Search Results: wintersun

• Streaming Now! Kelowna's CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE Unveils Debut Prog Album "Primordial Reverie" - A Sonic Journey Through Emotion, Evolution, and Imagination

  Nov 6, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Cepheidae Variable, the solo project of Canadian musician Ryan Koepke, will unleash its debut full-length album, "Primordial Reverie," on November 7th, a sweeping instrumental work that blends progressive metal, symphonic textures, and sci-fi soundscapes into a deeply personal and cinematic listening experience.
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  Originally conceived as a casual creative outlet, Cepheidae Variable took on new meaning following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis. The emotional weight of that moment, combined with the joy of becoming an expecting father himself, transformed the project into a passionate pursuit of musical storytelling.
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  ​“I stopped waiting around and decided to create something I’d be proud of. This album mirrors the turbulence and hope I was experiencing in my life,” says Koepke.

  Described in five words: spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy, "Primordial Reverie" is a genre-defying instrumental concept album built around three distinct acts. It opens with orchestral fantasy-inspired compositions and gradually shifts toward complex, synth-driven sci-fi arrangements. The album’s structure reflects Koepke’s evolving musical tastes and life experiences, with each track supporting the next like chapters in a book.
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  ​“I wanted to release an album that felt like a journey. Each song has its own identity, but recurring motifs and tonal shifts tie everything together,” explains Koepke.
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  From the uplifting energy of the single “Carving a Dragon” to the darker, more orchestrated depths of “Singularity,” the album invites listeners to craft their own narrative through sound. Koepke’s writing process is highly visual, often sparked by imagery or abstract themes, and guided by a desire to build immersive sonic environments.

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  ​"Primordial Reverie" is designed to be experienced as a complete piece, though its singles offer standalone energy and accessibility. Koepke anticipates fans will gravitate toward different halves of the album, some drawn to the melodic, symphonic opening tracks, others to the chaotic, experimental second act.
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  ​“I think fans of progressive metal will find something to enjoy, even if not every song fits neatly into genre definitions,” adds Koepke.

  
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  The album cover, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes themes of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery. Its abstract beauty heavily influenced the album’s tonal evolution.
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  Musically, Cepheidae Variable draws inspiration from bands like Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, while maintaining a distinct voice shaped by Koepke’s improvisational roots and cinematic ambitions.
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  Koepke plans to continue developing Cepheidae Variable, potentially expanding beyond instrumental work and solo production, and reach a goal of releasing a new album every 2–4 years. Fans can expect future full-length projects that build on the emotional and thematic depth of "Primordial Reverie."​
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  ​“This album means a lot to me. The ups and downs in the music reflect what I was going through, and it brings me joy to share it with others.”​
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  ​"Primordial Reverie" will be available on all major streaming platforms and CD on November 7th, 2025, and before it officially releases, it can be heard via its full stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

  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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• 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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• 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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• MATT MILLER Unleashes Sci-Fi Infused Tech-Death Odyssey W/ Seventh Studio Album “Fiber Tormentum”

  Sep 11, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  ​Technical death metal virtuoso Matt Miller will be officially releasing his seventh studio album, "Fiber Tormentum," via Exitus Stratagem Records on September 12th, 2025. Born from the isolation of the 2020 pandemic, Miller’s solo project grew into a collaborative force after touring with Rings of Saturn and supporting Possessed across Europe. Miller assembled a powerhouse lineup of genre-spanning musicians featuring Jordan Kelso (drums/synth), Justice Robinett (bass), and Biko Wright (vocals). The result is "Fiber Tormentum", a concept-driven album that fuses crushing technicality with soaring clean vocals to whisk you away on a genre-defying journey and musical evolution.

  Lyrically, the album imagines a world where alien forces manipulate human DNA to enslave the planet. Each track tells a chapter of this dystopian saga. “Descent into Violence” opens with raw desperation and emotive intensity. “Summoned” details the invaders’ plans, its music mimicking alien algorithms. “Effectively Neutralized” enacts the invasion with unpredictable twists, while “Blight and Disfigurement” marches through environmental collapse. “Maimed Paralyzed Dead” evokes horror-movie dread, and “Horror Beyond Comprehension” captures humanity’s plea for mercy in overwhelming sonic waves. The instrumental title track, “Fiber Tormentum,” serves as a musical snapshot of the entire album, and “Abiotic Origin” closes with a powerful realization: humanity invited its own destruction, but hope lingers.

  “This album is the most ambitious project I’ve ever worked on. We pushed ourselves to our limits, never settled, and created something that’s both technically brutal and emotionally resonant. It’s a glimpse into our lives, our evolution, and our vision for what metal can be,” says Miller.
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  The album artwork, created by the late Joshua Nassaru Ward (Voraath), reflects the album’s core theme: a tormented face mid-transformation, symbolizing the manipulation of human DNA. The title "Fiber Tormentum" is inspired by Roman history, the sound of a ballista’s ropes tightening before release, a metaphor for the tension and release found throughout the album.

  Recommended for fans of Necrophagist, Symphony X, Wintersun, The Faceless, and Death, "Fiber Momentum" can be heard in full via album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.​
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  ​"Fiber Tormentum" will be available on all major platforms through Exitus Stratagem Records.

  Digital Pre-Save (Out Sept 12th) - https://hypeddit.com/mattmiller/fibertormentum​

  CD pre-order (Out Sept 12th) https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/wnn3m10s6beq0pbmnot0e17ghvj629​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Descent into Violence (5:04)
  2. Summoned (3:33)
  3. Effectively Neutralized (4:53)
  4. Blight and Disfigurement (3:23)
  5. Maimed Paralyzed Dead (3:12)
  6. Horror Beyond Comprehension (3:15)
  7. Fiber Tormentum (Instrumental) (3:31)
  8. Abiotic Origin (3:14)
  Album Length: 30:08

  Album Lineup:​
  Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth)
  Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth)
  Justice Robinett (Bass)
  Biko Wright (Vocals)

  For more info:

  ​Exsrmusic.com | Shreded1.com | Facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238 | Instagram.com/mattmiller630

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• MATT MILLER Unleashes "Descent into Violence" - A Raw Prelude to His Seventh Album "Fiber Tormentum"

  Jun 25, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Matt Miller, the acclaimed technical death metal virtuoso, has released his first single, "Descent into Violence. " The song offers a powerful glimpse into the sonic landscape of his seventh album, "Fiber Tormentum," which will be released on September 12, 2025, via Exitus Stratagem Records.

  Driven by explosive instrumentation and guttural passion, “Descent into Violence” is more than just a song—it’s a visceral experience. Lyrically, the track explores themes of desperation and survival, painting the picture of a soul teetering on the edge and fighting to stay alive in a world stacked against them. It's a cry from the depths, echoing the struggles many face but few can articulate.

  This single marks a significant evolution in Miller's musical journey, transitioning from his previous instrumental works to a full-band composition. Joining him on this project are Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth), Justice Robinett (Bass), and Biko Wright (Vocals), each bringing unique elements that enrich the album's dynamic sound.

  Miller reflects, "It’s got a lot to offer for the instrumental fans as well as new fans who want to hear the music with vocals and the unique things each of these musicians is bringing to the table." ​
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  Lyrically, "Fiber Tormentum" unfolds as a conceptual narrative, drawing inspiration from science fiction themes. The album envisions a scenario where extraterrestrial forces manipulate human DNA to subjugate humanity, blending speculative fiction with real-world anxieties. The album's artwork, created by the late Joshua Nassaru Ward of Voraath, adds a poignant visual dimension to the project's thematic depth..
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  Fans can anticipate a blend of technical precision and emotive storytelling, influenced by death metal pioneers like Necrophagist and Spawn of Possession and the atmospheric depth of artists such as Devin Townsend and Rivers of Nihil.
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  Providing a compelling introduction to the forthcoming album's intricate soundscapes and thematic explorations, listen to "Descent into Violence" via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

  Track Listing:​
  1. Descent into Violence (5:04)
  2. Summoned (3:33)
  3. Effectively Neutralized (4:53)
  4. Blight and Disfigurement (3:23)
  5. Maimed Paralyzed Dead (3:12)
  6. Horror Beyond Comprehension (3:15)
  7. Fiber Tormentum (Instrumental) (3:31)
  8. Abiotic Origin (3:14)
  Album Length: 30:08

  For more info:​
  ​Shreded1.com | Facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238 | Instagram.com/mattmiller630

  ​Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic | X.com/exsrmusic

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