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Posts By Asher

0 Headbang To MINDRAZER’s Infectious Video “Suffer In Silence” Off New Album “A Thing of Nightmares” (Produced by Kevin Antreassian – Dillinger Escape Plan)

  • February 7, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Mindrazer (Misanthropic Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2024

Headbang To MINDRAZER’s Infectious Video “Suffer In Silence”

Out Now! New Album “A Thing of Nightmares” (Produced by Kevin Antreassian – Dillinger Escape Plan)

Get ready to headbang and sing along in your car with Mindrazer’s latest music video “Suffer in Silence” in support of their debut album, “A Thing of Nightmares” (produced by Kevin Antreassian – The Dillinger Escape Plan), which was released this past October via the label Misanthropic Records.

The lyrics are simple and the melody is infectious. Get your pipes warmed up for this power-thrashing banger!

The band comments about the track:

“This is a bi-polar anthem that has uplifting highs and brutal chugging lows. This one is about the toxic culture surrounding internet discourse.”

Check out the video premiere for “Suffer in Silence” on Metal-Rules HERE.

Combining the anthemic melodies of traditional and power metal, the precise, aggressive attack of thrash, and twists of dark intensity borrowed from second-wave black metal, Jersey, USA’s Mindrazer plays a style as familiar as it is fresh. Their first full-length, “A Thing of Nightmares” is a bold, brutal, and diverse exploration of melodic thrash metal, which even before its official release, was igniting mosh pits at the band’s live shows. Now, with the album’s availability, fans can delve into the depths of these tracks and experience them in all their glory.

The writing for the tracks on the album spans a large period of evolution, which can be heard as one progresses through the album. “Knightfall”, the earliest work, is much more power metal, upbeat, and melodic. “Better Dead”, another early song, is very riff-focused and old-school sounding. “Crusader” and “Suffer In Silence”, the later tracks on the record are great examples of how that power metal vibe never really left but the music got heavier and more technical. Each of the ten tracks offers epic melodies and frenetic dynamics that metalheads will be eager to sink their teeth into.

“This album really came as a collection of the best of our work from before 2020. ‘A Thing of Nightmares’ is a culmination of half a decade of artistic inspiration. We find that this record demonstrates immediately that we aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of the genre, whether it is crushing breakdowns, modern-tinged leads or even borrowing tropes from power metal. It is technical, epic, brutal but most of all fun. Borrowing stories from history, literature, and cinema, the album touches on themes of horror, shame, anger, oppression, and mania by way of story, metaphor, and allegory. We aren’t reinventing the genre or breaking significant new ground but we are bucking modern thrash trends of coalescing around the hardcore-laden neo-thrash and never straying from it and are doing so without regrets.” adds the band.

Released on October 13, 2023, “A Thing of Nightmares” is recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Blind Guardian and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Officialmindrazer.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​
1. Entombed In Time (5:36)
2. Suffer in Silence (4:05)
3. Left to Rot (6:09)
4. In the Corner of Your Eye (6:06)
5. Knightfall (5:35)
6. The Misanthropist (6:11)
7. Extractor (4:51)
8. Better Dead (4:07)
9. Crusader (6:25)
10. Mercy (1:12)
Album Length: 50:22

Album Recording Lineup:​
Nick DeFuria – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Classical Guitar, Additional Percussion
Vin “Hawky” Verducci – Bass Guitar
Brian Weissman – Drums, Percussion, Harsh Vocals
Zack Larmer – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Featuring a guest guitar solo from Mo Uddin on track 7

Live Band Lineup:​
Nick DeFuria – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Vin “Hawky” Verducci – Bass Guitar
Brian Weissman – Drums, Harsh Vocals
Patrick Wentz – Guitar and Harsh Vocals

More info: Mindrazerband.wixsite.com/home | Instagram.com/mindrazerofficial | Facebook.com/mindrazerofficial​

-30-

“The lyrics of “A Thing of Nightmares” reflect dark themes that fit perfectly with the intense music. Mindrazer manage to create a dark atmosphere that captivates the listener. This album is a must for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Blind Guardian. It’s a powerful statement from a band that doesn’t allow itself to be locked into genre boundaries, but rather courageously explores new paths.” – Amplified Magazin​
​
​“I have to say the singer has a very interesting style. There is aggression and attitude with his voice, but he has a powerful almost operatic vibrato too, it’s very cool. Think Nevermore’s frontman… The leads are actually very good though, I’m reminded of Megadeth’s Marty Friedman. The solos have a similarly expressive vibrato and there is plenty of flashiness mixed with well judged melody.” – Metal Rules​
​
​“A Thing of Nightmares is a nice morning surprise, the kind that makes the day more pleasant… Able to draw a link between the 80s and the new century, the four musicians attack with benevolence, and even put us in a trance, when “Better Dead” advocates a chosen death rather than an suffered life. Until the end, the quartet holds the quality ramp firmly. And if “Crusader” is reminiscent of a more serious and bold MAIDEN, the influences are cleverly mixed so as not to stand out too much, which is always a good point. So let’s forget the easy promotional promises and concentrate on a slender album. MINDRAZER deserves to be better known on a large scale, and begins their career with a unifying work if not founding.” – MetalNews.fr​
​
​“The Bruce worship is strong but pulled off very well! I like the contrast between the powerful clean vocals and ultra thrash instrumental portion. The bass pops very well and the drums are frantic but on point.” – Cutting Edge Metal (USA)​
​
​“Entombed in Time stands out for its old school thrash metal concept accompanied by the fantastic and live sounding performances of Mindrazer.” -Metalhead Community Magazine (Switzerland)​
​
​“Good songs, really good guitar, even better vocalist; they’ll go far!” -Mark Wasserman, 3 and 1 Grab Productions, Live Sound: Nick Cannon’s “Wild n’ Out”, Barclay Center, Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, Arco Arena etc.​
​
​“It was an insane show! At one point the lead singer who was also playing guitar, steps out in front, puts his arm up, points a finger down and starts moving it in a circle like he’s indicating to the crowd “I want you to make a circle pit now” and you felt the entire mood of the room just change. Everyone got ready and they played this really heavy song. It was so good!” -WRCU-FM Radio Into the Pit

—
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0 Moncton’s OMNIVIDE Confronts The Destructive Tendencies Of Humanity With Brutal “Opulence” Off Debut Album “A Tale of Fire” Out March 2024

  • February 7, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Omnivide

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2024

Moncton’s OMNIVIDE Confronts The Destructive Tendencies Of Humanity With Brutal “Opulence”

Debut Full-Length “A Tale Of Fire” Out March 22, 2024

L-R – Alex Cormier (Bass), Nicolas Pierre Boudreau (Guitar), Samuel Frenette (Guitar & Vocals), Samuel Lavoie (Keyboards), Marc-André Richard (Drums)

Photo Credit – Deepti Suddul – DeeptiSuddul.com​

Moncton, Canada’s Omnivide is a dynamic metal force formed in 2020 by members of the Sunbird project, and they are gearing up for the release of their debut album, “A Tale of Fire”, scheduled for March 2024. Breaking away from paying homage to others to enter the realm of original music, Omnivide fuses progressive metal, death metal, and melodic/symphonic metal into a grandiose, brutal, beautiful, dark, and melancholic sonic experience. Their latest single “Opulence” comes with a band playthrough video and is sure to draw in metal fans with a wide range of backgrounds. The band comments:

“This song is one of the most in-your-face and brutal on the album, having much less of the orchestral elements present throughout most of the songs, as we wanted to have a song that stood in contrast to the rest of the album and provided variety in the pacing and sonic content of the tracks.”

The relentless energy of the music matches the lyrical content, which describes how humans came from the earth but are now polluting it and over-consuming its resources to the point of changing the global climate. It paints a metaphor of humans being gluttons that are taking pieces of the earth for themselves with no self-control or regard for the planet, and the earth shifting from being a fertile ground for human life to actively trying to eradicate a species that has essentially become a parasite.

Omnivide’s goal is to have their music illustrate the brutality and destructive power of nature, which can and will defend itself when threatened, and does so in a ruthless manner that is almost incomprehensible to our human minds. “Opulence” serves as a prime example of their musical diversity, with its relentless energy and thought-provoking lyrics. It is recommended for fans of The Black Dahlia Murder, Opeth, and Alkaloid.

Watch and listen to the band playthrough video for “Opulence” via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

Due out on March 22, 2024, “A Tale of Fire” is available for album pre-save at https://linktr.ee/omnivide.

Lyric Video – “Holy Killer” – https://youtu.be/gwIYIHQK_i0

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3HR8e91

​

Track Listing:​
1. Clarity – 6:44
2. Opulence – 4.48
3. Desolate – 7:35
4. A Tale of Fire – 5:05
5. Cosmic Convergence – 5:04
6. Holy Killer – 5:06
7. Death Be Not Proud – 6:32
8. Stoned Dragon – 7:45
Album Length: 48:44

More info: Omnivide.ca

-30-

—
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0 Boonsdale Records – THUNDEROR (ft. members of Skull Fist) Announces May 2024 European Tour Dates w/ Tytus

  • February 7, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Thunderor

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2024

​

THUNDEROR (ft. members of Skull Fist) Announces May 2024 European Tour Dates w/ Tytus

Debut Album “Fire It Up” Out Now! via Boonsdale Records

Thunderor 2024 Line-Up L – R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Lead Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)​
​

Canadian 80’s-infused heavy metal band THUNDEROR announces they will be embarking on their next European tour this coming May 2024 with Italy’s Tytus (dates listed below).

“We’re very stoked to be returning to Europe once again, this time with a rippin’ new setlist as we’ll be road testing some of the new tunes. And what better way than with our brothers in Tytus! Plus select shows with Violet and Night Laser. This tour is a real testament to the new generation and the DIY attitudes of today, hope to see some good crowds out to support it!” adds vocalist and drummer JJ Tartaglia.

Formed in 2020 by Skull Fist band members JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, THUNDEROR delivers hook-driven anthems to the caliber that has come to be expected by a Canadian power trio. Since 2019, drummer JJ Tartaglia has felt a calling, one which grew stronger each day. Being a member of several prominent metal bands over the last decade, the time had come to take his quest even further. He would share a vision, a feeling… a message he could deliver only with his voice.

Fueled by his passion for adventure, JJ began to work on drum arrangements and piano pieces that would become the skeletons of the THUNDEROR songs. Fall of 2021, would see the release of the 1st single “How We Roll”, immediately garnering a worldwide audience. The debut album “Fire It Up” was released in 2022 via Boonsdale Records, charting at #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada. The band has already toured throughout Canada, Europe, Mexico, and South America supporting major acts such as Airbourne, Enforcer, Night Demon, and more.

If you’ve ever felt a longing for escape, a thirst for adventure, wrapped in romance and danger, allow THUNDEROR to be your soundtrack!

Appreciated by fans of Judas Priest, Gowan, and Manowar, “Fire It Up” is available via Boonsdale Records.

CD – https://thunderor.bigcartel.com​

​Spotify

​

Music Video – How We Roll – https://youtu.be/_U-ElWkLNg0

​

Music Video – Fire It Up – https://youtu.be/6t_KqTq7OOE

​

Music Video – Dangerous Times – https://youtu.be/cyh71qusBIA

​

Music Video – Thunderor – https://youtu.be/Ecz-49Z2bEY

​

European Tour Dates 2024:​
​Thunderor (CA) + Tytus (IT)​
01.05 Natz-Schabs, IT – Putzer Bikerfest
02.05 Stuttgart, DE – Schwarzer Keiler
03.05 Bilzen, BE – South of Heaven
04.05 Gladbeck Metal Bash Open Air, DE
05.05 Wageningen, NL – Bevrijdings Festival
06.05 Hamburg, DE – Logo
07.05 TBC
08.05 Leipzig, DE – Black Label
09.05 Lichtenfels, DE – Paunchy Cats
10.05 Vienna, AT – Escape
11.05 Maribor, SI – Gustaf Pekarna
12.05 Caneva, IT – Meskio Bar

For more info:
​
Facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial​
​Instagram.com/thunderor_official​

– 30 –

“The bottom line for THUNDEROR is that a listen is urgently required. Those who like the singing will have a lot of fun with the CD” – Vampster
​
“If you’re looking for a solid rock record that’s equal parts pop and metal, Fire It Up could be your jam. The songs are well crafted, catchy and fun road companions. Take it on your next drive or spin it at Saturday’s kegger. Thunderor takes not being serious very seriously. They recaptured the spirit of 80s rock staples like Ozzy to Journey but also managed to put their own stamp on it. Not many throwback NWOTHM acts succeed in putting this much character in their sound.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The moment I first heard “How We Roll,” I knew I was in trouble…and instantly hooked. Other numbers like “All or Nothing,” “On the Run,” “We Can Make It,” and the epic title track, infuse multiple sub-genres like thrash, power, and synth metal, and are the type of adventurous anthems that make life still feel like it’s worth living even on its darkest of days.” – Rewind It Magazine

—

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0 Canada’s Macabre Metallers BLOOD OPERA Announce Album “Songs in the Key of Death” Out End of Feb 2024; Album Guests Morgan Lander (Kittie), Maurizio Guarini (Goblin)

  • February 5, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Blood Opera · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 5, 2024

Canada’s Macabre Metallers BLOOD OPERA Announce Album “Songs in the Key of Death” Out End of Feb 2024

Album Guests Morgan Lander (Kittie), Maurizio Guarini (Goblin)

Track Voice Over Guests – Tony Todd (Candyman), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead), Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star Trek)

Top L-R – RIP Junk (Guitar, Vocals), Damien Deathgasm (Bass, Vocals)
Bottom L-R – Max Murder Lead Vocals), Muerto McBrains (Drums, Programming)
Photo Credit – Craig Leonard (Billy Bones)

They were born in blood, conceived in Hell, and reanimated by accident! Bent on cannibalizing the entire human race, Toronto, Canada’s Blood Opera has already infected whole populations with their raunchy and often controversial live displays of violence, gore, and perverse sexual acts! Having feasted on human flesh with bands such as GWAR and being endorsed by the zombie Godfather himself, George A. Romero, these purveyors of so-called “Dead Metal” have quickly become Canada’s number one horror metal act. They are riled up and ready to release their first full-length album “Songs in the Key of Death” on February 24th and to prime listeners for the bloodbath, they have released two video singles “The Gates of Hell” featuring guest keyboards by Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) and “Be My Victim” featuring a voice-over by actor Tony Todd (Candyman), which they share in further detail:

“The Gates of Hell was inspired by the cult film of the same name. Another heavy track brings in more modern influences and progressions. It features guest keyboard work by Goblin’s Maurizio Guarini. “Be My Victim” is a bonus track from 2022 and features actor Tony Todd and is based on the film Candyman. As it is an older song it features a couple of members no longer in the band but as it is an important song for us we wanted to include it. Fans of Ghost will dig this keyboard and chorus-driven rocker.”

On “Songs in the Key of Death”, Blood Opera wants to pay tribute to the genre films they love and mix metal with the macabre. The band was originally to be the live musicians for a proposed Return of the Living Dead musical that unfortunately did not come to fruition.

With powerful operatic vocals, sleazy guitar riffs, and blasphemous lyrics inspired by some of the scariest movies ever made, one thing is for sure- if the gates of Hell are left open, it could mean the end of all humanity!

Due out on February 24, 2024, the fiendish feeding frenzy of “Songs in the Key of Death” is recommended for fans of GWAR, Dokken, and WASP and is available for album pre-order at https://bloodopera.bandcamp.com.

Lyric Video – The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) – https://youtu.be/XtL3rOlqB6Q

​

Music Video – By My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) – https://youtu.be/-WFjtFmdFW4

​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4bjem7z

​

Track Listing:​
1. Just Keep Digging (1:04)
2. Feeding Frenzy (3:49) ft. guest vocals Morgan Lander (Kittie) and voice-over by Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead)
3. Don’t Go Out Tonight (3:06)
4. Fight to Survive (3:53) ft. voice-over by Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star-Trek)
5. A Waste of Good Suffering (3:55)
6. The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) (4:51)
7. Breaking News (0:58)
8. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Cover) (4:19)
9. The Ballad of Father Malone (4:11) ft. voice-over by Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Escape From New York)
10. Brundlefly (4:34)
11. Damien (5:11)
12. Be My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) (Bonus Track) (3:59)
13. The Band of the Living Dead (0:30)
14. The Key of Death (0:43)
Album Length: 45:09

More Info: https://bloodopera.ca​

-30-

“Toronto’s very own, Blood Opera primed the audience for the forthcoming onslaught…Blood Opera, local purveyors of the horror business, celebrating debauchery by toasting the crowd with a ceremonious Blood Chug!” – John Gallant (Live in Limbo)

“Blood Opera’s new single, “Be My Victim,” is a serious rock n’ roll homage to many aspects of the original Candyman film, including the nostalgia of playing scary childhood games, and the fear of losing complete control.” – Rue Morgue​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 RivetSkull Unleashes Metal Fury With New Single “Hellbound” Off New Album “Absence of Time” + USA Tour Dates w/ Potential Threat

  • February 4, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · RivetSkull

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 2, 2024

RivetSkull Unleashes Metal Fury With New Single “Hellbound”

New Album “Absence of Time” Out May 2024

USA Tour Dates (WA, OR, CA, NV, AZ) w/ Potential Threat

L to R – Mark Hopkins (Bass), Michael Robson (Drums), Chad McMurray (Vocals), Mark X. Plog (Guitars)

Photo Credit – Iron Mike Savoia – Instagram.com/savoiaphotographylive

​

In 2009, a group of passionate musicians came together in the vibrant city of Seattle, USA, united by their love for the legendary metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio. From this convergence, RivetSkull was born, a band that not only paid homage to Dio’s classics, but also sought to carve out their own unique space in the metal genre. Today, RivetSkull announces the release of their scorching new single, “Hellbound”, a relentless anthem that sets the stage for their upcoming second album “Absence of Time”, which is being supported with a tour across the American West Coast in February and March with Potential Threat. The band comments on the single:

“Hellbound deals with facing your inner demons and trying to hang on when the world around you is full of chaos and uncertainty. Hellbound is the first single from Absence of Time and is a straightforward driving, classic metal song.”

Formed by guitarist Mark X. Plog, powerhouse vocalist Chad McMurray, and drummer Michael Robson, RivetSkull quickly gained acclaim under the name Rising for their faithful renditions of Dio’s greatest hits. However, the desire to create something uniquely their own led to the birth of RivetSkull in 2014. With the addition of bassist Mark Hopkins, the band took a bold step forward in 2022 with their debut album, “Trail of Souls: Samsara”.

With the release of “Hellbound,” RivetSkull is going to bring listeners along on a heavy metal rollercoaster, fans can pre-save and pre-order the upcoming album “Absence of Time” or check them out live on the upcoming tour (dates listed below). Fans of Armored Saint, Saxon, and Accept will want to check these guys out.

Listen to “Hellbound” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/jWGCUuDAO50

​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3HKEn23

​

“Absence of Time” is due out on May 31, 2024, and is available for pre-save/order – https://found.ee/absenceoftime​

Track Listing:​
1. Hellbound – 3:47
2. Isolation – 4:36
3. Not Gonna Run – 3:54
4. My Darkest Hour – 4:20
5. Eyes of a Fallen Angel – 4:19
6. The King is Dead – 4:13
7. Swimming in Mortality – 3:24
8. Time Will Tell – 3:13
9. The Unwinnable War – 5:23

Path of The War Machine Winter Tour Dates – Rivetskull, Potential Threat​
Ticket Info here​
Feb 9 – Tony V’s – Everett, WA
Feb 10 – El Corazon – Seattle, WA
Feb 16 – Sound Lounge – Grant Pass, OR
Feb 17 – Drinx Bar – Lakeport, CA
Feb 23 – Old Ironside – Sacramento, CA
Feb 24 – Toot’s – Crockett, CA
Mar 1 – The Ranch House – Sparks, NV ***
Mar 2 – Persuasion Brewing – Modesto, CA
Mar 8 – Dollhut – Anaheim, CA
Mar 9 – Molly Malone’s – Los Angeles, CA ***
*** Rivetskull ONLY

For more info: Rivetskull.com​
​

– 30 –

“These guys are very clearly into older Rainbow and Dio’s solo work, as everything from the rocking riffs to the slightly epic songwriting bent to the strong Dio-esque vocals and lyrics of Chad McMurray would have fit right in on albums like Long Live Rock and Roll and Holy Diver. This album is evenly split between vintage Metal tracks like “Forever” and the killer “Mystified” and songs that lean more on older Hard Rock like the fist-pumping title track and album closer “Crash and Burn”. They also take a stab at making an epic with “Another Way to Heaven”, which has some cool riffs and a powerful performance from McMurray, but it’s a little too ponderous for its own good, and by the time it gets going the song just sort of ends. Their cover of “Gates of Babylon” is damn spot on, however, and it favorably reinforces those Rainbow comparisons… With the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal going strong, I’m a little surprised I haven’t heard more bands that work in this specific vein, but I’m glad that Rivetskull have staked their claim to it, and I’ll be surprised if anyone beats them at their own game anytime soon. A band to watch. 4.5/5″ – The Metal Crypt

“Does anyone like hard rock / heavy metal of the 70s and 80s? So I’m excitedly snapping my fingers on this question. And the four members of RivetSkull certainly do that also. And when bands like Deep Purple, Black Sabbath or Dio are called influences, the whole thing sounds like an exciting thing… On Trail of Souls ” RivetSkull take us on a journey through time into the era of classic hard rock.” – 8/10 – Rock Castle Franken​
—
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0 \m/ Metal Hammer \m/ February 2024 – 383 – Hyperia

  • February 4, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Hyperia

\m/ Metal Hammer \m/
February 2024 – 383 – Hyperia
https://www.magazinesdirect.com/az-magazines/64204495/metal-hammer-383-scene-queen-bundle.thtml?j=BKZ

0 STRIKER Are Kings of The Ring With New Wrestling Music Video “Sucks To Suck” + New Album “ULTRAPOWER” Out Now!

  • February 2, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Striker

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 2, 2024

​

STRIKER Are Kings of The Ring With New Wrestling Music Video “Sucks To Suck”

Seventh Studio Album “ULTRAPOWER” Out Now!

Produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810)

Clockwise – L-R – Dan Cleary – Vocals, John Simon Fallon – Guitar, Pete Klassen – Bass, Tim Brown – Guitar
Photo Credit: Dana Zuk

Get ready to rumble! STRIKER has a new music video “Sucks To Suck” produced with Top Talent Wrestling Academy and featuring Harlon “The Healer” Abott and Marisa West. The video celebrates the release of the shred master’s new album “ULTRAPOWER” produced with Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810), which is now available as of February 2, 2024.

“Three days of training, four broken backs, and one trash can to the face. We’re out here putting in the work in the name of HEAVY METAL!” adds the band.

Watch the music video for “Sucks To Suck” at https://youtu.be/oJcw1EY_D1w

​

“ULTRAPOWER” is the seventh full-length from Striker and follows their Juno Award-winning self-released record “Play to Win” (2018) unleashed on their label Record Breaking Records.

With the band writing material since 2018, “ULTRAPOWER” is a collection of Striker tinkering and exploring new avenues. From the album’s opening track “Circle of Evil”, a Malmsteen-esque metal banger about secret societies and the evil dealings behind closed doors to their previously released single “BEST of the BEST of the BEST” serving up some big riffs and hockey arena vocals to “Blood Magic”, which might be one of Striker‘s most progressive songs, taking cues from bands like King Diamond, with its unconventional structure and punctuated guitar solos. From the band delving into their obsession for late 80s AOR and pop rock with “City Calling”, an ode to 1987, and bands like Toto and Kenny Loggins with their hook-powered albums. To fans experiencing the band’s first attempt at a synth-wave track with “Live to Fight Another Day”, this new offering sees Striker making a shredding love letter to the hard-rocking era of guilty pleasures.

The band comments on the album:

“Starting with the album cover, we wanted the artwork to represent how we feel as a band right now. We are an engine that is fired up and ready to roll. We’re made of metal and our circuits gleam! The album itself is an amalgamation of 5 years of writing and exploring music. With influences from AOR to Speed Metal, Hardcore to Hair Metal, Steely Dan to Deathcore, you name it, it made its way into the album. In the end with the help of Josh Schroeder’s guiding hand, we melted it all together to present something uniquely Striker. Lyrically we’ve stuck to the Striker tradition of writing montage songs for movies that don’t exist, songs about our spiraling serfdom, and lyrics about the evils that lurk in the shadows.”

“ULTRAPOWER” is available at http://kck.st/3P6Gws6 (CD, Vinyl, Digital)

​

Music Video – “Give It All” – https://youtu.be/jRKsJp49Lwc

​

Music Video – “Circle of Evil” – https://youtu.be/YrG-mSSvIeo

Music Video – “Best of The Best of The Best” – https://youtu.be/0oX9LFx2szs

​

Guitar Playthrough – “Best of The Best of The Best” – https://youtu.be/tUVe4uBXmA8

​

Show Dates:​
May 3 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s – Legions of Metal Festival
Sept 4 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage – ProgPower USA

Track Listing:​
1. Circle of Evil – (3:44)
2. BEST of the BEST of the BEST – (3:19)
3. Give it All – (4:14)
4. Blood Magic – (4:35)
5. Sucks to Suck – (3:15)
6. Ready for Anything – (3:56)
7. City Calling – (3:45)
8. Turn the Lights Out – (2:49)
9. Thunderdome – (4:01)
10. Live to Fight Another Day – (4:00)
11. Brawl at the Pub – (3:47)
Album Length: 41:30

Album Credits:​
• All songs performed by: STRIKER
• All songs written by: STRIKER
• Produced by: Josh Schroeder
• Mixed by: Josh Schroeder
• Mastered by: Josh Schroeder
• Album Artwork by: Al Perez / Ramone Sketch (@ramonesketch)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:​
Dan Cleary – Vocals
Tim Brown – Guitar
John Simon Fallon – Guitar
Pete Klassen – Bass
Jono Webster – Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Dan Cleary – Vocals
Tim Brown – Guitar
John Simon Fallon – Guitar
Pete Klassen – Bass

More info: Striker-metal.com​

About: Blending classic heavy metal, hard rock, and 80’s hair metal, Striker has been making shredtacular anthems since 2007. The band has toured multiple times across Europe and North America along with festival appearances at 70,000 Tons of Metal, Bang Your Head Festival (Germany), and more to add to the almost 1000 shows performed in their decade-plus career. The band has been honoured with multiple Best Album awards in their home country of Canada from the JUNO Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and the Edmonton Music Awards. Since their inception, Striker has released six studio albums Eyes in the Night (2010, Iron Kodex), Armed to The Teeth (2012, Napalm), City of Gold (2014, Napalm), Stand in the Fire (2016, Record Breaking), Striker (2017, Record Breaking), and Play to Win (2018, Record Breaking).

– 30 –

“If you liked the last three albums (as much as I did), Ultrapower will equally satisfy. I know this one will be in my top 10 albums of the year. 8.5/10″ – Bravewords

“All in all, Striker’s Ultrapower may be their finest album to date. Their traditional, “keep it true,” heavy metal has never been more fresh, creative, and versatile, and so also, breathing new life into this classic genre. Easily recommended. 5/5″ – Dangerdog Music Reviews

““Ultrapower” is quite frankly a magnificent album. It has a feel good 80’s movie soundtrack aura about it with the spirit of artists such as John Farnham and Stan Bush standing tall alongside pure 80’s metal throwback. If you love 80’s rock and metal then this album is going to have you grinning from ear to ear. I think I’m gonna be grinning for days after several listens. Some fans of Striker’s more speed metal inclined sound may find this album a bit jarring but I can safely say it is the best album they have done and they have released some corkers. For the pure joy it has given me, this album is going to be hard to top in 2024 and we are still in the early part of the year.” – The Razor’s Edge

“Striker are more-than-ready to show us all the power of heavy music with Ultrapower, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride with one of the best (of the best of the best) bands of the current Canadian landscape.” The Headbanging Moose

“an album that is bold, daring and as mentioned shows a band that are not afraid of fusing styles of music together… there are simply to many high quality songs on this album that simply blows me away. This is a polished, highly refined album with top quality production! 9/10” – The NWOTHM

“I really like the diversity in this album. 4/5” – KNAC

“I’m giving this one an 8 of 10 “Flaming Fists”. You can tell there’s a lot of work put into the album, they don’t half-ass anything. The production was good, it’s really hard to make amazing Arena-style rock without a decent budget, but they did a solid job…. if you liked the late 80’s and early 90’s bands you’ll really dig this. Overall, I’m really happy and thankful for this band continuing to do what they do.” – Rock Rage Radio

“The heavy, power, and traditional melodic metal landscape is in great shape thanks to bands like Striker producing high quality songwriting year after year. These Canadians continue to explore horizons while still maintaining the endearing qualities that helped put them on the map in the first place since the late 2000’s. Ultrapower is the seventh full-length studio record, and probably their most varied attack to date – incorporating everything from speed/thrash to AOR and old Wild West vibes. ” – Dead Rhetoric

“Striker’s execution and sense of humor makes for an enjoyable ride.” – Heavy Music HQ

“How do you say when bowling when you clear all the pins with a throw? It is a strike! STRIKER has achieved a great strike with their album „ Ultrapower “. All songs on this album are real hits! Each song has its own character and rocks what it takes. It is a wonderful homage to the 80 ’ years. I would say: The STRIKER engine is in full swing!” – Metal-Heads.de

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Jupiter Hollow’s New Music Video Shows You The Pure “Cohesion” of Prog Metal

  • February 2, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Hollow · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 2, 2024

​

Jupiter Hollow’s New Music Video Shows You The Pure “Cohesion” of Prog Metal

Toronto, Canada’s Jupiter Hollow takes music to a whole new level. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this powerhouse duo and live quartet featuring John Ryan Godfrey and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh have been making waves in Canada since 2015 with their unique brand of progressive rock/metal.

With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and the duo’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow takes their time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band just wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can.

Presenting their latest single, “Cohesion”, to follow their previous track “Distant Shadow”, this new song represents the relationship between an artist who wants nothing more than to have the freedom and the ability to express, share, and grow, but is trapped by the demands of survival in an oversaturated society incapable of supporting the true diversity of each individual.

Musically, “Cohesion” is a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. Jupiter Hollow wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that break out into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the accompanied music video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.

“Most of us are struggling out there in some way, and a lot of us are on the verge of giving up on everything because we don’t have the life we dream of, constantly reminded everywhere we go by someone who is succeeding while we struggle to survive. So whether you’re an artist, a mechanic, a doctor, or just a single mother or father with barely enough time for their family, let alone themselves, everyone deals with darkness in their life at some point. This song is a reminder that no matter what may get in the way, never lose focus on what makes you be yourself, and never give up on what gives you joy.” adds vocalist Kenny Parry.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Cohesion” at https://youtu.be/7tbnhxuCD-c

​Digital – Spotify, Apple Music​

Explorative, and intriguing, Jupiter Hollow continues to push the limits of progressive rock and metal and is recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.

More info: JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram​

– 30 –

“If Jupiter Hollow are emblematic of the next generation of progressive metal bands, a bright tomorrow lies ahead. Hugely impressive.” – Prog Magazine.

“Comparisons to bands like Tool, Live, A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails come easy and for good reason. This is the new generation of players who are putting their spin on all things progressive, industrial and synthy. The grandsons of Genesis and Yes, this is progressive rock for the youth of today who find the originators a bit to baroque for their tastes… Their sound is built to appeal to fans of so many genres and preferences it should be a slam dunk.” – Skulls n’ Bones
​
“JUPITER HOLLOW just produced the best prog metal album of all time this year, condensing, mixing and forging a hot musical steel here.” – Prog Archives
​
“Each track displays plenty of musicianship from this young duo, with vocals continuing to strengthen and songwriting solidifying.” – Heavy Music Headquarters
​
“A young Canadian duo ready to bring fans of complex music a spacey, experimental and refreshing experience… bursting with high-quality heaviness and progressiveness.” – The Headbanging Moose
​
​
​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 EPK – Jupiter Hollow – Cohesion (single) (2024)

  • February 2, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Jupiter Hollow

EPK – Jupiter Hollow – Cohesion (single) (2024)

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

Band: Jupiter Hollow
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Tunecore

JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Instagram 

Spotify | Apple Music

“The fun part about releasing each song one by one is it leaves the fans not knowing what is coming next. Compared to our last single “Distant Shadow”, our new single “Cohesion” does a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. We wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that breakout into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.” – Jupiter Hollow

PROG Magazine Top #9 Unsigned band 2020

“If Jupiter Hollow are emblematic of the next generation of progressive metal bands, a bright tomorrow lies ahead. Hugely impressive.” – Prog Magazine.
​
“Comparisons to bands like Tool, Live, A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails come easy and for good reason. This is the new generation of players who are putting their spin on all things progressive, industrial and synthy. The grandsons of Genesis and Yes, this is progressive rock for the youth of today who find the originators a bit to baroque for their tastes… Their sound is built to appeal to fans of so many genres and preferences it should be a slam dunk.” – Skulls n’ Bones
​
“JUPITER HOLLOW just produced the best prog metal album of all time this year, condensing, mixing and forging a hot musical steel here.” – Prog Archives
​
“Each track displays plenty of musicianship from this young duo, with vocals continuing to strengthen and songwriting solidifying.” – Heavy Music Headquarters
​
“A young Canadian duo ready to bring fans of complex music a spacey, experimental and refreshing experience… bursting with high-quality heaviness and progressiveness.” – The Headbanging Moose​

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Jupiter Hollow
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Tunecore

Single Credits:
All parts written and performed by Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry
Produced by Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry
Mixed by Zane Hawley of Shadow Studio Canada
Mastered by Joao Carvalho of Joao Carvalho Mastering
Single Artwork by Studio 204 Limited
Members of SOCAN
Music is Canadian Content

Single Recording Band Lineup:
Kenny Parry (drums, vocals, lyrics, synth)
Grant MacKenzie (guitar & bass)

Live Band Lineup:
Kenny Parry (vocals)
Grant MacKenzie (guitar)
John-Ryan Godfrey (Bass)
Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums)

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. We had our income confiscated at a show in Quebec by the local police and our performance was cut short due to the venue being illegal.

2. All official album drums are tracked in one take for each song and completely unedited, all recorded for video proof.

3. Our live performances feature focus-diverting visuals and conceptual and captivating costuming by vocalist Kenny Parry.​

Toronto, Canada’s Jupiter Hollow takes music to a whole new level. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this powerhouse duo and live quartet featuring John Ryan Godfrey and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh have been making waves in Canada since 2015 with their unique brand of progressive rock/metal.

With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and the duo’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow takes their time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band just wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can.

Presenting their latest single, “Cohesion”, to follow their previous track “Distant Shadow”, this new song represents the relationship between an artist who wants nothing more than to have the freedom and the ability to express, share, and grow, but is trapped by the demands of survival in an oversaturated society incapable of supporting the true diversity of each individual.

Musically, “Cohesion” is a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. Jupiter Hollow wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that break out into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the accompanied music video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.

“Most of us are struggling out there in some way, and a lot of us are on the verge of giving up on everything because we don’t have the life we dream of, constantly reminded everywhere we go by someone who is succeeding while we struggle to survive. So whether you’re an artist, a mechanic, a doctor, or just a single mother or father with barely enough time for their family, let alone themselves, everyone deals with darkness in their life at some point. This song is a reminder that no matter what may get in the way, never lose focus on what makes you be yourself, and never give up on what gives you joy.” adds vocalist Kenny Parry.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Cohesion” at https://youtu.be/7tbnhxuCD-c​

Digital – Spotify, Apple Music​

Explorative, and intriguing, Jupiter Hollow continues to push the limits of progressive rock and metal and is recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.

Artist Endorsements: Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, JH Audio

Discography:
2023 – Distant Shadow (single)
2020 – Bereavement – LP
2018 – Ahdomn – LP

Shared Stage with:
Protest the Hero, Bearings, Texas King, Hawking, I See Aura, Taking Balfour, Sky Caught Fire, Glass Lung, Chasing Shadows, Dizzy Mystics, Young Critters, We Are Human

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Ontario CAN Headline Tour
2022 – GAINFEST – Guelph, ON
2021 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON
2020-2021 – Bereavement Live-Stream Tour
2019 – Kronik Fest – Guelph, ON
2018-2019 – Ahdomn Tour
2018 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON

0 4 brilliant new metal bands you need to hear this month recommended by Metal Hammer and Vancouver’s Hyperia is one of them \m/\m/

  • February 1, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Hyperia
4 brilliant new metal bands you need to hear this month recommended by Metal Hammer and Vancouver’s Hyperia is one of them \m/\m/
Read about it at

https://www.loudersound.com/features/brilliant-new-bands-trivax-fuming-mouth-to-kill-achilles-hyperia

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