New Heavy Equipment Including Chüzo, Artach, and Highway Queen Featured at The Grindhouse
The heavy equipment working outside my house for the second time in two months has nothing on the ferocious sounds emanating from today’s malevolent musical offerings. Brace yourself for the onslaught of intense and aggressive releases hitting the scene:
Chüzo is a Montreal aggro-metal outfit embarking on an Ontario tour in support of their latest EP, M.T.M.D. (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay). To get fans pumped for their upcoming shows, they have unveiled a video for the high-octane track, Bruised And Broken. The song tackles the experience of being pushed to one’s limits and the explosive consequences that follow. The band’s drummer and editor, Carlos Gutierrez, crafted the video showcasing their performance at the Wacken Metal Battle 2025, delivering a passionate and powerful show that left a lasting impression.
On a different note, Newfoundland’s black metal duo, Artach, is set to release their latest album, Morrigan…Goddess of War, on March 21. This third full-length effort promises to be their most potent material yet, delivering a relentless barrage of blackened thrash metal that encapsulates the fervor and intensity that Artach is known for. Their lead single, Macha, is part of a trilogy that delves into Celtic mythology, specifically exploring the character of Macha, a fierce protector of warriors with prophetic powers.
Finnish rockers Highway Queen have unleashed a video for their track, I’m Calling You, a continuation of their signature blend of powerful melodies and hard rock/metal aesthetics. The song is featured on their latest EP, Extendead Play, released earlier this year, exemplifying their ability to infuse ’80s-inspired hard rock with modern twists and storytelling elements that resonate with audiences on a deep emotional level.
Meanwhile, Canadian power thrashers Phear present a lyric video for New World Error, a commentary on the turmoil of the contemporary world. Taken from their second album, Save Our Souls, the track reflects on the darker aspects of human nature and society, amplified by their heaviest offering to date. The album, produced by Jon Howard, captures the essence of Phear’s arena-caliber sound and showcases their commitment to entertaining fans while delivering hard-hitting anthems.
Moving on, Aittala unveils the first single, Myself Deceived, from their upcoming album, Machines, slated for release in April. The album features tracks written and demoed between 1990 and 1997, infused with modern production techniques to enhance their raw essence. Aittala’s nostalgic yet powerful sound, rooted in early progressive metal influences, promises a captivating listening experience that stays true to their signature heavy and immersive style cultivated over their decades-long career.
Lastly, Edmonton’s Famous Strangers are set to release their latest single, I’ll See You In The Stars, offering a glimpse into their atmospheric storytelling prowess. The track weaves haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive soundscapes that have entranced audiences with their evocative storytelling and musical depth. Famous Strangers continue to push boundaries and captivate listeners with their unique blend of cinematic soundscapes and emotive lyricism.
In conclusion, the heavy music scene is alive and well with a diverse array of artists delivering powerful and evocative music that pushes boundaries and captivates audiences with its raw intensity and emotional depth. Whether you’re into thrash metal, black metal, hard rock, or doom metal, there’s something for every heavy music enthusiast to sink their teeth into and experience the transcendent power of music in all its ferocious glory.