Australian rock visionaries IMPERATORE return with the first single “Be A Man”, taken from their upcoming album "The Lionspirit", due out onDecember 19th, 2025, via Rockshots Records. The song is released together with its official music video, introducing the core concept behind the album - a call to courage, resiliency, and self-mastery.
Blending heavy rock, progressive metal, and operatic grandeur, “Be A Man” stands as a powerful anthem of inner rebirth. Driven by amazing vocals, cinematic orchestrations, and uplifting melodies, the track embodies Imperatore’s distinctive sound - emotional, epic, and deeply reflective. Its lyrics invite listeners to confront fear, embrace authenticity, and rediscover the strength within, echoing the Stoic philosophy that inspired the entire record.
Founder Zoran Cunjack explains:
“Be A Man is about facing your inner fears and reclaiming your strength. True courage isn’t found in the world outside but in mastering your own mind and spirit. It’s a song about standing tall - not just as a man but as a human being who refuses to give up.”
“Be A Man” marks the beginning of Imperatore’s next chapter - a blend of cinematic power and operatic emotion that defines the band’s evolving sound. Produced by Zoran Cunjack, recorded and mixed by Rodion Farafontov, and mastered by Simon Jovanovic, the track sets the tone for what promises to be Imperatore’s most ambitious work to date.
For fans of Nightwish, Kamelot, Symphony X, Powerwolf, and Queen.
Quebec City melodic death metal band Born Divided has unleashed their highly anticipated second album, "Chronicle of the Shipwreck," now streaming worldwide as of October 24th. Mixed and mastered by Chris Donaldson of Cryptopsy, the album dives deeper into the band’s signature fusion of orchestral grandeur, progressive complexity, and raw emotional power.
Formed in 2020 following the end of Blinded by Faith, a band that included founding members Tommy Demers and Michaël Beaudoin. Driven by a desire to return to music, Tommy transitioned from vocals to bass, opening the door for a new frontman. Maxim Levesque stepped in as lead vocalist, bringing fresh energy to the lineup. Longtime friends Lucas Biron (drums) and Fred Bédard (guitar) completed the ensemble, forming a powerhouse of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Québec’s metal scene.
Born Divided’s debut album, Impending Doom (2022), delivered seven tracks of razor-sharp precision and relentless intensity. With their latest release, "Chronicle of the Shipwreck," the band unveils a more evolved and emotionally resonant soundscape. The album is driven by fast, heavy riffs that balance complexity with catchiness, while brutal screams and soaring clean vocals create a striking dynamic tension. Cinematic orchestration deepens the atmosphere, and hook-rich guitar melodies keep the momentum surging. Lyrically and musically, the record navigates themes of emotional collapse, existential turmoil, and the fierce journey toward redemption.
"We’re incredibly excited to unveil our new album. Our sound has been described as “if Gojira and Symphony X collided head-on, with flashes of Devin Townsend and the orchestral chaos of Dimmu Borgir,” and this album feels like the perfect embodiment of that hybrid spirit. As a band, our creative evolution has shifted dramatically; our earlier work leaned toward conceptual and fantastical storytelling. But Born Divided is something else entirely. It’s raw, personal, and brutally honest. Over the past two years, we've poured everything into this record: frustration, growth, vulnerability, and the cathartic power of music itself. This isn’t just an album. It’s a reflection of where we’ve been, what we’ve endured, and how we’ve emerged, louder, heavier, and more unapologetically ourselves.”
With each track offering a distinct atmosphere, some are catchier, featuring memorable choruses, while others unfold into longer, more progressive journeys. It’s a compelling blend of melody and aggression designed to resonate deeply with fans. Recommended for fans of Ne Obliviscaris, Symphony X, Scar Symmetry, Persefone, and Dimmu Borgir.
Edmonton, AB, Canada's Juliet Ruin returns with their most emotionally raw and sonically ambitious release to date: the "Regime" EP, now available on all major streaming platforms. To celebrate, the band is hitting the road with a series of EP release shows across Alberta (listed below), bringing their signature blend of chunky riffs, soaring melodies, and studio-tight vocals to fans across the province. “Regime” marks a new chapter for Juliet Ruin. Formed in 2015 from the ashes of Fiction of Fate, the band has spent the last decade refining its sound, a genre-fluid fusion of groove, metalcore, and pop sensibility that’s as powerful as it is vulnerable. With five tracks that range from introspective to explosive, "Regime" dives deep into mental health, personal growth, and social reflection.
From the eerie introspection of “Poems By a Poltergeist” to the title track’s blazing demand for empathy and justice, the EP masterfully fuses crushing breakdowns with infectious pop sensibilities. Jess Fleming delivers her most emotionally exposed performance to date, pulling lyrics directly from her personal journals and infusing each scream and melody with unfiltered intensity. Standout tracks include “Reactance Theory,” a sharp dive into resistance and impulse shaped by social psychology; “Chrysalis,” a symbolic passage through depression and personal rebirth; “The Art of Being Wise,” a tender goodbye to fractured relationships; and “Regime,” the EP’s most sonically aggressive piece, a fervent call for compassion in a fractured world.
“The Regime EP came together from our collective frustrations and personal struggles over the past few years. It challenged us creatively and emotionally, and we’re proud of the balance we struck between heaviness and vulnerability. Some tracks are heavier than we imagined, some more pop-like than expected, but all of it is authentically Juliet Ruin,” adds the band.
The EP’s cover, designed by longtime collaborator Feen Murray, features abstract skulls and hearts, symbolizing the tension between emotionality and overthinking. It’s a visual reflection of the EP’s lyrical depth and sonic duality. Juliet Ruin will be performing a series of EP release shows across Alberta, joined by fill-in bassist Dale Myroniuk (Dahlmers Realm, Breaking the Silent). Known for their high-energy performances and tight vocal execution, the band promises a live experience that’s as intense as the studio recordings.
EP Release Show Dates: Oct 25 - Edmonton, AB - Dive Bar Nov 1 - Medicine Hat, AB - Mainliner Pub Nov 7 - Lloydminster, AB - Cheers Live "Regime" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major platforms.
Marking the final step before the release of their new album "X", out the same day via Rockshots Records, Secret Rule return with “Collapse”, a high-energy, hard-hitting modern metal anthem that blends unstoppable grooves with a sharp message about a world on the brink.
Driven by Angela Di Vincenzo’s fierce vocal performance and Andy Menario’s razor-edged production, “Collapse” captures the tension between chaos and resilience, translating global turmoil into pure musical adrenaline. The track is released together with a striking official video, perfectly reflecting the song’s urgency and visual intensity.
Angela comments:
“It’s the kind of song that gets your body moving while your mind wakes up. The energy is pure fire, but underneath, it’s a wake-up call about the world we’re losing.”
Andy adds:
“With ‘Collapse’ I wanted a sound that could hit hard in a live show — something you feel in your chest. It’s aggressive, melodic and super jumpy… a real crowd-mover.”
“Collapse” follows the recent singles "Just a Sacrifice", "Echoes of the Earth", "In the Silence", and "Silent Pain" — each exploring different emotional and existential layers of "X", an album that celebrates the band’s tenth anniversary with a renewed modern edge and fearless experimentation. The record also features a special collaboration with Marco Pastorino (Temperance) on the track “Lost In Paradise”.
Self-produced by guitarist Andy Menario and frontwoman Angela Di Vincenzo, "X" combines symphonic power, electronic textures and metalcore-inspired breakdowns into a cohesive and vibrant sound that redefines Secret Rule’s identity for a new decade.
For fans of Amaranthe and Within Temptation, "X" is an album that bridges melody and power — and “Collapse” is its explosive warning shot.
Secret Rule celebrates 10 years of music with a special 10th Anniversary Tour! Don’t miss the chance to experience their powerful live show across the UK and Europe this fall.
Full Tour Dates: 20 OCT – Glasgow | Ivory Blacks 21 OCT – Edinburgh | Bannerman’s 22 OCT – Manchester | Aatma 23 OCT – Newcastle | Trillians 24 OCT – Birmingham | Asylum 2 25 OCT – London | Cart & Horses 26 OCT – Treforest | The Green Rooms 07 NOV – DE | Mörlenbach | Live Music Hall 08 NOV – BE | Bree | Ragnarok
One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals.
Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.
"Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air," adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.
The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.
Canadian Battle Cities: Vancouver, BC Vancouver Island, BC BC Interior Edmonton, AB Toronto, ON Hamilton, ON Ottawa, ON Montreal, QC Quebec City, QC
Watch - Wacken Metal Battle 2025 - Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? - https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw
The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following: - A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival. - Full professional backline provided. - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany. - VIP camping at the festival.
The 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered. Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING(Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG(British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner. The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).
For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), Wacken Metal Battle Canada 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 nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.
Wacken Metal Battle Canada 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 Canada 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 Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.
