Category: Music News

0 Rockshots Records – RIMMAR Shares New Music Video “These Ruins” ft. Marco “Biuller” Bertuccioli (Smelly Boggs, J27, 80’s Sunset Strip)

March 18, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Rimmar (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 18, 2026

RIMMAR Shares New Music Video “These Ruins” ft. Marco “Biuller” Bertuccioli (Smelly Boggs, J27, 80’s Sunset Strip)

“It’s a dream come true, lasting for years. Now everything can begin”.

With these words, Italian guitarist and composer Marco Rinaldi introduced Rimmar, his visionary solo project. Today, that vision continues to unfold with the release of the new music video “These Ruins”, out now via Rockshots Records, marking a new chapter in the cycle of the latest album “Raises”.

Far from being a traditional band, Rimmar remains a one-man artistic endeavor driven entirely by Rinaldi’s creative direction. As with the entire “Raises” album, “These Ruins” is fully written, composed, and arranged by Rinaldi himself, blending classic, progressive, and industrial metal with synth-driven and electronic elements into a sound that is both modern and distinctly recognizable.

Continuing the conceptual path established by singles “Planet Mars” and “Unreal“, “These Ruins” explores a more introspective dimension within the album’s narrative framework. In comparison, earlier releases focused on rebirth, transformation, and elevation, the new single turns toward the idea of constraint, those invisible forces that bind the individual – and the inner tension required to break free. The result is a track that balances melodic depth and rhythmic impact, expanding the project’s emotional range.

The song features Marco “Biuller” Bertuccioli (Smelly Boggs, J27, 80’s Sunset Strip), whose vocal performance brings a raw and expressive edge, enhancing the track’s intensity and reinforcing its thematic weight. His contribution adds a distinctive character while remaining fully integrated within Rimmar’s sonic identity.

At the core of the project lies a composition-first approach: Rinaldi develops each piece starting from riffs or rhythmic structures, later expanding them through layered arrangements, synth textures, and detailed production work. Lyrics emerge from reflections, dreams, and personal insight, serving the music rather than guiding it – “The word is a servant of music in my case”, he explains.

The music video for “These Ruins” transforms the track’s tension and atmosphere into a striking visual language, reinforcing the project’s identity and narrative through a hybrid sound that fuses metal, electronic elements, and progressive influences.

Watch the official video for “These Ruins” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4mRkMrC2G8

Originally released on July 4th, 2025, the full-length “Raises” introduced a concept centered on rebirth, transcendence, and emotional elevation, symbolized by the image of a constantly rising volume knob. The record features a cast of exceptional guest performers from the Italian metal scene. Among them, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) appears on two tracks (“Mighty Messenger” and “Vortex”), along with Kyo Calati (MindAheaD), Marco Andreotti (Imagine Dragons tribute), Mattia Fagiolo (White Thunder, Dragonhammer), and Alessandro Cola (Eldritch), each lending their voice and energy to the project.

For fans of Devin Townsend, Pain, Nine Inch Nails, and Faith No More, Rimmar stands at the intersection of power, experimentation, and modern songwriting, continuing to shape a distinctive voice within the contemporary metal landscape.

Digital Album – https://lnk.to/LSOElQT4

CD ORDER: https://rockshots.eu/products/rimmar-raises

Music Video – Mighty Messenger ft. Fabio Lione – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2SbBTPXG6I

Music Video – “Planet Mars” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2JwJ8UtSO4

Track Listing:
1. Unreal (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
2. Mighty Messenger (feat. Fabio Lione)
3. These Ruins (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
4. 8th Sin (feat. Marco Andreotti)
5. Planet Mars (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
6. Vortex (feat. Fabio Lione)
7. Queen of the Gold (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
8. Cruel Summer (feat. Kyo Elisa Proietti)
9. Raises

Rimmar Line Up:
Marco Rinaldi: Guitars
Tommy Pellegrini: Rhythm Guitars
Marco Moretti: Drums
Alessandro Cola: Bass Guitar

More info:

– https://rockshots.eu/

– https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063487690785

– https://www.instagram.com/rimmar_official/

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0 ASHEN HORDE Announces New Album “The Harvest” Out May 2026; Unveil Music Video “Entropy and Ecstasy”

March 17, 2026
by Asher
· ASHEN HORDE · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 17, 2026

ASHEN HORDE Announces New Album “The Harvest” Out May 2026; Unveil Music Video “Entropy and Ecstasy”

Photos by @still.squill (Trevor); Photo Dun Right (Karl); unknown (Robin)

Los Angeles extreme‑metal shapeshifters Ashen Horde return on May 1st, 2026, with “The Harvest”, their fifth full‑length album and the first to feature new vocalist Karl Chamberlain (Putrefier, Alcyone, Necrotic Remains). Known for weaving black metal, death metal, prog, and 90s‑inspired grit into something unmistakably their own, Ashen Horde push their sound further than ever, embracing melody, chaos, and sharp contrasts across eight thematically linked tracks.

Alongside the album announcement, Ashen Horde have unveiled the first single, “Entropy and Ecstasy”, a whirlwind of jagged riffs, angular Voivod‑like progressions, and Chamberlain’s soaring, chilling vocal hooks. The accompanying video represents a major milestone for the band: despite recording the entire album remotely, this is the first time the members have appeared together on camera.

The first preview to the album, “Entropy and Ecstasy,” captures the album’s core idea: finding exhilaration in collapse. The song follows a couple who thrive on the chaos of a world falling apart, a concept Portz admits was likely sparked by the early COVID lockdowns.

Guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz recalls being floored by Chamberlain’s audition:

“I sent him a demo of ‘Entropy and Ecstasy’ with unfinished lyrics, and he sent back his take. His vocals on the line ‘how can we thrive if we expect to survive?’ still give me chills.”

Listen and watch the music video for “The Harvest” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Add to your Spotify playlist – pre-save – https://show.co/z0ZVdF9

“The Harvest” marks a turning point for Ashen Horde. After a decade as a studio‑driven project, the band is preparing to play its first‑ever live shows in May, coinciding with the album’s release. It’s also the first full‑length to feature Chamberlain, whose dynamic range helped reshape the band’s sonic identity.

While Ashen Horde’s previous four albums were tightly constructed concept records, “The Harvest” takes a different approach. Each track stands alone, yet all orbit the idea of endings, personal, societal, historical, and cosmic.

“I didn’t have a single story this time, but the lyrics kept circling reactions to things ending. From societal collapse to ancient rituals to the last days of Pompeii, everything tied together naturally,” explains Portz.

Musically, the album is a showcase of the band’s eclectic influences. From the opening track, “Autumnal”, a slow-burning ascent into full black‑metal fury, inspired by the Sensorio light installation in Paso Robles. “Backward Momentum” blends Opeth‑style clean‑vocal layering with 90s‑rock riffing and one of Portz’s favorite solos on the album. “Voids in the Ash” pairs grunge‑inflected vocal harmonies with hyperspeed black‑metal bursts, telling the story of Pompeii from both mortal and divine perspectives. “The Apparition” channels early death metal before spiraling into odd‑meter prog weirdness. The title track, “The Harvest,” closes the album with an apocalyptic vision inspired by Iceland’s stark landscapes and the album’s striking cover art.

The album’s cover, featuring two red skeletons locked in an eerie, autumnal tableau, was created by artist Venus Kohana, whose work Portz discovered at an art show. The imagery’s blend of beauty, decay, and ritual perfectly mirrors the album’s themes.

“I bought a print and couldn’t stop staring at it. Eventually, I realized it had to be the cover. It even inspired the lyrics to the title track.”

For over a decade, Ashen Horde has carved out a unique place in extreme metal, refusing to be confined to any single subgenre. Rooted in black and death metal but unafraid to explore melodic prog, 90s alternative, and avant‑garde experimentation, the band appeals to fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Amorphis, Ihsahn, and metal’s more adventurous corners.

Originally founded as a solo project by guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz, Ashen Horde has evolved into a full lineup featuring vocalist Karl Chamberlain and Australian-based drummer Robin Stone (The Amenta, Convulsing).

“The Harvest” represents the band’s most dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious work to date.

Album pre-order (release date May 1, 2026) available on limited splatter vinyl and CD (along with t-shirt bundles) on Bandcamp, as well as everywhere digitally – https://ashenhorde.bandcamp.com/album/the-harvest

Tour Dates:
May 14 – Montclair, NJ – The Meatlocker
May 15 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station
May 16 – Brattleboro, VT – Midnight’s

Track Listing:
1. Autumnal (6:12)
2. Entropy and Ecstasy (5:47)
3. Backward Momentum (5:21)
4. Voids in the Ash (5:41)
5. Remnant (4:37)
6. A Place in the Rot (4:38)
7. Apparition (4:57)
8. The Harvest (5:46)
Album Length: 43:03

Credits:
Mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios
Artwork by Venus Kohana (venuskohana.com)

Lineup:
Trevor Portz: Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals
Karl Chamberlain: Vocals
Robin Stone: Drums

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/AshenHorde/

https://www.instagram.com/ashenhorde

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“The harvest is coming! The new Ashen Horde album is a multi-faceted journey into every nook and cranny of extreme metal. “The Harvest” is challenging and quirky, but unlike a lot of other progressive/experimental releases, it never loses track of the key ingredient in music – good songwriting. All tracks are well-crafted and interesting in their own right, and the skillful instrumental performances are more like the icing on the cake and not the main focus. Highly recommended!” – Nik Sundin (Dark Tranquillity)

“Antimony; 3/5 rating; “the sound Ashen Horde has developed over three albums is pretty much theirs alone. It’s a dense but accessible approach that rewards both casual listens and sustained attention.” – Angry Metal Guy (2023 – Antimony)

“Equal parts blackened madness, death metal riffing, and clean vocals, “The Neophyte” should get just about anyone stoked for Antimony.” – Metal Injection (2023 – Antimony)

“an amazing odyssey all around and the amount of remarkable coherency as well as the instrumentation work and musicianship is just top notch.” – Metal Purgatory (2023 – Antimony)

“Progression like what Ashen Horde has undergone over the years is what the best tales in the underground are made out of.” – Head-Banger Reviews (2023 – Antimony)

“Fallen Cathedrals; 4.0 rating; “I can’t recommend this enough for fans of black and death metals being combined in unique ways.” – Angry Metal Guy (2019 – Fallen Cathedrals)

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0 Gore House Prod. – ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY Unleashes Blasting Fury and Vile Gutturals w/ “Gutted & Corpsed” From New Album “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum”

March 16, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Gore House Productions)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 16, 2026

ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY Unleashes Blasting Fury and Vile Gutturals w/ “Gutted & Corpsed”

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

Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions proudly presents “Gutted & Corpsed,” the second single from apocalyptic brutal death metal entity Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OxE). The track follows the pulverizing first single “Hurt Beyond Healing,” offering another glimpse into the dissonant, experimental, and violently immersive world of the band’s upcoming full‑length “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum,” out April 3rd, 2026.

Where “Hurt Beyond Healing” delivered a “standard ass‑beater” of frantic riffs and chaotic vocal assaults, “Gutted & Corpsed” dives deeper into OxE’s alien sonic architecture. The track erupts with relentless blasting and subterranean gurgles before collapsing into a nightmarish mid‑section, “like a portal to the underworld has been opened,” as the band describes it. Angular riffs, unearthly shrieks, and warped textures pull the listener into a disorienting void before the song returns to its opening barrage with renewed ferocity. Lyrically, it pushes the album’s overarching theme of cosmic annihilation forward, delivered through OxE’s signature cryptic, imagery‑driven writing style.

“We chose this as one of our singles because it’s relatively straightforward compared to what people can expect elsewhere on the LP. But some of our weirder elements are still present in both our first single Hurt Beyond Healing and now this second Gutted & Corpsed,” says vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis.

Listen to “Gutted & Corpsed” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

“Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” marks OxE’s most ambitious and experimental release to date. Musically, the album is a labyrinth of dissonant brutality, warped synths, and organic instrumentation, subjected to “various levels of sonic destruction,” creating an alien, otherworldly soundscape. German multi‑instrumentalist The Popu cites Nithing, Agonal Hymns, and Dripping’s “Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss” as major influences on the LP’s sonic identity. Lyrically, the album follows a cryptic narrative centered around a cosmic “godslayer” on a universe‑shattering rampage, an allegory for inner turmoil, mental illness, and existential collapse.

“Start‑to‑finish, the album is dissonant, punishing, and disorienting. The character and his actions mirror the overall feeling of the album: cold, calculated, and violent,” adds Jesse.

The album’s artwork, created by the renowned Mei Maro, weaves together mythological, folkloric, and personal influences into a single grotesque vision that reflects the band’s thematic obsessions.

Recommended for fans of Deathspell Omega, Disentomb, Artificial Brain, First Fragment, Disgorge, and Ulcerate, OxE‘s “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” is their longest and most refined release yet: no filler, no restraint, and no compromise.

Album pre-order for CD, Cassette, and digitally from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions at https://orcd.co/scabbed-god-cerebrum

Formed in Quebec City, Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy began as a solo project by guitarist Alice Simard before evolving into a multinational trio with the addition of Australian vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis and German multi‑instrumentalist The Popu. Their sound, described in five words as Inhuman, Unnerving, Calculated, Chaotic, Apocalyptic, draws from brutal death metal, black metal, avant‑garde experimentation, and influences ranging from Dark Souls to Berserk to real‑world mythology.

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 PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and More!

March 16, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Piranha Pit Fest

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 16, 2026

Festival Assets – Photos, Posters, Set Times HERE (for media use only)

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PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and More!

PIRANHA PIT FEST III has unleashed its 2026 lineup for two ferocious nights of death metal, thrash, and heavy metal mayhem returning to Montreal on May 1–2, 2026. Presented by Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine Ouest) and Dungeonworks Productions, the festival welcomes metal fans back for one of the city’s most extreme annual events featuring MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and many more.

Friday night will erupt with breakneck speed, gore‑drenched riffs, and pure old‑school savagery as some of death metal’s most respected forces descend upon the city. Saturday night will shift into a high‑voltage celebration of classic thrash, speed, and the unshakable power of traditional heavy metal.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1154523419943924/
Tickets (Individual daily ticket or Weekend Pass) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piranha-pit-fest-3-tickets-1977767497826

Ticket holders will receive a bracelet based on their ticket type. Weekend‑pass holders will keep the same bracelet on for the entire duration of the festival.

Check out the festival Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uQStdodVpgpAkvnx5d8Ak

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Co-headlining opening Friday night on May 1st, Chicago’s long‑running trio MACABRE brings their unmistakable brand of Murder Metal to Montreal, an unholy fusion of death metal, thrash, grind, and twisted nursery‑rhyme melodies. Since 1985, the band has carved out a cult legacy with their darkly humorous, true‑crime‑obsessed storytelling and a lineup that has remained unchanged for four decades. Expect a wild, theatrical, and utterly unmistakable performance from one of extreme metal’s most unique and enduring acts.

Music Video – Joe Ball Was Hi Name – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8_WaVOwfA4

Also co-headlining night one of Pit Fest III, Chicago’s GORGASM stands as one of the defining forces in American brutal death metal. Since the mid‑90s, the band has carved out a reputation for hyper‑technical riffing, relentless blast‑driven intensity, and a signature blend of brutality and precision that helped shape the genre’s modern sound. Their cult‑classic releases, packed with surgical musicianship and uncompromising extremity, have earned them a loyal global following. Expect a devastating, high‑velocity set from one of brutal death metal’s most respected and enduring names.

Visualizer – Carnal Demise – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4KLfltEE5s

Also supporting Friday night, extreme‑metal veterans PESSIMIST, born from Baltimore’s early ’90s death‑metal underground, have long carved out their own territory with a vicious blend of technical precision, old‑school thrash influence, and a relentlessly dark, sinister atmosphere. The band is now gearing up for the release of “Keys to the Underworld,” their first full‑length album in over two decades, with early previews hinting that it may be their most uncompromising and extreme material yet.

Album Stream – Slaughtering the Faithful – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoSP0qXr5cw

Co-headlining night two on Saturday, May 2nd, featuring former classic‑era members of Megadeth, David Ellefson and Jeff Young, KINGS OF THRASH deliver a high‑octane celebration of the golden age of American thrash metal. Known for performing iconic albums and deep cuts from the genre’s most influential catalog, the band brings unmatched authenticity, razor‑sharp musicianship, and the raw spirit of the 80s thrash movement. Their live shows are a full‑throttle tribute to the era that shaped heavy metal history, making them a must‑see highlight for fans of speed, precision, and old‑school aggression.

Music Video – Lockdown – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9eqD1kMDqQ

Also co-headlining Saturday Night, Tucson, AZ’s ATROPHY are one of Arizona’s most respected thrash exports, known for their razor‑tight riffing, socially charged lyrics, and high‑energy attack. Their two late‑80s/early‑90s albums on Roadrunner Records, Socialized Hate and Violent by Nature, earned them a devoted cult following and cemented their place in the classic thrash canon. After reuniting in recent years with renewed fire, Atrophy continues to deliver the same sharp, adrenaline‑fueled intensity that made them stand out in the genre’s golden era. Expect a fierce, old‑school thrash assault from a band that helped define the sound of Southwestern speed metal.

Lyric Video – Punishment For All – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECg8hBDyhn4

Also supporting night two, local legends and a cornerstone of Quebec’s late‑80s thrash scene, DBC (Dead Brain Cells) emerged from Montreal with a sound that blended razor‑sharp speed, crossover energy, and socially conscious lyrics. Their cult‑classic albums Dead Brain Cells (1987) and Universe (1989) showcased a band unafraid to push beyond traditional thrash, mixing technical musicianship with progressive, sci‑fi‑driven themes. After years of underground reverence, DBC’s return to the stage has reignited their legacy as one of Canada’s most unique and forward‑thinking thrash exports. Expect a powerful hometown performance from a band that helped shape Montreal’s metal identity.

Lyric Video – Pendulum – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDgyjvpKuoU

Other standout attractions at this year’s Pit Fest III: Canadian (Montreal/Toronto) metal veterans ENTROPY, known for their fierce blend of thrash, death, prog, groove, and power metal. With four independent albums and a global cult following, they’ve shared stages with legends like Annihilator, Fear Factory, Razor, Obituary, and Anvil. Expect a hard‑hitting set from one of Canada’s most distinctive underground acts. Montreal’s DOUBLE CROSS is a crossover thrash/hardcore delivering fast, aggressive, no‑frills energy. With their raw punk edge and high‑intensity live attack, they are one of the city’s rising underground standouts. Montreal crossover thrashers MUTANK explode with high‑energy, pit‑ready aggression inspired by Slayer, Exodus, D.R.I., and Suicidal Tendencies. Formed in 2013, they’ve built a reputation for fast, chaotic riffing, wild live shows, and a relentless DIY spirit. Their long‑awaited new album, Think Before You Think, marked their return with ten tracks of volcanic thrash fury, following their cult‑favorite EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. and their Wacken Open Air appearance after winning the Wacken Metal Battle Canada. Expect a ferocious, high‑octane set built for moshing. Toronto’s WARMACHINE delivers a melodic yet heavy blend of power and thrash metal, active since 1994 and recently revived after a five‑year hiatus. Led by vocalist/guitarist Joe Di Taranto, the band is known for tight musicianship, strong hooks, and energetic live performances. With albums like Left for Dead and a new release in the works, Warmachine returns to the stage with renewed fire and a sharpened modern edge.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 – DEATH METAL NIGHT
Headlined by two legendary forces of brutality:
Macabre (co-headliners)
Gorgasm (Co-headliners)
Pessimist
Lividity
Deceased
Disgust
Double Cross
Cystic Embalmment

SATURDAY, MAY 2 – THRASH & HEAVY METAL NIGHT
Featuring a massive thrash metal showcase:
Kings of Thrash (co-headliners)
Atrophy (co-headliners)
DBC (Dead Brain Cells)
Meliah Rage
Warmachine
Entropy
Deadwolff
Mutank
Stregoneria
World On Alert

About PIRANHA PIT FEST:
Launched as a celebration of Montreal’s thriving extreme‑music community, PIRANHA PIT FEST has quickly become a staple for fans of death metal, thrash, and underground heavy music. The 2026 edition marks its biggest and most ambitious lineup yet, bringing together international heavyweights and local legends for two nights of pure sonic devastation.

For more info: https://www.facebook.com/dungeonworksprods

Sponsored by:
OROCK Longueuil Inc.
Loud Trax
Absolute Underground Magazine
Labatt
Asher Media Relations

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 France’s HIGHWAY Turn Up the Voltage with AC/DC Inspired Single “D.K./D.C.” from New Album “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” Out April 2026

March 13, 2026
by Asher
· HighWay · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 13, 2026

France’s HIGHWAY Turn Up the Voltage with AC/DC Inspired Single “D.K./D.C.”

New Album “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” Out April 2026

L-R – Ben Chambert – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals, Florian Arnaud – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Benjamin Folch – Lead Vocals, Cerise Pouillart – Bass, Backing Vocals, Romain Chambert – Drums

Photo Credit – Mr. Cana Photography

France’s high‑voltage hard rockers HIGHWAY fire up the engines once again with the release of their explosive third single, “D.K/D.C”, taken from their upcoming sixth studio album “Last Call for Rock N’ Roll,” arriving April 24th, 2026, via Rock City Music and distributed physically by FTF-Music and digitally by Virgin Music.

After the anthemic road‑warrior spirit of “Hi‑Way” and the swaggering arena‑rock punch of “¡Bang Bang!”, the band now unveils one of the album’s most unifying and rebellious tracks, a song built to be shouted back by thousands of fans.

“D.K/D.C”, short for “Don’t Know / Don’t Care”, opens with a subtle, unmistakable AC/DC‑inspired picking intro, a playful wink to the band that first ignited HIGHWAY’s passion back in 1999. But the track quickly evolves into something entirely their own: a dynamic, tension‑building rocker that teases, coils, and finally erupts into one of the biggest choruses on the album.

This isn’t a full‑throttle assault from the first second; it’s a slow burn, a prelude before the explosion, a rock’n’roll tease that pays off in pure catharsis. Lyrically, “D.K/D.C” closes the motivational trilogy started with “Go! Go! Go!” and continued with “Let Me.”

This final chapter is a bold declaration of independence: Forget the haters. Forget the judgment. Forget the noise. Live your life your way. Chase your happiness; nothing else matters. It’s a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt held back, criticized, or boxed in. A middle finger to conformity. A celebration of personal freedom.

With its nervous, electrifying groove, massive backing vocals from new members bassist Cerise Pouillard and guitarist Florian Arnaud, and a chorus designed to shake venues to their foundations, “D.K/D.C” is destined to become a live highlight. This is the kind of song that transforms concerts into communal explosions of energy, fists in the air, voices united, sweat flying, amps roaring.

HIGHWAY themselves describe the chorus as:

“One of the great moments of the album, and one of the great moments to come on stage.”

“D.K/D.C” also showcases the band’s revitalized lineup and their most powerful sound to date. Twin guitars are back for the first time since 2007. Cerise Pouillard brings thunderous bass and soaring backing vocals. Florian Arnaud adds precision, fire, and vocal power. Produced and mixed by Brett Caldas‑Lima (Ayreon, Devin Townsend, Megadeth) for a rich, organic, high‑voltage sound. This is HIGHWAY at full strength, confident, mature, and unapologetically rock’n’roll.

Listen to the music video for “D.K/D.C” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUFvVMWXQ4

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://kuronekomedia.lnk.to/LCFRnR

A 12‑track journey through power, melody, emotion, and pure hard‑rock spirit, “Last Call for Rock N’ Roll” marks HIGHWAY’s triumphant return to full electric force after their acoustic detour on The Journey (2022). It’s their most personal, diverse, and ambitious record yet, a rallying cry for a world losing its spark.

With over 500 shows across Europe, six albums, and a reputation as part of the new wave of European classic hard rock, HighWay have shared stages with Michael Schenker Group, Gotthard, Jeff Scott Soto, Kissin’ Dynamite, Nashville Pussy, and more.

Recommended for fans of AC/DC, Aerosmith, Extreme, Guns N’ Roses, and Queen, “Last Call for Rock’N’Roll” is available for pre-order on CD Digipack and exclusive collector LP at https://highwayshop.sumupstore.com/

Previous Singles:

Music Video – “Hi-Way” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPYb7fBvNAU

Music Video – “¡BANG BANG!” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGpYOR4Xx20

Track Listing:
1. Last Call (For Rock N’ Roll) – 5:13
2. Hi-Way – 4:40
3. ¡Bang Bang! – 3:47
4. Nineties Action Movie – 5:16
5. Peace Out – 5:44
6. Mayday – 4:25
7. Go! Go! Go! – 5:48
8. Let Me – 4:54
9. D.K/D.C – 3:16
10. Rat Race – 6:00
11. Action – 4:32
12. (Don’t) Look Back – 5:09
Album Length: 58:48

Album Band Line Up:
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Sam Marshal: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Ben Chambert: Lead guitar, Backing vocals
Florian Arnaud: Rhythm guitar, Backing vocals
Benjamin Folch: Vocals
Cerise Pouillart: Bass Guitar, Backing vocals
Romain Chambert: Drums

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

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“With this Last Call For Rock’n Roll, HighWay is strong. Throughout the 12 tracks, we feel the hard work put in by the musicians. The production really honors it. The 9/10 is easily imposed because this album is extremely enjoyable. Only one thing to hope for, that this is not their last call for rock’n roll, and that they continue to spread the good word in this way!” – Rock Meeting

“As they say in wild west saloons soaked in rock, sweat, smoke and beer, with HighWay it plays serious!!With this Last Call For Rock’n Roll, HighWay is strong. Throughout the 12 tracks we feel the great work put in by the musicians. The production really honors it.” – Vinyl Times

“This track (Bang Bang) fires with brash confidence while questioning the cost of excess. Beneath the swagger sits a sharp self-interrogation about fame, wealth, image, and the anxiety of choosing one path over another. Repetition becomes pressure, mirroring a mind spiralling under desire and doubt. It lands as both celebration and warning, pairing arena-sized hooks with a knowing sense of consequence that gives the noise purpose rather than empty bravado and lasting emotional weight beyond the chorus. To close, this single and forthcoming album won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep feet tapping and heads bouncing from sofa to stage. So why not clear a space, and give Highway a try for 2026. Star Rating 9/10” – Stargazer Music Magazine

“THANK YOU TO HIGHWAY WHO SUPPORTED US ON OURMISSION EUROPEAN TOUR. A GREAT BAND WHO RECEIVED A SUPERB REACTION FROM OUR FANS.” – Michael Schenker

“IT WAS A PLEASURE HAVING YOU GUYS! YOU TRULY LIVE THE ESSENCE OF ROCK N ROLL” – Jeff Scott Soto

“The Journey” proves to be an album of great richness confirming HighWay’s talent.” – Music Waves (2022 – The Journey)

“We let ourselves be lulled by the ever-present groove. The American spirit allows this album, as exemplified by ” Motel in Alabama,” on which Benjamin Folch excels, accompanied by discreet backing vocalists. Here, we navigate through emotion, skill, and warmth. Surprises abound, some truly astonishing. We’re swept away to a Spanish-infused fiesta with ” In the Circus of Madness ,” a genuine gem of exquisite delicacy. Musically, we find club-like and sometimes intimate atmospheres, with light touches of violin and piano (” Have A Beer “), and captivating choirs ( “Freedom “). The finale, “The Journey,” is practically a rock opera. There’s no need to list them all here, as the title “The Journey” says it all. HIGHWAY has what it takes to hold their own against many internationally established bands, and I hope they receive the recognition they deserve. Well done!” Among The Living (2022 – The Journey)

“What 80’s lover will resist this totally festive spirit, which mixes ambition (Become Someone), love of music(I Like It, United States Of Rock’N’Roll), or sex (Mr King Size, Highway O Love) ? All the clichés of the unstoppable album are there, proud to resurrect a past that we thought had disappeared but which was in reality only asleep. Despite some sometimes approximate choruses (Breath of life), HIGHWAY manages to carry me in his luggage every time he listens. That’s why I’m getting carried away… HIGHWAY joins the exclusive club of teams capable of breaking down borders in order to explode abroad. On two conditions: tirelessly travel the roads of France and Navarre in order to convince the public and force themselves to publish a new album within the next eighteen months. Do everything, in short, so that we talk about HIGHWAY. Will promotion, distribution, financial and media resources be there ??? To be continued very, very closely…” – Metal-Integral (2022 – The Journey)

“From start to finish Ben Chambert is literally the driving force behind this album. Exploring melodies influenced by southern Blues Rock, with a heavy taste of early Guns N’ Roses, it immediately grips your attention. And the solos, though short, are very decent. Another interesting feature about Highway that really stands out is the outstanding vocals chorus done in a very Queen-like fashion, without taking the spotlight away from the lead singer Benjamin Folch. Naturally, his voice is very pure Rock oriented, with a taste of whisky to it. Harsh, yet melodic, and capable of diverse vocal arrangements, and a brilliant English fluency. This is brilliantly demonstrated in “Separate Ways”, as well as a Ronnie James Dio reminiscence in “Damned Me”. Jeff Scott Soto, longtime friend as roadrunner of the band, made a strong contribution in «Wake Up». In conclusion, “IV” is a great return from Highway and it won’t disappoint Rock fans, especially those who are already familiar with the band’s work and sonic identity. 8/10” – The Black Planet (IV – 2017)

“So yes, this latest one has been a long time coming, but the result is up to par, high-end hard rock, don’t miss it from this pancake, don’t hesitate to buy, and it more than deserves to support this group! And fingers crossed that the baby will be followed by lots of little brothers and sisters !” – Rock Meeting (2017 – The Chronicle)

“From the 1st note with the assertive blaster ‘Become Someone’ that’s followed up with the old school crackly effect mono blues starting ‘I Like It’ and later the bluesy ballad ‘Freedom’. There is also the amazing acoustic ‘Highway O’ Love’ and the AC/DC Johnson-era guitar sounding ‘On My Knees’ to get excited over. Complete proof that France has some killer bands on offer in the way of Rock!” – Metalville Zine (2011 – United States of Rock n Roll)

“In the end, another beautiful representative of the quality of hard rock in France, delivered by a happy group of friends, and led by a damn good guitarist. To listen but above all to see on stage because the energy and good humor they exude cannot leave you indifferent.” – Aux Portes du Metal (2011 – United States of Rock n Roll)

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0 RAVENMOCKER Delivers Second Single of 2026 w/ The Native American Lore of “Where The Raven Flies”

March 12, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Ravenmocker

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 12, 2026

RAVENMOCKER Delivers Second Single of 2026 w/ The Native American Lore of “Where The Raven Flies”

L-R – Will Buckley – Bass, Tom Tierney – Guitar and Vocals, Dylan Suierveld – Drums, George Patmas – Guitar

Photo Credits – Kim Moran – Photographer – Darkslate Media

Southern California melodic death metal newcomers Ravenmocker have unleashed their second single, “Where The Raven Flies,” in 2026, following the strong reception of their debut track, “Infallible.” The new single continues building the band’s identity: soaring melody, cultural storytelling, and a modern take on the melodic death metal spirit once championed by acts like Children of Bodom, Insomnium, and Kalmah.

Formed in 2025 by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney after departing Thrown Into Exile, Ravenmocker was born from a desire to create music that honored Tierney’s Native American heritage while embracing the emotional depth and melodic aggression he had been writing for years.

“I wanted to forge my own path with songs that didn’t have a home yet. Ravenmocker became the vessel for that—something cultural, melodic, and meaningful,” says Tierney.

“Where The Raven Flies” is an anthemic, cinematic track that tells the origin story of the Raven Mocker, a cryptid from Adirondack and Cherokee lore. Known as a harbinger of death, the Raven Mocker feeds on the sick and dying, stealing the remaining years of its victims’ lives. The single paints vivid imagery of the creature soaring over forests and villages, acting as both reaper and omen.

The single’s artwork mirrors this mythology: a raven perched on a branch beneath a rising moon, its eyes glowing with supernatural intensity as a flock circles overhead. The visual directly reflects the music video filmed in Angeles National Forest, captured by Darkslate Media.

“Kim and Andrew took the song’s visceral, lofty feel and turned it into visual art. It’s beautiful, eerie, and exactly what the track needed,” explains Tierney.

Compared to “Infallible,” the band describes the new single as “loftier, more epic, and meant to feel like gliding over mountains and trees while still hitting hard.”

Ravenmocker’s lineup brings together musicians from across the Southern California metal scene: vocalist and guitarist Tom Tierney (formerly Thrown Into Exile), guitarist George Patmas (ex‑Dianthus), drummer Dylan Suierveld (Levinia), and bassist Will Buckley (Levinia, Anubis).

Their combined influences, melodic death metal, blues, prog, jazz, funk, and even classic country, shape a sound that is intricate yet accessible, emotional yet aggressive.

“We want to write songs people can sing with us at shows. Melodies that stick with you. Emotion you can feel,” adds Tierney.

The band’s writing process is collaborative and evolving. While Tierney brought the foundation of the first EP, the new material is shaped by all members. “Where The Raven Flies” itself features a key change and expanded structure suggested by drummer Dylan, an example of the band’s open, exploratory approach.

Ravenmocker’s first single, “Infallible,” quickly gained traction online, with early clips surpassing 75,000 views and drawing praise for its melodic hooks and nostalgic energy reminiscent of early 2000s melodic death metal. Fans have responded to the band’s blend of modern production, emotional lyricism, and classic melodic sensibilities.

“We want to give the scene something familiar enough to feel nostalgic, but unique enough to be refreshing. There’s beauty in simplicity and melody, and we’re leaning into that,” adds Tierney.

With “Where The Raven Flies” marking the second release of 2026, Ravenmocker is preparing to introduce their full debut EP later this year. The band promises a wide emotional and musical range, from thrashy aggression to ballad‑like atmosphere, crafted to resonate with fans of melodic death metal’s golden era while carving out a new identity of their own.

“We’re just getting started. These songs were years in the making. Now we finally get to share them,” comments Tierney.

“Where The Raven Flies” can be heard along with its music video premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Spotify pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ravenmocker/where-the-raven-flies/

More info:

https://www.ravenmocker.net/

https://www.instagram.com/ravenmockerofficial

https://www.facebook.com/ravenmockerofficial

https://www.tiktok.com/ravenmockerofficial

About:

Formed in Southern California in 2025, Ravenmocker is a melodic death metal band founded by guitarist/vocalist Tom Tierney (formerly of Thrown Into Exile). Joined by George Patmas (guitar), Dylan Suierveld (drums), and Will Buckley (bass), the band blends soaring melody with raw aggression, drawing influence from melodic death metal giants while infusing elements of country, jazz, blues, funk, and classical orchestration.

Their music explores personal struggle, emotional catharsis, cultural identity, and the resilience found in confronting darkness head‑on.

In 2026, Ravenmocker will introduce themselves to the global metal community with their debut singles “Infallible” and “Where the Raven Flies,” leading into their first EP.

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“In this song (Infallible) Ravenmocker set the hook immediately with a vibrantly darting melody that will quickly remind listeners of Finnish melodic death metal greats, and every time that high-flying (and very catchy) melody line reappears it’s an electrifying experience. But so’s the rest of the song. It’s driven by hard-charging, head-hammering drums and nimble bass lines, and by riffing that both channels a feverish pulse (one that’s a variation on that opening melodic motif) and delivers slashing savagery. The vocals magnify the song’s ferocious intensity, venting the words in an intersection of cutthroat snarls and raging screams. This will get your blood pumping, and to repeat: it’s damned catchy too.” – No Clean Singing

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0 Toronto’s THE DIVINE PROJECT Unleashes New Video “The Revolt” + Ontario March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ SELIAS

March 11, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · The Divine Project

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 11, 2026

THE DIVINE PROJECT Unleashes New Video “The Revolt” + 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)

The Divine Project stormed into November 2025 with their latest EP “Rebirth”, their heaviest, fastest, and most defiant chapter yet. The four‑track EP marks a full-scale transformation for the Greater Toronto Area metal force, introducing a sharpened lineup, a more complex sonic identity, and a renewed mission to drag the “underground” into the spotlight. Alongside the EP, the band has dropped their newest video for “The Revolt” and confirmed a run of Ontario tour dates this March with Selias, including stops in London, Oshawa, and a hometown show in Toronto (dates listed below).

The Divine Project describes “Rebirth” as a declaration, an intentional reintroduction of the band as faster, heavier, and more complex than ever before. The EP channels frustration, defiance, and emotional upheaval into four tracks that move through uprising, collapse, psychological tension, and survival.

“We set the goals to reintroduce The Divine Project to the world as a faster, heavier, and more complex band… Rebirth is our new beginning and our way of saying The Divine Project is here to stay,” adds the band.

The band’s latest music video, “The Revolt,” is the opening track from “Rebirth” and sets the tone for the EP with precision, tight, punchy drums, razor‑edged guitars, and a chorus engineered to erupt onstage. The track is both an anthem and a warning.

Lyrically, “The Revolt” confronts the hypocrisy of self‑justified power structures and the cyclical nature of uprising.

“It sounds like a battle cry on the surface, but it’s more about being self‑aware and uncomfortable. If we don’t take action now, we fall into ‘us versus them.’ We must talk about the revolt now to prevent it from occurring,” says the band.

Watch the video for “The Revolt” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suxgZ3EqZtE

and their previous video “Don’t Startle The Murder” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ3fpbeu_f8

The Divine Project will join Selias on tour this March. Fans can expect the band’s signature high‑energy, emotionally charged performance, raw, intense, and unapologetically heavy.

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

Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, The Divine Project blends hard rock, metalcore, djent, and alternative metal into a sound that is emotive, aggressive, and unmistakably their own. Known for their electrifying live presence, the band has shared stages with Eyes Set To Kill, Black Satellite, Awake At Last, Sumo Cyco, and Escape The Fate.

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.

Recommended for fans of Trivium, Linkin Park, Killswitch Engage, Static-X, and All That Remains, “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

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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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – MATT MILLER Shares New Tech-Death Playthrough “Abiotic Origin” Ahead of “3 Shredders Tour” w/ RENE BENTON, MANUEL & Special Guest BIKO WRIGHT

March 11, 2026
by Asher
· Matt Miller · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 11, 2026

MATT MILLER Shares New Tech-Death Playthrough “Abiotic Origin”

“3 Shredders Tour” w/ RENE BENTON, MANUEL & Special Guest BIKO WRIGHT (History Channel’s Alone, Discovery’s Expedition Bigfoot)

New Album “Fiber Momentum” Out Now! via Exitus Stratagem Records

L-R – Justice Robinett (Bass), Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth), Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth), Biko Wright (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Lilly May Everett

Tech‑death guitarist and composer Matt Miller is gearing up for a high‑velocity spring with the launch of the 3 Shredders Tour, a lead‑guitar‑driven showcase featuring shred icon Rene Benton and explosive guitar virtuoso Manuel Urgiles. The tour kicks off this April and channels the spirit of legendary guitar events like the G3 Tour, only heavier, faster, and rooted firmly in the extreme‑metal world.

The run supports Matt Miller’s latest LP, “Fiber Tormentum,” a sci‑fi‑infused technical death metal journey praised for its precision, atmosphere, and relentless musicianship.

To celebrate the upcoming tour, Matt Miller has released a brand‑new guitar playthrough video for “Abiotic Origin”. The video showcases Miller’s signature blend of sci‑fi atmosphere, hyper‑technical riffing, and cinematic composition. “Abiotic Origin” stands as one of the defining tracks on “Fiber Tormentum,” capturing the album’s fusion of futuristic storytelling and extreme musicianship.

Watch the playthrough at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXXx2EN21OQ

The 3 Shredders Tour unites three elite players known for pushing the boundaries of modern metal guitar. In addition to Rene Benton’s blistering lead work, fans will also see him joined by Kelly Conlon, the legendary bassist formerly of Death, who performed on the iconic album “Symbolic” and toured with the band during that era. Conlon’s presence adds a historic and unmistakable layer of prestige to the tour’s lineup.

Adding even more star power, audiences will have the chance to meet Biko Wright, Matt Miller’s vocalist and a fan‑favorite survivalist from History Channel’s Alone and Discovery’s Expedition Bigfoot. His crossover appeal continues to draw both metal fans and viewers of his television work.

“We are stoked to be hitting the road this April with Manuel Del Giudice and Rene Benton, it’s going to be a shred guitar extravaganza! Also, get the chance to meet survival expert Biko Wright from the TV shows Alone and Expedition Bigfoot,” adds Matt Miller.

With three world‑class musicians on one bill, the 3 Shredders Tour promises a night of blistering solos, technical mastery, and genre‑bending creativity. Dates listed below with more to be announced.

The 3 Shredders Tour w/ Matt Miller, Rene Benton, Manuel, Biko Wright
April 10 – Reno’s Chop Shop – Dallas, TX
April 11 – Hi-Tone – Memphis, TN
April 12 – SK8 Bar – Kansas City, MO
April 13 – Reggie’s Music Joint – Chicago, IL
April 15 – Driftwood Charbar – Minneapolis, MN
April 16 – Boheme – Sheboygan, WI
April 17 – Alley Cat – Iowa City, IA
April 18 – Gray’s Keg – Lincoln, NE
April 19 – Rockwell Event Center – Amarillo, TX

Matt Miller’s September 2025 release, “Fiber Tormentum” on Exitus Stratagem Records, marks a major creative shift, evolving from an instrumental concept into a full band effort with vocalist Biko Wright, drummer Jordan Kelso, and bassist Justice Robinett.

“I knew it needed vocals and the input of other people to make it come to life,” says Miller.

The album blends technical death metal, power metal, and progressive elements into his heaviest and most melodic work yet, built around a loose sci‑fi concept of an alien species rewriting human DNA, an idea shaped by post‑COVID anxieties.

The late Joshua Nassaru Ward (Voraath) created the album’s striking artwork, depicting the agony of forced transformation, echoing the record’s themes of tension and invasion. Miller’s journey to this point includes launching his solo project in 2020, touring with Rings of Saturn and Possessed, and assembling a lineup with diverse musical backgrounds. Recording the album came with memorable moments from Wright tracking vocals between filming Expedition Bigfoot to the band getting banned from music stores for sampling high‑end instruments. Hidden somewhere on the record is Wright’s triumphant “One Take Willy” shout.

From his early 2017 EP to 2022’s “Monument of Velocity,” Miller has steadily pushed extreme music forward. Now backed by Extreme Management Group and a fully realized band, he continues to expand his sound and ambition.

Recommended for fans of Necrophagist, Symphony X, Wintersun, The Faceless, and Death, “Fiber Momentum” (released Sept 12th) is available on all major platforms through Exitus Stratagem Records.

Digital – https://hypeddit.com/mattmiller/fibertormentum

CD – https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/wnn3m10s6beq0pbmnot0e17ghvj629

Music Video – Effecively Neutralized – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJDoR9JL9b8

Band Playthrough – Summoned – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FJxxg_dd2k

Track Listing:
1. Descent into Violence (5:04)
2. Summoned (3:33)
3. Effectively Neutralized (4:53)
4. Blight and Disfigurement (3:23)
5. Maimed Paralyzed Dead (3:12)
6. Horror Beyond Comprehension (3:15)
7. Fiber Tormentum (Instrumental) (3:31)
8. Abiotic Origin (3:14)
Album Length: 30:08

Album Lineup:
Matt Miller (Guitars, Synth)
Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth)
Justice Robinett (Bass)
Biko Wright (Vocals)

For more info:

https://www.exsrmusic.com/ | https://mattmillerhhakmusi.wixsite.com/mattm | https://www.facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238/ | https://www.instagram.com/mattmiller630/

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“All in all, it’s a fascinating song (Effectively Neutralized) — head-spinning and heart-palpitating but also a heavy-hitter and a conjurer of strange, sinister, and haunting visions. In other words, in the space of just five minutes it pulls off a lot of impressive feats. And the well-filmed and well-edited video for it is a perfect complement, in that it shows us how all these talented performers executed all the impressive accomplishments.” – NoCleanSinging

“Hell yeah. Holy moly canoli. Fiverr to Fiber Momentum, and that was the album. This song is Descent into Violence. Holy moly canoli, dude. Go support, Matt Miller. That was absolutely badass. Total shredding. Jordan, also a homie of mine, your drums are incredible. The new singer, Bo, I love the harsh vocals in the clean. Total is it almost the cleans almost reminded me of Queensryche meets Cannibal Corpse. It’s pretty freaking sweet. And of course, Justice always lays down the heavy bass with the beautiful bass faces. But an absolutely incredible album….Matt Miller, you could find him everywhere. He’s an incredible guitar player, one of the best guitar players of our generation. Remember, this is Fiber Tormentum courtesy of Exitus Stratagem Records. So, a huge shout-out to them as well. Matt Miller has so many more songs. If you guys like this song (Descent into Violence), believe me, this guy is an absolute shred master. Not only does he do like a ton of his own originals, he does a ton of covers, and also he’s just a shred master of all sorts. Just exactly how they say, melodic, technical, and death. But I will definitely say the big thing that stands apart about this whole song is great structure, absolutely shredding on all levels, and the vocals are just 100% one-of-a-kind. And I totally enjoyed it. Guys, I love you guys from the bottom of my heart. This has been Matt Miller with his new song, Descent into Violence. Pick up the new album on September 12, Fiber Tormentum.” – Omar Rodriguez – The Metal Mixtape – YouTube Channel

“The songs on “Fiber Tormentum” are rather good, and make for very interesting listening sessions.” – Metal Temple

“”Fiber Tormentum” is a real killer and so refreshingly creative that you can’t help but toast this previously unknown genius in awe! Cheers! 9/10″ – PowerMetal.de

“Soaring, crushing, ferocious, emotive, and relentless, are words that strongly describe Decrepit Shed. The album has a lot to offer from various metal sub-genres and encompasses the best elements of technical guitar playing while still having well-written songs”. – Brave Words

“Monument of Velocity” initially had a different title and was not going to be a Matt Miller release and some of the songs were written with vocals in mind and were not going to be instrumental, however, it turned out to be the sixth of seven powerful albums in his discography. contains eight tracks full of technical and progressive metal eliciting feelings of suspense, and tension while being fun, melodic and brutally heavy. Miller’s melodic and relentless music has a wide range of influences and is recommended for fans of Jeff Loomis, Necrophagist, and Obscura.” – Rock’n’ Load

“Even though Miller’s music is instrumental, he likes to think of the guitar as a voice. Which in turn makes him ask what is the guitar saying? He is able to easily convey emotion, tone, and a story even without the use of vocals. Throughout his releases, his music has developed a more modern sound in both the music and the production. Musically the songs are more well written and a lot of the ideas he writes are being accurately represented. He is always trying to push himself as a musician and this is reflected in his discography. Influenced primarily by technical and progressive death metal with a dash of power metal and symphonic metal as well, Matt Miller’s music is recommended for fans of Obscura, Dragon Force, and Racer X” – Metal Sucks

“Mr. Miller can shred like his fingers are on fire” – Ever-Metal.com

“Matt shreds all over this album with guitar solos galore”. – Transcending the Mundane

“Soaring, crushing, ferocious, and emotive, Miller conveys a wide range of tones throughout his instrumental music. It is recommended for fans of Dragon Force, Racer X, and Jeff Loomis” – Metal-Rules

“For guitar enthusiasts, I guess it is a feast for the eyes and ears.” – Antichrist Magazine

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0 Rockshots Records – METATRONE Unveils New Single “Stato Infame” From New Album SANGUEACQUA

March 11, 2026
by Asher
· Metatrone · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 11, 2026

METATRONE Unveils New Single “Stato Infame” From New Album SANGUEACQUA

Italian Christian power-prog metal band Metatrone returns with the new single “Stato Infame”, alongside an official lyric video. The track is the third preview from the band’s upcoming album “SANGUEACQUA”, scheduled for release on March 13th, 2026, from Rockshots Records, marking the group’s long-awaited return ten years after their acclaimed album “Eucharismetal“.

Following the previously released singles “Emmaus” and “Facsimile”, “Stato Infame” further reveals the musical and conceptual direction of the new record. Musically, the song combines Metatrone’s trademark blend of European power metal energy, progressive structures, and sharp thrash-driven riffing supported by the dynamic interplay between Jo Lombardo’s commanding lead vocals and the distinctive vocal contributions of keyboardist David Brown.

Lyrically, “Stato Infame” addresses the humiliation and oppression of collective identity under abusive political power. The song depicts a society where the dignity of an entire people is mocked, manipulated, and ultimately crushed by authority – a warning shaped by historical memory and moral responsibility. Within the broader concept of “SANGUEACQUA”, the track represents one of the album’s most direct and uncompromising statements about identity, freedom, and resistance.

The upcoming album “SANGUEACQUA” stands as a manifesto of identity for the band – both human and artistic. Across its eight tracks, Metatrone explores different dimensions of identity: personal, spiritual, cultural, and collective. The result is a record that merges melodic power metal roots with a sharper, more aggressive sonic approach while preserving the band’s unmistakable stylistic signature.

After years marked by lineup changes, personal challenges, and the global pandemic, “SANGUEACQUA” represents a powerful statement of resilience and rebirth for the band.

Just one day after the album’s release, Metatrone will perform at the prestigious Elements Of Rock Festival in Uster, Switzerland, on March 14th, 2026, one of the most important events in the international Christian metal scene. The appearance will mark the band’s official return to the stage with the new material.

With “Stato Infame”, Metatrone delivers a fierce and uncompromising chapter in the story of “SANGUEACQUA”, reaffirming their identity as one of the most distinctive voices in European Christian metal.

For fans of: Theocracy, Stratovarius, Angra

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/uvhvyy

OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Gei1yTPOI

New album “SANGUEACQUA” out March 13th, 2026 as CD / DIGITAL

PRE ORDER “SANGUEACQUA“: https://rockshots.eu/products/metatrone-sangueacqua-cd

Track Listing:
1. Fuori dal tempio – 3:42
2. Stato Infame – 4:09
3. Emmaus – 4:19
4. Facsimile – 4:41
5. I Want Out (Helloween cover) – 4:44
6. Il mio dolore – 4:36
7. Un nome nuovo – 3:59
8. Anima Christi – 3:09

Metatrone Line-Up:
Jo Lombardo: Lead Vocals, Keyboards
Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno: Guitars, Bass
David Brown: Keyboards, Clean Vocals, Growl
Simone Alberti: Drums

More info:
https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/metatroneband/ | https://www.facebook.com/metatroneband/

BIOGRAPHY:

Metatrone is an Italian Christian power-prog metal band formed in 1997 under the name Metafora, founded by keyboardist and songwriter Davide Bruno, together with a group of musicians coming from various experiences within the Italian metal scene.

From the very beginning, the band developed a musical identity rooted in European power metal, enriched by progressive elements and a strong focus on lyrical themes. In 2001, after Davide Bruno decided to pursue the path toward the Catholic priesthood, the band redefined its artistic identity and adopted the name Metatrone, marking the start of a musical journey openly inspired by a Christian vision of life and human existence.

The band released its first full-length album, “La Mano Potente” in 2005, followed by the English version “The Powerful Hand” which received distribution in Europe and Asia. These releases helped establish Metatrone within the international metal scene and led to a growing number of live performances and festival appearances.

In 2010, Metatrone released “Paradigma”, an album that further expanded the band’s musical language by blending power metal energy with more progressive songwriting and complex arrangements. The record received strong reviews from the specialized press and strengthened the band’s reputation within the European metal community.

The next chapter came in 2016 with “Eucharismetal”, released via Rockshots Records, which brought the band to a wider audience and opened the door to important appearances at Christian metal festivals across Europe.

In the years that followed, the band went through several lineup changes and challenging periods, but the creative core formed by Davide Bruno and guitarist Stefano “Ghigas” Calvagno never stopped writing new material. After a phase marked by internal changes and the global pandemic, the band found renewed momentum with the arrival of drummer Simone Alberti and the return of longtime vocalist Jo Lombardo.

In 2026, Metatrone returns with their new studio album “SANGUEACQUA”, released ten years after “Eucharismetal“. The record stands as a powerful statement of identity, merging the band’s power metal roots with a sharper and more direct sound while preserving the melodic and thematic elements that have always defined their music.

With more than twenty-five years of activity, Metatrone remains one of the most distinctive acts in the European Christian metal scene, combining powerful metal songwriting with spiritual reflection and a strong narrative dimension.

– 30 –

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0 Rockshots Records – Finnish Dark Metal TORCHIA Unveils New Video “Nekromanteion” From Upcoming Album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Out May 2026

March 10, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Torchia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 10, 2026

Finnish Dark Metal TORCHIA Unveils New Video “Nekromanteion”

New Album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” Out May 2026

Finnish extreme metal force Torchia unveil the official video for “Nekromanteion”, premiering today via Metal Insider. The single will be released worldwide on all digital platforms on March 11th.

Following the first single “Stygian Waters”, which introduced listeners to the darker sonic direction of the band’s upcoming album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, “Nekromanteion” pushes further into the occult themes and shadowed mythology that define Torchia’s evolving artistic vision.

Hailing from Tampere, Finland, Torchia have steadily refined a distinctive style rooted in thrash-infused melodic death metal while expanding their sound with darker tonal layers and a stronger emphasis on atmosphere and narrative depth. Across their discography, the band has gradually shaped a fictional realm inhabited by old gods, arcane rituals and practitioners of forbidden arts, blending extreme metal intensity with the imagery of gothic horror.

Musically, “Nekromanteion” reveals another dimension of that evolution. Driven by ominous arrangements and a growing sense of tension, the track places greater weight on mood and atmosphere while retaining the band’s trademark guitar-driven aggression. The title refers to the ancient Greek Nekromanteion, a temple believed to serve as an oracle of the dead. In the song’s narrative, a necromancer attempts to cross into the realm of the dead, risking the perilous passage across the waters of Styx.

As the opening track of the album, “Nekromanteion” sets the tone for the record’s overall direction: a synthesis of memorable songwriting, technical intensity, and darker sonic textures supporting the album’s gothic horror narrative.

With “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, Torchia further expands the cursed world introduced throughout their previous releases, pushing their sound toward a darker and more blackened dimension while preserving the melodic sensibility and guitar-driven foundations that have defined the band since their early years.

Fans of Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, and Children of Bodom will find in Torchia a band capable of merging extreme metal ferocity with dark storytelling and memorable melodic hooks.

The official video for “Nekromanteion” is now streaming via Metal Insider HERE.

The single will be available on all digital platforms on March 11th.

Digital pre-save – https://lnk.to/uRuBjc

For fans of: Behemoth, Cradle of Filth, Children of Bodom

New album “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” out on May 8th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as CD: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-cd

PRE ORDER “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness” as LP: https://rockshots.eu/products/torchia-they-are-born-under-rules-of-the-darkness-lp

Track Listing:
1. Nekromanteion – 4:23
2. Hellmouth – 4:08
3. Into Hell – 3:38
4. Hellstorm – 3:55
5. Die Amour – 4:12
6. The Tiamat Machine – 5:39
7. Black Cat – 3:19
8. Stygian Waters – 4:05
9. Sanguine Masquerade – 4:46
Album Length: 38:05

Torchia Line-Up:
Nox: Vocals
Villemorte: Lead guitar, Vocals
Henri von Hardy: Guitar
Vulkan: Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Vincent Oscar Mill: Drums

More info:

https://www.rockshots.eu/

https://www.instagram.com/curseoftorchia/

https://www.facebook.com/TorchiaOfficial/

About: Formed in Tampere, Finland, Torchia has steadily carved out a distinctive identity within the extreme metal scene by blending thrash-infused melodic death metal with dark fantasy, gothic horror, and cinematic atmospheres. Since their early years, the band has continuously evolved both musically and conceptually, expanding a cursed narrative universe populated by ancient gods, occult practices, and grim mythological visions.

With each release, Torchia has pushed further into darker and more theatrical territory. While their core remains firmly rooted in guitar-driven extreme metal, their sound has grown increasingly cinematic and blackened, incorporating dramatic arrangements and a heightened sense of atmosphere without sacrificing aggression or immediacy. Elements of classic heavy and power metal melody remain a key influence shaping their songwriting approach and reinforcing their dynamic, memorable structures.

Their fourth full-length album, “They Are Born Under Rules of the Darkness“, represents a defining chapter in the band’s artistic journey. Set against a bleak, 19th-century-inspired gothic backdrop, the album brings Torchia’s storytelling to life through vivid tales of horror, superstition, and doom, uniting narrative depth with relentless musical force.

Renowned for their intense and visceral live performances, Torchia have built a strong reputation as a formidable stage act. At the center of the spectacle stands masked frontman Nox, a commanding and symbolic figure who embodies the dark curse at the heart of the band’s identity, guiding audiences deep into Torchia’s shadowed world.

-30-

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#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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