Tag: montreal

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 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 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Crowns BORNBROKEN 2026 National Final Champion! Band To Play Wacken Open Air!

May 13, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 13, 2026

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Crowns BORNBROKEN 2026 National Final Champion!

Band To Play Wacken Open Air! at International Wacken Metal Battle

Photo Credit – Ryan Rumpel – @rumpelstillcam

Let’s get ready to rumble! Canada has spoken. After months of fierce battles from coast to coast, WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA has revealed the 2026 national finalist, showcasing the strongest underground metal emerging from the scene today.

Following intense regional clashes, four bands rose above the rest to earn their place at the national final on May 9th in Montreal, QC, taking over Piranha Bar (680 Ste‑Catherine Ouest). There, they unleashed their might before a crowd of die‑hard metal fans and a judging panel of industry veterans, including Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM – Alerte Metallique), Pierre Beaubien (CIBL 101.5 FM – Décibel Métal), Andrew Wieler (CJLO 1690 AM – Metal Director), Kaje Annihilatrix (Promoter, Freelance Metal Writer, Asher Media), Dany Soucy (Nova Spei, Bam&Co‑Heavy Label, Trois‑Rivières Metalfest), and Patrick Loisel (Augury).

Only one band could claim the crown, and BornBroken emerged victorious as Canada’s 2026 national champion, earning the honour of representing the nation at the 35th anniversary of Wacken Open Air and competing in the international Wacken Metal Battle, where bands from over 30 countries collide in a global showdown.

WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia comments:

“Congrats to BornBroken, they are sure to tear it up at Wacken this summer and do Canada proud!”

BornBroken‘s guitarist and vocalist, Mike Decker, comments on their crowning:

“Winning the Canadian Wacken Metal Battle still hasn’t fully sunk in. We’ve spent years grinding through clubs, hauling gear through snowstorms, playing to half-empty rooms, and fighting for every inch as a band, so this means more to us than we can really put into words. To now represent Canada at Wacken Open Air is something we will never take for granted.

This win belongs to everyone who’s supported BornBroken over the years. Our families, our friends, the promoters who gave us chances, the people who bought merch when we were struggling to keep moving, and every single person who ever stood in front of the stage and gave us their energy. You carried us here as much as we carried ourselves.

We also want to give respect to every band that was part of this year’s battle. The level of talent, passion, and heart we saw was incredible. We may be the band getting on the plane, but we honestly feel like we’re carrying a piece of every one of those bands with us onto that stage in Germany. In our eyes, everyone who stepped into this battle and gave it everything they had is a winner.

We’re proud, we’re grateful, and we’re ready to give Wacken everything we’ve got…”

The final four who clashed at this year’s national final were:

BORNBROKEN (Montreal, QC) – 2026 National Winner

Music Video – Am I Invisible – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3JXTHX0svI

https://linktr.ee/bornbroken

ASHES OF YGGDRASIL (Lloydminster, AB/SK)

Music Video – Razed to the Ground – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzehFwdqY4I

https://ashesofyggdrasilba.wixsite.com/ashesofyggdrasil

EMPALEMENT (Victoria, BC)

Music Video – Blood Dance Of The Dionysian Covenstead – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mp6H2vRqx8

https://www.facebook.com/Empalement

GRAVEARTH (Oshawa, ON)

Visualizer – Altered Reality – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Id6miy7cs

https://linktr.ee/Gravearth

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WMBC 2026 National Final Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Yizi851LwbShAduRaqHf3

About Metal Battle:

The Wacken Metal Battle is an international metal music contest that culminates at the famous Wacken Open Air festival. It features the top bands from each nation, showcasing fresh and young metal music directly from the underground. The contest is open to unsigned metal bands and has become a significant platform for breaking through the local circuit. The 2026 edition of Wacken Metal Battle Canada is currently underway. The winner will have the opportunity to perform at Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s largest metal festivals, attracting tens of thousands of metal fans from around the globe. For more information and updates, you can visit the official Wacken Metal Battle website – https://www.metal-battle.com/

About Wacken Open Air:
Wacken Open Air is the largest heavy metal festival in the world. Starting with 800 visitors in 1990, nowadays 85,000 fans from all over the world travel to Wacken every year, turning the small village in Schleswig-Holstein into the center of the festival scene for several days. The organizing WOA Festival GmbH is connected to a broad network, including band management, the Wacken Foundation, tour booking, music publishing, Travel & Stay, merchandising distribution, and ticketing. In cooperation with partners, these results in creative solutions and ideas that revolutionize the festival experience, enable technical innovations, and produce extraordinary event concepts. Wacken Open Air 2026 will take place from July 29 to August 1, 2026.

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/WMBCanada.official

https://www.instagram.com/wmbcanada.official/

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The Metal Voice
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0 Rappel / Reminder – Mai / May 1 – 2 – PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal) avec / with MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH (ft. classic‑era Megadeth members David Ellefson & Jeff Young), GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, et plus! / and more!

April 27, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Piranha Pit Fest

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 27, 2026

Festival Assets – Photos, Posters, Set Times HERE (for media use only)

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Reminder – May 1 – 2 – PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal)

with MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH (ft. classic‑era Megadeth members David Ellefson & Jeff Young), GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and more!

(Version française ci-dessous)

Montreal, QC, the heavy metal capital of Canada, is preparing for this year’s PIRANHA PIT FEST III featuring two ferocious nights of death metal, thrash, and heavy metal mayhem on May 1–2, 2026. Presented by Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine Ouest) and Dungeonworks Productions, the festival welcomes metal fans back for one of the city’s most extreme annual events featuring MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and many more.

Friday night will erupt with breakneck speed, gore‑drenched riffs, and pure old‑school savagery as some of death metal’s most respected forces descend upon the city. Saturday night will shift into a high‑voltage celebration of classic thrash, speed, and the unshakable power of traditional heavy metal.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1154523419943924/
Tickets (Individual daily ticket or Weekend Pass) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piranha-pit-fest-3-tickets-1977767497826

Ticket holders will receive a bracelet based on their ticket type. Weekend‑pass holders will keep the same bracelet on for the entire duration of the festival.

Check out the festival Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uQStdodVpgpAkvnx5d8Ak

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Co-headlining opening Friday night on May 1st, Chicago’s long‑running trio MACABRE brings their unmistakable brand of Murder Metal to Montreal, an unholy fusion of death metal, thrash, grind, and twisted nursery‑rhyme melodies. Since 1985, the band has carved out a cult legacy with their darkly humorous, true‑crime‑obsessed storytelling and a lineup that has remained unchanged for four decades. Expect a wild, theatrical, and utterly unmistakable performance from one of extreme metal’s most unique and enduring acts.

Music Video – Joe Ball Was Hi Name – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8_WaVOwfA4

Also co-headlining night one of Piranha Pit Fest III, Chicago’s GORGASM stands as one of the defining forces in American brutal death metal. Since the mid‑90s, the band has carved out a reputation for hyper‑technical riffing, relentless blast‑driven intensity, and a signature blend of brutality and precision that helped shape the genre’s modern sound. Their cult‑classic releases, packed with surgical musicianship and uncompromising extremity, have earned them a loyal global following. Expect a devastating, high‑velocity set from one of brutal death metal’s most respected and enduring names.

Visualizer – Carnal Demise – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4KLfltEE5s

Also supporting Friday night, extreme‑metal veterans PESSIMIST, born from Baltimore’s early ’90s death‑metal underground, have long carved out their own territory with a vicious blend of technical precision, old‑school thrash influence, and a relentlessly dark, sinister atmosphere. The band is now gearing up for the release of “Keys to the Underworld,” their first full‑length album in over two decades, with early previews hinting that it may be their most uncompromising and extreme material yet.

Album Stream – Slaughtering the Faithful – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoSP0qXr5cw

Co-headlining night two on Saturday, May 2nd, featuring former classic‑era members of Megadeth, David Ellefson and Jeff Young, KINGS OF THRASH deliver a high‑octane celebration of the golden age of American thrash metal. Known for performing iconic albums and deep cuts from the genre’s most influential catalog, the band brings unmatched authenticity, razor‑sharp musicianship, and the raw spirit of the 80s thrash movement. Their live shows are a full‑throttle tribute to the era that shaped heavy metal history, making them a must‑see highlight for fans of speed, precision, and old‑school aggression.

Music Video – Lockdown – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9eqD1kMDqQ

Also co-headlining Saturday Night, Tucson, AZ’s ATROPHY are one of Arizona’s most respected thrash exports, known for their razor‑tight riffing, socially charged lyrics, and high‑energy attack. Their two late‑80s/early‑90s albums on Roadrunner Records, Socialized Hate and Violent by Nature, earned them a devoted cult following and cemented their place in the classic thrash canon. After reuniting in recent years with renewed fire, Atrophy continues to deliver the same sharp, adrenaline‑fueled intensity that made them stand out in the genre’s golden era. Expect a fierce, old‑school thrash assault from a band that helped define the sound of Southwestern speed metal.

Lyric Video – Punishment For All – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECg8hBDyhn4

Also supporting night two, local legends and a cornerstone of Quebec’s late‑80s thrash scene, DBC (Dead Brain Cells) emerged from Montreal with a sound that blended razor‑sharp speed, crossover energy, and socially conscious lyrics. Their cult‑classic albums Dead Brain Cells (1987) and Universe (1989) showcased a band unafraid to push beyond traditional thrash, mixing technical musicianship with progressive, sci‑fi‑driven themes. After years of underground reverence, DBC’s return to the stage has reignited their legacy as one of Canada’s most unique and forward‑thinking thrash exports. Expect a powerful hometown performance from a band that helped shape Montreal’s metal identity.

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

Other standout attractions at this year’s Piranha Pit Fest III: Canadian (Montreal/Toronto) metal veterans ENTROPY, known for their fierce blend of thrash, death, prog, groove, and power metal. With four independent albums and a global cult following, they’ve shared stages with legends like Annihilator, Fear Factory, Razor, Obituary, and Anvil. Expect a hard‑hitting set from one of Canada’s most distinctive underground acts. Montreal’s DOUBLE CROSS is a crossover thrash/hardcore delivering fast, aggressive, no‑frills energy. With their raw punk edge and high‑intensity live attack, they are one of the city’s rising underground standouts. Montreal crossover thrashers MUTANK explode with high‑energy, pit‑ready aggression inspired by Slayer, Exodus, D.R.I., and Suicidal Tendencies. Formed in 2013, they’ve built a reputation for fast, chaotic riffing, wild live shows, and a relentless DIY spirit. Their long‑awaited new album, Think Before You Think, marked their return with ten tracks of volcanic thrash fury, following their cult‑favorite EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. and their Wacken Open Air appearance after winning the Wacken Metal Battle Canada. Expect a ferocious, high‑octane set built for moshing. Toronto’s WARMACHINE delivers a melodic yet heavy blend of power and thrash metal, active since 1994 and recently revived after a five‑year hiatus. Led by vocalist/guitarist Joe Di Taranto, the band is known for tight musicianship, strong hooks, and energetic live performances. With albums like Left for Dead and a new release in the works, Warmachine returns to the stage with renewed fire and a sharpened modern edge.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 – DEATH METAL NIGHT
Headlined by two legendary forces of brutality:
Macabre (co-headliners)
Gorgasm (Co-headliners)
Pessimist
Lividity
Deceased
Disgust
Double Cross
Cystic Embalmment

SATURDAY, MAY 2 – THRASH & HEAVY METAL NIGHT
Featuring a massive thrash metal showcase:
Kings of Thrash (co-headliners)
Atrophy (co-headliners)
DBC (Dead Brain Cells)
Meliah Rage
Warmachine
Entropy
Deadwolff
Mutank
Stregoneria
World On Alert

About PIRANHA PIT FEST:
Launched as a celebration of Montreal’s thriving extreme‑music community, PIRANHA PIT FEST has quickly become a staple for fans of death metal, thrash, and underground heavy music. The 2026 edition marks its biggest and most ambitious lineup yet, bringing together international heavyweights and local legends for two nights of pure sonic devastation.

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

Sponsored by:
OROCK Longueuil Inc.
Loud Trax
Absolute Underground Magazine
Labatt
Asher Media Relations

=============================================

Rappel – Mai 1 – 2 – PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal)

avec MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH (avec les membres de l’époque classique de Megadeth David Ellefson & Jeff Young), GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, et plus!

Montréal, QC, la capitale canadienne du heavy metal, se prépare pour le PIRANHA PIT FEST III de cette année, qui proposera deux nuits féroces de death metal, thrash et chaos heavy metal les 1er et 2 mai 2026. Présenté par le Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine Ouest) et Dungeonworks Productions, le festival accueille de nouveau les fans de metal pour l’un des événements annuels les plus extrêmes de la ville, avec MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC et bien d’autres.

La nuit de vendredi explosera avec une vitesse vertigineuse, des riffs imbibés de gore et une sauvagerie pure old-school alors que certaines des forces les plus respectées du death metal descendront sur la ville. La nuit de samedi se transformera en une célébration haute tension du thrash classique, du speed et de la puissance inébranlable du heavy metal traditionnel.

=====

Partageant l’affiche pour l’ouverture vendredi soir le 1er mai, le trio de longue date de Chicago, MACABRE, apporte leur marque inimitable de Murder Metal à Montréal, une fusion impie de death metal, thrash, grind et de mélodies de comptines tordues. Depuis 1985, le groupe s’est forgé un héritage culte avec ses récits empreints d’humour noir et obsédés par le crime réel, et une formation qui est restée inchangée pendant quatre décennies. Attendez-vous à une performance sauvage, théâtrale et absolument inimitable de l’un des groupes les plus uniques et durables de l’extrême metal.

Co‑tête d’affiche de la première nuit du Piranha Pit Fest III, GORGASM de Chicago s’impose comme l’une des forces déterminantes du brutal death metal américain. Depuis le milieu des années 90, le groupe s’est forgé une réputation grâce à des riffs hyper techniques, une intensité implacable propulsée par des blasts, et un mélange signature de brutalité et de précision qui a contribué à façonner le son moderne du genre. Leurs sorties cultes, remplies d’une musicalité chirurgicale et d’une extrémité sans compromis, leur ont valu un public fidèle à l’échelle mondiale. Attendez‑vous à un set dévastateur et à haute vitesse de l’un des noms les plus respectés et durables du brutal death metal.

Soutenant également la soirée du vendredi, les vétérans du metal extrême PESSIMIST, issus du mouvement death metal des années 90 à Baltimore, se sont depuis longtemps taillés leur propre territoire avec un mélange vicieux de précision technique, d’influence thrash old-school et d’une atmosphère sombre et sinistre sans relâche. Le groupe se prépare maintenant à la sortie de “Keys to the Underworld”, leur premier album complet depuis plus de deux décennies, avec des aperçus précoces laissant penser qu’il pourrait s’agir de leur matériel le plus intransigeant et extrême à ce jour.

Co‑tête d’affiche la deuxième soirée, le samedi 2 mai, avec d’anciens membres de l’ère classique de Megadeth, David Ellefson et Jeff Young, KINGS OF THRASH offrent une célébration à haute énergie de l’âge d’or du thrash metal américain. Connus pour interpréter des albums emblématiques et des morceaux profonds du catalogue le plus influent du genre, le groupe apporte une authenticité incomparable, une maîtrise musicale tranchante comme un rasoir et l’esprit brut du mouvement thrash des années 80. Leurs concerts sont un hommage à toute vitesse à l’époque qui a façonné l’histoire du heavy metal, faisant d’eux un point fort à ne pas manquer pour les fans de rapidité, de précision et d’agressivité à l’ancienne.

Co-têtes d’affiche également le samedi soir à Tucson, AZ, ATROPHY est l’une des exportations de thrash les plus respectées de l’Arizona, connue pour ses riffs précis comme une lame de rasoir, ses paroles socialement engagées et son attaque pleine d’énergie. Leurs deux albums de la fin des années 80/début des années 90 sur Roadrunner Records, Socialized Hate et Violent by Nature, leur ont valu un culte fidèle et ont cimenté leur place dans le canon du thrash classique. Après s’être réunis ces dernières années avec un feu renouvelé, Atrophy continue de délivrer la même intensité tranchante et pleine d’adrénaline qui les a fait se démarquer à l’époque dorée du genre. Attendez-vous à une attaque thrash old-school féroce d’un groupe qui a contribué à définir le son du speed metal du Sud-Ouest.

Soutenant également la deuxième nuit, les légendes locales et un pilier de la scène thrash québécoise de la fin des années 80, DBC (Dead Brain Cells) a émergé de Montréal avec un son mêlant vitesse tranchante, énergie crossover et paroles socialement conscientes. Leurs albums cultes Dead Brain Cells (1987) et Universe (1989) ont présenté un groupe n’ayant pas peur de dépasser le thrash traditionnel, mélangeant virtuosité technique et thèmes progressifs inspirés de la science-fiction. Après des années de vénération underground, le retour de DBC sur scène a ravivé leur héritage en tant qu’une des exportations thrash les plus uniques et avant-gardistes du Canada. Attendez-vous à une performance puissante dans leur ville natale de la part d’un groupe qui a contribué à façonner l’identité metal de Montréal.

Autres attractions remarquables du Piranha Pit Fest III de cette année : les vétérans canadiens du metal (Montréal/Toronto) ENTROPY, connus pour leur mélange féroce de thrash, death, prog, groove et power metal. Avec quatre albums indépendants et un culte mondial, ils ont partagé la scène avec des légendes comme Annihilator, Fear Factory, Razor, Obituary et Anvil. Attendez-vous à un set percutant de l’un des groupes underground les plus distinctifs du Canada. DOUBLE CROSS de Montréal est un groupe crossover thrash/hardcore délivrant une énergie rapide, agressive et sans fioritures. Avec leur touche punk brute et leur attaque live à haute intensité, ils sont l’un des groupes underground montants de la ville. Les crossover thrashers de Montréal, MUTANK, explosent avec une aggression à haute énergie, prête pour le pit, inspirée par Slayer, Exodus, D.R.I. et Suicidal Tendencies. Formés en 2013, ils se sont forgé une réputation pour leurs riffs rapides et chaotiques, leurs concerts sauvages et un esprit DIY implacable. Leur nouvel album très attendu, Think Before You Think, marque leur retour avec dix morceaux de fureur thrash volcanique, après leur EP culte W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. et leur performance au Wacken Open Air suite à leur victoire au Wacken Metal Battle Canada. Attendez-vous à un set féroce et à haute octane conçu pour le moshing. Le groupe torontois WARMACHINE propose un mélange mélodique mais lourd de power et thrash metal, actif depuis 1994 et récemment relancé après une pause de cinq ans. Mené par le chanteur/guitariste Joe Di Taranto, le groupe est connu pour sa musicalité serrée, ses refrains accrocheurs et ses performances live énergiques. Avec des albums comme Left for Dead et une nouvelle sortie en préparation, Warmachine revient sur scène avec un feu renouvelé et un tranchant moderne.

VENDREDI 1er MAI – NUIT DE DEATH METAL
Avec en tête d’affiche deux forces légendaires de brutalité :
Macabre (co-têtes d’affiche)
Gorgasm (co-têtes d’affiche)
Pessimist
Lividity
Deceased
Disgust
Double Cross
Cystic Embalmment

SAMEDI 2 MAI – NUIT THRASH & HEAVY METAL
Avec une énorme programmation de thrash metal :
Kings of Thrash (co-têtes d’affiche)
Atrophy (co-têtes d’affiche)
DBC (Dead Brain Cells)
Meliah Rage
Warmachine
Entropy
Deadwolff
Mutank
Stregoneria
World On Alert

À propos de PIRANHA PIT FEST : Lancé comme une célébration de la communauté florissante de musique extrême de Montréal, le PIRANHA PIT FEST est rapidement devenu un événement incontournable pour les fans de death metal, thrash et musique heavy underground. L’édition 2026 marque sa programmation la plus grande et la plus ambitieuse à ce jour, réunissant des poids lourds internationaux et des légendes locales pour deux nuits de pure destruction sonore.

– 30 –

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

0 PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and More!

March 16, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Piranha Pit Fest

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 16, 2026

Festival Assets – Photos, Posters, Set Times HERE (for media use only)

—

PIRANHA PIT FEST III (Montreal) Announces 2026 Lineup w/ MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and More!

PIRANHA PIT FEST III has unleashed its 2026 lineup for two ferocious nights of death metal, thrash, and heavy metal mayhem returning to Montreal on May 1–2, 2026. Presented by Piranha Bar (680 Ste-Catherine Ouest) and Dungeonworks Productions, the festival welcomes metal fans back for one of the city’s most extreme annual events featuring MACABRE, KINGS OF THRASH, GORGASM, ATROPHY, PESSIMIST, DBC, and many more.

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1154523419943924/
Tickets (Individual daily ticket or Weekend Pass) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/piranha-pit-fest-3-tickets-1977767497826

Ticket holders will receive a bracelet based on their ticket type. Weekend‑pass holders will keep the same bracelet on for the entire duration of the festival.

Check out the festival Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uQStdodVpgpAkvnx5d8Ak

=======

Music Video – Joe Ball Was Hi Name – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8_WaVOwfA4

Also co-headlining night one of Pit Fest III, Chicago’s GORGASM stands as one of the defining forces in American brutal death metal. Since the mid‑90s, the band has carved out a reputation for hyper‑technical riffing, relentless blast‑driven intensity, and a signature blend of brutality and precision that helped shape the genre’s modern sound. Their cult‑classic releases, packed with surgical musicianship and uncompromising extremity, have earned them a loyal global following. Expect a devastating, high‑velocity set from one of brutal death metal’s most respected and enduring names.

Visualizer – Carnal Demise – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4KLfltEE5s

Album Stream – Slaughtering the Faithful – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoSP0qXr5cw

Music Video – Lockdown – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9eqD1kMDqQ

Lyric Video – Punishment For All – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECg8hBDyhn4

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

Other standout attractions at this year’s Pit Fest III: Canadian (Montreal/Toronto) metal veterans ENTROPY, known for their fierce blend of thrash, death, prog, groove, and power metal. With four independent albums and a global cult following, they’ve shared stages with legends like Annihilator, Fear Factory, Razor, Obituary, and Anvil. Expect a hard‑hitting set from one of Canada’s most distinctive underground acts. Montreal’s DOUBLE CROSS is a crossover thrash/hardcore delivering fast, aggressive, no‑frills energy. With their raw punk edge and high‑intensity live attack, they are one of the city’s rising underground standouts. Montreal crossover thrashers MUTANK explode with high‑energy, pit‑ready aggression inspired by Slayer, Exodus, D.R.I., and Suicidal Tendencies. Formed in 2013, they’ve built a reputation for fast, chaotic riffing, wild live shows, and a relentless DIY spirit. Their long‑awaited new album, Think Before You Think, marked their return with ten tracks of volcanic thrash fury, following their cult‑favorite EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. and their Wacken Open Air appearance after winning the Wacken Metal Battle Canada. Expect a ferocious, high‑octane set built for moshing. Toronto’s WARMACHINE delivers a melodic yet heavy blend of power and thrash metal, active since 1994 and recently revived after a five‑year hiatus. Led by vocalist/guitarist Joe Di Taranto, the band is known for tight musicianship, strong hooks, and energetic live performances. With albums like Left for Dead and a new release in the works, Warmachine returns to the stage with renewed fire and a sharpened modern edge.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 – DEATH METAL NIGHT
Headlined by two legendary forces of brutality:
Macabre (co-headliners)
Gorgasm (Co-headliners)
Pessimist
Lividity
Deceased
Disgust
Double Cross
Cystic Embalmment

SATURDAY, MAY 2 – THRASH & HEAVY METAL NIGHT
Featuring a massive thrash metal showcase:
Kings of Thrash (co-headliners)
Atrophy (co-headliners)
DBC (Dead Brain Cells)
Meliah Rage
Warmachine
Entropy
Deadwolff
Mutank
Stregoneria
World On Alert

About PIRANHA PIT FEST:
Launched as a celebration of Montreal’s thriving extreme‑music community, PIRANHA PIT FEST has quickly become a staple for fans of death metal, thrash, and underground heavy music. The 2026 edition marks its biggest and most ambitious lineup yet, bringing together international heavyweights and local legends for two nights of pure sonic devastation.

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

Sponsored by:
OROCK Longueuil Inc.
Loud Trax
Absolute Underground Magazine
Labatt
Asher Media Relations

– 30 –

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

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
Facebook – Asher Media Relations
Instagram – AsherMedia
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0 Streaming Now! Montreal Brass Metal FALLSTAF Returns w/ New Album “Ode To The Dead”

November 13, 2025
by Asher
· Fallstaf · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 13, 2025

Streaming Now! Montreal Brass Metal FALLSTAF Returns w/ New Album “Ode To The Dead”

SIMM/Guitars – RICKK /Horns – IANN/Vocals – GOYY/ Bass – MATT/Drums

Photo: Sébastien Roy

After nearly ten years away from the spotlight, Montreal’s groundbreaking brass-metal band Fallstaf makes a powerful return with their highly anticipated second album, “Ode to The Dead.” Produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves on Dope), the full album will be available to stream ahead of its official release on November 14th, premiering exclusively on Hardcore Worldwide’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/3PPV6LE73cs

Known for pioneering the genre of brass-infused experimental metal, Fallstaf first made waves in 2011 with their debut album, “Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,” also produced by Jardine. Their signature sound, heavy riffs, progressive structures, and a masked trombonist in full suit and tie, earned them cult status in the Montreal metal scene.

But tragedy struck in 2016 when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, resulting in a coma, multiple injuries, and the loss of his leg. The band dissolved. Now, nearly ten years later, Fallstaf reunites with Jardine to deliver a powerful, deeply personal new record that channels pain, survival, and rebirth.

“Ode to The Dead” is a seven-track exploration of mortality, from personal tragedy and mental anguish to crime, conflict, and loss. Drawing from frontman IANN’s near-death experience and the band’s shared grief, the album is both a tribute and a release.

It opens with “Sunless Friday,” a chilling retelling of IANN’s accident, where cold riffs and screaming trombone set the tone. The title track, “Ode to The Dead,” honors those we’ve lost, echoing the idea that “they walk among us.” “Battered Soul” dives into depression and suicide with sludge-heavy weight and a fading finale. “Kings of the West Side” recounts Montreal’s mafia history with gangland grit and resurrected riffs. “Under the Same Sky” reflects on global unrest and shared humanity, while “Bastard Son” tells a hitman’s legacy through galloping riffs and thrash choruses. The closer, “The Burden,” mourns the toll of cancer with crushing heaviness and a melodic, mournful release. Each track is a raw, brass-laced chapter in Fallstaf’s powerful return.

“We didn’t make this album to impress anyone. We made it out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” adds the band.

The album artwork, featuring a layered skull photo taken by IANN, reflects the lyrical darkness without veering into the macabre. It’s a visual metaphor for the band’s rebirth: haunting, honest, and human.

Musically, the band has evolved, embracing groove metal, prog metal, metalcore, and hardcore influences while incorporating melodic choruses and complex arrangements. Fans of Pantera, Shining, Hatebreed, and Mighty Mighty Bosstones will find familiar fire in Fallstaf’s brass-laced fury.

Stay tuned for upcoming live dates and new music. The resurrection has begun as Fallstaf’s live performances are legendary, and the band plans to return to the stage in 2026. Expect suits, ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg, all delivering a high-energy spectacle that defies expectations.

“People think we’re a ska band until the first chord hits. Then they know we kick ass,” says the band.

“Ode to the Dead” will be available on November 14th, 2025, on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and more. For collectors, grab the exclusive coffin-shaped USB drive packed with interactive content and bonus material.

Album pre-order – https://fallstaf1.bandcamp.com/album/ode-to-the-dead

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yaTJY58SzbbDJ3RsnTlZU

Lyric Video – Ode To The Dead – https://youtu.be/GM4EPsLnMlE

Lyric Video – Bastard Son – https://youtu.be/mQtwDn00JtQ

Track Listing:
1. Sunless Friday – 2:57
2. Ode to the Dead – 3:27
3. Battered Soul – 3:40
4. Kings of the West Side – 3:31
5. Under the Same Sky – 3:31
6. Bastard Son – 3:45
7. The Burden – 4:41
Album length: 25:37

Album Credits:
Songs performed by: FALLSTAF
Songs written by: Ian Lavoie/Kevin Jardine
Produced by: Kevin Jardine
Mixed by: Kevin Jardine
Mastered by: Kevin Jardine
Album artwork by: Ian Lavoie
MAPL – Canadian Content

BAND LINE UP:
SIMM / Guitars
RICKK / Horns
IANN / Vocals
GOYY / Bass
MATT / Drums

More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal | https://www.instagram.com/fallstafmontreal/

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“Groovy mix of hardcore and other metal styles with an interesting addition in the trombone” Metal Underground (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“to every track of the album, giving their rather intense metal a rather nice jazzy touch. This allows Fallstaf to step outside the conventional paths to get closer to the masters of the genre like Diablo Swing Orchestra or the Norwegians from Shining” – Music Waves (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“These guys are a lot different than most bands out there and I really dig what they are doing. Check them out before they get really popular and there are tons of clones of them popping up everywhere “ – Beowolf Productions (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“Looking for a Different Sort of Metal? Try FALLSTAF » – A Journal Of Musical Things (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

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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/

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“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

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0 Reminder – TANGENTS Kick-Off Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) In Support of New EP “Molt”

July 15, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Tangents

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 15, 2025

Reminder – TANGENTS Kick-Off Eastern Canadian Tour (QC, ON, NB, NS) “No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour”

New EP “Molt” Out Now!

L-R – Will Tennant – Guitars/Backing vocals, Nathan Chechock- Guitars/Backing Vocals, Rob Barnes- Bass, Matt Williams – Vocals/effects/samples, Simon Oliver- Drums/Backing Vocals

Photo Credit – Rory P

Formed simply as a creative outlet in which there are no rules, Orillia, ON’s TANGENTS plays music with the idea of no constraints, no guidelines, and producing what they would want to hear. Releasing their fourth EP, entitled “Molt,” this past April, Tangents is kicking off tour dates from July 16th to 26th across Eastern Canada, with performances in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

Tangents – “No Dragons, No Lasers, Just LobsTour”
July 16 – Montreal, QC – Bar L’Hemisphere Gauche
July 18 – Windsor, NS – (Gutterfest) – Avon Valley Lanes
July 19 – Yarmouth, NS – The Red Knight
July 20 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
July 22 – Woodstock, NB – Monteith Manor
July 23 – Bathurst, NB – Bathurst Southside Lounge
July 24 – One Star Studio (secret location)
July 25 – Edmundston, NB – Microbrasserie Ateepic
July 26 – Lachute, QC – Royal Canadian Legion

With elements of mathcore, prog, and post-hardcore, Tangents take you on a brutally honest journey with nothing to hide during an emotional and heavy 10 minutes on their latest EP’s three tracks. The band’s goal is to keep the listener on their toes, along with themselves as musicians. Keeping things fresh and ever evolving.

“For this EP, we decided on the 3 songs simply to capture that specific moment in time. I feel that there’s always room for growth, so we constantly keep evolving, we’re stoked and proud to release Molt. With our most focused effort, we present to fans a multitude of experiences in a compact timeframe. This offering allowed us to open and embrace challenges and overcome the obstacles that come with growth,” adds guitarist Will Tennant.

Taking pride that each member of the band is a multi-instrumentalist, Tangents are a bare bones heavy band, and at the end of the day, they get up there and rock out live to showcase very visceral songs. It’s a roller coaster of emotions throughout each track.

Recommended for fans of avant-garde mathy metal and bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Mr Bungle, Every Time I Die, Dog Fashion Disco, and Better Lovers, Tangents’ new EP “Molt” is available at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://tangents1.bandcamp.com

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4knPCPM

YouTube – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lbqCZ2QJmSbse8S6jgMo8AsgHKm7Gx-H0

Track Listing:
1. Assimilate (3:01)
2. Mass Delusion (3:33)
3. Forge (3:59)
EP Length: 10:34

More info: https://linktr.ee/Tangents705

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“if you like bands like Dillenger Escape Plan and Mr. Bungle, these guys could be your next favourite… their new EP Molt is out now, and it only takes 10 and a half minutes to eat through some precise and meaty math-metal riffs!” – Drag The Waters – CKDU 881.FM (Halifax, NS)

“There is a playful spirit to these songs too, even if there is a bit of a grunge undercurrent to these escapades, and that spirit comes mainly due to the vocals and some of the melody lines explored in general. Without ever managing to pinpoint the exact details that brings this association, I keep thinking about Mike Patton and Faith No More when listening to this production. If you can imagine a Mike Patton era Faith No More creating bombastic and dramatic metal with a bit of a grunge undercurrent, then that may perhaps be a little bit of an indication about the type of music you will find on this EP. And if that notion strikes you as an intriguing one, chances are good for you to find this EP to be a rewarding one I’d suspect.” – The Viking in the Wilderness

“I’ve blasted this EP time and time again since it dropped and found myself entranced by the instrumentation. It’s clear that Tangents are putting their own spin on this genre, melding their progressive experimentation with the accessible mores of hardcore in way that sounds familiar yet unique at the same time. If this is how they sound now I look forward to hearing more from them, perhaps a full length album if we’re lucky.” – Where Strides The Behemoth
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