Tag: Armstrong MetalFest

0 Canada’s FAMOUS STRANGERS’ New Single “L.S.C.” Digs Deep Into Power, Obsession, and Emotional Survival + Festival Dates – Decimate Metal Fest, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell Open Air

June 3, 2025
by Asher
· Famous Strangers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 3, 2025

Canada’s FAMOUS STRANGERS’ New Single “L.S.C.” Digs Deep Into Power, Obsession, and Emotional Survival

+ Festival Dates – Decimate Metal Fest (June 13-14), Armstrong MetalFest (July 11- 12), Loud As Hell Open Air (Aug 1-3)

L-R – Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals) | Braden Sustrik (Bass) | Brian “Beej” Jolly (Drums) | Amanda Keirnan (Lead Vocals, Lyrics)

Edmonton, Canada’s Famous Strangers, is proud to unveil their fourth single entitled “L.S.C.” as they gear up for perfmances at this year’s festival appearances at Decimate Metalfest (Millet, AB – June 13-14), Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC – July 11-12) and Loud As Hell Open Air (Drumheller, AB – Aug 1-3) along with upcoming tour dates to be announced.

“L.S.C..” is meant to take you on a ride. It starts soft, like it is letting you in slowly, and then it flips the switch. The heaviness hits out of nowhere. It grabs you, shakes you, and then drags you through the rest of the track without letting go. It eases you in, then completely takes over, and by the time it is done, it feels like it has drained the life out of you in the best way.

“LSC is one of the most intense and personal songs we’ve released. It digs deep into power, obsession, and emotional survival, all wrapped in a sound that’s meant to hit you hard and stay with you. It is heavy, emotional, and completely unhinged in the best way. Come get some,” adds guitarist Jeff Kittilitz.

Famous Strangers wants fans’ listening experience to be unpredictable, emotional, and honest. This single, and everything they have been working on, doesn’t stick to one lane. They jump from the heaviest riffs they can come up with to slow, bluesy, chilled-out moments. It’s all over the place, and they know not everyone is going to be into that…and that’s okay.

What they hope is that it opens people up a little, even if it’s not what they usually listen to. There’s so much music out there that people miss out on because they’re stuck in one genre or one mindset. Famous Strangers are trying to break through that and just write what feels real, no matter what it sounds like. They are about being fearless in their songwriting. Put everything on the table, be yourself, and don’t hold back. That’s the energy they’re trying to give people when they press play.

Famous Strangers has had a healthy and steady evolution. Since their earlier singles in 2024, Famous Strangers have started to lock in with each other creatively and naturally found a sound that they can all stand behind. It flows and feels more cohesive, and everyone in the band feeds off each other in a way that keeps pushing the songs to a new level.

Listen to “L.S.C.” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/drbeRCBcCGo

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4kNbe7F

Previous Singles:

Music Video – I’ll See You In The Stars” – https://youtu.be/OtdfaMp4Hec

George – https://youtu.be/fz85ChqELO4

Deepstar – https://youtu.be/00jujvck9sM

More info:

Famousstrangersband.com

Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

About: Since their formation in 2023, Famous Strangers‘ signature blend of haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes has captivated listeners. The band brings together accomplished musicians whose past experiences in various musical projects have shaped their collective sound. Their diverse influences converge in a unique sonic experience characterized by atmospheric instrumentals and a dynamic vocal approach that seamlessly shifts between melodic and aggressive. They are recommended for fans of Halestorm, Judas Priest, Dio, and Arch Enemy.

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“Haunting, Stirring and Impactful…those words just keep going through our mind as we take in the new single “I’ll See You In The Stars” from Famous Strangers. This one is quite unique with a powerful intensity that is full of rhythm and achieves the rare feat of fury as a pure form of beauty. We really dig this one and you can catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Early Bird Tickets For Canada’s Mountain Mosh Pit ARMSTRONG METALFEST On Sale Now!

January 8, 2024
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 8, 2024

Early Bird Tickets For Canada’s Mountain Mosh Pit ARMSTRONG METALFEST On Sale Now!

July 12-13 – Armstrong, BC, Canada

Watch the official video recap of AMF 2019 here.
(video created by Mayne Brand Productions)

Armstrong MetalFest 2023 Spotify playlist Here.

Western Canada’s largest mountain mosh pit Armstrong MetalFest has launched early bird weekend passes for their 2024 lineup being held on July 12th and 13th at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC with the beautiful backdrop of the Okanagan Valley. The 14th annual gathering of metalheads will once again witness a pilgrimage of extreme metal music fans for two days of unforgettable moshing, headbanging, and camping. From iconic headliners to promising newcomers, the upcoming 2024 lineup is set to showcase the best of diverse metal genres, ensuring an electrifying experience for all.

“It’s one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music.” – Vancouver Sun

Early bird weekend passes are on sale now at the following link until Feb 29th: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca

(All tickets provide General Admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2023, until 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2022. Free camping is included.)

Breaking attendance records again, the 2023 edition of Armstrong MetalFest was an eclectic earth-shaking lineup that featured 28 bands performing on the two-day festival that included headliners LA thrashers WARBRINGER, San Francisco tech-death giants FALLUJAH, festival alumni Spokane, WA’s ENTERPRISE EARTH, and Los Angeles’ THE ZENITH PASSAGE, along with Denver’s H.P. Lovecraft extreme metallers VALE OF PNATH, and Edmonton’s Juno award-winning heavy metal champions STRIKER.

(Photo Credit Derrek Carr – The Zenith Passage at AMF 2023)

Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Each year hundreds of metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in as much metal over two days, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C., it gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

Partners:
WCMFA
Vox and Hops
Rancho Vignola
Creative BC
Province of BC
Shepherds Hardware
Askews Foods
Armstrong Coop
ACE Containers
Asher Media Relations
Armadillo Trailers
Staggs Head
Nor-Val
Exclaim!
Bravewords
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
V13
Metal-Rules
Trash Talk w/ Nate
Ghost Cult Magazine
Valstar Electric
Voets

For more info:
Armstrongmetalfest.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Festival Press Materials HERE.

What the press is saying:

“Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan” – Global BC News

Kelowna Now: Armstrong Metal Festival Co-founder reflects on a decade of metal – Video Interview here.

CHBC – Global Okanagan: Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong – Video Interview here.

Global Okanagan – Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan – Video here.

“In the past, metalheads had to travel to Germany to experience the rush of a big festival, such as Wacken Open Air. But local headbangers decided to bring that feeling home with Armstrong Metalfest.” – Vernon Morning Star

“Go Big or Stay at Home: Armstrong has that welcoming feeling for a rock show.” – The Valley Voice

“To witness such a gathering of talent is an absolute privilege, and for that fact alone, I will certainly be returning to Armstrong Metal Fest.” – Beatroute BC

“This festival is now going to be my yearly must-go-to event and if you’re a metal head that hasn’t attended or a curious metal voyeur, do yourself a favour and check it out, you will not regret it.” – Abort Mag

“The Armstrong Metalfest is one such event and has grown from its initial, humble beginnings seven years ago to be a regular mainstay, with its south-central BC location making for a popular summertime destination for fans and bands alike.” – Decibel Mag

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun

“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

“From farm to stadium: Armstrong Metal Fest’s humble beginnings” – Info News

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Streaming Now! Get Your Popcorn Ready For ROCKIN’ ENGINE’s Horror Themed Offering “Altered By Evil”

July 6, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Rockin' Engine

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 6, 2023

Get Your Popcorn Ready For ROCKIN’ ENGINE’s Horror Themed Offering “Altered By Evil”

New EP “Altered By Evil” Out July 7th

L-R – Ste Vy Leff (Lead Guitar), Steve O Leff (Vocals, Guitar), Joel Bilodeau (Drums), Jean-Pierre Proulx (Bass).

Photo Credits: Lisa Thompson of Dark Moon Productions

A punch in the face is coming right at ya’ in the form of Rockin’ Engine’s “Altered By Evil”. This will be their third studio offering and fans will notice huge musical growth, it is more technical, and more refined, but punchy and heavy as Hell! After the release of 2020’s “The Wretched And The Damned” the band knew exactly what direction they wanted to go in and buckle up, because they are taking listeners on a rock n’ roll road trip. “Altered By Evil” is creepy and dark, and full of horror, and also creative, fun and theatrical, and the band is sure fans will eat it up, they continue to share their thoughts:

““Altered By Evil” is a tribute to everything we love about horror movies and serial killer documentaries. There’s a fascination behind the love of the macabre and the grotesque that we wanted to explore with our lyrics and expose different nuances of some classic works of art. With this record, we’re bringing the audience into a fantasy world of monsters and evil spirits, with a dash of historical elements that makes the listening experience even more interesting.”

The band members cite the great relationship they have with each other as being key to producing this deadly album despite having several obstacles to overcome during its creation. This EP is a true reflection of their evolution, not only as musicians but also spiritually. They add that bringing their love for horror to life and living their cinematic fantasies is the greatest gift they could have.

Like a tsunami making its way to the shore, Rockin’ Engine is gaining momentum with each new release. They started soft a few years back, but are getting heavier and stronger as they evolve together. Their music gets heavier and darker each day and this EP’s producer Joe Lyko at Dark Moon Productions captures their essence expertly.

Put your pedal to the floor and run the motor high with “Altered By Evil”, which is highly recommended for fans of Megadeth, Slayer, and Lamb Of God.

Listen to “Altered By Evil” in full before its release on July 7th via its stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

EP pre-order – https://rockinengine.bandcamp.com

Music Video – “Monsters Under Your Bed” – https://youtu.be/jiyuwjKrMYA

Lyric Video – “Room 185” ft. guest vocals from Stef Jomphe (Insurrection) – https://youtu.be/dTHBAj8x3Qs

Track Listing:
1. Carnival Of Evil – 5:45
2. Day Of Wrath – 4:22
3. Liber Ex-Mortis – 4:59
4. Monsters Under Your Bed – 5:11
5. Psycho Path – 5:23
6. Room 185 – 4:13 ft. guest vocals Steph Jomphe (Insurrection)
EP Length: 29:55

For more info: Facebook.com/rockinengineofficial | Instagram.com/rockinengine | Twitter.com/Rockin_Engine

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“There’s a scathing, contemporary thrash quality throughout the song “Libre Ex-Mortis” that brings to mind Lamb Of God musically while juxtaposed against melodic vocals that are almost pop-like in the vein of Night Demon. This contrast is interesting and most notable on “Monsters Under Your Bed” because of the interplay between the beaming vocals and the slick, pseudo-death metal barrage. Considering the accessible sounds, it’s obvious that the Canucks seek commercial success should that path become available to them. However the cookie may crumble in time, “Altered By Evil” is an enjoyable release for those who don’t mind aspects of the popular side of modern metal.” – Metal Underground

“The fusion of hard rock, thrash, and modern groove metal gives Rockin’ Engine potential to appeal to numerous audiences based on the material present with Altered by Evil. Standing on the precipice of glory, this quartet could be valuable to most label rosters based on the talent and quality songwriting delivered here. 8/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“The Shining inspired “Room 185” finds the band joined by Steph Jomphe of Insurrection fame for a cut that brings the blood stained curtain down in style. The riffs hit like tidal waves, the percussion from Joel Bilodeau absolutely huge and the mix from Dark Moon Productions absolutely nailed to perfection [8.5/10]” – Metal Noise

“Unlike others who choose to combine their love of horror and metal, what makes Rockin’ Engine stand out is they’re not winking at us here. These are tracks inspired by horror, both fiction and non-fiction, and moulded around Rockin’ Engine’s thrash sound. They’ve not adapted their music to fit the horror, it’s the other way around. 8/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Heavy, powerful and charismatic, “Altered By Evil” is by far their best work. Look forward to the hell Rockin’ Engine will ignite wherever they perform. If Gojira, Lamb Of God and Rob Zombie had a child, Rockin’ Engine would be their bastard son. Their fusion of hard rock and thrash metal will set any stage ablaze and leave everyone with bad whiplash.” – Amplified Mag

“This is obviously a band that knows how to play to their strengths. As the subject matter changes for each song, The Exorcist, The Evil Dead, The Shining, etc.. so does the music. Not drastically, you can still tell it’s the same band, but it keeps everything nice and fresh through the release. Six tracks over a 30-minute period is about right… other bands take note… Quality over quantity wins it for me every time. This is as good as anything I hear from mid-sized labels over here in Europe. The fact that this is a self-release tells you how fucked our industry is as this really deserves a bigger and more widespread audience that’ll probably get. Puck this up on July 7th.” – Smorg Mag

“Although the band is often labeled a Heavy Metal band on the album’s opening notes, we clearly feel more violent influences than heavy, we could almost put them on the border of Thrash. So the band proposes an album having an identity that is its own while trying to renew the style, the prod while being modern does not fall into the cliché of the over-auction and the crossing of different styles gives an excellent result so you can be tight be surprised to hear a riff or beat that could very well have been in the middle of a death album to which the band add a brilliant voice for a very convincing result. We’ll wait to see the sequel to know if the group will want to lead, even if we don’t really know where the group wants to go, it’s a refreshing approach to them.” – Metal In Veins

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

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