Ivy Gardens, the experimental sludge metal band from Niagara Falls, Canada, has announced the release of their highly anticipated new music video for the single "Burden" and their sophomore album, "Death of Don Valley", set to drop on August 29th, 2025, via Paper Cut Recordings. The record marks a bold new chapter in the band’s sound, with more complex compositions, darker themes, and a shift into a more experimental and atmospheric direction.
Formed in the parking lot of Princess Auto, Ivy Gardens’ journey began with a mutual love for covering Rush instrumentals and an obsession with heavy, sludge-infused sound. From those humble beginnings, the band’s unique chemistry and vision have led to the creation of their most ambitious and thematically focused album yet.
"Burden", the first single from "Death of Don Valley", showcases a satirical take on nihilism, with dark and comical undertones. The track was one of the first songs written for the album and features a fast-paced, relentless tempo that gradually picks up speed in the studio. Lyrically, it's a satirical take on the archetypal nihilist, with a dose of doom and gloom that veers into a comical extreme. The band describes it as “quick and succinct” — a track that encapsulates the essence of their new sonic direction.
Watch and listen to the music video for "Burden" via its premiere on The Obelisk HERE.
Spotify - https://bit.ly/3FWpqwD
"Death of Don Valley" is a concept album, exploring the themes of death, decay, and the unstoppable erosion of life and the environment. The concept is rooted in the history of the Don Valley River, a once-thriving waterway now plagued by pollution and degradation. The album's artwork reflects this with the haunting image of a corpse between the banks of the flooded river, anthropomorphizing the water itself as it becomes a symbol of death and decay.
The material on "Death of Don Valley" was designed to be heard live, with massive stacks of amplifiers and a commitment to delivering the music in all its raw, unfiltered glory. It marks a bold new direction for Ivy Gardens; the band has no plans of slowing down. Their dedication to the project is evident in every note they play and every lyric they write as they continue to push musical boundaries and explore new sonic territories. Lyrically, the record draws from a mix of historical events, such as the tragic story of Canadian bush pilot Martin Hartwell, and fictional narratives, creating a dark and gripping atmosphere. The songs explore everything from violence, death, and survival to environmental destruction and existential dread. As the band explains:
"Death of Don Valley is the natural progression of their sound, with more complexity and a deliberate thematic structure. Musically, it marks a shift in Ivy Gardens’ approach. This album is darker, more experimental, and more intricate than our previous work on 2024's Goon. While Goon carried a more positive, energetic vibe, this LP is more about confronting the darker aspects of life, and it reflects a deeper exploration into musical and thematic complexity."
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 of Ivy Gardens can expect an intense live performance soon, as the band does plan to tour in support of the new album this coming September. Stay tuned for dates to be announced, and Ivy Gardens are bringing their thunderous sound to stages nationwide. Expect a live show that will test the limits of your ears and your emotions.
"Death of Don Valley" (out August 29th) is available for pre-order at https://ivygardens.bandcamp.com/
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 11 - London, ON - TBA
- Sept 12 - Windsor, ON - Phog Lounge
- Sept 13 - Sarnia, ON - AJs Bar
- Sept 18 - Halifax, NS - Radstorm
- Sept 19 - Sydney, NS - Daniels Ale House
- Sept 20 - Charlottetown, PEI - Babas Lounge
- Sept 21 - Moncton, NB - TBA
- Sept 25 - Woodstock, NB - Montieth Manor
- Sept 26 - Quebec City, QC - Scanner Bistro
- Sept 27 - Montreal, QC - Blue Dog
- Oct 9 - Barrie, ON - CW Coops
- Oct 10 - Sudbury, ON - Townhouse Tavern
- Oct 11 - Thunder Bay, ON - Nortenos Cantina
- 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 - TBA
- Oct 24 - Vancouver, BC - TBA
- Oct 25 - Victoria, BC - TBA