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• SYMBIOTIC GROWTH Unleash Progressive Death Album "Beyond The Sleepless Aether"; Mixed and Mastered by Tom Maclean (Haken, Athemon, Brutta)

  Mar 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian progressive blackened death unit Symbiotic Growth unleashes their sophomore album "Beyond The Sleepless Aether," now available as of March 28th, 2025. Similar to the band's predecessor, their 2020 self-titled full-length, "Beyond The Sleepless Aether," is once again based in fiction and is lyrically conceptual, but dives more into thoughts and emotions of everyday life, and sometimes those thoughts are hard to deal with.

  "I feel like this time around, the sound is a bit darker and experimental, with more synth-heavy sounds and a melancholy atmosphere. The lyrics were very loosely inspired by a dream I (Aaron) had about the multiverse theory intertwined with some of my challenges of dealing with a sense of being and why we are all here," says Aaron Barriault (Vocals, Guitar, Bass).

  Progressive, experimental, foreboding, and emotional, every song has its own identity and its place within the album's story, taking its protagonist through the multiverse, placing him in places like dark wooded forests, wide open desert landscapes, and the unending cosmos.

  The full-length listening experience tackles strong topics of loneliness, a sense of being, self-hatred, and suicide. Some of these are blatant and easy to see, and others subtly, throughout the course of the album, lyrically and musically.

  "I think the fans who have heard our previous album may be a bit surprised; the sound of this album is a bit different; it's a little bit more experimental in its own way. Either way, we hope that fans enjoy what we've created. I feel like the listener may have feelings of uneasiness and wonder. An odd combination, but I feel like it's fitting.

  Mixed and mastered by Tom Maclean (Twelve Tone Studio, Haken, Athemon, Brutta), "Beyond The Sleepless Aether", features seven paryalzing sounds of technical metal created by the Sudbury, ON recording line up of Aaron Barriault (Vocals, Guitar, Bass), Devin Mcqueen (Vocals, Guitar), and Dan Favot (Drums)(ex-Wolven Ancestry, ex-Fractal Generator). The artwork was created by Erskine Designs and shows an entity standing at the foot of what the band likes to think of as Azathoth.

  "The album doesn't touch on any Lovecraftian mythos (maybe a bit in The Sleepless Void), but the lore behind Azathoth, that we are all in his dream and once he wakes everything will cease to be, is very fitting to the album lyrically," adds Barriault.

  Recommended for fans of Ne Oblivisacaris, Der Weg Einer Freiheit, Cor Scorpii, and Gojira, "Beyond The Sleepless Aether" is available at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/42m1Mlp

  ​Bandcamp - https://symbioticgrowth.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-sleepless-aether-3

  Track Listing:​
  1. Of Painted Skies and Dancing Lights - 7:03
  2. Spires Of The Boundless Sunset – 7:28
  3. The Architect Of Annihilation – 10:57
  4. The Sleepless Void – 9:52
  5. Arid Trials and Barren Sands – 7:35
  6. Lost in Fractured Reveries – 8:44
  7. Trading Thoughts For Sleep – 10:02
  Album Length: 1:01:43

  Album Credits:​
  Mixed and Mastered By Tom Maclean of Twelve Tone Studio
  Album Art by Erskine Designs

  Album Band Line Up​
  Aaron Barriault – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
  Devin Mcqueen – Vocals, Guitar
  Dan Favot – Drums

  Live Band Line Up​
  Aaron Barriault - Vocals, Guitar
  Dan Favot - Drums

  For more info: Facebook.com/SymbioticGrowth | Instagram.com/symbioticgrowth​

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• DEREV Release Debut Album "Troubled Mind" + Cross-Canada Tour Dates (QC/ON/MB/SK/BC)

  Mar 26, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Toronto, Canada's Derev is proud to release their first full length, "Troubled Mind", now available as of March 26th on digital platforms (links below).

  The follow-up to their 2021 debut EP "Leap of Faith," “Troubled Mind” takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.

  Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

  The band adds:

  “This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”

  Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

  Derev's dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev's sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on "Troubled Mind".

  Recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Soen, and Riverside, "Troubled Mind" is available at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (on Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass) and all digital platforms (Spotify, Bandcamp).

  In additional news, Derev is touring in Ontario to support "Troubled Mind" and will continue their road shows across Western Canada for May (listed below).

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  DEREV - Troubled Mind ON/ QC Tour​
  March 28 - Waterloo, ON - Midnight Run Café w/ Local Goblin
  March 29 - Guelph, ON - The Red Papaya w/ Jupiter Hollow, Crown For A King, and Exolithic
  April 5 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar w/ World On Alert & Vinyl Hero
  April 11 - Hamilton, QC - Club Absinthe w/ 8 Banger, Hollow Core, Bad Communication
  April 12 - Brantford, ON - Brandi’s Kitchen & Bar w/ Jupiter Hollow & Guests

  DEREV - Troubled Mind - Western Canada Tour​
  May 2 - Sudbury, ON - The Townhouse w/ Jeidei, Codos
  May 3 - Marathon, ON - Biloxys Wings and Things
  May 4 - TBA (North Western Ontario)
  May 6 - TBA (Manitoba)
  May 8 - Regina, SK - Revival Music Room w/ Fame Fatale, 66 Aces
  May 9 - Saskatoon, SK - Amigos Cantina w/ Out Of Frequency, 66 Aces
  May 10 - Edmonton, SK - Rendezvous Pub w/ Darkened Skies, Silent Script, Misplaced Intentions
  May 12 - Grand Forks, BC - 4th St. Studio w/ guests
  May 13 - Kamloops, BC - The Blue Grotto w/ Augur, Gregarious
  May 14 - Vancouver, BC - The Roxy Cabaret w/ guests
  May 16 - Vernon, BC - Longhorn Pub w/ None The Wiser, Scared Soul Empire
  May 17 - Cranbrook, BC - The York Public House w/ Phaeton
  May 18 - Calgary, AB - Verns w/ Humans As Totems, The Future Relics, Rocky Mountain Maniacs, 13 Strikes
  May 20 - Winnipeg, MB - Sidestage w/ Valley Narrow, Sunbreather
  May 22 - Thunder Bay, ON - Black Pirates Pub w/ Cycle Of Disobedience, Along The Lines, The Fixer
  May 23 - Sault Ste. Marie, ON - Soo Blaster w/ guests
  May 24 - Timmins, ON - Victory Tavern w/ guests

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Buried Voice (7:23)
  2. Cyclone (5:39)
  3. Crawl Space (1:16)
  4. Room 9 (6:15)
  5. Paracusia (4:35)
  6. Tides of Time (5:59)
  7. Darker Self (5:44)
  8. Trace Within (5:01)
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  Adel Saflou - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys
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  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  Mike Symons - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys

  More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

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• SANDNESS New Video "Not Your Dog" Off New Album "Vertigo" Out May 2025 + Limited Edition Purple Vinyl

  Mar 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Taken from Sandness' upcoming album "Vertigo," out May 16th, 2025, via Rockshots Records.
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  Watch the official video for "Not Your Dog", the brand new single by Italian hard rock power trio SANDNESS. The track is the first preview from their fifth studio album "Vertigo", an energetic mix of hard rock and power pop with anthemic choruses, driving riffs, and a strong message of self-empowerment.

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  Produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Alessandro Del Vecchio at Ivorytears Music Works Recording Studio, the new album "Vertigo" marks a new creative chapter for the band. Written during a time of personal and professional change, the record embraces a new songwriting approach while staying true to the band’s signature sound.
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  ​"Not Your Dog" is a powerful and catchy anthem about independence and breaking free from control and expectations. With gritty guitars, punchy rhythms, and bold vocals, the track is perfect for fans of UFO, D-A-D, The Darkness, Y&T, and classic melodic hard rock.

  "Vertigo" will be available on CD and limited edition purple vinyl.
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  Pre-order the album: https://lnk.to/ZtUHJ1​
  ​
  Listen/save the single "Not Your Dog": https://lnk.to/hzXlUT​

  SANDNESS will present the new album live on May 20, 2025, at Alcatraz – Milan, opening for Eclipse and Gotthard in their only Italian show.

  Tracklist – Vertigo:
  ​1. Per Aspera Ad Astra
  2. The Match
  3. Draw The Line
  4. From Zero To Hero
  5. Back For More
  6. Midnight Dance
  7. Rock’n’Roll High
  8. Not Your Dog
  9. Neverending Road
  10. Train Of Time
  ​
  ​Sandness Line-Up:
  ​Mark – Bass, lead and backing vocals
  Metyou – Drums and backing vocals
  Robby – Lead and rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals

  For more info:​
  ​Rockshots.eu​
  ​Sandnessofficial.com
  ​​Facebook.com/Sandnessband/​
  ​Instagram.com/sandness_official

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• MORNINGSTVR Unveils Black Metal “The Last Of The Northern Kingdoms” Music Video For New Album “A Fate Engraved” Out June 2025

  Mar 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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  Following the announcement of his upcoming album “A Fate Engraved”, synth-based black metal artist Morningstvr has released the first single “The Last of the Northern Kingdoms”, and an accompanying music video. The nearly five-minute track showcases the Morningstvr’s signature blend of cold, atmospheric synths, thunderous drums, and anguished vocals that have become hallmarks of his distinctive sound. He comments on the single:

  “The Last of the Northern Kingdoms: is the lead song on this album, it gives reference to one of Tolkien’s works thus telling the story of my origins. This one stood out to me as the lead song because of its epic changes in the song, the emotion it gives along with how heavy it became as I finished writing it.”

  “The Last of the Northern Kingdoms” has overarching themes of medieval lore, ancient battles, and fallen empires. Sam Tchortov, the Russian American musician behind Morningstvr, crafts a narrative that bridges his previous work “In Memoriam of the Blvck Wind” with this new chapter in his “Unholy Trinity” saga. The visual aesthetic of the music video complements the music's frigid atmosphere, depicting desolate winter scapes and crumbling medieval architecture that reinforce the track's themes of lost glory and forgotten kingdoms.

  Drawing from his diverse influences including Darkthrone, Hulder, and JRR Tolkien's works, Tchortov has created a piece that stands as both a powerful single and an integral part of the larger narrative that “A Fate Engraved” aims to tell.

  Watch and listen to the music video for “The Last of the Northern Kingdoms” via its premiere on Metal-Rules HERE. ​

  “A Fate Engraved” is set for release on June 20, 2025.

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Beyond the Cold Wastes - 3:15
  2. Black Metal Wytch - 3:45
  3. Born to frolic in a Scandinavian Forest - 3:07
  4. When Mountains Behold Tombs of Nine - 4:01
  5. War Chant - 2:01
  6. The Last of the Northern Kingdoms - 4:47
  7. Dethroned - 4:09
  8. The Black Forest - 2:33
  9. Her Eyes in Winter Fog - 3:58
  10. Ride Forth, Knights of the Pale Moon - 4:05
  11. Funeral Moon - 4:32
  12. Whispers of a Nameless Fear 03:57
  Album Length: 44:15

  Album Credits:​
  Mastered by: Morningstvr
  Album artwork by: Carly Craft, Morningstvr
  Lineup: Morningstvr – Vocals, Synths, Guitars, Drums, Production
  LIVE Lineup: Morningstvr

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

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• DREAM HEAVY's New Single "Filthy Rich" Is A Rock Attack On The 1%

  Mar 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Weaving together ethereal vocals, rich harmonies, and intricate guitar along with violin melodies, Dunster, BC, Canada's Dream Heavy is a melodic and enchanting world folk metal group. Revealing two singles in 2024, “Song In The Dark” and the thought-provoking single “Survival” featuring Haida hip-hop artist Ms. Panik, the band is kicking off 2025, with their next single "Filthy Rich", which will be featured on the band's planned EP due out later this year. The track is an aggressively progressive rock attack on the 1%, specifically aimed at the likes of Elon Musk and his narcissist stooge Trump. Seth Macdonald (Guitars/Vocals) explains the single further:

  "People are pissed off in Canada right now and throughout the Western world where Oligarchs and con-men are attempting to usurp our systems of governance and trample on our democratic rights and freedoms, all for the sake of more money and power for the already "filthy rich."

  This song is a battle cry to BRING THEM DOWN! It starts slow and dirgy and builds into a driving attack on the disgustingly rich. The lyrical sections of the song have been left deliberately "open" for audiences to be able to hear and understand the message and identify with the lyrics. As per the usual Dream Heavy style, there is a big build-up before the lyrics start to set the stage for battle so to speak. This gives a chance for each of the musicians in the band and our guest player Mary Ancheta to truly showcase their talents and style. It finishes with a choreographed progressive guitar solo building to a full band walk-down to the roots of the song."

  Listen to Filthy Rich" at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/41JqsCZ

  Dream Heavy was formed from the ashes of beloved bands like Mamaguroove and Samson's Delilah. The band credits its unique sound to influences from metal, Latin, Celtic, and other world music traditions. Its music, characterized by its intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, has captivated audiences across Canada and beyond, earning them a place on campus radio's Top 10 lists.

  Reflecting on the band's long journey, they share that Dream Heavy's sound has evolved from each member’s collective passion for sound, movement, and justice. With their forthcoming EP, they aim to create a sonic and lyrical soundscape that demands to be heard in its entirety—a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. Dream Heavy is recommended for fans of boundary-pushing music in the vein of Porcupine Tree, Kalandra, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

  Previous Singles:

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  More info: Dreamheavy.ca | Facebook.com/dreamheavyproject | Instagram.com/dreamheavyproject​

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