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0 Canadian Progressive Death THE CONFLUX COLLECTIVE Unleashes “Devouring Light” From New Album “In the Wake of Saturn” Out June 2026

  • June 2, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Conflux Collective · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 2, 2026

Canadian Progressive Death THE CONFLUX COLLECTIVE Unleashes “Devouring Light”

New Album “In the Wake of Saturn” Out June 2026

L-R – Max Lussier, Jesse Brint, Mallika Sundaramurthy, Tommy McKinnon, Eric Burnet, Jeffrey Mott

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDITS: Joe Diaz, Derek Carr of Visionsinpixels, Mat Barbeau, Tania Hébert

Montreal’s extreme‑metal collaborative force Conflux Collective will release its long‑anticipated full‑length album “In the Wake of Saturn” on June 19th, 2026. The record marks the resurrection of a project once thought lost to time, rebuilt from the ground up by drummer, composer, and producer Tommy McKinnon (Derelict, Akurion, ex‑Neuraxis, ex‑Augury) after years of dormancy.
​
The album’s second single, “Devouring Light,” arrives next after the release of the first single and lyric video “Reincarnation.”

This second single showcases the project’s darker, slower, and more groove‑driven side.
​
​“It’s a deep song with many twists and turns… Chase’s guitar mastery shines throughout and is crowned with a beautiful solo. The song itself is a doom-leaning, torturous piece that is a groove-filled and crafty maelstrom of heavy riffs and open chords. The bass line is rich with attitude. The words talk about witnessing an ecological disaster of epic magnitude,” says McKinnon

Listen to “Devouring Light” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skYaLYoVjX8

​

Conflux Collective began as a spontaneous spark between McKinnon and guitarist Chase Fraser (Continuum, ex‑Decrepit Birth, ex‑Animosity) after a chance reunion in a Montreal fast‑food joint following a King Diamond show. As McKinnon recalls:
​
​“We got talking and realized we actually played together at the San Francisco venue, the Pound… by the end of the first hour, we had a song pretty much done.”
​
​
Within six weeks, the pair had written and recorded their debut EP, “The Inception” (2016). But life’s unpredictability forced the project into years of silence until McKinnon revived it with renewed purpose, reconstructing the album from archived material, new compositions, and a completely DIY production approach.
​
​“This is the first album I ever recorded on bass guitar… I had to figure out every note… it forced me to use my ears and think ‘out of the box.’”​
​
Across eight tracks, “In the Wake of Saturn” delivers a progressive, brutal, melodic, and uncompromising journey through personal upheaval, transformation, and rebirth.

“A journey through pain, fear, defeat, survival, and finally rebirth… a true underground monster, made for those who appreciate and seek the unusual,” adds McKinnon.​
​
​
Musically, the album fuses the ferocity of ’90s death metal with the precision of modern tech‑death. Lyrically, it channels deeply personal experiences, existential reflection, and the power to alter one’s destiny.
​
The record features a powerhouse lineup of extreme‑metal vocalists: Jesse Brint (Gross Misconduct), Mallika Sundaramurthy (Emasculator, ex‑Abnormality), Jeffrey Mac Dermott (The Monster Factory, Growlers Choir), Eric Burnet (Derelict, Samskaras), and Max (Derelict), who also contributes a blistering guitar solo.
​
​Conflux Collective was built on the idea of merging diverse extreme‑vocal styles into a single, evolving entity. As McKinnon explains:
​​
“The idea of a ‘collective’ came mainly from featuring many vocalists and bringing together different styles of extreme vocals to create something unique and diversified.”
​
​
Though the project has no plans for live performances, The Conflux Collective stands as a testament to collaboration without boundaries, a convergence of some of extreme music’s most creative voices.

Recommended for fans of Cryptopsy, Necrophagist, Decrepit Birth, Augury, and Beyond Creation, “In the Wake of Saturn” will be available on all digital platforms as of June 19th, 2026.

Album pre-save – http://confluxcollective.bandcamp.com/​

Vinyl and CD pre-order – https://elasticstage.com/confluxcollective​

Merch / Apparel available – https://confluxco-shop.fourthwall.com/​

Lyric Video – Reincarnation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nce0-kz3nTk

​

Track Listing:​
1. The Antidote – 3:02
2. Devoid of True Form – 2:39
3. Ethereal Executioner – 4:45
4. Devouring Light – 4:59
5. Blood from a Rock 4:18
6. Reincarnation – 3:20
7. In the Wake of Saturn – 2:29
8. Desperate Post-Humanist – 5:18
Album Length: 30:53

Album Band Line-up:​
Guitar: Chase Fraser (Continuum)
Vocals: Eric Burnet (Derelict), Max Lussier (Derelict), Jesse Brint (Gross Misconduct), Mallika Sundaramurthy (Emasculator), Jeff Mott (Hollow, Monster Factory)
Additional guitar, bass, and drums: Tommy McKinnon
Track 1,2, 3, 6. Music: Chase Fraser. Lyrics: Tommy McKinnon
Track 4. Music: Chase Fraser. Lyrics: Jesse Brint
Track 5, 7. Music & Lyrics: Tommy McKinnon
Track 8. Music: Tommy McKinnon. Lyrics: Eric Burnet

More info:

​https://www.facebook.com/confluxcollective​

​https://www.instagram.com/confluxco/​

About: Formed in Montreal after a chance post‑show encounter, The Conflux Collective is a progressive technical death‑metal project built on collaboration, experimentation, and emotional depth. Featuring contributions from some of the genre’s most distinctive vocalists, the band blends the ferocity of old‑school death metal with the precision and ambition of modern tech‑death. In the Wake of Saturn marks their first full‑length album.

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Conflux Collective
• All songs written by: Conflux Collective
• Produced by: Tommy McKinnon
• Mixed by: Jeanne Comateuse at Magma Art & Sound
• Mastered by: Jeanne Comateuse at Magma Art & Sound
• Album Artwork by: Filip Ivanovic
• Member of SOCAN

Affiliated links:

Mix engineer: https://magma-sound.com

Derelict: https://derelictmetal.bandcamp.com

Akurion: https://akurion-ca.bandcamp.com/album…

Emasculator: https://www.instagram.com/emasculator_bdm

Mallika: https://www.instagram.com/mallika_sun

Gross Misconduct: https://grossmisconduct.bandcamp.com

The Monster Factory: https://www.themonster-factory.com/en

Coma Cluster Void: https://comaclustervoid.com

– 30 –

“this maddening musical force comprised of many of today’s best death metal musicians. – Austin Weber, No Clean Singing (EP The Inception, 2016)

“The Conflux Collective deliver their first song unto us, a brain scrambling ditty called “Lucid Hallucinations”. This new multi-national death metal group is definitely a band you’ll want to keep an eye on!” – Metal Injection (EP The Inception, 2016)

“Each song features a rotating cast of different vocalists and bassist on each song, with the only members on all three being guitarist/composer Chase Frasier (Continuum, ex-Decrepit Birth, ex-Son Of Aurelius, ex- Animosity, etc) and highly skilled drummer Tommy McKinnon (Akurion/Neuraxis as the only constants in this maddening musical force comprised of many of today’s best death metal musicians. The three vocalists on The Inception are: Mike Disalvo (Akurion/Coma Cluster Void/ex-Cryptopsy) on track one, Matt McGachy (Cryptopsy) on track two, and Beneath The Massacre vocalist Elliot Desgagnes on track three. All three songs on The Inception sound and unfold differently than each other, which bodes well for the groups future moving forwards! Jam below for some high-octane shred heavy tech-death that’ll bore a hole through your head. But do so in a finessed way of course!” – Metal Injection (EP The Inception, 2016)

“At just about 10-minutes in length, The Inception feels more like a teaser than anything else. But that’s just a consequence of how strong it sounds. If they continue to enlist the best of the best as they move forward with more material, Conflux could really be something special. A must-hear if you prefer your death metal on the tech-ier side of things (or you dig any of the members involved).” – Dead Rhetoric (EP The Inception, 2016)

“Helmed by guitarist/songwriter Chase Fraser (Continuum, ex Animosity, Decrepit Birth) and drummer Tommy Mckinnon (Akurion/Neuraxis), Conflux Collective is a new collaborative death metal project bent on both pushing the bounds of creativity within the genre and the culminating of ideas with other artists in the community.” – New Noise Magazine (EP The Inception, 2016)​
​​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
exsr[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook – Asher Media Relations
Instagram – Asher Media
Tweet – AsherMedia

0 THE MOURNING Unveils New Chapter w/ Dual‑Vocal Lineup and New Video “If I Die I Die”

  • June 2, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · The Mourning

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 2, 2026

THE MOURNING Unveils New Chapter w/ Dual‑Vocal Lineup and New Video “If I Die I Die”

L-R – Alex Nasla, Nanda Hayek, Jason Berlin, Jason Ashcraft, Alon Mei-Tal, Johnny Ray, Francesco Pinter

Photo credit: Alex Nasla

Progressive metal band The Mourning returns with “If I Die I Die,” a powerful new single and cinematic music video that launches the next chapter of the band’s evolution, one defined by heavier sonics, deeper emotional intensity, and the introduction of new co‑vocalist Nanda Hayek.
​
Built on the band’s signature blend of cinematic songwriting, dual vocals, and progressive metal precision, the track confronts the fear of death, existential dread, and the psychological exhaustion of living under fear’s control. As the band states in the source document, the song’s core declaration, “I’m tired of all this fear, I’m done living in fear”, captures its central theme of surrendering fear and stepping into freedom.
​
Following the acclaim of their full‑length album “Hush”, praised as “a complex, engaging prog metal album” and “a very pleasant surprise” by metal media, the band sought a deliberate creative shift.
​
In October 2025, The Mourning quietly welcomed Brazilian vocalist Nanda Hayek into the lineup, known for her work with OverAlive and her background in psychotherapy and existential studies. Rather than announcing the change immediately, the band spent months crafting new material and building a complete visual identity around the single.
​
​“If I Die I Die” is the first release to showcase the renewed dual‑vocal dynamic between Hayek and founding vocalist Johnny Ray, expanding the band’s emotional range and intensifying its modern metal edge.
​
Written by Francesco Pinter and Johnny Ray, and produced, mixed, and mastered by Alex Nasla, the single blends progressive metal intricacy with a darker, more direct heaviness. The band describes the track as “a psychological and spiritual battle,” moving from dread into cathartic release.
​
Lyrically, the song is framed as a dialogue between fear and faith, one voice clinging to control, the other fighting to break free. The refrain “If I die I die” is not nihilistic, but a moment of liberation: the refusal to let fear dictate one’s life.
​
The accompanying music video visualizes the song’s emotional arc through a symbolic narrative. A woman is hunted by a mysterious figure of death, terrified at first, then increasingly resolute. She rides her motorcycle toward the confrontation she has avoided, only to discover that death was never the true enemy. Fear was.
​
​“By facing it directly, she conquers the thing that had been ruling her,” adds Johnny Ray.
​
The release also follows a breakthrough year for the band. In 2025, The Mourning made their live debut aboard 70000 Tons of Metal, where Kerrang! hailed them as an “outrageously talented new prog collective” and praised their 3 a.m. debut as “one of the sets of the weekend.” They later performed at Prog on the Ranch 2025, further solidifying their presence in the progressive metal scene.
​
Recommended for fans of Lacuna Coil, Amaranthe, Flyleaf, Disturbed, and Evanescence, watch and listen to the video for “If I Die I Die” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbms_iiHgAM

​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/themourning/if-i-die-i-die​

​
​For more info:

​https://www.themourningmusic.com​

​https://www.facebook.com/themourningmusic​

​https://www.instagram.com/themourningmusic​

​https://www.tiktok.com/@themourningmusic​

About: Formed by vocalist and songwriter Johnny Ray, The Mourning was created to transform personal struggle, spiritual searching, and existential weight into emotionally immediate progressive metal. Their music blends soaring dual vocals, intricate musicianship, atmospheric tension, and deeply human lyrical themes. The band’s previous album, “Hush,” established them as a rising force in modern progressive metal, exploring anxiety, trauma, meaning, and inner transformation across its acclaimed tracklist.

– 30 –

“The band blends mid to uptempo grooves while also introducing space and atmosphere in just the right places. Combining melody, technical/progressive musical elements, and harmony lead vocals, I feel this band caters to both musicians and non-musicians alike.” – Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche)

“The Mourning masterfully marries classic synth sounds, modern Haken-esque rhythms, and massive vocal hooks into a modern progressive package worthy of every fan’s undivided attention.” – Metal Injection
​
“In a world of clones, The Mourning is a true original and a breath of fresh air.” – Gear Gods
​
“With the release of “Hush”, the band continue to showcase their mastery to balance technical prowess with broader thematic appeal. The Mourning will most definitely make a big impact on the prog metal scene today and in the future.” – Metal Epidemic
​
“An impressive first album from a young band with room to grow. Fans of bands like Haken and Distrct 97 will enjoy this album. One to watch.” – Prog Radio
​
“Hush” a sensory treat that transcends the limits of perception.” – Roadie Metal
​
​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 EPK – The Mourning – If I Die I Die (2026) (single)

  • June 2, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Mourning · Uncategorized

EPK – The Mourning – If I Die I Die (2026) (single)

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

“We think If I Die I Die will connect with people who have wrestled with fear, anxiety, mortality, and the feeling that their own mind is working against them. It has the progressive metal elements our fans expect, but it also has a very direct emotional center. The phrase itself is blunt and memorable, but its meaning is deeper. It is not about giving up. It is about finally refusing to let fear control your life. We want the listener to feel like they are being pulled through a psychological and spiritual battle. The song starts from a place of fear and pressure, then moves toward surrender and release. By the end, the point is not that death has been defeated in some shallow, easy way. The point is that fear no longer gets to sit on the throne. Musically, we want the track to feel cinematic, intense, melodic, and cathartic. By facing it directly, she conquers the thing that had been ruling her.” – The Mourning

For fans of Lacuna Coil, Amaranthe, Flyleaf, Disturbed, Evanescence

Band: The Mourning
Album Title: If I Die I Die
Release Date: June 2, 2026
Label: Self-Release

 Themourningmusic.com | Facebook.com/themourningmusic | Instagram.com/themourningmusic | Youtube.com/@themourningmusic | TikTok.com/@themourningmusic

Spotify | Themourning.bandcamp.com

“The band blends mid to uptempo grooves while also introducing space and atmosphere in just the right places. Combining melody, technical/progressive musical elements, and harmony lead vocals, I feel this band caters to both musicians and non-musicians alike.” – Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche)“The Mourning masterfully marries classic synth sounds, modern Haken-esque rhythms, and massive vocal hooks into a modern progressive package worthy of every fan’s undivided attention.” – Metal Injection“In a world of clones, The Mourning is a true original and a breath of fresh air.” – Gear Gods“‘Hush’ is a very pleasant surprise. It displays a lot of compositional variety, and offers a strong throwback to prog metal classics while also keeping a unique sound and mixing in unexpected elements. All band members deliver spectacular performances both from a technical and creative standpoint… it is certainly worth your time, and especially given that it’s a debut, I find it very impressive. 8/10” – The Prog Space“With the release of “Hush”, the band continue to showcase their mastery to balance technical prowess with broader thematic appeal. The Mourning will most definitely make a big impact on the prog metal scene today and in the future.” – Metal Epidemic“An impressive first album from a young band with room to grow. Fans of bands like Haken and Distrct 97 will enjoy this album. One to watch.” – Prog Radio“Hush” a sensory treat that transcends the limits of perception.” – Roadie Metal“US band The Mourning are out with the album “Hush”, and progressive metal is the style explored on this production. It is a distinctly accessible variety of the form we get with this band, with their take on this tradition more often than not revolving around a little bit of an ebb and flow movement. Usually with more delicate parts alternating with more powerful ones, from distinctly contrasting passages to parts that alternate with more of a subtle difference as to the dominant aspects of each of them. With a range in expression from delicate acoustic or semi-acoustic parts to booming and powerful guitar riff driven excursions. The songs will typically revolve around solid melodies rather than technical instrument details, and for my sake I did find some similarities in sound and execution with the more typical heavy metal bands of the 1980s. In this case with the powerful and melodic lead vocals probably having a lot to say for this association to be formed. An album to seek out if you tend to enjoy the more accessible parts of the progressive metal universe.” – The Progressor

=============================================================

Band: The Mourning
Single Title: If I Die I Die – 3:51
Release Date: June 2, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: TuneCore
Genre: Progressive MetalSingle Recording Credits
All songs performed by: The Mourning
All songs written by: Francesco Pinter and Johnny Ray
Produced by: Alex Nasla
Mixed by: Alex Nasla
Mastered by: Alex Nasla
Single Artwork by: Tullius Heuer
PRO Membership: ASCAP and BMISingle and Live Band Lineup
Nanda Hayek – Female Co-Vocalist
Johnny Ray – Male Co-Vocalist
Alex Nasla – Keyboards
Jason Berlin – Drums
Jason Ashcraft – Guitar
Alon Mei-Tal – Bass
Francesco Pinter – Lead Guitar=================================================

About the Single Artwork.

The single artwork for If I Die I Die, created by Tullius Heuer, serves as an analogy for a being that was alive, but confined inside a cage-like chrysalis, limited by the boundaries that once held it. The moment captured is not death, but rebirth. The creature emerges into a wider perspective, spreading its wings toward new hope. It reflects the heart of the song: shedding fear, letting the old self fall away, and realizing that freedom begins when we stop living inside the prison of dread.

About the single:

Lyrically, If I Die I Die is about overcoming the fear of death and the existential dread that can take over when fear becomes the loudest voice in the room. The song is written almost like a conversation between fear and faith, with one voice trying to keep control and the other trying to break free. Musically, it represents a heavier new direction for The Mourning: progressive metal with a darker, more metal-forward punch, dual vocals, cinematic tension, and a cathartic emotional release.=================================================

Story Angles / Fun Facts About the Band

1. The Mourning made their live debut at 70000 Tons of Metal 2025, sailing from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The performance was especially surreal because it was the first time that lineup had played for a paying audience and the first time they had met one another in person. Kerrang! Later, called the band an “outrageously talented new prog collective” and described their 3 a.m. debut as “one of the sets of the weekend.”

2. The band followed 70000 Tons of Metal with Prog on the Ranch 2025 in Brooksville, Florida, continuing to build its presence in the progressive music scene.

3. The Mourning quietly brought Nanda Hayek into the band in October 2025. Rather than announcing it immediately, the band spent months developing the new music, video, and visual identity for If I Die I Die, so the announcement could arrive with a complete creative statement in June 2026.

4. If I Die I Die represents a deliberate shift into a heavier, more metal-forward chapter for The Mourning. The song keeps the band’s progressive and cinematic identity, but brings a darker edge, a stronger dual-vocal dynamic, and a more direct emotional impact.

5. The single’s artwork and music video both center on transformation and confrontation. The artwork shows a creature emerging from a cage-like chrysalis into a wider perspective, spreading its wings toward new hope. The video follows a woman being hunted by death until she finally faces it and realizes fear was the true enemy.

L-R – Alex Nasla, Nanda Hayek, Jason Berlin, Jason Ashcraft, Alon Mei-Tal, Johnny Ray, Francesco Pinter.

Photo credit: Alex Nasla

The Mourning is a progressive metal band now based out of Los Angeles, California, built around cinematic songwriting, soaring dual vocals, intricate musicianship, and deeply human lyrical themes. Founded by vocalist and songwriter Johnny Ray, the band was created to turn personal struggle, spiritual searching, and modern existential weight into music that feels both technically ambitious and emotionally immediate.

After first emerging with the debut EP Theosis, the band’s identity came fully into focus with their full-length album Hush. Created for listeners facing anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, and existential struggle, Hush became the defining release of The Mourning’s first major era. Across songs like “Chaos Machine,” “The Mountain,” “He Cries,” “I Feel The Rain,” “Hush,” “My Own Hell,” and “Smooth Seas,” the album explores the inner storms people carry, the search for meaning, and the possibility of spiritual and emotional release.

Musically, Hush bridged progressive metal, melodic rock, atmospheric passages, intricate guitar work, expressive keyboards, soaring vocal hooks, and a dual-vocal dynamic that gave the record its emotional depth. The album moved through many landscapes, from the uplifting irony of “Chaos Machine” to the spiritual grandeur of “The Mountain,” the sorrow and compassion of “He Cries,” the gratitude of “I Feel The Rain,” and the heavy psychological weight of “My Own Hell.” It was a record built to feel expansive and adventurous while still remaining focused on melody, emotion, and story.

The Hush era also brought together many of the musicians and collaborators who shaped The Mourning’s sound. Alex Nasla produced, mixed, and mastered the album and later became the band’s keyboardist. Francesco Pinter’s guitar work elevated Johnny Ray’s melodies and ideas into a more intricate and emotional progressive-metal space, while Jason Berlin’s drumming gave the album its rhythmic foundation. The album also featured contributions from Eliana Blanchard, Loren Whitaker, Brandon Delpino, and guest musicians including Trey Xavier, Thomas Griggs, Eric Mullins, Graeme Currie, Jeff Pogan, and Charlie Robbins.

Hush helped establish The Mourning beyond their local scene, receiving praise from progressive and metal media. Musipedia of Metal called it “a complex, engaging prog metal album from a band who are extremely talented,” while The Prog Space described it as “a very pleasant surprise” and noted its compositional variety. Other outlets highlighted the band’s philosophical lyricism, dual vocals, emotional weight, and blend of progressive precision with raw feeling.

That momentum carried into 2025, when The Mourning made their live debut aboard 70000 Tons of Metal, sailing from Miami, Florida to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. For the band, the moment was surreal: not only was it their first performance in front of a paying audience, it was also the first time the lineup had met one another in person. Kerrang! called The Mourning an “outrageously talented new prog collective” and described their 3 a.m. debut as “one of the sets of the weekend.” Metal Insider later wrote that the band “left a strong first impression” and offered something “distinctly their own.” The Mourning followed that appearance with a performance at Prog on the Ranch 2025 in Brooksville, Florida.

After Hush and the band’s 2025 live appearances, The Mourning made a deliberate creative shift. While melody, atmosphere, spirituality, and progressive structure remain central to the band’s identity, the next chapter moves in a heavier, more metal-forward direction. In October 2025, the band quietly brought in new female co-vocalist Nanda Hayek, a Brazilian native living in the United States and based in Los Angeles, California. Nanda is also known as the vocalist for Brazilian progressive band OverAlive, and had taken a long sabbatical to complete her Master’s degree and develop her career as a psychotherapist, along with her curiosity about the human psyche and the ultimate question of the meaning of life.

Rather than announcing the change immediately, The Mourning spent the following months developing new material, shaping the visual identity, and preparing the music video for “If I Die I Die.” Releasing June 2, 2026, the single introduces a darker, heavier, and more direct era for the band. Written by Francesco Pinter and Johnny Ray, and produced, mixed, and mastered by Alex Nasla, “If I Die I Die” confronts the fear of death, existential dread, and the exhaustion of living under fear’s control. Its central line, “I’m tired of all this fear, I’m done living in fear,” captures the heart of the song: surrendering fear, shedding the old self, and stepping into something freer.

With Nanda Hayek joining Johnny Ray in the band’s dual-vocal dynamic, The Mourning enters this new chapter with a wider emotional range, a heavier musical direction, and a renewed sense of purpose. “If I Die I Die” is more than a new single. It is the sound of the band carrying the emotional weight of Hush forward while stepping into something heavier, freer, and more fearless.

Discography
2026 – If I Die I Die – Single
2026 – Moment Redux – Single
2024 – Hush – Album
2018 – Theosis – EP

Shared Stage With
The Mourning has shared the stage with many bands, including the following notable artists from the 70000 Tons of Metal 2025 lineup:
Sepultura, Emperor, Symphony X, Stratovarius, HammerFall, Sonata Arctica, Candlemass, Delain, Decapitated, Suffocation

Tours and Festivals Performed
2025 – 70000 Tons of Metal – Miami, FL to Ocho Rios, Jamaica
2025 – Prog on the Ranch – Brooksville, Florida

0 Thrash Metal From Reunion Island LOMOR Update EU Tour Dates + Hellfest; New Album “Sabouk Rouge” Out Now!

  • June 1, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Lomor (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 2, 2026

Thrash Metal From Reunion Island LOMOR Update EU Tour Dates + Hellfest

New Album “Sabouk Rouge” Out Now! via Rockshots Records

Reunion Island thrash metal trio LOMOR is heading to Europe, launching a run of France and Belgium tour dates in support of their new album “Sabouk Rouge,” with the trek kicking off at Hellfest. This band will be bringing their raw, Creole‑infused thrash to some of the region’s most respected stages (updated tour dates are listed below).
​
The tour supports their latest album, “Sabouk Rouge,” released this past February 2026 via Rockshots Records. Produced by the band, recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Art Music Studio in France, and mastered by Kai Stahlenberg at Kohlekeller Studio in Germany, “Sabouk Rouge” expands LOMOR’s sonic palette while staying true to their primal thrash roots. With more Creole lyrics woven in at fans’ request, the album strengthens its cultural identity as it shifts through a wide range of moods.

“The tracks are all different, each bringing its own atmosphere. It’s still trash, but with a variety of flavors,” says Eric.
​
That diversity fuels a record that moves from the title track’s sharp satire of Réunion’s legacy of slavery to the grotesque obsession of “Meet Your Meat,” the ritualistic mysticism of “Sanctuary,” and the blistering critique of religion in “La Haine.” The tone lightens with the street‑racing humor of “La Pouss’,” then darkens again with “Panzram,” exploring the roots of a killer’s hatred. The album revisits Eric’s past with a reimagined “Kit Ta Mère” before closing on “Nevroz,” a reversed, tongue‑in‑cheek remake born from a studio joke.

LOMOR has carved its identity as one of the most distinctive metal acts emerging from the Indian Ocean. Their sound, described by guitarist/vocalist Eric Castelnau (Babouk) as “creole thrash old‑school stuff”, fuses classic 80s thrash aggression with the cultural grit and linguistic identity of Réunion Island.

LOMOR began as a deeply personal project for Eric, who formed the band in 2018 after the passing of his cousin and brother, both former bandmates in his earlier project, Black Babouk. The name Lomor, meaning “The Deads” in Réunion Creole, stands as a tribute to the people and memories that shaped his musical path.
​
Joined by drummer Gurvan Cambrai (Typhvs) (also of grind outfit Brvtal trve d’baal) and bassist Micha (member of a local Rage Against the Machine tribute band), the trio has forged a sound rooted in old‑school thrash but sharpened by modern production and raw island energy.

New album “Sabouk Rouge” is now available from Rockshots Records at the following links:

DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/th31Lt

CD ORDER – https://rockshots.eu/SaboukRougeCD​

Music Video – Sabouk Rouge – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSBEQJOr754

​Music Video – Tantine Lo Clou – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fx2FUx0G01c​

Music Video – Panzram – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=388LBe1K7x4

​

Lomor – Sabouk Tour​
17/06 — Hellfest – Clisson (FR)​
19/06 — B52 Music Club, Icheteghem (BE)
20/06 — Le Brewpeppes, Lille (FR)
21/06 — Carolo Culture, Charleroi (BE)
25/06 — Axis Musique, Toulouse (FR)
26/06 — Bulle de Son, Lyon (FR)
27/06 — Café du Théâtre, Pontarlier (FR)​
18/07 — Studiotic, Sainte‑Clotilde (RE)

​
​

Track Listing:​
1. Sabouk Rouge – 5:13
2. Tantine Lo Clou – 3:40
3. Meet Your Meat – 3:16
4. Sanctuary – 5:17
5. A Shiny Day For A Vampire – 5:14
6. La Haine – 5:06
7. La Pouss’ – 3:07
8. Panzram – 4:29
9. The Ugly, The Bad & The Bastard – 3:02
10. Kit’ Ta Mère – 4:24
11. Nevroz (feat. S. Camhi) – 2:34
Album Length: 45:22
​
​Lomor Line Up:
– Eric Castelnau (aka Babouk) – Vocals & Guitars
– Gurvan Cambrai (aka Typhvs) – Drums
– Mathieu Michalina (aka Micha) – Bass Guitar

More info:

​https://rockshots.eu/​

​https://www.instagram.com/lomor.music​

​https://www.facebook.com/lomormusic​

About: Lomor is a power trio from Reunion Island (France) delivering an explosive blend of old-school thrash, punk, and core metal. Drawing inspiration from Slayer, Testament, and Kreator, the band channels the raw spirit of 80s thrash through modern production and unrelenting stage energy.

Formed in 2018 by Eric Castelnau (vocals, guitars), joined by Gurvan Cambrai (drums) and Mathieu “Micha” Michalina (bass), Lomor quickly became one of the loudest voices in the island’s metal scene. Their first single, “Kanyar L’Enfer” (2021), set the tone for their uncompromising sound, followed by their debut full-length “Perseverance of Sickness” (2022), recorded by Sébastien Camhi (Art Music Studio, France). The album was praised by international outlets like Rock Hard France and Legacy.de for its sharp riffing and fierce authenticity.

In 2023, Lomor hit mainland France for their Kanyar Tour, performing seven shows and sharing stages with Akiavel and Mass Hysteria. They also released the live record “Live on Dock“, capturing the raw, chaotic energy that defines their performances.

Now, with their second studio album “Sabouk Rouge” (out February 2026 via Rockshots Records), Lomor dive deeper into the social and historical themes that shaped their identity, from the brutality of slavery on their island to the universal struggle against human madness and oppression. Recorded again with Sébastien Camhi and mastered by Kai Stahlenberg at Kohlekeller Studio (Germany), the album reaffirms Lomor’s old-school ethos while delivering a powerful, modern punch.

Fueled by adrenaline, rebellion, and Creole pride, Lomor stands as a unique voice in today’s global metal scene, pure thrash from Reunion Island.

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“I’m completely captivated by this trio from Réunion Island, who are likely to make a huge impact on the thrash scene by bringing freshness and originality while respecting the genre’s fundamentals.” – Pavillon 666

“Conclusion: ‘Sabouk Rouge’ is a real treat for all fans of varied, authentic thrash. LOMOR present us with a wide range of riffs, creative drumming, and gritty vocals that will captivate any audience live.4.5/5” – MetalUnderground.at

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Colorado Power‑Metal Force SIEGE PERILOUS Unleash Battle‑Driven Lyric Video “Chieftain” From New Concept Album “Becoming The Dragon” ft. guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra), Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)

  • June 1, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Siege Perilous

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 1, 2026

Colorado Power‑Metal Force SIEGE PERILOUS Unleash Battle‑Driven Lyric Video “Chieftain”

New Album “Becoming The Dragon” Out Now!

Album Guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)

Colorado power‑metal storytellers Siege Perilous have released the brand‑new lyric video for “Chieftain”, one of the most ferocious and battle‑driven tracks from their 2026 full‑length concept album “Becoming the Dragon.”
​
​“Chieftain” marks one of the album’s most explosive narrative chapters, chronicling the protagonist’s rise to power on the Infinite Steppe. As described in the album’s storyline, “Having survived the Crystalline dunes, our hero finds his way to the Infinite Steppe… There he follows a mighty Chieftain to victory. When the Chieftain perishes, our hero seizes control and cuts a bloody swath through his enemies.”
​
Driven by a fast, pounding rhythm, complex arrangement, and a chant‑ready chorus, “Chieftain” captures the raw adrenaline of conquest and the intoxicating pull of power that will have the fans’ blood pumping.
​
​“Chieftain” is part of the sweeping ten‑track narrative that forms “Becoming the Dragon,” the band’s most ambitious project to date. The album follows the Child of Prophecy through destiny, denial, tragedy, and transformation, culminating in the hero’s ascension into the dragon itself.
​
The band describes the album as “a cinematic journey following the Child of Prophecy as he follows his path, then denies his destiny, and then slowly comes to realize that only by embracing it can he truly overcome it.”​
​
The record features guest appearances from two giants of the symphonic and power‑metal world: Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance). Their contributions elevate the album’s emotional and narrative scope, fulfilling a long‑held dream for the band.

“Getting to sing alongside one of the voices that got me into metal as a teenager is an indescribable blessing… This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams,” adds vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel.

Watch the lyric video for “Chieftain” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3m4tDcXq4o

​

Siege Perilous was forged from the camaraderie of live‑action roleplay and a shared love of cooperative storytelling. Their music blends epic riffs, soaring vocals, and cinematic arrangements into immersive narratives inspired by myth, legend, and tabletop adventures. Every track is a chapter; every performance, an adventure.

Recommended for fans of Manowar, Iron Maiden, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, and Avantasia, “Becoming the Dragon” (released March 27th) is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:

CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl in Draconic Red) – https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon​

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/2ij7lZIEXDFMn4I65Slc87

​

Track Listing:​
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54

More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal​

-30-

Siege Perilous Unleashes a Dragon-Slaying Debut – Westword Denver
​
“Denver, CO power-metal storytellers Siege Perilous launch their full-length Becoming the Dragon, which stands as a genre-defining concept album for the modern era.” – New Noise Magazine
​
“The debut album from this Colorado band is another fine example of just taking what makes power metal and epic heavy metal work and putting your own spin to it all.. with the excellent production and two awesome guest spots from Fabio Leone and Kristen Starky to give this just a little more cred and you having an album that is for anyone who enjoys the likes of Blind Guardian, Rapsidity, Krilloan, and Evermore. Excellent. Excellent music.” – Heavy Debriefings
​
“Becoming the Dragon is an excellent album in its own right, and it shows an up-and-coming band making great strides towards becoming a force to be reckoned with. Siege Perilous already had me interested with their previous EP, but this album shows them maturing in their delivery, as well as fleshing out their songwriting and showing signs of the kind of epic, fantasy-themed storytelling they’re capable of. Musically, it’s a very solid album, mostly staying in epic heavy metal territory, with brief flashes of power metal, and while vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel is a tad unpolished at times, he makes up for it with power, energy and charisma in full supply. It’s obvious this is only the beginning for the band, and they have plenty of untapped potential, but it’s still a strong debut in its own right, and one I can easily recommend for fans of epic heavy metal and fantasy-themed power metal.” – My Global Mind Magazine
​
“With „Becoming The Dragon“ Siege Perilous follow in the big footsteps of bands like Avantasia, Iron Maiden and Blind Guardian. And the musicians do this extremely well. Great epic, sometimes bombastic sound, strong vocal direction and very good musicians make this debut extremely worth listening to.” – Keep On Rocking Mag
​
“This is epic Power Metal again, with driving drums and fast guitar solos.” – Metalheads Forever Mag
​
“The debut album from the epic, Colorado-based power metallers is a true journey from start to finish. From soaring melodies to insane harmonised guitars to the solid drumming and powerful vocals, it’s 44-minutes of grandiose heavy metal through and through! ‘As the Dragon Falls’ (feat. the awesome Fabio Lione) is a huge high point of the album, as is ’Chieftain’ and the epic closing track. It reminds me a lot of Fellowship or even Dragonforce, that epic huge power metal built more for its huge moments and soundscapes. The band are insanely good songwriters, and for this to be a debut album makes it feel like we have some truly special things to come in the next few years! They’re ones to watch, for sure! However, for now, this is an excellent release for anyone into the genre even a little bit!” – Overtone Magazine
​
“For a debut, ‘Becoming The Dragon’ is a bold and confident statement… undeniably compelling, and a promising sign of greater things to come.” – Metal Rager 666

“Siege Perilous puts all the notes in the right places and has the chops to be a player in the epic power metal arena… and Becoming the Dragon offers a glimpse of this band’s potential.” – The Metal Crypt
​
“orchestral power metal with a fine story” – FFM-Rock
​

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Brazilian Metal Titans EMINENCE Returns w/ Crushing New Single “Silent March” ft. SEPULTURA’s ANDREAS KISSER

  • June 1, 2026
  • by Asher
  • · Eminence · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 1, 2026

Brazilian Metal Titans EMINENCE Returns w/ Crushing New Single “Silent March” ft. SEPULTURA’s ANDREAS KISSER

Brazilian metal veterans Eminence return with “Silent March,” the crushing new single and music video that introduce the band’s heaviest and most uncompromising era to date. The track serves as the title song for their upcoming EP, arriving later this year, and features a special guest performance from Andreas Kisser of Sepultura, whose unmistakable guitar work elevates the band’s already explosive sound.

Recorded at Denmark’s legendary AntFarm Studios with world‑renowned producer Tue Madsen, “Silent March” marks a defining moment in Eminence’s nearly three‑decade career, a fusion of Brazilian metal identity, modern heaviness, and global production excellence.

The creation of the new EP began in late 2024, sparked by bassist Davidson Mainart, whose early riffs for “Silent March” allowed the band to complete the track in just two weeks. By early 2025, Eminence entered pre‑production at Audio One Studios in Belo Horizonte, collaborating remotely with Madsen in Denmark to shape the EP’s sonic direction.

Guitarist and founding member Alan Wallace describes the release as the band’s most intense work yet:

“I feel like we’ve captured the essence of Eminence while bringing in a heavier, more modern vibe. The guitars are especially intense on this one. The theme of the EP itself exposes structures, questions symbols, and confronts the idea that faith, power, and truth walk hand in hand. Here, there are no kings. There are no gods. Only the constant sound of humanity marching, in silence, through its own ruin.”

Lyrically and thematically, the single and title track “Silent March” is a brutal portrait of corrupted faith, blind obedience, and violence transformed into a system. The song depicts a voiceless procession marching under power structures built on lies, gold, and suffering, a world where martyrdom becomes industrial, and pain is mass‑produced.

Musically, it blends industrial metal, thrash, metalcore, and death metal, delivering a modern, groove‑driven assault shaped by Wallace’s songwriting and the band’s collaborative approach.

The single includes a standout guest appearance from Andreas Kisser, whose contribution adds a layer of legacy and intensity to the track. His involvement reflects Eminence’s long‑standing connection to the Brazilian metal lineage and its ongoing role in shaping its future.

The “Silent March” music video expands the EP’s themes through stark, symbolic imagery, a world where identity dissolves, faith becomes a weapon, and humanity marches toward its own collapse. The visuals mirror the EP’s narrative arc: the system collapses into mutation, a cycle with no clear beginning or end.

The single’s artwork, created by Brazilian designer Rafael Moco, continues the band’s tradition of powerful visual storytelling. Known for his work on Dark Echoes, Moco delivers another striking concept that reflects the EP’s themes of corruption, dehumanization, and transformation.

Recommended for fans of Machine Head, Slipknot, Gojira, Sepultura, and Architects, watch and listen to the music video for “Silent March” featuring Sepultura’s Andreas Kisser at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy_uNvGff3o

​Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/6WHCXUjFFbAhaiNwzJlfMO

​

More info:

​https://www.eminence.com.br/​

​https://www.instagram.com/eminenceband​

​https://www.facebook.com/eminenceband​

​https://www.tiktok.com/@eminenceband​

About: Formed in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Eminence has spent nearly 30 years forging a sound that blends extreme heaviness, technical nuance, and modern aggression while honoring the legacy of the Brazilian metal scene. Led by guitarist Alan Wallace, the band has completed over 30 international tours, performing across Europe, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas.
​
Their resume includes appearances at Rock in Rio, Woodstock Festival (Poland), SXSW, CMJ, Summer Breeze Brazil, Knotfest Brazil, Rock Al Parque, and a historic invitation to join Sepultura’s farewell tour.
​
Eminence has shared stages with Motörhead, Sepultura, Amon Amarth, Mercyful Fate, Immolation, Krisiun, Nervosa, and many more.

Lineup:​
Alan Wallace — Guitars & Synths
Bruno Paraguay — Vocals
Davidson Mainart — Bass
Thiago Caeiro — Drums

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​

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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