Search Results: vancouver

• KILLOTINE Wins WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 To Play Wacken Open Air!

  Jun 2, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Photo Credit - Derek Carr - Visions In Pixels​

  WMBC 2025 Final Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3Z55AFy​

  One band to rule them all! The final four bands from this year's 2025 battles for Wacken Metal Battle Canada gathered in Vancouver, BC, for the national final on May 31st at the Rickshaw Theatre. Only one unsigned Canadian band can walk away and be crowned champion to move on to perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals, Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  Crowning this year's 2025 winner is Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE (Ontario Winner), who, after their performance, a panel of industry judges voted as Canada's top band to play at the International Wacken Battle at Wacken Open Air. They performed alongside SOULTHIEF (Ottawa, ON - Eastern Canada Winner), BEYOND SUFFERING (Calgary, AB - Alberta Winner), and YEGG (Nanaimo, BC - British Columbia Winner). The special guest headliner was 2024 BC final winner, Vancouver's Arrow In The Quiver​.

  “What a finals we’ve just had in Vancouver. It's so nice to see the level of the bands and the great performances from all of them. The result is that we’ve got something special this year: Killotine is the chosen one. This band has a career waiting for them, and the real beginning of that journey will be at Wacken Open Air. This really enforces what the Metal Battle is all about and how we are nurturing the next generation, the future of metal,” comments Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada, JJ Tartaglia.

  This year's panel of national final judges consisted of 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, Owner, 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).

  About The Final Four:

  Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning—relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total. This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand—pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.

  
  

  https://linktr.ee/killotinemetal

  ==========

  Ottawa, ON's SOULTHIEF is a crossover band known for their powerful and fun sound that combines elements of melodic hardcore, thrash metal, beatdown, slam, and punk. Formed in early 2021, the band has garnered a reputation for its intense live performances and dynamic songwriting.

  Their discography includes several notable releases, with their albums “Citadel” and "The Bad Kind of Wet” receiving praise for their energy and musical depth. Tracks like "You Could be my Gwen Stacy" and "Rupture" are often highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing the band's ability to craft memorable hooks and crowd-engaging lyrics.

  Soulthief has built a loyal following through their extensive touring and energetic live shows. They have performed at various venues and festivals, earning a reputation for delivering high-impact performances that resonate with audiences. Playing with bands like Stick to Your Guns, Within Destruction, MadBall, Get the Shot, Left to Suffer, Guilt Trip, Sworn Enemy, Hoods, Vctms, Teeth, and many more

  Soulthief has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of their craft. Their dedication to their musical performance and their passionate fanbase have cemented their place in any music scene they show up in.

  
  

  https://www.soulthief.ca

  ==========

  Calgary, AB's BEYOND SUFFERING is a five-piece melodic metal band with roots in thrash and metalcore. With founding member and lead guitarist Rob Vargo, they blend intense riffs and rhythmic complexities of deathcore with melodic hooks and emotional depth of hardcore. Their recent pre-release demo, “Buddha,” is a great buildup to the upcoming “Darkness” and subsequent response “Light” EPs later this year.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/BeyondSuffering

  =========

  Nanaimo, BC's old school death metal YEGG is a band that stays true to their roots. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, YEGG delivers a relentless assault of pure, unadulterated old school Death Metal. Their live shows are a sight to behold with intense energy and a ferocious wall of pure aggression that will.

  
  

  https://linktr.ee/yeggmetal

  ================

  About The Battle:

  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 30 different 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, allowing independent bands 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 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

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

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

  Read more

• Vancouver Prog Collective MONIKER Unveils New Music Video "Hindsight

  May 21, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Brewed in a basement suite fueled by the lust for bringing their hometown of Vancouver, BC, something it's never heard of before, the members of progressive collective Moniker, whom all met as students while attending Audio Engineering school, returns with its next taste of new music, "Hindsight" to follow single "From The Grave" released March 31st of this year and their first self-titled full-length unleashed back in 2021.

  "You normally had either brutal death metal or indie rock. Bringing melodic progressive metal to this city was our goal, and we are back to finish it," adds the band.

  Before the digital single for "Hindsight" is officially available on June 6th, 2025, on all platforms, the progressive quintet is unveiling its music video that can be viewed below.

  The band comments on the track:

  "To those who know us, it will be just as everyone expects, for those who don't know us, prepare for the unexpected. This single gives a balance between clean melodies and delay-saturated guitar licks, all the way to soul-crushing riffs with gut-wrenching screams. Time flows on and on, whether we want it to or not. Our vision may be clouded, but hindsight is 20/20."

  With its melodic sense, progressive and sizzling heavy riffs, and soaring vocals, Moniker is recommended for fans of Tool, Deftones, Trivium, Leparous, and Killswitch Engage. Watch and listen to "Hindsight" at the following link:

  ​

  Digital Single pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/moniker7/hindsight​

  More info: https://www.Instagram.com/monikerband

  Read more

• Cosmic Thrashers Crüzer Unleash New EP "Look to the Skies" + Show Dates + CD Pre-Order

  May 16, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R: Nico Miraftab (guitar), Eric Willmott (lead vocals), Alex Gain (drums), Ben Higgins (guitar, bass), New member: Esteban Lleuful (bass; not pictured)

  Photos: Caitlin R.D.

  Unleashing their debut EP "Look to the Skies" this past April, Crüzer is not just a band—they are a cosmic metal assault from the Great White North. Hailing from Vancouver, BC, Canada, their sound is as unstoppable as an alien invasion force, tearing through the atmosphere with electrifying solos and unforgettable hooks.

  With their undeniable stage presence (recently performing at this year's Hyperspace Metal Festival) and the power of the riff, these melodic cosmic thrashers celebrate the bizarre and otherworldly wonders of the universe. Metalheads can expect a raging, thrashing good time, but with a melodic and humorous twist. Crüzer isn’t afraid to turn trash on its head and infuse the flavour with all kinds of spices and secret sauces.

  "EARTHLINGS!!! Crank it to 11, and prepare for an out-of-this-world heavy metal experience. Your alien overlords are pleased to unveil our newest slice of interplanetary propaganda, LOOK TO THE SKIES!

  Five tracks of raging, rip-roaring, intergalactic speed metal, with a multitude of different flavours catered to the tastes of every thrasher, from the melodic Metallica nerds to the greasy Slaytanic Wehrmacht. Perfect for cruzing down the interstellar highway or around Saturn’s rings.

  CONSUME, EARTHLINGS! LISTEN AND REJOICE!!! BASK IN THE GLORY OF YOUR ALIEN OVERLORDS AND CELEBRATE OUR ARRIVAL!!!" adds the band.

  With the EP streaming on all digital platforms as of April 4, 2025, Crüzer plans to release the 5-track record on CD, with the release date to be determined. CD pre-order will be available from the band via their Bandcamp at https://cruzermuzik.bandcamp.com.

  "Look to the Skies" is recommended for fans of all things thrash, such as Havok, Exodus (Zetro era), Destruction, Metallica (Ride the Lightning era), Exciter, and 80s Judas Priest.

  EP Stream Links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3GKuG6C

  [embed]https://open.spotify.com/album/67l6zwfBCW3YAweemQaTWu[/embed]

  ​

  Show Dates:​
  June 27 - Vancouver, BC - The Astoria w/ Gorgonum Chaos, The Bifurcated, Nobody, DJ HAMMER - info​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Look to the Skies (4:18)
  2. Born to Rise (4:06)
  3. Raging Fire (3:51)
  4. (I Need) Thrash (2:14)
  5. Pit Vyper (4:44)
  Length: 19:13

  More info: Cruzermuzik.carrd.co | Facebook.com/cruzermuzik | Instagram.com/cruzermuzik

  Read more

• WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2025 National Finalists w/ KILLOTINE (Ontario), SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta), YEGG (BC)

  May 8, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  There can only be one! Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year's 2025 national finalists for one unsigned Canadian band to be crowned champion and perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  After multiple battles across the country that began in January of this year, the final four Canadian bands will be making their way to the national final in Vancouver, BC, on May 31st, 2025, at the Rickshaw Theatre (254 East Hastings Street), where they will be judged by a panel of music industry judges that include BRITTNEY SLAYES (Unleash The Archers), CLAINE GORGOTH LAMB (The Hallowed Catharsis, Misyrion), 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, Owner, and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), STAN SCHINNERS (Owner of Broken Neck Radio). Door Time at 6 pm PST. Tickets available at https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=1914​

  "Once again, we are at our Finals for the Metal Battle, and it's a very special one this year, as we host them in Vancouver for the first time! What a testament to Canadian talent we have, showcasing some of the top metal acts from across our great country, all leading to this final showdown in VanCity. Stoked to make the trek to attend and can't wait to see who will be our champions bound for Wacken Open Air," comments WMBC national organizer JJ Tartaglia.

  British Columbia WMBC promoter Abelardo Mayoral adds:

  "There has been a lot of excitement about the Metal Battle Canada taking place in Vancouver throughout the different elimination rounds. The response and attendance to each round have been outstanding. I know Vancouver is ready to welcome bands and fans from all over the country, and of course, to showcase the talent, strength, and unity that the metal scene in all of BC has."

  WMBC 2025 Final Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/3Z55AFy

  Winning their territorial battles respectively, the final four are the following:

  Hamilton, ON's KILLOTINE is the hammer that falls without warning—relentless, unforgiving, and all-consuming. Their riffs shred through the air like jagged steel, solos burn with a fury that can’t be tamed, and blasts hit like an explosion in your chest. They don’t care about trends or softening the blow. Every note is a direct attack, every show a brutal assault. Headbanging is inevitable, the adrenaline is relentless, and the chaos is total. This is metal in its rawest, most savage form. With their “take everything, leave only metal” mentality, Killotine isn’t here to play nice. They deliver exactly what the maniacs demand—pure, unfiltered aggression. No filler, no fake. Just a full-throttle, all-out assault that doesn’t let up, leaving you wrecked and addicted to the chaos. KILLOTINE IS COMING. STAY OUT OF THE WAY OR GET DESTROYED.

  Video - Epic Live Set at the Whiskey Pit: Killotine Shreds Like Never Before! - https://youtu.be/AkuL8nbk8XE​

  ​https://linktr.ee/killotinemetal​

  ==========

  Ottawa, ON's SOULTHIEF is a crossover band known for their powerful and fun sound that combines elements of melodic hardcore, thrash metal, beatdown, slam, and punk. Formed in early 2021, the band has garnered a reputation for its intense live performances and dynamic songwriting.

  Their discography includes several notable releases, with their albums “Citadel” and "The Bad Kind of Wet” receiving praise for their energy and musical depth. Tracks like "You Could be my Gwen Stacy" and "Rupture" are often highlighted as fan favorites, showcasing the band's ability to craft memorable hooks and crowd-engaging lyrics.

  Soulthief has built a loyal following through their extensive touring and energetic live shows. They have performed at various venues and festivals, earning a reputation for delivering high-impact performances that resonate with audiences. Playing with bands like Stick to Your Guns, Within Destruction, MadBall, Get the Shot, Left to Suffer, Guilt Trip, Sworn Enemy, Hoods, Vctms, Teeth, and many more

  Soulthief has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of their craft. Their dedication to their musical performance and their passionate fanbase have cemented their place in any music scene they show up in.

  Music Video - You Could Be My Gwen Stacy - https://youtu.be/eRnfHx-FvGY​

  ​https://www.soulthief.ca​

  ==========

  Calgary, AB's BEYOND SUFFERING is a five-piece melodic metal band with roots in thrash and metalcore. With founding member and lead guitarist Rob Vargo, they blend intense riffs and rhythmic complexities of deathcore with melodic hooks and emotional depth of hardcore. Their recent pre-release demo, “Buddha,” is a great buildup to the upcoming “Darkness” and subsequent response “Light” EPs later this year.

  Song Stream - Buddha (Demo) - https://youtu.be/Menz1YSu_pI​

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

  =========

  Nanaimo, BC's old school death metal YEGG is a band that stays true to their roots. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Cannibal Corpse, YEGG delivers a relentless assault of pure, unadulterated old school Death Metal. Their live shows are a sight to behold with intense energy and a ferocious wall of pure aggression that will.

  Song Stream - Offal Offering - https://youtu.be/7s0WVh-JXd4​

  ​https://linktr.ee/yeggmetal​

  =========

  WACKEN METAL BATTLE 2025: CANADA FINAL

  Event Info - https://www.facebook.com/events/2015740435614140​
  Sat, May 31, 2025 - 6:00 PM PST
  Rickshaw Theatre
  254 East Hastings Street
  Vancouver, BC, V6A 1P1

  About:

  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 30 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 giving 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 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

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

  Links:​
  ​Metal-Battle.com​​
  ​Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
  ​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
  ​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

  Read more

• VULTURES AT DAWN Debut Single “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold)

  Apr 22, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Under the scorching sun of the sonic badlands, queer-fronted desert rock outfit Vultures At Dawn emerge from the shimmer with their debut single “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold); it isn't just music, it's the campfire confession of vagabonds with one eye on the horizon and one hand on their weapon. It's the sound of survival on society's edges, where victory isn't measured in gold but in living to see another blood-red sunset. The band shares their excitement:

  “‘Outlaws’ was the 2nd song that we wrote. Buck wrote the lyrics after escaping from the cops while on horseback, barely making it out alive. They wrote the song the night they got back, and turned the exhilaration of surviving into a song. It's our first publicly available song, and we have at least 5 other songs we play live, and a couple others in the process of being written.”

  Recorded within the hallowed walls of a historic church, the band infiltrated under the cover of night, “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) captures the raw, untamed spirit that has made Vultures At Dawn the soundtrack for modern-day desperados. The single sears with soulful vocals from Buck Summers, backed by the thunderous heartbeat of Raven Steel's guitar work, Sebastian Black's rumbling basslines, Dallas McCoy's haunting oboe, and the relentless percussion of Doc.

  The band, notorious for their theatrical live shows that incorporate sounds from life on the lam, continues to build their loyal following of self-described outcasts, their ‘volt’ of vultures who flock to experience the band's mystical, witchy energy and bone-rattling riffs. “Outlaws” (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) offers passage into a world where the rules are written in sand and washed away with whiskey. It is recommended for fans of Kyuss, Black Sabbath, and Queen.

  Listen to "Outlaws" (Texas Chainsaw Marigold) at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3EtBwfQ​

  More Info: https://www.facebook.com/VulturesAtDawn | https://www.instagram.com/vulturesatdawn

  Read more