  ​
  ​“Creating a massive, sweeping power metal epic has been a dream since before we even formed this band. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians,” says the band.

  The record showcases the band’s evolution since their earlier EPs, with more complex arrangements, expanded vocal range, and orchestration that heightens the album’s cinematic scope. Each track stands alone as a powerful metal anthem, yet together they form a cohesive narrative journey.

  Their writing process is uniquely collaborative; every member contributes to the story and the music, resulting in songs that carry the DNA of the entire band. This approach, while unconventional, has become one of their greatest strengths.

  Recommended for fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, "Becoming the Dragon" is due out on March 27, 2026 and available for pre-order / pre-save at the following link:

  ​https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Overture (Instrumental) - (2:37)
  2. Ancient Rite - (4:37)
  3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) - (4:33)
  4. Child of Prophecy - (4:05)
  5. Shattered Mirage - (4:07)
  6. Chieftain - (4:03)
  7. Cut Down - (3:01)
  8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) - (4:48)
  9. Becoming the Dragon - (5:09)
  10. Eschaton - (7:50)
  Album Length: 44:54

  More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces 2026 Battle Cities and Bands! One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Jan 15, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  One Band To Conquer Them All! Wacken Metal Battle USA proudly unveils the 2026 battlegrounds across the nation, where one rising independent metal band will earn the chance to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the globe’s most iconic and influential metal festivals.

  Battles will be hosted in the following cities listed below. Please note that the national final will be held in San Diego, CA, on June 13, 2026.

  The 2026 WMBU champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  List of previous WMBU national winners: Mourning High (2025 - Southern California / Arizona), Cascade Effect (2024 - San Diego), Fadrait (2023 - San Diego), Mythraeum (2022 - San Diego), Monarch (2019 - San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 - Anaheim), and Corpse Hoarder (2017 - Philadelphia).

  Watch - Wacken Metal Battle 2025 - Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCulXiLlaSw​

  Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjMugRXEc5g​

  Battle Cities

  Atlanta
  ​Jan 30 – Atlanta, GA – Star Bar (Round 1) – Esca, Vicki’s Dream, Death Rift, Endera, Valkyrie’s Fire, Disenthralled – https://www.freshtix.com/events/wackenmetalbattleatl
  Jan 31 – Atlanta, GA – Star Bar (Round 2) – Jaeger, Red Hot Empty, Sugar Virus, Beast Mode, Dead Alive, Widow Anchor – https://www.freshtix.com/events/wackenmetalbattleatl
  Feb 13 – Atlanta, GA – Star Bar (Atlanta Final)
  ​
  ​Austin
  ​Feb 1 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live (Round 1)
  March 15 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live (Texas Final)
  ​
  ​Brooklyn – https://www.facebook.com/events/880819674913930​
  ​March 13 – Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch – Wood Shop (Round 1)
  March 14 – Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch – Wood Shop (Round 2)
  April 11 – Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch – Wood Shop (Brooklyn Final)
  May 9 – Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch – Wood Shop (East Coast Final)
  ​
  ​Baltimore
  ​Feb 7 – Catonsville, MD – Morsbergers Tavern (Round 1) – Tugboat, Casual Cruelty, Gods End, Corpse God, Reign, Ametropsa – https://www.facebook.com/events/2105141780021444/
  Feb 28 – Catonsville, MD – Morsbergers Tavern (Round 2) – Eden of Fire, Illusion of Solace, Babies for Brunch, Diegression, Deadkind, Blood Zero – https://www.facebook.com/events/1530819171310018/
  March 21 – Catonsville, MD – Morsbergers Tavern (Round 3)
  April 11 – Catonsville, MD – Morsbergers Tavern (Catonsville Final)
  ​
  ​Concord
  ​March 14 – Concord, CA – Vinnie’s (Round 1) – Embryonic Devourment, Sonus, Thares, Cardboard Ringo –https://www.facebook.com/events/2070524426817816/
  March 28 – Concord, CA – Vinnie’s (Round 2)
  April 18 – Concord, CA – Vinnie’s (NorCal Final)
  ​
  ​Dallas
  ​Feb 7 – Dallas, TX – The Rail Club (Round 1)
  ​
  ​Houston
  ​Feb 7 – Houston, TX – BFE Rock Club (Round 1)
  ​
  ​Portland​
  Feb 28 – Portland, OR – Dante’s (Round 1)
  TBD – Portland, OR – Dante’s (Pacific Northwest Final)
  ​
  ​Sacramento
  ​March 6 – Sacramento, CA – Old Ironsides (Round 1)
  March 20 – Sacramento, CA – Old Ironsides (Round 2)
  April 3 – Sacramento, CA – Old Ironsides (Round 3)
  ​
  ​San Antonio
  ​Feb 6 – San Antonio, TX – Rock Box (Round 1) – Aeternal Requiem, Cheese Grater Masturbation, Voltreus, Thunder Horse, Surge
  Corpse Pile, Life Undone, Ariah Falls, Forever Silent, Bloodmoon, Immortal Execution, Overlay, Egregious
  Glorious https://www.facebook.com/events/3331767850332917
  ​
  ​San Diego
  ​March 13 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick (Round 1) – https://www.facebook.com/events/1274721898034186/
  March 14 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick (Round 2) – https://www.facebook.com/events/4304692073075456/
  April 25 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick (San Diego Final)
  May 23 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick (California Final)
  June 13 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick (National Final)
  ​
  ​Santa Ana
  ​Feb 28 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages (Round 1)
  March 7 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages (Round 2)
  April 4 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages (LA/OC Final)
  ​
  ​Seattle
  ​Jan 16 Seattle, WA – The Funhouse (Round 1) – Trip The Wire, Ocean Ghost, Fate Defined, AC3, Serene, Wayward Shot – https://www.facebook.com/events/1182381040748946
  ​
  ​Tampa Bay
  ​Feb 27 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug (Round 1) – Ramtha, Endurus, Roads End, Mind Virus, Parallel Motion, Coralines Collapse – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wacken-metal-battle-florida-round-1-tickets-1979192270359
  Feb 28 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug (Round 2) – Announce The Apocalypse, Failure Protocol, Nocturnal Dawn, Precipice, Livekill, Nibiru – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wacken-metal-battle-florida-round-2-tickets-1979194475956
  March 14 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug (Tampa Final)
  April 18 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Metal Meeting (Southeast Final)
  ​
  ​Wimington
  ​March 7 – Wilmington, DE – Bar XIII (Round 1)
  March 20 – Wilmington, DE – Bar XIII (Round 2)
  April 18 – Wilmington, DE – Bar XIII (Wilmington Final)

  =======================================

  Last year's 2025 WMBU national finals were held on June 21st at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, where Southern California and Arizona-based band ​MOURNING HIGH​ emerged as the seventh champion selected to represent the United States at the prestigious international showdown, Wacken Open Air, that took place from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 185,000 attendees from around the world gathered.

  Mourning High, crowned the West Coast Winner, competed alongside five other standout American bands: ​PRIME PROPHECY (New Jersey), ​WHAT’S WRONG (Pacific Northwest), ​PONTIFEX​ (Florida), ​FIREHAZE (East Coast), and BROKEN TIME (Texas). A panel of seasoned industry professionals, including Jeff Buttermark (FM Management), Shawn Quinn (Napalm Records/FM Management), and Rob Caggiano (formerly of Anthrax and Volbeat), ultimately selected Mourning High as the top U.S. act to perform at the International Wacken Battle.

  Spotify - 2025 WMBU National Finalists Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5q7Or6tHAsWsAGg8zQSVgZ​

  For the last seven years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:​
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will advance to perform at Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of international bands from around the globe in a major international battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​
  ​MetalBattleUSA.com​
  ​Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​.official​
  ​X.com/MetalBattleUSA​
  ​Instagram.com/wmbusa.official

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• GRAVEWITCH's New Video Summons “Damnable Evil” From Blackened Thrash Self-Titled Album Out Now! + Show Date w/ Savage Master

  Jan 15, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Blackened thrash metal duo Gravewitch has released the official lyric video for “Damnable Evil,” the second single from their self‑titled full‑length album Gravewitch, which dropped this past June via Rock Sun Records.
  ​
  Created by Kenji of Tsunami Films & Narcotic Wasteland, the “Damnable Evil” lyric video marks a first for the band, an intense visual companion that amplifies the track’s themes of psychological torment and early‑20th‑century asylum horror.

  The track dives into the grim reality of early insane asylums, imagining the terror and mistreatment faced by those confined within. Musically, it blends Gravewitch’s signature blackened thrash with a heavier, groove‑driven undercurrent, an unsettling, immersive backdrop for the song’s lyrical descent into madness.
  ​​
  “The instrumentation captures what the lyrics are explaining. It’s different from the rest of the album, but still very much us,” adds Chris Fleming (Guitar/Vocals/Bass).
  ​
  

  Formed in 2013 in the high desert shadows of Bend, Oregon, Chris Fleming (guitar/vocals) and Andrew Ingraham (drums) have spent more than a decade forging their own brand of blackened thrash, fast, melodic, atmospheric, and uncompromisingly heavy. Their sound draws from titans like Kreator, Amon Amarth, Dark Funeral, Uada, Skeletonwitch, Emperor, and Vader, while remaining unmistakably their own.
  ​
  Their self‑titled 2025 album represents the band’s most ambitious and polished work to date. Written during the global uncertainty of 2020, the record explores a wide spectrum of dark themes, from war and witchcraft to sleep paralysis, necromancy, and the infamous serial killer H.H. Holmes. Each of the album’s ten tracks stands apart, reflecting the chaotic energy of the era in which they were created.
  ​​
  “This is our first professional recording where listeners can truly hear the sound we’ve been striving for. Every song takes the audience on a different journey. We wanted this album to be an adventure. We’ve always been told we sound like a five‑piece band even though we’re a duo. This album shows who we are and where we’re going,” says Fleming.
  ​
  Since their formation, Gravewitch have become a force in the Pacific Northwest metal scene, sharing stages with Warbringer, Goatwhore, Flotsam and Jetsam, Lord Dying, Nervosa, and more. Their reputation for ferocious, tightly executed live performances has earned them a cult following and a respected place in the underground.
  ​
  Despite their growing success, the band has remained fiercely independent. Fleming handles the bulk of instrumentation on their releases, while both members collaborate closely on themes, structure, and songwriting. Their DIY ethos has shaped their identity from day one.

  
  ​
  ​Gravewitch's self-titled album, released on June 18, 2025, via Rock Sun Records, is available on all digital platforms and CD.

  Bandcamp (CD) - https://gravewitchofficial.bandcamp.com/album/gravewitch​

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/7kBWr27iJzjvjOfTLP3ZgM​

  In additional news, Gravewitch will be local support for Savage Master's tour stop in Eugene, OR, on February 12th, 2026. Info can be found here.

  Show Dates:​
  Feb 12 - John Henry's - Eugene, OR - Savage Master, Oxygen Destroyer, Gravewitch

  Track Listing:​
  1. Damnable Evil (4:24)
  2. Phantasm (4:21)
  3. Mistress of Hate (4:13)
  4. Ritual Reanimation (4:35)
  5. Atmospheric Alterations (4:31)
  6. White City Devil (4:00)
  7. Woodland Trance (5:09)
  8. Systematic Fallout (4:21)
  9. Operation Overlord (5:27)
  10. The Once Sacred Gift of Life (3:32)
  Album Length: 44:38

  Band Lineup:​
  Chris Fleming: Guitar/Vocals/Bass
  Andrew Ingraham: Drums

  More info: Facebook.com/gravewitch | Instagram.com/gravewitchofficial

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