Posts By Asher

0 LITTLE KING Updates July West Coast Tour Dates in Support of New Album “Lente Viviente”

June 2, 2026
by Asher
· Little King · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 2, 2026

LITTLE KING Updates July West Coast Tour Dates in Support of New Album “Lente Viviente”

L-R – Tony Bojorquez (Drums), David Hamilton (Bass, Cello), Ryan Rosoff (Guitar, Vocals)

Arizona’s Little King, the dynamic, melodic, progressive, heavy‑rock trio helmed by songwriter‑guitarist Ryan Rosoff, will hit the road this July for a string of West Coast U.S. dates in support of their latest album, “Lente Viviente,” released in September 2025. This run marks the band’s second major tour cycle since completing the record, following their early‑year shows across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and even a surprise pop‑up performance in Mexico. (Their full tour diary is available at https://littlekingtunes.com/2026/03/little-king-march-2026-tour-diary-power-shortages-ibuprofen-and-gratitude/.)

In addition to the tour, Little King will reveal a brand‑new single later this summer titled “Opus Perficit,” the first new music to follow “Lente Viviente” and a preview of the band’s next creative chapter.

Rosoff calls Lente Viviente “BY FAR our biggest release,” and the upcoming dates promise to bring that momentum to the West Coast.

“Lente Viviente” represents a major creative leap for the long-running project. With new members Tony Bojorquez (drums) and Dave Hamilton (bass), plus a fresh studio environment, Little King crafted what Rosoff describes as their most accomplished work to date, musically, lyrically, and emotionally.

The album’s title, Spanish for “Living Lens”, is a nod to Rosoff’s video memoir company, LivingLens Memoirs, and sets the thematic tone. Across its tightly constructed “micro-epics,” the record explores memory, identity, perception, and the shifting filters through which we understand ourselves and others.

Fans can expect a listening experience Rosoff likens to “a short, mind-blowing journey…like Musical DMT.”

The album’s lyrics move across a wide emotional and social landscape, touching on themes of childhood and enduring friendship (“Catch and Release,” “Dawn Villa”), immigration and identity (“Who’s Illegal?”), aging and addiction (“Pass Through Filters”), and the balance between strength and vulnerability (“Kindness for Weakness”).

Musically, the record blends progressive rock, hard rock, and melodic hooks with the band’s trademark precision and dynamic push-and-pull. Each track is densely arranged yet concise, with most songs clocking in under four minutes.

Little King’s live reputation is built on meticulous preparation, tight musicianship, and explosive energy. Ryan, Tony, and Dave bring decades of combined experience to the stage, delivering performances that are both technically sharp and emotionally charged.

Fans can expect high‑level musicianship, dynamic setlists, and a live show that’s both polished and unpredictable, what Rosoff describes as “meticulous, rehearsed, and RAGING with push and pull energy…PROS with experience.”

The band will perform across key West Coast cities, bringing “Lente Viviente” to life on stage for the first time.

Little King – West Coast USA Tour 2026
July 10 – Ruidoso, NM – Downshift Brewery Riverside
July 12 – Tucson, AZ – Brick Box Brewery w/ The Crown Syndicate and Zold
July 14 – Tempe, AZ – Yucca Tap Room
July 15 – Anaheim, CA – The World Famous Doll Hut
July 17 – San Diego, CA – Tower Bar w/ Stretcher
July 18 – West Hollywood, CA – The Viper Room
July 19 – Pacifica, CA – Winters Tavern w/ The Wandering Jews and Melting Elephants
July 23 – Bisbee, AZ – Gene’s Place
July 25 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace

With influences ranging from Rush, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, Muse, Led Zeppelin, and Night Verses, Little King’s music resonates with fans of both classic and modern rock. Their new album “Lente Viviente” (released Sept 26th, 2025) is available on digital platforms.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/3a3zhTxNkC6u9xaD5gytJe

Music Video – Who’s Illegal? – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTh1THFdij4

Lyric Video – Dawn Villa – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksxlb2ekYIM

Lyric Video – Catch and Release – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgt9U547jbw

Studio Video – Keyboard Soldier – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhDSUpl6PW8

Track Listing:
1. Catch and Release – 3:22
2. Dawn Villa – 3:42
3. Who’s Illegal? – 3:56
4. Kindness for Weakness – 3:21
5. Sweet Jessie James – 2:42
6. Pass Through Filters – 4:50
7. The Living Lens – 3:37
Album Length: 25:34

For more info: https://littlekingtunes.com/

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“Overall, this band showcased a sophisticated sense of melodies that were not overly complicated, but easy to assimilate as well. Not being familiar with them, I am surprised to learn of their longevity, and you wouldn’t know this was their eight album, because the drive and fire in them is very much alive in their music. 8/10” – Metal Temple

“Little King maintain high intensity from start to finish, achieving a rare balance between complexity and immediacy. Each track has its own identity and emotional range, and the musicianship and production are consistently top-tier. According to Rocky, Lente Viviente is essential listening for prog and heavy-rock fans who miss the spirit of Saga, Rush, and King’s X.” – Metalized

“Seven songs, clocking in at just over twenty-five minutes Little King pack a powerful and melodic cocktail of prog, rock and alternative. If Rush jammed with REM and King’s X it would sound a little like this. Impressive.” – Get Ready To Rock!

“Little King hasn’t just released an album; they’ve crafted an immersive, emotional journey that rewards every listen.” – Jace Media Music

“Long-running Progressive Rock outfit Little King is unveiling “Dawn Villa,” the second single from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Lente Viviente! A sonic time capsule wrapped in staccato riffs and melodic crescendos, “Dawn Villa” is a heartfelt tribute to frontman Ryan Rosoff’s formative years in Mercer Island, Washington. The track comes from their eighth album Lente Viviente, which is available for pre-order/digital pre-save now at the links below, and releases September 26th, 2025. If you grew up obsessed with the classic seventies prog rock greats like Rush, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd, with a modern flare for drama such as Muse or Neal Morse, Little King deserves your attention! ” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“The album reflects a stylistic maturity that has strengthened over time and a layering of ideas that have, on this occasion, found a stable place. The project’s artistic perspective rests on very solid technical foundations and a strong will to celebrate the traditional principles of classic rock, while also flirting with progressive elements and ultimately making the most of a decidedly pronounced melodic inclination. An absolutely original point of view that has given rise to an elegant and refined sound, capable of effectively combining electric jolts and delicate harmonies in the spirit of a truly contagious passion.” – Rock Hard Italy

“Over nearly three decades, Little King has evolved from the El Paso roots of “Transmountain” to the intricate, personal soundscapes of “Lente Viviente,” blending complex arrangements, strong melodies, and lyrical depth.” – Progressive Rock Journal

“Lente Viviente is as striking as it is arousing and easy to suggest a must for all rock appetites. LITTLE KING seem to know how to feed every instinct and want with their eclectic enterprise and at the same time spring something strikingly new, the proof all there in Lente Viviente.” – The Ringmaster Review

“Tucson progressive rockers’ Little King are gearing up for the release of their 8th studio album, ‘Lente Viviente’ on Sept. 26th and have also just dropped their first single from the album, ‘Catch and Release’. This band truly pushes boundaries and yet makes modern prog rock very accessible. That is a difficult feat and a challenge many bands can’t overcome. But these fellas make it sound very simple, even though the music is quite complex. Similar to YES in that every instrument, including the vocals, all seem to be doing their own thing…but somehow it all works beautifully, and that is what good prog is about. Listen up for Little King on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“”Lente Viviente” is a great release, very short of course, but still atmospheric and moving. Overriding the higher-faster-further mentality in such a playful way deserves respect, and the men deserve it again with their eighth appearance overall.8/10″ – PowerMetal.de

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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
· 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

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“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)

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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.

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“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

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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

“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

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Band: The Mourning
Single Title: If I Die I Die – 3:51
Release Date: June 2, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: TuneCore
Genre: Progressive Metal

Single 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 BMI

Single 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

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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

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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

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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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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0 EPK – DieveNoire – The Story of a Gunslinger (2025)

May 31, 2026
by Asher
· Dieve Noire · EPKs

EPK – DieveNoire – The Story of a Gunslinger (2025)

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

“As a newly formed idea which started in Lariyah’s head without an exact direction, but a large collection of content to create this album into a concept of a gunslinger’s journey, in a very basic old school blues rock way, with a touch of southern gothic feel to it. After encountering Jakob Herrmann, a very well-known and accomplished producer from Gothenburg, Sweden, the demos have been reworked and encouraged to incorporate heavier sounds. Quite proper of a move for the involved musicians’ preferences”. – Dieve Noire

For fans of Clutch, Dorothy, Everybody Loves an Outlaw, Pretty Reckless, Halestorm

DieveNoire.com | Facebook.com/dievenoire | Youtube.com/@DieveNoire/videos | Instagram.com/dievenoire

Dievenoire.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“The nostalgic whistles, the storytelling approach of singer Lariyah Perrin, and the overall atmosphere of the song take the listener on a hypnotic journey. The song is the band’s third track before they drop their new album, which already seems like it will be a feast for the ears. Pushing the repeat button is the only way when the highly engaging, beautiful song ends.” – New Noise Magazine

“It may be true that Lariyah’s personal and dramatic story pushed her to see life from a somewhat different perspective. Her dark words, at times, attest to this. Through the darkness of West American history, is this some kind of introspection on her part? I will conclude by writing that this album is the result of a fusion of dark blues rock and Southern-gothic rock, carried by an expressive voice, powerful guitars, and a universe where the Wild West meets shadow and rebellion. For this album, 9/10 is essential.” – Rock Meeting

If DieveNoire should be recognised as anything, it should be as an unreckonable cultural force, wielding music as a conduit for their ethos, one that scratches beneath the superficial and strikes at the cerebral. Their latest seminal single, IDGAF, delivers an intimately candid rum-soaked vignette of a soul clawing for freedom through the rebellion of living authentically, sacrilegiously in the eyes of many, yet chasing redemption through defiant selfhood.” – A&R Factory (anrfactory.com)

“Hailing from Elgin, IL DieveNoire is a Dark Blues Rock Band that started from the vision and creation of Lariyah Perrin. Originally, this new endeavor was intended as a solo project. However, after the overwhelmingly positive reception of her debut single, “Gunslinger in Black,” Lariyah decided to form a full five-member, stage-ready band. Since a young age, Lariyah was exposed to none other than Johnny Cash, a key influence. Combining her Slavic roots, which are evident in her vocal style and songwriting with a newfound passion for blues and southern gothic rock, Lariyah began work on the band’s debut album, “The Story of a Gunslinger.”” WGN Channel 9 (Chicago)

Album Title: ‘The Story of a Gunslinger”
Release Date: Sept 5, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Bluesy Heavy Rock
Location of Band: Illinois/North Carolina

Track Listing:
1. Preacher – 3:36
2. To The Gallows – 3:43
3. Gunslinger in Black – 2:44
4. Streets of New Orleans – 5:04
5. The Graveyard Song – 4:04
6. Morning Star – 4:00
7. These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ – 3:48
8. Spell of White Oleander – 4:55
9. Throughout the Night – 3:28
10. IDGAF – 4:24
Album Length: 39:50

Album Band Line Up:
Lariyah Perrin – Vocals
Lothar Keller – Lead guitars
Josh Perrin – Rhythm guitars
Aaron Esquitin – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Lariyah Perrin – Vocals
Lothar Keller – Lead Guitars
Josh Perrin – Rhythm Guitars
Aaron Esquitin – Drums
Paul McBride – Bass (joined the band fully after the album release)

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About the Album Artwork:

The album artwork was hand drawn ink ink pencil by the vocalist, Lariyah. The idea was to bring out the tree representing the roots of the beginnings and dead branches, which signify growth with the dead soul, rotten by the world. The wings and snake in the middle are actually a drawing depiction of Lariyah’s motorcycle’s sissy bar, which is made out of steel by a Finnish forge master, as shown in the music video of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ “, a cover of Nancy Sinatra.

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STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1. Lariyah at the beginning wanted the band to be just a one-person project with a synth, drums, clap, and stomp with vocals, and keep it more “tribal Slavic” kind of route. Still, after releasing the “Gunslinger in Black,” she felt the void of the rock and metal world she had been in since her teenage years. She made a decision that this must turn into a full band project. She had an initial idea to play rhythm guitar after finding a bass player, knowing that with her basic knowledge of guitars, she could make it work. Shortly after, she found a perfectly fitting musician to play the instruments with a whole different spectrum of skill, she stepped out from the double duty to give room for the seasoned musicians and focused on vocals only.

2. Josh Perrin, rhythm guitarist of DieveNoire, is known for playing bass in Akhlys and is soon to be releasing his personal project of 10 years + in works. Lariyah, who is also his wife, did not want Josh to be a part of the band first, wanting him to fully focus on his first love – black metal. Josh, also having a background in old school, outlaw country, really liked the idea of DieveNoire and wanted to be a part of playing it live with her, without involvement in writing music – purely from, as he claims, being a dirtbag rock’n’roll soul inside. In the future, there is a potential that he might step down and focus on his prioritized music. 

3. Lothar Keller, on lead guitar, has been playing music since a child, as his father taught him to play multiple instruments. He is known from bands like Legions of Doom/The Skull, and Sacred Dawn. Lariyah and Lothar became the core members of the band.

4. Lariyah and Josh met Jakob Herrmann during their Halloween trip to New Orleans. Little did they know that he was also on his vacation time, flying from Sweden. Little did they know that Jakob is one of the most respected producers in the metal scene whose work includes albums of In Flames, Machine Head, Devin Townsend, Evergrey, and many more. He also offered to bring DieveNoire’s sound to where it should be and took on the production of “The Story of a Gunslinger”.

5. DieveNoire has no direct influence. Lariyah coming up with the idea of it was mostly listening to black metal and English heavy metal, but in the background, Johnny Cash was always a good escape. The KEY MOMENT when she decided to make her ‘years worth of ideas’ into DieveNoire was when she went to Finland for an extreme metal festival and experienced the same musicians (and friends) who just played on stage to put their shorts, flip-flops, and straw hats on, bring acoustic guitars and shakers, and start playing old-school rock and some country songs in the middle of the night, engaging whoever was listening to them, in this case – metal fans who stayed at the same hotel. The moment was so simple and casual to them, yet so impactful to Lariyah.

6. Ever since Paul McBride, also known from many projects, including the Reticent, has changed the entire feel of the band, which will show in the new releases coming after “The Story of a Gunslinger” album songs.

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

L-R – Aaron Esquitin – Drums, Lothar Keller – Lead Guitar, Lariyah Perrin – Vocals, Paul McBride – Bass, Josh Perrin – Rhythm Guitar,

Photo by Darrelle Esquitin

DieveNoire is a melodic, blues‑driven heavy rock band led by vocalist and visionary Lariyah Perrin, whose storytelling approach and emotional intensity shape the core of the project. What began as a solitary creative idea, simple beats, haunting vocal lines, and tribal‑tinged blues, quickly evolved into a full‑fledged band with a powerful, dynamic sound.

With the addition of seasoned musicians Josh (Akhlys, Havron), Lothar (The Skull / Legions of Doom), and Paul (The Reticent), DieveNoire transformed from a personal concept into a collaborative force. Their combined backgrounds in black metal, doom, progressive metal, and heavy rock brought unexpected depth and weight to the music, accelerating the band’s evolution.

Their debut album, The Story of a Gunslinger, is a concept‑driven journey born from a vivid dream Lariyah experienced, a cinematic tale set in the old wild west, following a wanted gunslinger whose skill keeps him one step ahead of death. Each track continues the narrative, blending emotion, grit, and a touch of southern‑gothic atmosphere. Other songs on the album step outside the concept, capturing raw moments of personal emotion.

While the album leans into a softer, blues‑rock foundation to highlight Lariyah’s dynamic vocal range, the band’s upcoming singles mark a dramatic shift, heavier, bolder, and more aggressive, reflecting the band’s rapid growth and sharpened identity.

DieveNoire’s writing process is deeply collaborative: Lariyah shapes the vision, lyrics, and melodic direction, while the band builds the musical architecture around it. Songs often undergo multiple transformations before reaching their final form, resulting in a sound that is engaging, emotional, and richly layered.

Onstage, DieveNoire delivers a theatrical, high‑energy performance that amplifies the grit and emotion of their recordings. Vocals take on a harsher, more powerful edge, and the band’s dynamic presence turns each show into a full‑body experience rather than just a listening session.

The album artwork, hand‑drawn by Lariyah, symbolizes the band’s roots and evolution: a tree with living roots and dead branches, wings and a serpent inspired by the custom steelwork on her motorcycle, and imagery that ties directly into the band’s visual world.

After working with renowned Gothenburg producer Jakob Herrmann (Draconian, Thyrfing, Art Nation), the band refined their sound further, embracing heavier textures while preserving the blues‑rock soul at the heart of the project.

DieveNoire stands at the crossroads of storytelling, emotion, and heavy rock, a band unafraid to evolve, experiment, and carve its own path.

Album Band Line Up:
Lariyah Perrin – Vocals
Lothar Keller – Lead guitars
Josh Perrin – Rhythm guitars
Aaron Esquitin – Drums

Discography:
2025 – “The Story of a Gunslinger”

Tours and Fests:
7/16 CHICAGO, IL – LIVE WIRE LOUNGE
7/17 MILWAUKEE, WI – SHANK HALL
7/18 CADOTT, WI – ROCK FEST

Artist Endorsements:
Josh Perrin – Mesa Boogie, Solar Guitars
Lothar Keller – Ernie Ball strings, Pighog cables
Paul McBride – GHS Strings, Arachnid Cabinets, Tsunami Cables

0 EPK – Famous Strangers – Self-Titled (2026)

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Famous Strangers

EPK – Famous Strangers – Self-Titled (2026)

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

For fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, Bad Omens

“We feel like this debut album will take fans on a journey, feeling many different emotions. Some may not understand what we are trying to do, but by the end hoping that they are surprised, refreshed, and feeling inspired. We hope the lyrics dig deep into parts of them they didn’t know existed or hid away. Opening up their heart and soul, feeling unstoppable and worthy. Whatever they may be doing while listening, we hope this album captivates them, moving deeper into themselves through our music. Feeling the emotional pull through each track. Moments of inspiration and grit to complete surrender of self. With a touch of silliness and definitely some seduction.” – Amanda Kiernan – Vocals – Famous Strangers

Famousstrangersband.com | Facebook.com/FamousStrangersBand | Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband | Youtube.com/@Famousstrangersband

Spotify | Apple Music | Famousstrangers.bigcartel.com

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/famousstrangers/ghosts-of-men

“Canada’s Famous Strangers return with an incredible new single, a fierce one titled ‘Ghosts of Men’. Right out of the gate, the riffs are lethal and the vocals are up to the task with a mean disposition that fit perfectly. Famous Strangers is a seriously talented band and ‘Ghosts of Men’ is a shining example of their creativity at work with an extended jaw dropping 6-string solo, a wonderful slow down to catch our breath only to come out on the other side finding ourselves in a choke hold of epic proportions. This is modern metal done right, catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“Haunting, Stirring and Impactful…those words just keep going through our mind as we take in the new single “I’ll See You In The Stars” from Famous Strangers. This one is quite unique with a powerful intensity that is full of rhythm and achieves the rare feat of fury as a pure form of beauty. We really dig this one and you can catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (Single – I See You In The Stars – 2025)

““George” by Famous Strangers is not just a song—it’s a full-throttle, unapologetic metal anthem that grips you from the very first crushing drumbeat and refuses to let go. Heavy. Relentless. Unstoppable. This track is a ferocious sonic onslaught, packed with blistering guitar riffs, bone-rattling drums, and a vocal performance that will leave you breathless.” – Switching Styles (Single – George – 2025)

Band: Famous Strangers
Album Title: Self-Titled
Release Date: August 21, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Genre: Hard Rock
Location of Band: Edmonton, AB, Canada

Track Listing:
1. Fire Inside – 4:06
2. Ghosts of Men – 4:54
3. Please Her – 4:34
4. As Your Leader – 3:49
5. Desires – 3:50
6. Far Away from Home – 4:18
7. Rain – 9:23
Album Length: 34:57

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Famous Strangers
• All songs written by: Famous Strangers
• Produced by: Jeff Kittlitz, Phil Anderson, and Famous Strangers
• Mixed by: Joel Wanasek
• Mastered by: Maor Applebaum
• Single Artwork by: Art Szabo Creative
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content – MAPL

Album Band Line Up:
Jeff Kittlitz – Guitar, BackUp Vocals
Amanda Keirnan – Vocals, Lyrics
Braden Sustrik – Bass, Back Up Vocals
Brian “Beej” Jolly – Drums, Back Up Vocals

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

About the Album Artwork:

We are blessed to have our graphic designer, Art Szabo, working with us. He does a lot more than just our artwork, so we are lucky to have him. For the single “Ghosts of Men,” he put his take on a woman bending down into her reflection, or even a mirrored effect. It looks ominous and ghostly. Even though our video is a very different, separate take on the song, the artwork goes deeper into the lyrical side of things. The isolation. The struggles you feel alone… being “ghosted” when really you yourself almost feel like the ghost! Alone in wonderment and torture of the mind.

The album artwork for the vinyl is a recreation of our very first promo video, which we put out. Made in an incredibly artistic way. It’s the shot in the video where Braden has his hood on, and he has smoke coming out of his mouth. It’s all black and white, which has been our color scheme. It honestly doesn’t mean anything… I just had the idea and thought it would look cool. Now that everything is said and done, you could definitely put your thoughts on it on what it could represent, and every idea is the correct one. That’s the beauty of art.

About the album:

The album centers around the theme of “knowing your worth.” Much of the songwriting draws from personal experiences, delivering messages about self-love, growth, and moving forward. At its core, it’s a reminder that no matter what you face, you’ll be okay and come out stronger on the other side.

While a couple of tracks explore completely different ideas, like aliens, the overall journey is about where you’ve been and who you can become once you break free from what holds you back, and to get out of your own way.

Musically, it is a diverse journey into heavy grungy riffs, explosive moments, fast pace, and energetic. Leading you into epic breakdowns that bring you into softer atmospheric moments. It’s a taste of everything and takes you all over the place. Pushing boundaries and rules of genres. Definitely thinking outside the box.

Track-by-Track Descriptions

1. Fire Inside

Fire Inside began as a simple progressive metal riff but evolved right up to the studio, where the chorus and ending were finalized. After extensive preproduction, the song truly came together. Lyrically, it’s about grounding the listener in the moment and embracing mistakes to honor the journey that shaped you, while holding onto the peace within.

2. Ghosts of Men

Ghosts of Men began as one of the earliest songs written with the band and was later completely rewritten. Originally shelved, it resurfaced when we wanted a raw rock ripper and quickly morphed into its final form, coming together almost instantly and earning its place on the record. Lyrically, it’s a new and deeply personal track, drawn from real experiences and recurring patterns in my life. It’s raw, vulnerable, and unfiltered, but that’s the point.

3. Please Her

Please Her started as a single rock riff and evolved through preproduction as arrangements shifted, especially once Amanda’s vocals came into the mix. The song eventually came full circle, landing as a straightforward hard rock ‘n’ roll track. The title seems to give it all away… It’s playful and confident, about staying true to yourself, knowing your worth, and making sure your cup is overflowing, because every person deserves to feel that way.

4. As Your Leader

As Your Leader is one of the earliest songs written for the band and has been with us since the beginning, taking on new life as the lineup came together. While it carries a lot of anger and frustration, at its core, it’s about community, connection, and the belief that we’re stronger when we come together, all wanting the same things in the end: peace, health, and the freedom to live fully.

5. Desires

Desires was born from Jeff’s first Bloodstock Festival in the UK, a very rock ‘n’ roll, Motley Crue-style night that sparked both the riff and the story behind it. Written by Jeff Kittlitz, the song captures that instant connection you feel when you lock eyes with someone special.

What started as a wild night turned into something deeper, a love song with a bigger meaning. Bringing it to life has been a blessing, and after taking the time to find the right vocal approach, it finally feels like Amanda is delivering the song the way Jeff intended.

6. Far Away from Home

Far Away from Home was written early on while we were still finding our sound. It started with a punk riff that everyone ran with, keeping the song fun and energetic, a tribute to punk. The chorus evolved significantly from preproduction to recording. Lyrically, it’s about being abducted by aliens! It came from a playful place, and having full creative freedom helped the song come together in a way that felt natural and true.

7. Rain

Rain was written in a small town in England on a rainy day, born from a quiet moment on the couch with an acoustic guitar. What started as a simple blues idea came together back in Canada, becoming the first song that truly pulled Amanda in; her lyrics completed it in a way that felt almost magical. Lyrically, the song digs deep into fear, pain, and feeling trapped, and finding the strength to finally let go and choose yourself. It’s one of our softer tracks, showing another side of the band, and we’re excited to share it on the new record.

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

Fun Facts:

1. The name Famous Strangers came from Jeff driving through the city, listening to Deep Purple’s “Perfect Strangers” on the radio, and passing a restaurant called “Famous Donair.” The two words slammed together and never left.

2. Some of the guitar riffs on the album have been living on Jeff’s hard drive for over a decade. They finally found the right band and the right voice to bring them to life.

3. We record every single jam session. Some of the best moments on this record started as loose ideas over beers that nobody expected to become real songs.

4. Ghosts Of Men was written 3 days before entering the studio and was completed in the studio

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

L-R – Drums – Brian Jolly, Vocals – Amanda Kiernan, Bass – Braden Sustrik, Guitar – Jeff Kittlitz

Photo by Taryn Leanne

Famous Strangers is a heavy rock band from Sherwood Park, Alberta, rooted in the classics and built for today. Drawing from the fire of Dio, Maiden, Judas Priest, and W.A.S.P. and channeling the intensity of Halestorm, Jinjer, Spiritbox, and Unleash the Archers, the band blends raw power with emotional depth and a sound that refuses to sit still.

The lineup: Amanda Kiernan on lead vocals, Jeff Kittlitz on guitar and backing vocals, Braden Sustrik on bass and backing vocals, and Brian “Beej” Beejerson on drums and backing vocals, brings together over 20 years of collective experience across the Alberta music scene, with roots in bands like Pugnacious, Compromise, This Is War, and The Order of Chaos. What started as a casual jam session turned into something nobody expected… a full creative force with a hunger to share it with the world.

With four singles out, Deep Star, George, I’ll See You in the Stars, and LSC, all recorded in-house and mixed and mastered alongside Phil Anderson, Maor Appelbaum, and Joel Wanasek, the band has been steadily building momentum. Every single release has been accompanied by a music video, filmed and edited by Brad Thompson at Brad Thompson Photography, with George edited and post-produced by Art Szabo Creative. Their Deep Star music video is generating serious buzz, and their debut self-titled album with a vinyl release, lead single, and new music video will be released August 21, 2026

Famous Strangers doesn’t follow a formula. They follow the feeling. Every song lives in its own world… moody, haunting, heavy, honest. Whether they’re on stage or in the studio, it’s about connection, energy, and making music that means something.

Discography:
Self-Titled (LP – Release August 21, 2026)
L.S.C. (Single Release June 3, 2025)
I’ll See You In The Stars (Single Release March 7, 2025)
George (Single Release November 15, 2024)
Deepstar (Single Release (Sept 13, 2024)

Shared Stage with: Three Inches Of Blood, Riot City, Danko Jones, Into Eternity, Revocation, Havok, Born Of Osiris, The Browning, Gravemass, Glyph, Valley Of Despair, Shackled To The Throne, Unending, Per Velum, Squid Hammer, Insurrection, The Devils Sons, Western Death Ballads, Barb Wire Choker, Black Friday, Quietess, Cambie Krostch, Bogue Brigade, Creature Conspire, The Cutoffs, Ditch Pisser, The Myopia Condition, 2L Superpunk, Catapult, Godfall, Oceans Under Stars, Repulse Reprise, Darkend Skies, Amonalyptic, Femme Voyous, and more…..

Tours and Festivals:
2026 – Decimate Metal Fest (Direct Support)
2026 – Western Canadian Album Release Tour Aug of this year
2025 – Decimate Metal Fest
2025 – Armstrong Metal Fest
2025 – Loud As Hell Open Air,
2025 – Grassmass Western Canadian Tour,
2025 – Kittos (Shackled To The Throne) Alberta release tour

0 DOLL Release New Single “Snakes and Ladders,” The Final Chapter In Their “Animal Crackers” Trilogy

May 29, 2026
by Asher
· DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 29, 2026

DOLL Release New Single “Snakes and Ladders,” The Final Chapter In Their “Animal Crackers” Trilogy

Ottawa alternative rock band DOLL return with “Snakes and Ladders,” the newest single in their evolving Animal Crackers trilogy, following January’s standalone release “Bear Claw” and the fan‑favourite “Shark Bait” from their 2025 album “Better Days, Better Times.” The new track marks another bold step in the band’s creative resurgence, blending their classic grit with a darker, heavier edge.

After re‑emerging from a long hiatus with a renewed sense of purpose, DOLL (the wife and husband duo of Christina and Pete Kasper) has embraced a period of sonic exploration, pushing their sound into new territory while staying true to the raw emotion and honesty that defined their early work.

With “Snakes and Ladders,” DOLL lean into a D‑standard, grunge‑inspired throwback while weaving in the darker tones and textures that have shaped their recent evolution. Loaded with harmonics, punchy riffs, and Christina’s unmistakable vocal rasp, the single captures the band’s signature blend of tension, drive, and cathartic release.

“Our fans expect the unexpected at this point. ‘Snakes and Ladders’ feels like the perfect final piece, gritty, energetic, and a real reflection of where Doll is headed,” the band shares.

The track channels the feral energy, defining their latest era, pulling listeners into a space where the stakes feel real, and the emotion hits hard. It’s a full‑throttle return to old‑school DOLL, raw, gritty vocals, punchy guitars, and drums that push the song forward like a runaway car with no brakes. Carrying the emotional weight and honesty of “Better Days, Better Times,” the single confronts uncomfortable truths with a mix of vulnerability and defiance.

Lyrically, “Snakes and Ladders” stands as an anthem of resistance, calling out the “snakes in suits” who pretend to help but only serve themselves, urging listeners to stay grounded, ask questions, and refuse to play someone else’s game. Musically, it’s one of the band’s most exhilarating tracks to perform, packed with harmonics, quick in‑your‑face riffs, and a vocal delivery that dials up the grit and angst. It’s built for movement, release, and shaking off whatever’s weighing you down.

“As the song says, ‘I refuse to play your game.’ Always ask questions. Keep perspective. Don’t drink the Kool-Aid blindly.”

The single’s artwork came together through a moment of pure serendipity. While wandering through a thrift store, the band stumbled upon a vintage Snakes and Ladders board game, complete with classic packaging that felt uncannily perfect for the song’s theme.

“It was like the universe dropped it in front of us. Once we saw it, we knew this was the cover. It was meant to be,” the duo adds.

The artwork mirrors the song’s message, life’s unpredictable climbs and falls, and the importance of staying true to yourself no matter where the board leads.

Listen to “Snakes and Ladders” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/2jaDZUp5fZoRJDu7wXTEU7

All digital platforms – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/doll14/snakes-and-ladders

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband | https://www.instagram.com/dollbandmusic/

About: DOLL is a Canadian alternative rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. After releasing their debut album Inside the “Dollhouse” in 2009, with singles “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” earning rotation on MuchMusic and MusiquePlus, the band followed up with 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries, featuring the singles “FMO” and “Youth of Today, Hope for Tomorrow.”

Over the years, DOLL has shared stages with Three Days Grace, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Protest the Hero, Halestorm, SNFU, Die Mannequin, and many more. After a long hiatus, the band returned in 2025 with Better Days, Better Times, reigniting their momentum and setting the stage for the Animal Crackers trilogy.

-30-

What the press has said about DOLL:

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 20 Loud – #5 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

!earshot – August 2025 – Top 200 – #55 – DOLL – Canadian Campus Radio Charts (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“In one of the best comeback stories in music in 2025, Canadian Alt-Rock duo DOLL will release their first new collection of material since 2011’s The Ragdoll Diaries… In addition to five slamming originals, DOLL chips in an inspired take on the Deep Purple classic rock anthem – “Smoke On the Water!” “- Ghost Cult Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“DOLL has returned as potent and as impressive as they were before but with greater impact we suggest, Better Days, Better Times quite simply a must exploration for punk and feral rock hearts.” – The Ring Master Review (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“Christina Kasper’s changeable voice is impressive.” – Keep On Rocking (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

“‘Bleeding’ is a colourful mixture of Hard and Alternative Rock, paired with influences from Punk and Gothic, in a very melancholic sounding melody. The powerful voice of singer Christina Kasper dominates like a siren. ” – Metal Heads Forever Magazine (2025 – Better Days, Better Times)

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