Search Results: metal

• Canadian Power Thrash PHEAR's Heaviest Sound To Date On New Album "Save Our Souls" (Produced by Jon Howard (Threat Signal))

  Feb 13, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian metal contingent PHEAR has unleashed their second full-length album "Save Our Souls", now available as of February 13th, 2025 with digital distribution from Golden Robot Records. The new record follows the band's award-winning album “Instanitarium” (2019), and their critically acclaimed EP “The Curse Lives On” (2020).

  With their arena-caliber sound, "Save Our Souls" was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jon Howard (Threat Signal), and can be best described as the heaviest offering from PHEAR to date. Most of the album was written during the dark times of Covid. "Not a lot to be happy about during that time," adds vocalist Patrick Mulock.

  Extremely passionate and driven, PHEAR is always thinking of new ways to entertain its fans, and "Save Our Souls" is no exception. It has taken four years to complete (mostly due to covid). Led by Patrick Mulock and producer Jon Howard in the studio, each musician was pushed hard to get the best out of each of them and they delivered.

  "We had a lot of time to craft these songs. We didn’t have any time restraints. We would go into the studio and do three songs at a time. We were very excited to work with Jon Howard (Threat Signal) again. Jon is the sixth member of Phear. The studio experience was great as we fed off each other's ideas. We pushed each other to get the best performances we could. There are NO FILLERS here. Seven String guitars have played a big part in this. Our sound has grown. The bass guitar on this album is HUGE! The drumming from Mike Harshaw was also very aggressive. If you were to ask me now…This is the heaviest Phear has ever been……….for now lol!" says Mulock.

  A listening experience of thrash, prog, and classic metal elements, PHEAR offers a strong balance from infectious choruses to melodic and growling vocals for true heavy metal nostalgia. Their two lead singles, the album's title track and "Snake" are sure to make you throw up your hail horns and rock out with a sore neck from the headbanging. Plus the band offers up their cover version of Nevermore's "Narcosynthesis".

  "We feel that Phear fans will LOVE this album. We have played some of these songs live and they have gone over amazingly. The first time we played the title track “Save Our Souls”, the entire club was singing the chorus. And it has happened everywhere we have played since…….. No better feeling in the world!" adds Mulock.

  PHEAR features Patrick Mulock (Lead Vocals) (Eidolon, Rampage), Pat Rogers (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Profaner- 2016 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), Alex Zubair (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Burn to Black, Nadar Sadek, Iomair, Nephelium), Andrew Suarez (Drums) (Fatality, The Slyde - 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions) and Chris Boshis (Bass) (Conflicted).

  Throughout their existence, PHEAR has had the honour of opening for German metal legend UDO DIRSCHNEIFER, THE DEAD DAISIES, and STRYPER, along with performing on a pre-show for icons and heroes IRON MAIDEN in 2019 in Toronto at Budweiser Stage.

  Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Dream Theater (prog elements), and Metallica, PHEAR's sophomore album "Save Our Souls" is available from Golden Robot Records at the following link (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon) - https://orcd.co/save-our-souls​

  Track Listing​
  1. Aftershock (5:11)
  2. Save Our Souls (6:39)
  3. Snake (5:26)
  4. Narcosynthesis* (5:29) (*Nevermore Cover)
  5. New World Error (5:11)
  6. Lease on Life (7:02)
  7. Bleed (7:57)
  8. On Thin Ice (8:20)
  9. Delusions (Live) 6:45)
  Album Length: 58:03

  Album Credits:​
  All songs performed by: Phear
  All songs written by: Phear
  *excluding “Narcosynthesis” Written by Nevermore
  Produced by: Jon Howard and Phear
  Mixed by: Jon Howard and Phear
  Mastered by: Jon Howard (Woodward Avenue Studios)
  Album Artwork for “Save Our Souls”: Drake Mefestta
  ​

  Recording Band Line Up:​
  Patrick Mulock - Lead Vocals
  Chris Boshis - Bass Guitars, Backing Vocals
  Alex Zubair - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Pat Rogers - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Mike Harshaw - Drums

  Live Band Line Up​
  Patrick Mulock - Lead Vocals
  Chris Boshis - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
  Alex Zubair - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Pat Rogers - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
  Andrew Suarez - Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://phearofficial.com​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/phearband​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/spreadthephear

  Read more

• STRIKER's "ULTRAPOWER" Nominated For JUNO Award for Metal / Hard Music Album of The Year + EU Tour w/ Unleash The Archers, Seven Kingdoms

  Feb 12, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton, AB heavy metal masters STRIKER have been nominated for their third Juno Award for "Metal/Hard Music Album of The Year" for their 2024 album "ULTRAPOWER" released via their indie label Record Breaking Records.

  "Honoured to be among the best of the best of the best along with our fellow JUNO nominees this year for our 3rd consecutive nomination! This means a lot to us, we always give it all and are ready for anything. Tough competition this year, it's a brawl at the pub, but no matter what, we will live to fight another day." adds the band.

  STRIKER has been nominated alongside Anciients, Devin Townsend, Kittie, and Spiritbox.

  2025 - JUNO Awards - METAL/HARD MUSIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR / ALBUM DE MUSIQUE MÉTAL/HARD DE L’ANNÉE​
  ​
  Anciients - Beyond the Reach of the Sun - Season of Mist / The Orchard
  Devbin Townsend - PowerNerd - InsideOut Music / Sony
  Kittie - Fire - Sumerian / Virgin
  Spiritbox - The Fear of Fear - BMG / Universal
  Striker - ULTRAPOWER - Independent

  Full list of 2025 Nominees and Categories can be found at https://junoawards.ca/2025-juno-awards-nominees/

  STRIKER's latest album "ULTRAPOWER" was produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810). The seventh full-length from STRIKER follows their Juno Award-winning self-released record "Play to Win" (2018) unleashed on their label Record Breaking Records.

  With the band writing material since 2018, "ULTRAPOWER" is a collection of Striker tinkering and exploring new avenues. From the album's opening track "Circle of Evil", a Malmsteen-esque metal banger about secret societies and the evil dealings behind closed doors to their previously released single "BEST of the BEST of the BEST" serving up some big riffs and hockey arena vocals to "Blood Magic", which might be one of Striker's most progressive songs, taking cues from bands like King Diamond, with its unconventional structure and punctuated guitar solos. From the band delving into their obsession for late 80s AOR and pop rock with "City Calling", an ode to 1987, and bands like Toto and Kenny Loggins with their hook-powered albums. To fans experiencing the band's first attempt at a synth-wave track with "Live To Fight Another Day", this new offering sees Striker making a shredding love letter to the hard-rocking era of guilty pleasures.

  "ULTRAPOWER" was released on February 2nd, 2024, and is available at https://www.striker-metal.com/shop/ (CD, Vinyl, Digital)

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3SnIshu​

  ​

  In additional news, STRIKER is kicking off their EU tour with Unleash The Archers and Seven Kingdoms (dates listed below).

  EU Tour 2025 - Unleash The Archers, Striker, Seven Kingdoms​
  Tickets: https://linktr.ee/UnleashTheArchersTour2025​
  12.02 (DE) KARLSRUHE @ Substage
  13.02 (DE) ASCHAFFENBURG @ Colos-Saal
  14.02 (DE) COLOGNE @ Live Music Hall
  15.02 (BE) KORTRIJK @ De Kreun
  16.02 (GB) LONDON @ The Underworld
  17.02 (FR) PARIS @ La Machine
  19.02 (CH) ZURICH @ Dynamo
  20.02 (IT) MILAN @ Legend Club
  21.02 (DE) MUNICH @ Backstage Halle
  22.02 (CZ) ZLIN @ Masters of Rock Cafe
  23.02 (HU) BUDAPEST @ Barba Negra
  25.02 (AT) VIENNA @ Szene
  26.02 (PL) CRACOW @ Kwadrat
  27.02 (DE) LEIPZIG @ Hellraiser
  28.02 (LU) ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE @ Rockhal
  01.03 (DE) HAMBURG @ Kronensaal
  02.03 (NL) HAARLEM @ Patronaat

  More info: Striker-metal.com​

  Read more

• Texas' ABOLISHMENT OF FLESH Drops Devastating Music Video for “Disavowed” Off “Resurrecting Misanthropy” EP Out Now!

  Feb 11, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  

  Texas death metal tyrants Abolishment of Flesh are unshackling their new music video for “Disavowed”, the closing track from their 2023 EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy”. The video continues the band's tradition of creating intense, uncompromising visual experiences that match their sonic brutality. Ramon Cazares (guitars/bass/drums/vocals) explains the track in his own words:

  “I wrote this song a couple of years ago. In a way, this could be a continuation of “Hater of Man”. It’s about a person that’s grown old and became misanthropic. This takes place in the future. It’s a reflection of how the world and society have failed this person. They’ve finally given up on everything and just sit and wait for death.”

  At just over four minutes, “Disavowed” represents the band's evolved sound – more structured yet still maintaining the raw, chaotic energy that has defined their music since their early days. There’s a little bit of something for everyone on the EP; Abolishment of Flesh is not just death metal - they throw in some black metal, melody, thrash, groove, and grind. Combined with anti-human themes, they deliver death and destruction.

  “Disavowed” embodies the band's message of anti-human sentiment, delivered with surgical precision and unbridled aggression. It is recommended for fans of Amon Amarth Kataklysm, and Suffocation.

  Watch and listen to the video for “Disavowed” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

  “Resurrecting Misanthropy” is out now at Abolishmentofflesh.bandcamp.com and Spotify.​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Words Defy Truth (4:00)
  2. Hater of Man (3:23)
  3. Disavowed (4:04)
  ​

  More info: ​​Abolishmentofflesh.com | Facebook.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial | X.com/abolishmenttxdm | Youtube.com/@abolishmentoffleshofficial | Instagram.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial​

   

  Read more

• HYPERSPACE METALFEST Adds AfterTime To 2025 Lineup w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, GREYHAWK, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR and more!

  Feb 11, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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

  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 Symphonic Metal Storytellers, Minneapolis' AfterTime to their 2025 lineup to replace the unfortunate cancelation of OwlBear.

  Since their inception in 2011, AfterTime has been perfecting a potent blend of Symphonic Metal and orchestral film scores. Their songs are larger-than-life and unapologetically epic, with a special focus on adventurous storytelling and marvelous atmospheres. This past September, the band announced Narcissa as their new vocalist and released a version of their song "Sons of Fenrir" with her on vocals. The track is from their latest album “Arcane Horizons” released in May 2024.

  ​
  ​
  Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:

  "This time of year is always hectic for us, and this year is no exception. Owlbear has been forced to pull out of the lineup this year. For more info on that, watch for a statement from them on their page. In their place, we will have the epic AfterTime from Minneapolis! They'll be playing Vancouver for the very first time on day 3 of Hyperspace and we can't wait!"

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

  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".

  ​

  Friday, April 11th, the second-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. Music Video - Guardians - https://youtu.be/W9BKYvGYeCM​

  Headlining Friday, April 11th at The Cobalt and returning for their third time at HMF is Seattle's Greyhawk stepping in at the last minute to headline night 2 of Hyperspace this year. With new singer Anthony Corso, Greyhawk is ready to bring the power with what is sure to be their best performance at Hyperspace yet! Anyone who has seen this traditional heavy metal titan before knows that 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.

  ​

  Also featured on the Friday night lineup is the first-ever live performance from 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. Their fourth full-length "Tempora Mutantur" was released on January 31st via Saibot Reigns Records to follow 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 that 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
  ​
  ​Friday, April 11th - The Cobalt​
  Greyhawk
  Lunar
  Solarus
  Tylor Dory Trio
  The Astral Prophets
  ​
  ​Saturday, April 12th - The Rickshaw Theatre​
  Enforcer
  Psychostick
  Crimson Shadows
  AfterTime
  Luminator

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

  Over the five editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.

  Read more

• Ecuador's ANIMA INSIDE New Video "Through The Glass" Off Upcoming Album "Alien"

  Feb 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Ecuadar's Anima Inside, unveils "Through The Glass", a compelling new single accompanied by a striking official music video, further amplifying the song’s intense emotional depth. As one of the most powerful tracks from their upcoming album "Alien", the song showcases the band’s signature blend of modern rock, progressive elements, and rich melodic textures.

  With razor-sharp riffs, a dynamic rhythm section, and soaring vocals, "Through The Glass" takes listeners on a profound journey of perception and self-reflection. The song questions reality—do we truly see what’s on the other side or just a distorted version of the truth? This duality is mirrored in the cinematic music video, which visually brings to life the track’s themes of introspection and uncertainty.

  Renowned for their ability to fuse progressive rock, alternative influences, and Latin musical roots, Anima Inside once again delivers a track that is both immediate and deeply layered. Fans of Muse, Pink Floyd, and Disturbed will find themselves drawn to its evocative storytelling, soaring melodies, and immersive instrumental work.

  With meticulous production and a striking visual narrative, "Through The Glass" is a powerful statement, reinforcing Anima Inside’s status as one of South America’s most compelling rock acts.

  LISTEN TO "Through The Glass" - https://lnk.to/iqOTVT​
  ​

  More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://animainside.com | https://www.facebook.com/AnimaInside | https://www.instagram.com/animainside | https://x.com/AnimaInside

  Read more