Search Results: melodic

• AITTALA Announces Second EP of 2025 "Ill-Gotten Gains"; Unveils Music Video "Isolation"

  Oct 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Genre-blurring metal duo AITTALA (pronounced “EYE-tah-la”) returns with their latest and second EP of 2025, "Ill-Gotten Gains," dropping November 21, 2025, via Exitus Stratagem Records. The EP’s lead single, “Isolation,” is accompanied by a gripping music video that captures the emotional weight and sonic depth of the track.

  “Isolation” sets the tone for the EP with its doomy atmosphere, heavy guitars, and unexpected time signature shifts. Lyrically, it explores the consequences of past decisions, a theme that runs throughout the entire release.

  Watch and listen to the music video via its premiere on Doom & Stoned HERE.

  Single pre-save - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/isolation

  "Ill-Gotten Gains," AITTALA’s second EP of 2025 following Machines, marks a bold step forward in the band’s evolution. Retaining their core sound while pushing deeper into lyrical vulnerability and songwriting complexity, the EP continues their tradition of defying genre boundaries — weaving together elements of traditional metal, doom, groove, and progressive styles into a cohesive and immersive experience. Thematically, it explores the darker side of the human psyche, from chaos and exploitation to the consequences of those actions and the search for redemption, offering a cathartic journey for fans of genre-fluid metal.
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  The EP cover features an updated rendering of AITTALA’s long-standing mascot Frank, a cartoon pig head in a pentagram, first introduced in 2014’s "Effigy" album. Frank is the kind of character who’ll help you acquire "Ill-Gotten Gains" no questions asked, as long as you’ve got the cash.
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  Formed in 1991 in the Netherlands by guitarist/vocalist Eric Aittala, the band quickly became a fixture in the Dutch metal scene, sharing stages with acts like The Gathering and Sadist. After a long hiatus, AITTALA was resurrected in 2008 and has since released six full-length albums and multiple EPs, each showcasing a unique blend of classic heavy metal, doom, progressive, power, thrash, and hard rock. Now based in the U.S., AITTALA’s current lineup features Eric Aittala and powerhouse drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL). Together, they continue to push boundaries with music that’s as technically sharp as it is emotionally resonant.

  EP pre-save (out Nov 21) - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains

  Track Listing:​
  1. Isolation - 4:22
  2. Ill Gotten Gains - 4:20
  3. Black Listed - 3:35
  4. Ever After - 4:29
  5. Ashes - 3:50
  EP Length: 20:37

  For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic

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• Dark Tales of Redemption Await with IN VIRTUE's Music Video “Gunslingers of the New American Desert" From Upcoming Album "Age of Legends" Out Nov 2025

  Sep 19, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R Bruno Valverde (drums), Jamie Hush (bass), Trey Xavier (guitar/vocals), Alex Nasla (keys), Rami Khalaf (guitar)

  Phot Credit: Felix Martin

  In Virtue, the Los Angeles genre-defying metal band known for emotionally raw storytelling and cinematic soundscapes, is proud to announce the release of their third studio album, "Age of Legends," arriving November 21st, 2025. Alongside the announcement, the band unveils their first single, “Gunslingers of the New American Desert,” accompanied by a gripping music video that sets the tone for the album’s dark, redemptive journey.

  “Gunslingers is by far the heaviest song in the In Virtue catalog. It really sets the mood for a dark and harrowing tale. It brings you along for the ride as the antihero of the story returns from his self-imposed damnation to the real world and starts breaking bad after seeing a world of opportunity open up. He once again sets aside his humanity to pursue power through violence and corruption in a lawless land. In the end, he comes face to face with the consequences of his lack of empathy, and finally truly comes to grips with how he’s trading his soul for something empty,” adds guitarist and vocalist Trey Xavier.

  Watch and listen to the music video for “Gunslingers of the New American Desert” via its premiere on Metal Injection HERE.

  Add To Your Spotify Playlist - https://orcd.co/invirtuegunslingers​

  Fronted by YouTuber and Gear Gods founder Trey Xavier (also featured on viral hit “Dread Machine”), In Virtue blends power, progressive, and melodic death metal. The third full-length took six years to complete after their producer ghosted the band with just 10% left to finish, forcing Xavier to finish vocals in his home studio. The final product is a full-bodied concept album, "Age of Legends", which follows a flawed protagonist inspired by the myth of Sisyphus. Through a narrative of self-forgiveness and existential reckoning, the 14-track album invites listeners to reflect on their own inner battles.

  "I think fans will be pleasantly surprised, because although it builds on our past releases, it’s really the ultimate form of the same beast. The casual listener will be able to enjoy all of it without clocking the story, but anyone who wants to go deeper will be rewarded with the dark journey of a deeply flawed character on a quest to forgive himself by asking the big questions, making mistakes, and doing the hard work. It’s an emotional deep dive, a rollercoaster of textures and colors, but a cohesive trip that doesn’t just feel like a series of disconnected singles. A true concept album, the kind you should turn your phone off and light a candle to listen to on your bed with headphones from start to finish. A relatable protagonist who seeks what we all seek, to love himself in spite of himself and his flaws, to know himself deeply, and to win his battle against crushing self-doubt," adds Trey Xavier - In Virtue.

  The album's artwork was created by former Dark Tranquillity guitarist Niklas Sundin and depicts Sisyphus breaking free from his eternal punishment, a visual metaphor for the record’s central theme of liberation and self-redemption.

  Recommended for fans of Soilwork, Amaranthe, Shinedown, Symphony X, and Bad Wolves, In Virtue's "Age of Legends" is available for pre-order / pre-save at https://orcd.co/agofle​
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  Track Listing:​
  1. Ascent Glorious (00:36)
  2. Sisyphus Awakening (4:55)
  3. Karma Loop (ft. Charlotte Wessels) (3:35)
  4. Push That Rock (2:46)
  5. Purgatory (4:39)
  6. Exposed (3:27)
  7. Scream (3:40)
  8. Where The Edges Meet (3:16)
  9. Gunslingers of the New American Desert (4:42)
  10. Desolation Throne (3:03)
  11. Thoughts in Freefall (ft. Dave Davidson of Revocation) (4:10)
  12. The River (2:24)
  13. Tempus Fugue (ft. Chaney Crabb of Entheos) (8:05)
  14. Descent Limitless (1:22)
  Album Length: 50:40

  More info: Facebook.com/invirtue | Instagram.com//invirtue

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• ANCIENT THRONES' New Concept Album "Melancholia" Plunges Listeners Into A Surreal Narrative

  Sep 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Ancient Thrones, the Canadian progressive blackened death metal force known for their visceral storytelling and relentless sonic assault, is set to officially release their long-awaited sophomore album, "Melancholia," on September 19th (Vinyl and Digital), and can be heard in full before its unleashed via its album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.
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  Described by the band as “the sound of existential exhaustion,” "Melancholia" is a 42-minute concept album that plunges listeners into a surreal narrative: a colourblind protagonist takes hallucinogens in a desperate attempt to see colour, only to spiral into a kaleidoscopic nightmare. From the explosive opening of “A Moon Fused Key” to the haunting decay of “Vacant,” the album is a relentless barrage of speed, aggression, and cinematic atmosphere.
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  ​“This is truly an unapologetic extreme metal concept album. It’s a bad trip you can’t escape, jagged, abstract, and emotionally devastating,” says the band.

  
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  Formed in 2011 and rebranded in 2018, Ancient Thrones has evolved into a fully realized extreme metal entity, thanks in part to the addition of multi-band virtuoso Dylan Wallace. The writing process began in early 2020, just as the world was descending into pandemic-induced uncertainty. Rather than reflect the global crisis directly, the band channeled their energy into crafting a deeply personal and psychologically intense record.
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  ​“We’re proud to share this album with our fans, old and new. We hope it moves you in unnatural ways. Enjoy the trip while it lasts,” adds the band.

  
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  ​"Melancholia" is not just an album; it’s an immersive experience. The band’s signature blend of fast, extreme, progressive, cinematic, and existential metal is on full display, with every track contributing to the overarching narrative. Lyrically, the album explores themes of trauma, hallucination, and the dangers of idealism, all inspired by real-life experiences and a harrowing psychedelic episode.
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  Drawing inspiration from bands like The Red Chord, The Faceless, Archspire, and Deafheaven, Ancient Thrones pushes the boundaries of extreme music. Their sound is rooted in black metal, 2000s death metal, and modern tech death, but their cinematic approach and lyrical depth set them apart.

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  With "Melancholia" out on September 19, 2025, the band is already writing new material for the follow-up. Fans can expect more crushing, emotionally charged music in the near future.​
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  ​Album pre-order (Vinyl, Digital) - https://ancientthrones.bandcamp.com​

  Track Listing:​
  1. A Moon Fused Key (5:12)
  2. Achromatopsia (1:19)
  3. Melancholia (6:17)
  4. A Turning Point (5:46)
  5. A Pellucid Prism (4:26)
  6. Sacred Swollen Glass (6:16)
  7. Blight (2:18)
  8. A Pale Palace (4:55)
  9. Vacant (5:31)
  Album Length: 42:00

  Band Lineup:​
  Dylan Wallace - Guitar
  Nick Leslie - Guitar
  Matt LeBlanc - Bass
  Sean Hickey - Drums & Vocals

  More info: Facebook.com/Ancientthrones | Instagram.com/ancientthrones

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• Check Out This Festival Spotify Playlist! Aug 16th - Denver's MILE HIGH POWER FEST 2025 w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, GREYHAWK, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

  Aug 12, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  As we count down to this year’s Mile High Power Fest on August 16th at The Oriental Theater in Denver, CO (4335 W 44th Ave), the festival invites you to crank up the volume with a sneak peek of the lineup!

  Featuring epic acts like POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, GREYHAWK, CELESTIAL WIZARD, and many more, immerse yourself in the sound of MHPF with their Spotify playlist.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZOTgQVburG34RYN5Aub1C

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3ZOTgQVburG34RYN5Aub1C[/embed]

  Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, Mile High Power Festival champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

  "After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver's next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!" adds festival co-founder Lucyfer - BiteSize Productions.

  General Admission Tickets ($45 USD) are available at the following link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/444811​

  Featuring headliner Boston's PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP, "The Super Smash Bros," in August 2024. Listen at https://spoti.fi/4b2wcvJ​

  They are joined by the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, 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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  Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album "Chaos to the Realm" (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album "Feather & Claw" on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon. 

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  Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver,” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication.

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  GREYHAWK, with new singer Anthony Corso at the helm, is ready to bring the power with what will surely be their best performance at Mile High Power Fest! Anyone who has seen this traditional heavy metal titan knows they are in for an incredible set. Their newest album, "Thunderheart," released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music, has been making waves across the heavy metal and power metal scenes worldwide. 

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  Local hometown heroes, Denver's Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their third studio “Regenesis,” was released on July 11th by Scarlet Records. Check out the album's opening track, “Pale Horse”. The song teases the concept of endings and beginnings that is ever present throughout the record. 

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  Also supporting the lineup will be Denver's blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn, who released their latest album "Our Grief Is Thus" in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly anticipated follow-up. 

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  To open the festival's night, the winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

  In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

  Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:​
  Powerglove
  Glyph
  Owlbear
  Empress
  Greyhawk
  Celestial Wizard
  Oak, Ash, & Thorn
  Viperwitch
  Signs of Tranquility

  More info:​
  Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest​

  FAQ - https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release​
  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956​
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest

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• UNPUNISHED Ignites The Mosh Pit w/ New Single "Burn the Traitors" ft. Alex Leblanc (ex-Fracturus, ex-Neuraxis) From EP "Echoes of History" Out Sept 2025

  Jul 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Unpunished, one of Quebec’s fiercest metalcore exports, have officially announced their second EP "Echoes of History" set to be unleashed on September 5th, 2025. A blistering five-track journey through despair, defiance, and destruction, this EP from the ferocious five-piece is ready to ignite mosh pits around the globe.

  Originally formed as tribute act Tidal Wave, performing songs by Trivium and Parkway Drive, the band reinvented itself during the COVID pandemic, writing original music that blends metalcore roots with melodeath and deathcore elements. Their sound is melodic, intense, diverse, energetic, and aggressive.
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  “Echoes of History took us over two years to write, and each of us faced major personal challenges during that time. Sorting through dozens of demos was tough; we all have different musical tastes, which makes it hard to agree, but also gives us our unique sound,” adds the band.
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  Rather than follow a formula, Unpunished built each song with its own emotional journey, combining the brutality of modern death metal with the melody and groove of classic metalcore. The EP was also produced by drummer Justin Lefebvre. From its guitar tones to vocal layering, every detail reflects hours of obsession and refinement, reflecting the band's obsession with perfection.

  “We want every track to hit differently. From anxiety and despair to rage and revolt, this EP is all about movement and mood,” says the band.

  Their first glimpse from their sophomore EP "Burn the Traitors" features guest vocals from Alex Leblanc (ex-Fracturus, ex-Neuraxis, ex-Mass Murder Messiah) and is the band's most brutal song ever.

  The band comments:

  "It’s much more melodic death metal than metalcore, as there are no clean vocals. We wrote this as a relentless track with little place to breathe. The chorus is melodic and catchy, but without the use of clean lyrics. The solo is the slowest section of the song, as a way to catch our breath before the breakdown and final stretch of intensity. Lyrically, the theme is centered around vengeance, inflicting pain on those who betrayed, abused, and inflicted pain on their people. Remastered from its initial 2023 release, Burn the Traitors ends the EP with ferocity and leaves no one indifferent."

  Listen to "Burn the Traitors" featuring guest vocals from Alex Leblanc (ex-Fracturus, ex-Neuraxis, ex-Mass Murder Messiah) at the following links:

  Digital - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/unpunished​

  Unpunished prides itself on precision and passion. No ego, just relentless intensity that invites fans to scream and sweat as one. Recommended for fans of As I Lay Dying, The Black Dahlia Murder, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Bleed From Within, the "Echoes of History" EP pre-order (out Sept 5th) is available at https://unpunished.bandcamp.com.

  Track Listing:​
  1. As Water Fills My Lungs - 4:49
  2. Plague of Our Race - 4:39
  3. Shattered in Dissaray - 5:06
  4. Echoes of History - 4:52
  5. Burn the Traitors ft. Alex Leblanc - 4:38
  EP Length: 24:06

  More info: Facebook.com/Unpunishedband | Instagram.com/unpunished_band

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