High intensity, no filler rockers, Calgary's LOVER announces they will be 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.
The band is playing in support of their latest EP "Fatal Attraction", which the thrashback metallers will be releasing on limited edition cassette on June 20th, 2025. "Fatal Attraction" is fast, it's real, and it's meant to kick you in the face! Even though the EP is only two tracks, this is a sampler of more 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 meant to capture the strain of a mind in love and turmoil.
"For real though, we used our real-life experiences of love, hardship, and lust to tell a story, and it just happens to be set to the tune of high-energy rock n roll," adds the band.
Recommended for fans of Scorpions, Riot City, Wasp, Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Thin Lizzy, listen to "Fatal Attraction" at the following links:
Baltimore, MD's NIGHT'S EDGE announces the release of their fourth studio album entitled "The World That Never Was" this coming August 21st, 2025 to follow their Strangers – LP (2023), Night's Edge - EP (2022), The Darkest Side of Dreams - LP (2020), and Shades of Dusk - LP (2019).
Since their inception in 2018, the band has gone through a few changes in lineup and sound, and has progressed significantly from their debut in 2019. Falling under the umbrella of Alternative Metal, Night's Edge's sound is hard to pin down. Incorporating influences from gothic metal, progressive rock, and nu metal, the band's music is equal parts heavy and poppy, soaked in synthesizers and drama. Lyrics breach topics including isolation, dissociation, and the romantic, approaching themes common to the human experience from a cerebral angle that complements the band's emotionally evocative music.
Night's Edge believes in creating music that has a purpose. There is no copy-cating of other artists, or following trends here - even the band's select cover tunes turn the originals on their heads. This is music that you can't get anywhere else, that has something to say, that is unique and exciting while still feeling familiar, like a friend finishing your sentences when you run out of words.
Their fourth full-length, "The World That Never Was," is a statement of songcraft and lyricism. The album flows and progresses clearly as it explores the concept of self-identity and the loss thereof. Moments of melancholy, anger, wonder, and plenty of crushing riffs elicit the stank face. Each single shows a different side of the album.
Brian Haran (Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming) comments:
"We think our fans will love it and agree with us that it is, hands down, the best Night’s Edge album. There will be a lot of different opinions on which song is the best or who prefers this vs that, but all of those conversations will center around this LP. This album encapsulates the Night’s Edge sound we have been building towards while experimenting with new and innovative ideas. Our lead single, “If You Loved Me,” is the most straightforward song, with a massive chorus reminiscent of HIM that continues to build through the song towards an explosive conclusion. “Someone to Stay” is a guitar-forward track with great leads, a killer solo, and very Queensryche-esque vocals. We gave ourselves a challenge for the live shows, and I (singer, Brian) curse myself for recording this song like this every time we play it live. “Smite” is the album’s heaviest song and has major Slipknot and Ghost influences. It is weirdly danceable right up until the Latin choir bridge and eventually descends into IOWA-esque screaming right before a caveman breakdown. “Love Fiction” is unique for Night’s Edge, very Deftones influenced, but with a synthwave twist featuring rare falsetto vocals. The lyrics describe the romanticization of one’s depression as a safe, never-leaving partner, “Songs in Grey Space II: Soaring” is two and a half minutes of balls out symphonic alternative metal and the middle piece in a three song suite detailing a parable of self-identity in an alternate world where the narrator is the last person on earth."
Night's Edge has unveiled two singles to date, "If You Loved Me" and album opener "Someone To Stay," with more to be shared in the lead up to the record's release in August.
The trio adds about the singles:
If You Loved Me:“All three of us love this song. It has everything – a massive chorus, a scorching guitar solo, and some unexpectedly creepy, heavy sections. A LOT of ground gets covered in under four minutes. The lyrics are a scathing reflection on manipulation, with changing perspectives between the verses and choruses. Above all, the song is inimitably Night’s Edge. This is a sound that you can only get at one place – here, with us.”
Someone to Stay: "This is our guitarist, Damian’s favorite song. The song began with a riff that Damian wrote as an intro lead. When coming up with the intro riff, he was hoping to capture “anime-intro” level energy, and we all agreed that it would make the perfect introduction to the album! Brian took that intro riff and created a very guitar-focused song out of it. The music primes the listener for the progressive compositional journey that is the rest of the album, but the song itself is easily digestible with fun riffs and catchy vocal hooks."
Recommended for fans of Coheed and Cambria, Avantasia, System of a Down, HIM, and Deftones, listen to the singles at the following links:
Upcoming Show Dates: 06/07 – Granny’s – Winchester, VA 06/28 – Cafe 611 – Frederick, MD 07/11 – Union Vapes – Scranton, PA 07/12 – Psychic Garden – Rochester, NY 07/18 – The Depot – Baltimore, MD 07/19 – Century – Philadelphia, PA 08/23 – Roachfest – Hollywood, MD
Album Artwork by Eden Wormwood
Track Listing: 1. Someone To Stay (4:11) 2. If You Loved Me (3:51) 3. Man of Many Faces (4:23) 4. Love Fiction (4:14) 5. Wish You Wouldn’t (4:09) 6. Overdue For Destruction (2:50) 7. Smite (3:46) 8. Ataecina (5:08) 9. Songs In Grey Space I: Reaching (7:43) 10. Songs In Grey Space II: Soaring (2:41) 11. Songs In Grey Space III: Separating (5:23) Total Length: 48:32
Recording and Live Line Up: Brian Haran – Vocals, Bass, Keys, Programming Damian Remmell – Guitars Dan Hunt – Drums
From 2x JUNO-nominated musician/writer JJ Tartaglia comes ‘THUNDEROR’, an epic rock opera musical (in the vein of Bat Out Of Hell, Rock Of Ages) but with a fresh soundtrack of original anthems. Featuring the actual live band and a star-studded cast, THUNDEROR tells a tale of adventure and romance in the face of mortality, hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock, wild and restless, as a young group of would-be rockers head out on an impromptu adventure in a time of danger and hope.
Presented as part of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival, the 75-minute show will see a run of 5 dates at VideoCabaret’s Deanne Taylor Theatre in Toronto, performed in the unconventional format of ‘In The Round’ for an intimate and exclusive experience. “I guess I’m giving my heavy metal dreams a makeover,” says JJ Tartaglia. “It’s been a crazy undertaking, but I’m absolutely stoked about the show we’ve created. I’m truly blessed to have such an amazing cast and team. Expect an unconventional take on musical theatre! In my mind, it combines the best of both worlds, and I hope that it’ll be enjoyed by all.”
The musical score will debut unreleased material from Thunderor’s upcoming concept album ‘Bleed For It’ to be released this fall. Besides the live band of JJ Tartaglia (vocals/drums), Jonny Nesta (guitar) and Anthony Pannozzo (keys), the production is directed by Liam Eric Dawson (director shadow Come From Away), assistant directed by metal concert photographer Rae Chatten, choreographed by Kristen Pepper (Kinky Boots, Cabaret), and features a veteran cast comprising of Georgia Grant (A Streetcar Named Desire), Jamie Elliott (Shrek The Musical), Tristan Hernandez (Rock Of Ages, Peter Pan), and Stephen Flett (Miracle On 34th Street, Hamlet).
Boonsdale Records presents: THUNDEROR 5 shows as part of the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival Thu 3rd July – 9:45 pm Sat 5th July – 7:45 pm Mon 7th July – 4:00 pm Fri 11th July – 4:00 pm Sat 12th July – 5:45 pm Writer, Musical Director: JJ Tartaglia Director: Liam Eric Dawson Assistant Director: Rae Chatten Choreographer: Kristen Pepper
Starring JJ Tartaglia (as Bowen) Georgia Grant (as Kenzie) Jamie Elliott (as Sheenah) Tristan Hernandez (as Silverman) Stephen Flett (as Brother Nuckett) Band JJ Tartaglia (Drums/Vocals) Jonny Nesta (Guitar) Anthony Pannozzo (Keys) Venue VideoCabaret – Deanne Taylor Theatre 10 Busy St, Toronto, ON More information and tickets are available as of June 4, 2025, at https://www.fringetoronto.com
Appreciated by fans of Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Saxon, Thunderor's releases are available via Boonsdale Records.
Canadian hard rockers IN/VERTIGO return with brand-new music, unleashing their explosive new single “Save Me”, now available on all digital platforms. The track is the first preview of their upcoming EP “Prevail”, set for release on July 18th, 2025, via Rockshots Records. Formed in 2016 by seasoned Calgary musicians, IN/VERTIGO has made a name for themselves across Western Canada with their high-energy live shows and relentless touring. The band has shared stages with acts such as Buckcherry, Steel Panther, Bret Michaels, Bif Naked, Diamond Head, and Pop Evil, becoming a must-see name in the modern hard rock scene. NEW SINGLE “SAVE ME” OUT NOW “Save Me” is a blistering anthem that shows IN/VERTIGO pushing their sound into even more aggressive territory. Fusing their rock ‘n’ roll backbone with punk and thrash influences, the track hits like a freight train—raw, fast, and unrelenting. The single is paired with a chaotic and entertaining music video, loosely based on a true story. Listen:https://lnk.to/POmavT
This marks the first release from the upcoming EP “Prevail”, which will be the band’s second release in collaboration with Rockshots Records. With “Prevail”, IN/VERTIGO are poised to deliver their most refined and aggressive work to date, a Molotov cocktail of sharp riffs, infectious hooks, and full-throttle rock attitude.
PREVAIL – EP Tracklisting: 1. Weathervane 2. Save Me 3. Liar 4. Euphoria Line-up: Reed Alton – Lead & Backing Vocals, Percussion Shaddy Elsaghir – Lead & Rhythm Guitars Duncan McCartney – Bass, Backing Vocals, Keyboard About IN/VERTIGO: Delivering their shows at jet-engine volume, IN/VERTIGO have made an unmistakable impact in the Canadian rock scene. Their self-titled demo, produced by Ronnie Champagne (Alice In Chains, Jane’s Addiction), quickly sold out, and their debut EP “Sex Love & Chaos” introduced a band ready to raise hell. Now, with “Save Me” and the upcoming EP “Prevail”, IN/VERTIGO are back to light the fuse. Crank it up and join the ride.
L-R - Adam Hansen (Guitar), Dylan Gunnell (Vocals), Paulo Ferraz (Bass), Jer Renaud (Drums)
Photographer Credit - Lisa Thompson (Dark Moon Productions)
Ottawa, Canada's Marble Ghosts announces they have signed with Self-Made Records L.L.C. with digital distro from Earache Records for the release of their sophomore EP "The Greatest Divide" out on May 23, 2025.
"We are extremely excited to have signed with Self Made Records LLC. Even though we've only been working with the label for a short time, we have seen how closely the label works with bands and how invested they are in our success," adds the band.
The band is a boundary-pushing ensemble known for its distinctive blend of metal, grunge, and punk influences. Emerging in 2023 onto the Canadian music scene with a distinctive sound and a fierce commitment to challenging societal norms, Marble Ghosts is a band with a message.
Their forthcoming second EP, "The Greatest Divide," is inspired by our reality, from the ultra-rich and the shrinking middle class to widening gaps in political and religious ideologies that are beginning to challenge and even erode fundamental human rights. Similar to their first EP, these next five songs in their catalog highlight their diverse influences and styles and seek to lift the marginalized through powerful messaging.
With this release, the band asks, “Are you ready to cross the greatest divide?” It is the type of divide that has splintered friendships and even families, where viewpoints differ so greatly, that we can see one another as enemies- traitors. While this seems bleak, some of the stories told through the lyrics are inspired by people who have crossed the greatest divide. But this wasn’t without hardship, as it was often the threat of losing their loved ones, their mental health, and even their own identity that forced the change.
To date, the socially conscious quartet has shared two singles from the five-track EP "Distance Between" and "Eat The Rich", which is accompanied by a music video that can be viewed below.
"Eat The Rich", the song, is a statement of today's political climate shifting to serve the wealthy or the "1%". The video is a message from Marble Ghosts to the rest of us. It paints the picture of two massively divergent groups- the people who are struggling to hold on, the ones staying in broken, abusive relationships to avoid being homeless, and increasingly out-of-touch billionaires who could effect real, meaningful change with their bank accounts. Instead, the ultra-wealthy constantly seek more and more ways to enrich themselves.
Vocalist Dylan Gunnell explains further:
"This song 'Eat The Rich' is about the ultra-wealthy, and the great divide is clear with every billion added to their coffers while the people that enrich them through a broken system continue to suffer. While the chorus is metaphorical, the band also envisioned an alternate reality in writing the lyrics: our planet has been devastated by a zombie plague. The ultra-rich are waiting for a shuttle to carry them to Mars, but it malfunctions, and they are trapped. The undead descend on them, and they are torn to pieces by the horde, the horde that once worked for them, that kept capitalism strong, the people that made them rich. In that reality, their fair share will be paid with a pound of their flesh."
Musically,"Eat the Rich" has a droning bass that mixes with soft yet acidic vocals in the verses. The long-held scream in the chorus gives way to harmony that grows increasingly layered as the song evolves, creating the perfect contrast. The dirty guitar solo blends into mocking laughter and then powers into a final chorus with three-part harmonies.
Their music is recommended for fans of Breaking Benjamin, Shinedown, Saint Asonia, and Three Days Grace.
Marble Ghosts' sophomore EP "The Greatest Divide" will be released on May 23, 2025.
Show Dates: May 22 - Ottawa - NXT Level Festival - The Brass Monkey w/ Crimson Ash, Love and Mayhem, Tucana - info
Album Artwork by: Marble Ghosts font: Crossfade Productions EP cover art: Edith Fluet
Track Listing: 1. Distance Between (3:38) 2. Eat the Rich (4:16) 3. Trafficked (The Devil Inside) (4:19) 4. Gloom (4:24) 5. Osmium (4:48) EP Length: 21:26 Band Line Up (EP) Dylan Gunnell - Lead Vocals and Lyrics Adam Hansen - Guitar Paul R. Champagne - Bass Jer Renaud - Drums Band Line Up (Live) Dylan Gunnell - Lead Vocals Adam Hansen - Guitar and Backing Vocals Paulo Ferraz - Bass Jer Renaud - Drums
