Search Results: montreal

• NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announces "Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026" w/ BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE

  Nov 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Extreme metal juggernaut NARCOTIC WASTELAND has announced they will be joining the "Praise the Beast North American Tour" with BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, and HATE for February and March 2026, continuing their relentless assault on stages worldwide. This marks the band’s third major run in less than a year, following the “Annihilation of Wasteland Tour” across the U.S. in September 2025 and their headlining "Annihilation of Europe Tour" in November and December 2025.
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  Fronted by guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade (ex-Nile), Narcotic Wasteland has built a reputation for uncompromising brutality, technical precision, and lyrical themes that confront addiction, corruption, and societal decay. Their recent tours have drawn packed venues and critical acclaim, cementing their place as one of the most ferocious acts in modern death metal.
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  ​“The energy we felt from fans in both North America and Europe has been incredible. We’re coming back harder than ever in 2026. Expect a setlist that spans our catalog, new material, and the kind of intensity that defines Narcotic Wasteland,” says Toler-Wade.
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  The upcoming tour will see the band storm through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, dates and venues listed below. The tour is a crushing lineup, making this one of the most anticipated metal tours of early 2026.

  Tickets for the "Praise the Beast North American Tour" with BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE, and NARCOTIC WASTELAND go on sale on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at 12:00 pm PST / 3:00 pm EST.

  ​Narcotic Wasteland has carved out its place as a dominant force in the modern metal scene, unleashing a punishing fusion of razor-sharp technicality, feral aggression, and raw intensity. At the helm is guitarist and vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade, celebrated for his tenure with Nile, whose unmatched precision and commanding stage presence drive the band’s sonic assault.
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  Behind the kit, Joseph Howard delivers a relentless barrage of power and accuracy, propelling the band’s crushing rhythms with thunderous authority. His dynamic drumming lays the foundation for the group’s dark and uncompromising atmosphere.
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  Anchoring the low end, Kenji Tsunami injects depth and texture with inventive, hard-hitting bass lines. His formidable musicianship and commanding presence add another layer to the band’s overwhelming wall of sound, amplifying the ferocity of their live performances.
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  Together, Dallas, Joseph, and Kenji form a unit that is both unstoppable and uncompromising, captivating audiences with explosive performances and boundary-pushing compositions. With their collective skill and vision, Narcotic Wasteland stands tall as one of the most formidable powerhouses in extreme music today.

  Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026​
  ​w/ BELPHEGOR, Incantation, Hate, Narcotic Wasteland
  ​Feb-19 - Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Monarch
  Feb-20 - Lowell, MA - Taffeta Music Hall
  Feb-21 - Montreal, QC - Le Studio TD
  Feb-22 - Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace
  Feb-23 - Lakewood, OH - Mercury Music Hall
  Feb-24 - Joliet, IL - The Forge
  Feb-26 - Denver, CO - HQ
  Feb-27 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad
  Feb-28 - Haltom City, TX - Haltom Theater
  Mar-1 - Houston, TX - Scout Bar
  Mar-2 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger
  Mar-5 - Mesa, AZ - The Rosetta Room
  Mar-6 - San Diego, CA - Brick by Brick
  Mar-7 - San Francisco, CA - DNA Lounge
  Mar-8 - Roseville, CA - Goldfield Trading Post
  Mar-9 - Los Angeles, CA - 1720
  Mar-10 - Anaheim, CA - The Observatory

  ===

  Narcotic Wasteland - Annihilation of Europe Headlining Tour​
  13.11 - Oslo, Norway - Brewgata
  14.11 - Lublin, Poland - Fabryka Kuitury Zgrzyt
  15.11 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Pink Whale
  16.11 - Vienna, Austria - Escape Metal Corner
  17.11 - Ostritz, Germany - AZ Meva
  18.11 - Lübbenau, Germany - Kulturhof
  19.11 - Kassel, Germany - Goldgrube
  20.11 - Kortrijk, Belgium - DVG Club
  21.11 - Alkmaar, Netherlands - Herrie Metal Fest
  22.11 - Milton Keynes, England - Craufurd Arms
  23.11 - Sheffield, England - Record Junkee
  24.11 - Nottingham, England - Billy Bootleggers
  25.11 - Manchester, England - Junior Jackson's
  26.11 - London, England - The Black Heart
  27.11 - Newcastle upon Tyne, England - The Lubber Fiend
  29.11 - Rennes, France - Ty Anna Tavern
  30.11 - Paris, France - Le Zorba
  01.12 - Basel, Switzerland - Valhalla Bar
  02.12 - San Giovanni Lupatoto, Italy - Damage Inc.
  03.12 - Bologna, Italy -Freakout Club
  04.12 - Trodica Di Morrovalle, Italy - Drunkin public
  05,12 - Pordenone, Italy - Tune Music lab
  06.12 - Salzburg, Austria - Rockhouse Bar
  07.12 - Graz, Austria - Explosiv
  08.12 - Belgrade, Serbia - Bleed to Death Fest
  09.12 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Grindhouse
  10.12 - Bucharest, Romania - Encore Club
  11.12 - Budapest, Hungary - Turbina
  12.12 - Olomouc, Czech Republic - Sklub
  13.12 - Krakow, Poland - Confession Club
  14.12 - Bilbao, Spain - D8 Sorkuntza faktoria
  15.12 - Madrid, Spain - Wurlitzer Ballrom
  16.12 - Barcelona, Spain - Sala Deskomunal

  More info: https://linktr.ee/narcoticwasteland​

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• Brass Metal FALLSTAF Returns w/ New Album "Ode To The Dead"

  Nov 13, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After nearly ten years away from the spotlight, Montreal’s groundbreaking brass-metal band Fallstaf makes a powerful return with their highly anticipated second album, "Ode to The Dead." Produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope), the full album will be available to stream ahead of its official release on November 14th, premiering exclusively on Hardcore Worldwide’s YouTube channel.

  Known for pioneering the genre of brass-infused experimental metal, Fallstaf first made waves in 2011 with their debut album, "Bastard Son of a Pure Breed," also produced by Jardine. Their signature sound, heavy riffs, progressive structures, and a masked trombonist in full suit and tie, earned them cult status in the Montreal metal scene.
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  But tragedy struck in 2016 when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, resulting in a coma, multiple injuries, and the loss of his leg. The band dissolved. Now, nearly ten years later, Fallstaf reunites with Jardine to deliver a powerful, deeply personal new record that channels pain, survival, and rebirth.

  
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  ​"Ode to The Dead" is a seven-track exploration of mortality, from personal tragedy and mental anguish to crime, conflict, and loss. Drawing from frontman IANN’s near-death experience and the band’s shared grief, the album is both a tribute and a release.

  It opens with “Sunless Friday,” a chilling retelling of IANN’s accident, where cold riffs and screaming trombone set the tone. The title track, “Ode to The Dead,” honors those we’ve lost, echoing the idea that “they walk among us.” “Battered Soul” dives into depression and suicide with sludge-heavy weight and a fading finale. “Kings of the West Side” recounts Montreal’s mafia history with gangland grit and resurrected riffs. “Under the Same Sky” reflects on global unrest and shared humanity, while “Bastard Son” tells a hitman’s legacy through galloping riffs and thrash choruses. The closer, “The Burden,” mourns the toll of cancer with crushing heaviness and a melodic, mournful release. Each track is a raw, brass-laced chapter in Fallstaf’s powerful return.

  “We didn’t make this album to impress anyone. We made it out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” adds the band.

  The album artwork, featuring a layered skull photo taken by IANN, reflects the lyrical darkness without veering into the macabre. It’s a visual metaphor for the band’s rebirth: haunting, honest, and human.

  
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  Musically, the band has evolved, embracing groove metal, prog metal, metalcore, and hardcore influences while incorporating melodic choruses and complex arrangements. Fans of Pantera, Shining, Hatebreed, and Mighty Mighty Bosstones will find familiar fire in Fallstaf’s brass-laced fury.

  Stay tuned for upcoming live dates and new music. The resurrection has begun as Fallstaf’s live performances are legendary, and the band plans to return to the stage in 2026. Expect suits, ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg, all delivering a high-energy spectacle that defies expectations.
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  ​“People think we’re a ska band until the first chord hits. Then they know we kick ass,” says the band.

  "Ode to the Dead" will be available on November 14th, 2025, on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and more. For collectors, grab the exclusive coffin-shaped USB drive packed with interactive content and bonus material.
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  ​Album pre-order - https://fallstaf1.bandcamp.com/album/ode-to-the-dead

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yaTJY58SzbbDJ3RsnTlZU​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Sunless Friday - 2:57
  2. Ode to the Dead - 3:27
  3. Battered Soul - 3:40
  4. Kings of the West Side - 3:31
  5. Under the Same Sky - 3:31
  6. Bastard Son - 3:45
  7. The Burden - 4:41
  Album length: 25:37

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal | https://www.instagram.com/fallstafmontreal/​

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• 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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