Search Results: canada

• HOG MEETS FROG - New Single “The Urbanizer” Ft. Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani) + Canadian Tour & Loud As Hell Open Air Fest

  Jul 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Austrian avant-funk-prog-metal trio Hog Meets Frog have dropped their most ferociously surreal single to date: “The Urbanizer” (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone), featuring world-renowned drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani). The track arrives ahead of the band’s first-ever Canadian tour (dates listed below), which includes a performance at the Loud As Hell Open Air Festival in Drumheller, Alberta, on August 3rd.
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  Lyrically dystopian and musically unhinged, “The Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone)" is a darkly groovy critique of ecological collapse and unchecked urban sprawl—told from the perspective of the “urbanizer” himself, a concrete deity paving over the planet.
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  The track’s artwork, created by Attila Zolt Tornyi (LaMañana), features a golden skull in a desolate concrete wasteland—symbolizing the “concrete gold” of speculative real estate and the sunless future it casts.
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  Bassist and band storyteller Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl comments on the single:
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  ​"We have featured on the tune 'The Urbanizer' drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani), which is a great honour for us. A mutual friend brought us together – thanks, Alan!! The song's main riff was written many years ago, and a few years later, the first four verses and thus the character of the urbanizer emerged. Over the years, however, it has become clear that society isn't getting to grips with the issue; rather, the effects of human actions, which have been driving global warming for decades, are increasing in a lot of areas. Why? Well, some deny ecological changes out of fear, some out of greed, and still others just to show that they're 'against the system’ – whatever that means. Precisely because of the subject matter, the song is one of those that even we couldn't make into a particularly funny song... but, hey! Let's just say that HOG MEETS FROG also has a dark side."​
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  Listen to “The Urbanizer” (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann is now on all major streaming platforms.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/2JBo93Ad2S7uD46tInWG8F​

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  Performing in Canada for the first time, Hog Meets Frog is excited to be showcasing in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, as well as performing at one of Canada’s loudest and most extreme metal gatherings, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, which also includes Revocation, First Fragment, Insurrection, and Gorgatron.
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  ​“Don’t expect anything. Just experience it. You’ll see three guys throwing sounds around, sometimes wearing masks, telling stories. The rest forms in the head of the beholder,” adds Petz.

  Hog Meets Frog - The Urbanizer Greening Tour 2025
  ​July 26 - Schwarzach, Austria - Tauerngold Festival
  July 30 - Ottawa, ON - Avant-Garde Bar
  Aug 1 - Toronto, ON - The Rockpile
  Aug 3 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Open Air Festival w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, and more!
  Aug 6 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar
  Sept 6 - Schwaz, Austria - Woodlight Festival
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  ​About:​
  Formed after a “musical abstinence” by a copywriting drummer and a lyricist bassist “pregnant with a riff,” Hog Meets Frog was born from a story about a hog and a frog having… fun. Their sound? In their own words: “Freaky-fuckin’-SQUEAQUACK-music.”
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  The band’s writing process is as unpredictable as their music—riffs born on subways, lyrics conceived in showers, and stories inspired by overheard conversations, political absurdities, and the slow-motion collapse of the natural world.

  For more info: Hogmeetsfrog.com | Facebook.com/hogmeetsfrog | Twitter.com/hogmeetsfrog | Instagram.com/hogmeetsfrog | Tiktok.com/@hogmeetsfrog

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• Prepare For A Cosmic Thrash Alien Invasion with Crüzer's New Lyric Video "Look to the Skies"

  Jun 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Unleashing their debut EP "Look to the Skies" this past April, Crüzer is not just a band—they are a cosmic metal assault from the Great White North. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, their sound is as unstoppable as an alien invasion force, tearing through the atmosphere with electrifying solos and unforgettable hooks.

  In the lead up to their upcoming local show dates on June 27th at The Astoria and July 26th at The Kingsway (details below), Crüzer is unveiling the lyric video for their EP's title track.

  "The title track, Look to the Skies, deals with the threat of an extraterrestrial invasion force, and the attempts of the world powers to stop it (or maybe they know more than they’re letting on…). The chorus hook on this song might be my favourite of the whole album, love how it just comes in out of nowhere after a whole verse and pre-chorus of harsh blackened thrash vocals," adds vocalist Eric Wilmott.

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  Featuring five tracks of raging, rip-roaring, intergalactic speed metal, with a multitude of different flavours catered to the tastes of every thrasher, but with a melodic and humorous twist. Crüzer's latest EP, "Look to the Skies", will have metalheads headbanging to the power of the riff and celebrating the bizarre and otherworldly wonders of the universe.

  "I believe this EP will be well received by any thrasher who enjoys a touch of melody with their mosh fodder. While in the studio, we ensured that these songs were polished and perfected, with a good dose of melody and catchiness infused into the madness. We aim to provide a thrash buffet of sorts, a smorgasbord filled with various flavours of speed, melody, and attitude. Tracks like 'Pit Vyper' have some serious hair metal vibes, and it is preceded on the record by '(I Need) Thrash', a Slayer-esque song! EARTHLINGS!!! Crank it to 11, and prepare for an out-of-this-world heavy metal experience. Your alien overlords are excited to unveil our latest slice of interplanetary propaganda, LOOK TO THE SKIES!" says Willmott.

  "Look to the Skies" is recommended for fans of all things thrash, such as Havok, Exodus (Zetro era), Destruction, Metallica (Ride the Lightning era), Exciter, and 80s Judas Priest.

  The EP is streaming on all digital platforms as of April 4, 2025. Crüzer plans to unleash the 5-track record on CD, with the release date to be determined. CD pre-order will be available from the band via their Bandcamp at https://cruzermuzik.bandcamp.com.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3GKuG6C​

  Show Dates:​
  June 27 - Vancouver, BC - The Astoria w/ Gorgonum Chaos, The Bifurcated, Nobody, DJ HAMMER - info​

  July 26 - Vancouver, BC - The Kingsway w/ Terrifier, W.M.D., and The Unending - info​

  More info: Cruzermuzik.carrd.co | Facebook.com/cruzermuzik | Instagram.com/cruzermuzik

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• IVY GARDENS' Video "Burden" From New Album "Death of Don Valley" Out August 2025 + Canadian Tour Dates

  Jun 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Ivy Gardens, the experimental sludge metal band from Niagara Falls, Canada, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new music video for the single "Burden" and their sophomore album, "Death of Don Valley", set to drop on August 29th, 2025, via Paper Cut Recordings. The record marks a bold new chapter in the band’s sound, with more complex compositions, darker themes, and a shift into a more experimental and atmospheric direction.
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  Formed in the parking lot of Princess Auto, Ivy Gardens’ journey began with a mutual love for covering Rush instrumentals and an obsession with heavy, sludge-infused sound. From those humble beginnings, the band’s unique chemistry and vision have led to the creation of their most ambitious and thematically focused album yet.
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  ​"Burden", the first single from "Death of Don Valley", showcases a satirical take on nihilism, with dark and comical undertones. The track was one of the first songs written for the album and features a fast-paced, relentless tempo that gradually picks up speed in the studio. Lyrically, it's a satirical take on the archetypal nihilist, with a dose of doom and gloom that veers into a comical extreme. The band describes it as “quick and succinct” — a track that encapsulates the essence of their new sonic direction.

  Watch and listen to the music video for "Burden" via its premiere on The Obelisk HERE.

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/3FWpqwD

  "Death of Don Valley" is a concept album, exploring the themes of death, decay, and the unstoppable erosion of life and the environment. The concept is rooted in the history of the Don Valley River, a once-thriving waterway now plagued by pollution and degradation. The album's artwork reflects this with the haunting image of a corpse between the banks of the flooded river, anthropomorphizing the water itself as it becomes a symbol of death and decay.

  The material on "Death of Don Valley" was designed to be heard live, with massive stacks of amplifiers and a commitment to delivering the music in all its raw, unfiltered glory. It marks a bold new direction for Ivy Gardens; the band has no plans of slowing down. Their dedication to the project is evident in every note they play and every lyric they write as they continue to push musical boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Lyrically, the record draws from a mix of historical events, such as the tragic story of Canadian bush pilot Martin Hartwell, and fictional narratives, creating a dark and gripping atmosphere. The songs explore everything from violence, death, and survival to environmental destruction and existential dread. As the band explains:

  "Death of Don Valley is the natural progression of their sound, with more complexity and a deliberate thematic structure. Musically, it marks a shift in Ivy Gardens’ approach. This album is darker, more experimental, and more intricate than our previous work on 2024's Goon. While Goon carried a more positive, energetic vibe, this LP is more about confronting the darker aspects of life, and it reflects a deeper exploration into musical and thematic complexity."

  Ivy Gardens' influences are vast, ranging from progressive icons like Rush, Yes, and King Crimson to sludge pioneers like EYEHATEGOD and Iron Monkey. Their sound blends elements of stoner metal, sludge, math rock, and progressive rock, creating an unpredictable listening experience that takes the listener through a series of emotional and sonic landscapes.

  Fans of Ivy Gardens can expect an intense live performance soon, as the band does plan to tour in support of the new album this coming September. Stay tuned for dates to be announced, and Ivy Gardens are bringing their thunderous sound to stages nationwide. Expect a live show that will test the limits of your ears and your emotions.

  "Death of Don Valley" (out August 29th) is available for pre-order at https://ivygardens.bandcamp.com/​

  Ivy Gardens - Live or Die Tour:
  ​Aug 29 - St. Catharines, ON - Warehouse Concert Hall
  Aug 30 - Toronto, ON - Monarch Tavern
  Sept 5 - Kitchener, ON - The Golden Apple
  Sept 11 - London, ON - TBA
  Sept 12 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge
  Sept 13 - Sarnia, ON - AJs Bar
  Sept 18 - Halifax, NS - Radstorm
  Sept 19 - Sydney, NS - Daniels Ale House
  Sept 20 - Charlottetown, PEI - Babas Lounge
  Sept 21 - Moncton, NB - TBA
  Sept 25 - Woodstock, NB - Montieth Manor
  Sept 26 - Quebec City, QC - Scanner Bistro
  Sept 27 - Montreal, QC - Blue Dog
  Oct 9 - Barrie, ON - CW Coops
  Oct 10 - Sudbury, ON - Townhouse Tavern
  Oct 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Nortenos Cantina
  Oct 12 - Winnipeg, MB - Bulldog Event Center
  Oct 16 - Regina, SK - The Cure Kitchen and Bar
  Oct 17 - Saskatoon, SK - The Black Cat
  Oct 18 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
  Oct 19 - Edmonton, AB - Blak Bar
  Oct 23 - Kelowna, BC - TBA
  Oct 24 - Vancouver, BC - TBA
  Oct 25 - Victoria, BC - TBA

  Track Listing:​
  1. Burn For Murder - 2:02
  2. Eye Witness - 2:50
  3. Burden - 3:08
  4. Guiding Hand - 6:18
  5. Frozen Limbs - 5:15
  6. Gearth - 2:29
  7. Astray - 4:56
  8. Bliss - 8:59
  9. Golden - 7:07
  Album Length: 43:08

  More info: Facebook.com/ivygardensband | Instagram.com/ivygardensofficial

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• HARVESTED Announces New Album “Dysthymia” With Devastating Music Video “Harvested”

  Jun 12, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian death metal quartet Harvested is proud to announce their new album “Dysthymia”, set for release on August 1st, 2025. The nine-track record showcases the band's evolution from their 2022 demo debut, delivering a devastating blend of technical death metal, brutal death metal, and old-school stylings. The album announcement comes alongside a music video for the record's opening track, “Harvested”, offering fans their first glimpse into the dark psychological landscape that defines “Dysthymia”. The band comments on the track:

  “The single represents what the band is about. The old-school death metal influences and the dark realities of mental illness put someone through a tortured experience. This was the first song we worked on for this album and played live, which set the bar for the remaining material. We realized that we were onto something special, and the sheer brute force of the track compelled us to make our current music video.”

  ‘Harvested’ maintains the brutality from the demo but shifts toward exploring the psychological aspects of mental illness rather than relying solely on gore. It's heavier, more aggressive, and showcases the band’s musical abilities in ways they've never presented before.

  Recorded over nearly three years, “Dysthymia” features the core lineup of Mitchi Dimitriadis (guitars), Adam Semler (vocals), Eric Forget (bass), and Jacob Collins (drums). The album was produced by Harvested with mixing and mastering by Joe Lyko of Darkmoon Productions, achieving a modern sound while staying rooted in the foundational elements of death metal.

  Recommended for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, and Dying Fetus, Harvested has crafted an album that is both technically proficient and devastatingly brutal.

  Watch and listen to the first single and music video "Harvested" via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

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

  Album pre-order (out August 1st) - https://harvested.bandcamp.com​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Harvested (3:28)
  2. Repressed Neurosis (3:32)
  3. Unending Madness (3:21)
  4. Synaptic Confusion (3:30)
  5. Designed Dilemma (3:18)
  6. Gathered and Deluded (3:00)
  7. Voices of the Void (3:16)
  8. Unanchored (3:51)
  9. The Infestation (4:36)
  Album Length: 31:55

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

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• DOLL Returns From The Dead with Single Cover “Smoke on The Water” and New EP “Better Days, Different Times” Out July 2025

  Jun 11, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After a lengthy hiatus, Canadian alternative rock band Doll announces their return with “Better Days, Different Times”, a new EP set for release on July 18th, 2025. The announcement comes alongside the premiere of their first single, a unique take on Deep Purple's “Smoke on the Water”, marking the band's first new material in over a decade. They comment on the single:

  “After seeing all the fires and the destruction that happened in 2024, there was this need to bring forward our version of the song. We updated the lyrics to match how the disasters have made us feel, and musically, we have always wanted to try a more doom-inspired vibe, and this song let us express ourselves in a raw and emotional way.”

  The Ottawa-based quartet, known for their gritty, unfiltered indie sound, last released “The Ragdoll Diaries” in 2011, following their 2009 debut “Inside The Dollhouse”. Their return represents a significant evolution in both sound and approach, incorporating new collaborators and instruments while maintaining the raw, honest edge that has defined Doll since their inception.

  The new material showcases a more mature sound while retaining the band's signature intensity. Core songwriting duo Christina and Pete have expanded their creative process, bringing in local Ottawa musicians and even a cellist to add depth and new textures to their established sound. Doll is recommended for fans of Nobro, SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, and The Pretty Reckless.

  Watch and listen to the music video for Doll's cover of Deep Purple's “Smoke on the Water” below.

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  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3FPB3oZ​

  EP-pre-order (out July 18th) - https://doll.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Bleeding - 4:32
  2. Shark Bait - 3:07
  3. Smoke on the Water - 4:26
  4. Scene Dream - 4:28
  5. Ends Like This - 3:24
  6. Goodbye - 3:27
  Album Length: 23:29

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

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