Posts By Asher

0 DOLL Release New Single “Snakes and Ladders,” The Final Chapter In Their “Animal Crackers” Trilogy

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 29, 2026

DOLL Release New Single “Snakes and Ladders,” The Final Chapter In Their “Animal Crackers” Trilogy

Ottawa alternative rock band DOLL return with “Snakes and Ladders,” the newest single in their evolving Animal Crackers trilogy, following January’s standalone release “Bear Claw” and the fan‑favourite “Shark Bait” from their 2025 album “Better Days, Better Times.” The new track marks another bold step in the band’s creative resurgence, blending their classic grit with a darker, heavier edge.

After re‑emerging from a long hiatus with a renewed sense of purpose, DOLL (the wife and husband duo of Christina and Pete Kasper) has embraced a period of sonic exploration, pushing their sound into new territory while staying true to the raw emotion and honesty that defined their early work.

With “Snakes and Ladders,” DOLL lean into a D‑standard, grunge‑inspired throwback while weaving in the darker tones and textures that have shaped their recent evolution. Loaded with harmonics, punchy riffs, and Christina’s unmistakable vocal rasp, the single captures the band’s signature blend of tension, drive, and cathartic release.

“Our fans expect the unexpected at this point. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ feels like the perfect final piece, gritty, energetic, and a real reflection of where Doll is headed,” the band shares.

The track channels the feral energy, defining their latest era, pulling listeners into a space where the stakes feel real, and the emotion hits hard. It’s a full‑throttle return to old‑school DOLL, raw, gritty vocals, punchy guitars, and drums that push the song forward like a runaway car with no brakes. Carrying the emotional weight and honesty of “Better Days, Better Times,” the single confronts uncomfortable truths with a mix of vulnerability and defiance.

Lyrically, “Snakes and Ladders” stands as an anthem of resistance, calling out the “snakes in suits” who pretend to help but only serve themselves, urging listeners to stay grounded, ask questions, and refuse to play someone else’s game. Musically, it’s one of the band’s most exhilarating tracks to perform, packed with harmonics, quick in‑your‑face riffs, and a vocal delivery that dials up the grit and angst. It’s built for movement, release, and shaking off whatever’s weighing you down.

“As the song says, ‘I refuse to play your game.’ Always ask questions. Keep perspective. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid blindly.”

The single’s artwork came together through a moment of pure serendipity. While wandering through a thrift store, the band stumbled upon a vintage Snakes and Ladders board game, complete with classic packaging that felt uncannily perfect for the song’s theme.

“It was like the universe dropped it in front of us. Once we saw it, we knew this was the cover. It was meant to be,” the duo adds.

The artwork mirrors the song’s message, life’s unpredictable climbs and falls, and the importance of staying true to yourself no matter where the board leads.

Listen to “Snakes and Ladders” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2jaDZUp5fZoRJDu7wXTEU7

All digital platforms – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/doll14/snakes-and-ladders

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband | https://www.instagram.com/dollbandmusic/

About: DOLL is a Canadian alternative rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. After releasing their debut album Inside the “Dollhouse” in 2009, with singles “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” earning rotation on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, the band followed up with 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries, featuring the singles “FMO” and “Youth of Today, Hope for Tomorrow.”

Over the years, DOLL has shared stages with Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Protest the Hero, Halestorm, SNFU, Die Mannequin, and many more. After a long hiatus, the band returned in 2025 with Better Days, Better Times, reigniting their momentum and setting the stage for the Animal Crackers trilogy.

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What the press has said about DOLL:

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

—
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0 EPK – DOLL – Snakes and Ladders (2026)

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· DOLL · EPKs · Uncategorized

EPK – DOLL – Snakes and Ladders (2026)

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

“We would say that following the reception we had to the first few songs in the Animal Crackers trilogy, with ‘Shark Bait’ and ‘Bear Claw’, we feel like we’ve hit a stride where our fans expect the unexpected at this point. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ is the final piece, and we think (and hope) its going to be received as a really cool mix of the Doll evolution, going into a D standard tuning as a throw back to the grunge sound of old and incorporating the elements of the new darker tone and feel, sprinkled in with a bunch of harmonics, and of course the signature Christina vocal style, Snakes and Ladders provides the rasp, the drive and the bang to be a banger. We’ve always said this project was about having fun and exploring new sounds and styles. We’re confident that ‘Snakes and Ladders’ will land just as hard—if not harder than Shark Bait or Bear Claw.” – DOLL

For fans of SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, Scowl, Nobro, The Pretty Reckless

Doll.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/dollband | Spotify | Youtube.com/@insidethedollhouse

All Digital Platforms – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/doll14/snakes-and-ladders

What the press has said about DOLL:

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The Rag Doll Diaries” is the story of a road weary/world weary band with so much to say and share. Its the combination on heartache and despair offered with a hand meant for holding. In other words here is real music for the real world.” – Heavy Metal Time Machine (2013 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“Doll was conceived as a bridge between punk and rock, a bridge that was fulfilled in the early ’90s by bands like Nirvana and the mid-’90s by Foo Fighters… A good punk band doesn’t write about the joys of picking daisies and Doll is no exception.” – The Whig Standard (Kingston, ON) (2013)

“Doll provides a missing link between punk and rock.” – The Intelligencer (Belleville, ON) (2013)

“The four-piece are definitely reminiscent of the grunge era and have provided a concise four-word biography of the band: “Rock N’ Fucking Roll.” – Exclaim! (2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“One of the most striking aspects of Inside The Dollhouse, after Christina’s whiskey-and-hell voice, is a fictional character by the name of Sally created to carry the songs. A concept completely unexpected given the band’s twentysomething youth, immediately reminiscent of Alice Cooper’s infamous character Steven, introduced on Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975.” – Bravewords (2010 – Inside the Dollhouse)

“The debut from Ottawa’s Doll caught me instantly like a fish on a hook. This is serious music. Dark, intense and magnetic, this is the kind of gritty ’90s grunge that doesn’t fuck around. Fronted by the vocally vicious Christina Kasper, Doll recall an angry and confused era of music devoid of pop but not catchiness. Kasper howls in the vein of Courtney Love and Brodi Dalle, and while the lyrics are simple and not exactly fresh, they are impacting. Songs like “Perfect” deal with trying to live up to society’s standards, while “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” deal with hurt, confusion and heroin against a backdrop of chunky guitars, assaulting drums and badass attitude. Julie-Anne Madore’s backing vocals add a whispered, haunting feel to this record. If the dirty rock’n’roll alone doesn’t reel you in, nothing will.” – Exclaim (2009 – Inside the Dollhouse)

Band: DOLL
Single Title: Snakes and Ladders
Release Date: May 29, 2026
Label: Grunge Never Died, You Did Records
Distribution: DistroKid
Genre: Hard Rock, Punk, Grunge
Location of Band: Ottawa, Ontario

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Doll
• All songs written by: Doll
• Produced by: Josh Hart
• Mixed by: Josh Hart
• Mastered by: Josh Hart
• Single Artwork by: Mark Kidd
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up: Pete Kasper, Christina Kasper, Josh Hart

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

About The Single Artwork:

Oh, this one is super crazy; it’s almost like we manifested the opportunity by picking the song title to be Snakes and Ladders. We were walking through a thrift store, and out of nowhere, a full-on board game version of the game, with the classic packaging from who knows when. We took a photo of the original box, and it was perfect.

Really makes you wonder, are we living in some video game simulation itself? As soon as you start thinking about something, it always seems to appear in some form, it’s like when you never notice a certain car or shirt, but then the moment you get one, its like you see them non-stop.

Finding that board game, at exactly that moment, it’s a coincidence that just played out so perfectly, there was no point in going a different direction. This was the cover art that was meant to be.

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

Musically, Snakes is a real fun one for us to play, we did a lot of harmonics which we never did a lot in the past, we brought in a lot of the classic feel with the in your face quick riffs, and vocally with the performance dialing up the grit and angst in the delivery, it’s a great song to move to and get some issues out.

Lyrically, it’s a classic tale of boy meets girl, girl kills boy. LOL.

Just kidding.

The messaging is an uplifting anthem fighting back against the bullshit, whether that be the snakes in suits that pretend to want to help you, but are just in it for a paycheck. This was our take on hopefully giving some sense that no matter what, you have to be yourself and never give up.

As the song says, “I refuse to play your game.” Remember to always ask questions, keep things in perspective, and don’t just drink the Kool-Aid blindly.

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

Fun Facts:

1. Christina and Pete are married.

2. They have been supporting and pioneering the Ottawa local scene by organizing shows in the area for over 20 years.

3. On tour, we always had hot and sour soup in every city.

4. Our first out-of-town runs of shows, we didn’t even have a band van, which we ended up finding late night the day before, purchased off someone privately, and had insured and plated the next morning before driving off in our amazing two-tone brown GMC Safari (RIP), the best van ever created.

5. Everyone was a huge fan of Sonic Youth

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

After a long hiatus, Doll returned in 2025 with a brand‑new album, and they’re keeping the momentum going with a follow‑up 2026 single, “Bear Claw,” releasing January 16th.

Doll is a Canadian alternative rock band from Ottawa, Ontario.

In 2009, Doll released their first album, Inside The Dollhouse. A video was filmed for their debut single, “Daddy’s Little Girl,” which aired on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus. A second video was filmed for their next single, “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces.” Madore left the band a few years later, with Paquette returning to take her place.

In 2011, they released their second album, The Ragdoll Diaries. Two singles and videos emerged from this release: “FMO” and “Youth of Today, Hope for Tomorrow.” The album was issued on both CD and vinyl. Soon after, Alex Vance joined the lineup as the new bassist.

Over the years, Doll has shared the stage with an impressive roster of artists, opening for Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Spinnerette, Protest the Hero, Band of Skulls, Anvil, Halestorm, SNFU, Hanzel Und Gretyl, Civet, The Creepshow, Die Mannequin, and many more.

Discography:
2025 – Better Days, Different Times
2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries
2009 – Inside the Dollhouse

Tours and Festivals:
2011 – Ottawa Bluesfest
2011 – IndieWeek
2011 – NXNE
2011 – Montebello Rockfest

0 Saskatoon’s PYTHONIC Sheds Its Skin w/ New EP “Laws of Karma” Out July 2026; Streaming Single “Sentience” + Western Canada Tour Support w/ Exit Wound

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Pythonic

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 29, 2026

Saskatoon’s PYTHONIC Sheds Its Skin w/ New EP “Laws of Karma” Out July 2026

Streaming Single “Sentience” + Western Canada Tour Support w/ Exit Wound

L-R – Ryan Hunter (Lead Guitar), Morgan Warriner (Vocals), Max Hiske (Bass), Vincent Kohut (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals), Jayden Warriner (Drums)

Saskatoon, Canada’s Pythonic return in 2026 with “Laws of Karma,” their heaviest and most personal release to date. Arriving July 10th, the EP marks the band’s third chapter following 2025’s “Decomposition” and 2024’s “EP01”, pushing their signature death‑groove sound into darker, more aggressive territory. The first single, “Sentience,” is streaming now.

Rising from the ashes of their previous lineup, Pythonic have rebuilt themselves into a tighter, more ferocious unit, aggressive, groovy, raw, thick, and dirty. The new EP captures that evolution with revamped tracks, sharpened performances, and a renewed focus on emotional intensity and extreme heaviness.

“These songs mark the true step forward for Pythonic. Even the ‘worst’ track on the EP is still a killer. We’re driving the death‑groove harder than ever,” says the band.

“Laws of Karma” delivers five tracks forged from hardship, recovery, and personal transformation, written during periods of physical limitation, disability, and emotional turmoil. The EP captures Pythonic’s resilience and their determination to create music that moved others, even when they themselves could not. Musically, the record pushes deeper into death‑metal and slam territory while holding tight to the groove‑driven backbone that defines the band, resulting in tighter rhythms, heavier riffs, ripping solos, and vocals that swing between grit, terror, and raw catharsis.

At its core, “Laws of Karma” is the final evolution of older, unrecorded material, now rewritten, re‑lyricized, and reborn through the current lineup. Tracks like “Venom,” “Set You Free,” “Feed the Flames,” and the title track channel deeply personal experiences, religious critique, abusive relationships, supernatural horror, and the consequences of one’s actions. The EP’s artwork, created by @apocalyptic.nuke, depicts a figure impaled on a liberty scale in a hellscape, a stark visual metaphor for karmic justice that ties directly into the record’s themes.

“This is the first set of music that is fully me. We made music to make you move when we ourselves at times could not,” says vocalist Morgan.

The lead single “Sentience” is Pythonic at their most emotionally charged. Written after guitarist Vincent returned from a nearly two‑year hiatus caused by injury, the track channels existential dread, rebirth, and the struggle to reclaim one’s identity. Lyrically, the song explores the chaos of awakening, questioning reality, confronting internal contradictions, and wrestling with the burden of awareness.

“It’s as though sentience itself is calling out to you, telling you that you can’t escape it,” adds the band.

The track’s head‑banging verse riff, crushing chorus breakdown, and standout vocal performance from Morgan make it one of the band’s strongest singles to date.

Listen to “Sentience” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0sgsoKfdkUTIGRKggTPNf3?si=7fb02f34759645b8

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymCFKjZ5tX0

In additional news, Pythonic will join Calgary’s Exit Wound for select Western Canada dates, bringing their destructive live energy to new cities. Known for their tight performances and explosive crowd response, Pythonic continue to build a reputation as one of Saskatchewan’s most intense rising acts.

Tour Dates (with Exit Wound):
May 28 – Regina, SK – The Exchange (Club Side)
May 29 – The Pas, MB – Venue TBA
May 30 – Brandon, MB – The Hall
May 31 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage
June 5 – Calgary, AB – The Rock Shop
June 6 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room (Temple Stage)

Track Listing:
1. Laws of Karma (3:17)
2. Feed The Flames (3:52)
3. Set You Free (4:07)
4. Sentience (4:36)
5. Venom (2:59)
EP Length: 18:51

EP recording credits:
All songs performed by Pythonic
All songs written by Pythonic
Produced by Pythonic
Mixed by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Mastered by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Album Artwork by Apocalyptic Nuke

EP and Live Lineup:
Morgan Warriner – Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter – Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Max Hiske – Bass
Jayden Warriner – Drums

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/pythonicband

https://instagram.com/pythonicband

About: Pythonic is a Canadian death‑groove band known for their crushing riffs, relentless energy, and emotionally charged lyricism. Influenced by Lamb of God, Black Dahlia Murder, Death, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Pantera, and modern slam, the band continues to evolve toward a heavier, more extreme sound. Their live shows are defined by precision, intensity, and a connection with the crowd that consistently sparks movement, even as the opening act.

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“Pythonic’s Decomposition EP: Rebuilt, Refined, and Ridiculously Relentless” – North Sask Music Zine

“A nice blast of heaviness to see out the year. Pythonic throw their all into delivering a memorable showcase of thrashing death metal. An EP of five tracks that shows off plenty of creativity, has moments of exciting flair, and undeniably delivers the hefty ‘one-two’ punch of death crossed with thrash metal. 8/10” – Games, Brrraaains and A Head-Banging Life (Decomposition – 2025)

“PYTHONIC does command respect. The way they have approached the music is impressive. I hear Metalcore, I get Metal Hardcore, I receive Groove metal and I hear Heavy Metal. Sometimes one of the four, at other times two or more of the four ingredients on offer. And what is even more impressive; they work well together.8/10” – Metal Temple (Decomposition – 2025)

“Pythonic assuredly on fine footing based on the reinterpretation of older songs for Decomposition. Strap yourself in for a modern mix of groove metal with thrash, death, and metalcore components which leaves you battered, bruised, and craving more.8/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“The first thing that grabs you about this second stab in the dark from Pythonic is Warriner’s shrill screams which are as nasty as a low budget horror movie from the 1980’s but in a good way. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a death growl of course but it’s not all that deep, his preference being to shred your ear canals as he screeches like a lunatic awaiting asylum on opening gambit “Guiltfeeder“. A track with a sinister urge and classy bit of lead towards the end from Hunter, it’s something that has that classic Morbid Angel about it while there can be little doubt the band love a bit of Swedish Death Metal.” – Metal Noise

““EP 1” is a testament to Pythonic‘s dedication to their craft and their refusal to be confined by sub-genre limitations. Each song is a blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, offering listeners a chance to experience the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities. It is recommended for fans of Machine Head, Trivium and Pantera.” – Metal-Rules (EP01 – 2024)

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

0 EPK – Pythonic – Laws of Karma (2026)

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Pythonic

EPK – Pythonic – Laws of Karma (2026)

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

For fans of Lamb of God, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Black Dahlia Murder

Band: Pythonic
EP Title: Laws of Karma
Release Date: July 10, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Genre: Groove / Death / Thrash
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Pythonicband.com | Facebook.com/pythonicband | Instagram.com/pythonicband | Youtube.com/@pythonicband

Pythonic.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Tour Dates:

May 28 – Regina, SK, Club side of The Exchange
May 29 – The Pas, MB – venue TBA
May 30 – Brandon, MB – The Hall
May 31 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage
June 5 – Calgary, AB – The Rock Shop
June 6 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room Temple Stage

“Pythonic’s Decomposition EP: Rebuilt, Refined, and Ridiculously Relentless” – North Sask Music Zine

“A nice blast of heaviness to see out the year. Pythonic throw their all into delivering a memorable showcase of thrashing death metal. An EP of five tracks that shows off plenty of creativity, has moments of exciting flair, and undeniably delivers the hefty ‘one-two’ punch of death crossed with thrash metal. 8/10″ – Games, Brrraaains and A Head-Banging Life (Decomposition – 2025)

“Pythonic comes from Canada with ‘Epica’, a track that features fast-paced guitar riffs, heavy drums and an engaging, torn vocal that delivers to listeners the essence of metal and subverts such as alternative, thrash and even melodic, being perfect to the circle and not to leave anyone standing still.” – Os Garot Os Deliverpool (EP01 – 2024)

“Pythonic has an EP for you. Blending Thrash with Old School Swedish Death Metal, the band manages to sound like Entombed but without losing its unique style… So if you have a few minutes of anger to drain, these guys are going to cover you!” – Metal Eclipse Reviews (EP01 – 2024)

“Overall I’m a pretty big fan of this record. If you want something that sounds maybe like an Anthrax or a Slayer record then you really want to check this out. The most dynamic and unique part of this EP, in particular is the vocals are double-tracked and they’re very high in the mix which is something that is somewhat different than a lot of the other metal releases this year which I greatly appreciate. If you want something that has a lot of the thrash guitar element then you’re really going to want to check this out. The guitar and drum parts are fantastic, they really keep the songs very tight even though the vocals are very in your face and they’re usually the the first thing that you would notice with this kind of record but overall this is very strong.” – Brutally Delicious (EP01 – 2024)

Band: Pythonic
EP Title: Laws of Karma

Release Date: July 10, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Genre: Groove / Death / Thrash
Location: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Track Listing:
1. Laws of Karma (3:17)
2. Feed The Flames (3:52)
3. Set You Free (4:07)
4. Sentience (4:36)
5. Venom (2:59)
EP Length: 18:51

EP recording credits
All songs performed by Pythonic
All songs written by Pythonic
Produced by Pythonic
Mixed by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Mastered by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Album Artwork by Apocalyptic Nuke

EP and Live Lineup:
Morgan Warriner – Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter – Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Max Hiske – Bass
Jayden Warriner – Drums

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

About the EP Artwork:

The artwork depicts a guy screwed onto a liberty scale in a hell scape background. We called the EP “Laws of Karma,” hence why we used a liberty scale to impale the figure onto. The artwork was done by @apocalyptic.nuke. The model is of no specific person to name, but holds a deep connection to the band as they were served the karma they deserved, as portrayed in the song “Laws of Karma.” The ending verse highlights the main points tying together the art and the song. They go very hand in hand with each other. We also updated our logo for this release to better align with our new direction in sound. The logo was also done by @apocalyptic.nuke. We are quite happy with how the art turned out and think it matches our brutal leanings as of late.

About The EP: Lyrically and Musically

Lyrically answered by Morgan, “Laws of Karma is the first set of music I have written that has been fully me. To say that I am proud of it is an understatement. The entire set of 5 was written when I was in a very dark place, recovering from surgery and being unable to walk/move. The entire album reflects on Vincent’s, Jayden’s, and Morgan’s struggles with disabilities and surgery. We made music to make you move when we ourselves at times could not.”

Musically, these songs have been written over a wide span of time. Lots of personal struggle and hardship can be heard throughout the riffs. These riffs are a culmination of living through life, and on the toughest days, you can still rip out a killer song through the ashes of despair.

Track By Track: Lyrically and Musically

All lyric content answered by Morgan

1. Laws of Karma – The Laws of Karma guide your fate. This speaks no matter how holy a person views themself they will forever be chained to the laws that guide this world. Karma is a real thing, and it comes to bite some people in the ass. Laws of Karma was written about the ex-member of Pythonic who was in the band for many years. It really highlights Vincent’s personal relationship with him, how the band would have people talk to us about his shitty behaviour and lack of respect. We found it fitting to use him as the object of karma.

Musically, this song was written by Ryan. It was one of the first tracks written to start leaning into a heavier sound and has been a part of our live show for many years. The riffs have not changed over the years, as the song is quite a solid piece of work. We saw it fitting to take the song and not change the name from its predecessor, and to keep the structure exactly the same as it rips.

2. Feed the Flames – Feed the Flames is the second half of Liturgy. Everyone talks about summoning the devil, but rarely discusses what the consequences may be. Demons walk this earth. They are greedy, powerful monstrosities that will take anything offered to them and then some. It speaks on the fire’s voice, which is a popular scripture in the bible (Exodus 3:2). Hearing the fire’s command, obeying, and feeding the flame. Only to have the beast take more than what was offered, terrifying those who summoned it. Eventually claiming the person themself. The beast has finally won.

Feed the Flames came to Vincent while he lived in a fairly haunted house. A solid chorus riff mixed with some other weird yet haunting riffs. The jump in the BPM near the end of the track is supposed to capture the franticness of being pursued, and the abrupt stop is you finally being caught. These go hand in hand with the lyrical content of the song. Stopping abruptly right as the lyrics “ The beast has finally won” are being spoken really helps join the music to the lyrics.

3. Set You Free – Set you free from this holy lie is self-explanatory in itself. It speaks of how religion has changed, how it is not true to itself and how so many people have suffered at the hands of “god”. If any book tells you to hate a fellow human being, that book is completely wrong and should be burned. People gather in mass to listen to people who are continuously getting flak and having people come out and speak about how they were sexually abused by a priest. Religions telling us to hate each other have no place in this world. Religion spreads hate, Pedophiles rule the world, and the bible is blasphemy.

Musically, this is another mostly Ryan banger track. This track has been developed over a long period of time and has had many iterations that have been played live. The core riffs of this track never really changed, like the intro and the verse riffs. They were just such solid riffs over the years and got the crowd moving. The rhythm over the solo is also just an absolute demon of a riff. This was another one of the songs that was written around the time of “Laws of Karma” and was a push for us to sound heavier.

4. Sentience – Lyrically, the song ” Sentience ” was written regarding the viewpoint that a majority of society is not sentient yet, what happens when someone gains sentience and questions the current narrative and the internal turmoil of not wanting to understand the way that the world works “, in ignorance there is bliss”. The entirety of sentience is filled with contradictions as well as unrest of questioning one’s very existence; it’s as though sentience itself is calling out to you, telling you that you can not escape it. Its darkened proposition of guiding you through fractured identity and internal struggle really highlights the personal pursuit of inner peace, but never being able to find it.

What makes a person sentient? Why do some people seem although they are not sentient and do not have souls? Some questions may never be answered. Will one ever find inner peace?

Musically, Sentience comes from a very raw, emotionally charged area for Vincent. It was the first song he had written after being able to play guitar again after an almost two-year hiatus due to not being able to physically play. The riffs dug into his psyche at the time of being relieved to be able to play again, but also releasing the tension of will I ever be able to play again and enjoy music as I had prior. The hiatus had brought up questions of whether I should just call it and start selling all my gear? Am I going to lose all my friends in the band, not being able to do what we enjoy together anymore? The existentialism of these questions harboured the riffs for “Sentience”, making it the heavy-hitting headbanging song you hear today.

5. Venom – Lyrically, Venom is about my personal struggles of being in an abusive relationship. How I was hit, tormented, and gaslit. I thought that I had found the one, and if I had just stayed, things would get better. It speaks to my inability to understand why I was ever treated in such a way. When it comes to abuse, there is never a rhyme or a reason for the way someone treats another person. I gave myself like a devotion or sacrifice to a person who sucked me dry of everything. Later on in Venom, it speaks on how I found myself again after finding the truth and how the person only has themself left to betray.

Musically, Venom comes from a very similar place as the lyrics did. Vincent wrote the majority of this song in a half-hour sitting after breaking up with an abusive ex. Gaslighting and mental torment at the pinnacle of having enough is what brings these riffs together with the lyrics. Originally, the riffs were titled “Drain” as Vincent had felt drained by the relationship in every aspect. A true cathartic release of being abused by a partner.

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Fun Facts:

1. After we played the Into Eternity show this past November, Morgan received some very flattering compliments on his vocals from Stu Block. This had the band very excited. Ryan and Vincent also received a handshake of approval from Matt Cuthbertson on how well our sound and set have come along. It was a very amazing time to share the stage with such legends in the scene and to be noticed by them as well.

2. Shortly after the amazing Into Eternity show, we got to be the opener for Slaughter Fest in Edmonton. This show was quite a wild ride. Being able to play the main stage at the Starlite Room felt so surreal. As we performed, more and more people just kept flooding in. The response after our set was also amazing. We had people surprised by the fact that we got people to mosh, saying, “It’s like a rule here that no one moshes for the opening band,” yet that rule was broken. We also received very kind words from Sean Watson, the leader of Display of Decay. He said, “Why didn’t you guys tell me you were so good we would have put you in a later slot?” We honestly didn’t think we were that great to be asking for that, but the crowd’s response never lies.

3. Shortly after the Slaughter Fest show, we would be contacted to be on Serenade Metal Fest once again. We donated our set once to the show, as it helps raise funds for cancer and MS research. And we like to help out with benefit shows even when we have a fairly substantial cost input for getting out to Edmonton.

4. Not long after Serenade happened, we were contacted by Exit Wound out of Calgary to do some tour dates with them. We were all very surprised by this and also excited, as some other touring for the spring had fallen through. We were surprised because we had only played with Exit Wound one other time last year, in June at a Saskatoon date for their tour. This was the third show with Morgan on vocals, and during the middle of the set, Morgan was trying to get the hype up for Exit Wound, and with the amount of air he was pushing for vocals, he had a moment of forgetfulness and forgot the name of their band. Lacking experience and oxygen made us look unintentionally a little bad, but we obviously have the chops and demeanor to show that it was an unintentional accident. Exit Wound later went on that night to play a ferocious set and later invited us on some dates for their upcoming tour.

5. After sharing the stage with Brain Stem at Slaughter Fest, we were later joined by them at Serenade. While we were at Serenade, Jess Leduc, the vocalist, came up to us before the show and jokingly said, “We never heard of you guys before Slaughter Fest, now we are on almost every show this year,” because we later would be sharing the stage with them once again during the Edmonton date of the tour with Exit Wound. Brain Stem is also an amazing band, and if you have never listened to them, you should really check them out. They have been on our band’s radar for a while, and it’s nice being able to play with an awesome band, like they are so many times!

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L-R – Ryan Hunter (Lead Guitar), Morgan Warriner (Vocals), Max Hiske (Bass), Vincent Kohut (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals), Jayden Warriner (Drums)

Pythonic is a Canadian death-groove metal band hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Drawing inspiration from groove and death metal giants like Lamb of God, The Black Dahlia Murder, Morbid Angel, and Devildriver, the band blends crushing riffs with unrelenting energy. Striving for the tightest live sound possible while delivering an electrifying stage presence, Pythonic is truly a sonic force to be reckoned with. Over the years, the band has seen many lineup changes, but two core members have remained constant. Lead guitarist Ryan Hunter, the resident guitar prodigy, shreds some of the grooviest riffs and most blistering solos. Rhythm guitarist Vincent Kohut brings a machine-like precision, combining thick low-end riffing with razor-sharp tremolo picking.

The 2026 and beyond lineup:

Jayden Warriner – skin slapping powerhouse on drums

Morgan Warriner – a vocalist with a beastly range that will leave your head spinning

Max Hiske – locking down the low end and slappin’ da bass with fury

Together, this lineup delivers the full-throttle sonic assault that defines Pythonic.

Discography:
2026 – Laws of Karma – EP
2025 – Decomposition – EP
2024 – EP01 – EP
2020 – Negative Thoughts – Single

Shared the stage with:
200 Stab Wounds, Beguiler, Art of Attrition, Insurrection, YEGG, Untimely Demise, Ravenwitch, Hatchet, Hazzerd, Into Eternity, Display of Decay, Brain Stem, Age of Ashes, A Modern Prometheus, Cell (MB), Exit Wound, Kelevra, Augurium, Widows Peak, Protosequence, Agony Spawn, Wasted Heretics, deadsunday, Alien to the Ignorant, Balrogath, Kryotic

Fests
2026 – Serenade Metal Fest – Edmonton, AB
2025 – Slaughterfest – Edmonton, AB
2025 – Serenade Metal fest – Edmonton, AB
2019 – Shockerfest 26 – Edmonton, AB

0 Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Explosive Single “Ghosts of Men”

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· Famous Strangers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 29, 2026

Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Explosive Single “Ghosts of Men”

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

Photo by J-Kiernen Photography

Edmonton, Canada’s heavy rock force, Famous Strangers, unveils the explosive single “Ghosts of Men” from their long‑awaited self‑titled debut album, co‑produced with Phil Anderson, mixed by Joel Wanasek, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, set for release on August 21, 2026.

“Ghosts of Men” was originally somewhat written back when Braden, Beej, and Jeff first got together, but put on the back burner. It was then rewritten, including vocals, just three days before entering the studio. The track evolved rapidly into one of the album’s most personal and hard‑hitting tracks.

“Famous Strangers tear down the double standard with ‘Ghosts of Men,’ a track that hits as hard as the conversation it starts. Bold, unapologetic, and impossible to ignore,” adds Kiernan

The music video takes a wild, tongue‑in‑cheek look at the emotional chaos of being ghosted, an over‑the‑top visual interpretation of the song’s raw vulnerability.

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JllvDWc2AC4

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/ghosts-of-men

The self-titled album marks the band’s first full‑length statement after a run of well‑received singles and videos throughout 2024–2025, including “Deep Star,” “George,” “I’ll See You in the Stars,” and “LSC”. Built on decades of collective experience in the Alberta music scene, Famous Strangers deliver a sound that is unpredictable, moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing, a fusion of classic heavy rock energy with modern emotional depth.

Famous Strangers formed organically after years of crossing paths in the Edmonton scene. Guitarist Jeff Kittlitz and drummer Beej had accumulated several original songs over a decade of part-time jamming. Bassist Braden Sustrik and Beej had a history in other past projects, and he was integrated into the jams around 2018. When vocalist Amanda Kiernan joined in 2023, everything clicked instantly.

“The connection was undeniable, the energy and vibe were pure magic. The lyrics poured out of me as if they’d been waiting for this exact moment,” says Kiernan.

The self‑titled debut is built around a central theme: knowing your worth. Drawing from deeply personal experiences, the album explores self‑love, growth, resilience, and the journey of breaking free from what holds you back. Musically, it’s a dynamic ride through heavy grunge‑soaked riffs, explosive high‑energy moments, atmospheric breakdowns, and softer introspective passages. The band pushes genre boundaries, embracing creative freedom and emotional honesty. Tracks range from the empowering opener “Fire Inside”, to the punk‑driven alien‑abduction romp “Far Away from Home”, to the blues‑infused vulnerability of “Rain.”

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

Album artwork and track listing will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Show Dates:
June 27 – Decimate MetalFest – Millet, AB
July 3 – The Slice – Lethbridge, AB
July 4 – The Blox – Calgary, AB
Aug 6 through 20 – Western Canadian Tour
Aug 21 – Album Release Show 1 – Rec Room – Edmonton, AB
Aug 22 – Album Release Show 2 – Temple Starlite – Edmonton, AB

More info:

https://www.famousstrangersband.com/

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

https://www.instagram.com/famousstrangersband

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

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

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

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0 Streaming Now! Prog Fusion Visionaries LUFEH’s New Album “Overwhelmed”

May 28, 2026
by Asher
· Lufeh · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 28, 2026

Streaming Now! Prog Fusion Visionaries LUFEH’s New Album “Overwhelmed”

Photo Credit – Joao Pinheiro

Progressive rock collective LUFEH will release their highly anticipated sophomore album “Overwhelmed” on May 29th, marking a major new chapter for the band as they continue to evolve their sophisticated fusion of prog rock, metal, jazz, and Brazilian musical influences. Fans will get their first chance to hear the full record a day early with an exclusive album stream premiere on TheProgSpace at https://theprogspace.com/lufeh-overwhelmed-album-premiere/

The release follows a powerful run of singles that have steadily revealed the album’s musical depth and emotional range. “He Commands the Sun and the Stars”, the first single, is a rhythmically complex yet instantly memorable track that sets the tone for the album’s direction.
“Overwhelmed”, the cinematic title track featuring a standout violin performance from new featured vocalist Ginny Luke. “Double Dip”, a time‑shifting prog fusion piece highlighted by the exotic Bulbul Tarang. “War of Emotions”, the band’s heaviest single to date, explores the internal battles of the self.

Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and produced by keyboardist Gera Penna, “Overwhelmed” represents LUFEH’s most refined and expressive work to date. While the band’s debut “Luggage Falling Down” leaned heavily into technicality, the new album strikes a deliberate balance: intricate musicianship paired with catchy, memorable vocal melodies designed to stay with listeners long after the songs end.

“We still have that elaborate, complicated playing, but this time every song has vocal parts and choruses that are easy to remember and sing along to. It’s complicated music that’s also catchy,” says band founder and drummer Lufeh Batera.

The album also marks the arrival of Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s new featured vocalist and electric violinist. Known for her work with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, and more, she brings a dynamic voice and violin performances that add a new dimension to the band’s sound.

Though Lufeh Batera resides in Los Angeles and the rest of the band is based in São Paulo, Brazil, the group crafted nearly 70% of the album online, exchanging ideas daily and refining arrangements collaboratively. Longtime musical partners Deio Tambasco (guitar) and Duca Tambasco (bass) bring decades of chemistry, having played with Lufeh since the early ’90s.

The band’s creative process remains deeply collective, something Batera says defines their identity:

“Our creative process is like a drawing that passes from hand to hand. Everyone adds their own stroke until it has the right colors and depth.”

Across its eight tracks, “Overwhelmed” explores themes of pressure, renewal, duality, longing, and self‑reflection. From the rock‑opera drama of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost” to the uplifting message of “Breathe” and the spiritual catharsis of “End of the Tunnel,” the album blends technical mastery with emotional storytelling.

With influences ranging from Dream Theater and Rush to Vola, Tool, and Haken, LUFEH’s new album stands as their most cohesive and expressive work yet. It’s a record built for both musicians and melody‑seekers, complex, modern, refined, and deeply human.

Album pre-order (Out May 29th, 2026) – Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0an1zJbJGzCFkoXapSmjaB

Videos:

War of Emotions – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLpdNpBKaqM

Double Dip – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vbw_09koSo

Overwhelmed – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2ZN21fSq0c

He Commands the Sun and the Stars – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0WG8j9ovlU

Track Listing:
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

More Info:

https://www.lufehband.com

https://www.facebook.com/lufehband

https://www.instagram.com/lufehband/

About:

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical precision with emotional depth and genre‑bending influences. Formed by drummer Lufeh after a long hiatus from music, the band now features guitarist Deio Tambasco, bassist Duca Tambasco, keyboardist/producer Gera Penna, and vocalist/violinist Ginny Luke. Their sound draws inspiration from Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, Haken, and Brazilian musical traditions.

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“What grabbed me most on the album, besides the deeply personal approach to songwriting, was the level of talent the band has. We all know that talent isn’t the measuring stick to success, but it never hurts. This band has plenty, but they don’t let it overtake their sound. This was a feel good album with plenty of substance.” – Metal Temple (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“My take on the album: I do like that Lufeh do things their own way. For me this is an exceptional album with a fresh take on traditional metal. Ginny is a gem on vocals and the use of instruments is damn good. A flawless album that deserve nothing less than the perfect 10.” – Project Metal Music

“If their debut consisted of showing their instrumental muscles, their next album Overwhelmed (released May 29) seems to focus on purely melodic choruses. It has the complexity of Haken or Rush, but with choruses that really stick in your head.” – Radio Papy Jeff (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Lufeh has built a sound that sits at the intersection of three demanding disciplines — Progressive Rock’s structural ambition, Progressive Metal’s physical weight, and Jazz-Fusion’s harmonic and rhythmic sophistication — and has managed to do so without reducing any of the three to background texture. The integration of Ginny Luke‘s violin gives the ensemble a tonal signature that is genuinely distinctive and provides the record with some of its most memorable moments. The dual vocal format, consistently well-deployed, expands the expressive range of the material in ways that a single voice simply could not replicate. With a renewed lineup and a track record of progressive evolution, Lufeh delivers here a disciplined, technically formidable body of work that will satisfy those who take their Heavy Prog seriously.” – Progressive Rock Journal

“Very soulful breaks.Like the dynamics. The drummer is very powerful and precise. Like Rush if they were a soul band.” – CFRU 93.3 FM – Planet Groove (Guelph, ON, Canada)

“With „Overwhelmed“ LUFEH are opening a new chapter – more emotional, melodic and at the same time more powerful than ever. The title track of their upcoming album combines progressive virtuosity with haunting storytelling and marks an impressive evolution – an intense foretaste of what happened on March 29th. May 2026 is coming.” – Metalogy (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Heavy prog shines with the new single ‘He Commands the Sun and the Stars’ from LUFEH. Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery fans will find a lot to love here including a spotlight performance from featured vocalist and electric violinist Ginny Luke. Musically the band doesn’t disappoint with soaring keys, complex percussion, driving riffs, strolling bass lines…all at a high level, which is what is demanded when you enter the sacred space of progressive rock. Just as much a beautiful performance as it is a breathtaking adventure, this track raises expectations for the new album “Overwhelmed” which can’t get here fast enough on May 29th. Catch LUFEH on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Progressive hard rock’s LUFEH have just released another powerful new single, ‘OVERWHELMED (feat. Ginny Luke)’. The title track from their forthcoming album slated for a May 29th launch, this one is also like the prior single (‘He Commands the Sun and the Stars’), a masterclass of modern prog metal. Hooks that sink deep, superb performances by the band and outstanding songwriting are all on display. The anticipation for the new album is swelling with each single and based on what we’ve heard so far, we’re ready for an exceptional experience. Catch Lufeh on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“With Overwhelmed, LUFEH have crafted a progressive rock album that is mature without feeling restrained, technical without becoming cold, and melodic without sacrificing ambition. It is the sound of a band refining its identity while opening itself to greater emotional risk. The result is a record that feels both grand and personal, the kind of album that rewards close listening while still offering choruses, hooks, and moments of immediate impact. LUFEH are not simply flexing their instrumental muscles here. They are building songs that understand what it means to carry too much, to lose sight of the surface, and to keep reaching anyway. ‘Overwhelmed‘ may be born from pressure, but its greatest achievement is the way it turns that pressure into motion, melody, and release.” – Infrared Magazine”

Great prog album, love Feels Like I’m A Ghost song” – The Chill dude on the Couch

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0 VICTORIA K – New single “Oh So Weary”; The First Glimpse From Upcoming Album “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”

May 28, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Victoria K

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 28, 2026

VICTORIA K – New single “Oh So Weary”; The First Glimpse From Upcoming Album “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”

Australian gothic/modern metal act Victoria K unveil “Oh So Weary”, the first single taken from the upcoming album “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”.

With “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”, Victoria K moves toward a darker and more intimate sound, combining gothic atmospheres, modern heaviness, haunting melodies, and emotionally driven songwriting. The album expands the band’s sonic identity while exploring themes of grief, mortality, vulnerability, and rebirth.

“Oh So Weary” offers the first glimpse of this new direction through a composition that balances fragility, tension, and crushing dynamics. Layered arrangements, haunting melodies, and a sharp modern production approach – helmed by producer Lee Bradshaw and elevated through Lance Prenc’s mixing and mastering – shape a track that feels both massive and deeply personal. Additional electronic textures and sound design elements further reinforce the song’s contemporary edge and immersive atmosphere.

The single reflects on mortality and on the human body as a temporary shell inhabited by the soul. Recurring references to “home” and “house” symbolise physical existence itself, questioning what may remain once that form disappears.

Rather than relying on traditional genre formulas, Victoria K continues refining a sound built around atmosphere, emotional weight, and contemporary influences. Over the years, the Australian act has developed a distinctive identity within the modern gothic and alternative metal landscape through dynamic songwriting and cinematic storytelling.

Further details regarding “The Pleasure Of Sorrow”, including the album release date, will be revealed in the coming months. Stay tuned!

Listen to “Oh So Weary” here: https://lnk.to/b2R91u

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmo57RpzXrI

For fans of: Spiritbox, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil

VICTORIA K lineup:

Victoria Knight: Vocals
Charlie Curnow: Extreme Vocals
James Davies: Drums
Ethan Collusi: Bass

BIOGRAPHY:

Emerging from the sepulchral mists and haunted landscapes of ancient myth, Victoria K cast a lengthening shadow over Australia and beyond. Leading the Australian Gothic Metal charge with soaring vocals, expansive melodies, and bombastic songwriting that draws on the resonance of the oldest tales and fresh emotion.

Victoria K first came to the notice of listeners with their single “Lacuna,” which was distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia) and was an early taste of things to come with their debut album, “Essentia“.

Soon after the release of the 2019 single “Lacuna” ahead of the band’s first album, Victoria K were invited to support Swiss Folk Metal legends Eluveitie at Melbourne’s Croxton Bandroom. Though this was Victoria K’s first live outing, they took the crowd by storm and left them chanting for more. This entry into the live scene set the stage for the release of “Essentia” perfectly.

The diversity of music across the “Essentia” album is showcased across the four single/video releases – “Essentia“, “Forsaken“, “The Haunting“, and “Matrix“. While “Forsaken” reaches into the darker corners of Victoria K’s musical palette, “Matrix,” by contrast, is a fast and uplifting song guaranteed to get the blood pumping.

Just as Victoria K was about to play their first headline show, however, the world was plunged into the throes of lockdowns and the now-infamous pandemic. Even in the face of such a challenging time for the music industry, the band remained undeterred and performed a live show streamed directly from the studio, which was later released as the DVD “Essentia – Live Isolation Concert“.

By the time the world opened up again, Victoria K were ravenous for touring and embarked upon an extensive trek across the Great Southern Land that took in capital cities and regional towns alike, from their hometown of Melbourne to Whyalla.

Even as they toured, Victoria K showed no sign of slowing down in their songwriting, and 2023 saw the release of their sophomore album “Kore“. For this release, Knight drew on her own Greek heritage to weave an enchanting interpretation of the story of Persephone, including lyrics and chants sung in Ancient Greek to truly capture the epic tale.

The lineage from such luminaries of Gothic Metal as Within Temptation, Lacuna Coil, and Evanescence, as well as Prog/Power acts like Evergrey and Melbourne’s own Teramaze, to Victoria K is clear; however, with their latest release, Victoria K pays tribute to a more surprising inspiration, Madonna. In April 2024, Victoria K released their heavy rendition of the iconic 1998 ballad “Frozen“, running the gamut from heavy riffs to more dulcet moments, giving homage to the soulful and introspective nature of the song.

In addition to Knight’s majestic lead vocals, Victoria K’s current touring line-up includes Charlie Curnow tearing up the stage on harsh vocals, Ethan Colussi holding down the bottom end on bass, and the indomitable percussive machine of James Davies on drums.

Victoria K has amassed over 475,000 streams on Spotify and accumulated over 717,000 views on YouTube, averaging over 90 hours a month of watch time, with Matrix achieving over 150,000 views. They also boast over 6300 Facebook, 4000 Instagram, and 2700 TikTok followers, as well as over 6600 YouTube subscribers and 1000 monthly Spotify listeners primarily in Australia and the US.

With Victoria K leaning into epic and fantastical tales, it’s only fitting that they supported Blind Guardian at the Northcote Theatre on Friday, February 9, 2024, and Katatonia at The Croxton on Saturday, February 10, 2024.

Victoria K’s have recorded their 3rd studio album, “The Pleasure of Sorrow.” The details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

More info:
https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/victoria_k_official/

https://www.facebook.com/victoriakofficial/

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0 China’s DEHUMANIZING ITATRAIN WORSHIP Drops “Yomi” A Slam‑Fueled Tribute to Acheron and Japanese Folklore From New Album “二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex”

May 28, 2026
by Asher
· Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship (Stillbirth Records/Gore House Productions) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 28, 2026

China’s DEHUMANIZING ITATRAIN WORSHIP Drops “Yomi” A Slam‑Fueled Tribute to Acheron and Japanese Folklore

New Album “二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex” Out July 2026 via Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions

Line Up – L-R – Zen (Bass) | Shiru (Drums) | Kiryu Zhang (Vocals) | Xenochrist (Guitar) | Khezk (Composer)

Photo Credit – Wendy

China’s most unhinged fusion of anime culture and extreme metal, Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship, return with their newest single “Yomi”, taken from their upcoming full‑length album “二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex” out this July 2026 through Stillbirth Records, the subsidiary label from Gore House Productions.

Known globally as “the best anime death metal from China,” the band continues to push their bizarre, hyper‑violent, kawaii‑infected sound to new extremes. With brain‑melting anime‑style melodies, high‑speed blast beats, and a chaotic blend of J‑pop, brutal death metal, blackgaze, and Japanese folk, DIW have carved out one of the most unique identities in modern extreme music.

Having toured extensively across China, Japan, and Europe, and appearing at major festivals including Deathfeast Open Air, Eastsea Metal Fest, Monster Kill EU Tour, and Shockwave Fest, along with sharing the stage with such bands as Suicide Silence, Stillbirth, Born of Osiris, Origin, Belphegor, Vulvectomy, and more, the band now prepares to unleash their most ambitious and personal work yet.

Today, the band unveils their new single “Yomi” featuring Alan Grnja (Distant). The song stands as one of the album’s most striking and emotionally charged tracks, blending DIW’s signature slam brutality with Japanese folk elements and a solemn, atmospheric tone.

“‘Yomi’ features Alan Grnja from the Dutch deathcore heavyweights Distant. We blended in Japanese folk elements here. It’s solemn yet fierce, I think you guys are going to love it,” adds vocalist Kiryu.

The track follows the atmospheric piano interlude “Utsushiyo”, setting the stage for a descent into a mythic, folkloric underworld inspired by the character Acheron from Honkai: Star Rail.

Listen to “Yomi” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y5hIAykpOc

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/1fyoWtozo3cyRSOTiUrGuc

“二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex” marks a major evolution for Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship, both musically and lyrically. While the band first gained notoriety for their meme‑driven anime‑slam chaos, this album digs deeper into Otaku psychology, isolation, and emotional collapse.

“We moved away from pure gore this time to focus more on anime culture, the hikikomori life, and my own mental state. These Otaku memes are just a shell. What’s actually inside is pain, hatred, and a genuine urge for self‑destruction. Imagine a car crash in Akihabara, that’s our music in a nutshell. We threw in everything from J‑pop and Blackgaze to Japanese folk. Every track is meant to stick with you. This album refuses to be boring,” adds Kiryu.

Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship was formed from the collision of Japanese animation and extreme metal. DIW has become one of the most recognizable names in the global slam scene. Their sound is fast, brutal, kawaii, weird, and funny, a chaotic blend that has earned them a cult following across Asia and Europe.

For fans of: Ingested, Vulvodynia, Within Destruction, and Maximum The Hormone.

Due out on July 10, 2026, from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions, “二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex” is available for pre-order / pre-save at: https://orcd.co/2d-complex

Track Listing:
1. Lucky☆Slam – 1:32
2. Slamonogatari (feat. Andrew Lee from Ripped to Shreds) – 3:57
3. Brutal Panzer – 3:14
4. Twisted Light (feat. Akihiro Muto from Agent 0) – 3:11
5. 苦痛昇天 (feat. Yui from Earthists.) – 3:03
6. Song of the Neet (feat. Yanchi from 5PM Promise and Matt Yakesh from No Face No Case) – 3:35
7. Utsushiyo – 1:38
8. Yomi (feat. Alan Grnja from Distant) – 4:01
9. 約束 (feat. Niik from Pale) – 5:51
Album Length: 30:03

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Kiryu Zhang – Vocals
Xenochrist – Guitar
Zen – Bass
Shiru – Drums
Khezk – Composer

More info: Gorehouseproductions.com | Facebook.com/DehumanizingItatrainWorship | Instagram.com/dehumanizing_itatrain_worship

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“If the only thing the band had was a well-executed gimmick, I likely would have lost interest by now. One of their main strengths is that the core sound would hold up even if the gimmick was taken out.” – The Goat Review

“China’s Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship took the internet by storm with their debut EP μ’Sick.” – MetalSucks

“Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship made a mark on the metal community with head-spinning brutality accompanied” – Unite Asia

“It promises to be the most unusual new track (Eien Parasites) you’ll check out for a while.” – New Noise Magazine (2022)

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0 Montreal Tech-Death VOLUBILIS Announce Debut Album “Theasterion” Out July 2026; Streaming Single “Ashes & Embers”

May 27, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Volubilis

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 27, 2026

Montreal Tech-Death VOLUBILIS Announce Debut Album “Theasterion” Out July 2026

Streaming Single “Ashes & Embers”

L-R – Shawn Hillman (Fretless bass) | Miguel Marcheterre-Pina (Guitar) | André Dubien (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Jade Weeles & Miguel Marcheterre-Pina

Montréal technical death metal force Volubilis officially announce their highly anticipated debut album “Theasterion,” set for release on July 10, 2026. The announcement arrives alongside the band’s first single, “Ashes & Embers,” now streaming on all major platforms.

Founded in 2020 by Afro‑Canadian multi‑instrumentalist and world‑builder Miguel Marcheterre‑Pina, Volubilis first emerged as a pandemic‑era solo project before expanding into a full lineup featuring some of Canada’s most promising extreme‑metal musicians: André Dubien (vocals), Jacob Collins (drums), Alexis Rioux (guitar), and Shawn Hillman (fretless bass). What began in a bedroom has since evolved into a multidisciplinary, lore‑driven creative universe, one that fuses technical death metal, visual storytelling, and ambitious conceptual worldbuilding.

Volubilis shape their identity through an intricate, hyper‑speed, melodic, modern, and fully immersive approach to extreme metal. Drawing from progressive and technical death metal, neoclassical and black metal, metalcore, and even classical and hip‑hop influences, the band pushes the genre into bold new conceptual territory. Powered by colossal blast beats, monstrous vocals, and soaring harmonies, “Theasterion” positions Volubilis as one of the most compelling new forces in the progressive and technical metal landscape. Their meticulous songwriting and expansive self‑built sci‑fi universe reveal a level of ambition rarely seen in a debut release.

“This album represents a significant milestone, not just for us, but for the visibility of Afro‑Canadian and BIPOC artists in extreme metal. Theasterion is a legacy project. It’s meant to inspire others to pursue their creative visions, even with limited resources,” says Miguel.

“Theasterion” is a fully conceptual record that follows a sweeping science‑fiction narrative. Humanity, no longer able to survive on Earth, colonizes a satellite orbiting the planet Theasterion. When a mysterious monument, the Prism, appears, its glyphs reveal a prophecy foretelling the supernova of the nearest star, Unukhalai. The revelation fractures the colony, igniting political upheaval, a coup d’état, and a desperate expedition to the hostile planet below. There, the explorers encounter the Homo Cumulus, a non‑linear anthropoid species evolved beyond human comprehension. As tensions rise and resources collapse, humanity faces extinction long before the cataclysm arrives.

The album’s first single, “Ashes & Embers,” showcases the band’s signature blend of technical precision and cinematic intensity. Opening with a triplet‑driven riff inspired by Beyond Creation and Ne Obliviscaris, the track erupts into high‑velocity phrygian runs, a Necrophagist‑esque solo, and a dramatic tapping section that highlights the band’s world‑class musicianship.

Streaming now, “Ashes & Embers” offers listeners their first step into the vast universe of “Theasterion.”

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/2jL5Lvva0VYWoKfyvdcIec

Visualizer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f130h2824Q

Bandcamp – https://volubilisband.bandcamp.com/track/ashes-embers

Recommended for fans of Beyond Creation, Vale of Pnath, Obscura, First Fragment and Ne Obliviscaris.

Album pre-order / pre-save available at the following links

Digital pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/volubilis1/theasterion

Bandcamp – https://volubilisband.bandcamp.com/album/theasterion

Track Listing:
1. Le Flamboiement Stellaire (5:16)
2. Theasterion (6:30)
3. Homo Cumulus (5:48)
4. Ashes & Embers (4:50)
5. The Prism (4:01)
6. Unukhalai Supernova (6:24)
Total Album Length: 33min

Album Band Line Up:
Miguel Marcheterre-Pina – Rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, composition, concept art, lyrics.
Shawn Hilman – Fretless Bass, Contrabass
André Dubien – Vocals, lyrics on songs 03 & 06.
Jacob Collins – Drums
Alexis Rioux – Guest solos on songs 01, 02 and 03.
Michelle Gao: Violin, viola on song 06

Live Band Line Up:
Miguel Marcheterre-Pina – Guitar, backing vocals
Shawn Hilman – Fretless Bass
André Dubien – Vocals
Jacob Collins – Drums
Alexis Rioux – Guitar

More info:

https://bio.site/volubilis

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093419962099

https://www.instagram.com/volubilisband/

About: Volubilis is a Montréal‑based technical death metal band founded in 2020 by multi‑instrumentalist Miguel Marcheterre‑Pina, originally conceived as a pandemic‑era solo project. It soon expanded into a full lineup featuring André Dubien, Jacob Collins, Alexis Rioux, and Shawn Hillman, quickly establishing itself as one of Canada’s most promising new extreme‑metal acts. After releasing their first single, “Ashes & Embers” in 2025, the band now returns with their ambitious conceptual debut album, “Theasterion.” Defined by colossal blast beats, monstrous vocals, and sweeping harmonies, their sound delivers a fresh and immersive take on progressive and technical metal. Rooted in a self‑created sci‑fi universe and driven by world‑class musicianship, Volubilis push extreme metal into bold new artistic territory.

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0 Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Unveils The Darkness w/ Debut Album “Pax Nocturna” Out June 2026; Streaming Singles “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void”

May 26, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shroud

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 26, 2026

Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Unveils Its Darkness w/ Debut Album “Pax Nocturna” Out June 2026

Streaming Singles “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void”

Vinyl / CD Pre-Order Available

L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar

Montreal’s rising Blackened Thrash force SHROUD will release their long‑awaited debut album, “Pax Nocturna,” on June 4th, 2026, delivering a ferocious first statement forged in chaos, philosophy, and pure extreme‑metal intensity. The band has already begun their ascent with two singles, “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void”, both now streaming and showcasing the band’s blistering blend of Black, Thrash, Death, and Melodic metal.

Formed during the isolation of the COVID‑19 pandemic, SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris with the idea of starting a new project while the world was locked down. Despite restrictions and the stigma of even leaving the house, the pair began writing in Montreal, crafting songs week by week and discovering a shared foundation of influences and vision. By 2022, as the world reopened, the lineup solidified with Justin Cournoyer on bass and Jordan Barillaro on guitar, a chemistry that immediately felt inevitable.

“Once Jordan joined after our first show, it was clear this was the real beginning of Shroud. Everything since has been a train of reckoning, writing, performing, and bonding. The four of us feel truly united in what Shroud has become,” adds Conti.

SHROUD describes their sound in five words: Blackened Thrash Metal, but “Pax Nocturna” expands that foundation with elements of Death Metal, Melodic Metal, and atmospheric extremity. Fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic will find themselves right at home.

The band expects the album to resonate strongly with extreme‑metal listeners:

“Black and Thrash are the driving forces, but we pull from Death and Melodic Metal too. It’s meant to be a ride, fast, punishing, sometimes slowing down, but always taking you somewhere while staying true to the sound of Shroud,” says Conti.

Lyrically, “Pax Nocturna” explores Satanic Gnosticism, existential dread, anti‑religious critique, and the darker corners of human nature. Each track dives into a different facet of the void.

“It’s the rejection of imposed order and the corruption of organized religion. It’s embracing the chaos we come from, acknowledging we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” adds Conti.

The album was primarily written by Conti and Osiris, with Cournoyer and Barillaro shaping and refining the final structures. Newer material has become fully collaborative as the band continues to evolve.

The album artwork reflects SHROUD’s fascination with the occult and surrealism, drawing inspiration from Yoshitaka Amano, Zdzisław Beksiński, and dark fantasy imagery. Depicting the four band members in ritualistic worship of the demonic Archduke Murmur, the piece symbolizes philosophy, music, and the band’s unified creative force.

SHROUD has already carved a reputation in the Quebec metal scene for their tightness, intensity, and unrelenting stage presence, sharing stages with Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, and Sorguinazia.

“We play with vigour and hate, but also love and determination. Our presence and delivery stand out. It’s all or nothing.”

The band is set to support Atlanta’s Tómarúm and LA’s Gudsforladt alongside locals Black Market Fossil on May 28th at Piranha Bar in Montreal. Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/2763370517331518/

and Album Release Show – June 5th at Foufounes Electriques w/ LÜGER, KATÖ et BURNING SANCTUM.

Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/1636052210962146/

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic.

Listen to singles “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/60dzfqRWshGC9cqd0TbFIE

All Creation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4okttHfnlg

The Eternal Void – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ56_laldDc

“Pax Nocturna” is due out June 4th, 2026.

CD / Vinyl – https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05

Album and Live Band lineup:
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343

https://www.instagram.com/shroud.mtl

About: Emerging from the depths below, Shroud formed in 2022 when Conti and Osiris began writing together during the pandemic. With the later addition of Barillaro and Cournoyer, the band’s lineup solidified into a unit defined by technical skill, raw aggression, and a shared vision of darkness. Their sound, blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals echoing through the void, has quickly earned them recognition as one of Montreal’s most promising extreme‑metal acts. Now, with Pax Nocturna, Shroud is ready to unleash its full power.

Album Recording Credits:
– All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
– All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
– Produced by: Shroud and Jordan Barillaro
– Mixed by: Jordan Barillaro
– Album Art by: Justin Cournoyer
– Mastered by: Tore Stjerna

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