Category: Music News

0 LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Sinks Their Teeth Into 2026 With Dracula Inspired Single “Bite”

June 12, 2026
by Asher
· Levinia · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 12, 2026

LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Sinks Their Teeth Into 2026 With Dracula Inspired Single “Bite”

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

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

Photo Credit – Dream of Mirrors Photography

Los Angeles cinematic‑metal outfit Levinia returns with the third installment of their 2026 four‑single cycle, releasing their heaviest and most visceral track yet: “Bite.” The single and accompanying music video arrive as the follow‑up to the band’s recent releases “Silver Tongues” and “The Thorn,” continuing the group’s evolution into a darker, sharper, and more emotionally charged era.

“Bite,” like all four upcoming singles, is produced by Brandon Friesen (Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach), whose cinematic approach and modern metal sensibilities have helped elevate Levinia’s sound into its most refined form to date.

Drawing inspiration from Dracula, specifically the character of Mina Murray/Harker, “Bite” reimagines the classic Gothic arc of vulnerability transformed into strength. Vocalist Kourt Henson channels Mina’s evolution from prey to force of will, weaving a narrative of emotional reclamation, toxic entanglement, and the quiet power of survival.

“‘Bite’ is for anyone who’s ever felt drained by something or someone that tried to control them. It’s about finding the strength to fight back and become something stronger than what tried to break you,” says Henson.

Musically, “Bite” is Levinia at their most aggressive, relentless riffs, cinematic tension, and a vocal performance that swings between haunting restraint and explosive catharsis. Fans of the band’s heavier material, especially tracks like “Push and Pull,” will immediately gravitate toward its intensity.

The single’s artwork features a single drop of blood, a minimalist but potent symbol tied directly to the song’s themes. More than a nod to vampiric imagery, the blood represents the shedding of a former self, a transformation born from pain, loss, and the reclaiming of personal power.

“Bite” continues Levinia’s 2026 collaboration with producer Brandon Friesen, who worked closely with guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal and vocalist Kourt Henson during pre‑production to refine the band’s most ambitious material yet. The partnership has resulted in a sound that is heavier, more cinematic, and more emotionally deliberate than anything in the band’s catalog.

This single marks the third chapter in a four‑part release cycle that showcases the full spectrum of Levinia’s identity, from groove‑driven modern metal to atmospheric balladry to the ferocity embodied in “Bite.”

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

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

Digital – https://hypeddit.com/levinia/bite612

Previous Singles:

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

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

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

More info:

https://www.leviniaofficial.com/

https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial

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

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

-30-

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

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

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

0 Edmonton’s POWERLÖAD Drops Music Video “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” For New Album “In The Pocket” Out End of June 2026 + Tour Dates ANVIL

June 12, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Powerload

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 12, 2026

POWERLÖAD Drops Music Video “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” For New Album “In The Pocket” Out End of June 2026

+ Tour Dates ANVIL (BC/AB)

L-R: Hell Hammered (Drums/Vocals), Shel Shock (Bass/Vocals), Brett Michaels (Guitar)

Photo Credit – STUDIO VON PHOTOGRAPHY

Canadian sleaze‑rock troublemakers POWERLÖAD have released their brand‑new music video for “Drunk in a Taxi Cab”, the latest single from their upcoming album “In The Pocket,” due out on June 26, 2026, from Luv Machine Records (Vinyl), Night Strike Records (Cassette) and Nice Load Records & Marital Aid (CD).

The video is a hilariously literal, grimy, one‑location ride through the life of a drunk trying to get home, shot entirely in the back of a car. The concept came straight from bassist/vocalist Shel Shock, who adds:

“One night I was in a car coming home from the bar & in the midst of all the spinning, some lyrics appeared. Anyone who’s listening to POWERLÖAD has been there, you drunks. Can’t get more literal or bonehead than that.”

A slower, swagger‑heavy rocker, “Drunk in a Taxi Cab” captures the bleary, reflective moment between the chaos of the night and the consequences of the morning, all wrapped in the band’s signature maximum-voltage street rock attack attitude.

Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnoG43vlJy0

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6r7vD3wBNn5j6qdqvKdpVk?si=qqnV1ZABQhe6IBZwtMRVrA

POWERLÖAD’s new album is eight tracks of unapologetic, high‑octane sleaze rock that chronicle a full night of the band’s self‑proclaimed lifestyle.

“We wanted this album to be almost conceptual of the POWERLÖAD lifestyle. People compare it to Tommy or The Wall, mostly because of the musicianship & lyrical themes, which are superior on In The Pocket,” adds Shel Shock.

Lyrically and musically, the band sums the album up in three words: sex, drugs, and rock’n’ roll. The record is a full‑throttle plunge into that chaos, ripping through eight filthy, high‑energy chapters that kick off with the AC/DC charged opener “Tons of Tail”, a song that sounds like it’s about lots of chicks, but it’s actually about lots of cocktails. Rolling into “Bad Girls,” a tribute to the strong, street‑owning women the band admires. “The Ballad of Shit Faced Tony” follows Toronto’s most persistent blow‑seeker, while “Chains of Rock n’ Roll” channels the reckless spirit of the Sunset Strip. The stakes rise, literally and chemically, with “Stakes Are High (& So Am I),” a gambling‑fueled Motörhead homage, before the weed‑worshipping “Defenders of the Eighth” lights up the room. “Lapdog Deluxe” dives into glam‑trash absurdity inspired by ZZ Top confusion, and the night finally collapses into “Drunk in a Taxi Cab,” a bleary, stumbling ride home that closes the album with hungover honesty.

Following the album release, POWERLÖAD will hit the road with ANVIL for three Western Canadian shows, including a hometown blowout in Edmonton, AB.

Tour Dates:
June 25 – Kelowna, BC – Unleashed Brewing Co. w/ Corpus Upir, Charlie Handsome & the Brats
June 26 – Chilliwack, BC – The Chillhouse Tour w/ Anvil
June 27 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria Tour w/ Anvil
July 2 – Edmonton, AB – Divebar Tour w/ Anvil

POWERLÖAD formed as a reaction to safe, sanitized rock, choosing instead to deliver raw, dirty, high‑energy sleaze rock built for people who want to feel “sexy as hell” when they hit play. The trio features Shel Shock (Bass + Vocals), Hell Hammered (Drums), and Brett Michaels (Guitar).

Recommended for fans of G.B.H., Motorhead, AC/DC, and Mötley Crüe, “In The Pocket”, out on June 26th from Luv Machine Records (Vinyl), Night Strike Records (Cassette), and Nice Load Records & Marital Aid (CD) is available for pre-order (CD/ Vinyl/ Cassette) at https://powerload.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-pocket

Previous Videos:

Defenders of the Eighth – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at0E5z-_7vw

Bad Girls – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls_2za63Sdg

Track Listing:
1. Tons Of Tail (2:36)
2. Bad Girls (3:02)
3. The Ballad Of Shit Faced Tony (2:58)
4. Chains Of Rock n’ Roll (2:51)
5. Stakes Are High (So Am I) (3:21)
6. Defenders Of The Eighth (2:42)
7. Lapdog Deluxe (2:20)
8. Drunk In A Taxi Cab (3:25)

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Powerload
• All songs written by: Powerload
• Produced by: Powerload & Rob Lawless
• Mixed by: Rob Lawless
• Mastered by: Rob Lawless
• Album Artwork by: Adan Vazquez
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Band Line Up Album + Live
Shel Shock – Bass, Vocals (Tracks 1, 3, 4, 6)
Brett Michaels – Guitar
Hell Hammered – Drums, Vocals (Tracks 2, 5, 7, 8)

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/POWERLOADYEG

https://instagram.com/POWERLOAD.YEG

-30-

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

0 Saskatoon’s PYTHONIC Unleash Groove‑Driven Assault “Set You Free” From New EP “Laws of Karma” Out July 2026

June 12, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Pythonic

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 12, 2026

Saskatoon’s PYTHONIC Unleash Groove‑Driven Assault “Set You Free”

New EP “Laws of Karma” Out July 2026

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

Pythonic erupt with their second single, “Set You Free,” a vicious, groove‑driven assault that challenges religious corruption and hypocrisy with unflinching aggression. Following the May release of their first single, “Sentience,” the band now doubles down on heaviness, message, and momentum as they prepare to unleash their third EP, “Laws of Karma,” on July 10th, 2026.

“Set You Free” has long been a staple of Pythonic’s live set, a track that consistently ignites pits, commands movement, and showcases the band’s sharpened direction. Musically, it’s a crafted banger by guitarist Ryan Hunter, built on riffs that have evolved through years of live refinement. The song’s ripping solo and newly added backing vocals from guitarist Vincent Kohut thicken the attack, giving the track the weight and venom it always demanded.

Lyrically, the single is a direct strike at the failures of organized religion. Vocalist Morgan Warriner’s words condemn the harm, hypocrisy, and abuse perpetuated under the guise of holiness, declaring that any doctrine built on hate deserves to burn. It’s one of the band’s most confrontational statements to date, a message delivered with conviction, fury, and purpose.

Listen to “Set You Free” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2u07T0lYmbg5R76oZecF5e

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJw7vOY-lU0

First Single – “Sentience” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymCFKjZ5tX0

The Saskatoon band’s third EP, “Laws of Karma,” marks a defining moment for them, the end of their “rewriting old material” era and the beginning of a heavier, more death‑driven future.

The EP features revamped tracks once tied to the band’s previous lineup, now reborn with new lyrics, new energy, and a unified vision. Pythonic describes it as their true leap forward, shedding their old skin and emerging with a sound that is thicker, dirtier, groovier, and far more aggressive.

Musically, the EP pushes deeper into death groove, death metal, and slam‑leaning extremity, while still carrying the band’s signature rhythmic swagger. Tracks like “Venom,” “Feed the Flames,” and the title track “Laws of Karma” reflect years of personal struggle, disability, recovery, and catharsis, written through surgeries, immobility, and the darkest periods of the members’ lives.

“The first set of music I’ve written that is fully me… created when I couldn’t walk or move. We made music to make you move when we ourselves at times could not,” adds vocalist Morgan Warriner.

Rising from the ashes of their former lineup, Pythonic now operates as a tight, dedicated unit, a band committed solely to its identity and to pushing its sound into heavier territory. Their live shows have become a destructive force: raw energy, tighter performances, and an aggressive presence that has earned praise from scene veterans like Stu Block (Into Eternity) and Matt Cuthbertson (Untimely Demise).

Recent performances at Slaughter Fest, Serenade Metal Fest, and their May / June 2026 tour with Exit Wound have solidified their reputation as one of Western Canada’s most explosive rising acts.

With their aggressive, groovy, raw, thick, and dirty sound, Pythonic is recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Black Dahlia Murder, Death, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Pantera, and 200 Stab Wounds.

“Laws of Karma” is available for pre-order at https://pythonic.bandcamp.com/

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 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 its 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.

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

-30-

“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 WITHOUT MERCY’s New Music Video Breaks The “Glass” With Its Extreme Metal Groove For New EP “Infinite Loss” Out Now!; Produced by John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon)

June 12, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Without Mercy

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 12, 2026

WITHOUT MERCY’s New Music Video Breaks The “Glass” With Its Extreme Metal Groove

Produced by John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon)

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

Canadian extreme‑metal veterans Without Mercy have released the official music video for “Glass”, the newest single from their latest EP “Infinite Loss” produced with John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon) and released this past May.

“Glass” stands as one of the band’s most focused and physically weighted compositions to date. Built around a single riff written after guitarist DJ Temple witnessed Meshuggah live, the track locks into a deliberate, crushing groove that becomes the backbone of the entire arrangement.

“Glass hits hard because it was written with clarity, conviction, and momentum from the first note. Everything else was built to serve that initial idea,” says Temple.

Lyrically, the song explores eyes, mirrors, and translation, the distortion between what is seen and what is understood. The video mirrors that tightening tension, capturing the song’s sense of pressure and its final, cathartic release.

The new single arrives in support of “Infinite Loss,” a three‑track EP created during the most immersive recording process of the band’s career. Without Mercy uprooted their routines, crossed borders, and lived inside the studio for ten days, no comfort, no distance, no escape.

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended for fans of Meshuggah, Gojira, Decapitated, Alluvial, and Pantera, experience the new music video for “Glass” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRG4DolDI5s

Listen to the full EP “Infinite Loss” (released May 8th) on all digital platforms at https://ffm.to/infiniteloss

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

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

More info:

https://www.withoutmercyband.com/

https://www.facebook.com/withoutmercyband

https://www.instagram.com/withoutmercyband

-30-

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

““The Saint” is somehow both maniacal and controlled. In its opening couple of minutes it seems to be a carefully calibrated convulsion, discharging its myriad sensations in quick stop-start bursts of seemingly off-kilter but tightly executed mayhem. Those sensations include sledgehammer rhythmic brutishness, shrill and spidery fretwork-delirium, and napalm-strength vocals. The grooves are there — grooves of differing kinds — but they quickly jackhammer listeners in the midst of harrowing howls, scorching screams, and a multitude of fleet-fingered but berserk and discordant string contortions. Moreover, at the 2:18 mark the song suddenly and dramatically changes — indeed, it’s difficult to overstate just how dramatic the change is. In place of all the frenetically bursting frequencies the lead guitar gently rings and seductively warps above gravel-toned bass-lines and steady beats, an interlude that brings hints of jazz fusion to mind. That’s just a quick breather before the song’s intensity blazes again, and yet the segue back into the finale of bludgeoning grooves and squirming guitars is a smooth and near-seamless one.” – No Clean Singing

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 TAMPA DEATH FEST Announces 2026 Lineup w/ VIOGRESSION, NASTY SAVAGE, LEPROSY, GANGRENESIA and more!

June 10, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Tampa Death Fest

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 10, 2026

TAMPA DEATH FEST Announces 2026 Lineup w/ VIOGRESSION, NASTY SAVAGE, LEPROSY, GANGRENESIA and more!

Tampa Death Fest returns to the legendary Brass Mug for its 8th annual edition on September 4th and 5th, 2026, delivering one of the strongest underground death‑metal weekends in Florida.

This year’s lineup fuses rising underground brutality with veteran icons. Friday, September 4th will erupt with Syndicate, Eroguro Phantasmagore, Homicyde, Unholy Disciple, Leprosy, Sacrilous, Viogression, and Foreverless. While Saturday, Sept 5th crushes with Grave Filth, Ramtha, Gouted Corpse, Coathanger Abortion, Sapraemia, Gangrenesia (Puerto Rico), Must Not Kill, and Tampa legends Nasty Savage closing out the night.

As one of the bands that helped ignite Florida’s extreme‑metal movement in the mid‑80s, Nasty Savage remains a cornerstone of the scene and a perfect headliner for a weekend built on pure aggression. If you crave real death metal, raw, heavy, and unfiltered, the kind Tampa helped define, this is one of 2026’s essential weekends. Two nights. Zero filler. Maximum brutality. See you in the pit.

Event Details:

Date: September 4th and 5th

Venue: Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Road, Tampa, FL

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1261714482664268

Ticket Links:

Fri, Sept 4 – https://ticketbud.com/events/25a37be2-3998-11f1-af02-42010a71700b

Sat, Sept 5 – https://ticketbud.com/events/3510b89e-39a0-11f1-ac5f-42010a71700b

Get a preview of the lineup wth the TDF Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xXgzAxsCqGvjraz6l8YNh

TDF Promo Video – https://www.instagram.com/p/DYwwzZXR8qK/

Tampa Death Fest 2026 Lineup:

Friday, September 4th:
Foreverless (Florida)
Viogression (Wisconsin)
Sacrilous (Florida)
Leprosy (Pennsylvania)
Unholy Disciple (Florida)
Homicyde (South Carolina)
Eroguro Phantasmagore (Florida)
Syndicate (Florida)

Saturday, September 5th:
Nasty Savage (Florida)
Must Not Kill (Florida)
Gangrenesia (Puerto Rico)
Sapraemia (Florida)
Coathanger Abortion (Tennessee)
Gouted Corpse (Ohio)
Ramtha (Florida)
Grave Filth (Florida)

About the Headliners:

Viogression – https://viogression.info/

Music Video – Light Harvester – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_cEP5Ed26E

Formed in 1988, Viogression rose from the Midwest underground with early demos that led to their acclaimed debut, Expound & Exhort (1991), earning them a world tour with Death and Pestilence. After Passage (1994) and a long hiatus, the band returned with A Pure Formality (2014), reigniting their momentum and live presence. They pushed forward with 3rd Stage of Decay (2022) before crafting their fourth album, Thaumaturgic Veil (2025), praised for blending old‑school brutality with cerebral, metaphysical themes. The record marks a bold new chapter in Viogression’s evolving legacy.

Nasty Savage – https://www.nastysavage.com/

Live at Legions of Metal (Chicago) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT1V85ZQR64

Nasty Savage is a thrash metal band from Brandon, Florida, that became well known for the wild and theatrical stage antics of frontman “Nasty” Ronnie Galetti. During the band’s early years, Galetti gained a reputation for his high-energy performances, which famously included smashing television sets over his head onstage. The group’s debut album, featuring the standout track “XXX,” was recorded at Progressive Music in Tampa and helped secure a deal with the influential metal label Metal Blade Records. Nasty Savage released four albums between 1983 and 1989 before disbanding. Following years of reunion rumors, the band returned with the album “Psycho Psycho” in 2004, marking their comeback with a collection of new material. Since then, Nasty Savage has continued to perform select live shows while maintaining its legacy as a cult favorite in the thrash metal scene. In October 2024, the band released its latest studio album, “Jeopardy Room”.

Leprosy – https://leprosy.cc/home

Impulse to Kill – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2og7WzJS0

Imagine horror, blood, and gore splattered across a heaping dose of true old‑school death metal, shoved into a meatgrinder and served with a smile. This is Leprosy. Exhumed in 1988, Leprosy is a Death/Splatter Gore metal force hailing from the Pittsburgh “Steel City” underground. Over the decades, they’ve shared the stage with giants including Napalm Death, Cannibal Corpse, Malevolent Creation, Forbidden, Entombed, Venom Inc, Exodus, Deicide, and many more, earning their reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most enduring and blood‑soaked extreme‑metal acts.

Gangrenesia – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561028699841

Music Video – Disemboweling Motherfc*kers Like You! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNJOdx4-Hus

Gangrenesia is an active, slamming brutal death metal band from Caguas, Puerto Rico, formed in 2022 and known for their ultra‑violent gore themes, hyper‑percussive slam riffs, and extreme vocal brutality. They’ve quickly become one of Puerto Rico’s most vicious new extreme‑metal exports, releasing multiple singles, demos, and EPs that have circulated heavily in the slam/brutal‑death underground.

A band to watch! RAMTHA – https://linktr.ee/ramthabandfl

Music Video – Infinite Energy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yXxBbuLLsI

Recent WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2026 National Finalists! Ramtha is an extreme‑metal band from St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida, known for fusing death metal, thrash, grind, and hardcore into a high‑intensity hybrid sound. Active since 2022, the band has carved out a distinct identity within Florida’s extreme‑metal scene. They’ve released two EPs, Void Tyrant (2023) and Through Eyes of Death (2024), and are currently developing a third EP slated for 2026. Ramtha has earned a reputation for explosive live performances, frequently hitting Tampa’s Brass Mug and sharing stages with major acts such as Exhorder, Crypta, Worm, Gruesome, Artillery, Killing Addiction, Bandit, Gillian Carter, Dayglo Abortions, and Hong Kong Fck You. With momentum continuing to build, the band remains a rising force in the underground.

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577052471967

https://www.instagram.com/tampadeathfest/

TDF Press Materials HERE.

Sponsors:
Piox Promotions
Time To Kill Records
Gator Cases
Tampa Bay Museum of Metal
Metal Messiah Radio
Infernal TV
Asher Media Relations
88.5 WMNF First Call
The Tampa Morgue Podcast
The Drinking With Drew Show
Wicked Rose Photography
Teratography Graphics
Riffs Across Generations
Dr. Paul Bearer’s Creature Feature
The Nostalgia Network (NOST)

-30-

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

0 TONIC BREED Teams Up With Legends Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) For New Single “Name Dealer”

June 10, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Tonic Breed

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 10, 2026

TONIC BREED Teams Up With Legends Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne), Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) For New Single “Name Dealer”

Norwegian one‑man metal force Tonic Breed, led by creator and multi‑instrumentalist Patrik K. Svendsen, returns with a brand‑new 2026 single, “Name Dealer”, a high‑intensity track featuring two legendary guest musicians, Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) on drums and Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) on lead guitar.

The single follows Tonic Breed’s earlier 2026 release, “Close In,” which featured Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch), continuing Svendsen’s ongoing tradition of bold collaborations and creative reinvention.

Since transforming Tonic Breed into a solo project in 2019, Svendsen has pushed the project into new territory with each release. With “Name Dealer,” he once again avoids repetition, opting instead for a fresh, unexpected direction while preserving the intensity, energy, and melodic edge that define the Tonic Breed identity.

“I haven’t followed the same path as the previous release. Because of that, I think this song will once again come as a surprise to fans. If you’ve followed Tonic Breed over the years, I hope you’ll find it worth a listen,” says Svendsen.

“Name Dealer” wastes no time. The track launches with immediate force and maintains its momentum from start to finish. Musically, it blends sharp riffing with a hook‑laden chorus, a twist not typically associated with Tonic Breed’s catalogue.

The single was recorded across three different locations in Norway and the United States, then mixed and co‑produced by Adrian Bjerketvedt, who also contributed atmospheric keys that elevate the track’s depth and dimension.

For Svendsen, working with Aldridge and Hoekstra marks a milestone moment in the Tonic Breed’s journey.

“It’s an absolute honor to have Tommy Aldridge and Joel Hoekstra on this song. Their performances exceeded all expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Having the opportunity to collaborate with musicians of their caliber means a great deal to me, and it’s something I’m truly grateful for,” adds Svendsen.

Listen to “Name Dealer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etvT8PAeRAU

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/7CLRXXMpEeVCuSKczgBUzB

For more info:
https://tonicbreed.com
https://facebook.com/tonicbreed
https://instagram.com/tonicbreed

About Tonic Breed:
Tonic Breed is a Norwegian thrash and heavy metal one-man music project by Patrik K. Svendsen. Until 2019, Tonic Breed was originally a four-piece band, established in Sarpsborg, Norway, in 2006. As of 2022, Tonic Breed has released three albums and one EP. Today, Tonic Breed is constantly reinventing itself in songwriting and guest collaborations, which already include Chris Adler (Lamb of God), Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam) and Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch, Scale The Summit, Idealogy).

Discography:
– 2026 – Name Dealer (single) (ft. guest drums Tommy Albridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) and guest guitar Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra))
– 2026 – Close In (single) (ft. guest drums Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch, Scale The Summit, Idealogy)
– 2025 – Anew (single) (ft. guest drums Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
– 2025 – The Die Is Cast (single) (ft. guest guitar solo Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam)
– 2025 – The Charge (single w/ Darkroot)
– 2024 – Outsold – LP – 10th Anniversary Edition
– 2022 – Fuel the Fire – EP (ft. guests Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Bernt Jansen (Artch/Wig Wam), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Martin Skriubakken (Endezzma), Oliver Palotai (Kamelot)
– 2018 – Install Memory – LP
– 2014 – Outsold – LP
– 2010 – On the Brink of Destruction

– 30 –

“This is a collection of songs you need to hear, so what are you waiting for? [8/10]” – Metal Noise (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“The guest musicians really came together on this EP, it’s real luxury material. In short, it is a great return of Patrick as he has been throughout his career with Tonic Breed. If you are fans of Metallica, Testament, Pantera or Slayer, listening to «Fuel the Fire» it is essential this year. Without a doubt I will follow the career of this One Man Band with great interest.” – Broken Tomb (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“Tonic Breed show that the embers have not gone out and this EP gives them a good old poking, tossing them around and letting the heat build-up. ” – Metal Digest (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“Tonic Breed reinforces my growing belief that music, and particularly metal, can one day survive and even thrive without need of the corporate machine.” – Metal Disciple (2014 – Outsold – LP)

“For an unsigned act Outsold has one of the best productions I have heard in a long time. Simply put it’s a fantastic album.” – Teeth of the Divine (2014 – Outsold – LP)

“TONIC BREED could easily advance up the ranks thanks to this impressive release.” – Metal Temple (2014 – Outsold – LP)

“10/10. Album of the year 2014.” – The Metal Review (2014 – Outsold – LP)

“For an unsigned act Outsold has one of the best productions I have heard in a long time. Simply put it’s a fantastic album.” – Teeth of the Divine (2014 – Outsold – LP)

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 THUNDEROR To Perform at NXNE (Toronto) Supporting New Album “Bleed For It”

June 9, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Thunderor

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 9, 2026

THUNDEROR To Perform at NXNE (Toronto) Supporting New Album “Bleed For It”

Thunderor L-R: Brycen Gunn (Bass) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums, Keys) | Jonny Nesta (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Rae Chatten

THUNDEROR is gearing up for a major moment this June as they bring their high‑energy arena‑rock metal to NXNE, performing June 13 at Bovine Sex Club as part of the Rock & Metal Alliance showcases (https://www.nxne.com/2026-artists/thunderor). The appearance marks a key highlight in the band’s 2026 run, arriving alongside a wave of recognition for their latest album “Bleed For It.”

The performance follows THUNDEROR‘s recent Eastern Canadian tour supporting Switzerland’s Burning Witches and nomination for Loud Release of the Year for their anthemic single “Cape Breton Home” at the 38th East Coast Music Awards held this past May in Sydney, NS. The nomination underscores the band’s growing impact and the emotional resonance of their newest material.

Their upcoming performance at NXNE only amplifies the band’s momentum behind “Bleed For It” and their continued creative evolution.

Thunderor‘s new album “Bleed For It” serves as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. Set in an alternate 1992, the story follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker, on a final quest for glory alongside his friends Kenzie, Sheenah, and a local friar. Their journey spirals into rivalries, rebellion, romance, and self‑discovery.

“I hope this album inspires listeners to follow their dreams. Let it be the soundtrack to your unbridled life adventures,” says drummer, vocalist, and primary songwriter JJ Tartaglia.

Musically, the album pushes deeper into THUNDEROR’s arena‑rock‑opera identity, anthemic, melodic, emotional, and cinematic. Tartaglia comments:

“The vocals have improved drastically, and the songwriting has matured. There’s more emotion in the music, and the choruses are bigger than ever.”

The tracklist mirrors the musical’s dramatic arc, from the adrenaline of “Pump Up The Volume” and the title track, to the heartfelt “Cape Breton Home,” the rebellious “Streets Of Fire,” and the climactic closer “In The Fire O’ The Heat.”

“Many of these songs began with vocal melodies. I handled the melodies, arrangements, and drums, while Jonny Nesta wrote the guitar parts. It’s a true collaboration, but the story and emotion drive everything,” says Tartaglia.

Influences include Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Night Flight Orchestra, Skull Fist, Ghost, and The Darkness, a modern revival of the arena‑rock spirit built for escape, drama, and big‑stage energy.

“Bleed For It” (released April 17th, 2026) is available from Boonsdale Records at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/4NQDtVArMSioduoVenAJSS

Vinyl – CAN/ Worldwide – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/

Europe – LP/CD – https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/

Music Video – Get ‘Em Counted – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYe5hnY4xz0

Music Video – One Chance – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnajB7jTY_Q

Music Video – Pump Up The Volume – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfEG-0n0iz4

Track Listing:
1. Pump Up The Volume (3:42)
2. Bleed For It (4:06)
3. Take Me To The Show (4:09)
4. Get ‘Em Counted (3:19)
5. Cape Breton Home (3:33)
6. Streets Of Fire (4:16)
7. One Chance (3:40)
8. DreamQuest (1:29)
9. In The Fire O’ The Heat (4:19)
Total: 33:11

Album and Live Band Line Up:
JJ Tartaglia – Vocals, Drums, Keys
Jonny Nesta – Guitar
Brycen Gunn – Bass

For more info:

https://boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor/

https://www.facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/thunderor_official/

– 30 –

“”Bleed For It” is an album that confirms that Thunderor can turn classic heavy/speed metal into something fresh, energetic and full of character. Originating from the Canadian stage and built on the experience of Skull Fist musicians, the band focuses on a sound based on a motor rhythm, sharp riffs and vocals carrying a spirit of determination. Thematically, the album revolves around perseverance, the fight for dreams and the romanticism of freedom, motifs that perfectly match its driving dynamics. It’s consistent, honest and passionate material that pretends nothing more than what it is.” – W-Mgnieniu-Rocka

“The album offers solid entertainment for fans of energetic rock and metal.. Bleed For It shows the visionaries from Canada in their full strength.” – Metal Underground.at

“a happy metal attitude with modern glam rock in a way that you can still sing along loudly even at three per mille.” – PowerMetal.de

“THUNDEROR’s album is certainly well played, produced and made” – My Revelations

“Thunderor have delivered a record that salutes the golden age of heavy metal while sounding hungry enough to carry that torch forward. It’s riff-loaded, anthem-stuffed, proudly excessive and overflowing with passion. For fans of soaring traditional metal, speed-fuelled riff worship and albums that understand heavy metal should be as exhilarating as it is powerful, Bleed For It is an easy recommendation. This thing doesn’t just play loud. It lives loud.” – Woody’s Rock Reviews

“THUNDEROR stand for catchy, versatile metal and heavy rock.” – Obliveon

“Between heavy metal, punk hooks and touches of rock opera, Thunderor suggest an album different, assumed and above all interesting to explore.” – Eloquence Art

“Entertaining entertainment that focuses on catchiness, catchy choruses and a heavy metal/rock n’ roll feeling with casual beats on all sides. THE DARKNESS/JOURNEY/STEELPANTHER/TNFO fans will enjoy the entertaining Hard n’ Heavy Rock spectacle.” – FFM-Rock

“A drummer who handles lead vocals is always impressive to me, and Tatalia did not disappoint. Although playing a kit with high-mounted symbols and having an energetic playing style, his vocal power did not suffer. He made it seem easy, even though I know it’s not. Nesta and Gunn commanded the front of the stage. It was not hard to tell that these guys enjoy being onstage, as their constant movements and headbanging kept things visually entertaining. However, even the band’s sound alone had the audience hooked. Melodic but heavy, they blend the likes of Heavy Metal, arena rock and even rock opera into something unique but familiar. They utilise their influences without copying, creating a sound of their own. They played multiple tracks from their newest album, Bleed For It, which was being released that night at midnight, celebrating the release with a room filled with music fans who gave them their full attention.” – Metal Talk (Live Review – Toronto 2026 – opening for Burning Witches)

“Thunderor are back with a new fist pumping anthem, the single ‘Pump Up The Volume’ is here and it’s the first track from their forthcoming album “Bleed For It” coming in March. Speedy riffs with plenty of energy to match, ‘Pump Up The Volume’ also pulls in those classic metal vibes and you can almost smell the studded leather. Mix in a blistering 6-string solo and what more could you ask for? Catch it right here on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll
“The second album has arrived and “Bleed For It” from Thunderor is built for power, fury and fire with no mercy. Lethal riffs everywhere, fist pumping anthems and battle cry lyrics rule this metal offering and the classic 80’s approach really make it a blast. Currently on tour in Canada with Burning Witches and compiling fans at a breakneck pace with their operatic theatrical vision of rock, Thunderor has become a significant force of modern ‘throwback’ metal. Catch tracks from “Bleed For It” on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll
“You can hear every second that the band’s album is fun” – Saitenkult

“plenty of catchy, upbeat songs” – Musika

“With improved vocals, bigger choruses, and a cinematic concept, Bleed For It promises to be the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, recommended for fans of The Darkness, Skull Fist, Ghost, and Night Flight Orchestra. If you crave escape, adventure, romance, and danger, the band invites you to ride with them into the storm… Best moments of the album: Bleed For It, Get ‘Em Counted and Streets of Fire. Worst moments of the album: None.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Opening track “Pump Up The Volume” has Heavy Metal written all over it” – Metal Temple

“The album is full of surprises, taking the cake “Cape Breton Home”, placed in the center and inviting ballroom dancing with its country air. “Streets Of Fire” also has a different air, with a very Queen-like guitar, a feeling that increases to the brim in “In The Fire O’ The Heat”, the song that closes the album and where the influence of Mercury’s band is more than evident. The instrumental “DreamQuest” with that synth load also breaks the mold. Keyboards, melodies, songs with the air of an anthem and ultimately a journey of sounds behind the heartfelt lyrics that tell the story of “Thunderor The Musical” (the musical theater production of which the album is the soundtrack). “A story of tireless adventures and wild romance, in the face of danger and mortality”. Thunderor breaks the mold.” – Diary of a Metalhead / Diario de un Metalhead

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook – Asher Media Relations
Instagram – AsherMedia
Tweet – AsherMedia

0 THE DIVINE PROJECT Set To Perform at NXNE (Toronto) In Support of EP “Rebirth”

June 9, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · The Divine Project

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 9, 2026

THE DIVINE PROJECT Set To Perform at NXNE (Toronto) In Support of EP “Rebirth”

L-R – Derek ‘DRock’ Boshkov (Bass), Ro Stevens (vocals), Eric Divine (Guitar), David T.Anselmo (Guitar), Mitch Greenham (Drums)

Ontario metal force The Divine Project continues its explosive rise with their next performance at NXNE 2026 in Toronto on June 11th at The Bovine Sex Club (https://www.nxne.com/2026-artists/the-divine-project), further cementing their reputation as one of the most compelling heavy acts emerging from the GTA.

The showcase comes after performing at The Great Escape Festival (The Alternative Escape stage) in Brighton, UK, on May 15th at The Fiddler’s Elbow, marking a major international milestone for the fast‑ascending Canadian act that continues its surge of momentum, including a successful March run supporting Selias, plus shows alongside Eyes Set To Kill, Black Satellite, Awake At Last, Sumo Cyco, and Escape The Fate.

In additional news, The Divine Project has released its newest lyric video for “The Longest Night,” the sweeping, emotionally charged closer to their 2024 EP “Rebirth.” The track stands as the EP’s most expansive moment, a cinematic build from unease to catharsis, blending tension, heaviness, and the band’s signature mix of 2000s metalcore, dynamic vocal storytelling, and rhythm‑driven movement.

Lyrically, “The Longest Night” follows a soldier confronting the truth behind a cause built on deception. It isn’t a pro‑ or anti‑war statement, but a human one, a reflection on vulnerability, exploitation, and the moment clarity arrives too late. The title itself was chosen only a day before the EP’s submission, an instinctive decision that ultimately captured the song’s emotional weight.

Watch the lyric video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfMwakVil7g

Everything The Divine Project is doing in 2026 supports their acclaimed EP “Rebirth,” a four‑track onslaught of technical precision, emotional weight, and unapologetic heaviness. Across The Revolt, Ruins of Truth, Don’t Startle the Murder, and The Longest Night, the record moves through themes of resistance, collapse, danger, and endurance.

Musically, “Rebirth” fuses metalcore, djent, nu‑groove, and progressive elements while maintaining a sound fans struggle to categorize, but instantly recognize. Its artwork, depicting an angel forming from dust, symbolizes the band’s emergence into a new era.

“The name ‘Rebirth’ is inspired by our new line‑up and era… The angel forming up from dust represents breaking through the void,” says guitarist David T.Anselmo.

“Rebirth” marks the official refurbishment of The Divine Project, now powered by frontman Ro Stevens, founder/guitarist Eric Divine, lead guitarist David T. Anselmo, bassist Derek “DRock” Boshkov, and drummer Mitch Greenham.

“We set the goals to reintroduce The Divine Project to the world as a faster, heavier, and more complex band… Rebirth is our new beginning and our way of saying The Divine Project is here to stay,” adds the band.

Known for explosive live shows and genre‑blending musicianship, the Ontario heavy‑music staples aim to bring underground heaviness into the spotlight. Their writing process is a collaborative “hot potato” of ideas, and everything on Rebirth was performed live with no essential backing tracks, a commitment to authenticity and raw performance.

The band entered the studio in April 2026 to begin recording the follow‑up to “Rebirth.” While still unmistakably TDP, the next EP will explore darker, more emotionally lonesome territory.

Recommended for fans of Trivium, Killswitch Engage, Static‑X, Linkin Park, and All That Remains, “Rebirth” was released on November 28, 2025, and is available at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1ROxx7e7BhrPDtZizNhsNk

Bandcamp – https://thedivineproject.bandcamp.com/album/rebirth

Music Video – The Revolt – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suxgZ3EqZtE

Music Video – Don’t Startle The Murder – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ3fpbeu_f8

Lyric Video – Ruins of Truth – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuZZLCW-8O0

Track Listing:
1. The Revolt (3:46)
2. Ruins Of Truth (3:27)
3. Don’t Startle The Murder (4:18)
4. The Longest Night (5:53)
EP Length: 17:24

EP and Live Band Line Up:
Ro Stevens – Vocals
Eric Divine – Founder/Guitar
David T. Anselmo – Guitar
Derek ‘DRock’ Boshkov – Bass
Mitch Greenham – Drums

More info:

https://www.tdp-official.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thedivineproject/

https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineProject

-30-

“… I’m simply left wanting more. Not from the track itself, but from an EP whose tracks each bring their own texturally layered elements, all melded together in an extraordinary Extended Play recording.” – Jay Broderick, LoudTO, 2025

“You know a band is special when they have a truly unique sound. Those were my thoughts when I gave this EP a listen.” – “Metal” Mike, @black_kross_zine, 2026)

“With a mix of styles and a strong DIY approach, The Divine Project are a band to keep an eye on as they continue to grow beyond the Toronto scene.” – Dayna Szymanski – This Day In Metal

“The Divine Project may not look traditionally Metal but boy can they break it down! ” – Blast Toronto

“The name of their 2025 EP Rebirth is fitting. This album feels like an evolution for the band… Every song has its own distinct identity, albeit with a strong family resemblance of sound…. Ro’s vocal range is wide, able to give you everything from low guttural screams to rich, neo-operatic tenor melodies… It’s an absolutely captivating blend of feral, unrestrained energy and beautiful vocal tone…” – FalseChord

“Coming out to a packed crowd, the songs off Rebirth came to life under the stage lights, signalling a new era for the band… To see them live, expect a high energy set, a rowdy crowd, and some heavy ass music.” – FalseChord

“You ever watch a band and realize halfway through that there’s no safety net? No laptop running stems, no hidden tracks filling the gaps, just five people in a room making every sound you’re hearing with their actual hands? That’s The Divine Project. Ontario. “Rebirth” EP.” – Papy Jeff Metal

“Canadian band The Divine Project released the EP “Rebirth” back in 2025, and this is a production that might be of interest also for fans of progressive metal. Initially we are presented with a band that gleefully enters a more hectic and borderline chaotic landscape of extreme metal oriented escapades, with gruff, distorted vocals and a high level of intensity. But as this EP unfolds one does notice that we get an array of changes and alterations in tempo, while the gruff vocals alternate with a more aggressive hardcore style of delivery as well as clean and melodic vocals in a controlled and more powerful mode of delivery. More delicate interludes and strikingly melodic ones at that too starts entering the framework, and the end result is both varied and at times rather unpredictable. A production to seek out by those who enjoy an expressive band that makes use of powerful and dramatic high intensity statements but also gentler, melodic and atmospheric laden side steps, taking on the metal universe in a manner rather close to a contemporary progressive metal expression on occasion.” – Progressor

“A huge like from me. My take on the EP: From the 1st track till the last one you are taken on a metal roller coaster ride with no breaks. Every song is masterly crafted and performed. This is a killer EP and if you haven’t got it yet, you are missing out on Top tier musicians at their best. Rebirth get a massive yes from me and is on my personal playlist.” – Project Metal Music

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

0 AFTER INFINITY Shares Uplifting New Single “Infinite Feeling” From Upcoming Album “Beyond Eternity” Out Fall 2026

June 9, 2026
by Asher
· After Infinity (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 9, 2026

AFTER INFINITY Shares Uplifting New Single “Infinite Feeling”

New Album “Beyond Eternity” Out October 23rd, 2026 via Rockshots Records

Pre-Order Available Now!

Finnish melodic metal act After Infinity continues the journey toward their upcoming album “Beyond Eternity” with the release of the new single “Infinite Feeling“, accompanied by an official visualizer.

Following the heavy riffs and themes of rebellion explored on the previous single “King With No Crown“, the band now reveals a brighter and more uplifting side of its musical identity. Featuring guest vocalists Nitte Valo (Dreamtale, ex-Battle Beast) and Leonard F. Guillan (ex-King Company), “Infinite Feeling” combines energetic melodies, driving rhythms, and an irresistible synth-driven hook, showcasing another facet of the stylistic diversity that defines “Beyond Eternity“.

Conceived and led by guitarist and songwriter Zsolt Szilagyi, After Infinity‘s sophomore album expands upon the foundations of the band’s 2024 debut, exploring the intersection of power metal, heavy metal and progressive metal while maintaining a strong melodic core. While the album embraces a wide emotional spectrum, “Infinite Feeling” stands as one of its most uplifting moments.

Commenting on the new single, Zsolt Szilagyi states:

“Infinite Feeling is an ode to the eccentric and perhaps neurodivergent artists who aren’t afraid of being 100% who they are. Even if they might have extra struggles in their daily life, they make it up by giving extra deep feelings into their lives and the lives of people around them. It’s a happy and energetic song driven by a synth riff that makes your head bob, like it or not.”

The song celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression, paying tribute to those who embrace their uniqueness and transform it into something meaningful. Musically, it balances catchy melodic sensibilities with the layered arrangements and dynamic songwriting that characterize the band’s approach.

With the release date now confirmed for October 23rd, 2026, “Infinite Feeling” offers another glimpse into the diverse musical landscape of “Beyond Eternity“. The album follows closely in the footsteps of the band’s debut, combining heavy riffs, memorable melodies, and rich orchestral arrangements while pushing further into progressive territory. Across its nine tracks and six guest vocalists, the record delivers a constantly evolving listening experience without losing its distinctive identity.

Rather than relying on a fixed vocalist, After Infinity has built the project around a collaborative concept, allowing each song to develop its own character while remaining part of a cohesive artistic vision. This approach once again plays a central role in “Beyond Eternity“, where every guest performer contributes a unique voice and perspective to the album’s narrative.

Produced by Zsolt Szilagyi, with orchestrations by Gideon Ricardo and bass performances by Ville Koskinen, the album combines powerful songwriting with carefully crafted arrangements, balancing immediacy and complexity throughout its running time.

For fans of: Europe, H.E.A.T, Van Halen, Sonata Arctica, Symphony X, Helloween

Listen: https://lnk.to/KuMexr
Official Visualizer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypvYh2xGFpQ

“Beyond Eternity” will be released on October 23rd, 2026, via Rockshots Records.

Pre-Order “Beyond Eternity”:
https://rockshots.eu/products/after-infinity-beyond-infinity-cd

After Infinity Line-up:

Zsolt Szilagyi: Guitars, Synths, Drum Programming, Backing Vocals
Gideon Ricardo: Orchestrations, Synths
Ville Koskinen: Bass

Guest Vocalists:

Paolo Ribaldini (Delain, Leverage, Seraphiel)
Aitor Arrastia (Metal de Facto)
Nitte Valo (Dreamtale, ex-Battle Beast)
Mika Tauriainen (Entwine, Shamrain)
Sara Strömmer (Shereign, ex-Fear of Domination)
Leonard F. Guillan (ex-King Company)

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/afterinfinityofficial | https://www.facebook.com/afterinfinityofficial

ABOUT:

After Infinity is a Finnish melodic power and heavy metal project founded in 2022 by guitarist and songwriter Zsolt Szilagyi, known for his work with Dreamtale and Frozen Factory. Built around a flexible and collaborative structure, the band emerged from Szilagyi’s desire to move beyond a purely solo approach and create a dynamic musical environment involving multiple performers.

Rather than relying on a fixed line-up of vocalists, After Infinity developed a distinctive identity by working with a wide range of guest singers, allowing each track to take on its own character while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision.

This approach quickly became a defining element of the project, turning it into a platform where different voices and influences converge.

The band’s sound blends heavy guitar riffs, rich orchestrations, and strong melodic hooks, moving seamlessly between powerful metal compositions and more introspective passages driven by piano and atmospheric textures. Drawing from power metal, heavy metal, and progressive influences, After Infinity aims to deliver a diverse listening experience shaped by contrast, emotion, and compositional depth.

Their self-titled debut album, released in 2024, received positive feedback for its songwriting and musicianship, establishing the project within the contemporary Finnish metal scene. Building on that foundation, the sophomore album “Beyond Eternity” further expands the band’s sonic palette, introducing new guest vocalists and pushing the balance between heaviness, melody, and progressive elements while preserving the core identity that defines After Infinity.

-30-

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

0 Out Now! Pure Canadian Heavy Metal Steel IRON KINGDOM’s Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust” (Steel Shark Records) + Cross Canada Tour Dates

June 6, 2026
by Asher
· Iron Kingdom · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 6, 2026

Out Now! Pure Canadian Heavy Metal Steel IRON KINGDOM’s Sixth Album “Shadows and Dust”

Cross Canada Tour! and Armstrong Metal Fest, Loud As Hell Open Air Fest

L-R – Max Friesen (Drums), Chris Osterman (Lead Vocals / Lead Guitar), Megan Merrick (Lead Guitar), Leighton Holmes (Bass)

Photo Credit – Cailin Haley

Canada’s traditional heavy‑metal torchbearers proudly announce the official release of their sixth studio album, “Shadows and Dust,” available everywhere on June 6, 2026. The band also confirms its new partnership with Steel Shark Records (France), which will handle the album’s European release and will offer an exclusive EU edition limited to just 300 double‑CD copies. Disc 1 will contain the full “Shadows and Dust” album, while Disc 2 will feature a “Best Of” collection highlighting tracks from Iron Kingdom’s previous five releases. In addition, the label will introduce a third vinyl colour (100 copies) available only to EU fans.

To celebrate the album, Iron Kingdom is kicking off a summer of touring that includes festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest and Loud As Hell Open Air Festival (dates listed below).

Formed in 2011, Iron Kingdom has spent over a decade reviving the classic heavy‑metal spirit inspired by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. The band is well known for its energetic and electrifying stage presence, as well as intricate musical melodies that bring listeners back to a time when heavy metal was in its prime.

With “Shadows and Dust,” the band continues to evolve while staying true to the melodic, epic, and adventurous sound that defines them. Lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Osterman describes their sonic identity as classic, powerful, epic, adventurous, and melodic.

Lyrically and musically, “Shadows and Dust” explores themes of death, hardship, perseverance, and the emotional lows that shape the human experience.

“It speaks of some very low points in human emotions… but I also think that’s exactly what will make this album accessible to people going through tougher times… the music shows hope for a positive way out,” adds Osterman.

The album features 10 new tracks and runs approximately 48 minutes, offering a dynamic mix of classic heavy metal, power metal, progressive elements, and neo‑classical flair.

The cover art draws from the story behind “Blood and Steel,” depicting an army marching through a harsh landscape, a metaphor for endurance through suffering.

“Life is often like this: we have to go through things that are uncomfortable, even dangerous, to reach the position we need to be,” adds bassist Leighton Holmes.

Iron Kingdom released three singles leading up to the album launch, “Deadhouse Gates”, a mystical, melodic heavy‑metal rocker inspired by the Malazan Book of the Fallen. “Blood and Steel”, a marching, drum‑and‑bass‑driven epic about a soldier lost far from home. “Defenders”, a fast, emotional tribute to the Battle of Gdansk, inspired in part by Osterman’s Polish family history.

“Even though this song is fast and heavy… I think it speaks to the courage of those who defend their families, their friends, and their way of life,” adds Osterman.

Recommended for fans of Helloween, Riot, Iron Maiden, Savatage, Judas Priest, “Shadows and Dust” can be heard in full at the following links:

NWOTHM full albums YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQzVXGtJXY

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/1E5IetyIvOdAt5CKG54gLw

Official Merch store: https://www.iron-kingdom.com/shop
Bandcamp: https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music

Music Video – Deadhouse Gates – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBE3s4WRlIw

Music Video – Defenders – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3k7tW5-9Os

Lyric Video – Blood and Steel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8BIzHT3_Q

True North Strong And Heavy Canadian Tour – Iron Kingdom, W.M.D.
https://www.iron-kingdom.com/tour-dates
June 5 – Vancouver, BC – The Rickshaw
July 2 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
July 3 – Victoria, BC – Lucky Bar
July 4 – Cumberland, BC – The Waverley
July 5 – Powell River, BC – The Carlson Loft
July 17 – Armstrong, BC – AMF 2026
July 21 – Prince George, BC – Knox Performance Centre
July 23 – Whitehorse, YT – Lefty’s Well
July 24 – Dawson City, YT – TBD
July 25 – Dawson City, YT – Palace Grand Theatre
July 26 – Whitehorse, YT – The 98 Hotel
July 28 – Yellowknife, NT – The Underground
July 29 – Fort Smith, NT – Dirty O’ Fergie’s
July 30 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite
July 31 – Drumheller, AB – LAH 2026
Aug 1 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
Aug 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – Bloom Bar + Lounge
Aug 3 – Sudbury, ON – The Lounge 390
Aug 4 – London, ON – Supply & Demand
Aug 5 – Waterloo, ON – Maxwells
Aug 6 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern
Aug 7 – Toronto, ON – Bovine
Aug 8 – Montréal, QC – Foufounes Électriques
Aug 9 – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch
Aug 11 – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor
Aug 12 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Aug 14 – Corner Brook, NL – Retro
Aug 15 – St. John’s, NL – The Rockhouse
Aug 17 – Truro, NS – Marigold Cult. Centre (Lobby)
Aug 18 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti
Aug 19 – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub
Aug 21 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
Aug 22 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s
Aug 23 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing

Track Listing:
1. Defenders
2. Eternal Emperor
3. Dreamless Sea
4. Deadhouse Gates
5. Line Of Fire
6. Blood And Steel
7. Shadow Of Time
8. Dark Demands
9. Starlight
10. Sacred Fire

For more info:
https://www.iron-kingdom.com
https://www.facebook.com/ironkingdomofficial
https://www.instagram.com/iron_kingdom

About: Formed in 2011 in Vancouver, Iron Kingdom carries the flame of classic heavy metal inspired by Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Helloween, The Scorpions, and Rush. Known for their high‑energy performances, intricate twin‑guitar work, and unwavering DIY ethos, the band has toured extensively across Canada, the USA, Europe, and Brazil, sharing stages with Night Demon, Blaze Bayley, and more.

Their discography includes “Curse of the Voodoo Queen” (2011), “Gates of Eternity” (2013), “Ride for Glory” (2015), “On the Hunt” (2019), and “The Blood of Creation” (2022). “Shadows and Dust” marks the next chapter in their evolution, an album that blends old‑school metal spirit with fresh energy and emotional depth.

– 30 –

“Ten tracks leading to a beautiful journey you will wish to live forever. A masterpiece to own with pleasure. Iron Kingdom has arrived on the stardom stairs, and it’s worth it 100/100.” – The Metal Mag
“the entire album is rock-solid from start to finish. If you call yourself a metal fan, this is a mandatory addition to your playlist.” – Broken Neck Radio

“Iron Kingdom has really taken their stance with hard rock and heavy metal to a standstill, packed with amazement and shining glory in all of its wonder, but making sure the two genres between the NWOBHM and thrash eras are kept in their mighty epic book of ingredients to keep you coming back for more. What can I say? Shadows and Dust is the album we’ve been waiting for this upcoming summer of 2026.” – Echoes and Dust

“After countless tours, line-up changes and even after a serious accident, IRON KINGDOM seem stronger today than ever. With ‘Shadows And Dust’ they deliver exactly the album that traditionalists have been longing for for years. Powerful, melodic, anthemic and rousing, full of great guitar moments and an honest passion for classic heavy metal. If you love IRON MAIDEN, RIOT, HELLOWEEN or SAVATAGE, you should definitely grab it here. The release in all formats as well as via “Steel Shark Records” with vinyl for collectors also fits in with this.” – Saitenkult

“There are no weak tracks on the album, just kick ass traditional metal from start to finish. Queue this one up if you want a mix of mid-80s Iron Maiden and Malice with a hint of Arch-era Fates Warning.” – Metal Crypt

“This is exactly how traditional heavy metal stays vital. True believers like Iron Kingdom guard the flame while adding their own chapter to the story. Shadows and Dust doesn’t omly honour the legacy of the genre, it actually strengthens it. Heavy metal remains a lifestyle as much as a sound, and this album is a worthy soundtrack for those who live it. Essential listening for anyone who still believes in real heavy metal.” – Sentinel Daily

“With Shadows and Dust, Iron Kingdom enter a new era with sharpened purpose, renewed fire, and a sound that honors the past while forging boldly ahead. It’s a story of endurance, evolution, and the unbreakable power of Heavy Metal, and I’m sure that after Shadows and Dust we’ll see those Canadians rockin’ for many years to come no matter what. Best moments of the album: Deadhouse Gates, Line of Fire and Dark Demands.” – The Headbanging Moose

“If you only have one selection to convince someone whether they should invest time/money/effort into Iron Kingdom, play them “Shadow Of Time” as it locks into the classic sound they do so well. Winner!” – Mark Gromen – Bravewords

“Iron Kingdom’s sixth full-length continues the band’s upward trajectory in a way that is both concise and still varied. Every track has just enough difference between to make them all stand out from one another, while never feeling like they belong to a different artist. 2022’s “Blood of Creation” was an absolute clinic in modern metal perfection, and it would always be a tough act to follow but Iron Kingdom did so with gusto. Masterfully produced and even better performed, “Shadows and Dust” is one of the years best.” – The NWOTHM

“If you enjoy classic heavy metal and want more of that timeless sound, then ‘Shadows and Dust’ will feel very familiar in a good way… it is honest, energetic, and enjoyable from start to finish.” – AfterNoiz

“this new ten‑track album from Iron Kingdom definitely caught our attention. What we hear is very traditional heavy metal, with history and mythology serving as the thematic backbone for their lyrics. The result is ten songs that are well‑constructed and well‑arranged. You’ll find everything the subgenre demands: power, melody, and catchiness.” – Musika

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

Page 1 of 521

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Asher Media Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Join 2,164 other subscribers