Search Results: rush

• 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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• Toronto Prog JUPITER HOLLOW Announces Ontario Dates + New Single / Video "Incivility"

  Feb 5, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - February 5, 2025

  Toronto Prog JUPITER HOLLOW Announces Ontario Dates + New Single / Video "Incivility"

  L-R - Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh - Drums - Grant MacKenzie - Guitar, Kenny Parry - Vocals, John-Ryan Godfrey - Bass

  Toronto proggers Jupiter Hollow announces they will perform two Ontario show dates for March and April with more to be announced in the coming year (listed below). The band has been expanding their catalog with their latest single and music video "Incivility" (watch below) released this past November as they make progress on more music to be released in the coming months.

  Upcoming Shows:​
  March 29 – Guelph @ Red Papaya - info - w/ Derev, Crown For A King, +1 TBA
  April 12 – Brantford @ Brandi’s - info w/ Derev, +2 TBA

  Pushing from one horizon onto the next, Jupiter Hollow's growth has come a long way since making their debut as a duo in 2015. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this recording and songwriting powerhouse duo has transformed into a live quartet with the addition of John Ryan Godfrey (Bass) and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums).

  Advancing their unique brand of progressive rock/metal, the band's latest single "Incivility" serves as a bold statement, reflecting Jupiter Hollow’s evolution both sonically and thematically. With its intricate arrangements, evocative lyrics, and captivating visuals, the single is a testament to the band’s relentless dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.

  The band comments on the single:

  "At its core, Incivility reflects humanity's inner struggles, the relentless pursuit of purpose, and the emotional void created by modern distractions. The lyrics delve into themes of arrogance, wasted time, and the consequences of superficial existence, symbolized by "filming your bones"—a critique of documenting life rather than living it.

  The song wrestles with the tension between ambition and the emptiness of unmet expectations, asking hard questions: At what cost do we chase our dreams? and How do we reconcile purpose with the pressures we hide? The recurring imagery of the "yawning cage of wasted love" evokes a profound sense of entrapment, urging listeners to confront the emotional weight of past mistakes while seeking true fulfillment.

  Musically and lyrically, Incivility challenges listeners to reflect on their lives, embracing the discomfort of self-awareness while pushing forward with resilience. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—demanding authenticity in a world that often values the opposite."

  Recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4g0cqSV

  ​

  With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and Jupiter Hollow’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and they have another one in the works. Planning to release more singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow will take the time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can.

  More info: JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | X | Instagram

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• MAD PARISH Unveils Epic Progressive / NWOBHM Concept Album “The Dust Of Forever” + Comic Book

  Jan 31, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The wait is over as Montreal, Canada's heavy metal visionaries Mad Parish release their highly anticipated concept album “The Dust Of Forever". Available now on all major platforms as of Jan 31st, this ambitious project marks a new pinnacle in the band's decade-long journey. “The Dust Of Forever” is not just an album; it's a multi-faceted experience that pushes the boundaries of heavy metal storytelling. Spanning 21 tracks, the album weaves an original narrative following Joe, an immortal protagonist caught in a universe-threatening cataclysm. The band shares how the album came to be:

  “The album has interesting origins. A song from our first album was inspired by a comic book. After Bob joined the band, he mused about what would happen if this priest from the comic discovered that he was immortal, and the song “The Dust Of Forever” was written. Once we started writing some more songs we discussed what kind of album to make next. That is when we came upon the idea of expanding this world we were writing about, and making a concept album.”

  Going full-on, epic prog metal was a big challenge for Mad Parish and they set out to write a story that they would tell through the songs, and decided to create a companion comic book to accompany the album. Creatively, this is the most adventurous thing they’ve done to date.

  From the opening “Prologue” to the climactic “Hail To The Hunter”, listeners are taken on an immersive journey through a richly imagined world. The album showcases Mad Parish's evolution, blending their NWOBHM-inspired roots with progressive rock structures, 70's rock swagger, 80's new wave textures, and even hints of classical and jazz. This eclectic mix results in a sound that's uniquely Mad Parish – heavy, melodic, and deeply atmospheric. It is recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Rush, and Rainbow.

  “The Dust Of Forever" is available on January 31, 2025, digitally plus CD and Vinyl along with a limited edition Comic Book "The Experience Hunter Chronicles" via their Bandcamp at ​https://madparish1.bandcamp.com/album/the-dust-of-forever

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4jBAs9v​

  ​

  Comic Book Credits:​
  Story - Josh McConnell
  Artwork - Niall Skinner
  Editing - Rahl Stafford
  Design - Maximus Rex

  Track Listing:​
  1. Prophecy - 1:30
  2. Defecther - 4:32
  3. Possess The Child - 4:45
  4. Outerest In Irisius - 1:34
  5. Ouen Formation - 6:35
  6. Hunted - 1:51
  7. Astra T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) - 4:42
  8. Transmission #1 Dream On - 1:40
  9. Resistius - 6:44
  10. Aeternal - 1:44
  11. An Age To Quell - 4:05
  12. Transmission #2 - Will Of God - 2:04
  13. Loched - 3:24
  14. Cathedron Wakes - 5:37
  15. Book of Rites - 1:06
  16. Bishop's Tomb - 3:32
  17. Transmission #3 - Baz Raa Luum - 1:46
  18. The Experience Hunter - 5:04
  19. Trajectory: Tantus - 2:02
  20. The Dust Of Forever - 5:11
  21. Hail To The Hunter - 1:01
  Album Length: 1:10:40

  More Info: Madparishmetal.com | Facebook.com/madparishmetal | Instagram.com/madparishmetal ​

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• FEN's Doug Harrison Unveils New Single for Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON - Fuzzy And Upbeat Get Ready To “March Through The Forest”

  Jan 10, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rising from the creative depths of FEN's vocalist and guitarist Doug Harrison, Slug Comparison launches its fuzzy and upbeat new single “March Through the Forest”. Emerging from an unconventional creative process, the track marks a bold departure from previous acoustic-driven sounds into a more aggressive, electric-driven aesthetic. Harrison explains the background to the track:

  “This song came after a hike with a friend in the North Shore mountains of Vancouver. The day started off damp and cold. As we climbed, it began to snow, a dusting at first, but it cast this beautiful veil over the ground wherever the trees opened up into a clearing. We kept going, and it was a whiteout by the time we finally reached the summit. Then we stood there at the edge of these sheer granite cliffs that we couldn't see below us, and ravens wove in and out of the clouds, disappearing and reappearing. “March Through the Forest” is an account of that day, which was a good one.”

  Fans of Harrison's work with FEN will recognize his signature approach to songwriting—a fluid blend of grunge, progressive rock, indie, and metal influences. “March Through the Forest” showcases his ability to push musical boundaries while maintaining an authentic creative voice.

  The track is part of Slug Comparison's upcoming musical offerings for 2025, signaling an exciting new chapter for the project. Doug Harrison produced the single with mixing done by Ben Kaplan (Biffy Clyro, Bend Sinister, Ninjaspy, Mother Mother, Corb Lund) and mastered by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering (Mother Mother, Corb Lund.

  While the current sound leans into more upfront, riff-heavy rock, Harrison assures fans that future releases will continue to explore the moody, acoustic-based territories that defined his earlier work. “March Through the Forest” is recommended for fans of Mother Mother, The Killers, and Rush.

  Listen to the single at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3PtN98j

  ​

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

   

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• Moving Onto Their Next Horizon Toronto Prog JUPITER HOLLOW Unveil New Single / Video "Incivility"

  Nov 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Pushing from one horizon onto the next, Toronto, Canada's Jupiter Hollow's growth has come a long way since making their debut as a duo in 2015. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this recording and songwriting powerhouse duo has transformed into a live quartet with the addition of John Ryan Godfrey (Bass) and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums).

  Advancing their unique brand of progressive rock/metal, the band is presenting their latest single "Incivility" accompanied by a music video to close out their new music releases for 2024. "Incivility" serves as a bold statement, reflecting the band’s evolution both sonically and thematically. With its intricate arrangements, evocative lyrics, and captivating visuals, the single is a testament to the band’s relentless dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.

  The band comments on the single:

  "At its core, Incivility reflects humanity's inner struggles, the relentless pursuit of purpose, and the emotional void created by modern distractions. The lyrics delve into themes of arrogance, wasted time, and the consequences of superficial existence, symbolized by "filming your bones"—a critique of documenting life rather than living it.

  The song wrestles with the tension between ambition and the emptiness of unmet expectations, asking hard questions: At what cost do we chase our dreams? and How do we reconcile purpose with the pressures we hide? The recurring imagery of the "yawning cage of wasted love" evokes a profound sense of entrapment, urging listeners to confront the emotional weight of past mistakes while seeking true fulfillment.

  Musically and lyrically, Incivility challenges listeners to reflect on their lives, embracing the discomfort of self-awareness while pushing forward with resilience. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—demanding authenticity in a world that often values the opposite."

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4g0cqSV

  With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and Jupiter Hollow’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and they have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow will take the time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can. Recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.

  Previous Single:

  Music Video - "Cohesion" at https://youtu.be/7tbnhxuCD-c​

  More info: JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | X | Instagram

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