http://www.cambridgetimes.ca/news/local/article/1294772–death-metal-band-finds-new-life-with-cd
Posts By Asher
0 Cambridge Times – Death metal band finds new life with CD – Old school or blended band, Nephelium is like no other death metal crew
0 MetalRiot.com – Cover Art Battle Cover Art Battle: Smash N’ Grab – Nephelium
0 Exclaim! – Review – Nephelium – Coils of Entropy
http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/Metal/nephelium-coils_of_entropy
If Nephelium had stayed in their fatherland of Dubai, they may have been the biggest death metal band in the Middle East. Now residing in Toronto, they must compete with Canada’s rich history of technical metal – Gorguts, Cryptopsy, Neuraxis and the like – though they choose to emulate death dominators Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel and Incantation. Vocalist Devin Anderson can shred throats with the best, preferring the deeply resounding, bathtub drain-esque timbre of Broken Hope’s Joe Ptacek or Morbid Angel’s Steve Tucker. Opening cut “Burial Ground” sports the band’s signature Middle Eastern melodies (later reprised by the epic ten-minute title track), though they insert them more subtly than Nile. Just as Dave Mustaine once traded Rust in Peace-era licks with Marty Freidman, “Halls of Judgement” features scorching back-and-forth solos from guitarists Alex Zubair and James Sawyer, in addition to some semi-hardcore breakdowns and maniacal tempo changes from drum dynamo Alan Madhavan. But Nephelium (a plant genus related to the lychee fruit) remains firmly ensconced in old-school death metal with the Suffocation-like “Hellborne,” while Anderson varies his vocals in “Malediction” to honour Obituary’s John Tardy. With Slayer-esque guitar runs and nether worldly growls, Coils of Entropy will quickly make Nephelium a newly signed band, with all the metal trappings included.
(Independent)
0 Montreal Mirror – Blankfest rocks winter for homeless
http://www.montrealmirror.com/wp/2012/02/09/the-front-69/
Cold nights, warm beats
Sure, it’s been a relatively mild winter so far, but for Montreal’s homeless community, even the not-so-harsh is never easy. So, on Saturday, Feb. 18, the fourth edition of musical benefit bash Blankfest Quebec will be going down at Frite Alors! (680 Ste-Catherine W., 9 p.m.). In exchange for a blanket or one or more items of winter clothing that the Old Brewery Mission will be distributing to those in need, you’ll gain admission to check out a slew of local bands, including The Era Of, Society’s Ills, RudeBeats and Isolate Cast.
An idea created in ’97 by Kenn Rowell of NYC punk band the Baghdaddios, the Blankfest concept has since spread to a series of cities across North America and the U.K., with local organizer Jon Asher hoping to see coordinated Blankfests occurring in at least four more Canadian cities next year.
“I know there’re lots of charities, but all this takes is five minutes to go through your closet, take out the things you haven’t worn in a while or that no longer fit, and bring them to the gig on Saturday,” notes Asher. “It’s fuckin’ cold outside and there’re people out there who really need them.”
See Blankfest Quebec IV on Facebook for more info.
—CHRIS BARRY
0 Canadian Music Week – Winnipeg’s ABSTRACT ARTFORM Bring Prairie Inspired Hip Hop Funk To The Frontline
AbstractArtform.com | OlRoyRecords.com | Facebook | Twitter | Reverbnation | Youtube
Canadian Music Week – Winnipeg’s ABSTRACT ARTFORM Bring Prairie Inspired Hip Hop Funk To The Frontline
Abstact Artform have come a long way since the release of their debut album “Prairie Kid” back in 2008, which garnered them high praise as one of Winnipeg’s leading acts. Then, when AA released their sophomore album “His Story In The Making” in 2010, the band catapulted onto radars across Canada as they peaked at #2 on both Chart Attack and !earshot Hip Hop College Radio Charts, as well as making the Top 25 Hip Hop charts on CMJ in the USA, along with added rotation on Winnipeg’s HOT 103.1FM and STREETZ 104.7FM of their hit single “Summer in the City ft. Doodlebug (of Digable Planets)“.
This coming March at Canadian Music Week 2012, Abstract Artform will be making a name for themselves in a very loud way. Praised in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB for taking their infectious train of hip-hop, funk and soulful blues rock to the forefront of prairie pride. Abstract Artform is proud to perform in Canada’s hip hop capital, Toronto, once again for their 8th appearance in town since previously showcasing at Indie Week 2011 and NXNE in 2011/10, along with tour stops in past years.
“The band and I are looking forward to our showcase at Canadian Music Week, as we’ve spent so much time recently locked away in the studio working on the new album “As The Crow Flies” that we’re counting down the days to premiere it for fans and the industry in T-Dot. It’s going to be a crazy funk party, prairie style!” commented Abstract Artform MC Shea Malcolmson.
Their soon to be third release “As The Crow Flies” on Ol Roy Records, produced by Juno-nominated producer Fresh Kils, will feature collaborations with blues/roots artists such as Manitoba Hal, Rambling Dan Frechette and notable country artist Ridley Bent.
As for AA’s stage manifestation, it’s sure to be full of unique creative energy that will be transformed into a full-on party as AA exclusively premiere their trailblazing sounds from their upcoming album to fans and industry at CMW.
Showcase Details:
Wednesday, Marc 21, 2012
CMF Showcase
Comfort Zone
480 Spadina Ave
416-975-0909
Doors: 7:30PM
19+ All wristbands accepted
Abstract Artform – 9:00PM
Def 3 -11:00PM
SonReal – 12:00AM
Teaser Video: As The Crow Flies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=punzRlvurwI)
Promo Video: As The Crow Flies (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PoMj3RLO2Q)
VIDEOS
Summer in the City ft. Doodlebug (of Digable Planets) (http://youtu.be/XfsnHkWnNmM)
I Am Canadian (http://youtu.be/N6f8C-mDc9g)
Abstract Artform ft. Jurassic 5 – Bring It Back (http://youtu.be/vZPDsZsHiiQ)
In Studio Performance at Winnpeg’s Streetz FM 104.7 (http://youtu.be/ZF9g8Y_mQgQ)
– 30 –
Quick Facts
R.I.Y.L. : Jurassic 5, Everlast, Kid Rock, Buck 65
2011 – Song Placement SHAW TV Show Milkshakes Burgers and Fries” in conjunction with the HOT AC HOT 103 (Winnipeg) “ http://www.hot103live.com/feature/milkshakesburgersandfries.aspx
2010 – Uptown Mag / Streetz 104.7 FM – #9 for Top 10 Winnipeg hip hop singles on Streetz FM – Abstract Artform feat. Doodle Bug – Summer In The City (http://www.uptownmag.com/music/features/Top-10s-of-2010-112963724.html)
2010 – Finalists International Songwriting Competition: http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners
2009 – CBC Track of The Day w/Lauren Burrows: http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/podcasts/CBC-Radio-3-Track-of-the-Day/Abstract-Artform—Stay-Prairie
Band Members: Shea “Abstract Artform” Malcolmson – MC/Lead Vocalist, Justin “Cue” Mathews – Backup Vocals/Hype Man, Daryl “D-Rail” Hayward – Bass, Mike “Bishop” Gould – Drums/MPC
Shared Stage w/: Akil the MC (Jurassic 5), Imaginary Cities, Digable Planets, Cancer Bats, Pigeon John, Abstract Rude, Choclair, Muneshine, D-Sisive, Josh Martinez, Tanika Charles, Birdapres
Past Festivals & Tours:Canadian Tours in 2008, 2009 NXNE Showcases 2010, 2011, Indieweek Showcase 2011, Canadian Music Week 2012
Awards Nominations: International Songwriting Competition 2010 finalist, 2009 reverbnation/Microsoft Sponsored Artist/Windows 7 launch.
Discography: (2008) Prairie Kid LP, (2009) Big Shiny Rhymes Mixtape (2009) Summer in the City single, (2010) Birth of a Track Single windows 7/reverbnation (2010) His Story in the Making LP, (2011) As The Crow Flies LP
What The Press & Industry Is Saying:
Canadian Musican Magazine: Halifax’s Classified might be trying to establish himself as the preeminent writer of hip-hop songs tied to our national identity, but Winnipeg’s Abstract Artform might just give him a run for his money.
The group, fronted by MC and producer Shea “Kid A” Malcolmson, fuses live jazz and soul-like music with vocal delivery familiar to fans of groups like Jurassic 5. Their “I Am Canadian” single from 2010’s His Story In The Making is a hit waiting to happen while other cuts share and celebrate life in a Prairie capital. Upcoming full-length As The Crow Flies is their second in as many years and the third since 2008’s Prairie Kid. The band’s work ethic has garnered them consecutive appearances at the taste-making NXNE festival, a 12-month stay on the Chart college lists, and a slew of other appearances and opportunities.
With easy flow, great instrumentals, and lyrics worth turning an ear to, Abstract Artform should be must-play material for any Canadian hip-hop fan.
Uptown Mag – Review – His Story In The Making: His Story in the Making, the second album from Abstract Artform (aka producer/MC Kid A, aka Shea Malcolmson), delivers on the promise hinted at on Prairie Kid. From the easy groove of Winnipeg (feat. Fashawn) to the funked-out Old School (feat. Flo Soul) to the hooky Hip Hop (Is What I Was Doing), Kid A establishes himself as a self-deprecating, clever wordsmith who isn’t afraid to let his Prairie roots show. There are no bitches ’n’ bling tales of excess here, either; Steady At It is a refreshing reality check about the financial struggles faced by Canadian artists, hip hop and otherwise.- 4/5 – Jen Zoratti
HipHopForever – Review – His Story In The Making: Canadian hip hop group ABSTRACT ARTFORM is a perfect recipe of golden era hip hop combined with funk and soul from the 70’s, and of course some new school influence. Abstract Artform founded by Kid A, the band includes several members: Kid A – lead vocalist/writer/producer, Cue – hypeman/back-up vocalist, DJ ill Type – DJ, Bishop Grandin – drums, D-Rail – bassist, Cam Wilks – drums
Uptown Mag – Review – Prairie Kid: “What happened to hip hop?” MC Abstract Artform, aka Shea Malcolmson, asks on Here We Are. Good question. Luckily, this Prairie kid is eschewing the commercial hip hop cluttering our radio airwaves and, like Winnipeg expat Grand Analog and Edmonton’s Cadence Weapon, takes a decidedly old-school approach to hip hop. Heavily funk inflected, Prairie Kid dares you not to dance – but it’s Malcolmson’s deep, Buck 65-esque vocals that make this record shine. Check out Boom and They Call Me featuring the renowned DJ Brace. – Jen Zoratti
Winnipeg Sun – Review – Prairie Kid: “You can call him Abstract Artform. You can call him Kid A. You can even call him Shea Malcolmson. But don’t call him a poser. This debut proves the local MC and producer is definitely for real. His beats are stark yet distinctive, his eclectic tunes splice ’70s samples with his own material, and his gruff, tongue-tripping flow bypasses thug fantasies for intelligent realism. We’d call that cool.”- Darryl Sterdan
Radioindy.com – Review – Prairie Kid: “Abstract Artform is the real deal, true emcees that cannot be denied, reminiscent of Jurassic 5, The Roots, and even old school hip-hop like Fab 5 Freddy.” – Ross Shotland
“You one of the coolest, smartest and sincerest artist I know. Much success.” – Akil the MC (LA SKILL DISTRICT/JURASSIC 5)
“…Distinctively Canadian Hip-Hop…” “…National hit song writing material…” – Greg Wells PRODUCER (ONE REPUBLIC, LINDSAY LOHAN, CRASH TEST DUMMIES, DEFTONES)
Interviews To Check Out:
(2011) Kick FM Radio Interview w/Pamela Roz: http://www.tinderboxnorth.com/fr_audiointerviews.cfm
(2011) HOT 103 FM Locals Only Interview: http://www.hot103live.com/Blog/localsonly/blogentry.aspx?blogEntryID=10216224
Online Links:
http://abstractartform.com
http://olroyrecords.com/artist/abstractartform
http://twitter.com/abstractartform
http://facebook.com/abstractartformmusic
http://myspace.com/abstractartform
0 Vandala Concepts – Feb 2011 – Nephelium, Versus The Nothing, Blankfest Quebec, Heavy MTL 2012 BOTB
0 BetweenTheHorns.ca – NEPHELIUM – Coils Of Entropy
http://betweenthehorns.ca/index.php?sessid=cdc71d2f31c903cbc36c63f3d34e32e0
Let’s get right to it. Let me go for the throat. That way, you’ll get a sense of the music on Nephelium’s latest release, Coils of Entropy. After just one listen, there’s a sense that there’s no time to hesitate, no room for error. Instinct is essential. And like the aural assassins they are, the Nephelium boys get in, wreak havoc, and get the hell out — damn the body count, the consequences.
So yeah. I love this record. It packs a punch. Bonus: It’s made by a gang of cool Canadians, two of whom happen to be from Dubai (more on that in a second). Most of all, though, I love this record because it’s heavy, brutal and epic.
Heavy ’cause it’s gotta be. This is a Death Metal band, after all. No strings or keyboards here, thank Satan.
It’s brutal and begs volume. This is not something you slip on at the coffee shop while Googling “silly cat” pics and installing tax-filing software. . . No. This is music for beating the barista to a pulp just for skimping on the cappuccino foam. No, no. No violence here. Love your Barista! Caffeine is a moshpit essential, after all, and you’ll need to be on the city’s coffee-grinding experts’ good side.
And this record is indeed epic. Two of the six tracks hit the six-minute mark while one goes over eight minutes and another surpasses the 10-minute mark. Too long for true Death Metal, you say? You are right, fellow headbanger. Thumbs up, kid. But minus one point for not allowing for the fact that every rule has an exception, and the title track for Coils of Entropy is that exception. Not only that, it is one of my new favourite tracks. Killer. A real work of art.
And I do not use the A-word lightly. Forget the fact that you can only make out a word here or there. Forget that it is 10 minutes and seven seconds long. Just sit back and let your jaw drop as you realize the track never once loses your attention, never once removes its barbed meat-hooks. Accept it. You are defenseless. Enjoy the ride.
Song length is just one way Nephelium screws with the DM recipe. The wild assortment of tempo changes and chugging riffs mashed with ear-searing solos and a bucket full of screams, wails, grunts and barks spill over the lip like so much guts. I’ve listened in at least 20 times just to savour the steaming smorgasbord. Yes, the nightmares were worth it.
To get the scoop on how such an amazing record could even exist let alone be made in a country like Canada, I spoke with guitarist Alex Zubair at his Toronto-area home. Zubair and fellow founding-member and drummer Alan Madhavan now call Toronto home after emigrating from their native Dubai, a metropolis just south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula.
Alan & Alex in the forefront; Flo Ravet, Devlin Anderson and James Sawyer.
“Dubai is definitely one of the more cosmopolitan cities in that region, but Metal is still very underground,” says Zubair. “I remember a time in the 1990s when we had to smuggle music in, and my subscriptions to Metal Hammer and Terrorizer would sometimes make it to me, sometimes not. It depended on whether the authorities could sniff out this kind of contraband.”
So how does a band so brutal and entrenched in the Death Metal ethos emerge from that part of the world? Zubair admits that making music in his native land was beyond challenging. “There was no internet access back then. Plus, we had to build our own rehearsal space from scratch. Like every other place, the neighbours complained and the cops shut us down.”
But like any enterprising youth culture with a combination of rebelliousness and do-it-yourself gusto, the kids were all right. Dubai’s Metal subculture found a way. “Luckily, there were a lot of underground shows with hundreds of kids. The shows would be advertised as a regular style battle of the bands, just to fool the authorities. Pretty soon the bands would attract thousands and, as usual, local investors and promoters saw the money potential. Everything changed after that. Now you walk into an HMV or Virgin Megastore in Dubai and the Metal section is huge.”
In Canada for 10 years now, Zubair and his mates have encountered new challenges when it comes to the music they create and adore. “Toronto has a lot of bands, but there’s not much support, there’s not as much unity compared to Quebec,” says Zubair, sighing.
“Toronto is home for us now, we’re based here, but we want to change things. We want unity and we want to create a support network for the scene. There are amazing musicians and bands positive energy is lacking. Bands will play for a while but, eventually, they give up,” he says, adding that Quebec is his favourite province for Metal attitude, and his bandmates look forward to playing here hopefully sooner than later.
Perhaps another relocation is in order? Time will tell. In the meantime, check out this record. If you’re a Death Metal fan and you don’t like this album, it might be time to consider turning in your membership card.
0 MetalSucks.net – Nephelium
http://www.metalsucks.net/2012/02/07/shit-that-comes-out-today-february-6-2012/
Nephelium
Coils Of Entropy
On a playlist with: Dropdead, Catheter, Total Fucking Destruction
Listen Stream Coils Of Entropy here.
This is just a killer death/grind album. You won’t find anything surprising here, but that’s not the point. The drums gallop at a maniacal pace, the guitars sound amazing and the vocals are gruff and dirty, just the way they should be for this record. And the solos, holy shit! Check this one out for sure. This is the Canadian (via Dubai) band’s first full-length.
0 Msn.com | Entertainment – Nephelium
Nephelium, Coils Of Entropy: Although they hail from Toronto, Nephelium leaders Alex Zubahir (guitar, vocals) and Alan Madhavan (drums) originally met in their native Dubai before emigrating to Canada, and what makes this band so interesting, beside their skill at creating punishing, no-frills death metal, is the way they subtly incorporate Middle Eastern melodies into the compositions. The overall effect on this full-length debut is that of a less-contrived version of Nile, and if they keep improving, Nephelium just might end up being Canada’s and Dubai’s answer to those death metal masters.
ashermediarelations.com 