Sorry, Halloween. Black Friday is hands-down the most metallic-sounding day of the year. Not to mention the scariest, bloodiest and most violent. And there’s no better way to prepare for the annual bout of hand-to-hand consumer combat than by spending some time in the Grindhouse. Gird your loins, embrace your inner Visigoth and get psyched for your upcoming retail rampage with the help of these adrenaline-jacking anthems of destruction:
Strigampire | Sold Our Soul
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “In 2001, Canada’s Strigampire emerged onto the music scene, captivating audiences with their eloquence and delivering electrifying live performances. Over the years, their intense energy has earned them recognition and opportunities to share the stage with renowned international bands, as well as playing the Wacken stage this year after being crowned Metal Battle Canada champs. They are rounding off this year by releasing Sold Our Soul, the second single off their third album All To Dominate, due in December. Vocalist Steve DC explains: “It talks about our passion for heavy metal music. I explain that we dedicate our lives to music, even if it means making sacrifices. I reference the idea of selling our soul to the devil for the love of heavy and rock music! I elaborate that, in my opinion, it’s important to sometimes stop fixating on the horizon and thinking about the destination, and instead take the time to appreciate the wonders that surround us in this wild adventure along the path of life.”
Black Daggers | Wasted
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After releasing their debut Phantasmagoria in October, Red Deer’s Black Daggers are sharing the video for the track Wasted. A song about speaking to your inner demons, this track freely switches from one side of the conversation to the other. “It’s not meant to be clear who is the one speaking at any given point, but it’s a conversation in the mirror. We think this is a relatable concept for people who struggle with their own inner struggles,” the band say. A concept record about a Faustian bargain, Phantasmagoria sees its protagonist making a deal with the Devil that quickly goes awry. The album is as much about struggling with vices as it is dealing with depression and addiction. The band wanted to really dig into the idea of drug-induced psychosis and explore where that might lead to paranoia and further self-destruction. They think in some ways the character will be relatable to people who’ve dealt with battling their inner demons with mental health issues or lived with addictions.”
Voraath | Judas Blood And Vultures (Drum Play-Through)
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Set to unleash their debut full-length in 2024, Voraath recently unveiled their horror-inspired extreme metal single and video Judas Blood and Vultures, the first if a series of videos to support the album. Today, founder and drummer Joshua Nassaru Ward shares this play-through clip. The band add: “We are going the extra mile to not only bring you our flavor of extreme symphonic metal but an immersive experience both visually and auditorily.”
Pessimystic | Burnt Offering
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Searing death and black metal influences to scorch fans of experimental extreme, Canadian trio Pessimystic unleash their blistering Burnt Offering, the title track from their new album produced by Topon Das at Apt 2 Recording. Bridging the chasm between dark, dissonant riffs and hook-focused compositions, the five-track record lyrically explores Biblical scripture, mysticism, philosophy, and theology. “Under its dense and dissonant shroud, Burnt Offering combines the wrath and fury of death metal with the intensity and melodic echoes of black metal,” the band say. “The album captures deep textures and a natural, organic energy. With its meshed layers of intricate technical details, it showcases both performance and dedication Pessimystic has to offer.”
Judicator | The Curse Of Feanor
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Hailing from Salt Lake City, Judicator are a denim and leather-clad power metal act that will blow your hair back and excite your loins with its fervent riffs, wailing solos, and powerful vocals. Since their inception many years ago they have released six albums already, and the EP I Am The Void is on the horizon. It features two heart-pounding tracks over 15 minutes that pack a punch. The Curse of Feanor is a Blind Guardian cover as the band explains: “This is a song that our Patreon supporters voted on. The cover has been available to them for some time now, and we chose to release it to the public alongside I Am The Void. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of I Am The Void. It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.”
Metal de Facto | Code Of The Samurai
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Exploding onto the metal scene in 2019, Finnish power metal band Metal De Facto made their debut with Imperium Romanum, a full-length collection of songs about ancient Rome. To preview their sophomore record Land Of The Rising Sun Part 1, the band unveil the first single Code Of The Samurai, a triumphant anthem that is a testament to their signature sound. Epic and resounding, it exhibits the band’s unparalleled musical craftsmanship while introducing new vocalist Aitor Arrastia. It captures the essence of their celebrated style, fueling anticipation for their forthcoming concept album. “Code Of The Samurai was one of the first songs we composed for the new album, so it felt like a good choice as the first single,” says bass player Sami Hinkka. “And if you think about it, what could be a better start to a two-album journey into the glorious history and culture of Japan than a ride into battle with the heroic and noble samurai?”
