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Category: Music News

0 THUNDEROR Shares New Video “One Chance” From Rock‑Opera Album “Bleed For It” Out April 2026 + Canada Tour w/ BURNING WITCHES + EU Tour w/ CHRIS HOLMES (W.A.S.P.)

  • February 17, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Thunderor

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 17, 2026

​THUNDEROR Shares New Video “One Chance” From Rock‑Opera Album “Bleed For It” Out April 2026

+ Canada Tour w/ BURNING WITCHES + EU Tour w/ CHRIS HOLMES (W.A.S.P.)

Thunderor L-R: Brycen Gunn (Bass) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums, Keys) | Jonny Nesta (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Rae Chatten

Canadian arena‑rock heavy metal power trio THUNDEROR ignites the next chapter of their high‑flying saga with the release of their brand‑new single “One Chance”, accompanied by an official music video. The track serves as the next glimpse into their upcoming concept album, “Bleed For It,” arriving April 17, 2026, via Boonsdale Records.

The band will support the release with a full Canadian tour alongside Swiss heavy metal titans Burning Witches, followed by a European run with Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.), bringing THUNDEROR’s arena‑sized energy and rock‑opera theatrics to stages across two continents (dates listed below).
​
​“One Chance” leans into the band’s heavier roots while keeping their unmistakable melodic punch. Frontman JJ Tartaglia explains:
​
​“Feeling good about announcing the album with this track. It’s showing a little more of our Skull Fist roots, leaning more on the heavy metal side, while still having that big hook chorus. This one’s about romance, wanting that one chance with the one you want.”
​
​
The single’s video ties directly into the album’s overarching narrative, expanding the world of THUNDEROR’s rock‑opera universe.
​
Watch and listen to the music video for “One Chance” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnajB7jTY_Q

​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0WGK25nDTYwLRd6ZKvfNrH​
​
​“Bleed For It” serves as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock‑opera production that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. Its artwork captures scenes from the stage show, setting the mood for a sweeping tale of adventure, danger, and heart. Set in an alternate 1992, the story follows Bowen, a washed‑up musician and biker, who finds renewed purpose through romance and one last grasp at glory. Joined by best friends Kenzie and Sheenah, along with a local friar, he’s pulled into a whirlwind of rival biker gangs, love triangles, and life‑or‑death choices, all told with the wild, youthful spirit of classic arena rock. Across its nine tracks, the album blends heavy metal, hair metal, and rock‑opera flair, from the explosive opener “Pump Up The Volume” and the anthemic title track “Bleed For It,” to the road‑trip escapades of “Take Me To The Show” and the pro‑wrestling‑fueled “Get ’Em Counted.” Emotional depth comes through in the heartfelt tribute “Cape Breton Home” and the Springsteen‑inspired “Streets of Fire,” while the heavy‑metal romance single “One Chance” adds longing to the journey. The instrumental “DreamQuest” builds toward the dramatic finale, “In The Fire O’ The Heat,” a powerful closer exploring heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience.

Tartaglia adds:
​
​“The vocals are a vast improvement from the first album, and the songwriting has matured with more big anthem choruses. I hope this album inspires listeners to follow their dreams, let it be a soundtrack to your unbridled life adventures.”​
​
​THUNDEROR was formed in 2020 by multi‑JUNO‑nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta (both known for their work in Skull Fist) to deliver hook‑driven anthems inspired by the golden age of arena rock. Their debut album, “Fire It Up” (2022), hit #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart, propelling the band onto international tours across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America alongside acts such as Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, and Night Demon.
​
Their 2024 single “Get ’Em Counted” surpassed 230K YouTube views, building momentum toward their next evolution: a full‑scale rock opera. The 2025 debut of Thunderor The Musical introduced fans to a new narrative universe, one now fully realized on “Bleed For It.”​
​
With improved vocals, bigger choruses, and a cinematic concept, “Bleed For It” promises to be THUNDEROR’s most ambitious and emotionally charged release yet. If you crave escape, adventure, romance, and danger, the band invites you to ride with them into the storm.

Recommended for fans of The Darkness, Skull Fist, Ghost, and Night Flight Orchestra.

Due out on April 17th, 2026, via Boonsdale Records, “Bleed For It” is available for Vinyl pre-order and digital pre-save at the following links:

CAN/ Worldwide – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/​

Europe – LP/CD – https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/​

Track Listing:​
1. Pump Up The Volume (3:42)
2. Bleed For It (4:06)
3. Take Me To The Show (4:09)
4. Get ‘Em Counted (3:19)
5. Cape Breton Home (3:33)
6. Streets Of Fire (4:16)
7. One Chance (3:40)
8. DreamQuest (1:29)
9. In The Fire O’ The Heat (4:19)
Total: 33:11

Album and Live Band Line Up:​
JJ Tartaglia – Vocals, Drums, Keys
Jonny Nesta – Guitar
Brycen Gunn – Bass

Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches​
​
April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC
April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City, QC
April 22 – Rainbow Bistro – Ottawa, ON
April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON

Scandinavia Tour 2026 with HOLMES (The Sound of WASP)​
May 15 – Nordic Noise – Copenhagen, Denmark
May 16 – Godset – Kolding, Denmark
May 21 – Willemeen – Arnhem, Netherlands
May 22 – Iduna – Drachten, Netherlands
May 23 – South of Heaven – Bilzen, Belgium
May 27 – The Abyss – Gothenburg, Sweden
May 28 – Muskelrock – Blädinge, Sweden
May 29 – Lokstallet – Skövde, Sweden
May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club – Gjerdrum, Norway
May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene – Mandal, Norway

For more info:

​https://boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor/​

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

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

– 30 –

“There must be room somewhere between Steel Panther, The Darkness and The Night Flight Orchestra!” – Metal Hammer

“Thunderor are back with a new fist pumping anthem, the single ‘Pump Up The Volume’ is here and it’s the first track from their forthcoming album “Bleed For It” coming in March. Speedy riffs with plenty of energy to match, ‘Pump Up The Volume’ also pulls in those classic metal vibes and you can almost smell the studded leather. Mix in a blistering 6-string solo and what more could you ask for? Catch it right here on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“The bottom line for THUNDEROR is that a listen is urgently required. Those who like the singing will have a lot of fun with the CD” – Vampster
​
“If you’re looking for a solid rock record that’s equal parts pop and metal, Fire It Up could be your jam. The songs are well crafted, catchy and fun road companions. Take it on your next drive or spin it at Saturday’s kegger. Thunderor takes not being serious very seriously. They recaptured the spirit of 80s rock staples like Ozzy to Journey but also managed to put their own stamp on it. Not many throwback NWOTHM acts succeed in putting this much character in their sound.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The moment I first heard “How We Roll,” I knew I was in trouble…and instantly hooked. Other numbers like “All or Nothing,” “On the Run,” “We Can Make It,” and the epic title track, infuse multiple sub-genres like thrash, power, and synth metal, and are the type of adventurous anthems that make life still feel like it’s worth living even on its darkest of days.” – Rewind It Magazine

“The spirit of the glorious 80’s is omnipresent on the debut, those who like authentic 80’s sound should definitely check out.” 8/10” – Rock It!

“The good mood album of the season comes from Canada. Crisp, consistently catchy songs with excellent guitar work, sometimes enhanced with appropriate keyboard sounds.” 8,5/10” – Deaf Forever

“There must be room somewhere between Steel Panther, The Darkness and The Night Flight Orchestra!” – Metal Hammer

“Thunderor the Musical is infectious, hard-rocking comic book fun that blows the roof off the place – I smiled my way through the whole show – I bet you will, too.” – Sesaya Arts Magazine

“Thunderor the Musical is raucous fun with shredding guitars and driving drums… filled with catchy anthems, flawlessly performed by powerhouse musicians.” – Grind Mag

“I’m always impressed when a drummer handles lead vocals, especially in metal, where the physical demands of drumming are intense. JJ Tartaglia nailed it, delivering flawless vocals without missing a drum beat.” – Allfather Metal

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 GRAVEMASS (ft. members of Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation) Drops “This Is the Way” Video ft. Armstrong Metal Fest 2025 Footage + Debut Album Out March 2026

  • February 13, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · GraveMass · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 13, 2026

West Coast Death Metal Titans GRAVEMASS (ft. members of Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation) Drops “This Is the Way” Video ft. Armstrong Metal Fest 2025 Footage

Debut Album “This Is The Way” Out March 6th, 2026 via End Game Records

Photo Credit – Derek Carr

L-R – Destroyer of Souls – Drums – Bowels of Hell – Bass – Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar – Mayan Hate – Guitar – Lorde Heathen – Vocals

West Coast death metal juggernaut Gravemass has officially announced the release of their highly anticipated debut album, “This Is the Way,” arriving March 6, 2026, via End Game Records. To mark the occasion, the band has unleashed the album’s crushing title track alongside a brand‑new music video featuring explosive live footage captured during their 2025 performance at Armstrong Metal Fest.
​
​“This is the title track of our debut album!! THIS IS THE WAY!!!! Footage from our Armstrong Metal Fest 2025 performance! Hails to our Gravemass Family!!! \,,/\,,/” the band shared in their announcement.
​
Formed by long‑time veterans of the Vancouver metal scene, Gravemass is a supergroup built from decades of collective experience. Its members have performed in some of the most influential and notorious bands on the West Coast, including Zimmers Hole, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation, Just Cause, West of Hell, Savannah, Process, Subversion, and The Golers.
​
The lineup includes Lord Heathen – Vocals (Zimmers Hole, Mechanism), Mayan Hate – Guitar (Savannah, Just Cause, Dialed), Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar (Process, Punch Drunk, Savannah), Bowels of Hell – Bass (Subversion, The Golers, Zucckuss), Destroyer of Souls – Drums (Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation). Together, they channel a sound described by the band as “brutal, angry, fast, dark and evil.”

Gravemass’ formation, as guitarist Mayan Hate explains, was a natural extension of decades‑long friendships within the Vancouver metal scene. He wrote the foundation of the debut album over two months between other projects and shared it with vocalist Lorde Heathen, who immediately signed on. From there, the rest of the lineup, fellow West Coast metal veterans they had all known for years, fell into place. The writing process remained intentionally raw and instinctive: riffs first, lyrics second, and only the material that felt right survived. True to their no‑nonsense ethos, Mayan Hate believes fans of extreme music will embrace the new material, stating simply that “if you like brutal, you will dig it.”

Lyrically, Lorde Heathen draws from the chaos and decay of the modern world, channeling that bleakness into the band’s sinister sound. Musically, Gravemass pulls from the lineage of extreme metal’s greats, Slayer, Venom, Morbid Angel, Watain, and Napalm Death, while shaping their identity through decades immersed in death, black, and speed metal. With their second album already in early writing stages and set to be a more collaborative effort, the band emphasizes that their true power is unleashed onstage, where their live performance brings every element of Gravemass together in a full‑force assault meant for the masses.

Watch the newly released music video for “This Is the Way” as it captures that ferocity firsthand, showcasing the band’s commanding presence at Armstrong Metal Fest 2025.

Music Video – This Is The Way – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR9gy-AD8-E

​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0JPFvvKR06w1ofDskaoeE4​

Previous Singles:

Music Video – Fallen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ4ws87xOJs​

Music Video – Spitting Hell – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r477FZl1VFo​

Music Video – Slaves to Pain – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cW-Rk9koq0​

Digital singles available at https://gravemass.bandcamp.com/​

Track Listing:​
1. Slaves To Pain – 2:38
2. This Is The Way – 3:45
3. Horned King – 2:54
4. Harvest of Souls – 2:53
5. Spitting Hell – 2:07
6. Black Bell – 2:50
7. Fallen – 3:27
8. Gravemass – 3:51
9. Abandon – 2:01
10. Poison Temple – 3:11
Album Length: 29:41

Album Band Line Up:​
Lorde Heathen – Vocals
Mayan Hate – Guitar
Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar
Bowels of Hell – Bass
Destroyer of Souls – Drums

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Gravemass
• All songs written by: Mayan Hate and Lorde Heathen
• Produced by: Tim Creviston
• Mixed by: Tim Creviston
• Mastered by: Tim Creviston
• Album Artwork by: Gravemass
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

More info:

​https://endgamerecords.com/​

​http://www.gravemass.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/people/Grave-Mass/61556695854887/​

​https://www.instagram.com/gravemass1/​

-30-

“Hold on to your hats, buds. Your eyes and ears are in for a blinding treat. Canada’s black/death metal band GraveMass just released the aural assault known as “Fallen.” The song and the video are delightfully overwhelming. ” – Metal Sucks

““Fallen” is a brutal, pummeling track with vocals that range from a guttural growl to a nasal screech, creating a blistering death metal assault. The black-and-white video with its flashing lights and quick cuts combines imagery of nature and religion in a way that perfectly complements the sonic onslaught of the video. It’s a breakneck track that leaves carnage in its wake, and you’ll want to check it out.” – New Noise Magazine

“With “Fallen,” GraveMass offers a glimpse into what promises to be a searing, unholy debut album. It’s a declaration of intent—and a brutal reminder that Canadian metal is as fierce and alive as ever.” – See Rock Live

“Gravemass Deliver Evil with Latest Single & Video, “Fallen”” – V13

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Rockshots Records – Italian Power Metal Veterans HIGHLORD Welcomes New Vocalist Andrea Racco (Soundstorm) w/ Video “Resurrection”

  • February 13, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Highlord (Rockshot Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 13, 2026

Italian Power Metal Veterans HIGHLORD Welcomes New Vocalist Andrea Racco (Soundstorm) w/ Video “Resurrection”

Rockshots Records proudly presents “Resurrection”, the new single from Italian power metal veterans Highlord, a track that signals a decisive new compositional chapter in the band’s long-standing career.

“Resurrection” introduces the renewed lineup featuring Andrea Racco (also known for his work with Sound Storm) as the new frontman and immediately establishes a sharper, heavier sonic direction while preserving the unmistakable epic DNA that has defined Highlord for decades.

Thematically, the song captures the fragile equilibrium of modern society, a world suspended between tension and transformation, and translates the urgent need for change into the metaphor of rebirth. “Resurrection” is conceived as a surge of energy breaking through instability: not escapism, but reaction; not nostalgia, but renewal.

Musically, the band embraces a more aggressive and compact approach. The guitar work is tighter and more percussive, built around driving riff structures and dynamic harmonic layering that reinforce the song’s sense of forward momentum. The rhythm section delivers a precise, explosive backbone balancing double-kick propulsion with controlled groove passages that heighten the track’s impact without sacrificing clarity.

Andrea Racco’s performance stands at the center of this evolution. His gritty, powerful vocal delivery, recalling the dramatic intensity associated with classic European power metal, injects a raw, assertive edge into the band’s sound. Yet despite the increased weight and attack, Highlord retain their hallmark melodic sensibility: expansive, emotionally charged choruses open the arrangement into wide harmonic landscapes, ensuring that the song’s epic character remains intact.

Production once again plays a crucial role. “Resurrection” was produced by bassist Massimiliano Flak at Evolution Recording Studios in Turin, resulting in a massive, modern mix that emphasizes punch and definition. The guitars cut with sharp articulation, the low end remains firm and controlled, and the vocal layers sit prominently without overpowering the instrumental interplay. The overall sonic architecture is polished yet forceful – contemporary in impact while rooted in traditional power metal aesthetics.

With “Resurrection”, Highlord does not simply introduce a new lineup; they redefine their expressive coordinates. Heavier, more immediate and rhythmically explosive, yet still melodic and anthemic at heart, the single represents a statement of intent, a rebirth forged in steel, melody and conviction.

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/rSuR3c​
​VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWRAEAngyaw

​

For more info:​
​https://www.rockshots.eu​

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

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

– 30 –

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Unveils “Renaissance,” Introducing New Vocalist and Marking the Beginning of Their 2026 Era

  • February 13, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Nova Spei (Bam&Co. Heavy)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 13, 2026

Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Unveils “Renaissance,” Introducing New Vocalist and Marking the Beginning of Their 2026 Era

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

Photo Credit – Joe Weller (Joe Lacerte)

Trois-Rivières, Quebec modern‑metal force Nova Spei launches a bold new chapter with the release of their explosive new single and video, “Renaissance,” the first glimpse into their upcoming 2026 album “TRINITAS,” due this fall. The track marks the official debut of vocalist Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois, whose arrival signals a powerful rebirth for the band both sonically and creatively.
​
Formed in 2012 by guitarist Dany Soucy (Dook, Legion, Trois-Rivières MetalFest), Nova Spei has carved out a unique place in the francophone metal landscape with their djent‑infused, modern, and melodic approach. After more than 100 shows across Quebec and Ontario, two albums, and a series of lineup evolutions, 2026 represents a full resurgence, one that “Renaissance” captures with visceral clarity.
​
Musically and lyrically, “Renaissance” embodies the band’s renewed fire. The track channels the obstacles Nova Spei has faced, the rebuilding that followed, and the determination to return stronger than ever.
​
​“We’re confident listeners will connect with this new chapter of the band, a rebirth shaped by the shift to a more powerful, feminine vocal presence, yet still carrying even greater intensity. The sound feels more organic than our previous album, and we want people to feel the passion and pure joy we pour into creating this music. Releasing Renaissance first made perfect sense. It’s the song that speaks to our fall and our return, so what could be more logical than starting with the track that tells that story?” says the band.

The single’s artwork, created by Filip Ivanovic, visually captures this rebirth, an emergence from a world full of pitfalls, transformed and unbroken.
​
The addition of Emmanuelle Desbiens‑Dubois in 2025 marks one of the most significant shifts in Nova Spei’s history. Her vocal presence brings a fresh intensity and emotional range, redefining the band’s identity while staying true to their modern metal roots.
​
Her arrival completes the current lineup with Dany Soucy (Guitar), Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette (Bass), Julien De Carufel (Drums), and Cédrick Charland (Lead Guitar). Together, they’ve forged a sound that is heavier, more organic, and more dynamic than ever.
​
While Nova Spei’s previous albums were recorded in their own studio, “TRINITAS” marks their first time entering a professional recording environment, an experience that reshaped their entire sonic direction. Producer Francis Perron (Voivod, Martyr) pushed the band toward a more raw, organic sound, shifting their initial modern‑sequenced approach into something more alive and human. Mastering legend Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Halford, Yes) unexpectedly joined the project, an opportunity the band describes as surreal and humbling. The result is a sound that blends djent, modern metal, prog, and industrial influences, yet feels more authentic and emotionally charged than anything they’ve released before.

Recommended for fans of Gojira, Tesseract, Killswitch Engage, Spiritbox, and Architects, the music video for “Renaissance” can be seen and heard via its premiere on TheCirclePit YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FagxvgWJTes

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/65AqzF6nYrkUrzhx32udbl

​

For more info:

​https://www.novaspei.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/NovaSpei​

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

About: Since their debut in 2017, launched as the opening act for Anonymus on a Quebec tour—Nova Spei has steadily grown into one of the province’s most distinctive francophone metal acts. Their songs have been featured on RadioX 98.1FM and even blasted through the Bell Centre during Montreal Canadiens games.
​
Their second album, Sequentis, released in 2021 after pandemic delays, expanded their reach and solidified their reputation for high‑energy, modern metal with a francophone edge.
​
Now, with TRINITAS on the horizon in 2026, Nova Spei is ready to reclaim the stage with renewed purpose.
​
Known for their dynamic, high‑intensity performances, Nova Spei prides itself on delivering maximum energy with no downtime between songs. Fans can expect the upcoming tour cycle to reflect the same spirit of rebirth that fuels “Renaissance.”

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

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

—

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0 APE VERMIN Push Their Cosmic Sludge Saga Forward w/ New Video “Awakened” From Latest Album “Andromedas Colossus”

  • February 12, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Ape Vermin · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 12, 2026

APE VERMIN Push Their Cosmic Sludge Saga Forward w/ New Video “Awakened”

From Latest Album “Andromedas Colossus”

North Carolina’s progressive sludge metal juggernaut Ape Vermin has released a brand‑new lyric video for “Awakened,” the eighth and most explosive track from their latest album, “Andromedas Colossus.” The video was crafted by Kenji Tsunami of Tsunami Films, known for his visual work as well as his role as bassist for Narcotic Wasteland.
​
​“Awakened” stands as the album’s most ferocious statement, a collision of sludge, thrash, and apocalyptic storytelling delivered with the band’s signature weight and intensity. According to guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee, the track represents a pivotal moment in the album’s narrative:

“We’re back, and we’re making up for lost time. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake.”
​
​
Kenji Tsunami’s visual interpretation amplifies the track’s themes of cosmic destruction, ancient forces, and the return of something colossal and malevolent. The lyric video mirrors the album’s overarching atmosphere, dark, prophetic, and unrelenting, while giving fans a deeper look into the world Ape Vermin has constructed across the record.
​
The band describes “Andromedas Colossus” as dynamic, melodic, visceral, and brutally dark, both musically and lyrically. “Awakened” embodies all of these traits, merging machine‑gun double bass, razor‑sharp guitar leads reminiscent of Dimebag Darrell and Kerry King, and enough low‑end force to “destroy planets,” as Lee puts it.
​
Formed in 2017, Ape Vermin has evolved into a three‑piece force of colossal riffs and amplifier worship. The lineup, Brett Lee (guitar/vocals), Seth Lynn (drums), and Jared Edge (bass), has built a reputation across North America for a no‑frills, high‑volume live show rooted in heaviness and precision.
​
Tracks on “Andromedas Colossus” were in development for nearly five years, some written immediately after the band’s previous release, “Sonic Monolith.” The album takes listeners on what the band calls an “epic sonic journey,” moving from the crushing opener “Obliteration Imminent” to the atmospheric “Colony,” the prophetic “Solaruss,” the hypnotic instrumental “Pulse Driver,” and the environmentally charged “Mining the Colossus.” The record’s closing tracks, “Unearthing the Artifact” and “Return to Andromeda,” complete a narrative steeped in cosmic horror, mysticism, and the darker corners of the human psyche.
​
As the band’s personal favorite, “Awakened” represents the album’s thematic eruption. Its lyrics, invoking ten thousand years of slumber, portals of time, and the rebirth of hell, reflect the dark realm Lee has been building in his writing for over a decade. Influenced by outer‑space phenomena, extraterrestrial lore, prehistoric myth, murder, psychedelics, and sci‑fi horror, Ape Vermin’s lyrical world is as expansive as it is sinister.
​
With influences ranging from High on Fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Yob, and Conan, the band continues to push sludge metal into new territory, blending doom, thrash, groove, progressive elements, and death‑tinged aggression. Fans can expect even more crushing material on the next LP, which the band confirms is already in motion.

Watch the “Awakened” lyric video via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Released on May 17th, 2024, “Andromedas Colossus” can be heard at the following links:

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

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y5DAyV5AP3hLNSMDfuQkh​

Track Listing:​
1. Obliteration Imminent – 5:12
2. Colony – 7:00
3. Solaruss – 5:30
4. Pulse Driver – 3:47
5. Mining The Colossus – 8:06
6. Signal Transmissions – 2:45
7. Motherlode – 8:32
8. Awakened – 3:17
9. Unearthing the Artifact – 7:43
10. Return to Andromeda – 7:57

Album/Live Band Line Up:​
Guitarist/Vocalist – Brett Lee
Drummer – Seth Lynn
Bassist – Jared Edge

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official​

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“Ape Vermin’s Andromedas Colossus is doom to the core. Though a lot for one sitting, it’ll sustain your attention during a long walk or drive. Fans of the genre will find much to relish, be it individual tracks or the whole, and it’s certainly one of the standout albums of the year so far.” – Doomed And Stoned

“Lovers of slow, massive riffs, rejoice! Ape Vermin is here for your daily dose of gnarly Sludge and Doom Metal music!” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“Ape Vermin have delivered a bone-crunching album that pulls no punches with it’s fearless attitude and exploration into SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC manipulation of the highest order.” – Outlaws of The Sun

“if you’re looking to be transported to another crushingly heavy musical universe, Ape Vermin are worth a listen.” – Rough Edge

“These axe-generated discharges alone were the stuff of Tony Iommi’s nightmares, but then the bass-made ferociously fuzz-rich, rhythmic rumbles and intensely explosive drumming sealed the deal. All combined and then topped off with Lee’s caveman-like gutturalized grunting vocals, it was a recipe that could’ve resulted in APE VERMIN being culpable for assault & battery charges.” – Riff Relevant

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0 Rockshots Records – Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM Shares New Lyric Video “Eclissi” From Album “Myth of Mankind”

  • February 11, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Aexylium (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Feb 11, 2026

Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM Shares New Lyric Video “Eclissi” From Album “Myth of Mankind”

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of the new lyric video for “Eclissi”, taken from “Myth of Mankind“, the third full-length album by Italian folk metal act Aexylium.

“Eclissi” marks a defining moment in Aexylium’s artistic journey. Musically rooted in the band’s unmistakable fusion of modern metal intensity and traditional folk instrumentation, the track stands out as the first song in the band’s career written entirely in Italian, a deliberate and meaningful choice that reinforces its emotional impact and narrative depth. Layered choirs, wide melodic lines, and a carefully balanced orchestral framework make “Eclissi” one of the most evocative compositions on “Myth of Mankind,” while also enhancing its strong potential in a live setting where audience interaction becomes an integral part of the song’s identity.
​
Commenting on the track, the band explains that “Eclissi fits perfectly with the musical lines of the album and represents a new expressive space for us. Writing in Italian allowed the lyrics to flow more naturally, strengthening the emotional connection between words and music while the choirs make it especially powerful during live performances.”

The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio, ensuring a powerful yet detailed production that highlights both the band’s metallic core and its rich instrumental textures. The front cover was designed by Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Amaranthe).”Myth of Mankind” represents the most mature and personal chapter in Aexylium’s discography, addressing introspective and abstract themes while consciously stepping beyond genre stereotypes without losing sight of the band’s roots.

Formed in Italy in 2014, Aexylium have steadily built a strong reputation within the European folk metal scene, performing at major festivals such as Dong Open Air, Tanzt!, and Montelago Celtic Festival and sharing the stage with acts including Blind Guardian, Elvenking, Wind Rose, and TÝR. Following the releases of “Tales From This Land” (2018) and “The Fifth Season” (2021), the band returns with “Myth of Mankind“, an album that fully encapsulates their growth in terms of songwriting, production, and artistic vision.

The lyric video for “Eclissi” offers listeners and media partners a focused insight into one of the album’s most distinctive tracks, highlighting both its linguistic uniqueness and its role within the conceptual and musical framework of “Myth of Mankind“.

Watch and listen to “Eclissi” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1b0_21hujw

​

For fans of Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Amorphis, Folkstone, Alestorm, and Mago de Oz, “Myth of Mankind” (released May 23, 2025) is available digitally and on CD at https://lnk.to/koGz58.

Track Listing:​
1 – Fontes et Omnia
2 – The Queen
3 – Hexe
4 – Into Oblivion
5 – In Sorrow
6 – Myth of Mankind
7 – Eclissi
8 – Wild Hunt
9 – Surrender
10 – Northern Lights
11 – Eternity
​
​BAND LINEUP​
SAM BIGANZOLI – Vocals
ARIANNA BELLINASO – Vocals
FABIO BUZZAGO – Guitar
LUCA PERRONE – Guitar
GABRIELE CACOCCIOLA – Bass
ALBERTO MEZZANOTTE – Drums
FEDERICO BONOLDI – Violin
LEANDRO PESSINA – Flute
STEFANO COLOMBO – Keyboards
​
​ALBUM CREDITS:​
Main Music Composer: Fabio Buzzago
Lyrics: Fabio Buzzago, Gabriele Cacocciola, Samuele Biganzoli
Orchestrations: Fabio Buzzago, Stefano Colombo
Production: Davide Tavecchia, Buzzago Fabio, Stefano Colombo, Alberto Bernasconi
Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Davide Tavecchia (Twilight Studio)
Graphics: Gustavo Sazes

More info: ​
​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​
​FOLLOW:​
​https://www.instagram.com/aexylium_official​
​https://www.facebook.com/aexylium​

ABOUT:

Aexylium was formed in 2014 in Italy, merging the distinctive sound of traditional instruments with the modern intensity of metal.

The band has performed at many renowned European festivals, including Dong Open Air, Tanzt!, Mead & Greed, Montelago Celtic Festival, Malpaga Folk & Metal, Druidia, and more. During these events, Aexylium shared the stage with several notable bands such as Blind Guardian, Elvenking, Wind Rose, Týr, Vision Divine, Furor Gallico, Temperance, and others.

Their debut album, ‘Tales From This Land’ (2018), was released through Underground Symphony Records. It was recorded at Twilight Studio by Davide Tavecchia and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Elvenking, DGM, Secret Sphere, etc.).

In 2021, Aexylium signed a deal with Rockshots Records for their second album, ‘The Fifth Season’. The album was recorded at Twilight Studio with the artwork designed by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design (Testament, Manowar, Korpiklaani). To date, the band has released six music videos as singles.

Compared to the last studio album, the band has welcomed Alberto Mezzanotte (drums), Luca Perrone (Guitar), and the frontman Sam Biganzoli into its lineup.

Aexylium’s partners include Solar Guitars, Footblaster, Liuteria Cocopelli, and Firebird Strumenti Musicali.

​

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​
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0 LITTLE KING Celebrates 30 Years and Eight Albums with “Lente Viviente” Tour (NM, TX, AZ, MX)

  • February 9, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Little King

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2026

LITTLE KING Celebrates 30 Years and Eight Albums with “Lente Viviente” Tour (NM, TX, AZ, MX)

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

Photo Credit – Damian Becerra

Little King is hitting the road, bringing three decades of songwriting, storytelling, and sonic exploration to the stage. Formed in 1997, the band’s current tour draws from a deep catalog spanning 8 albums and over 30 years of music, blending thoughtful lyrics, dynamic arrangements, and an unmistakable emotional core that has resonated with audiences across generations.

Released this past September 2025, their most recent album, “Lente Viviente,” has become their most critically acclaimed work in their long history!

Rooted in the American Southwest yet shaped by wide-ranging influences, Little King’s sound reflects long friendships, lived experience, and a refusal to stand still creatively. Their songs move comfortably between intimate reflection and expansive, cinematic moments, music built not for trends, but for connection.

Over the years, Little King has earned international acclaim, with music reaching listeners well beyond regional borders. Their work has been praised for its honesty, depth, and craftsmanship, appealing to fans of art-driven rock who value substance as much as sound.

The band’s full catalog, tour updates, and additional information can be found at www.littlekingtunes.com, with ongoing updates and media available via social media at @littlekingtunes.

Tour Dates – Little King – Lente Viviente​
March 6 – Las Cruces, NM – Picacho Peak Brewery
March 7 – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewery
March 8 – El Paso, TX – B-29 Bombers
March 11 – Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
March 14 – San Carlos, MX (Secret Show…hit @littlekingtunes on social media for details!)

The band’s latest album, “Lente Viviente” (Spanish for “Living Lens”), stands as Little King’s most ambitious project to date. Featuring new members Dave Hamilton on bass and Tony Bojorquez on drums, the record delves into themes of memory, identity, aging, addiction, and resilience. Each song unfolds as a “micro-epic,” blending intricate arrangements with concise, emotionally charged storytelling.

“I want people to take a short, mind-blowing journey…like Musical DMT. The dynamic range of this record will push and pull from the first note to the last,” says frontman Ryan Rosoff.

Across its tracks, “Lente Viviente” reveals a sweeping emotional and musical spectrum. “Catch and Release” and “Dawn Villa” revisit childhood and enduring friendship, while “Pass Through Filters” meditates on aging and addiction. “Kindness for Weakness” explores the fragile balance between vulnerability and strength, and “Who’s Illegal?” confronts immigration and identity with bold conviction. Together, these songs create a cohesive journey, complex yet melodic, that invites listeners to think deeply, feel fully, and return again and again for the complete experience.
​
Since forming in 1997, Little King has steadily evolved through confidence, technical growth, and relentless creativity. Rosoff, a former Creative Writing major and English teacher, has penned over 65 songs, blending literary depth with progressive rock intensity. With influences ranging from Rush, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, Muse, Led Zeppelin, and Night Verses, Little King’s music resonates with fans of both classic and modern rock.
​
“Lente Viviente” (released Sept 26th, 2025) is available on digital platforms.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/3a3zhTxNkC6u9xaD5gytJe​

Music Video – Who’s Illegal? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTh1THFdij4​

Lyric Video – Dawn Villa – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksxlb2ekYIM​

Lyric Video – Catch and Release – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgt9U547jbw​

Track Listing:​
1. Catch and Release – 3:22
2. Dawn Villa – 3:42
3. Who’s Illegal? – 3:56
4. Kindness for Weakness – 3:21
5. Sweet Jessie James – 2:42
6. Pass Through Filters – 4:50
7. The Living Lens – 3:37
Album Length: 25:34

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

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“Overall, this band showcased a sophisticated sense of melodies that were not overly complicated, but easy to assimilate as well. Not being familiar with them, I am surprised to learn of their longevity, and you wouldn’t know this was their eight album, because the drive and fire in them is very much alive in their music. 8/10” – Metal Temple​
​
​“Little King maintain high intensity from start to finish, achieving a rare balance between complexity and immediacy. Each track has its own identity and emotional range, and the musicianship and production are consistently top-tier. According to Rocky, Lente Viviente is essential listening for prog and heavy-rock fans who miss the spirit of Saga, Rush, and King’s X.” – Metalized​
​
​“Seven songs, clocking in at just over twenty-five minutes Little King pack a powerful and melodic cocktail of prog, rock and alternative. If Rush jammed with REM and King’s X it would sound a little like this. Impressive.” – Get Ready To Rock!​
​
​“Little King hasn’t just released an album; they’ve crafted an immersive, emotional journey that rewards every listen.” – Jace Media Music
​
​
​“Long-running Progressive Rock outfit Little King is unveiling “Dawn Villa,” the second single from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Lente Viviente! A sonic time capsule wrapped in staccato riffs and melodic crescendos, “Dawn Villa” is a heartfelt tribute to frontman Ryan Rosoff’s formative years in Mercer Island, Washington. The track comes from their eighth album Lente Viviente, which is available for pre-order/digital pre-save now at the links below, and releases September 26th, 2025. If you grew up obsessed with the classic seventies prog rock greats like Rush, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd, with a modern flare for drama such as Muse or Neal Morse, Little King deserves your attention! ” – Ghost Cult Magazine​
​
​“The album reflects a stylistic maturity that has strengthened over time and a layering of ideas that have, on this occasion, found a stable place. The project’s artistic perspective rests on very solid technical foundations and a strong will to celebrate the traditional principles of classic rock, while also flirting with progressive elements and ultimately making the most of a decidedly pronounced melodic inclination. An absolutely original point of view that has given rise to an elegant and refined sound, capable of effectively combining electric jolts and delicate harmonies in the spirit of a truly contagious passion.” – Rock Hard Italy​
​
​“Over nearly three decades, Little King has evolved from the El Paso roots of “Transmountain” to the intricate, personal soundscapes of “Lente Viviente,” blending complex arrangements, strong melodies, and lyrical depth.” – Progressive Rock Journal​
​
​“Lente Viviente is as striking as it is arousing and easy to suggest a must for all rock appetites. LITTLE KING seem to know how to feed every instinct and want with their eclectic enterprise and at the same time spring something strikingly new, the proof all there in Lente Viviente.” – The Ringmaster Review
​
​
​“Tucson progressive rockers’ Little King are gearing up for the release of their 8th studio album, ‘Lente Viviente’ on Sept. 26th and have also just dropped their first single from the album, ‘Catch and Release’. This band truly pushes boundaries and yet makes modern prog rock very accessible. That is a difficult feat and a challenge many bands can’t overcome. But these fellas make it sound very simple, even though the music is quite complex. Similar to YES in that every instrument, including the vocals, all seem to be doing their own thing…but somehow it all works beautifully, and that is what good prog is about. Listen up for Little King on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll​
​
​“”Lente Viviente” is a great release, very short of course, but still atmospheric and moving. Overriding the higher-faster-further mentality in such a playful way deserves respect, and the men deserve it again with their eighth appearance overall.8/10″ – PowerMetal.de

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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – MATT MILLER Announces “3 Shredders Tour” Featuring RENE BENTON, MANUEL & Special Guest BIKO WRIGHT (History Channel’s Alone, Discovery’s Expedition Bigfoot)

  • February 9, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Matt Miller · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2026

MATT MILLER Announces “3 Shredders Tour” Featuring 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 to ignite stages across the USA this April with the launch of his 3 Shredders Tour, a high‑octane, guitar‑driven showcase featuring fellow shred titan Rene Benton and explosive guitar virtuoso Manuel Urgiles. Inspired by the spirit of legendary guitar tours like G3, this run brings together three elite players for a night of precision, speed, and boundary‑pushing musicianship.
​
The tour supports Miller’s latest full‑length LP, “Fiber Tormentum,” a sci‑fi‑infused technical metal odyssey that has already captured attention for its intricate compositions and cinematic scope.
​
Adding to the excitement, the tour dates will also feature a special appearance from vocalist and survival expert Biko Wright, known for his standout roles on History Channel’s Alone and Discovery’s Expedition Bigfoot. Wright’s presence brings an additional layer of intrigue and crossover appeal, drawing fans from both the metal world and the survivalist TV community.
​
​Matt Miller shares his excitement:
​
​“We are stoked to be hitting the road this April with Manuel Urgiles and Rene Benton, it’s going to be a shred guitar extravaganza! Fans will also get the chance to meet survival expert Biko Wright from the TV shows Alone and Expedition Bigfoot. Keep your eyes peeled for the ticket links and more dates TBA.”​
​
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:

​Exsrmusic.com | Shreded1.com | Facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238 | 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 – Out Now! Thrash Metal From Reunion Island – LOMOR Unleashes New Album “Sabouk Rouge” + Drops Ferocious Music Video for Title Track

  • February 6, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Lomor (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 6, 2026

Out Now! Thrash Metal From Reunion Island – LOMOR Unleashes New Album “Sabouk Rouge”

+ Drops Ferocious Music Video for Title Track

Photo Credit – Mikael Thullier

​Reunion Island’s rising thrash metal force LOMOR proudly announces the official release of their second full‑length album, “Sabouk Rouge,” out today, as of February 6th, via Rockshots Records. To celebrate the album’s release, LOMOR has unveiled a fierce new music video for the title track. This visual assault channels the record’s themes of historical and modern oppression through the band’s trademark intensity, with its pounding rhythms and razor‑edged lyrics setting the tone for everything “Sabouk Rouge” delivers.

Watch and listen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSBEQJOr754

​
​
Following the momentum of their previous single “Tantine Lo Clou,” LOMOR continues to carve their identity as one of the most distinctive metal acts emerging from the Indian Ocean. Their sound, described by guitarist/vocalist Eric Castelnau (aka Babouk) as “creole thrash old‑school stuff,” blends classic 80s thrash aggression with the cultural grit and linguistic identity of Réunion Island.
​
​LOMOR began as a deeply personal project for Eric, who formed the band in 2018 after the passing of his cousin and brother, both former bandmates in his earlier project, Black Babouk. The name Lomor itself means “The Deads” in Réunion Creole, a tribute to the people and memories that shaped his musical path.
​
Joined by drummer Gurvan Cambrai (aka Typhvs) (also of grind outfit Brvtal trve d’baal) and bassist Micha (member of a local Rage Against the Machine tribute band), the trio has forged a sound rooted in old‑school thrash but sharpened by modern production and raw island energy.

Produced by LOMOR, recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Art Music Studio in France, and mastered by Kai Stahlenberg at Kohlekeller Studio in Germany, “Sabouk Rouge” broadens the band’s sound while staying true to their raw, old‑school thrash roots. With more Creole lyrics woven in at fans’ request, the album strengthens its cultural identity as it shifts through a wide range of moods.

“The tracks are all different, each bringing its own atmosphere. It’s still trash, but with a variety of flavors,” says Eric.
​
That diversity fuels a record that moves from the title track’s sharp satire of Réunion’s slavery legacy to the grotesque obsession of “Meet Your Meat,” the ritualistic mysticism of “Sanctuary,” and the blistering critique of religion in “La Haine.” The tone lightens with the street‑racing humor of “La Pouss’,” then darkens again with “Panzram,” exploring the roots of a killer’s hatred. The album also revisits Eric’s past with a reimagined “Kit Ta Mère” before ending on “Nevroz,” a reversed, tongue‑in‑cheek remake born from a studio joke, a fitting close to an album defined by intensity, identity, and creative edge.

New album “Sabouk Rouge” is now available as of February 6th, 2026, at the following links:

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/th31Lt​

CD ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/SaboukRougeCD​

Music Video – Tantine Lo Clou – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx2FUx0G01c

​Music Video – Panzram – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=388LBe1K7x4

​
​

Track Listing:​
1. Sabouk Rouge – 5:13
2. Tantine Lo Clou – 3:40
3. Meet Your Meat – 3:16
4. Sanctuary – 5:17
5. A Shiny Day For A Vampire – 5:14
6. La Haine – 5:06
7. La Pouss’ – 3:07
8. Panzram – 4:29
9. The Ugly, The Bad & The Bastard – 3:02
10. Kit’ Ta Mère – 4:24
11. Nevroz (feat. S. Camhi) – 2:34
Album Length: 45:22
​
​Lomor Line Up:
– Eric Castelnau (aka Babouk) – Vocals & Guitars
– Gurvan Cambrai (aka Typhvs) – Drums
– Mathieu Michalina (aka Micha) – Bass Guitar

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://www.instagram.com/lomor.music​

​https://www.facebook.com/lomormusic​

About: Lomor is a power trio from Reunion Island (France) delivering an explosive blend of old-school thrash, punk, and core metal. Drawing inspiration from Slayer, Testament, and Kreator, the band channels the raw spirit of 80s thrash through modern production and unrelenting stage energy.

Formed in 2018 by Eric Castelnau (vocals, guitars), joined by Gurvan Cambrai (drums) and Mathieu “Micha” Michalina (bass), Lomor quickly became one of the loudest voices in the island’s metal scene. Their first single, “Kanyar L’Enfer” (2021), set the tone for their uncompromising sound, followed by their debut full-length “Perseverance of Sickness” (2022), recorded by Sébastien Camhi (Art Music Studio, France). The album was praised by international outlets like Rock Hard France and Legacy.de for its sharp riffing and fierce authenticity.

In 2023, Lomor hit mainland France for their Kanyar Tour, performing seven shows and sharing stages with Akiavel and Mass Hysteria. They also released the live record “Live on Dock“, capturing the raw, chaotic energy that defines their performances.

Now, with their second studio album “Sabouk Rouge” (out February 2026 via Rockshots Records), Lomor dive deeper into the social and historical themes that shaped their identity — from the brutality of slavery on their island to the universal struggle against human madness and oppression. Recorded again with Sébastien Camhi and mastered by Kai Stahlenberg at Kohlekeller Studio (Germany), the album reaffirms Lomor’s old-school ethos while delivering a powerful, modern punch.

Fueled by adrenaline, rebellion, and Creole pride, Lomor stands as a unique voice in today’s global metal scene — pure thrash from Reunion Island.

-30-

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

​

0 Rockshots Records – Italian Melodic Death KARMIAN New Video “Libido Et Mors” From Upcoming Album “Horror Vacui” Out March 2026

  • February 6, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · KARMIAN (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 6, 2026

Italian Melodic Death KARMIAN New Video “Libido Et Mors”

New Album “Horror Vacui” Out March 20th, 2026

Rockshots Records announces the release of “Libido et Mors”, the new single by Italian melodic death metal act Karmian, out now on all digital platforms.

“Libido et Mors” is taken from Karmian’s upcoming full-length album “Horror Vacui“, a dark and uncompromising concept record that explores the psychological and existential void behind real acts of murder and moral collapse.

Following the intensity of the previous single “Beastmaster Of The Void”, this new chapter reveals one of the album’s most disturbing and symbolically charged narratives.

Entirely sung in Italian for the first time in the band’s career, “Libido et Mors” delves into the collision between repressed desire and corrupted faith. Inspired by the historical case of Sister Maria Luisa Ridolfi and the scandal of the Sant’Ambrogio della Massima convent in 19th-century Rome, the song exposes a world where religious devotion becomes a tool for manipulation, abuse, and murder. Ecstasy and control, flesh and doctrine, spirituality and obsession merge into a single language of power, revealing how denial and silence can turn faith into a breeding ground for violence.

Commenting on the track, the band states:
​
“‘Libido et Mors’ represents a breaking point within “Horror Vacui“. It’s where the spiritual void and the carnal void collide. Writing and performing it in Italian allowed us to strip away any distance and confront this story in the most direct, unsettling way possible.”

Musically, the single highlights Karmian’s ability to balance melodic death metal ferocity with narrative tension. Crushing riffs, oppressive rhythms, and a dramatic vocal delivery reinforce the song’s claustrophobic atmosphere, reflecting the album’s broader vision: melodic death metal as a storytelling tool capable of merging brutality, reflection, and emotional weight.
​
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Audiocore Studio by Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi, “Horror Vacui” marks Karmian’s darkest and most mature work to date.

Each track on the album is inspired by a real Italian criminal case, not to glorify horror but to expose the emptiness, alienation, and moral disintegration that precede violence.

“Libido et Mors” stands as one of the album’s most unsettling portraits, where sacred imagery is corrupted, and redemption wears the face of the abyss – reinforcing the central message of “Horror Vacui“: the most terrifying horror is not external but born from the void within.

For fans of: The Haunted, Kataklysm, Heaven Shall Burn, At The Gates, early Dark Tranquillity, and early In Flames.

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/cOzTCF

​
​
​“Libido Et Mors” (Official Music Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe4bccF7cx4

​

New album “Horror Vacui” out March 20th, 2026.

PRE ORDER “Horror Vacui” – https://rockshots.eu/products/karmian-horror-vacui-cd​

First Single – Visualizer – “Beastmaster Of The Void”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NhBZGSShJE​

DIGITAL: https://lnk.to/PMCdGh​

Track Listing:​
1. One Thousand Shining Bubbles – 06:38
2. Beastmaster of the Void – 03:21
3. Gott Mit Uns Nicht – 04:38
4. The Call of the Abyssal Bell – 06:17
5. Black Magical Soap Opera – 03:54
6. Temple of the Fleshless Goddess – 03:23
7. Libido et Mors – 03:40
8. Beyond the Dream Gate of Fear – 04:16
9. Maker of Angels – 04:43
Album Length: 40:50

Karmian Line-Up:​
Andrea Bertolazzi: Vocals
Andrea Baraldi: Guitars
Michele Perla: Guitars
Luca Marmi: Bass
Nicholas Badiali: Drums

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

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

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

BIOGRAPHY:

Originating from Modena, Italy, Karmian stands as one of the most consistent and distinctive voices in Italian melodic death metal, forging a sound that blends raw aggression, melodic nuance, and strong conceptual depth. Their music draws from the sharp-edged intensity of the Swedish tradition while embodying a uniquely Italian sense of drama, history, and emotional resonance.

The band’s earliest incarnation dates back to 2005, when founders Andrea Baraldi, Mauro Leone, and Nicholas Badiali formed a project under the name When the Storm Broke. Though the group disbanded in 2009 after several lineup changes, the experience laid the foundations for what would later become Karmian. In 2011, the founding members revived the project with the addition of vocalist Andrea Bertolazzi, giving rise to the definitive identity of the band and solidifying their path within melodic death metal.

Karmian debuted in 2012 with the EP “Ways of Death”, a conceptual release exploring psychological decline and the “ways of death” – themes that would become central to the band’s artistic identity. Years of touring across Italy and Europe further strengthened their presence within the extreme metal scene, leading to their first full-length album, “Surgere et Cadere” (2018). Rooted in historical and mythological narratives, the album recounts the struggle of the Celtic Boii tribe against the Roman Empire, showcasing the band’s lyrical ambition and intricate musicianship.

Following extensive touring, including performances with Dying Fetus, Mortuary Drape, and Venom Inc., Karmian released “Live at Slaughter Club” (2022), a testament to their intensity and authenticity on stage. After the pandemic years, the lineup evolved with the arrival of Luca Marmi (bass) and Michele Perla (guitars), marking the beginning of a darker, more elaborate creative phase.

This evolution culminates in their most ambitious work to date: the 2026 full-length “Horror Vacui”, recorded at Audiocore Studio with Luca Cocconi and Simone Sighinolfi. The album explores the psychological and existential void behind real acts of Italian murder and madness, transforming nine true-crime cases into allegorical portraits of emptiness, collapse, and human frailty. Musically, “Horror Vacui” expands the band’s soundscape through intricate dual-guitar writing, powerful rhythmic structures, and Bertolazzi’s blend of guttural intensity and narrative expressiveness.

Across their discography, Karmian have built a reputation for merging conceptual storytelling with extreme metal intensity. Whether navigating historical epics or psychological abysses, their work is defined by a commitment to exploring the deeper forces that drive human behavior – resistance, decline, obsession, and the void within. “Horror Vacui” stands as the culmination of this journey: a mature, uncompromising statement of artistic vision, philosophy, and melodic death metal identity.

-30-

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

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