Posts By Asher

0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Michigan’s KILLCROWN Detonate Their Debut Single “DEATH” + Performing at Michigan Metal Fest 2026

February 5, 2026
by Asher
· Killcrown (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 5, 2026

Michigan’s KILLCROWN Detonate Their Debut Single “DEATH”

+ Performing at Michigan Metal Fest 2026

L-R – Orin Knuppenburg (Guitar), Dave Zaza (Drums), Steve Maple (Vocals), Tyler Walterspaugh (Bass), James Alexander (Lead Guitar)

Photograph Credit: Steve Maple w/ Deathhouse Media

Michigan extreme‑metal juggernaut Killcrown has officially released their long‑awaited debut single, “DEATH,” marking the first glimpse into their upcoming full‑length album set to drop later this year.

Formed by vocalist Steve Maple and guitarist/composer Orin, Killcrown has evolved from their nu‑metal roots into one of the Midwest’s most punishing and uncompromising heavy acts. Their sound, an explosive fusion of deathcore, slam, death metal, and melodic brutality, has earned them a reputation as “the heaviest band” everywhere they perform. With “DEATH,” the band cements that title with authority.

The single was born in a moment of pure creative combustion. Maple recalls receiving a call from Orin demanding that he get over there and listen to this song and write lyrics. Within an hour, Maple had crafted some of the most impactful lines of his career, including a chorus so powerful it stunned the room into silence. The final vocal take captured that day became the version used on the record, raw, immediate, and undeniably ferocious.

“This song is some of our best work to date. We truly feel that people are going to connect with this track. We’ve been told that we are ‘the heaviest band’ so many times that we’re starting to believe it. In all seriousness, this upcoming album is written from a very honest standpoint that is BRUTAL, yet beautiful,” says Maple.

“DEATH” is already gaining traction, spinning on stations such as Q106 WJXQ in Lansing, MI, with early support from Scary F’in Terry and Metal Mandy, longtime champions of the band.

The single’s artwork, a visceral depiction of knives to the face, mirrors the intensity of the music itself. Lyrically and musically, the upcoming album represents Killcrown’s most profound and meticulously crafted work to date. Each track stands as its own piece of violent musical art, shaped by real‑life experiences, emotional lows, and the band’s unwavering commitment to authenticity.

Killcrown’s rise from the small towns of Hastings and Delton to becoming a dominant force in the Michigan metal scene is fueled by grit, passion, and an unrelenting drive to push their sound further. With “DEATH” now unleashed and a full album on the horizon, the band is poised to make their most devastating impact yet.

“DEATH” is available worldwide now at (Spotify) – https://hypeddit.com/killcrown/death

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oORK4Ek-TNA

YouTube (Radio Edit) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbfj5ScjSk8

In additional news, Killcrown will also be sharing the stage with Green Jelly, Visitant, Casket Robbery, Hemlock, Narcotic Wasteland, and more at the 2026 edition of Michigan Metal Fest on August 14th and 15th in Battle Creek, MI. For more info on the festival lineup and tickets, please visit https://michiganmetalfest.net/.

For more info:

https://www.exsrmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Killcrown

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“Oldschool Death Metal sensibility meets modern aggression” – Terry Stevens, Q106 WJXQ

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0 EPK – Killcrown – Death (single) (2026) (Exitus Stratagem Records)

February 5, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Killcrown (Exitus Stratagem Records)

EPK – Killcrown – Death (single) (2026) (Exitus Stratagem Records)

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

For fans of Lorna Shore, Traitors, Filth, Dying Fetus, White Chapel

“I’m confident our fans are going to embrace this album with a real love for the brutal arts. We poured everything we had into creating something that truly resonates—something that drags listeners into the moments that inspired every track. You can feel the anticipation building; people are hungry to get their hands on this record.

Our goal is to make listeners feel like the music is punching them straight in the face—BLUDGEONED. The sound is unavoidable, unrelenting. Just when you settle into the groove, BOOM—you’re slammed with a jagged, chaotic breakdown that shouldn’t make sense at first, but somehow you’re stank-facing and moving with it anyway. Then the vocals hit: heavy, clear, and shocking. You hear a line and think, “Did he really just say that?”

We’ve always pushed ourselves to make every song the best it can be. If we like a track but don’t absolutely love it, it’s gone. Our fans deserve nothing less than our strongest work.” – Steve Maple (vocals) – Killcrown

https://www.exsrmusic.com | https://www.facebook.com/Killcrown | https://www.youtube.com/@Killcrown | https://killcrown.bandcamp.com/

Digital Link (Spotify): https://hypeddit.com/killcrown/death

“Oldschool Death Metal sensibility meets modern aggression” – Terry Stevens, Q106 WJXQ

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Killcrown
Single Title: Death – 3:10
Release Date: February 5, 2026
Label: Exitus Stratagem Records

Single Recording Credits:
All songs performed by: Killcrown
All songs written by: Orin Knuppenburg and Steve Maple
Produced by: Orin Knuppenburg
Mixed by: Exitus Stratagem Records
Mastered by: Exitus Stratagem Records
Album Artwork by: Stealthfangs

Recording Band Lineup:
Vocals: Steve Maple
Guitar: Orin Knuppenburg
Lead Guitar: James Alexander
Bass: Tyler Walterspaugh
Drums: Dave Zaza

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

About The Single Artwork:

Knives to the face. It is a brutal depiction of life.

About the upcoming album (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The album is the heaviest and most interesting music we have ever put together. The lyrics are more profound than anything I have ever written. I am blown away at some of the parts, almost as if I didn’t write them.

The music is so well written. Each song is written to stand out as its own work of art.

About The Single:

DEATH is our first single from the record. We had written a few of the other songs prior, but this is one of our newer songs, and we felt like it was a better representation of what we really are currently. I was sitting at home one day, and I got a call from Orin.

“Hey Bitch, you need to get the fuck over here and listen to this song and write lyrics!!”

We call each other ‘Bitch’ as a pleasantry.

I got there, and he played the song. It was EVERYTHING.

I knew that this was going to change the way that we write because of how loudly it was speaking to us.

I wanted to go home and write to it, but he was so excited, he made me stay and write it there. 1 hour later, I had some of the most impactful lyrics that I had ever written. Orin LOVED it…except the chorus.

“The whole song is PLATINUM. We can’t have a bronze Chorus.”

I was like “Well, I never!”

So, he got called over to someone at the door, and I was so appalled that he didn’t like my chorus that now I was going to write a chorus so fucking good that he would CHOKE on it!!! AND, I had to have it done by the time he was done talking with the person at the door.

“Severing Misery. Cut it Out. Make it Bleed. Hold Your Breath. Never Stop. DEATH”

It was perfect. I sang it to him 2 minutes after being INSULTED by his actually polite constructive criticism, and his jaw dropped. LOL “You did that while I was gone?”

Then, he tells me to scratch track the vocal. We got in the booth, and I ended up laying down what we used as our final tracks that were written that day. It was our best work at the time, too!

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

Story Angles – Band Fun Facts:

1. Two of our members played in the band Nuskin before Killcrown was formed. Because of this, we get asked to play an NWA song at almost EVERY show!

2. We are from a super small town in Michigan. We play in Battle Creek a lot, but are from Hastings and Delton, Michigan. These are the types of towns that you grow up thinking there is no way that you can make it anywhere in entertainment. We have found that we can make it as far as we want to. It is up to us how far we push this thing, ya know?

3. Our lead vocalist owns two grassroots music festivals also based in Michigan. MICHIGAN METAL FEST and MIDWEST BREWTAL FEST. We get to play the fest every other year or every few years, but I’m a dick about not favoring my band, so we don’t play every year, and we don’t get special treatment or billing. Lol

4. Once, at a show at The Music Factory, I had a hernia, so I couldn’t sing my set. I really didn’t want to pull out of the show because it was a killer one and we had committed to doing it. So, instead of cancelling, I decided to try to have another vocalist cover my set. I immediately felt bad for whoever had to learn my set in 2 weeks! I thought for a few about a way to get the songs not only covered but make it an even more special evening. I decided to reach out to 5 different vocalists/friends of mine, and they all were STOKED to help. We made history that night. It was absolutely legendary. I wasn’t supposed to sing, but still did 1 song. lol

5. Our whole band is known to drive separately to an out-of-state gig. We all get along, but that’s just the way we do it a lot cause a couple of the guys are on different schedules. We are a whole convoy!

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

L-R – Orin Knuppenburg (Guitar), Dave Zaza (Drums), Steve Maple (Vocals), Tyler Walterspaugh (Bass), James Alexander (Lead Guitar)

Photograph Credit: Steve Maple w/ Deathhouse Media

Born from a relentless passion for extreme music, Killcrown stands as one of Michigan’s most punishing and unapologetic heavy acts. Vocalist Steve Maple and guitarist/composer Orin forged the band after years of writing together, evolving from their previous nu‑metal project Nuskin, a Midwest cult favorite known for its explosive shows and infamous NWA “Boyz In Da Hood” cover. What began as a creative partnership has sharpened into a singular vision: to create music so heavy, so visceral, that listeners feel bludgeoned by every riff, every breakdown, every word.

Hailing from the small towns of Hastings and Delton, Killcrown is proof that extreme metal can erupt from the unlikeliest places. Their sound, an unrelenting fusion of deathcore, slam, death metal, and melodic brutality, has earned them a reputation as “the heaviest band” everywhere they play. Fans describe their shows as unforgettable, grimy, energizing, and downright violent in the best possible way. The band’s stage presence has become legendary, with crowds lining up for photos, autographs, and the adrenaline rush that only Killcrown can deliver.

With influences ranging from Lorna Shore and Traitors to Filth, Dying Fetus, and Whitechapel, Killcrown has carved out a sound entirely their own—detailed, intentional, and crafted to hit like a punch to the face. Maple and Orin write with each other in mind, pushing one another to extremes, refusing to release anything that isn’t their absolute best. If a song isn’t loved, it’s gone. Their fans deserve nothing less.

Killcrown is preparing to unleash their heaviest and most profound work to date: a full‑length album slated for release later this year. Each track is built as its own piece of violent musical art, shaped by real‑life experiences, emotional lows, and the raw honesty that fuels Maple’s most impactful lyrics yet.

The first taste of this new era comes in the form of their devastating new single, “DEATH.” Written in a burst of creative fury, complete with Orin demanding Maple “get the f*ck over here and write lyrics”. The track became a turning point for the band. Within an hour, Maple had crafted some of the most powerful lines of his career, including a chorus so intense it stunned the room into silence. The final vocal take was captured that same day, raw and unfiltered, becoming the definitive version used on the record.

“DEATH” arrives with artwork as brutal as the music itself, knives to the face, a stark depiction of life’s harshest realities. The single is already spinning on stations like Q106 WJXQ in Lansing, championed by longtime supporters Scary F’in Terry and Metal Mandy. As the band puts it:

“This song is some of our best work to date. We truly feel that people are going to connect with this track. This album is written from a very honest standpoint that is BRUTAL, yet beautiful.”

Beyond the studio, Killcrown’s story is filled with the kind of lore that cements a band’s legacy: Maple running two major Michigan festivals (Michigan Metal Fest and Midwest Brewtal Fest) without ever giving his own band special treatment; a legendary night where five guest vocalists stepped in when Maple had a hernia; and the band’s habit of driving separately to out‑of‑state gigs like a chaotic metal convoy.

Killcrown is more than a band; they’re a force. A testament to what happens when passion, pain, and precision collide. With their upcoming album on the horizon and “DEATH” marking the beginning of a new chapter, Killcrown is poised to hit harder than ever.

Extreme. Brutal. Unforgettable. Killcrown is here to make you feel, whether you’re ready or not.

Band Lineup:
Vocals: Steve Maple
Guitar: Orin Knuppenburg
Lead Guitar: James Alexander
Bass: Tyler Walterspaugh
Drums: Dave Zaza

Shared Stage with: Mushroomhead, (hed)P.E., Gideon, Filth, Traitors, Green Jello, Vorrath, Cultus Black, The Convalescence, Casket Robbery, & Aight Bet

Tours and Festivals:
2024 – Michigan Metal Fest – Battle Creek, MI
2024- Toledo Death Fest – Toledo, Ohio

0 Rockshots Records – Feel the Thrash Intensity of NEFASTIS’ New Single “Stardust” From Dark Concept Album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” Out March 2026

February 4, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Nefastis (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 4, 2026

Feel the Thrash Intensity of NEFASTIS’ New Single “Stardust”

New Dark Concept Album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” Out March 2026

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Stardust”, the brand new single by Italian symphonic death metal act Nefastis, out now on all digital platforms.

“Stardust” is the second single taken from Nefastis upcoming concept album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn“, an ambitious four-act work conceived as a continuous and immersive listening experience set in a post-apocalyptic world. Positioned within Act III: Alone, the track represents one of the album’s most direct and aggressive moments, offering a sharp contrast to the broader orchestral and progressive framework of the record.

Musically, “Stardust” stands out as the most thrash-driven and straightforward track on the album. Fast, melodic and fiercely aggressive, it delivers a concentrated burst of energy built on razor-sharp riffing, relentless rhythms and a violent yet controlled momentum. While maintaining the band’s symphonic death metal identity, the song strips the arrangement down to its most visceral core, emphasizing speed, impact, and immediacy.

Lyrically, the track portrays a lone individual drifting through the desolation of a dying world, reduced to fragments of memory and matter. “Stardust” embodies the sense of isolation that defines the album’s third act, translating existential emptiness into a raw and uncompromising sonic assault.

Commenting on the song, the band states:

“‘Stardust’ is intentionally more direct and aggressive than the other tracks. We wanted it to hit fast and hard, almost like an instinctive reaction within the album’s narrative. It represents a moment where everything is reduced to violence, speed, and survival.”

Following the atmospheric and story-setting approach of the debut single “Shadow Spell“, “Stardust” reveals another facet of “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn“, highlighting the dynamic range and compositional depth that define the album. The record unfolds as a single narrative arc where each song functions as a chapter contributing to an overarching emotional and conceptual journey.

“Stardust” further confirms Nefastis evolved artistic vision, blending thrash intensity, death metal aggression, and symphonic elements into a cohesive and distinctive extreme metal statement.

For fans of: Wintersun, Hypocrisy, Fleshgod Apocalypse.

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/ndqoyZ

New album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” out March 6th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”
https://rockshots.eu/products/nefastis-shadows-at-the-light-of-dawn-cd

First Single – “Shadow Spell” can be heard at the following links:

Visualizer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxonu0RIApA

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://lnk.to/nfstsf

Track Listing:
1. Cosmic Silence at the Edge of the New World – 2:50
2. Shadow Spell – 4:30
3. Seduced by the Beauty of the Darkness – 5:05
4. Absence of Illumination – 2:52
5. Tears of the Past – 4:29
6. Vortex of Light – 5:09
7. Lights of Dawn – 3:43
8. Alone Again – 5:57
9. Stardust – 5:05
10. Blackened Vision – 2:45
11. Collapsing Dream – 8:01
12. Flowers Swept Away by the Autumn – 5:33
Album Length: 55:58

Nefastis Line-Up:
Simone Colombo: Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Andrea Lenzi: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals, Orchestrations
Fulvio Manganini: Bass
Claudio Invidia: Drums

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/nefastis.italy/

https://www.facebook.com/nefastis.italy

BIOGRAPHY:
Formed in 2008, Nefastis is an Italian Symphonic Death Metal band known for its strong conceptual approach and continuously evolving musical identity. From the very beginning, the band focused on original compositions, gradually shaping a sound that blends extreme metal intensity with orchestral depth and progressive structures.

Nefastis made their recording debut in 2014 with “De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis”, a thrash/death metal concept album divided into four acts and conceived as a narrative work. The release earned the band recognition within the underground scene and led them to share the stage with internationally renowned acts such as Toxik, Leprous, Hirax, Onkel Tom Angelripper, and Bonded By Blood.

Following the debut, lineup changes forced the band into a hiatus. During this period, Nefastis underwent a significant artistic transformation, redefining their sound and expanding their compositional vision. Moving away from a more direct thrash-oriented approach, the band embraced a broader and more cinematic form of symphonic death metal, characterized by orchestral arrangements, progressive songwriting, and a strong narrative dimension.

This evolution fully materializes in “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, a four-act concept album set in a post-apocalyptic world and conceived as a continuous and immersive listening experience. Each act is introduced by an instrumental piece that establishes the atmosphere of the chapter, guiding the listener through a cohesive musical and emotional journey. The album was produced by the band, mixed by Frank Altare, and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios (Angra, Amorphis, Kreator, Dimmu Borgir, Opeth, Powerwolf).

With “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn”, Nefastis reaffirm their commitment to ambitious songwriting and genre-crossing composition, merging death metal, orchestral music, and progressive influences into a unified and expressive soundscape.

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0 SILAS FERNANDES Unveils New Video “Flight of the Navigator” + Named 2025 Guitarist of The Year by Roadie Crew Magazine

February 4, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Silas Fernandes

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 4, 2026

SILAS FERNANDES Unveils New Video “Flight of the Navigator”

Named 2025 Guitarist of The Year by Roadie Crew Magazine

New Album “Carbon Purge Acceleration” Out Now!

Photo Credit – Marisa Terra Fernandes

Instrumental metal guitarist, producer, and content creator Silas Fernandes has released the brand‑new music video for “Flight of the Navigator”, the fourth track from his 2025 album “Carbon Purge Acceleration.”

The release arrives at a high point in Fernandes’ career. He was recently named Best Guitarist of the Year 2025 by Brazil’s influential Roadie Crew Magazine, a publication that also ranked “Carbon Purge Acceleration” 6th Place for Best Album of 2025. These accolades highlight Fernandes’ growing international presence and reaffirm his status as one of Brazil’s most innovative and technically formidable guitarists.

“Flight of the Navigator” is one of the album’s most explosive compositions, an adrenaline‑charged blend of progressive metal speed, fusion‑driven harmonic twists, and precision‑crafted shred guitar work. The track’s shifting time signatures and cinematic pacing reflect Fernandes’s unique writing process, which begins not with riffs or scales, but with vivid mental imagery.

“Sounds and songs always represent an image for me. The album cover was done before the songs. Each track is based on visuals and contemporary matters, so I hope fans take the titles more seriously than the average instrumental music,” says Fernandes

The new music video amplifies this visual‑first approach, translating the song’s futuristic tension and narrative energy into a dynamic visual experience that mirrors the album’s themes of technology, chaos, and human disconnection.

Watch and listen to the video for “Flight of the Navigator” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXcjRBYt6R4

Released in September 2025, “Carbon Purge Acceleration” represents a major creative milestone for Fernandes. After decades of refining his voice across genres, he describes this album as the moment where all his influences finally aligned into a single, cohesive artistic identity.

Drawing from industrial metal, prog metal, thrash, shred guitar, and 80s melodic rock, the EP creates a soundscape that is both aggressive and introspective. Fernandes cites Steve Vai, Fear Factory, Meshuggah, Judas Priest, and Joe Satriani as key influences, but the result is unmistakably his own.

“The album blends fusion, modern prog metal, and eighties references in a sound that reinvents itself with every track. Instead of compartmentalized styles, the result is a true creative cauldron,” adds Fernandes.

“Carbon Purge Acceleration” unfolds like a cinematic journey through futuristic chaos and emotional introspection, each track painting its own vivid scene. The album opens with the crushing force of “Earth Was Boring,” a modern‑metal assault that blends metalcore aggression with soaring shred melodies, before shifting into the tense push‑and‑pull of “Escape the Reality Room,” where thrashy riffs collide with calm, reflective passages. “John Hughes Didn’t Direct My Life” injects bright ’80s nostalgia into the mix, channeling the melodic charm of Vai and Satriani through Fernandes’ expressive phrasing. The intensity peaks with “Flight of the Navigator,” a high‑velocity prog‑metal odyssey driven by fusion harmonies, rapid‑fire solos, and unpredictable time signatures. “Heavy Droids” deepens the album’s sci‑fi atmosphere with its mechanical 7/4 groove and melodic slow‑tempo breaks, while “The Death of Synthetic Curation” closes the record on an ethereal, introspective note, one guitar, ambient textures, and a sense of quiet reflection after the storm. Together, the tracks form a sonic world that moves from aggression to serenity, from dystopian tension to emotional clarity, showcasing Fernandes’ ability to tell powerful stories without a single lyric.

“Carbon Purge Acceleration” (released Sept 21st, 2025) is available at the following links:

All Digital Platforms – https://silasfernandes.hearnow.com/

Online Store – CD / Merch – https://www.silascf.com.br/en/services-5

Bandcamp – https://silasfernandes.bandcamp.com

Watch the videos at the following links:

Earth is Boring – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2cg6cbJf_w

Escape The Reality Room – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKEGQIr01Bk

Track Listing:
1. Earth Was Boring – 4:21
2. Escape the Reality Room – 3:47
3. Heavy Droids – 4:09
4. Flight Of The Navigator – 3:39
5. John Hughes Didn’t Direct My Life – 5:19
6. The Death of Synthetic Curation – 5:05
Album Length: 26:20

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Silas Fernandes
• All songs written by: Silas Fernandes
• Produced by: Silas Fernandes
• Mixed by: Silas Fernandes
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Jukka Nieminen from Grandio design.

Album Band Line Up:
Silas Fernandes: Guitars, bass, programming of drums, Production, Mix

Live Band Line Up:
Silas Fernandes – Guitars
Raphael Arruda – Drums
Nikolai Ck – Bass

For more info: Silascf.com.br | Facebook.com/silas.fernandes.165 | Instagram.com/silasfernandesguitar

About: Silas Fernandes emerged from São Paulo’s iconic ABC metal scene, first performing in Esfinge alongside future Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser before leaving the band in the 80s due to family and religious pressures and dedicating himself to the rising shred movement. Over the next three decades, he built a diverse career as a guitarist, producer, instructor, author, and gear specialist—teaching at IG&T, working as a producer and guitar tech for major Brazilian artists, writing the book Set Up (later adopted as a course at EM&T), and leading clinics across Brazil. In 2014, he launched his popular YouTube channel and the weekly show Rig on Fire, now in Portuguese and English, showcasing his humor, technical mastery, and deep knowledge of guitar gear. Endorsed by EMG Pickups, Solar Guitars, Black Smith Strings, and his own company, Electric Eye Audio, Fernandes also released his first Solar signature model, the A1.6 Silas Canibalismo, in 2024. Known for quirky career moments, from VHS‑era rumors about a missing pinky to sampling Killer Instinct’s Fulgor for robotic voices, he continues to push creative boundaries. Now based in Virginia, Fernandes blends industrial, shred, melodic, and instrumental metal, drawing comparisons to Steve Vai, Plini, Marty Friedman, Nita Strauss, and Joe Satriani. His latest release, Carbon Purge Acceleration (2025), earned him Best Guitarist of the Year 2025 and 6th Place for Best Album from Brazil’s Roadie Crew Magazine, adding to a discography that spans from his 1995 debut to his acclaimed modern work.

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
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0 Take A Journey Through Sound and Space w/ CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE’s Playthrough For “The Conduit” From Debut Album “Primordial Reverie”

February 3, 2026
by Asher
· Cepheidae Variable · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 2026

Take A Journey Through Sound and Space w/ CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE’s Playthrough For “The Conduit”

Debut Album “Primordial Reverie” Out Now!

Photo Credit – Solo artist: Ryan Koepke – Guitar, Bass, Composition, Production

Progressive metal solo project Cepheidae Variable has released a brand‑new guitar playthrough for “The Conduit,” one of the most dynamic and emotionally charged tracks from the debut album “Primordial Reverie.”

“The Conduit” marks a pivotal moment in the album’s second act, an intense, cinematic chapter that bridges the whimsical sci‑fi elements of “Encounter” with the escalating scale of the album’s final movement.

The track opens with melancholic synths before erupting into layered taiko drums, atmospheric guitar harmonies, and shifting rhythmic tension. A dark, unexpected synth interlude fractures the momentum before the main theme returns in a mutated form, culminating in blast beats, a crushing breakdown, and a soaring, multi‑layered outro.

Koepke visualizes the piece as a journey through a cosmic portal, an entry point into the album’s “final frontier.”

The new guitar playthrough showcases the track’s technicality, emotional weight, and intricate layering, offering fans a closer look at the musicianship behind one of the album’s standout compositions.

Watch the playthrough for “The Conduit” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Created by multi‑instrumentalist and composer Ryan Koepke, Cepheidae Variable began as a personal creative outlet, an experiment in musical growth that unexpectedly evolved into a fully realized artistic endeavor. The project took on new urgency following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis, a life‑changing moment that pushed him to stop waiting and finally release music publicly after nearly two decades of playing guitar.

“Primordial Reverie became something I needed to make. It reflects the turbulence of that period—my father’s treatment, the optimism that followed, and becoming an expecting father myself. All of that emotion found its way into the music,” explains Koepke.

“Primordial Reverie” is a concept‑driven instrumental album built around three distinct acts, each defined by evolving biomes, tonal shifts, and recurring motifs. The record moves from symphonic fantasy elements to increasingly technical, sci‑fi‑influenced soundscapes. Fans of Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse will find familiar touchpoints, though Koepke’s writing maintains a unique identity shaped by improvisation, orchestration, and thematic storytelling.

“The album was always meant to be experienced as a complete piece. Themes mutate, rhythms return in unexpected ways, and each track supports the next. I wanted listeners to imagine their own story,” says Koepke.

The album features artwork by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman‑Lawn, whose surreal imagery helped shape the album’s tonal evolution. The music mirrors Koepke’s personal journey, blending uplifting fantasy elements with darker, more complex compositions.

From the adventurous energy of “Carving a Dragon” to the chaotic, orchestrated grandeur of “Singularity,” “Primordial Reverie” offers a wide spectrum of moods and textures while maintaining a cohesive narrative arc.

“I hope listeners can build their own story from the instrumentation. This album means a lot to me, and sharing it feels like sharing a piece of my life,” adds Koepke.

“Primordial Reverie” (released Nov 7th, 2025) is available now on all major streaming platforms and on CD at the following links:

https://cepheidaevariable.com/music

https://open.spotify.com/album/4BLZtU4yKDxOJEBiwE4Mpg

Videos:

“Carving a Dragon” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhp5qvAn2Pk

“The Waiting Storm” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohvtVeir32g

“Chromatic Haven” ft. guest solo from Matt Mills – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBuDp0Pm_Cw

Track Listing:
1. Overture (3:11)
2. Carving a Dragon (4:04)
3. The Waiting Storm (3:13)
4. Zephyr of Ouroboros (9:15)
5. Encounter (5:53)
6. The Conduit (6:03)
7. Chromatic Haven (5:11)
8. Entropic Harvester (10:27)
9. Singularity (11:32)
Album Length: 58:53

For more info: https://cepheidaevariable.com/

– 30 –

“This was a solid album to listen to. Without vocals, the artist has to work harder to convey his feelings and emotions in his music, and Ryan did that well. Many of the melodies you can hum or sing along with, and that’s a testament to the instrumental album.” – Metal Temple

“This is a well-performed album, great playing and a punch of a production too. Almost a 4 in grading.4/5” – Melodic.net

“Combining symphonic textures, sci-fi ambience, and progressive intricacy, Primordial Reverie explores the balance between chaos and melody, emotion and evolution. Through layers of orchestral arrangements, synths, and guitar-driven storytelling, Ryan invites listeners to experience a sonic voyage through creation, transformation, and reflection.” – Crannk

“It’s easy for instrumental metal, and for progressive metal, to lose their emotional punch in a pile of clever passages. Ryan Koepke does an excellent job maintaining poignancy throughout Primordial Reverie‘s hour-ish run time. This album does feel like a singular journey that takes the listener into different emotional headspaces as the music unfolds.” – Metal Utopia
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0 Rockshots Records – Finnish Dark Metal TORCHIA Unveils Video “Stygian Waters” From Upcoming Album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Out May 2026

February 3, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Torchia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 3, 2026

Finnish Dark Metal TORCHIA Unveils Video “Stygian Waters”

New Album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Out May 2026

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Stygian Waters”, the brand new single by Finnish dark metal act Torchia.

“Stygian Waters” is taken from Torchia’s upcoming fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness,” and represents a deliberate return to the band’s early guitar-driven aggression, infused with heightened cinematic tension and dark melodic intensity. Rooted in thrash-infused melodic death metal, the track channels relentless riffing and an urgent rhythmic drive while expanding the band’s signature gothic and occult atmosphere.

Commenting on the song, the band explains: “‘Stygian Waters’ is a throwback to the early years of Torchia, built around intense riffing and an almost relentless forward momentum. When the riffs first came together, they immediately evoked the image of a raging ocean and towering waves. From there, the lyrics took shape as a story of a maritime disaster – a desperate struggle against overwhelming natural forces with the suggestion that something darker and more supernatural may also be at play.”

Lyrically, “Stygian Waters” depicts a harrowing battle for survival where human will is tested against uncontrollable forces, blurring the line between reality and the uncanny. The song’s narrative-driven approach fits seamlessly within Torchia’s cursed fantasy universe, populated by ancient gods, dark rituals, and grim visions inspired by gothic horror traditions.

Musically, the single highlights Torchia’s evolved sound: sharp, driving guitar work remains at the core while cinematic layering and darker tonal shades add depth and dramatic weight. This balance between raw aggression and atmosphere reflects the broader identity of “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, an album that brings the band’s storytelling to life through a murky, 19th-century gothic vision.

Expanding on the album’s direction, the band adds: “With this record, we wanted to push our sound further into darker and more cinematic territory without losing the immediacy and energy that defined our earlier work. ‘Stygian Waters’ captures that balance perfectly – it’s fast, aggressive, and vivid but still deeply tied to the world and narratives we’ve been building over the years.”

“Stygian Waters” stands as a key chapter within “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, reaffirming Torchia’s identity as a band that merges extreme metal intensity with theatrical storytelling and a strong visual and conceptual aesthetic. Known for their explosive live performances led by masked frontman Nox, Torchia continue to carve their own path within the darker realms of the metal spectrum.

For fans of: Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/6cBhhT

“Stygian Waters” Official Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYW-oQpl7Yo

New album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” out May 8th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-cd

PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-lp

Track Listing:
1. Nekromanteion – 4:23
2. Hellmouth – 4:08
3. Into Hell – 3:38
4. Hellstorm – 3:55
5. Die Amour – 4:12
6. The Tiamat Machine – 5:39
7. Black Cat – 3:19
8. Stygian Waters – 4:05
9. Sanguine Masquerade – 4:46
Album Length: 38:05

Torchia Line-Up:
Nox: Vocals
Villemorte: Lead guitar, Vocals
Henri von Hardy: Guitar
Vulkan: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Vincent Oscar Mill: Drums

More info:

https://www.rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/curseoftorchia/

https://www.facebook.com/TorchiaOfficial/

About: Formed in Tampere, Finland, Torchia has steadily carved out a distinctive identity within the extreme metal scene by blending thrash-infused melodic death metal with dark fantasy, gothic horror, and cinematic atmospheres. Since their early years, the band has continuously evolved both musically and conceptually, expanding a cursed narrative universe populated by ancient gods, occult practices, and grim mythological visions.

With each release, Torchia has pushed further into darker and more theatrical territory. While their core remains firmly rooted in guitar-driven extreme metal, their sound has grown increasingly cinematic and blackened, incorporating dramatic arrangements and a heightened sense of atmosphere without sacrificing aggression or immediacy. Elements of classic heavy and power metal melody remain a key influence shaping their songwriting approach and reinforcing their dynamic, memorable structures.

Their fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, represents a defining chapter in the band’s artistic journey. Set against a bleak, 19th-century-inspired gothic backdrop, the album brings Torchia’s storytelling to life through vivid tales of horror, superstition, and doom, uniting narrative depth with relentless musical force.

Renowned for their intense and visceral live performances, Torchia have built a strong reputation as a formidable stage act. At the center of the spectacle stands masked frontman Nox, a commanding and symbolic figure who embodies the dark curse at the heart of the band’s identity, guiding audiences deep into Torchia’s shadowed world.

-30-

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0 Romanian Folkcore DIRTY SHIRT Shares Full Live Set at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025 + Announce “Dirtylicious Decade Tour”

February 3, 2026
by Asher
· Dirty Shirt · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 3, 2026

Romanian Folkcore DIRTY SHIRT Shares Full Live Set at Pol’and’Rock Festival 2025

+ Announce “Dirtylicious Decade Tour”

Dirty Short at Pol’and’Rock2025 – Photo Credit – Kasper Kędzierski

Dirty Shirt has released the full video of their explosive 2025 performance at Pol’and’Rock Festival, one of Europe’s largest and most iconic open‑air music events.

The 2025 edition marked a major milestone for the Romanian folk‑metal collective: their third Pol’and’Rock appearance, placing them alongside Dubioza Kolektiv as the only non‑Polish acts to have played the festival three times.

Dirty Shirt’s history with Pol’and’Rock is deeply intertwined with the festival’s spirit of community, charity, and musical diversity. In 2021, the band made their Pol’and’Rock debut during the special pandemic‑restricted edition, performing for a reduced audience of 20,000. In 2022, Dirty Shirt returned triumphantly after winning the Golden Spinning Top (Złoty Bączek), the public‑voted contest that determines which artist opens the next edition of the festival. Past winners include major international names such as Clawfinger, Papa Roach, Sabaton, Anthrax, Bring Me The Horizon, Avatar, Amon Amarth, and others. And their third and most recent appearance in 2025 came as part of EERA, the Eastern European Rock Alliance, an EU‑funded cultural collaboration. Dirty Shirt was one of the flagship bands of the project, making their return to Pol’and’Rock both symbolic and artistically meaningful.

Despite the excitement, the road to the 2025 stage was anything but easy. The band had traveled more than 16 hours from Romania to northern Poland the day before the show, arriving late at night. Show day began at 4:30 a.m. for a 6 a.m. soundcheck, with the hotel located over an hour from the festival grounds. By the time Dirty Shirt stepped on stage, it was well past midnight.

“Beyond the fatigue, playing at Pol’and’Rock always feels like coming alive again. The Polish audience, one of the most intense, passionate crowds we have ever played for, gives the energy back a hundredfold and reminds you why you do this in the first place,” shares the band.

Often described as “the biggest open‑air festival in Europe,” Pol’and’Rock is a free, charity‑driven event organized as a thank‑you to the volunteers and supporters of WOSP, The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity. WOSP’s annual Grand Finale raises funds for hospitals across Poland, more than $52 million USD in the most recent edition, and the festival stands as a cultural celebration of that nationwide effort.

Beyond music, Pol’and’Rock hosts workshops, conferences, and a wide range of artistic and educational activities, making it one of Europe’s most unique cultural gatherings.

Dirty Shirt is once again eligible for the Golden Spinning Top contest, and fans who want to support the band’s return to Pol’and’Rock in 2026 can vote online (email confirmation required): https://polandrockfestival.pl/o-festiwalu/zloty-baczek

The complete live set of their landmark third appearance at Pol’and’Rock 2025 is now available to watch online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v67KzzE6ivk

Over their 30 years, Dirty Shirt has become one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal bands, known for their explosive fusion of modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, the group has kept its core lineup intact for three decades, evolving into a major international act with a distinctive, genre‑blending identity. Their music draws from metal, hardcore, industrial, funk, world music, and authentic regional folk influences, enhanced by the use of traditional acoustic instruments both in the studio and on stage.

The band gained international attention after winning second place at the Wacken Metal Battle 2014 world final, followed by performances at major European festivals including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, Rockstadt Extreme Fest, Reload Festival, Dong Open Air, and many more. With more than 1000 shows across 17 countries, Dirty Shirt has shared stages with artists such as Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.

Their albums have earned widespread critical acclaim, featured in leading publications such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, Angry Metal Guy, Hard Rock Mag, and Metalized. Known for their high‑energy, danceable live performances and cross‑genre appeal, Dirty Shirt continues to expand its international presence while redefining what modern Eastern European metal can sound like.

Recommended for anyone looking for something interesting and lively, Dirty Shirt is for fans of Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, and The Hu.

Music video – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyloBE8YbqY

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lnoKzE5unKzShIzkjlTX7

DIRTY SHIRT Dirtylicious Decade Tour
Ticket Info – https://www.ambilet.ro/dirtyshirt/
30.01.2026 – Quantic – Bucuresti
31.01.2026 – Rockstadt – Brasov
12.02.2026 – Lokal – Oradea
13.02.2026 – Form Space – Cluj Napoca
14.02.2026 – Republic Hub – Tg Mures
06.03.2026 – Art Rock Cafe – Suceava
07.03.2026 – Urbana – Iasi
08.03.2026 – Beraria Valhalla – Bacau
20.03.2026 – Teatrul National – Ploiesti
21.03.2026 – Music For Autism – Constanta
17.04.2026 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu
19.04.2026 – The Station – Petrosani
08.05.2026 – Log Out – Baia Mare
09.05.2026 – Soho Music Hall – Bistrita
22.05.2026 – Terasa Flex – Arad
23.05.2026 – In Spatele Casei – Timisoara

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

-30-

“Long time readers will know by now that I am partial to the weirder side of heavy music. Dirty Shirt certainly has my attention this week. They’re like a mix of 6:33, Russkaja, and Turisas. This is bombastic, fun metal with Romanian folk mixed in. ” – Metal Injection

“Dirty Shirt, Your New Favorite Transylvanian Folk-Core Band ” – Metal Sucks

“DIRTY SHIRT only sound like DIRTY SHIRT.” – Metal Temple

“Is it catchy? Yes. Is it fun? Yes. Is it utterly mental? Yes. Highly recommended” – Metal Observer

” “…you’ve never heard anything quite like this before”” – Sonic Abuse

“This album is buoyant, blistering and bolshy; you certainly want to get your dose now!” 8/10 – Powerplay Magazine (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

“”Whoa! ‘Get Your Dose Now!’ is definitely not your average metal album. It’s simply something that you won’t hear anywhere else. Dirty Shirt is the real deal with extraordinarily talented musicians and a uniqueness that sets them apart from the crowd. If you’re in the market for some new music, this band offers something for everyone, from hardcore metal and thrash to tribal and traditional. It’s like your grandmother’s goulash recipe, a little of this and a little of that, with the end result being magical and inimitable.” – Uber Rock (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

“Dirty Shirt did a good job again and ‘Get Your Dose Now!’ is a very nice album to listen to and it deserves a listen.” – Folk-Metal.nl (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

“with DIRTY SHIRT you have joy in life and fun in music. They ignite a light in the currently dark world. A good mood is guaranteed. So get your dose today, now, get vaccinated against sadness and depression. before it’s too late. – Saitenkult (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

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0 HYPERSPACE METALFEST (Vancouver, BC) Announces Full 2026 Lineup w/ SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more!

February 2, 2026
by Asher
· Hyperspace Metal Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 2, 2026

HYPERSPACE METALFEST (Vancouver, BC) Announces Full 2026 Lineup

w/ SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more!

Vancouver – April 16-17 (The Cobalt), April 18 (Rickshaw Theatre)

Vancouver, B.C.’s leading melodic and power metal festival, HYPERSPACE METAL FEST, is gearing up for its 7th edition after another year packed with unforgettable, high‑energy performances. Taking place at The Cobalt on April 16 and 17, and at the Rickshaw Theatre on April 18, the festival has unveiled its full lineup of 2026 performers, which includes SANCTUARY, EDGE OF PARADISE, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, OWLBEAR, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, and more.

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

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

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/858534116963447

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

HYPERSPACE METAL FESTIVAL VII

Day One – April 16
Atavistia
Inpathos
Hyperstrike
Ravensun
Kayas

Day Two – April 17
Edge of Paradise
The Scepter
Lycanthro
Ophelia Falling
Valley of Despair

Day Three – April 18
Sanctuary – Performing Into The Mirror Black in its entirety
Owlbear – Canadian Debut
Artificial Language – Canadian Debut
Voidchaser
Witchkiller

About The Bands:

This year’s HMF headliner, Sanctuary, will make their exclusive Canadian appearance unforgettable by performing their acclaimed 1990 album Into the Mirror Black in full.

Formed in Seattle in 1985, Sanctuary quickly became a major force in the city’s metal scene, driven by the soaring vocals of the late Warrel Dane. Their debut, Refuge Denied (1988), produced by Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), put them on the global metal map, followed by the darker and more refined Into the Mirror Black in 1990. The rise of grunge paused the band’s momentum, leading members to form Nevermore, but Sanctuary reunited in 2011 and returned to major festival stages worldwide.

They released The Year the Sun Died in 2014 and the archival collection Inception in 2017. After Dane’s passing later that year, the band continued with Joseph Michael on vocals, earning strong support from fans. Today’s lineup features Michael, original members Lenny Rutledge and Dave Budbill, plus bassist George Hernandez, with a second guitarist joining them live.

Sanctuary will perform special sets of Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black at select 2026 festivals and is currently working on a new album, Transmutation. The band is ready to bring fresh music and a powerful new show back to Europe and beyond. See you on the road!

https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/

Video – Future Tense – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5NCBaPE3k0

====

Headlining the night two of HMF, Los Angeles’ Edge of Paradise arrives fresh off extensive North American touring with Delain, Xandria, and Japan’s Lovebites. Hyperspace Metal Fest in Vancouver is one of several major headline appearances for the band this year, alongside Fire It Up Festival in California and Rock in Rautheim in Germany, with more dates on the way.

The band recently released a striking new video for “Martyr (Monster)” from last year’s hit album Prophecy, expanding their immersive sci‑fi universe and showcasing new keyboardist Alex Nasla in his first performance with the group. The video’s second act reimagines the track as an instrumental, further deepening the album’s sonic world.

Known for their cinematic fusion of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, electronic textures, and vivid storytelling, Edge of Paradise, fronted by vocalist and visual artist Margarita Monet, has toured more than 30 countries and released acclaimed albums including Universe, The Unknown, Hologram, and now Prophecy (Napalm Records, 2025). Widely praised as their most ambitious work yet, Prophecy introduces 8‑string guitars and explores the looming “Singularity,” balancing futuristic themes with Monet’s emotional lyricism and artwork.

The band’s expanding creative universe also includes a graphic novel series that enriches the albums’ narratives. Lead single “Death Note” has quickly become a fan favorite, accompanied by a visually rich, cinematic video directed by Monet. With their bold artistic vision, relentless touring, and multi‑dimensional storytelling, Edge of Paradise continues to push modern rock forward—inviting fans into a world where music, art, and imagination collide.

https://www.edgeofparadiseband.com/

Video – Martyr (Monster) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtHYeuZpXbA

====

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

https://linktr.ee/atavistia

Video – Eternal Oceans (Reforged) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vthxzis6lzs

====

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

https://www.voidchaser.net/

Video – Time (feat. Universe Effects) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnxaEiAmBv4

====

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

https://www.facebook.com/OwlbearMetal

Lyric Video – Hawkriders Of The Waste – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AXFZ3ZmF5o

====

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

https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/

Video – Skinwalker – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyHudUCLQIM

====

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

https://www.opheliafalling.com/

Music Video – Destroyed in Delight – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksRUe2mCS5I

====

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

https://www.facebook.com/thesceptermetal

Stream – Protector of the Skies – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA0xp6VoWEY

====

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

https://www.inpathosofficial.com/

Music Video – Radiance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aokQVIH35EU

====

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

https://lycanthrometal.com/

Video – Far Beyond The Walls – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5ImX4EEwjk

====

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

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

“Day of the Saxons” LIVE Headbangers Open Air 2025 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVtxUuhRmk

====

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

https://valleyofdespair.ca/

Video – Burn At The Stake – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJcccWhNpUs

====

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

https://www.facebook.com/hyperstrikeband

Video – Leaving You Again – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuLjvIJyz8w

====

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

https://www.facebook.com/ravensunmetal

Live at Armstrong MetalFest 2024 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxPgSDlXgCs

====

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

https://linktr.ee/kayasofficial

Music Video – Reflections in the Water – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1VQ07Pej40

====

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

Festival Press Materials Dropbox HERE.

Over the six editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Enforcer, Psyhostick, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Lunar, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.

– 30 –

“It’s Western Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival with a lineup of local, national, and international acts ranging from Sweden’s Enforcer and Toronto’s Crimson Shadows to local faves Crüzer. All told, 15 acts will turn amps to 11 and bring the noize to headbanging fans.” – Stuart Derdyn, Vancouver Sun (2025)

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0 Vancouver Progressive Melo‑Death Newcomers CAERRIAN Debut Their Viking Epic “Fathomless Ruin”

January 30, 2026
by Asher
· Caerrian · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 30, 2026

Vancouver Progressive Melo‑Death Newcomers CAERRIAN Debut Their Viking Epic “Fathomless Ruin”

L-R – Ken Rothe – Guitar, Tyler Parsons – Vocals, Justin Marcil – Bass, Justin Gordon – Guitar, Aaron Graham – Drums

Vancouver progressive melodic death metal band Caerrian has unleashed their debut single, “Fathomless Ruin”, a fiercely dynamic track that stands as a definitive introduction to the band’s evolving sound. Sweeping, cinematic, and steeped in Viking‑inspired atmosphere, the single offers the first glimpse into Caerrian’s forthcoming EP, slated for release in spring 2026.

“We wanted to launch this project, and ‘Fathomless Ruin’ was the obvious pick,” adds lead guitarist and primary songwriter Ken Rothe.

“Fathomless Ruin” began as a forgotten riff idea nearly eight years ago, resurrected when Caerrian emerged from the ashes of their previous project, Warrborn. As Rothe’s playing evolved, the song transformed, with new transitions, new moods, and a new narrative direction.

Originally imagined with a “Top Gun–style” aerial theme, the track ultimately became a dark maritime saga: a Viking fleet crossing the sea to pillage, only to be annihilated by the kraken. One lone survivor washes ashore, stripped of glory and left only with the burden of the tale.

“It’s a song with a moral. Set out to rape, pillage, and kill, face your demise, and if you live, expect to be alone with no one, no glory, only sorrow,” says Rothe.

Musically, the track mirrors this arc, uplifting and epic, then dark and evil, then triumphant again. The single artwork reflects this duality, merging “death from above” imagery with oceanic devastation to echo the song’s themes of hubris and consequence.

Recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Dissection, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Opeth, listen to “Fathomless Ruin” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0PjQSykqxWdlAZufqXQv1I

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlAxEbX_sZI

Caerrian formed after the dissolution of Warrborn, the long-running project that previously featured Rothe and guitarist Justin Gordon. As Rothe’s playing advanced during the pandemic and new members joined, the band’s sound shifted so dramatically that a complete rebirth became inevitable.

“We had a few songs that were OK, but lacked the technical aspects I loved. With the new sound, new members, and new direction, renaming the band was the best solution,” explains Rothe.

Today, Caerrian’s lineup includes Ken Rothe (Guitar), Justin Gordon (Guitar), Justin Marcil (Bass), Tyler Parsons (Vocals), and Aaron Graham (Drums) (Drumeo instructor, UBC Doctorate in Percussion).

Their sound, summed up in five words: heavy, melodic, progressive, familiar, catchy, draws influence from Lamb of God, Iron Maiden, Opeth, Megadeth, and Dream Theater. The band blends technical riffs, massive tones, progressive structures, and melodic solos that serve the song rather than simply shred for spectacle.

Caerrian’s songwriting process is meticulous and collaborative. Riffs are brought into the DAW or rehearsal space, expanded upon, rearranged, and refined until the structure reveals itself. Whispered placeholder vocals guide the eventual lyrical layout, which Rothe and Gordon finalize before handing them to their vocalist.

Lyrics explore themes of power struggles, manipulation, societal fractures, government overreach, and the psychological toll of modern life, often wrapped in metaphorical narratives like Viking sagas or icy mountain ascents. Early on, the band collaborated with Chris Dyck (formerly of Anciients), who helped shape their thematic approach.

Caerrian’s upcoming EP, recorded at Rain City Recorders with Matt Roach, promises a powerful blend of crushing guitar tones, progressive arrangements, melodic and mood‑driven solos, and atmospheric passages reminiscent of Opeth, all wrapped in themes of control, defeat, manipulation, and awakening. On stage, the band strives to mirror that same precision and intensity, delivering big, articulate guitar tones, tight harmonies, technical passages to captivate the musicians in the crowd, and heavy, chug‑ready riffs for the headbangers. Above all, Caerrian’s mission is to make people feel something, emotionally, physically, and intellectually.

Show Dates:
Jan 31 – Green Auto – Vancouver, BC – info – ‘To My Bones’ – Fundraiser Show For The Jonny Bones Vinyl Compilation Album
Feb 21 – Chillhouse Studio – Chilliwack, BC – w/ Torrefy, Yegg, Cryptic Enslavement – info

More Info: https://linktr.ee/caerrian

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0 EPK – CAERRIAN – Fathomless Ruin (2026)

January 29, 2026
by Asher
· Caerrian · EPKs

EPK – CAERRIAN – Fathomless Ruin (2026)

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

For fans of Lamb of God, Dissection, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Opeth

“We are CÆRRIAN. Progressive melodic death metal from Mission, BC, Canada. A unique blend of heaviness, melody & harmony, covered with layers of frost.”

“Fathomless Ruin was a song concept written almost 8 years ago, just a riff idea that never saw the light of day. Resurrected when Warrborn was dissolved. Breakthroughs in my playing led to new parts and transitions that led to feel changes in the song, which influenced the lyrical concept and song structure. The lyrics wrote themselves after the first verse was laid out. The vision for the lyrics became crystal clear to me after writing the bridge section. It started off as a top gun-style theme, I envisioned jet fighters flying through the clouds, etc., but later saw the death of a Viking fleet at the mercy of the kraken. A song with a moral: Set out to rape, pillage, and kill, face your demise, and if you live, expect to be alone with no one, no glory, only sorrow. ” – Caerrian

All Links – https://linktr.ee/caerrian

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571108528697 | https://instagram.com/caerrian | https://x.com/caerrian | https://www.youtube.com/@caerrian | https://tiktok.com/@caerrian

Spotify – https://show.co/6yOWAUD

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Caerrian
Single Title: Fathomless Ruin (5:45)
Release Date: Jan 30th 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby
Genre: Melodic/Progressive Death metal
Location of Band: Vancouver, BC

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Caerrian
• All songs written by: Ken Rothe, Chris Dyck, Justin Gordon, Aaron Graham
• Produced by: Ken Rothe, Chris Dyck, Justin Gordon
• Mixed by: Matt Roach
• Mastered by: Matt Roach
• Album Artwork by: Cimmerian Art
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording Line Up:
Ken Rothe – Lead Guitar
Justin Gordon – Rhythm Guitar
Josh Erhart – Bass
Aaron Graham – Drums
Tyler Parsons – Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Ken Rothe – Lead Guitar
Justin Gordon – Rhythm Guitar
Justin Marcil – Bass
Aaron Graham – Drums
Tyler Parsons – Vocals

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

About Single Artwork:

The single artwork is inspired by a death from above theme, and also an ocean theme, to kind of keep with the lyrical contents, which is about crossing the ocean to pillage and getting decimated along the way.

About the upcoming EP (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The EP is a heavy melodic journey that crosses genres and tickles the brain. Sonically, crushing with massive guitar tones and pro sound quality. There is something in it for everyone, even calm parts like Opeth would have in their tunes, which lead to heavy parts. Stompy bits, prog bits, and everything in between, super melodic solos that aren’t just shreddy, but suit the moods. Lyrics are mainly based around the topics listed above: power struggles, defeat, control, and manipulation.

About The Track:

Fathomless ruin: uplifting and epic, then dark and evil, then uplifting again. The song is about a fleet of Vikings crossing the sea to pillage, encountering the kraken along the way, which destroys the fleet and all the warriors, leaving one soul survivor washed ashore in a foreign land to tell the tale.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND:

1) Caerrian’s lyrical concepts and messages are designed to make people think. The current state of the world, the current state of your life, the past decisions you’ve made, and the implications of your actions. It is supposed to bring light to the various shady aspects of govt, finance, social media, influencers, and corporations who are really running the show. Some of our lyrics were written after doing our taxes, the burn of that, the burden of having to do your own work to pay someone else for things they aren’t delivering to us. Other things, such as the manipulation of the masses through social media, also heavily influence our writing, the strengthening of left vs. right, especially during COVID, and then after. We like to try to remain neutral on these things, but to show people that the left and right aren’t so divided, we should be more aligned with one another. To wake up and stop believing everything read on social media and everything delivered to us in the news.

2) This single and the EP were recorded at Raincity recorders by Caerrian, with Matt Roach. Who engineered, mixed, and mastered it all.

3) We used the Quad Cortex, a Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rev A), a Diesel VH4, and a Modded 5150 block letter through Mesa, and Marshall cabinets to achieve the guitar tones. Solar and ESP Guitars. All guitars use Evertune Bridges, fishmann fluence pick ups, and EMG pickups.

4) Drums are all live off the floor, and mic’d up, no triggers or samples used.

5) Our Drummer Aaron is an instructor with Drumeo and has a Doctorate in percussion from UBC.

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

L-R – Ken Rothe – Guitar, Tyler Parsons – Vocals, Justin Marcil – Bass, Justin Gordon – Guitar, Aaron Graham – Drums

Launched in December of 2024, CÆRRIAN is a five-piece progressive/melodic death metal band from Mission, BC, Canada.

Drawing influence from many metal sub-genres, the core sound is akin to bands like Amon Amarth, Soilwork, Iced Earth, Arch Enemy, Shadows Fall, Death, and Lamb of God.

Aiming to hit the riffs and grooves of Pantera, Megadeth & Slayer, while layering the progressive elements of Mastodon and the frostiness of Dissection or Witchery.

A unique blend of heaviness, melody, and harmony that we feel has something for every listener’s taste.

Vox: Tyler Parsons
Lead: Ken Rothe
Rhythm: Justin Gordon
Bass: Justin Marcil
Drums: Aaron Graham

Artist Endorsements: Aaron Graham – Sabian Cymbals

Shared Stage with:
•Anciients
•Ashen Pall
•Blackthrone Ascension
•Cryptic Enslavement
•Cultovar
•Dredge the River
•Deathbound
•Edith
•Empress
•Gregorious
•Heathanz Sinz
•Hushed
•Insurrection
•Killing Twins
•Malevolent
•Mortuary Cave
•Mutual Trauma
•Mvlgrave
•No Living Witness
•Omniesia
•PlagueDoctor
•Quasicosm
•Terrifier
•Torrefy
•Vampires and Leeches
•Vision of Verity
•Woke Up Wasted
•Yegg

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