L-R: Charles Alexandre Bilodeau (Bass, Back Vocals), Fred A. Dubeau (Guitar, Vocals), Martin Reithler (Drums)
Photo by Sandy Champagne
Trois-Rivières, QC-based metal band Outlying returns with a crushing new single, “Pitch Black Serum,” the fifth track off their upcoming full-length album “Oblivisci,” set for release on November 21st. Known for their captivating, dark, aggressive, and melodic sound, Outlying delivers a haunting dose of melodic death metal that explores the venomous grip of societal defeatism and indulgent escapism.
“Pitch Black Serum” is a sonic descent into the minds of those who’ve surrendered to the numbing comforts of modern life, porn, food, and video games, while the world outside decays. Creepy, visceral, and unrelenting, the track showcases Outlying’s signature blend of melody and brutality, with lyrics penned by frontman Fred A. Dubeau and drummer Martin “Frenchy” Reithler.
The single is a powerful preview of “Oblivisci,” Latin for “to forget,” a concept album that dives deep into trauma, alienation, grief, and addiction. The record culminates in a three-part epic chronicling Fred’s personal battles with substance abuse. With no filler tracks and a commitment to emotional authenticity, Outlying aims to deliver a “no skipped tracks” experience that resonates with fans of At The Gates, Testament, Cradle Of Filth, In Flames, and Wintersun.
Formed in 2007, Outlying began as a group of high school friends jamming covers. Over time, the band evolved into a mature, focused force in melodic metal, driven by Fred’s desire to move beyond “music for musicians” and create something raw and universally felt. The current lineup, Fred, Frenchy, and bassist Charles Alex Bilodeau, came together through a series of uncanny coincidences, including a soldering iron repair and a podcast heard across the Atlantic.
“Oblivisci” was crafted through a mix of in-person riff sessions and remote collaboration while Frenchy lived in France. The band selected tracks that reflect their full range, from groove-heavy bangers to thrashy assaults, melodic interludes, and the emotionally charged finale. The album artwork depicts a post-apocalyptic version of their adopted hometown, Trois-Rivières, a nod to the city’s gritty industrial roots and its vibrant metal scene.
Live, Outlying strips away the excess. No orchestras, no overused samples, just raw energy, passion, and dynamic instrumentation. Their shows are designed to keep audiences engaged from start to finish, offering varied ambiance and moods without relying on gimmicks.
With “Oblivisci,” Outlying invites listeners to confront the darkness, feel the weight of the lyrics, and ride the adrenaline of the music. “Pitch Black Serum” is just the beginning.
Listen to “Pitch Black Serum” at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/UqHNyMlxC8I
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/
Following their previous releases, Within The Jail Of The Unfortunate (EP) (2008), Scars Of Daylight (2012), and Frameworks For Repression (2016), their third album, “Oblivisci,” will be available on November 21st, 2025, on all streaming platforms.
First single – “November”
YouTube – https://youtu.be/xfbMerlsRwc
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/
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Track Listing:
1 – The Raven Is Gone – 5:27
2 – Stigma – 3:49
3 – Snow – 6:02
4 – Streets Of Rats And Vultures – 4:47
5 – Pitch-Black Serum – 4:36
6 – November – 5:56
7 – Sentinel – 5:43
8 – Impaired – 5:32
9 – Dreamless Nights Part I: A Lullaby For The Insomniac – 4:19
10- Dreamless Nights Part II: From Velvet Skies – 5:13
11- Dreamless Nights Part III: Walking Out Of Eden’s Ashes – 4:25
Album Length: 55:49
Album Credits:
All songs performed, written, and produced by Fred A. Dubeau and Martin Reithler
Mixed and mastered by Fred A. Dubeau
Album Artwork by Fred A. Dubeau
Album recording lineup:
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Bass, All Vocals Martin Reithler – Drums
Guest musicians for the album:
Steph from “Exotoxic” – Auxiliary percussion
Marilyn from “Chained By Illness” – Female Vocals
Sim from “Lancaster” – Guest Guitar Solo
Hardcore Band “Northwalk” – Gang Vocals
Lineup for live:
Fred A. Dubeau – Guitar, Vocals
Charles Alex Bilodeau – Bass, Back Vocals
Martin Reithler – Drums
For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/
http://www.instagram.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@outlying.band
“Outlying offers a solid Swedish-style melodic death metal sound with their own personal touch.” – MetalUniverse.net
“With a biting energy and a relentless intensity, [Pitch-Black Serum] hits with an uncommon ferocity while keeping a dynamic, melodic and catchy structure.” – MetalUniverse.net
“I had never heard of this band before, so I was all the more amazed by the high level of performance the band had already achieved in 2012 [Scars Of Daylight album]. They are reminiscent of Scandinavian melodic death metal bands of the late 1990s.” – Ammo-underground.at
“The three gentlemen serve us finely spun melodies; the musicians tie everything together into a flowing, detailed unity. A bit of clean vocals are sprinkled in here and there, and so a lot happens in this largely whipping smasher. A few threatening vibes and thrashy, straight-ahead tactics are also effectively employed, as is polyphonic vocals – everything just fits! Raising fists, enjoying details, headbanging – it’s a mystery to me why these all-rounders are still so unknown!” – Ammo-underground.at
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