Tag: metal

0 Quebec’s FORGOTTEN TALES Announce New Album “Other Times”; Unveil First Single “A Thousand Lies”

October 8, 2026
by Asher
· Forgotten Tales (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 8, 2026

Quebec’s FORGOTTEN TALES Announce New Album “Other Times”; Unveil First Single “A Thousand Lies”

Quebec, Canada’s FORGOTTEN TALES return with their new album, “Other Times,” set for release on February 12th, 2027 via Rockshots Records.

Arriving after an extended hiatus, the record reconnects the band with its melodic power metal roots while introducing a more direct, guitar-driven approach. The first glimpse into this new chapter comes with “A Thousand Lies”, a fast-paced track addressing the chaos of modern misinformation, accompanied by an official music video.

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/kmcyRF

WATCH – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSuH3rVkA7Q

Rather than following a single narrative, “Other Times” explores different sides of the human experience and the ways people respond to challenges and change. Across its ten tracks, the band touches on inner conflict, anxiety, insomnia, loyalty, loss, misinformation and missed opportunities, as well as broader reflections on humanity’s evolution. Running through these different subjects is a common thread of resilience, personal growth, and the passage of time – the idea that ultimately inspired the album’s title.

The foundations of traditional power metal remain firmly in place, from fast-paced riffing and double-kick drumming to layered choirs and melodic hooks. At the same time, subtle progressive touches bring variety to the arrangements without disrupting the album’s immediate character, while a modern production gives the performances clarity and impact.

At the center of the record is vocalist Sonia Pineault, whose performance moves naturally between its more forceful and introspective moments. Her melodic and expressive delivery gives each song its own emotional character, complemented by the guitar interplay of Martin Desharnais and Marc-Olivier Lavoie.

The first single, “A Thousand Lies”, captures many of these elements in a fast-paced symphonic power metal track driven by galloping rhythms, choir accents, dual-guitar harmonies, and a soaring chorus. Darker, rapid-fire verses and Pineault’s cynical vocal delivery give the song a sharper edge, while intricate guitar exchanges and an expressive solo from Desharnais reinforce its melodic side.

Behind that energy lies a warning about misinformation and the gradual loss of critical thinking. The lyrics question how easily unverified claims can be accepted and shared, shifting part of the responsibility back to the individual rather than portraying manipulation only as an external force. That idea is summed up in the song’s final warning: “Careful where you stand.”

Guitarist and songwriter Martin Desharnais explains:

“I wrote this song thinking about everything that was going down during COVID. The whole world was turned completely upside down, and people just didn’t know what to hold onto anymore. Even though the theme is heavy, I really wanted to keep a catchy mood – almost ironic or cynical. It’s an angry track, but delivered with a sharp touch of sarcasm. Musically, I wanted to channel that energy into fast verses, big dual-guitar harmonies, and a massive chorus that sticks in your head. It’s aggressive, it’s melodic, and it represents exactly the kind of energy we wanted to bring forward.”

With “Other Times”, FORGOTTEN TALES return after their extended absence with an album that stays connected to the band’s musical identity without simply looking back. Its ten tracks bring together the energy of classic power metal and a songwriting perspective shaped by time, experience and change.

For fans of: Stratovarius, Helloween and Nocturnal Rites.

PRE-ORDER “Other Times” here: https://rockshots.eu/products/forgotten-tales-other-times-cd

Tonight, October 8, 2026, Forgotten Tales will officially present their new album “Other Times” with a special release show at La Chapelle Spectacles – Québec City.

The band will take the stage to celebrate their new album in a special evening dedicated to the new record and to their fans.

📍 La Chapelle Spectacles
📅 Thursday, October 8, 2026
🚪 Doors: 7:00 PM
🎤 Show: 8:00 PM

Track Listing:
1. Echoes – 0:55
2. Pessimus Inimicus – 6:12
3. A Thousand Lies – 4:17
4. No Going Back – 5:24
5. I’ll Be Home – 5:30
6. Pain Of The Century – 7:06
7. Your Knight – 5:02
8. Morpheus – 4:55
9. Other Times – 5:40
10. The Caravan – 7:02
TOTAL: 52:03

Forgotten Tales are:
Sonia Pineault: Vocals
Martin Desharnais: Guitars & Backing Vocals / Author & Composer
Marc-Olivier Lavoie. Guitars & Backing Vocals
Xavier Gonthier-Blouin: Drums
Cédric Langlais: Bass

More info:
https://www.rockshots.eu

https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenTales/

https://www.instagram.com/forgottentalesband/

About:

Forgotten Tales is a Canadian symphonic power metal band from Québec City, founded in 1999 by Martin Desharnais, guitarist and songwriter, and Sonia Pineault, lead vocalist.

From the beginning, the band had a simple goal: introduce Québec audiences to European power metal at a time when international bands from the genre were rarely seen in the province. Forgotten Tales started out playing covers and quickly built a following, selling out several early shows. In November 2000, the band reached an important milestone by opening for Nightwish in Montréal.

That experience changed everything. Forgotten Tales gradually moved away from covers and began focusing entirely on original material. With Martin Desharnais leading the musical direction, the band developed a sound built around powerful melodies, virtuosic lead and rhythm guitars, complex arrangements, and precise musicianship. At the heart of it all is Sonia Pineault, whose powerful and expressive voice quickly became one of the band’s defining characteristics. On stage, her energy, charisma and genuine connection with the audience bring the songs to life.

The band released its debut album, “The Promise“, in 2001 with distribution in Canada, Japan and Russia. Forgotten Tales went on to share the stage with major international metal acts including Edguy and Gamma Ray in 2002, followed by Kamelot and DragonForce in 2005. In 2004, the band released its second album, “All the Sinners,” which was also distributed internationally.

Over the years, Forgotten Tales collected its share of unforgettable moments. In 2006, at Québec City’s Capitole, Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica invited Sonia on stage to perform the classic Black Sheep together. In 2007, the band performed at the Québec City Summer Festival alongside HammerFall, followed by a show with Stratovarius in 2009.

In 2010, Forgotten Tales released its third album, “We Shall See the Light“. Around this period, Pat Vir and Frédérick Desroches left the band while guitarist Marc-Olivier Lavoie, who had joined the lineup in 2009, became part of the band’s next chapter. Marc-Olivier has remained an important part of Forgotten Tales ever since.

After the release of the album, the band stepped away for a 15-year hiatus.

In 2026, Forgotten Tales is back with “Other Times“, its fourth album. The original core of Martin Desharnais and Sonia Pineault returns alongside long-time guitarist Marc-Olivier Lavoie (a member since 2009), joined by drummer Xavier Gonthier-Blouin (who came on board in 2024) and bassist Cédric Langlais (who joined in 2025).

This new lineup brings together experience, continuity and fresh energy. Xavier and Cédric bring their own personalities and musical drive while Marc-Olivier provides a strong connection to the band’s history. Together, the dual-guitar attack of Martin and Marc-Olivier gives the compositions a new dimension, creating the perfect foundation for Sonia’s powerful voice.

The connection with the past is still there as well. Frédérick Desroches returns as a guest musician on “Other Times“, composing the album’s introduction and creating a musical bridge between the band’s past and its new chapter.

After more than 25 years, Forgotten Tales returns with the same passion but with renewed energy. “Other Times” marks the beginning of a new chapter: reconnecting with longtime fans, reaching a new generation, and taking the music of Forgotten Tales beyond Canadian borders.

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0 Montreal’s KILLED BY SORROW Unleashes “The End Is Near” From Upcoming Album “Empire of Excess” Out Oct 2026

October 8, 2026
by Asher
· Killed By Sorrow · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 8, 2026

Montreal’s KILLED BY SORROW Unleashes “The End Is Near” From Upcoming Album “Empire of Excess” Out Oct 2026

After releasing their first track, “Betrayal,” and the dark, atmospheric “The Burial,” Killed By Sorrow continues building anticipation for their sophomore album, “Empire of Excess,” with what may be their most explosive offering yet: their third single, “The End Is Near.”

The song perfectly captures the band’s ability to balance aggression, melody, and storytelling. It opens the album with devastating impact, painting a grim vision of a world consumed by a deadly viral outbreak.

“A viral plague consumes the world, turning the infected into hunters. Civilization collapses, hope dies, and survival becomes the only instinct left,” adds the band.

Musically, the song showcases some of the strongest elements of Killed By Sorrow‘s sound, with commanding vocals, punishing breakdowns, and a standout guitar solo driving the apocalyptic narrative forward.

As the third single, “The End Is Near” joins its predecessors to offer a glimpse into the diverse sonic landscape listeners can expect from “Empire of Excess”.

Watch and listen to “The End Is Near” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKZuGNhoqH8

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/57UlcmtAL0LoNjSwy96shL

Set for release on October 23, 2026, “Empire of Excess” represents the next evolution of Killed By Sorrow‘s sound. Built around ten tracks that blend metalcore, thrash metal, progressive metal, melodic metal, and even hardcore punk rock influences, “Empire of Excess” embraces variety while maintaining a cohesive identity rooted in heavy riffs, memorable hooks, and emotionally driven songwriting.

Lyrically, “Empire of Excess” explores themes ranging from societal collapse and consumerism to betrayal, addiction, friendship, perseverance, personal struggle, and redemption. Each song presents a different perspective and atmosphere, ensuring that no two tracks feel the same.

“There is a track for everyone in there. You got some fast, some downbeat, even some punk rock. There is definitely a track that will please any kind of listener. We pride ourselves on making sure the album has a different vibe from start to finish,” adds Ham.

The album’s title track, “Empire of Excess,” tackles modern society’s obsession with endless consumption, portraying a world where the pursuit of novelty and material gain leads to emotional emptiness and inevitable collapse. Throughout the record, Killed By Sorrow combine crushing breakdowns, aggressive grooves, soaring melodies, and emotionally resonant lyrics into a listening experience designed to connect with both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

“Fans will connect strongly with this release. It captures the intensity and aggression that defined our early sound, but with a more mature and refined mix,” comments Ham.

Killed By Sorrow began as a tight‑knit group of friends channeling the intensity of the music they loved, evolving from basement rehearsals into a serious project once their natural chemistry and shared vision became undeniable. Emerging from Montreal’s South Shore metal scene in the mid‑2000s, the band shaped their identity around the emotional weight of Poison the Well, the razor‑sharp riffing of Unearth, and the melodic precision of Trivium, blending aggression with dynamic, melody‑driven structures.

During these formative years, Killed By Sorrow built a reputation through high‑energy performances across local venues, highlighted by a milestone moment sharing the stage with Swedish hardcore heavyweights Raised Fist, a show that cemented their credibility within the scene.

Recommended for fans of Unearth, Killswitch Engage, Poison The Well, Trivium, and Lamb of God, “Empire of Excess” is available for pre-save/ pre-order at the following links:

Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/killedbysorrow/empire-of-excess

Bandcamp – https://killedbysorrow.bandcamp.com/

Previous Singles:

“Betrayal” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0PWyiTedfs

“The Burial” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QAW0l6NjTg

Track Listing:
1. The End is Near – 3:38
2. Empire of Excess – 3:04
3. The Burial – 3:28
4. Betrayal – 3:51
5. Never Give Up – 2:37
6. All My Brothers – 3:18
7. In The Spotlight – 3:17
8. Killed By Sorrow – 3:29
9. Unchained – 3:42
10. Stay In Line – 3:28
Album Length: 33:55

Band Line-up:
Sébastien Mailloux – Vocals
Martin Bersier-Carpentier – Bass
Tommy Forand – Guitar Lead
Samuel Ham – Guitar Rhythm
Mathieu Lassonde – Drums

More info:

https://killedbysorrow.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KilledbySorrow/

https://www.instagram.com/killedbysorrowband

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“Canadian underground hardcore punks in Killed By Sorrow’s newest single, Betrayal, definitely stays loyal to the metalcore scene by actually sounding like thrash metal tones mixed with a hardcore punk grit and attitude. Heavily distorted rhythms sound closer to your traditional hardcore, but paired with your traditional style of hardcore punk vocals, Betrayal lets you know not to cross Killed By Sorrow. Huge basslines underneath and in-the-pocket drumming made this one an interesting approach in a crowded metalcore genre, and it’s more than worth a few listens.” – Metal Institute of Thrashology (2026)

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0 SF Bay Area Thrashers ABSOLUTE DARKNESS Unleashes New Single “Above The Law” From Upcoming Album “Witness To A Dying World”

October 8, 2026
by Asher
· Absolute Darkness · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 8, 2026

SF Bay Area Thrashers ABSOLUTE DARKNESS Unleashes New Single “Above The Law”

Sophomore Album “Witness To A Dying World” Out Oct 23rd, 2026

L-R- Orson Sojo – Bass, Ron Dorn – Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, Scott Russell – Drums, Douglas Vetter II – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals

Photo Credit by Eddie Granillo

Bay Area death/thrash metal force Absolute Darkness has released their third single, “Above The Law,” from their forthcoming sophomore album, “Witness To A Dying World,” due out on October 23, 2026.

Following the release of the war-torn “Attritional Warfare” and the opioid crisis-focused “Snake Oil,” the new single continues the album’s exploration of power, corruption, and the human consequences of societal collapse. Combining razor-sharp thrash riffs, melodic guitar harmonies, blistering solos, and uncompromising aggression, “Above The Law”.

“This is probably the most collaborative song on the album. Everyone contributed ideas that found their way into the final version, making it one of the most enjoyable songs to write,” says Ron Dorn (Guitar / Lead Vocals).

Musically, “Above The Law” wastes no time launching into high-speed death/thrash intensity before opening into a dynamic mid-section that showcases layered guitar harmonies and a standout solo from Douglas Vetter II. The track ultimately drives back into a powerful final chorus, highlighting the band’s balance of aggression and memorable songwriting.

Lyrically, the song examines the mindset of an individual who believes themselves completely immune from consequences.

“It’s told from the perspective of someone who believes they’re completely untouchable. They abuse their power, blame everyone else for their actions, and don’t even bother trying to hide what they’re doing because they don’t believe there will ever be consequences,” explains Dorn.

Watch “Above The Law” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v6BRGFcnXY

Formed in 2015, Absolute Darkness has built its reputation by merging the Bay Area thrash traditions of Testament, Vio-lence, and Exodus with the crushing aggression of Death, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth. The band’s sound combines relentless riffs, layered guitar work, memorable solos, and socially conscious storytelling that addresses subjects many artists avoid.

“Witness To A Dying World” marks a significant milestone for the band. While 2021’s “Failure Of State” represented a leap forward in songwriting and production, the upcoming album is the first Absolute Darkness release written collaboratively by the current lineup from beginning to end.

The album explores themes of corruption, authoritarianism, propaganda, war, addiction, homelessness, exploitation, and social decay through character-driven narratives rather than direct political commentary. Musically, it expands on the band’s trademark blend of thrash metal, melodic death metal, and traditional death metal while emphasizing memorable melodies, harmonized guitars, and dynamic arrangements. In addition to ten original tracks, “Witness To A Dying World” includes a cover of “World In A World” by legendary Bay Area thrash pioneers Vio-lence.

For band founder Ron Dorn, the song carries a particularly personal significance. Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area during the rise of the thrash movement, Dorn attended shows featuring Vio-lence, Death Angel, and Forbidden while those bands were still establishing their legacy.

Rather than reinventing the classic, Absolute Darkness approached the cover as a tribute, remaining faithful to the original arrangement while incorporating the band’s modern production and heavier vocal approach.

Recommended for fans of Testament, Vio-lence, Exodus, At The Gates, The Crown, and Amon Amarth, “Witness To A Dying World” will be available on October 23rd, 2026.

Album pre-order – https://absolutedarkness1.bandcamp.com/album/witness-to-a-dying-world

Track Listing:
1. Above The Law – 3:56
2. Attritional Warfare – 3:50
3. World Decay – 3:28
4. Snake Oil – 4:14
5. Different Illegally – 3:33
6. Loyalty To Me – 3:32
7. I Guess I Die – 3:59
8. Big Lies – 3:51
9. Extreme Accountability – 3:34
10. World In A World (Vio-lence Cover) – 4:13
Album Length: 38:21

Band Lineup:
Ron Dorn – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Douglas Vetter II – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals
Orson Sojo – Bass
Scott Russell – Drums

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/BandAbsoluteDarkness

https://www.instagram.com/absolutedarkness_band/

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“Absolute Darkness go straight for the throat with aggressive riffs, awesome grooves that will make you bang your head, and seriously neckbreaking thrashy riffs. This offering absolutely slams.” – Review Score: 8.15/10 – Drako’s Death Metal News & Reviews

“Combining death/thrash influences… stronger production values that hopefully will garner more buzz and attention.” – Dead Rhetoric (Failure Of State 2022)

“Part album, part call to arms… a rabble-rousing affair and a slamming indictment of modern-day society.” – The Headbanging Moose (Failure Of State 2022)

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0 VIOLET ETERNAL Announces New Album “Azure Stardust” Out Jan 2027 + Unveils Music Video “Azure Explosion”

September 23, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Violet Eternal (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 23, 2026

VIOLET ETERNAL Announces New Album “Azure Stardust” Out Jan 2027 + Unveils Music Video “Azure Explosion”

Japanese-Italian melodic metal band VIOLET ETERNAL announces their second album, “Azure Stardust”, set for worldwide release on January 22nd, 2027. The new record marks the band’s second album with Rockshots Records, continuing the collaboration that began with their 2024 debut, “Reload the Violet”.

Formed in 2023 around Japanese guitarist Jien Takahashi (Majustice, Michael Vescera Project) and Italian vocalist Ivan Giannini (Derdian, The 7th Guild, ex-Vision Divine), VIOLET ETERNAL debuted with “Reload the Violet” in 2024. The band has since evolved into a five-piece with the addition of guitarist Andrea Cappellari (Nekomata), bassist Ollie Bernstein (Illusion Force, Fiverings, Michael Vescera Project), and drummer YAMATO (Neu, UCHUSENTAI, Michael Vescera Project), an expanded lineup that plays a central role in shaping the sound of their second album.

With “Azure Stardust”, VIOLET ETERNAL retain the melodic and power metal foundations of their debut while developing a broader and more dynamic approach to songwriting. The expanded lineup gives the band more room to explore different arrangements, tempos and moods while melody remains at the heart of their musical identity.

Rather than relying on a single formula, “Azure Stardust” moves from high-speed melodic metal to more dramatic mid-tempo sections, ballads and atmospheric passages. This wider musical range allows the band to explore different moods without losing the melodic focus that defines VIOLET ETERNAL, bringing together elements rooted in the European melodic metal tradition with the Japanese sense of melody that has characterized the project from the beginning.

The world’s first look at this new era arrives with “Azure Explosion,” a track that channels the album’s most urgent, high‑velocity energy into just over five minutes.

Racing beyond 197 BPM, “Azure Explosion” is propelled by relentless rhythms and rapid-fire riffs, with Jien Takahashi and Andrea Cappellari’s twin-guitar work moving between tightly coordinated passages, harmonized leads and sweeping melodic lines. Ivan Giannini’s powerful upper-register vocals cut through the high-speed arrangement, reinforcing the song’s melodic character even at its most intense.

Yet the track is not conceived simply as an exercise in velocity. Its development introduces more lyrical passages and dramatic transitions that break up the intensity and allow the melodies to breathe. These contrasts are central to the song: the speed provides the initial impact. At the same time, changes in dynamics and melodic direction reveal the broader musical language VIOLET ETERNAL explores throughout “Azure Stardust”.

Like a flash of blue light across the night sky, “Azure Explosion” reflects the imagery behind the album itself: bright, fast-moving, and dramatic. In this sense, the song works as a natural introduction to “Azure Stardust”, presenting the band’s high-speed melodic metal core while also hinting at the more varied arrangements found across the record, mixed and mastered by Dennis Ward at TrakShak Studios.

Listen to “Azure Explosion” here: https://lnk.to/nujqM6

Watch the official music video for “Azure Explosion”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPqPAqgFW_k

For fans of: Stratovarius, Helloween, Sonata Arctica

Pre-order “Azure Stardust” (release date January 22, 2027): https://rockshots.eu/products/violet-eternal-azure-stardust-cd

Track Listing:
1. The World Beyond the Door – 6:41
2. Azure Explosion – 5:29
3. Into the Deep Blue – 3:58
4. I Can Hear Your Heart – 5:11
5. Weekend – 3:42
6. Singularity – 3:22
7. Techno Optimist – 3:29
8. Mars – 3:30
9. Arianne – 6:09
10. RE: Gradational Sky – 8:34
Total: 50:05

More info:

https://rockshots.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/p/Violet-Eternal-61555241974232/

https://www.instagram.com/violet_eternal_/

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0 Calgary’s GODFALL’s New Single “Default” Confronts Modern Burnout and Your Life On Autopilot!

August 19, 2026
by Asher
· Godfall · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 19, 2026

Calgary’s GODFALL’s New Single “Default” Confronts Modern Burnout and Your Life On Autopilot!

Calgary’s genre‑defying five‑piece Godfall return with their most introspective and hard‑hitting release, the single “Default”. A track that captures the suffocating repetition of living life on autopilot, the endless cycle of tasks, obligations, and burnout that leaves no room for surprise, growth, or self‑reflection. The band describes the song as a wake‑up call: a reminder that life is happening now, not after the to‑do list is finished.

As with all Godfall releases, “Default” was shaped through full‑band collaboration. Guitarist Omer Khan sparked the foundation of the track, bringing the initial riff and vibe that guided the vocal direction. Vocalists Karina Khristova and Abel Boban crafted lyrics that complement the music’s tension, choosing words, syllables, and melodies that highlight the emotional peaks of the instrumentation.

The band’s writing process remains fluid and democratic as their ideas are refined, reworked, and sometimes cut entirely if they don’t serve the song. This commitment to quality over quantity continues to define Godfall’s evolution.

Every member of Godfall comes from a different country and speaks a different first language, creating a melting pot of influences that shape their unique sound. Their music blends heaviness, melody, emotional storytelling, and raw grit, a mix fans often compare to Bad Omens and Evanescence, though the band prefers to let their own identity lead the way.

“Default” marks another step in Godfall’s ongoing refinement of their sonic identity, shifting between phases of anger, melancholy, and soaring melody while staying true to the heart‑first approach that defines their catalog.

“I think Default will be a pleasant surprise since we are constantly refining our sound and working on our songwriting skills. I think ultimately we want our fans to have a Godfall song for any kind of day: a day when you’re annoyed, sad, happy, motivated – you name it. We want them to be able to sing along and headbang at the same time,” says Karina Khristova (Clean Vocals).

Recommended for fans of Spiritbox, Evanescence, Bring Me the Horizon, Bad Omens, and Linkin Park, listen to “Default” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWSqYEDvjb0

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/23PvFFwfFYQWtyugbsDXua

More info: https://linktr.ee/godfallband

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0 SF Bay Area Thrashers ABSOLUTE DARKNESS Unveils New Banger “Attritional Warfare” From Sophomore Album “Witness To A Dying World” Out Oct 2026

August 18, 2026
by Asher
· Absolute Darkness · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 18, 2026

SF Bay Area Thrashers ABSOLUTE DARKNESS Unveils New Banger “Attritional Warfare”

Sophomore Album “Witness To A Dying World” Out Oct 2026

L-R- Orson Sojo – Bass, Ron Dorn – Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, Scott Russell – Drums, Douglas Vetter II – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals

Photo Credit by Eddie Granillo

San Francisco Bay Area death/thrash metal force Absolute Darkness unleashes their first single, “Attritional Warfare”, marking the beginning of the rollout for their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Witness To A Dying World,” due out on October 23, 2026. The album also features a faithful, modernized tribute to Bay Area legends Vio‑lence with a cover of their classic track “World In A World.”

Formed in 2015, Absolute Darkness blends the ferocity of Death, Cannibal Corpse, and Amon Amarth with the thrash roots of Testament, Vio‑lence, and Exodus. Their sound is defined by aggressive riffs, layered harmonies, memorable solos, and socially conscious storytelling that confronts corruption, war, propaganda, addiction, homelessness, and the decay of modern society.

The first single sets the tone for the album’s thematic weight and musical intensity. Written collaboratively by the full lineup, “Attritional Warfare” showcases Absolute Darkness at their most focused and explosive, fast, sharp, and unrelenting.

The track continues the band’s tradition of story‑driven lyricism, exploring the human cost of conflict through the eyes of those caught in the machinery of war. It’s a brutal, high‑energy introduction to the world the album inhabits.

“The war theme of this song is brought home by high-quality 2D traditional animation interjected with a live performance from the band. Be warned, the war footage can be very graphic and was inspired by anime such as Attack on Titan and Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade,” adds Ron Dorn (Guitar/Lead Vocals).

Listen and watch the animated video for “Attritional Warfare” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbh5jvhBQtQ

Bandcamp – https://absolutedarkness1.bandcamp.com/track/attritional-warfare

The new record marks a major milestone for Absolute Darkness; it’s the first album written entirely by the current lineup from the ground up, with every member contributing meaningfully to the songwriting process. Musically, the album expands on the death/thrash foundation of their 2021 release “Failure Of State,” delivering aggressive riffs, fast, energetic structures, melodic guitar harmonies, layered solos, and story‑driven vocals. A standout moment on the album is Absolute Darkness’ tribute to Bay Area thrash icons Vio‑lence. Guitarist/vocalist Ron Dorn, who grew up attending their shows, approached the cover with deep respect, preserving the original’s raw energy while delivering vocals in his own death/thrash style. The band intentionally avoided a click track to maintain the natural tempo shifts of the original recording, resulting in a version that feels both nostalgic and freshly intense.

Lyrically, “Witness To A Dying World” explores unchecked power, propaganda, authoritarianism, war, addiction, homelessness, and societal collapse, told through characters and narratives rather than direct commentary.

“Witness To A Dying World is the album I’ve wanted Absolute Darkness to make for a long time. Not because it’s heavier or faster than our previous releases, but because it finally feels like a complete band effort. Everyone contributed to the songwriting in one way or another, and I think that made every song better. Some songs are straight-up thrash. Others lean more into melodic death metal. There are a lot of guitar harmonies, plenty of solos, and enough twists along the way to keep things interesting, but we always tried to make every change feel natural instead of complicated for the sake of being complicated.

At the end of the day, we’re doing this because we genuinely enjoy making music together. None of us are trying to become full-time musicians or make a living from the band. We all have careers, families, and lives outside of music, and that gives us the freedom to write the songs we want to write instead of chasing trends. If people come away remembering the songs, wanting to hear them again, and maybe even thinking about the stories they tell, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do,” adds Dorn.

Recommended for fans of Testament, Vio-lence, Exodus, At The Gates, The Crown, and Amon Amarth, “Witness To A Dying World” will be available on October 23rd, 2026. Album pre-sale will begin on October 1st.

Band Lineup:
Ron Dorn – Guitar/Lead Vocals
Douglas Vetter II – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals
Orson Sojo – Bass
Scott Russell – Drums

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/BandAbsoluteDarkness

https://www.instagram.com/absolutedarkness_band/

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“Combining death/thrash influences… stronger production values that hopefully will garner more buzz and attention.” – Dead Rhetoric (Failure Of State 2022)
“Part album, part call to arms… a rabble-rousing affair and a slamming indictment of modern-day society.” – The Headbanging Moose (Failure Of State 2022)

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0 Alive and Kicking! Toronto’s DAWN VALLY Unleash Punishing “Kneecapper” Video For New EP “Near Death Experience” Out Now!

August 5, 2026
by Asher
· Dawn Vally · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 5, 2026

Alive and Kicking! Toronto’s DAWN VALLY Unleash Punishing “Kneecapper” Video For New EP “Near Death Experience” Out Now!

Recently coming off a crushing performance at Loud As Hell Open Air Festival in Drumheller, AB, where they tore through the stage alongside Fallujah, Crimson Shadows, Divinity, and more, Toronto’s Dawn Vally has dropped a ferocious new lyric video for “Kneecapper”, in support of the band’s brand‑new and third EP “Near Death Experience,” released July 31st, 2026, a milestone marking the rebirth of one of Canada’s most relentless metalcore acts.

Formed in 2007 by brothers Jeff and Joe Bartolo, Dawn Vally has spent nearly two decades forging a sound that’s raw, ferocious, intense, heavy, and brutal. What began as a DIY project burning CDs in their early days has evolved into a fully realized force, now rounded out by guitarist Antonio and new vocalist Zac Emmons, formerly of Pound Of Flesh.

“Kneecapper” is a blistering statement of betrayal, an explosive track aimed at a once‑trusted friend whose indecision and backstabbing cost everything. Musically, it’s one of Dawn Vally’s most punishing offerings to date, with high‑octane riffs, savage breakdowns, and Zac’s emotionally charged vocal delivery.

The lyric video amplifies the intensity, pairing the band’s signature brutality with stark, confrontational visuals that mirror the song’s themes of anger, loss, and retaliation.

Watch the lyric video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzZC9FWBTjE

The EP’s title reflects the band’s turbulent years from 2022–2024, an era of internal turmoil that nearly ended Dawn Vally entirely. Instead, the band emerged stronger, channeling the chaos into a record that blends every era of their sound, from the early “Just Please Her” EP’s hard‑rock roots to the ferocious metalcore/hardcore hybrid they’re known for today.

Lyrically, “Near Death Experience” is drenched in betrayal, emotional pain, and the psychological fallout of broken trust. Musically, it’s a full‑throttle assault, high‑octane intensity from start to finish.

“This EP is to signify that it was only a near-death experience and not a full-on death of the band,” adds vocalist Zac Emmons.

The band has already begun writing the follow‑up to “Near Death Experience”. Fans can expect even more music, more intensity, and more emotional depth as Dawn Vally continues to evolve.

Recommended for fans of Parkway Drive, Lamb Of God, Cancer Bats, and Suicide Silence, “Near Death Experience” is available at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://dawnvallyto.bandcamp.com/album/near-death-experience

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/7r4Y6txMc7q2IFCFouMKWR

Track Listing:
1. Orange – (2:30)
2. Pray For Me (2:39)
3. Kneecapper (2:50)
4. Second Hand Smoke (2:41)
5. Graves (2:44)

Band Lineup:
Vocals – Zac Emmons
Bass – Jeff Bartolo
Guitar – Antonio Bratta
Drums – Joe Bartolo

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Dawn Vally
• All songs written by: Dawn Vally
• Lyrics written by: Zac Emmons
• Produced by: Eli Heineman
• Mixed by: Eli Heineman
• Mastered by: Eli Heineman
• EP Artwork by: Zac Emmons
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

More info: https://linktr.ee/Dawn_Vally

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“Dawn Vally is bringing absolutely punishing music to the forefront of the Canadian music scene” – Kroniknoise Promotions

“Near Death Experience is gonna have audiences on the verge of death themselves with the mosh pits this music creates” – Pitborn Promotions
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0 Montreal’s OMBRA Detonate Cinematic Thrash Fury w/ “Hysteria” Off Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

August 5, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Ombra

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 5, 2026

Montreal’s OMBRA Detonate Cinematic Thrash Fury w/ “Hysteria” Off Debut EP “Night Terror” Out Sept 2026

Rising metal trio OMBRA will release their debut EP, “Night Terror,” on September 14th, 2026, delivering a raw, conceptual, front‑to‑back exploration of fear, control, and the darker corners of the human psyche. The band has also unveiled the EP’s first single, “Hysteria,” which features explosive energy, fusing cinematic atmosphere, thrash‑driven aggression, and unapologetic lyrical honesty. The track confronts themes of government control, media influence, and societal panic, setting the stage for the EP’s descent into obsession, chemical collapse, and full mental freefall.

“Hysteria” was initially mixed by JF Dagenais (Kataklysm), adding an extra layer of intensity to the band’s already powerful sound.

Listen to “Hysteria” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7mDZ-4uXrY

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/408K5TQAOB9ZRHnJKzxC4t

Formed by lifelong friends Giuseppe “G” Criniti (vocals/guitar), Marco Sisti (guitar/bass), and Nico‑Angelo Sisti (drums), OMBRA emerged in late 2020 after G and Marco departed their previous hard‑rock/progressive project NRTH to pursue a heavier, more aggressive sound. Nico, Marco’s cousin and a well‑known drummer in the Montreal scene, joined shortly after leaving Hidden Pride. With all three members having grown up together in Lachine, the band’s formation felt natural, inevitable, and rooted in decades of shared history.

Written between 2021 and 2026, OMBRA’s debut record “Night Terror” channels the band’s lived experiences and observations of a world defined by upheaval, media distortion, obsession, chemical escape, and psychological unraveling. Designed as a continuous front‑to‑back journey, the EP builds toward the intense emotional peak of its title track. Across its five songs, “Night Terror” traces a rising arc of mental tension. Opening track “Hysteria” confronts societal panic and media‑driven chaos; “Stitches” plunges into obsession and the painful pursuit of transformation; “Blue Dream” captures chemical escapism collapsing into paranoia and possession; “Night Terror” delivers a visceral mental freefall where everything goes wrong; and “So It Goes” closes the experience with an instrumental moment of acceptance, peace, and forward motion.

“Our goal was to create something honest. The world has gone through so much turmoil in the last decade. Night Terror is our commentary on fear, control, and the human condition. We want listeners to explore their own minds, think for themselves, and express freely,” says the band.

The band’s writing process begins with the rhythm section, the “heartbeat”, before expanding through long jam sessions, layered melodies, and extended solos. Every member contributes to the songwriting, though G and Marco handle the majority of the core composition.

Loud, energetic, groovy, and exciting, OMBRA blends old‑school thrash and sludge with modern groove and a touch of psychedelic rock/ They are recommended for fans of Power Trip, High On Fire, Motörhead, Mastodon, Testament, and Rammstein.

“Night Terror” will be available on all digital platforms on September 14, 2026.

EP Pre-Save – https://too.fm/eab92od

Track Listing:
1. Hysteria (4:15)
2. Stitches (4:43)
3. Blue Dream (3:46)
4. Night Terror (5:44)
5. So It Goes (3:06)

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Giuseppe Criniti – Vocals / Lead Guitar
Marco Sisti – Rhythm Guitar / Bass
Nico-Angelo Sisti – Drums

More info:

https://ombra.band/

https://www.instagram.com/abandcalledombra

https://www.facebook.com/people/OMBRA/61582909783052/

About:

OMBRA is a Montreal metal trio formed by lifelong friends Giuseppe “G” Criniti, Marco Sisti, and Nico‑Angelo Sisti. Rooted in old‑school thrash, sludge, groove metal, and psychedelic rock, the band blends heavy riffs with emotional honesty and modern storytelling. Their mission is to encourage listeners to think freely, explore their own minds, and express themselves without compromise.

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“OMBRA emerges in ‘Hysteria’ as a force that transforms social chaos into high-impact art. Advancing with the brutality of thrash metal and the structure of hard rock, the track shapes a sound that feels like both a siren and a sentence at the same time. Sharp and relentless, the riffs dialogue with drums that tear through the silence, while the vocals echo indignation and lucidity, a manifesto in the form of distortion. The band builds tension with precision: there is weight, but also clarity; fury, but control.” – Roadie Metal

“Delivering high-quality extreme metal that blends elements of thrash metal with other influences full of raw aggressiveness, a cinematic atmosphere with no soft edges, like a punch to the gut!” – Metal Junkbox

“From the moment we hear the sound of sirens, gunshots, and helicopters flying overhead, we know we’re going to encounter a strong track both in sound and lyrics, because the soundscape they create from the very first seconds already feels dense… the drums and guitar move between agility and the creation of a track full of suspense and tension.” – Poppunkers

‘STITCHES’, the new single from the Canadian trio OMBRA, arrives like an open cut: direct, intense, and impossible to ignore. The song crosses the border between hard rock and thrash metal with aggressiveness, transforming psychological tension into dense and precise sound.” – Roadie Music

“OMBRA is an incredible discovery! A band that shows us metal is more alive than ever… it is the perfect soundtrack to start a mosh and let out all our anger. It maintains brutal riffs worthy of any Metallica fan, an imposing guttural voice… it is 100% recommended!” – End Sessions

“I really felt it wasn’t a song made to sound pretty. It’s dark, heavy, and direct… The story it tells ,a woman who keeps reconstructing herself to fit in, hit me hard… It’s not a song that accompanies you in the background; it’s one that confronts you. It ends and leaves you with that knot in your chest.” – Rockola Indie

“Stitches’ hits hard with a dark and visceral vision of the oversexualization of women and the price of chasing perfection… It is raw, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore.” – Poppunkers

“Stitches’ explores the limits between obsession, beauty, and self-destruction. The track dives into the mind of someone who seeks perfection at any cost… Musically, it combines aggressiveness and atmosphere, with a fast, dense, and confrontational sound… a sharp and suffocating sonority that amplifies the emotional tension. ‘Stitches’ transforms psychological horror into sonic impact.” – Metal Never Die

“The band delivers one of their darkest and most intense compositions to date. The last single before the release of the EP Night Terror, the track dives deeply into themes such as dependency, paranoia, and the destructive consequences of escaping reality. Combining dense and melodic passages with explosions of weight and aggressiveness, creating a sound experience that is as engaging as it is disturbing.” – Metal Junkbox

‘Blue Dream’ delivers suffocating, volatile metal with heavy riffs depicting psychological terror, chemical dependency, and mental collapse in a dense, cinematic sound.” – Whiplash

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0 SHORES OF NULL Unveils First Single “Bleed to Life” From New Album “Homesick” Out October 2026

July 14, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 14, 2026

SHORES OF NULL Unveils First Single “Bleed to Life” From New Album “Homesick” Out October 2026

Album Out October 16th, 2026 via Dusktone

Album Guests – Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride)

Rome, Italy’s melodic death doom collective Shores of Null open a new chapter with the launch of “Bleed to Life,” the first single and music video taken from their forthcoming album “Homesick,” set for release October 16th, 2026 through label Dusktone.

The track marks the beginning of the band’s next era, one defined by sharpened songwriting, emotional depth, and the unmistakable blend of doom, gothic, blackened, and melodic death metal that has become their signature.

“Bleed to Life” stands among the most aggressive yet melodic compositions in the band’s catalogue. Davide Straccione (vocals) explains that the song’s core theme is the paradox of finding life through pain, an inversion of the familiar phrase bleed to death that instead celebrates growth through suffering.

The track’s shadows represent traumas, memories, and scars that cannot be outrun. Instead, the band embraces them, returning to those emotional spaces in search of understanding and acceptance. The result is a song that feels both punishing and uplifting, a defining statement for the album ahead.

The single arrives accompanied by a striking new music video, offering fans their first visual immersion into the world of “Homesick.” The imagery amplifies the song’s emotional tension, its collision of vulnerability, heaviness, and catharsis.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Bleed to Life” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s825Pn_EOLg

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/2xHwEaceWZAmKJDK0ANDhO?si=1878359078354a7e

Out October 16th, 2026 via Dusktone, “Homesick” represents the band’s most mature and focused work to date. Conceived as a complete listening experience, the album moves through longing, loss, anger, vulnerability, and the search for belonging. It captures Shores Of Null at their most confident and emotionally honest, balancing crushing moments with some of the most memorable melodies the band has written to date, enriched by guest appearances from Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) with her vocals on The Numbing Void and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride) on several tracks, including violin on Dreaming of a Scar and The Numbing Void.

“The record is an exploration of the deeply ambiguous nature of ‘home’, a place of comfort and identity, but also of pain, fear, and unresolved memory. It is probably the most honest representation of who Shores of Null are today. Behind this record lies a meticulous amount of writing, rewriting, and pre‑production work. At its core lies the idea of home as something deeply ambiguous: a place of comfort and belonging, but also of fear, pain, and memories we can never fully leave behind,” adds vocalist Davide Straccione.

“Homesick” marks a new milestone for Shores of Null as an immersive, emotionally charged work that expands their sonic universe to follow their acclaimed discography, which includes “Quiescence,” “Black Drapes for Tomorrow,” “Beyond the Shores,” “The Loss of Beauty,” and the 2025 split album with Convocation, “Latitudes of Sorrow”.

Recommended for fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, Katatonia, and Borknagar, “Homesick” will be available for pre-order (Vinyl, CD, Digital) in the coming weeks.

Track Listing:
1. Allies Before Defeat – 4:35
2. Two Mountains – 4:34
3. Bleed to Life – 4:09
4. Homesick – 5:31
5. Son of the Tide – 4:18
6. Dreaming of a Scar – 5:08
7. Society Is the Murderer – 4:30
8. The Numbing Void – 6:18
9. Another Breath – 3:52
10. Disappear – 4:33
Album Length: 47:32

For more info:

https://www.shoresofnull.com/

https://www.facebook.com/shoresofnull

https://www.instagram.com/shoresofnull

About:

Shores of Null are a Rome‑based metal band known for their seamless blend of blackened intensity, gothic‑doom melancholy, and soaring melodic depth. Since forming in 2013, they’ve built a reputation for immersive, emotionally charged songwriting across acclaimed releases like Quiescence, Black Drapes for Tomorrow, Beyond the Shores, and The Loss of Beauty, supported by major tours and festival appearances across Europe.

Following their 2025 split, Latitudes of Sorrow, the band now enters a new chapter with Homesick (Dusktone, 2026), their most mature and evocative work yet. Featuring guest contributions from Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride), the album explores nostalgia, absence, and the complex meaning of “home,” reaffirming Shores of Null as one of the leading forces in contemporary melodic death‑doom.

Album and Live Band Line-up:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

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0 SIEGE PERILOUS Ignite Cosmic Warfare in New Lyric Video “Eschaton” From New Story Album “Becoming The Dragon” ft. guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra), Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)

June 25, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Siege Perilous

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 25, 2026

SIEGE PERILOUS Ignite Cosmic Warfare in New Lyric Video “Eschaton” From New Story Album “Becoming The Dragon”

Album Guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)

Colorado fantasy metal Siege Perilous have released the official lyric video for “Eschaton”, the colossal final chapter track of their debut full‑length story album “Becoming the Dragon,” released this past March 2026 via Crunchtronic Records.

“Eschaton” stands as one of the band’s most ambitious compositions to date, a multi‑movement epic inspired by Blind Guardian’s “And Then There Was Silence,” Avantasia’s “The Scarecrow,” and Iron Maiden’s “Fear of the Dark.” The track follows the album’s protagonist as he battles the cosmic forces of destiny, shattering the universe to rebuild it free from fate. Musically, the song weaves soaring melodies, shifting tempos, thunderous riffs, and cinematic orchestration into a seamless narrative arc.

The lyric video brings this sweeping story to life, highlighting the emotional and mythic weight of the album’s finale while giving fans a deeper look into the world Siege Perilous has crafted.

Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel describes “Eschaton” as the culmination of everything the band set out to achieve with “Becoming the Dragon”:

“This song is an epic with a lot of pieces that flow seamlessly between each other, telling the story of the end of one cosmos and the dawn of a better one.”

As the final chapter of the album’s ten‑part saga, “Eschaton” captures the emotional and narrative climax of the Child of Prophecy’s journey, one that spans destiny, denial, tragedy, transformation, and ultimately cosmic rebirth.

Watch the video via its premiere on V13.net HERE.

A sweeping concept album years in the making, “Becoming the Dragon” is the band’s most ambitious project yet. The record features guest performances from Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance), both of whom were major inspirations for the band long before Siege Perilous existed.

The album’s story follows a hero bound by prophecy who must confront destiny, reject it, and ultimately embrace it to overcome it. Each track represents a major story beat, crafted collaboratively by all members of the band.

“Creating a massive, sweeping power‑metal epic has been a dream since before we even formed this band. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians,” says McDaniel.

Formed in 2021 after a life‑changing Unleash the Archers concert in Denver, Siege Perilous was born from the shared storytelling roots of live‑action roleplay, cooperative world‑building, and a deep love of power metal. Founders Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums) soon recruited longtime collaborator Eric Fischer (bass) and, in 2024, welcomed guitarist Ryan Flanagan, completing the lineup.

Their music blends classic heavy‑metal influences from Manowar, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, and Sabaton with the symphonic grandeur of Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia. The result is a sound that is epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story‑driven.

Every Siege Perilous track is a chapter in a larger saga, drawing from myth, history, and fantasy: the Black Plague, the Rubicon, dragon‑slaying quests, and the emotional journeys of heroes shaped by destiny.

The band’s writing process is deeply collaborative. Each member contributed to the story and composition of Becoming the Dragon, shaping different narrative beats before uniting them into a cohesive whole.

“We arranged, re‑drafted, and tackled each song as a team until we had something that really clicked. By the end, every track belonged to a unified Siege Perilous sound,” adds McDaniel.

On stage, Siege Perilous delivers more than a performance; they create an immersive world. Their shows blend high‑energy musicianship with theatrical storytelling, inviting audiences into the realms they sing about.

“Becoming the Dragon” (released March 27th) is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:

CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl in Draconic Red) – https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/2ij7lZIEXDFMn4I65Slc87

Track Listing:
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

More info: http://www.siegemetal.com/

-30-

Siege Perilous Unleashes a Dragon-Slaying Debut – Westword Denver

“The LARP-loving five-piece’s first LP is its most immersive work to date, introducing a protagonist who is destined to slay an oppressive cosmic dragon. Spoiler: He defeats the nemesis by the third track, “As The Dragon Falls,” featuring former Rhapsody of Fire frontman Fabio Lione. But it’s what follows that makes Becoming the Dragon such a mind-bending metal journey for the child of prophecy. Siege Perilous brought in operatic singer Kristin Starkey (Temperance and Twilight Force) for somber ballad “Echoes of Home.” Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, bassist Eric Fischer, drummer Mark Girard, and guitarists Scott Hancock and Ryan Flanagan rally the hordes on “Chieftain” and “Eschaton,” but Becoming the Dragon is best experienced in one shot.” – Westword Denver – The Best New Music Releases of March 2026

“Siege Perilous, a group with a ton of talent and potential, have the chops to be major players in the epic metal field. They need to get out of Colorado and head over to Europe!” 10/10 – Powerplay Magazine

“Denver, CO power-metal storytellers Siege Perilous launch their full-length Becoming the Dragon, which stands as a genre-defining concept album for the modern era.” – New Noise Magazine

“The debut album from this Colorado band is another fine example of just taking what makes power metal and epic heavy metal work and putting your own spin to it all.. with the excellent production and two awesome guest spots from Fabio Leone and Kristen Starky to give this just a little more cred and you having an album that is for anyone who enjoys the likes of Blind Guardian, Rapsidity, Krilloan, and Evermore. Excellent. Excellent music.” – Heavy Debriefings

“Becoming the Dragon is an excellent album in its own right, and it shows an up-and-coming band making great strides towards becoming a force to be reckoned with… a strong debut in its own right, and one I can easily recommend for fans of epic heavy metal and fantasy-themed power metal.” – My Global Mind Magazine

“With „Becoming The Dragon“ Siege Perilous follow in the big footsteps of bands like Avantasia, Iron Maiden and Blind Guardian. And the musicians do this extremely well. Great epic, sometimes bombastic sound, strong vocal direction and very good musicians make this debut extremely worth listening to.” – Keep On Rocking Mag

“This is epic Power Metal again, with driving drums and fast guitar solos.” – Metalheads Forever Mag

“The debut album from the epic, Colorado-based power metallers is a true journey from start to finish…. The band are insanely good songwriters, and for this to be a debut album makes it feel like we have some truly special things to come in the next few years! They’re ones to watch, for sure! However, for now, this is an excellent release for anyone into the genre even a little bit!” – Overtone Magazine

“For a debut, ‘Becoming The Dragon’ is a bold and confident statement… undeniably compelling, and a promising sign of greater things to come.” – Metal Rager 666

“Siege Perilous puts all the notes in the right places and has the chops to be a player in the epic power metal arena… and Becoming the Dragon offers a glimpse of this band’s potential.” – The Metal Crypt

“orchestral power metal with a fine story” – FFM-Rock

“With ‘Becoming The Dragon’, Siege Perilous proves that they are ready for the bigger stage. For fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, this is a must. This is power metal with heart, brains, and a sword in hand.” – Musika

“Becoming The Dragon is an ambitious work that combines epic heavy metal with orchestral elements. Siege Perilous show talent in songwriting and variety of arrangements… The mix of powerful vocals, triple guitar riffing and orchestral interjections makes the album interesting for fans of epic metal,” – MetalUnderground.at

““It’s certainly not a lack of ambition, this is a band that clearly sees itself as the natural successors to the true greats of fantasy-based power metal… Guest Fabio Lione… absolutely lays waste to all around him in the role of ‘The Dragon’ on As The Dragon Falls…. They deserve the highest praise for their commitment to the cause if nothing else.” – Sentinel Daily

“The 10 tracks keep you on the edge of your seat and even feature a collaboration with Fabio Lione, who deserves to be praised in every way… An album to enjoy!” – Nada Hay Bajo El Sol

““‘As the Dragon Falls’ is elevated to a completely different level…. The catchy melodies and gripping guitar work are among the highlights of the record…. With the melancholic dark ballad ‘Echoes of Home,’ the band proves their knack for atmospheric arrangements with depth… Kristin Starkey contributes female vocals that give the track a beautifully atmospheric dimension… The gripping, catchy anthem ‘Chieftan’ is another noteworthy and praiseworthy exception.” – Obliveon

“All the songs are catchy, well constructed and technically flawless” – Tempiduri

“Musically, this is a total love letter to the European masters. You can hear the DNA of Blind Guardian and Iron Maiden all over the place, especially in the way the guitars layer up. Having three guitarists isn’t just for show; they use that extra firepower to build some seriously big harmonies that actually stick in your brain… “Becoming The Dragon” is a damn strong start for a band that clearly lives and breathes this genre. They aren’t hiding their influences; they’re wearing them like a suit of armor and heading straight for the front lines.” – Heavy Metal Darkness

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