Category: Music News

0 Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Returns with a Fierce New Single “Enterré Vivant” and a Revitalized Lineup + Upcoming Album “Trinitas”

September 11, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Nova Spei (Bam&Co. Heavy) · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 11, 2026

Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Returns with a Fierce New Single “Enterré Vivant” and a Revitalized Lineup + Upcoming Album “Trinitas”

L-R – Cédrick Charland (Lead Guitarist) | Julien De Carufel (Drums) | Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois (Vocal) | Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette (Bass, Vocal) | Dany Soucy (Founder, Rhythm Guitarist)

Photo Credit – Étienne Dionne (Mute Drummer)

Québec modern‑metal powerhouse NOVA SPEI launches a fierce new era with the release of their brand‑new single and video “Enterré Vivant”, a groovy, djent‑driven assault that will be featured on the band’s forthcoming album “Trinitas” due out on November 6, 2026, via Bam&Co-Heavy.

Built around a gripping, Fear‑Factory‑esque guitar groove, “Enterré Vivant” delivers a raw emotional punch, introducing fans to Nova Spei’s revitalized sound and the powerful arrival of vocalist Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois.

“Enterré Vivant” tells the story of someone trapped in a situation they refuse but cannot escape, an emotional metaphor inspired by watching someone close struggle with illness. What began as a personal reflection evolved into a visceral “buried alive” narrative, expressed through pounding rhythms, modern industrial textures, and a vocal performance that transforms the entire structure of the song.

The track was born from a single irresistible guitar riff crafted by Dany Soucy, whose groove set the tone for everything that followed. Lyrics were shaped collaboratively by Emmanuelle, Nicolas, and Dany, blending urgency, fear, and the will to survive. Fans will immediately feel the shift of the band’s rebirth with the introduction of female lead vocals, bringing new intensity and emotional depth to Nova Spei’s sound. The band is confident listeners will embrace this transformation and the renewed energy it brings to their music, marking a powerful new chapter in their evolution.

The single’s artwork by Filip Ivanovic visually captures the suffocating tension at the heart of the song, an image of someone trapped with no escape.

Recommended for fans of Gojira, Tesseract, Killswitch Engage, Spiritbox, and Architects, watch and listen to “Enterré Vivant”.

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJB1wzRomFg

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5eU0Cs7qNVxeaZHLDZR27i

NOVA SPEI is a Francophone modern metal band from Québec, known for their groovy, djenty, loud, modern, and unmistakable sound. Formed in 2012 by guitarist Dany Soucy (Legion, Dook), the band has evolved through multiple lineups while performing over 100 shows across Québec and Ontario.

Their debut self-titled album (2017) earned strong traction, with singles like “L’homme aux 1000 Sourires” spinning on RadioX 98.1FM, and tracks such as “Ma Muse” blasting through the Bell Centre during Montreal Canadiens games. Their second album “SEQUENTIS” was released in 2021 after pandemic delays, expanding their reach across the province.

In 2026, Nova Spei returns fully recharged with a new lineup that features Dany Soucy (Guitar), Nicolas Dumais (Bass), Julien De Carufel (Drums), Cédrick Charland (Lead Guitar), and Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois (Vocals).

The band is currently preparing their upcoming album “TRINITAS”, a record that embraces a more organic, raw, and less sequenced approach while staying true to the band’s modern metal roots. The album is produced with Francis Perron (Voivod, Martyr), and mastered by world‑renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Yes).

Previous Singles:

Lyric video “Déraciné” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xn2xKYt0pc

Music video “Renaissance” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FagxvgWJTes

Track Listing:
1. Trinitas – 1:38
2. Renaissance – 2:37
3. M’entends-tu!? – 2:16
4. Déraciné – 4:07
5. Hypnose Collective – 3:23
6. Sentence – 3:39
7. Bourreau – 2:53
8. Résonance – 2:03
9. Enterré Vivant – 3:19
10. Aucun Regret – 4:15
11. Traitre – 3:40
12. Vautours – 3:38
13. Draps Blancs – 2:52
Album Length: 40:27

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Cédrick Charland – Lead Guitarist
Dany Soucy – Founder, Rhythm Guitarist
Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois – Vocals
Julien De Carufel – Drum
Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette – Bass, Vocals

For more info:

https://www.novaspei.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NovaSpei

https://www.instagram.com/novaspei

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“Une pièce qui a tout ce qui faut pour devenir un classique du métal québécois. Des phrases percutantes et pleine de sens sur une musique lourde à souhait.” – Ondes Chocs

“Nova Spei : Nouvel espoir sur la scène métallique au Québec” – Voir

“Bref un excellent album à se mettre sous la dent ou sous le sapin pour le temps des fêtes ! Supportez notre belle scène du Québec ! ” – Metal Universe (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

“so there they were, twelve times groovy metal in French – from Canada. “Sequentis” by NOVA SPEI offers many an entertaining song. A lot of it certainly ignites live in the mosh pit and causes the crowd to freak out because they know how to get their limbs moving with their riffs and fat grooves… an album that is fun and fans of the good old groove metal should like.” – Stormbringer (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

“”Along with a meticulous display of proficient musicianship, this entire album is not only a credit to its makers, but the multifaceted collection of influences that has firmly planted a seed deep within them over the years, and brings New Hope to both the listener and the band as you peel away the cellophane so to speak. As a result, this album won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep heads bouncing and feet tapping from sofa to stage.”” – Stargazer Music Magazine (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

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0 Edmonton’s BONEYARD Announces Sophomore Album “Black Static” Out Oct 2026 + Music Video “Before The Fall”

September 10, 2026
by Asher
· Boneyard · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 10, 2026

Edmonton’s BONEYARD Announces Sophomore Album “Black Static” Out Oct 2026 + Music Video “Before The Fall”

L-R: Jefftimus (Drums), Lezzy Osbourne (Bass Guitar), Garhardt (Lead Guitars), Pamtera (Lead Vocals and Guitars)

Photo Credit – Corrine (Wytchy) Thain

Canadian hard‑rock/metal quartet Boneyard will release their long‑awaited sophomore album, “Black Static,” on October 23rd, 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the band’s evolving sound and lineup.

Built on melodic female‑fronted hard rock, traditional heavy metal roots, and the band’s signature storytelling, “Black Static” expands the world Boneyard established on their 2020 debut “Oathbreaker”, a record later re‑released internationally through WormHoleDeath Records and mastered by Grammy‑nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum. Featuring nine dynamic songs ranging from classic metal heaviness to punk‑infused chaos to cinematic Western‑metal storytelling, the new album showcases the creative chemistry of the refreshed lineup, featuring powerful contributions from bassist Lezzy and lead guitarist Garhardt, whose arrival has sparked major anticipation among fans.

“An extension of Oathbreaker, but shaped heavily by the new members involved, Black Static is quite different more diverse, more melodic, and more emotionally charged,” says drummer Jefftimus.

Lyrically, “Black Static” dives into personal trauma, mental health, human trafficking, generational addiction, and grief, while still weaving in hope, resilience, and empowerment. The album’s artwork was once again created by legendary Calgary artist Tom Bagley, who brought their mascot Misty Bone to life on the record’s cover.

The album’s first single, “Before the Fall,” is a melodic‑metal anthem confronting the destructive patterns of global leadership, war, corruption, inequality, and urging unity and change. The video dives into the dark realities of human trafficking and missing and murdered Indigenous persons, blending cinematic grit with emotional weight.

“A song of hope… recognizing atrocities and creating a new way of thinking by helping each other for the future,” adds Pamtera.

Listen to “Before The Fall”

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPOEcMLX5Xc

Spotify – https://ffm.bio/boneyard

Beyond the riffs, Boneyard stands out for its representation: a Métis drummer, a female LGBTQ+ bassist, and a commitment to authenticity and inclusion within the rock and metal scene. Since forming in 2015, Edmonton, AB’s Boneyard has performed across Western Canada at Decimate Metalfest, Pembina River Nights, Metisfest, and more.

Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Saxon, Doro, The Pretty Reckless, and Iron Maiden, “Black Static” will be available on October 23, 2026, digitally and on CD, with a vinyl release to be announced at a later date.

Show Dates:
Oct 23 – Edmonton, AB – The Rec Room (Album Release Show) w/ Daniel Martin & The Infamous

Track Listing:
1. Met You in a Dream
2. Left Me to Drown
3. Ready for a Change
4. Not this Way (Joel’s Song)
5. Blood in the Bond
6. Before the Fall
7. Hanging Tree
8. Compass Points to War
9. Before the Fall (Piano Rendition)

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Pamtera – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Lezzy Osbourne – Bass
Jefftimus – Drums
Garhardt – Lead Guitar

More info: https://linktr.ee/boneyardrocks

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“Boneyard‘s debut record Oathbreaker is the kind of album that gets a little better each time that you listen” – Sleaze Roxx’s Top 10 Albums of 2020

“Solid, enjoyable debut, support the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal” – Bravewords

“Boneyard lean a bit more towards the hard rock side of the spectrum but the metal is all there as well” – Metal-Rules

“Rock music from Canada still guarantees quality”- PowerMetal

“What we have here is a female-fronted metal outfit that bathes in the crimson glory of traditional heavy rock and heavy metal”- Metal Roos

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0 Out Now! FEN’s Doug Harrison’s Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON’s New EP “Cold in Cold out”

September 10, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Slug Comparison

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 10, 2026

Out Now! FEN’s Doug Harrison’s Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON’s New EP “Cold in Cold out”

Doug Harrison – Photo Credit – Peter Wiholm

Canadian (Victoria, BC) songwriter Doug Harrison, best known as the vocalist for progressive rock/metal band Fen, unveils his solo project Slug Comparison’s new EP, “Cold in Cold out,” available everywhere now. The six‑track collection marks a deliberate shift back toward the project’s introspective, atmospheric roots, trading electric urgency for slow‑burn emotional weight.

Moving away from the upfront rock production of his 2025 album “A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife”, this new offering of “Cold in Cold out” leans into the spacious, layered acoustic textures reminiscent of Fen’s “Trails Out of Gloom” that was released on Ripple Music. Across its six tracks, the EP dwells in a depressive, reflective territory, an environment Harrison admits he’s glad to return to. Harrison encourages listeners to experience the EP in full.

“These songs rely more on mood than hooks. The instant gratification isn’t there. The songs are a slow release. For best results, they should be listened to all in a row, privately, and in headphones,” adds Harrison.

The EP’s writing process was an experiment in speed, an attempt to break the long gaps between Fen and Slug Comparison releases. Harrison set out to write and record several songs within a year, ultimately overshooting by only a few months. For the EP, he also collaborated with drummer Randall Stoll (Boulevard, KD Lang, Tom Cochrane), who brought the songs to life in the studio, while Sheldon Zaharko added depth and character through mixing. Harrison handled all writing, arrangement, and instrumentation before drums were added.

The EP unfolds as a sequence of stark, emotionally charged vignettes. “Tongue of the Hollow” opens the record with an acoustic homage shaped by a verse riff echoing Nirvana’s “Something in the Way,” lyrically telling the story of a dying man surrounded by bewildered cats and soothed only by the upstairs neighbour’s nightly singing. “To Whom Would You Answer” relives a spiraling closed-door encounter with gatekeepers bent on extracting an assurance of loyalty. “Back to the World” reflects on reconnecting with an old friend who has survived a dark chapter, stirring guilt, hope, and a confrontation with one’s own neglected demons. “Burden of Life” deepens the EP’s somber emotional terrain, while the title track “Cold in Cold out” meditates on the lonely trial of human existence, its pain, exhaustion, fleeting wonder, and the recurring question of how long it all must continue. The closing piece “No Healer” follows a fevered final journey beneath a jungle canopy, surrendering to whatever forces guide the end of one’s existence.

Recommended for fans of Nirvana, Katatonia, Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief, Fen, and Mark Lanegan, “Cold in Cold Out” offers a brooding, introspective journey into Harrison’s most personal and imaginary songwriting yet.

“Cold in Cold Out” is now on all major streaming platforms.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/6lN49YhB6T8TzH5R7IpBJD

Bandcamp – https://slugcomparison.bandcamp.com/album/cold-in-cold-out

Single Stream – Tongue of the Hollow – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUziXxuV0uY

Track Listing:
1. Tongue of the Hollow (4:01)
2. To Whom Would You Answer (3:47)
3. Back to the World (4:03)
4. Burden of Life (4:44)
5. Cold in Cold out (5:31)
6. No Healer (4:36)
EP Length: 26:42

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by Slug Comparison
• All songs written by Doug Harrison
• Produced by Doug Harrison
• Mixed by Sheldon Zaharko
• Mastered by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering
• Album Artwork by Inkantation
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Lineup:
Doug Harrison: vocals, guitar, bass, programming, songwriting, production
Randall Stoll: drums

More info:

https://www.instagram.com/slugcomparison

https://www.facebook.com/slugcomparison

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“A moment with SLUG COMPARISON has always been an emotional and musical exploration from the heart of one of rock’s finest songwriters and Cold in Cold out continues that particular seduction to offer one seriously thrilling and inspiring proposal.” – The Ring Master Review

“so much emotion, so much to ponder, so much complexity even while on the surface seeming so simple.” –Stephen Conrad, Prog Archives

“a mix of Pink Floyd and Simon & Garfunkel.” –Melodic.net

“un superbe album.” –Prog Et +

“The album takes us through the self-doubt, denial, and defiance of the artist and is another mini-masterpiece delivered under the Slug Comparison banner. 10/10” –SonicAbuse

“In no way “progressive” in the traditional sense, there is a depth to each composition, and a variation in styles across the album, that rewards careful listening.” –DPRP

“Harrison’s voice tends to have a grungy quality, but it also unfolds in epic, theatrical, or simply beautifully melodic ways.” –Musikreviews (translated from German)

“modern, emotionally rich, and laced with just enough grunge to hit us right in the feels.” –Mandatory Music

“The highlight is a twisted power ballad about having much too much of a good thing (Too Much Love).” –Here Comes the Flood

“progressive and alternative inclinations align with dark rock, punk and other rich hues. It makes for a palette of surprise and unpredictable adventure” –The RingMaster Review

“One of my favourite songs of the year” (about “Bringer of Doom”) –Dutch Progressive Rock Radio

“Simply engulfs the imagination and emotions” -The Ringmaster Reviews

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0 Black‑Metal Fury Unites With Doom Ritual – ABHORIA & VELNIAS Announce American Southwest Tour!

September 10, 2026
by Asher
· Abhoria · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 10, 2026

Black‑Metal Fury Unites With Doom Ritual – ABHORIA & VELNIAS Announce American Southwest Tour!

A storm is gathering in the American Southwest this October as dystopian black‑metal stewards Abhoria and Colorado’s folk‑doom conjurers Velnias unite for a run of immersive, atmospheric, and soul‑rending performances. This rare pairing brings together two forces of extreme music whose approaches differ in texture but converge in emotional weight with Abhoria’s bleak futurism and Velnias’ elemental, existential resonance.

“We’re so excited to hit the road with our friends in Velnias! These will be the first shows in the Southwest, and we’re looking forward to debuting songs from our forthcoming album alongside older material. It promises to be an evening of extreme metal overindulgence!” adds Trevor Potz – Abhoria.

Tour Dates:
Oct 15 – Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
Oct 16 – Amarillo, TX – Rockwell Event Center
Oct 17 – Dallas, TX – Haltom Theater
Oct 18 – Austin, TX – The Lost Well
Oct 19 – Midland, TX – Cotton Flat Records
Oct 20 – El Paso, TX – Mona Bar
Oct 21 – Santa Fe, NM – Stom Box
Oct 22 – Cottonwood, AZ – Queen B’s Vinyl Café
Oct 23 – Tucson, AZ – Chicago Bar
Oct 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Knucklehead Hollywood

Formed in 2018 by guitarist Trevor Portz, Abhoria channels a bleak, aggressive strain of dystopian black metal, fusing dissonant riffcraft, haunting melodic threads, and a suffocating sense of existential isolation. The lineup features vocalist Ben Pitts, bassist Igor Panasewicz, drummer JS, and guitarist Gianni DiGiacomo.

Their two albums on Prosthetic Records, Abhoria (2022) and Depths (2024), established the band as a rising force in modern extreme metal. A new full‑length is slated for 2027 via Black Lion Records.

Music Video – The Well – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vuMrLj6ViQ

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WcwDtBpZnHQDf3aGFUK2i

Emerging from the Rocky Mountains of Nederland, Colorado, Velnias took shape in 2006 under the vision of Andrew Scherer and Petras Vaznelis. Their craft unfolds as a ritual expression of the paradox of existence, where the intimate spark of the microcosm meets the vast crucible of the macrocosm. Each performance carries a deep atmospheric pull, marked by meditative weight and a primordial, immersive presence that sets them apart from other extreme‑music acts.

Music Video – Rending of Dyadic Convolution – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=337mxMT831E

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JdmbSa6xA2hOvl9YERRb7

More info:

Abhoria:
https://abhoria.com
https://www.instagram.com/abhoriametal
https://www.facebook.com/AbhoriaMetal
https://abhoria.bandcamp.com

Velnias:
https://velnias.band
https://www.facebook.com/VelniasCult
https://www.instagram.com/velnias.cult
https://velnias.bandcamp.com

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0 SHROUD Announces Canadian Tour Dates w/ HELLRIPPER “Goatkraft & Granite Canada 2026”

September 9, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shroud

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 9, 2026

Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Announces Canadian Tour Dates w/ HELLRIPPER

Debut Album “Pax Nocturna” Out Now!

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

Rising from the shadows of Montreal’s extreme‑metal underground, SHROUD proudly announces a run of Canadian tour dates supporting Scotland’s speed‑metal powerhouse HELLRIPPER this November (dates listed below). The announcement follows the release of SHROUD’s debut full‑length album “Pax Nocturna”.

A blistering fusion of blackened thrash sharpened by death‑metal aggression and melodic‑metal atmosphere, “Pax Nocturna” marks a defining first chapter for one of Montreal’s most intense and uncompromising new acts. Lyrically, “Pax Nocturna” explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss, and the darkest corners of human existence. Its overarching concept, Satanic Gnosticism, rejects imposed order and corrupt leadership in favour of embracing the chaos from which humanity originates.

“It’s the acknowledgement that we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” says Conti.

The album’s artwork draws from the dark fantasy of Yoshitaka Amano, the surreal horror of Zdzisław Beksiński, and the mythic grandeur of The Lord of the Rings, depicting the four members in ritualistic worship of Murmur, Archduke and Lord of Hell.

SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris (Warsenal) during the height of the COVID‑19 lockdowns. With their previous projects stalled and the music scene frozen, the pair began writing in secret, week after week; riffs and ideas evolved into the earliest form of what would become “Pax Nocturna”. As the world reopened in 2022, the lineup solidified with Justin Cournoyer on bass and Jordan Barillaro joining after filling in for the band’s first show in November 2022. The chemistry was immediate. SHROUD was born, united, focused, and driven.

On stage, SHROUD delivers intensity, tightness, and emotional ferocity, already earning them slots alongside Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia, and more.

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic, “Pax Nocturna”, released on June 4th, 2026, is available now on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.

CD / Vinyl – https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/album/pax-nocturna

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5dfAWpVKaWlsdSBYNZ8L1H

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

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

Tour Dates: Hellripper w/ Shroud
Nov 25 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
Nov 26 – Quebec City, QC – La Source De La Martiniere
Nov 27 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern (Capital Punishment Festival)
Nov 28 – Toronto, ON – Supermarket Bar & Variety

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 of 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

-30-

“Imagine the ferocity, the grit and attitude of ‘Power n Pain’ era Whiplash, add the nocturnal melodic majesty of Necrophobic, and then a heaping helping of D-beat (always appreciated). Vicious, limb twitchin’ and about as infectious as something you believe you might have picked up on a recent European vacation, but wish you hadn’t. Recc for fans of SkeletonWitch, Necrophobic, Hellripper and others who successfully manage to imbue ragin’ Thrash insanity with an exquisite sense of darkness. This scatches the itch, then successfully obliterates it!” 94/100 – Cult Metal Flix

“the Canadians are beyond any doubt and have put together a debut album that not only packs a serious punch in terms of aggression but also delivers enough memorable moments to perfectly balance frenzy, speed, and punchiness.” – PowerMetal.de

“There’s almost a black ‘n’ roll thing going on here, with some cool rocking solos that snap you out of the blackened onslaught here and there. There’s no shortage of heaviness here, and I love how Shroud have mixed the old and the new throughout the album; you never really know what’s going to hit you next. Lots of energy, not many parts to give you rest, Pax Nocturna is one of those albums that tortures your speakers and makes the house shake. Good stuff (duh).” – The Metal Crypt

“A definite early AOTY candidate with strong claims, 5 star Black/Thrash!… There’s a high amount of crushing chugging riffs across this full length and the leadwork is absolutely scorching across the board, shreddy solos with that classic heavy metal, Thrash phrasing with a few mid-paced ones thrown in that are topped off with a couple of whammy bar accents and tremolos in them. Some of these riffs just will absolutely pummel you, as they’re fast and unrelenting as hell; also, there’s one or two solos that appear in a single track too. The vocals on this aren’t just high black metal screams, but there’s creepy deep spoken word vocals, chants and a few death growls also; if you’re into absolutely groove filled Blackened Thrash then absolutely look no further than this masterpiece, absolutely don’t sleep on it, a definite AOTY contender personally. Rating: 10/10!” – Drako’s Metal Reviews

“With Pax Nocturna , SHROUD makes a striking statement that will allow them to carve out a prime spot among the new Canadian bands to watch.” – Ondes Chocs

“Some nice thrash with plenty of fury and speed beyond it. Rip-roaring riffs that will have your neck moving, I assure you. Vicious vocals also work here as they fit the music rather well. Production is good and solid, and those thrashy riffs just ripped my soul apart and in two. With thrash, for me it is the riffs, the speed and intensity, and this had it all. This will just pound you into the ground, showing little or no mercy. Thrash crushes.” – Chris Forbes – Extreminal

“Shroud’s debut is a vicious blackened thrash release with scorching guitar work, relentless percussion and a grim philosophical core.” – Heavy Metal Darkness

““Pax Nocturna” is a solid album of high-energy thrash packed with razor-sharp riffs. The guitars cut right to the bone, the drums pound relentlessly, and the bass rumbles like never before. This honest, sincere, and effective record, with its raw and brutal energy, is well worth discovering. ” – Music Waves

“Shroud’s debut is thus a classic representative of the product DIY (Do It Yourself), when the band’s actors are talented enough to provide for themselves… The debut work “Pax Nocturna” is an impressive example of modern blackened thrash.” – MetalForever

“The debut album from the thrash/death newcomers goes hard from start to finish! Right from the opener ‘The Eternal Void’ this thing is heavy, urgent and awesome, and it keeps its momentum for its full 45-minute runtime. The fact that it’s only nine songs in that time as well means that everything gets time to breathe, and everyone in the band gets time to shine. Highlights include ‘Merciless Tyrants’, ‘Diablivion’ and the epic closer, but the whole album is great from start to finish! It certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are into the heavier end of metal, this is absolutely worth a spin. The band have a bright future ahead of them, and in years to come people will look at this release as their big launching pad. 8.5/10” – Overtone Magazine

“Shroud’s latest offering, ‘Pax Nocturna’, is a relentless onslaught of blackened thrash metal that will leave listeners in awe of its sheer intensity. The album exudes a dark and foreboding atmosphere, with haunting melodies and aggressive riffs that create a sense of impending doom. Standout tracks such as ‘The Zealot’ and ‘Merciless Tyrants’ showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend black metal fury with thrash metal aggression. The production quality on ‘Pax Nocturna’ is top-notch, with every instrument cutting through the mix with clarity and power. This album marks a significant progression in Shroud’s career, solidifying their position as one of the leading forces in the extreme metal scene.” – MetalStorm.com.au

““Fans of extreme metal will find a record crafted for them. It’s intense, tightly executed, and overflowing with raw energy. Its lyrical depth explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss and the darkest corners of human existence. The overarching concept is Satanic Gnosticism, a rejection of imposed order and corrupt leadership, and an embrace of the chaos from which humanity originates.” – The Black Metal Archive

“Shroud have delivered a lean, mean, and deliciously dark debut that proves traditional, blackened speed insanity is alive and thriving.” – VM Underground

“Montréal, Québec’s Shroud have released a perfect blending of two extreme genres. Black metal elements of demonic, screechy vocals, tremolo picking, and black and roll beats. Then you have the Thrash tempo changes, galloping riffs, and break-neck speed sections. This album grabbed me by the back of the head and slammed my face into the concrete a dozen times during the first track. It’s not all sound barrier breaking speeds though. There are sections of clear black metal. Down tempo sections. Pure thrash. And every combination of the two sub-genres.” – Mike On Metal

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0 Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Festival Announces First Wave of Bands for 2026 Lineup! w/ The Creepshow, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation and lots more!

September 9, 2026
by Asher
· Capital Punishment Festival (Ottawa) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Sept 9, 2026

Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Festival (Nov 26-29) Announces First Wave of Bands for 2026 Lineup!

w/ The Creepshow, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation and lots more!

Capital Punishment Festival unleashes its first wave of Canadian bands for the 2026 edition, returning to Ottawa, ON, November 26th to 29th across four cornerstone ByWard Market venues: 27 Club, Dominion Tavern, Rainbow Bistro, and Avant‑Garde Bar. Presented by Chord Productions and supported by Ottawa Tourism, the festival continues its mission to amplify Canada’s underground heavy‑music community with four nights of multi‑genre chaos.

This year’s edition marks the festival’s biggest expansion yet, with more venues, more artists, and more Canadian talent from across the country. Full festival passes are only $50, granting access to every show across all participating venues.

“Events such as Capital Punishment play an important role in strengthening Ottawa’s profile as a dynamic cultural destination,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

“Ottawa Tourism supports this unique music experience through its Nightlife Tourism Development Fund for its efforts in attracting visitors, animating our ACE District, and drawing music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to enjoy our diverse music ecosystem. By bringing together acclaimed underground artists and local talent, the festival creates opportunities for visitors to explore the city, discover local businesses and venues, and contribute to the economic activity that helps sustain a vibrant and welcoming downtown experience,” adds festival organizer Christina Kasper of Chord Productions.

The 2026 lineup launches with a massive cross‑country roster spanning metal, punk, hardcore, rock, rap, and extreme underground acts with The Creepshow, Lost, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation, Hellripper, Insurrection, DBC, Barf, Ghoulunatics, Global Holocaust, Entropy, Reanimator, Thunderkok, Guhn Twei, Gland, Scaffold, Peer Pressure, A Scar for the Wicked, Catastrophic Hemorrhage, Soulthief, Northwalk, This Hell With You, This Disaster, Dissentient, Last Retch, Hatred Reigns, Raider, Bitter, Stregoneria, Noor, Human Compost, Mortuary Slab, Duskwalker, Dr. Bob Wrestling, The Divetones, Drowning in Blood, Feral Union, Rising Flame, Refuse, The Space Between, Ratpiss, Jetsam, The Vanishing Act, Acid Rot, Mindreader, Shroud, Warsenal, The Scepter, Dismal Aura, Touched Fables, Sociably High, Glom, BornBroken, Pop Culture Icons, Goat!, Insanity of Sorrow, Bury the Past, Rotual, Hempress, Drofnosura, Backyard Witchcraft, Nature Pleads Revenge, Ghost of a King and Dethrone.

More bands will be announced as the festival approaches.

Festival Passes are available as of September 9th at https://ottawacapitalpunishment.eventbrite.ca

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/2032256174123331

Capital Punishment Festival 2026
Presented by Chord Productions
Supported by Ottawa Tourism
November 26–29, 2026
Ottawa, ON – ByWard Market
Venues:
Rainbow Bistro (76 Murray St.)
Dominion Tavern (33 York St.)
27 Club (27 York St.)
Avant‑Garde Bar (135 Besserer St.)

More info: https://ottawacapitalpunishment.com

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0 Montreal Thrash OMBRA’s “Blue Dream” Blurs Reality, Addiction, and the Supernatural From Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

September 8, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Ombra

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 8, 2026

Montreal Thrash OMBRA’s “Blue Dream” Blurs Reality, Addiction, and the Supernatural From Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

Montreal metal trio OMBRA will release their debut EP, “Night Terror,” on September 14th, 2026, delivering a visceral, front‑to‑back conceptual experience built on fear, obsession, chemical collapse, and the psychological weight of modern life. The band has now unveiled the EP’s third single, “Blue Dream,” a suffocating descent into chemical escapism and slow‑motion psychological freefall.

The song drags listeners into a world where fleeting highs mutate into permanent hauntings, exploring chemical escapism dissolving into paranoia, dependency blurring into possession, waking nightmares unfolding in abandoned homes, and the overwhelming sensation of losing control in slow motion.

Musically, “Blue Dream” spirals through a suffocating atmosphere, crushing riffs, and psychedelic tension, serving as the perfect midpoint in the EP’s descent from societal panic to full psychological seizure.

Listen to “Blue Dream”:

Visualizer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5UmQA60mlM

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2ovp4p1wbXmFjSwlT6ges0

OMBRA formed when Giuseppe “G” Criniti and Marco Sisti left their hard‑rock/progressive project NRTH in late 2020 to pursue a heavier, more aggressive direction. Soon after, Marco’s cousin Nico‑Angelo Sisti, a well‑known drummer in the Montreal scene and former member of Hidden Pride, joined the project.

All three members grew up together in Lachine, the same schools, the same neighbourhood, families who immigrated from Italy together. OMBRA wasn’t a calculated formation; it was inevitable. Their sound is loud, energetic, and groovy

Written between 2021 and 2026, OMBRA’s debut EP “Night Terror” reflects the band’s lived experiences and observations of a decade marked by upheaval, media distortion, obsession, war, and emotional collapse. Designed as a continuous front‑to‑back journey, the EP moves from the societal panic, media manipulation, and government control explored in “Hysteria,” through the obsessive pursuit of beauty and identity fracturing in “Stitches,” into the chemical escapism, paranoia, possession, and psychological collapse at the core of “Blue Dream.” The descent reaches its peak in the title track “Night Terror,” where Murphy’s Law is applied directly to the psyche, and total loss of control becomes inevitable, before resolving with “So It Goes,” an instrumental moment of reflection, acceptance, and emotional release. As a whole, “Night Terror” serves as OMBRA’s commentary on the turmoil of the last decade, encouraging listeners to think freely, explore their own minds, and express themselves without compromise.

Recommended for fans of Power Trip, High On Fire, Motörhead, Mastodon, Testament, and Rammstein, “Night Terror” will be available on all digital platforms on September 14, 2026, at https://too.fm/eab92od.

Second Single – “Stitches” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimmvegfZ_M

First Single – “Hysteria” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7mDZ-4uXrY

Track Listing:
1. Hysteria (4:15)
2. Stitches (4:43)
3. Blue Dream (3:46)
4. Night Terror (5:44)
5. So It Goes (3:06)

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Giuseppe Criniti – Vocals / Lead Guitar
Marco Sisti – Rhythm Guitar / Bass
Nico-Angelo Sisti – Drums

More info:

https://ombra.band/

https://www.instagram.com/@abandcalledombra

https://www.facebook.com/people/OMBRA/61582909783052/

About:

OMBRA is a Montreal metal trio formed by lifelong friends Giuseppe “G” Criniti, Marco Sisti, and Nico‑Angelo Sisti. Rooted in old‑school thrash, sludge, groove metal, and psychedelic rock, the band blends heavy riffs with emotional honesty and modern storytelling. Their mission is to encourage listeners to think freely, explore their own minds, and express themselves without compromise.

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“Night Terror is a debut EP that knows exactly what it wants to do. OMBRA take Thrash Metal, pass it through Groove, Sludge and psychedelic rock and use it to tell a story that begins with social unrest and ends deep within the human mind. It’s not an album that tries to impress you with technique. It wins you over with intensity, riffs, groove and atmosphere. And most importantly: It’s not five random songs. It’s a journey. From Hysteria to Night Terror. From the outside world to the inside. From control to loss of control. And finally, to acceptance. OMBRA are just taking their first step. But it’s a step that sounds heavy, mature and determined. Darkness doesn’t reside outside the mind. Sometimes it resides within it. And OMBRA have just given it a soundtrack.” – Rock N Roll Town

“OMBRA emerges in ‘Hysteria’ as a force that transforms social chaos into high-impact art. Advancing with the brutality of thrash metal and the structure of hard rock, the track shapes a sound that feels like both a siren and a sentence at the same time. Sharp and relentless, the riffs dialogue with drums that tear through the silence, while the vocals echo indignation and lucidity, a manifesto in the form of distortion. The band builds tension with precision: there is weight, but also clarity; fury, but control.” – Roadie Metal

“Delivering high-quality extreme metal that blends elements of thrash metal with other influences full of raw aggressiveness, a cinematic atmosphere with no soft edges, like a punch to the gut!” – Metal Junkbox

“From the moment we hear the sound of sirens, gunshots, and helicopters flying overhead, we know we’re going to encounter a strong track both in sound and lyrics, because the soundscape they create from the very first seconds already feels dense… the drums and guitar move between agility and the creation of a track full of suspense and tension.” – Poppunkers

‘STITCHES’, the new single from the Canadian trio OMBRA, arrives like an open cut: direct, intense, and impossible to ignore. The song crosses the border between hard rock and thrash metal with aggressiveness, transforming psychological tension into dense and precise sound.” – Roadie Music

“OMBRA is an incredible discovery! A band that shows us metal is more alive than ever… it is the perfect soundtrack to start a mosh and let out all our anger. It maintains brutal riffs worthy of any Metallica fan, an imposing guttural voice… it is 100% recommended!” – End Sessions

“I really felt it wasn’t a song made to sound pretty. It’s dark, heavy, and direct… The story it tells ,a woman who keeps reconstructing herself to fit in, hit me hard… It’s not a song that accompanies you in the background; it’s one that confronts you. It ends and leaves you with that knot in your chest.” – Rockola Indie

“Stitches’ hits hard with a dark and visceral vision of the oversexualization of women and the price of chasing perfection… It is raw, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore.” – Poppunkers

“Stitches’ explores the limits between obsession, beauty, and self-destruction. The track dives into the mind of someone who seeks perfection at any cost… Musically, it combines aggressiveness and atmosphere, with a fast, dense, and confrontational sound… a sharp and suffocating sonority that amplifies the emotional tension. ‘Stitches’ transforms psychological horror into sonic impact.” – Metal Never Die

“The band delivers one of their darkest and most intense compositions to date. The last single before the release of the EP Night Terror, the track dives deeply into themes such as dependency, paranoia, and the destructive consequences of escaping reality. Combining dense and melodic passages with explosions of weight and aggressiveness, creating a sound experience that is as engaging as it is disturbing.” – Metal Junkbox

‘Blue Dream’ delivers suffocating, volatile metal with heavy riffs depicting psychological terror, chemical dependency, and mental collapse in a dense, cinematic sound.” – Whiplash

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0 A Journey Through Reincarnation ESHTADUR Summons New Video “Omen Of Millennia” From New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out Oct 2026

September 4, 2026
by Asher
· Eshtadur · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 4, 2026

A Journey Through Reincarnation ESHTADUR Summons New Video “Omen Of Millennia” From New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out Oct 2026

Colombian melodic death metal band ESHTADUR has released a live video for “Omen Of Millennia”, offering another glimpse into their forthcoming album, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“, due October 2nd, 2026.

“Omen Of Millennia” brings together the melodic, symphonic and modern dimensions of ESHTADUR’s sound. The song explores cycles of existence, reincarnation, and spiritual inheritance, reflecting on how unresolved wounds, debts, and lessons may continue across lifetimes, while what has already been learned becomes something carried forward.

Jorg comments:

“This track is the omen for what’s coming next with ESHTADUR. It also represents a collaboration between Camilo and me: we created the song by approaching a more modern side of the band’s sound – something easy to listen to, easy to catch, and easy to remember.”

At its core, the omen represents both a warning and a promise: the announcement of an approaching transformation. This idea connects the song to the broader concept behind “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“, where the figure of The Crow acts as a guide through existence, death, the void and the unknown.

The collaboration between Jorg August and guitarist Camilo Barbosa gives “Omen Of Millennia” a distinctive place within the album, with Barbosa also contributing the track’s guitar solo. Its more immediate approach offers another perspective on ESHTADUR’s sound while remaining connected to the darker and symphonic character of the upcoming record.

The accompanying live video brings the track into ESHTADUR’s performance environment, reflecting the band’s direct approach to the stage and its focus on musicianship, the songs themselves, and the connection with the audience.

“Omen Of Millennia” is taken from ESHTADUR’s forthcoming twelve-track album, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“. Four years in the making, the record expands the band’s melodic death metal foundations through extensive symphonic arrangements, layered vocals, and Tuvan voices, building its musical and conceptual identity around mysticism, transformation, and inner transmutation.

The album features the Caldas Symphonic Orchestra in Colombia, adding an orchestral dimension to its darker and more cinematic material. Produced by Jorg August, the record also features drums recorded in Poland by Michal Lysejko (Dieth) and was mixed and mastered by Tomasz Zed Zalewski.

Throughout “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“, The Crow serves as a recurring shamanic figure moving between existence, death, the void, and the unknown. Rather than presenting darkness simply as an oppressive force, the album approaches it as part of a broader journey toward transformation and self-discovery.

Listen to “Omen Of Millennia“: https://lnk.to/w9iFfH
Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKik4Z03Mcc

For fans of: Septicflesh, Dissection, At The Gates

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

Previous Videos:

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

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

Track Listing:
1. Age of Antumbra – 2:00
2. Into The Woods – 4:41
3. Umbra – 6:22
4. August’s Burdens – 4:59
5. Fire Above Mountain Below – 5:08
6. Old Shaman Blind – 5:08
7. Thunderground – 3:40
8. Ruler of the Lake – 5:14
9. A Black Winged Waltz – 9:23
10. Nebulae (Virgo) – 5:09
11. Omen of Millennia – 3:56
12. Soy Real – 5:11

ESHTADUR are:
Jorg August – Vocals, guitars
Camilo Barbosa – Lead guitars
Andres Gonzalez – Bass
David Lopez – Drums

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

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

https://www.instagram.com/eshtadur/

BIOGRAPHY:

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

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0 France’s HIGHWAY Shares Music Video For Electrifying Anthem “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll”

September 4, 2026
by Asher
· HighWay · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 4, 2026

France’s HIGHWAY Shares Music Video For Electrifying Anthem “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll”

L-R – Ben Chambert – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Florian Arnaud – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Benjamin Folch – Lead Vocals, Cerise Pouillart – Bass, Backing Vocals, Romain Chambert – Drums

Photo Credit – Mr. Cana Photography

France’s electrifying hard rockers HighWay have raised the stakes and unveiled their latest music video for “Last Call for Rock N Roll,” the explosive title track from their new album released this past April.

Filmed live during their packed release party at the Rockstore in Montpellier, France, the video, shot by Cana Prod (Loudblast, Heart Attack, Akiavel, Les Tambours du Bronx), throws fans straight into the sweat, electricity, and chaos of a HighWay show. It’s raw, loud, unfiltered, and the perfect showcase for the band’s revitalized line‑up and their massive new twin‑guitar attack.

The title track, “Last Call for Rock N Roll,” is a fast, melodic, high‑voltage anthem built for the stage. The lyrics draw a parallel between the love of Rock ’N’ Roll and the love of a woman. Tested live long before recording, the track instantly became a fan favourite and the obvious opener for the album.

Watch and listen to “Last Call for Rock N Roll” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_UHGQizcHU

After the acoustic detour of “The Journey” (2022), HighWay returned in 2026 louder, bolder, and fully electric with their sixth studio album. Produced and mixed by Brett Caldas‑Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Megadeth), “Last Call for Rock N Roll” delivers 12 brand‑new tracks blending power, melody, emotion, and timeless hard‑rock spirit that explore themes of love, loss, resilience, nostalgia, and self‑determination.

The album also marks a turning point for HIGHWAY with the arrival of two new members, Cerise Pouillard (bass), known from the acclaimed AC/DC tribute Ladies Ballbreaker, and Florian Arnaud (guitar), a powerhouse musician who completes the long‑awaited return of twin guitars. Both contribute backing vocals, elevating the band’s signature harmonies to new heights.

Formed in 1999 by brothers Ben and Romain Chambert after being “thunderstruck” by AC/DC’s Live at Donington, HIGHWAY have spent more than two decades refining their craft. With over 500 shows across Europe, support slots for Michael Schenker Group, Gotthard, Jeff Scott Soto, Kissin’ Dynamite, Nashville Pussy, and more, and a growing reputation, the band has become a defining force in Europe’s modern classic hard rock revival.

“This is our most personal, emotional, and mature record. We took the time we never had before, and we’re incredibly proud of every detail,” adds guitarist Ben Chambert.

Recommended for fans of AC/DC, Queen, Aerosmith, and Guns N’ Roses, “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” (released April 24, 2026) is now available via the label Rock City Music, with physical distribution by FTF-Music and digitally from Virgin Music.

CD Digipack and exclusive collector Vinyl at https://highwayshop.sumupstore.com/

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1njIM62jUDeg4Td3iGSBHq

Previous Videos:

“D.K/D.C” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUFvVMWXQ4

“Hi-Way” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPYb7fBvNAU

“¡BANG BANG!” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGpYOR4Xx20

“Mayday” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rx_PkXTqyIA

Track Listing:
1. Last Call (For Rock N’ Roll) – 5:13
2. Hi-Way – 4:40
3. ¡Bang Bang! – 3:47
4. Nineties Action Movie – 5:16
5. Peace Out – 5:44
6. Mayday – 4:25
7. Go! Go! Go! – 5:48
8. Let Me – 4:54
9. D.K/D.C – 3:16
10. Rat Race – 6:00
11. Action – 4:32
12. (Don’t) Look Back – 5:09
Album Length: 58:48

Album Band Line Up:
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Sam Marshal: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Florian Arnaud: Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Cerise Pouillart: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

More info: https://linktr.ee/highway_the_band

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“THANK YOU TO HIGHWAY WHO SUPPORTED US ON OUR MISSION EUROPEAN TOUR. A GREAT BAND WHO RECEIVED A SUPERB REACTION FROM OUR FANS.” – Michael Schenker

“IT WAS A PLEASURE HAVING YOU GUYS! YOU TRULY LIVE THE ESSENCE OF ROCK N ROLL” – Jeff Scott Soto

“Last Call for Rock ‘N’ Roll’ sees HighWay delivering a straight-up hard rock record that doesn’t try to hide what it is. Built on big riffs, strong hooks, and a clear focus on melody, the album moves confidently between high-energy tracks and more reflective moments. It keeps a steady focus throughout, balancing its heavier moments with more melodic ones. Things kick off with the title track, a real earworm of a chorus leading the way, while the percussion drives things on without overwhelming the mix. It ends with an impressively sustained vocal note, showing real control and adding a strong finish to the track. ‘iBang Bang!’ stands out as one of the more lighthearted tracks on the album, opening with a distinctly funky groove that sets it apart, though it doesn’t quite leave the same lasting impression as some of the heavier songs. ‘Mayday’ sits at the halfway point of the album, with gentle, melodic guitar plucking and harmonised vocals that give it a more intimate feel. I’m always a sucker for a heartfelt moment, and this doesn’t disappoint. The album quickly regains its energy though with ‘Go! Go! Go!’ and the aptly named ‘Action’. Overall, ‘Last Call For Rock ‘N’ Roll’ is a confident and energetic release for fans of Aerosmith and Airbourne. POWERPOINTS: 9/10 – RHIANNON LANE” – Powerplay Magazine

“Entertaining rock music that’s fun and appeals to a wide range of musical tastes. Party music for fans of everything from Queen to the Beatles!” – MyRevelations

“Rare représentant digne de ce nom de la scène hard rock française, High Way nous revient totalement électrifié après une pause “unplugged” sur The Journey, et ce sixième sent bon la poudre! Fort de l’arrivée de l’excellente bassis- te, Cerise Pouillard, et de Florian Arnaud en second guitariste, Last Call For Rock’N’Roll est aussi explo- sif que fédérateur. Festif et solide, le quintet évolue tout en maîtrise sur des titres entêtants et musclés, distillant malicieusement une folle envie de liberté. >> François Alaouret” – Metallian

“I really love this album; it really does have everything that your rock ‘n’ roll heart desires. Last Call For Rock ‘n’ Roll represents the past, present and future of rock ‘n’ roll. We are all in safe hands with HighWay.” – CGCM Rock Radio

“Across twelve tracks, “Last Call For Rock’n’Roll” ticks all the boxes of the genre and does so with such heart, good humor, and authenticity that it wins you over without reservation. While Highway doesn’t revolutionize 1980s-style hard rock, it simply reminds us why we love it and brings enough personality to remember us that it desires its place in the pantheon of French bands of the genre. That’s already a lot, and we can only hope that this isn’t the last call for this band, which is as talented as it is ending. ” – Music Waves

“With this Last Call For Rock’n Roll, HighWay is strong. Throughout the 12 tracks, we feel the hard work put in by the musicians. The production really honors it. The 9/10 is easily imposed because this album is extremely enjoyable. Only one thing to hope for, that this is not their last call for rock’n roll, and that they continue to spread the good word in this way!” – Rock Meeting

““Last Call For Rock’ Roll” is the album that made me stop and pay attention to a band I should have discovered long before. For those who have been following them for years, it will probably be confirmation that the band has never been so sharp. For those who arrive now, like me, it is a magnificent gateway to 25 years of history that has suddenly become impossible to ignore. Let it not be the last call. Honest, urgent and without complexes. A great HighWay record!” – World of Metal Mag

“My preferences are « Go Go Go», more than addictive and designed to be covered live by the public, « Let Me», epic as can be and endowed in my opinion with the best solo of the album, as well as the hit « Hi-Way », wickedly groovy and powerful, notably thanks to Sam’s bass. Excellent feedback for Highway, which shows us that even more than 20 years after their debut, the Sétois still have something under their belt. Lovers of rich and varied hard rock, go for it: it’s a safe bet.” Pavillon 666 Webzine

“As they say in wild west saloons soaked in rock, sweat, smoke and beer, with HighWay it plays serious!! With this Last Call For Rock’n Roll, HighWay is strong. Throughout the 12 tracks we feel the great work put in by the musicians. The production really honors it.” – Vinyl Times

“a lot of catchy material, which I enjoyed listening to and also goes great with the summer temperatures.” – PowerMetal.de

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0 Out Now! France’s KINGCROWN New Album “Moonfall” + Music Video “We Are Kingcrown”

September 4, 2026
by Asher
· KINGCROWN (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 4, 2026

Out Now! France’s KINGCROWN New Album “Moonfall” + Music Video “We Are Kingcrown”

French melodic heavy/power metal band KINGCROWN releases their new album “Moonfall” today, September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records, accompanied by the official video for “We Are Kingcrown”.

For fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Masterplan, Symphony X and Powerwolf, “Moonfall” follows 2024’s “Nova Atlantis” and develops the band’s melodic heavy/power metal sound across ten tracks exploring technological evolution, artificial intelligence, temporal displacement, apocalypse and the uncertain future of humanity.

While these themes shape much of the album, “We Are Kingcrown” shifts the focus directly onto the band. Driven by a straightforward heavy/power metal approach, melodic guitars, and an immediate chorus, the song reflects KINGCROWN’s identity and their connection with the audience.

As the band explains:

“It’s simply about us, who we are, what we exude, what we want to give you. We are Kingcrown!”

“Moonfall” expands on the conceptual direction established in “Nova Atlantis”, using science fiction and dystopian scenarios to examine possible futures. The title track imagines a final encounter between the Moon and Earth as a lunar apocalypse approaches.

The technological theme takes a darker turn on “Rise Of Machines”, where artificial intelligence turns against humanity, while “All United” focuses on resistance and collective survival. Elsewhere, “A Thousand Years” draws on relativity and space travel, and “Lost Horizon” follows a World War II B-17 pilot caught in a temporal vortex and transported from 1945 to 2045.

The album also reconnects with the musical roots behind KINGCROWN through “Back To The 80’s”, a tribute to a decade that left a defining mark on heavy metal. The closing track, “Beyond The Stars,” brings the record’s futuristic narrative to its conclusion, looking beyond Earth’s destruction towards what might exist elsewhere in the universe.

Produced by KINGCROWN, “Moonfall” was mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, bringing together the band’s European melodic heavy and power metal roots with a contemporary production.

Watch the official video for “We Are Kingcrown”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSo7JncnKCQ

Listen to the album “Moonfall“: https://lnk.to/ymQgrYYE

Order “Moonfall” CD:
https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd

Video – Nothing – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-EbQJn32Mo

Video – Lost Horizon – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjlw2AZuPs

Kingcrown Line-up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
Ced Legger: Guitars
Bob Saliba: Guitars
Seb Chabot: Bass, Guitars
David Amore: Drums

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off

About:

Kingcrown is a French melodic heavy/power metal band founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), both former members of Nightmare.

The project traces its origins back to 2015 with the band Öblivïon, formed following their departure from Nightmare. After the release of Resilience, the group adopted the name Kingcrown in 2018, marking the beginning of a more defined artistic direction rooted in the European heavy/power metal tradition.

From the outset, Kingcrown established a sound built on strong melodic structures, dynamic riffing, and a clear emphasis on songwriting effectiveness. Drawing from the legacy of bands such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Gamma Ray, the band combines classic influences with a modern production approach, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and structurally solid.

Following the release of “A Perfect World” (2019) and “Wake Up Call” (2022), Kingcrown entered a new phase with “Nova Atlantis” (2024), released via Rockshots Records. The album marked a clear step forward in terms of cohesion, production quality, and conceptual direction, receiving strong feedback from both audiences and specialized media.

Building on this momentum, the band continues its collaboration with Rockshots Records for “Moonfall“, scheduled for release in 2026. The new album further develops Kingcrown’s identity through a more focused songwriting approach and a broader conceptual framework centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and temporal dislocation.

The first single, “Lost Horizon“, expands the narrative universe introduced in “Nova Atlantis“, acting as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey” and introducing a time-travel storyline in which a WWII B-17 pilot is propelled into the year 2045. This approach reflects the band’s growing interest in combining structured songwriting with narrative continuity.

Kingcrown’s current lineup – Jo Amore (vocals), David Amore (drums), Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – has remained stable across recent releases, contributing to a consistent and cohesive musical direction.

With a steadily evolving discography and a clear artistic vision, Kingcrown has established itself as a credible presence within the European metal scene, balancing melodic immediacy, conceptual depth, and production precision.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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