Search Results: prog

• IVY GARDENS' Video "Burden" From New Album "Death of Don Valley" Out August 2025 + Canadian Tour Dates

  Jun 20, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  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.
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  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.
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  ​"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.

  Spotify - https://bit.ly/3FWpqwD

  "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.

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

  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

  Track Listing:​
  1. Burn For Murder - 2:02
  2. Eye Witness - 2:50
  3. Burden - 3:08
  4. Guiding Hand - 6:18
  5. Frozen Limbs - 5:15
  6. Gearth - 2:29
  7. Astray - 4:56
  8. Bliss - 8:59
  9. Golden - 7:07
  Album Length: 43:08

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

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• DECIMATE METALFEST Adds QUIETUS To 2025 LINEUP w/ INTO ETERNITY, THE BUNNY THE BEAR, UNTIMELY DEMISE, NECHT, AND MORE!

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Decimate Metalfest announces the addition of Edmonton progressive metal band QUIETUS to their 2025 lineup, which features INTO ETERNITY, THE BUNNY THE BEAR, UNTIMELY DEMISE, NECHT, and more!

  DMF returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena in Millet, Alberta, on June 13th and 14th, 2025, for another electrifying weekend of heavy metal music and community spirit. As one of Western Canada's premier metal festivals, Decimate Metalfest continues to deliver unforgettable experiences for metal enthusiasts of all kinds!

  The 2024 edition of Decimate Metalfest was a monumental success, featuring an impressive lineup of bands from across Canada and the United States. Attendees were treated to performances spanning various alternative and metal genres, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration. The festival's commitment to inclusivity was evident, welcoming fans of all ages and all walks of life to partake in the festivities. Highlights included thrilling air guitar contests with real guitars as prizes, an array of vendors, gaming, delectable offerings from local food, and the convenience of nearby camping facilities. ​“We are so grateful to the community of Millet for welcoming us with such open arms. We cannot wait to see you all again this year!”

  Building on the momentum of previous years, Decimate Metalfest 2025 promises to elevate the experience even further. Organizers have diligently curated a roster of bands that will deliver high-octane performances. This year's festival promises to be the biggest yet, featuring an incredible lineup of talent from across Canada and beyond:

  Decimate Metalfest 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist: https://spoti.fi/4l4TbLb

  INTO ETERNITY – Regina, SK
  THE BUNNY THE BEAR – New York / Florida, USA (First time playing in Alberta!)
  FAMOUS STRANGERS – Edmonton, AB
  UNTIMELY DEMISE – Saskatoon, SK
  HAWKING – Vancouver, BC
  NECHT – Calgary / Ireland
  THE UNENDING – Kelowna, BC
  SYRYN – Calgary, AB
  BRAIN STEM – Edmonton, AB
  AGE OF ASHES – Edmonton, AB
  ALMOST DEAD – San Francisco, USA (First time in Canada!)
  FLOODGATE – Kelowna, BC
  SKEPSIS – Edmonton, AB
  THE 21ST AGENDA – Red Deer, AB
  WARWOLF – Edmonton, AB
  OCEANS UNDER STARS – Edmonton, AB
  QUIETUS – Edmonton, AB
  SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY – Fort McMurray, AB
  BEYOND SUFFERING – Calgary, AB (Wacken Metal Battle Canada Alberta Winners)
  ACCIDENTS HAPPEN – Edmonton, AB (System of a Down Tribute Band)
  VICTORIA LIES – Calgary, AB
  COUNTED AMONG SAINTS – Edmonton, AB
  PER VELUM (YOUTH) – Calgary, AB
  KRADYIL (YOUTH) – Banff, AB
  BIRTHDAY GIRL – Calgary, AB (Hostess of Ceremonies)
  RED SILENCE – Edmonton, AB
  DAMIEN GHOUL – Edmonton, AB
  MORTIS X – Edmonton, AB
  ABOYACTUALLY – Edmonton, AB
  JOJOMOJO – Edmonton, AB

  Ticket Information: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/tickets​

  Advance tickets are now available, offering attendees the opportunity to secure their spots at a discounted rate:​

  2-Day Pass: $135 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to both days of music and entertainment, plus a free pancake breakfast.
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  Friday Day Pass: $60 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to Friday's performances.
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  Saturday Day Pass: $90 (Save $15 off the door price)
  Includes access to Saturday's performances and a free pancake breakfast.
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  YES! WE OFFER AFTERPAY!

  Children 10 and under can attend for free, making this an inclusive event for families! ​

  Camping Accommodations

  For those wishing to stay close to the action, camping is available at the Millet Lions Memorial Campground, conveniently located within walking distance of the Millet Agriplex Arena. Camping rates are not-for-profit and go towards maintaining the wonderful community of Millet! Please note that camping reservations must be made separately through the campground's official website: https://milletlionscampground.com/reserve-campsite/​

  Vendor and Volunteer Applications Now Open

  Decimate Metalfest is now accepting applications for vendors and volunteers! Whether you want to showcase your business to passionate festival-goers or become an essential part of the event team, we welcome you to apply. Vendors can take advantage of the opportunity to sell their products to a dedicated audience while volunteers gain behind-the-scenes experience and help bring the festival to life. (Yes! We accept Youth volunteers!)

  Vendor Applications: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/vend​

  Volunteer Applications: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/volunteer​

  Join the Metal Community

  Decimate Metalfest is more than just a music festival; it's a gathering of the metal family, fostering connections and creating lasting memories. Whether you're a seasoned metalhead or new to the scene, this festival offers an unparalleled experience of music, camaraderie, and community.​

  Stay Connected

  For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:​

  Website: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/​

  Facebook: Decimate Metalfest Facebook Page​

  Instagram: Decimate Metalfest Instagram​

  Linktree: Linktree

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• TANGENTS Announces Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour" In Support of New EP "Molt"

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  TANGENTS Announces Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour"

  New EP "Molt" Out Now!

  L-R - Will Tennant - Guitars/Backing vocals, Nathan Chechock- Guitars/Backing Vocals, Rob Barnes- Bass, Matt Williams - Vocals/effects/samples, Simon Oliver- Drums/Backing Vocals

  Photo Credit - Rory P​

  Formed simply as a creative outlet in which there are no rules, Orillia, ON's TANGENTS plays music with the idea of no constraints, no guidelines, and producing what they would want to hear. Releasing their fourth EP entitled "Molt" this past April, Tangents announces they will be hitting the road this coming July for tour dates across Eastern Canada in Ontario, Quebec, New Brwunwick, and Nova Scotia. (dates listed below).

  With elements of mathcore, prog, and post-hardcore, Tangents take you on a brutally honest journey with nothing to hide during an emotional and heavy 10 minutes on their latest EP's three tracks. The band's goal is to keep the listener on their toes, along with themselves as musicians. Keeping things fresh and ever evolving.

  "For this EP, we decided on the 3 songs simply to capture that specific moment in time. I feel that there’s always room for growth, so we constantly keep evolving, we're stoked and proud to release Molt. With our most focused effort, we present to fans a multitude of experiences in a compact timeframe. This offering allowed us to open and embrace challenges and overcome the obstacles that come with growth," adds guitarist Will Tennant.

  Taking pride that each member of the band is a multi-instrumentalist, Tangents are a bare bones heavy band, and at the end of the day, they get up there and rock out live to showcase very visceral songs. It's a roller coaster of emotions throughout each track.

  Recommended for fans of avant-garde mathy metal and bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mr Bungle, Every Time I Die, Dog Fashion Disco, and Better Lovers, Tangents' new EP "Molt" is available at the following links:

  Bandcamp - https://tangents1.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4knPCPM​

  YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lbqCZ2QJmSbse8S6jgMo8AsgHKm7Gx-H0

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  Tangents live by the motto “No dragons, no Lasers,” which basically means nothing fancy, just give them electricity and they can play their tunes! No relying on gizmos and gadgets. Check them out live on the "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour".

  Tangents - "No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour"​
  July 16 - Montreal, QC - Bar L'Hemisphere Gauche
  July 18 - Windsor, NS - (Gutterfest) - Avon Valley Lanes
  July 19 - Yarmouth, NS - The Red Knight
  July 20 - Halifax, NS - Gus' Pub
  July 22 - Woodstock, NB - Monteith Manor
  July 23 - Bathurst, NB - Bathurst Southside Lounge
  July 24 - One Star Studio (secret location)
  July 25 - Edmundston, NB - Microbrasserie Ateepic
  July 26 - Lachute, QC - Royal Canadian Legion

  Track Listing:​
  1. Assimilate (3:01)
  2. Mass Delusion (3:33)
  3. Forge (3:59)
  EP Length: 10:34

  More info: https://linktr.ee/Tangents705

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• Vancouver Prog Collective MONIKER Unveils New Music Video "Hindsight

  May 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Brewed in a basement suite fueled by the lust for bringing their hometown of Vancouver, BC, something it's never heard of before, the members of progressive collective Moniker, whom all met as students while attending Audio Engineering school, returns with its next taste of new music, "Hindsight" to follow single "From The Grave" released March 31st of this year and their first self-titled full-length unleashed back in 2021.

  "You normally had either brutal death metal or indie rock. Bringing melodic progressive metal to this city was our goal, and we are back to finish it," adds the band.

  Before the digital single for "Hindsight" is officially available on June 6th, 2025, on all platforms, the progressive quintet is unveiling its music video that can be viewed below.

  The band comments on the track:

  "To those who know us, it will be just as everyone expects, for those who don't know us, prepare for the unexpected. This single gives a balance between clean melodies and delay-saturated guitar licks, all the way to soul-crushing riffs with gut-wrenching screams. Time flows on and on, whether we want it to or not. Our vision may be clouded, but hindsight is 20/20."

  With its melodic sense, progressive and sizzling heavy riffs, and soaring vocals, Moniker is recommended for fans of Tool, Deftones, Trivium, Leparous, and Killswitch Engage. Watch and listen to "Hindsight" at the following link:

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  Digital Single pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/moniker7/hindsight​

  More info: https://www.Instagram.com/monikerband

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• FEN's Doug Harrison' Releases Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON's Third Album "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife"

  May 9, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Doug Harrison (Slug Comparison) - Photo Credit: Bailey Ennig

  Canadian vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Doug Harrison, known for his progressive rock outfit FEN, is excited to share his solo project SLUG COMPARISON's third album, "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife," out now, as of May 9th, 2025.

  Recorded over the same period as Fen's Dear Mouse (Sept 2024). Both recordings had been a long time coming, and then by chance, they converged to completion at the same time.

  "It became a bit of a competition to see which one would be mastered first. In the end, it was pretty much a tie, because I had a couple of recalls for the Slug Comparison master, but I wanted to put out Dear Mouse first, because it had been so bloody long in the making, and we were desperate to wash our hands of it," adds Harrison.

  Slug Comparison's previous records were built on the layering of electric and acoustic guitars, and earnest, melodic vocals. This latest 11-song album has abandoned the acoustics and is more riff-heavy to lean into his early influence of grunge.

  Harrison comments:

  "For past albums, it was tricky keeping the momentum going with half the songs being acoustic and light and the other half being heavy-ish. This time around, electric guitars carry the listener from beginning to end. A straight-up rock album. That was the goal. And lyrically, it follows in the tradition of songs like AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” the difference being that Slug Comparison hasn’t left the house yet. A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife is a grief statement about the abandonment of rockstar dreams. It’s also a collection of yearnings, regrets, and celebrations along the way."

  "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife" was written by Harrison along with vocals, guitar, bass, and programming. He is joined by drummer Flavio Cirillo (Art of Dying, Puddle of Mudd), along with a collaboration on the song “Wish to Adapt” with Matt McCallum. Mixing was done by Ben Kaplan (Biffy Clyro, Bend Sinister, Ninjaspy, Mother Mother, Corb Lund) and mastering by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering (Mother Mother, Corb Lund).

  Harrison does assure fans that future releases will continue to explore the moody, acoustic-based territories that defined his earlier work. After this album, fans can expect a new EP from Slug Comparison in 2026. Recommended for fans of Mother Mother, The Killers, and Porcupine Tree, "A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife" is available at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/452Fk2t​

  Bandcamp - https://slugcomparison.bandcamp.com/album/a-battle-to-the-end-fought-on-the-edge-of-a-knife

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  Track Listing:​
  1. Wish to Adapt (3:46)
  2. March through the Forest (3:54)
  3. Game of Repression (3:57)
  4. Undead Plots (4:06)
  5. Outta the Jam (4:51)
  6. A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife (4:13)
  7. Too Much Love (5:04)
  8. Metal Roots Came Twisting (6:45)
  9. Played for a Centipede (2:36)
  10. Of Being Apart (5:19)
  11. Hamsters in a Tub (3:02)
  Album Length: 47:33

  More info: Slugcomparison.com | Instagram.com/slugcomparison | Facebook.com/slugcomparison

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