Search Results: rock

• Ethan Henry (Freya, The Last Season) Reveals First Single "A New Way To Die" From One-Man Solo Band ASHES OF THE SUN's Debut Album "Gods With Machines"

  Jun 17, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  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.

  Digital single pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ashesofthesun/a-new-way-to-die-single​

  "Gods With Machines" - Album pre-order (out August 1, 2025) - https://ignoranttouristproductions.com/​

  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

  More info: https://ignoranttouristproductions.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/ethanhenry43/ | https://www.instagram.com/ignorant_tourist_productions_/

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• DOLL Returns From The Dead with Single Cover “Smoke on The Water” and New EP “Better Days, Different Times” Out July 2025

  Jun 11, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After a lengthy hiatus, Canadian alternative rock band Doll announces their return with “Better Days, Different Times”, a new EP set for release on July 18th, 2025. The announcement comes alongside the premiere of their first single, a unique take on Deep Purple's “Smoke on the Water”, marking the band's first new material in over a decade. They comment on the single:

  “After seeing all the fires and the destruction that happened in 2024, there was this need to bring forward our version of the song. We updated the lyrics to match how the disasters have made us feel, and musically, we have always wanted to try a more doom-inspired vibe, and this song let us express ourselves in a raw and emotional way.”

  The Ottawa-based quartet, known for their gritty, unfiltered indie sound, last released “The Ragdoll Diaries” in 2011, following their 2009 debut “Inside The Dollhouse”. Their return represents a significant evolution in both sound and approach, incorporating new collaborators and instruments while maintaining the raw, honest edge that has defined Doll since their inception.

  The new material showcases a more mature sound while retaining the band's signature intensity. Core songwriting duo Christina and Pete have expanded their creative process, bringing in local Ottawa musicians and even a cellist to add depth and new textures to their established sound. Doll is recommended for fans of Nobro, SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, and The Pretty Reckless.

  Watch and listen to the music video for Doll's cover of Deep Purple's “Smoke on the Water” below.

  ​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3FPB3oZ​

  EP-pre-order (out July 18th) - https://doll.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Bleeding - 4:32
  2. Shark Bait - 3:07
  3. Smoke on the Water - 4:26
  4. Scene Dream - 4:28
  5. Ends Like This - 3:24
  6. Goodbye - 3:27
  Album Length: 23:29

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband

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• NASTYVILLE's New Album "Rebirth"

  Jun 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After months of building anticipation through the release of the singles "Power To The People" and "Rocking Through The Night", Italian hard rockers Nastyville are ready to officially turn the page with the launch of their brand-new studio album: “Rebirth”, out today, June 6th, 2025 via Rockshots Records.

  The album marks a true turning point for the band. Introduced to fans as more than just a title, "Rebirth" represents a conscious relaunch—a bold affirmation of identity, cohesion, and creative maturity. It's the first full-length work featuring Nastyville's current line-up, which has already proven its strength and chemistry both in the studio and on stage.

  The journey began earlier this year with the release of "Power To The People", a high-energy anthem calling for unity and rebellion, followed by "Rocking Through The Night",  a fiery hard rock track that reaffirmed the band’s signature attitude. Both songs showcased a refreshed and unmistakably confident version of Nastyville, backed by compelling music videos that further amplified the band’s aesthetic and vision.

  Recorded at Ivorytears Music Works Recording Studio (Somma Lombardo, VA), the entire album was produced by the band and mixed and engineered by Alessandro Del Vecchio (Hardline, Revolution Saints, Edge of Forever, Giant). Sonically, "Rebirth" blends classic sleaze and glam roots with a gritty, modern edge—offering massive riffs, punchy rhythms and powerful, sing-along choruses that reflect the band’s evolution without losing their raw rock’n’roll soul.

  Thematically, "Rebirth" dives deep into both personal and collective experience, channeling the highs&lows and ironies of life through a mix of introspective lyrics and no-holds-barred rock energy. Each track unveils a different layer of the band’s identity—ranging from emotional storytelling to tongue-in-cheek hard rock excess.

  “This album is more than just new music—it’s the sound of us reclaiming who we are,” the band states. “Rebirth captures everything we’ve been through in recent years and turns it into raw energy, melody, and attitude. We gave it all, and we can’t wait for people to feel it.”

  Since their formation in 2012, Nastyville have shared the stage with icons such as Skid Row, Crashdïet, Enuff Z’Nuff, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies and more. Known for their powerful live presence and straight-to-the-point attitude, the band now brings that same intensity into the studio with "Rebirth"—a record that encapsulates who they are today and where they're headed next.

  For fans of: Skid Row, Crashdïet, Hardcore Superstar, Steel Panther, The Dead Daisies.

  LISTEN / ORDER - https://lnk.to/Q6dITNj4

  More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/nastyvilleofficial | https://www.facebook.com/nastyvilleofficial

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• WOODHAWK Returns with Emotionally Charged Third Album “Love Finds a Way”

  Jun 5, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L to R: Kevin Nelson (Drums), Turner Midzain (Vocals/ Guitar), Mike Badmington (Bass/ Vocals)

  Portrait by Mark Kowalchuk

  Five years since their last full-length release, Calgary stoner groove rock trio Woodhawk unveils their most ambitious and personal work yet with “Love Finds a Way” available as of June 6th across all platforms. The album marks a significant milestone for the band, Turner Midzain (guitar/vocals), Mike Badmington (bass), and Kevin Nelson (drums), representing their longest creative process to date and showcasing a more mature, introspective approach to their signature sound.

  “This is the longest it's taken to put out an album for us, and I think that shows”, reflects Midzain. "We really took our time and did it on our terms. I think you get some really riff-rocking songs, but also a lot of hardship and honesty in them. We poured our heart and soul into this one. It really is a journey of getting out of the darkness and into the light. Check in with your friends and loved ones. Hug the ones you love. Be nicer to each other. Love will always prevail and be stronger than anything else. After 10 years of being a band, I feel like we are still just getting started!”

  “Love Finds a Way” demonstrates Woodhawk's evolution from their early stoner rock roots into something more emotionally complex while maintaining the infectious grooves and memorable hooks that have defined their sound. The album brings ‘a bit more of the riff back’ while diving deep into lyrical content that explores the personal struggles the band has faced over recent years.

  True to their philosophy that the album should be an experience from start to finish, Woodhawk has crafted “Love Finds a Way” as a cohesive journey with carefully considered dynamics, balancing soft and heavy, slow and fast moments throughout.

  The album features contributions from longtime collaborator Jesse Gander on synth, maintaining the band's commitment to their established sonic palette while exploring new emotional territories. It is recommended for fans of The Sword, Red Fang, and Thin Lizzy.

  Listen to the album's full stream premiere via Doomed & Stoned HERE.

  Album pre-order (out June 6th): https://woodhawk.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3RQO83S​

  In aditional news, Woodhawk will be announcing at a later time, upcoming tour dates for August and October and will be performing two album releases show in Edmonotn (June 14) and Calgary (June 13) plsu day three of this year's LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL on August 3rd in Drumheller, AB alongside Revocation, Cyborg Octopus, Beguiler, Thirteen Goats, Famous Strangers, and more! Full details on LAH can be found at www.loudashell.ca.

  Show Dates:​
  June 13 - Edmonton, AB - The Buckingham (Album Release Show) - info​
  June 14 - Calgary, AB - The Palomino (Album Release Show) - info​
  Aug 3 - Drumheller, AB - Loud As Hell Open Air

  Track Listing:​
  1. Grave Shaker – 4:41
  2. Strangers Ever After – 4:24
  3. Truth Be Told – 7:21
  4. White Crosses – 6:10
  5. The Unholy Hand – 5:21
  6. No Place For Hate – 5:18
  7. Love Finds a Way – 6:16
  8. Relapser – 4:52
  9. Killing Time – 8:37

  Woodhawk is:
  Turner Midzain – Guitar & Vocals
  Mike Badmington – Bass & Vocals
  Kevin Nelson - Drums

  More info:​
  ​https://www.woodhawkriffs.com​
  ​https://www.instagram.com/woodhawkriffs​
  ​https://www.facebook.com/woodhawkriffs

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• FAMOUS STRANGERS' New Single "L.S.C." Digs Deep Into Power, Obsession, and Emotional Survival + Festival Dates - Decimate Metal Fest, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell Open Air

  Jun 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals) | Braden Sustrik (Bass) | Brian “Beej” Jolly (Drums) | Amanda Keirnan (Lead Vocals, Lyrics)

  Edmonton, Canada's Famous Strangers, is proud to unveil their fourth single entitled "L.S.C." as they gear up for perfmances at this year's festival appearances at Decimate Metalfest (Millet, AB - June 13-14), Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC - July 11-12) and Loud As Hell Open Air (Drumheller, AB - Aug 1-3) along with upcoming tour dates to be announced.

  "L.S.C.." is meant to take you on a ride. It starts soft, like it is letting you in slowly, and then it flips the switch. The heaviness hits out of nowhere. It grabs you, shakes you, and then drags you through the rest of the track without letting go. It eases you in, then completely takes over, and by the time it is done, it feels like it has drained the life out of you in the best way.

  "LSC is one of the most intense and personal songs we’ve released. It digs deep into power, obsession, and emotional survival, all wrapped in a sound that’s meant to hit you hard and stay with you. It is heavy, emotional, and completely unhinged in the best way. Come get some," adds guitarist Jeff Kittilitz.

  Famous Strangers wants fans' listening experience to be unpredictable, emotional, and honest. This single, and everything they have been working on, doesn’t stick to one lane. They jump from the heaviest riffs they can come up with to slow, bluesy, chilled-out moments. It’s all over the place, and they know not everyone is going to be into that…and that’s okay.

  What they hope is that it opens people up a little, even if it’s not what they usually listen to. There’s so much music out there that people miss out on because they’re stuck in one genre or one mindset. Famous Strangers are trying to break through that and just write what feels real, no matter what it sounds like. They are about being fearless in their songwriting. Put everything on the table, be yourself, and don’t hold back. That’s the energy they’re trying to give people when they press play.

  Famous Strangers has had a healthy and steady evolution. Since their earlier singles in 2024, Famous Strangers have started to lock in with each other creatively and naturally found a sound that they can all stand behind. It flows and feels more cohesive, and everyone in the band feeds off each other in a way that keeps pushing the songs to a new level.

  Listen to "L.S.C." at the following links:

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4kNbe7F

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/album/39G3IRfkkPcQDYSPnFAUPh?si=ZFoBN8nnQUSt9JencN7NSg[/embed]

  Previous Singles:

  Music Video - I'll See You In The Stars" - https://youtu.be/OtdfaMp4Hec​

  George - https://youtu.be/fz85ChqELO4​

  Deepstar - https://youtu.be/00jujvck9sM​

  More info:

  ​Famousstrangersband.com

  ​Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

  ​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

  ​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

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