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0 Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs !earshot – June 2026 – Top 20 Loud #11 Thunderor, #17 Haiduk

July 17, 2026
by Asher
· Haiduk · radio charts · Thunderor

Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs
!earshot – June 2026 – Top 20 Loud
#11 Thunderor, #17 Haiduk
https://earshot-online.com/charts/2026/June/loud.cfm

#metal #heavymetal #canadianmetal #radio

0 Canadian Extreme Metal Groove WITHOUT MERCY Unveils Theatrical Guitar Playthrough “The Saint” From New EP “Infinite Loss” Produced by John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon)

July 17, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Without Mercy

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2026

Canadian Extreme Metal Groove WITHOUT MERCY Unveils Theatrical Guitar Playthrough “The Saint”

New EP “Infinite Loss” Out Now!

Produced by John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon)

L -R – Ryan Loewen – Bass, Alex Friis – Vocals, DJ Temple – Guitars, Matt Helie – Drums
Photo Credit: Shimon Photo – http://www.shimonphoto.com

Canadian extreme groove metal Without Mercy have unleashed a striking new theatrical guitar playthrough video for “The Saint”, supporting their newly released EP “Infinite Loss” produced with John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon) and released this past May. The visual highlights guitarist DJ Temple’s performance while immersing viewers in the tension, restraint, and unfamiliar emotional space that shaped the track.

“The Saint represents the furthest departure from our usual writing approach. It came from a willingness to step back and let someone we trust help guide the process,” explains guitarist DJ Temple.

Shaped collectively with their producer, the song confronts a core question of artistic growth: How do you evolve without losing the foundation that brought you here? Rather than abandoning their roots, the band stretched them to their limit, testing their flexibility without breaking their identity.

Musically, “The Saint” leans into space, unpredictability, and tension. It was the last song written for the EP, challenging the band’s expectations of what the record should be. Its inclusion broadened the emotional scope of Infinite Loss, earning its place by doing something the other tracks could not.

Watch the theatrical guitar playthrough for “The Saint” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Bp5r-wQ8k

Recorded after uprooting their routines and living inside the creative process for ten days, Without Mercy‘s new EP “Infinite Loss” is a focused, intentional, and confrontational statement. The EP documents a period defined by pressure, endurance, and honesty.

“This record exists because we chose to be uncomfortable, to argue honestly, and to stay in the room until it felt right… It is focused, intentional, and real,” adds Temple.

The EP’s three songs, Infinite Loss, The Saint, and Glass, were selected not as singles but as statements, each surviving months of scrutiny, revision, and collective decision‑making. Lyrically, “Infinite Loss” is about being hunted, not by a single antagonist, but by the pressures of modern life: economics, identity, time, survival. The threat shifts, but never disappears. Musically, the EP leans into weight, repetition, and restraint. Riffs sit long enough to suffocate. Rhythms feel physical and deliberate. The aggression is controlled, not chaotic, a reflection of endurance rather than escape.

The EP’s artwork, created with artist Diego Gedoz de Souza, depicts a desolate forest split by a massive void, a visual metaphor for inevitability, loss, and the gravitational pull of forces beyond control. It mirrors the EP’s emotional core without explaining it, inviting listeners into the world before a single note plays.

Without Mercy was formed in 2007, blending groove, extreme metal, and technical precision into a sound described as “heavy and insightful at the same time.” The band has shared stages with Cattle Decapitation, Aborted, and Death Angel, and has appeared as downloadable content in Rock Band 3, bridging gaming culture and heavy music.

Their discography includes “All Else Fails” (2007), “Without Mercy” (2009), “Reborn” (2014), rereleased as “Mouichido” (2016), and “Seismic” (2020). “Infinite Loss” marks their most focused and intentional work to date, a release built from collapse, rebuilt through discipline, and finished with absolute conviction.

Recommended for fans of Meshuggah, Gojira, Decapitated, Alluvial, and Pantera, listen to the full EP “Infinite Loss” (released May 8th) on all digital platforms at https://ffm.to/infiniteloss

Track Listing:
1. Infinite Loss – (4:15)
2. The Saint – (3:39)
3. Glass – (3:16)
EP Length: 11:11

EP and Live Band Line-up:
Alex Friis – Vocals
DJ Temple – Guitars
Ryan Loewen – Bass
Matt Helie – Drums

More info:

https://www.withoutmercyband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/withoutmercyband

https://www.instagram.com/withoutmercyband

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“The music was excellent…a potent mixture of aggression and technical precision. Now that I can taste them, I am very much looking forward to a full length from the band.” – Metal-Temple

““The Saint” is somehow both maniacal and controlled. In its opening couple of minutes it seems to be a carefully calibrated convulsion, discharging its myriad sensations in quick stop-start bursts of seemingly off-kilter but tightly executed mayhem. Those sensations include sledgehammer rhythmic brutishness, shrill and spidery fretwork-delirium, and napalm-strength vocals.” – No Clean Singing

“WITHOUT MERCY With this release they position themselves clearly in the intersection of death metal, groove and metalcore, without completely submitting to any of these genres. The band uses elements of these directions to develop their own language that relies on suspense rather than classic hooks. Conclusion: WITHOUT MERCY succeeds with »Infinite Loss« an impressive statement in the field of death/groove metal, metalcore. 4/5” – Metal Underground Austria

“the controlled aggression and delicious grooves of title track “Infinite Loss” gradually ramp up in their intensity, creating a sense of slow suffocation before the riffs subside to allow for a technical solo of the highest order from DJ Temple. A powerful statement piece that flows in wave like patterns through dark moods, the sonic weight of the music conveys the message without the need for the harsh vocals from Alex Friis. That’s not to say his words are superfluous; on the contrary, they’re the fuel for the fire as the world burns.” – Metal Noise

“we hear a solid force coming through, where riffs are the main ingredient, alongside a brutal and aggressive-sounding voice.” – Musika

“The resulting output is “Infinite Loss”, a three track assault that zeroes in on a choking atmosphere of mechanical hostility. Musically, the band leans heavily into calculated syncopation and technical restraint, letting rhythmic patterns lock in to create a claustrophobic pressure.” – Heavy Metal Darkness

“It’s only three songs, but it’s a lot to process. This isn’t background music. It’s a physical record that reflects the stress of just existing right now. Honestly, after nearly twenty years, it’s cool to see a band still willing to make themselves this uncomfortable just to see what happens. It paid off.” – Radio Papy Jeff

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0 LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Confronts Creative Silence w/ New Music Video “The Blank Page”

July 17, 2026
by Asher
· Levinia · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2026

LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Confronts Creative Silence w/ New Music Video “The Blank Page”

Produced by Brandon Friesen (Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach)

L-R – Alon Mei-Tal – Guitar, Liam Alexander – Bass, Kourt Henson – Vocals, Dylan Suierveld – Drums

Photo Credit – Dream of Mirrors Photography

Levinia returns with “The Blank Page,” the fourth and final single in their ambitious 2026 release cycle, a year defined by evolution, sharpened identity, and a darker cinematic edge. Following the momentum of “Bite,” “Silver Tongues,” and “The Thorn,” this new single arrives as the band’s most emotionally vulnerable and haunting offering yet, paired with a striking music video that visually amplifies its themes of isolation, creative paralysis, and inner conflict.

Produced by Brandon Friesen, whose credits include Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach, “The Blank Page” represents one of the most dramatic transformations in Levinia’s catalog. While vocalist Kourt Henson had already crafted the lyrical and melodic core, Friesen helped expand the track into a sweeping, cinematic experience, heightening its tension, atmosphere, and emotional payoff. The result is a single that begins in fragile stillness before erupting into one of the band’s most crushing choruses to date.

With all four singles released, Levinia closes their 2026 cycle with a powerful statement: the band is entering its most confident and defined era yet. And with new material already in development, “The Blank Page” is not an ending; it’s the beginning of what comes next.

The video for “The Blank Page” mirrors the song’s emotional weight through stark, unsettling imagery. A lone house sits in a desolate landscape, symbolizing mental confinement and the suffocating silence of creative paralysis. A burnt, ruined page becomes the central metaphor, representing ideas destroyed before they ever had the chance to exist. The visuals echo the song’s haunting atmosphere, creating a unified emotional experience between audio and imagery.

“The Blank Page may be the biggest shock. It opens in a slower, more vulnerable, and almost haunting space, which is not what some listeners may expect at first, but once the chorus hits, it erupts into something crushing. We think that contrast will make it one of the more memorable tracks emotionally,” adds vocalist Kourt Henson.

Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and Delain, listen to “Blank Page” at the following links:

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnWntWSKHR0

Spotify – https://hypeddit.com/levinia/theblankpage

Levinia blends symphonic atmosphere, modern metal aggression, and cinematic storytelling into a sound influenced by Epica, Lacuna Coil, Sabaton, Disturbed, and Evanescence. Formed from the ashes of Los Angeles power‑metal band Aerius, the group has spent nearly a decade refining its identity into something bold, emotional, and unmistakably its own.

Across their 2026 singles, Levinia showcases a wide emotional and stylistic range. “The Blank Page” is a haunting exploration of writer’s block, pressure, and emotional paralysis. “Bite” is a Dracula‑inspired anthem of resilience and transformation. “Silver Tongues” is a groove‑driven warning against idol worship and blind influence. “The Thorn” is a sharp, modern metal strike at internal conflict. Each single reveals a different facet of the band’s identity, pushing their sound into heavier, more deliberate territory while preserving the cinematic drama fans have come to expect.

Levinia’s writing process has evolved into a deeply collaborative effort. Guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal and vocalist Kourt Henson typically build the foundation, instrumentals, melodies, and lyrical direction before drummer Dylan Suierveld and bassist Liam Alexander shape the rhythmic and dynamic backbone. This approach has led to a more cohesive, vocal‑driven sound that balances aggression with emotional depth.

Working with Brandon Friesen has marked a turning point for the band. His guidance helped refine the strongest tracks from an initial pool of developing ideas, shaping them into a four‑part release that feels intentional, cinematic, and emotionally charged. Each single serves a distinct purpose, forming a cohesive narrative of Levinia’s ongoing evolution.

Previous Singles:

Bite – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Uw9l0cmAA

Silver Tongues – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqhk6j6wzKs

The Thorn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30EmGiQL7ug

Levinia:
Vocals – Kourt Henson
Guitar – Alon Mei-Tal
Bass – Liam Alexander
Drums- Dylan Suierveld

More info:

https://www.leviniaofficial.com/

https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial

https://www.facebook.com/LeviniaOfficial/

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“The mixing was just absolutely incredible for the guitars. I really like that.” (referring to the complex rhythm). This was, I mean, I was super impressed. Really impressed. I love the chorus. That’s what we really love. (about catchy choruses). I love that. It was so good (about the operatic vocals), super super cool. What a good job. I’m happy that she’s back with her band. They all look like they were having a great time. That was super cool. (about the live setting) I love it. Yeah. Yeah. I love it.” (about headbanging). This was perfect. Right up my alley.” “It was very good. Very high rating. This was really cool, and I’m very happy we did this one.”- YouTube Reaction Video – The Rockin’ Roundtable (2026 – The Thorn (single)

“Overall, Liberation is a thoroughly impressive EP that should find appeal with both the modern metal and symphonic crowds, especially those craving a little extra heaviness in their material. Levinia are onto something great here, best to catch them here at the ground level and watch them explode to the next level in the near future.” – Dead Rhetoric (2018 – Liberation)

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Confront Division and Reclaim Power in New Video “As Your Leader” From Debut Self-Titled Album Out August 2026

July 17, 2026
by Asher
· Famous Strangers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2026

Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Confront Division and Reclaim Power in New Video “As Your Leader”

Debut Self-Titled Album Out August 21st, 2026

L-R – Amanda Kiernan (Vocals), Brian “Beej” Jolly (Drums), Braden Sustrik (Bass, Vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals)

Photo by J-Kiernen Photography

Edmonton, Canada’s heavy‑rock outfit Famous Strangers have unveiled the official music video for “As Your Leader”, the second single from their forthcoming self‑titled debut album co‑produced with Phil Anderson, mixed by Joel Wanasek, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum and arriving August 21st, 2026. The track is one of the album’s heaviest and most emotionally charged moments, built on thick, deliberately weighty guitar tones, restless bass‑and‑drum interplay, and a vocal performance that channels frustration, urgency, and fierce compassion.

“As Your Leader” confronts the widening disconnect between what leaders promise and what people actually experience. It reflects on how digital noise erodes trust, how division has become normalized, and how presence has been surrendered to screens. Yet beneath the anger lies a message of unity. At its core, the song insists that together, we are powerful, and that the fight worth having is the one that brings people closer rather than further apart.

The music video for “As Your Leader” is a stark, monochrome animated piece created through an AI-assisted, frame-by-frame production process and finished in After Effects. Every shot was individually art-directed, generated, refined, and composited by video creator Art Szabo over approximately 45 to 50 hours, with no motion capture, rotoscoping, or stock footage.

The first half unfolds in white‑on‑black, depicting a cold, mechanical world of faceless authority figures looming over a lone speaker at a podium. At the lyric “the power is ours,” the palette inverts to black‑on‑white, echoing the band’s signature ink aesthetic. Simplified human forms merge into something larger, symbolizing collective strength and the moment people reclaim their voice. The monochrome palette was chosen to strip away distraction and let the message hit with full weight.

Watch the video for “As Your Leader” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH1WCv__EyY

Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/as-your-leader

Famous Strangers features Amanda Kiernan (vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (guitar), Braden Sustrik (bass), and Brian “Beej” Jolly (drums), formed after years of crossing paths in the Alberta music scene. What began as casual jams evolved into a full creative force once Amanda joined in 2023. The chemistry was instant. Lyrics poured out, old riffs found new life, and the band quickly realized they had something far bigger than a side project.

Their sound is unpredictable, moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing, drawing from classic heavy metal, grunge, punk, and modern hard‑rock influences. The debut full-length explores themes of self‑worth, growth, vulnerability, and breaking free from what holds you back, while also venturing into playful territory, including alien abduction stories and blues‑soaked introspection.

Due August 21st, the self‑titled debut album is a diverse journey through heavy riffs, explosive moments, atmospheric breaks, and deeply personal storytelling. The band describes it as a record that takes listeners on an emotional ride, from grit and inspiration to surrender and self‑reflection.

Tracks like “Fire Inside,” “Ghosts of Men,” “Please Her,” “Desires,” “Far Away from Home,” and “Rain” each explore different corners of the band’s identity, from raw vulnerability to punk‑driven fun to blues‑infused introspection. Many songs evolved over years, with riffs living on hard drives for over a decade before finding their final form. Some tracks were even born from freestyle jam sessions captured during casual rehearsals.

Leading up to the album’s release, Famous Strangers will be hitting the road across Western Canada, including back-to-back hometown album release shows.

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

Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, the self-titled album is available for digital pre-save (Out August 21, 2026) (Vinyl pre-order to be announced at a later date) – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/famous–strangers

Previous Single:

Music Video – “Ghosts of Men” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JllvDWc2AC4

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

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

More info:

https://www.famousstrangersband.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/famousstrangersband

About: Famous Strangers is a heavy metal band from Sherwood Park, Alberta. Rooted in the classics and built for today, the band brings together four veterans of the Alberta music scene with over 20 years of collective experience. With four singles, a music video for every release, and a debut album on vinyl dropping in August 2026, Famous Strangers is all raw power, emotional depth, and a sound that refuses to sit still.

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“Amanda has a Lee Aaron vibe about her.” – Richard Amery – LA Beat

“Canada’s Famous Strangers return with an incredible new single, a fierce one titled ‘Ghosts of Men’. Right out of the gate, the riffs are lethal and the vocals are up to the task with a mean disposition that fit perfectly. Famous Strangers is a seriously talented band and ‘Ghosts of Men’ is a shining example of their creativity at work with an extended jaw dropping 6-string solo, a wonderful slow down to catch our breath only to come out on the other side finding ourselves in a choke hold of epic proportions. This is modern metal done right, catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“Haunting, Stirring and Impactful…those words just keep going through our mind as we take in the new single “I’ll See You In The Stars” from Famous Strangers. This one is quite unique with a powerful intensity that is full of rhythm and achieves the rare feat of fury as a pure form of beauty. We really dig this one and you can catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (Single – I See You In The Stars – 2025)

““George” by Famous Strangers is not just a song—it’s a full-throttle, unapologetic metal anthem that grips you from the very first crushing drumbeat and refuses to let go. Heavy. Relentless. Unstoppable. This track is a ferocious sonic onslaught, packed with blistering guitar riffs, bone-rattling drums, and a vocal performance that will leave you breathless.” – Switching Styles (Single – George – 2025)

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0 Streaming Now! ETERNAL DRAK Opens The Gates To The Sixth Album “The Violence of Time”

July 16, 2026
by Asher
· Eternal Drak · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 16, 2026

Streaming Now! ETERNAL DRAK Opens The Gates To The Sixth Album “The Violence of Time”

L-R – Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass – Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar

Photo Credit – Patrick Auger

Eternal Drak have opened the gates early. Their sixth full‑length album, “The Violence of Time,” is now streaming in full through an exclusive premiere on BraveWords, giving fans a complete first immersion into the band’s most aggressive, conceptual, and philosophically charged work to date, ahead of its official July 17th release.

The full‑album stream invites listeners directly into the hostile universe Eternal Drak have constructed. A place where time is not a neutral measure but an adversary, a force that erodes meaning, distorts memory, and crushes identity. The band describes the record as a confrontation with time itself, not as humans imagine it, but as it behaves.

“Time does not accompany human beings; it subdues them. It does not flow; it imposes. It does not reveal meaning; it destroys it,” adds the band.

Across ten tracks, “The Violence of Time” dismantles the human understanding of past, present, and future. Each song is a violent thesis, a sonic and lyrical strike against the idea that time can be explained, contained, or understood. Instead of offering conclusions, the album explores fragments of realization, exposing how time pressures identity, warps memory, and rewrites causality.

Musically, the album is built for true old‑school metal devotees: those drawn to the raw spirit of thrash, the darkness of black metal, and the severity of death metal. Eternal Drak merge analog aggression with digital density, resulting in a sound that is varied in rhythm and catchy in impact, sharpened into their most cohesive identity yet.

Every track begins with a central written idea. Once the concept is defined, Eternal Drak builds the music to reflect the emotion and message of the text. Riffs, rhythms, and structures are crafted to echo the same intention, ensuring that even listeners who perceive the voice as an instrument still feel the weight of the lyrics.

Each element undergoes multiple stages of revision and refinement until the final version fully expresses the intended emotion and message.

Over the years, Eternal Drak have evolved from raw thrash‑and‑black foundations into a dynamic force shaped by death metal, groove, and even Latin folk influences. Their sound has grown alongside the metal scene itself, adapting to new tools and technologies while preserving the intensity and character that define the band.

Recommended for fans of Dimmu Borgir, Watain, Kreator, Motorhead, and Desaster, experience “The Violence of Time” in its entirety through BraveWords’ exclusive premiere HERE.

“The Violence of Time” is available for album pre-order (out July 17th, 2026) at the following links:

Band website – https://eternaldrak.com/the-violence-of-time

Bandcamp – https://eternaldrak.bandcamp.com/

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zTmYsd42dDsE5yU8lDhXe

Track Listing:
1. We Force It To Speak – 5:15
2. The Unborn Paths Rot – 3:51
3. Me Hice Simultaneo – 3:30
4. The Blasphemy of Time – 3:35
5. Chaos Is the Law – 3:34
6. Where Cause Is Buried – 3:55
7. Across the Watching Veils – 3:53
8. Breathing Once Again – 3:45
9. The Cosmos Rejects You – 4:09
10. No Direction Total War – 2:57
Album Length: 38:24

Album Band Line-up:
Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass
Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar

More info: https://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak

About:

Eternal Drak is an extreme metal band based in Quebec City, Canada, originally founded in Latin America in the late ’90s. Rooted in a fierce blend of thrash and black metal, the band has continually expanded its sound with elements of death metal, groove, and melodic experimentation. Lyrically, Eternal Drak explores human and cosmic darkness, a theme present across all seven of its official releases. The band is currently signed to the Canadian label FirstWave.

Formed in 1997 by brothers Drakar and Warhammer, later joined by guitarist Reijav, Eternal Drak quickly gained recognition, winning a City TV award for Best Metal Video in the early 2000s. After releasing early EPs and their first full-length, the band went on hiatus in 2007.

In 2020, the members reunited in Quebec to create The Past Is Gone, A New One Is Coming, honoring co‑founder and drummer Eduardo “Warhammer” Martínez. This revival led to a prolific new era, including the albums Drak Metal (2021), Shadow Storm (2022), Imprisoned Souls (2024), and multiple EPs. The lineup later expanded with guitarist Mike Amyot and drummer Patrick Auger.

Today, Eternal Drak (featuring Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass, and Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar) continues to evolve while staying true to its extreme metal roots, driven by intensity, melody, and a commitment to pushing its sound across continents.

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“This is some pretty good Blackened Thrash that has sick riffs, icy tremolos and eerie harmonies with some solos added to keep it interesting, add it to your lists. Rating: 8.1/10 – Drako Metal Reviews (The Violence of Time – 2026)

“10 new songs that will simultaneously brighten and darken your world… Eternal Drak evolve while staying true to their roots.” – The Razor’s Edge

“another great sounding recording from Eternal Drak and if you are a fan of blackened thrash metal, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE “We Force It To Speak” “The Blasphemy Of Time” “Where Cause Is Buried” and “The Cosmos Reject You”. 8 out of 10.” – Bringer of Death Webzine

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0 Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA New Single “Chasing The Sun” From Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” Out Sept 2026

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· Aletheya (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2026

Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA New Single “Chasing The Sun” From Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” Out Sept 2026

Following the release of their debut single “Shame“, Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya unveil “Chasing The Sun“, the second single taken from their upcoming debut album “Chance To Reborn“, due out on September 18th, 2026.

Supported by an official music video, produced by Kinorama Studio, “Chasing The Sun” reflects Aletheya‘s own definition of power metal: speed, power, and melody brought together through dynamic songwriting and carefully crafted arrangements.

While “Shame” introduced the album’s darker and more introspective side, “Chasing The Sun” highlights its brighter counterpart. Built around driving rhythms, soaring melodies, powerful guitar work, and cinematic orchestral arrangements, the song demonstrates how those elements come together in a composition that prioritizes memorable songwriting over technical virtuosity alone.

Lyrically, “Chasing The Sun” explores resilience, determination, and the constant pursuit of hope even when the destination seems uncertain. Rather than offering escapism, the song reflects the band’s recurring focus on personal growth and inner strength, transforming moments of struggle into the motivation to move forward. It represents another chapter in “Chance To Reborn“, an album that explores change, self-awareness, and rebirth through songs inspired by real human experiences.

The official music video presents Aletheya in their natural environment: performing together with the same intensity and chemistry that shaped the album throughout its writing and recording process. Alternating energetic band performances with atmospheric lighting and dynamic editing, the video translates the song’s energy into a compelling visual performance while highlighting the musicianship at the core of Aletheya‘s sound.

Speaking about the new single, the band comments:

“For us, ‘Chasing The Sun‘ is our definition of power metal: speed, power and melody. Beyond the energy, it’s a song about refusing to surrender, continuing to move forward and searching for hope even during life’s most difficult moments. It’s one of the tracks that best defines who we are as a band.”

The line-up features musicians with extensive experience across the Italian and international metal scene, including David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Neurasty), Francesco Menale (Risen Crow, Last Prototype) and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept), bringing together technical expertise, songwriting depth and a clear artistic vision. Rounding out the line-up is bass player Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon). At the same time, the album also features acclaimed keyboard player Alessio Lucatti (Deathless Legacy, ex-Vision Divine), who performs additional keyboards throughout the entire record.

Recorded and produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio, “Chance To Reborn” combines melodic power metal foundations with symphonic textures, progressive influences and contemporary production, creating a sound that balances the genre’s classic roots with a modern musical approach. With each new single, the album continues to reveal the different themes and musical directions explored throughout the record.

For fans of: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica

Listen: https://lnk.to/s2ezTR
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfyahKs7_v4

Chance To Reborn will be released on September 18th, 2026, on Digital and CD digipak versions.

PRE-ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn

ALETHEYA lineup:

David Folchitto: Drums
Francesco Menale: Guitars
Gianni Carcione: Vocals
Fabrizio Sclano: Bass

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/aletheya__official/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Aletheya/61578108544801/

BIOGRAPHY:

Aletheya is an Italian melodic power metal band formed by experienced musicians united by a shared artistic vision rooted in the legacy of classic heavy and power metal while embracing a contemporary and emotionally driven songwriting approach. Although “Chance To Reborn” represents the band’s debut full-length album, Aletheya brings together years of experience gained across the Italian and international metal scene.

The line-up features David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Fleshgod Apocalypse) on drums, Francesco Menale (Risen Crow) on guitars, and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept) on vocals, Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon) on bass, combining technical expertise, compositional depth, and a strong artistic identity shaped through decades of musical activity.

Aletheya’s sound blends soaring melodies, powerful rhythmic structures, dynamic vocals and refined guitar work, balancing the grandeur of traditional European power metal with symphonic textures, neoclassical influences and progressive sensibilities. Deeply inspired by the German power metal tradition of the ’80s and ’90s, the band also draws from Scandinavian melodic metal, progressive metal and, at times, darker tonal shades connected to classic death metal influences. Their songwriting reflects a conscious effort to bridge the genre’s roots with a modern and personal artistic perspective.

Lyrically, Aletheya explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner conflict, and personal awareness, transforming human struggles and emotional tension into songs driven by determination, introspection, and hope. Rather than relying exclusively on fantasy imagery, the band seeks to establish a deeper emotional connection with the listener through themes rooted in direct human experience.

Conceived as more than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” represents both an arrival point and a new beginning for the band: the synthesis of past musical experiences and the foundation of a precise artistic identity aimed at bringing melodic power metal into a more contemporary and emotionally resonant dimension.

With their debut album, Aletheya position themselves as a new force within the modern melodic power metal landscape, combining experience, vision, and a profound respect for the genre’s past and future.

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0 MUTUAL TRAUMA Reveal New Single “Left Inside” In Lead Up To MOSH THE ROCK 2026 (Victoria, BC)

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Mutual Trauma

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2026

MUTUAL TRAUMA Reveal New Single “Left Inside” In Lead-Up To MOSH THE ROCK 2026 (Victoria, BC)

L-R – Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

Victoria, BC modern‑metal upstarts Mutual Trauma have unveiled their powerful new single “Left Inside” as momentum builds toward their upcoming appearance at MOSH THE ROCK 2026 featuring Anciients, Arrow in The Quiver, The Rising Fall, Squidhammer and more. The track marks the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, showcasing their signature blend of crushing heaviness, soaring melody, and cyberpunk‑infused atmosphere.

Lyrically, “Left Inside” confronts the lingering effects of abuse and betrayal while emphasizing resilience and the refusal to be defined by past trauma.

“The song is about the lasting effects of abuse, but also about choosing to move forward instead of being consumed by the past,” says lead vocalist Brandon Reynolds, who wrote the lyrics.

Musically, the single represents a major leap forward in songwriting and production. Bassist Michael Gignac, who re‑imagined the track from its original form, describes it as “energetic despite the darker subject matter… a feeling of resilience and defiance.” The song features a head‑bang‑ready main riff, pummeling verses, melodic choruses delivered by drummer/clean vocalist Chris Heretic, and a climactic final section where screams, clean vocals, relentless drums, and fast chord strumming collide.

“It’s a massive step forward from our previous releases, and a standard we aim to uphold with future material,” adds rhythm guitarist Damian Donald,

Formed by former members of Reaver and Lucid Karma, Mutual Trauma blends metalcore, melodic death metal, djent, and electronic elements into a modern, emotionally driven sound influenced by Invent Animate, Soilwork, In Flames, Periphery, and Killswitch Engage. Their cyberpunk‑inspired aesthetic and high‑energy stage presence have quickly set them apart in the local scene.

“Left Inside” follows earlier singles “Dead Dreams” and “Die Alone,” expanding the band’s sonic palette and offering a preview of their upcoming EP currently in development.

“We put a lot of time and effort into this track, and I think it shows,” adds Gignac.

With MOSH THE ROCK 2026 on the horizon on August 9th in Victoria, BC, and new music underway, Mutual Trauma are poised to make a major impact within Canada’s modern metal landscape.

Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Counterparts, Knocked Loose, Polaris, and Soilwork, “Left Inside” can be heard at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d76eHk5LGUY

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/5yOk6vEtJAuiVPwaUko6oi

Band Lineup:
Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar
Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals
Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals
Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar
Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

For more info: https://linktr.ee/mutualtraumaband

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0 India’s SHIVERWOOD SHADE Releases New Video “Lost” From Debut Album “Escaping Darkness”

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shiverwood Shade

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2026

India’s SHIVERWOOD SHADE Releases New Video “Lost” From Debut Album “Escaping Darkness”

India’s rising cinematic‑metal force Shiverwood Shade has unveiled their video for “Lost,” one of the most emotionally charged and high‑tempo tracks from their debut album Escaping Darkness. The single captures the band’s signature fusion of heavy nu‑metal riffing, dark electronic textures, and atmospheric storytelling, an approach they describe as “a heavy, electronic collision designed to feel like a movie soundtrack for your darkest thoughts.”

Clocking in at 3:50, “Lost” is a high‑energy eruption of down‑tuned guitars, industrial electronics, and emotionally raw vocals. Lyrically, the track explores the disorienting feeling of losing one’s identity and direction, one of the central themes of Escaping Darkness.

“Lost” represents a pivotal moment in the album’s emotional arc, where confusion and inner conflict collide with the first spark of self‑realization,” adds the band.

Watch the video for “Lost” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFH7TF2XHac

Shiverwood Shade’s debut album is built around a journey through struggle, self‑discovery, and eventual liberation.

“We wanted listeners to experience this album from beginning to end, a journey through darkness, doubt, resilience, and ultimately hope,” says the band.

The record blends crushing riffs, atmospheric layers, cinematic electronics, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged performances. It reflects the band’s evolution from their early sci‑fi‑inspired progressive roots into a mature, layered, and deeply personal sound.

Formed in Gwalior, India, in 2013, Shiverwood Shade quickly gained recognition across India’s independent circuit, performing at major college festivals including Spring Fest at IIT Kharagpur. Originally inspired by science fiction and progressive metal, the band’s sound has since transformed into a hybrid of nu‑metal, post‑hardcore, industrial, synthwave, EDM, and cinematic metal.

The idea for the band began with a shared desire to bridge the gap between heavy rock and dark electronic music, two worlds often treated as separate. Their goal was to create a sound where down‑tuned guitars coexist seamlessly with industrial glitches, retro synthwave basslines, and EDM‑style drops.

In 2022, the band underwent a dramatic rebirth, relocating 1,500 kilometres to Kolkata and rebuilding their lineup from scratch. This geographical shift mirrors the emotional transformation behind “Escaping Darkness”.

Shiverwood Shade’s songwriting is fully collaborative. Songs typically begin with a riff, melody, atmosphere, or lyrical idea, then evolve through collective input. The band emphasizes emotional storytelling, structuring each track to reflect the message and psychological journey behind it. Their goal is to write honestly so listeners can find their own meaning within the songs.

“Every member contributes creatively. The strength of Shiverwood Shade comes from combining different perspectives into a unified vision,” adds the band.

Recommended for fans of Linkin Park, Bring Me the Horizon, Story of the Year, Breaking Benjamin, and Architects, Shiverwood Shade’s “Escaping Darkness” (released Dec 26, 2025) is available at the following links:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/5Htt6Dl6p54M4bVfx2rUKl

Bandcamp – https://shiverwood.bandcamp.com/album/escaping-darkness-album

Track Listing:
1. Intro – 1:02
2. Pulling Away – 4:14
3. Facing Darkness – 3:53
4. Holding On – 3:37
5. Crawling Back – 3:54
6. Walking In Circles – 4:50
7. Alone – 3:12
8. Lost – 3:50
9. Haunted – 3:39
10. Divided By Hate – 4:06
11. Break Free – 3:21

Album Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

Live Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anirban Bhattacharya-Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

For more info:

https://www.shiverwoodshade.com/

https://www.facebook.com/swsprod20

https://www.instagram.com/shiverwoodshade/

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“Shiverwood Shade’s song “Pulling Away” begins with melancholy synths before the guitars explode with a powerful mix of punk and nu metal riffs. – Skylight Webzine

“Escaping Darkness: Shiverwood Shade on Chaos, Catharsis, and a Modern Nu‑Metal Pulse” – Wall Mag

“Exploring themes of inner struggle, resilience and transformation, Escaping Darkness balances aggressive riffs with melodic passages and atmospheric synth layers. Tracks such as Crawling Back and Holding On showcase the band’s signature mix of raw intensity and emotional depth”. – Rock Street Journal, India

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0 EPK – Shiverwood Shade – Escaping Darkness (2025)

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Shiverwood Shade

EPK – Shiverwood Shade – Escaping Darkness (2025)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“Escaping Darkness represents our most personal and ambitious work to date. Over the years, we’ve experienced challenges, growth, setbacks, and victories that shaped not only who we are as individuals but also who we are as a band. This album captures those experiences through a combination of heavy music, cinematic storytelling, and honest emotion. We wanted to create an album that listeners could experience from beginning to end—a journey through darkness, doubt, resilience, and ultimately hope. While the record explores difficult emotions and personal struggles, its message is ultimately one of strength and perseverance. We hope listeners find pieces of their own story within these songs.” – Shiverwood Shade

For fans of Linkin Park, Bring Me the Horizon, Story of the Year, Breaking Benjamin, Architects

ShiverwoodShade.com | Facebook.com/swsprod20 | 𝗫.com/ShiverwoodS | Youtube.com/@SWS449 | Instagram.com/shiverwoodhsade

Shiverwood.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“Shiverwood Shade’s song “Pulling Away” begins with melancholy synths before the guitars explode with a powerful mix of punk and nu metal riffs. -Skylight Webzine

“Escaping Darkness: Shiverwood Shade on Chaos, Catharsis, and a Modern Nu‑Metal Pulse” – Wall Mag

Band: Shiverwood Shade
Album Title: Escaping Darkness
Release Date: December 26, 2025
Label: From The Depths Entertainment
Distribution: Songdew Network (India)
Genre: Nu Metal/Post hardcore/Alternative Rock
Location of Band: Kolkata, India

Track Listing:
1. Intro – 1:02
2. Pulling Away – 4:14
3. Facing Darkness – 3:53
4. Holding On – 3:37
5. Crawling Back – 3:54
6. Walking In Circles – 4:50
7. Alone – 3:12
8. Lost – 3:50
9. Haunted – 3:39
10. Divided By Hate – 4:06
11. Break Free – 3:21

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Shiverwood Shade
• All songs written by: Shiverwood Shade
• Produced by: Shiverwood Shade
• Mixed by: Shiverwood Shade
• Mastered by: Shiverwood Shade
• Album Artwork by: Shiverwood Shade

Album Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

Live Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anirban Bhattacharya-Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

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

About The Album Artwork:

Lyrically, “Escaping Darkness” explores themes of inner conflict, healing, resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. Musically, the album combines crushing riffs, atmospheric textures, cinematic layers, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged performances. The album balances heaviness with vulnerability, creating a diverse yet cohesive listening experience.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

This track-by-track breakdown explores the musical and lyrical themes of the album, focusing on a journey through emotional struggles and ultimate liberation.

1. Pulling Away (4:14)
Musical/Lyrical: Combines ominous synthwave with heavy nu-metal, with lyrics focusing on the pain of separating from a toxic environment.

2. Facing Darkness (3:53)
Musical/Lyrical: Features industrial, groove-heavy sounds with lyrics about confronting internal demons and trauma.

3. Holding On (3:37)
Musical/Lyrical: Driven by a melodic, bass-heavy sound with lyrics about the exhaustion of fighting internal battles.

4. Crawling Back (3:54)
Musical/Lyrical: A chaotic, high-energy track with lyrics detailing the frustration of personal relapses.

5. Walking In Circles (4:50)
Musical/Lyrical: A progressive,, long-form track featuring lyrics about feeling stuck in mental loops.

6. Alone (3:12)
Musical/Lyrical: A minimalist, intimate song that builds to an explosive finish, with lyrics about the pain and necessity of isolation.

7. Lost (3:50)
Musical/Lyrical: A high-tempo nu-metal track, exploring the feeling of losing one’s identity and direction.

8. Haunted (3:39)
Musical/Lyrical: A dark, industrial track with lyrics focused on being plagued by past memories and regrets.

9. Divided By Hate (4:06)
Musical/Lyrical: The heaviest track on the album, with lyrics examining the destructive nature of internal and external anger.

10. Break Free (3:21)
Musical/Lyrical: An uplifting, anthemic finale that signifies the end of the emotional journey and achieving personal freedom.

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STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1. Shiverwood Shade has been active since 2012 and has performed across India at major college festivals including IIT Kharagpur, IIIT Gwalior, and ITM.

2. The band’s sound combines Nu Metal, Post-Hardcore, and cinematic elements, creating a style they describe as “Cinematic Metal.”

3. The album “Escaping Darkness” was built around the concept of overcoming adversity and finding hope through difficult experiences.

4. Every member contributes creatively to the songwriting process, making each track a true collaborative effort.

5. Shiverwood Shade has been featured by international and national rock and metal platforms including Rock Rage Radio and Rock Street Journal,W.O.A FM99(UK) aired by billboard charting artist “Oliver Sean” who himself has commented on the band and their music.

6. The 1,500-Kilometre Rebirth
Originally founded in Gwalior back in 2013, the band built their early live identity winning foundational college battles like Spring Fest IIT Kharagpur. However, the creative core underwent a massive cross-country evolution, completely reforming 1,500 kilometres away in Kolkata in 2022 with a brand-new lineup. This literal geographical relocation mirrors the sonic transition of Escaping Darkness—leaving behind past science-fiction themes to build a tight, unified underground metal brotherhood from scratch.

7. Sonic Hybridization Over Pure Metal
While the record is clearly anchored in heavy guitar riffs, the band purposefully integrated non-traditional electronic textures into their production. By overlaying standard post-hardcore and nu-metal with industrial elements, EDM, and synthwave, they deliberately broke genre boundaries. The band chose to craft long, complex song arrangements explicitly to take listeners to entirely different musical places, treating electronics as cinematic narrative tools rather than simple background tracking.

8. Despite maintaining deep roots in the Indian independent circuit, the band engineered a massive leap onto the global stage for this specific album rollout. They successfully bridged the gap between Eastern metal composition and Western distribution by signing with US-based label From The Depths Entertainment alongside global backing from MN2S in the UK. This international push earned them a feature on the UK’s Laura Beth Show,W.O.A.FM99,Rock Rage Radio(USA) etc. proving that their intensely personal, therapeutic themes resonate far beyond local borders.

Shiverwood Shade is an alternative/groove metal outfit originally formed in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India, in late 2013. The band quickly made a name for themselves in the Indian independent circuit, winning high-profile national college music festivals, including Spring Fest at IIT Kharagpur. Their early material was heavily inspired by science fiction, space concepts, and progressive metal arrangements, serving as an outlet for their musical interests at that stage in their lives.

Discography:
2026 – Myself – Single
2025 – Escaping Darkness- Album
2016 – Humanity-EP

SHARED STAGE WITH:
IF HOPE DIES(India), VIRUS (India)

TOURS AND FESTIVALS YOU HAVE PERFORMED ON.
2026 – Chasing Daylight Tour, Ashutosh College-Kolkata, India
2016 – Spring Fest, IIT Kharagpur – Kharagpur, India
2015 – JCI Gwalior Rock Band Fest-Gwalior, India
2014 – Rock Knock, ITM University – Gwalior, India

Corporate sponsors/artist endorsements:
M.G.Motors