Posts By Asher

0 Prog Power RED CAIN Streaming New Album “Kindred: Act II”, Album Stream Premiere via MetalInsider

January 21, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Red Cain

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2021

For fans of Kamelot, Symphony X, Amaranthe, Powerwolf

Prog Power RED CAIN Streaming New Album “Kindred: Act II”

Album Stream Premiere via MetalInsider

Album Out January 22, 2021

L-R – Tyler Corbett – Guitar, Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals, Taylor Gibson – Drums – Photo Credit Ravenkin Photography

Canada’s progressive power gothic metal band Red Cain will be unleashing their new album “Kindred: Act II” digitally on Friday, January 22, 2021 with the CD physical release out via Sliptrick Records at a later date this year.

Before it officially drops, the band is sharing with fans its exclusive full stream premiere via MetalInsider HERE.

Described as a vehicle of “Melancholy and Rage” and born out of the emerging music scene of Calgary, AB, 2017 YYC Awards Metal Recording of the Year winner Red Cain is a power/progressive metal project with Russian roots. With intricate songwriting, a heavy yet melodic feel reminiscent of progressive acts, and elements of Slavic myth and Russian paganism in the storytelling tradition of the cult of Veles, Red Cain champion a fluid, dynamic, and unique musical style centered around telling dark, conceptual Faustian sagas and constructing those into an unforgettable live experience.

The forthcoming sophomore full-length continues and ends the band’s storytelling of their Kindred saga, which began with their 2019’s “Kindred: Act: 1”. Offering a mix of melodies and metallic styles in power, progressive and goth metal, Red Cain continues to deliver epic adventurous songs with tracks like Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)”, “Demons”, “Kindred” and “Varyag and The Shrike”.

Vocalist Evgeniy Zayarny comments:

“Step forward in the ranks of the Varyag Mstislav, hear the chilling call of the Nameless Exarch, and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Aztec warrior Zalcoatl in the depths of an ancient Ziggurat. Experimental, aggressive, yet melodic and recognizably Red Cain, the second act in the “Kindred” saga sets the bar even higher in the hybrid prog/power style we have made our own.

Inspired by the age-old Slavic rites honouring the Sun and continuing the storytelling tradition of Veles, this album is an amalgam of myths, genres, and emotions – and we could not be more proud to be able to share it with you.

All stories must come to an end – but this is one where the action and intensity is at its peak. This is a story where the stakes are lethal, where the music is loud and the melodies cut deep – where the frozen North wind chills the land and an eldritch specter hangs over the horizon. Above all, this is a story of humanity reaching out toward the Sun, come what may. This is our story of “Kindred” – and we are absolutely fired up to bring you with us on this mad ride.”

Recommended for fans of Kamelot, Symphony X, and Amaranthe, Red Cain is giving fans seven custom pieces of digital art designed by the band along with an immediate download of their goth-rock headbanger“Demons” with album pre-order via their Bandcamp HERE.

Spotify
Lyric Video – “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)” – YouTube

Track Listing:
1. Kindred (5:06)
2. Demons (4:40)
3. Precipice of Man (5:18)
4. Baltic Fleet (4:53)
5. Varyag and The Shrike (5:54)
6. Sons of Veles (5:01)
7. Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire) (5:49)
Album Length: 36:45

For more info:
Facebook.com/redcainofficial
Twitter.com/RedCainArmy
Instagram.com/RedCainArmy
EPK

– 30 –

“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

“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

“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

“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

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Canada’s The Design Abstract Flirts With The Future With New Album “Technotheism” Out Jan 29th, Streaming Singles “The Apotheosis” and “The Return”

January 21, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · The Design Abstract

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2021

For fans Septicflesh, Scar Symmetry, Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Machina

Canada’s The Design Abstract Flirts With The Future With New Album “Technotheism” Out Jan 29th

Streaming Singles “The Apotheosis” and “The Return”

Out on January 29, 2021, “Technotheism” is the second full-length album from the band who also have two EPs in their catalogue. For those already familiar with their music, the creative blend of industrial and orchestra continue in “Technotheism”, albeit being even more technical and expansive than the previous releases. The band maintains that this will be the flagship album for them.

The two singles from the album “The Apotheosis” and “The Return” have already been released and are now streaming.

“The Apotheosis” – YouTube (Music Video), Spotify

“The Return” – YouTube (Lyric Video), Spotify

The singles are respectively the second oldest and second newest tracks on the album, and the bulk of the album lands somewhere in the middle in terms of writing and sound. “The Apotheosis” is two minutes packed full of everything The Design Abstract is capable of, and “The Return” is a more open and whimsical track revisiting some of the elements that made the earlier releases work. The band remarks on the singles:

“They were carefully chosen to show the scope of the album at large. “The Apotheosis” was written with the explicit purpose of showing off everything the band could do in one two minute whirlwind. The synth in this track is something very unique and indicative of the character of the band, and the structure is a fresh take on the genre. “The Return” is a triumphant song, littered with innovative, instrument layering and crunchy synth sounds. We really wanted to turn the contrast up so to speak: the guitar work is noticeably more death metal, but the vocals and orchestral passages are more soaring than ever. The outro features a notably unique synth solo, followed by the anthemic chorus.”

The Design Abstract crosses all the lines of the musical spectrum, darting from harsh industrial, soaring orchestral, melodic death complete with guttural screams contrasted with crystal clean singing finished off with a generous serving of synth. Each element is worked into the songs in a unique and comprehensive way.

Recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Scar Symmetry, and Dimmu Borgir, “Technotheism” is suitable for a variety of music fans.

“Technotheism” is out on January 29, 2021. Album pre-order – https://design.bandcamp.com/

More info:
Facebook.com/thedesignabstract
Instagram.com/voiicide
EPK

About:

The Design Abstract is a two-piece sci-fi-themed symphonic melo-death band from Ontario, Canada consisting of Logan Mayhem (guitar, songwriting, synth programming), and Voiicide (bass, vocals, scoring, additional sampling/programming). The band formed with a single goal: to create a blend of industrial-influenced symphonic metal that had never been done before. Since the debut album Emanate in 2017, The Design Abstract has sought to shed the antiquated tendencies of orchestral metal bands, instead pushing far into the future conceptually and lyrically. With each subsequent release (Corrupt in 2019 and Esoteric in 2020), the band pushed further into “melodic death metal” territory, brandishing more comprehensive riffs, technical drum writing, and more guttural vocals, but never lost the industrial-electronic edge or the massive and dramatic orchestral passages. The cumulation of this sound is their latest album Technotheism due out Jan 29, 2021.

A grandiose display of musicality, technicality, and narrative, the sophomore full length is a monumental 13-track work of symphonic melodic death metal that tells a cyberpunk story of a group of rebels fighting to regain control of Earth. It ranges from technical guitar work to atmospheric electronic passages, and just about everything in between. One thing you’ll notice about Technotheism is how it’s structured and how it all flows together. The pattern of the types of tracks, the order, and their function was very carefully planned out in a way that few albums are.

– 30 –

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0 \m/\m/ Hails Horns! Thank You Canadian MDs and Djs! #1 – Cell Press, #6 – Fuck The Facts !earshot The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

January 20, 2021
by Asher
· Cell Press · Fuck The Facts

\m/\m/ Hails Horns! Thank You Canadian MDs and Djs!

#1 – Cell Press, #6 – Fuck The Facts

!earshot The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 19, 2021

https://earshot-online.com/charts/index.cfm?intChartTypeID=106&dWeekOfID=2021-01-19

0 Rockshots Records: Victoria K Shares Video Clip “Freaks” From Upcoming DVD “Live Isolation Concert” Due Out Jan 29th

January 20, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Victoria K

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2021

For fans of Nightwish, Kamelot, Eluveitie, Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation

Rockshots Records: Victoria K Shares Video Clip “Freaks” From Upcoming DVD “Live Isolation Concert”

“Live Isolation Concert” Out January 29, 2021

Australia’s Victoria K will be releasing their first official DVD “Live Isolation Concert” on January 29, 2021 via Rockshots Records. The top-notch live DVD experience was recorded during the pandemic crisis and includes all the songs from the highly acclaimed debut album “Essentia” unleashed during April 2020.

Leading up to the DVD’s release, Victoria K is sharing the video clip for the track “Freaks”, which can be viewed on Rockshots Records‘ YouTube channel here.

The band adds:

“The song Freaks is based on the book “Freaks” by author Kieran Larwood. In the book, The Freaks are a band of misfits, trapped in a nightly Victorian sideshow. The song Freaks, therefore, explores how outcasts don’t fit in with the norms of society and are shunned by others and how these outcasts work through figuring out a way to finally accept and love who they are.

The DVD was the only way we could share a concert of our music with the world during the global pandemic. It shows how adaptable and resilient we can all be during times of crisis and that nothing can stop the music that brings people together and transcends race, religion, and even a global crisis. As artists to be able to leave a legacy even during times of global crisis is humbling and a reminder that we can overcome all adversity. Critically to be able to give something back to the fans for all their support over the years was very important to us and we a grateful for how the album Essentia was received. So the live isolation show was really a thank you to all our fans and a reminder that together we can get through this pandemic.”

“Freaks” is also available for stream and immediate download via the following links:

Spotify – http://spoti.fi/3q3ezmX

Apple Music – https://apple.co/35pSYgo

The DVD is available for pre-order here: https://bit.ly/VictoriaK_DVD

The live show will be also released as a digital album on the major online stores.

Track Listing:
1. The Haunting
2. Mist Filled Sky
3. Forsaken
4. Humanity
5. Surreal
6. Freaks
7. Shroud of Solitude
8. Lacuna
9. Freedom Uncharted
10. Matrix

Australia’s Victoria K released her debut album “Essentia” on April 24, 2020 via Rockshots Records. The full length was produced by Lee Bradshaw and features special guest Michalina Malisz (Eluveitie).

Album order: here.
Spotify and iTunes here.

Music Videos:
‘Matrix’ here.
‘The Haunting’ here.
‘Forsaken’ here.
‘Lacuna’ here.

The Melbourne singer/songwriter has made her mark on the rock and metal scene with the release of her debut single ‘Monster’ in 2016, featuring guitar work by Brett Garsed (John Farnham Band) along with her 2019 follow up track ‘Lacuna’ distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia) and is the lead single off the upcoming album.

The single garnered a lot of media praise and created an opportunity for Victoria K to support Swiss folk metal giants Eluveitie for their May 2019 tour date in Melbourne, a performance that had the crowd chanting for an encore.

Although the album was originally a solo project, it has now developed into the current band structure with each member bringing their own energy and experience to the collective. The band is looking forward to collaborating on future releases.

Victoria K adds:

“I really hope that when our fans and new listeners hear the album they can all find something that they connect with on a deeper level. Whether that connection is found from within the music itself or from specific lyrics, I really hope they find something familiar, which can connect them to some experience they have had, invoking memories and feelings, eliciting an emotional response.”

Victoria K‘s talented songwriting and compositional influences include Evanescence, Within Temptation, Nightwish and Kamelot amongst other current bands in the European metal scene and her music have been likened to be a blend of these influences. Victoria K has racked up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube with her own original creations and through featured videos alongside a number of talented musicians covering a plethora of songs. Victoria K‘s covers include Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”, Nightwish’s “Last Ride of the Day”, Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” and Kamelot’s “Insomnia”, the latter of which received attention from the band themselves on Twitter and led to a meeting of talents when the American power metal band found themselves in Melbourne during their 2018 ‘The Shadow Theory’ Australian tour.

Band Line-Up:
Victoria K – Vocals
Sheri Vengeance – Extreme Vocals (Black Like Vengeance, ex. Ne Obliviscaris)
Julia Mammone – Guitar (Enlight)
Martin Kawaler – Bass (Black Like Vengeance, ex Ten Thousand)
James Davies – Drums

For more info:
Roc kshots.eu
Victoriakmusicofficial.com

– 30 –

“Lovers of symphonic metal listen up… because Victoria K is about to put Australia on the map.” – Heavy Magazine

“Victoria K’s vocals are absolutely brilliant, they’re ethereal and infectious” – Buzz Music

“The sense of yearning and resolution in Lacuna is woven with sophistication and skill.” – Hysteria Magazine

“She very quickly won over the crowd and with her voice and great tracks like ‘Lacuna’ and ‘Matrix’ it is very easy to see that she will soon be matching it alongside bands like Evanescence and Nightwish.” – Heavy Magazine

“’Lacuna’ is an atmospheric track in which Victoria showcases her fantastic voice by switching between delicate verses and powerful choruses with total ease.” – Maniacs

“’Lacuna’ has so much Metal and so much Gothic in it that you’d want to hear it repeatedly if you’re a Metal fan. The music is sharp and powerful, and the song easily flows into your senses.” – FemMetal

“The latest exciting new talent to emerge from the Melbourne metal scene…” – Sentinel Daily

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Streaming Now! Jeff Pennachio’s Orchestral Soundtrack Rock “Setting The Stage”, EP Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace

January 20, 2021
by Asher
· Jeff Pennachio · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2021

For fans of Plini, Dream Theater, Trans Siberian Orchestra

Streaming Now! Jeff Pennachio’s Orchestral Soundtrack Rock “Setting The Stage”

EP Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace

“Setting The Stage” Out January 22, 2021

New York’s Jeff Pennachio (guitarist for Design The Void) is now streaming his debut EP “Setting The Stage” before it officially drops on Friday, January 22, 2021. The three-track collection of progressive instrumental soundscapes paints a diverse and explosive picture suitable for metal aficionados of all sorts.

The EP can be heard in full via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

The three tracks on the EP are intriguing in their differences, yet uphold a cohesiveness amongst them. Pennachio took inspiration from his work with other bands to craft the tracks on this record.

The first track “Wilson Theatre” inspired the album artwork, and became an introduction to the theme and overall song of the second track “Interposition”, which is also the album single. The third track “The Voyager” is somewhat similar to the second, created from a keyboard part. To Pennachio, it particularly reminded him of a finale making it an easy one to finish strong and bring a close to this EP. Pennachio explains the album:

“Although the music I normally compose is in my band Design the Void, I personally believe this is a nice break from prog/death metal, with only a focus on instrumentation. I’m hoping this music will not just be enjoyable, but also sort of develop its own picture for the listener. I’ve always enjoyed music that can represent an image.”

Pennachio found it easy to put together this handful of songs, saying that they sort of wrote themselves at the time of composition. If this release is received well, he says fans can definitely expect another EP within a year or so.

A real treat for anyone who enjoys instrumental rock and intense soundtracks will enjoy Jeff Pennachio especially fans of Plini, Dream Theater and Trans Siberian Orchestra.

“Setting The Stage” EP pre-save links HERE.

Track Listing:
1.Wilson Theater (5:29)
2.Interposition (3:34)
3.The Voyager (4:27)
EP Length: 13:32

More Info:
Official Website: Jeff Pennachio
Facebook.com/Jeff-Pennachio-Guitarist-Composer-105261564849151/
Instagram.com/voidboi2032
EPK

About:
Jeff Pennachio comes from New York State in the USA and besides being known for his guitar playing in Design The Void, he is also releasing his own solo work.

Between 2016 and 2018 he wrote the solo material while in a cover group titled The Stay. The group did not steer in the direction so much of original music, but the inspiration was there to start composing music of this sort. He began working on the tracks as a small compilation for potential future work. After a couple of years had passed, Pennachio has finally taken the time to release this music to the public.

Pennachio writes and records all guitars, drums, bass, and orchestrations and will be continuing on composing music that takes inspiration from soundtracks. He also finds inspiration in bands such as Dream Theater, Plini, and Trans Siberian Orchestra. His debut solo EP “Setting The Stage” is due out January 22, 2021.

– 30-

“You really have to admire what instrumental wizard Jeff Pennachio is doing on his new song, “Interposition”. A multi-instrumentalist that does indeed record every instrument himself (guitars, bass, drums, programming), his new solo EP Setting The Stage drops later this month… While relatively short at under 4 minutes long, the new song does a good job of offering what Jeff is all about – instrumental and progressive goodness that straddles the line between progressive rock and progressive metal with ease.” – New Fury Media

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
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0 Cell Press New Music Video “Blacked Out In Verdun”, Video Premiere via IDIOTEQ

January 20, 2021
by Asher
· Cell Press · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2021

For fans of KEN mode, Unsane, Mastodon, Keelhaul

Cell Press New Music Video “Blacked Out In Verdun”

Video Premiere via I DIOTEQ

EP Out Now! Limited Edition Cassette from Ancient Temple Recordings and No Funeral Records

Lineup (L to R): Sean Arsenian (Guitar, Vox), Joey Cormier (Bass), Mark McGee (Drums), PQ (Vox)

A concoction of noise, sludge, grindcore, and extreme metal, along with anything and everything the band feels like creating, Montreal’s Cell Press (a convergence of talent from well-seasoned musicians (The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, Architect)) unleashed their self-titled debut EP this past November along with limited editions cassettes released by No Funeral Records and Ancient Temple Recordings.

“This EP sorta sums up what we’re about at this particular moment. Genre people might not be satisfied with our lack of adherence to any one sound for too long, but we didn’t make these songs for those sorts of people. This ep is designed as a broad introduction to the band, and new listeners will hopefully anticipate what else is coming down the pipe in the future. It upholds the high standards Cell Press sets for themselves and each song is quite different from the others.” says the band.

Today, Cell Press shares their latest music video “Blacked Out In Verdun”, a song that can be described as a sort of mish-mash of Helmet and Keelhaul.

Guitarist Sean Arsenian elaborates on how the video came to be:

“My co-worker Morgan Hunt walked into DFA Tattoos for Halloween wearing the llama mask you see in the video. I immediately recruited him to help me with the vague idea I had for it… and then we made him fall down a bunch of times. We paid for his wine, and that was the entire 20$ budget for the video. Morgan found the trash heap to lay down in at the end of the video and did so with zero prompting from us. He’d worked hard that day and deserved a rest.”

Watch the full video via its premiere on IDIOTEQ HERE.

Super loud and vigorous, Cell Press is recommended for fans of Jesus Lizard, Converge, and Botch.

Digital download here.

Limited edition cassette order available from No Funeral Records and Ancient Temple Recordings.

Spotify playlist add here.

Videos:
Desert Breath – YouTube (Music Video)
Piss Police – YouTube (Drum Playthrough)
Dead At OACI – YouTube (Drum Playthrough)

Track Listing:
1. Piss Police (3:35)
2. Desert Breath (2:52)
3. Blacked Out In Verdun (2:37)
4. Dead At OACI (3:31)
5. My Son Will No The Truth 11:40
EP Length: 24:18

For more info:
Facebook.com/cellpressmtl
Instagram.com/celllpresss
EPK

About:

Cell Press are a Montreal-based band that formed in 2019. They play a sort of burly noise-rock that leans more on the hardcore and metal side of the swamp. They took their name from the 2001 Russian prison documentary “The Mark Of Cain”. The brutal humanity of that film is reflected in the music… on the surface, it’s raw and punishing but there are complexities

and nuances revealed once the surface noise has been embraced. Members have played in a myriad of punk, metal, and hardcore bands such as The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, The Chariot, Animal Ethics, Architect, Swarm Of Spheres, and Angles. Their self-titled EP is the first offering of tunes. Recorded pre-quarantine in Hamilton at Boxcar Sound Recording

(Sean Pearson), mixed in Oakland at Anti-sleep studios by Scott Evans with the pandemic in full swing… 2 local shows have been logged but any further plans to gig have been halted by Covid-19.

Discography:
2020 – Self Titled – EP

– 30 –

“From the grooves on “Piss Police” to the odd-timed melodic chords of “Blacked Out in Verdun,” everything moves in unexpected ways. All of this is perfectly set to the backdrop of PQ’s uniquely cackled screams… Cell Press is a great sludge metal EP that reminds the listener of the best aspects of this sub-genre. This EP makes the future appear bright for what is to come from this band. 8/10″ – Exclaim!

“You know that feeling, when you spin a new record for the first time and it just fucking destroys you? Well today I am happy to report, Cell Press outta Montreal have truly delivered the goods with their debut self titled EP. I mean fuck, is it any wonder this band rules, when they can boast members from the likes of The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, Architect. With their self-titled release, Cell Press give zero fucks about accessibility, instead they focus on delivering punishing aggression with a melting pot of sludge metal, noise rock, and grindcore.” – The Sludgelord

“Warm fuzzy guitar tones bring a touch of the Sabbath to “Piss Police” with broken chords and momentary pauses giving the kind of sound that Raging Speedhorn look for to accompany the rampant venting screams of the vocals that unapologetically roar along during the montage.” – Metal Noise

“Cell Press’s debut self titled EP is definitely an interesting listen. I didn’t expect it to take me on the journey which it did. An aggressive sound runs throughout showing that this band don’t play by the rules, they’re making music the way they want to.” – The Independent Voice

“Noisy and enjoyable, I give this Cell Press effort high marks. I am a Punk fan from the beginning, and I hear those roots here, certainly in the attitude, even if the category is technically off. The disenfranchisement is very appealing. Recommended.” – Flying Fiddle Sticks

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
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0 EPK – The Design Abstract – Technotheism (2021) (Abstrakted Records)

January 19, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · The Design Abstract

EPK – The Design Abstract – Technotheism (2021)

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

For fans Septicflesh, Scar Symmetry, Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Machina

Album Title: Technotheism
Release Date: Jan 29th, 2021
Label: Abstrakted Records
Distribution: Distrokid

Facebook.com/thedesignabstract | Youtube | Instagram.com/voiicide

Design.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“Incorporating old school sci-fi visual elements with choppy electronics, catchy guitar parts and perfectly timed kick drums, this track (Parallel Projection) is a synth metal blast!” – Metal Injection

“A symphonic technical death metal masterpiece with an amazing concept to keep you engaged from start to finish \m/” – Heavy New York

“Now for some nerd shit. Technotheism is a concept record about the future that at it’s core is a melodic death metal record, but the band dabbles with electronic elements, technicality, and grand orchestrations throughout. Fans of Last Chance To Reason and really any band Mike Semesky (Ordinance, Raunchy, etc) has been a part of will probably dig this.” – Metal Injection

“This is a grandiose affair, full of musicality, technicality, and narrative. Thirteen tracks of symphonic melodic death metal that tells a cyberpunk story of a group of rebels fighting to regain control of Earth. It ranges from technical guitar work to atmospheric electronic passages, and just about everything in between.” – The Prog Space

“I love hearing something ambitious and genre-bending when a band can follow through on their vision. The Design Abstract is one such band, one that had an idea and put it together almost flawlessly… This album is every bit as diverse, colorful, and epic as I had hoped, and there are jaw-dropping moments galore. I absolutely love this record.” – The Prog Mind

“The Canadian The Design Abstract continues exactly where the appetizer “Esoteric”, published last year, caused unimagined enthusiasm. As a result, the duo from Ontario cuts even more clearly into the notch of futuristic sci-fi melodic death metal, which lives largely from orchestral and symphonic density, but which also steers very sophisticated and elegant in the right direction… Rarely do you hear such an exciting album that continues to rotate a unique spindle of ideas between melodic and progressive elements. Death metal meets industrial, songs that are staged in a great symphonic and epic breadth. 9.5/10″ ” – Zephyrs Odem

“The Design Abstract goes for a big symphonic style in extreme metal, with a few twists and surprises along the way. Fans of the dystopian and/or futuristic sounds may find the album especially interesting. The Design Abstract is the symphony that remains after the alien zombies have taken over and this is the music that they want the world to hear to remind everyone that the zombies are horrible beings that enjoy tormenting the population with grandiose cacophony. When can the party begin, right?” – Metal Bulletin Zine

“THE DESIGN ABSTRACT – Technothesim is an eavesdropping beyond one’s own musical nose, which is worth it!” – My Revelations

L-R: Logan Mayhem (guitar, songwriting, synth programming), and Voiicide (bass, vocals, scoring, additional sampling/programming) – Photo Credit – Tami Martin

A grandiose display of musicality, technicality, and narrative, the sophomore full length is a monumental 13-track work of symphonic melodic death metal that tells a cyberpunk story of a group of rebels fighting to regain control of Earth. It ranges from technical guitar work to atmospheric electronic passages, and just about everything in between. One thing you’ll notice about Technotheism is how it’s structured and how it all flows together. The pattern of the types of tracks, the order, and their function was very carefully planned out in a way that few albums are.

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Technotheism
Release Date: Jan 29th, 2021
Label: Abstrakted Records
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Relentless (2:05)
2. Deus Est Machina (6:33)
3. The Apotheosis (1:54)
4. Among the Stars (1:36)
5. The Resistance (4:37)
6. Voidwalkers (3:46)
7. The Omnisphere (1:32)
8. Data Shield Attack (6:18)
9. The Return (3:41)
10. Elucidate (1:11)
11. Parallel Projection (3:46)
12. Annihilation (3:46)
13. A World of One (4:00)
Album Length: 44:50

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Voiicide & Logan Mayhem
• All songs written by: Voiicide & Logan Mayhem
• Produced by: Voiicide @ Abstrakted Records
• Mixed by: Voiicide @ Abstrakted Records
• Mastered by: Voiicide @ Abstrakted Records
• Album Artwork by: Roger Creus
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
• Voiicide – bass, songwriting, scoring/programming, lyrics, vocals
• Logan Mayhem – guitars, additional songwriting, sampling
• Guitar solos on track 2 by Luke Robinson
• Guest vocals on track 2 by Megurine Luka

Discography:
2021 – Technotheism – LP
2020 – Esoteric EP
2019 – Corrupt EP
2017 – Emanate – LP
(as band name ‘Design.’)
2016 – Catharsis – LP
2013 – Apotheosis

0 Blackened Death Ancient Thrones Drum Playthrough “The Millionth Grave” Off Latest Concept Album “The Veil”, Playthrough Premiere via TheCirclePit

January 19, 2021
by Asher
· Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 19, 2021

For fans of Revocation, Skeletonwitch, The Red Chord, The Black Dahlia Murder, Wolves in the Throne Room

Blackened Death Ancient Thrones Drum Playthrough “The Millionth Grave” Off Latest Concept Album “The Veil”

Playthrough Premiere via TheCirclePit

New Album “The Veil” Out Now!

L-R: Dylan Wallace (Guitar)| Nick Leslie (Guitar)| Sean Hickey (Drums, Vocals)| Matt LeBlanc (Bass)
Photo Credit – Matt LeBlanc

This past November, Halifax, Canada’s Ancient Thrones unleashed their concept album “The Veil”. The full length is 57-minute descent into the afterlife telling the story of grief that people can relate to through dark and progressive blackened death.

Ancient Thrones explains:

“The record is a concept record so it’s meant to be listened to in its entirety to get the full experience of the story. Even the songs were written and laid out in a way that they seamlessly transition into each other. Almost as if it was just one long piece of music broken up into separate parts as tracks. We want people to headbang and mosh, but we also want to bring people on a journey through this world of purgatory and grief and understand each phase of grief the record represents through the 10 tracks.”

Today, in support of “The Veil”, drummer Sean Hickey is sharing his playthrough for the track “The Millionth Grave”.

“I’m happy to showcase the drums for this playthrough of The Millionth Grave. It was filmed fittingly in our rehearsal space. The song itself is an eclectic blend of some of my favorite genres of metal, and in particular, I was inspired by bands like Beyond Creation to create the groove in the bridge of the song, which is still one of my proudest moments on the record. In our concept album The Veil, the track lyrically is the introduction to the character of death named Viduus and I wanted to establish that control and godlike power that character has with those crushing bomb blast chorus sections, as he showcasing his capabilities to our deceased character and taking the listener through a frenzy of tense aggression”

To view “The Millionth Grave” drum playthrough, please visit TheCirclePit for its premiere HERE.

Recommended for fans of Revocation, The Red Chord, and The Black Dahlia Murder, “The Veil” is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon.

Lyric Video – The Soul To Flesh – YouTube
Guitar Playthrough – The Soul To Flesh – YouTube
Guitar Playthrough – Divided/Dissolve – YouTube
Bass Playthrough – The Millionth Grave – YouTube

Track Listing:
1. Transient (1:58)
2. The Sight of Oblivion (6:00)
3. The Millionth Grave (5:53)
4. The Soul to Flesh (6:14)
5. Viduus (The Veil) (9:29)
6. Sentient (2:11)
7. The River of Rain (4:32)
8. Divided/Dissolve (9:12)
9. The Infinite Eyes (9:10)
10. Permanent (2:54)
Album Length: 57:38

More info:
Facebook.com/Ancientthrones
Instagram.com/ancientthrones
EPK

About:

Ancient Thrones, formerly “Abysseral Throne”, is a locally acclaimed blackened metal outfit that rebranded to suit major changes in line-up and songwriting.

Formed in 2011, they quickly went to work to establish themselves among their scene and gained local notoriety eventually allowing them the opportunities to open for renowned metal acts from across the globe.

Sean Hickey (drums/vocals) is the sole original founder of Abysseral remaining, Matt LeBlanc joined in 2015 on bass and improved and refined the sound and operation drastically. Once they lost their original singer and guitar player Jonny Rains, Dylan Wallace joined and took over main songwriting duties. Hickey took over completely on vocals with a black/death metal vocal style, and Nick Leslie joined shortly after on the second guitar. Work began on writing a new album which took about 3 months to write the music for. The new material sparked the name change to Ancient Thrones as an homage to one of Hickey’s favorite bands and inspirations, Wolves in the Throne Room.

In 2013 the band released its debut record and its subsequent follow-up in 2016, “Storming The Black Gate”, which was nominated for an East Coast Music Award. Ancient Thrones have toured throughout Canada, and played at several festivals, sharing the stages with bands such as Silverstein, The Agonist, Black Crown Initiate, and Skull Fist.

2020 sees the release of the concept album “The Veil” showcasing the band’s desire for storytelling and pushing them to new heights musically. The new album explores the journey of a man faced with tragedy, his mortality and ultimately the permanence of our actions told through technical soundscapes and haunting atmosphere.

– 30 –

“A full-throttle attack, the song (The Sight of Oblivion) delivers bludgeoning rhythms, vicious darting and slashing guitar-work, scorching blackened shrieks, and cold-hearted roars.” – No Clean Singing

“Nearly an hour in length, The Veil earns that run-time with crisply-written compositions and an arsenal of sky-ripping riffs. The acoustic reprieve of “Sentient” and melodic grief of “Permanent” reveal the album’s heavy heart. But the album conjures strength from those pensive moments. Rife with nimble axe-work from Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, The Veil never succumbs to the solemnity of its subject. The Veil remains an impactful listen down to its final dying note.” – Decibel Magazine

“Canadian band Ancient Thrones perform a combination of black, death and thrash metal with some progressive tendencies on The Veil. They have similarities to Skeletonwitch, but have an even more dynamic sound.” – Heavy Music Headquarters – Ancient Thrones

“The prize for most ambitious album of 2020 already has the name of Ancient Thrones carved in marble.” – Scream Blast Repeat

“a 57-minute descent into purgatory….” – Permafrost Today

“The Sight of Oblivion and The Millionth Grave are steeped in ferociousness and savagery as only a band well versed in blackened death metal are capable of producing.8.5/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“an album filled with pummeling riffs, intricate song structures, and technical musicianship… fans of more epic and melodic Black/Death will want to give The Veil a listen. 4/5” – The Metal Crypt

—

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0 EPK – Matt Chanway – Unrelenting (single) (2021)

January 18, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Matt Chanway (Guitar Shredder)

Matt Chanway – Unrelenting (single) (2021)

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

“This tune was a lot of fun to write, and I feel it flows a lot better than songs I’ve released in the past. One big difference is the use of live drums, played by the amazing Mike ‘Machine’ Mallais. Previous music I’ve released has used programmed drums, and while my programmer did a great job, there is just something about live drums and Mike slayed it on this track. This is the first of several new songs I’ve got lined up this year, and I am very excited to play these live when it is safe to do so!” – Matt Chanway

Progressive Instrumental Metal Guitar Shred

For fans of Plini, Scale The Summit, Animals As Leaders, CHON

Release Date: February 19, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/MattChanway | Instagram.com/MattChanway | Youtube

Spotify | MattChanway.Bandcamp | Amazon

“For fans of artists like Animals As Leaders, Scale the Summit, and Plini, “Unrelenting” showcases all of Matt’s various technical guitar abilities. From angular, dissonant riffs and pummeling rhythms to all manner of lead shredding, the track is jam-packed with all kinds of prog goodness and is undoubtedly sure to please fans of the genre.” – Gear Gods

“Solo artist Matt Chanway is a shredder whose instrumental compositions elicit comparisons to Conquering Dystopia, Alluvial, and the like. It becomes immediately evident that the dude knows his way around a fretboard (having studied guitar performance at the University of West London), but his widdely-woo is tasteful enough so as to not become tiresome, with care taken to first craft a sick riff to wail over. You can watch the maestro at work in this playthrough of “The Receiver of Wisdom” – a ditty from his debut self-titled album released on Christmas day 2016. A fine gift suited for even Jesus himself.” – Geargods

“Matt’s self-titled solo debut is proof of his versatility and prowess as a musician… quite impressed by his new material” – Progzilla (Album Review – Self-Titled 2016)

“if you find bands like Megadeth, Revocation and guitarists such as Jeff Loomis to be up your alley, Matt Chanway’s debut effort is absolutely your cup of tea and you would be well-advised to give it a spin. A compelling debut in every aspect.” – Metal Assault (Album Review – Self-Titled 2016)

“‘Eyes in the Sky’, just WOW! This is my ultimate favorite track in this album. Drums and guitars parts are just awesome. I love the guitar riff so much, and how the drums breaking-it over it. It’s just stunning. Also, the next part took me back to my beloved 80s metal era! I really felt the guitar here was the vocalist, not just a string instrument doing some melodies. The solo of this track took an oriental mode, which helped the track output very much indeed.” – Rock Era Magazine (Album Review – Self-Titled 2016)

“You can hear the love of playing the guitar that emanates from the fingers of this extremely talented player with song after song of thrills and heavy shredding.” – Altered Frequencies (Album Review – Self-Titled 2016)

“This is not an album just for shredders, it’s for anyone who wants an album of great metal that will get your head banging and wear your air guitar out.” – The Ripple Effect (Album Review – Self-Titled 2016)

“Burstfire solos, frantic time signatures, complicated riffing and the like are all signposts of an artist who wants to see how far he can go. Unsurprisingly, this ambition pays off. The release could stand on its own as proof that Matt could play alongside the world’s greatest in shred guitar.” – Prog Sphere Magazine (Album Review – Self-Titled 2016)

“The progressive metal genre never ceases to provide scores of insanely skilled guitar-slingers, and Vancouver’s Matt Chanway can now be recognized as another mind-blowing practitioner of the style.” – Guitar.com

Release Date: February 19, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing: Unrelenting (4:59)

Single Credits:
Song is written by Matt Chanway
Produced, mixed, mastered by Dan Yakimow
Musicians:
Guitar – Matt Chanway
Drums – Mike Mallais
Bass – Colin Gradin

Matt Chanway is a Canadian guitarist, instructor, and session musician from Vancouver BC. His debut album was released in 2016 to critical acclaim, and not long after finished as a finalist in Guitar Idol, the world’s foremost guitar competition showcasing the top emerging players on the planet. In 2019, Chanway released the follow-up single “The Beyond”, once again to high praise. Holding a Fellowship in music performance from the University of West London, Matt teaches guitar and theory full-time in his hometown Vancouver BC.

Matt’s playing is inspired by a combination of the old and new school, with rock guitar players from the ’80s, modern progressive “shredders” such as Dan Mongrain and Jeff Loomis, as well as 70’s jazz-rock musicians John Mahavishnu and Al Di Meola. Fans of challenging, progressive, intense instrumental music – artists such as Plini, Alluvial, Tony Macalpine, Animals As Leader – will enjoy Chanway’s music.

Now in 2021, Chanway returns with a fresh new single entitled “Unrelenting”, an upbeat, shredtacular track to take listeners on a wonderful sonic adventure of instrumental progressive metal showcasing his authentic guitar themes, and addictive riffs. Plans for more music in 2021 is already in the works, and Chanway looks forward to sharing his razor-sharp passages meld with soaring solos.

Discography:
2021 – Unrelenting (single)
2019 – The Beyond (single)
2016 – Self-Titled (LP)

2019 – The Beyond (single)

0 EPK – As We Suffer – The Fallen Pillars (2021)

January 18, 2021
by Asher
· As We Suffer · EPKs

EPK – As We Suffer – The Fallen Pillars (2021)

Publicist – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations(.)com

For fans of Machine Head, Propagandhi, Death by Stereo, Rise Against

Album Title: The Fallen Pillars
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/aswesuffer | Instagram.com/aswesuffer

Distrokid – Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon here.

“Ottawa’s As We Suffer are entering new territory with their new song, “The Fallen Pillars”. The title track off the band’s upcoming debut album (due out in April), it’s a blender of different metal and hardcore subgenres. Everything from groove metal to metalcore influences are prominent in the new track, with powerful vocals that help the band’s accessibility.” – New Fury Media

“AS WE SUFFER infuse anthemic heavy metal vibe into their metalcore / hardcore spine with new track “Invade The Host”” – IDIOTEQ

A little metalcore, a little bit hardcore, a little bit groove… but a hell of a head-banging heavy metal album, As We Suffer bring blistering intensity on the opening pairing of Caustic Paradigm and Malicious Compliance. Tracks that are perfect for opening up a big pit of sweating bodies and neck-breaking behaviour. The former has the speed while the latter has the kick-ass groove.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Their energetic brand of metal will interest fans of the mainstream metalcore/ hardcore of the 00’s such as Bullet for My Valentine, and early Killswitch Engage.. a fun and energetic debut, and I hope soon to be able to experience it live.” – The Independent Voice

“this is a pretty killer debut for As We Suffer! If you were a teenage metalhead in the mid-2000s then this will call out to you with its nostalgic combination of bands that you loved back then. This gives ‘The Fallen Pillars’ strong potential to find its way into the music collections of many people and I feel that the core concept will be pretty relatable to everyone. What really interests me is where As We Suffer will go from here? Will we see a string of concept albums from them, or is this a one off? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain, As We Suffer is a band worth keeping an eye on.” – Uber Rock

“The Fallen Pillars is a solid first album for a band that obviously loves everything that’s fast and aggressive. With great performances across the board and some strong songwriting… Give the album a listen!” Rock n’ Load Mag

“As We Suffer As a first effort, The Fallen Pillars has the chance to win over decades of fans who have an affinity for metalcore.” – Heavy Music HQ

“Another stand out is “Concrete Fist” which was one of the pre-release singles and an obvious choice as it throws down the gauntlet to any opposition. A song about making a stand through violent uprising with the caveat that this kind of solution often comes at the sacrifice of a healthy mind, it’s heavy from start to finish but arguably saving the best to last with title track “The Fallen Pillars” which is reminiscent of “The End of Heartache” era Killswitch Engage. The clean vocal parts on this one are simple immense and the way they’ve been cut with the uncleans is impressive [8/10]” – Metal Noise

“Today’s Song of The Day is The Fallen Pillars by As We Suffer. As We Suffer is a Hardcore/Punk/metal band from Ottawa and The Fallen Pillars is the title track off their upcoming debut album, set to release in April of 2021. It’s the most melodic song on the album, but doesn’t sacrifice heavy as it includes a djent vibe, along with aggressive riffs. As We Suffer play with pure passion, which echoes out clearly through their music.” – Dropout Entertainment

“The sound of the album is great throughout and perfectly adapted to the selected spectrum of effects of the music. Vocalist Matt Caldwell has the right style for every part and is really a great singer who can cover many areas, which is probably one of the biggest pluses.” – Schwermetallvergiftung

L-R – Ryan Caldwell (Bass), Jason Yocom (Guitar), Matt Caldwell (Vocals), Derik Roblin (Guitar), Chris Nunn (Drums)
Photo Credit – Laura Collins-Music Photography

Ottawa, Canada’s As We Suffer started out as a cover band, but quickly delved into writing original material. In the early days they focused on a more metal-infused skate punk vibe with major influence stemming from Pennywise, Strung Out, and NOFX but it very quickly took on a more metal feel. Since 2020, the sound has further morphed into a more metalcore vibe along the lines of early Killswitch Engage and Bullet for my Valentine, while still maintaining a distinct hardcore style.

Four of the original band members have known each other for a long time, with two of the members, vocalist Matt Caldwell and bassist Ryan Caldwell being cousins; together with their long-time friends drummer Chris Nunn and Jason Yocom. The band officially established in 2018 picking a name that represents unity in the existential suffering we all experience. Eventually, they were joined by guitarist Derik Roblin.

The long time comradery between the members enables them to write music organically, trading off who is the primary songwriter for each track. All lyrics are written by M. Caldwell, who aims to tell a story and deliver a message without being too literal or specific, allowing the audience to interpret on their own. Themes are largely infused with existentialism, civil and political unrest.

This organic flow continues to benefit the band when they play, the passionate stage presence is heightened by M. Caldwell’s intensity, R. Caldwell’s slick bass licks, Roblin’s powerful energy, and Nunn’s technical prowess. They bring a unique back-to-basics flavor to each performance, especially through the dynamic nature of each of the band members.

As We Suffer released a demo in 2018 and will follow it up with “The Fallen Pillars” in April 2021.

Album Band Line Up:
Ryan Caldwell (Bass), Jason Yocom (Guitar), Matt Caldwell (Vocals), Derik Roblin (Guitar), Chris Nunn (Drums)

Discography:
2021 – The Fallen Pillars (LP)
2018 – Demo

Shared Stage With:
Living with Lions, Venom Prison, Fates got a Driver, Call it Home

Album Title: The Fallen Pillars
Release Date: April 30, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Caustic Paradigm (2:58)
2. Malicious Compliance (3:24)
3. An Open Letter (to the Bleeding Hearts) (2:41)
4. Fucking Relentless (2:28)
5. Invade The Host (3:21)
6. The Great Leveler (3:51)
7. High Tide (3:32)
8. Scatter The Herd (2:25)
9. Shadows Caste In White (4:44)
10. Concrete Fist (2:59)
11. The Fallen Pillars (5:17)
Album Length: 37:46

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: As We Suffer
• All songs written by: As We Suffer
• Produced by: Dark Moon Productions
• Mixed by: Dark Moon Productions
• Mastered by: Dark Moon Productions
• Album Artwork by:
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Ryan Caldwell (Bass)
Jason Yocom (Guitar)
Matt Caldwell (Vocals)
Derik Roblin (Guitar)
Chris Nunn (Drums)

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