Search Results: quebec-city

• 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

  ​

  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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• ART OF ATTRITION - Cross Canada "The Subservient Bloodletting Tour" w/ Beguiler + New Blackened Technical Deathcore Single “Subserviate & Decay”

  Feb 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Red Deer, AB extreme metal outfit Art of Attrition unleashes their latest single “Subserviate & Decay”. The track showcases the band's signature blend of relentless brutality and melodic complexity while pushing into bold new territory.

  “Subserviate & Decay” delivers the classical Art of Attrition sound that fans have come to expect - a devastating combination of 8-string guitars, gravity blast beats, and guttural vocals - before taking an unexpected turn after the bridge breakdown. The band expands:

  “It is modern primitive. It embodies all you love about Art of Attrition and then slaps you in the face with a caveman club. We loved writing this song, recording the parts, and developing its uniqueness in our catalog. It serves as a visceral reminder of the necessity of internal self-love and confidence.”

  Since their formation in 2019, Art of Attrition has carved out their niche in the extreme metal landscape; their 2023 debut album “The Void Eternal” and 2024’s “...And It Will All End Forever” established them as a force in the technical deathcore scene. The single represents a conscious step outside the band's comfort zone, incorporating elements from other genres they love. It is especially recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Aversions Crown, and Kublai Khan.

  Watch and listen to the video for “Subserviate & Decay” via TheCirclepit at https://youtu.be/55K4q_d0znQ​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4gREec7

  ​In additional news, Art of Attrition along with 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions, Toronto, ON's Beguiler be hitting the road across Canada, east to the west this May for "The Subservient Bloodletting Tour" (dates listed below). This cross-country trek marks a new chapter for both bands as they expand their reach, unleashing their most punishing sets to date along with new songs to unveil. Enter the moshpit for these two bands' audio assaults of some good ol’ extreme sonic carnage!

  The Subservient Bloodletting Tour w/ Art of Attrition, Beguiler​
  May 2 - La Source de la Martinière- Quebec City, QC
  May 3 - Piranha Bar - Montréal, QC
  May 4 - Taverne Royale - Trois Rivières, QC
  May 7 - The Union - Kitchener, ON
  May 8 - Queens Nightclub - Barrie, ON
  May 9 - Dominion House - Windsor, ON
  May 10 - Sneaky Dee’s - Toronto, ON
  May 11 - Dominion Tavern - Ottawa, ON
  May 14 - SideStage - Winnipeg, MB
  May 15 - Black Cat Tavern - Saskatoon, SK
  May 16 - The Vat - Red Deer, AB
  May 17 - Dickens - Calgary, AB
  May 23 - Stariite Temple - Edmonton, AB
  May 24 - The Cobalt - Vancouver, BC

  More info: http://artofattrition.com | https://www.facebook.com/ArtofAttrition | https://www.instagram.com/artofattrition​
  
  

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• VORTEX Announces "Symphony for the Dead" Eastern Canadian Tour w/ France's XAON - (ON, QC, NB)

  Jan 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  VORTEX Announces "Symphony for the Dead" Eastern Canadian Tour w/ France's XAON - (ON, QC, NB)

  Rimouski, Quebec's Vortex announces they are pairing up with France's XAON for an eastern Canadian tour this coming April followed by European dates in October and November.

  Entitled "Symphony For The Dead Tour", the Canadian edition of shows will kick off in Montreal, QC on April 15th and see both bands perform 10 dates across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick with support on select shows from Omnivide, Strigampire, Ulfhednar, and Burning Attic (dates listed below).

  The tour will also be in support of VORTEX's next release for 2025, a new 5-song EP to follow their third studio album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” released in 2023. That info will be revealed in the coming weeks.

  Symphony For The Dead Tour - Vortex + XAON (QC, ON, NB)​
  April 15 - Montreal, QC - Le Petit Campus ***
  April 16 - Edmundston, NB - Ateepic *
  April 17 - Saint John, NB - Haven Music Hall and Cafe *
  April 18 - Moncton, MB - Xeroz *
  April 19 - Rimouski, QC - Coop Le Paradis *
  April 22 - Ottawa, ON - The Rainbow
  April 23 - Drummondville, QC - La Ste-Paix ****
  April 24 - Quebec City, QC - L'Anti ****
  April 25 - Saguenay, QC - Microbrasserie Port-Alfred
  April 26 - Trois-Rivieres, QC - L'Entite **
  ​
  * Omnivide
  ** Strigampire
  *** Ulfhednar
  **** Burning Attic

  About Vortex:

  Vortex is a symphonic Death Metal band from Quebec, Canada, and is comprised of seasoned musicians with an abundance of studio and live experience. Their masterful lyric writing is equally matched with their prowess in devising riffs, and orchestrations.

  Vortex music is filled with heavy riffing and melodies, technical vocals, and epic soloing. They will transport the listener into a new world and are recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Shadow of Intent, Dimmu Borgir, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

  In June 2023, Vortex released “The Future Remains In Oblivion”, their third epic concept album set to aggressive and beautiful orchestral melodic death metal with hints of black metal. Each song on the album is one chapter in their well-written sci-fi tale and there is a build-up in intensity and emotion that goes along with the storyline and the lyrics as you traverse the album. VORTEX is gearing up to release a new 5-song EP and hit the road in 2025 alongside the talented band XAON. They will be supporting each other on a tour across Canada in April 2025 and Europe in October-November 2025.

  ​

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  For more info (Official Website, Socials, Videos, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music): https://linktr.ee/vortexband​

  About XAON:

  XAON. An elusive name born in the Alpine Might. Never quite fitting in any of the numerous galleries metal has to offer, drifting through the extremes whilst juxtaposing finesse and vehemence from an unworldly orchestra, endlessly exploring the vast echoic gloominess of the human mind.

  In only a few short years, the combo has managed to step foot on 3 continents through the release of their debut album “The Drift”, notably across Europe with gothic metal monsters SIRENIA and folk metal legends TYR, in Japan with OBSCURA and ARCHSPIRE, in the US with THE VEER UNION, and sharing the stage in festivals across Europe with bands such as MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, GOJIRA, PARADISE LOST, ELUVEITIE and many more. In 2019, XAON came back with their critically acclaimed 2nd album “Solipsis” and raged across Europe with SEPTICFLESH and KRISIUN and distinguished themselves as an extremely powerful live act.

  On July 1st, 2022, XAON released their new magnum opus, “The Lethean”, bringing the band’s grandiose aggressiveness to a whole new level, pummeling their way through a cataclysmic atmosphere while reaching a new majestic apotheosis. This record got them to play at the mighty WACKEN OPEN AIR 2023.

  ​

  More info: https://www.xaonmusic.com/​

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• SANDVEISS Unleashes Fiery New Heavy, Melodic Stoner Prog Rock Album “Standing In The Fire”

  Oct 11, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Heavy rock titans Sandveiss, from Quebec City, Canada, are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album “Standing in the Fire”, which comes out on October 11th, 2024. This new release returns with their most ambitious and diverse album to date, it features eight powerful tracks that showcase the band's evolution and musical prowess. The band comments on the album:

  “Five years after the release of our sophomore album “Saboteur”, we are stoked to finally present our new offering, “Standing in the Fire”. Musically, it showcases diversity but also, we hope, homogeneity and coherence. We draw from a wide range of influences, from metal to stoner rock, from prog to punk rock. While some are more apparent than others, they all play a key role in shaping our sound.”

  The production of “Standing in the Fire” has a modern feel while still incorporating vintage sounds and instruments, and the mix by Karl Daniel Lidén (Greenleaf, Dozer, The Ocean Collective) adds depth, texture, and power to the album. Lyrically, the songs were mostly written in response to, or sometimes as a grim reflection on, human and social issues, including politics and environmental problems.

  The band cites that they've pushed their boundaries on all sides. The heavy is heavier, the prog is proggier, and the catchy is catchier. They've allowed themselves to explore new territories while staying true to their core sound. They are recommended for fans of The Sword, Dozer, and Baroness.

  Due out on October 11th, 2024 from Folivora Records, the album “Stand in the Fire” is available for pre-order (Digital and Vinyl) at https://sandveiss.bandcamp.com/album/standing-in-the-fire​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3XnzDIq​

  Track Listing:​
  1. I'll Be Rising - 5:03
  2. Standing In The Fire - 3:51
  3. Wait And See - 3:26
  4. No Love Here - 7:26
  5. Fade (Into The Night) - 3:48
  6. Gone Away - 4:53
  7. These Cold Hands - 4:57
  8. Bleed Me Dry - 5:42

  More info: https://folivora.ca/ | https://www.facebook.com/Sandveiss | https://www.instagram.com/sandveissband

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2025 Battles - One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Oct 8, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  WMBC Trailer - https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k​

  Spotify - 2024 WMBC National Finalists Playlist HERE.

  One Band To Rule Them All! Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its return for 2025 battles nationwide for one independent band to be crowned champion and perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  Unsigned bands ONLY can apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select Canada and then the City that your band would like to perform in) - https://www.metal-battle.com​

  (Band Submissions open from October 8th - November 20th, 2024)

  The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  2025 Canadian battles will be taking place in the following cities listed below, with the national final being hosted in Vancouver, BC during May (date and venue to be determined):

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

  The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB - 2023 National Finalist).

  The night was MC'd by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor - Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM - Alerte Metallique - Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography - Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations - Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions - Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager - The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire - 2023 National WMBC Winner - Trois-Rivières, QC).

  After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto's Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

  Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB - https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4​

  List of previous WMBC national winners 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).

  Info:

  Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, 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 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

  About:

  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 30 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 giving 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 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

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

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

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