Category: Music News

0 Streaming Now! Kelowna’s CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE Unveils Debut Prog Album “Primordial Reverie” – A Sonic Journey Through Emotion, Evolution, and Imagination

November 6, 2025
by Asher
· Cepheidae Variable · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 6, 2025

Kelowna’s CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE Unveils Debut Prog Album “Primordial Reverie”

A Sonic Journey Through Emotion, Evolution, and Imagination

Photo Credit – Solo artist: Ryan Koepke – Guitar, Bass, Composition, Production

Cepheidae Variable, the solo project of Canadian musician Ryan Koepke, will unleash its debut full-length album, “Primordial Reverie,” on November 7th, a sweeping instrumental work that blends progressive metal, symphonic textures, and sci-fi soundscapes into a deeply personal and cinematic listening experience.

Originally conceived as a casual creative outlet, Cepheidae Variable took on new meaning following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis. The emotional weight of that moment, combined with the joy of becoming an expecting father himself, transformed the project into a passionate pursuit of musical storytelling.

“I stopped waiting around and decided to create something I’d be proud of. This album mirrors the turbulence and hope I was experiencing in my life,” says Koepke.

Described in five words: spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy, “Primordial Reverie” is a genre-defying instrumental concept album built around three distinct acts. It opens with orchestral fantasy-inspired compositions and gradually shifts toward complex, synth-driven sci-fi arrangements. The album’s structure reflects Koepke’s evolving musical tastes and life experiences, with each track supporting the next like chapters in a book.

“I wanted to release an album that felt like a journey. Each song has its own identity, but recurring motifs and tonal shifts tie everything together,” explains Koepke.

From the uplifting energy of the single “Carving a Dragon” to the darker, more orchestrated depths of “Singularity,” the album invites listeners to craft their own narrative through sound. Koepke’s writing process is highly visual, often sparked by imagery or abstract themes, and guided by a desire to build immersive sonic environments.

“Primordial Reverie” is designed to be experienced as a complete piece, though its singles offer standalone energy and accessibility. Koepke anticipates fans will gravitate toward different halves of the album, some drawn to the melodic, symphonic opening tracks, others to the chaotic, experimental second act.

“I think fans of progressive metal will find something to enjoy, even if not every song fits neatly into genre definitions,” adds Koepke.

The album cover, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes themes of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery. Its abstract beauty heavily influenced the album’s tonal evolution.

Musically, Cepheidae Variable draws inspiration from bands like Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, while maintaining a distinct voice shaped by Koepke’s improvisational roots and cinematic ambitions.

Koepke plans to continue developing Cepheidae Variable, potentially expanding beyond instrumental work and solo production, and reach a goal of releasing a new album every 2–4 years. Fans can expect future full-length projects that build on the emotional and thematic depth of “Primordial Reverie.”

“This album means a lot to me. The ups and downs in the music reflect what I was going through, and it brings me joy to share it with others.”

“Primordial Reverie” will be available on all major streaming platforms and CD on November 7th, 2025, and before it officially releases, it can be heard via its full stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

Digital Album pre-save (out Nov 7th) “Primordial Reverie” – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cepheidaevariable/primordial-reverie

CD Album pre-order – https://cepheidaevariable.bandcamp.com/album/primordial-reverie

Playthrough – “Carving a Dragon” – https://youtu.be/qhp5qvAn2Pk

Playthrough – “The Waiting Storm” – https://youtu.be/ohvtVeir32g

Track Listing:
1. Overture (3:11)
2. Carving a Dragon (4:04)
3. The Waiting Storm (3:13)
4. Zephyr of Ouroboros (9:15)
5. Encounter (5:53)
6. The Conduit (6:03)
7. Chromatic Haven (5:11)
8. Entropic Harvester (10:27)
9. Singularity (11:32)
Album Length: 58:53

For more info: https://cepheidaevariable.com/

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“This was a solid album to listen to. Without vocals, the artist has to work harder to convey his feelings and emotions in his music, and Ryan did that well. Many of the melodies you can hum or sing along with, and that’s a testament to the instrumental album.” – Metal Temple

“Combining symphonic textures, sci-fi ambience, and progressive intricacy, Primordial Reverie explores the balance between chaos and melody, emotion and evolution. Through layers of orchestral arrangements, synths, and guitar-driven storytelling, Ryan invites listeners to experience a sonic voyage through creation, transformation, and reflection.” – Crannk
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0 JON HARRIS Continues His Guitar Series with the New “Entitled” Performance From Latest Album “Parallel Heart” Out Now!

November 5, 2025
by Asher
· Jon Harris · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 5, 2025

JON HARRIS Continues His Guitar Series with the New “Entitled” Performance From Latest Album “Parallel Heart” Out Now!

Canadian instrumental rock guitarist Jon Harris has released a new playthrough video for his track “Entitled.” The video is part of his ongoing series that puts the spotlight on his guitar work, raw, precise, and deeply expressive.

The song is a standout track from his celebrated debut album, “Parallel Heart,” released via Epictronic Records.

“Entitled was the first song completed for the album, and it set the tone for everything that followed,” says Jon. “At its peak, it feels like a cinematic escape. I picture myself behind the wheel of an IROC-Z, cruising the Vancouver coastline as the sun dips below the horizon. What’s unique about it is that most of the leads stay clean right up until the bridge, which was unexpected for me and gives the track a subtle, evolving tension before it finally breaks loose,” says Jon

Watch “Entitled” at https://youtu.be/Vw4HS0n71Ug

“Parallel Heart” continues to showcase Harris’ mastery of instrumental rock, blending technical precision with emotional resonance. While completely instrumental, the album conveys stories of tension and release, exploring the space between connection and chaos, creative ambition and everyday demands. From the pulsing energy of Togetherness to the shimmering retro feel of 97BPM, each track builds its own emotional narrative.

Harris, who performed guitar, drums, bass, piano, and production on the record, proves himself not only a guitarist to watch but a full-scale sonic architect. His sound bridges blues-soaked rock, synth-driven textures, and funk grooves with cinematic flair, evoking a blend that’s reminiscent of Jeff Beck meeting Prince with a modern rock edge.

Stream the full album “Parallel Heart” now (released Dec 13, 2024): https://orcd.co/parallelheart

Track Listing:
1. If You Wouldn’t
2. Wasted Entertainment
3. Entitled
4. Mustard N Ketchup
5. Parallel Heart
6. Mehnoynoy
7. 97BPM
8. My Little Lady
9. Togetherness
10. Humpty Dumpty

More Info – https://linktr.ee/jonharrisrocks

-30-

“It’s a looping track (Entitled) that turns noodling guitar solos into an optimistic resolve. ” – Exclaim!

“guitar virtuoso Jon Harris offers a welcome throwback on ‘Togetherness’, the second single to be released from his forthcoming LP ‘Parallel Heart’. An instrumental number, its mid tempo and groove oriented base is immediately reminiscent of works by Joe Satriani, but unlike so many fretboard freaks, Harris clearly values a great melody instead of a pure shred. Here, he lays down a semi bluesy tone over a solid rock groove, before branching out to inject a funk derived rhythm with a cleaner tone, and bell like melodies. The arrangement eventually finds room for a few slightly fuzzy sounding harmonics and a melody that could be one of Satch’s best, circa ‘The Extremist’.” – Real Gone Rocks

“It’s Friday! And we have the pleasure of adding the new single “Togetherness” from six-string slinger Jon Harris. An instrumental driving rock track with an accessible melody and plenty of layered soloing to keep you engaged throughout, “Togetherness” is a rewarding five minutes without those pesky vocals! Taken from his forthcoming album “Parallel Heart” set for a December release, catch Jon Harris on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE!”

“His artistic ability blends technical brilliance and emotional depth, creating immersive soundscapes that push the boundaries of rock.” – Video Sound Art Magazine

“If melodic and elegant instrumental hard rock is music you tend to enjoy, and you appreciate some occasional funky interceptions in such landscapes, then this is an album that you probably will find to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.” – The Viking in the Wilderness

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0 Matt Miller and Band Unveil Playthrough for “Summoned” from Seventh Studio Album “Fiber Tormentum” Out Now!

November 5, 2025
by Asher
· Matt Miller · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 5, 2025

Matt Miller and Band Unveil Playthrough for “Summoned” from Seventh Studio Album “Fiber Tormentum” Out Now!

L-R – Justice Robinett (Bass), Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth), Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth), Biko Wright (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Lilly May Everett

Technical death metal guitarist and composer Matt Miller has released a full-band playthrough video for “Summoned,” one of the standout tracks from his new album “Fiber Tormentum,” which dropped this past September from Exitus Stratagem Records.

The playthrough showcases the technical precision and dynamic chemistry of Miller’s newly assembled lineup: Jordan (drums), Justice (bass), and Biko (vocals). Together, the group delivers a performance that is as crushing and relentless as it is melodic and epic, a perfect reflection of the band’s evolving sound.

“‘Summoned’ is about the travel and detailed plans of the invaders, using astonishing acts. The music is something like a computer algorithm or an alien language. We wanted the playthrough to capture both the technicality and the storytelling behind the song; it’s overwhelming, but in the best way possible,” explains Miller.

Watch the playthrough via its premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

Released in September 2025, “Fiber Tormentum” marks Miller’s first full-band album after years of performing as a solo artist. Originally conceived as an instrumental record, the album evolved into a full-scale concept piece with vocals and contributions from the entire lineup.

Lyrically, “Fiber Tormentum” tells a loose sci-fi narrative of alien invaders manipulating human DNA to enslave humanity. Musically, it blends technical death metal, power metal, progressive death, and symphonic elements into a relentless yet melodic assault.

“We set out to make the best possible record that we could and push ourselves to our best performances. We never settled and always reached higher. We explored all options and left no stone unturned. Fiber Tormentum was the most ambitious project I had ever worked on, and I wanted to make an album that not only belongs alongside the bands and songs that I hold in such high regard but also adds something new to the genre and brings something unique. A technical death metal album with clean vocals and intricate over-the-top guitars locked in step, and in those moments, they don’t back off but accelerate. If anything, it adds a hint of theatricality and makes the songs memorable, or I dare say catchy, with guitar and vocals entwined. One of the key elements of the album is its human feel. Yes, we used some modern production techniques, but this album still retains its human element while remaining focused and airtight. At the very least, this was the next step in my ever-changing musical evolution and expanding horizons, which only means that the next release will be more ambitious while providing a glimpse into our lives, because isn’t that what art is and does?” says Miller.

Miller began his solo project in 2020 during the pandemic, writing songs that pushed his technical and creative limits. After touring as a solo artist with Rings of Saturn on the Cyber Shred Tour 2022, he assembled a full lineup to bring his vision to life. The band has since toured Europe supporting Possessed and continues to build momentum with their intense live shows.

Described in five words: relentless, Soaring, Crushing, Intense, Epic, Miller’s music draws influence from Necrophagist, Wintersun, Symphony X, Nevermore, and The Faceless, while forging a unique identity that merges technical mastery with hook-driven songwriting.

The album artwork, created by the late Joshua Nassaru Ward (Voraath), reflects the album’s core theme: a tormented face mid-transformation, symbolizing the manipulation of human DNA. The title “Fiber Tormentum” is inspired by Roman history, the sound of a ballista’s ropes tightening before release, a metaphor for the tension and release found throughout the album.

Recommended for fans of Necrophagist, Symphony X, Wintersun, The Faceless, and Death, “Fiber Momentum” (released Sept 12th) is available on all major platforms through Exitus Stratagem Records.

Digital – https://hypeddit.com/mattmiller/fibertormentum

CD – https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/wnn3m10s6beq0pbmnot0e17ghvj629

Guitar Playthrough – Descent into Violence – https://youtu.be/RCj0AKSkSTc

Music Video – Effecively Neutralized – https://youtu.be/hJDoR9JL9b8

Track Listing:
1. Descent into Violence (5:04)
2. Summoned (3:33)
3. Effectively Neutralized (4:53)
4. Blight and Disfigurement (3:23)
5. Maimed Paralyzed Dead (3:12)
6. Horror Beyond Comprehension (3:15)
7. Fiber Tormentum (Instrumental) (3:31)
8. Abiotic Origin (3:14)
Album Length: 30:08

Album Lineup:
Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth)
Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth)
Justice Robinett (Bass)
Biko Wright (Vocals)

For more info:

Exsrmusic.com | Shreded1.com | Facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238 | Instagram.com/mattmiller630

– 30 –

“All in all, it’s a fascinating song (Effectively Neutralized) — head-spinning and heart-palpitating but also a heavy-hitter and a conjurer of strange, sinister, and haunting visions. In other words, in the space of just five minutes it pulls off a lot of impressive feats. And the well-filmed and well-edited video for it is a perfect complement, in that it shows us how all these talented performers executed all the impressive accomplishments.” – NoCleanSinging

“I am super excited. I already know this is gonna destroy. Matt Miller just absolutely destroys it on all facets. He has so many guitar techniques that he has absolutely mastered and he can literally play it all.” – Omar Rodriguez – The Metal Mixtape – YouTube Channel

“Hell yeah. Holy moly canoli. Fiverr to Fiber Momentum, and that was the album. This song is Descent into Violence. Holy moly canoli, dude. Go support, Matt Miller. That was absolutely badass. Total shredding. Jordan, also a homie of mine, your drums are incredible. The new singer, Bo, I love the harsh vocals in the clean. Total is it almost the cleans almost reminded me of Queensryche meets Cannibal Corpse. It’s pretty freaking sweet. And of course, Justice always lays down the heavy bass with the beautiful bass faces. But an absolutely incredible album….Matt Miller, you could find him everywhere. He’s an incredible guitar player, one of the best guitar players of our generation. Remember, this is Fiber Tormentum courtesy of Exitus Stratagem Records. So, a huge shout-out to them as well. Matt Miller has so many more songs. If you guys like this song (Descent into Violence), believe me, this guy is an absolute shred master. Not only does he do like a ton of his own originals, he does a ton of covers, and also he’s just a shred master of all sorts. Just exactly how they say, melodic, technical, and death. But I will definitely say the big thing that stands apart about this whole song is great structure, absolutely shredding on all levels, and the vocals are just 100% one-of-a-kind. And I totally enjoyed it. Guys, I love you guys from the bottom of my heart. This has been Matt Miller with his new song, Descent into Violence. Pick up the new album on September 12, Fiber Tormentum.” – Omar Rodriguez – The Metal Mixtape – YouTube Channel

“The songs on “Fiber Tormentum” are rather good, and make for very interesting listening sessions.” – Metal Temple

“”Fiber Tormentum” is a real killer and so refreshingly creative that you can’t help but toast this previously unknown genius in awe! Cheers! 9/10″ – PowerMetal.de

“Soaring, crushing, ferocious, emotive, and relentless, are words that strongly describe Decrepit Shed. The album has a lot to offer from various metal sub-genres and encompasses the best elements of technical guitar playing while still having well-written songs”. – Brave Words

“Monument of Velocity” initially had a different title and was not going to be a Matt Miller release and some of the songs were written with vocals in mind and were not going to be instrumental, however, it turned out to be the sixth of seven powerful albums in his discography. contains eight tracks full of technical and progressive metal eliciting feelings of suspense, and tension while being fun, melodic and brutally heavy. Miller’s melodic and relentless music has a wide range of influences and is recommended for fans of Jeff Loomis, Necrophagist, and Obscura.” – Rock’n’ Load

“Even though Miller’s music is instrumental, he likes to think of the guitar as a voice. Which in turn makes him ask what is the guitar saying? He is able to easily convey emotion, tone, and a story even without the use of vocals. Throughout his releases, his music has developed a more modern sound in both the music and the production. Musically the songs are more well written and a lot of the ideas he writes are being accurately represented. He is always trying to push himself as a musician and this is reflected in his discography. Influenced primarily by technical and progressive death metal with a dash of power metal and symphonic metal as well, Matt Miller’s music is recommended for fans of Obscura, Dragon Force, and Racer X” – Metal Sucks

“Mr. Miller can shred like his fingers are on fire” – Ever-Metal.com

“Matt shreds all over this album with guitar solos galore”. – Transcending the Mundane

“Soaring, crushing, ferocious, and emotive, Miller conveys a wide range of tones throughout his instrumental music. It is recommended for fans of Dragon Force, Racer X, and Jeff Loomis” – Metal-Rules

“For guitar enthusiasts, I guess it is a feast for the eyes and ears.” – Antichrist Magazine

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0 Melodic Death Metal Force OUTLYING Unleashes “The Raven Is Gone” From New Album “Oblivisci” Out Nov 2025

November 4, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Outlying

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 4, 2025

Trois-Rivieres’ Melodic Death Metal Force OUTLYING Unleashes “The Raven Is Gone”

New Album “Oblivisci” Out Nov 2025

L-R: Charles Alexandre Bilodeau (Bass, Back Vocals), Fred A. Dubeau (Guitar, Vocals), Martin Reithler (Drums)

Photo by Sandy Champagne

Canadian melodic death metal band Outlying has unleashed their brand-new single “The Raven Is Gone”, the third preview of their upcoming full-length album “Oblivisci,” set for release on November 21, 2025.

Following singles “Pitch Black Serum” and “November“, their next track, “The Raven Is Gone” is fast, heavy, and undeniably epic, capturing the chaos of everyday struggles, bills, jobs, relationships, and the weight of modern life, and transforms them into a soaring, visceral anthem. Originally drafted years ago by vocalist/guitarist Fred A. Dubeau during a night of heavy drinking, the lyrics were rediscovered and brought to life with the band’s signature blend of aggression and melody.

“Sometimes, bands write songs just before recording an album, and sometimes there are song ideas that were there for years before actually writing and recording that said song. ‘The Raven Is Gone’ is about how you often go through similar issues every day… and can feel powerless about all the chaos it can create. The whole vibe is about being a metaphorical raven who escapes fire and blaze, and tries to find a safe place to hide somewhere. The music is written to be as powerful, epic, and catchy as possible,” adds Dubeau.

Due out November 21st, “Oblivisci” (Latin for “to forget”) is a dark, melodic, and emotionally charged record that explores themes of trauma, alienation, grief, loneliness, and addiction. The album’s artwork depicts a post-apocalyptic version of the band’s home city, reflecting its lyrical core: the desire to withdraw from reality and escape the weight of existence.

Musically, “Oblivisci” balances aggression and melody with precision, from thrash-driven assaults to atmospheric passages, from crushing heaviness to moments of haunting beauty. The record closes with the ambitious three-part suite “Dreamless Nights”, inspired by Fred’s personal struggles with alcohol addiction and the cycle of escape, bliss, and collapse.

Founded in 2007 by vocalist/guitarist, producer, and songwriter Fred A. Dubeau, Outlying hail from the industrial city of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Their debut EP “Within The Jail Of The Unfortunate” arrived in 2008, followed by the full-length “Scars Of Daylight” in 2012. After lineup changes, bassist JD Poirier and French drummer Martin “Frenchy” Reithler joined, leading to the release of Frameworks For Repression in 2016.

In 2024, the band welcomed bassist Charles Alex Bilodeau, solidifying the current lineup. Outlying is now preparing to release “Oblivisci”, their most mature and focused work to date, heavier, more melodic, and unflinchingly honest.

Outlying’s music is best described as captivating, dark, aggressive, and melodic metal. Influenced by At The Gates, Testament, Cradle of Filth, In Flames, and Wintersun, their sound draws from melodic death, thrash, black, and groove metal. Their live shows are raw and passionate, relying on pure energy and musicianship rather than heavy backing tracks or overproduction.

Listen to their latest single “The Raven Is Gone” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

“Oblivisci” will be available on all digital platforms on November 21st, 2025.

Bandcamp – https://outlying.bandcamp.com

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5q6oycizRFEpwSzpUBJ0Z8

Track Listing:
1 – The Raven Is Gone – 5:27
2 – Stigma – 3:49
3 – Snow – 6:02
4 – Streets Of Rats And Vultures – 4:47
5 – Pitch-Black Serum – 4:36
6 – November – 5:56
7 – Sentinel – 5:43
8 – Impaired – 5:32
9 – Dreamless Nights Part I: A Lullaby For The Insomniac – 4:19
10- Dreamless Nights Part II: From Velvet Skies – 5:13
11- Dreamless Nights Part III: Walking Out Of Eden’s Ashes – 4:25
Album Length: 55:49

Album Credits:
All songs performed, written, and produced by Fred A. Dubeau and Martin Reithler
Mixed and mastered by Fred A. Dubeau
Album Artwork by Fred A. Dubeau

Album recording lineup:
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Bass, All Vocals Martin Reithler – Drums
Guest musicians for the album:
Steph from “Exotoxic” – Auxiliary percussion
Marilyn from “Chained By Illness” – Female Vocals
Sim from “Lancaster” – Guest Guitar Solo
Hardcore Band “Northwalk” – Gang Vocals

Lineup for live:
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Vocals
Charles Alex Bilodeau – Bass, Back Vocals
Martin Reithler – Drums

For more info:

http://www.outlying.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/outlyingband

http://www.instagram.com/outlyingband/

https://www.tiktok.com/@outlying.band

– 30 –

“Outlying offers a solid Swedish-style melodic death metal sound with their own personal touch.” – MetalUniverse.net

“With a biting energy and a relentless intensity, [Pitch-Black Serum] hits with an uncommon ferocity while keeping a dynamic, melodic and catchy structure.” – MetalUniverse.net

“I had never heard of this band before, so I was all the more amazed by the high level of performance the band had already achieved in 2012 [Scars Of Daylight album]. They are reminiscent of Scandinavian melodic death metal bands of the late 1990s.” – Ammo-underground.at

“The three gentlemen serve us finely spun melodies; the musicians tie everything together into a flowing, detailed unity. A bit of clean vocals are sprinkled in here and there, and so a lot happens in this largely whipping smasher. A few threatening vibes and thrashy, straight-ahead tactics are also effectively employed, as is polyphonic vocals – everything just fits! Raising fists, enjoying details, headbanging – it’s a mystery to me why these all-rounders are still so unknown!” – Ammo-underground.at

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0 The JUNO Awards SUBMISSIONS – FINAL DEADLINE: November 6, 2025, 11:59 PM PT / November 7, 2025, 2:59 AM

November 3, 2025
by Asher
· Music News

Canadian Metal Bands!

The JUNO Awards SUBMISSIONS – FINAL DEADLINE: November 6, 2025, 11:59 PM PT / November 7, 2025, 2:59 AM

Submissions Guide / Guide pour les soumissions

Dreaming of taking the coveted JUNO Statuette home? Time is running out! The 2026 JUNO Award Submissions Presented by @TD_Canada deadline is approaching on November 6th. Don’t miss your shot, submit now: https://www.junoawards.ca/submissions

For a complete list of JUNO Awards categories, eligibility rules, and voting criteria, visit https://www.junoawards.ca/submissions.

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Are you interested in performing at JUNOfest? Applications are open to solo artists and/or full bands. Apply today at https://www.JUNOfestsubmissions.ca.

Please Note: JUNOfest is for Canadian artists only. Priority is given to 2026 JUNO Award nominees and artists/bands from Hamilton, ON, and the surrounding area.

All applications must be submitted by December 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT.

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The 55th Annual JUNO Awards and JUNO Week 2026 will be hosted in Hamilton, ON, from March 26 to Sunday, March 29, 2026, culminating with The JUNO Awards at TD Coliseum on Sunday, March 29, 2026, broadcast live on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, and CBC Music.

CBC Listen and globally at https://www.CBCMusic.ca/junos.

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0 Prog Virtuosos PHAETON Hit The Road For Western Canadian Dates (AB, BC) For Third Album “Neurogenesis” Out Now! ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

November 3, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 3, 2025

Prog Virtuosos PHAETON Hit The Road For Western Canadian Dates (AB, BC)

Third Album “Neurogenesis” Out Now!

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

Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet PHAETON is hitting the road this November for a string of Western Canadian tour dates in support of their third full-length album, “Neurogenesis.” Known for their electrifying live performances, the band will bring their cerebral, crushing sound to Alberta and British Columbia:

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

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

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Following their acclaimed 2020 release “Between Two Worlds,” “Neurogenesis” marks a bold evolution in PHAETON’s sound, more concise, yet no less imaginative. Engineered and mixed by guitarist Kevin Thiessen at The Cube in Kimberley, BC, and mastered by Jamie Sitar at Outtatown Sound in Winnipeg, MB, the album features artwork by Calgary-based artist Matt Semenok and a guest appearance by prog legend Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo).

Formed in 2017 in Kimberley, BC, PHAETON blends neo-classical melodicism, crushing riffs, tornado percussion, and contrapuntal basslines. Their lineup includes 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).

PHAETON‘s music channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted soundscapes, wordless journeys through shifting time signatures, soaring melodies, and tectonic riffage. “Neurogenesis” explores themes of technological singularity and the convergence of biological minds with machine intelligence: part cold warning, part sober observation.

“Neurogenesis” is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year, with more music on the horizon, including the standalone 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” in 2026 and their fourth album “Quartum” in 2027.

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 –

“”Neurogenesis” one of the hottest tips of the running season. At least when it comes to instrumental prog, the band has reached the top of the annual list!” – PowerMetal.de

“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

“PHAETON’s Neurogenesis: Where Prog-Meets-Precision, and Machines Whisper to the Riffs” – Papy Jeff Metal

“Phaeton’s sound is a kaleidoscope of progressive sounds, tech-death, thrash and djent… The album opens with the song “Tethys Rising” has in it’s a lot of austerity, but you can hear perfectly strong and expressive here sound and style. Song “Discontinuum” also holds the right one level and very exciting. The dynamics and rhythm are impressive here. Piece “Isochron” with the guest participation of Derek Sherinian, he enriches and has in great riffs, but there are also Middle Eastern elements, which it also increases the effect. Number “Synethesia” it emphasizes even more the intensity and complexity of sounds with a lot of power and energy. Track “Arachnid” he has a lot of neoclassical playing, but he doesn’t forget about it crushing playing with lots of thrills. Song “Augmented” it also has a specific level to it. Title piece “Neurogenesis” he crowns the album with pride and precision. You can hear perfectly balanced music here, which has a claw, feistiness and focuses on diversity and versatility. 4/5″ – W-Mgnieniu-Rocka

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0 Canadian Blackened Prog Death ANCIENT THRONES Unleashes A Lesson In Extreme w/ Drum Playthrough “A Moon Fused Key” From New Concept Album “Melancholia” Out Now!

November 3, 2025
by Asher
· Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 3, 2025

Canadian Progressive Blackened Death ANCIENT THRONES Unleashes A Lesson In Extreme w/ Drum Playthrough “A Moon Fused Key”

New Concept Album “Melancholia” Out Now!

Ancient Thrones Current Line Up

L – Matt LeBlanc (Bass) | Top – Dylan Wallace (Guitar) | Bottom – Sean Hickey (Drums & Vocals) | R – Nick Leslie (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Matt Leblanc

Canadian extreme metal visionaries Ancient Thrones have released a new drum playthrough video for “A Moon Fused Key,” the opening track from their sophomore concept album “Melancholia.” The video, now streaming via TheCirclePit YouTube channel, captures the raw intensity and technical precision of drummer-vocalist Sean Hickey as he delivers a punishing performance that sets the tone for the album’s existential descent.

“A Moon Fused Key is the opening track on the album, but also a narrative climax. It begins with unrelenting force and speed, and doesn’t stop until the final bitter moments. This song is a statement in existential exhaustion, where you have no choice but to brace for what’s coming,” says Hickey.

“Melancholia” is a 42-minute journey through psychological trauma, psychedelic hallucinations, and emotional collapse. The album follows a colourblind protagonist who takes hallucinogens in a desperate attempt to see colour, only to spiral into a surreal and terrifying inner world. Musically, the album blends black metal, 2000s death metal, and modern tech-death, with cinematic and progressive flourishes that elevate its narrative scope.

The drum playthrough showcases the band’s meticulous production and elevated musicianship, honed over five years of writing and refinement. Hickey’s dual role as drummer and vocalist adds a unique dynamic to the band’s live shows, described by fans as “crushing and violent,” with mosh pits, stage dives, and crowd-surfing that reflect the chaos of the music itself.

Formed in 2011 and rebranded in 2018, Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Ancient Thrones has evolved into a fully extreme metal force. With Dylan Wallace as the primary songwriter and Sean Hickey crafting the lyrical and conceptual framework, the band’s collaborative process results in music that is fast, existential, and emotionally resonant.

“This is the sound of existential exhaustion. From the opening drum fill in ‘A Moon Fused Key’ to the washed-out doomy fallout of ‘Vacant,’ “Melancholia” is pure aggression wrapped in a surreal narrative. We hope this album moves you in unnatural ways. Enjoy the trip while it lasts.” Hickey adds.

Watch the full drum playthrough at https://youtu.be/e62MaLUyZgY

“Melancholia” was released on September 19, 2025. The band is already writing new material for the follow-up. Fans can expect more crushing, emotionally charged music in the near future.

Album order (Vinyl, Digital) – https://ancientthrones.bandcamp.com

Lyric Video – “A Moon Fused Key” – https://youtu.be/IfDBNhlJ0sI

Music Video – “Melancholia” – https://youtu.be/_LvSTJ78kd8

Playthrough – “A Turning Point” – https://youtu.be/zQ3wZqZj9EQ

Track Listing:
1. A Moon Fused Key (5:12)
2. Achromatopsia (1:19)
3. Melancholia (6:17)
4. A Turning Point (5:46)
5. A Pellucid Prism (4:26)
6. Sacred Swollen Glass (6:16)
7. Blight (2:18)
8. A Pale Palace (4:55)
9. Vacant (5:31)
Album Length: 42:00

Band Lineup:
Dylan Wallace – Guitar
Nick Leslie – Guitar
Matt LeBlanc – Bass
Sean Hickey – Drums & Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/Ancientthrones | Instagram.com/ancientthrones

-30-

“The music is indeed violent, and immediately so, exploding in a blast of turbulent riffing, heavily undulating bass tones, and furious beats. The guitars wildly writhe and rapidly spear off in crazed angles, kaleidoscopic in effect, and the words spit forth in caustic screams that are equally deranged. Dissonant and dismal tones intrude, along with guttural roars, blast-beat outbursts, and pulverizing blows, and the riffing also seems to swarm in agony, adding further dimensions of darkness to the song’s overarching manifestation of delirium. Backed by a pulse-pounding and highly headbangable groove, the song also introduces yet another dimension, an eerie guitar solo that slowly slithers, brightly swirls, and evolves into an entrancing harmony, very much like a beckoning and seductive presence that manifests within the mayhem.” – No Clean Singing (single – A Moon Fused Key – 2025)

“Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ancient Thrones’ second album, Melancholia not only cherry picks from a sturdy stable of metallic subgenres — from the melodic, blackened and textural to the technical, exploratory and unhinged — but is also ground zero for an interesting concept/story. The record’s nine songs tell the story of a colorblind individual who dives head first into psychedelic drug use as a last-ditch attempt to experience life in color. The album chronicles everything they experience in the process as life goes on with their newly minted perceptual capabilities. Given that it’s an extreme metal album, we can only surmise that the story doesn’t end on a particularly happy note, but you can find out for yourself via the stream of Melancholia we’re running below, a single day before its release date.” – Decibel Magazine

“Five years after The Veil, the Halifax quartet returns with a second self-produced album. Melancholy is hardly a musical concern. Melancholia is a forty-one-minute blast of extreme metal, combining the codes (and vocals) of black and death metal across nine tight and scorching tracks. Somewhere between AngelCorpse and Black Dahlia Murder, Ancient Thrones stands out more for its true ferocity than for the originality of its material. It’s up to you to decide whether substance outweighs form, or vice versa. In any case, the effectiveness is truly undeniable.” – Metallian Magazine (France)

“indeed a contentious and brutal slab of metal that will roll right over you and crush your skull into dust. Just when you think the band has reached their limit of intensity, they take it up a notch to impossible heights. If you dare, travel to their world of “Melancholia.”” – Metal Temple

“Who needs a compact disc when you have a vinyl? That’s what Canadian’s Ancient Thrones are saying as they approach the 19th September arrival of their new album “Melancholia“. Curiously enough with their guitar playthrough for new song “A Turning Point” the outfit trade Speed for Sludge, Groove and emotional weight as they continue to evolve their progressive and existential sound.” – Metal Noise

“Thrashy blackened death metal, pretty cool stuff.” – The Mosh Pit 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

“Tracks like A Moon Fused Key and Vacant drive the narrative through blasts of speed, cinematic atmosphere, and suffocating heaviness, pulling from black, death, and tech death while pushing into surreal territory.” – IDIOTEQ

“The whole album, clocking in at 42 minutes, is a descent into what I can only call emotional extremity, not just brutality for brutality’s sake, but a narrative steeped in alienation, transformation, and the horror of seeing the world differently. Tracks like “Achromatopsia” (a 90-second tone poem of dissonance) and the doom-smeared closer “Vacant” frame a journey that’s as cerebral as it is crushing. Think Deafheaven’s atmosphere meets Archspire’s velocity, with a dash of The Red Chord’s structural madness. And the production? Impeccably violent. Every layer was obsessively sculpted: tones dialed, performances honed over a year just to play the damn thing. You can hear it. This isn’t noise; it’s architecture. A cathedral of dissonance with stained glass made of feedback.” – Papy Jeff Metal

“A psychedelic trip turns sideways on Ancient Thrones’ second album, Melancholia. A concept inspired by vocalist/drummer Sean Hickey’s own experience on hallucinatory drugs, chilling fright is given through blackened death metal. Their songwriting trims the excess from their debut The Veil, while never losing sight of the overarching story of a person’s inner turmoil. A few songs use piano for cinematic effect, including the calming interlude “Achromatopsia” and rumbling stance of “Vacant.” The latter is the group at their slowest, slinking along as each word is coughed out with disdain. A cavalcade of drum fills perks the tune up before an extended bout of noise finishes Melancholia on a hopeless note for our suffering main character.” – Heavy Music HQ

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0 Out Now! Avant-Garde Prog Doom LIMINAL SPIRIT’s Haunting Album “Unwell”

October 31, 2025
by Asher
· Liminal Spirit · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 31, 2025

Out Now! Avant-Garde Prog Doom LIMINAL SPIRIT’s Haunting Album “Unwell”

Milwaukee-based solo project Liminal Spirit, helmed by multi-instrumentalist Jerry Hauppa (also of Deorbit), has released its third EP, “Unwell,” today, October 31st, ushering in a chilling new chapter of doom-laced, cinematic storytelling just in time for Halloween.

Described as “grandiose, cinematic, epic, heavy, unique,” “Unwell” deepens Liminal Spirit’s signature style of immersive “seance music,” conjuring a soundscape that channels spiritual unrest and psychological collapse. This latest release invites listeners into the unraveling consciousness of Phillip, an elderly man suffering from dementia and haunted by the ghosts of two children who accuse him of a long-forgotten crime. As Phillip’s reality fractures, the music mirrors his descent, growing more distorted, chaotic, and emotionally volatile with each track, culminating in a violent confrontation and a final plunge into damnation.

The EP opens with “Admittance,” a deceptively serene, jazz-tinged piece that captures Phillip’s arrival at a nursing home, comforted by his son’s performance of “Welcome to My World.” The mood shifts in “Unwell,” where microtonal guitars and fragmented rhythms evoke Phillip’s disorientation and fading identity. “Visiting Day” introduces a sinister presence as ghostly figures confront him with accusations, setting a countdown to judgment. The chaos peaks in “EOLC,” a brutal and frenzied track where Phillip is tormented and killed by the spirits. The closing piece, “A Better Place,” drags the listener into a bleak purgatory, with chromatic descents and oppressive textures that echo Phillip’s fall into hell. Together, these tracks form a tightly woven narrative of psychological horror and spiritual reckoning.

Three of the five tracks feature microtonal guitar work, lending an alien, foreboding atmosphere that enhances the EP’s psychological horror. Hauppa’s writing process begins with a thematic concept and unfolds as a unified narrative, with lyrics drawn from the characters’ spoken words. The music and story are inseparable, each amplifying the other’s emotional weight.

“My goal with this record is to explore ideas that represent some of my greatest fears. Having worked in nursing homes, I know how miserable they can be. The thought of losing my faculties and facing spiritual judgment terrifies me, and that’s what Unwell is about,” says Hauppa.

Liminal Spirit is a progressive doom/avant-garde metal project known for its ritualistic, story-driven compositions. Influenced by artists like Skepticism, Anata, My Bloody Valentine, Jesu, and Confessor, Hauppa’s sound defies easy categorization, blending old-school death metal with psychedelic electronic textures.

“Unwell” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

YouTube Album Stream – https://youtu.be/rORD2LIsavk

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/liminalspirit2/unwell

Digital Download – https://liminalspirit.bandcamp.com/

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

-30-

“The song we’re premiering, “A Better Place“, is that closing track. In its narrative, Phillip passes into a purgatory where he is judged for his actions, and ultimately cast into hell — not the better place he hoped for. The music manifests this denouement with sounds of mangling discordance and ruthless pounding. The hammering and thudding beats don’t create an easy rhythm, but instead generate a pattern that takes away any sense of balance. Shrill ethereal tones rise up and strangely quiver from within the dissonant, mangling morass of sonic oppressiveness. Wailing vocals rise up too, adding to the song’s hallucinatory and haunting ingredients. The experience is unsettling and unearthly. Warbling spoken words come and go. The dense backing noise is cruel and searing as well as abysmal. The pounding is as vehement as it is destabilizing — until it vanishes, yielding to a cacophonous and indeed hellish finale in which the music itself seems to descend. Siren-like bursts of sound and tormented screams close out the nightmare.” – No Clean Singing

“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)

“Fusing Progressive Doom Metal with avant-garde narrative techniques to create a genre defying sonic ritual meant to stir movement between spiritual realms with title track “Unwell”” – Metal Noise

“A portrait painted by multi instrumentalist Jerry Hauppa in Progressive Doom Metal and avant-garde narrative techniques, the record plays out the deterioration of Phillip’s memory, culminating in death and spiritual judgment before he is cast into hell for all eternity. Known for his work with Deorbit, Hauppa performs the piece using guitar, microtonal guitar, bass, violin, synth, vocoder and drum programming having written, produced and mixed. They call it a genre defying sonic ritual meant to stir movement between spiritual realms….. If someone is needed to write the soundtrack to the next Silent Hill incarnation then Hauppa has just submitted his curriculum vitae” – Metal Noise

“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

“I would characterize this is something for Metal fans who think outside the box and don’t need to be spoon fed the typical Metal sound. ” – Metal Temple
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0 Nova Scotia’s HUMAN MISSILE CRISIS Drops Venomous New Video for “Snake in the Grass” For EP “Waste Away” Out Nov 2025

October 31, 2025
by Asher
· Human Missile Crisis · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 30, 2025

Nova Scotia’s HUMAN MISSILE CRISIS Drops Venomous New Video for “Snake in the Grass”

New Two-Track EP “Waste Away” Out Nov 14th

L-R – DJ Vaters – Guitar/Vocals, Matthew MacIsaac – Drums, Justin Boutilier – Bass

Nova Scotia’s punk-infused garage rock trio Human Missile Crisis has dropped a brand-new music video for their single “Snake in the Grass,” the lead track from their upcoming two-song EP, “Waste Away,” set for release on November 14th.

A fuzzed-out, dance-floor-ready anthem with venom in its lyrics and swagger in its slide guitar, “Snake in the Grass” is a sonic warning shot aimed at the backstabbers and two-faced figures we all encounter.

“It’s about those people who smile to your face and twist the knife when you turn around. We’ve all met them. This one’s part of my story,” says frontman DJ Vaters.

The video, like the track, is a visceral blend of grit and groove, an invitation to lose control and let loose.

“Mosh pit? More like a dance pit,” the band jokes. “It’s got fast, fun drums, a slidey guitar riff, and even a quiet, pretty bass solo bridge. What more do you want? Just dance.”

Recorded live off the floor at Sound Park Studios with longtime collaborator Jamie Foulds, marking their first session together in over 20 years, the EP captures the raw energy and emotional honesty that defines Human Missile Crisis. The tracks were mixed by Foulds and mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege (Portland, OR).

Formed by Cape Breton natives DJ Vaters (guitar/vocals), Justin Boutilier (bass/backups), and Matthew MacIsaac (drums), Human Missile Crisis is a therapeutic journey through the chaos of adulthood. With roots in punk rock and a sound shaped by post-punk, garage, and blues, the band channels influences like Idles, Fucked Up, and The Hives into something uniquely their own.

The “Waste Away” EP also features “Mona Lisa,” a more traditional rock track with a heavy punk chorus, written for the night-shift warriors and road-weary musicians who long for home. Together, the two songs showcase the band’s dynamic range and collaborative spirit.

The EP’s artwork was created by local artist @sourrgrrrl designs, whose style caught Vaters’ eye on a telephone pole sticker.

“I sent her the tracks and said, ‘Do your thing.’ I love working with artists that way, just let the music speak.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the chaos, Human Missile Crisis invites you to join the party. They don’t want fans, they want friends and family.

“Come to a show, dance with us, laugh with us. That’s what it’s all about,” says Vaters.

Watch the “Snake in the Grass” video now via its premiere on Ghost Cult Magazine HERE.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/humanmissilecrisis/snake-in-the-grass

“Waste Away” is out everywhere on November 14th, 2025.

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

-30-

“When it comes to partying and being young, there are many “highs” and lows, as Human Missile Crisis draws our attention to in their new single “Too Long.”… The clip gives you a good look at these Dartmouth rockers in action. With fuzzed-out guitars and a garage rock spirit, these three young men know how to command a stage. The video captures what they do best: play live. The band members pride themselves on being a high-octane live act. That’s what the video is meant to emphasize: guys who can rock a stage like they rocked their parents’ garage growing up.” – V13

“With it’s thundering and infectious bassline, crunchy guitars, thrashing drums, and gritty heartfelt vocals, Human Missile Crisis easily achieved the powerful and memorable with “Blackwater”.” – Amplify The Noise

“Three friends and a long-standing passion for punk rock and garage, understood in their most jaunty and enjoyable expressions: they are human missile crisis, here grappling with their recording debut. What is striking right from the start is the light-heartedness that expert frequenters of the reference scene such as DJ VATERS, JUSTIN BOUTILIER and MATTHEW MACISAAC have been able to pour into the nine, lightning-fast moments that make up the album; the verve is ironic and semi-serious, the aim is fun, sarcasm and provocation: all elements which, mixed properly with direct and immediate sounds, come to compose a picture that is nothing short of caustic and full of sparkling ideas. The creativity released by the band is contagious: Liquor Store Stories echoes that kind of spontaneity traditionally inherent in the reference genres. And it offers half an hour of healthy entertainment in the name of bombastic pieces in which technique gives way to the desire to play together, to a sense of friendship that emerges with vigor from the grooves of the work and to a spontaneous and genuine approach. A debut that follows the dictates of tradition, proudly claiming its brilliant originality” – Rock Hard Italy

“I had a weird sensation while listening to the massive punch and swagger of “Liquor Store Stories” by Dartmouth, Nova Scotia based Human Missile Crisis. Not only is the title amazing and sounds like an anthology series on Hulu, the crunchy assaulting guitars, the nimble hyper bass lines, atomic drumming and strident vocal scowling aesthetic had me thinking of a 70’s Mod revival rock band instead of a punk outfit, namely, the iconic JAM. Maybe it is the major 7th and miner chords I think I am hearing, maybe it is the vocal countenance that does have a heavier sort of iteration of Weller, and maybe it is the fury of the bass and drums, of everything really. And it also might be the sense of talking about the inner workings of hometowns. By the way, sonically, I also thought of an amalgam of early punk like the Buzzcocks and more current bangers like Prince Daddy & The Hyena.” -Robb Donker Curtius / American Pancake

“Merging elements of Garage Rock and Post-Punk, they end up delivering an exciting song to the listener, with great melodies and which stands out mainly for its great rhythmic work, with its striking bass line and vocals with great melodies.” -Leandro Vianna / Roadie Metal

“Maybe “Blackwater” from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia based Human Missile Crisis is about wishing those who disappeared from your life well, maybe not. Maybe it is all about the glorious noise, the throttling bass bottom heaviness that kicks you in the gut, maybe not. Maybe it is about finding what you are searching for and not dive deep into the blackness to find it, maybe not. In the end, maybe Human Missile Crisis feels like Black Sabbath, The Dead Kennedys, Coachwhips, Bass Drum of Death atom smashed together into something else entirely, something visceral and impactful.” -Robb Donker Curtius / American Pancake

“”Liquor Store Stories” is a single recently dropped by Nova Scotia-based band, Human Missile Crisis. Boasting an infectious energy equipped with melodic vocal flows and anthemic instrumental work, this is a powerful new tune that delivers a unique blend of styles. Elements of punk, garage rock, indie, and emo are all present here, and the band shines brightly by creatively blending all the influences into one full sound.” -Havoc Underground

“”Too Long” is a melody that will really provoke something powerful and luminous in you with its most violent and rhythmic rhythms, capable of awakening the monster that you keep inside of you, this band will shake you with this crazy song bathed in the best alternative sounds and aggressive sounds of punk fused with the darkness of a more balanced rock.” -End Sessions

“‘Too Long’ by Human Missile Crisis is an energetic, aggressive and dark punk and rock whose instruments provide an auditory explosion in the best of the senses, causing a piece of music full of rhythm to be manufactured. While listening to the song I couldn’t stop moving my head back and forth because of how catchy it is, it’s one of those songs that you fall in love with in a second. I loved the song from start to finish and I hope you do too.” -Javier Alfonso / La Caverna

“The album begins with “Do you Remember”, a song that has a powerful guitar in its intro and remains that way, but from the beginning you say this album is not going to stop, it is going to maintain that hard and aggressive rhythm, although They also have California punk songs like “The Spark”, and of course they also have songs like “Distant Memory”, with a slower rhythm, but with the same strength in the voice. This album really has 9 incredible tracks for those who like garage and punk, and also get into slam.” -Miguel Castillo/ La Caverna

“Opening the record is ‘Do You Remember’, a three-minute romp that must be powered by Jack Daniels because the vocals have that tinge of Lemmy about them. The track ebbs and flows for those 180 seconds but always comes back to the punchy punk-rock vibe that is at the core of Liquor Store Stories.” -Dan Hemming / Hard Beat Magazine

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0 Montreal’s DEADWOOD Unleashes “Tales of Massacre”, A Brutal Glimpse Into Upcoming EP “Rituals of a Dying Light” (Innerstrength Records)

October 29, 2025
by Asher
· Deadwood · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 29, 2025

Montreal’s DEADWOOD Unleashes “Tales of Massacre”

A Brutal Glimpse Into Upcoming EP “Rituals of a Dying Light” (Innerstrength Records)

L-R – Fred Element (Guitar), Charles Etienne Lafrance (Drums), Stephane Filion (Guitar), Derek Heynekamp (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Fred Element

Canadian deathcore juggernaut Deadwood has dropped their latest single, “Tales of Massacre”, a blistering and terrifying track inspired by the Salem witch trials. The song is the second single from their upcoming concept EP, “Rituals of a Dying Light,” set to release on January 9, 2026, via Innerstrength Records.

Formed in 2020 with the mission to “Make Deathcore Angry Again,” Deadwood has carved a reputation for delivering music that’s angry, aggressive, dark, heavy, and intense. Their latest offering is no exception; “Tales of Massacre” blends brutal technicality with eerie atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of modern deathcore while staying true to the genre’s roots.

Deadwood’s forthcoming EP, “Rituals of a Dying Light,” plunges listeners into a concept-driven nightmare, where each track draws from real-life horrors and urban legends. From tales of demonic possession to infamous historical crimes, the band channels the macabre through punishing riffs and eerie lyricism. The EP features chilling narratives like “Heretic,” a brooding account of a nun overtaken by darkness, layered with piercing solos that cut through the gloom. “Thirst for Blood” delivers a vampiric frenzy, blending punk-tinged rhythms with a dangerously infectious chorus. “Whisper of Death” slows the tempo for a sinister dive into the psyche of Jack the Ripper, while “Echoes of the Fallen” closes the record with a haunting instrumental drenched in lead guitar and ominous atmosphere. Marking a new chapter in Deadwood’s evolution, the EP introduces solos and melodic leads for the first time—adding depth without sacrificing the band’s trademark aggression.

“We wanted this release to be scarier, heavier, and more extreme,” says founding member Fred Element

Deadwood’s lineup includes veterans of the Quebec metal scene, Fred Element (ex-Plasma Riffle, ex-Ion Dissonance), Stephane Filion (ex-Nova Spei), and Charles-Etienne Lafrance (Discovery Through Torment, ex-Dismayed).

Their writing process is collaborative, with each member adding their own flavor to Fred’s initial compositions. Lyrics are crafted to match the music’s atmosphere, drawing inspiration from horror, real-life tragedies, and the darker aspects of existence.

Deadwood’s live performances are known for their chaotic, horror-infused energy. Their stage presence is designed to evoke terror — not just a band playing music, but a visual and sonic assault.

“We don’t do small talk or funny vibes. We want to scare you. We want you to feel uneasy,” the band explains.

Having toured Japan and the U.S., including a standout performance at Inkarceration Festival, Deadwood is now preparing to conquer Europe in 2026. Their relentless drive and commitment to intensity have earned them spots alongside acts like Humanity’s Last Breath, Born of Osiris, and Traitors.

With “Tales of Massacre” setting the tone, Deadwood promises more music is already on the way.

“We chose five tracks that share the same dark atmosphere. But we’re not done yet, fans can expect a lot from us, sooner than you think,” adds the band.

For fans of Meshuggah, Whitechapel, Despised Icon, All Shall Perish, and Behemoth, Deadwood is a must-listen. Their sound is a terrifying blend of death metal and hardcore, crafted for those who crave pure brutality.

“Rituals of a Dying Light” drops January 9, 2026, via Innerstrength Records.

Listen now: “Tales of Massacre” on YouTube – https://youtu.be/kqpk5XQXrSQ

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://hypeddit.com/deadwood/talesofmassacre-1

More info: https://linktr.ee/Deadwood.band | https://innerstrengthrecords.com/

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“If you ever wondered what Al Swearengen might listen to if he was living in modern times, here’s your answer, c*********. Montreal’s Deadwood have been around town for a decade now, and pride themselves on evolving into a more savage animal with each release. In December, 2022, they released Inhuman, an EP that is hell bent on making deathcore brutal again.” – Metal Sucks: Deathcore in the North – 10 Canadian Deathcore Bands

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