Search Results: djent

• THE JUDGE THE JUROR Unleashes Genre-Bending PsyDeathTechProg EP “Primitive Minds” + Video “Your Vice is a Locked Door”

  Nov 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Western Canada’s most electrifying metal experimenters, The Judge The Juror, have officially dropped their new EP, "Primitive Minds", out today, November 7th, 2025. Alongside the release, the band has unveiled a crushing new music video for the opening track “Your Vice is a Locked Door”, offering fans a visual descent into their self-coined genre: PSYDEATHTECHPROG, a fusion of psychedelic, progressive, technical death metal that defies categorization and redefines sonic boundaries. The band invented the term PSYDEATHTECHPROG as both a descriptor and a tongue-in-cheek jab at metal’s obsession with micro-genres.

  
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  ​"Primitive Minds" explores the paradox of modern humanity: how our ancient instincts clash with the hyper-digital world we inhabit. The EP’s three tracks, “Your Vice is a Locked Door,” “Helciconian Optivisior,” and “HYPERCUBE (Unfolding),” each dissect a different facet of this existential tension, from algorithmic manipulation to emotional fragmentation.
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  ​“Your Vice is a Locked Door” delivers a punishing critique of social media’s commodification of identity. “Helciconian Optivisior” offers a mesmerizing sonic assault, reflecting the struggle to connect beyond distorted lenses, while “HYPERCUBE (Unfolding)” ventures into cosmic tech-death territory, exploring internal battles and societal exploitation.
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  The EP artwork, created by guitarist Scotty Oakes, is a painted psychedelic interpretation of the human mind, visually complementing the band’s cerebral themes.
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  Formed in Edmonton, AB by members of local acts Vespertine Battle Scene and Driven to Exile, The Judge The Juror consists of David (vocals/synth), Blaise (guitar), Scotty (guitar), Merrick (bass), and Nick (drums). Their collaborative writing process blends brutal riffage, experimental synths, and progressive structures into a sound that’s as weird as it is exhilarating.
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  Fans can expect two more EPs, "Medieval Institutions" (Early 2026) and "Godlike Technologies" (Mid-2026), completing the trilogy that chronicles the downfall of the human condition.
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  Influenced by genre giants like Meshuggah, Cynic, Between the Buried and Me, and VOLA, the band has carved out a niche for fans of Born of Osiris, The Browning, and Enter Shikari.

  "Primitive Minds" is available now on all major platforms - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thejudgethejuror/primitive-minds​

  In additional news, The Judge The Juror will be unveiling "Primitive Minds" and more at their local EP Release show in Edmonton, AB on November 7th at Bunkers Live Pub (615 Hermitage RD NW) alongside Shackled To The Throne, Valley Of Despair, and Decrepitation. Event Info - https://www.facebook.com/events/1183563156934083/

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Your Vice is a Locked Door - (4:36)
  2. Heliconian Optivisor - (3:40)
  3. HYPERCUBE (Unfolding) - (2:59)

  More info: https://linktr.ee/thejudgethejurorofficial​

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• Czech Modern Metal Force STELLVRIS Unleash New EP "Shatter and Bloom" and Music Video

  Nov 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - November 6, 2025

  Streaming Now! Czech Modern Metal Force STELLVRIS Unleash New EP "Shatter and Bloom" and Music Video

  L-R - Libor Hřebík (Bass), Andreas Polášek (Guitar), Nicol Hofman (Vocals), Hanz Polášek (Drums)

  Photo Credit - Julia Ramm

  Czech modern metal upstarts STELLVRIS are set to unleash their highly anticipated new EP, "Shatter and Bloom," on Friday, November 7th. Ahead of its official release, the band is premiering both the EP and a powerful new music video for the title track, a showcase of their signature blend of crushing heaviness, soaring melodies, and raw emotion, exclusively via Decibel Magazine HERE.
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  Formed in 2019 after an impromptu jam session led to their first live show at Prague’s iconic Music Club Modrá Vopice, STELLVRIS have quickly carved out a reputation for their powerful, emotional, heavy, melodic, and modern sound. With "Shatter and Bloom," the band takes another bold step forward, pushing their sonic boundaries while staying true to the intensity that has fueled their rise.

  
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  Produced by Christoph Wieczorek at Sawdust Recordings, the five-track EP delivers a dynamic fusion of crushing breakdowns, electronic textures, and irresistibly catchy choruses. Lyrically, it dives headfirst into themes of destruction, rebirth, toxic relationships, and the struggles of modern life, all expressed with raw honesty. The journey begins with the title track “Shatter and Bloom,” a defiant anthem about tearing down what no longer serves and allowing something stronger to rise. “Silence After Violence” follows as a stark warning against the growing tide of aggression in society, even among the youngest generations. With “Monster,” the band turns inward, confronting the scars of toxic relationships while celebrating the strength it takes to break free. “Time’s Up” offers a sharp critique of living life solely online, disconnected from reality and responsibility. Closing the record is “Starships,” a heavy, metal-charged reimagining of Nicki Minaj’s pop hit, ending the EP on an explosive note of energy and fun.
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  ​“Shatter and Bloom is more than just a collection of songs; it’s about destroying what’s toxic and giving space for something new to grow. Every track reflects real struggles we’ve faced or witnessed, from toxic relationships to the rising aggression in society. We want fans to feel seen, empowered, and connected through this music. It’s heavy, it’s honest, and it’s meant to hit both the heart and the pit,” adds the band.

  
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  With "Shatter and Bloom," STELLVRIS continue their evolution, delivering a record that is as cathartic as it is crushing, a testament to resilience, transformation, and the unbreakable spirit of modern metal.

  Recommended for fans of Jinjer, Spiritbox, Holy Wars, Infected Rain, and I Prevail, "Shatter and Bloom" will be available on all digital platforms, along with Vinyl.

  Bandcamp (Vinyl, Digital) - https://stellvris.bandcamp.com/album/shatter-bloom

  Digital (Spotify, Apple Music) - https://linktr.ee/stellvris.band

  Track Listing:​
  1. Shatter and Bloom - 3:18
  2. Silence After Violence - 3:14
  3. Monster - 4:16
  4. Time’s Up - 3:32
  5. Starships (Nicki Minaj Cover)
  EP Length: 18:27
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  ​EP Credits:
  ​• All songs performed by: STELLVRIS
  • All songs written by: STELLVRIS
  • Produced by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
  • Mixed by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
  • Mastered by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
  • EP Artwork by: František Jelen
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  ​Band Line Up:
  ​Nicol Hofman (vocalist)
  Libor Hřebík (bassist)
  Andreas Polášek (guitarist)
  Hanz Polášek (drummer)

  More info: https://linktr.ee/stellvris.band

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• Streaming Now! Kelowna's CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE Unveils Debut Prog Album "Primordial Reverie" - A Sonic Journey Through Emotion, Evolution, and Imagination

  Nov 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Cepheidae Variable, the solo project of Canadian musician Ryan Koepke, will unleash its debut full-length album, "Primordial Reverie," on November 7th, a sweeping instrumental work that blends progressive metal, symphonic textures, and sci-fi soundscapes into a deeply personal and cinematic listening experience.
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  Originally conceived as a casual creative outlet, Cepheidae Variable took on new meaning following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis. The emotional weight of that moment, combined with the joy of becoming an expecting father himself, transformed the project into a passionate pursuit of musical storytelling.
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  ​“I stopped waiting around and decided to create something I’d be proud of. This album mirrors the turbulence and hope I was experiencing in my life,” says Koepke.

  Described in five words: spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy, "Primordial Reverie" is a genre-defying instrumental concept album built around three distinct acts. It opens with orchestral fantasy-inspired compositions and gradually shifts toward complex, synth-driven sci-fi arrangements. The album’s structure reflects Koepke’s evolving musical tastes and life experiences, with each track supporting the next like chapters in a book.
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  ​“I wanted to release an album that felt like a journey. Each song has its own identity, but recurring motifs and tonal shifts tie everything together,” explains Koepke.
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  From the uplifting energy of the single “Carving a Dragon” to the darker, more orchestrated depths of “Singularity,” the album invites listeners to craft their own narrative through sound. Koepke’s writing process is highly visual, often sparked by imagery or abstract themes, and guided by a desire to build immersive sonic environments.

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  ​"Primordial Reverie" is designed to be experienced as a complete piece, though its singles offer standalone energy and accessibility. Koepke anticipates fans will gravitate toward different halves of the album, some drawn to the melodic, symphonic opening tracks, others to the chaotic, experimental second act.
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  ​“I think fans of progressive metal will find something to enjoy, even if not every song fits neatly into genre definitions,” adds Koepke.

  
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  The album cover, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes themes of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery. Its abstract beauty heavily influenced the album’s tonal evolution.
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  Musically, Cepheidae Variable draws inspiration from bands like Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, while maintaining a distinct voice shaped by Koepke’s improvisational roots and cinematic ambitions.
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  Koepke plans to continue developing Cepheidae Variable, potentially expanding beyond instrumental work and solo production, and reach a goal of releasing a new album every 2–4 years. Fans can expect future full-length projects that build on the emotional and thematic depth of "Primordial Reverie."​
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  ​“This album means a lot to me. The ups and downs in the music reflect what I was going through, and it brings me joy to share it with others.”​
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  ​"Primordial Reverie" will be available on all major streaming platforms and CD on November 7th, 2025, and before it officially releases, it can be heard via its full stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

  Digital Album pre-save (out Nov 7th) "Primordial Reverie" - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cepheidaevariable/primordial-reverie

  CD Album pre-order - https://cepheidaevariable.bandcamp.com/album/primordial-reverie

  Track Listing:​
  1. Overture (3:11)
  2. Carving a Dragon (4:04)
  3. The Waiting Storm (3:13)
  4. Zephyr of Ouroboros (9:15)
  5. Encounter (5:53)
  6. The Conduit (6:03)
  7. Chromatic Haven (5:11)
  8. Entropic Harvester (10:27)
  9. Singularity (11:32)
  Album Length: 58:53

  For more info: https://cepheidaevariable.com/

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• ​WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2026 - One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

  Oct 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

  Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.

  "Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air," adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

  Canadian bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select Canada as your country)

  The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.

  Canadian Battle Cities:​
  Vancouver, BC
  Vancouver Island, BC
  BC Interior
  Edmonton, AB
  Toronto, ON
  Hamilton, ON
  Ottawa, ON
  Montreal, QC
  Quebec City, QC

  Watch - Wacken Metal Battle 2025 - Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? - https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

  The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  List of previous WMBC national winners: Killotine (Hamilton, ON - 2025), 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).

  The 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered.
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  Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG (British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner.
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  The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

  For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), 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 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

  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 over 55 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 and give 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 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

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

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​X.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/wmbcanada.official

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• BROCARDE Unleashes Her Inner Puppet Master in Haunting New Video "Pandora's Box"

  Oct 22, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Brocarde, the gothic siren of rock and paranormal provocateur, returns with her latest single and music video, “Pandora’s Box,” the follow-up to her acclaimed collaboration “Feed My Soul” with Korn’s Ray Luzier.

  “Pandora’s Box” is a sonic rebellion, a fight song laced with sarcasm, theatrical grit, and raw emotion. The music video plunges viewers into a surreal puppet show of identity and control, where Brocarde plays both marionette and master. Brocarde explains further.

  “At its core, Pandora's Box is about being misunderstood. So often, I feel misrepresented, and this song channels that frustration into something fierce and empowering. In the video, the Puppet Master is everyone and no one. It’s that figurehead of control, whoever. I’m literally playing into its hands and becoming my own self-fulfilling prophecy.”

  With haunting doll-like imagery and a twisted fairytale aesthetic, “Pandora’s Box” continues Brocarde’s exploration of identity, perception, and the silent terror beneath surface perfection.

  “There’s something powerful about the image of a doll, picture-perfect on the surface, but hauntingly silent underneath. And let’s face it, most dolls are terrifying!” adds Brocarde.

  This release offers a glimpse into Brocarde’s long-awaited debut album, set to drop in 2026, a decade in the making. Known for her ghostly vocals and theatrical storytelling, Brocarde has carved a niche as rock’s most fearless medium. From marrying (and exorcising) a Victorian ghost named Edwardo to conducting seances at Download Festival and Wacken Open Air, her life is as spellbinding as her music.

  Brocarde’s rise has been anything but conventional. Hailed by Planet Rock Magazine as “One to Watch,” and praised by Whitesnake’s David Coverdale as “electrifying,” she’s earned a reputation for blending horror, fashion, and rock into a genre-defying spectacle. Her previous singles have featured collaborations with industry legends and earned airplay across Kerrang!, BBC Introducing, and Planet Rock.

  As she prepares to unveil her debut album, Brocarde continues to challenge norms and conjure her truth through music, magic, and mayhem. “Pandora’s Box” is not just a song; it’s a spell, a scream, and a mirror held up to the chaos of perception.

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/6vlP4vTbyH1MBlwI7ZIUkb

  pand

  More info:

  https://brocarde.com/

  http://instagram.com/brocarde/

  https://www.facebook.com/brocarde/

  http://youtube.com/@thebrocardeshow

  https://x.com/thebrocardeshow

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