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Tag: 2026 metal releases

0 NEKOMATA’s New Single “Functional Beauty” Ignites The Band’s “Third Impact” Coming in 2027

  • August 28, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · NEKOMATA (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 28, 2026

NEKOMATA’s New Single “Functional Beauty” Ignites The Band’s “Third Impact” Coming in 2027

NEKOMATA enter a new era in their story with “Third Impact”, a new creative cycle that begins with “Functional Beauty”, the first single leading towards the band’s third chapter expected in 2027.

“Third Impact” builds on the musical identity NEKOMATA have developed across their previous releases while pushing its defining elements further. Modern metal, tightly controlled grooves and a strong melodic drive remain at the core of their sound, now opening towards a broader range of influences rooted in classic heavy metal.

The new chapter also continues the band’s distinctive “concept-non-concept” approach. Rather than following a strict narrative, its songs explore individual ideas and imagery that stand on their own while contributing to a broader thematic framework. Obsession, transformation, and the pursuit of ideals emerge among the themes explored through the cryptic perspective that characterizes NEKOMATA’s writing.

“Functional Beauty” provides the first expression of this direction, examining the obsessive pursuit of beauty, attraction and perfection. At the centre of the song is the image of a modern-day King Midas, consumed by the desire to make everything around him perfect. Instead of achieving the ideal he seeks, that pursuit gradually corrupts him, transforming him into a figure incapable of satisfaction and trapped by his own expectations.

Musically, “Functional Beauty” pushes several recognizable elements of the NEKOMATA sound further. Melody and tightly driven grooves meet heavy galloping passages, an immediate chorus, and a succession of solos and rhythmic breaks blending modern metal with classic heavy metal influences.

“Functional Beauty” is the first step into “Third Impact”, with more music and further details surrounding NEKOMATA’s third chapter to be revealed in the coming months.

​​Listen to “Functional Beauty”: https://lnk.to/neoB3U

​Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maSJXtKHJOw​

Video Direction, Editing & Post-production: Gabriele Gafo Lei / Groundfloor Studio

For fans of: Monuments, Architects, Fear Factory, Periphery, Protest the Hero

NEKOMATA are:

Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
​Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
​Filippo Zavattari: Bass and backing vocals
​Mirko Fustinoni: Drums

For more info:

​https://www.rockshots.eu​
​https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/​
​https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/​

BIOGRAPHY:

Nekomata is an Italian metal band… Are you curious to know what they sound like? They call it Power Core – and yeah, it means exactly what it sounds like. Heavy riffs, soaring melodies, metalcore aggression, death metal growls, cinematic electronics, and a bittersweet glam edge that hits you when you least expect it. No genre boxes, no compromises. They released their debut album “…And Then, The Abusement Park Left Town” in October 2022. Their debut album crossed the ocean: in December 2023 it landed in Japan via WARD Records, peaking at #36 on Amazon JP’s bestseller chart. In July 2024, they signed with Rockshots Records for their second album. “Euphoria” hit Japan in November 2024 via Rubicon Records, backed by two live shows in Tokyo before its worldwide release in January 2025. Since then, the band has accumulated more than half a million YouTube views across their official music videos. Two albums in three years, two countries like two sides of the same coin, with a third record already on its way. Just four years into their career, Nekomata is establishing itself as one of the most prolific Italian bands in the heavy and melodic metal scene – and they’re just getting started. Now it’s time for a new chapter… are you ready???
​

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
rockshots[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Calgary’s VICTORIA LIES’ New Music Video Is “Weaving Webs” Into A Dark Metalcore Universe + Debut Album “Vendetta” Out Oct 2026

  • August 25, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Uncategorized · Victoria Lies

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 25, 2026

Calgary’s VICTORIA LIES’ New Music Video Is “Weaving Webs” Into A Dark Metalcore Universe

+ Debut Concept Album “Vendetta” Out Oct 2026 via Black Cat Records

L-R – Jay Powell (Bass), Chris Koehler (Guitars), Brett Hetherington (Vocals), James Cuncanon (Drums), Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

Photo Credit – Heather Kim

Calgary’s cinematic metalcore force Victoria Lies unleash their second single and music video “Weaving Webs,” following the explosive impact of “Red” and further expanding the dark, narrative‑driven universe leading into their debut full‑length “Vendetta,” due out on October 30th, 2026 via Black Cat Records.​
​
While the album “Vendetta” is built around the mysterious and evolving story of Victoria, “Weaving Webs” steps outside the central narrative to confront real‑world deception and the collapse of long‑standing falsehoods.
​
​“Even though not directly part of the Victoria universe, this one lyrically talks about how we all can see and communicate across the world. We can all see the terrible things that are happening. The same lies that have been told for decades no longer hold any ground, and we can now see who the real villains are. We will not forget,” adds vocalist Brett Hetherington.
​
Musically, guitarist Rory Fitzsimmons notes that the track began as a stylistic experiment inspired by Attack Attack!, pushing the band’s genre‑bending approach even further:
​
“I like to utilize ideas from all different styles of music. The intro to the track was a really fun side quest to see if a crazy idea I had would work.”​
​
The band’s first single “Red” introduced listeners to the pivotal moment in the Vendetta storyline, the instant Victoria becomes Victoria. A chaotic, urgent, and emotionally volatile track, “Red” set the tone for the album’s blend of narrative depth and heavy, groove‑driven metalcore.
​
With “Weaving Webs,” Victoria Lies reveal yet another facet of their sound, one that’s melodic, head‑banging, heavy, genre‑bending, and groovy in equal measure.

Watch and listen to the video for “Weaving Webs” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfgVSj0AxRc

​Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/weaving-webs-2

​

Releasing October 30th, 2026, “Vendetta” is a concept‑driven metalcore album built on theatrical storytelling, emotional depth, and genre experimentation. Across its ten tracks, the band explores themes of power, violence, deception, trauma, and transformation, all while pushing their sound into new territory with elements of pop, trap beats, saxophone, and more.
​
The album was produced by Scott Bennett, with the band’s signature blend of heavy grooves, dynamic melodies, and narrative‑driven lyrics brought to life through meticulous writing and collaborative effort.
​
​Victoria Lies is a Canadian metalcore band known for blending heavy grooves, technical flair, and theatrical storytelling. Formed in 2023, the lineup features vocalist Brett Hetherington, drummer James Cuncanon, guitarists Chris Koehler and Rory Fitzsimmons, and bassist Jay Powell. Their live shows incorporate choreography and the character of Victoria, portrayed by dancer Sadie Rieb, creating an immersive narrative experience.
​
The band has performed across Alberta, Calgary, Drumheller, Lethbridge, and Edmonton, including at Gatorfest II and Decimate Metalfest.

Recommended for fans of Bad Omens, Atreyu, AFI, Killswitch Engage, and Dayseeker, “Vendetta” will be available on October 30th, 2026, from Black Cat Records on all digital platforms.

Album pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/vendetta​

Track Listing:​
1. Victoria – 1:40
2. We Ignite – 3:25
3. Terra Critical – 4:00
4. Laced With Hate – 6:30
5. Red – 2:44
6. Weaving Webs – 4:18
7. Trial by Fire – 3:33
8. Absurd – 4:21
9. Red Lips, Loaded Gun – 5:52
10. Ravens – 3:41
11. Truth and Sugar – 4:15
Album Length: 44:23

Album and Live Band Line-up:​
Jay Powell (Bass)
Brett Hetherington (Vocals)
James Cuncanon (Drums)
Chris Koehler (Guitars)
Rory Fitzsimmons (Guitars)

More info: Victorialies.com | Facebook.com/victorialiesband | Instagram.com/victorialiesband | Tiktok.com/@victoria.lies

-30-

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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