Posts By Asher

0 From The Mosh Pit Dorms of Berklee – Boston’s SURVIVE THE SUN Unleash Their Next Creation “Forging The Nemesis”

October 28, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Survive The Sun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 28, 2022

From The Mosh Pit Dorms of Berklee – Boston’s SURVIVE THE SUN Unleash Their Next Creation “Forging The Nemesis”

L-R – Ethan Emery (Bass), Micah Burch (Vocals), Jackson Snowden – Guitar, Jake Thompson (Drums)
Photo Credit – Asher Thomas – Evil Eye Productions

Boston’s Survive the Sun is melodic deathcore that came together while all members were studying at the Berklee College of Music. The natural creativity and close living environment quickly led to dorm room writing and recording sessions, which almost lead them as students/band members being expelled from their quarters due to noise complaints.

Introducing themselves with the 2020 song “The Minds in Which They Feast”, the quintet is ready to follow it up with their second single accompanied by a music video. Entitled “Forging The Nemesis”, it’s the second song the band wrote together, all over an entire weekend, in their first apartment post-dorm life back in 2019.

Vocalist Micah Burch explains the track in further detail:

“This single specifically visits personal trauma. It’s a fairly straightforward tale of suffering that leads to an existential change, or series of changes. It speaks on how trauma can temporally sculpt something entirely different by running the gamut of emotional responses. The hope is that the people that need it can interface with the feeling and relate, subject to their own experience. So I suppose the experience is relatability.”

Aggressive, resonant, and commanding, Survive The Sun is only getting started, this second single that they are presenting was mixed, mastered, and re-amped by Buster Odeholm (Vildhjarta, Humanity’s Last Breath) and according to them “This single is so much better overall than anything we’ve done in the past, Odeholm made ‘Forging The Nemesis’ sound greater than we ever could’ve imagined it turning out, a big shout out to Odeholm audio.”.

For metal fans looking for new and upcoming bands, Survive The Sun is a listening experience geared towards dynamism and is designed to be sat with. Even as a fresh new band their goal is to give listeners a multiplexed experience. With “Forging The Nemesis” they are offering a more technical and produced sound than their debut track, along with plans for future songs to be written with 7 strings and to be dropped tuned along with being implemented with more groovy elements instead of their current 6 strings.

“The fabric of each song has a commonality, but they also exhibit slight mosaicism in their peripheral aspects. Effectively, the foundations are the same, but each track has a different feel, providing the listener with a variance to explore. We have about 6 more songs so we haven’t decided if we’re going to do an EP or full album yet, but we are very eager to get them out so it will be soon.” adds Burch.

High energy, high momentum, Survive The Sun will be performing live shows in the New England area and more, having already performed on Welcome To Rockville (2019) that included a lineup with Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Deftones, Lamb Of God, and more.

Recommended for fans of Veil of Maya, Born of Osiris, Thy Art Is Murder, Shadow Of Intent, and Oceano, Survive The Sun is working on more material to be released for 2023, but in the meantime, you can listen to their new single “Forging The Nemesis” at the following links below.

Music Video – Forging The Nemesis – https://youtu.be/XZTJLVqOFZk

Digital available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp.

Survive The Sun is:
Jackson Snowden – Guitar
Jake Thompson – Drums
Ethan Emery – Bass
Micah Burch – Vocals

For more info:
https://instagram.com/survivethesun
https://www.facebook.com/survivethesun
https://twitter.com/survivethesun

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

0 Out Now! Canadian Thrashers TRISKELYON New Album “Downfall” via Moribund Records + New Video “Hunger”

October 28, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Triskelyon

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 28, 2022

Out Now! Canadian Thrashers TRISKELYON New Album “Downfall” via Moribund Records + New Video “Hunger”

New Album “Downfall” Out October 2022 via Moribund Records

Canadian melodic power thrashers Triskelyon’s debut album “Downfall” is now out as October 28th, 2022 via Moribund Records.

For its release day, the band is sharing their latest lyric video for the track “Hunger”

Watch and listen to “Hunger” – https://youtu.be/zAh9PJcDC-o

Band founder Geoff Waye adds:

“The big day for Triskelyon is here! To think, almost one year ago this time is when I first began the idea of starting this project and less than a year later and the full-length album is not only done, but is coming out on the legendary label Moribund Records! I’m very grateful for the opportunity to release this album thanks to them and to Odin from Moribund who has been awesome to work with. Thanks to all the album guests who made this dream a reality, and to Michael Small for doing a killer job mixing and mastering the album. Thanks as well to Jon Asher for being the PR god that he is. Please check out the singles and videos including today’s new release for the track “Hunger”. If you like what you hear, please buy a CD, your support would be greatly appreciated!”

Founded by Geoff Waye, guitarist for Artach and Category VI, Triskelyon was conceived in late 2021 as a studio-only project. By January 2022, the band featuring contributions from vocalists Pete Healey and Marlee Ryley (Hyperia), along with drum programming by Raul Marques (Burning Torment) made their introduction to the metal world with a 3-track self-titled EP.

Composed and written mostly by Geoff Waye, with drum programming provided by Raul Marques, “Downfall” sees the band’s next evolution as their first full length and it utilizes a myriad of both male and female guest vocalists from Oberon, Hyperia, Catagory VI and Incidium. “Downfall” has a range and depth of sound unique in today’s modern thrash metal scene, setting the band ahead and apart from the hordes of young new acts. Triskelyon also features guest bass appearances from members of Afterforever and Category VI, making Triskelyon a veritable supergroup of the Canadian metal scene.

Depicting a nature taking over post-apocalyptic view of our ever-screwed-up world, Triskelyon keeps with 80’s thrash tradition employing world-ending yet self-empowering socially conscious lyrical themes. From straight-up 80’s thrashers like “Odyssey (Blessed by Steel)”, to the power metal laced “Find A Way”, and more anthemic thrash tracks such as “Hunger” and “Willful Ignorance”, “Downfall” is sure to satiate even the most discriminating old-school and modern thrash metal fan alike! The album even features a unique and thrashing rendition of the Billy Idol song “Nobody’s Business”.

Album was mixed/mastered by Michael Small with the post-apocalyptic cover art by IvaanMR11.

With “Downfall”, Triskelyon deliver an amazing headbanging album that harkens back to the old-school days of such luminaries as Forbidden, Agent Steel, Sentinel Beast, Détente, Overkill, and Testament.

Triskelyon‘s debut album “Downfall” is available at the following links:

Online ordering:
CD: http://www.moribundcult.com/product/DEAD297.html
Digital: https://triskelyon.bandcamp.com/album/downfall

Music Video – “Balance of Terror” ft. Marie Jackman (Category VI) – https://youtu.be/V0TR8G5oV4g

Lyric Video – “Odyssey (Blessed By Steel)” ft. Marlee Ryley (Hyperia) – https://youtu.be/Z3VWW9YpxIs

Track Listing:
1. Hunger (3:01))
2. Find a Way (4:05))
3. Odyssey (Blessed By Steel) (3:34))
4. Willful Ignorance (4:14))
5. A Time of War (4:03))
6. Balance of Terror (4:22))
7. Apex Predator (4:12))
8. Indifference (4:37))
9. Nobody’s Business (Billy Idol cover) (3:54))

Album Credits:
Tracks 1-3 are originally from self-titled demo/EP, the new versions have all been re-recorded bass and have been remixed and remastered.
All songs and lyrics written by Geoff Waye.
All guitars by Geoff Waye.
All drum programming by Raul Marques.
Additional guests:
Dwayne Pike – Bass (tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9)
Pete Healey – Vocals (tracks 1, 2, 5, 9)
Marlee Ryley – Vocals (tracks 3, 7)
Amanda Jackman – Vocals (tracks 4, 6)
Des Mason – Vocals (track 4)
Keith Jackman – Bass (track 7)
Darrin Pope – Bass (track 4)
Ellim – Vocals ( track 8 )

For more info:
Triskelyon.bandcamp.com
Facebook.com/Triskelyonmetal

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“The three songs have the rage, heaviness and some rawness you expect from thrash, but also the melody and speed you’ll find in the more aggressive and harsher forms of power metal (no flowery stuff here, people). Pete’s vocals definitely are more of the aggressive heavy/power metal variety while Marlee shakes the hell out of the speakers with a more aggressive and harsher, yet high-pitched style.” – The Metal Crypt

“This is the kind of band that really plays that pure, raw, seething thrash metal that I love.” – Wings of Death

“Classic heavy thrash, catchy quick stuff with big screamy vox! Great stuff!” – WORT 89.9FM – Mosh Pit Radio – Madison, WI

“The EP thunders around the listener’s ears with a massive, powerful sound and gripping guitar riffs, but is also arranged with great attention to detail. Geoff Waye also acts as lead guitarist in the melodic as well as brute playing with pinpoint accuracy… Thrash fans who expect more than just head banging should remember the name TRISKELYON.” – PowerMetal.de

“What does Melodic Thrash sound like? Well in the eyes (and ears) of Geoff Waye it sounds like Thrash with influences of Traditional Metal, so you have plenty of heavy chugging Thrash riffs, separated by Traditional Metal bridges and big choruses. Opening cut “Hunger” sounds like a classic Anthrax cut from the “Spreading The Disease” era, with Iron Maiden influences all over it and Pete Healey’s higher pitched vocals only enhancing that nostalgic feel.” – Metal Noise

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

0 EPK – Survive The Sun – Forging The Nemesis (2022) (single)

October 28, 2022
by Asher
· EPKs · Survive The Sun

EPK – Survive The Sun – Forging The Nemesis (2022) (single)

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

For fans of Veil of Maya, Born of Osiris, Thy Art Is Murder, Shadow Of Intent, Oceano

instagram.com/survivethesun | Facebook.com/survivethesun | Twitter.com/survivethesun

Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp

“Forging the Nemesis was the second song we ever wrote together as a band fully, and it was written entirely the first weekend after moving into our first apartment together as a band in 2019. Lyrically/musically Nemesis is the peeling back and exposure of suffering in a relatable but fundamental manner. It is a coalescing of agony and anger that when left to run riot, often yields a transformative consequence. It’s in the title, for the most part, the song is a telling of someone who is progressively molded or ‘forged’ into a monster of sorts, figuratively, by internal torment. The tale is articulated via an interwoven tapestry of real rage and pain, particularly in the outro, the listener should be able to hear, and hopefully, feel the agony in the voice.” – Survive The Sun

L-R – Ethan Emery (Bass), Micah Burch (Vocals), Jackson Snowden – Guitar, Jake Thompson (Drums)
Photo Credit – Asher Thomas – Evil Eye Productions

Boston’s Survive the Sun is melodic deathcore that came together while all members were studying at the Berklee College of Music. The natural creativity and close living environment quickly led to dorm room writing and recording sessions, which almost lead them as students/band members being expelled from their quarters due to noise complaints.

Introducing themselves with the 2020 song “The Minds in Which They Feast”, the quintet is ready to follow it up with their second single accompanied by a music video. Entitled “Forging The Nemesis”, it’s the second song the band wrote together, all over an entire weekend, in their first apartment post-dorm life back in 2019.

Vocalist Micah Burch explains the track in further detail:

Aggressive, resonant, and commanding, Survive The Sun is only getting started, this second single that they are presenting was mixed, mastered, and re-amped by Buster Odeholm (Vildhjarta, Humanity’s Last Breath) and according to them “This single is so much better overall than anything we’ve done in the past, Odeholm made ‘Forging The Nemesis’ sound greater than we ever could’ve imagined it turning out, a big shout out to Odeholm audio.”.

For metal fans looking for new and upcoming bands, Survive The Sun is a listening experience geared towards dynamism and is designed to be sat with. Even as a fresh new band their goal is to give listeners a multiplexed experience. With “Forging The Nemesis” they are offering a more technical and produced sound than their debut track, along with with plans for future songs to be written with 7 strings and to be dropped tuned along with being implemented with more groovy elements instead of their current 6 strings.

High energy, high momentum, Survive The Sun will be performing live shows in the New England area and more, having already performed on Welcome To Rockville (2019) that included a lineup with Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Disturbed, Rob Zombie, Deftones, Lamb Of God, and more.

Recommended for fans of Veil of Maya, Born of Osiris, Thy Art Is Murder, Shadow Of Intent, and Oceano, Survive The Sun is working on more material to be released for 2023, but in the meantime, you can listen to their new single “Forging The Nemesis” at the following links below.

Music Video – Forging The Nemesis – https://youtu.be/XZTJLVqOFZk

Digital available on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp.

Band Line Up:
Jackson Snowden – Guitar
Jake Thompson – Drums
Ethan Emery – Bass
Micah Burch – Vocals

Discography:
2020 – The Minds in Which They Feast
2022 – Forging The Nemesis (Current Release 10/28/2022)

Shared stage with:
Fire From the Gods, Dance Gavin Dance, Anthrax, Mastadon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Shape Of Black Philip, Nailed Shut, Pistacia, Mudfuck

Tours and Festivals:
2021 – Welcome To Rockville

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The band is composed mainly of students from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and then our vocalist who is a Research Scientist at Harvard University Medical School. We actually found him through posting an ad on Facebook looking for a deathcore vocalist.

2. All of the members of the band come from very far locations, Micah from Australia, Ethan from Las Vegas, Jackson from Texas, and Jake from South Carolina.

3. In 2021, Survive The Sun was chosen by the Berklee College of Music to be their metal band to fly down to Florida and play at the Welcome to Rockville Festival at Daytona International Speedway to play in front of thousands of people.

4. The song was mixed, mastered, and reamped by Buster Odeholm from Vildhjarta and Humanity’s last breath.

5. Most of the band members(Jake, Ethan, Jackson, and Mason) have actually lived together for years and wrote and recorded most of the music at home.

6. The music video for Forging the Nemesis was actually inspired by a very vivid mushroom trip that our vocalist had, where he had visions of being drowned by a monster with a golden crown and armor.

Single Title: Forging The Nemesis – Survive The Sun
Release Date: 10/28/2022
Label: Independent
Distribution: Distrokid

Forging The Nemesis – 3:14

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Jake Thompson, Jackson Snowden, Ethan Emery, Micah Burch
• All songs written by: Jake Thompson, Jackson Snowden, Ethan Emery, Micah Burch
• Produced by: Survive the Sun
• Mixed by: Buster Odeholm
• Mastered by: Buster Odeholm
• Single Artwork by: Maxwell Aston

Band Line Up:
Jackson Snowden – Guitar
Jake Thompson – Drums
Ethan Emery – Bass
Micah Burch – Vocals

0 Scattered Storm Embark On A Journey With Title Track Off Upcoming “In this Dying Sun”

October 27, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Scattered Storm

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2022

Scattered Storm Embark On A Journey With Title Track Off Upcoming “In this Dying Sun”

New EP “In this Dying Sun” Out Nov 11th via Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital)

L- R – Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples, Andre Accosta – Vocals, Kevin Armstrong – Guitar, Brian Fausnaugh – Bass

The progressively dark quartet Scattered Storm hailing from El Paso, Texas, is releasing their second EP “In this Dying Sun” set for November 11th. The EP pivots from its overall sound carving out a much darker, and more progressive tone. Drummer Jay Arriaga and guitarist Kevin Armstrong have been much of the driving force for the songwriting drawing inspiration from bands like Psycroptic and Cephalic Carnage, whom they have also performed live with. The band explains the premise of the single:

“This pretty much talks about our dying planet. Or even a dying galaxy. Which resonates deeply with what we have been doing to our planet for so long and the consequences of that. Death, decay, nothing good coming out of it really. In the absence of light, there is only darkness. The song is fast and precise almost Fear Factoryish-like, but it simulates a fast and imploding galaxy.”

According to the band, they have never lost track of the bigness, especially with Tue Madsen mixing this record. In their talks with him, it was really emphasized that even though songs are faster, they still want them to sound huge. In turn, Madsen delivered a monster of an album, a melodic wall of sound with plenty of intriguing layers to keep listeners on their toes. Madsen also featured “In This Dying Sun” for his drum sample pack through Drum Forge because he really dug the song.

“In This Dying Sun” takes off from where last year’s “Oblivion” left off, bringing in darker melodies and proggy riffs. It still has the hooks but the vocals have evolved more and the synths took a back step for more guitar work. Some of the songs are faster-paced as well giving it a more driving force.

Scattered Storm takes a good blend of the sludge from Meshuggah, the ambiance of Tesseract, and the epicness of Devin Townsend, but is also influenced by bands like Fear Factory and Mnemic.

The music video for the single “In This Dying Sun” can be seen and heard below.

The EP “In This Dying Sun” comes out on November 11, 2022, via Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital).

Digital – https://bfan.link/bloody-love

Track Listing:
1. Bloody Love – 4:44
2. The Process – 3:49
3. Hollow – 4:16
4. In this Dying Sun – 3:42
5. Seen – 4:49
EP Length: 21:12

Recording and Live Band Lineup:
Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples
Kevin Armstrong – Guitar
Brian Fausnaugh – Bass
Andre Accosta – Vocals

For more info:
https://linktr.ee/scatteredstorm
https://www.facebook.com/scatteredstormband
https://www.instagram.com/scatt_storm

About:
Scattered Storm is an El Paso, Texas-based metal band which formed three years ago with the collaboration between Jay Arriaga (drums) from No Life on Earth, Years of Cold, and Kevin Armstrong (guitar) from Mondoshawan, Section 6. From there Andre Acosta from Pissing Razors, Hereafter the Wave and current No Life on Earth frontman joined the ranks on vocals. Having recorded a couple of songs on Bass for both Oblivion and In This Dying Sun, Brian Fausnaugh (Random Allusion, Limerance) finally joined the ranks full time replacing Eddie Garcia on bass. Scattered Storm recorded In This Dying Sun in 2021 at Javier’s Studio Empty Paradise Studios for its release on November 11th, 2022 via Blood Blast Distribution to follow their 2021 debut EP “Oblivion”.

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0 Canada’s NIHILIST DEATH CULT (members ex-Pestilence, Abyss, Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm) Posts Video For Debut Album “Death To All Tyrants” Coming December 2022

October 27, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Nihilist Death Cult

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2022

Canada’s NIHILIST DEATH CULT (members ex-Pestilence, Abyss, Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm) Posts Video For Debut Album “Death To All Tyrants” Coming December 2022

Photo Credit – Ron Sumners (ex-Slaughter drummer)

Formed in 2018 by Nick Sagias on bass and vocals (Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm, Overthrow, ex-Pestilence) and his brother John Sagias on drums (Soulstorm, Abyss) along with guitarists Ethan Bolduc (Jaww, Abyss), and Rick Kowalski (Soulstorm, Bound By Defiance), Toronto’s Nihilist Death Cult will be unleashing their debut album entitled “Death To All Tyrants” this coming December.

The album features nine quick strikes to the jugular of hardcore death punk recorded and mixed by Scott Middleton (ex-Cancer Bats). It’s short and sweet with a running time of just under 15 minutes, but it delivers a full dose of whiplash and speedy licks.

Earlier this summer, the band unveiled the album’s title track, a song about the underdog stepping up to the tyrant and winning.

“Scott was excellent to work with and helped us a lot with hearing things we didn’t hear before, that’s what a good producer does and it was a great experience working with him. After we heard the final mixes, there was the daunting task of picking the first track we would use for the lyric video and be the first thing anyone heard of us as a “new” band. We eventually settled on ‘Death To All Tyrants’ because it felt like it set the tone for both the sound and lyrical message we were trying to get across with NDC. We are not trying to be political or force our opinions, but we still feel we are responsible for some substance in our lyrics and I feel the messages in the lyrics are universal ideas that affect all of us in many types of situations and cultures.” adds Nick Sagias.

The title track and its lyric video can be viewed and heard at https://youtu.be/PJR04jl5roI

Nihilist Death Cult was born after the ending of Toronto underground legends Soulstorm, of which Nick Sagias was a founding member.

“I felt it in my heart that I needed to get back to the roots, the fast styles I grew up on, punk, thrash, death metal after I ended Soulstorm in 2016, so I started writing in the style of death metal for what I was going to eventually call my other band Tribe of Pazuzu. During the writing phase in 2017/2018, I came up with the name Nihilist Death Cult first for this other new death metal project, after letting that sit for a month or two I realized it was a more punk-sounding name and I already had a handful of riffs in the hardcore punk style that I ended up arranging and being the first 5 songs for NDC. I sent them to my brother John and he liked it right away and was down to make it happen, which was awesome because I always loved his dbeat style and feel of drumming.”

Relentless savage hardcore death punk grind, Nihilist Death Cult should appeal to most fans of band members’ previous and current endeavours, whether it be Jaww, Abyss, Overthrow, Soulstorm, Tribe of Pazuzu (ft. Flo Mounier (drums -Cryptopsy), John McEntee – guitar, Incantation – first two EPs). “Death To All Tyrants” is meant to bring back the anger, the fire, and the brooding fast music meant to be in punk and metal.

“This album is about how the corporate sponsored news media feeds you the stories and ideas they are paid to push… it’s about the victims standing up to the tyrants… it’s about choosing your own path and not blindly following norms if they don’t suit you.” says Nick Sagias.

Live, fans can expect seasoned veterans to go up on stage and put on a show to match the energy of their extreme music that’s ferocious and devastating.

Recommended for fans of Poison Idea, early DRI, early Bad Brains, Nails, Terrorizer and CroMags, Nihilist Death Cult‘s album “Death To All Tyrants” is due out on December 2, 2022.

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

Track Listing:
1. Follow The Money (1:06)
2. Hunting For Prey (1:38)
3. Obey & Consume (1:55)
4. Wake Up! (0:57)
5. Death To All Tyrants (1:25)
6. Ready For War (2:07)
7. Imperium (1:49)
8. Is This Progress? (2:01)
9. You Get What You Deserve (1:04)
Album Length: 14:07

Album Recording Band Line Up:
Nick Sagias – Bass/Vocals
John Sagias – Drums
Ethan Bolduc – Guitar

Live Band Line Up:
Nick Sagias – Bass/Vocals
John Sagias – Drums
Ethan Bolduc – Guitar
Rick Kowalski – Guitar

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/NihilistDeathCult
https://www.instagram.com/nihilistdeathcult
https://twitter.com/NIHILDEATHCULT

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0 BC’s Mountain Shaking ARMSTRONG METALFEST Open Band Submissions For 2023 Lineup!

October 27, 2022
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2022

BC’s Mountain Shaking ARMSTRONG METALFEST Open Band Submissions For 2023 Lineup!

July 14-15 – Armstrong, BC, Canada

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

AMF Spotify Playlist 2022 Lineup here.

Canada’s mountain-shaking extreme music festival Armstrong MetalFest is launching the band submissions for their 2023 lineup with applications opening on November 1st and ending on November 30th at 11:59 pm PST.

Bands interested in performing at the festival can apply at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/contact/band-submissions/

After their most successful event to date in 2022, which saw the festival’s highest attendance on record along with marking AMF‘s return after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the 2023 edition will be held on July 14th and 15th at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC.

Hosted in British Columbia’s Okanagan valley with the Canadian Rockies as a specular backdrop, the 2022 gathering of metalheads witnessed Spokane, WA deathcore titans ENTERPRISE EARTH headline the festival along with Vancouver’s cult-loved pyro maniacs ZIMMERS HOLE and progressive death kings NECK of THE WOODS. AMF also presented a very special performance from Kelowna’s OMNIA NIHIL (formerly Apollyon) in memory of beloved vocalist Matt Depper who suddenly passed away this past January. A total of 28 bands from across Western Canada and the USA fueled the moshpit for much-needed music therapy.

Tickets for AMF 2023 and camping along with the lineup will be announced at a later date.

Festival co-organizers Jesse Valtsar adds:

“Mark it down on the calendar, we have huge plans to make 2023 the biggest event to date! With the success of 2022, we are going to continue the momentum right into next year! We are planning out our headliners and dreaming up new ways to make Metalfest the best!”

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

Each year up to 700 metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun they spend three days camping, taking in over 30 bands, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

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

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

For more info:
Armstrongmetalfest.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Festival Press Materials HERE.

2022 Sponsors / Partners:
Legion HQ
West Metal Entertainment
WCMFA
BC Arts Council
Rancho Vignola
Mason Henniger
Nor-Val Rentals
Exclaim!
Askew’s Foods
Armstrong Tourism
Creative BC
Swag Merch
Bravewords
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
V13
Metal-Rules
Trash Talk w/ Nate
Posteblocke Media
Asher Media Relations

What the press is saying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun

“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Aittala Shun Genres Boundaries With New Swing Metal Title Track Off Upcoming Album “Live to Regret”

October 26, 2022
by Asher
· Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 26, 2022

Exitus Stratagem Records – Aittala Shun Genres Boundaries With New Swing Metal Title Track Off Upcoming Album “Live to Regret”

“Live to Regret” Out November 7th

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

Aittala defies the rules when it comes to metal genres, since their inception back in 1991 they have crossed boundaries with their version of eclectic doom metal, bringing in a wide range of influences that accent their sounds with hints of power metal, traditional metal, and sludge. They are getting ready to release their latest album “Live to Regret” via Exitus Stratagem Records and ahead of that are releasing the title track, a swing metal-inspired track about whether to keep secrets or come clean. On the recording and themes of the album guitarist/vocalist Eric Aittala had this to share:

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

Watch and listen to the lyric video for the album title track via its premiere on Spaceuntravel – https://youtu.be/tbrSCICjTh8

“Live to Regret” will be the seventh addition to the Aittala discography, through which there has been a lot of evolution and growth. The core sound has remained constant but has steadily matured over time. The first two albums had programmed drums and were laden with synths/keys and were a bit more experimental. After Gary (drummer) joined the band for the third album, his drumming style helped further refine the unique sound. With the addition of Ali on bass, he brought a different musical perspective that is infused throughout the new album.

Aittala plays eclectic doom suitable for any metalhead with an open mind. They are recommended for fans of Eyehategod, Baroness, and Crowbar.

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

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

Album Sampler – https://youtu.be/yAoHuPoHlHE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 EPK – Red Cain – Fisher King (single) (2022)

October 25, 2022
by Asher
· EPKs · Red Cain

EPK – Red Cain – Fisher King (single) (2022)

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

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

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

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

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

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

“Fisher King”, was written in its original form over 10 years ago, long before Red Cain’s existence as a band – so it was an extremely cool experience to go back to this old track, rewrite, and revitalize it to fit our sound. Much like our upcoming album, “Fisher King” keeps the quintessential Red Cain “melancholy and rage” but takes the death metal influences from “Kindred: Act II” even further, featuring a huge growl-centric chorus, a variety of down tuned, sludgy riffs, and gripping, raw vocal hooks and melodies.” – Red Cain

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Fisher King
Release Date: Nov. 9, 2022
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital

Track Listing:
1. Fisher King – (5:37)

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Red Cain
• All songs written by: Red Cain
• Produced by: Red Cain
• Mixed by: Tyler Corbett
• Mastered by: Alan Sacha Laskow
• Album Artwork by: Red Cain
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

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

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

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

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

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

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

L to R: Samuel Ridout (guitar), Tyler Corbett (guitar), Evgeniy Zayarny (vocals), Kalie Yan (bass, vocals), Taylor Gibson (drums)

Melancholy and Rage

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

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

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

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

With a significant upward trend of fan interest for this release, and 100,000 + digital streams, Red Cain has our set sights firmly set on another ambitious and conceptually exciting project, with the next release cycle coming in late 2022 with the first single “Fisher King”.

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

What the press is saying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

======

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 Wacken Metal Battle USA Submissions Now Open! One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

October 25, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 25, 2022

Wacken Metal Battle USA Submissions Now Open! One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce its return for 2023 to crown one independent band to perform on the world’s largest gathering of metalheads from around the world. To date, the battle has sent 4 previous bands to perform on metal’s most prestigious stage. 2022 witness San Diego’s Mythraeum crown champion, following previous winners San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

2023 battles will be taking place in Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, San Diego, CA, Bay Area, CA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Akron, OH, Salt Lake City, UT, Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX and El Paso, TX with more to be announced at later date.

WMBU Promoter and Artist Relations Eric Dow adds:

“I am very excited to announce Wacken Metal Battle USA 2023. The battle this year was extremely successful so we are not going to muck with the formula too much. One change is that I am happy to announce the addition of Salt Lake City to the battle. Who will wear the crown next year? Will San Diego be dethroned? Will Houston come up victorious? Will Akron send the champions to Germany? Make sure you follow the battle and find out who will represent the USA with pride in the battle at Wacken Open Air!

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

Independent American bands interested in participating can apply at – https://metalbattleusa.com/apply/

Band submissions will open on October 25th at 6AM PST and close on December 15th at 11:59PM PST.

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

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

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0 EPK – Opus Arise – The Network (2022)

October 24, 2022
by Asher
· EPKs · Opus Arise

EPK – Opus Arise – The Network (2022)

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

Band: Opus Arise
Album Title: The Network
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Label: Self Released

“After many years that seemed like forever, we’re extremely excited to release our follow-up “The Network”. Thanks to the experience and wisdom of Maor Appelbaum, we’re very stoked that we brought the album to what it needed to be after much trial and error. We hope everyone will enjoy this journey through this Cyberpunk-inspired world!” – Opus Arise

For fans of Animals As Leaders, The Black Mages, Liquid Tension Experiment, Powerglove, Scale The Summit

Opusarise.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/opusarise I Instagram.com/opusarise
| Twitter.com/OpusArise | Spotify

“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

“the album is impressively performed and produced, so, if you like very fast and earnest orchestral/progressive instrumental rock, you’ll like it.” – DPRP.net

“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… Already when seeing the line-up you may suspect that this offers something outside of the usual prog metal thing. And it does! What is cool though, is that the band still has a very heavy approach in their sound. The electrical instruments work extremely well with the string instruments, and the result is surprisingly homogenic.” – Melodic.net

“Vancouver’s Opus Arise is one of a rare breed pioneering the possibilities — the instrumentation is essentially a metal band plus a string quartet, and the strings are fully integrated into the music… The music is entirely instrumental. I find that the heightened presence of the strings which comes from them not being massed into large sections really adds to the impact of the music. On the rock side, you’ll hear a lot of the typical sounds of modern metal — the chugging guitars, the pounding double bass drums, the flashy guitar licks — but the addition of the strings sets Opus Arise apart from the legion of other bands… I’m often put off by the vocals in metal and the general lack of sonic variety, and Opus Arise avoids both of those problems nicely. I find their take on heavy rock to be refreshing and enjoyable.” – Exposé

“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

“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 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

“They ‘craft luscious soundscapes to dissonant chaos’, I thought that sums them up nicely; it is their 4th album which goes to the lands of DREAM THEATER, LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, ANIMALS AS LEADERS and especially BELIEVER.” – Profil Prog

Band: Opus Arise
Album Title: The Network
Release Date: December 2, 2022
Label: Self Released

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 Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Opus Arise
• All songs written by: Matthew Logan
• Produced by: Maor Appelbaum
• Mixed by: Ryan Shepard
• Mastered by: Maor Appelbaum
• Album Artwork by: Daniel Reyes
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

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
Daryl Bennett: Cello
Kyle Hagen: Contrabass, Bass Guitar (Track 8)

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

Orchestral Metal ensemble from Vancouver, Canada. Classical strings and metal rhythms create luscious soundscapes to dissonant chaos.

Discography:
2022 – The Network – LP
2019 – Rebel Fleet (Star Wars Cover)
2018 – Invisible Walls (Demo Version)
2016 – Revelation – LP

Shared Stage with:
Felix Martin, Omnisight, Runaway Four, Viking Guitar.

Tours and Festivals:
(2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019) – Vancouver Retro Gaming Expo
2018 – Vancouver Halloween Parade and Expo
2018 – Metalocalypstick Fest
2019 – Star Wars Night for Vancouver Canucks Game at Rogers Arena (January)

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

The album as a whole explained
A CyberPunk-inspired world:
Plot:
-Research involving chord progressions that manipulate space and time.
-He does research involving the Progressive Frequency Phenomenon. He has never found proof it existed, but his studies involved finding this evidence, as well as aiming to gain control of it.
-Many years into his research, he comes across the inner skepticism progression, and this is where his journey begins.

Track by track explained:
1. Inner Skepticism:
The inner skepticism chord progression is DMi7(b5), G7(b9/#5), CMa9, DMi. The combination of frequencies opens a wormhole into a future setting that blindsides the character. In this place, people have unseen technology and seem indifferent to his presence.

7/8, 9/8 section: He is looking for clues that will help him return home. Amongst all of the people wearing VR goggles and hologram-producing gadgets, he finally finds someone that notices his presence, engaging him in conversation. From his conversation with Character 1, he learns of a state-of-the-art device that evolved from the current day internet. It conjoins the concept of hardware and software, allowing the input of physical matter into software and the materialization of electronic data. This electronic realm is called the Network. Only the top 0.1% of society has control over it. It is basically a monopoly of everything from basic living needs to the most expensive items. Almost everything imaginable is accessible from the network, and anything can be materialized for the right price by the richest 0.1%, or by the best hackers.

After their conversation, the Protagonist is given an advanced hologram wristwatch, which is thousands of times for powerful than any computer today and can access the network through a network substation, with the correct polyphonic frequency code of course.

The protagonist shows the inner skepticism progression to character 1 (through the functions in his wristwatch) and realizes it only allows entry to this space-time. The only way to return home is to find the right corresponding progression of frequencies to re-open a wormhole to the exact time and date he came from.

2. Electronic Jungle:
Protagonist then learns that character 1 is also from a different space-time, and the electric jungle opening progression was the one he used in one of his compositions back in his time. When he played it for the first time after composing it in 1976, a wormhole brought him here as well. He didn’t know what had happened, so he eventually accepted this as his fate and had given up hope of returning. He called it the electric jungle because of the scenery in the place they are in; there is lots of advanced circuitry, electronic billboards, holograms, etc. Now he has faith in the protagonist’s research, it is their only hope of returning to their time-space.

After finding a network substation and stalking around, they notice several network users with their FOB-type holograms that immediately grant them access. The protagonist’s knowledge of computer science has allowed him to steal the encoded digital lock from unsuspecting users. All he has to do is turn the electronic data into combinations of frequencies and play it back in front of the substation.

3. Antimatter:
After numerous calculations, the protagonist approaches the substation and plays the Antimatter progression. They are immediately scanned and digitized. The moment the song drops into the metal section signifies their entry into the network. The rest of the song follows them individually as they lead their own paths through the network, discovering its capabilities. However, after a bunch of fun and games exploring, they both eventually become curious about their past lives in 2017 and 1976.

4. Digital Soundscape
This track conveys the feeling of what the digital realm of the network is like. Both characters focus on the details of their lives, listening to the ambient, distorted, pulsing sounds of the digital realm.

The rest of the album follows them through the (Reminiscence) of their past lives. To a certain extent, they are both filled with a great deal of heartbreak and regret, which is symbolized in the song (Change). 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 (The Unanswered Question).

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. We tried many different guitars and tones for the record, it took much trial and error until we brought in the John Petrucci Majesty 7 with his Neural DSP which we will use going forward. It really allowed the space for the strings to come out with still being heavy and crunchy.

2. The track “Digital Soundscape” was recorded just one night in the studio, both Matt, Shawn, and engineer Ryan Shepard came together and it was a fun night of experimenting resulting in the final product.

3. Drums were recorded in the spring of 2018 in a mansion where the band originally rehearsed when it was a live project. We stepped foot once more to film the music videos for the album.

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