Now available as of June 20th, Calgary'shigh-intensity, no filler rockers LOVER, release theirlimited edition cassette for their latest EP "Fatal Attraction". Fans can now rock out with a physical anthem in hand. Heavy metal fans can experience what "Fatal Attraction" truly is: a fast, real, kick to the face. Even though the EP is only two tracks, this is a sampler of what's to come. The opening title track is an energetic rush of sound that captures the ups and downs of being overwhelmed by desire. The lyrics feed this feeling by talking about lust and substance abuse. Track 2. "Bad Love" lyrically is a tough and mean reality check. It's based on a true story of love gone wrong. It has aggressive riffs, mean solos, and is captures the strain of a mind in love and turmoil.
"High energy, vocal harmonies, guitar harmonies, pounding drums. We deliver a full Rock n' Roll experience. We only had a few songs ready at the time of this recording, so we all decided on our best 2 songs. We have been diligently writing and have more than enough material for a full-length record. We are starting to write a 2nd record already. Most songs are demoed. We are hoping to get some help with the costs of recording our first full-length record." - Lover
Track Listing: 1- Fatal Attraction – 4:46 2- Bad Love – 5:45
EP and Live Lineup: Aidan Desmarais – Lead Vocals, Guitar Hunter Raymond – Drums, Vocals Jacob Chase – Bass Christopher LoNigro – Guitar
In additional news, LOVER is performing at this year's Armstrong Metal Fest (July 11/12), one of Canada's loudest mountain moshpits nestled in the beautiful backdrop of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley. More info:https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/
Show Dates: July 11/12 - Armstrong, BC - Armstrong Metal Fest July 19 - Edmonton, AB - The Dive Bar
Ivy Gardens, the experimental sludge metal band from Niagara Falls, Canada, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new music video for the single "Burden" and their sophomore album, "Death of Don Valley", set to drop on August 29th, 2025, via Paper Cut Recordings. The record marks a bold new chapter in the band’s sound, with more complex compositions, darker themes, and a shift into a more experimental and atmospheric direction. Formed in the parking lot of Princess Auto, Ivy Gardens’ journey began with a mutual love for covering Rush instrumentals and an obsession with heavy, sludge-infused sound. From those humble beginnings, the band’s unique chemistry and vision have led to the creation of their most ambitious and thematically focused album yet. "Burden", the first single from "Death of Don Valley", showcases a satirical take on nihilism, with dark and comical undertones. The track was one of the first songs written for the album and features a fast-paced, relentless tempo that gradually picks up speed in the studio. Lyrically, it's a satirical take on the archetypal nihilist, with a dose of doom and gloom that veers into a comical extreme. The band describes it as “quick and succinct” — a track that encapsulates the essence of their new sonic direction.
Watch and listen to the music video for "Burden" via its premiere on The Obelisk HERE.
"Death of Don Valley" is a concept album, exploring the themes of death, decay, and the unstoppable erosion of life and the environment. The concept is rooted in the history of the Don Valley River, a once-thriving waterway now plagued by pollution and degradation. The album's artwork reflects this with the haunting image of a corpse between the banks of the flooded river, anthropomorphizing the water itself as it becomes a symbol of death and decay.
The material on "Death of Don Valley" was designed to be heard live, with massive stacks of amplifiers and a commitment to delivering the music in all its raw, unfiltered glory. It marks a bold new direction for Ivy Gardens; the band has no plans of slowing down. Their dedication to the project is evident in every note they play and every lyric they write as they continue to push musical boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Lyrically, the record draws from a mix of historical events, such as the tragic story of Canadian bush pilot Martin Hartwell, and fictional narratives, creating a dark and gripping atmosphere. The songs explore everything from violence, death, and survival to environmental destruction and existential dread. As the band explains:
"Death of Don Valley is the natural progression of their sound, with more complexity and a deliberate thematic structure. Musically, it marks a shift in Ivy Gardens’ approach. This album is darker, more experimental, and more intricate than our previous work on 2024's Goon. While Goon carried a more positive, energetic vibe, this LP is more about confronting the darker aspects of life, and it reflects a deeper exploration into musical and thematic complexity."
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.
Fans of Ivy Gardens can expect an intense live performance soon, as the band does plan to tour in support of the new album this coming September. Stay tuned for dates to be announced, and Ivy Gardens are bringing their thunderous sound to stages nationwide. Expect a live show that will test the limits of your ears and your emotions.
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 11 - London, ON - TBA Sept 12 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge Sept 13 - Sarnia, ON - AJs Bar Sept 18 - Halifax, NS - Radstorm Sept 19 - Sydney, NS - Daniels Ale House Sept 20 - Charlottetown, PEI - Babas Lounge Sept 21 - Moncton, NB - TBA Sept 25 - Woodstock, NB - Montieth Manor Sept 26 - Quebec City, QC - Scanner Bistro Sept 27 - Montreal, QC - Blue Dog Oct 9 - Barrie, ON - CW Coops Oct 10 - Sudbury, ON - Townhouse Tavern Oct 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Nortenos Cantina 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 - TBA Oct 24 - Vancouver, BC - TBA Oct 25 - Victoria, BC - TBA
Drummer and filmmaker Ethan D. Henry is proud to announce his first solo effort, ASHES OF THE SUN, and its debut album "Gods With Machines" due out August 1st, 2025, via his label Ignorant Tourist Productions.
Henry is best known as the drummer of hardcore titans FREYA (2004 - 2008, 2017-present), featuring EARTH CRISIS members Ian Edwards, Eric Edwards, and Karl Buechner, along with co-writing and performing on the THE LAST SEASON 2003 album "Called It Civilization".
Henry has worn many hats over the years in his bands. Whether he needed to play bass, guitar, or drums, he was always up for the challenge.
“I was always a bass player with guitar second in my comfort zone. I could always sing, but I wasn't like great at it. I don't know when it happened, like when I became good enough to play any instrument, if we needed a drummer or guitar player, I was like…Okay, I’ll give it a shot. Then one day I was a drummer, I guess? I think I have impostor syndrome. ha”
Over the years, Henry had compiled a huge catalog of songs he had written. Unsure what to do with them, He sat in his studio and started to record them. Not sure what would become of them. He had his friend Jason “Jocko” Randle at CAPTURE STUDIO (Syracuse, N.Y.) to take a listen and put his mixing and mastering touch on it. After those sessions, Ethan decided his eclectic song list was cohesive enough to make an album. Thus, ASHES OF THE SUN was born.
"After recording about a dozen songs, I developed solos and vocals for them. I felt the way I played the solos and sang would help bring the songs together and could make the collection work as a full-length album. I'm very happy with the way GODS WITH MACHINES came out. It's simply the way I play and write, and shows some of my influences in the metal/rock/grunge/alternative scene and how they blend together. The vision for this album was to have a flow like some of my playlists, and I imagine most people's playlists. I hope that fans will enjoy the mellow acoustic/ballad intros that transition into hard rock/ metal flows. I wanted these songs to reach rock fans and metal fans alike. I've been in metal bands for a long time and love the brutality Karl and Dan brought to Freya and The Last Season, but I wanted to reach a broader audience. So I chose to tone the heavy vocals back and sing the album. I think ultimately, whether it's my metal, rock, or grunge influences coming through in these songs, it sounds like the era of music I grew up listening to. late 90s, early 2000s. I like that about this record," adds Henry.
The nine tracks on "Gods With Machines" were written, performed (drums, guitar, bass, vocals), and produced, along with the album artwork, all by Ethan D. Henry. Overall, the album is ultimately about having faith in God and constantly questioning it. It expresses feelings of being misled by those you admire and trust. It's about being yourself and finding your spiritual path and God.
"On this particular album, my lyrics are about an alien race that lands on a planet after destroying their world. Realizing the people are looking to the sky for heaven, they pretend they are gods and take advantage of the natives, steal their resources, and live in their paradise. Eventually, the people rebel against the gods after years of abuse and lies. They overthrow the gods and realize they aren't what they claim to be," says Henry.
Bringing fans back to the era where metal and hard rock ruled the scene, and Headbangers Ball was kicking, Ashes of the Sun reveals the first single "A New Way to Die". Henry explains the track:
"The chosen one is lost and giving up. He has lost his faith and doesn't have the drive to carry on when he hallucinates a child taunting him. He cannot catch the child and continues to follow deeper into the wild. Eventually, he concludes this is the end and there is no hope. No one will find him. No one will save him. There is no heaven. We live in hell. What's the point of going on? It's time to throw in the towel."
Listen to "A New Way to Die" via its premiere on New Noise Magazine HERE.
Track Listing: 1. Sophisticated Clowns - 5:49 2. Save The World - 4:17 3. Forced To Kill - 5:51 4. The Elephant - 4:34 5. A New Way To Die - 4:26 6. Gods With Machines - 5:15 7. The Lost Ones - 4:07 8. Here To Stay - 6:11 9. They Bleed Just Like You 4:31 Album Length: 45:05
A year after unleashing their fourth studio album, "Imprisoned Souls," in July 2024, Eternal Drak, formerly from Colombia and now residing in Quebec City, Canada, returns with their next offering, "The Warrior Order." This five-track EP includes the band's rendition of Metallica's "Leper Messiah," and it will be released on July 17th, 2025.
The EP serves as a heartfelt homage to the band's journey, a way to honour the memories they’ve created and express their immense gratitude to the fans who have stood by them through the years. By revisiting and reimagining these older tracks from their 2002 debut, "La Resurreccion De La Orden Guerrera", the now-formed trio aims to rekindle the connection with their long-time listeners while simultaneously inviting new fans to discover and embrace our unique sound. They hope to bridge the past and the future.
Fans can expect the blending of raw, nostalgic vibes of classic metal with the refined production and innovation of contemporary music. By doing so, the EP seeks to evoke powerful memories and untold stories from the past while offering a renewed, enriched auditory experience that resonates with both long-time metal enthusiasts and newer audiences.
"This EP bridges two distinct eras in the journey of Eternal Drak: the energetic creativity of the 1990s and the refined artistry of the present day. It represents a homage to the band’s origins, where young minds passionately crafted what is now revered as old-school metal. These early works have been revisited and revitalized, bringing their raw spirit into the modern soundscape with enhanced production quality that respects the authenticity of the era while ensuring it resonates with contemporary audiences. Through meticulously re-recording the four original tracks, Eternal Drak breathes new life into their debut, preserving the integrity of black thrash metal while making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. To complement this effort, the album includes a cover of one of the most iconic and influential bands in metal history, serving as both a tribute and a testament to the enduring inspiration these legends have provided. This project encapsulates the band’s unwavering dedication to their craft, blending nostalgia with innovation to create a sound that is timeless yet refreshingly current," adds band founder Andres Martinez, “Drakar” (Vocal/Guitar).
The lyrics on "The Warrior Order" aredrawn from Eternal Drak's inspiration from a narrative crafted during the band's early years, which delves into the tale of Lucifer's exile to the underworld. The story portrays how his influence pervaded humanity, shaping beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations in profound ways. It explores the impact of his legacy on Earth, touching on themes of power, temptation, and rebellion. Furthermore, the narrative captures Lucifer's relentless quest to find pathways back into the mortal realm, ultimately aiming to reclaim dominion and challenge the celestial forces that banished him. This intricate and evocative storyline serves as the foundation for much of the band's lyrical content, blending mythological depth with existential reflection to resonate powerfully with listeners.
Since their inception, black thrash metal forms the backbone of Eternal Drak's musical identity, enriched by dynamic influences that span rock & roll and groove elements, with Latin rhythms adding a unique touch of cultural depth. The band’s steadfast commitment to black thrash metal serves as a constant through the years, acting as a solid foundation for their evolving sound. While their compositions continue to explore diverse stylistic directions, the essence of black thrash metal remains unshaken, anchoring their music with raw energy and authenticity. Eternal Drak's ability to seamlessly integrate these varied influences showcases their versatility and adds layers of complexity to their identity, ensuring their sound is both compelling and intensely memorable.
Today, the band unveils the lead single "Eternal Drak" off "The Warrior Order". The track stands as a monumental piece from the band’s original 2002 EP, embodying the raw energy and vision that first defined their journey. This signature track remains a centerpiece in live performances, electrifying audiences with its unapologetic intensity. Its original accompanying music video, crafted in 2002, clinched the prestigious CityTV award for Best Metal Video, a recognition that not only cemented the band’s place in the metal scene but also drew a wave of devoted fans into their fold.
Track Listing: 1. Oda a la luna - 4:22 2. Contra Viento - 5:16 3. Eternal Drak - 5:50 4. La Nueva Orden - 5:51 5. Leper Messiah (Cover) - 5:29 EP Length: 26:48
L-R: Thirteen Goats Current Lineup | Leonid Verman (Drums) | Colton Hession (Bass, Gang Vocals) | Graham K. Miles (Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars) | Rob Fitz-Gerald (Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals) | - Photo Credit: Valerii Konchin
Vancouver’s genre-bending metal juggernaut Thirteen Goats is charging into the spotlight with two major award nominations and a stacked summer festival schedule that’s set to melt faces across Western Canada. The band has been nominated for Best Metal Video at the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards (https://dropoutentertainment.ca/metal-the-5th-canadian-independent-music-video-awards/) for their blistering visual assault “Sign of the Goat,” and for Metal & Hard Music Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards (https://breakoutwest.ca/awards) — a testament to their relentless creativity and rising influence in the Canadian metal scene. The band is nominated for a WCMA alongside Anciients, Torrefy, Art of Attrition, and Holy Void.
Known for their punishing live shows, razor-sharp riffs, and tongue-in-cheek lyrical savagery, Thirteen Goats have carved out a unique niche by fusing numerous metal subgenres and delivering the results with a theatrical twist. The quartet unleashed their sophomore LP "Capricorn Rising" in July 2024 via Exitus Stratagem Records. The concept album tells the story of their mascot, Shepherd: a goat-skull-wearing Antichrist who raises an army of animals to liberate the earth from humanity’s constant wars and greed.
Each song on the record is part of a broader narrative that explores themes of disillusionment, radicalization, and rebellion as Shepherd and his 12 demon goats wage their crusade. This storytelling approach takes listeners on a journey through the darkest aspects of both human and animal nature across nine tracks that combine elements of death metal, thrash, and groove.
Listeners should expect furious riffage, ambitious song structures, and even occasional female guest vocals (courtesy of guest artist Carly Ellen Jones). What they shouldn’t expect is a record that plays it safe or falls neatly into one specific subgenre. Thirteen Goats is recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Carcass, and Mastodon.
