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Tag: death

0 Streaming Now! Quebec Melodic Death OUTLYING Unleash Long-Awaited Album “Oblivisci”

  • November 20, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Outlying

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 20, 2025

Streaming Now! Quebec Melodic Death OUTLYING Unleash Long-Awaited Album “Oblivisci”

L-R: Charles Alexandre Bilodeau (Bass, Back Vocals), Fred A. Dubeau (Guitar, Vocals), Martin Reithler (Drums)

Photo by Sandy Champagne

Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada, melodic death metal band Outlying will release their long-awaited new album “Oblivisci” on November 21st. A visceral and uncompromising work, the record blends aggression, melody, and raw emotion into a cohesive listening experience that fans will find impossible to ignore.

Formed in 2003 by high school friends jamming covers, Outlying has evolved through lineup changes and years of musical exploration into a band committed to creating music that is both powerful and accessible. Frontman Fred Dubeau, the band’s primary songwriter, sought to move beyond “music for musicians” and instead craft songs that resonate viscerally with listeners. The result is a sound described in five words: captivating, dark, aggressive, melodic metal.

The album’s title, “Oblivisci”, Latin for “to forget”, reflects themes of withdrawal, alienation, and the struggle to escape trauma. Across eleven tracks, the band explores grief, loneliness, disenfranchisement, and addiction, culminating in a three-part epic that chronicles frontman Dubeau’s personal battle with alcohol and drug dependency. Now sober, Dubeau channels those experiences into music that is both cathartic and brutally honest.

“It is a great pleasure for us after all this time and a very difficult process to introduce the world to our newest effort, Oblivisci. We are glad to be musicians who are somehow different from most other bands in our environment, and strive to make music that is expressive, dark, heavy, and brings the listener through many different kinds of atmospheres and vibes. We try to avoid trends and gimmicks, and create something that comes from our diverse musical influences, different backgrounds and lives, and many other forms of art such as movies, books, or video games. While staying true to what Outlying always was, we always try to step up our game and improve our sound and musical connection with our audience. Despite being more often than not called a melodic death metal band, the band absorbs influences from thrash, black, prog, and also 70s, 80s, and 90s rock. In a world of thousands of forgettable songs, we hope to find our way into the hearts of many metal enthusiasts locally and around the world,” says the band.
​
Musically, “Oblivisci” strikes a balance between relentless, heavy riffing and soaring melodic passages, enriched by clean vocal textures and dynamic arrangements. With Outlying, the band steers clear of unnecessary complexity, instead crafting songs that prioritize emotion and impact. While echoes of their influences, At The Gates, Testament, Cradle of Filth, In Flames, and Wintersun, are present, Outlying’s sound stands apart as distinct and refined, heavier yet more melodic than ever before.

The record begins with The Raven Is Gone, a blistering and epic opener that channels the urgency of escaping chaos in search of refuge. Stigma follows, rooted in old‑school melodic death metal, confronting themes of societal judgment and subcultural rejection. The atmosphere turns chilling with Snow, a haunting narrative of abuse elevated by female vocals and an expansive, epic structure. The descent continues in Pitch Black Serum, a dark and unsettling track that delves into defeatism and indulgence in fleeting pleasures. Sentinel then emerges as a poignant power ballad, weaving clean vocals with an aggressive bridge to capture grief and memory. Closing the album, the three‑part suite Dreamless Nights I–III delivers a sweeping chronicle of addiction, false escape, and painful aftermath, culminating in a climactic, melodic finale that leaves a powerful and lasting impression.
​
The album artwork depicts a post-apocalyptic version of the band’s home city, visually reinforcing the themes of decay, alienation, and survival that permeate the record. It mirrors the music’s balance of heaviness and melody, offering listeners a complete aesthetic experience.
​
With “Oblivisci,” Outlying has crafted a “no skipped tracks” album; every song matters, every riff and lyric carries weight. The band hopes to continue releasing music consistently, exploring new directions while staying true to their core sound.

Listen to the album in full via its stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

Available on all digital platforms on November 21st, 2025.

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

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5q6oycizRFEpwSzpUBJ0Z8​

Track Listing:
​
1 – The Raven Is Gone – 5:27
2 – Stigma – 3:49
3 – Snow – 6:02
4 – Streets Of Rats And Vultures – 4:47
5 – Pitch-Black Serum – 4:36
6 – November – 5:56
7 – Sentinel – 5:43
8 – Impaired – 5:32
9 – Dreamless Nights Part I: A Lullaby For The Insomniac – 4:19
10- Dreamless Nights Part II: From Velvet Skies – 5:13
11- Dreamless Nights Part III: Walking Out Of Eden’s Ashes – 4:25
Album Length: 55:49

Album Credits:​
All songs performed, written, and produced by Fred A. Dubeau and Martin Reithler
Mixed and mastered by Fred A. Dubeau
Album Artwork by Fred A. Dubeau

Album recording lineup:​
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Bass, All Vocals Martin Reithler – Drums
Guest musicians for the album:
Steph from “Exotoxic” – Auxiliary percussion
Marilyn from “Chained By Illness” – Female Vocals
Sim from “Lancaster” – Guest Guitar Solo
Hardcore Band “Northwalk” – Gang Vocals

Lineup for live:​
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Vocals
Charles Alex Bilodeau – Bass, Back Vocals
Martin Reithler – Drums

For more info:

​http://www.outlying.ca/​

​http://www.facebook.com/outlyingband​

​http://www.instagram.com/outlyingband/​

​https://www.tiktok.com/@outlying.band​

– 30 –

“Outlying pull together ingredients of thrash, melodic death metal, and black metal to create music that’s blood-rushing and muscle-flexing, and the panoply of changing riffs is very damned infectious too.” – No Clean Singing​
​
​“In the shadow of Quebec’s steel-forged skies, Outlying emerges once again with The Raven Is Gone — a melodic death metal masterstroke that’s equal parts chaos and catharsis… The Raven Is Gone is not just a song — it’s a statement. A declaration that melodic death metal is alive, vital, and pulsing through Canada’s veins. Outlying have evolved into something rare: a band that remembers what heavy music was meant to do — confront, release, and transcend.” – See Rock Live Magazine​
​
​“Melodic death metal band Outlying released their new single Pitch-Black Serum on November 16th. The song’s biting energy and unrelenting fervor hits with an uncommon ferocity while being dynamic…” – Din Intunerec

“Outlying offers a solid Swedish-style melodic death metal sound with their own personal touch.” – MetalUniverse.net

“With a biting energy and a relentless intensity, [Pitch-Black Serum] hits with an uncommon ferocity while keeping a dynamic, melodic and catchy structure.” – MetalUniverse.net

“I had never heard of this band before, so I was all the more amazed by the high level of performance the band had already achieved in 2012 [Scars Of Daylight album]. They are reminiscent of Scandinavian melodic death metal bands of the late 1990s.” – Ammo-underground.at

“The three gentlemen serve us finely spun melodies; the musicians tie everything together into a flowing, detailed unity. A bit of clean vocals are sprinkled in here and there, and so a lot happens in this largely whipping smasher. A few threatening vibes and thrashy, straight-ahead tactics are also effectively employed, as is polyphonic vocals – everything just fits! Raising fists, enjoying details, headbanging – it’s a mystery to me why these all-rounders are still so unknown!” – Ammo-underground.at

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Melodic Death Metal Force OUTLYING Unleashes “The Raven Is Gone” From New Album “Oblivisci” Out Nov 2025

  • November 4, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Outlying

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 4, 2025

Trois-Rivieres’ Melodic Death Metal Force OUTLYING Unleashes “The Raven Is Gone”

New Album “Oblivisci” Out Nov 2025

L-R: Charles Alexandre Bilodeau (Bass, Back Vocals), Fred A. Dubeau (Guitar, Vocals), Martin Reithler (Drums)

Photo by Sandy Champagne

​Canadian melodic death metal band Outlying has unleashed their brand-new single “The Raven Is Gone”, the third preview of their upcoming full-length album “Oblivisci,” set for release on November 21, 2025.
​
Following singles “Pitch Black Serum” and “November“, their next track, “The Raven Is Gone” is fast, heavy, and undeniably epic, capturing the chaos of everyday struggles, bills, jobs, relationships, and the weight of modern life, and transforms them into a soaring, visceral anthem. Originally drafted years ago by vocalist/guitarist Fred A. Dubeau during a night of heavy drinking, the lyrics were rediscovered and brought to life with the band’s signature blend of aggression and melody.
​
​“Sometimes, bands write songs just before recording an album, and sometimes there are song ideas that were there for years before actually writing and recording that said song. ‘The Raven Is Gone’ is about how you often go through similar issues every day… and can feel powerless about all the chaos it can create. The whole vibe is about being a metaphorical raven who escapes fire and blaze, and tries to find a safe place to hide somewhere. The music is written to be as powerful, epic, and catchy as possible,” adds Dubeau.
​
Due out November 21st, “Oblivisci” (Latin for “to forget”) is a dark, melodic, and emotionally charged record that explores themes of trauma, alienation, grief, loneliness, and addiction. The album’s artwork depicts a post-apocalyptic version of the band’s home city, reflecting its lyrical core: the desire to withdraw from reality and escape the weight of existence.
​
Musically, “Oblivisci” balances aggression and melody with precision, from thrash-driven assaults to atmospheric passages, from crushing heaviness to moments of haunting beauty. The record closes with the ambitious three-part suite “Dreamless Nights”, inspired by Fred’s personal struggles with alcohol addiction and the cycle of escape, bliss, and collapse.
​
Founded in 2007 by vocalist/guitarist, producer, and songwriter Fred A. Dubeau, Outlying hail from the industrial city of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Their debut EP “Within The Jail Of The Unfortunate” arrived in 2008, followed by the full-length “Scars Of Daylight” in 2012. After lineup changes, bassist JD Poirier and French drummer Martin “Frenchy” Reithler joined, leading to the release of Frameworks For Repression in 2016.
​
In 2024, the band welcomed bassist Charles Alex Bilodeau, solidifying the current lineup. Outlying is now preparing to release “Oblivisci”, their most mature and focused work to date, heavier, more melodic, and unflinchingly honest.

Outlying’s music is best described as captivating, dark, aggressive, and melodic metal. Influenced by At The Gates, Testament, Cradle of Filth, In Flames, and Wintersun, their sound draws from melodic death, thrash, black, and groove metal. Their live shows are raw and passionate, relying on pure energy and musicianship rather than heavy backing tracks or overproduction.

Listen to their latest single “The Raven Is Gone” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

“Oblivisci” will be available on all digital platforms on November 21st, 2025.

Bandcamp – https://outlying.bandcamp.com

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5q6oycizRFEpwSzpUBJ0Z8

Track Listing:
​
1 – The Raven Is Gone – 5:27
2 – Stigma – 3:49
3 – Snow – 6:02
4 – Streets Of Rats And Vultures – 4:47
5 – Pitch-Black Serum – 4:36
6 – November – 5:56
7 – Sentinel – 5:43
8 – Impaired – 5:32
9 – Dreamless Nights Part I: A Lullaby For The Insomniac – 4:19
10- Dreamless Nights Part II: From Velvet Skies – 5:13
11- Dreamless Nights Part III: Walking Out Of Eden’s Ashes – 4:25
Album Length: 55:49

Album Credits:​
All songs performed, written, and produced by Fred A. Dubeau and Martin Reithler
Mixed and mastered by Fred A. Dubeau
Album Artwork by Fred A. Dubeau

Album recording lineup:​
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Bass, All Vocals Martin Reithler – Drums
Guest musicians for the album:
Steph from “Exotoxic” – Auxiliary percussion
Marilyn from “Chained By Illness” – Female Vocals
Sim from “Lancaster” – Guest Guitar Solo
Hardcore Band “Northwalk” – Gang Vocals

Lineup for live:​
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Vocals
Charles Alex Bilodeau – Bass, Back Vocals
Martin Reithler – Drums

For more info:

http://www.outlying.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/outlyingband

http://www.instagram.com/outlyingband/

https://www.tiktok.com/@outlying.band

– 30 –

“Outlying offers a solid Swedish-style melodic death metal sound with their own personal touch.” – MetalUniverse.net

“With a biting energy and a relentless intensity, [Pitch-Black Serum] hits with an uncommon ferocity while keeping a dynamic, melodic and catchy structure.” – MetalUniverse.net

“I had never heard of this band before, so I was all the more amazed by the high level of performance the band had already achieved in 2012 [Scars Of Daylight album]. They are reminiscent of Scandinavian melodic death metal bands of the late 1990s.” – Ammo-underground.at

“The three gentlemen serve us finely spun melodies; the musicians tie everything together into a flowing, detailed unity. A bit of clean vocals are sprinkled in here and there, and so a lot happens in this largely whipping smasher. A few threatening vibes and thrashy, straight-ahead tactics are also effectively employed, as is polyphonic vocals – everything just fits! Raising fists, enjoying details, headbanging – it’s a mystery to me why these all-rounders are still so unknown!” – Ammo-underground.at

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Montreal’s DEADWOOD Unleashes “Tales of Massacre”, A Brutal Glimpse Into Upcoming EP “Rituals of a Dying Light” (Innerstrength Records)

  • October 29, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Deadwood · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 29, 2025

Montreal’s DEADWOOD Unleashes “Tales of Massacre”

A Brutal Glimpse Into Upcoming EP “Rituals of a Dying Light” (Innerstrength Records)

L-R – Fred Element (Guitar), Charles Etienne Lafrance (Drums), Stephane Filion (Guitar), Derek Heynekamp (Vocals)

Photo Credit – Fred Element

Canadian deathcore juggernaut Deadwood has dropped their latest single, “Tales of Massacre”, a blistering and terrifying track inspired by the Salem witch trials. The song is the second single from their upcoming concept EP, “Rituals of a Dying Light,” set to release on January 9, 2026, via Innerstrength Records.

Formed in 2020 with the mission to “Make Deathcore Angry Again,” Deadwood has carved a reputation for delivering music that’s angry, aggressive, dark, heavy, and intense. Their latest offering is no exception; “Tales of Massacre” blends brutal technicality with eerie atmosphere, pushing the boundaries of modern deathcore while staying true to the genre’s roots.
​
​Deadwood’s forthcoming EP, “Rituals of a Dying Light,” plunges listeners into a concept-driven nightmare, where each track draws from real-life horrors and urban legends. From tales of demonic possession to infamous historical crimes, the band channels the macabre through punishing riffs and eerie lyricism. The EP features chilling narratives like “Heretic,” a brooding account of a nun overtaken by darkness, layered with piercing solos that cut through the gloom. “Thirst for Blood” delivers a vampiric frenzy, blending punk-tinged rhythms with a dangerously infectious chorus. “Whisper of Death” slows the tempo for a sinister dive into the psyche of Jack the Ripper, while “Echoes of the Fallen” closes the record with a haunting instrumental drenched in lead guitar and ominous atmosphere. Marking a new chapter in Deadwood’s evolution, the EP introduces solos and melodic leads for the first time—adding depth without sacrificing the band’s trademark aggression.

“We wanted this release to be scarier, heavier, and more extreme,” says founding member Fred Element

Deadwood’s lineup includes veterans of the Quebec metal scene, Fred Element (ex-Plasma Riffle, ex-Ion Dissonance), Stephane Filion (ex-Nova Spei), and Charles-Etienne Lafrance (Discovery Through Torment, ex-Dismayed).​
​
Their writing process is collaborative, with each member adding their own flavor to Fred’s initial compositions. Lyrics are crafted to match the music’s atmosphere, drawing inspiration from horror, real-life tragedies, and the darker aspects of existence.
​
​Deadwood’s live performances are known for their chaotic, horror-infused energy. Their stage presence is designed to evoke terror — not just a band playing music, but a visual and sonic assault.

“We don’t do small talk or funny vibes. We want to scare you. We want you to feel uneasy,” the band explains.
​
Having toured Japan and the U.S., including a standout performance at Inkarceration Festival, Deadwood is now preparing to conquer Europe in 2026. Their relentless drive and commitment to intensity have earned them spots alongside acts like Humanity’s Last Breath, Born of Osiris, and Traitors.
​
With “Tales of Massacre” setting the tone, Deadwood promises more music is already on the way.

“We chose five tracks that share the same dark atmosphere. But we’re not done yet, fans can expect a lot from us, sooner than you think,” adds the band.
​
For fans of Meshuggah, Whitechapel, Despised Icon, All Shall Perish, and Behemoth, Deadwood is a must-listen. Their sound is a terrifying blend of death metal and hardcore, crafted for those who crave pure brutality.
​
​“Rituals of a Dying Light” drops January 9, 2026, via Innerstrength Records.

Listen now: “Tales of Massacre” on YouTube – https://youtu.be/kqpk5XQXrSQ

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://hypeddit.com/deadwood/talesofmassacre-1

More info: https://linktr.ee/Deadwood.band | https://innerstrengthrecords.com/

-30-

“If you ever wondered what Al Swearengen might listen to if he was living in modern times, here’s your answer, c*********. Montreal’s Deadwood have been around town for a decade now, and pride themselves on evolving into a more savage animal with each release. In December, 2022, they released Inhuman, an EP that is hell bent on making deathcore brutal again.” – Metal Sucks: Deathcore in the North – 10 Canadian Deathcore Bands

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Streaming Now! ANCIENT THRONES’ New Concept Album “Melancholia” Plunges Listeners Into A Surreal Narrative

  • September 18, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2025

Streaming Now! ANCIENT THRONES’ New Concept Album “Melancholia” Plunges Listeners Into A Surreal Narrative

Ancient Thrones Current Line Up

L – Matt LeBlanc (Bass) | Top – Dylan Wallace (Guitar) | Bottom – Sean Hickey (Drums & Vocals) | R – Nick Leslie (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Matt Leblanc

Ancient Thrones, the Canadian progressive blackened death metal force known for their visceral storytelling and relentless sonic assault, is set to officially release their long-awaited sophomore album, “Melancholia,” on September 19th (Vinyl and Digital), and can be heard in full before its unleashed via its album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.
​
Described by the band as “the sound of existential exhaustion,” “Melancholia” is a 42-minute concept album that plunges listeners into a surreal narrative: a colourblind protagonist takes hallucinogens in a desperate attempt to see colour, only to spiral into a kaleidoscopic nightmare. From the explosive opening of “A Moon Fused Key” to the haunting decay of “Vacant,” the album is a relentless barrage of speed, aggression, and cinematic atmosphere.
​
​“This is truly an unapologetic extreme metal concept album. It’s a bad trip you can’t escape, jagged, abstract, and emotionally devastating,” says the band.
​
Formed in 2011 and rebranded in 2018, Ancient Thrones has evolved into a fully realized extreme metal entity, thanks in part to the addition of multi-band virtuoso Dylan Wallace. The writing process began in early 2020, just as the world was descending into pandemic-induced uncertainty. Rather than reflect the global crisis directly, the band channeled their energy into crafting a deeply personal and psychologically intense record.
​
​“We’re proud to share this album with our fans, old and new. We hope it moves you in unnatural ways. Enjoy the trip while it lasts,” adds the band.
​
​“Melancholia” is not just an album; it’s an immersive experience. The band’s signature blend of fast, extreme, progressive, cinematic, and existential metal is on full display, with every track contributing to the overarching narrative. Lyrically, the album explores themes of trauma, hallucination, and the dangers of idealism, all inspired by real-life experiences and a harrowing psychedelic episode.
​
Drawing inspiration from bands like The Red Chord, The Faceless, Archspire, and Deafheaven, Ancient Thrones pushes the boundaries of extreme music. Their sound is rooted in black metal, 2000s death metal, and modern tech death, but their cinematic approach and lyrical depth set them apart.
​
With “Melancholia” out on September 19, 2025, the band is already writing new material for the follow-up. Fans can expect more crushing, emotionally charged music in the near future.​
​
​Album pre-order (Vinyl, Digital) – https://ancientthrones.bandcamp.com​

Lyric Video – “A Moon Fused Key” – https://youtu.be/IfDBNhlJ0sI

​Music Video – “Melancholia” – https://youtu.be/_LvSTJ78kd8

​Playthrough – “A Turning Point” – https://youtu.be/zQ3wZqZj9EQ

​

Track Listing:​
1. A Moon Fused Key (5:12)
2. Achromatopsia (1:19)
3. Melancholia (6:17)
4. A Turning Point (5:46)
5. A Pellucid Prism (4:26)
6. Sacred Swollen Glass (6:16)
7. Blight (2:18)
8. A Pale Palace (4:55)
9. Vacant (5:31)
Album Length: 42:00

Band Lineup:​
Dylan Wallace – Guitar
Nick Leslie – Guitar
Matt LeBlanc – Bass
Sean Hickey – Drums & Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/Ancientthrones | Instagram.com/ancientthrones​

-30-

“The music is indeed violent, and immediately so, exploding in a blast of turbulent riffing, heavily undulating bass tones, and furious beats. The guitars wildly writhe and rapidly spear off in crazed angles, kaleidoscopic in effect, and the words spit forth in caustic screams that are equally deranged. Dissonant and dismal tones intrude, along with guttural roars, blast-beat outbursts, and pulverizing blows, and the riffing also seems to swarm in agony, adding further dimensions of darkness to the song’s overarching manifestation of delirium. Backed by a pulse-pounding and highly headbangable groove, the song also introduces yet another dimension, an eerie guitar solo that slowly slithers, brightly swirls, and evolves into an entrancing harmony, very much like a beckoning and seductive presence that manifests within the mayhem.” – No Clean Singing (single – A Moon Fused Key – 2025)

What the press has said about 2020’s “The Veil”:

“A full-throttle attack, the song (The Sight of Oblivion) delivers bludgeoning rhythms, vicious darting and slashing guitar-work, scorching blackened shrieks, and cold-hearted roars. There’s a brazen, borderline-unhinged quality to the barrage, generated by screaming, rapidly whirling leads, magma-like bass notes, and fast-changing, bone-cracking drums. But within the assault there are also fluid, sinuous melodic leads whose mellifluous, reverberating tones give the music a mysterious, mesmerizing, and mournful quality. And near the end one of those leads morphs into a fret-burning dual-guitar extravaganza that really gets the blood rushing.” – No Clean Singing (2020 – The Veil)

“Nearly an hour in length, The Veil earns that run-time with crisply-written compositions and an arsenal of sky-ripping riffs. The acoustic reprieve of “Sentient” and melodic grief of “Permanent” reveal the album’s heavy heart. But the album conjures strength from those pensive moments. Rife with nimble axe-work from Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, The Veil never succumbs to the solemnity of its subject. The Veil remains an impactful listen down to its final dying note.” – Decibel Magazine (2020 – The Veil)

“Trailer Park Boys and Hobo With a Shotgun aren’t the only pieces of media that have emerged from Nova Scotia that you should get excited over.” – MetalSucks

“From the massive tremolo sections and bludgeoning riffs to the surprisingly melodic harmonies between guitarists Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, Ancient Thrones have definitely honed in on something special with this track.” – GearGods

“From earth crushing riffs and face-melting guitar solos to the overarching theme of grief and devastation that the record encompasses, this single really ramps up the intensity” – Bravewords

“Canadian band Ancient Thrones perform a combination of black, death and thrash metal with some progressive tendencies on The Veil. They have similarities to Skeletonwitch, but have an even more dynamic sound. The songs are both aggressive and intelligent in equal measure and run through a variety of different emotional tangents. There is a vile and harsh aspect to the band, but there is also a forward thinking one. It all results in a creative and dynamic listen.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (2020 – The Veil)

“The prize for most ambitious album of 2020 already has the name of Ancient Thrones carved in marble. Who among you fancies a 56-minute blackened death metal saga with an epic meditation on one man’s descent into the afterlife? No band thought it conceivable to write the metal version of Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, but this Nova Scotia quartet are not just any band. This is a remarkable journey for the contemplative mind.” – Scream Blast Repeat (2020 – The Veil)
​
​
​“The Sight of Oblivion and The Millionth Grave are steeped in ferociousness and savagery as only a band well versed in blackened death metal are capable of producing.8.5/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life (2020 – The Veil)

“With this new incarnation, Ancient Thrones has moved into strict Black/Death territory, producing an album filled with pummeling riffs, intricate song structures, and technical musicianship that’s leavened by atmospheric segments and epic, sometimes audacious melodies that border on Cascadian. The production matches this style perfectly, being heavy and abrasive while allowing the songs enough room to stretch out… fans of more epic and melodic Black/Death will want to give The Veil a listen. 4/5” – The Metal Crypt (2020 – The Veil)

“It is fast, thrashing extreme metal with shrieked/growled vocals, and a headbanging attitude. They have elements of thrash, black and death but their method of delivery won’t confuse anyone. It is metal to make the fans move. It is pretty thrashy, pretty brutal but also melodic, and the guitar work has plenty to offer both in the riffs and the melodies.” – Metal Bulletin (2020 – The Veil)

—
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0 Streaming Now! Blast Beats to Blood Rituals KRATORNAS Redefines Extreme Metal w/ New Album “God Of The Tribes”

  • August 21, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Kratornas · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 21, 2025

Streaming Now! Blast Beats to Blood Rituals KRATORNAS Redefines Extreme Metal w/ New Album “God Of The Tribes”

Mastered by Dan Swanö (Dissection, Bloodbath, Marduk, Incantation)

“God of the Tribes”, the highly anticipated new full-length from Kratornas, will be available worldwide through Grathila Records as of this Friday, August 22nd. Before its official release, the full stream album premiere can be checked out on Decibel Magazine HERE.

This landmark release represents the most significant evolution yet for the pioneering one-man extreme metal project, originally founded in the Philippines and now residing in Saskatoon, Canada.

Breaking from the hyper-fast brutality that defined earlier Kratornas releases, “God of the Tribes”, mastered by Dan Swanö (Dissection, Bloodbath, Marduk, Incantation), showcases a more methodical approach, focusing on atmosphere, tension, and ritualistic elements. The album introduces previously unexplored instrumentation, including 7-string guitars for L/R channels and 6-string fretless bass, moving away from blast beats and heavily distorted guitars toward a more nuanced sonic palette. Kratornas comments:

“This album isn’t about being ‘advanced’ or ‘innovative’. It’s a return to roots, distilled into something raw and real. I’ve had firsthand experience with this kind of ‘indigenous music’. I was one of the drummers at festivals from fifth grade through my first year of high school. I didn’t copy those rhythms, but wrote my own, taking that foundation and fusing it with Kratornas. This album is the most natural and honest album I’ve ever done.”

The lyrics on “God of the Tribes” draw from the apocalyptic themes that have defined Kratornas since 1999, when the project shifted from its early Satanic themes to ‘doomsday predictions’. The album incorporates ritualistic chants throughout, with the creator noting that ‘the words are a bit ‘dangerous’ to chant along’.

Recommended for fans of Marduk, Beherit, Archgoat, Blasphemy, and Dark Funeral, Kratornas‘ “God of the Tribes” is available for album pre-order (CD) (Out Aug 22nd) – https://kratornas.bandcamp.com/album/god-of-the-tribes-gcd-2025​

Lyric Video – Evil and Plunder – https://youtu.be/6cIDMbs-rA4

​Lyric Video – Ravaged by Hurakaan – https://youtu.be/WcQVU7bvLx8

​

Album Artwork (non-explicit) – Kratornas – God of the Tribes

Track Listing:​
1. Cursed Sky Serpent (15:00)
2. Evil and Plunder (3:00)
3. Ravaged by Hurakaan (7:00)
4. Novena para Guerra (11:00)

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

​
– 30 –

“I think it’s a good thing that it is a bit darker for music this intense and with so much “action” in the upper midrange – Dan Swano (on mastering God of the Tribes)

“The new music IS unquestionably different from what you might expect based on the last album, though if you caught the album’s first single “Ravaged by Hurakaan” you already know that, and you’ll get a further idea from the lyric video for another album track we’re premiering today, “Evil and Plunder“, which is the album’s shortest song… Now, to the music, which is surreal. In line with the raging words, the vocals are blistering in their incendiary screaming intensity, but what goes on around them is dazzling and also a bit bewildering. There are indeed no blast-beats, but the sharp clatter of the snare and crash of the cymbals are still attention-seizing, in part because the timing and nature of the outbursts is unpredictable. The fretwork is also unpredictable. Above bubbling bass upheavals the shrill guitars play off of each other. They vividly swirl and glitter, spiral and dive, squirm and spasm, dart about and blaze. Other strange sounds speckle the song with their own odd textures. The experience is exuberantly demented and exhilarating to hear, like a bizarre but still mesmerizing sonic hallucination and rightly described in a forthcoming press release as a “3-minute descent into ritualistic chaos and psychological warfare.” – No Clean Singing

“With the upcoming release of God of the Tribes, extreme metal entity Kratornas returns from the abyss with a devastating new record that leans into ritualism, atmosphere, and unapologetic chaos. For over two decades, Kratornas has operated as a one-man war machine, who has consistently rejected conformity, trends, and convention.” – Crannk

“My take on the album: It is unique and unconventional. The album is brilliantly performed and crafted. If you looking for something different with cutting edge performance this album is for you. The longer songs in the album is pure magic.” – Project Metal Music​
​
​“It’s this progressive sense of composition that separates “God of the Tribes” from many of its peers in the extreme metal scene. Even in its most chaotic moments, there’s a weird sense of direction, a dark, strange logic that guides the madness. Of course, this is not easy listening. It’s demanding, violent and uncompromising. But for those willing to give it time, attention and an open mind, “God of the Tribes” delivers the essence of underground black metal. It’s not about catchy hooks or accessible melodies—it’s about raw spirit, musical extremity and vision. And Zamora has plenty of all three. Active since 1995, Kratornas has always lurked in the shadows of the black metal underground, but this album has the potential to push the project into a more prominent position—not through trend-chasing, but by sheer force of artistic will. “God of the Tribes” is a a declaration that Kratornas is still here, still raging, and still deadly serious. Black metal fans, take note—this is an album that deserves your ears. 8/10” – Myths of Rock ​
​
​“The music was energetic, and hyper… Call this album unique, that’s for sure, and If you can deal with chaos and dissonance, this album is for you.” – Metal Temple

​
—–
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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Streaming Now! VISITANT’s Visceral Debut Album ”Rubidium” + Michigan Metal Fest + “In the Wake of Flame Tour” (FL/GA/TN/SC/NC) w/ IATT

  • August 21, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Visitant

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 21, 2025

Album Download HERE (for media use only)

Streaming Now! VISITANT’s Visceral Debut Album ”Rubidium”

+ Michigan Metal Fest + “In the Wake of Flame Tour” (FL/GA/TN/SC/NC) w/ IATT

Debut Album “Rubidium” Out Aug 2025 via Exitus Stratagem Records

The wait is over. Blackened death metal collective Visitant unleashes their highly anticipated debut album “Rubidium” via Exitus Stratagem Records, delivering seven tracks of ritualistic, unrelenting music that weaves ethereal elements into haunting soundscapes. The album represents what the band calls ‘shadow work’, a visceral exploration of the bleakest parts of being human.

“Rubidium” showcases the full collaborative power of Visitant‘s seasoned lineup across 32 minutes of immersive music. Taylor Tidwell (Unaligned) serves as the primary architect of the band’s crushing riffs, while Anthony Lusk-Simone’s (Abiotic, Lattermath) orchestral passages and thunderous drumming build the cinematic worlds that define each composition. Kilian Duarte’s (Abiotic, Scale the Summit) monstrous bass work drives the album’s forward momentum, even contributing a guitar solo on “Envies Lament”. Chelsea Marrow’s (Voraath, Video Games: DOOM ETERNAL, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II) commanding vocals tie everything together, transforming personal experiences into ghost stories that channel the essence of restless, vengeful spirits. Thomas Weidick, on guitar, recently joined their live lineup this past June.

The album explores themes of grief, loss, betrayal, vengeance, time lost, and regret through seven carefully constructed tracks that showcase Visitant‘s ability to transcend genre boundaries.

The band shares their thoughts on the record:

Tony: “Imagine Dimmu and UADA being smashed together like action figures during recess.”​
​
Kilian: “This record, I think, threads the needle, blending a lot of different genres. But yes, imagine a bunch of metal bands as action figures in the best Super Smash bros type of way.”

Taylor: “While the genre-bending is ever-present, the release as a whole works cohesively, every part making up a piece of the puzzle.”​
​
Chelsea: “I really do think it’s genre-bending as well. I didn’t actively approach it with that in mind, but I went for what I felt each part needed or made me feel. It was a freeing experience. I was hoping we could create something that was impactful. I think we did that. After you listen to the album from beginning to end, you feel like you were just on the biggest journey. It evokes all sorts of feels. Like damn.. I feel like I was audibly hit by a big ol’ bus. In a good way… if there was a good way!”

The album was produced and mixed by Anthony Lusk-Simone and mastered by Jason Fisher, with striking artwork created by Chelsea Marrow in collaboration with Maxwell Aston for layout and logo design. Every element of “Rubidium” has been crafted to create what the band describes as ‘epic, moving, bleak, beautiful, and uncompromising’ music.

For fans of Gojira, Opeth, Naglfar, and Between the Buried and Me, ‘Rubidium’ offers a visceral experience that promises to resonate for years to come. Visitant celebrates the album release with their live debut at Michigan Metal Fest, bringing their haunting world to audiences with an intense live experience that matches the cinematic scope of their recorded work.

Watch and listen to the album full stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Visitant‘s “Rubidium” is available for album pre-order (out Aug 22nd) via Exitus Stratagem Records at https://hypeddit.com/visitant/rubidium​

Music Videos:

Briars – https://youtu.be/XMr5E2DGX2E​

Fodder – https://youtu.be/UCfxSpoPf60​

Starless – https://youtu.be/quktaBXaeVM​

Other Dates:​
Aug 23 – Michigan Metal Fest – Leila Arboretum – Battle Creek, MI w/ Dying Fetus, Within Ruins, Ov Sulfur, The Convalescence
​
​“On The Wake of Flame Tour” – IATT, VISITANT:
Oct 3 – Pensacola, FL – Pacific Kava
Oct 4 – Jensen Beach, FL – Dark Riff Records
Oct 5 – Duluth, GA – Sweetwater
Oct 7 – Nashville, TN – Cobra
Oct 8 – Piedmont, SC – Tribbles
Oct 9 – Raleigh, NC – Chapel Of Bones
Oct 10 – Knoxville, TN – The Pilot Light
Oct 11 – Jackson, TN – TN Metal Devastation Fest (Visitant only)

Track Listing:​
1. Unworldly – 4:48
2. Briars – 5:20
3. Starless – 5:07
4. Rubidium – 5:24
5. Fodder – 4:37
6. Envies Lament – 4:56
7. Moon Bathe – 2:38
Album Length: 32:50

Album Band Line Up:​
Chelsea Marrow Vocals
Kilian Duarte Bass
Taylor Tidwell Guitars
Anthony Lusk-Simone Drums / Orchestration

Live Band Line Up:​
Chelsea Marrow – Vocals
Taylor Tidwell – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Kilian Duarte or Anthony Wheeler – Bass
Charles Webber or Anthony Lusk-Simone – Drums
Thomas Weidick – Guitar

For more info:

​Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic | X.com/exsrmusic​

​Facebook.com/visitantband | Instagram.com/Visitantband | Tiktok.com/@_visitant_​

– 30 –

“Visitant is here to utterly wreck your morning thanks to their brand new single “Fodder”, the first offering from their upcoming album Rubidium due out on August 23 via Exitus Stratagem Records. Visitant is vocalist Chelsea Marrow (Voraath, The Monster Factory, Doom Eternal, Hellblade 2, etc.), guitarist Taylor Tidwell, drummer Anthony Lusk-Simone (Abiotic, Lattermath & ex-Pathogenic), and bassist Kilian Duarte (Abiotic, Lattermath, Felix Martin & Scale The Summit). So a real powerhouse of a band that brings some savage energy to the metal world.” – Metal Injection
​
“Visitant introduce the song (Starless) with subdued classical strings and rippling piano keys which together create a sorrowful but entrancing mood. The gentle nature of that overture makes the sudden crash that follows it even more startling — a sudden attack of slashing and sizzling fretwork, gargantuan bass-moans, neck-cracking beats, savage roars, and scorching screams. The song continues to bring in classically influenced piano melodies coupled with vividly dancing guitars, creating an almost diabolical kind of elegance, but the song also ignites a blackened firestorm of blasting drums, delirious fretwork, and sweeping symphonics. The notes vibrantly dart and blaze as the rhythm section thunder, and the music both elevates to heights of daunting, haughty grandeur and sweeps like wildfire. The torrid and tormented vocals seem to hold nothing back, howling and screaming out on the bleeding edge of intensity, and as if the song couldn’t get any more extravagant, the band make room for a head-spinning guitar solo at the end, in the midst of lots of other equally head-spinning fretwork and rhythm-section spectacles.” – No Clean Singing
​
““Fodder“, presents different warps and wefts in its weave. Also presented through a video (this time we get to see the band perform), it was inspired by a very dark dream in which Chelsea attempted to bring a murdered friend back to life and lost her own life in the process, leaving the friend trapped in a hellish limbo, bound to a body over which their control had been lost to dark spirits. To be sure, this song is also musically extravagant. It features a lot of borderline deranged and technically demanding high-speed maneuvers (a tour de force that would make lots of tech-death bands jealous) but it’s also hallucinatory, and unhinged in many other respects. It further demonstrates that Chelsea Marrow can really sing, as well as howl like a wolf and scream like a goblin. It’s a highly theatrical experience, but also instrumentally kaleidoscopic and viscerally frightening, and the singing makes the song stand out as much as every other demented and dazzling aspect of it.” – No Clean Singing
​
“Emerging from the shadowy fringes of the metal scene, blackened death metal outfit Visitant has unleashed their riveting debut single, “Fodder.” Released as a precursor to their eagerly anticipated first full-length album, “Rubidium,” the track invites listeners into a deeply atmospheric yet punishing sonic landscape.” – See Rock Live Magazine
​
“Uniting seasoned musicians from the Extreme Metal underground scene with members known for their previous works in Abiotic, Scale the Summit, Unaligned and Voraath, Blackened Death Metal quartet Visitant have spent the better part of three years crafting a debut album. The promise is of something dark, beautiful, visceral and compelling with single “Fodder” an almost ritualistic journey that weaves ethereal elements into an unrelentingly aggressive soundscape. Turning personal experiences into ghost stories for the half an hour of power that is “Rubidium” caught the attention of Exitus Stratagem Records who will distribute the affair on 29th August.” – Metal Noise

—
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0 Prepare For A 260 BPM Descent into Chaos w/ ANCIENT THRONES New Music Video “Melancholia” Off Upcoming Album “Melancholia” Out Sept 2025

  • August 20, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 20, 2025

Prepare For A 260 BPM Descent into Chaos w/ ANCIENT THRONES New Music Video “Melancholia” Off Upcoming Album Out Sept 2025

+ Launch Vinyl Pre-Order

Ancient Thrones Current Line Up

Top L-R: Dylan Wallace (Guitar) | Nick Leslie (Guitar)

Bottom L-R: Matt LeBlanc (Bass) | Sean Hickey (Drums & Vocals)

Photo Credit – Matt Leblanc

Set to unleash their sophomore album “Melancholia” on September 19, 2025, to follow their 2020 breakout debut “The Veil”, Halifax, Canada’s progressive death metal titans Ancient Thrones are sharing their second single and title track, accompanied by a new music video.

At 260 beats per minute, Ancient Thrones introduce the protagonist of their concept record, his condition, and how he describes feeling out of place, plunging listeners headfirst into his psyche.

“With unrelenting intensity from the opening second, the title track Melancholia is simply a demonstration of what we set out to do with this album. Not one instrument stands out more than the other on this track, as it storms through a plethora of chaotic riffs, rapid blast beats, and lightning-quick vocals at 260 beats per minute, before reaching a breaking point where we flip the script to welcome change both musically and lyrically. If you like to invite some emotion to go with your extreme metal, then this is the song for you,” adds bassist Matt LeBlanc.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Melancholia” via Slam Worldwide at https://youtu.be/_LvSTJ78kd8

​

Formed in 2011 and reborn in 2018 with the arrival of guitarist and composer Dylan Wallace, Ancient Thrones carved out a new identity rooted in fast, extreme, progressive, cinematic, and existential soundscapes. With “Melancholia”, the band introduces a 42-minute descent into existential exhaustion, delivering an unapologetic extreme metal concept album that fuses blistering speed, cinematic storytelling, and emotional brutality.

From the chaotic opener “A Moon Fused Key” to the doom-laden closer “Vacant,” the band exposes raw intensity and jagged vulnerability. The narrative follows a colorblind protagonist navigating hallucinogenic visions in search of meaning, an unsettling journey through idealism, dread, and transformation. After five years of creation, Ancient Thrones proudly bring to light this new chapter, inviting listeners to embrace the chaos and feel something truly unnatural.

“For this album, a big focus for us was on the production. We meticulously, painstakingly spent several hours dialing every tone, note, layer, vocal, etc. We were fortunate to have time and a slower world on our side during production. Everything on this album was thought out and brought to life in a fully fleshed-out way. It took us 5 years to make this album, with 1 of those years used just levelling up our musicianship and techniques in order to play the material. We’re faster, more technical, and have a singular focus to make sure this album was beating you down from head to toe,” says Leblanc.

Drawing from the raw ferocity of black metal, the brutal edge of 2000s death metal, and the precision of modern tech death, “Melancholia” is a must-listen for fans of Archspire, The Red Chord, Deafheaven, and The Faceless.

Album pre-order (Vinyl, Digital) (out Sept 19th, 2025) – https://ancientthrones.bandcamp.com​

Lyric Video – “A Moon Fused Key” https://youtu.be/IfDBNhlJ0sI​

Track Listing:​
1. A Moon Fused Key (5:12)
2. Achromatopsia (1:19)
3. Melancholia (6:17)
4. A Turning Point (5:46)
5. A Pellucid Prism (4:26)
6. Sacred Swollen Glass (6:16)
7. Blight (2:18)
8. A Pale Palace (4:55)
9. Vacant (5:31)
Album Length: 42:00

Band Lineup:​
Dylan Wallace – Guitar
Nick Leslie – Guitar
Matt LeBlanc – Bass
Sean Hickey – Drums & Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/Ancientthrones | Instagram.com/ancientthrones​

-30-

“The music is indeed violent, and immediately so, exploding in a blast of turbulent riffing, heavily undulating bass tones, and furious beats. The guitars wildly writhe and rapidly spear off in crazed angles, kaleidoscopic in effect, and the words spit forth in caustic screams that are equally deranged. Dissonant and dismal tones intrude, along with guttural roars, blast-beat outbursts, and pulverizing blows, and the riffing also seems to swarm in agony, adding further dimensions of darkness to the song’s overarching manifestation of delirium. Backed by a pulse-pounding and highly headbangable groove, the song also introduces yet another dimension, an eerie guitar solo that slowly slithers, brightly swirls, and evolves into an entrancing harmony, very much like a beckoning and seductive presence that manifests within the mayhem.” – No Clean Singing (single – A Moon Fused Key – 2025)

What the press has said about 2020’s “The Veil”:

“A full-throttle attack, the song (The Sight of Oblivion) delivers bludgeoning rhythms, vicious darting and slashing guitar-work, scorching blackened shrieks, and cold-hearted roars. There’s a brazen, borderline-unhinged quality to the barrage, generated by screaming, rapidly whirling leads, magma-like bass notes, and fast-changing, bone-cracking drums. But within the assault there are also fluid, sinuous melodic leads whose mellifluous, reverberating tones give the music a mysterious, mesmerizing, and mournful quality. And near the end one of those leads morphs into a fret-burning dual-guitar extravaganza that really gets the blood rushing.” – No Clean Singing (2020 – The Veil)

“Nearly an hour in length, The Veil earns that run-time with crisply-written compositions and an arsenal of sky-ripping riffs. The acoustic reprieve of “Sentient” and melodic grief of “Permanent” reveal the album’s heavy heart. But the album conjures strength from those pensive moments. Rife with nimble axe-work from Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, The Veil never succumbs to the solemnity of its subject. The Veil remains an impactful listen down to its final dying note.” – Decibel Magazine (2020 – The Veil)

“Trailer Park Boys and Hobo With a Shotgun aren’t the only pieces of media that have emerged from Nova Scotia that you should get excited over.” – MetalSucks

“From the massive tremolo sections and bludgeoning riffs to the surprisingly melodic harmonies between guitarists Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, Ancient Thrones have definitely honed in on something special with this track.” – GearGods

“From earth crushing riffs and face-melting guitar solos to the overarching theme of grief and devastation that the record encompasses, this single really ramps up the intensity” – Bravewords

“Canadian band Ancient Thrones perform a combination of black, death and thrash metal with some progressive tendencies on The Veil. They have similarities to Skeletonwitch, but have an even more dynamic sound. The songs are both aggressive and intelligent in equal measure and run through a variety of different emotional tangents. There is a vile and harsh aspect to the band, but there is also a forward thinking one. It all results in a creative and dynamic listen.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (2020 – The Veil)

“The prize for most ambitious album of 2020 already has the name of Ancient Thrones carved in marble. Who among you fancies a 56-minute blackened death metal saga with an epic meditation on one man’s descent into the afterlife? No band thought it conceivable to write the metal version of Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, but this Nova Scotia quartet are not just any band. This is a remarkable journey for the contemplative mind.” – Scream Blast Repeat (2020 – The Veil)
​
​
​“The Sight of Oblivion and The Millionth Grave are steeped in ferociousness and savagery as only a band well versed in blackened death metal are capable of producing.8.5/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life (2020 – The Veil)

“With this new incarnation, Ancient Thrones has moved into strict Black/Death territory, producing an album filled with pummeling riffs, intricate song structures, and technical musicianship that’s leavened by atmospheric segments and epic, sometimes audacious melodies that border on Cascadian. The production matches this style perfectly, being heavy and abrasive while allowing the songs enough room to stretch out… fans of more epic and melodic Black/Death will want to give The Veil a listen. 4/5” – The Metal Crypt (2020 – The Veil)

“It is fast, thrashing extreme metal with shrieked/growled vocals, and a headbanging attitude. They have elements of thrash, black and death but their method of delivery won’t confuse anyone. It is metal to make the fans move. It is pretty thrashy, pretty brutal but also melodic, and the guitar work has plenty to offer both in the riffs and the melodies.” – Metal Bulletin (2020 – The Veil)

—
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0 Reminder – July 11-12 – ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025 w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

  • July 7, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 7, 2025

Reminder – July 11-12 – ARMSTRONG METALFEST 2025

w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

Armstrong, BC, Canada – 15 Years of Mountain Moshing In The Okanagan!

“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

Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest’s conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM, and lots more from across Canada and beyond will descend on Armstrong, BC on July 11th and 12th at the Hassen Arena, for two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping.

Video – Celebrating 15 Years of Armstrong MetalFest 2025 – ​https://youtu.be/47QjFrOHLv8​

Armstrong MetalFest 2025 Spotify playlist – ​https://spoti.fi/4i4u2OV

AMF Weekend Passes are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets​

All tickets provide general admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.

Armstrong MetalFest 2025 Schedule

Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP “New Eyes”. Music Video – Death Is An Illusion – https://youtu.be/hkUgz-DeFAo

​

Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph (ft. members from Gatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released in March 2024. Lyric Video – March of the Northern Clan (feat. Nathan Harrison) – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4

​

Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary’s speed demons Riot City, who bring forth their steel, spikes, and leather! A youthful band that represents the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, their bullet belts feature two full-length albums, “Electric Elite” (2022), “Burn The Night” (2019), and their latest live album, “Live in Newcastle” (2023). Album Stream – Electric Elite – https://youtu.be/j3hA1nrG7M0

​

Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago’s BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full-length albums and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single “In Desolation” this past August. Visualizer – In Desolation – https://youtu.be/9OyMRRAq9fI

​

Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City’s THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album, “OMNI,” which features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT. Music Video – OMNI (feat. THE DEFECT) – https://youtu.be/VhyuduP3MdY

​

Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive/technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland, that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There’s no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025. The Cypher Supreme – https://youtu.be/9W9Kp38I9yY

​

Other treasured highlights of this year’s fest not to miss are Montreal, QC up-and-coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongers and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver’s GRAVEMASS might be a new band, but they feature some seriously experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood, and Revocation. Switzerland’s technical death/black metal Stortregn delivers a mix of charging riffs, blast beats, and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more. The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album “Death X Destiny” was released on February 7, 2025, under the record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduces their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard-hitting riffs, fast-paced drumming, and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.

AMF 2025 Lineup:​
Havok (Denver, CO)
Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL)
Glyph (Seattle, WA)
Riot City (Calgary, AB)
The Browning (Kansas City, KS)
Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland)
Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC)
Convictions (Fremont, OH)
Scalding (Vancouver, BC)
Syryn (Calgary, AB)
Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland)
The Defect (Kansas City, KS)
Gravemass (Vancouver, BC)
Lover (Calgary, AB)
Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC)
Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA)
The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB)
Volt (Fort McMurray, AB)
Jisei (Vancouver, BC)
Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC)
Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC)
Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB)
The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB)
Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)
Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
Naitaka (Kelowna, BC)
FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)

In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest is bringing back the following on-site activities: Yeti Games, Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling.

Please Note: Camping – RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you choose to park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, then a vehicle pass is not required.

For more info:​
​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
​
​Facebook​
​Instagram​
​Twitter​

About: 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 metal music fans from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in a tonne of heavy metal fun over two days, spectating wrestling events, participating in scavenger hunts, and catching up with their extended metal family.

The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, Warbinger, Fallujah, Striker, 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. but also 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
AlumaPro Welding & Fabrication Ltd
Vox and Hops
Rancho Vignola
Creative BC
Province of BC
Shepherds Hardware
Askews Foods
ACE Containers
Asher Media Relations
Staggs Head
Sunbelt Rentals
Bravewords
V13
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
Ghost Cult Magazine
This Day In Metal
Valstar Electric
Voets

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

– 30 –

​

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Technical Death Metal MATT MILLER Unleashes “Descent into Violence” – A Raw Prelude to His Seventh Album “Fiber Tormentum”

  • June 25, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Matt Miller

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 25, 2025

Technical Death Metal MATT MILLER Unleashes “Descent into Violence” – A Raw Prelude to His Seventh Album “Fiber Tormentum”

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

Photo Credit – Lilly May Everett

​Matt Miller, the acclaimed technical death metal virtuoso, has released his first single, “Descent into Violence. ” The song offers a powerful glimpse into the sonic landscape of his seventh album, “Fiber Tormentum,” which will be released on September 12, 2025, via Exitus Stratagem Records.

Driven by explosive instrumentation and guttural passion, “Descent into Violence” is more than just a song—it’s a visceral experience. Lyrically, the track explores themes of desperation and survival, painting the picture of a soul teetering on the edge and fighting to stay alive in a world stacked against them. It’s a cry from the depths, echoing the struggles many face but few can articulate.

This single marks a significant evolution in Miller’s musical journey, transitioning from his previous instrumental works to a full-band composition. Joining him on this project are Jordan Kelso (Drums, Synth), Justice Robinett (Bass), and Biko Wright (Vocals), each bringing unique elements that enrich the album’s dynamic sound.

Miller reflects, “It’s got a lot to offer for the instrumental fans as well as new fans who want to hear the music with vocals and the unique things each of these musicians is bringing to the table.” ​
​
Lyrically, “Fiber Tormentum” unfolds as a conceptual narrative, drawing inspiration from science fiction themes. The album envisions a scenario where extraterrestrial forces manipulate human DNA to subjugate humanity, blending speculative fiction with real-world anxieties. The album’s artwork, created by the late Joshua Nassaru Ward of Voraath, adds a poignant visual dimension to the project’s thematic depth..
​
Fans can anticipate a blend of technical precision and emotive storytelling, influenced by death metal pioneers like Necrophagist and Spawn of Possession and the atmospheric depth of artists such as Devin Townsend and Rivers of Nihil.
​
Providing a compelling introduction to the forthcoming album’s intricate soundscapes and thematic explorations, listen to “Descent into Violence” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

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

For more info:​
​Shreded1.com | Facebook.com/matt.miller.96995238 | Instagram.com/mattmiller630

​Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic | X.com/exsrmusic​

– 30 –

“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

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

0 VORTEX Unleashes “When Humans Defy the Void” Off New EP “Alien Realms” Out April 2025 + Eastern Canada Tour w/ France’s XAON (ON, QC, NB)

  • March 4, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Vortex

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 4, 2025

VORTEX Unleashes “When Humans Defy the Void” Off New Orchestral Blackened Death EP “Alien Realms” Out April 2025

Eastern Canada Tour w/ France’s XAON (ON, QC, NB)

L-R – Simon Desjardins (Bass), Mathieu Duguay (Guitars, Orchestrations), Alexandre Labrie (Vocals), Dany Lévesque (Guitars), Olivier Harrisson (Drums)
Photo Credit – Giuseppe Calvinisti

​Orchestral blackened death metal outfit Vortex has emerged from the void with their most ambitious release with their next concept record “Alien Realms”, set for release on April 11th, 2025, alongside the first single “When Humans Defy the Void”. With this release, they also announce eastern Canada tour dates with France’s XAON for April followed by European dates in October and November. They comment on the single:

“This song is a melodic assault, blending thrash-driven verses, hyper-melodic choruses, and an epic finale, all immersed in grand, sweeping orchestrations. Bold and daring, humans leave Earth in search of intelligent extraterrestrial life. This track is divided into three distinct sections: the thrashy, aggressive verses; the ultra-melodic choruses; and the glorious, epic ending.”

The band further explains that “Alien Realms” is a natural progression from their previous work. They’ve enhanced the orchestral elements while pushing deeper into blackened death metal territory. The EP explores humanity’s venture into space in search of intelligent life, though what they discover isn’t quite what they expected.

Known for their ability to seamlessly blend technical prowess with emotional depth, Vortex promises performances that showcase both crushing intensity and melodic sophistication. This can be witnessed at one of their live shows or felt through the song “When Humans Defy the Void”. They are recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Shadow of Intent, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

Listen to “When Humans Defy the Void” at​ the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/LRrpmT4Jaek

​Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4inCj0i

Track Listing:​
1. When Humans Defy the Void – 5:03
2. Haunting the Abyss – 5:26
3. Ripping the threads of Reality – 4:10
4. Where Wonders Dwell – 3:00
EP Length: 17:40

Symphony For The Dead Tour – Vortex + XAON (QC, ON, NB)​
April 15 – Montreal, QC – Le Petit Campus ***
April 16 – Edmundston, NB – Ateepic *
April 17 – Saint John, NB – Haven Music Hall and Cafe *
April 18 – Moncton, MB – Xeroz *
April 19 – Rimouski, QC – Coop Le Paradis *
April 22 – Ottawa, ON – The Rainbow
April 23 – Drummondville, QC – La Ste-Paix ****
April 24 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti ****
April 25 – Saguenay, QC – Microbrasserie Port-Alfred
April 26 – Trois-Rivieres, QC – L’Entite **
​
* Omnivide
** Strigampire
*** Ulfhednar
**** Burning Attic

Vortex is:
Simon Desjardins (Bass)
Mathieu Duguay (Guitars, Orchestrations)
Alexandre Labrie (Vocals)
Dany Lévesque (Guitars)
Olivier Harrisson (Drums)

For more info (Official Website, Socials, Videos, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music): https://linktr.ee/vortexband​

​
– 30 –

Canadian College Radio Charts – August 2023 – top 20 loud – #14 Vortex (earshot)

“#8 on Top 10 Quebec Band 2023 Albums – The Future Remains In Oblivion delivers a solid punch with their intense and well-felt symphonic death metal and, with a quality product like this, they have nothing to envy of the big names in the genre.” – Thorium Mag

“The Future Remains in Oblivion is the collision zone between powdered wig classical and battle jacketed death metal that should hold appeal for fans of Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh and those who like their Suffocation mixed with Dimmu Borgir.” – Decibel Magazine

“The song’s (The Walls) multi-faceted nature is further revealed in harrowing and haughty growls, jolting chords, and fiery sunbursts of sound, as well as through a swirling melodic guitar solo that spectacularly sends the song into the stratosphere. The song’s finale is itself a full-power spectacle that really gets the adrenaline surging.” – No Clean Singing

“If there’s anything that Vortex nails, it’s drama. Album highlight and banger track “First Blood” is simply massive” – Angry Metal Guy

“For some music is pure escapism but does that still hold true when bands like Canadian Melodic Death Metal monster Vortex whisk the would be listener into a bleak world that is recovering from a devastating cataclysm? Scenes of war and survival are punctuated with harrowing strings, technical riffs, and guttural and Black Metal inspired vocals as the band weave cinematic stories and orchestral touches into their third concept album “The Future Remains In Oblivion”” – Metal Noise

“the title-track The Future Remains In Oblivion, a song that will blow your mind with its insane wall of sounds, background orchestrations, epic passages, striking riffs and solos, and visceral yet intricate drums, resulting in one of the most breathtaking moments of the entire album.” – The Headbanging Moose

“An excellent group that you must discover because of the intensity they are able to show” – Ondes Chocs​
​
—–
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

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