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• AITTALA Unleash New Performance Video “Blacklisted,” the First to Feature New Bassist Dane Taylor + Tour Dates (WV, VA, TN, NC)

  May 19, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  AITTALA (pronounced EYE‑tah‑la) has released the official performance video for “Blacklisted,” the third track from their second EP of 2025, "Ill‑Gotten Gains," out now on Exitus Stratagem Records.
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  The clip marks a milestone for the long‑running metal project; it is the first video to feature new bassist Dane Taylor, joining Eric Aittala (guitars/vocals) and Gary “Zeus” Smith (drums). The trio’s chemistry is on full display, delivering a tight, groove‑driven performance that captures the grit and weight of the track.
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  A groove‑ and sludge‑inspired standout, “Blacklisted” serves as the thematic counterpoint to the EP’s opening tracks “Isolation” and “Ill‑Gotten Gains.” Where those songs explore the chaos created by self‑serving actions, “Blacklisted” flips the perspective, calling out the people who manipulate, exploit, and leave destruction in their wake.
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  Musically, the song leans into thick riffs, a grinding mid‑tempo pulse, and the band’s signature blend of heaviness and melody. It’s a concise, punishing statement that reinforces why AITTALA’s sound remains difficult to categorize, and impossible to ignore.
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  Watch the video via its premiere on Metal Addicts HERE.

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  Released this past November, "Ill‑Gotten Gains" continues AITTALA’s tradition of blurring metal subgenres, pulling from traditional metal, doom, groove, progressive elements, and more to create a cohesive, emotionally charged experience.
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  The EP’s lyrics trace a path from chaos to consequence to the search for redemption, examining how people create disorder for personal gain, face the fallout of those choices, and grapple with whether forgiveness is still possible. Each track sharpens that arc: “Isolation” delivers doomy heaviness and shifting time signatures as it confronts consequences; “Ill‑Gotten Gains” rides a bouncing 8‑string riff into the mindset of exploiting chaos; “Blacklisted” uses groove‑sludge grit to call out manipulative behavior; “Ever After” offers a modern metal ballad of internal struggle and uncertain redemption; and “Ashes” leans into traditional heavy metal as it follows someone spiraling downward and pulling others with them.
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  The EP cover features an updated version of Frank, AITTALA’s long‑running mascot, a cartoon pig head inside a pentagram, created in 2014 for the album "Effigy." Frank represents the shady figure who helps acquire “ill‑gotten gains”…for the right price. His return on the cover ties directly into the EP’s themes of corruption, consequence, and moral decay.
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  ​AITTALA’s sound resists simple labels, blending classic heavy metal, doom, groove, progressive and power metal, thrash, and hard rock into a style that’s distinctly their own. Lyrically, Eric Aittala pulls from the darker edges of human experience, crafting songs that balance heaviness with introspection.
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  Founded in 1991 in the Netherlands, AITTALA quickly became a staple of the Dutch metal scene, even opening for The Gathering and Sadist after releasing their 1993 EP "Selling Heaven."
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  After disbanding and later resurrecting the project in 2008, AITTALA released six full‑length albums between 2009 and 2022, followed by the "Machines" EP (2025). Each release showcases the band’s evolution while preserving their unmistakable core sound.

  Recommended for fans of Mastodon, Eyehate God, Baroness, Crowbar, Katatonia, live music enthusiasts can catch AITTALA at the following show dates below.

  Aittala Tour Dates (WV, VA, TN, NC)​
  May 21 - Tilty McFlipperz - Martinsburg, WV
  May 22 - The Spot on Kirk - Roanoke, VA
  May 23 - Capones - Johnson City, TN
  Jun 19 - Cannonball Music Hall - Raleigh, NC
  Jul 31 - The Den | Winston - Salem, NC
  Aug 7- White Rabbit Pub - Fayetteville, NC
  Aug 29 - Scandals Live - Virginia Beach, VA

  "Ill-Gotten Gains" (released Nov 21, 2025) is available from Exitus Stratagem Records - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Isolation - 4:22
  2. Ill Gotten Gains - 4:20
  3. Black Listed - 3:35
  4. Ever After - 4:29
  5. Ashes - 3:50
  EP Length: 20:37

  Live lineup:
  Eric Aittala - Guitars/Vocals
  Gary “Zeus” Smith - Drums
  Dane Taylor - Bass

  For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic

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• HELLMETALL Unleashes New Single “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” From Upcoming Album "Mgla" Out Sept 2026

  May 18, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  HELLMETALL unveil “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore”, the second single taken from their forthcoming album "Mgla", set for release on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

  Emerging from the isolated mountain valley of Resia, on the border between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, HELLMETALL continue to forge a deeply personal vision of Thrash/Death Metal rooted in memory, identity, and cultural heritage. What sets the band apart is not only the violent fusion of razor-sharp Thrash riffs, Death Metal aggression, and dark melodic undertones but also their uncompromising decision to perform entirely in Resian - the ancient Slavic language still spoken in Val Resia.

  Far beyond a stylistic choice, the use of Resian represents the very core of HELLMETALL’s artistic identity. Through this endangered and highly distinctive language, the band forges local history into something visceral and immediate, preserving the voice, memory, and spirit of their homeland through extreme music. As vocalist and founder Daniele Micelli explains, "the project was born from the desire to merge aggressive metal with the folk traditions and cultural heritage of the valley where I grew up".

  Musically, “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” perfectly embodies the band’s evolution toward a darker, heavier, and more mature sound. While early HELLMETALL material incorporated stronger folk elements and violin arrangements, "Mgla" pushes the band deeper into Death and Black Metal territories while retaining the melodic sensibility inherited from the musical traditions of Val Resia. The result is a sound defined by crushing riff work, relentless rhythmic intensity, and haunting melodic passages, balancing violence and memorability with remarkable authenticity.

  Lyrically, the single continues HELLMETALL’s exploration of the traumatic events that scarred the mountains and borderlands surrounding their homeland during the First and Second World Wars. “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” is dedicated to the Alpini soldiers of the 8th Regiment Julia Battalion Gemona. After surviving the Albanian campaign against Greek forces, the battalion was struck by tragedy when the steamship Galilea, carrying the soldiers back toward Italy, was sunk by a British submarine. Most drowned at sea, while many of the survivors were later sent to die on the Russian front.

  This historical and emotional depth lies at the heart of "Mgla" - a record whose title, meaning “Fog,” reflects the oppressive atmosphere surrounding the stories narrated throughout the album. Across its tracks, HELLMETALL channel the brutality of war, the oral memories passed down through generations, and the harsh reality of mountain life into an uncompromising sonic assault sung entirely in the language of their ancestors.

  Following the release of the album’s title track "Mgla" earlier this year, “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore” further confirms HELLMETALL as one of the most distinctive and culturally unique acts emerging from the contemporary extreme metal underground.

  With an intense live activity already extending beyond Italy into Eastern Europe, including appearances at Austria’s Kaltenbach Open Air and a dedicated Polish mini-tour later in 2026, HELLMETALL are steadily expanding their presence while remaining fiercely connected to the identity and traditions of Val Resia.

  "Mgla" will be released on September 4th, 2026.

  Spotify - https://lnk.to/AxZae1​

  ​

  PRE ORDER "MGLA": https://rockshots.eu/products/hellmetall-mgla-cd​

  HELLMETALL lineup ("Mgla" era / until October 2025):

  • Daniele Micelli: Vocals
  • Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
  • Matteo Cameran: Guitar
  • Luca Fumagalli: Bass
  • Gabriele Barbarino: Drums

  Current lineup:

  • Daniele Micelli: Vocals
  • Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
  • Matteo Cameran: Guitar
  • Luca Fumagalli: Bass
  • Federico Zuin: Drums

  ​

  More info:

  ​https://www.rockshots.eu

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

  ​https://www.facebook.com/HellMetAll.Resia​

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• ETERNAL DRAK Unleashed "We Force It To Speak" From Sixth Album "The Violence of Time" Out July 2026

  May 15, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Eternal Drak, the long‑running extreme metal force originally from Latin America and now based in Quebec City, Canada, known for its evolving blend of black, thrash, and death metal, announces the arrival of its sixth full‑length album, "The Violence of Time," a work that reframes time itself as the enemy of human meaning and will be released on out July 17th, 2026, on Canadian label FirstWave. Alongside the announcement, the band unveils the album’s first single, “We Force It To Speak.”​
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  Born, as the band puts it, “in the middle of a drunk among friends,” Eternal Drak has spent years forging a sound defined by varied rhythm and catchy aggression, shaped by decades within the metal underground. With this new album, the band reaches its most cohesive and intense expression to date.
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  ​"The Violence of Time" is not a concept album in the traditional sense; it is a philosophical assault. Lyrically and musically, the record presents time as a hostile, eroding force that distorts memory, identity, and causality. The songs function as “violent theses,” each dismantling a human assumption about how time works.
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  The band explains:
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  ​“Time does not accompany human beings; it subdues them. It does not flow; it imposes. It does not advance; it erodes.”​
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  Every track reflects fragments of a larger narrative inspired by a short story written for the album, an exploration of how attempts to understand time only warp it further.
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  Serving as the album’s opening strike, “We Force It To Speak” captures the essence of Eternal Drak’s new era. Rooted in black metal yet enriched with acoustic textures and dense atmospheric layering, the track establishes the album’s emotional and conceptual tone. Lyrically, it confronts the human obsession with explanation, how the act of observing or defining reality alters it beyond recognition. The band describes it as a reflection on “how the more we search for answers, the more certainty slips away.”

  Eternal Drak’s evolution has been shaped by decades of experimentation, from analog distortion and classic pedals to modern digital textures. With "The Violence of Time," the band believes it has finally crystallized its definitive sound: aggressive, cohesive, and uncompromising.
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  Influences such as Dimmu Borgir, Watain, Kreator, Motörhead, and Desaster echo throughout the record, yet the album stands firmly in its own identity, extreme metal sharpened by introspection and conceptual depth.

  Listen to “We Force It To Speak” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://hypeddit.com/eternaldrak/weforceittospeak

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  ​
  Album pre-order (out July 17th, 2026) - https://eternaldrak.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. We Force It To Speak - 5:15
  2. The Unborn Paths Rot - 3:51
  3. Me Hice Simultaneo - 3:30
  4. The Blasphemy of Time - 3:35
  5. Chaos Is the Law - 3:34
  6. Where Cause Is Buried - 3:55
  7. Across the Watching Veils - 3:53
  8. Breathing Once Again - 3:45
  9. The Cosmos Rejects You - 4:09
  10. No Direction Total War - 2:57
  Album Length: 38:24

  Album Band Line Up:​
  Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass
  Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar

  More info: http://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak​

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• LEVINIA Unleashes “Silver Tongues” Exploring Dark Grooves Against Modern Idols

  May 15, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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  Los Angeles symphonic‑metal hybrid Levinia has announced the release of their second single and music video of 2026, “Silver Tongues,” the next chapter in a four‑single rollout that marks the band’s most ambitious era yet. The track follows the success of their first 2026 release, “The Thorn.” It continues their collaboration with acclaimed producer Brandon Friesen, known for his work with Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, and Papa Roach.​
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  ​“Silver Tongues” showcases a new facet of Levinia’s evolving identity, groovier, more rhythm‑driven, and deceptively restrained on the surface, while lyrically cutting deep. The band describes the track as a warning against the seductive pull of modern celebrity culture, where public figures are elevated to near‑religious status.

  "We think fans are going to have a strong reaction to these upcoming releases because each song reveals a very different side of Levinia. “Silver Tongues” will likely catch listeners by surprise with its groovier, more rhythm-driven feel. It is a bit more restrained melodically on the surface, but the lyrical message is sharp and unsettling, which we think fans will connect with once they sit with the song. It’s about the danger of surrendering your identity to someone else’s narrative. It’s a rebellion against polished voices that promise certainty while quietly demanding conformity. Overall, we believe fans will appreciate not only the heaviness but the versatility. This is Levinia pushing into new territory while still maintaining the cinematic drama and emotional weight that listeners know us for," says vocalist Kourt Henson.
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  The single’s artwork reflects this theme with a commanding, mysterious figure pressing a finger to her lips, an homage to a striking behind‑the‑scenes photograph of Henson that inspired the visual direction.
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  ​Levenia was formed in 2017 by drummer Dylan Suierveld and guitarist John Pinon Martinez, and has steadily transformed from a symphonic‑leaning project into a dark, modern, hybrid metal force. With the addition of lead guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal in 2020 and new bassist Liam Buckley in 2026, the band has sharpened its sound into something heavier, more deliberate, and more emotionally immersive.
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  Their 2026 singles represent the most refined version of Levinia that is aggressive, thought‑provoking, cinematic, melodic, and emotionally charged. Teaming up with producer Brandon Friesen has played a pivotal role in shaping the band's new chapter, helping them refine a pool of developing tracks into the four‑song arc planned for release throughout the year.
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  ​“Silver Tongues” is only the second step in a four‑part journey. Each planned single to be released will reveal a different side of Levinia’s identity, pushing them into new creative territory while preserving the cinematic drama and emotional weight fans have come to expect.
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  ​Levinia’s writing process has grown increasingly collaborative, with Alon and Kourt shaping the melodic and lyrical core before the rest of the band builds the dynamic foundation around it. This approach has led to music that feels more cohesive, more vocal‑driven, and more emotionally impactful.
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  Kourt’s lyrics draw heavily from personal experience, classical literature, and folklore, blending confession with gothic storytelling. The new singles embrace darker romanticism, haunting imagery, and a more mature narrative voice, marking a significant evolution from their earlier work.

  Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and Delain, listen to “Silver Tongues” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://hypeddit.com/levinia/silvertongues

  First Single - Music Video - The Thorn

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  Levinia:​
  Vocals - Kourt Henson
  Guitar - Alon Mei-Tal
  Bass - Liam Buckley
  Drums- Dylan Suierveld

  More info:

  ​https://www.leviniaofficial.com/​

  ​https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial​

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

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Crowns BORNBROKEN 2026 National Final Champion! Band To Play Wacken Open Air!

  May 13, 2026 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Photo Credit - Ryan Rumpel - @rumpelstillcam ​

  Let’s get ready to rumble! Canada has spoken. After months of fierce battles from coast to coast, WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA has revealed the 2026 national finalist, showcasing the strongest underground metal emerging from the scene today.
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  Following intense regional clashes, four bands rose above the rest to earn their place at the national final on May 9th in Montreal, QC, taking over Piranha Bar (680 Ste‑Catherine Ouest). There, they unleashed their might before a crowd of die‑hard metal fans and a judging panel of industry veterans, including Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM – Alerte Metallique), Pierre Beaubien (CIBL 101.5 FM – Décibel Métal), Andrew Wieler (CJLO 1690 AM – Metal Director), Kaje Annihilatrix (Promoter, Freelance Metal Writer, Asher Media), Dany Soucy (Nova Spei, Bam&Co‑Heavy Label, Trois‑Rivières Metalfest), and Patrick Loisel (Augury).
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  Only one band could claim the crown, and BornBroken emerged victorious as Canada’s 2026 national champion, earning the honour of representing the nation at the 35th anniversary of Wacken Open Air and competing in the international Wacken Metal Battle, where bands from over 30 countries collide in a global showdown.

  WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia comments:

  "Congrats to BornBroken, they are sure to tear it up at Wacken this summer and do Canada proud!"

  BornBroken's guitarist and vocalist, Mike Decker, comments on their crowning:

  "Winning the Canadian Wacken Metal Battle still hasn’t fully sunk in. We’ve spent years grinding through clubs, hauling gear through snowstorms, playing to half-empty rooms, and fighting for every inch as a band, so this means more to us than we can really put into words. To now represent Canada at Wacken Open Air is something we will never take for granted.

  This win belongs to everyone who’s supported BornBroken over the years. Our families, our friends, the promoters who gave us chances, the people who bought merch when we were struggling to keep moving, and every single person who ever stood in front of the stage and gave us their energy. You carried us here as much as we carried ourselves.

  We also want to give respect to every band that was part of this year’s battle. The level of talent, passion, and heart we saw was incredible. We may be the band getting on the plane, but we honestly feel like we’re carrying a piece of every one of those bands with us onto that stage in Germany. In our eyes, everyone who stepped into this battle and gave it everything they had is a winner.

  We’re proud, we’re grateful, and we’re ready to give Wacken everything we’ve got..."

  The final four who clashed at this year’s national final were:

  BORNBROKEN (Montreal, QC) - 2026 National Winner

  ​https://linktr.ee/bornbroken​
  ​
  ​ASHES OF YGGDRASIL (Lloydminster, AB/SK)

  ​https://ashesofyggdrasilba.wixsite.com/ashesofyggdrasil​

  EMPALEMENT (Victoria, BC)

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

  GRAVEARTH (Oshawa, ON)

  ​https://linktr.ee/Gravearth​

  ======

  WMBC 2026 National Final Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Yizi851LwbShAduRaqHf3​

  About Metal Battle:

  The Wacken Metal Battle is an international metal music contest that culminates at the famous Wacken Open Air festival. It features the top bands from each nation, showcasing fresh and young metal music directly from the underground. The contest is open to unsigned metal bands and has become a significant platform for breaking through the local circuit. The 2026 edition of Wacken Metal Battle Canada is currently underway. The winner will have the opportunity to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's largest metal festivals, attracting tens of thousands of metal fans from around the globe. For more information and updates, you can visit the official Wacken Metal Battle website - https://www.metal-battle.com/​

  About Wacken Open Air:​
  Wacken Open Air is the largest heavy metal festival in the world. Starting with 800 visitors in 1990, nowadays 85,000 fans from all over the world travel to Wacken every year, turning the small village in Schleswig-Holstein into the center of the festival scene for several days. The organizing WOA Festival GmbH is connected to a broad network, including band management, the Wacken Foundation, tour booking, music publishing, Travel & Stay, merchandising distribution, and ticketing. In cooperation with partners, these results in creative solutions and ideas that revolutionize the festival experience, enable technical innovations, and produce extraordinary event concepts. Wacken Open Air 2026 will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026.

  More info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/wmbcanada.official/​

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