Category: Press Releases

Canadian Cosmic Metal THE ASTRAL PROPHETS Unleash “Into Nothing” From New Album “Invasion” Out Oct 2026

Cosmic metal force The Astral Prophets are set to unleash their long‑awaited full‑length album “Invasion,” due out on October 30th, 2026. Alongside the announcement, the band drops the first single and music video, “Into Nothing,” a wild, danceable, riff‑driven blast that introduces fans to the next evolution of their self‑coined genre “Power Groove.”
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Formed in 2019 by former Scythia members AJ Bergin, Terry Savage, and Celine Derval, The Astral Prophets emerged from a desire to create something heavier, rawer, and more grounded than their folk‑metal origins.

“The concept and theme of the band is designed around the idea of a not‑so‑distant, roboto‑cratic dystopian future. Space, aliens, techno-organic viruses, the works!” adds Bergin.

Over the years, the lineup evolved into its final 2026 form with Staci Allen (vocals), AJ Bergin (guitars), Harley D’Orazio (guitars), Terry Savage (bass), and Kyle Summers (drums). Together, they refined their sound through early singles like “Firewall,” “USB Humanity,” and “Lazerwitch,” followed by their 2023 EP “Anywhere But Here.”
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A sci‑fi metal epic built on cosmic storytelling, massive riffs, and layered symphonic textures, their first full-length, “Invasion,” represents the band at full power.

“Invasion is a roller coaster of an album… themes of anger, retribution, causality, and madness, but also love and longing, conveyed with sci-fi and cosmic overtones,” says Bergin.
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The album artwork depicts Earth on the brink of collapse as an alien mothership tears through a wormhole to terraform the planet, a visual centerpiece for the album’s dystopian universe.
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Musically, “Invasion” pushes the band’s heavier roots to the forefront, with stronger, more memorable riffs, melodic, smooth leads, driving, high‑energy drumming, and Allen’s most powerful vocal performances to date.

“We wanted to bring an album that improves upon our already unique style. During our EP, we started to dial in our sound, but now we are delivering an LP in our full form. We brought the music back to our heavier roots. The riffs are stronger. The leads are melodic and smooth. The drums are driving, and Staci’s singing is more ballsy! Every song is amazing in its own right, and we couldn’t be prouder of them,” adds the band.

The lead single “Into Nothing” erupts with high‑energy swagger, fusing 80s‑glam attitude with the band’s signature swing‑driven Power Groove. Packed with sassy guitar lines, bold vocal delivery, and an irresistible rhythmic bounce, it’s a track built to move. Lyrically, the song blurs the boundary between dreams and reality, inspired by a vivid moment where Allen dreamed of throwing a punch and felt it land in real life, a surreal spark that shaped the song’s thematic core.
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Its musical roots stretch back to a tongue‑in‑cheek Scythia track called Fort Make Money, a satirical nod to rig life in Fort McMurray. Savage hammered out the chorus riff within hours, and the band quickly recognized its glam‑rock DNA, echoing the swing and attitude of earlier The Astral Prophets cuts like “Cybernetic Doom” and “Firewall.” When the band first played it live, the bridge, solo, and final chorus were so addictive they looped them repeatedly just for the joy of it.
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Bergin calls “Into Nothing” his favorite song to perform, a wild, danceable ride that captures everything fun, flashy, and unrestrained about the band’s heavier new era.

Listen to “Into Nothing”:

Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPLxl6flAP8​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/6mFNCS1mHzwOJ4T8l0i2dd​
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Delivering cosmic, melodic, riff‑driven sci‑fi rock that blends power metal, groove metal, and high‑energy performances, “Invasion” will be available on October 30th, 2026.

Show Dates:​
Oct 30 – Calgary, AB – Festival Hall (Album Release Show) w/ Victoria Lies, Cabraakan, Kyle Pullan

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Track Listing:​
1. Target Locked – 4:24
2. Power of the Rift – 4:08
3. Invasion ft. Jeff Black – 4:06
4. Into Nothing – 4:46
5. A Trail of Broken Stars – 4:46
6. World Eater – 4:35
7. Hyperdrive – 4:47
8. Inside the Hyperdrive – 3:37

More info: https://hyperfollow.com/astralprophets​

The Finnish metal duo CONTRUST released a new single and music video ‘The Endless Seas’

The Finnish Helsinki-based metal couple CONTRUST released a new single and music video ‘The Endless Seas’.

WATCH ‘The Endless Seas’ music video: https://youtu.be/HruZAuKrz90

The band comments:

“We’re especially happy with this song and proudly call it our best one yet. It all started when Susanna heard the melody in a dream, and from there, we gradually built it into a full song together with our producer. This song really captures and defines what CONTRUST sounds like.

We filmed and produced the music video entirely by ourselves with zero budget. What we remember most from the shoot is the cold and our soaking wet clothes, but after seeing the final result, we can definitely say it was worth it.” 

LISTEN to the single: https://push.fm/fl/contrust-endless-seas

BIOGRAPHY:

CONTRUST is a music boundaries breaking duo founded in the fall of 2024, when two fans of heavy music found each other and decided to combine their passions. The couple brings a fresh sound and perspective to the metal scene.

Line-up:

Jonatan Utriainen – vocals

Susanna Wikholm – vocals

Links: 

https://www.facebook.com/wearecntrst

https://www.instagram.com/wearecntrst

German Atmospheric Black Metal band Sternweh released debut album

German Atmospheric Black Metal band Sternweh released their new album «Sehnflucht». The release was recorded, mixed and mastered in the band’s home studio by Christian Witt.
Formed in Germany in 2025, Sternweh is an independent atmospheric black metal and shoegaze project created by multi-instrumentalist and horror/fantasy author Christian Witt, with occasional vocal contributions from his wife, Yvonne. Exploring themes of cosmic longing, escapism, and emotional isolation, the project contrasts crushing guitar walls and desperate screams with fragile acoustic passages and clear vocals.

Whispered’s Fourth Album Honorbound Out Now

Finnish melodic death metal band Whispered, renowned for blending the intensity of Finnish metal with Japanese music, mythology and traditions, released their highly anticipated fourth album, Honorbound.

Nearly a decade in the making, Honorbound is the band’s most ambitious release to date. Across eight tracks, Whispered embark on an epic journey where melodic death metal, Japanese folklore, tales of honor and revenge, and the search for inner strength collide.

“It is hard to believe that the album is actually out now. We have had to listen to these songs ourselves for quite a few years, and now it’s your turn! The album is a massive journey through the dark and epic landscapes of Whispered’s vision of Japanese folklore, filled with tales of honor, retribution, and inner strength, all forged in the spirit of Finnish metal. The album is definitely worth giving some time to. Despite all its massive elements, I bet some really cool things will start to reveal themselves as you listen to it more!” the band’s singer Jouni Valjakka describes.

From furious speed to heroic grandeur and moments of serenity, Honorbound takes the listener through a wide emotional and musical spectrum, ultimately arriving at a place of stillness. The album’s more traditional heroic energy can be heard on the album’s focus track, “A Warrior’s Dream.”

“‘A Warrior’s Dream’ represents the heroic side of the album, with rich melodic textures and energetic riffs. It’s one of the oldest songs on the album, and exactly the kind of song you would expect from Whispered. It’s a hopeful warrior’s dream through battlefields, overcoming oneself and cosmic transcendence. In other words, a great companion for darkening autumn evenings and torrential rain!”

Watch the “A Warrior’s Dream” lyric video here.

The album culminates in its nearly 24-minute title track, “Honorbound.”

“‘Honorbound’ is a massive story that also ties together these past years, all their challenges, and the sheer stubbornness it took to finish the album. The song has been gradually taking shape over many years. Its story was ultimately inspired by the Japanese tale of the Soga brothers’ revenge, in which the brothers avenge the murder of their father. With some artistic liberties, the story eventually evolved into an epic in true Whispered style.”

The story of “Honorbound” also extends to the album’s artwork, created by the band’s long-time trusted Japanese artist TokMR.

Whispered celebrated the official release of Honorbound with an album release show at Kuudes Linja in Helsinki on September 18. More Finnish shows are scheduled for early 2027.

Finnish shows:
08.01.2027 Talvihelvetti, Tampere
09.01.2027 Seinäjoki Metal Fest, Seinäjoki

Tracklist – Honorbound:
1. Ikikaere
2. Heavensbane
3. Shadowblade
4. Battlecry
5. A Warrior’s Dream
6. Gods of Rain
7. Where the Spirits Thrive
8. Honorbound

Watch the previously released music video for “Ikikaere“ here.

Whispered is:
Jouni Valjakka – vocals, guitar
Mikko Mattila – guitar
Olli Paajanen – bass
Filip Gäddnäs – drums

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | X

Edmonton’s BONEYARD Announces Sophomore Album “Black Static” Out Oct 2026

Canadian hard‑rock/metal quartet Boneyard will release their long‑awaited sophomore album, “Black Static,” on October 23rd, 2026, marking a bold new chapter for the band’s evolving sound and lineup.
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Built on melodic female‑fronted hard rock, traditional heavy metal roots, and the band’s signature storytelling, “Black Static” expands the world Boneyard established on their 2020 debut “Oathbreaker”, a record later re‑released internationally through WormHoleDeath Records and mastered by Grammy‑nominated engineer Maor Appelbaum. Featuring nine dynamic songs ranging from classic metal heaviness to punk‑infused chaos to cinematic Western‑metal storytelling, the new album showcases the creative chemistry of the refreshed lineup, featuring powerful contributions from bassist Lezzy and lead guitarist Garhardt, whose arrival has sparked major anticipation among fans.

“An extension of Oathbreaker, but shaped heavily by the new members involved, Black Static is quite different more diverse, more melodic, and more emotionally charged,” says drummer Jefftimus.

Lyrically, “Black Static” dives into personal trauma, mental health, human trafficking, generational addiction, and grief, while still weaving in hope, resilience, and empowerment. The album’s artwork was once again created by legendary Calgary artist Tom Bagley, who brought their mascot Misty Bone to life on the record’s cover.

The album’s first single, “Before the Fall,” is a melodic‑metal anthem confronting the destructive patterns of global leadership, war, corruption, inequality, and urging unity and change. The video dives into the dark realities of human trafficking and missing and murdered Indigenous persons, blending cinematic grit with emotional weight.
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​“A song of hope… recognizing atrocities and creating a new way of thinking by helping each other for the future,” adds Pamtera.
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Listen to “Before The Fall”

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPOEcMLX5Xc​

Spotify – https://ffm.bio/boneyard​

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Beyond the riffs, Boneyard stands out for its representation: a Métis drummer, a female LGBTQ+ bassist, and a commitment to authenticity and inclusion within the rock and metal scene. Since forming in 2015, Edmonton, AB’s Boneyard has performed across Western Canada at Decimate Metalfest, Pembina River Nights, Metisfest, and more.

Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Saxon, Doro, The Pretty Reckless, and Iron Maiden, “Black Static” will be available on October 23, 2026, digitally and on CD, with a vinyl release to be announced at a later date.

Show Dates:​
Oct 23 – Edmonton, AB – The Rec Room (Album Release Show) w/ Daniel Martin & The Infamous

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Track Listing:​
1. Met You in a Dream
2. Left Me to Drown
3. Ready for a Change
4. Not this Way (Joel’s Song)
5. Blood in the Bond
6. Before the Fall
7. Hanging Tree
8. Compass Points to War
9. Before the Fall (Piano Rendition)

Album and Live Band Lineup:​
Pamtera – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Lezzy Osbourne – Bass
Jefftimus – Drums
Garhardt – Lead Guitar

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

Power metal force Firewind announce new studio album “Gods, Myths & Titans” set for release on February 19, 2027, via BLKIIBLK

Greek power metal band Firewind are thrilled to announce the release of their new studio album, “Gods, Myths & Titans”, out on February 19, 2027, and the first for the new label BLKIIBLK.

Led by guitar virtuoso Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, King Diamond, etc), Firewind have evolved into a powerhouse band with a devoted international fanbase and a string of acclaimed albums.

To mark the announcement, Firewind unleash the first single, “The Legend Of Achilles”, available now along with a lyric video.

Gus G. stated: “We’ve wanted to make a concept album about Greek mythology for a long time, and finally we got around to it. It’s been two years in the making, and our goal was to create the most epic album in the history of the band. Adding cinematic and orchestral elements to our classic metal sound gave a whole new layer, enhancing the style of Firewind”.

“Each track is a gate to a different myth. We went all in with the visual side as well and worked with Felipe Machado who created unique artworks for every song. These are tales of power, glory, tragedy, and defiance”, he added. “Today we give you the first single and it’s about Achilles – one of the mightiest warrior legends to ever walk the earth. Turn up the volume and enter the realm of “Gods, Myths, & Titans”.”

The band just finished a busy summer schedule with appearances in many European festivals and will next embark on a tour across US and Canada this month, supporting Ensiferum, and also returning to ProgPower festival. All the tour dates and details are below.

Watch the official lyric video for “The Legend Of Achilles” HERE

Pre-Order “Myths, Gods & Titans” HERE

With “Gods, Myths & Titans”, Firewind return with one of the strongest and most inspired albums of their career. The record also marks the return of Henning Basse behind the microphone, bringing a powerful and distinctive vocal presence that perfectly complements the band’s unmistakable sound.

The album also marks a significant new chapter for Firewind and Frontiers Label Group, as the band’s first album released through BLKIIBLK, Frontiers Label Group’s dedicated metal brand.

Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the record unfolds as a cohesive concept-driven journey through gods, heroes and legends, giving the album an additional sense of identity and epic scope.

Exceptionally strong songwriting, memorable melodies and carefully crafted orchestral arrangements add a new dimension to Firewind’s trademark heavy metal attack, enriching the music without ever compromising its power and intensity.

Tracks such as “Firegod” and “The Legend Of Achilles” are destined to become huge sing-along anthems for the band’s fans, with the kind of memorable choruses made for being shouted back from the crowd. And, as always, Gus G. delivers a phenomenal guitar performance, combining breathtaking technique with melody, emotion and his unmistakable signature style.

“Gods, Myths & Titans” is more than another great Firewind album: it stands as a major highlight in the band’s discography and one of the most exciting heavy metal releases of 2027. For Firewind and Gus G., this is a career-defining chapter.

“Myths, Gods & Titans” Tracklist:

1.    Prologue Sacrifice
2.    Firegod
3.    I Will Sail On
4.    The Legend Of Achilles
5.    Cries Of A Mortal
6.    Queen Of The Underworld
7.    Prelude The Chosen One
8.    Under Aegean Skies
9.    A King Dethroned
10.    Unbreakable
11.    Titans Fall
12.    Epilogue

Line Up:
Gus G. – Guitar, Keyboards
Henning Basse – Vocals
Petros Christo – Bass
Johan Nunez – Drums

Follow FIREWIND:
Website
Facebook
Instagram

FIREWIND – North America Tour 2026 w/ Ensiferum

9/10/26 – Atlanta, GA @ ProgPower
9/11/26 – Nashville, TN
9/12/26 – Indianapolis, IN
9/13/26 – Pittsburgh, PA
9/14/26 – Detroit, MI
9/16/26 – Cleveland, OH
9/17/26 – Madison, WI @ Blades of Steel Fest
9/18/26 – Des Moines, IA
9/20/26 – Winnipeg, MB
9/22/26 – Edmonton, AB
9/23/26 – Calgary, AB
9/25/26 – Vancouver, BC
9/26/26 – Portland, OR
9/27/26 – Seattle, WA

SHROUD Announces Canadian Tour Dates w/ HELLRIPPER “Goatkraft & Granite Canada 2026”

Rising from the shadows of Montreal’s extreme‑metal underground, SHROUD proudly announces a run of Canadian tour dates supporting Scotland’s speed‑metal powerhouse HELLRIPPER this November (dates listed below). The announcement follows the release of SHROUD’s debut full‑length album “Pax Nocturna”.​
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A blistering fusion of blackened thrash sharpened by death‑metal aggression and melodic‑metal atmosphere, “Pax Nocturna” marks a defining first chapter for one of Montreal’s most intense and uncompromising new acts. Lyrically, “Pax Nocturna” explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss, and the darkest corners of human existence. Its overarching concept, Satanic Gnosticism, rejects imposed order and corrupt leadership in favour of embracing the chaos from which humanity originates.

“It’s the acknowledgement that we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” says Conti.

The album’s artwork draws from the dark fantasy of Yoshitaka Amano, the surreal horror of Zdzisław Beksiński, and the mythic grandeur of The Lord of the Rings, depicting the four members in ritualistic worship of Murmur, Archduke and Lord of Hell.
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​SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris (Warsenal) during the height of the COVID‑19 lockdowns. With their previous projects stalled and the music scene frozen, the pair began writing in secret, week after week; riffs and ideas evolved into the earliest form of what would become “Pax Nocturna”. As the world reopened in 2022, the lineup solidified with Justin Cournoyer on bass and Jordan Barillaro joining after filling in for the band’s first show in November 2022. The chemistry was immediate. SHROUD was born, united, focused, and driven.
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On stage, SHROUD delivers intensity, tightness, and emotional ferocity, already earning them slots alongside Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia, and more.

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic, “Pax Nocturna”, released on June 4th, 2026, is available now on all digital platforms, CD, and vinyl.

CD / Vinyl – https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/album/pax-nocturna​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5dfAWpVKaWlsdSBYNZ8L1H​

All Creation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4okttHfnlg​

The Eternal Void – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ56_laldDc​

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Tour Dates: Hellripper w/ Shroud​
Nov 25 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
Nov 26 – Quebec City, QC – La Source De La Martiniere
Nov 27 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern (Capital Punishment Festival)
Nov 28 – Toronto, ON – Supermarket Bar & Variety

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Track Listing:​
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05

Album and Live Band lineup:​
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass

More info:

​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343​

​https://www.instagram.com/shroud.mtl​

About: Emerging from the depths below, Shroud formed in 2022 when Conti and Osiris began writing together during the pandemic. With the later addition of Barillaro and Cournoyer, the band’s lineup solidified into a unit defined by technical skill, raw aggression, and a shared vision of darkness. Their sound of blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals echoing through the void has quickly earned them recognition as one of Montreal’s most promising extreme‑metal acts. Now, with Pax Nocturna, Shroud is ready to unleash its full power.

Album Recording Credits:​
– All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
– All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
– Produced by: Shroud and Jordan Barillaro
– Mixed by: Jordan Barillaro
– Album Art by: Justin Cournoyer
– Mastered by: Tore Stjerna

American Post-Black Metal Eusapia released new EP

American Post-Black Metal band Eusapia has released their new EP «Thin Cities / Desert Festival». The release was recorded in the band’s home studio, and mixed/mastered by Chris Toy.
Formed in Washington state in 2013 and re-emerging from the foundations of the solo project “Somnium”, Eusapia is a studio-focused blackened post-metal project based deep in the Cascade Mountains. Driven by Somnium (bass/vocals), Cleopatra the Alchemist (guitars/vocals), Deenie (drums), and guitarists Chazdyn and Frank Keeler, the band weaves desolate post-black metal, doom dirges, blast beats, and shoegaze atmospheres into a rain-soaked Pacific Northwest soundscape. Their evolving discography includes the “Formless” EP (2024) and the “Thin Cities / Desert Festival” EP (2026).

Italian Bassist & Composer ALBERTO RIGONI Announces New Metal-Funk-Rock Album “Chrome Cobra”

Italian Bassist and Composer Alberto Rigoni (soloist, Burning Black, Vivaldi Metal Project has just announced as follows:

“These days, launching a brand-new band is becoming increasingly difficult, especially when it means building a new name, a new identity and a new audience completely from scratch.
For this reason, I have decided that Chrome Cobra, a project mainly rooted in metal, but with strong funk and rock influences, will be released as a new solo album under my name, Alberto Rigoni.
I’m very happy to have some amazing musicians joining me on this project: Eleonora Damiano ( Hydra Astralis,  Requiem’s Embrace,) on vocals, Luca Princiotta (Hardline, ex Doro, etc.) on guitar and Andrea Zen (Order Of Minerva, Echoid) on drums.
Things are already moving: two singles are ready, together with an incredible music video (made by Andrea Zen), that I really can’t wait to share with you.
That’s all I can reveal for now. Are you ready for a BRAND NEW METAL experience? Follow me on my social network pages for more news.
Chrome Cobra is coming!!!!!” AR

TEASER OF THE BASS RECORDING SESSIONS: https://www.instagram.com/p/Daz-9OSsMQO/

For More information:
www.albertorigoni.net
http://www.instagram.com/albertorigonibassplayer
www.fb.com/albertorigonimusic
www.youtube.com/@albertorigoniofficial

Indian Technical Death Metal band Nihilus released new single

Indian Technical Death Metal band Nihilus released their new single «Absurd Patterns» from the band’s upcoming album “Borealis” that will be released in October 2026. The video was filmed in “Drummachari Studios”, and edited by Aashank Pereira.
Formed in Bangalore, India, in 2009 by Siddharth Manoharan and Manu Manjunath, Nihilus is a technical death metal act combining intricate musicianship with crushing intensity. Exploring themes of post-apocalyptic decay, modern geopolitics, and humanity’s destructive nature, the band established their complex sound on the 2016 EP “Without Grey Matter”. Their defining milestone comes with the concept album «Borealis», a dystopian narrative depicting Earth’s gradual collapse through standalone stories bound by an overarching vision of catastrophic ruin.