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Tag: news

0 Melodic Death Metal Force OUTLYING Unleashes “The Raven Is Gone” From New Album “Oblivisci” Out Nov 2025

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

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 4, 2025

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

New Album “Oblivisci” Out Nov 2025

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

Photo by Sandy Champagne

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

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

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

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

Bandcamp – https://outlying.bandcamp.com

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

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

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

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

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

For more info:

http://www.outlying.ca/

http://www.facebook.com/outlyingband

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

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

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

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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 Lily Löwe Unleashes “Haunted House” A Dark Rock Anthem Just in Time for Halloween; New Album “Beautiful Disaster” Coming February 2026

  • October 29, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Lily Löwe · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 29, 2025

Lily Löwe Unleashes “Haunted House,” A Dark Rock Anthem Just in Time for Halloween

New Album “Beautiful Disaster” Coming February 2026

Norwegian melodic hard rock band Lily Löwe has dropped their latest single, “Haunted House,” a chilling and cathartic track that arrives just in time to soundtrack your Halloween. The single is the sixth release from their upcoming sophomore album, “Beautiful Disaster, set to arrive February 6, 2026.
​
​“Haunted House” dives deep into the shadows of the mind, using the metaphor of a haunted home to explore themes of anxiety, inner demons, and emotional chaos. With heavy basslines, modern production, and frontwoman Lily’s commanding vocals, the track delivers a visceral listening experience, dark, raw, and emotionally charged.
​
​“It’s about being trapped inside your own head. We wanted the music to reflect that, heavy, haunting, but also cathartic,” says Lily.
​
The single follows a string of high-voltage releases in 2025, including “Wild,” “Demons,” “Puppet Master,” “Glitter & Gore,” and the title track “Beautiful Disaster.” Each song reveals a different facet of the band’s evolving sound, melodic, punchy, and unapologetically heavy.
​
Formed after Lily’s solo debut at Melodi Grand Prix 2022, Lily Löwe quickly grew into a full band featuring some of Norway’s top heavy rock talent: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt (Jorn), Patrik Svendsen (Tonic Breed), Stian Hansen (Suicide Bombers), and Eiliv Sagrusten (Invasion). Their debut album LÖWE earned critical acclaim, and their upcoming release promises to push boundaries even further.
​
​“Beautiful Disaster” is a sonic journey through power, vulnerability, and transformation, blending classic hard rock roots with modern edge. From the glam-punk riot of “Glitter & Gore” to the emotional wreckage of the title track, the album is “all killer, no filler,” according to the band.
​
Fans can expect more singles leading up to the album’s release, and a live show that’s as intense as the music itself, with raw emotion, heavy riffs, and hooks that stick.
​
​“Haunted House” is available now on all major streaming platforms. “Beautiful Disaster” arrives February 6, 2026.

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5NtqnDqrHsz2ap3kJe2Coj

YouTube – https://youtu.be/N_5AF-owxPc

More info: https://www.lilylowe.com | Facebook.com/iam.lilylowe | Instagram.com/iam_lilylowe

-30-

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0 Rockshots Records – Australia’s IMPERATORE Unveils First Single “Be A Man” From New Album “The Lionspirit” Out Dec 2025

  • October 29, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Imperatore (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 29, 2025

Australia’s IMPERATORE Unveils First Single “Be A Man” From New Album “The Lionspirit” Out Dec 2025

Australian rock visionaries IMPERATORE return with the first single “Be A Man”, taken from their upcoming album “The Lionspirit“, due out on December 19th, 2025, via Rockshots Records. The song is released together with its official music video, introducing the core concept behind the album – a call to courage, resiliency, and self-mastery.

Blending heavy rock, progressive metal, and operatic grandeur, “Be A Man” stands as a powerful anthem of inner rebirth. Driven by amazing vocals, cinematic orchestrations, and uplifting melodies, the track embodies Imperatore’s distinctive sound – emotional, epic, and deeply reflective. Its lyrics invite listeners to confront fear, embrace authenticity, and rediscover the strength within, echoing the Stoic philosophy that inspired the entire record.

Founder Zoran Cunjack explains:

“Be A Man is about facing your inner fears and reclaiming your strength. True courage isn’t found in the world outside but in mastering your own mind and spirit. It’s a song about standing tall – not just as a man but as a human being who refuses to give up.”

“Be A Man” marks the beginning of Imperatore’s next chapter – a blend of cinematic power and operatic emotion that defines the band’s evolving sound. Produced by Zoran Cunjack, recorded and mixed by Rodion Farafontov, and mastered by Simon Jovanovic, the track sets the tone for what promises to be Imperatore’s most ambitious work to date.

For fans of Nightwish, Kamelot, Symphony X, Powerwolf, and Queen.
​
​DIGITAL: http://lnk.to/Jh87DW89

​​VIDEO for “Be A Man”: https://youtu.be/o5zZdq_MKL4

​
New album “The Lionspirit” out December 19th, 2025

PRE ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/products/imperatore-the-lionspirit-cd

Track Listing:​
1. Ides Of March – 02:11
2. Be A Man – 04:40
3. Orion – 04:58
4. My Life – 04:49
5. Treachery – 04:13
6. Between The Worlds – 03:58
7. Men Of Pain – 05:14
8. All Of Us – 04:01
9. Australian – 04:35
10. Il Gladiatore – 04:09
Album Length: 41:58
​
Band Line Up:
– Zoran Cunjack – Vocals, Guitars
– Sean Allsopp – Drums
– Daniel Marijanovic – Bass Guitar
​
Guest appearance:
– Leon Todd – Lead Guitar (guest)

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imperatoreband​
​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imperatoreband

BIOGRAPHY:

IMPERATORE is a rock and metal band from Perth, Australia, blending the power of heavy riffs, progressive structures, and operatic emotion into a cinematic sound that’s both modern and timeless. Founded in 2022 by Zoran Cunjack, Imperatore was born from a vision to unite the strength of metal with the grandeur of classical and symphonic music, creating an experience that transcends genre boundaries.

The project began as a creative outlet for Zoran’s compositions and quickly evolved into a full-fledged band featuring Daniel Marijanovic on bass and Sean Allsopp on drums, with occasional guest contributions such as Leon Todd on lead guitar. The sound is epic, dramatic, and profoundly emotional – one that evokes the storytelling power of opera while retaining the intensity of modern metal.

In 2023, Imperatore released their self-titled debut album “Imperatore“, which received critical acclaim and a nomination for Song of the Year by West Australian Music (WAM). The album established their trademark blend of symphonic rock and theatrical metal, earning praise for its originality and depth.

A year later, the band followed with “Nations, Rise!” (2024), a record that expanded their symphonic and conceptual direction while reinforcing the philosophical dimension of their music. With their third release, “The Lionspirit” (2025), Imperatore takes a bold creative step forward – combining metal energy, orchestral power, and Stoic-inspired themes into an emotionally charged journey through courage, endurance, and self-mastery.

The band’s live performances amplify this vision through immersive visuals and cinematic projections that transform each show into a full sensory experience. With its unique fusion of rock, opera, and philosophy, Imperatore stands as one of the most distinctive voices in today’s metal scene, appealing to fans of Nightwish, Kamelot, Symphony X, Powerwolf, and Queen.

-30-

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

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

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2025

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

Ancient Thrones Current Line Up

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

Photo Credit – Matt Leblanc

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

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

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

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

​

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

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

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

-30-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Streaming Now! IVY GARDENS Live Off The Floor Sludge Rock Album “Death of Don Valley” + Canadian Tour Dates (ON/NS/PEI/NB/QC/MB/SK/AB/BC)

  • August 28, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Ivy Gardens · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 28, 2025

Streaming Now! IVY GARDENS Live Off The Floor Sludge Rock Album “Death of Don Valley”

New Album “Death of Don Valley” Out August 29th, 2025 via Paper Cut Recordings

Cross Canada Tour Dates (ON/NS/PEI/NB/QC/MB/SK/AB/BC)

L-R – Andrew Blackborow (Guitar, Vocals), Joe Zandwyk (Drums, Vocals), Sebastian Hogg (Keyboards)

Photo Credit by Luka Kartveli

Niagara Falls, Canada’s Ivy Gardens is unveiling their lush-sounding, raw and live off the floor sludge rock storytelling album “Death of Don Valley” as they prepare to hit the road across Canada in support of its release on August 29th, 2025 via Paper Cut Recordings.

Before it officially drops, the trio has teamed up with Bravewords for its full stream premiere, which can be heard HERE.

The band comments on their sophomore album:

“Death of Don Valley is the record we had inside us, but couldn’t quite articulate for several years. Musically, it’s a huge leap in a more experimental direction. It’s about death, decay, and the ultimate destruction of the world around you. Everybody knows of some sort of small natural space that gets slowly encroached upon until only a shell remains. The pond beside the highway, the wetlands behind the factory. The Don Valley in Toronto is one such natural feature, slowly tainted by industrialization until it can’t support any of the life that it used to. After touring for several years, we grew a lot as musicians, and only after really honing all of this material live for about a year, we felt we were ready to get it tracked and send it into the world. We recorded everything live off the floor, and Frank, our engineer, had heard nothing beforehand and had no idea what we actually sounded like going into it. Eventually, he asked us, ‘How do you determine what becomes a 2-minute song, and what becomes a 9-minute song?’ Pure instinct, Frank. Here it is.”

Formed in the unlikely crucible of a Princess Auto parking lot, Ivy Gardens began with a simple desire to shred through Rush instrumentals and explore the outer reaches of heavy music. Now, following their acclaimed first full-length “Goon” released in 2024, the band takes a daring leap into more dour, experimental terrain. “Death of Don Valley” presents a concept album steeped in decay, lyrically and sonically portraying the slow death of natural spaces like Toronto’s Don River, drowned by industry and time.

Ivy Gardens’ influences are vast, ranging from progressive icons like Rush, Yes, and King Crimson to sludge pioneers like EYEHATEGOD and Iron Monkey. Their sound blends elements of stoner metal, sludge, math rock, and progressive rock, creating an unpredictable listening experience that takes the listener through a series of emotional and sonic landscapes.
​
Fans can expect a live experience unlike any other as Ivy Gardens is hitting the road for a cross-Canada tour in kicking off on August 29th in St. Catharines, ON, and will wrap up in Victoria, BC on October 25th (dates listed below).

“Death of Don Valley” (out August 29th) is available for pre-order at https://ivygardens.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TBuI2vFSltCNhiHdHnz01​

Music Video – Burden – https://youtu.be/r4o-YPv-RcY​

Music Video – Eye Witness – https://youtu.be/_RiZ8i7udjs​

Ivy Gardens – Live or Die Tour:​
Aug 29 – St. Catharines, ON – Warehouse Concert Hall
Aug 30 – Toronto, ON – Monarch Tavern
Sept 5 – Kitchener, ON – The Golden Apple
Sept 12 – Windsor, ON – Phog Lounge
Sept 13 – Sarnia, ON – AJs Bar
Sept 14 – London, ON – Grogettes Living Room
Sept 18 – Halifax, NS – Radstorm
Sept 19 – Sydney, NS – Daniels Ale House
Sept 20 – Charlottetown, PEI – Babas Lounge
Sept 21 – Moncton, NB – Generator Show
Sept 25 – Woodstock, NB – Montieth Manor
Sept 26 – Montreal, QC – Turbo Haus
Sept 27 – Quebec City, QC – Sonum
Oct 9 – Barrie, ON – CW Coops
Oct 10 – Sudbury, ON – Townhouse Tavern
Oct 11 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub
Oct 12 – Winnipeg, MB – Bulldog Event Center
Oct 16 – Regina, SK – The Cure Kitchen and Bar
Oct 17 – Saskatoon, SK – The Black Cat
Oct 18 – Calgary, AB – Palomino
Oct 19 – Edmonton, AB – Blak Bar
Oct 23 – Kelowna, BC – Dunnenzies
Oct 24 – Vancouver, BC – Black Alley
Oct 25 – Victoria, BC – Fernwood Community Center

Track Listing:​
1. Burn For Murder – 2:02
2. Eye Witness – 2:50
3. Burden – 3:08
4. Guiding Hand – 6:18
5. Frozen Limbs – 5:15
6. Gearth – 2:29
7. Astray – 4:56
8. Bliss – 8:59
9. Golden – 7:07
Album Length: 43:08

Album Credits:​
All songs written and performed by Ivy Gardens
Produced by Ivy Gardens
Recorded and mixed by Frank Ditillio
Mastered by Cameron Lee
Album Artwork by Ivy Gardens
Death of Don Valley is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording and Live Lineup:​
Joe Zandwyk: Drums, Vocals, Samples
Sebastian Hogg: Organ, Piano, Synth, Samples
Andrew Blackborow: Guitar, Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/ivygardensband | Instagram.com/ivygardensofficial​

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“Death Of Don Valley is a wonderfully eccentric, off-beat and demented slice of Sludge/Stoner Metal that demands your full and undivided attention.” – Outlaws of The Sun

“First of all, can we just give a lot of overdue appreciation to the fact that there are still hard-gigging bands out there that play with the kind of urgency as IVY GARDENS. You can damn AI music straight to fiery pits of hell; this is where the real sound and fury is at. Another thing I appreciate about Ivy Gardens is all the dark humor. You see it in their new music video, with its Red Fangish tongue-in-cheek adventure. This one features a vintage style videotaped car chase, which would play well off a viewing of V/H/S/94. …Fake blood ahead… We’re arrested right away by the powerful strumming of the guitar as “Eye Witness” opens. Drumming is crazy, a frenetic attack of Animal from The Muppets, chasing that beat all over the place… Of course, the classic organ-sound of the keyboards adds a certain kind of spookiness to it all, which can be at once cheeky, mysterious, and cool. I myself love this send-back to ‘60s rock, while respecting that Ivy Gardens brings us a sound that clearly feels “now.”” – Doom and Stoned​
​
​“With the premiere of the video for “Burden” below, Niagara Falls progressive sludge trio Ivy Gardens announce their second full-length, Death of Don Valley, will be out Aug. 29 through Paper Cut Recordings. The follow-up to the sans-bass three-piece’s well-received 2024 debut, Goon, is introduced with the lead single “Burden,” which you can find the band playing live in the video premiering below. This ethic would seem to be the crux of Death of Don Valley itself, hence “live off the floor sophomore album” in the headline below. “Burden” benefits from the lack of trickery behind it, from the visually-evidenced capacity on the part of guitarist/vocalist Andrew Blackborow, key-specialist/synthesist Sebastian Hogg and drummer/vocalist Joe Zandwyk, the latter two of whom are also responsible for samples on the record, and while one can hear a bit of Melvinsian do-rock-and-make-it-weird ethos underlying, “Burden” brings charge to coincide with its telltale rhythmic intricacy — not quite doing ‘math’ in the musical sense, but not far off. They say the album’s more complex than the last one, and even if it was tracked entirely live with no overdubs, “Burden” bears that out.” – The Obelisk​
​
​“Throughout the album Joe Zandwyk’s drums almost dance like swirls of sand through the desert. Sebastian Hogg’s keyboard adds a great layer on top of Andrew Blackborow’s guitar playing. While no one particular instrument claims the spotlight, the instruments all have the freedom to claim their own space in the gritty depth that is Ivy Gardens and Death of Don Valley.” – The Metal Pit​
​
​“Ivy Gardens bringing ‘sludge-soaked, high-decibel’ rock to Barrie” – Barrie Today

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0 SHORES OF NULL Announces UK Tour Dates + Headlining “One For Sorrow Festival” + New Live Album “Beauty Over Europe” Out Now!

  • August 26, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 26, 2025

SHORES OF NULL Announces UK Tour Dates + Headlining “One For Sorrow Festival” + New Live Album “Beauty Over Europe” Out Now!

After playing extensively all over Europe in support of their acclaimed album “The Loss Of Beauty” and their recent live album, “Beauty Over Europe”, Italian melancholic dark metal outfit Shores Of Null is thrilled to announce a string of four UK performances. The tour includes a headlining appearance at Plymouth’s One For Sorrow Festival. Joining them on this UK leg will be Lisburn’s own The Crawling. (dates listed below)

“We always enjoy returning to the UK. In our 12-year career, we have been back here several times and have always found people ready to welcome us. The very first time we played in London was even before we had our debut album out, at Doom Over London in 2013. This time we are returning as headliners for our own tour with The Crawling, and we are looking forward to seeing many familiar faces and meeting new ones,” adds vocalist Davide Straccione.

“The Loss of Beauty UK Tour” w/ Shores of Null, The Crawling:
Aug 28 – The Black Heart – London, UK
Aug 29 – The Fenton – Leeds, UK
Aug 30 – One For Sorrow Festival – Plymouth, UK
Aug 31 – The Gryphon – Bristol, UK

“Shores Of Null Capture Tour Magic In Beauty Over Europe… Beauty Over Europe is a great listen. Heavy, emotive, engaging, and well-delivered, Shores Of Null fans will love it.” – Metal Talk

Shores of Null‘s first live album, “Beauty Over Europe,” was released on May 9th, 2025, via Sulphur Music / Masked Dead Records. The live album features 10 tracks recorded during the monumental 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium. Throughout that tour, Shores of Null performed 35 shows across 18 countries, including Norway, Denmark, Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Hungary, bringing their critically acclaimed album “The Loss Of Beauty” to the stage.

The live recordings, captured in Leipzig, Munich, Aschaffenburg, Budapest, and Belfast, preserve the raw and emotive energy of their performances. Each track reflects the band’s ability to blend melancholic melodies with crushing heaviness, offering fans a visceral live experience.

“Beauty Over Europe” is both a celebration of the tour and a gift to all fans of the band. Exactly two years after that unforgettable journey, this live album offers a chance to relive the emotional intensity and true essence of Shores Of Null’s live performances.

Reflecting on the experience, vocalist Davide Straccione and guitarist Gabriele Giacarri share their thoughts:

“This tour was an incredible journey, the longest in our career, and a true milestone for Shores Of Null. As the promotional tour for The Loss Of Beauty, our latest and most acclaimed album to date, it was an honor to bring these songs to life across 35 shows in 18 countries. Sharing the stage with monumental bands like Swallow The Sun and Draconian—huge inspirations for our music—was unforgettable. Despite the melancholy of their sound, they’re some of the most fun and genuine people we’ve met, and by the end of this epic journey, we were proud to call them friends.

We owe special thanks to our incredible crew—Petri, Matti, Mikko, and Tero—who ensured everything ran seamlessly and made this experience unforgettable. To pay homage to this extraordinary chapter, we decided to produce a live album. Recorded during key moments of the tour, it captures the essence of these unforgettable performances and is dedicated to all the people who supported us live and shared these magical moments with us.” – Gabriele Giaccari
​
Davide Straccione adds:

“Our 2023 European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium was one of the most beautiful and intense experiences of my life. Night after night, we poured everything we had into our performances, connecting deeply with audiences across 18 countries. It was a journey that marked a pivotal moment in our career as a band as well, and one we’ll carry with us forever. This live album is our way of preserving and sharing that beauty, not only as a gift to those who joined us in the crowd, but also for those who couldn’t be there to witness it.”

Recommended for fans of Swallow The Sun, Borknagar, and Paradise Lost, “Beauty Over Europe” is available at the following links:

Physical CD: https://maskeddeadrecords.com/product/shores-of-null-beauty-over-europe/
​​
​
Digital: https://shoresofnull.bandcamp.com/album/beauty-over-europe​

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/76lKNyW77arKg42qdDO9Sm​

Live Video – “Quiescent” – https://youtu.be/DOk616SWofA​

Live Video – “The Last Flower” – https://youtu.be/w-Hq69KG2RM​

Live Video – “A Nature in Disguise” – https://youtu.be/Yye8s-6w1rg​

Setlist:​
1. Transitory (Live intro)
2. Destination Woe (Live in Leipzig)
3. Nothing Left To Burn (Live in Leipzig)
4. Quiescent (Live in Munich)
5. The Last Flower (Live in Aschaffenburg)
6. Black Drapes For Tomorrow (Live in Budapest)
7. A Nature in Disguise (Live in Munich)
8. Darkness Won’t Take Me (Live in Belfast)
9. My Darkest Years (Live in Aschaffenburg)
10. Blazing Sunlight (Live Outro)
​
Live Recording: Matti Kynsijärvi
Mixing and Mastering: Marco Mastrobuono at Bloom Recording Studios
​
​Band:​
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Raffaele Colace – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Lorenzo Carlini – Live Bass
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

For more info: Shoresofnull.com

About:

Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic and majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.

The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out a series of impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and the ambitious “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long doom manifesto that sees guest appearances of the doom-titans Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun) and Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), along with the angelic voice of Elisabetta Marchetti (Inno).

Shores Of Null’s fourth album, “The Loss Of Beauty”, released in March 2023, was hailed as one of the best albums of the year within the genre. The band supported the release with an extensive EU/UK tour alongside Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, followed by standout performances at major festivals like Hellfest, Rock Imperium, and 70000 Tons Of Metal, among others, further solidifying their status as one of the rising forces in the metal scene.

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“Shores Of Null Capture Tour Magic In Beauty Over Europe… Beauty Over Europe is a great listen. Heavy, emotive, engaging and well-delivered, Shores Of Null fans will love it.” – Metal Talk

Metal Hammer writers’ top metal albums of 2023 – Edwin McFee – #20 – Shores of Null – The Loss of Beauty

“With The Loss Of Beauty, SHORES OF NULL have produced their second world class record in a row.” – Distorted Sound Mag (9/10)

“The deep, dark, poetic brilliance behind The Loss Of Beauty is undeniable, and Shores Of Null’s doomy melancholic style is especially ideal for those considering themselves fans of Swallow The Sun, Draconian and Saturnus.” – Metal Storm (8,5/10)

“The Loss of Beauty is a morose and often magnificent listen.” – Metal Hammer UK (8/10)

“The Loss of Beauty is an engaging, exquisite, and moving slice of melodic doom that further cements Shores of Null’s esteemed position in the scene.” – Dead Rhetoric (9/10)

“The Loss of Beauty is an incredibly strong and versatile album, on which themes known from genres such as post black metal or post punk are presented in a diverse and varied manner.” – BetreutesProggen (13/15)

“Once again, Shores of Null continue to impress with yet another slab of high-quality doom/death that seems the quintet on an upwards trajectory.” – Angry Metal Guy (4/5)

“With lyrics like “my loneliness will guide me” and “isolation will set us free,” classic doom drumming, and impressive vocals, Shores of Null announce their intent to deliver the best doom album of 2023.” – Noizze UK (9/10)

“Un grato disco de casi una hora de música, donde la melancolía no es predominante, sino lo melódico, y eso es cae a la perfección.” – Metallerium (9.2/10)

“A savourer, en s’aimant. A savourer, l’esprit ouvert aux beautés que l’on croit – ou que l’on relègue au rang d’- insignifiantes et qui sont le sel du monde qui nous entoure. A savourer, tout simplement..” – Soil Chronicles (9/10)

“Shores of Null haben für mich mit The Loss of Beauty einen heißen Anwärter auf mein Album des Jahres veröffentlicht, das ich jedem Fan von melancholischem Metal mit Doom, Gothic, Melodic Death und Black Metal Einflüssen nur wärmstens empfehlen kann! Von mir gibts für dieses Meisterwerk die Höchstnote!.” – Sound Magnet (10/10)

“If “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying)” granted them the status of Masters of the Genre, with “The Loss of Beauty” we cannot help but acknowledge their unquestionable talent for creating stunning beauty that goes under your skin, both with music and words.” – Tuonela Magazine

“It is an album with many faces, a true chameleon, that shows the best of heavy, doom, dark, gothic, death, and a pinch of black metal. The musicians of this band are playing at the very highest level and it is unprecedented what this band is capable of.” – Zware Metalen (94/100)

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! DYING AWKWARD ANGEL’s New Album “The Missing Frame” Explores the Edge Between Reality and Nightmare

  • August 22, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Dying Awkward Angel · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Aug 22, 2025

Out Now! DYING AWKWARD ANGEL’s New Album “The Missing Frame” Explores the Edge Between Reality and Nightmare

New Album “The Missing Frame” Out August 22nd, 2025 via Rockshots Records

Italian melodic death metallers Dying Awkward Angel return today, August 22nd, 2025, with their most intense and uncompromising work to date, the new full-length album “The Missing Frame“, released via Rockshots Records.

Formed in 1998 in the underground metal scene of Turin by guitarist and main composer Edoardo Demuro, the band forged its style drawing from the Gothenburg melodeath wave (In Flames, At The Gates, Dark Tranquillity) and the aggression of American thrash and death metal, adding its own unmistakable Italian touch. Over the years, they have shared the stage with Decapitated, Impaled Nazarene, Necronomicon, Forgotten Tomb, Node, and many more, building a solid reputation for their visceral and high-energy live shows.

“The Missing Frame” follows the critically acclaimed “Absence Of Light” (2018) and was anticipated by the singles “Music Kills” and “9.99”. Written during a period of renewed creative focus, the album is faster, heavier, and more deliberate, the result of what the band calls “a brutal and honest cooperation between us all.”

Lyrically, the record delves into themes of duality, good and evil, instinct and control, reality and illusion, often drawing from deeply personal experiences, stories, and nightmares of the band members. Tracks like “9.99” question the value of human life, while “Music Kills” explores the double-edged power of music itself.

Musically, the album delivers the cold precision of Swedish melodic death metal combined with the raw energy of American metal, all with a modern and direct production approach. “Don’t expect what you expect. Expect what you don’t,” the band warns.

Recorded at Bottleneck Studios in Turin and produced by the band, “The Missing Frame” is an album that stays true to the band’s roots while pushing their boundaries further than ever before.

Coinciding with the album’s release, the band unveils their newest music video for the track “The Inner Paradox”, a haunting allegory of deep depression. It portrays a layered prison that might almost seem bearable, if not for the grim reality that the world beyond its walls is even more harrowing.

For fans of: At The Gates, Carcass, Dark Tranquillity

LISTEN “The Inner Paradox” at: https://lnk.to/z9xAx8​
​WATCH THE VIDEO here: https://youtu.be/XPoiysCBU2M

​
​
​ORDER “The Missing Frame” here: https://rockshots.eu/TheMissingFrameCD​

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5SpG2i3qgkqlAIZnbP1pWJ​

In additional news, Dying Awkward Angel will have the honor of performing at Rock Inn Somma, a special event where the band will present their brand-new album live on its release day!

Track Listing:​
1. The Ecstasy of God (Instrumental)
2. Black Waves
3. The Fallen
4. Music Kills
5. 9.99
6. Raptus
7. YOU MUST DIE!
8. Blinded
9. Skin and Bones
10. The Inner Paradox
11. Out of Mind (R’lyeh)
12. A Promise
13. The Missing Frame (Instrumental)

Line-up:​
Michele Spallieri: Vocals
Demuro Edoardo: Guitars,
Lorenzo Asselli: Guitars
Luca Pellegrino: Drums
Davide Onida: Bass Guitar

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | http://www.dyingawkwardangel.com | https://www.instagram.com/dyingawkwardangel_official/​

ABOUT:
​
Dying Awkward Angel 
is an Italian melodic death metal band formed in 1998 by guitarist Edoardo Demuro and drummer Ivan Longo. Influenced by the ferocity and melody of the ‘90s extreme metal scene—drawing from the Gothenburg sound as well as UK and US death and thrash metal—the band quickly developed a distinctive style that blends raw aggression, dark atmospheres, and introspective lyricism.

After two well-received demos (Dying Awkward Angel, 200,2, and Ghost at the Spine, 2004), the band released their first full-length “Waiting for Punishment” in 2013, followed by the EP “Madness Rising” (2015), showcasing a more mature and dynamic approach to songwriting. In 2018, Dying Awkward Angel released “Absence of Light” through Rockshots Records / Extreme Metal Music, gaining praise from international press and expanding their reach across Europe, the USA, and Japan.

Having shared the stage with acts like Decapitated, Impaled Nazarene, Necronomicon, Forgotten Tomb, Keno,s and Node, the band is known for delivering uncompromising live performances and intense musicality.

In 2024 and 2025, the singles “The Magical World of the Dead“, “Music Kills“, and “9.99” marked the band’s powerful return, leading up to the release of their new album “The Missing Frame“, due out on August 22nd, 2025, via Rockshots Records. This new chapter reflects a more focused and violent sonic identity—one that remains faithful to the Swedish melodeath tradition while embracing a darker, more deliberate production.

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0 Out Now! Canada’s DEVOLVER Unveils New Album “Non Compos Mentis” Produced by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Trivium, DevilDriver, Black Dahlia Murder)

  • August 22, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Devolver · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 22, 2025

Out Now! Canada’s DEVOLVER Unveils New Album “Non Compos Mentis”

Produced by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Trivium, DevilDriver, Black Dahlia Murder)

L-R: Jayde Penner (guitar), Bevin Booth (drums), Jaylen Elias (bass), Devin Babcock (guitar), Chris Brown (vocals)

Grande Prairie, Canada’s rising metal outfit Devolver, returns with a vengeance, announcing the release of their sophomore album, “Non Compos Mentis”, out August 22nd, 2025. Produced by genre heavyweight Mark Lewis, whose credits include Whitechapel, Trivium, and DevilDriver, the album marks a seismic evolution in Devolver’s sound, melding Gothenburg-style melodic death metal with the raw intensity of early 2000s metalcore.

Formed in 2015 by guitarist Devin Babcock as a creative outlet for material that didn’t fit his previous band, Devolver has grown into a five-piece force of nature. With members also active in the local project Dog Poison, the band’s roots run deep in the underground scene.

“Non Compos Mentis” is more than an album; it’s a visceral listening experience. The album features a refined tracklist culled from over 20 demos, each song built collaboratively from riffs and skeletons crafted by guitarists Devin Babcock and Jayde Penner, resulting in a relentless, emotionally charged journey that’s both technically precise and soulfully raw.

The album’s haunting title track, “Non Compos Mentis”, draws from a chilling true story: the 1805 murder of Amos Babcock’s sister in a religious frenzy, an ancestor of Devin Babcock. The artwork was created by legendary metal illustrator Travis Smith (Opeth, Avenged Sevenfold, Soilwork), depicting Amos bloodied in the snow, surrounded by the ghostly eyes of his nine children. It’s a visual as disturbing as the story it tells, and a testament to the band’s commitment to storytelling through music and art.

The band comments on the album’s release:

“We think Non Compos Mentis will be embraced by fans of our first album; it’s a huge evolution of our sound. Our first album was a passion project for Devin, but this record is what the five of us sound like collaborating as a unit. The razor-sharp production from Mark Lewis helped us push this thing over the edge, into something we think people will grab onto. We want to give people the feeling we felt when we first heard our favourite bands, and the albums that made us fall in love with music.”

With each track on the album as a chapter in a larger emotional and sonic narrative, Devolver‘s “Non Compos Mentis” represents a bold leap forward and is recommended for fans of Swedish melodic death metal and classic metalcore. Think the melodic brutality of In Flames and Dark Tranquillity, fused with the punch of Killswitch Engage and As I Lay Dying.

“Non Compos Mentis” is available at the following links:

Album order (out Aug 22nd) – https://devolvermusic.bandcamp.com/​

Spotify for Playlist Add – https://open.spotify.com/album/3eeLxBrxx55QvIm3EnahLm​

Music Video – Merciless Storm – https://youtu.be/o_6jcqK2qFQ

​

Track Listing:​
1. Deathtouch – 3:55
2. New Blood – 3:14
3. Jewels of the Maw – 3:30
4. Wraiths – 3:20
5. At Any Cost – 3:40
6. Non Compos Mentis – 3:53
7. Merciless Storm – 3:56
8. Suffocating Syndrome – 3:36
9. Dehumanize – 3:47
Album Length: 32:55

Album Credits:​
– All songs performed by: Devolver
– All songs written by: Devolver
– Produced, Mixed, Mastered by: Mark Lewis
– Album Artwork by: Travis Smith
– SOCAN members

Band Lineup:​
Chris Brown – Vocals
Devin Babcock – Guitar (lead)
Jayde Penner – Guitar (rhythm)
Bevin Booth – Drums
Jaylen Elias – Bass

More info: https://linktr.ee/devolverab​

-30-

“The goal of Devolver through Non Compos Mentis has been to take the listener on a thoroughly pleasing journey from the first note to the final crushing moment. That’s been achieved, and so much more – as these Canadians understand how to compose songs and execute them in a highly convincing fashion that has this scribe grinning ear to ear – bringing the exciting sounds of the late 90s/early 2000s to a newer generation who desire more of this style. 9/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“Devolver uses melodies, intensity, and a variety of vocalists to hook you, reeling you from song to song making this such a welcoming and comfortable listen. I don’t mean they’re “easy listening,” there heavy as f***, I mean there’s always something different, you’ll never get bored while diving into this debut.” – Vulture Hound

“If After The Burial and The Ghost Inside had a lovechild, it would be Devolver. These guys blew me away with how professional, well written, and how well structured they’ve presented themselves with their SelfTitled record. Each song has its own personality, while still maintaining a signature sound. The breakdowns are simple, yet effective in each song. There is dynamic tension and then well-needed release throughout the record, and it’s downright masterful. This album is captivating, and I recommend anyone that is a fan of metal to check this out.” – Bucketlist Music Reviews

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

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

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 21, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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