Search Results: melodic

• HYPERSPACE METALFEST Adds GREYHAWK, THE ASTRAL PROPHETS To 2025 Lineup w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR, OWLBEAR, RED CAIN and more!

  Jan 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Returning for its 6th edition after another year of crowd-pleasing epic fun in Vancouver, B.C., Canada's premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE METAL FEST announces the addition of headliner GREYHAWK along with The Astral Prophets to their 2025 lineup to replace the unfortunate cancelations of Planeswalker and support from Heyoka's Mirror.

  Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:

  "There has been a shakeup in the Hyperspace lineup for this year. Planeswalker and Heyoka's Mirror have had to cancel their appearances this April. We're hoping that we'll be able to have them at the fest in the future, we're going to keep trying for next year. For this year please welcome newcomers The Astral Prophets and for the Friday night headliner, we have the mighty Greyhawk stepping up to play once again! Anyone who's seen them at Hyperspace before knows that they are going to tear the roof off!"

  Being hosted at The Cobalt (April 10 &11th) and the Rickshaw Theatre (April 12th), Hyperspace Metal Fest's 2025 lineup features headliners ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, along with Crimson Shadows, Lunar, Owlbear, Tower Hill, Solarus, Red Cain, Tylor Dory Trio, Serpent Rider, Luminator, and Crüzer.

  HMF 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3T4kU2p

  Headlining Saturday, April 12th at The Rickshaw Theatre, Sweden's ENFORCER have proved themselves both live and on record, they stake their place amongst the world’s most renowned heavy metal bands since first forming in 2005. They have toured the world over, playing the biggest festivals and garnering a global fanbase. Their latest sixth studio album Nostalgia (released May 2023 - Nuclear Blast), features 13 heavy metal anthems and throws ENFORCER back to their speed metal roots. Fusing extreme guitar riffing with catchy stadium choruses, ENFORCER is out to conquer the world.

  ​

  Supporting ENFORCER on the closing night lineup will be Comedy Metal Kings PSYCHOSTICK. These humorcore titans bring forth a nostalgic escapade of sing-alongs and moshing fun with iconic titles such as "Beer!", "Numbers (I Can Only Count to Four)", "Dogs Like Socks", "Obey The Beard!", "Boobs", and their latest single "Ultra Mega Fast".

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  The Saturday night lineup will also witness the return of the formidable force that is Toronto's Crimson Shadows bringing forth tales of fantasy and warfare in their fierce melodic power and death metal imbued sound. Thundering across the icy Canadian mountains, Crimson Shadows has awoken after five years away. The band has emerged from the dark and is preparing to forge its own path in this next stage of its journey. Across their defiant career stretching almost two decades, to date notable highlights of Crimson Shadows' journey include the band’s appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany in mid-2013 and subsequent victory in obtaining the title of International Wacken Battle Champions. Alongside international performances, Crimson Shadows has ventured across the length and breadth of their homeland delivering brutality, technical prowess, and unyielding intensity in their melding of power and death.

  Headlining Friday, April 11th at The Cobalt and returning for their third time at HMF is Seattle's Greyhawk. This will be the band's first time headlining along with performing with new vocalist Anthony Corso. They are supporting their latest album "Thunderheart" released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music.

  The second night of the festival will also unleash the first-ever live performance of Lunar, a progressive metal project from California that features members from Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision. Founded by drummer Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) and Ryan Erwin who passed away in 2018, LUNAR continues in his memory. This fourth full-length "Tempora Mutantur" out on January 31st via Saibot Reigns Records follows 2023's "The Illusionist" and features a fresh lineup with the addition of guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist) and Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse).

  Meant to perform on the 2024 lineup, but forced to cancel, Tylor Dory Trio returns for 2025, they are a monstrous progressive metal unit and beloved by many in Western Canada. This live performance on Friday, April 11th, will be their first following a nearly seven-year layoff. 

  Also added to the Friday lineup and opening the night is The Astral Prophets, a psychedelic rock/metal band from Calgary, AB featuring Apprentice, Lycanthro, and Scythia members. This is the band's first time on the fest although some members have played the fest before in previous groups. They will be supporting their latest 2023 EP "Anywhere But Here".

  Opening night of the festival, Thursday, April 10th at The Cobalt, will showcase 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 this past March. 

  Traveling from Edmonton, AB, Tower Hill delivers premium old-school heavy metal inspired by bands like Running Wild, Riot, Judas Priest, early Blind Guardian, and Helloween. Forging the best of the late 80s and early 90s German, British, and US metal scenes into a new blend of shimmering steel, Tower Hill’s riff-driven, hook-laden traditional metal will have you banging your head and singing along.

  Replacing the originally announced Lost Nebula, Calgary's RED CAIN has been imported to perform their power-prog storytelling with Eastern European roots for the masses. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I”, “Kindred: Act II” and "NÄE'BLISS". The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with the latest singles "Firestarter" and "Demons II".

  ​Hyperspace Metal Festival VI - April 10th - 12th.​
  One-day passes and three-day passes are available at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hyperspace-metal-festival-vi-tickets-1000996957847​

  Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/1637280440385808​

  Thursday, April 10th - The Cobalt​
  Glyph
  Tower Hill
  Red Cain
  Serpent Rider
  Crüzer
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  ​Friday, April 11th - The Cobalt​
  Greyhawk
  Lunar
  Solarus
  Tylor Dory Trio
  The Astral Prophets
  ​
  ​Saturday, April 12th - The Rickshaw Theatre​
  Enforcer
  Psychostick
  Crimson Shadows
  Owlbear
  Luminator

  To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2024, please visit the following links:
  ​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
  ​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
  
  

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• Poland’s KINGSPHERE Unveils Powerful Music Video for “Archetype” Off Forthcoming Third Album in 2025

  Jan 10, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Modern metal outfit Kingsphere, from Rybnik, Poland, is set to release the music video for their latest single “Archetype”, delivering a memorable metalcore experience that is both aggressive and emotionally vulnerable. The band comments on what listeners can expect:

  “It is an intense and dynamic track that captures the essence of our sound. It combines heavy, hard-hitting verses with melodic and emotionally charged choruses, creating a powerful contrast. The energy is elevated by intricate guitar solos that add an electrifying edge and depth to the song. The track also features a mystical bridge, offering a moment of atmosphere and intrigue before diving back into its relentless energy.”

  With two albums under their belts, 2012’s Self-Titled and 2022’s “Enigmatic”, Kingsphere’s sound has evolved naturally as they’ve grown as musicians and as a band. In the beginning, they focused on raw energy and heavy riffs, inspired by their love for modern metal. Over time, they’ve started experimenting with more dynamic elements—adding catchier melodies, atmospheric layers, and intricate rhythms—to create a more diverse and unique sound.

  “Archetype” is a journey through aggression, melody, and emotion, reflecting both the raw power and the introspective side of the band. It is recommended for anyone who enjoys powerful clean vocals and heavy breakdowns, especially those with an interest in All That Remains, Born Of Osiris, and The Browning.

  Watch and listen to the music video for “Archetype” at https://youtu.be/pTfJXcq3DjQ

  [embed]https://youtu.be/pTfJXcq3DjQ[/embed]

  ​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/408zE2R

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/track/1tUHzKPZSbgSzF754I076l[/embed]

  Kingsphere is:
  Piotr Miliczek - Vocals
  Marek Kula - Guitar
  Kamil Sikorski - Guitar / Vocals
  Paweł Kawalec - Bass
  Maciej Sobieski - Drums

  For more info:

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

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

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• Take A Cinematic Climb Over "The Mountain" w/ New Video From THE MOURNING (ft. members Witherfall, 3 Headed Snake)

  Dec 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Take A Cinematic Climb Over "The Mountain" w/ New Video From THE MOURNING (ft. members Witherfall, 3 Headed Snake)

  New Album "Hush" Out Now!

  Album Guests - Francesco Pinter (Berklee alumnus), Charlie Robbins (Syncatto, Artificial Language), Thomas Griggs (Intervals), Jeff Pogan (ex-Suicidal Tendencies), Trey Xavier (Gear Gods)

  Florida, USA’s progressive metal powerhouse The Mourning has just released their captivating new music video for “The Mountain” a visually stunning exploration of tranquility, spiritual connection, and personal transformation from their latest album “Hush” released earlier this year. The band comments on the conception of the track:

  “The single was written while overlooking the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina, capturing the serene experience of escaping the city’s hustle and bustle. This song reflects how such tranquility can bring a closer connection to one's inner divine.”

  The track starts with a soft, beautiful melody that mirrors the peacefulness of the mountains, gradually evolving into a powerful prog metal anthem. This transition symbolizes the awakening of deeper spiritual consciousness. As the song progresses, intricate instrumental layers and complex rhythms emerge. The soaring vocals deliver emotional intensity, with lyrics infused with themes of nature and spirituality. The climax features catchy cadences and commanding guitar riffs, blending technical prowess with melodic sensibility.

  The video was filmed against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains in Blue Ridge, Georgia, and it is a cinematic journey that mirrors the song's profound musical and lyrical landscape. “The Mountain” is recommended for those who enjoy the grandeur of nature and progressive music, especially bands like Porcupine Tree, Polyphia, and Haken.

  Watch and listen to the music video for "The Mountain" via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

  “Hush” was released on June 24, 2024, and is available at Spotify | Themourning.bandcamp.com | Themourningmusic.com/store/ (CD, Digital)

  (Album Artwork by Sam Shearon)

  Track Listing:​
  1. Chaos Machine – 4:57
  2. The Mountain – 5:37
  3. He Cries – 4:22
  4. I Feel The Rain – 5:05
  5. Hush – 5:04
  6. The Wind – 4:40
  7. My Own Way – 4:47
  8. Cries of the Mind – 5:34
  9. My Own Hell – 4:48
  10. Smooth Seas – 7:02
  Album Length - 52:56
  ​
  ​Album Recording Credits:​
  ● All songs performed by: The Mourning
  ● All songs written by: The Mourning
  ● Produced by: Alex Nasla (ASCAP Member) & David Alex
  ● Mixed by: Alex Nasla
  ● Mastered by: Alex Nasla
  ● Album Artwork by: Sam Shearon
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  ● Johnny Ray – Vocals, Keyboards
  ● Alex Nasla – Keyboards (ASCAP Member)
  ● Loren Whitaker – Bass
  ● Jason Berlin – Drums
  ● Eliana Blanchard – Backing Vocals
  ● Brandon Delpino – Backing Vocals
  ● Francesco Pinter – Guitar
  ​
  ​Guest Musicians:​
  1. Charlie Robbins (Syncatto, Artificial Language)
  ○ Track: Chaos Machine
  ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo
  2. Trey Xavier (In Virtue)
  ○ Track: Smooth Seas
  ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo
  3. Jeff Pogan (Suicidal Tendencies, Oneironaut)
  ○ Track: Cries of the Mind
  ○ Contribution: Guitar Solo
  ​
  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  ● Johnny Ray – Lead Vocals
  ● Zai Alyenora – Lead Vocals
  ● Jason Berlin – Drums
  ● Alex Nasla (ASCAP Member) – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
  ● Francesco Pinter – Guitar

  For more info: Themourningmusic.com | Facebook.com/themourningmusic | Instagram.com/themourningmusic

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• DREAM HEAVY's New Single "Survival" ft. Haida Hip Hop Artist Ms.PANIK Warns of An Imminent Apocalyptic Future

  Dec 4, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Canada's DREAM HEAVY's New Single "Survival" ft. Haida Hip Hop Artist Ms.PANIK Warns of An Imminent Apocalyptic Future

  New EP Coming 2025

  Weaving together ethereal vocals, rich harmonies, and intricate guitar along with violin melodies, Dunster, BC, Canada's Dream Heavy is a melodic and enchanting world folk metal group. This past June, the band revealed their single “Song In The Dark” while they toured across British Columbia this summer.

  With a plan to release their yet-to-be-titled upcoming EP next year, the band is proud to present their latest thought-provoking single “Survival”.

  “Survival” (originally titled “Extinction”) was originally written in 2019 and early 2020 as a central theme for Wishbone Theater Productions' original Stage Play: “The Last Good Valley”, a somewhat macabre and darkly humorous fantasy of a possible imminent apocalyptic future.

  The creation of this piece of music took on a life of its own as the production was ironically halted due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

  At the time of the outbreak of the pandemic, Dream Heavy was just in the process of transitioning from playing as the “Samson's Delilah” duo to the bigger heavier sound of the full band.

  Band members were also personally involved in assisting and supporting the Wet'su'weten Hereditary Chiefs and land defenders in their fight against Coastal GasLink and the colonial governments of Canada and British Columbia who were illegally forcing a fracked gas pipeline across their territory.

  Considering the lyrical content of the song and the tense decolonization struggles being undertaken by their friends and allies at the time, Dream Heavy enlisted the help of Haida Hip Hop artist Ms.PANIK to write and record the mid-section of the track.

  The band comments on “Survival”:

  "Survival is both a stark reminder of the dire consequences of unmitigated climate change and a reminder of the still unresolved horrors of colonization. But it also offers a glimmer of hope to the listeners of an end to the “Colonial Apocalypse” and a focus on healing. This is a song that will have audiences dancing for change!"

  Listen to “Survival” ft. Ms.PANIK at the following links:

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3ZG9HYv

  Dream Heavy comes from the ashes of beloved bands like Mamaguroove and Samson's Delilah and credits their unique sound to a plethora of influences from metal, Latin, Celtic, and other world music traditions. Their music, characterized by its intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, has captivated audiences across Canada and beyond, earning them a place on campus radio Top 10 lists.

  Reflecting on the band's long journey, they share that Dream Heavy's sound has evolved from each member’s collective passion for sound, movement, and justice. With their forthcoming EP, they aim to create a sonic and lyrical soundscape that demands to be heard in its entirety—a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Dream Heavy is recommended for fans of boundary-pushing music in the veins of Porcupine Tree, Kalandra, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

  Previous Single - “Song In The Dark” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dreamheavy/song-in-the-dark​

  ​

  More info: Dreamheavy.ca | Facebook.com/dreamheavyproject | Instagram.com/dreamheavyproject

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• LIVA Unveils Epic Orchestral Metal Music Video For “Samson & Dalila I” Off New Album “Ecce Mundus”

  Oct 29, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Liva, the pioneering Canadian metal band known for their unique fusion of classical and heavy metal, has released a captivating music video for “Samson & Dalila I”, from their latest album “Ecce Mundus” released on CD in November 2023 and digitally January 2024. The band's fourth full-length marks Liva's triumphant return to its roots, featuring medieval poetry and Latin texts set against a backdrop of majestic orchestral metal. The album explores timeless themes from antiquity, including the glory of Rome, the tale of Samson and Delilah, and enduring human flaws such as greed, corruption, and hypocrisy. Vocalist/guitarist Pier Carlo Liva comments on the single:

  “This is the flagship song of the album. This song has all the elements that are to be found in the Liva style. It’s about the old story of Samson & Dalila. To avenge her people, Dalila cuts off Samson's hair, thus weakening him."

  The “Samson & Dalila I” video is a visual feast that complements the band's expansive sound, featuring more developed orchestrations and heavier guitar parts than ever before. It offers fans a glimpse into the lyrical experience and otherworldly atmosphere that defines Liva's music.

  Formed in Sherbrooke, Québec in 1997, Liva has been at the forefront of blending classical music with metal in Canada. The band's unique sound features extensive sonic explorations, grandiose orchestrations, and powerful vocal performances that transport listeners to another world. They are recommended for fans of Therion, Nightwish, and Leaves’Eyes.

  Their latest album “Ecce Mundus” was released on CD on November 17, 2023, and digitally on January 12, 2024, via Stoke Records with distribution by Outside Music (Canada) and Orchard (US).

  CD and digital - https://livametalband.bandcamp.com/​

  CD - https://www.livaband.com/merch/​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3NyGqcp

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. De avaritia et luxuria mundi – (9:30)
  2. Materiae summa - (6 :33)
  3. Ecce mundus demundatur - (5 :06)
  4. Sunt – (3 :34)
  5. Samson & Dalila I – (5 :29)
  6. Samson & Dalila II – (5 :19)
  7. Obscura – (7 :31)
  8. O Roma nobilis – (6 :57)
  9. Silence – (6 :04)
  Album Length: 55:51

  Liva is:​
  Pier Carlo Liva (tenor vocal, death vocal, guitars, electronics)
  Nadine Guertin (soprano vocal)
  Martin Tremblay (bass)
  Claude Lacroix (drums)

  More info: Livaband.com | Facebook.com/www.livaband | Instagram.com/livametalband​

  -30-

  "There are fewer rules in metal nowadays, and fellow Francophones Liva have taken the ones that remain and stomped them to dust. The mix is raw and yet warm. The hook finds you it won’t let go. 8/10" - Brave Words (Ecce Mundus)

  -« (…) le compromis parfait entre puissance et mélodie. Un voyage au travers de sonorités lointaines et saisissantes. Le groupe a apporté un soin particulier à créer une atmosphère enivrante. Tout simplement splendide, transcendé. Il est évident que Liva est un groupe au potentiel énorme. Sublime ! » 9/10, Rock Hard (France) (Ecce Mundus)

  ”This is a fantastic album. Highly recommended.” Powerplay Magazine (Ecce Mundus)

  ​
  --
  ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
  Jon Asher - Music Publicist
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