Search Results: death

• QUIESCENT MANTIS To Perform On Cancer Benefit MOSHIGAN Presented By Michigan Metal Fest & Q106FM

  Feb 5, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - February 5, 2025

  QUIESCENT MANTIS To Perform On Cancer Benefit MOSHIGAN Presented By Michigan Metal Fest & Q106FM

  New Album “Here Comes the Swarm” Out Now! via Exitus Stratagem Records

  L-R - Jordan Mckenzie (Vocals/Bass), Johnny Mejia (Drums), Chris Trainor (Guitar)

  Photo Credits: Josh Martin (ProMotion LLC)

  Exitus Stratagem Records is proud to announce that Tennessee thrashers Quiescent Mantis will perform on MOSHIGAN 2025, the first annual cancer benefit event presented by Michigan Metal Fest and Q106 FM and hosted at The Music Factory in Battle Creek, Michigan, on Saturday, May 3rd.

  All of the proceeds from this event will go directly to a selected 2025 beneficiary. This inaugural Moshigan begins a planned annual event to benefit cancer patients in the surrounding areas.

  Tickets - https://shop.michiganmetalfest.net/michiganmetalfest/moshigan2025/​

  DONATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE https://tinyurl.com/2vsuue44 THAT GO DIRECTLY TO THE RECIPIENT!

  More info - https://www.facebook.com/events/667082205645888/​

  Moshigan 2025 Lineup:

  BANDS:
  Nailbite
  Traverse the Abyss
  Quiescent Mantis
  Demsfightinwords
  Killcrown

  ​
  ​SPONSORS:​
  Q106
  Exitus Stratagem Records
  Wayward Tattoo
  Solve Design Create
  Bloodlust Media
  Pixel Paige Photography
  Territorial Brewing Company
  American Mosh Pits
  My Merch Guy

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

  Quiescent Mantis' debut album “Here Comes The Swarm” was produced by Yanic Bercier (Quo Vadis, Gone In April) at WaveTransform Recording Studio and unleashed in July 2024 on Exitus Stratagem Records. The genre-defying release blends elements of hardcore, thrash, death, and metalcore into a whirlwind of relentless aggression.

  Formed during the tumultuous COVID-19 lockdown, Quiescent Mantis emerged from the fusion of former scientists Chris Trainor, Jordan McKenzie, and Johnny Mejia. Previously employed by the enigmatic Sub-atomic Weight Of Acceleration Research Mechanics (S.W.A.R.M.), the trio embarked on a musical journey after inadvertently opening a doorway to the mantis homeworld during a particle collision experiment, exposing themselves to a mind-altering pheromone. Thus, the Chapter 1 demo was born in 2021.

  Inspired by a love for old science fiction movies and thrash metal, Quiescent Mantis presents a unique, aggressive, groovy, heavy, and relentless sound that blends old-school metal techniques with new-school innovations. The band aims to provide listeners with a groundbreaking experience, combining elements of classic and contemporary metal in a manner never before heard. They are recommended for fans of Orbit Culture, Havok, and Power Trip.

  “With this album, it truly shows not only how we come together as musicians but as storytellers. This album is all the best elements of thrash metal and science fiction horror movies put into one single package. ‘Here Comes The Swarm’ is the sound we created to release the swarm to the world.”

  Album order for “Here Comes The Swarm” are available at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-quiescent-mantis-here-come-the-swarm​

  ​Digital (Spotify) - https://linktr.ee/QuiescentMantis

  Quiescent Mantis is:
  Chris Trainor - Guitarist / Backup Vocals
  Jordan Mckenzie - Bass and Vocals
  Johnny Mejia - Drums

  More info: Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/QuiescentMantis | Instagram.com/quiescent_mantis

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• FROGG To Deliver A Sonic "Eclipse" of Bold, Modern Metal w/ Debut Album Coming March 2025

  Jan 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Frogg, the technical metal sensation from New York, USA, announces they will unveil their debut album "Eclipse" in March 2025. A long time in waiting, this first full-length features ten tracks of heavy, raw, progressive, and avant-garde thinking metal.

  Over the last two years, the band has been unraveling singles such as "Double Vision Roll", "Dandelion", and "Wake Up" with music videos, all of which will be showcased on the record that was co-produced by Frogg guitarist/vocalist Sky Moon Clark and Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, Scale the Summit).

  The singles each exhibited different stylistic strengths, "Wake Up" being more progressive, "Dandelion" and "Double Vision Roll" more in the vein of something between death metal and prog metal. At the end of the day, Frogg is an amalgamation of the music the quartet enjoys, and that’s what the band is and why they sit in between a few key sub-genres.

  "A sonic eclipse where every genre collides—progressive, technical, and just enough death to keep your neck sore for weeks." adds the band's newest addition bassist Ethan Emery (Survive The Sun & Absurd Condition).

  "The people who are already faithful to FROGG will find as much of the stuff that they signed up for as surprises. We don’t operate in one genre all the time," adds drummer Will Brown.

  Lyrically, the record explores Mythology from various places along with tying tales and emotions together. Fans can expect seasonal singles from Frogg going forward as they already have plans for follow-up singles to come real soon after the album's release.

  FROGG’s main ambition is to hit the live circuit with a perfected performance and its brand-new line-up. With performance in mind, FROGG has been relentlessly rehearsing new original material and old, to deliver an authentic live experience.

  Committed to technical excellence and progressive innovation, Frogg is recommended for fans of weird and wild, and fans who appreciate bands such as Protest The Hero, Between The Buried And Me, Zenith Passage, Unexpect, and Obscura.

  "Eclipse" is due out on March 7, 2025, and is available for pre-order at https://froggofficial.bandcamp.com.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4heSdtu​

  ​

  Album Artwork - Artists: Yann Kempen & Bertrand LeFebvre

  Track Listing:​
  1. Walpurgisnacht (4:44)
  2. Life Zero (4:30)
  3. Dandelion (3:50)
  4. Eclipse I: Blind Bakunawa (4:20)
  5. Eclipse II: Sickened By Silence (4:48)
  6. Interspecific Hybrid Species (4:19)
  7. Wake Up (6:22)
  8. Sun Stealer (4:41)
  9. Double Vision Roll (3:29)
  10. Omni Trigger (4:07)
  ​
  ​Album Recording Credits:​
  • All songs performed by: FROGG
  • All songs written by: FROGG
  • Produced by: Jamie King & Sky Moon Clark
  • Mixed by: Jamie King
  • Mastered by: Jamie King
  • Album Artwork by: Yann Kempen & Bertrand LeFebvre
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  Sky Moon Clark - Vocals, Guitars
  Will Brown - Drums, Percussion, World Instruments
  Brett Fairchild - Guitars on tracks 1, 5, 6,10
  Nick Thorpe - Bass on tracks 1,4,5,7,8,10
  David White - Bass on track 2
  Brad Williamson - Bass on track 6
  Jack Lynch - Bass on track 3
  Emma Rae - Clean vocals & keys
  ​
  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  Sky Moon Clark - Vocals, Guitars
  Brett Fairchild - Backup Vocals, Guitars
  Ethan Emery - Bass
  Will Brown - Drums

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/froggband​

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• PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

  Jan 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup

  w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

  Offering an exciting mix of established greats as well as emerging, young bands, Prog Metal Mania Festival is making its event debut on May 2nd and 3rd in Munich, Germany at the world-famous Backstage, featuring the headliners SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION along with OBSIDIOUS, XAON, POEM, and more.

  Official Prog Metal Mania Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/4aqkF9p​

  Shaping up to be a must-attend for Progressive Rock and Metal fans from Germany and beyond, the 2025 inaugural lineup sees 13 bands and one special guest hailing from Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Greece, Italy, and Lebanon. While each one of them brings something special out of the broad Prog, Metal & Mania spectrum, most haven’t played in the Bavarian capital before or rarely visited Southern Germany until now.

  Organizer Katha states: “The idea for Prog Metal Mania came to life through the collaboration of Mostly Metal m/ & The Progspace and the common wish to bring certain bands on one of Munich’s most prestigious stages for heavy music. Even though it's a new festival, the response to the first announcements has been overwhelming, grateful for the warm welcome we got within the scene. We’re really happy to have so many fantastic bands on board, and can’t wait to celebrate their music and the festival’s debut with all those Prog Metal Maniacs from near and far!”

  Day split tickets and weekend passes are available at the following link HERE.

  Friday, May 2nd, 2025 - Doors 13:00, Stage times 13:30 - 23:30​
  Disillusion
  Obsidious
  F.K.Ü.
  Vulkan
  Loch Vostok
  Ihlo
  Jester’s Tears
  ​
  ​Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 – Doors 12:30, Stage times 13:00 - 23:30​
  Scar Symmetry
  Poem
  Xaon
  Turbulence
  Aeons
  Soulsplitter
  John Macaluso

  About The Bands - https://progmetalmania.com/en/Bands/​

  SCAR SYMMETRY – With legendary guitar wizard Per Nilsson as a driving force, the Swedish band perfectly blends mind-blowing riffs with virtuoso soloing, built up on mighty synth layers, complex yet groovy rhythms, and topped by a vigorous dual vocal attack. Fascinating Metal fans all over the world, they will play their first show in Munich after 12 years!

  DISILLUSION - With their special blend of Progressive Death Metal, the German band takes their audience from the top of the world to the end of the sea. By creating dense, multi-layered soundscapes and versatile movements at the forefront of artistic concepts, they already released three rich, fully matured Metal masterpieces.

  OBSIDIOUS – Named after black volcanic glass, the group’s moniker exudes something dark, of fiery origin, and metaphorically offers a nearly limitless platform for expression and advancement. Having caught the Extreme Metal scene by storm with their iconic debut in 2022, the international Tech Death powerhouse is set to blow the roof off at Prog Metal Mania 2025!

  TURBULENCE – The Lebanese masters of musical story-telling even make a robot dream with their marvelous soundscapes and virtuosic playing, inviting their listeners on captivating, emotional journeys.

  JOHN MACALUSO - Born in the US, now living in Italy, the legendary drummer has already played on over 200 albums (ARK, Michael Romeo, Powermad, Yngwie Malmsteen…) and countless tours. He will present a special show for fans of hot rhythms and cool stories with his terrific, versatile playing and some glimpses behind the scenes.

  XAON - The French Symphonic Death Metal band spreads its wings on the hunt for nothing less than epicness. By melting the raw energy of Extreme Metal with the finesse and vehemence of a mighty orchestra, their music is absolutely mind-blowing, yet with an amazing sense for details - Brutal and beautiful at the same time.

  VULKAN – The Swedish band with the eruptive name offers mesmerizing melodies to immerse yourself in, served on a layer of intriguing rhythms with a true sense for incredibly atmospheric soundscapes.

  LOCH VOSTOK – By bringing together raw beauty with complexity and finesse, their music comes along brutal yet with a catchy grooviness, delivering fat choruses, shredalicious solos, and poisonous hooks.

  POEM – There’s a certain beauty in melancholy, and the Greek quartet absolutely brings this to the top with its unique, intense compositions. The outstanding voice and expressive performance of singer George Prokopiou make each song a highly emotional experience.

  F.K.Ü. - Since there’s a huge overlapping between the Horror and the Metal communities, it seems like a great idea to bring these two beasts together, and F.K.Ü. clearly pull out all the stops on this. Heavily inspired by Freddy Krueger & Co, these four Swedish guys will bring Metal and Mania to Munich.

  AEONS – Hailing from the Isle of Man, the Progmetal powerhouse will come to Germany with three albums under their belt, taking their audience from the plains of the American West to ancient Greece, and even to the vast reaches of space with their mighty, musical tales.

  SOULSPLITTER – Following their combined musical vision, the German arts collective melts various stylistic splitters into a soulful, new whole. Over the past years, they delved deeper into a specific aspect of their signature sound where heavy guitars and intricate rhythms meet classical piano in a prominent position.

  IHLO – The band from Scotland blends modern Progressive Metal with electronic and pop influences to create a sound that is huge musically, emotionally crushing, and full of hooks. Their debut recently got a re-issue via Kscope, and with album No2 showing up on the horizon, they also might bring new music to Munich in May.

  JESTER’S TEARS - Even though the name of this Munich-based band might be quickly associated with an album title by Marillion, it is rather the multi-layered symbol for their music, and was actually inspired by Venice and its famous carnival. The five musicians will open Prog Metal Mania with their powerful mix of wonderful playfulness and complex, yet accessible songs.

  More info:

  ​https://progmetalmania.com​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/ProgMetalMania/​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/progmetalmania​

  ​https://linktr.ee/progmetalmania​

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• Italian Power Core Innovators NEKOMATA's Launch New Album "EUPHORIA", New App (for IOS)+ New Video "Road To Ruin"

  Jan 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - January 24, 2024

  Out Now! Italian Power Core Innovators NEKOMATA's Launch New Album "EUPHORIA", New App (for IOS)+ New Video "Road To Ruin"

  January 24th, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Nekomata as they release their highly anticipated second album, "Euphoria". Following the success of the singles "Zero", "De Priapi Dilemma" and "In My Flesh", the band delivers a record that solidifies their place as innovators in the modern metal scene.

  "Euphoria" is an explosive blend of Power Metal, Metalcore, and Death Metal infused with cinematic atmospheres, relentless energy, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of Architects, Veil of Maya, Periphery, and Monuments will find plenty to love in this groundbreaking release.

  To celebrate the album's release, Nekomata is thrilled to unveil the music video for "Road to Ruin", featuring exclusive footage captured during their triumphant tour in Japan in November 2024. The video is a testament to the band’s electrifying live performances and their growing connection with audiences worldwide.

  ​

  "Euphoria" explores the universal yet complex pursuit of happiness, delving into the emotional highs and lows that come with chasing fulfillment in a chaotic world. The album highlights the band's unique "Power Core" sound, combining raw aggression, intricate melodies, and a polished modern edge. It stands as their most ambitious and refined work to date.

  Adding to today’s excitement, Nekomata is proud to launch its new app, which is currently available for iOS. The app serves as a one-stop destination for fans, offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes updates, and much more. It’s the perfect way for fans to stay connected and support the band on their journey.

  Download the Nekomata app (for iOS) - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nekomata/id6740162516​

  The lineup of Filippo Zavattari (bass, backing vocals), Andrea Cappellari (guitar, programming), Andrea Olivieri (vocals), and Alberto Mezzanotte (drums) continues to push boundaries, blending technical sophistication with raw emotional intensity.

  With "Euphoria", Nekomata invites listeners and fans to immerse themselves in their evolving sound and dynamic storytelling.

  “EUPHORIA” is available on all platforms as of January 24, 2025, from Rockshots Records.

  CD and Digital - https://lnk.to/rI802d

  ​Previous Videos:

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Py
  2. Shattered
  3. Automata
  4. In My Flesh
  5. Feedback
  6. Zero
  7. De Priapi Dilemma
  8. Road To Ruin
  9. Super Omnia
  10. Ataraxia - Still Abused
  ​
  ​Nekomata is:
  Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
  Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
  Filippo Zavattari: Bass guitar and backing vocals
  Alberto Mezzanotte: Drums

  ​For more info:

  ​https://www.rockshots.eu​
  ​https://www.theprojectneko.com/​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/

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• HYPERSPACE METALFEST Adds GREYHAWK, THE ASTRAL PROPHETS To 2025 Lineup w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR, OWLBEAR, RED CAIN and more!

  Jan 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Returning for its 6th edition after another year of crowd-pleasing epic fun in Vancouver, B.C., Canada's premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE METAL FEST announces the addition of headliner GREYHAWK along with The Astral Prophets to their 2025 lineup to replace the unfortunate cancelations of Planeswalker and support from Heyoka's Mirror.

  Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:

  "There has been a shakeup in the Hyperspace lineup for this year. Planeswalker and Heyoka's Mirror have had to cancel their appearances this April. We're hoping that we'll be able to have them at the fest in the future, we're going to keep trying for next year. For this year please welcome newcomers The Astral Prophets and for the Friday night headliner, we have the mighty Greyhawk stepping up to play once again! Anyone who's seen them at Hyperspace before knows that they are going to tear the roof off!"

  Being hosted at The Cobalt (April 10 &11th) and the Rickshaw Theatre (April 12th), Hyperspace Metal Fest's 2025 lineup features headliners ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, along with Crimson Shadows, Lunar, Owlbear, Tower Hill, Solarus, Red Cain, Tylor Dory Trio, Serpent Rider, Luminator, and Crüzer.

  HMF 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3T4kU2p

  Headlining Saturday, April 12th at The Rickshaw Theatre, Sweden's ENFORCER have proved themselves both live and on record, they stake their place amongst the world’s most renowned heavy metal bands since first forming in 2005. They have toured the world over, playing the biggest festivals and garnering a global fanbase. Their latest sixth studio album Nostalgia (released May 2023 - Nuclear Blast), features 13 heavy metal anthems and throws ENFORCER back to their speed metal roots. Fusing extreme guitar riffing with catchy stadium choruses, ENFORCER is out to conquer the world.

  ​

  Supporting ENFORCER on the closing night lineup will be Comedy Metal Kings PSYCHOSTICK. These humorcore titans bring forth a nostalgic escapade of sing-alongs and moshing fun with iconic titles such as "Beer!", "Numbers (I Can Only Count to Four)", "Dogs Like Socks", "Obey The Beard!", "Boobs", and their latest single "Ultra Mega Fast".

  ​

  The Saturday night lineup will also witness the return of the formidable force that is Toronto's Crimson Shadows bringing forth tales of fantasy and warfare in their fierce melodic power and death metal imbued sound. Thundering across the icy Canadian mountains, Crimson Shadows has awoken after five years away. The band has emerged from the dark and is preparing to forge its own path in this next stage of its journey. Across their defiant career stretching almost two decades, to date notable highlights of Crimson Shadows' journey include the band’s appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany in mid-2013 and subsequent victory in obtaining the title of International Wacken Battle Champions. Alongside international performances, Crimson Shadows has ventured across the length and breadth of their homeland delivering brutality, technical prowess, and unyielding intensity in their melding of power and death.

  Headlining Friday, April 11th at The Cobalt and returning for their third time at HMF is Seattle's Greyhawk. This will be the band's first time headlining along with performing with new vocalist Anthony Corso. They are supporting their latest album "Thunderheart" released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music.

  The second night of the festival will also unleash the first-ever live performance of Lunar, a progressive metal project from California that features members from Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision. Founded by drummer Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) and Ryan Erwin who passed away in 2018, LUNAR continues in his memory. This fourth full-length "Tempora Mutantur" out on January 31st via Saibot Reigns Records follows 2023's "The Illusionist" and features a fresh lineup with the addition of guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist) and Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse).

  Meant to perform on the 2024 lineup, but forced to cancel, Tylor Dory Trio returns for 2025, they are a monstrous progressive metal unit and beloved by many in Western Canada. This live performance on Friday, April 11th, will be their first following a nearly seven-year layoff. 

  Also added to the Friday lineup and opening the night is The Astral Prophets, a psychedelic rock/metal band from Calgary, AB featuring Apprentice, Lycanthro, and Scythia members. This is the band's first time on the fest although some members have played the fest before in previous groups. They will be supporting their latest 2023 EP "Anywhere But Here".

  Opening night of the festival, Thursday, April 10th at The Cobalt, will showcase the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, 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 this past March. 

  Traveling from Edmonton, AB, Tower Hill delivers premium old-school heavy metal inspired by bands like Running Wild, Riot, Judas Priest, early Blind Guardian, and Helloween. Forging the best of the late 80s and early 90s German, British, and US metal scenes into a new blend of shimmering steel, Tower Hill’s riff-driven, hook-laden traditional metal will have you banging your head and singing along.

  Replacing the originally announced Lost Nebula, Calgary's RED CAIN has been imported to perform their power-prog storytelling with Eastern European roots for the masses. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I”, “Kindred: Act II” and "NÄE'BLISS". The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with the latest singles "Firestarter" and "Demons II".

  ​Hyperspace Metal Festival VI - April 10th - 12th.​
  One-day passes and three-day passes are available at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hyperspace-metal-festival-vi-tickets-1000996957847​

  Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1637280440385808​

  Thursday, April 10th - The Cobalt​
  Glyph
  Tower Hill
  Red Cain
  Serpent Rider
  Crüzer
  ​
  ​Friday, April 11th - The Cobalt​
  Greyhawk
  Lunar
  Solarus
  Tylor Dory Trio
  The Astral Prophets
  ​
  ​Saturday, April 12th - The Rickshaw Theatre​
  Enforcer
  Psychostick
  Crimson Shadows
  Owlbear
  Luminator

  To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2024, please visit the following links:
  ​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
  ​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
  
  

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