Search Results: rock

• 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)
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  ​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​
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  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
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  ​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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• 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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• THE FINAL RIDE - ​The Electric Highway Festival (Calgary, AB) 2025 Goes Out With Cosmic Bang! w/ BISON, CASTLE, LA CHINGA, BUFFALO BUD BUSTER and more!

  Mar 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  After nearly a decade of bringing incredible music, art, and community together, The Electric Highway Festival (formerly the 420 Music & Arts Festival) is hitting the road one last time. Due to ongoing health challenges for their curators, they’ve made the difficult decision that 2025 will be the FINAL edition of the festival.

  From its roots as the 420 Music & Arts Festival, which first lit up Calgary in 2017, to the evolution into The Electric Highway, we’ve been privileged to host some of the best heavy rock, doom, and psychedelic bands from across North America. From Wo Fat to Crobot, Dopethrone to Sasquatch, we’ve hosted legends and launched careers. This festival has always been about passion, music, and unforgettable experiences, and we’re determined to go out with a Cosmic Bang!

  THE FINAL LINEUP IS HERE TO IGNITE!

  Join EHF in 2025 for a mind-blowing sendoff featuring headliners Canadian veteran sludge metal band BISON and doom metal band CASTLE. They will be joined by Southern California band FEVER DOG, and various Western Canadian bands including LA CHINGA, BUFFALO BUD BUSTER, THE GETMINES, 88 MILE TRIP, and more.

  This is your LAST CHANCE to be part of the Electric Highway experience – the final ride of a festival that has brought together music lovers, artists, and a community unlike any other. Let’s make this one for the history books!

  April 4 & 5, 2025 at Dickens (1000 9 Ave SW), Calgary AB.

  Get your tickets, gather your crew, and come celebrate with us one last time – let’s make memories that will last forever!

  Advance 2-day passes are available for $75. Advance single-day tickets are $40 for Friday and $45 for Saturday

  Festival passes and single-day tickets are available at www.theelectrichighway.ca/festivalstore/​

  Event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1149647296782460/

  The Electric Highway 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist - https://spotf.fi/ZQXtQay​

  ​The Final Full Line Up by Day:​
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  ​Friday, April 4, 2025​
  Castle (San Francisco/ Vancouver)
  Buffalo Bud Buster (Calgary)
  Blacksmith and Brewer (Vancouver))
  CHÛNK (Vancouver)
  Hydracat (Edmonton)
  The Astral Prophets (Calgary)
  BUNS (Calgary)
  Doors 5pm - Show 6pm
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  ​Saturday, April 5, 2025​
  Bison (Vancouver)
  La Chinga (Vancouver)
  Fever Dog (Southern California)
  The Getmines (Vancouver)
  88 Mile Trip (Vancouver)
  Lover (Calgary)
  GEOFF (Calgary)
  Doors 5pm - Show 6pm

  The Electric Highway Festival hosts various genres that range from Desert Rock, Stoner Metal, Doom, Sludge, Trippy Psychedelic, Surf Rock, Acid Rock, Noise Rock, Fuzz Rock, Space Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Psych, Heavy Blues, Southern Rock, Fuzzy Punk, Sludgy Hardcore bands and variations of any of the previously mentioned styles. The festival includes a vendor area with interesting goods for attendees to take home with them.

  Previous editions of the festival featured one of the event's past favorites Californian headliners Sasquatch, Juno Award-winning Canadian band ANCIIENTS, Vancouver’s La Chinga, Space Queen, Dead Quiet, and more, Gnarwhal from Yellowknife, NWT, Calgary’s Gone Cosmic, Hombre, Flashback among many more, and a whole host of other great bands.

  Live Video by SlimBzTV – ANCIIENTS at EHF 2024 – Following the Voice - https://youtu.be/v9ETpkVSASA​

  Live Video by SlimBzTV – Dead Quiet at EHF 2024 - Atoned Deaf - https://youtu.be/GDJB0RAZpC8​

  Live Video by SlimBzTv - La Chinga at EHF 2023 - Beyond The Sky - https://youtu.be/P741nkfJU7w​​
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  ​For more info:

  Website: TheElectricHighway.ca​

  Facebook: Facebook.com/ElectricHighwayFestival​

  Instagram: Instagram.com/TheElectricHighway​

  X: X.com/TheElectricHwy​
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  Hashtag #BuckleUp #EHF2025

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• Famous Strangers Unveil Haunting New Single “I'll See You In The Stars”

  Mar 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Edmonton-based band Famous Strangers continues their journey of atmospheric storytelling with the release of their latest single “I'll See You In The Stars”, dropping March 7th, 2025. The track showcases the band's signature blend of haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes that have been captivating listeners since their formation in 2023.

  “I'll See You In The Stars” draws listeners into a celestial dreamscape where emotional intensity meets cosmic wonder. The single represents another compelling chapter in Famous Strangers' evolving musical narrative, highlighting their ability to create dark, moody compositions that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

  The band comments:

  “We are incredibly grateful to be able to release this single and share it with audiences. This track is more than just a song—it’s an artistic expression of who we are as a band and the depths we are willing to explore. It represents a space where emotion meets intensity, where the atmosphere blends with raw power. Sonically, it carries a weight and texture that draws comparisons to bands like Deftones or Ocean Machine, capturing that balance of heaviness and haunting melody. This is just one side of what we do, but it’s a side we fully embrace.”

  Famous Strangers brings together accomplished musicians whose past experiences in various musical projects have shaped their collective sound. Their diverse influences converge in a unique sonic experience characterized by atmospheric instrumentals and a dynamic vocal approach that seamlessly shifts between melodic and aggressive. They are recommended for fans of Halestorm, Judas Priest, Dio, and Arch Enemy.

  Listen to "I'll See You In The Stars" at the following links:

  ​Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/ill-see-you-in-the-stars

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  More info:

  ​Famousstrangersband.com

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

  ​Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

  ​Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

   

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