Search Results: edmonton

• 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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• JULIET RUIN Unleashes A Fierce Fusion of Vulnerability and Power w/ New EP "Regime" + Alberta Tour Dates

  Oct 24, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton, AB, Canada's Juliet Ruin returns with their most emotionally raw and sonically ambitious release to date: the "Regime" EP, now available on all major streaming platforms. To celebrate, the band is hitting the road with a series of EP release shows across Alberta (listed below), bringing their signature blend of chunky riffs, soaring melodies, and studio-tight vocals to fans across the province.
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  ​“Regime” marks a new chapter for Juliet Ruin. Formed in 2015 from the ashes of Fiction of Fate, the band has spent the last decade refining its sound, a genre-fluid fusion of groove, metalcore, and pop sensibility that’s as powerful as it is vulnerable. With five tracks that range from introspective to explosive, "Regime" dives deep into mental health, personal growth, and social reflection.

  
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  From the eerie introspection of “Poems By a Poltergeist” to the title track’s blazing demand for empathy and justice, the EP masterfully fuses crushing breakdowns with infectious pop sensibilities. Jess Fleming delivers her most emotionally exposed performance to date, pulling lyrics directly from her personal journals and infusing each scream and melody with unfiltered intensity. Standout tracks include “Reactance Theory,” a sharp dive into resistance and impulse shaped by social psychology; “Chrysalis,” a symbolic passage through depression and personal rebirth; “The Art of Being Wise,” a tender goodbye to fractured relationships; and “Regime,” the EP’s most sonically aggressive piece, a fervent call for compassion in a fractured world.

  “The Regime EP came together from our collective frustrations and personal struggles over the past few years. It challenged us creatively and emotionally, and we’re proud of the balance we struck between heaviness and vulnerability. Some tracks are heavier than we imagined, some more pop-like than expected, but all of it is authentically Juliet Ruin,” adds the band.

  
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  The EP’s cover, designed by longtime collaborator Feen Murray, features abstract skulls and hearts, symbolizing the tension between emotionality and overthinking. It’s a visual reflection of the EP’s lyrical depth and sonic duality.
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  ​Juliet Ruin will be performing a series of EP release shows across Alberta, joined by fill-in bassist Dale Myroniuk (Dahlmers Realm, Breaking the Silent). Known for their high-energy performances and tight vocal execution, the band promises a live experience that’s as intense as the studio recordings.

  EP Release Show Dates:​
  Oct 25 - Edmonton, AB - Dive Bar
  Nov 1 - Medicine Hat, AB - Mainliner Pub
  Nov 7 - Lloydminster, AB - Cheers Live
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  ​"Regime" is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major platforms.

  Bandcamp - https://julietruin.bandcamp.com/

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/0LzQEj2OzZFCGRQnXBlY7q

  More info:

  https://www.facebook.com/julietruinband

  https://www.instagram.com/julietruin

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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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• “Poems By a Poltergeist” Materializes as Juliet Ruin’s Most Haunted Creation Yet

  Sep 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian modern metal band Juliet Ruin returns with their most vulnerable and sonically ambitious release to date: the five-track EP "Regime," their fourth studio offering, available this October 24th, 2025. Leading the charge is the haunting first single “Poems By a Poltergeist,” accompanied by a gripping lyric video (created by vocalist Jess Felming) that dives deep into themes of depersonalization, mental health, and emotional isolation.
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  ​“This song came straight from the pages of Jess’ journal. It’s about feeling like a ghost in your own life, angry, disconnected, and searching for meaning,” the band shares.
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  Formed in 2015, Edmonton, AB's Juliet Ruin has evolved into a genre-fluid powerhouse known for its chunky, groovy, pretty, powerful, and catchy sound. With influences ranging from Spiritbox and Jinjer to Alexisonfire, the band blends metalcore, pop, and progressive elements into a style that’s both emotionally raw and technically sharp.
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  "Regime" is a sonic double-edged sword, balancing pop-infused vulnerability with bone-crushing breakdowns and the heaviest subject matter the band has ever tackled. From the introspective "Chrysalis" to the socially charged title track "Regime," each song is a collaborative effort shaped by personal experience and collective passion.
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  ​“We wanted this EP to feel empowering but also understanding,” says vocalist Jess, whose scream vocals, honed during the COVID lockdown through YouTube tutorials and lucid dreaming, now anchor the band’s evolving sound.
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  The album artwork, created by longtime collaborator Feen Murray, uses abstract imagery of skulls and hearts to reflect the tension between emotionality and overthinking, a visual metaphor for the EP’s lyrical core.

  "Regime" is more than just a record. It’s a statement. A safe space. A scream in the silence. And with “Poems By a Poltergeist,” Juliet Ruin invites listeners to confront their shadows and find strength in the echo.

  Add Single to your Spotify playlist (Sept 26th) - https://open.spotify.com/artist/54QrxuOJkvabZgah6SA4qv​
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  EP pre-order (out Oct 24th) - https://julietruin.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Reactance Theory (4:03)
  2. Chrysalis (4:01)
  3. Poems By a Poltergeist (3:02)
  4. The Art of Being Wise (4:09)
  5. Regime (5:02)
  EP Length: 20:18​

  More info:

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

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

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• THE FIXER & TEKNOSIS Team Up For The "Ugly Knots Tour" Across Central Canada (QC/ON/MB/SK/AB)

  Aug 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Two of Thunder Bay, ON's rising metal forces, THE FIXER and TEKNOSIS, are teaming up this Fall for an epic tour of mind-melting metal across dates in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in October.

  Touring across Canada heavily in support of their 2023 debut album "Your Lie' released on WormHoleDeath Records, this next adventure of show dates will be special ones, as they are taking hometown friends Teknosis on the the road who will be supporting their latest EP 2024's Return To Civilization", recorded and mixed by Ryan MacDonald at Lionheart Sound Co and mastered by Topon Das (F*ck The Facts) at Apartment 2.

  "Touring is something we all look forward to in The Fixer. The most rewarding part of being in a band is seeing people connect with something you’ve created, and our favourite way to do that is in the live setting. We will be heading out with fresh songs, as well as bringing a couple of songs back into the set that we haven’t played in some time. Similarly, we are excited to be playing some places we haven’t played before and some of the first places we ever played outside of our hometown," says Vic Sin, Guitar - The Fixer

  “We are incredibly pleased with our first EP, ‘Return to Civilization’. These 5 songs are the perfect introduction to the sound of Teknosis. Fans of all genres of metal will enjoy our hybrid of metal genres. We are now beyond thrilled to be bringing these songs and more on tour this October with The Fixer,” adds bassist Travis Doggett - Teknosis.

  The Fixer is a genre-defying force in the pop-metal underground. They continue to captivate audiences with their latest full-length album, "Your Lie," released in 2023. When witnessed live, they channel Addams Family vibes with rapid-fire sets, minimalist yet impactful lighting, and a palpable emotional connection with their audience. Their shows are more than performances; they’re cathartic rituals. Those who have not seen them live should brace themselves for The Fixer's theatrical flair and emotionally charged soundscapes. Fans can expect not only the immersive live experience they’ve come to love but also brand-new music unveiled on this next road escapade.

  The Fixer’s sonic identity is a fusion of industrial metal, melodic hardcore, and gothic textures. "Your Lie" showcases this blend with haunting ambiences, unexpected rhythmic shifts, and emotionally raw lyrics. From the swagger of “Get Greasy” to the introspective dirge of “Your Truth,” the album is a journey through highs, lows, and everything in between.

  “When we started The Fixer, we never imagined how far it would go. With Your Lie, we wanted to dig deeper, building on The Prowl EP while exploring more personal themes. It’s been powerful seeing fans connect with that. Musically, we didn’t want to be boxed in. While we’re rooted in metal, punk, and industrial, we brought in influences from other genres we’ve lived in. Blending those sounds has been one of the most rewarding parts of the process,” adds Vic Sin.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ny8HJc6iUvmIKGlY5TxSs​

  Formed out of pure love for metal. Teknosis has quickly evolved into a tight, aggressive unit with a shared vision: to make heavy music that hits hard and leaves no room to breathe. Set to ignite stages across the country this October, Teknosis is bringing their relentless live energy to fans in support of their acclaimed 2024 EP "Return to Civilization", a five-track barrage of groove-laced hardcore and death metal influences. It's a compact, violent sonic explosion that lyrically channels frustration and isolation from lockdowns, with themes ranging from societal collapse to personal survival.

  With ambient samples bridging each track, Teknosis will be a visceral live experience as they deliver a seamless, high-impact set that’s organic, heavy, and hypnotic.

  “We still believe in live amps and drums straight to the cochlea. It’s all about maximum intensity. A sonic experience that’s as brutal as it is addictive," says bassist Travis Doggett.
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  Fans can expect new singles starting in Fall 2025, leading up to a full-length album in late 2025 or early 2026. The October tour will feature tracks from "Return to Civilization" alongside unreleased material, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Cu2jRvDUKvEZdqJd5QjwJ​

  Ugly Knots Tour 2025 - The Fixer, Teknosis​
  Oct 2 - La Sarre, QC - La Brute du Coin *
  Oct 3 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar *
  Oct 4 - Espanola, ON - Shorty's *
  Oct 9 - Fort Frances, ON - Pink Parasol Tea Room
  Oct 10 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Oct 11 - Prince Albert, SK - Studio Q
  Oct 12 - Edmonton, AB - The Rendezvous
  Oct 13 - Calgary, AB - Pin Bar
  Oct 14 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice
  Oct 15 - Moose Jaw, SK - Chillers
  Oct 16 - Saskatoon, SK - Green Room
  Oct 17 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Oct 18 - The Pas, MB - The Wescana Inn
  Oct 19 - Winnipeg, MB - Osborne Taphouse
  Oct 31 - Thunder Bay, ON - The Hunger 18 (Downtown-wide Hallowe'en Festival)
  * = without Teknosis

  More Info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/TheFixerBand | https://www.instagram.com/thefixercanada | https://www.tiktok.com/@thefixercanada​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/teknosismetal | https://www.instagram.com/teknosis.metal/

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