EPK – Candor Zealot (2026) |

EPK – Candor Zealot (2026)

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

“Since we are a new act, we are rolling out a total of 6 singles over the next few months. We hope to generate some buzz by releasing a song one at a time. No one is asking for a full-length album from an unknown band, and no one has the attention span these days to even sit down and listen to a collection of songs that we used to call “albums”. I think this will be an exciting time for progressive rock and metal fans who want something melodic and catchy.” – Nate Silva – Candor Zealot

For fans of Rush, Billy Talent, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Coheed & Cambria

Band: Candor Zealot
Single #1 Title: Lie For Country
Length: 3:30
Release Date: January 20, 2026
Label: Slyde Productions
Distribution: DistroKid (digital)
Genre: Prog Metal
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada

““Lie For Country” is our debut single, and we wanted to introduce ourselves with breakneck speed, musical intensity, and a poignant political message. There are influences of Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Billy Talent, and even System of a Down in this track, and it’s a song about being manipulated and politically indoctrinated without thinking critically. We are proud of this track, and we are pumped to release it!” – Nate Silva – Candor Zealot

Singles Credits:
All songs performed by: Candor Zealot
All songs written by: Nate Silva with Candor Zealot
Produced by: Nate Silva
Co-Produced by: Dino Soares, Alberto Campuzano, Chris Gagnon & Chris Ferris
Mixed by: Chris Ferris
Mastered by: Chris Ferris
Album Artwork by: Casey Shea
SOCAN member

Album & Band band line up:
Nate Silva – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Dino Soares – Drums
Alberto Campuzano – Bass Guitar, Vocals
Chris Gagnon – Guitar, Vocals

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About the track:

Lie For Country

Another politically charged song that sounds like a mix of Killswitch Engage, Billy Talent, and even a bit of Slayer. It’s a song about political indoctrination and brainwashing.

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Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. The band name “Candor Zealot” was chosen because we wanted to convey the general intentions of our storytelling within the band name: “to be uncompromising in the pursuit of honesty and openness.”

2. Frontman Nate Silva and drummer Dino Soares have been playing music together since they were 14 years old.

3. Nate Silva, Dino Soares, and Alberto Campuzano were former members of the Toronto-based prog metal band THE SLYDE, who won the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition and performed at Wacken Open Air in Germany.

4. Guitarist Chris Gagnon currently plays in 8 tribute bands.

5. Nate Silva wrote a thesis paper for his Master’s degree on chiptune artists who incorporate guitar playing into their music.

L-R – Chris Gagnon (Guitar, Vocals) | Nate Silva (Lead Vocals, Guitar) | Dino Soares (Drums) | Alberto Campuzano (Bass Guitar, Vocals)

Photo Credit: Ryan Stacey

For fans of RUSH, BILLY TALENT, and MEGADETH, Canadian newcomers CANDOR ZEALOT is a collective of seasoned rocker stalwarts determined to create a nostalgic take on modern progressive rock and heavy metal. Uncompromising in the pursuit of honesty and openness through their music and message, Candor Zealot does not shy away from tackling sensitive and thought-provoking topics, both political and personal.

Be on the lookout for their debut single, “LIE FOR COUNTRY,” in early 2026.

SHARED STAGE WITH:
New group, so no previous shows under the name Candor Zealot. Though individually, we have all shared the stage with notable acts. Alberto played in Annihilator for 5 years; The Slyde (which Candor Zealot is a spiritual successor of, consisting of 3 out of the 4 members of The Slyde) opened for bands like Angra and Pain of Salvation, etc.

TOUR AND FESTIVALS:
New group, so no previous tours or festivals under the name Candor Zealot. Though The Slyde performed at Wacken Open Air Festival in 2019, and did several DIY tours in Ontario and Eastern Canada.

Artist Endorsements: Nate has artist deals and endorsements with Fender, Ernie Ball, Fryette Amps, and Corrigan Pickups

EPK – Candor Zealot (2026)

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