Search Results: canada

• HYPERSPACE METALFEST Announces 2025 Lineup w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, PLANESWALKER, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR, OWLBEAR, RED CAIN and more!

  Nov 8, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canada's premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE METAL FEST returns for its 6th edition after another year of crowd-pleasing epic fun in Vancouver, BC. Being hosted at The Cobalt (April 10 &11th) and the Rickshaw Theatre (April 12th), the full 2025 lineup is ready to be revealed with headliners ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, PLANESWALKER, GLYPH along with Crimson Shadows, Lunar, Owlbear, Tower Hill, Solarus, Red Cain, Tylor Dory Trio, Serpent Rider, Luminator, Heyoka's Mirror, and Crüzer.

  Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:

  "Stoked to unveil the full lineup for Hyperspace 6! Adding to the lineup we have Psychostick, Crimson Shadows, Owlbear, Red Cain, Serpent Rider, and Crüzer! This year is looking like it will be the best year yet and we hope you'll join us! See you in April!"

  Headlining Saturday, April 12th at The Rickshaw Theatre, Sweden's ENFORCER have proved themselves both live and on record, they stake their place amongst the world’s most renowned heavy metal bands since first forming in 2005. They have toured the world over, playing the biggest festivals and garnering a global fanbase. Their latest sixth studio album Nostalgia (released May 2023 - Nuclear Blast), features 13 heavy metal anthems and throws ENFORCER back to their speed metal roots. Fusing extreme guitar riffing with catchy stadium choruses, ENFORCER is out to conquer the world.

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  Supporting ENFORCER on the closing night lineup will be Comedy Metal Kings PSYCHOSTICK. These humorcore titans bring forth a nostalgic escapade of sing-alongs and moshing fun with iconic titles such as "Beer!", "Numbers (I Can Only Count to Four)", "Dogs Like Socks", "Obey The Beard!", "Boobs", and their latest single "Ultra Mega Fast".

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  The Saturday night lineup will also witness the return of the formidable force that is Toronto's Crimson Shadows bringing forth tales of fantasy and warfare in their fierce melodic power and death metal imbued sound. Thundering across the icy Canadian mountains, Crimson Shadows has awoken after five years away. The band has emerged from the dark and is preparing to forge its own path in this next stage of its journey. Across their defiant career stretching almost two decades, to date notable highlights of Crimson Shadows' journey include the band’s appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany in mid-2013 and subsequent victory in obtaining the title of International Wacken Battle Champions. Alongside international performances, Crimson Shadows has ventured across the length and breadth of their homeland delivering brutality, technical prowess, and unyielding intensity in their melding of power and death.

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  Headlining Friday, April 11th at The Cobalt and returning for their second time at HMF, the duo known as PLANESWALKER features Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) and Sozos Michael (Gloryhammer, ex-Helion Prime) present Magic the Gathering-inspired Power Metal. They recently released their latest single "Compleated" and were joined by Carlos Alvarez (ex-Power Theory, Behölder, Shadowdance) on bass and Stefanos Meletiou (The Zilla Project, Private Garden).

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  The second night of the festival will also unleash the first-ever live performance of Lunar, a progressive metal project from California that features members from Witherfall, Helion Prime, Planeswalker, Novareign, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision. Their fourth and latest album “The Illusionist” features guests Jørgen Munkeby (Shining), Christian Münzner (Obscura), Andy Gillion (Mors Principium Est), Taylor Washington (Paladin), Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse), Ben Karas (Thank You Scientist), Gleb Kanasevich, and Patrick Corona.

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  Meant to perform on the 2024 lineup, but forced to cancel, Tylor Dory Trio returns for 2025, they are a monstrous progressive metal unit and beloved by many in Western Canada. This live performance on Friday, April 11th, will be their first following a nearly seven-year layoff. 

  Opening night of the festival, Thursday, April 10th at The Cobalt, will showcase the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory" released this past March. 

  Traveling from Edmonton, AB, Tower Hill delivers premium old-school heavy metal inspired by bands like Running Wild, Riot, Judas Priest, early Blind Guardian, and Helloween. Forging the best of the late 80s and early 90s German, British, and US metal scenes into a new blend of shimmering steel, Tower Hill’s riff-driven, hook-laden traditional metal will have you banging your head and singing along. 

  Replacing the originally announced Lost Nebula, Calgary's RED CAIN has been imported to perform their power-prog storytelling with Eastern European roots for the masses. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I”, “Kindred: Act II” and "NÄE'BLISS". The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with the latest singles "Firestarter" and "Demons II".

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  Hyperspace Metal Festival VI - April 10th - 12th.​
  One-day passes and three-day passes are available at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hyperspace-metal-festival-vi-tickets-1000996957847​

  Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1637280440385808​

  Thursday, April 10th - The Cobalt​
  Glyph
  Tower Hill
  Red Cain
  Serpent Rider
  Crüzer
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  ​Friday, April 11th - The Cobalt​
  Planeswalker
  Lunar
  Solarus
  Tylor Dory Trio
  Heyoka's Mirror
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  ​Saturday, April 12th - The Rickshaw Theatre​
  Enforcer
  Psychostick
  Crimson Shadows
  Owlbear
  Luminator

  To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2024, please visit the following links:
  ​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
  ​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​

  Over the five editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.
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• Join MUTANK On A Thrashing Psychedelic Monster Brigade In New Video "Illuminatus" Off New Album "Think Before You Think" Out End of November 2024 (Boonsdale Records)

  Nov 7, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian demolition thrash crew MUTANK will be unravelling their newest collection of bangers and first taste of new neck-breaking tunes in seven years with their new album "Think Before You Think" once again on Boonsdale Records on November 29th, 2024 to follow 2017's EP "W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T.".

  Featuring ten volcanic thrash tracks to blaze a new path to jackhammer a pure audio assault. Live favourites such as "Running Reds", "Abortron", and "Thrash Primordial" are sure to please die-hard fans for easy repeat listens.

  "This is Thrash for Metalheads by Metalheads we evolved from crossover to a more refined thrash band with longer and more intricate songs… The level of seriousness in songwriting is evident in the new album. We want this album to energize people and make them feel the way we do when we listen to some of our favourite artists. This album is the most material we have ever put out! 50 minutes of pure metal across 10 tracks. The songs picked themselves as we kept writing tracks we enjoyed playing.”

  Today, MUTANK is ready to unveil their album opener and psychedelic monster brigade video "Illuminatus". The band explains further:

  "This intro track sets the tone for the album with its strong riffs and songwriting to continue the MUTANK tradition of elaborate riffs and ripping solos! Lyrically Illuminatus (which gets its title from the 1975 novel) is about power and how it takes the souls of those that desire it the most.”

  With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made a deservedly big splash on the Canadian metal scene with their debut EP "M.E.C.H METAL" and a performance at Wacken Open Air after being declared champions of the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition.

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  With their distinctive sound, the band moved forward in 2017, touring across Canada supporting ANNIHILATOR alongside Australia's MASON in support of their EP "W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T" (Boonsdale Records). Metal Injection also named the band "1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know" (Read here).

  2024 will be a tour de force for MUTANK with the launch of "Think Before You Think". Fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus are sure to join them in the pit when it releases on November 29th, 2024 on Boonsdale Records.

  CD Pre-Order (Limited to 250 copies) - https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/product/mutank-think-before-you-think-cd-pre-order​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3NLOS88​

  Track Listing:
  ​1. Illuminatus - 6:14
  2. Payback - 5:24
  3. All Against All - 4:43
  4. Channel Change - 5:11
  5. Bad Magnitude - 5:30
  6. Abortron - 3:37
  7. Groundbreaker - 2:08
  8. Metalheads For Hire - 5:37
  9. Running Reds - 6:27
  10. Thrash Primordial - 4:40
  Album Length: 49:38

  More Info: Boonsdalerecords.com | Facebook.com/bonebrainsnotdemolishers | Instagram.com/mutank_or_die | X.com/MUTANK

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• LIVA Unveils Epic Orchestral Metal Music Video For “Samson & Dalila I” Off New Album “Ecce Mundus”

  Oct 29, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Liva, the pioneering Canadian metal band known for their unique fusion of classical and heavy metal, has released a captivating music video for “Samson & Dalila I”, from their latest album “Ecce Mundus” released on CD in November 2023 and digitally January 2024. The band's fourth full-length marks Liva's triumphant return to its roots, featuring medieval poetry and Latin texts set against a backdrop of majestic orchestral metal. The album explores timeless themes from antiquity, including the glory of Rome, the tale of Samson and Delilah, and enduring human flaws such as greed, corruption, and hypocrisy. Vocalist/guitarist Pier Carlo Liva comments on the single:

  “This is the flagship song of the album. This song has all the elements that are to be found in the Liva style. It’s about the old story of Samson & Dalila. To avenge her people, Dalila cuts off Samson's hair, thus weakening him."

  The “Samson & Dalila I” video is a visual feast that complements the band's expansive sound, featuring more developed orchestrations and heavier guitar parts than ever before. It offers fans a glimpse into the lyrical experience and otherworldly atmosphere that defines Liva's music.

  Formed in Sherbrooke, Québec in 1997, Liva has been at the forefront of blending classical music with metal in Canada. The band's unique sound features extensive sonic explorations, grandiose orchestrations, and powerful vocal performances that transport listeners to another world. They are recommended for fans of Therion, Nightwish, and Leaves’Eyes.

  Their latest album “Ecce Mundus” was released on CD on November 17, 2023, and digitally on January 12, 2024, via Stoke Records with distribution by Outside Music (Canada) and Orchard (US).

  CD and digital - https://livametalband.bandcamp.com/​

  CD - https://www.livaband.com/merch/​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3NyGqcp

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  Track Listing:​
  1. De avaritia et luxuria mundi – (9:30)
  2. Materiae summa - (6 :33)
  3. Ecce mundus demundatur - (5 :06)
  4. Sunt – (3 :34)
  5. Samson & Dalila I – (5 :29)
  6. Samson & Dalila II – (5 :19)
  7. Obscura – (7 :31)
  8. O Roma nobilis – (6 :57)
  9. Silence – (6 :04)
  Album Length: 55:51

  Liva is:​
  Pier Carlo Liva (tenor vocal, death vocal, guitars, electronics)
  Nadine Guertin (soprano vocal)
  Martin Tremblay (bass)
  Claude Lacroix (drums)

  More info: Livaband.com | Facebook.com/www.livaband | Instagram.com/livametalband​

  -30-

  "There are fewer rules in metal nowadays, and fellow Francophones Liva have taken the ones that remain and stomped them to dust. The mix is raw and yet warm. The hook finds you it won’t let go. 8/10" - Brave Words (Ecce Mundus)

  -« (…) le compromis parfait entre puissance et mélodie. Un voyage au travers de sonorités lointaines et saisissantes. Le groupe a apporté un soin particulier à créer une atmosphère enivrante. Tout simplement splendide, transcendé. Il est évident que Liva est un groupe au potentiel énorme. Sublime ! » 9/10, Rock Hard (France) (Ecce Mundus)

  ”This is a fantastic album. Highly recommended.” Powerplay Magazine (Ecce Mundus)

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  --
  ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
  Jon Asher - Music Publicist
  #.514.581.5780
  jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
  Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
  Instagram @AsherMedia
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• HETEROMORPHIC ZOO Unleashes "New World" EP and "Ritual of Fidelity" Music Video

  Oct 13, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Emerging metal act Heteromorphic Zoo, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is set to captivate audiences with their debut EP “New World”, produced by Chris Wiseman (Shadow of Intent, Currents) plus mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). Coinciding with the EP launch, the band has unveiled the music video for their single “Ritual of Fidelity”, which they comment on:

  “This song is about an ancient power awakening within a great tomb, filled with monsters. The leaders declare their loyalty (or fidelity) to the overlord. Musically, the actual “ritual of fidelity” takes place in the middle of the song. It’s a classical 3-voice fugue between the violin, lead guitar, and rhythm guitars + bass with a subject, tonal response, 2 counter subjects, and everything. Of course, it’s not a pure fugue since other instruments are also playing, but that’s the skeleton of it, and the callback to an old baroque form brings out the ritualistic nature of the song.”​
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  “Ritual of Fidelity” has a memorable lead guitar melody during its chorus, chuggy yet melodic verse riffs, and an overall more neoclassical sound. The violin is fairly subdued and in the background until the moment of the ritual fugue, since that moment is meant to introduce it to the listener for the first time.

  Born from a desire to create “Worship Music for Monsters”, Heteromorphic Zoo's five-track EP showcases a diverse and extreme sound that pushes the boundaries of modern metal. Lyrically, "New World" tells the story of a grand alliance of monstrous beings invading a new realm, with perspectives shifting between the monsters, their overlord, and their enemies. The band's innovative approach combines groove and melody, intricate riffs, and powerful breakdowns, resulting in a sonic experience that defies easy categorization. They are recommended for fans of In Flames, Within the Ruins, and Ne Obliviscaris.

   

  ​Released on October 10th, 2024, "New World" is available at the following links:

  ​https://heteromorphiczoo.bandcamp.com/album/new-world​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3NkbzAg​

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Ritual of Fidelity – 3:29
  2. Your Final Seconds (feat. Ville Hokkanen) – 3:42
  3. Napalm – 4:22
  4. Avatara – 3:39
  5. Aura of Despair – 3:41
  Total Length 18:53

  EP Credits:​
  All songs performed by:
  Heteromorphic Zoo
  Coty Garcia - Vocals
  Megan Ash - Violin
  Ray Heberer - Guitar, Bass
  Bryce Butler - Drums
  ​
  All songs written by:
  Ray Heberer (SOCAN member)
  Produced by Chris Wiseman
  Mixed by Christian Donaldson
  Mastered by Christian Donaldson
  Album Artwork by Lordigan Pedro Sena
  Music is Canadian Content - MAPL
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  Album band lineup:
  Coty Garcia - Vocals
  Megan Ash - Violin
  Ray Heberer - Guitar, Bass
  Bryce Butler - Drums
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  Live band lineup:
  Ray Heberer - Vocals, Guitar
  Megan Ash - Violin
  Jon Power - Bass
  Bryce Butler - Drums

  More Info: https://linktr.ee/heteromorphiczoo

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• SANDVEISS Unleashes Fiery New Heavy, Melodic Stoner Prog Rock Album “Standing In The Fire”

  Oct 11, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Heavy rock titans Sandveiss, from Quebec City, Canada, are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album “Standing in the Fire”, which comes out on October 11th, 2024. This new release returns with their most ambitious and diverse album to date, it features eight powerful tracks that showcase the band's evolution and musical prowess. The band comments on the album:

  “Five years after the release of our sophomore album “Saboteur”, we are stoked to finally present our new offering, “Standing in the Fire”. Musically, it showcases diversity but also, we hope, homogeneity and coherence. We draw from a wide range of influences, from metal to stoner rock, from prog to punk rock. While some are more apparent than others, they all play a key role in shaping our sound.”

  The production of “Standing in the Fire” has a modern feel while still incorporating vintage sounds and instruments, and the mix by Karl Daniel Lidén (Greenleaf, Dozer, The Ocean Collective) adds depth, texture, and power to the album. Lyrically, the songs were mostly written in response to, or sometimes as a grim reflection on, human and social issues, including politics and environmental problems.

  The band cites that they've pushed their boundaries on all sides. The heavy is heavier, the prog is proggier, and the catchy is catchier. They've allowed themselves to explore new territories while staying true to their core sound. They are recommended for fans of The Sword, Dozer, and Baroness.

  Due out on October 11th, 2024 from Folivora Records, the album “Stand in the Fire” is available for pre-order (Digital and Vinyl) at https://sandveiss.bandcamp.com/album/standing-in-the-fire​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3XnzDIq​

  Track Listing:​
  1. I'll Be Rising - 5:03
  2. Standing In The Fire - 3:51
  3. Wait And See - 3:26
  4. No Love Here - 7:26
  5. Fade (Into The Night) - 3:48
  6. Gone Away - 4:53
  7. These Cold Hands - 4:57
  8. Bleed Me Dry - 5:42

  More info: https://folivora.ca/ | https://www.facebook.com/Sandveiss | https://www.instagram.com/sandveissband

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