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0 December 2025 – Top 20 Loud #3 Juliet Ruin, #7 Triskelyon, #20 Woodhawk

  • January 23, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Juliet Ruin · radio charts · Triskelyon · Woodhawk

December 2025 – Top 20 Loud
#3 Juliet Ruin, #7 Triskelyon, #20 Woodhawk
https://earshot-online.com/charts/2025/December/loud.cfm

0 \m/\m/ Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay Love! November 2025 – Top 20 Loud #4 Juliet Ruin, #18 Ancient Thrones

  • January 23, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Ancient Thrones · Juliet Ruin · radio charts

\m/\m/ Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay Love!
November 2025 – Top 20 Loud
#4 Juliet Ruin, #18 Ancient Thrones
https://earshot-online.com/charts/2025/November/loud.cfm

0 !earshot – Charts For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 CFBX 92.5 FM – Kamloops Loud – #6 Ivy Gardens, #10 Merfolk | CIVL 101.7 FM – Abbotsford Loud – #5 Triskelyon, #7 Juliet Ruin, #10 Phaeton | CJLO 1690 AM – Montreal Loud – #4 The Reticent | CJSR 88.5 FM – Edmonton Loud – #4 Merfolk, #5 Devolver, #10 Juliet Ruin | CJSW 90.9 FM – Calgary Loud – #5 Cepheidae Variable, #6 Ancient Thrones, #9 Triskelyon, #10 Discovery Through Torment | CJUM 101.5 FM – Winnipeg Loud – #8 Triskelyon | CFRU 93.3 FM – Guelph Top 30 – #18 Silas Fernandes, #30 Merfolk

  • January 23, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Ancient Thrones · Cepheidae Variable · Devolver · Discovery Through Torment · Ivy Gardens · Juliet Ruin · MERFOLK · Phaeton · radio charts · Silas Fernandes · The Reticent · Triskelyon

!earshot – Charts

For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

CFBX 92.5 FM – Kamloops
Loud – #6 Ivy Gardens, #10 Merfolk

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfbx.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

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

CIVL 101.7 FM – Abbotsford
Loud – #5 Triskelyon, #7 Juliet Ruin, #10 Phaeton

https://earshot-online.com/charts/civl.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

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

CJLO 1690 AM – Montreal
Loud – #4 The Reticent

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjlo.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

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

CJSR 88.5 FM – Edmonton
Loud – #4 Merfolk, #5 Devolver, #10 Juliet Ruin

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjsr.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

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

CJSW 90.9 FM – Calgary
Loud – #5 Cepheidae Variable, #6 Ancient Thrones, #9 Triskelyon, #10 Discovery Through Torment

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjsw.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

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

CJUM 101.5 FM – Winnipeg
Loud – #8 Triskelyon

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjum.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

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

CFRU 93.3 FM – Guelph
Top 30 – #18 Silas Fernandes, #30 Merfolk

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfru.cfm?dWeekOfID=2026-01-20

0 France’s HighWay Unleash High‑Voltage Video “¡BANG BANG!” from Upcoming Album “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” Out April 2026

  • January 23, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · HighWay · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2026

France’s HighWay Unleash High‑Voltage Video “¡BANG BANG!”

New Album “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” Out April 2026

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

French hard rock torchbearers HighWay fire off another electrifying shot with the release of their brand‑new single “¡BANG BANG!”, accompanied by a music video. The track is the second preview of their highly anticipated sixth studio album, “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll,” due out in April 2026.
​
Written in a single burst of inspiration, “¡BANG BANG!” channels the sleazy swagger and irresistible groove that made their 2022 hit “Like a Rockstar” a fan favorite. Built around a gritty, infectious riff and explosive vocal hooks, the song captures HighWay at their most confident, playful, and unapologetically rock’n’roll.
​
​“I wanted an electric successor to Like a Rockstar. The riff came first, then the words BANG BANG popped into my mind. I wrote the whole thing in a day. It was so easy and so good—one of my favorites on the album!” says Ben Chambert – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals.
​
Produced and mixed by Brett Caldas‑Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Megadeth), the track delivers the band’s signature blend of power, melody, and attitude, elevated by rich vocal arrangements and a groove built to shake arenas.
​
The accompanying music video, shot with the band’s trademark humor and high‑energy spirit, captures the fun, wild chemistry that has defined HighWay for more than two decades.

Lyrically, “¡BANG BANG!” dives into the tug‑of‑war between fantasy and reality, desire and consequence, dreams and doubt. With tongue‑in‑cheek cynicism, the song mirrors the pressures and frustrations of modern life, wrapped in a sound that demands you crank the volume and move.
​
Fans of Aerosmith, Def Leppard, and 80s arena rock will feel right at home as “¡BANG BANG!” continues to showcase the band’s revitalized lineup, now featuring, Cerise Pouillard (bass), formerly of the acclaimed AC/DC tribute Ladies Ballbreaker, Florian Arnaud (guitar), a standout talent who brings twin‑guitar firepower back to HighWay’s live sound. Both musicians contribute backing vocals on the album, helping craft the massive, multi‑layered harmonies that have become a defining element of the band’s new sonic identity.

Watch and listen to “¡BANG BANG!” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGpYOR4Xx20

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://kuronekomedia.lnk.to/LCFRnR​

​After the acoustic detour of The Journey (2022), HighWay returns fully electrified with “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll,” a 12‑track album that blends high‑voltage riffs, emotional depth, and the band’s unmistakable melodic flair. Crafted over four months at Tower Studio, the album is described by the band as their most personal, mature, and powerful work to date, a true “rallying cry for a drifting world.”
​
With over 500 shows across Europe, six albums, and a reputation as part of the new wave of European classic hard rock, HighWay have shared stages with Michael Schenker Group, Gotthard, Jeff Scott Soto, Kissin’ Dynamite, Nashville Pussy, and more.
​
Influenced by AC/DC, Queen, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, and The Beatles, the band delivers a vibrant, heartfelt brand of hard rock that unites generations of fans. HighWay is ready to turn the volume up. Don’t miss the Last Call.

Due out on April 24, 2026, “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” is available for album pre-order at https://highwayshop.sumupstore.com/​

First Single – “Hi-Way”

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPYb7fBvNAU​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://kuronekomedia.lnk.to/LCFRnR​

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​

– 30 –

“THANK YOU TO HIGHWAY WHO SUPPORTED US ON OURMISSION EUROPEAN TOUR. A GREAT BAND WHO RECEIVED A SUPERB REACTION FROM OUR FANS.” – Michael Schenker

“IT WAS A PLEASURE HAVING YOU GUYS! YOU TRULY LIVE THE ESSENCE OF ROCK N ROLL” – Jeff Scott Soto

“The Journey” proves to be an album of great richness confirming HighWay’s talent.” – Music Waves (2022 – The Journey)

“We let ourselves be lulled by the ever-present groove. The American spirit allows this album, as exemplified by ” Motel in Alabama,” on which Benjamin Folch excels, accompanied by discreet backing vocalists. Here, we navigate through emotion, skill, and warmth. Surprises abound, some truly astonishing. We’re swept away to a Spanish-infused fiesta with ” In the Circus of Madness ,” a genuine gem of exquisite delicacy. Musically, we find club-like and sometimes intimate atmospheres, with light touches of violin and piano (” Have A Beer “), and captivating choirs ( “Freedom “). The finale, “The Journey,” is practically a rock opera. There’s no need to list them all here, as the title “The Journey” says it all. HIGHWAY has what it takes to hold their own against many internationally established bands, and I hope they receive the recognition they deserve. Well done!” Among The Living (2022 – The Journey)

“What 80’s lover will resist this totally festive spirit, which mixes ambition (Become Someone), love of music(I Like It, United States Of Rock’N’Roll), or sex (Mr King Size, Highway O Love) ? All the clichés of the unstoppable album are there, proud to resurrect a past that we thought had disappeared but which was in reality only asleep. Despite some sometimes approximate choruses (Breath of life), HIGHWAY manages to carry me in his luggage every time he listens. That’s why I’m getting carried away… HIGHWAY joins the exclusive club of teams capable of breaking down borders in order to explode abroad. On two conditions: tirelessly travel the roads of France and Navarre in order to convince the public and force themselves to publish a new album within the next eighteen months. Do everything, in short, so that we talk about HIGHWAY. Will promotion, distribution, financial and media resources be there ??? To be continued very, very closely…” – Metal-Integral (2022 – The Journey)

“From start to finish Ben Chambert is literally the driving force behind this album. Exploring melodies influenced by southern Blues Rock, with a heavy taste of early Guns N’ Roses, it immediately grips your attention. And the solos, though short, are very decent. Another interesting feature about Highway that really stands out is the outstanding vocals chorus done in a very Queen-like fashion, without taking the spotlight away from the lead singer Benjamin Folch. Naturally, his voice is very pure Rock oriented, with a taste of whisky to it. Harsh, yet melodic, and capable of diverse vocal arrangements, and a brilliant English fluency. This is brilliantly demonstrated in “Separate Ways”, as well as a Ronnie James Dio reminiscence in “Damned Me”. Jeff Scott Soto, longtime friend as roadrunner of the band, made a strong contribution in «Wake Up». In conclusion, “IV” is a great return from Highway and it won’t disappoint Rock fans, especially those who are already familiar with the band’s work and sonic identity. 8/10” – The Black Planet (IV – 2017)

“So yes, this latest one has been a long time coming, but the result is up to par, high-end hard rock, don’t miss it from this pancake, don’t hesitate to buy, and it more than deserves to support this group! And fingers crossed that the baby will be followed by lots of little brothers and sisters !” – Rock Meeting (2017 – The Chronicle)

“From the 1st note with the assertive blaster ‘Become Someone’ that’s followed up with the old school crackly effect mono blues starting ‘I Like It’ and later the bluesy ballad ‘Freedom’. There is also the amazing acoustic ‘Highway O’ Love’ and the AC/DC Johnson-era guitar sounding ‘On My Knees’ to get excited over. Complete proof that France has some killer bands on offer in the way of Rock!” – Metalville Zine (2011 – United States of Rock n Roll)

“In the end, another beautiful representative of the quality of hard rock in France, delivered by a happy group of friends, and led by a damn good guitarist. To listen but above all to see on stage because the energy and good humor they exude cannot leave you indifferent.” – Aux Portes du Metal (2011 – United States of Rock n Roll)

—-

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0 Rockshots Records – Symphonic Black Metal Force DAIDALOS Drops “Euphobia” via Decibel Magazine; New Album “Dante” Out Feb 2026

  • January 22, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Daidalos · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2026

Symphonic Black Metal Force DAIDALOS Drops “Euphobia” via Decibel Magazine

New Album “Dante” Out February 20th, 2026

Symphonic black metal visionary Daidalos announces the premiere of their new single “Euphobia”, debuting today exclusively through Decibel Magazine. The track appears on the project’s forthcoming full‑length, “Dante,” set for release February 20th via Rockshots Records.
​
Founded in 2020 by multi‑instrumentalist and composer Tobias Püschner, Daidalos has quickly carved out a distinct identity within the modern symphonic black metal landscape. The 2022 debut of “The Expedition” earned acclaim for its atmospheric storytelling and cinematic scope. Now, with Dante, Püschner presents an even more ambitious and personal work, one that transforms the descent into Hell into a psychological journey of doubt, despair, and revelation.

“Dante burns like fire. It’s darker, more focused, and more dramatic. The orchestration is stronger, the guitars more present, and the emotional arc much clearer,” explains Püschner.
​
​“Euphobia”, the fear of joy, stands as one of the album’s emotional centerpieces. Melancholic yet cathartic, the track reflects a world where negativity often overshadows light, and even admitting one’s own well‑being can feel out of place.
​
​“This song is about a society that pushes despair and shadows while suffocating joy. It’s melancholic, but it releases something, too,” says Püschner.
​
The single is introduced by the interlude “Malebolge”, where rolling stones and rising choirs foreshadow the track’s central theme. The accompanying video amplifies the song’s tension between darkness and fragile hope, aligning with the album’s overarching narrative.
​
On “Dante,” Püschner composed all orchestration, drums, guitars, and vocals, crafting each track from a single piano melody inspired by passages of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. The album’s powerful modern production comes from Nahuel Lozano (Mental Cruelty), who recorded guitars and handled mixing and mastering.
​
The visual world of “Dante” is brought to life through original abstract oil paintings and dotwork by French artist Bérénice Tulliez / Noirs Dessins, expanding the album into a unified aesthetic universe.
​
​Daidalos’ music has been described as moving between the monumental orchestrations of Fleshgod Apocalypse, the dark theatricality of Dimmu Borgir, and the apocalyptic grandeur of Septicflesh, yet “Dante” stands firmly on its own. The album flows as a continuous black‑metal audio drama, especially on vinyl, where interludes and intros merge into a single immersive arc.
​​
“It should feel like a journey. A descent you experience, not just listen to,”
 adds Püschner.
​
Listen to “Euphobia” via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Sptoify pre-save – https://lnk.to/3fQHdk​

New album “Dante” out February 20th, 2026, from Rockshots Records.

PRE ORDER CD Version of “Dante” – https://rockshots.eu/products/daidalos-inferno-cd​
PRE ORDER LP Version of “Dante” – 
https://rockshots.eu/products/daidalos-inferno-lp​

Previous single – Dis – Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pq90saioITY​

Track Listing:​
1. Dante – 2:18
2. Inferno – 3:42
3. Ashes – 4:22
4. Storm – 4:05
5. Minos – 0:30
6. King – 4:00
7. Styx – 2:08
8. Gate – 0:20
9. Dis – 4:15
10. Phlegethon – 1:18
11. Malebolge – 0:40
12. Euphobia – 4:54
13. Ultimatum – 4:19
Album Length: 36:51

Daidalos Line-Up:​
Tobias Püschner; Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Orchestrations, Songwriting, Production

More info: Rockshots.eu | Instagram.com/daidalosmusic | Facebook.com/daidalosband​

About: Daidalos is the brainchild of German composer and multi-instrumentalist Tobias Püschner, founded in 2020 as a creative outlet merging black metal, orchestration and conceptual storytelling. What began during the isolation of the pandemic quickly evolved into a full artistic vision – a fusion of cinematic grandeur and the emotional depth of extreme metal.

The debut album “The Expedition” (2022, Rockshots Records / Extreme Metal Music) introduced Daidalos as a unique force in the symphonic black metal scene. Entirely written and performed by Püschner, the album reimagined the tragic story of the Franklin expedition through a vast and icy soundscape where atmosphere and aggression met in perfect tension. Critics praised its originality and ambition, calling it a “symphonic extreme metal masterpiece” (AMMO Underground) and “an album that captures imagination and balances beauty with intensity” (GBHBL).

Building upon that foundation, Püschner continued to refine his approach – weaving together cinematic orchestrations, classical influences and the raw intensity of black and death metal. Collaborating with Nahuel Lozano (Mental Cruelty) on guitars, recording, and production, Daidalos shaped its signature sound: monumental, dramatic and deeply emotional.

Across his work, Püschner treats music as a form of storytelling – each record conceived as a self-contained world. His compositions often explore historical, philosophical and spiritual themes portrayed through the lens of symphonic black metal and theatrical expression.

With “Dante” (2025), Daidalos reaches a new artistic chapter: not a retelling but a reinterpretation of the Divine Comedy, where doubt, despair and revelation intertwine. Yet the core remains the same – the search for meaning in darkness, expressed through meticulous orchestration, intense vocal delivery and the balance between aggression and melancholy that defines Daidalos.

For fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh

Endorsements: Steinberg (Cubase 12), Hörluchs (In-Ear Monitoring)
​

-30-

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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA’s Animated Video “Ashes” Brings a Dark Tale of Collapse and Consequence to Life

  • January 22, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2026

AITTALA’s Animated Video “Ashes” Brings a Dark Tale of Collapse and Consequence to Life

Welcome New Bassist Dane Taylor

New EP “Ill-Gotten Gains” Out Now via Exitus Stratagem Records

AITTALA Lineup – Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums), Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox), Dane Taylor (Bass)

AITTALA has released the official music video for “Ashes,” the latest single from their second EP of 2025, “Ill‑Gotten Gains,” which arrived this past November through Exitus Stratagem Records. The animated video brings to life one of the EP’s most traditional heavy‑metal‑driven tracks, a song centered on the story of someone who spirals far beyond their limits and drags others down with them. Musically, “Ashes” captures the band’s signature fusion of classic metal grit and modern heaviness, showcasing the dynamic songwriting and emotional weight that define AITTALA’s evolving sound.

Watch the video via its premiere on Outlaws of The Sun HERE.​
​
​“Ill‑Gotten Gains” continues AITTALA’s long‑standing tradition of blurring genre boundaries, weaving together elements of traditional metal, doom, groove, progressive influences, and hard rock to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. Lyrically, the EP explores the darker corners of human behavior, focusing on the creation of chaos for personal benefit, the inevitable consequences that follow, and the difficult search for redemption. The EP’s artwork features an updated interpretation of the band’s mascot, Frank, a cartoon pig head in a pentagram originally created in 2014 for the song “Pigs” from the album Effigy. In the world of AITTALA, Frank represents the shady figure who can acquire any “ill‑gotten gains” for the right price, making him the perfect symbol for the EP’s themes.
​
Across the EP, AITTALA delivers a series of songs that reflect both musical evolution and lyrical depth. “Isolation” opens with a doomy, heavy atmosphere that shifts between crushing riffs and clean passages while confronting the consequences of past decisions. The title track, “Ill‑Gotten Gains,” drives forward with a powerful eight‑string riff before descending into a darker, doom‑laden interlude, lyrically exploring the exploitation of chaos for personal advantage. “Blacklisted” counters the themes of the earlier tracks by calling out manipulative personalities with a sludge‑infused groove, while “Ever After” offers a modern metal ballad steeped in internal conflict and the longing for redemption that may never come. The EP culminates with “Ashes,” a traditional heavy‑metal burner that now takes visual form in the band’s newest music video, capturing the emotional descent at the heart of the song.
​
​AITTALA, pronounced EYE‑tah‑la, has long been recognized for a sound that refuses to fit neatly into any single metal subgenre. Their music blends classic heavy metal, doom, progressive elements, power metal, thrash, and hard rock, all tied together by lyrics inspired by the darker side of the human condition. This unique combination has earned the band a reputation for crafting a sound that is distinctly their own, a rare achievement in today’s crowded metal landscape. The band’s origins trace back to 1991 in the Netherlands, where founder Eric Aittala first formed the group with American and Dutch bandmates. Their early EP, “Selling Heaven,” gained traction in the European underground scene and led to opening slots for acts such as The Gathering and Sadist before Eric’s return to the United States brought the project to a temporary close.
​
​AITTALA was revived in 2008, leading to a prolific run of releases that includes “Bed of Thorns” (2009), “Haunt Your Flesh” (2011), “Effigy” (2014), “American Nightmare” (2016), “False Pretenses” (2019), “Live to Regret” (2022), and “Machines” (EP, 2025). Each release reflects the band’s continued growth while preserving the unmistakable core of the AITTALA sound.

Today, AITTALA is anchored by founder Eric Aittala on guitars and vocals alongside drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith, known for his work with The Fifth and formerly with Mr. Blackwell. The pair continues to write, record, and tour with the goal of delivering AITTALA’s unmistakable brand of metal to audiences everywhere. The band has also expanded its live lineup with the addition of bassist Dane Taylor, whose arrival brings a renewed surge of energy and chemistry to the stage. His presence strengthens the group’s momentum as they push their sound forward while remaining true to the identity that has defined AITTALA from the beginning.

“Ill-Gotten Gains” (released Nov 21, 2025) is available from Exitus Stratagem Records – https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains​

Music Video – “Isolation” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Y_azlkGLg​

Music Video – “Ill-Gotten Gains” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjlP92y_sQg​

Lyric Video – “Ever After” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipo98unZUoQ​

Track Listing:​
1. Isolation – 4:22
2. Ill Gotten Gains – 4:20
3. Black Listed – 3:35
4. Ever After – 4:29
5. Ashes – 3:50
EP Length: 20:37

For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic

– 30 –

“Six full-lengths, two EPs, strong and steady since 2008. Dang. What keeps North Carolina trio AITTALA going? Sheer compulsion for music making is my guess. There’s nothing like the experience of the real thing, despite the obscene ease and seductive sophistication of AI fakery. To hear and feel heavy music live from their minds and voices and hands of real human beings just like you – well, there’s just nothing like it. Bands with stubborn longevity like Aittala serve as an inspiration to the scene. Pick up an instrument, get to jamming, let your voice be heard. If this is your first encounter with the band, perhaps “Isolation” is as good an introduction as any. Mysterious strumming, powerful emphatic chords, and wall-shaking disruption clears the path for soulful, soaring guitar soloing and somber Gothic intonations.” – Doomed & Stoned (2025)

“Bookended by “Machines (Prologue)” and “Machines (Epilogue)”, the album’s structure feels like a full-circle journey. One that captures the essence of the band’s evolution. The blend of storytelling and heavy music makes it clear why these tracks were worth bringing back. With Machines, Aittala doesn’t just revisit the past. They make it hit harder than ever.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Machines EP)

“Captivatingly versatile, genre-connecting with plenty of attitude. An intensely powerful and emotionally captivating Electric Doom/Heavy/Power HouseTrip that is excellent at combining expansive melodies and atmospheric melancholic heavy touch. 8/10” – FFM-Rock (2025 – Machines EP)

“A pure blast of good tunes flying around for life. A retro llike cover artwork, it matches it all. The atmosphere and the old tunes still ringing after so many years like it was yesterday. A very good album to own with pleasure. Aittala is here to stay, get your dose of good tunes 100/100.” – The Metal Mag (2025 – Machines EP)

“Eric Aittala is obviously nostalgic on ‘Machines’. But that in no way means that the sound is frozen in the past. On the contrary, the production is modern and powerful. The individual songs are thus transferred to the here and now. A good album, even if the band is ‘only’ a duo.” – Metalheads Forever Magazine (2025 – Machines EP)​
​​
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0 Chilean Prog ENGRUPID PIPOL Unveils New Video “Inspireichon Burn” From Concept Album “Quadragenta At Finem Mundi” Out Now!

  • January 22, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Engrupid Pipol · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Jan 22, 2026

Chilean Prog ENGRUPID PIPOL Unveils New Video “Inspireichon Burn”

Concept Album “Quadragenta At Finem Mundi” Out Now!

L-R- Kaztrol (guitar), Nacho García (drums), John Dai (bass)

Phot Credit – Philippe Vigoroux

Chilean instrumental progressive metal trio Engrupid Pipol returns with the release of their new music video “Inspireichon Burn,” a fierce insight into their latest album “Quadragenta At Finem Mundi,” released this past November 2025. The track, Act IV of the album’s seven‑part conceptual narrative, captures the apocalyptic devastation of thermonuclear war and the self‑destructive greed of those who seek power at any cost. The video amplifies the song’s intensity, offering a visceral entry point into the band’s most ambitious work to date.
​
Formed from a lifelong friendship between guitarist Kaztrol and bassist John Dai, later joined by drummer Nacho García, Engrupid Pipol grew out of a shared belief that music is essential nourishment for the soul. What began as intricate teenage compositions evolved into a power trio known for its energetic, soulful, and technically sharp sound. Their influences, ranging from Megadeth and Metallica to Rush, King Crimson, and Dream Theater, inform a style that blends thrash, prog rock, prog metal, and djent into something unmistakably their own.
​
​“Quadragenta At Finem Mundi” marks a major evolution for the band. It is their first fully conceptual album, a seven‑act instrumental journey through the collapse of modern civilization. Themes of nuclear conflict, AI dependence, narcissistic ambition, and runaway technological control shape a dark, prophetic vision of humanity’s end. Each track represents a “symptom” of the approaching downfall, woven together through shifting soundscapes that include acoustic passages, synthesizers, and even the traditional Latin American bombo leguero. The band describes the album as their most challenging and demanding project in nearly 25 years together, made possible in part by funding from the Chilean Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Heritage. With only three rough demos ready when studio deadlines approached, the trio spent months composing, refining, and reworking material until every piece reached full maturity.
​
According to Nacho, the album’s production represents a leap forward in clarity, power, and authenticity. The band focused on preserving the essence of the trio format, avoiding layers they couldn’t reproduce live while achieving a modern, crystal‑clear sound with warm, natural tones. The result is a record that captures the identity of each member and the emotional weight of each composition. Guitar melodies and groovy riffs replace lyrics, allowing listeners to interpret the music freely and immerse themselves in an altered state of consciousness.
​
For the band, “Quadragenta At Finem Mundi” is both a creative triumph and a personal milestone.

“The album was born from a different place than usual, one that pushed us to our limits and presented obstacles we never expected. The finished work was an auditory delight and a reward for our souls after all the effort and sacrifice,” adds Kaztrol.

Watch the video for “Inspireichon Burn” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNqOuGaENQs

​

Recommended for fans of Liquid Tension, Rush, Megadeth, King Crimson, Night Verses, and Animals as Leaders, “Quadragenta At Finem Mundi,” released worldwide on November 7, 2025, is available at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/7i6N3YPymMG6Bk6SAwrhPb

​

Digital Download – https://www.portaldisc.com/contenido/disco-engrupid-pipol-quadragenta-at-finem-mundi​

Music Video – “Tripel Ultimatum” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6smOGzzH_OY​

Track Listing:
​
1. Tripel Ultimatum – 5:48
2. Voragine – 6:53
3. Animal Inteligenz – 7:34
4. Inspireichon Burn – 4:59
5. Vairal Madness 5:01
6. Aztral Configureited 8:24
7. Ameba Emenens 4.20
Album Length 45:20

For more info: Engrupidpipol.cl | Instagram.com/engrupid_pipol | Facebook.com/engrupid​

– 30 –

“Veteran Chilean prog metallers Engrupid Pipol serve up Quadragenta At Finem Mundi (engrupidpipol.cl), the first concept album of their 25-year tenure. Without lyrics there’s no telling that these seven instrumentals were inspired by ideas of extinction (Triple Ultimatum), the perils of AI (Animal Inteligenz) and the Apocalypse itself (Aztral Configureited). However, the trio’s sound is thrashy, fiddly and deeply satisfying, with plenty of ideas and detail fuelling Kaztrol and John Dai’s ear-boggling guitar/bass widdle.” – Prog Magazine​
—
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0 MOSH THE ROCK ISLAND METALFEST (Sooke, BC) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ ANCIIENTS, ARROW IN THE QUIVER, THE RISING FALL, SQUIDHAMMER and More!

  • January 21, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Mosh The Rock · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2026

MOSH THE ROCK ISLAND METALFEST (Sooke, BC) Announces 2026 Lineup

w/ ANCIIENTS, ARROW IN THE QUIVER, THE RISING FALL, SQUIDHAMMER and More!

Mosh The Rock Island Metal Fest 2026 – Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5l4cOfqstUMbeJsivsJMeQ

​

Vancouver Island is set to shake when Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 takes over Fred Milne Park in Sooke, BC on Sunday, August 9, 2026. This all-ages, family-friendly outdoor metal festival brings together a stacked lineup of international, national, and regional talent for a full day of crushing riffs, pit energy, and community spirit on the West Coast.
​
Headlining the festival are Vancouver’s Multiple Juno Award–winning metal heavyweights Anciients. Joining them as co-headliners are Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver), The Rising Fall (Chicago, IL), and Squidhammer (Watertown, PA), delivering a powerful blend of progressive, extreme, and modern metal.

The day will also showcase a strong lineup of West Coast metal acts, including:
​Wolf Venom (Sooke, BC)
Grundles (Duncan, BC)
Dead Rights (Victoria, BC)
Overditch (Victoria, BC)
Neveranother (Vancouver, BC)
Conjure Hands (Victoria, BC)
As Ash Fell (Nanaimo, BC)
Mutual Trauma (Victoria, BC)

With a world-class headliner, international acts, and a powerful lineup of Vancouver Island talent, Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated metal events of the summer.
​
In addition to the music, festival-goers can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, and a licensed beer garden, making it a full festival experience in a scenic coastal setting. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event.
​
​Event Details:​
Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Location: Fred Milne Park, Sooke, BC
Gates Open: 11:00 AM
First Band: 12:00 PM
Ticket Information:
Advance Tickets: $50
Gate Tickets: $65
Youth (12–17): $25
Children (11 & under): FREE with adult ticket
​Online presale tickets available at: https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2146​
​Hard Copy Advance Tickets Available At:​
Phoenix Bar and Grill
Cavity Curiosity Shop
Long & McQuade
Sooke Forbes IDA
Sooke Pharmasave

More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563939716534​

– 30 –

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Halifax’s TURBO Unleashes New Music Video “PissJugs & Rattlesnakes” From Latest Album “Broke & Ugly”

  • January 21, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Turbo

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2026

alifax’s TURBO Unleashes New Music Video “PissJugs & Rattlesnakes” From Latest Album “Broke & Ugly”

L-R – Lindsey Dicks (Guitar), Evan Frizzle (Vox, Guitar), Donnie Rootnotes (Bass), Sylvian Coderre (Drums)

Canadian nitro‑rock hellraisers TURBO have dropped their brand‑new music video for “PissJugs & Rattlesnakes”, the fifth track from their latest full‑length album “Broke & Ugly,” released in July 2024.

The new video captures everything that defines Turbo’s sound and spirit: raw energy, sleazy swagger, and a no‑apologies attitude forged from years of touring, partying, and living life at full throttle.
​
​“PissJugs & Rattlesnakes” is a standout cut from “Broke & Ugly,” written with the title first and the lyrics second, a perfect reflection of Turbo’s instinct‑driven, riff‑first songwriting style. Loosely inspired by a crew of strippers vocalist/guitarist Evan Frizzle used to run with, the track is a gritty, tongue‑in‑cheek snapshot of wild nights, questionable decisions, and the characters who shaped the band’s early years.
​
Guitarist Lindsey Dicks penned the opening lead, kicking off what the band calls “the greasiest riff on the album.” The track has quickly become a fan favorite, complete with the band’s unofficial drinking rule: take a swig every time they yell “pissjugs.”
​
Watch the video now via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

Turbo’s 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.

Recommended for fans 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

​

Track Listing:​
1. Ruthless Forever
2. Ignite the Night
3. No Savior
4. Scorpio Garbage Fire
5. PissJugs and Rattlesnakes
6. Nothing to Nowhere
7. Broke & Ugly
8. Down in Mexico
Total Length: 29:12

Album Lineup:​
Evan Frizzle: Vox, Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Lindsey Dicks: Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Henry MacDonald: Bass
Sylvian Coderre: Drums

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/​

– 30 –

“The cartoon-ish cover art with toxic green/red colors could bring more smiles to the fold – Turbo executing a great crossover sound that stands on the edge of thrash, punk and NWOBHM/heavy metal. Broke & Ugly could be your soundtrack when needing an ideal wind down from your back breaking, seemingly never over work week. 8.5/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“Turbo are fast, they’re crass, and they’re here to kick your ass… As a whole, “Broke & Ugly” is peak speed and thrash metal with a party-hard overtone. But I think the comparison to Motörhead is a little heavy-handed. After listening to the gem of East Coast Canadian metal, I’m fired up to see what Turbo does next. 9/10″ – Metal Temple​
​
​“This rocks a lot. The vocalist’s gritty approach delivers surprisingly catchy and memorable vocal melodies, and the occasional backing vocals are often reminiscent of mid-80s “party” metal, very upbeat and singalong-inducing. The guitar work has everything people like in old heavy metal, a rather raw style filled with cool solos and riffs that stick in your head long after they’re over. You’d tell me this was released more than 40 years ago and I would believe you. A fun time from beginning to end. 4/5″ – The Metal Crypt​
​
​“”Broke & Ugly” may have been a little tight in terms of playing time, but with the incredible hit rate of one hundred percent, you can forgive that. When punk and thrash still spoke a language, the whole thing sounded like this album. The fact that a band would ever come close to OVERKILL in terms of sound technology says more than enough! Yes! Noisy thrash, melodic punk, classic setup – what a great record! 9/10.” – Power-Metal.de ​
​
​“entertaining, refreshingly lively, dynamic, far too good to be bad. Massively punching Kick Ass- Heavy Metal n’ Rock n’ Roll on all sides, which hits the eye in a straight line, brutally, snotty, until it hits the chest, where it hurts. Snots, tubes, rocks and rolls straight to the limit! 8/10” – FFM-Rock

“the band is insanely tight, with Frizzle and fellow six stringer Lindsey Dicks really giving it some violence riff wise and soloing like their lives depended on it. Similarly, the rhythm section of Sylvain Coderre (d) and Henry MacDonald take no prisoners and submit to no-one in their ability to hold things together at high velocity. Very impressive. As we get deeper into the twenty first century, bands are running out of ways to repackage, remake and remodel, so the freshness with which Turbo approach the task in hand has to be applauded. This is fun to listen to – and it certainly sounds like the band had fun getting the album down, and sometimes a bit of joie de vivre is all any of us need. But when you are able to mix that in with a killer technique and a sharp ear for a metal tune well, good times await!” – Sentinel Daily

“Canada’s Turbo label their music Nitro-Rock; On the evidence of the submitted album, Broke & Ugly, it would seem that Nitro rock is in fact an almighty mashup of styles, all rendered at high speed and with little regard for personal danger (in my day we used to call that Crossover-Ed). If that description excites you, then the album is going to send you into paroxysms of joy…” – Sentinel Daily​
​
​“Turbo’s second full length album is the equivalent of getting into a newly juiced up hotrod, the roof reeled back in, as you’re flooring it down the highway until your smoke trails combust. From start to finish, Turbo live up to their name in droves and then some with energy that cannot be denied and a plethora of tracks that offer much to be remembered. Though boasting a full nine tracks, Broke & Ugly doesn’t even eclipse a full half hour and therefore opens itself up for numerous relistens. It starts up, gets you in the mood to kick some butt, yet doesn’t attempt to overstay its welcome to any degree. For me personally, this style of speed metal can be a vast hit or miss but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this record, and during its duration I was brought on board with Turbo’s infectious power. Furthermore, I’d wish to visit their first record, and am excited to see what they do for a third, prospective release; I merely hope it’s not another four years because this is really good, fun material that anyone can get behind. A refreshing break from crushing, defeating extreme metal is sometimes needed, and Turbo are one fine cocktail.” – The Razor’s Edge​
​
​“Turbo is a band that gives me associations to two very different bands and the earlier stages of both of those bands output, and that is Turbonegro and Iron Maiden respectively. If you can imagine the early death punk of the former combined with certain aspects of the Di’Anno era of the latter combined into a whole, you probably won’t be too far off from the kind of landscapes explored by Canadians Turbo. And chances are good that you’ll find this tight and uptempo album to be a rewarding experience if that description comes across as tantalizing.” – The Viking in the Wilderness​
​
​“this album is just the perfect encapsulation of fun” – Brutally Delicious

—
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0 Rockshots Records – Italian Modern Metal DUST New Single “Bodyless” From Upcoming Album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” April 2026

  • January 20, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · DUST (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2026

Italian Modern Metal DUST New Single “Bodyless”

New Album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” April 2026 via Rockshots Records

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Bodyless”, the brand-new single by Italian metal act Dust, out now on all digital platforms.

“Bodyless” is taken from Dust’s upcoming second full-length album, “Thoughts Of A Falling Ma“, scheduled for release on April 3rd, 2026, and represents a pivotal chapter within the record’s overarching concept. The song delves into a stark, uncompromising vision of judgment and damnation, portraying a liminal space where souls, stripped of identity and status, await their final sentence beyond life and time.

Lyrically, “Bodyles” explores the idea that, at the end of earthly existence, wealth, power, and social distinction lose all meaning. What remains is the weight of one’s actions and the inescapable confrontation with guilt, memory, and consequence. The track embodies one of the album’s central themes: a near-death journey in which the main character is forced to face unresolved sins and inner demons in a realm suspended between eternity and oblivion.

Commenting on the single, the band states:

“‘Bodyless’ represents a moment of total suspension. It’s the point where every mask falls away, and nothing can be hidden anymore. We wanted to describe a place where there is no time, no memory, and no privilege – only judgment. It’s one of the most direct and unsettling tracks we’ve written, both lyrically and emotionally.”

Musically, “Bodyless” highlights Dust’s evolved, more cohesive sound, combining aggressive death and groove metal foundations with sharp riffing, oppressive atmospheres, and tightly controlled dynamics. The band’s approach is raw and uncompromising, reinforcing the song’s sense of suffocation and inevitability while maintaining a strong sense of structure and impact. This sonic direction reflects the broader evolution of “Thoughts Of A Falling Man“, which marks a significant step forward in terms of heaviness, focus, and expressive depth compared to the band’s debut.

Expanding on the album’s vision, the band adds:

“This new record is heavier, darker, and more introspective than anything we’ve done before. Each track represents a spiritual stage of a single journey, and ‘Bodyless’ is one of the moments where the listener is forced to stop and confront the consequences of a life lived without escape.”

“Bodyless” stands as a key chapter within “Thoughts Of A Falling Man“, a concept-driven album conceived as a near-death experience unfolding between life and eternity. Through its relentless sound and uncompromising narrative, the single offers a clear glimpse into Dust’s renewed artistic direction and the darker, more mature identity shaping this new era.

For fans of: Parkway Drive, Jinjer, Trivium

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/M2crIo​
​
“Bodyless” Official Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyE8ltsPBfY

New album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” out April 3rd, 2026.

PRE ORDER – “Thoughts Of A Falling Man”: https://rockshots.eu/products/dust-thoughts-of-a-falling-man​

Track Listing:​
1. Intro – 1:49
2. Before Your Awaken – 5:23
3. Death’s Ashes Upon Me – 3:52
4. Contemptus Mundi – 3:58
5. Fragments of Mirror – 4:26
6. Thoughts of a Falling Man – 6:40
7. Bodyless – 3:44
8. The Reaping of the Scythe – 3:56
9. Beyond the Void – 6:06
Album Length: 39:54
​
​Dust Line-Up:​
Riccardo Pirozzi: Vocals
Stefano D’Angelo: Guitars
Federico Ignini: Guitars
Francesco D’Elia: Bass
Eric Di Donato: Drums

More info:​
​https://rockshots.eu​
​https://www.instagram.com/dust__band/​

BIOGRAPHY:​
​Dust is an Italian metal band formed in 2016 from an idea by vocalist Riccardo Pirozzi and former drummer Stefano Brogi. Born out of a period of personal struggle and artistic urgency, the project took shape as a direct and uncompromising outlet for expressing inner conflict, anger and introspection. After an initial phase of experimentation, the band gradually assembled its core lineup, defining a sound rooted in heaviness, emotional depth and narrative intensity.

With the addition of guitarist Stefano D’Angelo and bassist Andrea Lege, Dust released their debut album “Break The Silence“, recorded and produced by Andreas Polito at Rocklab Studios in Turin. The record marked the band’s official entry into the Italian underground metal scene, earning attention for its raw approach and dark thematic focus. Shortly after, guitarist Federico Ignini joined the lineup, allowing Riccardo to focus exclusively on vocals and lyrics, particularly during live performances.

Following the album’s release, Dust became increasingly active on the live circuit, sharing the stage with established acts and performing across Italy and Eastern Europe, including shows in Serbia, Croatia and Romania. These experiences played a key role in shaping the band’s identity, strengthening both their musical cohesion and their commitment to an authentic, no-frills live approach focused on intensity and connection rather than visual excess.

After several lineup changes, Dust reached a stable formation in 2023, solidifying their current lineup: Riccardo Pirozzi on vocals, Stefano D’Angelo and Federico Ignini on guitars, Francesco D’Elia on bass and Eric Di Donato on drums. This renewed stability marked a turning point for the band, allowing them to refine their sound and push their songwriting toward a heavier, more focused and mature direction.

Conceived as a concept album, the new album “Thoughts Of A Falling Man” unfolds as a near-death journey, exploring themes of guilt, judgment, inner collapse and spiritual limbo. Musically, it represents a significant evolution from the debut, blending elements of death, groove, thrash and black metal into a darker, more compact and uncompromising sound.

– 30 – ​

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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