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Category: Music News

0 MALEFIC Unleashes Provocative New Music Video for “Blood of the Throne” from Latest Album “Impermanence”

  • July 24, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Malefic · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 24, 2026

MALEFIC Unleashes Provocative New Music Video for “Blood of the Throne” from Latest Album “Impermanence”

L-R – Andy McGraw – Bass ; Aaron Baumoel – Drums and Vocals ; Jason Davila – Guitars ; Sam Williams – Guitars

Photo by Jeri Mize IG@529jeri IG@vizions_of_mize.llc

Atlanta blackened death/thrash unit Malefic has dropped the official music video for “Blood of the Throne”, the explosive opening track from their latest album “Impermanence”, released this past February via Terminus Hate City. The video marks a bold visual departure for the band, one that drummer/vocalist Aaron Baumoel calls “another form of artistic expression; another layer of depth to add to the media.”​
​
​“Blood of the Throne” has long been one of Malefic’s most popular tracks, a blistering blackened thrash assault built on high‑speed precision picking, ornate drumming, and a soaring melodic break. The new video juxtaposes the band’s extreme‑metal identity with Atlanta’s dominant hip‑hop cultural influence, an intentional contrast that reflects the city they call home.
​
Baumoel acknowledges that some viewers may misinterpret the imagery. Despite anticipating criticism, the band stands firmly behind the concept and the talented women who helped bring it to life. The track itself explores the crushing realities of capitalism and modern power structures.
​
​“People will always judge based on their preconceived notion of things without ever digging in below the surface. This is part of the sickness in our society. We all know who the real demons of our society are; we just don’t agree on what the solution is,” adds Baumoel.
​
Following the video’s release, Malefic continues to push their latest album “Impermanence”, a 40‑minute whirlwind of thrash‑driven drumming, melodic black‑metal atmospheres, technical death‑metal precision, progressive rhythmic shifts, and lyrics rooted in personal struggle, societal pain, and existential reflection. Mixed by Alex Parra, the record rejects the sterile, overly‑compressed production dominating modern metal, instead embracing nuance, dynamics, and human imperfection.

“We wanted something that still showcased the nuances in the guitar work, the dynamics in the drumming, and allowed for mistakes. It just needed to feel human. The personal struggles, the current socio‑political issues, and the societal struggles all seemed extremely relatable… they tell the tale of the ever‑changing nature of life as a whole,” says Baumoel.​
​
​
Formed in 2007, Malefic set out to push blackened metal into a modern direction while preserving its weight and emotional gravity. Their current lineup features Aaron Baumoel (drums/vocals), Jason Davila (guitar), Doug Rosander (bass), and Sam Williams (Guitar) (also of Cemetery Filth, Jaeger). The band’s collective experience across Atlanta’s metal scene fuels their razor‑tight live performances:
​
Watch the “Blood of the Throne” music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fnnqfysxxo

​Recommended for fans of Old Man’s Child, Carcass, Testament, Dissection, and The Black Dahlia Murder, “Impermanence” (released Feb 13, 2026) is available at the following links:

Vinyl – https://www.terminushatecity.com/shop​
​
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/3d9ZKsvOYoYC2gi0Jrqy6Y

​

Track Listing:​
1. Blood of the Throne – [3:33]
2. In Darkest Dreams (the Reaping) – [3:44]
3. Of Gods and Man – [4:14]
4. Idiocracy – [3:56]
5. Deserter – [3:53]
6. Disembodiment – [4:39]
7. Obsidian Earth – [4:37]
8. Echoes of Silence – [4:45]
9. It Haunts – [4:01]

Album Band Line-up:​
Aaron Baumoel – Drums and Vocals
Devin Autry – Guitars
Jason Davila – Bass and Lead Guitars
Sam Williams – Lead Guitars

Live Band Line-up:​
Aaron Baumoel – Drums and Vocals
Jason Davila – Guitars
Sam Williams – Guitars
Doug Rosander – Bass

More info: https://linktr.ee/malefic​

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“Drawing from black metal atmosphere, death metal precision, and thrash intensity without sounding derivative, Malefic sharpen their influences into something distinctly their own. The result isn’t just a collection of songs, but a document of survival — confronting politics, addiction, and the wreckage of human choice. Impermanence stands as a cohesive and uncompromising statement from Atlanta’s underground – dark, chaotic, and unrelenting.” – Blackmetalartists@IG

“The debut album from this Atlanta Blackened Death Thrash band is an incredible experience that hits all the right elements of the style. Blending Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, and out-of-this-world melodies and harmonies that tie everything together. Between the clear and punchy production style and songwriting that feels endlessly inspired, this feels like the mix of The Black Dahlia Murder, Carcass, and Old Man’s Child that the world needs right now. Making an album this strong at 9 tracks and under 40 minutes is such a cool thing to see, as they give you everything they have, and you still want to see what will come next. You don’t often find a brand new band of this quality. Check out what Malefic is all about.” – Josh Rundquist, Heavy Debriefings

“This record fires on all cylinders with how heavy it is; from the intense vocals which are really impressive, to the aggressive way the guitars puncture through each and every song, it’s definitely a treat… Overall, this death metal album is very good. It has every element of a great album from the drumming to the riffs to the vocals. The energy this band has is unmatched and as I listened through it, I imagine bodies being thrown around in a mosh pit. I couldn’t recommend this album more.” – David Jones, Metal Temple Magazine

“Impermanence by @maleficbandatl has that raw blackened edge, but it’s got serious bite behind it… The riffs feel alive — sharp, urgent, and constantly pushing forward. It’s aggressive without feeling messy, and intense without turning into noise…There’s a weight to it as well. You can hear the death-metal thickness underneath, but it’s wrapped in that darker, almost suffocating atmosphere that keeps things feeling hostile…It sounds like a band that knows exactly what they’re doing and means every second of it…I really like how it never drags. It just keeps moving — blasting when it needs to, locking into tight grooves when it wants to hit harder. Nothing feels thrown in for the sake of it. Confident, focused, and properly heavy. If you’re into blackened thrash/death with real conviction behind it, this album deserves your time.” – LeightonBaller@IG

“Yes, “Impermanence” is an album that gives Black Metal a different aspect. Malefic‘s prone to make them grand and complex contributes a lot to their intent. The album is a kind of tour around Metal music subgenres that will please the fan a lot.” – Poleto, Metal Addicts (translated to english)

“Sans corpse paint, demonic titles, or masks; this band is taking the old-school approach of releasing quality heavy metal and letting the music speak for itself.” – Heavy Metal Philosophy

“Delivering nine tracks and around 38 minutes of high-octane music, this release is for the diehard fans of Black/Death Metal with plenty of melody and aggression. Headbanging from start to finish, this album will leave you neck sore and wanting more.” – Dark Emperor, Infernal Masquerade

“Since 2018, the band has navigated the friction of personal and professional upheaval, resulting in a record that feels weathered by experience rather than smoothed by polish. The agitation is audible and shows that Impermanence isn’t just a collection of songs, but a document of survival. Refusing to stay within the boundaries of any one genre, it collides sound in ways that mirror the instability of its core themes of politics, addiction, and the wreckage of human choice… “In the end, Impermanence is about consequences. The ones you fight for, the ones you abandon, and the ones that follow you regardless. It is the sound of choices made in real time, and the echoes that remain long after.” – Shelia Taylor, Amplify the Noise

“Impermanence is a must have for any thrash and/or death metal fans – a fierce, focused, and memorable release that demands to be played loud.” – Moshville Times UK

“The band has created a unique blend that doesn’t just blur the lines between thrash, black metal, death metal, and melodic metal, but completely obliterates them. It starts with the riffing, which at times veers into the death metal realm, while at other times lures the horned one out of the forest with black metal flair… MALEFIC’s Impermanence isn’t an album for relaxing or daydreaming; rather, it’s a constant adrenaline rush—almost contradicting the album title—that drags you through musical ups and downs and gives you no rest until you’re completely exhausted. The album is so intense and multifaceted at the same time that it took me several listens to find the peace to write this review.” – Maik, Zephyr’s Odem

“This is an essential listen.” – Metal Epidemic

“Overall, this album bleeds top-notch death metal because the energy the band brings is good enough to cause people to create a mosh pit. Malefic continues to prove that they have what it takes to keep thriving in the music industry as a powerful death metal band who is not afraid to show off the musical passions through their bombastic instrumentation and vocal performance.” – Cait Stoddard, MXDWN

“Forged through years of personal and professional trials, the album captures MALEFIC at their most focused and audacious, delivering a work that is as intellectually provocative as it is sonically devastating.” – El Templario del Metal

—
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0 A New Light for Prog Rock’s LUFEH – “End of the Tunnel” Video Marks the Band’s Next Chapter w/ New Album “Overwhelmed”

  • July 23, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Lufeh · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 23, 2026

A New Light for Prog Rock’s LUFEH – “End of the Tunnel” Video Marks the Band’s Next Chapter w/ New Album “Overwhelmed”

Photo Credit – Joao Pinheiro

Progressive rock outfit LUFEH has released the official video for their new single “End of the Tunnel”, a cinematic and musically intricate piece that captures the emotional and spiritual rebirth at the heart of the track.

“End of the Tunnel” blends shifting atmospheres, fusion‑driven solo sections, and a cyclical guitar finale that mirrors the song’s theme of emerging from darkness with renewed clarity. Lyrically, it reflects on learning from past mistakes, enduring struggle, and finally seeing the light ahead.

Watch and listen to the video for “End of the Tunnel” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py0BMSk0jGc

​

Released May 29th, “Overwhelmed” marks LUFEH’s most mature and melody‑driven work to date. Recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, the album balances technical progressive musicianship with memorable vocal hooks across eight tracks.

Unlike their debut “Luggage Falling Down” (2020), which began as instrumental compositions, “Overwhelmed” was crafted from the vocal melodies first, resulting in catchier choruses, richer textures, and a more fluid listening experience.

The album also introduces Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s new featured vocalist. An internationally recognized electric violinist and singer, Ginny’s performances with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, and Snoop Dogg bring a powerful new dimension to LUFEH’s sound. Her violin appears on three tracks, “Overwhelmed,” “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” and “Live the New Today.”

Fans can expect a blend of progressive rock, metal, fusion, jazz, and Brazilian influences, with standout moments including the exotic Bulbul Tarang on “Double Dip,” complex rhythmic structures, and emotionally charged lyrical themes.

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal fusion group founded by drummer Lufeh Batera, who revived his musical journey after a 16‑year hiatus. What began as a solo instrumental project evolved into a full band defined by a sophisticated, progressive, refined, modern, and intriguing musical identity.

The band’s core members have played together in various forms for over 30 years, creating a deeply collaborative, ego‑free creative environment. Guitarist Deio Tambasco joined in 2025, reuniting with Batera and bassist Duca Tambasco from their early band Anno Domini.

LUFEH’s sound draws from Dream Theater, Rush, Vola, Tool, and Haken, blending technical mastery with emotional depth. Their live performances combine flawless musicianship with immersive lighting and video for a truly unforgettable experience.

Listen to “Overwhelmed” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/17TBW46gFIisvVekW4yyOW

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

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

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

More Info:

​https://www.lufehband.com​

​https://www.facebook.com/lufehband​

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

About:

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

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

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“Lufeh ‘s music is a beautiful piece of creation, flowing into your brain like one of the best album ever made. A brilliant singer who manage the melodies and different parts like she is the whole music. The intensity and power sounds like the band has been here for years. A masterpiece to own without thinking 100/100.” – The Metal Mag​
​
​“What grabbed me most on the album, besides the deeply personal approach to songwriting, was the level of talent the band has. We all know that talent isn’t the measuring stick to success, but it never hurts. This band has plenty, but they don’t let it overtake their sound. This was a feel good album with plenty of substance.” – Metal Temple (2026 – Overwhelmed)​
​
​“My take on the album: I do like that Lufeh do things their own way. For me this is an exceptional album with a fresh take on traditional metal. Ginny is a gem on vocals and the use of instruments is damn good. A flawless album that deserve nothing less than the perfect 10.” – Project Metal Music​
​
​“You need to take a listen here, and you’ll probably buy this album. Great!” – Melodic.net (2026 – Overwhelmed)
​
“If their debut consisted of showing their instrumental muscles, their next album Overwhelmed (released May 29) seems to focus on purely melodic choruses. It has the complexity of Haken or Rush, but with choruses that really stick in your head.” – Radio Papy Jeff (2026 – Overwhelmed)
​
​
​“With a renewed lineup and a track record of progressive evolution, Lufeh delivers here a disciplined, technically formidable body of work that will satisfy those who take their Heavy Prog seriously.” – Progressive Rock Journal​
​
​“Very soulful breaks.Like the dynamics. The drummer is very powerful and precise. Like Rush if they were a soul band.” – CFRU 93.3 FM – Planet Groove (Guelph, ON, Canada)
​
“With „Overwhelmed“ LUFEH are opening a new chapter – more emotional, melodic and at the same time more powerful than ever. The title track of their upcoming album combines progressive virtuosity with haunting storytelling and marks an impressive evolution – an intense foretaste of what happened on March 29th. May 2026 is coming.” – Metalogy (2026 – Overwhelmed)
​
“Heavy prog shines with the new single ‘He Commands the Sun and the Stars’ from LUFEH. Dream Theater and Shadow Gallery fans will find a lot to love here including a spotlight performance from featured vocalist and electric violinist Ginny Luke. Musically the band doesn’t disappoint with soaring keys, complex percussion, driving riffs, strolling bass lines…all at a high level, which is what is demanded when you enter the sacred space of progressive rock. Just as much a beautiful performance as it is a breathtaking adventure, this track raises expectations for the new album “Overwhelmed” which can’t get here fast enough on May 29th. Catch LUFEH on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2026 – Overwhelmed)
​
“Overwhelmed‘ may be born from pressure, but its greatest achievement is the way it turns that pressure into motion, melody, and release.” – Infrared Magazine (2026 – Overwhelmed)

“Great prog album, love Feels Like I’m A Ghost song” – The Chill dude on the Couch (2026 – Overwhelmed)
​
​
​“”Overwhelmed” is a strong progressive rock album, full of skill, emotion and smart writing. Lufeh do not bury the listener under endless technical games, which is a good call. The songs have complex parts, odd rhythms, heavy passages and fusion touches, yet the main focus stays on melody and flow. That is where the album wins most of its points.” – Hevay Metal Darkness (2026 – Overwhelmed)​
​
​“Throw four talented musicians, the sound of Dream Theater and Rush, the songwriting craft of Aerosmith in their glory years, and a singing voice that is somewhere between Leslie Hunt (District 97) and Ann Wilson (Heart) in a blender and the result is ‘Overwhelming’. That is the very appropriate title of the second album by the American LUFEH.” – Progerweld

—

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0 ESHTADUR Unveils Music Video “Into The Woods” From New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out Oct 2026

  • July 22, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Eshtadur · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 22, 2026

ESHTADUR Unveils Music Video “Into The Woods” From New Album “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” Out Oct 2026

Colombian melodic black/death metal band ESHTADUR announce their new full-length album, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone“, due for release on October 2nd, 2026 through Rockshots Records.

The announcement is accompanied by “Into The Woods”, the first single and official video introducing the musical and conceptual journey behind the record.

Developed over four years, “In Darkness All Shadows Gone” consists of twelve compositions combining melodic black and death metal, symphonic arrangements, layered vocals, Tuvan throat singing and atmospheric passages. Recorded with the Caldas Symphonic Orchestra, the album expands the band’s established sound while maintaining the combination of heavy riffing, dark melodies and orchestral textures that has shaped its identity.

The album follows a conceptual journey through mysticism, transformation and inner transmutation. At the centre of the narrative stands The Crow, a shamanic figure moving between existence, death, emptiness and the unknown. Acting as both master and apprentice, The Crow guides the listener through a process of isolation, self-discovery and spiritual awakening, where darkness becomes not only an oppressive force but also a path towards understanding the self.

Across the record, ESHTADUR explore the relationship between darkness and the light contained within each individual. The songs draw upon occult symbolism, cosmic philosophy, ancestral knowledge and human emotion, forming a continuous narrative rather than a collection of disconnected tracks. Musically, black and death metal alternate as leading forces throughout the album, supported by melodic writing, cinematic orchestration and folk-rooted elements.

Jorg August comments on the creation of the album:

“We worked on this material for four years. It is a long album with twelve tracks, symphonic arrangements, a real orchestra, many vocal layers and Tuvan voices. At times, it felt like a giant puzzle, but everything finally came together. We are proud of the result and grateful to everyone who helped us build it. A crow is calling.”

The first single, “Into The Woods,” represents the call to initiation and the first step into the album’s inner world. The listener is invited to leave behind external noise and enter the forest alone, confronting silence, memory, and self-delusion. Inspired by contemplative philosophies and the idea of returning to nature as a means of self-discovery, the song presents the forest as both a physical place and a metaphorical descent into consciousness.

Musically, “Into The Woods” combines fast melodic and aggressive guitar riffs, alternate-picked passages, dark orchestration, dissonant elements, ancestral chants and forceful vocals. The track establishes the balance between aggression, melody and atmosphere that continues throughout the album, while its lyrics address inner turmoil, past trauma and the need to confront fear before transformation can begin.

The accompanying official video focuses on frontman Jorg August, who is guided by the symbolic Crow into the forest and towards the first dimension of the album’s narrative. The visual interpretation reinforces the song’s themes of solitude, initiation and departure, presenting the journey as an individual mission in search of a deeper understanding of the self.

Listen to “Into The Woods”: ​https://lnk.to/N8qobN

​Watch the official video: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewIYMme4L1c

​

“In Darkness All Shadows Gone” will be available from October 2nd, 2026 through Rockshots Records. The album can be pre-ordered now from the Rockshots Records store at:
​https://rockshots.eu/cuhb5ys9ncs1ndx​

The album was produced by Jorg August, who also wrote the music, lyrics, compositions, and orchestral arrangements. The recordings took place at RockStar Studios Colombia, while the orchestra was recorded at Batuta’s Theater in Manizales, Colombia. The album was mixed and mastered by Tomasz “Zed” Zalewski, with additional mixing and mastering by Chris Clancy on “Fire Above Mountain Below” and “Umbra.” The cover artwork was created by Valesia Obscura.
​
​For fans of: Septicflesh, Dissection, At The Gates.

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 Canadian Doom / Sludge DESTROY MY BRAINS Prepare to Unleash “WILT” – The Final Chapter of Their Trauma‑Forged Five‑Album Saga; Streaming Singles “OCI” and “Decontribute”

  • July 22, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Destroy My Brains · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 22, 2026

DESTROY MY BRAINS Prepare to Unleash “WILT” – The Final Chapter of Their Trauma‑Forged Five‑Album Saga

Streaming Singles “OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder)” and “Decontribute”

Destroy My Brains – L-R – Rob – Bass, Jarret – Vocals, Guitar, Chase – Guitar, Jadan – Drums

From the frozen prairies of Lloydminster, Canada, doom/sludge cult Destroy My Brains unleash “WILT” on August 14th, 2026, the catastrophic final chapter in their long‑planned five‑album saga. Beginning with “Worthless” (2018), followed by “InsignifiCan’t” (2020), “Lifeless” (2020), “Tormented” (2022), and now culminating in “WILT” (2026), the band has executed a conceptual arc conceived from day one, each release carving deeper into their signature themes of self‑destruction, trauma, and sonic decay.

“We already picked the titles of the albums so that all the first letters would spell WILT,” says vocalist/guitarist Jarret
​
​Destroy My Brains deal in corrosive, melting, abhorrent, Crowbar‑worshipping sludge, and “WILT” drives that identity straight into the ground. The album hits with pounding grooves, chugs heavy enough to buckle steel, soul‑removing drums, and vocals that scorch everything in their path. Rather than reinventing themselves, the band sharpened their already‑lethal formula, each member pouring their own darkness into the record until it becomes a collective collapse. Frontman Jarret pushes deeper than ever, turning “WILT” into both a sonic beating and a personal exorcism.

“We didn’t reinvent anything. We sharpened, hardened, turned it up louder… and put some of the darkest, most meaningful lyrics we have ever done. I got deep inside to a place of furious hate and pain… trauma I caused myself and others… self-destruction, dying, drug/alcohol abuse, and hatred towards others leading to their ultimate ruin,” adds Jarret.

“WILT” unfolds as a seven‑part descent into psychological collapse and sludge‑soaked extremity, each track carving out its own form of emotional and sonic violence. It opens with OCI, a claustrophobic portrayal of OCD spiraling into anxiety, compulsion, and eventual institutionalization, before shifting into Burn the Virgin, a ritualistic Walpurgisnacht sacrifice story that moves from eerie melody into suffocating doom. Decontribute serves as the band’s manifesto of societal decay, embracing personal ruin with lines like “YOU CAN WATCH ME, FALL APART… I DECONTRIBUTE TO REALITY.” The album sinks deeper with Avulsion, the bleakest and most doom‑laden track, using the imagery of bodily tearing to mirror lifelong psychological torment. Downgrade drags listeners through punk‑rooted sludge about manipulation, overdose, and satanic delusion, while Spill confronts childhood violence and emotional shutdown, ending with the devastating admission “I CAN’T FEEL, I DON’T FEEL, I WON’T FEEL, ANYTHING EVER…” Finally, the 11‑minute title track Wilt stands as the album’s tragic apex, confronting the wounds of child abuse and opening with the harrowing line “YOU DESTROYED THE CHILD WITHIN ME.” Together, these songs form a cohesive, crushing exploration of trauma, degradation, and the darkest corners of human experience.

“WILT” is Destroy My Brains at their most evolved, most hateful, and most emotionally devastating. “We are pleased to degrade and devolve you while you take in our sonic displeasures,” comments Jarret.

Destroy My Brains is currently streaming two singles, “OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder)” and “Decontribute,” in lead-up to the release of “WILT”, with a third, “Downgrade,” being revealed with a music video in the coming weeks.

Listen at the following links:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/67kJ5QtfRsT22WZpIZ2NKu

​OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ5BJsJeI8g

Decontribute – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4BZ4tET6r4

​Recommended for fans of Eyehategod, Crowbar, Buzz-oven, Acid Bath, and Electric Wizard, the album pre-order for “WILT” (release date August 14th, 2026) is available at https://destroymybrains.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​
1. OCI (Obsessive Compulsive Imploder) – 4:32
2. Burn The Virgin – 10:30
3. Decontribute – 7:28
4. Avulsion – 7:08
5. Downgrade – 5:14
6. Spill – 9:30
7. Wilt – 11:40
Album Length: 56:03

More info: https://linktr.ee/destroymybrains​

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“Lyrically, this is a hateful and hopeless screed, the vicious and fatalistic thoughts of someone falling apart and drowning in intoxicants.” No Clean Singing (Decontribute single off Wilt – 2026)

“The riffing swarms like carnivorous insects; the bass brutally thunders; the drums cut like a dismembering ax; and the vocals sound like a screaming person being strangled, in arms with a growling pit bull.” No Clean Singing

“Catharsis has been defined as “the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions.” DESTROY MY BRAINS is a vehicle created to do just that.” – Doomed & Stoned (Tormented – 2022)

“a coup de grace of sludgy Crowbar riffs and throat shredding screams of hate” Those Once Loyal (Tormented – 2022)

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0 Victoria’s Story Comes Alive! VICTORIA LIES Unveils First Single “Red” From Debut Concept Record “Vendetta” Out October 2026

  • July 21, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Uncategorized · Victoria Lies

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 21, 2026

Victoria’s Story Comes Alive! VICTORIA LIES Unveils First Single “Red” From Debut Concept Record “Vendetta” Out October 2026

L-R – Jay Powell (Bass), Brett Hetherington (vocals), James Cuncanon (Drums), Chris Koehler (Guitars), Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

Photo Credit – Heather Kim

Calgary, Canada metalcore storytellers Victoria Lies have announced the first single from their long‑awaited forthcoming debut full‑length, “Vendetta.” The track, “Red,” arrives today alongside a cinematic music video that plunges listeners directly into the dark, lore‑rich universe the band has spent years constructing.
​
​“Red” marks the moment where the album’s central character, Victoria, transforms emotionally, psychologically, and violently. The song’s explosive contrast between chaotic verses and a soaring, cathartic chorus mirrors the character’s unraveling and rebirth, and it stands as one of the band’s most visceral, immediate compositions.

“The defining moment when Victoria becomes Victoria… heavy, disorienting, and urgent,” adds vocalist Brett Hetherington.
​
The video for “Red” brings Victoria’s world to life with the band’s signature theatricality. Their dancer and on‑stage embodiment of Victoria, Sadie Rieb, appears throughout, adding movement, narrative weight, and emotional intensity to the visual storytelling.
​
A memorable moment from the recording sessions made its way into the energy of the performance. During vocal tracking, the studio was overtaken by the Euro football finals. Producer Scott Bennett hauled in a TV, guitarist Rory Fitzsimmons spent 90 minutes yelling at the screen, and the chaos fueled Brett’s most ferocious screams.

“All this yelling really helped Brett get in the mindset for laying down his screams on one of our angriest songs,” adds the band.

The single and music video for “Red” are available at the following links:

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

​Digital Single – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/red

​

“Vendetta” is a 10‑track concept album that blends melodic metalcore, groove metal, and genre‑bending experimentation. The band describes it as a “constantly evolving universe” filled with narrative twists, emotional depth, and unexpected musical turns, from trap beats to saxophone lines.
​
The album explores themes of power abuse, violence against women, personal grief, societal collapse, and moral ambiguity, all woven through the story of Victoria, a character who appears in choreography, prose, and live performance.
​​
“We wanted to give listeners a journey. Not just ten heavy songs, something with twists, turns, and storytelling,” 
says bassist Jay Powell.

“When you hear it, you know you’re in Victoria’s universe,” adds Fitzsimmons.
​
Formed in 2023, Victoria Lies is a Canadian metalcore band known for blending heavy grooves with theatrical storytelling. Their lineup includes vocalist Brett Hetherington, drummer James Cuncannon, guitarists Chris Koehler and Rory Fitzsimmons, and bassist Jay Powell. The band has previously released singles “Trial By Fire,” “…Ready for it?” and “Zerotonin,” earning thousands of streams and building anticipation for their debut album.
​
They’ve performed across Alberta, including Calgary, Drumheller, Lethbridge, and Edmonton, and appeared at Gatorfest II and Decimate Metalfest.

Recommended for fans of Bad Omens, Atreyu, AFI, and Killswitch Engage, “Vendetta” is due out on October 30th, 2026 via Black Cat Records.

Album pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/vendetta​

Track Listing:​
1. Victoria – 1:40
2. We Ignite – 3:25
3. Terra Critical – 4:00
4. Laced With Hate – 6:30
5. Red – 2:44
6. Weaving Webs – 4:18
7. Trial by Fire – 3:33
8. Absurd – 4:21
9. Red Lips, Loaded Gun – 5:52
10. Ravens – 3:41
11. Truth and Sugar – 4:15
Album Length: 44:23

Album and Live Band Line-up:​
Jay Powell (Bass)
Brett Hetherington (Vocals)
James Cuncanon (Drums)
Chris Koehler (Guitars)
Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

More info: Victorialies.com | Facebook.com/victorialiesband | Instagram.com/victorialiesband | Tiktok.com/@victoria.lies

-30-

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0 CONFLUX COLLECTIVE Unleashes “Reincarnation” Drum Playthrough via Sick Drummer Magazine; New Album “In the Wake of Saturn” (ft. members of ex-Augury, ex‑Decrepit Birth, Derelict, Gross Misconduct, Continuum and more!)

  • July 20, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Conflux Collective · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 20, 2026

CONFLUX COLLECTIVE Unleashes “Reincarnation” Drum Playthrough via Sick Drummer Magazine

Out Now! New Album “In the Wake of Saturn” (ft. members of ex-Augury, ex‑Decrepit Birth, Derelict, Gross Misconduct, Continuum and more!)

L-R – Max Lussier, Jesse Brint, Mallika Sundaramurthy, Tommy McKinnon, Eric Burnet, Jeffrey Mott

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDITS: Joe Diaz, Derek Carr of Visionsinpixels, Mat Barbeau, Tania Hébert

Conflux Collective has unleashed a blistering new drum playthrough for their track “Reincarnation,” premiering now on Sick Drummer Magazine’s YouTube channel. Performed by drummer Tommy McKinnon, the video showcases the track’s intricate rhythmic architecture, explosive transitions, and the uncompromising technicality that defines the band’s sound. “Reincarnation” stands as one of the album’s core compositions, an embodiment of rebirth, resilience, and the project’s brutal‑progressive identity.
​
The track was originally written by guitarist Chase Fraser during the band’s early creative period, with McKinnon recording an early version years before the project fell dormant. Its revival marks a symbolic moment for Conflux Collective; the band lives again. Vocalist Jeff Mott delivers a powerful interpretation of McKinnon’s lyrics, bringing emotional weight and clarity to the song’s themes of overcoming desire and reclaiming purpose.

Watch the drum playthrough at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbTiSuDjiZM

​The drum‑playthrough premiere supports Conflux Collective’s long‑awaited full‑length album, “In the Wake of Saturn,” released June 19th. The record is a progressive, brutal, melodic, and uncompromising journey through pain, fear, defeat, survival, and ultimately rebirth. Written and assembled over several years, the album is a testament to perseverance and creative willpower.
​
Across eight tracks, listeners are pulled through blast‑driven chaos, atmospheric tension, crushing grooves, and climactic melodic peaks. The album blends the ferocity of ’90s death metal with modern technical precision, featuring contributions from a powerhouse roster of extreme vocalists that includes Jesse Brint (Gross Misconduct), Mallika Sundaramurthy (Emasculator, ex‑Abnormality), Jeffrey Mott (The Monster Factory, Growlers Choir), Eric Burnet (Derelict, Samskaras), and Max Lussier (Derelict), who also contributes a blistering guitar solo
​
Mixed and mastered by Jeanne Comateuse of Magma Art & Sound, the album stands as a DIY triumph, raw, honest, and fiercely unique. As vocalist Jesse Brint put it, “It’s a journey.”​
​
​Conflux Collective was born from a chance reunion in a Montreal fast‑food joint after a King Diamond concert. Guitarist Chase Fraser (Continuum, ex‑Decrepit Birth, ex‑Animosity) and drummer Tommy McKinnon (Derelict, Akurion, ex‑Neuraxis, ex‑Augury) discovered they had once shared a stage years earlier in San Francisco. A spontaneous jam session soon followed, and within an hour, a full song had taken shape. Within six weeks, they had written and recorded their debut EP, “The Inception” (2016).
​
​Conflux Collective was never intended to be a traditional band. It is a collective, built on collaboration with diverse extreme vocalists and driven by a desire to push progressive technical death metal into new emotional territory. After years of dormancy, McKinnon resurrected the project, rewriting material, recording all bass tracks by ear, and crafting lyrics drawn from deeply personal experiences.
​
The result is a multi‑dimensional, vocalist‑driven album that defies convention and embraces transformation. Though Conflux Collective has no plans for live performances, the project stands as a meeting point for extreme music’s most creative forces.

Recommended for fans of Cryptopsy, Necrophagist, Decrepit Birth, Augury, and Beyond Creation, “In the Wake of Saturn” will be available at the following links:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/10ynZM1hUezpQLfV9hyJwZ

Album – https://confluxcollective.bandcamp.com/​

Vinyl and CD order – https://elasticstage.com/confluxcollective​

Merch / Apparel available – https://confluxco-shop.fourthwall.com/​

Lyric Video – Reincarnation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nce0-kz3nTk

​Lyric Video – Devouring Light – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skYaLYoVjX8

​Lyric Video – “The Antidote” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgHR0TOQtcI

​

Track Listing:​
1. The Antidote – 3:02
2. Devoid of True Form – 2:39
3. Ethereal Executioner – 4:45
4. Devouring Light – 4:59
5. Blood from a Rock 4:18
6. Reincarnation – 3:20
7. In the Wake of Saturn – 2:29
8. Desperate Post-Humanist – 5:18
Album Length: 30:53

Album Band Line-up:​
Guitar: Chase Fraser (Continuum)
Vocals: Eric Burnet (Derelict), Max Lussier (Derelict), Jesse Brint (Gross Misconduct), Mallika Sundaramurthy (Emasculator), Jeff Mott (Hollow, Monster Factory)
Additional guitar, bass, and drums: Tommy McKinnon
Track 1,2, 3, 6. Music: Chase Fraser. Lyrics: Tommy McKinnon
Track 4. Music: Chase Fraser. Lyrics: Jesse Brint
Track 5, 7. Music & Lyrics: Tommy McKinnon
Track 8. Music: Tommy McKinnon. Lyrics: Eric Burnet

More info:

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

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

About: Formed in Montreal after a chance post‑show encounter, The Conflux Collective is a progressive technical death‑metal project built on collaboration, experimentation, and emotional depth. Featuring contributions from some of the genre’s most distinctive vocalists, the band blends the ferocity of old‑school death metal with the precision and ambition of modern tech‑death. In the Wake of Saturn marks their first full‑length album.

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Conflux Collective
• All songs written by: Conflux Collective
• Produced by: Tommy McKinnon
• Mixed by: Jeanne Comateuse at Magma Art & Sound
• Mastered by: Jeanne Comateuse at Magma Art & Sound
• Album Artwork by: Filip Ivanovic
• Member of SOCAN

Affiliated links:

Mix engineer: https://magma-sound.com

Derelict: https://derelictmetal.bandcamp.com

Akurion: https://akurion-ca.bandcamp.com/album…

Emasculator: https://www.instagram.com/emasculator_bdm

Mallika: https://www.instagram.com/mallika_sun

Gross Misconduct: https://grossmisconduct.bandcamp.com

The Monster Factory: https://www.themonster-factory.com/en

Coma Cluster Void: https://comaclustervoid.com

– 30 –

“The song’s (Devouring Light) opening moments create tension and are viscerally frightening. They combine wrenching howls, swaths of eerily ringing guitar, immense groaning bass tones, and methodically bludgeoning beats. As the growled words (also frightening) cut loose, the tension doesn’t really break but the music morphs. The dissonant notes miserably writhe and dart away in strange angles; the drums variably clatter and slug in ways that both exacerbate the music’s feeling of dementia and create a vivid rhythmic counterpoint to the increasingly hallucinatory effect of the fretwork. A shrill and swirling guitar solo rises up, creating its own kind of ecstatic counterpoint to the music’s chilling manifestations of confusion and despair. Yet those very same melodic motifs that make the music so unsettling also turn out to be hooks: as they surface and re-surface, strangely ringing and warping, they dig in — as the bass-and-drum performances continue landing body blows while creating their own mystifying attractions. Although this song, unlike the album’s first single, isn’t a high-speed cavalcade of technically eye-popping adventurousness, it’s still a technically impressive exercise, one that deploys the musician’s technical skills to create chilling hallucinatory effects.” – No Clean Singing​
​
​“Centered around guitarist Chase Fraser (Continuum, ex‑Decrepit Birth, ex‑Animosity) and drummer Tommy McKinnon (Derelict, Akurion, ex‑Neuraxis, ex‑Augury) and featuring guest appearance contributions from members of Gross Misconduct, Emasculator, Samskaras, Hollow and Monster Factory, the Conflux Collective is a true collective that puts ’90s lensed, technical death metal in its creative crosshairs.” – Decibel Magazine – Track Premiere: Getting Cosmic with The Conflux Collective’s “In the Wake of Saturn”

“Canada’s Conflux Collective return with IN THE WAKE OF SATURN – 8 crazed pieces of death metal infused with manic energy, prog and tech metal complexity and loaded with mean aggression! Totally insane!” – Loud Enough Magazine​
​
​“This release sits far outside ordinary death metal territory, travelling through unknown and uncharted musical ground. Structurally, the songs do not follow the traditional verse-bridge-chorus form. That same refusal is emphatic in the lyrics, which follow no fixed pattern and take a far more narrative shape, moving closely alongside musical sections that stubbornly break free of conventional forms. The intensely personal lyrics gain even more weight through the voices of Max, Jeffrey, Jesse, Mallika and Eric, whose performances add further emotional gravity to this narrative journey. The final result is a rough-hewn creation that defies familiar musical patterns and lyrical norms. It is indifferent to the world outside and makes that clear in every possible way. Yet, almost by accident, it points the way forward, leaving a wholly personal imprint for those who follow. 10/10” – Metal Ourgio

“”In the Wake of Saturn” is a technically impressive and pleasingly compact debut album. Conflux Collective combine the raw energy of 90s death metal with modern technical death metal, progressive structures, heavy grooves, and melodic guitar work. “Devouring Light , ” “Blood from a Rock , ” “Reincarnation,” and the atmospheric “Desperate Post-Humanist” are particularly compelling. The very clean guitar production occasionally sounds a bit clinical, while the five vocalists offer less nuanced vocal range than their number would suggest. Nevertheless, there’s clearly more to these eight songs than just technical fretboard virtuosity. The album convincingly tells a story of loss, survival, and rebirth, and ends its assault before the complex arrangements can become tiresome. Saturn, at least, is awake—and after these 31 minutes, he probably needs a coffee.” – Metal Underground Austria​
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0 Canadian Extreme Metal Groove WITHOUT MERCY Unveils Theatrical Guitar Playthrough “The Saint” From New EP “Infinite Loss” Produced by John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon)

  • July 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Without Mercy

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2026

Canadian Extreme Metal Groove WITHOUT MERCY Unveils Theatrical Guitar Playthrough “The Saint”

New EP “Infinite Loss” Out Now!

Produced by John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon)

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

Canadian extreme groove metal Without Mercy have unleashed a striking new theatrical guitar playthrough video for “The Saint”, supporting their newly released EP “Infinite Loss” produced with John Douglass (Alluvial, Nile, Nekrogoblikon) and released this past May. The visual highlights guitarist DJ Temple’s performance while immersing viewers in the tension, restraint, and unfamiliar emotional space that shaped the track.
​
​“The Saint represents the furthest departure from our usual writing approach. It came from a willingness to step back and let someone we trust help guide the process,” explains guitarist DJ Temple.
​
Shaped collectively with their producer, the song confronts a core question of artistic growth: How do you evolve without losing the foundation that brought you here? Rather than abandoning their roots, the band stretched them to their limit, testing their flexibility without breaking their identity.
​
Musically, “The Saint” leans into space, unpredictability, and tension. It was the last song written for the EP, challenging the band’s expectations of what the record should be. Its inclusion broadened the emotional scope of Infinite Loss, earning its place by doing something the other tracks could not.

Watch the theatrical guitar playthrough for “The Saint” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1Bp5r-wQ8k

​​
Recorded after uprooting their routines and living inside the creative process for ten days, Without Mercy‘s new EP “Infinite Loss” is a focused, intentional, and confrontational statement. The EP documents a period defined by pressure, endurance, and honesty.
​
​“This record exists because we chose to be uncomfortable, to argue honestly, and to stay in the room until it felt right… It is 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, 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.” – 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

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0 LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Confronts Creative Silence w/ New Music Video “The Blank Page”

  • July 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Levinia · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2026

LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Confronts Creative Silence w/ New Music Video “The Blank Page”

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

Levinia returns with “The Blank Page,” the fourth and final single in their ambitious 2026 release cycle, a year defined by evolution, sharpened identity, and a darker cinematic edge. Following the momentum of “Bite,” “Silver Tongues,” and “The Thorn,” this new single arrives as the band’s most emotionally vulnerable and haunting offering yet, paired with a striking music video that visually amplifies its themes of isolation, creative paralysis, and inner conflict.
​
Produced by Brandon Friesen, whose credits include Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach, “The Blank Page” represents one of the most dramatic transformations in Levinia’s catalog. While vocalist Kourt Henson had already crafted the lyrical and melodic core, Friesen helped expand the track into a sweeping, cinematic experience, heightening its tension, atmosphere, and emotional payoff. The result is a single that begins in fragile stillness before erupting into one of the band’s most crushing choruses to date.

With all four singles released, Levinia closes their 2026 cycle with a powerful statement: the band is entering its most confident and defined era yet. And with new material already in development, “The Blank Page” is not an ending; it’s the beginning of what comes next.

The video for “The Blank Page” mirrors the song’s emotional weight through stark, unsettling imagery. A lone house sits in a desolate landscape, symbolizing mental confinement and the suffocating silence of creative paralysis. A burnt, ruined page becomes the central metaphor, representing ideas destroyed before they ever had the chance to exist. The visuals echo the song’s haunting atmosphere, creating a unified emotional experience between audio and imagery.

“The Blank Page may be the biggest shock. It opens in a slower, more vulnerable, and almost haunting space, which is not what some listeners may expect at first, but once the chorus hits, it erupts into something crushing. We think that contrast will make it one of the more memorable tracks emotionally,” adds vocalist Kourt Henson.

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

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnWntWSKHR0

​Spotify – https://hypeddit.com/levinia/theblankpage

​

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.
​
Across their 2026 singles, Levinia showcases a wide emotional and stylistic range. “The Blank Page” is a haunting exploration of writer’s block, pressure, and emotional paralysis. “Bite” is a Dracula‑inspired anthem of resilience and transformation. “Silver Tongues” is a groove‑driven warning against idol worship and blind influence. “The Thorn” is a sharp, modern metal strike at internal conflict. Each single reveals a different facet of the band’s identity, pushing their sound into heavier, more deliberate territory while preserving the cinematic drama fans have come to expect.
​
​Levinia’s writing process has evolved into a deeply collaborative effort. Guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal and vocalist Kourt Henson typically build the foundation, instrumentals, melodies, and lyrical direction before drummer Dylan Suierveld and bassist Liam Alexander shape the rhythmic and dynamic backbone. This approach has led to a more cohesive, vocal‑driven sound that balances aggression with emotional depth.
​
Working with Brandon Friesen has marked a turning point for the band. His guidance helped refine the strongest tracks from an initial pool of developing ideas, shaping them into a four‑part release that feels intentional, cinematic, and emotionally charged. Each single serves a distinct purpose, forming a cohesive narrative of Levinia’s ongoing evolution.
​
​Previous Singles:

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

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/​

-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)

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0 Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Confront Division and Reclaim Power in New Video “As Your Leader” From Debut Self-Titled Album Out August 2026

  • July 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Famous Strangers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2026

Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Confront Division and Reclaim Power in New Video “As Your Leader”

Debut Self-Titled Album Out August 21st, 2026

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

Photo by J-Kiernen Photography

Edmonton, Canada’s heavy‑rock outfit Famous Strangers have unveiled the official music video for “As Your Leader”, the second single from their forthcoming self‑titled debut album co‑produced with Phil Anderson, mixed by Joel Wanasek, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum and arriving August 21st, 2026. The track is one of the album’s heaviest and most emotionally charged moments, built on thick, deliberately weighty guitar tones, restless bass‑and‑drum interplay, and a vocal performance that channels frustration, urgency, and fierce compassion.
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​“As Your Leader” confronts the widening disconnect between what leaders promise and what people actually experience. It reflects on how digital noise erodes trust, how division has become normalized, and how presence has been surrendered to screens. Yet beneath the anger lies a message of unity. At its core, the song insists that together, we are powerful, and that the fight worth having is the one that brings people closer rather than further apart.
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The music video for “As Your Leader” is a stark, monochrome animated piece created through an AI-assisted, frame-by-frame production process and finished in After Effects. Every shot was individually art-directed, generated, refined, and composited by video creator Art Szabo over approximately 45 to 50 hours, with no motion capture, rotoscoping, or stock footage.
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The first half unfolds in white‑on‑black, depicting a cold, mechanical world of faceless authority figures looming over a lone speaker at a podium. At the lyric “the power is ours,” the palette inverts to black‑on‑white, echoing the band’s signature ink aesthetic. Simplified human forms merge into something larger, symbolizing collective strength and the moment people reclaim their voice. The monochrome palette was chosen to strip away distraction and let the message hit with full weight.

Watch the video for “As Your Leader” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH1WCv__EyY

​Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/as-your-leader

​

Famous Strangers features Amanda Kiernan (vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (guitar), Braden Sustrik (bass), and Brian “Beej” Jolly (drums), formed after years of crossing paths in the Alberta music scene. What began as casual jams evolved into a full creative force once Amanda joined in 2023. The chemistry was instant. Lyrics poured out, old riffs found new life, and the band quickly realized they had something far bigger than a side project.
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Their sound is unpredictable, moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing, drawing from classic heavy metal, grunge, punk, and modern hard‑rock influences. The debut full-length explores themes of self‑worth, growth, vulnerability, and breaking free from what holds you back, while also venturing into playful territory, including alien abduction stories and blues‑soaked introspection.
​
Due August 21st, the self‑titled debut album is a diverse journey through heavy riffs, explosive moments, atmospheric breaks, and deeply personal storytelling. The band describes it as a record that takes listeners on an emotional ride, from grit and inspiration to surrender and self‑reflection.
​
Tracks like “Fire Inside,” “Ghosts of Men,” “Please Her,” “Desires,” “Far Away from Home,” and “Rain” each explore different corners of the band’s identity, from raw vulnerability to punk‑driven fun to blues‑infused introspection. Many songs evolved over years, with riffs living on hard drives for over a decade before finding their final form. Some tracks were even born from freestyle jam sessions captured during casual rehearsals.
​
Leading up to the album’s release, Famous Strangers will be hitting the road across Western Canada, including back-to-back hometown album release shows.

Upcoming Show Dates:​
Aug 6 – The Exchange – Regina, SK
Aug 7 – Dickens – Calgary, AB
Aug 21 – Album Release Show 1 – Rec Room – Edmonton, AB
Aug 22 – Album Release Show 2 – Temple at Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB

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

Previous Single:

Music Video – “Ghosts of Men” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JllvDWc2AC4​

Track Listing:​
1. Fire Inside – 4:06
2. Ghosts of Men – 4:54
3. Please Her – 4:34
4. As Your Leader – 3:49
5. Desires – 3:50
6. Far Away from Home – 4:18
7. Rain – 9:23
Album Length: 34:57

Album Band Line-up:​
Jeff Kittlitz – Guitar, Back Up Vocals
Amanda Kiernan – Vocals, Lyrics
Braden Sustrik – Bass, Back Up Vocals
Brian “Beej” Jolly – Drums, Back Up Vocals

More info:

​https://www.famousstrangersband.com/​

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

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

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

-30-

“Amanda has a Lee Aaron vibe about her.” – Richard Amery – LA Beat

“Canada’s Famous Strangers return with an incredible new single, a fierce one titled ‘Ghosts of Men’. Right out of the gate, the riffs are lethal and the vocals are up to the task with a mean disposition that fit perfectly. Famous Strangers is a seriously talented band and ‘Ghosts of Men’ is a shining example of their creativity at work with an extended jaw dropping 6-string solo, a wonderful slow down to catch our breath only to come out on the other side finding ourselves in a choke hold of epic proportions. This is modern metal done right, catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

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

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

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Streaming Now! ETERNAL DRAK Opens The Gates To The Sixth Album “The Violence of Time”

  • July 16, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Eternal Drak · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 16, 2026

Streaming Now! ETERNAL DRAK Opens The Gates To The Sixth Album “The Violence of Time”

L-R – Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass – Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar

Photo Credit – Patrick Auger

Eternal Drak have opened the gates early. Their sixth full‑length album, “The Violence of Time,” is now streaming in full through an exclusive premiere on BraveWords, giving fans a complete first immersion into the band’s most aggressive, conceptual, and philosophically charged work to date, ahead of its official July 17th release.
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The full‑album stream invites listeners directly into the hostile universe Eternal Drak have constructed. A place where time is not a neutral measure but an adversary, a force that erodes meaning, distorts memory, and crushes identity. The band describes the record as a confrontation with time itself, not as humans imagine it, but as it behaves.
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“Time does not accompany human beings; it subdues them. It does not flow; it imposes. It does not reveal meaning; it destroys it,” adds the band.
​
​
Across ten tracks, “The Violence of Time” dismantles the human understanding of past, present, and future. Each song is a violent thesis, a sonic and lyrical strike against the idea that time can be explained, contained, or understood. Instead of offering conclusions, the album explores fragments of realization, exposing how time pressures identity, warps memory, and rewrites causality.
​
Musically, the album is built for true old‑school metal devotees: those drawn to the raw spirit of thrash, the darkness of black metal, and the severity of death metal. Eternal Drak merge analog aggression with digital density, resulting in a sound that is varied in rhythm and catchy in impact, sharpened into their most cohesive identity yet.
​
Every track begins with a central written idea. Once the concept is defined, Eternal Drak builds the music to reflect the emotion and message of the text. Riffs, rhythms, and structures are crafted to echo the same intention, ensuring that even listeners who perceive the voice as an instrument still feel the weight of the lyrics.
​
Each element undergoes multiple stages of revision and refinement until the final version fully expresses the intended emotion and message.
​
Over the years, Eternal Drak have evolved from raw thrash‑and‑black foundations into a dynamic force shaped by death metal, groove, and even Latin folk influences. Their sound has grown alongside the metal scene itself, adapting to new tools and technologies while preserving the intensity and character that define the band.
​

Recommended for fans of Dimmu Borgir, Watain, Kreator, Motorhead, and Desaster, experience “The Violence of Time” in its entirety through BraveWords’ exclusive premiere HERE.

“The Violence of Time” is available for album pre-order (out July 17th, 2026) at the following links:

Band website – https://eternaldrak.com/the-violence-of-time​

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

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zTmYsd42dDsE5yU8lDhXe​

Track Listing:​
1. We Force It To Speak – 5:15
2. The Unborn Paths Rot – 3:51
3. Me Hice Simultaneo – 3:30
4. The Blasphemy of Time – 3:35
5. Chaos Is the Law – 3:34
6. Where Cause Is Buried – 3:55
7. Across the Watching Veils – 3:53
8. Breathing Once Again – 3:45
9. The Cosmos Rejects You – 4:09
10. No Direction Total War – 2:57
Album Length: 38:24

Album Band Line-up:​
Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass
Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar

More info: https://www.eternaldrak.com | https://www.facebook.com/EternalDrak | https://www.instagram.com/eternaldrak​

About:

Eternal Drak is an extreme metal band based in Quebec City, Canada, originally founded in Latin America in the late ’90s. Rooted in a fierce blend of thrash and black metal, the band has continually expanded its sound with elements of death metal, groove, and melodic experimentation. Lyrically, Eternal Drak explores human and cosmic darkness, a theme present across all seven of its official releases. The band is currently signed to the Canadian label FirstWave.

Formed in 1997 by brothers Drakar and Warhammer, later joined by guitarist Reijav, Eternal Drak quickly gained recognition, winning a City TV award for Best Metal Video in the early 2000s. After releasing early EPs and their first full-length, the band went on hiatus in 2007.

In 2020, the members reunited in Quebec to create The Past Is Gone, A New One Is Coming, honoring co‑founder and drummer Eduardo “Warhammer” Martínez. This revival led to a prolific new era, including the albums Drak Metal (2021), Shadow Storm (2022), Imprisoned Souls (2024), and multiple EPs. The lineup later expanded with guitarist Mike Amyot and drummer Patrick Auger.

Today, Eternal Drak (featuring Andres Martinez Torres (Drakar) – Voices, Lead Guitar, Bass, and Michel Amyot – Rhythm Guitar) continues to evolve while staying true to its extreme metal roots, driven by intensity, melody, and a commitment to pushing its sound across continents.

-30-

“This is some pretty good Blackened Thrash that has sick riffs, icy tremolos and eerie harmonies with some solos added to keep it interesting, add it to your lists. Rating: 8.1/10 – Drako Metal Reviews (The Violence of Time – 2026)

“10 new songs that will simultaneously brighten and darken your world… Eternal Drak evolve while staying true to their roots.” – The Razor’s Edge​
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​“another great sounding recording from Eternal Drak and if you are a fan of blackened thrash ​metal, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE “We Force It To Speak” “The Blasphemy Of Time” “Where Cause Is Buried” and “The Cosmos Reject You”. 8 out of 10.” – Bringer of Death Webzine​
​

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

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