Search Results: hamilton

• WOODHAWK Announces Cross-Canada Tour For New Album “Love Finds a Way” Out Now! + LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FEST w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT and more!

  Jul 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After five years of anticipation, Calgary’s stoner groove rock trio Woodhawk announces they will be hitting the road this August through October for tour dates across Canada (dates listed below). The show dates are in support of their latest and third album, "Love Finds a Way," released on June 6th of this year via Grand Hand Records. Fans can expect a high-energy set packed with new material and favorites from their discography that will be delivered with the raw power and passion.

  Their most personal and powerful release to date, their new full-length album, "Love Finds a Way", marks a turning point for Woodhawk. Demonstrating their evolution from early stoner rock roots into something more emotionally complex while maintaining the infectious grooves and memorable hooks that have defined their sound.

  "Love Finds a Way" explores themes of darkness, healing, and hope, while still delivering the infectious hooks and thunderous riffs fans have come to expect. With contributions from longtime collaborator Jesse Gander on synth, the band expands their sonic palette without losing their edge. The trio of Turner Midzain (guitar/vocals), Mike Badmington (bass), and Kevin Nelson (drums) poured five years of growth, struggle, and creative evolution into this record.

  “We are over the moon to get this album out. Love Finds a Way is easily the hardest we have worked on an album to date. We poured our heart and soul into this one. It really is a journey of getting out of the darkness and into the light. Check in with your friends and loved ones. Hug the ones you love. Be nicer to each other. Love will always prevail and be stronger than anything else. After 10 years of being a band, I feel like we are still just getting started!” adds the band.

  After a decade together, Woodhawk is proving they’re just getting started. "Love Finds a Way" is more than an album; it’s a statement of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of rock.

  Recommended for fans of The Sword, Red Fang, and Thin Lizzy, the album is a dynamic journey from start to finish, balancing soft and heavy, slow and fast, light and dark.
  ​
  ​Album order (out June 6th): https://woodhawk.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/44veRdv​

  ​

  In additional news, Woodhawk will be performing on day three of this year's LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL on August 3rd in Drumheller, AB alongside Revocation, Cyborg Octopus, Beguiler, Thirteen Goats, Famous Strangers, and more! Full details on LAH can be found at www.loudashell.ca.

  Show Dates: ​
  Aug 3 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Open Air
  Aug 27 - Calgary, AB - Ship & Anchor
  Aug 28 - Lethbridge, AB - The Owl Acoustic Lounge
  Aug 29 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Aug 30 - Winnipeg, MB - Side Stage
  Sept 2 - Windsor - Phog Lounge
  Sept 3 - Hamilton, ON - Club Absinthe
  Sept 4 - Ottawa, ON - House of Targ
  Sept 5 - Montreal - Turbo Haus
  Sept 6 - Toronto, ON - The Monarch
  Sept 7 - Kingston, ON - The Mansion
  Sept 9 - Oshawa, ON - The Atria
  Sept 10 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Soo Blaster
  Sept 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Black Pirates Pub
  Sept 12 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Sept 13 - Saskatoon, SK - Black Cat Tavern
  Sept 25 - Kelowna, BC- Jackknife Brewery
  Sept 26 - Vancouver, BC - Green Auto
  Sept 27 - Victoria, BC - Lucky Bar
  Oct 10 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
  Oct 11 - Edmonton, AB - The Aviary

  Track Listing:​
  1. Grave Shaker – 4:41
  2. Strangers Ever After – 4:24
  3. Truth Be Told – 7:21
  4. White Crosses – 6:10
  5. The Unholy Hand – 5:21
  6. No Place For Hate – 5:18
  7. Love Finds a Way – 6:16
  8. Relapser – 4:52
  9. Killing Time – 8:37

  Woodhawk is:
  Turner Midzain – Guitar & Vocals
  Mike Badmington – Bass & Vocals
  Kevin Nelson - Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://www.woodhawkriffs.com​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/woodhawkriffs​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/woodhawkriffs

  Read more

• KILLOTINE Wins WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 To Play Wacken Open Air!

  Jun 2, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Photo Credit - Derek Carr - Visions In Pixels​

  WMBC 2025 Final Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3Z55AFy​

  One band to rule them all! The final four bands from this year's 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle Canada gathered in Vancouver, BC, for the national final on May 31st at the Rickshaw Theatre. Only one unsigned Canadian band can walk away and be crowned champion to move on to 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).

  Crowning this year's 2025 winner is Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE (Ontario Winner), who, after their performance, a panel of industry judges voted as Canada's top band to play at the International Wacken Battle at Wacken Open Air. They performed alongside SOULTHIEF (Ottawa, ON - Eastern Canada Winner), BEYOND SUFFERING (Calgary, AB - Alberta Winner), and YEGG (Nanaimo, BC - British Columbia Winner). The special guest headliner was 2024 BC final winner, Vancouver's Arrow In The Quiver​.

  “What a finals we’ve just had in Vancouver. It's so nice to see the level of the bands and the great performances from all of them. The result is that we’ve got something special this year: Killotine is the chosen one. This band has a career waiting for them, and the real beginning of that journey will be at Wacken Open Air. This really enforces what the Metal Battle is all about and how we are nurturing the next generation, the future of metal,” comments Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada, JJ Tartaglia.

  This year's panel of national final judges consisted of 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, Owner, 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).

  About The Final Four:

  Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning—relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total. This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand—pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.

  
  

  https://linktr.ee/killotinemetal

  ==========

  Ottawa, ON's SOULTHIEF is a crossover band known for their powerful and fun sound that combines elements of melodic hardcore, thrash metal, beatdown, slam, and punk. Formed in early 2021, the band has garnered a reputation for its intense live performances and dynamic songwriting.

  Their discography includes several notable releases, with their albums “Citadel” and "The Bad Kind of Wet” receiving praise for their energy and musical depth. Tracks like "You Could be my Gwen Stacy" and "Rupture" are often highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing the band's ability to craft memorable hooks and crowd-engaging lyrics.

  Soulthief has built a loyal following through their extensive touring and energetic live shows. They have performed at various venues and festivals, earning a reputation for delivering high-impact performances that resonate with audiences. Playing with bands like Stick to Your Guns, Within Destruction, MadBall, Get the Shot, Left to Suffer, Guilt Trip, Sworn Enemy, Hoods, Vctms, Teeth, and many more

  Soulthief has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of their craft. Their dedication to their musical performance and their passionate fanbase have cemented their place in any music scene they show up in.

  
  

  https://www.soulthief.ca

  ==========

  Calgary, AB's BEYOND SUFFERING is a five-piece melodic metal band with roots in thrash and metalcore. With founding member and lead guitarist Rob Vargo, they blend intense riffs and rhythmic complexities of deathcore with melodic hooks and emotional depth of hardcore. Their recent pre-release demo, “Buddha,” is a great buildup to the upcoming “Darkness” and subsequent response “Light” EPs later this year.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/BeyondSuffering

  =========

  Nanaimo, BC's old school death metal YEGG is a band that stays true to their roots. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, YEGG delivers a relentless assault of pure, unadulterated old school Death Metal. Their live shows are a sight to behold with intense energy and a ferocious wall of pure aggression that will.

  
  

  https://linktr.ee/yeggmetal

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

  About The Battle:

  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 different 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, allowing independent bands 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

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2025 National Finalists w/ KILLOTINE (Ontario), SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta), YEGG (BC)

  May 8, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  There can only be one! Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year's 2025 national finalists for one unsigned Canadian band to be 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).

  After multiple battles across the country that began in January of this year, the final four Canadian bands will be making their way to the national final in Vancouver, BC, on May 31st, 2025, at the Rickshaw Theatre (254 East Hastings Street), where they will be judged by a panel of music industry judges that include BRITTNEY SLAYES (Unleash The Archers), CLAINE GORGOTH LAMB (The Hallowed Catharsis, Misyrion), 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, Owner, and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), STAN SCHINNERS (Owner of Broken Neck Radio). Door Time at 6 pm PST. Tickets available at https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=1914​

  "Once again, we are at our Finals for the Metal Battle, and it's a very special one this year, as we host them in Vancouver for the first time! What a testament to Canadian talent we have, showcasing some of the top metal acts from across our great country, all leading to this final showdown in VanCity. Stoked to make the trek to attend and can't wait to see who will be our champions bound for Wacken Open Air," comments WMBC national organizer JJ Tartaglia.

  British Columbia WMBC promoter Abelardo Mayoral adds:

  "There has been a lot of excitement about the Metal Battle Canada taking place in Vancouver throughout the different elimination rounds. The response and attendance to each round have been outstanding. I know Vancouver is ready to welcome bands and fans from all over the country, and of course, to showcase the talent, strength, and unity that the metal scene in all of BC has."

  WMBC 2025 Final Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3Z55AFy

  Winning their territorial battles respectively, the final four are the following:

  Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning—relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total. This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand—pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.

  Video - Epic Live Set at the Whiskey Pit: Killotine Shreds Like Never Before! - https://youtu.be/AkuL8nbk8XE​

  ​https://linktr.ee/killotinemetal​

  ==========

  Ottawa, ON's SOULTHIEF is a crossover band known for their powerful and fun sound that combines elements of melodic hardcore, thrash metal, beatdown, slam, and punk. Formed in early 2021, the band has garnered a reputation for its intense live performances and dynamic songwriting.

  Their discography includes several notable releases, with their albums “Citadel” and "The Bad Kind of Wet” receiving praise for their energy and musical depth. Tracks like "You Could be my Gwen Stacy" and "Rupture" are often highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing the band's ability to craft memorable hooks and crowd-engaging lyrics.

  Soulthief has built a loyal following through their extensive touring and energetic live shows. They have performed at various venues and festivals, earning a reputation for delivering high-impact performances that resonate with audiences. Playing with bands like Stick to Your Guns, Within Destruction, MadBall, Get the Shot, Left to Suffer, Guilt Trip, Sworn Enemy, Hoods, Vctms, Teeth, and many more

  Soulthief has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of their craft. Their dedication to their musical performance and their passionate fanbase have cemented their place in any music scene they show up in.

  Music Video - You Could Be My Gwen Stacy - https://youtu.be/eRnfHx-FvGY​

  ​https://www.soulthief.ca​

  ==========

  Calgary, AB's BEYOND SUFFERING is a five-piece melodic metal band with roots in thrash and metalcore. With founding member and lead guitarist Rob Vargo, they blend intense riffs and rhythmic complexities of deathcore with melodic hooks and emotional depth of hardcore. Their recent pre-release demo, “Buddha,” is a great buildup to the upcoming “Darkness” and subsequent response “Light” EPs later this year.

  Song Stream - Buddha (Demo) - https://youtu.be/Menz1YSu_pI​

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

  =========

  Nanaimo, BC's old school death metal YEGG is a band that stays true to their roots. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, YEGG delivers a relentless assault of pure, unadulterated old school Death Metal. Their live shows are a sight to behold with intense energy and a ferocious wall of pure aggression that will.

  Song Stream - Offal Offering - https://youtu.be/7s0WVh-JXd4​

  ​https://linktr.ee/yeggmetal​

  =========

  WACKEN METAL BATTLE 2025: CANADA FINAL

  Event Info - https://www.facebook.com/events/2015740435614140​
  Sat, May 31, 2025 - 6:00 PM PST
  Rickshaw Theatre
  254 East Hastings Street
  Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P1

  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

  Read more

• Aggro-Metal CHÜZO Announces Ontario Tour Dates + New Video "Bruised and Broken" Off Latest EP "M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)"

  Feb 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Montreal aggro-metal troupe CHÜZO will be hitting the road in March for weekend warrior dates in Ontario for shows in Oshawa, Toronto, and Hamilton. The tour dates are in support of their latest EP "M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)" unleashed this past October and produced with Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope, Uplift Recording Studio) (dates listed below).

  The band recently released their latest knock-out music video "Bruised and Broken".

  ​"This track is about being pushed, provoked, and instigated to the point of no return. When in life one encounters certain individuals whose existence is to only make you angry and enraged; to bully you and disrespect you beyond aggravation, and the inevitable result that losing your temper and seeing red does to the individual being provoked and instigated is what this track is about. The utter destruction and devastation that awaits the foolish person who dares to provoke a person who has been pushed to the edge of human insanity; fuck around and find out!" adds the band.

  CHÜZO's new EP "M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)" is a three-track record that marks the next chapter and a true representation of what the quartet's sound is meant to be.

  "This new EP was to showcase our new lineup with our newest songs that are truly representative of our musical style, a style that we proudly call ‘Aggro-Metal.’ Very aggressive metal songs that have relatable themes that anyone can listen to and understand. This EP is our audio shotgun blast to the world to pay attention to and to mosh intensively during our live sets." adds guitarist Cristian S.

  CHÜZO's new lineup features the ensnaring vocals of Taiwanese Brazilian transplant Mischa M joining local first-generation Chilean Canadian and mastermind Cristian S. along with Carlos G from Venezuela and Alex S from Russia who all have found Montreal, Canada to be their home-to-breed their blender of grindcore, Swedish death metal, thrash, and hardcore punk to transform a sub-genre dubbed 'Aggro Metal'.

  The EP's lyrics are driven by self-reflection and daily struggles. The inspiration for writing comes from life experiences and trying to live past them, especially the traumatic ones. Using all bad energy from bad experiences to create something positive for yourself and the world. This EP speaks of vengeance and the bad side of dedicating your life to achieving your desired revenge despite your own life and sanity. Brutal Social Justice.

  For fans of Sepultura (Cavalera Bros era 84-96), At the Gates, Napalm Death, Slipknot, and Fuck the Facts, "M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)" was released on November 15, 2024.

  EP Stream links below:

  Bandcamp - https://chuzomtl.bandcamp.com

  Digital (Spotify) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chzo/mtmd

  ​​

  TOUR DATES​
  March 7 - Piranha Bar (Wacken Metal Battle) - Montréal, QC - info​
  March 14 - The Atria - Oshawa, ON - info​
  March 15 - Duffy’s Tavern - Toronto, ON - info​
  March 16 - Doors Pub - Hamilton, ON - info​

  More Info: Instagram.com/chuzo.band | Facebook.com/chuzo.band​

  -30-

  Canadian College Radio Loud Charts - December 2024 – top 20 loud #20 – CHÜZO – M.T.M.D.

  "‘A Brazilian vocalist, a Chilean guitarist, a Russian bassist and a Venezuelan drummer walk into a Montreal metal bar’ might sound like the beginning of a borderline funny joke, but it, in a roundabout way, speaks to the christening of thrash, punk, death-beat quartet CHÜZO. The band’s latest EP — M.T.M.D.(Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay) — is the latest in a long line of releases since forming in 2020 and sees the light of day today. The band has a lot to say about their latest endeavour, but fans of old Sepultura, Napalm Death, At the Gates and Fuck the Facts should find something of interest " - Decibel Magazine

  "“Bruised and Broken” is definitely a rager. Mischa and Christian belt out the words in a tandem of furious screams and monstrous roars. Behind them, the song discharges high-speed percussive obliteration and punk beats, a violent churn of high-grit riffage, and bowel-loosening bass-quakes. The band also work in mean-eyed slashing chugs, a brutalizing breakdown that seems to get more thuggish but no less head-hooking as the seconds pass, an explosion of boiling and battering grindcore mayhem, and another hardcore beatdown that’s probably a sure-fire mosh trigger in a live show — with Mischa‘s screaming voice still coming for your throat with no-holds-barred intensity. Just this one song proves that for Chüzo the label “Aggro Metal” isn’t false advertising. It’s a gut-slugging, bone-smashing, vocally blistering, and viciously eviscerating outburst, and it also proves to be a pretty addictive piece of rage-fueled catharsis too. Speaking of live shows, the video gives a good sense of what the band’s live sets are about, and a good sense of how much fun they had beating the shit out of things in that rage cage." - No Clean Singing

  "The band has just released M.T.M.D., an acronym that stands for Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay, to testify how high the group's ambitions are. The perspective could at first glance be assimilated to that of the variegated groove metal universe, but on closer inspection there is much more in the folds of the individual songs, characterized by the desire to release vital energy and give voice to impulses, emotions, feelings. The sound matrix is brutal, at times unstoppable, and characterized by the fierce performance of the gritty Mischa Mai microphones: combining power, imagination and a pinch of healthy madness the quartet gave full demonstration of their qualities." - Rock Hard Italy
  ​
  "M.T.M.D is a crucial chapter in Chüzo’s evolution, showcasing a lineup that’s finally found its voice. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the ability to channel personal struggles into a collective outcry for justice." - Amplify The Noise
  ​
  "It might be something of a cliché but it remains true; this isn’t simply an EP. It’s a promo for helping Chüzo find a major label for a debut full length… [8/10]" - Metal Noise
  ​
  "CHÜZO have achieved several things on "MTMD (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)" that other bands dream of for an entire career. On the one hand, the clever balancing act is impressive between old school credibility and new school influences. A factor that plays a striking role in the overall absolutely high-class work is that Canadians walk in a straightforward and focused manner in the ear. The three songs on the EP entitled "MTMD" are fast-paced in nature, mill into the ear canals at massive speed and –'s most important aspect – remains there... The EP is catchy, intense and yet has matured, multi-layered and serious Half-life to be equipped. Conclusion: Check in, buy, leave, killer!" - Metal Division Magazine​
  ​​
  ​"Their common points: knowing how to intelligently mix the best of grindcore mixed with Swedish death, with a touch of hardcore thrash from a punk perspective. Chüzo calls his music, « Aggro Metal ». The theme of their songs, telling their life experiences, shouting their anger at the traumas experienced. The kind of text that allows you to let off steam and make yourself understood even if you have gaps in English. Chüzo is a sort of best of aggressive metal music with this vengeful punk attitude: Chüzo would be a disciple of Napalm Death. Damn their music is good to hear. For fans of Sepultura and the Cavalera brothers, Chüzo is for you, Cristian S. sings with the same kind of vocal intonation as Max C. For Christmas, I would like Chüzo to tour the old continent within the next 2 years. If I had the means, I would participate financially in their future tour. There are small (et larger) concert halls waiting for you. The day we can do a concert at the Kjbi, Chuzo is automatically on the bill" - Margoth PDF Webzine

  --
  ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
  Jon Asher - Music Publicist
  #.514.581.5780
  jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
  Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
  Instagram @AsherMedia
  Tweet @AsherMedia

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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​

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  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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