L-R - Justin Cournoyer - Bass, Matteo Conti - Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris - Drums, Jordan Barillaro - Guitar

Rising from the shadows of Montreal's extreme‑metal underground, SHROUD proudly announces a run of Canadian tour dates supporting Scotland’s speed‑metal powerhouse HELLRIPPER this November (dates listed below). The announcement follows the release of SHROUD’s debut full‑length album "Pax Nocturna".​
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A blistering fusion of blackened thrash sharpened by death‑metal aggression and melodic‑metal atmosphere, "Pax Nocturna" marks a defining first chapter for one of Montreal’s most intense and uncompromising new acts. Lyrically, "Pax Nocturna" explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss, and the darkest corners of human existence. Its overarching concept, Satanic Gnosticism, rejects imposed order and corrupt leadership in favour of embracing the chaos from which humanity originates.

“It’s the acknowledgement that we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” says Conti.

The album’s artwork draws from the dark fantasy of Yoshitaka Amano, the surreal horror of Zdzisław Beksiński, and the mythic grandeur of The Lord of the Rings, depicting the four members in ritualistic worship of Murmur, Archduke and Lord of Hell.
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​SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris (Warsenal) during the height of the COVID‑19 lockdowns. With their previous projects stalled and the music scene frozen, the pair began writing in secret, week after week; riffs and ideas evolved into the earliest form of what would become "Pax Nocturna". As the world reopened in 2022, the lineup solidified with Justin Cournoyer on bass and Jordan Barillaro joining after filling in for the band’s first show in November 2022. The chemistry was immediate. SHROUD was born, united, focused, and driven.

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On stage, SHROUD delivers intensity, tightness, and emotional ferocity, already earning them slots alongside Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia, and more.

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic, "Pax Nocturna", released on June 4th, 2026, is available now on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.

CD / Vinyl - https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/album/pax-nocturna​

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/5dfAWpVKaWlsdSBYNZ8L1H​​

Tour Dates: Hellripper w/ Shroud​
Nov 25 - Montreal, QC - Piranha Bar
Nov 26 - Quebec City, QC - La Source De La Martiniere
Nov 27 - Ottawa, ON - Dominion Tavern (Capital Punishment Festival)
Nov 28 - Toronto, ON - Supermarket Bar & Variety

Track Listing:​
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05

Album and Live Band lineup:​
Matteo Conti - Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro - Guitar
Zack Osiris - Drums
Justin Cournoyer - Bass

More info:

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343​

​https://www.instagram.com/shroud.mtl

Capital Punishment Festival unleashes its first wave of Canadian bands for the 2026 edition, returning to Ottawa, ON, November 26th to 29th across four cornerstone ByWard Market venues: 27 Club, Dominion Tavern, Rainbow Bistro, and Avant‑Garde Bar. Presented by Chord Productions and supported by Ottawa Tourism, the festival continues its mission to amplify Canada’s underground heavy‑music community with four nights of multi‑genre chaos.
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This year’s edition marks the festival’s biggest expansion yet, with more venues, more artists, and more Canadian talent from across the country. Full festival passes are only $50, granting access to every show across all participating venues.

“Events such as Capital Punishment play an important role in strengthening Ottawa’s profile as a dynamic cultural destination,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

“Ottawa Tourism supports this unique music experience through its Nightlife Tourism Development Fund for its efforts in attracting visitors, animating our ACE District, and drawing music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to enjoy our diverse music ecosystem. By bringing together acclaimed underground artists and local talent, the festival creates opportunities for visitors to explore the city, discover local businesses and venues, and contribute to the economic activity that helps sustain a vibrant and welcoming downtown experience,” adds festival organizer Christina Kasper of Chord Productions.

The 2026 lineup launches with a massive cross‑country roster spanning metal, punk, hardcore, rock, rap, and extreme underground acts with The Creepshow, Lost, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation, Hellripper, Insurrection, DBC, Barf, Ghoulunatics, Global Holocaust, Entropy, Reanimator, Thunderkok, Guhn Twei, Gland, Scaffold, Peer Pressure, A Scar for the Wicked, Catastrophic Hemorrhage, Soulthief, Northwalk, This Hell With You, This Disaster, Dissentient, Last Retch, Hatred Reigns, Raider, Bitter, Stregoneria, Noor, Human Compost, Mortuary Slab, Duskwalker, Dr. Bob Wrestling, The Divetones, Drowning in Blood, Feral Union, Rising Flame, Refuse, The Space Between, Ratpiss, Jetsam, The Vanishing Act, Acid Rot, Mindreader, Shroud, Warsenal, The Scepter, Dismal Aura, Touched Fables, Sociably High, Glom, BornBroken, Pop Culture Icons, Goat!, Insanity of Sorrow, Bury the Past, Rotual, Hempress, Drofnosura, Backyard Witchcraft, Nature Pleads Revenge, Ghost of a King and Dethrone.

More bands will be announced as the festival approaches.

Festival Passes are available as of September 9th at https://ottawacapitalpunishment.eventbrite.ca​

Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/2032256174123331​

Capital Punishment Festival 2026​
Presented by Chord Productions
Supported by Ottawa Tourism
November 26–29, 2026
Ottawa, ON - ByWard Market
Venues:
Rainbow Bistro (76 Murray St.)
Dominion Tavern (33 York St.)
27 Club (27 York St.)
Avant‑Garde Bar (135 Besserer St.)

More info: https://ottawacapitalpunishment.com

L-R - Ben Chambert - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Florian Arnaud - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Benjamin Folch - Lead Vocals, Cerise Pouillart - Bass, Backing Vocals, Romain Chambert - Drums

Photo Credit - Mr. Cana Photography

​France's electrifying hard rockers HighWay have raised the stakes and unveiled their latest music video for “Last Call for Rock N Roll,” the explosive title track from their new album released this past April.
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Filmed live during their packed release party at the Rockstore in Montpellier, France, the video, shot by Cana Prod (Loudblast, Heart Attack, Akiavel, Les Tambours du Bronx), throws fans straight into the sweat, electricity, and chaos of a HighWay show. It’s raw, loud, unfiltered, and the perfect showcase for the band’s revitalized line‑up and their massive new twin‑guitar attack.
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The title track, “Last Call for Rock N Roll,” is a fast, melodic, high‑voltage anthem built for the stage. The lyrics draw a parallel between the love of Rock ’N’ Roll and the love of a woman. Tested live long before recording, the track instantly became a fan favourite and the obvious opener for the album.
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​

After the acoustic detour of "The Journey" (2022), HighWay returned in 2026 louder, bolder, and fully electric with their sixth studio album. Produced and mixed by Brett Caldas‑Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Megadeth), “Last Call for Rock N Roll” delivers 12 brand‑new tracks blending power, melody, emotion, and timeless hard‑rock spirit that explore themes of love, loss, resilience, nostalgia, and self‑determination.
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​The album also marks a turning point for HIGHWAY with the arrival of two new members, Cerise Pouillard (bass), known from the acclaimed AC/DC tribute Ladies Ballbreaker, and Florian Arnaud (guitar), a powerhouse musician who completes the long‑awaited return of twin guitars. Both contribute backing vocals, elevating the band’s signature harmonies to new heights.
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Formed in 1999 by brothers Ben and Romain Chambert after being “thunderstruck” by AC/DC’s Live at Donington, HIGHWAY have spent more than two decades refining their craft. With over 500 shows across Europe, support slots for Michael Schenker Group, Gotthard, Jeff Scott Soto, Kissin’ Dynamite, Nashville Pussy, and more, and a growing reputation, the band has become a defining force in Europe’s modern classic hard rock revival.
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​“This is our most personal, emotional, and mature record. We took the time we never had before, and we’re incredibly proud of every detail,” adds guitarist Ben Chambert.
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Recommended for fans of AC/DC, Queen, Aerosmith, and Guns N’ Roses, "Last Call for Rock’N’Roll" (released April 24, 2026) is now available via the label Rock City Music, with physical distribution by FTF-Music and digitally from Virgin Music.

CD Digipack and exclusive collector Vinyl at https://highwayshop.sumupstore.com/​

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/1njIM62jUDeg4Td3iGSBHq​​

Track Listing:​
1. Last Call (For Rock N' Roll) - 5:13
2. Hi-Way - 4:40
3. ¡Bang Bang! - 3:47
4. Nineties Action Movie - 5:16
5. Peace Out - 5:44
6. Mayday - 4:25
7. Go! Go! Go! - 5:48
8. Let Me - 4:54
9. D.K/D.C - 3:16
10. Rat Race - 6:00
11. Action - 4:32
12. (Don't) Look Back - 5:09
Album Length: 58:48

Album Band Line Up:​
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Sam Marshal: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Florian Arnaud: Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Cerise Pouillart: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

More info: https://linktr.ee/highway_the_band

French melodic heavy/power metal band KINGCROWN releases their new album “Moonfall” today, September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records, accompanied by the official video for “We Are Kingcrown”.

For fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Masterplan, Symphony X and Powerwolf, “Moonfall” follows 2024’s “Nova Atlantis” and develops the band’s melodic heavy/power metal sound across ten tracks exploring technological evolution, artificial intelligence, temporal displacement, apocalypse and the uncertain future of humanity.

While these themes shape much of the album, “We Are Kingcrown” shifts the focus directly onto the band. Driven by a straightforward heavy/power metal approach, melodic guitars, and an immediate chorus, the song reflects KINGCROWN’s identity and their connection with the audience.

As the band explains:

“It’s simply about us, who we are, what we exude, what we want to give you. We are Kingcrown!”

“Moonfall” expands on the conceptual direction established in “Nova Atlantis”, using science fiction and dystopian scenarios to examine possible futures. The title track imagines a final encounter between the Moon and Earth as a lunar apocalypse approaches.

The technological theme takes a darker turn on “Rise Of Machines”, where artificial intelligence turns against humanity, while “All United” focuses on resistance and collective survival. Elsewhere, “A Thousand Years” draws on relativity and space travel, and “Lost Horizon” follows a World War II B-17 pilot caught in a temporal vortex and transported from 1945 to 2045.

The album also reconnects with the musical roots behind KINGCROWN through “Back To The 80’s”, a tribute to a decade that left a defining mark on heavy metal. The closing track, “Beyond The Stars,” brings the record’s futuristic narrative to its conclusion, looking beyond Earth's destruction towards what might exist elsewhere in the universe.

Produced by KINGCROWN, “Moonfall” was mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, bringing together the band’s European melodic heavy and power metal roots with a contemporary production.

Watch the official video for “We Are Kingcrown”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSo7JncnKCQ​

Listen to the album "Moonfall": https://lnk.to/ymQgrYYE​
​
​Order “Moonfall” CD:
​https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd​

​​

Kingcrown Line-up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
​Ced Legger: Guitars
​Bob Saliba: Guitars
​Seb Chabot: Bass, Guitars

​David Amore: Drums​
​More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off

Northern Irish Pagan Metal pioneers WAYLANDER will release their new album, "Mac Tíre - Son of the Land", on November 6th, 2026 via Rockshots Records. The band introduces the record with its first single, “Macha”, accompanied by an official music video. For fans of Skyclad, Eluveitie and Korpiklaani.

More than three decades after their formation in Northern Ireland, WAYLANDER return with "Mac Tíre - Son of the Land", a nine-track album rooted in the landscapes, mythology and cultural heritage of Ireland. The record continues the path the band has followed since the early 1990s, combining extreme metal with traditional Irish instrumentation and Pagan themes.

While "Mac Tíre - Son of the Land" is not a concept album in the same way as its predecessor, "Ériú’s Wheel", its songs share a strong connection with the land and the stories embedded within it. The title itself reflects this relationship: Mac Tíre, literally “son of the land”, is the Irish term for the wolf, an animal closely connected with Ireland’s natural past.

Musically, the album represents a natural evolution of WAYLANDER’s established sound, retaining the balance between metal aggression and traditional Irish elements that has defined the band throughout its career.

The first single, “Macha”, is dedicated to the ancient Goddess whose connection to WAYLANDER is both mythological and deeply personal. “Macha” is associated with the area the band calls home: both Ard Chieftain O’Hagan’s hometown and the county from which WAYLANDER originates bear her name.

“Macha is the Goddess of the area where we live. My hometown and the county where we're from are both named after Macha. The time felt right to celebrate her in song, and we believe we have written a song worthy of her,” says Ard Chieftain O’Hagan

For WAYLANDER, mythology is not simply material drawn from a distant past but something that remains present in the landscapes, place names, and traditions surrounding them. “Macha” reflects that relationship while providing the first introduction to the themes running through "Mac Tíre - Son of the Land".

Listen to "Matcha" here: https://lnk.to/mxjegEpC​
​

Formed in Northern Ireland in 1993, WAYLANDER were among the early bands to combine extreme metal with traditional Irish music and Pagan themes, developing their approach before Folk and Pagan Metal became established movements within the international metal scene. Whistles, Irish bouzouki, bodhrán, and Uilleann pipes remain integral elements of the band’s musical identity.

Pre-order "Mac Tíre - Son of the Land" (release date Nov 6th, 2026):
​https://rockshots.eu/products/waylander-mac-tire-son-of-the-land-cd​

Track Listing:​
1. When The Land Speaks - 4:12
2. Macha - 5:28
3. Ages of Éireann - 5:50
4. Hy Brasil (Isle of Mists) - 5:47
5. Sliabh Gullion - 6:16
6. Our Once Wooded Isle - 6:44
7. Mallachtaí - 4:52
8. Signs and Symbols - 6:22
9. She of the Sorrows - 7:58
Album Length: 51:29

WAYLANDER is:
Ard Chieftain O’Hagan: Vocals
Tor Dennison: Electric Guitars
Connor Murray: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Lee McCartney: Drums and Percussion
Dave Briggs: Whistles, Irish Bouzouki, Bodhran, Uilleann Pipes, Backing Vocals
Saul McMichael: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
​​
Guest Musicians​
John Ryan: Fiddle, Cello
Lily Maria: Voice of Deirdre
Nicole Quinn: Additional Voicing

For more info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://www.instagram.com/waylander.official/​

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

About:

Northern Irish Pagan Metal pioneers Waylander have spent more than three decades forging their own path through the worlds of Celtic, Folk and Extreme Metal. Since forming in 1993, the band has become renowned for blending crushing metal aggression with authentic Irish folk instrumentation, mythology and pagan themes, helping shape the foundations of the modern Pagan Metal movement.

With acclaimed releases including "Reawakening Pride Once Lost", "The Light, the Dark and the Endless Knot", "Honour Amongst Chaos", "Kindred Spirits" and the epic concept album "Ériú’s Wheel", Waylander have earned a loyal international following and shared stages with some of the biggest names in Folk and Pagan Metal.

Now the band returns with their forthcoming album "Mac Tíre - Son of the Land" - a powerful new chapter that captures the spirit of Waylander at its most fierce, atmospheric and authentic. Combining savage riffs, soaring Irish melodies, ancient mythology and cinematic storytelling, the album stands as both a tribute to their roots and a bold evolution of their sound.

After more than 30 years, Waylander continues to fly the banner for Pagan Celtic Metal with the same fire and conviction that started it all.

New York-based metal project QUEMASANTOS has officially opened digital pre-orders for its forthcoming second album, "Stranded In Hell," and has simultaneously released the album’s opening track, “One Foot In Hell,” accompanied by its official lyric video.

WATCH THE OFFICIAL “ONE FOOT IN HELL” LYRIC VIDEO:

​

​DIGITAL PRE-ORDER STRANDED IN HELL:​
​https://quemasantos.bandcamp.com/album/stranded-in-hell​

Fans who pre-order the album digitally can immediately hear “One Foot In Hell,” the first chapter of the eleven-song descent that makes up Stranded In Hell.

Musically, “One Foot In Hell” draws heavily from the aggressive character of late-'80s and early-'90s thrash and death metal. The song began with the memory of the type of fast, old-school, Pestilence-influenced drumming that QUEMASANTOS founder Ignacio Orellana had always been drawn to, but it developed into something broader as the composition took shape.

The track combines fast thrash-driven sections with a contrasting middle passage that became the foundation for its guitar solo section, carrying influences that Orellana associates with bands including Anthrax, Metallica, and elements of his own musical history.

Joining QUEMASANTOS on “One Foot In Hell” is Colombian guitarist Juancho Gómez of Masacre, whose performance brings another direct connection to the South American death metal tradition that has influenced Orellana throughout his career.

Orellana comments:

“One Foot In Hell was actually one of the last songs that came together for the album, but once it was finished, I knew it was the right place to begin. It has that old-school aggression I grew up loving, but it also contains several different pieces of my own musical history. For me, it became the perfect first step into Stranded In Hell.”

Vocalist and lyricist Nelson “Sr. Díaz” describes the track:

“One Foot In Hell is one of the most intense songs I’ve recorded in recent years. Many different styles coexist harmoniously within it, along with a high level of vocal demand. I believe the infernal horror it presents is captured faithfully through a demonically powerful yet technical performance that will take us into a paroxysm of metal.”

"Stranded In Hell" marks the second QUEMASANTOS album featuring Sr. Díaz on vocals and lyrics, and the first album by the project performed entirely in English.

The record was constructed differently from a traditional band recording process. Orellana composed the majority of the material beginning with the bass, followed by drums and guitars, allowing the bass to function as an independent compositional voice rather than simply following the guitar arrangements.

“One Foot In Hell” was the notable exception: its composition began with the guitars.

The finished album features 11 songs and 11 guest guitarists, with musicians from across the international metal scene contributing to individual tracks.

Track Listing:​
1. One Foot In Hell (Juancho Gómez – Masacre, Colombia)
2. Burning The Black (Felipe Roa – Acaro, USA)
3. Succubus (Héctor Guzmán – Distraught, Chile)
4. Stalking Sharks (Marco Cusato, Chile)
5. Nameless (Joe Sims – Axemaster, USA)
6. Red Planet (Regisson Silva – Masterpiece, Brazil)
7. Vampire (Richard Pilnik, Chile)
8. The Oneironaut (Cristian Ira – Nimrod, Chile)
9. Under The Moonlight (Sebastián Osorio – Reigning, Chile)
10. Before The Law (Yanko Tolić – Massakre, Chile)
11. Lex Talionis (Enrique Zúñiga – Atomic Aggressor, Chile)

QUEMASANTOS

Ignacio Orellana — Drums, Bass, Music, Production, Mixing & Mastering
​Nelson “Sr. Díaz” — Vocals & Lyrics

Guest Solo Guitarists

Juancho Gómez — Masacre
Felipe Roa — Acaro
Héctor Guzmán — Distraught
Marco Cusato
Joe Sims — Axemaster
Regisson Silva — Masterpiece
Richard Pilnik
Cristian Ira — Nimrod
Sebastián Osorio — Reigning
Yanko Tolić — Massakre
Enrique Zúñiga — Atomic Aggressor

Vocals were recorded at Estudios Ultrasónico with Arturo Contreras and Estudios Attic with Marco Cusato.

The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Ignacio Orellana at Oily Sound Studios in New York.

LISTENING PARTY:​
​https://quemasantos.bandcamp.com/live/quemasantos-stranded-in-hell-listening-party​

DIGMETALWORLD:​
​https://www.digmetalworld.com​

More info:

​https://quemasantos.com

​https://instagram.com/quemasantos1

​https://www.facebook.com/quemasantos

​https://x.com/quemasantos1

Traumatomy announces their fourth full‑length album, "Ascension Of The Ineffable," due out on October 30th, 2026 via Gore House Productions. After two years of work, the upcoming record is their rawest, sharpest, and most brutal offering yet, elevated by the distinctive production of Konstantin Ogarkov, whose approach brought a uniquely savage edge to the album’s sound.

This next offering delivers a faster, rawer, and even more brutal evolution of Traumatomy’s sound while keeping their familiar lyrical themes intact. Each track highlights a different facet of their extremity. "Entropic Obliteration" sets the tone with full-force brutality, "Pervigilium of the Obsolesced Xenolith" pushes speed and blast beats to the limit, and "Endoneural Parasitosis" leans into sickening breakdowns. "Repugnant Coalescence" stands out as the drummer’s most balanced pick, while the title track "Ascension Of The Ineffable" embodies the album’s concept and atmosphere. "Visceral Maceration" brings groove-heavy slam energy, "Autognathic Avulsion" blends grooves, blasts, and atmosphere, and "Xeno‑Homeostasis" closes the record with a perfectly structured finale. The cover art, created by legendary artist Jon Zig, captures the exact atmosphere and cosmic horror the band envisioned. As Traumatomy put it: SLAM IS THE ONLY WAY!
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The first single to be unleashed, “Visceral Maceration”, was written specifically for fans of true slamming brutal death metal.

"This may be the most groovy heavy track on the record and shows that we can find a different approach to composing and structuring music," adds guitarist Constantine.

​

Formed in 2012 by guitarist and main songwriter Constantine Chevardin (Disfigurement Of Flesh, Nauseating, Morphogenetic Malformation) and Haruka Kamiyama (ex‑Gorevent / Medic Vomiting Pus), Traumatomy quickly became a cult force in the brutal death metal underground. Their 2013 debut "Transcendental Evisceration of Necrogenetic Beasts" established their reputation for slammy, primitive, crushing extremity. Between 2012 and 2018, they released two albums and three EPs before evolving into a full touring band with the addition of bassist Leonid (Cephalic Impurity) and drummer Ivan.
​
Known for coordinated, intense performances and a relentless commitment to monolithic slam, Traumatomy continues to push their sound into increasingly brutal, higher‑quality territory with every release. Lyrically inspired by H.P. Lovecraft and criminal TV shows, and musically driven by riffs, beer, and cosmic horror.

Recommended for fans of Gorevent, Cerebral Incubation, Disgorge, Epicardiectomy, and Defeated Sanity, "Ascension of the Ineffable" is out on October 30th, 2026, from Gore House Productions.

Album pre-save / CD/ Cassette - https://orcd.co/ascension-of-the-ineffable​

Track Listing:​
1. Entropic Obliteration (3:34)
2. Pervigilium of the Obsolesced Xenolith (3:26)
3. Endoneural Parasitosis (3:07)
4. Repugnant Coalescence (2:55)
5. Ascension Of The Ineffable (2:54)
6. Visceral Maceration (2:34)
7. Autognathic Avulsion (2:43)
8. Xeno-Homeostasis (3:07)
Album Length: 24:15

More info:

​http://gorehouseproductions.com​

​https://www.facebook.com/traumatomy​

​https://www.instagram.com/traumatomy.slam

Italian modern metal band Secret Rule opens a new chapter with “Edge of Control”, the first single taken from their upcoming eleventh studio album. Due out today, September 1st, 2026, via Rockshots Records, the single is now available across all major digital platforms.

Built around heavy guitars, hard-hitting rhythmic shifts, and crushing breakdowns, “Edge of Control” combines electronic textures and cinematic layers with the melodic, emotionally charged identity that has shaped Secret Rule’s sound. The result introduces a heavier, sharper and more contemporary direction while remaining unmistakably rooted in the band’s musical character.

At the centre of the track is Angela Di Vincenzo’s emotionally charged vocal performance, moving from tense and volatile verses towards an explosive chorus. Male vocal passages, layered backing vocals and a powerful rhythmic foundation intensify the sense of instability running throughout the song.

Lyrically, “Edge of Control” places the listener inside a mind approaching its breaking point. Rage, doubt, sleeplessness, and inner conflict take the form of a live grenade, a train running off the rails, a wildfire, and a hurricane spinning within its own pain. Rather than observing the loss of control from a distance, the song captures it from within, at the moment when thoughts become impossible to silence, and the hardest enemy to confront is yourself.

The single offers the first glimpse into the musical direction of Secret Rule’s upcoming album, expanding the role of modern breakdowns, electronic elements, cinematic arrangements, and contrasting vocal layers within the band’s established combination of modern metal and powerful melodies.

Andy Menario – Guitars, Composition and Arrangements:

“I wanted the song to feel modern, direct, and unpredictable while still sounding unmistakably like Secret Rule. The arrangement combines heavy riffs and breakdowns with electronic elements and cinematic layers, while the male vocal passages create an additional point of tension within the track. I believe that ‘Edge of Control’ is the song that best represents the direction of this new record.”

Listen to “Edge of Control” - https://lnk.to/4F9zG0​

​

Further details about Secret Rule’s eleventh studio album & pre-order will be announced soon.

The band will play live on stage from 5th October to 23rd October all around Europe, supporting Xandria and Seven Spires. Here is the complete schedule:

05.10 – Cluj-Napoca, Romania - FORM Space
06.10 – Bucharest, Romania - Quantic Club
08.10 – Sofia, Bulgaria - Pirotska 5 Event Centre
09.10 – Belgrade, Serbia - Zappa Barka
10.10 – Budapest, Hungary - Analog Music Hall
12.10 – Berlin, Germany - Lido
13.10 – Warsaw, Poland - Hydrozagadka
14.10 - Krakow, Poland - Zaścianek
15.10 – Prague, Czech Rep - Distrikt Prague
16.10 – Dresden, Germany - Blauer Salon
18.10 – Cham, Germany - L.A. Live Style Cafe
19.10 – Frankfurt, Germany - Das Bett
20.10 – Pratteln, Switzerland - Z7
21.10 – Stuttgart, Germany - Im Wizemann Club
22.10 – Nuremberg, Germany - Hirsch
23.10 – Hamburg, Germany - Bahnhof Pauli
​
​If you don't want to miss them live, you can get tickets: https://www.bandsintown.com/a/10541610-secret-rule

SECRET RULE is:
​Angela Di Vincenzo: Vocals
​Andy Menario: Guitars
​Luca Pecchia: Bass Guitar
​Diego Divizia: Drums

More info: ​https://www.rockshots.eu​

Secret Rule Links: https://lnk.bio/secret_rule_official

NEKOMATA enter a new era in their story with “Third Impact”, a new creative cycle that begins with “Functional Beauty”, the first single leading towards the band’s third chapter expected in 2027.

“Third Impact” builds on the musical identity NEKOMATA have developed across their previous releases while pushing its defining elements further. Modern metal, tightly controlled grooves and a strong melodic drive remain at the core of their sound, now opening towards a broader range of influences rooted in classic heavy metal.

The new chapter also continues the band’s distinctive “concept-non-concept” approach. Rather than following a strict narrative, its songs explore individual ideas and imagery that stand on their own while contributing to a broader thematic framework. Obsession, transformation, and the pursuit of ideals emerge among the themes explored through the cryptic perspective that characterizes NEKOMATA’s writing.

“Functional Beauty” provides the first expression of this direction, examining the obsessive pursuit of beauty, attraction and perfection. At the centre of the song is the image of a modern-day King Midas, consumed by the desire to make everything around him perfect. Instead of achieving the ideal he seeks, that pursuit gradually corrupts him, transforming him into a figure incapable of satisfaction and trapped by his own expectations.

Musically, “Functional Beauty” pushes several recognizable elements of the NEKOMATA sound further. Melody and tightly driven grooves meet heavy galloping passages, an immediate chorus, and a succession of solos and rhythmic breaks blending modern metal with classic heavy metal influences.

“Functional Beauty” is the first step into “Third Impact”, with more music and further details surrounding NEKOMATA’s third chapter to be revealed in the coming months.

​​Listen to "Functional Beauty": https://lnk.to/neoB3U​
​​

Video Direction, Editing & Post-production: Gabriele Gafo Lei / Groundfloor Studio

For fans of: Monuments, Architects, Fear Factory, Periphery, Protest the Hero

NEKOMATA are:

Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
​Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
​Filippo Zavattari: Bass and backing vocals
​Mirko Fustinoni: Drums

For more info:

​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/​
​https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/

No List Records is proud to announce the vinyl release of Bat Leather’s new album "Dark Arts," arriving September 4, 2026. Pressed in 150 white vinyl copies and 50 rare black editions, this limited run captures the raw, confrontational energy that has made Bat Leather one of Canada’s most compelling underground acts.
​
Hailing from Calgary, AB, and Vancouver, BC, the duo known as Bat Leather has a sound that has always defied easy categorization, a collision of punk abrasion, noisy garage chaos, and sludgy heaviness that feels both unsettling and addictive. Their songs hit like short, volatile bursts: distorted guitars, overdriven vocals, feedback woven directly into the songwriting, and a heaviness that somehow keeps getting heavier.
​
Tracks like “Technical Aggression” twist noise into structure, while “Dance Craze” drags listeners through a slow‑burn haze of pounding drums and smoke‑thick atmosphere.

​
​
​Bat Leather will support "Dark Arts" with a run of Alberta shows this September, bringing their confrontational, genre‑breaking sound directly to Western Canada. Tour dates listed below.
​
​Bat Leather makes music that resists being boxed in. It’s noisy, it’s heavy, it’s chaotic, and it’s compelling, the kind of record you drop the needle on and immediately wonder where it came from. Their songs crawl inside you, getting stranger and more addictive with every listen. If “heavy rotation” counts as a genre, Bat Leather owns it.
​
​No List Records continues its tradition of championing uncompromising, boundary‑pushing artists. The "Dark Arts" vinyl release marks another entry in the label’s commitment to supporting music that challenges, confronts, and refuses to fit neatly into any category.

Vinyl Pre-Order - https://nolistrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dark-arts​

Tour Dates:​
Sept 21 - Drumheller, AB - Heller Good w/ The Polite Stripes
Sept 22 - Calgary, AB - Palomino Smokehouse w/ Unsane
Sept 23 - Lethbridge, AB - Theoretically Brewing AA
Sept 24 - Calgary, AB - Blox Arts Centre R4$ AA

Track Listing:​
1. Dance Craze - 2:00
2. Thursday Inn Sylvan - 1:42
3. Misguided Projects - 1:51
4. Then He Was Pulled Into A Machine - 2:26
5. Technical Aggression - 2:39

Credits:​
Cory - Guitar, Bass, Drums, Noise
Luke - Vocals, Noise

Recorded January 2026 at Red Volume Audio in the Badlands, ab by Cory. Vocals recorded in Vancouver, bc by Luke.
Mixed by Cory. No master, no god.
Cover photograph and layout by Cory.

More info: https://www.instagram.com/batleathernoise/

Montreal metal outfit Killed By Sorrow has officially announced the release of their first full‑length album, "Empire of Excess," due out on October 23rd, 2026, to follow EPs "Careless of This Sadness" (2023) and "Time Has Come" (2022). The record marks the band’s most dynamic, emotionally charged, and musically evolved chapter to date.
​
To give the first glimpse into the album, the band has unveiled the first single, “Betrayal”, a heavy, riff‑driven track built on explosive breakdowns and raw emotional intensity. The song explores the collapse of trust after deep personal betrayal, poisonous lies, emotional wounds, and the breaking point where deception becomes unbearable.

"This is a heavy-punching song with a great breakdown. Great guitar riffs," adds rhythm guitarist Samuel Ham.
​
Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/0nW7DcnjyCJpw4iBTBYdi6

​

"Empire of Excess" is a refined evolution of Killed By Sorrow’s early sound, still aggressive, still emotional, but more mature, more atmospheric, and more intentional. With 10 tracks, fans can expect a blend of heaviness and melody that draws listeners into the story behind each one. From its polished, immersive production to its mix of fast, downbeat tracks infused with metalcore, thrash, prog, and punk. The record will take listeners into a deep emotional atmosphere with a track list designed to feel like a journey from start to finish,
​
​"The contributions on this record from our bassist Marty Bersier‑Carpentier have significantly shaped the new sonic direction and have been a real blessing in refining our sound,” adds Ham.

Killed by Sorrow emerged from Montreal’s South Shore metal-music scene in the mid-2000s, carving out their identity with a sound heavily inspired by the emotional intensity of Poison the Well, the razor-sharp riffing of Unearth, and the melodic precision of Trivium. These influences shaped the band’s early songwriting, blending aggression with dynamic melodic structures.

During their formative years, Killed by Sorrow built a reputation through high-energy performances across local venues. A major milestone of this era was sharing the stage with renowned Swedish hardcore band Raised Fist, a moment that reinforced the band’s credibility.

As a group of friends, they have been determined to channel the intensity of the music they loved into something of their own. What began as basement rehearsals has quickly evolved into a serious project as the band discovered a natural chemistry.

Recommended for fans of Unearth, Killswitch Engage, Poison The Well, Trivium, and Lamb of God, "Empire of Excess" is due out on October 23, 2026, and available for pre-save/ pre-order at https://killedbysorrow.bandcamp.com/.

Track Listing:​
1. The End is Near - 3:38
2. Empire of Excess - 3:04
3. The Burial - 3:28
4. Betrayal - 3:51
5. Never Give Up - 2:37
6. All My Brothers - 3:18
7. In The Spotlight - 3:17
8. Killed By Sorrow - 3:29
9. Unchained - 3:42
10. Stay In Line - 3:28
Album Length: 33:55

Band Line-up:​
Sébastien Mailloux – Vocals
Martin Bersier-Carpentier – Bass
Tommy Forand – Guitar Lead
Samuel Ham – Guitar Rhythm
Mathieu Lassonde – Drums
​

More info:

​https://killedbysorrow.com/​

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

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

​
Canada’s unstoppable metal force Triskelyon unleashes “Metalmorphosis,” a digital‑only barrage that reforges iconic rock and pop classics into a high‑octane blast of metallic fury. The album is now available on all major digital platforms as of August 21, 2026, via Moribund Records.
​
Founded in 2021 by guitarist and mastermind Geoff Waye (Category VI), Triskelyon has carved a fierce path through the underground with acclaimed singles and albums including “Downfall,” “Artificial Insanity,” “Shattered Elysium,” and “Maelstrom of Chaos.” With "Metalmorphosis," the band pushes its creative boundaries further than ever, delivering a full‑length collection of crushing cover versions forged from the fires of thrash, speed, power, and traditional heavy metal.
​
Aptly titled, “Metalmorphosis” represents the complete metalization of timeless classics, each track reborn heavier, faster, darker, and more explosive. From the arena‑sized lift of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” to the brooding tension of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Triskelyon injects razor‑sharp riffing, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and blistering solos into every song. Fan‑favorite covers return as well, including the band’s celebrated renditions of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Major Tom (Coming Home),” “It Doesn’t Really Matter,” and “Nobody’s Business.”​
​
Drawing from icons such as Tears for Fears, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Men Without Hats, Men at Work, Platinum Blonde, Peter Schilling, and Bryan Adams, the album stands as both a tribute to the golden age of rock and pop and a declaration of Triskelyon’s limitless creative fire. Each track preserves the unforgettable hooks that made these songs legendary while amplifying them into full‑throttle metallic weapons.
​
More than a covers album, “Metalmorphosis” is a celebration of transformation through metal, a collision of nostalgia and aggression that proves Triskelyon can reshape any musical form into molten steel. As with previous releases, all songs were mixed and mastered by Michael Small, with album artwork by Ellim.

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/42SL4SDxh88LWrMfhoc2Te​

Download on Bandcamp - https://triskelyon.bandcamp.com/album/metalmorphosis​​

Track Listing:​
1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears cover)
2. Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams cover)
3. The Safety Dance (Men Without Hats cover)
4. Overkill (Men at Work cover)
5. Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar cover)
6. Nobody's Business (Billy Idol cover) <Downfall album>
7. It Doesn't Really Matter (Platinum Blonde Cover) <Artificial Insanity album>
8. Hungry Like The Wolf (Duran Duran Cover) <Shattered Elysium album>
9. Major Tom (Coming Home) (Peter Schilling Cover) <Maelstrom of Chaos album>

Note: ALL album-released covers are the same except “Major Tom,” which is a remaster (not a remix).

Note: 5 brand new covers packaged with the 4 covers already done into one compilation album!

More info:

​https://www.moribundcult.com/​

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

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

The wait is over. Famous Strangers have officially released their debut self‑titled album, a heavy, emotional, genre‑breaking first statement from one of Alberta’s most exciting new heavy rock acts. Built on themes of self‑worth, growth, vulnerability, and raw honesty, the album delivers a full‑spectrum listening experience that moves from explosive riffs to atmospheric introspection, always anchored by the band’s signature unpredictability and emotional depth.
​
At its core, the record is about knowing your worth, breaking free from what holds you back, choosing yourself, and emerging stronger on the other side. Across seven tracks, the band blends grunge, punk, blues, classic metal, and modern heaviness into something moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing. Every song lives in its own world, yet the journey feels unified, intentional, and deeply personal.
​
The debut album showcases the band’s evolution over three years of writing, rewriting, experimenting, and trusting their instincts. Some riffs lived on guitarist Jeff Kittlitz's hard drive for over a decade before finally finding the right home. Some songs were born in a single jam session. One track, "Ghosts of Men," was written just three days before entering the studio. The result is a record that pushes boundaries, breaks rules, and refuses to sit still.

"We feel like our first record will take them on a journey, evoking many different emotions that reflect the flow of this new album. Some may not understand what we are trying to do, but by the end, we hope they are surprised, refreshed, and inspired. We hope the lyrics dig deep into parts of them they didn't know existed or had hidden away. Opening their hearts and souls, making them feel unstoppable and worthy. Whatever they may be doing while listening, we want our music to captivate them, drawing them deeper into themselves. Feeling the emotional pull through each track. Moments of inspiration and grit, leading to a complete surrender of self. With a touch of silliness and definitely some seduction," adds the band.
​
To celebrate release day, Famous Strangers have shared a brand‑new rehearsal video for "Fire Inside," giving fans a raw, behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the album’s most powerful tracks. The song began as a progressive metal riff and evolved in the studio, becoming a grounding anthem about embracing mistakes, honouring your journey, and discovering the light within yourself. The track has a special history with the band, as it was once performed live by asking the audience for lyrical ideas while Amanda freestyled the entire song, including a legendary dinosaur‑themed version during a show date in Drumheller, AB.

Famous Strangers features Amanda Kiernan (vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (guitar), Braden Sustrik (bass), and Brian “Beej” Jolly (drums), formed after years of crossing paths in the Alberta music scene, with members with roots in Compromise, Pugnacious, This Is War, The Order of Chaos, Sleeping Girl, and more. With decades of Alberta heavy‑music experience, they built a project on trust, honesty, and complete creative freedom. What began as casual jams evolved into a full creative force once Amanda joined in 2023. The chemistry was instant. Lyrics poured out, old riffs found new life, and the band quickly realized they had something far bigger than a side project.

Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, the self-titled album is available on all digital platforms (Vinyl pre-order to be announced at a later date) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/famous-strangers

Upcoming Show Dates:​
Aug 6 - The Exchange - Regina, SK
Aug 7 - Dickens - Calgary, AB
Aug 21 - Album Release Show 1 - Rec Room - Edmonton, AB
Aug 22 - Album Release Show 2 - Temple at Starlite Room - Edmonton, AB

Track Listing:​
1. Fire Inside - 4:06
2. Ghosts of Men - 4:54
3. Please Her - 4:34
4. As Your Leader - 3:49
5. Desires - 3:50
6. Far Away from Home - 4:18
7. Rain - 9:23
Album Length: 34:57

Album Band Line-up:​
Jeff Kittlitz - Guitar, Back-up Vocals
Amanda Kiernan - Vocals, Lyrics
Braden Sustrik - Bass, Back-up Vocals
Brian “Beej” Jolly - Drums, Back-up Vocals

More info:

​https://www.famousstrangersband.com/​

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

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

Sorcerous folk‑metal rising force Hrafnablót announces that their debut album, "Guðlaugar Saga," will be available on September 11, 2026.

A true epic, "Guðlaugar Saga" blends Icelandic folklore, Sagas, magick, and folk‑metal tradition into a cohesive narrative concept record. The story follows Guðlaug, a modern woman hurled into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser, as she navigates battles, celebrations, kidnapping, fate, and the choice between returning home and reshaping history.
​
Sonically, "Guðlaugar Saga" contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.
​
The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.

“We want to give listeners a sonic journey inspired by Icelandic nature and folklore, harsh, fragile, intimate, and always beautiful,” adds the band.

After previewing tracks “Dísablót” and “Svartigaldur”, Hrafnablót is sharing their newest single and music video, “Heljarhlíð”, continuing the album’s narrative of Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into Iceland’s settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser.

“Heljarhlíð” marks the first appearance of harsh vocals from keyboardist Ólafur Daði Jónsson, paired with the soaring clean vocals of Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir. Musically, the track channels melodic death metal influences and closes with a powerful vocal harmony.

​Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/5d5tsvnMNn38HrPFbwfd4h​

Bandcamp - https://hrafnablot.bandcamp.com/​

Hrafnablót was formed in Reykjavík, Iceland, in fall 2024 and channels the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick, Sagas, and folklore. Their music merges heavy riffs, folk influences, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, a sound deeply rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.
​
Since forming, the band has become a striking presence in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival. Their shows are ritualistic experiences, rich with visuals, storytelling, and dramatic intensity.

Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, "Guðlaugar Saga" will be available on all digital platforms on September 11th, 2026.

​

Track Listing:​
1. Spádómurinn - 1:49
2. Dísablót - 5:44
3. Heljarhlíð - 6:22
4. Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur - 1:22
5. Fögnuður - 5:41
6. Nornarheimt - 5:21
7. Svartigaldur - 5:17
8. Heimþrá - 4:59
9. Örlagavegur - 11:23
Album Length: 48:02

Band Line-up:​
Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir - Vocals
Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson - Bass & Backing Vocals
Ólafur Daði Jónsson - Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson - Guitar & Backing Vocals
Andri Pétur Dalmar - Drums & Backing Vocals
Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir - Guitar

For more info:

​https://hrafnablot.is/​

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

​https://www.instagram.com/hrafnablot

Calgary’s genre‑defying five‑piece Godfall return with their most introspective and hard‑hitting release, the single “Default”. A track that captures the suffocating repetition of living life on autopilot, the endless cycle of tasks, obligations, and burnout that leaves no room for surprise, growth, or self‑reflection. The band describes the song as a wake‑up call: a reminder that life is happening now, not after the to‑do list is finished.
​
As with all Godfall releases, “Default” was shaped through full‑band collaboration. Guitarist Omer Khan sparked the foundation of the track, bringing the initial riff and vibe that guided the vocal direction. Vocalists Karina Khristova and Abel Boban crafted lyrics that complement the music’s tension, choosing words, syllables, and melodies that highlight the emotional peaks of the instrumentation.
​
The band’s writing process remains fluid and democratic as their ideas are refined, reworked, and sometimes cut entirely if they don’t serve the song. This commitment to quality over quantity continues to define Godfall’s evolution.
​
Every member of Godfall comes from a different country and speaks a different first language, creating a melting pot of influences that shape their unique sound. Their music blends heaviness, melody, emotional storytelling, and raw grit, a mix fans often compare to Bad Omens and Evanescence, though the band prefers to let their own identity lead the way.
​
​“Default” marks another step in Godfall’s ongoing refinement of their sonic identity, shifting between phases of anger, melancholy, and soaring melody while staying true to the heart‑first approach that defines their catalog.

"I think Default will be a pleasant surprise since we are constantly refining our sound and working on our songwriting skills. I think ultimately we want our fans to have a Godfall song for any kind of day: a day when you're annoyed, sad, happy, motivated – you name it. We want them to be able to sing along and headbang at the same time," says Karina Khristova (Clean Vocals).

Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Evanescence, Bring Me the Horizon, Bad Omens, and Linkin Park, listen to “Default” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/23PvFFwfFYQWtyugbsDXua

​

More info: https://linktr.ee/godfallband

San Francisco Bay Area death/thrash metal force Absolute Darkness unleashes their first single, "Attritional Warfare", marking the beginning of the rollout for their highly anticipated sophomore album, "Witness To A Dying World," due out on October 23, 2026. The album also features a faithful, modernized tribute to Bay Area legends Vio‑lence with a cover of their classic track “World In A World.”​
​
Formed in 2015, Absolute Darkness blends the ferocity of Death, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth with the thrash roots of Testament, Vio‑lence, and Exodus. Their sound is defined by aggressive riffs, layered harmonies, memorable solos, and socially conscious storytelling that confronts corruption, war, propaganda, addiction, homelessness, and the decay of modern society.
​
The first single sets the tone for the album’s thematic weight and musical intensity. Written collaboratively by the full lineup, "Attritional Warfare" showcases Absolute Darkness at their most focused and explosive, fast, sharp, and unrelenting.
​
The track continues the band’s tradition of story‑driven lyricism, exploring the human cost of conflict through the eyes of those caught in the machinery of war. It’s a brutal, high‑energy introduction to the world the album inhabits.

"The war theme of this song is brought home by high-quality 2D traditional animation interjected with a live performance from the band. Be warned, the war footage can be very graphic and was inspired by anime such as Attack on Titan and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade," adds Ron Dorn (Guitar/Lead Vocals).

​

Bandcamp - https://absolutedarkness1.bandcamp.com/track/attritional-warfare​
​
The new record marks a major milestone for Absolute Darkness; it's the first album written entirely by the current lineup from the ground up, with every member contributing meaningfully to the songwriting process. Musically, the album expands on the death/thrash foundation of their 2021 release "Failure Of State," delivering aggressive riffs, fast, energetic structures, melodic guitar harmonies, layered solos, and story‑driven vocals. A standout moment on the album is Absolute Darkness’ tribute to Bay Area thrash icons Vio‑lence. Guitarist/vocalist Ron Dorn, who grew up attending their shows, approached the cover with deep respect, preserving the original’s raw energy while delivering vocals in his own death/thrash style. The band intentionally avoided a click track to maintain the natural tempo shifts of the original recording, resulting in a version that feels both nostalgic and freshly intense.
​
Lyrically, "Witness To A Dying World" explores unchecked power, propaganda, authoritarianism, war, addiction, homelessness, and societal collapse, told through characters and narratives rather than direct commentary.

"Witness To A Dying World is the album I've wanted Absolute Darkness to make for a long time. Not because it's heavier or faster than our previous releases, but because it finally feels like a complete band effort. Everyone contributed to the songwriting in one way or another, and I think that made every song better. Some songs are straight-up thrash. Others lean more into melodic death metal. There are a lot of guitar harmonies, plenty of solos, and enough twists along the way to keep things interesting, but we always tried to make every change feel natural instead of complicated for the sake of being complicated.

At the end of the day, we're doing this because we genuinely enjoy making music together. None of us are trying to become full-time musicians or make a living from the band. We all have careers, families, and lives outside of music, and that gives us the freedom to write the songs we want to write instead of chasing trends. If people come away remembering the songs, wanting to hear them again, and maybe even thinking about the stories they tell, then we've accomplished exactly what we set out to do," adds Dorn.​
​
Recommended for fans of Testament, Vio-lence, Exodus, At The Gates, The Crown, and Amon Amarth, "Witness To A Dying World" will be available on October 23rd, 2026. Album pre-sale will begin on October 1st.

Track Listing:​
1. Above The Law - 3:56
2. Attritional Warfare - 3:50
3. World Decay - 3:28
4. Snake Oil - 4:14
5. Different Illegally - 3:33
6. Loyalty To Me - 3:32
7. I Guess I Die - 3:59
8. Big Lies - 3:51
9. Extreme Accountability - 3:34
10. World In A World (Vio-lence Cover) - 4:13
Album Length: 38:21

Band Lineup:​
Ron Dorn - Guitar/Lead Vocals
Douglas Vetter II - Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals
Orson Sojo - Bass
Scott Russell - Drums

More info:

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

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

Narcotic Wasteland, fronted by guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler‑Wade of NILE fame, fires the first shot of their August tour with the release of their blistering new single “Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse.” The track arrives as the band launches the "FENTANYL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE TOUR," featuring select dates with support from Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and Yotuma (dates listed below).
​
A ferocious blend of technical precision, social commentary, and unrelenting aggression, the single stands as one of Narcotic Wasteland’s most urgent works to date, an explosive warning siren aimed at the escalating fentanyl epidemic and the societal collapse surrounding it.
​
​Dallas Toler‑Wade comments on the new single:
​
​“I am very excited to release our new song, Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse! The song is, of course, about the fentanyl epidemic and the overall impact it has on an already failing country. Musically, it really captures the mood of this very well. Fast and tricky, yet twisted and catchy! Kenji really brought some great bass and keys to the table. And Austin needs a drum set that won't collapse under pressure! I am super proud of the work we have done together, and I cannot wait to show the world what we have been working on behind the scenes.”
​
​Narcotic Wasteland continues to evolve into one of extreme metal’s most formidable units, featuring Dallas Toler‑Wade, former Nile guitarist, vocalist, and key songwriter; a defining force in technical death metal since the early ’90s. Austin Vicars, a high‑octane drummer known for blistering blast beats and commanding stage presence, and Kenji Tsunami, an inventive bassist whose depth, texture, and ferocity amplify the band’s overwhelming sonic assault.

Together, they deliver a live experience that is both punishing and surgically precise, an unrelenting wall of sound that has packed venues and earned critical acclaim throughout recent tours. Narcotic Wasteland has cemented its position as a dominant force in modern death metal, unleashing a volatile blend of razor‑sharp technicality, feral aggression, and raw intensity. Their music confronts addiction, corruption, and societal collapse with unflinching honesty, powered by musicianship that continually pushes the boundaries of extreme metal. Expect a barrage of new material, explosive performances, and the full force of Narcotic Wasteland’s latest evolution.

Recommended for fans of Nile, Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Incantation, Cannibal Corpse, Dark Funeral, Immolation, and Gorguts, listen to “Fentanyl Zombie Apocalypse” at the following links:

Spotify - https://orcd.co/fentanylzombieapocalypse

FENTANYL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE TOUR
Narcotic Wasteland – August 2026 Tour Dates
Select dates with support from Visitant, Monochromatic Black, IATT, and YOTUMA
​​
August 12 – Columbus, OH – Spacebar With Visitant
August 14 – Akron, OH – Afterlife Nightclub
August 15 – Battle Creek, MI – Michigan Metal Fest With Monochromatic Black
August 16 – Chicago, IL – Liars Club With Visitant
August 18 – Saint Paul, MN – Amsterdam Bar & Hall With Visitant
August 19 – Cudahy, WI – X-Ray Arcade With Visitant and Yotuma
August 21 – Scranton, PA – The Ritz Theater With Visitant and IATT
August 22 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station With Visitant
August 23 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall With Visitant
August 25 – Louisville, KY – Portal With Visitant
August 26 – Atlanta, GA – 529 With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 27 – Nashville, TN – The Cobra With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 28 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel of Bones With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 29 – Salisbury, MD – Lurking Class Skate Shop With Monochromatic Black and Visitant
August 30 – Charleston, WV – Live at the Shop With Monochromatic Black and Visitant

More info: https://linktr.ee/narcoticwasteland

Canadian metal band Altersoul emerges with a renewed identity, a sharpened creative vision, and a deeply symbolic debut single, “Abandoned.” Formed by longtime collaborators James Close (Guitar/Vocals) and Graham Murphy (Guitar/Vocals), Altersoul rises from the decade‑long legacy of their previous project, Ominous Eclipse, carrying forward its spirit while forging a new path.
​
The band is completed by Evan Ferguson (Bass) and Theo Konrad (Drums), both of whom join Altersoul as part of the group’s new era of collaboration, expanded musical depth, and fully self‑produced artistry.
​
​Altersoul was formed after Ominous Eclipse’s momentum was halted during the 2020 lockdown. As live shows disappeared, members departed, and the band’s future became uncertain. The turning point came in 2022, when founding bassist Ryan Clements announced he would be stepping away, leading James and Graham to retire the Ominous Eclipse name with him.
​
Unfortunately, tragedy struck in August 2024, when Ryan passed away. His loss reshaped the band’s direction entirely. Their final Ominous Eclipse performance became a memorial tribute and mental‑health fundraiser, and the new band name "Altersoul," derived from Alter Sol (“A New Sun”), was chosen to honour both Ryan’s memory and the band’s rebirth.
​
Their debut single “Abandoned,” accompanied by a music video, is a complete re‑recording of one of the earliest compositions in the band’s catalogue. Originally written by Graham Murphy on a $75 acoustic guitar from Pete’s Music Exchange, the track first appeared on Ominous Eclipse’s debut album "End of Days" more than a decade ago.

Now, Altersoul delivers the song as it was always intended, featuring real orchestral performances recorded by the band and real drums performed by guest musician Andrew Poskus, the original drummer of Ominous Eclipse. The single benefits from modern production, mixing, and mastering handled entirely by the band, along with expanded arrangements that showcase their evolution. It’s a far more mature interpretation of a familiar piece. The contrast between the original “Abandoned” and this new version is striking: what once relied on guitars, bass, and programmed drums now unfolds with full string arrangements, broader dynamics, and meticulous production detail.

"This single is a re-recording of a very early track from the previous iteration of this band, under the name ‘Ominous Eclipse’. It comes from OE's debut album more than a decade ago, when studio quality wasn't as high. As a tribute to Ryan Clements, and as a treat for old fans of Ominous Eclipse, this song finally gets the treatment it deserves. We have multiple albums' worth of unreleased material, but chose to begin with this re‑imagined single from our past to show both where we came from and who we are now," says James Close.

Altersoul’s music moves fluidly across metal subgenres, death metal, tech‑death, thrash, black metal, folk/viking metal, progressive metal, and stoner/doom, while wearing its influences proudly. Fans of Death, Revocation, Gojira, Children of Bodom, and Opeth will find familiar elements woven into the band’s identity.
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​Altersoul is preparing to return to the stage in 2027, delivering a live experience that merges their dual‑vocal, dual‑guitar foundation from the Ominous Eclipse era with two defining new elements: a custom‑built, fully synchronized light show programmed by the band, and orchestral backing tracks performed on real instruments- violins, violas, cellos, and horns recorded by the members themselves.

Listen to “Abandoned” at the following links:

​Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/0EaBnR0ukoISeGnnf2ymJT

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More info:

​https://www.altersoulband.com/​

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

​https://www.instagram.com/altersoul.band

Ohio’s one‑woman brutal death metal force Cordyceps Corpse, the grotesque creation of multi‑instrumentalist Nani Porter, is set to unleash her most violent and ambitious work yet. "Perverse Craving For Rotting Corpses," the project’s second full‑length album, due out on October 9th, 2026 from Gore House Productions, drags listeners deeper into a world of chaos, contrast, and pure sonic depravity.
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With today's album announcement, Cordyceps Corpse unleashes the album’s first single and music video, “Forced Out of Existence,”.

"This song starts with slow, held-out chords, then gets into the slams. Lyrically, I just wanted to write something wild and kinda fried. I think I accomplished that, haha," adds Porter.
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Formed in late 2023 when Porter decided “f*ck it, I’ll do it myself,” Cordyceps Corpse began as a solo experiment in fast, filthy brutality. After years of producing beats for others, she turned impatience into inspiration, recording the project’s first single in her bedroom and immediately carving out a place in the underground.
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Following the Gore House Productions reissue of her debut "From Flesh To Fluids," Porter dove headfirst into crafting its successor. In a whirlwind month‑and‑a‑half writing spree, she composed 26 songs, ultimately distilling the carnage into 11 tracks that feel like watching a truly fucked‑up movie unfold in audio form.
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​"Perverse Craving For Rotting Corpses" pushes Cordyceps Corpse’s sound into new extremes, faster, filthier, more technical, and more cinematic. The album’s 11 tracks explore murder, gore, supernatural serial killers, cannibalism, torture, revenge, bodily destruction, and surreal horror, all delivered with Porter’s unique mix of chaos and groove. From the opening track’s "Aileen Wuornos" interview sample to the piss‑drinking anthem “Urophagia,” each song pushes the boundaries of slam and brutal death metal.

Lyrically, the album marks a major shift. Instead of pure guttural rhythm, Porter wrote full narratives inspired by crime interrogation footage, horror films, Darby Valentine videos, and the grim psychology of figures like Aileen Wuornos. The album unfolds like the twisted diary of a Glock‑loving, necrophilic, cannibalistic misandrist woman who grows more powerful with every victim she consumes, flipping the genre’s typical violence dynamic on its head.

"This album dives more into the 90’s/2000’s brutal death metal sound. I really think that era was peak for bdm and slam. I focused on writing a little bit more technical riffs than just straight slam riffs. I feel like it gets to a point where if a song is nothing but slams, it starts to sound like the next song. I think what makes a slam riff hit is context. Like a basic ass slam riff sounds cool as f*ck after crazy fast riffs or whatever. 90’s/2000’s era, I feel, does this well with like switching stuff off and just being fast too," says Porter.

The album artwork, created by Adam Nevler (GruesomeGraphx), captures the record’s gruesome cinematic energy in a single disturbing image.

Fast, brutal, gross, and gruesome, "Perverse Craving For Rotting Corpses" is recommended for fans of Devourment, .357 Homicide, Cephalotripsy, Kraanium, and Corpse Pile, and will be available digitally and on cassette from Gore House Productions on October 9th, 2026.

Digital pre-save / Cassette pre-order - https://orcd.co/perverse-craving-for-rotting-corpses​

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​More info: ​​

​https://gorehouseproductions.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580310663974​

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/@cordycepscorpse

Canadian speed demons TURBO announce they will be trekking across the Atlantic this coming October for their first-ever EU tour. Entitled the "Canadian Invasion Euro Tour", the quartet will perform dates in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland and Germany (dates listed below).

Since their formation, these Halifax, NS-based nitro rock hellraisers have been road warriors, always on the go across Eastern Canada, from the Maritimes to Quebec and Ontario, and have even toured Mexico, crisscrossing from venue to venue, to house parties, to playing open fields, to a tequila-drenched taco spot, all for the love of the music.

They unleashed their latest album "Broke & Ugly" in July 2024 and are in the works to release their follow-up album later this year in 2026.

Their second full‑length album, "Broke & Ugly," is a raw, high‑energy snapshot of the band’s real‑life chaos, blending aggressive riffs, tight musicianship, and lyrics fueled by partying, heartbreak, road‑life exhaustion, and unapologetic self‑reflection. Standout tracks range from the heavy, triumphant “Ruthless Forever” to the beer‑soaked anthem “Ignite the Night,” the breakup‑driven “No Savior,” and the punk‑edged “Scorpio Garbage Fire.” The album slows only briefly with “Nothing to Nowhere” before roaring back with the snarky title track and the thrashy tour‑inspired closer “Down in Mexico.” It’s gritty, honest, and unmistakably Turbo.

As they prepare to tour Europe, they are sure to win over fans who enjoy the likes of Motörhead, Mötley Crüe, Municipal Waste, and Airbourne.

“Broke and Ugly”, released on July 12th, 2024, is available at https://turboasfvck.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/3tz2h7rtkOkwALjh6Okwps

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Canadian Invasion Euro Tour - Turbo w/ Monteith
22.10 - Hradec, CZ — AC Klub
23.10 - Bratislava, SK — Koncerty na Garážach
24.10 - Louny, CZ — Sféra Louny
25.10 - Bohuslavice, CZ — NOISE Bar
26.10 - Kosice, SK — Collosseum Klub
27.10 - Budapest, HU — S8 Underground
28.10 - Krakow, PL — SNY
29.10 - Prague, CZ — Klub FAMU
30.10 - Nuremberg, DE — Blackbox
31.10 - Hamburg, DE — Stellwerk

Live Lineup:​
Evan Frizzle: Vox, Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Lindsey Dicks: Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Donnie Rootnotes: Bass
Sylvian Coderre: Drums

For more info:
​https://www.facebook.com/TURBOFAF​
​https://www.instagram.com/turboasfvck/