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Posts By Asher

0 EPK – Ironmaster – Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage (2023) (Black Lion Records)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Ironmaster (Black Lion records)

EPK – Ironmaster – Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage (2023) (Black Lion Records)

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

For fans of Death, Behemoth, Hypocrisy, Morbid Angel, Nile

Band: Ironmaster
Album Title: Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Label: Black Lion Records

Blacklion.nu | Facebook.com/blacklionrecordswe | Instagram.com/blacklionrecordsswe | Twitter.com/Blacklionrecswe | Youtube.com/@BlackLionRecordsTV

 Facebook.com/ironmaster666  |  Instagram.com/ironmaster666 | Ironmaster1.bandcamp.com

Album pre-order – https://ironmasterblacklion.bandcamp.com/album/weapons-of-spiritual-carnage 

“We are very satisfied with the outcome of the album, it’s a continuation of our debut album but a bit more odd-structured songs which may or may not be pleasing to the listener. The goal is to get the listener to dive deep into the music with the album growing more and more every time they hear it.” – Ironmaster

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Track Listing:
1. Solemn Pestilence – 3:22
2. Ocean Of Searing Hatred – 4:58
3. Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage – 3:48
4. Infinite Virulent – 5:03
5. Monolithic Suppressor Engaged – 3:14
6. Cast Into The Hollow – 4:59
7. Implications Of Sacral Time – 0:36
8. Lies Of Apathy – 3:43
9. Bringer Of Deception – 3:48
10. Dismantling Eternity – 4:23
Album Length: 37:55

L-R – Ironmaster Current Line Up – Jonas Kjellgren(Guitar) Roberth Karlsson (Vocals) Janne Jaloma (Drums)
Photo credit: Scott Bobbox

Ironmaster was formed in Nyhammar, Sweden in April 2020 by Jonas Kjellgren (guitars), a bunch of songs were written, and soon after Jonas teamed up with Janne Jaloma (Drums) and Robert Karlsson (Vocals).

An album was recorded and mixed at Blacklounge Studios during the summer of that very same year.
The band set out to record an album as crushingly fast and intense as they could manage, and then some…

The style of the debut album ‘Thy Ancient Fire’ is like a mix of Swedish early 90’s Death Metal and the
Florida Death Metal sound from the same era, there’s also a healthy dose of Thrash Metal in there.

Band Line Up:
Roberth Karlsson – Vocals (Edge Of Sanity, Scar Symmetry, Facebreaker, Pan.Thy.Monium, Darkified)
Janne Jaloma – Drums (Dark Funeral, Aeon, Diabolical, Night Crowned)
Jonas Kjellgren – Guitars (Raubtier, Scar Symmetry, Centinex, Carnal Forge, Dellamorte, World Below)

Discography:
2023 – Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage
2022 – Thy Ancient Fire

0 Stoner Rock And Death Metal Collide In ITUS’ New Video “Droner”

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · ITUS · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 16, 2023

Stoner Rock And Death Metal Collide In ITUS’ New Video “Droner”

(L-R) Brandon Aitchison (Bass), Vince Anastasi (Drums), Brandon Lucking (Guitars), Reinier Vandenbosch (Vocals)
Photo Credit by Jake Daffern

ITUS was born in 2018 when guitarist Brandon Lucking and vocalist Reinier Vandenbosch began writing doom metal together. Now with bassist Brandon Aitchison and drummer Vince Anastasi, they blend grueling sludge and epic doom with stoner rock and death metal into a compelling mix. Their latest release is the single “Droner” – a heavy metal throwback, with lots of hooks that is widely accessible to rock fans. Vandenbosch conjures sexy clean rock verses that build into fat, sludgy passages. The guys are confident that all kinds of rock and metal fans will dig it.

“Droner” immediately comes out swinging with hard rock verses and a sludgy chorus, filled with vocalist Reinier Vandenbosch’s quaking shrieks and eerie crooning. The song gets even darker after the chorus breaks down into this almost ‘proggy’ jam where the song lifts off into a grimy sludge finale. Vandenbosch treated “Droner” with primarily clean vocals as opposed to his usual harsh focused approach. The band elaborates:

“We wrote ‘Droner’ as a slightly less violent hard rock track, to compliment the death metal feel of our previous single ‘Sturgeon’ and to test more of our musical range and abilities. It’s a heavy hitting hard rock slapper with a dark Valentine’s Day vibe. When we demoed ‘Droner’, it was about half as fast as when we finished it. At some point, we realized that when we sped it up it became a lot catchier, but we kept the name ‘Droner’ even though the song doesn’t ‘drone’ that much anymore. It used to be so slow and more repetitive, hence the name. In the lyrics, it’s used to describe a disillusioned female partner who is relied on for solace and teaching the hard life lessons.”

Fans of Conan, Pallbearer, Crowbar, will find themselves tripping out on ITUS’ soundscape of horrors in the single “Droner”, which can be seen and heard via its video premiere on TheCirclePit YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/7ywWN92lhKs​

Single Stream – Itusofficialdoom.bandcamp.com, Spotify​

ITUS is:​
Reinier Vandenbosch – Vocals
Brandon Lucking – Guitar
Brandon Aitchison – Bass Guitar
Vince Anastasi – Drums

For more info:​
​https://www.facebook.com/ITUSDOOM​
​http://www.instagram.com/ITUSDOOM​

About: ITUS was born in 2018 when Brandon Lucking (guitars) and Reinier Vandenbosch (vocals) began writing Doom Metal together. Fans of Conan, Pallbearer, Crowbar, Windhand, Electric Wizard, and Black Sabbath will find themselves tripping out on ITUS’ soundscape of horrors ‘PRIMORDIAL’, their debut EP. ITUS blends grueling sludge and epic doom with stoner rock and death metal. Crushing yet jammy heavy metal passages, infused with a psychedelic, horror atmosphere established their EP as ITUS’ first brutally tripped-out release. The PRIMORDIAL EP launched on Friday the 13th of March 2020. Covid seemed to strike right then with lockdowns, but given time to build ITUS recruited Vince Anastasi on drums, and the three boys started building in new directions both musically and professionally. ITUS lined up gigs for 2022 and performed a slew of new singles alongside the music from their first EP. New music videos produced by the band are also coming this year in 2022 and 2023. Hold your eyes and ears open for the new Sludge from ITUS.

Discography:
2023 – Droner (single)
2021 – Sturgeon (single)
2020 – Primordial – EP

– 30 –

“Blending their love of doom, stoner rock and its attendant psychedelia, Ontario trio Itus have created a colossal debut in Primordial.” 9/10 – Exclaim!

“Love doom and sludge metal, but find yourself frustrated that those bands that would monolithically crush the listener fail to pay nearly as much attention to injecting some measure of melody into their music? Ontario duo ITUS may be the cure to what ails ya. Starting with downcast sludgy stoner doom, the pair of guitarist Brandon Lucking and vocalist Reiner Vandenbosch also aren’t shy about making use of psychedelic rock and good ol’ fashioned heavy metal to get their point across. Think of it like Graves at Sea and Conan discovering the magic power of Tony Iommi’s fake fingertips and the blinding quality of a vintage Hawkwind live show.” – Decibel Magazine

“Primordial is a great release as it treats you to five unique tracks. Never once do you hear the same thing as ITUS truly does a great job of keeping you on your toes and guessing as to what you are about to hear next. Through and through this is a well crafted and cohesive effort that you would be unwise to skip over.” – Cadaver Garden

““This Can’t Be” is a change of pace from the record’s ravenous namesake single which came out earlier in the month. It’s a moving window into their world, with clean vocals this time reminiscent of Woods of Ypres and a vibe that fans of Pallbearer should have no trouble at all falling in love with.” – Doomed And Stoned

““The Chaplain” sounds like the languid expansion of the universe; the impassive serenity of planetary movement; the inexorable eroding of rock by wind and water; the absurd “progress” of humanity set against a backdrop of endless time. It’s achingly heavy and crushingly slow, just like epic doom should be… ITUS drive all thought from your mind and leave only doom behind… ” – CVLT Nation

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

0 ITUS – Droner (single) (2023)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · ITUS

ITUS – Droner (single) (2023)

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

For fans of Crowbar, Conan, Windhand, Katatonia, Electric Wizard

“We wrote Droner across a couple months besides our other singles Sturgeon, and Dead Future. They all pull in different genres and symbolize an experimental stage for us as writers while we incorporated Vincent into that process. Droner is intended as a rock and roll ride through old-school heavy metal and new school all at once. It’s both bright and dark, and it’s a testament to how ITUS has changed and continues to grow. The lyrics describe a troubled soul who finds false peace and hard lessons with a malignant partner. The lyrics lean back and take influence from old school heavy metal and rock.” – ITUS

Facebook.com/ItusDoom | Youtube | Instagram.com/Itusdoom

Itusofficialdoom.Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

“Blending their love of doom, stoner rock and its attendant psychedelia, Ontario trio Itus have created a colossal debut in Primordial.” 9/10 – Exclaim!

“Love doom and sludge metal, but find yourself frustrated that those bands that would monolithically crush the listener fail to pay nearly as much attention to injecting some measure of melody into their music? Ontario duo ITUS may be the cure to what ails ya. Starting with downcast sludgy stoner doom, the pair of guitarist Brandon Lucking and vocalist Reiner Vandenbosch also aren’t shy about making use of psychedelic rock and good ol’ fashioned heavy metal to get their point across. Think of it like Graves at Sea and Conan discovering the magic power of Tony Iommi’s fake fingertips and the blinding quality of a vintage Hawkwind live show.” – Decibel Magazine

“Primordial is a great release as it treats you to five unique tracks. Never once do you hear the same thing as ITUS truly does a great job of keeping you on your toes and guessing as to what you are about to hear next. Through and through this is a well crafted and cohesive effort that you would be unwise to skip over.” – Cadaver Garden

““This Can’t Be” is a change of pace from the record’s ravenous namesake single which came out earlier in the month. It’s a moving window into their world, with clean vocals this time reminiscent of Woods of Ypres and a vibe that fans of Pallbearer should have no trouble at all falling in love with.” – Doomed And Stoned

““The Chaplain” sounds like the languid expansion of the universe; the impassive serenity of planetary movement; the inexorable eroding of rock by wind and water; the absurd “progress” of humanity set against a backdrop of endless time. It’s achingly heavy and crushingly slow, just like epic doom should be… ITUS drive all thought from your mind and leave only doom behind… ” – CVLT Nation

“This EP is shrouded in a dark and eerie atmosphere from the instant you put it on, but despite that very consistent vibe, there is a lot of variation going on in the lyrics and sound. The production on here is immaculate, these riffs are just enormous, they swallow you whole… Just how I like my doom!… Seriously, the riffs alone are worth listening for! Definitely going to be the EP to beat this year.” 8/10  – Noob Heavy

“… an EP that packs a punch and holds its ground that’s for sure… The intensity really shines and each song generates it more and more. You have the rhythmic highs and lows of the genre and all your senses are overwhelmed. It really makes the listener want even more and you kinda feel depressed when it’s all over so you decide to listen to it all over again! This is the type of EP that you just place inside your CD Player or on your MP3 player and just let all that negative vibes leave your body. You just listen to it and forget about everything all around you especially in this world of sickness, chaos and crisis. A modern twist to an overcharged genre!” 8/10 – Metal-Temple

“Massive crushing riffs heave themselves out of the primeval sludge that provides the sonic backdrop for this crushing aural assault, which seethes and broils around you like a pungent stew sucking you deep into the bowels of the cauldron in which it is simmering. There is superb use of sound effects to create ever denser layers of atmosphere, which in turn add to the hypnotic quality of the five tracks, which themselves flow with an natural ease and sense of purposeful progression, which makes this release all the more intimidating and impressive in equal measure.”  – Uber Rock

“A very strong first release, and well worth checking out for doom fans looking for something with some brains behind the fuzz.” – The Burning Beard

“dark and brooding doom “Primordial is a powerful and unforgiving EP that is certainly worthy of your time.”  – Astral Noize

“crisp, and aggressive guitar tones” – Permafrost Today

“ITUS, from Toronto, Canada, provide a good blend of doom, heavy and psych vibes… Five songs in this Ep where blackened vocals enrich the doom sound carpet, trademark of the band.” – Hard Rock Heavy Metal

“Droner is a peg in the sand for ITUS as a developing band. We’re psyched about what we accomplished with it. We pushed our limits musically into new lands so to speak. Droner is the second of 3 very different singles we wrote one after another; coming after Sturgeon we wanted to experiment more with Droner. We’re pleased at how it came to be, but even more pleased with what we learned and gained through it all. The next single will be even closer to what we think ITUS is supposed to sound like, but Droner caused that, and we plan to play it with a ton of new songs, as we come back to gigs in 2023. Injuries aren’t going to stop us.” – Reinier Viktor Vandenbosch

“Droner marked the moment for me that I truly felt a part of ITUS writing our second single together from scratch. Although we had a similar process to completing Sturgeon, the second time around with Droner felt more natural and fluid.” – Vince Anastasi

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single title: DRONER
Release date: February 16, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Track length: 4:12

‘Droner’ Single recording credits:
Performed by ITUS (the band)
Written by ITUS
Produced by: Luc Chiasson
Mixed by: Luc Chiasson
Mastered by: Luc Chiasson
Single Art by: Dan Bothen
— ITUS are all SOCAN members —
— ‘Droner’ is 100% Canadian content —

Band lineup + live band lineup:
Reinier Vandenbosch – Vocals
Brandon Lucking – Guitar
Brandon Aitchison – Bass Guitar
Vince Anastasi – Drums

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

FUN FACTS:

1. All four of ITUS’ members live in different cities throughout the GTA and Ontario, yet somehow manage to meet at the jam space to practice, write music and get into trouble. ITUS is from Hamilton, Caledon, Muskoka, and downtown Toronto. ITUS’ reach is far.

2. ITUS’ jam space resides in a spooky basement below a huge club in TORONTO, with winding hallways reminiscent of a dungeon.

3. Brandon Lucking, ITUS’ guitar player is a licensed Airplane Structural Technician, and Reinier has been his on-and-off apprentice.

4. The whole band is beast lovers. Snakes, birds, dogs, and cats can live together! Reinier especially loves Bullterriers.

(L-R) Brandon Aitchison (Bass), Vince Anastasi (Drums), Brandon Lucking (Guitars), Reinier Vandenbosch (Vocals)
Photo Credit by Jake Daffern

ITUS was born in 2018 when Brandon Lucking (guitars) and Reinier Vandenbosch (vocals) began writing Doom Metal together. Fans of Conan, Pallbearer, Crowbar, Windhand, Electric Wizard, and Black Sabbath will find themselves tripping out on ITUS’ soundscape of horrors ‘PRIMORDIAL’, their debut EP. ITUS blends grueling sludge and epic doom with stoner rock and death metal. Crushing yet jammy heavy metal passages, infused within a psychedelic, horror atmosphere established their EP as ITUS’ first brutally tripped-out release. The PRIMORDIAL EP launched on Friday the 13th of March 2020. Covid seemed to strike right then with lockdowns, but given time to build ITUS recruited Vince Anastasi on drums, and the three boys started building in new directions both musically and professionally. ITUS lined up gigs for 2022 and performed a slew of new singles alongside the music from their first EP. New music videos produced by the band are also coming this year in 2022 and 2023. Hold your eyes and ears open for the new Sludge from ITUS.

Discography:
2023 – Droner (single)
2021 – Sturgeon (single)
2020 – Primordial – EP

0 Enter The “Timeshift” From Vancouver Orchestral Metal Ensemble OPUS ARISE (ft. members of Svneatr, Thousand Arrows, Ysgaroth)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Opus Arise

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 16, 2023

Enter The “Timeshift” From Vancouver Orchestral Metal Ensemble OPUS ARISE (ft. members of Svneatr, Thousand Arrows, Ysgaroth)

New Album “The Network” Out Now!

L-R – Derek Ho – Cello (live only), Matthew Logan – Drums, Violin II, Ellen Smith – Viola, Michelle Gao – Violin I, Kyle Hagen, Shawn Hillman – Guitar, Cello, Matthew Hannah – Keyboards

Photo Credit Jade Weekes

Vancouver, BC’s Opus Arise is an orchestral progressive metal ensemble featuring members of extreme bands Svneatr, Thousand Arrows, and Ysgaroth. Opus Arise unleashed their second full-length “The Network” this past December. It’s a concept record that is a cyberpunk tale that brings together classical strings and metal rhythms to create luscious soundscapes to dissonant chaos.

As part of the album’s storyline, the band is offering up the next video for the track “Timeshift”. Guitarist Shawn Hillman explains the track’s place in the story:

“As they continue on, the Protagonist’s mastery of his research is demonstrated in his (Timeshift) progression, which will return him home to his time when he plays it. The song timeshift is also about the search that the Protagonist does for his friend, Character 1. He wants to reveal his discovery and return them both home. Unfortunately, after searching for a while, he realizes Character 1 has been doomed to the network. He has been lost in the reminiscence of his past life and has lost touch with reality. There is nothing that can save him, so the Protagonist uses his progression to return home, which continues into the album’s closing track (The Unanswered Question).”

The video for “Timeshift” via its premiere on GhostCultMag HERE.​

Opus Arise‘s latest album, “The Network”, is a cyberpunk world filled with neon lights backed by progressive metal riffs and classical themes. The eight-track record was produced and mastered by Maor Appelbaum; mixed by Ryan Shepard, with the album artwork done by Daniel Reyes. The nine players on the record bring forth their skills on guitar, cello, bass, drums, violin, keyboards, viola, and contrabass in a sometimes collaborative effort, which is primarily composed and scored by Matthew Logan and Matthew Hannah. The drums were recorded in a mansion back in 2018 where the original rehearsal space was, and the same location was used to film the music videos for the singles “Reminiscence”, “Change” and “Inner Skepticism”.

“The Network” has a modern metal influence and different composers from their first album. It is best described as orchestral neo-classical instrumental progressive metal and is recommended for fans who enjoy Powerglove, Scale The Summit, and Animals As Leaders.

“The Network” is available at Opusarise.bandcamp.com, Spotify.

To watch previous music videos, please the band’s YouTube.

Track Listing:​
1) Inner Skepticism – 5:50
2) Electric Jungle – 6:02
3) Antimatter – 3:22
4) Digital Soundscape – 4:38
5) Reminiscence – 5:21
6) Change – 5:23
7) Timeshift – 5:21
8) The Unanswered Question – 5:13
Album Length: 41:13

Album Band Lineup:​
Shawn Hillman Guitar, Cello on “Digital Soundscape”
James Readman: Guitar
Daniel Carmago: Bass Guitar (Tracks 1-3, 5-7)
Matthew Logan: Drums, Violin II
Matthew Hannah: Keyboards
Michelle Gao: Violin I
Ellen Smith: Viola
Darrell Bennett: Cello
Kyle Hagen: Contrabass, Bass Guitar (Track 8)

For more info:​
​https://www.facebook.com/opusarise​
​https://www.instagram.com/opusarise​
​https://twitter.com/OpusArise​

– 30 –

“On its latest album, the Network, Vancouver orchestral rock crew presents a cyberpunk concept driven by cello, viola and violin as much as electric guitar. With members drawn from the ranks of local metal acts Svneatr, Thousand Arrows and Ysgaroth, the eight-track, 40-minute record is another fine release from the globally recognized and appreciated B.C. metal scene.” – Vancouver Sun​
​
​“An instrumental journey with a lot of charisma… Anyone who likes to think outside the box from time to time and likes instrumental music should definitely give “The Network” a try.” – PowerMetal.de

“… this is great progressive music… the album is strongly recommended if you’re open minded and you like your music to sound like a detailed and complex story. Great stuff!” – Metal Rules

“Sometimes there comes a prog metal act with something new or at least different than most others. And Opus Arise surely fits this description! Their songs are instrumental to begin with. But that’s far from all.” – Melodic.net

“A magnificent album, original, inventive and of great musicality.” – Pierre Davidson – A Progressive Life – CFUZ 92.9 FM – Penticton, BC

““Inner Scepticism,” shimmers through the linement of time and brings about an intricate braid.” – The Median Man

“This new record teleports the listeners to a cyberpunk world filled with neon lights punctuated with progressive riffs. The album has a modern metal influence and different composers from their first album.” – Canadian Beats

—
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 Exitus Stratagem Records To Re-Release AITTALA’s Album “False Pretenses” Out Feb 28th + Tour Dates (FL, GA)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 16, 2023

​

Exitus Stratagem Records To Re-Release AITTALA’s Album “False Pretenses” Out Feb 28th

+ Tour Dates (FL, GA)

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

Originally unleashed in September 2019 on Curtain Call Records, Raleigh, NC’s Aittala will be re-releasing their fifth album via Exitus Stratagem Records, who also recently released the band’s follow-up and sixth full-length “Live To Regret” this past November.

Led by vocalist and guitarist, Eric Aittala, with bassist Ali Lugo and drummer Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith, “False Pretenses” features the trio’s unique stamp of infused classic rock licks, thrash, doom, and sludge along with progressive layers and hard rock grooves.

“When we offered up this album, I still believe it is one of the best Aittala recordings we have done,” Eric Aittala states. “Of course, all bands make that claim when their new album is released, but I still really mean it. If nothing else, it is one of the best-sounding Aittala albums. When we wrote it, we used an entirely different approach for recording, mixing, and mastering. Even with its re-release, I’m still really excited for people who have still not heard it yet.”

Rounding out the album’s track listing is “Different Day”, “Disowned”, “Infamy”, “How Much Longer”, “Nemesis”, “Afterthought”, “They Live”, “Funeral Procession” and “Debt”. Eric notes, “The album’s title comes from the idea that the songs have an underlying theme of misrepresentation”.

Drummer Gary Smith believes those who have not listened to the album, are in for a treat.

“When we made this album, we really stepped it up and I truly believe it is a record for a much larger audience than the previous four we released. There’s something for everyone on it that’s a fan of good metal.”

Recommended for fans of Baroness, Crowbar, and Katatonia, the re-release of “False Pretenses” is due out on February 28th via Exitus Stratagem Records and can be pre-saved at https://hypeddit.com/aittala/falsepretenses.

Music Video – Black Coffin – https://youtu.be/a1R6GpxvvGg

​

Music Video – Nemesis – https://youtu.be/DQJogfBlLmM

Aittala‘s latest album “Live to Regret” released on November 7, 2022, via Exitus Stratagem Records available at the following link: https://hypeddit.com/aittala/livetoregret

Music Video – War of Attrition – ​https://youtu.be/-QX5Tvspq2U

​

Music Video – Collateral Damage – https://youtu.be/Foh__WSHD4o​​

​

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. Different Day (Explicit Version) – 3:21
2. Black Coffin – 4:34
3. Disowned – 4:51
4. Infamy – 3:17
5. How Much Longer – 5:04
6. Nemesis – 3:09
7. Afterthought – 4:17
8. They Live – 3:38
9. Funeral Procession – 6:53
10. Debt – 4:02
Bonus Tracks for digital release
Forsaken – 4:02
Different Day (Clean Version) – 3:21

Album Band Line Up:
​
Eric Aittala – Guitar/Vocals/Bass
Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith – Drums
​
​Live Band Line Up:​
Eric Aittala – Guitar/Vocals
Ali Lugo – Bass
Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith – Drums

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 the 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 00s, 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 showcases a natural progression of songwriting and lyrical content but retains the core AITTALA sound and evolves 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 songwriting evolution of heavier but catchy songs but also sonically. AITTALA used an entirely different approach for 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, recently unleashing their sixth studio album entitled “Live To Regret” via label Exitus Stratagem Records on November 7, 2022, and the re-release of their 2019 album “false Pretenses” out on February 28, 2023, also through Exitus Stratagem Records.

– 30 –

“Their new album, “False Pretenses”, leans heavy on the Doom and Goth side of their listed influences but makes some interesting style choices within the genre.” – Metal Temple (False Pretenses)

“In my opinion, this is by far their best effort. Highlight tracks for me are: “Different Day”, “Black Coffin” and “Debt”. 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.” – That Metal Channel (False Pretenses)

“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 (False Pretenses)

“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” (Live to Regret) – 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​
​
​​
—
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 Canada’s MEDEVIL New Album “Mirror in the Darkness” Is Up For Preorder With “The Signal” Available Now

  • February 15, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Medevil · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 15, 2023

​

Canada’s MEDEVIL New Album “Mirror in the Darkness” Is Up For Preorder With “The Signal” Available Now

L-R – Brett Gibbs (Guitar) | Eric Wesa (Bass) | Liam Collingwood (Vocals) | Chris Malcolmson (Drums) | Gary Cordsen (Guitar)

Photo Credit: Matthew Collingwood

Chilliwack, BC, Canada’s Medevil’s progressive and powerful metal has reached new heights with their second album, which is now up for pre-order and will be fully released in April. Those who pre-order the album now on Bandcamp will be treated to the single “The Signal”, a venture into more progressive territory than they have before. They go into detail about the track:

“This is the first song we could consider being an ‘epic’ on the album. This is also the first song to feature Ken Schellenberg’s orchestral elements. “The Signal” is a dynamic blend of heavy emotion and a delicate atmosphere. The lyrics are about looking for signs of issues or problems in your life, with themes of hospitals and life/death.”

Compared to their first album, 2016’s “Conductor of Storms”, which was comparatively much simpler lyrically, melodically, and rhythmically, they have pulled a lot more inspiration from progressive bands, and the soundscapes have a lot more depth than they’ve had in the past.

When it comes to song selection, most of the songs came up during the break between albums and were added to the album based solely on the band’s excitement about them. Some other tracks were pulled up from musical experiments that felt like they added some much-needed colour to the overall tracklist. While they don’t currently have other songs recorded, they are still actively working on new music for the future.

“Mirror in the Darkness” is dedicated to the passing of Medevil‘s drummer and friend Chris Malcolmson whose drums are recorded on the album. It is recommended listening for fans of Metal Church, Accept, and Baroness.

Album pre-order with an immediate download of “The Signal” at https://medevil.bandcamp.com​

“The Signal” – Pre-Order Teaser – https://youtu.be/1Uv350l-UBQ​

“Mirror in the Darkness” comes out on April 7, 2023.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/ljUlC7DPt40​

Lyric Video – Among Thieves – https://youtu.be/sC55M5Cy-3M​

Upcoming Events:​
March 11 – Bully’s Studio – New Westminster, BC – w/ Hem Netjer, Thirteen Goats – Info​
March 24 – Chilliwack, BC – Flashback Brewing Co. (Album Listening Party)
April 13 – Fox Cabaret – Vancouver, BC – Hyperspace MetalFest – w/ Riot City, Greyhawk, Atavistia, Hyloxalus, Zack Brannon – Info​

Track Listing:​
1. Dead Before Birth (6:18)
2. Among Thieves (5:00)
3. Pray for Me (6:35)
4. The Signal (7:22)
5. Smoke and Mirrors (1:48)
6. Weight of the Crown (4:18)
7. Mirror in the Darkness (8:31)
8. Gateways (2:41)
9. Veiled (3:56)
10. No Peace in Rest (9:23)
Album Length: 55:58

Album Recording Lineup:​
Liam Collingwood – Vocals
Gary Cordsen – Lead Guitar
Brett Gibbs – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar & Backup Vocals
Eric Wesa – Bass & Backup Vocals
Chris Malcolmson – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/medevilband | Twitter.com/MedevilMusic | YouTube | Instagram.com/medevilofficial​

About: Medevil is a highly energetic, fast-paced metal band known for its tight songwriting, intense stage presence, and roaring vocals. They are one of the few metal bands coming out of Chilliwack BC and hold that title proud as they have earned much praise and respect since their inception in 2014. As one of the 6 national finalists of the 2015 Wacken Metal Battle Canada, they are becoming more and more renowned throughout the country; their fame attaining them a following in their local town and across through to Vancouver.

Their music could be described as “power thrash” with half of their set being chorus-driven, and the other half focusing on blistering fast riffs. Influences for the band include Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Metal Church. Their fast but catchy songs keep the crowd chanting throughout the set, and leave them wanting more. Liam Collingwood, the band’s singer, keeps the band image in theme with the songs while on stage and will wear thematic outfits when the mood demands it.

The band was founded on January 13, 2014, by Eric Wesa (bass), as well as brothers Liam (vocals) and Ross Collingwood (drums). It only took two months after the band’s inception before the boys found the ultimate guitar duo they were looking for, Gary Cordsen and Brett Gibbs. Once the lineup was solidified, they wasted no time performing shows and begin their musical journey. As a band, Medevil has two common goals; to explore their musical talents, and continue performing live for their fast-growing fanbase.

– 30 –

“Perfectly situated to please fans of classic heavy metal, Conductor Of Storms is very strong debut from the young Medevil.” – The Monolith (2016)​
​
​“Rejoice metalheads! Chiliwackian power thrashers, Medevil, has created a top-notch debut full-length album entitled Conductor Of Storms”. – Bravewords (2016)​
​
​“Play it loud, play it fast as heavy metal world has found another new soldier to carry on the flag in the form of “Medevil”” – Planet Caravan (2016)​
​
​“Conductor of Storms is one of the most complete, fully-formed and damn near perfect debut albums I’ve ever heard from a young heavy metal band. Tracks like Escape – a blustering, no-holds-barred mashup of Metal Church, Megadeth and Overkill – are just so mature, so faultlessly executed and so, well, heavy metal, it beggars belief that they are not being delivered by a band that’s been in the game for thirty years.” – Sentinel Daily (2016)​
​
​“Riding out of the cold wastes of western Canada on warhorses of steel comes Medevil with their amazing, self-released debut album Conductor of Storms. Bruising Traditional Heavy Metal is what these guys play and they play it well. Monstrous riffs and pounding, organic drums underscore the powerful vocals and intricate solos. The band has a taste for things epic, so no love songs or cliché odes to the Metal lifestyle here.” – Metal Crypt (2016)

—
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 Canada’s RED CAIN Unveils New Video “We Are Chaos” Off New Album “NÄE’BLISS” Out April 2023

  • February 15, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Red Cain

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC- February 15, 2023

 

Canada’s RED CAIN Unveils New Video “We Are Chaos” Off New Album “NÄE’BLISS” Out April 2023

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

Photo Credit Zak Kelly

During these past few months, Calgary, Canada’s fantasy metal Red Cain has surfaced two singles “Fisher King” and “Blight” and are now ready to share their next “We Are Chaos” with all of them and future tracks to be featured on their forthcoming album entitled “NÄE’BLISS” due out on April 28th. Their third full-length album “NÄE’BLISS” is a homage to the legendary world of Robert Jordan’s fantasy epic “The Wheel of Time” (novel/TV series). With a grimdark edge, down-tuned guitars, death and power prog metal influences, and an unrelenting march forward, “NÄE’BLISS” is a foray into the reverse side of the Wheel of Time story – that of the Forsaken, antagonists, instruments of the Great Lord of the Dark, and the brutal and captivating allure of letting Chaos reign supreme.

The band explains further:

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

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

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

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

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

The band adds about the new single:

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

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

“We Are Chaos” was mastered by Alan Sascha Laskow (Every Hour Kills, ex-Divinity) and mixed by Tyler Corbett, (Sole Audio).

Watch and listen to the music video via its premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

Red Cain is recommended for fans of Kamelot, Symphony X, Myrath, Powerwolf, Mastodon, and The Contortionist.

Red Cain, from Calgary, Canada is a modern progressive metal project with Eastern European roots. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I” and “Kindred: Act II”. Red Cain’s first two full albums conceptually told a sprawling story of how raw and primal ancient myth collides with modern society and human yearning toward the stars, toward perfection. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with forthcoming releases.

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

For more info: Redcain.ca | Facebook.com/redcainofficial | Instagram.com/redcainarmy | Redcain.bandcamp.com | Spotify

– 30 –

What the press is saying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—
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 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.

– 30 –

​
—
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​

– 30 –

“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

For more info: Hogmeetsfrog.com | Facebook.com/hogmeetsfrog | Twitter.com/hogmeetsfrog | Instagram.com/hogmeetsfrog | Tiktok.com/@hogmeetsfrog | Spotify​

– 30 –

“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

—
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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