Latest Articles

• CROWNSHIFT - Release Hard-Hitting Metal Cover Of Alannah Myles' Smash Hit 'Black Velvet'

  Feb 20, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Following up on their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album from 2024, modern metal supergroup CROWNSHIFT has unleashed a hard-hitting metal cover of Alannah Myles' smash hit 'Black Velvet' from 1989. The original, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop hits of the late 80s, has been given an exciting contemporary facelift by the Finns, who effortlessly updated the song with their signature sound and made it their own. The band that's currently one of Finland's hottest new rock music exports has received a lot of praise for their debut album and their superb crossover of modern metal, melodic death metal and progressive metal has instantly excited fans and critics all over the globe.  In just a week from now, CROWNSHIFT will embark on an extensive European tour with heavy metal legend DIRKSCHNEIDER and ALL FOR METAL Scroll down for all confirmed dates. STREAM CROWNSHIFT'S 'BLACK VELVET' COVER: https://crownshift.bfan.link/black-velvet

  PURCHASE / REVISIT CROWNSHIFT'S DEBUT ALBUM:  https://crownshift.bfan.link/cslp

  CROWNSHIFT IS: Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals  Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals  Jukka Koskinen: Bass  Heikki Saari: Drums

  CROWNSHIFT online: https://linktr.ee/crownshiftofficial  https://www.facebook.com/crownshiftofficial https://www.instagram.com/crownshiftofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@crownshiftofficial  YouTube

   

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• Saudi Prog Metal DUSK Teams Up w/ Kuwait's ABZY For New Single "Sleepwalker"

  Feb 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Saudi Arabia’s one-man prog metal unit DUSK (from the mind of Meshari Sangora) has teamed up with Kuwaiti modern metal artist ABZY and drummer Gilbert Hadad to release their unified single "Sleepwalker". Fresh, creative, and powerful, the track is about the struggle one has with their mental health.

  "As I work on my follow-up music to 2023 Spectrums, I think fans will love this first taste of the new album I'm working on, and they will appreciate the beauty of my maturity when it comes to songwriting and what experiences can do to a creative session. I'm trying to touch base on more realistic subjects such as mental health, but I always like to show the other side of the conversation," adds DUSK.

  Once a college DJ in UAE, that time in his life led to his rediscovery of all forms of metal, and it was just the beginning of his creation of music as a self-taught musician and producer. DUSK released its first full length" "Spectrums" to follow two previously released EPs “To Where I Belong” (2021) and “Ascension” (2020) along with multiple stand-alone singles that were used to introduce the project's music to the world in 2020.

  "Spectrums" garnered praise as it was named Album of The Year in 2023 by Metal Pedia and Metal Has No Borders along with reaching listeners in over 90+ countries on Spotify.

  This album further solidified his place in the international metal community, featuring 12 tracks sung in multiple languages, including (English, German, Finnish, and Arabic). Spectrums also included collaborations with both local Saudi artists and international metal musicians, such as Aron Harris from Solemn Vision and Jaani Peuhu, formerly of Swallow the Sun.

  Beyond his music career, DUSK is an influential figure in the Saudi Arabian and broader GCC metal scenes. He has played a crucial role in supporting local artists by offering marketing consultations, providing studio recording services, and helping to manage and promote the “Riyadh Inferno” festival, an important event for the region's growing metal community. As the festival's key liaison, DUSK connects local venues with regional bands, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a destination for metal acts.

  With a deep commitment to his craft and his role in the development of the metal music scene in Saudi Arabia and beyond, DUSK continues to shape the future of heavy music along with the CEO and Founder of Heavy Arabia “GIGI ARABIA”.

  "Sleepwalker" is recommended for fans of Currents, Spiritbox, and Killswitch Engage, along with everything under the vein of progressive metal, metalcore, EDM, and djent.

  Listen at the following links:

  Digital (Spotify) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dusk14/sleepwalker

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  For more info:

  ​Officialdusk.com​

  ​Facebook.com/Officialdusk94​

  ​Instagram.com/official__dusk​​

  ​Twitter.com/Official__Dusk​

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• MACHINE HEAD ANNOUNCE MONUMENTAL 11TH ALBUM UNATØNED OUT APRIL 25TH + RELEASE MUSIC VIDEO FOR FIRST SINGLE 'UNBØUND'

  Feb 18, 2025 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  For over three decades, the personification of determination, founder/vocalist/guitarist Robb Flynn, has led Bay Area icons MACHINE HEAD on an uncompromising path – one fueled by defiance, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of evolution. UNATØNED, the band's eleventh album, will be unleashed to the world on April 25 via Nuclear Blast Records. UNATØNED is a testament to momentum, an album honed to its sharpest edge, forged on creative discipline and the hunger to push forward. To mark the announcement, the band reveals the first single, 'UNBØUND'. Watch the energetic music video directed by Mike Sloat. Pre-order & pre-save UNATØNED: https://machinehead.bfan.link/unatoned Stream 'UNBØUND' https://machinehead.bfan.link/unbound

   

  UNATØNED is now available for pre-order in the following formats: CD Jewel LP Tan with Black and Red Swirl Clear Black and Grey Marbled Written in motion – on the road, in hotel rooms, and across continents – it reflects the raw energy of their return to the global festival circuit after an 11-year hiatus. UNATØNED was recorded at Robb's Jam Room, Sharkbite Studios, and Drop Of Sun Recording between July 2023 and December 2024. The album was produced by Robb Flynn as well as Zack Ohren who was also responsible for the engineering. The mixing and mastering was handled by Colin Richardson and Chris Clancy at Audioworks UK and the mastering of the record was handled by Ted Jensen and his assistant Justin Shturtz. The only exception was the track 'LANDSCAPE ØF THØRNS' which was produced by Flynn and Joel Wanasek who was also in charge of mixing the single alongside Zack Ohren. MACHINE HEAD once again tapped Seth Siro Anton to create the album artwEleven albums deep, MACHINE HEAD remains as fierce, relevant, and unstoppable as ever  : 'UNBØUND' Music Video   This Spring, MACHINE HEAD are heading on a massive North American tour alongside labelmates and Swedish melodic death metal icons IN FLAMES, Italian metal titans LACUNA COIL, and American metalcore outfit UNEARTH. The 24-date trek will kick off on April 5th with a “hometown” show for MACHINE HEAD at the legendary Fox Theater then heads South for a stop at Sick New World Festival before heading East and making its way across Canada. Tickets for the tour are available for purchase: https://www.machinehead1.com/pages/tour                                                                   Confirmed dates for MACHINE HEAD's North American Tour 2025 with IN FLAMES, LACUNA COIL, UNEARTH are: 04.05 U.S. Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater 04.07 U.S. Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren 04.09 U.S. San Diego, CA @ Observatory North Park 04.10 U.S. Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern 04.12 U.S. Las Vegas, NV @ Sick New World ** 04.13 U.S. Salt Lake City, UT @ Union 04.15 U.S. Denver, CO @ The Fillmore Auditorium 04.17 U.S. San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec 04.18 U.S. Houston, TX @ House Of Blues 04.19 U.S. Dallas, TX @ House Of Blues 04.21 U.S. Raleigh, NC @ The Ritz 04.22 U.S. Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore 04.23 U.S. Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount 04.25 U.S. Reading, PA @ Santander Arena 04.26 U.S. Boston, MA @ House Of Blues 04.27 CAN Montreal, QC @ M'Telus 04.28 CAN Toronto, ON  @ History 04.30 U.S. Cincinnati, OH @ Andrew J. Brady Music Center 05.02 U.S. Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore 05.03 U.S. Chicago, IL @ Radius 05.04 U.S. Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore 05.05 CAN Winnipeg, MB @ Burton Cummings 05.07 CAN Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Center 05.08 CAN Edmonton, AB @ Midway Music Hall 05.10 CAN Kelowna, BC @ Prospera Place **Festival date - MACHINE HEAD & LACUNA COIL only

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• United By Pain and Rage Hungary's SIN OF GOD Unshackle New Album "Blood Bound"

  Feb 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The metal world is now "Blood Bound" with the release of Hungary's SIN OF GOD's fourth studio album from Exitus Stratagem Records. With influences in thrash, ODM, and blackened and progressive death metal, Sin of God's sacrificial offering "Blood Bound" will please both old and new-school death metal fans at the same time. This new full-length presents a collection of variations that exhibit brutality and softness. It is something fans have heard in the past from the band but it has never sounded like this.

  "This album was a very painful and gory birth. Blood Bound was born bloodied and beaten. It was hurt by viruses, epidemics, wars, pollution, stupidity, irresponsibility, lies and deception. But finally, Blood Bound is here! Blood Bound is a mirror. Look into it! You will see the past, the present, and the future. Blood Bound is not a concept album, but it is united by the pain and rage that boils inside us. It reflects the best of our current knowledge. We wanted to write something simple and raw, conveying the message clearly but musically interesting, unique, and challenging. If you look at the album artwork, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Blood Bound is (life and) death metal at its finest, not for the faint of heart, that's for sure!” adds the band.

  Recommended for fans of Aborted, Bloodbath, Cattle Decapitation, Cryptopsy, and Psycroptic, Sin of God's latest album "Blood Bound" is now available as of February 18, 2025, from Exitus Stratagem Records, and available at the following links:

  Digital - https://hypeddit.com/sinofgod/bloodbound​

  CD order - https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/sin-of-god-blood-bound-lp-cd​

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Blood Bound (3:52)
  2. Black Waves (4:16)
  3. No Return (4:58)
  4. The Unbelief (4:49)
  5. Diabolical Agitation (7:44)
  6. Obulus (3:28)
  7. Cerebral Malfunction (4:02)
  Album Length: 33:09
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  ​Album Credits:​
  Album recorded at: Denevér Hangstúdió, Hungary
  Mixed and mastered by Sam Winslow/Sam Winslow Music
  Album artwork by Tamás Kis
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  ​Album Band Lineup:​
  Tamás Schupkégel - Vocals
  Tamás Kis - Guitar
  Michele Gawen Augello - Bass
  Balázs Botyánszki - Drums
  ​
  ​Live Band Lineup:​
  Tamás Schupkégel - Vocals
  Tamás Kis - Guitar
  Krisztián Páncél - Bass
  Balázs Botyánszki - Drums

  More info:

  ​Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic​

  ​Sinofgod.com | Facebook.com/sinofgodhu | Instagram.com/sinofgodmetal​

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• MILE HIGH POWER FEST (Denver, CO) Announces 2025 Line Up w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

  Feb 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/432isz9​

  In August 2024, Mile High Power Fest kicked off a new chapter for the Denver, Colorado power metal scene, and for local promoter BiteSize Productions. With an attendance of nearly 400 for its inaugural year, Mile High Power Metal Fest is proud to return on August 16th, once again at the Oriental Theater for its 2nd edition with its 2025 lineup featuring POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more! (details listed below).

  The Mile High Power Festival is a celebration of strength, unity, and the unyielding spirit of metal. Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, it 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.

  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.

  ​

  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. 

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  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 roleplaying 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.

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  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.

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  Trekking from the Canadian North, Ottawa's Lycanthro encapsulates a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound. Fans be prepared for an energetic and epic stage presence as they take you on their lyrical journey of classic horror and mythology. They recently released their new single "Iris", which will be featured on their upcoming 2025 album "Remnants of Rapture". The single was mixed/mastered by Damien Rainaud (Dragonforce / Once Human) and features a keyboard solo from Arttu Vauhkonen (Arion).

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  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 sophomore album ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ showcases just that, as they deliver hard-driving riffs paired with aggressive, death metal-styled vocals. ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ is a metal monster in a league all its own!

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  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.

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  To open the festival's night, 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
  Lycanthro
  Celestial Wizard
  Oak, Ash, & Thorn
  Viperwitch
  Signs of Tranquility

  Ticket info:​
  GA tickets: $45
  Reserved Table (Limit 10, includes 4 GA tickets): $200
  ​Ticket link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/427460​

  Venue: Oriental Theater - 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

  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​

  About:

  The Mile High Power Festival, Denver’s only power metal festival was derived from the creative mind of Soren Bray. The idea was born after a night of celebration with his band, Celestial Wizard while attending the HyperSpace Festival in Vancouver, Canada. It was then that Soren realized the U.S. had only a handful of power metal festivals—and none near his home in Denver. Partnering with Lucy, owner of Bitesize Productions LLC, Soren teamed up to turn this dream into a reality. The duo pitched Soren’s dream fest idea to the Oriental Theater (Denver, CO, USA) who was thrilled to join the project! Thus it began.

  MHPF's inaugural 2024 lineup featured Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Traveler, Lords of the Trident, AfterTime, Judicator, Graveshadow, Celestial Wizard, Seizure, Starwraith, and Siege Perilous.

  Mile High Power Festival is the ultimate gathering for power metal enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, this annual event is a showcase of the finest power metal bands locally and from around the globe. It's a testament to the unyielding spirit and intensity of power metal music, uniting devoted fans and talented artists in a euphoric celebration. Immerse yourself in a weekend of high-voltage performances, camaraderie, and the unapologetic essence of power metal.

  The night before the festival, they host an exciting Battle of the Bands event where local artists compete for a chance to perform at the following year's fest. This event not only uplifts the Denver local music community but also provides valuable feedback to the artists from industry professionals. Join us for a night of great music and support Denver's local talent!

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