Canadian heavy metal outfit Thunderor, led by JJ Tartaglia (vocals, drums, Skull Fist) and Jonny Nesta (guitar, formerly of Skull Fist), with Brycen Gunn on bass, have unleashed their electrifying new single “Pump Up The Volume.” This track marks the first preview of their forthcoming second album Bleed For It, scheduled for release in March 2026. Known for their signature blend of arena rock, opera, and heavy metal, Thunderor deliver soaring vocals, powerful choruses, and an energy that encourages fans to embrace life with passion and courage.
The single also serves as the opening number for Thunderor The Musical, the band’s ambitious rock opera that debuted at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025. The promotional video even features a cameo appearance from Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, adding a unique touch to the release.
“This one is a lot of fun. Turn up the music, pump up your life, Pump Up The Volume! It’s also the opening number for the Musical, and it sets the mood nicely. Although the rest of the album ventures to many different places. Special thanks to Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto for her cameo in the promo clip, super cool.” – JJ Tartaglia
Following their acclaimed debut, Thunderor’s second album “Bleed For It” demonstrates growth in both songwriting and performance. The record features stronger vocals, expansive choruses, and a balance of raw heavy metal energy with theatrical storytelling. As a concept album, it doubles as the official soundtrack to Thunderor The Musical, guiding listeners through themes of love, struggle, and perseverance.
The band draws inspiration from icons such as Meat Loaf, Van Halen, Bruce Springsteen, The Darkness, H.E.A.T., Night Flight Orchestra, and their own roots in Skull Fist, creating a modern spin on classic heavy and hair metal.
“Bleed For It” will be released on March 27th, 2026, with a limited vinyl bundle available for pre-order:
Tour Dates
Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches
- April 20 – Piranha Bar, Montreal QC
- April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere, Quebec City QC
- April 22 – The Brass Monkey, Ottawa ON
- April 23 – The Garrison, Toronto ON
Scandinavia Tour 2026 with Chris Holmes (W.A.S.P.)
- May 15 – Nordic Noise, Copenhagen Denmark
- May 16 – Godset, Kolding Denmark
- May 27 – The Abyss, Gothenburg Sweden
- May 28 – Muskelrock, Blädinge Sweden
- May 29 – Lokstallet, Skövde Sweden
- May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club, Gjerdrum Norway
- May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene, Mandal Norway
More info: Boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor | Facebook | Instagram | Music Nova Scotia
About Thunderor
Formed in 2020 by multi-JUNO-nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, Thunderor deliver hook-filled anthems that channel the spirit of arena rock while weaving in heavy metal, hair metal, and rock opera influences.
Their debut album “Fire It Up” (2022) reached #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada, cementing their reputation as a rising force in the global metal scene. Extensive tours across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America followed, with Thunderor sharing stages with acts such as Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, and Night Demon.
In May 2024, their single “Get ‘Em Counted” surpassed 230K views on YouTube, building anticipation for their next chapter. In summer 2025, Thunderor premiered Thunderor The Musical at the Toronto Fringe Festival, a bold rock opera featuring unreleased material that now forms the foundation of their upcoming album.
Set for release in March 2026, “Bleed For It” will feature the high-energy single “Pump Up The Volume,” a track that captures the band’s uplifting spirit and theatrical edge. With enhanced vocals, bigger choruses, and a concept-driven narrative, the album promises to be both a soundtrack to the musical and a standalone heavy metal experience.

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