EPK – Shroud – Pax Nocturna (2026)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“The album, front to back, is structured to be a ride. Black Metal and Thrash Metal are the driving genres, but we incorporate elements of Death and Melodic Metal as well. It goes fast, sometimes it slows down, but it’s meant to be a rollercoaster of heavy metal that takes you on a journey with a bit of everything while maintaining the sound of ‘Shroud.’” – Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals – Shroud
For Fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, Necrophobic
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“Imagine the ferocity, the grit and attitude of ‘Power n Pain’ era Whiplash, add the nocturnal melodic majesty of Necrophobic, and then a heaping helping of D-beat (always appreciated). Vicious, limb twitchin’ and about as infectious as something you believe you might have picked up on a recent European vacation, but wish you hadn’t. Recc for fans of SkeletonWitch, Necrophobic, Hellripper and others who successfully manage to imbue ragin’ Thrash insanity with an exquisite sense of darkness. This scatches the itch, then successfully obliterates it!” 94/100 – Cult Metal Flix
“A definite early AOTY candidate with strong claims, 5 star Black/Thrash!… There’s a high amount of crushing chugging riffs across this full length and the leadwork is absolutely scorching across the board, shreddy solos with that classic heavy metal, Thrash phrasing with a few mid-paced ones thrown in that are topped off with a couple of whammy bar accents and tremolos in them. Some of these riffs just will absolutely pummel you, as they’re fast and unrelenting as hell; also, there’s one or two solos that appear in a single track too. The vocals on this aren’t just high black metal screams, but there’s creepy deep spoken word vocals, chants and a few death growls also; if you’re into absolutely groove filled Blackened Thrash then absolutely look no further than this masterpiece, absolutely don’t sleep on it, a definite AOTY contender personally. Rating: 10/10!” – Drako’s Metal Reviews
“With Pax Nocturna , SHROUD makes a striking statement that will allow them to carve out a prime spot among the new Canadian bands to watch.” – Ondes Chocs
“The debut album from the thrash/death newcomers goes hard from start to finish! Right from the opener ‘The Eternal Void’ this thing is heavy, urgent and awesome, and it keeps its momentum for its full 45-minute runtime. The fact that it’s only nine songs in that time as well means that everything gets time to breathe, and everyone in the band gets time to shine. Highlights include ‘Merciless Tyrants’, ‘Diablivion’ and the epic closer, but the whole album is great from start to finish! It certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are into the heavier end of metal, this is absolutely worth a spin. The band have a bright future ahead of them, and in years to come people will look at this release as their big launching pad. 8.5/10″ – Overtone Magazine
“Shroud’s latest offering, ‘Pax Nocturna’, is a relentless onslaught of blackened thrash metal that will leave listeners in awe of its sheer intensity. The album exudes a dark and foreboding atmosphere, with haunting melodies and aggressive riffs that create a sense of impending doom. Standout tracks such as ‘The Zealot’ and ‘Merciless Tyrants’ showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend black metal fury with thrash metal aggression. The production quality on ‘Pax Nocturna’ is top-notch, with every instrument cutting through the mix with clarity and power. This album marks a significant progression in Shroud’s career, solidifying their position as one of the leading forces in the extreme metal scene.” – MetalStorm.com.au
““Fans of extreme metal will find a record crafted for them. It’s intense, tightly executed, and overflowing with raw energy. Its lyrical depth explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss and the darkest corners of human existence. The overarching concept is Satanic Gnosticism, a rejection of imposed order and corrupt leadership, and an embrace of the chaos from which humanity originates.” – The Black Metal Archive
“With Pax Nocturna, the Montreal quartet Shroud delivers a particularly compelling debut album. From the very first notes, the band establishes a strong identity thanks to powerful riffs, inspired solos, and a constant energy that permeates every composition. The tracks are well-constructed and demonstrate a solid mastery of musical composition. The overall effect is both impactful and memorable, showcasing the musicians’ talent. Pax Nocturna serves as an excellent calling card for the band. A name to remember and a release that richly deserves the attention of metal fans.” – World Metallum QC
“Blackened Thrash Metal from the Canadian band Shroud and their newest album called ‘Pax Nocturna’. The combination of Black Metal and Thrash Metal always makes me happy, especially when done right, like this band does. Within the first few songs, they got me hooked immediatetly with their riffs, those are just so fun, addictive and heavy as Hell. It has alot of energy that is cloaked in the Blackened darkness, it fits just so well together. Especially the drums on this album are so clear and well-performed that it blew my mind actually. Vocals too, they are these Black Metal screams of anguish and rage, it’s really sickening in a good way. I could go on and on about this album but check it out for yourself, you’ll understand my hype! Rating: 9,1/10” – Evert’s Band Page Promotion
“Shroud are a very great sounding melodic mixture of black, death and thrash metal and if you are a fan of those musical genres, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE “The Eternal Void” “Darkest Night” and “Abaddon”. 8 out of 10.” – ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine
Band: Shroud
Album Title – Pax Nocturna
Release date: June 4th, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Blackened Thrash Metal
Location of band: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Track Listing:
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05
Album Recording Credits:
– All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
– All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
– Produced by: Shroud and Jordan Barillaro
– Mixed by: Jordan Barillaro
– Album Art by: Justin Cournoyer
– Mastered by: Tore Stjerna
Album and Live Band lineup:
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass
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About The Album Artwork:
It’s a representation of our love and admiration for the occult. The colours themselves, the circular position of the characters involved, the full moon in the center, etc., are influenced by the dark fantasy artworks of Yoshitaka Amano and the Surreal Horror art of Zdzislaw Beksinski. There is also an element of The Lord of the Rings involved with the imagery. It’s symbolic in the sense that the 4 of us (depicted on the left) are at the worship of the Demonic Lord Murmur (on the right), who is the Archduke and Lord of Hell, representing philosophy and music.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
The overall concept of the album is Satanic Gnosticism. It’s the rejection of order and the corruption inflicted upon earth and its people by organized religions and corrupt leaders. It’s embracing the chaos that we naturally come from and acknowledging that we are sons and daughters of the black flame and born from the abyss to which we long to return. A higher form of consciousness and what lies beyond this place. It’s a fuck you to the enemies of the planet and acknowledges we are our own gods and masters, and to embrace that power for ourselves
It’s the fascination and worship of death and the beyond while rejecting what is acceptably taught to most of the world’s population.
It is peace within the night.
It is Pax Nocturna.
Track by Track:
1. Pax Nocturna
The instrumental opening of the album. It features piano and uses the two minor chords heard most often throughout the rest of the album. Meant to be thematic and draws an influence from the intro of Metallica’s ‘Blackened’.
2. The Eternal Void
We used to call this one “The Punk Song” before it was given its official title. It has an element of Punk Rock but presented in a Blackened Thrash fashion. Lyrically, it deals with existentialism and a consistent feeling of emptiness that calls to a presence referred to as ‘The Eternal Void’.
3. The Zealot
The first song Matteo and Zack wrote together. Musically, it was the birth of what would follow as Shroud’s sound. The lyrics’ subject matter is based on the Spanish Inquisition of the Medieval and Renaissance ages, and how terrifying they were towards Christians and Non-Christians alike. There were no rights and no fair trials. Basically, a witch-hunt for anyone who didn’t conform to what the Church at that time believed was the appropriate way to behave as a true Christian. ‘The Zealot’ represents one of its heads, Tomas De Torquemada, who was responsible for sending 10,000. People are unjustly sent to their deaths.
4. Merciless Tyrants
This song’s lyrics are about a Warhammer 40000 faction known as “The Necrons”. They’re an ancient, terrifying race of undead androids driven by their goal to conquer the galaxy. Known for brutal tactics and unending hordes, they are actual merciless tyrants. They have an Egyptian-like theme to them, and the song’s music represents that being heavily based on the Phrygian Scale.
5. Darkest Night
This song’s subject matter deals with the abandonment of one’s faith. Although scary to realize in oneself that there is no higher power or afterlife, there is a sense of relief and liberty in attaining true enlightenment.
6. Diablivion
A song that deals with Religious crusades conquering and colonizing lands to spread the word and faith of their god. It is done in a way that paints the crusaders as the true terrifying oppressors and is told from the perspective of those being subjected to their will.
7. Death Blows Over
A song we used to call “Fasty Thrashy” before its official title. It’s a super fast-paced, all-out assault of Thrash Metal with darker elements that give it a Black Metal vibe. It features lots of guitar solos as well. The subject matter deals with having the worst hangover you can possibly imagine.
8. All Creation
A song that’s about the formation of the Earth. Not the one in the biblical sense, but in the more scientific reality-based version of the Planet forming from dust and debris, being constantly pummeled by asteroids that would eventually form its shape and would cool to have Oceans and Continents.
9. Abaddon
A song about mortality, its subject is about how all things are destined to die, and we do it in a symbolic way through the perspective of one of the lords of Hell, Abaddon. It’s the slowest and longest song on the record, and makes its way to an outro we felt fitting to tie the finale together for Pax Nocturna.
L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Emerging from the depths below, Shroud is set to make their full-length debut with ‘Pax Nocturna.’
Formed in 2022 by Guitarist/Vocalist Matteo Conti and Drummer Zack Osiris, the band quickly solidified its lineup with the addition of Jordan Barillaro on Guitar and Justin Cournoyer on bass. Each member brought a blend of technical prowess and raw intensity, setting the stage for Shroud’s relentless sonic assault.
Drawing inspiration from the bleak and obscure corners of existence, Shroud embarked on their musical journey, crafting compositions that reflect the darkness and chaos of the human psyche. Their sound, characterized by blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and raspy vocals that echo through the void, resonates deeply within the metal community. Overall, the general perception of the band would be closest to the style of Blackened Thrash Metal.
After honing their craft through intense and electrifying live performances in the Quebec music scene, Shroud is set to unleash their debut album ‘Pax Nocturna’ on June 4th, 2026.
Discography:
2026 – Pax Nocturna (LP)
2024 – The Eternal Void (Single)
2025 – All Creation (Single)
SHARED STAGE WITH:
Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia
TOURS AND FESTIVALS
2026 – Speed Trap vol 2, Montreal, CA
2024 – Woods of Gallows V, New York, USA
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