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0 WoR Streaming Debut Album “Prisoners” via Outburn; Out August 7, 2020 via Bungalo Records/Universal

August 6, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · WoR (Bungalo Records)

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 6, 2020

Interview Request at asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Pantera, Lamb of God, Machine Head, Sepultura, Gojira

WoR Streaming Debut Album “Prisoners”

Album Stream Premiere via Outburn

Debut Album “Prisoners” Out August 7, 2020 via Bungalo Records/Universal

L-R – Phillip Funderburk – Bass, David Nisoff – Guitar, Bobby Demoss – Vocals, Hunter Crews – Drums, Ben Kaiser – Guitar

Photo Credit – Matthew Wonderly

WoR, groove metal hailing from Raleigh, USA will be unleashing their debut album “Prisoners” on Friday, August 7, 2020 via Bungalo Records/Universal, and before it officially drops, the band has teamed with Outburn Magazine for the premiere of the records full stream HERE.

WoR has been working on this first offering over the course of the last few years, in which they have seen all the members of the band improving drastically at their respective instruments and songwriting capabilities. Their experience of togetherness on every artistic level has allowed them to write technically and musically more complex new material. The band share’s their thoughts on today’s album preview:

“We are so incredibly excited for the upcoming release of our debut album PRISONERS. This album has been in the works for several years and we finally get to show you what we have been working on nonstop for the last year. From front to back, this album is meant to take you on a heavy metal journey. It features groovy tracks such as Predator, brutal songs such as Caged, and melodic anthems such as VI Kings. While the songs are groovy and meant to give your neck whiplash, the lyrics are deep and thought out. The messages behind these songs are ones of resilience and overcoming. If you enjoy heavy riffs, melodic overtones, and just straight-up angry and in your face METAL, this album is for you!”

Groovy, raw, and old school, WoR is suitable for all fans of metal especially those with an interest in Machine Head, Sepultura, and Gojira.

“Prisoners” will be available on August 7th, 2020 on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play.

Music Videos:
“VI Kings” – YouTube, Facebook, IGTV
“Predator” – YouTube, Facebook, IGTV

Track Listing:
1. Kill You (2:44)
2. Caged (5:13)
3. VI Kings (4:37)
4. Sirens (4:20)
5. A Place To Die (3:07)
6. Predator (3:46)
7. T.G.S.O.A.T (1:35)
8. Come Out and Play (3:12)
9. Hiraeth (4:36)
10. Freedom Suicide (3:57)
Album Length: 37:12

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: WoR
• All songs written by: WoR
• Produced by: Joe Alonzo Potts
• Mixed by: Shaun Singerling
• Mastered by: Shaun Singerling
• Album Artwork by: Mark De Gruchy and Dan Gore
• Member BMI

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Bobby Demoss – Vocals
Ben Kaiser – Guitar
David Nisoff – Guitar
Phillip Funderburk – Guitar
Hunter Crews – Drums

For more info:
WoRband.com
Facebook.com/WoRBandOfficial
Instagram.com/w.o.r.official
Twitter.com/WoRbandofficial
EPK

About:

WoR is a groove metal quintet from Raleigh, North Carolina. Their music combines aggressive riffs, harmonic leads, and tasteful breakdowns with the infectious anti-authoritarian lyrics of vocalist Bobby DeMoss.

WoR was founded in 2018 by guitarist Ben Kaiser who at the time was finishing up his college football career playing offensive line at NC State. The band was initially an escape from the rigors of the sport, and at the end of his career, he decided to give the band a legitimate go.

After cycling through a variety of members early on, WoR was joined by Bobby Demoss, the charismatic frontman who has the ability to draw in even the toughest crowd; his unique screaming style and passionate lyrics helped shape WoR’s groundbreaking identity from the get-go. In 2019, Phil Funderburk, the glue who keeps the band and the music together, joined on bass; David Nisoff, in charge of mind-blowing solos that capture everyone’s attention, joined as the second guitarist, and Hunter Crews, a consistent timekeeper and a seasoned veteran in the music business solidified the lineup as the bands’ drummer.

By the spring of 2019, WoR had begun to debut their music at live shows throughout the southeast region of the United States and played with the likes of Upon A Burning Body, Atilla, and Warbringer just to name a few.

Working collaboratively, WoR’s music focuses on various different current events using powerful lyrics to offer a unique insight into the things going on in our lives and in the world. After working closely with producer Joe Alonzo Potts and audio engineer Shaun Singerling, they plan to release their debut album “Prisoners” on August 7th, 2020, which features brutal tracks such as ‘Caged’ and ‘Predator’ in addition to melodic anthems such as ‘VI King’s.

In 2020 and 2021, WoR has extensive tours scheduled to support the release of their debut album “Prisoners”. WoR’s live shows are extremely energetic with fan involvement being a common theme. Demoss does a phenomenal job of breaking down the fourth wall and getting the crowd involved at their shows making way for insane mosh pits. It is the band’s credo that they give it their all for whatever time they are on stage whether they are playing to 2,000 people or 200 people.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Rockshots Records Signs Finnish Rockers SERPICO For Forthcoming Album “Chosen Four”

August 5, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Serpico (Rockshots Records)

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 5, 2020

Rockshots Records Signs Finnish Rockers SERPICO For Forthcoming Album “Chosen Four”

New Album “Chosen Four” Coming In 2020

Produced by Anssi Kippo (Children of Bodom, Hanna Pakarinen, Teräsbetoni)

Rockshots Records is proud to announce their latest signing of Finnish sleazy rockers Serpico for the release of their new album “Chosen Four” coming in late 2020. The album is produced by platinum-selling Finnish record producer Anssi Kippo (Children of Bodom, Hanna Pakarinen, Teräsbetoni).

Album Trailer – HERE.

Since their inception in 2005, the band has released two full-lengths “Rock Tattoo” (2018), ‘Shallow Mistress” (2014), and an EP “Bad Commercial” (2011) along with touring all over Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and England. The band is genuine and unique Rock n’ Roll with big respect for the classic titans.

Kippo is in strong demand for genuine and dangerous rock n ‘roll music and comments on producing the record:

“I’m excited to work with Serpico on their forthcoming album which will be recorded on magnetic tape. The analog recording perfectly fits their style as it enables us to capture both the energy and danger in exact detail. It’s awesome to see that rock ‘n’ roll is not dead!”

Rockshots Records adds on the signing of Serpico:

“We are so excited to welcome Serpico to our artist roster! You can’t get anywhere else a band like Serpico, with their genuine rock n’ roll and sleazy style. The new album “Chosen Four”, with producer Anssi Kippo on board, will blow you away!”

To hear Serpico‘s previous releases, please visit Spotify and YouTube.

Serpico is:
Vee Dour – Lead Vocals
Snake – Lead guitars & backin’ vocals
Andy – Bass & backin’ vocals
Jani Serpico – Drums & backin’ vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Serpicoband.com
Facebook.com/serpicoroxx

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Finnish Metalcore AS I MAY Announce New Drummer + Rescheduled 2021 Euro Tour Dates w/ Brazil’s Semblant

August 5, 2020
by Asher
· As I May · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 5, 2020

Finnish Metalcore AS I MAY Announce New Drummer + Rescheduled 2021 Euro Tour Dates w/ Brazil’s Semblant

Album “My Own Creations” Out Now! (Rockshots Records/ Spiritual Beast)

Finnish modern metal act AS I MAY announce new drummer Mr. Leevi Räsänenhas to their ranking after the departure of Marko Korhonen, who was featured on the band’s 2019 album “My Own Creations” released on labels Rockshots Records and Spiritual Beast (Japan). The sophomore full length is a fast-paced blend of modern metal with metalcore highlights. It is heavy, melodic, and unique; along with being sonically more mature than their previous release “Speak No Evil” (2017).

Working on writing music that is easy to identify with a digital atmosphere, AS I MAY make their listeners headbang and sing along to the catchy choruses, which the band also excited to announce rescheduled 2021 European tour dates supporting Brazil’s Semblant after the original events were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dates listed below.
Music Videos:
‘I See You In Me’ here.
‘Pride Goes Before A Fall’ watch here.
‘Cure Is Worse Than Disease’ watch here.CD, stream, and download of ‘My Own Creations’ available here.

Tour Dates:
03.03.2021: Indra, Hannover, Germany
04.03.2021: Rock Fabrik, Bochum, Germany
05.03.2021: Baroeg, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
06.03.2021: Belvedere, Namur, Belgium
07.03.2021: The Underworld, London, UK
08.03.2021: Boule Noire, Paris, France
09.03.2021: Rock and Eat, Lyon, France
11.03.2021: Hard Club, Porto, Portugal
12.03.2021: RCA Club, Lisboa, Portugal
13.03.2021: X Club, Sevilla, Spain
14.03.2021: Caracol, Madrid, Spain
15.03.2021: Bóvedo, Barcelona, Spain
17.03.2021: Z-7, Pratteln, Switzerland
18.03.2021: Backstage, München, Germany
19.03.2021: Café Central, Weinheim, Germany
20.03.2021: Randal Club, Bratislava, Slovakia
21.03.2021: Music und Frieden, Berlin, Germany

Band Live Line Up:
Tipi Nokelainen – Bass and Clean Vocals
Lasse Hiltunen – Guitars and Scream Vocals
Jani Valhola – Guitars and Backing Vocals
Leevi Räsänen – Drums

For more info:
Aasimay.com
Facebook.com/asimay.official
Instagram.com/asimay_official
Twitter.com/asimay_official

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 EPK – Prospects – Orphic Trigger (single) (2020)

August 4, 2020
by Asher
· EPKs · Prospects

EPK – Prospects – Orphic Trigger (single) (2020)

Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist, Opeth, Protest The Hero

Facebook.com/prospectsmusicoffical | Instagram.com/prospectsband | YouTube

Orphic Trigger (single) – Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon Pre Save HERE.

Prospects.bandcamp.com | Prospectsband.bigcartel.com

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS
1. Prospects started out as one person (Robert) and didn’t grow to be a band until 2019.
2. Robert’s first album “Calling Of A Red Bird” was a concept album he had thought of himself.
3. Two members Robert and Matt both have been employees at a music store for a number of years. Matt Dalton and Anthony Zicari have both obtained their degree in music and are music educators, teaching music part time.
4. Since there is some distance between band members we all recorded/tracked the instrumentals on our own, compiled them into an organized folder and sent them to be mixed and mastered by Jamie King. Vocals were recorded by Mike Indovina.

About:

Prospects is a Toronto progressive metal band founded in 2014 by multi-instrumentalist Robert Medeiros. Generally inspired by modern metal and acts from numerous other genres Prospects released their debut “The Calling of a Red Bird” in 2017 as a foray into the plethora of bedroom level studio albums.

Following this advent, Medeiros took a short hiatus to refine his songwriting and production skills. He would meet guitarist Matt Dalton in 2019 and form the initial line up with Mathew Lothian on bass shortly after.

With the initial 2017 release of Calling of a Red Bird utilizing midi drums, the group was looking for a real drummer that could fill the role. After posting in several online forums and Facebook groups, it wasn’t too long before finding drummer Anthony Zicari and things fell into place.

As rehearsals became a regular thing and a few songs started shaping up the band aimed to find their way onto local bills around the GTA (greater Toronto area).

Back to the recording sessions, the band has been working on their new EP “Recalling” expected for release in 2020. Working with Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist, Etc) for mixing and mastering, the band is confident a great product for the masses. The EP “Recalling” is a collection of old and new material, showcasing where the band has come from, but also where they are heading!

Shared Stage with:
The Ocean Cure, Fallen Legion, Plethora, Rolodex Darko, Dead 3 Days

Discography:
2017 – The Calling of a Red Bird
2020 **TBD – Recalling EP

EP Title: Recalling EP
Release Date: Single “Orphic Trigger” August 7, 2020. Rest of EP TBD
Label: TBD
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Orphic Trigger
2. Bridgeburner
3. Admit The Endless Sky
4. Unseen Observer

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by:Prospects
• All songs written by:Prospects
• Produced by:Prospects
• Mixed by:Jamie King
• Mastered by:Jamie King
• EP Artwork by:Javier Del Pozo (Grizzly Victory)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP / Live Band Line Up:
Robert Medeiros – Guitar/Keys/Vocals
Matt Dalton – Guitar/Vocals
Matthew Lothian – Bass
Anthony Zicari – Drums

0 EPK – Earth’s Yellow Sun Release Virtual Comic Book To Celebrate 5 Year Anniversary of “The Infernal Machine” (EP) (2015)

August 4, 2020
by Asher
· Earth's Yellow Sun · EPKs

EPK – Earth’s Yellow Sun Release Virtual Comic Book To Celebrate 5 Year Anniversary of “The Infernal Machine” (EP) (2015)

Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

Virtual Comic Book Release Date: October 2, 2020

Album Title: The Infernal Machine
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Label: Independent
Distribution: Distrokid

For fans Periphery, Snarky Puppy, Dream Theater, Animals As Leaders, Thank You Scientist

EarthsYellowSun.net | Facebook.com/EarthsYellowSun | Instagram.com/EarthsYellowSun | Youtube.com/EarthsYellowSun

EarthsYellowSun.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

“a 5-part, 23 minute long prog rock song of epic proportions.” – Can This Even Be Called Music

“the band has great potential as they carry forth their Prog torches and bear witness to the world of Prog.” – Progressively So

“Hometown boys Earth’s Yellow Sun were first to take the stage, and they did a marvellous job – especially considering that they were a last-minute addition to the bill, replacing the great Angel Vivaldi. Also impressive was the fact that their usual lineup of sax players was absent, and they were forced to find a replacement in the form of Shanna Hanko, who learned all of the required arrangements within 48 hours. They performed a few tracks from their first EP, as well as parts two and three of ‘The Infernal Machine’. I said it the last time I saw them: these guys are going places.” – Metal Wani (Live Review – Toronto – 2016 Opening for Intervals & Plini)

Top L-R Brian Dhari (Tenor Sax), Josh Hanff (Guitars), Chris Bruder (Keyboards)

Bottom L-R Duncan Stan (Bass), Julien Bigras (Drums), Murray Heaton (Alto Sax)

Photo Cred: Michele Dalgarno, Samantha Carcasole, Eric Soto

About:

Difficult to Label; Easy to Enjoy

We are Earth’s Yellow Sun, an instrumental band hailing from Toronto, Canada. While often described as “progressive metal”, you’ll quickly find that it’s not so simple to label us – our unique approach to writing music is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Blending a crushingly heavy rhythm section with soaring melodic saxophone lines and funky organ pads, Earth’s Yellow Sun is like the love child of Periphery and Snarky Puppy that you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Our most recent release “Under the Covers” features our cover arrangements of three songs from vastly different corners of the musical world, featuring collaborations with some talented vocalists. From the progressive rock realm, we cover Rush’s “Overture 2112/The Temples of Syrinx”, featuring the incredible Rody Walker of Protest the Hero. From jazz territory, we cover pianist Tigran Hamasyan’s instrumental rhythmic mind-bender “Entertain Me”. And from the pop world, we cover the Backstreet Boys hit “Larger Than Life”, featuring the vocals of Lauren Babic of Red Handed Denial.

As an instrumental band, we rely on our music to convey our stories. Our sophomore release “The Infernal Machine” is a concept record that chronicles a futuristic society’s dependence on technology and artificial intelligence, and the ensuing conflict between man and machine. The creation of this EP saw us venture further into experimental territory, incorporating unconventional instrumentation such as violin, choir, and tabla into sound.

Earth’s Yellow Sun was initially conceived in 2014, while we were attending Humber College’s music program. After bonding over our mutual interest in heavy progressive music, and our shared desire to write innovative music of our own, we formed a school ensemble where we first toyed with the idea of incorporating saxophones into a metal band. This experiment proved to be a great success, and Earth’s Yellow Sun rose from the ashes of the school ensemble once classes came to an end.

Our unique and eclectic sound allows us to fit into a variety of different concert bills. Since our live debut in 2015, we have been fortunate enough to share the stage with several notable acts, including Between the Buried and Me, Protest the Hero, Intervals, Intronaut, Plini, Thank You Scientist, Moon Tooth, Auras, and Red Handed Denial. We greatly look forward to returning to the stage as soon as we can, bigger and better than ever.

Discography:
2020 – Virtual Comic Book (The Infernal Machine 5 year Anniversary)
2020 – Under the Covers EP
2015 – The Infernal Machine
2014 – Prologue

Shared Stage:
Between the Buried and Me, Intronaut, Intervals, Plini, Thank You Scientist, Protest the Hero, Moon Tooth, Enslaved, Red Handed Denial, AURAS, In the Presence of Wolves, Afterwake, Pyramid Theorem,The Frame Defect

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – Summer of Prog Tour
2017 – The Quest for More Treats Tour w/Protest the Hero

Artist endorsements:
– DNA Amplification – Duncan Stan

Album Title: The Infernal Machine
Release Date: August 4, 2020
Label: Independent
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Part I – Assembly (6:09)
2. Part II – Unveiling (2:58)
3. Part III – Betrayal (3:31)
4. Part IV – Bastion (3:12)
5. Part V – Rapture (7:14)
Album Length: 23:06

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Earth’s Yellow Sun
• All songs written by: Josh Hanff, Julien Bigras, Chris Bruder
• Produced by: Chris Bruder & Josh Hanff (Brouhaha Productions)
• Mixed by: Matt Grady (EMAC Studios)
• Mastered by: Reuben Ghose (Mojito Mastering)
• Album Artwork by: Mike Kungl (MKungl Studios)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Josh Hanff – Guitars
Michael Murray – Guitars
Gio Campanelli – Keyboards
Duncan Stan – Bass
Julien Bigras – Drums

The EYS Saxophone Collective is:
Brian Dhari (Tenor), Shanna Hanko (Alto), Murray Heaton (Alto),
Riley Keller (Alto, solo on Pt.III), Chelsea McBride (Bari),
Savic Panylyk (Tenor, Bari), Andrew Racknor (Alto, solo on Pt.I)

The Infernal Machine Choir is:
Mjaa Danielson, Sarah Gribeauval, Ilsa Gurtins,
Graham Ko, Mara Nesrallah, Kalya Ramu, Jake White

Special Guests:
Kelly Jefferson – Tenor Sax Solo on Pt.V
Ravi Naimpally – Tablas on Pt. IV
William Lamoureux – Violin
Emily Rockarts – Vocal Melodies on Pt.V
Electronic Percussion – Ethan Myers (IAMFREE)
Sound Design – Ethan Myers (IAMFREE), Matt Grady, Josh Hanff

Live Band Line Up:
Josh Hanff – Guitars
Chris Bruder – Keyboards
Duncan Stan – Bass
Julien Bigras – Drums
Murray Heaton – Alto Sax
Brian Dhari – Tenor Sax

0 EPK – Protokult – Transcending The Ruins (2020)

August 4, 2020
by Asher
· EPKs · Protokult

EPK – Protokult – Transcending The Ruins (2020)

Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger

Album Title: Transcending The Ruins
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Protokult.com| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Sales Links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The band is consistently featured on Spectre Media Group’s (Glenn Fricker) YouTube videos as backing music, as well as occasionally having members featured on the show. The band has had a long relationship with Glenn Fricker, having recorded both Marzena and No Beer In Heaven.

2. Four out of five of the members are bilingual.

3. Often at shows and in music videos, they have ‘beer maidens’ or wenches; women in white dresses and corsets who come out on stage and pour willing audience members beer from a sacred Viking horn.

4. Bassist Davey Slowiak and frontman Martin Drozd are the only consistent original members since their inception in 2003.

5. The new album “Transcending the Ruins” was recorded at Union Sound studios in Toronto with Darren Mcgill and features an eclectic variety of talented guests from various other groups.

“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks

“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock

“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France

“Ah this album was a pleasure to review. So many albums are a slog to get through, but I was sorry when No Beer In Heaven ended…All the band are excellent musicians and you can hear their joy at playing their music. Ekaterina brings another dimension to the band too; her vocals are nothing you’ve heard in metal before, and I love the touch she brings with the woodwind instruments…I love the track “Get Me A Beer” – it could be marketed as a cure for depression. Elsewhere, the contrast between folk and metal works very harmoniously: heavy and uplifting at the same time. Joyous stuff! The band also have a good sense of humour, and while they can be serious, this is an enjoyable life-affirming album to listen to, which is as it should be. Our lives are brief; we should try and enjoy our spell on this earth! I love the album artwork and presentation too. This is a band the world needs to hear more of. Highly recommended! – Hellbound

“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl

“Protokult is a colourful collective, made up of four guys and a lady…It is a versatile album…progressive twists and turns in the songs and surprising approaches.” – Lords of Metal

“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple

“Anyone who has seen this band live knows that the beer maidens will be pouring potent potables into ever thirsty mouths at the front of the stage. Before this delightful feature comes to fruition, the fans come in close, sing along, and dance the metal jig during the pagan musical onslaught from the band. We are instantly transported to villages, and forests of another era.” – Metal Master Kingdom (Live Review)

“All in all No Beer In Heaven is an extra large package of dark folk metal here to drink and party with you. If you’re a folk fan, be sure to give them a listen. The album is a solid piece and an enjoyment to even non-folk fans. Oh, and they also love the ‘Water of Life’ (that is vodka if you didn’t know already).” – Two Guys Metal Reviews

““Get Me a Beer!” is a hearty and raucous opener and one that will get heads bobbing (and banging) no doubt.” – Femme Metal Webzine

“They belong amongst the ranks of bands like Moonsorrow and Skyforger…Almost every song twists and turns through several folk metal transformations, without ever tapping into cheesy or overly tired clichés.”- Metal Observer (2010 review for Ancestral Anthems)

“Their songs pulse and writhe like a sinuous living thing.”- Exclaim (2012 review of Marzena)

L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)

As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.

Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.

Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.

With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.

Discography:
2020 – Transcending The Ruins – LP
2016 – Oy Kanada (single)
2016 – The Dark Stumble Home (Acoustic) – EP
2014 – No Beer In Heaven – LP
2011 – Marzena – EP
2009 – Ancestral Anthems – LP

Tours and Festivals:
2017 – Krampus Ball
2016 – Queens Of Metal (Montreal)
2015 – Toronto Folk Metal Fest
2014 – Vikingfest (Montreal)
2014 – Headbanging For a Cure (Toronto)
2012 – Paganfest (Toronto)
2012 – Headbanging For a Cure (Toronto)
2012 – Invasion Infernale Fest (Hamilton)

Music Videos:
2020 – Feed Your Demons
2017 – Get Me A Beer! (Live)
2016 – Oy Kanada!
2014 – Get Me A Beer!

Album Title: Transcending The Ruins
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult, Darren Mcgill
• Mixed by: Darren Mcgill
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams
• Album Artwork by: Marie Cherniy
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar, vocals, keyboards, additional percussion, jawharp
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder,
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Jack Neila – rhythm and lead guitar
Dave Slowiak – bass, gang vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar and vocals
Dave Slowiak – bass and backup vocals
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder and synth
Jack Neila – guitar
Kaveh Afshar – drums

Guest musicians:
Quinn Strahl – electric violin
Matt Hilden (Vesication) – vocals
Joe Feral- vocals
Jesse Harvey (Ammo) – vocals
Cristina Marcu – operatic vocals
Ewelina Ferenc- folk vocals

Corktown trans-choir:
Jason Adamo, Geoff Hodsman, Andrei Sin, Davey White, Matt Hilden, Oliver Salathiel

0 Cruise Through Space With Illuminated Minerva’s “Sightings” off Upcoming “Enigma Adamantine”; Premiere Music Video “Sightings” via SonicPerspectives; New Album “Enigma Adamantine” Out Sept 25th; Launch Pre-Order

August 4, 2020
by Asher
· Illuminated Minerva · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 4, 2020

Interview Request at asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Tool, Scale The Summit, Intronaut, Mastodon, Sikth

Cruise Through Space With Illuminated Minerva’s “Sightings” off Upcoming “Enigma Adamantine”

Premiere Music Video “Sightings” via SonicPerspectives

New Album “Enigma Adamantine” Out Sept 25th; Launch Pre-Order

L-R: Pat Lawtey (Guitar) | Matt Petti (Bass) | Nathan Bourgeault (Guitar) | Jordon Bourgeault (Drums)
Photo Credit – Chris Aune

Canada’s Illuminated Minerva have a spacey full-length album “Enigma Adamantine” dropping on September 25, 2020, and a music video for the first single “Sightings”.

The band released an EP “The Immaculate Deception” in 2014 and this new album, while touching on similar concepts, embraces longer songs, a more technical edge, and a higher production value. With a little bit of everything genre-wise, except vocals, Illuminated Minerva takes the listener on a ride through space and conspiracies theories guided by archived audio clips. Illuminate Minerva shares their take on the album:

“’Enigma Adamantine’ is an instrumental progressive metal album based around conspiracy, UFOs, and abductions. A musical examination of modern mythology laid out with hard-hitting bass grooves, technical guitar lines, soaring leads, and complex drumming matched with audio from years past present an auditory mirror reflecting our deepest fears and questions yet to be answered. An album experience as unique as the stories within.”

The album, as a concept album, is written to be listened to as a whole in chronological order where the themes can flow from one song to another. Each track does carry its own weight, the first single “Sightings” being no exception. The second track on the album is the song for those who ‘want to believe’! Odd time signatures, throbbing bass, and first-hand accounts of unknown aircraft frame the question of ‘are we alone?’.

The progressive and melodic instrumental quartet suits a wide variety of people, especially fans of Tool, Scale the Summit, and Intronaut.

The music video for “Sightings” is available via its premiere on SonicPerspectives HERE.

The full album will be released on September 25, 2020.

Album pre-order on Bandcamp.

Stream and download for single “Sightings” on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play here.

Track Listing:
1. Heart Beat of Creation (9:48)
2. Sightings (5:08)
3. Abductions (7:05)
4. Wilder (Mother Goddess) (8:37)
5. Illuminatus Majoris (13:03)
Album Length: 43:44

For more info:
Facebook.com/illuminatedminerva
Instagram.com/illuminatedminerva
EPK

About:

Illuminated Minerva is a technical, progressive metal band, from Calgary, Canada. Brothers Nathan Bourgeault (guitar) and Jordon Bourgeault (drums) were both musicians growing up and eventually started their first project Sequoia, the beginning of their musical collaboration. Eventually, they moved on to form Illuminated Minerva, with a goal to push the musical boundaries further.

Rounding the lineup out is local scene veteran Matt Petti (bass) who played with drummer Jordon Bourgeault in Verbal Deception; and Pat Lawtey (guitar) who played with the international act Kobra and the Lotus.

The bond between brothers and former bandmates results in a very natural writing process for the progressive metal quartet. Knowing what works and what doesn’t comes easily and allows the band to intertwine astral riffs, and technical harmonies highlighted by the absence of vocals. Combined with archived audio clips the result is oratory artistic storytelling taking the listener through space and time, exploring conspiracies and unanswered questions.

With a captivating and visceral live show, the seasoned musicians of Illuminated Minerva have played with a host of bands locally including Tesseract, Intronaut, and Cloudkicker. In 2014, the band released their debut EP “The Immaculate Deception” and are following it up in 2020 with a full length “Enigma Adamantine” due out Sept 25th.

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“The drums provide an off-kilter atomic clock, complete with jazzy accents and jackhammer snare, the guitars shred and squeal. It’s thought provoking, musically captivating, and will inspire the curious among you to do some research.” – Beatroute

“There is an almost feral quality to their work, and when they all hit it hard, it is intense.” – The Western Front

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Progressive Power Metallers Red Cain Nominated For YYC Music Award For Metal Recording of The Year

August 4, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Red Cain

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 4, 2020

For fans of Kamelot, Symphony X, Amaranthe, Powerwolf

Progressive Power Metallers Red Cain Nominated For YYC Music Award For Metal Recording of The Year

Releases New “Kindred Act: II” Saga Singles “Demons” & “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)”

New Album “Kindred: Act II” Coming Fall 2020

L-R – Tyler Corbett – Guitar, Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals, Taylor Gibson – Drums – Photo Credit Ravenkin Photography

Calgary, Canada’s Red Cain will be continuing their “Kindred” saga with the release of “Kindred: Act II” this coming October to follow their debut album’s “Kindred Act: I”, which the band is proud to announce has been nominated for a YYC Music Award for Metal Recording The Year for the single “Juliet” ft. Daniel Louden of Benevolent Like Quietus.

The band was nominated alongside Gone Cosmic, Hyperia, Illyrian, and Metavore. A full list of nominees can be found here. In keeping with social distancing guidelines, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the community stays safe and healthy, the YYC Music Awards are making plans to move this year’s gala to an online, streaming format, on September 20, 2020. More info at https://yycmusicawards.com.

2020 – YYCMA Metal Recording of The Year:
Gone Cosmic – “Sideways In Time”
HYPERIA – “Insanitorium”
Illyrian – “The Entity, Unknown”
METAVORE – “Becoming”
Red Cain – “JULIET [feat. Daniel Louden]”

The band comments on their nomination:

“We are extremely honoured to be nominated for the YYCMA Metal Recording of the Year for the 3rd time with our track “Juliet [feat. Daniel Louden]”. This was a favourite song of ours to write – a goth rock anthem that in many ways highlights our sound – and it became quite the collaboration. We invited Daniel Louden of Calgary band Benevolent Like Quietus to sing alongside our vocalist Evgeniy Zayarny, and first featured Tyler Corbett (on bass from our good friends Osyron) – who has taken up the lead guitar and production duties on our upcoming album “Kindred: ACT II”. We also worked with Calgary director and friend Rik Zak to film our “Juliet” music film, which has to date won 7 international awards.

This song was truly hosted by a cornucopia of local talent. We can’t thank enough the wonderful organizers of the YYC Music Awards, who’ve made this the premier music event in Calgary, but also all the local bands, musicians, journalists, venues – everyone involved with the Calgary and Canadian music scene. It’s difficult terrain right now, but celebrating each other’s achievements and pushing on is how all great stories are written. And we are extremely proud that our own musical stories resonated enough within the scene to land us this nomination in 2020.”

Described as a vehicle of “Melancholy and Rage”, Red Cain recently unleashed two brand-new singles from their forthcoming album “Kindred: Act II” due out this October. The album continues the story of the warrior Zalcoatl and combines ancient myths and stories with a commentary on how these exist and apply in modern society.

The first single, “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)” is a djenty, aggressive, and thrashy Aztec-influenced concept track in the vein of Mastodon, detailing the protagonist Zalcoatl’s descent into an alien ziggurat. The second single, “Demons” is a demonic ritual and goth rock tour de force, it’s heavy, catchy, laden with a gothic drawl, dark lyrics, and electronic influences, the bastard child of Charon, Sisters of Mercy, and Lord of the Lost.

Both singles can be heard at the following links:
Lyric Video “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)” HERE

Lyric Video “Demons” HERE.

Spotify

“Kindred: Act I” is available on Shop Sliptrick, Apple Music, Bandcamp.

For more info:
Facebook.com/redcainofficial
Twitter.com/RedCainArmy
Instagram.com/RedCainArmy
EPK

About:

Described as a vehicle of “Melancholy and Rage” and born out of the emerging music scene of Alberta, Canada, 2017 YYC Awards Metal Recording of the Year winner Red Cain is a power/progressive metal project with Russian roots. With intricate songwriting, a heavy yet melodic feel reminiscent of progressive acts, and elements of Slavic myth and Russian paganism in the storytelling tradition of the cult of Veles, Red Cain champion a fluid, dynamic, and unique musical style centered around telling dark, conceptual Faustian sagas and constructing those into an unforgettable live experience.

Stated by frontman Evgeniy Zayarny as wanting to bring back the “Devil’s music” mysticism all too often missing in modern metal acts, Red Cain delivers flair, groove, and an intricate, lethal edge in their music. Listeners might well pick out elements reminiscent of such luminary acts as Kamelot, Symphony X, Tesseract, Amaranthe, Alter Bridge – whipped into a venomous new shape. The current incarnation of the band is all of these influences mixed with a lot of vodka and Eastern European melancholy, shaken and stirred.

Red Cain released its debut self-titled EP in November 2016 to rave reviews from a variety of publications such as Dead Rhetoric, MetalUnderground, and Firewind magazine, among many others. Red Cain’s EP had the honour of winning Metal Recording of the Year at the 2017 YYC Music Awards. The band has a strong emerging fanbase around the world, being named one of the top 200 bands of 2016 by Headbangers Latinoamerica and the EP’s cover art selected as one of 2016’s 15 best by Metal Underground.

Red Cain’s first full-length album “Kindred: Act I” was released March 2019 to a variety of excellent reviews internationally, reaching #1 on Canadian Earshot Loud charts and establishing the band as a force in the Canadian metal scene, and landing the band a distribution deal with European label Sliptrick Records. A variety of festival appearances at Loud As Hell Metal Festival, Hyperspace Metal Festival, and Canada Wacken Competition have served to cement that status. Red Cain’s music videos for “JULIET” and “ZERO” have to date garnered 11 international film festival awards, including the Music Video Award at the Accolade Global Film Competition (LA). The band aims to deliver its follow-up to “Kindred: Act I” in 2020.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 EPK – Endast – “Stand By To Get Some” (single) (2020)

August 3, 2020
by Asher
· Endast · EPKs

Endast – “Stand By To Get Some” (single) (2020)

For Fans of The Ghost Inside, Misery Signals, Trivium, Soilwork, Darkest Hour

Release Date: July 29, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Publicist – Jon Asher – ashermedia[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For all inquiries, including booking: endastband@gmail.com

Facebook.com/EndastMusic | Twitter.com/endastmusic | Youtube.com/user/endastmusic

Montreal’s Endast have been silent since 2015 after calling it quits and ending their decade long career. However, one of the silver linings of the global pandemic was the core members of the band reuniting organically and committing to release a new single. As vocalist James Arsenian puts it:

“My brother Chris presented me and the other boys in the band with the idea of writing a new Endast tune. We haven’t written music together in years, so we were all pretty stoked to put this together, even if we had to do it remotely and apart from each other. The result is a familiar sound with a newfound level of aggression. This is just the start”

The single “Standby To Get Some” is fresh, yet familiar; a track long time fans of the band will appreciate and one that will garner them new fans hanging out in every corner of the world. Starting with a somber melodic intro that breaks into classic Endast breakdowns, and gritty, aggressive vocals, Endast proves they can still bring it.

As one of Canada’s most prolific metalcore acts, Endast has toured the country extensively and recorded four full-length albums. Now they have returned with plans to release more singles and they are currently working on a music video for the single which will be released in the future.

For fans of The Ghost Inside, Misery Signals, and Trivium, Endast is grownup metalcore with no boundaries.

Credit: Endast Top L-R: Chris Arsenian (guitar), Pepe Poliquin (guitar\vocals) Bottom L-R: James Arsenian (guitar). Ryan Miller (Bass)

Montreal based metalcore band Endast toured North America heavily in support of four full length
albums from 2004-2015 before calling it quits five years ago. With the world in a state of turmoil in
2020, the core members of the band found their way back to each other organically, seeking out the
familiar. The result is new material that the band is excited to release and show the world that the men
in Endast still know how to throw down.

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Release Date: July 29, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Single Credits:
Performed by: Endast
Written by: Chris Arsenian & Endast
Produced by: Dave Sheldon
Mixed by: Dave Sheldon
Master by: Dave Sheldon
Album Artwork by: Sean Arsenian
Canadian Content – MAPL

Line Up (live and studio):
James Arsenian (Vocals)
Chris Arsenian (Guitar)
Ryan Miller (Bass)
Pepe Poliquin (Guitar)
TBA (drums)

Discography:
2020 – Standby To Get Some – Single
2014 – Thrive – LP
2008 – Black Cloud – LP
2005 – Odds Against Tomorrow – LP
2004 – The Promise – LP

Bands Played With:
DevilDriver, Aborted, Dying Fetus, Job For A Cowboy, The Faceless, 3 Inches of Blood, Soilwork, God Forbid, Nora, Walls Of Jericho, Threat Signal, A Life Once Lost, Tony Danza Tapdance Extravaganza, Beneath The Massacre, Diecast, & Lots more…

Tours\Festivals:
2013 – Calgary Metal Fest – Calgary
2013 – Niagara Metal Fest – Niagara Falls
2011 – Heavy TO – Toronto
2011 – Heavy MTL – Montreal
2011 – Canadian Music Week
2013 – Festbound & Down Tour – Canada
2012 – Elimination Tour – Canada
2011- Black Cloud Tour – Eastern Canada
2010 – Metal Made Me Deaf Tour – Canada
2009 – Blue Skies Tour – Canada
2008 – Cross Canada Tour – Canada
2007 – Diecast Canadian Tour – Ontario & Quebec
2006 – Full North American Tour w/ Seething – USA & Canada

0 Vancouver’s Hyperspace Metal Festival III Postponed To 2021

August 3, 2020
by Asher
· Hyperspace Metal Festival · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 3, 2020

Vancouver’s Hyperspace Metal Festival III Postponed To 2021

Hyperspace Metal Festival Spotify Playlist here.

HMF 2020 Promo Video here.

It comes with saddening news today, the 2020 edition of Vancouver’s Hyperspace Metal Festival, organized by Journeyman Productions will be postponed to 2021. Slated to be held on the rescheduled dates of September 4th to 6th from its original date on April 17th to 19th, the premier Canadian melodic and power metal festival has decided to push the third edition to 2021 due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 pandemic provincial rules for event gatherings.

Journeyman Productions’ Joey Hockin explains:

“Well, the time has come to make the difficult decision that we all knew was coming. Hyperspace Metal Festival III will be postponed again to 2021. The exact dates and lineup will be announced once we have confirmation from the government that it is safe to proceed with a gathering of this size. Given the uncertain nature of COVID-19, we feel it is best to not reveal anything else until we know that the festival can happen. All ticket sales will be honoured at the new dates and the lineup will be mostly bands that have already been booked for the festival with probably a few new surprises. If you would like a refund, please send an email to info@rickshawtheatre.com. Thank you for your understanding and we hope you are staying safe!”

Over the two years that Hyperspace Metal Festival has been running, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, and speed metal on the west coast of Canada. The festival has presented line ups that have included performances by Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Ravenous, Helion Prime, Iron Kingdom, Apprentice, Tanagra, Scythia and many more.

Those interested in processing their ticket reimbursement for HFM III can email their request to info@rickshawtheatre.com.

To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2021, please visit the following links:
Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival
Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | asher(@)ashermediarelations.com
Facebook @AsherMedia | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia

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