Category: Music News

0 SONS OF BUTCHER Fire Up The Grill w/ Video “Makin’ Bacon” From New EP “Skids” Out March 2026

February 20, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Sons of Butcher

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 20, 2026

SONS OF BUTCHER Fire Up The Grill w/ Video “Makin’ Bacon” From New EP “Skids” Out March 2026

L-R – Doug Borski – Bass/Vocals, Joey Salami – Guitar, Crissy Stixx – Drums, Ricky Butcher – Lead Vocals/Guitar

Photo Credit – Evan Thompson

Canada’s filthiest, funniest, and most fearlessly unwashed rock band, Sons of Butcher, return with “Skids”, a brand‑new four‑song EP due out in March 2026 to mark a fresh chapter in the band’s long, greasy legacy. After a decade‑long hiatus, the band behind Teletoon’s cult animated series is officially back in the butcher shop, with their most polished, unhinged, and radio‑ready material to date.

“This EP is an honest batch of comedy songs from the grease‑clogged hearts of a band of has‑been butchers,” says Ricky Butcher, lead vocals/guitar.

After releasing five full‑length albums and becoming infamous for spandex, pepperette‑throwing, and the roaming meat tray, the band stepped away until a reunion show reignited the flame. A photo from that night now serves as the EP’s cover art, capturing Ricky and Doug in a triumphant, full‑body rock pose that symbolized their return.

“Skids” is a raw, four‑track eruption of cheap‑meat swagger and skid‑life grit, marking Sons of Butcher’s first batch of songs not tied to their Teletoon storyline, aside from the fully overhauled “Peppercorn Steak,” revived from an indie pilot episode. Reuniting with longtime producer Jordon Zadorozny at Skylark Park and featuring drumming from Kellii Scott of Failure, the band carves out a sound that pushes their legacy forward while staying true to their cult‑favourite chaos. Across the EP, Sons of Butcher swing from the denim‑soaked bounce of “Denim Dreamin’” to the metal‑fired frenzy of lead single “Makin’ Bacon,” slide into the gritty pop‑rock swagger of “Steeltown Handy,” and land squarely back in classic SOB absurdity with the 80s‑riffed peppercorn‑obsessed anthem “Peppercorn Steak” (planned for release to be the band’s official anthem for National Steak Day on April 25th).

The EP’s lead single, “Makin’ Bacon,” is a high‑speed, metal‑tinged celebration of bacon worship. It’s chaotic, catchy, and quintessentially Sons of Butcher, shot out of a cannon and straight into your frontal lobe. The accompanying music video is a meaty, maximalist feast of absurdity, riff‑fueled energy, and pure mock‑rock spirit.

Watch the “Makin’ Bacon” video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lnsb7uWp4g

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2xlPHi4gvvJ9BRnpZDQb7k

Sons of Butcher began as the real‑life incarnation of their animated Teletoon alter‑egos, blending absurdist comedy and heavy riffs into the proudly self‑made genre of mock rock. The band quickly grew beyond the cartoon, releasing five albums, one live album, and an EP, and has built a cult following through chaotic, spandex‑clad live shows and meat‑soaked theatrics. “Skids” marks their first major release since 2020’s “Lockdown In Steeltown” and their first collection of songs not directly tied to the original series’ storyline.

Recommended for fans of Tenacious D, Spinal Tap, Psychostick, and Steel Panther, “Skids” will be released on March 27th, 2026, and is available for CD pre-order at: https://sonsofbutcher.bandcamp.com/album/skids

Sons of Butcher will support the EP with a run of Spring 2026 tour dates, including five shows with Hamilton’s beloved skid‑icon B.A. Johnston.

Show Dates:
Feb 28 – The Parlour @ Ridiculous – Hamilton, ON – ‘Makin Bacon’ single release w/ Marty Topps
April 2 – Honey Dip – London, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 3 – L’Hemisphere Gauche – Montreal, QC – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 4 – House of Targ – Ottawa, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 17 – The Corktown – Hamilton, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston
April 18 – Baby G – Toronto, ON – opening for B. A. Johnston

Track Listing:
1. Denim Dreamin’ – (3:05)
2. Makin’ Bacon – (2:37)
3. Steeltown Handy – (2:21)
4. Peppercorn Steak – (1:42)

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Sons of Butcher
• All songs written by: Trevor Ziebarth
• Produced by: Jordon Zadorozny
• Mixed by: Jordon Zadorozny
• Mastered by: Bill Hendersen
• Album Artwork by: Jay Ziebarth, Randy Gilbert (front cover), Kidd Gloves Photography (back cover)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Line Up:
Ricky Butcher – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Kellii Scott – Drums
Jordon Zadorozny – Lead Guitar
Brandon Wars – Lead Guitar

Live Band Line Up:
Ricky Butcher – Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Crissy Stixx – Drums
Joey Salami – Lead Guitar

More Info:

https://www.sonsofbutcher.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/therealsobs

https://www.instagram.com/therealsobs/

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“Lockdown In Steeltown is a cheeky account that belongs with all historical records, as a kind of sly reminder when the next pandemic hits. Although it should probably be kept in the same section with Spinal Tap, “Weird” Al Yankovic, and pretty much every Dr. Demento show. I give this EP two Purell-sanitized thumbs up!” – Boston Rock Radio (2020 – Lockdown in Steeltown)

“the EP manages to lift the spirits of one or another rock fan with heavy music and silly jokes when they’re feeling cooped up, it has fulfilled its purpose. In any case, we’re not going to let a virus ruin our good mood.” – PowerMetal.de (2020 – Lockdown in Steeltown)

“Thing is, if there’s a word or a sentiment that could sum up 2020 is there one better than “FUCK!”?. As such, this could well be the album of our times. Crank it up, grab a beer, laugh at the childishness of it all and let twenty minutes or so more of the damn year slip by forever.” – Moshville Times (2020 – Ricky Butcher – Fuck! The Album)

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0 “Becoming the Dragon” Power Metal Warriors SIEGE PERILOUS Unchain New Video For Title Track For Concept Album Out March 2026

February 19, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Siege Perilous

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 19, 2026

“Becoming the Dragon” Power Metal Warriors SIEGE PERILOUS Unchain New Video For Title Track For Concept Album Out March 2026

A narrative-driven punch of epic fantasy power metal featuring incredible guests like Fabio Lione and Kristin Starkey!

Left to Right: Mark Girard (Drums) | Eric Fischer (Bass) | Shaughnessy McDaniel (Vocals) | Ryan Flanagan (Guitar) | Scott Hancock (Guitar)

Photographer Credit – Gii Astorga

Colorado power‑metal storytellers Siege Perilous are unschackling the official music video for “Becoming the Dragon,” the climactic title track from their upcoming concept album “Becoming the Dragon,” due out March 27, 2026.

The new video marks the band’s most ambitious visual project to date, capturing the album’s central transformation moment, where the protagonist embraces destiny, defies cosmic fate, and ascends into mythic power. The track arrives as the band continues to build momentum following the release of their first single, “As the Dragon Falls” (feat. Fabio Lione).

“‘Becoming the Dragon’ forms the critical climax of the story of our album. We wanted to capture something beyond just fantasy; it’s about defying fate, defying the stars, and embracing the power within. There are moments in life where we either transform or perish, and this song embodies that choice. It’s the moment our hero unlocks the true power inside him, and we think the track shows that transformation expertly,” says vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel.

The song features thunderous drums, soaring vocals, shredding solos, and a standout bass interlude that drives the track toward its explosive finale. Musically, it represents the band’s evolution into a more cinematic, orchestrated, and emotionally charged sound.

Watch and listen to the music video “Becoming the Dragon” via its premiere on Metal Insider HERE.

A sweeping ten‑chapter concept record, “Becoming the Dragon” follows the “Child of Prophecy” through destiny, denial, destruction, and ultimately transcendence. The album blends classic heavy metal roots with modern symphonic power metal, drawing influence from Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Iron Maiden, Avantasia, and Sabaton.

The record features guest performances from two major voices in modern power metal, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) on “As the Dragon Falls”, and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) on the power ballad “Echoes of Home”.

“Creating a massive, sweeping power‑metal epic has been a dream since before we even formed this band. Having Fabio and Kristin join us, two artists who inspired us long before Siege Perilous existed, is beyond anything we imagined when we started this project four years ago,” says McDaniel.

Forged in Colorado’s fantasy‑driven LARP community, Siege Perilous formed after McDaniel, guitarist Scott Hancock, and drummer Mark Girard were inspired by a 2021 Unleash the Archers show in Denver. Joined by bassist Eric Fischer (The Stubby Shillelaghs) and later guitarist/arranger Ryan Flanagan, the band has built a reputation for crafting epic, story‑driven metal that blends myth, history, and cinematic world‑building.

Their sound, described in five words as Epic, Melodic, Powerful, Cinematic, Story‑Driven, has evolved through collaborative songwriting, theatrical live performances, and a commitment to narrative‑focused metal.

Recommended for fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, “Becoming the Dragon” is due out on March 27, 2026 and available for pre-order / pre-save at the following link:

https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon

First Single: “As the Dragon Falls” ft. Fabio Lione

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMIMvm4wvY

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/siegeperilous/as-the-dragon-falls-feat-fabio-lione

Track Listing:
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal

About:

Siege Perilous is a Colorado‑based power metal band specializing in epic, cinematic storytelling through music. Formed by Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums)—later joined by Eric Fischer (bass) and Ryan Flanagan (guitar/arrangements), the band draws from fantasy, history, and myth to craft immersive metal narratives. Their debut album, Becoming the Dragon, arrives March 27, 2026.

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“It gives me great pleasure to tell you that Creation’s Call is a blast. Siege Perilous has succeeded in creating what I would call Epic Power Metal for the Working Man. They don’t waste your time with overlong symphonic interludes between tracks, melodramatic narration, or overproduction that tests the limits of your sanity. The band gets right to the point and pulls you into their epic tales of heroic daring immediately. This is a nice breath of fresh air and if this EP is anything to go by, Siege Perilous has a great future ahead of them. Yes, this could be considered power metal but the no-nonsense approach and urgency to the songwriting makes this release absolutely worth checking out for those of us in the NWOTHM scene. Plus, it’s really just a lot of fun. This one is highly recommended. THENWOTHM SCORE: 9/10” – The NWOTHM

“‘Creation’s Call’ never gets boring, even on Heavy Rotation. Five gifted musicians have succeeded in creating a varied EP. The twin guitar solos are convincing the whole time. It’s just a shame that it ends after twenty-one minutes. It makes you wish for a full-length album. And, of course, a thrilling live performance. 9.3/10” – Metalheads Forever Magazine

“solid power metal style that should satiate any LARP-attendees or Dungeons and Dragons mavens. Keep an eye on this quintet – wield thy sword as they lead the battle charge for more quality power metal from the states. 8/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“There are any number of quality bands like Siege Perilous active right now but the style is popular (and I love it) and these guys are as decent as the next similar act. They lean more the Metal side of the equation using the folk and orchestral moments as flavour, not the main style. CREATION’S CALL is a fine effort and I could easily see them on tour with Brothers Of Metal, All For Metal, Fellowship and other costumed Metal heroes. Worth checking out!” 4/5 – Metal Rules

“Denver metal mob reckon that their goal on “Creation’s Call” was to build a world and tell a story in “three to five minutes.” It’s a world of fantasy, as “Oathsworn” proves, where metal rules and swords are held high. “Across The Rubicon,” however, is delivered with such skill that you can’t resist getting sucked in with them. Shaughnessy McDaniel has a brilliant “metal” voice, roaring on “Sons Of The Verdant,” and guitar duo Scott Hancock and Cody Martinez can knock out a NWOBHM riff like it’s 1982, as the title song underlines. “Brothers Of Five” brings the epic one last time, galloping in proper fashion, and it’ll be interesting to see how Siege Perilous develops. This is one hell of an opening statement, mind you. 8.5/10” – Maximum Volume Music

“Creation’s Call not only highlights Siege Perilous’ dedication to epic storytelling but also emphasises their versatility within the power metal genre. With influences ranging from historical events to high fantasy, this EP offers a rich and varied auditory experience that will captivate fans. Prepare to embark on a grand journey through myth and history as Siege Perilous delivers their latest saga.” – Amplify The Noise

“Creation’s Call it is a cohesive and well-crafted work, where the combination of rich letters in history and fantasy, with a meticulous musical execution, it makes mandatory, regardless of its short duration. [82%]” – Via Nocturna

“Creation’s Call doesn’t get boring even in heavy rotation. Five gifted musicians have created a varied EP. The solos of the twin guitars are convincing across the board. It’s just a shame that it’s over after twenty-one minutes. You want a full-length album. And of course a sweaty live performance. 9.4/10” – Keep On Rocking

“Colorfully mixed NWOTHM/Epic Heavy/Power Metal elixir that appeals to a broad range of fans between ALESTORM, BATTLEROAR, ETERNAL CHAMPION, GATEKEEPER, IRON MAIDEN, RUNNING WILD and WRATHBLADE. Awakens a huge appetite for a full long-play album. On this EP you can clearly see that the band has enormous potential and has already given a great taste of their skills. Conclusion: Strong-looking genretobak that falls out of the usual range! 8,5/10” – FFM-Rock

““Oathsworn” simply explodes out of the gate. The band ratchets every possible dial up to 11 and charges into battle with an epic statement of intent.” – Nine Circles

““Brothers Of The Five” offers classic power metal as you would appreciate it. The strain on the neck muscles is correspondingly high and in some places the number cannot deny a slight Maiden stable smell.” – Hellfire Magazin

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0 Quebec’s HOPELESS NATION Remerges Amid The World Chaos To Unleash New Video “Disaster”

February 19, 2026
by Asher
· Hopeless Nation · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 19, 2026

Quebec’s HOPELESS NATION Remerges Amid The World Chaos To Unleash New Video “Disaster”

From left to right: Karl Héroux Rella (Bass), Louis-Simon Bellerose (Lead Guitar), Frederic Marchand (Vocals), Steve DC (Drums), Guy Provencher (Rhythm Guitar)

Photo Credit: @willodoescontent

Quebec metal/hardcore veterans Hopeless Nation erupt into 2026 with the release of their explosive new single “Disaster”, accompanied by a gripping cinematic music video. The track marks the band’s most intense and precise work to date, blending their hardcore roots with modern metal atmosphere and emotionally charged storytelling.

Formed in 1998 and revitalized after a decade-long hiatus, Hopeless Nation has re-emerged as a powerful force in heavy music. Their 2025 comeback single “Silverspoon” premiered on Hardcore Worldwide (HCWW), earning them accolades from fans new and old. With renewed momentum, the band now pushes further with “Disaster,” the first in a series of new releases leading into an EP.

“Disaster” plunges listeners into a world on the brink, cities in ruin, humanity under pressure, and the search for hope amid destruction. Musically, the track delivers crushing riffs, relentless rhythms, and raw vocals that mirror the urgency of a live performance. The accompanying video amplifies the narrative: band members move through collapsing environments as firefighters, first responders, and civilians, navigating danger and fleeting moments of courage. Flickers of resilience cut through the chaos, creating a visual experience that is both cinematic and deeply human.

“We’re thrilled to release Disaster and the upcoming singles. These songs are a mix of energy, reflection, and raw honesty, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible people around us,” adds the band.

The band highlights the contributions of engineer Francis Perron (RadicArt), known for his work with Voïvod, whose production elevated the music to new heights. They also pay tribute to former members Jonathan Houle and Maxime Dupont, whose years of musicianship helped shape Hopeless Nation’s identity.

“These releases are our way of honoring their legacy,” says the band.

Hopeless Nation’s sound has transformed from fast, raw hardcore into a heavier, more dynamic form of modern metal. Their influences span All Out War, ZAO, Gojira, Darkest Hour, Turnstile, and more, resulting in music that is cinematic, explosive, aggressive, intense, and evolving.

The writing process remains collaborative and deliberate. Lead guitarist Louis‑Simon Bellerose and the rhythm section spark ideas through riffs and melodies, while arrangements and breakdowns are shaped collectively.

“Every song gets the time it needs. We don’t rush. The goal is impact, not quantity,” adds the band.

Members Steve DC (drums) and Guy Provencher (rhythm guitar) also perform with Strigampire, winners of the 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada, representing the country at Wacken Open Air (Live Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RCPWXKf7RA). Collectively, Hopeless Nation’s members have played more than 200 shows, sharing stages with Despised Icon, 100 Demons, Bane, With Honor, Lofofora, and many more.

“Disaster” is the second of many more singles leading into a new EP. These tracks revisit and reimagine material from the band’s 2014 archives, refined with modern precision while preserving the raw hooks and intensity that define Hopeless Nation.

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

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/4DHSU9qBA5i8Fzs0yLI6b7

More info: https://www.instagram.com/hopelessnation_official | https://www.facebook.com/hopelessnation

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“Cette pièce immédiate, dense et agressive frappe dès la première seconde et se démarque par son intensité, ses couches sonores riches et ses refrains plus mélodiques, ouvrant le groupe à un public plus large tout en restant fidèle à son essence.” – Metal Universe (2025 – Silverspoon – Single)

“Hopeless Nation’s Silverspoon is featured on Exclaim!’s Weekly Playlist, highlighting the band among Canada’s notable new releases.” (2025 – Silverspoon – Single)

“I won’t lie to you and say I couldn’t wait to see the return of HOPELESS NATION. Their ten years of absence will have been far too long, having left their mark on the Trois-Rivières hardcore/metal scene from 1998 to 2014. Although many of their fans seemed absent (probably due to age), those from the first hours who were there as well as those who discovered the band for the first time were not disappointed. Fred, the singer, did not lose his enthusiasm at the time and his interaction with the public was impeccable. When we say that music is a story of passion, their performance was proof of that. HOPELESS NATION delivered a performance without artifice, rooted in a hardcore and metal heritage old school too often put aside these days.” – Chicks Rock Media – TROIS-RIVIÈRES METALFEST (2024)

“Invigorated by the arrival of new blood, Hopeless Nation channeled all this newfound energy into Built from Scratch, an album propelled by “the rage to start playing again”, to use the expression used by Maxime. Made with Francis Perron at Studio Radicart, the record marks a new stage in the journey of the group which, with 10 years of career behind its belt, is surely one of the deans of the Trois-Rivières metal scene. ” – Voir (2009)

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0 Gore House Prod. – ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY Unleashes Single “Hurt Beyond Healing” From New Album “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum”

February 19, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Gore House Productions)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 19, 2026

ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY Unleashes Single “Hurt Beyond Healing”

New Album “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” Out April 2026 via Gore House Productions

L – R – The Popuko – Guitars, Drums, Bass, Backing Vocals, Alice Simard – Guitars, Drums, Jesse Agiomamitis – Vocals

Apocalyptic death metal entity Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OxE) has announced the release of “Hurt Beyond Healing,” the first single from their upcoming full‑length album “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum,” out April 3, 2026, through Gore House Productions.

The track marks the beginning of a new era for the multinational trio, Canadian guitarist Alice Simard, Australian vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis, and German multi‑instrumentalist Popu, whose sound has evolved from raw goregrind origins into something far more calculated, dissonant, and otherworldly.

“We chose Hurt Beyond Healing because it’s one of the more straightforward tracks on the record. It still carries our weirder elements, but it gives listeners a taste of the brutality before the rest of the LP throws them into far stranger territory,” says vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis.

Listen to “Hurt Beyond Healing” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB-fAVXSSGE

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/67zmkZcB3tOdb3RUcUFmww

“Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” is OxE’s most ambitious and punishing work to date, a labyrinth of warped synths, alien textures, and meticulously crafted brutality. Musically, the album pushes the band deeper into experimental territory, drawing inspiration from releases such as Nithing’s “Agonal Hymns” and Dripping’s “Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss.”

“The LP is definitely the most experimental OxE release so far. Between the carnage of the main instrumentals are layers of synths and organic instrumentation that have been sonically destroyed to give everything an alien feel,” says Popu.

Lyrically, the album follows a cryptic conceptual arc centered around a mythic “godslayer” figure, an entity on a cosmic, God‑of‑War‑esque rampage through the universe. The narrative mirrors the album’s emotional core: cold, calculated violence intertwined with themes of mental illness, mythological annihilation, and existential dread.

For the album’s artwork, the band once again collaborated with acclaimed artist Mei Maro, whose surreal, folklore‑infused style visually captures the album’s fusion of myth, brutality, and psychological distortion.

“We wanted something that represented all of our combined influences. Mei always delivers something incredible, and this piece ties together everything we explored on the record,” adds the band.

The album’s eleven songs carve out a relentless and disorienting sonic journey. It opens with “Conquering Divinity,” a chaotic, myth‑laden assault designed to immediately destabilize the listener. “Gutted & Corpsed” delivers ferocious blasting, inhuman vocal textures, and a plunge into an underworld‑like atmosphere. “Heaven’s Empty Halls” shifts into eerie, dungeon‑synth‑infused territory, setting the stage for the album’s final descent. The closer, “Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy,” ties the record together with a melodic yet brutal homage to the band’s key influences. Across the journey, from the twisted melodicism of “Apotheotic Apotemnophilia” to the crushing weight of “Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon,” the album balances experimentation with the visceral heaviness fans expect.

“With this album, we’ve done what we’ve always done, simply better. We don’t want to stray too far from our original DNA, from what makes the band who we are, but there’s always going to be progression in some direction. This record marks our longest gap between releases, which isn’t something we had in mind, but great art can’t be rushed out the door, and while it may have taken some time to materialize, I’m certain that this record will be everything fans have wanted and then some, because it certainly was for us. Each album is a learning process, and I feel as though these new tracks we’ve got, more than anything else we’ve made, have taught us invaluable lessons about who we are as people, and just how much we love music and the creative process,” says vocalist Jesse.

Formed in Quebec City, OxE began as a solo project by guitarist Alice Simard, who sought to explore heavier, more grotesque sonic territory. After recruiting vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis in 2019 and later joining forces with German musician Popu, the project evolved into a fully collaborative, internationally connected force.

Their sound, described by the band as Inhuman, Unnerving, Calculated, Chaotic, Apocalyptic, draws from brutal death metal, black metal, avant‑garde experimentation, and a wide range of non‑musical influences, including Dark Souls, NieR, Berserk, Evangelion, and global mythology.

For Fans of Deathspell Omega, Disentomb, Artificial Brain, First Fragment, Disgorge, and Ulcerate, OxE’s “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” is available on CD, Cassette, and digitally from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions at https://orcd.co/scabbed-god-cerebrum

Track Listing:
1. Conquering Divinity – 3:17
2. The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends – 1:21
3. Severing What Makes Me Human – 2:41
4. Apotheotic Apotemnophilia – 3:03
5. Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon – 2:23
6. Gutted & Corpsed – 3:05
7. Heaven’s Empty Halls – 5:13
8. Hurt Beyond Healing – 2:33
9. Abyssikataplexika – 2:35
10. Vile Verses Flogged into the Wings of Angels – 1:23
11. Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy – 4:58
Album Length: 32:32

ROLES:
Jesse Agiomamitis: Vocals, Lyrics
Alice Simard: Composition, Guitars, Lead Guitars
The Popu: Additional Songwriting, Mixing and Mastering, Guitars, Bass, Orchestration and Sound Design, Additional lyrics, Additional Vocals

More info:

https://gorehouseproductions.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OnchoOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/onchocerciasis_official

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“It’s brutal as fuck, but it’s also explores the entire bouquet of sick creativity extreme music has to offer. The Fallen Lament is fun. It’s violent and it loves to blur boundaries between already scummy, disgusting genres.” – Vox & Hops Metal Podcast (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“This EP is definitely for the lovers of the extreme – fans of Deathspell Omega, Defeated Sanity, and Ulcerate will dig the fuck out of this record. So will fans of Dehumanizing Itatrian Worship, whose Kiryu Zhang contributes vocals on the last track of the EP, ‘Facial Gutting’. 9/10” – Ever Metal (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“The tracks revolve around blast beats and slams with some truly impressive breakdowns on display. Lyrics are themed around many different influences including mental health issues that have plagued the bands members, anime and video games making for an interesting read. In essence this EP provides a really promising preview of things to come for this band, who have the potential based on this evidence of creating something special.” – The Razor’s Edge (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“OxE are a different beast, very heavy and extreme but different to most bands of this ilk. The best way to describe them would be like Mortician, but with slam riffs! They have that downtuned bass that trawls the depths of hell with its tone and razor-sharp guitars, frantic programmed drums and some seriously deranged vocals. The tracks are short and sweet, the whole EP only goes on for ten minutes twenty one secs but in that time, you feel so bludgeoned and battered listening to it that it feels much longer, almost like you are succumbing to some exquisite torture!| – The Razor’s Edge (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“What’s cool here is when the music slows down almost to a crawl and sounds creepy as fuck, with a horror/suspense-like feeling that’s not without reminding me of some of the most disgusting episodes of the X-Files when they had some kind of monster eating its victims or what have you, and you can probably throw in a few horror B-movies in there as well. The Fallen Lament is kind of chaotic and dissonant and certainly sets itself apart in the sea of brutal death metal releases out there. 4/5” – The MetalCrypt (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“primal and brutal variety of dramatic and booming extreme metal ” – The Viking in the Wilderness (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“Brutal gore death grind metal with pig squeally vox” – 89.9 WORT FM – The Moshpit (Madison, WI) (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“It’s been a long time since I heard anything like this mentioned, and the truth is that I haven’t been disappointed. Those from Canada bring us the best formula to execute it. This is based on being as heavy as they are fluid, without giving up the occasional surprise in the form of extra convolutions, which, by the way, fits like a glove. I was extremely grateful that they didn’t focus on composing ultra-heavy and simplistic «ruido» with little direction twist like many others do, reminding us once again that Slam can be rich in nuances within its borders.” – Broken Tomb (The Fall Lament – 2024)

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0 Rockshots Records – Visit The “Desolate Lands” With EMBRACE OF SOULS’ New Music Video From Concept Album “The Battle Of The Dead” Out May 2026

February 18, 2026
by Asher
· Embrace of Souls (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 18, 2026

Visit The “Desolate Lands” With EMBRACE OF SOULS’ New Music Video

Concept Album “The Battle Of The Dead” Out May 2026

Embrace Of Souls release today “Desolate Lands”, the new single and official video taken from their upcoming fantasy concept album “The Battle Of The Dead”, set for release on May 22nd, 2026.

Watch the official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TS0sF6CQ2s

Listen: https://lnk.to/7wfF6l

Forged in classic power-metal steel and sharpened with symphonic force, “Desolate Lands” delivers fast, militant rhythms, massive orchestral arrangements, and a relentless melodic drive rooted in the ’80s and ’90s tradition. Dark tonalities and epic tension shape the track, driven by Giacomo Rossi’s commanding vocals and reinforced by Martina Mazzeo’s operatic power – a song of devastation, sacrifice, and defiance rising from the ashes of war.

Taken from the upcoming fantasy concept album “The Battle Of The Dead”, the single introduces a world torn apart by a mysterious plague that corrupts the soul, pushing kingdoms toward an inevitable clash between the living and the dead. The album unfolds as a complete narrative experience, exploring themes of power, betrayal, sacrifice, and hope.

Founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, Embrace Of Souls began as a studio project aimed at bringing together talented musicians from the Italian metal scene, before evolving into a full band with a strong identity and a collaborative creative approach.

This new chapter is marked by a renewed line-up. Giacomo Rossi steps forward as lead vocalist, delivering a powerful and expressive performance, while Martina Mazzeo’s soprano vocals add a theatrical dimension. Their interplay reinforces the balance between power metal intensity and symphonic elegance, a dualism of light and dark that runs throughout the album.

The songwriting process reflects the same collaborative spirit: initial ideas developed by Michele Olmi are expanded together with the band, with each member contributing to the final shape of the music and the narrative.

The album also features a special guest appearance by Morby (Domine), further strengthening the connection with the classic Italian power metal tradition.

“The Battle Of The Dead” was mixed and mastered by Alessio Garavello at Rogue Studios, London, enhancing the clarity, impact, and cinematic depth of the band’s sound.

As the band states:

“We want The Battle Of The Dead to be a complete listening experience. Each track has its own identity, but everything is connected to the story. We want listeners to dive into the world of the album and discover it step by step.”

“The Battle Of The Dead” will be released on May 22nd, 2026, in digital format and digipak CD edition, and will be available for pre-order at the following link: https://rockshots.eu/products/embrace-of-souls-the-battle-of-the-dead-cd

OFFICIAL MERCH: https://embraceofsoulsband.bigcartel.com/

For fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish.

Track Listing:
1. The Battle Of The Dead
2. Eversun
3. The Plague
4. The Gathering
5. Spine
6. Who Can Save Us
7. Betrayal
8. The Dark Lord
9. The War (feat. Morby)
10. Sacrifice
11. Desolate Lands

Line-up:
Giacomo Rossi – Vocals
Martina Mazzeo – Vocals
Edward De Rosa – Guitars
Xavier Rota – Bass
Davide Baldelli – Keyboards
Michele Olmi – Drums

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

https://www.instagram.com/embraceofsouls/

https://www.facebook.com/embraceofsoulsofficial/

BIOGRAPHY:

Embrace Of Souls is an Italian power metal band founded by drummer and composer Michele Olmi, conceived with the aim of bringing together talented musicians around a shared vision rooted in collaboration, brotherhood, and a deep passion for classic metal. Initially born as a studio project, the band took shape with the release of their debut album “The Number Of Destiny” in 2021, receiving positive feedback on an international level and notable acclaim in Japan.

Drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s heavy and power metal, as well as the epic and symphonic metal of the early 2000s, Embrace Of Souls developed a sound characterized by powerful riffs, epic atmospheres, and strong melodic sensibility. Over time, the project evolved into a full live band, allowing the group to further consolidate its artistic identity and deepen its expressive range.

In 2024, Embrace Of Souls returned with their second full-length album, “Forever Part Of Me,” marking a significant step forward in terms of maturity and songwriting. This phase also introduced important changes within the line-up, bringing renewed energy and a broader musical perspective to the band’s sound.

A key element of this evolution is the current vocal pairing. Giacomo Rossi, already involved in previous releases, now takes on a central role as lead vocalist while Martina Mazzeo, an accomplished soprano vocalist, adds a symphonic and operatic dimension to the band’s music. Together, their voices embody the duality that defines Embrace Of Souls: light and darkness, power and elegance, intensity and emotion.

Having shared the stage with renowned acts such as Domine, Vision Divine, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, and Rhapsody Of Fire, Embrace Of Souls continue to refine their identity while looking toward the future. The band is now working on new material, further developing their epic and narrative-driven approach to solidify their presence on the international power metal scene.

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0 Rockshots Records – Cosmic Prog Metal VANDERLUST Unveils First Single “Humanity 2.0 – The Human Farm” From New Sci-Fi Metal Opera “The Human Farm” Out April 2026

February 18, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Vanderlust (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 18, 2026

Cosmic Prog Metal VANDERLUST Unveils First Single “Humanity 2.0 – The Human Farm” From New Sci-Fi Metal Opera “The Human Farm” Out April 2026

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Human Farm“, the ambitious new sci-fi concept album by progressive metal band Vanderlust, hitting stores worldwide on April 17th, 2025.

To ignite this interstellar journey, the band has unveiled the first single and opening chapter of the album today: “Humanity 2.0 – The Human Farm“.

STREAM “HUMANITY 2.0 – THE HUMAN FARM”: https://lnk.to/iEpgIm

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUPFUoBm1Tc

“Humanity 2.0 – The Human Farm” is the symphonic overture that opens the gates to the band’s dystopian universe. More than a standard song, it serves as the narrative prologue, setting the atmosphere for the entire record. The track transports the listener to the year 2500 A.D. Humanity, suffering from poverty and despair, is visited by an ancient alien species known as the Coelacanth. They offer a “perfect life” inside a “Human Farm“: safety, comfort, and care, but at a terrible price -execution at the age of 40. This opening chapter poses the central dilemma of the record: if you were offered a short but perfect life in exchange for your freedom… would you accept?

Arriving April 17th, “The Human Farm” is a metal opera that blends traditional melodic power metal with technical progressive elements and thrash intensity. Inspired by Plato’s Cave allegory and classic sci-fi lore, the album tells the story of Abe and a group of rebels who discover their “perfect life” is a prison and attempt a desperate escape through the cosmos. Musically, the band describes the sound as energetic, refined, and atmospheric.

Drawing inspiration from the melodic grandeur of Angra and Dream Theater, the new material incorporates intricate, sci-fi riffing reminiscent of Vektor and Megadeth. Guitarist Francesco comments on the release: “To me, this album represents the band’s maturation. It is a journey; to fully enjoy it and truly understand its content, it needs to be listened to in its entirety. Just like the story tells, it unfolds as a narrative in which each track follows the previous one with a particular sense of continuity.”

The album features special guest appearances by Martina Barreca (Mess Excess), who provides the growls and operatic vocals representing the alien Coelacanths, and Francesco Londino (S91), who contributes keyboard solos and arrangements.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM: https://rockshots.eu/products/vanderlust-the-human-farm

Track Listing:
1. Humanity 2.0 – The Human Farm
2. Golden Shackles
3. The Turning Point
4. Connection Failed
5. Viral Escape
6. … Find Them!
7. Battlefield
8. From The Cave – Fuga
9. Drive
10. Reborn … Again
11. Humanity 3.0: The New Canaan

Line-up:
Ricca “ZP” Morello: Vocals
Francesco “Franz” Romeggini: Guitars, Backing Vocals
David Cantina: Bass
Giacomo Mezzetti: Drums, Backing Vocals

More info:
https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/vanderlustofficial/

BIOGRAPHY:

Vanderlust was born from a precise artistic vision: to tell science fiction stories through the language of melodic/progressive metal. What began as an ambitious concept soon evolved into a fully developed identity, where traditional heavy and power metal foundations merge with progressive structures, intricate riffing, and atmospheric textures shaped by a futuristic imagination.

At the creative core stands guitarist Francesco Romeggini, whose compositional direction defines the band’s sonic architecture. His ideas, later refined collectively by the band, result in a dynamic balance between technical detail and emotional depth. The members bring experience from previous acts such as S91, Dreal, and Speed Kills, combining classic metal roots with a forward-looking approach.

Vanderlust’s sound can be described as energetic, refined, and intricate, yet always driven by narrative purpose. Melodic power metal emerges strongly in the vocal phrasing, while progressive elements influence structures and rhythmic patterns rather than sheer song length. Sci-fi atmospheres surface not only through thematic choices but also through electronic layers and occasional orchestral arrangements, reinforcing the cinematic scale of their storytelling without losing the grit of traditional metal.

With “The Human Farm“, the band reaches a clear stage of maturation. Expanding beyond the more traditional framework of their debut, Vanderlust intensifies their progressive edge and strengthens the conceptual dimension of their work. The album unfolds as a cohesive narrative journey, exploring themes of freedom, control, and existential choice delivered through high-energy tracks, dynamic contrasts, and emotionally charged moments.

On stage, the band translates complexity into impact. Rather than focusing solely on instrumental execution, Vanderlust aims for a powerful, engaging live presence, ensuring that the emotional force of their music connects directly with the audience.

Vanderlust stands at the intersection of classic melodic metal and progressive sci-fi – a band committed to building worlds, not just songs.

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0 CAERRIAN Drummer Shares Performance Video “Fathomless Ruin” For Sabian Cymbals Endorsement

February 18, 2026
by Asher
· Caerrian · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 18, 2026

CAERRIAN Drummer Shares Performance Video “Fathomless Ruin” For Sabian Cymbals Endorsement

L-R – Justin Marcil – Bass, Justin Gordon – Guitar, Ken Rothe – Guitar, Aaron Graham – Drums, Tyler Parsons – Vocals

Vancouver progressive melodic death metal band Caerrian is celebrating a major milestone as drummer Aaron Graham, a respected Drumeo instructor and Doctor of Percussion from the University of British Columbia, officially joins the roster of Sabian Cymbals artists. The announcement arrives alongside the release of Graham’s new drum performance video for the band’s debut single “Fathomless Ruin,” taken from their forthcoming introductory EP due out in spring 2026.

The performance video, featured in a new Drumeo and Sabian advertisement for the Redlight and Spotlight cymbal lines, showcases Graham’s dynamic playing and the band’s signature blend of heaviness, melody, and progressive technicality.

Graham says the timing couldn’t be better:

“I’m so stoked Drumeo and Sabian asked us to feature ‘Fathomless Ruin’ in this ad for the new Redlight & Spotlight cymbal lines. It coincides perfectly with the launch of the single and me being picked up as a Sabian Artist. The Sabian sound is one I’ve known and loved all my life. And I can’t wait to showcase that in our live shows.”

Watch the drum video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILgGLVyUTWs

Caerrian emerged from the dissolution of the band Warrborn, evolving into a more technical, refined, and progressive force. Lead guitarist and primary songwriter Ken Rothe explains that the transformation was natural and necessary:

“The band started from the ashes of Warrborn. My playing evolved a lot during COVID, and with the new sound, new members, and new direction, renaming the band was the best solution.”

Rothe describes Caerrian’s sound in five words: Heavy, melodic, progressive, familiar, and catchy.

The band’s upcoming EP features four long-form tracks, chosen from a pool of more than 15 completed songs. The remaining material is slated for a full-length album planned for recording in late 2026.

“Fathomless Ruin” is a sweeping, cinematic track that moves between uplifting, epic passages and darker, more sinister sections. The song’s origins stretch back nearly eight years to a riff idea that never found a home, until now.

Rothe explains the concept:

“It started as a Top Gun–style theme, jet fighters in the clouds, but later became the death of a Viking fleet at the mercy of the kraken. The moral: set out to pillage and kill, face your demise. If you live, expect no glory, only sorrow.”

The single artwork reflects this “death from above” and oceanic devastation, tying directly into the lyrical themes.

Musically, the band’s forthcoming EP promises a heavy, melodic journey with massive guitar tones, progressive structures, stompy, mosh‑ready riffs, melodic, mood‑driven solos, dynamic shifts reminiscent of Opeth, and live, untriggered drum performances.

“We want each track to be a journey, with a range of feels and emotions. We hope people are drawn in and follow us into the EP,” adds Rothe.

The band recorded the EP at Rain City Recorders with engineer Matt Roach, using a blend of high‑end gear including a Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rev A), Diesel VH4, a modded 5150 block letter, and Quad Cortex profiling. All guitars feature Evertune bridges and Fishman Fluence or EMG pickups.

Caerrian’s members bring deep roots in the Vancouver metal scene, Ken Rothe on lead guitar (formerly Warrborn), Justin Gordon on bass/rhythm guitar (Plague Doctor, Assorted Meats, Thirteen Goats), Justin Marcil on vocals (Knocking at the Gates), and Aaron Graham on drums (Drumeo instructor, Sabian Cymbals Artist, UBC Doctorate in Percussion).

Recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Dissection, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Opeth, listen to “Fathomless Ruin” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0PjQSykqxWdlAZufqXQv1I

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

Recording Line Up:
Ken Rothe – Lead Guitar
Justin Gordon – Rhythm Guitar
Josh Erhart – Bass
Aaron Graham – Drums
Tyler Parsons – Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Ken Rothe – Lead Guitar
Justin Gordon – Rhythm Guitar
Justin Marcil – Bass
Aaron Graham – Drums
Tyler Parsons – Vocals

Show Dates:
Feb 21 – Chillhouse Studio – Chilliwack, BC – info – w/ Torrefy, Yegg, Cryptic Enslavement

More Info: https://linktr.ee/caerrian

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0 Reminder – NARCOTIC WASTELAND Kicks Off “Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026” w/ BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE

February 18, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Narcotic Wasteland

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 18, 2026

NARCOTIC WASTELAND Kicks Off “Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026” w/ BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE

Extreme metal juggernaut NARCOTIC WASTELAND kicks off the “Praise the Beast North American Tour” with BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, and HATE for February and March 2026, continuing their relentless assault on stages worldwide. This marks the band’s third major run in less than a year, following the “Annihilation of Wasteland Tour” across the U.S. in September 2025 and their headlining “Annihilation of Europe Tour” in November and December 2025.

Fronted by guitarist/vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade (ex-Nile), Narcotic Wasteland has built a reputation for uncompromising brutality, technical precision, and lyrical themes that confront addiction, corruption, and societal decay. Their recent tours have drawn packed venues and critical acclaim, cementing their place as one of the most ferocious acts in modern death metal.

“The energy we felt from fans in both North America and Europe has been incredible. We’re coming back harder than ever in 2026. Expect a setlist that spans our catalog, new material, and the kind of intensity that defines Narcotic Wasteland,” says Toler-Wade.

The tour will see the band storm through major cities across the U.S. and Canada, dates and venues listed below. The tour is a crushing lineup, making this one of the most anticipated metal tours of early 2026.

Tickets for the “Praise the Beast North American Tour” with BELPHEGOR, INCANTATION, HATE, and NARCOTIC WASTELAND are available at https://www.narcoticwasteland.com/tour

Music Video – Introspective Nightmares – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOBq_a4bFGs

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5IQ8MRD09PzTIzldUag7rD

Narcotic Wasteland has carved out its place as a dominant force in the modern metal scene, unleashing a punishing fusion of razor-sharp technicality, feral aggression, and raw intensity. At the helm is guitarist and vocalist Dallas Toler-Wade, celebrated for his tenure with Nile, whose unmatched precision and commanding stage presence drive the band’s sonic assault.

Behind the kit, newly added drummer Austin Vicars (also of Casket Robbery) delivers high‑octane precision, combining razor‑sharp blast beats with a commanding, theatrical stage presence. His blend of technical finesse and showmanship makes him a standout force in today’s extreme‑metal landscape.

Anchoring the low end, Kenji Tsunami injects depth and texture with inventive, hard-hitting bass lines. His formidable musicianship and commanding presence add another layer to the band’s overwhelming wall of sound, amplifying the ferocity of their live performances.

Together, Dallas, Austin, and Kenji form a unit that is both unstoppable and uncompromising, captivating audiences with explosive performances and boundary-pushing compositions. With their collective skill and vision, Narcotic Wasteland stands tall as one of the most formidable powerhouses in extreme music today.

Praise the Beast North American Tour 2026
w/ BELPHEGOR, Incantation, Hate, Narcotic Wasteland

Feb-19 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Monarch
Feb-20 – Lowell, MA – Taffeta Music Hall
Feb-21 – Montreal, QC – Le Studio TD
Feb-22 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
Feb-23 – Lakewood, OH – Mercury Music Hall
Feb-24 – Joliet, IL – The Forge
Feb-26 – Denver, CO – HQ
Feb-27 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
Feb-28 – Haltom City, TX – Haltom Theater
Mar-1 – Houston, TX – Scout Bar
Mar-2 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
Mar-5 – Mesa, AZ – The Rosetta Room
Mar-6 – San Diego, CA – Brick by Brick
Mar-7 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
Mar-8 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post
Mar-9 – Los Angeles, CA – 1720
Mar-10 – Anaheim, CA – The Observatory

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

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“”Narcotic Wasteland dropped a caustic, pissed off new single titled “Barbarian” off their forthcoming album Digital Cordyceps. Though we don’t know too much about said album, Toler-Wade explained that the new track was essentially one big middle finger to the ruling class.” – Metal Sucks

“We’ve got the latest and greatest from drug-themed death dealers Narcotic Wasteland, the new video for “Victims of the Algorithm.” The song takes on lightning-fast and heavy riffs, in the tradition of the band, and the lyrics tackle our dependence on social media in the modern age.” – Decibel Magazine

“Narcotic Wasteland have hit us with another dark, campy gem in the form of “Sex, Lies & DNA.” The thrashy, aggressive new single is the latest from the band led by Dallas Toler-Wade of Nile fame. This track features guest vocals from Andrea_N_Black and takes on the beloved death metal fodder of true crime.” – Decibel Magazine

“Narcotic Wasteland showcases Toler-Wade’s penchant for writing killer riffs, which he did for a decade as a member of Nile, in a manner that’s reminiscent of early 1990s metal — when the lines between the “thrash” and “death” tags weren’t as rigidly defined, and everything just sounded fast and heavy as all hell.” – Denver Westword (NW Headlines Denver DeathFest 2023)

“Delirium Tremens is just pummeling, non-stop death metal that covers a ton of ground.” – Metal Injection

“More often than not, death metal bands have a tendency to stick to the familiar topics. Death, gore, killing – that sort of thing. There’s always exceptions, or bands that have a different take on the subject, but as they say, dark music demands dark themes. Narcotic Wasteland does, for one of its lyrical slants, face a slightly different (yet still suiting) take – that of addiction. Plenty of grim to still go around with such a concept, and Narcotic Wasteland hits just as hard sonically as any other death metal act to come through the pipeline.” – Dead Rhetoric

“another incredible death metal album that has the potential to end itself up on the year end top album lists.” – Metal Nexus (2017 – Delirium Tremens)

“On the track, Toler-Wade furiously rails against “expectations,” “silly rules,” and “fucking filters,” and victoriously celebrates being “totally free” with a repeated battle cry of “Let the music flow!” In case there was still any remaining doubt as to the meaning of the song, the track is as magnificently brutal an old school death metal song as you’re likely to hear this season. It gallops, it lacerates, it uses the listener’s skull as a battering ram. There can be no doubt that this truly is Toler-Wade, undiluted and free of limitations. We hope he lets this music flow for a long time to come.” – Metal Sucks (single Return to the Underground off 2017 album Delirium Tremens)

“Narcotic Wasteland have released a fantastic album in ‘Delirium Tremens’. It is not easy to thrust the listener consistently into an aural landscape orchestrated by the band and make them stay put for the entire length of the album. Narcotic Wasteland does it brilliantly as they take you through the nightmarish journey of Delirium Tremens.” – Metal Wani (2017 – Delirium Tremens)

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0 Gore House Productions – Slamming Death Metal INSECT INSIDE Unshackle The Savage Single “Fragments” From New Album “Reborn in Blight” Out March 2026

February 17, 2026
by Asher
· Insect Inside (Gore House Productions) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 17, 2026

Slamming Death Metal INSECT INSIDE Unshackle The Savage Single “Fragments”

New Album “Reborn in Blight” Out March 2026 via Gore House Productions

Slamming death metal force Insect Inside has announced the next single from their upcoming full‑length “Reborn in Blight,” set for release March 6th, 2026, through Gore House Productions. The new track, “Fragments,” arrives as the band’s most concise and chaotic offering yet, an explosive preview of the raw, atmospheric brutality that defines the album.

Short, savage, and deliberately unrelenting, “Fragments” distills everything Insect Inside loves about death metal into one violent burst: chaos, groove, and a sinister, suffocating atmosphere. Though brief, the track serves as a mission statement for the band’s evolved sound, leaner, darker, and more visceral than ever.

“It’s one of the short tracks, but that’s for the better. Here we organically fit everything we like in death metal—chaos, groove, and a sinister atmosphere,” the band explains.

Listen to “Fragments” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAFogrHeAtk

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/7d8Bz11aiZNYq83KOVL8Iy

“Reborn in Blight” marks the band’s second full‑length album and their most ambitious work to date. Written remotely across multiple cities, the record is the result of a highly collaborative process, with nearly every member contributing to its creation. The band describes the album as a symbiosis of groove‑driven slam and dark brutal death metal, wrapped in a gloomy, oppressive atmosphere.

Lyrically, the album continues Insect Inside’s signature world‑building: short, apocalyptic stories about humanity’s extinction and the rise of an insectoid race. The tone shifts with the music; more atmospheric tracks draw out more poetic, abyss‑gazing imagery.

The album also features standout guest appearances, including Mr. Ochoa (Cephalotripsy) on the crushing single “Abhorrent Landscape” and Josh Welshman (Defeated Sanity) on the devastating “Hiveborn Abomination”.

Alongside “Fragments,” the album’s previously released singles showcase the range of brutality fans can expect: “Hiveborn Abomination,” one of the album’s most powerful tracks, is fast, atmospheric, and sharpened by Josh Welshman’s (Defeated Sanity) unmistakable guest-vocal assault. “Carnal Ruins”, a tribute to the New York death metal lineage, Soils of Fate, Internal Bleeding, Dying Fetus, built on hardcore groove and no‑frills violence.

Formed out of the Eastern European underground, Insect Inside emerged from the Chelyabinsk death metal scene with a simple goal: play tight, aggressive slam. What began as cover sessions quickly evolved into original material, shaped by influences like Disentomb, Relics of Humanity, Cryptopsy, Defeated Sanity, and Vulvectomy.

The lineup includes several veterans of the brutal death metal circuit: Bogdan (bass) (Cold Blooded Murder, Traumatomy), Pavel (guitar) (Ocean In My Bath), Daniel (vocals) (Nauseating, Morphogenetic Malformation), and Ivan (drums) (Nauseating).

With “Reborn in Blight,” Insect Inside pushes deeper into darkness, delivering a record built for mosh pits, gym sessions, and anyone craving oppressive, atmospheric brutality. And with more material already in the works, the swarm is only beginning.

Recommended for fans of Internal Bleeding, Stabbing, Devourment, and Disfigurement of Flesh, “Reborn in Blight” will be available March 6, 2026, via Gore House Productions.

Pre‑orders are now live on Digital, Vinyl, CD, and Cassette: https://orcd.co/reborn-in-blight

Previous Singles:

“Hiveborn Abomination” with guest vocals from Josh Welshman of Defeated Sanity – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhaFr5xtoEo

“Carnal Ruins” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3wB_kSpCzY

Track Listing:
1. Echoes Of The Swallowed Sinners – 3:31
2. Abhorrent Landscape (feat. Cephalotripsy) – 2:54
3. Fragments – 2:18
4. Putrid Lament – 3:35
5. Hiveborn Abomination (feat. Defeated Sanity) – 2:51
6. Flesh Cathedral – 3:00
7. Obscuration Worship – 1:20
8. Carnal Ruins – 2:45
9. Parasite Messiah (feat. Pestilectomy) – 3:29
10. Reborn In Blight – 5:22

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Daniel Sementsov – Drums
Bogdan Pisavnin – Bass
Pavel Pleshkov – Guitar
Ivan Tyulkin – Vocals

More info:

https://gorehouseproductions.com/

https://www.facebook.com/insectinsideslam

https://www.instagram.com/insect_inside

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“Insect Inside relies on unpredictability to elevate beyond the brutal stereotype. Shifting tempos, groovy rhythms, technical leads, pinch harmonics, and flashes of dissonance keep its grinding slams and beatdown sections from growing too stagnant… Insect Inside’s The First Shining of New Genus offers concussive slam that will get you buzzing.” – Angry Metal Guy

“A surprisingly level of hookiness invades Insect Inside, while they still deliver on all of the body-crippling violence you would expect from such an act. The First Shining of New Genus is a release that you can groove along with in addition to getting your daily dose of utter brutality.” – Dead Rhetoric

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0 THE DIVINE PROJECT Unleash Video “Don’t Startle The Murder” Off New “Rebirth” EP + Ontario March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ SELIAS

February 17, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · The Divine Project

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 17, 2026

THE DIVINE PROJECT Unleash Video “Don’t Startle The Murder” Off New “Rebirth” EP

Ontario March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ SELIAS

TDP – L-R – Mitch Greenham (Drums) | Eric Divine (Guitar) | Ro Stevens (vocals) | Derek ‘DRock’ Boshkov (Bass) | David T.Anselmo (Guitar)

Photo by: Ivan Gaitan-Ruiz (IG: @pato.feoart)

Canadian metal act The Divine Project has officially re‑emerged with “Rebirth,” a ferocious and emotionally charged EP that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band. Faster, heavier, and more complex than anything in their catalogue, “Rebirth” is a declaration of intent, a sharpened, revitalized version of The Divine Project that refuses to be ignored.

The band is sharing their latest music video for “Don’t Startle The Murder”, as well as a run of March tour dates across Ontario with SELIAS, bringing their high‑energy, pit‑starting live show to fans new and old (dates listed below).

“Rebirth” is a four‑track journey through resistance, collapse, danger, and endurance. Written as the band’s official relaunch, the EP blends modern metal, groove, djent, metalcore, and cinematic aggression into a sound that fans struggle to categorize, but instantly recognize.

The EP was built on a strict philosophy: If the five of them can’t play it live, it doesn’t go on the record. Every sound on “Rebirth” is performed live without essential backing tracks.

Pre‑production was done entirely in‑house, with demos so polished that Eardrum Valley Records used the original guitar and bass tracks in the final mix. Only drums and vocals were re‑recorded in the studio.

The band has released a new music video for “Don’t Startle The Murder”, the EP’s most volatile and cinematic track. The song’s title is intentional wordplay; a “murder” is a group of crows, and the lyrics explore the predatory nature of self‑righteous authority figures. A fun fact about the track is that the Latin‑inspired bridge features percussion recorded using children’s toys, a plastic maraca, and a clapper, after the band realized they had no Latin instruments on hand during vocal tracking.

The video amplifies the song’s tension, psychological pressure, and explosive energy, capturing the essence of The Divine Project’s new era.

Watch and listen to the music video “Don’t Startle The Murder” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ3fpbeu_f8

Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, The Divine Project blends hard rock and metal into a sound that is raw, emotive, and aggressively modern. Their electrifying live performances have earned them direct support slots for Eyes Set To Kill, Black Satellite, Awake At Last, Sumo Cyco, and Escape The Fate.

Each member brings a distinct musical background, from djent and deathcore to nu‑metal, funk, prog, and 80s metal, creating a signature sound that fans say reminds them of Trivium, Linkin Park, Killswitch Engage, Static‑X, and All That Remains, while still being unmistakably TDP.

The band is already deep into their next EP, heading into the studio this April. While “Rebirth” is fueled by anger, speed, and defiance, the next release explores darker emotional territory, a lonesome story with a faint glimmer of light.

“Rebirth,” released November 28, 2025, is available at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1ROxx7e7BhrPDtZizNhsNk

Bandcamp – https://thedivineproject.bandcamp.com/album/rebirth

Track Listing:
1. The Revolt (3:46)
2. Ruins Of Truth (3:27)
3. Don’t Startle The Murder (4:18)
4. The Longest Night (5:53)
EP Length: 17:24

The Divine Project will bring “Rebirth” to the stage this March with a series of Ontario shows featuring their signature high‑energy, crowd‑driven performance. Known for jumping into the pit, starting mosh circles, and feeding off fan energy, the band promises a live experience that is intense, immersive, and unforgettable.

March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ Selias, The Divine Project
Ticket info – https://www.tdp-official.com/event-list
March 13 – The Richmond Tavern – London, ON
March 14 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON
March 27 – See Scape – Toronto, ON

More info:

https://www.tdp-official.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thedivineproject/

https://www.instagram.com/TheDivineProject

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“… I’m simply left wanting more. Not from the track itself, but from an EP whose tracks each bring their own texturally layered elements, all melded together in an extraordinary Extended Play recording.” – Jay Broderick, LoudTO, 2025

“You know a band is special when they have a truly unique sound. Those were my thoughts when I gave this EP a listen.” – “Metal” Mike, @black_kross_zine, 2026)

—–
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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