NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – September 25, 2026
Canada’s VICTORIA LIES Gives You A Sweet Taste of “Truth and Sugar”
+ Debut Concept Album “Vendetta” Out Oct 30th, 2026 via Black Cat Records
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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 are giving fans a sweet taste of “Truth and Sugar”, the third single from their upcoming debut full‑length “Vendetta,” due out on October 30th, 2026 via Black Cat Records. The track follows the explosive momentum of earlier singles “Weaving Webs” and “Red,” each revealing a different facet of the band’s genre‑bending identity and the dark, evolving universe at the heart of “Vendetta.”
“Truth and Sugar” marks a pivotal moment in the concept album’s narrative, showcasing Victoria, the story’s central character, now hardened, confident, and far from finished. Vocalist Brett Hetherington crafted the track as a duet, intentionally spotlighting the guest vocals from Ari Grey to heighten the emotional tension and expand the sonic palette.
“I really enjoyed writing the lyrics to this song; it was a new challenge for me as I had never written a song that had two lead singers before… This song follows our current‑day Victoria now that she has some experience and confidence. She is far from finished,” adds Brett.
Musically, “Truth and Sugar” continues the band’s commitment to pushing beyond metalcore conventions, melding groove, atmosphere, and theatrical storytelling into a track that feels both intimate and explosive.
Watch and listen at the following links:
Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09XpCMspAz0
Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorialies/truth-and-sugar
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With “Vendetta,” Victoria Lies aims to deliver a fully immersive experience, blending choreography, narrative arcs, and genre‑bending compositions. The album moves between crushing heaviness and reflective moments, all tied together by the evolving mythology of Victoria’s world. The eleven‑track concept album, produced by the band and Scott Bennett, explores themes of abuse of power, violence against women, personal trauma, and revenge, all woven into a cinematic metalcore framework. The band blends melodic metalcore, groove metal, and experimental elements, trap beats, pop influences, even saxophone, to create a sound that is unmistakably their own.
Guitarist Rory Fitzsimmons describes the album’s purpose:
“I wanted to create something that, when you hear it, you know that you are in Victoria’s universe. We are trying to give the listener something new, not just screaming at them for 5 minutes a song for 10 songs; we want to take the listener on a journey with no shortage of twists and turns.”
And bassist Jay Powell adds:
“Each of the singles off this album is very different. While they are all very good on their own, each single opens the door to a certain side of the band’s sound.”
Victoria Lies is a Canadian metalcore band known for merging theatrical storytelling with heavy, groove‑driven music. Formed in 2023, the lineup features Brett Hetherington (vocals), James Cuncanon (drums), Chris Koehler (guitar), Rory Fitzsimmons (guitar), and Jay Powell (bass). Their live shows incorporate props, choreography, and a dancer portraying Victoria, bringing the album’s narrative to life on stage.
The band has performed across Alberta, including Calgary, Drumheller, Lethbridge, and Edmonton, and appeared at Gatorfest II and Decimate Metalfest.
For local Calgary fans, the quintet will be performing a dual album release show on October 30th, with The Astral Prophets at Festival Hall. Event info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2518251718670050
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
Music Video – Weaving Webs – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfgVSj0AxRc
Music Video – Red – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebDxJlrmjGQ
Show Dates:
Oct 30 – Calgary, AB – Festival Hall (Album Release Show) w/ Victoria Lies, Cabraakan, Kyle Pullan
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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
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