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Posts By Asher

0 Honouring TOMAS LINDBERG’s Legacy Canada’s CULLED w/ Members of MARES OF THRACE Cover DISFEAR’s “Deadweight”

  • September 18, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Culled · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2026

Canada’s CULLED w/ Members of MARES OF THRACE Honour TOMAS LINDBERG’s Legacy w/ Cover of DISFEAR’s “Deadweight”

Canada’s Culled are honouring one of their greatest influences, Tomas Lindberg, on the first anniversary of his passing on September 16th, 2025. To mark the moment, Culled, along with backing vocals from Thérèse “Trez” Lanz and Casey Rogers from Mares of Thrace, is releasing a ferocious cover of Disfear’s “Deadweight” from the 2008 album “Live the Storm.” Lindberg’s legacy stretches across metal and punk, fronting At The Gates, Grotesque, The Great Deceiver, Disfear, The Crown, Skitsystem, and the grindcore supergroup Lock Up.

His impact on extreme music is undeniable, but it’s Lindberg’s work with Sweden’s crust‑punk wrecking crew Disfear that resonates most deeply with Alberta’s sludge‑soaked grind unit Culled. Their tribute channels the raw, storm‑ridden energy that made “Live the Storm” a landmark, and reflects just how profoundly Lindberg’s voice shaped their own sonic identity.

“With the first anniversary of his passing from cancer coming up, we wanted to pay tribute to his legacy by recording a cover of the song “Deadweight”. Not only is this d-beat masterpiece a sonic triumph in the Disfear discography, but it’s also still very poignant in today’s charged climate, fits Culled’s stance lyrically and emotionally, and hits hard from the first verse into the chorus…
​
“Propagating, entertaining, Rewriting and censoring

Our history desecrated, adjust, adapt, obey

Teachers, media, politicians, and, yeah, your parents as well

Are either bought or just equally fucked
​
It’s a one-way communication, A deadweight population
It’s a one-way communication; I won’t conform, no fucking way! “
adds vocalist Shane Hawco.
​
Proceeds from Bandcamp digital downloads of “Deadweight” will be donated to The Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Bandcamp – https://culled.bandcamp.com/track/dead-weight

​

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZgqzqMwB-k

​

Culled is a Sludge/Doom Encrusted Grind band from Alberta, Canada, with members residing in Calgary & Edmonton. The band features members with a historical impact in the Western Canadian heavy music scene, including former and current members of bands such as Thorazine, Disciples of Power, WAKE, Exit Strategy, Broken Nose, Fuquored, Mass Distraction, Begrime Exemious, The Noumenon, Section VIII, Acantha, and Bestir.

Their latest EP “Psycles,” released in July 2024 via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions, was recorded with Rob Lawless at Lawless Recording, mixed by Jesse Gander at Rain City Studios, and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege Mastering.

Album (CD / Digital/ Bundles) at https://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com and (Cassettes/ Vinyl/ Digital) https://www.culled.ca.

Music Video – “Halo of Flies” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx8ku0sjvHc​

Music Video – “Coercion” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRu_Y0JQGC4​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/2VATxkdiw86kl9pBXMXw7E​

More info:

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555777401936​

​https://www.instagram.com/culled.ca/​

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“Entitled Psycles, the band’s newest is a five-song EP that sees the quartet expanding their sonic wingspan with some of the longest and most dynamic songs of their canon rubbing crusty and grease-stained shoulders with punchy sub-two minute ragers. As well, Psycles sees them making a shift from blatant political call-outs to an exploration of the current state of our collective consciousness.” – Decibel Magazine​
​
​“Instead of beginning Psycles with one of those swift cuts, they mimic their first EP with the lengthy “The Trauma Of History.” At seven-plus minutes, it’s a great encapsulation of all of their influences merging into one song. The gloomy intro that doesn’t rush off, an abrupt dive into bedlam, then back to an extended outro repeating a crushing riff. Psycles defies anyone’s opinion of where it’ll head, maintaining this for 20 minutes.” – Heavy Music HQ​
​
​“Culled has released an excellent second EP, alarmist, vindictive and full of intensity.” – Eklektik Rock​
​
​“Once you press play on «Psycles», you will find yourself in a spiral of frustration, darkness and violence in equal parts, which will leave you completely destroyed. And the quartet does not set limits or restrictions when creating music within the parameters that they themselves have chosen. Such a thing translates into two things: authenticity and intensity.” – Broken Tomb Magazine​
​
​“Throwing their bullets in the fire and running like hell, title track “Psycles” is an all out 105 seconds of pulverising Deathgrind with a Hardcore Punk edge that punches you in the guts and then asks you to say thank you for it. The track has it all from intense blasting on the kit to razor sharp earworm riffs that get stuck in your cranium. It’s not quite the polar opposite of the opening cut but it cuts out the Doom in delivering Meta to the Masses.” – Metal Noise​
​
​“This 5 song EP is sure to grab your attention from the first song. “The Trauma of History” has a very interesting intro with a gripping instrumental behind it, then charges into the over 7-minute song with the racing climb then peaks out and brings you down smooth and gentle. Continuing with the 4 additional tracks, getting more aggressive and doomier, this EP displays the originality and talent of this group!” – Keeper Magazine​
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​“The approximately twenty-minute long EP is exciting extremeness that touches on grindcore, power violence and death/doom… The title track is faster and more uniform in tempo, but still incredibly well rehearsed and nuanced. That is one steamroller of a bass. The guttural vocals destroy all in its path and the blasting drums mean business again… Coercion is an assault and too short. It has my favourite riffing of the album in the middle of the powerviolence. Here the band is as heavy as it is technical. Any faster than Halo Of Flies and they need a new mach benchmark to do it justice. Amazingly, it never loses its coherence or tightness. Where did this band come from again? Excision (Lost Cause) reintroduces those slower parts next to the hyper speed barrage and disharmonic riffing. The band always has a few things to say, but allows itself to deviate from the minute-long excursions to spell them out on tracks like this. This group is culled from a different herd and just crushes it. – Ali “The Metallian””​
​
​“Political tensions in the world are running high, and Culled want you to know that they’re not down with it. Combining their searing take on the state of the world with a sludgy grind assault, Culled back their statements with tight songwriting and aggressive performance. On their debut album Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn, Culled wrap angular grindcore in thick sludge, spitting out blasts, mosh parts and distinctive vocals that reflect the band’s disgusted mindset.” – Decibel Magazine​
​
​“Sludge grind is one of those things that shouldn’t really exist and yet somehow Culled make it work. They sound absolutely colossal on their new track “Contagion,” a nearly nine minute epic that manages to combine everything that makes the band great. The stop/start madness and dynamic interplay of this song speaks to the band’s talent as songwriters. Meanwhile, the guitar tone alone speaks volumes to what this band has come to represent. With punk fringes on some truly punishing tracks, it’s hard not to be fascinated by the morbid horror of the band. The lead single, ‘Contagion,’ is a mesmerizing ode. It comes from their upcoming LP, Thin The Herd, Fail To Learn, due out October 26th on Hibernation Release. It’s hard to balance two genres that seem so diametrically opposed whilst simultaneously sneaking in moments of pure explorations into the sublime. Experimental, genre bending and clearly forward thinking, ‘Contagion’ is a triumph for a rising force.” – Metal Injection​
​
​“Alberta-based grinders Culled embrace all things grimy on their debut full-length, Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn. Much like fellow Canadian forward-thinkers WAKE and Fuck the Facts, Culled embrace grindcore’s lineage while pushing beyond the genre’s typical tropes. The quartet infuse their interpretation of grindcore with jarring discordance and elements of caustic sludge; a sound that is then fully fleshed out by intricate songwriting that demands more showtime than the genre typically lends its songs. Couple these unyielding stretches of chaotic instrumentation with relevant sociopolitical lyrical themes and listeners have quite the physical and cerebral beating in store for them… …Culled‘s Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn is an extremely solid debut recording that points to greater things in the future for these gentlemen.” – Svbterranean​
​
​“Edmonton, AB grind outfit Culled push the boundaries of the genre on their debut full-length, Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn. The quartet incorporate slow, sludgy grooves and doom-laden riffs into their discordant grindcore, resulting in a contrast of sounds that is jarring yet complementary… Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn is an impressive debut that showcases a battle of conflicting sounds throughout its 25-minute runtime. What makes it work is Culled’s thoughtful approach to song composition and structure, along with socio-political lyrical content to match the angst-filled emotions that their music emanates.” – Exclaim!

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Montreal 90’s Thrash Titans FORESHADOW (ft. members Augury, Vantablack Warship, Arseniq33) Reemerges w/ “This Harvest That You’ve Sown” From “Here Down On Earth” Out Oct 2026

  • September 18, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Foreshadow · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2026

A 35‑Year Awakening- Montreal 90’s Thrash Titans FORESHADOW (ft. members Augury, Vantablack Warship, Arseniq33) Reemerges w/ “This Harvest That You’ve Sown”

New EP “Here Down On Earth” Out Oct 2026

Top – L-R- Patrick Loisel (Rhythm and Lead Guitars), Kurtis Clifford (Bass)

Bottom – L-R – Patrick Knup ( Rhythm and Lead Guitars), Pierre Pitre (Drums)

Montreal’s long‑dormant yet fiercely remembered metal force Foreshadow, featuring members Patrick Loisel (Augury), Kurt Clifford (Vantablack Warship), Pierre Pitre (Arseniq33), and Patrick Knup (Clearwater Deathblow), erupts back into the spotlight with the release of their new single and lyric video “This Harvest That You’ve Sown”, from their upcoming EP “Here Down On Earth,” due out on October 2nd, along with select support show dates across Quebec (dates listed below).

Formed formally in 1990, Foreshadow’s origins trace back to summer jams between Patrick, Kurt, and Pierre in the late ’80s. By 1992, the lineup solidified with the addition of Patrick Knup, a fellow musician Loisel met while working in a music store. The band quickly became known for pushing thrash metal into unexpected territories, touching everything from funk to extreme music.

The EP is a complete re‑recording of Foreshadow’s 1991 demo, originally shelved due to poor sound quality. The band preserved the original track order, omitting only a ballad Loisel felt was too soft and time‑consuming to revisit.
​
Lyrically, the EP explores social tension, environmental decay, anti‑military sentiment, and the cyclical nature of human behaviour, topics Loisel has studied deeply as a historian and teacher. And the EP cover revisits their original 1991 demo art, depicting violence, pollution, and intolerance, issues that remain disturbingly relevant.
​
​“Things are so similar now that I feel like I am 21 again. These general patterns keep repeating themselves regardless of whether we are a primitive or technological society. This album re‑emerging now is like the best timing ever,” adds Loisel.

Unveiling the lead single, “This Harvest That You’ve Sown”, the track, which was originally written in the late 1980s, channels Foreshadow’s trademark fusion of aggression, social commentary, and boundary‑pushing intensity. Written by Loisel, it confronts ecological collapse and environmental urgency, themes he has been speaking about publicly since childhood.

“This Harvest That You’ve Sown,” which I wrote, is about ecological concerns. I was an activist during my youth, and I first started speaking publicly about environmental concerns in 1978 at the age of 8. So it is a lifelong vocation for me,” says Patrick Loisel

Musically, the song reflects Foreshadow’s evolution: heavier tuning, sharpened aggression, and a rhythmic backbone that remains as solid as it was in the early ’90s. Fans can expect a listening experience that feels both frozen in time and shockingly current, an echo of the late ’80s delivered with the force of musicians who refuse to mellow with age.

Listen to “This Harvest That You’ve Sown” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDWvLce3jo8

​

Foreshadow’s roots pull from Forbidden, early Testament, Helmet, Pantera, Primus, Slayer, and Carcass. Their modern sound is heavier, tighter, and tuned down from Eb to B, giving the EP a crushing weight that rivals contemporary extreme metal.

With renewed interest from younger metal fans and stronger genre demographics than the early ’90s, Foreshadow expects this release to resonate far beyond nostalgia.

“We sound as aggressive as if we were 35 years younger,” Loisel says. “It doesn’t show an iota.”

Due out October 2, 2026, the EP pre-order / pre-save for “Here Down On Earth” is available at the following link:

​https://foreshadow.bandcamp.com/​

Show Dates:​
Oct 17 – O’Sim Irish Pub – Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC
Oct 24 – Turbo Haus – Montreal, QC

Track Listing:​
1. Y? – 6:17
2. Decretei – 3:40
3. This Harvest That You’ve Sown – 4:39
4. As Heroes Die – 7:01
5. Here Down On Earth – 8:46
EP Length: 30:26

Band Lineup:​
Patrick Loisel – Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Kurtis Clifford – Bass Guitar
Pierre Pitre – Drums
Patrick Knup – Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar

More Info – https://www.facebook.com/foreshadowmtl​

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​

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Out Now! DIRTY SHIRT Celebrates 30 Years w/ The Ultimate Live Best Of Album! “Dirty Thirty Live”

  • September 18, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Dirty Shirt · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2026

Out Now! DIRTY SHIRT Celebrates 30 Years w/ The Ultimate Live Best Of Album! “Dirty Thirty Live”

Celebrating 30 years as one of Eastern Europe’s most distinctive and genre‑defying metal bands, the champions of folkcore, Dirty Shirt, are sharing the ultimate live best-of album, “Dirty Thirty Live”. The live album features 30 songs selected from 11 of the most important performances in the Romanian band’s history. The album is available on a double-CD digipack, deluxe double vinyl, and digital streaming.

“DIRTY THIRTY LIVE is a journey through some of the biggest and most important shows of our career. From FolkCore Detour to Wacken, from Hellfest and Rockstadt Extreme Fest to the incredible crowds of Pol’and’Rock, these recordings capture the energy, madness, and emotion that we’ve shared with you onstage throughout the years,” says Mihai Tivadar.

The live album follows Dirty Shirt‘s other celebratory record, “Dirty Thirty (The Best Of),” released this past June on digital platforms, as a limited double‑CD digipak, and on vinyl.

“Dirty Thirty Live” features live recordings from their performances at the following events:

FolkCore Detour – 2017
Wacken Open Air – 2019
25 Years: Pandemic Special – 2020
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2021
Maximum Rock Festival – 2021
Hellfest – 2022
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2022
WOŚP Grand Finale – 2023
Electric Castle – 2025
Rockstadt Extreme Fest – 2025
Pol’and’Rock Festival – 2025

Track Listing:​
​
​CD 1:​
1. Rapsodia Română – Ciocârlia (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour 2017)
2. Put It On (Hellfest, 2022)
3. Fake (Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
4. Nem Loptam (Pol’and’Rock, 2021)
5. Când s-o-mpărțit norocu’ (Part 1, Electric Castle, 2025)
6. Ride (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
7. Freak Show (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
8. Hora Lentă (Wacken, 2019)
9. Moneyocracy (Maximum Rock Festival, 2021)
10. Bun îi vinul ghiughiuliu – Dulce-i vinu’ (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
11. Cobzar (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
12. Dope-A-Min (WOŚP Grand Finale, 2023)
13. FOMO / Fear of Missing Out (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)
14. Geamparalele (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
15. Rapapara (feat. Łydka Grubasa, Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
​
​CD 2:​
16. Căluşarii (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour 2017)
17. Pretty Faces (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)
18. Hot for Summer (Hellfest, 2022)
19. Nice Song (Pol’and’Rock, 2021)
20. Away (25 Years Pandemic Special, 2020)
21. New Conspiracy (Pol’and’Rock, 2022)
22. Manifest (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
23. Ungarische Tänze No. 5 – Mental Csárdás (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
24. Ciuleandra – Hoții (feat. Ansamblul Transilvania, FolkCore Detour, 2017)
25. Büntető (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
26. Dirtylicious (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
27. Maramu’ (Wacken, 2019)
28. Săracă inima me (Rockstadt Extreme Fest, 2025)
29. Bad Apples (Wacken, 2019)
30. Pălinca – Latcho Drom (Pol’and’Rock, 2025)

“Dirty Thirty Live” double-CD digipak, deluxe double vinyl, and digital streaming are available at the following links:

​https://www.dirty-merch.com/​

​https://dirtyshirt.bandcamp.com/​

Digital – https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband​

For more info: https://dirty-shirt.com/​
​
​About Dirty Shirt:​
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse, fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more, and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 600 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.

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“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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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Feel The Rumbling of ESHTADUR’s “Thunderground” From New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out Oct 2026

  • September 18, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Eshtadur · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2026

Feel The Rumbling of ESHTADUR’s “Thunderground” From New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out Oct 2026

New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out October 2nd, 2026 via Rockshots Records

Colombian melodic death metal force ESHTADUR strikes again with “Thunderground,” the final single leading into their upcoming album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone,” set for release October 2nd via Rockshots Records.

Fast, heavy, and uncompromising, “Thunderground” channels the band’s signature blend of relentless riffing, razor‑sharp melodies, and a brooding atmosphere rooted in the album’s mystical narrative, delivering a fierce and focused snapshot of ESHTADUR’s evolving sound.

At the heart of the song stands the Thunder God, a celestial force associated with awakening and spiritual transformation. Inspired by traditions in which being struck by lightning can represent receiving a gift or a calling, “Thunderground” presents thunder as a force of both destruction and revelation, breaking through illusion to trigger a new state of consciousness.

This symbolism connects directly with the journey at the core of “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“. The Thunder God’s call is directed at The Crow, the shamanic figure who moves through the album’s narrative, where darkness becomes a path toward transformation and self-discovery. Rather than serving as an end in itself, destruction becomes the catalyst for awakening and the beginning of another stage in that journey.

The same sense of urgency shapes the music. Fast guitars and heavy, direct riffs propel the track forward while melodic guitar lines interact with the vocals to create a balance between aggression and atmosphere. The result is a concise and immediate song that places the intensity of ESHTADUR’s death metal foundations alongside the melodic character that defines the record.

That balance extends throughout “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“. Developed over four years, the twelve-track album brings together black and death metal foundations with melodic and symphonic elements, expanding the band’s sound through orchestral arrangements, layered vocals, and Tuvan vocal techniques.

The orchestral dimension was developed in collaboration with the Caldas Symphonic Orchestra, with sessions recorded at Batuta’s Theater in Manizales, Colombia. Produced by Jorg August, the album also features drums recorded by Michal Lysejko (Dieth) in Poland, while mixing and mastering were handled by Tomasz Zed Zalewski.

Following “Into The Woods”, “August’s Burdens” and “Omen Of Millennia”, “Thunderground” completes the series of singles leading into “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“, out October 2nd, 2026 via Rockshots Records.

For fans of Septicflesh, Dissection, and At The Gates.

Stream “Thunderground”: https://lnk.to/dBZm13

​

Watch the Official Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP4yoszcOtc

​

Pre-order “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“: https://rockshots.eu/products/eshtadur-in-darkness-all-shadows-gone-cd​

Previous Videos:

Into The Woods – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewIYMme4L1c

​

August’s Burdens – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pSRUm_mjvE

​”Omen Of Millennia” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKik4Z03Mcc

​

Track Listing:​
1. Age of Antumbra – 2:00
2. Into The Woods – 4:41
3. Umbra – 6:22
4. August’s Burdens – 4:59
5. Fire Above Mountain Below – 5:08
6. Old Shaman Blind – 5:08
7. Thunderground – 3:40
8. Ruler of the Lake – 5:14
9. A Black Winged Waltz – 9:23
10. Nebulae (Virgo) – 5:09
11. Omen of Millennia – 3:56
12. Soy Real – 5:11
​
​ESHTADUR are:
Jorg August – Vocals, guitars
Camilo Barbosa – Lead guitars
Andres Gonzalez – Bass
David Lopez – Drums

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

​https://www.instagram.com/eshtadur/​

BIOGRAPHY:

Founded in Colombia and active since 2007, ESHTADUR combines Gothenburg-influenced death metal, black metal, and classical composition with an interest in poetry, mysticism, existence, and cosmogony. The band has toured extensively across Europe and North America, sharing stages with artists including Behemoth, Deicide, Vader, Hate, and Exodus, and appearing at events such as 70000 Tons of Metal, Rock al Parque, and Grita Fest.

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—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Out Now! Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” and New Video “Stealer”

  • September 18, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Aletheya (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2026

Out Now! Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” and New Video “Stealer”

Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya releases “Stealer”, the new single from their debut full-length album “Chance To Reborn”, out now as of September 18th, on digital and CD Digipak Version via Rockshots Records.

Accompanied by an official lyric video, “Stealer” arrives in conjunction with the album’s release, bringing its heavier side into focus while remaining firmly connected to Aletheya’s melodic power metal roots.

The band comments:

“The heaviest and most ’80s-inspired track on the album while still maintaining coherence with the overall sound and recalling classic metal elements like White Lion.”

While “Shame” explored a more introspective atmosphere and “Chasing The Sun” embraced an uplifting power metal drive, “Stealer” adds a different shade to “Chance To Reborn”. Across the album, Aletheya builds on their melodic power metal foundations with symphonic, neoclassical, and progressive influences shaping a sound that balances melody, energy, and emotional depth.

Watch the lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNXPuH-aEo0

​

Digital Single: https://lnk.to/XGout3FG​

Conceived as a cohesive listening experience rather than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” draws lyrically from personal experiences and explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner struggle, awareness, and transformation. These different perspectives reflect the band’s approach to turning conflict and adversity into strength, creating a recurring emotional thread throughout the record.

Produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio with additional keyboards performed by Alessio Lucatti (Vision Divine, Deathless Legacy), “Chance To Reborn” marks Aletheya’s first full-length release and brings together the experience of musicians active across the Italian and international metal scene.

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

ORDER THE ALBUM: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4szmGzBq6jClwrF4EsM15O

​Music Video – “Chasing The Sun” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfyahKs7_v4

​

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, and 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.

-30-

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0 Newfoundland Thrash WITHIN THE REALM Unveils First Single w/ Video “Into The Night” From Debut Album “…Of Systemic Decay” Out End of Oct 2026

  • September 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Within The Realm

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 17, 2026

Newfoundland Thrash WITHIN THE REALM Unveils “Into The Night” From Debut Album “…Of Systemic Decay” Out End of Oct 2026

St. John’s, Newfoundland thrash metal force Within The Realm proudly announces the October 30th release of their debut album “…Of Systemic Decay”, a raw, fast, and fiercely old‑school assault forged from the band’s deep roots in 80s/90s thrash. This first full-length delivers a blistering blend of thrash aggression, conspiracy‑charged lyricism, psychological turmoil, and anti‑authoritarian fire. Produced by drummer Michael Small and recorded DIY with no click tracks, no autotune, and no polish, the album embraces the unfiltered honesty of live performance: fast, loud, and unapologetically real.
​
Across its tracks, the record explores internal dread, external oppression, UFO disclosure, societal collapse, and the cathartic power of heavy metal culture. Songs like “Sixth Sense,” “Spiral of Terror,” “Hidden Agenda,” “The Hydra,” and “The Information Is Out” dive into themes of trauma, manipulation, government deception, and unified resistance. Meanwhile, tracks such as “Endless Life” and “Into the Night” celebrate heavy metal as a lifelong sanctuary, brotherhood, and outlet for primal energy.
​
​“We wrote this album with a certain rawness and honesty that came from our love of 80s and 90s metal,” says bassist Rick White. “Those decades inspire us the most, and we truly captured that on this LP,” adds Rick White (bass and backing vocals).
​
​“It feels great to finally have these songs recorded after almost 10 years. Everything happened at the right time; we’ve grown as players and as friends,” adds drummer/producer Michael Small.
​
The first glimpse of the album is the single “Into the Night,” a celebration of everything metal stands for: nostalgia, intensity, and lifelong devotion to the scene from 1985 to today. With its 90s thrash vibe, melodic hooks, and high‑octane energy, the track has already become a fan favorite at live shows.
​
​“It’s a banger track, and it kicks ass. This single gives people the basic idea of what Within The Realm is about,” says Small.
​
The music video amplifies the band’s chemistry, humor, and stage presence, showing a group that takes the music seriously, but never themselves.

Watch and listen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JymvTQLfBh4

​

Within The Realm was formed from bassist Rick White’s desire to play the metal “embedded deep inside our souls” with musicians who felt like brothers. The band name reflects their refusal to stick to one subgenre, embracing every style within the realm of metal. The lineup includes Rick White on bass (Festered Corpse, Sacrament A.D., Oberon, Rapid Burial, Corporal Punishment, Incidium), Geoff Waye on guitar (Category VI, Triskelyon, Artach, Oberon), Mike Small on drums and album producer (Jaded Truth, Winterhearth), and vocalist Richard Squires (formerly Last Soul Down).

Track Listing:
​
1. Sixth Sense – 4:13
2. Endless Life – 4:59
3. Spiral of Terror – 5:39
4. Hidden Agenda – 5:05
5. Homicidal Sacrifice – 4:12
6. The Hydra – 5:26
7. The Information is Out – 5:16
8. Into The Night – 4:24
Album Length – 37:56
​
​More info:

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

-30-​

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0 EPK – Within The Realm …Of Systemic Decay (2026)

  • September 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Within The Realm

EPK – Within The Realm …Of Systemic Decay (2026)

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

“Geoff: It feels great to finally have these songs recorded and released after almost 10 years of them being written. I believe everything happens at the right time, and we’ve all grown as players & as friends to make this record possible… As a producer, I’m extremely proud of the production and the mixing that went into the album! I hope our fans enjoy it…

“Rick: We wrote this album with a certain rawness and honesty that came from our love of 80’s and 90’s metal. Those decades of metal really resonate with and inspire us the most, and we think we truly captured that on this LP.”

For fans of Slayer, Sacrifice, Sacred Reich, Megadeth, Sepultura

Facebook.com/WithinTheRealmOfMetal

“Into The Night is a song that balances aggression with melody, memorable riffs, and emotional depth”  – Queen Metal Radio

Album Title:  “…Of Systemic Decay”
Release Date: October 30, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Thrash/Heavy Metal
Location of Band: St. John’s, Newfoundland

Track Listing:
1. Sixth Sense – 4:13
2. Endless Life – 4:59
3. Spiral of Terror – 5:39
4. Hidden Agenda – 5:05
5. Homicidal Sacrifice – 4:12
6. The Hydra – 5:26
7. The Information is Out – 5:16
8. Into The Night – 4:24
Album Length – 37:56

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Within the Realm
• All songs written by: Within the Realm
• Produced by: Within the Realm
• Mixed by: Michael Small
• Mastered by: Michael Small
• Album Artwork by: Within The Realm, photography by Felix Mittermeier, Avak Ava, album band photography by Gordon Little
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Lineup:
Richard Squires (vocals)
Rick White (bass and backing vocals)
Michael Small (drums)
Geoff Waye (guitar)
Des Mason (backing vocals)

Live Band Lineup:
Richard Squires (vocals)
Rick White (bass)
Michael Small (drums)
Geoff Waye (guitar)

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

About The Album Artwork:

Geoff: The album cover is symbolic of the systemic decay within society. It shows a decayed government building in an apocalyptic landscape.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Across these lyrics, the unifying themes center on intense psychological conflict, external subjugation, anti-authoritarianism, and the cathartic power of heavy metal culture. Tracks like “Sixth Sense,” “Spiral of Terror,” and “Homicidal Sacrifice” explore internal states of dread, overwhelming premonitions, trauma, and loss of agency or sanity. Concurrently, songs such as “Hidden Agenda,” “The Information is Out,” and “The Hydra” turn outward to critique systemic oppression, government deception, conspiracy theories, extraterrestrial cover-ups, and corporate greed—framing societal structures as malicious entities that divide and manipulate the populace. Binding these dark and chaotic narratives together, pieces like “Endless Life” and “Into the Night” propose an antidote: unified resistance, resilience in the face of suffering, and a fierce, nostalgic devotion to heavy metal music as a lifelong sanctuary, brotherhood, and outlet for primal energy.

Track By Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Sixth Sense: Explores the chaotic, overwhelming burden of unwanted precognitive visions and sudden cosmic connections that disrupt reality.

2. Endless Life: Frames heavy metal music as a resilient sanctuary and unifying rally cry when facing environmental ruin and personal despair.

3. Spiral of Terror: Depicts a young person’s struggle through trauma, addiction, and fear as they try to put past demons to rest.

4. Hidden Agenda: Warns against government deception and mind control, urging people to question authority and search for hidden truths.

5. Homicidal Sacrifice: Delves into the dark, sinister mind of a killer consumed by an inescapable impulse to control and select victims.

6. The Information is Out: Details the dramatic military encounter and political aftermath of a UFO disclosure that exposes alien contact to humanity.

7. The Hydra: Urges the populace to stop fighting among themselves and unite to tear down a corrupt, greedy system designed to subjugate them.

8. Into the Night: Celebrates pure nostalgia, intense energy, and lifelong devotion to the heavy metal scene from 1985 to the present day.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Rick and Geoff played together in the mid-90’s era band Oberon in St. John’s! And Oberon was one of the first metal bands Richard had seen locally as a teenager

2. Through various bands he played in, Rick was fortunate to play shows with internationally known acts Misery Index, Thine Eyes Bleed, Havok, Revocation, Forbidden, and Napalm Death.

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

Formed in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Within The Realm delivers a powerful blend of 80’s and 90’s inspired heavy metal, thrash metal, and groove metal. Combining crushing riffs, driving rhythms, and a no-compromise approach to songwriting, the band has built a reputation for music that is both aggressive and memorable. With a renewed focus and new material on the horizon, Within The Realm is preparing for its return in October 2026.

The band was formed in 2016 by bassist Rick White, who recruited drummer Michael Small. Guitarist Geoff Waye joined soon after, reuniting with Rick following their earlier collaboration in Oberon during the 1990s. Vocalist Des Mason completed the original lineup, and the band went on to write and perform original material throughout 2018 and 2019 before entering an extended hiatus as Rick was living in Edmonton at the time.

Within The Realm reconvened in the summer of 2025 with the goal of bringing their long-shelved material into the studio, alongside newly developed songs. During this process, vocalist Des Mason was unable to return due to personal health reasons, and Richard Squires, well-known in the Newfoundland metal scene and formerly of Last Soul Down, stepped in as the band’s new frontman.

With a renewed lineup and a deep catalogue of material years in the making, Within The Realm is preparing to release its long-awaited recordings, shaped by decades of experience across the Newfoundland metal scene.

Current Lineup & Notable History

Rick White (bass) – formerly of Festered Corpse, Sacrament A.D.,Oberon, Rapid Burial, Corporal Punishment, Incidium, Kriticos, Ides of Winter, Death Assembly

Michael Small (drums) – Jaded Truth, formerly Winterhearth

Geoff Waye (guitar) – Category VI, Triskelyon, Artach, formerly Oberon

Richard Squires (vocals) – formerly Last Soul Down

0 FLAMESTRIKE Unleashes New Single “Unholy March” From Debut Album “The Unholy March” Out Jan 2027 via Rockshots Records

  • September 16, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Flamestrike (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 16, 2026

FLAMESTRIKE Unleashes New Single “Unholy March”​
​
Debut Album “The Unholy March” Out January 29th, 2027 via Rockshots Records

Italian epic power metal band FLAMESTRIKE is ready to march into a new chapter with “Unholy March”, the first single from their forthcoming debut album “The Unholy March”, set for release on January 29th, 2027 via Rockshots Records.

The song throws the listener straight into a dark tale of death, betrayal, and vengeance. “Unholy March” follows a fallen commander who, after making an unholy pact, returns from beyond the grave at the head of an army of the dead. Determined to reclaim his sovereign’s throne by force, his march ultimately brings destruction upon the kingdom and ushers in a new age of darkness.
​
Musically, the track introduces the core identity of FLAMESTRIKE, combining the epic and heroic character of classic power metal with the heavier influences that have shaped the band’s sound.
​
The band comments:
​
“We wrote the kind of epic, powerful, and engaging music that we ourselves would want to hear. Throughout the album you’ll find fantasy worlds, fearless heroes, evil entities, and endless battles, all shaped by the different musical backgrounds that make us who we are as a band.”

Listen to “Unholy March” on all digital platforms: https://lnk.to/A50bp9

​

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG5Mox-L_tg

​

Rooted in the European power and epic metal tradition while drawing inspiration from heavier, symphonic, and extreme sounds, FLAMESTRIKE forges a style built around powerful riffs, heroic melodies, and fantasy-driven atmospheres.
​
Their forthcoming debut album “The Unholy March” is not conceived as a single concept story, but its songs share recurring themes of battle, revenge, triumph, and the inevitability of fate. The stories do not always unfold from the perspective of the traditional hero, leaving room for darker characters, defeat, and morally ambiguous outcomes.
​
The band adds:
​
“We want this album to be an immersive listening experience, something capable of transporting the listener directly onto the battlefield or inside the walls of a medieval tavern. Every track remains deeply connected to our epic and symphonic trademark.”
​
Formed in Vercelli, Italy, in 2008, FLAMESTRIKE initially came together through a shared passion for power and epic metal. After starting out performing songs by some of the genre’s defining bands, the musicians gradually began replacing covers with their own material.
​
Their first self-produced EP, “Dark Clouds On The Obsidian Tower”, arrived in 2021. Following several line-up changes, FLAMESTRIKE returned in 2024 with the singles “Where Glory Awaits” and “The Death Scythe Has Come”, both included on the forthcoming album.
​
​For fans of: Blind Guardian, Manowar, Ensiferum
​
In 2026, the band signed with Rockshots Records, setting the stage for the release of their first full-length.
​
​Pre-order “The Unholy March” (Out Jan 29, 2027):
​https://rockshots.eu/products/flamestrike-the-unholy-march-cd​

Track Listing:​
1. Heralds Of The Fallen King – 1:28
2. Unholy March – 4:19
3. Where Glory Awaits – 8:56
4. The Death Scythe Has Come – 4:20
5. Lindisfarne – 5:57
6. Enslaved By The Steel – 5:38
7. Flamestrike – 7:48
8. A Rainy Forest Where The Minstrel Rests… – 2:01
Album Length: 38:40
​
​FLAMESTRIKE is:​
Marco Caputo: Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Choirs
Emmanuele Iacono: Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Fabrizio Amapane: Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Choirs
Alessio Marchetto: Bass
Luca Traversa: Drums & Percussion
​
​Album Credits:
​
Recorded at Edge Of Darkness Studio, Robbio, Italy
Produced, mixed, and mastered by FLAMESTRIKE
Cover artwork by Kaijie Huang

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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

BIOGRAPHY:

Formed in Vercelli, Italy, in 2008, Flamestrike grew out of a shared passion for the epic and power metal scene. Their roots can be traced back to the previous year when a group of university students and recent graduates came together to play songs by some of their favourite bands, including Blind Guardian, Hammerfall, Manowar, Virgin Steele and Edguy.

That early incarnation lasted only a few months, but it brought together bassist Marco Caputo and drummer Marco Canella, who would go on to become the founding members of Flamestrike. After recruiting a new line-up, the two officially formed the band in April 2008. The name itself reflected another passion they shared at the time: fantasy literature. While going through a seemingly endless list of characters from their favourite fantasy sagas, they eventually settled on Flamestrike, the name of a dragon from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman’s Dragonlance Chronicles.

Initially, the band returned to the stage with a set built around power and epic metal covers, playing venues and events throughout the local area. It was not long, however, before original music began to take over. Between 2009 and 2010, Flamestrike started writing their first songs, firmly rooted in the same epic and power metal tradition that had inspired the band from the beginning.

By the end of 2010, Flamestrike had built up a substantial body of original material, but the departure of three of the five members brought the band’s progress to an abrupt halt. Caputo and Canella remained, and after a brief period of uncertainty, the line-up began to take shape again in early 2011 with the arrival of guitarists Emmanuele Iacono and Alessio Marchetto. At the same time, Caputo expanded his role, taking over lead vocals while continuing to play bass.

This four-piece line-up gave Flamestrike the momentum to move forward, both on stage and as songwriters. In 2012, keyboardist Fabio Sguazzotti joined the band, restoring the line-up to five members and remaining with Flamestrike until 2015.

Another important transition came that same year when Caputo decided to step away from bass and devote himself entirely to vocals. Riccardo Rondolotto subsequently joined as the band’s new bassist, beginning four years of rehearsals, live performances and continued songwriting. In 2019, both Marchetto and Rondolotto eventually left Flamestrike to pursue other musical paths.

Reduced to a three-piece, Caputo, Canella and guitarist Emmanuele Iacono used this transitional period to begin recording the original material that would eventually become the band’s first EP. By mid-2019, Flamestrike had once again completed their line-up with the addition of Fabrizio Amapane on second guitar and Ivan Bovio on bass.

The following two years brought an entirely different challenge. Although the band remained stable and united throughout 2020 and 2021, the disruption caused by the pandemic inevitably slowed down their activities. After almost two years of work, delays and interruptions, October 2021 finally saw the digital release of “Dark Clouds On The Obsidian Tower“, Flamestrike‘s first EP of original material. Featuring five tracks, the release marked the band’s first major step from years of songwriting and live activity towards a fully realised recording project.

In 2022, another chapter in Flamestrike‘s history came to a close when founding drummer Marco Canella left the band for personal reasons after fourteen years. He was succeeded by Luca Traversa, formerly of Alltheniko and a longtime friend of the band. With Traversa behind the kit, Flamestrike began shaping the material that would form their debut full-length album.

The first glimpse of this new chapter arrived in 2024 with two singles: “Where Glory Awaits“, released in March, followed by “The Death Scythe Has Come” in December.

A further line-up change followed in 2025, when Ivan Bovio parted ways with Flamestrike by mutual agreement. His departure opened the door for the return of Alessio Marchetto, who rejoined the band five years after leaving it. This time, however, he returned in a new role, taking over bass duties and bringing a familiar face back into the Flamestrike ranks.

In 2026, Flamestrike reached a new milestone by signing with Italian label Rockshots Records, setting the stage for the release of their debut full-length album in early 2027.

-30-

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0 SF Bay Area Thrashers ABSOLUTE DARKNESS New Video “Snake Oil” Exposes The Opioid Crisis; New Album “Witness To A Dying World” Out Oct 2026

  • September 16, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Absolute Darkness · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 16, 2026

SF Bay Area Thrashers ABSOLUTE DARKNESS New Video “Snake Oil” Exposes The Opioid Crisis

Sophomore Album “Witness To A Dying World” Out Oct 2026

L-R- Orson Sojo – Bass, Ron Dorn – Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, Scott Russell – Drums, Douglas Vetter II – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals

Photo Credit by Eddie Granillo

San Francisco Bay Area death/thrash metal band Absolute Darkness has released “Snake Oil,” the second single from their forthcoming sophomore album, “Witness To A Dying World,” due out on October 23rd, 2026.

“Snake Oil” follows the band’s first single, “Attritional Warfare” (also available below). The first single set a high bar with a hybrid animated/live‑action video containing over two minutes of original animation.

“It was by far the biggest video project we’ve ever taken on… We wanted to create something that complemented the song and helped tell its story,” says vocalist and guitarist Ron Dorn.

This second glimpse into the band’s new album marks the first full‑song contribution from lead guitarist Douglas Vetter II, blending the band’s signature aggressive thrash with dynamic, breathing sections that heighten the emotional weight of the lyrics from him and Dorn.

“Man, there is so much to this song. Snake oil was pretty much the outside poison (addictive painkillers) that affected my world growing up. Family members on pain management, and me, as a kid, making myself as small as possible. Losing one of my best friends and not being able to be there. The lead-in to it is literally the best way my heart could sing to him and say goodbye, and I miss him. And how all this has poured over me as I try to raise a family and keep it together because of what this poison does to people. That’s what snake oil is to me. There is help out there for people who need it, and this song is to shed light on a much bigger problem that people choose to turn a blind eye to, the opioid crisis,” adds Vetter II.

The band chose a lyric‑video format for the single, but with a cinematic approach, spending a lot of time finding stock footage that matched the story they wanted to tell and visuals that carried the song rather than simply accompanying it.

“Snake Oil” is available now as a lyric‑driven visual experience at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGU2h8LqiKM

​

Bandcamp – https://absolutedarkness1.bandcamp.com/track/snake-oil​

Absolute Darkness’ second full‑length album, “Witness To A Dying World,” deepens their blend of Bay Area thrash and modern death metal, pushing harder into aggressive riffs, layered harmonies, standout solos, and a sharpened sense of social commentary. Lyrically, it confronts corruption, propaganda, authoritarianism, war, addiction, homelessness, and social decay, all told through character‑driven narratives rather than direct lectures, giving the album both impact and humanity. The new record also marks a major milestone for Absolute Darkness; it’s the first album written entirely by the current lineup from the ground up, with every member contributing meaningfully to the songwriting process
​
​“This is an album Absolute Darkness wanted to make for a long time… It finally feels like a complete band effort. Not because it’s heavier or faster than our previous releases, but because everyone contributed to the songwriting in one way or another, and I think that made every song better,” adds Dorn.

The album will also feature a faithful, modernized cover of “World In A World” by Bay Area thrash legends Vio‑lence, paying tribute to the scene that has shaped the band.

Since forming in 2015, Absolute Darkness has continually sharpened both their sound and their production approach. Their 2022 debut full‑length, “Failure Of State,” marked a major leap forward in songwriting and overall sonic quality. Now, with their upcoming sophomore album, “Witness To A Dying World,” the band pushes that evolution even further, delivering high‑energy, aggressive metal while telling character‑driven stories meant to make listeners think as much as they headbang.

Recommended for fans of Testament, Vio-lence, Exodus, At The Gates, The Crown, and Amon Amarth, “Witness To A Dying World” will be available on October 23rd, 2026. Album pre-sale begins October 1st.

First Single:

Animated video – “Attritional Warfare” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbh5jvhBQtQ

​

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

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

More info:

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

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

-30-

“Combining death/thrash influences… stronger production values that hopefully will garner more buzz and attention.” – Dead Rhetoric (Failure Of State 2022)

“Part album, part call to arms… a rabble-rousing affair and a slamming indictment of modern-day society.” – The Headbanging Moose (Failure Of State 2022)

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0 Montreal’s KILLED BY SORROW Unveils “The Burial” Off Debut Album “Empires of Excess” Out Oct 2026

  • September 16, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Killed By Sorrow · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 16, 2026

Montreal’s KILLED BY SORROW Unveils “The Burial” Off Debut Album “Empires of Excess” Out Oct 2026

Montreal metal force Killed By Sorrow is gearing up for a massive fall with the release of their full‑length album “Empire of Excess,” officially due out on October 23rd, 2026. The band has already ignited momentum with their first single “Betrayal”, and next in line is “The Burial”, a haunting, slow‑burning track that showcases Killed By Sorrow’s melodic depth and brooding atmosphere.

“The track represents a dark, ritual-like descent into death where silence, decay, and inevitability swallow everything. The living fade, the dead rise, and no one escapes,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to “The Burial” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QAW0l6NjTg

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5fxp69XMCVvU1mmT1AQYeu

​

“Empire of Excess” represents a major evolution from the band’s earlier EPs “Careless of This Sadness” (2023) and “Time Has Come” (2022), sharpening their production, tightening their songwriting, and deepening the emotional weight of their sound while still holding onto the aggression and intensity that define them.

“The goal of this album is to blend heaviness and melody in a way that pulls listeners into the story behind each track. The raw emotion, the aggressive riffs, the melodic hooks, but with a more mature and refined delivery. Each song is meant to hit hard, connect on a personal level, and leave listeners with the sense that they’ve gone through something meaningful from start to finish,” says rhythm guitarist Sam Ham.

Across ten tracks, “Empire of Excess” moves between high‑speed ferocity, downbeat atmospheres, punk‑rock bursts, melodic transitions, and crushing breakdowns, weaving dark storytelling with emotional struggle, social reflection, and personal introspection. The album unfolds as a series of intense, interconnected chapters, from apocalyptic collapse to inner resilience, forming a cohesive journey driven by heaviness, melody, and raw human emotion.

Killed By Sorrow began as a tight‑knit group of friends channeling the intensity of the music they loved, evolving from basement rehearsals into a serious project once their natural chemistry and shared vision became undeniable. Emerging from Montreal’s South Shore metal scene in the mid‑2000s, the band shaped their identity around the emotional weight of Poison the Well, the razor‑sharp riffing of Unearth, and the melodic precision of Trivium, blending aggression with dynamic, melody‑driven structures.

During these formative years, Killed By Sorrow built a reputation through high‑energy performances across local venues, highlighted by a milestone moment sharing the stage with Swedish hardcore heavyweights Raised Fist, a show that cemented their credibility within the scene.

Recommended for fans of Unearth, Killswitch Engage, Poison The Well, Trivium, and Lamb of God, “Empire of Excess” is due out on October 23, 2026, and available for pre-save/ pre-order at the following links:

Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/killedbysorrow/empire-of-excess​

Bandcamp – https://killedbysorrow.bandcamp.com/​

Previous Single:

“Betrayal” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0PWyiTedfs

​

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

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

More info:

​https://killedbysorrow.com/​

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

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

​
​-30-​

“Canadian underground hardcore punks in Killed By Sorrow’s newest single, Betrayal, definitely stays loyal to the metalcore scene by actually sounding like thrash metal tones mixed with a hardcore punk grit and attitude. Heavily distorted rhythms sound closer to your traditional hardcore, but paired with your traditional style of hardcore punk vocals, Betrayal lets you know not to cross Killed By Sorrow. Huge basslines underneath and in-the-pocket drumming made this one an interesting approach in a crowded metalcore genre, and it’s more than worth a few listens.” – Metal Institute of Thrashology (2026)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

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