Search Results: bandcamp

• Brass Metal FALLSTAF Returns w/ New Album "Ode To The Dead"

  Nov 13, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After nearly ten years away from the spotlight, Montreal’s groundbreaking brass-metal band Fallstaf makes a powerful return with their highly anticipated second album, "Ode to The Dead." Produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope), the full album will be available to stream ahead of its official release on November 14th, premiering exclusively on Hardcore Worldwide’s YouTube channel.

  Known for pioneering the genre of brass-infused experimental metal, Fallstaf first made waves in 2011 with their debut album, "Bastard Son of a Pure Breed," also produced by Jardine. Their signature sound, heavy riffs, progressive structures, and a masked trombonist in full suit and tie, earned them cult status in the Montreal metal scene.
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  But tragedy struck in 2016 when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, resulting in a coma, multiple injuries, and the loss of his leg. The band dissolved. Now, nearly ten years later, Fallstaf reunites with Jardine to deliver a powerful, deeply personal new record that channels pain, survival, and rebirth.

  
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  ​"Ode to The Dead" is a seven-track exploration of mortality, from personal tragedy and mental anguish to crime, conflict, and loss. Drawing from frontman IANN’s near-death experience and the band’s shared grief, the album is both a tribute and a release.

  It opens with “Sunless Friday,” a chilling retelling of IANN’s accident, where cold riffs and screaming trombone set the tone. The title track, “Ode to The Dead,” honors those we’ve lost, echoing the idea that “they walk among us.” “Battered Soul” dives into depression and suicide with sludge-heavy weight and a fading finale. “Kings of the West Side” recounts Montreal’s mafia history with gangland grit and resurrected riffs. “Under the Same Sky” reflects on global unrest and shared humanity, while “Bastard Son” tells a hitman’s legacy through galloping riffs and thrash choruses. The closer, “The Burden,” mourns the toll of cancer with crushing heaviness and a melodic, mournful release. Each track is a raw, brass-laced chapter in Fallstaf’s powerful return.

  “We didn’t make this album to impress anyone. We made it out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” adds the band.

  The album artwork, featuring a layered skull photo taken by IANN, reflects the lyrical darkness without veering into the macabre. It’s a visual metaphor for the band’s rebirth: haunting, honest, and human.

  
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  Musically, the band has evolved, embracing groove metal, prog metal, metalcore, and hardcore influences while incorporating melodic choruses and complex arrangements. Fans of Pantera, Shining, Hatebreed, and Mighty Mighty Bosstones will find familiar fire in Fallstaf’s brass-laced fury.

  Stay tuned for upcoming live dates and new music. The resurrection has begun as Fallstaf’s live performances are legendary, and the band plans to return to the stage in 2026. Expect suits, ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg, all delivering a high-energy spectacle that defies expectations.
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  ​“People think we’re a ska band until the first chord hits. Then they know we kick ass,” says the band.

  "Ode to the Dead" will be available on November 14th, 2025, on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and more. For collectors, grab the exclusive coffin-shaped USB drive packed with interactive content and bonus material.
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  ​Album pre-order - https://fallstaf1.bandcamp.com/album/ode-to-the-dead

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yaTJY58SzbbDJ3RsnTlZU​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Sunless Friday - 2:57
  2. Ode to the Dead - 3:27
  3. Battered Soul - 3:40
  4. Kings of the West Side - 3:31
  5. Under the Same Sky - 3:31
  6. Bastard Son - 3:45
  7. The Burden - 4:41
  Album length: 25:37

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal | https://www.instagram.com/fallstafmontreal/​

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• Czech Modern Metal Force STELLVRIS Unleash New EP "Shatter and Bloom" and Music Video

  Nov 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - November 6, 2025

  Streaming Now! Czech Modern Metal Force STELLVRIS Unleash New EP "Shatter and Bloom" and Music Video

  L-R - Libor Hřebík (Bass), Andreas Polášek (Guitar), Nicol Hofman (Vocals), Hanz Polášek (Drums)

  Photo Credit - Julia Ramm

  Czech modern metal upstarts STELLVRIS are set to unleash their highly anticipated new EP, "Shatter and Bloom," on Friday, November 7th. Ahead of its official release, the band is premiering both the EP and a powerful new music video for the title track, a showcase of their signature blend of crushing heaviness, soaring melodies, and raw emotion, exclusively via Decibel Magazine HERE.
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  Formed in 2019 after an impromptu jam session led to their first live show at Prague’s iconic Music Club Modrá Vopice, STELLVRIS have quickly carved out a reputation for their powerful, emotional, heavy, melodic, and modern sound. With "Shatter and Bloom," the band takes another bold step forward, pushing their sonic boundaries while staying true to the intensity that has fueled their rise.

  
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  Produced by Christoph Wieczorek at Sawdust Recordings, the five-track EP delivers a dynamic fusion of crushing breakdowns, electronic textures, and irresistibly catchy choruses. Lyrically, it dives headfirst into themes of destruction, rebirth, toxic relationships, and the struggles of modern life, all expressed with raw honesty. The journey begins with the title track “Shatter and Bloom,” a defiant anthem about tearing down what no longer serves and allowing something stronger to rise. “Silence After Violence” follows as a stark warning against the growing tide of aggression in society, even among the youngest generations. With “Monster,” the band turns inward, confronting the scars of toxic relationships while celebrating the strength it takes to break free. “Time’s Up” offers a sharp critique of living life solely online, disconnected from reality and responsibility. Closing the record is “Starships,” a heavy, metal-charged reimagining of Nicki Minaj’s pop hit, ending the EP on an explosive note of energy and fun.
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  ​“Shatter and Bloom is more than just a collection of songs; it’s about destroying what’s toxic and giving space for something new to grow. Every track reflects real struggles we’ve faced or witnessed, from toxic relationships to the rising aggression in society. We want fans to feel seen, empowered, and connected through this music. It’s heavy, it’s honest, and it’s meant to hit both the heart and the pit,” adds the band.

  
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  With "Shatter and Bloom," STELLVRIS continue their evolution, delivering a record that is as cathartic as it is crushing, a testament to resilience, transformation, and the unbreakable spirit of modern metal.

  Recommended for fans of Jinjer, Spiritbox, Holy Wars, Infected Rain, and I Prevail, "Shatter and Bloom" will be available on all digital platforms, along with Vinyl.

  Bandcamp (Vinyl, Digital) - https://stellvris.bandcamp.com/album/shatter-bloom

  Digital (Spotify, Apple Music) - https://linktr.ee/stellvris.band

  Track Listing:​
  1. Shatter and Bloom - 3:18
  2. Silence After Violence - 3:14
  3. Monster - 4:16
  4. Time’s Up - 3:32
  5. Starships (Nicki Minaj Cover)
  EP Length: 18:27
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  ​EP Credits:
  ​• All songs performed by: STELLVRIS
  • All songs written by: STELLVRIS
  • Produced by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
  • Mixed by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
  • Mastered by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
  • EP Artwork by: František Jelen
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  ​Band Line Up:
  ​Nicol Hofman (vocalist)
  Libor Hřebík (bassist)
  Andreas Polášek (guitarist)
  Hanz Polášek (drummer)

  More info: https://linktr.ee/stellvris.band

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• THE RETICENT Confronts Mental Health with New Video "The Scorn" Off Upcoming Album "please" Out Nov 2025

  Oct 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Progressive metal act The Reticent has unveiled the lyric video for “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand),” the latest single from their upcoming album "please," due out on Generation Prog Records on November 13th. Known for their emotionally intense concept albums, The Reticent continues their tradition of soul-baring storytelling with "please," a harrowing journey through the many battlefields of mental illness.
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  ​“The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” takes on the voice of those who dismiss mental health struggles, echoing phrases like “just get over it” and “it’s all in your head.” Musically, the track leans into groove-oriented rhythms and major chords to reflect the detached worldview of those who don’t understand. The addition of exotic instrumentation like the oud and hand percussion further separates the song from the rest of the album’s sonic palette.
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  But "please" is more than just an album; it’s a survival mechanism. Written in just six months, the album was recorded under extreme conditions. Drums for "please" and its follow-up were tracked in a single day, while guitars, bass, and keys were completed in two. The vocals, however, took two grueling weeks, during which founder Chris Hathcock injured his larynx so severely that doctors feared permanent damage. Hathcock was forced into six weeks of total silence, even teaching his classes entirely nonverbally. Thankfully, he recovered, mostly.
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  The pain didn’t stop there. While filming the video for “The Concealment,” Hathcock broke two toes, sprained three others, and partially tore his rotator cuff during a scene that required him to violently destroy a room. Just six days later, he performed at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal with those injuries, doubled over in pain by the end of the set. Fans, immersed in the emotional intensity of the performance, had no idea.
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  "please" is the first album by The Reticent to be almost entirely engineered by Chris Hathcock himself. While drums were tracked at The Basement Studios with longtime producer Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist), all other elements were recorded at Hathcock’s Silent Muse Studio. The album was also mixed and mastered by King, adding his signature polish to the final product. The isolation of self-recording introduced an additional layer of emotional strain, especially during the vocal sessions.
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  Lyrically, the album is rich with references to the work of clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison. Lines like “Night falls fast…” in “The Concealment” and “an unquiet mind” in “The Night River” nod to Jamison’s seminal works on suicide and bipolar disorder. Her voice even appears in samples throughout “Discharge.”
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  Musically, "please" marks a return to 6-string guitars, a first since 2016’s "On The Eve Of A Goodbye," except for “The Bed of Wasps.” The five-year gap between "please" and 2020’s "The Oubliette" is the longest in the band’s history, a reflection of the emotional toll and life events that shaped its creation.
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  ​The Reticent, led by Grammy-nominated music educator Chris Hathcock, has built a reputation for devastatingly autobiographical concept albums. Joined by James Nelson (Nospūn) and Paul McBride (Voraath), the band delivers performances that blur the line between metal show and performance art. Their appearance at ProgPower USA was hailed by Metal Injection as “one of the most heart-wrenching performances in ProgPower history.”​
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  In addition to their recent performance at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal this past summer, The Reticent is slated to appear at the 2026 editions of ProgPower USA in September and ProgPower Europe in October, marking another major milestone for the band’s growing international presence.
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  The lyric video for “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” is now available on YouTube and streaming platforms.

  Fans of Opeth, Cynic, The Contortionist, Wilderun, and Devin Townsend will find much to resonate with in "please," which arrives November 13, 2025, via Generation Prog Records. A follow-up album is already underway, shaped by the profound loss of Chris Hathcock’s father during the creation of "please."

  CD pre-order (North America) - https://thereticent.net/please-pre-order

  CD pre-order (EU) - http://www.generation-prog.com/shop/

  Digital Album pre-save - https://show.co/MoPdl8W

  Track Listing:​
  1. Intake – 1:45
  2. The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake) – 6:06
  3. The Night River (Those Who Can’t Rest) – 6:55
  4. Diagnosis 1 – 2:18
  5. The Bed of Wasps (Those Consumed With Panic) – 5:47
  6. The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand) – 8:12
  7. Diagnosis 2 – 2:39
  8. The Riptide (Those Without Hope) – 6:09
  9. The Chance (Those Who Let Go) – 6:52
  10. Discharge – 2:56
  Album Length: 49:45

  For more info: Thereticent.net | Facebook.com/thereticentmusic | Instagram.com/The.reticent.band

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• DAWN VALLY Unleash Jailhouse Rage with New Single “Graves” Off Forthcoming EP Out In 2026

  Oct 10, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Canadian metalcore outfit Dawn Vally has dropped their latest single, “Graves,” a punishing, raw track that marks a new chapter in the band’s evolution. Formed in 2007 by twin brothers Jeff (bass) and Joe Bartolo (drums), Dawn Vally has built a reputation for delivering aggressive, high-intensity music that blends metalcore and deathcore with fearless originality.
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  ​“Graves” is the second single from the band’s upcoming EP, slated for release in early 2026. It’s also the first recording to feature new vocalist Zac Emmons, formerly the guitarist of hardcore band Pound Of Flesh. Zac joined the band earlier this year, bringing a visceral lyrical style rooted in personal experience.

  “Graves lyrically is a song about betrayal and the emotions that come with it. I went into a dark place in my mind to get the words,” says Zac.
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  Musically, “Graves” builds on the foundation laid by their previous album, "Blueprints of the 416," but pushes the intensity even further. With punishing breakdowns and relentless energy, the track is already being hailed as Dawn Vally’s heaviest release to date.
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  The single’s artwork, created by Paul Padgett of Eightfold Visuals, features a horror-tinged jailhouse setting that perfectly complements the song’s themes of emotional confinement and rage.
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  ​Dawn Vally’s sound is a collaborative effort, shaped by the eclectic influences of its members. While metalcore and deathcore dominate, the band draws from jazz, classic rock, and hardcore to create a sonic landscape that’s both brutal and nuanced. Guitarist Antonio Bratta, a classically trained musician with a jazz background, adds a unique layer to the band’s dynamic compositions.
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  With plans to expand their reach across Canada in 2026, Dawn Vally is preparing for tours both out west and east. Their live shows promise the same raw energy and sonic devastation that fans have come to expect.

  For fans of Whitechapel, Parkway Drive, BMTH, and Hatebreed, Dawn Vally is a band that doesn’t just play metal; they live it.

  “Graves” is now streaming on all major platforms, along with its music video filmed and created by Brett and Hayley Wright, who have worked with other artists such as LÜZR, Seagrave, and CRUELINTENT.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://ampl.ink/ezq3P​

   

  More info: https://linktr.ee/Dawn_Vally

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• Montreal Brass Metal Pioneers FALLSTAF Returns 15 Years After Debut With New Album "Ode To The Dead" Out Nov 2025

  Oct 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After nearly a decade of silence, Montreal’s genre-defying metal band Fallstaf is back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited sophomore album, "Ode to The Dead", is set for release this Fall 2025, and its first single, the title track, is streaming everywhere alongside a gripping lyric video.
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  Known as the pioneers of “brass metal,” Fallstaf made waves in 2011 with their debut 'Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,' produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope). Their signature sound—groove-heavy, progressive metal laced with trombone earned them cult status in the Quebec metal scene. But in 2016, tragedy struck when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, leading to the band’s dissolution.
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  Now, after years of recovery and reflection, Fallstaf has reunited, reignited, and reimagined their sound. "Ode to The Dead" is a powerful, autobiographical journey through survival, grief, and rebirth. Produced once again by Jardine, the album features seven new tracks that blend sludge, thrash, and hardcore influences with melodic hooks and brass-driven chaos.
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  ​“This album wasn’t made to impress; it was made out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” says the band.
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  The first single and title track is a tribute to the deceased.

  "They are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts; that is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song," adds the band.

  Watch the lyric video for “Ode To The Dead” and experience the rebirth of one of Montreal’s most original metal acts.

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  ​Fallstaf’s live shows remain unforgettable: suits and ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg. “People think we’re a ska band—until the first chord hits,” they laugh. Stay tuned. Fallstaf will be kicking ass live soon!
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  ​"Ode to the Dead" will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 14th, 2025, along with an exclusive interactive collectible coffin USB drive.

  Album pre-order - https://fallstaf.bandcamp.com/​

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal

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