Search Results: montreal

• DEADWOOD Unleashes “Tales of Massacre”, A Brutal Glimpse Into Upcoming EP "Rituals of a Dying Light" (Innerstrength Records)

  Oct 29, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Canadian deathcore juggernaut Deadwood has dropped their latest single, “Tales of Massacre”, a blistering and terrifying track inspired by the Salem witch trials. The song is the second single from their upcoming concept EP, "Rituals of a Dying Light," set to release on January 6, 2026, via Innerstrength Records.

  Formed in 2020 with the mission to “Make Deathcore Angry Again,” Deadwood has carved a reputation for delivering music that’s angry, aggressive, dark, heavy, and intense. Their latest offering is no exception; “Tales of Massacre” blends brutal technicality with eerie atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of modern deathcore while staying true to the genre’s roots.
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  ​Deadwood’s forthcoming EP, "Rituals of a Dying Light," plunges listeners into a concept-driven nightmare, where each track draws from real-life horrors and urban legends. From tales of demonic possession to infamous historical crimes, the band channels the macabre through punishing riffs and eerie lyricism. The EP features chilling narratives like “Heretic,” a brooding account of a nun overtaken by darkness, layered with piercing solos that cut through the gloom. “Thirst for Blood” delivers a vampiric frenzy, blending punk-tinged rhythms with a dangerously infectious chorus. “Whisper of Death” slows the tempo for a sinister dive into the psyche of Jack the Ripper, while “Echoes of the Fallen” closes the record with a haunting instrumental drenched in lead guitar and ominous atmosphere. Marking a new chapter in Deadwood’s evolution, the EP introduces solos and melodic leads for the first time—adding depth without sacrificing the band’s trademark aggression.

  “We wanted this release to be scarier, heavier, and more extreme,” says founding member Fred Element

  Deadwood’s lineup includes veterans of the Quebec metal scene, Fred Element (ex-Plasma Riffle, ex-Ion Dissonance), Stephane Filion (ex-Nova Spei), and Charles-Etienne Lafrance (Discovery Through Torment, ex-Dismayed).​
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  Their writing process is collaborative, with each member adding their own flavor to Fred’s initial compositions. Lyrics are crafted to match the music’s atmosphere, drawing inspiration from horror, real-life tragedies, and the darker aspects of existence.
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  ​Deadwood’s live performances are known for their chaotic, horror-infused energy. Their stage presence is designed to evoke terror — not just a band playing music, but a visual and sonic assault.

  “We don’t do small talk or funny vibes. We want to scare you. We want you to feel uneasy,” the band explains.
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  Having toured Japan and the U.S., including a standout performance at Inkarceration Festival, Deadwood is now preparing to conquer Europe in 2026. Their relentless drive and commitment to intensity have earned them spots alongside acts like Humanity’s Last Breath, Born of Osiris, and Traitors.
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  With “Tales of Massacre” setting the tone, Deadwood promises more music is already on the way.

  “We chose five tracks that share the same dark atmosphere. But we’re not done yet, fans can expect a lot from us, sooner than you think,” adds the band.
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  For fans of Meshuggah, Whitechapel, Despised Icon, All Shall Perish, and Behemoth, Deadwood is a must-listen. Their sound is a terrifying blend of death metal and hardcore, crafted for those who crave pure brutality.
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  ​"Rituals of a Dying Light" drops January 6, 2026, via Innerstrength Records.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://hypeddit.com/deadwood/talesofmassacre-1

  More info: https://linktr.ee/Deadwood.band | https://innerstrengthrecords.com/

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• ​WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2026 - One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

  Oct 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

  Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.

  "Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air," adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

  Canadian bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select Canada as your country)

  The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.

  Canadian Battle Cities:​
  Vancouver, BC
  Vancouver Island, BC
  BC Interior
  Edmonton, AB
  Toronto, ON
  Hamilton, ON
  Ottawa, ON
  Montreal, QC
  Quebec City, QC

  Watch - Wacken Metal Battle 2025 - Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? - https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

  The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  List of previous WMBC national winners: Killotine (Hamilton, ON - 2025), Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

  The 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered.
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  Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG (British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner.
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  The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

  For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:​
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​X.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/wmbcanada.official

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• Montreal Brass Metal Pioneers FALLSTAF Returns 15 Years After Debut With New Album "Ode To The Dead" Out Nov 2025

  Oct 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After nearly a decade of silence, Montreal’s genre-defying metal band Fallstaf is back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited sophomore album, "Ode to The Dead", is set for release this Fall 2025, and its first single, the title track, is streaming everywhere alongside a gripping lyric video.
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  Known as the pioneers of “brass metal,” Fallstaf made waves in 2011 with their debut 'Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,' produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope). Their signature sound—groove-heavy, progressive metal laced with trombone earned them cult status in the Quebec metal scene. But in 2016, tragedy struck when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, leading to the band’s dissolution.
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  Now, after years of recovery and reflection, Fallstaf has reunited, reignited, and reimagined their sound. "Ode to The Dead" is a powerful, autobiographical journey through survival, grief, and rebirth. Produced once again by Jardine, the album features seven new tracks that blend sludge, thrash, and hardcore influences with melodic hooks and brass-driven chaos.
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  ​“This album wasn’t made to impress; it was made out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” says the band.
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  The first single and title track is a tribute to the deceased.

  "They are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts; that is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song," adds the band.

  Watch the lyric video for “Ode To The Dead” and experience the rebirth of one of Montreal’s most original metal acts.

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  ​Fallstaf’s live shows remain unforgettable: suits and ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg. “People think we’re a ska band—until the first chord hits,” they laugh. Stay tuned. Fallstaf will be kicking ass live soon!
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  ​"Ode to the Dead" will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 14th, 2025, along with an exclusive interactive collectible coffin USB drive.

  Album pre-order - https://fallstaf.bandcamp.com/​

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal

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• UNPUNISHED's New EP Is An Aggressive Lesson In The "Echoes of History"

  Sep 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Pierre-Luc Defoy (Guitar, Back Vocals), Jean-Christophe Magnan (Vocals), Alex Brochu-Meloche (Bass, Back Vocals), Justin Lefebvre (Drums), Dean Pavicic (Guitar)

  Photo Credit - Julien Bouffard

  Circle pitting the Quebec City metal scene and becoming a leading tour de force, Unpunished unleashes an aggressive metalcore lesson with their new EP "Echoes of History," dropping this Friday, September 5th, 2025. Before its official release, the quintet has teamed up with Bravewords for a full stream premiere HERE.

  “Echoes of History,” our second EP, took over two years to create, shaped by personal challenges and creative differences. With diverse musical influences, we struggled to agree on direction—but that tension gave rise to a unique sound. Unpunished aims to avoid formulaic songwriting, crafting each track to evoke distinct moods and emotions. The EP blends 2000s metalcore roots, melodeath-inspired riffs, and vocals ranging from melodic to deathcore breakdowns," adds vocalist Jean-Christophe Magnan.

  Produced by Unpunished drummer Justin Lefebvre, “Echoes of History” is a powerful and emotionally charged five-track EP that explores humanity’s recurring failures and inner turmoil. Inspired by the Ouroboros and an almost-empty hourglass, the artwork symbolizes the urgent warning that time is running out as we repeat the same destructive patterns. Musically, the EP blends metalcore, melodic death metal, and deathcore, delivering intense riffs, melodic solos, and relentless energy. Lyrically, it dives into themes of betrayal, societal collapse, regret, genocide, and vengeance, each track offering a distinct emotional journey that reflects both personal and collective battles.

  Recommended for fans of As I Lay Dying, The Black Dahlia Murder, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Bleed From Within, Unpunished's "Echoes of History" is available for pre-order at https://unpunished.bandcamp.com.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2V8YKy50wVSJ6e5B9SPwrx​

  In additional news, Unpunished will be performing a series of show dates in the province of Quebec, listed below. Fans can anticipate a tight, high-energy live performance, with a dynamic setlist that mirrors the EP’s emotional and musical range.

  Unpunished - Echoes of History EP Launch Tour w/ Concessions, Deadwood, In Disarray, Observants, Terror Symphony:

  Sept 20 - Quebec City, QC - L'Anti Bar - info​

  Sept 27 - Trois Rivieres, QC - Taverne Royale - info​

  Oct 10 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar - info

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

  Recording Credits:​
  • All songs performed by: Unpunished
  • All songs written by: Unpunished
  • Produced, mixed, and mastered by: Justin Lefebvre
  • Album Artwork by: I And I Art
  • Member of SOCAN
  • Canadian Content (MAPL)

  EP Recording and Live Line Up:​
  Jean-Christophe Magnan (vocals)
  Justin Lefebvre (drums)
  Alex Brochu-Meloche (bass, back vocals)
  Pierre-Luc Defoy (guitar, backing vocals)
  Dean Pavicic (guitar)

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

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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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