Recognized for his guitar work and production roles in Ottawa bands A Scar For The Wicked, DAEDFALL, and previously Sovereign Council, solo goth‑metal artist NOX emerges as the newest creative vessel for cinematographer and visual storyteller Joe Moon. To introduce the launch of this fully self‑realized project, one that fuses heavy music, horror‑driven aesthetics, and immersive worldbuilding into a singular, shadow‑forged identity, Moon unveils NOX's debut single and music video for “Night Terror.”​
​
​NOX embodies Moon’s long‑standing drive to create something darker, more personal, and more cinematic than anything in his past body of work. After years spent shaping visuals, music, and production across multiple mediums, the project stands as the culmination of that experience, a space where sound, imagery, and storytelling merge without restraint. Moon writes every element himself, from synths and drums to guitars, crafting each track around mood, tension, and emotional gravity. Sonically, NOX pulls from modern metal, melodic death metal, industrial metal, symphonic black metal, and gothic/alternative metal, while weaving in the scale and emotional depth of cinematic scoring.
​
​“NOX is a dark, creative force rooted in heavy music, cinematic tension, and immersive atmosphere. Influenced by metal, horror, sci‑fi, and shadow‑driven visual storytelling, the project exists to create music that feels larger than sound alone, a world built on power, fear, transformation, and emotional weight. The goal is to give people something immersive, something oppressive, emotional, haunting, and atmospheric. Every song should feel like a chapter in a larger story,” says Moon.
​
​“Night Terror” serves as the first entry point into that world. The track is dark, intense, and deeply atmospheric, built around the sensation of being hunted by something both psychological and real. Moon describes it as a reflection of fear, paralysis, and the loss of control, emotions that shape the song’s heavy, immersive sound.
​
​“‘Night Terror’ leans into fear and tension, turning those emotions into something cinematic and overwhelming. It’s meant to feel like stepping into a nightmare you can’t wake up from,” adds Moon.
​
As a cinematographer and visual creator, Moon approaches NOX with a filmmaker’s eye. The music video for “Night Terror” introduces the project’s aesthetic, a blend of horror, sci‑fi, surrealism, and metal imagery designed to feel like a window into a larger universe. The result is a sound that is dark, cinematic, immersive, and vicious.

Recommended for fans of Sleep Token, Lord of the Lost, Lacuna Coil, Dimmu Borgir, and modern Swedish melodic death metal, NOX delivers the same sense of weight and atmosphere, but pushes further into something more visual, more narrative‑driven, and unmistakably its own.

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/6qvs53MRsDJYkf6KgmzXu1

​

More Info:

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576513716832​

​https://www.instagram.com/the.only.nox/​

About:

NOX is the dark creative project of Joe Moon, a cinematographer, visual creator, and storyteller driven by heavy atmosphere, bold imagery, and genre-blending worldbuilding. Working across film, music, design, and concept development, Joe builds immersive visuals and identities that live somewhere between horror, sci-fi, metal, and the surreal. NOX is an extension of that vision: a space for darker ideas, original characters, striking aesthetics, and unapologetically cinematic expression. Through NOX, Joe brings together his work in visual storytelling, production, and creative direction to create something visceral, mysterious, and unmistakably his own.

Norwegian metal project Tonic Breed, led by founder Patrik K. Svendsen, has unleashed the new 2026 single "Close In", a powerful, emotionally charged track featuring guest drums by Charlie Engen, known for his work with Five Finger Death Punch, Scale the Summit, and Ideology.

The single follows last year’s collaboration "Anew," which featured legendary drummer Chris Adler (Firstborne, ex‑Lamb of God, ex‑Megadeth), continuing Tonic Breed’s ongoing evolution through high‑profile guest musicians and bold stylistic shifts.
​
Originally formed in 2006 as a four‑piece thrash and heavy metal band from Sarpsborg, Norway, Tonic Breed transitioned into a one‑man project in 2019. Since then, Svendsen has pushed the project into new creative territory, collaborating with world‑renowned musicians including Chris Adler, Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), and Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam).​
​
With "Close In," Tonic Breed continues this trajectory, this time exploring a more melodic, atmospheric, and emotionally layered sound.
​
​"Close In" dates back to its original writing more than two decades ago and was revisited many times over the years, but never fully came together until now.
​
​“This is definitely the track that’s taken the longest to finish. It’s been sitting with me for years, and it wasn’t until the right people got involved that it finally came together the way it was supposed to,” says Svendsen
​
Co‑producer Adrian Bjerketvedt helped shape the final structure, while Engen’s drum performance added nuance and dynamic movement. Composer Ben Zimmermann contributed orchestration. Some piano arrangements even transformed early guitar‑based ideas into emotional layers that complete the song’s atmosphere.
​
While still rooted in the project’s heavy foundation, "Close In" marks a shift toward melody, space, and emotional depth. It's a semi‑ballad with clean passages, heavier sections, and dynamic contrasts. The song incorporates harmonies, choirs, and orchestration, rich layering, and atmospheric textures, a first for Tonic Breed.

Svendsen anticipates that "Close In" may surprise listeners.
​​
“It still has weight and intensity, but it leans more into melody and atmosphere than what I’ve done before. Some will probably not expect it, but it still feels like a natural step for me.”​
​
Lyrically, the song explores the long‑term weight of loss, how losing someone close can reshape a person over time, and the struggle to find oneself again while learning to live with that emotional burden.
​
​“It comes from a pretty heavy place. It’s about losing people close to you and carrying that weight with you,” adds Svendsen.

Recommended for fans of Soilwork, Evergrey, Alter Bridge, and Trivium, listen to "Close in" at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/2l8pHhSRdhWfmJbrHQ5r8z?si=lc3Rf9hnShWzcZRR7_SB4Q​

​

For more info:​
​https://tonicbreed.com​
​https://facebook.com/tonicbreed​
​https://instagram.com/tonicbreed​

With Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METALFEST, gearing up for its 7th edition, fans can now get an early taste of the 2026 lineup through the festival’s newly released Spotify preview playlist. Ahead of the three‑day event, set for April 16 and 17 at The Cobalt and April 18 at the Rickshaw Theatre, the playlist showcases this year’s full roster, featuring SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more.

Check out the HMF 2026 Lineup Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29rcYoWLyYXPFyN7OKdPDB?si=7Kke2MVVSyS6v_Lxe5-KSg​

"The full lineup for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII is here! Sanctuary will be performing a Canadian exclusive performance of Into The Mirror Black in its entirety! Atavistia will headline night 1, which will feature a heavy emphasis on melodic death metal. Night two headliner Edge of Paradise will cap off a night of epic symphonic and melodic power metal! After this year, the festival will be going on indefinite hiatus, so if you've been wanting to make it to Hyperspace, this could be your last chance. Let's rage together at the Rickshaw and the Cobalt one last time!" adds festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions.

Check out Hockin's interview about this year's festival lineup with Metal-Rules.com HERE.

"Lovers of Melody and Power Unite! Hyperspace Metalfest VII is Nigh!" - Decibel Magazine​

Hyperspace Metal Festival VII - April 16th - 18th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at http://hyperspace-vii.eventbrite.ca/​

Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447​

HYPERSPACE METAL FESTIVAL VII​
​
Day One - April 16
​Atavistia
Inpathos
Hyperstrike
Ravensun
Kayas​
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Day Two - April 17
​Edge of Paradise
The Scepter
Lycanthro
Ophelia Falling
Valley of Despair​
​
Day Three - April 18
​Sanctuary - Performing Into The Mirror Black in its entirety
Owlbear - Canadian Debut
Artificial Language - Canadian Debut
Voidchaser
Witchkiller

About The Bands:

This year’s HMF headliner, Sanctuary, will make their exclusive Canadian appearance unforgettable by performing their acclaimed 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in full.
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Formed in Seattle in 1985, Sanctuary quickly became a major force in the city’s metal scene, driven by the soaring vocals of the late Warrel Dane. Their debut, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), put them on the global metal map, followed by the darker and more refined Into the Mirror Black in 1990. The rise of grunge paused the band’s momentum, leading members to form Nevermore, but Sanctuary reunited in 2011 and returned to major festival stages worldwide.
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They released The Year the Sun Died in 2014 and the archival collection Inception in 2017. After Dane’s passing later that year, the band continued with Joseph Michael on vocals, earning strong support from fans. Today’s lineup features Michael, original members Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill, plus bassist George Hernandez, with a second guitarist joining them live.
​
Sanctuary will perform special sets of Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black at select 2026 festivals and is currently working on a new album, Transmutation. The band is ready to bring fresh music and a powerful new show back to Europe and beyond. See you on the road!

​https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/​

====

Headlining the night two of HMF, Los Angeles’ Edge of Paradise arrives fresh off extensive North American touring with Delain, Xandria, and Japan’s Lovebites. Hyperspace Metal Fest in Vancouver is one of several major headline appearances for the band this year, alongside Fire It Up Festival in California and Rock in Rautheim in Germany, with more dates on the way.
​
The band recently released a striking new video for “Martyr (Monster)” from last year’s hit album Prophecy, expanding their immersive sci‑fi universe and showcasing new keyboardist Alex Nasla in his first performance with the group. The video’s second act reimagines the track as an instrumental, further deepening the album’s sonic world.
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Known for their cinematic fusion of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, electronic textures, and vivid storytelling, Edge of Paradise, fronted by vocalist and visual artist Margarita Monet, has toured more than 30 countries and released acclaimed albums including Universe, The Unknown, Hologram, and now Prophecy (Napalm Records, 2025). Widely praised as their most ambitious work yet, Prophecy introduces 8‑string guitars and explores the looming “Singularity,” balancing futuristic themes with Monet’s emotional lyricism and artwork.
​
The band’s expanding creative universe also includes a graphic novel series that enriches the albums’ narratives. Lead single “Death Note” has quickly become a fan favorite, accompanied by a visually rich, cinematic video directed by Monet. With their bold artistic vision, relentless touring, and multi‑dimensional storytelling, Edge of Paradise continues to push modern rock forward—inviting fans into a world where music, art, and imagination collide.

​https://www.edgeofparadiseband.com/​

====

Headlining the first night of HMF, Atavistia (HMF Alumni) is a Canadian symphonic melodic death metal band that blends aggressive riffs, cinematic orchestrations, and melancholic atmospheres. The band has built a strong international following, particularly across Europe, through consistent releases and extensive touring alongside established acts. Known for their powerful live performances and polished production, Atavistia continues to push their sound forward while remaining rooted in melodic death metal.

​https://linktr.ee/atavistia

====

Voidchaser, a progressive metal band from Montreal and Stockholm, has rapidly gained international attention since 2023, earning praise from major outlets across the Americas and Europe. Their 2024 concept album Solace surpassed 250,000 streams and charted globally, followed by the 2025 EP Trust, which features high‑profile collaborations. In 2025, the band launched their debut international tour, performing at ProgPower Europe, the inaugural ProgStorm Festival, and sharing stages with Threshold, Kingcrow, Vulkan, Nospūn, and more.

​https://www.voidchaser.net/​

​

====

Owlbear, forced to cancel their 2025 HMF appearance, is now set on taking the stage in 2026. Formed in 2020 by North American metal veterans Katheryn Scary, Jeff Taft, and Leona Hayward, the band quickly evolved from a remote project into a full live act following the success of their 2023 debut Chaos to the Realm and their 2024 performance at Chicago’s sold‑out Legions of Metal festival. Drawing on classic heavy and speed metal with lyrics inspired by beloved games and fantasy worlds, Owlbear continues to build momentum with their acclaimed sophomore album, Feather & Claw

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

====

Artificial Language is a progressive rock/metal band from Fresno, California, known for blending technical precision with a cinematic, emotionally driven sound. Since 2017, they’ve built a reputation for intricate songwriting and immersive arrangements that bridge the intensity of metal with the expansiveness of modern prog. Their evolution continues through ambitious studio work and striking visual storytelling, including their standout “Skinwalker” music video.

​https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/​

====

Ophelia Falling, a Vancouver‑based symphonic metal band and HMF alumni, blends soaring vocals with driving power metal, orchestra, and choir, gaining early momentum after Chelsea Rose joined in 2015 and their explosive 2018 debut. With the lineup solidified by bassist Sylvain Maltais and drummer Chris Pallot, the band’s rise included their Savage Love EP, soundtrack placements, and performances at Wacken Battle Canada and Decimate 2.0. Their 2020 debut album, Destroyed in Delight, continues to receive global radio play, and the band is now writing new material as they prepare for their return to the stage.

​https://www.opheliafalling.com/

====

The Scepter is an Ottawa heavy metal band known for blending classic metal power with a sharp modern edge. Formed by seasoned musicians united by their love of traditional metal, the group has built a reputation for high‑energy performances and commanding, riff‑driven songwriting. With new music underway and momentum growing, The Scepter stands poised as one of Ottawa’s strongest emerging voices in the next wave of heavy metal.

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

====

Inpathos is a melodic death metal band from Bellingham, WA, blending Scandinavian‑inspired riffs with rhythms influenced by the founding Boulos brothers’ Lebanese heritage to create a distinct and dynamic sound. They have released an EP and three LPs, including 2025’s Apparitions, and have performed alongside acts like Be’lakor, Anciients, and Nekrogoblikon at sold‑out Pacific Northwest venues. The current lineup features Patrick Bradford, Alex Mattison, Brendan Brendible, and brothers Adonis and Nabil Reed‑Boulos.

​https://www.inpathosofficial.com/

​====

Lycanthro, an Ottawa‑based power metal force and HMF alumni, blends power, thrash, and traditional metal into a bold, cinematic sound inspired by classic horror, mythology, and genre legends like Savatage and W.A.S.P. Their acclaimed 2021 full‑length Mark of the Wolf showcased dynamic storytelling and helped propel them onto stages such as Power Metal Quest Fest and Legions of Metal. Now signed to Psychomanteum Records, the pack is hard at work on their anticipated second album, proving the howl never dies and the hunt never ends.

​https://lycanthrometal.com/

====

Witchkiller emerged from Ottawa’s early‑’80s metal underground as one of Canada’s standout heavy metal forces, gaining a cult following with their powerful blend of classic metal and NWOBHM‑inspired intensity. Their 1984 EP Day of the Saxons became a defining release of the era, and after disbanding in 1985, the group reignited in 2012, introducing their legacy to a new generation. Today, Witchkiller remains a celebrated name in traditional metal, their influence continuing to resonate through collectors, die‑hard fans, and the genre’s modern revival.

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064302991214

====

Valley of Despair is an independent metal band from Edmonton blending modern rock, power metal, and thrash, earning national attention when their 2024 debut EP Burn At The Stake hit #1 on college radio and charted on the Earshot National Loud Chart. They toured Western Canada in 2025 with festival stops in Armstrong and Yellowknife and are now preparing their full‑length debut for release in 2026. The band features Cheryl Leia, TJ Buggins, Joel Croft, and Preston Lehoux.

​https://valleyofdespair.ca/

====

Born of "The Blade," Seattle, WA, Hyperstrike brings action, danger, and excitement back to heavy metal. Feat. members of Xoth, Ghost Ship Octavius. Chop Daddy on Nasty Slap Bass, Brain Lord on Explosive Pipes, Siberian Claw on Ripping Guitar, and Goblin Hammer on epic drums.

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

====

Ravensun is a Vancouver Island-based melodic death metal band. Themes of war and brutality are the main focus of the lyrical content. Blending soaring vocals, driving riffs, and atmospheric soundscapes into a style that bridges modern metal and classic influences. Known for their dynamic live performances and emotionally charged songwriting, the band has quickly become a standout presence in the BC metal scene. With new music in development and a growing regional following, Ravensun continues to expand its sound and carve out its place in Western Canada’s heavy music landscape.

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

====

Replacing the originally announced Thorsguard, who unfortunately canceled, Vancouver melodic death metal band Kayas has been asked to join the lineup. Known for blending melodic intensity with modern aggression, creating a sound that bridges classic influences and contemporary edge. Their dynamic live performances and tightly crafted songwriting have quickly earned them a growing presence in the West Coast metal scene. With new music underway and momentum building, Kayas continues to carve out their identity as one of Vancouver’s most promising rising acts.

​https://linktr.ee/kayasofficial

====

To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2026, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival

Wacken Open Air, the world’s largest heavy metal festival and widely regarded as the Mecca of Heavy Metal, will celebrate its 35th anniversary with an unprecedented Global Warm-Up Party on Saturday, April 18th, 2026. The event will take place simultaneously in 35 countries worldwide, uniting the global metal community in a single day of celebration.

In the United States, the official anniversary event will be hosted at The Brass Mug in Tampa, Florida, as part of the inaugural Tampa Metal Meeting, Florida’s newest metal festival.

The Tampa edition will feature a powerful lineup headlined by Florida death metal pioneers Malevolent Creation, alongside the long-awaited return of local underground favorites Psykotribe. In addition, the event will host the Wacken Metal Battle Southeast USA Regional Final, a key component of the globally renowned Wacken Metal Battle competition.

The Wacken Metal Battle is the world’s largest battle of the bands, currently involving 103 participating countries that host local, regional, and national finals. The ultimate World Final takes place at Wacken Open Air in Germany, offering winning bands extraordinary opportunities, including thousands of euros in prizes, professional gear from top brands, networking opportunities with major players in the industry, and confirmed bookings at European festivals, including Wacken Open Air, the following year.

The U.S. event is presented by Piox Promotions, a company with a long-standing relationship with Wacken Open Air. Piox Promotions serves as the Wacken Metal Battle promoter in the Caribbean and Southeast USA regions. It’s mission: to empower underground metal scenes by creating real opportunities for bands to grow beyond borders through Wacken Open Air initiatives

With its combination of legendary artists, emerging underground talent, and part of the official Wacken programming, the Wacken Open Air 35th Anniversary Global Warm-Up Party promises to be a historic gathering for metal fans and musicians alike.

Event Details:

Event: Wacken Open Air 35th Anniversary Global Warm-Up Party

Date: Saturday, April 18th, 2026

Location: The Brass Mug – Tampa, Florida

Host Event: Tampa Metal Meeting (Inaugural Edition)

Ticket Info: https://tmm2026.eventbrite.com/​

About Wacken Open Air:​
Wacken Open Air is the largest heavy metal festival in the world. Starting with 800 visitors in 1990, nowadays 85,000 fans from all over the world travel to Wacken every year, turning the small village in Schleswig-Holstein into the center of the festival scene for several days. The organizing WOA Festival GmbH is connected to a broad network, including band management, the Wacken Foundation, tour booking, music publishing, Travel & Stay, merchandising distribution, and ticketing. In cooperation with partners, these results in creative solutions and ideas that revolutionize the festival experience, enable technical innovations, and produce extraordinary event concepts. Wacken Open Air 2026 will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026.

Dirty Shirt, one of Eastern Europe’s most innovative and high‑energy metal bands, announces the release of their new single “Büntető”, a powerful collaborative re‑imagining of the Hungarian folk hit originally performed by world‑renowned group Besh o droM. The track marks the second single from Dirty Shirt’s next studio album, following the success of their first preview, “FOMO.”​
​
The collaboration brings together two of the region’s most dynamic musical forces, blending Dirty Shirt’s signature heavy, dance‑driven metal with Besh o droM’s virtuosic approach to Eastern European and Balkan folk traditions. The result is a 194 BPM explosion of energy, featuring 16 musicians and a seamless fusion of traditional instrumentation with modern metal intensity.

Dirty Shirt describes the partnership with Besh o droM as natural, inspiring, and full of mutual respect.
​
​“We are very happy to have made this collaboration. We love Besh o droM’s music, and it was wonderful to see how open they were to working together with us. One of the highlights was performing the song together at Dirty Fest 2025, and part of the video includes footage from that incredible concert,” says the band's leader, Mihai Tivada.

Dirty Shirt has been performing their live version of “Büntető” for over a year, including a standout moment at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025, where the song became one of the most celebrated highlights of their set. Fans have been eagerly awaiting an official release.
​
​“Many fans already know the song from our concerts, and it always gets an incredible reaction. We’re confident they’ll love this studio version, especially since we’re teaming up with one of the greatest gypsy/folk/rock bands from Hungary, Besh o droM,” adds Mihai.​
​
At its core, “Büntető” is about positive, uplifting energy and the belief that music transcends borders. Lyrically inspired by traditional Hungarian folk themes, the song tells a vivid story rooted in village life, relationships, and raw human emotion. Musically, it merges the fiery spirit of gypsy folk with Dirty Shirt’s unmistakable modern folkcore metal sound.
​
The release of “Büntető” also comes as Dirty Shirt wraps up their triumphant Dirtylicious Decade Tour, with 8 of 11 shows sold out, and prepares for a packed summer festival season, including their third appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany.

Recommended for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, Dubioza Kolektiv, Russkaja, and The Hu.

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://ffm.to/bntet

​

​
​
​

DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour​
Ticket Info - https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/
​17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

For more info: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​
​
​About Dirty Shirt:​
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse known for fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more—and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 1000 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.
​
​About Besh o droM:​
Formed in Budapest in 1999, Besh o droM is one of Hungary’s most influential and internationally celebrated world‑music groups. Their sound blends the folk traditions of Hungary, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans with modern elements, creating a unique “virtual folklore” free of cultural borders. Over the past 25 years, they have performed on five continents at major world‑music, folk, gypsy, jazz, and rock festivals. Their album Besh o droM20 spent several months on the World Music Chart Europe Top 20, and the band continues to evolve with new music and a dynamic, mature sound.

North Carolina progressive sludge metal trio Ape Vermin will hit the road this spring for “The Riders of the Damned Tour Part 2,” across the U.S. alongside stoner metal trio Mean Green. The run supports Ape Vermin’s crushing full‑length "Andromedas Colossus," the band’s most dynamic, melodic, and brutally expansive release to date.
​
The tour launches May 16 at Bull City Metal Fest in Durham, NC, and storms across the Southeast, Texas, the Southwest, and the Mountain states before closing June 12 in Chattanooga, TN (dates listed below).
​
The announcement arrives alongside the release of the band’s new lyric video for “Awakened,” created by filmmaker Kenji Tsunami of Tsunami Films (also bassist for Narcotic Wasteland). The track, an explosive fusion of sludge, thrash, and cosmic devastation, showcases the album’s apocalyptic themes and the band’s sharpened, evolved sound.
​
​“‘Awakened’ is my personal favorite. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake. Prepare for your imminent obliteration,” says guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee.

​
​
Formed in 2017 by Brett Lee, drummer Seth Lynn, and bassist Jared Edge, Ape Vermin has carved out a reputation for no‑frills, high‑volume, amplifier‑worshipping heaviness. Their sound, described by the band as Colossal, Epic, Unique, Exciting, Heavy, pulls from sludge, doom, thrash, groove metal, death metal, and progressive rock.
​
With "Andromedas Colossus," Ape Vermin pushes further into a dark, prophetic sonic realm built over a decade of writing. The album’s ten tracks range from the obliterating opener “Obliteration Imminent” to the tribal‑tinged instrumental “Pulse Driver,” the environmentally charged “Mining the Colossus,” and the epic closer “Return to Andromeda.” Lyrically, the record explores outer‑space phenomena, extraterrestrial mythos, prehistoric terror, psychedelic visions, and sci‑fi horror, an entire universe crafted in Lee’s mind.
​​
“We want to take listeners on an epic sonic journey. This record is extremely dynamic, melodic, visceral, and dark. Fans can expect even more crushing material. We’re already working on the next LP,” adds Lee.

Recommended for fans of High on Fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Yob, and Conan, check out “Andromedas Colossus” (released May 17th, 2024) at the following links:

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

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y5DAyV5AP3hLNSMDfuQkh​

"The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2" w/ Ape Vermin, Mean Green​
5/16 - Durham, N.C - Bull City Metal Fest
5/17 - Winston-Salem, N.C - The Den
5/18 - Atlanta, GA - Boggs Social
5/19 - Savannah, GA - TBA
5/20 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
5/21 - Orlando, FL - TBA
5/22 - Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
5/23 - Lafayette, LA - Freetown Boom Room
5/24 - Dallas, TX - Reno's Chop Shop
5/25 - Corpus Christi, TX - Boozers
5/26 - San Antonio, TX - TBA
5/27 - Austin, TX - TBA
5/28 - Houston, TX - Black Magic
5/29 - El Paso, TX - The Rockhouse
5/30 - Albuquerque, NM - TBA
5/31 - Scottsdale, AZ - Pho Cao
6/2 - Palmdale, CA - Transplants Brewery
6/3 - Las Vegas, NV - The Griffin
6/4 - Salt Lake City, UT - TBA
6/5 - Cheyenne, WY - TBA
6/6 - Denver, CO - TBA
6/7 - Colorado Springs, CO - Whats Left Records
6/8 - Kansas City, MO - The Warehouse
6/9 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
6/10 - Lexington, KY - Als Bar
6/11 - Nashville, TN - TBA
6/12 - Chattanooga, TN - JJs Bohemia

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official​

British Columbia’s all‑instrumental progressive metal force PHAETON is gearing up to hit the road for their 2026 Canadian West Coast "The Cosmic Dissonance Tour," supporting their latest third full‑length album, "Neurogenesis," released this past October 2025. The tour marks the band’s first extended run across the province of British Columbia since the release of their 2020 sophomore album "Between Two Worlds." It promises a blistering showcase of their evolving, hyper‑melodic, and technically ferocious sound.

​
Formed in 2017 in the mountain city of Kimberley, BC, Phaeton, Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards), Daniel Airth (guitars), Ferdy Belland (bass), and Colin Righton (drums) have carved out a unique place in Canada’s metal landscape. Their fusion of neoclassical melodicism, crushing riff architecture, and cosmic prog-metal atmospherics has earned them a growing international following and stages alongside Beyond Creation, Anciients, and Bison.
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​“We’re beyond stoked to finally pull off a tour like this. We impress many people through our recordings, but live it’s a souped‑up, heavy‑hitting experience that gets in your face right before it’s melted down to the skull. We’re playing selections from all three of our albums and bringing our A‑Game. This won’t be the last time we rock across British Columbia, but we plan to make this first stint something special for everybody to remember,” says bassist Ferdy Belland.

Phaeton 2026 Canadian West Coast Tour:​
April 4 - Cranbrook, BC - Shotties Nightclub w/ The Honeymans, Brotherhood of Lost Souls, and Garuda (Ferdy's 55th Birthday Party) - info​
April 8 - Kamloops, BC - Blue Grotto Nightclub w/ Tortion - info​
April 9 - Kelowna, BC - Dunnenzie's Downtown w/ Tortion - info​
April 10 - Vancouver, BC - Cobalt w/ Vaegon, Quasicosm, No Faith in Fortune (Hyperspace Metal Festival VII Pre-Party) - info​
April 11 - Mission, BC - Captain's Cabin Pub w/ Anthem (Rush tribute), The Bifurcated - info​
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Following their acclaimed releases, self-titled (2018) and "Between Two Worlds" (2020), the band’s new and third album, "Neurogenesis," sharpens their signature sound into something more concise, more dynamic, and more thematically unified. Inspired by concepts surrounding the technological singularity, cybernetic evolution, and the future of human identity, the album blends jazz‑fusion sensibilities with prog‑metal precision, djent‑infused heaviness, and neo‑classical melodic architecture.
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Tracks such as “Tethys Rising,” “Isochron,” “Synesthesia,” “Arachnid,” and the expansive title track “Neurogenesis” explore everything from cosmic awe to psychological phenomena to dystopian futurism, without a single lyric. Phaeton’s instrumental approach allows listeners to project their own narratives, guided only by the band’s kaleidoscopic riffs, soaring leads, and tectonic rhythmic shifts.
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Named after the mythical proto‑planet believed to have collided with primordial Earth, Phaeton channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted instrumental soundscapes. Their music draws from Dream Theater, Rush, Devin Townsend, Meshuggah, Mastodon, Gojira, and the jazz‑fusion giants of the 1970s, while maintaining a distinct identity rooted in technical virtuosity and interstellar imagination.
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The band’s writing process is a fluid, collaborative effort, with each member contributing compositions and refining arrangements as a unit. Their live performances are heavier, crunchier, and more visceral than their polished studio recordings, an unexpected duality that has become a hallmark of their reputation.

"Neurogenesis" (released Oct 24th, 2025) is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year.

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV​

Bandcamp - https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial​

Southern California’s rising modern‑metal force Reign of Echos has released their highly anticipated second single and lyric video, “Static Vein,” recently released on March 13, 2026. The track follows the band’s January debut, “Blindside,” which introduced their signature blend of crushing heaviness, cinematic atmosphere, and emotionally charged storytelling.
​
Formed in 2025, Reign of Echos, featuring Randy Lee (guitar/lead vocals), Rob (bass/backing vocals), and Dustin (drums/backing vocals), has rapidly emerged as one of the most focused and creatively driven new metal acts to come out of Apple Valley in Southern California. Their chemistry was immediate, their writing process naturally seamless, and their shared vision unmistakable: to craft music that is creative, unique, powerful, driven, and relentlessly hard‑hitting.

The band aims to deliver a listening experience that feels deeply relatable, intensely energetic, and adrenaline‑charged, building not just songs but a full‑scale sonic experience. This project also marks the first time Randy has written using a 7‑string guitar, expanding the band’s tonal range and adding new depth to their evolving sound.
​
​“Static Vein” dives deep into the universal struggle against inner demons and the lingering darkness that exists within all of us. The band describes the track as a collision of madness, tension, and hope, with the music mirroring the internal battle portrayed in the lyrics.
​
​“Static Vein was exciting for us to release as it is more of a presentation of our style of music. The song will be relatable to a wide audience while we all have struggled with some type of inner demon,” says Lee.
​
Musically, the track pushes the trio into more intricate territory while maintaining the raw intensity that defines their sound. The accompanying music video amplifies the song’s themes with powerful, eye‑catching visuals that tell the story in a single, striking image.
​
The band’s debut single, “Blindside,” set the tone for their arrival, an explosive track born from real‑life betrayal and emotional upheaval.
​
​“Blindside was our first song written together. The song came out so effortlessly since one of us had just encountered a betrayal that was perfect for a song lyrically and musically,” adds Lee.
​
With both singles now out, fans are getting their first real look into the band’s upcoming EP, featuring six of their most powerful and cohesive tracks to date, with a full album to follow. Listeners can expect raw emotion, crushing grooves, modern creative edge, and a relentless commitment to pushing their sound even further.

Recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Gojira, Korn, Mudvayne, and Trivium, listen to both singles at the following links:

​

​

Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ucAi70jllo0wXWmXnlO7H​

More info: https://www.linktr.ee/reignofechos​

After a decade‑long hiatus, the band behind Teletoon’s cult animated series is officially back in the butcher shop with their most polished, unhinged, and radio‑ready material to date. Canada’s raunchiest rock‑and‑roll carnivores, Sons of Butcher, have unleashed "Skids, a brand‑new four‑song EP and their first batch of fresh cuts since 2020. Released today, March 27th, 2026, the EP arrives alongside the new music video for “Denim Dreamin’,” the follow‑up to their first single “Makin’ Bacon.”

Known for fusing vulgar absurdist comedy with heavy riffs and chaotic live antics, Sons of Butcher first carved out their legacy as the real‑world extension of their Teletoon animated series, building a cult following through spandex‑clad performances, pepperette‑throwing, and unapologetically ridiculous rock theatre. Forged in the grease‑splattered heart of Hamilton’s mock‑rock scene, "Skids" marks a new chapter, one that slices away from their animated origins and dives headfirst into a raw, unfiltered batch of comedy‑rock anthems.

“This EP marks the first time we’ve written songs that don’t have a direct connection to the cartoon storyline, except for Peppercorn Steak. Instead, this EP is an honest batch of comedy songs from the grease‑clogged hearts of a band of has‑been butchers,” adds frontman Ricky Butcher.
​
Produced by longtime collaborator Jordon Zadorozny (Meatlantis, Rise & Fall of the Steaks) at Skylark Park in Pembroke, ON, "Skids" is a loud, unapologetic love letter to skid‑life: cheap meat, denim devotion, and the gritty charm of back‑alley ambition. The EP also features drumming by Kellii Scott of the acclaimed band Failure, a full‑circle moment for Ricky Butcher, who first discovered Zadorozny’s work through Scott’s playing.
​
Musically, "Skids" pushes Sons of Butcher into their most radio‑ready territory yet, without losing the filthy heart that made them cult icons. Opening track "Denim Dreamin’" is a surprisingly wholesome, socially acceptable anthem celebrating denim as a lifestyle. Catchy, bouncy, and tailor‑made for anyone who’s ever bought a patch or band tee. "Makin’ Bacon" is a metal‑forward, riff‑heavy ode to the universal love of bacon. Chaotic, catchy, and dangerously addictive. "Steeltown Handy" is a pop‑rock earworm exposing the underbelly of Hamilton’s gritty streets, raunchy, melodic, and impossible to forget. And EP closer, "Peppercorn Steak," is a return to classic SOB absurdity. Originally featured in an independently created third‑season pilot of the cartoon, now fully realized with soaring vocals and chunky riffage.

The EP's cover features a live photo from the band’s first show after their ten‑year hiatus, Ricky Butcher and Doug Borski locked in a triumphant rock pose. The image has become symbolic of the band’s rebirth and renewed momentum.
​
To celebrate the release of the new EP, SOB's newest music video brings “Denim Dreamin’” to life with a tongue‑in‑cheek celebration of denim culture, matching the track’s upbeat swagger and infectious chorus. It follows the success of the EP’s first single, “Makin’ Bacon,” which kicked off the new era of Sons of Butcher with a blast of high‑energy mock‑metal.

"This is the first clean‑cut Sons of Butcher track we have ever written! With a catchy refrain and bouncy riff, the song proudly declares that denim isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s a full‑blown way of life. Anyone who’s ever bought a patch or a band tee will feel this one in their soul," says Ricky Butcher.
​

​With "Skids," the band isn’t just back, they’re carving out a new chapter in their meaty legacy.

Recommended for fans of Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Psychostick, and Steel Panther, "Skids" is available now as of March 27th, 2026, at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/7M0suHkgLiADLzbMXegRjV

​Bandcamp (CD and Digital) - https://sonsofbutcher.bandcamp.com/album/skids​

In additional news, Sons of Butcher are gearing up for a handful of Spring 2026 tour dates, including five shows with Hamilton’s beloved skid‑icon B.A. Johnston.

Show Dates:​
April 2 - Honey Dip - London, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
April 3 - L’Hemisphere Gauche - Montreal, QC - opening for B. A. Johnston
April 4 - House of Targ - Ottawa, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
April 17 - The Corktown - Hamilton, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston
April 18 - Baby G - Toronto, ON - opening for B. A. Johnston

Track Listing:​
1. Denim Dreamin’ – (3:05)
2. Makin’ Bacon – (2:37)
3. Steeltown Handy – (2:21)
4. Peppercorn Steak – (1:42)

EP Line Up:​
Ricky Butcher – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Kellii Scott – Drums
Jordon Zadorozny – Lead Guitar
Brandon Wars – Lead Guitar

Live Band Line Up:​
Ricky Butcher – Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Crissy Stixx – Drums
Joey Salami – Lead Guitar

More Info:

​https://www.sonsofbutcher.ca/​

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

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

Denver, CO power-metal storytellers Siege Perilous have unveiled their long‑awaited debut full‑length concept album, officially out now as of Friday, March 27th, via Crunchtronic Records. Along with the concept records release, the band is sharing the new music video for the emotional power ballad “Echoes of Home” ft. Kristin Starkey. The release follows months of anticipation fueled by the band’s earlier singles, including the title track and the Fabio Lione-fronted “As the Dragon Falls."

"Becoming the Dragon" is a cinematic, story‑driven concept album chronicling the rise, fall, and transformation of the “Child of Prophecy,” a hero who ultimately embraces destiny by becoming the very dragon he was sworn to slay. Across ten tracks, Siege Perilous blends epic riffing, soaring vocals, and symphonic arrangements into a cohesive narrative arc that stands tall among modern power metal concept records. The album features two major guest vocalists who helped shape the band’s identity: Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) as the voice of the dragon in “As the Dragon Falls”, Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) as the Mystic in “Echoes of Home”.
​
For vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, these collaborations are deeply personal:
​
​“Getting to sing alongside one of the voices that got me into metal as a teenager is an indescribable blessing, and having Kristin Starkey rip a power ballad with us is far beyond anything we could have hoped for.”​
​
The newly released video "Echoes of Home" highlights one of the album’s most emotional moments, the “all is lost” chapter of the story. Written during a difficult period when McDaniel’s newborn son was in the NICU, the song channels grief, fear, and hope into a sweeping Jim Steinman-inspired power ballad.
​
​“Those nights going home alone while my wife stayed with our son really fueled the sadness and sense of loss that became the core of ‘Echoes of Home.’ Thankfully, he’s now happy, healthy, and just celebrated his second birthday in February.”

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​​
​
Formed in Colorado by longtime friends and LARP companions Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums), Siege Perilous grew from a shared passion for fantasy storytelling and the electrifying inspiration of seeing Unleash the Archers live in 2021. Joined by Eric Fischer (bass) and later Ryan Flanagan, the band has evolved into a fully collaborative creative unit. Every track on "Becoming the Dragon: was shaped collectively, with each member contributing to the story beats, arrangements, and narrative flow. The result is a unified musical saga with each chapter standing strong as an individual song.

​
Epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story‑driven, Siege Perilous is recommended for fans of Manowar, Battle Beast, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia.

"Becoming the Dragon" is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:

CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12" Vinyl in Draconic Red) - https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/7LbZQwXnTZE0nv3s8aDaSQ

​

In additional news, Siege Perilous will also mark the launch of their debut concept album, "Becoming The Dragon," with a release show in Greeley, CO on April 4th at the Moxi Theater, joined by Starwraith and Wicked Vixen. Full details are available at https://siegemetal.com/album-release-show-april-4-moxi-theater.

Track Listing:​
1. Overture (Instrumental) - (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite - (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) - (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy - (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage - (4:07)
6. Chieftain - (4:03)
7. Cut Down - (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) - (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon - (5:09)
10. Eschaton - (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal

NYC thrash metal outfit Another Demon will officially re‑release their debut EP "As Above So Below" on April 18th, 2026, through Ragebreed Records, with global distribution handled by Earache Records. Originally unveiled independently, the EP now returns with expanded reach and renewed momentum as the band continues its rapid ascent through the East Coast metal ranks.
​
Formed in 2023, Another Demon has quickly carved out a reputation for a sound they define in five words: Powerful, Fast, Aggressive, Thrashing, Evil. Their music fuses high‑velocity riffing, death‑tinged precision, and a dark atmospheric edge, an approach that feels instantly familiar to fans of classic thrash while pushing into new territory.
​
​“We feel like anyone hearing us for the first time will immediately get what we’re about. Another Demon is the kind of band you can feel instantly familiar with and instantly want more,” says guitarist Frank Tosi.
​
The EP delivers a layered listening experience, offering both surface‑level adrenaline and a deeper emotional catharsis. The band’s collaborative writing process, built on trading riffs, expanding ideas, and prioritizing results over ego, creates songs that feel cohesive, urgent, and alive.
​
A major highlight of "As Above So Below" is “Drawn and Quartered,” featuring a guest solo from legendary guitarist James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary), whose presence adds both historic weight and technical ferocity to the record. Across its six tracks, the EP delivers a spectrum of thrash intensity: “Reduced to Ash” erupts with frantic, horror‑driven chaos inspired by The Evil Dead, while “Deaf Gods” channels spiritual collapse and frustration through sharp, unrelenting heaviness. “Skull Vessel” pushes deeper into the band’s darker, riff‑forward territory, and “War March” unfolds as a slow‑burning, cinematic descent, massive, ominous, and ritualistic. The title track, “As Above So Below,” ties the EP together with atmosphere, weight, and precision, capturing the full scope of the band’s vision.
​
​Another Demon is powered by four musicians deeply rooted in the NY/NJ/CT heavy music scene. Bassist and vocalist Max Capshaw, known for his work with Sick Of It All, H2O, Murphy’s Law, and Burn, brings decades of hardcore pedigree and a commanding presence at the front of the band. Frank Tosi, the EP’s primary songwriter, shapes the group’s modern thrash identity with guitar work that is tight, aggressive, and atmospherically driven. Alongside him, guitarist Jun Takeshita blends 80s thrash with the intensity of Japanese punk and metal, expanding the band’s sonic range with speed, melody, and precision. Behind the kit, Dave English delivers dynamic, powerful drumming that fuels the band’s relentless pace and rhythmic complexity. Together, they forge a sound built on heavy riffing, razor‑sharp execution, and a balance of pure aggression and immersive atmosphere, music that hits hard and stays with you long after the final note fades.
​
The tracks on "As Above So Below" were shaped over years of dormancy and renewed creative drive. With a full‑length album currently in development, the band promises an even broader expression of their identity.
​
​“These songs reflect our influences and personal tastes. The full‑length will show even more of our collective personality—our best, our heaviest, and our most honest work,” adds Tosi.

Recommended for fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Overkill, and Immortal, "As Above So Below" is available on the following platforms.

​

Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/artist/3kNaNyl0Lcp2NffXJUwjT6?si=SbY0-uwdTE6jlNyjTIRDJA​

Bandcamp - https://anotherdemon.bandcamp.com/album/as-above-so-below​

Track Listing:​
1. Reduced To Ash - 3:13
2. Deaf Gods - 3:05
3. Skull Vessel - 1:49
4. Drawn and Quartered ft. James Murphy (Testament, Death, Obituary) - 5:42
5. War March - 5:44
6. As Above So Below - 5:45
EP Length: 25:20

EP Band Line Up:​
Max Capshaw – Vocals / Bass
Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
Frank Vaturina – Session Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Max Capshaw – Vocals
Frank Tosi – Lead Guitars
Jun Takeshita – Lead Guitars
Fred Romer – Bass Guitar
Dave English – Drums

More info: https://linktr.ee/another_demon_official​

Metalcore/Post‑Hardcore outfit Bury the Past has officially dropped their brand‑new single “Clarity,” now available on all major streaming platforms. The track marks a defining moment for the five‑piece Canadian band as they step boldly into a heavier, more modern metal direction.
​
Formed through the natural evolution of guitarist Til Dubois’ creative vision, Bury the Past has grown into a powerhouse collective of musicians from across the Gatineau/Quebec scene. With the addition of drummer Mathieu “Fretch” Fréchette (Fractures & Outlines / Soulthief (Upstate Records) & 2025 Wacken Metal Battle Canada National Finalists), the band found the missing piece that would help shape their new sonic identity.
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​“Clarity was the first song we wrote together with the latest lineup. It introduced a new drumming style as I joined the band permanently. From fast‑paced verses to slower, heavier sections, the single shows what we’re capable of,” says drummer Mathieu Fréchette.
​
Musically and lyrically, “Clarity” is a turning point. The band leans into a more aggressive, modern metalcore sound while keeping the emotional depth and diversity that define their identity. Though heavier than previous releases, the band emphasizes that Bury the Past refuses to be boxed into a single genre; evolution is part of their DNA.
​
If fans are expecting more intensity, they won’t be disappointed.

“Heavy, catchy, emotional, evolving, diverse, that’s how we’d describe our sound. “I think fans are really going to appreciate the new direction. Having Til back on guitar is a major upgrade, and the writing process has never been smoother,” adds Fréchette.
​
The band’s lyrics, primarily crafted by vocalist Charles Morin with contributions from Til and Kris, draw from everyday struggles, personal experiences, and the universal challenges humanity faces. The result is music that hits as hard emotionally as it does sonically.
​
​Bury the Past pulls inspiration from giants like The Ghost Inside, August Burns Red, The Amity Affliction, Alexisonfire, and Parkway Drive, blending metalcore, modern metal, and post‑hardcore into something uniquely their own.
​
And while their music is serious, the band’s personality is anything but one‑dimensional. From inside jokes like shouting “Tooteeth” (a reference to Til’s cats) to a lineup spanning ages 20s to 50, Bury the Past is a family built on passion, humor, and a shared love for heavy music.
​
With plenty of material already written and waiting for the studio, fans can expect more singles from Bury the Past in the near future.

“Timing is key, but trust us, there’s a lot more coming,” adds Fréchette.

Turn it up, dive in, and hear the new era of Bury the Past. “Clarity” is streaming now on all major platforms.
​
​Add to your Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/track/58hT043E252gg4jgq2m2fB​

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7VPu2lWhu8​

More info: https://linktr.ee/burythepast​

Rockshots Records proudly announces the release of Horror Vacui, the new full‑length album from Italian melodic death metal force Karmian, available March 20th. A concept record rooted in true events, "Horror Vacui" marks the band’s most ambitious, introspective, and emotionally charged work to date, a descent into the psychological and existential void behind real acts of murder and moral collapse.
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​“Horror Vacui is the darkest and most introspective chapter of our journey. A descent into the psychological and existential void that hides behind real acts of murder and madness,” says the band.

​
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Audiocore Studio by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi, the nine tracks on "Horror Vacui" transform true Italian crime cases into harrowing portraits of human fragility, alienation, and the emptiness that breeds violence. Vocalist and lyricist Andrea Bertolazzi approached each story not to sensationalize, but to expose the void beneath the brutality. As he explains:
​​
“We didn’t want to glorify horror; we wanted to expose its roots. This record is about the emptiness that breeds violence, and the fragile humanity that hides beneath.”

​
From the tragic collapse of nurse Sonya Caleffi to the cult‑like spiral of the Beasts of Satan, from the myth‑shrouded Alleghe murders to the disturbing obsessions of Marco Mariolini and Gianfranco Stevanin, each track becomes a psychological study rendered through Karmian’s signature blend of aggression, melody, and narrative depth.
​
With "Horror Vacui," Karmian pushes their sound further than ever. The album fuses Swedish‑influenced melodic death metal with cinematic tension, intricate arrangements, and a raw, live‑driven production approach. Every instrument was recorded acoustically without studio trickery, preserving the band’s trademark authenticity.
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​“It’s our most mature and intense work to date, melodic death metal meets cinematic tension, raw energy, and psychological storytelling. We wanted the album to leave a lingering sense of inner unease, a discomfort that wounds, but is also exorcised through the act of listening,” adds the band.

The result is an album meant not just to be heard, but felt, a visceral experience that lingers long after the final note. The band hopes listeners will explore the layers of meaning, the connections to real events, and the emotional weight embedded in every riff and lyric.
​
​"Horror Vacui" stands as Karmian’s most profound artistic statement, a fusion of philosophy, extreme metal, and psychological exploration. It is a record that challenges, confronts, and compels reflection on the abyss within.

Recommended for fans of The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames, "Horror Vacui" is available now as of March 20th, 2026, through Rockshots Records.

CD - "Horror Vacui" - https://rockshots.eu/products/karmian-horror-vacui-cd​

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/album/4lEIA86baPxAQIlIq7jCzE?si=4lFqJB9MQQGnYxBluhv5cA​

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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

Celebrating eight years of showcasing some of the most debaucherous and brutal extreme metal to roll through the state of Florida. Tampa Death Fest returns for two nights of uncompromising extreme metal on September 5th and 6th at the legendary Brass Mug in Tampa Bay, Florida.

The festival has announced it's accepting band submissions to fill remaining slots for its 2026 lineup. Bands interested in performing at Tampa Death Fest are encouraged to submit their materials before the April 1st deadline. TDF welcomes extreme-metal acts of all styles and origins, with a commitment to curating a lineup that reflects the genre’s depth, diversity, and global reach.
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​Bands can apply their EPK at: tampabaymetalscene.booking[@]yahoo.com​
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Since launching in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the underground extreme‑metal community. Rooted in the city widely hailed as the Death Metal Capital of the World, TDF continues to unite bands, fans, and local businesses under its guiding mantra: “Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Metal.”
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Each year, TDF showcases a diverse roster of international, national, and regional acts, offering a platform for rising underground talent to share the stage with established legends. Past editions of TDF have hosted such notable acts as Satan, Venom, Inc, Ringworm, Diabolic, Leishmaniasis (Colombia), Repulsive Vision (UK), Massacre, Atheist, GraveHuffer, Blasphemation, Carpathian Funeral, Kill The Imposter, Sadistic Vision, Nibiru, Merciless Scum, Quiescent Mantis, MRSA, Pantheon, and more.

With an ever‑growing international presence, Tampa Death Fest continues to strengthen connections across Florida and beyond, fostering a spirit of collaboration and community engagement within the metal scene.

Event Details:
​Dates: September 5–6, 2025
Location: The Brass Mug, Tampa Bay, FL
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​About Tampa Death Fest:​
Founded in 2019, Tampa Death Fest has grown into a premier event within the extreme metal world. The festival’s mission is to uplift artists, unite fans, and celebrate the culture of heavy music through a shared passion for brutality, creativity, and community.

More Info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577052471967​

Vancouver, Canada’s traditional heavy metal torchbearers IRON KINGDOM proudly announce the release of “Defenders,” the first single and music video from their upcoming sixth studio album, "Shadows and Dust," due out June 6, 2026. The album is also being released in partnership with Steel Shark Records (France), which will offer an exclusive EU edition limited to just 300 double‑CD copies. Disc 1 will contain the full "Shadows and Dust" album, while Disc 2 will feature a “Best Of” collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.

“Defenders” sets the tone for "Shadows and Dust" with a powerful blend of speed, emotion, and classic heavy metal grit. Inspired by the Battle of Gdansk, the track pays tribute to the Polish soldiers who held their ground for seven days against Nazi invasion, an act of courage that deeply resonates with vocalist/guitarist Chris Osterman, whose own family history is tied to the conflict.
​
​“Being that my family is half Polish, this song strikes a chord for me. I imagined what my great‑grandfather experienced riding with the Polish cavalry in WWII, and I also imagined what people in Ukraine must be feeling right now. Even though the song is fast and heavy, it’s very emotional. It speaks to the courage of those who defend their families, their friends, and their way of life,” says Osterman.
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Musically, “Defenders” channels the band’s signature blend of classic heavy metal, drawing influence from acts like Tyran Pace and Primal Fear, with soaring melodies, galloping riffs, and a relentless sense of urgency.

​
​"Shadows and Dust" sees IRON KINGDOM exploring darker lyrical themes, death, hardship, impermanence, while maintaining the triumphant spirit and melodic fire that define their sound.
​
​“This album plays in a dark realm of topics, but I think that’s what will make it accessible to people going through tough times. The music shows hope for a positive way out. It’s a journey from front to back,” adds Osterman.
​
The album’s artwork by Alan Lathwell was inspired by the track “Blood and Steel” and the Malazan Book of the Fallen series by Steven Erikson, depicting an army marching through a harsh, unforgiving landscape, a metaphor for perseverance through adversity.
​
​IRON KINGDOM will celebrate the release of "Shadows and Dust" with a hometown headline show at the Rickshaw Theatre on June 5, delivering the high‑energy, classic‑metal stage show they’ve become known for. Info at https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2127​
​
Following the album launch, the band will hit the road across Western Canada with confirmed festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Festival.

True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour - Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
​https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates​
June 5 – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw
July 2 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
July 3 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
July 4 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
July 5 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
July 17 – Armstrong, BC – Armstrong MetalFest
July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
July 24 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
July 25 – Dawson City, YT – The Pit
July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – TBD
July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlight
July 31 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival
Aug 1 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
Aug 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
Aug 3 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
Aug 4 – London, ON – Supply & Demand
Aug 5 – Waterloo, ON - Maxwells
Aug 6 – Hamilton, ON - TBC
Aug 7 – Toronto, ON - Bovine
Aug 8 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
Aug 9 – TBD - TBD
Aug 10 – TBD - TBD
Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB - Monteith Manor
Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – TBC
Aug 15 – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse
Aug 17 – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
Aug 18 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
Aug 19 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – TBC
Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s
Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing

Formed in 2011, IRON KINGDOM have spent over a decade championing the classic heavy metal tradition, drawing influence from legends such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their electrifying live performances, intricate musicianship, and unwavering dedication to the genre, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with acts like Night Demon and Blaze Bayley.
​
​"Shadows and Dust" marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.

Album pre-order (release date June 6th, 2026) available at the following links:

Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop​
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music

For more info:
​https://www.iron-kingdom.com​
​https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial​
​https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom

“It’s a dream come true, lasting for years. Now everything can begin”.
​
With these words, Italian guitarist and composer Marco Rinaldi introduced Rimmar, his visionary solo project. Today, that vision continues to unfold with the release of the new music video “These Ruins”, out now via Rockshots Records, marking a new chapter in the cycle of the latest album "Raises".
​
Far from being a traditional band, Rimmar remains a one-man artistic endeavor driven entirely by Rinaldi’s creative direction. As with the entire "Raises" album, "These Ruins" is fully written, composed, and arranged by Rinaldi himself, blending classic, progressive, and industrial metal with synth-driven and electronic elements into a sound that is both modern and distinctly recognizable.
​
Continuing the conceptual path established by singles "Planet Mars" and "Unreal", "These Ruins" explores a more introspective dimension within the album’s narrative framework. In comparison, earlier releases focused on rebirth, transformation, and elevation, the new single turns toward the idea of constraint, those invisible forces that bind the individual - and the inner tension required to break free. The result is a track that balances melodic depth and rhythmic impact, expanding the project's emotional range.
​
The song features Marco “Biuller” Bertuccioli (Smelly Boggs, J27, 80’s Sunset Strip), whose vocal performance brings a raw and expressive edge, enhancing the track’s intensity and reinforcing its thematic weight. His contribution adds a distinctive character while remaining fully integrated within Rimmar’s sonic identity.
​
At the core of the project lies a composition-first approach: Rinaldi develops each piece starting from riffs or rhythmic structures, later expanding them through layered arrangements, synth textures, and detailed production work. Lyrics emerge from reflections, dreams, and personal insight, serving the music rather than guiding it - “The word is a servant of music in my case”, he explains.
​
The music video for “These Ruins” transforms the track’s tension and atmosphere into a striking visual language, reinforcing the project’s identity and narrative through a hybrid sound that fuses metal, electronic elements, and progressive influences.

​

Originally released on July 4th, 2025, the full-length "Raises" introduced a concept centered on rebirth, transcendence, and emotional elevation, symbolized by the image of a constantly rising volume knob. The record features a cast of exceptional guest performers from the Italian metal scene. Among them, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) appears on two tracks ("Mighty Messenger" and "Vortex"), along with Kyo Calati (MindAheaD), Marco Andreotti (Imagine Dragons tribute), Mattia Fagiolo (White Thunder, Dragonhammer), and Alessandro Cola (Eldritch), each lending their voice and energy to the project.

For fans of Devin Townsend, Pain, Nine Inch Nails, and Faith No More, Rimmar stands at the intersection of power, experimentation, and modern songwriting, continuing to shape a distinctive voice within the contemporary metal landscape.

Digital Album - https://lnk.to/LSOElQT4​

CD ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/rimmar-raises​

Track Listing:​
1. Unreal (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
2. Mighty Messenger (feat. Fabio Lione)
3. These Ruins (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
4. 8th Sin (feat. Marco Andreotti)
5. Planet Mars (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
6. Vortex (feat. Fabio Lione)
7. Queen of the Gold (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
8. Cruel Summer (feat. Kyo Elisa Proietti)
9. Raises

​
​Rimmar Line Up:​
​Marco Rinaldi: Guitars
​Tommy Pellegrini: Rhythm Guitars
​Marco Moretti: Drums
​Alessandro Cola: Bass Guitar

​More info:

- https://rockshots.eu/​

- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063487690785

Los Angeles extreme‑metal shapeshifters Ashen Horde return on May 1st, 2026, with "The Harvest", their fifth full‑length album and the first to feature new vocalist Karl Chamberlain (Putrefier, Alcyone, Necrotic Remains). Known for weaving black metal, death metal, prog, and 90s‑inspired grit into something unmistakably their own, Ashen Horde push their sound further than ever, embracing melody, chaos, and sharp contrasts across eight thematically linked tracks.
​
Alongside the album announcement, Ashen Horde have unveiled the first single, “Entropy and Ecstasy”, a whirlwind of jagged riffs, angular Voivod‑like progressions, and Chamberlain’s soaring, chilling vocal hooks. The accompanying video represents a major milestone for the band: despite recording the entire album remotely, this is the first time the members have appeared together on camera.

The first preview to the album, “Entropy and Ecstasy,” captures the album’s core idea: finding exhilaration in collapse. The song follows a couple who thrive on the chaos of a world falling apart, a concept Portz admits was likely sparked by the early COVID lockdowns.

Guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz recalls being floored by Chamberlain’s audition:
​
​“I sent him a demo of ‘Entropy and Ecstasy’ with unfinished lyrics, and he sent back his take. His vocals on the line ‘how can we thrive if we expect to survive?’ still give me chills.”

Add to your Spotify playlist - https://show.co/z0ZVdF9​

​"The Harvest" marks a turning point for Ashen Horde. After a decade as a studio‑driven project, the band is preparing to play its first‑ever live shows in May, coinciding with the album’s release. It’s also the first full‑length to feature Chamberlain, whose dynamic range helped reshape the band’s sonic identity.
​
While Ashen Horde’s previous four albums were tightly constructed concept records, "The Harvest" takes a different approach. Each track stands alone, yet all orbit the idea of endings, personal, societal, historical, and cosmic.
​
​“I didn’t have a single story this time, but the lyrics kept circling reactions to things ending. From societal collapse to ancient rituals to the last days of Pompeii, everything tied together naturally,” explains Portz.
​
Musically, the album is a showcase of the band’s eclectic influences. From the opening track, “Autumnal”, a slow-burning ascent into full black‑metal fury, inspired by the Sensorio light installation in Paso Robles. “Backward Momentum” blends Opeth‑style clean‑vocal layering with 90s‑rock riffing and one of Portz’s favorite solos on the album. “Voids in the Ash” pairs grunge‑inflected vocal harmonies with hyperspeed black‑metal bursts, telling the story of Pompeii from both mortal and divine perspectives. “The Apparition” channels early death metal before spiraling into odd‑meter prog weirdness. The title track, “The Harvest,” closes the album with an apocalyptic vision inspired by Iceland’s stark landscapes and the album’s striking cover art.
​
The album’s cover, featuring two red skeletons locked in an eerie, autumnal tableau, was created by artist Venus Kohana, whose work Portz discovered at an art show. The imagery’s blend of beauty, decay, and ritual perfectly mirrors the album’s themes.
​
​“I bought a print and couldn’t stop staring at it. Eventually, I realized it had to be the cover. It even inspired the lyrics to the title track.”​
​
For over a decade, Ashen Horde has carved out a unique place in extreme metal, refusing to be confined to any single subgenre. Rooted in black and death metal but unafraid to explore melodic prog, 90s alternative, and avant‑garde experimentation, the band appeals to fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Amorphis, Ihsahn, and metal’s more adventurous corners.
​
Originally founded as a solo project by guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz, Ashen Horde has evolved into a full lineup featuring vocalist Karl Chamberlain and Australian-based drummer Robin Stone (The Amenta, Convulsing).

"The Harvest" represents the band’s most dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious work to date.

Album pre-order (release date May 1, 2026) available on limited splatter vinyl and CD (along with t-shirt bundles) on Bandcamp, as well as everywhere digitally - https://ashenhorde.bandcamp.com/album/the-harvest​

Tour Dates:​
May 14 - Montclair, NJ - The Meatlocker
May 15 - Wallingford, CT - Cherry Street Station
May 16 - Brattleboro, VT - Midnight's

Track Listing:​
1. Autumnal (6:12)
2. Entropy and Ecstasy (5:47)
3. Backward Momentum (5:21)
4. Voids in the Ash (5:41)
5. Remnant (4:37)
6. A Place in the Rot (4:38)
7. Apparition (4:57)
8. The Harvest (5:46)
Album Length: 43:03

Credits:​
Mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios
Artwork by Venus Kohana (venuskohana.com)

Lineup:​
Trevor Portz: Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals
Karl Chamberlain: Vocals
Robin Stone: Drums

More Info:

​https://www.facebook.com/AshenHorde/

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

Western Canada’s underground metal community will once again come together this summer as Decimate Metalfest returns to the Millet Agriplex Arena on June 26 and 27, 2026, in Millet, AB. What began as a grassroots gathering of heavy music fans has grown into a weekend-long celebration where heavy music, independent arts, and community come together in rural Alberta, welcoming fans, artists, and families of all ages.

This year's festival lineup will feature Glyph, The Convalescence, Squidhammer, Famous Strangers, and Let It Rot, alongside a diverse roster of local and regional performers. Overall, 28 performing acts will take the stage over the two days, including touring artists, Canadian metal bands, youth performers, a featured DJ, and specialty entertainers.

Friday evening launches the festival with a powerful night of heavy music, including a performance by the “Fundraiser Band”, a rotating act selected from bands who participate in Decimate fundraising events throughout the year, highlighting the festival’s community-driven spirit. Saturday expands into a full-day festival experience featuring bands, youth artists, live performers, and interactive entertainment. With top-notch production, high-quality sound, professional staging, and access to convenient local amenities in Millet, the festival ensures an unforgettable experience for fans and families.

All performances take place at the Millet Agriplex Arena, with festival activities continuing throughout the weekend, including camping, breakfast events, interactive entertainment, and vendor booths by independent artists.

Official Decimate Metalfest 2026 Spotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4PtsotZY8YfTAZV0NNBudk​

Event Details:​
Event: Decimate Metalfest 2026
Dates: June 26 and 27, 2026
Location: Millet Agriplex Arena, Millet, Alberta, Canada
Format: All ages metal and arts festival
​
Tickets: https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/tickets

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/938257911895899​

Decimate Metalfest 2026 Lineup:

Friday, June 26, 2026​
• The Convalescence (Ohio, USA)
• Squidhammer (Wisconsin, USA)
• Anomalyptic (Edmonton, AB)
• Let It Rot (Michigan, USA)
• Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
• Godfall (Calgary, AB)
• TBA Fundraiser Band
• Kilusan (Edmonton, AB)
​
​Saturday, June 27, 2026​
• Glyph (Seattle, USA)
• Famous Strangers (Sherwood Park, AB)
• Cries of Blood (Montreal, QC)
• Thousand Frames (Colorado, USA)
• Counterfeit (Calgary, AB)
• From Beneath (Winnipeg, MB)
• No Faith In Fortune (Vancouver, BC)
• Femmes Voyous (Edmonton, AB)
• Spineless (Winnipeg, MB)
• Black Friday (Edmonton, AB)
• Light Drawn In (Edmonton, AB)
​
​Youth Bands​
• Kleaver (Calgary, AB)
• Desicrate (Edmonton, AB)
• TBA Youth Band

Featured Performers
​• DJ Alex Kayne (New York, USA)
• Birthday Girl (Calgary, AB)
• Damien Ghoul (Edmonton, AB)
• Severina (Edmonton, AB)
• Meatsack (Edmonton, AB)
• Lust Dust (Calgary, AB)

Decimate Metalfest is about connection. The all-ages festival brings together musicians, visual artists, performers, and creators from across Canada, the United States, and beyond for two days of crushing riffs, artistic expression, unforgettable performances, and a shared love of underground culture.
​
The festival’s reach continues to expand each year. For the 2026 edition alone, performer submissions were received from 15 countries, eight Canadian provinces, and 25 US states, highlighting the growing international interest in the event and the strength of Western Canada’s metal community. From youth bands playing their first festival stage to international touring acts, Decimate Metalfest celebrates every generation of the metal and alternative community while creating opportunities for artists of many disciplines to showcase their work.
​
Decimate Metalfest has become known not only for its music lineup but also for the welcoming environment it creates. The festival brings together longtime metal fans, young families, artists, and first-time festivalgoers in a space that celebrates creativity and community.
​
Beyond the stage, the festival offers a full weekend experience that includes independent art vendors, free tented camping, fan-favorite air guitar contests for youth and adults, community gatherings, and the traditional Saturday pancake breakfast. Children under 10 attend free, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to accessibility and multi-generational participation.
​
Built by members of the metal community, for the metal community, and proudly organized and operated by women, Decimate Metalfest continues to challenge expectations while creating a space where everyone is welcome.
​
​Stay Connected

For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:​

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

PIRANHA PIT FEST III has unleashed its 2026 lineup for two ferocious nights of death metal, thrash, and heavy metal mayhem returning to Montreal on May 1–2, 2026. Presented by Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine Ouest) and Dungeonworks Productions, the festival welcomes metal fans back for one of the city’s most extreme annual events featuring MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and many more.

Friday night will erupt with breakneck speed, gore‑drenched riffs, and pure old‑school savagery as some of death metal’s most respected forces descend upon the city. Saturday night will shift into a high‑voltage celebration of classic thrash, speed, and the unshakable power of traditional heavy metal.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1154523419943924/​
​Tickets (Individual daily ticket or Weekend Pass) - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piranha-pit-fest-3-tickets-1977767497826​

Ticket holders will receive a bracelet based on their ticket type. Weekend‑pass holders will keep the same bracelet on for the entire duration of the festival.

Check out the festival Spotify playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uQStdodVpgpAkvnx5d8Ak​

=======

Co-headlining opening Friday night on May 1st, Chicago’s long‑running trio MACABRE brings their unmistakable brand of Murder Metal to Montreal, an unholy fusion of death metal, thrash, grind, and twisted nursery‑rhyme melodies. Since 1985, the band has carved out a cult legacy with their darkly humorous, true‑crime‑obsessed storytelling and a lineup that has remained unchanged for four decades. Expect a wild, theatrical, and utterly unmistakable performance from one of extreme metal’s most unique and enduring acts.

Also co-headlining night one of Pit Fest III, Chicago's GORGASM stands as one of the defining forces in American brutal death metal. Since the mid‑90s, the band has carved out a reputation for hyper‑technical riffing, relentless blast‑driven intensity, and a signature blend of brutality and precision that helped shape the genre’s modern sound. Their cult‑classic releases, packed with surgical musicianship and uncompromising extremity, have earned them a loyal global following. Expect a devastating, high‑velocity set from one of brutal death metal’s most respected and enduring names.

​

Also supporting Friday night, extreme‑metal veterans PESSIMIST, born from Baltimore’s early ’90s death‑metal underground, have long carved out their own territory with a vicious blend of technical precision, old‑school thrash influence, and a relentlessly dark, sinister atmosphere. The band is now gearing up for the release of "Keys to the Underworld," their first full‑length album in over two decades, with early previews hinting that it may be their most uncompromising and extreme material yet.

​

Co-headlining night two on Saturday, May 2nd, featuring former classic‑era members of Megadeth, David Ellefson and Jeff Young, KINGS OF THRASH deliver a high‑octane celebration of the golden age of American thrash metal. Known for performing iconic albums and deep cuts from the genre’s most influential catalog, the band brings unmatched authenticity, razor‑sharp musicianship, and the raw spirit of the 80s thrash movement. Their live shows are a full‑throttle tribute to the era that shaped heavy metal history, making them a must‑see highlight for fans of speed, precision, and old‑school aggression.

​

Also co-headlining Saturday Night, Tucson, AZ's ATROPHY are one of Arizona’s most respected thrash exports, known for their razor‑tight riffing, socially charged lyrics, and high‑energy attack. Their two late‑80s/early‑90s albums on Roadrunner Records, Socialized Hate and Violent by Nature, earned them a devoted cult following and cemented their place in the classic thrash canon. After reuniting in recent years with renewed fire, Atrophy continues to deliver the same sharp, adrenaline‑fueled intensity that made them stand out in the genre’s golden era. Expect a fierce, old‑school thrash assault from a band that helped define the sound of Southwestern speed metal.

​

Also supporting night two, local legends and a cornerstone of Quebec’s late‑80s thrash scene, DBC (Dead Brain Cells) emerged from Montreal with a sound that blended razor‑sharp speed, crossover energy, and socially conscious lyrics. Their cult‑classic albums Dead Brain Cells (1987) and Universe (1989) showcased a band unafraid to push beyond traditional thrash, mixing technical musicianship with progressive, sci‑fi‑driven themes. After years of underground reverence, DBC’s return to the stage has reignited their legacy as one of Canada’s most unique and forward‑thinking thrash exports. Expect a powerful hometown performance from a band that helped shape Montreal’s metal identity.

​

Other standout attractions at this year’s Pit Fest III: Canadian (Montreal/Toronto) metal veterans ENTROPY, known for their fierce blend of thrash, death, prog, groove, and power metal. With four independent albums and a global cult following, they’ve shared stages with legends like Annihilator, Fear Factory, Razor, Obituary, and Anvil. Expect a hard‑hitting set from one of Canada’s most distinctive underground acts. Montreal's DOUBLE CROSS is a crossover thrash/hardcore delivering fast, aggressive, no‑frills energy. With their raw punk edge and high‑intensity live attack, they are one of the city’s rising underground standouts. Montreal crossover thrashers MUTANK explode with high‑energy, pit‑ready aggression inspired by Slayer, Exodus, D.R.I., and Suicidal Tendencies. Formed in 2013, they’ve built a reputation for fast, chaotic riffing, wild live shows, and a relentless DIY spirit. Their long‑awaited new album, Think Before You Think, marked their return with ten tracks of volcanic thrash fury, following their cult‑favorite EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. and their Wacken Open Air appearance after winning the Wacken Metal Battle Canada. Expect a ferocious, high‑octane set built for moshing. Toronto’s WARMACHINE delivers a melodic yet heavy blend of power and thrash metal, active since 1994 and recently revived after a five‑year hiatus. Led by vocalist/guitarist Joe Di Taranto, the band is known for tight musicianship, strong hooks, and energetic live performances. With albums like Left for Dead and a new release in the works, Warmachine returns to the stage with renewed fire and a sharpened modern edge.
​
​FRIDAY, MAY 1 - DEATH METAL NIGHT
​Headlined by two legendary forces of brutality:
Macabre (co-headliners)
Gorgasm (Co-headliners)
Pessimist
Lividity
Deceased
Disgust
Double Cross
Cystic Embalmment
​
​SATURDAY, MAY 2 - THRASH & HEAVY METAL NIGHT
​Featuring a massive thrash metal showcase:
Kings of Thrash (co-headliners)
Atrophy (co-headliners)
DBC (Dead Brain Cells)
Meliah Rage
Warmachine
Entropy
Deadwolff
Mutank
Stregoneria
World On Alert
​
​About PIRANHA PIT FEST:
​Launched as a celebration of Montreal’s thriving extreme‑music community, PIRANHA PIT FEST has quickly become a staple for fans of death metal, thrash, and underground heavy music. The 2026 edition marks its biggest and most ambitious lineup yet, bringing together international heavyweights and local legends for two nights of pure sonic devastation.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/dungeonworksprods

 Southern California melodic death metal newcomers Ravenmocker have unleashed their second single, "Where The Raven Flies," in 2026, following the strong reception of their debut track, "Infallible." The new single continues building the band’s identity: soaring melody, cultural storytelling, and a modern take on the melodic death metal spirit once championed by acts like Children of Bodom, Insomnium, and Kalmah.

Formed in 2025 by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney after departing Thrown Into Exile, Ravenmocker was born from a desire to create music that honored Tierney’s Native American heritage while embracing the emotional depth and melodic aggression he had been writing for years.

“I wanted to forge my own path with songs that didn’t have a home yet. Ravenmocker became the vessel for that—something cultural, melodic, and meaningful,” says Tierney.

"Where The Raven Flies" is an anthemic, cinematic track that tells the origin story of the Raven Mocker, a cryptid from Adirondack and Cherokee lore. Known as a harbinger of death, the Raven Mocker feeds on the sick and dying, stealing the remaining years of its victims’ lives. The single paints vivid imagery of the creature soaring over forests and villages, acting as both reaper and omen.

The single’s artwork mirrors this mythology: a raven perched on a branch beneath a rising moon, its eyes glowing with supernatural intensity as a flock circles overhead. The visual directly reflects the music video filmed in Angeles National Forest, captured by Darkslate Media.

“Kim and Andrew took the song’s visceral, lofty feel and turned it into visual art. It’s beautiful, eerie, and exactly what the track needed,” explains Tierney.

Compared to "Infallible," the band describes the new single as “loftier, more epic, and meant to feel like gliding over mountains and trees while still hitting hard.”

Ravenmocker’s lineup brings together musicians from across the Southern California metal scene: vocalist and guitarist Tom Tierney (formerly Thrown Into Exile), guitarist George Patmas (ex‑Dianthus), drummer Dylan Suierveld (Levinia), and bassist Will Buckley (Levinia, Anubis).

Their combined influences, melodic death metal, blues, prog, jazz, funk, and even classic country, shape a sound that is intricate yet accessible, emotional yet aggressive.

“We want to write songs people can sing with us at shows. Melodies that stick with you. Emotion you can feel,” adds Tierney.

The band’s writing process is collaborative and evolving. While Tierney brought the foundation of the first EP, the new material is shaped by all members. "Where The Raven Flies" itself features a key change and expanded structure suggested by drummer Dylan, an example of the band’s open, exploratory approach.

Ravenmocker’s first single, "Infallible," quickly gained traction online, with early clips surpassing 75,000 views and drawing praise for its melodic hooks and nostalgic energy reminiscent of early 2000s melodic death metal. Fans have responded to the band’s blend of modern production, emotional lyricism, and classic melodic sensibilities.

“We want to give the scene something familiar enough to feel nostalgic, but unique enough to be refreshing. There’s beauty in simplicity and melody, and we’re leaning into that,” adds Tierney.

With "Where The Raven Flies" marking the second release of 2026, Ravenmocker is preparing to introduce their full debut EP later this year. The band promises a wide emotional and musical range, from thrashy aggression to ballad‑like atmosphere, crafted to resonate with fans of melodic death metal’s golden era while carving out a new identity of their own.

“We’re just getting started. These songs were years in the making. Now we finally get to share them,” comments Tierney.

"Where The Raven Flies" can be heard along with its music video premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Spotify pre-save - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ravenmocker/where-the-raven-flies/​

More info:

​https://www.ravenmocker.net/​

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

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

​https://www.tiktok.com/ravenmockerofficial