Search Results: thrash

• Set Sail w/ BORN DIVIDED's New Album "Chronicle of a Shipwreck" A Voyage Through Survival and Unbroken Spirit

  Oct 24, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Quebec City melodic death metal band Born Divided has unleashed their highly anticipated second album, "Chronicle of the Shipwreck," now streaming worldwide as of October 24th. Mixed and mastered by Chris Donaldson of Cryptopsy, the album dives deeper into the band’s signature fusion of orchestral grandeur, progressive complexity, and raw emotional power.

  Formed in 2020 following the end of Blinded by Faith, a band that included founding members Tommy Demers and Michaël Beaudoin. Driven by a desire to return to music, Tommy transitioned from vocals to bass, opening the door for a new frontman. Maxim Levesque stepped in as lead vocalist, bringing fresh energy to the lineup. Longtime friends Lucas Biron (drums) and Fred Bédard (guitar) completed the ensemble, forming a powerhouse of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Québec’s metal scene.

  
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  ​Born Divided’s debut album, Impending Doom (2022), delivered seven tracks of razor-sharp precision and relentless intensity. With their latest release, "Chronicle of the Shipwreck," the band unveils a more evolved and emotionally resonant soundscape. The album is driven by fast, heavy riffs that balance complexity with catchiness, while brutal screams and soaring clean vocals create a striking dynamic tension. Cinematic orchestration deepens the atmosphere, and hook-rich guitar melodies keep the momentum surging. Lyrically and musically, the record navigates themes of emotional collapse, existential turmoil, and the fierce journey toward redemption.

  "We’re incredibly excited to unveil our new album. Our sound has been described as “if Gojira and Symphony X collided head-on, with flashes of Devin Townsend and the orchestral chaos of Dimmu Borgir,” and this album feels like the perfect embodiment of that hybrid spirit. As a band, our creative evolution has shifted dramatically; our earlier work leaned toward conceptual and fantastical storytelling. But Born Divided is something else entirely. It’s raw, personal, and brutally honest. Over the past two years, we've poured everything into this record: frustration, growth, vulnerability, and the cathartic power of music itself. This isn’t just an album. It’s a reflection of where we’ve been, what we’ve endured, and how we’ve emerged, louder, heavier, and more unapologetically ourselves.”

  With each track offering a distinct atmosphere, some are catchier, featuring memorable choruses, while others unfold into longer, more progressive journeys. It’s a compelling blend of melody and aggression designed to resonate deeply with fans. Recommended for fans of Ne Obliviscaris, Symphony X, Scar Symmetry, Persefone, and Dimmu Borgir.

  Album order (CD, Digital - out Oct 24th) - https://borndividedofficial.bandcamp.com/

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/2F9dcstQgn1At9fHyfJdum

   

  Show Dates:​
  Nov 1 - Quebec City - L'Anti Bar w/ Polygraph, Daedalean Complex, Omnivide
  Nov 21 - Moncton, NB - Xeroz Arcade Bar w/ Omnivide, Ibex

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/borndivided

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• ​WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2026 - One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

  Oct 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world's most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

  Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.

  "Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air," adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

  Canadian bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select Canada as your country)

  The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.

  Canadian Battle Cities:​
  Vancouver, BC
  Vancouver Island, BC
  BC Interior
  Edmonton, AB
  Toronto, ON
  Hamilton, ON
  Ottawa, ON
  Montreal, QC
  Quebec City, QC

  Watch - Wacken Metal Battle 2025 - Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? - https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

  The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  List of previous WMBC national winners: Killotine (Hamilton, ON - 2025), Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

  The 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered.
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  Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG (British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner.
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  The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

  For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

  Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

  How it works:​
  ​Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

  Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​X.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/wmbcanada.official

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• QUEMASANTOS Teams Up With Guitarist Chris Irarrazábal of Chilean Thrash Legends NIMROD for “The Oneironaut”

  Oct 22, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Ignacio Orellana (Bass/Guitars/Drums) | Nelson Diaz (Vocals)

  The international metal project Quemasantos returns with a haunting new visual experience: the official lyric video for “The Oneironaut”, a track inspired by the 19th-century writings of Allan Kardec on “journeys of the soul.” In this modern reinterpretation, the band transforms those spiritual ideas into a nightmarish, inter-dimensional voyage that unfolds within the realm of dreams. The track features guest guitarist Chris Irarrazábal of Chilean thrash metal band Nimrod.
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  Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/0zVokpdf0F0YfK7gsixH9z

  Nelson Díaz comments:

  “It’s a song inspired by the 19th-century writings of Allan Kardec on what he called ‘journeys of the soul.’ Today, we could interpret it as a nightmarish vision of an interdimensional journey experienced during sleep.”

  Ignacio Orellana adds:

  “As we’ve been releasing one track after another, the sound has been evolving in search of what we truly want it to be. As the musician behind the music, it’s been challenging to balance the instruments so that each one shines — because each represents a part of the creator’s soul. I feel that this one leans a little more toward the drums’ side… but the bass, the bass. We’re preparing a few more surprises — stay tuned and be ready to be surprised.”

  Formed in the relentless underground of Santiago, Chile, NIMROD stands as one of the country’s pioneering thrash metal forces. Blending speed, aggression, and precision, the band has forged a sound rooted in classic ’80s thrash while pushing forward with a distinctly South American intensity. Known for their explosive live shows and powerful songwriting, NIMROD has shared stages with both national legends and international acts, earning a loyal following across Latin America. With a catalog that captures decades of fury and evolution, the band continues to deliver pure, uncompromising metal, a testament to Chile’s enduring heavy scene.

  Credits & Production Details

  • Vocals: Nelson Díaz
  • Music: Ignacio Orellana
  • Lead Guitar: Chris Irarrazábal (Chilean thrash metal band Nimrod)
  • Vocals Recorded At: Ultrasonico Studios — Santiago, Chile
  • Music Recorded At: Oily Sound Studios — New York, USA
  • Visuals & Lyrical Concept: Nelson Díaz
  • Produced, Mixed & Mastered By: Ignacio Orellana

  Video edited By: Promusicvideo.com​
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  ​More info:

  https://quemasantos.com

  http://quemasantos.bandcamp.com

  http://instagram.com/quemasantos1

  http://www.facebook.com/quemasantos

  http://www.twitter.com/quemasantos1

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• AITTALA Announces Second EP of 2025 "Ill-Gotten Gains"; Unveils Music Video "Isolation"

  Oct 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Genre-blurring metal duo AITTALA (pronounced “EYE-tah-la”) returns with their latest and second EP of 2025, "Ill-Gotten Gains," dropping November 21, 2025, via Exitus Stratagem Records. The EP’s lead single, “Isolation,” is accompanied by a gripping music video that captures the emotional weight and sonic depth of the track.

  “Isolation” sets the tone for the EP with its doomy atmosphere, heavy guitars, and unexpected time signature shifts. Lyrically, it explores the consequences of past decisions, a theme that runs throughout the entire release.

  Watch and listen to the music video via its premiere on Doom & Stoned HERE.

  Single pre-save - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/isolation

  "Ill-Gotten Gains," AITTALA’s second EP of 2025 following Machines, marks a bold step forward in the band’s evolution. Retaining their core sound while pushing deeper into lyrical vulnerability and songwriting complexity, the EP continues their tradition of defying genre boundaries — weaving together elements of traditional metal, doom, groove, and progressive styles into a cohesive and immersive experience. Thematically, it explores the darker side of the human psyche, from chaos and exploitation to the consequences of those actions and the search for redemption, offering a cathartic journey for fans of genre-fluid metal.
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  The EP cover features an updated rendering of AITTALA’s long-standing mascot Frank, a cartoon pig head in a pentagram, first introduced in 2014’s "Effigy" album. Frank is the kind of character who’ll help you acquire "Ill-Gotten Gains" no questions asked, as long as you’ve got the cash.
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  Formed in 1991 in the Netherlands by guitarist/vocalist Eric Aittala, the band quickly became a fixture in the Dutch metal scene, sharing stages with acts like The Gathering and Sadist. After a long hiatus, AITTALA was resurrected in 2008 and has since released six full-length albums and multiple EPs, each showcasing a unique blend of classic heavy metal, doom, progressive, power, thrash, and hard rock. Now based in the U.S., AITTALA’s current lineup features Eric Aittala and powerhouse drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL). Together, they continue to push boundaries with music that’s as technically sharp as it is emotionally resonant.

  EP pre-save (out Nov 21) - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains

  Track Listing:​
  1. Isolation - 4:22
  2. Ill Gotten Gains - 4:20
  3. Black Listed - 3:35
  4. Ever After - 4:29
  5. Ashes - 3:50
  EP Length: 20:37

  For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic

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• THE FIXER Unleashes New Single "Ugly Knots" For "The Ugly Knots Tour" Across Canada w/ TEKNOSIS

  Oct 7, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Thunder Bay, Canada's The Fixer has dropped their new single “Ugly Knots”, a sonic and emotional powerhouse that sets the tone as they kick off their “The Ugly Knots Tour” this October with fellow hometown band Teknosis.
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  ​“Ugly Knots” is a raw, genre-defying track that fuses industrial metal with hardcore grit and ambient textures. It opens with abrasive riffs and harsh electronics before evolving into a sweeping, melodic climax, mirroring the emotional journey the band intends for listeners.
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  ​“This song is for the kind people we’ve seen be hated, harassed, and threatened. It’s written from the first-person perspective, but the spoken word section—contributed by our friend John Forget—comes directly from someone who lived that experience. It’s a message of strength in the face of cruelty,” says the band.
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  Lyrically and musically, “Ugly Knots” is one of The Fixer’s heaviest and most artful releases to date. Eschewing formulaic conventions, the band leans hard into their industrial roots while exploring themes of anger, sadness, and resilience. Fans of their heavier material will find plenty to latch onto, while new listeners will be drawn into its emotional depth.
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  The single marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Fixer, as they prepare to hit the road with Teknosis for a tour of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta (dates listed below) that promises catharsis, chaos, and connection. “Ugly Knots” is more than a song; it’s a statement.

  Listen to "Ugly Knots" at the following links:

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - ​https://open.spotify.com/track/3hvFHi6mVgqRlmDWHlAo8f

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  Formed out of pure love for metal. Teknosis has quickly evolved into a tight, aggressive unit with a shared vision: to make heavy music that hits hard and leaves no room to breathe. Set to ignite stages across the country this October, Teknosis is bringing their relentless live energy to fans in support of their acclaimed 2024 EP "Return to Civilization", a five-track barrage of groove-laced hardcore and death metal influences. It's a compact, violent sonic explosion that lyrically channels frustration and isolation from lockdowns, with themes ranging from societal collapse to personal survival.

  With ambient samples bridging each track, Teknosis will be a visceral live experience as they deliver a seamless, high-impact set that’s organic, heavy, and hypnotic.

  “We still believe in live amps and drums straight to the cochlea. It’s all about maximum intensity. A sonic experience that’s as brutal as it is addictive," says bassist Travis Doggett.
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  Fans can expect new singles starting in Fall 2025, leading up to a full-length album in late 2025 or early 2026. The October tour will feature tracks from "Return to Civilization" alongside unreleased material, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.

  ​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Cu2jRvDUKvEZdqJd5QjwJ

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  Ugly Knots Tour 2025 - The Fixer, Teknosis
  ​Oct 2 - La Sarre, QC - La Brute du Coin *
  Oct 3 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar *
  Oct 4 - Levis, QC - Taverne La Barricade *
  Oct 9 - Fort Frances, ON - Pink Parasol Tea Room
  Oct 10 - Brandon, MB - The 40
  Oct 11 - Prince Albert, SK - Studio Q
  Oct 12 - Edmonton, AB - The Rendezvous
  Oct 13 - Calgary, AB - Pin Bar
  Oct 14 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice
  Oct 15 - Moose Jaw, SK - Chillers
  Oct 16 - Saskatoon, SK - Green Room
  Oct 17 - Regina, SK - The Exchange
  Oct 18 - The Pas, MB - The Wescana Inn
  Oct 19 - Winnipeg, MB - Osborne Taphouse
  Oct 31 - Thunder Bay, ON - The Hunger 18 (Downtown-wide Hallowe'en Festival)
  * = without Teknosis
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  ​More Info:

  ​https://www.facebook.com/TheFixerBand | https://www.instagram.com/thefixercanada | https://www.tiktok.com/@thefixercanada​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/teknosismetal | https://www.instagram.com/teknosis.metal/

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