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Posts By Asher

0 Wacken Metal Battle USA – National Final – May 13th – San Diego – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2023

  • May 8, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 8, 2023

Wacken Metal Battle USA – National Final – May 13th – San Diego

DEATHBLOW – SALT LAKE CITY – WINNER
FADRAIT – SAN DIEGO WINNER
STEELLAKE – TEXAS WINNER
FINAL GIRLS – NEW JERSEY WINNER
ANUBIS – WEST COAST WINNER
VILLIANS IN VAIN – PACIFIC NORTHWEST FINAL
AUTUMN LIES BURIED – OHIO FINAL

– One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2023 –

After months of battles across the country, Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce the top seven independent bands performing at the 2023 National Final in San Diego, CA on May 13th at the Brick By Brick (Ticket Info). One band will be crowned champion and represent the USA at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at one of the world’s most prestigious stages and the largest metal festival Wacken Open Air (Aug 4 -6), which has an attendance of over 80,000 people, and held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years.

To date, the battle has sent 4 previous bands to perform on metal’s most prestigious stage. San Diego’s Mythraeum (2022), San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

This year’s 2023 WMBU national finalists are the following:

DEATHBLOW – Salt Lake City, UT – https://www.facebook.com/deathblowofficial​
​FADRAIT – San Diego, CA – https://www.facebook.com/Fadrait
​STEELLAKE – El Paso, TX – https://www.facebook.com/SteellakeEPTX
​FINAL GIRLS – New Jersey – https://www.facebook.com/FINALGIRLSNJ
​ANUBIS – Los Angeles, CA – https://www.facebook.com/AnubisBandOfficial​
​VILLIANS IN VAIN – Eugene, OR – https://www.facebook.com/villainsinvain​
​AUTUMN LIES BURIED – Clarksville, TN – https://www.facebook.com/autumnliesburied​

For the national final, all seven bands will be judged by experienced industry professionals on various categories of professionalism and musicianship for only one to be selected to represent the USA on the world stage at Wacken Open Air.

Guest Judges:​
Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music/Wacken)
Mark Vieira (Parts Unknown Management)
Jon Halperin (Talent Buyer @ Glass House)
More TBA
​
For the last 4 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2023 will be the 32nd edition of the festival and will be held from August 2nd to 5th. The 2023 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Iron Maiden, Megadeth, The Dropkick Murphys, Wardruna, Jinjer, Beartooth, Trivium, Kataklysm and many more. Details here.

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g​

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

How it works:
​
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2023 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/​

Links:​
​Metal-Battle.com​
​MetalBattleUSA.com​
​
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa​
​Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA​
​Instagram.com/metalbattleusa​

– 30 –

Sponsors / Partners:​
Bravewords.com
MetalDevastationRadio.com
Metal-Rules.com
V13.net
Dungeon Works Productions
Asher Media Relations
Fatal Illness Management
Come And Take It Productions
Brick By Brick
VonWolfe Entertainment
Aces High Saloon
TMI Collaborations
Funhouse Seattle
SBS Live
Dingbatz
Dean Guitars

​

​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toldeo DeathFest)

0 EPK – Red Cain – NÄE’BLISS (2023)

  • May 5, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Red Cain

EPK – Red Cain – NÄE’BLISS (2023)

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

Red Cain returns with their Wheel of Time-inspired 3rd full-length album “NÄE’BLISS”. This album is their homage to the legendary world of Robert Jordan’s fantasy epic.

With a grimdark edge, down-tuned guitars, death metal influences, and an unrelenting march forward, “NÄE’BLISS” is a foray into the reverse side of the Wheel of Time story – that of the Forsaken, antagonists, instruments of the Great Lord of the Dark, and the brutal and captivating allure of letting Chaos reign supreme.

For fans of Kamelot, Mastodon, Powerwolf, Lord of the Lost, Tesseract

Album Title: NÄE’BLISS
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital

RedCain.ca | Redcain.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/redcainofficial | Instagram.com/redcainarmy | Twitter.com/redcainarmy | YouTube

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

“NAE’ BLISS is a fine example of world-class Metal.  With every album they grow in statue and status they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the titans of the genre.” – Metal-Rules

“Red Cain continue their evolutionary path with NÄ̈E’BLISS, taking us all on a fantastic and metallic journey that will surely help them carve their name even deeper into the metal scene worldwide.” – The Headbanging Moose

“they come up with elements of melodeath, symphonic-, prog- and powermetal, melted together by the expressive vocal performance of singer Evgeniy Zayarny, who convinces with his full tone and an impressive range… “Näe’bliss” is well written, varied and dynamic, telling the stories about a common “good” against an “evil” antagonist in a great way.” The Prog Space

“What a masterpiece! In my last review, I gave my first 10/10 and called it my album of the year. That place has already been overtaken.” – Musipedia of Metal

“Canadians Red Cain took on the mammoth task of turning Robert Jordan’s works of the Wheel of Time series into an album… Needless to say the Power Prog band delivers an ambitious album filled with twists and turns that will keep you on your toes!” – Belgian Jasper

“Red Cain has made by far the best Wheel Of Time-related piece of art that I’ve seen or heard since before November 18, 2021. Sour grapes aside, this is some energetic power metal worthy of the source material.” – Metal Utopia

“Red Cain combine with clean singing and growling vocals on opener “Fisher King.” Much of Nae Bliss has a fresh modern sound (“Blight” and the gothic “The Great Hunt”) and some modern groove (“Sightblinder”)… The modern metal here reminds me of Iced Earth and Nevermore which has some excellent clean vocals. ” – Transcending the Mundane

“this is an album to explore if you tend to enjoy a more theatrical and bombastic variety of progressive metal.” – Progressor

 

“If you’re into the symphonic side of metal, then this is a must have album.” – Smorg Magazine


“As such Red Cain uses Näe’bliss to showcase the slickest noodling and power grooving of their career… Red Cain hasn’t yet made an album for the ages in this modern expression of classic prog/power exuberance, but each record thus far has swung for the fences and landed in good graces—stop sitting around and spin some Red Cain!” – Angry Metal Guy

“you’ll still feel the mighty pull of Power Metal all over the record. But the progressive parts now start to encroach on soundscapes bands like Haken or Caligula’s Horse3) usually usurp. And that leaves us with an uncannily savvy power prog mix with an unholy urge for unusual extreme metal undercurrents on full display. And that led – yet again – to overheated turntables over at the RMR office tower. Red Cain are back and in full swing yet again, feisty as ever. And as well they should be. So, where’s that bookshop? Robert Jordan’s fantasy lore’s beckoning us.” – Rock Music Raider

“With Näe’bliss, Red Cain has created their own progressive metal epic fantasy that is fuelled with blast beats, howling guitars, wailing vocals, and rumbling bass. The intricate lyrics tell their own tales and have captured the essence of the adversaries and nemesis of the story. Perhaps for me, storyline aside, is the wonderful vocal dynamic between Evgeniy Zayarny and Kalie Yan and how they play off each other in a beautiful tit for tat of clean versus harsh and singing versus operatic as if they were the protagonist and antagonist. Let the chaos reign supreme, crank Näe’bliss to 11.” – Amplify The Noise

““Fisher King,” is a monstrous opening, a song that tempts the deliverance and brings the power of brilliance and chaos of the whirlwind…. “Fires of Heaven,” is bombastic, powerful, enchanting and downright haunting. A song that smashes through everything.” – The Median Man

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: NÄE’BLISS
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital

Track Listing:
1. Fisher King – 5:35
2. Blight – 6:37
3. The Great Hunt – 4:09
4. We Are Chaos – 4:55
5. Sightblinder – 2:47
6. The Man Who Can’t Forget (Part I) – 2:38
7. Crane of Malkier (Part II) – 2:04
8. Red Cain – Fires of Heaven ft. James Delbridge (Lycanthro) – 8:02
Album Length: 36:52

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Red Cain
• All songs written by: Red Cain
• Produced by: Red Cain
• Mixed by: Tyler Corbett – Sole Audio
• Mastered by: Alan Sacha Laskow – Perfect Filth Studios.
• Album Artwork by: Red Cain
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording and Live Band Lineup:
Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals
Samuel Ridout – Guitars
Kalie Yan – Bass, Vocals
Taylor Gibson – Drums

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

RED CAIN – “NÄE’BLISS” – About The Album

Red Cain returns with our Wheel of Time – inspired 3rd full-length album “NÄE’BLISS”. This album is our homage to the legendary world of Robert Jordan’s fantasy epic.

With a grimdark edge, downtuned guitars, death metal influences, and an unrelenting march forward, “NÄE’BLISS” is a foray into the reverse side of the Wheel of Time story – that of the Forsaken, antagonists, instruments of the Great Lord of the Dark, and the brutal and captivating allure of letting Chaos reign supreme.

“We are fascinated by antagonists, why they stand against the “common good”, and how they came to fill that role – and when reading the Wheel of Time, there was the same intrigue behind how the very clearly defined “evil” faction in this world justified its existence. Why did the Forsaken willingly join the Shadow? Why do some men and women want the world to burn, the Wheel to stop spinning? Within such a carefully crafted narrative and beautifully balanced universe, there were puzzling, unexplored gaps that we were determined to delve deeper into.

And of course, fantasy is but a mirror of reality – so outside WoT lore, these questions apply equally well to the world beyond our window. Which of our idols are false, which heroes degenerates, what history a compendium of careful lies? It is all too easy to raise your fist against those labelled evil by the multitudes or a voice above, while failing to realize you yourself are the instrument of tyranny and corruption.”

We are all massive fantasy fans, and for us, Wheel of Time rubs shoulders with LOTR as a genre-defining epic fantasy series that started it all. The world of the Wheel is a brutal, compelling world with multitudes of fascinating characters, and we were particularly interested in exploring its more visceral aspects – an area which begs to be paired with heavy metal. We’ve seen some of our musical icons, like Blind Guardian, successfully go down this path, and it was magnificent to see new musical interpretations of those stories spun out by them – not to mention some bloody good fun.

Now, it is our turn to ride forward in another turn of the Wheel. Enjoy!

Red Cain – “NÄE’BLISS” Track by Track Comments

1. FISHER KING
Conceptually, “Fisher King” takes place in the universe of the legendary Wheel of Time fantasy series. It is the throw of the gauntlet by the Dragon Reborn, the Champion of the Light in his prime – a showcase of the kind of monumental inertia that brooks no opposition. Unsettling, bombastic and unrelenting, this track showcases a musical and lyrical contest of wills between the “Chosen One” archetype, and his antithetical, flawed, yet lethal opponent caught in his unrelenting march.

The concept of the Fisher King comes from Arthurian legend, telling the story of a wounded king unable to act as the protector of his lands, spending his time fishing in a pond, leading to them falling into ruin. The epic and forthright style of this track belies the lyrical theme of self-annihilation and corruption that can take root in those who are raised to be heroes or saviours. Our protagonist, Rand al’Thor, is a monumental force of destruction, inevitable, standing for all that is Good. But this destruction is also within himself – the vessel of the Light can be consumed by that same Light from within – and is personified by his antagonist, the Chosen One of the Shadow. This track is a study of two men, both on a collision course with each other, both doomed and aware of their fate, locked in a mortal conflict that sees no end and spans eons.

2. BLIGHT
Blight is defined as an organic contagion that damages, destroys, or corrupts. In the Wheel of Time universe, where the Dark One touches the world, uncontrolled and aberrant growth sprouts and covers the land, home to malign flora and monstrous fauna. With this track, we moved the needle firmly into the progressive part of our progpower style, delivering an atmospheric, chilling, and dynamic performance meant to mimic the unstoppable advancement of the Blight over the land. Is the Blight a disease or a majestic triumph of organic life without limits? With this Tesseract, Ihsahn, and Insomnium-influenced track, we explore this idea.

The concept for “Blight” came out of a question – what is the ideal state in the evolution of organic life? Influenced by authors like Stanislaw Lem and Adrian Tchaikovsky, this has long been a theme in science fiction, and is becoming relevant in the modern era. The Blight also plays a key role within the Wheel of Time universe, and the concept sets the stage for a musical exploration from our end where another evolution to our sound likewise takes root.

3. THE GREAT HUNT
With our next single for the upcoming album “NÄE’BLISS”, we are pleased to debut one of the heaviest tracks in the Red Cain repertoire – “The Great Hunt”. A stomping, driven ¾ march utilizing 8-string guitars and layers and layers of bass, this track pushes further into the djent riffs present elsewhere on the album, yet contains all of the usual characteristics of a Red Cain anthem – lush electronic backing, soaring, aggressive vocals, and a pulsing, headbanging groove.

Conceptually, within the album’s theme continuing to revolve around the “Wheel of Time” universe, “The Great Hunt” calls our Forsaken protagonists to begin the hunt for the most dangerous game – their archenemy, the worldbreaking Champion of the Light – the Dragon Reborn himself. With regression to the status quo threatening, and Chaos the only antidote, will this bold move yield success – or drive the world deeper into the designs of the Wheel?

Step up, heft your spear – and join The Great Hunt.

4. WE ARE CHAOS
Ruminations on chaos. Four rebellious souls plotting against a tyrant. An occult ceremony. A secret waiting to be torn open. Red Cain’s new single + music video “We Are Chaos” brings us back into the universe of the Wheel of Time, into the lair of the Forsaken – the Chosen, as they see themselves – in their resistance to the unending turning of the Wheel.

Under the leadership of the enigmatic Moridin, irreversibly tied to their enemy, the Dragon Reborn, Sammael, Demandred, and Semirhage are the bulwark against the rising tide of the Dragon and his followers, and the decaying status quo that his ascension brings.

Continuing the experimental nature of previous single “Blight”, “We Are Chaos” plants its flag firmly in death metal territory, with vocalists Evgeniy Zayarny and Kalie Yan trading off growls amid heavy, groove laden riffs, backlit by the usual eerie soundscapes, and Samuel Ridout’s staccato guitarwork. A plunge into the nature of chaos, promises broken, and a bond that threatens mutual destruction, “We Are Chaos” is very much a new iteration of the core Red Cain sound, and an emphatic musical and visual statement en route to the upcoming album release.

5. SIGHTBLINDER
The Aiel are a hardened, brutal, yet noble culture of desert warriors who are in many cases the last line of defence against the encroaching forces of the Dark. “Sightblinder” is the Aiel term for the Dark One – a presence that destroys sight, mind, and the tools to appreciate the ephemeral and visceral beauty of life. “Til shade is gone, ’til water is gone, to spit in Sightblinder’s eye on the Last Day” is a battle promise given by all Aiel warriors, dedicating their life to fight the Great Lord of the Dark and his influence.

This perseverance, brutalism, and refusal to fall – qualities respected by ally and enemy alike – are at the core of this progressive, heavy, and intricate instrumental. “Sightblinder” doubly refers to the private, though indirect, battle fought between Tigraine, the mother of Rand al’Thor, and Shai’tan himself – the battle to birth the Dragon Reborn, won by the Maiden of the Spear.

6. THE MAN WHO CAN’T FORGET (Part I) / 7. CRANE OF MALKIER (Part II)
An instant hit from the long-awaited Wheel of Time TV series, performed by Thom (Alexandre Willaume) this raw, tobacco-and-whisky flavoured ballad immediately caught us and wouldn’t let go. So we wrote a metal cover of it in our own flavour. And then we added our own twist to it with the Part II of this track – Crane of Malkier.

Where the original song speaks quite clearly and eloquently about Lews Therin, the original Dragon, who caused the Breaking of the World in his madness, and the torment that came to him as a result, our track focuses on another “Man who can’t forget” – the last Malkieri king, on a sworn crusade to avenge the death of his land and bring down the Dark One.

In a relatively classical and beloved power metal ballad format, dressed up with familiar Red Cain stylistic elements and electronic backing, these two tracks shape the duality, juxtaposition, and dimmed glory of two men, neither of whom can let go of the past.

8. FIRES OF HEAVEN (feat. James Delbridge – Lyrcanthro)
The smell of char. The howling of Trollocs and screeches of Fades. Lightning tendrils of the One Power arcing across the carmine skies. The landscape is ashen, and reality is visibly torn by the vicious cyclones of raw power concentrated around Shayol Ghul – the prison of the being known as the Dark One.

The Wheel creaks under the strain of the ta’veren. The air itself is charged with the expectation of bloodshed. And the most powerful forces of the Third Age face one another. One side – the adherents of the Dragon Reborn, fight for the status quo and the minimization of human suffering – shortsighted, naive, altogether ignorant of the true oppressive weight of the cyclical nature of the Wheel. The other – Forsaken, blood on their hands, in an unholy union with the Dark One, yearning to break the Wheel, derail the cycling of Ages, burn this false Heaven down and, through entropy, create a new world.

For the longest Red Cain track yet, we invited James Delbridge from  Canadian band Lycanthro to lend his classic heavy metal vocal to this opus of a song hitting the crescendo of the lore behind “NÄE’BLISS”. A culmination of the musical elements in the other tracks of the album, “Fires of Heaven” brings the “NÄE’BLISS” concept to a close with a blistering, sprawling tour de force mirroring the epic closing of the Wheel of Time series – Tarmon Gai’don – The Last Battle. Heaven must burn.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Evgeniy, the frontman, is of joint Russian/Ukrainian descent and was exposed to Slavic paganism from a young age, gaining insight into old ceremonies and spoken word myths, as well as the vast and strange body of Slavic folklore. A lot of these experiences and his love for myth and the exploration of the occult come through in the lyrics and concepts of Red Cain’s music.

2. Red Cain’s first two full albums, “Kindred: Act I” and “Kindred: Act II” conceptually told a sprawling story of how raw and primal ancient myth collides with modern society and human yearning toward the stars, toward perfection. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content.

3. The band members feel strongly in favour of experimentation, whether with genres, resulting in much of the material sitting across multiple genres, not all related to metal; visual elements, with striking and inventive story-based music videos a particular focus; or art and concepts, many of which relate to the clash between the ancient and modern, with more recent material zeroing in on a futuristic design and musical style.

4. Red Cain’s story music videos for “ZERO” and “Juliet” have cumulatively earned the band 17+ international film festival awards, including wins at major festivals such as IndieX FilmFest, Global Shorts, LA Film & Script Festival, Cannes Indies Cinema Awards, and finalist with Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival, Tokyo International Short Film Festival, and New York Tri-State International Film Festival. The band is currently planning its next feature music video to follow these two successes.

 

L-R – Taylor Gibson (drums), Kalie Yan (bass, vocals), Evgeniy Zayarny (vocals), Samuel Ridout (guitar)

Photo Credit Zak Kelly

Melancholy and Rage

Born out of the vast prairies and snowy peaks of Alberta, Canada, Red Cain is a modern progressive metal project with Eastern European roots. With intricate songwriting, powerful vocals, eerie soundscapes, and strong electronic-backed groove, Red Cain champion a fluid, dynamic, and unique style centered around telling dark, conceptual Faustian sagas and constructing those into an unforgettable live experience. Described by frontman Evgeniy Zayarny as a vehicle of “Melancholy and Rage”, Red Cain delivers power, flair, thematic Slavic influence, and intricate, lethal edge in their work. Listeners might well pick out elements reminiscent of such luminary acts as Kamelot, Symphony X, Tesseract, Lord of the Lost, whipped into a venomous new shape. The current incarnation of this Canadian metal band is of these influences mixed with a lot of vodka and Eastern European melancholy, shaken and stirred.

Red Cain self-released its debut self-titled EP in North America in 2016 to excellent reviews, and followed this up with two award-winning full-length albums, “Kindred: Act I” in 2019, and AFA-funded “Kindred: Act II” in 2021, working with Sliptrick Records globally to have over 3500+ physical copies sold, as well as over 200,000 digital streams to date. The band has hit #1 on the Canadian National Loud Charts on multiple occasions and is a 1x winner and 3x nominee for the Metal Recording of the Year at the YYC Music Awards.

The band has created 13 videos, of which 2 are full-length, high-production music videos for “ZERO” and “Juliet”. The latter two videos have won 17 awards at international music festivals, including the Berlin Short Film Festival, Venice Shorts, Global Shorts, IndieX FilmFesti, AIFF, and Hollywood Art & Movie Awards, among others. The band has a strong history of collaboration, with a highlight being our work with Juno Award-winning vocalist Kobra Paige of heavy metal band Kobra and the Lotus, on the track “Wing of the Crow”.

Red Cain released our latest album “Kindred: Act II” globally with Sliptrick Records in 2021, with a particular focus on promotion and engagement in the United States and Eastern Europe, where the band has received significant traction in 2020-21. With live performances stunted by COVID, the band has focused strongly on building out the concept behind the two-album “Kindred” arc with non-musical collateral, creating story content and custom art for the album concept.

With a significant upward trend of fan interest for this release, and 100,000 + digital streams, Red Cain has our set sights firmly set on another ambitious and conceptually exciting project, with the next release cycle coming in 2023.

Red Cain is:
Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals
Samuel Ridout – Guitars
Tyler Corbett – Guitars
Kalie Yan – Bass, Vocals
Taylor Gibson – Drums

What the press is saying:

“This is a track (Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire) that infuses their progressive and power metal sound, similar to that of Symphony X and Kamelot. Alongside this, there are also faint similarities to bands like Dream Theater and even Korn. This is a nearly 6 minute track that doesn’t let up and doesn’t fear to change up its style throughout.” – Metal Injection

#10 Red Cain !earshot – The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 (Earshot)

“From the proggy goodness of album opener “Kindred”, to the blast beats of “Baltic Fleet”, to the epic closer “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire), there is something here for every fan of progressive power metal.  With this being Act II in Red Cain’s Kindred body of work, I really feel as though I entered a movie theater right in the middle of an epic saga. Each song is a journey in and of itself, but each also contributes to the overall fantastic voyage.  I will absolutely be purchasing Act I of this amazing tale and listen from start to finish, the way it was intended. Do yourself a favor and do the same!” – Metal Rules

“If you like your music melodic, mysterious, and gothic, with a progressive power metal base, then this is for you. This has been a joy to review and yet another band to add to my favoured list. ” – The Prog Space

“Zayarny is a powerhouse vocalist and the contortions he forces into Red Cain make for a very diverse record.. the talent behind the record is undeniable, and at the very least, Kindred proved far more creative and thought-provoking than most death metal records I’ve recently tackled. You should give it a shot — even if you’re not a big weenie..” – Angry Metal Guy

“Overall, ‘Kindred: Act II’ is an interesting mix of styles that combine together in technical wizardry to set the backdrop for the continued tales of the warrior Zalcoatl. There’s some unexpected musical influences that bubble to the surface, particularly the liberal use of electronic elements provides a futuristic, yet gothic, element to the tales. Vocally, there’s some clear inspiration from Kamelot going on here. They’re predominantly clean, but with a wide range between high pitched and deep passages. The guitar work is pretty varied as well and at times even hits a distinctly djent groove that seems to appear out of nowhere!… Fans of Kamelot and Mastodon alike will find some common ground with ‘Kindred: Act II’ (and Act I for that matter).” – Uber Rock

“These seasoned metal performers brought me to school with a clear cut album, delivered beautifully across seven tracks. The epic highs and lows of the album leave me wanting more… My hat is off to RED CAIN!” – Metal Temple

“With a flurry of progressive guitars, grandiose vocals and intriguingly wild effects, Red Cain burn brightly from the very start with the opening track, Kindred.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Songs alternate between melodic and more progressive portions in fine fashion. There is also a heroic aspect to the band that assures that they have some variety and also ties them to power metal. The entire affair is uplifting and does a good job getting the listener entranced in the music… a fun album and a very nice way to start the year off. It will also appeal to fans of bands from a number of different sub-genres.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“the crew here found yet another gem from Red Cain, one filled with cosmic terrors this time. Kindred: Act II provides us with an additional slice of that delicious metal geekery that this band is capable of. A record that makes complexity sound easy, even casual. And that’s a feat not many bands master these days anymore.” – Rock Music Raider

“RED CAIN keep us on our toes right down to the final track Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire). There is a mixture of all sorts going on but again, it flows together seamlessly. It’s complex yet memorable. I knew logically this was the last track of the album but I feel this story is not over yet. Will there be Act III to follow in the next year or so? Who knows, I personally hope there is. Kindred:  Act II was a great introduction to RED CAIN and their sound. From listening to this, it’s easy to see why they have been nominated for awards. I look forward to see how their sound grows and develops from now.” – Rock Out Stand Out

“One of the best aspects, despite the fact that this is prog, is that the music is very easy to get into and enjoy. It is often midtempo, headbobbing music as a general style, and that makes things exceedingly easy for fans in general that prefer normal, song-friendly speeds…  the real big reason to listen is the melodic singing. It makes this listener really curious to find out if the singing can be this good in the live concert. Is this voice for real?! It sounds so good, and strong, and also melodic. It is the thing that takes the band over the top in terms of music and of catching the interest of potential fans. There is an elegance and style to the singing that makes the songwriting attractive and pulls you in to check out more of the music.” – Metal Bulletin Zine

“Kindred: Act II is a solid offering. It straddles a number of different styles and influences without committing 100% to any of them… any metalhead with a taste for the dramatic should find something rewarding in here.” – The Independent Voice

“I think Red Cain took the right chances and put forward an interesting release that will challenge the listeners to catch everything they’ve put into making this album. It’s definitely not a one listen and you’ve got it album. It is a listen multiple times to catch what you missed each time before type of album. Give this one a chance and see if you don’t love it yourself.” – Yesterdaze News

“an atmosphere between anger and melancholy are exactly what the band is all about. “KINDRED: ACT II” is definitely a really strong album and one only regrets that it ends so early. But as the saying goes : Quality is more important than quantity!” – Metal-Heads.de

“This new album is opened by KINDRED, a brilliant tune with different influences, from power/prog to electro-rock. It’s enriched by an interesting solo, a well-groomed production and cinematic mood.” – HardRockHeavyMetal

“a strong progressive mix and very melodic power metal, they are a band of experienced musicians who give us a well-defined, real album with these seven tracks, for lovers of this genre it will be more than good and unique.” – Darkzen Dragon Metal Angels

“The album kicks off with a couple of brilliantly technical and melodic tracks – ‘Kindred’, is heavy and showcases the skillset these guys have at their disposal in true Progressive style. ‘Demons’ is a much more catchy hook-based track, although no less technically capable, but with catchy riffs, melodies and enough commercial bent to pull in a new listener – whilst still playing to that vocal ambidextrousness with a couple of lines that wouldn’t sound amiss on a Marilyn Manson album. And then the album switches style and becomes haunting, moody and totally surprising with the falsetto introduction to ‘Precipice Of Man’, which fools you into thinking it’s a power ballad before belting you around the head with one of the heaviest bass sounds I have heard in a while and a much more extreme vocal sound. These kind of body swerves just keep coming, and are what makes this album such a refreshing change.” – Ever Metal

“Concluding this album is the pure Power Metal entity known as ‘Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)’. This proves to be an enjoyable ad worthy finale for what has been a brilliant album. ‘Kindred: Act II’ doesn’t include a single bad song and advertises the talent of Red Cain excellently.” – AC Rock Reviews

======

“What we have here is a two headed beast of sad and melancholy music on one side and angry and raging music on the other. The two combine somewhere in the middle with flair for the dramatic and impassioned vocals. This is definitely worth your time if you are looking for something off the beaten path.” – Metal Temple (Kindred Act I Review)

“Red Cain’s first full-length act is a more than solid release that I can warmly recommend if you enjoy the likes of Kamelot, TesseracT and Blind Guardian or just enjoy some good old thinking man’s metal music in general. With a charismatic frontman, well thought out and varied songwriting and a healthy dose of power and energy, Red Cain is a up and coming Canadian act that I’ll sure be keeping my eye on!” – Belgian Metal Shredder (Kindred Act I Review)

“Kindred: Act I is all about raw and unbridled metal power. A thoughtful brand of metal that – for once – does not base itself on mindless growling about the stage along normal lines of metal conduct. Instead they rip the established status quo to pieces and attack with a very unusual metal dish. One that comes with a distinct groove to boot… a very tasty fusion of Progressive and Power Metal that we have rarely seen to date. A metal dish best consumed red-hot. Have some, you will not regret it.” – Rock Music Raider (Kindred Act I Review)

“Symphonic progressive metal with alternative and gothic nuances – Red Cain are well on their way to establishing new territory in story telling and musical match-ups. Kindred: Act Irepresents a fine opening album for these Canadians, and should lend itself well to various multi-media opportunities for live show and film options. The best records connect on a mind, body, and spirit level – and this will be one that should be in the conversation for visionary, forward-thinking effort, proving the ink is not dry on what metal can bring to the table for innovation.” – Dead Rhetoric (Kindred Act I Review)

“I couldn’t be more impressed with this band and album from the opening track “Snake Bouquet” to the last track “Wing Of The Crow” which is an awesome closing track with guest vocals from Kobra Paige of Kobra and The Lotus. This album takes you on an epic and melodic journey, I feel fans of bands from Avatar to Kamelot to Marilyn Manson and anything in between will really love this album.” – Crannk (Kindred Act I Review)

“Red Cain have produced a very awesome album. It sounds and looks very professional, has great riffs and epic melodies. Keep an eye on these guys, they will come very far.” – Lyrical Spell Magazine (Kindred Act I Review)

0 ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2023 Lineup w/ WARBRINGER, FALLUJAH, ENTERPRISE EARTH, THE ZENITH PASSAGE, VALE OF PNATH, STRIKER and more!

  • May 5, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

EWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 5, 2023

​

ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2023 Lineup

w/ WARBRINGER, FALLUJAH, ENTERPRISE EARTH, THE ZENITH PASSAGE, VALE OF PNATH, STRIKER and more!

July 14-15 – Armstrong, BC, Canada

Watch the official video recap of AMF 2019 here.
(video created by Mayne Brand Productions)

AMF Spotify Playlist 2023 Lineup Here.

British Columbia’s rocky mountains will be quivering this summer from the thunderous sounds of this year’s 2023 lineup for Armstrong MetalFest being held on July 14th and 15th in the Okanagan Valley at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong.

The 2023 lineup features headliners LA thrashers WARBRINGER, San Francisco tech-death giants FALLUJAH, festival alumni Spokane, WA’s ENTERPRISE EARTH, and Los Angeles’ THE ZENITH PASSAGE, along with Denver’s H.P. Lovecraft extreme metallers VALE OF PNATH, and Edmonton’s Juno award-winning heavy metal champions STRIKER among the 28 bands performing on the two-day extreme music festival. (full lineup listed below)

“The artist list for the 13th annual Armstrong Metalfest is here! The announcement is definitely a little later than we would have hoped, but it’s definitely worth the wait! Our team has crafted the biggest lineup the festival has ever seen! Six international acts alongside some of Canada’s best. We are looking forward to seeing the streets of Armstrong busy with metalheads from all over! We are straight up getting ready for the biggest year yet. Our pre-sale tickets before the lineup announcement have been the highest of any year since we started.” says Jessie Valstar – General Manager/Co-founder.

Tickets are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets/​

Prices are as follows:

Pre-sales $179.99 (Until July 12th)

Door sales weekend pass $219.99

One day admission $119.99

Armstrong MetalFest 2023 Lineup:​
Warbringer (Los Angeles, CA)
Fallujah (San Francisco, CA)
Enterprise Earth (Spokane, WA)
The Zenith Passage (Los Angeles, CA)
Vale of Pnath (Denver, CO)
Striker (Edmonton, AB)
Golers (Vancouver, BC)
Wormwitch (Vancouver, BC)
Greyhawk (Seattle, WA)
Pound (Seattle, WA)
The Hallowed Catharsis (Vancouver, BC)
Empress (Vancouver, BC)
Blackwater Burial (Vancouver, BC)
Liminal Shroud (Victoria, BC)
Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
Truent (Vancouver, BC)
Nomad (Okanagan, BC)
Tymo (Edmonton, AB)
Our Last Crusade (Calgary, AB)
Traceless Dimensions (Kelowna, BC)
Bogue Brigade (Edmonton, AB)
Thousand Arrows (Vancouver, BC)
No More Moments (Siksika Nation, AB)
Storm The Empire (Kelowna, BC)
Blackthrone Ascension (Vancouver, BC)
Cranial Fungus (Okanagan, BC)
Bleak Valley (Kamloops, BC)
Param-Nesia (Vancouver, BC)

2023 follows AMF‘s most successful event to date in 2022, which saw the festival’s highest attendance on record along with it marking its return after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. The 2023 edition promises to be an eclectic earth-shaking lineup with bands from across Canada and beyond.

Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Each year up to 700 metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun they spend three days camping, taking in as much metal over two days, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C., but gives bands opportunities to play different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

Partners:​
WCMFA
Vox and Hops
Rancho Vignola
Creative BC
Province of BC
Shepherds Hardware
Askews Foods
Armstrong Coop
ACE Containers
Asher Media Relations
Armadillo Trailers
Staggs Head
Nor-Val
Exclaim!
Bravewords
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
V13
Metal-Rules
Trash Talk w/ Nate
Valstar Electric
Voets

For more info:​
​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
​
​Facebook​
​Instagram​
​Twitter​

Festival Press Materials HERE.

​

What the press is saying:

“Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan” – Global BC News

Kelowna Now: Armstrong Metal Festival Co-founder reflects on a decade of metal – Video Interview here.

CHBC – Global Okanagan: Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong – Video Interview here.

“In the past, metalheads had to travel to Germany to experience the rush of a big festival, such as Wacken Open Air. But local headbangers decided to bring that feeling home with Armstrong Metalfest.” – Vernon Morning Star

“Go Big or Stay at Home: Armstrong has that welcoming feeling for a rock show.” – The Valley Voice

“To witness such a gathering of talent is an absolute privilege, and for that fact alone, I will certainly be returning to Armstrong Metal Fest.” – Beatroute BC

“This festival is now going to be my yearly must-go-to event and if you’re a metal head that hasn’t attended or a curious metal voyeur, do yourself a favour and check it out, you will not regret it.” – Abort Mag

“The Armstrong Metalfest is one such event and has grown from its initial, humble beginnings seven years ago to be a regular mainstay, with its south-central BC location making for a popular summertime destination for fans and bands alike.” – Decibel Mag

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun
​
​
​“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

– 30 –

​

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Out Now! Israel’s NEOLIA Self-Titled Debut Progressive Metal Album + New Music Video “A Better Version of You” (Live at Barby)

  • May 5, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Neolia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 5, 2023

​

Out Now! Israel’s NEOLIA Self-Titled Debut Progressive Metal Album

New Music Video “A Better Version of You” (Live at Barby)

Album Mastered by Howie Weinberg (Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana)

L-R: Neolia Current Line Up – Tomer Mash (Bass), Yair Ben Shalom (Drums), Ben Reiss (Vocals), Guy Greenberg (Guitar), Inbar Davish (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Avi Veldman

Photo Edit by: Rana Sneider

Israel’s Neolia is a force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive metal, and their self-titled debut album is proof of that. With intricate instrumentation, soaring vocals, and unrelenting energy, this album is a must-listen for any fan of progressive music. According to the band, this album has traveled a lifetime with them already, and they are excited to be releasing it to the world. They share their thoughts:

“Being able to shine a light and allowing others to see, hear, and feel what we feel this elaborate vision is in itself a blessing and it is what keeps us going. We wanted to allow new emotions and new subjects that we had felt were not given the proper attention, such as child neglection, mental illnesses, personal family issues, torture and more to be given the option to be approached from a perspective of a fictional story in order for people to be able to connect to the complexity of the lyrics more easily.”

They continue to explain that although this is a concept album, each track presents its own unique characteristics and expresses a variety of styles and musical ideas that are derived from world music, jazz, and electronic at times. The album also incorporates different interludes some atmospheric and some piano based adding more emotional layers and subcontext to the mood changes in the album. It is intended to feel artistic in its nature and to convey a message of freedom.

Neolia was formed to give to others and to encourage people to come together. They give in a few dimensions — one is personal and spiritual, and the other is musical and expressive.

The self-titled album was mastered by Howie Weinberg (Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana) and is available as of May 5th, 2023.

In addition to the album’s release, the band is sharing their latest live video for the track “A Better Version of You”, which was captured during a recent performance at the legendary Tel-Aviv venue Barby.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/pI_qa14kZ-k

​

Album order is available at https://neolia.bandcamp.com/album/neolia​

Previous Videos:

 

 

 

 

Track Listing:​
1. The Shed – 3:44
2. The Shed Outro – 0:52
3. Your Prophecy – 7:44
4. Dance of Violence – 7:10
5. Carried Away – 5:49
6. Carried Away Outro – 1:24
7. Karma – 4:09 ft. guest vocals Ran Yerushalmi
8. Karma Outro – 0:44
9. Day In Day Out – 11:06
10. Anchors – 7:14
11. Rise and Fall – 5:06
12. Blow the Leaves – 7:02
13. A Better Version of You – 4:53
14. Refahim – 8:00
Album Length: 74:57

For more info: Neoliaband.com | Facebook.com/neoliaband | Instagram.com/neoliaband​

– 30 –

“This band is going to be huge. You know how Tool and the Mars Volta developed into their own sound and how they have a legion of devoted fans? That’s what Israel’s Neolia is about to do with this self titled debut album.” – Transcending the Mundane​
​
​“Karma”, (the video) accompanied by a beautiful shot somewhere in the deserts of Israel, has that fantastic balance of aggression and melody that I love about alternative metal. At its more frenetic moments, like the excellent transitions from the heavier moments near the end of the track and the more melodic chorus, it reminds me of The Mars Volta, and that is one big compliment. Elsewhere, Yerushalmi’s guest vocals are expertly utilized to balance the rawer, more harried vocals of the band’s own singer, Ben Reiss. Together, they present the major melodic force on the track, while the instruments deliver well written, complex, and undeniable groove. This mix is exactly what alternative metal is so good for, hitting on both the emotional and the visceral level of enjoyment. The track ends up being both interesting to dissect and take apart but also something you can move and sing to. If the band’s self-titled is as good as this, and the other tracks released so far seem to indicate that that is indeed the case, then we’re in for a treat. Make sure you head on over to the band’s Bandcamp to pre-order it; I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy​
​
​“Neolia’s Self titled debut album is a reflection of years of soaking up music of different genres from rock to pop to world music and whatnot. It’s a fusion of bits upon bits of pieces absorbed and processed and then spat out from a personal perspective. In its musical aspect, its rock and metal based, but with a twist of African, Latin, Jazz, and ambient that reaches the spectrum of high and low, tender, extreme, and crazy.” – New Prog Releases​
​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 Streaming Now! Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Abrasive New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch”

  • May 4, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Vvon Dogma I

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

 

Streaming Now! Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Abrasive New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch”

New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 5th

Fans of Radiohead, Meshuggah, and Deftones are sure to appreciate VVON DOGMA I‘s unique, bass-centric, progressive metal sound. The band takes inspiration from these bands, but puts their own spin on it, creating something that is entirely their own. With “The Kvlt of Glitch”, being released on May 5th, VVON DOGMA I is set to solidify its place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the experimental rock genre. To further hype this release, they are sharing an advance full stream of the album via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

Band founder and bassist Frederick Filiatrault (ChaotH) adds:

“Musically I come from a world where you have to dare to do something different so… hopefully this album takes the listener a bit out of their comfort zone. If it can reach and touch just one person I’ll be happy. Again coming from a band (Unexpect) that reached tens of thousands of people worldwide, it’s quite humbling to start it all over on my own so I’ll just be happy to put it out there really.”

Vvon Dogma I came to be mostly out of 9-string bassist Chaoth’s desire to experiment with different lower tunings and different sounds. He was already starting to think of a side project but when his previous band Unexpect disbanded he slowly but surely started creating another entity to keep experimenting and crafting. The album “The Kvlt of Glitch” was produced by Chaoth along with Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and Dave Evangelista and was mixed and mastered by Max Lacroix at House of Gain Studio.

Synthetic feeling and melancholic, the album is chaotic, well thought out, and something different that will intrigue progressive metal fans. It is highly recommended for fans of Igorrr, Deftones, and Sleep Token.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” is due out May 5, 2023.

Album pre-order – Vvondogmai.bandcamp.com​

Music Video – “One Eye” – https://youtu.be/ebEmZojXIgk​

Lyric Video – “The Void” – https://youtu.be/G5MTer7TkMA​

In addition to the album, Chaoth has launched bass lessons via his Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/chaoth ​

Track Listing:​
1. The Void – 4:45
2. Tabula Rasa – 4:25
3. Triangles and Crosses – 4:33
4. Day of The Dead – 4:36
5. One Eye – 4:34
6. Hivemind – 2:47
7. Lithium Blue – 4:51
8. 2 + 2 = 5 – 3:11 (Radiohead Cover)
9. Hurt – 3:58
10. The Great Maze – 6:54
Album Length: 44:40

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: VVON DOGMA I
• All songs written by: CHAOTH and VVON DOGMA I (except 2+2=5 written by Radiohead)
• Produced by: Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson, Dave Evangelista, Chaoth
• Mixed by: Max Lacroix at House of Gain studio
• Mastered by: Max Lacroix at House of Gain studio
• Album Artwork by: Patrick Filteau and MidJourney
• Canadian Content (MAPL) (for Canadian

Vvon Dogma I – Album and Live Band Lineup:​
ChaotH (Frederick F) – 9 String bass
Kevin Alexander – Drums
Yoan MP – Guitar
Blaise Borboën – Synth, Strings, Production

For more info: Facebook.com/VvonDogmaI | Instagram.com/vvondogmai | Twitter.com/vvondogmai | Youtube.com/@vvondogmai8596​

– 30 –

“The invigorating glitched out bliss they have on display here is as dense as it is rewarding, with nothing falling out of place, yet with everything shifting all the time. If “The Void” is any indication of what’s to come, I seriously cannot wait to hear the rest of The Kvlt of Glitch, when it lands on May 5th independently.” – Everything Is Noise​
​
​“Vvon Dogma are back with a new video for their new record, The Kvlt of Glitch, in the form of the track “One Eye.” It features some seriously insane nine-string bass playing… Chaoth, their nine-string bassist, is a big driver behind their experimental sound and their popularity.” – Metal Sucks​
​
​“The album promises to push boundaries with its unconventional approach to music.” – Metal Insider

​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)
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0 Streaming Now! Canada’s SOVEREIGN COUNCIL Pave Their Own Distinct Path Through Power Metal With New EP “World On Fire”

  • May 4, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Sovereign Council

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

 

Streaming Now! Canada’s SOVEREIGN COUNCIL Pave Their Own Distinct Path Through Power Metal With New EP “World On Fire”

L-R – Joe Moon – Lead Guitarist & Backup Vocals, Brandon Schneider – Drummer, Lisa Thompson – Lead Vocals, Shaun Vanhooser – Bassist, Chris Thompson – Rhythm Guitarist
Photo Credit: Dark Moon Productions

Canada’s Sovereign Council embraces metal head-on, with all of its throttling guitar riffs, intense bass lines, driving drums, and fluctuating vocals that are at times guttural and at others more mellow and introspective. They have two albums under their belts thus far and the third “World On Fire” is out on May 5th, for those looking for the next thing in power metal. The EP was written and composed from a place of love and vulnerability to show a different side of the band who have adjusted their lineup and musical trajectory since their last album “Laniakea”. They explain:

“We feel that the sound we have created here is still at its core very “Sovereign Council” but has matured and developed into something greater. We are extremely proud of this new sound and cannot wait to see how people respond to it. We have another set of songs nearly completed as well; these new songs continue our new direction and add another new edge as well as a heavier feel. You’ll have to stick around for the next release to find out what that edge is.”

For this EP, the band picked five of their strongest tracks which follow the same feel and give listeners a cohesive listening experience through a range of emotions and imagery ranging from inspiring, motivational lyrics to darker subject matter.

The EP was produced by guitarist Joe Moon; mixed and mastered by Silver Wings Studios and the EP cover artwork was done by Martin Trottier. Melodic and powerful, Sovereign Council puts a distinct spin on progressive power metal. They will be enjoyed by those who have Lacuna Coil, Evergrey, and Evanescence in their rotation.

Listen to “World On Fire” in full via its EP stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

​
​“World On Fire” is due out May 5, 2023, and available for pre-order at https://sovereigncouncil.bandcamp.com​

Track Listing:​
1. World On Fire – 4:43
2. The Wait – 4:24
3. Aberration – 4:00
4. Breathe You In – 3:34
5. Of The Ashes – 4:13
EP Length: 20:52

For more info: Facebook.com/SovereignCouncilpage | Twitter.com/sovcouncil | Instagram.com/sovereigncouncil​

– 30 –

““World On Fire” is simply an excellent EP all around. Every track has something unique to offer and it is easy to imagine any of the five songs becoming a favourite depending on the listener. The melodies are catchy, the production is clean and the talent is immense. In particular, I would recommend this release to fans of bands with a more modern take on symphonic metal, such as recent Within Temptation, Beyond The Black, Dark Horse | White Horse and Phantom Elite to name a few. I’m excited to see what comes next for SOVEREIGN COUNCIL. They have certainly made a fan out of me.” – Female Fronted Power

“World on Fire marks a welcome return for Sovereign Council, showing a band with a will to break genre boundaries” – Metal Observer

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 EPK – Diner Drugs – This War (single) (2023) BatSkull Records

  • May 4, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Diner Drugs · EPKs

EPK – Diner Drugs – This War (single) (2023) BatSkull Records

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

“This War” is the first single off of Diner Drugs’ latest EP titled “42”. Diner Drugs are proud of this loud and driving track, complete with catchy choruses and an epic, heavy ending. This song features powerful vocals, with lyrics of warning about the dangers of assuming things will work out for the best, without cautiously preparing for the worst.” – Diner Drugs

Management / Booking: Manager, Kate Butler, She Said Feck Records – shesaidfeckrecords[@]gmail.com

Single Title: This War
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Label: BatSkull Records

For fans Red Fang, Cancer Bats, Alexisonfire, The Bronx, Heart Attack Kids

SheSaidFeckRecords.com/diner-drugs-epk | Facebook.com/DinerDrugs | Twitter.com/DinerDrugs | Youtube | Instagram.com/DinerDrugs

DinerDrugs.Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon| Spotify 

Tour Dates: ​
May 12 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Abbey (All Ages)
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 24 – Charlottetown, PEI – Trailside w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 25 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 26 – Halifax, NS – The Seahorse w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 27 – Sydney, NS – Curling Club w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

[Download Single Artwork | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Diner Drugs
Single: This War
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Label: Batskull Records

Single Credits:
Written By: Landry/Lee/Briggs/Fournier
Performed by: Landry/Lee/Briggs/Fournier
Singe/Album Artwork: Jonah Landry
Members of SOCAN
Canadian Content – MAPL

Diner Drugs is
Jesse Briggs – Drums
Chris Lee – Bass/Vocals
Jordan Fournier – Guitar/Vocals
Jackson Landry – Guitar/Vocals

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts

A) Jordan was the last member to join the band. When he learned the songs from some recordings the other guys had made, he accidentally learned them in the wrong guitar tuning. To this day, Jordan still plays in a different tuning than Chris and Jackson.

B) While in the van on tour, Diner Drugs mainly listens to comedy specials and podcasts.

C) Chris and Jesse were once in a band called “Bong Jovi” with Jackson’s brother. Jordan and Jesse were in a band together called “The Human Comedy” with the singer of Bong Jovi, who is Jordan’s cousin. Jesse and Chris were in a band called “Savage Young”, whose singer also played guitar in Bong Jovi. Through these three bands, Diner Drugs has sort of been in the making since we were all in high school.

D) In our old jam room we had many, many rats. One time in the hottest week of summer, a huge rat died in our room and was left in there for a full 7 days in +30-40C heat. What we found the next room was as bad, and probably worse than you would expect. That was right around the time we decided to move out.

E) On Diner Drugs’ first tour to Ontario and Quebec, Jordan did not respect the importance of not eating too much sodium. He lived off instant ramen and dollar store cheese sticks the entire time, and got cartoonishly swollen ankles for the remainder of the tour as a consequence for his gluttony. Months later on another tour, his bandmates were making fun of him and asked him: “How are the ankles, bud?”. When Jordan insisted that he had learned his lesson about the sodium, he lifted up his pant legs only to discover that they were once again, freshly swollen. He just could not resist the gas station nacho pumped cheese and $1.99 taquitos.

Back – Jesse Briggs (Drums), Middle (L to R) – Jackson Landry (Guitar), Jordan Fournier (Guitar), Front – Chris Lee (Bass)

Photo Credit: Bryan Otter

Diner Drugs is a four-piece stoner metal punk crew, born out of a desire to defeat the boredom of east coast living. Diner Drugs is fast, loud and are always keen to turn up the heat with catchy choruses and deep vocal harmonies while sticking to their deep stoner metal roots. They are ready to hit the road this spring and have a flashy new single “This War” coming out to get fans excited. The single is the first look at a new EP that will be coming out this year. The band explains in detail:

“This is the first single off of our latest EP titled “42”. We are proud of this loud and driving track, complete with catchy choruses and an epic, heavy ending. This song features powerful vocals, with lyrics warning about the dangers of assuming things will work out for the best, without cautiously preparing for the worst. So much hard work from so many people went into this, it’s loud and fast and we hope everyone digs it.”

The tour this spring will take Diner Drugs all over the east coast of Canada. With relaxed attitudes and groovy riffs, they enjoy bringing fun metal to people and enticing them to headbang. Loud and energetic is their goal, and their lyrics come from both personal experience and witnessing the experiences of others. They live in a have-not town, so they are more than familiar with hard times. They draw from these troubles for inspiration and hope to maybe help anyone stuck in these situations feel a little less alone in their battles.

It’s loud, fast, meaningful metal, and according to the band the song means a lot more to them this time around and they feel it reflects in the upcoming record. They are recommended for fans of Cancer Bats, Dead Quiet, and Mokomakai.

Discography:
TBD – 43 (EP)
2019 – As Is (LP)
2017 – Self Titled (EP)

Shared Stage with:
Cancer Bats, Mokomakai, Red Fang, Dead Quiet, Heart Attack Kids, Iron Giant, Zaum, Hard Charger Motherhood, Greber, Cell Press

Tours and Festivals:
2023 – Ontario/ Quebec Tour w/ Greber, Cell Press
2019 – Cancer Bats East Coast Tour w Dead Quiet
2019 – Mud City Meltdown Festival w Red Fang – Moncton, NB
2019 – Heart Attack Kids East Coast/ON/QC Tour
2018 – Heart Attack Kids East Coast Tour
2018 – She Said Feck Records East Coast Tour
2017 – Mokomaki – East Coast Support

0 Moncton’s DINER DRUGS Release Video For Punchy, Groovy “This War” Off Upcoming EP “42” + Tour Dates (NL, PEI, NB, NS) w/ CANCER BATS

  • May 4, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Diner Drugs · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

​

Moncton’s DINER DRUGS Release Video For Punchy, Groovy “This War” Off Upcoming EP “42”

Tour Dates w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

Back – Jesse Briggs (Drums), Middle (L to R) – Jackson Landry (Guitar), Jordan Fournier (Guitar), Front – Chris Lee (Bass)

Photo Credit: Bryan Otter

Diner Drugs is a four-piece stoner metal punk crew, born out of a desire to defeat the boredom of east coast living. Diner Drugs is fast, loud and are always keen to turn up the heat with catchy choruses and deep vocal harmonies while sticking to their deep stoner metal roots. They are ready to hit the road this spring and have a flashy new single “This War” coming out to get fans excited. The single is the first look at a new EP that will be coming out this year. The band explains in detail:

“This is the first single off of our latest EP titled “42”. We are proud of this loud and driving track, complete with catchy choruses and an epic, heavy ending. This song features powerful vocals, with lyrics warning about the dangers of assuming things will work out for the best, without cautiously preparing for the worst. So much hard work from so many people went into this, it’s loud and fast and we hope everyone digs it.”

The tour this spring will take Diner Drugs all over the east coast of Canada. With relaxed attitudes and groovy riffs, they enjoy bringing fun metal to people and enticing them to headbang. Loud and energetic is their goal, and their lyrics come from both personal experience and witnessing the experiences of others. They live in a have-not town, so they are more than familiar with hard times. They draw from these troubles for inspiration and hope to maybe help anyone stuck in these situations feel a little less alone in their battles.

It’s loud, fast, meaningful metal, and according to the band the song means a lot more to them this time around and they feel it reflects in the upcoming record. They are recommended for fans of Cancer Bats, Dead Quiet, and Mokomakai.

Watch and listen to “This War” at https://youtu.be/XwLLFLMmrzU

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3p4Ub9H

The EP “42” is due out via BatSkull Records later this year.

Tour Dates: ​
May 12 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Abbey (All Ages)
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 24 – Charlottetown, PEI – Trailside w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 25 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 26 – Halifax, NS – The Seahorse w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 27 – Sydney, NS – Curling Club w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

For more info:
​
SheSaidFeckRecords.com/diner-drugs-epk​
​Facebook.com/DinerDrugs​
​Twitter.com/DinerDrugs​
​Youtube​
​Instagram.com/DinerDrugs​

Management – She Said Feck – shesaidfeckrecords@gmail.com

– 30 –

“Jack Of All Trades” uses clever drum timing between guitar riffs which assaults the senses in different ways and rattles your eardrums like an off-balanced washing machine. The skate punk style writing of this track will have you wondering if NOFX and Suicidal Tendencies had a baby.” – Sarah Hellingwerf, The East

“Diner Drugs is one of those “f&*k all” bands that play heavy, fast and dirty rock.” – Jamie Robash, Divide and Conquer Music ​
​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Rockshots Records – Pirate Metal CALICO JACK Hit The Seas For A Naval Battle w/ New Video “Broadside Attack” Off New Album “Isla de la Muerte” Out June 2023

  • May 4, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Calico Jack (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

​

Rockshots Records – Pirate Metal CALICO JACK Hit The Seas For A Naval Battle w/ New Video “Broadside Attack”

New Album “Isla de la Muerte” Out June 2023

Named after the nickname for Captain John Rackham, the English pirate captain who operated in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century, Calico Jack was founded in 2011 by the brothers Toto(rhythm guitar) and Caps (drums) with the aim of merging legendary 80s heavy metal with modern Scandinavian folk metal, wrapping everything in a maritime atmosphere, inspired by folk songs and sea shanties of the Anglo-Saxon tradition. They make sure they present a flashback to those times with stage scenery and costumes.

“If you play pirate metal, you can’t help but fill the stage with bandanas, chests, skulls, cutlasses, and pistols. We are arranging to bring real parrots and cannonballs on stage, but we are meeting some resistance from animal welfare and pacifist associations… Aesthetics aside, our live shows are notorious for creating absolute chaos above and below the stage, so it is not advisable to attend one of our concerts if you are looking for meditative and intellectual listening. We also hold the record of never having played sober since the beginning of our career, and we offer unlimited drinks to any fan who asks!” adds the band.

In 2013, they released the debut EP “Panic In The Harbour”, and first self-titled full-length in 2019. Now signing with Rockshots Records, the band will be rum-running their sophomore album “Isla de la Muerte” out on June 30th, 2023.

For this new record, the band kept the style of their debut album but improved every aspect of their music. “Isla de la Muerte” is much more aggressive, the songs are heavier, more dynamic, and more powerful than past ones. The fiddle tunes on the release are more epic and refined, and there’s no shortage of some of Calico Jack‘s trademarks such as the Caribbean sounds in ‘Antigua’. The band also added important elements such as a track of pure classic heavy metal Running Wild-style (‘Bad Fortune’) and a journey through the eastern sounds of the Indian Ocean in the final suite ‘Sandokan’.

Today, Calico Jack shares their first taste off “Isla de la Muerte” with their music video for the single “Broadside Attack”. The song is about one of the best-documented naval battles in the history of piracy, where pirate Olivier La Bouche defeated Captain John Frost. He attacked Frost’s vessel in July 1717. It took him a 12 hours chase to catch up to the vessel and when he did it was 9 o’clock in the evening. The pirate vessel had twenty guns and a crew of 170. Olivier La Bouche’s ship fired a broadside of double rounds and partridges, and a volley of small shots. The band was inspired by this epic event to write a folk-power broadside with which to cannonball the audience at live shows. The track, and the whole album, begin with real noises of Dave picking up his fiddle and breathing before starting to play.

The band adds:

“‘Broadside Attack’ is our attempt to narrate the epicness and tension of a naval battle through adrenaline-fueled folk akin to speed-power metal. This song contains cheerful guitar and violin melodies that contrast with the speed and rhythmic roughness in a way that results in overflowing energy, and it also contains one of our most beautiful guitar solos. We want this to become one of our wildest and most incendiary live anthems, and we chose it as the first single and album opener because we want it to provoke in the listener the sudden impact of a cannonball broadside.”

Watch and listen to the video for “Broadside Attack” at https://youtu.be/fbkuvnJ_cuk

Recommended for fans of Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Equilibrium, Moonsorrow, and Running Wild, “Isla de la Muerte” is available for album pre-order at https://bit.ly/IslaDeLaMuerteCD​

Track Listing:​
1 – Broadside Attack (07:24)
2 – Isla de la Muerte (10:32)
3 – Bad Fortune (05:02)
4 – Antigua (06:25)
5 – Three Cheers to the Shanty Man (04:30)
6 – Marauder (04:37)
7 – Queen Anne’s Revenge (06:08)
8 – Haul Away Joe (03:31)
9 – Sandokan (15:47)
Total length: 1:03:58
​
​Album Credits:​
Recorded at Elnor Studio by Mattia Stancioiu
Mixed and mastered by Calico Jack
All songs written by Calico Jack
Photos by Chiara Mascetti
Cover art by Sergey Vasnev

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Calico-jack.net | Facebook.com/CalicoJackOfficial | Instagram.com/calico.jack.official​

– 30 –

‘Unique but still stick to their theme well enough to remain firmly within the confines of Pirate movie soundtracks and the sorts of songs you would hear sung in port taverns.’ – Folk-metal.nl

‘Calico Jack’s ship is finally ready to set sail in the world of pirate metal, and given the prowess of the crew, it won’t struggle much to conquer land and booty, you can be sure of that…for Blackbeard’s eyepatch!’ – Mr. Folk

‘Let the sails be unfurled, let the flags be hoisted, it’s time to set sail into the open sea in search of treasure and ships to plunder and to other ports to pillage. Calico Jack: dreaded pirates of folk metal.’ – Metalforce​
​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)
​

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0 EPK – Orchid’s Curse – The Decay (2023)

  • May 4, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Orchid's Curse

EPK – Orchid’s Curse – The Decay (2023)

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

“We are elated to finally be releasing THE DECAY to the masses. Writing for this EP started before the pandemic and we are glad the time to release it is finally here.  One positive is that with the shutdowns we had a lot of extra time to spend refining these songs to ensure it was most mature and competent release to date. 

We really wanted to ensure THE DECAY picked up where our last few releases left off.  With each new record we always try to continue to progress and up the ante musically and artistically.  We all feel really confident in these songs and this release as a whole.  Although the release was delayed longer than we had hoped, we are happy that the time is finally here.” – Orchid’s Curse

For fans of At the Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder, Burnt By The Sun, Darkest Hour

Band: Orchid’s Curse
EP Title: The Decay
Label: Self-Release
Release Date: June 16, 2023

Orchidscurse.com | Facebook.com/orchidscurse | Instagram.com/orchidscurse

Orchidscurse.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

“Orchid’s Curse’s The Decay Waves a Flag For Eastern Canadian Metal… The Decay sees the band taking steps to consciously be as stylistically diverse as possible with each of the six songs on offer, from slow and low to fast and furious, from melodic death metal and thrash to late ’90s/early ’00s Hydra Head/Relapse metallic hardcore and epic bright-eyed sludge.” – Decibel Magazine

“there’s something refreshingly different about their sound… High on energy, full of passion, you can’t fault any part of this release. It’s been five years since their last release, Graveyard of the Gulf. With The Decay, Orchid’s Curse have fired a flare in the sky. It says, “we are back, and you’d better believe it”.” – Moshville Times

“Beat my senses into a pulp like this EP is doing. So top marks to guitarist Brian Jones for giving the music such a huge sound. So no messing around. You get 5 tracks in about 24 minutes and if it doesn’t rip you a new one, I’ll be very surprised. Love It” – Smorg Mag

“Everyone above a certain age is well aware of the scene in Pulp Fiction where Vincent viciously stabs a spike loaded with adrenaline right into Mia’s heart to bring her back from a heroin overdose. Immediately, the adrenaline makes her explode back to life. That scene popped to mind in listening to the Orchid’s Curse song “Dead Idols” that we’re about to premiere — specifically, the way the song begins. There’s no warning, no introductory pause, just a sudden furious injection of scorching screams, hammering drums, and maniacally pulsating riffage. And then the song becomes even more explosively unhinged, thanks to a turbocharged percussive eruption and a blizzard of tremolo’d chords. If you’re not bolt-upright and pop-eyed awake after that, it’s probably too late to call emergency services.” – No Clean Singing

“After a few spins of this five-song effort, prepare to suffer some mental/physical bruising at the ferocious tones, attacking nature, and stunning comfort of shifts between melodic death, metalcore, groove/thrash, and hardcore elements thrown into the arrangements.” – Dead Rhetoric

“The forceful, militant delivery vocalist Josh Hogan employs pushes the band into that raw, crossover territory – it’s an aspect that won’t be soon forgotten from the first song to last. These musicians understand the need to pump out killer hooks right from the get go – which is what you’ll get in the stunted, staccato-like shifts surrounding the melodeath mainframe “Better Men”, bridging aspects of At the Gates, Machine Head, and The Black Dahlia Murder. Orchid’s Curse contains solid players plus dynamic abilities to synthesize numerous sub-genres into a coherent sound. The Decay will probably appeal most to those who enjoy a bit more progressive twists against their normal groove/melodic death/metalcore-oriented tracks.” – Dead Rhetoric

““Dead Idols” has another rousing and energetic sound. The music and vocals are absolutely punishing,” – Metal-Temple

“This has a nice catchy kind of thrashy sound, but more leaning into prog metal musically and a nice catchy gritty sound too” – Mosh Pit Radio – WORT 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

“Orchid’s Curse  got me hooked from the first riff .” – New Music Plug

“Canadian band Orchid’s Curse are out with the mini-album “The Decay”, and metal is the style explored on this production. It is a powerful and vibrant variety of the form we get here, and most of the songs appears to revolve around a more vibrant display of thrash metal, executed with occasional dips into extreme metal pace and intensity levels…. A production to seek out by those with a taste for a more dynamic and varied approach to energetic metal that can be described inside of or in relation to a more contemporary thrash metal oriented tradition.” – The Viking in the Wilderness

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

“Orchid’s Curse is one of those bands that plays around with melodeath, groove, thrash, and occasionally prog with enough fluidity to rid themselves of any sort of pesky sub genre tags and earn the simple, yet elegant classification of ‘metal’.” – Metal Sucks

“Orchid’s Curse employ their familiar tactic of borrowing the techniques of multiple genres, from filthy death metal riffs to hardcore barks, progressive guitar explorations and dirge-like, doom-influenced song structures.” – Exclaim!

“Thick, brutal, aggressive and borderline cacophonous, at times, Voices is relentlessly engaging and explosive while maintaining a decisively melodic essence.” – Exclaim!

“heavy riffs built for headbanging” – Metal Storm

“Cynics & Liars, is very much an EP which epitomizes everything good about metal in 2016” – PureGrainAudio / V13

“Orchid’s Curse are versatile, able to play everything from menacing thrash to accessible melodeath to punishing metal” – HeavyMetal.About.com

“Every song punches you right between the eyes” – Mettalworx

“This album is just laced with hook after hook. Whether it be a classic metal riff, a psyched out interval or just a standard heavy rock n’ roll beat; the album is catchier than an STD on 2-for-1 night at a brothel.” – Echoes and Dust

Cynics & Liars (2016) – Canadian College Radio Loud Charts
#3 on the !earshot-online weekly Top 10 National Loud Chart
#7 on the !earshot-online monthly Top 20 National Loud Chart

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Orchid’s Curse
EP Title: The Decay
Label: Self-Release
Release Date: June 16, 2023

Track Listing:
1. Better Men – 5:42
2. Dead Idols – 4:24
3. The Divergence of Man – 4:45
4. Divided by Everything – 2:31
5. Pay to Prey – 6:24
EP Length: 23:47

EP Credits:
All songs performed by Orchid’s Curse
All songs written by Orchid’s Curse
Produced by Brian Jones
Mixed and Mastered by Mike Bowers
Recorded by Brian Jones except Drums Recorded by Palmer Jamieson
EP art by Keith MacLeod
SOCAN member
Canadian Content MAPL

EP and Live lineup:
Josh Hogan – Vocals
Brian Jones – Guitar/Vocals
Keith MacLeod – Guitar
Jason Szeto – Bass
Alex Wrathell – Drums

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

The EP as a whole:

Musically this EP is our most mature work yet. 5 songs with a variety of different musical influences but also still having the Orchid’s Curse sound.Songs range from a 2:30 thrash banger to a 6::30 epic melodic metal song.

Lyrically the EP looks at the continued to decline and decay of our modern society.

Track By Track:

1. Better Men
The first song to open the EP starts with a lo-fi build before opening up with a thunderous rhythm. Midway through the song it alternates between spacial atmosphere and the unrelenting rhythm which opens the track. Before closing with an epic, hardcore-inspired breakdown. Lyrically this song looks at men’s complacency in what is often deep-rooted and historical misogyny.

2. Dead Idols
Unlike the opening track, this song gets right into it from the opening note. Dead Idols is 4-minute melodic death and thrash-inspired banger.  Lyrically this song explores society’s idolization of people who may not deserve the adoration.

3. The Divergence of Man
Track 3 is our homage to sludge and vintage melodic hardcore bands like Burnt by the Sun.  This song is not only more patient in scope than the others on this EP but also more experimental. Lyrically this song looks inward at our willingness to sit back apathetically watching the collapse of our society.

4. Divided by Everything
This song is short and to the point. A 2:30 ripper that serves its purpose and gets the mosh pit moving.  Lyrically this song dives into the political farce that is left versus right divide occurring in most western cultures with the chorus stating simply “Divided by Everything, Bonded by Division”.

5. Pay to Prey
There was no doubt this song would close the EP. At just over 6 minutes this song takes all elements of Orchid’s Curse sound and wraps it up into one tightly wound package. Lyrically this song revisits a theme from past albums and is a scathing look at the commercialism behind religious institutions.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. Orchid’s Curse formed way back in 2005 with our first release in 2006. 18 years have passed and we have withstood the test of time. Whether persevering through member changes or a pandemic, the band continues to push forward and release new music.  The Decay is our 6th release and will highlight that the band has no plans to stop creating music any time soon.

2. For this EP we did all pre-production at Brian Jones home studio “The Lab” with Jones producing and engineering. After being confident the songs were where we wanted them to be, we recorded drums at Golden Palm Studios and finished Guitars, Bass and Vocals in The Lab.  

3. Over the course of our career Orchid’s Curse has gotten to perform and tour with some of our favourite bands. Getting to tour Atlantic Canada with 3 Inches of Blood and Goatwhore a few years back was definitely one of our biggest highlights. Getting to see metal legends perform each night was absolutely incredible.

4. We’ve played a lot of stages (and floors) over our career.  From big stages at the Forum opening for Children of Bodom, the Maritime Tattoo Festival over the sound of buzzing tattoo guns, on National TV for ‘The Candy Show’, but we’ve also had our fair share of tiny stages, dive bars and dirty floors.  Regardless of the venue, one thing is certain, every single show the band brings 100% energy and entertainment.

L-R = Alex Wrathell (Drums), Brian Jones (Guitar), Keith MacLeod (Guitar), Jason Szeto (Bass), Josh Hogan (Vocals)

With over a decade of musical output, Orchid’s Curse continues to create a beautiful amalgamation of brutal metal, progressive melody, and intelligent thought-provoking lyrics. Whether in a live setting or on an album, Orchid’s Curse refuses stagnation and orders your full attention.

Since forming in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in late 2005, Orchid’s Curse has positioned itself at the forefront of the highly underrated East Coast metal scene in Canada. Ensuring that every show left the band drained of all they had and every album was created with the most care and the best team they could find. Now with their sixth release “The Decay” ready to release, the band continues to position itself at the forefront of maritime metal.

Metalsucks.net captured the band’s goal of blending various genres of metal, declaring “Orchid’s Curse is one of those bands that play around with melodeath, groove, thrash, and occasionally prog with enough fluidity to rid themselves of any sort of pesky sub-genre tags and earn the simple, yet elegant classification of ‘metal’.” while Canada’s Hellbound.ca recognized the bands continued progression and growth over the years stating, “Few bands demand that each album be a progression, a growth, in the way that Orchid’s Curse does. No musical influence is turned away, but everything is twisted, melded into an intense metal experience that makes your head bang one moment and your toes tap the next”

Since 2006 Orchid’s Curse has shared the stage with an incredibly diverse lineup of bands including, The Black Dahlia Murder, Children of Bodom, Every Time I Die, Cancer Bats, 3 Inches of Blood, Goatwhore, Exhumed, Fuck the Facts, KEN Mode, Misery Index, Counterparts, Baptized in Blood, Martyr, Beneath the Massacre, Vilipend, Ion Dissonance, Neuraxis, L’Espirit du Clan, Unexpect, Trigger Effect, Ninjaspy, Unbreakable Hatred, Misguided Aggression, Greber and many more.

Orchid’s Curse is:
Josh Hogan – Vocals
Brian Jones – Guitar/Vocals
Keith MacLeod – Guitar
Jason Szeto – Bass
Alex Wrathell – Drums

Discography:
2023 – The Decay (Independent)
2018 – Graveyard of the Gulf (Independent)
2018 – Split with Deadgaard
2016 – Cynics & Liars EP (Independent)
2013 – Words (Diminished Fifth Records)
2010 – Voices The Tales of Broken Men (Diminished Fifth Records)
2006 – Goodbye is when the Casket Closes (Diminished Fifth Records)

Music Placements:
The Candy Show (2013 – S3 E3)
Todd & The Book of Pure Evil (2010 – S1, E3)

Awards / Album of The Year:

Graveyard of the Gulf
“Loud Recording of the Year” – Nova Scotia Music Week 2019 (WINNER)

Cynics & Liars
“Loud Recording of the Year” – Nova Scotia Music Week 2016 (WINNER)
“Loud Recording of the Year” – East Coast Music Awards 2017 (Nominee)

Words
The Coast, Halifax’s Weekly Best of Music 2014
Gold Winner – Best Music Video( “If We’re Divine”)
Gold Winner – Best Merch By An Artist
Bronze Winner – Best Metal Band
Bronze Winner – Best Album (“Words”)

Voices: The Tales of Broken Men
The Coast 2010 Critic’s Pick
Noisography.com Top 10 Records of 2010
2011 Nova Scotia Music Week +  ECMA ‘Loud Recording of the Year’ Nominee
Hellbound.ca writer ‘Jason Wellwood’  Individual Top 10 Metal Albums of 2010 [#8]
PureGrainAudio.com writer ‘Chee Kam’ Individual Top 20 Metal Albums of 2010 [#18]

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