April | 2026 |

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 2, 2026

Progressive Sludge Trio APE VERMIN Embark On “The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” w/ MEAN GREEN

North Carolina progressive sludge metal trio Ape Vermin will hit the road this spring for “The Riders of the Damned Tour Part 2,” across the U.S. alongside stoner metal trio Mean Green. The run supports Ape Vermin’s crushing full‑length “Andromedas Colossus,” the band’s most dynamic, melodic, and brutally expansive release to date.

The tour launches May 16 at Bull City Metal Fest in Durham, NC, and storms across the Southeast, Texas, the Southwest, and the Mountain states before closing June 12 in Chattanooga, TN (dates listed below).

The announcement arrives alongside the release of the band’s new lyric video for “Awakened,” created by filmmaker Kenji Tsunami of Tsunami Films (also bassist for Narcotic Wasteland). The track, an explosive fusion of sludge, thrash, and cosmic devastation, showcases the album’s apocalyptic themes and the band’s sharpened, evolved sound.

“‘Awakened’ is my personal favorite. Hell has come back to life. The Colossus is awake. Prepare for your imminent obliteration,” says guitarist/vocalist Brett Lee.

Watch the lyric video for “Awakened” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFKiEXOC0qI

Formed in 2017 by Brett Lee, drummer Seth Lynn, and bassist Jared Edge, Ape Vermin has carved out a reputation for no‑frills, high‑volume, amplifier‑worshipping heaviness. Their sound, described by the band as Colossal, Epic, Unique, Exciting, Heavy, pulls from sludge, doom, thrash, groove metal, death metal, and progressive rock.

With “Andromedas Colossus,” Ape Vermin pushes further into a dark, prophetic sonic realm built over a decade of writing. The album’s ten tracks range from the obliterating opener “Obliteration Imminent” to the tribal‑tinged instrumental “Pulse Driver,” the environmentally charged “Mining the Colossus,” and the epic closer “Return to Andromeda.” Lyrically, the record explores outer‑space phenomena, extraterrestrial mythos, prehistoric terror, psychedelic visions, and sci‑fi horror, an entire universe crafted in Lee’s mind.

“We want to take listeners on an epic sonic journey. This record is extremely dynamic, melodic, visceral, and dark. Fans can expect even more crushing material. We’re already working on the next LP,” adds Lee.

Recommended for fans of High on Fire, Crowbar, Mastodon, Yob, and Conan, check out “Andromedas Colossus” (released May 17th, 2024) at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://apevermin.bandcamp.com/

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/1Y5DAyV5AP3hLNSMDfuQkh

“The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” w/ Ape Vermin, Mean Green
5/16 – Durham, N.C – Bull City Metal Fest
5/17 – Winston-Salem, N.C – The Den
5/18 – Atlanta, GA – Boggs Social
5/19 – Savannah, GA – TBA
5/20 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits
5/21 – Orlando, FL – TBA
5/22 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug
5/23 – Lafayette, LA – Freetown Boom Room
5/24 – Dallas, TX – Reno’s Chop Shop
5/25 – Corpus Christi, TX – Boozers
5/26 – San Antonio, TX – TBA
5/27 – Austin, TX – TBA
5/28 – Houston, TX – Black Magic
5/29 – El Paso, TX – The Rockhouse
5/30 – Albuquerque, NM – TBA
5/31 – Scottsdale, AZ – Pho Cao
6/2 – Palmdale, CA – Transplants Brewery
6/3 – Las Vegas, NV – The Griffin
6/4 – Salt Lake City, UT – TBA
6/5 – Cheyenne, WY – TBA
6/6 – Denver, CO – TBA
6/7 – Colorado Springs, CO – Whats Left Records
6/8 – Kansas City, MO – The Warehouse
6/9 – Chicago, IL – Reggies
6/10 – Lexington, KY – Als Bar
6/11 – Nashville, TN – TBA
6/12 – Chattanooga, TN – JJs Bohemia

Track Listing:
1. Obliteration Imminent – 5:12
2. Colony – 7:00
3. Solaruss – 5:30
4. Pulse Driver – 3:47
5. Mining The Colossus – 8:06
6. Signal Transmissions – 2:45
7. Motherlode – 8:32
8. Awakened – 3:17
9. Unearthing the Artifact – 7:43
10. Return to Andromeda – 7:57

Album/Live Band Line Up:
Guitarist/Vocalist – Brett Lee
Drummer – Seth Lynn
Bassist – Jared Edge

More info: Facebook.com/ProgressiveDoom | Instagram.com/ape_vermin_official

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“North Carolina progressive sludge metal juggernaut Ape Vermin have released a brand‑new lyric video for “Awakened,” the eighth and most explosive track from their latest EP, Andromedas Colossus, released in 2024… Kenji Tsunami’s visual interpretation amplifies the track’s themes of cosmic destruction, ancient forces, and the return of something colossal and malevolent. The lyric video mirrors the EP’s overarching atmosphere, dark, prophetic, and unrelenting, while giving fans a deeper look into the world Ape Vermin has constructed across the record… an epic celestial journey.” – Decibel Magazine (Awakened – Lyric Video)

“Ape Vermin’s Andromedas Colossus is doom to the core. Though a lot for one sitting, it’ll sustain your attention during a long walk or drive. Fans of the genre will find much to relish, be it individual tracks or the whole, and it’s certainly one of the standout albums of the year so far.” – Doomed And Stoned

“Lovers of slow, massive riffs, rejoice! Ape Vermin is here for your daily dose of gnarly Sludge and Doom Metal music!” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“Ape Vermin have delivered a bone-crunching album that pulls no punches with it’s fearless attitude and exploration into SONIC and PSYCHEDELIC manipulation of the highest order.” – Outlaws of The Sun

“if you’re looking to be transported to another crushingly heavy musical universe, Ape Vermin are worth a listen.” – Rough Edge

“These axe-generated discharges alone were the stuff of Tony Iommi’s nightmares, but then the bass-made ferociously fuzz-rich, rhythmic rumbles and intensely explosive drumming sealed the deal. All combined and then topped off with Lee’s caveman-like gutturalized grunting vocals, it was a recipe that could’ve resulted in APE VERMIN being culpable for assault & battery charges.” – Riff Relevant

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NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 1, 2026

Prog Rock Visionaries LUFEH Announce New Album “Overwhelmed” Out May 2026

Streaming First Single “He Commands The Sun and The Stars”

Progressive rock outfit LUFEH returns with their most ambitious and emotionally charged work to date, “Overwhelmed,” the band’s long‑awaited new studio album, set for release on May 29, 2026. Leading the preview to the full-length is the explosive first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” a track that captures the band’s signature blend of technical mastery, soaring melodies, and cinematic storytelling.

Recorded at the legendary Sunset Sound in Los Angeles, “Overwhelmed” marks a major evolution for LUFEH, musically, lyrically, and creatively. The album introduces the band’s new featured vocalist and electric violinist, Ginny Luke, whose dynamic performances add a new dimension to LUFEH’s sound.

“This album is the result of a lot of dedication, maturity, and the realization of a dream. We focused on strong, memorable vocal melodies while keeping the complex musicianship our fans love. It’s the perfect balance of sophistication and catchiness,” says founder and drummer Lufeh Batera.

While LUFEH’s 2020 debut, “Luggage Falling Down,” leaned heavily into technical, instrumental complexity, “Overwhelmed” takes a more melodic, vocal‑driven approach without sacrificing the band’s progressive roots.

“We wanted songs people could sing with us. All eight tracks have choruses that stick with you. It’s complicated music that’s also catchy, and I think fans will really dig that blend,” explains Batera.

The album features eight meticulously crafted tracks, each around four minutes long, shaped through a collaborative writing process between members in Los Angeles and São Paulo. Despite the distance, roughly 70% of the album was created online, showcasing the band’s modern, global workflow. “Overwhelmed” explores emotional turbulence, spiritual renewal, and the struggle to stay grounded in a chaotic world. From the uplifting message of “Breathe” to the rock‑opera drama of “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” the album blends heavy moments with melodic clarity and introspection.

“Overwhelmed” also marks the debut of Ginny Luke as LUFEH’s featured vocalist. An internationally recognized electric violinist and singer, Luke has performed with Foo Fighters, Britney Spears, Snoop Dogg, Miguel, and many others.

Her violin appears on three tracks, “Overwhelmed,” “Feels Like I’m a Ghost,” and “Live the New Today”, adding a dramatic, orchestral edge to the band’s progressive sound.

“Ginny brought a whole new dimension to this album. Her voice and violin transformed the music into something unique and powerful,” adds Batera.

LUFEH’s lineup is built on decades of friendship and collaboration. Guitarist Deio Tambasco and bassist Duca Tambasco have been playing with Batera since the early ’90s in their original band Anno Domini. Their long‑standing chemistry fuels the band’s tight, expressive sound.

“We’re all in our 50s, but we feel like we’re 30. We’ve been friends forever. There’s no ego in this band, just honesty, passion, and a lot of love,” adds Batera.

The first single, “He Commands The Sun and The Stars,” is a rhythmic tour‑de‑force anchored by Batera’s intricate drumming and a massive, unforgettable chorus. Lyrically, the song explores the rise and unraveling of a powerful figure worshipped by the masses, until the crowd begins to question him.

“It’s one of my personal favorites. It’s complex, but the chorus stays in your head. That’s exactly the balance we aimed for,” comments Batera.

Recommended for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Sleep Token, and Tool, listen to “He Commands The Sun and The Stars” at the following links:

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0WG8j9ovlU

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/3F0lCl87w8HoigLE1jPOnJ

Bandcamp – https://lufehband.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. He Commands The Sun and The Stars – 4:22
2. Breathe – 4:03
3. Double Dip – 4:39
4. Overwhelmed – 4:30
5. Feels Like I’m A Ghost – 5:43
6. Live The New Today – 4:50
7. War of Emotions – 3:50
8. End of the Tunnel – 4:18

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, Lufeh Batera, and Ginny Luke
• All songs written by: Duca Tambasco, Deio Tambasco, Gera Penna, and Lufeh Batera
• Produced by: Gera Penna
• Mixed by: Adair Daufembach
• Mastered by: Adair Daufembach
• Album Artwork by: Lufeh Batera

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Duca Tambasco – bass and backing vocals
Deio Tambasco – guitar and backing vocals
Gera Penna – keyboard and backing vocals
Lufeh Batera – Drums
Ginny Luke – vocals (featuring)

More Info:

http://www.lufehband.com

https://www.facebook.com/lufehband

https://www.instagram.com/lufehband/

About:

LUFEH is a progressive rock/metal band blending technical musicianship with emotional depth, jazz fusion influences, and Brazilian musical roots. Founded by drummer Lufeh Batera, the band is known for its sophisticated arrangements, dynamic performances, and genre‑defying creativity. Overwhelmed is the band’s second studio album, following their 2020 debut Luggage Falling Down.

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“From the riff heavy opener Find My Way to the latest single ‘My World’ and the sharp riffs of closing track The Edge’, these are 20-minute epics condensed into welcome four-minute compositions. It’s an interesting stance for any progressive band but Lufeh have caught it right on the nail. This is an album full of cleverness and maturity. A joy to listen to, Luggage Falling Down’ provides opportunity to marvel at the quality and the playing. In a world which has lost its marbles, this album is a breath of fresh air. 8/10” – Powerplay Magazine UK (2020 – Luggage Falling Down)

“Luggage Falling Down will be a pleasant surprise for those who enjoy their prog on the heavy side, with occasional flourishes of metal, plenty of instrumental workouts, short song formats and a strong foundation in jazz. The eight songs are technical, energetic and always seeking a melodic hook.” – DPRP (2020 – Lugage Falling Down)

“In addition to brevity, there is Luggage Falling Down nothing wrong. Fantastic prog metal, crisply short songs that are still varied. Matching singing in the intersection between James LaBrie And Brendon Boyd as well as terrific guitar and drum inserts. Very entertaining and fun…. Luggage Falling Down a very entertaining record ahead of us. 9 /10 does that for me.” – Sound Magnet

“Anyone starting to get tired of all the cliché album titles and song titles? LUFEH are going their own way and I really like this album title ”Luggage Falling Down”!… I have to say the LUFEH guys have some moves of their own, which makes this album more interesting than most progressive metal albums. The RUSH vibes are not the most obvious ones, but the verse of ”Trial Of Escapade” clearly shows that these guys like the Canadian trio. There’s a smashing guitar solo from Dornellas in this one too.” – Melodic.net – (2020 Luggage Falling Down)

“A track from prog debutants Lufeh now, as I ‘Find My Way’ straight into being earwormed by their Prog metal goodness. Guitar solos that sound like they’ve been written by some of the hard rock greats, with plenty of atmospheric synths and across the board able musicianship means this one was a sure fire hit from the off!” – Uber Rock (2020 Luggage Falling Down)

“This is heavy prog with some strong elements” – Prog Archives (2020 Luggage Falling Down)

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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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Archive For

0 Progressive Sludge Trio APE VERMIN Embark On “The Riders of The Damned Tour Part 2” w/ MEAN GREEN

0 Prog Rock Visionaries LUFEH Announce New Album “Overwhelmed” Out May 2026; Streaming First Single “He Commands The Sun and The Stars”