Posts By Asher

0 Rockshots Records – Finnish Prog CANVAS OF SILENCE Unveils New Vocalist w/ Video “The Great Unknown” From Debut Album “As The World Tree Fell” Out Now!

January 9, 2026
by Asher
· Canvas of Silence (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 9, 2026

Finnish Prog CANVAS OF SILENCE Unveils New Vocalist Aino Vuorenmaa w/ Video “The Great Unknown”

Debut Album “As The World Tree Fell” Out Now!

Photo Credit – Mikko Parkkonen/Aarni Visuals

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Great Unknown”, the new official video by Finnish progressive metal act Canvas Of Silence. Featured on the band’s debut full-length album “As The World Tree Fell,” the song is now presented in a new version introducing Aino Vuorenmaa as the new lead singer of the band, marking an important step in Canvas Of Silence’s ongoing evolution.

Following the previously released singles “Drown”, “One With The Wind” and “Humanimal”, the latter having been featured in Spotify’s editorial playlist Metallia Suomesta, alongside the album focus track “Wayfarer”, this new version of “The Great Unknown” represents a pivotal moment within the record’s conceptual and emotional journey, while also signaling a renewed artistic direction.

Musically, “The Great Unknown” stands as one of the album’s most direct and immediate compositions, while remaining unmistakably true to the band’s sonic identity. Progressive metal foundations are enriched by expansive melodic lines, atmospheric textures, and dynamic arrangements that balance intensity and accessibility. With the introduction of the new vocal line, the song unfolds with renewed momentum, allowing its emotional weight to emerge with even greater clarity and purpose.

With “As The World Tree Fell,” Canvas Of Silence delivered a cohesive and emotionally charged debut album exploring themes of collapse, transformation, and renewal. Within this broader arc, the new version of “The Great Unknown” functions both as a moment of focus and as a statement of renewal, reflecting the band’s evolving identity and the beginning of a new chapter.

Watch the music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVxBFYd0_ZM

For fans of Pain of Salvation, Nightwish, In Flames, and all those drawn to music that challenges, moves, and transforms, will find much to explore in the world of Canvas Of Silence’s debut album, “As The World Tree Fell,” released on October 31, 2025.

Album Order – https://www.rockshots.eu/CanvasOfSilence

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

Track Listing:
1. Watching the World Tree Fall – 6:20
2. Humanimal – 4:02
3. Anthem for Ashes – 4:54
4. Drown – 5:41
5. One With the Wind – 4:33
6. Wayfarer – 8:32
7. The Great Unknown – 4:38
8. Garden of the Fallen – 4:46

ALBUM LINE UP:

Hanna Uimonen: Vocals
Tatu Hanhikoski: Guitars, programming
Jaakko Puusaari: Guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Minkkinen: Bass
Iiro Vuori: Drums

CURRENT LINE UP:

Aino Vuorenmaa: Vocals
Tatu Hanhikoski: Guitars, programming
Jaakko Puusaari: Guitars, backing vocals
Mikael Minkkinen: Bass
Iiro Vuori: Drums

For more info:
Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/canvasofsilence | https://www.instagram.com/canvasofsilenceband/

ABOUT:

Canvas of Silence is a catchy prog-influenced female vocal-driven metal band from Finland. Starting as a solo project by Tatu Hanhikoski (guitars, programming, songwriting), Canvas of Silence has since formed into a full band, including Aino Vuorenmaa (vocals), Jaakko Puusaari (guitars, vocals), Mikael Minkkinen (bass), and Iiro Vuori (drums). The music of Canvas of Silence paints its pictures on silence with complementary colours. It’s heavy but melodic, occasionally complex yet at the same time somewhat simple and catchy, glued together with female vocals and symphonic elements. Or, as the drummer Iiro Vuori put it, the music can be described as ”Prog-influenced Chorus Metal”.

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0 BORN DIVIDED Unleashes Ferocious Lyric Video “The Dead Inside Ourselves” From New Album “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” (Mixed & Mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy))

January 8, 2026
by Asher
· Born Divided · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 8, 2026

BORN DIVIDED Unleashes Ferocious Lyric Video “The Dead Inside Ourselves”

New Album “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” Out Now!

(Mixed and Mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

L-R – Michael Beaudoin – Guitar, Fred Bedard – Guitar, Maxim Levesque – Vocals, Lucas Biron – Drums, Tommy Demers – Bass

Photo Credit – Paul Giacomo

Québec City melodic death metal force Born Divided continue the momentum of their acclaimed sophomore album “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” with the release of a brand‑new lyric video for one of the record’s most visceral tracks, “The Dead Inside Ourselves.”

A standout moment on the album, “The Dead Inside Ourselves,” captures the band at their most raw and unfiltered. The track erupts with stripped‑down, hard‑hitting guitar riffs, no ornamentation, no restraint, just pure, unrelenting aggression. As the song unfolds, it plunges into a brooding, symphonic bridge that channels the dark theatricality of Cradle of Filth before launching into a climactic finale. Vocalist Maxim Levesque delivers one of his most striking performances to date, with clean vocals that rise above the chaos in a haunting, unforgettable close.

“The Dead Inside Ourselves is one of the most cathartic pieces on the album. It’s raw emotion without a filter, anger, despair, resilience, all colliding in one place. The lyric video gives fans a deeper look into that emotional core,” says the band.

Released this past October, “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” marked a major creative milestone for Born Divided. Mixed and mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), the album pushes further into the band’s signature blend of orchestral intensity, progressive ambition, and melodic ferocity. Since forming in 2020, following the end of Blinded by Faith, founding members Tommy Demers and Michael Beaudoin have built Born Divided into a powerhouse alongside Levesque, drummer Lucas Biron, and guitarist Fred Bedard, all veterans of Québec’s metal scene.

With “Chronicle of a Shipwreck,” the band adopted a more personal and emotionally charged direction. Fast, intricate riffs collide with soaring melodies, brutal screams, and cinematic arrangements, exploring themes of collapse, inner conflict, and the fight toward redemption. The album has been praised for its dynamic songwriting and its ability to balance heaviness with haunting atmosphere.

The new lyric video for “The Dead Inside Ourselves” provides fans with another glimpse into the album’s emotional landscape, one characterized by intensity, vulnerability, and the band’s unmistakable blend of melodic death metal and symphonic drama.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTWx3fnx-B4

Recommended for fans of Ne Obliviscaris, Symphony X, Scar Symmetry, Persefone, and Dimmu Borgir, Born Divided continue to carve out a distinct identity in the modern metal scene, delivering music that is as technically sharp as it is emotionally resonant.

“Chronicle of a Shipwreck”, released October 24th, 2025, is available at the following links:

Album Order (CD, Digital) – https://borndividedofficial.bandcamp.com/

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/2F9dcstQgn1At9fHyfJdum

Music Video – “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LtUFyeaC-M

Music Video – “Everything Comes to an End” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVkHsg6vkk0

Track Listing:
1. Everything Comes to an End – 5:09
2. Chronicle of a Shipwreck – 4:10
3. Illusion Factories – 7:38
4. The Dead Inside Ourselves – 5:54
5. Run, Burn, Die! – 7:52
6. Subterranean Corridors – 4:48
7. Anxiety – 7:57
Album Length: 43:31

Born Divided is:
Tommy Demers – Bass
Maxim Levesque – Vocals
Michael Beaudoin – Guitars
Fred Bedard – Guitars
Lucas Biron – Drums

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

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“It doesn’t matter whether BORN DIVIDED plays fast and furious, slow and deliberate or is hovering somewhere in between, everything on “Chronicle Of A Shipwreck” is as it should be. 9/10” – Metal-Temple

“Weaknesses? Not a single one! Craft? Everything is great! The vocals? A celebration in all respects. Would AMON AMARTH suddenly jump on the prog metal bandwagon, adapting a bit of modern death lead and at the same time adding traditional melodic metal to the gallery, would the Northmen possibly sound similar to BORN DIVIDED – but this is just a clue. Musically, the band is completely independent and combines several genres into a rousing, always gripping symbiosis that we can’t get enough of, even in the long term. Check out the boys’ band camp page, familiarize yourself with the previous material and place a collective order immediately – because this band more than deserves the support! 9.5/10” – PowerMetal.de

“”“Chronicle of a Shipwreck” is an excellent album in balance between softness, reinforced concrete riffs and violence. A record to discover urgently ! ” 4/5 – Music Waves

““Chronicle of a Shipwreck” est un excellent album en équilibre entre douceur, riffs en béton armé et violence. Un disque à découvrir d’urgence ! ” 4/5 – Music Waves

“If it wasn’t obvious, Born Divided’s Chronicles of a Shipwreck was a very good experience for me. This one netted me about 8–10 listens (I stopped counting around 6) and I never felt like there was a song that didn’t fit. Nothing was skipped, and I remain entirely impressed this one was self-released. So, here’s one for us Canadians!” – Dire Notes

“Like the waves the ship on the cover of Chronicle Of A Shipwreck traverses through, Born Divided keep their music in constant motion. There isn’t any smooth sailing to be found in this endless body of choppy melodic death metal that’s supplemented by progressive/black metal. They try to make each song its own event, whether that be the frenzied hop of “The Dead Inside Ourselves” or the orchestral elevation of the title track. Opener “Everything Comes To An End” has an Opeth tribute in the middle with singing that could be a doppelganger for Mikael Åkerfeldt. It’s a bit distracting, especially since it’s never used again on Chronicle Of A Shipwreck. That’s the most blatant nod Born Divided make to another band directly. Though the ship on the cover meets a woeful end, the band avoids such a fate.” – Head Music Headquarters

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0 Gore House Productions – Blast Beats Unleashed INSECT INSIDE Posts Drum Carnage w/ Playthrough “Hiveborn Abomination” From New Album “Reborn in Blight” Out March 2026

January 8, 2026
by Asher
· Insect Inside (Gore House Productions) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 8, 2026

Blast Beats Unleashed INSECT INSIDE Posts Drum Carnage w/ Playthrough “Hiveborn Abomination”

New Album “Reborn in Blight” Out March 2026 via Gore House Productions

Gore House Productions has released a brand‑new drum playthrough for “Hiveborn Abomination” from brutal death metal unit Insect Inside, showcasing drummer Daniel Sementsov performing the track with the band’s signature blend of precision, speed, and crushing heaviness. The video arrives in the lead-up to the band’s highly anticipated new album, “Reborn in Blight,” set for release on March 6, 2026.

The playthrough offers an up‑close look at Sementsov’s blistering technique, capturing the relentless blast beats, punishing double‑kick work, and intricate rhythmic shifts that define Insect Inside’s sound. Shot in a clean, focused studio setting, the video highlights the physical intensity and technical mastery behind the band’s latest material.

Watch the drum playthrough at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sfgjF0-JVw

Listen to the blistering track “Hiveborn Abomination” with guest vocals from Josh Welshman of Defeated Sanity at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhaFr5xtoEo

Add to Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5m0cWWNqF9DdVqamY0i1AY

Emerging from Chelyabinsk’s underground scene, Insect Inside have carved a reputation for their tight, aggressive sound, an unholy fusion of groove‑heavy slam and oppressive atmospherics. “Reborn in Blight” marks the band’s second full‑length album and showcases a shift toward a rawer, more visceral tone. Lyrically, the record continues their apocalyptic narrative, chronicling humanity’s collapse and the rise of an insectoid race.

The album unfolds as a relentless journey through death metal’s most punishing elements. Fragments erupts with chaotic groove and sinister atmosphere, distilling the band’s love for the genre into a concentrated assault. At the album’s core lies “Hiveborn Abomination,” elevated by Defeated Sanity vocalist Josh Welshman’s ferocious guest performance and serving as one of the band’s most commanding creations to date. “Carnal Ruins” pays homage to the New York death metal tradition with a hardcore‑infused, groove‑driven tribute to pioneers like Soils of Fate, Internal Bleeding, and Dying Fetus. The brutality continues with “Abhorrent Landscape,” featuring Mr. Ochoa of Cephalotripsy, whose gutturals reinforce the album’s slam‑heavy foundation. Meanwhile, “Echoes of the Swallowed Sinners” plunges into the darkest lyrical territory, exploring the abyss of humanity’s disfigured souls. The album closes with its towering title track, “Reborn in Blight,” weaving groove, speed, and soaring guitar solos into a monolithic finale.

Formed from a shared obsession with slamming brutality, Insect Inside began as friends jamming covers before evolving into a full‑fledged force within the brutal death metal realm. Their lineup features seasoned Eastern European veterans: Bogdan (bass – Cold Blooded Murder, Traumatomy), Pavel (guitar – Ocean In My Bath), Daniel (vocals – Nauseating, Morphogenetic Malformation), and Ivan (drums – Nauseating). Writing collaboratively across different cities, the band crafts a sound that is both meticulously constructed and relentlessly heavy. Onstage, they are notorious for chaotic, high‑energy performances filled with mosh pits, slams, and even fans dressed as dinosaurs.

Drawing influence from brutal death and black metal, Insect Inside cite Disentomb, Relics of Humanity, Cryptopsy, Defeated Sanity, and Vulvectomy among their top inspirations. The album’s artwork mirrors the music’s grotesque vision, gloom‑soaked, apocalyptic, and steeped in visceral disgust.

“Reborn in Blight” will be available March 6, 2026, via Gore House Productions.

Pre‑orders are now live on Digital, Vinyl, CD, and Cassette: https://orcd.co/reborn-in-blight

Track Listing:
1. Echoes Of The Swallowed Sinners – 3:31
2. Abhorrent Landscape (feat. Cephalotripsy) – 2:54
3. Fragments – 2:18
4. Putrid Lament – 3:35
5. Hiveborn Abomination (feat. Defeated Sanity) – 2:51
6. Flesh Cathedral – 3:00
7. Obscuration Worship – 1:20
8. Carnal Ruins – 2:45
9. Parasite Messiah (feat. Pestilectomy) – 3:29
10. Reborn In Blight – 5:22

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Daniel Sementsov – Drums
Bogdan Pisavnin – Bass
Pavel Pleshkov – Guitar
Ivan Tyulkin – Vocals

More info:

https://gorehouseproductions.com/

https://www.facebook.com/insectinsideslam

https://www.instagram.com/insect_inside

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“Insect Inside relies on unpredictability to elevate beyond the brutal stereotype. Shifting tempos, groovy rhythms, technical leads, pinch harmonics, and flashes of dissonance keep its grinding slams and beatdown sections from growing too stagnant… Insect Inside’s The First Shining of New Genus offers concussive slam that will get you buzzing.” – Angry Metal Guy

“A surprisingly level of hookiness invades Insect Inside, while they still deliver on all of the body-crippling violence you would expect from such an act. The First Shining of New Genus is a release that you can groove along with in addition to getting your daily dose of utter brutality.” – Dead Rhetoric

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0 Rockshots Records – Italian Symphonic Death NEFASTIS Apocalyptic Single “Shadow Spell” From New Dark Concept Album “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn” Out March 2026

January 7, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Nefastis (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 7, 2026

Italian Symphonic Death NEFASTIS Apocalyptic Single “Shadow Spell”

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

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Shadow Spell”, the brand new single by Italian symphonic death metal act NEFASTIS.

“Shadow Spell” marks the opening chapter of “Shadows At The Light Of Dawn“, an ambitious four-act concept album conceived as a continuous and engaging listening experience. The track follows an instrumental introduction and immediately sets the emotional and narrative tone of the record, plunging the listener into a post-apocalyptic scenario shaped by loss, anguish, and spiritual disorientation.

Musically, “Shadow Spell” showcases NEFASTIS evolved identity, blending aggressive death metal foundations with layered orchestral arrangements, progressive structures, and haunting melodic themes. Intense piano passages and sweeping symphonic textures coexist with sharp riffs, dynamic drumming, and commanding vocals, creating a dark yet story-driven atmosphere that unfolds with dramatic tension and depth.

Lyrically, the song portrays the journey of survivors in the aftermath of a nuclear catastrophe, accompanied by restless spirits that haunt the devastated world around them. This dual presence – physical and spectral – becomes a key narrative element, reinforcing the album’s overarching theme of humanity facing extinction, memory, and decay.

Founded in 2008, NEFASTIS debuted in 2014 with the concept album “De Diebus Fastis, Nefastis, Infaustis“, before reshaping their sound into a more expansive and orchestral form of symphonic death metal. With “Shadow Spell”, the band opens a new and decisive chapter, setting the foundations for their most ambitious work to date.

Recommended for fans of Wintersun, Hypocrisy, Fleshgod Apocalypse, “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

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

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 HYPERSPACE METALFEST (Vancouver, BC) Reveals First Batch of Bands for 2026 Lineup w/ SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, LYCANTHRO and more!

January 6, 2026
by Asher
· Hyperspace Metal Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 6, 2026

HYPERSPACE METALFEST (Vancouver, BC) Reveals First Batch of Bands for 2026 Lineup

w/ SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, LYCANTHRO, 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 first wave of 2026 performers, including SANCTUARY, OWLBEAR, ATAVISTIA, VOIDCHASER, ARTIFICIAL LANGUAGE, WITCH KILLER, OPHELIA FALLING, LYCANTHRO, THORSGUARD, VALLEY OF DESPAIR, with more bands to be announced soon.

“We are beyond stoked to finally announce the first wave of bands for Hyperspace Metal Festival VII! 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. 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 VI – April 16th – 18th.
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

This year’s headliner, Sanctuary, is making their exclusive Canadian HMF appearance a very special one as they will be performing their highly praised 1990 album “Into The Mirror Black” in its entirety.

The American heavy metal band Sanctuary was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1985, and quickly became a key part of the city’s influential heavy metal scene. The band’s sound, centered on the distinctive high-pitched vocals of the late Warrel Dane and established them as a prominent force. Their debut album, Refuge Denied (1988), was notably produced by Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, helping to launch the band into the global metal consciousness. Sanctuary gathered supporters all around the globe, upping the ante considerably when unleashing the darker, more refined masterpiece that is “Into the Mirror Black” in 1990. While the grunge style brought the band’s commercial career to an unfortunate halt, the end of the band’s first phase meant the rise of Nevermore, who released several much-acclaimed albums via Century Media Records between 1995 and 2010. In 2011, Sanctuary reformed and celebrated their live comeback, performing at high-profile festivals such as Wacken, Metalcamp, Bloodstock, and 70K Tons Of Metal cruise. In 2014, they released “The Year The Sun Died” and landed at #39 in the German charts. In 2017, the restored and remixed 1986 demo recordings were released as the historical “Inception” release, which charted at #53 in Germany. On December 13^th, 2017, vocalist Warrel Dane tragically passed away. The band initially embarked on a tribute tour, recruiting Witherfall singer Joseph Michael to fill the vocal spot. The reaction to Michael’s performances was very positive, and the band chose to continue with the focus shifting to new material. The band is aiming to deliver a unique sound that remains familiar to die-hard fans. The current lineup of Sanctuary includes Joseph Michael on vocals, alongside original members Lenny Rutledge (guitars) and Dave Budbill (drums), and George Hernandez on bass. Sanctuary has, and always will be, a two-guitar band and will have a second guitar player for all upcoming live shows. You can catch the band performing special sets of Refuge Denied or Into The Mirror Black at festivals in 2026.

The band is actively working on a new full-length album, tentatively titled Transmutation. Sanctuary is eager to bring a new show and new music to Europe and the rest of the globe once again! See you on the road!

https://www.sanctuaryofficial.com/

Video – Future Tense – https://youtu.be/v5NCBaPE3k0

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Forced to cancel their 2025 performance at HMF, Owlbear has its sights set to take the stage at the 2026 edition. Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. A rapid exchange of demos led to the creation of their debut album Chaos to the Realm, and the runaway success of that release in 2023 transformed the band from a remote project to a full-fledged outfit, with their debut live performance occurring at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024. Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous role-playing game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that is equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the release of their widely praised sophomore album Feather & Claw, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon.

https://www.facebook.com/OwlbearMetal

Lyric Video – Hawkriders Of The Waste – https://youtu.be/1AXFZ3ZmF5o

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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://youtu.be/vthxzis6lzs

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From Montreal and Stockholm, Voidchaser is a progressive metal band. Since their inception in 2023, the band has quickly gained momentum with standout, high-caliber singles that have resonated across North America, South America, and Europe, earning widespread attention from influential outlets such as Prog Magazine, Decibel Magazine, The Progspace, Prog-Sphere, Metal Universe, and others.

In 2024, they released Solace, their 30-minute debut concept album written as a single continuous piece. Fusing crushing riffs, intricate arrangements, and evocative storytelling, the record ranges from the explosive Only Human (featuring Ashbreather) to the haunting acoustic ballad Alien. The album quickly amassed over 250,000 streams on Spotify, charted on Apple Music and iTunes top metal albums in multiple countries across Europe, North America, and South America, and solidified their status as one of prog metal’s most promising new voices.

Their follow-up EP, Trust (2025), features collaborations with Jim Grey (Caligula’s Horse), members of The Anchoret and Universe Effects, and over 10 contributors from around the world.

Voidchaser will embark on their debut international tour in summer and fall 2025, including performances at ProgPower Europe (25th Anniversary), the inaugural ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, and shows alongside Threshold, Kingcrow, Vulkan, Nospūn, Omnivide, Ok Goodnight, and Lux Terminus.

https://www.voidchaser.net/

Video – Time (feat. Universe Effects) – https://youtu.be/nnxaEiAmBv4

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Artificial Language is a progressive rock/metal band from Fresno, California, crafting music that blends technical precision with cinematic atmosphere. Since emerging in 2017, the group has built a reputation for intricate songwriting, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged performances that push the boundaries of modern prog.

Their sound fuses soaring melodies with complex rhythmic interplay, creating immersive sonic landscapes that reward both casual listeners and devoted prog fans. With a style that bridges the intensity of metal and the expansiveness of progressive rock, Artificial Language has carved out a distinct identity in the genre.

The band continues to evolve through ambitious studio work and compelling visual storytelling, including striking releases like their “Skinwalker” music video.

https://www.artificiallanguagemusic.com/

Video – Skinwalker – https://youtu.be/nyHudUCLQIM

====

Forged in Ottawa’s early‑’80s metal underground, Witchkiller emerged as one of Canada’s most compelling contributions to the era’s heavy metal surge. Blending the power and theatricality of classic heavy metal with the melodic intensity of the NWOBHM movement, the band quickly carved out a cult following with their commanding musicianship and dramatic songwriting.

Formed in 1981 by drummer Steve Batky and guitarist Kurt Phillips, Witchkiller solidified their place in metal history with their iconic 1984 EP Day of the Saxons, released through Metal Blade Records. The record’s soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and apocalyptic themes cemented its status as a collector’s favourite and a defining release of Canadian metal’s formative years.

Despite lineup changes and an initial split in 1985, the band’s legacy only grew. Witchkiller re‑emerged in 2012 with renewed fire, reuniting key members and introducing their sound to a new generation of fans. Their return has been marked by a resurgence of interest in their early work, new recordings, and a revitalized presence in the metal underground.

Today, Witchkiller stands as a testament to the enduring power of true heavy metal spirit, a band whose influence continues to echo through collectors, die‑hard fans, and the modern revival of traditional metal.

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

“Day of the Saxons” LIVE Headbangers Open Air 2025 – https://youtu.be/zcVtxUuhRmk

====

Emerging from Vancouver’s rain‑soaked streets, Ophelia Falling (HMF Alumni) delivers symphonic metal at its most powerful, soaring vocals layered over driving power metal, orchestra, and choir. Formed in 2013 by guitarist Mark Anthony Richardson, the band found its voice when powerhouse singer Chelsea Rose joined in 2015, leading to the creation of early fan favourites like “Savage Love” and “Anybody’s Daughter.” With James Meyer on board, their explosive 2018 debut made them one of Vancouver’s most talked‑about metal acts, quickly landing them on the stage of the Rickshaw Theatre for Hyperspace Metal Festival.

Bassist Sylvain Maltais joined in 2018, helping propel the band through a breakout period that included their 2019 EP Savage Love, soundtrack placements in Karen Lam’s The Curse of Willow Song and Kevin Schultz’s Guiltless, and performances at Wacken Battle Canada (BC Finals) and Calgary’s Decimate 2.0 Festival. Drummer Chris Pallot completed the lineup in 2020.

Their debut album, “Destroyed in Delight,” arrived in October 2020, featuring the single “Tangled” and the track “Save Me,” selected for gameplay by Hipsterbait. Songs from the album continue to receive college and internet radio play worldwide. With multiple music videos released and more in production, Ophelia Falling is now writing new material and gearing up for their return to the stage.

https://www.opheliafalling.com/

Music Video – Destroyed in Delight – https://youtu.be/ksRUe2mCS5I

====

Lycanthro – Photo Credit – Dana Zuk

Lycanthro (HMF Alumni) is an enigmatic power metal band hailing from Ottawa, Canada. Their unique fusion of power, thrash, and traditional metal delivers an epic soundscape that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Savatage, W.A.S.P., Blind Guardian, and more, Lycanthro proudly hunts in the world of true metal. Calling out to the realms of classic horror, pop culture, and mythology, their music is a journey through the imagination via tales of personal struggle and howling victory. After an early demo and EP, their critically acclaimed full-length album, Mark of the Wolf (2021), showcased powerful storytelling, dynamic arrangements, and even collaborations with a chamber choir. Lycanthro has hunted on stages such as Power Metal Quest Fest in the UK, Legions of Metal in Chicago, and is fast inviting a worldwide audience to join the pack. Now, after joining US-based metal label Psychomanteum Records, the wolven-metal outlanders are hard at work crafting their highly anticipated second album for release in 2025. With every note, Lycanthro proves that the howl never dies, the hunt never ends, and the night is never quiet. IN METAL WE TRUST!

https://lycanthrometal.com/

Video – Far Beyond The Walls – https://youtu.be/g5ImX4EEwjk

====

Thorsguard is an epic Viking metal project forged in the cold winds of Alberta, Canada. Founded in early 2022 by multi‑instrumentalist and vocalist Damien Hicks, known artistically as The Skald, the band was created with a singular purpose: to revive the ancient sagas through thunderous riffs, sweeping melodies, and battle‑hardened storytelling. According to public listings, Thorsguard is based in the Edmonton/Sherwood Park region and is driven by a passion for Norse myth, warrior culture, and cinematic metal soundscapes.

Drawing inspiration from genre giants such as Amon Amarth, Sabaton, Ensiferum, Equilibrium, and Brothers of Metal, Thorsguard blends melodic death metal, folk elements, and symphonic textures into a sound that feels both mythic and modern. The project’s lyrical themes revolve around Viking exploits, legendary battles, and the enduring spirit of the North, all delivered with the dramatic flair of a wandering skald recounting heroic deeds by firelight.

With its roots planted firmly in epic metal tradition and its eyes set on the horizon, Thorsguard stands ready to carve its name into the modern Viking metal landscape one saga at a time.

https://www.facebook.com/THORSGUARDofficial

Stream – Danelaw – https://youtu.be/A1Hmt5TBLJs

====

Valley of Despair is an independent Canadian metal band blending together elements of modern rock, power metal, and thrash. The Edmonton, AB-based group released their debut EP “Burn At The Stake” on November 29th, 2024. The EP charted #1 at college radio stations across Canada and landed a spot on the Earshot National Loud Chart.

Valley of Despair toured with their EP across Western Canada in 2025 with festival stops in Armstrong, BC, and Yellowknife, NT. VoD is preparing to write their full-length debut with plans to release new music in 2026.

The band consists of Cheryl Leia (vocals & rhythm guitar), TJ Buggins (lead guitar), Joel Croft (Bass), and Preston Lehoux (drums).

https://valleyofdespair.ca/

Video – Burn At The Stake – https://youtu.be/vJcccWhNpUs

====

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 Start Off 2026 with Norwegian Rock Maiden LILY LÖWE’s New Single “Love Like This” From New Album “Beautiful Disaster” Out February

January 6, 2026
by Asher
· Lily Löwe · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 6, 2026

Start Off 2026 with Norwegian Rock Maiden LILY LÖWE’s New Single “Love Like This” From New Album “Beautiful Disaster” Out February

L-R – Stian Hansen, Patrik K. Svendsen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt, Eiliv Sagrusten

Photo Credit – Jarle Nyttingnes

Norwegian melodic hard‑rock band Lily Löwe unveils “Love Like This”, the final single before the release of their upcoming sophomore album “Beautiful Disaster,” due out on February 6, 2026. A soaring, emotional power ballad, “Love Like This” closes the album with intensity, vulnerability, and the kind of unforgettable hook that lingers long after the last note.

“Love Like This is the end. It’s a strong power ballad that sticks to your head for a long time,” adds the band.

“Love Like This” arrives as the ninth and final track on “Beautiful Disaster”, a record built on contrasts: strength and fragility, chaos and clarity, darkness and release. The single showcases Lily Löwe’s signature blend of big riffs, emotional storytelling, and commanding vocals, but with a more cinematic, heartfelt edge.

“This album is all killer, no filler, every track hits different. We want to give fans a real experience, that feeling of power, emotion, and release you get when music truly hits. Each single represents a different side of who we are as a band,” adds the band.

“Love Like This” embodies that mission. It’s the emotional exhale after a record full of fire, a final moment of catharsis that ties the album’s themes of desire, transformation, and inner conflict together.

Listen to “Love Like This” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcHP4C9MwvI

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/1JMj25qB8oisfjfg40XU6n

“Beautiful Disaster” explores the tension between vulnerability and power, both lyrically and musically. The album moves between raw emotion and high energy, blending modern production with the heart of classic hard rock.

Across its nine tracks, listeners are taken through a world of dark atmospheres, heavy guitars, and dramatic storytelling, from the haunting introspection of “Haunted House” to the glam‑punk chaos of “Glitter & Gore”, the explosive rebellion of “Wild”, and the emotional storm of the title track “Beautiful Disaster.”

The album’s writing process begins with vocalist Lily, who crafts toplines, hooks, and lyrics before the rest of the band builds the songs into full‑scale rock anthems.

“It starts with Lily’s ideas, but we build everything together; it’s 100% a team effort,” the band explains.

Formed after Lily’s solo debut at Melodi Grand Prix 2022, Lily Löwe quickly grew into a full band featuring some of Norway’s top heavy rock talent: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt (Jorn), Patrik Svendsen (Tonic Breed), Stian Hansen (Suicide Bombers), and Eiliv Sagrusten (Invasion). Their debut album LÖWE earned critical acclaim, and their upcoming release promises to push boundaries even further.

With “Beautiful Disaster” arriving February 6, 2026, Lily Löwe is gearing up for a year of new music, live shows, and expanding their international footprint.

Previous Videos:

Haunted House – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_5AF-owxPc
Glitter & Gore – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BbJj1HISHI
Puppet Master – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xs3dLGsyk4
Wild – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cX8I3PDkao

Track Listing:
1. Demons – 2:49
2. Haunted House – 3:26
3. Puppet Master – 2:43
4. Beg For Your Life – 2:54
5. Beautiful Disaster – 2:54
6. Glitter & Gore – 2:36
7. Our Secret – 3:36
8. Wild – 2:48
9. Love Like This – 3:15
Album Length: 27:06

Album Band Lineup:
Lily Löwe / Lill Sofie Wilsberg: Vocal
Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt: Guitar
Eiliv Sagrusten: Drums
Patrik Svendsen: Bass
Stian Hansen: Guitar

Album Credits:
Album Cover Photo: Jarle Nyttingnes
Mixed and Mastered: Jonas Holteberg Jensen (The Woods Norway)
Mastered for Vinyl: Steve Kitch
Demons – Producers: Ola Frøyen, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producer: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Songwriters: Elsbeth Rehder, Ola Frøyen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt

More info: https://www.lilylowe.com | Facebook.com/iam.lilylowe | Instagram.com/iam_lilylowe

-30-

“Löwe has a voice with power, punch, and attitude.” – Norway Rock Magazine

“The Löwe album is one of those examples [of music that just sounds right].” – Metalhead Community

Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen gave Lily Löwe´s song “Bad Baby” a 9/10 rating

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2026 Battle Cities and Bands! One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

January 5, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 5, 2026

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2026 Battle Cities and Bands!

One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

Let’s get ready to rumble! Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year’s 2026 battle grounds across the country, where one independent metal band will gain the opportunity to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

Battles will be hosted in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, Okanagan, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, with each city being witness to a behemoth of independent extreme music talent.

The following dates, cities, and bands are listed below. The national final will be held in Montreal, QC, on May 9, 2026.

“This series of battles is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. Good luck to all the battling bands, and your chance to play Wacken Open Air,” adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

Watch – Wacken Metal Battle 2025 – Aftermovie | Have You Heard the Future of Metal? – https://youtu.be/nCulXiLlaSw

The 2026 WMBC champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2026 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

List of previous WMBC national winners: Killotine (Hamilton, ON – 2025), Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

Battles Listed By City:

Vancouver

March 5 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria – Bands TBA (Round 1) – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2122

March 6 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria – Bands TBA (Round 2) – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2123

March 28 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria (BC Final)

Kelowna

March 15 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife – Bands TBA (BC Interior Round) – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2124

Victoria

March 20 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar – Bands TBA – (BC Island Round) – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=2125

Edmonton

Jan 29 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room – Santorum, Midnight Breakers, Prisoner – https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/round-1-wacken-metal-battle-the-starlite-room-tickets/14076834
Feb 12 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room – Valley of Despair, Desicrate, Garden of Ash, Judgemental – https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/round-2-wacken-the-starlite-room-tickets/14076844
Feb 19 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room – Fall of Earth, From the Ground Up, Per Velum, Embur, Ashes of Yggdrasil – https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/round-3-wacken-metal-battle-the-starlite-room-tickets/14095444
Feb 26 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room – From Beneath, Sese Matua
Valence, Bladewolf, Northern Renegades – https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/round-4-wacken-metal-battle-the-starlite-room-tickets/14096024

Toronto

Jan 17 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar – Dawn Vally, The Divine Project, Night Of The Snake, Ubruxum (Round 1)

Jan 30 – Toronto, ON – Bovine Sex Club – Gravearth, The Animal Warfare Act, Absent Theory, Lahore Wept (Round 2)

Feb 7 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar – Deafened, Abysmal Whore, Misothronos, Automatic Fire (Round 3)

April 18 – Toronto, ON – The Garrison (Ontario Final)

Ottawa

TBA

Montreal

Feb 6 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar – (Round 1) – Hatestinger, Forbidden Order, Ressac, Stregoneria – https://www.facebook.com/events/2044218803065710

Feb 14 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar – (Round 2) – Burning Attic, Chüzo, Naerium, Mötörwölf – https://www.facebook.com/events/1539961070418432

March 13 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar – Bands TBA (Round 3)

April 3 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar – Eastern Final

May 9 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar – National Final

Quebec City

TBA

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

Last year’s 2025 Canadian Battle Final took place on May 31st at Vancouver’s Rickshaw Theatre, where Hamilton, Ontario’s KILLOTINE, the Ontario regional winner, delivered a standout performance that earned them the top national title. A panel of industry judges selected KILLOTINE to represent Canada at the prestigious International Wacken Battle, held during Wacken Open Air from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 85,000 metal fans from around the globe gathered.

Joining KILLOTINE on stage at the Canadian final were fellow regional champions: SOULTHIEF (Eastern Canada Winner – Ottawa, ON), BEYOND SUFFERING (Alberta Winner – Calgary, AB), and YEGG (British Columbia Winner – Nanaimo, BC). The event also featured a special guest headliner: Vancouver’s Arrow In The Quiver, the 2024 BC Final winner.

The national judging panel included a lineup of respected figures from the Canadian metal and music industry: Brittney Slayes (Unleash The Archers), JJ Tartaglia (Canadian Organizer of Wacken Metal Battle Canada), JJ Caithcart (Founder of SCRAPE Records and Host of Different Stages Radio), Kris Schulz (Founder of Empower Through Music and Owner of Horizon School of Music), Abelardo Mayoral (Founder and Operator of The Invisible Orange and OrangeTickets), Stan Schinners (Owner of Broken Neck Radio), Justin Dobbin (Owner and President of Main Stage Rehearsal Studios).

For the last 9 years of battles (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2023-2025), Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to COVID, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2026 will be the 35th edition of the festival and will be held from July 29th to August 1st. The 2026 event is nearly sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Savatage, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among over 55 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience, along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter, where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2026 and compete against the winners of other participating countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official
X.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/wmbcanada.official

– 30 –

Media Partners:
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Promoter Partners:
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0 ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2026 – Tickets On Sale Now! The Okanagan’s Ultimate Mountain Mosh Pit Returns

January 5, 2026
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 5, 2026

ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2026 – Tickets On Sale Now! The Okanagan’s Ultimate Mountain Mosh Pit Returns

“It’s one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music.” – Vancouver Sun

After celebrating a milestone 15th anniversary marked by record‑breaking crowds and its most successful edition to date, ARMSTRONG METALFEST returns for its 16th chapter on July 17 and 18, 2026, at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC. Fans can look forward to two full days of moshing, headbanging, and camping. Early bird tickets are now available!

Early bird weekend passes are $179.99 CAD until March 1st. Once early bird sales end, pre‑sale passes will be offered at $229.99 CAD, with gate admission priced at $274.99 CAD.

All prices apply to full weekend passes and are subject to applicable taxes. Each weekend pass grants general admission and access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 18, 2026. Free camping is included.

Please Note: Camping – RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you choose to park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, then a vehicle pass is not required.

Early bird passes can be purchased at: http://www.armstrongmetalfest.ca

The 2026 lineup will be revealed in March 2026.

Armstrong MetalFest’s 15th year of mountain moshing roared to life with a powerhouse 2025 lineup featuring BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM, and many more heavy hitters from across Canada and beyond. The town of Armstrong, BC, was transformed into a metal haven, complete with Yeti Games, the Metal Madness Market, and the chaos of Thrash Wrestling.

Check out the Armstrong MetalFest 2025 Spotify playlist – https://spoti.fi/4i4u2OV

“To close the night and the weekend, Born of Osiris delivered a high-octane headline set that tore the roof off. It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable weekend. When the last note rang out, it hit us — AMF 2025 was coming to a close. There’s always that bittersweet feeling as you start packing up. But that’s the beauty of this festival: it stays with you long after the amps cool down. Every year, Armstrong Metalfest brings together a community that truly loves heavy music. It’s not just about bands and beer — it’s about belonging. The friends you make, the moments you live, the memories that stick — they’re why we keep coming back. If you’ve never been to AMF, consider this your sign. It’s more than a music festival—it’s a metal rite of passage. Once you go, it gets into your blood. We’re already counting the days until the next one.” – Stan Schinners of Broken Neck Radio / Absolute Underground Magazine (Live Review AMF 2025)

About:

Since its inception in 2009 (with a brief hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong MetalFest have championed hundreds of local bands while welcoming renowned international acts to the quiet town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Every year, metalheads from across Canada and the U.S. converge on the scenic Okanagan Valley for three days of camping and two days packed with heavy metal mayhem. Under the blazing summer sun, fans revel in live performances, wrestling spectacles, scavenger hunts, and reconnecting with their extended metal family.

Armstrong MetalFest has hosted legendary headliners like Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Warbringer, Fallujah, Striker, and Beyond Creation, alongside rising stars from across North America. And when the final riff fades, the festival vanishes without a trace, leaving the landscape as untouched as it was before.

West Metal Entertainment, a non-profit society, not only produces Armstrong MetalFest annually but also supports the regional music scene by organizing performances at various venues, including all-ages shows, to inspire musical passion in both youth and adults.

For more info:
http://www.armstrongmetalfest.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/armstrongmetalfest/

https://www.instagram.com/armstrongmetalfest/

https://x.com/amfcanada

Partners:
WCMFA
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Province of BC
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Sunbelt Rentals
Bravewords
V13
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
Ghost Cult Magazine
This Day In Metal
Valstar Electric
Voets

What the press is saying:

“Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan” – Global BC News

Kelowna Now: Armstrong Metal Festival Co-founder reflects on a decade of metal – Video Interview here.

CHBC – Global Okanagan: Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong – Video Interview here.

Global Okanagan – Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan – Video here.

“In the past, metalheads had to travel to Germany to experience the rush of a big festival, such as Wacken Open Air. But local headbangers decided to bring that feeling home with Armstrong Metalfest.” – Vernon Morning Star

“Go Big or Stay at Home: Armstrong has that welcoming feeling for a rock show.” – The Valley Voice

“To witness such a gathering of talent is an absolute privilege, and for that fact alone, I will certainly be returning to Armstrong Metal Fest.” – Beatroute BC

“This festival is now going to be my yearly must-go-to event and if you’re a metal head that hasn’t attended or a curious metal voyeur, do yourself a favour and check it out, you will not regret it.” – Abort Mag

“The Armstrong Metalfest is one such event and has grown from its initial, humble beginnings seven years ago to be a regular mainstay, with its south-central BC location making for a popular summertime destination for fans and bands alike.” – Decibel Mag

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun

“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

“From farm to stadium: Armstrong Metal Fest’s humble beginnings” – Info News

– 30 –

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0 Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love! For the Week Ending: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 CFBX 92.5FM – Kamloops Loud – #2 Ivy Gardens, #4 Merfolk, #6 Woodhawk | CICK 93.9 – Smithers Top 30 – #14 – Z-Cocoon

December 26, 2025
by Asher
· Ivy Gardens · MERFOLK · radio charts · Woodhawk · Z-Cocoon

Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love!

For the Week Ending: Tuesday, December 23, 2025

CFBX 92.5FM – Kamloops
Loud – #2 Ivy Gardens, #4 Merfolk, #6 Woodhawk

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfbx.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-12-23

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

CICK 93.9 – Smithers
Top 30 – #14 – Z-Cocoon

https://earshot-online.com/charts/cick.cfm?dWeekOfID=2025-12-23

0 Exitus Stratagem Records – MATT MILLER Drops a Holiday Metal Rendition of Bach!

December 24, 2025
by Asher
· Matt Miller · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 24, 2025

MATT MILLER Drops a Holiday Metal Rendition of Bach!

L-R – Justice Robinett (Bass), Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth), Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth), Biko Wright (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Lilly May Everett

Guitarist and composer Matt Miller is closing out the year with a spirited new holiday release that blends classical elegance with high‑energy metal flair. His latest track and accompanying video, “December, Joy of Man’s Suffering in the Holiday Spirit 2025,” offer a playful reinterpretation of a classic Bach composition, transformed into a modern, riff‑driven celebration of the season.

The video, filmed with a humorous, tongue‑in‑cheek approach, features festive characters and a warm holiday atmosphere. Miller and band emphasize that the visuals are created purely in good fun and in the spirit of the season, noting that they do not claim ownership of any characters portrayed.

“This piece was all about having fun with something timeless. We wanted to take a Bach classic and give it a metal twist while keeping the holiday mood light, joyful, and a little mischievous,” says Miller.

The track showcases Miller’s signature blend of technical precision, melodic creativity, and genre‑bending experimentation. By pairing baroque‑inspired lines with modern metal textures, the release offers something fresh for fans of classical crossover, instrumental metal, and holiday music alike.

As 2025 comes to a close, the video also carries a message of gratitude and optimism. “There’s a lot to be happy about and a lot to look forward to in 2026. Eat, drink, and be merry. Cheers from all of us to all of you!” Miller shares in the video description.

“December, Joy of Man’s Suffering in the Holiday Spirit 2025” is now available to watch on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39p10iPW6SY

This past September 2025 marked Matt Miller’s first full-band album after years of performing as a solo artist. Originally conceived as an instrumental record, the album entitled “Fiber Tormentum” evolved into a full-scale concept piece with vocals and contributions from the entire lineup. Lyrically, the record tells a loose sci-fi narrative of alien invaders manipulating human DNA to enslave humanity. Musically, it blends technical death metal, power metal, progressive death, and symphonic elements into a relentless yet melodic assault.

The album artwork, created by the late Joshua Nassaru Ward (Voraath), reflects the album’s core theme: a tormented face mid-transformation, symbolizing the manipulation of human DNA. The title “Fiber Tormentum” is inspired by Roman history, the sound of a ballista’s ropes tightening before release, a metaphor for the tension and release found throughout the album.

“We set out to make the best possible record that we could and push ourselves to our best performances. We never settled and always reached higher. We explored all options and left no stone unturned. Fiber Tormentum was the most ambitious project I had ever worked on, and I wanted to make an album that not only belongs alongside the bands and songs that I hold in such high regard but also adds something new to the genre and brings something unique. A technical death metal album with clean vocals and intricate over-the-top guitars locked in step, and in those moments, they don’t back off but accelerate. If anything, it adds a hint of theatricality and makes the songs memorable, or I dare say catchy, with guitar and vocals entwined. One of the key elements of the album is its human feel. Yes, we used some modern production techniques, but this album still retains its human element while remaining focused and airtight. At the very least, this was the next step in my ever-changing musical evolution and expanding horizons, which only means that the next release will be more ambitious while providing a glimpse into our lives, because isn’t that what art is and does?” says Miller.

Recommended for fans of Necrophagist, Symphony X, Wintersun, The Faceless, and Death, “Fiber Momentum” (released Sept 12th) is available on all major platforms through Exitus Stratagem Records.

Digital – https://hypeddit.com/mattmiller/fibertormentum

CD – https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/wnn3m10s6beq0pbmnot0e17ghvj629

Guitar Playthrough – Descent into Violence – https://youtu.be/RCj0AKSkSTc

Music Video – Effecively Neutralized – https://youtu.be/hJDoR9JL9b8

Band Playthrough – Summoned – https://youtu.be/5FJxxg_dd2k

Track Listing:
1. Descent into Violence (5:04)
2. Summoned (3:33)
3. Effectively Neutralized (4:53)
4. Blight and Disfigurement (3:23)
5. Maimed Paralyzed Dead (3:12)
6. Horror Beyond Comprehension (3:15)
7. Fiber Tormentum (Instrumental) (3:31)
8. Abiotic Origin (3:14)
Album Length: 30:08

Album Lineup:
Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth)
Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth)
Justice Robinett (Bass)
Biko Wright (Vocals)

For more info:

Exsrmusic.com | Shreded1.com | Facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238 | Instagram.com/mattmiller630

– 30 –

“All in all, it’s a fascinating song (Effectively Neutralized) — head-spinning and heart-palpitating but also a heavy-hitter and a conjurer of strange, sinister, and haunting visions. In other words, in the space of just five minutes it pulls off a lot of impressive feats. And the well-filmed and well-edited video for it is a perfect complement, in that it shows us how all these talented performers executed all the impressive accomplishments.” – NoCleanSinging

“Hell yeah. Holy moly canoli. Fiverr to Fiber Momentum, and that was the album. This song is Descent into Violence. Holy moly canoli, dude. Go support, Matt Miller. That was absolutely badass. Total shredding. Jordan, also a homie of mine, your drums are incredible. The new singer, Bo, I love the harsh vocals in the clean. Total is it almost the cleans almost reminded me of Queensryche meets Cannibal Corpse. It’s pretty freaking sweet. And of course, Justice always lays down the heavy bass with the beautiful bass faces. But an absolutely incredible album….Matt Miller, you could find him everywhere. He’s an incredible guitar player, one of the best guitar players of our generation. Remember, this is Fiber Tormentum courtesy of Exitus Stratagem Records. So, a huge shout-out to them as well. Matt Miller has so many more songs. If you guys like this song (Descent into Violence), believe me, this guy is an absolute shred master. Not only does he do like a ton of his own originals, he does a ton of covers, and also he’s just a shred master of all sorts. Just exactly how they say, melodic, technical, and death. But I will definitely say the big thing that stands apart about this whole song is great structure, absolutely shredding on all levels, and the vocals are just 100% one-of-a-kind. And I totally enjoyed it. Guys, I love you guys from the bottom of my heart. This has been Matt Miller with his new song, Descent into Violence. Pick up the new album on September 12, Fiber Tormentum.” – Omar Rodriguez – The Metal Mixtape – YouTube Channel

“The songs on “Fiber Tormentum” are rather good, and make for very interesting listening sessions.” – Metal Temple

“”Fiber Tormentum” is a real killer and so refreshingly creative that you can’t help but toast this previously unknown genius in awe! Cheers! 9/10″ – PowerMetal.de

“Soaring, crushing, ferocious, emotive, and relentless, are words that strongly describe Decrepit Shed. The album has a lot to offer from various metal sub-genres and encompasses the best elements of technical guitar playing while still having well-written songs”. – Brave Words

“Monument of Velocity” initially had a different title and was not going to be a Matt Miller release and some of the songs were written with vocals in mind and were not going to be instrumental, however, it turned out to be the sixth of seven powerful albums in his discography. contains eight tracks full of technical and progressive metal eliciting feelings of suspense, and tension while being fun, melodic and brutally heavy. Miller’s melodic and relentless music has a wide range of influences and is recommended for fans of Jeff Loomis, Necrophagist, and Obscura.” – Rock’n’ Load

“Even though Miller’s music is instrumental, he likes to think of the guitar as a voice. Which in turn makes him ask what is the guitar saying? He is able to easily convey emotion, tone, and a story even without the use of vocals. Throughout his releases, his music has developed a more modern sound in both the music and the production. Musically the songs are more well written and a lot of the ideas he writes are being accurately represented. He is always trying to push himself as a musician and this is reflected in his discography. Influenced primarily by technical and progressive death metal with a dash of power metal and symphonic metal as well, Matt Miller’s music is recommended for fans of Obscura, Dragon Force, and Racer X” – Metal Sucks

“Mr. Miller can shred like his fingers are on fire” – Ever-Metal.com

“Matt shreds all over this album with guitar solos galore”. – Transcending the Mundane

“Soaring, crushing, ferocious, and emotive, Miller conveys a wide range of tones throughout his instrumental music. It is recommended for fans of Dragon Force, Racer X, and Jeff Loomis” – Metal-Rules

“For guitar enthusiasts, I guess it is a feast for the eyes and ears.” – Antichrist Magazine

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