Category: Music News

0 Streaming Now! Saskatoon Death Groove PYTHONIC’s Third EP “Laws of Karma”

July 9, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Pythonic

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 9, 2026

Streaming Now! Saskatoon Death Groove PYTHONIC’s Third EP “Laws of Karma”

L-R – Ryan Hunter (Lead Guitar), Vincent Kohut (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals), Max Hiske (Bass), Morgan Warriner (Vocals), Jayden Warriner (Drums)

Pythonic will unleash their third EP, “Laws of Karma,” on July 10, 2026, marking the band’s most aggressive and fully realized chapter to date. Ahead of its official release, fans will be able to hear the entire EP early through an exclusive premiere on BraveWords.com, showcasing the band’s sharpened death‑groove attack and their heaviest material yet.

Listen to the EP full stream HERE.

The current Pythonic lineup rises from the ashes of the old formation, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and a ferocious live presence. The band’s new direction is full of raw, aggressive groove representing their push forward, tightening older live staples, rewriting lyrics, and unleashing a death‑groove identity into darker, heavier territory.

“We are really driving the death groove to the forefront with this one,” adds the band.

“Laws of Karma” delivers Pythonic’s most cohesive and punishing work yet. The EP features revamped tracks that have dominated their live sets over the past year, now captured with the intensity and precision fans have come to expect.

The band leans harder into death metal and slam influences while preserving the groove‑driven backbone established on 2025’s “Decomposition” and 2024’s “EP01.” Expect tighter grooves, ripping solos, and vocals that swing between grit, terror, and emotional catharsis. Musically, the riffs reflect years of personal struggle, written through hardship, recovery, and emotional release.

All lyrics were written by Morgan Warriner, who crafted the EP during a period of physical recovery and emotional hardship. The songs reflect the band’s collective struggles with disability, surgery, abusive relationships, fractured identity, and karmic reckoning.

Each track carries its own story: “Sentience,” questioning reality, fractured identity, and awakening; “Venom” is about surviving abuse and reclaiming self‑worth, title track “Laws of Karma” is about karmic justice toward a former band member, “Set You Free”, is about confronting religious harm and hypocrisy and EP closer, “Feed the Flames” is about demonic consequence, biblical imagery, and fear.

The cover art depicts a figure impaled on a liberty scale in a hellscape, embodying karmic justice and the EP’s namesake. Created by @apocalyptic.nuke, the artwork ties directly into the title track’s themes and Pythonic’s increasingly extreme direction. The band also unveils an updated logo to match their heavier sound.

Pythonic’s live reputation has surged across Western Canada, earning praise from scene veterans including Stu Block (Into Eternity), Matt Cuthbertson (Untimely Demise, Into Eternity), and Sean Watson (Display of Decay). Their performances at Slaughter Fest, Serenade Metal Fest, and multiple tour dates with Exit Wound have cemented their status as one of the region’s most explosive rising acts.

Their sound continues to evolve toward heavier death and slam territory, with extreme vocal stylings and darker subject matter.

Recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Black Dahlia Murder, Death, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Pantera, and 200 Stab Wounds, Pythonic‘s “Laws of Karma” will be available on all digital platforms on July 10th, 2026.

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

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0myv6psbKYdSeXY98YXAZP

Single Streams:

Set You Free – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJw7vOY-lU0

Sentience – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymCFKjZ5tX0

Track Listing:
1. Laws of Karma (3:17)
2. Feed The Flames (3:52)
3. Set You Free (4:07)
4. Sentience (4:36)
5. Venom (2:59)
EP Length: 18:51

EP and Live Lineup:
Morgan Warriner – Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter – Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Max Hiske – Bass
Jayden Warriner – Drums

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/pythonicband

https://instagram.com/pythonicband

About: Pythonic is a Canadian death‑groove band known for its crushing riffs, relentless energy, and emotionally charged lyricism. Influenced by Lamb of God, Black Dahlia Murder, Death, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Pantera, and modern slam, the band continues to evolve toward a heavier, more extreme sound. Their live shows are defined by precision, intensity, and a connection with the crowd that consistently sparks movement, even as the opening act.

EP recording credits:
All songs performed by Pythonic
All songs written by Pythonic
Produced by Pythonic
Mixed by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Mastered by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Album Artwork by Apocalyptic Nuke

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“Pythonic’s Decomposition EP: Rebuilt, Refined, and Ridiculously Relentless” – North Sask Music Zine

“A nice blast of heaviness to see out the year. Pythonic throw their all into delivering a memorable showcase of thrashing death metal. An EP of five tracks that shows off plenty of creativity, has moments of exciting flair, and undeniably delivers the hefty ‘one-two’ punch of death crossed with thrash metal. 8/10” – Games, Brrraaains and A Head-Banging Life (Decomposition – 2025)

“PYTHONIC does command respect. The way they have approached the music is impressive. I hear Metalcore, I get Metal Hardcore, I receive Groove metal and I hear Heavy Metal. Sometimes one of the four, at other times two or more of the four ingredients on offer. And what is even more impressive; they work well together.8/10” – Metal Temple (Decomposition – 2025)

“Pythonic assuredly on fine footing based on the reinterpretation of older songs for Decomposition. Strap yourself in for a modern mix of groove metal with thrash, death, and metalcore components which leaves you battered, bruised, and craving more.8/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“The first thing that grabs you about this second stab in the dark from Pythonic is Warriner’s shrill screams which are as nasty as a low budget horror movie from the 1980’s but in a good way. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a death growl of course but it’s not all that deep, his preference being to shred your ear canals as he screeches like a lunatic awaiting asylum on opening gambit “Guiltfeeder“. A track with a sinister urge and classy bit of lead towards the end from Hunter, it’s something that has that classic Morbid Angel about it while there can be little doubt the band love a bit of Swedish Death Metal.” – Metal Noise

““EP 1” is a testament to Pythonic‘s dedication to their craft and their refusal to be confined by sub-genre limitations. Each song is a blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, offering listeners a chance to experience the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities. It is recommended for fans of Machine Head, Trivium and Pantera.” – Metal-Rules (EP01 – 2024)

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0 CONFLUX COLLECTIVE Unleashes A Ferocious Prog Death Odyssey w/ “The Antidote” from New Album “In the Wake of Saturn” (ft. members of ex-Augury, ex‑Decrepit Birth, Derelict, Gross Misconduct, Continuum and more!)

July 8, 2026
by Asher
· Conflux Collective · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 8, 2026

Album Download HERE (for media use only)

CONFLUX COLLECTIVE Unleashes A Ferocious Prog Death Odyssey w/ “The Antidote” from New Album “In the Wake of Saturn”

(ft. members of ex-Augury, ex‑Decrepit Birth, Derelict, Gross Misconduct, Continuum and more!)

L-R – Max Lussier, Jesse Brint, Mallika Sundaramurthy, Tommy McKinnon, Eric Burnet, Jeffrey Mott

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDITS: Joe Diaz, Derek Carr of Visionsinpixels, Mat Barbeau, Tania Hébert

Montreal’s progressive death‑metal collective Conflux Collective has unleashed the official lyric video for “The Antidote,” premiering now on The Circle Pit. Serving as the opening track to their newly released full‑length album “In The Wake of Saturn”, the single delivers a ferocious blend of brutal technicality, melodic tension, and uncompromising intensity.

“The Antidote” showcases some of the most demanding drum work of drummer‑composer Tommy McKinnon’s career, paired with guitarist Chase Fraser’s signature brutal‑progressive riffing. Vocalist Eric Burnet (Derelict) brings the lyrics to life with a visceral performance that captures the song’s core message: resisting complacency in a world where ignorance thrives, and discipline is the true antidote.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “The Antidote” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgHR0TOQtcI

Released on June 19, 2026, “In The Wake of Saturn” marks the long‑awaited return of Conflux Collective after years of dormancy. The album is a multidimensional journey through pain, fear, defeat, survival, and rebirth, an extreme‑metal odyssey forged through perseverance and sheer will.

Musically, the record merges the raw ferocity of ’90s death metal with the precision and ambition of modern tech‑death. Across eight tracks, listeners are pulled through blast‑driven chaos, atmospheric tension, crushing grooves, and climactic melodic peaks. Lyrically, the album explores deeply personal themes: loss, addiction, ecological collapse, self‑reinvention, and existential transformation. The record also features a diverse roster of vocalists with Jesse Brint (Gross Misconduct), Mallika Sundaramurthy (Emasculator, ex‑Abnormality), Jeffrey Mott (The Monster Factory, Growlers Choir), Eric Burnet (Derelict, Samskaras), and Max (Derelict), who also contributes a blistering guitar solo

Conflux Collective was born from a chance reunion in a Montreal fast‑food joint after a King Diamond concert. Guitarist Chase Fraser (Continuum, ex‑Decrepit Birth, ex‑Animosity) and drummer Tommy McKinnon (Derelict, Akurion, ex‑Neuraxis, ex‑Augury) discovered they had once shared a stage years earlier in San Francisco. A spontaneous jam session soon followed, and within an hour, a full song had taken shape. Within six weeks, they had written and recorded their debut EP, “The Inception” (2016).

From the beginning, Conflux Collective was envisioned as a true assembly, a project built on collaboration, diversity, and the fusion of multiple extreme‑vocal styles. After years of setbacks, McKinnon resurrected the project, reconstructing the album from archived material, writing new songs, recording all bass tracks, and assembling a lineup of powerhouse vocalists.

The result is a unique, uncompromising, and emotionally charged extreme‑metal record, one that stands apart through its honesty, ambition, and collaborative spirit.

Conflux Collective currently has no plans for live performances, remaining a studio‑driven project focused on pushing creative boundaries.

Recommended for fans of Cryptopsy, Necrophagist, Decrepit Birth, Augury, and Beyond Creation, “In the Wake of Saturn” will be available at the following links:

Album pre-save – https://confluxcollective.bandcamp.com/

Vinyl and CD order – https://elasticstage.com/confluxcollective

Merch / Apparel available – https://confluxco-shop.fourthwall.com/

Lyric Video – Reincarnation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nce0-kz3nTk

Lyric Video – Devouring Light – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skYaLYoVjX8

Track Listing:
1. The Antidote – 3:02
2. Devoid of True Form – 2:39
3. Ethereal Executioner – 4:45
4. Devouring Light – 4:59
5. Blood from a Rock 4:18
6. Reincarnation – 3:20
7. In the Wake of Saturn – 2:29
8. Desperate Post-Humanist – 5:18
Album Length: 30:53

Album Band Line-up:
Guitar: Chase Fraser (Continuum)
Vocals: Eric Burnet (Derelict), Max Lussier (Derelict), Jesse Brint (Gross Misconduct), Mallika Sundaramurthy (Emasculator), Jeff Mott (Hollow, Monster Factory)
Additional guitar, bass, and drums: Tommy McKinnon
Track 1,2, 3, 6. Music: Chase Fraser. Lyrics: Tommy McKinnon
Track 4. Music: Chase Fraser. Lyrics: Jesse Brint
Track 5, 7. Music & Lyrics: Tommy McKinnon
Track 8. Music: Tommy McKinnon. Lyrics: Eric Burnet

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/confluxcollective

https://www.instagram.com/confluxco/

About: Formed in Montreal after a chance post‑show encounter, The Conflux Collective is a progressive technical death‑metal project built on collaboration, experimentation, and emotional depth. Featuring contributions from some of the genre’s most distinctive vocalists, the band blends the ferocity of old‑school death metal with the precision and ambition of modern tech‑death. In the Wake of Saturn marks their first full‑length album.

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Conflux Collective
• All songs written by: Conflux Collective
• Produced by: Tommy McKinnon
• Mixed by: Jeanne Comateuse at Magma Art & Sound
• Mastered by: Jeanne Comateuse at Magma Art & Sound
• Album Artwork by: Filip Ivanovic
• Member of SOCAN

Affiliated links:

Mix engineer: https://magma-sound.com

Derelict: https://derelictmetal.bandcamp.com

Akurion: https://akurion-ca.bandcamp.com/album…

Emasculator: https://www.instagram.com/emasculator_bdm

Mallika: https://www.instagram.com/mallika_sun

Gross Misconduct: https://grossmisconduct.bandcamp.com

The Monster Factory: https://www.themonster-factory.com/en

Coma Cluster Void: https://comaclustervoid.com

– 30 –

“The song’s (Devouring Light) opening moments create tension and are viscerally frightening. They combine wrenching howls, swaths of eerily ringing guitar, immense groaning bass tones, and methodically bludgeoning beats. As the growled words (also frightening) cut loose, the tension doesn’t really break but the music morphs. The dissonant notes miserably writhe and dart away in strange angles; the drums variably clatter and slug in ways that both exacerbate the music’s feeling of dementia and create a vivid rhythmic counterpoint to the increasingly hallucinatory effect of the fretwork. A shrill and swirling guitar solo rises up, creating its own kind of ecstatic counterpoint to the music’s chilling manifestations of confusion and despair. Yet those very same melodic motifs that make the music so unsettling also turn out to be hooks: as they surface and re-surface, strangely ringing and warping, they dig in — as the bass-and-drum performances continue landing body blows while creating their own mystifying attractions. Although this song, unlike the album’s first single, isn’t a high-speed cavalcade of technically eye-popping adventurousness, it’s still a technically impressive exercise, one that deploys the musician’s technical skills to create chilling hallucinatory effects.” – No Clean Singing

“Centered around guitarist Chase Fraser (Continuum, ex‑Decrepit Birth, ex‑Animosity) and drummer Tommy McKinnon (Derelict, Akurion, ex‑Neuraxis, ex‑Augury) and featuring guest appearance contributions from members of Gross Misconduct, Emasculator, Samskaras, Hollow and Monster Factory, the Conflux Collective is a true collective that puts ’90s lensed, technical death metal in its creative crosshairs.” – Decibel Magazine – Track Premiere: Getting Cosmic with The Conflux Collective’s “In the Wake of Saturn”

“Canada’s Conflux Collective return with IN THE WAKE OF SATURN – 8 crazed pieces of death metal infused with manic energy, prog and tech metal complexity and loaded with mean aggression! Totally insane!” – Loud Enough Magazine

“This release sits far outside ordinary death metal territory, travelling through unknown and uncharted musical ground. Structurally, the songs do not follow the traditional verse-bridge-chorus form. That same refusal is emphatic in the lyrics, which follow no fixed pattern and take a far more narrative shape, moving closely alongside musical sections that stubbornly break free of conventional forms. The intensely personal lyrics gain even more weight through the voices of Max, Jeffrey, Jesse, Mallika and Eric, whose performances add further emotional gravity to this narrative journey. The final result is a rough-hewn creation that defies familiar musical patterns and lyrical norms. It is indifferent to the world outside and makes that clear in every possible way. Yet, almost by accident, it points the way forward, leaving a wholly personal imprint for those who follow. 10/10” – Metal Ourgio
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0 Gore House Prod – Streaming Now! Anime‑Slam Extremists DEHUMANIZING ITATRAIN WORSHIP’s New Album “2D Complex”

July 8, 2026
by Asher
· Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship (Stillbirth Records/Gore House Productions) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 8, 2026

Streaming Now! Anime‑Slam Extremists DEHUMANIZING ITATRAIN WORSHIP’s New Album “2D Complex”

L-R – Zen (Bass) | Shiru (Drums) | Kiryu Zhang (Vocals) | Xenochrist (Guitar) | Khezk (Composer)

Photo Credit – Wendy

China’s most unhinged fusion of anime culture and brutal death metal, Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship, returns with its most ambitious and chaotic work to date: “2D Complex,” releasing July 10, 2026 through Gore House Productions and Stillbirth Records. Before the album officially drops, fans worldwide will get an early chance to experience the full record through an exclusive premiere on NoCleanSinging, where the album will stream in its entirety.

Offering the first complete look at the band’s most diverse, explosive, and emotionally raw release yet, listen to the album’s full stream premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Known internationally as “the best anime death metal from China,” Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship has carved out a cult following with its brain‑melting blend of kawaii melodies, nerve‑shredding blast beats, and hyper‑violent slam riffs. The band has toured extensively across China, Japan, and Europe, appearing at major festivals including Deathfeast Open Air, Metal Storm Over Luzern, Deathtober Fest, and Shockwave Fest, bringing their bizarre, high‑energy “moe brutality” to stages across the world.

With “2D Complex,” the band pushes its identity further than ever, merging J‑pop, blackgaze, Japanese folk, and otaku‑culture aesthetics into a violent, genre‑breaking death metal experience.

“I’m a bit nervous because it’s not a ‘traditional’ Slam album, but I’m mostly excited to see how people react to it. We want to give fans a sense of contrast; you never know what’s coming next,” says vocalist Kiryu Zhang.

“2D Complex” dives deep into the darker side of otaku culture, exploring themes of isolation, frustration, hikikomori life, and emotional collapse, all wrapped in the band’s signature “kawaii‑but‑brutal” sonic aesthetic.

“These otaku memes are just a shell. What’s actually inside is my pain, my hatred, and a genuine urge for self‑destruction,” adds Kiryu.

Musically, “2D Complex” breaks completely from slam conventions, smashing together pure neck‑snapping brutality with J‑pop hooks, blackgaze ambience, Japanese folk textures, and a roster of international extreme‑metal guest vocalists. The album swings from the hikikomori anthem “Song of the Neet,” featuring Yanchi (5 PM Promise) and Matt Yakesh (No Face No Case), to “Brutal Panzer,” a Girls und Panzer–inspired pit‑weapon that fuses kawaii charm with tank‑level devastation. It erupts with “Lucky☆Slam,” a chaotic opener that whiplashes between black‑metal riffing and colossal breakdowns, and “Slamonogatari,” a Monogatari‑themed track capped by Andrew Lee’s soaring melodic solo. “苦痛昇天 (Ascension in Agony)” channels anime‑opening brightness through clean vocals by Yui (Earthists.), while concealing themes of addiction and self‑destruction. “Yomi,” featuring Alan Grnja (Distant), blends Japanese folk elements with crushing deathcore intensity, and the finale “約束 (Promise)” closes the record with a storm of slam riffs, blackgaze atmosphere, and emotional screamo‑driven catharsis.

2026 marks the 10th anniversary of Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship’s first EP, an improbable milestone for a project that began as a meme‑driven bedroom experiment. Today, the band has shared stages with Suicide Silence, Stillbirth, Born of Osiris, Origin, Belphegor, Vulvectomy, Guttural Slug, Disentomb, and more.

Their visual identity remains entirely self‑designed by Kiryu, ensuring that the band’s artwork, logos, and merch remain perfectly aligned with their chaotic aesthetic.

Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship is China’s leading anime‑infused brutal death metal act, known for blending kawaii aesthetics with extreme violence, slam brutality, and otaku‑culture storytelling. Their music merges J‑pop, blackgaze, Japanese folk, and slam into a uniquely chaotic sonic identity. The band has toured across Asia and Europe, performing at major festivals and earning a global cult following.

Recommended for fans of Ingested, Vulvodynia, Within Destruction, and Maximum the Hormone, “二次元コンプレックス 2D Complex” is available (CD/Cassette/Digital) as of July 10, 2026, from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions at https://orcd.co/2d-complex

Visualizer – Yomi – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1y5hIAykpOc

Video – Song of Neet – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhv_78Htba8

Video – Brutal Panzer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGpPlN50bjg

Track Listing:
1. Lucky☆Slam – 1:32
2. Slamonogatari (feat. Andrew Lee from Ripped to Shreds) – 3:57
3. Brutal Panzer – 3:14
4. Twisted Light (feat. Akihiro Muto from Agent 0) – 3:11
5. 苦痛昇天 (feat. Yui from Earthists.) – 3:03
6. Song of the Neet (feat. Yanchi from 5 PM Promise and Matt Yakesh from No Face No Case) – 3:35
7. Utsushiyo – 1:38
8. Yomi (feat. Alan Grnja from Distant) – 4:01
9. 約束 (feat. Niik from Pale) – 5:51
Album Length: 30:03

Album and Live Band Line-up:
Kiryu Zhang – Vocals
Xenochrist – Guitar
Zen – Bass
Shiru – Drums
Khezk – Composer

More info: Gorehouseproductions.com | Facebook.com/DehumanizingItatrainWorship | Instagram.com/dehumanizing_itatrain_worship

-30-

“If the only thing the band had was a well-executed gimmick, I likely would have lost interest by now. One of their main strengths is that the core sound would hold up even if the gimmick was taken out.” – The Goat Review

“China’s Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship took the internet by storm with their debut EP μ’Sick.” – MetalSucks

“Dehumanizing Itatrain Worship made a mark on the metal community with head-spinning brutality accompanied” – Unite Asia

“It promises to be the most unusual new track (Eien Parasites) you’ll check out for a while.” – New Noise Magazine (2022)

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0 Denver’s MILE HIGH POWER FEST Announces Cancellation of 2026 Edition w/ THE DREAD CREW OF ODDWOOD, LADY BEAST, ANUBIS, ICE GIANT, HEL HATH FURY, and more!

July 8, 2026
by Asher
· Mile High Power Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 8, 2026

Denver’s MILE HIGH POWER FEST Announces Cancellation of 2026 Edition

w/ THE DREAD CREW OF ODDWOOD, LADY BEAST, ANUBIS, ICE GIANT, HEL HATH FURY, and more!

Denver’s Mile High Power Fest, previously scheduled for August 15, 2026 at The Oriental Theater, has been officially canceled. The decision comes after unforeseen health issues affecting the festival’s organizer, making it impossible to move forward with this year’s event.

“Unfortunately, due to health reasons of our organizer, we had to make the difficult decision to cancel the fest this year. We are heartbroken to have come to this decision but know it is what is best. Please support the bands, as each of them deserves the love. All tickets purchased will be refunded. For upcoming power metal fests, go support our homies at GrillFest & Mad With Power.”

This cancellation follows months of anticipation for what was set to be Mile High Power Fest’s biggest year yet. The 2026 lineup included The Dread Crew of Oddwood, Lady Beast, Anubis, Ice Giant, Hel Hath Fury, and more, continuing the festival’s tradition of bringing world‑class power metal to the western United States.

Founded by Denver’s underground champions BiteSize Productions, Mile High Power Fest has spent three years building a passionate community, uplifting local talent, and establishing itself as the Rockies’ premier power metal event. Past editions featured standout performances from Seven Spires, Lords of the Trident, Graveshadow, Aether Realm, Glyph, Owlbear, Empress, and others, cementing the festival as a must‑attend gathering for fans across North America.

While 2026 will not move forward, the festival encourages fans to continue supporting the bands and the broader power‑metal community. Those seeking upcoming events are encouraged to check out GrillFest and Mad With Power, two fellow festivals keeping the flame alive.

All purchased tickets will be fully refunded.

Mile High Power Fest 2026 Lineup:
The Dread Crew of Oddwood
Lady Beast Anubis
Ice Giant
Hel Hath Fury
Darconigan
Wicked Vixen

Event Details Mile High Power Fest 2026
Date: August 15, 2026
Time: Doors at 4 PM
Venue: The Oriental Theater 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2768706170154175/

Mile High Power Fest 2026 Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4qTxCdWqJl6HrqeQ0mq5Bl

About The MHPF 2026 Bands:

The Dread Crew of Oddwood – https://thedreadcrewofoddwood.com/

Music Video – Leather Ship – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGEOV66CXis

The Dread Crew of Oddwood, formed in 2008 in Southern California, has become one of the world’s leading independent folk‑metal acts. Armed solely with acoustic instruments, the band delivers its signature “Heavy Mahogany” sound, blending heavy metal energy with Celtic and European folk to tell tales of battle, revelry, and misadventure. They’ve released four albums with over 5,000 units sold, maintain more than 30,000 monthly Spotify listeners, and engage a social following of over 32,500 fans. Their music has appeared in Rocket League, and they’ve toured extensively across North America, the UK, and Europe, including runs with Alestorm and performances at Wacken Winter Nights. Following years of writing and recording, the band returned with their fifth album Rust & Glory, accompanied by new videos, major tours, and appearances on 70000Tons of Metal.

Lady Beast – https://www.facebook.com/ladybeastofficial

Music Video – Reaper – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjNaL99FCFA

Since 2009, LADY BEAST have been flying the flag for refined HEAVY METAL. The band hails from the Steel City of Pittsburgh, forming with firm influences ranging from Motörhead, Dio, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Mercyful Fate. From there, LADY BEAST has woven their own unique style of metal with silky yet sharp harmonizing guitars and the soaring, rally-the-warriors vocals!

Anubis – https://linktr.ee/AnubisMetalOfficial

Music Video – Fanged Angel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1FrqYDPkms

Anubis is a rising Los Angeles power‑thrash force known for soaring vocals, razor‑sharp riffing, and high‑energy, melodic songwriting. Blending European‑influenced power metal with modern American aggression, the band has built a loyal following through acclaimed releases, dynamic live shows, and a sound rooted in speed, precision, and storytelling. They’ve become a staple of the Southern California metal scene, sharing stages with acts like Delain, Xandria, Warbringer, Omnium Gatherum, Aether Realm, Týr, Seven Kingdoms, and more while performing material from their debut Dark Paradise and EP The Puppeteers. Now fronted by vocalist Hanna Preston, Anubis unveils a fiercer fusion of power, thrash, and melodic death metal. Their latest album, Anthromorphicide, was released on April 24 via M‑Theory Audio on CD, digital, and limited metallic‑gold vinyl.

Ice Giant – https://www.facebook.com/IceGiantBand/

Music Video – Obscuring Cloud – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO4kPIE5EUM

Ice Giant is a Boston‑based progressive melodic death metal band known for their sweeping compositions, technical precision, and cinematic blend of melody and brutality. Drawing from Scandinavian melodeath, modern prog, and epic symphonic influences, the band crafts towering soundscapes built on soaring leads, crushing riffs, and dynamic storytelling. Their ambitious songwriting and commanding live performances have earned them a fast‑growing following throughout the New England metal scene and beyond. With a reputation for pushing genre boundaries while delivering undeniable heaviness, Ice Giant continues to rise as one of the most exciting emerging forces in American melodic death metal.

Hel Hath Fury – https://helhathfury.my.canva.site/

Music Video – Never Again – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZdPYNekakA

Denver’s Hel Hath Fury is a melodic death metal band formed in 2023 with a mission to inspire strength and perseverance through powerful, emotionally driven music. Their sound blends crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and technical songwriting with themes rooted in personal struggle, resilience, and triumph. Drawing from real experiences and shared battles, the band crafts lyrics meant to connect deeply with listeners and remind them they’re never alone. Centered on empowerment and emotional fortitude, Hel Hath Fury creates music that encourages fans to face life’s challenges with courage. With every performance, they invite audiences into a journey of catharsis, determination, and unbreakable spirit.

Darconigan – https://www.darconigan.com/

Music Video – Fire and Split Stone, The Southern Wall’s Collapse – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COw-nN_Teho

Darconigan hail from the shadowed Wet Mountains of Colorado, where their music and stories are forged in the dark places of the wood. Channeling Melodic Black/Death Battle Metal, the band blends fierce riffing, atmospheric melodies, and myth‑steeped storytelling into a sound that feels both ancient and untamed. Their songs draw from the wild spirit of their mountain home, creating an immersive world of fantasy, conflict, and raw emotion. As they continue to rise within Colorado’s metal scene, Darconigan stand apart with a style as rugged and evocative as the forests that shaped them.

Wicked Vixen – https://linktr.ee/yourwickedvixen

Music Video – In Cold Blood – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZP9uEf9DjJM

Wicked Vixen is a Colorado Springs hard rock band delivering heavy riffs, powerful vocals, and a driving edge that hits with purpose. With electric violin woven into their sound, they bring a sharp, distinctive dynamic to a genre built on intensity. Their music is bold, dark, and unapologetic—rooted in real experience, raw emotion, and a refusal to hold back. Drawing comparisons to Halestorm and Evanescence, the band commands the stage with a fierce live presence and a sound that never plays it safe. Wicked Vixen isn’t chasing trends; they’re forging something lasting entirely on their own terms.

More info:

Festival Info: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956

About Mile High Power Fest:

MHPF was created by BiteSize Productions, a small but ambitious Denver‑based production company dedicated to uplifting underground music and creating accessible, community‑driven events. After drawing roughly 400 attendees in 2025, the festival continues to grow, strengthening the Rocky Mountain metal community and drawing fans from across the country.

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0 Streaming Now! Canadian Metalcore Newcomers AS OCEANS DIVIDE Unleash Debut Self-Titled EP in Memory of Late Bassist

July 8, 2026
by Asher
· As Oceans Divide · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 8, 2026

Streaming Now! Canadian Metalcore Newcomers AS OCEANS DIVIDE Unleash Debut Self-Titled EP in Memory of Late Bassist

L-R – Matt McGuire – Drums, Thomas Ireland – Guitar, Tom Emmans – Vocals, Eric Camilleri – Guitar, Mark Sorge – Bass

Ontario heavy newcomers As Oceans Divide will release their self‑titled debut EP on July 9, 2026, with a full‑album stream premiering exclusively at BraveWords.com. The EP stands as both the band’s official introduction and a deeply personal tribute, released in memory of bassist Dale Burrows, whose passing in March 2026 profoundly shaped the band’s journey and the emotional weight behind the music.

Listen to the EP HERE.

As Oceans Divide is built around contrast, aggression vs. atmosphere, heaviness vs. melody, chaos vs. control, a balance that defines the band’s identity. Musically, the EP blends technical, hard‑hitting elements with dynamic, melodic passages that allow each track to breathe while maintaining intensity. Every song is structured as a journey, not just a sequence of riffs.

Lyrically, the EP explores internal struggle, loss, resilience, and the weight of confronting what lies beneath the surface. Much of that emotional honesty is tied to the band’s real experiences, including the grief and reflection that followed Burrows’ passing.

“Everything ties together to create an immersive experience. It’s meant to pull the listener in, hit hard when it needs to, and still leave space for reflection.”

The EP’s cover features a crest depicting a chained sea serpent wrapped around an anchor, set against a violent ocean backdrop. The imagery reflects the emotional tension at the heart of the record, something powerful trying to break free while being held down.

The serpent represents buried emotional weight, the chains symbolize restraint and internal conflict, and the anchor embodies both stability and the threat of being dragged under. Together, the artwork mirrors the band’s sonic identity: a constant push and pull between aggression and melody.

Formed from years of friendship and shared history in Canadian metal, As Oceans Divide brings together seasoned musicians from respected acts including Bloodshoteye, Aquila, Odium, Battlesoul, and more. Their combined experience gives the band a sound rooted in authenticity rather than imitation. Their current lineup includes Tom Emmans (Vocals), Eric Camilleri (Guitar/Songwriting), Thomas Ireland (Guitar/Production), Matt McGuire (Drums), and Mark Sorge (Bass).

The band’s formation began with guitarist Eric Camilleri, whose desire for a more serious, technical, and emotionally driven project led him to reconnect with longtime friends. Early demos sparked immediate chemistry, and the lineup came together naturally. The band carries the memory of bassist Dale Burrows, who passed away in March 2026, forward in everything they create.

Their sound blends soaring melody with crushing rhythms, channeling early-2000s metalcore through a modern lens, with harmonized guitars, driving mid‑tempo anthems, and high‑intensity assaults anchored by Emmans’ dynamic vocal range.

Recommended for fans of Killswitch Engage, All That Remains, Unearth, and God Forbid, As Oceans Divide‘s self-titled EP will be available on all digital platforms as of July 9th, 2026, at the following links:

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

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1oKSKBjhTMy7IHOBZOq5QN

Single Streams:

“Into The Dying Light” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJd_XF61K7Y

“White Noise” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnMcAkJQvCE

“World Collapse” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GemshKJvdQQ

Track Listing:
1. Into The Dying Light – 4:04
2. White Noise – 3:31
3. World Collapse – 3:16
4. Cursed Oblivion – 3:59
5. One Of The Herd – 3:25
EP Length: 18:15

For more info:

https://asoceansdivide.com

https://www.facebook.com/asoceansdivide

https://www.instagram.com/asoceansdivide

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“All in all this is what I would consider a technically and musically perfect release! This is likely to end up in my Top Ten this year. If you like Killswitch, As I Lay Dying, All That Remains, Unearth, and God Forbid, then you’ll like As Oceans Divide. 10/10” – Ever Metal

“At 18 minutes and change, As Oceans Divide positions themselves in a great spot to make quite a splash because of this self-titled EP. The sum of parts in experience will pay handsomely, as this is yet another Canadian act to really champion in this early stage because the following will blossom as opportunities come knocking their way. 8.5/10” – Dead Rhetoric

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0 Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Announces 2026 Festival Dates and Call For Partners!

July 7, 2026
by Asher
· Capital Punishment Festival (Ottawa) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2026

Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Announces 2026 Festival Dates and Call For Partners!

Chord Productions is proud to present the third edition of the Capital Punishment Festival, returning to Ottawa, Ontario on November 27–29, 2026. Taking over the heart of the ByWard Market, the festival expands its footprint with more venues, more artists, and even more chaos across downtown Ottawa.

Supported by Ottawa Tourism, Capital Punishment Fest continues its mission to amplify Canada’s underground heavy‑music community, bringing together top national acts and rising local talent for three nights of high‑energy performances.

The third edition promises to be the festival’s biggest yet, offering more venues throughout the ByWard Market, more artists from across Canada’s underground, and chaos as the ByWard Market transforms into a multi‑stage heavy‑music takeover. Capital Punishment Fest is quickly becoming one of Ottawa’s most anticipated annual events for fans of loud, heavy, and boundary‑pushing music, with previous years hosting bands such as Blackguard, First Fragment, Lutharo, Spectral Wound, Martyr, Dopethrone, and more!

Chord Productions is actively looking for business partners and collaborators to join the 2026 festival. If you operate a store, restaurant, shop, venue, gallery, community space, or have a creative idea that fits the festival’s energy, Capital Punishment Fest wants to collaborate with you. Your business can become part of the weekend‑long takeover and help shape one of Ottawa’s fastest‑growing cultural events.

Business Partners and Collaborators can apply HERE.

Capital Punishment Fest will begin accepting band submissions in the coming weeks. Canadian heavy acts interested in performing are encouraged to prepare materials and follow updates from Chord Productions.

Festival Details:
Capital Punishment Festival
November 27–28–29, 2026
Ottawa, ON – ByWard Market
Multiple Venues
Presented by Chord Productions
Supported by Ottawa Tourism

More info: https://www.chordproductions.com/capital-punishment.html

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0 SARTORI Unveils New Single “We’re Rising” From Upcoming Album “Just An Illusion” Out Jan 2027

July 7, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Sartori

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2026

SARTORI Unveils New Single “We’re Rising” From Upcoming Album “Just An Illusion” Out Jan 2027

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “Just An Illusion”, the first single from SARTORI’s upcoming studio album “We’re Rising“, scheduled for January 29th, 2027, on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

Following the debut album “Dragon’s Fire”, guitarist, composer and virtuoso Andy Sartori returns with a new chapter that expands the SARTORI sound into a more melodic, eclectic and old-school heavy metal direction. “We’re Rising” marks a different experience from the first album, driven by stronger melodic songwriting, the powerful vocal presence of Mark Boals, and a broader musical approach.

Inspired by the golden era of late-’80s hard rock and heavy metal, the album blends neo-classical guitar work, American power metal energy, AOR influences and the spirit of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey-era while retaining the refined arrangements and virtuoso musicianship that define Andy Sartori’s vision.

The album features legendary vocalist Mark Boals – known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire and Royal Hunt – alongside Andy A. Sartori on guitars and keyboards, Andre Di Sao Thiago on bass guitar and Dino Castano on drums. “We’re Rising” was mixed by Kfir Gov at Evil Snail Studios in Austin, Texas, and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, assisted by Zach Kornhauser at Maor Appelbaum Mastering in California.

Opening the campaign is “Just An Illusion”, a melodic and uplifting track built around a positive message of perseverance: keeping faith, continuing to fight and believing that the effort is worth it. The song combines a European melodic metal feel with strong vocal hooks, powerful riffs and Andy Sartori’s neo-classical guitar identity, making it the perfect introduction to the sound and spirit of “We’re Rising“.

Speaking about the single, Andy Sartori comments:

“’Just An Illusion‘ is a positive ‘keep the faith and keep trying because it’s worth it’ kind of song. It also has a very European kind of style which gives it a special melodic character within the album.”

Discussing the new album, Sartori adds:

“We’re Rising is a different experience compared to the first album, starting with Mark Boals’ fantastic vocals and melodic approach. The new songs are also more eclectic than the ones from the first album, which makes this record a very important step forward for SARTORI.”

With its mix of classic heavy metal energy, melodic choruses and refined guitar work, “We’re Rising” is aimed at fans of Yngwie Malmsteen’s Odyssey era, Rainbow, Axel Rudi Pell, American power metal, ’80s heavy rock and neo-classical melodic metal.

LISTEN to “Just An Illusion” on all digital platforms – https://lnk.to/s8rJai

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU-CGsZ4BdQ

PRE-ORDER “We’re Rising” on CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/sartori-were-rising-cd

PRE-ORDER “We’re Rising” on LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/sartori-were-rising-lp

Track Listing:
1. An Army Of One
2. Just An Illusion
3. Little Aria In G Major Part II
4. Renaissance
5. Quest For Glory
6. Someone To Hold You
7. Solitude
8. Savage
9. My Eternal Fight
10. We’re Rising

Sartori Line-up:

Andy A. Sartori: Guitars
Mark Boals: Vocals
Andre Di Sao Thiago: Bass Guitars
Dino Castano: Drums

Biography:

SARTORI is an American virtuoso guitarist and songwriter whose music combines melodic hard rock, neo-classical influences, and traditional heavy metal with a contemporary production approach. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Yngwie J. Malmsteen, Axel Rudi Pell and the timeless sound of Rainbow, he delivers technically accomplished yet highly melodic compositions that balance instrumental virtuosity with memorable songwriting.

For more info:
https://rockshots.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Sartori/100031570075980/

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0 LITTLE KING Shares New Single “Opus Perficit” To Kick Off July West Coast Tour!

July 7, 2026
by Asher
· Little King · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2026

LITTLE KING Shares New Single “Opus Perficit” To Kick Off July West Coast Tour!

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

Arizona’s Little King shares “Opus Perficit,” a haunting new standalone single that reveals a quieter, more introspective side of the progressive rock band as they celebrate 30 years of making music. Released just days before the group hits the road for a nine‑date Southwest and West Coast tour, the track offers a striking contrast to their heavier catalog while remaining unmistakably Little King, thoughtful, adventurous, and emotionally resonant.

Built around a hypnotic 5/4 pulse, “Opus Perficit” unfolds with slow‑burn intensity, pairing acoustic textures, layered vocals, and cinematic dynamics. Lyrically, songwriter Ryan Rosoff explores the creative obsession that drives artists forward, the tension between endless revision and completion, and the vulnerability of releasing one’s work into the world. References to “Osmium” and “20 Hz” nod to Rosoff’s long‑running lyrical universe, offering longtime fans a deeper thread to pull.

The recording features David Hamilton in a remarkable multi‑instrumental performance, providing both the expressive piano and melodic bass work that anchor the song’s emotional depth. Rather than relying on technical excess, “Opus Perficit” embraces space, restraint, and atmosphere, allowing every note to serve the story.

The single arrives in tandem with Little King’s nine‑date Southwest tour, marking the band’s second major run since releasing their 2025 album “Lente Viviente.” The trio Ryan Rosoff (guitar/vocals), Tony Bojorquez (drums), and Dave Hamilton (bass) will perform across key West Coast cities, bringing their acclaimed live energy back to the stage.

Earlier this year, Little King completed a successful string of shows across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and even a surprise pop‑up performance in Mexico. Their full tour diary, including stories of power outages, ibuprofen, and gratitude, is available on their website.

Rosoff describes Little King’s live show as “meticulous, rehearsed, and RAGING with push‑and‑pull energy… PROS with experience.” Fans can expect high‑level musicianship, dynamic setlists, and a performance that’s both technically sharp and emotionally charged.

Released in September 2025, “Lente Viviente” represents a major creative leap for Little King. With Bojorquez and Hamilton joining the lineup, the band crafted what Rosoff calls “BY FAR our biggest release.” The album’s title, Spanish for Living Lens, ties into Rosoff’s video memoir company, LivingLens Memoirs, and sets the thematic tone for the record’s exploration of memory, identity, perception, and the shifting filters through which we understand ourselves.

Across tightly constructed “micro‑epics,” the album moves through themes of childhood and enduring friendship (“Catch and Release,” “Dawn Villa”), immigration and identity (“Who’s Illegal?”), aging and addiction (“Pass Through Filters”), and the balance between strength and vulnerability (“Kindness for Weakness”). Musically, the record blends progressive rock, hard rock, and melodic hooks with Little King’s trademark precision and dynamic push‑and‑pull.

For three decades, Little King has carved out a unique space in progressive rock, dynamic, melodic, and fiercely independent. Led by songwriter‑guitarist Ryan Rosoff, the band continues to evolve while maintaining the emotional honesty and musical precision that define their sound.

With “Opus Perficit,” Little King opens a new chapter, one that honors the past, embraces the present, and hints at the creative horizons still ahead.

Listen to the single at the following links:

Spotify (and all other digital platforms) – https://loousperficit.hearnow.com/opus-perficit

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZdBaP0GfyI

Little King – West Coast USA Tour 2026
July 10 – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewery Riverside
July 12 – Tucson, AZ – Brick Box Brewery w/ The Crown Syndicate and Zold
July 14 – Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
July 15 – Anaheim, CA – The World Famous Doll Hut
July 17 – San Diego, CA – Tower Bar w/ Stretcher
July 18 – West Hollywood, CA – The Viper Room
July 19 – Pacifica, CA – Winters Tavern w/ The Wandering Jews and Melting Elephants
July 23 – Bisbee, AZ – Gene’s Place
July 25 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace

For more info: https://littlekingtunes.com/

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“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

“Little King maintain high intensity from start to finish, achieving a rare balance between complexity and immediacy. Each track has its own identity and emotional range, and the musicianship and production are consistently top-tier. According to Rocky, Lente Viviente is essential listening for prog and heavy-rock fans who miss the spirit of Saga, Rush, and King’s X.” – Metalized

“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!

“Little King hasn’t just released an album; they’ve crafted an immersive, emotional journey that rewards every listen.” – Jace Media Music

“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

“The album reflects a stylistic maturity that has strengthened over time and a layering of ideas that have, on this occasion, found a stable place. The project’s artistic perspective rests on very solid technical foundations and a strong will to celebrate the traditional principles of classic rock, while also flirting with progressive elements and ultimately making the most of a decidedly pronounced melodic inclination. An absolutely original point of view that has given rise to an elegant and refined sound, capable of effectively combining electric jolts and delicate harmonies in the spirit of a truly contagious passion.” – Rock Hard Italy

“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

“Lente Viviente is as striking as it is arousing and easy to suggest a must for all rock appetites. LITTLE KING seem to know how to feed every instinct and want with their eclectic enterprise and at the same time spring something strikingly new, the proof all there in Lente Viviente.” – The Ringmaster Review

“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

“”Lente Viviente” is a great release, very short of course, but still atmospheric and moving. Overriding the higher-faster-further mentality in such a playful way deserves respect, and the men deserve it again with their eighth appearance overall.8/10″ – PowerMetal.de

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0 HELLMETALL Unveils New Single “Afrika” From Upcoming Album “Mgla” Out Sept 2026

July 3, 2026
by Asher
· HELLMETALL (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2026

HELLMETALL New Single “Afrika” From Upcoming Album “Mgla” Out Sept 2026

Italian heavy metal band HELLMETALL return with their new single “Afrika“, offering another glimpse into their forthcoming studio album, “Mgla” due out on September 4th, 2026, via Rockshots Records. Following the release of “Gemona Btg. Doesn’t Exist Anymore“, the band continues to explore the album’s thematic depth through music that blends classic heavy metal with thrash influences and a strong narrative approach.

Rather than portraying a geographical or historical account, “Afrika” uses its setting as a symbolic landscape where conflict, survival, and human instinct intersect. The song reflects on the recurring nature of violence and the fragile balance between civilization and primal impulses, reinforcing the conceptual thread that runs throughout “Mgla“. Musically, the track combines driving riffs, dynamic rhythms and melodic passages, remaining faithful to HELLMETALL‘s identity while expanding the atmosphere of the upcoming record.

Speaking about the song, the band comments:

“With ‘Afrika’ we wanted to tell a story that goes beyond a specific place. The setting becomes a metaphor for human nature, where fear, violence, and survival emerge in their purest form. It’s one of the songs that best represents the atmosphere and message behind ‘Mgla’.”

Produced as part of the sessions for “Mgla“, “Afrika” further showcases HELLMETALL‘s songwriting approach, combining aggressive energy with melodic arrangements and lyrics inspired by history, literature and reflections on the human condition. The single builds on the direction introduced by the band’s previous releases while revealing another facet of the album’s broader narrative.

With “Mgla“, HELLMETALL continue to develop the musical identity they have refined over the years, balancing traditional heavy metal roots with modern production and storytelling. Each song contributes to a wider conceptual journey where personal experiences, historical references, and symbolic imagery converge into a cohesive listening experience.

Listen to “Afrika”: https://lnk.to/m7rv8p

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EshrOIRwxus

“Mgla” will be released on September 4th, 2026.

Album Release Party – Trieste Rock Camp – Sept 4, 2026

PRE-ORDER “MGLA“: https://rockshots.eu/products/hellmetall-mgla-cd

HELLMETALL lineup (“Mgla” era / until October 2025):

Daniele Micelli: Vocals
Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
Matteo Cameran: Guitar
Luca Fumagalli: Bass
Gabriele Barbarino: Drums

Current lineup:

Daniele Micelli: Vocals
Damiano Biasutto: Guitar
Matteo Cameran: Guitar
Luca Fumagalli: Bass
Federico Zuin: Drums

More info:

https://www.rockshots.eu

https://www.instagram.com/hellmetall_official/

https://www.facebook.com/HellMetAll.Resia

About:
HELLMETALL is a Thrash/Death Metal band from Resia (Udine), a remote mountain valley located at the crossroads between Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. Since their formation, the band has developed a distinctive artistic identity by combining aggressive extreme metal with the cultural heritage and historical memory of their homeland. Their most recognizable trait is the use of Resian – the ancient Slavic language spoken in Val Resia – as the exclusive language for their lyrics, giving their music a unique and deeply authentic character.

Musically, HELLMETALL blend the violence and speed of Thrash Metal with the heaviness of Death Metal, enriched by dark melodic textures inspired by the blend of traditions of their valley. Originally featuring stronger folk elements and violin arrangements, the band has progressively evolved toward a heavier and darker sonic direction, incorporating stronger Death and Black Metal influences while preserving the melodic sensibility that has always defined their sound.

The lyrical concept behind HELLMETALL is deeply rooted in the history of Val Resia and the surrounding border territories. Their songs recount real events connected to the First and Second World Wars, drawing inspiration from local memories, stories passed down through generations, and the personal experiences of their ancestors. Through their uncompromising musical approach and the evocative power of the Resian language, the band transforms historical trauma and mountain folklore into a raw and visceral extreme metal experience.

HELLMETALL released their debut album “Sa Naso Semjo” in 2015, establishing the foundations of their aggressive and culturally distinctive sound. In early 2026, the band unveiled “Mgła“, the title track from their forthcoming second studio album “Mgla“, scheduled for release on September 4th, 2026. The new material marks a significant evolution in both songwriting and production, presenting a darker, more mature, and focused incarnation of the band.

Alongside an intense live activity throughout Italy, HELLMETALL has increasingly expanded its presence across Eastern Europe. Their 2026 schedule includes an Eastern European tour, an appearance at Austria’s Kaltenbach Open Air festival, and a dedicated Polish mini-tour later in the year, further strengthening the band’s growing reputation within the underground extreme metal scene.

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0 France’s KINGCROWN Shares New Video “Nothing” From Upcoming Album “Moonfall” Out Sept 2026

July 3, 2026
by Asher
· KINGCROWN (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2026

France’s KINGCROWN Shares New Video “Nothing” From Upcoming Album “Moonfall” Out Sept 2026

French melodic heavy/power metal band KINGCROWN return with “Nothing“, the second single taken from their forthcoming album “Moonfall” due for release on September 4th, 2026. Supported by an official music video, the new track further develops the album’s conceptual direction while showcasing the band’s blend of melodic heavy metal and European power metal.

After introducing the time-travel narrative of “Lost Horizon“, KINGCROWN now turn their attention to another central theme of “Moonfall” with “Nothing“. Conceived as a direct sequel to “Utopia Metropolis” from “Nova Atlantis“, the song explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the gradual replacement of genuine human relationships by increasingly sophisticated machines designed to replicate emotion without truly experiencing it.

Rather than presenting technology as either salvation or threat, “Nothing” reflects on the emotional consequences of a society where authentic human connections become progressively less frequent. The lyrics question whether convenience and technological progress may ultimately come at the expense of empathy, identity, and personal relationships, continuing KINGCROWN‘s interest in combining speculative themes with contemporary social reflections.

Musically, “Nothing” combines driving guitar riffs, twin-guitar harmonies, melodic vocal lines, and a memorable chorus supported by a modern and balanced production. The track reinforces the band’s melodic identity without losing the energy and precision that have characterized its most recent releases.

Produced by KINGCROWN and mixed and mastered by Simone Mularoni at Domination Studio, the single reflects the consistency of a lineup that continues to refine its musical identity with each release. Alongside Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), former members of Nightmare, the current lineup features Ced Legger and Bob Saliba on guitars and Sébastien Chabot on bass.

With “Nothing“, KINGCROWN continue to reveal new facets of “Moonfall“, an album built around interconnected stories exploring technological evolution, artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. While each song stands on its own, together they contribute to a broader narrative that continues to unfold ahead of the album’s release.

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Powerwolf

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/TxF5ca
VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-EbQJn32Mo

ALBUM PRE-ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/products/kingcrown-moonfall-cd

Previous Single – Lost Horizon

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/4mhjvC
VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJjlw2AZuPs

Kingcrown Line-up:

Joe Amore: Vocals
Ced Legger: Guitars
Bob Saliba: Guitars
Seb Chabot: Bass, Guitars
David Amore: Drums

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://linktr.ee/kingcrown_off

About:

Kingcrown is a French melodic heavy/power metal band founded by brothers Jo Amore (vocals) and David Amore (drums), both former members of Nightmare.

The project traces its origins back to 2015 with the band Öblivïon, formed following their departure from Nightmare. After the release of Resilience, the group adopted the name Kingcrown in 2018, marking the beginning of a more defined artistic direction rooted in the European heavy/power metal tradition.

From the outset, Kingcrown established a sound built on strong melodic structures, dynamic riffing, and a clear emphasis on songwriting effectiveness. Drawing from the legacy of bands such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Gamma Ray, the band combines classic influences with a modern production approach, resulting in a sound that is both accessible and structurally solid.

Following the release of “A Perfect World” (2019) and “Wake Up Call” (2022), Kingcrown entered a new phase with “Nova Atlantis” (2024), released via Rockshots Records. The album marked a clear step forward in terms of cohesion, production quality, and conceptual direction, receiving strong feedback from both audiences and specialized media.

Building on this momentum, the band continues its collaboration with Rockshots Records for “Moonfall“, scheduled for release in 2026. The new album further develops Kingcrown’s identity through a more focused songwriting approach and a broader conceptual framework centered on dystopian themes, technological evolution, and temporal dislocation.

The first single, “Lost Horizon“, expands the narrative universe introduced in “Nova Atlantis“, acting as a direct sequel to “Endless Journey” and introducing a time-travel storyline in which a WWII B-17 pilot is propelled into the year 2045. This approach reflects the band’s growing interest in combining structured songwriting with narrative continuity.

Kingcrown’s current lineup – Jo Amore (vocals), David Amore (drums), Sébastien Chabot (bass), Bob Saliba (guitars), and Ced Legger (guitars) – has remained stable across recent releases, contributing to a consistent and cohesive musical direction.

With a steadily evolving discography and a clear artistic vision, Kingcrown has established itself as a credible presence within the European metal scene, balancing melodic immediacy, conceptual depth, and production precision.

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