Search Results: canada

• 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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• THE FIXER Unleashes New Single "Ugly Knots" For "The Ugly Knots Tour" Across Canada w/ TEKNOSIS

  Oct 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Thunder Bay, Canada's The Fixer has dropped their new single “Ugly Knots”, a sonic and emotional powerhouse that sets the tone as they kick off their “The Ugly Knots Tour” this October with fellow hometown band Teknosis.
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  ​“Ugly Knots” is a raw, genre-defying track that fuses industrial metal with hardcore grit and ambient textures. It opens with abrasive riffs and harsh electronics before evolving into a sweeping, melodic climax, mirroring the emotional journey the band intends for listeners.
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  ​“This song is for the kind people we’ve seen be hated, harassed, and threatened. It’s written from the first-person perspective, but the spoken word section—contributed by our friend John Forget—comes directly from someone who lived that experience. It’s a message of strength in the face of cruelty,” says the band.
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  Lyrically and musically, “Ugly Knots” is one of The Fixer’s heaviest and most artful releases to date. Eschewing formulaic conventions, the band leans hard into their industrial roots while exploring themes of anger, sadness, and resilience. Fans of their heavier material will find plenty to latch onto, while new listeners will be drawn into its emotional depth.
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  The single marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Fixer, as they prepare to hit the road with Teknosis for a tour of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta (dates listed below) that promises catharsis, chaos, and connection. “Ugly Knots” is more than a song; it’s a statement.

  Listen to "Ugly Knots" at the following links:

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - ​https://open.spotify.com/track/3hvFHi6mVgqRlmDWHlAo8f

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  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.
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  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.

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Cu2jRvDUKvEZdqJd5QjwJ

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  Ugly Knots Tour 2025 - The Fixer, Teknosis
  ​Oct 2 - La Sarre, QC - La Brute du Coin *
  Oct 3 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar *
  Oct 4 - Levis, QC - Taverne La Barricade *
  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
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  ​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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• HARVESTED Earworm Ferocious "Voices of the Void" Band Playthrough From New Album “Dysthymia”

  Oct 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian death metal outfit Harvested has dropped a ferocious, earworming band playthrough video for “Voices of the Void,” a standout track from their latest full-length album, "Dysthymia." The video showcases the band’s technical prowess, raw aggression, and unrelenting energy, hallmarks of a sound they describe as “Heavy, Brutal, Fast, Aggressive and Violent.”
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  Formed in 2019 as a creative outlet for members of other local projects, Harvested has evolved into a powerhouse of modern death metal. With roots in bands like A Scar For The Wicked, Sons Of The Nether, Thalassophobia, and Fumigation, the group brings together a wealth of experience and a shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries.
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  ​“Voices of the Void” is a dynamic track that blends chaotic tempo shifts with crushing grooves, embodying the band’s signature fusion of old-school death metal and deathcore. Lyrically, it delves into themes of dissociation and psychological turmoil, part of the album’s overarching exploration of mental illness.
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  ​“This album is the evolution of our sound. We’ve taken influences from technical death metal giants like The Zenith Passage and Cattle Decapitation, but stayed true to our roots. Dysthymia is a level-up in every way—production, songwriting, and performance,” says guitarist Mitchi Dimitriadis.
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  The playthrough video offers fans an intimate look at the band’s musicianship, with each member delivering a tight, high-speed performance that reflects their commitment to precision and intensity.

  “We pride ourselves on being athletes with our instruments. It’s not just about brutality, it’s about groove, cohesion, and constantly challenging ourselves,” adds Dimitriadis.
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  ​"Voices of the Void" is one of nine tracks on "Dysthymia," each confronting different facets of psychological distress, from cult mentality and shadow selves to global political psychosis. The album’s artwork, a psychedelic depiction of mental chaos, complements its lyrical depth and sonic ferocity.

  
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  With "Dysthymia" now unleashed and the band’s live shows gaining momentum, Harvested is poised to make a lasting impact on the Canadian metal scene.

  Recommended for fans of Cattle Decapitation, Decapitated, and Cannibal Corpse, Harvested's “Dysthymia” is available at the following links:

  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/harvested1/dysthymia​

  More info: Facebook.com/harvested666 | Instagram.com/harvestedband

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• Fantasy Meets Prog - CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE “Carving a Dragon” Opens The Gates To Debut "Primordial Reverie" Out Nov 2025

  Sep 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Cepheidae Variable, the one-man progressive metal project helmed by Kelowna, Canada, guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, has officially unveiled its debut single, “Carving a Dragon,” accompanied by a playthrough video. The track serves as the first glimpse into Cepheidae Variable’s upcoming debut full-length instrumental album, "Primordial Reverie," set for release on November 7th, 2025.

  Originally conceived as a personal exploration of musical growth, Cepheidae Variable evolved into a deeply emotional and ambitious endeavour following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis and the news of his own impending fatherhood.

  “I stopped waiting around and created something I’d be proud of. This album became a reflection of emotional turbulence, hope, and transformation,” shares Koepke.

  “Carving a Dragon” was the first track written for the album, and one of the most challenging. Inspired by Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Quest, the song symbolizes pouring one’s soul into creation and marks the beginning of Koepke’s journey as a solo recording artist. With its energetic, uplifting fantasy feel, it stands in contrast to the moodier, sci-fi-themed tracks that follow.

  “There were many times during the writing process I considered scrapping this song. The result is something that has stuck with me and has a lot of meaning to not only myself, but also friends and family who supported me,” says Koepke.

  The album itself is a genre-defying instrumental narrative, weaving through symphonic fantasy, sci-fi textures, and progressive complexity. Koepke describes the sound as “spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy,” and cites influences ranging from Dream Theater and Haken to Wintersun and Caligula’s Horse. Divided into three distinct acts, "Primordial Reverie" challenges listeners to experience the full arc of its story, with recurring motifs and evolving themes that reward repeat listens.

  The album artwork, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes feelings of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery, mirroring the tonal shift that occurs midway through the album.

  "I especially enjoyed this artwork because of the amount of interpretation it allows from the viewer. It was a heavy influence on the tonal shift this album undergoes." Koepke notes.

  With "Primordial Reverie," Koepke aims to release a new album every 2–4 years, continuing to push the boundaries of solo composition and progressive storytelling. Though currently instrumental, Cepheidae Variable may evolve into a collaborative or vocal project in the future.

  Recommended for listeners of Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, “Carving a Dragon” can be heard and watched via its playthrough premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/50cqqMHKWKJl9ahcdXY5xD​

  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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• 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

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  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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