EPK – WarCall – Dead End Pt. 2 (2021) (Plan B Music)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans Motorhead, Metallica, Dissection, Iron Maiden, Slayer
EP Title: Dead End Pt. 2
Release Date: November 26, 2021
Label: Plan B Music
Distribution: Independent
Facebook.com/warcallband | Instagram.com/warcallband | YouTube
Spotify | Apple Music
“This EP is part two of the two recordings we’ve released in 2021. As a whole, the two EPs are a collection of 9 songs (the first EP is 4 tracks and the second EP is 5 tracks), 9 stories about struggle. Recorded and mixed in a post-apocalyptic setting, we have let the events of 2020 influence the process and the mood of the two EPs, while still aiming for a timeless production that will age well in time. The title and artwork represent the doom and gloom of life in the year 2020 and how the human race reacts in the face of death and uncertainty. With the impossibility to meet to even take a band picture, WarCall presents themselves as fictional post-apocalyptic warriors, a subtle comment and nod to the current events that marked the year 2020.
This second half is the continuation from where we left off with the first 4 songs on Pt.1. Every song on Pt. 2is unique and we are really proud of the final result. This represents our best work yet, both in terms of songwriting and musical performance. We cannot wait to share these songs live and be able to reconnect with our audience to headbang to Dead End.” – Warcall
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“Montreal’s WarCall have released the second part of their Dead End EP series! Without a doubt, this latest piece of their heavy metal story solidifies an exciting chapter and represents another huge step forward for a band who’ve been releasing solid thrash-y metal since 2008. Epic, deep, raw and ravenous don’t do enough justice in describing the angst and power behind these two 2021 releases. The need to create and deliver unfiltered metal is equal parts passion and equal parts purpose from a band who has a lot more to share with us in years to come. WarCall represent the drive that every metal band hopes to have in their sonic army… Don’t sleep on WarCall’s releases… as new nuanced sonic battles await at every turn, in every song…” – Steve Kraus – Host of 6o on CKLU 96.7FM
“WARCALL have delivered an impressive EP full of meaty riffs and growls any thrash fan would approve of. Listening to it in full is recommended as you’ll really get to experience how the band have manage to web together the addictive melodies of thrash and the bang your head riffs that have made the sub-genre so beloved by fans world over.” – Rock Out Stand Out
“These guys are really good at spreading melody all over while keeping a hard edge to their music; that was true on Invaders and it’s still true here. There are more than a few nods to old-school traditional metal in the guitar work as well as some subtle, hard-hitting, visceral power metal elements that are a little reminiscent of Quebec City’s Hanker’s more power metal-ish moments. The vocals are more on the melodic death side of things, a harsh more-or-less growly style that’s decipherable enough if you pay close attention. At just under 21 minutes, Dead End Pt. 1 packs a lot of variety that makes it hard to pigeonhole it into a specific genre, so if you like hearing a band that’s experimenting with its sound while remaining within the confines of metal, this one is certainly worth a look.” – The Metal Crypt
“This is an E.P. which rages, the thick riffs and battering drumming sweeping through each of the four songs. It’s a blitzkrieg of an assault, the combination of melody and ferocious savagery working neatly. It’s certainly fast, blurring the boundaries of speed, power, and thrash metal. The final two songs, ‘800x’ and the speed metal blurring of ‘The Chase’ maintain the momentum which is frenetic from the start. Proudly citing themselves as a DIY band, WarCall were able to record the E.P. at various band members studios. Producing, mixing, and mastering themselves, this is really a self-sufficient beast that is straining at the leash to return to the live scene. The band have captured their rough and ready sound and it’s one that is pleasing from beginning to end.” – The Razor’s Edge
“Fast, aggressive, full of riffs, exciting drumming and growling vocals. Nice old school, including accompanying vintage production. It grinds and grinds a bit here and there, which is exactly what I think is the charm of this music.” – Wings of Death
“This is just fantastic, straight forward, super enjoyable metal that you can really bang your head to. While focusing a lot of energy on speed and aggression there is still plenty of melody in the mix here with a certain level of groove maintained throughout the album. The vocals have a harsh edge but are very easily understandable and suit the melodic overtone of the music. There’s plenty of riffs to be enjoyed, alongside high energy drum work that will get you out of your seat and onto your feet. If you enjoy bands like The Crown, One Man Army and the Undead Quartet and Legion of the Damned then you will most likely enjoy what the band have to offer. I don’t have too much else to say other than blast this bad boy on loud and rock the hell out.” – Cave Dweller Music
“There is a blistering pace to the band’s music with heavy, crushing riffs and growled yet clear vocals. To my ears this comes across as a mixture of Slayer-esque thrash, with moments of Maiden-esque solos, with Karl Willets of Bolt Thrower supplying the vocals. The band incorporate tempo changes and melodies, and this works surprisingly well.” – Metal Gods TV
“Big things are happening for Montreal’s WarCall…Motor-Maiden-‘tallica brand of street wise thrash…” – Decibel Mag
“The creativeness they’ve put into their debut far surpasses anything else I have heard from new Canadian bands this year…Inventive, fun, crisp and a great first offering”. – Exclaim!
“WARCALL’s delivery is fresh, powerful, with good drive and melodies and this tight-knit feeling that just gives you this sense of urgency.” – The Metal Observer
“Actually, “very very heavy” doesn’t go far enough. “Bully Bastard” slugs had enough to loosen teeth and leave bruises, and the grooves are damned compulsive, too, so loosen up your neck muscles before diving into this track. But while the song rocks hard enough to shake listeners like rag dolls, the music also channels rage and intensity through the raw grit of the vocals and the grim (but very catchy) vehemence of the riffs.” – No Clean Singing
“Fans of an old school thrash/speed sound will find plenty to enjoy throughout Invaders. 10 tracks of meaty metal that makes you want to dig out the old patch jacket & head-bang until your neck fuses.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
“If you enjoy old school thrash, early speedy rock ‘n’ metal MOTÖRHEAD or DARKTHRONE in their thrashy black metal/crusty punk phase then WARCALL will wet your appetite and get you salivating! Dig out your battle vest, your whitewashed denim jeans, and white trainers and bang that head furiously!” – All About The Rock
“It’s fast, it’s heavy, it’s exciting, and it doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not, while also knowing exactly what it is. That’s a rare trait to have in a band, and it shows their consistency and maturity as songwriters; you can really tell this is not their first album. The ultimate takeaway here is that WARCALL deserve a lot more attention than what they’re currently getting. I hope to see them take things to the next level on their next full-length.” – Metal Temple
BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS
1. WarCall is proud to be a totally DIY band. We record, mix and master our own music and book our own tours.
2. The album was recorded in the Covid pandemic. We were able to record the drums in the summer in JC’s studio and the bass and vocals were recorded in Mat’s studio. JC and Mat each auto produced their guitar tracks on their side. Once all the instruments were recorded, Mat took care of editing and sound reinforcing the drums and guitars, while JC re-amped the guitars and solos in his studio. After the production process, Mat took care of the mix in the fall of 2020, with the input of Phil, JC and Gord along the way. Mixing was done by the end of 2020 and JC took care of the mastering in January 2021.
3. On top of being self-sufficient in the studio, WarCall is a road warrior and stage hungry band. 2020 was really hard for not being able to play shows and go on the road. A tour of Europe was in preparation for the fall on 2021 and it does not seem possible in the current context. So, while waiting to go on the road, WarCall will release music and probably start a new recording project soon!
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EP as a whole:
Recorded and mixed in a post-apocalyptic setting, we have let the events of 2020 influence the process and the mood of the EP, while still aiming for a timeless production that will age well in time. The title and artwork represent the doom and gloom of life in the year 2020 and how the human race reacts in the face of death and uncertainty. With the impossibility to meet to even take a band picture, WarCall presents themselves as fictional post-apocalyptic warriors, a subtle comment and nod to the current events that marked the year 2020.
Track by Track:
1. Intoxicated – The ways one can injure himself are numerous.
2. Black Amber – If you want something so hard it hurts and pushes you to self-destruction.
3. Off Road – A real-life tale of winter, ski doo and wolves.
4. Control Denied – Being powerless in front of a situation leads to frustration, anxiety and revolt.
5. Venom – The struggle of the warrior.
EP Title: Dead End Pt. 2
Release Date: November 26, 2021
Label: Plan B Music
Distribution: Independent
Track Listing:
1. Intoxicated (3:36)
2. Black Amber (4:59)
3. Off Road (4:03)
4. Control Denied (3:37)
5. Venom (6:12)
EP Length: 22:30
EP Title: Dead End Pt. 1
Release Date: April 23, 2021
Label: Plan B Music
Distribution: Independent
Track Listing:
1. Reckless (4:19) – Lyric Video – YouTube
2. Death Wish (8:00)
3. 800x (3:42)
4. The Chase (4:41) – Music Video – YouTube
EP Length: 20:44
EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: WarCall
• All songs written by: WarCall
• Produced by: WarCall
• Mixed by: Mat (Mathieu Simard)
• Mastered by: JC (Jean-Christophe Lachaine)
• Album Artwork by: Timur Khabirov
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
EP and Live Band Line Up:
Gord – Bass and Vocals
Phil – Drums
Mat – Guitars
JC – Guitars
Left to Right: Phil – Drums, Gord – Vocals / Bass, Mat – Guitar, JC – Guitar
Photo Credit / Artwork: Timur Khabirov
War has always been an intrinsic part of humanity. Whether it is huge wars involving entire countries or the small wars we all fight every day to survive, it is fair to say that war has defined humanity.
One of the definite treatises on war is Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’; a book still in print to this very day. On the use of music in war, Sun Tzu writes: “Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focussed on one particular point.”
Now, we have WarCall, who not only use drums, but also bass, guitars, and vocals to achieve the same end with their growing army of fans.
Inspired by Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead, Dissection, and Slayer, guitarist Mathieu Simard describes WarCall’s music as “fast, aggressive, melodic, dramatic!”.
Now, with four well-received albums under their bullet-belt (Invaders (2017), III (2015), Blood, Guts, and Dirt (2013), Demonarchy (2008)), and releasing their first of two EPs for 2021, “Dead End Pt. 1” on April 23rd, this power-quartet will now unleash “Dead End Pt. 2 on November 26th via their own label Plan B Music.
As a whole, the two EPs are a collection of 9 songs, 9 stories about struggles during 2020 (“Dead End Pt. 1” being 4 tracks). The EPs were recorded and mixed in a post-apocalyptic setting. As with every album, “Dead End Pt. 1” and “Dead End Pt. 2” are technically more advanced in terms of songwriting and production. Of course, Warcall has evolved as musicians from each recording, but they believe that their total is greater than the sum of its parts, so they play what feels right for the metal.
“We have let the events of 2020 influence the process and the mood of the two EPs, while still aiming for a timeless production that will age well in time. The title and artwork represent the doom and gloom of life in the year 2020 and how the human race reacts in the face of death and uncertainty. With the impossibility to meet to even take a band picture, WarCall presents themselves as fictional post-apocalyptic warriors, a subtle comment and nod to the current events that marked the year 2020. And while more atmospheric in their nature, the 5 songs from Dead End pt. 2 are delivered in a raw package. At first, we wanted to work on the songs a little more in order to achieve a different atmosphere than Dead End pt. 1. We experimented with sounds and textures to add in the places we thought needed it, but each time, we preferred the original version. In the end, we chose to go ahead with the songs as they are in their purest form.”
Live, post covid times, WarCall will truly give it their all with total authenticity. What you hear on their recordings is what you hear on stage. Energetic, powerful, focused, and proficient performances ready to encourage the circle pit.
WarCall has toured Europe (FR, DE, BE, CZE, SP) three times along with multiple tours across Eastern Canada. They have also been opening support for such bands as Destruction, Anvil, Paul Di’Anno, Kalmah, Catamenia, Impaled Nazarene, Arkona, Norther, Anonymus, Slaves on Dope, Martyr, Reanimator, Wolven Ancestry.
WarCall’s new EP “Dead End Pt. 2” is due out November 26, 2021 via Plan B Music.
Discography:
2021 – Dead End pt. 2 – EP
2021 – Dead End pt. 1 – EP
2017 – Invaders – LP
2015 – III – LP
2013 – Blood, Guts, and Dirt – LP
2008 – Demonarchy – LP
Shared Stage with:
Destruction, Anvil, Paul Di’Anno, Kalmah, Catamenia, Impaled Nazarene, Arkona, Norther, Anonymus, Slaves on Dope, Martyr, Reanimator, Wolven Ancestry
Tour History:
2019 – Winter Bash Festival (Montreal, QC),
2018 – Eastern Canada Tour (QC, NB, NS)
2017 – Opening Support for Anvil (Montreal, QC)
2017 – European Tour (FR, DE, BE, CZE)
2016 – Opening Support for Malignant Tumor (Quebec City, QC)
2016 – InnerFest (Jonquiere, QC)
2015 – Opening Support for Reanimator (Montreal, QC)
2015 – European Tour (FR, BE, DE)
2014 – European Tour (FR, SP, CZE)
2012 – Opening Support for Destruction (Montreal, QC)
2012 – Opening Support for Kruger (Sherbrooke and Trois Rivieres, QC)
2012 – Opening Support for Kruger (Troies, QC)
2012 – Opening Support for Salves On Dope (Montreal, QC)
2011 – Kalmah Tour (QC, ON)
2009 – Opening Support for Wolven Ancestry, Hellacaust (Toronto, ON)
2008 – Catemenia Tour (QC, ON)
2008 – Opening Support for Norther (Ottawa, ON, Chicoutimi, St-Hyacinthe, QC)
2008 – Opening Support for Impaled Nazarene (Halifax, NS, Moncton, NB)
2008 – Opening Support for Martyr (Lebel-sur-Quévillon, QC)
2008 – Opening Support for Kalmah (Montreal, QC)
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