Search Results: heavy-metal

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

     

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

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

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

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

    LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF

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

    Track Listing:​​
    1. Lies
    2. I Will Take You To Hell
    3. Come To Me
    4. I'm Calling You

    Album Credits:​
    All songs written by
    - Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
    - Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
    - Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
    - Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
    - Mastering: Svante Forsbäck

    Highway Queen are:

    Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
    Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
    Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
    Henri Backman: drums

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

    Read more
  • ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025 Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now! 15 Years of Mountain Moshing In The Okanagan!

    ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025 Early Bird Tickets On Sale Now!

    15 Years of Mountain Moshing In The Okanagan!

    July 11-12 - Armstrong, BC, Canada

    "It's one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music." - Vancouver Sun

    Watch the official video recap of AMF 2019 here.
    (video created by Mayne Brand Productions)

    Armstrong MetalFest 2024 Spotify playlist Here.

    Celebrating 15 years of bringing extreme metal music fans from across Canada and beyond to British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Western Canada's largest mountain mosh pit Armstrong MetalFest launches its early bird tickets/weekend passes, which include on-site camping for their 2025 lineup being held on July 11th-12th in Armstrong at the Hassen Arena.

    Secure your spot at this legendary event at a special discounted rate. Don't miss the opportunity to snag your tickets early and be part of the metal mayhem that awaits! A limited amount of early bird tickets will be on sale until the AMF 2025 lineup is announced in the coming months.

    All tickets provide General Admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.

    Weekend Passes are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets

    (Tickets will be mailed starting after March 1st if you have chosen the "Ticket Mailed" option.)

    Please Note: RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you choose to park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, then a vehicle pass is not required.

    This 15th annual gathering of metalheads will again witness two days of unforgettable moshing, headbanging, and camping. From iconic headliners to promising newcomers, the 2025 lineup is set to showcase the best of diverse metal genres, ensuring an electrifying experience for all. In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest brings back the following on-site activities.

    Yeti Games: Participate in this year’s Yeti Games with six extreme skill-testing events! 20 participants compete for a chance to win two free passes to next year’s metal fest. The last person standing wins…

    Email jessevalstar[@]gmail[.]com to sign up.

    There might be openings at the last minute, so show up for the opening ceremony. AMF may have a jersey with your number on it!

    Metal Market Madness: The metal market will be a bustling hub of activity, featuring a diverse array of vendors offering everything from band merchandise to unique collectibles. Seize the opportunity to grab exclusive items and immerse yourself in the metal culture.

    Thrash Wrestling: Experience an electrifying event featuring the high-octane clash of titans! Join AMF on Saturday for an unforgettable afternoon of fierce competition, heart-stopping moments, and pure wrestling mayhem!

    The 2024 AMF lineup hosted Los Angeles death metal masters ABYSMAL DAWN (July 12th) and Kansas City THE BROWNING (July 13th) who unleashed their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. Also featured were dissonant and atmospheric Vancouver tech death metallers ATRÆ BILIS, and Orlando's two-fisted two steppin' double-wide aural assault squad BODYBOX. Returning to the festival, were the Okanagan's very favourite Black Metallers XUL (Vernon, BC) and Edmonton death metallers EYE OF HORUS along with first-time performances from Vancouver twin brother duo OPAL IN SKY, San Francisco's outside-the-box prog metallers CYBORG OCTOPUS, and the tech death fury of Riverside, CA's ARKAIK among many more.

    About: Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

    Each year hundreds of metal music fans from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in a tonne of heavy metal fun over two days, spectating wrestling events, participating in scavenger hunts, and catching up with their extended metal family.

    The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, Warbinger, Fallujah, Striker, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

    West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C. but also gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

    Partners:
    WCMFA
    AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd
    Vox and Hops
    Rancho Vignola
    Creative BC
    Province of BC
    Shepherds Hardware
    Askews Foods
    ACE Containers
    Asher Media Relations
    Staggs Head
    Sunbelt Rentals
    Bravewords
    Absolute Underground Mag
    Broken Neck Radio
    V13
    Metal-Rules
    Ghost Cult Magazine
    This Day In Metal
    Valstar Electric
    Voets

    For more info:
    Armstrongmetalfest.ca
    Facebook
    Instagram
    Twitter

    Read more
  • SERPENTYNE Enchant Fans w/ First Single “Prophetess of Dreams” Off New Album “Tales From The Dark” Out Feb 2025

     


    Serpentyne enchants fans with "Prophetess of Dreams", the first single from their highly anticipated album "Tales from the Dark" out February 2025. This hard-hitting, fast-paced track is the album’s powerful introduction, showcasing the darker and fiercer side of the band’s evolving sound.

    Opening with a "barrage of bullet-like guitar riffs," as described by the band, "Prophetess of Dreams" immediately sets an intense tone. The song seamlessly combines modern, aggressive metal elements with the symphonic and choral layers that define Serpentyne’s music. Guitarist Lee Willmer utilizes an 8-string guitar to create unprecedented depth and heaviness, while the dual vocals of Maggiebeth Sand and Nigel Middleton add dramatic intensity.

    Lyrically, the track delves into humanity’s timeless desire to uncover destiny. The prophetess, a central figure in the song, unveils what lies ahead with lines like, “Tell my fortune today, oracle of answers, will my luck fade away, or is it here to stay?”. This thematic depth, coupled with the band’s dynamic instrumentation, delivers a cinematic and immersive experience.

    "Prophetess of Dreams" showcases a symphonic journey that bridges the grandiose with the aggressive. The single’s blend of orchestral arrangements, relentless rhythms, and evocative storytelling sets the stage for the full release of "Tales from the Dark" later this year.

    LISTEN TO "Prophetess of Dreams"

    Digital - https://lnk.to/ckwx02



    "Tales from the Dark" is due ou ton February 14th, 2025.

    Digital pre-save "TALES FROM THE DARK" - https://lnk.to/talesfromthedark

    CD pre-order - https://rockshots.eu/products/serpentyne-tales-from-the-dark-cd

    Track Listing:
    1. Prophetess of Dreams
    2. Into The Night
    3. Dangerous Mind
    4. Ghosts of Times Past
    5. Run for Your Life
    6. Evil From Within
    7. Dreamer
    8. Seance
    9. March of Death
    10. Promised Land

    Album Credits:
    Maggiebeth Sand - Lead Vocals
    Nigel Middleton - Bass and Vocals
    Lee Willmer - Guitars
    John Haithwaite - Keyboards
    Marco - Drums

    Recorded by Maggiebeth Sand, Lee Willmer and John Haithwaite
    Produced and arranged by Serpentyne
    Mixed and Mastered by Justin Hill
    Front cover Artwork by Harley Velasquez
    Digipack & booklet design by Maggiebeth Sand

    More info:
    Label: https://www.rockshots.eu
    Website: https://www.serpentyne.com
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Serpentyneofficial
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serpentyneofficial

    Read more
  • WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

    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

    - 30 -

    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

    Read more
  • LOUD AS HELL Open Air Festival 2025 Launches Early Bird Tickets! Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta's Badlands - Drumheller, AB

    LOUD AS HELL Open Air Festival 2025 Launches Early Bird Tickets!

    August 1st - 3rd - Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta's Badlands - Drumheller, AB

    LAH 2024 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/3WwDCkh

    Nestled in the badlands of Drumheller, AB, one of Canada's loudest decibel-breaking open-air extreme music events, LOUD AS HELL FESTIVAL will host its 13th annual festivities from August 1st to 3rd, 2025.

    Showcasing the best up-and-coming Canadian and international talent to roar through the country's largest dinosaur fossil grounds, LAH has launched its early bird weekend passes.

    This weekend pass grants you full access to all the headbanging, moshing, and metal mayhem that Loud As Hell Open Air has to offer. Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer!

    The early bird weekend pass price is $140 CAD (this includes camping on-site). The weekend pass full price of $175 CAD will be in effect when the festival 2025 lineup is announced in the new year.

    Early Bird Weekend Passes Available at https://loudashell.ca/shop/loud-as-hell-early-bird-ticket-weekend-pass/

    In additional news, LAH has revamped their website www.LoudAsHell.ca with a fresh new look and design, along with online shopping of LAH merch, pictures, and videos to reminisce of years past along with updated festival Information and FAQ section.

    Since its inception in 2012, LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has exposed hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their 2024 edition was host to the most stacked lineup to date featuring BEYOND CREATION, STRIKER, ANCIIENTS, GREEN JELLY, THE CONVALESCENCESUPER MONSTER PARTY, TERRIFIER, and lots more. Previous years have witnessed well-known bands such as Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Necronomicon, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Battlecross, Fit for An Autopsy, Anciients, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Striker, KEN mode, Obey The Brave, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, Divinity, Neck of The Woods, Endast among many more.

    Live LAH 2024 - Anciients - Despoiled - https://youtu.be/-E440Gax4ao

    Live LAH 2024 - Terrifier - Depths Of The Storm Scepter - https://youtu.be/ZEm4ncOlbH4

    Live LAH 2023 - Art of Attrition - ...And It Will All End Forever - https://youtu.be/Idp1d6s2MRk

    Live LAH 2023 - Narcotic Wasteland - Sex, Lies and DNA - https://youtu.be/q-AraxYaEfA

    Live LAH 2023 - Jungle Rot - A Call To Arms - https://youtu.be/b5GCaJ--lZo

    More info:
    LoudAsHell.ca
    Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival
    Twitter: @LoudAsHellFest
    Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
    Social Media Hashtags #LAHXIII, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2025

    About:

    LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.

    LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2025 will be celebrating its thirteenth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!

    Read more

Latest Articles

Most Popular