Posts By Asher

0 Rockshots Records – The “Bandits” Are Coming! BAD BONES New Album “Hasta El Final!” Out March 2023

January 31, 2023
by Asher
· Bad Bones (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 31, 2023

Rockshots Records – The “Bandits” Are Coming! BAD BONES New Album “Hasta El Final!” Out March 2023

Photo Credit – Federica Bagagiolo – Hellucination Photography

Rockshots Records is proud to announce their signing of dirty rockers Bad Bones for the release of their sixth album “Hasta El Final!” on March 17th, 2023.

Influenced by NWOBHM to the LA street rock scene, Bad Bones was formed in 2007. The band has made a name for themselves with tours across Europe along with making the move from Italy to LA in 2009 to make a foothold in the USA until returning to their home country in 2010. Over the years, the band has consistently toured the USA and Europe with appearances at events such as the Hollywood Rock Convention, Italian Gods of Metal, and Metalitalia Festival along with supporting bands like Steel Panther, Hardcore Superstar, Crucified Barbara, Entombed, Gotthard, Crazy Lixx, Strana Officina and more.

True Metal Magazine named “Bad Bones” the Best Hard Rock band of the year for 2010 along with Metal Hammer Italy awarding “Demolition Derby” the Best Album of The Year for 2016.

A musical amalgamation of blues, punk, classic rock, and heavy metal, Bad Bones’ latest offering “Hasta El Final!” is a powerful record, that shakes your bones and must be listened to in one go, in its entirety, just like taking a shot of whiskey, throw it down and then enjoy it while it warms your guts.

“Hasta El Final! hits you like a punch in the face, we thought it like this, compact and powerful, we didn’t use samples, nor quantized/triggered fake drums, everything was played live, even the overdubs were kept to a minimum, and we wanted to keep the fierce spirit of our first albums.” adds the band.

Making uncompromising rock that is meant to be loud in volume and make ya sweat in the pit, Bad Bones give listeners classic old-school rock n’ roll fun. Their lyrics reflect the things they see and hear, from memories, and life experiences, but also from movies or places they’ve been, there have many sources of inspiration that fans can clearly relate to.

Today, they share the first single “Bandits”, a song that hammers fast, between Motorhead and Iron Maiden, to sum up street life and bad intentions in the alleys of a big city.

Listen to “Bandits” at the following link:

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

Track Listing:
1. Bandits – 3:13
2. Behind The Liar’s Eyes – 3:58
3. Rattlesnake – 3:54
4. Wanderers & Saints – 3:43
5. Sand On My Teeth – 3:58
6. Libertad – 4:45
7. To Kill Somebody – 3:33
8. Home – 2:14
Album Length: 29:21

Album Credits:
Recorded @ Rima Maia Studio – Dronero ( CN) – December 2022 by Riccardo Paravicini
Produced by Bad Bones
Mix & Mastering by Riccardo Parravicini @ Rima Maia Studio
Words : Steve Balocco
Music : Bad Bones
Cover Artwork: Christian Wallin
Dedicated to the memory of Andrea “Benny” Bernini a true rocker! Miss ya!

Bad Bones is:
Mekk Borra – Vocals & Guitars
Steve Balocco – Bass & Vocals
Lele Balocco – Drums

Discography:
2009 – Smalltown Brawlers (Red Pony Records)
2010 – A Family Affair ( Nadir Music)
2012 – Snakes And Bones (Bagana Records)
2016 – Demolition Derby (Sliptrick Records)
2018 – High Rollers (Sliptrick Records)
2023 – Hasta El Final! (Rockshots Records)

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Badbones.it | Facebook.com/badbonesband | Instagram.com/badbones_official

– 30 –

“Rough, Rude, dirty… simply irresistible!!! Bad Bones know how to Rock !!” – Metal Maniac

“Bad Bones are on a mission for the god of rock’n’roll!” -Rockandmetalinmyblood.it

“Bad Bones have harnessed all the great sounds of the 80’s and brought it into the present. These guys just have that element that instantly grabs people and gets you going. They have the high gain distorted guitar sound with catchy riffs full of hard rock and blues. The leads are flashy and tight as well. They have a great rhythm section and every song is packed full of melody. They have a sound that is reminiscent of Trixter, Whitesnake, Def Leppard and Mr. Big, This album is 100% awesome form start to finish. Demolition Derby is already top of my play list and with one listen it will be on the top of yours. “The Dirty Room – USA)

“Bad Bones liefert sauber eingespielten, klassischen Hardrock amerikanischer Art. Knackige Gitarren, solider halbhoher Gesang, satter Groove und dieser nicht unerhebliche 80er-Touch sorgen für Stimmung sowie Gefühlswallungen in Richtung Sunset Strip. Man kann die Herren getrost zwischen rockigen Trixter, Hardline, Firehouse und Whitesnake platzieren – und selbst dann findet sich immer noch die eine oder andere Truppe, die man ebenfalls mit dem Stil der Italiener in Verbindung bringen könnte” – Classic Rock Deutschland

” … Over the years, the Bad Bones have become the nicest thing of hard rock of our country” – Simone Sacco – Metal Hammer Italy
—
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 EPK – Asylence – Endanger Us All (2023)

January 30, 2023
by Asher
· Asylence · EPKs

EPK – Asylence – Endanger Us All (2023)

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

“We hope that everyone is ready for our greatest effort which is Endanger Us All. We couldn’t be more proud of how this album came together. Listeners who are familiar with us will hear some material they are used to and a lot of new attitudes that they have never heard before. Our first EP was merely an introduction to what we can do compared to the range this record has achieved.

We were faced with a decision on whether or not to include some of our oldest songs on this record which we never had properly recorded. After we realized how well our new and old material blended for a well-balanced experience from start to finish we really started to understand the raw energy this album radiates.

It’s heavy, it’s deadly,” – Ayslence

For fans of Arch Enemy, Devildriver, In Flames, Amon Amarth

Album Title: Endanger Us All
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

Asylence.com/merch | Spotify | Apple Music

“There’s some truly fierce deathcore emerging from the Midwest. One of the most promising acts from the region is Asylence. Not only do they lean into the tropes of the genre (Gotta love that quick little bass fill before the vocals kick in!) but their brand new video, ‘Arrows For Christ’ is absolutely killer!” – Metal Injection

“Eulogy of Man features top musicianship and is a heavy, melodic, groove-laden group of songs sure to excite old-school heads as well as forward-thinking fans of modern bands.” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“Michigan metal outfit Asylence have teamed up with Metal Insider to premiere a video for their emotionally-driven new song, “Endanger Us All.” – Metal Insider

“Melodic death metal powerhouse” – Decibel Magazine

“Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with going with a classic formula and hitting it out of the park.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Nasty, angry, aggressive, and heavy. What’s not to like? Ranging from old-school death metal, black metal, and deathcore, it’s all here plus a shed load of real technical ability and attitude. The future’s bright for Asylence.” – Myglobalmind Online Magazine

“Where Asylence expand beyond normal parameters is in a song like “In Solidarity We Die” – the placement of lower register alternative / clean vocals against the heavier screams / growls allows the music to be equally twisted at a doom to mid-paced crawl, adding tension plus darker textures over the course of the arrangement. Smartly keeping the run time for Endanger Us All just under 30 minutes, Asylence approach their music from a mix of influences that include acts like Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Devildriver, and Jungle Rot.” – Dead Rhetoric

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Endanger Us All
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

Track Listing:
1. A Call To Arms – 0:55
2. Endanger Us All – 3:53
3. The Garden of Disrespect – 3:34
4. Eternity, Please – 3:37
5. In Solidarity, We Die – 3:32
6. Arrows For Christ – 3:25
7. In This Hell – 3:47
8. Soulless – 3:32
9. A War Waging Within – 3:16
Album Length: 29:35

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Asylence
• All songs written by: Asylence
• Produced by: Aaron Lumsden
• Mixed by: Aaron Lumsden
• Mastered by: Aaron Lumsden
• Album Artwork by: Diyaco Paymazd

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Ryan Lang – Vocals
Aaron Lumsden – Guitar
Alex Aubuchon – Drums
Richard Olrich – Bass Guitar

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

Track By Track Explanation:

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) Lyrically this album is mixed because of the timeline in which songs were written, but overall I feel like it hits the way it was meant to. I try to convey a message to our audience more than I try to shock with vulgarity, and my message is usually that of self awareness and the horrors that can occur under the guise of salvation. Musically these songs weave the emotion and intensity of our message.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY).

2. Endanger Us All – This song is the perfect representation of the direction we want to continue for our music. Each of our songs is personal to me Lyrically but this one really just spilled out of me. How we all felt during the pandemic like we were dirty or some kind of contagion to be careful around others and to isolate ourselves despite how the loneliness can affect you.

3. The Garden of Disrespect – This is one of my favorite of our newer material, it just goes so hard. This song was fun to write, super morbid, and to the point. You can’t take it with you, we’re all gonna die, be humble.

4. Eternity, Please – About as dark and brooding as it gets on the album is this song. We really show some black metal roots at the start and then right into our own sound with a splash of something experimental for us, this is a bit of a ride. The lyrics tell a tale of a king who wanders his halls with no question to his reign but still he suffers. Heavy and lonely is the crown, and the years can feel like an eternity alone.

5. In Solidarity We Die – This song is Aaron’s favorite, and for good reason. The guys really put their heads together on this one, musically this song just rips with a melodic twist on the chorus. The song to me sounds like it was written by the last person on Earth, writing the final texts about the tragic failing of humankind that brought us to our doom.

6. Arrows for Christ – Arrows for Christ was inspired by the tale of an American Christian Missionary who in 2018 illegally traveled to the North Sentinel Island in an attempt to preach Christianity to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. On the third day he was killed by the tribe, and as he requested in his journal, his remains were never recovered

7. We Are The Devils – This was actually the first song we ever wrote as a band. It really shows the progression we have taken since we all started it’s all started, we still love this song and play it often. This song basically says if we are all doomed we might as well have a good time

8. Soulless – This is another oldie but a goodie. One of the heaviest songs we’ve ever written especially early on in the band. This is screaming in an addict’s face. This is how hard it is to see a loved one fade away into the depths of addiction.

9. A War Waging Within – This song goes way back but still holds its own on the album. This is an old-school angry metal song straight forward in-your-face “sick of this shit” attitude.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The ending to Soulless was actually first written off the cuff live. We screwed up how it was supposed to end and just ran with it and the crowd loved it. We did too, so we made sure to add it to the final song.

2. We found our bassist and friend Richard Olrich on Craigslist, which we are told rarely works out. We are certainly glad it did for us!

3. Ryan named the band after the now Haunted attraction and former actual insane asylum from his hometown, Eloise.

4. The A War Waging Within lyrics about a “world of shit” was inspired by the movie Full Metal Jacket and the original title for the song was Full Metal Jackass.

5. Aaron has his own production company Akuro Productions and has become the band’s main source for promo pictures and video content. Truly a jack of all trades!

L-R – Alex Aubuchon – Drums, Aaron Lumsden – Guitar, Ryan Lang – Vocals, Richard Olrich – Bass

Asylence (uh-sigh-lence): A hybrid of the words Asylum and Silence, when joined together, present a universal idea and timeless message: The constant suffering and failures of mankind. After the dissolution of drummer Alex Aubuchon’s highly active, long-standing thrash band, he began to focus his efforts on recruiting for his new project. He discovered the talent of guitarist Aaron Lumsden, an avid scene supporter who frequented many local and regional shows.

A dedicated relationship quickly formed between the pair, and Asylence was born. Frontman Ryan Lang, having been a mainstay in the Detroit metal scene but group-less at the time, was Asylence’s first choice to handle vocal duties. Ryan accepted, excited at the idea of hitting the stage once again. Shortly after, bassist Richard Olrich joined the group to complete the sound. A new era of heavy metal ensued.

Forged from the melting pot of Detroit’s underground metal scene, Asylence is a well-oiled metal machine built with passion, intent, and ferocity like no other. Since their formation in 2016, Asylence has been on a path of sonic destruction as they crush their audiences with fierce live performances throughout Michigan and surrounding states, opening for national acts such as Archspire, Belphegor, and Sea of Treachery, among others. Taking no prisoners and amassing a loyal, respecting fan base in the Midwest and beyond, behold the rise of Asylence.

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Ryan Lang – Vocals
Aaron Lumsden – Guitar
Alex Aubuchon – Drums
Richard Olrich – Bass Guitar

Discography:
2023 – (Upcoming) Endanger Us All – LP
2020 – Eulogy Of Man – EP
2016 – Forge The Void – Demo

Shared Stage with:
Destruction, Belphegor, Archspire, Cryptopsy, Warbringer, Traitors, Origin, Signs of the Swarm, Sea of Treachery, Jungle Rot, Defeated Sanity, Widowmaker, Bury Your Dead, The Convalescence, VCTMS, Filth, Dyscarnate, Kissing Candice, Falsifier, Obliterate, The Last Ten Seconds of Life, Panzerfaust

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – Pizza Show – Warren, MI
2018 – Detroit Metal Festival – Detroit, MI
2018 – My Home Your Hell Tour – Warren, MI
2017 – North American Totenritual – Detroit, MI
2017 – Bloodletting North America XI – Westland, MI
2017 – North America Under Attack – Detroit, MI

Music Placements if any (Movies, Commercials)
Fuzz & Malloy S02E02 “The Spooky Houseguest” – https://youtu.be/gzp4AuYTcHI

0 Canada’s CATEGORY VI Streaming Title Track From New Album “Firecry” Out March 2023 via Moribund Records

January 30, 2023
by Asher
· Category VI (Moribund Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 30, 2023

Canada’s CATEGORY VI Streaming Title Track From New Album “Firecry” Out March 2023 via Moribund Records

The first embers sparked in the frosty Canadian Tundra of Newfoundland, Canada in 2011 when CATEGORY VI released their “Vinland” Demo. This swiftly ignited their path and their debut album “Fireborn” (2013) was unleashed in a blaze of burning Metal! Those coals were never quenched, and CATEGORY VI added fuel to the fire with their 2017 follow-up Inferno “War Is Hell”.

CATEGORY VI now in 2023, they return with a full blazing firestorm with their third album and most accomplished release to date “Firecry”. From the initial flickering flame of “Firecry” to the final cinders of the absolutely combustible cover of HEART’s classic “Barracuda”, CATEGORY VI delivers true and classic 80’s heavy metal with utter perfection. “Firecry” boasts a crisp, clear, and scorching modern production that does not distract from the band’s true 80’s metal sound.

Lyrically crafted around themes of personal pride and triumph (Valkyrie, Heavy is the Crown), witchcraft persecution (Firecry), women’s strength (She Runs With Wolves) & their excellent live performances (Coven), these concepts are boldly and powerfully delivered by the soaring vocal excellence of Amanda Jackman. Bolstered and fueled by the powerful stainless steel riffs and catchy melodies of guitarist Geoff Waye, the pounding anvil bass of Keith Jackman, and the thunderous steadfast drumming of Brian Downton, CATEGORY VI brings classy and classic 1980s power – Traditional Heavy Metal into the 21st century with blazing glory.

To close out one of the best heavy metal albums of the decade, CATEGORY VI delivers an immaculate true metal, yet the radio-friendly cover of the chart-topping Heart classic “Barracuda”. With “Firecry”, CATEGORY VI unleashes a global scale climate-changing metal cyclone that just may melt the North American frozen tundra with its blazing power metal.

Single / Title track – “Firecry” – https://youtu.be/odqnpiCzCks

The album “Firecry” is due out March 24th, 2023 via Moribund Records.

Album pre-order – http://www.moribundcult.com/product/DEAD304.html

Track Listing:
1. Firecry – 6:10
2. Valkyrie – 6:05
3. The Vultures Never Came – 4:10
4. She Runs With Wolves – 4:12
5. Heavy is the Crown – 3:47
6. Coven – 4:52
7. The Cradle Will Fall – 4:53
8. Burning Bridges – 3:49
9. Barracuda (Heart) – 4:21
Album Length: 42:18

For more info: Facebook.com/CategoryVI | Instagram.com/categoryviofficial

Follow Moribund Records: Facebook | Instagram

– 30 –

“a promising band worth watching.” – Rock Hard (DE)

“the band, with their sound rooted firmly in the early 80s, play with real charisma.” – The Independent Voice

“a really nice slab of metal that should please fans of the old and new heavy and power metal genres.” – Metal Crypt –

“If you dig acts like Seven Kingdoms, Mindmaze, or Helion Prime, then I’d call this a no brainer although Category VI do separate themselves from their contemporaries with a more pugilistic edge, and a lethal injection of classic metal attitude which would call to mind Judas Priest or Mercyful Fate. Overall a solid record. You could do far worse than check this out. “ – The MetalCrypt

“So if you like your metal aggressive yet smooth, soulful while never failing to thrash, and resonating without sacrificing in that certain visceral punch, War is Hell is a must – an album that will appeal to the diehard fans of a forgotten generation of thrashers and headbangers, while bringing sufficient juice and sizzle to lure wayward fringe fans of the millennium and beyond. “ – Metalheads Forever

“This album, their second full length, is a power metal tour de force. Although I don’t think they sound like either band per say, they do give off a classic metal vibe like JUDAS PRIEST or MERCYFUL FATE. “ – Metal Temple

“Musically, Category VI are a storming True Metal band with no pretentions and no excuses made….Unlike the trend-driven sub-genres, the sound of Category VI is timeless and WAR IS HELL has already shown that they are ready to take it to the international stage.“ – Metal-Rules

—
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 EPK – Category VI – Firecry (2023) (Moribund Records)

January 30, 2023
by Asher
· Category VI (Moribund Records) · EPKs

EPK – Category VI – Firecry (2023) (Moribund Records)

For fans of Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest, Dio, Mercyful Fate

Band: Category VI
Album Title: Firecry
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Label: Moribund Records
Distribution: Moribund Records

Facebook.com/CategoryVI | Instagram.com/categoryviofficial | Youtube.com/CategoryVImetal

Spotify | Categoryvi.bandcamp.com/

Follow Moribund Records: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Spotify

“a promising band worth watching.” – Rock Hard (DE)

“the band, with their sound rooted firmly in the early 80s, play with real charisma.” – The Independent Voice

“a really nice slab of metal that should please fans of the old and new heavy and power metal genres.” – Metal Crypt –

“If you dig acts like Seven Kingdoms, Mindmaze, or Helion Prime, then I’d call this a no brainer although Category VI do separate themselves from their contemporaries with a more pugilistic edge, and a lethal injection of classic metal attitude which would call to mind Judas Priest or Mercyful Fate. Overall a solid record. You could do far worse than check this out. “ – The MetalCrypt

“So if you like your metal aggressive yet smooth, soulful while never failing to thrash, and resonating without sacrificing in that certain visceral punch, War is Hell is a must – an album that will appeal to the diehard fans of a forgotten generation of thrashers and headbangers, while bringing sufficient juice and sizzle to lure wayward fringe fans of the millennium and beyond. “ – Metalheads Forever

“This album, their second full length, is a power metal tour de force. Although I don’t think they sound like either band per say, they do give off a classic metal vibe like JUDAS PRIEST or MERCYFUL FATE. “ – Metal Temple

“Musically, Category VI are a storming True Metal band with no pretentions and no excuses made….Unlike the trend-driven sub-genres, the sound of Category VI is timeless and WAR IS HELL has already shown that they are ready to take it to the international stage.“ – Metal-Rules

Band: Category VI
Album Title: Firecry
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Label: Moribund Records
Distribution: Moribund Records

Track Listing:
1. Firecry – 6:10
2. Valkyrie – 6:05
3. The Vultures Never Came – 4:10
4. She Runs With Wolves – 4:12
5. Heavy is the Crown – 3:47
6. Coven – 4:52
7. The Cradle Will Fall – 4:53
8. Burning Bridges – 3:49
9. Barracuda (Heart) – 4:21
Album Length: 42:18

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Category VI
• All songs written by: Category VI
• Produced by: Category VI
• Mixed by: Category VI / Keith Jackman
• Mastered by: Keith Jackman
• Album Artwork by: Cover art by Ivan Radnic
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Amanda Marie Jackman: vocals
Geoff Waye: guitar
Keith Jackman: bass
Brian Downton: Additional drums
Jason Williams: session drums

Live Band Line Up:
Amanda Marie Jackman: vocals
Geoff Waye: guitar
Keith Jackman: bass
Brian Downton: drums

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

Describe the album as a whole:

Amanda: at its core, unapologetic. The concept of this album is about the burning of witches historically, but also, how we are still being “burned” after all of these years.

Describe each song track by track:

Amanda:
Firecry- The title track of the album, a fucking battle hymn. This song is about witch burnings, but conceptually, it’s about how being “different” is still causing us to be “burned” all of these years later.

Valkyrie- Is about sexism and misogyny and my own personal experiences with this. Being told to shut up my whole life backfired. LOL 🙂 It’s about sisterhood and banding together like a bunch of powerful Valkyries against the assholes in the world!

The Vultures never came- This song was written in memory of my friend, Jill Janus from the powerhouse band, Huntress. Jill sadly passed on a few years back, and I was lucky enough to get to know her before she died. I just really looked up to her, and was honoured that she was thinking about collabing with us on a track, but sadly this did not come into fruition. This song is an homage to her strength, mental illness is no joke and has taken so many bright souls. She deserved a good send off, and I think we delivered.

She Runs With Wolves- This song is about a woman who was beaten down so badly by society, she fled into the deep woods. One night she gets abducted by aliens and they befriend her by giving her shapeshifting powers: by turning into a man eating wolf!

Heavy Is the Crown: Persistence and resilience in the face of adversity to emerge as a leader. “Heavy is the crown but she wears it like a feather.”

Coven- Bassist Keith Jackman wrote this song, and is his first lyrical contribution 🙂 This song is about our band seducing people into our witch lair and all of a sudden it turns into an oven, we essentially want to eat you up!

Cradle Will Fall- This song is about a child witnessing their mother being abused and sadly their mother turns into their abuser. It’s also about the sad realization that this child is on their own, to fend for themselves, and having to grow up at a young age.

Burning Bridges- The term, “Burning Bridges” often has a negative connotation, however, sometimes we actually NEED to burn them the fuck down. Some friends don’t deserve access to us anymore, so I wrote this song about how I unapologetically stopped talking to certain female friends that turned out to be bullies.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. The band name explained…. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. There is (currently) no 6 in the scale, so we named it “Category VI” and envisioned that next level would be a huge firecane destroying everything in its path.

2. Bassist Kieth Jackman plays in an AC/DC tribute band in the role of Malcolm Young.

3. Guitarist Geoff Waye has two side projects: Triskelyon (melodic thrash) and Artach (epic black metal).

4. Vocalist Amanda Marie runs her own business – a Spa!

5. Geoff created “Metal Rules”…’nuff said!

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

Hailing from the misty shores of the northeast Avalon, Category VI formed in early 2010. The band brings something new to the local Newfoundland metal scene as they are the only female-fronted melodic metal band in the province! Category VI has performed live in St. John’s actively since 2010 with other local hard rock and metal bands as well as with touring bands Including NAIL and ANVIL and to date has released two full-length albums.

The band self-released their first full album “Fireborn“ in January 2014. The album received plenty of praise and great reviews on both the local and international levels. Two music videos (“Reborn“ and “Silence befalls the crowd“) were produced for the album. “Silence befalls the crowd“ has been released 4/28/2017 on the DVD “Kill For Metal Vol. I“, a compilation of videos of label-mates on the KILLER METAL RECORDS label. The band has performed regularly for over 7 years at many venues.

Not long after the release of “Fireborn“, CATEGORY VI signed to Killer Metal Records. The band spent most of 2015 writing and perfecting material for their second album “War is Hell”. Recordings for the album took place throughout 2016 and wrapped up in June 2016 at Redhouse Recording in St. John’s, NL. Album mixing was done in the summer/fall of 2016 and mastering was completed in early January 2017 by Lacquer Channel Mastering in Toronto, Ontario. “War is hell” has been released globally as of June 9, 2017. The album was nominated for hard album of the year for Music NL and was favourably reviewed by several press outlets.

The band played several shows in 2017-2018 until pausing to write the 3rd album. Then, without a permanent drummer, and with the pandemic, the band was in hibernation. The band has now emerged from the shadows with a new drummer and with the third album FIRECRY ready to be released in 2023 via Moribund Records.

Discography:
2014 – Fireborn
2017 – War is Hell
2023 – Firecry

Shared Stage with:
Anvil, Nail, Manacle, Emblem, Devastator, Winterhearth

0 Rockshots Records – NeroArgento and The Silverblack Team up To Release Remix of Oddko’s “D4TM”

January 30, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · NeroArgento · The Silverblack

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 30, 2023

Rockshots Records – NeroArgento and The Silverblack Team up To Release Remix of Oddko’s “D4TM”

Rockshots Records is proud to present a remix version of Oddko’s “D4TM” from roster artists NeroArgento and TheSilverback.

The track was originally released in 2020 as part of Oddko‘s EP “Digital Gods”. The single has amassed over 640k streams and 750k YouTube views along with multiple awards win for its music video.

To watch the music video for the remix version of “D4TM” by NeroArgento and TheSilverblack, please visit the following link – https://youtu.be/SP7m-3xSfMU

ODDKO is an LA-based independent alternative/industrial metal band spawned from the mind of director and motion designer Giovanni Bucci (Korn, Jane’s Addiction, Fleshgod Apocalypse), who started the band as a way to fully express himself in all dimensions, using the music to fuel the images and then feed back into the music.

Their debut EP, Digital Gods was written and composed by Giovanni, and for the initial recording, he tracked guitars, bass, and electronics, and programmed drums. Subsequently, he recorded the tracks with the help of Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse) and Dave Tavanti (Kpanic). Production and recording of cellos, violins, drums, bass, guitar, and various arrangements were orchestrated by Daniele Marinelli. The final magic touches were applied in Los Angeles with the help of producer/sound engineer Rob Romano, and the EP was mastered by Howie Weinberg (Rammstein, Madonna, Metallica).

The band’s current lineup is Giovanni Bucci (Lead Vocals), Francesco Paoli (Drums), Gideon “Obsidian” Garcia (Guitar), and Dave Tavanti (Bass).

The Silverblack is an industrial metal act based in Europe that has been active since 2014. Better known for their combination of aggressive metal onslaughts and eerie gothic atmospheres The Silverblack have recently obtained worldwide praise and exposure for their collaboration with former Fear Factory singer Burton C. Bell on the title track of their latest album “Judgment”.

NeroArgento is an award-winning Italian producer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and re-mixer. Hereleased his sixth studio album “Land of Silence” via Rockshots Records on October 7th, 2022.

“Land of Silence” follows the success of 2020’s “Circles”, which soared to #10 on the iTunes Top 200 Italy Rock Chart along with more than 1 million streams on Spotify. The new record is an explosive mixture of grunge rock, industrial metal, and electronic music, packed with orchestral influences and acid fuzzy sounds. It is also the most coherent album to date from NeroArgento‘s discography. It’s a solid industrial foundation composed of unmistakable low-tuned guitar riffs and very heavy drum grooves, topped with electronics and synths ranging from the most acid electro to retro wave pop-friendly melodies, without forgetting the usual and distinctive vocal layers.

With great attention to every aspect, “Land of Silence” is entirely performed, recorded, and mixed by NeroArgento. The full-length was mastered by Brandon Ashley at D-Tuned in Brighton (UK) and features prominent guests such as Vicio (Subsonica) and Claudio Ravinale (Infernalizer).

For more info: Rockshotsrecords.eu | Oddko.com | Facebook.com/thesilverblack | Neroargento.info

– 30 –

0 EPK – Feed After Midnite – The Hunger (2023) (Feed On This Records)

January 28, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Feed After Midnite

EPK – Feed After Midnite – The Hunger (2023)

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

For fans of Deftones, Avenged Sevenfold, In Flames, KillSwitch Engage, Metallica

“We hope that listeners will appreciate our attention to groove and melody while still maintaining a level of heaviness. We create music that we enjoy so it’s validating when other people can relate to what we are doing musically. Each song stands on its own but leaves you with a hunger for more.” – Feed After Midnite

Feedaftermidnite.com | Facebook.com/FeedAfterMidnite | Instagram.com/feedaftermidniteband | Youtube.com/@feedaftermidnite/

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

Band: Feed After Midnite
EP Title: “The Hunger”
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Label: Feed On This Records
Distribution: DistroKid

Track Listing:
1. Shadows of the Night – 1:13
2. False Awakening – 4:02
3. Red Dead – 4:20
4. Ascending the Flames – 5:00
5. Book of the Fallen – 5:28
EP Length: 20:04

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Feed After Midnite
• All songs written by: Feed After Midnite
• Produced by: Feed After Midnite and Joe Lyko
• Mixed by: Joe Lyko
• Mastered by: Joe Lyko (Dark Moon Productions)
• EP Artwork by: Marc Bastien
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Dylan DeRepentigny – Bass
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Live Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

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

The EP as a whole:

Lyrically the songs on the EP don’t really connect to each other. “The Hunger” is a collection of different stories. Each song from tracks 2-5 can stand on its own as a single. Musically, we knew that we wanted an acoustic type intro thing to lead it in, like a horror or sci-fi movie then we move on to the business of groovy metal. Book of the Fallen was chosen to be the last track because of the fade out at the end of it. Overall the EP has a nice flow to it.

Track By Track:

Shadows of the Night:
This is an instrumental intro. This track features an eerie almost haunting acoustic guitar line which slowly builds into an epic almost cinematic sounding theme. The track finishes with a cymbal swell that leads nicely into the second track for a cool effect.

False Awakening:
Is based on the films The Matrix and John Carpenter’s They Live. It’s how life and society is ruled by the media and government and their narrative and we the people are tired of being controlled and lied to.

Musically “False Awakening” is the fastest most aggressive song on the EP. It starts off sounding old school Slayeresque but quickly shifts into a headbang inducing double bass groove.Just when you think you have heard the heaviest the song can get the breakdown kicks in mid song and takes it to another level. The song finishes off with the breakdown commanding us all to “disobey, it’s time to f*ck the system!”

Red Dead:
It’s about the choices we make in life and the outcome of choosing our paths. Not letting revenge take control sort a good and evil thing

Musically, this one starts off sounding like doom metal but quickly transforms into a catchy groove metal tune. The breakdown mid song goes back to the doom metal style then we get another dose of the catchy chorus before we are led out with a cool variation of the doomy riff.

Ascending the Flames:
Is all about your trip to hell and meeting the big red guy. There’s no escape from your life/crime/tyranny on the good people of earth

Musically, this one is all built on a catchy drum beat that persists throughout the tune. The chorus kicks in with a heavy lurching halftime feel that commands you to bob your head! The breakdown on this one mid song is pure metalcore gold, pounding double bass, tasty guitar work to match and it all climaxes in a beautifully executed drum fill to bring us back to the chorus one last time.

Book of the Fallen:
Influenced by the movies Dawn of the Dead/Evil Dead. Being fans of retro horror movies it was more of a fun song about controlling the undead/ But also that it’s not because something is written that it means its the truth

Musically, this one starts off with the sounds of the undead before a tasty halftime groove kicks in. This one takes you for a ride with unexpected stops, catchy verses and an even catchier chorus! The breakdown that comes mid-song is so tasty. Just as the song seems like it’s climaxing, it stops and you think it’s done but it comes back to the original groove but this time the deluxe version with zombies and piano and tasty stuff going on everywhere it is so damn satisfying you have to listen to it multiple times to soak it all in, we promise!

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts

1. We had our first show booked but didn’t have a band name yet and the promoter needed a name by the next day. During a break from practice, the band was trying to come up with a name with no luck, looking for inspiration, we looked through books on Marc’s bookshelf when we found a novel for the movie Gremlins, someone said “don’t feed them after midnight” and we all looked at each other, someone said what about the opposite, Feed after Midnight, we all agreed but decided to change it up a bit with the spelling of Midnite.

2. Marc, Denis and Yvon have been playing music together since 1998 and have played in different incarnations of the band until becoming Feed After Midnite.

3. In 2009, Marc, Denis and Yvon, produced an independent short horror film called Holyshit Zombies 2. The film was made on a shoestring budget and was filmed in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.

4. Guitarist Denis Bastien has a Gizmo figurine from his childhood that has always made its way on the top of his amp for every Feed After Midnite show.

L- R: Denis Bastien (Guitar), Sean Bolster (Drums), Yvon Gauthier (Vocals), Marc Bastien (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Feed After Midnite

Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Feed after Midnite was formed in March 2018. Longtime friends and band members Marc, Denis, and Yvon decided to submit a demo they did for a local Battle of the Bands contest and were chosen to play one of the shows. The problem was the guys didn’t really have a band, the song they submitted was only the 3 of them doing all the instruments and vocals. They recruited the singer from their previous band, Gunfighter Pedestrian, to be the vocalist and recruited Dylan DeRepentigny to be on Bass. The show was supposed to be a one-off, but the guys had such a blast doing it that they just said “let’s start a band”. Yvon(vocals) at the time was the band’s drummer and became the new vocalist as the other vocalist didn’t really fit the style and direction the band wanted to go. The band recruited Dominic Chaumont to be the new drummer.

They played their first show as Feed after Midnite in July 2018. From 2018 to late 2019, the band played a few shows in Ottawa and opened up for Buckcherry in July 2019. For a few months after, the band was mostly inactive, nothing was really going on. In late 2019, Marc, Denis, and Yvon began writing some new material when it was decided that it would be best to amicably part ways with Dominic. In January, the band placed an ad looking for a new drummer, and Sean Bolster answered the ad. Instantly the guys felt that Sean was a great fit and asked him to join the band that very first practice. Everything was going great, the band was set to enter the studio in April 2020, when the pandemic hit. The band decided to take the “time off” and really polish the new songs some more.

In the summer of 2020, the band entered the studio for the very first time, to record the songs Out of Time and Running Man. In the fall of 2020, both songs were released and received a positive reaction. Out of Time was picked up by Ottawa’s Rebel radio station and was on regular rotation for almost 2 years. The next single, Sweet Embrace, was released in late 2021. In March 2022, the band entered the studio to record their first EP. The recording was completed in late Summer of 2022 and was released on November 25 of that year. In August 2022, bassist Dylan decided to part ways with the band to go on to do some other project.

Feed After Midnite is:

EP Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Dylan DeRepentigny – Bass
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Live Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Discography:
2022 – The Hunger – EP
2021 – Sweet Embrace – Single
2020 – Running Man – Single
2020 – Out of Time – Single

Shared Stage with:
Buckcherry, Beasto Blanco, Eve of Uprise, Sinful Ways, Black Absinthe, Danny Van Sceney, As We Suffer, Vortex, Aeternam, Infrared, Rockin’ Engine, Echos from Beyond, Boxcar Cadavers, Wasting Time, This Disaster, Hempress, Cynical Sons

0 EPK – Lunar – The Illusionist (2023) (Saibot Reigns Records)

January 28, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Lunar

EPK – Lunar – The Illusionist (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

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

For fans of Opeth, Katatonia, Haken, Caligula’s Horse, Devin Townsend

Album title: “The Illusionist”
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Label: Saibot Reigns Records

“We are so excited to finally be able to present our new album, “The Illusionist,” to the world! This album has taken so many twists and turns for us. We started the process of writing and recording everything for this album in 2020 during lockdowns. Now, 3 years later, after so many different issues, it’s finally finished and released! Despite how difficult it was for us to finish this album, we couldn’t be more proud of it! This album has the best songwriting and production of any Lunar album to date. There is such a wide variety of sounds and influences, but also the album flows seamlessly from one song to another. And, once again, there is a huge list of amazing guest appearances from members of Obscura, Caligula’s Horse, Paladin, Emperor, Thank You Scientist and more!” – Alex Bosson – Lunar

Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | Twitter.com/LunarBandOffcl | YouTube.com/@lunarbandofficial

Lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“It’s really well done technically by a band that clearly cares about their music and can play.” – Rock The Joint Mag (The Illusionist 2023)

“If I had one word to describe this album, it would be this one: whirlwind… “The Illusionist” is an album that is living. From its jazzy highs to its heavy metal lows, this album is constantly on its toes, never repeating itself and never, ever growing complacent. A wonderful whirlwind indeed. 9/10” – Ever Metal

“I feel like Lunar has captured the balance between accessibility and technicality very well. I hear many of the same elements in their sound that, when employed well, make bands like Dream Theater, King Crimson, Voïvod and even Sigh so engaging. I love when an album comes out of nowhere (for me, anyway) and makes this much of an impression.” – The Metal Crypt

“As I said at the start, when I heard this album I was immediately grabbed by it. The story works nicely, it is very character based and features plenty of emotions which as a listener I certainly could relate to. The music is terrific with all the players putting in excellent performances and the instrumentation used in a clever way to match all that is going on with the lead character. There are moments of heavy prog as well as metal, but melody runs through the heart of it. The fact that some of the people in the band have never met or even been in the same room together is remarkable as it sounds like everyone was on the same hymn sheet and it doesn’t sound pieced together. That is a great credit to the writing, arranging as well as all the musicians doing their parts to the benefit of the whole piece. An absolutely delightful as well as enjoyable album.” – CGCM Rock Radio

“The concept is that there are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between. Styles on the album run the gambit from Progressive Metal with melodic vocals, to moments of Jazz, to cookie monster Thrash…. The musicianship is solid on all of the parts, with some excellent performances, notably vocalist Chandler Mogel… it does warrant checking out for Prog-Metal fans that like a mix of growler and melodic vocals.” – Metal Express Radio

“The Illusionist again is at the highest level of the progsphere, Bosson’s continuation of the Lunar name, honouring his co-founder and friend, through the medium of progressive metal, is an advantageous endeavour. 9/10” – Musipedia of Metal

“The disc is well produced and played very well, so anyone who wants to dive into tempo changes and virtuosity will find what they are looking for.” – Metal Shock

“It is a dynamic and inclusive variety of the form we get here, where gentle atmospheric laden sequences and vibrant, guitar driven passages with regular as well as a more alternative variety of progressive metal coexist quite nicely, with occasional flirts towards extreme metal as a part of the experience. The compositions are further fleshed out by the use of world music elements inside of a metal context, as a standalone feature, as elements of more dreamladen ambient tinged interludes as well as combined with passages with a bit more of a jazz orientation. The latter which is present also in a more standalone and elegant manner. Occasional use of orchestral textures is a part of the totality too, and the band aren’t afraid to hit a more energetic power metal run when needed either. The vocals are clean and melodic, with occasional use of growls but more for dramatic effect and less as a defining feature. A production to seek out, inclusive and dynamic progressive metal is a type of music you tend to enjoy.” – Progressor

“LUNAR present an impressive show with „The Illusionist“. In contrast to the album title, however, there are no illusions, but quite real musical art. Thereby LUNAR conjure all kinds of things out of the hat. Their magic consists of a collection of high-quality multi-faceted songs. Thereby they go mainly a hard way. But many fine passages, which are refined with classical instruments of all kinds, provide great experiences. Furthermore, exotic sounds additionally provide for an atmospherically deep and exciting work. Personally, I also noticed especially the excellent guitar work, which conjures up fantastic moments again and again. In its entirety, it is a work of art of all the musicians involved, who have created something magical here. I can’t see any weaknesses here.” – Metal-Heads.de

“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”

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: “The Illusionist”
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Label: Saibot Reigns Records

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)

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

The album as a whole:
Lyrically this album tells the story of a magician that questions his entire life’s work. He’s spent his entire life devoting himself to his craft and now he questions if it was worth it. I think this is a concept many people can relate to, especially those of us that have careers in some kind of artistic field. We often question what we’re doing in life to pursue our dreams. Musically the album goes through many stages as the character does on this journey of himself. There are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between.

Track by Track:

1. “Prestidigitation” – this song is the most intense instrumental the band has ever done. It’s meant to set the stage for the variety of feelings you’re going to have throughout the show to come.

2. “The Illusionist” – the title track is meant to really introduce the character and tell us about who he is and what he does. Musically I think this helps us experience some of the constant changes of feelings about who he is and questioning himself.

3. “Showtime” – this song is the hype of him about to go out and perform, even when he doesn’t want to and what he has to do to make that happen. Musically I wanted something high-energy, so it’s a bit more power metal inspired.

4. “Worship The Sun” – this track has our title character questioning why people worship or look up to him, or any performer for what they do. Questioning not only himself but his fanbase. This song is very Egyptian sounding musically. This one was written by Balmore.

5. “Turn Off The World” – this song starts the character’s feelings of depression, just wanting the world to “turn off” and shut it all down. Musically I feel like this one is the most “accessible” to people as it has some more of the pop vibes throughout the progressive metal song. Definitely has a catchy chorus, in my opinion.

6. “Disassembled” – another song really diving into the depression feeling. Feeling life is falling apart, questioning every decision he’s ever made and why people have supported him in what he’s done. This song has some electronic kind of vibes. Very inspired by Lunatic Soul for this one.

7. “Juggling Chainsaws” – this song brings the character into feeling as if he’s completely lost control. Constantly trying to juggle the chainsaws of life and keep them all in the air without something terrible happening. It’s very chaotic, technical, and probably the proggiest and heaviest song of the album (maybe even the craziest song we’ve ever done). You can definitely hear the Dream Theater and Haken influence in this song.

8. “For My Next Trick” – another instrumental song. This one is very serene. Very centered around bass as a lot of this one was written by Ryan Price. A calm before and after the storm. After his mind has calmed down he has an idea for one last epic trick to pull and finally feels a sense of peace.

9. ”Now You See Me…” – the closing track to the album brings forward the idea of the previous track; our main character’s final trick. An epic show where he disappears forever. Did he perform this successfully or did he epically fail? Was he meant to disappear forever? Is he even still alive? Was he a master of his craft and this was his plan to disappear and know peace? Do we mourn him or celebrate him? The world may never know.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts

1. The album “Eidolon” was written by Alex about the grieving process of losing his friend and Lunar co-founder, Ryan Erwin.

2. The album cover art for “Theogony” and “Eidolon” were both painted by Alex’s father, Ed Bosson, along with the art used for the “Turn Off The World” lyric video.

3. On top of all the drums, percussion, and much of the songwriting, Alex played synth on one track on “Eidolon” and also played bass on one song from the debut “Provenance” EP.

4. Despite the fact that many of the members of Lunar have been with the band for years and have released multiple albums together, the core members have never all been in the same room together at the same time and many of them have never even met each other in person!

5. Once, during the days when “Theogony” was still being written, Alex and Ryan met Mikael Akerfeldt (from Opeth) and told him that they had kind of ripped him off with something they had written and his response was “that’s cool.”

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

Based out of Sacramento, CA, LUNAR is a progressive metal band formed in 2013 when longtime friends Alex Bosson (drums/percussion) and Ryan Erwin (guitar/vocals) decided to get together and write the style of music that was always in their hearts: genre-defiant and free of restrictive influence. After securing Danny Stevenson on Keyboards, the search continued for a full lineup… but to no avail. Rather than delay their progress, the trio decided to record and self-release their debut EP, PROVENANCE, in the Winter of 2014.

Shortly after the release of PROVENANCE, Danny parted ways with the group, while Bosson and Erwin began work on LUNAR’s debut full-length, THEOGONY – a concept album based on the nine Muses of Greek mythology. While reading about Melpomene, the Greek Muse of tragedy, Alex realized that the concepts that these nine Muses represent – subjects such as history, tragedy, music, love, etc. – are the backbone for most creative output in this world. In keeping with the progressive element of the band, he had the idea to spread the musical and lyrical diversity of these themes across an entire album: each of the nine tracks named after one of the Muses, the music and lyrics based around the theme that each specific Muse represents.

Once more unable to flesh out a suitably complete lineup as the writing progressed, Alex and Ryan decided to enlist contributions from other professional musicians around the world – initially a handful of guests laying down additional guitar solos. With the eventual additions of Ryan Price on bass and Chandler Mogel on vocals, a proper lineup for THEOGONY was set: and by the end of the recording process, 17 different musicians had participated – including members of Hatriot, Angel Vivaldi, Helion Prime, Berried Alive, and many more.

In the Summer of 2017, LUNAR signed on with Divebomb Records and in November of 2017, THEOGONY was released on CD. A logical step forward from PROVENANCE, the dynamically atmospheric hour-long journey of THEOGONY is sure to please fans of Porcupine Tree, Opeth, and Tool – to name but a few – with its lushly textured contrasts of beauty and aggression.

THEOGONY received numerous raving reviews even being called a “masterpiece” and “A record everyone must own. Every generation and every country should adore an album like this.” And even made #23 on Prog-Sphere’s Top albums of 2017.

In the Spring of 2018, Ryan Erwin unexpectedly passed away, leaving Alex unsure of what to do. After some time passed, he decided to persevere through the tragedy and continue on with LUNAR. Using the tragedy as inspiration, he began writing the next album, EIDOLON – another concept album based around the cycle of life and death and the stages of grief that the ones left behind feel. After writing all the music for the album, Alex enlisted their friend Balmore Lemus (NOVAREIGN) to handle tracking guitars for this album. And with Ryan Price and Chandler Mogel both returning again, the lineup for EIDOLON was set.

In keeping with the diversity that the guests brought to THEOGONY, Alex decided to continue with that idea. By the end of the recording, a total of 18 musicians contributed to EIDOLON – this time including members of Haken, Thank You Scientist, Fallujah, Leprous & Caligula’s Horse, to name a few.

EIDOLON is another journey of progressive metal at its finest, spanning 7 tracks and nearly an hour of material. Once again being released through Divebomb Records, EIDOLON is available as of November of 2019.

LUNAR are currently working on the follow-up to EIDOLON entitled THE ILLUSIONIST which is due out in early 2023.

Discography:
2023 – “The Illusionist”
2019 – “Eidolon”
2017 – “Theogony”
2014 – “Provenance” – EP

Alex Bosson – Endorses: Scorpion Sticks, Groove Juice Cleaners
Balmore Lemus – Endorses: Engl Amps

0 APOLLO Launches Deathcore Take On The Classic Tale Of Dante In “A Divine Comedy”

January 27, 2023
by Asher
· Apollo · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 27, 2023

APOLLO Launches Deathcore Take On The Classic Tale Of Dante In “A Divine Comedy”

L-R – Kyle Prusky (Guitars, Bass), Adrian Parcioaga (Vocals)

Apollo is the solo side project of one Kyle Prusky who brought in the expertise of Adrian Parcioaga to create an enthusiastic, heavy, and memorable concept EP revolving around the classic story of Dante and his descent into hell. “A Divine Comedy” takes the listener on a cathartic journey through breakdowns, growls, and aggressive riffs. Prusky shares his thoughts on the release:

“This EP has been in the works for a long time, and I could not be happier with the result. This EP is for those who have ever doubted themselves, have fallen apart to the demons in their head, felt like giving up, and needed guidance. Don’t give up. Keep fighting. Keep climbing. Trust the ones who stick by your side. Eventually, you’ll find your path. Every single choice, every note, and vocal take was absolutely deliberate and meant to evoke a specific response. Throughout the journey, the listener will be presented with soaring melodic solos, somber but beautiful keys that guide the self to introspection, crushingly heavy 8-string guitars, pounding drums, and vocals that dance with the music like a soliloquy to an audience of one.”

The concept record contains 5 tracks, each one a chapter following Dante’s descent into hell. It is a journey that has its ups and downs; you feel the weight of what Dante is going through; the aggression, uncertainty, unknown, and mystery. Don’t forget an unrelenting progression that crescendos into epic highs, straight down to epic lows.

According to Parcioaga “A Divine Comedy” is a progressive death metal opera, unabashedly dynamic and ever-shifting; and Apollo is an expression and extension of whatever comes to Kyle Prusky’s brilliant mind, regardless of genre. The EP was produced, mixed, and mastered by Prusky, with assistance from Parcioaga who also did the cover artwork. It is recommended for fans of Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, and Spiritbox.

Listen to the EP in full via its premiere on TheCirclePit – https://youtu.be/w_6bJQxZx-w

Track Listing:
I: Dark Woods – 3:59
II: Abandon All Hope – 6:19
III: Interlude – 1:19
IV: Deeper, Darker – 6:22
V: Ascendance – 6:56
EP Length: 24:56

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Kyle Prusky, Adrian Parcioaga
• All songs written by: Kyle Prusky, Adrian Parcioaga
• Produced by: Kyle Prusky, Adrian Parcioaga
• Mixed by: Kyle Prusky
• Mastered by: Kyle Prusky
• EP Artwork by: Adrian Parcioaga

EP Band Lineup:
Kyle Prusky – Guitars, Bass
Adrian Parcioaga – Vocals
Alex Rudinger – Programmed Drums
Layne Murdoch – Solo Guitar (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4)
Lucas de la Rosa – Keys (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4)

For more info: Apexaudio.ca | Facebook.com/ApolloMusicCanada | Instagram.com/apollomusiccanada

– 30 –

Unsubscribe | Update your profile | Montreal, QC

0 SQUIDHAMMER Unleashes Thrashy New Single “Drowning In Flames” Off Upcoming Album “Hail The Squid”

January 27, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Squidhammer

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 25, 2023

SQUIDHAMMER Unleashes Thrashy New Single “Drowning In Flames” Off Upcoming Album “Hail The Squid”

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’”. Since then, they have released a handful of singles and more to come for their “Hail The Squid” project. A little bit unorthodox, they plan to release it single by single to the digital world, with a music video to accompany each release. The end product will be a physical LP containing all of the releases. The upcoming single “Drowning In Flames” featuring Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains is a mental roller coaster. A twisted riddle full of metaphors. Guitarist Jake Schultz explains further:

““Drowning In Flames” is 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?”

“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 recommended for fans of Pantera, Lamb Of God, and Arch Enemy.

Listen to “Drowning In Flames” ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains via its music video below.

Digital pre-save – https://show.co/CGOLQNa

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

About: 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!

– 30 –

“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)
—
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 LUNAR Announces Progressive New Album “The Illusionist” And Single “Juggling Chainsaws” Ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner

January 27, 2023
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 27, 2023

LUNAR Announces Progressive New Album “The Illusionist” And Single “Juggling Chainsaws” Ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner

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

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

Hailing from Sacramento, USA, Lunar is a progressive metal band that was founded in 2013 by longtime friends Alex Bosson (drums/percussion) (Helion Prime) and Ryan Erwin (guitar/vocals) (who passed away unexpectedly in 2018). The two together wrote the style of music that was always in their hearts: genre-defiant and free of restrictive influence over three albums. With the unexpected death of Ryan Erwin, band co-founder Alex Bosson continues the next chapter of Lunar with friends in Witherfall, Novareign. Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision for the release of this year’s “The Illusionist”, the fourth album from the band. Optimistically, Bosson quotes that this album is likely to be the fan favorite, being the best they’ve done, with strong songwriting, and production; and songs that all sound different, but remain cohesive. The introduction to the album lies with the single “Juggling Chainsaws” featuring Obscura’s Christian Münzner, which Bosson explains:

“We want to come out of the gate swinging with this one. This is likely the most chaotic, most technical and heaviest song we’ve ever done in a lot of ways. There’s more musical complexity, including an incredible guest guitar solo from Christian Münzner. Lyrically, it conveys the character’s feeling of completely losing control. Constantly trying to juggle the chainsaws of life and keep them all in the air without something terrible happening.”

Listen to“Juggling Chainsaws” ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner via its premiere on Metal-Rules HERE.

Proggy and crazy, the Dream Theater and Haken influences are evident in this song. As for the album, is it a concept album that tells the story of a magician that questions his entire life’s work. He’s spent his entire life devoting himself to his craft and now he questions if it was worth it. Musically the album goes through many stages as the character does on this journey of himself. There are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between.

recommended for fans of Opeth, Katatonia, and Haken, The nine-track album “The Illusionist” is being released on March 3, 2023, via Saibot Reign Records and can be pre-ordered via https://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com.

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 –

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)

Page 209 of 1858

1
…
207
208
209
210
211
…
1,858

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Asher Media Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Join 2,154 other subscribers