Search Results: canadian

• MARBLE GHOSTS Unleash “Distance Between” A Blistering Anthem For Divided Times Off Sophomore EP "The Greatest Divide" Out April 2025

  Jan 10, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Marble Ghosts, the Canadian boundary-pushing ensemble known for their distinctive blend of metal, grunge, and punk influences, has announced their highly anticipated second EP “The Greatest Divide” set for release in April 2025. The band comments on the first, explosive single “Distance Between”:

  “From the opening lyric of the EP, “Here we are in the greatest divide”, the songs explore the ever-growing rift between almost every part of modern-day society. From the rich and the shrinking middle class to widening gaps in political and religious ideologies, the EP was inspired by our reality.”

  Musically, the single shows off its punk-metal roots, never relenting from beginning to end. The biting rapid-fire verses meet the band’s characteristic soaring choruses. The band shows off its guitar chops with a blistering solo that perfectly matches the song’s energy. The song crescendos with another feverish solo over top desperate screams.

  The EP and the single are recommended for fans of Alter Bridge, Shinedown, and Saint Asonia.

  Listen to "Distance Between"

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40D2I4h

  Marble Ghosts' sophomore EP "The Greatest Divide" will be released on April 4, 2025

  Bandcamp pre-order - https://marbleghosts.bandcamp.com/​

  Album Artwork by:​
  Marble Ghosts font: Crossfade Productions
  EP cover art: Edith Fluet

  Track Listing:​
  1. Distance Between (3:38)
  2. Eat the Rich (4:16)
  3. Trafficked (The Devil Inside) (4:19)
  4. Gloom (4:24)
  5. Osmium (4:48)
  EP Length: 21:26
  ​
  ​Band Line Up (EP)​
  Dylan Gunnell - Lead Vocals and Lyrics
  Adam Hansen - Guitar
  Paul R. Champagne - Bass
  Jer Renaud - Drums
  ​
  ​Band Line Up (Live)​
  Dylan Gunnell - Lead Vocals
  Adam Hansen - Guitar and Backing Vocals
  Paulo Ferraz - Bass
  Jer Renaud - Drums

  More info: Facebook.com/marbleghosts | Instagram.com/marbleghostsofficial

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• Kelowna's SWEETBEAST Unveils Sludgy Stoner Video "Illusion" ft. Space Queen; Debut Album "Illusions" Out Feb 21st, 2025

  Jan 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Hailing from Canada's Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, BC, SweetBeast is gearing up to make its debut full-length "Illusions" heard by the masses this coming February 2025. Unshackling the first single "Dream Eater" this past November, they are offering the next glimpse into their pressurized sludgy psychedelic stoner rock with their new music video for "Illusion", which features vocal harmonies done by the lovely ladies of Vancouver trio Space Queen.

  The album's closing track, "Illusion" captures the essence of awakening and self-discovery, with fuzzed-out guitars and emotional guitar solos that drive the message home. Space Queen's vocal harmonies elevate the song to new heights, creating a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to explore the depths of their realities. With its haunting lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, “Illusion” serves as both a rallying cry and a moment of introspection.

  The band comments on the making of the song:

  "We laid down this entire album, live off the floor, in just 2 days. Now of course there were a few overdubs that we plugged in during that weekend but by the end of the 2 days, all that was left was the mixing and mastering. We also added some special treats post-production that made the songs really pop, like vocal harmonies in the song “Illusion” done by our friends in Space Queen, and a few studio effects for added flavor. When we told the studio what we had planned to accomplish that weekend they thought we were crazy, and said it’s usually at least a week of studio time to get all those songs laid out. But we got it done and couldn’t be happier with the results."

  Watch and listen to "Illusion" ft. Space Queen via its premiere on DoomedAndStoned HERE.

  Digital pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbeast/illusion-feat-space-queen-single​

  SweetBeast's first studio album "Illusions" is a sonic exploration of shifting realities, blending heavy, distorted riffs with introspective lyrics. It invites listeners to journey inward and outward, reflecting the complex relationship between mind, sound, and reality. The record leans heavily on low-tuned guitars, swirling effects, and a tight rhythm section that creates a dense, atmospheric sound. There’s a hypnotic groove throughout, with moments of psychedelic exploration, where riffs evolve into mind-bending progressions. The songs fluctuate between creative riffs and light, airy melodies that offer a contrast, pushing the boundaries of stoner rock.

  Recommended for fans of Queens Of The Stone Age, All Them Witches, Kyuss, and Alice In Chains, SweetBeast's album “Illusions” is due out on February 21st, 2025 from Humalien Records, and will be available for pre-order at https://sweetbeastrock.bandcamp.com/​

  First Single - “Dream Eater” - https://youtu.be/ErLKQGlu8Qk

  Digital - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbeast/dream-eater​

  Track Listing:​
  1. 70/30 - 7:57
  2. Thunder - 4:01
  3. Dream Eater - 5:29
  4. Midnight - 4:38
  5. Plastic People - 6:41
  6. Illusion ft. Space Queen - 11:26
  Album Length - 40:12

  More info: SweetBeast.ca | Facebook.com/SweetBeastFuzz | Instagram.com/sweetbeastfuzz | Tiktok.com/@sweetbeastfuzz

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• ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025 Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now! 15 Years of Mountain Moshing In The Okanagan!

  Jan 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025 Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!

  15 Years of Mountain Moshing In The Okanagan!

  July 11-12 - Armstrong, BC, Canada

  "It's one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music." - Vancouver Sun

  Watch the official video recap of AMF 2019 here.
  (video created by Mayne Brand Productions)

  Armstrong MetalFest 2024 Spotify playlist Here.

  Celebrating 15 years of bringing extreme metal music fans from across Canada and beyond to British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Western Canada's largest mountain mosh pit Armstrong MetalFest launches its early bird tickets/weekend passes, which include on-site camping for their 2025 lineup being held on July 11th-12th in Armstrong at the Hassen Arena.

  Secure your spot at this legendary event at a special discounted rate. Don't miss the opportunity to snag your tickets early and be part of the metal mayhem that awaits! A limited amount of early bird tickets will be on sale until the AMF 2025 lineup is announced in the coming months.

  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.

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

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

  Please Note: 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.

  This 15th annual gathering of metalheads will again witness two days of unforgettable moshing, headbanging, and camping. From iconic headliners to promising newcomers, the 2025 lineup is set to showcase the best of diverse metal genres, ensuring an electrifying experience for all. In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest brings back the following on-site activities.

  Yeti Games: Participate in this year’s Yeti Games with six extreme skill-testing events! 20 participants compete for a chance to win two free passes to next year’s metal fest. The last person standing wins…

  Email jessevalstar[@]gmail[.]com to sign up.

  There might be openings at the last minute, so show up for the opening ceremony. AMF may have a jersey with your number on it!

  Metal Market Madness: The metal market will be a bustling hub of activity, featuring a diverse array of vendors offering everything from band merchandise to unique collectibles. Seize the opportunity to grab exclusive items and immerse yourself in the metal culture.

  Thrash Wrestling: Experience an electrifying event featuring the high-octane clash of titans! Join AMF on Saturday for an unforgettable afternoon of fierce competition, heart-stopping moments, and pure wrestling mayhem!

  The 2024 AMF lineup hosted Los Angeles death metal masters ABYSMAL DAWN (July 12th) and Kansas City THE BROWNING (July 13th) who unleashed their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. Also featured were dissonant and atmospheric Vancouver tech death metallers ATRÆ BILIS, and Orlando's two-fisted two steppin' double-wide aural assault squad BODYBOX. Returning to the festival, were the Okanagan's very favourite Black Metallers XUL (Vernon, BC) and Edmonton death metallers EYE OF HORUS along with first-time performances from Vancouver twin brother duo OPAL IN SKY, San Francisco's outside-the-box prog metallers CYBORG OCTOPUS, and the tech death fury of Riverside, CA's ARKAIK among many more.

  About: Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

  Each year hundreds of metal music fans from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in a tonne of heavy metal fun over two days, spectating wrestling events, participating in scavenger hunts, and catching up with their extended metal family.

  The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, Warbinger, Fallujah, Striker, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

  West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C. but also gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

  Partners:
  WCMFA
  AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd
  Vox and Hops
  Rancho Vignola
  Creative BC
  Province of BC
  Shepherds Hardware
  Askews Foods
  ACE Containers
  Asher Media Relations
  Staggs Head
  Sunbelt Rentals
  Bravewords
  Absolute Underground Mag
  Broken Neck Radio
  V13
  Metal-Rules
  Ghost Cult Magazine
  This Day In Metal
  Valstar Electric
  Voets

  For more info:
  Armstrongmetalfest.ca
  Facebook
  Instagram
  Twitter

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Dec 19, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds  - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  

  One Band To Rule Them All! After another record-breaking year of submissions from independent bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year's British Columbia and Ontario 2025 battles, which could see one unsigned band crowned champion and 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).

  The 2025 British Columbia and Ontario battles will be held in the following cities and dates with more to be announced for Canada. The national final will be held in Vancouver, BC on May 31st, 2025 at The Rickshaw Theatre.

  2025 Canadian Wacken Battles:​
  ​
  ​British Columbia Dates:​
  March 1 - Vancouver Round 1 @ The Cobalt
  March 2 - BC Interior Round @ Jackknife Brewing
  March 22 - Vancouver Round 2 @ The Cobalt
  March TBC - Vancouver Island Round @ Lucky Bar
  May 3 - BC Final @ The Cobalt
  May 31 - National Final @ The Rickshaw, Vancouver
  ​
  ​Ontario Dates:​
  January 10 - London Round @ Rum Runners
  Atria (guest headliner), Death Club, Dead Days, 4HateU8
  FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944970149316798/
  Ticket link: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/whacken-metal-battle-2025-rum-runners-tickets/14091163
  ​
  January 24 - Hamilton Round @ Main Stage Rehearsal
  The Good Depression, Killotine, Zero Tolerance, Devilz By Definition, Zero End
  Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-24-hamilton
  ​
  January 25 - Toronto Round 1 @ Hard Luck
  Pillars of Autumn, Ischemic, Purveyor of Chaos, Unkle Skurvey
  Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-25-toronto
  ​
  February 1 - Toronto Round 2@ Hard Luck
  Seagrave, Nepenthe, Panic Response, The Animal Warfare Act
  Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-feb-1-toronto

  Edmonton, AB - TBA
  Calgary, AB - TBA
  Ottawa, ON - TBA
  Montreal, QC - TBA
  Quebec City, QC - TBA

  The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:​
  - A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB - 2023 National Finalist).

  The night was MC'd by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor - Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM - Alerte Metallique - Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography - Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations - Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions - Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager - The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire - 2023 National WMBC Winner - Trois-Rivières, QC).

  After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto's Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

  Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB - https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4​

  List of previous WMBC national winners Beguiler (Toronto, ON - 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC - 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON - 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON - 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON - 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON - 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC - 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON - 2013).

  Info:

  Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

  About:

  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 other 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 giving independent bands the opportunity 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​

  - 30 -

  Media Partners:​
  Bravewords.com
  Metal-Rules.com
  Absolute Underground Magazine
  BrokenNeckRadio.com
  V13.net
  MetalDevastationRadio
  Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
  GhostCultMag.com
  Rocknroam.ca
  Vox & Hops Podcast
  The Metal Voice

  Promoter Partners:​
  Boonsdale Records
  Dungeonworks Productions
  The Invisible Orange
  Big Nate Productions
  ConcertWorks
  Asher Media Relations

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• Canadian Thrashers MUTANK's New Album Wants You To "Think Before You Think"

  Nov 28, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Seven years in the making since 2017's EP "W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T." and touring across Canada with Annihilator and Australia's Mason, and a short hiatus, Montreal, Canada's MUTANK are discharging their new album "Think Before You Think" on November 29th via Boonsdale Records.

  Before it is officially released, MUTANK has teamed up with Decibel Magazine to premiere the album's full-stream, which you can bang your head heavy to HERE.

  "This is Thrash for Metalheads by Metalheads! We have evolved from crossover to a more refined thrash band with longer and more intricate songs, it can be a bit proggy… 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. Lyrically we cover a lot of ground from the economy to time travel.” adds the band.

  MUTANK's new album "Think Before You Think" features 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. With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made a deservedly big impression 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.

  ​

  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 payload of "Think Before You Think". Fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus are sure to join them in the circle pit when it releases.

  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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