Search Results: kelowna

• PsyDeathTechProg THE JUDGE THE JUROR's New Single “Heliconian Optivisor” Is Metal Alchemy At Its Finest

  Aug 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton, Canada’s most electrifying new metal force, The Judge The Juror (TJTJ), has dropped their blistering new single, “Heliconian Optivisor,” the first taste of their upcoming conceptual EP, "Primitive Minds," set to release in early fall 2025. This marks the beginning of an ambitious trilogy of EPs that will unfold over the next eight months, each exploring the collapse of the human condition through the band’s self-forged genre: PSYDEATHTECHPROG.
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  A mesmerizing, fast-paced assault of sonic force, “Heliconian Optivisor” dives deep into the psychological tension of viewing the world through distorted lenses, red flags we fail to see until it’s too late. The track blends blistering tech-death precision with psychedelic synths and progressive structures, reflecting the band’s desire to find authentic community without compromising identity.

  “What happens when you realize that you may have been viewing parts of your life through a lens you didn’t create? This song speaks of our human desire to find community and belonging that doesn’t come at the cost of selling our souls to fit in. This sentiment has been an ongoing discussion for the band members, as we try to carve a new, unique, and niche sound. We don’t always know where we fit into the metal scene, but we know we want to be authentic and stay true to what we believe without compromising. This balancing creates a push and pull of emotions that the musical structure of the song builds on,” says David W Frontenac (Vocals/Synth/Programming).​

  ​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thejudgethejuror/heliconian-optivisor

  
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  The first of three conceptually linked EPs, "Primitive Minds" explores the paradox of modern humans trapped in ancient mental frameworks. Lyrically and musically, it’s a psychedelic futurist journey, equal parts brutal and introspective. TJTJ's release plans for the EPs will be Fall 2025 "Primitive Minds", early 2026 "Medieval Institutions", and mid-2026 "Godlike Technologies". Each release will build on the last, culminating in a sweeping narrative about societal collapse, technological alienation, and the search for meaning.

  In addition to unveiling the new single, The Judge The Juror will be hitting the road for an August tour in Alberta and BC with The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor. Catch them live for one of the most high-energy performances in Western Canada. Expect a barrage of increasingly weird and wonderful proggy tech-death.

  Tour Dates - The Judge The Juror w/ **The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor​
  Aug 21 - Kelowna, BC - Jackknife Brewing**
  Aug 22 - Kamloops, BC - Bridgeview Theatre** (UGEFEST)
  Aug 23 - Salmon Arm, BC - Solid Urban Studios**
  Aug 24 - Abbotsford, BC - Heavy Metal BBQ**
  Sept 13 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
  ​
  ​More info: https://linktr.ee/thejudgethejurorofficial

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• 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.
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  ​Album order (out June 6th): https://woodhawk.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/44veRdv​

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  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

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• PRISONER Announces "Kill The King Tour" (BC/AB) In Support of New EP "House of Cards" Out Now!

  Apr 2, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  ​High-energy Canadian rock band Prisoner announces it will be hitting the road across British Columbia and Alberta (dates listed below) this coming May and June. Entitled "Kill The King Tour", the show dates will be in support of their follow-up album to be released in June 2025 to their 2024 EP "House of Cards". Album details will revealed at later date.

  “We can not wait to share what we have been working on this past year. Getting out on the road and sharing experiences with the music community is a privilege we are lucky to have. Expect to hear most of our new record set to release in June and keep an ear out for more dates being added for later this summer! Every artist says this, but this album is our best work to date, and it will prove we are here to stay," adds Murray Emery (guitar/vocals).

  Bringing you hard-hitting riffs and unmistakably tight grooves, Prisoner's latest EP is a conglomeration of music with multiple elements from varying sub-genres. It bridges the gap between emotion and life experience to truly connect music to the individual. With its anthemic themes, fast riffs, and glassy acoustic guitar, each song offers something different for your casual rock fan to die-hard thrash headbanger.

  Prisoner's dedication to their craft is evident in their unparalleled stage presence and their commitment to engaging with their audience. The band thrives on crowd interaction and creating an electric atmosphere at their shows. Off stage, they value connecting with fans and being part of the rock community. They are recommended for fans of AC/DC, Judas Priest, Godsmack, and Metallica.

  Prisoner - Kill The King Tour w/ Passing Pluto:​
  May 27 - Kelowna, BC - Jack Knife Brewery
  May 29 - Vancouver, BC - The Cobalt
  May 30 - Kamloops, BC - Skyview Theatre
  May 31 - Penticton, BC - Clancy's Pub
  June 5 - Cranbrook, BC - Shotties
  June 6 - Lethbridge, AB - The Owl
  June 7 - Calgary, AB - Festival Hall
  June 13 - Red Deer, AB - The Vat
  June 14 - Edmonton, AB - Dive Bar

  “House Of Cards” was released on August 21, 2024, on all digital platforms at the following links:

  ​Spotify​

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/prisoner/1617269145​

  Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCma5RX_ENik_slc_nw5HP8A​

  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0019BL0QC/prisoner​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Skies are Blackened (2:42)
  2. On a Sunday (4:26)
  3. House of Cards (The Game Pt.2) (3:38)
  EP Length: 10:46

  EP Band Lineup:
  Murray Emery (Vocals/Guitar)
  Jeremy Hartmann (Guitar)
  Trevor MacDonald(Bass)
  Wes Bartram (Drums)
  Karl Pflug (Drums)

  More info: https://prisonerband.ca

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• 15 Years of Mountain Moshing! ARMSTRONG METALFEST Unveils 2025 Lineup w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

  Mar 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest unveils its conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and lots more from across Canada and beyond.

  Hosted on July 11th and 12th in Armstrong, BC at the Hassen Arena, this year's two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping is a very special one as festival council members comment:

  "The band council worked hard on this year's lineup. I am so excited to have the Browning back. They were amazing on stage. I have been wanting to see Born of Osiris play live for years. I love them, and now I get to see them in my own little town." - Heather Valstar, Vice President of West Metal Entertainment Society

  "I'm really excited about the diversity of this year's line-up. The selection team has really put in the work. There's sure to be something for everyone: a great mix of trusted favorites and new additions to your playlist for the rest of the year!" - Kate Kutzner, President of West Metal Entertainment Society

  "This year's festival is a work of art! I can't believe we are on the 15th year already. Time flies when you're setting up a festival full of crushing riffs, soaring vocals and down right nasty beats. Life rules, bring on the summer!" - Festival Co-Founder / General Manager - Jessie Valstar.

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

  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.

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

  Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP "New Eyes".

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  Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest's Glyph (ft. members from Gatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory" released in March 2024.

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  Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary's speed demons Riot City, who bring forth their steel, spikes and leather! A youthful band that represent the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, they're bullet belts feature two full lengths "Electric Elite" (2022), "Burn The Night" (2019) and their latest live album "Live in Newcastle" (2023).

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  Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago's BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full lengths and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single "In Desolation" this past August.

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  Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City's THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album "OMNI" that features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT.

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  Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive / technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There's no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025. 

  Other to be treasured highlights of this year's fest not to miss is Montreal, QC up and coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongrels and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver's GRAVEMASS, they might be a new band, but they feature some serious experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, West of Hell, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation. Switzerland's technical death/black metal Stortregn, they deliver a mix of charging riffs, blast beats and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more. The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album "Death X Destiny" was recently released on Feb 7th, 2025 under record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduce their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard hitting riffs, fast paced drumming and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.

  AMF 2025 Lineup:​
  Havok (Denver, CO)
  Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL)
  Glyph (Seattle, WA)
  Riot City (Calgary, AB)
  The Browning (Kansas City, KS)
  Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland)
  Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
  Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC)
  Convictions (Fremont, OH)
  Scalding (Vancouver, BC)
  Syryn (Calgary, AB)
  Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland)
  The Defect (Kansas City, KS)
  Gravemass (Vancouver, BC)
  Lover (Calgary, AB)
  Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC)
  Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA)
  The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB)
  Volt (Fort McMurray, AB)
  Jisei (Vancouver, BC)
  Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC)
  Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC)
  Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB)
  The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB)
  Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)
  Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
  Naitaka (Kelowna, BC)
  FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)

  In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest will be bringing back the following on-site activities: Yeti Games, Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling.

  Please Note: Camping - 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.

  For more info:​
  ​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
  ​​Facebook​
  ​Instagram​
  ​Twitter

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• Kelowna's SWEETBEAST Unveils Sludgy Stoner Video "Illusion" ft. Space Queen; Debut Album "Illusions" Out Feb 21st, 2025

  Jan 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Hailing from Canada's Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, BC, SweetBeast is gearing up to make its debut full-length "Illusions" heard by the masses this coming February 2025. Unshackling the first single "Dream Eater" this past November, they are offering the next glimpse into their pressurized sludgy psychedelic stoner rock with their new music video for "Illusion", which features vocal harmonies done by the lovely ladies of Vancouver trio Space Queen.

  The album's closing track, "Illusion" captures the essence of awakening and self-discovery, with fuzzed-out guitars and emotional guitar solos that drive the message home. Space Queen's vocal harmonies elevate the song to new heights, creating a rich tapestry of sound that invites listeners to explore the depths of their realities. With its haunting lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, “Illusion” serves as both a rallying cry and a moment of introspection.

  The band comments on the making of the song:

  "We laid down this entire album, live off the floor, in just 2 days. Now of course there were a few overdubs that we plugged in during that weekend but by the end of the 2 days, all that was left was the mixing and mastering. We also added some special treats post-production that made the songs really pop, like vocal harmonies in the song “Illusion” done by our friends in Space Queen, and a few studio effects for added flavor. When we told the studio what we had planned to accomplish that weekend they thought we were crazy, and said it’s usually at least a week of studio time to get all those songs laid out. But we got it done and couldn’t be happier with the results."

  Watch and listen to "Illusion" ft. Space Queen via its premiere on DoomedAndStoned HERE.

  Digital pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbeast/illusion-feat-space-queen-single​

  SweetBeast's first studio album "Illusions" is a sonic exploration of shifting realities, blending heavy, distorted riffs with introspective lyrics. It invites listeners to journey inward and outward, reflecting the complex relationship between mind, sound, and reality. The record leans heavily on low-tuned guitars, swirling effects, and a tight rhythm section that creates a dense, atmospheric sound. There’s a hypnotic groove throughout, with moments of psychedelic exploration, where riffs evolve into mind-bending progressions. The songs fluctuate between creative riffs and light, airy melodies that offer a contrast, pushing the boundaries of stoner rock.

  Recommended for fans of Queens Of The Stone Age, All Them Witches, Kyuss, and Alice In Chains, SweetBeast's album “Illusions” is due out on February 21st, 2025 from Humalien Records, and will be available for pre-order at https://sweetbeastrock.bandcamp.com/​

  First Single - “Dream Eater” - https://youtu.be/ErLKQGlu8Qk

  Digital - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbeast/dream-eater​

  Track Listing:​
  1. 70/30 - 7:57
  2. Thunder - 4:01
  3. Dream Eater - 5:29
  4. Midnight - 4:38
  5. Plastic People - 6:41
  6. Illusion ft. Space Queen - 11:26
  Album Length - 40:12

  More info: SweetBeast.ca | Facebook.com/SweetBeastFuzz | Instagram.com/sweetbeastfuzz | Tiktok.com/@sweetbeastfuzz

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