Search Results: metal

• PHAETON Unveils First Single "Tethys Rising" From Third Album "Neurogenesis" Out Oct 2025

  Sep 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet Phaeton returns with their third full-length album, "Neurogenesis", out on October 24th, 2025, via INB Music, along with it being made available on vinyl at a later date this year. The record is a tightly wound, interstellar journey through melody, muscle, and mind-expanding musicality. With no vocals, no limits, Phaeton lets their instruments do the talking, creating emotional landscapes without a single lyric.

  The album’s title refers to the birth of new neural pathways, fitting for a band that thrives on cerebral complexity and visceral impact. "Neurogenesis" builds on the foundation laid by their previous releases, "Self-Titled" (2018) and "Between Two Worlds" (2023), but sharpens the focus with more concise compositions that never sacrifice imagination. Each track is a self-contained universe, yet together they form a cohesive anthology of sonic exploration. Fans will also be delighted to hear that keyboard wizard Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo) guests on the track "Isochron".​
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  The album artwork, created by Calgary visual artist Matt Semenok, features a suspended human brain infused with bioelectricity and cybernetic implants, a chilling nod to the accelerating march of technology and the psychological lag it leaves behind. Think H.R. Giger meets Bill Sienkiewicz in a dystopian dreamscape.

  Today, the band unveils the first single, “Tethys Rising,” which was written by bassist Ferdy Belland. It is a triumphant, high-energy track inspired by the astronomy art of Chesley Bonestell and Belland’s own dream of setting foot on Saturn’s moon.

  The band comments:

  "This was the first complete song that Ferdy wrote for us. He’s big into astronomy, and he loves the retro sci-fi art of Chesley Bonestell, who illustrated this classic image of Saturn as viewed from the surface of its moon Tethys. So he comes up right out of the blue with this tune with all these busier-than-hell riffs. He was nervous at first about submitting his own stuff, since he wanted what he presented to us to be as strong as the songs Kevin and Daniel normally write, but we were encouraging, and “Tethys Rising” certainly matches up in power and quality to anything we’ve written. Ferdy wants to be the first human astronaut on Tethys, for real, but in the meantime, he can celebrate it in song."

  Watch and listen to “Tethys Rising” via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

  Formed from a fusion of four seasoned musicians, Colin Righton, Daniel Airth, Kevin Thiessen, and Ferdy Belland, Phaeton was born from a hunch and a history. Righton had played with each member in separate bands and sensed that combining their talents would spark something extraordinary. Nearly a decade later, that spark has become a supernova.

  From Devin Townsend and Rush to Meshuggah and Gojira, Phaeton blends prog, tech-death, thrash, and djent into a kaleidoscope of sound.
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  Beyond "Neurogenesis", fans can look forward to the 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” slated for release as a standalone EP in 2026, and the band’s fourth album “Quartum” expected in 2027. With new material already brewing, Phaeton shows no signs of slowing its cosmic ascent.

  "Neurogenesis" - album pre-order (out Oct 24th) - https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F6RHipUtHpTXxrlABsHth​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
  2. Discontinuum (6:37)
  3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
  4. Synethesia (6:24)
  5. Arachnid (4:48)
  6. Augmented (4:37)
  7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
  Album Length: 39:19

  Band Lineup:​
  - Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
  - Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
  - Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
  - Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial​

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• One Man Band From Patrick Loisel (AUGURY) - MERFOLK Unveils Remastered EP "Demersal" with Haunting New Video "Mind Hive"

  Sep 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The enigmatic solo project Merfolk, helmed by Patrick Loisel (Augury), returns with a remastered edition of the cult 2012 EP "Demersal," accompanied by a surreal new music video for the track “Mind Hive.” Entirely conceived, performed, filmed, and edited by one man, known for his work with Augury, Kralized, and Foreshadow, Merfolk is a sonic and visual odyssey unlike anything else in the metal underground.
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  ​“Mind Hive” is the third and final video from "Demersal," a record that blends whistled melodies, vintage keyboards, and furious metal instrumentation into a ghoulish, genre-defying experience. The video, like its predecessors, features handcrafted puppets, practical effects, and a visual style that evokes the psychedelic climax of 2001: A Space Odyssey, all built and filmed solo in total darkness, often with props collapsing mid-shot.
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  ​“I built the studio, the instruments, the puppets, about 50 of them, and filmed everything myself. It was easier than trying to coordinate with someone at 3 AM when inspiration strikes,” says Patrick Loisel, aka Merfolk.

  
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  ​"Demersal" is a sonic dive into the abyss, inspired by supernatural aquatic phenomena, UFOs, and lost civilizations. The interlude “Doggerland” features a harp once owned by singer/historian Peter Pringle, while the EP’s eerie textures range from 70s manga soundtracks to black metal and free jazz. The remaster brings new clarity to its murky depths, while preserving the unsettling ambiance fans have come to love.
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  ​Merfolk’s creator, an adopted child of Native ancestry, former physics teacher, patent historian, and lifelong ecologist, has overcome degenerative arthritis through physiotherapy and weight loss, and now channels his eclectic life into music that’s as furious as it is thoughtful.
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  ​“Some people thought my drums were programmed. “I’m in my 50s, it’s not my main instrument, but I played every note,” adds Loisel.
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  The "Demersal" remaster is available now on all major platforms - https://artists.landr.com/990591563315​

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  Merfolk’s 2025 album "Sundaland" (released May 26th) promises even more ambitious storytelling, classical instrumentation, and psychedelic visuals, including a video filmed in the depths of Montreal’s Lachine Canal set for release in the coming weeks.

  "Sundaland" available at https://artists.landr.com/990591564626​
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  For fans of Emperor, Mayhem, Hollenthon, Mercyful Fate, and the weirdest corners of 70s music, Merfolk offers a blastier blast and a spookier spook—no backup tracks, no compromises, just one man and his abyss.

  More info: https://www.melogy.ca/merfolk | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553443841461

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• Fusing Brazilian Soul and Heavy Metal Guitar Virtuoso GLAUBER OLIVEIRA (Caravellus, Dark Avenger) Unveils Debut Solo Single “LORE”

  Aug 29, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Renowned Brazilian guitarist and producer Glauber Oliveira steps into the spotlight with the release of his long-awaited solo instrumental single, "LORE," available worldwide on August 29th, 2025. Known for his groundbreaking work with progressive metal bands Caravellus and Dark Avenger, Oliveira now channels decades of musical exploration into a bold new chapter, one that blends the ancestral rhythms of Brazil with the intensity and precision of modern metal.

  
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  ​"LORE" is more than a song; it’s a statement. Drawing from the Maracatu rhythm of northeastern Brazil, Oliveira crafts a track that pulses with melodic complexity, emotional depth, and technical brilliance. The single’s artwork, featuring a raven with glowing red eyes emerging from a twilight blaze, mirrors the music’s mystical and introspective tone, a union of ancient wisdom and contemporary fire.
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  ​“This is a chance to bring what I carry in my soul to life. LORE is a song with beautiful melodies and a lot of feeling, combined with technique. It’s the beginning of a journey I’ve dreamed of for years,” says Oliveira.
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  Breaking from traditional album release formats, Oliveira is launching his solo career with a unique audiovisual strategy: one single every six months, each paired with an official music video, playthroughs, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive merchandise. This immersive approach reflects his deep commitment to craft and connection.

  With international releases under his belt and a reputation for musical excellence, Oliveira’s solo work marks a return to his roots and a leap forward. Influenced by legends like Kiko Loureiro, John Petrucci, and Steve Vai, Oliveira’s music defies genre boundaries while remaining deeply personal. His sound can be described in six words as “Brazilian essence, Heaviness, Virtuosity, Technique, Feeling, Melody”, which is a reflection of this dual heritage.
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  ​"LORE" is available on all major streaming platforms starting August 29th, 2025, and can be found at the following link: https://found.ee/GlauberOliveiraLORE​

   

  More info: https://www.glauberoliveira.net/

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• Experience Raw Metal Intensity w/ IMPERISHABLE's (ft. Nile, Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation members) Debut Album “Revelation In Purity”

  Aug 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Get set to experience a raw and real death metal experience with the debut album "Revelation in Purity" from IMPERISHABLE, featuring guitarist/vocalist Brian Kingsland (Nile, Enthean), bassist Alex Rush (Olkoth, Enthean), and drum legend Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation). Mixed and mastered by Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me, Whitechapel, Scale the Summit), the album is set to be unleashed on Friday, August 29th, 2025, via Everlasting Spew Records. Teaming up with Decibel Magazine, the triad force is premiering the album's exclusive full stream premiere HERE.

  Delivering an unapologetically fierce experience, Imperishable was formed as an outlet for raw, unfiltered aggression outside their legacy bands. This first full-length is a relentless display of old-school ethos and modern wrath. Eschewing over-polished production, the album plunges listeners into visceral, analog brutality. The title of this record is based on the revelation of what true purity is. Lyrically, the album ranges from topics of religion, health, personal struggles, and sacrifice. Imperishable welcomes interpretation, mirroring their approach to songwriting as collaborative, ever-evolving, and instinctively intense.

  "First of all, we're thrilled to be releasing Revelation In Purity on Everlasting Spew Records. They're a well-respected and renowned underground label that aligns with our musical standards and vision. It's an honor. This album started with just a few ideas between Alex and I, and has now taken on a life of its own, and we're damn proud of what we've achieved here. It represents where we were at the time. Musically and otherwise. The pandemic, the birth of my son, the loss of immediate family, etc, it's all in there. It's an honest record. Even the recording itself has no quantizing or samples on the drums. Minimal edits across the board. We wanted it to sound good, but not over-polished. A lot of that is in capturing the performance. So, you might not hear every note perfectly, but the conviction is there, and that's what matters," says Brian Kingsland.

  A dark, aggressive, and occasionally experimental at times, the songs on "Revelation in Purity" are molded around power rather than flash. Pure metal with a sense of exploration! Recommended for fans of Morbid Angel, Emperor, Angelcorpse, Zyklon, and Nile.

  Album pre-order (CD, Cassette) (out Aug 29th) (Vinyl coming in 2026) - https://everlastingspew.com/​

  Digital - https://everlastingspew.bandcamp.com/album/revelation-in-purity​

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0V9iSPRTE4WRgXZ6DPZAsC

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  ​More info: Facebook.com/Imperishable83 | Instagram.com/imperishable_metal | https://linktr.ee/EverlastingSpew

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• IVY GARDENS Live Off The Floor Sludge Rock Album "Death of Don Valley" + Canadian Tour Dates

  Aug 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Niagara Falls, Canada's Ivy Gardens is unveiling their lush-sounding, raw and live off the floor sludge rock storytelling album "Death of Don Valley" as they prepare to hit the road across Canada in support of its release on August 29th, 2025 via Paper Cut Recordings.

  Before it officially drops, the trio has teamed up with Bravewords for its full stream premiere, which can be heard HERE.

  The band comments on their sophomore album:

  "Death of Don Valley is the record we had inside us, but couldn’t quite articulate for several years. Musically, it’s a huge leap in a more experimental direction. It’s about death, decay, and the ultimate destruction of the world around you. Everybody knows of some sort of small natural space that gets slowly encroached upon until only a shell remains. The pond beside the highway, the wetlands behind the factory. The Don Valley in Toronto is one such natural feature, slowly tainted by industrialization until it can’t support any of the life that it used to. After touring for several years, we grew a lot as musicians, and only after really honing all of this material live for about a year, we felt we were ready to get it tracked and send it into the world. We recorded everything live off the floor, and Frank, our engineer, had heard nothing beforehand and had no idea what we actually sounded like going into it. Eventually, he asked us, 'How do you determine what becomes a 2-minute song, and what becomes a 9-minute song?' Pure instinct, Frank. Here it is."

  Formed in the unlikely crucible of a Princess Auto parking lot, Ivy Gardens began with a simple desire to shred through Rush instrumentals and explore the outer reaches of heavy music. Now, following their acclaimed first full-length "Goon" released in 2024, the band takes a daring leap into more dour, experimental terrain. "Death of Don Valley" presents a concept album steeped in decay, lyrically and sonically portraying the slow death of natural spaces like Toronto’s Don River, drowned by industry and time.

  Ivy Gardens' influences are vast, ranging from progressive icons like Rush, Yes, and King Crimson to sludge pioneers like EYEHATEGOD and Iron Monkey. Their sound blends elements of stoner metal, sludge, math rock, and progressive rock, creating an unpredictable listening experience that takes the listener through a series of emotional and sonic landscapes.
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  Fans can expect a live experience unlike any other as Ivy Gardens is hitting the road for a cross-Canada tour in kicking off on August 29th in St. Catharines, ON, and will wrap up in Victoria, BC on October 25th (dates listed below).

  "Death of Don Valley" (out August 29th) is available for pre-order at https://ivygardens.bandcamp.com/​

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TBuI2vFSltCNhiHdHnz01​

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  Ivy Gardens - Live or Die Tour:​
  Aug 29 - St. Catharines, ON - Warehouse Concert Hall
  Aug 30 - Toronto, ON - Monarch Tavern
  Sept 5 - Kitchener, ON - The Golden Apple
  Sept 12 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge
  Sept 13 - Sarnia, ON - AJs Bar
  Sept 14 - London, ON - Grogettes Living Room
  Sept 18 - Halifax, NS - Radstorm
  Sept 19 - Sydney, NS - Daniels Ale House
  Sept 20 - Charlottetown, PEI - Babas Lounge
  Sept 21 - Moncton, NB - Generator Show
  Sept 25 - Woodstock, NB - Montieth Manor
  Sept 26 - Montreal, QC - Turbo Haus
  Sept 27 - Quebec City, QC - Sonum
  Oct 9 - Barrie, ON - CW Coops
  Oct 10 - Sudbury, ON - Townhouse Tavern
  Oct 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Black Pirates Pub
  Oct 12 - Winnipeg, MB - Bulldog Event Center
  Oct 16 - Regina, SK - The Cure Kitchen and Bar
  Oct 17 - Saskatoon, SK - The Black Cat
  Oct 18 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
  Oct 19 - Edmonton, AB - Blak Bar
  Oct 23 - Kelowna, BC - Dunnenzies
  Oct 24 - Vancouver, BC - Black Alley
  Oct 25 - Victoria, BC - Fernwood Community Center

  More info: Facebook.com/ivygardensband | Instagram.com/ivygardensofficial

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