Posts By Asher

0 Canada’s NOMAD Invites Metalheads To Take A Journey Through The Universe And Their Minds With “Choke”

February 14, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Nomad

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 14, 2023

Canada’s NOMAD Invites Metalheads To Take A Journey Through The Universe And Their Minds With “Choke”

Mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

L-R – Josh MacDonald (Bass), Matt Johnstone (Guitar/Vocals), Bretton Melanson, (Drums/Vocals), Jeff Mabb (Guitar/Vocals)
Photo Credit – Chris Geistlinger

Hailing from Canada’s Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Nomad have been making a name for themselves locally for the last several years, playing at local fests (ex. Armstrong MetalFest) and supporting big-name acts in the extreme metal scene. Now they are excited to reveal their debut album “The Mountain” (mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)), which is as heavy and relentless as it is approachable and honest. New fans will get to enjoy something fresh, while those who have seen them at a festival or supporting a well-known band over the years will be able to replay their favourite tracks over and over. The third single “Choke”, is an epic of phenomenal cosmic power. Nomad comments:

“This single is another pretty long one, hitting different dynamic levels as we go. we looked for other meanings of the word “Choke”, which is the chorus section, guitarist/vocalist Matt Johnstone took the reins on a number of other sections, and went with a cosmic theme, the birth, and death of the universe. We married those different themes together and this is the result.”

Listen to “Choke” via its premiere on TheCirclePit’s YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/nZ2rrlrld8Q

The writing process for Nomad has always been collaborative which fills their music with diverse layers of influences. During their writing process, one member will usually have a collection of riffs that go together, or the skeleton of a song, and they’ll sit together and workshop it to nail down the instrumentals, with everyone putting their own stamp on things. Normally the song title will come next based on the feel or vibe one or more members get from the song, and lyrics will come based on the title, often with multiple interpretations of what the title could mean.

“The Mountain” is due out on March 3, 2023, and was mixed by drummer Bretton Melanson and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). It is recommended for fans of Gojira, Lamb of God, and Sepultura.

Album pre-order (CD, Digital) – Nomadbc.bandcamp.com

Previous singles

“Burning Alive” – https://youtu.be/N4uKBAfxc4c

“Revolution” – https://youtu.be/eCxDYxihhtw

Track Listing:
1. Burning Alive (4:30)
2. Haunted (6:00)
3. Revolution (6:05)
4. Relentless (6:09)
5. A Lonely Wanderer (5:08)
6. Blood Moon (9:40)
7. Rise in the Fall (6:20)
8. Processor (6:56)
9. Choke (8:52)
Album Length: 59:38

Album Credits:
– All songs written and performed by Nomad.
– Additional writing contributions by past members:
Kasey Klassen
Lorne Valliers
Dylan Heska
Justin Kleinsasser
– Mixed by Bretton Melanson
– Mastered by Christian Donaldson
– Album Artwork by: Angela Grimmuza/ Art Of Grimmuza
– MAPL – Canadian Content

Album and Live lineup:
Bretton Melanson: Drums/Vocals
Matt Johnstone: Guitar/Vocals
Jeff Mabb: Guitar/Vocals
Josh MacDonald: Bass

For more info: Facebook.com/nomadmetal | Instagram.com/nomadbandbc

About: Nomad is a dynamic, progressive death metal band from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada and consists of drummer/vocalist Bretton Melanson; guitarist/vocalist Matt Johnstone; guitarist/vocalist Jeff Mabb; plus bassist Josh MacDonald. Kickstarted by Johnstone who was looking for an outlet, he approached Melanson and since the material felt right and with their previous history playing together, the ball was rolling. Over a few years, there was a lineup flux, with each additional leaving their mark on the material. Ultimately, they then recruited Mabb as a second guitarist and MacDonald on bass, and working collaboratively, they weave their melodic, groovy death metal.

Looking to avoid the violence and gore tropes that are quite prominent in metal music, they tend to tell stories based on fictional characters, historical events, science fiction, and astrophysics. Each member adds their own flair to the songs, imprinting their distinct influences.

When they hit the stage, the audience is greeted by multiple vocalists that deliver a massive wall of layered sound, integrated sound effects, and a well-thought-out visual element. They played Canada’s prominent Armstrong Metalfest in 2016-2019 and performed alongside bands such as Kataklysm, Origin, Soulfly, and Alestorm. They are releasing their debut album “The Mountain” in 2023.

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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 LUNAR Defeat Depression With Progressive Metal Track “Turn Off The World” ft. CALIGULA’S HORSE Sam Vallen Off New Album “The Illusionist” Out March 2023

February 10, 2023
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 10, 2023

LUNAR Defeat Depression With Progressive Metal Track “Turn Off The World” ft. CALIGULA’S HORSE Sam Vallen

New Album “The Illusionist” Out March 2023

ft. members from Witherfall, Helion Prime, Planeswalker, Novareign, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Album Guests Jørgen Munkeby (Shining), Christian Münzner (Obscura), Andy Gillion (Mors Principium Est),
Taylor Washington (Paladin), Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse), Ben Karas (Thank You Scientist), Gleb Kanasevich, Patrick Corona

Top – L- R – Ryan Price – Bass, Alex Nasla – Keyboards & Synthesizers, Chandler Mogel – Lead Vocals
Bottom – L – R – Alex Bosson – Drums & Percussion, Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals, Balmore Lemus – Guitars

Lunar from Sacramento, USA is a progressive metal band comprised of seasoned musicians (Witherfall, Helion Prime, Novareign) with a penchant for elaborate storytelling and proggy riffs. To date, they have released two albums and an EP, and their third full-length “The Illusionist” is right around the corner. The expansive concept album tells the story of a magician that questions his entire life’s work and each chapter paints a different mood with immersive music. The next single to draw listeners into this saga is “Turn Off The World”, which dives into depression and defeats it. Drummer Alex Bosson explains further:

“This song was actually the first song written for this album. I wrote this song in the midst of COVID lockdowns and feeling the duality of how much I wanted the world to stop and everyone to just shut up with their opinions on everything, but also how the world HAD stopped and how much I missed so many things I took for granted. This song definitely felt worthy of being a single because of the fact that it was written very stand-alone before it worked its way into the greater concept of the entire album. Also, it’s very catchy and I think will be very accessible to a lot of people with different tastes. And this track features one of my favorite guest guitar solos ever from Sam Vallen of Caligula’s Horse.”

“Turn Off The World” expresses the characters’ feelings of depression, just wanting the world to “turn off” and shut it all down. Musically, the band suggests that this one is the most “accessible” song on the album as it has some more of pop vibes radiating throughout the progressive metal.

“The Illusionist” has steered Lunar into new directions, there are more technical songs, there’s one that’s very Egyptian sounding, one that is very Lunatic Soul inspired. There’s more variety than ever now, and it’s recommended for fans of Haken, Caligula’s Horse, and Devin Townsend.

Listen to “Turn Off The World” ft. guest guitar solo from Caliguala’s Horse’s Sam Vallen via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

“The Illusionist” is being released on March 3, 2023, via Saibot Reign Records and can be pre-ordered via https://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com.

Previous single: “Juggling Chainsaws” ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner – https://youtu.be/RrA61tilg7k

Track Listing:
1. Prestidigitation – 6:16
2. The Illusionist – 10:04
3. Showtime – 3:45
4. Worship The Sun – 5:23
5. Turn Off The World – 7:14
6. Disassembled – 5:53
7. Juggling Chainsaws – 7:30
8. For My Next Trick – 3:57
9 . Now You See Me – 8:39
Album Length: 58:46

Album Credits:
– Album Produced by: Alex Bosson
– Album Mixed by: Linus Coreliusson
– Album Mastered by: Jens Bogren
– Album artwork by: Travis Smith
– Album layout / design by: Brian Lewis
– Member of ASCAP

Recording Lineup:
Drums & Percussion – Alex Bosson
(Music – Track 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,9) (Lyrics – Track 2, 3, 5, 6,9)
Guitars – Balmore Lemus
(Music – Track 4) (Lyrics – Track 4, 7
Bass – Ryan Price (Music – Track 8)
Keyboards & Synthesizers – Alex Nasla
Lead Vocals – Chandler Mogel
Growl Vocals – Brian Lewis
Clarinet – Gleb Kanasevich (Track 1)
Saxophone – Patrick Corona (Track 2)
Flute & Saxophone – Jørgen Munkeby (Track 6)
Violin & Viola – Ben Karas (Track 9)
Additional Guitar Solo – Andy Gillion (Track 2)
Additional Guitar Solo – Taylor Washington (Track 3)
Additional Guitar Solo – Sam Vallen (Track 5)
Additional Guitar Solo – Christian Münzner (Track 7)

For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | Twitter.com/LunarBandOffcl | YouTube.com/@lunarbandofficial

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“This is a record that everyone must own. Every generation and every country should adore an album like this, as one like Theogony rarely makes itself known. If you like music and consider it art, this is a must.” – Prog-Sphere on “Theogony” #23 Best Albums of 2017

“The sophomore album from this Cali band is showing the band expanding their horizons in sound. The heavy parts are heavier, the lighter parts are even lighter and the proggier parts are even more insanely proggy *plus on the song, Surrender, there is a very cool nod to the final lasting riff in Opeth’s Deliverance to close out the track…don’t think I didn’t catch that!* With all of the guest appearances, fantastic production and just masterful songwriting, this is one of the strongest prog albums you will hear all year. Trust me!” – Heavy Debriefings on “Eidolon” #39 Best Albums of 2019

“Inspired by a tragedy that befell the project in the way of losing guitarist Ryan Erwin, drummer and songwriter Alex Bosson has put his emotions towards honing a release that is as beautiful as angry. Helping him in his vision are guest contributions from members of Haken, Leprous, Thank You Scientist, Fallujah, etc.” – Prog-Sphere on “Eidolon” #19 Best Albums of 2019

“The word “classic” gets tossed around a lot, but I honestly can’t think of a better word for Eidolon. From front to back and top to bottom, this album is both firmly rooted in death metal with a progressive bend while standing alone atop the mountain. It’s equally headbanging heavy and enthralling, music to get in the mosh pit and simply sit in awe of. This is required listening because there’s nothing else quite like it.” – Progarchy on “Eidolon”

“Like Theogony, Eidolon is another very impressive showcase of modern progressive metal. It’s technical, emotional, melodic, and aggressive and is just very well put-together overall.” – wimpsandposers.com

Best of AOTY:
Prog-Sphere: “Theogony” #23 best of 2017
Prog-Sphere: “Eidolon” #19 best of 2019
Heavy Debriefings: “Eidolon” #39 best of 2019
Wimpsandposers: “Eidolon” #20 best of 2019
2019 SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Nominee “Best Metal Band”
—
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 Austria’s HOG MEETS FROG Streaming Single “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes” Off Upcoming EP “humANIMALization”

February 10, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Hog Meets Frog (Echotunes)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 10, 2023

Austria’s HOG MEETS FROG Streaming Single “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes”

New EP “humANIMALization” Out Feb 24th

Bottom L-R: : | ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi (guitar) | Ivo Matuš (drums)
Top: | Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl (bass, storytelling)
Photo Credit Vicky vanSane

Austria’s Hog Meets Frog cannot be pigeonholed with their self-described “SQUEAQUACK music’, a fusion of humorous lyrics with funk, prog, punk, and metal. Their diversity truly makes them stand out as their next EP “humANIMALization” will be unveiled on February 24th. A non-conceptual concept record, “humANIMALization” explores offbeat stories about several intriguing animals including a bigot monkey, an insecure piggy, a peeping control bear, and a greedy stock market bull.

Today, the band presents their second single off the forthcoming EP, entitled “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes”, front man, bassist, and storyteller Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl, explains the song in further detail.

“Let me explain the tendencies to write the text for ‘apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes’ as follows: If the natural sciences are to be believed, the average commonality of human DNA and chimpanzee DNA is 98.5% – in some cases, it is as high as 99.4% congruent. So many a man has more in common with a chimpanzee at the DNA level than with a human woman.

Thus it has lent itself to transferring the behavior and attitude of some humans to monkeys. In this sense, bigotry, and hubris fit our DNA relatives with the opposable thumb like a glove. If I may quote myself at this point: ‘the pride of god’s creation, the candle in the dark, above reproach superior, enlightened by the spark. Admired by all livings, the sun but out of sight, infallible, benignant, a special kind of weight.’

Listen to “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes” –https://youtu.be/1nm0NVi8Z5k

“humANIMALization” is the third EP from Hog Meets Frog, influenced by a range of genres including progressive metal, death metal, funk, and world music, Hog Meets Frog will be unexpectedly contagious for fans of bands such as Primus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and System of a Down.

“humANIMALization” is due out on February 24, 2023, and available for pre-order – Hogmeetsfrog.bandcamp.com

First single “Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping” – https://youtu.be/wBzsbPU_4Yc

Track Listing:
1. Of Snakes ‘n’ Moles ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Dough (4:32)
2. Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping (5:10)
3. Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes (4:47)
4. Stuff(ed), Cage(d) & Enslave(d) (3:25)
5. ZIGGY The Unpigcorn (3:46)
EP Length: 21:42

EP Band Lineup:
Ivo Matuš – Drums (peeping-bear’s exegesis of not peeping || apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes)
Christoph ‘fizl’ Hehn – Drums (of snakes ‘n’ moles ‘n’ bulls ‘n’ dough || stuff(ed), cage(d) & enslave(d) || ZIGGY the unpigcorn)
ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi – Guitar
Peter ’PETZ‘ Schwabl – Bass, Storytelling

Live Band Lineup:
Christoph ‘fizl’ Hehn – Drums
ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi – Guitar
Peter ‘PETZ‘ Schwabl – Bass, Storytelling

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“The sow meets a frog… sounds like the beginning of a joke, but the project HOG MEETS FROG is anything but a joke, since the funk metallers from Austria are thoroughbred musicians. Their new work will be released in mid-February under the title “humanIMALization”, whereby the Viennese deal with current political and social issues in a fabulous animal story… If the song titles like Apes don’t smoke cigars, just pipes are very funny, the musical aspects are of very high quality and definitely not “suitable for a headband”. Sure, funk is not a run-of-the-mill genre to sing along to, but sophisticated music at the highest level. So to speak, jazz music of the metal species. One can clearly register the inspiration of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and Co. on this record, whereby the songs transport positive energy. Conclusion: Intoxicating and exciting songs that will delight fans of the genre mentioned above.” – Rock Magazine

0 Rockshots Records – New Video – AVALAND – “Betrayers” ft. Madie (ex-Nightmare/Faith In Agony) + New Album ft. Guests From TSO, Edguy, Sortilège Out March 2023 + Tour w/ Rhapsody of Fire

February 10, 2023
by Asher
· Avaland (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 10, 2023

Rockshots Records – New Video – AVALAND – “Betrayers” ft. Madie (ex-Nightmare/Faith In Agony)

New Album “The Legend of the Storyteller” Out March 2023

+ Tour w/ Rhapsody of Fire

Album Guests Zak Stevens (ex-Savatage/TSO), Madie (ex-Nightmare/Faith In Agony), Pierre “Cara” Carabalona (Eltharia),
Ivan Castelli (Lionsoul), Angèle Macabiès, Jens Ludwig (Edguy), Bruno Ramos (Sortilège/ex-Manigance)

Fantasy symphonic power metal band France’s Avaland will be releasing their sophomore full-length “The Legend of the Storyteller” due out on March 31st, 2023 via Rockshots Records following their 2021 debut “Theater of Sorcery”. In addition to the album’s upcoming unveiling, the band will be supporting Rhapsody of Fire from April 1st to 23rd on their “Glory For Salvation Tour” (dates listed below).

Today, Avaland shares their second single “Betrayers” featuring guest vocals from Madie (ex-Nightmare/Faith In Agony).

“BOOM!” That was my first reaction while listening for the first time to the final mix of “Betrayers”. This song is the more bombastic one of the album. This song is a real speed power metal one, with a tragic chorus, Jeff sings like a god on it, especially when the final comes, he shows all the spectrum of his incredible voice. It’s the first song for Avaland I built around the guitar parts instead of the keyboards, and I must admit my mates sublimated it so well!” says Adrien G. Gzagg (Autor/Composer/Lead Singer/Synths and Orchestrations).

Video – https://youtu.be/W8odyjY8_U8

Digital – https://bfan.link/betrayers

Compared to Avaland‘s debut album, the band’s next full-length “The Legend Of The Storyteller” is heavier and is a much more epic power metal record full of anthems upon anthems for fans to chant to as they are taken on a journey over twelve theatric tracks. The record also hears double vocal duties from Adrien G. Gzagg and Jeff Kanji along with album guests that include Zak Stevens (ex-Savatage/TSO), Madie (ex-Nightmare/Faith In Agony), Pierre “Cara” Carabalona (Eltharia), Ivan Castelli (Lionsoul), Angèle Macabiès, Jens Ludwig (Edguy) and Bruno Ramos (Sortilège/ex-Manigance).

Lead by Adrien G. Gzagg (Autor/Composer/Lead Singer/Synths and Orchestrations), the album’s storyline is a prequel to the band’s first album “Theater of Sorcery” as he explains further:

“This album, as the first one, is a journey, a trip out of our world, into the universe of Avaland. We enjoy seeing Avaland as a great saga, as a movie, or series. We feel like listening to Avaland is like watching Game Of Thrones, The Lord Of The Rings, or reading comics, it’s an escape from everyday life. For this album, we took a lot of inspiration from Game Of Thrones and Arthurian Myths. We love fantasy and mythologies and we also find ourselves having a great fascination for alchemy and esoterism. Time is also a great subject, it’s mystical… in fact, time will be at the center of this saga. This new opus is showing a heavier and darker atmosphere of Avaland’s theatrical universe. Are you ready to be part of “The Legend Of The Storyteller”?”

Avaland is recommended for fans of Savatage, Angra, Avantasia, Symphony X, and Queen.

Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/StorytellerCD

Album Pre Save – https://bfan.link/the-legend-of-the-storyteller

Previous single:

Listen to “Crimson Tyranny” (feat. Cara, Madie & Zak Stevens) at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/InA_q25NMm4

Digital – https://bfan.link/crimson-tyranny

Track Listing:
1. The Vision – 2:03
2. Crimson Tyranny – 6:45
3. Insurrection – 4:42
4. To Be The King – 4:34
5. Secret Night – 3:24
6. Kingslayer – 4:10
7. The Gift – 4:48
8. Out Of The Fog – 5:11
9. Betrayers – 5:23
10. Madness Of The Wise – 5:27
11. You’ll Be The Legend – 5:17
12. Lies – 10:29
(Bonus Track – La Folie Du Sage)
Album Length: 1:02:19

Avaland is:
Adrien G. Gzagg (Autor/Composer/Lead Singer/Synths and Orchestrations)
Jeff Kanji (Lead Singer/Additional Voices and Guitars)
Lucas Martinez (Guitars)
Camille Souffron (Bass)
Leo Mouchonay (Drums)

Rhasody of Fire – Tour Dates w/ Avaland, Symphonity
APR 1 – Backstage Halle – Munich, Germany
APR 2 – Hirsch – Nurnberg, Germany
APR 4 – Kubana – Siegburg, Germany
APR 5 – Bastard Club – Osnabrück, Germany
APR 6 – Hellraiser-Leipzig – Leipzig/engelsdorf, Germany
APR 7 – Het Podium – Hoogeveen, Netherlands
APR 8 – Café Central – Weinheim, Germany
APR 9 – Musicon – Den Haag, Netherlands
APR 15 – Gimle – Roskilde, Denmark
APR 16 – Logo Musik & Bier GmbH Veranstaltungsservice – Hamburg, Germany
APR 19 – Proxima – Warsaw, Poland
APR 20 – Viper Room – Vienna, Austria
APR 21 – Masters of Rock Cafe – Zlín, Czech Republic
APR 22 – Discoteca Revolver – San Donà Di Piave, Italy
APR 23 – Legend Club – Milano, Italy

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Avaland-themetalopera.com
Facebook.com/avaland.metal.opera
Instagram.com/avaland_metal_opera
Twitter.com/AvalandMetal

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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveil a Quentin Tarantino Inspired Story Video for Their Song “War of Attrition” + Tour Dates (FL, GA)

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveil a Quentin Tarantino Inspired Story Video for Their Song “War of Attrition”

“Live to Regret” Out Now!

March 2023 Tour Dates! (FL, GA)

L-R – AITTALA – Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums), Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox), Ali Lugo (Bass)
Photo Credit – Formont Photography

Offering up a unique, progressive, and memorable sound with traditional heavy metal, sludge, and doom at its core, North Carolina’s Aittala unleashed its sixth full-length album “Live to Regret” this past November via Exitus Stratagem Records. Lyrically, the album chronicles a chaotic period of time for members of the band personally as well as the global events happening in parallel.

Today, in support of the full-length, Aittala is unveiling their next music video for the track “War of Attrition”; a Quentin Tarantino-inspired story video where the hunter unsuspectedly becomes the victim.

Watch “War of Attrition” via its video premiere on Invisible Oranges HERE.

Aittala‘s latest album “Live to Regret” has eleven tracks, each defying the limits of genre rules. There is the thrash-inspired track “Cannibals” that confronts the tightening grip of governmental monitoring and control. The sludgy “Big Brother” – is about the devolution/zombification of the human race due to technology. The smoky stoner infused “Never Forget” talks about dealing with a toxic person along with many more.

Band founder Eric Aittala adds:

“I wrote this album during a chaotic time in my life. Not only was it during the height of the lockdowns of the pandemic, but I was also in a very chaotic relationship. That chaos fueled my creativity both musically and lyrically. I was constantly walking on an uncertain tightrope and I never knew was going to break. We hope the fans feel the same pleasure, pain, chaos, and passion that I was going through and infused into the songs when they listen to the album and singles.”

Fans can expect more music in the works, and there are no plans to stop writing and releasing new material. An eclectic mix of metal, “Live to Regret” is recommended for fans of Baroness, Crowbar, and Katatonia.

“Live to Regret” was released (Nov 7, 2022) by Exitus Stratagem Records and was produced by Eric Aittala and John E. Wooten IV, who also mixed the record along with mastering by Dave Harris at Studio B Mastering. Album artwork by Mariano Pugliese.

Album order: https://hypeddit.com/aittala/livetoregret

In additional news, Aittala will be doing a mini tour during March 2023 in Florida and Georgia (dates listed below).

Tour Dates:
March 1 – Rain Dogs – Jacksonville, FL
March 2 – Propaganda – Lake Worth, FL
March 3 – Uncle Lous – Orlando, FL
March 4 – Sweetwater Bar and Grill – Duluth, GA

Track Listing:
1. Live to Regret – 2:49
2. Collateral Damage – 3:22
3. War of Attrition – 3:18
4. Saint – 3:35
5. Cannibals – 3:56
6. Betrayed – 3:26
7. Big Brother – 4:45
8. Dancing with Disaster – 3:35
9. Never Forget – 3:36
10. Well Enough Alone – 5:03
11. Juliet (2022) – 5:24
Album Length: 42:56

Aittala is:
Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums)
Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox)
Ali Lugo (Bass)

For more info:
https://www.exsrmusic.com
http://www.aittala.com
https://www.facebook.com/aittalamusic
https://www.instagram.com/aittalamusic

About: The music of AITTALA (pronounced ‘EYE-tah-la’) crosses many metal genres; it’s hard to put it into just one category. The sound infuses elements of classic heavy metal, doom, progressive, power, thrash, and hard rock with lyrics drawing inspiration from the darker side of the human condition. The AITTALA sound has been cited for being unique which is no easy feat in the metal genre.

The first version of AITTALA was formed in 1991 while Eric Aittala was living in Holland. With fellow American Tim on vocals and Dutch bandmates Ed (drums) and Jon (bass), the band became a staple of the Dutch metal scene.

With the release of the 3-song EP ‘Selling Heaven’ in summer of 1993, AITTALA opened for such bands as THE GATHERING and SADIST. Unfortunately, as the demo started to create a buzz in the underground European metal scene, Eric had to return to the US and disbanded AITTALA.

Over the next decade or so, Eric played in numerous bands (TRIBE, MAGNETHEAD, DWELL) and lost focus on AITTALA.

Near the end of the 00’s, Eric decided it was time to refocus his efforts on the AITTALA brand. From 2009 to 2016, AITTALA released 4 full-length albums: ‘Bed of Thorns’ (2009), ‘Haunt Your Flesh’ (2011), ‘Effigy’ (2014) and ‘American Nightmare’ (2016). Each album showcasing a natural progression of song writing and lyrical content but retaining the core AITTALA sound and evolving it.

In 2019, AITTALA signed with Curtain Call Records and released the band’s fifth full-length album ‘False Pretenses’. It was ten brand new songs that not only continued the song writing evolution of heavier but catchy songs, but also sonically. AITTALA used an entirely different approach for the recording, mixing and mastering to create the best AITTALA album to date.

The current lineup of AITTALA consists of Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL) on drums and Ali Lugo (ex-AGE OF DESPAIR) on bass.

They continue to write, record and tour to bring AITTALA to the masses with plans in 2022 to unleash their sixth studio album entitled “Live To Regret” to be released by label Exitus Stratagem Records.

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“Aittala Offer Powerful Pandemic Post-Mortem on ‘Live to Regret’… Stick it on a playlist with Apostle of Solitude, Crowbar, Famyne, and Paradise Lost, with a dash of Slayer for good measure.” – Doomed and Stoned

“One of the best albums for 2022” – 666MrDoom YouYube Channel

“This platter is heavy melodic ear candy that drips with deep and mesmeric face-melting tones and grinding rhythms.” (Live to Regret) – The Metal Gods Meltdown

“The band’s sound is difficult to pigeonhole because they incorporate a variety of styles. The common element in all the songs is the potent groove. On tracks like “Black Coffin” and “Afterthought” stoner/doom is at the forefront, while songs such as “Disowned” have a more traditional metal vibe. There are progressive influences on “How Much Longer,” while the closer “Debt” is a piano based ballad. Even with so many disparate styles, Aittala bring everything together into a cohesive whole.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“I would describe them as an eclectic Doom Metal band, although their sound is a bit tough to define. That’s ultimately a good thing though, and I enjoy the refreshment of something different. My only major complaint is that on some songs, the vocals and lyrics are so drawn out that they become a little boring and you end up waiting a bit for something cool to happen. The good news is something cool usually does end up happening” – Metal-Temple

“In the metal world, bands can start to sound the same and Aittala steps outside of the box. With clear crisp vocals, grinding rhythms and well executed leads, this band is definitely in a league of their own.” – The Metal Channel

—
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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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(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 Shores Of Null Reflect On Past Horrors In Sorrowful Video “My Darkest Years” Off “The Loss Of Beauty” Out March 2023 + EU Tour w/ Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Shores Of Null Reflect On Past Horrors In Sorrowful Video “My Darkest Years”

New Album “The Loss Of Beauty” Out March 2023

EU Tour w/ Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium

Rome’s Shores of Null is explaining their discography of melancholic doom with their fourth album “The Loss Of Beauty”, arriving March 24th, 2023. Stylistically, “The Loss Of Beauty” continues along the sulcus set forth by “Quiescence” (2014) and “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (2017). It’s melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom and melodic black/death, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls. The next single “My Darkest Years” is an emotional homage to stories told to guitarist Raffaele Colace by his grandfather, a WWII veteran. He share the details:

“He was taken prisoner in Russia, but he managed to escape and he traveled all the way to Greece, where he hid for a few years in the countryside, in a swamp between the trees, sometimes in a pigpen. In his stories, he told of a woman that brought him a piece of bread every now and then, thus saving him from hunger. Although he managed to escape and survive the war and return to his family in Italy, sorrow never left him for the rest of his life. Whenever he recalled these memories, his eyes were full of tears, and we know for sure that the horrors he saw were way bigger than anything he was able to tell.”

Vocalist Davide Straccione takes his inspiration from daily life, in particular stories with a deep emotional meaning. Most of the time it’s the mood of the song that inspires him to write about a certain topic, and writing lyrics with a melody in mind allows him to visualize what he wants to tell. For “The Loss Of Beauty” some of the lyrics came after talking to Martina (Sanda Movies) about a few ideas for some of their videos, creating a triple connection between the music, the words, and the images.

Recommended for fans of anything dark and dreary, especially those with an existing interest in Enslaved, Swallow The Sun, and Borknagar.

Watch and listen to the music video for “My Darkest Years” (created by Underrom Studio) via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“The Loss Of Beauty” is due out March 24th, 2023.

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

Music Video – “Nothing Left To Burn” – https://youtu.be/wuP14Dgx4F4

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

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

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

Shores Of Null on their upcoming European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian and Avatarium in April/May 2023: https://www.shoresofnull.com/tour
02/04/2023 – Parkteatret – Oslo (NO)
04/04/2023 – Pumpehuset – Copenhagen (DK)
05/04/2023 – HeadCrash – Hamburg (DE)
06/04/2023 – Doornroosje – Nijmegen (NL)
07/04/2023 – Het Entrpot – Brugge (BE)
08/04/2023 – Rebellion – Manchester (UK)
09/04/2023 – Slay – Glasgow (UK)
10/04/2023 – Limelight 2 – Belfast (UK)
11/04/2023 – Whelan’s . Dublin (IRE)
12/04/2023 – The Underworld . London (UK)
13/04/2023 – Essigfabrik – Köln (DE)
14/04/2023 – Matrix – Bochum (DE)
15/04/2023 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg (DE)
16/04/2023 – Im Wizemann – Stutgart (DE)
17/04/2023 – Le Grillen – Colmar (FR)
18/04/2023 – Backstage – Paris (FR)
19/04/2023 – Le Ferrailleur – Nantes (FR)
20/04/2023 – Le Rex – Toulouse (FR)
21/04/2023 – Sala Changó – Madrid (ES)
22/04/2023 – Sala Bóveda – Barcelona (ES)
23/04/2023 – Secret Place – Montpellier (FR)
24/04/2023 – CCO Villeurbanne – Lyon (FR)
25/04/2023 – Legend Club – Milan (IT)
26/04/2023 – Orto Bar – Ljubljana (SLO)
27/04/2023 – Schüür – Luzern (CH)
28/04/2023 – Undertown – Meyrin (CH)
29/04/2023 – Caves du Manoir – Martigny (CH)
30/04/2023 – Backstage – Munich (DE)
01/05/2023 – Dürer Kert – Budapest (HU)
02/05/2023 – Viper Room – Vienna (AT)
03/05/2023 – Futurum – Prague (CZ)
04/05/2023 – Hole44 – Berlin (DE)
05/05/2023 – Drizzly Grizzly – Gdansk (PL)
06/05/2023 – Klub Łącznik- Wrocław (PL)
07/05/2023 – UT Connewitz – Leipzig (DE)

For more info: Spikerot.com | Shoresofnull.com | Facebook.com/shoresofnull | Instagram.com/shoresofnull | Twitter.com/shoresofnull

About: Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic yet majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.

The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out three impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and finally their most ambitious work to date “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long opus which continues to prove the band’s willingness to go off the beaten path while creating their ultimate doom manifesto.

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

– 30 –

Shores of Null continues to impress and expand upon their doomy sound. An epic-length track worthy to sit amongst the best of these ventures (Edge of Sanity, Insomnium). Emotionally fulfilling and musically satisfying all at once.” – Dead Rhetoric (Best-of 2020)

“this album definitely is one of the best Doom Metal pieces I had the pleasure to look at in 2020. Once you plunge into its astonishing flow, there will be no escape from that majestic march through soaring soundscapes to those tear-drenched horizons.” – Rock Music Raider (Best of 2020)

“it’s certainly ambitious (video for “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying)”), but if you have the time, it’s worth the watch. Steeped in quality and excellent videography, it definitely deserves the attention for the amount of effort used.” – Metal Injection

“Shores of Null rolled the dice with Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) and delivered in a big fucking way… Shores of Null have crafted something special; a heart-wrenchingly emotive and beautiful journey of sorrow, anguish, pain, and acceptance. Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) is a splendidly sombre, brilliantly written opus of commanding death-doom that demands attention.” – Teeth of The Divine

“this album is phenomenal, both in terms of concept and its monumental delivery… with this magnum opus [Shores Of Null] have proved their position front and centre as depressed doom-titans…” – The Sleeping Shaman

“Beyond The Shores (On Death and Dying)” is a near perfect, monumental achievement of doom. I can’t imagine any fan of the style not finding something here to enjoy.” – Metal Temple

“An enchanting, gloomy opus.” – Moshville Times

“A single track of incredibly well-realised melodic doom metal, layered with all sorts of treats and nuanced delivery.” – Wonderbox Metal

“A piece of delicious despair, delivered on a platter of storm-ridden and excellently executed Doom Metal. A record that left anybody else in the genre in 2020 quaking in their wake.” – Rock Music Raider

“their most intricate and brooding work to date… grandiose emotional impact.” – Metal Storm

0 Rethink Traditional Heavy Metal With ODINFIST’s “Deadline” Off “Remade in Steel” Out March 2023

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Odinfist

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Rethink Traditional Heavy Metal With ODINFIST’s “Deadline”

New Album “Remade In Steel” Out March 2023

Hailing from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in Canada, Odinfist are well known around the country for their distinctive brand of traditional heavy metal that is wrapped up in a fun-loving and energetic package. They’ve been around for 16 years, and have an impressive discography under their belts. Their latest addition to this is “Remade in Steel”, six pummeling tracks that lay on heavy riffs, fun choruses, and enough variance to get anyone excited about what is coming next. The third single is “Deadline” – this is the Metallica song, it is also the Megadeth song. It goes from doomy to thrashy, with lots of chromatic riffages. The lyrics are about trying to survive under pressure, crushing anxiety, and running out of time. The band comments:

“This is the last song that we wrote for the album, and it came together rather quickly. There are a lot of twists and turns in this song. It builds from a doomy intro to a groovy verse and chorus and then explodes into a frantic, thrashing ending. Both the lyrics and music have a darker vibe and tone to them. The vocals get pretty unhinged and “crazy” on this song.”

According to the band, their music has become more melodic and complex over the years. They’ve been pushing the confines of traditional metal, by incorporating other subgenres. They had been doing the whole traditional metal thing for about 10 years before it really got cool again. “Back then, the only thing like that really going on was 3 Inches of Blood”. Now they are stoked there is way more new traditional metal to also draw influence from.

Each song on “Remade in Steel” offers a unique musical experience, where you don’t always know what’s going to come next in a song or a track. The end result is a complete album that has a little bit for everyone, and a sense of completion at the very end. They are recommended for fans of Eternal Champion, Cauldron, and Anvil.

Listen to “Deadline” via its premiere on SonicPerspectives HERE.

“Remade In Steel” is due out on March 10, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://odinfist.bandcamp.com/album/remade-in-steel

Previous singles:

“Riffmaster” – https://youtu.be/uJyYAEJxxvY

“Metalmancer” – https://youtu.be/f-xZCqGH_VI

Track Listing:
1. Riffmaster – 6:28
2. Metalmancer – 4:36
3. Remade in Steel – 5:16
4. Allfather – 6:52
5. Deadline – 5:16
6. Masquerade – 8:34
Album Length: 37:02

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Odinfist
• All songs written by: Odinfist
• Produced by: Shane Bouthillier
• Mixed by: Shane Bouthillier
• Mastered by: Shane Bouthillier
• Album Artwork by: Art of Grimmuza
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Tyler Anderson – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Bradley Caulien – Drums
Justin Ketterer – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Jesse Valstar – Bass

For more info: Facebook.com/Odinfist | Instagram.com/odinfist.official

About: Odinfist has been bringing heavy metal to the Okanagan Valley for sixteen years, and has participated in a variety of major shows and festivals across Western Canada. They have played with a variety of other bands such as Kataklysm, Thor, 3 Inches of Blood, etc. Members of Odinfist are also very involved with the Okanagan Metal scene. The band is all about fun, melodic heavy metal that you mosh, party, or just have a good time to, with a relentlessly energetic and entertaining live show.

– 30 –

“…pure and hard Heavy Metal, from the old school, in the purest style of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, and other bands of the well-known NWOBHM…” – Necromance Magazine

“Odinfist has a damn good grasp on the metal jugular without ruining the authenticity of the medium.” – Metalpsalter

“They capture the old school sound better than most of the competition, without a doubt” – Foul Feast Webzine

Unsubscribe | Update your profile | Montreal, QC

0 EPK – Burn The Evidence – Bad Influences (2023)

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· Burn The Evidence · EPKs

EPK – Burn The Evidence – Bad Influences (2023)

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

For fans Of Mice and Men, Ice Nine Kills, Bring Me the Horizon, I Prevail

Facebook | Instagram.com/Burntheevidence_music | TikTok.com@BTE_Band | Spotify

Band Name: Burn The Evidence
Single Title: Bad Influences
Release Date: January 26th, 2023
Label: Self Release

Track Listing: Bad Influences – 4:26

Single Credits:
Produced by: Tiny Rik Production
Mixed by : Tiny Rik Production
Mastered by: Tiny Rik Production
Artwork by: Zakir Ullah

Band line up:
Vocals: Rémi Arsenault
Guitar : Eric Desormeaux
Guitar : Maxime Rondeau
Bass: Dominik Roy
Drums: Emmanuel Jean

Ottawa’s Burn The Evidence is entering the mosh pit with the introduction of their debut single “Bad Influences” accompanied by a lyric video. It’s just one of many planned tracks to be released in 2023.

No strangers to the Canadian metal scene, Burn The Evidence is a crushing nu-metalcore union formed by former members of the local area band Greta Knights and current members of Fractures and Outlines. The conception though of BTE has been churning in the mind of vocalist/lyricist Rémi Arsenault for many years and now it has finally met its fruition.

“It’s been in my head since 2021, a band that brings investigation and mysteries with brutal breakdowns and heavy riffs. I’m a big fan of everything that’s related to crime scene investigation and its scientific evolution throughout the years. I think psychopaths who do fucked up shit are glorified… I don’t like this… I want to glorify the investigators who give those bad guys what they really deserve! So many stories and content we can work with it’s incredible! We want to elaborate cool stories in our music, where we are the investigators who gonna catch those bad guys! All fiction for now, but we have the intention to glorify a couple of amazing real-life investigators solving real-life mysteries.”

Set to be captivating with suspenseful and heavily structured intensity, the band’s first single is an exciting time for them as they look forward to new fans hearing what they have been brewing along with those who are familiar with their previous endeavours.

“This is just the stepping stone, we want people to walk this path with us and listen closely to the story behind the music. And of course… when we hit the stage… we want people at the front moving their heads and jumping everywhere. It’s gonna be the start of a great chronicle.” adds Arsenault.

One of many already recorded tracks to be revealed, “Bad Influences” is a mix of bouncy riffs with jumping breakdowns and a melodic chorus, that will tease people for what’s to come next. From the clean vocals to high-pitch screams to cult prayers, BTE will be providing constant content for headbanging consumption this year, full of innovative genre-blending and storytelling to bring the noise to the pit regularly.

“With this new band, we are trying to build not only songs, but build a connection with the listener that’s going to merge them into the stories of each track. For example, in a police chase, you might find a faster power riff, or during the announcement of a death to a family, it would be softer and more emotional you know. For this first single, we are trying to demonstrate the realization of bad choices and bad things that are led by a mix of internal bad influences and psychotic problems, it’s a song that will make you jump, it’s gonna make you fight the invisible ninja, and at the end wanting more.”

A cross between metalcore and nu-metal, Burn The Evidence is recommended for fans of Ice Nine Kills, Of Mice and Men, Bring Me the Horizon, and I Prevail.

Burn The Evidence is:
Vocals: Rémi Arsenault
Guitar : Eric Desormeaux
Guitar : Maxime Rondeau
Bass: Dominik Roy
Drums: Emmanuel Jean

0 EPK – Squidhammer – (Single) Drown In Flames – ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (2023)

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Squidhammer

EPK – Squidhammer – (Single) Drown In Flames – ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (2023)

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

Booking Agent – Keith Wampler – keithatthelegendagency[@]gmail[.]com

For fans of Pantera, Lamb Of God, Arch Enemy, Black Label Society, DevilDriver

Band: Squidhammer
Single Title: ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains
Release Date: 1/27/23
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

“‘Drowning in Flames’ is a mental roller coaster. A twisted riddle full of metaphors. It’s the outside voice we all wish we could hear over our own noise. It’s everything you hope you’re not. It’s the shackles you watched your own possessed hands put around your very ankles. It’s the only way out.

It’s a long trip, musically speaking. A labyrinth. Hooks left and grooves right. A push/pull of thrash, chugs, and sway. It’s a bit of an arpeggio of a song structure, with an exit hidden in the middle. Will you burn your way out, or will you wind up right back where you started?” – Jake Schultz – Squidhammer

Squidhedz.com | Facebook.com/squidhammermetal | Twitter.com/getchasquidon | Youtube.com/@squidhammermetal9966 | Instagram.com/squidhammermetal

Squidhammer.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | All Digital Platforms – Withkoji.com/@Squidhammer

“The introductory growl that Marq brings in is like an atomic bomb going off – unleashing chaos and dismay as this track kicks off with unrivaled energy. Ericka’s performance rips through like shrapnel, with a chaotic presence that carries an aura of fury and insanity in its wake. Both vocalists mesh seamlessly in their pieces, allowing this track to blast through with mind-blowing drum beats, demonic bass, and furious riff work to share in the spotlight, rather than be shadowed by it.” – Valkyrjia @ VALKYRJIAN Metal Blog (2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“The mixture of chaotic, guttural growls, and shrill screams that unite these two vocal powerhouses is baffling, leaving for a track that’s not only complex and intense in its delivery but, strangely catchy as well” – Valkyrjia @ VALKYRJIAN Metal Blog (2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“The song mixes elements of Groove and Thrash Metal, with aggressive vocals, in a great vocal dynamic between vocalist Ericka and Marq Pointer, heavy riffs and a destructive rhythmic part” – Leandro Vianna @ ROADIEMETAL of Brazil
(2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“This is no nonsense metal, which is out to ensure that there are no prisoners whatsoever as they have all been blasted through a wall by the sheer volume and attack of what is taking place” – Kev Rowland @ House of Prog Radio (2018 ‘Power Removal Service’ LP)

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Squidhammer
Single Title: ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains
Release Date: 1/27/23
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

1. ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (5:54)

Single Credits:
• Performed by: Squidhammer
• Written by: Jake Schultz & Ericka Schultz Niemann
• Produced by: Squidhammer & Evan Yoakum
• Mixed by: Russell Hollar
• Mastered by: Russell Hollar
• Album Artwork by: Jake Schultz
• P.R.O. Affiliation: ASCAP

Single Recording Lineup – Drowning In Flames’:
Kyle Fawley – Featured Main Vocals
Ericka Schultz Niemann – Layering Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitar
Joe Dunn – Bass Guitar
Skeebo – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Ericka Schultz Niemann – Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitar
Joe Dunn – Bass Guitar
Skeebo – Drums

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

Story Angles / Fun Facts:

1. All the new Squidhammer material since our lineup change in late 2021 has been tracked “free-time” in the studio, meaning we do not use a metronome / click track to record. The drums are tracked to a live rhythm guitar and everything is built on top of that. This is a studio approach that was once standard but has nearly died off in the heavy metal world and we feel like too much soul has been removed from modern heavy metal because of it. – Jake Schultz

2. Squidhammer got its name in 2010 from a guy on a bar stool who was allowed to name us for the night at a living room jam party. It went on as a joke for the night, but stuck like glue. – Jake Schultz

3. Squidhammer once showed up at a “Kentucky Derby Days” festival in central Wisconsin because we were in the area killing time before a show that night and we saw they were frying brats and burgers. We had just grabbed some food quickly when a member of the staff approached us assuming we were “the band”. They had booked a country cover band which was apparently running late. We had all of our gear with us, so we had no choice but to play into it and record the whole experience. We went as far as to set everything up and blast out one of our songs, ‘Rock the Fuck On’ to all of these drunk rednecks in the bar. I mean, there were tons of people at this festival. They all looked like they were seeing a ghost and many of them were starting to leave, so after one song, we decided to tell everyone what we had done. I’ll never forget the old man at the bar who was pounding his fist in the air and wanting more. – Jake Schultz

4. All of Squidhammer’s releases to date have been mixed and mastered by Russell Hollar of Russell Hollar Music/Nomad Recording Studio in Argyle, TX. He’s always been super easygoing and personable, while also having inhuman workflow capabilities. The dude knows how to make metal slam. – Jake Schultz

5. We got the ‘Hail The Squid’ title from guitarist Marc Rizzo of Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, etc… He has been a friend of the band since he jammed on stage with us back in 2016 at Axemetal Fest II. Since then, we have been a support act on nearly every solo show he has booked in Wisconsin. He can always be heard shouting, “HAIL THE SQUID!!!!!” from the back of the venue when we’re on stage. Marc has always joined us on stage to jam one of his tunes or a random Pantera cover whenever we’re on a bill together. – Jake Schultz

L-R: Jake Schultz (Guitar) | Eric “Skeebo” Kjelland (Drums) | Ericka Schultz-Niemann (Vocals) | Joe Dunn (Bass)
Photo Credit: Ericka Schultz-Niemann

Squidhammer proudly calls Watertown, Wisconsin home. The band carved out its place in the midwest metal scene in 2018 with their debut album, ‘Power Removal Service’. In early 2018, the band took a road trip to Fort Worth, Texas and recorded the album with producer Russell Hollar in five days and headed straight back home. The album was released independently and has been lovingly accepted into the “favorites” category of many midwest headbangers who have shown so much support. Its tracks have been featured on local radio stations as well as several worldwide internet radio stations. One track has even been played on Sirius XM’s Liquid Metal channel several times.

To ensure the band’s availability, Squidhammer’s founding member, Jake Schultz, has since adopted an open-door approach to the band lineup, meaning that members are free to come and go as they please, and contribute to studio recordings and live performances/tours at whichever level they feel comfortable. This has proven to ensure that only the most passionate, humble, and dedicated people are involved.

‘Hail The Squid’, the band’s second studio project is currently being rolled out to the world via a series of single releases. Squidhammer is extremely excited to announce that the open-ended and ongoing collection is a Wisconsin collaborative effort. So far, under this series title, 12 planned tracks will feature 20+ vocalists from Wisconsin’s top metal bands. This project is meant to help show everyone just what Wisconsin has to offer to the U.S. metal scene, as Squidhammer continues to tour the country. Squidhammer aims to attract more national and international acts to the great Wisconsin metal scene, benefiting everyone involved!

Squidhammer is:
Ericka Schultz – Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitars
Eric “Skeebo” Kjelland – Drums
Joe Dunn – Bass

Discography:
2023 – Drowning In Flames ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains – Single
2022 – Hamrammr (ft. Marq Pointer of H1Z1) – Single
2022 – Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit (Pantera Cover) – Single
2020 – Firing Order:18436572 – Single
2018 – Power Removal Service – LP
2017 – Rock The Fuck On – Single

Shared Stage with:
Goatwhore, Crowbar, Exhorder, Battlecross, Abigail Williams, Ghostbath, Wolf King, Raven, Mobile Deathcamp, Act Of Defiance, Psychostick, Crobot, Jungle Rot, Marc Rizzo, Necronomicon, Sarah Longfield, Scars of Atrophy, Malevolent, The Convalescence, Casket Robbery and many more…

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Squidhammer Headline Tour (WI, IL, IA, OK, TX, KS)
2022 – WoR U.S. Tour (Direct Support) (WI, IA, IL, IN, OH, PA, VA)
2022 – Northern WI Metalfest XVIII – Lake Nebagamon, WI
2022 – Dimestock Metalfest XI – Watertown, WI
2022 – Toledo Deathfest – Toledo, OH
2022 – Squidhammer/INFLUENCE co-headline tour (MI, OH, PA, KY, IN, WI)
2020 – Dimestock Metalfest IX – Watertown, WI
2019 – Dimestock Metalfest VIII – Watertown, WI
2018 – Dimestock Metalfest VII – Watertown, WI
2018 – Project Mayhem VIII – Rhinelander, WI
2017 – Dimestock Metalfest VI – Watertown, WI
2017 – Project Mayhem VII – Rhinelander, WI
2016 – Dimestock Metalfest V – Madison, WI
2016 – Project Mayhem VI – Rhinelander, WI
2016 – Axemetal Fest II – Theresa, WI
2015 – Dimestock Metalfest IV – Madison, WI
2015 – Project Mayhem V – Rhinelander, WI
2014 – Dimestock Metalfest III – Madison, WI

0 NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Unleashes Shredding Guitar / Vox Video For “Victims of the Algorithm”

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Narcotic Wasteland

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 8, 2023

NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Unleashes Shredding Guitar / Vox Video For “Victims of the Algorithm”

Photo Credit – Andrea Roberts

2022 was a very active year for South Carolina’s Narcotic Wasteland founded by guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade. The band had tours supporting ACCEPT and Malevolent Creation plus a performance at Rustfest (Detroit, MI) along with sharing with fans three new singles “Morality and the Wasp”, “The Best Times Have Passed” and “Victims of the Algorithm”, which will appear on the band’s forthcoming album due out later in 2023.

Today, Narcotic Wasteland is unveiling the latest guitar and vocal playthrough for their latest single “Victims of the Algorithm”, a crushing speed storm of death thrash, with its visceral vocals, and a demolishing blast beat to annihilate the mosh pit.

Check out the playthrough via its premiere on MetalSucks HERE.

“This guitar/ vocal playthrough was footage taken from the video shoot for our latest single Victims of the algorithm. We had rehearsed the song a good bit before the tour and had about two weeks out on the road to play the song live. So even though it’s just a video I feel I got the performances pretty close to the studio version. Kenji Tsunami with Tsunami films once again does a fantastic job!” adds Dallas Toler-Wade.

Narcotic Wasteland is currently working on their forthcoming 2023 album to be released via Megaforce Records (release date to be determined). The single “Victims of the Algorithm” was recorded with engineer, and producer Erik Schultek who is no stranger to the band having recorded drums, engineered, and produced their self-titled debut album. The band’s 2023 album will be the follow-up to their sophomore full-length 2017’s “Delirium Tremens”.

Stream for “Victims of the Algorithm” available at https://orcd.co/nwvota

Inspired mostly by thrash metal and classic heavy metal, Narcotic Wasteland is becoming more thrash and speed and less death metal and getting better at writing material that is meaningful and powerful. They are recommended for fans of Vader, Death, The Crown, Autopsy, Pestilence, and Nile.

Previous singles:

“Morality and the Wasp” – https://youtu.be/fXThLKTP-xI

“The Best Times Have Passed” – https://youtu.be/U6kB087hGyY

Show Dates:
Friday, June 23, 2023 – The Concert North – Houston, TX
Saturday, June 24, 2023 – The Rail Club – Forth Worth, TX
Sunday, June 25, 2023 – Boozerz Rock Club – Corpus Christi, TX

For more info:

https://www.narcoticwasteland.com
http://www.facebook.com/narcoticwasteland
https://www.instagram.com/narcoticwastelandofficial
https://twitter.com/Narco_Wasteland

About:

Narcotic Wasteland started as a side project Dallas Toler-Wade had been working on the past few years when he was not touring or in the writing/studio with metal heavyweights “Nile.”

‘So I just started writing some songs kind of more in the style of things I was playing before my time in Nile. The more we started working on these demos the more we wanted to complete an album and take it to the stage!!! Our observation of what was going on in parts of the town we grew up in and in other parts of the world fueled a new level of angst for me personally.” DTW

– 30 –

“The song (Victims of the Algorithm) takes on lightning-fast and heavy riffs, in the tradition of the band, and the lyrics tackle our dependence on social media in the modern age.” – Decibel Magazine

“Dallas-Toler Wade, back with the riffs. (The Best Times Have Passed) – Metal Injection

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