Search Results: canada

• DEREV Release Debut Album "Troubled Mind" + Cross-Canada Tour Dates (QC/ON/MB/SK/BC)

  Mar 26, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Toronto, Canada's Derev is proud to release their first full length, "Troubled Mind", now available as of March 26th on digital platforms (links below).

  The follow-up to their 2021 debut EP "Leap of Faith," “Troubled Mind” takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.

  Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

  The band adds:

  “This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”

  Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

  Derev's dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev's sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on "Troubled Mind".

  Recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Soen, and Riverside, "Troubled Mind" is available at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (on Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass) and all digital platforms (Spotify, Bandcamp).

  In additional news, Derev is touring in Ontario to support "Troubled Mind" and will continue their road shows across Western Canada for May (listed below).

  ​

  DEREV - Troubled Mind ON/ QC Tour​
  March 28 - Waterloo, ON - Midnight Run Café w/ Local Goblin
  March 29 - Guelph, ON - The Red Papaya w/ Jupiter Hollow, Crown For A King, and Exolithic
  April 5 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar w/ World On Alert & Vinyl Hero
  April 11 - Hamilton, QC - Club Absinthe w/ 8 Banger, Hollow Core, Bad Communication
  April 12 - Brantford, ON - Brandi’s Kitchen & Bar w/ Jupiter Hollow & Guests

  DEREV - Troubled Mind - Western Canada Tour​
  May 2 - Sudbury, ON - The Townhouse w/ Jeidei, Codos
  May 3 - Marathon, ON - Biloxys Wings and Things
  May 4 - TBA (North Western Ontario)
  May 6 - TBA (Manitoba)
  May 8 - Regina, SK - Revival Music Room w/ Fame Fatale, 66 Aces
  May 9 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigos Cantina w/ Out Of Frequency, 66 Aces
  May 10 - Edmonton, SK - Rendezvous Pub w/ Darkened Skies, Silent Script, Misplaced Intentions
  May 12 - Grand Forks, BC - 4th St. Studio w/ guests
  May 13 - Kamloops, BC - The Blue Grotto w/ Augur, Gregarious
  May 14 - Vancouver, BC - The Roxy Cabaret w/ guests
  May 16 - Vernon, BC - Longhorn Pub w/ None The Wiser, Scared Soul Empire
  May 17 - Cranbrook, BC - The York Public House w/ Phaeton
  May 18 - Calgary, AB - Verns w/ Humans As Totems, The Future Relics, Rocky Mountain Maniacs, 13 Strikes
  May 20 - Winnipeg, MB - Sidestage w/ Valley Narrow, Sunbreather
  May 22 - Thunder Bay, ON - Black Pirates Pub w/ Cycle Of Disobedience, Along The Lines, The Fixer
  May 23 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Soo Blaster w/ guests
  May 24 - Timmins, ON - Victory Tavern w/ guests

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Buried Voice (7:23)
  2. Cyclone (5:39)
  3. Crawl Space (1:16)
  4. Room 9 (6:15)
  5. Paracusia (4:35)
  6. Tides of Time (5:59)
  7. Darker Self (5:44)
  8. Trace Within (5:01)
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  Adel Saflou - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys
  ​
  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  Mike Symons - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys

  More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

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• THE FINAL RIDE - ​The Electric Highway Festival (Calgary, AB) 2025 Goes Out With Cosmic Bang! w/ BISON, CASTLE, LA CHINGA, BUFFALO BUD BUSTER and more!

  Mar 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  After nearly a decade of bringing incredible music, art, and community together, The Electric Highway Festival (formerly the 420 Music & Arts Festival) is hitting the road one last time. Due to ongoing health challenges for their curators, they’ve made the difficult decision that 2025 will be the FINAL edition of the festival.

  From its roots as the 420 Music & Arts Festival, which first lit up Calgary in 2017, to the evolution into The Electric Highway, we’ve been privileged to host some of the best heavy rock, doom, and psychedelic bands from across North America. From Wo Fat to Crobot, Dopethrone to Sasquatch, we’ve hosted legends and launched careers. This festival has always been about passion, music, and unforgettable experiences, and we’re determined to go out with a Cosmic Bang!

  THE FINAL LINEUP IS HERE TO IGNITE!

  Join EHF in 2025 for a mind-blowing sendoff featuring headliners Canadian veteran sludge metal band BISON and doom metal band CASTLE. They will be joined by Southern California band FEVER DOG, and various Western Canadian bands including LA CHINGA, BUFFALO BUD BUSTER, THE GETMINES, 88 MILE TRIP, and more.

  This is your LAST CHANCE to be part of the Electric Highway experience – the final ride of a festival that has brought together music lovers, artists, and a community unlike any other. Let’s make this one for the history books!

  April 4 & 5, 2025 at Dickens (1000 9 Ave SW), Calgary AB.

  Get your tickets, gather your crew, and come celebrate with us one last time – let’s make memories that will last forever!

  Advance 2-day passes are available for $75. Advance single-day tickets are $40 for Friday and $45 for Saturday

  Festival passes and single-day tickets are available at www.theelectrichighway.ca/festivalstore/​

  Event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1149647296782460/

  The Electric Highway 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist - https://spotf.fi/ZQXtQay​

  ​The Final Full Line Up by Day:​
  ​
  ​Friday, April 4, 2025​
  Castle (San Francisco/ Vancouver)
  Buffalo Bud Buster (Calgary)
  Blacksmith and Brewer (Vancouver))
  CHÛNK (Vancouver)
  Hydracat (Edmonton)
  The Astral Prophets (Calgary)
  BUNS (Calgary)
  Doors 5pm - Show 6pm
  ​
  ​Saturday, April 5, 2025​
  Bison (Vancouver)
  La Chinga (Vancouver)
  Fever Dog (Southern California)
  The Getmines (Vancouver)
  88 Mile Trip (Vancouver)
  Lover (Calgary)
  GEOFF (Calgary)
  Doors 5pm - Show 6pm

  The Electric Highway Festival hosts various genres that range from Desert Rock, Stoner Metal, Doom, Sludge, Trippy Psychedelic, Surf Rock, Acid Rock, Noise Rock, Fuzz Rock, Space Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Psych, Heavy Blues, Southern Rock, Fuzzy Punk, Sludgy Hardcore bands and variations of any of the previously mentioned styles. The festival includes a vendor area with interesting goods for attendees to take home with them.

  Previous editions of the festival featured one of the event's past favorites Californian headliners Sasquatch, Juno Award-winning Canadian band ANCIIENTS, Vancouver’s La Chinga, Space Queen, Dead Quiet, and more, Gnarwhal from Yellowknife, NWT, Calgary’s Gone Cosmic, Hombre, Flashback among many more, and a whole host of other great bands.

  Live Video by SlimBzTV – ANCIIENTS at EHF 2024 – Following the Voice - https://youtu.be/v9ETpkVSASA​

  Live Video by SlimBzTV – Dead Quiet at EHF 2024 - Atoned Deaf - https://youtu.be/GDJB0RAZpC8​

  Live Video by SlimBzTv - La Chinga at EHF 2023 - Beyond The Sky - https://youtu.be/P741nkfJU7w​​
  ​
  ​For more info:

  Website: TheElectricHighway.ca​

  Facebook: Facebook.com/ElectricHighwayFestival​

  Instagram: Instagram.com/TheElectricHighway​

  X: X.com/TheElectricHwy​
  ​​
  Hashtag #BuckleUp #EHF2025

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• LOUD AS HELL Open Air Festival Announces 2025 Lineup w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY and more!

  Mar 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  LAH 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/3XT8IUw

  From 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 announces its 2025 lineup with REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY and more!

  Hosted in Drumheller, AB from August 1st to 3rd at the Dinosaurs Down Stampede, LAH showcases the best up-and-coming Canadian and international talent to roar through the country's largest dinosaur fossil grounds.

  This year's 13th annual 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.

  Live LAH 2024 - Anciients - Despoiled - https://youtu.be/-E440Gax4ao​

  Live LAH 2024 - Terrifier - Depths Of The Storm Scepter - https://youtu.be/ZEm4ncOlbH4​

  Live LAH 2023 - Narcotic Wasteland - Sex, Lies and DNA - https://youtu.be/q-AraxYaEfA‪

  Live LAH 2023 - Jungle Rot - A Call To Arms - https://youtu.be/b5GCaJ--lZo​

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

  Festival Press Materials - Posters, Band Links, EPKs, Photos - HERE.​

  About:

  LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.

  LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2025 will be celebrating its thirteenth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!

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• Famous Strangers Unveil Haunting New Single “I'll See You In The Stars”

  Mar 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton-based band Famous Strangers continues their journey of atmospheric storytelling with the release of their latest single “I'll See You In The Stars”, dropping March 7th, 2025. The track showcases the band's signature blend of haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes that have been captivating listeners since their formation in 2023.

  “I'll See You In The Stars” draws listeners into a celestial dreamscape where emotional intensity meets cosmic wonder. The single represents another compelling chapter in Famous Strangers' evolving musical narrative, highlighting their ability to create dark, moody compositions that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

  The band comments:

  “We are incredibly grateful to be able to release this single and share it with audiences. This track is more than just a song—it’s an artistic expression of who we are as a band and the depths we are willing to explore. It represents a space where emotion meets intensity, where the atmosphere blends with raw power. Sonically, it carries a weight and texture that draws comparisons to bands like Deftones or Ocean Machine, capturing that balance of heaviness and haunting melody. This is just one side of what we do, but it’s a side we fully embrace.”

  Famous Strangers brings together accomplished musicians whose past experiences in various musical projects have shaped their collective sound. Their diverse influences converge in a unique sonic experience characterized by atmospheric instrumentals and a dynamic vocal approach that seamlessly shifts between melodic and aggressive. They are recommended for fans of Halestorm, Judas Priest, Dio, and Arch Enemy.

  Listen to "I'll See You In The Stars" at the following links:

  ​Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/ill-see-you-in-the-stars

  ​

  More info:

  ​Famousstrangersband.com

  ​Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

  ​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

  ​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

   

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• 15 Years of Mountain Moshing! ARMSTRONG METALFEST Unveils 2025 Lineup w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

  Mar 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest unveils its conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and lots more from across Canada and beyond.

  Hosted on July 11th and 12th in Armstrong, BC at the Hassen Arena, this year's two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping is a very special one as festival council members comment:

  "The band council worked hard on this year's lineup. I am so excited to have the Browning back. They were amazing on stage. I have been wanting to see Born of Osiris play live for years. I love them, and now I get to see them in my own little town." - Heather Valstar, Vice President of West Metal Entertainment Society

  "I'm really excited about the diversity of this year's line-up. The selection team has really put in the work. There's sure to be something for everyone: a great mix of trusted favorites and new additions to your playlist for the rest of the year!" - Kate Kutzner, President of West Metal Entertainment Society

  "This year's festival is a work of art! I can't believe we are on the 15th year already. Time flies when you're setting up a festival full of crushing riffs, soaring vocals and down right nasty beats. Life rules, bring on the summer!" - Festival Co-Founder / General Manager - Jessie Valstar.

  AMF Weekend Passes are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets​

  All tickets provide general admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.

  ​(Tickets will be mailed starting after March 1st if you have chosen the "Ticket Mailed" option.)

  Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP "New Eyes".

  ​

  Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest's Glyph (ft. members from Gatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), 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 in March 2024.

  ​

  Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary's speed demons Riot City, who bring forth their steel, spikes and leather! A youthful band that represent the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, they're bullet belts feature two full lengths "Electric Elite" (2022), "Burn The Night" (2019) and their latest live album "Live in Newcastle" (2023).

  ​

  Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago's BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full lengths and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single "In Desolation" this past August.

  ​

  Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City's THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album "OMNI" that features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT.

  ​

  Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive / technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There's no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025. 

  Other to be treasured highlights of this year's fest not to miss is Montreal, QC up and coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongrels and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver's GRAVEMASS, they might be a new band, but they feature some serious experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, West of Hell, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation. Switzerland's technical death/black metal Stortregn, they deliver a mix of charging riffs, blast beats and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more. The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album "Death X Destiny" was recently released on Feb 7th, 2025 under record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduce their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard hitting riffs, fast paced drumming and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.

  AMF 2025 Lineup:​
  Havok (Denver, CO)
  Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL)
  Glyph (Seattle, WA)
  Riot City (Calgary, AB)
  The Browning (Kansas City, KS)
  Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland)
  Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
  Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC)
  Convictions (Fremont, OH)
  Scalding (Vancouver, BC)
  Syryn (Calgary, AB)
  Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland)
  The Defect (Kansas City, KS)
  Gravemass (Vancouver, BC)
  Lover (Calgary, AB)
  Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC)
  Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA)
  The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB)
  Volt (Fort McMurray, AB)
  Jisei (Vancouver, BC)
  Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC)
  Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC)
  Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB)
  The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB)
  Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)
  Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
  Naitaka (Kelowna, BC)
  FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)

  In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest will be bringing back the following on-site activities: Yeti Games, Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling.

  Please Note: Camping - RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you choose to park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, then a vehicle pass is not required.

  For more info:​
  ​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
  ​​Facebook​
  ​Instagram​
  ​Twitter

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