Posts By Asher

0 SHORES OF NULL Get Ready To Sail and Perform At 70000TONS OF METAL and more!

January 24, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 24, 2024

SHORES OF NULL Get Ready To Sail and Perform At 70000TONS OF METAL and more!

Italian melodic death-doom force Shores of Null is set to bring their beauty to the Caribbean sea as they announce they will be performing at this year’s 70000TONS OF METAL, the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise, which will also mark the band’s very first appearance outside of Europe. It will be intimate, powerful, and cathartic.

70000TONS OF METAL is part of the Shores of Null’s tour plans for 2024, which also features performances at the most renowned metal festivals in Europe including Hellfest (France), Rock Imperium (Spain), and more to be announced. The band will be promoting their latest acclaimed fourth record “The Loss of Beauty” (Spikerot Records) mentioned among the best metal records of 2023 by fans and media outlets all across the world (Metal Hammer, Angry Metal Guy among others).

In addition, Shores Of Null will take the opportunity to perform at 70000TONS OF METAL their iconic 38-minute long track “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” in its entirety: a blend of funeral doom, gothic atmospheres and emotional lyricism, which perfectly summarizes the skills of the Italian quintet.

“We can’t wait to embark on such a unique festival experience and be in so close contact with all the fans and the festival attendees. For us, it’s a dream come true to bring our music to the States, and we will do our best to please the audience with our two different sets”. adds bassist Matteo Capozucca

Shores of Null stand out 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.

Music Video – The Last Flower – https://youtu.be/W_LV8-Mz8qA

Music Video – Darkness Won’t Take Me – https://youtu.be/zjY8Wztnq-k

Album Stream:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/vWOcwJYjhq8

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3ZckbMW

Album order (Digital, CD, Vinyl) – https://linktr.ee/thelossofbeauty

Track Listing:
1. Transitory – 1:20
2. Destination Woe – 4:52
3. The Last Flower – 4:59
4. Darkness Won’t Take Me – 4:14
5. Nothing Left To Burn – 4:55
6. Old Scars – 4:23
7. The First Son – 2:17
8. A Nature In Disguise – 6:26
9. My Darkest Years – 4:56
10. Fading As One – 5:19
11. A New Death Is Born – 4:54
Album Length: 48:40
Bonus Tracks (CD and digital only)
12. Underwater Oddity – 4:18
13. Blazing Sunlight – 1:57

Shores Of Null is:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

For more info: Spikerot.com | Shoresofnull.com

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 yet 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 three impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and finally their most ambitious work to date “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long opus which continues to prove the band’s willingness to go off the beaten path while creating their ultimate doom manifesto.

The band’s fourth album “The Loss Of Beauty”, recorded during the same sessions of “Beyond The Shores”, was released in March of 2023.

– 30 –

Metal Hammer writers’ top metal albums of 2023 – Edwin McFee – #20 – Shores of Null – The Loss of Beauty

“Once again, Shores of Null continue to impress with yet another slab of high-quality doom/death that seems the quintet on an upwards trajectory. Their “Alice in Chains gone doom” recipe needs no repairing, thank you kindly, and while they’ve been around for nearly a decade, it’s still exciting to see where they go from here, because it still feels like The Loss of Beauty is hinting at even greater things to come. Add this to your overcast morning breakfast coffee moments, or your sunny afternoon chillout sessions.” – Angry Metal Guy

“With The Loss of Beauty, Shores of Null have released a hot contender for my album of the year, which I can warmly recommend to every fan of melancholic metal with doom, gothic, melodic death and black metal influences! I give this masterpiece the highest grade!” – Soundmagnet Magazin

“I highly recommend spending a quiet hour listening to the record with headphones.” – Powermetal.de

“It is a highly entertaining set of songs that comes together well nonetheless and leads to an emotional impact upon the listener. Fans of melancholic doom metal will find a lot to like here.” – Metal Bite

“with this new work, the Shores Of Null have shown all their majestic talent: The Loss Of Beauty is an album that mixes evil and joy, clarity and impurity, melodies and distortions with extreme dexterity. An album that will attract you thanks to its enchanting idyllic and romantic scores but which will make you unleash as soon as the rough and atrocious parts come into play: a record capable of transporting the interlocutor into a mystical and fairy environment but simultaneously unhealthy and distressing. Nothing to add: listen to them and I’m sure you will have yourselves confirmed everything I said!” – Metal Wave

“”The Loss Of Beauty” has not lost its beautiful melodies And it is exactly this mix that SHORES OF NULL keep to the end of the album… “The Loss Of Beauty” convinces by far Stretches through its refreshing heterogeneity. Straccione’s very strong vocal performance does the rest.” – Metal.de

“The Loss Of Beauty offers melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom metal to melodic black/death metal. With frequent use of clean vocals and deep growls. A must for fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis and Enslaved.” – Metalogy

–
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0 EPK – Cell Press – Cages (2024) (The Ghost Is Clear Records)(Ancient Temple Recordings)(No List Records)

January 23, 2024
by Asher
· Cell Press · EPKs

EPK – Cell Press – Cages (2024) (The Ghost Is Clear Records)(Ancient Temple Recordings)(No List Records)

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

“We think (and hope) that folks who enjoyed our first EP will be pleased with this offering and the next evolution of our sound and auditory trajectory. We are trying to offer a full-length album with no filler from start to end and are appealing to our listeners to embrace an almost passe era where bands present collections of songs that are meant to be listened to altogether and that fit and tell a complete story, with each song being individual chapters to that story.” – Cell Press

For fans of KEN Mode, Unsane, Keelhaul, Burnt By The Sun, Yautja

Band: Cell Press
Album Title: Cages
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Label: The Ghost Is Clear Records (Vinyl), Ancient Temple Recordings (Vinyl), No List Records (Cassette)
Distribution: Distro Kid

Facebook.com/cellpressmtl | Instagram.com/celllpresss | Twitter.com/celllpresss

https://linktr.ee/cellpress | Cellpress.bandcamp.com | Spotify

Canadian Campus Radio Charts – The National Top 50 – #34 – Cell Press (Earshot) – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
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Canadian Campus Radio Charts – The National Loud Chart – #3 Cell Press (Earshot) – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

“An album that prides itself on being an old school sludge-fest and manages to deliver the goods from start to finish, Cages finds one of Montreal’s best live acts in fine form. With blistering riffs, gut-wrenching vocals and a few unexpected twists, Cages captures Cell Press at their height, the ultimate sludge metal experience that captures their on-stage fury… Cages is a no bullshit record, an exciting new chapter in the story of Cell Press that promises a bevy of possible avenues. Sludge rarely sounds so invigorating.” – Exclaim!

“Are you looking for the perfect soundtrack for a grueling weightlifting session on Doomsday? Well, look no further, as Montréal’s Cell Press concocts an edgy-yet-sophisticated ooze of jazzy punk, grindcore, noise rock, and sludge on the debut LP Cages, that’ll have your muscles burning hotter than the world around you.” – Pan M 360

“The song (Original Uranium Baby) is indeed a hook monster that will get your muscles jumping, but the hooks are mangled and the beats don’t consistently follow a straight line. It sounds stripped-down, as lots of catchy music often does, but it mutates as it goes. There’s a heavy throbbing and punching quality to the bass lines, and the riffing seems to blare, quiver, and lurch in differing phases of derangement, while the drumming comes off-kilter just enough to enhance the song’s bamboozling qualities, and the swift fills add to its electric effects. As the music works its odd magic, and begins to seem like a big ugly bulldozer out of control, a voice howls and screams in a throat-shredding combination of fury and madness.” – No Clean Singing

“An abrasive set of songs, Cages is a brutal listen which musically leans more on influences from the rougher side of the hardcore and metal worlds. Tracks like “Dark Side of the North” and “Recoil (A Collective Behaviour of Violence) tackle subjects like the lack of clean drinking water in the Northern Communities of Canada (the former) and gun control / American Mass Murder (the latter). Unsurprisingly, this raw, honest, ugly look at life, is sonically matched by a soundtrack that is equally as harsh.” – V13

“‘Kissed by a Morose on Mont Royal’ is a banger.” – Overtone Magazine

“Cages is nothing if not pure sonic chaos distilled into a surprisingly palatable if not refreshing listening experience. It opens with “Adult Baptisms” and hits you with as much force as the cops taking an Enforcer to the door of the wrong person’s apartment, knocking out at least two of your teeth and bruising your sternum. A blistering meditation on the zealous way some people buy into the lies sold by the media to influence our thoughts and opinions, it perfectly encapsulates what it feels like to be constantly tasked to dig through the mud to find the truth and then to fight for your life to defend it. In short, for an opening track, this one is absolutely brutal.” – Noob Heavy

“These guys promised good things on their debut EP and “Cages” sees them following through in workmanlike style. A band that fans of EYEHATEGOD and CHERUBS both can appreciate.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“a muscular nine-song full-length titled Cages. Drawing on a gnarly mix of metal, hardcore, and sludge” – Some Party

“The head f*** that is “Blue Royale” is a backwards tune with a sample that might make you feel like your brain is about to implode but feels in keeping with the straight jacket wearing patient depicted by Sean Arsenian in the cover art. They say that art reflects life and that’s perfectly true with this… Mark McGee saves his finest kit performance until the albums grand finale with “Things They Do in France“, a song about love lost and how good it could have been if it wasn’t so toxic to which we can all relate. Playing with textures and tempos, this one twists and contorts with alarming regularity before the downtempo finish which can only be described as a Chef’s Kiss moment. Heed the warning. Cell Press have something to say. – Metal Noise

What the press has said about Cell Press’ 2020 Self-Titled EP:

“From the grooves on “Piss Police” to the odd-timed melodic chords of “Blacked Out in Verdun,” everything moves in unexpected ways. All of this is perfectly set to the backdrop of PQ’s uniquely cackled screams… Cell Press is a great sludge metal EP that reminds the listener of the best aspects of this sub-genre. This EP makes the future appear bright for what is to come from this band. 8/10″ – Exclaim!

“You know that feeling, when you spin a new record for the first time and it just fucking destroys you? Well today I am happy to report, Cell Press outta Montreal have truly delivered the goods with their debut self titled EP. I mean fuck, is it any wonder this band rules, when they can boast members from the likes of The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, Architect. With their self-titled release, Cell Press give zero fucks about accessibility, instead they focus on delivering punishing aggression with a melting pot of sludge metal, noise rock, and grindcore.” – The Sludgelord

“a perfect showcase of their unique sound and style and leaves you wanting to hear more from the band. Their total disregard for the limitations of genres and boundaries results in the EP blending noise, grindcore, sludge, punk, groove and dark ambient among other influences. They perfectly blend raw aggression with groove and melody and aren’t afraid to shift gears to play with ambience and noise.” – Cave Dweller Music

“Warm fuzzy guitar tones bring a touch of the Sabbath to “Piss Police” with broken chords and momentary pauses giving the kind of sound that Raging Speedhorn look for to accompany the rampant venting screams of the vocals that unapologetically roar along during the montage.” – Metal Noise

“Cell Press’s debut self titled EP is definitely an interesting listen. I didn’t expect it to take me on the journey which it did. An aggressive sound runs throughout showing that this band don’t play by the rules, they’re making music the way they want to.” – The Independent Voice

“Noisy and enjoyable, I give this Cell Press effort high marks. I am a Punk fan from the beginning, and I hear those roots here, certainly in the attitude, even if the category is technically off. The disenfranchisement is very appealing. Recommended.” – Flying Fiddle Sticks

Canadian College Radio Loud Charts for – Cell Press – Self-Titled (EP) (2020) :

#1 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 (Earshot)

#3 – January 2021 – Top 20 Loud – National Loud Chart (Earshot)

#6 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 (Earshot)

#1 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 19, 2021 (Earshot)

#1 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 (Earshot)

#5 – December 2020 – Top 20 Loud – National Loud Chart (Earshot)

#2 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 (Earshot)

#3 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 (Earshot)

#10 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 (Earshot)

Track Listing:
1. Adult Baptisms (3:12)
2. Kissed by a Morose on Mont Royal (3:14)
3. Original Uranium Baby (2:48)
4. Dark Side of the North (4:02)
5. JOI to the World (4:01)
6. Disco Naps on the Devil’s Bedpost – (4:08)
7. Blue Royale – (3:31)
8. Recoil (A Collective Behaviour of Violence) – (3:51)
9. Things They Do in France – (4:35)
Album Length: 33:22

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Cell Press
• All songs written by: Cell Press
• Engineered by: Sean Pearson (Cursed, Shallow ND, Fiftywatthead) @ Boxcar Sound Recording
• Additional guitars tracked at Unfamous Audio; engineered by Paul Edwards
• Mixed by: Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City, Town Portal, Great Falls) @ Antisleep Audio
• Mastered by: Carl Saff (Ken Mode, Blacklisters, Fu Manchu, Childbite) @ Saff Mastering
• Album Artwork by: Wurmzilla
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
PQ – Vocals
Sean Arsenian – Guitar, Bass, Vocals
Mark McGee – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
PQ – Vocals
Sean Arsenian – Guitar, Vocals
Mark McGee – Drums
Tristan Dorrington-Meehan – Bass

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

About The Album Artwork:

The cover art is a painting made by guitarist Sean (aka Wurmzilla) depicting an inpatient in a psychiatric ward. The style of the rendering is attempting to express the fragility and mania of the person, and some of the ideas in the songs.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Cages as a whole album is a collection of songs with different themes and vibes. Written over the span of two years (2021-2022) when the world was changing rapidly as was our personal lives. Certain peaks and valleys through those years influenced the songs and the songwriting. Cages is an angry, gritty unapologetic look at the world through our eyes and expressed through our voices and instrumentation for your ears.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Adult Baptisms – Questioning modern media and misinformation in a world in which a tsunami of news and information bombards us every waking hour. What is real and what is not? Adult Baptisms would refer to people developing a religious fervor and cult-like view based on lies influenced by the opinion of a news corporation or the editorial take of a media personality.

Kissed by a Morose on Mont Royal – Opining on the contagiousness of mood and depression and the cloudiness of perception when in such a state.

Original Uranium Baby- A dystopian tale set in the town of Elliot Lake, Ontario in the year 2088.

Dark Side of the North- Expressing fury over the lack of clean drinking water for the northern communities in Canada which has been promised and then ignored over several election cycles and calling for change now.

JOI to the World is a song about hopelessness and the acceptance that things will never get better.

Disco Naps on the Devil’s Bedpost- a song about addiction and pushing the line of consumption more and more. Testing and tempting death by sticking one’s finger right in its face, daring it to make the move.

Recoil (A Collective Behaviour of Violence)- Exploring and questioning American-made mass murder and gun culture, broken promises by politicians, and the willful blindness and gross ignorance of 2A advocates and political lobbyists.

Things they do in France – A song about lost love and what could have been had it not been so toxic.

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

Fun Facts:

The members of the band have individually recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording in Hamilton, Ontario with sound engineer Sean Pearson a combined total of one dozen times between this band and their other projects (The Great Sabatini, Swarm of Spheres & Cruickshank).

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

Cell Press is a Montreal-based band that formed in 2019. They play a sort of burly noise-rock that leans more on the hardcore and metal side of the swamp. They took their name from the 2001 Russian prison documentary “The Mark Of Cain”. The brutal humanity of that film is reflected in the music… on the surface, it’s raw and punishing, but there are complexities and nuances revealed once the surface noise has been embraced. Members have played in a myriad of punk, metal, and hardcore bands such as The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, The Chariot, Animal Ethics, Architect, Swarm Of Spheres, and Angles. Cages is their first full-length album, recorded at Boxcar Sound Recording in Hamilton, ON, and due out in early 2024.

“We are very happy to announce our first full-length album “Cages”. This album has been in the works for the last three years, taking two years to write and one year to record, mix, master, and find the right partners to work with on the release. This album jumps all over the place thematically from demanding clean drinking water for the people in the northern communities in Canada to dystopian fiction in which the radioactive bones of the dead are used as currency, to addressing the current state of “truth” and what we consume as information on a daily basis and how it has been dividing society to the point that it is almost reminiscent of a holy war with men and political affiliations taking the place of gods.

Despite this diversity in lyrical themes throughout the album, the music pulls it all together from start to finish with relentlessly punishing guitars and drums. The aesthetic of our cover art is once again designed and painted by our guitar player, Sean Arsenian (aka Wurmzilla) who has a real knack for visualizing what the music on our album would look like translated into art. We are very proud of this album and are looking very forward to releasing it to your ears!”

Discography:
2024 – Cages – LP
2021 – Split LP w/ Anthesis, Botfly, Greber & Clouds Become Oceans
2020 – Self-titled- EP

Shared Stage with: Greber, Ken Mode, Frail Body, Diner Drugs, Fuck the Facts. Glowing Orb, Skumstrike

0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2024 Battle Rounds – One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

January 23, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2024

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2024 Battle Rounds

– One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024 –

WMBC Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

One band to rule them all! With hundreds of submissions from bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce a majority of their 2024 battles with more to follow with dates and bands. All the battles are listed by participating cities (please note Ottawa bands will be hosted at Montreal rounds). The national final will be held in Edmonton, AB on May 25th.

Bands that have been selected to participate in the battles will have the chance to win their performance slot as the only independent Canadian band to be crowned champion and perform at International Battle at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

The winning band receives the following:
– A slot at the 2024 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2024 Battle Rounds:

VANCOUVER
SAT, FEBRUARY 24 – THE COBALT
Arrow in the Quiver, Mediaslaves, Kayas, Krypteia, Shattered Throne
https://www.facebook.com/events/1394977157762953======
EDMONTON
ROUND 1 – THU, FEBRUARY 1 – STARLITE ROOM
WINNER – FALL OF EARTH
Malicious Intent, Fall of Earth, The Usual Suspects, Heir To Ash
https://www.facebook.com/events/740225274703866/

EDMONTON
ROUND 2 – THU, FEBRUARY 15 – STARLITE ROOM
Boneyard, All Was Lost, Ashes of Yggdrasil, Age of Ashes
https://www.facebook.com/events/1306104580046948/

EDMONTON
ROUND 3 – THU, FEBRUARY 22 – STARLITE ROOM
Reket Betties, Burried Beneith, The Judge The Jurror, Call of The Siren
https://www.facebook.com/events/816110603609527/
======
CALGARY
ROUND 1 – THU, JANUARY 25 – DICKENS
WINNER = DIVIDE THE DEAD
Divide The Dead, Mors Sanctorum, Passing Pluto
https://www.facebook.com/events/1041416670452096/

CALGARY
ROUND 2 – THU, FEBRUARY 8 – DICKENS
A Mile West, Hooker Spit, Reduced To Rubble, Victoria Lies
https://www.facebook.com/events/850505983430501/

CALGARY
ROUND 3 – THU, FEBRUARY 22 – DICKENS
Goar, Infrastrvctvre, Neon Detour, and Rising Tempest
https://www.facebook.com/events/263060210015600/
======
OSHAWA
ROUND – FRI, FEBRUARY 9 – ATRIA BAR
Beguiler, Gravearth, Incarnatus, Divine Curse
https://www.facebook.com/events/931267525322604/

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HAMILTON
ROUND – SAT, FEBRUARY 10 – MAINSTAGE REHEARSAL STUDIOS
Atria, 30 immolated ; 16 returned, Kings In Graves, Savelene, Flidais
https://www.facebook.com/events/337866369078276/
======

TORONTO ROUND 1 – SAT, FEBRUARY 17 – BOVINE SEX CLUB
Phantom Lung, Out of Spite, Bloody Monroe, Deafened
https://www.facebook.com/events/763470685628572/

TORONTO
ROUND 2 – SAT, FEBRUARY 24 – HARD LUCK
Rippr’d, Devilwitch, LÜZR, Reformatory
https://www.facebook.com/events/2046971162655827/

TORONTO
ROUND 3 – FRIDAY, MARCH 1 – HARD LUCK
The Ocean Cure, Xephyr, Kozen, Jaodae
https://www.facebook.com/events/870248178174962/

TORONTO
ONTARIO FINAL – FRI, APRIL 19 – RIVOLI
=======

MONTREAL
ROUND 1 – SAT, FEBRUARY 17 – PIRANHA BAR
Zero State, Kapitur, Deadwood, I, Apokalpyse
https://www.facebook.com/events/1626854771389759/

MONTREAL
ROUND 2 – SAT, MARCH 2 – PIRANHA BAR
Cries of Blood, The Listener, The Occult, Drowning in Blood
https://www.facebook.com/events/766020401621712/

MONTREAL
ROUND 3 – FRI, MARCH 29 – PIRANHA BAR
Dead Velvet, Dismayed, The Aphelion, Red Raven Chaos
https://www.facebook.com/events/1152220232431148/

MONTREAL
EASTERN FINAL – FRI, APRIL 26 – PIRANHA BAR
======

QUEBEC CITY
ROUND – FRI, FEBRUARY 23 – LA SOURCE DE LA MARTINIÈRE
Ageless Madness, Vormir, Polygraph, Turbo
https://www.facebook.com/events/1110642779961164/

======

NATIONAL FINAL
SAT, MAY 25 – STARLITE ROOM, EDMONTON, AB

Info:

The 2023 battles hosted over sixty participating bands from across Canada with Trois-Rivières, QC’s STRIGAMPIRE being selected to represent the country at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at Wacken Open Air. At the 2023 WMBC national final, STRIGAMPIRE performed alongside Western Canadian finalist NECHT (Calgary, AB) and Ontario finalist EATEN BY SHARKS (St. Catharines, ON).

The Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final was held in Toronto, ON on May 13th at Lee’s Palace where the three final bands from Western, Central, and Eastern Canada were judged on various categories of professionalism and musicianship by a panel of experienced industry professionals that included Pedro Almeida (A&P Reacts), Antonio Almeida (A&P Reacts), Noel Peters (Inertia Entertainment), Tim Henderson (BraveWords), Thorsteinn Kolbeinsson (Wacken Metal Battle Iceland), Sarah Lutz (Looters), Kevin Michaud (Front Row Promotions), Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM – Alerte Metallique), Rae Chatten (Rock’n Roam, Live Nation), Mark Tremblay (Metal on Metal Podcast) and JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada).

Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

Strigampire joins the list of previous winners The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

2023 battles were hosted in Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
Facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

– 30 –

Media Partners:
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BrokenNeckRadio.com
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MetalDevastationRadio.com
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
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Rocknroam.ca

Promoter Partners:
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks

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

0 Opium Death Announce Their Debut Album “Genocidal Nemesis” With Brutal Single “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear”

January 23, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Opium Death

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2024

Opium Death Announce Their Debut Album “Genocidal Nemesis” With Brutal Single “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear”

Opium Death is a brutal concoction of extreme metal, sent forth from the suburbs of Chicago, USA to lay waste to metalheads around the world with their first full-length album “Genocidal Nemesis”. The band expects it to be received positively as it brings a lot of variety in terms of tempo dynamics, song structure flow, lyrical themes, and overall, a different experience with each track while maintaining a heavy sound through it all. The first look at this album is the single “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear”, the second track, which Opium Death comments on:

“The single is about the birth of the antichrist as a result of man worshipping money. Money revolves in all our lives and is constantly in our faces and so we reflect this musically to start the album with a bang and have an odd-time riff that helps catch the listener’s attention which over time is something they can grab onto the rhythm real quick.”

With “Genocidal Nemesis”, Opium Death wants to bring forth a sense of commonality knowing that everyone has been through experiences that anger us whether directly or indirectly, and are in it together. They showcase this relatability with a clear-cut execution of their passion for extreme music.

Opium Death was born from a wide variety of influences and they carry over into this album, they dive into subgenres like black, thrash, and death metal, and incorporate technical and progressive elements into them. It has something for everyone and is most recommended for fans of Death, Gojira, and Cannibal Corpse.

Listen to “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear” via its premiere on GhostCultMagazine HERE.

“Genocidal Nemesis” is due out on April 19, 2024, and is available for pre-order – https://opiumdeath.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. Cower (1:16)
2. Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear (3:01)
3. The Condemned (4:32)
4. Ozymandias (8:40)
5. Flatline (1:18)
6. Extinction (5:31)
7. Chronic (4:22)
8. Deadweight (3:28)
9. Shattered (5:36)
10. Vesuvius (3:45)
11. Fe56 (2:07)
12. Genocidal Nemesis II: Desolation (9:29)
Album Length: 53:10

More info: Opiumdeathofficial.com

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0 Montreal’s CELL PRESS’ New Album “Cages” Is A Devastating Display Of Noise Rock And Hardcore; Unveil Single “Things They Do In France”

January 22, 2024
by Asher
· Cell Press · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2024

Montreal’s CELL PRESS’ New Album “Cages” Is A Devastating Display Of Noise Rock And Hardcore

Unveil Single “Things They Do In France”

Cell Press is a Montreal-based band that formed in 2019. They play a sort of burly noise-rock that leans more on the hardcore and metal side of the swamp. Members have played in a myriad of punk, metal, and hardcore bands such as The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, The Chariot, Animal Ethics, Architect, Swarm Of Spheres, and Angles. They are releasing their first full-length album “Cages” this March and are now introducing it with the single “Things They Do In France”, a song about lost love and what could have been had it not been so toxic. The band shares more info:

“This song starts off with probably the most melodic riff in our catalog, then quickly turns into a fast and bumpy ride throughout the rest of the way. The structure of this song is similar to a toxic relationship as it starts off smooth then turns into an unpredictable cacophony of violent riffage, drumming, and screaming. There is also a double entendre to this song name and lyrics referring to the way Quebec both linguistically and culturally traditionally looked down upon by our upper-class friends in France.”

Cell Press continues on to say they are very proud of being from the city of Montreal and the province of Quebec, they like to express that subtly in certain songs and areas where it is artistically appropriate without coming across as corny.

From their first S/T EP to this album, Cell Press’ sound has not changed dramatically. “Cages” has a little more melody to it, but retains that grit and heavy sound they have been honing over the last four years. Crushing and grinding, this album is not for the faint of heart, it is recommended for fans of KEN Mode, Unsane, and Keelhaul.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Things They Do In France” via its premiere on IDIOTEQ HERE.

“Cages” is due out on March 8, 2024, via The Ghost Is Clear Records (Vinyl), Ancient Temple Recordings (Vinyl), and No List Records (Cassette) at https://linktr.ee/cellpress and http://cellpress.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:
1. Adult Baptisms (3:12)
2. Kissed by a Morose on Mont Royal (3:14)
3. Original Uranium Baby (2:48)
4. Dark Side of the North (4:02)
5. JOI to the World (4:01)
6. Disco Naps on the Devil’s Bedpost – (4:08)
7. Blue Royale – (3:31)
8. Recoil (A Collective Behaviour of Violence) – (3:51)
9. Things They Do in France – (4:35)
Album Length: 33:22

More info: Facebook.com/cellpressmtl | Instagram.com/celllpresss | Twitter.com/celllpresss

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What the press has said about Cell Press’ 2020 Self-Titled EP:

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0 Halifax’s NOVICHOK Drag You Beneath The Waves With Video For Single “Dead Weight” Off Latest Album “Geo-Desiccant”

January 22, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Novichok

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2024

Canada’s NOVICHOK Drag You Beneath The Waves With Video For Single “Dead Weight”

New Album Album “Geo-Desiccant” Out Now!

Back L-R – Adam Hersey (Drums), Lindsey Dicks (Guitar), Brady Hallet (Bass) – Front – Jeff MacDonald (Vox)

Photo Credit – Alicia Montague (thephotoninja.ca)

Novichok is a bunch of pissed-off salty thrashers hailing from the east coast of Halifax, Canada and they are here to narrate the collapse of the world around us. They released their second album “Geo-Desiccant” at the tail end of 2022, and this year will be putting out music videos to compliment some of the best tracks off that album. The first track is “Dead Weight”, an intense song that melds the heaviness of death metal with the speed and precision of thrash. The band explains further:

“This song is the narration of an actual nightmare in which a scuba gear malfunction seals your fate as the eager sea life begins to feast even before you are dead. Inspired by an early Cannibal Corpse, it’s thrash bordering on death metal. We’re told that we have a classic metal sound that is still new and exciting. This makes sense…each band member has a long list of influences – punk, thrash, death, black, grind, folk, rap…all from the 1970s through today.”

Watch and listen to the music video for “Dead Weight” at https://youtu.be/utY_oHA6AkE

Novichok got their start as a cover band playing the classics from Megadeth, Voivod, and Suicidal Tendencies. They added originals to the set, and before long they were the 3 piece thrash band that they are today. Their songs are angry, sometimes political, sometimes about science but always about real things that they find interesting or disturbing.

Novichok delivers a solid listening experience that is heavy and provides a good escape with relatable lyrical themes. They try to switch up the energy throughout each song so they don’t get boring and provide a lasting soundtrack for working out, driving, or where your day takes you. They focus on keeping it heavy, with varying tempos and time signatures but don’t let it sound too technical. They are recommended for fans of Megadeth, Pantera, and Sacrifice.

Novichok‘s latest album “Geo-Desiccant” released September 15, 2022, is available on digital platforms at https://linktr.ee/novichokband and CD at https://novichokmetal.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:
1. Thrash Free or Die – 5:06
2. First World Poisons – 5:31
3. Tire Fire – 3:18
4. Apes with Sticks – 4:41
5. Freedom Fighters Manual – 4:59
6. Dead Weight – 3:30
7. Predicting Terror – 5:52
8. Geo-Desiccant – 7:17
9. Heat Death – 6:10
Album Length: 46:28

Album Lineup:
Vocals: Jeff MacDonald
Guitar: Lindsey Dicks
Bass Guitar: Jason Young, Brady Hallet (Dead Weight)
Drums: Andrew MacIntosh

More info: http://www.novichok.ca

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0 Gore House Prod. – STAGES OF DECOMPOSITION Releases Brutal New Single “Carve Out the Eyes” Off New Album “Raptures of Psychopathy” Out Feb 2024

January 19, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Stages of Decomposition (Gore House Productions)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 19, 2023

Stages Of Decomposition Releases Brutal New Single “Carve Out the Eyes”

New Album “Raptures of Psychopathy” Out Feb 2024 From Gore House Productions

Stages of Decomposition is a putrid and filthy brutal death metal band that crawled out of the underbelly of Los Angeles, USA, back in 2009. They have four releases out already and the latest “Raptures of Psychopathy” will be upon us soon, which will deliver extreme brutality and raw primitive energy. The next single is “Carve Out the Eyes”, which offers a glimpse inside the mind of murderer Richard Ramirez aka “Night Stalker”. The band shares more details:

“The idea behind Carve Out the Eyes is pure brutality. This song is about Richard Ramirez who lived and committed his crimes in the LA area in the utmost brutal ways. We wrote this song to capture pure energy and aggression where when it’s performed live you can feel the overwhelming power that Ramirez had over his victims. The lyrics, music, and energy truly make this a menacing song.”

“Carve Out the Eyes” promises to be a relentless sonic journey, delving into the raptures of psychopathy, using heavy and heart-splitting blast beats and corpulent riffage to sickening gutturals. Fans of extreme music can brace themselves for an unparalleled auditory and visual experience as Stages Of Decomposition continues to push the boundaries of Slamming Brutal LA Death Grind. Stay tuned for more bone-crushing revelations as the band gears up for their summer tour.

Listen to “Carve Out the Eyes” at https://youtu.be/76nGqLj93-Q

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/47DkbJP

The heaviness and adrenaline invoking time signatures help to convey the terror of the stories told as well as the psychological aspects of the subject matter. Horror, true crime cases, and anything else relating to gore and the macabre await! Due out on February 2, 2024, by Gore House Productions, it is recommended for fans of Dying Fetus, Devourment, and Suffocation.

Album pre-order – https://orcd.co/raptures-of-psychopathy

Music Video – “Skid Row Slasher” – https://youtu.be/w9j3s54NwhM

Lyric Video – “What Lies Within” at https://youtu.be/mwF6mWnWrnc

Track Listing:
1. Drilling of the Cerebellum – 4:59
2. What Lies Within – 3:10
3. Beast of Jersey 2:42
4. Killing Under Possession – 3:36
5. Murder by Proxy – 3:26
6. Skid Row Slasher – 3:36
7. Carve out the Eyes – 2:37
8. Fetal Devourment – 3:04
9. Crawl Space Burial – 3:12
10. Human Extermination – 3:46
11. Mass Psychosis – 2:09
Album Length: 36:19

More info:

Gorehouseproductions.com | Facebook.com/StagesofDecomposition | Instagram.com/stagesofdecomposition_official

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“On their new album Raptures of Psychopathy, Stages of Decomposition lean into the most violent and punishing aspects of their sound, and we have a prime example in the new album track we’re presenting today, along with a blood-spraying video… The song’s name is “Skid Row Slasher”. It’s based on true stories of serial killers, both of whom preyed on the homeless population of L.A…. The music is itself undeniably, and viciously, psychotic. The riffing is fast and frenzied, corrosive and cutting, and utterly crazed. The drums clatter at high speed, like automatic weaponry with a groove. The bass slugs like a heavyweight high on adrenaline. Equally rabid, the vocals expel raw guttural roars, crazed screams, and strangled gagging and gurgling excretions. It’s all macabre, and it’s all viscerally electrifying. But the band also make room for pulverizing slams capable of splitting concrete. It’s a kick to watch the band cut loose in the video, too, and of course there will be blood….” – No Clean Singing

“This is pure bang your head ‘till it pulps music. From growling guitars to smash the kit into pieces drumming, then snarling vocals, and a horror tinge (as we’ll see). It’s only right that they’re signed to Gorehouse Productions… Stages of Decomposition are tight, they can be felt as well as heard. The album (Piles of Rotting Flesh) is consistent with no weak moments. You will bleed, this will hurt. For proof check the official video below.” – Severed-Cinema

“It’s a brutal assault on your ears in the same style as bands like Cannibal Corpse.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life (EP – Crawl Space Burial)

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0 BLACK DAGGERS’ New Music Video “Best I’ve Got” Takes You On Car Chase With The Devil + New Album “Phantasmagoria” Out Now!

January 19, 2024
by Asher
· Black Daggers · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 19, 2024

BLACK DAGGERS’ New Music Video “Best I’ve Got” Takes You On Car Chase With The Devil!

Debut Concept Record “Phantasmagoria” Out Now!

L-R: Spencer McLeod (Drums), Stanley Sullivan (Rhythm Guitar), Mike Szeles (Bass Guitar), Valentine Vandal (Lead Vox, Lead Guitar)

Photo Credit – Mark Manlapaz (@snapshot_hott on IG)

Making their debut this past October with their first full-length “Phantasmagoria”, Red Deer, AB, Canada’s Black Daggers are revealing their next music video for the record’s opening track “Best I’ve Got”. Vocalist/guitarist Valentine Vandal explains the track:

“The song is about feeling like you’ve given everything you can, and nothing is ever good enough. It was a cathartic song to write, and I feel like many people could relate to that. The video itself is based on a car chase between the devil and the main character of our concept album.”

The music video for “Best I’ve Got” can be seen and heard via its premiere on V13 HERE.

A concept record about a Faustian Bargain gone awry, “Phantasmagoria” sees its protagonist character making a deal with the Devil, which quickly goes wrong when they see their life unraveling. The album is as much about struggling with vices as it is dealing with depression and addiction. The band wanted to dig into the idea of drug-induced psychosis and explore where that might lead to paranoia and further self-destruction. They think in some ways the character will be relatable to people who’ve dealt with battling their inner demons with mental health issues or lived with addictions.

“We want fans to experience this record by putting on their headphones, closing their eyes and just imagining themselves drifting into this world where nothing is off limits and excess is the norm. The character struggles to cope with their newfound euphoria and it leads them down a dark path of self-destruction. If anything, after listening to this record people get a slightly deeper understanding of the struggles some people face.” says the band.

Self-producing this first full-length, Black Daggers‘ explored different sound textures and ideas, but they also wanted to make sure the record was something they could reproduce live, which they are looking forward to doing in the coming months with plans to play across Alberta and beyond.

Mandatory listening for fans of Queens of the Stone Ages, Foo Fighters, and Alice In Chains, “Phantasmagoria” is available on all digital platforms at https://linktr.ee/blackdaggersmusic

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/40gqFML

In additional news, Black Daggers have also been confirmed to perform at this year’s The Electric Highway Music Festival being held from April 4th – 6th in Calgary, AB. Event info.

Track Listing:
1. Best I’ve Got – (4:00)
2. These Broken Bones – (3:46)
3. Surfin’ A Vibe – (4:04)
4. Voices – (4:21)
5. I’m Here – (4:15)
6. Wasted – (3:23)
7. City Limits – (3:07)
8. Carpe Diem – (4:22)
Album Length: 31:22

More info: Blackdaggersmusic.com

About: Black Daggers are set to take the hard rock and metal scenes by storm with their electrifying, pulse-pounding sound. Composed of four talented musicians, each bringing their own flair and expertise to the table. With dual guitars that weave intricate, powerful riffs and solos, a thundering bass that lays down the groove, and a drummer who effortlessly keeps the pulse of the band’s heart pounding, the musical talent on display is undeniable. Fronted by a lead vocalist whose voice soars and roars with equal ferocity, Black Daggers is the full package. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts such as Between the Buried and Me, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Big Wreck, and Mastodon, Black Daggers fuse the raw energy of metal with the melodic sensibilities of hard rock to create a unique, unforgettable sound that transcends genres.

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“The ideas, the story, the connection to the characters are there as if one is reading a book or watching a movie. Phantasmagoria is cohesive in its songs, music, and mood and that cohesiveness of Phantasmagoria is what makes the debut album from Black Daggers brilliant. MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Best I’ve Got”, “Im Here”, “Wasted”, “City Limits”, “Carpe Diem”” – Amplify The Noise

“Solid. God knows we need more music like this, especially in Canada. If you’re into anything from Alice in Chains and Soundgarden to Mastodon and Big Wreck, this is for you.” – Alan Cross – Undiscovered Gem of the Week – Corus Media

“‘Surfin’ a Vibe’ really conjures a dark, horror-laced image. The raw vocals perfectly capture the feeling of impactful shock rock. I like the bold confidence and furious brutality. It’s well-structured but raucous.” — What CRB thought of ‘Surfin’ a Vibe’

“I really like what they did with the solo coming in a bar early. Really interesting stuff. Song of the night!” – @the_ghosthouse (Twitch)

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0 EPK – Metro Society – The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898 (2024)

January 18, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Metro Society

EPK – Metro Society – The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898 (2024)

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

For fans of Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Threshold, OSI, Pain of Salvation

“We feel that fans who have been following the band over the years are in for a treat. The production and songwriting have taken a big step forward in overall quality and there is a dark storyline involved that we think listeners are going to want to know “What happens next?” after each song. Each member of the band has moments throughout the songs that are rooted in the Progressive Rock / Metal style and really showcase what the band is capable of on their respective instruments/talents. Guitarist Chris Mangold has some amazing lead guitar work in the songs “City Streets” and “Society” for example. Vocalist George Margaritopoulos gives an impressive vocal performance throughout the album that showcases his dynamic range of vocal styles. The rhythm section consisting of drummer Will Mangold and bassist Ian Ringler provides a thunderous and intricate backdrop that drives each song forward while not skipping out on complex technical nuances.

We are going for the full album front-to-back listening experience with this album. This is a story-based album that we are hoping listeners will dive into the full album experience. The songs are really meant to be listened to together as a whole, however, we also feel that any of the individual songs could be listened to on their own and still tell their own story. Hopefully, after listeners hear one or two songs they’ll want to jump into the full album to hear the rest.” – Metro Society

Band: Metro Society
Album Title: The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898
Release Date – March 1, 2024
Label: Metro Society Records
Distribution: Distrokid

Metrosociety.net | Facebook.com/MetroSocietyBand | Metrosociety.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“”Pieces of the Past: It’s the epic track on the record and ranges from up-tempo heavy hitting to progressively synced parts and superb lead vocals and vocal harmonies.” – Sonic Perspectives

“an ambitious album and Metro Society have some hits (the vocal lines on “Underground” for one)…The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898 is an enjoyable album,” – The Metal Crypt

““The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” is a captivating album that is convincing both musically and conceptually. Metro Society proves to be a talented band that knows how to bring a story to life through their music. Fans of progressive rock and metal should definitely keep this album in mind and embark on a thrilling journey to Victorian London.” – BetreutesProggen.de

“a captivating second album that explores the darker side of London’s history.” – Maximum Volume Music

““Inferno” closes the album, and it wraps up the tale with an edge in the vocals and music. The bassist and guitarist exchange leading parts in the vein of RUSH, and it is here that you can really take in their musicianship…. They tell the tale with enthusiasm, energy, and spirit.” – Metal Temple

“Musically, The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898 is very reminiscent of similar ones like 2112 by Rush or Metropolis Part 2 by Dream Theater, or Ziltoid the Omniscient by Devin Townsend. So, if you’re a fan of them, have a listen. I know I’m looking forward to chapter II.” – DPRP.net

“After the intro ‘London 1898’, which incorporates the distinctive ringing of Big Ben, each number lasts between five and ten minutes, giving enough time to unfold and give listeners the opportunity to adjust to the atmosphere. But the band lets it rip on the metallic ‘Lost Souls’, and it’s not just on this track that the rhythm section’s class proves itself. The most melodically interesting piece is ‘Pieces Of The Past’, which switches between metallic, poppy and dark passages with considerable ease and also features a clean guitar solo. The pretty instrumental ‘Society’ could be a bit nostalgic for the prog fan, as it reminds a little of the early phase of DREAM THEATER, when the men around John Petrucci were able to do something like that quite effortlessly.” – PowerMetal.de

“You can be sure to get some heavy riffing, I tell you that. The first part of ”Pieces Of The Past” for example, has Chris Mangold pretty wild at the strings. In the more commercial moments, I actually think of Kansas and some of their ex-vocalist Steve Walsh’s solo works. Margaritopoulos is a quite good vocalist. In the higher range he impresses the most, especially when he manages to keep the voice fairly clean.” – Melodic.net

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Metro Society
Album Title: The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898
Release Date – March 1, 2024
Label: Metro Society Records
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. London 1898 – 2:59
2. City Streets – 7:34
3. Lost Souls – 6:29
4. Pieces of the Past – 9:25
5. Society – 6:37
6. Underground – 5:33
7. Inferno – 7:23
Album Length: 46:02

Album Credits:
Album Recording Credits: Chris Mangold, Ian Ringler, Will Mangold, George Margaritopoulos
All songs written by: Chris Mangold, Ian Ringler, Will Mangold
Produced by: Chris Mangold, Ian Ringler, Will Mangold
Mixed and mastered by: Rob Murray and Kyle from Wilderfox Studio, Vermont
Album artwork by: Harley Velasquez at Infinity NucleartStudio

Album Band Line Up:
Chris Mangold – Guitars / Keys
Ian Ringler – Bass
Will Mangold – Drums
George Margaritopoulos – Vocalist

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

About The Album Artwork:

Late 19th century Victorian London. A mix of intrigue, mystery, Old London cityscapes, conveying the investigative story of a Detective in 1898 London.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

This album is based on a conceptual story written by Chris Mangold and Ian Ringler. The music and lyrics are formed around the dynamics of the storyline. The main theme running through the album and lyrics is the following: There is a very thin line that separates the thirst for knowledge and the addiction of obsession.

Story setting:

Set in the city of London during the year 1898, a new century approaches as the Victorian age draws to an end. It has been ten years since the horrific murders of Jack the Ripper gripped the city in fear. The darkness of those gruesome events still casts a grim shadow over the city and its citizens. An up-and-coming detective is thrown into a murder mystery involving the suspicious death of his former mentor the now-retired Metropolitan Police Commissioner. The Detective has vowed to solve this case and begins to discover far more than he ever imagined. Clues and raised suspicions all lead to a twisted tale of betrayal, secret societies, and murder all seemingly linking back to the Ripper. Will the Detective uncover the long-hidden secrets of London’s sorted past or will he become a victim of his own unrelenting obsession?

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. London 1898 (Instrumental)
– This song is a shorter instrumental track that is meant to place the listener into the setting of the story which is the city of London in the year 1898.

2. City Streets
– This song is the first song on the album with lyrics. This is a Prog rocker with driving guitars and catchy melodic vocals.

3. Lost Souls
– This song features heavy crunchy guitar riffs with heavy-hitting drums. The song transitions from the heavy into sober moments then back.

4. Pieces of the Past
– This is the epic of the album. This song ranges from up-tempo heavy hitting to Progressively synced parts and incredible lead vocals and vocal harmonies.

5. Society (Instrumental)
– This is the 2nd instrumental song on the album. This is a heavy heavy-hitting Prog Metal song with many guitar riffs and intricate drum and bass work, this also features an extended guitar solo from guitarist Chris Mangold.

6. Underground
– This song takes on perhaps the most unique sounds recorded for the album. The tone of the instruments and lyrics are very much reflective of the underground tunnel-like setting of the storyline. Lots of layered dark keyboard work from Chris Mangold and the chime/crunch tones from bassist Ian Ringler’s 12 String Bass work.

7. Inferno
– This is the heavy hitter’s final song on the album. Lots of heavy guitar and drum work on this song along with heavy melodic vocals.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. Chris Mangold initially recorded guitars to click tracks to get the vibe down for the feel and flow of the tracks for London. This did cover a longer span of time than normal; 2019 until 2023. We came up with 115+ minutes of music, so we are going to carve that up and do 2 releases for the London album in 2 chapters. When we were tracking the main elements for Chapter I, Chris would share this to see what the guys thought. If I got riffs and verses stuck in my head, I knew those were it. All the music was inspired by the London story. Would constantly envision the story in the feel of the songs. Some themes were captured on acoustic initially and then transcribed over to electric guitar. With the exception of tracks Society and Underground, most of the songs were guitar-driven. Recording did take longer; band members were across multiple states, and George was overseas. All music was tracked and recorded through ProTools pulling in tracks and sessions over online share drives. Needed to pull them down. Guitars and Keys were recorded in Missouri, Drums recorded in Montana, Bass in Colorado, and George’s vocals from his studio in Europe. Brought that all together in ProTools later to be mixed/mastered online. A true product of the digital age.

2. One special track is Underground. If you know Metro Society, the underlying theme is based on the Metro train systems of the world, influencing story and emotion into the music. Paris album was based in 1996 around the Metro system, while London is based in 1898 and shrouded in mystery encapsulating the origin of the London subway system post Jack the Ripper murders. The underground track was based on a keyboard idea Ian Ringler came up with. Chris Mangold took that idea and wove that very small idea into a dark flowing track. It’s a song of transition, unknown, and the pathway for the Detective to venture to the next place and phase of his investigation. It’s amazing when a small sequence of sound unfolds into various parts, connected to form a whole, layered into a complete song. The sound of the track was inspired by some of Queensryche’s darker tracks from Rage for Order and from the track Pulse by the band Wolverine.

3. Bit of a story and concept around the track Society, from the London album. An idea that we had was to have an instrumental track on each album. The track, Metro, was on A Journey in Paris emphasizing the sounds and darkness of the Paris metro. For London, we came up with the idea of Society. When you listen to them back to back, you’ll notice some riffing carried over. Chris Mangold was inspired by the motion and sound of the Metro subway cruising down the tracks. Gives it that driving fast-moving riffs to give the listener that feeling we were after. We will see what the future holds, but we have done a storyboard idea for a future album based on New York and was potentially having an epic instrumental track called, Metro Society.

4. What has been amazing is the collaboration between Ian and Chris when it comes to various song structures and ideas. Chris has a tendency to come up with endless riffs where we usually have more than needed, and Ian has an uncanny way of reducing or expanding sections to give them better flow. We bounce off of each other, talking about song structure and how it applies to the story. We keep things free-flowing for the most part, but because we are not 100% married to some of the parts, we can rearrange when needed. Creating a story, sprawling concept album helps with creating songs. The songwriter needs to have an idea in mind beyond coming up with a melody or a jam section. The story and concept drive the making of the song and truly inspire the emotion we are shooting for. Yes, we are truly engrained and focused on more complex progressive appealing tracks, but having enough structure that still keeps the element of a song.

5. Something we were striving for on the London album was the feel. When someone thinks of British music, we incorporate that rock and the swagger. That driving, flowing, and pumping feeling. What Chris Mangold took into account when coming up with the main riffs of City Streets, Lost Souls. England has come out with endless music gems and when you pluck out that driving feeling from Billy Idol, Porcupine Tree, The Beatles, Def Leopard, Threshold, and Rolling Stones you get a plethora of ideas to work with. Chris Mangold, inspired by the Deadwing album by Porcupine Tree, truly inspired the track City Streets. Listen carefully and you’ll get it. Check out, Pieces of the Past, and there are sections in there inspired by bands The Who and Boston (okay, not British but damn good) and many other great bands. Inspiration comes from the story, the bands we know and love, and what album you’re working to achieve. Mold these varying styles into a genre such as progressive metal and you end up with quite the song you were hoping for. Trust the process!

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

Metro Society, the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter Chris Mangold and bassist Ian Ringler (MAGNITUDE 9 / PSYCO DRAMA), is set to send shivers down the spines of progressive rock/metal enthusiasts.

“The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” revolves around a gripping story penned by Chris Mangold and Ian Ringler, exploring the thin line between the thirst for knowledge and the addictions of obsession. Set against the backdrop of London in 1898, the Victorian age draws to a close, but the horrors of Jack the Ripper’s murders continue to cast a grim shadow over the city.

The album features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including vocals from George Margaritopoulos (WARDRUM) and Will Mangold, Chris’ father who contributed his talent to the drum tracks. The final recording, production, and mixing was a joint effort between the band and Rob Murray and Kyle from Wilderfox Studio. It is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and Threshold.

“The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” is due out on March 1, 2024, via the band’s own label Metro Society Records.

Album Band Line Up:
Chris Mangold – Guitars / Keys
Ian Ringler – Bass
Will Mangold – Drums
George Margaritopoulos – Vocalist

Discography:
2024 – The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898
2007 – A Journey in Paris

0 CONFINED TO OBLIVION Pay Homage To Quebec History With Metal Cover Of “Les Étoiles Filantes” (Les Cowboys Fringants)

January 18, 2024
by Asher
· Confined To Oblivion · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 18, 2024

CONFINED TO OBLIVION Pay Homage To Quebec History With Metal Cover Of “Les Étoiles Filantes” (Les Cowboys Fringants)

L-R – Jean-Charles – Vocals, Antony – Bass, Yan – Lead Guitar, Simon – Rhythm Guitar

Photo Credit – Jean-Charles Carrère

Originating in Montreal, Canada, Confined To Oblivion emerged onto the music scene in early 2015, drawing inspiration from melodic death and extreme metal genres. Thus far, they have released two EPs and a full-length album all to great reception and now they are taking a step in a different direction to pay homage to Karl Tremblay, a highly influential songwriter in 21st-century Quebec culture with their rendition of the classic “Les Étoiles Filantes”. It’s a wildly fun cover, even for those who don’t speak French. The band comments:

“For this song, we wanted to emphasize the catchy melody of the original by Les Cowboys Fringants. Starting with a tribute to the song, taking liberties by adding a modern breakdown, and concluding with an epic build-up. We tried to bring an epic and heavy version of a classic Quebec song. The same singalong choruses but we added a renewed energy that’s perfect for a metal Saint Jean Baptiste party.”

Typically, most of the foundational ideas for Confined To Oblivion’s songs come from the guitarists Yannick Fortin and Simon Chenard. However, for this cover, they made an exception as bassist Antony Lepage had an obsession with this song, and he adapted and recorded it in one day shortly after hearing about the passing of Karl Tremblay. The premise of the song is that life is short, filled with both joyful and sorrowful events, and that, despite it all, we must make the most of the time we have on this earth.

Not only does Confined To Oblivion take this classic song and make it theirs, but they pay attention to the single art and pay tribute to the original, featuring a drawing of a dead fish, but since vocalist, Jean-Charles Carrère is more of a photographer than an illustrator, he decided to buy a fish at the Jean-Talon Market in Montreal for the recreation.

Heavy, melodic, and very catchy “Les Étoiles Filantes” is recommended for anyone interested in Quebec history and fans of In Flames, As I Lay Dying, and The Agonist.

Watch and listen to the video “Les Étoiles Filantes” at https://youtu.be/u9r8uef6GG0

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3SilLMK

More info: Facebook.com/confinedtooblivion | Instagram.com/confinedtooblivion | Twitter.com/forgottencto | Confinedtooblivion.bandcamp.com

-30-

“Confined To Oblivion has everything to be serious. Resumption is only their first album, but it showcases every element of a mature band, which knows to melt its influences to create a vortex of heady intensity.” – Acta Infernalis

“c’est toujours de plus en plus lourd” – Ondes Chocs

“Heavy as f*ck, catchy when it shouldn’t be, immense instrumentation and tons of energy, this is a very fine melodic death metal release.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Headbanging-Life

—
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