EPK – Van Halst |

Van Halst – World of Make Believe (2016)

Release Date: March 4, 2016

For Fans of In This Moment, Evanescence, Halestorm

PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com

Radio Tracking – radiotrackingashermedia(@)gmail.com

Bandcamp | iTunes | Amazon | CD Baby

Press Photo | Album Cover | Album Lyrics

“If Evanescence and In This Moment dominate your stereo, we’d like to present your new favorite band. – Idobi Radio

“A fine and courageous album from a band I have no doubt we will hear much more from.” – Hellbound

“Goth rock quintet Van Halst takes on feminism, body image and more with impressive debut.” – Beatroute (AB)

“Van Halst incites hope with World of Make Believe.” – Vue Weekly

“Van Halst’s World of Make Believe wants to educate” – Edmonton Journal

“Van Halst stand out among bands in their genre. Unafraid to explore the whole breadth of her musical talent.” – Loud Stuff

“Kami has one of those voices that could stop, or start an avalanche…Van Halst is the champion here. With uncomfortable socially conscious lyrics, sympathetic musical accompaniment, and stellar songwriting, World of Make Believe will turn more than a few heads and breed more than a few goose bumps.” – Glacially Musical

“From the opening track, it is clear that Kami Van Halst has a belter of a voice. Her vocals are powerful enough to hold their own even when the band is in full metal mode (and the band can go properly full metal) but she can also deliver a ballad with a gentle intensity. And she can scream!” – Moshville Times

“A very serious piece of work, skillfully put together and presented in a way that will keep your attention by taking surprising turns at every corner that somehow get visible in this fog surrounding us.” – Rock Music Raider

“Van Halst’s musical aesthetic is a mix of Joan Jett, Evanescence, The Pretty Reckless and Shinedown.” – Cailtin Crawshaw, Work of Arts Blog

“Her music is in-your-face, rock and roll.” Leah Germain, The Sherwood Park News
“She is a rocker with a social conscience.” Enbridge Emerging Artist Award Write Up
“Kami is one of our heroes, she uses her music to give a voice to those who, at this point in their lives, aren’t heard.” – Alberta Primetime- Around Alberta Feature

VH - WorldOfMakeBelieve Cover

Track Listing: Van Halst – World of Make Believe
1. The End (4:31)
2. Save Me (4:12)
3. Ryan’s Song (4:11)
4. World of Make Believe (3:46)
5. Questions (3:23)
6. Denying Eyes (4:08)
7. Monster (3:29)
8. Plastic Smile (5:11)
9. Put Him Down (4:33)
10. Perfect Storm (4:44)

Album Length: 42:14

Album Credits:
– All songs performed by: Van Halst
– Songs written by: Van Halst/Greene (The End, World of Make Believe, Ryan’s Song, Save Me, Denying Eyes, Monster, Put Him Down)
– Songs written by: Van Halst/Grabill (Plastic Smile, Questions)
– Song written by: Van Halst/Smith (Perfect Storm)
– Produced by: Scott Greene
– Engineered by: Scott Greene
– Mixed by: Phil Anderson
– Mastered by: Maor Appelbaum

Album Band Line Up:
Lead Vocal: Kami Van Halst
Drums: Brett Seaton
Guitars: Scott Greene
Bass: Steve Vincent
Programming: Scott Fox
Background Vocals: Scott Greene, Brendan Abbott, Ryan Van Halst, Brett Seaton, Lewis Santos

Live Band Line Up:
Lead Vocal: Kami Van Halst
Drums: Brett Seaton
Guitars: Scott Greene
Bass: Stile Theriault

Photo Credit: Renee Robyn

Van Halst is a fierce, empowering force of hard rock fused with metal. Although their name draws the image of a European band, this ensemble hails from Edmonton, Alberta. The project, which began as a solo artist for whom the band is named after — Kami Van Halst, has since become a full group producing socially conscious, lyrical tracks that focus on disenfranchised and marginalized populations.

The band’s influences stay true to goth rock, Kami Van Halst demonstrates an agile vocal delivery in combination with pummelling growls. Lyrically, the band draws from black metal due to its focus on people suffering from isolation and rising to overcome the preconceptions of a judgemental society. In This Moment’s industrial fusion remains a primary influence for Van Halst, employing a sampler, synthesizer, and distorted vocals.

Kami Van Halst dominates as the vocalist performing both growls and soaring vocals (Surviving Suzanne), Scott Greene (Derina Harvey Band/Dirty Pool) crafts the guitar work while Brendan McMillan (bass) (My Darkest Days) and Brett Seaton (drums) (Cultured by Fire) drive the rhythm section of the band. Kami’s range and virtuosic vocal ability always captivates an audience and her attitude on stage truly delivers the meaning behind the songs. The main writing forces for the band are Kami and Scott working together to give listeners a vivid image of social injustices. The band’s live performance is a theatric experience as the utilize full-costumes, make-up and stage props.

Shared stage w/: Alterra, River Valley Search Party, Tattered, These Raven Skies, Monarch Sky, Six String Loaded, The Order of Chaos

Corporate sponsors / artist endorsements:

SCM Insurance Services
Edmonton Arts Council
Guitar Center ( USA)

EPK – Van Halst

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