ICYMI: Absolute Underground Magazine Issue 114 Halloween Issue with Electric Frankenstein, John Carpenter, James Jude Courtney Halloween’s new Michael Myers and more …
interviews w/ Vortex Band, Massive Scar Era, Hyperia, Atria, Display Of Decay Gore House Productions, Rockin’ Engine
https://absoluteunderground.tv/absolute-underground-magazine-issue-114/
Posts By Asher
0 ICYMI: Absolute Underground Magazine Issue 114 Halloween Issue with Electric Frankenstein, John Carpenter, James Jude Courtney Halloween’s new Michael Myers and more … interviews w/ Vortex Band, Massive Scar Era, Hyperia, Atria, Display Of Decay Gore House Productions, Rockin’ Engine
0 MASSIVE SCAR ERA Continues To Mesmerize With “30 Years” Off “Metal Goes Egyptian”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 28, 2023
MASSIVE SCAR ERA Continues To Mesmerize With “30 Years” Off “Metal Goes Egyptian”
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With an impressive six albums already, Massive Scar Era presented their seventh record “Metal Goes Egyptian” earlier this November. The EP features six songs, including two brand-new tracks and four rearrangements of previously released songs. Each song showcases the collaboration between Cherine Amr and diverse musicians, creating a seamless fusion of metal and Egyptian traditional Arabic music. The fourth single off the EP “30 Years” is now being presented with a video, which Amr comments on:
“This is a rearrangement of a previously released song under the same title. I wrote it when I turned 30 when I moved to Canada. I’m used to writing songs and then jamming on them with a drummer to try out different ideas. With the move to Canada, I didn’t know any drummer to jam with, and I wasn’t ready to network yet, so I had to navigate midi and drum machine, which was a pain – still a pain! But I wrote the drumline for this song on my computer, and with this added knowledge, it gave me a tool to finally express the beats I have in my mind, even if they don’t sound great.”
Watch “30 Years” at https://youtu.be/MwByTGPMDNw
Originating in Alexandria, Egypt, Amr now lives in Montreal, Canada which provides the backdrop for her musical endeavors. The formation of Massive Scar Era stemmed from her desire to delve into songwriting within a complete band framework. Initially, the intention was to establish a traditional band setup. However, due to relocation between cities within Canada, it became challenging to maintain a consistent lineup of band members. Nonetheless, she chose to view this as an opportunity to engage in collaborations with diverse arrangers and songwriters in every release.
“Metal Goes Egyptian” was recorded and filmed with a traditional Egyptian Arabic music orchestra in Studio Mix Art in Montreal, Canada. The EP was released on November 3, 2023, and is recommended for fans of Huntress, Arkan, and Acrassicauda.
The EP is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music at the following link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/massivescarera/metal-goes-egyptian-2
Previous Videos:
“Oblivious” – https://youtu.be/fF_uFyOWNqg
“Between Waves” – https://youtu.be/d6LU9v6lHk8
“Back to the Sun” – https://youtu.be/WULR4FvSCHI
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Track Listing:
1. Between Waves – 3:22
2. 30 Years – 4:43
3. Oblivious – 3:46
4. Back to the Sun – 3:41
5. Color Blind – 3:14
6. Endorphins – 2:37
EP Length: 21:26
More info: Facebook.com/massivescarera | Instagram.com/massivescarera
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“Steeped in Metal, but bridging the gap to Egyptian music, Massive Scar Era is a Metal band you need to know about in 2023. The brainchild of visionary artist Cherine Amr, their new EP Metal Goes Egyptian, the seventh release in her career, is coming out in November. Not only does the band creative a ground-breaking mix of Metal and world music, Cherine had to flee her country where “the devil’s music” is forbidden to create, let alone defying gender norms that could lead to punishment, or worse. With its unique fusion of Prog Rock, post-Grunge, Egyptian music, and Heavy Metal, the group just released a new single “Between Waves!”” – Ghost Cult Magazine
” When you’re a metal act, you either go big or you go home, and going big is what Massive Scar Era does extremely well. Today, the metal ensemble unveiled the video for their new single, “Oblivious,” off of their Metal Goes Egyptian EP. As an in-studio performance video, it’s simple but effective. It’s particularly effective due to the level of precision with which the band plays. Then you add in the orchestral elements, and you have essentially what amounts to a symphony. Beyond band founder and leader Cherine Amr, there are many minds and parties at play to bring this vision to life. Amr collaborates closely with musicians, producers, and video creators. Her goal is to combine heavy metal’s power with traditional Arabic music’s beauty and charisma. You’ll hear it all come together in perfect harmony upon Metal Goes Egyptian’s official release on November 3rd.” – V13
“As the title indicates, it’s metal with a middle eastern tone and style… mostly melodic death with clean and harsh vox.” – The Moshpit – WORT 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)
“the Egyptian-Western music cocktail has an almost hypnotic effect” – PowerMetal.de
“Through “Metal Goes Egypt”, their new EP, Canadian band Massive Scar Era invites open-minded heavy music fans to embark on a musical journey that transcends borders and creates a unique fusion of metal energy and the melodic beauty and cultural nuances of traditional Egyptian Arabic music.” – YoZone.fr
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0 Reminder – Band Submissions End Nov 30th For WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 27, 2023
Reminder – Band Submissions End Nov 30th For WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024
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Wacken Metal Battle USA will return in 2024 to crown one independent band to perform at the world’s largest gathering of metalheads from around the world. To date, the battle has sent 5 previous bands to perform on metal’s most prestigious stage. 2023 witnessed San Diego’s Fadrait crowned champion, following previous winners San Diego’s Mythraeum (2022), San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).
Watch the video of 2023 winners Fadrait at Wacken Open Air – https://youtu.be/RhdJ2eCuX4k
Applications for 2024 end November 30th, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.
Unsigned bands can ONLY apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select United States and then the City that your band like to perform in) – https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/
2024 battles will be taking place 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
Event info for future battles can be found at https://www.facebook.com/metalbattleusa.official/events
For the last 5 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023), 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 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black and many more. Details here.
Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g
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 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 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 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.
Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/
Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa
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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! Singapore’s NOPROPHECY Debut Album “As The Bridge Collapses”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 24, 2023
Rockshots Records – Out Now! Singapore’s NOPROPHECY Debut Album “As The Bridge Collapses”
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Singapore’s NOPROPHECY‘s debut album “As The Bridge Collapses” is now ready to captivate fans with its versatility from Rockshots Records. Promising a multifaceted experience, the album delves into the band’s signature melodic style while exploring various stylistic shifts across metal genres.
Describing their sound in five words – Aggressive, Melodic, Intense, Groove, and Dynamic – NOPROPHECY has consistently pushed boundaries, showcasing their signature blend of fierce intensity and melodic artistry.
“There are so many variations the band incorporates into its songwriting with this album and we believe there is something for everyone. We feel an album should always have a flow from start to finish and that is what we’re trying to achieve with this album. We definitely played around with the choruses more this time, keeping in mind to engage more crowd participation for this album cycle. We want to give the fans a refreshing experience, yet something that is relatable on a personal level.” adds the band.
NOPROPHECY invites fans and metal enthusiasts alike to join them on this exciting and diverse musical venture. With their dedication to delivering a powerful live experience, NOPROPHECY incorporates backing tracks during performances to elevate the audience’s engagement.
Recommended for fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, and As I Lay Dying, “As The Bridge Collapses” is now available as of November 24th, 2023 from Rockshots Records.
Album Order – http://bit.ly/NoProphecyCD
Digital – https://bfan.link/as-the-bridge-collapses
Lyric Video – “Ghost Of Yesterday” – https://youtu.be/pJd2H3vO3iQ
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Track Listing:
1. Convelescent 0:38
2. As The Bridge Collapses 3:05
3. Ghost Of Yesterday 4:28
4. Sorrows 4:03
5. Burn It Down 3:33
6. Broken 3:31
7. Set Me Free 4:15
8. Voices 3:39
9. Higanbana 3:29
Album Length: 29:21
For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/noprophecySG
https://www.instagram.com/NOPROPHECYSG
https://twitter.com/NOPROPHECYSG
About: Established in 2013 by Alveria Sykes, Singapore’s NOPROPHECY has emerged as a formidable force in modern metal. The band’s inception was fueled by a collective passion for music and a desire to unite their musical abilities in a band setting. Each member looked up to revered musicians, aspiring to bring their own unique touch to the musical landscape.
During its formative years, NOPROPHECY saw a rotation of musicians, but by the release of “After Life Comes EP” in 2016, the band had solidified its lineup, setting the stage for what would become a promising musical journey. Their debut full-length “As The Bridge Collapses” is due out in November 2023 from Rockshtos Records.
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0 Out Now! Italian / Malaysian Symphonic Power Metallers SILENT ANGEL New Album “Unyielding, Unrelenting”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 24, 2023
Out Now! Italian / Malaysian Symphonic Power Metallers SILENT ANGEL New Album “Unyielding, Unrelenting”
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With its foundations deeply rooted in power and symphonic metal along with mixing progressive and Japanese metal influences, Italian / Malaysian-based Silent Angel presents its debut album “Unyielding, Unrelenting”. Featuring 10 tracks, the crafting of the full length and lyrics was an exciting yet emotional process in which band founder Eric “StormBlade” Poon poured out his heart, soul, and emotions during the composition process.
“I hope that the listeners will immerse themselves in the music and that the emotions, energy, and feelings will be translated to the listeners whilst listening to the album in its entirety.”
Lead vocalist Claudia Beltrame adds:
“We’d like for our audience to be enthralled by the super catchy melodies and hit by the vibrant riffs, inspired by the greatest power metal bands from the 90s. We’d also like for them to appreciate the unique blend of the two voices, and be engrossed in the rhythmic session powerful throughout the album, from the most energetic tracks to the most emotional ones.”
Working on a shoestring budget, Silent Angel started off by recording some demos and put out a roughly recorded EP just to see if the music had potential and it did. Changing their lineup along with the global pandemic setting things back by a few years, through all the trials and tribulations, their hard work, dedication, and efforts are finally coming to fruition.
“The tracks are actually a selection of songs that I wrote back in the late 90s until the resurgence and reformation of Silent Angel in 2015 and subsequently, resumed writing and composing the music, lyrics, and song arrangement,” says Eric Poon.
“Unyielding, Unrelenting” is meant to immerse fans in the music and let it give them the strength and courage to face their demons and overcome adversity. The record offers a lot of pleasant vintage vibes, magnificent guitar solos, and hammering drums, but also sentimental and quiet moments and unique melody lines with its soaring duo vocals and energetic rock singing from Claudia Beltrame, frontwoman for Italian symphonic prog band, Degrees Of Truth and Gracie Shona, well known from the Malaysian club scene.
“There will be a Silent Angel, a guardian, a protector that will give you that sliver of hope and nudge to push on and fight for a better future as you listen to ten tracks of power/symphonic metal,” adds Eric Poon.
Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, and Hammerfall, Silent Angel’s “Unyielding, Unrelenting” is available from Rockshots Records as of November 24th, 2023.
Digital – https://bfan.link/unyielding-unrelenting
Album order – https:/bit.ly/SilentAngelCD
Music Video – “Against The Tides” – https://youtu.be/Vyi-CwgYq_4
Music Video – “Tears of Celestine” – https://youtu.be/tR1dHlNnnPU
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Track Listing:
1. Unyielding Spirit – 2:40
2. Against The Tides – 5:34
3. A Destiny In Shadows – 3:45
4. Through Selene’s Eyes – 4:30
5. Aurora’s Dream – 4:58
6. Descent Into Infinity – 3:50
7. When Dusk Meets Dawn – 3:20
8. Angel Rising – 4:07
9. Tears Of Celestine – 5:21
10. Twilight Of The Black Rose – 6:18
Album Length: 44:27
Silent Angel is:
Eric “StormBlade” Poon – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals, Songwriter, Lyricist
Claudia Beltrame – Lead Vocals
Gracie Shona – Co-lead Vocals
Dauz – Bass
Permanent Session Musicians
Davide Scuteri – Keyboards, Synth
PAE – Drums
Silent Angel is currently endorsed by Blackstar Amps, MusicNomad Guitar Care, Mackie, Blacksmith Strings, and Zoom and is supported by CK Music (Malaysia), City Music Singapore, and EMusic Instruments.
For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/SilentAngelBand
About: Originally formed in 2000, and taking over a decade-long hiatus, the band returned in 2015 with a fresh new lineup and released two EPs along with gaining support on American, Canadian, Italian, Australian, and UK radio stations. The band was also honoured with recording a track for Samsung’s Milk Music Ad Campaign, plus performing a Malaysian tour where they headlined the IDX SummerFest, which was followed by two tours of Japan.
After the Japan tours, Silent Angel returned to the studios to record their full-length album but unfortunately were struck with tragedy with the untimely passing of their bass player putting the recording on pause.
Fast forward to 2020, Silent Angel brought in multi-award-winning recording and mixing engineer, Rahmad Kamikaze as the co-producer and welcomed bassist Dauz and professional drum sessionist PAE.
Moving in 2021, the beautiful and talented Italian soprano powerhouse Claudia Beltrame joined the band lineup, and later on with Italian keyboard and synth wizard, Davide Scuteri contributing his talent to the music, we’re now poised to unleash our full-length masterpiece upon the world in the very capable hands of our record label, Rockshots Records!
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“The employment of dual female singers with Claudia Beltrame (also of Degrees of Truth) and Gracie Shona gives the band depth in terms of the styles explored because of their ranges – everything from rock to metal and operatic angles touched upon, coming together to harmonize certain passages for “Through Selene’s Eyes” to add more emotional, dramatic tension that mirrors the musical components. Guitarist Eric Poon as the main songwriter drives influences like Helloween, Hammerfall, and Stratovarius to the forefront, dazzling with tasty positive chord progressions and sophisticated lead breaks that make “Against the Tides” and “Descent Into Infinity” early appealers. At certain times Silent Angel also explores 80’s classic heroes like Iron Maiden when you hear the main hooks and higher melodies of “Angel Rising”, the drumming from Pae steady with interesting power moves which line up to the energetic guitar runs.” – Dead Rhetoric
“Unyielding, Unrelenting is aimed directly at fans of female-fronted symphonic/power metal” – Metal Crypt
““Against The Tides” appropriately opens the actual series of songs. The track varies the tempo again and again, but without taking it easy for even a second. As expected, the chorus is easily accessible, and the ladies Claudia Beltrame and Gracie Shona perform a fine duet…” – Hellfire Magazin
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0 Streaming Now! DEGENERATOR (ft. members All Else Fails, ex-Striker) Spellbinding Sound Comes Alive On “The Abyssal Throne”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023
Streaming Now! DEGENERATOR (ft. members All Else Fails, ex-Striker) Spellbinding Sound Comes Alive On “The Abyssal Throne”
Debut Album “The Abyssal Throne” Out Nov 24th, 2023
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L-R – Jonathan Webster – Drums, Barrett Klesko – Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Degenerator, Edmonton, Canada’s aggressive sonic titans, unleash a captivating blend of stoner, sludge, grunge, and goth rock with their debut album “The Abyssal Throne”, which is streaming now. Led by Barrett Klesko (Alle Else Fails) who is joined by Jonathan Webster (Pass of Era, ex-Striker), this relentless musical force delivers a spellbinding sound that resonates with fans of grunge, sludge, stoner, and doom metal. These internationally acclaimed musicians set the stage for an immersive journey through explosive moods, progressive time signatures, and hauntingly unusual vocal melodies. Klesko comments on what’s in store for those who check the album:
“This album is a radical departure from anything I have produced before. It’s more somber, but not as heavy, as All Else Fails, slower, but also more profound than the Misfires, and though it has more order than The Secret Places of the Earth, it still keeps some of the mystery. I hope my fans can discover a new facet of my creativity and a new bond with the art that I make.”
Degenerator is a sonic experiment that Klesko conducted to unleash the noise that was haunting his mind. He wanted to capture the essence of retro The Smashing Pumpkins, with their saturated fuzzy guitars, but also add a touch of gothic darkness that he finds deeply appealing. Interestingly, they started with the drums and then built everything else on top of them.
“The Abyssal Throne” is completely DIY, it was mixed and mastered by Webster, and produced by Klesko who also did the album artwork and leveraged AI to create something that reflected how the music made him feel. It is recommended for open-minded fans who want to experience something new and who enjoy Baroness, Torche, Smashing Pumpkins, and Soundgarden.
“The Abyssal Throne” is due out November 24, 2023, and can be heard in full via its album stream premiere on Doomed and Stoned HERE.
Album pre-order – https://degeneratormusic.bandcamp.com/
Music Video – “Eternalism” – https://youtu.be/Ad7o2rmB5vQ
Music Video – “Neurotonic” – https://youtu.be/f-4FWtW9qdI
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Track Listing:
1. Eternalism – 3:42
2. Finality – 4:06
3. The Day That Never Comes – 4:39
4. Darkness Prevails – 3:58
5. Neurotonic – 4:46
6. The Children of the Night – 3:59
7. Hiraeth – 4:06
8. The Spiral – 4:13
9. Heart Like a Hole – 4:15
10. For Every Truth – 5:38
11. A Way Out – 3:52
Album Length: 47:14
About:
Degenerator, Edmonton’s aggressive sonic titans, unleash a captivating blend of stoner, sludge, grunge, and goth rock.
Degenerator, the relentless musical force hailing from the underground scene in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, emerges from the depths to deliver a spellbinding sound that resonates with fans of Baroness, Type O Negative, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and Alice in Chains. With their captivating blend of stoner, sludge, grunge, and a touch of doom, Degenerator sets the stage for an immersive journey through explosive moods, progressive time signatures, and hauntingly unusual vocal melodies.
Driven by a collective passion for pushing the boundaries of music, Degenerator boasts an exceptional lineup featuring members from renowned bands such as Striker, All Else Fails, The Order of Chaos, Tyler Dory Trio, and The Secret Places of the Earth. Their combined expertise and unwavering dedication forge a distinct sonic tapestry that both embraces and reinvents the spirit of goth and grunge from the ’90s and ’00s.
Drawing inspiration from the genre’s most revered figures, Degenerator fearlessly invites listeners into an enigmatic soundscape where raw emotions intertwine with thought-provoking lyrics. Their music reflects the complexities of the human experience, delving into the depths of despair while simultaneously igniting a raging fire within the soul.
From the very first notes, Degenerator launches audiences into a realm where aggression surges and anticipation fills the air. With their unyielding commitment to innovation, they flawlessly navigate intricate and progressive time signatures, resulting in a sonic assault that defies convention. Each song becomes an adrenaline-fueled journey, enticing listeners to surrender to the primal depths of their own emotions.
As they traverse the sonic landscape, Degenerator masterfully balances thunderous, distorted riffs with intricate melodies that seamlessly intertwine. Their music evokes a wide range of emotions, from seething rage to cathartic release, leaving no listener untouched by its commanding power. Fans of ’90s and ’00s goth and industrial rock will find solace in the band’s fusion of familiar elements while being propelled by their fresh and unrelenting approach.
Degenerator’s journey to musical excellence is further underscored by their remarkable accolades. The band’s members have been recipients of prestigious awards, including a JUNO Award for Best Metal Album, a Canadian Music Award for Metal Recording of the Year, Edmonton Music awards, and numerous other industry honors. Their track record of success serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication and artistic brilliance.
Degenerator’s forthcoming release promises to be a revelation for music enthusiasts craving an aggressive and captivating sonic experience. With their untamed creativity, unmatched musicianship, and a proven history of award-winning success, Degenerator is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of alternative rock.
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““Eternalism,” hits the thunder with a brutality that is of yet unmatched in its synchronicity.” – The Median Man
“The cut “Neurotinic” culled from the first half of The Abyssal Throne is likewise atmospheric and catchy. In some of its harder moments, there’s a sense of Degenerator The Abyssal Thronemetallic emotionalism that reminds of Katatonia, but by and large Degenerator — that’s vocalist, guitarist and bassist Barrett Klesko and drummer Jonathan Webster — keep the vibe geared toward a heavy alternative rock, not quite stoner or even prog-stoner, but certainly aware of and wiling to be led by its riff, and the melody of the vocals in hook digs into pop hookmaking without sounding ridiculous, and that’s something of a triumph itself. In combination with the sharper-edged “Eternalism,” the album-opener and prior single, it portrays the band as experienced songwriters at the relative outset of developing an already-broad sound.” – The Obelisk
“The Abyssal Throne is remarkable work. Consistent but varied, old-school but without exaggerating the homage, clear of production, and powerful of transmission. Like a Billy Corgan working in concert with the late Chris Cornell on behalf of a subsidiary of 4AD, DEGENERATOR opens its mind, and lets wander some symptomatic psychedelic diversions of the parentage between Black SABBATH and the Seattle wave, sometimes citing MILK, BARONESS, and other witnesses of an era of crossbreeding pushed to its extremes.” Metalnews.fr
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0 Streaming Now! YESTERDAY’S HERO’s Save The Day With Debut Album “Ways To Hate”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023
Streaming Now! YESTERDAY’S HERO’s Save The Day With Debut Album “Ways To Hate”
+ Music Videos “Be” & “Life So Good”
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Having shared the stage with bands such as Escape the Fate, Powerman5000, The Convalescence, and Gemini Syndrome, among many others, Ohio alternative metal quintet Yesterday’s Hero is ready to present their debut album “Ways To Hate”. Featuring seven tracks, the full-length takes listeners through the emotions of a struggling bleeding heart at the end of a tumultuous relationship. Musically, it’s a fusion of high-energy grooves with timeless melodies.
The band explains further:
“‘Ways To Hate’ features previous re-recorded tracks from their 2021 debut EP “Killing Me” along with a few new songs such as “What I Needed”, “Bounce” and the title track “Ways To Hate” to complete the seven-song album that we want to get your blood pumping and moshing in the pit. We pride ourselves on using raw gritty tube amps, no backing tracks or plug-ins. There is no need for a laptop as we intentionally step back from today’s norm. What hear on the record is what you’ll hear live, note for note.”
In a digital age of singles, Yesterday’s Hero went analog for this record as they would like those listening to experience each track finishing and ready for the next. The tracklisting was arranged in an order specifically to create a feel of an album experience, not just one single.
“We have simple intentions along with catchy riffs with relatable lyrics. We want to give music fans a nostalgic taste for our music experience with a bit of new raw live sound.” adds the band.
Recommended for fans of Chevelle, Rise Against, Killswitch Engage, Godsmack, and Seether, Yesterday’s Hero‘s first full-length can be heard in full before it officially drops on November 24th, 2023 via its album stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.
“Ways To Hate” is available for pre-order at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/yesterdayshero/ways-to-hate.
Music Video – Be – https://youtu.be/iI3WQ7LoNMQ
Music Video – Life’s So Good – https://youtu.be/UdtbpNH7LGM
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Track Listing:
1- Killing Me (3:43)
2- What I Needed (4:06)
3- Ways to Hate (3:38)
4- Bounce (4:12)
5- Be (3:46)
6- Road of Doom (5:26)
7- Life’s So Good (3:46)
Album Length: 28:36
Band Lineup Live and Recording
Chris Neller – Vocals
Nathan Fike – Lead Guitar
Tony Smith – Guitar
Bill Mizen – Bass
Byron Ferguson – Live Drums and Recorded Drums on track 2. What I Needed, 3. Ways to Hate, 4. Bounce
Jesse Elkins – Recorded Drums on track 1. Killing Me, 5. Be, 6. Road of Doom, and 7. Life’s So Good
More info: Yesterdaysheroband.com | Facebook.com/YesterdaysHeroBand | Instagram.com/hero_yesterdays
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0 JUDICATOR Shares Blind Guardian Cover “The Curse of Feanor” Off “I Am The Void” EP Out Dec 8th
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023
JUDICATOR Shares Blind Guardian Cover “The Curse of Feanor” Off “I Am The Void” EP Out Dec 8th
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Left to right: Chad Anderson (Guitar), John Yelland (Vocals), Dayton Andersen (Guitar), Dalton Jolley (Drums), John Dolan (Bass)
Photo Credit – Demii Photography
Hailing from Salt Lake City, USA, Judicator is a denim and leather-clad power metal act that will blow your hair back and excite your loins with its fervent riffs, wailing solos, and powerful vocals. Since their inception many years ago they have released six albums already and an EP “I Am The Void” is on the horizon. The EP features two heart-pounding tracks over 15 minutes that pack a punch. The song “The Curse of Feanor,” is a Blind Guardian cover as the band explains:
“Regarding “The Curse of Feanor,” this is a song that our Patreon supporters voted on. The cover has been available to them for some time now, and we chose to release it to the public alongside “I am the Void.”. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.”
In 2010, John Yelland and Alicia Cordisco met at a Blind Guardian concert. The two developed a friendship and formed Judicator two years later. Prior to Cordisco’s departure from the band, Yelland would write all the lyrics and Cordisco would write all the music.
Since 2022’s ‘The Majesty of Decay,’ however, Yelland has become the band’s primary songwriter and lyricist. Mostly focused on historical topics, Judicator takes a look at everything from Napoleon Bonaparte to the renowned Byzantine general Belisarius. They don’t shy away from heavy topics though, exemplified by the rollercoaster title track on this EP.
Judicator brings raw energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Through their performances, the band conjures imagery of both ancient battles and inner turmoil. They are recommended for fans of Scanner, Iron Savior, and Helion Prime.
Watch and listen to Judicator‘s cover of Blind Guardian’s “The Curse of Feanor” at https://youtu.be/hoyDco3P4Ek
“I Am The Void” is due out on December 8th, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://judicatormetal.bandcamp.com/ and digital pre-save at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/judicator/i-am-the-void.
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Track Listing:
1. I am the Void (9:01)
2. The Curse of Feanor (5:51)
EP Length: 14:51
More info: Judicatormetal.com | Facebook.com/judicatormetal | Twitter.com/JudicatorMetal | Instagram.com/judicatormetal
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“The Majesty of Decay is simply one of the best power metal albums released in the last few years, and potentially, my favorite Judicator yet.” – Angry Metal Guy
“This album is guaranteed that fans of Judicator will be talking about it for years to come. There are those which will utterly hate this album as a release that has gone too far in one direction. However, this is a gamble which has paid off and ‘The Majesty of Decay’ is not only arguably one of the best albums released this year, but also debatably the best album that Judicator have ever released.” – Metal Digest
“[Judicator is] unmatched when it comes to delivering an illuminating experience that is both energized and heartfelt.” — GBHBL
“Judicator is something new, but still something excellent. And we sing along, with open shirts and fists pointing to the sky.” — Devilution
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 EPK – JUDICATOR – I Am The Void (2023)
EPK – JUDICATOR – I Am The Void (2023)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.com]
“‘I am the Void’ will scratch the itch of two different kinds of Judicator fans. Those who like the new direction of Judicator will enjoy the title track, while those who prefer our older “Cordisco-era” catalog will like “The Curse of Feanor.” There’s something in this EP for everyone.” – Judicator
For fans of Blind Guardian, Scanner, Iron Savior, Helion Prime
EP Title: I Am The Void
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Judicatormetal.com | Facebook.com/judicatormetal | Twitter.com/JudicatorMetal | Instagram.com/judicatormetal
Judicatormetal.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Patreon.com/judicatormetal
“The Majesty of Decay is simply one of the best power metal albums released in the last few years, and potentially, my favorite Judicator yet.” – Angry Metal Guy
“This album is guaranteed that fans of Judicator will be talking about it for years to come. There are those which will utterly hate this album as a release that has gone too far in one direction. However, this is a gamble which has paid off and ‘The Majesty of Decay’ is not only arguably one of the best albums released this year, but also debatably the best album that Judicator have ever released.” – Metal Digest
“[Judicator is] unmatched when it comes to delivering an illuminating experience that is both energized and heartfelt.” — GBHBL
“Judicator is something new, but still something excellent. And we sing along, with open shirts and fists pointing to the sky.” — Devilution
EP Title: I Am The Void
Release Date: December 8, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. I Am The Void (9:01)
2. The Curse of Feanor (5:51)
EP Length: 14:51
EP Recording Credits:
Performed by Judicator (2022)
John Yelland (Vocals)
John Dolan (Bass)
Balmore Lemus (Guitar)
Jordy Elcess (Drums)
Guest musicians:
Alexander Bosson (Drums)
Francisco Pérez (Keyboards, orchestration)
Track 1: Music and lyrics by John Yelland and Austin Bentley
Track 2: Lyrics by Hansi Kürsch / Music by Andre Olbrich, Hansi Kürsch, Thomas Stauch, and Marcus Siepen)
Produced by John Yelland
Mixed by Carlos Alvarez at Dirty Viking Audio
Mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studio
EP artwork by Marc Whisnant
Member of ASCAP
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About The Single Artwork
The artwork was created by Marc Whisnant, who created the artwork for other Judi albums like ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘The Majesty of Decay.’
Marc collaborated with me on the artwork concept. The only guidance I gave him was that I wanted a sick, green color palette and something reminiscent of this scene from this scene in Annihilation.
About the EP (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
This EP takes listeners through a roller coaster of emotions. “I am the Void” travels through isolation, courage, and triumph, and then “The Curse of Feanor” finishes out the EP like a thunderous cavalry charge.
Lyrically, “I am the Void” explores something all artists have felt at one time or another — a gravitational pull towards giving up, throwing in the towel. If you’ve lost that magic spark that made something special, how can you recover it? Is it even possible?
The song journeys through despondency, guilt, and shame, and plows through the fire, emerging like a phoenix reborn. The song takes you from “all is lost” to “I can do it.”
Finally, the EP concludes with a cover of Blind Guardian’s “The Curse of Feanor.” Our Patreon supporters voted on this cover song last year, and we are making it available to the public now. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.
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Func Facts -Story Angles:
1. All of Judicator’s albums are concept albums. The two primary themes explored are (a) history and (b) cancer and death.
2. Judicator was founded by John Yelland and Alicia Cordisco, who met at a Blind Guardian concert in 2010. They became friends, and two years later they formed Judicator.
3. ‘Mandy’ is a Barry Manilow cover that infuses the atmosphere and tone of Panos Cosmatos’ 2018 film of the same name.
4. Judi singer John Yelland has worked with Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) twice — once on Disforia’s song “The Dying Firmament” and again on Judicator’s song “Spiritual Treason.”
5. John Yelland: I’ve turned lots of heads at Judicator shows because I use fake blood to give my ears the appearance of bleeding. It’s not uncommon for me to get stopped shortly before and after performances by concerned people asking if I’m okay. I have to explain it’s just a stage gimmick. Oddly enough I’ve actually gotten more flak for performing barefoot on a couple of occasions!
Left to right: Chad Anderson (Guitar), John Yelland (Vocals), Dayton Andersen (Guitar), Dalton Jolley (Drums), John Dolan (Bass)
Photo Credit – Demii Photography
Hailing from Salt Lake City, USA, Judicator is a denim and leather-clad power metal act that will blow your hair back and excite your loins with its fervent riffs, wailing solos, and powerful vocals. Since their inception many years ago they have released six albums already and an EP “I Am The Void” is on the horizon. The EP features two heart-pounding tracks over 15 minutes that pack a punch. The song “The Curse of Feanor,” is a Blind Guardian cover as the band explains:
“Regarding “The Curse of Feanor,” this is a song that our Patreon supporters voted on. The cover has been available to them for some time now, and we chose to release it to the public alongside “I am the Void.”. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.”
In 2010, John Yelland and Alicia Cordisco met at a Blind Guardian concert. The two developed a friendship and formed Judicator two years later. Prior to Cordisco’s departure from the band, Yelland would write all the lyrics and Cordisco would write all the music.
Since 2022’s ‘The Majesty of Decay,’ however, Yelland has become the band’s primary songwriter and lyricist. Mostly focused on historical topics, Judicator takes a look at everything from Napoleon Bonaparte to the renowned Byzantine general Belisarius. They don’t shy away from heavy topics though, exemplified by the rollercoaster title track on this EP.
Judicator brings raw energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Through their performances, the band conjures imagery of both ancient battles and inner turmoil. They are recommended for fans of Scanner, Iron Savior, and Helion Prime.
Watch and listen to Judicator’s video cover of Blind Guardian’s “The Curse of Feanor” at
“I Am The Void” is due out on December 8th, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://judicatormetal.bandcamp.com/
Discography:
2012 — King of Rome — Album
2012 — Heroes and Villains — Single
2013 — Wenn Kronen zerschmettert sind — Single
2013 — Sleepy Plessow — Album
2014 — Coping Mechanism — EP
2015 — At the Expense of Humanity — Album
2018 — The Last Emperor — Album
2020 — Let There be Nothing — Album
2022 — The Majesty of Decay — Album
2023 – Mandy (Barry Manilow Cover) – Single
2023 – I Am The Void – EP
Shared Stage with:
Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Immortal Guardian, Paladin, Lords of the Trident , Crimson Shadows, Helion Prime, Theocracy
Tours and Festivals:
2019 — Western Crusade tour 2016 — American West (Utah, Colorado, Arizona, California, Oregon)
2019 — Mad With Power — Madison, WI
2019 — Hyperspace Metal Festival — Vancouver, British Columbia
2023 — Hyperspace Metal Festival — Vancouver, British Columbia
0 BLACK DAGGERS Speak To Your Inner Demons w/ New Video “Wasted” Off Debut Concept Record “Phantasmagoria”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023
BLACK DAGGERS Speak To Your Inner Demons w/ New Video “Wasted”
Debut Concept Record “Phantasmagoria” Out Now!
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L-R: Spencer McLeod (Drums), Stanley Sullivan (Rhythm Guitar), Mike Szeles (Bass Guitar), Valentine Vandal (Lead Vox, Lead Guitar)
Photo Credit – Mark Manlapaz (@snapshot_hott on IG)
Releasing their debut album “Phantasmagoria” at the end of this past October, Red Deer, AB, Canada’s Black Daggers are sharing their latest music video for the track “Wasted”. A song written from the point of view of speaking to your inner demons, this track freely switches from one to the other.
“It’s not meant to be clear who is the one speaking at any given point, but it’s a conversation in the mirror. We think this is a relatable concept for people who struggle with their own inner struggles.” adds the band.
The music video for “Wasted” can be seen and heard via its premiere on AllAboutTheRock HERE.
A concept record about a Faustian Bargain gone awry, “Phantasmagoria” sees its protagonist character making a deal with the Devil, which quickly goes wrong when they see their life unraveling. The album is as much about struggling with vices as it is dealing with depression and addiction. The band wanted to really dig into the idea of drug-induced psychosis and explore where that might lead to paranoia and further self-destruction. They think in some ways the character will be relatable to people who’ve dealt with battling their inner demons with mental health issues or lived with addictions.
“We want fans to experience this record by putting on their headphones, closing their eyes and just imagining themselves drifting into this world where nothing is off limits and excess is the norm. The character struggles to cope with their newfound euphoria and it leads them down a dark path of self-destruction. If anything, after listening to this record people get a slightly deeper understanding of the struggles some people face.” says the band.
Self-producing this first full-length, Black Daggers‘ explored different sound textures and ideas, but they also wanted to make sure the record was something they could reproduce live, which they are looking forward to doing in the coming months with plans to play across Alberta and beyond.
“Phantasmagoria” is available on all digital platforms at https://linktr.ee/blackdaggersmusic
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/40gqFML
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Track Listing:
1. Best I’ve Got – (4:00)
2. These Broken Bones – (3:46)
3. Surfin’ A Vibe – (4:04)
4. Voices – (4:21)
5. I’m Here – (4:15)
6. Wasted – (3:23)
7. City Limits – (3:07)
8. Carpe Diem – (4:22)
Album Length: 31:22
More info: Blackdaggersmusic.com | Facebook.com/blackdaggersofficial | Instagram.com/blackdaggersmusic | Tiktok.com/@blackdaggersmusic
About: Black Daggers are set to take the hard rock and metal scenes by storm with their electrifying, pulse-pounding sound. Composed of four talented musicians, each bringing their own flair and expertise to the table. With dual guitars that weave intricate, powerful riffs and solos, a thundering bass that lays down the groove, and a drummer who effortlessly keeps the pulse of the band’s heart pounding, the musical talent on display is undeniable. Fronted by a lead vocalist whose voice soars and roars with equal ferocity, Black Daggers is the full package. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts such as Between the Buried and Me, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Big Wreck, and Mastodon, Black Daggers fuse the raw energy of metal with the melodic sensibilities of hard rock to create a unique, unforgettable sound that transcends genres.
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“The ideas, the story, the connection to the characters are there as if one is reading a book or watching a movie. Phantasmagoria is cohesive in its songs, music, and mood and that cohesiveness of Phantasmagoria is what makes the debut album from Black Daggers brilliant. MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Best I’ve Got”, “Im Here”, “Wasted”, “City Limits”, “Carpe Diem”” – Amplify The Noise
“Solid. God knows we need more music like this, especially in Canada. If you’re into anything from Alice in Chains and Soundgarden to Mastodon and Big Wreck, this is for you.” – Alan Cross – Undiscovered Gem of the Week – Corus Media
“‘Surfin’ a Vibe’ really conjures a dark, horror-laced image. The raw vocals perfectly capture the feeling of impactful shock rock. I like the bold confidence and furious brutality. It’s well-structured but raucous.” — What CRB thought of ‘Surfin’ a Vibe’
“I really like what they did with the solo coming in a bar early. Really interesting stuff. Song of the night!” – @the_ghosthouse (Twitch)
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
ashermediarelations.com 