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Posts By Asher

0 NEWS: Toronto Prog JUPITER HOLLOW Offer Free Download ‘Ascending’; Debut EP ‘Odyssey’ January 13th

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Hollow · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 26, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Tool, Rush, A Perfect Circle, Pink Floyd, Tesseract, The Contortionists, Karnivool & Rishloo

EPK | JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | Soundcloud | Youtube

Download = Press Photo | EP Cover

Toronto Prog JUPITER HOLLOW Offer Free Download ‘Ascending’; Debut EP ‘Odyssey’ January 13th

New Music Video ‘Hades Heart’

Show Dates:

January 14 – Toronto, ON – Smiling Buddha (CD Release Show) – info


L-R- Grant MacKenzie (guitar, bass, synth), Kenny Parry (vocals, drums, synth/keys). Photo by Sandra Beatty

Ambient progressive rock/metal duo JUPITER HOLLOW are offering fans a FREE download of their track ‘Ascending’ off their upcoming debut EP ‘Odyssey’ that will be distributed by Milagro Records and released on January 13, 2017.  The concept record will feature 5 tracks to introduce their ambient experimental progressive songwriting plus will act as a prelude to their planned full length ‘AHDOMN’. The Barrie, Ontario band started in the summer of 2015 and have already mastered the art of bringing their fans on an audio and visual experience. JUPITER HOLLOW’s sound is usually referred to as spacey, experimental and refreshing, reminding listeners of bands like Tool, Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle, Tesseract, The Contortionists and Rush.

To get your FREE download of “Ascending’, please visit the following link: http://www.grantmackenzie.ca/jupiterhollow 

JUPITER HOLLOW‘s singles from their forthcoming release can be heard at the following links with more videos to follow.

Music Video – Hades Heart – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6dxPi_Iis

Song Stream – Deep In Space – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RsIjdloFLA

Lyric Video Medley – Ascending / Hades Heart – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrfnhI6hI1s

1. Deep In Space
2. Ascending
3. Hades Heart
4. Over 50 Years
5. Odyssey

About the duo:

Grant, who plays guitar, bass and synth for the band started his music career 8 ½ years ago at the age of 12, sitting in his basement watching the movie Rock Prophecies. This movie was about legendary rock photographer Robert M. Knight, finding and transforming a young, unknown guitarist from a small town into a worldwide success. Inspired and motivated, Grant spent the next few years honing his guitar skills, writing music, and later learning the business side by attending college for business marketing. At age 20, Grant was invited into the Brotherhood of the Guitar, by founder Robert M. Knight, leading to endorsements with Ernie Ball Music Man and JH Audio.

While Grant was performing with another group at a local battle of the bands, he came across a mesmerizing singer by the name of Kenny Parry (vocalist, drummer and synth for Jupiter Hollow), who was almost performing as if he was possessed on stage, hitting notes that seemed impossible by any guy. Kenny Parry started music at the young age of 2 years old, setting up pots and pans like a drum set and banging away. This led to an obsession with music, and a discovery of his unique talent. In his teenage years, Kenny won himself the title “Best Drummer in Ontario” 3 years in a row. Around this time, Kenny started learning how to sing after being inspired by singers such as Maynard James Keenan, Mike Lessard, Dan Tompkins and Ian Kenny to name a few. Through years of strengthening his vocal abilities in choirs, bands and hours of dedication, Kenny has acquired an articulate vocal range, relentless endurance, and almost shocking performance through his uncontrollable stage presence.

Shortly after meeting, Grant and Kenny knew that their talents combined would create something truly unique, and Jupiter Hollow was born. Since then, the duo effortlessly created music in Kenny’s basement for months on end. The concept grew to be a two-man band, since Grant and Kenny wrote all of the music and wanted to keep it that way. The two musicians use technology to their advantage, allowing them to perform with a dominating stage presence, while captivating their audiences with their unique sonic journey.

For more info, please visit: www.JupiterHollow.ca.

– 30 –

“Jupiter Hollow warps the landscape of progressive rock for 2016. With youth on their side, Grant and Kenny venture into unknown musical realms and take the listener on the journey of a lifetime! Executed with precision, they prove rock is alive and has a place in our future, present and past. Perhaps it was always with us. Simply put Jupiter Hollow makes the world a better place.” – Pat Gillett, Down With Webster/Honors (Guitar/Vocals)

“Jupiter Hollow are starting curves in the rock space that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Dynamic, progressive compositions; with vocals that pull and soar; giving me satisfaction that is hard to come by in this space.” – Arthur Kalimidis, Landmark Showcase Festival (Founder)

“Grant MacKenzie and his band Jupiter Hollow are a hard playing impressive band that has emerged out of the Ontario music scene in the last year. I was very pleased when I could include Grant in my Ernie Ball Brotherhood of the Guitar program, and know they are now on the path to much wider discovery of their music. Grant is extremely driven and that is what it takes to make it these days!” – Robert M. Knight, Legendary Rock Photographer)

“Jupiter Hollow consists of only two guys; there’s a Grant, and there’s a Kenny. They put all of the music together themselves, and it’s pretty spectacular if you ask me!” – Noah Campbell, Rock 95.7FM (Radio Host)

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
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0 EPK – Heart Avail – S/T (2016)

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Heart Avail

Heart Avail – S/T (2016)

PR Rep: Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com

Management: Kim K Jones – Pride Mgmt – kimjpridemgmt(@)gmail.com

Release Date: December 9, 2016

Label: Self-Release – Distribution: Milagro Records

For fans of Evanescence, Within Temptation, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil

HeartAvail.net | Facebook | Twittter | Youtube | Instagram | Reverbnation

iTunes | Amazon | CD Baby | Spotify

Download = Press Photo | EP Cover | EP Lyrics

“This is a band that went in the studio with a game plan and delivered.” – Infrared Mag

“Aleisha Simpsons voice has the power & range of Sarah Brightman coupled with Irene Jansen.” – All About The Rock

“Heart Avail is an EP about the pain that comes from the loss of loved ones, which most listeners can probably relate to. It is not only therapeutic for the listeners that are dealing with similar experiences, it’s a great EP to listen to in general, and Heart Avail are definitely a group to look out for.” – Musicology

” I would recommend Heart Avail to anyone who just can’’t get enough of high quality, top-notch metal. I would describe them as a cross between Nightwish and (a heavier) Evanescence. ” – Femme Metal

“this band is one to look out for in the future.” – Raven Heart Music

“Containing five huge rock songs, Heart Avail have a real talent and it shows on this record… a great EP and if you like dramatic melodies combined with an incredible voice, the band’s self titled is well worth a listen. Highlights for me on this record are Broken Fairytale and No Remorse.” – Thinking Lyrically

“The songs are metal with a passionate vocalist. Expect inspiration from bands like Evanescence, 30 seconds to Mars and Bullet For My Valentine.” – Lords of Metal

Print
1. Broken Fairytale (5:49)
2. Vacillation (3:59)
3. Always (7:05)
4. No Remorse (6:16)
5. Pink Lace (5:40)
EP Length: 44:15
 
EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Heart Avail
• All songs written by: Aleisha Simpson and Greg Hanson
• Produced, Mixed and Mastered by: Greg Hanson
• Registered member on BMI and Tune Registry
• Album and Live Band Line Up: Aleisha Simpson, Greg Hanson, Mick Barnes, Seamus Gleason
 

Shared stage with: Otep, Chrysalis, False Hope Fades, All Hope Contained, Toy Called God, Helldorado, Invasive, Gemini Syndrome, Doll Skin, Dionvox, Fire From the Gods, Benign, Leona X, Taragets Down Range, Concrete Grip,

Tours and Festivals:
Rage-a-palooza – August 20,2016
Indie Entertainment Summit – August 10,2016
Landmark Showcase Event – July 9, 2016
Stateline Music Festival – June 16-18,2016 and June 19-21, 2015
Gretch Fest – April 30, 2016
Sundance Film Festival – January 23, 2016
Road to the Red Carpet Event/Project Independent/Nairma – September 4,2015
Acoustic Fest – July 24, 2015
Jingle Bell Rock Metal Fest – December 21, 2014
Knitting Factory Battle of the Bands – February 14, 2014

heart-avail-press

Heart Avail is a Spokane, WA based band writing emotional hard rock lending their strength to fans through their deep lyrics and catchy guitar riffs. In 2008, Greg Hanson (guitar) was writing symphonic metal while Aleisha Simpson (vocals) was honing her skills with her acoustic guitar and powerful voice. Their fated meeting occurred online and the pair worked together in perfect unison to create something haunting and new. The group is a culmination of all the best musicians from Aleisha’s past including Mick Barnes on bass and Seamus Gleason on drums.

During the writing process Greg composes guitar melodies for each song and then Aleisha listens for hours to hear the tale that each song has to tell her. Once she can hear the meaning, she can then transcribe it into lyrics and Mick and Seamus can write their parts to complete each track. The band’s influences like Evanescence, Nightwish, and Within Temptation are heard in each aspect of the music from the vocals to the drums.

Their self titled EP is inspired by the loss of loved ones and the release is essentially a therapy session with painful lyrics to relate to those with similar experiences. The EP is slated to be released on December 9, 2016 with distribution by Milagro Records..

Fun Fact: In 2016, Heart Avail performed live at the famed Sundance Film Festival in addition to NAIRMA’s Road to the Red Carpet event. 

Artist endorsements:

Sublime Vapor

13th Ink

Explore Apparel

Manfish Inc

Lampifier

Coldcock Whiskey

Strung

0 Chariots of The Gods – Ages Unsung (2016) – Canadian College Radio Loud Charts

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Chariots of The Gods

Chariots of the Gods - Ages Unsung (Album cover)

Chariots of The Gods – Ages Unsung – Release Date September 16, 2016

Highlight #152 – September 2016 – Top 200 (Earshot)

Highlight – #10 – The National Loud Chart – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 4, 2016 (Earshot)

Chart Appearances – November 29 2016
Station Chart Rank
CFOU Trois-Rivieres, QC Loud 7
Total This Week: 1
Chart Appearances – November 22 2016
Station Chart Rank
CFOU Trois-Rivieres, QC Loud 9
CKXU Lethbridge, AB Top 30 9
Total This Week: 2
Chart Appearances – November 8 2016
Station Chart Rank
CKXU Lethbridge, AB Top 30 5
Total This Week: 1
Chart Appearances – November 1 2016
Station Chart Rank
CJSF Burnaby, BC Top 30 28
CKXU Lethbridge, AB Top 30 20
Total This Week: 2
Chart Appearances – October 25 2016
Station Chart Rank
CKXU Lethbridge, AB Top 30 29
Total This Week: 1
Chart Appearances – October 18 2016
Station Chart Rank
CJLO Montreal, QC Loud 4
Total This Week: 1
Chart Appearances – October 11 2016
Station Chart Rank
CFMH Saint John, NB Top 30 19
CJLO Montreal, QC Loud 1
Total This Week: 2
Chart Appearances – October 4 2016
Station Chart Rank
!earshot Loud 10
CFMH Saint John, NB Top 30 10
CJLO Montreal, QC Top 30 3
CJLO Montreal, QC Loud 2
Total This Week: 4
Chart Appearances – September 27 2016
Station Chart Rank
CFMH Saint John, NB Top 30 8
CJLO Montreal, QC Top 30 8
CJLO Montreal, QC Loud 4
Total This Week: 3
Chart Appearances – September 20 2016
Station Chart Rank
CJLO Montreal, QC Loud 5
Total This Week: 1

0 Kingston Music Reviews – Chariots of The Gods – Ages Unsung

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Chariots of The Gods

http://kingstonmusicreviews.ca/albumreviews/chariots-of-the-gods-ages-unsung/

0 Blank TV – Red Cain – Hiraeth

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Red Cain

0 Metal Underground – Jupiter Hollow – Pit Stories: 1st Show Blues And More

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Hollow

http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=128651

0 NEWS: STRIKER Announce European Tour w/ SONATA ARCTICA, TRIOSPHERE and THUNDERSTONE

  • October 26, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Striker

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 26, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For Fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Enforcer, Skullfist, Steelwing

Striker-Metal.com | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

iTunes | Big Cartel | CD Baby

STRIKER Announce European Tour w/ SONATA ARCTICA, TRIOSPHERE and THUNDERSTONE

New Album ‘Stand In The Fire’ Out Now

 

Album Stream – Stand In The Fire – Listen here.
Music Video – Too Late – Watch here.
Lyric Video – Locked In – Watch here.

Never sated whizzkids STRIKER have taken the bait once again: By the beginning of next year, the crazy Canadians will join forces with Finnish power metal greats Sonata Arctica and return to Europe after their highly successful tour with Brainstorm and Primal Fear earlier this year.

True to their own motto “Full Speed Or No Speed”, their next album release is already planned for spring 2017 – Only one year after their critically acclaimed‘Stand In The Fire’. It’s quite obvious: 2017 will be a STRIKER year again!

Watch live video of STRIKER performing ‘Phoenix Lights’ in Toronto, ON – http://puregrainaudio.com/videos/striker-phoenix-lights-live-at-the-garrison

SONATA ARCTICA
The 9th Hour World Tour 2017Special Guests:
Triosphere (NOR) – 20.02.-20.03.
Thunderstone (FI) – 22.03.-09.04.
Striker (CAN) – whole tour

20.02.2017 DE – Nürnberg, Hirsch
21.02.2017 CZ – Zlin, Masters of Rock Café
22.02.2017 AT – Vienna, Szene
23.02.2017 DE – München, Backstage (Halle)
24.02.2017 IT – Modena, Vox Club
25.02.2017 IT – Rome, Orion
27.02.2017 CH – Zürich, Dynamo
28.02.2017 CH – Solothurn, Kulturfabrik Kofmehl
01.03.2017 CH – Lausanne, Les Docks
03.03.2017 FR – Marseille, Le Moulin
04.03.2017 ES – Barcelona, Bikini
05.03.2017 ES – Madrid, La Riviera
06.03.2017 ES – Sevilla, Custom
07.03.2017 PT – Lisbon, Lisboa ao Vivo
09.03.2017 ES – Pamplona, Totem
10.03.2017 FR – Bordeaux, Barbey Theatre
11.03.2017 FR – Toulouse, Le Metronum
12.03.2017 FR – Lyon, Le Ninkaso Kao
14.03.2017 FR – Besancon, La Rodia
15.03.2017 FR – Nancy, L’Austre Canal
16.03.2017 FR – Rennes, Antipode
17.03.2017 UK – Southampton, Engine Rooms
18.03.2017 UK – Bristol, Marble Factory
19.03.2017 UK – Cardiff, Tramshed
20.03.2017 UK – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
22.03.2017 UK – Manchester, Club Academy
23.03.2017 UK – Sheffield, Corporation Room 1
24.03.2017 UK – Glasgow, The Classic Grand
25.03.2017 UK – Belfast, Limelight 2
26.03.2017 IRE – Dublin, The Academy
28.03.2017 UK – Wolverhampton, Slade Rooms
29.03.2017 FR – Lille ,Le Splendid
30.03.2017 DE – Herford, X
31.03.2017 DE – Aschaffenburg, Colos-Saal
01.04.2017 NL – Eindhoven, Effenaar
02.04.2017 NL – Utrecht, Tivoli Pandora
04.04.2017 DE – Köln, Essigfabrik
05.04.2017 DE – Ludwigsburg, Rockfabrik
06.04.2017 DE – Leipzig, Hellraiser
07.04.2017 SE – Malmö, KB
08.04.2017 SE – Örebrö, Frimis Salonger
09.04.2017 SE – Gothenburg, Pustervik

About the album:

‘Stand In The Fire’ is STRIKER‘s most uncompromising record to date. A record packed with incredible riffs and colossal anthems, all laced together with epic harmonies. Inspired by legendary bands like Iron Maiden, Striker wears their hearts firmly on their battle jackets, soaking up the power and influence of classic rock and metal.

The band; Dan Clearly (vocals) Tim Brown (lead/rhythm guitars) William Wallace (bass) Adam Brown (drums) recorded the album themselves with the help of Randy Black (who filled in on drums while Adam was away…) and mixing genius Frederik Nordstrom (Bring Me The Horizon, In Flames, Opeth) giving them not only the time and space needed but the freedom to set up the release direct to fans worldwide.

‘Stand in The Fire’ available on limited edition orange vinyls at Striker-Metal.com plus digitally on iTunes, CD Baby.

To hear a full stream of the album, please visit the following link here.

Track Listing ‘Stand In The Fire’:

1. Phoenix Lights (3:38)
2. Out For Blood (3:51)
3. Too Late (4:52)
4. Stand In the Fire (3:39)
5. The Iron Never Lies (4:06)
6. Escape From Shred City (2:53)
7. Outlaw (4:35)
8. Locked In (3:45)
9. United (4:06)
10. Better Times (3:37)
11. One Life (4:17)
Album Length: 43:23

About Striker:

STRIKER formed in Edmonton, Canada in 2007 and they were signed to German label Iron Kodex off the strength of their first demo. They made two albums with the label and recorded 2nd album Armed To The Teeth with acclaimed producer Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Skid Row, Metallica). They played shows with Metallica in Canada and hit the road for what eventually became a full world tour with shows across Europe and Japan. They used their time in Europe to work with Frederik Nordstrom and were snapped up by Napalm Records in 2012 for the release of the acclaimed album City Of Gold.

For more info: www.Striker-Metal.com.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
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Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: Fatal Illness Management Signs California Hardcore Punks DEVASTATION

  • October 25, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Fatal Illness Management · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 25, 2016

Fatal Illness Management: Facebook

DVT Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Youtube

Fatal Illness Management Signs California Hardcore Punks DEVASTATION

FATAL ILLNESS MANAGEMENT is proud to announce their latest signing of California hardcore punks DEVASTATION best known as DVT. The band has unleashed several independent releases since being founded in 2009 in Murrieta, CA. Throughout the years Mauricio Olivares (Vocals), James Munroe (Lead Guitar), Joey Sia (Rhythm Guitar), Sabian Poggio (Bass) and Christian Sia (Drums) have developed a cross over hardcore sound that’s heavy, energetic, and aggressive. DVT‘s next album ‘Local Harassment’ is currently in works and is expected to be finished production by the end of this year.

“I am thrilled to be working with DVT.  These guys know how to tear up a stage and are ready to take their onslaught to a national level.” comments Eric Dow of Fatal Illness Management.

DVT comments on their signing:

“Signing with Eric Dow on Fatal Illness Management was the one great step we took to pushing ourselves far and beyond into our future accomplishments. We had only thought to ourselves, “Why haven’t we done this sooner?” but it seems that things happen the way they do for a reason. We’re elated in looking forward to the building of our partner/friendship with Eric.”

DVT‘s latest EP ‘Got No Limits’ is streaming at the following link: https://devastationdvt.bandcamp.com/album/got-no-limits-ep

Song Stream – Memento Mori – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLRkOWEqP50

Show Dates:
November 3 – The Dive Bar – Las Vegas, NV
November 4 – Jam Spot – Albuquerque, NM
November 5 – Lovesprout – El Paso, TX

November 6 – Yucca Tap Room – Tempe, AZ

 

For more info, please visit the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/DevastationDVT
https://www.facebook.com/fatalillnessmanagement

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
AsherMediaRelations.com
Join AMR Mailing List

0 PureGrainAudio – Striker – “Phoenix Lights” [Live at The Garrison]

  • October 25, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Striker

http://puregrainaudio.com/videos/striker-phoenix-lights-live-at-the-garrison

0 EPK – Solitude – Reach For The Sky (North American Release) (2016) (Test Your Metal Records)

  • October 25, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Solitude (Test Your Metal Records)

Solitude – Reach For The Sky (North American Release) (2016) (Test Your Metal Records)

Release Date: November 25, 2016

For fans of Accept, Bullet, Metallica, Motorhead, Saxon, Iron Maiden, Venom

Spiritual-beast.com/solitude_japan | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Amazon | CD Baby

Download = Press Photo  | Album Cover | Album Lyrics

 

“Heavily influenced by NWOBHM bands like Saxon, Venom or Tank, yet more melodic and full of hooks. Can be recommended to wider listeners.” – Burrn! Magazine

“Like the previous ones, the new album is full of love toward heavy metal, but more aggressive and speedy than before, and with various hooks that attract the listeners immediately. Definitely their best album to date.” – Young Guitar

 

Live Videos: 

SOLITUDE 2016.02.20 @ Shibuya CYCLONE, Tokyo – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OOj5Wf5Jqo

SOLITUDE ~One-man show, Tokyo~ (Digest) “REACH FOR THE SKY JAPAN TOUR” 2015  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLF2V1eJmBM

Live Videos At Tokyo Daikanyama Unit, Jan 30th, 2011. Japan Tour with Enforcer (Sweden)

You Wish –   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5QUnNZkJdU

Volcano of Anger – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiq5bI3Q86Y

Angel’s Son – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwfT23yxO8U

Live At Tokyo Koenji Mission’s, Apr 29th, 2010 – Virtual Image – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUf5l9dkl6Q

solitude-album-cover
1. Venom’s Angel
 (7:32)
2. Blow (4:51)
3, Reach For The Sky (5:30)
4. Don’t Need Mercy (3:59)
5. Escape For The Crime (3:47)
6. You Got My Mind (5:32)
7. On The Edge Of Sorrow 
(4:03)8.
8. December (8:41)
Album Length: 43:59
 
• All songs performed by: SOLITUDE
• All songs written by: see the credits
• Produced by: Akira Sugiuchi and Fuyuhiko Inui
• Mixed and Mastered by: Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg at Pama Studios, Sweden
• Album Band Line Up: Akira Sugiuchi – Vocals, Shingo Ida – Guitars, Toru Nishida – Bass, Takamasa “MAD” Ohuchi – Drums
 
Discography:
2016 – Reach For The Sky (Test Your Metal Records – North America Re-Release)
2015 – Reach For The Sky (Spiritual Beast – Japan)
2009 – Brave The Storm
 (Spiritual Beast – Japan)
2004 – Eagleution – A Tribute to Saxon (V.A.)
 – (Remedy Records – Germany)
2001 – Virtual Image
 – (Spiritual Beast – Japan)
 
 
solitude_landscape-credit-yuki-kuroyanagi
 
L to R: Toru Nishida (bass) / Akira Sugiuchi (vocals) / Takamasa “MAD” Ohuchi (drums) / Shingo Ida (guitars) – Credit: Yuki Kuroyanagi
 
 
Selling Points:

– Long-awaited third album by the Japanese “Defenders of Metal” playing oldschool Heavy Metal, who features two Sacrifice (Japan)* members and “Mad” Ohuchi of ex-Anthem.

– Their previous album “Brave the Storm” was released in Europe on Fastball Music to critical acclaim.

–  Their live debut at Headbangers Open Air 2003 was praised as “the highlight of the festival” by German Rock Hard magazine.

– Mixed by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg, who has previously worked with Bullet and Crucified Barbara. – Stunning artwork by Velio Josto (Warlord, Medieval Steel, Ostrogoth etc)

– Shared the stage with such international bands as Enforcer, Skull Fist, Girlschol, Satan, Blitzkrieg, Stormwarrior, Metalucifer, Sabbat, Eternal Elysium and many others.  Recommended for the fans of Motorhead, Saxon, Tank, Venom etc

Biography:

Japan’s SOLITUDE was formed in 1996, when two ex-members of SACRIFICE (Japan)*, the founding member and main composer Akira Sugiuchi <vo> and the bass player on two of their albums Toru Nishida, met ex-RIP RIDE guys of Yasuo Koyano <ds> and Hiroki Nakamori <g>. The guys kept on rehearsing for as long as 3 years, composing songs and forging the foundation of the band. With Heavy Metal as its core, their sound has tastes of various music as if to show that they have been influenced by various different styles of music, such as 70’s Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and most notably NWOBHM, among others.

In 1998, they picked up “SOLITUDE” as the name of the band, and they played live for the first time in March 1999. This debut live was reported through fanzines and the internet, with such praises as “the birth of the new Defenders of Heavy Metal” or “the answer to what Heavy Metal is”. In September, Shingo Ida (ex-BARTOLOMMEO) replaced Nakamori, and his distinctive style of melodic guitars has brought a new blood into the band. In November, they recorded two songs, “Virtual Image” and “Eagle Fly”, latter of which was dedicated to their favorite British Heavy Metal band, SAXON. This recording was used for promotion as “SOLITUDE Demo ’99”.

In July 2000, the band started recording an album, and the recording carried on until December as the band aimed at the highest quality they could achieve. Their debut album “Virtual Image” was finally released on 5th of September, 2001 as the first-ever release of SPIRITUAL BEAST, who would later grow to one of the leading independent Heavy Metal labels in Japan. The album got rave reviews from the underground fanzines and webzines, not just in Japan but in the US and throughout Europe, and requests for interviews flooded in. The reaction was especially overwhelming in Germany, owing to the sampler CD called “Metal Crusade” from “Heavy oder was!?” magazine, which featured the title track “Virtual Image”.

Koyano left the band prior to the release of the album, but the band continued touring with the help from Suguru Kobayashi (ex-CASBAH), sharing the stage with various bands from OUTRAGE, RAGING FURY or METALUCIFER to DEFILED and SIGH. In July 2003, having added Tai Syouda (ex-GUARDIAN’S NAIL, now leading his own band, SEVENTH SON) as a permanent drummer, they flew to Germany to play at “Headbangers Open Air”, where they shared the stage with veterans like BLITZKRIEG, TRESPASS, and KILLER (Belgium) as well as youngsters like STORMWARRIOR, CRYONIC TEMPLE and DOOMSWORD. Their performance was praised by various media, with German “Rock Hard” magazine describing them as “the highlight of the festival”. The fact that many metalheads kept on chanting for SOLITUDE for a while after they left the stage proves the impact they had.

In 2004, they started preparing for a new album, and first recorded “Rainbow Theme” – “Frozen Rainbow” for a SAXON tribute album “Eagleution – A Tribute to Saxon”, put together by Remedy Records in Germany. The recording continued while the band played selected gigs like “Duryu Rock Festival” in Korea (with JURASSIC JADE from Japan, MINDFLOW from Brazil etc), or first-ever opportunity to play in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but their uncompromising attitude and various personal issues of each member delayed the whole process more than they had expected.

The recording, carried out at various points, was finally over and while they were waiting the mixing to be done, at the end of 2008, Syouda decided to leave the band. In February 2009, the remaining 3 guys participated in a NWOBHM cover event “Denim And Leather” as “SOLITUDE with Mad Ohuchi”, featuring none other than Takamasa “Mad” Ohuchi of ex-ANTHEM fame on drums. This resulted in Ohuchi joining SOLITUDE as a permanent member later that year.

In December 2009, after 8 years from the debut album, the long-awaited (literally!) new album “Brave the Storm” finally hit the stores. Like its predecessor, the album was produced by Fuyuhiko Inui, ex-band mate of Ida, who has been involved in various recordings as engineer/producer from BUCK-TICK or CHARA to MAVERICK. The mastering duty was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (THE AGONIST, MASTODON etc).

In January 2011, the band toured Korea and Japan with Swedish sensation Enforcer, with Mean Streak also added for the Japanese dates. In September, “Brave the Storm” was released in Europe on Fastball Music in Germany, proving their growing popularity in the mainland Europe. In July 2012, the band helped set up a Japan tour for Canada’s Skull Fist, and toured with them and Widow from US. In 2013, they co-hosted the “Japanese Assault Fest”, sharing the stage with GIRLSCHOOL, VEKTOR, FASTKILL, AIR RAID etc.

In April 2014, the band finally started recording a new album. Looking for the kind of sound production they grew up listening, they went into a closed movie theater in Gotenba, Shizuoka, where they brought in the recording equipments, just like Deep Purple did in a hotel; Rainbow did in an old castle etc in the 70’s. With the great ambience and the environment to allow you to play as loud as you want, the place was later modified into a proper recording studio called “Tapestry Recording Studio”. The band appeared at the “Japanese Assault Fest” two years in a row (SATAN, HEAVY TIGER, MIDNIGHT MALICE, ETERNAL ELYSIUM etc) later that year.

The album was mixed and mastered at Pama Studios in Sweden, by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg and Magnus “Maxe” Axelsson respectively, who had worked with such bands as BULLET and CRUCIFIED BARBARA. The stunning artwork was painted by the Italian artist Velio Josto, who had done covers for WARLORD, MEDIEVAL STEEL, OSTROGOTH among others. The album “Reach for the Sky” will be released on SPIRITUAL BEAST in June 2015, and the band will be extensively touring throughout Japan for the rest of the year, starting in Nagoya in August.

*SACRIFICE (Japan) was one of the leading bands in the Japanese thrash/underground scene from their formation in 1985 until disbanding in 1992, and they left a lot of impacts on young and upcoming bands then and even now. During their career, they released three studio albums, “Crest of Black” (1987), “Total Steel” (1990) and “Tears” (1992) and shared the stage with SODOM (Germany), NUCLEAR ASSAULT (USA), CASBAH, OUTRAGE, UNITED (all from Japan) among many others. They once featured Shinji “Samm” Tachi of ex-SABBAT on drums, who later formed MAGNESIUM and also joined his brother in METALUCIFER. SACRIFICE has recently reunited under the lineup of Sugiuchi <vo>, Nishida <b>, Tachi <ds> and Temis Osmond <g> of ex-SABBAT fame.

Past Feature: such as Artist of the Month or Single of the Week, etc if any: “Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album of the Year 2015” by Tower Records, Shibuya.

Shared stage with: Enforcer, Skull Fist, Widow, Blitzkrieg, Trespass, Girlschool, Satan, Vektor, Suicidal Angels, Diemonds, Midnight Malice, United, Casbah, Coffns, Edge of Spirit, Eternal Elysium, Coffins, Sabbat.

 

Tours and Festivals:

 Skull Fist “Asian Invasion” in Japan (2016)

“Reach for the Sky” Japan Tour (18 shows – 2015-2016)

Japanese Assault Fest (Japan – 2015, 2014, 2013)

Skull Fist “Enter the Fist” Japan Tour (2012)

“Brave the Storm” European Release Tour in Japan (2011)

Enforcer “Diamonds on the Road” Japan/Korea Tour (2011)

Duryu Rock Festival (Korea – 2005)

Headbangers Open Air (Germany – 2003)

 

Corporate sponsors / artist endorsements if any:

Shingo Ida: Vellmor Guitars, ENGL Amps

Toru Nishida: Schecter Bass

Takamasa Ohuchi: Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drum Heads, Vic Firth Sticks

 

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