Posts By Asher
0 Protected: EPK – Ravenmocker – Where the Raven Flies (2026)
0 Rockshots Records – Australia’s GREYSTONE CANYON Unveils Next Single “Stealing Our Freedom” From New Album “Something Borrowed…Something New” Out Dec 2025
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 24, 2025
Australia’s GREYSTONE CANYON Unveils Next Single “Stealing Our Freedom”
New Album “Something Borrowed…Something New” Out Dec 5th, 2025
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Australia’s hard rock renegades fire off their most explosive original track, “Stealing Our Freedom”, from their forthcoming album, “Something Borrowed…Something New,” due out December 5th, 2025, from Rockshots Records, marking their most authentic and organic release to date.
“Stealing Our Freedom” is a protest-anthem with teeth: rootsy acoustic intro, a razor-sharp riff that hits like mid-90s Megadeth, and lyrics that call out political distrust, land exploitation and personal liberties slipping away. Recorded fully live at Black Lodge Studio, no click, no edits, no digital makeup, just four guys in a room turning frustration into rock’n’roll fire. Crank it loud!
Listen to “Stealing Our Freedom” at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/6SSd6fzgwhU
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://shorturl.at/ZEJBI
Produced by the band and engineered by Joel Taylor at Black Lodge Studio (Melbourne), “Something Borrowed…Something New” represents a turning point in Greystone Canyon’s journey. As the title suggests, it’s a hybrid record – a mix of new original songs and hand-picked classics from the bands that shaped their sound, including Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, UFO, and Neil Young. The album bridges past and present, combining heartfelt tributes with fresh, road-worn originals such as “Drives Us,” “Friend of the Fox,” and “Stealing Our Freedom”.
Vocalist/guitarist Darren Cherry comments:
“This is our most honest record so far, real instruments, real performances, all captured live in one room. We wanted to remind listeners of the warmth and punch that only true rock bands can create together. It’s pure, old-school energy, and we had an absolute blast making it.”
Following the success of “Iron & Oak” (2024), which reached #18 on the Australian iTunes Hard Rock chart and earned multiple 10/10 media scores, the band is poised to bring their music to a new global audience with a record that’s equal parts homage and evolution.
Recommended for fans of Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, and ZZ Top, Greystone Canyon‘s new album “Something Borrowed…Something New” is out December 5th, 2025
PRE-ORDER of “Something Borrowed…Something New” – https://rockshots.eu/products/greystone-canyon-something-borrowed-something-new-cd
Single – Doctor, Doctor (UFO cover) – https://shorturl.at/5UtaO
Music Video – Suicide (Thin Lizzy cover) – https://youtu.be/VLNaHClXKc0
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Track Listing:
1. Doctor, Doctor (UFO cover) – 04:16
2. Just Got Paid (ZZ Top cover) – 03:35
3. Drives Us – 05:06
4. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin cover) – 02:21
5. Friend of the Fox – 03:57
6. Suicide (Thin Lizzy cover) – 05:14
7. Hey, Hey, My, My (Into the Black) (Neil Young cover) – 03:22
8. AAF – 1:47
9. Stealing Our Freedom – 04:26
Album Length: 33:54
More info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/greystonecanyon | Instagram.com/greystonecanyon_official
About: Greystone Canyon is an Australian hard rock band formed in Melbourne, known for their timeless blend of classic rock, heavy metal, and blues-infused energy. Their music draws on the spirit of 1970s and 1980s legends such as Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Ozzy Osbourne, and UFO while infusing modern depth, dynamic arrangements, and heartfelt storytelling.
The band released their debut album “While the Wheels Still Turn” in 2018, earning critical acclaim from both Australian and international press. The record was named “Debut Album of the Year” by Australia’s national TV program The Hard Rock Show, and received outstanding reviews across the board – including 10/10 from Rock ’n’ Load Magazine and 99/100 from The Metal Mag. Supported by multiple singles and videos amassing over 450,000 views, the album firmly established Greystone Canyon as one of Australia’s most promising rock acts.
Their sophomore record, “Iron & Oak”, followed in 2024, entering the Australian iTunes chart at #18 for Hard Rock and #82 across all genres, as well as reaching #1 on CFUR North American college radio. The album was praised by the international rock media, with several 10/10 scores, and produced over 250,000 video views within weeks of release. The band also performed alongside US heavy metal pioneers The Rods, further cementing their reputation for powerful and emotionally charged live shows.
After years of honing their craft and refining their sound, Greystone Canyon return in 2025 with their third full-length album, “Something Borrowed…Something New” – a record that captures the raw, organic essence of a real rock band performing live together. Recorded at Black Lodge Studio in Melbourne with producer and engineer Joel Taylor, the album was tracked entirely live in one room, without click tracks or digital edits. The result is a vibrant, honest, and deeply musical release that mixes brand-new Greystone Canyon originals with hand-picked classic covers from the artists who shaped their identity, including Thin Lizzy, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, UFO, and Neil Young.
Frontman Darren Cherry, who also performed with Paul Di’Anno’s (ex-Iron Maiden) Australian touring band in 2024, leads the lineup featuring Richard Vella (guitars, vocals, keyboards), David Poulter (bass), and Sham Hughes (drums, keyboards, mastering). Together, they embody the spirit of traditional rock music – played with authenticity, precision, and passion.
With “Something Borrowed…Something New“, Greystone Canyon pays tribute to the golden age of rock while reaffirming their identity as a band devoted to tone, feel, fire, honesty, and organic sound. It’s a record that reminds listeners of what real rock ’n’ roll is meant to be — alive, human, and timeless.
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 EPK – Siege Perilous – Becoming The Dragon (2026)
EPK – Siege Perilous – Becoming The Dragon (2026)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“One of the big goals was to create a narrative concept album experience while also allowing each individual track to stand on its own, and while that was challenging, I think we accomplished that, so whether you are listening to the entire album or just revisiting a favorite track, audiences will find both experiences to be rich and fulfilling. This was a really cool and interesting writing experience, as we had contributions from every band member in the writing process. We started off in early 2024 by writing the larger story and determining what the different story beats for each track would be, and then people kind of chose which story beats they wanted to tackle. Each song had a kind of originator who put the basics of the track together on some level, and then we worked together to edit, revise, and flesh out the arrangements until we got something that really gelled and really told the story in interesting and dynamic ways.” – Siege Perilous – Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Band: Siege Perilous
Album Title: Becoming The Dragon
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Label: Crunchtronic Records
For fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Iron Maiden
Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Youtube.com/@siegeperilousmetal | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal
Apple Music | Spotify | Online Store – https://siegemetal.com/store
“It gives me great pleasure to tell you that Creation’s Call is a blast. Siege Perilous has succeeded in creating what I would call Epic Power Metal for the Working Man. They don’t waste your time with overlong symphonic interludes between tracks, melodramatic narration, or overproduction that tests the limits of your sanity. The band gets right to the point and pulls you into their epic tales of heroic daring immediately. This is a nice breath of fresh air and if this EP is anything to go by, Siege Perilous has a great future ahead of them. Yes, this could be considered power metal but the no-nonsense approach and urgency to the songwriting makes this release absolutely worth checking out for those of us in the NWOTHM scene. Plus, it’s really just a lot of fun. This one is highly recommended. THENWOTHM SCORE: 9/10” – The NWOTHM (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“‘Creation’s Call’ never gets boring, even on Heavy Rotation. Five gifted musicians have succeeded in creating a varied EP. The twin guitar solos are convincing the whole time. It’s just a shame that it ends after twenty-one minutes. It makes you wish for a full-length album. And, of course, a thrilling live performance. 9.3/10” – Metalheads Forever Magazine (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“solid power metal style that should satiate any LARP-attendees or Dungeons and Dragons mavens. Keep an eye on this quintet – wield thy sword as they lead the battle charge for more quality power metal from the states. 8/10” – Dead Rhetoric
“If you’re a fan of traditional power metal with a modern twist, Siege Perilous is a band you need to discover. Their self-released EP is a promising glimpse into what they’re capable of, and it’s clear that they have the potential to become major players in the genre. 8/10” – My Global Mind (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Denver metal mob reckon that their goal on “Creation’s Call” was to build a world and tell a story in “three to five minutes.” It’s a world of fantasy, as “Oathsworn” proves, where metal rules and swords are held high. “Across The Rubicon,” however, is delivered with such skill that you can’t resist getting sucked in with them. Shaughnessy McDaniel has a brilliant “metal” voice, roaring on “Sons Of The Verdant,” and guitar duo Scott Hancock and Cody Martinez can knock out a NWOBHM riff like it’s 1982, as the title song underlines. “Brothers Of Five” brings the epic one last time, galloping in proper fashion, and it’ll be interesting to see how Siege Perilous develops. This is one hell of an opening statement, mind you. 8.5/10” – Maximum Volume Music (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Creation’s Call not only highlights Siege Perilous’ dedication to epic storytelling but also emphasises their versatility within the power metal genre. With influences ranging from historical events to high fantasy, this EP offers a rich and varied auditory experience that will captivate fans. Prepare to embark on a grand journey through myth and history as Siege Perilous delivers their latest saga.” – Amplify The Noise (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Creation’s Call it is a cohesive and well-crafted work, where the combination of rich letters in history and fantasy, with a meticulous musical execution, it makes mandatory, regardless of its short duration. [82%]” – Via Nocturna (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Creation’s Call doesn’t get boring even in heavy rotation. Five gifted musicians have created a varied EP. The solos of the twin guitars are convincing across the board. It’s just a shame that it’s over after twenty-one minutes. You want a full-length album. And of course a sweaty live performance. 9.4/10” – Keep On Rocking (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Colorfully mixed NWOTHM/Epic Heavy/Power Metal elixir that appeals to a broad range of fans between ALESTORM, BATTLEROAR, ETERNAL CHAMPION, GATEKEEPER, IRON MAIDEN, RUNNING WILD and WRATHBLADE. Awakens a huge appetite for a full long-play album. On this EP you can clearly see that the band has enormous potential and has already given a great taste of their skills. Conclusion: Strong-looking genretobak that falls out of the usual range! 8,5/10” – FFM-Rock (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
““Oathsworn,” hits the guns from the get go, slamming through the turnstiles of time and building the great beyond.” – The Median Man (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“America’s Siege Perilous release new EP CREATION’S CALL – 5 slabs of hard and heavy metal with a twist of power metal.” – Loud Enough Magazine (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
““Oathsworn” simply explodes out of the gate. The band ratchets every possible dial up to 11 and charges into battle with an epic statement of intent.” – Nine Circles (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
““Brothers Of The Five” offers classic power metal as you would appreciate it. The strain on the neck muscles is correspondingly high and in some places the number cannot deny a slight Maiden stable smell.” – Hellfire Magazin (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“This is traditional/power metal awesomeness. It gives off big Iron Maiden meets Hammerfall vibes, and I am all for it! Much like the previous EP, it had me hooked from the excellent opener, through the awesome ‘Creations Call’ and to the epic closer.” – Overtone Magazine (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“if you dig keep it true, epic, and fast and heavy metal with fantasy and historical themes, you will enjoy Siege Perilous and their latest EP, Creation’s Call. Recommended.” – Dangerdog Music Reviews (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“a thunderous gallop of heavy come power metal, immensely infectious with a sky high level of head bang ability.” – Frenzy Fire Metal & Rock Reviews (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
Track Listing:
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Cody Martinez – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
• All songs written by:
Shaughnessy McDaniel
Scott Hancock
Cody Martinez
Ryan Flanagan
Eric Fischer
Mark Girard
• Produced by: Alex Carrillo
• Mixed by: Alex Carrillo
• Mastered by: Alex Carrillo
• Album Artwork by: Leighton Buxman
• Member of ASCAP
Album Band Line Up:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Cody Martinez – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
Live Band Line Up:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
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About The Album Artwork:
The album artwork, done by the amazingly talented Leighton Buxman, depicts the climax of the story where our titular hero finally becomes the dragon and seizes his destiny. We wanted a vibe that had a combination of dark and high fantasy, and Leighton did an amazing job capturing that vibe through this magical ritual where our hero is transformed. She also did a great job of incorporating small elements and nods for the other songs, like the banner of the “Chieftain” and the shards of the Crystalline dunes mentioned in “Shattered Mirage”. It’s such a tremendous encapsulation of the story we are telling and the vibe we are trying to cultivate on this new album.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
“Becoming the Dragon” is a cinematic journey following the Child of Prophecy as he follows his path, then denies his destiny, and then slowly comes to realize that only by embracing it can he truly overcome it. This story takes twists and turns from the mysterious to the tragic, and we really wanted to reflect that musically with a wide variety of tones, emotions, and musical approaches. Each song is its own unique entity, but together they form something that we believe audiences will really find magical.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
Overture – We wanted to welcome people into the story and album with an overture that featured interestingly arranged snippets from the other songs. Since Ryan joined after the bulk of the core songwriting process, we wanted him to arrange this piece, and he did an amazing job. It really throws in a lot of flavors from the rest of the album while also keeping a unique identity, and it is a great way to ease audiences into the immersive world of “Becoming the Dragon”.
Ancient Rite – This song starts with a somber and mildly ominous intro as we take the audience into the world of the prophecy that engulfs our protagonist. It’s airy in a lot of parts with a strong driving verse, which helps to set the stage for the rest of the story.
As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – This song is a dream come true for long-time Rhapsody and Fabio fan Shaughnessy. Musically, this song also attempts to combine Siege’s unique style with the power metal sound of classic Rhapsody. Fabio plays the dragon that the protagonist is sworn to slay and while this starts off as a classic fantasy tale, it takes a dark twist as Fabio’s dragon warns Shaughnessy’s knight that slaying him won’t free our protagonist but rather will keep him a prisoner of his own destiny. Starts off as an optimistic heroic tale that turns quite dark by the end.
Child of Prophecy – A very Iron Maiden-esque melody and guitar combination tells the story of the protagonist questioning whether his destiny will ever free him or anyone else, or if it’s simply a cage. A philosophical track about fate, freedom, and prophecy.
Shattered Mirage – Delving into a dark and heavy sound, this track shows our hero leaving the world he has known behind. His caravan is ambushed in a desert where the sands are constantly being struck by lightning, forming dunes of glass and encapsulating the bodies of the slain. Does the hero see his future? His past? Or simply the inevitability of death? Musically, this song features some interesting use of double-layered vocals that give off echoes of Hansi Kursch while still retaining Shaughnessy’s unique vocal quality.
Chieftain – Having survived the Crystalline dunes, our hero finds his way to the Infinite Steppe, a vast wasteland where warring tribes vie for control. There, he follows a mighty Chieftain to victory. When the Chieftain perishes, our hero seizes control and cuts a bloody swath through his enemies. This song’s fast driving rhythm, complex arrangement, and chanty chorus give it a unique spirit and one that we hope will get the audience’s blood pumping.
Cut Down – This is one of the most old-school and traditional heavy metal-sounding songs we may have ever done. Combining vibes from Judas Priest, Dio, and a hefty dose of Manowar, Cut Down is a high-octane track that finds our hero continuing his bloody campaign of conquest. Eventually, he realizes that all he’s become is a villain who can’t contribute anything to the world other than blood and death, and gives up his title of Chieftain to return home.
Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – This song musically is a nod to Jim Steinman/Meatloaf and also to Tobias Sammet and his work in Avantasia. This has some great 70s and 80s power ballad vibes, driven by piano and strong orchestration supporting killer vocals from Starkey and soaring leads from the guitar. This power ballad forms the “all is lost” moment of the album, where the protagonist returns home to find that his enemies have found it and put it to the torch and its people to the sword. Here, he encounters the Mystic (Twilight Force and Temperance vocalist Kristin Starkey), who reprimands our hero for leaving, but together they decide on a plan for our hero to seize his destiny, become the dragon, and fight the cosmic forces of destiny.
Becoming the Dragon – Having chosen to embrace his destiny to fight the one who made it, our hero summons magical forces to transform himself into the titular dragon. This song features thunderous drums, shredding solos, and a really killer bass interlude that builds the song towards its high-impact climax.
Eschaton – This sweeping narrative features a lot of different musical movements within as the hero battles the forces of destiny, shattering the universe in order to rebuild it as one free of fate. Inspired by songs like “And Then There Was Silence” by Blind Guardian, “The Scarecrow” by Avantasia, and “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden, this song is an epic with a lot of pieces that flow seamlessly between each other, telling the story of the end of one cosmos and the dawn of a better one.
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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
The Collaboration with Fabio: Shaughnessy has been a Rhapsody fan since he was 16, and so this collaboration is a dream 20 years in the making. When he wrote “As the Dragon Falls,” he had a long list of different vocalists he wanted to collaborate with, but Fabio was at the top of the list, and he didn’t even have to ask his second choice. He really appreciated Fabio’s warm and friendly attitude towards collaboration and thinks the results speak for themselves.
Kristin Starkey, from teacher to collaborator: Shortly after Shaughnessy saw Kristin filling in for Alesandro Conti during their tour with Gloryhammer in early 2024, he signed up for vocal lessons. He really appreciated the advice not just on singing, but on writing, marketing, and the business, and he really appreciates the friendship and rapport the two have built over the last two years. And she’s been a great support that he said has really helped him grow and feel confident in his vocal abilities far beyond what he could have imagined.
Echoes of Home: Shaughnessy wrote Echoes of Home during a pretty hard time for him personally. Shortly after his son was born, he lost a great deal of weight and had to be admitted to the NICU. The room was small, and there was only a couch for sleeping, so at night, Shaughnessy would go home while his wife stayed with their son. It was during these nights when everything seemed grim that he started writing “Echoes”. It really fuelled the sadness and sense of loss that became the core of “Echoes of Home”. Not to worry, though, his son is happy, healthy, and celebrates his second birthday in February of 2026.
Child of Prophecy: This song has an interesting history because the first draft was written long before any of the other tracks of the album, and was at least in a small way the inspiration for the main overarching story. However, when we recorded the version we had written in pre-production, something about the track was not clicking, and the song felt off. The problem was that we had already completed drum tracking, and going back to do more would have cost a lot of money and potentially thrown off our entire budget. In came Ryan, who, within just a day or two, had re-arranged the entire track with the stipulation that the original drums needed to stay intact. The result is a tighter and more on-point version of the song than had ever existed before, and it is a track we are incredibly proud of and excited to share with everyone.
Writing Process: Quite a few people outside of the band commented that our full-band collaborative writing process sounded crazy to them. And while some people originated certain key ideas or skeleton frames of the songs, ultimately, all of us had a hand in shaping each track. It had challenges and required people to really work on communicating, compromising, and collaborating, but in the end, the result is an album that has a lot of each member in its DNA, and that’s something really special.
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Left to Right: Mark Girard (Drums) | Eric Fischer (Bass) | Shaughnessy McDaniel (Vocals) | Ryan Flanagan (Guitar) | Scott Hancock (Guitar)
Photographer Credit – Gii Astorga
Forged in the fires of fantasy and history, Siege Perilous is a Colorado-based power metal band dedicated to telling stories as grand as the battles and legends that inspire them. Born from the camaraderie of live-action roleplay and a shared love of cooperative storytelling, the band was founded by Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums) after witnessing the electrifying performance of Unleash the Archers in Denver in 2021. Inspired to create their own epic soundscape, they soon recruited longtime collaborator Eric Fischer (bass), known for his work in Celtic folk band The Stubby Shillelaghs. In late 2024, the lineup expanded with the addition of Ryan Flanagan, solidifying the band’s roster as they embarked on their most ambitious project yet.
Siege Perilous crafts music that is epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story-driven. Their songs draw from both history and myth—whether chronicling the devastation of the Black Plague, the crossing of the Rubicon, or the slaying of dragons in tabletop and live-action roleplay adventures. Every track is designed as a chapter in a larger saga, blending thunderous riffs, soaring solos, and commanding vocals into immersive narratives that transport listeners into worlds of valor and imagination.
After releasing two EPs and various singles, in 2025, Siege Perilous began recording their debut full-length album, Becoming the Dragon, for release in 2026. A sweeping concept record that weaves a ten-part story across its tracks. The album balances the grandeur of a narrative arc with the individuality of standalone songs, offering fans both a cinematic journey and powerful single experiences. With contributions from every member, the writing process was deeply collaborative, each musician shaping different story beats before uniting them into a cohesive whole. Guest performances from artists like Fabio and Kristin Starkey further elevate the album’s scope and emotional resonance.
On stage, Siege Perilous delivers more than a concert; they create an immersive theatrical experience. Their live shows invite audiences into the worlds they sing about, combining high-energy performance with storytelling flair. Fans can expect not just music, but an adventure that blurs the line between stage and saga.
The band’s influences span the pantheon of heavy and power metal: Manowar, Battle Beast, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, and Sabaton, alongside the symphonic grandeur of Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia. Siege Perilous channels these inspirations into a sound uniquely their own, rooted in classic heavy metal traditions but expanded with modern symphonic arrangements, dynamic vocal range, and cinematic scope.
With their evolving sound, collaborative spirit, and passion for storytelling, Siege Perilous stands ready to carve their place in the halls of power metal. Each song is a quest, each album a legend, and each performance an invitation to join the adventure.
Discography:
2022 – Betrayal of the Dracolich (EP)
2023 – Black Death (Single)
2023 – Blood Hallows (Single)
2023 – Ride the Leyline (Single)
2024 – Creation’s Call (EP)
2026 – Becoming The Dragon (LP)
Shared Stage with:
Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Judicator, Celestial Wizard, After Time Seizure, Starwraith, Oak, Ash, and Thorn, Signs of Tranquility, Fell Harvest
Festivals:
2024 – Mile High Power Fest
0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! Finnish Symphonic Death KARU’s New Album “Perdition”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 21, 2025
Out Now! Finnish Symphonic Death KARU’s New Album “Perdition”
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Finnish symphonic death metal force KARU unleash “Perdition”, their most cinematic and ferocious work to date. A journey deep into a mythical Japanese wilderness, where towering riffs, icy orchestral layers, and raw emotion collide. Northern aggression meets ancient mysticism, and the result hits hard and stays with you.
With Niko Hienonen (vocals/orchestrations), Kalle Pöyskö (guitars), and Toni Tieaho (Crystalic, ex-Mors Principium Est), “Perdition” pushes KARU’s sound to new heights where brutality and beauty finally meet.
Recommended for fans of Wintersun, Nightwish, and Children of Bodom, “Perdition” is available worldwide as of November 21st, 2025.
ALBUM ORDER – CD / DIGITAL – https://lnk.to/VsIw0G
Album Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04IM5g4-TSI
Lyric Video – Shadow War – https://youtu.be/kmaz_NyPDOo
Lyric Video – Alone In The Dark – https://youtu.be/Dq1qj6B-ukE
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Track Listing:
1. Shores of Mist and Blood
2. Shadow War
3. Alone in the Forest
4. Embers in the Skies
5. Trail of Fire
6. Path of the Unforgiven
7. Perdition
Karu Line Up:
Niko Hienonen – Vocals, Production, Orchestrations
Kalle Pöyskö – Guitars
Toni Tieaho (ex-Mors Principium Est, Crystalic) – Guitars
More info:
https://www.instagram.com/karu_band/
https://www.facebook.com/KARUbandofficial
ABOUT:
KARU was formed in 2017 by Kalle Pöyskö and Niko Hienonen as a studio project. In 2020, the boys came out with the first EP “KARU,” which paved the way for the future of the band. The EP introduced the driving metal force of the band as well as the beautiful orchestrations that would be more prominent in the band’s future releases. In 2023, KARU was formalized as a proper live band, and two singles were released from the upcoming album. In April 2024, the band’s first full-length concept album, “HYDRA,” was released. The album gathered attention from critics and received critical acclaim for its unique atmosphere and attitude towards conjoining brutal metal and beautiful orchestras.
The band started to work on the next full-length album already before “HYDRA” was released. The concept started as an epic journey through the wilderness of a fantasy-themed Japan, drawing inspiration from the Japanese spiritual world, where all the forests have a spirit of their own. The band finished the album in the summer of 2025, only a year after their last album was released. The band went through some lineup changes, and the newest lineup is the founders Pöyskö and Hienonen, as well as the lead guitarist virtuoso Toni Tieaho (Crystalic, Existence Depraved, ex-Mors Principium Est). With the new lineup, the band’s sound evolved to wholly new levels, and “Perdition” is a testament to the band’s new sound.
With “Perdition,” the band aims to bring their music and energetic live show to new audiences within and outside of their native Finland.
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook – Asher Media Relations
Instagram – AsherMedia
Tweet – AsherMedia
0 IN VIRTUE Unveils Music Video “Karma Loop” ft. Charlotte Wessels (ex-Delain) For Release of New Album “Age of Legends”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 21, 2025
IN VIRTUE Unveils Music Video “Karma Loop” ft. Charlotte Wessels (ex-Delain) For Release of New Album “Age of Legends”
Album Guests – Dave Davidson of Revocation, Chaney Crabb of Entheos, Charlotte Wessels
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Rising Los Angeles progressive power metal band In Virtue has unveiled their brand-new music video for “Karma Loop”, the latest single from their highly anticipated album “Age of Legends,” out now as of November 21st. The video marks a powerful introduction to the record’s sweeping concept and emotional depth, while showcasing the band’s unique sound that blends heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and cinematic textures.
The new single “Karma Loop” was the final track written for the album and quickly became a favorite. Featuring guest vocals from Charlotte Wessels (ex-Delain), the song is a dialogue between Sisyphus and a guiding figure known as The Catalyst. Together, they explore the idea that punishment is often self-inflicted and that redemption begins with self-worth. Built around a guitar lick Trey originally wrote for a demo years ago, the track evolved through collaboration with former drummer Mazen Ayoub, guitarist Rami Khalaf, and keyboardist Alex Nasla, resulting in one of the album’s most dynamic and emotionally resonant pieces.
The lyrics even weave in cultural references from the Kingston Trio’s “M.T.A.” to Hunter S. Thompson’s famous line, “Buy the ticket, take the ride”, adding layers of meaning to the song’s exploration of cycles, consequences, and liberation.
Watch “Karma Loop” ft. Charlotte Wessels (ex-Delain) at https://youtu.be/XGuhgWqx7n4
Digital Single – https://www.submithub.com/link/karma-loop
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“Age of Legends” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a fully realized concept album that tells the story of a flawed protagonist inspired by the myth of Sisyphus. Through themes of guilt, redemption, and self-forgiveness, the album mirrors frontman Trey’s own journey of catharsis and transformation.
“This is a day 10+ years in the making, the album that almost wasn’t. Born from pure force of will against all odds, it’s a testament to rebirth and an iron vision. What you’ll hear is a direct feed from my soul,” Trey explains.
Musically, the album balances heavy, groove-driven foundations with orchestration and synths that elevate the songs without overshadowing them. Vocals range from soaring cleans to guttural growls, while guitar and keyboard solos punctuate the narrative without overstaying their welcome. It’s a record designed to be experienced in full, an immersive journey best heard start to finish.
The cover art for “Age of Legends” was created by Niklas Sundin (ex-Dark Tranquillity), depicting Sisyphus breaking free from his eternal punishment. The imagery perfectly complements the album’s lyrical themes of release, redemption, and transformation.
Formed out of a love for power metal but a distaste for its escapist clichés, In Virtue set out to create music that was heavy, fast, catchy, melodic, and groovy, yet grounded in real human experiences. Their sound draws influence from bands like Soilwork, Amaranthe, Shinedown, Symphony X, and Sonata Arctica, while carving out a distinct identity that avoids prefabricated genre formulas.
Known for their engaging live performances, In Virtue brings audiences into the experience with big harmonies, sing-alongs, and an energy that defies the “arms-crossed” stereotype of metal shows. With members connected to acts like Witherfall and The Mourning, the band continues to evolve, refining their vision into a cohesive and powerful voice in modern metal.
Fans can expect an emotional deep dive, a rollercoaster of textures and colors, but ultimately a cohesive journey that rewards both casual listeners and those willing to explore its deeper narrative.
“Age of Legends” is available worldwide as of November 21st, 2025, at https://orcd.co/agofle
Music Video – Gunslingers of the New American Desert – https://youtu.be/eWYl7bdKCxo
Music Video – Desolation Throne – https://youtu.be/rXv06-7rg2w
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Track Listing:
1. Ascent Glorious (00:36)
2. Sisyphus Awakening (4:55)
3. Karma Loop (ft. Charlotte Wessels) (3:35)
4. Push That Rock (2:46)
5. Purgatory (4:39)
6. Exposed (3:27)
7. Scream (3:40)
8. Where The Edges Meet (3:16)
9. Gunslingers of the New American Desert (4:42)
10. Desolation Throne (3:03)
11. Thoughts in Freefall (ft. Dave Davidson of Revocation) (4:10)
12. The River (2:24)
13. Tempus Fugue (ft. Chaney Crabb of Entheos) (8:05)
14. Descent Limitless (1:22)
Album Length: 50:40
More info: Facebook.com/invirtue | Instagram.com/invirtue
About:
Los Angeles, California’s In Virtue is a band forging a new path, abandoning outdated conceptions of what heavy music is to redefine metal for a new era. Although In Virtue was initially formed in 2004 in California’s Bay Area, the band’s rebirth in 2015 is where the real story begins.
That’s when founding guitarist Trey Xavier made the difficult decision to take over lead vocals, move south to LA, and start the band over with a new lineup. This was the catalyst they needed, and the band’s final form took shape. Adding keyboardist Alex Nasla (The Mourning, ex-Witherfall), guitarist Rami Khalaf, and bassist Jamie Hush, their new sound was freed.
“I was tired of other people singing what I was writing,” says Trey (who you may know from his popular YouTube channel). “We had some pretty good singers, but it always felt like a compromise. It was pretty scary – I was 28 and I had never seriously sung before. But all the work I put in paid off, because now I can create my music as I envision it.”
And what a vision it has become – the band’s forthcoming album Age of Legends, due out in 2025, tells a haunting tale of Sisyphean struggle and redemption through a modern lens. This new era of In Virtue brought their first new music, 2019’s single “Purgatory”, which gave the world a brand new sound. Combining elements of power metal, groove, progressive metal, and pop, but somehow sounding like none of the above, “Purgatory” defined the sonic future of the band.
The singles “Where The Edges Meet” and “Scream” followed soon after to expand on the story, each moving the story forward and bringing new life to the characters and their pain.
With way more to come on Age of Legends, In Virtue is looking forward to the next chapter and bringing their story to the world.
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“Entirely self-released, this is a full-blown concept album that weaves together towering riffs, cinematic textures, and deeply personal storytelling.” – Metal Injection (2025)
“What has me jumping for joy even more is the fact that even though this is a concept album, and it does show from time to time, every song and every tune on “Age of Legends” has its own identity. You have the impressive build up in “Push That Rock”, the deep and profound lyrics in “Exposed” and “Where The Edges Meet”, the beautiful structure in “Sisyphus Awakening” and “Gunslingers of the New American Desert”. I could go on like this until I’ve mentioned every song on this “Age of Legends” album, but I feel that you need to find out how good this version of IN VIRTUE is yourself. I myself am extremely glad I took that leap of faith. 8.10″ – Metal Temple
“Built on powerful riffs, intricate melodies, thunderous drums, and commanding vocals, this single and forthcoming album captures the struggle, transformation, and defiance that define In Virtue’s essence. To close, this single and forthcoming album won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep feet tapping and heads bouncing from sofa to stage. So why not clear a space, and give In Virtue a try for 2025. Star Rating 9/10” – Ian Davies International Music Journalist – Stargazer Music Magazine
“What happens when virtuosity meets vision? IN VIRTUE from Los Angeles deliver with “Age of Legends” an album that answers this question impressively. After more than a decade “Embrace the Horror” Proves the quartet around Mastermind Trey Xavier (Gear Gods) impressively shows that technical demands and emotional depth do not have to be opposites…. Sound is “Age of Legends” a lesson in modern metal production: crystal clear, detailed, yet organic. As producer, Trey Xavier has created a sound design that allows every note to breathe. The orchestrations and synth layers in particular take the songs to an almost cinematic level – without stifling the raw energy of the guitars.” – Festival Stalker
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0 PYTHONIC Unleashes First Single “Guiltfeeder” From Sophomore EP “Decomposition” Out Dec 2025 + Show Dates w/ INTO ETERNITY and SLAUGHTERFEST 2025
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 21, 2025
PYTHONIC Unleashes First Single “Guiltfeeder” From Sophomore EP “Decomposition” Out Dec 2025
+ Opening For INTO ETERNITY in Saskatoon (Nov 21) and Playing SLAUGHTERFEST 2025 in Edmonton (Dec 6)
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Pythonic – Back Row – L to R: Max Hiske (Bass) | Morgan Warriner (Lead Vocals) | Vincent Kohut (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals)
Front Row – L to R: Jayden Warriner (Drums) | Ryan Hunter (Lead Guitar )
Photo Credit – Carsen Warriner
Saskatoon, Canada’s rising metal force, Pythonic, has announced the release of their first single, “Guiltfeeder”, a blistering preview of their highly anticipated sophomore EP, “Decomposition,” set to drop on December 19, 2025.
“The intro riff just makes it the perfect fit for the lead spot. The sick new lyrics tell of backstabbing friends, the emotional toll it causes, and the unmasking of those backstabbers. A story most people can relate to. The ending of the song definitely is the best part, though. You have the grouped up vocals that transition right into Ryan’s solo. That solo is so masterfully clean you’ll want to just keep replaying it. You also have the rhythm behind it all, which just keeps your head bobbing along. Mix it all together and you’ve got a certifiable banger on your hands,” the band adds.
Listen to “Guiltfeeder” at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/dgyNSQOIcak
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/513i3UQI2c132OTeAzt5qg
Pythonic’s forthcoming EP “Decomposition” marks a bold step into heavier, death‑metal territory, pushing the band’s sound to new extremes. The tracks have been “decomposed”, stripped down, sharpened, and rebuilt to spotlight the commanding presence of new vocalist Morgan Warriner and the band’s refined direction. Songs like “Liturgy” showcase their intensified death metal edge, while “Pills” captures Warriner’s versatility as he shifts seamlessly from frantic cadences to bone‑chilling screams. By breathing new life into older material, “Decomposition” revitalizes Pythonic’s catalogue, transforming solid songs into devastating anthems. With Warriner’s guttural power, Max Hiske’s thunderous bass, and Jayden’s relentless drumming, the band reaches its tightest and most ferocious form yet. Mixed and mastered by Reid Paraszczynec of Lucid Distortion Audio, the EP strikes the perfect balance between raw aggression and polished production, delivering a true sonic onslaught.
“These songs needed their fair chance, and Morgan has given them that through his vocal performance. Reid’s mixing brought the next chapter of Pythonic to life the right way,” says guitarist Vincent Kohut.
Lyrically, “Decomposition” explores themes of corruption, drug addiction, toxic relationships, and summoning the devil. Written primarily by Warriner, with contributions from former bassist Alex Conley, the lyrics are raw, personal, and vividly dark.
The EP artwork, created by Danya Lawton, continues the visual legacy of Pythonic’s debut release. Lawton “decayed” the original design with authentic mushroom imagery and a haunting central eye, symbolizing the band’s transformation and heavier direction.
The band will also celebrate the EP with two major live appearances: opening for Canadian metal legends Into Eternity on November 21st at Black Cat Tavern in Saskatoon, and storming the stage at Slaughterfest in Edmonton on December 6th at The Starlite Room.
Upcoming Shows:
Nov 21, 2025 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern (w/ Into Eternity)
Dec 6, 2025 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room – Slaughterfest (w/ Display of Decay, Brain Stem, Ages of Ashes, A Modern Prometheus, Cell) – info
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Recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, and Black Dahlia Murder, “Decomposition” will be available on digital platforms on December 19, 2025.
EP pre-order – https://pythonic.bandcamp.com/album/decomposition
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Track Listing:
1. Guiltfeeder (4:23)
2. Conceit (4:00)
3. Pills (3:09)
4. Liturgy (3:42)
5. Collateral (3:38)
EP Length: 18:54
EP Recording Credits:
All songs performed by Pythonic
All songs written by Pythonic with Alex Conley
Produced by Pythonic
Mixed by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Mastered by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
EP Artwork by Danya Lawton
EP and Live Line-Up
Morgan Warriner – Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter – Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Max Hiske – Bass
Jayden Warriner – Drums
More info: https://www.facebook.com/pythonicband | https://instagram.com/pythonicband
About: Born in Saskatoon, SK, Pythonic is a death‑groove metal powerhouse that fuses the ferocity of Lamb of God, Black Dahlia Murder, and Cryptopsy with its own raw, uncompromising vision. Conceived by guitarist Vincent Kohut as a project free from subgenre boundaries, the band embraces the philosophy that “metal is metal.” Together with lead guitarist Ryan Hunter, Kohut carved out a sound that is aggressive, groovy, thick, and unapologetically dirty, a sonic identity that refuses to be confined. The addition of Morgan Warriner on vocals and Max Hiske on bass has solidified Pythonic’s most devastating lineup to date. Warriner’s guttural range, soaring highs, and earth‑shaking lows has been praised as transformative, while Hiske’s thunderous bass lines add depth and weight to every track. Anchored by Jayden’s relentless drumming, the band operates as a tightly locked unit, delivering a crushing live experience.
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““EP 1” is a testament to Pythonic‘s dedication to their craft and their refusal to be confined by sub-genre limitations. Each song is a blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, offering listeners a chance to experience the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities. It is recommended for fans of Machine Head, Trivium and Pantera.” – Metal-Rules (EP01 – 2024)
“Pythonic comes from Canada with ‘Epica’, a track that features fast-paced guitar riffs, heavy drums and an engaging, torn vocal that delivers to listeners the essence of metal and subverts such as alternative, thrash and even melodic, being perfect to the circle and not to leave anyone standing still.” – Os Garot Os Deliverpool (EP01 – 2024)
“Pythonic has an EP for you. Blending Thrash with Old School Swedish Death Metal, the band manages to sound like Entombed but without losing its unique style… So if you have a few minutes of anger to drain, these guys are going to cover you!” – Metal Eclipse Reviews (EP01 – 2024)
“Overall I’m a pretty big fan of this record. If you want something that sounds maybe like an Anthrax or a Slayer record then you really want to check this out. The most dynamic and unique part of this EP, in particular is the vocals are double-tracked and they’re very high in the mix which is something that is somewhat different than a lot of the other metal releases this year which I greatly appreciate. If you want something that has a lot of the thrash guitar element then you’re really going to want to check this out. The guitar and drum parts are fantastic, they really keep the songs very tight even though the vocals are very in your face and they’re usually the the first thing that you would notice with this kind of record but overall this is very strong.” – Brutally Delicious (EP01 – 2024)
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0 EPK – Pythonic – Decomposition (2025)
EPK – Pythonic – Decomposition (2025)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“We think fans are going to love this EP. We are trying to give them a taste of our new vocalist with our classic tracks reimagined, or as we refer to it, “Decomposed”. The music is the same, but the vocal delivery from Morgan Warriner is a huge game-changer. We have had so many positive reviews with live shows that it’s easy to assume they are going to love these tracks. Not to mention the bass playing from Max Hiske on this EP is so groovin’, it really adds so much more depth to the tracks.” – Pythonic
For fans of Lamb of God, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Black Dahlia Murder
Band: Pythonic
EP Title: Decomposition
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Pythonicband.com | Facebook.com/pythonicband | Instagram.com/pythonicband | Youtube.com/@pythonicband
Pythonic.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
““EP 1” is a testament to Pythonic‘s dedication to their craft and their refusal to be confined by sub-genre limitations. Each song is a blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, offering listeners a chance to experience the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities. It is recommended for fans of Machine Head, Trivium and Pantera.” – Metal-Rules (EP01 – 2024)
“Pythonic comes from Canada with ‘Epica’, a track that features fast-paced guitar riffs, heavy drums and an engaging, torn vocal that delivers to listeners the essence of metal and subverts such as alternative, thrash and even melodic, being perfect to the circle and not to leave anyone standing still.” – Os Garot Os Deliverpool (EP01 – 2024)
“Pythonic has an EP for you. Blending Thrash with Old School Swedish Death Metal, the band manages to sound like Entombed but without losing its unique style… So if you have a few minutes of anger to drain, these guys are going to cover you!” – Metal Eclipse Reviews (EP01 – 2024)
“Overall I’m a pretty big fan of this record. If you want something that sounds
maybe like an Anthrax or a Slayer record then you really want to check this out.
The most dynamic and unique part of this EP, in particular is the vocals
are double-tracked and they’re very high in the mix which is something that is somewhat different than a lot of the other metal releases this year which I greatly appreciate. If you want something that has a lot of the thrash guitar element then you’re really going to want to check this out. The guitar and drum parts are fantastic, they really keep the songs very tight even though the vocals are very in your face and they’re usually the the first thing that you would notice with this kind of record but overall this is very strong.” – Brutally Delicious (EP01 – 2024)
Band: Pythonic
EP Title: Decomposition
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Track Listing:
1. Guiltfeeder (4:23)
2. Conceit (4:00)
3. Pills (3:09)
4. Liturgy (3:42)
5. Collateral (3:38)
EP Length: 18:54
EP Recording Credits:
All songs performed by Pythonic
All songs written by Pythonic with Alex Conley
Produced by Pythonic
Mixed by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Mastered by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
EP Artwork by Danya Lawton
EP and Live Line-Up
Morgan Warriner – Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter – Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Max Hiske – Bass
Jayden Warriner – Drums
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About the EP Artwork:
The album artwork was done by the same artist as EP01, Danya Lawton. We got her again for the simple fact that we wanted to take the existing artwork from EP01 and “decay” it. Danya did research on the kind of mushrooms that grow on trees to give a more authentic look to a decaying tree. There is also the added eye in the center of the tree to give it a bit of a possessed feeling. We also did the art in this fashion because a lot of the songs have been shortened from their original counterparts. So, as most musicians compose music, in this case, we “Decomposed” the songs, hence the name Decomposition. The theme of decomposition in the art also helps to drive a more death metal approach that had been taken with the songs.
About The EP:
Lyrically, this EP, within the songs, is a lot more cohesive; the song themes stay on topic the whole time, unlike the past release we have done. I think the short amount of time that a lot of the lyrics were written definitely helped to make them stay on topic. The lyrics are a lot heavier, and that also comes with the delivery. The lyrics are also a lot more raw because they come from a more true-to-person source. The lyrics are truly lived when they are personal, and the non-personal ones just unfold vivid imagery as they are in “Liturgy”.
Musically, the EP came out way more aggressively than last time. Jayden really cooked on the drum parts for the EP. The beats just get a person moving, then when you add Max’s thundering bass to connect it with the riffs, you’ve got magic. I call it a sonic onslaught because there are so many pieces moving together, but they all join up to get this big sound that grooves.
Track By Track:
Guiltfeeder – Lyrically, this song is about ex-friends stabbing you in the back. It talks about how some people will be so nice to your face, but behind closed doors, with others, they will spread rumors and lies about you to try to make you look bad so they can look better. After the dealings with our original Singer, these sentiments couldn’t ring more true. The ending with the backing vocals really drives the full message of the track before Ryan serenades with a face-melting solo. This is one of the tracks that stayed a lot more musically the same from the past track, “Positive Deconstruction,” but we did speed it up to shave a minute off the play time. This was a fun one to rerecord. Speeding the song up gave it a lot more life, plus it’s now way better live.
Conceit – Conceit is a very special track lyrically on the EP. The lyrics were written by Alex Conley, who played bass for us for the first two shows of the year. The lyrics follow a narcissist and the effect their behaviours have on friends and family. It also addresses the anger from the receiving end of narcissistic abuse, how a person wants them to just see how shitty they are, but they are so absorbed in themselves that they never had any chance to see it any other way. Musically, this track did not differ much from the original “Love H8”; nothing was sped up, and no riffs changed. The drums definitely help to drive the thrash sound the band was going for when the song was originally written. The recording was definitely tighter on this one than the original, especially on the bass and the guitar solo at the end.
Pills – The theme that this song was originally supposed to be about is captured so much better by Morgan than it was with Dustin. Reading through the lyrics, he really captures the “beauty” of substance abuse issues. He really gets the inside view portrayed well while also having powerful visual descriptors to really drive home the whole picture of drug addiction. Cracked skin and the itch to get your next fix are really vivid; it almost makes you feel the bugs crawling on your skin. Musically, Pills is the same as the original, and this song is also the only one to share the original name, as the subject matter didn’t change. This song feels a lot tighter than the original version.
Liturgy – This has to be the band’s favourite after recording the songs. The lyrics are about summoning a demon with a sacrifice during a blood moon. As they summon the demon, the flesh of the sacrifice is consumed. This song has such vivid, deep red imagery of a cult giving the demon the land to ravage until the next blood moon. The spoken word at the beginning really sets the tone for the rest of the song. It sounds as if a cult is reading from a text to begin the ritual with an eerie whisper trailing the last word of every line. The trem riffs with the lyrics really intermingle to create a fire spreading across the land type of vibe. The rewritten new chorus riff really chunks up the song. The ending, where Morgan is hitting the highs and Vincent is hitting the lows, just really ties the track together well for a perfect resolution.
Collateral – This song doesn’t stray too far from the themes of its predecessor, “Epica”; however, the name is much better. The song is about joining forces and reclaiming the rights to yourself and the world that’s being controlled for us. It is a very triumphant song with a catchy “MARCH” chant that people can’t help but join in on. This song had a lot of the intro and outro shaved off to cut down the time. The riff is awesome, but it did not need to be repeated that many times. The bass in the intro and outro absolutely slaps. It really helps drive the song in a more marching tone and makes it beefy.
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Fun Facts:
1. We got a sick show with Into Eternity on the 21st of November. Tristan, ex- Pythonic drums, was setting up a show for his birthday, and he pulled some mad strings and got Into Eternity on the bill along with the band he plays in Ravenwitch. As soon as he asked about the show, I was just like done. I’ll ask the band later. We want to be on this show.
2. A good chunk of the lyrics was written in the first two months of the year, and Morgan had to get the show ready with those lyrics in the same amount of time. We had applied to Serenade Metal Fest before we kicked out our old singer, so Morgan had to really expedite the process. We also had to practise a bunch of mornings to get show-ready because that’s the only extra time we could find when at least drums and one guitar could accompany the vocals.
3. We got to open for the band 200 Stab Wounds in July at the Black Cat Tavern. The show was so packed for a Monday. We came with an absolute onslaught of a set to start the night out right. The guys in 200 were so awesome too, their bass player was talking with everyone in the band. That was an exhilarating show and so crazy for a Monday.
4. The week after the 200 Stab Wounds show, we headed down to Regina to open for YEGG on a Monday night. That was also a wild show in more ways than one. First, every other band thought a different band was bringing drums. Luckily enough, it was at The Exchange, which is directly beside Long and McQuade, so we were able to rent a kit and have the promoter return it later. Then the opening band was not on time, and everyone was stressing about whether we should just start the show. The crowd turnout out though, was insane for a Monday night with 0 local openers. After the show, YEGG was on tour, and they had a band drop off their Edmonton show, and they asked if we wanted to hop on the bill. If people could have gotten the day off, we would have been there.
5. We also have a sick show in Edmonton called Slaughter Fest at the Starlite Room main stage. We are so pumped to play the main stage there. We played the temple stage back in 2019, at least Ryan and Vincent have, and that was sweet, but the size difference is something else. Plus, we get to end our year of shows in the same place we started them. This has been a crazy year of growth for the band and our sound. Fitting to end where it all started.
Pythonic – Back Row – L to R: Max Hiske (Bass) | Morgan Warriner (Lead Vocals) | Vincent Kohut (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals)
Front Row – L to R: Jayden Warriner (Drums) | Ryan Hunter (Lead Guitar )
Photo Credit – Carsen Warriner
Pythonic is a Canadian death-groove metal band hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Drawing inspiration from groove and death metal giants such as Lamb of God, The Black Dahlia Murder, Morbid Angel, and Devildriver, the band combines crushing riffs with unrelenting energy. Striving for the tightest live sound possible while delivering an electrifying stage presence, Pythonic is truly a sonic force to be reckoned with. Over the years, the band has seen many lineup changes, but two core members have remained constant. Lead guitarist Ryan Hunter, the resident guitar prodigy, shreds some of the grooviest riffs and most blistering solos. Rhythm guitarist Vincent Kohut brings a machine-like precision, combining thick low-end riffing with razor-sharp tremolo picking.
The 2025 and beyond lineup is the tightest and most prolific in Pythonic’s history:
Jayden Warriner – skin slapping powerhouse on drums
Morgan Warriner – a vocalist with a beastly range that will leave your head spinning
Max Hiske – the latest addition, locking down the low end and slappin’ da bass with fury
Together, this lineup delivers the full-throttle sonic assault that defines Pythonic.
Discography
2025 – Decomposition – EP
2024 – EP01 – EP
2020 – Negative Thoughts – Single
200 Stab Wounds, Beguiler, Art of Attrition, Insurrection, YEGG, Untimely Demise, Ravenwitch, Hatchet, Hazzerd, Kelevra, Augurium, Widows Peak, Protosequence, Agony Spawn, Wasted Heretics, deadsunday, Alien to the Ignorant, Ripcordz, Into Eternity, Display of Decay, Brain Stem, Age of Ashes, A Modern Prometheus, Cell (MB)Fests
2025 – Slaughterfest – Edmonton, AB
2025 – Serenade Metal fest – Edmonton, AB
2019 – Shockerfest 26 – Edmonton, AB
0 LITTLE KING’s New Music Video “Who’s Illegal?” Is A Bold Prog Rock Anthem of Inclusion From Latest Album “Lente Viviente”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 20, 2025
LITTLE KING’s New Music Video “Who’s Illegal?” Is A Bold Prog Rock Anthem of Inclusion
New Album “Lente Viviente” Out Now!
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L-R – Ryan Rosoff (Guitar, Vocals), Tony Bojorquez (Drums), David Hamilton (Bass, Cello),
Photo Credit – Damian Becerra
Progressive rock band Little King has released the official music video for “Who’s Illegal?”, a standout track from their latest album, “Lente Viviente,” which dropped this past September. Known for their dynamic, melodic, progressive, heavy rock sound, Little King continues to push boundaries with music that is both sonically adventurous and socially conscious.
Frontman and songwriter Ryan Rosoff drew inspiration for “Who’s Illegal?” from his return to Tucson, AZ, where the city’s Presidio San Agustin del Tucson reflects centuries of cultural intersections between Indigenous tribes, Spanish settlers, Mexican heritage, and American expansion. The song asks a timeless question: “After all this time and all the arbitrary assignment of this land to governments and warlords…Who’s Illegal?”
The track fuses suspended chords, melodic bass lines, and shifting time signatures — alternating between 6/8 and 9/8 — to reflect the lyrical tension between division and unity. Filmed across Tucson’s vibrant cityscapes, the video amplifies this narrative, visually underscoring themes of immigration, inclusion, and love.
Watch the video for “Who’s Illegal?” at https://youtu.be/cTh1THFdij4
“Lente Viviente” (Spanish for “Living Lens”) stands as Little King’s most ambitious project to date. Featuring new members Dave Hamilton on bass and Tony Bojorquez on drums, the record delves into themes of memory, identity, aging, addiction, and resilience. Each song unfolds as a “micro-epic,” blending intricate arrangements with concise, emotionally charged storytelling.
“I want people to take a short, mind-blowing journey…like Musical DMT. The dynamic range of this record will push and pull from the first note to the last,” says frontman Ryan Rosoff.
Across its tracks, “Lente Viviente” reveals a sweeping emotional and musical spectrum. “Catch and Release” and “Dawn Villa” revisit childhood and enduring friendship, while “Pass Through Filters” meditates on aging and addiction. “Kindness for Weakness” explores the fragile balance between vulnerability and strength, and “Who’s Illegal?” confronts immigration and identity with bold conviction. Together, these songs create a cohesive journey, complex yet melodic, that invites listeners to think deeply, feel fully, and return again and again for the complete experience.
Since forming in 1997, Little King has steadily evolved through confidence, technical growth, and relentless creativity. Rosoff, a former Creative Writing major and English teacher, has penned over 65 songs, blending literary depth with progressive rock intensity. With influences ranging from Rush, Porcupine Tree, Pink Floyd, Muse, Led Zeppelin, and Night Verses, Little King’s music resonates with fans of both classic and modern rock.
“Lente Viviente” (released Sept 26th) is available on digital platforms at https://show.co/nI24kSK
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Track Listing:
1. Catch and Release – 3:22
2. Dawn Villa – 3:42
3. Who’s Illegal? – 3:56
4. Kindness for Weakness – 3:21
5. Sweet Jessie James – 2:42
6. Pass Through Filters – 4:50
7. The Living Lens – 3:37
Album Length: 25:34
For more info: LittleKingtunes.com
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“Overall, this band showcased a sophisticated sense of melodies that were not overly complicated, but easy to assimilate as well. Not being familiar with them, I am surprised to learn of their longevity, and you wouldn’t know this was their eight album, because the drive and fire in them is very much alive in their music. 8/10” – Metal Temple
“Seven songs, clocking in at just over twenty-five minutes Little King pack a powerful and melodic cocktail of prog, rock and alternative. If Rush jammed with REM and King’s X it would sound a little like this. Impressive.” – Get Ready To Rock!
“Long-running Progressive Rock outfit Little King is unveiling “Dawn Villa,” the second single from their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Lente Viviente! A sonic time capsule wrapped in staccato riffs and melodic crescendos, “Dawn Villa” is a heartfelt tribute to frontman Ryan Rosoff’s formative years in Mercer Island, Washington. The track comes from their eighth album Lente Viviente, which is available for pre-order/digital pre-save now at the links below, and releases September 26th, 2025. If you grew up obsessed with the classic seventies prog rock greats like Rush, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd, with a modern flare for drama such as Muse or Neal Morse, Little King deserves your attention! ” – Ghost Cult Magazine
“Over nearly three decades, Little King has evolved from the El Paso roots of “Transmountain” to the intricate, personal soundscapes of “Lente Viviente,” blending complex arrangements, strong melodies, and lyrical depth.” – Progressive Rock Journal
“Tucson progressive rockers’ Little King are gearing up for the release of their 8th studio album, ‘Lente Viviente’ on Sept. 26th and have also just dropped their first single from the album, ‘Catch and Release’. This band truly pushes boundaries and yet makes modern prog rock very accessible. That is a difficult feat and a challenge many bands can’t overcome. But these fellas make it sound very simple, even though the music is quite complex. Similar to YES in that every instrument, including the vocals, all seem to be doing their own thing…but somehow it all works beautifully, and that is what good prog is about. Listen up for Little King on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll
“Album “Lente Viviente” it presents emotions, classic playing and dynamic playing. The band recorded interesting arrangements with expressive performances. You can hear a personal and reflective album here, but there are many optimistic and optimistic sounds here. 4/5″ – W-Mgnieniu-Rocka
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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveils Video For Title Track From Second EP of 2025 “Ill-Gotten Gains” + Welcome New Bassist Dane Taylor
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 20, 2025
AITTALA Unveils Video For Title Track From Second EP of 2025 “Ill-Gotten Gains”
Welcome New Bassist Dane Taylor
EP Out Nov 21st via Exitus Stratagem Records
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AITTALA Lineup – Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums), Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox), Dane Taylor (Bass)
Metal visionaries AITTALA (pronounced EYE-tah-la) are returning with their second EP of 2025 via Exitus Stratagem Records, “Ill-Gotten Gains,”. Before it officially drops on November 21st, the band is unveiling the official video for the crushing title track, along with introducing their newest member, bassist Dane Taylor, marking a bold new chapter in the band’s evolution.
Check out the video premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.
True to their reputation for defying genre boundaries, AITTALA weave together threads of traditional heavy metal, doom, groove, and progressive elements to create a cohesive yet unpredictable sonic journey. Lyrically, “Ill-Gotten Gains” explores the darker corners of human ambition, chaos created for personal gain, the inevitable consequences, and the fragile hope of redemption.
The EP opens with “Isolation,” a doomy, heavy piece that confronts the fallout of past decisions, setting a dark and reflective tone. The title track, “Ill-Gotten Gains,” follows with a riff-driven intensity that shifts into a crushing interlude, lyrically exploring the exploitation of chaos for personal benefit. “Blacklisted” brings groove and sludge to the forefront, exposing manipulators and serving as a counterpoint to the themes of the earlier songs. The mood softens with “Ever After,” a modern metal ballad that wrestles with internal conflict and the elusive promise of redemption. Closing the EP, “Ashes” channels classic heavy metal energy, telling the story of someone in over their head, dragging others down in their descent.
The EP’s artwork resurrects AITTALA’s infamous mascot Frank, a cartoon pig head in a pentagram, first conceived in 2014 for the album “Effigy”. This updated interpretation of Frank embodies the record’s central theme: the shady figure who thrives in chaos, ready to deliver “ill-gotten gains” for the right price. It’s a fitting visual for a release steeped in stories of exploitation, downfall, and the elusive search for redemption.
With the addition of bassist Dane Taylor, AITTALA’s lineup now features founding member Eric Aittala (guitars/vocals) and drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL). Taylor’s arrival injects fresh energy into the band’s dynamic, reinforcing their commitment to pushing boundaries while staying true to their unique sound.
Formed in 1991 in the Netherlands, AITTALA quickly became a fixture of the Dutch metal scene, sharing stages with The Gathering and Sadist before disbanding in 1993. Resurrected in 2008, the band has since released six full-length albums and multiple EPs, each showcasing growth while retaining their distinctive voice. With “Ill-Gotten Gains,” AITTALA continues their journey of evolution, proving once again that their sound is impossible to confine to a single genre.
EP pre-save (out Nov 21) via Exitus Stratagem Records – https://hypeddit.com/aittala/illgottengains
Music Video – “Isolation” – https://youtu.be/V5Y_azlkGLg
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Track Listing:
1. Isolation – 4:22
2. Ill Gotten Gains – 4:20
3. Black Listed – 3:35
4. Ever After – 4:29
5. Ashes – 3:50
EP Length: 20:37
For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic
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“Six full-lengths, two EPs, strong and steady since 2008. Dang. What keeps North Carolina trio AITTALA going? Sheer compulsion for music making is my guess. There’s nothing like the experience of the real thing, despite the obscene ease and seductive sophistication of AI fakery. To hear and feel heavy music live from their minds and voices and hands of real human beings just like you – well, there’s just nothing like it. Bands with stubborn longevity like Aittala serve as an inspiration to the scene. Pick up an instrument, get to jamming, let your voice be heard. If this is your first encounter with the band, perhaps “Isolation” is as good an introduction as any. Mysterious strumming, powerful emphatic chords, and wall-shaking disruption clears the path for soulful, soaring guitar soloing and somber Gothic intonations.” – Doomed & Stoned (2025)
“Bookended by “Machines (Prologue)” and “Machines (Epilogue)”, the album’s structure feels like a full-circle journey. One that captures the essence of the band’s evolution. The blend of storytelling and heavy music makes it clear why these tracks were worth bringing back. With Machines, Aittala doesn’t just revisit the past. They make it hit harder than ever.” – Amplify The Noise (2025 – Machines EP)
“Captivatingly versatile, genre-connecting with plenty of attitude. An intensely powerful and emotionally captivating Electric Doom/Heavy/Power HouseTrip that is excellent at combining expansive melodies and atmospheric melancholic heavy touch. 8/10” – FFM-Rock (2025 – Machines EP)
“A pure blast of good tunes flying around for life. A retro llike cover artwork, it matches it all. The atmosphere and the old tunes still ringing after so many years like it was yesterday. A very good album to own with pleasure. Aittala is here to stay, get your dose of good tunes 100/100.” – The Metal Mag (2025 – Machines EP)
“Eric Aittala is obviously nostalgic on ‘Machines’. But that in no way means that the sound is frozen in the past. On the contrary, the production is modern and powerful. The individual songs are thus transferred to the here and now. A good album, even if the band is ‘only’ a duo.” – Metalheads Forever Magazine (2025 – Machines EP)
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0 Streaming Now! SHORES OF NULL and CONVOCATION “Latitudes of Sorrow” Split Album
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – November 20, 2025
Streaming Now! SHORES OF NULL and CONVOCATION “Latitudes of Sorrow” Split Album
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Two of doom metal’s most uncompromising forces, Italy’s Shores of Null and Finland’s Convocation, have joined together to unleash one of the heaviest and most emotionally devastating split albums in recent memory. Their new release, “Latitudes of Sorrow,” premieres in full today via Doomed & Stoned, offering listeners an exclusive first encounter with this monumental collaboration before it is officially released from Everlasting Spew Records on Friday, November 21st.
Listen to the split album’s full stream via Doomed and Stoned HERE.
“Latitudes of Sorrow” transcends the idea of a traditional split release, standing instead as a profound conversation between two unique visions of doom. Shores of Null’s melodic yet crushing sound collides with Convocation’s suffocating atmospheres, opening vast, introspective landscapes where grief, mortality, and inner turmoil reverberate. The outcome is a work of staggering weight and resonance, an album destined to haunt listeners long after its final echoes fade.
Hailed as “a union of all the many shades of doom, forging one of the most grievous and heavy splits you’ll encounter for years to come,” the record presents exclusive new material from both bands. Each track delves into themes of absence, loss, and existential struggle, offering two distinct but complementary approaches to the genre’s darkest depths.
Shores of Null open the split with three tracks that balance catchiness with crushing despair. ‘An Easy Way’ reflects on depression and human frailty, pairing memorable hooks with unrelenting darkness. ‘The White Wound’ draws inspiration from the tragic 2017 Hotel Rigopiano avalanche in Italy, weaving grief and anger into a soundscape of doom passages and blackened blastbeats. “The Year Without Summer” meditates on the catastrophic events that occurred globally in 1816 after the volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora, located in modern-day Indonesia. It features guest growls from MN of Convocation to heighten its apocalyptic atmosphere.
Convocation contributes two tracks steeped in suffocating heaviness and spectral atmospheres. ‘Abaddon’s Shadow’ and ‘Empty Room’ expand the split’s themes of absence and mortality, recorded at The Desolate Dungeon and mastered at Trollhouse Audio. Together, the five tracks form a cohesive journey through grief, devastation, and the haunting beauty of doom metal.
The Shores of Null side of “Latitudes of Sorrow” was written by Raffaele Colace, Gabriele Giaccari, and Davide Straccione, and produced in collaboration with Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono, who also handled mixing and mastering at Bloom Recording Studios in Rome, Italy. Convocation’s contribution was recorded and mixed at The Desolate Dungeon, with mastering completed at Trollhouse Audio. Final split and vinyl mastering duties were carried out by Carlo Altobelli at Toxic Basement, ensuring a unified sonic weight across both sides of the release.
The album’s artwork, created by LL of Convocation, depicts a spectral figure and an empty chair—an evocative image symbolizing presence in absence. This visual perfectly mirrors the record’s themes, as “Latitudes of Sorrow” unfolds musically and lyrically into a harrowing journey through grief, solitude, and the crushing inevitability of mortality.
“Latitudes of Sorrow” drops digitally and on CD and Cassette physical format on November 21st via Everlasting Spew Records. The vinyl edition of the split will be issued in Spring 2026.
Album countdown and pre-save: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/79oGZH6MpwHGsTTmnLKo8D
Pre-Order:
Physical: https://bit.ly/42PbNY8
Digital: https://everlastingspew.bandcamp.com/album/latitudes-of-sorrow
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Track Listing:
1. Shores Of Null – An Easy Way – 5:56
2. Shores Of Null – The White Wound – 6:00
3. Shores Of Null – The Year Without Summer – 5:53
4. Convocation – Abaddon’s Shadow – 10:31
5. Convocation – Empty Room – 8:55
Split Album Length: 37:17
For more info: Shoresofnull.com | Facebook.com/shoresofnull | Instagram.com/shoresofnull
About: Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic and majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.
The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out a series of impressive records: the melodic and somber Quiescence (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex Black Drapes For Tomorrow (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and the ambitious Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying) (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long doom manifesto that sees guest appearances of the doom-titans Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun) and Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), along with the angelic voice of Elisabetta Marchetti (Inno).
Shores Of Null’s fourth album, The Loss Of Beauty, released in March 2023, was hailed as one of the best albums of the year within the genre. The band supported the release with an extensive EU/UK tour alongside Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, followed by standout performances at major festivals like Hellfest, Rock Imperium, and 70000 Tons Of Metal, among others, further solidifying their status as one of the rising forces in the metal scene.
In 2025, Shores of Null released Beauty over Europe, a powerful live album capturing the raw energy and emotional depth of their performances across the continent. The release serves as a testament to the band’s commanding stage presence and the resonance of their music with audiences worldwide. Looking ahead, the band is set to unveil Latitudes of Sorrow, a highly anticipated split album with Finnish funeral doom masters Convocation, promising a profound exploration of grief, atmosphere, and sonic weight.
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““An Easy Way” is the first of three Shores of Null songs on the split, and it quickly begins in a very un-easy way, delivering slowly writhing and uncomfortably dissonant notes along with gritty, ragged growls. In its upper reaches, the music also miserably wails in glistening tones, in counterpoint to vividly throbbing beats. From there, the band ratchet up the music’s intensity, deploying hammering drums and tremolo’d riffing that creates a searing form of distress. At that point the vocals also change, soaring in song, but far from joyful in mood. The band then continue shifting gears and sensations (as well as the high/low vocal stylings), intertwining sounds of gloom and torment, as well as riffing that throbs and captivating melodies that both miserably sparkle and moodily flow above a heavy low-frequency undercurrent. At times the music seems to grieve and yearn, or to become dour and bitter, leavened with bursts of aggression that include hard jolts at the song’s conclusion.” – No Clean Singing
“The Shores Of Null tracks are atmospheric, bleak and haunting, while the Convocation pieces are crushing, very funereal and cavernous. Combined, they make a bleak, thought-provoking and sublime listen…. End-to-end, a superb EP,” – Metal Talk
“Reviewing a split release is interesting because you can often judge it from different perspectives. Should you review each band’s contribution separately or should you make a judgment of it as a cohesive front to back release? Both approaches are valid and for Latitudes of Sorrow, I think it’s a pretty good contribution from Shores of Null paired with a stellar one from Convocation, adding up to a really good release overall. If you like either band, you’ll certainly be pleased.” – 4/5 Flaming Toilets ov Hell
““Latitudes of Sorrow,” this split effort pitting Shores of Null and Convocation, lands at an ideal time, when summer has indeed ended and the cold weather is seeping into our pores. These are two bands that bury you in power and punishment, making sure the toll you pay is physical and mental. It also is perfect music for the darker days, when your hope is at its bleakest and you take some solace in knowing you don’t suffer alone. ” – Meat Mead Metal
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