EPK – Mad Parish – The Dust Of Forever (2025) – Out January 31st
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“The album is a departure from our traditional sound, however, the singalong choruses are very much intact as well as elements of the first album in an expanded form. This is a full concept album, which transports the listener to another universe through the story, and enables new aspects to be discovered in repeated listens due to the layering of sounds and textures throughout all the songs.” – Mad Parish
For fans of Iron Maiden, Virgin Steele, Camel, Rush, Rainbow
Band: Mad Parish
Album: The Dust of Forever
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Madparishmetal.com | Facebook.com/madparishmetal | Youtube.com/@MadParishMetal | Instagram.com/madparishmetal
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“where some bands call the lyrics the story and leave it at that, not Mad Parish. They’ve actually made a full comic book as well to go along with the record” – Decibel Magazine
“We all know the prog metal genre is still overflooded by bands from all parts of the world. I stopped trying to keep updated in the genre many years ago, but sometimes there are bands that impress on me – or at least bring something different to most other bands in the genre. Montreal (Canada) band Mad Parish is a band I’d like to bring to your attention. They have a sound that comes closer to the end of the 80’s and early 90’s, which I like a lot. And the lead vocalist Josh McConnell has a very interesting voice, a bit like an early Ozzy Osbourne. Futhermore, they are not as progressive as your ’average’ prog metal act, and some songs can be described as ’hard rock with hints of prog’ – where others are true prog metal songs… well worth checking out, as this album offers something a little different to many bands.” – Melodic.net
““The Dust of Forever” is filled with material that will grab you right away but your appreciation will continue to grow with each additional spin. As I sit here writing this review and listening to the title track unfold (which btw is the last “song”), I’m already looking forward to hitting that repeat button to start this metal opera again. While I admit there is no one track that stands out, I’m realizing that the whole record stands out and works best when listened to from start to finish. This record may have taken many years to complete but it is worth it. 2025 is starting off with a bang and “The Dust of Forever” is a great way to usher in the new year.” – Wormwood Chronicles
“Progressive with classic riffs and a voice reminiscent of Ozzy. Overall, an interesting record that takes some getting used to ( because of the many interludes, but should not be underestimated. I find 8 out of 10 Hellfire points Canadians are allowed to attach themselves to their album.” – Hellfire Magazin
“For the Mad Parish comic, I must say that this booklet has certainly scored a more than enough score; the story, a fanciful epic with an entertaining mix of sci-fi and religious ingredients is a great pleasure, and the drawings may be somewhat “-easy” modern, but still of such quality, that really makes it worth taking a seat.” – Rock Portaal
“Josh McConnell’s vocals are a ray of hope because the singer exudes a lot of charisma and partly reminds me of a young Ozzy Osbourne… fine compositions such as ‘Ouen Formation’, which does it quite convincingly, to combine the prog page of IRON MAIDEN with GENESIS in the early Collins phase and even give you a good catchy tune.” – PowerMetal.de
“Somewhere between the melodic prog rock a la Asia to Rush, and the spicier NWOBHM of something in the direction of Praying Mantis; that’s how the music of The Dust Of Forever comes across to me. Names such as BOC, Boston or Iron Maiden can also sometimes appear. Mad Parish seems to belong to the NWOTHM movement; or the New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal. Very catchy, beautiful pieces with harmonic melody lines… The compositions are absolutely of top level, as are the appropriate and melodic ( often high) vocals and I also really need to mention the guitars. The technical interpretation of the rhythm section may not be as clear as, for example, the aforementioned Rush, but this is also just fine. With so much keyboard available, I had a completely different scene in mind for the title Transmission #2 Will Of God, but no (kerk) organ or gospel; We hear a wonderful jazz-freaky Fripp-like piece of work. This album is well put together and also contains some surprises.” – Rock Portaal
“A traditional and original album at the same time, whose intensive listening and acquisition should be added to the list of your good resolutions for the year 2025.” – Music In Belgium
“These Canadian trad metallers take us deeper into the story of their forthcoming concept album – and comic book – with a song which very much draws from how Black Sabbath recorded ‘Paranoid’, in that it was thrown together as a last-minute album filler but could become one of their defining musical moments’ – Uber Rock
“an ambitious heavy metal album that offers a mix of complex musicality and concept-oriented lyrics.” – MetalUnderground.at
“the album weaves an original story through a tapestry of Heavy Metal, following the journey of Joe, an immortal protagonist caught in a universe-threatening cataclysm, promising to transport listeners to another realm, with layered sounds and textures that reveal new aspects with each listen… Fans can look forward to an immersive album experience… one of the most innovative bands hailing from Montreal.” – The Headbanging Moose
“This one is red hot folks, the new album “Dust of Forever” from Mad Parish arrives today and it’s impressive. Track after track of ‘New Wave of British Heavy Metal’ that melds with progressive rock and in the end you have one kickin’ album man. Catch tracks from Mad Parish & “Dust of Forever” on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll
“A balenottero of one minute that is articulated in as many as twenty-one chapters, the new album by the Canadians Mad Parish, moreover accompanied by a proper comic book. An ambitious and certainly demanding undertaking in terms of resources put in play, which however seems to have all the cards in order to satisfy those who decide to give a chance to the bizarre North American sextet. From a stylistic point of view, we are faced with a metal work in every respect, which takes root in the dictates of prog and develops organically leveraging the aesthetics dear to the pioneers of NWOBHM: starting from this assumption, we encounter the cosmic adventures of an immortal hero who throughout his journey in space finds himself facing apocalyptic disasters and daunting challenges. Events that unfold alongside the musical dimension, which becomes a real soundtrack accompanying a series of brilliant and well-structured insights. The plots developed by the group are decidedly valid from a qualitative point of view: the interpretation of the ensemble is virtually flawless in its exaltation of experimental phrases and dramatic impactful moments.” – Rock Hard Italy
“There are quite a lot of songs on the album, and a lot to discover, because MAD PARISH is very diverse. The mixture of classic rock and classic metal styles works really well on this Space Rock Opera concept album, which comes along with a lovely comic book that tells the story you can hear on the album. In case you’re not familiar with any of the aforementioned bands, I could easily go for a description like IRON MAIDEN meets HAWKWIND, but that wouldn’t be fair, because MAD PARISH has a sound on their own that mixes classic rock, space rock and classic metal into an exciting long journey you need to experience yourself if you’re able to get the vinyl edition of the album. Check out this sensational band. 8.5/10 ” – Strutterzine
“MAD PARISH threw open the flood gates with their brand of high octane Heavy Metal in the spirit of the old guard and seeing them open for Grim Reaper on a smaller stage not long ago, it is clear that a bigger space is exactly what the band needed! Loads of onstage prancing and members’ charisma gave the audience a jolt to quickly “get in the groove”! Hook laden and punchy, the songs are such that they stay in the headspace long after they’re played. “A Stitch in Crime” and “To Build a Fire” (among others) struck a chord as singer, Josh McConnell’s confidence and onstage appeal made it easy for fans to sing along. Gyrating in unison, the players playfully performed their hearts out without missing a beat, harkening back to a time when the NWOBHM was just getting into full swing!” – Ondes Chocs (Live Review 2014 opening for Skid Row in Montreal)
“Montreal’s MAD PARISH kicked off the festivities with a strong performance, harking back to the early 80`s tradition, both in terms of sound and look! Singer, Josh McConnell appeared like an untamed Heavy Metal wrestler, flaunting traditional 80`s style black spandex and belting out a vicious scream under long locks of curly hair (ala. Chuck Billy of TESTAMENT)! Meanwhile the three guitars raged behind, accompanied by a rhythmic bass and drum tempo that kept the energy high. Wasting no time in « delivering the goods », MAD PARISH certainly have synchronized their performance from headbanging in unison to dual vocal harmonies with the guitarist to including a dry ice effect that may have been a bit too thick at times. Nevertheless, the band played a flawless set with the players clearly having the time of their lives!” – Ondes Chocs (Live Review 2014 opening for Grimm Reaper in Montreal)
“Darkness Befalls This Cursed Land, Without Chains, Red Baron and the title track, just to name a few tracks from this collection of songs, will make you want to dust off old records now left in the hands of dust, a sign of a time that passes inexorably, hit to the heart by melodic solos, choruses to scream to the sky and rhythms as hard as steel, forged in the sacred temple of hard and heavy, which turn into lethal weapons in the hands of the Canadian band. A great job, absolutely to be rediscovered for lovers of old school metal.” – Iye Zine (Album – 2014 – Procession)
““Procession” is a solid album for what it is and certainly worth a listen to if you’re want an easy listen to whether you want to get into some kind of metal or maybe just progressive metal itself. It has a really good sound to it that is something that I would personally listen to casually whenever I needed something different to fill my ears, and Mad Parish is perfect for that for me. For other’s this is something you’d jam to all day every day simply because you think it is the absolute shit. But either way, “Procession” is definitely a noteworthy album to check out if you’re looking for something different and interesting.”- Headbanger Reviews (Album – 2014 – Procession)
“. A good album to turn on in the evening over a cold beer and forget about the problems” – Gloria Metalus (Album – 2014 – Procession)
Best of Montreal (Montreal Mirror) Heaviest Local Act 2009, 2010, 2011 (in the top 3)
Radio CJLO number 1 song “Stitch In Crime” for 3 months(Album – 2014 – Procession)
Heavy Metal Gems top 20 metal albums of 2014 (17 out of 20)(Album – 2014 – Procession)
[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]
Band: Mad Parish
Album: The Dust of Forever
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. Prophecy – 1:30
2. Defecther – 4:32
3. Possess The Child – 4:45
4. Outerest In Irisius – 1:34
5. Ouen Formation – 6:35
6. Hunted – 1:51
7. Astra T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) – 4:42
8. Transmission #1 Dream On – 1:40
9. Resistius – 6:44
10. Aeternal – 1:44
11. An Age To Quell – 4:05
12. Transmission #2 – Will Of God – 2:04
13. Loched – 3:24
14. Cathedron Wakes – 5:37
15. Book of Rites – 1:06
16. Bishop’s Tomb – 3:32
17. Transmission #3 – Baz Raa Luum – 1:46
18. The Experience Hunter – 5:04
19. Trajectory: Tantus – 2:02
20. The Dust Of Forever – 5:11
21. Hail To The Hunter – 1:01
Album Length: 1:10:40
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Mad Parish
• All songs written by: Josh McConnell & Bob Eaglesham
• Produced by: Mad Parish
• Mixed by: Andre Bisson, Josh McConnell, Bob Eaglesham
• Mastered by: Phillipe Gagnon
• Album Artwork by: Niall Skinner
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Josh McConnell – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass (Track 8)
Bob Eaglesham – Guitars, Vocals, Bass (Track 18), Drums (Track 18), Keyboards (All Tracks except 8, 12, 15, 18, 19)
Andre Bisson – Keyboards (All Tracks except 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, 17, 21), Piano (Track 15)
Peter Mika – Keyboards (2nd keyboard solo on Resistius Track 9)
Patrick Latreille – Bass (All Tracks except 8, 18)
Paskal Belanger – Drums (Track 2,3,5,7,9,13,14)
Gopal Devanathan – Drums (Track 11, 16, 20)
Tony Spina – Drums (Track 12)
Jeff Louch – Piano (Track 12)
Live Band Line Up:
Josh McConnell – Vocals
Bob Eaglesham – Guitar, Vocals
Aaron Carbray – Guitar
Andre Bisson – Keyboards
Gino Laposta – Bass
Max Rex – Drums
Comic Book Credits:
Story – Josh McConnell
Artwork – Niall Skinner
Editing – Rahl Stafford
Design – Maximus Rex
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About The Album Artwork
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
The album is an original story written by Mad Parish that is told through the tapestry of a soundtrack that chronicles the journey of Joe, the protagonist. Through events beyond his control, he discovers that he is immortal and that cataclysmic events are about to take place endangering the universe in which he lives. He also finds out that he has an important role in this process, through an ancient text prophecy hidden for eons. The story is told through the music of Mad Parish, rooted in traditional heavy metal with embellishments in new textures and sounds.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. Prologue – The prophecy is spelled out in short form, spoken by Cathedron, and the music sounds like Angelo Badalamenti was commissioned to compose the music for the next Zelda game.
2. Defecther – The ‘Lasters’ decide to execute the newborn female child (Arla) which is against their religion – however, Bishop Cadfael who is aware of a hidden prophecy steals her away and escapes. Musically its Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ deciding to gallop instead.
3. Possess The Child – Cadfael returns to and ancient mining planet (Earth) and performs a ritual on a human female. Musically there is a ‘Band On The Run’ influence which also includes action such as Cadfael’s ship crashing.
4. Outerest In Irisius – Cadfael’s moment of tranquility after the significant events that have just taken place. Musically, right out of Camel’s playbook of 70s folk-prog.
5. Owen – Formation – Cadfael settles on planet Owen, and raises Arla at the same time guiding Joe through the transmissions of a sonic blue light. Musically, this has echoes of a classic 80s ballad, with some heavier Metallica-esque elements from ‘One’.
6. Astral T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) – Joe wakes up in Astrat.R.A.Z, a massive prison constructed on a comet. Musically, its John Carpenter who listened to too much Jethro Tull.
7. Hunted – Incidental music illustrating the chase that occurs after Joe escapes from Astrat.R.A.Z with the help of Arla. Musically its pure John Williams a la Empire Strikes Back.
8. Transmission #1 Dream On – The first of three intercepted transmissions Joe and Arla receive through their makeshift radio, this one coming from Earth. Musically, it sounds like a Jimmy Buffett residency at an old age home.
9. Resistius – Joe and Arla’s radio signal is intercepted by a rogue gang of space pirates who attempt to capture them for a bounty. Musically, its as if Exodus decided they wanted to be Rush.
10. Aeternal – Joe feels a moment of despair in knowing he will live forever and cannot bear to be alone. Coincidentally, shortly after Joe and Arla start a physical and emotional relationship, much to Joe’s relief. Musically, this is Pet Sounds in space.
11. Transmission #2 – Will Of God – The second transmission received by Joe and Arla’s radio, also from Earth. Musically, this is an apocalyptic cult chanting for the end to come, on top of a Jazz inspired version of Resistius.
12. An Age To Quell – Joe and Arla are forced to go their separate ways to fulfill their individual quests under impending galactic shifts. Musically, its Highway Star on steroids.
13. Loched – Joe finds himself back on Earth being pursued by the Executioner and he must resurrect an ancient Cathedron, hidden in the bottom of a Canadian lake. After witnessing events that reveal the validity of the hidden prophecy, the Executioner decides to help Joe. Musically, Candlemass would have been proud to see Mad Parish’s headbanging crowd.
14. Cathedron Wakes – The Cathedron, a robotic colossus and the last of its kind is awakened by Joe’s amulet, and the Executioner has now given the book of rites to him. Musically, this is a thrash song that all robots would love. The music attempts to recreate the machinations of a colossal machine.
15. The Bishop’s Rite – A piano intro foreshadowing the Bishop’s Tomb. Musically, it’s a solo piano intro.
16. Transmission #3 – Baz Raa Luum The third and final transmission received, this comes from deep within the Laster’s region. Musically, this is Laster’s devotional music.
17. Bishop’s Tomb – The Executioner desires to absolve herself of the crime of killing Bishop Cadfael, and does this by declaring her death site sacred and also his resting place. She also gives Joe the book of rites which is crucial to fulfilling the prophecy. Musically, a cinematic banger.
18. The Experience Hunter – On the precipice of the climax of the story, Joe has a moment of reflection on the events that have shaped and brought him to this crucial moment in time. Musically, Judas Priest’s Point Of Entry.
19. Trajectory: Tantus – Joe, piloting Cathedron travels through a series of wormholes to arrive at the site of the celestial battle that decides the fate of all. Musically, the Edison Twins dropped acid and plugged all their computers in at the same time.
20. The Dust Of Forever – The climax and conclusion of the story and the album. A new child is born, and order has been restored to the universe and the Laster’s are finally defeated. Musically, a NWOBHM bastard child matures into a power metal adult, in chapter form.
21. Hail To The Hunter – The victorious chant of the liberated masses heard across the newborn galaxy.
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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
1. One of the main themes on this album is triumph over adversity, even when all seems hopeless. To find the inner strength to carry on in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds is central to the main characters. Oddly enough, even though the story was written a few years ago it feels as though it resonates more in today’s world – a world of instability, uncertain outcomes and a general mood of anxiety and hopelessness. The message we want to convey is that there is almost no limit to the untapped strength of the human spirit, to remain strong and steadfast in the pursuit of righteous endeavor.
2. The album in a way serves as the soundtrack to the story, which is why we included several interludes and intrumental pieces as well. We’re hoping this will give the album a flow to it, where periodically the metal stops and the music shifts gears, clearing the palate so to speak. It also gives the album peaks and valleys which is essential to any good narrative storytelling.
3. The recording process was about as chaotic as the events that occur in the story. It was recorded in several locations: Some drums were tracked at Breakglass Studios, at a jam space, and at Studio B-Son. Guitars were recorded direct and re-amped at Studio B-Son. Vocals were recorded at 2 separate home studios and everything has spent time traveling to various places through the internet and back.
4. For a time, we joked about this album being our version of ‘Chinese Democracy’ by Guns ‘N’ Roses because it took so long to finish. However, that isn’t really accurate because of the events that delayed the work – notably, the process survived a member having a heart attack, the global pandemic, files disappearing, equipment failures, cross platform sync issues, and busy members’ schedules. Undeterred, we soldiered on, and the results made it all worth it. Having said that, we probably won’t make an album like this ever again, but we can at least say we did it, and we did our best. In the end, its all about the songs.
5. Some years ago we drove out to Halifax in February to do a few shows. It was very cold, and on the way there the trailer blew a tire. We realized the jack for the van didn’t extend enough to lift the trailer, so we literally scavenged the area for pieces of wood to stack under the jack so we could change the tire. Later on we realized we were running out of gas and all the gas stations were closed. We drove for about 50 kilometres with the ‘Empty’ light on the gas gauge, putting the van in neutral to coast down hills and save every drop of gas. Somehow we made it to a gas station, and cheers erupted. The shows we did that weekend were some of the best to date, likely because we were all happy to be alive. On the way home, the other tire on the trailer blew out. To this day, we avoid doing any out of town shows in February.
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Mad Parish is a heavy metal band that hails from Montreal, Quebec. In existence for over 10 years, the band’s reputation as a formidable live act is well-established within the Montreal heavy music scene. Possessing a truly unique songwriting style, they effortlessly fuse NWOBHM styles with progressive rock and catchy sing-along melodies.
After releasing their debut album “Procession” in 2015 to very positive reviews, the band found itself in a rebuilding phase. Undaunted, they opted to recruit a roster of top-notch musicians already well-known to the music scene in their own right. To further up the ante, they decided that the new album would be expanded into a full concept album, complete with a story and a companion comic book. The ultimate plan is to launch the new album in a live setting with costumes, set pieces, and visual effects.
Mad Parish has a unique set of influences within its ranks. While heavy metal is the end result, the ingredients are extremely varied. Brewing beneath the surface of their music there are traces of NWOBHM, progressive rock, 70’s rock, 80’s new wave, punk, pop music new and old, classical, and jazz. The band, with their energetic stage show, has impressed audiences while opening for such acts as Skid Row, Grim Reaper, Udo Dirkschneider, Ripper Owens, Blaze Bayley, Steel Panther, Cauldron, Priestess, Off!, Cauldron, Holy Grail and Skull Fist.
Francais:
Mad Parish est un groupe de heavy metal originaire de Montréal, au Québec. Existant depuis plus de 10 ans, la réputation du groupe en tant que formidable groupe live n’est plus à faire au sein de la scène musicale heavy montréalaise. Possédant un style d’écriture vraiment unique, ils fusionnent sans effort les styles NWOBHM avec du rock progressif et des mélodies entraînantes.
Après avoir sorti son premier album « Procession » en 2015 avec des critiques très positives, le groupe se retrouve dans une phase de reconstruction. Intrépides, ils ont choisi de recruter une liste de musiciens de premier ordre déjà bien connus de la scène musicale. Pour monter encore plus haut, ils ont décidé que le nouvel album serait étendu en un album concept complet, accompagné d’une histoire et d’une bande dessinée d’accompagnement. Le plan ultime est de lancer le nouvel album dans un décor live avec costumes, décors et effets visuels.
Mad Parish possède un ensemble unique d’influences au sein de ses rangs. Même si le résultat final est du heavy metal, les ingrédients sont extrêmement variés. Sous la surface de leur musique se cachent des traces de NWOBHM, de rock progressif, de rock des années 70, de new wave des années 80, de punk, de musique pop nouvelle et ancienne, de classique et de jazz. Le groupe, avec son spectacle énergique, a impressionné le public en première partie d’actes tels que Skid Row, Grim Reaper, Udo Dirkschneider, Ripper Owens, Blaze Bayley, Steel Panther, Cauldron, Priestess, Off!, Cauldron, Holy Grail et Skull fist.
Discography:
2024 – The Dust Of Forever – Album
2014 – Procession – Album
Jan.8th, 2017 – Udo Dirkschneider (from Accept)
Oct.27th, 2016 – Ripper Owens (from Judas Priest)
Sept.24th, 2016 – Blaze Bayley (from Iron Maiden)
Aug.6th, 2016 – Gr3 Nascar in Trois Rivieres with Alcoholica
Jul.14th, 2016 – Quebec City with Steel Panther (Festivale D’Ete)
Priestess (Katacombes, Mavericks, Café Campus)
Off! (Bovine Sex Club) secret show during CMW 2014
Skid Row (Corona Theatre)
Grim Reaper (Katacombes)
Cauldron (Katacombes)
Holy Grail (Il Motore)
Anvil (Katacombes)
