Category: Music News

0 Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA New Single “Chasing The Sun” From Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” Out Sept 2026

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· Aletheya (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2026

Italian Power Metal ALETHEYA New Single “Chasing The Sun” From Debut Album “Chance To Reborn” Out Sept 2026

Following the release of their debut single “Shame“, Italian melodic power metal band Aletheya unveil “Chasing The Sun“, the second single taken from their upcoming debut album “Chance To Reborn“, due out on September 18th, 2026.

Supported by an official music video, produced by Kinorama Studio, “Chasing The Sun” reflects Aletheya‘s own definition of power metal: speed, power, and melody brought together through dynamic songwriting and carefully crafted arrangements.

While “Shame” introduced the album’s darker and more introspective side, “Chasing The Sun” highlights its brighter counterpart. Built around driving rhythms, soaring melodies, powerful guitar work, and cinematic orchestral arrangements, the song demonstrates how those elements come together in a composition that prioritizes memorable songwriting over technical virtuosity alone.

Lyrically, “Chasing The Sun” explores resilience, determination, and the constant pursuit of hope even when the destination seems uncertain. Rather than offering escapism, the song reflects the band’s recurring focus on personal growth and inner strength, transforming moments of struggle into the motivation to move forward. It represents another chapter in “Chance To Reborn“, an album that explores change, self-awareness, and rebirth through songs inspired by real human experiences.

The official music video presents Aletheya in their natural environment: performing together with the same intensity and chemistry that shaped the album throughout its writing and recording process. Alternating energetic band performances with atmospheric lighting and dynamic editing, the video translates the song’s energy into a compelling visual performance while highlighting the musicianship at the core of Aletheya‘s sound.

Speaking about the new single, the band comments:

“For us, ‘Chasing The Sun‘ is our definition of power metal: speed, power and melody. Beyond the energy, it’s a song about refusing to surrender, continuing to move forward and searching for hope even during life’s most difficult moments. It’s one of the tracks that best defines who we are as a band.”

The line-up features musicians with extensive experience across the Italian and international metal scene, including David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Neurasty), Francesco Menale (Risen Crow, Last Prototype) and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept), bringing together technical expertise, songwriting depth and a clear artistic vision. Rounding out the line-up is bass player Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon). At the same time, the album also features acclaimed keyboard player Alessio Lucatti (Deathless Legacy, ex-Vision Divine), who performs additional keyboards throughout the entire record.

Recorded and produced by Stefano Morabito at 16th Cellar Studio, “Chance To Reborn” combines melodic power metal foundations with symphonic textures, progressive influences and contemporary production, creating a sound that balances the genre’s classic roots with a modern musical approach. With each new single, the album continues to reveal the different themes and musical directions explored throughout the record.

For fans of: Helloween, Gamma Ray, Angra, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica

Listen: https://lnk.to/s2ezTR
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfyahKs7_v4

Chance To Reborn will be released on September 18th, 2026, on Digital and CD digipak versions.

PRE-ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/aletheya-chance-to-reborn

ALETHEYA lineup:

David Folchitto: Drums
Francesco Menale: Guitars
Gianni Carcione: Vocals
Fabrizio Sclano: Bass

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/aletheya__official/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Aletheya/61578108544801/

BIOGRAPHY:

Aletheya is an Italian melodic power metal band formed by experienced musicians united by a shared artistic vision rooted in the legacy of classic heavy and power metal while embracing a contemporary and emotionally driven songwriting approach. Although “Chance To Reborn” represents the band’s debut full-length album, Aletheya brings together years of experience gained across the Italian and international metal scene.

The line-up features David Folchitto (Stormlord, Kaledon, Embryo, Fleshgod Apocalypse) on drums, Francesco Menale (Risen Crow) on guitars, and Gianni Carcione (A.T.T., Concept) on vocals, Fabrizio Sclano (Ivory Moon) on bass, combining technical expertise, compositional depth, and a strong artistic identity shaped through decades of musical activity.

Aletheya’s sound blends soaring melodies, powerful rhythmic structures, dynamic vocals and refined guitar work, balancing the grandeur of traditional European power metal with symphonic textures, neoclassical influences and progressive sensibilities. Deeply inspired by the German power metal tradition of the ’80s and ’90s, the band also draws from Scandinavian melodic metal, progressive metal and, at times, darker tonal shades connected to classic death metal influences. Their songwriting reflects a conscious effort to bridge the genre’s roots with a modern and personal artistic perspective.

Lyrically, Aletheya explores themes of resilience, rebellion, inner conflict, and personal awareness, transforming human struggles and emotional tension into songs driven by determination, introspection, and hope. Rather than relying exclusively on fantasy imagery, the band seeks to establish a deeper emotional connection with the listener through themes rooted in direct human experience.

Conceived as more than a simple collection of songs, “Chance To Reborn” represents both an arrival point and a new beginning for the band: the synthesis of past musical experiences and the foundation of a precise artistic identity aimed at bringing melodic power metal into a more contemporary and emotionally resonant dimension.

With their debut album, Aletheya position themselves as a new force within the modern melodic power metal landscape, combining experience, vision, and a profound respect for the genre’s past and future.

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0 MUTUAL TRAUMA Reveal New Single “Left Inside” In Lead Up To MOSH THE ROCK 2026 (Victoria, BC)

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Mutual Trauma

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2026

MUTUAL TRAUMA Reveal New Single “Left Inside” In Lead-Up To MOSH THE ROCK 2026 (Victoria, BC)

L-R – Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

Victoria, BC modern‑metal upstarts Mutual Trauma have unveiled their powerful new single “Left Inside” as momentum builds toward their upcoming appearance at MOSH THE ROCK 2026 featuring Anciients, Arrow in The Quiver, The Rising Fall, Squidhammer and more. The track marks the band’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet, showcasing their signature blend of crushing heaviness, soaring melody, and cyberpunk‑infused atmosphere.

Lyrically, “Left Inside” confronts the lingering effects of abuse and betrayal while emphasizing resilience and the refusal to be defined by past trauma.

“The song is about the lasting effects of abuse, but also about choosing to move forward instead of being consumed by the past,” says lead vocalist Brandon Reynolds, who wrote the lyrics.

Musically, the single represents a major leap forward in songwriting and production. Bassist Michael Gignac, who re‑imagined the track from its original form, describes it as “energetic despite the darker subject matter… a feeling of resilience and defiance.” The song features a head‑bang‑ready main riff, pummeling verses, melodic choruses delivered by drummer/clean vocalist Chris Heretic, and a climactic final section where screams, clean vocals, relentless drums, and fast chord strumming collide.

“It’s a massive step forward from our previous releases, and a standard we aim to uphold with future material,” adds rhythm guitarist Damian Donald,

Formed by former members of Reaver and Lucid Karma, Mutual Trauma blends metalcore, melodic death metal, djent, and electronic elements into a modern, emotionally driven sound influenced by Invent Animate, Soilwork, In Flames, Periphery, and Killswitch Engage. Their cyberpunk‑inspired aesthetic and high‑energy stage presence have quickly set them apart in the local scene.

“Left Inside” follows earlier singles “Dead Dreams” and “Die Alone,” expanding the band’s sonic palette and offering a preview of their upcoming EP currently in development.

“We put a lot of time and effort into this track, and I think it shows,” adds Gignac.

With MOSH THE ROCK 2026 on the horizon on August 9th in Victoria, BC, and new music underway, Mutual Trauma are poised to make a major impact within Canada’s modern metal landscape.

Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Counterparts, Knocked Loose, Polaris, and Soilwork, “Left Inside” can be heard at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d76eHk5LGUY

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/5yOk6vEtJAuiVPwaUko6oi

Band Lineup:
Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar
Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals
Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals
Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar
Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

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

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0 India’s SHIVERWOOD SHADE Releases New Video “Lost” From Debut Album “Escaping Darkness”

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shiverwood Shade

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2026

India’s SHIVERWOOD SHADE Releases New Video “Lost” From Debut Album “Escaping Darkness”

India’s rising cinematic‑metal force Shiverwood Shade has unveiled their video for “Lost,” one of the most emotionally charged and high‑tempo tracks from their debut album Escaping Darkness. The single captures the band’s signature fusion of heavy nu‑metal riffing, dark electronic textures, and atmospheric storytelling, an approach they describe as “a heavy, electronic collision designed to feel like a movie soundtrack for your darkest thoughts.”

Clocking in at 3:50, “Lost” is a high‑energy eruption of down‑tuned guitars, industrial electronics, and emotionally raw vocals. Lyrically, the track explores the disorienting feeling of losing one’s identity and direction, one of the central themes of Escaping Darkness.

“Lost” represents a pivotal moment in the album’s emotional arc, where confusion and inner conflict collide with the first spark of self‑realization,” adds the band.

Watch the video for “Lost” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFH7TF2XHac

Shiverwood Shade’s debut album is built around a journey through struggle, self‑discovery, and eventual liberation.

“We wanted listeners to experience this album from beginning to end, a journey through darkness, doubt, resilience, and ultimately hope,” says the band.

The record blends crushing riffs, atmospheric layers, cinematic electronics, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged performances. It reflects the band’s evolution from their early sci‑fi‑inspired progressive roots into a mature, layered, and deeply personal sound.

Formed in Gwalior, India, in 2013, Shiverwood Shade quickly gained recognition across India’s independent circuit, performing at major college festivals including Spring Fest at IIT Kharagpur. Originally inspired by science fiction and progressive metal, the band’s sound has since transformed into a hybrid of nu‑metal, post‑hardcore, industrial, synthwave, EDM, and cinematic metal.

The idea for the band began with a shared desire to bridge the gap between heavy rock and dark electronic music, two worlds often treated as separate. Their goal was to create a sound where down‑tuned guitars coexist seamlessly with industrial glitches, retro synthwave basslines, and EDM‑style drops.

In 2022, the band underwent a dramatic rebirth, relocating 1,500 kilometres to Kolkata and rebuilding their lineup from scratch. This geographical shift mirrors the emotional transformation behind “Escaping Darkness”.

Shiverwood Shade’s songwriting is fully collaborative. Songs typically begin with a riff, melody, atmosphere, or lyrical idea, then evolve through collective input. The band emphasizes emotional storytelling, structuring each track to reflect the message and psychological journey behind it. Their goal is to write honestly so listeners can find their own meaning within the songs.

“Every member contributes creatively. The strength of Shiverwood Shade comes from combining different perspectives into a unified vision,” adds the band.

Recommended for fans of Linkin Park, Bring Me the Horizon, Story of the Year, Breaking Benjamin, and Architects, Shiverwood Shade’s “Escaping Darkness” (released Dec 26, 2025) is available at the following links:

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/5Htt6Dl6p54M4bVfx2rUKl

Bandcamp – https://shiverwood.bandcamp.com/album/escaping-darkness-album

Track Listing:
1. Intro – 1:02
2. Pulling Away – 4:14
3. Facing Darkness – 3:53
4. Holding On – 3:37
5. Crawling Back – 3:54
6. Walking In Circles – 4:50
7. Alone – 3:12
8. Lost – 3:50
9. Haunted – 3:39
10. Divided By Hate – 4:06
11. Break Free – 3:21

Album Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

Live Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anirban Bhattacharya-Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

For more info:

https://www.shiverwoodshade.com/

https://www.facebook.com/swsprod20

https://www.instagram.com/shiverwoodshade/

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“Shiverwood Shade’s song “Pulling Away” begins with melancholy synths before the guitars explode with a powerful mix of punk and nu metal riffs. – Skylight Webzine

“Escaping Darkness: Shiverwood Shade on Chaos, Catharsis, and a Modern Nu‑Metal Pulse” – Wall Mag

“Exploring themes of inner struggle, resilience and transformation, Escaping Darkness balances aggressive riffs with melodic passages and atmospheric synth layers. Tracks such as Crawling Back and Holding On showcase the band’s signature mix of raw intensity and emotional depth”. – Rock Street Journal, India

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0 SHORES OF NULL Unveils First Single “Bleed to Life” From New Album “Homesick” Out October 2026

July 14, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 14, 2026

SHORES OF NULL Unveils First Single “Bleed to Life” From New Album “Homesick” Out October 2026

Album Out October 16th, 2026 via Dusktone

Album Guests – Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride)

Rome, Italy’s melodic death doom collective Shores of Null open a new chapter with the launch of “Bleed to Life,” the first single and music video taken from their forthcoming album “Homesick,” set for release October 16th, 2026 through label Dusktone.

The track marks the beginning of the band’s next era, one defined by sharpened songwriting, emotional depth, and the unmistakable blend of doom, gothic, blackened, and melodic death metal that has become their signature.

“Bleed to Life” stands among the most aggressive yet melodic compositions in the band’s catalogue. Davide Straccione (vocals) explains that the song’s core theme is the paradox of finding life through pain, an inversion of the familiar phrase bleed to death that instead celebrates growth through suffering.

The track’s shadows represent traumas, memories, and scars that cannot be outrun. Instead, the band embraces them, returning to those emotional spaces in search of understanding and acceptance. The result is a song that feels both punishing and uplifting, a defining statement for the album ahead.

The single arrives accompanied by a striking new music video, offering fans their first visual immersion into the world of “Homesick.” The imagery amplifies the song’s emotional tension, its collision of vulnerability, heaviness, and catharsis.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Bleed to Life” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s825Pn_EOLg

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/2xHwEaceWZAmKJDK0ANDhO?si=1878359078354a7e

Out October 16th, 2026 via Dusktone, “Homesick” represents the band’s most mature and focused work to date. Conceived as a complete listening experience, the album moves through longing, loss, anger, vulnerability, and the search for belonging. It captures Shores Of Null at their most confident and emotionally honest, balancing crushing moments with some of the most memorable melodies the band has written to date, enriched by guest appearances from Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) with her vocals on The Numbing Void and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride) on several tracks, including violin on Dreaming of a Scar and The Numbing Void.

“The record is an exploration of the deeply ambiguous nature of ‘home’, a place of comfort and identity, but also of pain, fear, and unresolved memory. It is probably the most honest representation of who Shores of Null are today. Behind this record lies a meticulous amount of writing, rewriting, and pre‑production work. At its core lies the idea of home as something deeply ambiguous: a place of comfort and belonging, but also of fear, pain, and memories we can never fully leave behind,” adds vocalist Davide Straccione.

“Homesick” marks a new milestone for Shores of Null as an immersive, emotionally charged work that expands their sonic universe to follow their acclaimed discography, which includes “Quiescence,” “Black Drapes for Tomorrow,” “Beyond the Shores,” “The Loss of Beauty,” and the 2025 split album with Convocation, “Latitudes of Sorrow”.

Recommended for fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, Katatonia, and Borknagar, “Homesick” will be available for pre-order (Vinyl, CD, Digital) in the coming weeks.

Track Listing:
1. Allies Before Defeat – 4:35
2. Two Mountains – 4:34
3. Bleed to Life – 4:09
4. Homesick – 5:31
5. Son of the Tide – 4:18
6. Dreaming of a Scar – 5:08
7. Society Is the Murderer – 4:30
8. The Numbing Void – 6:18
9. Another Breath – 3:52
10. Disappear – 4:33
Album Length: 47:32

For more info:

https://www.shoresofnull.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shoresofnull

https://www.instagram.com/shoresofnull

About:

Shores of Null are a Rome‑based metal band known for their seamless blend of blackened intensity, gothic‑doom melancholy, and soaring melodic depth. Since forming in 2013, they’ve built a reputation for immersive, emotionally charged songwriting across acclaimed releases like Quiescence, Black Drapes for Tomorrow, Beyond the Shores, and The Loss of Beauty, supported by major tours and festival appearances across Europe.

Following their 2025 split, Latitudes of Sorrow, the band now enters a new chapter with Homesick (Dusktone, 2026), their most mature and evocative work yet. Featuring guest contributions from Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride), the album explores nostalgia, absence, and the complex meaning of “home,” reaffirming Shores of Null as one of the leading forces in contemporary melodic death‑doom.

Album and Live Band Line-up:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

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0 ASHEN HORDE Reveals Lyric Video for Climatic Title Track “The Harvest” from Fifth Studio Album Out Now!

July 13, 2026
by Asher
· ASHEN HORDE · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 13, 2026

Album Download HERE (for media use only)

ASHEN HORDE Reveals Lyric Video for Climatic Title Track “The Harvest” from Fifth Studio Album Out Now!

L-R – Trevor Portz – Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals – Karl Chamberlain – Vocals – Robin Stone: Drums

Los Angeles extreme metal shapeshifters Ashen Horde have released the brand‑new lyric video for “The Harvest,” the crushing title track from their latest full‑length, now premiering via Heavy Blog Is Heavy. The video marks the fourth visual offering from the record, following the previously released singles “Entropy and Ecstasy,” “Voids in the Ash,” and “Apparition.”

While “The Harvest” is not a traditional concept album, the record is unified by a single overarching theme: endings. Each track explores a different facet of collapse, personal, societal, historical, or cosmic. The title track serves as the album’s climactic statement, tying together the record’s emotional and philosophical core.

Guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz explains:

“I knew I wanted a title track, but the lyrics didn’t come together until I found the cover art. The image of the two red skeletons inspired the idea of an entity watching humanity from the shadows, judging how awful and stupid we’ve become. When things reach the absolute end of hope, it emerges and devours everything. It’s really a metaphor for humanity’s bizarre tendency to destroy itself and the planet.”

Musically, “The Harvest” draws inspiration from Portz’s travels through Iceland’s surreal landscapes, black beaches, glaciers, and alien terrain, blended with subliminal nods to Demonaz’s March of the Norse. The result is one of Ashen Horde’s most atmospheric yet punishing compositions.

Catch the new lyric video for “The Harvest” and dive into the Anatomy Of feature, where Ashen Horde break down the influences behind the album, all now live at Heavy Blog is Heavy HERE.

Expanding their genre‑defying approach with their most dynamic and thematically unified work to date, “The Harvest” marks the band’s first full‑length with vocalist Karl Chamberlain, whose wide‑ranging performance pushes the group into new melodic and emotional territory.

Recorded entirely remotely, “The Harvest” represents the full evolution of Ashen Horde from a one‑man endeavor into a fully realized extreme‑metal force. While the band’s earlier albums centered on singular narratives, this record takes a different direction. As guitarist and founder Trevor Portz notes, it isn’t a traditional concept album, but its songs are tied together by a unifying theme: endings. Those endings appear in many forms: societal collapse, mythic destruction, personal downfall, and the natural cycle of decay, expressed through a sound that moves fluidly between black‑metal intensity, death‑metal weight, progressive twists, grunge‑tinged harmonies, and melodic introspection.

Across its eight tracks, the album moves from the slow‑rising, Pagan‑inspired “Autumnal” into the chaotic “Entropy and Ecstasy,” the genre‑blending critique of “Backward Momentum,” and the moody Pompeii narrative of “Voids in the Ash.” “Remnant” delivers a storm‑bound tragedy, while “A Place in the Rot” reflects on mortality through a Swamp Thing lens. “The Apparition” stands as the album’s heaviest and most harrowing moment before the record closes with “The Harvest,” a finale shaped by Iceland’s surreal landscapes and the album’s striking red‑skeleton artwork.

For over 10 years, Ashen Horde has crafted extreme metal that defies easy categorization. Rooted in black and death metal but unafraid to incorporate progressive, melodic, and alternative influences, the band appeals to fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Amorphis, Ihsahn, and other genre‑bending heavyweights.

Album order (release date May 1, 2026) available on limited splatter vinyl and CD (along with t-shirt bundles) on Bandcamp, as well as everywhere digitally – https://ashenhorde.bandcamp.com/album/the-harvest

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X2Yg7WkfOx0NCuX98FnTb

Music Video – Ecstasy and Entropy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zud62AXzvsw

Music Video – Voids in the Ash – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-tcwbsxNHg

Visualizer – Apparition – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4Doe6X8bZs

Track Listing:
1. Autumnal (6:12)
2. Entropy and Ecstasy (5:47)
3. Backward Momentum (5:21)
4. Voids in the Ash (5:41)
5. Remnant (4:37)
6. A Place in the Rot (4:38)
7. Apparition (4:57)
8. The Harvest (5:46)
Album Length: 43:03

Credits:
Mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios
Artwork by Venus Kohana (venuskohana.com)

Lineup:
Trevor Portz: Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals
Karl Chamberlain: Vocals
Robin Stone: Drums

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/AshenHorde/

https://www.instagram.com/ashenhorde

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“one of the more interesting and impressive albums I’ve come across this year.” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy

“Despite Ashen Horde exploring a new identity on The Harvest, plenty of earwatering fruit awaits a good reaping. As the band calls out in their promo materials, even though the central theme is about endings, The Harvest is a new beginning. I expect opinions will be split on the new direction, but Ashen Horde is a project that teems with ideas and new frontiers, and I’ll take that every time over a band that’s content to remake the same album over and over. Now go check out this week’s Harvest and sample its tasty Ashen Hordeuvres.” – Angry Metal Guy

“I’m really excited to see how Portz turned things around with his new protégés and took ASHEN HORDE to a completely different level. With the fifth full-fledged album (there were a whopping eight EPs in between!) the musician has now reached the provisional goal of his efforts and can pat himself on the back. Lovers of demanding extreme metal should definitely take a look at this record!” – PowerMetal.de

“Tracks like ‘Entropy and Ecstasy’ and ‘Apparition’ are personal highlights, but every song on here is as good as the last! The band are so insanely talented, both as musicians and songwriters, and have crafted something truly special here. They have a huge new fan in me, and I can’t give it any less than 8.5/10!” – Overtone Magazine

“Although its lineup has undergone major changes, Ashen Horde is more powerful than ever, showcasing complex intensity and unwavering consistency on The Harvest! The band’s diverse influences are perfectly blended, and the album is a true delight. 95/100” – Acta Infernalis

“Ashen Horde’s fifth album, The Harvest, is a fantastic entry into that sound, forging its own identity along the way… The Harvest deserves the attention of any progressive extreme music fan.” – Invisible Oranges

“plenty of listeners will undoubtedly enjoy this, and the musical ability of this outfit is beyond question.” – Musika (2026 – The Harvest)

“One listen becomes two, which becomes three, and then four, and so on. Even though it might not seem like the most replayable record at first, you’ll be very surprised by just how addictive it is. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Ashen Horde are back and sounding stronger than ever.” – Games, Brrraaains and Headbanging Life

“If you are tired of the same old recycled riffs, “The Harvest” is the wake-up call you need. This album is a whirlwind of technical proficiency and genuine aggression that hits with a calculated force.” – Heavy Mewtal Darkness

“The Harvest is a top tier album you need in your life. Essential listening.” – Wonderbox Metal

“The harvest is coming! The new Ashen Horde album is a multi-faceted journey into every nook and cranny of extreme metal. “The Harvest” is challenging and quirky, but unlike a lot of other progressive/experimental releases, it never loses track of the key ingredient in music – good songwriting. All tracks are well-crafted and interesting in their own right, and the skillful instrumental performances are more like the icing on the cake and not the main focus. Highly recommended!” – Nik Sundin (Dark Tranquillity) (2026 – The Harvest)

“The song (Entropy and Ectasy) captures this dichotomy of collapse and exhilaration — of entropy and ecstasy — through a fast-spinning (and head-spinning) kaleidoscope of sound. The moods of the music change along the way, but even the relatively slower and more desolate passages include inventive and intriguing nuances. Karl Chamberlain’s remarkably multi-faceted voice is a perfect match for the remarkably multi-faceted nature of the music.” – No Clean Singing (2026 – The Harvest)

“The “progressive” descriptor supersedes all the other subgenres Ashen Horde dive into on their fifth full-length. Going a step further, the group’s home city is arguably more important than any other adjective. Los Angeles and its tendrils that connect to all manner of art and genre, to the point that it ignores the differences between styles, shaped Ashen Horde, as The Harvest is as true to any fundamental form as an Impossible Burger is to a beef patty. This comes as a relief, dismay to genre gatekeepers as it may be, because it frees Ashen Horde to explore tones, textures, and pitches that would otherwise be scrapped on a black or death metal album.” – Colin Dempsey – Invisible Oranges

““All the ingredients of a first‑class prog metal band are here: ambitious rhythmic patterns, sharp dynamics, wonderful technical ability on all instruments.” – Scream Blast Repeat

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0 Reminder – July 17-18 – ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2026 w/ RIVERS OF NIHIL, DYING FETUS, CYBORG OCTOPUS, INTO ETERNITY, FERVENCE, VINTERSEA and more!

July 13, 2026
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 13, 2026

Festival Assets – Photos, Posters, Set Times HERE (for media use only)

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Reminder – July 17-18 – ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2026

w/ RIVERS OF NIHIL, DYING FETUS, CYBORG OCTOPUS, INTO ETERNITY, FERVENCE, VINTERSEA and more!

Armstrong MetalFest kicks off this coming weekend, July 17–18, unleashing its most devastating 2026 lineup yet with co‑headliners Rivers of Nihil and Dying Fetus, joined by Cyborg Octopus, Into Eternity, Fervence, Vintersea, Lycanthro, Iron Kingdom, Odinfist, Art of Attrition, and many more.

Returning for its 16th year, Canada’s loudest and most extreme mountain moshpit erupts once again at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC, delivering two full days of moshing, headbanging, thrash wrestling, camping, and pure Okanagan chaos.

Festival passes are available at: https://www.armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets/

Festival Survival Guide – https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/festival/

AMF 2026 Promo Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5swgrnrVExs

Check out the festival Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0jvJmitxkamWl1FaGxcUmr

All ticket prices apply to full weekend passes and are subject to applicable taxes. Each weekend pass grants general admission and access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 17, 2026, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 18, 2026. Free camping is included.

Headlining opening night, Friday, July 17th, Reading, PA progressive/technical death metal juggernauts Rivers of Nihil bring their blend of crushing heaviness with atmospheric and experimental elements to the Okanagan. They’ve become one of the most forward‑thinking acts in modern extreme metal. Their breakthrough album, Where Owls Know My Name, charted on the Billboard 200, cementing their reputation for pushing genre boundaries. The band has released five studio albums, including their most recent self‑titled record, Rivers of Nihil (2025), which marks a new era with a refreshed lineup and an evolution of their sound.

Music Video – Water & Time – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZC2hfkdf2A

Joining them on opening night is San Francisco’s Cyborg Octopus, a genre‑bending force blending progressive metalcore with jazz, funk, electronic music, and experimental rock. Known for high‑energy performances and boundary‑pushing musicianship, they’ve become a standout act in the Bay Area metal scene. Their acclaimed releases Between the Light and Air (2022) and Bottom Feeder (2024) showcase their mix of technical precision, sci‑fi themes, and adventurous songwriting, making them one of the most exciting and eclectic bands in modern progressive metal.

Music Video – Defective Immediately – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fjrAfa5lVU

A highlight for Friday night is up-and-comers Fervence, a progressive metalcore band originally from Reno, NV, now based in Austin, TX. Their sound blends atmospheric ambience with heavy, emotionally charged intensity, drawing on influences like Deftones and Architects. After lineup changes and the addition of vocalist Stevie B, the band entered a new creative era, leading to their signing with Metal Blade Records in 2025. Their debut album, Ghost (2020), established their cinematic, immersive style, and they continue to build momentum through dynamic live performances and evolving songwriting. Fervence stand out for their mix of technical precision, lush soundscapes, and raw emotional weight.

Music Video – Age of Aquarius – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsBAkPwXIb0

Headlining Saturday, July 18th, and closing the night is legendary Dying Fetus, considered one of the most defining acts of American extreme metal. They bring decades of legacy, unmatched heaviness, and nine studio albums under their belt. Their performances are known for precision, intensity, and crowd‑moving power, making them a cornerstone act for any extreme‑metal‑focused event.

Visualizer – Into The Cesspool – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKcxI6qaZh8

Supporting day two of AMF is Into Eternity, the Canadian (Regina, SK) progressive/melodic death‑metal veterans whose nearly three‑decade career is defined by technical precision, soaring clean vocals, fierce growls, and dramatic, forward-driven songwriting. Currently, they are finishing their long‑awaited new studio album, their first with vocalist Stu Block (ex-Iced Earth) since his return to the band. Fans will feel the emotional intensity and a powerful blend of old‑school roots and modern, boundary‑pushing metal energy that this band projects to the masses.

Stream – Suicide Drone – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH4bB76VpUY

Also featured on day two of the festival is Vintersea, a band whose identity is shaped by the Pacific Northwest and a blend of extreme and atmospheric metal elements. They bring a distinctive mix of melodic death metal, blackened textures, post‑metal atmosphere, and intricate musicianship, rooted in their origins in Portland and Corvallis, Oregon.

Music Video – Become The Wave – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R9Rcat6GOM

Other standout attractions at this year’s AMF include a return from festival alumni and Vancouver heavy‑metal champions Iron Kingdom, performing in support of their upcoming sixth studio album “Shadows and Dust,” arriving in June. The Okanagan’s own Odinfist will mark their 20th anniversary with a special set featuring fan favourites from across their catalogue. Also on the bill are Nott, the Seattle‑based deathcore/sludge duo known for their bleak atmosphere and Alaska‑to‑Washington roots, and Edmonton’s genre‑defying force The Judge The Juror, whose sound blends elements of PsyDeathTechProg into something entirely their own.

Armstrong MetalFest 2026 Lineup:

Friday, July 17th
Rivers of Nihil (Reading, PA)
Cyborg Octopus (San Francisco, CA)
Fervence (Austin, TX)
Nott (Seattle, WA)
Iron Kingdom (Vancouver, BC)
Lycanthro (Ottawa, ON)
W.M.D. (Vancouver, BC)
Syryn (Calgary, AB)
Nameless King (Vancouver, BC
Frosthymn (Calgary, AB)
Die Another Day (Calgary, AB)
Pharm (Kelowna, BC)
Muscle Crowe (Kelowna, BC)
Shotgun Divine (Nelson, BC)
Skeksis (Vernon, BC)

Saturday, July 18th
Dying Fetus (Baltimore, MD)
Into Eternity (Regina, SK)
Vintersea (Portland, OR)
Odinfist (Okanagan, BC)
Wych (Calgary, AB)
Art of Attrition (Red Deer, AB)
The Judge The Juror (Edmonton, AB)
Brain Stem (Edmonton, AB)
Gregorious (Kamloops, BC)
Empalement (Victoria, BC)
Broken Crow (Kamloops, BC)
Daniel Martin & The Infamous (Edmonton, AB)
The Collapse (Kelowna, BC)

In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest will have the following on-site activities: Yeti Games, Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling.

Please Note: Camping – RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, a vehicle pass is not required.

For more info:
https://www.armstrongmetalfest.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/armstrongmetalfest/

https://www.instagram.com/armstrongmetalfest/

https://x.com/amfcanada

About:

Since its inception in 2009 (with a brief hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong MetalFest have championed hundreds of local bands while welcoming renowned international acts to the quiet town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Every year, metalheads from across Canada and the U.S. converge on the scenic Okanagan Valley for three days of camping and two days packed with heavy metal mayhem. Under the blazing summer sun, fans revel in live performances, wrestling spectacles, scavenger hunts, and reconnecting with their extended metal family.

Armstrong MetalFest has hosted legendary headliners such as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Warbringer, Fallujah, Striker, Beyond Creation, Born of Osiris, Havok, The Browning, Virvum, and rising stars from across North America and Europe. And when the final riff fades, the festival vanishes without a trace, leaving the landscape as untouched as it was before.

West Metal Entertainment, a non-profit society, not only produces Armstrong MetalFest annually but also supports the regional music scene by organizing performances at various venues, including all-ages shows, to inspire musical passion in both youth and adults.

Partners:
PABST BLUE RIBBON
WCMFA
Askews Foods
Rancho Vignola
Staggs Head
AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd
Shepherds Hardware
Sunbelt Rentals
E B Horseman and Son
Mastodon Equipment Repair
The Higher Path
Asher Media Relations
Monashees Outdoor Armstrong
ACE Containers
Bravewords
V13
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
Ghost Cult Magazine
This Day In Metal
Valstar Electric
Voets Coffee
Braze Magazine

What the press is saying:

“To close the night and the weekend, Born of Osiris delivered a high-octane headline set that tore the roof off. It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable weekend. When the last note rang out, it hit us — AMF 2025 was coming to a close. There’s always that bittersweet feeling as you start packing up. But that’s the beauty of this festival: it stays with you long after the amps cool down. Every year, Armstrong Metalfest brings together a community that truly loves heavy music. It’s not just about bands and beer — it’s about belonging. The friends you make, the moments you live, the memories that stick — they’re why we keep coming back. If you’ve never been to AMF, consider this your sign. It’s more than a music festival—it’s a metal rite of passage. Once you go, it gets into your blood. We’re already counting the days until the next one.” – Stan Schinners of Broken Neck Radio / Absolute Underground Magazine (Live Review AMF 2025)

“It’s one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music.” – Vancouver Sun

“Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan” – Global BC News

“What started out as a backyard gathering for Armstrong metalheads has turned into a beacon for metal fans of all kinds from across British Columbia and Alberta.” – Kelowna Now

“Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong… The 10th annual Armstrong Metal Fest is coming to the Okanagan this weekend. About 600 heavy metal music fans will be traveling from across North America to listen to local and international death, thrash and black metal bands…. The 10-year anniversary is special for the organizers, as this is the first year they are providing a scholarship to an Armstrong high school music student.” – CHBC – Global TV Okanagan

Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan… It’s a beautiful day to go inside and rock out to some heavy metal music. Twenty-seven metal bands have converged in the North Okanagan for the 12th annual Armstrong Metalfest — two days of moshing in Hassen Arena at the IPE Fairgrounds. Metal fans don’t just come for the music, organizers say. It’s more like a family reunion.” – CHBC – Global TV Okanagan.

“In the past, metalheads had to travel to Germany to experience the rush of a big festival, such as Wacken Open Air. But local headbangers decided to bring that feeling home with Armstrong Metalfest.” – Vernon Morning Star

“Go Big or Stay at Home: Armstrong has that welcoming feeling for a rock show.” – The Valley Voice

“To witness such a gathering of talent is an absolute privilege, and for that fact alone, I will certainly be returning to Armstrong Metal Fest.” – Beatroute BC

“This festival is now going to be my yearly must-go-to event and if you’re a metal head that hasn’t attended or a curious metal voyeur, do yourself a favour and check it out, you will not regret it.” – Abort Mag

“The Armstrong Metalfest is one such event and has grown from its initial, humble beginnings seven years ago to be a regular mainstay, with its south-central BC location making for a popular summertime destination for fans and bands alike.” – Decibel Mag

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun

“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

“From farm to stadium: Armstrong Metal Fest’s humble beginnings” – Info News

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 This Week – July 18th – DIEVENOIRE Ignites Rockfest 2026 w/ The Offspring, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless and more! + Drops New “IDGAF” Video

July 13, 2026
by Asher
· Dieve Noire · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 13, 2026

This Week – July 18th – DIEVENOIRE Ignites Rockfest 2026 w/ The Offspring, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless and more!

+ Drops New “IDGAF” Video

L-R – Aaron Esquitin – Drums, Lothar Keller – Lead Guitar, Lariyah Perrin – Vocals, Paul McBride – Bass, Josh Perrin – Rhythm Guitar

Photo by Darrelle Esquitin

DieveNoire storms into Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin this week, delivering their most high‑profile performance to date on July 18th. The melodic blues‑heavy rock band will bring their dynamic, theatrical stage show to a massive lineup featuring The Offspring, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless, Hollywood Undead, and more. Full festival details at https://rock-fest.com/.

Fans attending Rock Fest can expect far more than a recreation of the album. DieveNoire’s live show is high‑energy, theatrical, and emotionally charged, with Lariyah (Havron, Hessler, Khaotika) delivering vocals with more grit, harshness, and intensity than on the studio recordings. Each song becomes a full‑body experience on stage.

In addition to the band’s festival appearance, they have unveiled their boldest visual statement yet with the release of the new music video for “IDGAF,” a track from their debut concept album “The Story of a Gunslinger.”

“IDGAF” itself erupts from a moment of raw clarity, born out of insomnia, overwhelming stress, and a quiet morning lying in grass heavy with petrichor. As Lariyah reflected on humanity and the weight of her own history, the track emerged unfiltered and unapologetic, standing in stark contrast to the album’s western narrative and showcasing the band’s ability to shift from cinematic storytelling to deeply personal expression.

The song’s urgency is shaped by Lariyah’s lived intensity. After surviving a tragic tour accident that claimed three lives and left her clinically dead before being revived, she approaches every day with uncompromising authenticity. “This song is a display of a middle finger to the two‑faced, fake world. If you give me an apple, I’ll give you an orchard. Cut off my finger, and I’ll cut you off from my life. I’m Polish; I’m blunt. You’ll always know exactly what I think.”

Though separate from the gunslinger storyline, “IDGAF” can still be interpreted through the album’s lens, echoing the voice of the woman observing the gunslinger’s journey, surrendering to the realization that she may never be able to follow where he goes.

Watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaBKRsvsfP0

DieveNoire began as a solitary creative spark in Lariyah’s mind: simple beats, tribal textures, and haunting blues‑rock vocals. Over time, the project evolved into a full band featuring world‑touring musicians Josh Perrin (Akhlys, Havron), Lothar Keller (The Skull / Legions of Doom), drummer Aaron Esquitin, and recent addition Paul McBride (The Reticent). Their backgrounds in black metal, doom, progressive metal, and heavy rock helped shape DieveNoire into a melodic, blues‑driven heavy rock band known for emotional depth and dynamic arrangements.

Their debut album “The Story of a Gunslinger”, inspired by a vivid dream of the old Wild West, blends storytelling, grit, and a Southern Gothic atmosphere. Gothenburg producer Jakob Herrmann (Draconian, Thyrfing, Art Nation) further pushed the band toward heavier textures while preserving their blues‑rock soul.

Recommended for fans of Clutch, Dorothy, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Pretty Reckless, and Halestorm, “The Story of a Gunslinger” (released September 5, 2025) is available on all digital platforms.

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5AaQXA6NbVieLh8YBpo4vH

Bandcamp – https://dievenoire.bandcamp.com/album/the-story-of-a-gunslinger

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

Music Video – The Graveyard Song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1fJB5zDz3c

Show Dates:
7/16 – Chicago, IL – Live Wire Lounge
7/17 – Milwaukee, WI – Shank Hall
7/18 – Cadott, WI – Rock Fest

Track Listing:
1. Preacher – 3:36
2. To The Gallows – 3:43
3. Gunslinger in Black – 2:44
4. Streets of New Orleans – 5:04
5. The Graveyard Song – 4:04
6. Morning Star – 4:00
7. These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ – 3:48
8. Spell of White Oleander – 4:55
9. Throughout the Night – 3:28
10. IDGAF – 4:24
Album Length: 39:50

Album Band Line-up:
Lariyah Perrin – Vocals
Lothar Keller – Lead guitars
Josh Perrin – Rhythm guitars
Aaron Esquitin – Drums

Live Band Line-up:
Lariyah Perrin – Vocals
Lothar Keller – Lead Guitars
Josh Perrin – Rhythm Guitars
Aaron Esquitin – Drums
Paul McBride – Bass (joined the band fully after the album release)

More info:

https://dievenoire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/dievenoire

https://www.instagram.com/dievenoire

About: DieveNoire is a melodic blues‑heavy rock band blending storytelling, emotional depth, and dynamic musicianship. Formed by vocalist and songwriter Lariyah Perrin, the band evolved from a solo concept into a collaborative force featuring members of Akhlys, The Skull/Legions of Doom, The Reticent, and Havron. Their debut album, The Story of a Gunslinger, delivers a cinematic narrative rooted in dream‑born mythology, southern‑gothic atmosphere, and raw human emotion.

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“The nostalgic whistles, the storytelling approach of singer Lariyah Perrin, and the overall atmosphere of the song take the listener on a hypnotic journey. The song is the band’s third track before they drop their new album, which already seems like it will be a feast for the ears. Pushing the repeat button is the only way when the highly engaging, beautiful song ends.” – New Noise Magazine

“It may be true that Lariyah’s personal and dramatic story pushed her to see life from a somewhat different perspective. Her dark words, at times, attest to this. Through the darkness of West American history, is this some kind of introspection on her part? I will conclude by writing that this album is the result of a fusion of dark blues rock and Southern-gothic rock, carried by an expressive voice, powerful guitars, and a universe where the Wild West meets shadow and rebellion. For this album, 9/10 is essential.” – Rock Meeting

If DieveNoire should be recognised as anything, it should be as an unreckonable cultural force, wielding music as a conduit for their ethos, one that scratches beneath the superficial and strikes at the cerebral. Their latest seminal single, IDGAF, delivers an intimately candid rum-soaked vignette of a soul clawing for freedom through the rebellion of living authentically, sacrilegiously in the eyes of many, yet chasing redemption through defiant selfhood.” – A&R Factory (anrfactory.com)

“Hailing from Elgin, IL DieveNoire is a Dark Blues Rock Band that started from the vision and creation of Lariyah Perrin. Originally, this new endeavor was intended as a solo project. However, after the overwhelmingly positive reception of her debut single, “Gunslinger in Black,” Lariyah decided to form a full five-member, stage-ready band. Since a young age, Lariyah was exposed to none other than Johnny Cash, a key influence. Combining her Slavic roots, which are evident in her vocal style and songwriting with a newfound passion for blues and southern gothic rock, Lariyah began work on the band’s debut album, “The Story of a Gunslinger.”” WGN Channel 9 (Chicago)

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 SIEGE PERILOUS Unleashes Full Cinematic Album Experience Video for “Becoming The Dragon” ft. guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra), Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)

July 12, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Siege Perilous

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 12, 2026

SIEGE PERILOUS Unleashes Full Cinematic Album Experience Video for “Becoming The Dragon”

Album Guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)

Colorado power‑metal storytellers Siege Perilous have unveiled a full cinematic album experience for their debut full‑length, “Becoming The Dragon”. The feature‑length video presents the album as a unified epic, transforming its ten‑chapter narrative into a sweeping visual journey of prophecy, tragedy, destiny, and rebirth.

Now streaming via NWOTHM Full Albums Channel on YouTube, the cinematic experience blends fantasy imagery, atmospheric sequences, and dramatic pacing to mirror the emotional arc of the album’s protagonist, the Child of Prophecy, as he confronts fate, battles cosmic forces, and ultimately becomes the dragon.

Watch the full cinematic experience at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK8_jOho0hE

“Becoming The Dragon” is Siege Perilous’ debut full‑length album, released on March 27th, 2026, via Crunchtronic Records. The record is a story‑driven concept album that balances a grand narrative arc with powerful standalone tracks. Each chapter explores a different emotional and musical landscape, from Iron Maiden‑inspired gallops to dark desert heaviness, chant‑driven battle hymns, classic heavy‑metal fury, and symphonic balladry.

The album features two monumental guest performances woven into the cinematic experience with Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) as the dragon in “As the Dragon Falls,” delivering a pivotal warning that reshapes the hero’s destiny, and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) as the Mystic in “Echoes of Home,” guiding the protagonist toward transformation.

Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel reflects on the album’s creation:

“Creating a massive, sweeping power‑metal epic has been a dream since way before we started this band. Getting to sing alongside Fabio Lione, one of the voices that got me into metal as a teenager, is indescribable. And having Kristin Starkey ripping a power ballad with us is far beyond anything we could have hoped for.”

Formed in 2021 after a life‑changing Unleash the Archers concert in Denver, Siege Perilous was born from the shared storytelling roots of live‑action roleplay, cooperative world‑building, and a deep love of power metal. Founders Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums) soon recruited longtime collaborator Eric Fischer (bass) and, in 2024, welcomed guitarist Ryan Flanagan, completing the lineup.

Their music blends classic heavy‑metal influences from Manowar, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, and Sabaton with the symphonic grandeur of Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia. The result is a sound that is epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story‑driven.

Every Siege Perilous track is a chapter in a larger saga, drawing from myth, history, and fantasy: the Black Plague, the Rubicon, dragon‑slaying quests, and the emotional journeys of heroes shaped by destiny.

“Becoming the Dragon” is available on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:

CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl in Draconic Red) – https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/2ij7lZIEXDFMn4I65Slc87

Track Listing:
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

More info: http://www.siegemetal.com/

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Siege Perilous Unleashes a Dragon-Slaying Debut – Westword Denver

“The LARP-loving five-piece’s first LP is its most immersive work to date, introducing a protagonist who is destined to slay an oppressive cosmic dragon. Spoiler: He defeats the nemesis by the third track, “As The Dragon Falls,” featuring former Rhapsody of Fire frontman Fabio Lione. But it’s what follows that makes Becoming the Dragon such a mind-bending metal journey for the child of prophecy. Siege Perilous brought in operatic singer Kristin Starkey (Temperance and Twilight Force) for somber ballad “Echoes of Home.” Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, bassist Eric Fischer, drummer Mark Girard, and guitarists Scott Hancock and Ryan Flanagan rally the hordes on “Chieftain” and “Eschaton,” but Becoming the Dragon is best experienced in one shot.” – Westword Denver – The Best New Music Releases of March 2026

“Siege Perilous, a group with a ton of talent and potential, have the chops to be major players in the epic metal field. They need to get out of Colorado and head over to Europe!” 10/10 – Powerplay Magazine

“Denver, CO power-metal storytellers Siege Perilous launch their full-length Becoming the Dragon, which stands as a genre-defining concept album for the modern era.” – New Noise Magazine

“The debut album from this Colorado band is another fine example of just taking what makes power metal and epic heavy metal work and putting your own spin to it all.. with the excellent production and two awesome guest spots from Fabio Leone and Kristen Starky to give this just a little more cred and you having an album that is for anyone who enjoys the likes of Blind Guardian, Rapsidity, Krilloan, and Evermore. Excellent. Excellent music.” – Heavy Debriefings

“Becoming the Dragon is an excellent album in its own right, and it shows an up-and-coming band making great strides towards becoming a force to be reckoned with… a strong debut in its own right, and one I can easily recommend for fans of epic heavy metal and fantasy-themed power metal.” – My Global Mind Magazine

“With „Becoming The Dragon“ Siege Perilous follow in the big footsteps of bands like Avantasia, Iron Maiden and Blind Guardian. And the musicians do this extremely well. Great epic, sometimes bombastic sound, strong vocal direction and very good musicians make this debut extremely worth listening to.” – Keep On Rocking Mag

“This is epic Power Metal again, with driving drums and fast guitar solos.” – Metalheads Forever Mag

“The debut album from the epic, Colorado-based power metallers is a true journey from start to finish…. The band are insanely good songwriters, and for this to be a debut album makes it feel like we have some truly special things to come in the next few years! They’re ones to watch, for sure! However, for now, this is an excellent release for anyone into the genre even a little bit!” – Overtone Magazine

“For a debut, ‘Becoming The Dragon’ is a bold and confident statement… undeniably compelling, and a promising sign of greater things to come.” – Metal Rager 666

“Siege Perilous puts all the notes in the right places and has the chops to be a player in the epic power metal arena… and Becoming the Dragon offers a glimpse of this band’s potential.” – The Metal Crypt

“orchestral power metal with a fine story” – FFM-Rock

“With ‘Becoming The Dragon’, Siege Perilous proves that they are ready for the bigger stage. For fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, this is a must. This is power metal with heart, brains, and a sword in hand.” – Musika

“Becoming The Dragon is an ambitious work that combines epic heavy metal with orchestral elements. Siege Perilous show talent in songwriting and variety of arrangements… The mix of powerful vocals, triple guitar riffing and orchestral interjections makes the album interesting for fans of epic metal,” – MetalUnderground.at

““It’s certainly not a lack of ambition, this is a band that clearly sees itself as the natural successors to the true greats of fantasy-based power metal… Guest Fabio Lione… absolutely lays waste to all around him in the role of ‘The Dragon’ on As The Dragon Falls…. They deserve the highest praise for their commitment to the cause if nothing else.” – Sentinel Daily

“The 10 tracks keep you on the edge of your seat and even feature a collaboration with Fabio Lione, who deserves to be praised in every way… An album to enjoy!” – Nada Hay Bajo El Sol

““‘As the Dragon Falls’ is elevated to a completely different level…. The catchy melodies and gripping guitar work are among the highlights of the record…. With the melancholic dark ballad ‘Echoes of Home,’ the band proves their knack for atmospheric arrangements with depth… Kristin Starkey contributes female vocals that give the track a beautifully atmospheric dimension… The gripping, catchy anthem ‘Chieftan’ is another noteworthy and praiseworthy exception.” – Obliveon

“All the songs are catchy, well constructed and technically flawless” – Tempiduri

“Musically, this is a total love letter to the European masters. You can hear the DNA of Blind Guardian and Iron Maiden all over the place, especially in the way the guitars layer up. Having three guitarists isn’t just for show; they use that extra firepower to build some seriously big harmonies that actually stick in your brain… “Becoming The Dragon” is a damn strong start for a band that clearly lives and breathes this genre. They aren’t hiding their influences; they’re wearing them like a suit of armor and heading straight for the front lines.” – Heavy Metal Darkness

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Iceland’s Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Unleashes Debut Music Video “Svartigaldur”; The First Chapter of Forthcoming Album “Guðlaugar Saga”

July 10, 2026
by Asher
· Hrafnablót · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 10, 2026

Iceland’s Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Unleashes Debut Music Video “Svartigaldur”

The First Chapter of Forthcoming Album “Guðlaugar Saga” Due Out Fall 2026

Photo Credit – Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson

Reykjavík, Iceland’s sorcerous folk‑metal conjurers Hrafnablót (pronounced rahv-nah‑blote) have released their first official single, “Svartigaldur,” alongside an atmospheric music video. The track marks the opening strike from the band’s forthcoming debut album, “Guðlaugar Saga,” arriving in fall 2026.

A metallized Icelandic sea‑shanty rooted in ancient folk melody, “Svartigaldur” tells a pivotal moment in the album’s narrative. The kidnapping of Guðlaug, the record’s time‑travelling protagonist, is bound to the mast of a Viking longship after being mistaken for a witch. The song’s main riff, adapted from the Icelandic folk tune Að bíða þess sem búið er, anchors a storm of rowboat rhythms, black‑metal‑tinged chord work, and soaring clean‑vocal hooks.

The accompanying video, directed and edited by bassist Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson with creative direction by singer Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir, was filmed across Iceland’s unforgiving winter landscapes and captures the band’s ritualistic energy and the stark contrasts that define their sound. During the shoot, members endured temperatures as low as –15°C, relocating mid‑day from a wind‑blasted lighthouse in Selvogur to the sheltering woods of Þrastarskógur to complete the performance scenes.

“Svartigaldur was the last song we wrote for the album, and it came together at lightning speed. We’re extremely proud to finally release it as we invite every listener on this journey through the Icelandic settlement age along with us,” adds the band.

Hrafnablót’s debut full‑length is a fully realized Icelandic epic, both musically and lyrically. The album follows Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser. Across battles, celebrations, kidnapping, and existential crossroads, the record explores whether she will return to her mundane present or embrace a new destiny in the past.

Sonically, “Guðlaugar Saga” contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.

The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.

Formed in Reykjavík in fall 2024, Hrafnablót draws deeply from Icelandic magick, folklore, and the Sagas. Their sound blends heavy riffs, folk instrumentation, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, creating a distinct brand of sorcerous folk metal rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.

Since forming, the band has become a rising force in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival, where drummer Andri famously performed despite a severe back injury, lying flat until the moment he took the stage.

Their performances channel ritual intensity, dramatic storytelling, and strong visual elements, aiming to feel less like a concert and more like a magickal rite.

The single artwork for “Svartigaldur,” illustrated by Ana Nikitina with layout by guitarist Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir, depicts Guðlaug bound to the mast of a Viking longship. The frame features Icelandic magick staves used historically to ward against black magick, tying the visual world directly into the album’s themes.

Hrafnablót’s writing is highly collaborative. Bassist Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson often brings initial demos, which the band collectively reshapes during rehearsal, adding symphonic elements, vocal lines, and structural changes. Lyrics, primarily written by vocalist Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir and drummer Andri Pétur Dalmar with contributions from the rest of the band, draw heavily from Icelandic folklore, Skaldic poetry, and historical magick traditions.

The band’s influences span Cradle of Filth, Bathory, Iron Maiden, Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, and a wide spectrum of folk, gothic, and extreme metal.

With “Svartigaldur” now unveiled, Hrafnablót opens the gateway into their Saga, inviting listeners into a world of Icelandic myth, magick, and metal.

Watch and listen to “Svartigaldur” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDPpHb_Qf1s

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hrafnablt/svartigaldur

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

For more info:

https://hrafnablot.is/

https://www.facebook.com/hrafnablot/

https://www.instagram.com/hrafnablot

About:
Hrafnablót is a sorcerous folk metal band, formed in Iceland in the fall of 2024. Drawing from the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick, Sagas, and folklore, the band weaves together heavy riffs, folk influences, haunting melodies, and clean and harsh vocals. The outcome is a sound rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.

Since forming, Hrafnablót has built a strong presence in the live music scene in Iceland, performing at venues such as Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, and BIRD, as well as the Icelandic Sorcery Festival in 2025.

Hrafnablót’s live shows channel ritual intensity and pure metal energy, carried by meticulous Icelandic lyrics, storytelling, and a distinct sense of drama.

Hrafnablót is releasing their debut album, Guðlaugar Saga, in the fall of 2026.

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0 Streaming Now! Montreal Tech-Death VOLUBILIS’ Debut Sci-Fi Concept Album “Theasterion”

July 9, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Uncategorized · Volubilis

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 9, 2026

Streaming Now! Montreal Tech-Death VOLUBILIS’ Debut Sci-Fi Concept Album “Theasterion”

L-R – Shawn Hillman (Fretless bass) | Miguel Marcheterre-Pina (Guitar) | André Dubien (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Jade Weeles & Miguel Marcheterre-Pina

Montréal’s rising technical death metal force Volubilis will unveil its debut album, “Theasterion,” on July 10th, 2026. Before it officially drops, they have teamed up with Decibel Magazine to give listeners their first full immersion into the band’s ambitious sci‑fi concept record.

Listen to “Theasterion” in full via Decibel Magazine HERE.

Formed in 2020 by Afro‑Canadian multi‑instrumentalist and visual storyteller Miguel Marcheterre‑Pina, Volubilis has rapidly evolved from a pandemic‑era one‑man project into one of Canada’s most promising new progressive and technical death metal acts. Joined by André Dubien (vocals), Jacob Collins (drums), Alexis Rioux (guitar), and Shawn Hillman (fretless bass), the Montréal‑based quintet has built a reputation for colossal blast beats, intricate fretwork, monstrous vocals, and world‑class technical precision, all woven into a meticulously crafted narrative universe.

“Theasterion” marks the band’s first full‑length release and represents a major milestone not only for Volubilis, but for the growing visibility of Afro‑Canadian and BIPOC artists within extreme metal. The album blends high‑velocity musicianship with conceptual worldbuilding, telling a sweeping sci‑fi epic of human survival, political upheaval, and cosmic catastrophe.

“We believe this album will resonate strongly with listeners, both as a reflection of Québec’s rich technical death metal scene and as part of the broader Canadian and international metal community. Theasterion is intended to leave a legacy, one that inspires creatives to pursue their dreams through determination and hard work,” says Miguel.

Across six tracks, “Theasterion” follows humanity’s desperate attempt to survive after discovering a prophecy foretelling the supernova of the nearest star, Unukhalai. The narrative explores political division, mass exodus, alien landscapes, and the mysterious Homo Cumulus, an anthropoid species evolved beyond human comprehension. Each song serves as a chapter in the unfolding drama, with sequencing designed for uninterrupted, immersive listening.

Beyond music, “Theasterion” is part of a larger creative universe. Miguel, also an illustrator and writer, will expand the lore through a forthcoming comic book project developed during his upcoming residency at Casa na Ilha in Brazil.

Recommended for fans of Beyond Creation, Vale of Pnath, and Obscura to Ne Obliviscaris, “Theasterion” is available on all digital platforms on July 10, 2026.

Album pre-order / pre-save available at the following links:

Digital pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/volubilis1/theasterion

Bandcamp – https://volubilisband.bandcamp.com/album/theasterion

Lyric Video – Le Flamboiement Stellaire – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_DXs3fYcgw

Track Listing:
1. Le Flamboiement Stellaire (5:16)
2. Theasterion (6:30)
3. Homo Cumulus (5:48)
4. Ashes & Embers (4:50)
5. The Prism (4:01)
6. Unukhalai Supernova (6:24)
Total Album Length: 33min

Album Band Line-up:
Miguel Marcheterre-Pina – Rhythm, lead and acoustic guitars, composition, concept art, lyrics.
Shawn Hilman – Fretless Bass, Contrabass
André Dubien – Vocals, lyrics on songs 03 & 06.
Jacob Collins – Drums
Alexis Rioux – Guest solos on songs 01, 02, and 03.
Michelle Gao: Violin, viola on song 06

Live Band Line-up:
Miguel Marcheterre-Pina – Guitar, backing vocals
Shawn Hilman – Fretless Bass
André Dubien – Vocals
Jacob Collins – Drums
Alexis Rioux – Guitar

More info:

https://bio.site/volubilis

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093419962099

https://www.instagram.com/volubilisband/

About: Volubilis is a Montréal‑based technical death metal band founded in 2020 by multi‑instrumentalist Miguel Marcheterre‑Pina, originally conceived as a pandemic‑era solo project. It soon expanded into a full lineup featuring André Dubien, Jacob Collins, Alexis Rioux, and Shawn Hillman, quickly establishing itself as one of Canada’s most promising new extreme‑metal acts. After releasing their first single, “Ashes & Embers” in 2025, the band now returns with their ambitious conceptual debut album, “Theasterion.” Defined by colossal blast beats, monstrous vocals, and sweeping harmonies, their sound delivers a fresh and immersive take on progressive and technical metal. Rooted in a self‑created sci‑fi universe and driven by world‑class musicianship, Volubilis push extreme metal into bold new artistic territory.

Volubilis has received support from FACTOR and Concordia University’s FASA.

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“Volubilis is a solid techdeath band, and Miguel is one creative dude. The album cover, depicting the sacred Prism, was hand-drawn by the guy, and the concept and lyricism came directly from his brain. I love sci-fi more than the next guy, and I appreciate a solid concept record… all readers should surely spin it for the story.” – Metal Temple

“Canada and Tech Death go together like France and wine. Please meet Volubilis, the newest star on the Canadian Tech Death firmament. Their second single ‘Le Flamboiement Stellaire’ has got everything Candian Tech Death needs: blistering guitar leads, fretless bass, blast beats and, of course, a cosmic/sci-fi story. And it even has French lyrics, how cool is that? So keep your eyes peeled for the release of their debut album “Theasterion” on July 10th if you’re digging this Stellar Blaze!” – The Prog Space

“Whether the story connects with a listener or not, Volubilis give it there all to give legitimacy to the concept. Violin, viola and contrabass add gravitas to the excellent “Unukhalai Supernova,” which is also felt with the acoustic guitars during the finish to “Homo Cumulus.” The band pulls from all corners, from the flashy rage of Necrophagist to the orchestral waves of Fleshgod Apocalypse, for Theasterion.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“With just 6 songs and a runtime a bit over 30 minutes, this album flies by. There is plenty of variety, melody, and speed, keeping things interesting throughout. The clean vocals tease was almost a surprise, and I would have loved for it to be more prominent in the mix, as well as utilized a bit more frequently. Overall, this is an impressive debut, and I look forward to seeing more from Volubilis, which hopefully includes a live experience in the near future. You should check this one out!” – My Metal of the Day

“Canadian technical death metal is frequently held in high regard. For whatever reason, those cool Canadians often manage to sound distinct from the bulk of the competition and craft excellent songs with real passion. Volubilis is another relatively new technical death metal band that makes a strong impression with *Theasterion*. Fans of lightning-fast riffing, screaming solos, an octopus-like drummer who seemingly has more limbs than the average musician, and a bassist who explores every inch of the fretboard will find plenty to enjoy here.” – Musika
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