Category: Music News

0 Reminder – July 11-12 – ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025 w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

July 7, 2025
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2025

Reminder – July 11-12 – ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025

w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

Armstrong, BC, Canada – 15 Years of Mountain Moshing In The Okanagan!

“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

Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest’s conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM, and lots more from across Canada and beyond will descend on Armstrong, BC on July 11th and 12th at the Hassen Arena, for two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping.

Video – Celebrating 15 Years of Armstrong MetalFest 2025 – https://youtu.be/47QjFrOHLv8

Armstrong MetalFest 2025 Spotify playlist – https://spoti.fi/4i4u2OV

AMF Weekend Passes are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets

All tickets provide general admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.

Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP “New Eyes”. Music Video – Death Is An Illusion – https://youtu.be/hkUgz-DeFAo

Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph (ft. members from Gatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released in March 2024. Lyric Video – March of the Northern Clan (feat. Nathan Harrison) – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4

Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary’s speed demons Riot City, who bring forth their steel, spikes, and leather! A youthful band that represents the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, their bullet belts feature two full-length albums, “Electric Elite” (2022), “Burn The Night” (2019), and their latest live album, “Live in Newcastle” (2023). Album Stream – Electric Elite – https://youtu.be/j3hA1nrG7M0

Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago’s BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full-length albums and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single “In Desolation” this past August. Visualizer – In Desolation – https://youtu.be/9OyMRRAq9fI

Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City’s THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album, “OMNI,” which features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT. Music Video – OMNI (feat. THE DEFECT) – https://youtu.be/VhyuduP3MdY

Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive/technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland, that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There’s no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025. The Cypher Supreme – https://youtu.be/9W9Kp38I9yY

Other treasured highlights of this year’s fest not to miss are Montreal, QC up-and-coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongers and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver’s GRAVEMASS might be a new band, but they feature some seriously experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood, and Revocation. Switzerland’s technical death/black metal Stortregn delivers a mix of charging riffs, blast beats, and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more. The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album “Death X Destiny” was released on February 7, 2025, under the record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduces their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard-hitting riffs, fast-paced drumming, and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.

AMF 2025 Lineup:
Havok (Denver, CO)
Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL)
Glyph (Seattle, WA)
Riot City (Calgary, AB)
The Browning (Kansas City, KS)
Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland)
Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC)
Convictions (Fremont, OH)
Scalding (Vancouver, BC)
Syryn (Calgary, AB)
Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland)
The Defect (Kansas City, KS)
Gravemass (Vancouver, BC)
Lover (Calgary, AB)
Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC)
Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA)
The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB)
Volt (Fort McMurray, AB)
Jisei (Vancouver, BC)
Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC)
Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC)
Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB)
The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB)
Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)
Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
Naitaka (Kelowna, BC)
FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)

In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest is bringing back 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 choose to park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, then a vehicle pass is not required.

For more info:
Armstrongmetalfest.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

About: Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Each year hundreds of metal music fans from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in a tonne of heavy metal fun over two days, spectating wrestling events, participating in scavenger hunts, and catching up with their extended metal family.

The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, Warbinger, Fallujah, Striker, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C. but also gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

Partners:
WCMFA
AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd
Vox and Hops
Rancho Vignola
Creative BC
Province of BC
Shepherds Hardware
Askews Foods
ACE Containers
Asher Media Relations
Staggs Head
Sunbelt Rentals
Bravewords
V13
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
Ghost Cult Magazine
This Day In Metal
Valstar Electric
Voets

What the press is saying:

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

Kelowna Now: Armstrong Metal Festival Co-founder reflects on a decade of metal – Video Interview here.

CHBC – Global Okanagan: Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong – Video Interview here.

Global Okanagan – Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan – Video here.

“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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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Canada’s DOLL Sinks Teeth into “Shark Bait” as New EP “Better Days, Different Times” Drops July 18th

July 4, 2025
by Asher
· DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 4, 2025

Canada’s DOLL Sinks Teeth into “Shark Bait” as New EP “Better Days, Different Times” Drops July 18th

Canadian alt-rock powerhouse DOLL is making waves this summer with the release of their biting new single “Shark Bait”, arriving just as the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s iconic thriller Jaws.

The timing is no coincidence, though it might feel like fate. “Shark Bait” is a snarling, doom-tinged anthem that channels the same primal fear and survival instinct that made Jaws a cultural phenomenon. With razor-sharp riffs and frontwoman Christina Kasper’s haunting vocals, the track explores emotional predators and the fight to stay afloat in a world full of teeth.

“Shark Bait was a fun song that we came up with after playing around with some hardcore style riffing and our passion for the Jaws movies. We have always had a strong attraction to shark movies, and when Pete came up with the riff for the chorus, it just felt so right with the “Shark Bait” vocals, everything was clicking, and we just went for it,” says Christina Kasper.

“Shark Bait” is the second track from their highly anticipated EP, “Better Days, Different Times”, set for release on July 18, 2025.

The new EP marks a bold evolution for DOLL, who first made waves with their 2009 debut “Inside the Dollhouse” and 2011’s “The Ragdoll Diaries”. “Better Days, Different Times” represents a significant evolution in both sound and approach, incorporating new collaborators and instruments while maintaining the raw, honest edge that has defined Doll since their inception. Core songwriting duo Christina and Pete have expanded their creative process, bringing in local Ottawa musicians and even a cellist to add depth and new textures to their established sound.

Doll is recommended for fans of Nobro, SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, and The Pretty Reckless.

Listen to “Shark Bait” on Spotify at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/doll14/shark-bait

EP-pre-order (out July 18th) – https://doll.bandcamp.com/

Music video – Doll‘s cover of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” at https://youtu.be/cynliYX-Djk

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3FPB3oZ

Track Listing:
1. Bleeding – 4:32
2. Shark Bait – 3:07
3. Smoke on the Water – 4:26
4. Scene Dream – 4:28
5. Ends Like This – 3:24
6. Goodbye – 3:27
Album Length: 23:29

Album Credits:
All songs performed by: Doll
All songs written by: Doll
Produced by: Josh Hart, Jason Jaknunas
Mixed by: Josh Hart
Mastered by: Josh Hart
Album Artwork by: Mark Kidd

Album Lineup
Guitar: Pete Kasper
Guitar, Vocals, Bass: Christina
Drums: Chris Zimmerman – Smoke on the Water,
Josh Hart – All the Rest
Cello: Raphael Weinroth-Browne
Keys: Phil Campbell
Extra Guitars : Athanasios Maravelis

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband

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“The Rag Doll Diaries” is the story of a road weary/world weary band with so much to say and share. Its the combination on heartache and despair offered with a hand meant for holding. In other words here is real music for the real world.” – Heavy Metal Time Machine (2013 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“Doll was conceived as a bridge between punk and rock, a bridge that was fulfilled in the early ’90s by bands like Nirvana and the mid-’90s by Foo Fighters… A good punk band doesn’t write about the joys of picking daisies and Doll is no exception.” – The Whig Standard (Kingston, ON) (2013)

“Doll provides a missing link between punk and rock.” – The Intelligencer (Belleville, ON) (2013)

“The four-piece are definitely reminiscent of the grunge era and have provided a concise four-word biography of the band: “Rock N’ Fucking Roll.” – Exclaim! (2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“One of the most striking aspects of Inside The Dollhouse, after Christina’s whiskey-and-hell voice, is a fictional character by the name of Sally created to carry the songs. A concept completely unexpected given the band’s twentysomething youth, immediately reminiscent of Alice Cooper’s infamous character Steven, introduced on Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975.” – Bravewords (2010 – Inside the Dollhouse)

“The debut from Ottawa’s Doll caught me instantly like a fish on a hook. This is serious music. Dark, intense and magnetic, this is the kind of gritty ’90s grunge that doesn’t fuck around. Fronted by the vocally vicious Christina Kasper, Doll recall an angry and confused era of music devoid of pop but not catchiness. Kasper howls in the vein of Courtney Love and Brodi Dalle, and while the lyrics are simple and not exactly fresh, they are impacting. Songs like “Perfect” deal with trying to live up to society’s standards, while “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” deal with hurt, confusion and heroin against a backdrop of chunky guitars, assaulting drums and badass attitude. Julie-Anne Madore’s backing vocals add a whispered, haunting feel to this record. If the dirty rock’n’roll alone doesn’t reel you in, nothing will.” – Exclaim (2009 – Inside the Dollhouse)

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! Enter the Realm of RIMMAR w/ Debut Album “Raises” + New Video “Mighty Messenger” ft. Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra)

July 4, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Rimmar (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 4, 2025

Out Now! Enter the Realm of RIMMAR w/ Debut Album “Raises” + New Video “Mighty Messenger” ft. Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra)

RIMMAR, the audacious solo project of Italian guitarist and producer Marco Rinaldi, has officially dropped its long-awaited debut album “Raises”—now streaming worldwide on all major platforms.

Blending the raw power of industrial and progressive metal with melodic finesse, “Raises” is an atmospheric ride through epic soundscapes, haunting vocals, and virtuosic guitar work. The release is accompanied by a brand-new music video for the single “Mighty Messenger”, featuring a spectacular vocal performance by symphonic metal icon Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra).

Watch the video – Rimmar – Mighty Messenger feat. Fabio Lione – https://youtu.be/e2SbBTPXG6I

Filmed with cinematic flair, “Mighty Messenger” explores themes of destiny and defiance, fusing Lione’s soaring vocals with Rinaldi’s thunderous instrumentation. The video’s dystopian visuals echo the album’s concept of personal evolution and universal struggle.

Rimmar is not a conventional band but a one-man artistic endeavor shaped entirely by Marco Rinaldi. His creative process begins with a riff or rhythm, eventually evolving into fully orchestrated arrangements through the use of synths, pads, and layered textures. His lyrics draw inspiration from readings, philosophical thought, and vivid dreams, always serving the music rather than leading it. As Rinaldi says, “The word is a servant of music in my case.”

The album “Raises” features a cast of exceptional guest performers from the Italian metal scene. Among them, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) appears on two tracks (“Mighty Messenger” and “Vortex”), along with Kyo Calati (MindAheaD), Marco Andreotti (Imagine Dragons tribute), Mattia Fagiolo (White Thunder, Dragonhammer) and Alessandro Cola (Eldritch)—each lending their voice and energy to the project.

On stage, Rimmar becomes a full live band composed of experienced musicians from the Italian scene, delivering performances that merge metal’s impact with the visual and rhythmic elements of electronic dance.

Whether you’re into the genre-defying swagger of Devin Townsend or the mechanized punch of Rammstein, “Raises” deserves a front-row spot in your playlist.

Digital Album – https://lnk.to/LSOElQT4

CD Album – https://rockshots.eu/products/rimmar-raises

Music Video – “Planet Mars” – https://youtu.be/O2JwJ8UtSO4

Visualizer – “Unreal” – https://youtu.be/KxbLQZ3guNU

Track Listing:
1. Unreal (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
2. Mighty Messenger (feat. Fabio Lione)
3. These Ruins (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
4. 8th Sin (feat. Marco Andreotti)
5. Planet Mars (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
6. Vortex (feat. Fabio Lione)
7. Queen of the Gold (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
8. Cruel Summer (feat. Kyo Elisa Proietti)
9. Raises

Rimmar Line Up:
Marco Rinaldi: Guitars
Tommy Pellegrini: Rhythm Guitars
Marco Moretti: Drums
Alessandro Cola: Bass Guitar

More Info:

– https://rockshots.eu/

– https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063487690785

– https://www.instagram.com/rimmar_official/

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 OPHIOLATRY’s Premiere Brutal Death Metal Lyric Video For “Revenge” From New Album “Serpent’s Verdict” Out Now!

July 3, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Ophiolatry

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2025

OPHIOLATRY’s Premiere Brutal Death Metal Lyric Video For “Revenge” From New Album “Serpent’s Verdict” Out Now!

Top – L-R – Jaime Veron (Lead Vocals), Jhorge “Dog” Duarte (Drums)

Bottom – L-R – Fred Barros (Guitar), Diego Santiago (Bass)

Photography: Kevin Eisenlord, Anderson Hildebrando

Brazilian extreme metal visionaries Ophiolatry have unveiled a lyric video for “Revenge”, a standout track from their recently released album “Serpent’s Verdict”. The video offers fans a deeper look into the thematic core of a powerful and devastating album. The band shares the inspiration for the track:

“This song was inspired by a true event that occurred in the United Kingdom, where a woman killed her husband by placing boiling water mixed with sugar in her husband’s mouth when he was sleeping. She did so in an act of revenge after discovering accusations of child sexual abuse.”

“Revenge” exemplifies the album’s exploration of indigenous spirituality and historical vengeance, drawing from a particularly chilling real-life event connected to the band’s history. The track tells the story of a criminal who abused a small child and was subsequently hunted by the victim’s parent along with indigenous warriors, only to meet a fate where a massive snake swallowed him whole before regurgitating him, a story that directly inspired the band’s name, Ophiolatry, which refers to snake worship.

This lyric video presents these narratives through striking visual elements that complement the band’s combination of technical brutality and tribal-influenced rhythms, allowing viewers to fully absorb the depth of storytelling that sets “Serpent’s Verdict” apart from conventional death metal releases.

“Serpent’s Verdict” is living, breathing, an invocation of the past, and a battle cry for the future. This artistic vision offers both longtime fans and newcomers alike an opportunity to engage with the mythological and historical foundations that inform Ophiolatry‘s unique approach to extreme metal. It is recommended for fans of Death, Deicide, and Suffocation.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Revenge” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Listen to “Serpent’s Verdict” on all digital platforms – https://orcd.co/serpentsverdict

Music Video – “Jesus Complex” – https://youtu.be/CLN1jAZthS8

Music Video – “Death Tour” – https://youtu.be/9Fr3TqFyF5Q

Track Listing:
1 – Jesus Complex – 3:48
2 – Revenge – 4:21
3 – Generation Curse – 3:09
4 – Death Tour – 3:35
5 – Serpent’s Spits – 4:31
6 – Atheris – 1:32
7 – Apophis – 5:01
8 – Midia Bible – 3:34
9 – Manipulations Guilt – 4:03
10 – Heaven Jails – 3:26
11 – Narcissistic Victim Syndrome – 4:06
12 – Human Factory – 3:18
13 – Ecdysis – 2:34
Album Length: 47:03

Album Recording Credits:
All songs performed and composed by Ophiolatry.
Mastering: Dan Swanö – http://www.unisound.se
Artwork: LouLou – http://www.louloufineart.com
Pre-Production: Steve Rumpli & Ophiolatry
Production, Recording & Mixing: Diego Santiago
Studio: Satori Estudio
Photography: Kevin Eisenlord, Anderson Hildebrando
Graphic Layout: Beto Mustafa

Album Band Line Up:
Jaime Veron – Lead Vocals
Diego Santiago – Bass
George “Dog” Duarte – Drums
Fred Barros – Guitars

More info: Ophiolatry.com.br | Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063556233508 | Instagram.com/ophiolatry

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“On this new record, the band bring their traditonal Brazilian influence and their heavy, atmospheric approach together to create something new. All the songs on the record come together to tell a story. ” – Decibel Magazine (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

“Blending technical brutality with tribal rhythms and ritualistic atmosphere, “Jesus Complex” tackles themes of religious indoctrination and spiritual hypocrisy. Serpent’s Verdict marks Ophiolatry’s long-awaited return following 2008’s Transmutation.” – Metal Insider (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

“One good turn deserves another and so having punched us full in the face with first single “Death Tour“, Brazilian Death Metal force Ophiolatry kick us in the guts with “Jesus Complex“. Both tracks take pride of place on the bands upcoming new album “Serpent’s Verdict“, a 6th June release via WormHoleDeath Records. Introducing views to the ritualistic atmosphere that is said to run through the album, the track explores themes of religious manipulation and spiritual corruption with tribal rhythms adding to the bands signature technical brutality.” – Metal Noise (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

“Each song adds something unique or subtly deviates from the previous one, underscoring the band’s versatility and craftsmanship. With ‘Serpent’s Verdict’, Ophiolatry proves that they are completely back – stronger, deeper, and more creative than ever. 9/10” – Arrow Lords of Metal (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

““Serpent’s Verdict” of Ophiolatry it’s the new face of the band, it’s unlike any of their past albums, and that’s best of all, Death Metal with a 90s flavor, but it has all the power of our times in style, and with that you are already guaranteed many pogo and monstrous parts on your speakers. Very good. 8.7/10” – Hardsounds.it (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

“the new guitarist smokes and shreds with a fury and the new vocalist is perfectly suited for this style.” – Mystification Zine (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

“Brutal death metal, a smidge of a blackened death too” – WORT 89.9 FM – The Mosh Pit (Madison, WI) (2025 – Seprent’s Verdict)

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Rockshots Records – DYING AWKWARD ANGEL Announces New Album “The Missing Frame + Release New Single “9.99” – A Bleak Reflection On The Value of Life

July 1, 2025
by Asher
· Dying Awkward Angel · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 1, 2025

DYING AWKWARD ANGEL Release New Single “9.99” – A Bleak Reflection On The Value of Life

New Album “The Missing Frame” Out August 22nd, 2025 via Rockshots Records

Italian melodic death metal act Dying Awkward Angel unveil their latest single “9.99” taken from their upcoming album “The Missing Frame” out next August 22nd, 2025, via Rockshots Records.

“9.99” is a fierce and unrelenting track that dives headfirst into the moral abyss of modern society, posing a disturbing question: how much is a human life worth? Combining razor-sharp riffing and ominous atmospheres with a crushing groove, the song channels the relentless energy of classic Swedish death metal while delivering a powerful commentary on the commodification of violence.

Influenced by genre-defining acts such as At The Gates, Carcass, and Dark Tranquillity, Dying Awkward Angel blends their old-school roots with a modern sensibility, crafting songs that are both brutal and deeply reflective. “9.99” adds another layer of depth to the band’s already diverse sonic arsenal, reinforcing their ability to balance aggression and melody with lyrical substance. Lyrically written by Davide Onida, the track explores themes of nihilism, despair, and systemic dehumanization in a world where life can be extinguished for the cost of the cheapest gun.

Following the acclaimed singles “The Magical World of the Dead” and “Music Kills”, “9.99” offers a third glimpse into “The Missing Frame“, an album that marks the band’s return with renewed ferocity and sharpened intent.

Recorded at Bottleneck Studios in Torino, mixed and mastered by Davide Onida and featuring cover art by Fabrizio Durigon and Federica Dall’Omo “Arièlika”, the new material captures the band’s vision in its most intense form to date.

LISTEN “9.99“ at the following links:

Digital (Spotify) – http://lnk.to/LhWHOn

YouTube – https://youtu.be/cAiEvJ3rpvE

PRE-ORDER Album “The Missing Frame” here:
https://rockshots.eu/TheMissingFrameCD

Previous single “Music Kills”:

Digital (Spotify) – http://lnk.to/qtFgi5

YouTube – https://youtu.be/1JtD-Fhte_w

Track Listing:
1. The Ecstasy of God (Instrumental)
2. Black Waves
3. The Fallen
4. Music Kills
5. 9.99
6. Raptus
7. YOU MUST DIE!
8. Blinded
9. Skin and Bones
10. The Inner Paradox
11. Out of Mind (R’lyeh)
12. A Promise
13. The Missing Frame (Instrumental)

Line-up:
Michele Spallieri: Vocals
Demuro Edoardo: Guitars,
Lorenzo Asselli: Guitars
Luca Pellegrino: Drums
Davide Onida: Bass Guitar

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | http://www.dyingawkwardangel.com | https://www.instagram.com/dyingawkwardangel_official/

ABOUT:

Dying Awkward Angel is an Italian melodic death metal band formed in 1998 by guitarist Edoardo Demuro and drummer Ivan Longo. Influenced by the ferocity and melody of the ‘90s extreme metal scene—drawing from the Gothenburg sound as well as UK and US death and thrash metal—the band quickly developed a distinctive style that blends raw aggression, dark atmospheres, and introspective lyricism.

After two well-received demos (Dying Awkward Angel, 200,2, and Ghost at the Spine, 2004), the band released their first full-length “Waiting for Punishment” in 2013, followed by the EP “Madness Rising” (2015), showcasing a more mature and dynamic approach to songwriting. In 2018, Dying Awkward Angel released “Absence of Light” through Rockshots Records / Extreme Metal Music, gaining praise from international press and expanding their reach across Europe, the USA, and Japan.

Having shared the stage with acts like Decapitated, Impaled Nazarene, Necronomicon, Forgotten Tomb, Keno,s and Node, the band is known for delivering uncompromising live performances and intense musicality.

In 2024 and 2025, the singles “The Magical World of the Dead“, “Music Kills“, and “9.99” marked the band’s powerful return, leading up to the release of their new album “The Missing Frame“, due out on August 22nd, 2025, via Rockshots Records. This new chapter reflects a more focused and violent sonic identity—one that remains faithful to the Swedish melodeath tradition while embracing a darker, more deliberate production.

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! Black Metal Storytellers MARGANTHA Debut EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice” + New Music Video “Miriam And The Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)”

June 27, 2025
by Asher
· Margantha (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 27, 2025

Out Now! Black Metal Storytellers MARGANTHA Debut EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice”

+ New Music Video “Miriam And The Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)”

Rockshots Records proudly announces the official release of “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, the debut EP from Finnish-Italian black metal act MARGANTHA, available today on all digital platforms.

Rooted in myth, fear, and ritual, “Blood Moon Sacrifice” is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a narrative journey steeped in dark folklore and haunting atmosphere. The EP unfolds around the legend of a werewolf that terrorizes a secluded hunters’ village beneath a remote mountain range, channeling the emotional tension, primal fear, and descent into hysteria that defines the story.

Each track serves as a chapter in this tale:

“Blood Moon Sacrifice” opens the story with a dark waltz-like cadence, evoking the atmosphere of an ancient forest. During a solitary hunt, the protagonist is bitten, sealing the origin of the curse. Two instrumental interludes—bass and drums—heighten the track’s unsettling tone, making it feel like the soundtrack to a twisted fairy tale.
“Wolves at the Door” marks the creature’s approach to the village. This is no pack—but a lone, primordial predator whose thirst rivals that of many. Opening with a dark yet exotic riff and evolving through a melodic death metal core, the track balances blackened aggression, speed, and melody in a cinematic, dynamic form.
“Miriam and the Endless Night” (feat. Andy LaRocque) shifts perspective. Told through the eyes of a woman trapped in an endless night of terror, the song moves from eerie, unorthodox harmonies into a vortex of riffs and violence. Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) adds his signature touch where bloodlust and survival collide.
“Curse of the Full Moon” concludes the cycle with a hypnotic 6/8 ballad that depicts the protagonist’s full transformation. With elongated tempos, obsessive rhythms, and oppressive harmonies, the track channels the ritualistic core of classic black metal—slow, relentless, and introspective.

Driven by evocative riffs, atmospheric layering, and a primordial vocal delivery, MARGANTHA’s music balances black metal’s raw essence with moments of melody, tension, and dynamic pacing. As the band explains:

“We start from the story. Every riff, every rhythm is designed to serve the narrative. We’re not interested in technical excess—our focus is atmosphere, cohesion, and emotion.”

The entire EP was mixed and mastered by Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) at Sonic Train Studio, giving the record a powerful and precise sound while preserving its shadowy intensity.

Influenced by the cinematic dread of Mgła, the emotional fire of Uada and Gaerea, and the timeless aggression of Venom, Behemoth, and Celtic Frost, MARGANTHA builds a sound that is immersive, urgent, and steeped in meaning.

With “Blood Moon Sacrifice”, MARGANTHA mark their official debut—a work that merges ancient horror with the raw force of contemporary black metal. For fans of narrative-driven metal, hypnotic atmospheres, and unrelenting darkness, this is a first chapter worth embracing.

Digital EP – https://lnk.to/V1c7Fn

CD ORDER the EP “Blood Moon Sacrifice”: https://bit.ly/3Yz60nn

Music Video – Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque) – https://youtu.be/IoKy4Yq01tE

Track Listing:
1. Blood Moon Sacrifice
2. Wolves at the Door
3. Miriam and the Endless Night (ft. Andy LaRoque)
4. Curse of the Full Moon

Band Members:
• Nocturnus I – Vocals and Bass (FIN)
• Nocturnus II – Guitars (ITA)
• Nocturnus III – Drums (FIN)

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/margantha_the_band/

BIOGRAPHY:

Margantha is an Italian-Finnish band formed by three musicians united by a passion for black metal and horror aesthetics. The project aims to create a powerful, evocative, and dramatic sound inspired by bands like Mgła, Ensiferum, Behemoth, and 1349, while incorporating atmospheric and melodic elements into their approach.

The band’s sound is a haunting and captivating tribute to black metal, enriched with lyrics inspired by horror and Gothic atmospheres reminiscent of the 19th century. Their music evokes a journey into the darkest and most mysterious corners of the soul, characterized by somber tones and lyrics that delve into the macabre and the supernatural.

Margantha draws inspiration from art in all its forms: from the literature of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and Stevenson, to the paintings of Caravaggio, Bosch, and Turner. The band’s visual identity also reflects this artistic inclination, with carefully crafted photos designed to mimic the style of classical paintings, aligning with the dark and ominous atmospheres central to the project.

Born from the union of two distinct cultures, Italian and Finnish, Margantha blends the musical and artistic traditions of both countries to create a unique sonic experience.

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“Dense, atmospheric, professional: MARGANTHA deliver a narratively strong debut for fans of melodic black metal. 4/5” – MetalUnderground.at

“The EP is focused, direct, and built around a clear vision. Blood Moon Sacrifice is a strong debut, highly recommended and a welcome new addition to the black metal scene.” – Decibel Warfare

“The Blood Moon Sacrifice EP is a promising first release. ” – MetalTalk

“With Blood Moon Sacrifice, Margantha carves out their space in black metal’s ever-twisting labyrinth. They’re theatrical, shadow-soaked, and conceptually unshakable. The beast may be myth, but the impact is real.” – Amplify The Noise

“Soaked in the blood of Scandinavian Black Metal purveyors from the past “Blood Moon Sacrifice” combines atmospheric synths with fierce vocals in brutally majestic story telling.” – Metal Noise

“Margantha: ‘Blood Moon Sacrifice’ Marks Bold Entry into Black Metal’s Narrative Form” – Atmosfear-Entertainment

“This is a solid debut EP for Margantha” – Heavy Music HQ

“Margantha are a very great sounding atmospheric black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE “Blood Moon Sacrifice” and “Wolves At The Door”. 8 out of 10.” – Occult Black Metal Zine

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0 FAMOUS STRANGERS’ New Video “L.S.C.” Explores Beauty and Danger, Intimacy and Destruction + Festival Dates (Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell Open Air)

June 26, 2025
by Asher
· Famous Strangers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 26, 2025

Canada’s FAMOUS STRANGERS’ New Video “L.S.C.” Explores Beauty and Danger, Intimacy and Destruction

+ Festival Dates – Armstrong MetalFest (July 11- 12), Loud As Hell Open Air (Aug 1-3)

L-R – Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals) | Braden Sustrik (Bass) | Brian “Beej” Jolly (Drums) | Amanda Keirnan (Lead Vocals, Lyrics)

Edmonton, Canada’s Famous Strangers, unravels their new music video for their latest single “L.S.C.” as they gear up for perfmances at this year’s festival appearances at Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC – July 11-12) and Loud As Hell Open Air (Drumheller, AB – Aug 1-3) along with upcoming tour dates to be announced.

As one of the first songs that all four of them in Famous Strangers wrote together from start to finish, the track is raw and intense. It represents exactly where they are as a band right now: fearless in their songwriting and unafraid to blend melody with brutality.

“L.S.C. is meant to take you on a ride. It starts soft, like it is letting you in slowly, and then it flips the switch. The heaviness hits out of nowhere. It grabs you, shakes you, and then drags you through the rest of the track without letting go. It eases you in, then completely takes over, and by the time it is done, it feels like it has drained the life out of you in the best way,” adds guitarist Jeff Kittilitz.

Lyrically, the song is told from the perspective of a female figure who is part human and part spider. It is inspired by the mating behavior of black widows, where attraction, intimacy, and destruction all collide. At its core, it is about obsession, power, and survival. It speaks to the emotional weight of wanting something that was never meant to be yours, and the strength it takes to pull yourself back from that edge.

“What we hope is that this song opens people up a little, even if it’s not what they usually listen to. There’s so much music out there that people miss out on because they’re stuck in one genre or one mindset. We’re trying to break through that and just write what feels real, no matter what it sounds like. We are about being fearless in our songwriting. Put everything on the table, be yourself, and don’t hold back. That’s the energy they’re trying to give people when they press play,” says Kittilitz.

Famous Strangers has had a healthy and steady evolution. Since their earlier singles in 2024, Famous Strangers have started to lock in with each other creatively and naturally found a sound that they can all stand behind. It flows and feels more cohesive, and everyone in the band feeds off each other in a way that keeps pushing the songs to a new level.

Watch and listen to the music video for “L.S.C.” via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4kNbe7F

Previous Singles:

Music Video – I’ll See You In The Stars” – https://youtu.be/OtdfaMp4Hec

George – https://youtu.be/fz85ChqELO4

Deepstar – https://youtu.be/00jujvck9sM

More info:

Famousstrangersband.com

Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

About: Since their formation in 2023, Famous Strangers‘ signature blend of haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes has captivated listeners. The band brings together accomplished musicians whose past experiences in various musical projects have shaped their collective sound. Their diverse influences converge in a unique sonic experience characterized by atmospheric instrumentals and a dynamic vocal approach that seamlessly shifts between melodic and aggressive. They are recommended for fans of Halestorm, Judas Priest, Dio, and Arch Enemy.

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“Haunting, Stirring and Impactful…those words just keep going through our mind as we take in the new single “I’ll See You In The Stars” from Famous Strangers. This one is quite unique with a powerful intensity that is full of rhythm and achieves the rare feat of fury as a pure form of beauty. We really dig this one and you can catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Out Now! JAWFANE’s Debut EP “Me And All My Demons” Is A Testament To DIY Spirit And Emotional Honesty

June 26, 2025
by Asher
· Jawfane (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 25, 2025

Out Now! JAWFANE’s Debut EP “Me And All My Demons” Is A Testament To DIY Spirit And Emotional Honesty

L-R – Cory Pack (guitar), Jesse Marquez (keyboard), Austin Heipp (vocals), AJ Chacon (drums), Chase Shumann (bass)

Photo Credit – Megan Rose // Instagram @mrosedesigner

After years of dedication to their craft, USA’s metalcore outfit Jawfane has officially released their debut EP “Me and All My Demons” via Exitus Stratagem Records. The six-track collection represents the culmination of the band’s journey from DIY beginnings to a refined musical force that defies easy categorization. The band shares their excitement for the release:

“We are absolutely beyond words for how excited we are to bring our first collection of songs into the world with and through Exitus Stratagem Records. It has been an absolute privilege working with Gordon, Jason, and the team to bring “Me And All My Demons” to life. This record is a personal journey for Jawfane. Sonically, we brought the hammer, lyrically we brought a bigger hammer, and we intend to beat out a place in the world for us and our brand of Metal-core.”

“Me and All My Demons” is a deeply personal record, drawing from the lived experiences of each band member. They anticipate that it will be received with an open mind to metal and what it can be when you are angry, but also determined to find the beautiful things in this life.

The EP showcases Jawfane‘s unique collaborative process, where traditional roles are often subverted: guitarists writing bass parts, bassists writing guitar parts, instrumental sections evolving into vocal melodies. This fluid approach to composition results in music that feels both technically impressive and emotionally authentic.

Though the band acknowledges their sound has elements of post-hardcore, metal-core, and even mathcore, they prefer to let the music speak for itself, promising that they will continue to evolve and change as they grow and no matter what genre they end up in, they’d like to think it will always sound like them.

“Me and All My Demons” aims to create a genuine connection with listeners. It is recommended for fans of King 810, Wage War, and The Ghost Inside.

Listen to the EP on all digital platforms – https://hypeddit.com/jawfane/meandallmydemons

Music Video – “Time Hunts Us All” – https://youtu.be/yZMBwY7eRfo

Music Video – “Cataclysm (Nightmare)” – https://youtu.be/HNBtGIHT7f0

Track Listing:
1. Damaged Goods – 3:48
2. Cataclysm (Nightmare) – 2:42
3. Me and All My Demons – 3:46
4. Friends and Enemies – 3:20
5. Time Hunts Us All – 4:01
EP Length: 17:39

More info:

Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic | X.com/exsrmusic

Facebook.com/Jawfane | Instagram.com/jawfane

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“What a privilege to listen to an EP that is flawless and filled with brilliance. Jawfane is the real deal. See them live and experience the captivating performance of the songs.” – Project Metal Music

“If you like what you hear from rising Metalcore act Jawfane with their new single “Time Hunts Us All” then we can warn you that their debut EP “Me and All My Demons” is pencilled in for a 26th June via Exitus Stratagem Records grand unveiling. A five track affair that fulfils a mission statement to create music that offers “a boisterous, chaotic and clarifying genuine catharsis“, the band claim it was built on the foundation of crafting through an organic and democratic process.” – Metal Noise

“Raw, cathartic expressions” – Flight of Pegasus

“It is that raw and cathartic expression that really does make this EP stand out as Jawfane pour so much passion into delivering a heavy sound that combines the best of hardcore’s stomp and metalcore’s anthemic ways. Yet, if that wasn’t enough to make this a notable EP, Jawfane add in some cinematic vibes. The end result is an EP genuinely worth shouting about…. Jawfane have arrived and with this EP, left one hell of an impression.” – Games, Brrrains & A Head-Banging Life

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0 Salt Lake City’s GRILLFEST Resurrects w/ 2025 Lineup – Judicator, Silver Talon, Advent Horizon, Michael Barrow & The Tourists, Seizure, Celestial Wizard, Arsenic Addiction, and more!

June 25, 2025
by Asher
· GrillFest 2025 · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 25, 2025

Festival Assets – Download HERE (Festival Info, Band Info, Links, Photos)

Salt Lake City’s GRILLFEST Resurrects w/ 2025 Lineup – Judicator, Silver Talon, Advent Horizon, Michael Barrow & The Tourists, Seizure, Celestial Wizard, Arsenic Addiction, and more!

August 22nd and 23rd at The Pearl on Main in Midvale, Utah

GrillFest’25 – Festival Spotify Playlist – https://bit.ly/4knzlcR

GrillFest has been resurrected since making a name for itself on the local scene in Midvale and Salt Lake City, Utah, in the early 2010s, with the last one being held in 2013. Founded by John Yelland of Judicator as a backyard festival that was organized by his first band, Disforia, GrillFest is being revitalized. Supported by Judicator and the City of Midvale, and the Midvale Main Business Alliance. This year’s 2025 event will shut down Main Street and transform it into a full-scale festival. Local businesses will host pop-ups, and they’re curating a lineup of vendors offering savory food, desserts, and more. And of course, the music will remain diverse, dynamic, and electrifying as GrillFest’s 2025 lineup features Judicator, Advent Horizon, Silver Talon, Michael Barrow & The Tourists, Seizure, Celestial Wizard, Arsenic Addiction, Viperwitch, Storm Haven, DiseNgaged, Hisingen, and Moon Wizard.

Being hosted on August 22nd and 23rd at The Pearl on Main in Midvale, Utah, Grillfest ’25 is more than just an event—it’s a rekindling of something special. It’s a gathering for artists and fans who crave authenticity, connection, and experiences to cherish for the rest of their lives.

“Grillfest isn’t just another music festival—it’s a community movement built by fans—for fans. We’re bringing together some of the best underground metal acts from across the West, pairing them with real smokehouse BBQ and a no-frills, all-heart atmosphere. Our goal is to grow something truly special here in Utah: a boutique-style festival that stays loud, stays local, and gives both rising bands and dedicated fans a place to call home,” adds John Yelland, Founder of Grillfest and Vocalist of Judicator.

GrillFest ’25 Promo Video – https://youtu.be/wrCe8kK_Rb0

Two-day and single-day passes are available at https://linktr.ee/grillfestutah

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/1264606655378437/

Grillfest ’25 Lineup:

Friday, August 22nd
Hisingen
Moon Wizard
Michael Barrow & The Tourists
Advent Horizon

Saturday, August 23rd
DiseNgaged
Viperwitch
Storm Haven
Celestial Wizard
Arsenic Addiction
Seizure
Silver Talon
Judicator

About The Headliners:

Judicator isn’t just a power metal band — it’s a reckoning with history and mortality, plumbing the depths of the human condition one album at a time.

Since their serendipitous formation in 2012, when singer John Yelland and guitarist Alicia Cordisco (ex-Judicator, Transgressive) crossed paths at a Blind Guardian concert, the band has been on a relentless journey to craft concept albums that confront existential anxiety in its many forms. From character studies of historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Frederick the Great, to the deeply personal At the Expense of Humanity, which recounts Yelland’s experience losing his brother to cancer, Judicator brings history and humanity into sharp focus.

Rooted in Salt Lake City, Judicator has produced six albums over the course of a decade, with their latest opus, Concord, set to release in early 2025. The band’s blend of thought-provoking lyrics, memorable riffs, and charismatic energy has earned them a loyal following and some surreal milestones, like featuring Hansi Kürsch as a guest vocalist on 2018’s The Last Emperor and opening for Blind Guardian in Salt Lake City during the God Machine North American tour in 2024.

While co-founding member Alicia Cordisco departed in 2020, her legacy remains an integral part of Judicator’s DNA. Today, the band continues to push boundaries as a five-piece power metal powerhouse, weaving tales that are as epic as they are intimate.

Judicator’s music seeks to hold a mirror up to life’s greatest struggles and triumphs, whether great or small, whether grand historical sagas or intimate struggles with mortality. Judicator invites you to grapple with the inevitable, together, one song at a time.

Music Video – Concord – https://youtu.be/j-cmFyXuEBI

Info – https://linktr.ee/judicatormetal

=========================

USA-based prog rockers Advent Horizon are making waves in the progressive music world and beyond after the release of their new album “A Cell To Call Home.”

Featuring guest performances from Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Dave Meros (Spock’s Beard), Randy McStine (Porcupine Tree), and Jared Hill (Snow Child), plus album and single artwork by Travis Smith (Opeth, Devin Townsend), “A Cell To Call Home” has received high praise internationally from fans and reviewers alike. ProgRadio named “A Cell To Call Home” their 2023 “Album of the year”, while ProgReport and Sonic Perspectives ranked it at #5 and #4 respectively on their “Best of 2023” lists.

Much of 2024 was spent on the road, with performances across the USA. At Progstock in October 2024, “A Cell To Call Home” was performed live in its entirety and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from festival attendees and multiple press outlets, with one reviewer writing, “something about this act really felt unusually magical.”

Following the success of their 2024 live appearances, Advent Horizon has returned to the studio, and is currently recording their 4th full-length studio album, which features a side-long 20-minute epic track, and 5 other heavy-hitting progressive rock/metal songs.

Music Video – Water – https://youtu.be/zsrQpq9eMWU

Info – https://www.adventhorizonmusic.com/

=========================

Silver Talon emerged from the remnants of the Portland heavy metal group Spellcaster after their disbandment in 2017. Seeking a sonic identity that was heavier and more aggressive, guitarist Bryce VanHoosen spearheaded the project and enlisted vocalist Wyatt Howell. Howell’s addition refined Silver Talon’s identity, setting the band distinctly apart from its predecessor. By late 2018, the band released their acclaimed debut EP, ‘Becoming A Demon.’

This release encapsulated the band’s uncompromising, raw-edged sound across five original tracks. Notably, it featured a collaboration with Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy / Nevermore), who delivered a scorching guitar solo for a cover of Sanctuary’s cult classic, ‘Battle Angels.’ Despite a few lineup changes, the band navigated a tumultuous 2019, ultimately solidifying their lineup with guitarist Devon Miller and bassist Walter Hartzell, enhancing their power and versatility.

Throughout the 2020 pandemic, Silver Talon remained focused and productive, culminating in the release of ‘Deceiver, I Am,’ the lead single off their debut album ‘Decadence and Decay,’ in early December. This marked a new phase for the band, showcasing deeper arrangements, an expansive sound, and intricate musical layering.

In May of 2021, the full debut album ‘Decadence and Decay’ dropped, earning rave reviews and securing spots on both Decibel Magazine and Bandcamp’s top metal albums of the year lists. No Clean Singing praised the band’s songwriting and technical prowess, stating, “it’s the band’s songwriting (coupled with their obvious artistic abilities and technical talents) which really makes this record stand out from the crowd.” The album even boasted a collaboration with King Diamond’s main axeman, Andy La Rocque, on the track ‘Resistance 2029.’

The post-pandemic era brought touring opportunities in support of ‘Decadence and Decay,’ including appearances at Hell’s Heroes and Legions of Metal festivals, alongside shows across the United States with metal legends such as Cynic, Atheist, and Exmortus.

As 2023 unfolds, the band is diligently crafting their sophomore album, scheduled for release on M-Theory Audio.

Silver Talon’s music blends a brooding and dark approach to heavy metal with classic influences, paying homage to revered acts like King Diamond, Nevermore, Savatage, Judas Priest, and Alice in Chains, among others.

Music Video – Deceiver, I Am – https://youtu.be/34P2TiMSa_M

Info – https://silvertalon.us/

=========================

Please note: Main Street in front of the festival will be cordoned off, however, and so there will be a level of foot traffic—attendees who are only interested in the local business pop-ups, food trucks, and so on, but not the performances, which take place inside the venue.

About GrillFest:

GrillFest began humbly in the early 2010s as a backyard festival organized by John Yelland’s first band, Disforia. Held at their bassist’s house, it was a laid-back, community-driven celebration of local music, friendship, and grilling. They invited fellow bands of all styles—metal, punk, acoustic, death metal—and played from noon until noise curfew! There were no genre boundaries, no egos—just artists, fans, and neighbors coming together in an atmosphere that felt more like a family reunion than a festival.

As the years passed and life took them in different directions, Disforia disbanded, and the original Grillfest faded into memory. But its spirit never left John. That sense of connection, creativity, and grassroots joy is something he carried with him, and now, he is thrilled to bring it back in 2025.

About The Organizers:

John Yelland is the powerhouse frontman of Salt Lake City’s acclaimed power metal band Judicator, known for his soaring vocals and emotionally rich storytelling across seven studio albums. He’s also the voice of the epic doom project Behölder, and formerly of sci-fi power metal act Dire Peril. With collaborations ranging from Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kürsch to his genre-bending concept albums, Yelland is one of the most distinctive voices in modern metal. This year, he brings that fire home to Grillfest, joining a lineup built by and for foodies who love chill vibes and good music.

More info:

https://grillfestutah.com/

https://www.facebook.com/grillfestutah

https://www.instagram.com/grillfest.utah/

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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Blackened Death Metal Collective VISITANT Unleashes Haunting Single “Fodder” From Debut Album “Rubidium” Out Aug 2025

June 25, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Visitant

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 25, 2025

Blackened Death Metal Collective VISITANT Unleashes Haunting Single “Fodder” From Debut Album “Rubidium” Out Aug 2025

Blackened death metal newcomers Visitant emerge from the shadows with their single “Fodder”, a 4:37 ritualistic journey that showcases the band’s ability to weave ethereal elements into an unrelentingly aggressive soundscape. The track arrives with an accompanying music video, marking the first glimpse into the band’s immersive dreamscapes. The band comments on the track:

“This song, lyrically, was written from a really dark dream. Musically, this song is so powerful. We feel like this captures our abilities so well, which is why we chose this as our first single. It’s just hard-hitting from the get-go, but still so melodic and feral. Fodder is a song that comes out swinging from the gate heavy, punchy, dissonant, and groove-driven, all the while retaining melody and a hook.”

Formed in February 2022 by founding members Taylor Tidwell (guitar) and Chelsea Marrow (vocals), Visitant crafts music that channels the essence of restless, vengeful spirits. The band’s lineup features seasoned musicians from the extreme metal underground: Anthony Lusk-Simone (drums/orchestration) from Abiotic and Lattermath, Kilian Duarte (bass) from Abiotic and Scale the Summit, Taylor Tidwell from Unaligned, and Chelsea Marrow from Voraath, whose vocal work has also been featured in acclaimed video games including DOOM ETERNAL and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.

Formed out of necessity, Chelsea and Taylor were itching to create something new, visceral, and compelling. They wanted it to be dark, but beautiful, and “Fodder” embodies that vision perfectly. The single serves as the first taste from Visitant‘s highly anticipated debut album “Rubidium”, set for release on August 22, 2025, via Exitus Stratagem Records. The track exemplifies the band’s approach to turning personal experiences into ghost stories, creating what they describe as ‘epic, moving, bleak, beautiful, and uncompromising’ music.

For fans of Gojira, Opeth, and Naglfar, Visitant offers a visceral experience that transcends genre boundaries, building immersive worlds through their unique blend of brutality and beauty.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Fodder” at https://youtu.be/UCfxSpoPf60

Digital Single (Spotify) – https://hypeddit.com/visitant/fodder

Album pre-order (out Aug 22nd) – https://hypeddit.com/visitant/rubidium

Track Listing:
1. Unworldly – 4:48
2. Briars – 5:20
3. Starless – 5:07
4. Rubidium – 5:24
5. Fodder – 4:37
6. Envies Lament – 4:56
7. Moon Bathe – 2:38
Album Length: 32:50

Album Band Line Up:
Chelsea Marrow Vocals
Kilian Duarte Bass
Taylor Tidwell Guitars
Anthony Lusk-Simone Drums / Orchestration

Live Band Line Up:
Chelsea Marrow Vocals
Taylor Tidwell Guitar & Backing Vocals
Kilian Duarte or Anthony Wheeler – Bass
Sean Carpenter or Charles Webber Drums
Thomas Weidick Guitar

For more info:

Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic | X.com/exsrmusic

Facebook.com/visitantband | Instagram.com/Visitantband | Tiktok.com/@_visitant_

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“Visitant weaves ethereal elements into a soundscape that is as haunting as it is aggressive. Lyrically and musically, the band crafts immersive dreamscapes – ritualistic and unrelenting” – DNA Entertainment

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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