After nearly a decade of silence, Montreal’s genre-defying metal band Fallstaf is back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited sophomore album, Ode to The Dead, is set for release this Fall 2025, and its first single, the title track, is streaming everywhere alongside a gripping lyric video.
Known as the pioneers of “brass metal,” Fallstaf made waves in 2011 with their debut ‘Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,’ produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope). Their signature sound is groove-heavy and progressive metal laced, with trombone, earning them cult status in the Quebec metal scene. Yet in 2016, tragedy struck when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, leading to the band’s dissolution.
Now, after years of recovery and reflection, Fallstaf has reunited, reignited, and reimagined their sound. Ode to The Dead is a powerful, autobiographical journey through survival, grief, and rebirth. Produced once again by Jardine, the album features seven new tracks that blend sludge, thrash and hardcore influences with melodic hooks and brass-driven chaos.
“This album wasn’t made to impress; it was made out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” says the band.
The first single and title track is a tribute to the deceased.
“They are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts; that is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song,” adds the band.
Watch the lyric video for “Ode To The Dead” and experience the rebirth of one of Montreal’s most original metal acts:
Fallstaf’s live shows remain unforgettable: suits and ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg. “People think we’re a ska band, until the first chord hits,” they laugh. Stay tuned. Fallstaf will be kicking ass live soon!
Ode to the Dead will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 14th, 2025, along with an exclusive interactive collectible coffin USB drive.
Album Credits: Songs performed by: FALLSTAF Songs written by: Ian Lavoie/Kevin Jardine Produced by: Kevin Jardine Mixed by: Kevin Jardine Mastered by: Kevin Jardine Album artwork by: Ian Lavoie MAPL – Canadian Content
Photo Credit: Red Cain | L-R: Samuel Ridout, Evgeniy Zayarny, Taylor Gibson, Oman Tribuzy
Set to perform at this year’s Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC on April 10th, power prog storytellers RED CAIN are unveiling their new single “FWAB” (Fire Water, Air, Blood). With its heavy balalaika breakdown, downtuned heavy riffs, and soaring harmonized choruses among atmospheric industrial synth backing, “FWAB” hits hard and never lets go – a primeval ritual chant in front of cold stone, on a frozen steppe, among howling winds.
The band explains the story of the track in further detail:
“In the frozen Eastern European steppes, there stood a fell ancient god. Every ill word fed him, and every ill deed made him more potent. For millennia, he grew strong through kingship over mortal ill will, suffering, and pride, until his nourishment took a new form, unable to feed or strengthen. Without nourishment, the god was powerless, and without power, he slept. After millennia, fed full by ill words and ill deeds, searching for an awakening, the god demands the symbols of his power: Fire, Water, Air, Blood. Join the ritual sacrament of Chernobog. With this new release, the Slavic pagan ritual to call forth the “Black God” takes flight, asking the listener what they would be willing to change their fate.”
Red Cain will be performing on night one of this year’s Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, on April 10th at The Cobalt alongside Glyph, Tower Hill, Serpent Rider, and Crüzer. Full details on the Hyperspace Metal Festival being held from April 10th to 12th can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival
Red Cain, from Calgary, Canada, is a modern progressive metal project with Eastern European roots. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums Kindred: Act I, Kindred: Act II, and NÄE’BLISS. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with forthcoming releases.
Red Cain: Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals Samuel Ridout – Guitar Oman Costa – Guitar Taylor Gibson – Drums
Newfoundland, Canada’s black metal duo ARTACH announces the release of their latest album Morrigan…Goddess of War due out on March 21st, 2025 via Depressive Illusions Records. This third full length represents the band’s strongest material yet. It’s a relentless assault of blackened thrash metal that captures the intensity and fury the duo have always strived for. From crushing riffs to searing melodies, every track on this release is forged with raw passion.
“We’ve poured everything into this record, and we can’t wait for fans to experience the full force of Morrigan…Goddess of War.” adds Sruthán (Guitar/Bass).
Today, Artach unveils the lead single “Macha”, one of the three songs that are part of the Morrigan trilogy on the album with the songs that also includes “Badb”, and “Nemain”.
Sruthán (Guitar/Bass). explains further:
“Macha, one of the Morrígan, was known for her prophetic visions and her role as a fierce protector of warriors. She is sometimes considered one aspect of the Morrígan, a trio of war goddesses.
The three goddesses, and what elements they represent, that make up the Morrígan in Irish mythology are: Macha – War, sovereignty, horses. Badb – Battle, death, chaos. Nemain – Frenzy, panic, terror. Together, they represent different aspects of war, fate, and destruction in Celtic mythology.”
EP Credits: Cover art by: Awinita Alm Album mixed and mastered by Michael Small.
Track Listing:
Badb – 7:08
Macha – 6:06
Nemain – 5:17
Nefarious – 5:21
Nomad – 5:09
Hoarfrost – 4:29
Cloudminders – 4:46
Ride… Die… Immortality – 6:08 Album Length: 44:28
Artach is a two-man black metal band (Sruthán: Guitar/Bass, Fíochmhar: Battery/Vokills/Keys)based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Being from the foggiest, snowiest, wettest, windiest, and gloomiest capital city in Canada, one should not be surprised that this fuels the creation of Black Metal. Their inspiration comes from the land, nature, the bleak weather of the Canadian North, and influential black metal bands.
Since the duo’s formation in the spring of 2019, Artach has been consistently releasing new music. The band’s debut album Chronicles of a Black Winter was released digitally during February 2020 and later unleashed on physical CD by Depressive Illusions Records.
In 2021, the band returned with their next offering Sworn To Avenge, a full-length scourge of raw and relentless bruting gloom. In 2024, Artach took an experimental direction with the EP Sgrios, which was a black metal spin on industrial metal sounds. Now in 2025, they unleash their third full length offering with Morrigan…Goddess of War for release in mid-March.
Discography: 2025 – Morrigan…Goddess of War (album) 2024 – Sgrios (EP) 2024 – From The Frozen Vault (EP) 2023 – Hell on Halloween (Single) 2021 – Countess Bathory (Single) 2021 – Sworn to Avenge (album) 2020 – Night Songs (single) 2020 – Chronicles of a Black Winter (album)
On February 28th, VOIVOD launched their 2024 North American Tour with PRONG, in Columbus, Ohio, at The King of Clubs. I was accompanied by my buddy Troy, who helped guide me along in the trenches due to my now using a cane to get around.
I’ve waited my entire life to see this legendary, pioneering, Canadian Metal band and I was left in awe; reminded at just how fabulous they are as musicians. Honestly, watching and hearing Michel “Away” Langevin was a treat in itself. His drumming was simply captivating.
Michel “Away” Langevin – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Away is a founding member of VOIVOD and I’ve always yearned to hear and see his drumming on the live stage. Mission accomplished!
Michel “Away” Langevin – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Fronted by vocalist and founding member Denis “Snake” Bélanger, VOIVOD had their fans ecstatic the entire night; inviting us all into the Sci-Fi themed world of their progressive thrash.
VOIVOD played songs that spanned their deep catalog of albums, (see set-list below). Snake stalked the stage, adding humor with his mannerisms to the Sci-Fi sound effects and speaking to the crowd between songs.
Snake’s vocals were sound and he worked the stage like a true Metal warrior. Snake even did a tribute to late founding member and guitarist Denis “Piggy” D’Amour, with VOIVOD playing their first ever song for him. The crowd chanted “Piggy” and it made for a memorable moment.
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Lead guitarist, Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain was on fire the entire show! His playing is top-tier for Metal guitarists, in my Metal opinion. I was caught fixated on his shredding and so were many, many around me; if he could’ve heard the adoration! Chewy has become a fixture of VOIVOD over these years.
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain and Away – photo credit: Stone/Metal OdysseyDominic “Rocky” Laroche – photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
Bassist Dominic “Rocky” Laroche was head banging while playing nearly the entire set it seemed, it looked like he felt every note he played go through his body and so did the crowd of fans! He and Away fit together perfectly on the rhythm section.
In summary, if you get any chance to see VOIVOD on their current tour or live in the future then GO! Truly one of the very best of Metal bands ever and they delivered a memorable show to brag about! Metal be thy name! – Stone
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain photo credit: Stone/Metal Odyssey
SETLIST:
Forgotten in Space Condemned to the Gallows Holographic Thinking Rise Pre-Ignition Nuclear War Fall Tribal Convictions The End of Dormancy Fix My Heart Encore: Voivod
As they barrel towards their upcoming tour dates, Canadian melodic metal outfit LUTHARO are excited to announce they have joined new label home, Atomic Fire Records!
“We are incredibly excited to announce that we have officially joined the Atomic Fire Records family!” says the band about the signing. “This is a HUGE stepping stone on the path we are paving as a band and grateful doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel! With this being said, we have a TON of amazing things yet to be announced and we cannot wait to share them with you! If you are following us on our journey, thank you so much! And stay metal!”
“We are extremely excited to welcome one of the most promising and overwhelming newcomers in the metal genre: LUTHARO! This band simply blew all of us in the company away. What an incredible and unique mix of extreme, powerful and melodic metal with the stunning voice of Krista Shipperbottom. This upcoming new album is a record you simply fall in love with immediately. Also check out anything else available online, especially their epic “Wings Of Agony” hymn. You all will realize: LUTHARO is the future.” adds Atomic Fire Records A&R Markus Wosgien.
To celebrate this announcement, as well as give you a preview of what to expect live, the band has revealed a fresh new single “Ruthless Bloodline”, along with an electrifying live shot video showcasing the band’s powerful stage presence. The track can be streamed HERE, while the video can be found HERE.
“You wanted new music? You got it!” LUTHARO exclaims proudly. “‘Ruthless Bloodline’ is officially out now and ruthless it is indeed! This is our heaviest yet catchiest song to date and is a good omen of what’s to come.”
LUTHARO will also be riding across the East Coast of the US this Fall on a co-headlining run with thrashy power metal affront PALADIN. The tour kicks off on September 20th in Knoxville, TN and wraps on October 8th in Louisville, KY. From there, the band will support UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on four dates in their home country Canada. Full dates and more information are available below. Tickets are available HERE.
LUTHARO comments: “IT’S TIME TO SHRED! We are super stoked to be joining our friends in Paladin for an epic tour this fall! We hope to see you on the road! 🤘❤️🔥”
LUTHARO will be touring in support of their latest album, Hiraeth. This album launches into an epic exploration of the band’s technical, musical and compositional abilities. They expertly balance hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. Hiraeth is an astounding new album, a fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed. Stream HiraethHERE.
LUTHARO/PALADIN Tour Dates:
9/22 Fri – Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs) 9/23 Sat – Cleveland, OH – No Class 9/24 Sun – Chicago, IL – Subterranean 9/26 Tue – Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR 9/27 Wed – Birmingham, AL – The Nick 9/28 Thu – Tallahassee, FL – The Bark 9/29 Fri – Gainesville, FL – Loosey’s 9/30 Sat – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social & Supply 10/1 Sun – Charlotte, NC – The Milestone 10/3 Tue – Baltimore, MD – The Crown 10/4 Wed – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz 10/5 Thu – Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland 10/6 Fri – Providence, RI – Dusk
LUTHARO w/ UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, PALADIN:
10/19 Thu – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey 10/20 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix 10/21 Sat – Montreal, QC – Studio TD 10/22 Sun – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell
Lutharo Is: Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals Chris Pacey – Bass Cory Hofing – Drums Jeff Wilson – Guitar (Live)
Hot on the heels of their recent co-headline tour announcement, Canadian melodic metal outfit LUTHARO has now announced a string of Canadian dates supporting power metal powerhouses UNLEASH THE ARCHERS. They will be joined by tourmates PALADIN for all four dates. Tickets are available HERE.
LUTHARO will also be riding across the East Coast of the US this Fall on a co-headlining run with thrashy power metal affront PALADIN. The tour kicks off on September 20th in Knoxville, TN and wraps on October 8th in Louisville, KY. Full dates and more information are available below.
LUTHARO commments: “IT’S TIME TO SHRED! We are super stoked to be joining our friends in Paladin for an epic tour this fall! Tickets are available and we hope to see you on the road! 🤘❤️🔥”
LUTHARO will be touring in support of their latest album, Hiraeth. This new album launches into an epic exploration of the band’s technical, musical and compositional abilities. They expertly balance hauntingly beautiful atmospheres with raw power and aggression. Hiraeth is an astounding new album, a fantastically epic journey that needs to be experienced to be believed. Stream HiraethHERE.
LUTHARO: Krista Shipperbottom – Vocals Victor Bucur – Guitars, backing vocals ChrisPacey – Bass Cory Hofing – Drums Jeff WIlson – Guitar (Live)
LUTHARO/PALADIN – Tour Dates:
9/22 Fri – Youngstown, OH – Westside Bowl (Downstairs) 9/23 Sat – Cleveland, OH – No Class 9/24 Sun – Chicago, IL – Subterranean 9/26 Tue – Nashville, TN – DRKMTTR 9/27 Wed – Birmingham, AL – The Nick 9/28 Thu – Tallahassee, FL – The Bark 9/29 Fri – Gainesville, FL – Loosey’s 9/30 Sat – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social & Supply 10/1 Sun – Charlotte, NC – The Milestone 10/3 Tue – Baltimore, MD – The Crown 10/5 Thu – Brooklyn, NY – Kingsland 10/6 Fri – Providence, RI – Dusk
LUTHARO w/ UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, PALADIN:
10/19 Thu – Ottawa, ON – Brass Monkey 10/20 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Phoenix 10/21 Sat – Montreal, QC – Studio TD 10/22 Sun – Quebec City, QC – Imperial Bell
New Album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” Out Now!
Rimouski, Quebec’s Vortex announces they will be hitting the road for show dates across Eastern Canada this coming Fall 2023 in support of their latest album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” released this past June. The band will be touring from the months of September to January performing across Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, and PEI where they will be joined by Aeternam, Serene Dark, Strigampire (2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), and Beyond Fiction on select dates.
Vortex‘s third epic concept album is set to aggressive and beautiful orchestral melodic death metal with hints of black metal. Each song on “The Future Remains In Oblivion” is one chapter in their well-written sci-fi tale and there is a build-up in intensity and emotion that goes along with the storyline and the lyrics as you traverse the album. They share their thoughts:
“This is an orchestral death metal album with plenty of heavy riffing and melodies, technical vocals, and epic soloing. Some of the songs are riff-oriented and some others had the orchestra and melodies written before the drums and the guitars. We wrote all the lyrics before the music to make sure that it would fit the feel and emotion of each song/part of the story. When we start writing a song, we know exactly what feeling and emotion we are aiming at, it’s a good way to push ourselves creatively and write thoughtful music.”
Those familiar with the previous albums will note that they were more on the ambient/dramatic side. The new album’s songs are still melodic/orchestral but much more aggressive and some of them have a black metal influence. Vortex’s goal was to create songs that would have a greater impact on their live shows, and these aggressive songs will work well live. They feel the album is a good combination of aggression/melody, and ugliness/beauty.
Creativity and storytelling are the key tenets of Vortex. Their masterful lyric writing is equally matched with their prowess in devising riffs, and orchestrations. They will transport the listener into a new world and are recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Dimmu Borgir, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.
Track Listing:
From The Sun (5:24)
Downfall (4:11)
The Fool (3:13)
The Walls (4:32)
Our Possible End (4:23)
First Blood (4:29)
The Future Remains In Oblivion (4:50)
When No More Words Will Be Heard (5:22) Album Length: 36:29
“The Future Remains In Oblivion” was released on June 9, 2023, and is available at the following links:
Fresh off their tour with Megadeth and Bullet For My Valentine, revered Canadian progressive-metal luminaries ONI have unleashed a ferocious new single, “Silence In A Room Of Lies” (feat. guitarist Jared Dines), a volatile, metallic anthem with a torrential onslaught of groove-laden riffs threaded with infectious melody.
Commenting on the new single, Jake Oni states:
“I’m super stoked to share my new song Silence in a Room of Lies! This track is the first step in a new direction for ONI musically. This is just a taste of what’s to come and I hope my fans enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it. Writing with Jared Dines was an absolute pleasure and his contributions brought this song to a whole new level.”
Dines adds:
“I am very proud of the song we were able to write together, and I’m excited that the world can finally hear it! Jake is the coolest dude and working with him was an absolute pleasure!“
Produced by Josh Gilbert (former As I Lay Dying, current Spiritbox bassist) and Joseph McQueen (Bad Wolves, As I Lay Dying).
About ONI: Formed in 2014 by vocalist Jake Oni, ONI quickly became one of Canada’s most promising bands with their distinct amalgam of experimental progressive songwriting, brute metalcore savagery and cathartic melody. The five-piece roared to life with the release of their 2016 debut album, Ironshore (Metal Blade Records), which was produced by Josh Wilbur (Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Dillinger Escape Plan) and featured guest vocals by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on the song “The Only Cure.”
ONI followed up with a monstrous Alone EP in 2019, and returned with their critically lauded second full-length, Loathing Light in 2022, that boasted guests Iggy Pop and Blythe on the song “Secrets.”
Along their meteoric rise in the metal scene, the band has shared the stage with acts like Megadeth, Gojira, Bullet for My Valentine, Starset, Children of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Death Angel and The Devin Townsend Project.
Veteran harbingers of technical death metal CRYPTOPSY have officially signed with Nuclear Blast Records! The world’s heaviest label welcomes one of Canada’s most ferocious bands with plans to release their first album in over a decade later this year.
Commenting on the the signing, vocalist Matt McGachy states: “We are truly excited to have joined Nuclear Blast’s roster. Many of the bands we love and a bunch of our friends have released killer albums via Nuclear Blast. Back in 2012, we became an independent band. Now in 2023, we have decided to team up with one of the most influential metal labels. We are eager to be showcased alongside the world’s best metal acts and can’t wait to unveil the next era of Cryptopsy as a Nuclear Blast artist.”
Details of the CRYPTOPSY’s long-awaited 8th album and return to the forefront of death metal will be revealed in the coming months. Follow the band for additional updates.
Originally hailing from Montreal, CRYPTOPSY officially formed in 1992 and has since been anchored by long-time drummer extraordinaire Flo Mounier. Over the last 3 decades the band has become a revered and influential pinion in North America’s underground metal scene.
Groundbreaking albums like Blashphemy Made Flesh (1994), None So Vile (1996) and Once Was Not (2005), helped define the genre of technical death metal, while the band’s intense, earthshaking live shows garnered them a rapid following around the world. Now signed with Nuclear Blast, the band begins the next chapter of their legendary career, ready once again the break necks and pierce the eardrums of metal fans everywhere.
Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD are continuing their 40th Anniversary touring cycle, kicking off their US leg next week! The US dates start on May 9th in Asheville, NC and wrap on May 23rd in Pensacola, FL. Most dates will see support from enigmatic experimental outfit, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT. Full dates below. Tickets are available HERE.
VOIVOD – USA Tour w/ Imperial Triumphant: May 9, 2023 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel * no Imperial Triumphant May 10, 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 * no Imperial Triumphant May 11, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts May 12, 2023 – New York, NY – The Bowery May 13, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage May 14, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground May 16, 2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live May 17, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Floridian May 18, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage May 19, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues May 20, 2023 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall May 21, 2023 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It May 23, 2023 – Pensacola, FL – The Vinyl Music Hall * no Imperial Triumphant
VOIVOD recently announced a special Anniversary studio album entitled Morgöth Tales, to be released on July 21st, 2023 via Century Media Records.
Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, Morgöth Tales includes fresh studio (re-)recordings by the band’s current line-up of 9 especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band’s hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song in the album’s title-track, “Morgöth Tales”.
Canadian sci-fi metal innovators VOIVOD are celebrating 40 eventful years of existence in 2023 and are pleased to announce a special Anniversary studio album entitled Morgöth Tales, to be released on July 21st, 2023 via Century Media Records.
Once more recorded and mixed by Francis Perron at RadicArt Studio, mastered by Maor Appelbaum and produced by VOIVOD, Morgöth Tales includes fresh studio (re-)recordings by the band’s current line-up of 9 especially selected, not-so-obvious picks from the band’s hyper-classy and extremely diverse back catalogue (between 1984 and 2003) as well as a brand-new song in the album’s title-track, “Morgöth Tales”.
VOIVOD drummer Michel “Away” Langevin commented about Morgöth Tales as follows: “’Morgöth Tales’ covers 40 years of space exploration. It was really exciting for us to revisit a more obscure part of the Voïvod catalogue, from thrash-punk to prog-metal to…? The title track is a new song, which we started writing in the tour bus and hotels during the Opeth European tour in November/December 2022. It has the vibe of the experimental music we are doing nowadays, with a new twist I think. We also had the great thrill of getting E-Force and Jasonic involved on this album. I hope you’ll dig it, Chewy, Rocky, Snake and I certainly had a blast recording it. All aboard and ready for take off!“
VOIVOD – “Morgöth Tales” 1. Condemned To The Gallows (2023 Version) [Originally on Metal Massacre V Compilation, 1984] 2, Thrashing Rage (2023 Version) [Originally on “Rrröööaaarrr”, 1986] 3. Killing Technology (2023 Version) [Originally on “Killing Technology”, 1987] 4. Macrosolutions To Megaproblems (2023 Version) [Originally on“Dimension Hatröss”, 1988] 5. Pre-Ignition (2023 Version) [Originally on “Nothingface”, 1989] 6. Nuage Fractal (2023 Version) [Originally on “Angel Rat”, 1991] 7. Fix My Heart (2023 Version) [Originally on “The Outer Limits”, 1993] 8. Rise (2023 Version, feat. Eric Forrest) [Originally on “Phobos”, 1997] 9. Rebel Robot (2023 Version, feat. Jason Newsted) [Originally on “Voivod”, 2003] 10. Morgöth Tales [New Song]
Next up, VOIVOD are kicking off their 40thAnniversary touring cycle this upcoming weekend in The Netherlands & the UK, so better check the band’s comprehensive listing of upcoming shows here:
VOIVOD – Europe & UK Tour: Apr. 16, 2023 – Eindhoven (The Netherlands) – Prognosis Festival Apr. 18, 2023 – Bristol (UK) – The Fleece + Cryptic Shift Apr. 19, 2023 – Glasgow (UK) – Slay + Cryptic Shift Apr. 20, 2023 – Manchester (UK) – Rebellion + Cryptic Shift Apr. 21, 2023 – Southampton (UK) – The 1865 + Cryptic Shift Apr. 22, 2023 – London (UK) – Prognosis Festival
VOIVOD – USA Tour w/ Imperial Triumphant: May 9, 2023 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel * no Imperial Triumphant May 10, 2023 – Virginia Beach, VA – Elevation 27 * no Imperial Triumphant May 11, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts May 12, 2023 – New York, NY – The Bowery May 13, 2023 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage May 14, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground May 16, 2023 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live May 17, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Floridian May 18, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage May 19, 2023 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues May 20, 2023 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall May 21, 2023 – Austin, TX – Come and Take It May 23, 2023 – Pensacola, FL – The Vinyl Music Hall * no Imperial Triumphant
VOIVOD – Europe Tour: May 26, 2023 – Wiesbaden (Germany) – Schlachthof w/ Testament, Exodus May 27, 2023 – Ulm (Germany) – Roxy May 28, 2023 – Munich (Germany) – Backstage w/ Testament, Exodus May 30, 2023 – Lyon (France) – Transbordeur w/ Testament, Exodus May 31, 2023 – Pratteln (Switzerland) – Z7 w/ Testament, Exodus June 1, 2023 – Trezzo sull’Adda / Milano (Italy) – Live Club w/ Testament, Exodus June 2, 2023 – Ljubljana (Slovenia) – Kino Siska w/ Testament, Exodus June 3, 2023 – Stuttgart (Germany) – Im Wizemann w/ Testament, Exodus June 5, 2023 – Berlin (Germany) – Columbia Theater w/ Testament, Exodus June 7, 2023 – Budapest (Hungary) – Durer Kert June 8, 2023 – Salzburg (Austria) – Rockouse Bar June 9, 2023 – Prague (Czech Republic) – Futurum June 10, 2023 – Gdansk (Poland) – Mystic Festival June 13, 2023 – Hamburg (Germany) – Markthalle w/ Testament, Exodus June 14, 2023 – Amersfoort (The Netherlands) – Flour June 15, 2023 – Wasquehal / Lille (France) – The Black Lab June 17, 2023 – Clisson (France) – Hellfest June 18, 2023 – Dessel (Belgium) – Graspop Metal Meeting June 22-24, 2023 – Oslo (Norway) – Tons of Rock Festival Aug. 3-5, 2023 – Wacken (Germany) – Wacken Open Air Aug. 11-12, 2023 – Helsinki (Finland) – Helsinki Metal Festival And more international dates to be announced soon…
Morgöth Tales succeeds VOIVOD’s 15th (!) much acclaimed and Juno Awards winning studio album “Synchro Anarchy”, which entered sales charts upon release in early 2022 as follows: Germany # 7 (!), Switzerland # 64, Austria # 67, The Netherlands # 88, Belgium # 129, UK (Rock & Metal) # 7, Canada (Hard Music) # 2, USA Current Hard Music # 8, USA Top New Artist # 11, USA Heatseekers # 56 and USA Current Album # 67. VOIVOD also released the special “Ultraman – EP” in late 2022, which contains a highly original tribute to the “Ultraman” TV series theme.
w/ RAZOR, WHIPLASH, SKULL FIST, WARSENAL, DROWNING IN BLOOD
This coming May 12th, Montreal, QC will be host to this city’s first-ever Piranha Pit Fest presented by Loudtrax, the one-stop online shop for everything swag from the biggest names in Loud Music.
Piranha Pit Fest will feature headliners RAZOR, the Canadian thrash legends who have been recognized as one of the country’s pioneers of the metal genre. RAZOR released their ninth studio album Cycle of Contempt this past September, making it their first album in 25 years. RAZOR will also be supported by another legendary thrash band, New Jersey’s WHIPLASH, one of the first American East Coast thrash metal bands of the 1980s to inspire many who followed in their footsteps. Also joining the lineup is the 2023 Juno nominated (Metal/Hard Music Album Of The Year) and international tour de force, Toronto’s high-flying heavy metal shredders SKULL FIST along with local Montreal moshers Warsenal and Drowning In Blood.
Piranha Pit Fest will be held at Piranha Bar 680 Sainte-Catherine St W, one of the city’s metal strongholds for extreme music events.
Vancouver (BC) – Dissonant Death Metal duo CROWN OF MADNESS are set to release their sophomore EP, Elemental Binding, on February 23, 2023.
The EP’s first single and opening track, “Immortal Eyes” (featuring a guest guitar solo from Matthew Pancoust of Truent) is available now at the following links:
With their second EP, CROWN OF MADNESS brings you a penetrating mix of the technical and the dissonant, as well as devastating lyrical themes that will leave you sorrowful. Elemental Binding is the second and final EP on the road to the duo’s full-length debut album. The EP serves as a representative sample of the direction CROWN OF MADNESS will take on their future full-length release. Their debut EP The Void released on March 25, 2022.
L-R – Josh MacDonald (Bass), Matt Johnstone (Guitar/Vocals), Bretton Melanson, (Drums/Vocals), Jeff Mabb (Guitar/Vocals) Photo Credit – Chris Geistlinger
From British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in Canada, Nomad has been making a name for themselves locally for the last several years, playing at local fests and supporting big-name acts in the extreme metal scene. Now they have their debut album “The Mountain” ready for consumption and their blend of progressive, groovy death metal is sure to impress existing fans and entice new listeners. Their first single “Burning Alive” was the first song they wrote together, pieced together at their very first jam. The lyrics were inspired by the heat of that day, and the careless ignition of forest fires. They added blazing riffs, smokey vocals, and smooth bass lines to round it out, making it an impressive introduction to Nomad. They share their thoughts on the album:
“We’re hoping that it fills the need for a little groove in the metal scene. We’ve spoken to many people in the audience after playing a show that say there are not enough bands like Nomad out there that like to slow it down and catch you with a good hook once in a while. We feel that many emotions and influences can be felt throughout this album and are sure to keep the listeners engaged and entertained with heavy riffs, blasting beats, and dynamic vocals.”
There have been a few lineup changes in Nomad since their inception and each one of those members has left their mark on the band’s music. They’ve always worked collaboratively, one member bringing in the skeleton of a song and it being workshopped until it meets everyone’s standard. This had led to masterful consistency, present in every groovy riff, every chunky chord, and throughout the blasting of drums.
The single “Burning Alive” can be heard via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.
“The Mountain” was mixed by drummer Bretton Melanson and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). It is recommended for fans of Gojira, Lamb of God, and Pantera.
Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE is proud to announce its full lineup for its 2023 edition being held on April 13-15 in Vancouver, BC at The Fox Cabaret and Rickshaw Theatre.
Joining the final lineup is Calgary’s speed demons Riot City, Atlanta power thrashers Paladin, power prog saviours Immortal Guardian, Denver fantasy heroes Celestial Wizard along with locals, epic metallers Atavistia, and one-man instrumentalist Zack Brannon.
EXMORTUS
The lineup also features previously announced headliners California melo-death warriors EXMORTUS, Edmonton Juno Award winners, and heavy metal champions STRIKER along with HMF alumni JUDICATOR and LORDS OF THE TRIDENT among many more for the three-night event. (festival day-by-day schedule listed below).
Unfortunately, Odinfist and Hrom have had to pull out of HMF4. There will be plans to welcome them again in future years.
Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:
“We’re excited to have our 2023 lineup complete. This fourth year of the fest is going to be another great gathering of metal’s best and upcoming power and prog-influenced bands. We look forward to seeing everyone making the trek to Vancouver this April.”
Saturday, April 15th (Rickshaw Theatre) Exmortus Judicator Lords Of The Trident Paladin Immortal Guardian Lutharo Hyperia
JUDICATOR
Over the three editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Into Eternity, Witherfall, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.
Hailing from Canada, Alienatör is a sludge metal band that confronts tough issues with razor-sharp riffs and memorable hooks. They released their debut album “Pariahs’ in 2019, and are now following it up this year with “Regrets”, which is darker, more focused, and more intense. They say it also boasts better songwriting and more dynamics. The themes of this upcoming release also explore some heavy topics including alienation, grief, pain, and disgust at the state of the modern world. The single “The Priest” is no exception, which vocalist/guitarist Brad King explains:
“This is the darkest song I’ve ever written. Another is where the bass really drives the song and the guitar comes in, jagged and angular on top. Ralph Rowe was an Anglican Priest who molested countless kids in fly-in reserves in the 70s and 80s. He ruined so many lives and plea-bargained for a prison sentence that was a slap on the wrist. There’s a documentary about him called “Survivor’s Rowe,” and I’ve met a few survivors through my work. Here, he serves as an example of the type of abuse of power we allow those in positions of trust. I’m proud of the dynamics of this one, lots of tension and release and the calm atmospheric part in the middle.”
The music video for “The Priest” can be seen and heard via its premiere on IDIOTEQ HERE.
Composed during the claustrophobia of the 2020 election and the global pandemic the album channels rage and catharsis before lulling the listener into a sense of security and then thundering down again into a feedback-drenched conclusion.
Compared to their debut release, fans will recognize a more hard-hitting sound, depth of songwriting, dynamics, darker themes, and more vulnerable and introspective lyrics. Alienatör has matured and grown as musicians, with the addition of drummer Simon Paquette who has added a lot of depth to the sound, and bass player Sean Skillen becoming part of the writing process has added a new dimension. The band is a more cohesive unit and it shows in the material.
Alienatör is recommended for sludge fans as well as those who enjoy Melvins, Neurosis, and Botch.
Track Listing: 1. Revisionist History – 2:10 2. Loss Leader – 4:03 3. Blood Red Blood – 3:08 4. Regrets – 3:44 5. The Priest – 5:30 6. The Less Dead – 1:56 7. Flat Earth Society – 2:51 8. Irreconcilable – 2:59 9. Your Funeral – 3:20 10. Wounded Birds – 4:10 11. Dark Matters – 4:09 Album Length: 38:04
Album Recording Credits: – All songs performed by: Alienator – Music by Alienator – Lyrics by Brad King – Produced by: Sean Skillen – Mixed by: Sean Skillen – Mastered by: Brad Boatright – Album Artwork by: Peter David Wragg – Member of SOCAN – Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album and Live Line Up: Brad King – Vocals, Guitar Sean Skillen – Bass, Vocals Simon Paquette – Drums
Canadian Thrash Metal warriors, ANNIHILATOR, will be releasing For The Demented, their 16th studio album, on November 3rd via Neverland Music/Silver Lining Music.
01. Twisted Lobotomy
02. One To Kill
03. For The Demented
04. Pieces of You
05. The Demon You Know
06. Phantom Asylum
07. Altering The Alter
08. The Way
09. Dark
10. Not All There
Power Thrash champions SANKTUARY are returning in 2016 with their new album ‘Winters Doom’ to follow-up 2013’s widely praised ‘Something Fierce’. Set to be unleashed on January 22nd, the Yukon warriors of the Canadian North have teamed up with PureGrainAudio.com for the premiere and FREE download of their second single ‘Corpse Blockade’.
Bassist Cole Hume explains the track:
“A Necromancer summons the dead and forms a wall of corpses as his entourage. Moral of the story…don’t fuck with this Necromancer.”
‘Winter’s Doom’ is available for pre-order at the following bandcamp link here.
WINTER’S DOOM – Track List:
1. Space Race (4:30)
2. Wild Is The Wind (4:12)
3. Vermin Lord (6:50)
4. Winter’s Doom (3:39)
5. Open Your Eyes (4:40)
6. Corpse Blockade (4:15)
7. Maximum Authority (4:46)
Album Length: 32:55
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About:
Power Thrash champions SANKTUARY hail from the harsh and blisteringly cold of the deep far North of Canada’s Yukon Territory, situating themselves in the city of Whitehorse (pretty far north, like the Siberia of Canada eh!). They have been trekking across the country for the past 6 years to bring their fierce and dynamic high-speed riffs, catchy hooks and belted out lyrics to the Metal crowds.
A collective vision that began in high school with a group of like-minded teens fed up with the constraints of mainstream music who wanted to emulate the lifestyles of their favourite bands. Their straight-forward, no-bullshit attitudes shape their signature brand of Heavy Metal, which has led them to release the full length, 2013’s ‘Something Fierce’ that reached #19 on the national college radio loud charts, 2011’s ‘Tundrastruck’ split with Nova Scotia’s Black Moor and Montreal’s Metallian, plus two EPs – 2010’s ‘Black Magic’ and 2009’s self-titled.
Members of the band write harmoniously, basing each song off of a key riff from either Alan Binger (vocals and guitar), Glen Emond (guitar), or Cole Hume (bass) and then Anders Grasholm (drums) works his magic on the rhythm of each tune.
2016 see the band’s return with their sophomore album ‘Winter’s Doom’ set for release on January 22nd, 2016. The album features seven killer high-speed, breakneck Thrash Metal tracks inspired by the Yukon’s far North they call home, along with other issues such as politics, technology, etc..
“In the title track and album cover we portray ourselves as Heavy Metal warriors thriving in a habitat where most would perish instantaneously.That’s our homeland, the Yukon.” comments the band.
Stay tuned for what Sanktuary has to offer for fans! Visit their Facebook page for more details at: www.facebook.com/sanktuarymetal.
Forward Unto Dawn are gearing up to ignite pits across Canada.
Halifax, Nova Scotia-based deathcore band Forward Unto Dawn are taking the heavy riffs and smooth grooves of their recently released EP ALPHA on the road. Joined by their brothers in metal, SINTHETIK, The Parallel and The Luminary, the ALPHA Release Tour is set to open up the pit, and assault all of the senses.
In the words of Forward Unto Dawn bassist, Devan Smith:
“Not only is it exciting for us to continue to push ALPHA, the album we all worked so hard on and are so proud of, but this is also our first trip out of the Maritimes. Intrepid Bookings set us up with stellar bands that we are ecstatic to work with. The gents in SINTHETIK will be along for the entire ride, while The Parallel will be crossing the Maritimes with us then passing the torch to The Luminary for dates through August. It is an awesome feeling to be able to bring Forward Unto Dawn’s music to an entirely new scene and to have the opportunity to play alongside the diverse talent that exists across Canada.”
The ALPHA Release Tour Dates:
July 23rd – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub w/ SINTHETIK and The Parallel
July 24th – Truro, NS – The Split Crow w/ SINTHETIK and The Parallel
July 25th – Saint John, NB – Pub Down Under w/ SINTHETIK and The Parallel
July 26th – TBA w/ SINTHETIK and The Parallel
July 30th – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar w/ SINTHETIK and The Parallel
July 31st – Ottawa, ON – Pressed w/ SINTHETIK and The Parallel
August 1st – Toronto, ON – Rancho Relaxo w/ SINTHETIK and The Luminary
August 2nd – Hamilton, ON – The Doors Pub w/ SINTHETIK and The Luminary
August 3rd – London, ON – The APK w/ SINTHETIK and The Luminary
Founding Member /Bassist Yves “Dug” Duguay Rejoins
Recently celebrating their 30 year anniversary tour earlier this March on their ‘Forsaken East Coast Survival US Tour’, AGGRESSION have re-kindled their fire and hitting the road once again with not just founding member / guitarist Denis ‘Sasquatch’ Barthe who reformed the Canadian 80’s thrashers, but will have original bassist Yves “Dug” Duguay rejoin them for their ‘Canadian C.H.U.D. Invasion Tour’ that includes three festival appearances at Alberta’s Farmageddon Open Air in June along with BC’s Metallion Festival and Montreal’s Obscene Extreme Festival in August (all dates listed below).
“Seeing the new version of the band and having a chance to play one show with them already back in March, I had no other options than joining when the chance came up! The new members do a great job helping capture the essence of what Aggression is supposed to be. Seeing them perform brought me right back to the early days. Of course it is nice to be reunited with Denis “Sasquatch” Barthe too!” – comments bassist Yves “Dug” Duguay.
‘Canadian C.H.U.D. Invasion Tour’
June 5 – Vancouver, BC – Wise Hall & Lounge – Event Details here.
June 6 – Victoria, BC – The Cambie – Event Details here.
June 12 – Calgary, AB – Overtime Sports Bar – Event Details here.
June 14- Ryley, AB – Farmageddon Open Air Festival – Event Details here.
August 14 – Vanderhoof, BC – Metallion Festival – Event Details here.
August 20 – Quebec City, QC – Bar La Source De La Martiniere
August 21 – Montreal, QC – Obscene Extreme America Festival – Event Details here.
August 22 – Jonquiere, QC – Le 4 Barils – Event Details here.
August 23 – Trois-Rivieres, QC – Rock Cafe Le Stage
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About AGGRESSION:
Formed in 1985 under the original moniker “Asylum” to be later changed to AGGRESSION, the speed metallers unleashed their 1986 demo “Forgotten Skeleton”, (which saw an album release in 2005) and their debut full length “The Full Treatment” in 1987, which lead them to become one of the most popular bands to rise out of the Quebec and Canadian metal scene. With their manager at the time (Johnny Hart), AGGRESSION quickly became a household name with their concerts sold out everywhere and a fan base that grew from hundreds to thousands in no time.
Other bands such as Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Hallow’s Eve, Destruction and others all wanted to see the beast for themselves during tour stops in Montreal. Playing numerous concerts with bands such as Anvil, Celtic Frost, Voïvod, Nuclear Assault, Agnostic Front, D.R.I., Possessed, Dark Angel, Crumbsuckers, Sacrifice and others, AGGRESSION decided to call it quits in 1989 due to external influences.
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Discography:
*band line up for recordings was Denis Sasquatch Barthe (guitar and backup vocals), Botcher (vocals), Burn (guitar), Dug (bass) and Gate (drums and backup vocals).
*1985 – *4 track demo
*1986 – *Live (14 track live album)
*1986 -* 4 Track demo
*1986 – Forgotten Skeleton (originally recorded in 1986 and later released in 2004)
1987 – The Full Treatment (full length) – band lineup for The Full Treatment was Denis Sasquatch Barthe (guitar and backup vocals), Cactus Pete (vocals) Dug (bass and backup vocals) and Gate (drums and backup vocals)
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For more info on Aggression, please visit the following links:
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