Search Results: single

• THE RETICENT's Fifth Studio Album "please" Explores The Struggles of Mental Illness; Unveil Music Video For Single "The Concealment”

  Oct 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Generation Prog Records is proud to announce the release of “please,” the emotionally searing new album from progressive metal act The Reticent. Led by Grammy-nominated music educator and multi-instrumentalist Chris Hathcock, “please” is a concept album that plunges listeners into the harrowing realities of mental illness, suicide, and survival. The album will be available on November 13th, 2025.
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  The first single, “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake),” is accompanied by a haunting music video that captures the anguish of hiding one’s suffering in plain sight.

  “The Concealment could be thought of as the thesis statement of the new album. It tries to capture what it is to attempt to carry on with your life while struggling with the crushing weight of mental illness. At work, with family, at school, wherever, we have to don masks and pretend we are ‘just fine’ when inside we may wish to go to sleep and never wake up again. 1 in 4 adults will have a mental health crisis this year, and there are 1.5 million suicide attempts per year in this country. It’s all around us, yet most will not talk about it, most will not get help, and most will suffer in silence. We are not alone, yet we feel intensely lonely because of that disconnection. For me, I have to pretend to be someone else every day as a teacher - confident, smart, strong - whilst inside I often wish fervently for oblivion to end my near constant pain. When the despair and the grief and the hopelessness come, the isolation and hollowness of all things can rob life of any color. For those who know what it is like to live with these disorders, it is indeed lonely here,” says Hathcock.

  Featuring ten emotionally driven tracks, the album was written in just six months. Drums were recorded in a single day, all other instruments in two, but vocals took two weeks, leaving Hathcock with a laryngeal injury so severe he couldn’t speak for six weeks. During the filming of “The Concealment” video, Hathcock broke two toes, sprained three others, and tore his rotator cuff. He performed at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, Canada, just six days later, concealing his injuries behind the band’s emotionally intense stagecraft.
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  ​“please” is also The Reticent's first album, engineered almost entirely by Hathcock at his Silent Muse Studio. Only the drums were tracked at The Basement Studios with longtime producer Jamie King (BTBAM, The Contortionist), who also took care of mixing and mastering for the record.
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  This fifth studio album includes subtle nods to clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison, with lyrical references to her books “Night Falls Fast” and “An Unquiet Mind,” and samples of her voice appearing in “Discharge.”
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  Hailed as “prog’s most emotionally gut-wrenching” band, The Reticent began as Hathcock’s solo outlet for personal trauma. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged progressive metal force, known for concept albums like “On The Eve Of A Goodbye” and “The Oubliette.” Joined by guitarist James Nelson (Nospūn) and bassist Paul McBride (Voraath), The Reticent delivers live performances that are more performance art than concert, intensely immersive and emotionally devastating.
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  The band has performed at prestigious festivals, including ProgPower USA, where Metal Injection called their set “one of the most heart-wrenching performances in ProgPower history.”
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  For those who seek truth in music, The Reticent offers a mirror to the soul and a plea for understanding.

  Recommended for fans of Opeth, Cynic, The Contortionist, Wilderun, and Devin Townsend.

  “please” will be available via Generation Prog Records on November 13, 2025. A sixth album is also complete, as it was recorded simultaneously with "please" and will follow for release in 2026.

  CD pre-order (North America) - https://thereticent.net/please-pre-order​

  CD pre-order (EU) - http://www.generation-prog.com/shop/​

  Digital Album pre-save - https://show.co/MoPdl8W​

  For more info: Thereticent.net | Facebook.com/thereticentmusic | Instagram.com/The.reticent.band

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• BROCARDE Unveils “Feed My Soul” ft. KORN’s Ray Luzier – A Haunting Dive into Theatrical Horror Metal

  Oct 1, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Known for her haunting vocals, theatrical visuals, and ghostly whispers, Brocarde returns with her next sonic séance, blurring the line between the living and the dead. A gothic siren of symphonic metal and supernatural storytelling, her most visceral offering yet, “Feed My Soul,” is a thunderous single featuring the legendary Ray Luzier of KORN on drums.

  “I love Brocarde’s very unique vocal style and vibe. She has mass aggression to sweetness and everything in between in her voice! The very interesting song arrangements and theatrical segments make the whole package a dynamic, fun adventure to listen to. I see great things ahead for her!” says Ray Luzier.

  The track was recorded remotely across three cities: Brocarde in London, Luzier in Nashville, and producer Chris Collier (Korn, Mick Mars, Whitesnake) in Las Vegas. Though the trio never met during the recording process, fate intervened at Wacken Open Air, where Brocarde bumped into Luzier in the canteen.

  “Watching Ray perform with Korn side stage was a powerful reminder of what I’m fighting for. That’s the level I want to reach,” adds Brocarde.

  The “Feed My Soul” music video was shot in a haunted hunting lodge deep within Germany’s Black Forest, ominously known as The Demon Hotel. The setting mirrors Brocarde’s signature theatrical horror aesthetic, equal parts Phantom of the Opera and Edgar Allan Poe nightmare. From hushed whispers to guttural screams, she commands every moment with chilling precision, layering her vocals like a spectral choir and saturating each frame with raw emotion. The walls, adorned with taxidermy heads frozen in terror, serve as eerie spectators to the song’s themes of toxic entanglement and psychological warfare. Ray Luzier’s thunderous drumming injects a primal pulse, anchoring Brocarde’s ethereal delivery in a maelstrom of cinematic intensity.

  "Feed My Soul is more than a song; it’s a spiritual experience. I wrote it alone in the dark, channeling voices from beyond and emotions I couldn’t explain. It’s about craving connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. I want listeners to question everything they see as normal,” adds Brocarde.

  The single offers a glimpse into Brocarde’s long-awaited debut album, set for release in 2026, a decade in the making. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect a musical journey that’s as emotionally raw as it is visually spellbinding.

  Brocarde’s rise has been anything but ordinary. From marrying (and exorcising) a Victorian ghost named Edwardo, to conducting paranormal investigations at Download Festival and Wacken Open Air, she’s carved a niche as rock’s most fearless medium. Her column “Terrifying Travels” in The Daily Star chronicles her encounters with the dead, while her website Brocarde.com documents her haunted adventures around the globe.

  With “Feed My Soul,” Brocarde invites fans to step into her world, a place where music, magic, and madness collide.

  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/5fhv0p8TA2moaZztoFoFPE

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  More info:

  ​https://brocarde.com/​

  ​http://instagram.com/brocarde/​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/brocarde/​

  ​http://youtube.com/@thebrocardeshow​

  ​https://x.com/thebrocardeshow

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• Fantasy Meets Prog - CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE “Carving a Dragon” Opens The Gates To Debut "Primordial Reverie" Out Nov 2025

  Sep 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Cepheidae Variable, the one-man progressive metal project helmed by Kelowna, Canada, guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, has officially unveiled its debut single, “Carving a Dragon,” accompanied by a playthrough video. The track serves as the first glimpse into Cepheidae Variable’s upcoming debut full-length instrumental album, "Primordial Reverie," set for release on November 7th, 2025.

  Originally conceived as a personal exploration of musical growth, Cepheidae Variable evolved into a deeply emotional and ambitious endeavour following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis and the news of his own impending fatherhood.

  “I stopped waiting around and created something I’d be proud of. This album became a reflection of emotional turbulence, hope, and transformation,” shares Koepke.

  “Carving a Dragon” was the first track written for the album, and one of the most challenging. Inspired by Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Quest, the song symbolizes pouring one’s soul into creation and marks the beginning of Koepke’s journey as a solo recording artist. With its energetic, uplifting fantasy feel, it stands in contrast to the moodier, sci-fi-themed tracks that follow.

  “There were many times during the writing process I considered scrapping this song. The result is something that has stuck with me and has a lot of meaning to not only myself, but also friends and family who supported me,” says Koepke.

  The album itself is a genre-defying instrumental narrative, weaving through symphonic fantasy, sci-fi textures, and progressive complexity. Koepke describes the sound as “spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy,” and cites influences ranging from Dream Theater and Haken to Wintersun and Caligula’s Horse. Divided into three distinct acts, "Primordial Reverie" challenges listeners to experience the full arc of its story, with recurring motifs and evolving themes that reward repeat listens.

  The album artwork, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes feelings of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery, mirroring the tonal shift that occurs midway through the album.

  "I especially enjoyed this artwork because of the amount of interpretation it allows from the viewer. It was a heavy influence on the tonal shift this album undergoes." Koepke notes.

  With "Primordial Reverie," Koepke aims to release a new album every 2–4 years, continuing to push the boundaries of solo composition and progressive storytelling. Though currently instrumental, Cepheidae Variable may evolve into a collaborative or vocal project in the future.

  Recommended for listeners of Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, “Carving a Dragon” can be heard and watched via its playthrough premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/50cqqMHKWKJl9ahcdXY5xD​

  Digital Album pre-save (out Nov 7th) "Primordial Reverie" - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cepheidaevariable/primordial-reverie​

  CD Album pre-order - https://cepheidaevariable.bandcamp.com/album/primordial-reverie​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Overture (3:11)
  2. Carving a Dragon (4:04)
  3. The Waiting Storm (3:13)
  4. Zephyr of Ouroboros (9:15)
  5. Encounter (5:53)
  6. The Conduit (6:03)
  7. Chromatic Haven (5:11)
  8. Entropic Harvester (10:27)
  9. Singularity (11:32)
  Album Length: 58:53

  For more info: https://cepheidaevariable.com/

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• “Poems By a Poltergeist” Materializes as Juliet Ruin’s Most Haunted Creation Yet

  Sep 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian modern metal band Juliet Ruin returns with their most vulnerable and sonically ambitious release to date: the five-track EP "Regime," their fourth studio offering, available this October 24th, 2025. Leading the charge is the haunting first single “Poems By a Poltergeist,” accompanied by a gripping lyric video (created by vocalist Jess Felming) that dives deep into themes of depersonalization, mental health, and emotional isolation.
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  ​“This song came straight from the pages of Jess’ journal. It’s about feeling like a ghost in your own life, angry, disconnected, and searching for meaning,” the band shares.
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  Formed in 2015, Edmonton, AB's Juliet Ruin has evolved into a genre-fluid powerhouse known for its chunky, groovy, pretty, powerful, and catchy sound. With influences ranging from Spiritbox and Jinjer to Alexisonfire, the band blends metalcore, pop, and progressive elements into a style that’s both emotionally raw and technically sharp.
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  "Regime" is a sonic double-edged sword, balancing pop-infused vulnerability with bone-crushing breakdowns and the heaviest subject matter the band has ever tackled. From the introspective "Chrysalis" to the socially charged title track "Regime," each song is a collaborative effort shaped by personal experience and collective passion.
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  ​“We wanted this EP to feel empowering but also understanding,” says vocalist Jess, whose scream vocals, honed during the COVID lockdown through YouTube tutorials and lucid dreaming, now anchor the band’s evolving sound.
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  The album artwork, created by longtime collaborator Feen Murray, uses abstract imagery of skulls and hearts to reflect the tension between emotionality and overthinking, a visual metaphor for the EP’s lyrical core.

  "Regime" is more than just a record. It’s a statement. A safe space. A scream in the silence. And with “Poems By a Poltergeist,” Juliet Ruin invites listeners to confront their shadows and find strength in the echo.

  Add Single to your Spotify playlist (Sept 26th) - https://open.spotify.com/artist/54QrxuOJkvabZgah6SA4qv​
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  EP pre-order (out Oct 24th) - https://julietruin.bandcamp.com/​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Reactance Theory (4:03)
  2. Chrysalis (4:01)
  3. Poems By a Poltergeist (3:02)
  4. The Art of Being Wise (4:09)
  5. Regime (5:02)
  EP Length: 20:18​

  More info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/julietruinband​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/julietruin

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• Out Nov 2025 Trois-Rivieres' OUTLYING’s New Album "Oblivisci" Explores Pain and Redemption; Streaming Single "November"

  Sep 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After nearly a decade of silence, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec metal band OUTLYING returns with a vengeance. Their long-awaited third full-length album, "Oblivisci," drops November 21st, delivering a visceral blend of melodic death, thrash, and black metal that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically aggressive. The first single, “November,” is now available for streaming on all major platforms.
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  Founded in 2007 by vocalist/guitarist Fred A. Dubeau, OUTLYING began as a group of high school friends jamming covers in 2003. Over the years, the band evolved into a force of original expression, rejecting technical excess in favor of music that hits straight to the gut.

  “We wanted to create something anyone can feel and understand. Music that’s captivating, dark, aggressive, and melodic,” says Dubeau.
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  ​"Oblivisci," Latin for “to forget,” is a concept album exploring themes of trauma, alienation, grief, and addiction. The band’s signature sound is heavier and more melodic than ever, with no filler tracks and a commitment to emotional authenticity. Fans can expect a dynamic listening experience, with tracks ranging from thrashy punk anthems to atmospheric ballads. Highlights include “Snow,” a harrowing tale of abuse featuring female vocals, and “Sentinel,” a grief-stricken power ballad that echoes the band’s earlier fan favorites. The album closes with a three-part epic chronicling Dubeau’s personal journey through substance abuse and recovery.

  “After a long and challenging journey, we’re proud to finally share Oblivisci with the world. This album reflects our commitment to staying true to ourselves while evolving our sound. We’ve never followed trends; our music is dark, heavy, and emotionally charged, shaped by diverse influences from metal to classic rock, and even film, books, and games. Oblivisci builds on what OUTLYING has always stood for, but pushes deeper into atmosphere and intensity. Though often called melodic death metal, our sound draws from thrash, black, prog, and beyond. In a sea of forgettable songs, we hope this one leaves a mark,” adds Dubeau.
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  The first single, “November,” showcases OUTLYING’s evolved sound: a haunting, melodic death metal track about obsession and longing. It’s a powerful preview of what’s to come.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/5sf9bFl0ncHIZyOQcMA9QQ​

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  ​OUTLYING’s current lineup is a story of pure coincidence. Drummer Martin “Frenchy” Reithler first heard Fred on a metal podcast while living in France. After hearing Fred mention he was looking for a permanent drummer, Frenchy, who was already planning a move to Quebec, reached out. Fred initially thought the message was spam.
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  Later, Fred was asked by a friend to lend a soldering iron to fix a bass guitar. That visit led to him meeting Charles Alex Bilodeau. Weeks later, when searching for a new bassist, Fred remembered Charles Alex, and the lineup was complete.
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  Despite being based in Trois-Rivières, none of the members grew up there. Fred hails from near Bécancour, Charles Alex from Victoriaville, and Frenchy from a suburb near Paris, France.
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  Live, OUTLYING promises raw energy and passion, eschewing overproduced trends in favor of pure rock and roll intensity.

  “We want every show to feel like a journey, different vibes, different ambiance, all created with just our instruments,” says Dubeau.
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  With influences ranging from At The Gates and Testament to Cradle of Filth and Wintersun, OUTLYING’s sound is rooted in melodic death metal, thrash, black, and groove metal. Their previous releases include Within The Jail Of The Unfortunate (EP) (2008), Scars Of Daylight (2012), and Frameworks For Repression (2016).
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  The album artwork for "Oblivisci" depicts a post-apocalyptic version of the band’s hometown, reflecting the lyrical themes of societal decay and personal collapse.
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  ​"Oblivisci" will be available on November 21st on all streaming platforms.

  Track Listing:
  ​1 - The Raven Is Gone - 5:27
  2 - Stigma - 3:49
  3 - Snow - 6:02
  4 - Streets Of Rats And Vultures - 4:47
  5 - Pitch-Black Serum - 4:36
  6 - November - 5:56
  7 - Sentinel - 5:43
  8 - Impaired - 5:32
  9 - Dreamless Nights Part I: A Lullaby For The Insomniac - 4:19
  10- Dreamless Nights Part II: From Velvet Skies - 5:13
  11- Dreamless Nights Part III: Walking Out Of Eden's Ashes - 4:25
  Album Length: 55:49

  For more info:

  ​http://www.outlying.ca/​

  ​http://www.facebook.com/outlyingband​

  ​http://www.instagram.com/outlyingband/​

  ​https://www.tiktok.com/@outlying.band

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