Posts By Asher

0 Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveil a Quentin Tarantino Inspired Story Video for Their Song “War of Attrition” + Tour Dates (FL, GA)

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveil a Quentin Tarantino Inspired Story Video for Their Song “War of Attrition”

“Live to Regret” Out Now!

March 2023 Tour Dates! (FL, GA)

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

Offering up a unique, progressive, and memorable sound with traditional heavy metal, sludge, and doom at its core, North Carolina’s Aittala unleashed its sixth full-length album “Live to Regret” this past November via Exitus Stratagem Records. Lyrically, the album chronicles a chaotic period of time for members of the band personally as well as the global events happening in parallel.

Today, in support of the full-length, Aittala is unveiling their next music video for the track “War of Attrition”; a Quentin Tarantino-inspired story video where the hunter unsuspectedly becomes the victim.

Watch “War of Attrition” via its video premiere on Invisible Oranges HERE.

Aittala‘s latest album “Live to Regret” has eleven tracks, each defying the limits of genre rules. There is the thrash-inspired track “Cannibals” that confronts the tightening grip of governmental monitoring and control. The sludgy “Big Brother” – is about the devolution/zombification of the human race due to technology. The smoky stoner infused “Never Forget” talks about dealing with a toxic person along with many more.

Band founder Eric Aittala adds:

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

Fans can expect more music in the works, and there are no plans to stop writing and releasing new material. An eclectic mix of metal, “Live to Regret” is recommended for fans of Baroness, Crowbar, and Katatonia.

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

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

In additional news, Aittala will be doing a mini tour during March 2023 in Florida and Georgia (dates listed below).

Tour Dates:
March 1 – Rain Dogs – Jacksonville, FL
March 2 – Propaganda – Lake Worth, FL
March 3 – Uncle Lous – Orlando, FL
March 4 – Sweetwater Bar and Grill – Duluth, GA

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

Aittala is:
Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums)
Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox)
Ali Lugo (Bass)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

“Aittala Offer Powerful Pandemic Post-Mortem on ‘Live to Regret’… Stick it on a playlist with Apostle of Solitude, Crowbar, Famyne, and Paradise Lost, with a dash of Slayer for good measure.” – Doomed and Stoned

“One of the best albums for 2022” – 666MrDoom YouYube Channel

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

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

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

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

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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 Shores Of Null Reflect On Past Horrors In Sorrowful Video “My Darkest Years” Off “The Loss Of Beauty” Out March 2023 + EU Tour w/ Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Shores Of Null Reflect On Past Horrors In Sorrowful Video “My Darkest Years”

New Album “The Loss Of Beauty” Out March 2023

EU Tour w/ Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium

Rome’s Shores of Null is explaining their discography of melancholic doom with their fourth album “The Loss Of Beauty”, arriving March 24th, 2023. Stylistically, “The Loss Of Beauty” continues along the sulcus set forth by “Quiescence” (2014) and “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (2017). It’s melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom and melodic black/death, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls. The next single “My Darkest Years” is an emotional homage to stories told to guitarist Raffaele Colace by his grandfather, a WWII veteran. He share the details:

“He was taken prisoner in Russia, but he managed to escape and he traveled all the way to Greece, where he hid for a few years in the countryside, in a swamp between the trees, sometimes in a pigpen. In his stories, he told of a woman that brought him a piece of bread every now and then, thus saving him from hunger. Although he managed to escape and survive the war and return to his family in Italy, sorrow never left him for the rest of his life. Whenever he recalled these memories, his eyes were full of tears, and we know for sure that the horrors he saw were way bigger than anything he was able to tell.”

Vocalist Davide Straccione takes his inspiration from daily life, in particular stories with a deep emotional meaning. Most of the time it’s the mood of the song that inspires him to write about a certain topic, and writing lyrics with a melody in mind allows him to visualize what he wants to tell. For “The Loss Of Beauty” some of the lyrics came after talking to Martina (Sanda Movies) about a few ideas for some of their videos, creating a triple connection between the music, the words, and the images.

Recommended for fans of anything dark and dreary, especially those with an existing interest in Enslaved, Swallow The Sun, and Borknagar.

Watch and listen to the music video for “My Darkest Years” (created by Underrom Studio) via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“The Loss Of Beauty” is due out March 24th, 2023.

Album pre-order (Digital, CD, Vinyl) – https://linktr.ee/thelossofbeauty

Music Video – “Nothing Left To Burn” – https://youtu.be/wuP14Dgx4F4

Music Video – “The Last Flower” – https://youtu.be/W_LV8-Mz8qA

Track Listing:
1. Transitory – 1:20
2. Destination Woe – 4:52
3. The Last Flower – 4:59
4. Darkness Won’t Take Me – 4:14
5. Nothing Left To Burn – 4:55
6. Old Scars – 4:23
7. The First Son – 2:17
8. A Nature In Disguise – 6:26
9. My Darkest Years – 4:56
10. Fading As One – 5:19
11. A New Death Is Born – 4:54
Album Length: 48:40
Bonus Tracks (CD and digital only)
12. Underwater Oddity – 4:18
13. Blazing Sunlight – 1:57

Shores Of Null is:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

Shores Of Null on their upcoming European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian and Avatarium in April/May 2023: https://www.shoresofnull.com/tour
02/04/2023 – Parkteatret – Oslo (NO)
04/04/2023 – Pumpehuset – Copenhagen (DK)
05/04/2023 – HeadCrash – Hamburg (DE)
06/04/2023 – Doornroosje – Nijmegen (NL)
07/04/2023 – Het Entrpot – Brugge (BE)
08/04/2023 – Rebellion – Manchester (UK)
09/04/2023 – Slay – Glasgow (UK)
10/04/2023 – Limelight 2 – Belfast (UK)
11/04/2023 – Whelan’s . Dublin (IRE)
12/04/2023 – The Underworld . London (UK)
13/04/2023 – Essigfabrik – Köln (DE)
14/04/2023 – Matrix – Bochum (DE)
15/04/2023 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg (DE)
16/04/2023 – Im Wizemann – Stutgart (DE)
17/04/2023 – Le Grillen – Colmar (FR)
18/04/2023 – Backstage – Paris (FR)
19/04/2023 – Le Ferrailleur – Nantes (FR)
20/04/2023 – Le Rex – Toulouse (FR)
21/04/2023 – Sala Changó – Madrid (ES)
22/04/2023 – Sala Bóveda – Barcelona (ES)
23/04/2023 – Secret Place – Montpellier (FR)
24/04/2023 – CCO Villeurbanne – Lyon (FR)
25/04/2023 – Legend Club – Milan (IT)
26/04/2023 – Orto Bar – Ljubljana (SLO)
27/04/2023 – Schüür – Luzern (CH)
28/04/2023 – Undertown – Meyrin (CH)
29/04/2023 – Caves du Manoir – Martigny (CH)
30/04/2023 – Backstage – Munich (DE)
01/05/2023 – Dürer Kert – Budapest (HU)
02/05/2023 – Viper Room – Vienna (AT)
03/05/2023 – Futurum – Prague (CZ)
04/05/2023 – Hole44 – Berlin (DE)
05/05/2023 – Drizzly Grizzly – Gdansk (PL)
06/05/2023 – Klub Łącznik- Wrocław (PL)
07/05/2023 – UT Connewitz – Leipzig (DE)

For more info: Spikerot.com | Shoresofnull.com | Facebook.com/shoresofnull | Instagram.com/shoresofnull | Twitter.com/shoresofnull

About: Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic yet majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.

The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out three impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and finally their most ambitious work to date “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long opus which continues to prove the band’s willingness to go off the beaten path while creating their ultimate doom manifesto.

The band’s fourth album “The Loss Of Beauty”, recorded during the same sessions of “Beyond The Shores”, is expected to be released in March of 2023.

– 30 –

Shores of Null continues to impress and expand upon their doomy sound. An epic-length track worthy to sit amongst the best of these ventures (Edge of Sanity, Insomnium). Emotionally fulfilling and musically satisfying all at once.” – Dead Rhetoric (Best-of 2020)

“this album definitely is one of the best Doom Metal pieces I had the pleasure to look at in 2020. Once you plunge into its astonishing flow, there will be no escape from that majestic march through soaring soundscapes to those tear-drenched horizons.” – Rock Music Raider (Best of 2020)

“it’s certainly ambitious (video for “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying)”), but if you have the time, it’s worth the watch. Steeped in quality and excellent videography, it definitely deserves the attention for the amount of effort used.” – Metal Injection

“Shores of Null rolled the dice with Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) and delivered in a big fucking way… Shores of Null have crafted something special; a heart-wrenchingly emotive and beautiful journey of sorrow, anguish, pain, and acceptance. Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) is a splendidly sombre, brilliantly written opus of commanding death-doom that demands attention.” – Teeth of The Divine

“this album is phenomenal, both in terms of concept and its monumental delivery… with this magnum opus [Shores Of Null] have proved their position front and centre as depressed doom-titans…” – The Sleeping Shaman

“Beyond The Shores (On Death and Dying)” is a near perfect, monumental achievement of doom. I can’t imagine any fan of the style not finding something here to enjoy.” – Metal Temple

“An enchanting, gloomy opus.” – Moshville Times

“A single track of incredibly well-realised melodic doom metal, layered with all sorts of treats and nuanced delivery.” – Wonderbox Metal

“A piece of delicious despair, delivered on a platter of storm-ridden and excellently executed Doom Metal. A record that left anybody else in the genre in 2020 quaking in their wake.” – Rock Music Raider

“their most intricate and brooding work to date… grandiose emotional impact.” – Metal Storm

—
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 Rethink Traditional Heavy Metal With ODINFIST’s “Deadline” Off “Remade in Steel” Out March 2023

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Odinfist

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Rethink Traditional Heavy Metal With ODINFIST’s “Deadline”

New Album “Remade In Steel” Out March 2023

Hailing from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in Canada, Odinfist are well known around the country for their distinctive brand of traditional heavy metal that is wrapped up in a fun-loving and energetic package. They’ve been around for 16 years, and have an impressive discography under their belts. Their latest addition to this is “Remade in Steel”, six pummeling tracks that lay on heavy riffs, fun choruses, and enough variance to get anyone excited about what is coming next. The third single is “Deadline” – this is the Metallica song, it is also the Megadeth song. It goes from doomy to thrashy, with lots of chromatic riffages. The lyrics are about trying to survive under pressure, crushing anxiety, and running out of time. The band comments:

“This is the last song that we wrote for the album, and it came together rather quickly. There are a lot of twists and turns in this song. It builds from a doomy intro to a groovy verse and chorus and then explodes into a frantic, thrashing ending. Both the lyrics and music have a darker vibe and tone to them. The vocals get pretty unhinged and “crazy” on this song.”

According to the band, their music has become more melodic and complex over the years. They’ve been pushing the confines of traditional metal, by incorporating other subgenres. They had been doing the whole traditional metal thing for about 10 years before it really got cool again. “Back then, the only thing like that really going on was 3 Inches of Blood”. Now they are stoked there is way more new traditional metal to also draw influence from.

Each song on “Remade in Steel” offers a unique musical experience, where you don’t always know what’s going to come next in a song or a track. The end result is a complete album that has a little bit for everyone, and a sense of completion at the very end. They are recommended for fans of Eternal Champion, Cauldron, and Anvil.

Listen to “Deadline” via its premiere on SonicPerspectives HERE.

“Remade In Steel” is due out on March 10, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://odinfist.bandcamp.com/album/remade-in-steel

Previous singles:

“Riffmaster” – https://youtu.be/uJyYAEJxxvY

“Metalmancer” – https://youtu.be/f-xZCqGH_VI

Track Listing:
1. Riffmaster – 6:28
2. Metalmancer – 4:36
3. Remade in Steel – 5:16
4. Allfather – 6:52
5. Deadline – 5:16
6. Masquerade – 8:34
Album Length: 37:02

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Odinfist
• All songs written by: Odinfist
• Produced by: Shane Bouthillier
• Mixed by: Shane Bouthillier
• Mastered by: Shane Bouthillier
• Album Artwork by: Art of Grimmuza
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Tyler Anderson – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Bradley Caulien – Drums
Justin Ketterer – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Jesse Valstar – Bass

For more info: Facebook.com/Odinfist | Instagram.com/odinfist.official

About: Odinfist has been bringing heavy metal to the Okanagan Valley for sixteen years, and has participated in a variety of major shows and festivals across Western Canada. They have played with a variety of other bands such as Kataklysm, Thor, 3 Inches of Blood, etc. Members of Odinfist are also very involved with the Okanagan Metal scene. The band is all about fun, melodic heavy metal that you mosh, party, or just have a good time to, with a relentlessly energetic and entertaining live show.

– 30 –

“…pure and hard Heavy Metal, from the old school, in the purest style of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, and other bands of the well-known NWOBHM…” – Necromance Magazine

“Odinfist has a damn good grasp on the metal jugular without ruining the authenticity of the medium.” – Metalpsalter

“They capture the old school sound better than most of the competition, without a doubt” – Foul Feast Webzine

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0 EPK – Burn The Evidence – Bad Influences (2023)

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· Burn The Evidence · EPKs

EPK – Burn The Evidence – Bad Influences (2023)

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

For fans Of Mice and Men, Ice Nine Kills, Bring Me the Horizon, I Prevail

Facebook | Instagram.com/Burntheevidence_music | TikTok.com@BTE_Band | Spotify

Band Name: Burn The Evidence
Single Title: Bad Influences
Release Date: January 26th, 2023
Label: Self Release

Track Listing: Bad Influences – 4:26

Single Credits:
Produced by: Tiny Rik Production
Mixed by : Tiny Rik Production
Mastered by: Tiny Rik Production
Artwork by: Zakir Ullah

Band line up:
Vocals: Rémi Arsenault
Guitar : Eric Desormeaux
Guitar : Maxime Rondeau
Bass: Dominik Roy
Drums: Emmanuel Jean

Ottawa’s Burn The Evidence is entering the mosh pit with the introduction of their debut single “Bad Influences” accompanied by a lyric video. It’s just one of many planned tracks to be released in 2023.

No strangers to the Canadian metal scene, Burn The Evidence is a crushing nu-metalcore union formed by former members of the local area band Greta Knights and current members of Fractures and Outlines. The conception though of BTE has been churning in the mind of vocalist/lyricist Rémi Arsenault for many years and now it has finally met its fruition.

“It’s been in my head since 2021, a band that brings investigation and mysteries with brutal breakdowns and heavy riffs. I’m a big fan of everything that’s related to crime scene investigation and its scientific evolution throughout the years. I think psychopaths who do fucked up shit are glorified… I don’t like this… I want to glorify the investigators who give those bad guys what they really deserve! So many stories and content we can work with it’s incredible! We want to elaborate cool stories in our music, where we are the investigators who gonna catch those bad guys! All fiction for now, but we have the intention to glorify a couple of amazing real-life investigators solving real-life mysteries.”

Set to be captivating with suspenseful and heavily structured intensity, the band’s first single is an exciting time for them as they look forward to new fans hearing what they have been brewing along with those who are familiar with their previous endeavours.

“This is just the stepping stone, we want people to walk this path with us and listen closely to the story behind the music. And of course… when we hit the stage… we want people at the front moving their heads and jumping everywhere. It’s gonna be the start of a great chronicle.” adds Arsenault.

One of many already recorded tracks to be revealed, “Bad Influences” is a mix of bouncy riffs with jumping breakdowns and a melodic chorus, that will tease people for what’s to come next. From the clean vocals to high-pitch screams to cult prayers, BTE will be providing constant content for headbanging consumption this year, full of innovative genre-blending and storytelling to bring the noise to the pit regularly.

“With this new band, we are trying to build not only songs, but build a connection with the listener that’s going to merge them into the stories of each track. For example, in a police chase, you might find a faster power riff, or during the announcement of a death to a family, it would be softer and more emotional you know. For this first single, we are trying to demonstrate the realization of bad choices and bad things that are led by a mix of internal bad influences and psychotic problems, it’s a song that will make you jump, it’s gonna make you fight the invisible ninja, and at the end wanting more.”

A cross between metalcore and nu-metal, Burn The Evidence is recommended for fans of Ice Nine Kills, Of Mice and Men, Bring Me the Horizon, and I Prevail.

Burn The Evidence is:
Vocals: Rémi Arsenault
Guitar : Eric Desormeaux
Guitar : Maxime Rondeau
Bass: Dominik Roy
Drums: Emmanuel Jean

0 EPK – Squidhammer – (Single) Drown In Flames – ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (2023)

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Squidhammer

EPK – Squidhammer – (Single) Drown In Flames – ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (2023)

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

Booking Agent – Keith Wampler – keithatthelegendagency[@]gmail[.]com

For fans of Pantera, Lamb Of God, Arch Enemy, Black Label Society, DevilDriver

Band: Squidhammer
Single Title: ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains
Release Date: 1/27/23
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

“‘Drowning in Flames’ is a mental roller coaster. A twisted riddle full of metaphors. It’s the outside voice we all wish we could hear over our own noise. It’s everything you hope you’re not. It’s the shackles you watched your own possessed hands put around your very ankles. It’s the only way out.

It’s a long trip, musically speaking. A labyrinth. Hooks left and grooves right. A push/pull of thrash, chugs, and sway. It’s a bit of an arpeggio of a song structure, with an exit hidden in the middle. Will you burn your way out, or will you wind up right back where you started?” – Jake Schultz – Squidhammer

Squidhedz.com | Facebook.com/squidhammermetal | Twitter.com/getchasquidon | Youtube.com/@squidhammermetal9966 | Instagram.com/squidhammermetal

Squidhammer.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | All Digital Platforms – Withkoji.com/@Squidhammer

“The introductory growl that Marq brings in is like an atomic bomb going off – unleashing chaos and dismay as this track kicks off with unrivaled energy. Ericka’s performance rips through like shrapnel, with a chaotic presence that carries an aura of fury and insanity in its wake. Both vocalists mesh seamlessly in their pieces, allowing this track to blast through with mind-blowing drum beats, demonic bass, and furious riff work to share in the spotlight, rather than be shadowed by it.” – Valkyrjia @ VALKYRJIAN Metal Blog (2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“The mixture of chaotic, guttural growls, and shrill screams that unite these two vocal powerhouses is baffling, leaving for a track that’s not only complex and intense in its delivery but, strangely catchy as well” – Valkyrjia @ VALKYRJIAN Metal Blog (2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“The song mixes elements of Groove and Thrash Metal, with aggressive vocals, in a great vocal dynamic between vocalist Ericka and Marq Pointer, heavy riffs and a destructive rhythmic part” – Leandro Vianna @ ROADIEMETAL of Brazil
(2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“This is no nonsense metal, which is out to ensure that there are no prisoners whatsoever as they have all been blasted through a wall by the sheer volume and attack of what is taking place” – Kev Rowland @ House of Prog Radio (2018 ‘Power Removal Service’ LP)

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Squidhammer
Single Title: ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains
Release Date: 1/27/23
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

1. ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (5:54)

Single Credits:
• Performed by: Squidhammer
• Written by: Jake Schultz & Ericka Schultz Niemann
• Produced by: Squidhammer & Evan Yoakum
• Mixed by: Russell Hollar
• Mastered by: Russell Hollar
• Album Artwork by: Jake Schultz
• P.R.O. Affiliation: ASCAP

Single Recording Lineup – Drowning In Flames’:
Kyle Fawley – Featured Main Vocals
Ericka Schultz Niemann – Layering Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitar
Joe Dunn – Bass Guitar
Skeebo – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Ericka Schultz Niemann – Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitar
Joe Dunn – Bass Guitar
Skeebo – Drums

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

Story Angles / Fun Facts:

1. All the new Squidhammer material since our lineup change in late 2021 has been tracked “free-time” in the studio, meaning we do not use a metronome / click track to record. The drums are tracked to a live rhythm guitar and everything is built on top of that. This is a studio approach that was once standard but has nearly died off in the heavy metal world and we feel like too much soul has been removed from modern heavy metal because of it. – Jake Schultz

2. Squidhammer got its name in 2010 from a guy on a bar stool who was allowed to name us for the night at a living room jam party. It went on as a joke for the night, but stuck like glue. – Jake Schultz

3. Squidhammer once showed up at a “Kentucky Derby Days” festival in central Wisconsin because we were in the area killing time before a show that night and we saw they were frying brats and burgers. We had just grabbed some food quickly when a member of the staff approached us assuming we were “the band”. They had booked a country cover band which was apparently running late. We had all of our gear with us, so we had no choice but to play into it and record the whole experience. We went as far as to set everything up and blast out one of our songs, ‘Rock the Fuck On’ to all of these drunk rednecks in the bar. I mean, there were tons of people at this festival. They all looked like they were seeing a ghost and many of them were starting to leave, so after one song, we decided to tell everyone what we had done. I’ll never forget the old man at the bar who was pounding his fist in the air and wanting more. – Jake Schultz

4. All of Squidhammer’s releases to date have been mixed and mastered by Russell Hollar of Russell Hollar Music/Nomad Recording Studio in Argyle, TX. He’s always been super easygoing and personable, while also having inhuman workflow capabilities. The dude knows how to make metal slam. – Jake Schultz

5. We got the ‘Hail The Squid’ title from guitarist Marc Rizzo of Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, etc… He has been a friend of the band since he jammed on stage with us back in 2016 at Axemetal Fest II. Since then, we have been a support act on nearly every solo show he has booked in Wisconsin. He can always be heard shouting, “HAIL THE SQUID!!!!!” from the back of the venue when we’re on stage. Marc has always joined us on stage to jam one of his tunes or a random Pantera cover whenever we’re on a bill together. – Jake Schultz

L-R: Jake Schultz (Guitar) | Eric “Skeebo” Kjelland (Drums) | Ericka Schultz-Niemann (Vocals) | Joe Dunn (Bass)
Photo Credit: Ericka Schultz-Niemann

Squidhammer proudly calls Watertown, Wisconsin home. The band carved out its place in the midwest metal scene in 2018 with their debut album, ‘Power Removal Service’. In early 2018, the band took a road trip to Fort Worth, Texas and recorded the album with producer Russell Hollar in five days and headed straight back home. The album was released independently and has been lovingly accepted into the “favorites” category of many midwest headbangers who have shown so much support. Its tracks have been featured on local radio stations as well as several worldwide internet radio stations. One track has even been played on Sirius XM’s Liquid Metal channel several times.

To ensure the band’s availability, Squidhammer’s founding member, Jake Schultz, has since adopted an open-door approach to the band lineup, meaning that members are free to come and go as they please, and contribute to studio recordings and live performances/tours at whichever level they feel comfortable. This has proven to ensure that only the most passionate, humble, and dedicated people are involved.

‘Hail The Squid’, the band’s second studio project is currently being rolled out to the world via a series of single releases. Squidhammer is extremely excited to announce that the open-ended and ongoing collection is a Wisconsin collaborative effort. So far, under this series title, 12 planned tracks will feature 20+ vocalists from Wisconsin’s top metal bands. This project is meant to help show everyone just what Wisconsin has to offer to the U.S. metal scene, as Squidhammer continues to tour the country. Squidhammer aims to attract more national and international acts to the great Wisconsin metal scene, benefiting everyone involved!

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

Discography:
2023 – Drowning In Flames ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains – Single
2022 – Hamrammr (ft. Marq Pointer of H1Z1) – Single
2022 – Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit (Pantera Cover) – Single
2020 – Firing Order:18436572 – Single
2018 – Power Removal Service – LP
2017 – Rock The Fuck On – Single

Shared Stage with:
Goatwhore, Crowbar, Exhorder, Battlecross, Abigail Williams, Ghostbath, Wolf King, Raven, Mobile Deathcamp, Act Of Defiance, Psychostick, Crobot, Jungle Rot, Marc Rizzo, Necronomicon, Sarah Longfield, Scars of Atrophy, Malevolent, The Convalescence, Casket Robbery and many more…

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Squidhammer Headline Tour (WI, IL, IA, OK, TX, KS)
2022 – WoR U.S. Tour (Direct Support) (WI, IA, IL, IN, OH, PA, VA)
2022 – Northern WI Metalfest XVIII – Lake Nebagamon, WI
2022 – Dimestock Metalfest XI – Watertown, WI
2022 – Toledo Deathfest – Toledo, OH
2022 – Squidhammer/INFLUENCE co-headline tour (MI, OH, PA, KY, IN, WI)
2020 – Dimestock Metalfest IX – Watertown, WI
2019 – Dimestock Metalfest VIII – Watertown, WI
2018 – Dimestock Metalfest VII – Watertown, WI
2018 – Project Mayhem VIII – Rhinelander, WI
2017 – Dimestock Metalfest VI – Watertown, WI
2017 – Project Mayhem VII – Rhinelander, WI
2016 – Dimestock Metalfest V – Madison, WI
2016 – Project Mayhem VI – Rhinelander, WI
2016 – Axemetal Fest II – Theresa, WI
2015 – Dimestock Metalfest IV – Madison, WI
2015 – Project Mayhem V – Rhinelander, WI
2014 – Dimestock Metalfest III – Madison, WI

0 NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Unleashes Shredding Guitar / Vox Video For “Victims of the Algorithm”

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Narcotic Wasteland

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 8, 2023

NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Unleashes Shredding Guitar / Vox Video For “Victims of the Algorithm”

Photo Credit – Andrea Roberts

2022 was a very active year for South Carolina’s Narcotic Wasteland founded by guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade. The band had tours supporting ACCEPT and Malevolent Creation plus a performance at Rustfest (Detroit, MI) along with sharing with fans three new singles “Morality and the Wasp”, “The Best Times Have Passed” and “Victims of the Algorithm”, which will appear on the band’s forthcoming album due out later in 2023.

Today, Narcotic Wasteland is unveiling the latest guitar and vocal playthrough for their latest single “Victims of the Algorithm”, a crushing speed storm of death thrash, with its visceral vocals, and a demolishing blast beat to annihilate the mosh pit.

Check out the playthrough via its premiere on MetalSucks HERE.

“This guitar/ vocal playthrough was footage taken from the video shoot for our latest single Victims of the algorithm. We had rehearsed the song a good bit before the tour and had about two weeks out on the road to play the song live. So even though it’s just a video I feel I got the performances pretty close to the studio version. Kenji Tsunami with Tsunami films once again does a fantastic job!” adds Dallas Toler-Wade.

Narcotic Wasteland is currently working on their forthcoming 2023 album to be released via Megaforce Records (release date to be determined). The single “Victims of the Algorithm” was recorded with engineer, and producer Erik Schultek who is no stranger to the band having recorded drums, engineered, and produced their self-titled debut album. The band’s 2023 album will be the follow-up to their sophomore full-length 2017’s “Delirium Tremens”.

Stream for “Victims of the Algorithm” available at https://orcd.co/nwvota

Inspired mostly by thrash metal and classic heavy metal, Narcotic Wasteland is becoming more thrash and speed and less death metal and getting better at writing material that is meaningful and powerful. They are recommended for fans of Vader, Death, The Crown, Autopsy, Pestilence, and Nile.

Previous singles:

“Morality and the Wasp” – https://youtu.be/fXThLKTP-xI

“The Best Times Have Passed” – https://youtu.be/U6kB087hGyY

Show Dates:
Friday, June 23, 2023 – The Concert North – Houston, TX
Saturday, June 24, 2023 – The Rail Club – Forth Worth, TX
Sunday, June 25, 2023 – Boozerz Rock Club – Corpus Christi, TX

For more info:

https://www.narcoticwasteland.com
http://www.facebook.com/narcoticwasteland
https://www.instagram.com/narcoticwastelandofficial
https://twitter.com/Narco_Wasteland

About:

Narcotic Wasteland started as a side project Dallas Toler-Wade had been working on the past few years when he was not touring or in the writing/studio with metal heavyweights “Nile.”

‘So I just started writing some songs kind of more in the style of things I was playing before my time in Nile. The more we started working on these demos the more we wanted to complete an album and take it to the stage!!! Our observation of what was going on in parts of the town we grew up in and in other parts of the world fueled a new level of angst for me personally.” DTW

– 30 –

“The song (Victims of the Algorithm) takes on lightning-fast and heavy riffs, in the tradition of the band, and the lyrics tackle our dependence on social media in the modern age.” – Decibel Magazine

“Dallas-Toler Wade, back with the riffs. (The Best Times Have Passed) – Metal Injection

0 EPK – Milanku – À l’aube (2023) (Folivora)

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Milanku (Folivora)

EPK – Milanku – À l’aube (2023) (Folivora)

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

For fans of Cult of Luna, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Isis, Neurosis, Yoo Doo Right

“After a long hiatus, we are excited to perform this new album live. We have maintained our core sound but we have grown immensely musically, I mean we had lots of time on our hands…and this album basically represents an offering to our fans who have been waiting for new music from us.” – Milanku

Album Title: À l’aube
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Label: FOLIVORA (Canada), D7i (Canada/USA), Moment of Collapse (EU)
Distribution: Believe Digital

Folivora.ca (Label) | Doze.mu/artistes/milanku (Management)

Facebook.com/milankuband | Instagram.com/milankuband | Youtube.com/@milankuband

Apple Music | Spotify | Milanku.bandcamp.com

“Milanku’s third full-length is a thing of beauty and terror. Its dichotomy of clean and harsh is endlessly intriguing, allowing exploration through a garbled shimmer that chokes and sputters across its thirty-nine minutes. While the ubiquitous Isis and Neurosis comparisons are partially fair, you’ll be more apt to recall Holy Fawn or Novarupta of yesteryear; its emphasis on organicity lends itself to minimalist sprawl rather than mammoth brutality. Somehow, though, the unbearable lightness of Milanku’s sound feels more punishing than any riff can provide. While certainly not for everyone and the nuanced post-rock influence takes many listens to unpack, this ascent through the roaring thunderclouds in the pinkish glow of dawn is worth every wound or scar that brought you here – it is an invitation to just be.” 4/ 5 – Angry Metal Guy

“Le groupe montréalais Milanku propose un album qui plaira aux amateurs de rock lourd, à ceux qui recherchent le travail sérieux derrière une démarche sincère.” – La Presse

“The Montreal group Milanku offers an album that will appeal to heavy rock fans, to those looking for serious work behind a sincere approach” – La Presse

“The five-member Montréal band conjures an ethereal sound that takes advantage of ambient soundscapes to drop a robust blend of post-everything.” – Doomed and Stoned

“By and large this is a production that should have a solid appeal among post-rock fans and those with a taste for atmospheric laden progressive rock where instrumental sections is a dominating aspect of the album experience.” – Progressor

“Some records are much more deeply emotional than others. They may hide pain, loneliness, hopelessness and other various positive or negative emotions. These first are some of the feelings that immediately came to my mind and soul listening to Milanku ‘s new record À l’aube. ” – Greek Rebels

“Cette fois-ci, le groupe nous présente un nouvel opus titré simplement À l’aube; une création évoquant un réveil aussi brutal que mélancolique après une nuit apocalyptique. En fait, ce disque pourrait très bien devenir la trame sonore d’un monde dévasté à jamais dont l’existence tient à quelques survivants…” – Le Canal Auditif

“This time, the group presents us with a new opus titled simply À l’aube; a creation evoking a sudden and melancholy awakening after an apocalyptic night. In fact, this disc could very well become the soundtrack of a world devastated forever whose existence depends on a few survivors…” – Le Canal Auditif

“Milanku manages to distinguish themselves from the patterns already seen in post-rock, betting their point essentially on the feelings of the listener by multiplying the textures: vaporous layers, crystalline notes, mysterious atmospheres, subtle experiments up to the crash of hardcore used sparingly but intensifying the many reliefs of this superb new album.” – Eklektik Rock

“À l’aube grants you the luxury of unimpeded time, where no clock can dictate the order of the day. It could stretch to an hour with no diminution of quality, yet five tracks spread over thirty-eight minutes are just as effective. Milanku’s music grows on you and reveals latent pleasures with each listen. You can see snowflakes outside, but you can also envisage a clear blue sky waiting in succession before the evening turns to dusk.” – Scream Blast Repeat

“it always has been, and continues to be about the music, and this album’s visceral power cannot be denied.” – A Closer Listen

““À L’aube; nous sommes disparus” slowly turns into a cyclone, as pop-jazz singer Erika Angell’s voice sounds like a high priestess in the wake of a storm that everyone is trying to escape.” – Pan M 360

“There is something about Milanku and their latest record Á l’aube that causes me to think, there is only one possible comparison and that might be the biggest one to draw in this little niche of ours: Envy. Yes, the one and only Envy. The masters from Japan and their unique sound. Milanku must have listened carefully and then transferred their newly gained insights perfectly into their own realms. Hard to beat in 2023.” – Veil of Sound

“The slowness of the post-hardcore of Milanku or the erasure of the world.” – Weird Sound

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: À l’aube
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Label: FOLIVORA (Canada), D7i (Canada/USA), Moment of Collapse (EU)
Distribution: Believe Digital

Track Listing:
1. À l’aube; de leurs silences – 10:54
2. À l’aube; il sera déjà trop tard – 8:04
3. À l’aube; prêchant la mauvaise nouvelle – 5:43
4. À l’aube; de la grande tristesse – 4:55
5. À l’aube; nous serons disparu – 8:41
Album Length: 38:16

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: MILANKU
• All songs written by: MILANKU
• Produced by: GUILLAUME CHIASSON ET MILANKU
• Mixed by: GUILLAUME CHIASSON
• Mastered by:
• Album Artwork by: FRANÇOIS LEMIEUX
• Member of SOCAN
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Recording and Live Lineup:
François Lemieux (Guitare, Synthétiseur)
Carl Ruest (Guitare, Voix)
Guillaume Chamberland (Basse, Voix)
Guillaume Boudreau-Monty (Drum)
Jean-François Bourbonnais (Guitare)

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

One whole, poignant, intense. Heavily influenced by the emotions of despair and loneliness brought on by the pandemic.

The lyrics of Milanku are written in the form of text per album. Once the music is composed, the lyrics are composed. The lyrics and the flow are inspired by the music and the feeling it gives us inside. We are inspired by Milan Kundera and more precisely on his works of ”La lenteur” and ”La plaisanterie”. Once the text of the album is composed, the sentences are divided from one song to the other of the album. The music, the lyrics as well as the live performances of the group are very much influenced by the daily life of each one where we are plunged in a reality where everything goes very fast.

Most of the skeleton of the album was built before the pandemic. After a few months of downtime, we refined and modified the songs and recorded the songs in two studio sessions. The pandemic had an impact on the sound of all the songs on the album. Without the pandemic, the result of the album would not be the same at all. The album sounds like a whole, a maturity of the band and a story that is told from the first note to the last.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

If you take the songs titles, they form a poem that describes the process of the story:
-Track 1 – first single as well
À l’aube; de leurs silences = In the dawn; of their silences
A slow post rock piece full of angst.

-Track 2
À l’aube; il sera déjà trop tard = At dawn, it will already be too late
A heavier track that tries to convey the feeling of loss of control.

-Track 3
À l’aube; prêchant la mauvaise nouvelle = At dawn; preaching the bad news
The idea behind this track was about the bombardment of information during the pandemic.

-Track 4

À l’aube; de la grande tristesse = At the dawn; of great sadness
This songs portrays the loneliness, the suicides, the violence against women that our isolation created.

-Track 5 – second single- featuring Erika Angell from Thus Owls
À l’aube; nous serons disparus = At dawn, we will be gone
The most musically emotional track of the album, this song starts of as a sweet guitar melody and slowly turns into a storm featuring Erika’s voice as the grand priestess of this storm that everyone is trying to escape. The lyrics in Swedish and French make it even more mystical.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The band is very influenced by writer Milan Kundera

2. All the visuals and graphics concepts are created by the band, that includes videos, posters, album graphics, etc.

3. Although their music is a little on the sad side, the band is actually very funny and charming.

Photo Credit – Nick Shaw

If Milanku draws its origins from the work of Milan Kundera, the soundtrack is definitely more on the side of the thundering density of the being than of its “unbearable lightness”, galvanized by the Czech author.

From the start, Milanku hammers out its brutal character, infused with melancholy, even dystopia, and standing straight upright on the wire: defiant, shouting, and inspired.

Mesmerized by the warrior’s rage, flayed by its own doldrums, the quartet relies on pared-down arrangements and an oft-staged vocal presence, harmonizing like an instrument, and howling at the big time, but plastered with a disquieting sense of dilettante.

At the heart of the enterprise, tearing off the peels of flapping skins, we explore the state of affairs of the contemporary genre, tragic, desolate, where any notion of common sense seems diffuse in the amalgam of trompe-l’oeil. The texts are meditative, inquisitive and the observations that emanate from them, weep and persist in trying to make sense of it, through its ever-growing losses of illusion.

With four full-length releases behind them, both in Canada (D7I Records, Désordre Ordonné, L’oeil du Tigre), and abroad (Tokyo Jupiter Records (Japan), Moments of Collapse (Germany), Replenish Records (USA), GS production records (Russia), We are Grain of Sand (Russia) Alerta-Antifascista, Milanku presents today À l’aube (Folivora, 2023), a five-track burn that breathes new life into a caste of disenfranchised people, imbued with a disarming lucidity, and gives itself a framework and a voice to pull its head out of the swamp.

International recognition

The band has been affiliated with several; indie labels and distributors over the years, namely: in Canada (D7I Records, Désordre Ordonné, L’oeil du Tigre), Jupiter Records (Japan), Moments of Collapse (Germany), Replenish Records (USA), GS production records (Russia), We are Grain of Sand (Russia) as well as Alerta-Antifascista (Germany).

In 2016, the band will continue to tour Europe, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria.

The band’s albums have been consistently recognized at the GAMIQ since 2013 in addition to jumping on a plethora of specialized year-end lists around the globe.

Milanku is:
François Lemieux (Guitare, Synthétiseur)
Carl Ruest (Guitare, Voix)
Guillaume Chamberland (Basse, Voix)
Guillaume Boudreau-Monty (Drum)
Jean-François Bourbonnais (Guitare)

Discography:
2023 – À l’Aube (Label – Folivora, Distrbuted by Believe Digital)
2018 – Monument du non-être et Mouvement du non-vivant (Distributed by D7i, Replenish Records, L’Oeil du Tigre, Moment of Collapse)
2015 – Des Fragments (Distributed by D7i, Replenish Records, L’oeil du Tigre, Moment of Collapse, Tokyo Jupiter, Grans of Sand Records)
2012 – Pris à la gorge (Distributed by Tokyo Jupiter, L’œil du Tigre, D7i, Moment of Collapse, GSP Records, Replenish Records)
2008 – Convalescence (Distributed by
Tokyo Jupiter, L’œil du Tigre, D7i, Moment of Collapse, GSP Records, Replenish Records)

Shared Stage with:
If These Trees Could Talk, Féroce, Alcest, The Caution Children, Atsuko Chiba, Zéro Absolu, Oktoplut

Tour and Festivals:
2018 – Nuits Psychédéliques In MTL
2019 – Franco de Montréal
2020 – Coup de Cœur Francophone in MTL
2021 – Metaverse show during the Phoque OFF festival in Québec City

0 Surface Of The Sun Reveals Music Video For Empowering, Progressive And Catchy Single “Dragon”

February 7, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Surface of The Sun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2023

Surface Of The Sun Reveals Music Video For Empowering, Progressive And Catchy Single “Dragon”

Canada’s Surface of the Sun is a solo project by Devon Eggers, with almost 100% of all things being created and done by him. Each of his recordings (1 full-length and 2 EPs) have been a massive undertaking, making Surface of the Sun one of the most “independent” and “solo” projects anyone will encounter. His latest release is a two-track EP entitled “Dragon”, featuring the title track and song “Vanguard”, which were written purposely to contrast. He explains the title track, which is available now in video form:

“I’m trying to give fans a taste of what Surface of the Sun is from both ends of the spectrum. Dragon being from something catchier, and Vanguard from something deeper and more progressive. Dragon was written to be on the fringe of what I would normally classify as a Surface of the Sun song. I had the radio in mind when I wrote this and tried to keep the song within boundaries that one typically needs for airplay, but still make sure it has the Surface of the Sun feel.”

“Dragon” is a catchy, yet heavy track, that is driven by a kick drum like a dance song would be. It even has, after the bridge, an EDM-like “drop” into the final chorus. It blends a dance-like feel into a prog-rock track. Thematically, it represents inner strength and was inspired after Eggers watched an episode of Game of Thrones. He’d been searching for something to represent that strength having already known how he wanted the lyrics to connect to the previous single, “Oblivion” (which peaked at #26 on Canadian Top 40 Radio Charts – Jan 2020) off the 2019 EP “Panacea”, Eggers hopes that with his music he can give listeners a musical soundscape that is both catchy, but is also something they can get lost in. The type of music one can close their eyes to, shut off all the lights, and just be carried away by the sounds and melodies.

Surface Of The Sun is recommended for fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Chevelle.

Watch the music video for “Dragon” at https://youtu.be/jYFvcUP0cQw

EP “Dragon” was released on Aug 17, 2020, and is available at Surfaceofthesunmusic.com/shop, Surfaceofthesun.bandcamp.com, Spotify.

Track Listing:
1. Dragon (3:47)
2. Vanguard (6:19)
EP Length: 10:06

EP Credits:
Music: All music and lyrics written and performed by Devon Eggers, except the drums, which were performed by Chris Warunki.
Produced, recorded, edited, and mixed by Devon Eggers at Surface of the Sun Studios.
Mastered by Andrew Downton at Railtown Mastering.
EP Artwork: By Vohrart
Member of SOCAN
Content is Canadian Music (MAPL)

For more info: Surfaceofthesunmusic.com | Instagram.com/surface_of_the_sun_music | Facebook.com/surfaceofthesun

– 30 –

“Panacea is a very well put together release and really showcases Eggers’ production and musical skills” – Powerplay Magazine UK (2019 – Panacea EP)

0 Saskatoon’s DESPITE THE REVERENCE Unleashes Video For Technical Single “Cyborg” Off “Stress Of Evolution” Out April 2023

February 7, 2023
by Asher
· Despite The Reverence · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, Qc – February 7, 2023

Saskatoon’s DESPITE THE REVERENCE Unleashes Video For Technical Single “Cyborg”

“Stress Of Evolution” Out April 14th

Despite The Reverence, a staple in the Canadian music scene for the last decade now has a brand new album “Stress Of Evolution” coming out this April. It’s a twelve-track, neck-breaking monster of an album that builds on all of their previous work and cumulates into a release that is accessible, yet devastating. The second look into this dynamic album is the single “Cyborg”, which the band details:

“One of the more technical songs on the album featuring a blistering opening lead riff and heavy pounding guitars under the verse sections of the song. The vocals are heavy and growling over the verses but break into a melodic crescendo during the chorus. The song slips into a quiet dark interlude in the middle section which builds in intensity back into the chorus and outro. The lyrics touch on the melding of humans and robotics.”

Watch and listen to “Cyborg”

Despite The Reverence wanted the album to be dynamic from heavy to melodic and accomplished that with a mixture of tempos, styles, and instrumentation. They cite that variety is the spice of life and they tried to bring everything under one roof creating unique and interesting compositions which flow together under a common concept.

When playing live, they are very professional and love putting on a big live show including lights, smoke, and stage backdrops. They write the set to flow together and generally do not take a lot of pauses or chit-chat. They figure the fans are there to hear the music so they keep the songs flowing as they play with high energy and intensity. They are recommended listening for fans of Pantera, Tool, and Black Sabbath.

“Stress Of Evolution” comes out on April 14th, 2023.

Previous single “Primate Centurion” – Music Video – https://youtu.be/0ehkuCbxB-M

Track Listing:
1. Cyborg – 5:41
2. Khali Yuga – 4:33
3. Surprise Kill Vanish – 4:42
4. Primate Centurion – 6:11
5. Killing Plebs – 3:54
6. Fears Of Our Fathers – 1:45
7. Stress Of Evolution – 5:02
8. Human Obsolete – 4:28
9. Thinning The Herd – 3:19
10 .War Machine – 4:55
11. At My Door Knocks Death – 5:47
12. Disco Death Tech – 4:07
Album Length:

For more info: Facebook.com/despitethereverence | Instagram.com/despitethereverence | Twitter.com/DTRofficialband

– 30 –

0 EPK – Red Cain – Blight (single) (2023)

February 6, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Red Cain

EPK – Red Cain – Blight (single) (2023)

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

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

Single Title: Blight
Release Date: Jan 17, 2023
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital

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

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

Calgary, Canada’s fantasy prog power metal Red Cain is kicking off the beginning of 2023 with their next The Wheel of Time (novel/TV series) inspired single entitled “Blight” that continues the storyline from their previous single “The Fisher King” released this past November.

An epic and progressive track, “Blight” shreds fans into another voyage of storytelling, vocalist Evgeniy Zayarny explains further:

“Blight is defined as an organic contagion that damages, destroys, or corrupts. In the Wheel of Time universe, where the Dark One touches the world, uncontrolled and aberrant growth sprouts and covers the land, home to malign flora and monstrous fauna. With this track, we moved the needle firmly into the progressive part of our prog power style, delivering an atmospheric, chilling, and dynamic performance meant to mimic the unstoppable advancement of the Blight over the land. Is the Blight a disease or a majestic triumph of organic life without limits? With this Tesseract, Ihsahn, and Insomnium-influenced track, we explore this idea.

The concept of “Blight” came out of a question – what is the ideal state in the evolution of organic life? Influenced by authors like Stanislaw Lem and Adrian Tchaikovsky, this has long been a theme in science fiction and is becoming relevant in the modern era. The Blight also plays a key role within the Wheel of Time universe, and the concept sets the stage for a musical exploration from our end where another evolution to our sound likewise takes root.”

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

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

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

Sing

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

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

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

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

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

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

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

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STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

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

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

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

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

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

Melancholy and Rage

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

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

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

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

With a significant upward trend of fan interest for this release, and 100,000 + digital streams, Red Cain has our set sights firmly set on another ambitious and conceptually exciting project, with the next release cycle coming in 2023.

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

What the press is saying:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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