Search Results: calgary

• LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL Opens Band Submissions For 2026 Line Up - Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta's Badlands

  Sep 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  Set against the rugged backdrop of Alberta’s badlands, where sculpted sandstone, wind-carved hoodoos, and sweeping canyons dominate the landscape, Canada’s most decibel-breaking extreme music gathering, the Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, returns for its 14th edition in 2026. From July 31st to August 2nd, Drumheller’s Dinosaurs Down Stampede will erupt with the ferocity of rising Canadian and international metal acts, roaring through the heart of the nation’s largest dinosaur fossil beds.

  Band submissions for the 2026 edition officially open on October 1st and will be accepted until October 31st. This is your band's chance to join one of the loudest and most brutal festivals in Canada, where underground talent meets prehistoric fury.

  Bands interested in performing can apply at the following link: https://loudashell.ca/​

  Early Bird tickets go on sale December 1st, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to lock in the loudest weekend of the summer at a killer price. Get ready for prehistoric heaviness and decibel-shattering performances in one of Canada’s most surreal landscapes. Loud As Hell is coming… and it’s going to be louder than ever.

  The 2025 edition of Loud As Hell delivered three relentless days of headbanging, moshing, and pure metal chaos, featuring over 40 bands from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Acts like Revocation, Insurrection, First Fragment, Gorgatron, Filth, Opal in Sky, Judicator, Beguiler, Gore Pig, Spit On Your Grave, Hazzerd, Cyborg Octopus, and Thirteen Goats tore through the badlands with crushing performances. The festival even hosted a heavy metal wedding, adding a unique twist to the weekend’s sonic carnage.

  LAH 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cu3CgEX8n2g2MQbADNJmg

  ​

  Since launching in 2012, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Canada’s extreme music scene, showcasing hundreds of bands from across the country and around the world, save for a brief pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, the festival has hosted heavyweights like Beyond Creation, Striker, Green Jelly, The Convalescence, Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Fit for An Autopsy, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, and many more, drawing metalheads from coast to coast for a weekend of sonic devastation.

  In 2026, Loud As Hell returns for its 14th edition, presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. Renowned for delivering one of the most punishing lineups in Western Canada, the festival promises another unforgettable experience packed with crushing performances, freak shows, burlesque acts, clinics, vendors, and yes, dinosaurs. Loud As Hell isn’t just a festival. It’s a full-throttle celebration of metal mayhem.

  More info:
  ​LoudAsHell.ca​
  ​Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival​
  X: @LoudAsHellFest
  Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
  ​Social Media Hashtags #LAHXIV, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2026

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• Breaking Out of "The Underground" KARNAGE THROUGH CROSSING Have A New Headbanger For You!

  Sep 5, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Calgary, Alberta, gritty, melodic crossover metal Karnage Through Crossing (KTX) have announced the release of their searing new single “The Underground”, a powerhouse track from their forthcoming sophomore album, due to detonate in 2026. This follow‑up to their 2024 debut, "Shattered Chains", and 2025 single "Chosen Paths" marks the dawn of a heavier, more ambitious chapter in the KTX saga.
  ​
  Born from the ashes of Nova 1 and forged in the chaos of the pandemic years, KTX, led by founding songwriter Rhyse Tremel and drummer Ashton Lal, has evolved from determined survivors into a finely tuned machine of sonic mayhem. Their mission: to fuse the thunder and majesty of traditional heavy metal with the blistering edge of thrash, the weight of death metal, and the anthemic firepower of hard rock.
  ​
  “The Underground” embodies this ethos in full force. Lyrically rooted in a steampunk dystopia, it tells the tale of a slum‑born pit fighter rising to power and vengeance. Musically, it’s a battlefield of melodic euphoria, breakneck speed, and tension‑filled pauses that explode into unrelenting energy, a sound sharpened through months of rehearsal after their debut album hit the streets.
  ​
  ​“It was the second song written for the new record and the first we rehearsed after the debut. Those dramatic pauses, the tight finish, it just kept evolving until it became one of the most energizing songs we’ve ever played,” adds Tremel.

  
  ​
  On stage, KTX live their creed of going BIG. Think full-stack amps, custom‑built steel props wrapped in barbed wire and chrome, leather and ripped denim, massive drum kits, and the blazing strobes and fog of heavy metal’s golden age. Their storytelling blends dark fantasy, historical echoes, and unflinching empowerment, all delivered with the defiance and showmanship of their heroes: Death Angel, Megadeth, Iced Earth, Judas Priest, and Skull Fist.
  ​
  With "The Underground" now unleashed, KTX is setting the stage for their most cohesive, high‑voltage release yet. The 2026 album promises monumental leaps in skill, production, and scope, a true testament to the band’s evolution from raw underground contenders to commanding torchbearers of modern metal’s old‑school soul.

  ​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/2bRwsJbi4sRRTwzNvpqy6X​

  More info: Facebook.com/ktxmetal | Instagram.com/ktx_metal | Tiktok.com/@karnage.through.c | X.com/ktx_metal

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• THE FIXER & TEKNOSIS Team Up For The "Ugly Knots Tour" Across Central Canada (QC/ON/MB/SK/AB)

  Aug 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Two of Thunder Bay, ON's rising metal forces, THE FIXER and TEKNOSIS, are teaming up this Fall for an epic tour of mind-melting metal across dates in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in October.

  Touring across Canada heavily in support of their 2023 debut album "Your Lie' released on WormHoleDeath Records, this next adventure of show dates will be special ones, as they are taking hometown friends Teknosis on the the road who will be supporting their latest EP 2024's Return To Civilization", recorded and mixed by Ryan MacDonald at Lionheart Sound Co and mastered by Topon Das (F*ck The Facts) at Apartment 2.

  "Touring is something we all look forward to in The Fixer. The most rewarding part of being in a band is seeing people connect with something you’ve created, and our favourite way to do that is in the live setting. We will be heading out with fresh songs, as well as bringing a couple of songs back into the set that we haven’t played in some time. Similarly, we are excited to be playing some places we haven’t played before and some of the first places we ever played outside of our hometown," says Vic Sin, Guitar - The Fixer

  “We are incredibly pleased with our first EP, ‘Return to Civilization’. These 5 songs are the perfect introduction to the sound of Teknosis. Fans of all genres of metal will enjoy our hybrid of metal genres. We are now beyond thrilled to be bringing these songs and more on tour this October with The Fixer,” adds bassist Travis Doggett - Teknosis.

  The Fixer is a genre-defying force in the pop-metal underground. They continue to captivate audiences with their latest full-length album, "Your Lie," released in 2023. When witnessed live, they channel Addams Family vibes with rapid-fire sets, minimalist yet impactful lighting, and a palpable emotional connection with their audience. Their shows are more than performances; they’re cathartic rituals. Those who have not seen them live should brace themselves for The Fixer's theatrical flair and emotionally charged soundscapes. Fans can expect not only the immersive live experience they’ve come to love but also brand-new music unveiled on this next road escapade.

  The Fixer’s sonic identity is a fusion of industrial metal, melodic hardcore, and gothic textures. "Your Lie" showcases this blend with haunting ambiences, unexpected rhythmic shifts, and emotionally raw lyrics. From the swagger of “Get Greasy” to the introspective dirge of “Your Truth,” the album is a journey through highs, lows, and everything in between.

  “When we started The Fixer, we never imagined how far it would go. With Your Lie, we wanted to dig deeper, building on The Prowl EP while exploring more personal themes. It’s been powerful seeing fans connect with that. Musically, we didn’t want to be boxed in. While we’re rooted in metal, punk, and industrial, we brought in influences from other genres we’ve lived in. Blending those sounds has been one of the most rewarding parts of the process,” adds Vic Sin.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ny8HJc6iUvmIKGlY5TxSs​

  Formed out of pure love for metal. Teknosis has quickly evolved into a tight, aggressive unit with a shared vision: to make heavy music that hits hard and leaves no room to breathe. Set to ignite stages across the country this October, Teknosis is bringing their relentless live energy to fans in support of their acclaimed 2024 EP "Return to Civilization", a five-track barrage of groove-laced hardcore and death metal influences. It's a compact, violent sonic explosion that lyrically channels frustration and isolation from lockdowns, with themes ranging from societal collapse to personal survival.

  With ambient samples bridging each track, Teknosis will be a visceral live experience as they deliver a seamless, high-impact set that’s organic, heavy, and hypnotic.

  “We still believe in live amps and drums straight to the cochlea. It’s all about maximum intensity. A sonic experience that’s as brutal as it is addictive," says bassist Travis Doggett.
  ​
  Fans can expect new singles starting in Fall 2025, leading up to a full-length album in late 2025 or early 2026. The October tour will feature tracks from "Return to Civilization" alongside unreleased material, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Cu2jRvDUKvEZdqJd5QjwJ​

  Ugly Knots Tour 2025 - The Fixer, Teknosis​
  Oct 2 - La Sarre, QC - La Brute du Coin *
  Oct 3 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar *
  Oct 4 - Espanola, ON - Shorty's *
  Oct 9 - Fort Frances, ON - Pink Parasol Tea Room
  Oct 10 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Oct 11 - Prince Albert, SK - Studio Q
  Oct 12 - Edmonton, AB - The Rendezvous
  Oct 13 - Calgary, AB - Pin Bar
  Oct 14 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice
  Oct 15 - Moose Jaw, SK - Chillers
  Oct 16 - Saskatoon, SK - Green Room
  Oct 17 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Oct 18 - The Pas, MB - The Wescana Inn
  Oct 19 - Winnipeg, MB - Osborne Taphouse
  Oct 31 - Thunder Bay, ON - The Hunger 18 (Downtown-wide Hallowe'en Festival)
  * = without Teknosis

  More Info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/TheFixerBand | https://www.instagram.com/thefixercanada | https://www.tiktok.com/@thefixercanada​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/teknosismetal | https://www.instagram.com/teknosis.metal/

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• Listen To LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL's Spotify Playlist For This Year's 2025 Lineup w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, HOG MEETS FROG, and more!

  Jul 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Preview this year's LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR with their Spotify playlist showcasing the 2025 festival lineup that includes REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, HOG MEETS FROG, and more!

  LAH 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cu3CgEX8n2g2MQbADNJmg

  Hosted in the barren expanse of sculpted sandstone, wind-carved hoodoos, and the vast canyons of Alberta, Canada's badlands, one of the country's loudest decibel-breaking extreme music events, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival returns for its 13th edition in Drumheller, AB from August 1st to 3rd at the Dinosaurs Down Stampede to showcase the best up-and-coming Canadian and international talent to roar through the country's largest dinosaur fossil grounds.

  This year's festivities will witness technical death metal masters Revocation headline the Sunday, August 3rd, lineup. The band unveiled their latest 2025 single and music video “Confines of Infinity,” featuring brutal guest vocals from Cattle Decapitation’s Travis Ryan. The single also marks the debut of a new Revocation lineup that sees vocalist and guitarist Dave Davidson joined by drummer Ash Pearson--who has been in the band since 2015--bassist Alex Weber, and guitarist Harry Lannon. Revocation formed in 2006, and their self-released debut, Empire of the Obscene, came out in 2008. Since then, they've released seven critically acclaimed albums and have toured the world, bringing their technically charged, high-energy extreme metal to rabid fans in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

  ​

  Also on the Sunday lineup will be Insurrection, the powerhouse metal band from Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Formed over 20 years ago (2003), the band is known for its intense and energetic performances. Their sound is a unique twist of groovy death metal mixed with a healthy dose of thrash energy. The band has released several albums, including "Prologue" (2008), "Fracture" (2010), "Prototype" (2013), "Extraction" (2017), and "Obsolescence" (2024) (Bam Co. Heavy). Their music often addresses social and political themes through bilingual lyrics in both English and French. The band has gained a notable reputation on stage throughout Canada with tours covering coast to coast, including performances at festivals such as Montebello Rockfest, Trois-Rivières Metalfest, and Decimate Metalfest. 

  Headlining Saturday, Aug 2nd, Montreal, QC's First Fragment will display their virtuosity and demonstrate why they are so beloved globally for their Neoclassical/Technical Extreme Metal. The band broke ground with their debut EP "The Afterthought Ecstasy" (2010). Their latest two albums, "Dasein" (2016), "Gloire éternelle(2021), and the latest instrumental compilation record, "Le Recueuil Des Âges" (2024), have been released on Unique Leader Records. 

  Saturday will also feature LAH alumni Gorgatron, guttural Death Metal out of Fargo, North Dakota. Their sound is based on a “love of the riff” approach to writing and is rooted in the old-school stylings of Death Metal and Thrash. They have honed their style and work ethic with rigorous DIY tours across the States, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. They have a slew of records under their belts with their latest "Sentience Revoked" (2024) (Redefining Darkness Records) and just this past January, they unleashed a digital EP "Live From the Basement". It was originally set to be released on Adult Swim's 'Fish Center Live' in 2020, but was shelved due to Adult Swim shutting down their livestream division that same year.

  ​

  The festival's first day on Friday, Aug 1st, will be headlined by hip-hop-influenced deathcore gutter gang Filth out of North Carolina. They dropped the next chapter in their discography, Southern Hostility, in April 2024.

  ​

  Also on Friday are Vancouver, BC's Opal in Sky, twin brothers Tyson and Dylon Opalinsky. They share a deep passion for music and its limitless possibilities. Their music reflects their shared values and beliefs. They believe that music has the power to heal, uplift, and bring people together. They are committed to creating meaningful and enjoyable music, and their unique sound is a fusion of different styles and influences. They released their debut album, "Dream Shift," in July 2024.

  With a lineup featuring over 40 bands from across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, traveling the furthest from Europe is Vienna, Austria's Hog Meets Frog, a band fans don't want to miss. The trio is renowned for their eccentricity and boundary-pushing music that blends prog, funk, and metal. 

  Other highlights for this year's open-air are Toronto's Beguiler, champions of last year's 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Canada; the slamming deathcore of Arizona's Gore Pig; Mexico's Spit On Your Grave, showcasing their powerful, deep growls, blast beats, slam riffs, and heavy breakdowns, all infused with a melodic touch; and Vancouver's Thirteen Goats, with their signature blend of infernal riffs, huge hooks, and uniquely theatrical songwriting.

  Weekend Passes (Aug 1- 3) are available at https://loudashell.ca/shop/​

  This weekend pass grants you full access to all the headbanging, moshing, and metal mayhem that Loud As Hell Open Air offers.

  LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR 2025

  Thursday, July 31 – Kick Off Party
  ​Vapor (California, USA)
  Display Of Decay (Edmonton, AB)
  Black Pestilence (Calgary, AB)
  Decrepitation (Edmonton, AB)
  ​
  ​Friday, August 1​
  Filth (Shelby, NC, USA)
  Auzzy Blood – Freak Show (Las Vegas, NV, USA)
  Opal In Sky (Vancouver, BC)
  Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Alberta)
  Spit On Your Grave (Monterrey, Mexico)
  Hazzerd (Calgary, AB)
  Ascension Blacklist (Newburgh, ON)
  Black Friday (Edmonton, AB)
  Daniel Martin’s The Infamous (Edmonton, AB)
  ​
  ​Saturday, August 2​
  First Fragment (Montreal, QC)
  Kyle Pullan – Acoustic (Canmore, AB)
  Gorgatron (Fargo, ND, USA)
  Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Alberta)
  Heartsick (Lansing, MI, USA)
  Judicator (Salt Lake City, UT, USA)
  Casket Robbery (Munroe, WI, USA)
  Kelevra (Regina, SK)
  Lycanthro (Ottawa, ON)
  Frontal Assault (Cedar Rapids, IA, USA)
  Cabrakaan (Calgary, AB)
  Spectre (Winnipeg, MB)
  Pridelands (Red Deer, AB)
  Pharm (Kelowna, BC)
  Beserker (Lethbridge, AB)
  ​
  ​Sunday, August 3​
  Revocation (Boston, MA, USA)
  Kyle Pullan – Acoustic (Canmore, AB)
  Insurrection (Gatineau, QC)
  Auzzy Blood – Freak Show (Las Vegas, NV, USA)
  Gorepig (Hot Springs, AZ, USA)
  Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Alberta)
  Cyborg Octopus (San Francisco, CA, USA)
  Squidhammer (Waterton, WI, USA)
  Truent (Vancouver, BC)
  Beguiler (Toronto, ON)
  Reaping Asmodeia (Minneapolis, MN, USA)
  Endless Chaos (Winnipeg, MB)
  Hog Meets Frog (Vienna, Austria)
  Thirteen Goats (Vancouver, BC)
  Woodhawk (Calgary, AB)
  Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)

  Since its inception in 2012, LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has exposed hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their 2024 edition was host to the most stacked lineup to date, featuring BEYOND CREATION, STRIKER, ANCIIENTS, GREEN JELLY, THE CONVALESCENCE, SUPER MONSTER PARTY, TERRIFIER, and lots more. Previous years have witnessed well-known bands such as Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Necronomicon, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Battlecross, Fit for An Autopsy, Anciients, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Striker, KEN mode, Obey The Brave, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, Divinity, Neck of The Woods, Endast, among many more.

  ​

  More info:
  ​LoudAsHell.ca​
  ​Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival​
  Twitter: @LoudAsHellFest
  Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
  ​Social Media Hashtags #LAHXIII, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2025

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• WOODHAWK Announces Cross-Canada Tour For New Album “Love Finds a Way” Out Now! + LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FEST w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT and more!

  Jul 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After five years of anticipation, Calgary’s stoner groove rock trio Woodhawk announces they will be hitting the road this August through October for tour dates across Canada (dates listed below). The show dates are in support of their latest and third album, "Love Finds a Way," released on June 6th of this year via Grand Hand Records. Fans can expect a high-energy set packed with new material and favorites from their discography that will be delivered with the raw power and passion.

  Their most personal and powerful release to date, their new full-length album, "Love Finds a Way", marks a turning point for Woodhawk. Demonstrating their evolution from early stoner rock roots into something more emotionally complex while maintaining the infectious grooves and memorable hooks that have defined their sound.

  "Love Finds a Way" explores themes of darkness, healing, and hope, while still delivering the infectious hooks and thunderous riffs fans have come to expect. With contributions from longtime collaborator Jesse Gander on synth, the band expands their sonic palette without losing their edge. The trio of Turner Midzain (guitar/vocals), Mike Badmington (bass), and Kevin Nelson (drums) poured five years of growth, struggle, and creative evolution into this record.

  “We are over the moon to get this album out. Love Finds a Way is easily the hardest we have worked on an album to date. 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!” adds the band.

  After a decade together, Woodhawk is proving they’re just getting started. "Love Finds a Way" is more than an album; it’s a statement of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of rock.

  Recommended for fans of The Sword, Red Fang, and Thin Lizzy, the album is a dynamic journey from start to finish, balancing soft and heavy, slow and fast, light and dark.
  ​
  ​Album order (out June 6th): https://woodhawk.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/44veRdv​

  ​

  In additional news, Woodhawk will be performing on 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: ​
  Aug 3 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Open Air
  Aug 27 - Calgary, AB - Ship & Anchor
  Aug 28 - Lethbridge, AB - The Owl Acoustic Lounge
  Aug 29 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Aug 30 - Winnipeg, MB - Side Stage
  Sept 2 - Windsor - Phog Lounge
  Sept 3 - Hamilton, ON - Club Absinthe
  Sept 4 - Ottawa, ON - House of Targ
  Sept 5 - Montreal - Turbo Haus
  Sept 6 - Toronto, ON - The Monarch
  Sept 7 - Kingston, ON - The Mansion
  Sept 9 - Oshawa, ON - The Atria
  Sept 10 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Soo Blaster
  Sept 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Black Pirates Pub
  Sept 12 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Sept 13 - Saskatoon, SK - Black Cat Tavern
  Sept 25 - Kelowna, BC- Jackknife Brewery
  Sept 26 - Vancouver, BC - Green Auto
  Sept 27 - Victoria, BC - Lucky Bar
  Oct 10 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
  Oct 11 - Edmonton, AB - The Aviary

  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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