Posts By Asher
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0 Ottawa’s WHISPERS IN THE MAZE Will Make Your Skin Crawl w/ New Music Video “Poisoning Imagination”; New EP “Stories Untold: Chapter 1” Out Now!
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 26, 2022
WHISPERS IN THE MAZE Will Make Your Skin Crawl w/ New Music Video “Poisoning Imagination”
New EP “Stories Untold: Chapter 1” Out Now!
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Ben Bertrand (Bass/Vocals), Mike Berrigan (Drums), Emine Topcu (Guitar/Vocals), Vitto Ortori (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Jessy Dwyer – Beyond The Pit
Canada’s Whispers In The Maze are debuting their creepy-crawly new video for the single “Poisoning Imagination”, a visual representation of the song’s main theme, anxiety. The song is presented from the view of anxiety itself, personified as some kind of imaginary enemy. The music is a mix of classic and modern melodic death supported by melodic fretless bass lines and a layer of extreme vocals overlapping death and black metal territories. Rhythmically, the song alternates between blistering verses and groovy choruses and transitions. The band explains further:
“This song is about a losing battle against anxiety. The song’s title reflects this idea of self-inflicted harm. It’s probably our most energetic starting song, and we especially like that the vocals start right away. The album contains some of the old songs we have not recorded before, as well as a new song that was written by the current lineup. It shows the evolution of our sound and the diversity of our musical input. After a long break of live shows, even a period of no rehearsals due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to come back with something to share with our fans, both old and new.”
“Poisoning Imagination” is off the band’s recently released EP “Stories Untold: Chapter 1”. All of the four tracks have their own vibe, but work together as a whole. The band hopes people will hear parts that speak to them as a listener and get taken away by the melodies, guitar harmonies, breakdowns, tempo, rhythmic shifts, and of course, their own voices.
In comparison to their first album “Threads Unbind” (2019), fans will notice the new layer of melody that comes with having two vocalists, a natural progression that the band is excited to be incorporating. As implied in the title, the EP is mostly a collection of older songs written by previous lineups of Whispers In The Maze. “Stories Untold: Chapter 1” is a melodic death metal record with an emphasis on melodies, elements of black and doom sprinkled here and there, and two vocalists bringing a range of different vocal styles.
Melodic with an emphasis on rhythm, textures, and a mix of influences, “Poisoning Imagination” is recommended listening for fans of At The Gates, Arch Enemy, and Amon Amarth.
The video for “Poisoning Imagination” can be seen and heard via TheCirclePit – https://youtu.be/l8GDVdwB65k
“Stories Untold: Chapter 1” was released on July 29th, 2022 and available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music.
EP Stream – https://youtu.be/2K3EsCaS6O4
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Tracks Listing:
1. Poisoning Imagination – 4:37
2. Ink – 5:36
3. Chained Till The Grave – 5:02
4. Behind Your Eyes – 3:56
EP Length: 19:12
EP Credits:
Lyrics on Poison Imagination by Benjamin Bertrand.
Lyrics on Chained Till The Grave, Behind Your Eyes and Ink by Zach Dean.
Music by Whispers In The Maze
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Dave Sarazin
Album Art by Augusto Peixoto – Irondoom Design
Band Pictures by Jessy Dwyer – Beyond the Pit
Whispers In The Maze is:
Ben Bertrand – Lead vocals / Fretless bass
Emine Topcu – Guitars / Back vocals
Vitto Oh – Guitars
Mike Berrigan – Drums
For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/WhispersInTheMaze
https://www.instagram.com/whispersinthemaze
https://twitter.com/WhispersInMaze
https://www.tiktok.com/@whispersinthemaze
About:
A metal band without borders, Whispers In The Maze gathers its members from all around the world, bringing together as one a myriad of musical influences and creative vision. Their guitars work together to create a lush harmonic soundscape, held up by the melodic rhythm and fretless leads of the bass, all tied together by the precision and groove of the drums. This unique melodic, rhythmic, and progressive blend is the canvas on which the brutal vocals paint images of war, rebellion, hopelessness, and death.
Recently releasing their EP “Stories Untold : Chapter 1, with lots of shows on the horizon, they will only continue to create, evolve and conquer, with no plans to slow down. The maze is ever-growing. Lose yourself. Follow the whispers.
Discography:
2022 – Stories Untold : Chapter 1 (EP)
2019 – Threads Unbind (EP)
2017 – Ink (single demo)
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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 EPK – Whispers In The Maze – Stories Untold: Chapter I (2022)
EPK – Whispers In The Maze – Stories Untold: Chapter I (2022)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Arch Enemy, Gojira, At The Gates, Amorphis, In Flames
“Our fans will be surprised to hear some of our familiar songs, with a new voice as this is the first time Ben and I recorded vocals for. Poisoning Imagination, as the newest song of the EP, will also show the path that the band is moving forward.” – Emine
“I think this collection of songs is a natural progression and representation of the band’s sound – everyone has their moments to ‘shine’ and be featured, and this is the first time both of our vocalists – Ben and Emine – sing on the record, which has been really cool to see and hear.” – Mike
EP Title: Stories Untold: Chapter I
Release Date: July 29, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Facebook.com/WhispersInTheMaze | Instagram.com/whispersinthemaze | Twitter.com/WhispersInMaze | Tiktok.com/@whispersinthemaze | Youtube
Whispersinthemaze.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
“I’ll be damned if “Threads Unbind” doesn’t provide an amazing taste immediately. We are treated to just four songs with their debut EP, but they are filled to the brim with everything that I’ve come to associate with a very well done piece of melo-death from the melody that actually sounds good, never disappoints when it goes to pull back before a well-timed punch, and gives us plenty of hints as to just what exactly Whispers in the Maze is capable of.” – Head Banger Reviews
“I am compelled to say that WHISPERS IN THE MAZE certainly outdone themselves here for a 1st attempt, a remarkably splendid slab of enjoyably entertaining talent that pulses with potential & enlightening fulfilment – check it out – melo-death enthusiasts are ensured to get their guaranteed head-banging fix here…a borderline foundation of finesse & fiercely frenzied domination.” – Metal Temple
“The band started off fast, hard, and shoving brutal reality right in your face. I’ve got to say the did a splendid job.” – The Music Below
“Threads Unbind is a promising display of power” – Acta Infernalis
“Threads Unbind is a surprisingly mature effort from a young band and that means melodic death metal fans should put Whispers in the Maze on the radar for their next effort.” – Metal Crypt
[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]
EP Title: Stories Untold: Chapter I
Release Date: July 29, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Track Listing:
1. Poisoning Imagination – 4:37
2. Ink – 5:36
3. Chained Till The Grave – 5:02
4. Behind Your Eyes – 3:56
EP Length: 19:12
EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Whispers In The Maze
• All songs written by: Music by Whispers In The Maze / lyrics by Ben Bertrand
• Produced by: Dave Sarazin
• Mixed by: Dave Sarazin
• Mastered by: Dave Sarazin
EP and Live Band Line Up
Ben Bertrand – Lead vocals / Fretless bass
Emine Topcu – Guitars / Back vocals
Vitto Oh – Guitars
Mike Berrigan – Drums
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The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
Stories Untold is a melodic death metal record with an emphasis on melodies, elements of black and doom sprinkled here and there, and two vocalists bring a range of different vocal styles. Lyrically, Stories Untold is introspective, with our inner voices doing most of the talking.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. Poisoning Imagination
Lyrics
This song is about a losing battle against anxiety. Whereas most songs on the topic would generally tell a story from the viewpoint of the person suffering from it, this one is told from the viewpoint of Anxiety itself, personified as a kind of imaginary enemy. The song’s title, ‘Poisoning Imagination’, reflects this idea of self-inflicted harm. I chose this viewpoint as I prefer to sing from a position of strength, rather than weakness and self-pity. The energy is totally different. – Ben
Music
I’m the Tribulation fan in the band, but I can’t help but find that this song has some Tribulation influences somehow. Musically, I find it’s a good companion song to Ink. – Ben
Musically ‘Poisoning Imagination” is probably our most energetic starting song, and I especially like that the vocals start right away. It is also a song that began at the jam space rather than a riff being brought, so it is different in that sense. Despite the lyrics being about anxiety, I find this song fun and highly energetic. – Emine
2. Ink
Lyrics
Written by our original singer Zach Dean, Ink’s lyrics are about the alienation that is organized religion. – Ben
Music
“Ink” starts with a very Middle-Eastern-sounding riff. And given my origins, sometimes I am thought to be behind that riff, but that is not the case! It was actually Zach (our first vocalist and then second guitarist, now of Messora) who wrote that riff. And we actually recorded that song as a single a few years ago. But we decided to rerecord it as the new members added new flavours to the music. We always have the mindset that “songs can change till it is recorded.” We surpassed that with Ink! – Emine
Ink was built around a “middle eastern sounding” riff brought to the jam room by Zach Dean, our original vocalist who also covered second guitar live for a while. The rest grew organically from there. The middle part of the song was later modified after Vitto joined us. You can dig out our old demo recording of Ink if you want to hear the difference. – Ben
3. Chained Till The Grave
Lyrics
Thematically a companion song to Ink and also written by original vocalist Zach Dean, Chained Till the Grave is about the prisons that are pre-formatted belief systems and coming to that realization, sometimes too late… – Ben
Music
Sometimes a riff can wait for years to find a home. “Chained Till The Grave”s intro was written many years ago, but it just couldn’t find the right home until it was played by this band. And the wait definitely paid off. It is not necessarily unique to this song, but I love how the two guitars mangle each other in this song and weave something beautiful. – Emine
Musically Chained Till The Grave has a doomy intro, a chuggy transition, that then goes into a neo-classical tapping part, before ending with a melodic outro. – Ben
4. Behind Your Eyes
Lyrics
Written by original vocalist Zach Dean, the lyrics of Behind Your Eyes are about carrying a self-destructive addiction or mental condition and the urge to succumb to it. – Ben
Music
Behind Your Eyes owes a lot to our former guitarist Amaury and his Gojira influences. You can hear that in the pick scrapes and the bent tremolo notes. An intro saturated with flanger and phaser effects and the clean vocal chorus that could belong in a rock song are other highlights of this song – Ben
“Behind Your Eyes” is the first song I ever recorded lead vocals for. And incorporating clean vocals was a very fun experience for me, and I believe it added something different to its vibe. In terms of transitions, there is a phase difference in when my guitar does a transition and joins the rest of the band. It is almost like “I am behind”—very fitting to the title – Emine
L-R – Ben Bertrand (bass/vocals), Vitto Ortori (guitars), Mike Berrigan (drums), Emine Topcu (guitars/vocals)
Photo credit: Jessy Dwyer – Beyond The Pit
A metal band without borders, Whispers In The Maze gathers its members from all around the world, bringing together as one a myriad of musical influences and creative visions. Their guitars work together to create a lush harmonic soundscape, held up by the melodic rhythm and fretless leads of the bass, all tied together by the precision and groove of the drums. This unique melodic, rhythmic, and progressive blend is the canvas on which the brutal vocals paint images of war, rebellion, hopelessness, and death. Recently recorded their debut EP, with lots of shows on the horizon, they will only continue to create, evolve and conquer, with no plans to slow down. The maze is ever-growing. Lose yourself. Follow the whispers.
Band Line Up
Ben Bertrand – Lead vocals / Fretless bass
Emine Topcu – Guitars / Back vocals
Vitto Oh – Guitars
Mike Berrigan – Drums
Discography:
2022 – Stories Untold : Chapter 1 (EP)
2019 – Threads Unbind (EP)
2017 – Ink (single demo)
STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND
1. In 2015, Emine had just moved to Ottawa from British Columbia and Ben from New Brunswick. Both had to leave musical projects behind before moving and both were looking to start anew in Ottawa. They met through a Kijiji ad and discovered a shared interest in melodic death metal, especially the Northern European variety. Along with original drummer Blaze Brdar, they started two bands: Projekt Göthenburg, to cover their favourite classic melodeath tunes, and Whispers In The Maze, to put out their own original music. Projekt Göthenburg allowed them to start playing shows in Ottawa and discover the local scene before the first Whispers In The Maze was even written. Projekt Göthenburg still exists today, although as a completely separate entity and with different musicians. – Ben
2. The first time I jammed with Ben was online, on a (now closed) platform called BandHub. Ben was very proactive and responded to my ad in Kijiji even before he moved to Gatineau. We didn’t wait to be in the same city and started jamming online (in 2015 – way before Covid and online collaborations were not this common), and we have been jamming together since! – Emine
3. I unknowingly had already heard Whispers at some point before actually meeting them – I rehearse with one of my other bands, Dead Culture Society, in the same rehearsal warehouse, so it was serendipitous that I should be answering an ad looking for a drummer for a band located about 100 feet from where I was already rehearsing. – Mike
4. I am probably the only member of the band who cannot listen to doom metal, and I am responsible for the most doomish intro we have in Chained Till The Grave. And I don’t regret it, things turned out great! – Emine
0 EPK – Split Image – Night Hag (2022)
EPK – Split Image – Night Hag (2022)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Power Trip, Enforced, Dead Heat, Drain, Mindforce
Single Title: Night Hag
Release Date: August 26, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid
Facebook.com/SplitImageCA – Instagram.com/splitimageca – YouTube – Twitter.com/splitimageca
Splitimage.bandcamp.com – Spotify
Psycho Image Tour 2022 – Spilt Image, Psycho Mantis
Aug 26 – Murrieta, CA – The Barn
Aug 27 – Canoga Park, CA- Scotland Yard
Aug 28 – Fresno, CA – Destructive Warehouse
Aug 29 – Sacramento, CA – The Colony
Aug 30 – Anderson, CA – Demented Designs
Sept 1 – Portland, OR – No Fun Bar
Sept 2 – Seattle, WA – Lucky Liquor
Sept 3 – Chehalis, WA – McFilers
Sept 6 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Bee Hive
Sept 7 – Las Vegas, NV – Recycled Propaganda
Sept 9 – Phoenix, AZ – The Blooze Bar
Sept 10 – San Jacinto, CA – La Jungla
[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]
Single Title: Night Hag
Release Date: August 26, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid
Track Listing:
1. Night Hag – (2:47)
Single Recording Credits:
• Single performed by: Josh Escobar, Joey Sia, Jared Mooney, Nadesha Mariudottir, Christian Sia
• Single written by: Christian Sia, Joey Sia, Josh Escobar
• Produced by: Split Image
• Mixed by: Christian Sia
• Mastered by: Christian Sia
• Single Artwork by: Aslam Bokrit
Single and Live Band Line Up:
Josh Escobar – Vocals
Jared Mooney – Lead Guitar (Left)
Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar (Right)
Nadesha Mariudottir – Bass
Christian Sia – Drums
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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
1. We had a difficult time naming the band for quite a while. Joey, Josh, and I had come up with hundreds of names, but none of them were to no avail. This went on for a few months and funny enough one day when I and Joey were on the way home from work the song Split Image from the legendary band Excel played on my playlist. Joey just said, “Why don’t we just name the band Split Image?” I took off my sunglasses, looked at Joey, and replied, “Wait, what did you say?!” It was a eureka moment! Everyone agreed on the name and then Split Image became a thing then literally everyone started hilariously saying, “Split Image… it’s a thing!”It was an inside joke for quite some time. – Chris
2. The songs on Torrent of Illusion were actually written a few years ago during the time I and Joey were in a band called Devastation (aka D.V.T.). These songs were so different from the typical style/structure of the music we played in D.V.T. There was a gradual shift from Hardcore Punk to Metal throughout the years in D.V.T. that the music became so different to the point in where these songs sounded like they could be played by a completely different band. So it feels like these specific songs were meant to be played in Split Image and everything fell into place. – Chris
3. There are three J’s and three Tauruses in the band. The three J’s are Josh, Jared, and Joey. The Tauruses being Josh, Nadesha, and Chris. It seems that a lot of things always work in 3’s! – Joey
4. We all have musical roots reaching back to our parents and grandparents. – Joey
5. Split Image’s early incarnation was actually in 2013 when I used to be a guest vocalist for one song out of D.V.T.’s setlist. – Josh
L-R – Jared Mooney – Lead Guitar, Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar, Nadesha Mariudottir – Bass, Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals, Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums
Discography:
2022 – Psycho Image (Split)
2022 – Torrent of Illusion (Album) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBe2JCWhuNo
2020 – Facades (Single) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dr8EnLlljDE
2019 – Sulfur Pits (Single) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUm-5XeZx4k
Shared the stage with:
Psycho Mantis, Corpus, Braineater, Iggy & the Rough Riders, Philosopher
0 Get Ready To Rumble! Thrash Crossover SPLIT IMAGE Unleash Single “Night Hag” To Kick Off Tour Dates w/ Psycho Mantis
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 26, 2022
Get Ready To Rumble! Thrash Crossover SPLIT IMAGE Unleash Single “Night Hag” To Kick Off Tour Dates w/ Psycho Mantis
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L-R – Jared Mooney – Lead Guitar, Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar, Nadesha Mariudottir – Bass, Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals, Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums
California’s Split Image is set to hit the road across six states from August 26th to September 10th with friends Psycho Mantis. Excited to stir up mosh pits for twelve shows over two weeks, Split Image is sharing their new single “Night Hag”, a track the band will be performing live for the first time in front of a crowd.
“I think our fans are going to love it! We haven’t played it live yet, so it’ll be extra spicy once it drops. We wanted to make a song to get fans pumped as if they are walking down a ramp and into a wrestling ring while their opponent is waiting to be squashed in 5 minutes.” adds guitarist Joey Sia.
Written by the Sia brothers Chris (drums) and Joey (guitar), the track is about sleep paralysis as they explain further:
“For Night Hag we really wanted a song that a lot of people could relate to, sleep paralysis! The pure terror and helplessness you feel when you experience it, even if you know you’re just in a dream state, it’s still a pretty messed up thing to experience. Part of it also came from the Batman villain Scarecrow who uses his fear toxin to cause involuntary hallucinations based on the victim’s worst fears. Musically, Night Hag has a simple structure in its composition. The song has a catchy riff throughout the whole time while the drums change the dynamics throughout the song. I think people can bang their heads off listening to Night Hag!”
Listen to “Night Hag” at the following links
YouTube – https://youtu.be/bPtRId6TGow
Splitimage.bandcamp.com, Spotify
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The new single “Night Hag” follows the band’s most recent album “Torrent of Illusion“ released on June 1st of this year. A gritty and powerful crossover experience, the band expects an enthusiastic reception from their fans due to its intensity, and also its relatability. The album and the new stand-alone single “Night Hag” pack many punches, as their music deals with intense lyrical themes surrounding mental health and rounds itself out with aggressive hard-hitting instrumentals.
Split Image combines a unique sound that boasts familiarity from their mash-up of genres of thrash, punk, crust, and a solid nod to old-school hardcore. They are recommended for fans of Power Trip, Enforced, and Dead Heat.
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Psycho Image Tour 2022 – Spilt Image, Psycho Mantis
Aug 26 – Murrieta, CA – The Barn
Aug 27 – Canoga Park, CA- Scotland Yard
Aug 28 – Fresno, CA – Destructive Warehouse
Aug 29 – Sacramento, CA – The Colony
Aug 30 – Anderson, CA – Demented Designs
Sept 1 – Portland, OR – No Fun Bar
Sept 2 – Seattle, WA – Lucky Liquor
Sept 3 – Chehalis, WA – McFilers
Sept 6 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Bee Hive
Sept 7 – Las Vegas, NV – Recycled Propaganda
Sept 9 – Phoenix, AZ – The Blooze Bar
Sept 10 – San Jacinto, CA – La Jungla
For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/SplitImageCA/
https://www.instagram.com/splitimageca/
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Out Now! Rockshots Records – ANTHEA’s New Album “Tales Untold” + Music Video “Song for Winter”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 26, 2022
Out Now! Rockshots Records – ANTHEA’s New Album “Tales Untold” + Music Video “Song for Winter”
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Los Angeles-based symphonic prog metallers ANTHEA have released their new album “Tales Untold”, now available as of August 26th via Rockshots Records. To celebrate the sophomore full-length’s release day, the band is sharing their new music video for the track “Song for Winter”.
“This song celebrates the beauty of nature, particularly in the wintertime. This one was written while things were feeling very grim due to the virus, so we wanted to do something that would give a sense of calmness and escapism. The goal was to musically capture that feeling of resting by the fireplace, drinking a nice warm cup of tea while looking out the window to see a beautiful winter landscape.” adds the band.
The music video for “Song for Winter” can be seen and heard at https://youtu.be/6u7880xRLEo
ANTHEA’s new album “Tales Untold” follows their 2020 debut “Illusion”. An epic symphonic/melodic metal journey, with varying dynamics, “Tales Untold” will make new and old fans alike feel as if they’ve gone through a grand cinematic and poetic experience. For its recording, Anthea took the reigns to a more DIY approach with vocalist Diego Valadez taking over as the album’s producer along with bassist Eric “EJ” Guerrero in charge of the band’s music videos and photography.
“The difference with this next record is that Anthea has a more mature sound and we have carefully thought out the ebb and flow throughout it. Our end goal is to give a very dynamic and cinematic album in which the listener feels as though they’ve gone through a grand musical journey once they’ve reached the end.” says the band.
Anthea is a melodic, symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, CA. With influences from bands like Nightwish, Kamelot, and Wintersun, as well as scores from composers such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Danny Elfman, the band create a unique theatrical sound blending progressive, power, and thrash metal elements, with a grand, cinematic edge.
“Tales Untold” is available at the following links:
CD – https://bit.ly/TalesUntoldCD
Vinyl – https://bit.ly/TalesUntoldVINYL
Digital – https://bfan.link/tales-untold
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Track Listing:
1. Tales Untold – 4:09
2. Ascendence – 3:21
3. Song for Winter – 4:03
4. The Deceiver – 5:11
5. Sapiens – 5:29
6. Memoriam – 4:13
7. Looking Glass – 4:15
8. Empyrean – 4:02
9. Sunder Heart – 4:53
10. In Time – 5:33
Album Length: 45:15
Anthea is:
Diego Valadez – Vocals/Keys
Juan Pina – Guitar/Screams
Marcos Mejia – Guitar
Eric Guerrero – Bass
Peter Vasquez – Drums
Album Credits:
All music and lyrics by Diego Valadez except on “Looking Glass” and “Empyrean” music by Marco Mejia, Lyrics and Orchestration by Diego Valadez. Music and Lyrics for the cover song “In Time” originally written and performed by Robbi Rob.
Produced By Diego Valadez
Mixed/Mastered By Jesse Billson
Layout & Design By Dávid Busai (Mordiggian Art)
Video & Photography By Eric “EJ” Guerrero (E.ject Media)
More info:
Rockshots.eu
Antheametal.com
Facebook.com/antheametal
Instagram.com/antheametal
About: Anthea is a melodic, symphonic metal band from Los Angeles, CA. With influences from bands like Nightwish, Kamelot, and Wintersun, as well as scores from composers such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, and Danny Elfman, the band create a unique theatrical sound blending progressive, power, and thrash metal elements, with a grand, cinematic edge.
The band released some demo songs as singles which quickly began gaining attention in the local metal scene. Anthea began playing more live shows around Los Angeles, opening for various bands including Smile Empty Soul, Helion Prime, September Mourning, and many more.
In late 2019, Anthea announced that they would be entering the studio to re-record their singles as well as some new material for an official EP that would be titled “Illusion.” It wasn’t long before the group was contacted by Rockshots Records. The label suggested that instead of releasing an EP, the band should consider recording a full-length debut album. If they did so, Rockshots would release the record under their label. Anthea agreed and began working on more material.
Illusion, the debut album from Anthea was released on October 23rd, 2020 under Rockshots Records. The album has received many positive reviews from several magazines, blogs, and podcasts. The three singles “Moirai”, “Illusion”, and “Reach”, have all gone on to receive international play on various rock and metal radio stations.
The band returns in 2022 with their second album “Tales Untold” due out in August 2022.
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“A sort of dramatic theatrical experience that of this “Illusion”, which ranks among the best releases of the gothic-epic panorama of 2020.” (8/10) Tutto Rock Magazine (Illusion review – 2020)
“A solid surprise from the USA here.” (5/6) – Scream Magazine (Illusion review – 2020)
“The song writing on this album is commendable and of the highest calibre. If you are looking out for a melodic sound with plenty of surprises and a true rollercoaster experience, you’ve hit the jackpot with this one. Go for it!” (9.5/10) – The Metal Resource (Illusion review – 2020)
“The music and the vocals work together in perfect harmony, whether its through gentler moments or full unashamed bombastic power. Lyrically, Anthea offer a truly poetic experience, elevating a listener’s wonder and imagination to optimum level.” (5 STARS) – MMH Radio (Illusion review – 2020)
“A long-term, melodic debut album, with excellent musical combinations, there are different tempos that can be heard as Thrash metal briefly, they have a strong combination that goes from Symphonic Metal to Power Metal and vice versa, at the beginning they start very Power Metal and end very Symphonic Metal, that gives variety to the album!” (90/100) – Darkzen Dragon (Illusion review – 2020)
“Overall, a fast paced and very infectious album of heavy hitting symphonic power metal with stunning twists and turns.” (9.5/10) – Metal Gods TV (Illusion review – 2020)
“I believe that Anthea have managed to convince us of the value of their musical ideas with a strong debut and of course with the composite result they present to us in ‘Illusion’.” – Rockway.gr (Illusion review – 2020)
“Congratulations ANTHEA on achieving one of the better albums for 2020!” (9/10 ) – Metal-Temple (Illusion review – 2020)
“The whole piece is just incredible to listen to as you get lost in the composition and what it stands for” – Jace Media (Illusion review – 2020)
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 EPK – Even Flow – Mediterraneo (2022)
EPK – Even Flow – Mediterraneo (2022)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“The five songs that make up Mediterraneo are gloriously uplifting anthems that draw you from your world of cares and worries into an exhilarating musical realm of dreams. The songs are concise and finely honed, yet seem to contain an ever-expanding universe to explore within their duration. The title track, ‘Mediterraneo’, is perhaps the EPs crowning glory, building through multiple layers, each more captivating than the last, but in truth every note from the first bombastic chords that usher in opener ‘Ocean Lies’ to the final spiraling guitar solo of ‘Mediterraneo’ is sheer melodic, progressive metal perfection. Immaculately mixed and mastered by Michele Guaitoli (Visions Of Atlantis, Temperance) and adorned in the spectacular artwork of Mickael Briot of Mythrid Art (Nightmare).
Mediterraneo is a glittering treasure, just waiting to be uncovered.
Even Flow has stolen the hearts of rock and metal fans around the world with their incredible albums and breathtaking live performances alongside the likes of Orphaned Land, Katatonia, Firewind, Pain Of Salvation, and many, many more diverse and revered artists. With the October 3rd release of Mediterraneo, more music fans will fall under their spell and flock to their banner. This is a majestic new level of achievement for Even Flow and the beginning of the exciting next chapter in their remarkable career.”
For fans of Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Stratovarius, Angra, Queensryche
BandEvenFlow.com | Facebook.com/bandevenflow | Instagram.com/evenflowofficial | YouTube
Spotify | Linktree: https://linktr.ee/bandevenflow
Band Name: Even Flow
EP Title: Mediterraneo
Release Date: October 3, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Band Name: Even Flow
EP Title: Mediterraneo
Release Date: October 3, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. Ocean Lies (5:12)
2. Ray of Light (4:50)
3. Leaves (2:54)
4. Revelation Day (3:00)
5. Mediterraneo (7:32)
EP Length: 23:30
EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: EVEN FLOW
• All songs written by: PIETRO PAOLO LUNESU
• Produced by: PIETRO PAOLO & GIORGIO LUNESU
• Mixed by: MICHELE GUAITOLI
• Mastered by: MICHELE GUAITOLI
• Album Artwork by: MYTHRID ART
EP and Live Band Line Up:
PIETRO PAOLO LUNESU – GUITARS & BACKING VOCALS
GIORGIO LUNESU – DRUMS
MARCO PASTORINO – VOCALS
LUCA NEGRO – BASS
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The EP as a whole explained (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
The EP at the level of lyrics speaks of love, hope, sadness, and joy for the future. Musically it is a concentration of power, energy, melody, and time changes with oriental influences.
Track by track explained (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
1. Ocean Lies is the first song written for this EP, I wanted to compose a powerful song that at the same time was melodic in the refrains, with a clean musical interlude to give space to the vocal harmonies, towards the middle of the song there are Latin influences in the way of playing the drums together with the guitar solo. The lyrics represent at times the desolation of the world, but at the same time thinking optimistically for the future.
2. Ray Of Light the lyrics speak of love towards a girl, characterized by a clean guitar intro, together with a keyboard that creates very beautiful melodies, at the end the guitar harmonizations there is a somewhat Arabic sound.
3. Leaves is a piece of solo piano and voice, extremely intimate with a final part of the piano with strong harmonic tensions decreased. The lyrics represent a love story between two young people that never materialized.
4. Revelation Day lyrics have a Catholic inspiration, a song to be discovered musically in its entirety. The melodic parts are intertwined with more progressive parts.
5. . Mediterraneo talks about a love relationship between two guys, the music has Arabic interludes, many progressive metal parts, and melodic guitar solos.
PHOTO CREDIT: CLAUDIA CHIODI
Even Flow is a progressive metal band that was formed in the late 1990s by brothers Pietro Paolo (guitar) and Giorgio (drums).
In 2008, the band released their first debut EP ‘Dream Weaver’, which continues to garner universal acclaim from fans and critics.
In 2011, the band returned to the studio to record their first album Ancient Memories, which revealed a more mature and eclectic sound where Fabrizio di Sarno (Paul Di Anno and Angra) joined on keyboards and Jani Loikas (Nocturnal Winds) on bass.
The album was received with positive feedback from the international scene, and, thanks to this, Even Flow was selected from over 2,000 bands to participate in the final contest of the Sweden Rock Festival.
Ancient Memories was supported by a European tour that included Italy, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
The band closed out that wonderful year with a sold out show in their hometown Sassari, Italy with special guest Blaze Bayley, the former lead singer of Iron Maiden.
2015 was a magical year for the band as they entered the studio to record their second EP Flower Paths where they were joined by Mark Zonder former drummer of Fates Warning, Mike Lepond (bassist for Symphony X), and Matt Guillory (keyboardist for James Labrie’s solo projects known for his participation in Dream Theater).
In that same year, they supported Flower Paths, with a European tour of Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, England, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, sharing the stage with Roberto Tiranti, voice of Labyrinth, for the only Italian date in the local cult Rock N’ Roll club in Milan and supporting it as a special guest for his WonderWorld with Ken Ingwersen on guitar and Tom Arne Fossheim on drums: a super band that he supports on world tours, Uriah Heep’s founder Ken Hensley.
At the end of a superlative year, the band was invited by Orphaned Land as the opening band, consolidating seven sold out concerts through Aix-en-Provence, Lyon, Lille, Manchester, London, and Paris with double sold out.
The spring and summer of 2016 was an exciting one for the band, opening in Cagliari for Michael Angelo Batio and traveling to Athens for the recording of the Life Has Just Begun album under the supervision of Greek producer Bob Katsionis, former keyboard player of Firewind.
The mix was entrusted to Tommy Hansen, producer of Helloween, and the artwork was curated by Gustavo Sazes.
Life Has Just Begun marked a new path with the addition of vocalist Marco Pastorino to the lineup, whose voice gave new life and enthusiasm to the band.
The singles Alternative State Of Mind and Azure Haze witnessed Marco duet with the legendary Mark Boals, former singer of Yngwie Malmsteen and under the supervision of Dennis Ward the singles were mixed for Alternative State Of Mind and Tommy Hansen for Azure Haze.
The album was driven by singles Secret Prayer, Come To Life, Infinity and Oblivion which increased the band’s notoriety by giving them the chance to embark on a new tour called the Come To Life European Tour that saw them cross Italy, Spain, the Baltic countries, and Russia in support of Serious Black, Firewind, Eluveitie, Iron Savior, and Katatonia.
2018 saw the entry of Luca Negro on bass to the lineup, debuting that summer with the band when they opened for Dare and Pain of Salvation, and with the studio recording of the EP Mother, which saw the band taking a modern version of the first acoustic EP Flower Paths, in addition to the aforementioned guests of Mark Zonder, Mike Lepond, Matt Guillory, and Matan Shmuely of Orphaned Land.
Mother was recorded in Rome by Paolo Campitelli, and the mixing was entrusted Joost van Den Broek (Epica, Powerwolf)
In support of Mother, the band played at Rock The Castle in Villafranca di Verona sharing the stage with Slash, Black Stone Cherry, Dee Snider, Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, and Richie Kotzen, along with them embarking on a tour of England that same year.
Even Flow is:
Marco Pastorino: Vocals and Choirs
Pietro Paolo Lunesu: All Electric and Acoustic guitars
Giorgio Lunesu: Drums and Percussion
Luca Negro: Bass
Discography:
2022 – MEDITERRANEO – EP
2019 – MOTHER – EP
2017 – LIFE HAS JUST BEGUN – LP
2013 – FLOWER PATHS – EP
2011 – ANCIENT MEMORIES – LP
Shared Stage with:
ELUVEITIE, PAIN OF SALVATION, IRON SAVIOR, FIREWIND, KATATONIA, SERIOUS BLACK, SLASH & MILES KENNEDY, RITCHIE KOTZEN, DEE SNIDER OF TWISTED SISTER, SEBASTIAN BACH OF SKID ROW
Tours and Festivals:
2020- UK TOUR
2019– ROCK THE CASTLE FESTIVAL (VILLAFRANCA DI VERONA/CASTELLO SCALIGERO-ITALY) with SLASH,Ritchie Kotzen,Sebastian Bach,and Dee Snider
2018- SPAIN TOUR with Iron Savior
2017 – BALTIC TOUR with Eluveitie
2017/2018 – COME TO LIFE TOUR (EUROPE TOUR) with Pain Of Salvation, Firewind, Katatonia, Serious Black
0 Streaming Now! Calgary’s SYRYN’s New Album “Heads or Tails” Tells Epic Tales of Mermaids, Sailors, and Pirates!
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 25, 2022
Streaming Now! Calgary’s SYRYN’s New Album “Heads or Tails” Tells Epic Tales of Mermaids, Sailors, and Pirates!
New Album “Heads or Tails” Out Aug 26th
Ft. Album Guests Amanda Kiernan (ex-The Order of Chaos, ex-Into Eternity),
Craig Carswell (Producer, Singer /Songwriter, Dorians Mirror, Court of Cardinals)
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It’s story time with Calgary, Canada’s Syryn, and their new album “Heads or Tails”, an epic record to take you on the high seas with mermaids, sailors, and pirates. The album officially releases on August 26th and before it does, the band is streaming it in full via MetalInsider HERE.
The band adds:
“This album was a blast to write! We’ve been holding on to these riffs for a long while, and hopefully, the anticipation is exactly what our fans were waiting for. We’ve got a mix of thrash, rock, metal, and ballads on this one. We are extremely proud of this album from all angles. The songwriting, lyrics, art, and production quality show the effort we put in. It’s something we know we’ll be proud of in the years to come.”
Syryn‘s sophomore album “Heads or Tails”, is a record full of growth, diversity, and a much more collaborative effort as a whole compared to the band’s debut full-length “Beyond the Depths” along with co-writing with guest vocalists Amanda Kiernan (ex-The Order of Chaos, ex-Into Eternity) and Craig Carswell (Producer, Singer /Songwriter, Dorians Mirror, Court of Cardinals). “Head or Tails” is more a themed album branching out into the Pirate/Sailor’s perspective and beyond. The band wanted to continue on the storytelling of a Siren’s journey, touching on as many aspects of it as they could fit onto the record (including the many emotions we go through in everyday life: Love, fear, anger, happiness, sadness, regret, etc.). Syryn also wanted to shake things up and create something a bit out of their regular musical realm, no two songs are alike and that makes the band more difficult to categorize. They try to incorporate all their influences into their own sound with a wide array of styles to adhere to many people’s tastes.
Album pre-order plus digital stream and download of singles are available at the following links:
Syryn.bandcamp.com
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/syryn1/heads-or-tails
Previous Single:
Madness Becomes Me (lyric video) – https://youtu.be/XuhptqpyWRU
In additional news, Syryn will be hosting their album launch show in their hometown of Calgary on August 26th at The Rec Room (1180 – 901 64 Avenue NE) alongside The Astral Prophet, Owls & Eagles and more! More info here.
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Track Listing
1. Surrender – 6:54
2. ‘Til We Drown – 5:12
3. Walk The Plank – 4:38
4. Sink Or Swim – 3:34
5. Madness Becomes Me – 5:32
6. Fist Full Of Daggers – 5:06 ft. guest vocals Craig Carswell (Producer, Singer /Songwriter, Dorians Mirror, Court of Cardinals)
7. Heads Or Tails – 6:18
8. Succubus Queen – 4:50 ft. guest vocals Amanda Kiernan (ex-The Order of Chaos, ex-Into Eternity)
Album Length: 42:08
Album and Live Band Line Up:
Sloan Voxx (Vocals)
Paulo Rage (Guitar)
Lyxx Rose (Bass)
Bryan Campbell (Drums)
Byron Gorieu (Guitar)
For more info:
Syrynmetal.wixsite.com/syrynofficial
Facebook.com/syrynofficial
Twitter.com/syrynofficial
Instagram.com/syrynofficial
EPK
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 “Circle” The Repeat Button – Toronto Proggers POLARITY Shares Video Off New EP “Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 25, 2022
“Circle” The Repeat Button – Toronto Proggers POLARITY Shares Video Off New EP “Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio”
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L-R – Julian Ryan Craig (Drums), Sheldon Fernandes (Guitar), Jasmine Virginia (Vocals), Deren Bostanci (Bass), Michael Sitana (Guitar)
Toronto proggers POLARITY are offering fans a little taster in the form of a new EP entitled “Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio”. The EP was recorded in collaboration with JUNO Award-winning producers Darren Magierowski and Jill Zimmermann (Alexis on Fire, Protest The Hero). During the live-off-the-floor recording sessions, the band was filmed by renowned videographer Mike Filsinger (30 Seconds to Mars, Three Days Grace) who captured the intensity and finesse of the band’s performance.
Polarity released two of the videos earlier this summer and is now ready to unveil the third video for the final track “Circle”, the band’s most technically metal / jazzy alternative song on the record.
“I honestly think there are so many different types of POLARITY fans and with these three songs, there is something for everyone. For ‘Circle’, this is the first song where we’ve overlaid screaming with a clean vocal, which we’re loving so you’ll be hearing more of this type of thing coming from us in the future. For the meaning of track itself, Circle is about the circle and cycle of being stuck in a relationship that you just know isn’t for you which seems to be a huge part of the human condition. So many people I know and I’ve been in the situation before, where we feel we are trapped or stuck in a broken relationship. It’s a continuous circle of fighting and then making up but still knowing and feeling confused as to why you keep running this circle that is not working ….until it’s finally broken, if it ever is….?” adds vocalist Jasmine Virginia.
“Circle” can be watched and heard via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.
Digital pre-save – (insert link)
Polarity‘s fifth recorded offering will be released on August 26th and is their first new music since releasing the 2019 EP “Trilateral”. Featuring three tracks recorded live off the floor, it’s all-natural, pure talent being showcased from the proggy 7-minute opening epic “Destruction of Memory”, to “Terra Firma”, which blends a bit of their softer side with some straight-up rock riffs, to EP closer “Circle”, that pushes the band to new limits from clean to scream vocals along with intricate jazzy and dissonant chords while playing interesting rhythms into hard-hitting breakdowns.
“We always want to take our listeners to different unexpected places, both powerful and vulnerable. I would say we like to surprise people and give them something unconventional that makes them really think. We’re not afraid to do things a little outside the box and sometimes that means asking people to listen a few times to a song before they really get it. We often get feedback once they do and they truly love it.” says Jasmine Virginia.
POLARITY is the result of a musical friendship lasting over a decade and has grown steadily since its inception in 2008. Their goal has always been to make music that makes a positive impact, and they have no plans of stopping anytime soon. Vulnerability is encouraged, expressed, and complemented by a rhythmic sensibility that cuts through the static and connects with audiences in a meaningful way.
The band has previously released two albums and two EPs working alongside Grammy-winning producer David Bottrill on their album “Action Potential” with mastering on all their recordings done by Joao Carvalho. Polarity also has hundreds of Canadian performances under their belt where they have supported bands such as Sum 41, Kittie, The Flatliners, The Agonist, Sumo Cyco, and more.
Recommended for fans of Thrice, Flyleaf, Incubus, and Deftones, POLARITY continues to be one of the most consistent DIY bands working today in Canada.
“Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio” will be available as of August 26th on Spotify, Polaritymusic.bandcamp.com, Apple Music
Previous Videos:
Destruction of Memory – https://youtu.be/Mu8zob_h7M4
Terra Firma – https://youtu.be/1T7jv7Le9Dk
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Track Listing:
1. Destruction of Memory
2. Terra Firma
3. Circle – 3:56
EP Length:
Polarity is:
Julian Ryan Craig (Drums)
Deren Bostanci (Bass)
Jasmine Virginia (Vocals)
Sheldon Fernandes (Guitar)
Michael Sitana (Guitar)
For more info:
http://www.polaritymusic.com
http://www.facebook.com/polaritymusic
http://www.instagram.com/polaritymusic
http://www.youtube.com/polarityofficial
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-iqk
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“POLARITY comes out swinging with a sophisticated song (Destruction Of Memory) that attracts audiences who appreciate musical craftsmanship and cerebral ideas” – Canadian Beats
“Canadian metal band POLARITY puts on a technical sonic showcase filled with wailing guitars and complex drum patterns while conveying observations in a world where history continues to be determined by exploitative forces” – Maximum Volume Music
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)
0 EPK – Polarity – Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio (2022)
EPK – Polarity – Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio (2022)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“You never know how people are going to receive what you put out and honestly we try to take that out of the equation when writing. Bands get into trouble when they stop writing for themselves and start writing for others. That being said the three songs on this EP are very POLARITY. We have “Destruction Of Memory” our proggy 7-minute epic, “Terra Firma” which blends a bit of our softer side with some straight-up rock riffs, and then “Circle” our more technical metal/jazzy alternative song. I honestly think there are so many different types of POLARITY fans and with these three songs, there is something for everyone.” – Jasmine Virginia (Vocals)
For fans of Deftones, Chevelle, Thrice, Flyleaf, Incubus
Band: Polarity
EP Title: Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio
Release Date: August 26, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Polaritymusic.com | Facebook.com/polaritymusic | Twitter.com/polaritymusic | YouTube | Instagram.com/polaritymusic
Spotify | Polaritymusic.bandcamp.com | Apple Music
“POLARITY comes out swinging with a sophisticated song (Destruction Of Memory) that attracts audiences who appreciate musical craftsmanship and cerebral ideas” – Canadian Beats
“Canadian metal band POLARITY puts on a technical sonic showcase filled with wailing guitars and complex drum patterns while conveying observations in a world where history continues to be determined by exploitative forces” – Maximum Volume Music
[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]
Band: Polarity
EP Title: Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio
Release Date: August 26, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. Destruction of Memory
2. Terra Firma
3. Circle – 3:56
EP Length:
EP Recording Credits:
• Darren Magierowski and Jill Zimmermann of Jukasa Studio and Mike Filsinger for the live video recording
• All songs performed by: POLARITY
• All songs written by: POLARITY
• Produced by: POLARITY
• Mixed by: Darren Magierowski and Jill Zimmermann of Jukasa Studio
• Mastered by: Darren Magierowski and Jill Zimmermann of Jukasa Studio
• EP Artwork by: Jasmine Virginia of POLARITY
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)
EP Recording and Live Band Line Up:
Jasmine Virginia – Vocals
Sheldon Fernandes – Guitars
Michael Sitana – Guitars
Deren Bostanci – Bass
Julian Ryan Craig – Drums
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The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
This release is three songs done at JUKASA Studio live off the floor. It’s unconventional to record music live off the floor nowadays and that’s why we wanted to do it. We wanted to capture our raw sound, no frills and we wanted to challenge our own chops. Destruction of Memory is what our friend and Grammy winning producer David Botrill calls ‘Cinematic Rock’ that takes you on a journey while telling a story. Terra Firma is more of our straight up ‘Rock Anthem’ on this release and then ‘Circle’ is more of our metal/jazzy song that showcases some great technicality from the guys with overlaid clean and screaming vocals. – Jasmine
Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
Destruction of Memory is our seven-minute epic. It starts off with what some might consider a Middle Eastern vibe and draws you in before it kind of punches you in the face. It then takes you on an all-out heavy-hitting journey that asks you to question who writes the narrative and shapes the human story. Smack dab in the middle of the song takes a turn into a downtempo softer tribal beat, building until we get to the climax which results in an instrumental jam outro. A lot of fun to play live and seems to be doing well online. – Jasmine
Terra Firma is what I would describe as our straight-up Rock Anthem of the release. It showcases our diversity with what I would describe as a pretty intro and verses and then kicks into a straight-up rock anthem chorus. In the middle, you have a great breakdown and solo to break things up a little and then take us out to the heightened chorus. Lyrically this song asks the audience to question everything they have ever believed to be true. It also sheds some light on the fact we’re being fed so much fear that we’re living in these ‘Panic Stations’ and only the truth will aid us in setting our hearts and minds free. – Jasmine
Circle is about the circle and cycle of being stuck in a relationship that you just know isn’t for you which seems to be a huge part of the human condition. So many people I know and I’ve been in the situation before, where we feel we are trapped or stuck in a broken relationship. It’s a continuous circle of fighting and then making up but still knowing and feeling confused as to why you keep running this circle that is not working ….until it’s finally broken, if it ever is….? Musically we have the guys pulling off interesting almost jazzy and dissonant chords while playing interesting rhythms and then hard-hitting breakdowns. This is the first song where we’ve overlaid screaming with a clean vocal, which we’re loving so you’ll be hearing more of this type of thing coming from us in the future. – Jasmine
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FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND
1) Many years ago during POLARITY’s tour to the East Coast, the band experienced a hilarious incident in Fredericton NB. Jasmine and our ex-bassist Mike Smith at the time were both resting in the motel when the rest of the band decided to go out drinking. Our ex-guitarist Jason got really drunk and started dancing in the streets so we all followed him to make sure he was ok. Back at the motel parking lot, we were next to a lighthouse near the pier. Myself, Jason, and our buddy Mike who came on tour with us decided to climb into the lighthouse while our ex-drummer Eric was inside the tour van smoking a joint. Us 3 made it to the top of the lighthouse and were all enjoying the view until Eric started texting us in a panic. He kept texting saying “GET THE F*** DOWN AND RUN” and then tried calling us a few times but we didn’t hear him. Suddenly numerous flashlights surrounded the bottom of the lighthouse and yelled at us to all get down. Of course, it was the Fredericton POLICE… L They all asked us for our IDs and questioned us about what we were doing. Turns out they were very nice officers and told us never to climb the lighthouse ever again. Sigh of relief we all went back to the motel and found out Eric was hiding inside the van at the time from the police since marijuana was illegal at the time. He then bolted from the van to warn Jasmine and Mike Smith fearing that the 2 POLARITY guitarists might have been arrested! Everything was ok and this became a memorable story afterward. The next day, the exact same police officers passed by us in front of the venue we were playing at. They asked us jokingly “So you guys planning on climbing any more lighthouses tonight?” 🙂
2) On the same East Coast tour during a day off we were all invited along to play an impromptu house party. We accepted the invitation and it ended up being a mini medieval pig roast in the backyard. We all played and had so much fun except that our bassist and guitarist both fell sick (maybe exhaustion, dehydration, food poisoning, etc can’t remember) and started throwing up after the set. Still, a very fun moment that we’ll never forget!
3) Another fun fact about our band is the numerous stages of band members we’ve had and the musical chairs we had between 3 former members. At one point we had Jason Swait as a guitarist and Matthew Hamilton as a bassist. When Jason left the band, Matt decided to take his place as a guitarist since he’s first and foremost a guitar player. He only played bass for us temporarily to replace Mike Smith the original bassist when he departed. Then we got our close friend Adrian DeSousa to come on bass and he himself is a guitarist that played bass occasionally. Then one night when we opened for New Year’s Day in Toronto Matt was unable to play so we got Adrian (who left the band at that time for personal reasons) to hop on guitar for this one show for us and our current bassist Deren Bostanci had just joined the band as full-time bassist. Confused yet? So were we 🙂
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L-R – Julian Ryan Craig (Drums) | Deren Bostanci (Bass) | Jasmine Virginia (Vocals) | Sheldon Fernandes (Guitar) | Michael Sitana (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Michael Crusty
POLARITY’s style of alternative rock is quickly filling up Canadian venues and finding their merch being ordered and shipped out across the world. With their most recent release, the band wanted to capture the raw POLARITY experience so they recorded the songs live off the floor at Jukasa Studio and the result is sonic waves that are real, raw, and in the moment. “We’ve never done anything conventionally so recording these new songs live off the floor is something that really allows us to invite our listeners into songs created completely organically and authentically. We wanted to capture raw music and invite our listeners to hear what you’ll hear if you come to a show, just five humans making music in the moment.” Says vocalist Jasmine Virginia.
POLARITY is not an average independent band, they’ve thrived being DIY for over a decade playing hundreds of Canadian shows to growing audiences looking for a unique and soulful sonic experience. Since their formation in 2008 the band’s list of accomplishments includes four studio albums, working with grammy winning producers including David Bottrill and Joao Carvalho, Juno-winning producers Darren Magierowski and Jill Zimmermann, Canadian radio play on mainstream rock radio including Rebel 101.7, 97.7HTZ FM & 94.9The Rock FM & a youtube channel showing over half a million views and a growing worldwide audience.
Their music takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride where the landscape of sounds shifts from harsh and aggressive to transcendental and ethereal in seamless seconds all while the vocals ooze with soul and range from vulnerable and honest to powerful and in demand. The band recently underwent some member changes and welcomed guitarist Sheldon Fernades to the mix whose technical improvisational style easily fits into the band’s unconventional sounds ‘I’m a big fan of small moments that make a big impact in songs. I was drawn to the fact that POLARITY has a lot of ear candy in their music that makes the listener question what exactly happened and wants to go back and figure it out” says Sheldon. As for what genre of music the band considers themselves? ’POLARITY isn’t for one genre, or one scene, POLARITY is for everyone.’ Says bassist Deren Bostanci.
With a decade of musical friendship behind them, the band is ready to continue its ascent into the realm of well-known Canadian bands and expand its international audience. ‘Our goal has always been to make music that makes a positive impact on the universal ether and it’s what has kept us creating for over a decade …and we have no plans of stopping anytime soon’ says guitarist Michael Sitana.
Polarity is:
Julian Ryan Craig (Drums)
Deren Bostanci (Bass)
Jasmine Virginia (Vocals)
Sheldon Fernandes (Guitar)
Michael Sitana (Guitar)
Discography:
2008 – Self Titled
2010 – Treeman EP
2016 – Action Potential
2019 – Trilateral EP
2022 – Live Off The Floor at Jukasa Studio
Shared Stage with:
SUM 41, KITTIE, THE FLATLINERS, THE AGONIST, NEW YEARS DAY,
DIEMONDS, SUMO CYCO, RED HANDED DENIAL, THE CREEPSHOW, LIVING COLOUR
Tours and Festivals:
2022 – ROCKFEST SANTE MENTALE – Epiphanie QC
2019 – ROCK THE COLUSEUM – Mississauga
2017 – NXNE – Toronto
2017 – LOCKDOWN FEST – Etobicoke
2018 – CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK – Toronto
2016 – KOI FEST – Kitchener
2010 – LOWKEY FEST – Milton
2010 – POLARITY EAST COAST TOUR
SUM 41, KITTIE, THE FLATLINERS, THE AGONIST, NEW YEARS DAY,
DIEMONDS, SUMO CYCO, RED HANDED DENIAL, THE CREEPSHOW, LIVING COLOUR
Tours and Festivals:
2022 – ROCKFEST SANTE MENTALE – Epiphanie QC
2019 – ROCK THE COLUSEUM – Mississauga
2017 – NXNE – Toronto
2017 – LOCKDOWN FEST – Etobicoke
2018 – CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK – Toronto
2016 – KOI FEST – Kitchener
2010 – LOWKEY FEST – Milton
2010 – POLARITY EAST COAST TOUR
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