Search Results: trois-rivieres

• HOPELESS NATION Ends Decade-Long Hiatus with Explosive New Video “Silverspoon”

  Nov 13, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  After nearly a decade of silence, Trois-Rivières, QC's Hopeless Nation roars back into the spotlight with their new single “Silverspoon,” a blistering fusion of hardcore grit and modern metal precision. The track marks the band’s official return and is accompanied by a surreal, AI-generated music video that can be viewed below.
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  Formed in 1998, Hopeless Nation built its legacy on raw energy, socially charged lyrics, and sweat-soaked live shows. Their 2009 album "Built from Scratch" became a cornerstone of Quebec’s underground scene, backed by over 200 performances alongside acts like 100 Demons, Bane, Lofofora, and Despised Icon.
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  In summer 2024, the band reunited for a high-energy show that reignited their creative fire. Revisiting unrecorded material from 2014, they began a new cycle, grinding back up from the roots while staying true to their hardcore and metal ethos. That journey culminates in “Silverspoon,” a track that hits hard from the first note and refuses to let go.
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  ​“Silverspoon” is immediate, layered, and aggressive, with clean vocal hooks that broaden its reach. Mixed and mastered by Francis Perron (Voïvod, Decayed Remains) at RadicArt, it’s built to dominate playlists and ignite live crowds. Lyrically, it critiques entitlement while celebrating earned effort, themes reflected in its cinematic music video.
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  The video, created entirely with AI technology, fuses 1960s suburban nostalgia with cosmic adventure. A young boy carrying a silver spoon becomes a cult leader, confronting human space invaders and his own inner darkness, symbolized by a red snake. It’s a bold artistic leap that blends innovation with authentic musical expression.
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  The single artwork mirrors this tension: a red serpent coiled around a silver spoon, rendered in a haunting, old painting style. It visually ties to the song’s themes and the surreal narrative of the video.
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  ​Hopeless Nation’s return is more than a comeback; it’s a tribute. The new planned singles to be released in the coming months honour past members Jonathan Houle (bass/guitar, 2012–2014, 2024) and Maxime Dupont (rhythm guitar, 1998–2014), whose talent and spirit helped define the band’s sound. Their legacy echoes through every riff and lyric.
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  The band’s lineup remains deeply rooted in the Quebec scene, and Louis-Simon Bellerose leads punk hardcore legends Genetic Error. Steve DC and Guy Provencher represented Canada at Wacken Open Air 2023 with Strigampire, winners of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada.

  Known for their no-backing-tracks, lamp-amp sound, and full crowd interaction, their live shows are legendary, often featuring headbanging, chair-throwing, and immersive visual projections that leave fans breathless.
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  ​“Silverspoon” is just the beginning. Four more singles, "Disaster," "My Curse," "1000 Miles," and "Predators," will follow, leading to a full EP. Each track bridges the band’s hardcore roots with a modern metal sheen, offering pit-friendly intensity and emotional depth.
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  For fans of Gojira, Darkest Hour, At the Gates, Lamb of God, and Zao, Hopeless Nation delivers a sound that’s explosive, raw, and relentlessly honest.

  Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/0XXWDbK2CcqkMpeOo80uIL

  More info: https://www.instagram.com/hopelessnation_official | https://www.facebook.com/hopelessnation​

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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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• UNPUNISHED's New EP Is An Aggressive Lesson In The "Echoes of History"

  Sep 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Pierre-Luc Defoy (Guitar, Back Vocals), Jean-Christophe Magnan (Vocals), Alex Brochu-Meloche (Bass, Back Vocals), Justin Lefebvre (Drums), Dean Pavicic (Guitar)

  Photo Credit - Julien Bouffard

  Circle pitting the Quebec City metal scene and becoming a leading tour de force, Unpunished unleashes an aggressive metalcore lesson with their new EP "Echoes of History," dropping this Friday, September 5th, 2025. Before its official release, the quintet has teamed up with Bravewords for a full stream premiere HERE.

  “Echoes of History,” our second EP, took over two years to create, shaped by personal challenges and creative differences. With diverse musical influences, we struggled to agree on direction—but that tension gave rise to a unique sound. Unpunished aims to avoid formulaic songwriting, crafting each track to evoke distinct moods and emotions. The EP blends 2000s metalcore roots, melodeath-inspired riffs, and vocals ranging from melodic to deathcore breakdowns," adds vocalist Jean-Christophe Magnan.

  Produced by Unpunished drummer Justin Lefebvre, “Echoes of History” is a powerful and emotionally charged five-track EP that explores humanity’s recurring failures and inner turmoil. Inspired by the Ouroboros and an almost-empty hourglass, the artwork symbolizes the urgent warning that time is running out as we repeat the same destructive patterns. Musically, the EP blends metalcore, melodic death metal, and deathcore, delivering intense riffs, melodic solos, and relentless energy. Lyrically, it dives into themes of betrayal, societal collapse, regret, genocide, and vengeance, each track offering a distinct emotional journey that reflects both personal and collective battles.

  Recommended for fans of As I Lay Dying, The Black Dahlia Murder, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Bleed From Within, Unpunished's "Echoes of History" is available for pre-order at https://unpunished.bandcamp.com.

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/2V8YKy50wVSJ6e5B9SPwrx​

  In additional news, Unpunished will be performing a series of show dates in the province of Quebec, listed below. Fans can anticipate a tight, high-energy live performance, with a dynamic setlist that mirrors the EP’s emotional and musical range.

  Unpunished - Echoes of History EP Launch Tour w/ Concessions, Deadwood, In Disarray, Observants, Terror Symphony:

  Sept 20 - Quebec City, QC - L'Anti Bar - info​

  Sept 27 - Trois Rivieres, QC - Taverne Royale - info​

  Oct 10 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar - info

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  Track Listing:​
  1. As Water Fills My Lungs - 4:49
  2. Plague of Our Race - 4:39
  3. Shattered in Disarray - 5:06
  4. Echoes of History - 4:52
  5. Burn the Traitors ft. Alex Leblanc - 4:38
  EP Length: 24:06

  Recording Credits:​
  • All songs performed by: Unpunished
  • All songs written by: Unpunished
  • Produced, mixed, and mastered by: Justin Lefebvre
  • Album Artwork by: I And I Art
  • Member of SOCAN
  • Canadian Content (MAPL)

  EP Recording and Live Line Up:​
  Jean-Christophe Magnan (vocals)
  Justin Lefebvre (drums)
  Alex Brochu-Meloche (bass, back vocals)
  Pierre-Luc Defoy (guitar, backing vocals)
  Dean Pavicic (guitar)

  More info: Facebook.com/Unpunishedband | Instagram.com/unpunished_band

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• ART OF ATTRITION - Cross Canada "The Subservient Bloodletting Tour" w/ Beguiler + New Blackened Technical Deathcore Single “Subserviate & Decay”

  Feb 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Red Deer, AB extreme metal outfit Art of Attrition unleashes their latest single “Subserviate & Decay”. The track showcases the band's signature blend of relentless brutality and melodic complexity while pushing into bold new territory.

  “Subserviate & Decay” delivers the classical Art of Attrition sound that fans have come to expect - a devastating combination of 8-string guitars, gravity blast beats, and guttural vocals - before taking an unexpected turn after the bridge breakdown. The band expands:

  “It is modern primitive. It embodies all you love about Art of Attrition and then slaps you in the face with a caveman club. We loved writing this song, recording the parts, and developing its uniqueness in our catalog. It serves as a visceral reminder of the necessity of internal self-love and confidence.”

  Since their formation in 2019, Art of Attrition has carved out their niche in the extreme metal landscape; their 2023 debut album “The Void Eternal” and 2024’s “...And It Will All End Forever” established them as a force in the technical deathcore scene. The single represents a conscious step outside the band's comfort zone, incorporating elements from other genres they love. It is especially recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Aversions Crown, and Kublai Khan.

  Watch and listen to the video for “Subserviate & Decay” via TheCirclepit at https://youtu.be/55K4q_d0znQ​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4gREec7

  ​In additional news, Art of Attrition along with 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions, Toronto, ON's Beguiler be hitting the road across Canada, east to the west this May for "The Subservient Bloodletting Tour" (dates listed below). This cross-country trek marks a new chapter for both bands as they expand their reach, unleashing their most punishing sets to date along with new songs to unveil. Enter the moshpit for these two bands' audio assaults of some good ol’ extreme sonic carnage!

  The Subservient Bloodletting Tour w/ Art of Attrition, Beguiler​
  May 2 - La Source de la Martinière- Quebec City, QC
  May 3 - Piranha Bar - Montréal, QC
  May 4 - Taverne Royale - Trois Rivières, QC
  May 7 - The Union - Kitchener, ON
  May 8 - Queens Nightclub - Barrie, ON
  May 9 - Dominion House - Windsor, ON
  May 10 - Sneaky Dee’s - Toronto, ON
  May 11 - Dominion Tavern - Ottawa, ON
  May 14 - SideStage - Winnipeg, MB
  May 15 - Black Cat Tavern - Saskatoon, SK
  May 16 - The Vat - Red Deer, AB
  May 17 - Dickens - Calgary, AB
  May 23 - Stariite Temple - Edmonton, AB
  May 24 - The Cobalt - Vancouver, BC

  More info: http://artofattrition.com | https://www.facebook.com/ArtofAttrition | https://www.instagram.com/artofattrition​
  
  

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• VORTEX Announces "Symphony for the Dead" Eastern Canadian Tour w/ France's XAON - (ON, QC, NB)

  Jan 14, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  VORTEX Announces "Symphony for the Dead" Eastern Canadian Tour w/ France's XAON - (ON, QC, NB)

  Rimouski, Quebec's Vortex announces they are pairing up with France's XAON for an eastern Canadian tour this coming April followed by European dates in October and November.

  Entitled "Symphony For The Dead Tour", the Canadian edition of shows will kick off in Montreal, QC on April 15th and see both bands perform 10 dates across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick with support on select shows from Omnivide, Strigampire, Ulfhednar, and Burning Attic (dates listed below).

  The tour will also be in support of VORTEX's next release for 2025, a new 5-song EP to follow their third studio album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” released in 2023. That info will be revealed in the coming weeks.

  Symphony For The Dead Tour - Vortex + XAON (QC, ON, NB)​
  April 15 - Montreal, QC - Le Petit Campus ***
  April 16 - Edmundston, NB - Ateepic *
  April 17 - Saint John, NB - Haven Music Hall and Cafe *
  April 18 - Moncton, MB - Xeroz *
  April 19 - Rimouski, QC - Coop Le Paradis *
  April 22 - Ottawa, ON - The Rainbow
  April 23 - Drummondville, QC - La Ste-Paix ****
  April 24 - Quebec City, QC - L'Anti ****
  April 25 - Saguenay, QC - Microbrasserie Port-Alfred
  April 26 - Trois-Rivieres, QC - L'Entite **
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  * Omnivide
  ** Strigampire
  *** Ulfhednar
  **** Burning Attic

  About Vortex:

  Vortex is a symphonic Death Metal band from Quebec, Canada, and is comprised of seasoned musicians with an abundance of studio and live experience. Their masterful lyric writing is equally matched with their prowess in devising riffs, and orchestrations.

  Vortex music is filled with heavy riffing and melodies, technical vocals, and epic soloing. They will transport the listener into a new world and are recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Shadow of Intent, Dimmu Borgir, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

  In June 2023, Vortex released “The Future Remains In Oblivion”, their third epic concept album set to aggressive and beautiful orchestral melodic death metal with hints of black metal. Each song on the album is one chapter in their well-written sci-fi tale and there is a build-up in intensity and emotion that goes along with the storyline and the lyrics as you traverse the album. VORTEX is gearing up to release a new 5-song EP and hit the road in 2025 alongside the talented band XAON. They will be supporting each other on a tour across Canada in April 2025 and Europe in October-November 2025.

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  For more info (Official Website, Socials, Videos, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music): https://linktr.ee/vortexband​

  About XAON:

  XAON. An elusive name born in the Alpine Might. Never quite fitting in any of the numerous galleries metal has to offer, drifting through the extremes whilst juxtaposing finesse and vehemence from an unworldly orchestra, endlessly exploring the vast echoic gloominess of the human mind.

  In only a few short years, the combo has managed to step foot on 3 continents through the release of their debut album “The Drift”, notably across Europe with gothic metal monsters SIRENIA and folk metal legends TYR, in Japan with OBSCURA and ARCHSPIRE, in the US with THE VEER UNION, and sharing the stage in festivals across Europe with bands such as MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, GOJIRA, PARADISE LOST, ELUVEITIE and many more. In 2019, XAON came back with their critically acclaimed 2nd album “Solipsis” and raged across Europe with SEPTICFLESH and KRISIUN and distinguished themselves as an extremely powerful live act.

  On July 1st, 2022, XAON released their new magnum opus, “The Lethean”, bringing the band’s grandiose aggressiveness to a whole new level, pummeling their way through a cataclysmic atmosphere while reaching a new majestic apotheosis. This record got them to play at the mighty WACKEN OPEN AIR 2023.

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  More info: https://www.xaonmusic.com/​

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