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Category: Music News

0 Montreal Brass Metal Pioneers FALLSTAF Returns 15 Years After Debut With New Album “Ode To The Dead” Out Nov 2025; Unveil Lyric Video For Title Track

  • October 3, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Fallstaf · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 3, 2025

Montreal Brass Metal Pioneers FALLSTAF Returns 15 Years After Debut With New Album “Ode To The Dead” Out Nov 2025

Unveil Lyric Video For Title Track

SIMM/Guitars – RICKK /Horns – IANN/Vocals – GOYY/ Bass – MATT/Drums

Photo: Sébastien Roy

After nearly a decade of silence, Montreal’s genre-defying metal band Fallstaf is back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited sophomore album, “Ode to The Dead”, is set for release this Fall 2025, and its first single, the title track, is streaming everywhere alongside a gripping lyric video.
​
Known as the pioneers of “brass metal,” Fallstaf made waves in 2011 with their debut ‘Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,’ produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope). Their signature sound—groove-heavy, progressive metal laced with trombone earned them cult status in the Quebec metal scene. But in 2016, tragedy struck when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, leading to the band’s dissolution.
​
Now, after years of recovery and reflection, Fallstaf has reunited, reignited, and reimagined their sound. “Ode to The Dead” is a powerful, autobiographical journey through survival, grief, and rebirth. Produced once again by Jardine, the album features seven new tracks that blend sludge, thrash, and hardcore influences with melodic hooks and brass-driven chaos.
​
​“This album wasn’t made to impress; it was made out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” says the band.
​
The first single and title track is a tribute to the deceased.

“They are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts; that is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song,” adds the band.

Watch the lyric video for “Ode To The Dead” and experience the rebirth of one of Montreal’s most original metal acts.

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/GM4EPsLnMlE

​
​
​Fallstaf’s live shows remain unforgettable: suits and ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg. “People think we’re a ska band—until the first chord hits,” they laugh. Stay tuned. Fallstaf will be kicking ass live soon!
​
​“Ode to the Dead” will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 14th, 2025, along with an exclusive interactive collectible coffin USB drive.

Album pre-order – https://fallstaf.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​
1. Sunless Friday – 2:57
2. Ode to the Dead – 3:27
3. Battered Soul – 3:40
4. Kings of the West Side – 3:31
5. Under the Same Sky – 3:31
6. Bastard Son – 3:45
7. The Burden – 4:41
Album length: 25:37

Album Credits:​
Songs performed by: FALLSTAF
Songs written by: Ian Lavoie/Kevin Jardine
Produced by: Kevin Jardine
Mixed by: Kevin Jardine
Mastered by: Kevin Jardine
Album artwork by: Ian Lavoie
MAPL – Canadian Content

BAND LINE UP:​
SIMM / Guitars
RICKK / Horns
IANN / Vocals
GOYY / Bass
MATT / Drums

More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal​

-30-

“Groovy mix of hardcore and other metal styles with an interesting addition in the trombone” Metal Underground (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“to every track of the album, giving their rather intense metal a rather nice jazzy touch. This allows Fallstaf to step outside the conventional paths to get closer to the masters of the genre like Diablo Swing Orchestra or the Norwegians from Shining” – Music Waves (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“These guys are a lot different than most bands out there and I really dig what they are doing. Check them out before they get really popular and there are tons of clones of them popping up everywhere “ – Beowolf Productions (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“Looking for a Different Sort of Metal? Try FALLSTAF » – A Journal Of Musical Things (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)​
​
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0 THE RETICENT’s Fifth Studio Album “please” Explores The Struggles of Mental Illness; Unveil Music Video For Single “The Concealment”

  • October 3, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · The Reticent

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 3, 2025

THE RETICENT’s Fifth Studio Album “please” Explores The Struggles of Mental Illness

Unveil Music Video For Single “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake)”

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

Photo Credit by Justin H. Reich

Generation Prog Records is proud to announce the release of “please,” the emotionally searing new album from progressive metal act The Reticent. Led by Grammy-nominated music educator and multi-instrumentalist Chris Hathcock, “please” is a concept album that plunges listeners into the harrowing realities of mental illness, suicide, and survival. The album will be available on November 13th, 2025.
​
The first single, “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake),” is accompanied by a haunting music video that captures the anguish of hiding one’s suffering in plain sight.

“The Concealment could be thought of as the thesis statement of the new album. It tries to capture what it is to attempt to carry on with your life while struggling with the crushing weight of mental illness. At work, with family, at school, wherever, we have to don masks and pretend we are ‘just fine’ when inside we may wish to go to sleep and never wake up again. 1 in 4 adults will have a mental health crisis this year, and there are 1.5 million suicide attempts per year in this country. It’s all around us, yet most will not talk about it, most will not get help, and most will suffer in silence. We are not alone, yet we feel intensely lonely because of that disconnection. For me, I have to pretend to be someone else every day as a teacher – confident, smart, strong – whilst inside I often wish fervently for oblivion to end my near constant pain. When the despair and the grief and the hopelessness come, the isolation and hollowness of all things can rob life of any color. For those who know what it is like to live with these disorders, it is indeed lonely here,” says Hathcock.

Watch the music video premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

Featuring ten emotionally driven tracks, the album was written in just six months. Drums were recorded in a single day, all other instruments in two, but vocals took two weeks, leaving Hathcock with a laryngeal injury so severe he couldn’t speak for six weeks. During the filming of “The Concealment” video, Hathcock broke two toes, sprained three others, and tore his rotator cuff. He performed at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, Canada, just six days later, concealing his injuries behind the band’s emotionally intense stagecraft.
​
​“please” is also The Reticent‘s first album, engineered almost entirely by Hathcock at his Silent Muse Studio. Only the drums were tracked at The Basement Studios with longtime producer Jamie King (BTBAM, The Contortionist), who also took care of mixing and mastering for the record.
​
This fifth studio album includes subtle nods to clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison, with lyrical references to her books “Night Falls Fast” and “An Unquiet Mind,” and samples of her voice appearing in “Discharge.”
​
Hailed as “prog’s most emotionally gut-wrenching” band, The Reticent began as Hathcock’s solo outlet for personal trauma. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged progressive metal force, known for concept albums like “On The Eve Of A Goodbye” and “The Oubliette.” Joined by guitarist James Nelson (Nospūn) and bassist Paul McBride (Voraath), The Reticent delivers live performances that are more performance art than concert, intensely immersive and emotionally devastating.
​
The band has performed at prestigious festivals, including ProgPower USA, where Metal Injection called their set “one of the most heart-wrenching performances in ProgPower history.”
​
For those who seek truth in music, The Reticent offers a mirror to the soul and a plea for understanding.

Recommended for fans of Opeth, Cynic, The Contortionist, Wilderun, and Devin Townsend.

“please” will be available via Generation Prog Records on November 13, 2025. A sixth album is also complete, as it was recorded simultaneously with “please” and will follow for release in 2026.

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​

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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0 Canadian Death Metal HARVESTED Earworm Ferocious “Voices of the Void” Band Playthrough From New Album “Dysthymia” Out Now!

  • October 2, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Harvested · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 2, 2025

Canadian Death Metal HARVESTED Earworm Ferocious “Voices of the Void” Band Playthrough

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

Canadian death metal outfit Harvested has dropped a ferocious, earworming band playthrough video for “Voices of the Void,” a standout track from their latest full-length album, “Dysthymia.” The video showcases the band’s technical prowess, raw aggression, and unrelenting energy, hallmarks of a sound they describe as “Heavy, Brutal, Fast, Aggressive and Violent.”
​
Formed in 2019 as a creative outlet for members of other local projects, Harvested 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.
​
​“Voices of the Void” is a dynamic track that blends chaotic tempo shifts with crushing grooves, embodying the band’s signature fusion of old-school death metal and deathcore. Lyrically, it delves into themes of dissociation and psychological turmoil, part of the album’s overarching exploration of mental illness.
​
​“This album is the evolution of our sound. We’ve taken influences from technical death metal giants like The Zenith Passage and Cattle Decapitation, but stayed true to our roots. Dysthymia is a level-up in every way—production, songwriting, and performance,” says guitarist Mitchi Dimitriadis.
​
The playthrough video offers fans an intimate look at the band’s musicianship, with each member delivering a tight, high-speed performance that reflects their commitment to precision and intensity.

“We pride ourselves on being athletes with our instruments. It’s not just about brutality, it’s about groove, cohesion, and constantly challenging ourselves,” adds Dimitriadis.
​
​“Voices of the Void” is one of nine tracks on “Dysthymia,” each confronting different facets of psychological distress, from cult mentality and shadow selves to global political psychosis. The album’s artwork, a psychedelic depiction of mental chaos, complements its lyrical depth and sonic ferocity.
​
With “Dysthymia” now unleashed and the band’s live shows gaining momentum, Harvested is poised to make a lasting impact on the Canadian metal scene.
​
Prepare for a heavy, aggressive, and unforgettable ride with the full playthrough for “Voices of the Void” via its premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

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​

– 30 –

“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 MERFOLK (One Man Band From Patrick Loisel of AUGURY) Unleashes Video “Sundaland” – A Psychedelic Metal Odyssey Rooted in Myth, Madness, and Mastery

  • October 2, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · MERFOLK · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 2, 2025

MERFOLK (One Man Band From Patrick Loisel of AUGURY) Unleashes Video “Sundaland”

A Psychedelic Metal Odyssey Rooted in Myth, Madness, and Mastery

Solo artist builds puppets, plays every instrument, and dives into the abyss, literally!

The mysterious solo endeavor known as Merfolk resurfaces with “Sundaland,” a boundary-pushing album that fuses emotional intensity with mythic storytelling and sonic experimentation. Spearheaded by Patrick Loisel of AUGURY, a multi-instrumentalist, Native-descended artist, and former physics teacher, Merfolk is far more than a band. It’s a singular vision brought to life by one mind and many hands. Every step of the creative process, from composing and crafting instruments to engineering the sound and directing the visuals, is handled entirely by Loisel himself. No session players. No pre-recorded crutches. Just pure, unfiltered artistry.

Merfolk channels the spirit of Emperor, Mayhem, Hollenthon, Mercyful Fate, and a trove of obscure ’70s experimental sounds, forging a unique blend of post-black metal, classical instrumentation, and narrative-rich, sociological lyricism. The songwriting draws from ancient migratory myths and uncanny architectural echoes across the Pacific, all filtered through the artist’s wildly eclectic life, one that began with a childhood literature award and later included the care of over 300 tarantulas.
​
The newest offering, “Sundaland,” is named after a submerged continent in Southeast Asia and explores the mythic aftermath of a prehistoric flood. From the haunting warnings of floating entrail-ghosts (Krasue) to the desperate offerings to misunderstood sea monsters, the album weaves a narrative that’s as unsettling as it is cinematic.
​
Musically, “Sundaland” is a leap from Merfolk’s earlier work “Demersal,” trading whistling and early synths for miked classical instruments, violin, cello, double bass, and piano, played by the artist himself. The fretless bass was custom-built, and electronic drums were introduced for a cleaner yet still furious sound. The result? A sound described in five words: eclectic, psychedelic, spooky, unusual, furious.
​
The album’s flagship single, “Castaways,” is a melancholic, ambient piece born from emotional turmoil. Its music video is a surreal spectacle of psychedelic practical effects, reminiscent of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Filmed in near-total darkness with handmade puppets and props, some collapsing mid-shoot, the video captures the eerie beauty of survivors scavenging sunken ruins and encountering a newly revealed civilization.
​
Watch the full visual experience in “Castaways”, where Merfolk’s DIY ethos and cinematic ambition collide via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.
​
Unveiled on May 26th, 2025, “Sundaland” by Merfolk transcends the boundaries of a traditional album; it’s a plunge into a myth-soaked realm where metal meets mysticism. This sonic excavation unearths ancient lore and raw emotional terrain, offering a listening experience that’s as intense as it is unpredictable. For those drawn to the arcane and the avant-garde, Sundaland is a must. And for the fearless few ready to descend deeper, the abyss awaits.
​
​“Sundaland” is available at https://artists.landr.com/990591564626​

Track Listing:​
1. The Plowing Sea – 3:04
2. Krasue Came Warning – 4:15
3. The Ghost Fleet – 6:59
4. Castaways – 6:05
5. Sundaland – 1:54
6. Time Warp – 2:49
7. MOUSEHUNT !!! – 4:22

Album Credits:​
All words, vocal, music, arrangements, and performances by Patrick Loisel
Keyboards, violins, cellos, and contrabasses recorded in Laval-Ouest in 2023
Drums, guitars, bass, and vocals recorded in St-Henri (Montréal,) summer/fall 2024.
Mixed by Patrick Loisel in St-Henri, January and February 2025.
Mastered by Alain Londero in Laval, March 2025.
Booklet by Patrick Loisel & Jean-Rémi Marceau
Guitar: Merfolk 2018 ( Mini RR V in walnut with EMG pickup)
Bass: Merfolk 2023: Fretless 5 strings in purpleheart with Bond pickup.

More info: https://www.melogy.ca/merfolk | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553443841461​

-30-

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0 STERILIZING THE DECEASED Confronts Inner Demons w/ New Video “Recovery” From EP “Nothing” Out Now!

  • October 2, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Sterilizing The Deceased

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 2, 2025

STERILIZING THE DECEASED Confronts Inner Demons w/ New Video “Recovery” From EP “Nothing” Out Now!

L- R – Alex Phillips – Bass, John Hruby – Lead Guitar, Angelo Vespucci – Vocalist, Matt Jarvis – Drums, Nikolas Adamczewski – Rhythm Guitar

Photo Credit – Paige Margulies

Melodic deathcore outfit Sterilizing The Deceased has dropped a gripping new music video for “Recovery,” the opening track from their emotionally charged EP “Nothing,” released August 1st. Known for their bone-crushing breakdowns and atmospheric aggression, the Cleveland-based band delivers a visual experience as raw and visceral as the music itself.
​
​“Recovery” dives deep into themes of personal reflection, addiction, and the struggle to find light in overwhelming darkness. The video mirrors the EP’s overarching narrative, a fictional/non-fictional journey through drug addiction and suicidal ideation, inspired by frontman Angelo Vespucci’s own battles. With imagery that evokes resistance, pain, and redemption, the video amplifies the track’s emotional weight and lyrical intensity.
​
​“This song is about wondering where things went wrong and why they had to change. It’s the beginning of a story that’s deeply personal to me, and I wanted the visuals to reflect that internal war,” says Vespucci.
​
The EP “Nothing” marks a turning point for Sterilizing The Deceased, showcasing a mature sound that blends melodic deathcore, progressive metalcore, and djent influences. Fans of Reflections, Chelsea Grin, and old-school Lorna Shore will find familiar sonic territory, but with a distinct emotional edge. From the chaotic descent of “Self Meditated” to the cathartic rebirth in “Awake,” the EP offers a full-circle listening experience that encourages introspection and connection.
​
Formed in 2014, Sterilizing The Deceased has carved out a reputation in the Midwest metal scene, sharing stages with heavyweights like Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, and Slaughter to Prevail. With members also active in projects like xEIGHTY-SIXEDx, Lie In Wait, and Terra Vista, the band brings a wealth of experience and collaborative firepower to every release.

Experience the beginning of a journey through pain, purgatory, and ultimately, awakening with the music video premiere of “Recovery” via Decibel Magazine HERE.​
​
Fans can expect more music in the coming year, with another EP or full-length already in the works.
​
​Sterilizing The Deceased‘s latest EP “Nothing” can be heard on all digital platforms.

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhdBBwjEYqN77KmhXIbJkO9TIF5ZxNmpO​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/4aTbT4KtSuLM2V2G1136Zt​

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

Track Listing:​
1. Recovery – 3:58
2. Self Meditated – 3:28
3. Nothing – 3:50
4. Unconscious – 2:15
5. Awake – 3:02
EP Length: 16:34

EP Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Sterilizing The Deceased
• All songs written by: Sterilizing The Deceased
• Produced by: Sterilizing The Deceased
• Mixed by: Sammy Morales
• Mastered by: Sammy Morales
• EP Artwork by: Caelan Stokkermans

Line-up:​
Angelo Vespucci – Vocals
John Hruby – Guitar
Nioklas Adamczewski – Guitar
Alex Phillips – Bass
Matt Jarvis – Drums

More info: Facebook.com/SterilizingTheDeceased | Instagram.com/sterilizingthedeceased​

-30-

“Sterilizing the Deceased know how to incorporate some vivid, resonating melodies into their deathcore structuring and it makes the listen more memorable for it.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Harrowing lyrical narratives are the stock in trade of Sterilizing The Deceased and “Awake” is no different, despite having a soaring guitar solo and leads that run throughout. The DJent fuelled groove of this one is neck snappingly good, a vision in blood and thunder that has been matched by the bands skull execution. If you need a new nightmare, this is it [8/10]” – Metal Noise

“This is some pretty solid Deathcore that’s straight up savage and brutal, it’s inspired by original Deathcore too and is comparable to Carnifex, Chelsea Grin and The Acadia Strain in points. If Deathcore is your thing, then I recommend in giving this one a spin.” – Drako’s Metal Reviews

“This album is powerful, passionate and uncompromisingly heavy. It is only five songs, a mere 16 minutes, and yet it hits with the force of runaway bus. In that brief amount of time Sterilizing the Deceased has managed to create a titan of an album. Ultimately in the end all I can do, is say this, I highly recommend “Nothing” by Sterilizing the Deceased and I suggest you get on your favorite streaming service and check it out right away.” – Rust Belt Rock Review

“Here’s a brand new single for the Deathcore fans out there. If you like bands like Chelsea Grin and I Declare War, chances are you may dig this. Sterilizing The Deceased is an up-and-coming band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. They’re known for bringing the heavy and that’s exactly what they do with this new single. It’s called “Forgotten” and it certainly packs a punch with the weight of its breakdowns and the delivery of some melodic riffs. Check it out and show the dudes some support if you dig it.” – The Circle Pit (2015)

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Opens Band Submissions – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play WACKEN OPEN AIR 2026

  • October 1, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 1, 2025

WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Opens Band Submissions

One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2026

One Band To Conquer Them All! After another successful year in 2025, to send one unsigned and independent American to play the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals, Wacken Open Air, Wacken Metal Battle USA announces submissions for the 2026 battle are now open as of October 1st until December 1st.

“I am beyond stoked to bring back the Wacken Metal Battle to the US. Every year we get invited to participate is an opportunity to grow. This year will be no different. We will be bringing back some cities that haven’t participated in a few years, and we will be adding at least one new city/state to the competition. Do you have what it takes to represent the US at Wacken? Sign up now!” – Eric Dow – Artist & Promoter Relations.

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

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

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g​

The 2026 WMBU champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

At the 2025 WMBU national finals held this past June at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ, Southern California and Arizona-based band ​MOURNING HIGH​ emerged as the seventh champion selected to represent the United States at the prestigious international showdown, Wacken Open Air, that took place from July 30th to August 2nd in Wacken, Germany, where over 185,000 attendees from around the world gathered.

Mourning High, crowned the West Coast Winner, competed alongside five other standout American bands: ​PRIME PROPHECY (New Jersey), ​WHAT’S WRONG (Pacific Northwest), ​PONTIFEX​ (Florida), ​FIREHAZE (East Coast), and BROKEN TIME (Texas). A panel of seasoned industry professionals, including Jeff Buttermark (FM Management), Shawn Quinn (Napalm Records/FM Management), and Rob Caggiano (formerly of Anthrax and Volbeat), ultimately selected Mourning High as the top U.S. act to perform at the International Wacken Battle.

Spotify – 2025 WMBU National Finalists Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5q7Or6tHAsWsAGg8zQSVgZ​

List of previous WMBU national winners: Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego), Fadrait (2023 – San Diego), Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego), Monarch (2019 – San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim), and Corpse Hoarder (2017 – Philadelphia).

For the last 7 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), Wacken Metal Battle USA 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 already sold out with a line-up that includes Def Leppard, Lamb Of God, In Flames, Powerwolf, Emperor, Sepultura, and Running Wild, among others. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA 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 the USA 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 American 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 30 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Links:​
​Metal-Battle.com​
​MetalBattleUSA.com​
​
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​.official​
​X.com/MetalBattleUSA​
​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa.official​

– 30 –

Sponsors / Partners:​
Fatal Illness Management
Bravewords.com
Metal-Rules.com
V13.net
GhostCultMag.com
MetalDevastationRadio
Come And Take It Productions
Brick By Brick
Distilled Entertainment
Piox Promotions
Tampa Bay Metal Scene
Last Light Presents
East Coast Metal Mayhem
Dean Guitars
Asher Media Relations

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0 BROCARDE Unveils “Feed My Soul” ft. KORN’s Ray Luzier – A Haunting Dive into Theatrical Horror Metal

  • October 1, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Brocarde · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 1, 2025

BROCARDE Unveils “Feed My Soul” ft. KORN’s Ray Luzier – A Haunting Dive into Theatrical Horror Metal

Known for her haunting vocals, theatrical visuals, and ghostly whispers, Brocarde returns with her next sonic séance, blurring the line between the living and the dead. A gothic siren of symphonic metal and supernatural storytelling, her most visceral offering yet, “Feed My Soul,” is a thunderous single featuring the legendary Ray Luzier of KORN on drums.

“I love Brocarde’s very unique vocal style and vibe. She has mass aggression to sweetness and everything in between in her voice! The very interesting song arrangements and theatrical segments make the whole package a dynamic, fun adventure to listen to. I see great things ahead for her!” says Ray Luzier.

The track was recorded remotely across three cities: Brocarde in London, Luzier in Nashville, and producer Chris Collier (Korn, Mick Mars, Whitesnake) in Las Vegas. Though the trio never met during the recording process, fate intervened at Wacken Open Air, where Brocarde bumped into Luzier in the canteen.

“Watching Ray perform with Korn side stage was a powerful reminder of what I’m fighting for. That’s the level I want to reach,” adds Brocarde.

The “Feed My Soul” music video was shot in a haunted hunting lodge deep within Germany’s Black Forest, ominously known as The Demon Hotel. The setting mirrors Brocarde’s signature theatrical horror aesthetic, equal parts Phantom of the Opera and Edgar Allan Poe nightmare. From hushed whispers to guttural screams, she commands every moment with chilling precision, layering her vocals like a spectral choir and saturating each frame with raw emotion. The walls, adorned with taxidermy heads frozen in terror, serve as eerie spectators to the song’s themes of toxic entanglement and psychological warfare. Ray Luzier’s thunderous drumming injects a primal pulse, anchoring Brocarde’s ethereal delivery in a maelstrom of cinematic intensity.

“Feed My Soul is more than a song; it’s a spiritual experience. I wrote it alone in the dark, channeling voices from beyond and emotions I couldn’t explain. It’s about craving connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. I want listeners to question everything they see as normal,” adds Brocarde.

The single offers a glimpse into Brocarde’s long-awaited debut album, set for release in 2026, a decade in the making. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect a musical journey that’s as emotionally raw as it is visually spellbinding.

Brocarde’s rise has been anything but ordinary. From marrying (and exorcising) a Victorian ghost named Edwardo, to conducting paranormal investigations at Download Festival and Wacken Open Air, she’s carved a niche as rock’s most fearless medium. Her column “Terrifying Travels” in The Daily Star chronicles her encounters with the dead, while her website Brocarde.com documents her haunted adventures around the globe.

With “Feed My Soul,” Brocarde invites fans to step into her world, a place where music, magic, and madness collide.

Music Video –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn74iRfivMo

​Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5fhv0p8TA2moaZztoFoFPE

​

More info:

​https://brocarde.com/​

​http://instagram.com/brocarde/​

​https://www.facebook.com/brocarde/​

​http://youtube.com/@thebrocardeshow​

​https://x.com/thebrocardeshow​

– 30 –

“Electrifying, creative new artist…powerful stuff!” – David Coverdale (Whitesnake)

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0 Rockshots Records – BERIEDIR Release Music Video for “As Tight As Phantoms Hold” Off New Album “Liminal Spaces”

  • October 1, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Beriedir (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 1, 2025

BERIEDIR Release Music Video for “As Tight As Phantoms Hold” Off New Album “Liminal Spaces”

Following the release of their album “Liminal Spaces,” Italian progressive metal act Beriedir unveil the official music video for “As Tight As Phantoms Hold”.

First introduced live in 2024, “As Tight As Phantoms Hold” quickly became one of the band’s most energetic and impactful songs to perform on stage. Musically, the track blends tight rhythms, ambient sections, electronic drum passages, and crushing breakdowns, embodying Beriedir’s ability to merge atmosphere with sheer intensity. Lyrically, it portrays the image of an anonymous guard stationed in a desolate outpost and condemned to fleeting encounters with nameless passersby, a metaphor for loneliness, transience, and betrayal.

“An isolated box, a guardhouse at the entrance of a parking lot. Cars come and go, strangers pass by, some of them wave. Nameless, every day, no one meant to stay. That’s what some of us feel like. A keeper of nothing, only meeting ghosts. The only connection afforded was that of a stab in the back.”

The band comments:

“This song stands out as one of the most energizing to bring on stage. We wanted to push variety in composition, mixing ambient layers, electronic touches, and breakdowns to create something that constantly shifts in intensity.”

The official video visually translates this restless duality, amplifying both the haunting isolation and explosive release at the heart of the track.

With “Liminal Spaces”, Beriedir continues their stylistic evolution, moving further from their power metal roots toward a darker and more progressive identity. The record explores trauma, nostalgia, longing, and emotional fragmentation, offering an immersive experience that resonates with anyone navigating moments of solitude and transition.

Now fully embracing a modern progressive and alternative metal aesthetic, Beriedir’s sound invites comparison to Pain of Salvation, Leprous, Katatonia, Gojira, Trivium, and Dark Tranquillity. Mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, “Liminal Spaces” combines sonic depth with lyrical weight, marking a bold new chapter in the band’s journey.

Watch the video for “As Tight As Phantoms Hold” – https://youtu.be/63Y4pOuhglw

​
​
​
​Listen to “Liminal Spaces“: https://open.spotify.com/album/2l106cYkaLYZVQHodDqJVA​
​Order the album: https://lnk.to/AR9Bpc​

Previous Videos:

Music Video – Neon – https://youtu.be/R5WalIheULc​

Music Video – Halo – https://youtu.be/vb-QwoHrU8c​

Music Video – Burnout – https://youtu.be/YXvhjCx_o6s​

Track Listing:
1. Halo
2. Neon
3. In The Corner Of My Eyes
4. As Tight As Phantoms Hold
5. F.I.V.E.
6. More Than Starlight
7. Burnout
8. Anemoia
9. Massive
10. In The Liminal Space

Line-up:​
Stefano Nüsperli: Vocals, Keyboards
Simone Bacchi Mottin: Guitars, Backing Vocals
Francesco Ideo: Guitars
Ciro Salvi: Drums
Daniele Cantaboni: Bass Guitar

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/BeriedirOfficial | https://www.instagram.com/beriedirofficial​

-30-

“Melodies accompanied by explosive rhythms” – Loud And Proud

“I am utterly convinced that Beriedir will begin to achieve a level of success that their obvious talent fully deserves.” – Man Of Much Metal

“Not only will Beriedir pull your face off, but they’ll do it at breakneck speed in 5/4 time. ‘Aqva’ is a fast-paced album, thrashing machine gun powered guitars do endless battle with the fanfare of keyboards which blast with all the fun of those Euro-pop power metal sound.” – The Metal Crypt

“Metaphysical lyrics […] Through the entire song I thought somehow that a whole orchestra is with the band, so these guys truly know how to play their instruments properly and make magic out of them.” – Abaddon Magazine

“The word “elegant” comes to mind to describe the atmosphere of this album. None of these songs is superfluous. The strength of this release lies in the coherence and articulation of the songs. This clever structure supports an emotional journey. It evokes gigantic waves crashing on your heads.” – Metal Express Radio

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0 Fantasy Meets Prog CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE “Carving a Dragon” Opens The Gates To Debut “Primordial Reverie” Out Nov 2025

  • September 30, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Cepheidae Variable · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 30, 2025

Fantasy Meets Prog CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE “Carving a Dragon” Opens The Gates To Debut Album “Primordial Reverie” Out Nov 2025

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

Cepheidae Variable, the one-man progressive metal project helmed by Kelowna, Canada, guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, has officially unveiled its debut single, “Carving a Dragon,” accompanied by a playthrough video. The track serves as the first glimpse into Cepheidae Variable’s upcoming debut full-length instrumental album, “Primordial Reverie,” set for release on November 7th, 2025.

Originally conceived as a personal exploration of musical growth, Cepheidae Variable evolved into a deeply emotional and ambitious endeavour following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis and the news of his own impending fatherhood.

“I stopped waiting around and created something I’d be proud of. This album became a reflection of emotional turbulence, hope, and transformation,” shares Koepke.

“Carving a Dragon” was the first track written for the album, and one of the most challenging. Inspired by Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Quest, the song symbolizes pouring one’s soul into creation and marks the beginning of Koepke’s journey as a solo recording artist. With its energetic, uplifting fantasy feel, it stands in contrast to the moodier, sci-fi-themed tracks that follow.

“There were many times during the writing process I considered scrapping this song. The result is something that has stuck with me and has a lot of meaning to not only myself, but also friends and family who supported me,” says Koepke.

The album itself is a genre-defying instrumental narrative, weaving through symphonic fantasy, sci-fi textures, and progressive complexity. Koepke describes the sound as “spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy,” and cites influences ranging from Dream Theater and Haken to Wintersun and Caligula’s Horse. Divided into three distinct acts, “Primordial Reverie” challenges listeners to experience the full arc of its story, with recurring motifs and evolving themes that reward repeat listens.

The album artwork, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes feelings of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery, mirroring the tonal shift that occurs midway through the album.

“I especially enjoyed this artwork because of the amount of interpretation it allows from the viewer. It was a heavy influence on the tonal shift this album undergoes.” Koepke notes.

With “Primordial Reverie,” Koepke aims to release a new album every 2–4 years, continuing to push the boundaries of solo composition and progressive storytelling. Though currently instrumental, Cepheidae Variable may evolve into a collaborative or vocal project in the future.

Recommended for listeners of Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse, “Carving a Dragon” can be heard and watched via its playthrough premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/50cqqMHKWKJl9ahcdXY5xD​

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​

Album Teaser – https://youtu.be/vsnRt_hK57k​

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/​

– 30 –

​
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0 LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL Opens Band Submissions For 2026 Line Up – Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands

  • September 30, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Loud As Hell Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 30, 2025

​LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL Opens Band Submissions For 2026 Line Up

July 31st – Aug 2nd – Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands – Drumheller, AB

Hashtags #LAHXIV, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2026

Set against the rugged backdrop of Alberta’s badlands, where sculpted sandstone, wind-carved hoodoos, and sweeping canyons dominate the landscape, Canada’s most decibel-breaking extreme music gathering, the Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, returns for its 14th edition in 2026. From July 31st to August 2nd, Drumheller’s Dinosaurs Down Stampede will erupt with the ferocity of rising Canadian and international metal acts, roaring through the heart of the nation’s largest dinosaur fossil beds.

Band submissions for the 2026 edition officially open on October 1st and will be accepted until October 31st. This is your band’s chance to join one of the loudest and most brutal festivals in Canada, where underground talent meets prehistoric fury.

Bands interested in performing can apply at the following link: https://loudashell.ca/​

Early Bird tickets go on sale December 1st, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to lock in the loudest weekend of the summer at a killer price. Get ready for prehistoric heaviness and decibel-shattering performances in one of Canada’s most surreal landscapes. Loud As Hell is coming… and it’s going to be louder than ever.

The 2025 edition of Loud As Hell delivered three relentless days of headbanging, moshing, and pure metal chaos, featuring over 40 bands from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. Acts like Revocation, Insurrection, First Fragment, Gorgatron, Filth, Opal in Sky, Judicator, Beguiler, Gore Pig, Spit On Your Grave, Hazzerd, Cyborg Octopus, and Thirteen Goats tore through the badlands with crushing performances. The festival even hosted a heavy metal wedding, adding a unique twist to the weekend’s sonic carnage (video).

LAH 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cu3CgEX8n2g2MQbADNJmg

​

​

Since launching in 2012, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival has cemented its place as a cornerstone of Canada’s extreme music scene, showcasing hundreds of bands from across the country and around the world, save for a brief pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the years, the festival has hosted heavyweights like Beyond Creation, Striker, Green Jelly, The Convalescence, Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Fit for An Autopsy, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, and many more, drawing metalheads from coast to coast for a weekend of sonic devastation.

In 2026, Loud As Hell returns for its 14th edition, presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. Renowned for delivering one of the most punishing lineups in Western Canada, the festival promises another unforgettable experience packed with crushing performances, freak shows, burlesque acts, clinics, vendors, and yes, dinosaurs. Loud As Hell isn’t just a festival. It’s a full-throttle celebration of metal mayhem.

More info:
​
LoudAsHell.ca​
​Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival​
X: @LoudAsHellFest
Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
​Social Media Hashtags #LAHXIV, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2026

Festival Press Materials – Posters, Band Links, EPKs, Photos – HERE.​

LAH Partners:​
WCMFA – Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance
Asher Media Relations
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Ghost Cult Magazine
This Day In Metal
Valley Brewing
Canalta Hotels
Neighbors’ Corner Pub
Prairie Fire Productions Ltd
CFUV 101.9 Thrash Can
Trash Talk with Nate Trash
Slimbztv
High Voltage TV
Through The Looking Glass Photography
PMC – Positive Mindset Creations
Heavy Metal A Way Of Life
QMR (Queen Metal Radio)

– 30 –

What the press is saying:

“Located an hour and a half east of Calgary is the town of Drumheller, Alberta. With a population in the neighborhood of 8000 and existing smack dab in the middle of Canada’s desert and dinosaur country, it’s not a place one would immediately associate with any sort of metal scene, let alone a big-ass outdoor metal fest. But that’s where you’d be wrong. Going into its 11th year, the Loud as Hell Festival is set to roll on August 4-6th with the likes of Narcotic Wasteland, Jungle Rot and Incite headlining three days of metallic fun featuring 40 or so bands, including The Convalescence, Gorgatron, Necronomicon, Untimely Demise, Eyes of Perdition and more.” – Decibel Magazine

“Western Canada’s loudest heavy metal festival brings fans to town more known for dinos than drum solos.” – CBC Calgary

“What’s more metal than the badlands? Drumheller, AB, is known for being the dinosaur capital of the world — but it’s also the home of the Loud as Hell festival, an event celebrating none other than the loudest music known to man (and, by proxy, prehistoric reptile).” – Exclaim!

“Loud as Hell – one of Canada’s top underground metal festivals – was a metal family reunion. If you walked around the grounds, where tents covered the landscape like flowers, you would experience concert goers laughing, hugging and just enjoying the moment. The music played non-stop and the people were some of the best you’ll meet. What else do you need? If you’re a metalhead fan, mark it down for next year because this is a concert you don’t want to miss.” – Blackfalds Life

“Headbanger alert: Loud As Hell festival to ramp up the volume” – Calgary Herald

“Nevermind the bug spray and sun tan lotion, as August approaches Drumheller residents should stock up on earplugs.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud As Hell returns to the southern Alberta city for its seventh year and as its name implies, will rock the city to its core.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud as Hell has celebrated eight years in the Badlands to date, with acts from all over the world-shattering the peace and quiet of the hills in a camping and music extravaganza.” – Hanna Herald

“Drumheller with its dinosaur bones is the site of the annual Loud as Hell heavy metal festival Friday through Sunday. Dozens of the heaviest bands known to Man will be taking the stage, many of them Canadian” – Gig City​
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