Tag: music

0 Canada’s NOX Unleashes Debut Single “Night Terror,” a Cinematic Descent into Goth‑Metal Darkness

April 15, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · NOX

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 15, 2026

Canada’s NOX Unleashes Debut Single “Night Terror,” a Cinematic Descent into Goth‑Metal Darkness

A dark, cinematic introduction to the new solo project from Ottawa creator Joe Moon (A Scar For The Wicked, Daedfall, ex-Sovereign Council)

Recognized for his guitar work and production roles in Ottawa bands A Scar For The Wicked, DAEDFALL, and previously Sovereign Council, solo goth‑metal artist NOX emerges as the newest creative vessel for cinematographer and visual storyteller Joe Moon. To introduce the launch of this fully self‑realized project, one that fuses heavy music, horror‑driven aesthetics, and immersive worldbuilding into a singular, shadow‑forged identity, Moon unveils NOX‘s debut single and music video for “Night Terror.”

NOX embodies Moon’s long‑standing drive to create something darker, more personal, and more cinematic than anything in his past body of work. After years spent shaping visuals, music, and production across multiple mediums, the project stands as the culmination of that experience, a space where sound, imagery, and storytelling merge without restraint. Moon writes every element himself, from synths and drums to guitars, crafting each track around mood, tension, and emotional gravity. Sonically, NOX pulls from modern metal, melodic death metal, industrial metal, symphonic black metal, and gothic/alternative metal, while weaving in the scale and emotional depth of cinematic scoring.

“NOX is a dark, creative force rooted in heavy music, cinematic tension, and immersive atmosphere. Influenced by metal, horror, sci‑fi, and shadow‑driven visual storytelling, the project exists to create music that feels larger than sound alone, a world built on power, fear, transformation, and emotional weight. The goal is to give people something immersive, something oppressive, emotional, haunting, and atmospheric. Every song should feel like a chapter in a larger story,” says Moon.

“Night Terror” serves as the first entry point into that world. The track is dark, intense, and deeply atmospheric, built around the sensation of being hunted by something both psychological and real. Moon describes it as a reflection of fear, paralysis, and the loss of control, emotions that shape the song’s heavy, immersive sound.

“‘Night Terror’ leans into fear and tension, turning those emotions into something cinematic and overwhelming. It’s meant to feel like stepping into a nightmare you can’t wake up from,” adds Moon.

As a cinematographer and visual creator, Moon approaches NOX with a filmmaker’s eye. The music video for “Night Terror” introduces the project’s aesthetic, a blend of horror, sci‑fi, surrealism, and metal imagery designed to feel like a window into a larger universe. The result is a sound that is dark, cinematic, immersive, and vicious.

Recommended for fans of Sleep Token, Lord of the Lost, Lacuna Coil, Dimmu Borgir, and modern Swedish melodic death metal, NOX delivers the same sense of weight and atmosphere, but pushes further into something more visual, more narrative‑driven, and unmistakably its own.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Night Terror” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/6qvs53MRsDJYkf6KgmzXu1

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576513716832

https://www.instagram.com/the.only.nox/

About:

NOX is the dark creative project of Joe Moon, a cinematographer, visual creator, and storyteller driven by heavy atmosphere, bold imagery, and genre-blending worldbuilding. Working across film, music, design, and concept development, Joe builds immersive visuals and identities that live somewhere between horror, sci-fi, metal, and the surreal. NOX is an extension of that vision: a space for darker ideas, original characters, striking aesthetics, and unapologetically cinematic expression. Through NOX, Joe brings together his work in visual storytelling, production, and creative direction to create something visceral, mysterious, and unmistakably his own.

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0 Feel The Destructive Onslaught of Pompeii’s End w/ ASHEN HORDE’s New Single “Void in the Ash” From Upcoming Album “The Harvest” Out May 2026

April 9, 2026
by Asher
· ASHEN HORDE · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 9, 2026

Feel The Destructive Onslaught of Pompeii’s End w/ ASHEN HORDE’s New Single “Void in the Ash” From Upcoming Album “The Harvest” Out May 2026

Photos by @still.squill (Trevor); Photo Dun Right (Karl); unknown (Robin)

Extreme metal shapeshifters Ashen Horde will release their highly anticipated fifth full‑length album, “The Harvest,” on May 1st, 2026. Following the unveiling of the first single and video, “Entropy and Ecstasy,” the band now returns with the album’s second single, “Voids in the Ash,” a haunting and dynamic track inspired by the final days of Pompeii.

“The Harvest” (mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios) marks a new era for Ashen Horde, one defined by expanded vocal range, sharpened contrasts, and a thematic focus on endings. While not a concept album, the record threads together stories of collapse, decay, and transformation, each approached from a different angle. It is also the band’s first full‑length to feature vocalist Karl Chamberlain (Autolatry, Skala, Alcyone), whose performance pushes the group into its most melodic and emotionally varied territory yet.

Originally founded as a solo project by guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz, Ashen Horde has evolved into a full lineup featuring vocalist Karl Chamberlain and Australian-based drummer Robin Stone (The Amenta, Convulsing). Ashen Horde has long been known for its refusal to be confined to a single extreme‑metal subgenre. “The Harvest” continues that tradition, weaving together black metal, death metal, progressive elements, and even shades of 90s alternative.

The album’s first single, “Entropy and Ecstasy,” introduced listeners to this expanded palette. The track, described by Portz as “Voivod‑with‑blastbeats energy,” follows a couple who find exhilaration in the chaos of a collapsing world. The song also served as Chamberlain’s “audition,” with his chilling delivery of the line “how can we thrive if we expect to survive?” immediately cementing him as the band’s new voice.

The newly released second single, “Voids in the Ash,” shifts into darker, moodier territory. Musically, the track blends grunge‑inspired vocal harmonies with sudden bursts of black‑metal ferocity. Lyrically, Chamberlain tells the story of Pompeii from the perspective of both its doomed inhabitants and the gods who buried them.

“It was the last song I recorded vocals for, and it became one of the most special to me,” adds Chamberlain.

Watch and listen to the video for “Voids in the Ash” via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

While each song on “The Harvest” stands alone, all share a connection to the record’s overarching theme of endings. “Autumnal” is inspired by the Sensorio light installation in Paso Robles; the track explores Pagan harvest‑season rituals and builds from quiet ambience into full black‑metal intensity. “Entropy and Ecstasy” is a chaotic, melodic exploration of passion amid catastrophe, influenced by Voivod and early pandemic anxieties. “Backward Momentum” is a genre‑bending blend of Opeth‑style clean vocals, unconventional riffs, and 90s‑inspired rock breaks, paired with lyrics condemning society’s slide into superstition and conspiracy. “Remnant” is a tale of a hunter lost in a storm, taken in by a stranger, only for nature to claim them both. “A Place in the Rot” is inspired by Swamp Thing; the track meditates on mortality and the inevitability of returning to the soil. “The Apparition”, the heaviest track on the album, is told from the perspective of a ghost condemned to watch humanity’s cruelty without the power to intervene. The album closer and title track, “The Harvest,” imagines a hidden entity judging humanity’s self‑destruction, waiting to emerge and devour everything once hope is gone.

For over 10 years, Ashen Horde has crafted extreme metal that defies easy categorization. Rooted in black and death metal but unafraid to incorporate progressive, melodic, and alternative influences, the band appeals to fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Amorphis, Ihsahn, and other genre‑bending heavyweights.

Album pre-order (release date May 1, 2026) available on limited splatter vinyl and CD (along with t-shirt bundles) on Bandcamp, as well as everywhere digitally – https://ashenhorde.bandcamp.com/album/the-harvest

Music Video – Ecstasy and Entropy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zud62AXzvsw

Tour Dates:
May 14 – Montclair, NJ – The Meatlocker
May 15 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station
May 16 – Brattleboro, VT – Midnight’s

Track Listing:
1. Autumnal (6:12)
2. Entropy and Ecstasy (5:47)
3. Backward Momentum (5:21)
4. Voids in the Ash (5:41)
5. Remnant (4:37)
6. A Place in the Rot (4:38)
7. Apparition (4:57)
8. The Harvest (5:46)
Album Length: 43:03

Credits:
Mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios
Artwork by Venus Kohana (venuskohana.com)

Lineup:
Trevor Portz: Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals
Karl Chamberlain: Vocals
Robin Stone: Drums

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/AshenHorde/

https://www.instagram.com/ashenhorde

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“The harvest is coming! The new Ashen Horde album is a multi-faceted journey into every nook and cranny of extreme metal. “The Harvest” is challenging and quirky, but unlike a lot of other progressive/experimental releases, it never loses track of the key ingredient in music – good songwriting. All tracks are well-crafted and interesting in their own right, and the skillful instrumental performances are more like the icing on the cake and not the main focus. Highly recommended!” – Nik Sundin (Dark Tranquillity)

“The song (Entropy and Ectasy) captures this dichotomy of collapse and exhilaration — of entropy and ecstasy — through a fast-spinning (and head-spinning) kaleidoscope of sound. The moods of the music change along the way, but even the relatively slower and more desolate passages include inventive and intriguing nuances. Karl Chamberlain’s remarkably multi-faceted voice is a perfect match for the remarkably multi-faceted nature of the music. He expels brutal death metal gutturals and ripping black metal screams, but he also sends his singing voice in ravishing upward arcs that are spine-tingling to hear, and down into gloomy troughs. As for the surrounding music, it’s intricate and exhilarating, especially when the band are in full flight, discharging rapidly darting and maniacally swirling notes, incendiary bursts of tremolo’d delirium, or riffing that feverishly slashes with vicious, serrated edges. In less frantic phases, the music dismally groans and throbs, creating a pall of desolation, even when Chamberlain’s voice might be reaching for the clouds. The fretwork also includes angular progressions that generate moods of disorientation and fearfulness, and the song further includes an astonishing guitar solo that all by itself seems to capture the song’s thematic dichotomy of collapse and jubilation. Perhaps needless to say, Robin Stone’s drumming is as constantly changing as everything else, and surgically crafted to match all the other head-spinning, pulse-pounding, and heart-sinking twists in this shapeshifter of a song.” – No Clean Singing

“Antimony; 3/5 rating; “the sound Ashen Horde has developed over three albums is pretty much theirs alone. It’s a dense but accessible approach that rewards both casual listens and sustained attention.” – Angry Metal Guy (2023 – Antimony)

“Equal parts blackened madness, death metal riffing, and clean vocals, “The Neophyte” should get just about anyone stoked for Antimony.” – Metal Injection (2023 – Antimony)

“an amazing odyssey all around and the amount of remarkable coherency as well as the instrumentation work and musicianship is just top notch.” – Metal Purgatory (2023 – Antimony)

“Progression like what Ashen Horde has undergone over the years is what the best tales in the underground are made out of.” – Head-Banger Reviews (2023 – Antimony)

“Fallen Cathedrals; 4.0 rating; “I can’t recommend this enough for fans of black and death metals being combined in unique ways.” – Angry Metal Guy (2019 – Fallen Cathedrals)

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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Gore House Prod. – Streaming Now! ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY’s New Album “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum”

April 2, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Gore House Productions)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 2, 2026

Streaming Now! ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY’s New Album “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum”

L – R – The Popuko – Guitars, Drums, Bass, Backing Vocals, Alice Simard – Guitars, Drums, Jesse Agiomamitis – Vocals

Apocalyptic brutal slamming death metal entity Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OxE) has partnered with Decibel Magazine for the exclusive stream premiere of their long‑awaited full‑length album, “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum,” ahead of its official release on April 3, 2026, through Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions.

The Decibel stream marks the first opportunity for fans to experience the album in its entirety, an eleven‑track descent into dissonant barbarity, cosmic violence, and experimental extremity. The LP represents OxE’s most ambitious and punishing work to date, expanding their sonic identity far beyond the foundations laid on their previous EP, “The Fallen Lament.”

Listen to the album in full on Decibel Magazine HERE.

OxE’s lineup spans three countries: Quebec City, Canada (Alice), Australia (Jesse), and Germany (Popu), yet their creative synergy is seamless. Originally a solo project by guitarist Alice Simard, OxE evolved into a collaborative force after Jesse joined in 2019. Popu, a longtime fan, later connected with Alice through their shared love of the obscure bullet‑hell game Touhou Project, completing the trio. Their influences range from Disentomb, Artificial Brain, and Deathspell Omega to video games (Dark Souls, NieR), anime (Berserk, Evangelion), and global folklore.

“Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” is a meticulously crafted sonic nightmare. Musically, the album pushes OxE into their most experimental territory yet, layering warped synths, organic instrumentation, and alien sound design between the carnage of their signature riffs and gutturals.

“Start‑to‑finish, the album is dissonant, punishing, and disorienting. Many of the lyrical subjects are larger-than-life. The songs tell the story of a single entity, a godslayer, on a God‑of‑War‑esque rampage through the universe, all veiled in obscurity,” says vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis.

German multi‑instrumentalist The Popu adds:

“This is the most experimental OxE release to date. The synths and organic layers were destroyed and reshaped to give the soundscape an alien feel. I was heavily inspired by Nithing’s ‘Agonal Hymns and Dripping’s ‘Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss.’”

The album’s artwork, created by Mei Maro, reflects the band’s fascination with folklore, mythology, and surreal horror, an amalgamation of the influences that shaped the record’s writing.

From the chaotic opener “Conquering Divinity” to the melodic yet brutal closer “Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy,” the album traverses a wide spectrum of textures and emotional weight. “Heaven’s Empty Halls” introduces dungeon‑synth‑esque atmospheres. “Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon” delivers one of the album’s heaviest breakdowns. “Abyssikataplexika” showcases some of the most inhuman vocal performances OxE has ever recorded. “Apotheotic Apotemnophilia” explores melodic territory while maintaining crushing heaviness. Every track contributes to the overarching narrative of cosmic annihilation and psychological descent.

Recommended for fans of Deathspell Omega, Disentomb, Artificial Brain, First Fragment, Disgorge, and Ulcerate, OxE‘s “Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum” is their longest and most refined release yet: no filler, no restraint, and no compromise.

Album pre-order for CD, Cassette, and digitally from Stillbirth Records / Gore House Productions at https://orcd.co/scabbed-god-cerebrum

Track Listing:
1. Conquering Divinity – 3:17
2. The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends – 1:21
3. Severing What Makes Me Human – 2:41
4. Apotheotic Apotemnophilia – 3:03
5. Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon – 2:23
6. Gutted & Corpsed – 3:05
7. Heaven’s Empty Halls – 5:13
8. Hurt Beyond Healing – 2:33
9. Abyssikataplexika – 2:35
10. Vile Verses Flogged into the Wings of Angels – 1:23
11. Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy – 4:58
Album Length: 32:32

ROLES:
Jesse Agiomamitis: Vocals, Lyrics
Alice Simard: Composition, Guitars, Lead Guitars
The Popu: Additional Songwriting, Mixing and Mastering, Guitars, Bass, Orchestration and Sound Design, Additional lyrics, Additional Vocals

More info:

https://gorehouseproductions.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OnchoOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/onchocerciasis_official

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“First of all besides the insane moniker and album title, I don’t even know how to label this shit. If you know, you know… It sounds like an army of angry lawnmowers rolling over cliffs and boulders, LOL! Fuck it… four tacos out of five!” – Micha Kite – Metal Underground

“A complex and bizarre name reflects the complex and bizarre nature of this band. Mixing Slam, Brutal Death Metal, hints of prog metal and other influences makes for a heady brew of extreme music…. This eclectic approach never lets up for the whole of the album, with so many familiar yet alien sounds emerging, riffs that sound like they were written by a thrash band, or slow dirgey sections that come straight from doom metal’s playbook. Does this approach work? Incredibly, yes! The album stays fresh and interesting; there is always something you draw your attention to and keep you listening. Combine this with the band’s art and lyrical efforts and it makes for a crazy, heady mixture of the heavy and the ridiculous, but at least it’s never boring!” – The Razor’s Edge

“Because the band varies quite a lot within the framework and smuggles in unwholesome elements, ‘Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum’ remains captivating from start to finish. Every listen reveals new details, and the craftsmanship and tight compositions make this album a delightful cocktail of proggy avant-garde brutal tech death slam jazz. Or something like that. Surprising, unexpected, and constantly memorable: this is a top record of brutality.” – Musika

“Victims of brutal death metal will recognize the trauma inflicted by the song’s (Gutted and Corpsed) opening, a combination of furiously rattling snare-drums, sewer-gurgling riffage, and equally grotesque sewer-dwelling vocals, but even there the band also discharge shrill and weirdly squirming frequencies and shotgun blasts, as well as slamming hammer blows and bursts of viciously darting and insanely screaming fretwork. But the song shifts, opening a portal to an even more macabre cavalcade of screeching and bizarrely contorting tonalities (some of which are ejected from a contorting throat), accompanied by sudden and equally crazed percussive contortions and thudding bass-level throbs. Ghosts might be wailing and screaming, and there’s a guitar solo in the mix too, but it too has lost its mind. Near the end, when the drumming has become heavily medicated and slumbers, the music changes even more dramatically. Something like a flute enticingly whispers, and something like an oboe woozily wanders against a backdrop of gentling shimmering strings — a little caress to help you begin unscrambling your brain.” – No Clean Singing

“The speed of the drums, the ferocity of the vocals, the intensity of the guitars and how all of that blends together in the most diabolical way… Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy are pushing boundaries here.. what they have created here is fascinating and admirable.. it is an unforgettable listen…” – Games Brrraaains and Head-Banging Life

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0 ASHEN HORDE Announces New Album “The Harvest” Out May 2026; Unveil Music Video “Entropy and Ecstasy”

March 17, 2026
by Asher
· ASHEN HORDE · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 17, 2026

ASHEN HORDE Announces New Album “The Harvest” Out May 2026; Unveil Music Video “Entropy and Ecstasy”

Photos by @still.squill (Trevor); Photo Dun Right (Karl); unknown (Robin)

Los Angeles extreme‑metal shapeshifters Ashen Horde return on May 1st, 2026, with “The Harvest”, their fifth full‑length album and the first to feature new vocalist Karl Chamberlain (Putrefier, Alcyone, Necrotic Remains). Known for weaving black metal, death metal, prog, and 90s‑inspired grit into something unmistakably their own, Ashen Horde push their sound further than ever, embracing melody, chaos, and sharp contrasts across eight thematically linked tracks.

Alongside the album announcement, Ashen Horde have unveiled the first single, “Entropy and Ecstasy”, a whirlwind of jagged riffs, angular Voivod‑like progressions, and Chamberlain’s soaring, chilling vocal hooks. The accompanying video represents a major milestone for the band: despite recording the entire album remotely, this is the first time the members have appeared together on camera.

The first preview to the album, “Entropy and Ecstasy,” captures the album’s core idea: finding exhilaration in collapse. The song follows a couple who thrive on the chaos of a world falling apart, a concept Portz admits was likely sparked by the early COVID lockdowns.

Guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz recalls being floored by Chamberlain’s audition:

“I sent him a demo of ‘Entropy and Ecstasy’ with unfinished lyrics, and he sent back his take. His vocals on the line ‘how can we thrive if we expect to survive?’ still give me chills.”

Listen and watch the music video for “The Harvest” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Add to your Spotify playlist – pre-save – https://show.co/z0ZVdF9

“The Harvest” marks a turning point for Ashen Horde. After a decade as a studio‑driven project, the band is preparing to play its first‑ever live shows in May, coinciding with the album’s release. It’s also the first full‑length to feature Chamberlain, whose dynamic range helped reshape the band’s sonic identity.

While Ashen Horde’s previous four albums were tightly constructed concept records, “The Harvest” takes a different approach. Each track stands alone, yet all orbit the idea of endings, personal, societal, historical, and cosmic.

“I didn’t have a single story this time, but the lyrics kept circling reactions to things ending. From societal collapse to ancient rituals to the last days of Pompeii, everything tied together naturally,” explains Portz.

Musically, the album is a showcase of the band’s eclectic influences. From the opening track, “Autumnal”, a slow-burning ascent into full black‑metal fury, inspired by the Sensorio light installation in Paso Robles. “Backward Momentum” blends Opeth‑style clean‑vocal layering with 90s‑rock riffing and one of Portz’s favorite solos on the album. “Voids in the Ash” pairs grunge‑inflected vocal harmonies with hyperspeed black‑metal bursts, telling the story of Pompeii from both mortal and divine perspectives. “The Apparition” channels early death metal before spiraling into odd‑meter prog weirdness. The title track, “The Harvest,” closes the album with an apocalyptic vision inspired by Iceland’s stark landscapes and the album’s striking cover art.

The album’s cover, featuring two red skeletons locked in an eerie, autumnal tableau, was created by artist Venus Kohana, whose work Portz discovered at an art show. The imagery’s blend of beauty, decay, and ritual perfectly mirrors the album’s themes.

“I bought a print and couldn’t stop staring at it. Eventually, I realized it had to be the cover. It even inspired the lyrics to the title track.”

For over a decade, Ashen Horde has carved out a unique place in extreme metal, refusing to be confined to any single subgenre. Rooted in black and death metal but unafraid to explore melodic prog, 90s alternative, and avant‑garde experimentation, the band appeals to fans of Opeth, Enslaved, Amorphis, Ihsahn, and metal’s more adventurous corners.

Originally founded as a solo project by guitarist and primary songwriter Trevor Portz, Ashen Horde has evolved into a full lineup featuring vocalist Karl Chamberlain and Australian-based drummer Robin Stone (The Amenta, Convulsing).

“The Harvest” represents the band’s most dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious work to date.

Tour Dates:
May 14 – Montclair, NJ – The Meatlocker
May 15 – Wallingford, CT – Cherry Street Station
May 16 – Brattleboro, VT – Midnight’s

Credits:
Mixed by Ricardo Borges and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios
Artwork by Venus Kohana (venuskohana.com)

Lineup:
Trevor Portz: Guitar, Bass, Harmony Vocals
Karl Chamberlain: Vocals
Robin Stone: Drums

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/AshenHorde/

https://www.instagram.com/ashenhorde

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“Equal parts blackened madness, death metal riffing, and clean vocals, “The Neophyte” should get just about anyone stoked for Antimony.” – Metal Injection (2023 – Antimony)

“an amazing odyssey all around and the amount of remarkable coherency as well as the instrumentation work and musicianship is just top notch.” – Metal Purgatory (2023 – Antimony)

“Progression like what Ashen Horde has undergone over the years is what the best tales in the underground are made out of.” – Head-Banger Reviews (2023 – Antimony)

“Fallen Cathedrals; 4.0 rating; “I can’t recommend this enough for fans of black and death metals being combined in unique ways.” – Angry Metal Guy (2019 – Fallen Cathedrals)

—
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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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)

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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.

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 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 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
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0 GRAVEMASS (ft. members of Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation) Drops “This Is the Way” Video ft. Armstrong Metal Fest 2025 Footage + Debut Album Out March 2026

February 13, 2026
by Asher
· GraveMass · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 13, 2026

West Coast Death Metal Titans GRAVEMASS (ft. members of Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation) Drops “This Is the Way” Video ft. Armstrong Metal Fest 2025 Footage

Debut Album “This Is The Way” Out March 6th, 2026 via End Game Records

Photo Credit – Derek Carr

L-R – Destroyer of Souls – Drums – Bowels of Hell – Bass – Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar – Mayan Hate – Guitar – Lorde Heathen – Vocals

West Coast death metal juggernaut Gravemass has officially announced the release of their highly anticipated debut album, “This Is the Way,” arriving March 6, 2026, via End Game Records. To mark the occasion, the band has unleashed the album’s crushing title track alongside a brand‑new music video featuring explosive live footage captured during their 2025 performance at Armstrong Metal Fest.

“This is the title track of our debut album!! THIS IS THE WAY!!!! Footage from our Armstrong Metal Fest 2025 performance! Hails to our Gravemass Family!!! \,,/\,,/” the band shared in their announcement.

Formed by long‑time veterans of the Vancouver metal scene, Gravemass is a supergroup built from decades of collective experience. Its members have performed in some of the most influential and notorious bands on the West Coast, including Zimmers Hole, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation, Just Cause, West of Hell, Savannah, Process, Subversion, and The Golers.

The lineup includes Lord Heathen – Vocals (Zimmers Hole, Mechanism), Mayan Hate – Guitar (Savannah, Just Cause, Dialed), Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar (Process, Punch Drunk, Savannah), Bowels of Hell – Bass (Subversion, The Golers, Zucckuss), Destroyer of Souls – Drums (Zimmers Hole, 3 Inches of Blood, Revocation). Together, they channel a sound described by the band as “brutal, angry, fast, dark and evil.”

Gravemass’ formation, as guitarist Mayan Hate explains, was a natural extension of decades‑long friendships within the Vancouver metal scene. He wrote the foundation of the debut album over two months between other projects and shared it with vocalist Lorde Heathen, who immediately signed on. From there, the rest of the lineup, fellow West Coast metal veterans they had all known for years, fell into place. The writing process remained intentionally raw and instinctive: riffs first, lyrics second, and only the material that felt right survived. True to their no‑nonsense ethos, Mayan Hate believes fans of extreme music will embrace the new material, stating simply that “if you like brutal, you will dig it.”

Lyrically, Lorde Heathen draws from the chaos and decay of the modern world, channeling that bleakness into the band’s sinister sound. Musically, Gravemass pulls from the lineage of extreme metal’s greats, Slayer, Venom, Morbid Angel, Watain, and Napalm Death, while shaping their identity through decades immersed in death, black, and speed metal. With their second album already in early writing stages and set to be a more collaborative effort, the band emphasizes that their true power is unleashed onstage, where their live performance brings every element of Gravemass together in a full‑force assault meant for the masses.

Watch the newly released music video for “This Is the Way” as it captures that ferocity firsthand, showcasing the band’s commanding presence at Armstrong Metal Fest 2025.

Music Video – This Is The Way – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR9gy-AD8-E

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/0JPFvvKR06w1ofDskaoeE4

Previous Singles:

Music Video – Fallen – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ4ws87xOJs

Music Video – Spitting Hell – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r477FZl1VFo

Music Video – Slaves to Pain – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cW-Rk9koq0

Digital singles available at https://gravemass.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. Slaves To Pain – 2:38
2. This Is The Way – 3:45
3. Horned King – 2:54
4. Harvest of Souls – 2:53
5. Spitting Hell – 2:07
6. Black Bell – 2:50
7. Fallen – 3:27
8. Gravemass – 3:51
9. Abandon – 2:01
10. Poison Temple – 3:11
Album Length: 29:41

Album Band Line Up:
Lorde Heathen – Vocals
Mayan Hate – Guitar
Murderer of Colonizers – Guitar
Bowels of Hell – Bass
Destroyer of Souls – Drums

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Gravemass
• All songs written by: Mayan Hate and Lorde Heathen
• Produced by: Tim Creviston
• Mixed by: Tim Creviston
• Mastered by: Tim Creviston
• Album Artwork by: Gravemass
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

More info:

https://endgamerecords.com/

http://www.gravemass.com/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Grave-Mass/61556695854887/

https://www.instagram.com/gravemass1/

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“Hold on to your hats, buds. Your eyes and ears are in for a blinding treat. Canada’s black/death metal band GraveMass just released the aural assault known as “Fallen.” The song and the video are delightfully overwhelming. ” – Metal Sucks

““Fallen” is a brutal, pummeling track with vocals that range from a guttural growl to a nasal screech, creating a blistering death metal assault. The black-and-white video with its flashing lights and quick cuts combines imagery of nature and religion in a way that perfectly complements the sonic onslaught of the video. It’s a breakneck track that leaves carnage in its wake, and you’ll want to check it out.” – New Noise Magazine

“With “Fallen,” GraveMass offers a glimpse into what promises to be a searing, unholy debut album. It’s a declaration of intent—and a brutal reminder that Canadian metal is as fierce and alive as ever.” – See Rock Live

“Gravemass Deliver Evil with Latest Single & Video, “Fallen”” – V13

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0 Rockshots Records – Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM Shares New Lyric Video “Eclissi” From Album “Myth of Mankind”

February 11, 2026
by Asher
· Aexylium (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Feb 11, 2026

Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM Shares New Lyric Video “Eclissi” From Album “Myth of Mankind”

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of the new lyric video for “Eclissi”, taken from “Myth of Mankind“, the third full-length album by Italian folk metal act Aexylium.

“Eclissi” marks a defining moment in Aexylium’s artistic journey. Musically rooted in the band’s unmistakable fusion of modern metal intensity and traditional folk instrumentation, the track stands out as the first song in the band’s career written entirely in Italian, a deliberate and meaningful choice that reinforces its emotional impact and narrative depth. Layered choirs, wide melodic lines, and a carefully balanced orchestral framework make “Eclissi” one of the most evocative compositions on “Myth of Mankind,” while also enhancing its strong potential in a live setting where audience interaction becomes an integral part of the song’s identity.

Commenting on the track, the band explains that “Eclissi fits perfectly with the musical lines of the album and represents a new expressive space for us. Writing in Italian allowed the lyrics to flow more naturally, strengthening the emotional connection between words and music while the choirs make it especially powerful during live performances.”

The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Davide Tavecchia at Twilight Studio, ensuring a powerful yet detailed production that highlights both the band’s metallic core and its rich instrumental textures. The front cover was designed by Gustavo Sazes (Arch Enemy, Machine Head, Amaranthe).”Myth of Mankind” represents the most mature and personal chapter in Aexylium’s discography, addressing introspective and abstract themes while consciously stepping beyond genre stereotypes without losing sight of the band’s roots.

Formed in Italy in 2014, Aexylium have steadily built a strong reputation within the European folk metal scene, performing at major festivals such as Dong Open Air, Tanzt!, and Montelago Celtic Festival and sharing the stage with acts including Blind Guardian, Elvenking, Wind Rose, and TÝR. Following the releases of “Tales From This Land” (2018) and “The Fifth Season” (2021), the band returns with “Myth of Mankind“, an album that fully encapsulates their growth in terms of songwriting, production, and artistic vision.

The lyric video for “Eclissi” offers listeners and media partners a focused insight into one of the album’s most distinctive tracks, highlighting both its linguistic uniqueness and its role within the conceptual and musical framework of “Myth of Mankind“.

Watch and listen to “Eclissi” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1b0_21hujw

For fans of Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Amorphis, Folkstone, Alestorm, and Mago de Oz, “Myth of Mankind” (released May 23, 2025) is available digitally and on CD at https://lnk.to/koGz58.

Track Listing:
1 – Fontes et Omnia
2 – The Queen
3 – Hexe
4 – Into Oblivion
5 – In Sorrow
6 – Myth of Mankind
7 – Eclissi
8 – Wild Hunt
9 – Surrender
10 – Northern Lights
11 – Eternity

BAND LINEUP
SAM BIGANZOLI – Vocals
ARIANNA BELLINASO – Vocals
FABIO BUZZAGO – Guitar
LUCA PERRONE – Guitar
GABRIELE CACOCCIOLA – Bass
ALBERTO MEZZANOTTE – Drums
FEDERICO BONOLDI – Violin
LEANDRO PESSINA – Flute
STEFANO COLOMBO – Keyboards

ALBUM CREDITS:
Main Music Composer: Fabio Buzzago
Lyrics: Fabio Buzzago, Gabriele Cacocciola, Samuele Biganzoli
Orchestrations: Fabio Buzzago, Stefano Colombo
Production: Davide Tavecchia, Buzzago Fabio, Stefano Colombo, Alberto Bernasconi
Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Davide Tavecchia (Twilight Studio)
Graphics: Gustavo Sazes

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

FOLLOW:
https://www.instagram.com/aexylium_official
https://www.facebook.com/aexylium

ABOUT:

Aexylium was formed in 2014 in Italy, merging the distinctive sound of traditional instruments with the modern intensity of metal.

The band has performed at many renowned European festivals, including Dong Open Air, Tanzt!, Mead & Greed, Montelago Celtic Festival, Malpaga Folk & Metal, Druidia, and more. During these events, Aexylium shared the stage with several notable bands such as Blind Guardian, Elvenking, Wind Rose, Týr, Vision Divine, Furor Gallico, Temperance, and others.

Their debut album, ‘Tales From This Land’ (2018), was released through Underground Symphony Records. It was recorded at Twilight Studio by Davide Tavecchia and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Elvenking, DGM, Secret Sphere, etc.).

In 2021, Aexylium signed a deal with Rockshots Records for their second album, ‘The Fifth Season’. The album was recorded at Twilight Studio with the artwork designed by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design (Testament, Manowar, Korpiklaani). To date, the band has released six music videos as singles.

Compared to the last studio album, the band has welcomed Alberto Mezzanotte (drums), Luca Perrone (Guitar), and the frontman Sam Biganzoli into its lineup.

Aexylium’s partners include Solar Guitars, Footblaster, Liuteria Cocopelli, and Firebird Strumenti Musicali.

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0 Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Ignite The Universe With New Video “Deepstar” + Show Date w/ DANKO JONES

January 28, 2026
by Asher
· Famous Strangers · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 28, 2026

Edmonton’s FAMOUS STRANGERS Ignite The Universe With New Video “Deepstar”

+ Show Date w/ DANKO JONES – Feb 6th at Sherwood Park Festival Place

L-R – Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals), Braden Sustrik (Bass, Vocals), Amanda Kiernan (Vocals), Brian Jolly aka “Beej” Beejerson (Drums)

Edmonton, Canada’s alt‑metal visionaries Famous Strangers, have unveiled the long‑anticipated music video for “Deepstar,” their debut 2024 single and the first song the band ever released. After two years in the vault, the cinematic visual finally arrives in 2026, marking a major milestone in the band’s evolving creative journey.

Originally released in September 2024, “Deepstar”, mixed by Juno‑winner Phil Anderson (Econoline Crush, Garth Prince, Van Halst) and mastered by world‑renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Dokken, Dream Theater, Limp Bizkit), introduced listeners to Famous Strangers’ signature blend of atmospheric storytelling, haunting melodies, and emotional intensity. The new long‑form video brings the track’s cosmic narrative fully to life.

Vocalist Amanda Kiernan describes the origins of the song as deeply personal and unexpectedly cosmic:

“I started writing this song literally just describing my friend Mileena, how she makes me feel, and how her presence feels in the room. It all came together so perfectly when I added all the space and healing. The world needs a hero, and I put those two together… it just happened, flooding the paper like some epic extraterrestrial being. What’s even better is that she agreed to be Deepstar and be in our video. We are honored and blessed to have her.”

Guitarist Jeff Kittlitz recalls how naturally the music itself formed:

“Deep Star came together quickly and organically. While exploring presets on my new Fractal FM9, I landed on a tone that instantly brought to mind classic Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and the main riff came together almost immediately. Once I brought it to Beej, the song fell into place fast and gave Amanda plenty of space to write. It was one of the first songs the four of us created together. During recording, the ending evolved in the studio, and we loved it so much we kept it. It was one of those moments that proves the magic that happens when everyone’s locked in. At its core, it’s a straight‑up rock song.”

Kittlitz adds:

“Deep Star is coming. This was the very first song we ever released, and the video has been two years in the making. We’re fired up that it’s finally unleashed. A dark cosmic tale of a woman from space sent to save our doomed souls. Massive thanks to Brad Thompson, Mileena Kombat, and Shade Nightclub for helping summon this beast.”

“Deepstar” represents the earliest spark of what would become Famous Strangers, a band that formed almost by accident, yet grew into something powerful and intentional. Since their formation in 2023, the group has released four singles, each expanding their sonic universe: (Deepstar 2024), (George 2024), (I’ll See You In The Stars 2025), and (L.S.C. 2025).

These tracks have positioned Famous Strangers as one of Canada’s most intriguing emerging heavy acts. The band has performed at Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, and shared stages with Revocation, Danko Jones, Three Inches of Blood, Riot City, and more. Their dark aesthetic, emotional depth, and cinematic approach to songwriting continue to draw attention across the metal and hard‑rock landscape.

With the release of the “Deepstar” video, Famous Strangers close the loop on their earliest chapter while stepping boldly into their next. Their upcoming 2026 full‑length album promises to expand their universe even further, darker, deeper, and more immersive than ever.

For fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Butcher Babies, and Bad Omens, watch the “Deepstar” video via Space Untravel’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXBDka5r1UQ

Add “Deepstar” to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/70ubKz5KnptZEvLHi5KpbY

In additional news, Famous Strangers have been chosen as local support for Danko Jones‘ show date in Sherwood Park, AB, a suburb of Edmonton, on February 6th at Sherwood Park Festival Place. For more info, please visit https://festivalplace.ca/events/danko-jones-2/

Previous Singles:

Music Video- L.S.C. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXowgk7zopA

Music Video – I’ll See You In The Stars – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtdfaMp4Hec

Lyric Video – George – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz85ChqELO4

More info:

Famousstrangersband.com

Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774

Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband

About: Formed through a collision of ideas, personalities, and musical histories, Famous Strangers craft a sound that is as moody and mysterious as it is intense. Their music blends atmospheric textures with melodic and aggressive vocals, creating a sonic world that feels both intimate and otherworldly.

Each member brings years of experience from previous projects, shaping a band that thrives on creativity, experimentation, and emotional honesty. Their music is recorded and mixed almost entirely in‑house by guitarist Jeff Kittlitz, keeping their sound raw, authentic, and fully under their artistic control.

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

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0 Canadian Prog CANDOR ZEALOT (ft. ex-members of Annihilator, The Slyde) Make Their Debut w/ Single “Lie For Country”

January 20, 2026
by Asher
· Candor Zealot · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2026

Canadian Prog CANDOR ZEALOT (ft. ex-members of Annihilator, The Slyde) Make Their Debut w/ Single “Lie For Country”

L-R – Chris Gagnon (Guitar, Vocals) | Nate Silva (Lead Vocals, Guitar) | Dino Soares (Drums) | Alberto Campuzano (Bass Guitar, Vocals)

Photo Credit: Ryan Stacey

Canadian (Ottawa, ON) progressive metal newcomers Candor Zealot are set to make their explosive debut with “Lie For Country”, the first in a series of singles to be released throughout 2026. With a sound that fuses the melodic intricacy of Rush and Dream Theater with the raw energy of Megadeth, Billy Talent, and Killswitch Engage, Candor Zealot are poised to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic take on modern progressive rock and heavy metal.

Formed by frontman Nate Silva after the disbandment of his previous project, The Slyde, in 2019, Candor Zealot emerged from years of creative exploration, pandemic delays, and solo ventures. Recruiting many of the same musicians from The Slyde, Silva describes the band as a “spiritual successor” to his earlier work, only this time with a sharper name and a renewed focus on honesty and intensity.

“‘Lie For Country’ is our debut single, and we wanted to introduce ourselves with breakneck speed, musical intensity, and a poignant political message. There are influences of Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Billy Talent, and even System of a Down in this track, and it’s a song about being manipulated and politically indoctrinated without thinking critically. We are proud of this track, and we are pumped to release it!” – Nate Silva, Candor Zealot

Rather than releasing a traditional full-length album, Candor Zealot will roll out six singles across 2026, each designed to capture attention in today’s fast-paced listening culture. Fans can expect melodic hooks, technical proficiency, and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle both politics and relationships, two universal themes that resonate deeply.

Candor Zealot is comprised of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Canada’s metal scene, including ex-members of Annihilator and The Slyde. Frontman Nate Silva (vocals/guitar), formerly of The Slyde, is an international touring artist and academic researcher on chiptune music. Guitarist Chris Gagnon, based in Ottawa, is a versatile performer active in eight tribute bands covering acts from Queen to Rage Against the Machine. Drummer Dino Soares, a longtime collaborator with Silva since their teenage years, continues to freelance in Kingston’s music scene. On bass, Alberto Campuzano, formerly of Annihilator, also performs with Toronto’s Metallica tribute act Sandman. Collectively, the band brings decades of experience and a proven pedigree, highlighted by Silva, Soares, and Campuzano’s performance at Wacken Open Air in Germany after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada with The Slyde.

With “Lie For Country” as their fiery introduction, Candor Zealot plans to release five more singles throughout 2026, followed by additional recordings in 2027.

Listen to “Lie For Country” at the following links:

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/candorzealot/lie-for-country-2

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f26f_KNVBq0

For more info:

http://candorzealot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582854735079

https://www.instagram.com/candorzealot

https://www.tiktok.com/@candorzealot

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0 Ottawa’s DOLL Premiere New Single “Bear Claw” To Follow 2025 Comeback Album “Better Days, Better Times”

January 16, 2026
by Asher
· DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 16, 2026

Ottawa’s DOLL Premiere New Single “Bear Claw” To Follow 2025 Comeback Album “Better Days, Better Times”

Ottawa alternative rock band DOLL launches into 2026 with the release of their explosive new single “Bear Claw,” premiering today exclusively via New Noise Magazine alongside a brand‑new lyric video. The track serves as the next chapter in the band’s creative resurgence following their 2025 comeback album “Better Days, Better Times.”

“Bear Claw” continues DOLL’s evolving “Animal Crackers” trilogy, which began earlier this year with the fan‑favourite single “Shark Bait,” featured on “Better Days, Better Times.”

“We had such an amazing response to our first ‘Animal Crackers’ concept with ‘Shark Bait. We always planned to release three animal‑themed songs, but that positive feedback really propelled us as we finalized the next piece of the trilogy, Bear Claw,” the band explains.

The band believes fans will connect strongly with this new installment:

“I think it’s safe to say this is our best effort yet. We brought back some of that legacy DOLL riffing, mixed in the hardcore elements we toyed with in ‘Shark Bait,’ and really pushed ourselves creatively with the vocals and lyrics. We hope this one is just as well received, if not better. I guess it depends on whether you’re more of a land or sea animal lover.”

The single’s artwork pays homage to classic Smokey the Bear posters, reimagined through DOLL’s gritty, tongue‑in‑cheek lens. Artist Mark Kidd once again brought the concept to life with bold character design and a nostalgic yet rebellious aesthetic.

“We wanted to revive some of the artwork we grew up with. We went heavy on that Smokey‑the‑Bear look, but added our own comedic twist, putting Doll on the hat and rebranding Smokey as Grungey. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, some attitude,” the band adds.

Musically, “Bear Claw” taps into the band’s classic sound while pushing into new territory. The track features signature leads, heavy wah‑wah pedal work, Christina’s unmistakable bends, and bursts of rapid‑fire strumming. The chorus hits with a hardcore‑infused punch from Pete, driven by drop‑tuned guitars that add weight and urgency.

The band also leaned into atmosphere and tension, crafting a breakdown recorded through a low‑fi head and amp setup to create a spooky, suspenseful moment before slamming back in with the crunch of the PRS MT100. The result is a dynamic blend of old‑school grit and modern heaviness, achieved without relying on keyboards, instead letting raw instrumentation carry the emotion.

With “Bear Claw,” DOLL continue to build on their renewed momentum, delivering a track that’s fierce, fun, and unmistakably their own.

“This song is definitely our most creative vocally. Christina changed up the delivery in ways we haven’t done before. We wanted the song to be fun, with some light‑hearted lyrics, but still true to the raw rock vocal and lyrical style that DOLL has always been about.”

Watch the “Bear Claw” lyric video via its premiere on New Noise Magazine HERE.

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/1BGF0Pec0KtHMKPFUaOIPY

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Doll
• All songs written by: Doll
• Produced by: Josh Hart
• Mixed by: Josh Hart
• Mastered by: Josh Hart
• Single Artwork by: Mark Kidd
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up: Pete Kasper, Christina Kasper, Josh Hart

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband | https://www.instagram.com/dollbandmusic/

About: After a long hiatus, DOLL returned in 2025 with their album “Better Days, Better Times,” re‑establishing themselves as one of Ottawa’s most compelling alternative rock acts. Formed in Ottawa, Ontario, DOLL first broke onto the scene with their 2009 debut “Inside The Dollhouse,” followed by 2011’s “The Ragdoll Diaries.” Their music has been featured on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, and the band has shared stages with Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Spinnerette, Protest the Hero, Band of Skulls, Anvil, Halestorm, SNFU, Hanzel Und Gretyl, Civet, The Creepshow, Die Mannequin, and more.

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What the press has said about DOLL:

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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