Category: Music News

0 Canadian Death Metal HARVESTED Shares Bass Playthrough “Gathered and Deluded” From New Album “Dysthymia” Out Now!

October 28, 2025
by Asher
· Harvested · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 28, 2025

Canadian Death Metal HARVESTED Shares Bass Playthrough “Gathered and Deluded”

New Album “Dysthymia” Out Now!

Album Line-up: (L-R) – Jacob Collins – Drums, Vitto Oh – Guitars, Mitchi Dimitriadis – Guitars, Adam Semler – Vocals, Eric Forget – Bass

Photographer Credit: Kristen Semler

Ottawa’s rising death metal force Harvested has dropped a blistering new bass performance video for their track “Gathered and Deluded.” The video captures Eric Forget’s dynamic performance in stunning clarity, emphasizing the precision and aggression. Clocking in at just over three minutes, the track is a sonic assault of blast beats, guttural riffs, and complex bass lines that reinforce Harvested’s reputation for technical excellence. The playthrough offers fans and fellow musicians a close-up look at the band’s musicianship, with Forget’s fingerwork and tone taking center stage.

Watch the bass playthrough via its premiere on Bass Musician Magazine HERE.

“Gathered and Deluded” is off Harvested’s latest full-length album, “Dysthymia,” released this past August. A conceptually rich and musically brutal exploration of mental illness, the album fuses old-school death metal grit with modern technical precision, channeling the spirit of genre pioneers while carving out a sound that’s distinctly their own.

Recorded over nearly three years, “Dysthymia” features the core lineup of Mitchi Dimitriadis (guitars), Adam Semler (vocals), Eric Forget (bass), and Jacob Collins (drums). The album was produced by Harvested with mixing and mastering by Joe Lyko of Darkmoon Productions, achieving a modern sound while staying rooted in the foundational elements of death metal.

Harvested was formed in 2019 as a creative outlet for members of other local projects and has evolved into a powerhouse of modern death metal. With roots in bands like A Scar For The Wicked, Sons Of The Nether, Thalassophobia, and Fumigation, the group brings together a wealth of experience and a shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries.

Recommended for fans of Cattle Decapitation, Decapitated, and Cannibal Corpse, Harvested‘s “Dysthymia” is available at the following links:

Album Stream – YouTube – https://youtu.be/ni9XelZ6zHE

Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/harvested1/dysthymia

Album order (released August 1st) – https://harvested.bandcamp.com

Music Video “Harvested” – https://youtu.be/geF_C-Qn_7s

Lyric Video “The Infestation” – https://youtu.be/XwQ1bs7NdZw

Playthrough “Synaptic Confusion” – https://youtu.be/HzvwY-r_NMg

Track Listing:
1. Harvested (3:28)
2. Repressed Neurosis (3:32)
3. Unending Madness (3:21)
4. Synaptic Confusion (3:30)
5. Designed Dilemma (3:18)
6. Gathered and Deluded (3:00)
7. Voices of the Void (3:16)
8. Unanchored (3:51)
9. The Infestation (4:36)
Album Length: 31:55

Album Credits:
Artwork by: CJ Bertram
All songs written and produced by: Harvested
Mixed and Mastered by: (Joe Lyko) Darkmoon Productions

Album Band Lineup:
Adam Semler – Vocals
Mitchi Dimitriadis – Guitars
Vitto Oh – Guitars
Eric Forget – Bass
Jacob Collins – Drums

Live Band Lineup:
Adam Semler – Vocals
Mitchi Dimitriadis – Guitars
Vitto Oh – Guitars
Eric Forget – Bass
Nick Rodgers – Drums

More info: Facebook.com/harvested666 | Instagram.com/harvestedband

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“Canadian death metal band Harvested announce their new album Dysthymia, out August 1. The record will be their first release since their 2022 demo and blends technical, brutal and old-school death metal into a sound all their own.” – Decibel Magazine

“Your muscles are about to reflexively twitch, your head is about to hammer, your pulse is about to accelerate. Audio worms will slither into your ear canals and take up residence there. Some of your cranial neurons may start spinning, creating visions of fast devils and hulking monsters. Those are our predictions of what will happen when you see and hear the playthrough video we’re premiering for the song “Synaptic Confusion” by the Ottawa-based death metal band Harvested. It’s an excellent way to rev up your own motor as Harvested rev up theirs.” – No Clean Singing

“Dysthymia is an impressive first full-length effort for Harvested. It’s absolutely brutal and groovy in it’s more ’90s death metal approach, but they give it a modern coating of paint that makes it feel more relevant and weaves in some intricacy for the tech-fiends without losing sight that it’s still an aggressive death metal album. There’s something for pretty much anyone who likes extreme music here. A very promising future for these guys.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Lyrically poignant, brutally heavy, and bursting with engagingly twisted, hook-filled instrumentation, Dysthymia is a helluva debut, and one Harvested should be proud of. As poetically as I have waxed, I still believe there’s room for Harvested to grow. God help those who might lay their ears on a sophomore effort from this line-up, should they remain intact. Rest assured, I’ll definitely be watching and waiting. For now, however, I wholeheartedly recommend you spend some long-lasting, quality time with Dysthymia.” – Angry Metal Guy

“If you had the chance to see their video of ‘Harvested’ before the album release, you would be able to see how brutal and technical they sound. Harvested knows how to hit you like a punch in your chest, from their first riffs. By the way, riffs are something that you won’t miss here. Mitchi Dimitriadis and Vitto Oh are responsible machine-gun-like guitar picks. The drum sound also hits you with all blasts, and thankfully it’s not that digitalized soulless recording style that a lot of bands fall into now. It carries good organic production qualities, in good measure. My honourable congratulations also go to all the effort the bassist Eric Forget has made to keep his bass present among all the heaviness of the other instruments, and through the complexity of playing his own parts. The vocalist Adam Semler completes the team with good vocal lines… As always, Heavy Metal Canadian bands never disappoint us! And Harvested is one more band to honour its Heavy Metal scene with this incredible album, “Dysthymia”.8.5/10” – Ever -Metal

“If you’re into relentless death metal in the vein of CANNIBAL CORPSE and DYING FETUS, HARVESTED from Ontario could be your favorite new band. These guys have churned forth a classic of brutality with “Dysthymia”. The sound is just as clear and professional as those bands and HARVESTED deal crushing riffs and transitions with appalling intensity. One of the best things about this album, which separates it from a lot of “brutal” efforts, is that the songs are easily distinguishable and don’t melt together in a faceless mush.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“Following a demo released in 2022, Dysthymia represents a true validation of the potential of this group from Ottawa (Ontario, Canada), which deserves special attention. Combining brutal death metal with ‘old school’ influences, the quartet brilliantly demonstrates that their music will resonate with crowds during their concerts… With titles like ‘Repressed Neurosis’, ‘Unending Madness’, ‘Designed Dilemma’, ‘Gathered And Deluded’, ‘Unanchored’, or ‘The Infestation’, Harvested sets the tone! The album was produced by the band itself with mixing and mastering by Joe Lyko of Darkmoon Productions, achieving a modern sound that remains rooted in the fundamental elements of death metal.” – Metallian

“Harvested Delivers 50 Shades of Vicious on ‘Dysthymia’… Dysthymia is one of the year’s best metal records.”-The Rock Father

“If you like brutal death metal with technical elements, this is a great album.” – ZwareMetalen

“HARVESTED deliver flawless death metal with technical sophistication, powerful riffs, gripping vocals and brutal energy.” – MetalUnderground.at

“Harvested channel the struggles of mental illness within the seedy confines of death metal on their debut album, Dysthymia. The group doesn’t skimp on the gorier details, like the depictions of torture on opener “Harvested,” but much of the lyrical prose isn’t that graphic. It takes the views of mental illness from not only a personal perspective, but globally as well. Their death metal has nods to the classics like Cannibal Corpse and Suffocation, while adding a bit of technical bounce as they do on “Designed Dilemma.” Harvested does well with capturing the genre from every corner. Speed freaks will love “Gathered And Deluded,” those with some head banging in their hearts will get down to “Unending Madness” and “The Infestation” ends Dysthymia with a stark message.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“After knocking the first three tracks out of the park like a home run into the stratosphere, “Synaptic Confusion” goes harder and faster during an opening onslaught second to none before getting menacing and sinister with a slower churn and burn. A violent delight with a catchy hook and a scream-a-long lyrical narrative in the chorus, its the kind of blunt force trauma that everyone can enjoy without a visit to the hospital. Maintaining the quality levels of both musicianship and song writing throughout the record seems like an impossibility of reason and yet its probably why this record took three years to complete because “Designed Dilemma” is another absolute beast. It’s like the band have taken your favourite Death Groove Thrash cut and adrenalized it by mainlining caffeine until their eyes pop out on stalks. The energy levels are as ridiculous as the poise and precision as the band conjure a Technical Death Metal tune of the highest order.” – Metal Noise

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0 EPK – Thunderor – Cape Breton Home (single) (2025)

October 27, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Thunderor · Uncategorized

EPK – Thunderor – Cape Breton Home (single) (2025)

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

For fans of Dropkick Murphys, Great Big Sea, Rum Ragged, Thin Lizzy

Boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor | Facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial | Instagram.com/thunderor_official | Youtube.com/@BOONSDALE | Musicnovascotia.ca/artist/thunderor/

Thunderor.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“The spirit of the glorious 80’s is omnipresent on the debut, those who like authentic 80’s sound should definitely check out.” 8/10” – Rock It!

“The good mood album of the season comes from Canada. Crisp, consistently catchy songs with excellent guitar work, sometimes enhanced with appropriate keyboard sounds.” 8,5/10” – Deaf Forever

“There must be room somewhere between Steel Panther, The Darkness and The Night Flight Orchestra!” – Metal Hammer

“Thunderor the Musical is infectious, hard-rocking comic book fun that blows the roof off the place – I smiled my way through the whole show – I bet you will, too.” – Sesaya Arts Magazine

“Thunderor the Musical is raucous fun with shredding guitars and driving drums… filled with catchy anthems, flawlessly performed by powerhouse musicians.” – Grind Mag

“I’m always impressed when a drummer handles lead vocals, especially in metal, where the physical demands of drumming are intense. JJ Tartaglia nailed it, delivering flawless vocals without missing a drum beat.” – Allfather Metal

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Cape Breton Home
Release Date: October 6, 2025
Label: Boonsdale Records
Single: Length: 3:33
Location: Toronto, ON

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: JJ Tartaglia, Jonny Nesta, Oscar Anesetti, Colin Grant
• All songs written by: JJ Tartaglia / Jonny Nesta
• Produced by: JJ Tartaglia
• Mixed by: Chris Snow
• Mastered by: Kristian Montano
• Single Artwork by: Photo by Rae Chatten
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up:
JJ Tartaglia – Vocals, Drums, Keys
Jonny Nesta – Guitar
Oscar Anesetti – Bass
Colin Grant – Fiddle

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

Thunderor L-R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)

Photo Credit – Rae Chatten

Formed in 2020 by multi-JUNO-nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta (also known for their work in Skull Fist), THUNDEROR delivers hook-driven anthems to the caliber set by their arena-rock predecessors, infused with elements of heavy metal, pop punk, and rock opera.

Their debut album, FIRE IT UP (2022), charted at #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada. The band quickly followed up with tours throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America, supporting major acts such as Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, Night Demon, and more.

In May 2024, the latest single, “Get ‘Em Counted,” was released quickly, amassing over 230K views on YouTube, as the band worked on their sophomore album. In a bold and creative move during the summer of 2025, the band presented ‘Thunderor the Musical’, a full-scale Rock Opera musical that premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival for a five-show run, featuring new, unreleased material as the musical score.

If you’ve ever felt a longing for escape, a thirst for adventure, wrapped in romance and danger, allow THUNDEROR to be your soundtrack!

Artitst Endorsements: Pearl Drums, Ahead Drumsticks

Shared Stage with: Airbourne, Enforcer, Night Demon

Festival Performances:
July 3-12, 2025 – Toronto Fringe Festival
May 4, 2024 – Gladbeck Metal Bash, DE
Jun 9, 2023 – NADA Fest, PT
July 31, 2022 – Loud As Hell, CA
June 5, 2022 – Muskelrock, SE
May 27, 2022 – Metalheadz Open Air, DEEurope Tour 2024 w/ Tytus
01.05.24 Putzer Bikerfest – Natz-Schabs, IT
02.05.24 Schwarzer Keiler – Stuttgart, DE
03.05.24 South of Heaven – Bilzen, BE
04.05.24 Gladbeck Metal Bash Open Air, DE
05.05.24 Sound Dog – Breda, NL
06.05.24 Logo – Hamburg, DE
07.05.24 Reset Club – Berlin, DE
08.05.24 Black Label – Leipzig, DE
09.05.24 Paunchy Cats – Lichtenfels, DE
10.05.24 Escape – Vienna, AT
11.05.24 Gustaf Pekarna- Maribor, SI
12.05.24 Meskio Bar – Caneva, ITEurope Tour 2023 w/ Kryptos
04.06.23 Fredagsmangel – Stockholm, SE
05.06.23 HM Army Rockclub – Sandviken, SE
06.06.23 Oceanen – Gothenburg, SE
07.06.23 Bastard Club – Osnabrück, DE
08.06.23 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE
09.06.23 NADA Fest – Beja, PT
10.06.23 Sala Silikona – Madrid, ES
11.06.23 Razzmatazz 3 – Barcelona, ESCanada Tour 2022 w/ Night Demon
20.09.22 – Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar
21.09.22 – Ottawa , ON @ Brass Monkey
22.09.22 – Toronto, ON @ Rockpile
23.09.22 – St. John’s, NL @ Columbus HallEurope Tour 2022 w/ Traveler
27.05.22 – Metalheadz Open Air [DE]
28.05.22 – MKNZ – Ilirska Bistrica [SI]
05.06.22 – Muskelrock Festival [SE]
07.06.22 – Copenhagen – Stengade [DK]
08.06.22 – Weimar – Kasseturm [DE]
09.06.22 – Kassel – Goldgrube [DE]
10.06.22 – Oberhausen – Emscherdamm [DE]
11.06.22 – De Verlichte Geest – Roeselare [BE]
12.06.22 – Hamburg – Bambi Galore [DE]
13.06.22 – Pisek – Divadlo Pod Carou [CZ]
14.06.22 – Vienna – Escape [AT]
15.06.22 – Selb – Rockclub Nordbayern [DE]

0 Quebec’s DISCOVERY THROUGH TORMENT Unleashes “Lesions,” First Single from Upcoming EP “Telesynthetic Rebirth” Out Dec 2025

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Discovery Through Torment · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Quebec’s DISCOVERY THROUGH TORMENT Unleashes “Lesions,”

First Single from Upcoming EP “Telesynthetic Rebirth” Out Dec 2025

Québec’s rising slam/deathcore force, Discovery Through Torment, has dropped their punishing new single “Lesions”, the first glimpse into their upcoming EP “Telesynthetic Rebirth,” set to release independently on December 5, 2025.

Known for their brutal fusion of slam, blackened deathcore, and sci-fi-infused storytelling, Discovery Through Torment has carved a distinct niche in Canada’s underground metal scene. With “Lesions,” the band delivers a relentless, cinematic experience that marks their boldest evolution yet, introducing a five-piece lineup and a new lyrical direction led by vocalist Alex Desroches, who joined the band in 2023.

“Telesynthetic Rebirth” is a concept-driven EP that plays out like a descent into divine collapse and engineered genocide. The lyrics follow a fictional, video game-inspired narrative where a fallen deity gives way to a new force that abducts humans, reshapes them into telepathic killing machines, and unleashes them in a genocidal conquest of Earth. Musically, the EP alternates between towering, atmospheric tracks and suffocating heaviness, creating a dynamic listening experience that’s both brutal and immersive.

“Telesynthetic Rebirth” launches with “Dethronement,” a sweeping and cinematic opener that heralds the downfall of the Mangled God, a brutal, tyrannical figure defined by torture and violence. This track sets the EP’s epic tone, which pulses throughout the release. The intensity escalates with “Arcane Inception,” a relentlessly heavy and aggressive piece that introduces the rise of a new force, one that begins abducting humanity by targeting the most impressionable, dubbed “malleable respondents.” The third track, “Veil Unfurling,” shifts back into atmospheric territory, pairing a soaring chorus with lyrics laced in clinical, medical-inspired language that romanticize the transformation of captives into telepathic servants. “Lesions” then delivers the EP’s most brutal blow, with rapid-fire vocals and a twisted chorus that warns the remaining humans of their impending doom. The closing track, “First Encounter Assault Regiment,” returns to epic scale, unleashing the full scope of the genocidal plan as telepathic legions march forward. Ending on a cliffhanger, the lyrics hint at a possible regime reversal, leaving the narrative open for future exploration.

The EP also includes two subtle nods to the original F.E.A.R. video game: the final track’s title riffs on the game’s acronym, while “Veil Unfurling” features a hidden line from Paxton Fettel. Interestingly, the lyrics for “Veil Unfurling” were penned during a binge of House M.D., lending them a cold, clinical edge. Most of the synth work was crafted by guitarist Sam in his pyjamas, experimenting with Native Instruments to build the EP’s eerie soundscapes. Instrument tracking was completed in just four days, while vocals were recorded externally and independently to allow for greater precision and emotional depth.

“Telesynthetic Rebirth” follows the band’s acclaimed releases “Divine in Blood” (2020) and “The Mangled God” (2022), which earned them recognition for their uncompromising heaviness and thematic depth. With members known from acts like Deadwood, Fall of Stasis, and Ignominy, Discovery Through Torment brings a wealth of experience and intensity to both studio and stage.

The EP’s artwork, drenched in ominous reds and desolate landscapes, mirrors the sonic and lyrical themes, hinting at the origins of the lone figure at its center and the chaos to come.

Fans of Abominable Putridity, Carnifex, Mental Cruelty, and Lorna Shore will find much to devour in this release. Raw, guttural, and groovy, “Telesynthetic Rebirth” promises a listening experience that’s as devastating in a full spin as it is in a playlist shuffle.

The first single, “Lesions,” can be heard via its visualizer premiere on The Circle Pit YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ZhKyft6BMts

Digital pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/discoverythroughtorment/lesions

“Telesynthetic Rebirth” arrives December 5, 2025 is available for EP pre-order at https://discoverythroughtorment.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. Dethronement – (4:36)
2. Arcane Inception – (3:40)
3. Veil Unferling – (4:29)
4. Lesions – (3:35)
5. First Encounter Assault Regiment – (4:19)
Album Length – (20:39)

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Discovery Through Torment
• All songs written by: Discovery Through Torment
• Produced by: Discovery Through Torment
• Mixed by: Maxime Lacroix of House of Gain Studio
• Mastered by: Maxime Lacroix of House of Gain Studio
• Album Artwork by: Mark Erskine of Erskine Designs
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Charles-Étienne Lafrance – Drums
Samuel Fortin – Guitar
Frédéric Ricard – Guitar
Alexandre Desroche – Vocals
Alexis Lafrance – Bass

Live Band Line Up:
Charles-Étienne Lafrance – Drum
Samuel Fortin – Guitar
Frédéric Ricard – Guitar
Alexandre Desroche – Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/DiscoveryThroughTorment | Instagram.com/discovery.through.torment

-30-

“Discovery Through Torment ont ouvert la soirée avec leur interprétation de pièce Slam/Deathcore. On a été servie avec des Breakdowns crasseux et des grooves de cavernes. Musiciens talentueux et un chanteur qui contrôle très bien les tonalités de haut à très gras. En fait, c’est bien Alex Desroches qui est aussi chanteur de Ignominy. Leur setlist est disponible sur Spotify

Discovery Through Torment opened the evening with their rendition of slam/deathcore tracks. We were treated to grimy breakdowns and cavern grooves. Talented musicians and a singer who masters the tones from high to very fat. In fact, it’s Alex Desroches who is also the singer of Ignominy. Their setlist is available on Spotify” – Ondes Chocs (Kaboom Fest @ Foufounes Électriques, Mtl – September 29 and 30, 2023)

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Avant-Garde Prog Doom LIMINAL SPIRIT Unleashes Haunting New Single “A Better Place” from Upcoming Album “Unwell” Out Halloween

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Liminal Spirit · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Avant-Garde Prog Doom LIMINAL SPIRIT Unleashes Haunting New Single “A Better Place”

New Album “Unwell” Out Halloween

Prepare to descend into the depths of cinematic doom this Halloween as one-man band Liminal Spirit unveils the chilling closing track “A Better Place” from the forthcoming concept album “Unwell,” releasing October 31st.

Rooted in the doom genre but elevated by a grandiose, cinematic sound, Liminal Spirit is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Jerry Hauppa, also known for his work in the band Deorbit. The project was born from a desire to conjure the sonic equivalent of a séance, music that evokes spiritual movement between planes, wrapped in heavy, epic, and emotionally immersive compositions.

The new album “Unwell” is a harrowing five-track journey (with three of the tracks composed using microtonal guitars) that follows Phillip, an elderly dementia patient haunted by the ghosts of two children who accuse him of murder. As Phillip’s memory deteriorates, the music grows increasingly distorted, culminating in the final track “A Better Place”, where he is judged in purgatory and ultimately cast into hell. The song’s oppressive atmosphere and chromatic descent mirror Phillip’s spiritual fall, delivering a visceral listening experience that is as unsettling as it is unforgettable.

“My goal with this record is to explore ideas that represent some of my greatest fears. Having worked in nursing homes, I’ve seen firsthand how miserable they can be. The loss of faculties and fear of spiritual judgment are themes that haunt me, and now, they haunt this album,” says Hauppa.

Each track on “Unwell” is a chapter in Phillip’s tragic story. “Admittance” opens with jazz-inspired tones and a comforting nod to Jim Reeves’ “Welcome to My World.” “Unwell” introduces microtonal guitars to reflect Phillip’s fractured mind. “Visiting Day” brings sinister spirits and a chilling ultimatum. “EOLC” delivers violent retribution, and record closer “A Better Place” seals Phillip’s fate in a hellish descent.

While Liminal Spirit has yet to perform live, the artist is open to the idea. For now, the music stands alone, an immersive, conceptual experience that invites listeners to step into Phillip’s shoes and confront the unknown.

For those brave enough to enter Phillip’s world, “A Better Place” offers a haunting glimpse into the abyss and can be heard via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

For fans of Skepticism, Jesu, Confessor, Cynic, and Anata, “Unwell” will be available on all major streaming platforms on October 31st, 2025.

EP pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/liminalspirit2/unwell

EP pre-order – https://liminalspirit.bandcamp.com/

Title-Track Stream – https://youtu.be/IeiBBqAmu9o

Track Listing:
1. Admittance (5:27)
2. Unwell (6:52) (single)
3. Visiting Day (8:01)
4. EOLC (8:26)
5. A Better Place (5:42) (single)

EP Credits:
All songs written, performed, produced, and mixed by Jerry Hauppa.
Mastered by Jeff Wojtysiak at Spiral Sound Mastering

Lineup:
Jerry Hauppa – Guitar, microtonal guitar, bass, violin, synth, vocoder, drum programming

More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Liminal-Spirit/61575618106702/
https://www.instagram.com/liminal_spirit_mke

Liminal Spirit is the solo endeavor of Jerry Hauppa, known for his work in Deorbit and the Milwaukee metal scene. The project fuses doom metal with cinematic storytelling, drawing influence from Skepticism, Anata, My Bloody Valentine, Jesu, and Confessor—though Hauppa insists Liminal Spirit sounds like none of them. With roots in old-school death metal and a growing interest in psychedelic electronic music, Liminal Spirit continues to push sonic boundaries.

-30-

“The title track from this latest concept EP – being released on Halloween – from Milwaukee-based multi-instrumentalist Jerry Hauppa is an appropriately unsettling exploration of themes such as memory, guilt and spiritual reckoning delivered via a fusion of progressive doom metal with avant-garde narrative techniques, crafting what the composer and musician describes as “seance music”, a genre-defying sonic ritual meant to stir movement between spiritual realms:” – THE ÜBER RÖCK SINGLES CLUB DAILY PICK – LIMINAL SPIRIT (Oct 11, 2025)

“Unwell is a fearless act of musical necromancy. It’s unsettling, artful, and deeply personal—doom metal with a philosopher’s pen and a filmmaker’s eye. Fans of Jesu, Skepticism, and Cynic will find much to admire here, but Liminal Spirit ultimately exists in its own spectral orbit.” – See Rock Live Magazine (Unwell – 2025)

“It’s dense. It’s dark. It demands your full attention. But give it that, and you’ll walk away changed—or at least slightly disturbed. Fans of Skepticism, Kayo Dot, or anyone who enjoys having their psyche gently disassembled: this one’s for you.”- Metalpapyjeff
—
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0 Out Now! Set Sail w/ BORN DIVIDED’s New Album “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” A Voyage Through Survival and Unbroken Spirit

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Born Divided · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Out Now! Set Sail w/ BORN DIVIDED’s New Album “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” A Voyage Through Survival and Unbroken Spirit

(Mixed and Mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

+ Show Dates (QC, NB)

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

Photo Credit – Paul Giacomo

Quebec City melodic death metal band Born Divided has unleashed their highly anticipated second album, “Chronicle of the Shipwreck,” now streaming worldwide as of October 24th. Mixed and mastered by Chris Donaldson of Cryptopsy, the album dives deeper into the band’s signature fusion of orchestral grandeur, progressive complexity, and raw emotional power.

Formed in 2020 following the end of Blinded by Faith, a band that included founding members Tommy Demers and Michaël Beaudoin. Driven by a desire to return to music, Tommy transitioned from vocals to bass, opening the door for a new frontman. Maxim Levesque stepped in as lead vocalist, bringing fresh energy to the lineup. Longtime friends Lucas Biron (drums) and Fred Bédard (guitar) completed the ensemble, forming a powerhouse of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Québec’s metal scene.

Born Divided’s debut album, Impending Doom (2022), delivered seven tracks of razor-sharp precision and relentless intensity. With their latest release, “Chronicle of the Shipwreck,” the band unveils a more evolved and emotionally resonant soundscape. The album is driven by fast, heavy riffs that balance complexity with catchiness, while brutal screams and soaring clean vocals create a striking dynamic tension. Cinematic orchestration deepens the atmosphere, and hook-rich guitar melodies keep the momentum surging. Lyrically and musically, the record navigates themes of emotional collapse, existential turmoil, and the fierce journey toward redemption.

“We’re incredibly excited to unveil our new album. Our sound has been described as “if Gojira and Symphony X collided head-on, with flashes of Devin Townsend and the orchestral chaos of Dimmu Borgir,” and this album feels like the perfect embodiment of that hybrid spirit. As a band, our creative evolution has shifted dramatically; our earlier work leaned toward conceptual and fantastical storytelling. But Born Divided is something else entirely. It’s raw, personal, and brutally honest. Over the past two years, we’ve poured everything into this record: frustration, growth, vulnerability, and the cathartic power of music itself. This isn’t just an album. It’s a reflection of where we’ve been, what we’ve endured, and how we’ve emerged, louder, heavier, and more unapologetically ourselves.”

With each track offering a distinct atmosphere, some are catchier, featuring memorable choruses, while others unfold into longer, more progressive journeys. It’s a compelling blend of melody and aggression designed to resonate deeply with fans. Recommended for fans of Ne Obliviscaris, Symphony X, Scar Symmetry, Persefone, and Dimmu Borgir.

Album order (CD, Digital – out Oct 24th) – https://borndividedofficial.bandcamp.com/

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

YouTube Stream – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lx5wMXr6CnZnybbzKxHMUzql5UhFjrb-w

Music Video – “Chronicle of a Shipwreck” – https://youtu.be/0LtUFyeaC-M

Music Video – “Everything Comes to an End” – https://youtu.be/IVkHsg6vkk0

Show Dates:
Nov 1 – Quebec City – L’Anti Bar w/ Polygraph, Daedalean Complex, Omnivide
Nov 21 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz Arcade Bar w/ Omnivide, Ibex

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

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

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

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

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0 Out Now! Canadian Prog PHAETON Unveils Album “Neurogenesis” ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo) + Western Canadian Show Dates (BC, AB)

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Out Now! Canadian Prog PHAETON Unveils Album “Neurogenesis”

ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

+ Western Canadian Show Dates (BC, AB)

Front (L-R): Kevin Thiessen (Guitars, Keyboards), Ferdy Belland (Bass), Daniel Airth (Guitars), Back: Colin Righton (Drums)

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet PHAETON returns with their third full-length album, “Neurogenesis,” a tightly wound sonic journey through melody, muscle, and mind-expanding musicality. Following their acclaimed 2020 release “Between Two Worlds,” this new chapter marks a bold evolution in the band’s sound, more concise yet no less imaginative.

Formed in the rugged wilderness of Kimberley, British Columbia, in 2017, PHAETON fuses neo-classical melodicism, crunching rifferama, tornado percussion, and contrapuntal basslines, making them not only a captivating listening experience on record but a thrilling and ultra-heavy live band in the flesh. Named after the mythical proto-planet believed to have collided with primordial Earth, PHAETON channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted soundscapes that are as cerebral as they are crushing.

The band, Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards; ex-Azsension, ex-Datura), Daniel Airth (guitars; ex-Chaos Logic), Ferdy Belland (bass; ex-Bif Naked), and Colin Righton (drums; ex-Chaos Machine), has carved out a distinct sonic identity, drawing inspiration from titans like Dream Theater, Rush, Mastodon, and King Crimson. Their music is a wordless journey through shifting time signatures, soaring melodies, and tectonic riffage, designed to ignite the imagination and challenge the ear.

“Neurogenesis” represents a left-field shift for PHAETON, an unexpected but thrilling change of pace. While their self-titled debut album laid the foundation for their identity as composers and musicians, and “Between Two Worlds” expanded that vision with heavier, more emotionally resonant compositions, “Neurogenesis” takes a more compact and concise approach, not by design, but by organic evolution.

Even as an all-instrumental band, PHAETON’s arrangements follow familiar narrative arcs, verse, chorus, bridge, but instead of supporting vocals, the riffs and rhythms become scaffolding for guitar and keyboard melodies. This time, the band embraced a sideways approach, inviting listeners to interpret song titles and let their imaginations roam freely through the music’s unfolding landscapes.

“It’s jazz-fusion ears within prog-metal boundaries. And while Neurogenesis isn’t a concept album in the strictest sense, many of the song ideas overlap,” the band explains.

Thematically, the album draws inspiration from modern theories of the technological singularity, the looming convergence of biological minds with robotics, cybernetic implants, and microchips. It’s a meditation on what it means to be human in an age of accelerating machine intelligence: part cold warning, part sober observation.

Engineered and mixed by Kevin Thiessen at The Cube in Kimberley, BC, and mastered by Jamie Sitar at Outtatown Sound in Winnipeg, MB, “Neurogenesis” also features artwork by Calgary-based artist Matt Semenok, capturing the album’s cosmic themes.

With a growing international following and a reputation for electrifying live performances, PHAETON continues to evolve, fearlessly, relentlessly, and without saying a word. The band has confidently shared stages with such notable artists as Beyond Creation, Anciients, and Bison, and is looking to open musical doorways across the nation and across the oceans.

Upcoming Show Dates:
Nov 7 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice w/ Pharm, S.I., Rainbow Patrol
Nov 8 – Edmonton, AB – Divebar w/ Pharm, Excerebration, Spruce Moose
Nov 21 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ Dead Bob, Blind Marc
Nov 29 – Cranbrook BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ ANCIIENTS

“Neurogenesis” will be available on digital platforms on October 24 via INB Music, with vinyl editions arriving later this year and more music, including the standalone 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury,” coming in 2026, and a fourth full-length album, “Quartum,” slated for 2027.

“Neurogenesis” is available at the following links:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV

Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

Previous Singles:

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg

Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8

Track Listing:
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

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

- 30 –

“Oh prog-metal how we love thee…case in point, the new single ‘Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian’ from Phaeton. This dandy little slice of modern prog-metal is not only exceptionally recorded but is jammed full of stabbing riffs, fluid bass lines, drum rolls galore and of course keyboard wizardry courtesy of the legendary Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo). Keep an eye out for the new album “Neurogenesis” from PHAETON set to drop on Oct. 24th and to tide you over listen up for ‘Isochron’ on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“I’ve always maintained that instrumental bands have to work harder at their craft, because the lack of vocals is one more thing they have to find a replacement for. Lead guitar breaks can take the place of vocals, as can keyboards. They do a solid job of this on the album… They have the chops, that’s for sure.” – Metal-Temple

“Neurogenesis“ is a work that combines virtuosity, atmosphere and emotion in extraordinary balance.” 4/5 – MetalUnderground.at

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0 Out Now! JULIET RUIN Unleashes A Fierce Fusion of Vulnerability and Power w/ New EP “Regime” + Alberta Tour Dates

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Juliet Ruin · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Out Now! JULIET RUIN Unleashes A Fierce Fusion of Vulnerability and Power w/ New EP “Regime”

+ Alberta Tour Dates

L-R – Wesley Rands, Kent Geislinger, Jess Fleming, Jesse Bauman

Phot Credit – Brittany Lealand

Edmonton, AB, Canada’s Juliet Ruin returns with their most emotionally raw and sonically ambitious release to date: the “Regime” EP, now available on all major streaming platforms. To celebrate, the band is hitting the road with a series of EP release shows across Alberta (listed below), bringing their signature blend of chunky riffs, soaring melodies, and studio-tight vocals to fans across the province.

“Regime” marks a new chapter for Juliet Ruin. Formed in 2015 from the ashes of Fiction of Fate, the band has spent the last decade refining its sound, a genre-fluid fusion of groove, metalcore, and pop sensibility that’s as powerful as it is vulnerable. With five tracks that range from introspective to explosive, “Regime” dives deep into mental health, personal growth, and social reflection.

From the eerie introspection of “Poems By a Poltergeist” to the title track’s blazing demand for empathy and justice, the EP masterfully fuses crushing breakdowns with infectious pop sensibilities. Jess Fleming delivers her most emotionally exposed performance to date, pulling lyrics directly from her personal journals and infusing each scream and melody with unfiltered intensity. Standout tracks include “Reactance Theory,” a sharp dive into resistance and impulse shaped by social psychology; “Chrysalis,” a symbolic passage through depression and personal rebirth; “The Art of Being Wise,” a tender goodbye to fractured relationships; and “Regime,” the EP’s most sonically aggressive piece, a fervent call for compassion in a fractured world.

“The Regime EP came together from our collective frustrations and personal struggles over the past few years. It challenged us creatively and emotionally, and we’re proud of the balance we struck between heaviness and vulnerability. Some tracks are heavier than we imagined, some more pop-like than expected, but all of it is authentically Juliet Ruin,” adds the band.

The EP’s cover, designed by longtime collaborator Feen Murray, features abstract skulls and hearts, symbolizing the tension between emotionality and overthinking. It’s a visual reflection of the EP’s lyrical depth and sonic duality.

Juliet Ruin will be performing a series of EP release shows across Alberta, joined by fill-in bassist Dale Myroniuk (Dahlmers Realm, Breaking the Silent). Known for their high-energy performances and tight vocal execution, the band promises a live experience that’s as intense as the studio recordings.

EP Release Show Dates:
Oct 25 – Edmonton, AB – Dive Bar
Nov 1 – Medicine Hat, AB – Mainliner Pub
Nov 7 – Lloydminster, AB – Cheers Live

“Regime” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and all major platforms.

Bandcamp – https://julietruin.bandcamp.com/

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/0LzQEj2OzZFCGRQnXBlY7q

Videos:

Music Video – “Reactance Theory” – https://youtu.be/SY6sDFlMvik

Lyric Video – “Poems By a Poltergeist” – https://youtu.be/rmvQVzNkMmY

Track Listing:
1. Reactance Theory (4:03)
2. Chrysalis (4:01)
3. Poems By a Poltergeist (3:02)
4. The Art of Being Wise (4:09)
5. Regime (5:02)
EP Length: 20:18

EP Credits:
Performed and Written by Juliet Ruin
Produced by Juliet Ruin and Diego Fernandez
Mixed and Mastered: Oracle Recording Studios
Artwork by: Feen Murray
SOCAN member
Canadian content

Album Line-Up:
Jess Fleming – Vocals
Kent Geislinger – Guitar, Bass
Wesley Rands – Guitar
Jesse Bauman – Drums

Live Line-Up
Jess Fleming – Vocals
Kent Geislinger – Guitar
Wesley Rands – Guitar
Jesse Bauman – Drums
Dale Myroniuk – Bass

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/julietruinband

https://www.instagram.com/julietruin

– 30 –

“Reactance Theory, the new one from Juliet Ruin’s upcoming EP “Regime,” kicks off with that big hard-rock energy — clean vocals cutting through, guitars hitting just right, the whole thing moving with confidence. But give it time; somewhere along the way it twists, gets a little meaner, a little heavier. Stick around for that turn.” – IDIOTEQ

“All in all, what stands out most with Regime is how it can bounce between a number of influences that help to keep it sounding fresh. While the melodic and heavy dynamic is one that is utilized by many in metal, there’s still something to be said for how Juliet Ruin handles it without making it sound too commercial, even with full-blown pop influence. There’s some creativity at play that the band can harness, and should do them well as they continue to move forward, now with a full decade of experience to their name.” – Dead Rhetoric

“…a fourth studio record from Canadian’s Juliet Ruin is an intriguing prospect. The five piece have long drawn comparisons to the likes of Jinjer, Infected Rain, Butcher Babies and even The Agonist with their hybrid blend of brutal breakdowns, pop-infused melodies and unfiltered emotion, their sound both technically sharp and progressive leaning… The only issue with this is that at just over twenty minutes it leaves you crying for more [8.5/10]” – Metal Noise

“Celebrating a decade since their inception in style, Canadian Metal outfit Juliet Ruin will be unveiling a new EP in “Regime” on 7th November. The second advanced single from that is “Reactance Theory”, a song which explores the psychological concept coined by Jack Brehm, which explains why people resist threats to their personal freedom with acts of defiance and rebellion. Expect chunky riffs, soaring melodies and emotionally raw lyricism when this drops.” – Metal Noise

“The band delivered an epic EP. Fans of the band know each performance by Juliet Ruin is outstanding. If you haven’t listen to the band yet, do yourself a favour and take a listen. For me a complete EP filled with outstanding songs.” Project Metal Music

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! SECRET RULE’s New Album “X” + Music Video “Collapse” + UK Tour Dates

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Secret Rule (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Out Now! SECRET RULE’s New Album “X” + Music Video “Collapse”

10th Studio Album “X” Out October 24th, 2025

Marking the final step before the release of their new album “X“, out the same day via Rockshots Records, Secret Rule return with “Collapse”, a high-energy, hard-hitting modern metal anthem that blends unstoppable grooves with a sharp message about a world on the brink.

Driven by Angela Di Vincenzo’s fierce vocal performance and Andy Menario’s razor-edged production, “Collapse” captures the tension between chaos and resilience, translating global turmoil into pure musical adrenaline. The track is released together with a striking official video, perfectly reflecting the song’s urgency and visual intensity.

Angela comments:

“It’s the kind of song that gets your body moving while your mind wakes up. The energy is pure fire, but underneath, it’s a wake-up call about the world we’re losing.”

Andy adds:

“With ‘Collapse’ I wanted a sound that could hit hard in a live show — something you feel in your chest. It’s aggressive, melodic and super jumpy… a real crowd-mover.”

“Collapse” follows the recent singles “Just a Sacrifice”, “Echoes of the Earth”, “In the Silence”, and “Silent Pain” — each exploring different emotional and existential layers of “X“, an album that celebrates the band’s tenth anniversary with a renewed modern edge and fearless experimentation. The record also features a special collaboration with Marco Pastorino (Temperance) on the track “Lost In Paradise”.

Self-produced by guitarist Andy Menario and frontwoman Angela Di Vincenzo, “X” combines symphonic power, electronic textures and metalcore-inspired breakdowns into a cohesive and vibrant sound that redefines Secret Rule’s identity for a new decade.

For fans of Amaranthe and Within Temptation, “X” is an album that bridges melody and power — and “Collapse” is its explosive warning shot.

Digital single “Collapse” – https://lnk.to/x1YSaG
Music Video – https://youtu.be/j-bFgQ7wwXY

ALBUM PRE-ORDER:

from Rockshots Records store / Digipack
https://rockshots.eu/products/secret-rule-x

Previous Singles:

“Silent Pain” – https://youtu.be/8yQPDnbLC0Q

“Echoes Of The Earth” – https://youtu.be/NXuMLHQyMds

“Just A Sacrifice” – https://youtu.be/8yyd_1TLZAA

Track Listing:
1. The Answer
2. Walking Down The Street
3. In The Silence
4. Echoes of Earth
5. Eternal Symphony
6. Silent Pain
7. Collapse
8. Lost In Paradise
9. Destiny Reloaded
10. Just A Sacrifice
11. The Storm
Album Length: 42:30

Secret Rule celebrates 10 years of music with a special 10th Anniversary Tour! Don’t miss the chance to experience their powerful live show across the UK and Europe this fall.

Tickets → https://lnk.bio/secretruleontour

Bundle from Secret Rule Official Store
https://www.secretrule.it/store/

ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals
ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar
SOFIA BASILI: Bass
ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums

More info:
https://www.rockshots.eu

Website: https://www.secretrule.it
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretruleband
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secret_rule_official

ABOUT SECRET RULE:

Formed in 2014 by vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo and guitarist/producer Andy Menario, Secret Rule has emerged as a powerhouse in the symphonic modern metal scene. Now joined by Andrea Miazzetto (drums) and Sofia Basili (bass), the band seamlessly blends crushing metal riffs, cinematic symphonic layers, and cutting-edge electronic elements, all elevated by Angela’s commanding and emotive vocals. Hailing from Italy, Secret Rule has attracted audiences worldwide with their unique sound and high-energy performances.

With nine studio albums, the band has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, crafting richly layered compositions and thought-provoking lyrics. Their dedication to musical innovation has earned them a global following and a reputation as trailblazers in modern metal.

Career Highlights:

Extensive Touring – Secret Rule has performed in over 20 countries, sharing the stage with renowned acts like Delain, Serenity, Visions of Atlantis, Rage, Xandria, Kobra and the Lotus, and Semblant. They have also delivered electrifying performances at major festivals such as Barcia Metal Fest, Metal Fest Event – Femme, Camorock Festival, Rock Castle Open Air, Rock Fest Prague, and Festo Die Hydra.

Critically Acclaimed Discography – Albums like “The Key to the World” (2017), “Against” (2020), and “The Resilient” (2022) have garnered widespread praise for their innovative soundscapes and polished production. In May 2019, “The 7 Endless” was ranked 20th among the best imported albums in Japan’s esteemed BURRN! Magazine.

Streaming & Video Success – With millions of streams across Spotify, YouTube, and digital platforms, Secret Rule’s music continues to reach a growing global audience. Their hit “The Song of the Universe” has amassed over 2 million views, highlighting their international appeal.

High-Profile Collaborations – Secret Rule has worked with iconic musicians from Within Temptation, Sonata Arctica, Delain and Firewind, further cementing their status as a dynamic force in the genre.

Chart Success – Their singles have hit the Top 10 on iTunes rock/metal/all-genre charts in Finland, Japan, Italy, Canada, and Norway.

-30-

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2026 – One Band To Rule Them All! and Play Wacken Open Air!

October 23, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 23, 2025

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2026

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

One band to rule them all! Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns for 2026 battles across the country to send one independent metal band to play at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals.

Band submissions for Canada are now open until November 30th.

“Canadian metal bands, this is your chance once again. This is the first step to a world of opportunity waiting for you. We invite you to play some great shows, expand your audience, and ultimately have your shot at playing Wacken Open Air,” adds WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

Canadian bands interested in participating can apply at https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/ (please select Canada as your country)

The national final for 2026 battles will be held in Montreal, QC.

Canadian Battle Cities:
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Island, BC
BC Interior
Edmonton, AB
Toronto, ON
Hamilton, ON
Ottawa, ON
Montreal, QC
Quebec City, QC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

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Promoter Partners:
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0 THE RETICENT Confronts Mental Health with New Video “The Scorn” Off Upcoming Album “please” Out Nov 2025

October 23, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · The Reticent

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 23, 2025

THE RETICENT Confronts Mental Health with New Video “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)”

Fifth Studio Album “please” Out Nov 2025 via Generation Prog Records

L to R – James Nelson (Lead Guitar), Chris Hathcock (Vocals, Guitar, Drums), Paul McBride (Bass)

Photo Credit by Justin H. Reich

Progressive metal act The Reticent has unveiled the lyric video for “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand),” the latest single from their upcoming album “please,” due out on Generation Prog Records on November 13th. Known for their emotionally intense concept albums, The Reticent continues their tradition of soul-baring storytelling with “please,” a harrowing journey through the many battlefields of mental illness.

“The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” takes on the voice of those who dismiss mental health struggles, echoing phrases like “just get over it” and “it’s all in your head.” Musically, the track leans into groove-oriented rhythms and major chords to reflect the detached worldview of those who don’t understand. The addition of exotic instrumentation like the oud and hand percussion further separates the song from the rest of the album’s sonic palette.

But “please” is more than just an album; it’s a survival mechanism. Written in just six months, the album was recorded under extreme conditions. Drums for “please” and its follow-up were tracked in a single day, while guitars, bass, and keys were completed in two. The vocals, however, took two grueling weeks, during which founder Chris Hathcock injured his larynx so severely that doctors feared permanent damage. Hathcock was forced into six weeks of total silence, even teaching his classes entirely nonverbally. Thankfully, he recovered, mostly.

The pain didn’t stop there. While filming the video for “The Concealment,” Hathcock broke two toes, sprained three others, and partially tore his rotator cuff during a scene that required him to violently destroy a room. Just six days later, he performed at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal with those injuries, doubled over in pain by the end of the set. Fans, immersed in the emotional intensity of the performance, had no idea.

“please” is the first album by The Reticent to be almost entirely engineered by Chris Hathcock himself. While drums were tracked at The Basement Studios with longtime producer Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist), all other elements were recorded at Hathcock’s Silent Muse Studio. The album was also mixed and mastered by King, adding his signature polish to the final product. The isolation of self-recording introduced an additional layer of emotional strain, especially during the vocal sessions.

Lyrically, the album is rich with references to the work of clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison. Lines like “Night falls fast…” in “The Concealment” and “an unquiet mind” in “The Night River” nod to Jamison’s seminal works on suicide and bipolar disorder. Her voice even appears in samples throughout “Discharge.”

Musically, “please” marks a return to 6-string guitars, a first since 2016’s “On The Eve Of A Goodbye,” except for “The Bed of Wasps.” The five-year gap between “please” and 2020’s “The Oubliette” is the longest in the band’s history, a reflection of the emotional toll and life events that shaped its creation.

The Reticent, led by Grammy-nominated music educator Chris Hathcock, has built a reputation for devastatingly autobiographical concept albums. Joined by James Nelson (Nospūn) and Paul McBride (Voraath), the band delivers performances that blur the line between metal show and performance art. Their appearance at ProgPower USA was hailed by Metal Injection as “one of the most heart-wrenching performances in ProgPower history.”

In addition to their recent performance at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal this past summer, The Reticent is slated to appear at the 2026 editions of ProgPower USA in September and ProgPower Europe in October, marking another major milestone for the band’s growing international presence.

The lyric video for “The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand)” is now available on YouTube and streaming platforms.

Watch at https://youtu.be/CR-6wCIpasI

Fans of Opeth, Cynic, The Contortionist, Wilderun, and Devin Townsend will find much to resonate with in “please,” which arrives November 13, 2025, via Generation Prog Records. A follow-up album is already underway, shaped by the profound loss of Chris Hathcock’s father during the creation of “please.”

CD pre-order (North America) – https://thereticent.net/please-pre-order

CD pre-order (EU) – http://www.generation-prog.com/shop/

Digital Album pre-save – https://show.co/MoPdl8W

Music Video- “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake)” – https://youtu.be/1cIKQcJLKtc

Track Listing:
1. Intake – 1:45
2. The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake) – 6:06
3. The Night River (Those Who Can’t Rest) – 6:55
4. Diagnosis 1 – 2:18
5. The Bed of Wasps (Those Consumed With Panic) – 5:47
6. The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand) – 8:12
7. Diagnosis 2 – 2:39
8. The Riptide (Those Without Hope) – 6:09
9. The Chance (Those Who Let Go) – 6:52
10. Discharge – 2:56
Album Length: 49:45

Album Recording Credits:
All instruments and vocals performed by Chris Hathcock except
– Lead Guitar and Additional Acoustic Guitar by James Nelson
– Guest Vocals on “The Bed of Wasps” by Brian Kingsland
– Narration by Vienna Gloom
All songs written by Chris Hathcock
Produced by Chris Hathcock
Engineered by Chris Hathcock
Drums engineered by Jamie King
Mixed and Mastered by Jamie King
Album Artwork by Joscelyne Hauserman

Band Line Up:
Chris Hathcock – Vocals, Guitar
James Nelson – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Paul McBride – Bass, Backing Vocals

For more info: Thereticent.net | Facebook.com/thereticentmusic | Instagram.com/The.reticent.band

– 30 –

“A taut, compelling progressive metal opus.” – Angry Metal Guy (2020 – The Oubliette)

“A narrative masterpiece. 10/10” – Rock Magazine (2020 – The Oubliette)

“Something all fans of music will want to experience.” – Metal Temple (2020 – The Oubliette)

“Prog’s most emotionally gut-wrenching band returns!” – Metal Storm (2020 – The Oubliette)

“One fact is incontrovertible: songwriter Chris Hathcock is a genius.” – Legacy Magazine (2020 – The Oubliette)

“Undoubtedly one of this year’s best albums, if not THE best album.” – Scream Magazine (Norway) (2020 – The Oubliette)

“As beautiful as it is sorrowful, masterful instrumentals and intense sounds accompany the story of this concept album that explores the slow descent into oblivion that sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease experience. Fans of metal will come for the riffs, and stay for the depth of atmosphere and storytelling. You’ll be left pondering existence after one of the best albums of the year.” – Cave Dweller Music (2020 – The Oubliette)

The Oubliette was included on numerous “best of” lists and was called The Most Essential Progressive Metal Album of 2020” by RTMBA Magazine. More recently, The Oubliette was included on Metal Injection’s 10 Extremely Underrated Progressive Metal Albums list and their 10 Extremely Underrated Metal Albums of the 2020s list.
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