Category: Music News

0 Streaming Now! A Sonic Journey of Years Past with LITTLE KING’s 8th Studio Album “Lente Viviente”

September 25, 2025
by Asher
· Little King · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 25, 2025

Streaming Now! A Sonic Journey of Years Past with LITTLE KING’s 8th Studio Album “Lente Viviente”

L-R – David Hamilton (Bass, Cello), Ryan Rosoff (Guitar, Vocals), Tony Bojorquez (Drums)

Photo Credit – Damien Becerra

After nearly three decades of pushing musical boundaries, Little King returns with their most ambitious and emotionally resonant release to date, “Lente Viviente,” set for release on all major platforms on September 26th.

Before the album officially drops, the trio has teamed up with V13.net for the full-stream premiere, which can be heard HERE.

Described by frontman and songwriter Ryan Rosoff as “Musical DMT,” “Lente Viviente” is a seven-track suite of “micro-epics” that blend progressive rock, melodic hooks, and heavy riffs into a tightly woven tapestry of sound and sentiment.

“A true listening experience should hit all the notes… sometimes contemplative, sometimes raging, but always engaged and honest. We feel like this record is the highlight of our 28 years of making music,” says Rosoff.

With Dave Hamilton (bass, cello) and Tony Bojorquez (drums), and a fresh studio environment, Little King has elevated their sound to new heights. The result is a dynamic, melodic, progressive, heavy rock experience that’s both cerebral and heartfelt.

From the first note to the last, “Lente Viviente” invites listeners on a short but mind-blowing journey. The album’s dynamic range and textured performances are designed to push and pull, offering music for both the head and the heart. Each track stands alone yet contributes to a larger narrative arc, one that explores themes of identity, aging, addiction, immigration, and the fragile balance between strength and vulnerability.

Lyrically, the album draws inspiration from Rosoff’s work with LivingLens Memoirs, his video memoir production company. The title itself, Spanish for “Living Lens,” is a nod to the interplay between memory and presence, perception and truth. Songs like “Catch and Release,” “Who’s Illegal?” and “Kindness for Weakness” reflect Rosoff’s background in creative writing and his deep commitment to storytelling through sound.

For the first time in Little King’s history, all three band members appear on the album cover. The artwork, centered around themes of reflection and perception, features a crown slightly off-center, a metaphor for the imperfect balance between artist and audience. As Rosoff puts it, “One is left to wonder what the world looks like from behind the band’s side of the lens… what do they see?”

A lean, powerful record that demands repeat listens, Little King’s “Lente Viviente” is recommended for fans of Rush, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, Muse, Led Zeppelin, and is available for pre-order/digital pre-save (out Sept 26th) at https://show.co/nI24kSK

Little King Discusses ‘Lente Viviente’ – https://youtu.be/mjOYuUeqMb8

Lyric Video – Dawn Villa – https://youtu.be/Ksxlb2ekYIM

Lyric Video – Cath and Release – https://youtu.be/Hgt9U547jbw

Track Listing:
1. Catch and Release – 3:22
2. Dawn Villa – 3:42
3. Who’s Illegal? – 3:56
4. Kindness for Weakness – 3:21
5. Sweet Jessie James – 2:42
6. Pass Through Filters – 4:50
7. The Living Lens – 3:37
Album Length: 25:34

For more info: LittleKingtunes.com

-30-

“Overall, this band showcased a sophisticated sense of melodies that were not overly complicated, but easy to assimilate as well. Not being familiar with them, I am surprised to learn of their longevity, and you wouldn’t know this was their eight album, because the drive and fire in them is very much alive in their music. 8/10” – Metal Temple

“Seven songs, clocking in at just over twenty-five minutes Little King pack a powerful and melodic cocktail of prog, rock and alternative. If Rush jammed with REM and King’s X it would sound a little like this. Impressive.” – Get Ready To Rock!

“Long-running Progressive Rock outfit Little King is unveiling “Dawn Villa,” the second single from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Lente Viviente! A sonic time capsule wrapped in staccato riffs and melodic crescendos, “Dawn Villa” is a heartfelt tribute to frontman Ryan Rosoff’s formative years in Mercer Island, Washington. The track comes from their eighth album Lente Viviente, which is available for pre-order/digital pre-save now at the links below, and releases September 26th, 2025. If you grew up obsessed with the classic seventies prog rock greats like Rush, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd, with a modern flare for drama such as Muse or Neal Morse, Little King deserves your attention! ” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“Over nearly three decades, Little King has evolved from the El Paso roots of “Transmountain” to the intricate, personal soundscapes of “Lente Viviente,” blending complex arrangements, strong melodies, and lyrical depth.” – Progressive Rock Journal

“Tucson progressive rockers’ Little King are gearing up for the release of their 8th studio album, ‘Lente Viviente’ on Sept. 26th and have also just dropped their first single from the album, ‘Catch and Release’. This band truly pushes boundaries and yet makes modern prog rock very accessible. That is a difficult feat and a challenge many bands can’t overcome. But these fellas make it sound very simple, even though the music is quite complex. Similar to YES in that every instrument, including the vocals, all seem to be doing their own thing…but somehow it all works beautifully, and that is what good prog is about. Listen up for Little King on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“Album “Lente Viviente” it presents emotions, classic playing and dynamic playing. The band recorded interesting arrangements with expressive performances. You can hear a personal and reflective album here, but there are many optimistic and optimistic sounds here. 4/5″ – W-Mgnieniu-Rocka

—
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0 Out Nov 2025 Trois-Rivieres’ OUTLYING’s New Album “Oblivisci” Explores Pain and Redemption; Streaming Single “November”

September 23, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Outlying

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 23, 2025

Out Nov 2025 Trois-Rivieres’ OUTLYING’s New Album “Oblivisci” Explores Pain and Redemption

Streaming Single “November”

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

Photo by Sandy Champagne

After nearly a decade of silence, Trois-Rivieres, Quebec metal band OUTLYING returns with a vengeance. Their long-awaited third full-length album, “Oblivisci,” drops November 21st, delivering a visceral blend of melodic death, thrash, and black metal that’s as emotionally raw as it is sonically aggressive. The first single, “November,” is now available for streaming on all major platforms.

Founded in 2007 by vocalist/guitarist Fred A. Dubeau, OUTLYING began as a group of high school friends jamming covers in 2003. Over the years, the band evolved into a force of original expression, rejecting technical excess in favor of music that hits straight to the gut.

“We wanted to create something anyone can feel and understand. Music that’s captivating, dark, aggressive, and melodic,” says Dubeau.

“Oblivisci,” Latin for “to forget,” is a concept album exploring themes of trauma, alienation, grief, and addiction. The band’s signature sound is heavier and more melodic than ever, with no filler tracks and a commitment to emotional authenticity. Fans can expect a dynamic listening experience, with tracks ranging from thrashy punk anthems to atmospheric ballads. Highlights include “Snow,” a harrowing tale of abuse featuring female vocals, and “Sentinel,” a grief-stricken power ballad that echoes the band’s earlier fan favorites. The album closes with a three-part epic chronicling Dubeau’s personal journey through substance abuse and recovery.

“After a long and challenging journey, we’re proud to finally share Oblivisci with the world. This album reflects our commitment to staying true to ourselves while evolving our sound. We’ve never followed trends; our music is dark, heavy, and emotionally charged, shaped by diverse influences from metal to classic rock, and even film, books, and games. Oblivisci builds on what OUTLYING has always stood for, but pushes deeper into atmosphere and intensity. Though often called melodic death metal, our sound draws from thrash, black, prog, and beyond. In a sea of forgettable songs, we hope this one leaves a mark,” adds Dubeau.

The first single, “November,” showcases OUTLYING’s evolved sound: a haunting, melodic death metal track about obsession and longing. It’s a powerful preview of what’s to come.

YouTube – https://youtu.be/xfbMerlsRwc

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5sf9bFl0ncHIZyOQcMA9QQ

OUTLYING’s current lineup is a story of pure coincidence. Drummer Martin “Frenchy” Reithler first heard Fred on a metal podcast while living in France. After hearing Fred mention he was looking for a permanent drummer, Frenchy, who was already planning a move to Quebec, reached out. Fred initially thought the message was spam.

Later, Fred was asked by a friend to lend a soldering iron to fix a bass guitar. That visit led to him meeting Charles Alex Bilodeau. Weeks later, when searching for a new bassist, Fred remembered Charles Alex, and the lineup was complete.

Despite being based in Trois-Rivières, none of the members grew up there. Fred hails from near Bécancour, Charles Alex from Victoriaville, and Frenchy from a suburb near Paris, France.

Live, OUTLYING promises raw energy and passion, eschewing overproduced trends in favor of pure rock and roll intensity.

“We want every show to feel like a journey, different vibes, different ambiance, all created with just our instruments,” says Dubeau.

With influences ranging from At The Gates and Testament to Cradle of Filth and Wintersun, OUTLYING’s sound is rooted in melodic death metal, thrash, black, and groove metal. Their previous releases include Within The Jail Of The Unfortunate (EP) (2008), Scars Of Daylight (2012), and Frameworks For Repression (2016).

The album artwork for “Oblivisci” depicts a post-apocalyptic version of the band’s hometown, reflecting the lyrical themes of societal decay and personal collapse.

“Oblivisci” will be available on November 21st on all streaming platforms.

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

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

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

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

For more info:

http://www.outlying.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/outlyingband

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

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

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

—
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0 PHAETON Unveils Single “Isochron” ft. Keyboard Wizard Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo); New Album “Neurogenesis” Out Oct 2025

September 23, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 23, 2025

Canadian Instrumental Prog Metal PHAETON Unveils Single “Isochron” ft. Keyboard Wizard Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

New Album “Neurogenesis” Out Oct 2025

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

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Canadian instrumental prog-metal outfit Phaeton has released their latest sonic whirlwind, “Isochron”, featuring keyboard icon Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo). The single offers a high-voltage glimpse into their upcoming third album, “Neurogenesis,” out October 24th via INB Music.

Clocking in at just under five minutes, “Isochron” is one of the densest and most dynamic tracks Phaeton has written in years. It ricochets between killer riffs, Middle Eastern mellowness, and clenched-fist power, all supercharged by Sherinian’s signature synthesizer tsunami that came together with lightning speed.

The band explains:

“Colin reached out, and to our astonishment, Derek agreed immediately. He sent us half a dozen takes the next day, each with different moods and effects. Kevin stitched together a hybrid performance from all of them; we couldn’t choose just one. We’re happy with how this track sounded. There’s a feeling of whirlwind rush we deliberately injected into the tune. If an isochron connects different points where an event occurs simultaneously, then the song itself is that event, stretched across time, Newtonian physics be damned,” says the band.

Listen to “Isochron” ft. Derek Sherinian via its premiere on Metal Addicts HERE.

“Neurogenesis” marks a bold left-field shift for Phaeton. While their self-titled debut album established their identity and sophomore Between Two Worlds expanded it with heavier, more emotionally resonant compositions, “Neurogenesis” takes a more compact and concise approach, though not by design.

“The songs just ended up that way. Even as an instrumental band, our arrangements follow a kind of verse-chorus structure, but instead of vocals, it’s guitar and keyboard melodies that carry the narrative,” the band explains.

Thematically, “Neurogenesis” explores overlapping concepts inspired by the technological singularity, the looming fusion of biological consciousness with robotics and cybernetic implants. Musically, the album blends jazz-fusion sensibilities with prog-metal architecture, inviting listeners to interpret each track’s title and let their imaginations roam.

“It’s not a concept album in the strictest sense, but the ideas do interlock. It’s a cold warning as much as a sober observation. We’re asking: when that happens, will we still be human?” adds the band.

Formed by drummer Colin Righton, who united longtime collaborators Daniel Airth, Kevin Thiessen, and Ferdy Belland, Phaeton has carved out a niche with their “Interplanetary Psychedelic Hyper-Melodic Metallic Prog.” Their sound draws comparisons to Symphony X, Devin Townsend, Rush, Meshuggah, and Gojira, minus the vocals.

“We let the guitars and keyboards do the singing. Live, we’re heavier, crunchier, and thrashier than our polished recordings suggest. It catches people off guard in the best way,” explains the band.

Beyond “Neurogenesis”, fans can look forward to the 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” slated for release as a standalone EP in 2026, and the band’s fourth album “Quartum” expected in 2027. With new material already brewing, Phaeton shows no signs of slowing its cosmic ascent.

For fans of instrumental metal, progressive rock, and sonic storytelling, Phaeton offers visceral thrill and intellectual expansion, song after song after song.

“Neurogenesis” – album pre-order (out Oct 24th) – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

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

– 30 –

“A”An instrumental quartet from Kimberley, British Columbia, Phaeton are skillfully blurring the boundaries between old- and new-school prog metal. Their second album, Between Two Worlds, covers a vast amount of ground, from intricate post-djent riffing, to indulgent prog pomp, and no single outstays its welcome. The nine-minute title track is a particularly impressive display of showboating and smart songwriting.” – Prog Mag – Dom Lawson (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

It’s Prog Mag’s brand new Tracks Of The Week! (April 21, 2023) – “Hailing from Columbia, Canada’s Phaeton are an interplanetary instrumental heavy prog metal quartet and as their name suggests, they are fascinated with astronomy, and the idea of life itself, in all its beauty and wonder and majesty, emerging from an instant of catastrophic cosmic violence. The epic Between Two Worlds is the title track of the band’s latest album.” (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“Top-tier instrumental prog-metal-math music from the East Kootenay region performed by a quartet of veteran musicians.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun) (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“Phaeton are relatively unknown, especially compared to the above mentioned bands (scale The Summit, Animals as Leaders), but they definitely hold their own on Between Two Worlds. All members absolutely kill it on their instruments, the songs are wonderfully arranged and produced, and there’s plenty of variety here to hold our attention. Instrumental prog might be a little talked about genre, but Phaeton belong in the conversation.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“…a killer album indeed, wonderfully arranged and produced; a superb prog metal opus where the music almost makes you dizzy, but most of all longing for more indeed. “Between Two Worlds” to me is one of the absolute highlights of this year, a unique twist and rollercoaster of progressive, instrumental metal, highly recommended indeed: especially suitable for fans of Rush, Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment. Play it LOUD and you will be hooked, listening tip: “Monsoon.”” – Rock United (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“”Between Two World” was very competently arranged and recorded by PHAETON. Prog fans, who like sounds and virtuosity above all, will be well served with the disc.” – PowerMetal.de (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“PHAETON releases an instrumental album in which the voice is not lacking; a nervous, boosted opus where the frank and limpid musicality makes you dizzy, where the notes invite you to travel in space to another dimension, where harmony is combined with controlled djent power; innovative music, on modern math metal-prog.” – Profil Prog (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“If you’re open minded in your choice of Metal genres, you should feel free to let this instrumental work slip through your ears. It takes a little getting used to, so completely without singing. But if you get involved and listen carefully, one or the other will surely like something. The whole thing should appeal to fans of RUSH or DREAM THEATER.” – Hellfire Magazin (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“The sound on all seven tracks is huge and if there was a “best sounding hammer-ons” award then March of the Synthetics could be a contender.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun) (Self-titled – 2018)

—
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0 EPK – Fallstaf – Ode to the Dead (2025)

September 21, 2025
by Asher
· Fallstaf · Music News

EPK – Fallstaf – Ode to the Dead (2025)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“We’re just excited to share our new album with the world. We can’t wait to play shows again and have fun. We didn’t make this album to tour the world or to impress anyone. The idea came from wanting to make music out of friendship; we are all friends in the band, music is therapeutic, it brings people together, metal brings people together, and we missed that energy. We believe people will notice our evolution, and what a pleasure it is to work with Kevin Jardine again! Stay Tuned!!” – Fallstaf

For fans of Diablo Swing Orchestra, Rivers of Nihil, Pantera, Mr. Bungle, Arseniq 33

Band: Fallstaf
Album Title: Ode To The Dead
Release Date: November 14, 2025
Genre: Brass Metal
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal | Instagram.com/fallstafmontreal | Youtube.com/@Fallstafmontreal | Fallstaf.bandcamp.com

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“These “brass metal” pioneers – perhaps the only band in the world to feature a masked trombone player AND a frontman with a robotic leg – may be singing an #OdeToTheDead but they prove they are very much alive and kicking with their first new music in 15 years.” – THE ÜBER RÖCK SINGLES CLUB DAILY PICK – FALLSTAF (2025)

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

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

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

“Looking for a Different Sort of Metal? Try FALLSTAF » – A Journal Of Musical Things (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Fallstaf
Album Title: Ode To The Dead
Release Date: November 14, 2025
Genre: Brass Metal
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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

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

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

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

About The Album Artwork:

I wanted to create a cover that wasn’t too macabre after all. I took this photo of the skull and layered it multiple times with different colors; the skull represented the album title well and our sound, which is not dark musically but dark in the lyrics.

About The Album:

Dark stories on a groovy, brass, and heavy note.

Track By Track:

SUNLESS FRIDAY: Sunless Friday tells the story of my accident that happened on a Friday afternoon. The music reflects this cold gray day well, especially with the beginning and the trombone that screams.

ODE TO THE DEAD is a tribute to the deceased; they are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts, which is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song.

BATTERED SOUL talks about a guy who committed suicide, the pain of living, abandonment, depression, and indifference. The song was much faster before going into the studio, but it still had the ending in decrescendo; we wanted a heavier song with more sludge metal sounds.

KINGS OF THE WEST SIDE, we’re from the southwest of Montreal, where there have been several clan wars, the Irish mafia, the Italian mafia, the French-Canadian mafia, and the bikers. It’s a song about organized crime and allegiance to a gang. The music comes from an old song that was never recorded.

UNDER THE SAME SKY talks about the world we live in, about the people, the conflicts in all countries, and the leaders. The world is vast, but there is only one sky. For the music, we started with the chorus; we wanted a sludge metal chorus. I am a big fan of Corrosion Of Conformity and Pepper Keenan’s style. In the verses, I wanted a higher voice.

BASTARD SON is about a man who walked in the footsteps of his father, who was a hitman, and talks to his own son about not following in his footsteps. SIMM composed this riff (gallop) that fit perfectly with the song’s theme. We added gang vocals on top, then we wanted a more thrash metal chorus.

THE BURDEN talks about the burden of cancer, which affects all aspects of life. I lost my parents to cancer, and group members have also lost loved ones to this disease. We have all experienced the ups and downs, the treatments, the hopes, and the relapses. I saw my father suffer; for him and for us, dying was a release. It’s an oppressive, dark music, with a bridge that surprises with its speed, and a melancholic, melodic ending that signifies the release from suffering.

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

FUN FACT:

Every time we step on stage, people are skeptical, with our suits and ties, a masked trombonist, the world thinks we are a ska band. As soon as the first chord is played, people see that we kick ass.

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

Photo: Sébastien Roy

Born from the ashes of Montreal’s alternative outfit North East Bistro, Fallstaf emerged in 2009 with a bold vision: to fuse the raw power of metal with the unexpected punch of brass. What began as a riff experiment among longtime friends quickly evolved into a genre-defying force. By 2011, their debut album Bastard Son of a Pure Breed, produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope), had carved their name into the local scene, earning them the title of “pioneers of brass metal.” With a trombone front and center, Fallstaf’s sound was as unconventional as it was unforgettable, groove-heavy, progressive, and fiercely experimental.

From 2009 to 2015, the band toured extensively across Quebec, captivating audiences with their explosive live shows, signature suits and ties, and a masked brass player who defied every expectation. But in 2016, tragedy struck. Frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident that left him in a coma, cost him his leg, and forced the band into silence.

Eight years later, the silence broke.

In 2024, Fallstaf reunited, reigniting their creative fire and returning to the studio with Jardine to craft their long-awaited second album, Ode to The Dead, set for release in Fall 2025. The record is a cathartic journey through grief, survival, and rebirth, an autobiographical and story-driven collection of tracks that explore death in its many forms, from personal loss to societal decay. With songs like “Sunless Friday,” “Battered Soul,” and “The Burden,” the album balances lyrical darkness with groovy, brass-laced heaviness, showcasing the band’s evolution in both sound and spirit.

Fallstaf’s music draws influence from groove metal, prog metal, metalcore, and hardcore, echoing the intensity of Pantera and Hatebreed while channeling the brass-infused chaos of Shining and Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Their sound has matured, more melodic, more complex, and more emotionally resonant, yet their core remains unchanged: a love for metal, a bond of friendship, and a passion for performance.

Live, Fallstaf is a spectacle. With IANN’s robotic leg, a masked trombonist, and a wall of sound that obliterates expectations, they’re not just a band, they’re an experience. And while they may not be chasing fame or world tours, their return is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the healing power of music.

Fallstaf is back. Louder, wiser, and ready to kick ass.

DISCOGRAPHY:
2009- The Hitman Plays Trombone (demo)
2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP
2025 – Ode To the Dead – LP

Shared Stage with:
Arseniq33, Grimskunk, Slaves On Dope, Blind Witness, Sandveiss, Groovy Aardvark, Hollow, Unbeing

Tours and Festivals:
Wacken Metal Battle – 2012 – Montreal
M for Metal – 2013 – Montreal
Buckfest – 2013 – Montreal
M for Metal Movember – 2014 – Montreal

0 Rockshots Records – SECRET RULE’s New Music Video “In The Silence” Explores the Voice Within + 10th Studio Album “X” Out October 2025

September 19, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Secret Rule (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 19, 2025

SECRET RULE’s New Music Video “In The Silence” Explores the Voice Within

10th Studio Album “X” Out October 24th, 2025

Italian modern metal act Secret Rule presents their new single “In The Silence”, the latest chapter leading up to the release of their upcoming album “X“, out October 24th via Rockshots Records.

Following the impactful “Just a Sacrifice”, the environmental call of “Echoes of the Earth” and the emotional depth of “Silent Pain”, this new single turns inward, exploring the dialogue with our inner self—the quietest voice that often carries the most strength.

Blending cinematic modern metal textures with an unexpected rap section performed by bassist Sofia Basili and enriched by orchestral counterpoints, “In The Silence” weaves together fragility, honesty, and resilience. Angela Di Vincenzo’s heartfelt vocals capture the tension between weakness and inner strength while Andy Menario’s production strikes a balance between heaviness and atmosphere.

Angela comments: “This song is a dialogue with your inner self—the version of you that holds your strength when you’re at your weakest. Writing it was like letting that voice finally speak.”

Sofia adds: “My part is that quiet voice inside, the one that whispers when you’re ready to hear the truth. It’s not about volume, it’s about honesty.”

With “In The Silence”, Secret Rule reaffirms their ability to innovate within modern symphonic metal, offering yet another dimension of their dynamic sound.

Digital – http://lnk.to/Lmxf1A
Video – https://youtu.be/iz3toEmDmoY

ALBUM PRE-ORDER (out October 24th,2025):

from Rockshots Records store / Digipack
https://rockshots.eu/products/secret-rule-x

Previous Singles:

“Silent Pain” – https://youtu.be/8yQPDnbLC0Q

“Echoes Of The Earth” – https://youtu.be/NXuMLHQyMds

“Just A Sacrifice” – https://youtu.be/8yyd_1TLZAA

Track Listing:
1. The Answer
2. Walking Down The Street
3. In The Silence
4. Echoes of Earth
5. Eternal Symphony
6. Silent Pain
7. Collapse
8. Lost In Paradise
9. Destiny Reloaded
10. Just A Sacrifice
11. The Storm
Album Length: 42:30

Secret Rule celebrates 10 years of music with a special 10th Anniversary Tour! Don’t miss the chance to experience their powerful live show across the UK and Europe this fall.

Tickets – https://lnk.bio/secretruleontour

ANGELA DI VINCENZO: Vocals
ANDY ‘MENARIO’ MENARINI: Guitar
SOFIA BASILI: Bass
ANDREA MIAZZETTO: Drums

More info:
https://www.rockshots.eu

Website: https://www.secretrule.it
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretruleband
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secret_rule_official

ABOUT SECRET RULE:

Formed in 2014 by vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo and guitarist/producer Andy Menario, Secret Rule has emerged as a powerhouse in the symphonic modern metal scene. Now joined by Andrea Miazzetto (drums) and Sofia Basili (bass), the band seamlessly blends crushing metal riffs, cinematic symphonic layers, and cutting-edge electronic elements, all elevated by Angela’s commanding and emotive vocals. Hailing from Italy, Secret Rule has attracted audiences worldwide with their unique sound and high-energy performances.

With nine studio albums, the band has continually pushed the boundaries of the genre, crafting richly layered compositions and thought-provoking lyrics. Their dedication to musical innovation has earned them a global following and a reputation as trailblazers in modern metal.

Career Highlights:

Extensive Touring – Secret Rule has performed in over 20 countries, sharing the stage with renowned acts like Delain, Serenity, Visions of Atlantis, Rage, Xandria, Kobra and the Lotus, and Semblant. They have also delivered electrifying performances at major festivals such as Barcia Metal Fest, Metal Fest Event – Femme, Camorock Festival, Rock Castle Open Air, Rock Fest Prague, and Festo Die Hydra.

Critically Acclaimed Discography – Albums like “The Key to the World” (2017), “Against” (2020), and “The Resilient” (2022) have garnered widespread praise for their innovative soundscapes and polished production. In May 2019, “The 7 Endless” was ranked 20th among the best imported albums in Japan’s esteemed BURRN! Magazine.

Streaming & Video Success – With millions of streams across Spotify, YouTube, and digital platforms, Secret Rule’s music continues to reach a growing global audience. Their hit “The Song of the Universe” has amassed over 2 million views, highlighting their international appeal.

High-Profile Collaborations – Secret Rule has worked with iconic musicians from Within Temptation, Sonata Arctica, Delain and Firewind, further cementing their status as a dynamic force in the genre.

Chart Success – Their singles have hit the Top 10 on iTunes rock/metal/all-genre charts in Finland, Japan, Italy, Canada, and Norway.

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0 Vancouver’s THE INTERROGATION Returns with “Wicked Happy” – A High-Energy Anthem of Awkwardness, Hope, and Defiance

September 19, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · The Interrogation · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 19, 2025

Vancouver’s THE INTERROGATION Returns with “Wicked Happy” – A High-Energy Anthem of Awkwardness, Hope, and Defiance

L-R – Joel French (Lead Vocals, Bass), Thomas Turner (Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals), Sebastian Valdivia (Drums), Erik Nguyen (Rhythm Guitar, Backup Vocals)

Photo Credit – Shimon Karmel

After five years of silence, Canadian pop punk outfit The Interrogation roars back with their electrifying new single “Wicked Happy”, marking the band’s first release since their 2020 debut EP “Posters On My Wall.” Accompanied by a dynamic music video, the track is a bold declaration of phase two for the band, now a full lineup, playing live across British Columbia and gearing up for a wider Western Canadian tour.

“Wicked Happy is the first song we’ve released since the band turned from my solo project into a full band. It’s a springboard into everything we’ve become, high-energy, uplifting, and unapologetically real,” says frontman Thom Turner (ex-Freya, ex-Hawthorne Heights touring guitarist).

Originally conceived in the wake of personal tragedy, The Interrogation began as Turner’s solo project following the loss of his mother in 2018. What started as a cathartic songwriting outlet evolved into a full band with a mission: to turn awkwardness, grief, and isolation into connection, community, and catharsis.

“Wicked Happy” delivers exactly that. With punchy guitar riffs, call-and-response vocals between Turner and bassist Joel French (Vultures At Dawn), and a chorus built for gang vocals and mosh pits, the track channels the raw energy of the band’s live shows. Lyrically, it’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t fit, a message of defiance and self-discovery wrapped in a melodic, riff-driven package.

Turner explains further:

“It’s about never quite fitting in. About reaching beyond what others expect and growing into something stronger than anyone said you could be.”

The single also marks French’s debut as a lead vocalist, a role he’s held since 2022. The accompanying music video captures the band’s signature live intensity, no backing tracks, no polish, just pure pop punk sincerity.

The artwork, created by drummer Sebastian Valdivia, sets the tone: a sun just out of focus, daring you to squint, stretch, and reach for the sky.

Fans of New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, Coheed and Cambria, and A Day To Remember will find plenty to love in The Interrogation’s sound, described as energetic, catchy, heavy riffs, guitar-driven, and even more in their story. With members hailing from New York, Saskatchewan, Vancouver, and Colombia, the band brings a rich tapestry of backgrounds and influences to their music.

With more singles planned for early 2026, “Wicked Happy” is just the beginning. For The Interrogation, the message is clear: awkwardness is power, and punk is for everyone.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Wicked Happy” at https://youtu.be/jzvj_FmVhBk

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theinterrogation/wicked-happy

Single Credits:
Performed by The Interrogation
Written by Thomas Turner
Produced by The Interrogation
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Matt Roach at Rain City Recorders
Song Artwork by: Sebastian Valdivia
Member of BMI
MAPL – Canadian Content Artist and Performance

Single Band Lineup:
Joel French – Lead Vocals, Bass
Thomas Turner – Lead Guitar, Backup Vocals
Travis Howie – Rhythm Guitar
Nik Eason – Drums

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/theinterrogationband

https://www.instagram.com/theinterrogation/

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“Posters On My Wall, a solid EP that combines solid musicianship and stellar songwriting, giving us something positive to latch onto during the pandemic when so many of us sorely needed it. With influences that range from New Found Glory and Story of the Year to Coheed and Cambria, The Interrogation has a sound that is a unique blend of pop-punk with a dash of hardcore and a smidge of old school punk riffage. The band shines on every track whether it’s the harder-hitting “Final Mystery” that touches on feelings of alienation or the summer, feel-good song “Shine” that has the band reminiscing of summers gone by.” – Shutter 16 (2021 – Interview)

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0 HUMAN MISSILE CRISIS Slither New Single “Snake In The Grass” Ahead of Opening For PROPAGANDHI In Halifax Sept 23rd

September 19, 2025
by Asher
· Human Missile Crisis · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 19, 2025

HUMAN MISSILE CRISIS Slither New Single “Snake In The Grass” Ahead of Opening For PROPAGANDHI In Halifax Sept 23rd

New Two-Track EP “Waste Away” Out Fall 2025

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

Human Missile Crisis is back with a vengeance. The Cape Breton-born, Dartmouth-based trio has just dropped their latest single, “Snake in the Grass,” the first track off their upcoming two-song EP “Waste Away.” The release comes just days before the band opens for punk legends Propagandhi in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on September 23rd (ticket info), marking a major moment in their journey through Canada’s underground rock scene.

“Snake in the Grass” is a blistering, danceable anthem that blends fast, fun drums with slidey guitars and a bass solo bridge that’s as unexpected as it is beautiful. Lyrically, it’s a cautionary tale about betrayal and the kind of people who smile to your face while sharpening knives behind your back. Inspired by a surreal walk through a rattlesnake-infested vineyard in Osoyoos, BC, frontman DJ Vaters channels personal experience into a track that’s as cathartic as it is catchy.

“This one’s for anyone who’s ever been burned by someone they trusted. It’s upbeat, it’s raw, and it’s got a Bloc Party kind of vibe that we’re really excited to share,” says Vaters.

The single is part of “Waste Away,” a two-track EP recorded live off the floor with Jamie Foulds, who engineered and mixed the record. The second track, “Mona Lisa,” will follow shortly and offers a more introspective look at the loneliness of night-shift life and the longing for connection. Together, the songs showcase the band’s evolution from heavy punk roots to a more nuanced garage rock/post-punk hybrid.

Known for their explosive live shows and deep camaraderie, Human Missile Crisis treats every gig like a house party with friends.

“We don’t want fans, we want family. We want people to laugh, sing, and dance with us. That’s the whole point,” says drummer Matt MacIsaac.

With influences ranging from Idles and Fucked Up to The Hives and Television, Human Missile Crisis continues to carve out a sound that’s both familiar and fiercely their own. “Waste Away” is the follow-up to their 2023 debut album “Liquor Store Stories,” and if “Snake in the Grass” is any indication, the band is only getting louder, sharper, and more honest.

Catch Human Missile Crisis live with Propagandhi on September 23rd in Halifax, and until then, crank “Snake in the Grass” and dance like nobody’s watching.

Listen to “Snake in the Grass” at the following links:

Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/humanmissilecrisis/snake-in-the-grass

YouTube – https://youtu.be/fPLVlq1qVrE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 STELLVRIS Unleashes Ferocious Single “Silence After Violence” from Upcoming EP “Shatter and Bloom” Out Nov 2025

September 19, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Stellvris

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 19, 2025

STELLVRIS Unleashes Ferocious Single “Silence After Violence”

New EP “Shatter and Bloom” Out Nov 7th, 2025

L-R – Libor Hřebík (Bass), Andreas Polášek (Guitar), Nicol Hofman (Vocals), Hanz Polášek (Drums)

Photo Credit – Julia Ramm

European (Prague, CZ) modern metal band Stellvris has dropped their latest single, “Silence After Violence,” a searing anthem from their upcoming EP “Shatter and Bloom,” set to release on November 7. Produced by Christoph Wieczorek (Annisokay, Caskets) at Sawdust Recordings, the track delivers a visceral punch, confronting the rising aggression in society and channeling it into a cathartic, high-voltage experience.

“We see violence and frustration creeping into younger generations, and it’s terrifying. This song is a wake-up call — a cry for awareness and action,” says vocalist Nicol Hofman.

Founded in 2019, Stellvris has built a reputation for turning pain into power. Their music speaks directly to those battling anxiety, toxic relationships, bullying, and the weight of everyday struggles. With past releases “Upside Down” (2022) and “Persistence” (2023), the band carved out a sound that’s crushingly heavy yet hauntingly melodic, winning fans across Europe and the UK.

But Stellvris is more than just a band; they’re an experience. Known for electrifying live shows that include circle pits, walls of death, and stage dives, they’ve shared stages with Megadeth, Jinjer, The Ghost Inside, and more, and have lit up festivals like Summer Breeze, Brutal Assault, and Basinfirefest.

“Silence After Violence” is the fourth single from “Shatter and Bloom,” a five-track EP that explores destruction, rebirth, and the emotional chaos of modern life. Each song is rooted in real stories, from the scars of toxic relationships to the emptiness of digital escapism, and crafted to empower listeners who need it most.

“Our lyrics come from personal experiences and stories our fans share with us. We want people to feel seen, heard, and stronger after listening,” Hofman explains.

Musically, Stellvris blends metalcore, nu-metal, pop, and electronic elements into a sound that’s as catchy as it is brutal, drawing in even non-metal listeners with melodic choruses and bone-crushing breakdowns. During the recording of the EP, the band even captured a viral studio moment when their guitarist used phone vibrations to create a unique sound, leading to the now-infamous “WAKE UP MOTHERF***ER” breakdown.

With “Shatter and Bloom,” Stellvris continues to push boundaries, both musically and emotionally. The EP closes with a metal reimagining of Nicki Minaj’s “Starships,” proving that even amidst heavy themes, there’s room for joy, release, and celebration.

“It’s never just about the sound. It’s about creating a safe space where pain turns into resilience, and where the silence after violence is shattered by music,” says Hofman.

Recommended for fans of Jinjer, Spiritbox, Holy Wars, Arch Enemy, and I Prevail, listen to “Silence After Violence” at the following links:

Visualizer – https://youtu.be/zJK1Ch9WbuA

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2cnmO3deE3ZCcgfH3gCHZx

Previous Videos:

Starhips (Nicki Minaj) – https://youtu.be/NB60FdC6B1Q

Monster – https://youtu.be/JsamTLqtLAs

Track Listing:
1. Shatter and Bloom – 3:18
2. Silence After Violence – 3:14
3. Monster – 4:16
4. Time’s Up – 3:32
5. Starships (Nicki Minaj Cover)
EP Length: 18:27

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: STELLVRIS
• All songs written by: STELLVRIS
• Produced by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
• Mixed by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
• Mastered by: Christoph Wieczorek of Sawdust Recordings
• EP Artwork by: František Jelen

Band Line Up:
Nicol Hofman (vocalist)
Libor Hřebík (bassist)
Andreas Polášek (guitarist)
Hanz Polášek (drummer)

More info: https://linktr.ee/stellvris.band

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“Ready-made for fans of Spiritbox and Holy Wars, STELLVRIS’ latest takes on the theme of a toxic relationship, whether romantic, platonic or professional, and urges the listener to push back and escape. As for the video, it captures the band in action, with vocalist Nicol adopting distinct personas, including a red-cast demonic one.” – Revolver Magazine

“Stellvris work best because they are able to balance the more melodic aspects of modern metal with a scorching amount of heaviness. There’s an overall adrenaline injection and flow to Persistence that makes it incredibly digestible, with the need to listen to it over again to get that same rush once it finishes. What’s great is that the aggression sticks around on repeated listens, without giving you a case of diminishing returns. Expect big things from this act in their near future for sure, but Persistence already establishes them as a modern metal force to be reckoned with.” – Dead Rhetoric (2023 – Persistence)

“The latest single “Scorpio” was a perfect song to sum up STELLVRIS’s musical identity as a band. The energetic riff and beats with Nicol switching between clean vocals and harsh vocals and even harsher vocals have been a common denominator for almost every song by STELLVRIS. “Scorpio”, however, took that electrifying awesomeness and multiplied it by a thousand! The song is three minutes of pure energy that even my conservative grandmother would headbang to (going to test this theory next family dinner). It’s a song that would be perfect when performed live! Of course, the song was released with a music video that matches the quality of the audio with visual Metal brilliance.” – FemMetal (2023 – Single – Scorpio)

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0 Dark Tales of Redemption Await with IN VIRTUE’s Music Video “Gunslingers of the New American Desert” From Upcoming Album “Age of Legends” Out Nov 2025

September 18, 2025
by Asher
· IN VIRTUE · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2025

Dark Tales of Redemption Await with IN VIRTUE’s Music Video “Gunslingers of the New American Desert”

New Album “Age of Legends” Out Nov 2025

L-R Bruno Valverde (drums), Jamie Hush (bass), Trey Xavier (guitar/vocals), Alex Nasla (keys), Rami Khalaf (guitar)

Phot Credit: Felix Martin

In Virtue, the Los Angeles genre-defying metal band known for emotionally raw storytelling and cinematic soundscapes, is proud to announce the release of their third studio album, “Age of Legends,” arriving November 21st, 2025. Alongside the announcement, the band unveils their first single, “Gunslingers of the New American Desert,” accompanied by a gripping music video that sets the tone for the album’s dark, redemptive journey.

“Gunslingers is by far the heaviest song in the In Virtue catalog. It really sets the mood for a dark and harrowing tale. It brings you along for the ride as the antihero of the story returns from his self-imposed damnation to the real world and starts breaking bad after seeing a world of opportunity open up. He once again sets aside his humanity to pursue power through violence and corruption in a lawless land. In the end, he comes face to face with the consequences of his lack of empathy, and finally truly comes to grips with how he’s trading his soul for something empty,” adds guitarist and vocalist Trey Xavier.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Gunslingers of the New American Desert” via its premiere on Metal Injection HERE.

Add To Your Spotify Playlist – https://orcd.co/invirtuegunslingers

Fronted by YouTuber and Gear Gods founder Trey Xavier (also featured on viral hit “Dread Machine”), In Virtue blends power, progressive, and melodic death metal. The third full-length took six years to complete after their producer ghosted the band with just 10% left to finish, forcing Xavier to finish vocals in his home studio. The final product is a full-bodied concept album, “Age of Legends”, which follows a flawed protagonist inspired by the myth of Sisyphus. Through a narrative of self-forgiveness and existential reckoning, the 14-track album invites listeners to reflect on their own inner battles.

“I think fans will be pleasantly surprised, because although it builds on our past releases, it’s really the ultimate form of the same beast. The casual listener will be able to enjoy all of it without clocking the story, but anyone who wants to go deeper will be rewarded with the dark journey of a deeply flawed character on a quest to forgive himself by asking the big questions, making mistakes, and doing the hard work. It’s an emotional deep dive, a rollercoaster of textures and colors, but a cohesive trip that doesn’t just feel like a series of disconnected singles. A true concept album, the kind you should turn your phone off and light a candle to listen to on your bed with headphones from start to finish. A relatable protagonist who seeks what we all seek, to love himself in spite of himself and his flaws, to know himself deeply, and to win his battle against crushing self-doubt,” adds Trey Xavier – In Virtue.

The album’s artwork was created by former Dark Tranquillity guitarist Niklas Sundin and depicts Sisyphus breaking free from his eternal punishment, a visual metaphor for the record’s central theme of liberation and self-redemption.

Recommended for fans of Soilwork, Amaranthe, Shinedown, Symphony X, and Bad Wolves, In Virtue’s “Age of Legends” is available for pre-order / pre-save at https://orcd.co/agofle

Track Listing:
1. Ascent Glorious (00:36)
2. Sisyphus Awakening (4:55)
3. Karma Loop (ft. Charlotte Wessels) (3:35)
4. Push That Rock (2:46)
5. Purgatory (4:39)
6. Exposed (3:27)
7. Scream (3:40)
8. Where The Edges Meet (3:16)
9. Gunslingers of the New American Desert (4:42)
10. Desolation Throne (3:03)
11. Thoughts in Freefall (ft. Dave Davidson of Revocation) (4:10)
12. The River (2:24)
13. Tempus Fugue (ft. Chaney Crabb of Entheos) (8:05)
14. Descent Limitless (1:22)
Album Length: 50:40

More info: Facebook.com/invirtue | Instagram.com//invirtue

About:

Los Angeles, California’s In Virtue is a band forging a new path, abandoning outdated conceptions of what heavy music is to redefine metal for a new era. Although In Virtue was initially formed in 2004 in California’s Bay Area, the band’s rebirth in 2015 is where the real story begins.

That’s when founding guitarist Trey Xavier made the difficult decision to take over lead vocals, move south to LA, and start the band over with a new lineup. This was the catalyst they needed, and the band’s final form took shape. Adding keyboardist Alex Nasla (The Mourning, ex-Witherfall), guitarist Rami Khalaf, and bassist Jamie Hush, their new sound was freed.

“I was tired of other people singing what I was writing,” says Trey (who you may know from his popular YouTube channel). “We had some pretty good singers, but it always felt like a compromise. It was pretty scary – I was 28 and I had never seriously sung before. But all the work I put in paid off, because now I can create my music as I envision it.”

And what a vision it has become – the band’s forthcoming album Age of Legends, due out in 2025, tells a haunting tale of Sisyphean struggle and redemption through a modern lens. This new era of In Virtue brought their first new music, 2019’s single “Purgatory”, which gave the world a brand new sound. Combining elements of power metal, groove, progressive metal, and pop, but somehow sounding like none of the above, “Purgatory” defined the sonic future of the band.

The singles “Where The Edges Meet” and “Scream” followed soon after to expand on the story, each moving the story forward and bringing new life to the characters and their pain.

With way more to come on Age of Legends, In Virtue is looking forward to the next chapter and bringing their story to the world.

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0 Streaming Now! ANCIENT THRONES’ New Concept Album “Melancholia” Plunges Listeners Into A Surreal Narrative

September 18, 2025
by Asher
· Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2025

Streaming Now! ANCIENT THRONES’ New Concept Album “Melancholia” Plunges Listeners Into A Surreal Narrative

Ancient Thrones Current Line Up

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

Photo Credit – Matt Leblanc

Ancient Thrones, the Canadian progressive blackened death metal force known for their visceral storytelling and relentless sonic assault, is set to officially release their long-awaited sophomore album, “Melancholia,” on September 19th (Vinyl and Digital), and can be heard in full before its unleashed via its album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Described by the band as “the sound of existential exhaustion,” “Melancholia” is a 42-minute concept album that plunges listeners into a surreal narrative: a colourblind protagonist takes hallucinogens in a desperate attempt to see colour, only to spiral into a kaleidoscopic nightmare. From the explosive opening of “A Moon Fused Key” to the haunting decay of “Vacant,” the album is a relentless barrage of speed, aggression, and cinematic atmosphere.

“This is truly an unapologetic extreme metal concept album. It’s a bad trip you can’t escape, jagged, abstract, and emotionally devastating,” says the band.

Formed in 2011 and rebranded in 2018, Ancient Thrones has evolved into a fully realized extreme metal entity, thanks in part to the addition of multi-band virtuoso Dylan Wallace. The writing process began in early 2020, just as the world was descending into pandemic-induced uncertainty. Rather than reflect the global crisis directly, the band channeled their energy into crafting a deeply personal and psychologically intense record.

“We’re proud to share this album with our fans, old and new. We hope it moves you in unnatural ways. Enjoy the trip while it lasts,” adds the band.

“Melancholia” is not just an album; it’s an immersive experience. The band’s signature blend of fast, extreme, progressive, cinematic, and existential metal is on full display, with every track contributing to the overarching narrative. Lyrically, the album explores themes of trauma, hallucination, and the dangers of idealism, all inspired by real-life experiences and a harrowing psychedelic episode.

Drawing inspiration from bands like The Red Chord, The Faceless, Archspire, and Deafheaven, Ancient Thrones pushes the boundaries of extreme music. Their sound is rooted in black metal, 2000s death metal, and modern tech death, but their cinematic approach and lyrical depth set them apart.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the press has said about 2020’s “The Veil”:

“A full-throttle attack, the song (The Sight of Oblivion) delivers bludgeoning rhythms, vicious darting and slashing guitar-work, scorching blackened shrieks, and cold-hearted roars. There’s a brazen, borderline-unhinged quality to the barrage, generated by screaming, rapidly whirling leads, magma-like bass notes, and fast-changing, bone-cracking drums. But within the assault there are also fluid, sinuous melodic leads whose mellifluous, reverberating tones give the music a mysterious, mesmerizing, and mournful quality. And near the end one of those leads morphs into a fret-burning dual-guitar extravaganza that really gets the blood rushing.” – No Clean Singing (2020 – The Veil)

“Nearly an hour in length, The Veil earns that run-time with crisply-written compositions and an arsenal of sky-ripping riffs. The acoustic reprieve of “Sentient” and melodic grief of “Permanent” reveal the album’s heavy heart. But the album conjures strength from those pensive moments. Rife with nimble axe-work from Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, The Veil never succumbs to the solemnity of its subject. The Veil remains an impactful listen down to its final dying note.” – Decibel Magazine (2020 – The Veil)

“Trailer Park Boys and Hobo With a Shotgun aren’t the only pieces of media that have emerged from Nova Scotia that you should get excited over.” – MetalSucks

“From the massive tremolo sections and bludgeoning riffs to the surprisingly melodic harmonies between guitarists Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, Ancient Thrones have definitely honed in on something special with this track.” – GearGods

“From earth crushing riffs and face-melting guitar solos to the overarching theme of grief and devastation that the record encompasses, this single really ramps up the intensity” – Bravewords

“Canadian band Ancient Thrones perform a combination of black, death and thrash metal with some progressive tendencies on The Veil. They have similarities to Skeletonwitch, but have an even more dynamic sound. The songs are both aggressive and intelligent in equal measure and run through a variety of different emotional tangents. There is a vile and harsh aspect to the band, but there is also a forward thinking one. It all results in a creative and dynamic listen.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (2020 – The Veil)

“The prize for most ambitious album of 2020 already has the name of Ancient Thrones carved in marble. Who among you fancies a 56-minute blackened death metal saga with an epic meditation on one man’s descent into the afterlife? No band thought it conceivable to write the metal version of Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, but this Nova Scotia quartet are not just any band. This is a remarkable journey for the contemplative mind.” – Scream Blast Repeat (2020 – The Veil)

“The Sight of Oblivion and The Millionth Grave are steeped in ferociousness and savagery as only a band well versed in blackened death metal are capable of producing.8.5/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life (2020 – The Veil)

“With this new incarnation, Ancient Thrones has moved into strict Black/Death territory, producing an album filled with pummeling riffs, intricate song structures, and technical musicianship that’s leavened by atmospheric segments and epic, sometimes audacious melodies that border on Cascadian. The production matches this style perfectly, being heavy and abrasive while allowing the songs enough room to stretch out… fans of more epic and melodic Black/Death will want to give The Veil a listen. 4/5” – The Metal Crypt (2020 – The Veil)

“It is fast, thrashing extreme metal with shrieked/growled vocals, and a headbanging attitude. They have elements of thrash, black and death but their method of delivery won’t confuse anyone. It is metal to make the fans move. It is pretty thrashy, pretty brutal but also melodic, and the guitar work has plenty to offer both in the riffs and the melodies.” – Metal Bulletin (2020 – The Veil)

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