Search Results: album

• 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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• Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM's New Album “Myth of Mankind” + Music Video “Hexe”

  May 26, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Italian folk metal band Aexylium proudly returns with their third studio album, “Myth of Mankind,” out now via Rockshots Records. With this new chapter, the band takes a decisive step forward in style and substance, offering their most mature and focused work.

  Formed in 2014, Aexylium has always stood out for its ability to merge the raw intensity of modern metal with the warm, evocative tones of traditional instruments, building a sound that is both powerful and atmospheric. With “Myth of Mankind,” the band pushes that blend even further, refining every aspect of their songwriting and production while exploring deeper, more introspective themes. The album moves away from the more mythological narratives of the past, instead embracing abstract reflections on the human condition, identity, and the complexity of existence in the modern world.

  Musically, “Myth of Mankind” is an intense yet melodic journey, built on technical guitar work, immersive orchestration, and the interplay between aggression and elegance. The album also marks a turning point in the band’s lineup, introducing vocalist Sam Biganzoli, whose expressive and multifaceted vocal range brings new emotional depth and narrative strength. Alongside him, drummer Alberto Mezzanotte (ex-Frozen Crown, Nekomata, Apple Sauce) and guitarist Luca Perrone (founder of Apple Sauce) contributed to a renewed creative energy that flows through every track on the record.

  To celebrate the album’s release, Aexylium has also unveiled the official music video for the track “Hexe”, available now on YouTube.

  ​“Hexe” perfectly represents the spirit of the album—a high-impact, rhythm-driven song that combines rich melodic lines with a powerful vocal performance from Sam Biganzoli delivering intensity and momentum without ever losing the folk essence that defines the band’s DNA. Visually and sonically, the video amplifies the track’s energy and emotion, offering a powerful introduction to the album’s vision.

  With previous albums "Tales from This Land" (2018) and "The Fifth Season" (2021), Aexylium laid the groundwork for their identity within the folk metal genre. But with “Myth of Mankind”, they go further, crafting a sound that is not only rooted in tradition but shaped by modern sensibilities, progressive elements, and a cinematic scope. The result is an album that speaks both to long-time genre fans and to those seeking a richer, more evolved take on folk metal.

  Aexylium’s music draws inspiration from acts like Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Amorphis, Folkstone, Alestorm, and Mago de Oz, yet remains unmistakably their own. With “Myth of Mankind”, the band reaffirms its place as one of Italy’s most promising names in the scene, ready to leave a mark far beyond national borders.
  ​
  The album was recorded by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio and features stunning artwork created by the renowned artist Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Amaranthe).

  ALBUM ORDER (Release Date May 23, 2025): https://lnk.to/koGz58​

  Aexylium will present “Myth of Mankind” live on stage at the following dates:

  May 31st – Centrale Rock Pub (Erba - CO) – Release Party​
  ​June 8th – Strigarium Festival (BG)

  More shows to be announced soon!

  More info: ​
  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​
  ​FOLLOW:​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/aexylium_official​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/aexylium

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• NIGHT'S EDGE Announces New Album "The World That Never Was" Out Aug 2025 + New Music Video "If You Loved Me"

  May 22, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Baltimore, MD's NIGHT'S EDGE announces the release of their fourth studio album entitled "The World That Never Was" this coming August 21st, 2025 to follow their Strangers – LP (2023), Night's Edge - EP (2022), The Darkest Side of Dreams - LP (2020), and Shades of Dusk - LP (2019).

  Since their inception in 2018, the band has gone through a few changes in lineup and sound, and has progressed significantly from their debut in 2019. Falling under the umbrella of Alternative Metal, Night's Edge's sound is hard to pin down. Incorporating influences from gothic metal, progressive rock, and nu metal, the band's music is equal parts heavy and poppy, soaked in synthesizers and drama. Lyrics breach topics including isolation, dissociation, and the romantic, approaching themes common to the human experience from a cerebral angle that complements the band's emotionally evocative music.

  Night's Edge believes in creating music that has a purpose. There is no copy-cating of other artists, or following trends here - even the band's select cover tunes turn the originals on their heads. This is music that you can't get anywhere else, that has something to say, that is unique and exciting while still feeling familiar, like a friend finishing your sentences when you run out of words.

  Their fourth full-length, "The World That Never Was," is a statement of songcraft and lyricism. The album flows and progresses clearly as it explores the concept of self-identity and the loss thereof. Moments of melancholy, anger, wonder, and plenty of crushing riffs elicit the stank face. Each single shows a different side of the album.

  Brian Haran (Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming) comments:

  "We think our fans will love it and agree with us that it is, hands down, the best Night’s Edge album. There will be a lot of different opinions on which song is the best or who prefers this vs that, but all of those conversations will center around this LP. This album encapsulates the Night’s Edge sound we have been building towards while experimenting with new and innovative ideas. Our lead single, “If You Loved Me,” is the most straightforward song, with a massive chorus reminiscent of HIM that continues to build through the song towards an explosive conclusion. “Someone to Stay” is a guitar-forward track with great leads, a killer solo, and very Queensryche-esque vocals. We gave ourselves a challenge for the live shows, and I (singer, Brian) curse myself for recording this song like this every time we play it live. “Smite” is the album’s heaviest song and has major Slipknot and Ghost influences. It is weirdly danceable right up until the Latin choir bridge and eventually descends into IOWA-esque screaming right before a caveman breakdown. “Love Fiction” is unique for Night’s Edge, very Deftones influenced, but with a synthwave twist featuring rare falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe the romanticization of one’s depression as a safe, never-leaving partner, “Songs in Grey Space II: Soaring” is two and a half minutes of balls out symphonic alternative metal and the middle piece in a three song suite detailing a parable of self-identity in an alternate world where the narrator is the last person on earth."

  Night's Edge has unveiled two singles to date, "If You Loved Me" and album opener "Someone To Stay," with more to be shared in the lead up to the record's release in August.

  The trio adds about the singles:

  If You Loved Me: “All three of us love this song. It has everything – a massive chorus, a scorching guitar solo, and some unexpectedly creepy, heavy sections. A LOT of ground gets covered in under four minutes. The lyrics are a scathing reflection on manipulation, with changing perspectives between the verses and choruses. Above all, the song is inimitably Night’s Edge. This is a sound that you can only get at one place – here, with us.”

  Someone to Stay: "This is our guitarist, Damian’s favorite song. The song began with a riff that Damian wrote as an intro lead. When coming up with the intro riff, he was hoping to capture “anime-intro” level energy, and we all agreed that it would make the perfect introduction to the album! Brian took that intro riff and created a very guitar-focused song out of it. The music primes the listener for the progressive compositional journey that is the rest of the album, but the song itself is easily digestible with fun riffs and catchy vocal hooks."

  Recommended for fans of Coheed and Cambria, Avantasia, System of a Down, HIM, and Deftones, listen to the singles at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3H6cUe1

  Album pre-order (out Aug 21st) - https://nightsedge.bandcamp.com (pre-order live on May 23rd)

  Upcoming Show Dates:​
  06/07 – Granny’s – Winchester, VA
  06/28 – Cafe 611 – Frederick, MD
  07/11 – Union Vapes – Scranton, PA
  07/12 – Psychic Garden – Rochester, NY
  07/18 – The Depot – Baltimore, MD
  07/19 – Century – Philadelphia, PA
  08/23 – Roachfest – Hollywood, MD

  Track Listing:​
  1. Someone To Stay (4:11)
  2. If You Loved Me (3:51)
  3. Man of Many Faces (4:23)
  4. Love Fiction (4:14)
  5. Wish You Wouldn’t (4:09)
  6. Overdue For Destruction (2:50)
  7. Smite (3:46)
  8. Ataecina (5:08)
  9. Songs In Grey Space I: Reaching (7:43)
  10. Songs In Grey Space II: Soaring (2:41)
  11. Songs In Grey Space III: Separating (5:23)
  Total Length: 48:32

  Recording and Live Line Up:​
  Brian Haran – Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming
  Damian Remmell – Guitars
  Dan Hunt – Drums

  More info: Nightsedgeband.com | Facebook.com/nightsedgeband | Instagram.com/nights_edge_band

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• SYMBIOTIC GROWTH Unleashes New Lyric Video "Lost in Fractured Reveries" From New Album "Beyond The Sleepless Aether"

  May 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian progressive blackened death unit Symbiotic Growth has unleashed their latest lyric video, "Lost in Fractured Reveries," in support of their sophomore album "Beyond The Sleepless Aether," released digitally on March 28th, 2025, and available on limited edition CD from Bolverk Collective.

  Similar to the band's predecessor, their 2020 self-titled full-length, "Beyond The Sleepless Aether," is once again based in fiction and is lyrically conceptual, but dives more into thoughts and emotions of everyday life, and sometimes those thoughts are hard to deal with. It's progressive, experimental, foreboding, and emotional; every song has its own identity and place within the album's story, taking its protagonist through the multiverse, placing him in places like dark wooded forests, wide open desert landscapes, and the unending cosmos.

  The band comments on the track "Lost In Fractured Reveries":

  "The song is about the last stop through the protagonist's journey on the proggiest song on the album. He finds himself floating within the cosmos, seeing all of time and every universe being woven together like a web, contemplating his entire existence, whether he ever even mattered in any time or in any universe. The jumping time signatures and tempo changes lend a hand to the uncertainty that feels within the song."

  Watch and listen to the lyric video at https://youtu.be/mrfCcx7U4Fk

  [embed]https://youtu.be/mrfCcx7U4Fk[/embed]

  Mixed and mastered by Tom MacLean (Twelve Tone Studio, Haken, Athemon, Brutta), "Beyond The Sleepless Aether" features seven paryalzing sounds of technical metal created by the Sudbury, ON recording line up of Aaron Barriault (Vocals, Guitar, Bass), Devin McQueen (Vocals, Guitar), and Dan Favot (Drums)(ex-Wolven Ancestry, ex-Fractal Generator).

  "I think the fans who have heard our previous album may be a bit surprised; the sound of this album is a bit different; it's a little bit more experimental in its way. Either way, we hope that fans enjoy what we've created. I feel like the listener may have feelings of uneasiness and wonder. An odd combination, but I feel like it's fitting," adds Aaron Barriault – Vocals, Guitar, Bass.

  "Beyond The Sleepless Aether" is recommended for fans of Ne Oblivisacaris, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Cor Scorpii, and Gojira.

  The album can be heard on the following digital platforms:

  YouTube (Album Stream) - https://youtu.be/CSOzIaRlo6E​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/42m1Mlp​

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

  CD Order is available at https://www.bolverkcollective.com/symbioticgrowth​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Of Painted Skies and Dancing Lights - 7:03
  2. Spires Of The Boundless Sunset – 7:28
  3. The Architect Of Annihilation – 10:57
  4. The Sleepless Void – 9:52
  5. Arid Trials and Barren Sands – 7:35
  6. Lost in Fractured Reveries – 8:44
  7. Trading Thoughts For Sleep – 10:02
  Album Length: 1:01:43

  Album Credits:​
  Mixed and Mastered By Tom Maclean of Twelve Tone Studio
  Album Art by Erskine Designs

  Album Band Line Up​
  Aaron Barriault – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
  Devin McQueen – Vocals, Guitar
  Dan Favot – Drums

  Live Band Line Up​
  Aaron Barriault - Vocals, Guitar
  Dan Favot - Drums

  For more info: Facebook.com/SymbioticGrowth | Instagram.com/symbioticgrowth

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• FEN's Doug Harrison' Releases Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON's Third Album "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife"

  May 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Doug Harrison (Slug Comparison) - Photo Credit: Bailey Ennig

  Canadian vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Doug Harrison, known for his progressive rock outfit FEN, is excited to share his solo project SLUG COMPARISON's third album, "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife," out now, as of May 9th, 2025.

  Recorded over the same period as Fen's Dear Mouse (Sept 2024). Both recordings had been a long time coming, and then by chance, they converged to completion at the same time.

  "It became a bit of a competition to see which one would be mastered first. In the end, it was pretty much a tie, because I had a couple of recalls for the Slug Comparison master, but I wanted to put out Dear Mouse first, because it had been so bloody long in the making, and we were desperate to wash our hands of it," adds Harrison.

  Slug Comparison's previous records were built on the layering of electric and acoustic guitars, and earnest, melodic vocals. This latest 11-song album has abandoned the acoustics and is more riff-heavy to lean into his early influence of grunge.

  Harrison comments:

  "For past albums, it was tricky keeping the momentum going with half the songs being acoustic and light and the other half being heavy-ish. This time around, electric guitars carry the listener from beginning to end. A straight-up rock album. That was the goal. And lyrically, it follows in the tradition of songs like AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” the difference being that Slug Comparison hasn’t left the house yet. A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife is a grief statement about the abandonment of rockstar dreams. It’s also a collection of yearnings, regrets, and celebrations along the way."

  "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife" was written by Harrison along with vocals, guitar, bass, and programming. He is joined by drummer Flavio Cirillo (Art of Dying, Puddle of Mudd), along with a collaboration on the song “Wish to Adapt” with Matt McCallum. Mixing was done by Ben Kaplan (Biffy Clyro, Bend Sinister, Ninjaspy, Mother Mother, Corb Lund) and mastering by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering (Mother Mother, Corb Lund).

  Harrison does assure fans that future releases will continue to explore the moody, acoustic-based territories that defined his earlier work. After this album, fans can expect a new EP from Slug Comparison in 2026. Recommended for fans of Mother Mother, The Killers, and Porcupine Tree, "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife" is available at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/452Fk2t​

  Bandcamp - https://slugcomparison.bandcamp.com/album/a-battle-to-the-end-fought-on-the-edge-of-a-knife

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Wish to Adapt (3:46)
  2. March through the Forest (3:54)
  3. Game of Repression (3:57)
  4. Undead Plots (4:06)
  5. Outta the Jam (4:51)
  6. A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife (4:13)
  7. Too Much Love (5:04)
  8. Metal Roots Came Twisting (6:45)
  9. Played for a Centipede (2:36)
  10. Of Being Apart (5:19)
  11. Hamsters in a Tub (3:02)
  Album Length: 47:33

  More info: Slugcomparison.com | Instagram.com/slugcomparison | Facebook.com/slugcomparison

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