Search Results: canada

• DECIMATE METALFEST Adds QUIETUS To 2025 LINEUP w/ INTO ETERNITY, THE BUNNY THE BEAR, UNTIMELY DEMISE, NECHT, AND MORE!

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Decimate Metalfest announces the addition of Edmonton progressive metal band QUIETUS to their 2025 lineup, which features INTO ETERNITY, THE BUNNY THE BEAR, UNTIMELY DEMISE, NECHT, and more!

  DMF returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena in Millet, Alberta, on June 13th and 14th, 2025, for another electrifying weekend of heavy metal music and community spirit. As one of Western Canada's premier metal festivals, Decimate Metalfest continues to deliver unforgettable experiences for metal enthusiasts of all kinds!

  The 2024 edition of Decimate Metalfest was a monumental success, featuring an impressive lineup of bands from across Canada and the United States. Attendees were treated to performances spanning various alternative and metal genres, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. The festival's commitment to inclusivity was evident, welcoming fans of all ages and all walks of life to partake in the festivities. Highlights included thrilling air guitar contests with real guitars as prizes, an array of vendors, gaming, delectable offerings from local food, and the convenience of nearby camping facilities. ​“We are so grateful to the community of Millet for welcoming us with such open arms. We cannot wait to see you all again this year!”

  Building on the momentum of previous years, Decimate Metalfest 2025 promises to elevate the experience even further. Organizers have diligently curated a roster of bands that will deliver high-octane performances. This year's festival promises to be the biggest yet, featuring an incredible lineup of talent from across Canada and beyond:

  Decimate Metalfest 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist: https://spoti.fi/4l4TbLb

  INTO ETERNITY – Regina, SK
  THE BUNNY THE BEAR – New York / Florida, USA (First time playing in Alberta!)
  FAMOUS STRANGERS – Edmonton, AB
  UNTIMELY DEMISE – Saskatoon, SK
  HAWKING – Vancouver, BC
  NECHT – Calgary / Ireland
  THE UNENDING – Kelowna, BC
  SYRYN – Calgary, AB
  BRAIN STEM – Edmonton, AB
  AGE OF ASHES – Edmonton, AB
  ALMOST DEAD – San Francisco, USA (First time in Canada!)
  FLOODGATE – Kelowna, BC
  SKEPSIS – Edmonton, AB
  THE 21ST AGENDA – Red Deer, AB
  WARWOLF – Edmonton, AB
  OCEANS UNDER STARS – Edmonton, AB
  QUIETUS – Edmonton, AB
  SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY – Fort McMurray, AB
  BEYOND SUFFERING – Calgary, AB (Wacken Metal Battle Canada Alberta Winners)
  ACCIDENTS HAPPEN – Edmonton, AB (System of a Down Tribute Band)
  VICTORIA LIES – Calgary, AB
  COUNTED AMONG SAINTS – Edmonton, AB
  PER VELUM (YOUTH) – Calgary, AB
  KRADYIL (YOUTH) – Banff, AB
  BIRTHDAY GIRL – Calgary, AB (Hostess of Ceremonies)
  RED SILENCE – Edmonton, AB
  DAMIEN GHOUL – Edmonton, AB
  MORTIS X – Edmonton, AB
  ABOYACTUALLY – Edmonton, AB
  JOJOMOJO – Edmonton, AB

  Ticket Information: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/tickets​

  Advance tickets are now available, offering attendees the opportunity to secure their spots at a discounted rate:​

  2-Day Pass: $135 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to both days of music and entertainment, plus a free pancake breakfast.
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  Friday Day Pass: $60 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to Friday's performances.
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  Saturday Day Pass: $90 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to Saturday's performances and a free pancake breakfast.
  ​
  YES! WE OFFER AFTERPAY!

  Children 10 and under can attend for free, making this an inclusive event for families! ​

  Camping Accommodations

  For those wishing to stay close to the action, camping is available at the Millet Lions Memorial Campground, conveniently located within walking distance of the Millet Agriplex Arena. Camping rates are not-for-profit and go towards maintaining the wonderful community of Millet! Please note that camping reservations must be made separately through the campground's official website: https://milletlionscampground.com/reserve-campsite/​

  Vendor and Volunteer Applications Now Open

  Decimate Metalfest is now accepting applications for vendors and volunteers! Whether you want to showcase your business to passionate festival-goers or become an essential part of the event team, we welcome you to apply. Vendors can take advantage of the opportunity to sell their products to a dedicated audience while volunteers gain behind-the-scenes experience and help bring the festival to life. (Yes! We accept Youth volunteers!)

  Vendor Applications: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/vend​

  Volunteer Applications: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/volunteer​

  Join the Metal Community

  Decimate Metalfest is more than just a music festival; it's a gathering of the metal family, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned metalhead or new to the scene, this festival offers an unparalleled experience of music, camaraderie, and community.​

  Stay Connected

  For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:​

  Website: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/​

  Facebook: Decimate Metalfest Facebook Page​

  Instagram: Decimate Metalfest Instagram​

  Linktree: Linktree

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• TANGENTS Announces Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour" In Support of New EP "Molt"

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  TANGENTS Announces Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour"

  New EP "Molt" Out Now!

  L-R - Will Tennant - Guitars/Backing vocals, Nathan Chechock- Guitars/Backing Vocals, Rob Barnes- Bass, Matt Williams - Vocals/effects/samples, Simon Oliver- Drums/Backing Vocals

  Photo Credit - Rory P​

  Formed simply as a creative outlet in which there are no rules, Orillia, ON's TANGENTS plays music with the idea of no constraints, no guidelines, and producing what they would want to hear. Releasing their fourth EP entitled "Molt" this past April, Tangents announces they will be hitting the road this coming July for tour dates across Eastern Canada in Ontario, Quebec, New Brwunwick, and Nova Scotia. (dates listed below).

  With elements of mathcore, prog, and post-hardcore, Tangents take you on a brutally honest journey with nothing to hide during an emotional and heavy 10 minutes on their latest EP's three tracks. The band's goal is to keep the listener on their toes, along with themselves as musicians. Keeping things fresh and ever evolving.

  "For this EP, we decided on the 3 songs simply to capture that specific moment in time. I feel that there’s always room for growth, so we constantly keep evolving, we're stoked and proud to release Molt. With our most focused effort, we present to fans a multitude of experiences in a compact timeframe. This offering allowed us to open and embrace challenges and overcome the obstacles that come with growth," adds guitarist Will Tennant.

  Taking pride that each member of the band is a multi-instrumentalist, Tangents are a bare bones heavy band, and at the end of the day, they get up there and rock out live to showcase very visceral songs. It's a roller coaster of emotions throughout each track.

  Recommended for fans of avant-garde mathy metal and bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mr Bungle, Every Time I Die, Dog Fashion Disco, and Better Lovers, Tangents' new EP "Molt" is available at the following links:

  Bandcamp - https://tangents1.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4knPCPM​

  YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lbqCZ2QJmSbse8S6jgMo8AsgHKm7Gx-H0

  ​

  Tangents live by the motto “No dragons, no Lasers,” which basically means nothing fancy, just give them electricity and they can play their tunes! No relying on gizmos and gadgets. Check them out live on the "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour".

  Tangents - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour"​
  July 16 - Montreal, QC - Bar L'Hemisphere Gauche
  July 18 - Windsor, NS - (Gutterfest) - Avon Valley Lanes
  July 19 - Yarmouth, NS - The Red Knight
  July 20 - Halifax, NS - Gus' Pub
  July 22 - Woodstock, NB - Monteith Manor
  July 23 - Bathurst, NB - Bathurst Southside Lounge
  July 24 - One Star Studio (secret location)
  July 25 - Edmundston, NB - Microbrasserie Ateepic
  July 26 - Lachute, QC - Royal Canadian Legion

  Track Listing:​
  1. Assimilate (3:01)
  2. Mass Delusion (3:33)
  3. Forge (3:59)
  EP Length: 10:34

  More info: https://linktr.ee/Tangents705

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• KILLOTINE Wins WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 To Play Wacken Open Air!

  Jun 2, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Photo Credit - Derek Carr - Visions In Pixels​

  WMBC 2025 Final Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3Z55AFy​

  One band to rule them all! The final four bands from this year's 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle Canada gathered in Vancouver, BC, for the national final on May 31st at the Rickshaw Theatre. Only one unsigned Canadian band can walk away and be crowned champion to move on to perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals, Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  Crowning this year's 2025 winner is Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE (Ontario Winner), who, after their performance, a panel of industry judges voted as Canada's top band to play at the International Wacken Battle at Wacken Open Air. They performed alongside SOULTHIEF (Ottawa, ON - Eastern Canada Winner), BEYOND SUFFERING (Calgary, AB - Alberta Winner), and YEGG (Nanaimo, BC - British Columbia Winner). The special guest headliner was 2024 BC final winner, Vancouver's Arrow In The Quiver​.

  “What a finals we’ve just had in Vancouver. It's so nice to see the level of the bands and the great performances from all of them. The result is that we’ve got something special this year: Killotine is the chosen one. This band has a career waiting for them, and the real beginning of that journey will be at Wacken Open Air. This really enforces what the Metal Battle is all about and how we are nurturing the next generation, the future of metal,” comments Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada, JJ Tartaglia.

  This year's panel of national final judges consisted of BRITTNEY SLAYES (Unleash The Archers), JJ TARTAGLIA (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ CAITHCART (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), KRIS SCHULZ (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), ABELARDO MAYORAL (Founder, Owner, and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), STAN SCHINNERS (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), JUSTIN DOBBIN (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

  About The Final Four:

  Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning—relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total. This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand—pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.

  
  

  https://linktr.ee/killotinemetal

  ==========

  Ottawa, ON's SOULTHIEF is a crossover band known for their powerful and fun sound that combines elements of melodic hardcore, thrash metal, beatdown, slam, and punk. Formed in early 2021, the band has garnered a reputation for its intense live performances and dynamic songwriting.

  Their discography includes several notable releases, with their albums “Citadel” and "The Bad Kind of Wet” receiving praise for their energy and musical depth. Tracks like "You Could be my Gwen Stacy" and "Rupture" are often highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing the band's ability to craft memorable hooks and crowd-engaging lyrics.

  Soulthief has built a loyal following through their extensive touring and energetic live shows. They have performed at various venues and festivals, earning a reputation for delivering high-impact performances that resonate with audiences. Playing with bands like Stick to Your Guns, Within Destruction, MadBall, Get the Shot, Left to Suffer, Guilt Trip, Sworn Enemy, Hoods, Vctms, Teeth, and many more

  Soulthief has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of their craft. Their dedication to their musical performance and their passionate fanbase have cemented their place in any music scene they show up in.

  
  

  https://www.soulthief.ca

  ==========

  Calgary, AB's BEYOND SUFFERING is a five-piece melodic metal band with roots in thrash and metalcore. With founding member and lead guitarist Rob Vargo, they blend intense riffs and rhythmic complexities of deathcore with melodic hooks and emotional depth of hardcore. Their recent pre-release demo, “Buddha,” is a great buildup to the upcoming “Darkness” and subsequent response “Light” EPs later this year.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/BeyondSuffering

  =========

  Nanaimo, BC's old school death metal YEGG is a band that stays true to their roots. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, YEGG delivers a relentless assault of pure, unadulterated old school Death Metal. Their live shows are a sight to behold with intense energy and a ferocious wall of pure aggression that will.

  
  

  https://linktr.ee/yeggmetal

  ================

  About The Battle:

  Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 different countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade, allowing independent bands to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/​

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

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• THUNDEROR Debut Their Self-Titled Rock Opera Musical At TORONTO FRINGE FESTIVAL (July 3-12)

  May 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  From 2x JUNO-nominated musician/writer JJ Tartaglia comes ‘THUNDEROR’, an epic rock opera musical (in the vein of Bat Out Of Hell, Rock Of Ages) but with a fresh soundtrack of original anthems. Featuring the actual live band and a star-studded cast, THUNDEROR tells a tale of adventure and romance in the face of mortality, hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock, wild and restless, as a young group of would-be rockers head out on an impromptu adventure in a time of danger and hope.

  
  ​
  Presented as part of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival, the 75-minute show will see a run of 5 dates at VideoCabaret’s Deanne Taylor Theatre in Toronto, performed in the unconventional format of ‘In The Round’ for an intimate and exclusive experience.
  ​
  ​“I guess I’m giving my heavy metal dreams a makeover,” says JJ Tartaglia. “It’s been a crazy undertaking, but I’m absolutely stoked about the show we’ve created. I’m truly blessed to have such an amazing cast and team. Expect an unconventional take on musical theatre! In my mind, it combines the best of both worlds, and I hope that it’ll be enjoyed by all.”

  ​
  ​
  The musical score will debut unreleased material from Thunderor’s upcoming concept album ‘Bleed For It’ to be released this fall. Besides the live band of JJ Tartaglia (vocals/drums), Jonny Nesta (guitar) and Anthony Pannozzo (keys), the production is directed by Liam Eric Dawson (director shadow Come From Away), assistant directed by metal concert photographer Rae Chatten, choreographed by Kristen Pepper (Kinky Boots, Cabaret), and features a veteran cast comprising of Georgia Grant (A Streetcar Named Desire), Jamie Elliott (Shrek The Musical), Tristan Hernandez (Rock Of Ages, Peter Pan), and Stephen Flett (Miracle On 34th Street, Hamlet).

  ​
  ​Boonsdale Records presents: THUNDEROR​
  ​
  ​5 shows as part of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival​
  ​Thu 3rd July – 9:45 pm
  Sat 5th July – 7:45 pm
  Mon 7th July – 4:00 pm
  Fri 11th July – 4:00 pm
  Sat 12th July – 5:45 pm​
  ​​
  Writer, Musical Director: JJ Tartaglia
  Director: Liam Eric Dawson
  Assistant Director: Rae Chatten
  Choreographer: Kristen Pepper

  Starring​
  JJ Tartaglia (as Bowen)
  Georgia Grant (as Kenzie)
  Jamie Elliott (as Sheenah)
  Tristan Hernandez (as Silverman)
  Stephen Flett (as Brother Nuckett)
  ​
  ​Band​
  JJ Tartaglia (Drums/Vocals)
  Jonny Nesta (Guitar)
  Anthony Pannozzo (Keys)
  ​
  ​Venue
  ​VideoCabaret – Deanne Taylor Theatre
  10 Busy St, Toronto, ON​
  ​
  More information and tickets are available as of June 4, 2025, at https://www.fringetoronto.com

  Appreciated by fans of Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Saxon, Thunderor's releases are available via Boonsdale Records.

  CD – https://thunderor.bigcartel.com​

  ​Spotify

  For more info:
  ​Facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial​
  ​Instagram.com/thunderor_official

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• IN/VERTIGO Release New Single / Video "Save Me" Off New EP "Prevail" Out July 2025

  May 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian hard rockers IN/VERTIGO return with brand-new music, unleashing their explosive new single “Save Me”, now available on all digital platforms. The track is the first preview of their upcoming EP “Prevail”, set for release on July 18th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.
  ​
  Formed in 2016 by seasoned Calgary musicians, IN/VERTIGO has made a name for themselves across Western Canada with their high-energy live shows and relentless touring. The band has shared stages with acts such as Buckcherry, Steel Panther, Bret Michaels, Bif Naked, Diamond Head, and Pop Evil, becoming a must-see name in the modern hard rock scene.
  ​
  ​NEW SINGLE “SAVE ME” OUT NOW​
  ​“Save Me” is a blistering anthem that shows IN/VERTIGO pushing their sound into even more aggressive territory. Fusing their rock ‘n’ roll backbone with punk and thrash influences, the track hits like a freight train—raw, fast, and unrelenting.
  ​
  The single is paired with a chaotic and entertaining music video, loosely based on a true story.
  ​
  ​Listen: https://lnk.to/POmavT​
  ​

  ​
  ​
  This marks the first release from the upcoming EP “Prevail”, which will be the band’s second release in collaboration with Rockshots Records.
  ​
  With “Prevail”, IN/VERTIGO are poised to deliver their most refined and aggressive work to date, a Molotov cocktail of sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and full-throttle rock attitude.

  PREVAIL – EP Tracklisting:​
  1. Weathervane
  2. Save Me
  3. Liar
  4. Euphoria
  ​
  ​Line-up:​
  Reed Alton – Lead & Backing Vocals, Percussion
  Shaddy Elsaghir – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
  Duncan McCartney – Bass, Backing Vocals, Keyboard
  ​
  ​About IN/VERTIGO:​
  Delivering their shows at jet-engine volume, IN/VERTIGO have made an unmistakable impact in the Canadian rock scene. Their self-titled demo, produced by Ronnie Champagne (Alice In Chains, Jane’s Addiction), quickly sold out, and their debut EP “Sex Love & Chaos” introduced a band ready to raise hell.
  ​
  Now, with “Save Me” and the upcoming EP “Prevail”, IN/VERTIGO are back to light the fuse. Crank it up and join the ride.

  For more info:​
  ​www.rockshots.eu​
  ​www.invertigoband.com​
  ​www.facebook.com/getinvertigo​
  ​www.instagram.com/getinvertigo

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