Search Results: classic

• 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".

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  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.

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  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).

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  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.

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  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.

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  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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• Texas Metal Veterans STATE OF MIND Return With Sophomore EP “Sanity Of Madness”

  Feb 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  State of Mind, the Texas-based heavy metal outfit known for its powerful blend of classic metal and raw emotion, has recently released its second EP “Sanity of Madness” on February 7, 2025, via Self-Made Records with distribution from Earache Records. The six-track collection arrives as a testament to the band's evolution since their formation in 1994, showcasing their signature combination of thunderous anthems and introspective songwriting. They comment on their expectation for the reception of the album:

  “We think it will be received well. It’s got a raw human unpolished sound to it that you don’t get anymore. We decided not to put too much polish on it and leave it raw and authentic. We wanted that human, dirty sound. Like the good ole days of hella concerts. It's like all of our influences came together and showed us the path we needed to take. There are so many storylines in this EP; it's epic how they all fit together”

  “Sanity of Madness” builds on the momentum of their 2022 singles “Shattered" and "Fall Away," and their self-titled 2019 debut. The new release includes standout tracks like “The Masters Coming”, a groove-heavy odyssey that tells the tale of Renefield's supernatural struggles, and “Dead”, a hard-driving anthem that captures the universal feeling of modern-day alienation. “Wizard”, inspired by a mystical poster that once adorned their practice space, demonstrates the band's ability to transform visual art into crushing metal compositions.

  State of Mind continues to deliver what they call “New Classic Metal” combining the timeless appeal of traditional heavy metal with contemporary themes and production. The EP weaves together tales of mythical beings, personal demons, and spiritual warfare, all delivered with the intensity that State of Mind fans have come to expect. It is recommended for fans of Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, and Dio.

  “Sanity of Madness” is available at the following links:

  Bandcamp - https://sttefmnd.bandcamp.com

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4hBestQ​

  Youtube Stream - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kQqlrjSlxBdocyxCjG8JIfnIWTTgfxBQA

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  Track Listing:​
  1. The Masters Coming (3:00)
  2. Dead (3:50)
  3. Mourning Star (4:59)
  4. Shine (3:34)
  5. Wizard (2:39)
  6. Sail Across The Ocean (3:52)
  EP Length: 21:51

  More info: Facebook.com/AstateofmindJohnFerris | X.com/JohnFerris_SOM

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• Canadian Power Thrash PHEAR's Heaviest Sound To Date On New Album "Save Our Souls" (Produced by Jon Howard (Threat Signal))

  Feb 13, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian metal contingent PHEAR has unleashed their second full-length album "Save Our Souls", now available as of February 13th, 2025 with digital distribution from Golden Robot Records. The new record follows the band's award-winning album “Instanitarium” (2019), and their critically acclaimed EP “The Curse Lives On” (2020).

  With their arena-caliber sound, "Save Our Souls" was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jon Howard (Threat Signal), and can be best described as the heaviest offering from PHEAR to date. Most of the album was written during the dark times of Covid. "Not a lot to be happy about during that time," adds vocalist Patrick Mulock.

  Extremely passionate and driven, PHEAR is always thinking of new ways to entertain its fans, and "Save Our Souls" is no exception. It has taken four years to complete (mostly due to covid). Led by Patrick Mulock and producer Jon Howard in the studio, each musician was pushed hard to get the best out of each of them and they delivered.

  "We had a lot of time to craft these songs. We didn’t have any time restraints. We would go into the studio and do three songs at a time. We were very excited to work with Jon Howard (Threat Signal) again. Jon is the sixth member of Phear. The studio experience was great as we fed off each other's ideas. We pushed each other to get the best performances we could. There are NO FILLERS here. Seven String guitars have played a big part in this. Our sound has grown. The bass guitar on this album is HUGE! The drumming from Mike Harshaw was also very aggressive. If you were to ask me now…This is the heaviest Phear has ever been……….for now lol!" says Mulock.

  A listening experience of thrash, prog, and classic metal elements, PHEAR offers a strong balance from infectious choruses to melodic and growling vocals for true heavy metal nostalgia. Their two lead singles, the album's title track and "Snake" are sure to make you throw up your hail horns and rock out with a sore neck from the headbanging. Plus the band offers up their cover version of Nevermore's "Narcosynthesis".

  "We feel that Phear fans will LOVE this album. We have played some of these songs live and they have gone over amazingly. The first time we played the title track “Save Our Souls”, the entire club was singing the chorus. And it has happened everywhere we have played since…….. No better feeling in the world!" adds Mulock.

  PHEAR features Patrick Mulock (Lead Vocals) (Eidolon, Rampage), Pat Rogers (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Profaner- 2016 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), Alex Zubair (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Burn to Black, Nadar Sadek, Iomair, Nephelium), Andrew Suarez (Drums) (Fatality, The Slyde - 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions) and Chris Boshis (Bass) (Conflicted).

  Throughout their existence, PHEAR has had the honour of opening for German metal legend UDO DIRSCHNEIFER, THE DEAD DAISIES, and STRYPER, along with performing on a pre-show for icons and heroes IRON MAIDEN in 2019 in Toronto at Budweiser Stage.

  Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Dream Theater (prog elements), and Metallica, PHEAR's sophomore album "Save Our Souls" is available from Golden Robot Records at the following link (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon) - https://orcd.co/save-our-souls​

  Track Listing​
  1. Aftershock (5:11)
  2. Save Our Souls (6:39)
  3. Snake (5:26)
  4. Narcosynthesis* (5:29) (*Nevermore Cover)
  5. New World Error (5:11)
  6. Lease on Life (7:02)
  7. Bleed (7:57)
  8. On Thin Ice (8:20)
  9. Delusions (Live) 6:45)
  Album Length: 58:03

  Album Credits:​
  All songs performed by: Phear
  All songs written by: Phear
  *excluding “Narcosynthesis” Written by Nevermore
  Produced by: Jon Howard and Phear
  Mixed by: Jon Howard and Phear
  Mastered by: Jon Howard (Woodward Avenue Studios)
  Album Artwork for “Save Our Souls”: Drake Mefestta
  ​

  Recording Band Line Up:​
  Patrick Mulock - Lead Vocals
  Chris Boshis - Bass Guitars, Backing Vocals
  Alex Zubair - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Pat Rogers - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Mike Harshaw - Drums

  Live Band Line Up​
  Patrick Mulock - Lead Vocals
  Chris Boshis - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
  Alex Zubair - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Pat Rogers - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Andrew Suarez - Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://phearofficial.com​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/phearband​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/spreadthephear

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• MAD PARISH Unveils Epic Progressive / NWOBHM Concept Album “The Dust Of Forever” + Comic Book

  Jan 31, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The wait is over as Montreal, Canada's heavy metal visionaries Mad Parish release their highly anticipated concept album “The Dust Of Forever". Available now on all major platforms as of Jan 31st, this ambitious project marks a new pinnacle in the band's decade-long journey. “The Dust Of Forever” is not just an album; it's a multi-faceted experience that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal storytelling. Spanning 21 tracks, the album weaves an original narrative following Joe, an immortal protagonist caught in a universe-threatening cataclysm. The band shares how the album came to be:

  “The album has interesting origins. A song from our first album was inspired by a comic book. After Bob joined the band, he mused about what would happen if this priest from the comic discovered that he was immortal, and the song “The Dust Of Forever” was written. Once we started writing some more songs we discussed what kind of album to make next. That is when we came upon the idea of expanding this world we were writing about, and making a concept album.”

  Going full-on, epic prog metal was a big challenge for Mad Parish and they set out to write a story that they would tell through the songs, and decided to create a companion comic book to accompany the album. Creatively, this is the most adventurous thing they’ve done to date.

  From the opening “Prologue” to the climactic “Hail To The Hunter”, listeners are taken on an immersive journey through a richly imagined world. The album showcases Mad Parish's evolution, blending their NWOBHM-inspired roots with progressive rock structures, 70's rock swagger, 80's new wave textures, and even hints of classical and jazz. This eclectic mix results in a sound that's uniquely Mad Parish – heavy, melodic, and deeply atmospheric. It is recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Rush, and Rainbow.

  “The Dust Of Forever" is available on January 31, 2025, digitally plus CD and Vinyl along with a limited edition Comic Book "The Experience Hunter Chronicles" via their Bandcamp at ​https://madparish1.bandcamp.com/album/the-dust-of-forever

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4jBAs9v​

  ​

  Comic Book Credits:​
  Story - Josh McConnell
  Artwork - Niall Skinner
  Editing - Rahl Stafford
  Design - Maximus Rex

  Track Listing:​
  1. Prophecy - 1:30
  2. Defecther - 4:32
  3. Possess The Child - 4:45
  4. Outerest In Irisius - 1:34
  5. Ouen Formation - 6:35
  6. Hunted - 1:51
  7. Astra T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) - 4:42
  8. Transmission #1 Dream On - 1:40
  9. Resistius - 6:44
  10. Aeternal - 1:44
  11. An Age To Quell - 4:05
  12. Transmission #2 - Will Of God - 2:04
  13. Loched - 3:24
  14. Cathedron Wakes - 5:37
  15. Book of Rites - 1:06
  16. Bishop's Tomb - 3:32
  17. Transmission #3 - Baz Raa Luum - 1:46
  18. The Experience Hunter - 5:04
  19. Trajectory: Tantus - 2:02
  20. The Dust Of Forever - 5:11
  21. Hail To The Hunter - 1:01
  Album Length: 1:10:40

  More Info: Madparishmetal.com | Facebook.com/madparishmetal | Instagram.com/madparishmetal ​

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• Out Now! HIGHWAY QUEEN's New EP "Extendead Play" + Music Video "Lies"

  Jan 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of Highway Queen’s new EP, "Extendead Play", a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers' journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP will be available on all major platforms as of January 17th, 2025.

  "Extendead Play" continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. An official music video for the track "Lies" is out today adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.

  Since their formation in late 2019, Highway Queen has been a rising force in the melodic hard rock scene. After the successful release of their debut album, "Bitter Soul" in 2022, the band has continued to evolve and refine their sound. The songs on "Extendead Play" like those on "Bitter Soul" were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, who has also worked with bands such as Waltari and Before The Dawn. Their music is recommended for fans of melodic hard rock, heavy rock, and the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

  With "Extendead Play" Highway Queen reaffirms their position as torchbearers of melodic rock with a modern edge, delivering music that resonates with the heart and soul. Prepare to turn up the volume and join the ride as Highway Queen takes you on another electrifying musical journey.
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  ​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

  [embed]https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk[/embed]

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  Track Listing:​​
  1. Lies
  2. I Will Take You To Hell
  3. Come To Me
  4. I'm Calling You
  ​
  ​Album Credits:​​
  All songs written by
  - Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
  - Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
  - Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
  - Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
  - Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
  ​
  ​Highway Queen are:
  ​
  Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
  Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
  Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
  Henri Backman: drums

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

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