Posts By Asher

0 Much Love! \m/\m/ Thank you Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay! earshot – The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 8, 2024 #4 Art of Attrition, #8 Atomis | CJLO – 1690AM – Montreal – Loud #4 Sandveiss | CJSR FM 88.5 – Edmonton – Loud #1 Atomis, #7 Forsaken Rite, #8 Art of Attrition | CJSW Radio 90.9 FM – Calgary – Loud #2 Atomis, #5 The Aphelion, #8 Infrared, #10 Culled | Local 107.3fm – Saint John – Top 30 #4 Striker, #11 BornBroken | 93.3 CFMU – Hamilton – Top 30 #29 The Aphelion | CJSF 90.1 – Burnaby – Top 30 #15 Gnarwhal

October 11, 2024
by Asher
· Art of Attrition · ATOMIS · BornBroken · Forsaken Rite · Gnarwhal · Infrared · Sandveiss · Striker · The Aphelion

Much Love! \m/\m/
Thank you Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay!
earshot – The National Loud Chart
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
#4 Art of Attrition, #8 Atomis
https://earshot-online.com/charts/index.cfm?intChartTypeID=106&dWeekOfID=2024-10-08
============
CJLO – 1690AM – Montreal – Loud
#4 Sandveiss
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjlo.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2024-10-08
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CJSR FM 88.5 – Edmonton – Loud
#1 Atomis, #7 Forsaken Rite, #8 Art of Attrition
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjsr.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2024-10-08
============
CJSW Radio 90.9 FM – Calgary – Loud
#2 Atomis, #5 The Aphelion, #8 Infrared, #10 Culled.ca
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjsw.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2024-10-08
============
Local 107.3fm – Saint John – Top 30
#4 Striker, #11 BornBroken
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfmh.cfm?dWeekOfID=2024-10-08
============
93.3 CFMU – Hamilton – Top 30
#29 The Aphelion
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfmu.cfm?dWeekOfID=2024-10-08
============
CJSF 90.1 – Burnaby – Top 30
#15 Gnarwhal
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjsf.cfm?dWeekOfID=2024-10-08

0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Open Band Submissions For 2025 Battles – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

October 11, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 11, 2024

WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Open Band Submissions For 2025 Battles

One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

One Band To Conquer Them All! Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce its return for 2025 battles nationwide for one independent band to be crowned champion and perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

Unsigned bands ONLY can apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select USA and then the City that your band would like to perform in) – https://www.metal-battle.com

(Band Submissions open from October 11th – December 15th, 2024)

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g

The 2025 WMBU champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

2025 battles will be taking place in the following cities:

(National Final on June 21st in Clifton, NJ at Dingbatz)

New York, NY
Clifton, NJ
Baltimore, MD
Tampa, FL
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
Bay Area, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Orange County, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX

The 2024 WMBU national final was held in San Diego at Brick By Brick with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

Judged by an industry panel that included Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Craig Goldy (Dio), Derek Engemann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation), and Patrick Stone (Adler’s Appetite, Budderside), the band that reigned the stage and proved themselves worthy of gracing the holy land of metal at Wacken Open Air in Germany was crowned 2024 champion, San Diego’s Cascade Effect.

As the 2024 crowned USA champion, Cascade Effect went on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

List of previous WMBU national winners, Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego), Fadrait (2023 – San Diego) Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego), Monarch (2019 – San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim) and Corpse Hoarder (2017 – Philadelphia).

2024 battles were hosted in the following cities: New York, NY, Clifton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX.

For the last 6 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 30 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa.official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa.official

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0 Out Now! Canada’s HETEROMORPHIC ZOO Unleashes “New World” EP and “Ritual of Fidelity” Music Video

October 11, 2024
by Asher
· Heteromorphic Zoo · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 11, 2024

Out Now! Canada’s HETEROMORPHIC ZOO Unleashes “New World” EP and “Ritual of Fidelity” Music Video

Produced by Chris Wiseman (Shadow of Intent, Currents), Mixed and Mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

Left: Jon Power (Bass), Center front: Megan Ash (Violin), Center back: Ray Heberer (Guitar, live vocals), Right: Bryce Butler (Drums)

Photo Credit – Rico Marques

Emerging metal act Heteromorphic Zoo, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is set to captivate audiences with their debut EP “New World”, produced by Chris Wiseman (Shadow of Intent, Currents) plus mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). Coinciding with the EP launch, the band has unveiled the music video for their single “Ritual of Fidelity”, which they comment on:

“This song is about an ancient power awakening within a great tomb, filled with monsters. The leaders declare their loyalty (or fidelity) to the overlord. Musically, the actual “ritual of fidelity” takes place in the middle of the song. It’s a classical 3-voice fugue between the violin, lead guitar, and rhythm guitars + bass with a subject, tonal response, 2 counter subjects, and everything. Of course, it’s not a pure fugue since other instruments are also playing, but that’s the skeleton of it, and the callback to an old baroque form brings out the ritualistic nature of the song.”

“Ritual of Fidelity” has a memorable lead guitar melody during its chorus, chuggy yet melodic verse riffs, and an overall more neoclassical sound. The violin is fairly subdued and in the background until the moment of the ritual fugue, since that moment is meant to introduce it to the listener for the first time.

Born from a desire to create “Worship Music for Monsters”, Heteromorphic Zoo‘s five-track EP showcases a diverse and extreme sound that pushes the boundaries of modern metal. Lyrically, “New World” tells the story of a grand alliance of monstrous beings invading a new realm, with perspectives shifting between the monsters, their overlord, and their enemies. The band’s innovative approach combines groove and melody, intricate riffs, and powerful breakdowns, resulting in a sonic experience that defies easy categorization. They are recommended for fans of In Flames, Within the Ruins, and Ne Obliviscaris.

Watch the music video for “Ritual of Fidelity” via TheCirclePit at https://youtu.be/YQ3D1dLu1eA

Released on October 10th, 2024, “New World” is available at the following links:

https://heteromorphiczoo.bandcamp.com/album/new-world

Music Video – Avatara – https://youtu.be/nWZVq-u7Lec

Music Video – Napalm – https://youtu.be/vYY6nMhP3p4

Track Listing:
1. Ritual of Fidelity – 3:29
2. Your Final Seconds (feat. Ville Hokkanen) – 3:42
3. Napalm – 4:22
4. Avatara – 3:39
5. Aura of Despair – 3:41
Total Length 18:53

EP Credits:
All songs performed by:
Heteromorphic Zoo
Coty Garcia – Vocals
Megan Ash – Violin
Ray Heberer – Guitar, Bass
Bryce Butler – Drums

All songs written by:
Ray Heberer (SOCAN member)
Produced by Chris Wiseman
Mixed by Christian Donaldson
Mastered by Christian Donaldson
Album Artwork by Lordigan Pedro Sena
Music is Canadian Content – MAPL

Album band lineup:
Coty Garcia – Vocals
Megan Ash – Violin
Ray Heberer – Guitar, Bass
Bryce Butler – Drums

Live band lineup:
Ray Heberer – Vocals, Guitar
Megan Ash – Violin
Jon Power – Bass
Bryce Butler – Drums

More Info: https://linktr.ee/heteromorphiczoo

-30-

““Napalm” is indeed fiery, but at its core it’s a jackhammer fest that will loosen your teeth and disjoint your spine, accompanied by utterly deranged vocals that sound like a fight between bull elephants, howler monkeys, and a pack of demons that just escaped Hell. Oh, but there’s more! Exotic melodies spin through all the bombs dropping and the jackhammers busting up granite, and a violin takes the exultant soloing role, elevating the music to head-spinning glory.” – No Clean Singing

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0 Streaming Now! MAITREYA’s New EP “Auxesis” and Video “Vestigial Memories” Explores The Turbulent Emotions of The Human Condition

October 10, 2024
by Asher
· Maitreya · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 10, 2024

Streaming Now! MAITREYA’s New EP “Auxesis” and Video “Vestigial Memories” Explores The Turbulent Emotions of The Human Condition

New EP “Auxesis” Out October 11th, 2024

Ontario Show Dates + Supporting Felix Martin in Toronto Nov 19th

L-R: Brandon Pellatt (Drums) | Mark Wylie (Guitar) | Matt Cutrara (Vocals) | Lyam Morrison (Bass)

Photo Credit: Alex McFarland

Maitreya, the progressive metal powerhouse from Whitby, Canada, is set to unveil its third studio release “Auxesis” on October 11th, 2024. Alongside the EP, the band is debuting the music video for the track “Vestigial Memories”, showcasing the band’s trajectory into the modern progressive-metal sphere, featuring complex rhythms, genre-bending compositions, and a perfect balance of heavy and melodic elements. The band comments on the EP:

“The record is rich with a depth of sonic layers, so the listener can yield new discoveries after multiple listens. The complexity of the music is subtle, making it accessible to general audiences but also intriguing to the advanced, musically inclined demographics. There’s a strong poetic focus to create an artistic work ripe with emotional and philosophical commentaries on the human condition.”

The single “Vestigial Memories” is about trying to find peace inside the sea of memories that exist within you at all times. Exercising discernment on which memories to prune and which memories to hold dear is not an easy task.

Established in 2016, Maitreya (pronounced may-trey-ah) has become synonymous with cathartic musical expression, exploring the turbulent emotions of the human condition through a unique blend of heavy sounds and ethereal textures. “Auxesis”, Greek for ‘growth’, represents a significant evolution in Maitreya‘s musical journey where they dove deeper into ‘progressive’ aspects, experimenting with genre-jumping and more mathematical rhythmic concepts. The album is recommended for fans of Between The Buried and Me, Leprous, and Thank You Scientist.

The music video for “Vestigial Memories” and the full stream premiere for the EP “Auxesis” can be seen and heard on MetalInsider HERE.

“Auxesis” is due out on October 11, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://maitreyametal.bandcamp.com

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3Whrogn

In additional news, Maitreya will be hosting their EP release show next week in Oshawa, ON on October 17th along with supporting November 19th in Toronto, ON, double neck tapping virtuoso Felix Martin, the ambidextrous, Venezuelan-born musician, known for pioneering a new style of playing the electric guitar with his self-designed 14 and 16-string guitars.

Show Dates:
Oct 17 – Oshawa, ON – The Biltmore Theatre (EP Release Show) w/ Vision of Morpheus, Please Stand by, Wolves on Tape – info
Nov 19 – Toronto, ON – Sneaky Dee’s w/ Felix Martin, Ando San, Aunest – info

Track Listing:
1. Paradigm (6:47)
2. Still Motion (4:49)
3. The Traveler (5:32)
4. Vestigial Memories (5:21)
5. Arcana (6:05)

More Info – https://www.maitreyametal.com | https://www.facebook.com/maitreyametal | https://www.instagram.com/maitreyametal

-30-

“Just relaxing and enjoying a catchy riff is not an option with Maitreya anyway. If you like complex song structures and styles that are woven together without compromise, Maitreya is the right place for you.” – Musika

“We’re always on the hunt for interesting new metal bands, and Canada’s Maitreya certainly qualifies. The band’s newest single, “Catalyst”, treads familiar progressive metal territory – think vocals similar to Leprous and instrumentation akin to older BTBAM – but rest assured it sounds fresh.” – New Fury Media

“Heavy metallers Maitreya recognize the value of dreams with their new single and music video for “Bloom,” a rifftastic blast of progressive metal.” – V13

“What’s on the menu here is a wide range of flavours. There’s something to suit the taste of any serious metal fan. This relatively new band has some good ideas and knows how to execute them. Despite the current restrictions, these guys have plenty of time to bring the Maitreya brand to the fore.” – The Prog Space

“What we have here with Hyper Reels is a fresh take on both progressive metal and metalcore in general. Ten high-powered and heavy efforts that go in a myriad of unexpected and thrilling directions. If there’s one thing Maitreya do well on Hyper Reels, it is to keep you guessing all the time.” Games, Brrraaains & A Headbanging Life

“Ambitious and aggressive, Canada’s Maitreya break boundaries from the beginning with Departed. Heavy, contemporary metal chords are underscored by droning, chorusing vocals, but blink and you’ll miss them as Maitreya soon change direction to a growling verse pandemonium. Their riffing is adventurous and deadly, cutting through weighty, rolling rhythms and movements.” – Jace Media

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0 Extreme Metal Music – CATHARIA Unveils Their New Album “Unimaginable Dreams of Fate” + New Single “Solemnly”

October 10, 2024
by Asher
· Catharia (Extreme Metal Music / Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 10, 2024

CATHARIA Unveils Their New Album “Unimaginable Dreams of Fate” + New Single “Solemnly”

Catharia, an American black/extreme metal, is set to make waves once again with their highly anticipated second album “Unimaginable Dreams of Fate” to be released on December 6th, 2024 via Extreme Metal Music, a subsidiary of Rockshots Records.

Founded by guitarist Matt Powell in the late 2010s, the band was born from his desire to create a sound that is dark, aggressive, and technical yet deeply melodic. With roots in black metal, Catharia‘s music explores new dimensions, refusing to be confined by genre expectations. After a series of lineup challenges, Powell forged ahead recording the band’s debut album “Midnight Sun” with engineer Jackson Ward. The addition of vocalist Nick Kiefer, who joined after impressing with a Wiegedood cover, helped solidify Catharia’s sound. With bassist Dylan Thompson and drummer Michael Edrington now in the fold, the band is stronger than ever and ready to deliver their most ambitious work to date.

“Unimaginable Dreams of Fate” represents a bold evolution in Catharia’s sound—more technical, layered, and diverse than their debut, yet unmistakably rooted in the intensity of blackened extreme metal. The album takes listeners on a sonic journey, shifting from chaotic, full-throttle passages to atmospheric, melodic interludes.

One of the standout tracks “Solemnly” epitomizes the band’s ability to balance brutality with emotion. Its haunting melodies weave through aggressive riffs and thunderous drums, creating a dynamic soundscape that keeps listeners engaged from beginning to end. The song serves as a key chapter in the album embodying the introspective and thought-provoking themes Catharia is known for.

With tracks like “Tomb Throne” and “Solemnly” already setting the stage, fans can expect an album that delves deeper into the band’s creative vision while keeping its raw, visceral energy intact.

“Unimaginable Dreams of Fate” is just the beginning of a new chapter for Catharia, with more music, live shows, and creative exploration on the horizon. Keep your eyes on this band as they continue to carve out their own path in the world of extreme metal.

Influences like Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, and Dissection shine through, but they’ve carved their own path with this album, creating a soundscape that’s both chaotic and serene.

DIGITAL SINGLE – “Solemnly” – https://lnk.to/5jTFbQ

DIGITAL ALBUM PRE-SAVE – https://lnk.to/m255Rm

CD PRE-ORDER – https://shop.rockshots.eu/en/home/6971-catharia-unimaginable-dreams-of-fate.html

Lyric Video – Devouring Firmament – https://youtu.be/cSdN-iYMZf0

Track Listing:
1. Der Tod Eines Gottes
2. Terminus Hierophant
3. Solemnly
4. Devouring Firmament
5. Tomb Throne
6. Elfen Tanzen
7. Slipping Into Eternity
8. Revocation of Life
9. Screaming Cemetery
10. Unimaginable Dreams of Fate
11. Der Tod Eines Gottes (Reprise)

For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://catharia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cathariatrue
https://www.instagram.com/cathariametal

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Streaming Now! SANDVEISS Unleashes Fiery New Heavy, Melodic Stoner Prog Rock Album “Standing In The Fire”

October 10, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Sandveiss

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 10, 2024

Streaming Now! SANDVEISS Unleashes Fiery New Heavy, Melodic Stoner Prog Rock Album “Standing In The Fire”

“Standing in the Fire” Out October 11th, 2024 via Folivora Records

Mixed and Mastered by Karl Daniel Lidén (Dozer, Greenleaf, Katatonia)

L-R – Dominic Gaumond (Drum), Luc Bourgeois (Vocals, Guitar), Maxime Moisan (Bass), Shawn Rice (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Paul Di Giacomo

Heavy rock titans Sandveiss, from Quebec City, Canada, are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album “Standing in the Fire”, which comes out on October 11th, 2024. This new release returns with their most ambitious and diverse album to date, it features eight powerful tracks that showcase the band’s evolution and musical prowess. The band comments on the album:

“Five years after the release of our sophomore album “Saboteur”, we are stoked to finally present our new offering, “Standing in the Fire”. Musically, it showcases diversity but also, we hope, homogeneity and coherence. We draw from a wide range of influences, from metal to stoner rock, from prog to punk rock. While some are more apparent than others, they all play a key role in shaping our sound.”

The production of “Standing in the Fire” has a modern feel while still incorporating vintage sounds and instruments, and the mix by Karl Daniel Lidén (Greenleaf, Dozer, The Ocean Collective) adds depth, texture, and power to the album. Lyrically, the songs were mostly written in response to, or sometimes as a grim reflection on, human and social issues, including politics and environmental problems.

The band cites that they’ve pushed their boundaries on all sides. The heavy is heavier, the prog is proggier, and the catchy is catchier. They’ve allowed themselves to explore new territories while staying true to their core sound. They are recommended for fans of The Sword, Dozer, and Baroness.

Listen to the album stream premiere for “Standing in the Fire” via DoomedandStoned HERE.

Due out on October 11th, 2024 from Folivora Records, the album “Stand in the Fire” is available for pre-order (Digital and Vinyl) at https://sandveiss.bandcamp.com/album/standing-in-the-fire

Previous Singles:

Music Video – “Stand in the Fire” – https://youtu.be/OVTCkr_sGlo

Music Video – I’ll Be Rising – https://youtu.be/Hd16egYjMRU

Visualizer – No Love Here – https://youtu.be/WHEQk8nJu9k

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3XnzDIq

Track Listing:
1. I’ll Be Rising – 5:03
2. Standing In The Fire – 3:51
3. Wait And See – 3:26
4. No Love Here – 7:26
5. Fade (Into The Night) – 3:48
6. Gone Away – 4:53
7. These Cold Hands – 4:57
8. Bleed Me Dry – 5:42

More info: https://folivora.ca/ | https://www.facebook.com/Sandveiss | https://www.instagram.com/sandveissband

-30-

“Standing In The Fire is easily one of the most impressive heavy-stoner rock albums this year and I bet this band could easily grow huge if given the chance to perform to larger crowds supporting some of the big guns.” – Velvet Thunder UK

“Standing In The Fire has a whole bunch of memorable songs that will keep you humming them all day as well as air guitaring their riffs, because there are plenty of those to go around too… The new Sandveiss record was exactly what I wanted as a follow up to their excellent last one. You get more of the heavy, more of the melody, their band’s excellent playing, and songwriting ability that makes these songs last. Standing In The Fire is another excellent record by an excellent band who is in their prime right now. 9/10” – Musipedia of Metal

“Quebec City’s Sandveiss has a reputation for balancing heavy and melodic, but Standing in the Fire takes that to a whole new level. This isn’t just another rock album—it’s a journey. A sonic exploration where the band pushes their limits while still holding onto that raw, gritty essence that got them here in the first place. From the moment you press play, you’re in for a ride. – Heavy Stoned

“What’s impressive about Standing in the Fire is how it balances these emotional highs and lows without losing its groove. Sandveiss knows how to guide you through a variety of moods, but everything fits, like chapters of the same gritty, doom-laden novel. Heavy riffs, killer solos, and a lot of heart—there’s a lot here for fans of Black Sabbath, Mastodon, and The Sword. You’ll get that familiar stoner rock vibe, but there’s something deeper, something more refined. In short, heavy, melodic, unpredictable—and totally worth the trip.” – Heavy Stoned

“Heavy rockers’ Sandveiss have just launched a pair of singles “I’ll Be Rising” & “No Love Here” ahead of their new album “Standing In The Fire” which is slated for an Oct. 11th release. The singles are both fantastic with elements of prog and heavy rock that make for two very interesting and impressive tracks. Outstanding vocals, unusual time signatures, melodic and hook driven…yeah it’s right up our alley.” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“This track (Standing in the Fire) delivers an intense and reflective exploration of inner turmoil and societal disillusionment. The lyrics capture the struggle between seeking higher meaning and being trapped in confusion, ignorance, and denial. With evocative lines like “one foot in the grave” and “anger consumed heart,” it speaks to the emotional weight of confronting fears and beliefs. The recurring chorus heightens the feeling of frustration, making it a powerful commentary on the fight for clarity in a chaotic world. To close, this single and forthcoming album won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep heads bouncing and feet tapping from sofa to stage. So why not clear a space, and give Sandveiss a try for 2024. Star Rating – 10/10” – Star Gazer Music Magazine

“As a successor to their KILLER previous album, Scream Queen, Saboteur holds its own and shows growth from the band, both in writing and musicianship. Saboteur is not meant to be played at lower decibels.” – Doom Charts

“Sur ce nouvel album, le son propre et puissant sert à merveille des riffs ciselés et des mélodies accrocheuses. Chaque titre est une petite pépite de plaisir musical sertie dans une production jamais tape à l’œil, où les effets discrets relèvent la sauce.” – Weirdsound

“Sometimes you hear something, and it hits you so hard it automatically becomes incredibly special to you. That has been my experience with Saboteur and Sandveiss.” – Metal Nation
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0 FREYA Drummer Ethan Henry Unveils His Horror Movie SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN Just in Time For Halloween Binge Watching!

October 9, 2024
by Asher
· FREYA · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 9, 2024

FREYA Drummer Ethan Henry Unveils His Horror Movie SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN Just in Time For Halloween Binge Watching!

“The Scariest Monsters Are The Human Kind”

Hailing from Syracuse, NY, veteran hardcore/metal band FREYA‘s drummer Ethan Henry is unleashing his inner horror fan by inviting fans to view his haunting independent movie “Severance Mountain”, which he directed, wrote, produced, edited, and composed music for with his team at Ignorant Tourist Productions.

In the movie’s premise, deep in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York, Sarah (Nicole Morgan) and Toby (Cade Guillory) plan to reconnect on a remote camping trip following the tragic loss of Toby’s girlfriend. It doesn’t take long for Sarah to realize something is off and her long-awaited getaway turns into a vacation from hell. Meanwhile, Local police Sergeant “Sarge” (Kim Scharff Snyder) discovers a potential threat to all who enter the parks and Desperately pleads to her superiors to take action and warn the public of this “threat”. Meanwhile, With each step she takes deeper into the forest, Sarah finds herself in the ultimate struggle to survive against the threats of SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN.

Ethan Henry comments:

“SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN came to life shortly after the pandemic. With all the restrictions and difficulties trying to make a film during that time, we wanted to get back at it but needed to keep our budget small and keep our cast and crew down to a minimum. Thanks to John Sovi II at Sovs Media for sparking the idea, I developed the concept for Severance Mountain with our restrictions in mind. I ended up rewriting the working script with Melissa Godin Hunt and started planning to film our independent, ultra-low-budget horror film. Even though our budget was small and it seemed near impossible to make at times, our determination to complete the film and make something we thought would be gross, familiar, and entertaining finally came to be. If you like indie horror, gore, and practical effects, then SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN is for you.”

The movie trailer for “Severance Mountain” can be viewed at https://youtu.be/yHfGb4XPnUE

SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN was released on September 13, 2024, and is available for streaming and download on Amazon, iTunes, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and ROKU.

More info:

https://ignoranttouristproductions.com/severance-mountain

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562018042591

https://www.instagram.com/severancemountainmovie

https://www.tiktok.com/@severancemountain

Media Kit – https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yd3czc5gsqapk9yhxussn/severance-mountain-press-kit.pdf

==========

FREYA recently dropped their newest single “Blood Thirst”. This powerful track showcases the band’s unique blend of hardcore intensity and thrash metal fury, which they have been perfecting for over two decades. The single is a straightforward banger. Drawing inspiration from the hard-hitting, old-school hardcore vibe of bands like Biohazard, the song opens with a memorable riff that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. As the track progresses, Freya seamlessly shifts into a thrash metal assault reminiscent of Slayer, showcasing the band’s ability to blend genres with precision and intensity.

“Blood Thirst” was released on August 23rd, 2024 via Upstate Records and will appeal to both hardcore and metal fans alike, especially those interested in Earth Crisis, Terror, and Hatebreed.

Listen to “Blood Thirst” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/2SU0RDZBCC4

Digital – https://bfan.link/blood-thirst

More Info: Upstaterecordsny.com/freya | https://linktr.ee/freyaband315

-30-

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Canada’s INFRARED’s Classic Thrash Attack Video “Then The Earth Goes Black” Is A Throwback To The 80s; New Album “Manifestation” Out Now!

October 9, 2024
by Asher
· Infrared · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 9, 2024

Canada’s INFRARED’s Classic Thrash Attack Video “Then The Earth Goes Black” Is A Throwback To The 80s

New Album “Manifestation” Out Now!

L-R – Alain Groulx (Drums, Backing Vocals), Kirk Gidley (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Armin Kamal (Guitar, Vocals), Mike Forbes (Bass, Backing Vocals)
Photo Credit : Carissa Broeren

Canada’s Infrared continues its thrash metal onslaught with the release of their video for the track “Then the Earth Goes Black”. This song comes from the recently released full-length “Manifestation”, which came out this past September. Emerging from the vibrant 80s thrash scene, Infrared’s sound is a direct lineage from the genre’s formative years. They comment on the single:

“This is an epic thrash song that teeters back and forth between full onslaught and brooding and haunting vocals. The song talks of the fear of what happens when the nuclear keys are turned after humans are incapable of diplomatic dialog. Oddly enough, the fast opening riff in this song was initially put at the intro of Concuss. Mike said that it was too good to be this short intro for a song and then just disappear, so an entire song was built around it.”

Watch the music video premiere for “Then the Earth Goes Black” via MetalAddicts HERE.

Infrared first hit the Canadian metal scene in 1986 with their demo but shortly after, went on a very long hiatus. In 2016, they reformed and since their reunion, have released a series of impactful albums. “Manifestation” marks a milestone in their career, offering a refined and succinct collection of tracks that distill their thrash metal essence into pure, unadulterated energy.

The straight-to-the-point album features trimmed-down shorter songs and catchy riffs and choruses. It’s still classic Infrared, just straight to the point. It is recommended for fans of Razor, Venom Inc., and Dirkschneider.

“Manifestation” was released on September 6th, and is available for at https://infraredmetal.bandcamp.com (CD and Digital)

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4eT8PFS

Music Video – “Demon’s Blood” – https://youtu.be/N5RWKQXfc_0

Music Video – “Concuss” – https://youtu.be/Gwumq19NuUk

Music Video – “Manifest Nation” – https://youtu.be/XeEwe0_J1pM

Track Listing:
1. Cataclysm (2:07)
2. Temple of Sin (3:20)
3. Nikko (3:40)
4. Demon’s Blood (3:08)
5. Pressure Syndrome (4:29)
6. The Manifest (0:48)
7. Manifest Nation (3:40)
8. Concuss (4:00)
9. Reforma (4:04)
10. My Dreams Are Real (3:48)
11. Parasite Patrol (3:47)
12. Then the Earth Goes Black (4:16)

More info: http://infraredmetal.ca/

-30-

“Manifestation, an album that exists as an old-school thrash album in the vein of Testament and Death Angel without sounding entirely and blatantly old-school.” – Decibel Magazine

“Canada’s Infrared are back and with them comes intense thrash metal and it’s an intense album not only because of the music obviously but also because of the difficulties the band had to face to release it the band has already accustomed us to Dynamic thrash metal but here they take it to a whole new and exciting level it’s not immediate the price you have to pay to make a difference but what you get is an album that will win over fans of strong guitars and sharp solos for those who don’t know them yet this will be an excellent entry point into their sound, for those who already know them they might even consider this one of their best moments ever.” – World of Metal – Albums of the Month – September 2024

“Manifestation is like listening to the collected works of Metal Church, Sacred Reich and Flotsam and Jetsam forced through a blender and straight into your ear canals. On the Superb Demon’s Blood – which is quite simply one of the best ‘proper’ thrash tracks I’ve heard in ages – this formula is, in a word, unbeatable… Armin Kamal‘s vocals are superb throughout, and the upfront bass of Mike Forbes – a glorious mix of Dan Lilker and Frank Bello – is a joy to behold. I’ve been a committed thrasher since the early days of the movement and I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t familiar with Infrared – who actually formed in 1985, fer chrissakes – until recently. I’m happy to put that appalling oversight right, now, however, and strongly urge you to do the same if you too have been living in blissful ignorance about this excellent outfit!” – Sentinel Daily

“There’s a hell of a lot of thrash coming out these days and a lot of it is just rehashing the old stuff (this is not a complaint, mind you), but Infrared are one of those few with a very distinctive style that stands out from the crowd. Highly recommended. 4.75/5” – The Metal Crypt

“‘Manifestation’ is a powerhouse album that solidifies INFRARED‘s place in the thrash metal genre. The band’s commitment to delivering high-energy, classic thrash metal with a modern twist is evident in every track. Fans of Slayer, Metallica, and Testament will find this album a worthy addition to their collection. 9/10” – Infrared Magazine

“Heavy, fast, aggressive, but with catchy melodies and some excellent guitar work. Forty-two minutes of superb thrash.” – My Global Mind

“The album sound is driven by good Thrash Metal riffing, cool lead guitar solos, and crushing basslines… Thrash Metal fans will like what “Manifestation” has to offer and will look forward to some exciting live shows of INFRARED. 8/10” – Metal Temple

“If you’re longing for Slayer shows that start later this month, then allow us to suggest that you listen to Canada’s Infrared to tide you over. “Cataclysm” revs itself up with a touch of the epic, but “Temple Of Sin” gets itself into the moshpit good and proper. Thunderous stuff abounds. “Nikko” is heavier, the guitars Slash and burn on “Demon’s Blood” though in a very classic thrash way… “Manifestation” underlines again though, just how many thrash bands there are, but it proves also that Infrared are a cut above most. 8/10” – Maximum Volume Music

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2025 Battles – One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

October 8, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 8, 2024

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Opens Band Submissions For 2025 Battles

– One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2025 –

WMBC Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

Spotify – 2024 WMBC National Finalists Playlist HERE.

One Band To Rule Them All! Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its return for 2025 battles nationwide for one independent band to be crowned champion and perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

Unsigned bands ONLY can apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select Canada and then the City that your band would like to perform in) – https://www.metal-battle.com

(Band Submissions open from October 8th – November 20th, 2024)

The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

2025 Canadian battles will be taking place in the following cities listed below, with the national final being hosted in Vancouver, BC during May (date and venue to be determined):

Canadian Battle Cities:
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Island, BC
BC Interior
Edmonton, AB
Calgary, AB
Toronto, ON
Hamilton, ON
Ottawa, ON
Montreal, QC
Quebec City, QC

The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB – 2023 National Finalist).

The night was MC’d by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor – Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM – Alerte Metallique – Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography – Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations – Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions – Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager – The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire – 2023 National WMBC Winner – Trois-Rivières, QC).

After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto’s Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB – https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4

List of previous WMBC national winners Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

Info:

Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

– 30 –

Media Partners:
Bravewords.com
Metal-Rules.com
Absolute Underground Magazine
BrokenNeckRadio.com
V13.net
MetalDevastationRadio
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
GhostCultMag.com
Rocknroam.ca
Vox & Hops Podcast
The Metal Voice

Promoter Partners:
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks
Asher Media Relations

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love! \m/\m/ For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 1, 2024

October 6, 2024
by Asher
· Art of Attrition · ATOMIS · BornBroken · Sandveiss · Striker · Supermodel Taxidermy · The Aphelion

Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love! \m/\m/
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 1, 2024
92.5 FM CFBX “the X” – Kamloops – Loud
#3 Supermodel Taxidermy
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfbx.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2024-10-01
======
CJLO – 1690AM – Montreal – Loud
#6 Sandveiss
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjlo.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2024-10-01
======
CJSW Radio 90.9 FM – Calgary – Loud
#1 Atomis, #5 The Aphelion, #8 Art of Attrition
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjsw.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2024-10-01
======
Local 107.3fm – Saint John – Top 30
#3 BornBroken, #7 Striker
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfmh.cfm?dWeekOfID=2024-10-01
======
93.3 CFMU – Hamilton – Top 30
#6 The Aphelion
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfmu.cfm?dWeekOfID=2024-10-01

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