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Category: Music News

0 No List Records Announces Vinyl Release of Brutal Minimalist Noise Rock BAT LEATHER’s New Album “Dark Arts” + Alberta Tour Dates

  • August 27, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · No List Records - Bat Leather

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 27, 2026

No List Records Announces Vinyl Release of Brutal Minimalist Noise Rock BAT LEATHER’s New Album “Dark Arts”

+ Alberta Tour Dates

No List Records is proud to announce the vinyl release of Bat Leather’s new album “Dark Arts,” arriving September 4, 2026. Pressed in 150 white vinyl copies and 50 rare black editions, this limited run captures the raw, confrontational energy that has made Bat Leather one of Canada’s most compelling underground acts.
​
Hailing from Calgary, AB, and Vancouver, BC, the duo known as Bat Leather has a sound that has always defied easy categorization, a collision of punk abrasion, noisy garage chaos, and sludgy heaviness that feels both unsettling and addictive. Their songs hit like short, volatile bursts: distorted guitars, overdriven vocals, feedback woven directly into the songwriting, and a heaviness that somehow keeps getting heavier.
​
Tracks like “Technical Aggression” twist noise into structure, while “Dance Craze” drags listeners through a slow‑burn haze of pounding drums and smoke‑thick atmosphere.

Listen to “Dance Craze” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXr23p8FBI8​
​
​Bat Leather will support “Dark Arts” with a run of Alberta shows this September, bringing their confrontational, genre‑breaking sound directly to Western Canada. Tour dates listed below.
​
​Bat Leather makes music that resists being boxed in. It’s noisy, it’s heavy, it’s chaotic, and it’s compelling, the kind of record you drop the needle on and immediately wonder where it came from. Their songs crawl inside you, getting stranger and more addictive with every listen. If “heavy rotation” counts as a genre, Bat Leather owns it.
​
​No List Records continues its tradition of championing uncompromising, boundary‑pushing artists. The “Dark Arts” vinyl release marks another entry in the label’s commitment to supporting music that challenges, confronts, and refuses to fit neatly into any category.

Vinyl Pre-Order – https://nolistrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dark-arts​

Tour Dates:​
Sept 21 – Drumheller, AB – Heller Good w/ The Polite Stripes
Sept 22 – Calgary, AB – Palomino Smokehouse w/ Unsane
Sept 23 – Lethbridge, AB – Theoretically Brewing AA
Sept 24 – Calgary, AB – Blox Arts Centre R4$ AA

Track Listing:​
1. Dance Craze – 2:00
2. Thursday Inn Sylvan – 1:42
3. Misguided Projects – 1:51
4. Then He Was Pulled Into A Machine – 2:26
5. Technical Aggression – 2:39

Credits:​
Cory – Guitar, Bass, Drums, Noise
Luke – Vocals, Noise

Recorded January 2026 at Red Volume Audio in the Badlands, ab by Cory. Vocals recorded in Vancouver, bc by Luke.
Mixed by Cory. No master, no god.
Cover photograph and layout by Cory.

More info: https://www.instagram.com/batleathernoise/​

-30-

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0 JUPITER CYCLOPS Announces New Album “One Eye Opens” and Reveals Music Video “Who Are They Foolin’?”

  • August 27, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Cyclops (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 27, 2026

JUPITER CYCLOPS Announces New Album “One Eye Opens” and Reveals Music Video “Who Are They Foolin’?”

Phoenix, Arizona heavy metal band JUPITER CYCLOPS will release their sophomore album, “One Eye Opens”, on November 20th, 2026 via Rockshots Records. Building on the foundations of their 2024 debut, “Age of the UFOnaut”, the band pushes its sound further into classic heavy metal and ’80s territory while retaining the heavy ’70s rock influences at the core of its identity. The album’s first single and opening track, “Who Are They Foolin’?”, is out now.

With “One Eye Opens”, Jupiter Cyclops expand on the sound established with their debut, bringing more of their ’80s influences to the surface. Across eight tracks, the album moves through traditional heavy metal and NWOBHM foundations while exploring proto-thrash, slower melodic songwriting and more atmospheric arrangements.

The album was written against a backdrop of what Jupiter Cyclops sees as a society increasingly shaped by manipulation, control, and fear. Those ideas inform both the title “One Eye Opens” and several of the songs, creating a thematic thread around awareness and the moment when accepted realities begin to be questioned.

Rather than following a single musical formula, the record moves between direct heavy metal, classic hard rock influences, and longer, more developed compositions. It culminates in the 7:39 “The Initiates” before closing with its title track, “One Eye Opens”.

Jupiter Cyclops comments:

“We are ready to unleash the tunes that we’ve been working on over the last couple of years. It will be bigger, heavier, with our most diverse songs yet. The album was written while watching the world lose its humanity in real time. Manipulation, control, fear, and the realization that modern life is built around keeping us asleep. If you follow us, you know we are about big riffs and hooks, and this album is stacked. The album is finally coming, and we can’t wait to share it in full volume.”

Leading the album is its first single, “Who Are They Foolin’?”, a track that introduces the heavier side of the new material.

The song has roots that stretch considerably further back than the album itself. Its original idea was written by bassist Jake Melius when he was just 16 years old before eventually being developed into its present form with Jupiter Cyclops. Written by Melius and guitarist Dustin Lyon with lyrics by Aaron Peltz, the track draws from early thrash while incorporating elements associated with Iron Maiden and Deep Purple.

Musically, “Who Are They Foolin’?” combines heavy riffing with melodic guitar work and Peltz’s commanding vocal delivery. Lyrically, the song functions as Jupiter Cyclops’ protest song, addressing power and the ability of a relatively small group of people to exercise a disproportionate degree of control over others. In that respect, the track provides a direct entry point into the wider themes explored on “One Eye Opens”.
​
​Listen: https://lnk.to/3dKd9J

​
​Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7laATZPSwak

​

“One Eye Opens” was recorded at The Ripper’s House, produced by Jupiter Cyclops and mixed by Dustin Lyon, with cover artwork by Mashai Fattahi.
​
​“ONE EYE OPENS” | OUT NOVEMBER 20, 2026

PRE-ORDER “ONE EYE OPENS” | CD & VINYL – https://lnk.to/OneEyeOpens​

For fans of: UFO, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, classic heavy metal, hard rock, and NWOTHM.

More info:

​https://www.rockshots.eu

​https://www.facebook.com/JupiterCyclopsArizona

​https://www.instagram.com/jupitercyclopsaz/​

-30-

Past Reviews:

MUSOSCRIBE/BILL KOPP -It’s one thing to appreciate the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). But it’s quite another to learn from the style, to take what’s most valuable about it and apply it to one’s own original music. Yet that’s what Phoenix-based Jupiter Cyclops has managed to do. On the group’s second long-player, Age of the UFOnaut, the four-piece outfit serves up its trademark uber-heavy rock (think Black Sabbath and Deep Purple) leavened with the more modern approach of later, more intense artists (Iron Maiden, for example). Intricate yet lockstep riffage is the order of the day. The band operates with thunderous power and unified purpose; the four musicians plays as if they’re all part of one seething, roaring musical organism. But what separates Age of the UFOnaut from standard-issue metal is the high quality of the vocals. No cookie-monster harsh vocals (if that’s your thing, well, sorry); instead, lead singer Aaron Peltz roars in a melodic manner that recalls – in manner if not texture – great hard rock vocalists like UFO’s Phill Mogg, Ian Gillan and, well, not-too-many others.

DOOMED AND STONED – “It’s getting hot all over the US right now, and no band knows it better than JUPITER CYCLOPS from Phoenix, Arizona, where it’s been inching closer and closer into 120 degree territory lately. Now there’s a band name for you to contemplate the next time you blaze up. Everything about it sounds larger than life, and their new album ‘Age of the UFOnaut’ (2024) definitely goes for it all: a heavy rock tincture of free-wheeling psychedelia with currents doom, groove metal, and NWOBHM.”

SENTINEL DAILY – Arizona’s Jupiter Cyclops have hit the ground running with debut album Age of The UFOnaut. Stoner/psych rock and metal bands are ten a penny these days, and not many of them have the wit or style to rise from the sludgy mire to exhibit revolutionary (or maybe evolutionary) traits like originality or flair. So it’s an absolute delight to stumble across these blokes, whose record is absolutely bulging at the seams with excitement and verve. Basically they’ve taken all the best bits of the seventies, heavy rock wise, and formed them in their own image. Aaron Peltz is a marvellous singer, taking a soupçon of Hagar, a dash of Meniketti, and a whole lot of his own talent to deliver a compelling performance, which is only boosted by a commanding lead guitar performance from Dustin Lyon, who has to be one of the most impressive axemen I’ve heard in a while. Built on the back of these two major operators, tracks like Between Worlds sound absolutely gargantuan, But on the album’s standout cut, Sinful Ways, they manage to elevate things to such a level as to appear almost Godlike.

UBER ROCK – “What this quartet employ is not a new combination of ingredients – two measures of traditional doom aesthetic, one of proto-NWoBHM enthusiasm, a dash of stoner intensity and a dash of that desert breeze, coupled with one each of cynicism and bravura – but how they combine them is the mark of masters of their craft. As is exemplified in every consistently precise and perfectly curated second of this declarative debut offering.”

ROUGH EDGE – “I have been reviewing music for over 25 years and the one thing I have figured out, the more I learn about bands, the more I realize I don’t know. My current project is a band called Jupiter Cyclops (what a great fricken name) and their recording “Age of the UFOnaut.” From start to finish each song is finely crafted and ready to be seen live. Everything about this band is simply killer. This is rock’n’roll that should be witnessed loud and often (which is just what I did). You can tell from the quality of this music that Jupiter Cyclops is a band to be reckoned with and listened to and I mean with vigor. I am at a loss for words as I listen to “Age of the UFOnaut” and, if you know me at all, you know that shit just doesn’t happen. Killer music, outstanding presentation and hard rock fucking music done the correct way. After numerous spins all I can say is that I give “Age of the UFOnaut” four full guitarsaws, and if I could say more I fucking would.

​
​

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0 LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Announces California Show Dates + New Music Video “The Blank Page” and more!

  • August 26, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Levinia · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Aug 26, 2026

LA Symphonic Metal LEVINIA Announces California Show Dates + New Music Video “The Blank Page” and more!

New Singles Produced by Brandon Friesen (Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach)

L-R – Dylan Suierveld – Drums, Kourt Henson – Vocals, Liam Alexander – Bass, Alon Mei-Tal – Guitar

Photo Credit – Dream of Mirrors Photography

Los Angeles-based symphonic metal outfit Levinia is set to hit the road in California this coming fall for a run of intimate, high‑impact shows celebrating their 2026 singles “Blank Page,” “Bite,” “Silver Tongues,” and “The Thorn.” The new material marks the band’s most refined and emotionally charged era yet, produced by acclaimed Brandon Friesen (Halestorm, Nickelback, The Hu, Papa Roach), a collaboration that has elevated Levinia’s sound into darker, sharper, and more immersive territory.
​
Formed in 2017 by drummer Dylan Suierveld and guitarist John Pinon Martinez after departing Aerius, Levinia began as a vision for something more cinematic, more emotionally expansive, and more theatrically driven than their previous work. That vision crystallized with the arrival of vocalist Kourt Henson, whose classically influenced approach and literary‑inspired lyricism became the band’s defining voice. With the addition of lead guitarist Alon Mei‑Tal in 2020 and bassist Liam Alexander in 2026, Levinia has evolved into a hybrid force, melding symphonic atmosphere, modern American metal aggression, and deeply personal storytelling.
​
Each of the band’s 2026 releases showcases a different facet of their identity. Friesen’s production helped refine the band’s strongest ideas into four distinct emotional experiences, each pushing Levinia further into their aggressive, melodic, and cinematic identity. The first single “The Thorn” unveiled Levinia’s evolving narrative and blend of cinematic tension and modern heaviness. “Silver Tongues”, a groove‑driven track, demonstrated the band’s unsettling exploration of celebrity worship and blind cultural obedience. “Bite” unleashed a dark, aggressive song inspired by Dracula and the resilience of Mina Murray, channeling themes of toxic influence and personal reclamation. “The Blank Page” revealed a haunting, emotionally raw portrayal of writer’s block, pressure, and creative paralysis erupting into one of the band’s most powerful choruses.

Recommended for fans of Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, and Delain, all singles can be heard along with music videos at the following links:

The Blank Page – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnWntWSKHR0

​

Bite – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55Uw9l0cmAA​

Silver Tongues – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqhk6j6wzKs​

The Thorn – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30EmGiQL7ug​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1EwsNdgp51KoolPhaM3TYY​

Levinia’s California dates promise a performance that is raw, immersive, and emotionally gripping. Rather than relying on theatrics, the band focuses on connection, intense eye contact, dynamic chemistry, and a sense of living inside each song. Their shows feel personal, powerful, and human, offering a unique contrast to the over‑produced spectacles often seen in modern metal.
​
Fans can expect a setlist built around the new singles, alongside select tracks from their earlier EPs “Alluring Fear” and “Liberation,” showcasing the band’s evolution from symphonic roots to their current hybrid cinematic‑metal identity. The shows will also feature exclusive early previews of upcoming material, as the band continues writing and recording beyond these four singles.
​
​Show Dates:​
Sept 26 – Corona, CA – Rockefellas Cavern w/ 5Aberwulf
Nov 8 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages w/ Ravenmocker, Love and Other Demons

Levinia:​
Vocals – Kourt Henson
Guitar – Alon Mei-Tal
Bass – Liam Alexander
Drums- Dylan Suierveld

More info:

​https://www.leviniaofficial.com/​

​https://instagram.com/leviniaofficial​

​https://www.facebook.com/LeviniaOfficial/​

-30-​

“The mixing was just absolutely incredible for the guitars. I really like that.” (referring to the complex rhythm). This was, I mean, I was super impressed. Really impressed. I love the chorus. That’s what we really love. (about catchy choruses). I love that. It was so good (about the operatic vocals), super super cool. What a good job. I’m happy that she’s back with her band. They all look like they were having a great time. That was super cool. (about the live setting) I love it. Yeah. Yeah. I love it.” (about headbanging). This was perfect. Right up my alley.” “It was very good. Very high rating. This was really cool, and I’m very happy we did this one.”- YouTube Reaction Video – The Rockin’ Roundtable (2026 – The Thorn (single)

“Overall, Liberation is a thoroughly impressive EP that should find appeal with both the modern metal and symphonic crowds, especially those craving a little extra heaviness in their material. Levinia are onto something great here, best to catch them here at the ground level and watch them explode to the next level in the near future.” – Dead Rhetoric (2018 – Liberation)

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0 Calgary’s VICTORIA LIES’ New Music Video Is “Weaving Webs” Into A Dark Metalcore Universe + Debut Album “Vendetta” Out Oct 2026

  • August 25, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Uncategorized · Victoria Lies

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 25, 2026

Calgary’s VICTORIA LIES’ New Music Video Is “Weaving Webs” Into A Dark Metalcore Universe

+ Debut Concept Album “Vendetta” Out Oct 2026 via Black Cat Records

L-R – Jay Powell (Bass), Chris Koehler (Guitars), Brett Hetherington (Vocals), James Cuncanon (Drums), Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

Photo Credit – Heather Kim

Calgary’s cinematic metalcore force Victoria Lies unleash their second single and music video “Weaving Webs,” following the explosive impact of “Red” and further expanding the dark, narrative‑driven universe leading into their debut full‑length “Vendetta,” due out on October 30th, 2026 via Black Cat Records.​
​
While the album “Vendetta” is built around the mysterious and evolving story of Victoria, “Weaving Webs” steps outside the central narrative to confront real‑world deception and the collapse of long‑standing falsehoods.
​
​“Even though not directly part of the Victoria universe, this one lyrically talks about how we all can see and communicate across the world. We can all see the terrible things that are happening. The same lies that have been told for decades no longer hold any ground, and we can now see who the real villains are. We will not forget,” adds vocalist Brett Hetherington.
​
Musically, guitarist Rory Fitzsimmons notes that the track began as a stylistic experiment inspired by Attack Attack!, pushing the band’s genre‑bending approach even further:
​
“I like to utilize ideas from all different styles of music. The intro to the track was a really fun side quest to see if a crazy idea I had would work.”​
​
The band’s first single “Red” introduced listeners to the pivotal moment in the Vendetta storyline, the instant Victoria becomes Victoria. A chaotic, urgent, and emotionally volatile track, “Red” set the tone for the album’s blend of narrative depth and heavy, groove‑driven metalcore.
​
With “Weaving Webs,” Victoria Lies reveal yet another facet of their sound, one that’s melodic, head‑banging, heavy, genre‑bending, and groovy in equal measure.

Watch and listen to the video for “Weaving Webs” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfgVSj0AxRc

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/weaving-webs-2

​

Releasing October 30th, 2026, “Vendetta” is a concept‑driven metalcore album built on theatrical storytelling, emotional depth, and genre experimentation. Across its ten tracks, the band explores themes of power, violence, deception, trauma, and transformation, all while pushing their sound into new territory with elements of pop, trap beats, saxophone, and more.
​
The album was produced by Scott Bennett, with the band’s signature blend of heavy grooves, dynamic melodies, and narrative‑driven lyrics brought to life through meticulous writing and collaborative effort.
​
​Victoria Lies is a Canadian metalcore band known for blending heavy grooves, technical flair, and theatrical storytelling. Formed in 2023, the lineup features vocalist Brett Hetherington, drummer James Cuncanon, guitarists Chris Koehler and Rory Fitzsimmons, and bassist Jay Powell. Their live shows incorporate choreography and the character of Victoria, portrayed by dancer Sadie Rieb, creating an immersive narrative experience.
​
The band has performed across Alberta, Calgary, Drumheller, Lethbridge, and Edmonton, including at Gatorfest II and Decimate Metalfest.

Recommended for fans of Bad Omens, Atreyu, AFI, Killswitch Engage, and Dayseeker, “Vendetta” will be available on October 30th, 2026, from Black Cat Records on all digital platforms.

Album pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/vendetta​

Track Listing:​
1. Victoria – 1:40
2. We Ignite – 3:25
3. Terra Critical – 4:00
4. Laced With Hate – 6:30
5. Red – 2:44
6. Weaving Webs – 4:18
7. Trial by Fire – 3:33
8. Absurd – 4:21
9. Red Lips, Loaded Gun – 5:52
10. Ravens – 3:41
11. Truth and Sugar – 4:15
Album Length: 44:23

Album and Live Band Line-up:​
Jay Powell (Bass)
Brett Hetherington (Vocals)
James Cuncanon (Drums)
Chris Koehler (Guitars)
Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

More info: Victorialies.com | Facebook.com/victorialiesband | Instagram.com/victorialiesband | Tiktok.com/@victoria.lies

-30-

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0 Montreal’s KILLED BY SORROW Unleashes “Betrayal” Off Forthcoming Debut Album “Empires of Excess” Out October 2026

  • August 25, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Killed By Sorrow · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 25, 2026

Montreal’s KILLED BY SORROW Unleashes “Betrayal” Off Forthcoming Debut Album “Empires of Excess” Out October 2026

Montreal metal outfit Killed By Sorrow has officially announced the release of their first full‑length album, “Empire of Excess,” due out on October 23rd, 2026, to follow EPs “Careless of This Sadness” (2023) and “Time Has Come” (2022). The record marks the band’s most dynamic, emotionally charged, and musically evolved chapter to date.
​
To give the first glimpse into the album, the band has unveiled the first single, “Betrayal”, a heavy, riff‑driven track built on explosive breakdowns and raw emotional intensity. The song explores the collapse of trust after deep personal betrayal, poisonous lies, emotional wounds, and the breaking point where deception becomes unbearable.

“This is a heavy-punching song with a great breakdown. Great guitar riffs,” adds rhythm guitarist Samuel Ham.
​
​Watch the lyric video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0PWyiTedfs

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0nW7DcnjyCJpw4iBTBYdi6

​

“Empire of Excess” is a refined evolution of Killed By Sorrow’s early sound, still aggressive, still emotional, but more mature, more atmospheric, and more intentional. With 10 tracks, fans can expect a blend of heaviness and melody that draws listeners into the story behind each one. From its polished, immersive production to its mix of fast, downbeat tracks infused with metalcore, thrash, prog, and punk. The record will take listeners into a deep emotional atmosphere with a track list designed to feel like a journey from start to finish,
​
​“The contributions on this record from our bassist Marty Bersier‑Carpentier have significantly shaped the new sonic direction and have been a real blessing in refining our sound,” adds Ham.

Killed by Sorrow emerged from Montreal’s South Shore metal-music scene in the mid-2000s, carving out their identity with a sound heavily inspired by the emotional intensity of Poison the Well, the razor-sharp riffing of Unearth, and the melodic precision of Trivium. These influences shaped the band’s early songwriting, blending aggression with dynamic melodic structures.

During their formative years, Killed by Sorrow built a reputation through high-energy performances across local venues. A major milestone of this era was sharing the stage with renowned Swedish hardcore band Raised Fist, a moment that reinforced the band’s credibility.

As a group of friends, they have been determined to channel the intensity of the music they loved into something of their own. What began as basement rehearsals has quickly evolved into a serious project as the band discovered a natural chemistry.

Recommended for fans of Unearth, Killswitch Engage, Poison The Well, Trivium, and Lamb of God, “Empire of Excess” is due out on October 23, 2026, and available for pre-save/ pre-order at https://killedbysorrow.bandcamp.com/.

Track Listing:​
1. The End is Near – 3:38
2. Empire of Excess – 3:04
3. The Burial – 3:28
4. Betrayal – 3:51
5. Never Give Up – 2:37
6. All My Brothers – 3:18
7. In The Spotlight – 3:17
8. Killed By Sorrow – 3:29
9. Unchained – 3:42
10. Stay In Line – 3:28
Album Length: 33:55

Band Line-up:​
Sébastien Mailloux – Vocals
Martin Bersier-Carpentier – Bass
Tommy Forand – Guitar Lead
Samuel Ham – Guitar Rhythm
Mathieu Lassonde – Drums
​

More info:

​https://killedbysorrow.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/KilledbySorrow/​

​https://www.instagram.com/killedbysorrowband​

​​-30-​

“Canadian underground hardcore punks in Killed By Sorrow’s newest single, Betrayal, definitely stays loyal to the metalcore scene by actually sounding like thrash metal tones mixed with a hardcore punk grit and attitude. Heavily distorted rhythms sound closer to your traditional hardcore, but paired with your traditional style of hardcore punk vocals, Betrayal lets you know not to cross Killed By Sorrow. Huge basslines underneath and in-the-pocket drumming made this one an interesting approach in a crowded metalcore genre, and it’s more than worth a few listens.” – Metal Institute of Thrashology (2026)

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0 Reminder – Sept 4th – 5th – TAMPA DEATH FEST 2026 w/ VIOGRESSION, NASTY SAVAGE, LEPROSY, GANGRENESIA and more!

  • August 25, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 25, 2026

Reminder – Sept 4th – 5th – TAMPA DEATH FEST 2026 w/ VIOGRESSION, NASTY SAVAGE, LEPROSY, GANGRENESIA and more!

Coming very soon! The carnage returns to Tampa, Florida, with Tampa Death Fest storming into the legendary Brass Mug for its 8th annual edition, hitting September 4–5, 2026 with one of the heaviest underground death‑metal weekends Florida has to offer.

This year’s lineup fuses rising underground brutality with veteran icons. Friday, September 4th will erupt with Syndicate, Eroguro Phantasmagore, Homicyde, Unholy Disciple, Leprosy, Sacrilous, Viogression, and Foreverless. Saturday, Sept 5th crushes with Grave Filth, Ramtha, Gouted Corpse, Coathanger Abortion, Sapraemia, Gangrenesia (Puerto Rico), Must Not Kill, and Tampa legends Nasty Savage closing out the night.

As one of the bands that helped ignite Florida’s extreme‑metal movement in the mid‑80s, Nasty Savage remains a cornerstone of the scene and a perfect headliner for a weekend built on pure aggression. If you crave real death metal that is raw, heavy, and unfiltered, the kind Tampa helped define, this is one of 2026’s essential weekends. Two nights. Zero filler. Maximum brutality. See you in the pit.

Get a preview of the lineup with the TDF Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xXgzAxsCqGvjraz6l8YNh

​

TDF Promo Video – https://www.instagram.com/p/DYwwzZXR8qK/​

Event Details:

Date: September 4th and 5th

Venue: Brass Mug, 1450 Skipper Road, Tampa, FL

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1261714482664268​

Ticket Links:

Fri, Sept 4 – https://ticketbud.com/events/25a37be2-3998-11f1-af02-42010a71700b

Sat, Sept 5 – https://ticketbud.com/events/3510b89e-39a0-11f1-ac5f-42010a71700b

Tampa Death Fest 2026 Lineup:

Friday, September 4th: ​
Foreverless (Florida)
Viogression (Wisconsin)
Sacrilous (Florida)
Leprosy (Pennsylvania)
Unholy Disciple (Florida)
Homicyde (South Carolina)
Eroguro Phantasmagore (Florida)
Syndicate (Florida)
​
​Saturday, September 5th: ​
Nasty Savage (Florida)
Must Not Kill (Florida)
Gangrenesia (Puerto Rico)
Sapraemia (Florida)
Coathanger Abortion (Tennessee)
Gouted Corpse (Ohio)
Ramtha (Florida)
Grave Filth (Florida)

About the Headliners:

(Viogression)

Viogression – https://viogression.info/​

Music Video – Light Harvester – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_cEP5Ed26E​

Formed in 1988, Viogression rose from the Midwest underground with early demos that led to their acclaimed debut, Expound & Exhort (1991), earning them a world tour with Death and Pestilence. After Passage (1994) and a long hiatus, the band returned with A Pure Formality (2014), reigniting their momentum and live presence. They pushed forward with 3rd Stage of Decay (2022) before crafting their fourth album, Thaumaturgic Veil (2025), praised for blending old‑school brutality with cerebral, metaphysical themes. The record marks a bold new chapter in Viogression’s evolving legacy.

(Nasty Savage)

Nasty Savage – https://www.nastysavage.com/​

Live at Legions of Metal (Chicago) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT1V85ZQR64​

Nasty Savage is a thrash metal band from Brandon, Florida, that became well known for the wild and theatrical stage antics of frontman “Nasty” Ronnie Galetti. During the band’s early years, Galetti gained a reputation for his high-energy performances, which famously included smashing television sets over his head onstage. The group’s debut album, featuring the standout track “XXX,” was recorded at Progressive Music in Tampa and helped secure a deal with the influential metal label Metal Blade Records. Nasty Savage released four albums between 1983 and 1989 before disbanding. Following years of reunion rumors, the band returned with the album “Psycho Psycho” in 2004, marking their comeback with a collection of new material. Since then, Nasty Savage has continued to perform select live shows while maintaining its legacy as a cult favorite in the thrash metal scene. In October 2024, the band released its latest studio album, “Jeopardy Room”.

(Leprosy)

Leprosy – https://leprosy.cc/home​

Impulse to Kill – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji2og7WzJS0​

Imagine horror, blood, and gore splattered across a heaping dose of true old‑school death metal, shoved into a meatgrinder and served with a smile. This is Leprosy. Exhumed in 1988, Leprosy is a Death/Splatter Gore metal force hailing from the Pittsburgh “Steel City” underground. Over the decades, they’ve shared the stage with giants including Napalm Death, Cannibal Corpse, Malevolent Creation, Forbidden, Entombed, Venom Inc, Exodus, Deicide, and many more, earning their reputation as one of Pennsylvania’s most enduring and blood‑soaked extreme‑metal acts.

(Gangrenesia)

Gangrenesia – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561028699841​

Music Video – Disemboweling Motherfc*kers Like You! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNJOdx4-Hus​

Gangrenesia is an active, slamming brutal death metal band from Caguas, Puerto Rico, formed in 2022 and known for their ultra‑violent gore themes, hyper‑percussive slam riffs, and extreme vocal brutality. They’ve quickly become one of Puerto Rico’s most vicious new extreme‑metal exports, releasing multiple singles, demos, and EPs that have circulated heavily in the slam/brutal‑death underground.

(Ramtha)

A band to watch! RAMTHA – https://linktr.ee/ramthabandfl​

Music Video – Infinite Energy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yXxBbuLLsI​

Recent WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2026 National Finalists! ​Ramtha is an extreme‑metal band from St. Petersburg/Tampa, Florida, known for fusing death metal, thrash, grind, and hardcore into a high‑intensity hybrid sound. Active since 2022, the band has carved out a distinct identity within Florida’s extreme‑metal scene. They’ve released two EPs, Void Tyrant (2023) and Through Eyes of Death (2024), and are currently developing a third EP slated for 2026. Ramtha has earned a reputation for explosive live performances, frequently hitting Tampa’s Brass Mug and sharing stages with major acts such as Exhorder, Crypta, Worm, Gruesome, Artillery, Killing Addiction, Bandit, Gillian Carter, Dayglo Abortions, and Hong Kong Fck You. With momentum continuing to build, the band remains a rising force in the underground.

More info:

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577052471967

​https://www.instagram.com/tampadeathfest/​

TDF Press Materials HERE.

Sponsors:​
Piox Promotions
Time To Kill Records
Gator Cases
Tampa Bay Museum of Metal
Metal Messiah Radio
Infernal TV
Asher Media Relations
88.5 WMNF First Call
The Tampa Morgue Podcast
The Drinking With Drew Show
Wicked Rose Photography
Teratography Graphics
Riffs Across Generations
Dr. Paul Bearer’s Creature Feature
The Nostalgia Network (NOST)

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0 Out Now! TRISKELYON New Cover Album “Metalmorphosis” Supercharges Timeless Hits Into Metal Fury

  • August 21, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Triskelyon

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 21, 2026

Out Now! TRISKELYON New Cover Album “Metalmorphosis” Supercharges Timeless Hits Into Metal Fury

​
Canada’s unstoppable metal force Triskelyon unleashes “Metalmorphosis,” a digital‑only barrage that reforges iconic rock and pop classics into a high‑octane blast of metallic fury. The album is now available on all major digital platforms as of August 21, 2026, via Moribund Records.
​
Founded in 2021 by guitarist and mastermind Geoff Waye (Category VI), Triskelyon has carved a fierce path through the underground with acclaimed singles and albums including “Downfall,” “Artificial Insanity,” “Shattered Elysium,” and “Maelstrom of Chaos.” With “Metalmorphosis,” the band pushes its creative boundaries further than ever, delivering a full‑length collection of crushing cover versions forged from the fires of thrash, speed, power, and traditional heavy metal.
​
Aptly titled, “Metalmorphosis” represents the complete metalization of timeless classics, each track reborn heavier, faster, darker, and more explosive. From the arena‑sized lift of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” to the brooding tension of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Triskelyon injects razor‑sharp riffing, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and blistering solos into every song. Fan‑favorite covers return as well, including the band’s celebrated renditions of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Major Tom (Coming Home),” “It Doesn’t Really Matter,” and “Nobody’s Business.”​
​
Drawing from icons such as Tears for Fears, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Billy Idol, Men Without Hats, Men at Work, Platinum Blonde, Peter Schilling, and Bryan Adams, the album stands as both a tribute to the golden age of rock and pop and a declaration of Triskelyon’s limitless creative fire. Each track preserves the unforgettable hooks that made these songs legendary while amplifying them into full‑throttle metallic weapons.
​
More than a covers album, “Metalmorphosis” is a celebration of transformation through metal, a collision of nostalgia and aggression that proves Triskelyon can reshape any musical form into molten steel. As with previous releases, all songs were mixed and mastered by Michael Small, with album artwork by Ellim.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/42SL4SDxh88LWrMfhoc2Te

​

Download on Bandcamp – https://triskelyon.bandcamp.com/album/metalmorphosis​

Visualizer – “Heartbreaker” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H1ljv2GzLk

​

Track Listing:​
1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears cover)
2. Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams cover)
3. The Safety Dance (Men Without Hats cover)
4. Overkill (Men at Work cover)
5. Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar cover)
6. Nobody’s Business (Billy Idol cover) <Downfall album>
7. It Doesn’t Really Matter (Platinum Blonde Cover) <Artificial Insanity album>
8. Hungry Like The Wolf (Duran Duran Cover) <Shattered Elysium album>
9. Major Tom (Coming Home) (Peter Schilling Cover) <Maelstrom of Chaos album>

Note: ALL album-released covers are the same except “Major Tom,” which is a remaster (not a remix).

Note: 5 brand new covers packaged with the 4 covers already done into one compilation album!

More info:

​https://www.moribundcult.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/triskelyonmetal​

​https://www.instagram.com/triskelyonmetal​

– 30 –

“anyone who enjoys metal cover versions will be very well served by “Metalmorphosis.”” – Hellfire Magazin

“thirty‑five minutes of carefree, thoroughly enjoyable fun.” – Metalhead.it (Metalmorphosis 2026)

“One of my favorite albums of the year” ~Brutally Delicious Podcast​
​
​““Hellbound Hellions” follows and is just a great tune. That scream in the beginning and I knew immediately that Pete Healey was back for another album with Waye. The last of the opening trio and it is a slayer. Killer thrash riffs and Healey’s soaring vocals and a really sick solo makes this one of my favorites on the album.4.5/5” – Metal Rules

“It’s refreshing, for once, to discover a thrash band that aren’t geared towards utter devastation but, rather, crafting a record that an audience can simply put on and vibe to. With more than forty-five minutes to work with, the band still stuck to their guns and applied songwriting that saw every minute feel earned and needed for what their performance entailed.” – The Razor’s Edge

“Waye has shown he can write in any metal style and the guys he got together to perform are world class. The production is pretty big too so, if you like Megadeth, Agent Steel, Exodus, Overkill, etc. then there will be something on here that you like. Me? I liked it all! Hopefully, Canadian metal will be taken a bit more seriously with this release.” – My Global Mind

“classical Thrash Metal tracks and many 80s vibes.” – Metal-Temple

“Heavy, pounding, in-your-face, power metal-laced thrash” – Metal Crypt

“A who’s who of musicians in the Canadian Thrash scene! Riffs and soloing are nothing short of fantastic!” – MetalNoise

“Powerful at the right point but also epic, with sharp and anthemic vocal parts” MetalHead.it

“Power-Thrash equipped with murderous riffs on a technically first-class level with changeable exciting vocal variability.” – FFM-Rock

“Minimal filler and maximum melody!” – Heavy Music HQ

“Tighter than a shark’s arsehole and shows that Triskelyon are continuing to do what they do best.” – Metal-Digest

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0 Out Now! Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Debut Self-Titled Album + New Video “Fire Inside”

  • August 21, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Famous Strangers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 21, 2026

Out Now! Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Unveils Debut Self-Titled Album + New Video “Fire Inside”

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

Photo by J-Kiernen Photography

The wait is over. Famous Strangers have officially released their debut self‑titled album, a heavy, emotional, genre‑breaking first statement from one of Alberta’s most exciting new heavy rock acts. Built on themes of self‑worth, growth, vulnerability, and raw honesty, the album delivers a full‑spectrum listening experience that moves from explosive riffs to atmospheric introspection, always anchored by the band’s signature unpredictability and emotional depth.
​
At its core, the record is about knowing your worth, breaking free from what holds you back, choosing yourself, and emerging stronger on the other side. Across seven tracks, the band blends grunge, punk, blues, classic metal, and modern heaviness into something moody, haunting, old‑school, and intriguing. Every song lives in its own world, yet the journey feels unified, intentional, and deeply personal.
​
The debut album showcases the band’s evolution over three years of writing, rewriting, experimenting, and trusting their instincts. Some riffs lived on guitarist Jeff Kittlitz’s hard drive for over a decade before finally finding the right home. Some songs were born in a single jam session. One track, “Ghosts of Men,” was written just three days before entering the studio. The result is a record that pushes boundaries, breaks rules, and refuses to sit still.

“We feel like our first record will take them on a journey, evoking many different emotions that reflect the flow of this new album. Some may not understand what we are trying to do, but by the end, we hope they are surprised, refreshed, and inspired. We hope the lyrics dig deep into parts of them they didn’t know existed or had hidden away. Opening their hearts and souls, making them feel unstoppable and worthy. Whatever they may be doing while listening, we want our music to captivate them, drawing them deeper into themselves. Feeling the emotional pull through each track. Moments of inspiration and grit, leading to a complete surrender of self. With a touch of silliness and definitely some seduction,” adds the band.
​
To celebrate release day, Famous Strangers have shared a brand‑new rehearsal video for “Fire Inside,” giving fans a raw, behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the album’s most powerful tracks. The song began as a progressive metal riff and evolved in the studio, becoming a grounding anthem about embracing mistakes, honouring your journey, and discovering the light within yourself. The track has a special history with the band, as it was once performed live by asking the audience for lyrical ideas while Amanda freestyled the entire song, including a legendary dinosaur‑themed version during a show date in Drumheller, AB.

Watch and listen to “Fire Inside” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgEZ2BK1z44

Famous Strangers features Amanda Kiernan (vocals), Jeff Kittlitz (guitar), Braden Sustrik (bass), and Brian “Beej” Jolly (drums), formed after years of crossing paths in the Alberta music scene, with members with roots in Compromise, Pugnacious, This Is War, The Order of Chaos, Sleeping Girl, and more. With decades of Alberta heavy‑music experience, they built a project on trust, honesty, and complete creative freedom. What began as casual jams evolved into a full creative force once Amanda joined in 2023. The chemistry was instant. Lyrics poured out, old riffs found new life, and the band quickly realized they had something far bigger than a side project.

Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, the self-titled album is available on all digital platforms (Vinyl pre-order to be announced at a later date) – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/famous-strangers

​Previous Videos:

“Ghosts of Men” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JllvDWc2AC4

​“As Your Leader” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH1WCv__EyY

​Upcoming Show Dates:​
Aug 21 – Album Release Show 1 – Rec Room – Edmonton, AB
Aug 22 – Album Release Show 2 – Temple at Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB

Track Listing:​
1. Fire Inside – 4:06
2. Ghosts of Men – 4:54
3. Please Her – 4:34
4. As Your Leader – 3:49
5. Desires – 3:50
6. Far Away from Home – 4:18
7. Rain – 9:23
Album Length: 34:57

Album Band Line-up:​
Jeff Kittlitz – Guitar, Back-up Vocals
Amanda Kiernan – Vocals, Lyrics
Braden Sustrik – Bass, Back-up Vocals
Brian “Beej” Jolly – Drums, Back-up Vocals

More info:

​https://www.famousstrangersband.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/FamousStrangersBand/​

​https://www.instagram.com/famousstrangersband​

About: Famous Strangers is a heavy metal band from Sherwood Park, Alberta. Rooted in the classics and built for today, the band brings together four veterans of the Alberta music scene with over 20 years of collective experience. With four singles, a music video for every release, and a debut album on vinyl dropping in August 2026, Famous Strangers is all raw power, emotional depth, and a sound that refuses to sit still.

-30-

“Amanda has a Lee Aaron vibe about her.” – Richard Amery – LA Beat

“The band wasted no time tearing into the tracks from the new album, which is set to be released everywhere on August 21. Blasting through an intro that sets a clear tone for the next 45 minutes, they blaze into “Fire Inside”and their latest single, “As Your Leader.” This track has been getting buzz in the metal scene since its release in July, a heavy wall of sound decorated with an undeniable vocal performance. It’s earned the group recent airplay around Europe and North America, and big recent gigs like Decimate Metalfest near their hometown.” – Loud Hailer Mag (Calgary Live Review – Aug 7 – Dickens)

“Serendipity and synchronicity are two key factors in securing the best factors for successful chemistry in any musical outfit. That’s the case for sure in the Canadian heavy rock outfit Famous Strangers. Veterans of the metal scene, they’ve come together at this point in their career to create an energetic heavy music platform surging with this emotional intensity from all angles that’s impossible to ignore. Their debut self-titled album contains all the ideal components to make a strong impact locally and abroad. ” – DeadRhetoric

““Famous Strangers” is an absolute belter of a debut album so don’t be a stranger, check it out! Very Highly Recommended. (5 / 5) – Metal Epidemic
​
​
​“With plenty of material in the pipeline for future releases, Famous Strangers has a tremendous debut album that is a launching point for a hopefully productive career. Boundless opportunities exist, as these musicians came together at the right time to develop a heavy rock, alternative / bluesy-based cocktail of songs that all heavy music followers should treasure.”9/10 – DeadRhetoric​
​
​“It’s great to hear a modern hard rock band unafraid to get aggressive, from a vocalist that can unleash a scream as well as she can hit a crisp high note to the abundance of shredding guitar solos.” – Heavy Music HQ​
​
​“Famous Strangers have been dropping the hints at what the new album will be like with the previous singles ‘Ghosts of Men’ and ‘As Your Leader’. As the August 21st release date creeps closer this highly anticipated debut album is almost here and all we can say is get ready to be floored. The whole offering is a whiplash of modern metal. Signature razor sharp riffs, pulverizing bass and power percussion…lead by unforgettably edgy and furious vocals courtesy of lead singer Amanda Kiernan. Album cuts like ‘Please Her’ are insanely good and surprises like the eclectic ‘Rain’ showcase the bands ability to harness their aggression when a mood catches them for something else. An impressive debut not to be missed from a band fueled by fire, grit and a lot of talent. Catch Famous Strangers Band on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“Canada’s Famous Strangers return with an incredible new single, a fierce one titled ‘Ghosts of Men’. Right out of the gate, the riffs are lethal and the vocals are up to the task with a mean disposition that fit perfectly. Famous Strangers is a seriously talented band and ‘Ghosts of Men’ is a shining example of their creativity at work with an extended jaw dropping 6-string solo, a wonderful slow down to catch our breath only to come out on the other side finding ourselves in a choke hold of epic proportions. This is modern metal done right, catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

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0 Icelandic Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Announces Debut Album “Guðlaugar Saga” Out Sept 2026 + New Video “Heljarhlíð”

  • August 21, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Hrafnablót · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 21, 2026

Sorcerous Folk Metal HRAFNABLÓT Announces Debut Album “Guðlaugar Saga” Out Sept 2026 + New Video “Heljarhlíð”

L-R Hrafnablót Line-up | Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson (Guitar) | Ólafur Daði Jónsson (Keyboards) | Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir (Vocals) | Andri Pétur Dalmar (Drums) | Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson (Bass) | Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir (Guitar)

Photo Credit: Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson

Sorcerous folk‑metal rising force Hrafnablót announces that their debut album, “Guðlaugar Saga,“ will be available on September 11, 2026.

A true epic, “Guðlaugar Saga” blends Icelandic folklore, Sagas, magick, and folk‑metal tradition into a cohesive narrative concept record. The story follows Guðlaug, a modern woman hurled into the settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser, as she navigates battles, celebrations, kidnapping, fate, and the choice between returning home and reshaping history.
​
Sonically, “Guðlaugar Saga” contrasts darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, past and present, weaving together Icelandic folk music, Nordic folk metal, NWOBHM, gothic influences, and extreme metal to create a sound that is sorcerous, folky, dramatic, melodic, and contrasting.
​
The album will feature seven full songs plus two spoken‑word pieces, including the seer’s prophecy in Spádómurinn and the chieftain’s post‑battle reflection in Kappar, meyjar, and komendur. Each track contributes to the overarching Saga, from the celebratory folk‑metal revelry of Fögnuður to the 11‑minute multi‑movement finale Örlagavegur.

“We want to give listeners a sonic journey inspired by Icelandic nature and folklore, harsh, fragile, intimate, and always beautiful,” adds the band.

After previewing tracks “Dísablót” and “Svartigaldur”, Hrafnablót is sharing their newest single and music video, “Heljarhlíð”, continuing the album’s narrative of Guðlaug, a modern‑day woman thrust back into Iceland’s settlement age with nothing but her clothes and a taser.

“Heljarhlíð” marks the first appearance of harsh vocals from keyboardist Ólafur Daði Jónsson, paired with the soaring clean vocals of Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir. Musically, the track channels melodic death metal influences and closes with a powerful vocal harmony.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Heljarhlíð” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4mEwniTdVA

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5d5tsvnMNn38HrPFbwfd4h​

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

Hrafnablót was formed in Reykjavík, Iceland, in fall 2024 and channels the contrasting light and darkness of Icelandic magick, Sagas, and folklore. Their music merges heavy riffs, folk influences, haunting melodies, and both clean and harsh vocals, a sound deeply rooted in Icelandic myth and landscape.
​
Since forming, the band has become a striking presence in Iceland’s live scene, performing at Íslenski rokkbarinn, Lemmy, BIRD, and the Icelandic Sorcery Festival. Their shows are ritualistic experiences, rich with visuals, storytelling, and dramatic intensity.

Recommended for fans of Ensiferum, Nightwish, Wintersun, Skálmöld, and Eluveitie, “Guðlaugar Saga” will be available on all digital platforms on September 11th, 2026.

Digital Album Pre-Save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hrafnablt/gulaugar-saga
CD and Vinyl Pre-Order – https://elasticstage.com/hrafnablot/releases/gudlaugar-saga-album

Previous Singles:

Music Video – “Svartigaldur” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDPpHb_Qf1s​

Music Video – “Dísablót” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tI34l6OrGc​

Track Listing:​
1. Spádómurinn – 1:49
2. Dísablót – 5:44
3. Heljarhlíð – 6:22
4. Kappar, Meyjar, Komendur – 1:22
5. Fögnuður – 5:41
6. Nornarheimt – 5:21
7. Svartigaldur – 5:17
8. Heimþrá – 4:59
9. Örlagavegur – 11:23
Album Length: 48:02

Band Line-up:​
Hugrún Hanna Stefánsdóttir – Vocals
Þórgnýr Einar Albertsson – Bass & Backing Vocals
Ólafur Daði Jónsson – Keyboards & Backing Vocals
Steingrímur Viðar Karlsson – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Andri Pétur Dalmar – Drums & Backing Vocals
Mara Birna Jóhannsdóttir – Guitar

For more info:

​https://hrafnablot.is/​

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

​https://www.instagram.com/hrafnablot​
​

-30-

“Iceland’s Hrafnablót and debut single ‘Svartigaldur’ a heavy piece of pagan folk metal; for the tale of a time traveller lashed to Viking mast accused of being a witch. With symphonic metal richness, black metal energy, traditional melodies, theatrical vocal harmonies and soaring, clean female vocals, it’s quite a ride!” – Loud Enough Magazine

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0 Montreal Thrash Trio OMBRA New Single “Stitches” Is A Moshpit Bruiser! + Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

  • August 20, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Ombra

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 20, 2026

Montreal Thrash Trio OMBRA New Single “Stitches” Is A Moshpit Bruiser! + Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

Rising Montreal thrash trio OMBRA will release their debut EP, “Night Terror,” on September 14th, 2026, unveiling a raw, conceptual journey through fear, obsession, chemical collapse, and the darker corners of the human psyche.

Today, the band is presenting the EP’s second single, “Stitches,” to follow their explosive first track, “Hysteria.”

A haunting exploration of obsession, beauty, and the price of transformation. “Stitches” digs into the psychological spiral of chasing perfection, where flesh becomes a canvas, pain becomes currency, and identity fractures under the knife. Musically, the track blends groove‑driven speed and aggression, showcasing the band’s signature mix of raw emotion and razor‑sharp riffing.
​
Listen to “Stitches” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimmvegfZ_M

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/56xkN49mwjkZwetnNN2T6M

​

Formed by lifelong friends Giuseppe “G” Criniti (vocals/guitar), Marco Sisti (guitar/bass), and Nico‑Angelo Sisti (drums), OMBRA emerged in late 2020 after G and Marco departed their hard‑rock/progressive project NRTH to pursue a heavier, more aggressive sound. Nico, Marco’s cousin and a well‑known drummer in the Montreal scene, joined shortly after leaving Hidden Pride. With all three members having grown up together in Lachine (a borough within the city of Montreal), the band’s formation felt natural, inevitable, and rooted in decades of shared history.
​
Written between 2021 and 2026, the band’s debut EP “Night Terror” reflects the band’s lived experiences and observations of a decade marked by upheaval, media distortion, obsession, chemical escape, and psychological unraveling. The EP is intentionally designed as a continuous front‑to‑back experience, culminating in the intense emotional climax of the title track.
​
​“Our objective is to encourage people to explore their own minds, make their own opinions, and live true to themselves. This EP is our commentary on the major events and emotional weight of the last decade,” says Giuseppe “G” Criniti.

Across its five songs, “Night Terror” traces a rising arc of mental tension. Opening track “Hysteria” confronts societal panic and media‑driven chaos; “Stitches” plunges into obsession and the painful pursuit of transformation; “Blue Dream” captures chemical escapism collapsing into paranoia and possession; “Night Terror” delivers a visceral mental freefall where everything goes wrong; and “So It Goes” closes the experience with an instrumental moment of acceptance, peace, and forward motion.

Recommended for fans of Power Trip, High On Fire, Motörhead, Mastodon, Testament, and Rammstein, “Night Terror” will be available on all digital platforms on September 14, 2026.

First Single – “Hysteria” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7mDZ-4uXrY​

Track Listing:​
1. Hysteria (4:15)
2. Stitches (4:43)
3. Blue Dream (3:46)
4. Night Terror (5:44)
5. So It Goes (3:06)
​
​Album and Live Band Lineup:​
Giuseppe Criniti – Vocals / Lead Guitar
Marco Sisti – Rhythm Guitar / Bass
Nico-Angelo Sisti – Drums

More info:

​https://ombra.band/​

​https://www.instagram.com/@abandcalledombra​

​https://www.facebook.com/people/OMBRA/61582909783052/​

About: ​
​
OMBRA is a Montreal metal trio formed by lifelong friends Giuseppe “G” Criniti, Marco Sisti, and Nico‑Angelo Sisti. Rooted in old‑school thrash, sludge, groove metal, and psychedelic rock, the band blends heavy riffs with emotional honesty and modern storytelling. Their mission is to encourage listeners to think freely, explore their own minds, and express themselves without compromise.

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“OMBRA emerges in ‘Hysteria’ as a force that transforms social chaos into high-impact art. Advancing with the brutality of thrash metal and the structure of hard rock, the track shapes a sound that feels like both a siren and a sentence at the same time. Sharp and relentless, the riffs dialogue with drums that tear through the silence, while the vocals echo indignation and lucidity, a manifesto in the form of distortion. The band builds tension with precision: there is weight, but also clarity; fury, but control.” – Roadie Metal

“Delivering high-quality extreme metal that blends elements of thrash metal with other influences full of raw aggressiveness, a cinematic atmosphere with no soft edges, like a punch to the gut!” – Metal Junkbox

“From the moment we hear the sound of sirens, gunshots, and helicopters flying overhead, we know we’re going to encounter a strong track both in sound and lyrics, because the soundscape they create from the very first seconds already feels dense… the drums and guitar move between agility and the creation of a track full of suspense and tension.” – Poppunkers

‘STITCHES’, the new single from the Canadian trio OMBRA, arrives like an open cut: direct, intense, and impossible to ignore. The song crosses the border between hard rock and thrash metal with aggressiveness, transforming psychological tension into dense and precise sound.” – Roadie Music

“OMBRA is an incredible discovery! A band that shows us metal is more alive than ever… it is the perfect soundtrack to start a mosh and let out all our anger. It maintains brutal riffs worthy of any Metallica fan, an imposing guttural voice… it is 100% recommended!” – End Sessions

“I really felt it wasn’t a song made to sound pretty. It’s dark, heavy, and direct… The story it tells ,a woman who keeps reconstructing herself to fit in, hit me hard… It’s not a song that accompanies you in the background; it’s one that confronts you. It ends and leaves you with that knot in your chest.” – Rockola Indie

“Stitches’ hits hard with a dark and visceral vision of the oversexualization of women and the price of chasing perfection… It is raw, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore.” – Poppunkers

“Stitches’ explores the limits between obsession, beauty, and self-destruction. The track dives into the mind of someone who seeks perfection at any cost… Musically, it combines aggressiveness and atmosphere, with a fast, dense, and confrontational sound… a sharp and suffocating sonority that amplifies the emotional tension. ‘Stitches’ transforms psychological horror into sonic impact.” – Metal Never Die

“The band delivers one of their darkest and most intense compositions to date. The last single before the release of the EP Night Terror, the track dives deeply into themes such as dependency, paranoia, and the destructive consequences of escaping reality. Combining dense and melodic passages with explosions of weight and aggressiveness, creating a sound experience that is as engaging as it is disturbing.” – Metal Junkbox

‘Blue Dream’ delivers suffocating, volatile metal with heavy riffs depicting psychological terror, chemical dependency, and mental collapse in a dense, cinematic sound.” – Whiplash

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

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