Category: Music News

0 ABHORIA Unveils New Single & Video “Ambition and Delusion” To Kick Off USA Southwest Tour w/ VELNIAS

October 16, 2026
by Asher
· Abhoria · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 16, 2026

ABHORIA Unveils New Single & Video “Ambition and Delusion” To Kick Off USA Southwest Tour w/ VELNIAS

Dystopian black‑metal stewards Abhoria return with “Ambition and Delusion,” a blistering new single and music video to kick off October USA Southwest tour with Colorado folk‑doom conjurers Velnias. The track offers the first glimpse into Abhoria’s forthcoming third album, slated for 2027 via Black Lion Records.

“Ambition and Delusion” expands Abhoria’s signature fusion of bleak black‑metal aggression and death‑metal intensity, while introducing a more progressive edge. The song surges from mid‑paced dissonance into tremolo‑picked chaos and full‑blast fury, punctuated by an unexpected steel‑guitar interlude performed by vocalist Ben Pitts, a rare flourish in black metal that sets the stage for the track’s soaring melodic solo.

Lyrically, the single explores the psyche of James Gordon Bennett, Jr., the eccentric publishing magnate infamous for scandalous behavior, reckless ambition, and the disastrous North Pole expedition he sponsored. Presented from Bennett’s own perspective, the song examines his desperate desire to transform public embarrassment into heroism, driven not by altruism, but by ego, entitlement, and delusion.

For the music video, Abhoria again collaborated with director Hunter Lamar of Digital Myle, who previously helmed the band’s 2024 visual for “The Well.” The new video blends intense performance footage with stylized vignettes of Bennett portrayed in the aesthetic of classic silent cinema, complete with title cards and era‑appropriate framing.

Guitarist/songwriter Trevor Portz cites inspiration from seeing He Who Gets Slapped (Lon Chaney) at Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, CA, noting that the silent‑film approach “captured the perfect atmosphere for Bennett’s fractured worldview.”

“Ambition and Delusion” was mixed by Herbrand Larsen at Conclave and Earshot Studios and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios.

Watch and listen to “Ambition and Delusion” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BLwlEFYPR0

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2i5u3qU3DpTgPFSU6Tqrw9

Abhoria will bring “Ambition and Delusion” to the stage as they join Velnias for a run of immersive, atmospheric, and emotionally heavy performances across the Southwest this October (dates listed below).

“We’re so excited to hit the road with our friends in Velnias! These will be the first shows in the Southwest, and we’re looking forward to debuting songs from our forthcoming album alongside older material. It promises to be an evening of extreme metal overindulgence!” adds Abhoria‘s Trevor Portz.

Tour Dates:
Oct 15 – Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
Oct 16 – Amarillo, TX – Rockwell Event Center
Oct 17 – Dallas, TX – Haltom Theater
Oct 18 – Austin, TX – The Lost Well
Oct 19 – Midland, TX – Cotton Flat Records
Oct 20 – El Paso, TX – Mona Bar
Oct 21 – Santa Fe, NM – Stom Box
Oct 22 – Cottonwood, AZ – Queen B’s Vinyl Café
Oct 23 – Tucson, AZ – Chicago Bar
Oct 24 – Los Angeles, CA – Knucklehead Hollywood

About Velnias:

Emerging from the Rocky Mountains of Nederland, Colorado, Velnias took shape in 2006 under the vision of Andrew Scherer and Petras Vaznelis. Their craft unfolds as a ritual expression of the paradox of existence, where the intimate spark of the microcosm meets the vast crucible of the macrocosm. Each performance carries a deep atmospheric pull, marked by meditative weight and a primordial, immersive presence that sets them apart from other extreme‑music acts.

Music Video – Rending of Dyadic Convolution – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=337mxMT831E

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3JdmbSa6xA2hOvl9YERRb7

More info:

Abhoria:
https://abhoria.com
https://www.instagram.com/abhoriametal
https://www.facebook.com/AbhoriaMetal
https://abhoria.bandcamp.com

Velnias:
https://velnias.band
https://www.facebook.com/VelniasCult
https://www.instagram.com/velnias.cult
https://velnias.bandcamp.com

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 DIRTY SHIRT Shares New Single “A Brighter Day” ft. Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson; New Album “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots” Arrives January 2027

October 16, 2026
by Asher
· Dirty Shirt · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 16, 2026

DIRTY SHIRT Shares New Single “A Brighter Day” ft. Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson; New Album “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots” Arrives January 2027

Romanian folkcore trailblazers Dirty Shirt proudly unveil their new single, “A Brighter Day,” the third release from their forthcoming album “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots”, due for digital release in January 2027. Following last year’s “FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)” and this March’s “Büntetö,” featuring Hungary’s Besh o droM, the new track offers another glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated record. Featuring legendary Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson on flute, “A Brighter Day” blends uplifting melodies with thought-provoking themes, highlighting Dirty Shirt’s continued musical evolution while maintaining the vibrant folk-metal energy that has earned them an international following.

“A Brighter Day” is a vibrant, high-energy song packed with infectious melodies, driving riffs, and powerful folk influences. The track balances an uplifting musical atmosphere with a deeper lyrical message, challenging listeners to take responsibility for their choices in an era of false promises, misinformation, and easy excuses. Enhanced by the warmth and innocence of a children’s choir, the song creates a compelling contrast between its feel-good energy and its confrontational call for personal accountability.

The collaboration with Ian Anderson adds another remarkable dimension to the track. His unmistakable flute performance seamlessly intertwines with Dirty Shirt‘s signature blend of modern metal, folk traditions, and world music influences, creating a unique meeting point between two distinct musical worlds.

Mihai Tivadar, Dirty Shirt composer, producer, and keyboardist, comments:

“Working with Ian Anderson was an honour and an incredible experience. After he agreed to join us as a guest, I sent him demos of five songs so he could choose whichever he liked best. He picked ‘A Brighter Day’, which was also the song I thought would suit him best. My only request was for him to play the main theme alongside the other acoustic instruments. Beyond that, he had complete freedom. The very next day, his flute tracks arrived, full of melodic ideas and solos, each one better than the last. We kept everything. There was no need to edit any of his parts; it all fitted perfectly. The result was exactly what I’d imagined: a blend of Dirty Shirt and that unmistakable Jethro Tull sound, with Ian’s unique approach to the flute. But he still managed to surprise me. I hadn’t expected the flute to work so well over the heavy riffs in the final section, which is the most aggressive part of the song. Having Ian leave his musical mark on one of our songs means a great deal to me. What impressed me just as much was how open and inventive he remains as a musician. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

For Dirty Shirt, “A Brighter Day” is designed to be both a celebration and a challenge. The band hopes listeners will turn up the volume, sing along, and leave inspired to make positive changes in their own lives.

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNh9sN01SD8

All digital platforms – https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband

The single serves as the gateway to “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots”, the first chapter of an ambitious two-part album project. Scheduled for digital release in January 2027, “Balkansylvania Vol. 1: Roots” explores the musical foundations and influences that have helped shape Dirty Shirt’s unmistakable sound. The complete physical edition will be released in 2028 alongside its companion record, “Balkansylvania Vol. 2: Routes,” bringing both chapters together as a definitive collection.

Adding further visual depth to the project, the stunning album artwork was created by acclaimed Romanian artist Costin Chioreanu, renowned for his work with Ghost, Jethro Tull, Arch Enemy, Opeth, Paradise Lost, At The Gates, Lacuna Coil, and many other internationally celebrated acts.

Following the single’s release, Dirty Shirt will bring their explosive live show to audiences across Europe as part of the “Balkansylvania Tour 2027” (dates listed below).

Balkansylvania Tour 2027:
26.12.2026 – Mos Craciun e Rocker – Baia Mare (RO)
27.12.2026 – Mos Craciun e Rocker – Baia Mare (RO)
22.01.2027 – Form Space – Cluj-Napoca (RO)
23.01.2027 – Republic Hub – Targu Mures (RO)
05.02.2027 – MMC – Bratislava (SK)
06.02.2027 – Urban Spot – Banská Bystrica (SK)
19.02.2027 – Quantic – Bucuresti (RO)
20.02.2027 – Rockstadt – Brasov (RO)
17.03.2027 – Snow Fest – Val Thorens (FR)
21.03.2027 – Snow Fest – Deux Alpes (FR)
17.04.2027 – Oldies Pub – Sibiu (RO)
18.04.2027 – Out Events – Oradea (RO)
15.05.2027 – New Cross Inn – London (UK)
25.06.2027 – Brande-Hörnerkirchen – Hörnerfest (D)
29-31.07.2027 – Czaplinek-Broczyno – Pol’and’Rock (PL)
15.10.2027 – B90 – Gdańsk (PL)
16.10.2027 – Słowianin – Szczecin (PL)
More TBA

For more info and tickets: https://dirty-shirt.com/

About Dirty Shirt:
For over 30 years, Dirty Shirt has stood as one of Eastern Europe’s most original and successful rock/metal acts. Formed in the mid‑90s as a wedding band, they evolved into a genre‑blending powerhouse, fusing modern heavy music with the vibrant energy of Eastern European traditional sounds. Their explosive live shows and innovative approach have taken them to major festivals across Europe, including Hellfest, Wacken Open Air, Pol’and’Rock, Electric Castle, and more, and earned praise from outlets such as Metal Hammer, Rock Hard, Metalsucks, and Hard Rock Mag. Dirty Shirt has performed over 600 shows in 17 countries and shared stages with Megadeth, Godsmack, Gogol Bordello, Skindred, and Orphaned Land.

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“Long time readers will know by now that I am partial to the weirder side of heavy music. Dirty Shirt certainly has my attention this week. They’re like a mix of 6:33, Russkaja, and Turisas. This is bombastic, fun metal with Romanian folk mixed in. ” – Metal Injection

“Dirty Shirt, Your New Favorite Transylvanian Folk-Core Band ” – Metal Sucks

“DIRTY SHIRT only sound like DIRTY SHIRT.” – Metal Temple

“Is it catchy? Yes. Is it fun? Yes. Is it utterly mental? Yes. Highly recommended” – Metal Observer

” “…you’ve never heard anything quite like this before”” – Sonic Abuse

“This album is buoyant, blistering and bolshy; you certainly want to get your dose now!” 8/10 – Powerplay Magazine (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

“”Whoa! ‘Get Your Dose Now!’ is definitely not your average metal album. It’s simply something that you won’t hear anywhere else. Dirty Shirt is the real deal with extraordinarily talented musicians and a uniqueness that sets them apart from the crowd. If you’re in the market for some new music, this band offers something for everyone, from hardcore metal and thrash to tribal and traditional. It’s like your grandmother’s goulash recipe, a little of this and a little of that, with the end result being magical and inimitable.” – Uber Rock (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

“Dirty Shirt did a good job again and ‘Get Your Dose Now!’ is a very nice album to listen to and it deserves a listen.” – Folk-Metal.nl (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

“with DIRTY SHIRT you have joy in life and fun in music. They ignite a light in the currently dark world. A good mood is guaranteed. So get your dose today, now, get vaccinated against sadness and depression. before it’s too late. – Saitenkult (2022 – Get Your Dose Now!)

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0 Out Now! SHORES OF NULL Unleash New Album “Homesick” + Video “The Numbing Void” ft. Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair), Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride) + EU Tour Dates

October 16, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 16, 2026

Out Now! Melodic Death Doom SHORES OF NULL Unleash New Album “Homesick”

+ Video “The Numbing Void” ft. Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair), Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride)

+ EU Tour Dates

Shores of Null – Photo Credit – Francesco Esposito

Italy’s melodic death-doom masters Shores Of Null are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new full-length album, “Homesick,” available now as of October 16, 2026, via Dusktone. Accompanying the album’s arrival is the release of a brand-new video for “The Numbing Void,” one of the album’s most emotionally devastating and sonically expansive tracks.

Following the acclaimed “The Loss Of Beauty” (2023), extensive touring with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, and appearances at major festivals including Hellfest and 70000 Tons of Metal, Shores Of Null return with what may be their most mature, immersive, and emotionally resonant work yet.

Comprised of ten meticulously crafted songs, “Homesick” explores themes of nostalgia, loss, belonging, trauma, mortality, and the complicated relationship we have with the people, places, and memories that shape us. Produced by Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono, the album balances crushing heaviness with soaring melodies, blending the band’s signature mixture of doom metal, gothic melancholy, atmospheric darkness, and melodic death metal into a cohesive and deeply moving listening experience.

“Homesick 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, to the point that entire sections and arrangements were completely reworked whenever we felt the songs demanded it. 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. The album explores that tension between attraction and repulsion, nostalgia and trauma, asking what home really means when it can be both a sanctuary and a curse. Musically, it may be our heaviest record in places, but it also contains some of the strongest melodies we’ve ever written,” adds Davide Straccione (vocals).

The album features special guest appearances from Natalie Koskinen (Shape Of Despair) on “The Numbing Void” and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride), whose violin performances enrich several tracks with additional depth and melancholy.

To mark the album’s release, Shores Of Null have unveiled a new video for “The Numbing Void,” a standout composition that perfectly embodies the emotional depth and dynamic contrasts of “Homesick”.

The video features behind-the-scenes footage filmed during the album sessions, including appearances by special guests Natalie Koskinen (Shape Of Despair) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride), offering fans a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of the album’s most powerful tracks.

Musically, “The Numbing Void” ventures deep into death-doom territory while opening into sweeping melodic passages and haunting atmospheres. The song features guest vocals from Koskinen and evocative violin performances from MacGowan, creating one of the most immersive moments on the album.

“The Numbing Void features guest vocals by Natalie Koskinen of Shape Of Despair and, in many ways, feels like a spiritual successor to Beyond The Shores. Lyrically, it explores grief, mortality, and the helplessness that often follows the loss of someone close to us, along with the regret that so often comes with realizing there was never as much time as we thought there would be,” adds Straccione.

The collaboration further highlights the album’s emotional scope and the band’s commitment to expanding their sonic palette without losing sight of the melancholy heaviness that defines their sound.

“The Numbing Void” is out now, and this video is a little different from the others. It’s made of fragments of our life as a band over the past year: the long days in the studio, the time spent with Shaun MacGowan and Natalie Koskinen, the endless drives through the snow, the incredible places we’ve been lucky enough to see, the tours, the festivals, the crowds. It’s our way of summing up what making Homesick has meant to us, and we wanted to share it with you on the day the album comes out. Because, in the end, none of this would exist without the people who listen, who travel, who show up. We hope you like it. Thank you, truly,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to the video for “The Numbing Void” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06vGiJeYnOg

Formed in Rome in 2013, Shores Of Null was born from the longtime friendship between vocalist Davide Straccione and guitarist Gabriele Giaccari, whose shared admiration for gothic and doom metal took shape after years of touring together in separate bands. What began as an idea discussed on the road evolved into one of Italy’s most distinctive and emotionally resonant metal acts. Blending influences from Iron Maiden, Sentenced, Enslaved, Amorphis, and Insomnium with elements of doom, gothic, melodic death, and atmospheric metal, the band has steadily carved out a sound that is unmistakably their own.

“I think our evolution has been less about changing direction and more about refining and focusing our sound with every release. Today, I feel Shores Of Null has a much clearer voice than we did at the beginning. We are trying to express a sound that feels genuinely ours,” says Straccione.

Over the years, Shores Of Null has earned a reputation as one of the leading names in modern melodic death-doom, seamlessly fusing crushing heaviness, gothic melancholy, atmospheric textures, and deeply emotive songwriting. Since their formation, the band has released a succession of critically acclaimed records including “Quiescence”, “Black Drapes For Tomorrow”, “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying),” and “The Loss Of Beauty,” while building a devoted international following through extensive touring and acclaimed festival appearances across Europe and beyond.

With “Homesick”, Shores Of Null reach a new creative peak. Rich in atmosphere, melody, and emotional depth, the album stands as the band’s most refined and immersive work to date, further solidifying their place at the forefront of the melodic death-doom genre while continuing to push their artistic boundaries forward

Recommended for fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Swallow the Sun, Katatonia, and Borknagar, “Homesick” is available for pre-order (Vinyl, CD, Digital) at the following links:

https://www.dusktone.org/

https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/homesick

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/2yPEq9ayMc20XY1ntdweKs

Tour Dates:
15.10 • BG • Sofia, Joy Station w/ Swallow The Sun
16.10 • GR • Athens, Temple — RELEASE DAY headlining show
21.10 • RO • Bucharest, Quantic w/ Swallow The Sun
22.10 • RO • Cluj-Napoca, Machines
23.10 • RO • Timisoara, Nemesis Art Club
24.10 • HU • Budapest, Robo
25.10 • SI • Ljubljana, Menza Pri Koritu w/ Crawling Chaos
21.11 • IT • Trezzo Sull’Adda, Live Club w/ Messa
26.11 • DE • Düsseldorf, The Pitcher w/ Décembre Noir
27.11 • DE • Frankfurt, Elfer w/ Décembre Noir
28.11 • DE • Erfurt, Birth Of Death Festival w/ Décembre Noir
05.12 • MT • Zebbug, The Conjuring Fest w/ Ponte del Diavolo, Weeping Silence, Submasq
2027
19.02 • IT • Rome, Traffic Club – “Homesick” official release party – info
25.03 • NO • Oslo, Inferno Metal Festival w/ Kampfar, MGLA and more

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

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

For more info:

https://www.shoresofnull.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shoresofnull

https://www.instagram.com/shoresofnull

About:

Formed in Rome in 2013, Shores of Null emerged from a shared passion for gothic and doom music between longtime friends Davide Straccione (vocals) and Gabriele Giaccari (guitars), who had previously toured together in separate bands before laying the foundations for what would become Shores of Null. Rounded out by Raffaele Colace (guitars), Matteo Capozucca (bass) and Emiliano Cantiano (drums), the band has steadily built a reputation as one of Italy’s most distinctive metal acts through acclaimed releases including “Quiescence,” “Black Drapes For Tomorrow,” “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” and “The Loss Of Beauty.”

Known for combining blackened aggression, gothic melancholy, death-doom weight, and soaring melody, Shores of Null have shared stages with acts such as Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, while appearing at major festivals including Hellfest, Rock Imperium, and 70000 Tons of Metal.

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0 Canada’s BLOODSHOTEYE Honours 25 Years of Legacy with the Release of New Horror Short “The Slaughterhouse Romance”

October 16, 2026
by Asher
· Bloodshoteye · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 16, 2026

BLOODSHOTEYE Honours 25 Years of Legacy with the Release of New Horror Short “The Slaughterhouse Romance”

Bloodshoteye, one of Canada’s earliest female‑fronted deathcore acts, celebrates 25 years since their formation in 2001 with a special commemorative release honouring the band’s legacy. To mark the milestone, founder and guitarist Shane Ivy has unveiled a brand‑new short horror film scored by the track “The Slaughterhouse Romance,” a standout track from their final album “Expect the Unexpected” (CDN Records, 2010). The album was produced by Glenn Fricker (Spectre Sound Studio), mixed by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, The Plasmarifle), and mastered by Pierre Rémillard (Cryptopsy, Ion Dissonance, Misery Index).

Although Bloodshoteye disbanded in 2010, the passion behind the music never disappeared. As 2026 marks the band’s 25th anniversary, Shane reflects on Bloodshoteye’s journey with pride, now revisiting the albums as a fan rather than a musician chasing tours, deadlines, or benchmarks.

Reconnecting with the material inspired him to finally create the horror film he had envisioned more than a decade ago. With HI Multimedia, a Windsor‑based video production company, Ivy has been able to produce story‑driven video content; the moment was right to bring that long‑imagined concept to life.

This release is not a reunion; it is a tribute. A celebration of what Bloodshoteye built, what they contributed to Canadian extreme metal, and how their music continues to resonate long after the band’s final chapter.

“The Slaughterhouse Romance, from Expect the Unexpected, always sounded like a film score in my mind. With the band disbanding in 2010 before the album could be properly promoted, the track never received the spotlight it deserved. Now, 15 years later, it becomes the driving soundtrack to a new short horror film I created to celebrate Bloodshoteye’s legacy,” says Ivy.

In a nod to the band’s history, the film includes a subtle easter egg: the final scene mirrors the ending of Bloodshoteye’s first music video “Hitlist,” but this time features Shane and Jessica’s daughter, Saidi, in the iconic pose.

“The Slaughterhouse Romance” stands out as one of the band’s most cinematic tracks, brutal yet atmospheric, making it a perfect foundation for a horror film.

Watch and listen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da7mk62Z5wg

From Canada’s southernmost point, Leamington, Ontario, Bloodshoteye rose as a brutal, groove‑driven, female‑fronted deathcore force. The core rhythm section had already spent years sharpening their sound throughout the mid‑1990s under names like Once Dead and Capital Punishment, but the band truly solidified in 2002 when Jessica “jeSICKa” Desjardins joined. Her ferocious vocal presence gave Bloodshoteye a distinct identity in the early deathcore landscape and set the tone for everything that followed.

Across three albums, countless shows, and full Canadian tours supporting Dying Fetus, Cryptopsy, Misery Index, and Cannae, Bloodshoteye built a reputation for intensity, darkness, and uncompromising heaviness.

Their final album, “Expect the Unexpected”, stands as the band’s heaviest, darkest, and most refined work. It pushed Bloodshoteye deeper into death‑metal and horror‑inspired territory, delivering ripping solos, blast beats, and themes rooted in crime, hatred, death, and psychological decay.

Bloodshoteye’s evolution across their discography includes “Without Any Remorse” (2004, Galy Records), featuring guest vocals from D. Randall Blythe of Lamb of God; “An Unrelenting Assault” (2006, Galy Records), produced by J‑F Dagenais (Kataklysm), with guest vocals from Blythe and Alex Erian (Despised Icon); and “Expect the Unexpected” (2010, CDN Records), their fastest, darkest, and most polished release.

Their influences include Lamb of God, Despised Icon, Chimaira, Dying Fetus, and Skinless, all of which shaped a signature blend of death metal, metalcore, deathcore, and hardcore, forging an instantly recognizable sound.

Listen to “Expect The Unexpected” at the following links:

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

CD – https://cdnrecords.com/shop/bloodshoteye-expect-the-unexpected/

Track Listing:
1. Killing Time – 3:14
2. There Will Be Blood – 3:46
3. Better Off Dead – 2:56
4. Fill the Graves – 4:00
5. Critical Condition – 4:41
6. Just Another Casualty – 3:37
7. Colombian Necktie – 3:24
8. Prophet of Doom – 4:25
9. The Slaughterhouse Romance – 6:20
Total Album Length: 36:23

Album Band Lineup (Expect the Unexpected era):
Jessica Desjardins – Vocals
Shane Ivy – Guitars
Jamie Lembke – Guitars
Jer Candusso – Bass
Mike Wiebenga – Drums

Live / Later Lineup notes:
Later / last known included Jay Lesperance (bass). Past members include Mark Arruda (vocals), Will Davis (bass), Jeremy Dyck, Matt McGuire (drums).

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063556804614

https://www.instagram.com/bloodshoteye_25yrs

Discography:
2010 – Expect the Unexpected – Full-length album (CDN Records)
2006 – An Unrelenting Assault – Full-length album (Galy Records)
2004 – Without Any Remorse – Full-length album (Galy Records)
2002 / earlier – Demos (including early Bloodshot Eye / related project demos)

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0 Out Now! QUEMASANTOS Unleash New Album “Stranded In Hell”

October 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · QUEMASANTOS

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 15, 2026

Out Now! QUEMASANTOS Unleash New Album “Stranded In Hell”

QUEMASANTOS release their second full-length album, “Stranded In Hell,” released worldwide through Digmetalworld, with distribution by MVD Entertainment Group on October 9th, 2026. The eleven-song heavy/thrash metal concept album explores eleven different visions of Hell, united by an atmosphere of fear, temptation, isolation, and survival. Eleven guest guitarists from Chile, the United States, Brazil, and Colombia lend their voices to these musical chapters.

The songs are self-contained chapters connected by one central idea rather than a single storyline that must be heard in order. According to vocalist and lyricist Nelson “Sr. Díaz,” the different manifestations of Hell draw from dreams, literature, altered states of consciousness, religion, cinema, war, and cosmic horror. Each chapter leaves listeners room to interpret its imagery through their own experiences.

The album combines classic heavy and thrash metal with cinematic textures and contrasting influences. Its visual character emerged naturally from the collaboration between Díaz’s narrative approach and Ignacio Orellana’s background in video editing: Orellana often imagined scenes unfolding as he transformed the concepts into music, producing arrangements with the movement and atmosphere of a soundtrack.

For the first time on a Quemasantos full-length, Orellana built the musical foundations by recording the drums, bass and guitars himself, leaving the guest guitar solos to eleven international collaborators. Each guitarist recorded remotely and sent performances to New York under shared technical specifications, allowing Orellana to integrate them through a consistent production, mixing and mastering process at Oily Sound Studios. Díaz provided vocals, the concept and lyrics, except for “Burning the Black,” written by Orellana.

“Burning the Black” is the album’s most personal chapter. Written from Orellana’s experience accompanying his wife Ximena Muñoz through her illness and coping with her death, it brings a deeply human perspective to the record’s otherwise fictional visions of Hell. The song connects the album’s dark storytelling with the realities of loss, resilience, and creating music during an extraordinarily difficult period.

Quemasantos is a New York-based heavy/thrash metal project with Chilean roots, combining traditional metal songwriting with concept-driven narratives and international collaborations. Their second full-length album, Stranded In Hell, expands the band’s creative direction through an interconnected eleven-song story, with each composition contributing to a broader musical and lyrical journey.

Lyric Video: One Foot In Hell features guest guitarist Juancho Gómez of Masacre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03U1aPIF5Ls

Listen / Get the Album: https://quemasantos.bandcamp.com/album/stranded-in-hell

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/stranded-in-hell/6790892711

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/7aMz3hrYIo5dt2ES7PHsAq

Physical CD: MVD Shop: https://mvdshop.com/products/quemasantos-stranded-in-hell-cd

Digmetalworld Digipack: https://www.digmetalworld.com/product/stranded-in-hell-digipack

Track Listing:
1. One Foot In Hell (Juancho Gómez – Masacre, Colombia)
2. Burning The Black (Felipe Roa – Acaro, USA)
3. Succubus (Héctor Guzmán – Distraught, Chile)
4. Stalking Sharks (Marco Cusato, Chile)
5. Nameless (Joe Sims – Axemaster, USA)
6. Red Planet (Regisson Silva – Masterpiece, Brazil)
7. Vampire (Richard Pilnik, Chile)
8. The Oneironaut (Cristian Ira – Nimrod, Chile)
9. Under The Moonlight (Sebastián Osorio – Reigning, Chile)
10. Before The Law (Yanko Tolić – Massakre, Chile)
11. Lex Talionis (Enrique Zúñiga – Atomic Aggressor, Chile)

QUEMASANTOS

Ignacio Orellana — Drums, Bass, Music, Production, Mixing & Mastering
Nelson “Sr. Díaz” — Vocals & Lyrics

Guest Solo Guitarists

Juancho Gómez — Masacre
Felipe Roa — Acaro
Héctor Guzmán — Distraught
Marco Cusato
Joe Sims — Axemaster
Regisson Silva — Masterpiece
Richard Pilnik
Cristian Ira — Nimrod
Sebastián Osorio — Reigning
Yanko Tolić — Massakre
Enrique Zúñiga — Atomic Aggressor

Vocals were recorded at Estudios Ultrasónico with Arturo Contreras and Estudios Attic with Marco Cusato.

The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Ignacio Orellana at Oily Sound Studios in New York.

More info:

https://quemasantos.com

https://instagram.com/quemasantos1

https://www.facebook.com/quemasantos

https://x.com/quemasantos1

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0 NOVA SPEI Announces Quebec Tour Dates + New Video “Enterré Vivant” From Upcoming Album “Trinitas” Out Nov 2026

October 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Nova Spei (Bam&Co. Heavy)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 15, 2026

NOVA SPEI Announces Quebec Tour Dates + New Video “Enterré Vivant”

New Album “Trinitas” Out Nov 6th, 2026

L-R – Cédrick Charland (Lead Guitarist) | Julien De Carufel (Drums) | Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois (Vocal) | Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette (Bass, Vocal) | Dany Soucy (Founder, Rhythm Guitarist)

Photo Credit – Étienne Dionne (Mute Drummer)

In support of their forthcoming album “Trinitas,” due November 6, 2026, through Bam&Co-Heavy, Québec modern metal standouts NOVA SPEI will embark on a four-date album release tour across their home province. The trek launches in their hometown of Trois-Rivières and continues through La Baie, Quebec City, and Montreal, with support from Unless We Fight on all shows and additional performances from Insurrection, Matante Mutante, Unpunished, Burning Attic, Carry The Cross, and Castor on select dates.

Nova Spei ‘Trinitas’ Tour Dates:
Nov 6 – Le Nord-Ouest – Trois-Rivières, QC w/ Insurrection, Unless We Fight
Nov 7 – Paradox – La Baie, QC w/ Matante Mutante, Unless We Fight
Nov 13 – Source de la Martinière – Québec City, QC w/ Unpunished, Unless We Fight
Nov 14 – Foufounes Electriques – Montréal, QC – w/ Burning Attic, Unless We Fight
Dec 5 – Le Murdoch – Sherbrooke, QC – w/ Carry The Cross, Castor

NOVA SPEI is a Francophone modern metal band from Québec, known for their groovy, djenty, loud, modern, and unmistakable sound. Formed in 2012 by guitarist Dany Soucy (Legion, Dook), the band has evolved through multiple lineups while performing over 100 shows across Québec and Ontario.

Their debut self-titled album (2017) earned strong traction, with singles like “L’homme aux 1000 Sourires” spinning on RadioX 98.1FM, and tracks such as “Ma Muse” blasting through the Bell Centre during Montreal Canadiens games. Their second album “SEQUENTIS” was released in 2021 after pandemic delays, expanding their reach across the province.

In 2026, Nova Spei returns fully recharged with a new lineup that features Dany Soucy (Guitar), Nicolas Dumais (Bass), Julien De Carufel (Drums), Cédrick Charland (Lead Guitar), and Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois (Vocals).

The band is preparing to release their upcoming album “TRINITAS”, a record that embraces a more organic, raw, less sequenced approach while staying true to the band’s modern metal roots. Francis Perron (Voivod, Martyr) produced the album, and world‑renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Yes) mastered it.

They recently unleashed their latest single and video, “Enterré Vivant”, a groovy, djent‑driven assault. Built around a gripping, Fear‑Factory‑esque guitar groove, the track delivers a raw emotional punch, introducing fans to Nova Spei’s revitalized sound and the powerful arrival of vocalist Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois.

“Enterré Vivant” tells the story of someone trapped in a situation they refuse but cannot escape, an emotional metaphor inspired by watching someone close struggle with illness. What began as a personal reflection evolved into a visceral “buried alive” narrative, expressed through pounding rhythms, modern industrial textures, and a vocal performance that transforms the entire structure of the song.

The track was born from a single irresistible guitar riff crafted by Dany Soucy, whose groove set the tone for everything that followed. Lyrics were shaped collaboratively by Emmanuelle, Nicolas, and Dany, blending urgency, fear, and the will to survive. Fans will immediately feel the shift of the band’s rebirth with the introduction of female lead vocals, bringing new intensity and emotional depth to Nova Spei’s sound. The band is confident listeners will embrace this transformation and the renewed energy it brings to their music, marking a powerful new chapter in their evolution.

Recommended for fans of Gojira, Tesseract, Killswitch Engage, Spiritbox, and Architects, watch and listen to “Enterré Vivant”.

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJB1wzRomFg

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5eU0Cs7qNVxeaZHLDZR27i

Previous Singles:

Lyric video “Déraciné” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xn2xKYt0pc

Music video “Renaissance” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FagxvgWJTes

Track Listing:
1. Trinitas – 1:38
2. Renaissance – 2:37
3. M’entends-tu!? – 2:16
4. Déraciné – 4:07
5. Hypnose Collective – 3:23
6. Sentence – 3:39
7. Bourreau – 2:53
8. Résonance – 2:03
9. Enterré Vivant – 3:19
10. Aucun Regret – 4:15
11. Traitre – 3:40
12. Vautours – 3:38
13. Draps Blancs – 2:52
Album Length: 40:27

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Cédrick Charland – Lead Guitarist
Dany Soucy – Founder, Rhythm Guitarist
Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois – Vocals
Julien De Carufel – Drum
Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette – Bass, Vocals

For more info:

https://www.novaspei.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NovaSpei

https://www.instagram.com/novaspei

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“Une pièce qui a tout ce qui faut pour devenir un classique du métal québécois. Des phrases percutantes et pleine de sens sur une musique lourde à souhait.” – Ondes Chocs

“Nova Spei : Nouvel espoir sur la scène métallique au Québec” – Voir

“Bref un excellent album à se mettre sous la dent ou sous le sapin pour le temps des fêtes ! Supportez notre belle scène du Québec ! ” – Metal Universe (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

“so there they were, twelve times groovy metal in French – from Canada. “Sequentis” by NOVA SPEI offers many an entertaining song. A lot of it certainly ignites live in the mosh pit and causes the crowd to freak out because they know how to get their limbs moving with their riffs and fat grooves… an album that is fun and fans of the good old groove metal should like.” – Stormbringer (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

“”Along with a meticulous display of proficient musicianship, this entire album is not only a credit to its makers, but the multifaceted collection of influences that has firmly planted a seed deep within them over the years, and brings New Hope to both the listener and the band as you peel away the cellophane so to speak. As a result, this album won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep heads bouncing and feet tapping from sofa to stage.”” – Stargazer Music Magazine (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

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0 Feel The “Power of the Rift” From Cosmic Metal THE ASTRAL PROPHETS’ New Single Off Debut Album “Invasion” Out October 30th

October 15, 2026
by Asher
· Astral Prophets · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 15, 2026

Feel The “Power of the Rift” From Cosmic Metal THE ASTRAL PROPHETS

Debut Album “Invasion” Out October 30th

Top L-R: Kyle Summers (Drums) | Harley D’Orazio (Guitars/Vocals) | Terry Savage (Bass/Vocals)
Bottom L-R: Staci Allen (Lead Vocals) | AJ Bergin (Guitars/Vocals)
Photography Credit: Brad, YYC Visual Media

Calgary, AB’s sci-fi-powered groove metal force THE ASTRAL PROPHETS are back with their latest single, “Power of the Rift,” the newest offering from their upcoming full-length album “Invasion,” set for release on October 30th. Combining soaring melodies, massive riffs, cinematic synth layers, and infectious hooks, the track perfectly captures the band’s self-described “Power Groove” sound.

Emerging from the ashes of Calgary progressive folk metal veterans Scythia, The Astral Prophets were formed in 2019 by guitarist AJ Bergin, bassist Terry Savage, and drummer Celine Derval with a vision to create something heavier, more direct, and rooted in a sprawling sci-fi universe of alien invasions, advanced civilizations, and dystopian futures. Since then, the band has evolved into a powerhouse lineup featuring vocalist Staci Allen, drummer Kyle Summers, guitarists AJ Bergin and Harley D’Orazio, with Terry Savage continuing as the band’s chief songwriter and creative backbone.

“Power of the Rift” represents everything The Astral Prophets have become. Originally conceived during the pandemic lockdowns, the song began as an experiment in chord-driven songwriting before evolving into one of the most defining tracks on Invasion. Driven by an irresistible riff, towering melodies, and a wealth of atmospheric synths and sound effects, the track became the blueprint for the band’s signature “Power Groove” identity.

“‘Power of the Rift’ is the song that screams our made-up genre, ‘Power Groove.’ Epic, dancy, and powerful. It’s right there in the name,” says guitarist AJ Bergin.

While the music reaches toward the stars, the song’s lyrical themes balance the cosmic with the personal. Lead vocalist Staci Allen drew inspiration from cherished memories and feelings of joy and connection, creating a narrative that captures the sensation of “loving at the speed of light” amid the song’s intergalactic backdrop.

The single serves as the latest preview of “Invasion,” an ambitious eight-track concept-driven album filled with themes of anger, retribution, madness, love, and longing, all filtered through The Astral Prophets‘ rich sci-fi mythology. Musically, the album showcases the band’s growth from the groove-oriented foundations of their early singles and 2023 EP “Anywhere But Here” into a heavier, more layered, and more cinematic force featuring symphonic elements, dynamic arrangements, and relentless energy.

“We wanted to bring an album that improves upon our already unique style. During our EP, we started to dial in our sound, but now we are delivering an LP in our full form. We brought the music back to our heavier roots. The riffs are stronger. The leads are melodic and smooth. The drums are driving, and Staci’s singing is more ballsy. Every song is amazing in its own right, and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” adds Bergin.

Known for their high-energy live shows, synchronized stage performance, and undeniable enthusiasm on stage, The Astral Prophets continue to build momentum within Canada’s metal scene while carving out a distinct niche that blends groove metal, power metal, hard rock, and science-fiction storytelling into one unforgettable experience.

With “Power of the Rift,” The Astral Prophets deliver an epic blend of soaring melodies, massive riffs, and cosmic atmosphere, offering another glimpse into their upcoming full-length album, “Invasion,” out October 30th. Showcasing the band’s signature “Power Groove” sound, the track balances cinematic sci-fi energy with an infectious sense of momentum and melody.

Recommended for fans of Unleash The Archers, Grand Magus, Amaranthe, and Order of Chaos, listen to “Power of the Rift” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kihJDiIM7LU

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/1JxpYdCpDNW6vcihpHqcPb

Previous singles:

“Into Nothing” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPLxl6flAP8

“Invasion” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBXCUZVTrqQ

Show Dates:
Oct 30 – Calgary, AB – Festival Hall (Album Release Show) w/ Victoria Lies, Cabraakan, Kyle Pullan

Track Listing:
1. Target Locked – 4:24
2. Power of the Rift – 4:08
3. Invasion ft. Jeff Black – 4:06
4. Into Nothing – 4:46
5. A Trail of Broken Stars – 4:46
6. World Eater – 4:35
7. Hyperdrive – 4:47
8. Inside the Hyperdrive – 3:37

More info: https://hyperfollow.com/astralprophets

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“I love the band’s genuineness, honesty, and energy the most on the album… They DRIVE those riffs home, and the bass guitar clubs you every inch of that ride. Get ready for an ass-kicking.” 8/10 – Metal-Temple

“Invasion is the most direct thing the band have put out. Staci Allen’s vocals sit high and clean over a rhythm section — Kyle Summers on drums, Savage on bass — that keeps the track moving at a gallop rather than a stomp. Harley D’Orazio and Bergin stack the riffs thick enough to feel symphonic without reaching for an orchestra, and the dual solo is the obvious centrepiece: two guitarists who clearly enjoy being in the same room, neither of them interested in winning.” – See Rock Live Magazine

“The album cover is cool, but it doesn’t necessarily explain much. That leaves me with only one thing to do: hit play! And then… wow. It’s dynamic, powerful, almost danceable, yet undeniably Metal. Fast-paced and incredibly well executed. I’m completely hooked on the vocals. Okay, I hear the cosmic side of it now, and I absolutely love it. This album hits hard. Every time a song ends, I immediately want to hear the next one. Hyperspace, Mr. Spock! The Enterprise is ready for battle during this Invasion: retro lasers blazing and fists flying. Yes, it’s completely over the top, but it’s also incredibly good. We don’t give up. We’re going to push back the bad guys. I’m having an absolute blast with this album, and I’m making sure the neighbors enjoy it too. They’re obviously fans because they’re pounding on the ceiling with excitement! Wow, this is just too good. Let’s do it again. Press play one more time. I can’t even pick a single track as an example because I love them all. This album and this band were a genuine love-at-first-listen experience. A band that deserves to be discovered immediately and played without moderation. 5 picks. I simply can’t rate it any lower.” – WTR Mag

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0 Reminder: DECIMATE METALFEST 2027 Submissions Close Oct. 15th

October 14, 2026
by Asher
· Decimate MetalFest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 14, 2026

Reminder: DECIMATE METALFEST 2027 Submissions Close Oct. 15th

Alberta’s grassroots, all-ages heavy music festival

June 25 and 26, 2027: Bringing Heavy Music, Independent Arts, and Community Together in Alberta

The amps may have fallen silent after Decimate Metalfest 2026, but the spirit driving the festival is louder than ever. Planning is already underway for an even bigger and heavier Decimate Metalfest 2027.

Performer submissions for Decimate Metalfest 2027 close on October 15, 2026, marking the start of the search for the bands, artists, and creators who will help shape another unforgettable weekend of heavy music, art, connection, and community in Alberta. All applications must be submitted through the official Decimate Metalfest performer application form on the festival website. Submissions sent through any other channel will not be reviewed or considered.

Last year’s call for performers reached new heights, with Decimate Metalfest 2026 receiving applications from 15 countries, 8 Canadian provinces, and 25 U.S. states, showcasing the festival’s growing international reach. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next chapter. Submissions close October 15, 2026 (link below).

For festival founder Sloan Voxx, seeing DMF reach artists across borders is an incredible reminder of just how far this grassroots Alberta festival has come and how much the family surrounding it continues to grow. At the heart of it all are the experiences and memories created when everyone finally comes together.

“What started here in Alberta is reaching people thousands of kilometres away, and that’s pretty incredible to see! Every year we get to welcome back familiar faces while meeting people experiencing Decimate for the first time. Artists, attendees, volunteers, vendors, families, and crew all come together for the weekend. We watch people support each other, make new connections and friendships, share some ridiculous moments, and create memories that continue long after Decimate is over. We’re obviously here because we love heavy music, but Decimate has always been about family and community. Seeing familiar faces come back year after year, welcoming new ones into the family, and watching this community continue to grow is what makes all the work behind Decimate worth it. You can see the photos, watch the videos, and hear the stories, but there’s something about actually being there that you can’t really explain. You have to experience it for yourself,” says Voxx.

Heavy music is the heartbeat of Decimate Metalfest, with submissions encouraged from across the spectrum of metal, rock, punk, hardcore, alternative, and everything heavy in between. But DMF isn’t limited to bands. The festival also welcomes youth performers, solo artists, and other entertainers who have something they love to share, including drag performers, dancers, DJs, comedians, magicians, and more.

Local, national, and international performers are encouraged to apply!

Youth performers are especially encouraged to put their names forward. Giving young musicians a place to share what they love alongside established and touring artists has become one of the most rewarding parts of Decimate Metalfest.

“Some of my favourite moments are watching younger performers step onto that stage and absolutely own it,” says Voxx. “They get to share the same stage and be part of the same festival community as artists who have been doing this for years. You can see the nerves, the excitement, and then that moment where it clicks and they’re just up there doing what they love. There’s something pretty incredible about getting to witness that. They’re part of Decimate, just like everyone else,” adds Voxx.

With hundreds of applications received each year, every submission represents someone putting a piece of themselves out there. DMF wants to know the people and stories behind the music, not just what’s written in a bio.

“Tell us why we should book YOU! What makes you different? What do you bring to the stage? What have you been working toward? Why do you want to be part of Decimate? Most importantly, be yourself. Every artist brings something different to the Decimate stage, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. We want to see what makes you uniquely you. Show us who you are. Tell us your story. Let your personality come through. Whether it’s your sound, your live show, your story, or something completely unexpected, show us what makes your band or performance yours.”

And one particularly important piece of advice for applicants: SEND MUSIC AND LIVE PERFORMANCE LINKS!

“Yes, we have received submissions without them. We’re pretty good, but we haven’t unlocked the ability to hear your band telepathically just yet! We want to hear what you sound like, but we also want to see what happens when you step onto a stage. Show us your energy. Show us your connection with the crowd. Show us the moments when you forget about everything else and just get lost in what you’re doing. That’s what live music is all about.”

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Apply at https://www.decimatemetalfest.com/performer-submission
Submissions Open: September 15, 2026
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2026
Festival Dates: June 25 – 26, 2027
Location: Millet Agriplex Arena – Millet, Alberta, Canada
All performer applications will be reviewed by the DMF team following the October 15th deadline.

Decimate Metalfest has never been about simply putting bands on a stage. It’s about what happens around that stage, too.

Somewhere between the riffs, the pit, the laughter, and the chaos, there are moments when the music and the love behind this community seem to collide. The kind of moments that stop you in your tracks. A crowd singing together. An artist watching another artist from the floor. A kid seeing someone on stage and realizing that could be them one day. Friends finding each other in the pit. Strangers throwing their arms around one another. Sometimes, those moments hit hard enough to bring tears right there in the middle of the crowd. And DMF isn’t afraid to admit that. It’s loud. It’s heavy. It’s a little chaotic. There will be riffs, pits, sore necks, ridiculous stories, and probably a few things nobody will ever fully be able to explain. But underneath all of it, there’s a hell of a lot of heart.

“Decimate has grown, but I never want to lose sight of what made it special in the first place. We can grow the stage, the lineup and the crowd, but that heart has to stay. That’s Decimate, and that’s what we’re building again for 2027,” says Voxx.

As preparations for 2027 get underway, Decimate Metalfest is also welcoming conversations with businesses, organizations, and community partners interested in supporting the festival. From helping create opportunities for artists and youth performers to supporting the festival experience itself, partnerships play an important role in helping an independent, grassroots event like DMF continue to grow.

Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for Decimate Metalfest 2027.

Interested businesses and organizations can connect with the Decimate Metalfest team at www.decimatemetalfest.com/partnership.

For the latest updates, lineup announcements, and ticket purchases, visit the official Decimate Metalfest website. Follow us on social media to stay in the loop:

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

About Decimate Metalfest:

Decimate Metalfest is an independent, grassroots, all-ages heavy music and arts festival based in Alberta, Canada.

Built by members of the heavy music community, for the heavy music community, DMF brings together touring artists, underground and emerging bands, youth performers, independent creators, entertainers, families and fans.

At its core, Decimate is about giving people a place to share what they love, discover something new, support one another and experience heavy music together.

The woman-led festival continues to create opportunities for artists while building a space where longtime metalheads, young families and first-time festivalgoers can all feel like they belong.

Because Decimate isn’t just about who plays the stage.

It’s about every person who becomes part of the story.

Partners and Sponsors include:
The Town of Millet, Millet Agriplex, Millet Lions Memorial Campground, Leduc Brewing, Best Copy Shop, Asher Media Relations, Prairie Fire Productions Ltd., Absolute Underground Magazine, 387 Entertainment, Fire Lotus Creative, Rendezvous Pub, Queer YEG, Seeing Red Podcast, Pinecase Mental Health, Broken Neck Radio, Edmonton’s Alternative Music Magazine, Alberta Music, CJSW 90.9FM.

Decimate Metalfest is also a proud member of the Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance (WCMFA) and is honored to work alongside fellow independent festivals and music organizations that help strengthen the Canadian metal scene, including:
Loud As Hell Open Air Festival
Armstrong MetalFest
Hyperspace Metal Festival
Glacial Mutilation Metal Festival

For press inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact us at: info[@]decimetalfest[.]com

– 30 –

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0 Reminder: Armstrong MetalFest 2027 Lineup Submissions Close Oct. 15th – Canada’s Colossal Mountain Mosh Pit Experience

October 14, 2026
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 14, 2026

Reminder: Armstrong MetalFest 2027 Lineup Submissions Close Oct. 15th

Canada’s Colossal Mountain Mosh Pit Experience

Armstrong, BC – July 16-17, 2027 at Hassen Arena

Celebrating 16 years of extreme music in British Columbia’s scenic Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest returns in 2027. Fans can expect another milestone year of headbanging, thrash wrestling, camping, and pure Okanagan chaos at Canada’s ultimate mountain mosh pit.

Armstrong, BC’s Hassen Arena will host the 2027 festival lineup on July 16th and 17th. Following the massive success of their ferocious 2026 event, which featured powerhouse acts like 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, organizers are gearing up for another legendary summer weekend. Expect an unforgettable mix of heavy riffs and intense mountain mosh pits.

The deadline to apply for AMF‘s 2027 lineup is October 15th. Bands are invited to help shape the next chapter of the festival’s ever-growing legacy.

Interested bands can apply through the official portal: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/band-submissions/

“Armstrong MetalFest hits all the right notes… The music was loud, but the impact echoed far beyond the fairgrounds. Armstrong MetalFest’s 16th year reached new heights, drawing the largest crowds in the festival’s history for two unforgettable days of world-class heavy metal music, camping, and community in the North Okanagan.” – Vernon Morning Star / Penticton Western News (AMF 2026)

Live Video by BrokenNeckRadio – Rivers of Nihil at AMF 2026 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJCOe2y00Cs

Live Video by BrokenNeckRadio – Dying Fetus at AMF 2026 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjZJewk8Zyg

Tickets for AMF 2027 will be announced at a later date, granting general admission and access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 16, 2027, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 17, 2027. Free camping is included.

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.

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. When the final riff fades, the festival vanishes without a trace, leaving the landscape as untouched as 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.

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

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

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

https://x.com/amfcanada

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

– 30 –

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0 BERIEDIR Unveil New Single and Music Video “Diva”

October 13, 2026
by Asher
· Beriedir (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 13, 2026

BERIEDIR Unveil New Single and Music Video “Diva”

Italian progressive metal band BERIEDIR return with their new single “Diva”, accompanied by an official music video, available now via Rockshots Records.

Following their 2025 release “Liminal Spaces”, BERIEDIR continue to develop their distinctive sound, blending progressive metal, alternative metal and melodic death metal influences. For fans of Pain of Salvation, Katatonia and Swallow the Sun, the band combines melodic songwriting and atmospheric passages with heavier, more aggressive elements.

Drawing on influences including Rammstein and Machine Head, “Diva” explores a more confrontational side of BERIEDIR‘s songwriting. Its lyrics address the frustration of being judged and criticised by those who lack an understanding of the circumstances involved. The recurring line “Chin high” reinforces the song’s defiant stance, reclaiming the label “diva” as an expression of self-assertion.

The lyrics were written by vocalist Stefano Nüsperli while the music was composed collectively by the five band members.

Over the years, BERIEDIR have gradually expanded their musical identity beyond their melodic progressive metal roots, incorporating darker atmospheres, harsh vocals and increasingly heavier arrangements. This evolution became particularly evident on “Liminal Spaces” and continues with “Diva”, where progressive songwriting meets alternative metal influences, melodic hooks and a more aggressive approach, while preserving the band’s characteristic solemn and atmospheric sound.

“Diva” was produced and recorded by Stefano Nüsperli at Lighthouse Studio, with mixing and mastering handled by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio. Single Artwork by Nadia Sampellegrini.

With “Diva”, BERIEDIR takes another step in their ongoing musical evolution, delivering a track that balances intensity, melody, and emotional depth.

Listen to “Diva”: https://lnk.to/2Aqy4w

Watch the official music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpbCPUSQMyg

Video shot and directed by Luca Rapuzzi
Video written by Stefano Nüsperli and Luca Rapuzzi
Makeup and prop-making by Nadia Sampellegrini
On-site photography by Chiara Micò
Stylist: Stefano Nüsperli

Beriedir are:

Stefano Nüsperli: Vocals, Keyboards
Simone Bacchi Mottin: Guitars, Backing Vocals
Francesco Ideo: Guitars
Ciro Salvi: Drums
Matteo Boschini: Bass

About:

With their first EP ‘The Line’ (2015) and their first album ‘The Path Beyond The Moon’ (2018), the band takes its first steps in the local scene of their hometown, playing in both small venues and bigger festivals like Fosch Fest (with Korpiklaani, At The Gates and Fleshgod Apocalypse). But the first real acceleration happens right after the pandemic, with their second full release ‘AQVA’ (2022) that allows them to play in bigger venues nationwide, alongside bands like Stratovarius, Elegy, Trick Or Treat and many more.

With their third album ‘Liminal Spaces’ (2025) and a stylistic change that positions them in a more modern and alternative setting, things take a sudden turn, resulting in a long series of successful shows that grow the band’s attention to new levels, taking their music to wider audiences in bigger festivals.

The sound of the band is mirrored by their unique show and stage presence, consisting of white outfits, solemn and grandiose movements, and an overall angelic and celestial aura, collapsing from immense choruses into earth-shattering breakdowns, delivering the same gravitas of the soul-crushing lyrics typical of this band.

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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