Posts By Asher

0 Instrumental Prog Masters PHAETON Unveil Crushing Band Playthrough “Arachnid” from Upcoming Album “Neurogenesis”

October 9, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 9, 2025

Album Download HERE (for media use only)

Instrumental Prog Masters PHAETON Unveil Crushing Band Playthrough “Arachnid”

New Album “Neurogenesis” Out Oct 2025 via INB Music

ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

Front (L-R): Kevin Thiessen (Guitars, Keyboards), Ferdy Belland (Bass), Daniel Airth (Guitars), Back: Colin Righton (Drums)

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Canadian instrumental prog-metal quartet Phaeton has dropped their latest sonic beast, “Arachnid,” the next single from their forthcoming third album, “Neurogenesis,” out on October 24th. With a riff that bites and grooves like its namesake, “Arachnid” weaves a dazzling web of melody, menace, and metallic precision, solidifying Phaeton’s place in the modern vanguard of instrumental rock.

Formed by drummer Colin Righton, who had a hunch that combining the talents of Daniel Airth (guitar), Kevin Thiessen (guitar, keys), and Ferdy Belland (bass) would spark something extraordinary, Phaeton has evolved into a genre-defying force. Their sound? Interplanetary Psychedelic Hyper-Melodic Metallic Prog. Their mission? To thrill the senses and expand the mind.

“Arachnid” is a standout track on “Neurogenesis,” crawling through crushing riffs and elegiac passages that evoke the delicate artistry of a spider’s web. It’s a metaphor for the band’s intricate songwriting, which balances brute force with melodic finesse.

“Even if spiders freak people out. They’re essential, and so is this riff. Without it, the song would fall apart,” adds the band

“Neurogenesis” marks a new chapter for Phaeton. While their debut laid the foundation and “Between Two Worlds” expanded their sonic universe, this third album sharpens the edges and tightens the structures, without sacrificing imagination. Inspired by themes of technological singularity and the fusion of biology with machine, the album offers a cold warning wrapped in warm, electrifying grooves.

As an all-instrumental outfit, Phaeton lets the guitars and keyboards do the talking. Their live shows are heavier, crunchier, and thrashier than their crystal-clear recordings suggest, often catching audiences off guard in the best way possible. With influences ranging from Devin Townsend and Rush to Meshuggah, Mastodon, and Gojira, Phaeton’s sound is a kaleidoscope of prog, tech-death, thrash, and djent.

The band’s playthrough for “Arachnid” is now streaming at https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F6RHipUtHpTXxrlABsHth

“Neurogenesis” will be available on October 24th, 2025, with more music, including the standalone 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury,” coming in 2026, and a fourth full-length album, “Quartum,” slated for 2027.

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

Previous Singles:

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg

Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8

Track Listing:
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial

– 30 –

“Oh prog-metal how we love thee…case in point, the new single ‘Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian’ from Phaeton. This dandy little slice of modern prog-metal is not only exceptionally recorded but is jammed full of stabbing riffs, fluid bass lines, drum rolls galore and of course keyboard wizardry courtesy of the legendary Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo). Keep an eye out for the new album “Neurogenesis” from PHAETON set to drop on Oct. 24th and to tide you over listen up for ‘Isochron’ on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“I’ve always maintained that instrumental bands have to work harder at their craft, because the lack of vocals is one more thing they have to find a replacement for. Lead guitar breaks can take the place of vocals, as can keyboards. They do a solid job of this on the album… They have the chops, that’s for sure.” – Metal-Temple

“A”An instrumental quartet from Kimberley, British Columbia, Phaeton are skillfully blurring the boundaries between old- and new-school prog metal. Their second album, Between Two Worlds, covers a vast amount of ground, from intricate post-djent riffing, to indulgent prog pomp, and no single outstays its welcome. The nine-minute title track is a particularly impressive display of showboating and smart songwriting.” – Prog Mag – Dom Lawson (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

It’s Prog Mag’s brand new Tracks Of The Week! (April 21, 2023) – “Hailing from Columbia, Canada’s Phaeton are an interplanetary instrumental heavy prog metal quartet and as their name suggests, they are fascinated with astronomy, and the idea of life itself, in all its beauty and wonder and majesty, emerging from an instant of catastrophic cosmic violence. The epic Between Two Worlds is the title track of the band’s latest album.” (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“Top-tier instrumental prog-metal-math music from the East Kootenay region performed by a quartet of veteran musicians.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun) (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“Phaeton are relatively unknown, especially compared to the above mentioned bands (scale The Summit, Animals as Leaders), but they definitely hold their own on Between Two Worlds. All members absolutely kill it on their instruments, the songs are wonderfully arranged and produced, and there’s plenty of variety here to hold our attention. Instrumental prog might be a little talked about genre, but Phaeton belong in the conversation.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“…a killer album indeed, wonderfully arranged and produced; a superb prog metal opus where the music almost makes you dizzy, but most of all longing for more indeed. “Between Two Worlds” to me is one of the absolute highlights of this year, a unique twist and rollercoaster of progressive, instrumental metal, highly recommended indeed: especially suitable for fans of Rush, Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment. Play it LOUD and you will be hooked, listening tip: “Monsoon.”” – Rock United (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“”Between Two World” was very competently arranged and recorded by PHAETON. Prog fans, who like sounds and virtuosity above all, will be well served with the disc.” – PowerMetal.de (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“PHAETON releases an instrumental album in which the voice is not lacking; a nervous, boosted opus where the frank and limpid musicality makes you dizzy, where the notes invite you to travel in space to another dimension, where harmony is combined with controlled djent power; innovative music, on modern math metal-prog.” – Profil Prog (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“If you’re open minded in your choice of Metal genres, you should feel free to let this instrumental work slip through your ears. It takes a little getting used to, so completely without singing. But if you get involved and listen carefully, one or the other will surely like something. The whole thing should appeal to fans of RUSH or DREAM THEATER.” – Hellfire Magazin (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“The sound on all seven tracks is huge and if there was a “best sounding hammer-ons” award then March of the Synthetics could be a contender.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun) (Self-titled – 2018)

—
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0 Bun to Be Wild DEVOLVER Shreds in a Hot Dog Suit of Fury in New Playthrough “Merciless Storm” Off New Album “Non Compos Mentis”

October 9, 2025
by Asher
· Devolver · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 9, 2025

Bun to Be Wild DEVOLVER Shreds in a Hot Dog Suit of Fury in New Playthrough “Merciless Storm”

New Album “Non Compos Mentis” Out Now!

Produced by Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Trivium, DevilDriver, Black Dahlia Murder)

L-R: Jayde Penner (guitar), Bevin Booth (drums), Jaylen Elias (bass), Devin Babcock (guitar), Chris Brown (vocals)

Photo Credit – Heidi Robertson

Canadian metal outfit Devolver has dropped a new playthrough video for “Merciless Storm,” a standout track from their latest album “Non Compos Mentis,” released August 22nd. The video showcases the band’s precision, intensity, and collaborative firepower, offering fans a raw look at the musicianship behind one of the album’s most punishing cuts, along with a comedic side to them.

The band explains further:

“Merciless Storm” began as a tongue-in-cheek experiment in heaviness, but quickly transformed into a full-fledged monster. With slam riffs, groovy solos, and a breakdown written on the spot in the studio, the track embodies the album’s ethos: unrelenting force and the emotional wreckage left in the wake of disaster. Jayde and Jaylen mustered up the courage to hot dog suit their way through the playthrough, delivering a performance that’s both relentless and razor-sharp. True to Devolver’s spirit, the band doesn’t take themselves too seriously and just aims to have fun with their videos. Devin’s solo, featuring a wild “horsey squeal,” cements the song as one of the band’s most technically daring.”

Watch the “Merciless Storm” playthrough video now and experience the storm for yourself via its premiere on TheCirclePit YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/RleEVAAsdl4

Formed in 2015 by guitarist Devin Babcock as a creative outlet for material outside his main project, Devolver has evolved into a five-piece force of nature. Their sound, described as “Gothenburg melodic death and 2000s metalcore,” has matured into a focused, aggressive, and massive sonic identity, thanks in part to the razor-sharp production of acclaimed producer Mark Lewis (Whitechapel, Trivium, DevilDriver, Black Dahlia Murder).

Non Compos Mentis marks a major evolution for Devolver. Unlike their debut, which was written solely by Babcock, this album is the product of full-band collaboration. The result is a cohesive, emotionally resonant record that blends melody and brutality with surgical precision. From the haunting true-crime-inspired title track to the high-octane energy of “Merciless Storm,” the album is designed to be experienced front to back without pause.

The band also teamed up with legendary artist Travis Smith (Opeth, Avenged Sevenfold, Soilwork) for the album artwork, which depicts the chilling story of the 1805 murder of Amos Babcock’s sister in a religious frenzy, an ancestor of Devin Babcock. The art depicts Amos bloodied in the snow, surrounded by the ghostly eyes of his nine children.

Recommended for fans of In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Killswitch Engage, and As I Lay Dying, “Non Compos Mentis” is a bold leap forward, each track a chapter in a larger emotional and sonic narrative.

“Non Compos Mentis” is available at the following links:

Album order (released Aug 22nd) – https://devolvermusic.bandcamp.com/

Spotify for Playlist Add – https://open.spotify.com/album/3eeLxBrxx55QvIm3EnahLm

Music Video – Merciless Storm – https://youtu.be/o_6jcqK2qFQ

Lyric Video – Suffocating Syndrome – https://youtu.be/mmRskxYe1q4

Track Listing:
1. Deathtouch – 3:55
2. New Blood – 3:14
3. Jewels of the Maw – 3:30
4. Wraiths – 3:20
5. At Any Cost – 3:40
6. Non Compos Mentis – 3:53
7. Merciless Storm – 3:56
8. Suffocating Syndrome – 3:36
9. Dehumanize – 3:47
Album Length: 32:55

Album Credits:
– All songs performed by: Devolver
– All songs written by: Devolver
– Produced, Mixed, Mastered by: Mark Lewis
– Album Artwork by: Travis Smith
– SOCAN members

Band Lineup:
Chris Brown – Vocals
Devin Babcock – Guitar (lead)
Jayde Penner – Guitar (rhythm)
Bevin Booth – Drums
Jaylen Elias – Bass

More info: https://linktr.ee/devolverab

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“The goal of Devolver through Non Compos Mentis has been to take the listener on a thoroughly pleasing journey from the first note to the final crushing moment. That’s been achieved, and so much more – as these Canadians understand how to compose songs and execute them in a highly convincing fashion that has this scribe grinning ear to ear – bringing the exciting sounds of the late 90s/early 2000s to a newer generation who desire more of this style. 9/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“For a group from a small northern city, every move has required deliberate effort—whether it was recruiting the right collaborators, waiting until circumstances lined up, or carrying material through years of delay. Non Compos Mentis is the document of that persistence: an album shaped by distance, disruption, and devotion to the sound that first made them want to pick up instruments.” – IDIOTEQ

“DEVOLVER is definitely ahead of the last releases of their great role models. On the one hand, because the Canadians work straight and without any frills, and on the other hand, because the melodies are all right without reducing the heaviness. When it comes to melodic death, there’s no way around this album this year. The only downside: 32 minutes is pretty short, even for such energy output!” – PowerMetal.de

“There is a sense of nostalgia listening to the guitarmonies throughout the album, calling back to the golden days of early 2000’s metalcore. Whether you’re a fan of death metal or metalcore, you’ll definitely find elements that you’ll appreciate on this album. Personally, my favourites are “Deathtouch” and “Suffocate Syndrome”” – False Chord

“Now we have Devolver with Non Compos Mentis. The sophomore album from this Canadian band is the perfect blend of melodeath and metalcore. Much like chocolate and peanut butter, this takes the best aspects of both genres, makes enough changes to feel authentic, and creates a sound that hits just as much in 2025 as it would have back in 2005. The production is brutal, but still audible and filled with layers. The songwriting shows off the capabilities of everyone in the band, but it doesn’t reveal all of its tricks. Overall, this is for anyone who enjoys everything from ’90s era In Flames to 2000 Soilwork to later 2000’s Lamb of God to the modern-day capabilities of what Melodeath and Metal Core are all about. This is a great trip back in time, but also a look forward to what can be done. This is excellent stuff.” – Heavy Debriefing

—
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0 EPK – Liminal Spirit – Unwell (2025)

October 8, 2025
by Asher
· EPKs · Liminal Spirit

EPK – Liminal Spirit – Unwell (2025)

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

“My goal with this record is to explore ideas that represent some of my greatest fears. Given my previous experience in nursing homes from a former job, I can tell you they are the most miserable places on Earth, and I would hate to spend my final days there. I also couldn’t imagine the loss of my own faculties and have a lingering fear of spiritual judgment when passing on to the next plane.” – Liminal Spirit

For fans of Skepticism, Jesu, Confessor, Cynic, Anata

Band: Liminal Spirit
EP Title: Unwell
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Doom Metal with Cinematic Storytelling
Location: Milwaukee, WI, USA

Facebook.com/people/Liminal-Spirit/61575618106702/ | Instagram.com/liminal_spirit_mke

Liminalspirit.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“The title track from this latest concept EP – being released on Halloween – from Milwaukee-based multi-instrumentalist Jerry Hauppa is an appropriately unsettling exploration of themes such as memory, guilt and spiritual reckoning delivered via a fusion of progressive doom metal with avant-garde narrative techniques, crafting what the composer and musician describes as “seance music”, a genre-defying sonic ritual meant to stir movement between spiritual realms:” – THE ÜBER RÖCK SINGLES CLUB DAILY PICK – LIMINAL SPIRIT (Oct 11, 2025)

“It’s dense. It’s dark. It demands your full attention. But give it that, and you’ll walk away changed—or at least slightly disturbed. Fans of Skepticism, Kayo Dot, or anyone who enjoys having their psyche gently disassembled: this one’s for you.”- Metalpapyjeff

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Liminal Spirit

EP Title: Unwell

Release Date: October 31, 2025

Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Admittance (5:27)
2. Unwell (6:52) (single)
3. Visiting Day (8:01)
4. EOLC (8:26)
5. A Better Place (5:42) (single)

EP Credits:
All songs written, performed, produced, and mixed by Jerry Hauppa.
Mastered by Jeff Wojtysiak at Spiral Sound Mastering

Lineup:
Jerry Hauppa – Guitar, microtonal guitar, bass, violin, synth, vocoder, drum programming

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

About the EP Artwork:

The artwork shows the first-person perspective of the main character, Phillip, an elderly dementia patient confined in a nursing home, who is haunted by the spirits of two young children.

About The EP – LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY:

The album starts with the main character, Phillip, being admitted into a nursing home by his two children, Jonathon and Madeline. Phillip is aware that his memory and body are failing, and hopes he was a good enough man to have a rewarding afterlife. He is haunted by the spirits of two children who claim he murdered them years ago. Phillip recalls nothing of the events and doesn’t believe he could do such a thing. During the climax of the record, Phillip is killed by the vengeful spirits, then is cast into hell in the epilogue of the record. The music on the record reflects the uncertainty and horror Phillip feels along the way, and there are multiple calls back to an old song, “Welcome to My World,” by Jim Reeves, that anchor the themes of possession felt through the release.

Track By Track – LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY:

1. Admittance- Phillip is admitted into the nursing home by his children, Jonathon and Madeline. The song feels clean and jazz-inspired, then ends with Jonathon playing Phillip’s favorite song, “Welcome to My World,” to comfort him.

2. Unwell- Phillip ruminates on his own character and loneliness, not knowing who he is or what events contributed to his life. The music is disjointed to reflect his mental state, composed on microtonal guitars to create an alien feeling. The sound is more distorted than on “Admittance,” and the level of distortion increases with each subsequent track, leading to the album’s climax and epilogue.

3. Visiting Day- Phillip longs for a visit from his children, who checked him into the nursing home, but instead is visited by the ghosts of two children who claim that he was responsible for their deaths years ago. The music shifts to reflect a sinister presence. They tell him they will return in three days and that he is to repent in the meantime, but he has no recollections of the actions of which they speak.

4. EOLC- The vengeful ghosts return after three days and make Phillip relive the events of their deaths at his hands. He is physically tortured and killed by them, as the music becomes more sinister and violent.

5. A Better Place- Phillip passes into a purgatory where he is judged for his actions, and ultimately cast into hell. The music shifts to reflect the environment as evil, oppressive, and hopeless. The descent into hell is mimicked with a chromatic descending passage.

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

FUN FACTS:

Three of the five tracks are composed and performed on a microtonal guitar, which gives the songs a foreboding and alien sound that helps flesh out the themes.

Jerry Hauppa – Guitars, Vocals, Bass, Drum Programming, Synthesizer

Liminal Spirit is a solo project by Milwaukee-based multi-instrumentalist Jerry Hauppa (also known for his work with Deorbit), known for his progressive doom/avant-garde metal and “seance music” designed to channel spiritual passage. He returns in 2025 with his third EP since his self-titled debut in 2023.

Titled “Unwell,” this five-track EP delves into haunting themes of memory, guilt, and spiritual confrontation. By blending progressive doom metal with experimental storytelling, Hauppa conjures what he calls “seance music”, a boundary-pushing sonic ritual designed to evoke shifts between spiritual dimensions. Enhancing its spectral and unsettling aura, three of the tracks feature microtonal guitar work, imbuing the EP with a unique dissonance and ghostly resonance.

“My goal with this record is to explore ideas that represent some of my greatest fears. Having worked in nursing homes, I’ve seen firsthand how miserable they can be. The thought of losing my faculties and facing spiritual judgment terrifies me—and that’s what I wanted to capture,” says Hauppa.

For fans of Skepticism, Jesu, Confessor, Cynic, and Anata, “Unwell” will be available on all major streaming platforms on October 31st, 2025.

Discography:
2024-Liminal Spirit EP
2025-Pathways EP
2025-Unwell EP

0 JON HARRIS Unleashes the Heavier Side of Album “Parallel Heart” in New Playthrough “Wasted Entertainment”

October 7, 2025
by Asher
· Jon Harris · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 7, 2025

JON HARRIS Unleashes the Heavier Side of Album “Parallel Heart” in New Playthrough “Wasted Entertainment”

Edmonton instrumental rock guitarist JON HARRIS returns with a new playthrough video for his track “Wasted Entertainment”, taken from his acclaimed album “Parallel Heart,” released via Epictronic in December 2024.

“‘Wasted Entertainment’ takes aim at our obsession with social media, calling out the endless scroll that eats away those precious hours of our lives. It’s one of the heavier songs on the album, built on an early riff and loaded with punchy textures and layered sounds that took me a few tries to get right. Recently, I met someone who said it was their favourite track on the whole record, so crank it up!” says Harris.

Watch “Wasted Entertainment” at https://youtu.be/gIiLPbsf6wI

“Parallel Heart” is a vivid showcase of Harris’ multi-instrumental skills and compositional vision. While completely instrumental, the album conveys stories of tension and release, exploring the space between connection and chaos, creative ambition and everyday demands. From the pulsing energy of Togetherness to the shimmering retro feel of 97BPM, each track builds its own emotional narrative.

Harris, who performed guitar, drums, bass, piano, and production on the record, proves himself not only a guitarist to watch but a full-scale sonic architect. His sound bridges blues-soaked rock, synth-driven textures, and funk grooves with cinematic flair, evoking a blend that’s reminiscent of Jeff Beck meeting Prince with a modern rock edge.

Stream the full album “Parallel Heart” now (released Dec 13, 2024): https://orcd.co/parallelheart

Track Listing:
1. If You Wouldn’t
2. Wasted Entertainment
3. Entitled
4. Mustard N Ketchup
5. Parallel Heart
6. Mehnoynoy
7. 97BPM
8. My Little Lady
9. Togetherness
10. Humpty Dumpty

More Info – https://linktr.ee/jonharrisrocks

-30-

“It’s a looping track (Entitled) that turns noodling guitar solos into an optimistic resolve. ” – Exclaim!

“guitar virtuoso Jon Harris offers a welcome throwback on ‘Togetherness’, the second single to be released from his forthcoming LP ‘Parallel Heart’. An instrumental number, its mid tempo and groove oriented base is immediately reminiscent of works by Joe Satriani, but unlike so many fretboard freaks, Harris clearly values a great melody instead of a pure shred. Here, he lays down a semi bluesy tone over a solid rock groove, before branching out to inject a funk derived rhythm with a cleaner tone, and bell like melodies. The arrangement eventually finds room for a few slightly fuzzy sounding harmonics and a melody that could be one of Satch’s best, circa ‘The Extremist’.” – Real Gone Rocks

“It’s Friday! And we have the pleasure of adding the new single “Togetherness” from six-string slinger Jon Harris. An instrumental driving rock track with an accessible melody and plenty of layered soloing to keep you engaged throughout, “Togetherness” is a rewarding five minutes without those pesky vocals! Taken from his forthcoming album “Parallel Heart” set for a December release, catch Jon Harris on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE!”

“His artistic ability blends technical brilliance and emotional depth, creating immersive soundscapes that push the boundaries of rock.” – Video Sound Art Magazine

“If melodic and elegant instrumental hard rock is music you tend to enjoy, and you appreciate some occasional funky interceptions in such landscapes, then this is an album that you probably will find to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.” – The Viking in the Wilderness

—
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0 THE FIXER Unleashes New Single “Ugly Knots” For “The Ugly Knots Tour” Across Canada w/ TEKNOSIS

October 7, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · The Fixer

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 7, 2025

THE FIXER Unleashes New Single “Ugly Knots” For “The Ugly Knots Tour” Across Canada w/ TEKNOSIS

L-R: The Fixer Current Line Up | Vic Sin (Guitar) | Null (Drums) | Busuzu (Bass) | Melladonna (Vocals)
Photography by: Chu Shang

Thunder Bay, Canada’s The Fixer has dropped their new single “Ugly Knots”, a sonic and emotional powerhouse that sets the tone as they kick off their “The Ugly Knots Tour” this October with fellow hometown band Teknosis.

“Ugly Knots” is a raw, genre-defying track that fuses industrial metal with hardcore grit and ambient textures. It opens with abrasive riffs and harsh electronics before evolving into a sweeping, melodic climax, mirroring the emotional journey the band intends for listeners.

“This song is for the kind people we’ve seen be hated, harassed, and threatened. It’s written from the first-person perspective, but the spoken word section—contributed by our friend John Forget—comes directly from someone who lived that experience. It’s a message of strength in the face of cruelty,” says the band.

Lyrically and musically, “Ugly Knots” is one of The Fixer’s heaviest and most artful releases to date. Eschewing formulaic conventions, the band leans hard into their industrial roots while exploring themes of anger, sadness, and resilience. Fans of their heavier material will find plenty to latch onto, while new listeners will be drawn into its emotional depth.

The single marks the beginning of a new chapter for The Fixer, as they prepare to hit the road with Teknosis for a tour of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta (dates listed below) that promises catharsis, chaos, and connection. “Ugly Knots” is more than a song; it’s a statement.

Listen to “Ugly Knots” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/n3WZWMESNn8

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/3hvFHi6mVgqRlmDWHlAo8f

L to R – Andrew Wojciechowski – Vocals | Craig Kainulainen – Guitar | Ian – Drums | Travis Doggett – Bass

Photo Credit – Incompass Photography

Formed out of pure love for metal. Teknosis has quickly evolved into a tight, aggressive unit with a shared vision: to make heavy music that hits hard and leaves no room to breathe. Set to ignite stages across the country this October, Teknosis is bringing their relentless live energy to fans in support of their acclaimed 2024 EP “Return to Civilization”, a five-track barrage of groove-laced hardcore and death metal influences. It’s a compact, violent sonic explosion that lyrically channels frustration and isolation from lockdowns, with themes ranging from societal collapse to personal survival.

With ambient samples bridging each track, Teknosis will be a visceral live experience as they deliver a seamless, high-impact set that’s organic, heavy, and hypnotic.

“We still believe in live amps and drums straight to the cochlea. It’s all about maximum intensity. A sonic experience that’s as brutal as it is addictive,” says bassist Travis Doggett.

Fans can expect new singles starting in Fall 2025, leading up to a full-length album in late 2025 or early 2026. The October tour will feature tracks from “Return to Civilization” alongside unreleased material, giving audiences a taste of what’s to come.

Lyric Video – Teknosis – Shapeshifter – https://youtu.be/dWfqfwHSbQY

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Cu2jRvDUKvEZdqJd5QjwJ

Ugly Knots Tour 2025 – The Fixer, Teknosis
Oct 2 – La Sarre, QC – La Brute du Coin *
Oct 3 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar *
Oct 4 – Levis, QC – Taverne La Barricade *
Oct 9 – Fort Frances, ON – Pink Parasol Tea Room
Oct 10 – Brandon, MB – The 40
Oct 11 – Prince Albert, SK – Studio Q
Oct 12 – Edmonton, AB – The Rendezvous
Oct 13 – Calgary, AB – Pin Bar
Oct 14 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice
Oct 15 – Moose Jaw, SK – Chillers
Oct 16 – Saskatoon, SK – Green Room
Oct 17 – Regina, SK – The Exchange
Oct 18 – The Pas, MB – The Wescana Inn
Oct 19 – Winnipeg, MB – Osborne Taphouse
Oct 31 – Thunder Bay, ON – The Hunger 18 (Downtown-wide Hallowe’en Festival)
* = without Teknosis

More Info:

https://www.facebook.com/TheFixerBand | https://www.instagram.com/thefixercanada | https://www.tiktok.com/@thefixercanada

https://www.facebook.com/teknosismetal | https://www.instagram.com/teknosis.metal/

-30-

“Teknosis puts listeners through their paces. It feels like the songs could go off the rails at any moment, but remain incredibly syncopated throughout…. Teknosis has created an EP that lays the groundwork for bigger things to come and leaves listeners eager to hear more.” Jason Wellwood – Walleye Magazine

“Dark. Sexy. Loud. It’s The Fixer, and they create a soundtrack that would be fit for a disco in Hell. The Canadian four-piece straddle the line between rock and metal” – Games, Brrrains & A Headbanging Life

“One of the great young acts I found in 2023 came from Canada, The Fixer, who have created bold music and an even bolder look. Led by vocalist Melladonna, the band tries to give the look of a goth outfit. The music, however, tells a different story, as the band rocks as hard as anything you might hear out there now (if not more aggressive). The hook song was “Smoke Show,” but there were quality tracks all through the record. I enjoyed “Ghosts Will Talk,” which presents a spookier sound, and the bookends to the album, the title track and “Your Truth,” which gives a storytelling aspect to the album. I will be interested in seeing where this band goes, and I certainly hope they can get down to the southern tip of North America to bring their sound to an audience that would enjoy them!” – Rock At Night

“The song material is simply great, the emotions are wonderfully combined, and the performance is absolutely over the top.” – PowerMetal.de

“A high-resolution journey through pop rock, goth spirit, punk moods, metal vibes, and party glam rock, with a hint of comedy horror. ‘Your Lie’ is a spiky sound with a razor-sharp edge throughout.” – Rock Queen Reviews

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0 Fiddle Meets Fire THUNDEROR’s Celtic Rock Anthem “Cape Breton Home” Celebrates Maritime Heritage

October 6, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Thunderor

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 6, 2025

Fiddle Meets Fire THUNDEROR’s Celtic Rock Anthem “Cape Breton Home” Celebrates Maritime Heritage

Thunderor L-R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)

Photo Credit – Rae Chatten

Canadian rock powerhouse THUNDEROR returns with a stirring new single and music video, “Cape Breton Home,” a Celtic Rock anthem that pays homage to the island roots of frontman JJ Tartaglia. Known for their electrifying blend of heavy metal, pop punk, and rock opera, the band takes a reflective turn with this release, weaving nostalgia and tradition into their signature sound.

“I wanted to write a song inspired by back home, maybe it’s the time passing by, I felt a bit nostalgic and needed something to reconnect me to the island. What better way than with music! And I think in return, Cape Breton also needs a song like this,” says Tartaglia.

The track features a guest performance by acclaimed fiddler Colin Grant, whose work with Rum Ragged earned a 2021 JUNO nomination for Traditional Roots Album of the Year. Grant’s authentic Cape Breton fiddle style adds a rich layer of heritage to the song, grounding it in the island’s musical legacy.

The accompanying video, filmed on location in Cape Breton, captures the rugged beauty and emotional resonance of the place that inspired the song.

“I had a great trip back to shoot the video. It was a full-circle moment,” Tartaglia adds.

Formed in 2020 by multi-JUNO-nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta (Skull Fist), THUNDEROR has quickly carved out a global following. Their debut album “Fire It Up” topped Earshot’s National Loud Chart, and their theatrical rock opera “Thunderor the Musical” premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2025 to rave reviews.

With “Cape Breton Home,” THUNDEROR continues to evolve, proving that even the loudest bands have a quiet place in their hearts.

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfmVtc8HU1k

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/3UTjzJzo4teUElvWLgEyjY

Appreciated by fans of Judas Priest, Van Halen, and Saxon, Thunderor‘s releases are available via Boonsdale Records.

CD – https://thunderor.bigcartel.com

For more info: Boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor | Facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial | Instagram.com/thunderor_official | Musicnovascotia.ca/artist/thunderor/

– 30 –

“The bottom line for THUNDEROR is that a listen is urgently required. Those who like the singing will have a lot of fun with the CD” – Vampster

“If you’re looking for a solid rock record that’s equal parts pop and metal, Fire It Up could be your jam. The songs are well crafted, catchy and fun road companions. Take it on your next drive or spin it at Saturday’s kegger. Thunderor takes not being serious very seriously. They recaptured the spirit of 80s rock staples like Ozzy to Journey but also managed to put their own stamp on it. Not many throwback NWOTHM acts succeed in putting this much character in their sound.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The moment I first heard “How We Roll,” I knew I was in trouble…and instantly hooked. Other numbers like “All or Nothing,” “On the Run,” “We Can Make It,” and the epic title track, infuse multiple sub-genres like thrash, power, and synth metal, and are the type of adventurous anthems that make life still feel like it’s worth living even on its darkest of days.” – Rewind It Magazine

“The spirit of the glorious 80’s is omnipresent on the debut, those who like authentic 80’s sound should definitely check out.” 8/10” – Rock It!

“The good mood album of the season comes from Canada. Crisp, consistently catchy songs with excellent guitar work, sometimes enhanced with appropriate keyboard sounds.” 8,5/10” – Deaf Forever

“There must be room somewhere between Steel Panther, The Darkness and The Night Flight Orchestra!” – Metal Hammer

“Thunderor the Musical is infectious, hard-rocking comic book fun that blows the roof off the place – I smiled my way through the whole show – I bet you will, too.” – Sesaya Arts Magazine

“Thunderor the Musical is raucous fun with shredding guitars and driving drums… filled with catchy anthems, flawlessly performed by powerhouse musicians.” – Grind Mag

“I’m always impressed when a drummer handles lead vocals, especially in metal, where the physical demands of drumming are intense. JJ Tartaglia nailed it, delivering flawless vocals without missing a drum beat.” – Allfather Metal

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0 Montreal Brass Metal Pioneers FALLSTAF Returns 15 Years After Debut With New Album “Ode To The Dead” Out Nov 2025; Unveil Lyric Video For Title Track

October 3, 2025
by Asher
· Fallstaf · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 3, 2025

Montreal Brass Metal Pioneers FALLSTAF Returns 15 Years After Debut With New Album “Ode To The Dead” Out Nov 2025

Unveil Lyric Video For Title Track

SIMM/Guitars – RICKK /Horns – IANN/Vocals – GOYY/ Bass – MATT/Drums

Photo: Sébastien Roy

After nearly a decade of silence, Montreal’s genre-defying metal band Fallstaf is back with a vengeance. Their long-awaited sophomore album, “Ode to The Dead”, is set for release this Fall 2025, and its first single, the title track, is streaming everywhere alongside a gripping lyric video.

Known as the pioneers of “brass metal,” Fallstaf made waves in 2011 with their debut ‘Bastard Son of a Pure Breed,’ produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope). Their signature sound—groove-heavy, progressive metal laced with trombone earned them cult status in the Quebec metal scene. But in 2016, tragedy struck when frontman IANN suffered a near-fatal accident, leading to the band’s dissolution.

Now, after years of recovery and reflection, Fallstaf has reunited, reignited, and reimagined their sound. “Ode to The Dead” is a powerful, autobiographical journey through survival, grief, and rebirth. Produced once again by Jardine, the album features seven new tracks that blend sludge, thrash, and hardcore influences with melodic hooks and brass-driven chaos.

“This album wasn’t made to impress; it was made out of friendship. Music is therapeutic. Metal brings people together, and we missed that energy,” says the band.

The first single and title track is a tribute to the deceased.

“They are no longer physically here, but they are always in our thoughts; that is the reason for the phrase “they walk among us”. The riff of the chorus gave rise to the rest of the song,” adds the band.

Watch the lyric video for “Ode To The Dead” and experience the rebirth of one of Montreal’s most original metal acts.

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/GM4EPsLnMlE

Fallstaf’s live shows remain unforgettable: suits and ties, a masked brass player, and a frontman with a robotic leg. “People think we’re a ska band—until the first chord hits,” they laugh. Stay tuned. Fallstaf will be kicking ass live soon!

“Ode to the Dead” will be available on all major streaming platforms on November 14th, 2025, along with an exclusive interactive collectible coffin USB drive.

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

Track Listing:
1. Sunless Friday – 2:57
2. Ode to the Dead – 3:27
3. Battered Soul – 3:40
4. Kings of the West Side – 3:31
5. Under the Same Sky – 3:31
6. Bastard Son – 3:45
7. The Burden – 4:41
Album length: 25:37

Album Credits:
Songs performed by: FALLSTAF
Songs written by: Ian Lavoie/Kevin Jardine
Produced by: Kevin Jardine
Mixed by: Kevin Jardine
Mastered by: Kevin Jardine
Album artwork by: Ian Lavoie
MAPL – Canadian Content

BAND LINE UP:
SIMM / Guitars
RICKK / Horns
IANN / Vocals
GOYY / Bass
MATT / Drums

More info: https://www.facebook.com/fallstafmontrealbrassmetal

-30-

“Groovy mix of hardcore and other metal styles with an interesting addition in the trombone” Metal Underground (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“to every track of the album, giving their rather intense metal a rather nice jazzy touch. This allows Fallstaf to step outside the conventional paths to get closer to the masters of the genre like Diablo Swing Orchestra or the Norwegians from Shining” – Music Waves (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“These guys are a lot different than most bands out there and I really dig what they are doing. Check them out before they get really popular and there are tons of clones of them popping up everywhere “ – Beowolf Productions (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

“Looking for a Different Sort of Metal? Try FALLSTAF » – A Journal Of Musical Things (2011 – Bastard Sons of a Pure Breed – LP)

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0 THE RETICENT’s Fifth Studio Album “please” Explores The Struggles of Mental Illness; Unveil Music Video For Single “The Concealment”

October 3, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · The Reticent

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 3, 2025

THE RETICENT’s Fifth Studio Album “please” Explores The Struggles of Mental Illness

Unveil Music Video For Single “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake)”

L to R – James Nelson (Lead Guitar), Chris Hathcock (Vocals, Guitar, Drums), Paul McBride (Bass)

Photo Credit by Justin H. Reich

Generation Prog Records is proud to announce the release of “please,” the emotionally searing new album from progressive metal act The Reticent. Led by Grammy-nominated music educator and multi-instrumentalist Chris Hathcock, “please” is a concept album that plunges listeners into the harrowing realities of mental illness, suicide, and survival. The album will be available on November 13th, 2025.

The first single, “The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake),” is accompanied by a haunting music video that captures the anguish of hiding one’s suffering in plain sight.

“The Concealment could be thought of as the thesis statement of the new album. It tries to capture what it is to attempt to carry on with your life while struggling with the crushing weight of mental illness. At work, with family, at school, wherever, we have to don masks and pretend we are ‘just fine’ when inside we may wish to go to sleep and never wake up again. 1 in 4 adults will have a mental health crisis this year, and there are 1.5 million suicide attempts per year in this country. It’s all around us, yet most will not talk about it, most will not get help, and most will suffer in silence. We are not alone, yet we feel intensely lonely because of that disconnection. For me, I have to pretend to be someone else every day as a teacher – confident, smart, strong – whilst inside I often wish fervently for oblivion to end my near constant pain. When the despair and the grief and the hopelessness come, the isolation and hollowness of all things can rob life of any color. For those who know what it is like to live with these disorders, it is indeed lonely here,” says Hathcock.

Watch the music video premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

Featuring ten emotionally driven tracks, the album was written in just six months. Drums were recorded in a single day, all other instruments in two, but vocals took two weeks, leaving Hathcock with a laryngeal injury so severe he couldn’t speak for six weeks. During the filming of “The Concealment” video, Hathcock broke two toes, sprained three others, and tore his rotator cuff. He performed at ProgStorm Festival in Montreal, Canada, just six days later, concealing his injuries behind the band’s emotionally intense stagecraft.

“please” is also The Reticent‘s first album, engineered almost entirely by Hathcock at his Silent Muse Studio. Only the drums were tracked at The Basement Studios with longtime producer Jamie King (BTBAM, The Contortionist), who also took care of mixing and mastering for the record.

This fifth studio album includes subtle nods to clinical psychologist Kay Redfield Jamison, with lyrical references to her books “Night Falls Fast” and “An Unquiet Mind,” and samples of her voice appearing in “Discharge.”

Hailed as “prog’s most emotionally gut-wrenching” band, The Reticent began as Hathcock’s solo outlet for personal trauma. Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged progressive metal force, known for concept albums like “On The Eve Of A Goodbye” and “The Oubliette.” Joined by guitarist James Nelson (Nospūn) and bassist Paul McBride (Voraath), The Reticent delivers live performances that are more performance art than concert, intensely immersive and emotionally devastating.

The band has performed at prestigious festivals, including ProgPower USA, where Metal Injection called their set “one of the most heart-wrenching performances in ProgPower history.”

For those who seek truth in music, The Reticent offers a mirror to the soul and a plea for understanding.

Recommended for fans of Opeth, Cynic, The Contortionist, Wilderun, and Devin Townsend.

“please” will be available via Generation Prog Records on November 13, 2025. A sixth album is also complete, as it was recorded simultaneously with “please” and will follow for release in 2026.

CD pre-order (North America) – https://thereticent.net/please-pre-order

CD pre-order (EU) – http://www.generation-prog.com/shop/

Digital Album pre-save – https://show.co/MoPdl8W

Track Listing:
1. Intake – 1:45
2. The Concealment (Those Who Don’t Want To Wake) – 6:06
3. The Night River (Those Who Can’t Rest) – 6:55
4. Diagnosis 1 – 2:18
5. The Bed of Wasps (Those Consumed With Panic) – 5:47
6. The Scorn (Those Who Don’t Understand) – 8:12
7. Diagnosis 2 – 2:39
8. The Riptide (Those Without Hope) – 6:09
9. The Chance (Those Who Let Go) – 6:52
10. Discharge – 2:56
Album Length: 49:45

Album Recording Credits:
All instruments and vocals performed by Chris Hathcock except
– Lead Guitar and Additional Acoustic Guitar by James Nelson
– Guest Vocals on “The Bed of Wasps” by Brian Kingsland
– Narration by Vienna Gloom
All songs written by Chris Hathcock
Produced by Chris Hathcock
Engineered by Chris Hathcock
Drums engineered by Jamie King
Mixed and Mastered by Jamie King
Album Artwork by Joscelyne Hauserman

Band Line Up:
Chris Hathcock – Vocals, Guitar
James Nelson – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Paul McBride – Bass, Backing Vocals

For more info: Thereticent.net | Facebook.com/thereticentmusic | Instagram.com/The.reticent.band

– 30 –

“A taut, compelling progressive metal opus.” – Angry Metal Guy (2020 – The Oubliette)

“A narrative masterpiece. 10/10” – Rock Magazine (2020 – The Oubliette)

“Something all fans of music will want to experience.” – Metal Temple (2020 – The Oubliette)

“Prog’s most emotionally gut-wrenching band returns!” – Metal Storm (2020 – The Oubliette)

“One fact is incontrovertible: songwriter Chris Hathcock is a genius.” – Legacy Magazine (2020 – The Oubliette)

“Undoubtedly one of this year’s best albums, if not THE best album.” – Scream Magazine (Norway) (2020 – The Oubliette)

“As beautiful as it is sorrowful, masterful instrumentals and intense sounds accompany the story of this concept album that explores the slow descent into oblivion that sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease experience. Fans of metal will come for the riffs, and stay for the depth of atmosphere and storytelling. You’ll be left pondering existence after one of the best albums of the year.” – Cave Dweller Music (2020 – The Oubliette)

The Oubliette was included on numerous “best of” lists and was called The Most Essential Progressive Metal Album of 2020” by RTMBA Magazine. More recently, The Oubliette was included on Metal Injection’s 10 Extremely Underrated Progressive Metal Albums list and their 10 Extremely Underrated Metal Albums of the 2020s list.
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