Search Results: band

• AITTALA Unveils Second EP of 2025 "Ill-Gotten Gains" + Welcome New Bassist Dane Taylor

  Nov 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Metal visionaries AITTALA (pronounced EYE-tah-la) are returning with their second EP of 2025 via Exitus Stratagem Records, "Ill-Gotten Gains," along with introducing their newest member, bassist Dane Taylor, marking a bold new chapter in the band’s evolution.

  True to their reputation for defying genre boundaries, AITTALA weave together threads of traditional heavy metal, doom, groove, and progressive elements to create a cohesive yet unpredictable sonic journey. Lyrically, "Ill-Gotten Gains" explores the darker corners of human ambition, chaos created for personal gain, the inevitable consequences, and the fragile hope of redemption.

  The EP opens with “Isolation,” a doomy, heavy piece that confronts the fallout of past decisions, setting a dark and reflective tone. The title track, “Ill-Gotten Gains,” follows with a riff-driven intensity that shifts into a crushing interlude, lyrically exploring the exploitation of chaos for personal benefit. “Blacklisted” brings groove and sludge to the forefront, exposing manipulators and serving as a counterpoint to the themes of the earlier songs. The mood softens with “Ever After,” a modern metal ballad that wrestles with internal conflict and the elusive promise of redemption. Closing the EP, “Ashes” channels classic heavy metal energy, telling the story of someone in over their head, dragging others down in their descent.
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  The EP’s artwork resurrects AITTALA’s infamous mascot Frank, a cartoon pig head in a pentagram, first conceived in 2014 for the album "Effigy". This updated interpretation of Frank embodies the record’s central theme: the shady figure who thrives in chaos, ready to deliver “ill-gotten gains” for the right price. It’s a fitting visual for a release steeped in stories of exploitation, downfall, and the elusive search for redemption.
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  With the addition of bassist Dane Taylor, AITTALA’s lineup now features founding member Eric Aittala (guitars/vocals) and drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL). Taylor’s arrival injects fresh energy into the band’s dynamic, reinforcing their commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to their unique sound.

  Formed in 1991 in the Netherlands, AITTALA quickly became a fixture of the Dutch metal scene, sharing stages with The Gathering and Sadist before disbanding in 1993. Resurrected in 2008, the band has since released six full-length albums and multiple EPs, each showcasing growth while retaining their distinctive voice. With "Ill-Gotten Gains," AITTALA continues their journey of evolution, proving once again that their sound is impossible to confine to a single genre.

  EP pre-save (out Nov 21) via Exitus Stratagem Records - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains​​

  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

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

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• Gore House Productions Presents the Crushing One-Woman Goregrind Force CORDYCEPS CORPSE — ‘From Flesh To Fluids’ Cassette/CD Reissue Out Now!”

  Nov 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Gore House Productions announces "From Flesh to Fluids," the latest full-length album from one-woman slam/goregrind juggernaut, Cordyceps Corpse, is now available on CD and cassette, plus shipping worldwide. The digital release remains live across all major platforms.

  Created by the twisted brainchild of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Nani, Cordyceps Corpse's "From Flesh to Fluids" is a sonic descent into madness, equal parts brutal, disgusting, and morbid. Inspired by slam legends like Devourment and Cephalotripsy, the album delivers a raw yet polished evolution of Cordyceps Corpse’s sound, now featuring live drums and tighter production while retaining the DIY filth fans crave.
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  Fans will blast earwrenching tracks like “Battery Acid Enema”, a vile, tongue-in-cheek collaboration with Nani’s partner Liv, “Stomach Bile For Miles” is a grotesque narrative of cannibalistic carnage, “Family Photo With Hella Cadavers” (feat. WORMFUCKER) is a dehumanizing snapshot of horror, and “Tools For Torture” is a slow-building frenzy inspired by Terrifier.
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  Nani, who writes, records, and performs every element of Cordyceps Corpse, describes the album as “pure chaos into heavy slam riffs.” Drawing inspiration from horror films, documentaries, and even neighborhood trash disasters, the music is driven by feeling rather than formula.

  “I want this album to give the same feeling I got when I first heard Molesting the Decapitated by Devourment. Thick and brutal sound that just keeps hitting," says Nani.

  Gore House Productions label founder Carlos Matt adds:

  "After following Cordyceps Corpse (Cordy) on social media for several months, I am excited to welcome the project to our roster. Seeing Nani creatively market Cordy while composing filthy, slamming death metal, there was no question but to partner up with Cordy. Her debut album, “From Flesh to Fluids,” quickly became a favorite; I’m beyond stoked to give it a proper release."​
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  ​Cordyceps Corpse began in late 2023 as a solo rebellion against the monotony of beat-making.

  “I was bored with making music for other people. I wanted to form a band, but didn’t want to wait around. So I said, ‘f*** it, I’ll do it myself,” adds Nani.

  That DIY ethos extends to everything, from the music to the logo, which Nani designed on a refurbished iPad after watching YouTube tutorials.
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  With live shows described as chaotic parties, complete with crowd participation and impromptu mic screams, Cordyceps Corpse is poised to carve a unique space in the underground metal scene. And with Gore House Productions backing the reissue, the band’s reach is about to get a whole lot bloodier.

  CD and Cassette copies of “From Flesh to Fluids” are available from Gore House Productions at the following link: https://gorehouseproductions.com/collections/cordyceps-corpse​
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  Check out the new music video for the title track, “From Flesh to Fluids,” a chaotic, anti-authoritarian blast of guttural vocals, slamming riffs, and visceral imagery that sets the tone for the album’s grotesque journey.

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  Digital Album (released Aug 22, 2025) - https://orcd.co/from-flesh-to-fluids​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Intro to Putrefaction - (1:37)
  2. From Flesh To Fluids - (2:07)
  3. Decapitation - (2:34)
  4. Slowly Poisoned - (2:32)
  5. Battery Acid Enema - (2:41)
  6. Stomach Bile For Miles - (3:16)
  7. Family Photo With Hella Cadavers (feat. WORMFUCKER) - (2:08)
  8. Left Over Limbs For Later - (3:03)
  9. Tools For Torture - (2:17)
  10. Skin Tortilla - (2:22)
  Album Length: 24:37

  More info: ​Gorehouseproductions.com​ | Instagram.com/cordycepscorpse | Tiktok.com/@cordycepscorpse | Youtube.com/@cordycepscorpseband​

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• Streaming Now! Kelowna's CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE Unveils Debut Prog Album "Primordial Reverie" - A Sonic Journey Through Emotion, Evolution, and Imagination

  Nov 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Cepheidae Variable, the solo project of Canadian musician Ryan Koepke, will unleash its debut full-length album, "Primordial Reverie," on November 7th, a sweeping instrumental work that blends progressive metal, symphonic textures, and sci-fi soundscapes into a deeply personal and cinematic listening experience.
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  Originally conceived as a casual creative outlet, Cepheidae Variable took on new meaning following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis. The emotional weight of that moment, combined with the joy of becoming an expecting father himself, transformed the project into a passionate pursuit of musical storytelling.
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  ​“I stopped waiting around and decided to create something I’d be proud of. This album mirrors the turbulence and hope I was experiencing in my life,” says Koepke.

  Described in five words: spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy, "Primordial Reverie" is a genre-defying instrumental concept album built around three distinct acts. It opens with orchestral fantasy-inspired compositions and gradually shifts toward complex, synth-driven sci-fi arrangements. The album’s structure reflects Koepke’s evolving musical tastes and life experiences, with each track supporting the next like chapters in a book.
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  ​“I wanted to release an album that felt like a journey. Each song has its own identity, but recurring motifs and tonal shifts tie everything together,” explains Koepke.
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  From the uplifting energy of the single “Carving a Dragon” to the darker, more orchestrated depths of “Singularity,” the album invites listeners to craft their own narrative through sound. Koepke’s writing process is highly visual, often sparked by imagery or abstract themes, and guided by a desire to build immersive sonic environments.

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  ​"Primordial Reverie" is designed to be experienced as a complete piece, though its singles offer standalone energy and accessibility. Koepke anticipates fans will gravitate toward different halves of the album, some drawn to the melodic, symphonic opening tracks, others to the chaotic, experimental second act.
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  ​“I think fans of progressive metal will find something to enjoy, even if not every song fits neatly into genre definitions,” adds Koepke.

  
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  The album cover, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes themes of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery. Its abstract beauty heavily influenced the album’s tonal evolution.
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  Musically, Cepheidae Variable draws inspiration from bands like Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, while maintaining a distinct voice shaped by Koepke’s improvisational roots and cinematic ambitions.
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  Koepke plans to continue developing Cepheidae Variable, potentially expanding beyond instrumental work and solo production, and reach a goal of releasing a new album every 2–4 years. Fans can expect future full-length projects that build on the emotional and thematic depth of "Primordial Reverie."​
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  ​“This album means a lot to me. The ups and downs in the music reflect what I was going through, and it brings me joy to share it with others.”​
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  ​"Primordial Reverie" will be available on all major streaming platforms and CD on November 7th, 2025, and before it officially releases, it can be heard via its full stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

  Digital Album pre-save (out Nov 7th) "Primordial Reverie" - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cepheidaevariable/primordial-reverie

  CD Album pre-order - https://cepheidaevariable.bandcamp.com/album/primordial-reverie

  Track Listing:​
  1. Overture (3:11)
  2. Carving a Dragon (4:04)
  3. The Waiting Storm (3:13)
  4. Zephyr of Ouroboros (9:15)
  5. Encounter (5:53)
  6. The Conduit (6:03)
  7. Chromatic Haven (5:11)
  8. Entropic Harvester (10:27)
  9. Singularity (11:32)
  Album Length: 58:53

  For more info: https://cepheidaevariable.com/

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• IMPERATORE Unveils First Single “Be A Man” From New Album "The Lionspirit" Out Dec 2025

  Oct 29, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Australian rock visionaries IMPERATORE return with the first single “Be A Man”, taken from their upcoming album "The Lionspirit", due out on December 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.

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  ​DIGITAL: http://lnk.to/Jh87DW89

  New album “The Lionspirit” out December 19th, 2025

  PRE ORDER - https://rockshots.eu/products/imperatore-the-lionspirit-cd

  More info: ​
  ​​https://www.rockshots.eu

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imperatoreband​
  ​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperatoreband

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• JULIET RUIN Unleashes A Fierce Fusion of Vulnerability and Power w/ New EP "Regime" + Alberta Tour Dates

  Oct 24, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  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.
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  ​“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.

  
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  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.

  
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  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.
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  ​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
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  ​"Regime" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major platforms.

  Bandcamp - https://julietruin.bandcamp.com/

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/0LzQEj2OzZFCGRQnXBlY7q

  More info:

  https://www.facebook.com/julietruinband

  https://www.instagram.com/julietruin

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