Posts By Asher

0 Canada’s PHAETON’s Now Streaming Instrumental Prog Space Adventure “Between Two Worlds”

April 20, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 20, 2023

Canada’s PHAETON’s Now Streaming Instrumental Prog Space Adventure “Between Two Worlds”

L-R – Colin Righton – Drums & Percussion, Daniel Airth – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Kevin Thiessen – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards, Ferdy Belland – Electric & Fretless Bass
Photo by Julian Bueckert

Get ready to soar through the cosmos with Canada’s Phaeton and their second expansive album “Between Two Worlds”. They anticipate taking their listeners through space and time and feel a complete visceral release that can only be found through progressive metal. They consider this full-length to be a major step up for them and have focused on being sharp and clever to grab people’s ears with melody lines of the twin guitars instead of vocals. They continue to share their excitement for the release:

“We pushed ourselves as musicians, we pushed ourselves as instrumentalists, and we pushed ourselves as a unit to create something that had to at least be on par with the first album – and we surpassed all our expectations. We’re hoping that fans of prog-metal find something enjoyable in these tunes and will urge them into repeat listening, and we hope all the twists and turns and corners and swerves we’ve woven together will surprise and delight. And with us re-energized for live performance, we aim to convince the world that you can say so much…without saying a word.”

There is certainly no ‘sophomore slump’ happening with “Between Two Worlds”, which will accompany listeners on an emotional journey – the classic goal of all instrumental progressive metal. This release is just a taste of what’s to come from Phaeton, who has more material being written.

Phaeton emerged virtually fully formed from the start. As soon as they realized they were onto something explosive and exciting, they followed the blazing comet to the final impact, splitting the hardened crust of progressive metal complacency and bursting forth the white-hot magma of fresh reinvention. “Between Two Worlds” is recommended for fans of Opeth, Gojira, and Meshuggah.

“Between Two Worlds” can be heard in full via its full-stream album premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

“Between Two Worlds” is due out April 21st, 2023, and available for pre-order at Phaetonband.bandcamp.com

Band playthrough – “Monsoon” – https://youtu.be/-sRzrejyHuA

Track Listing:
1. Predestination – 4:57
2. Oceans of Time – 6:44
3. Terra Australis – 4:42
4. Monsoon – 6:06
5. Refraction – 4:48
6. Geomorphic – 4:51
7. Magma Chamber – 6:09
8. Between Two Worlds – 9:21
Album Length: 47:40

For more info: Facebook.com/Phaetonband | Instagram.com/phaetonband | Twitter.com/phaetonband

About: PHAETON was formed in Kimberley, BC in March 2017 by Kevin Thiessen (lead & rhythm guitar), Daniel Airth (lead & rhythm guitar), Colin Righton (drums & percussion), and Ferdy Belland (electric & fretless bass). Combining technically ferocious compositions of modern metal with the ambitious song-arrangement mindset of classic prog-rock, PHAETON (named for the theoretical proto-planet which collided with Ancient Earth during the Primordial Era) stands alone in the wilderness of British Columbia with their unique approach to instrumental prog-metal.

Phaeton is:
Kevin Thiessen – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
Daniel Airth – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Ferdy Belland – Electric & Fretless Bass
Colin Righton – Drums & Percussion

Discography
2018 – Self Titled – LP
2023 – Between Two Worlds – LP

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“Top-tier instrumental prog-metal-math music from the East Kootenay region performed by a quartet of veteran musicians.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun)

“The sound on all seven tracks is huge and if there was a “best sounding hammer-ons” award then March of the Synthetics could be a contender.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun)

“An epic Progressive Metal listening experience.” – Trevor Hatter (BeatRoute Magazine)

“This badass band makes a devastating impact with their high velocity musical assault.” – Time Lord (Progarchy)

“A sparkling, sizzling debut from PHAETON, taking us on a futuristic musical journey, with deep roots in the ancient past.” – Stephen Conrad (Progressive Rock Fanatics)

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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 JON OF MARS Is Now Streaming Out Of This World Debut Album “Songs from Nowhere” (Holcomb Records)

April 20, 2023
by Asher
· Jon of Mars · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal QC – April 20, 2023

JON OF MARS Is Now Streaming Out Of This World Debut Album “Songs from Nowhere” (Holcomb Records)

Jon Of Mars is not only the moniker for an eclectic metal band hailing from Pennsylvania, USA, but it is also the name of the star of their debut concept album that follows our hero through his discoveries on Earth. His perspective is refreshing and humbling while the music is heavy and punishing. “Songs from Nowhere” is suitably being released on April 20th, and will blast listeners into space with smooth rhythms that will occasionally catch people off guard. All of the music on this was written by throwing dice and using number systems found in nature, like the kind that dictate how trees grow branches. The band shares their thoughts on the release:

“None of us can believe how well this turned out, it started as a last-minute change to a final project for Jordan to graduate from Berklee College of Music. “Songs from Nowhere” is exactly that, songs done by talented artists from the middle of nowhere in the Allegheny forest in Pennsylvania, written by metalheads and lifelong music nerds that poured blood, sweat, and literal tears into this project.”

The album features a multitude of songs ranging from the nu-metal to stoner metal genres, with most songs themselves containing elements from multiple genres and styles. The record provides a fresh perspective on the hazards of the internet from the point of view of a millennial and discusses the often overlooked side effects of internet usage and social media.

The mixing and mastering were done for around ten months after the songs were initially recorded, Jordan Karg went over them with a magnifying glass and it resulted in nothing short of perfection. Its mix is nothing less than professional sounding, typically not the case for independent releases with zero budget on such a tight schedule.

“Songs from Nowhere” is immersive and full of energy and comedy. It is recommended for fans of GWAR, Fear Factory, and Korn.

Album order – Jonofmars.bandcamp.com

Stream – Spoti.fi/3mM3cno

Lyric Video – “Mr. Blue” – https://youtu.be/HIoM9C3QicM

Track Listing:
1. Soultest – 1:21
2. A Respite! – 4:31
3. MisinformedNation – 3:40
4. Azag’s Fable – 3:55
5. Mister Blue – 4:44
6. Inhumane Tragedy – 3:35
7. Ghosts – 5:34
Length is 27:22

Album Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
Jordan Karg – Drums and Keys

Live Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
AJ Fry – Drums

For more info: Holcombrecords.wixsite.com/jon-of-mars/ | Twitch.tv/jonofmars | Facebook.com/Marsjonmusicman

About: Having cut his teeth in the underground metal and punk scenes of Northwestern PA, Barrett Holcomb formed Jon of Mars out of a collaborative effort after having worked with Berklee Alumni and music producer Jordan Karg. From the pandemonium of the COVID-19 Pandemic Jon of Mars was forged as a musical outlet to vent trapped creativity, as the world had paused and there were no shows for this creative magma to erupt forth upon the world.

“Hailing from the red planet, a mysterious creature crawls forth from the farthest depths of the earth to observe the denizens of Earth to decide their ultimate fate, drawn by the curious nuance of human life he seeks to understand the human race…. either to help them find salvation or destruction in their greatest and most universal creation: Music.”

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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)

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0 Seattle’s WHYTHRE Announce Synthy Single “Scorpions of Sinai” From New Album “Impregnate My Hate” Out May 2023

April 19, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Whythre

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 19, 2023

Seattle’s WHYTHRE Announce Synthy Single “Scorpions of Sinai”

New Album “Impregnate My Hate” Out May 2023

L-R – Steve Fournier – Drums, Adam Chambers – Vocals, Guitars, Synths, Eric Close – Bass, Shon Petrey – Guitars, Synths
(Photographer Credit – Carolina Chambers)

NoCleanSinging is pleased to debut the second single from Seattle’s Whythre. The single “Scorpions of Sinai”, which comes from their third album “Impregnate My Hate”, is the fastest song on the album, a solid melodic death metal offering pumped full of textures and synth. The band gives a nod to classic tale as a hint of what the song is about and explains:

“Go read the first short story in Roald Dahl’s ‘Switch Bitch’ and then read the lyrics to Scorpions. I can’t say much more without spoiling that experience. It’s a quick read, just go do it. This is our fastest song by far and always leaves Steve sweatin’! There’s a lot of underlying repetition in this song, which was a first for us, honestly the track is heavily inspired by underground techno vibes.”

With this album, the band presents a simmering tension that’s in between chill and balls to the wall. They hope that listeners find some extra ‘medium’ moments here and there that tastefully strike the balance. There is a wide variety of moods present on each track, it’s packed with heavy grooves, blistering riffs and huge symphonic waves.

Whythre started in 2010 as a solo project for Shon Petrey who was traveling a lot for work at the time. At the time, he was really into the symphonic metal and folk metal influences coming out of Europe. In 2012 he met an opera trained singer named Jeran Michaels and the full length album “Hel’s Hollows” followed a few years later. It took several years for the rest of the lineup to be formed but now, as a cohesive unit, they push forwards, challenging the rules of the genres, their musicianship and their camaraderie as a band.

Shon Petrey and Adam Chambers write the songs for Whythre. When inspiration hits, they bounce ideas off each other – sometimes they collaborate from the beginning, sometimes one of them fleshes out an idea to explore. Each song has its own unique vibe and story behind it.

Whythre’s “Scorpions of Sinai” has a groove guaranteed to move any circle pit and a message meant for heretics, by heretics. They are especially recommended for fans of Hypocrisy and Children of Bodom.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Scorpions of Sinai” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

The full album “Impregnate My Hate” is being released on May 26th, 2023 via High Point Records and available for pre order at https://whythre.bandcamp.com/

Music Video – “Scorchbreath” – https://youtu.be/tVGnpIA6Gk8

Track Listing:
1. Scorchbreath (3:54)
2. Impregnate My Hate (3:11)
3. Can’t Escape This (4:55)
4. Scorpions of Sinai (3:29)
5. C Section S1urpee (2:48)
6. Death Frontier (3:09)
7. Tantric Aspects of the Cross (2:32)
8. Immanence (4:02)
9. Run it Red (3:50)
Album Length: 31:54

For more info: Whythre.com | Facebook.com/Whythre | Instagram.com/whythreofficial

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“The drums snap and boom; the nimble, pulsing bass work amplifies the song’s surging, head-moving rhythms; the guitarists deliver jabs and jolts, fiery soloing, and fluid melody; and Tachell’s vocals [previous vocalist] are scalding in their intensity. You put all that together, and you get music that sends the blood rushing and proves to be highly addictive as well” – NO CLEAN SINGING ‘Savage’ single review (2019)

“The songs on this EP turn out to be damned addictive. It’s very easy, at the end, to just go back to the beginning and ride this lightning again… and again” StillBorn World EP Review (2019) – NO CLEAN SINGING

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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 Surrender To Darkness With New Prog-Death Metal Track “Seeds of Hatred” From Canada’s ETHEREAL VOID; New Album “Gods of a Dead World” Out May 2023

April 19, 2023
by Asher
· Ethereal Void · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 19, 2023

Surrender To Darkness With New Prog-Death Metal Track “Seeds of Hatred” From Canada’s ETHEREAL VOID

New Album “Gods of a Dead World” Out May 2023

Ethereal Void is a 3-piece death metal band from Ontario, Canada that incorporates groove and progressive elements into their dark, rhythmic sounds of worship to the void. Forged in the void transcending time and space, they sought to create music different from our past experiences. Thus far, they have created two albums “Disciples of the Void” (2020) and “Acolytes of Entropy” (2021), and now their third “Gods of a Dead World” is ready to see the light of day. The first look at what’s to come is the single “Seeds of Hatred”. The band shares the theme and sound:

“This song is about a geographic area that’s cursed to be forever torn by war. Era after era, it sees bloodshed and turbulence. It is the type of groove-based chug-fest you’d expect from us. Like most of the album, it’s a crushing and to-the-point track about an area cursed to eternal warfare and bloodshed.”

Compared to the previous two albums, “Gods of a Dead World” is a departure. Ethereal Void started out as straightforward death metal with what was arguably progressive and groove influences. This new album takes that sound to a much more epic and grander scale while retaining the core of those aforementioned elements.

Those looking for groove-based death metal darkness need to look no further than Ethereal Void’s “Seeds of Hatred” single, which is streaming now, it is recommended for fans of Gojira, Septicflesh, and The Design Abstract.

Listen to “Seeds of Hatred” via its premiere on TheCirclePit YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/ZN2wTUjij8c

“Gods of a Dead World” is due out May 26, 2023.

Album pre-order – https://design.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. Overture to Annihilation (1:35)
2. The Voiceless (2:59)
3. Seeds of Hatred (3:44)
4. The Art of Ruination (2:48)
5. Psychosomatic Suicide (2:59)
6. Decay (Interlude) (0:46)
7. Return to the Void (3:34)
8. The Brown Stone Spire (2:32)
9. Gods of a Dead World (5:49)
Album Length: 26:50

For more info: Facebook.com/EtherealVoid

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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 Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Continue Their Progressive Assault With “The Void” Off Upcoming Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 2023

April 19, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Vvon Dogma I

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 19, 2023

Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Continue Their Progressive Assault With “The Void”

New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 2023

For VVON DOGMA I, music is more than just a form of entertainment, it’s an art form that allows them to explore their emotions and convey their message to the world. Their music is characterized by a sense of urgency, with powerful riffs and raw vocals that cut through the noise. The project of bassist Chaoth, formerly of Unexpect, is chaotic and thought-provoking and their upcoming album “The Kvlt of Glitch” is dark and melancholic. The newest single “The Void” is being presented with a lyric video, in which Chaoth shares some insight on what to expect:

“This one needed to be the first track of the record as it is the oldest material by far. Most of that song was written over a decade ago and I really love the sound design and glitchy introduction that gives a feel of what you’re walking into musically. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling of emptiness inside, or maybe I’m just a hopeless bluesy melancholic. I actually wrote the first half of that song thinking it could be Unexpect material back in the day, so that tells you how old some of these parts are.”

When it comes to selecting tracks for the album, Chaoth doesn’t come from the school of thinking where you write 30 songs and the best 12 make it on the record. For him, everything he spent countless hours crafting will make it on the record. He also wanted to include a cover and selected the track “2 + 2 = 5” by Radiohead.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” is essentially Chaoth paying tribute to every period of different influences that he’s had in his life, from 90’s alternative and nu-metal to modern electronic and ambient music and everything in between. The album is recommended for fans of Unprocessed, Meshuggah, and Igorrr.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “The Void” via its premiere on EverythingIsNoise HERE.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” was produced by Chaoth along with Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and Dave Evangelista and is due out May 5, 2023.

Album pre-order – Vvondogmai.bandcamp.com

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

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

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“It sounds like Cynic mixed with The Algorithm, Last Chance To Reason, and others. It’s a shame this is only an EP, because I want so much more.” – Metal Injection

“It’s very much a ‘thinking outside of the box’ type of EP, with many different instruments and musical styles blended together.” – V13

“Chaoth (Frederick Filiatrault) is undoubtedly a member of the ranks of the most outstanding Canadian musicians.” – Silence-Magazin

“We may have the arrival of a whole new genre or style of music with what’s happening here from Montreal, Quebec’s Vvon Dogma I. Having just released the “Communion” EP in recent days, the music contained upon it is quite forward thinking progressive metal at its roots.” – Riff Relevant

“Vvon Dogma I’s new EP has more than twice as many bass strings than tracks…an explosive look at Frederick Filliatrault’s new project, one that he conceived almost entirely as an excuse to write with his nine-string bass. Yep. Nine strings. On a bass…the Canadian band’s debut starts them off strong.” – All About The Rock

“a very unique EP.” – Games, Braaains & A Headbanging Life

“Vvon Dogma I really makes you feel that there is a well planned progression that aims to make you go through different stages until you reach a safe place” – RTMB Music

“”Communion projects a cocktail of Creative Rock and Metal of outstanding quality that will appeal to the connoisseur of all things out there in prog and avant-garde space. This is some wild shit. And does the RMR office suite like wild? Damn straight we do. And so should you – get some.” – Rock Music Raider

“This is a band that have managed to create their own brand of odd progressive metal…This is a band that does to djent what Claypool does to funk and Patton does to rock and metal. An out there and challenging affair, and most likely with more of a niche appeal due to that. But those who get it will enjoy this stuff immensely.” – Progressor

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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 THE CONVALESCENCE Announces “One of The Dead Tour” w/ Summoner’s Circle, WoR + New Claymation Video For “No Survivors” ft. CARNIFEX’s Scott Ian Lewis

April 19, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · The Convalescence

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 19, 2023

THE CONVALESCENCE Announces “One of The Dead Tour” w/ Summoner’s Circle, WoR

New Claymation Video For “No Survivors” ft. CARNIFEX’s Scott Ian Lewis

Blending black metal/horror theatrics with intense death metal style blast beats and shredding guitar along with brutal slamming breakdowns and catchy melodies, Toledo, OH symphonic deathcore band The Convalescence announces they will be hitting the road this June for the “One of The Dead Tour” with support from Knoxville, TN’s Summoner’s Circle and Raleigh, NC’s WoR. The tour will kick off with a hometown headlining show for The Convalescence at the Toledo Death Fest on June 3rd and see the tour wrap up on June 24th in Battle Creek, MI. (all dates listed below).

In additional news, The Convalescence have unleashed their latest single “No Survivors” featuring Scott Ian Lewis of Carnifex with a Claymation music video, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/YQVSCu57aSs

Vocalist Keith Wampler details the single and the band’s plans for an upcoming album:

“The single is one of the hardest-hitting songs we’ve ever released. The lyrics and video were inspired by the Alien films, and having Scott doing some nasty guest vocals really helped give it the brutality we were looking for. We played it live throughout our recent European Tour and absolutely loved the energy it brings to the stage. We’re looking forward to this one being a part of our live show for many tours to come. This new album is basically like one big horror movie, song by song each one tells a story. Each one is brutal in its own way.”

The Convalescence expects the album will be received well by the fans, as they do their very best to step things up on each record. They worked with producer Jason Suecof on this one at Audiohammer Studios in Florida who has worked with most of their favorite bands (The Black Dahlia Murder, Carnifex, Deicide, Job For A Cowboy) and they were beyond stoked he was down to do the recording with them. In their opinion, they’ve created the heaviest The Convalescence album so far. The full-length was mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) and is expected for release summer of 2023.

Filthy, brutal, and symphonic, The Convalescence is recommended for fans of Carnifex, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Chelsea Grin.

The Convalescence – “One of The Dead Tour” w/ Summoner’s Circle, WoR

Tickets available at Tconband.com
6/3 – Toledo, OH @ Toledo Deathfest w/ Oceano
6/4 – Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
6/5 – Providence, RI @ Alchemy
6/6 – Amityville, NY @ Amityville Music Hall
6/7 – Mechanicsburg, PA @ Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
6/8 – Richmond, VA @ Another Round Bar & Grill
6/9 – Greenville, NC @ State Theatre
6/10 – Spartanburg, SC @ Ground Zero
6/12 – Sanford, FL @ West End Trading Co.
6/13 – Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug
6/14 – Jacksonville, FL @ Jack Rabbits
6/15 – Fort Walton Beach, FL @ Downtown Music Hall
6/16 – Houston, TX @ Acadia Bar & Grill
6/17 – San Antonio, TX @ Deco Ballroom
6/18 – Fort Worth, TX @ The Rail Club DFW
6/19 – Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live
6/20 – Tulsa, OK @ The Rabbit Hole
6/21 – Park Hills, MO @ Park Hills Underground
6/22 – Indianapolis, IN @ Black Circle Brewing
6/23 – Dayton, OH @ Oddbody’s Music Room
6/24 – Battle Creek, MI @ The Music Factory

For more info:
http://tconband.com
https://www.facebook.com/theconvalescence
https://www.instagram.com/theconvalescenceofficial
https://twitter.com/tconband

About: The Convalescence is a five-member symphonic deathcore band formed in Toledo, OH in early 2011. The Convalescence blends black metal/horror theatrics with intense death metal style blast beats and shredding guitar along with brutal slamming breakdowns and catchy melodies. The band tours nearly non-stop racking up nearly 1,000 live performances across fifteen countries.

The Convalescence has released four full-length albums, two EPs, and two stand-alone singles resulting in over one million plays on Spotify and Youtube each. The band also released two documentaries via Amazon Prime Video in 2020 supported by a sold-out movie theatre screening of them both in Maumee, OH on October 30, 2020. The band recently finished recording their fifth full-length album with producer Jason Suecof at Audiohammer Studios with a projected release in 2023.

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0 EPK – Vortex – The Future Remains In Oblivion (2023)

April 19, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Vortex

EPK – Vortex – The Future Remains In Oblivion (2023)

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

For fans of Shadow of Intent, Septicflesh, Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse

“‘The Future remain in oblivion’ is a conceptual album and there is a build up in intensity and emotion that goes along with the story line and the lyrics as you go from the first song to the last one. Lighthouse, our previous album, was our first orchestral work and it was more on the ambient/dramatic side. The new album’s songs are still melodic and orchestral, but they are much more aggressive and some of them have a black metal influence. When writing, our goal was to keep an important melodic aspect while elevating the energy level with our live show in mind. A friend from a well-known metal band heard some of the songs and said they sounded like Dimmu Borgir with Suffocation riffs, I suppose it was a compliment. We feel the album is a good combination of aggression/melody, ugliness/beauty and will appeals to fans of Shadow of Intent, Septic Flesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Lorna Shore, and I suppose… Dimmu Borgir.” – Vortex

Album Title: The Future Remains In Oblivion
Release Date: June 9, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Vortex.band | Facebook.com/vortex.band.ca | Instagram.com/vortex.band.ca | Twitter.com/vortexband | Youtube.com/@VortexBand

Vortexband.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Linktree – https://linktr.ee/vortexband

Canadian College Radio Charts
– August 2023 – top 20 loud – #14 Vortex (earshot)

“#8 on Top 10 Quebec Band 2023 Albums – The Future Remains In Oblivion delivers a solid punch with their intense and well-felt symphonic death metal and, with a quality product like this, they have nothing to envy of the big names in the genre.” – Thorium Mag

“The Future Remains in Oblivion is the collision zone between powdered wig classical and battle jacketed death metal that should hold appeal for fans of Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh and those who like their Suffocation mixed with Dimmu Borgir.” – Decibel Magazine

“The song’s (The Walls) multi-faceted nature is further revealed in harrowing and haughty growls, jolting chords, and fiery sunbursts of sound, as well as through a swirling melodic guitar solo that spectacularly sends the song into the stratosphere. The song’s finale is itself a full-power spectacle that really gets the adrenaline surging.” – No Clean Singing

“If there’s anything that Vortex nails, it’s drama. Album highlight and banger track “First Blood” is simply massive” – Angry Metal Guy

“For some music is pure escapism but does that still hold true when bands like Canadian Melodic Death Metal monster Vortex whisk the would be listener into a bleak world that is recovering from a devastating cataclysm? Scenes of war and survival are punctuated with harrowing strings, technical riffs, and guttural and Black Metal inspired vocals as the band weave cinematic stories and orchestral touches into their third concept album “The Future Remains In Oblivion”” – Metal Noise

“the title-track The Future Remains In Oblivion, a song that will blow your mind with its insane wall of sounds, background orchestrations, epic passages, striking riffs and solos, and visceral yet intricate drums, resulting in one of the most breathtaking moments of the entire album.” – The Headbanging Moose

“An excellent group that you must discover because of the intensity they are able to show” – Ondes Chocs

“After hearing their new material live November 2022, I was really looking forward to hearing the sequel and it may be darker than ever.” – Thorium Mag

“a band that takes great pride in weaving together cinematic stories set to orchestral melodic death metal. Canada’s very own Vortex is prepared to whisk you away to a bleak world that is recovering from a devastating cataclysm in the latest album, The Future Remains In Oblivion.” – Canadian Beats

“The Future Remains In Oblivion est un disque coloré, aux mélodies chaleureuses et aux superbes guitares.
“The Future Remains In Oblivion is a colorful record, with warm melodies and superb guitars.” – Music Waves

“The breakdowns are huge in places. There are big moments where the influences pour through, but are blended with giant choral arrangements and symphonics. It’s absolutely like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie. I love the melodies, the harmonics, and the guitar solos. This is absolutely an album which ought to be part of your listening rotation this month. I was genuinely impressed with quite a bit of the entire album. I think that when you look at this album, the absolute banger of the title tack is 100% worth several spins with the blackened guitar riffs and tremendous choral arrangements.” – Metal Epidemic

“The songs you’ll find on this upcoming release are aggressive, but Vortex also has a strong melodic approach and lots of orchestrations combined with guttural, black metal vocals and diverse guitar playing that alternates between howling snippets and beautiful, emotional riffs. Recommended for fans of Shadow of Intent, Septicflesh, and Dimmu Borgir.” – RTMB Music

“Melodic death, a bit technical and prog” – Mosh Pit Radio WORT 89.9FM (Madison, WI)

“Easy comparisons can be made to Cattle Decapitation and Lorna Shore, the riffs are crushing, the vocals are brutal and the guitar solos are insane. What’s really making me giggle are the little keyboard flourishes, which lightens the mood before it kicks your teeth in again. Skullcrushing.” – Sister Mary Metal

Album Title: The Future Remains In Oblivion
Release Date: June 9, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. From The Sun (5:24)
2. Downfall (4:11)
3. The Fool (3:13)
4. The Walls (4:32)
5. Our Possible End (4:23)
6. First Blood (4:29)
7. The Future Remains In Oblivion (4:50)
8. When No More Words Will Be Heard (5:22)
Album Length: 36:29

Album Credits:
– All songs performed by VORTEX
– All songs written by VORTEX
– Produced by Pierre Luc Demers and Dany Lévesque
– Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Pierre Luc Demers (Studio Ondechoc)
– Album artwork by Rudi Gorging Suicide
– MAPL – Canadian Content

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

The Album As A Whole:
‘The Future Remains In Oblivion’ is an orchestral death metal album with plenty of heavy riffing and melodies, technical vocals, and epic soloing. If you were to compare it with ‘Lighthouse’ it is more aggressive, and energetic, and the compositions have been crafted with live shows in mind.

Track by Track:

From the sun (5:24)
A natural cataclysm occurs, ‘‘death comes from the Sun’’. Important Solar Flares are scientifically possible, and we prefer writing about real possibilities instead of pure fiction. ‘From the Sun’ has an epic introduction and choruses. After the intro, when the vocals finally kick in for the verse, to us it sounds like something Fleshgod Apocalypse could have written.

Downfall (4:11)
After the cataclysm society collapses and we’ve read that there would be three stages in only three days if that was to happen for real, ‘’social order is a thing of the past, survival justifies the means’’. This number has some nice technical vocals, it’s going all over in many different styles. It’s one of the songs that are riff-oriented and thus less melodic with many fast blast beats.

The Fool (3:13)
Prior to the cataclysm, there is that guy who passes for crazy because he is hyper eco anxious. He is surely an important event related to ecology that will cause society to collapse ‘’Follow me, I designed a future to escape disaster’’. This one is the most deathcore of the album, heavy and brutal, with no place for melody.

The Walls (4:32)
Our Fool got all sorts of people to believe and follow him. Billionaires, soldiers, engineers, contractors, scientists, farmers, physicians, etc. They’ve put everything they’ve got into building a secret small city that is protected by reinforced walls and an arsenal. Inside these walls, they have everything they need to survive any cataclysm and its aftermath. ‘The Walls’ verses have a strong orchestral melody underlying black metal riffing and vocals to create a unique feel. The choruses have some of our best orchestral writing with its predominant violen melody supporting powerful layers of guttural vocals. ‘The Walls’ has one of the best solos of the album, technical with lots of feel and melody.

Our Possible End (4:23)
Outside survivors discover the city by chance. They are sick and deprived and they want in. ‘’ I can hear it coming from far again, the rumble of our possible end, a thud arising from the forest, the running of hundreds of men’’.

This song is straight old-school death metal with orchestrations.

First Blood (4:29)
This is war. They are coming again, but this time in greater numbers and much more prepared. ‘’This battle brought us our first suffering. In this battle, our first blood, our first deaths’’. This one has aggressive black metal riffing and vocals in its verses, atmospheric orchestral melo-death in its choruses, huge choirs, and epic soloing, it has all that Vortex does at its best.

The Future Remains In Oblivion (4:50)
‘‘Others might know about us, but we have greater concern, we may be the last to stand. We have prevailed but while we had the past and now the present, the future remains in oblivion’’. This is one of our favorites, it is heavy, tasty, and beautiful. It has the most complex structure of the album, it may take a few listen to get into but it’s a song that will stick over time. It is based around the orchestra and some technical playing and vocals; it is challenging to play live, and we get a kick out of nailing it.

When No More Words Will Be Heard (5:22)
What is the place/importance of mankind in the grand schemes of the Universe? ‘’When no more words will be heard, what will happen to the world, to the Universe?’’.

This song is different from the rest of the album. Most of it is composed of three orchestral melodies that were inspired by movie scores. It perfectly fits its philosophical lyrics and it’s a perfect closer with its feel of despair and grandiose finale. We are going to use this slower song to create some dynamics in the pacing of our live set.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. None of us fits the ‘regular’ death metal band member stereotype. Some of us have children and we all have jobs most people wouldn’t think were for a death metal musician. We count a business director, a paramedic, a wind farm manager, a big corporation team manager, and a music composer in our ranks. Two of the band members are schooled musicians.

2. We have played about 200 shows together until now.

3. We often drive for 6, 8, 10, and even sometimes 14 hours to play a live show, we are road warriors!!!

4. We are serious and professional, but occasionally some of us really like to party when the show is over. I would have great stories to tell but I’m not sure I should talk about them….

5. Over the years we had much bad luck and encountered many problems on the road and in our live shows, we could write a book on the subject. Some stories are just funny, and some others are not. Once we lost a trailer driving 110 kph on a highway, some people could have been killed, and all our equipment and merch was all over the ditch in the mud. Another time we had a soundman who thought he didn’t have to mic our guitar cabinets because we had wireless guitar systems, another one put the mikes on the drums and the cabs and left and never came back to the show, we had to do everything ourselves for us and the other bands. Once we got to a venue and the owner didn’t know that the promotor had booked a death metal lineup in his bar, you should have seen its face while we were sound checking…. The time a girl stripped while moshing in front of the stage was funny too, some guy had to take her out of the venue on his shoulder to stop her. And of course, we have tons of drunk guy stories but I’m not going to talk about that….

L-R – Justin L’Italien Dubé (Drums and Piano), Simon Desjardins (Bass), Alexandre Labrie (Vocals), Dany Lévesque (Guitars), Mathieu Duguay (Guitars and Orchestrations)
Photo Credit: Freeman

For Rimouski, Quebec, Canada’s Vortex, delivering a story is of utmost importance and unsurprisingly their last two albums “The Asylum” (2016) and “Lighthouse” (2018) released on PRC Music have been epic concept albums set to their signature orchestral blackened melodic death metal. The third installment in their discography is the self-released “The Future Remains In Oblivion”, which builds on their sound with added black metal influence, a heavy dose of aggressiveness, and a buildup of intensity and emotion as the storyline progresses.

When it comes to writing, Vortex starts with the story first, something worth talking about. Each song becomes a chapter and then the music can start to form based on the feeling of the tale. That process is diversified, sometimes the orchestra is the backbone of the song and sometimes it’s added once the drums and guitars are all written. All the band members participate in different degrees to the writing process, bringing their own influences into the mix.

The songs you will encounter on this upcoming release are aggressive, but Vortex also has a strong melodic approach and a lot of orchestrations combined with guttural and black metal vocals, and diverse guitars that alternate between howling shreds and beautiful, emotional riffs. It is recommended for fans of Shadow of Intent, Septicflesh and Dimmu Borgir.

“The Future Remains In Oblivion” is due out June 9, 2023.

Vortex is
Justin L’Italien Dubé – Piano and Drums
Simon Desjardins – Bass
Alexandre Labrie – Vocals
Dany Levesque – Guitar
Mathieu Duguay – Guitar and Orchestrations

Discography
2023 – The Future Remains In Oblivion (Self-Release)
2018 – Lighthouse, PRC Music
2016 – The Asylum, PRC Music

Shared Stage with:
Aeternam, Obscura, Khalma, Vesperia, Obey the Brave, Anonymus, BARF, DBC, Mutank, E-Force, Boundaries, Insurrection, Feel like Home, The Flaying, Spirit of Rebellion, Reanimator, Chemicide, Replicant, Valfreya, Obsolete Mankind, Strigampire, Sufferize, Lycanthro, Nova Spei, Meet the mailman, Saccage, Dischord, Sanguine Glacialis, Windferer, Lancaster, Trollwar, Flesh Shrine, Death note silence, Blinded by Faith.

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – PRC Metal Bash tour (Quebec and The Maritimes)
2018 – Chemicide tour (Quebec)
2017 – E-Force tour – Eric Forest ex-Voivod (Eastern Canada)
2017 – Reanimator tour (Quebec)

0 Quebec’s VORTEX Draw “First Blood” Off Concept Album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” Out June 2023

April 18, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Vortex

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 18, 2023

Quebec’s VORTEX Draw “First Blood” Off Concept Album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” Out June 2023

L-R – Justin L’Italien Dubé (Drums and Piano), Simon Desjardins (Bass), Alexandre Labrie (Vocals), Dany Lévesque (Guitars), Mathieu Duguay (Guitars and Orchestrations)
Photo Credit: Freeman

For Rimouski, Quebec, Canada’s Vortex, delivering a story is of utmost importance and unsurprisingly their last two albums “The Asylum” (2016) and “Lighthouse” (2018) have been epic concept albums set to their signature orchestral blackened melodic death metal. The third installment in their discography is “The Future Remains In Oblivion”, which builds on their sound with added black metal influence, a heavy dose of aggressiveness and a buildup of intensity and emotion as the storyline progresses. The first single “First Blood” is the sixth chapter, out of eight and the band shares what can be expected:

“The single is a war and survival song. It has aggressive black metal riffing and vocals in its verses, atmospheric orchestral melodic death in its choruses, huge choirs, epic soloing, it has all what Vortex does at its best. We can’t wait to show how we have evolved since the last album. This is war. The survivors of the cataclysm are coming again, but this time in greater numbers and much more prepared. “This battle brought us our first suffering. In this battle, our first blood, our first deaths’’.”

When it comes to writing, Vortex starts with the story first, something worth talking about. Each song becomes a chapter and then the music can start to form based on the feeling of the tale. That process is diversified, sometimes the orchestra is the backbone of the song and sometimes it’s added once the drums and guitars are all written. All the band members participate in different degrees to the writing process, bringing their own influences into the mix.

The songs you will encounter on this upcoming release are aggressive, but Vortex also has a strong melodic approach and a lot of orchestrations combined with guttural and black metal vocals, and diverse guitars that alternate between howling shreds and beautiful, emotional riffs. It is recommended for fans of Shadow of Intent, Septicflesh and Dimmu Borgir.

Watch and listen to “First Blood” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

Digital (Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music) – https://linktr.ee/vortexband

“The Future Remains In Oblivion” is due out on June 9, 2023.

In additional news, Vortex will be performing in the Wacken Metal Battle Canada Eastern Final on Friday, April 21st in Montreal, QC at Piranha Bar alongside Fracturus (Montreal), Turbo (Halifax), Serene Dark (Ottawa) and Strigampire (Trois Rivieres). Event info here.

Track Listing:
1. From The Sun (5:24)
2. Downfall (4:11)
3. The Fool (3:13)
4. The Walls (4:32)
5. Our Possible End (4:23)
6. First Blood (4:29)
7. The Future Remains In Oblivion (4:50)
8. When No More Words Will Be Heard (5:22)
Album Length: 36:29

For more info: Vortex.band | Facebook.com/vortex.band.ca | Instagram.com/vortex.band.ca | Twitter.com/vortexband

– 30 –

“Vortex, with their epic and heavy music, are truly a staple of the Quebec metal scene and it’s always a pleasure to see them perform.” – Thorium Mag – Live Review 2022

“Symphonic tones merge beautifully with wailing guitar riffs and thunderous drums in a storm of terrible and wonderful fury of the gods. VORTEX’s very name sums up the unique blend of complex sounds they’ve taken time to master.” – 9/10 – Metal Temple (Lighthouse Review 2019)

—
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 Venezuelan Atmospheric Death Doom STRATUZ Awaken Your Senses With Symphonic Live Video “Back To The Sun”; New Album “Osculum Pacis” Out Now!

April 18, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Stratuz

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 18, 2023

Venezuelan Atmospheric Death Doom STRATUZ Awaken Your Senses With Symphonic Live Video “Back To The Sun”

New Album “Osculum Pacis” Out Now!

L-R – Franklin Berroteran (Vocals, Keyboard), Geronimo Egea (Guitar), Leonardo Rangel (Baa), Diego Cabrujas (Drums)

Stratuz is an atmospheric death/doom Metal band based in Venezuela and they are pleased to present their new live video for “Back To The Sun“. The track comes off of their album “Osculum Pacis”, which was released in April 2022. Having disbanded in 2006, and reformed in 2019, this latest offering pushed them to increase the technicality of the playing and work harder in the studio. Many years away from the scene led them to experiment with other musical currents, nourish themselves, and create inspirational, gloomy, and engaging music. They comment on the single “Back To The Sun“:

“It could be said that it is a kind of ritual, where a living master who has left a deep mark among his followers through his teachings is bid farewell, and these, as a sign of respect, prepare his return home, the abode from which we all come. It is the closing of a cycle of transformation, transmutation, life and death or death and life.”

Stratuz invites you to become immersed in their universe of sound and delve into the themes of the human being from existential, philosophical, and religious points of view. Awaken your senses with eleven tracks that ebb and flow through dreary gutturals, majestic choruses, and heart-pumping riffs.

The band is currently preparing to continue promoting their latest album “Osculum Pacis” in Venezuela and other countries. They are recommended for fans of Paradise Lost, Tiamat, and Moonspell.

The album “Osculum Pacis” was released on April 26, 2022, and is available on CD / Digital on Stratuzofficial.bandcamp.com, and Spotify.

The live video for “Back To The Sun“ was taken from their memorable performance this past March 10th in the Venezuelan city of Caracas, where they were accompanied by a string ensemble and a choir.

Watch and listen to the live video for “Back To The Sun“ at https://youtu.be/ErVam3miymw

Track Listing:
1. Intro – 1:58
2. Morning Star – 3:50
3. Father Amorth (e) – 2:58
4. Holy Grail – 4:36
5. Caelibatus – 4:33
6. In the Name of God – 3:06
7. Back to the Sun – 3:09
8. Sodomized – 4:41
9. Dawn – 5:06
10. Left – 4:57
11. Condemned – 5:26
Album Length: 44:22

Stratuz is:
Franklin Berroterán – Voices and Keyboards
Gerónimo Egea – Guitars
Leonardo Rangel – Bass
Diego Cabrujas – Drums

For more info: Stratuz.info | Facebook.com/stratuzofficial | Twitter.com/stratuzofficial | Instagram.com/stratuz_official

About: Stratuz is a Venezuelan doom-death metal band formed in 1984. The group released their first demo in 1993 and their debut album “In Nomine…” in 1995, helping them to quickly become the most recognized metal band in Venezuela and cementing their place as one of the pioneer bands of extreme metal.

In 1999, Stratuz finished recording the album “The Last Angel” upon their return from a European tour. That same year, they signed with the Belgian label LSP-Company for a new album entitled “Spirit Seduction”.

The band decided to disband in 2006, but in 2019 they reform and start working on a new album titled “Osculum Pacis”, released on 26 April 2022.

Stratuz recently reached number one on the Jacquin Ravens Top 50 Metal on US radio station 99WNRR with their latest album “Osculum Pacis”.

Discography:
Stratuz 1993 KCT
In Nomine… 1995 CD
The Last Angel 1999 CD
Spirit Seduction 2000 CD
Without Original Sin 2006 EP(Digital)
Osculum Pacis 2022 CD /Digital

– 30 –

“the fathers of Venezuelan death/doom” – Femforgacs

“For me this material is the best of the Latin scene of 2022” (Osculum Pacis) – Metallerium

“Osculum Pacis is a brutally artistic journey with Stratuz, it loudly demonstrates their abilities and vision, which they stayed true to throughout all the changes and dynamic shifts that we’ve been through on this sonic trip. I loved how packed is it with pure emotions of anger, melancholy, and growing brutality.” – ROCK ERA MAGAZINE

“Fans of doom metal, death metal – even black metal, can find something to appreciate with “Osculum Pacis”. For metalheads who like their metal dark and more mature with its themes, this is a great release to sink your teeth into.” – Team Brutal

It is an album, a record that can captivate anyone who loves music, both for its lyrical content and for its musical enrichment within rock in different trends and trends, along with orchestral arrangements that surround you. Without a doubt, a musical production for export.” – Cresta Metalica

—
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 – Stratuz – Osculum Pacis (2022)

April 18, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Stratuz

EPK – Stratuz – Osculum Pacis (2022)

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

For fans of Paradise Lost, Tiamat, Moonspell, Crematory, Tristania

Album Title: Osculum Pacis
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Label: Self-Release

“An immersion in our own universe of sound which will lead you to listen to each of the themes repeatedly and thus discover each sound layer and the sensations they awaken.” – Stratuz

Stratuz.info | Facebook.com/stratuzofficial | Twitter.com/stratuzofficial | Instagram.com/stratuz_official | YouTube

Stratuzofficial.bandcamp.com | Spotify.| Apple Music | Amazon

“the fathers of Venezuelan death/doom” – Femforgacs

“For me this material is the best of the Latin scene of 2022” (Osculum Pacis) – Metallerium

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Osculum Pacis
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Intro – 1:58
2. Morning Star – 3:50
3. Father Amorth (e) – 2:58
4. Holy Grail – 4:36
5. Caelibatus – 4:33
6. In the Name of God – 3:06
7. Back to the Sun – 3:09
8. Sodomized – 4:41
9. Dawn – 5:06
10. Left – 4:57
11. Condemned – 5:26
Album Length: 44:22

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Stratuz
• All songs written by: Gerónimo Egea / Franklin Berroterán
• Produced by: Gerónimo Egea / Franklin Berroterán
• Mixed by: Arturo Banús
• Mastered by: Arturo Banús
• Album Artwork by: Eugenia Bathoriya
• Member of ASCAP / BMI

Stratuz is:
Franklin Berroterán – Voices and Keyboards
Gerónimo Egea – Guitars
Leonardo Rangel – Bass
Diego Cabrujas – Drums

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

The album as a whole:
OSCULUM PACIS

Lyrically, it speaks of the abuses of the church and its deafening silence in the face of so many denunciations of abuse. It speaks of the manipulation of the masses, and injustice, but at the same time, it also speaks of the awakening of consciousness, of death as a process of transformation, and the need to change ourselves in order to rise up and banish our own miseries. It speaks of rising up aware of who we are.

About The Album Artwork:

The art of the album represents all the victims of the church, living or dead. The void of justice, the Kiss of Peace and Mea Culpa with each of their victims.

It is the indelible presence of their excesses, their sins, their demons, their double standards, their contradictions as an institution and of a deep reflection that should come someday.

Track By Track

MORNING STAR
Morning Star’ refers to the first light we see at dawn, that first star reminding us that the first light of the day reaches the spiritually higher men first, just like the last light of the day.

Morning Star’ represents Lucifer as the bringer of light. Light as knowledge. He is the bringer of light on our planet both in the material and spiritual way, and it’s in the hands of each to find their own light and understanding to wake up from so many layers of lies set through time.

FATHER AMORTH(e)

This song is dedicated to the late priest Gabriele Amorth or, as he was known in his lifetime, Father Amorth, who was the most respected and important exorcist in the Vatican. Within the song, there are Latin verses of the ritual used by the Vatican to perform exorcisms and it invites him to exorcise his brothers for all the outrages they have done against innocents, instead of hunting demons in vulnerable people.

HOLY GRAIL
It is arguably a darkly romantic theme, mixing the desire of a religious lady with someone very contrary to her faith, leading to the point of highlighting the weakness of the flesh and the energy that is released through desire, the value of blood and the chalice between her thighs.

CAELIBATUS
This song speaks of the fragility that can reach any religious person who practices celibacy, this tortuous measure to suppress the desires and the unnatural punishment to which his body is subjected.

The flesh is flesh and everything needs a balance, celibacy definitely does not have any attribute that allows that balance, who knows if this is part of the problem within this institution to commit so many abuses.

IN THE NAME OF GOD
It is a story of a priest who abused a child and takes his own life, he speaks of having committed these faults “In the Name of God” and blames the child for this attraction, however, the torment gives him no rest and he takes his own life as a way of escape, however, this is not enough to erase his atrocity.

BACK TO THE SUN
It could be said that it is a kind of ritual, where a living master who has left a deep mark among his followers through his teachings is bid farewell, and these, as a sign of respect, prepare his return home, the abode from which we all come. It is the closing of a cycle of transformation, transmutation, life and death or death and life.

SODOMIZED
It reflects the grotesque and disgusting nature of pedophiles within the Catholic Church, as well as the sarcasm with which they have handled the denunciations and the approving looks often given by the parents of some victims who believed more in the aggressors than in their own children.

DAWN
Dawn is a call for the awakening of consciousness, for progress and growth as individuals, to leave aside the manipulation of religions. It’s a call to demolish ignorance so that everyone can raise their voice with strength, but above all with solid foundations. Today we are burdened and saturated by the environment, we live for the sake of living and drifting.

LEFT
This song reflects that emptiness that many people feel internally, that feeling of abandonment, of loneliness, of neglect, that lack of sense for being on this plane, taking refuge in their own sorrow.

CONDEMNED
It is a rather crude and fulminating theme, as it goes against everything established, the political and religious power to manipulate the masses to their will and interests, a race destined to its own misfortune where mistrust, hatred and revenge reign, where competition is a mechanism to cancel the other, where the suffering or failures of others can be the satisfaction of many. It’s a misanthropic song to a certain extent.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:
1. Stratuz was the first Venezuelan band to write songs against the Catholic Church and in the 80’s it was almost a crime to do so, this stirred up the country’s underground scene and the scandals began.

2. In a major newspaper in the country, a whole column was devoted to discrediting Stratuz and the headline was, Stratuz worshippers of Satan. The effect was the opposite and the band became more popular.

3. An interesting anecdote was a show that took place in a theatre under a Catholic church in 1989, the euphoria of the audience erupted during Stratuz’s performance and they started to set fire to the seats of the theatre, the priests were horrified by the event, but there was no serious damage, fortunately.

4. During one of the band’s performances in the late ’80s, in the middle of the performance, a cross was taken from the stage and someone from the audience asked for it, this cross had been taken from a cemetery and weighed about 10 kilos, however, the fan thought it was made of styrofoam, he couldn’t get up from his seat during the show because he was too small and the cross was too heavy for him.

5. In a concert in Barquisimeto in ’87, we threw a metal cross in the air, this cross was from the coffin of the bass player’s grandmother and we just wanted to use it as decoration, however, the adrenaline made us throw it, but we never imagined that it would fall on the head of one of the assistants producing a deep wound, the good thing about the story is that this boy bought a guitar and started to practice until he became part of a very well known band in the country (the accident was good for something).

6. During the ’98 tour in Spain, in the city of Seville they were about to suspend the concert because there was a problem between the organizers and the sound engineer, however, some of us had some experience in operating equipment and decided to set up the event and fortunately it turned out to be a success, this even got reviewed in some local magazines.

L-R – Franklin Berroteran (Vocals, Keyboard), Geronimo Egea (Guitar), Leonardo Rangel (Baa), Diego Cabrujas (Drums)

Stratuz is a Venezuelan doom-death metal band formed in 1984. The group released their first demo in 1993 and their debut album “In Nomine…” in 1995, helping them to quickly become the most recognized metal band in Venezuela and cementing their place as one of the pioneer bands of extreme metal.

In 1999, Stratuz finished recording the album “The Last Angel” upon their return from a European tour. That same year, they signed with the Belgian label LSP-Company for a new album entitled “Spirit Seduction”.

The band decided to disband in 2006, but in 2019 they reform and start working on a new album titled “Osculum Pacis”, released on 26 April 2022.

Stratuz recently reached number one on the Jacquin Ravens Top 50 Metal on US radio station 99WNRR with their latest album “Osculum Pacis”.

Stratuz is:
Franklin Berroterán – Voices and Keyboards
Gerónimo Egea – Guitars
Leonardo Rangel – Bass
Diego Cabrujas – Drums

Discography:
Stratuz 1993 KCT
In Nomine… 1995 CD
The Last Angel 1999 CD
Spirit Seduction 2000 CD
Without Original Sin 2006 EP(Digital)
Osculum Pacis 2022 CD /Digital

Shared Stage with:
AVULSED, CENTINEX, ANASARCA, ACHERON

Tours and Festivals:
2006 – Ariah Fest (Caracas-Venezuela)
2001- Acheron + Stratuz (Caracas-Venezuela)
1999 – Avulsed + Stratuz (Caracas-Barquisimeto-Venezuela)
1998 – Festival del Sol (Mula – Spain) with Stratovarius
1998 – Repulsive Tour ’98 (Spain – Portugal)
1998 – Komm ’98 Fest (Köln – Germany) Headliner

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