Category: Music News

0 DECIMATE METALFEST (Millet, AB) Opens Band Submissions For 2027 Lineup!

September 15, 2026
by Asher
· Decimate MetalFest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 15, 2026

DECIMATE METALFEST (Millet, AB) Opens Band Submissions For 2027 Lineup!

Performer submissions open September 15 for Alberta’s grassroots, all-ages heavy music festival

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

The amps might be silent after Decimate Metalfest 2026, but the heart behind the festival is anything but. Work has already begun to bring the noise back even louder.

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

Last year’s call for performers reached farther than ever, with applications for Decimate Metalfest 2026 coming in from 15 countries, 8 Canadian provinces, and 25 U.S. states!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are available for Decimate Metalfest 2027.

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

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

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

About Decimate Metalfest:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Canadian Cosmic Metal THE ASTRAL PROPHETS Unleash “Into Nothing” From New Album “Invasion” Out Oct 2026

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

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 15, 2026

Canadian Cosmic Metal THE ASTRAL PROPHETS Unleash “Into Nothing” From New Album “Invasion” Out Oct 2026

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

Calgary, AB’s cosmic metal force The Astral Prophets are set to unleash their long‑awaited full‑length album “Invasion,” due out on October 30th, 2026. Alongside the announcement, the band drops the first single and music video, “Into Nothing,” a wild, danceable, riff‑driven blast that introduces fans to the next evolution of their self‑coined genre “Power Groove.”

Formed in 2019 by former Scythia members AJ Bergin, Terry Savage, and Celine Derval, The Astral Prophets emerged from a desire to create something heavier, rawer, and more grounded than their folk‑metal origins.

“The concept and theme of the band is designed around the idea of a not‑so‑distant, roboto‑cratic dystopian future. Space, aliens, techno-organic viruses, the works!” adds Bergin.

Over the years, the lineup evolved into its final 2026 form with Staci Stardust (vocals), AJ Bergin (guitars), Harley D’Orazio (guitars), Terry Savage (bass), and Kyle Summers (drums). Together, they refined their sound through early singles like “Firewall,” “USB Humanity,” and “Lazerwitch,” followed by their 2023 EP “Anywhere But Here.”

A sci‑fi metal epic built on cosmic storytelling, massive riffs, and layered symphonic textures, their first full-length, “Invasion,” represents the band at full power.

“Invasion is a roller coaster of an album… themes of anger, retribution, causality, and madness, but also love and longing, conveyed with sci-fi and cosmic overtones,” says Bergin.

The album artwork depicts Earth on the brink of collapse as an alien mothership tears through a wormhole to terraform the planet, a visual centerpiece for the album’s dystopian universe.

Musically, “Invasion” pushes the band’s heavier roots to the forefront, with stronger, more memorable riffs, melodic, smooth leads, driving, high‑energy drumming, and Allen’s most powerful vocal performances to date.

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

The lead single “Into Nothing” erupts with high‑energy swagger, fusing 80s‑glam attitude with the band’s signature swing‑driven Power Groove. Packed with sassy guitar lines, bold vocal delivery, and an irresistible rhythmic bounce, it’s a track built to move. Lyrically, the song blurs the boundary between dreams and reality, inspired by a vivid moment where Allen dreamed of throwing a punch and felt it land in real life, a surreal spark that shaped the song’s thematic core.

Its musical roots stretch back to a tongue‑in‑cheek Scythia track called Fort Make Money, a satirical nod to rig life in Fort McMurray. Savage hammered out the chorus riff within hours, and the band quickly recognized its glam‑rock DNA, echoing the swing and attitude of earlier The Astral Prophets cuts like “Cybernetic Doom” and “Firewall.” When the band first played it live, the bridge, solo, and final chorus were so addictive they looped them repeatedly just for the joy of it.

Bergin calls “Into Nothing” his favorite song to perform, a wild, danceable ride that captures everything fun, flashy, and unrestrained about the band’s heavier new era.

Listen to “Into Nothing”:

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPLxl6flAP8

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/6mFNCS1mHzwOJ4T8l0i2dd

Delivering cosmic, melodic, riff‑driven sci‑fi rock that blends power metal, groove metal, and high‑energy performances, “Invasion” will be available on October 30th, 2026.

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

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

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

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0 Out Now! Montreal’s OMBRA’s Debut EP “Night Terror” Explores Fear, Collapse, and The Human Condition

September 14, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Ombra

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 14, 2026

Out Now! Montreal’s OMBRA’s Debut EP “Night Terror” Explores Fear, Collapse, and The Human Condition

Emerging Montreal metal trio OMBRA has officially released their debut EP “Night Terror,” out now as of September 14th, 2026. Rooted in old‑school thrash, sludge, groove metal, and psychedelic rock, the five‑track conceptual project delivers a visceral, front‑to‑back descent into fear, obsession, chemical collapse, and the psychological weight of modern life, blending raw emotion, razor‑sharp riffs, and the band’s signature fusion of horror and real‑world chaos.

Formed by lifelong friends Giuseppe “G” Criniti (vocals/guitar), Marco Sisti (guitar/bass), and Nico‑Angelo Sisti (drums), OMBRA evolved naturally from their previous cult acts NRTH and Hidden Pride. The trio grew up together in Lachine, attended the same schools, and came from families who immigrated from Italy together, making the band’s formation feel less like a decision and more like destiny. In late 2020, G and Marco left NRTH to pursue heavier music, and Nico, Marco’s cousin and a respected drummer in the Montreal scene, joined shortly after departing Hidden Pride.

A true concept EP about fear, collapse, and the human condition, “Night Terror” was written between 2021 and 2026. The EP reflects the band’s lived experiences and observations of a decade marked by upheaval, media distortion, obsession, war, and emotional collapse. The EP is intentionally designed as a continuous experience from Track 1 “Hysteria” through Track 5 “So It Goes”, each chapter deepening the psychological descent:

“We wrote this EP as a reflection of our own experiences, feelings, and emotions throughout the last few years. The world has gone through so much change, turmoil, and war; this EP is our commentary on some of the major events of the last decade. Our objective is to encourage others to explore their own minds, make their own opinions, and live true to themselves. This EP reflects our thoughts and observations. We encourage all individuals to express themselves freely through art, speech, and any medium they see fit.” – Ombra.

Recommended for fans of Power Trip, High On Fire, Motörhead, Mastodon, Testament, and Rammstein, “Night Terror” is now available on all digital platforms at https://too.fm/eab92od.

Single Streams:

“Blue Dream” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5UmQA60mlM

“Stitches” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimmvegfZ_M

“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/

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“Night Terror is a debut EP that knows exactly what it wants to do. OMBRA take Thrash Metal, pass it through Groove, Sludge and psychedelic rock and use it to tell a story that begins with social unrest and ends deep within the human mind. It’s not an album that tries to impress you with technique. It wins you over with intensity, riffs, groove and atmosphere. And most importantly: It’s not five random songs. It’s a journey. From Hysteria to Night Terror. From the outside world to the inside. From control to loss of control. And finally, to acceptance. OMBRA are just taking their first step. But it’s a step that sounds heavy, mature and determined. Darkness doesn’t reside outside the mind. Sometimes it resides within it. And OMBRA have just given it a soundtrack.” – Rock N Roll Town

“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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0 Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Returns with a Fierce New Single “Enterré Vivant” and a Revitalized Lineup + Upcoming Album “Trinitas”

September 11, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Nova Spei (Bam&Co. Heavy) · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 11, 2026

Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Returns with a Fierce New Single “Enterré Vivant” and a Revitalized Lineup + Upcoming Album “Trinitas”

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

Photo Credit – Étienne Dionne (Mute Drummer)

Québec modern‑metal powerhouse NOVA SPEI launches a fierce new era with the release of their brand‑new single and video “Enterré Vivant”, a groovy, djent‑driven assault that will be featured on the band’s forthcoming album “Trinitas” due out on November 6, 2026, via Bam&Co-Heavy.

Built around a gripping, Fear‑Factory‑esque guitar groove, “Enterré Vivant” delivers a raw emotional punch, introducing fans to Nova Spei’s revitalized sound and the powerful arrival of vocalist Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois.

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

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

The single’s artwork by Filip Ivanovic visually captures the suffocating tension at the heart of the song, an image of someone trapped with no escape.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous Singles:

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

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

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

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

For more info:

https://www.novaspei.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NovaSpei

https://www.instagram.com/novaspei

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Edmonton’s BONEYARD Announces Sophomore Album “Black Static” Out Oct 2026 + Music Video “Before The Fall”

September 10, 2026
by Asher
· Boneyard · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 10, 2026

Edmonton’s BONEYARD Announces Sophomore Album “Black Static” Out Oct 2026 + Music Video “Before The Fall”

L-R: Jefftimus (Drums), Lezzy Osbourne (Bass Guitar), Garhardt (Lead Guitars), Pamtera (Lead Vocals and Guitars)

Photo Credit – Corrine (Wytchy) Thain

Canadian hard‑rock/metal quartet Boneyard will release their long‑awaited sophomore album, “Black Static,” on October 23rd, 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the band’s evolving sound and lineup.

Built on melodic female‑fronted hard rock, traditional heavy metal roots, and the band’s signature storytelling, “Black Static” expands the world Boneyard established on their 2020 debut “Oathbreaker”, a record later re‑released internationally through WormHoleDeath Records and mastered by Grammy‑nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum. Featuring nine dynamic songs ranging from classic metal heaviness to punk‑infused chaos to cinematic Western‑metal storytelling, the new album showcases the creative chemistry of the refreshed lineup, featuring powerful contributions from bassist Lezzy and lead guitarist Garhardt, whose arrival has sparked major anticipation among fans.

“An extension of Oathbreaker, but shaped heavily by the new members involved, Black Static is quite different more diverse, more melodic, and more emotionally charged,” says drummer Jefftimus.

Lyrically, “Black Static” dives into personal trauma, mental health, human trafficking, generational addiction, and grief, while still weaving in hope, resilience, and empowerment. The album’s artwork was once again created by legendary Calgary artist Tom Bagley, who brought their mascot Misty Bone to life on the record’s cover.

The album’s first single, “Before the Fall,” is a melodic‑metal anthem confronting the destructive patterns of global leadership, war, corruption, inequality, and urging unity and change. The video dives into the dark realities of human trafficking and missing and murdered Indigenous persons, blending cinematic grit with emotional weight.

“A song of hope… recognizing atrocities and creating a new way of thinking by helping each other for the future,” adds Pamtera.

Listen to “Before The Fall”

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPOEcMLX5Xc

Spotify – https://ffm.bio/boneyard

Beyond the riffs, Boneyard stands out for its representation: a Métis drummer, a female LGBTQ+ bassist, and a commitment to authenticity and inclusion within the rock and metal scene. Since forming in 2015, Edmonton, AB’s Boneyard has performed across Western Canada at Decimate Metalfest, Pembina River Nights, Metisfest, and more.

Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Saxon, Doro, The Pretty Reckless, and Iron Maiden, “Black Static” will be available on October 23, 2026, digitally and on CD, with a vinyl release to be announced at a later date.

Show Dates:
Oct 23 – Edmonton, AB – The Rec Room (Album Release Show) w/ Daniel Martin & The Infamous

Track Listing:
1. Met You in a Dream
2. Left Me to Drown
3. Ready for a Change
4. Not this Way (Joel’s Song)
5. Blood in the Bond
6. Before the Fall
7. Hanging Tree
8. Compass Points to War
9. Before the Fall (Piano Rendition)

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Pamtera – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Lezzy Osbourne – Bass
Jefftimus – Drums
Garhardt – Lead Guitar

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

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“Boneyard‘s debut record Oathbreaker is the kind of album that gets a little better each time that you listen” – Sleaze Roxx’s Top 10 Albums of 2020

“Solid, enjoyable debut, support the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal” – Bravewords

“Boneyard lean a bit more towards the hard rock side of the spectrum but the metal is all there as well” – Metal-Rules

“Rock music from Canada still guarantees quality”- PowerMetal

“What we have here is a female-fronted metal outfit that bathes in the crimson glory of traditional heavy rock and heavy metal”- Metal Roos

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0 Out Now! FEN’s Doug Harrison’s Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON’s New EP “Cold in Cold out”

September 10, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Slug Comparison

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 10, 2026

Out Now! FEN’s Doug Harrison’s Solo Project SLUG COMPARISON’s New EP “Cold in Cold out”

Doug Harrison – Photo Credit – Peter Wiholm

Canadian (Victoria, BC) songwriter Doug Harrison, best known as the vocalist for progressive rock/metal band Fen, unveils his solo project Slug Comparison’s new EP, “Cold in Cold out,” available everywhere now. The six‑track collection marks a deliberate shift back toward the project’s introspective, atmospheric roots, trading electric urgency for slow‑burn emotional weight.

Moving away from the upfront rock production of his 2025 album “A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife”, this new offering of “Cold in Cold out” leans into the spacious, layered acoustic textures reminiscent of Fen’s “Trails Out of Gloom” that was released on Ripple Music. Across its six tracks, the EP dwells in a depressive, reflective territory, an environment Harrison admits he’s glad to return to. Harrison encourages listeners to experience the EP in full.

“These songs rely more on mood than hooks. The instant gratification isn’t there. The songs are a slow release. For best results, they should be listened to all in a row, privately, and in headphones,” adds Harrison.

The EP’s writing process was an experiment in speed, an attempt to break the long gaps between Fen and Slug Comparison releases. Harrison set out to write and record several songs within a year, ultimately overshooting by only a few months. For the EP, he also collaborated with drummer Randall Stoll (Boulevard, KD Lang, Tom Cochrane), who brought the songs to life in the studio, while Sheldon Zaharko added depth and character through mixing. Harrison handled all writing, arrangement, and instrumentation before drums were added.

The EP unfolds as a sequence of stark, emotionally charged vignettes. “Tongue of the Hollow” opens the record with an acoustic homage shaped by a verse riff echoing Nirvana’s “Something in the Way,” lyrically telling the story of a dying man surrounded by bewildered cats and soothed only by the upstairs neighbour’s nightly singing. “To Whom Would You Answer” relives a spiraling closed-door encounter with gatekeepers bent on extracting an assurance of loyalty. “Back to the World” reflects on reconnecting with an old friend who has survived a dark chapter, stirring guilt, hope, and a confrontation with one’s own neglected demons. “Burden of Life” deepens the EP’s somber emotional terrain, while the title track “Cold in Cold out” meditates on the lonely trial of human existence, its pain, exhaustion, fleeting wonder, and the recurring question of how long it all must continue. The closing piece “No Healer” follows a fevered final journey beneath a jungle canopy, surrendering to whatever forces guide the end of one’s existence.

Recommended for fans of Nirvana, Katatonia, Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief, Fen, and Mark Lanegan, “Cold in Cold Out” offers a brooding, introspective journey into Harrison’s most personal and imaginary songwriting yet.

“Cold in Cold Out” is now on all major streaming platforms.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/6lN49YhB6T8TzH5R7IpBJD

Bandcamp – https://slugcomparison.bandcamp.com/album/cold-in-cold-out

Single Stream – Tongue of the Hollow – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUziXxuV0uY

Track Listing:
1. Tongue of the Hollow (4:01)
2. To Whom Would You Answer (3:47)
3. Back to the World (4:03)
4. Burden of Life (4:44)
5. Cold in Cold out (5:31)
6. No Healer (4:36)
EP Length: 26:42

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by Slug Comparison
• All songs written by Doug Harrison
• Produced by Doug Harrison
• Mixed by Sheldon Zaharko
• Mastered by Brock McFarlane at CPS Mastering
• Album Artwork by Inkantation
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Lineup:
Doug Harrison: vocals, guitar, bass, programming, songwriting, production
Randall Stoll: drums

More info:

https://www.instagram.com/slugcomparison

https://www.facebook.com/slugcomparison

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“A moment with SLUG COMPARISON has always been an emotional and musical exploration from the heart of one of rock’s finest songwriters and Cold in Cold out continues that particular seduction to offer one seriously thrilling and inspiring proposal.” – The Ring Master Review

“so much emotion, so much to ponder, so much complexity even while on the surface seeming so simple.” –Stephen Conrad, Prog Archives

“a mix of Pink Floyd and Simon & Garfunkel.” –Melodic.net

“un superbe album.” –Prog Et +

“The album takes us through the self-doubt, denial, and defiance of the artist and is another mini-masterpiece delivered under the Slug Comparison banner. 10/10” –SonicAbuse

“In no way “progressive” in the traditional sense, there is a depth to each composition, and a variation in styles across the album, that rewards careful listening.” –DPRP

“Harrison’s voice tends to have a grungy quality, but it also unfolds in epic, theatrical, or simply beautifully melodic ways.” –Musikreviews (translated from German)

“modern, emotionally rich, and laced with just enough grunge to hit us right in the feels.” –Mandatory Music

“The highlight is a twisted power ballad about having much too much of a good thing (Too Much Love).” –Here Comes the Flood

“progressive and alternative inclinations align with dark rock, punk and other rich hues. It makes for a palette of surprise and unpredictable adventure” –The RingMaster Review

“One of my favourite songs of the year” (about “Bringer of Doom”) –Dutch Progressive Rock Radio

“Simply engulfs the imagination and emotions” -The Ringmaster Reviews

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0 Black‑Metal Fury Unites With Doom Ritual – ABHORIA & VELNIAS Announce American Southwest Tour!

September 10, 2026
by Asher
· Abhoria · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 10, 2026

Black‑Metal Fury Unites With Doom Ritual – ABHORIA & VELNIAS Announce American Southwest Tour!

A storm is gathering in the American Southwest this October as dystopian black‑metal stewards Abhoria and Colorado’s folk‑doom conjurers Velnias unite for a run of immersive, atmospheric, and soul‑rending performances. This rare pairing brings together two forces of extreme music whose approaches differ in texture but converge in emotional weight with Abhoria’s bleak futurism and Velnias’ elemental, existential resonance.

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

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

Formed in 2018 by guitarist Trevor Portz, Abhoria channels a bleak, aggressive strain of dystopian black metal, fusing dissonant riffcraft, haunting melodic threads, and a suffocating sense of existential isolation. The lineup features vocalist Ben Pitts, bassist Igor Panasewicz, drummer JS, and guitarist Gianni DiGiacomo.

Their two albums on Prosthetic Records, Abhoria (2022) and Depths (2024), established the band as a rising force in modern extreme metal. A new full‑length is slated for 2027 via Black Lion Records.

Music Video – The Well – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vuMrLj6ViQ

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/0WcwDtBpZnHQDf3aGFUK2i

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

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

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

More info:

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

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

-30-

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0 SHROUD Announces Canadian Tour Dates w/ HELLRIPPER “Goatkraft & Granite Canada 2026”

September 9, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shroud

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 9, 2026

Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Announces Canadian Tour Dates w/ HELLRIPPER

Debut Album “Pax Nocturna” Out Now!

L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar

Rising from the shadows of Montreal’s extreme‑metal underground, SHROUD proudly announces a run of Canadian tour dates supporting Scotland’s speed‑metal powerhouse HELLRIPPER this November (dates listed below). The announcement follows the release of SHROUD’s debut full‑length album “Pax Nocturna”.

A blistering fusion of blackened thrash sharpened by death‑metal aggression and melodic‑metal atmosphere, “Pax Nocturna” marks a defining first chapter for one of Montreal’s most intense and uncompromising new acts. Lyrically, “Pax Nocturna” explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss, and the darkest corners of human existence. Its overarching concept, Satanic Gnosticism, rejects imposed order and corrupt leadership in favour of embracing the chaos from which humanity originates.

“It’s the acknowledgement that we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” says Conti.

The album’s artwork draws from the dark fantasy of Yoshitaka Amano, the surreal horror of Zdzisław Beksiński, and the mythic grandeur of The Lord of the Rings, depicting the four members in ritualistic worship of Murmur, Archduke and Lord of Hell.

SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris (Warsenal) during the height of the COVID‑19 lockdowns. With their previous projects stalled and the music scene frozen, the pair began writing in secret, week after week; riffs and ideas evolved into the earliest form of what would become “Pax Nocturna”. As the world reopened in 2022, the lineup solidified with Justin Cournoyer on bass and Jordan Barillaro joining after filling in for the band’s first show in November 2022. The chemistry was immediate. SHROUD was born, united, focused, and driven.

On stage, SHROUD delivers intensity, tightness, and emotional ferocity, already earning them slots alongside Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia, and more.

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic, “Pax Nocturna”, released on June 4th, 2026, is available now on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.

CD / Vinyl – https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/album/pax-nocturna

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5dfAWpVKaWlsdSBYNZ8L1H

All Creation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4okttHfnlg

The Eternal Void – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ56_laldDc

Tour Dates: Hellripper w/ Shroud
Nov 25 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
Nov 26 – Quebec City, QC – La Source De La Martiniere
Nov 27 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern (Capital Punishment Festival)
Nov 28 – Toronto, ON – Supermarket Bar & Variety

Track Listing:
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05

Album and Live Band lineup:
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343

https://www.instagram.com/shroud.mtl

About: Emerging from the depths below, Shroud formed in 2022 when Conti and Osiris began writing together during the pandemic. With the later addition of Barillaro and Cournoyer, the band’s lineup solidified into a unit defined by technical skill, raw aggression, and a shared vision of darkness. Their sound of blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals echoing through the void has quickly earned them recognition as one of Montreal’s most promising extreme‑metal acts. Now, with Pax Nocturna, Shroud is ready to unleash its full power.

Album Recording Credits:
– All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
– All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
– Produced by: Shroud and Jordan Barillaro
– Mixed by: Jordan Barillaro
– Album Art by: Justin Cournoyer
– Mastered by: Tore Stjerna

-30-

“Imagine the ferocity, the grit and attitude of ‘Power n Pain’ era Whiplash, add the nocturnal melodic majesty of Necrophobic, and then a heaping helping of D-beat (always appreciated). Vicious, limb twitchin’ and about as infectious as something you believe you might have picked up on a recent European vacation, but wish you hadn’t. Recc for fans of SkeletonWitch, Necrophobic, Hellripper and others who successfully manage to imbue ragin’ Thrash insanity with an exquisite sense of darkness. This scatches the itch, then successfully obliterates it!” 94/100 – Cult Metal Flix

“the Canadians are beyond any doubt and have put together a debut album that not only packs a serious punch in terms of aggression but also delivers enough memorable moments to perfectly balance frenzy, speed, and punchiness.” – PowerMetal.de

“There’s almost a black ‘n’ roll thing going on here, with some cool rocking solos that snap you out of the blackened onslaught here and there. There’s no shortage of heaviness here, and I love how Shroud have mixed the old and the new throughout the album; you never really know what’s going to hit you next. Lots of energy, not many parts to give you rest, Pax Nocturna is one of those albums that tortures your speakers and makes the house shake. Good stuff (duh).” – The Metal Crypt

“A definite early AOTY candidate with strong claims, 5 star Black/Thrash!… There’s a high amount of crushing chugging riffs across this full length and the leadwork is absolutely scorching across the board, shreddy solos with that classic heavy metal, Thrash phrasing with a few mid-paced ones thrown in that are topped off with a couple of whammy bar accents and tremolos in them. Some of these riffs just will absolutely pummel you, as they’re fast and unrelenting as hell; also, there’s one or two solos that appear in a single track too. The vocals on this aren’t just high black metal screams, but there’s creepy deep spoken word vocals, chants and a few death growls also; if you’re into absolutely groove filled Blackened Thrash then absolutely look no further than this masterpiece, absolutely don’t sleep on it, a definite AOTY contender personally. Rating: 10/10!” – Drako’s Metal Reviews

“With Pax Nocturna , SHROUD makes a striking statement that will allow them to carve out a prime spot among the new Canadian bands to watch.” – Ondes Chocs

“Some nice thrash with plenty of fury and speed beyond it. Rip-roaring riffs that will have your neck moving, I assure you. Vicious vocals also work here as they fit the music rather well. Production is good and solid, and those thrashy riffs just ripped my soul apart and in two. With thrash, for me it is the riffs, the speed and intensity, and this had it all. This will just pound you into the ground, showing little or no mercy. Thrash crushes.” – Chris Forbes – Extreminal

“Shroud’s debut is a vicious blackened thrash release with scorching guitar work, relentless percussion and a grim philosophical core.” – Heavy Metal Darkness

““Pax Nocturna” is a solid album of high-energy thrash packed with razor-sharp riffs. The guitars cut right to the bone, the drums pound relentlessly, and the bass rumbles like never before. This honest, sincere, and effective record, with its raw and brutal energy, is well worth discovering. ” – Music Waves

“Shroud’s debut is thus a classic representative of the product DIY (Do It Yourself), when the band’s actors are talented enough to provide for themselves… The debut work “Pax Nocturna” is an impressive example of modern blackened thrash.” – MetalForever

“The debut album from the thrash/death newcomers goes hard from start to finish! Right from the opener ‘The Eternal Void’ this thing is heavy, urgent and awesome, and it keeps its momentum for its full 45-minute runtime. The fact that it’s only nine songs in that time as well means that everything gets time to breathe, and everyone in the band gets time to shine. Highlights include ‘Merciless Tyrants’, ‘Diablivion’ and the epic closer, but the whole album is great from start to finish! It certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are into the heavier end of metal, this is absolutely worth a spin. The band have a bright future ahead of them, and in years to come people will look at this release as their big launching pad. 8.5/10” – Overtone Magazine

“Shroud’s latest offering, ‘Pax Nocturna’, is a relentless onslaught of blackened thrash metal that will leave listeners in awe of its sheer intensity. The album exudes a dark and foreboding atmosphere, with haunting melodies and aggressive riffs that create a sense of impending doom. Standout tracks such as ‘The Zealot’ and ‘Merciless Tyrants’ showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend black metal fury with thrash metal aggression. The production quality on ‘Pax Nocturna’ is top-notch, with every instrument cutting through the mix with clarity and power. This album marks a significant progression in Shroud’s career, solidifying their position as one of the leading forces in the extreme metal scene.” – MetalStorm.com.au

““Fans of extreme metal will find a record crafted for them. It’s intense, tightly executed, and overflowing with raw energy. Its lyrical depth explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss and the darkest corners of human existence. The overarching concept is Satanic Gnosticism, a rejection of imposed order and corrupt leadership, and an embrace of the chaos from which humanity originates.” – The Black Metal Archive

“Shroud have delivered a lean, mean, and deliciously dark debut that proves traditional, blackened speed insanity is alive and thriving.” – VM Underground

“Montréal, Québec’s Shroud have released a perfect blending of two extreme genres. Black metal elements of demonic, screechy vocals, tremolo picking, and black and roll beats. Then you have the Thrash tempo changes, galloping riffs, and break-neck speed sections. This album grabbed me by the back of the head and slammed my face into the concrete a dozen times during the first track. It’s not all sound barrier breaking speeds though. There are sections of clear black metal. Down tempo sections. Pure thrash. And every combination of the two sub-genres.” – Mike On Metal

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0 Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Festival Announces First Wave of Bands for 2026 Lineup! w/ The Creepshow, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation and lots more!

September 9, 2026
by Asher
· Capital Punishment Festival (Ottawa) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Sept 9, 2026

Ottawa’s CAPITAL PUNISHMENT Festival (Nov 26-29) Announces First Wave of Bands for 2026 Lineup!

w/ The Creepshow, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation and lots more!

Capital Punishment Festival unleashes its first wave of Canadian bands for the 2026 edition, returning to Ottawa, ON, November 26th to 29th across four cornerstone ByWard Market venues: 27 Club, Dominion Tavern, Rainbow Bistro, and Avant‑Garde Bar. Presented by Chord Productions and supported by Ottawa Tourism, the festival continues its mission to amplify Canada’s underground heavy‑music community with four nights of multi‑genre chaos.

This year’s edition marks the festival’s biggest expansion yet, with more venues, more artists, and more Canadian talent from across the country. Full festival passes are only $50, granting access to every show across all participating venues.

“Events such as Capital Punishment play an important role in strengthening Ottawa’s profile as a dynamic cultural destination,” says Michael Crockatt, President & CEO of Ottawa Tourism.

“Ottawa Tourism supports this unique music experience through its Nightlife Tourism Development Fund for its efforts in attracting visitors, animating our ACE District, and drawing music enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to enjoy our diverse music ecosystem. By bringing together acclaimed underground artists and local talent, the festival creates opportunities for visitors to explore the city, discover local businesses and venues, and contribute to the economic activity that helps sustain a vibrant and welcoming downtown experience,” adds festival organizer Christina Kasper of Chord Productions.

The 2026 lineup launches with a massive cross‑country roster spanning metal, punk, hardcore, rock, rap, and extreme underground acts with The Creepshow, Lost, The Damn Truth, Beyond Creation, Hellripper, Insurrection, DBC, Barf, Ghoulunatics, Global Holocaust, Entropy, Reanimator, Thunderkok, Guhn Twei, Gland, Scaffold, Peer Pressure, A Scar for the Wicked, Catastrophic Hemorrhage, Soulthief, Northwalk, This Hell With You, This Disaster, Dissentient, Last Retch, Hatred Reigns, Raider, Bitter, Stregoneria, Noor, Human Compost, Mortuary Slab, Duskwalker, Dr. Bob Wrestling, The Divetones, Drowning in Blood, Feral Union, Rising Flame, Refuse, The Space Between, Ratpiss, Jetsam, The Vanishing Act, Acid Rot, Mindreader, Shroud, Warsenal, The Scepter, Dismal Aura, Touched Fables, Sociably High, Glom, BornBroken, Pop Culture Icons, Goat!, Insanity of Sorrow, Bury the Past, Rotual, Hempress, Drofnosura, Backyard Witchcraft, Nature Pleads Revenge, Ghost of a King and Dethrone.

More bands will be announced as the festival approaches.

Festival Passes are available as of September 9th at https://ottawacapitalpunishment.eventbrite.ca

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/2032256174123331

Capital Punishment Festival 2026
Presented by Chord Productions
Supported by Ottawa Tourism
November 26–29, 2026
Ottawa, ON – ByWard Market
Venues:
Rainbow Bistro (76 Murray St.)
Dominion Tavern (33 York St.)
27 Club (27 York St.)
Avant‑Garde Bar (135 Besserer St.)

More info: https://ottawacapitalpunishment.com

– 30 –

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0 Montreal Thrash OMBRA’s “Blue Dream” Blurs Reality, Addiction, and the Supernatural From Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

September 8, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Ombra

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 8, 2026

Montreal Thrash OMBRA’s “Blue Dream” Blurs Reality, Addiction, and the Supernatural From Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

Montreal metal trio OMBRA will release their debut EP, “Night Terror,” on September 14th, 2026, delivering a visceral, front‑to‑back conceptual experience built on fear, obsession, chemical collapse, and the psychological weight of modern life. The band has now unveiled the EP’s third single, “Blue Dream,” a suffocating descent into chemical escapism and slow‑motion psychological freefall.

The song drags listeners into a world where fleeting highs mutate into permanent hauntings, exploring chemical escapism dissolving into paranoia, dependency blurring into possession, waking nightmares unfolding in abandoned homes, and the overwhelming sensation of losing control in slow motion.

Musically, “Blue Dream” spirals through a suffocating atmosphere, crushing riffs, and psychedelic tension, serving as the perfect midpoint in the EP’s descent from societal panic to full psychological seizure.

Listen to “Blue Dream”:

Visualizer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5UmQA60mlM

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2ovp4p1wbXmFjSwlT6ges0

OMBRA formed when Giuseppe “G” Criniti and Marco Sisti left their hard‑rock/progressive project NRTH in late 2020 to pursue a heavier, more aggressive direction. Soon after, Marco’s cousin Nico‑Angelo Sisti, a well‑known drummer in the Montreal scene and former member of Hidden Pride, joined the project.

All three members grew up together in Lachine, the same schools, the same neighbourhood, families who immigrated from Italy together. OMBRA wasn’t a calculated formation; it was inevitable. Their sound is loud, energetic, and groovy

Written between 2021 and 2026, OMBRA’s debut EP “Night Terror” reflects the band’s lived experiences and observations of a decade marked by upheaval, media distortion, obsession, war, and emotional collapse. Designed as a continuous front‑to‑back journey, the EP moves from the societal panic, media manipulation, and government control explored in “Hysteria,” through the obsessive pursuit of beauty and identity fracturing in “Stitches,” into the chemical escapism, paranoia, possession, and psychological collapse at the core of “Blue Dream.” The descent reaches its peak in the title track “Night Terror,” where Murphy’s Law is applied directly to the psyche, and total loss of control becomes inevitable, before resolving with “So It Goes,” an instrumental moment of reflection, acceptance, and emotional release. As a whole, “Night Terror” serves as OMBRA’s commentary on the turmoil of the last decade, encouraging listeners to think freely, explore their own minds, and express themselves without compromise.

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, at https://too.fm/eab92od.

Second Single – “Stitches” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimmvegfZ_M

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

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.

-30-

‘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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