Happy New Year! Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love and support! \m/\m/
#1 – Cell Press, #4 – Fuck The Facts, #6 – Skyless Aeons
!earshot – The National Loud Chart
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Posts By Asher
0 Happy New Year! Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love and support! \m/\m/ #1 – Cell Press, #4 – Fuck The Facts, #6 – Skyless Aeons !earshot – The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 12, 2021
0 Funeral Drone Duo Alexander (ft. Members of Zaum, Jealousy Mountain Duo) Premiere Video “Runes” via MetalInjection
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 13, 2021
For Fans of Sunn O))), Boris, Merzbow, Caspar Brötzmann Massaker, Burial Chamber Trio, Lustmord, Neurosis
Funeral Drone Duo Alexander (ft. Members of Zaum, Jealousy Mountain Duo) Share Video “Runes”
L-R – Kyle Alexander McDonald (Voices, Bass, Sub Synth) and Jörg Alexander Schneider (Drums, Percussion)
Comprised of Kyle Alexander McDonald (Voices, Bass, Sub Synth, and FX) of Canadian mantra doom band ZAUM and Jörg Alexander Schneider (Drums, Percussion) of German free jazz band Jealousy Mountain Duo, the funeral drone twosome known as Alexander have a new video to share for their track “Runes” off their debut album “I”, released this past October via Superbob Records.
“Runes” is a monstrous boundless ambient encounter, taking a listener on an over 19-minute convergence of unbiased soundscapes.
“To me, the track and the concept of Alexander symbolizes a future of humans and earth where no bounds, no cliches, no barriers exist anymore, it’s far beyond words and rhythms, metaphysical exploration where just sounds and silence exists,” adds Jörg Alexander Schneider.
The video for “Runes” can be viewed and heard via its premiere on MetalInjection HERE.
“I”, the two-track monolithic funeral drone experience is a dark and intangible descent into madness that echoes with reverberation plus drawn-out riffs and comes from the duo’s shared appreciation of experimentation and true artistic expression within music and sound.
“Fans of our other musical endeavours should find this fits quite almost as expected in a sense. No lyrics, writing is channeled directly from the fringe of the universe. Reconsider the reality of your existence, in the present moment. Allow yourself to have your perspective altered!”
Just now commencing their audiological voyage, Alexander suggests that several more experimental funeral drone albums will follow. Alexander is recommended for fans of Sunn O))), Boris, and Merzbow.
“I” is available via Superbob Records on 12” LP.
Album order in Germany/Europe – https://schneidercollaboration.bandcamp.com/album/alexander
Album order in Canada/USA – http://alexanderseye.bandcamp.com
Track Listing:
1. Astral Descent (15:14)
2. Runes (19:23)
Album Length: 34:38
For more info:
Alexanderseye.com
Facebook.com/alexanderfuneraldrone
EPK
About:
Brothers of ALEXANDER separated by a dark raging body of water, Canada to Germany – connected once again.
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—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Rockshots Records: Cellar Twins Share “$olace” Off Re-Release of Album “Duality” Out January 29th
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 13, 2021
For fans of Bullet For My Valentine, Asking Alexandria, Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium
Rockshots Records: Cellar Twins Share “$olace” Off Re-Release of Album “Duality” Out January 29th
Belgian melodic rockers Cellar Twins are sharing the single “$olace” in support of the re-release of “Duality”, their compelling 2019 full length coming out on January 29, 2021 via Rockshots Records.
“$olace” is a heavy prog-metal oriented song that conveys a reflection on materialism and the ephemerality of physical possessions. It asks the question of wanting versus needs, knowing that in the end, all will be equal.
Listen to “$olace”:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/lonTB1YaPFo
Spotify: http://spoti.fi/39nAxKL
Apple Music: https://apple.co/34cwZJo
A combination of ten infectious hook-laden tracks that blends raging modern instrumentals with powerful yet clear vocals, “Duality” can be enjoyed by laidback rockers to full-on metalheads. Fans of their 2017 EP, which was more rock/hard rock-oriented will notice the band has taken a heavier path regarding the songwriting while retaining clarity in the vocals, which has become their unexpected trademark combination.
Depiction of life itself with all its uplifting and crushing moments, expressed with anger, fear, joy, and doubts, “Duality” is a deep internal exploration where two messages arise. The first one being that each story always has two sides and the second one being, that even when going through hell, hope must always prevail.
“Listening to Duality is like getting a free ticket for an intense journey into a unique universe where light and darkness combine.” adds the band.
Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/Duality_CD
Music Video – Millenium – YouTube
Music Video – Molotov Parade – YouTube
Music Video – My Shell – YouTube
Formed in 2014, Cellar Twins debut their first sounds in 2017 with their debut self-titled EP and lead single/ music video “My Shell”. The EP was the band’s stepping stone to greatness with its heavy rock riffs, soaring lead lines, deep lyrics and just all-around good time listen with its Belgian progressive/alternative rock flare.
Over the years, Cellar Twins have offered fans an intense journey into a unique universe where light and darkness, passion and rebellion all combine to showcase a multitude of musical horizons and assert itself as a new image of rock music. They have appeared on multiple Belgian festivals such as the Kraken Metal Festival, Bear Rock, and American Rock Festival plus have participated in Wacken Open Air’s Metal Battles.
Track Listing:
1. Millenium
2. Molotov Parade
3. Cloud Walker
4. Selfear
5. Social Waste
6. Antithesis
7. Wovoka
8. Tales of autumn
9. $olace
10. Promesse
Produced by Cellar Twins
Mixed by Jeff Sternon
Photo by Chris Lyon et Lola Zerbo
Artwork by Chromatorium Music
– 30 –
“I saw them at Kraken Metal Rock fest last year and was blown out of my socks. I would love to see it performed on stage again!” – Snoozecontrol
“When I listened to their first album I regretted not having heard about Cellar Twins before… We at metal-heads.de will certainly keep an eye on them.” – Metal-Heads.de
“All the elements are there and clearly Cellar Twins have talent.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
“We have listened to a lot of music this year but « Duality » is without a doubt one of the best albums.” – Independant Music Showcase
“This is really an ultra-professional sounding band… This record contains but only good songs and for the band it seems so easy to hold the attention of the listener… This is a band that is able to make it worldwide… It has been a long time ago I was so impressed by a Belgian band… Musical wise these lads don’t have to learn any lessons.” – Metal To Infinity
“Cellar Twins can be proud of its first full-length.” – White Room Reviews
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 EPK – Maitreya – Hyper Reels (2021)
EPK – Maitreya – Hyper Reels (2021)
Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of The Contortionist, Between the Buried and Me, Protest the Hero, Periphery
Album Title: Hyper Reels
Release Date: June 25, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Maitreyametal.com | Facebook/MaitreyaMetal | Instagram.com/maitreyametal | YouTube
MaitreyaMetal.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
“We’re always on the hunt for interesting new metal bands, and Canada’s Maitreya certainly qualifies. The band’s newest single, “Catalyst”, treads familiar progressive metal territory – think vocals similar to Leprous and instrumentation akin to older BTBAM – but rest assured it sounds fresh.” – New Fury Media
“Ambitious and aggressive, Canada’s Maitreya break boundaries from the beginning with Departed. Heavy, contemporary metal chords are underscored by droning, chorusing vocals, but blink and you’ll miss them as Maitreya soon change direction to a growling verse pandemonium. Their riffing is adventurous and deadly, cutting through weighty, rolling rhythms and movements.” – Jace Media
“Their musical abilities were astounding, and I believe they could have been each individually the most technically capable with their instruments of those performing that night.” – Metal Master Kingdom
“Lead-heavy, yet at the same time musically complex, Maitreya’s music is sonic baptism, taking the listener from the fire pits to the icy peaks. The band’s self-titled album weaves an intricate melodic narrative, where both headbanging metal-heavy riffs and reflective vocal lines co-exist in the vortex of sonic alchemy, presented to the listener in its raw, unfiltered elemental form.” – Dentata Music
BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS
1. The band met their vocalist at a chance encounter at a grocery store because of an Intervals band t-shirt. The group existed as an instrumental project for a couple of years prior to rebranding with the addition of vocals. Guitarist Matt McCabe & Drummer Steve McMillan went out to grab some groceries when vocalist Matt Cutrara stirred up some conversation over a band t-shirt they were wearing. Not long after Matt came out to a rehearsal and the rest is history
2. All the songs on Hyper Reels are the original demo titles. After so long of calling them by those titles they just stuck.
3. In the early years, the band learned approximately 100 cover songs to take gigs as a cover band. The process of learning rock & metal hit songs helped teach the band valuable lessons in crafting songs.
4. The rhythm section of the band all went to the same high school. The band started in 2011 as an instrumental project. The project went on hiatus while Mark was studying music abroad. The band formed as Maitreya with the addition of vocalist Matt Cutrara in 2016.
5. 2 weeks prior to the band performing at the first round of Toronto’s Wacken Metal Battle, guitarist Mark Wylie underwent surgery for oral cancer.
Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics
Album Title: Hyper Reels
Release Date: June 25, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. Catalyst (7:23)
2. Departed (6:04)
3. Radical (5:31)
4. Summit (4:31)
5. Invaders (6:18)
6. Bloom (4:26)
7. Pilgrim (4:44)
8. Flesh Engine (4:31)
9. Hyper Reels (0:57)
10. Iswara (4:27)
Album Length: 48:56
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Maitreya
• All songs written by: Maitreya
• Produced by: Maitreya
• Mixed by: Zane Hawley
• Mastered by: Phillip Self
• Album Artwork by: Justin Totemical
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album and Live Band Line Up:
Matt McCabe – Guitar
Steve McMillan – Drums
Matt Cutrara – Vocals
Lyam Morrison – Bass
Mark Wylie – Guitar
About The Album:
Hyper Reels is a collection of dialogues exploring parallels between human consciousness and technological advancement. The music peaks and valleys to the polarities of turbulent and serene emotions of the human psyche. Cues throughout the record reflect the integration of man and machine.
Track by track explained by the band:
1. Catalyst: Catalyst was the last song we wrote for the album and became an instant favourite. We believe it shows the full array of sounds in one song. Catalyst features signature Maitreya song devices like; riff-heavy sections, clean-ambient moments, big breakdowns, melodic lead passages, anthemic chorus vocals, a drum solo and progressive exploratory song structure. We wrote this song about Mark and his catalyzing role in bringing the band together, Mark’s dedication to the band in being able to organize various elements of writing, recording, and performance cannot be understated. In the same spirit, this is a song that has a very grateful and optimistic tone.
2. Departed: Departed keeps the energy high and is the most technically complex song on the record. Departed borrows some operatic influence and is one of the more progressive songs. The lyrical ideas stem from AI fiction such as Westworld, The Matrix, and Blade Runner, with themes of questioning consciousness and revelations about the nature of truth.
3. Radical: Radical is about a human who integrates his body and mind with technological upgrades, then regrets his decisions after the artificial intelligence takes control of his consciousness. Radical showcases our signature spin on the traditional metalcore sound. Utilizing the archetypal story of someone getting what they wish for in a more negative way than they had imagined, like a genie, or the Twilight Zone. This song has a more angry and oppressive tone to reflect the struggle of the character getting consumed by his own technological greed.
4. Summit: Summit is an exploration of the concept of spiritual value, and the way that giving time and attention to things gives them power. At times we give this power to things or concepts which do not add positivity to our lives but instead hollow and degrade our existence. Inspired by the novel American Gods by Neil Gaiman and the show of the same name. The song also touches on the themes of tradition versus postmodernism; Do we trust in the concrete past or look to the future, free from constraint?
5. Invaders: Invaders is a song questioning the place and impact of technology in our world. Do things that make life easier make us better as a whole society? Does the ability to distract ourselves from our lives with an ever-growing industry of media help us, or does it make the very things we’re distracted from grow and ultimately hinder our personal growth? Is there a way back to the way life was before, or are we stuck now with the culture of dissociation and distraction. The impact of technology has had is viscerally felt by the band, having been part of the last generation to grow up without it for the majority of childhood. No one on the planet can predict how technology will affect humanity as a whole, for the better or for the worse. Technology has been so useful in creating connection and intimacy, while also encouraging distraction and apathy. We name drop Black Mirror in this song as a snarky reference to the show that encompasses the more pessimistic side of this technological commentary.
6. Bloom: Dreams are something we all share, whether it’s a pleasant walk through a garden with a long lost friend, a surreal inversion of mundane life, or a horrific run in with an unknowable evil, we all have them at some time. As universal as dreams themselves is the wish to control these experiences. Bloom explores this idea, through the eyes of a dreamer who finds themselves tormented until they gain control. Inspired by the concept of lucid dreaming, and the imaginative power that dreams hold. Drowning in your own consciousness can be quite scary, and we try to capture some of that energy in a creative way.
7. Pilgrim: Pilgrim has one of the more broad scoped lyrics concepts in the album. It talks about social trends and the kind of philosophy which organizes our society. Our society is organized in a way that leads many to feel imprisoned and trapped within the social norms and systemic structures that exist. This song seeks to emulate both the feelings of imprisonment, as well as a more positive vision for our collective societal future.
8. Flesh Engine: The original inspiration for Flesh Engine came after seeing Meshuggah live while tripping on acid. The moshpit seemed to engulf the entire room, the band was like a mechanical engine that churned all the bodies into the room into a massive turbine. Flesh Engine is a big ol’ love letter to identity philosophy as well as a lil sprinkling of cartesian dualism. Commenting on how identity can be defined as the sum of one’s memories and experiences. The song also comments on how prevalent overthinking is and also representing negative thought spirals that are an unproductive waste of thought. The energy of the song feels frustrated, the frustration of figuring out one’s identity, as well as one’s own mind.
9. Hyper Reels: A manifesto compilation of seed messages from songs spanning our discography.
10. Iswara: Similar to Pilgrim, Iswara deals in a broad societal commentary. This time specifically reflecting on the culture of fear that exists and rules most of the world. At a time when capitalism and consumerism are dominant powers, our spiritual selves are left starving for genuine meaning and purpose. This song reflects the plight of the average soul, trying to live without fear, and focusing on the things we do have, rather than what is absent.
L-R: Matt McCabe (Guitar), Steve McMillan (Drums), Matt Cutrara (Vocals), Lyam Morrison (Bass), Mark Wylie (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Jon Butler
Maitreya (may-trey-ah)
Maitreya is a progressive-metalcore band located in Whitby, Ontario. Maitreya has been active in the Oshawa metal scene since 2016. In the early days, they took up residency at a local pub, and they have built a solid regional following through live performance. They are currently focused on expanding their reach online.
The self-titled debut album – released August 2017 – provided the band opportunities to reach new markets across the GTA with a well-received product that sold out in off-stage sales. Maitreya showcased at Kitchener Metalfest, Wacken Metal Battle Toronto, 5/4 Fest as well as supporting the successful challenge for the Guinness World Record for Longest Concert (Stouffville, 2017). The band has leveraged their voice on stage raising funds for Sick Kids Hospital, Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, and United Way Toronto.
Maitreya’s polished sound reflects the unitive chemistry and evolution of the group. With wall-of-sound, riff-heavy through-composed works, guitarists/songwriters Mark Wylie & Matt McCabe include textural and harmonic palettes to create a wide sonic soundscape in the genre. Bassist, Lyam Morrison, and drummer, Steve McMillan, carve out space for groove-centric drum and bass interplay deftly navigating metric modulations, tempo changes, and polyrhythmic maneuvers. New works feature a dramatic and theatrical approach to the delivery of Matt Cutrara’s vocal performance. The lore of futuristic/hyperreal themes in sci-fi TV shows like Black Mirror & Westworld shape thematic commentaries on the impact and aftereffects of technological integration with human consciousness.
Maitreya is a brotherhood; a collaborative expression of the human experience. The music acts as a mirror reflecting the dualistic states of nature contrasting loving, blissful, and uplifting vibrations and the dark, turbulent inertia of ones’ deepest fears. Maitreya doesn’t shy away from these emotions, instead uses them to catapult the music into expansive themes and new territories that expand the listener’s perspective of metal-genre boundaries.
Maitreya originates from Sanskrit, translating to future buddha. Through this bodhisattva character, the band anthropomorphizes metaphysical concepts, spirituality & mysticism, science fiction aspects, and entheogenic experiences present in their music.
Recording and production for the sophomore album, Hyper Reels, is currently in its completion stage and set for release in 2021.
Album and Live Band Line Up:
Matt McCabe – Guitar
Steve McMillan – Drums
Matt Cutrara – Vocals
Lyam Morrison – Bass
Mark Wylie – Guitar
Discography:
2017 – Self-Titled LP
2019 – Colonize – Single
2021 – Hyper Reels LP
Shared Stage with:
Arkona, Valfreya, Throne to the Wolves, Creatures, Vodnik, Atria, Raider, Lutharo, AEpoch, Vesperia, Sanguine Glacialis, Fallen Legion, The Divided Line, Devouring Saturn, Pillars of Autumn, The Frame Defect, Mount Abora, The Dead Centuries, Pantomime, Bodhi Jar, Kraign, Kavara, Decatur, Kohlit, Adversus, Please Stand By, God Helmet, Rolodex Darko, Kozen, Sixteen Loko, The Animist, Telomere, Her Majesty the King, and more
Tour and Festivals:
2017 – 5/4 fest – Toronto, ON
2018 – Wacken Metal Battle – Toronto, ON
2018 – Kitchener Metalfest – Kitchener, ON
0 Immortal Guardian Posts Video Cover Collaboration of “Into The Pit” (Fight/Rob Halford) w/ Metal Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Sebastian Bach, Testament, Pain Museum) and Leandro Caçoilo (Viper, Eterna, Seventh Seal, HardShine, Dirty Dogs, Caravellus)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 12, 2021
For fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Symphony X, Kamelot, Marty Friedman, Dragonforce
Immortal Guardian Posts Video Cover Collaboration of “Into The Pit” (Fight/Rob Halford)
w/ Metal Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Sebastian Bach, Testament, Pain Museum)
and Leandro Caçoilo (Viper, Eterna, Seventh Seal, HardShine, Dirty Dogs, Caravellus)
Progressive/Power Metal Quartet Immortal Guardian’s Concept Album “Psychosomatic” Out February 12, 2021
via M-Theory Audio
IMMORTAL GUARDIAN is (L-R):
Gabriel Guardian (Guitars/Keyboards)
Carlos Zema (Vocals)
Joshua Lopez (Bass)
Justin Piedimonte (Drums)
The first of many Immortal Guardian collaboration covers, this is the band’s version of the classic song “Into The Pit” by Rob Halford’s band FIGHT. For the cover video, Immortal Guardian collaborated with Metal Mike Chlasciak (Halford, Sebastian Bach, Testament, Pain Museum) and Leandro Caçoilo (Viper, Eterna, Seventh Seal, HardShine, Dirty Dogs, Caravellus).
“This is the first of many covers, so let us know what you would like to hear next and who you would want us to collaborate next!”
Watch the video on YouTube HERE.
Produced by: WidowMaker Studios
Cover Video Line-up:
Immortal Guardian: Carlos Zema – Vocals, Gabriel Guardian – Guitar/Keys, Joshua Lopez – Bass, Justin Piedimonte – Drums
Special guests: Metal Mike Chlasciak – Guitar, Leandro Caçoilo – Vocals
After winning over new audiences with their acclaimed 2018 debut full-length “Age of Revolution” and touring relentlessly alongside fellow shredders such as Marty Friedman, Powerglove, and Exmortus, IMMORTAL GUARDIAN gathered in Las Vegas last year to begin recording their second album. As the spread of COVID-19 and the subsequent pandemic began to ensue, each member of the band retreated to their respective hometowns. With shutdowns around the world being enforced, the band completely scrapped the record that they had been working on and were heavily inspired to write and create a new thematic record about their emotions surrounding current events.
“Psychosomatic” is a product of the extraordinary events of 2020. The result is a truly multi-national record, with guitarist/keyboardist Gabriel Guardian remaining in Las Vegas, vocalist Carlos Zema recording his vocals from his home in Brazil, new drummer Justin Piedimonte joining the band from his hometown in Montreal, Canada, and new bassist Joshua Lopez remaining in IMMORTAL GUARDIAN‘s native Texas.
The group, founded by Gabriel Guardian, whose uncanny ability to play guitar and keyboard simultaneously has been showcased on MTV’s “Amazingness” along with his unique dual-instrument covers of classics by the likes of Iron Maiden, Pantera, and Guns N’ Roses have garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and have been built upon the band’s following through multiple self-released EPs before signing with M-Theory Audio for the 2018 release of their first full-length record, “Age of Revolution”. The band has also performed live alongside some of the biggest names in metal, including Judas Priest, Dragonforce, Kamelot, Symphony X, Sonata Arctica, Slayer, Metal Church, Soilwork and Steve Vai, and in countries such as Brazil and Russia, and during high-profile performances at ESPN’s X Games, South By Southwest and the Fun Fun Fun Fest.
“Psychosomatic” is the next step in IMMORTAL GUARDIAN’s evolution while still capturing the band’s exhilarating trademark melding of melodic power metal with progressive/shred tendencies.
Digital pre-save, CD and limited-edition purple vinyl pre-orders for “Psychosomatic”, which will be released by M-Theory Audio on February 12, 2021 are available now at http://smarturl.com/immortalguardian.
First Single – “Read Between The Lines” – YouTube (Lyric Video)
Second Single – “Lockdown” – YouTube (Music Video)
Track Listing:
1. Psychosomatic (5:33)
2. Read Between The Lines (6:01)
3. Lockdown (4:12)
4. Phobia (6:13)
5. Clocks (5:12)
6. Self-Isolation (0:39)
7. Goodbye To Farewells (5:50)
8. Candlelight (5:24)
9. Find A Reason (7:00)
10. New Day Rising (5:56)
Album Length: 52:06
Album cover art by Nathalia Suellen (Secret Sphere, Almah, Dark Moor).
– 30 –
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Rockshots Records: BLUE HOUR GHOSTS New Music Video “On Black Clouds”, New Album “Due” Out February 12, 2021
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 12, 2020
For fans of Katatonia, Porcupine Tree, Amorphis
Rockshots Records: BLUE HOUR GHOSTS New Music Video “On Black Clouds”
New Album “Due” Out February 12, 2021
Recently announcing their signing to Rockshots Records for the release of their new album “Due” on February 12, 2021, BLUE HOUR GHOSTS are sharing the new music video for their second single “On Black Clouds”. The music video was shot and directed by talented multimedia artist and musician Snovonne Drake (Sno Drake Design & Media).
The band comments on the track and the video:
“We had the opportunity to work with an incredibly talented artist like Snovonne to realize the music video for this song. She was able to perfectly capture the mood of the single and provided an amazing visual counterpart for such an intense track. On Black Clouds was one of the last songs we completed for the record. The tune almost wrote itself after our singer Ricky came up with the draft ideas, and it just clicked right in like a missing puzzle piece for the album. We immediately found out that it worked out pretty well as a single, exposing our catchiest and most emotional side with its pop-rock and darkwave nuances. The song is a fast-paced run about how fast things go by and everything changes all of a sudden, and how ready we should be for this; the tension accumulates and then drops down in the cathartic refrain, where we let ourselves be carried away by insubstantial black clouds, foretelling a darker sky to come, rolling past present days.”
The music video for “On Black Clouds” can be viewed on YouTube.
Song Stream on Spotify.
BLUE HOUR GHOSTS’ forthcoming “Due” is the follow up to their 2016 self-titled debut album. Teaming up once again with Giuseppe “Dualized” Bassi (session musician for Fear Factory, Grenouer, Levania, Noveria), BHG’s “Due” is their sophomore effort continuing their blend of progressive, classic, gothic metal, and alternative rock.
Taking a fresh, powerful, and intense melodic assault, “Due” depicts a wide range of soundscapes ranging from full metal aggression to soft, acoustic atmospheres, passing through infectious and catchy hooks and refrains that will enthrall any music addict, along with sophisticated layered arrangements to satisfy the most demanding palates. Throughout the 9 songs, all the ghosts hiding in the blue hour are made alive in the deep and heartfelt narration provided by both music and lyrics, offering a unique and compelling listening experience.
Keyboardist Simome Pedrazzi comments about the new album:
“With “Due” we are trying to engage new and established fans with an enjoyable, fresh, and yet sophisticated multi-level listening experience. All the nine songs offer an abundance of hooks that can stick into the ear from the first listen and remain impressed into the listener’s mind, stimulating his/her curiosity. There is no room for boredom, as within each song and throughout all the album, powerful and atmospheric sections alternate with each other in a seamless flow, thus keeping the attention high. The variety of musical colours displayed throughout the album and the extreme care we put into obtaining a lush and polished sound will allow for an extremely pleasant sonic experience.”
Album pre-save: https://backl.ink/143813663
CD pre-order: http://bit.ly/Due_CD
The first single “Walking Backwards” is streaming on the following platforms:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
Track Listing:
1. Walking Backwards (4:01)
2. On Black Clouds (3:45)
3. Dead in August (5:12)
4. Damn Wrong (4:23)
5. Shine (5:19)
6. Fearless (4:00)
7. Lower the Wires (3:57)
8. Disheartened (4:27)
9. Involved/Bored (3:52)
Album Length: 39:00
Album Credits:
Ricky DC – Vocals
Diego Angeli – Guitars
Francesco Poggi – Guitars
Simome Pedrazzi – Keyboards
Matteo Malmusi – Bass
Andrew Gunner – Drums
Produced by Giuseppe “Dualized” Bassi for dysFUNCTION Productions
Recorded and Engineered by Giuseppe Bassi
Mixed and Mastered by Giuseppe Bassi
All music and lyrics written by Blue Hour Ghosts
Additional arrangements, keyboards, sound design and programming by Giuseppe Bassi
Artwork concept and paintings by Blue Hour Ghosts
Band photos by Patrizia Cogliati – Musicphoto
Graphic layout by Francesca Dalla Costa – Secondalinea Officine Creative
Discography:
Blue Hour Ghosts (Buil2Kill Records, 2016)
Do You Believe in Ghosts? (Live) (Buil2Kill Records, 2018)
Due (Rockshots Records, 2021)
More Info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/bluehourghosts
Twitter.com/bluehourghosts
Instagram.com/bluehourghosts
Bluehourghosts.com
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“One of the best debut albums since a while in the melodic metal world. An album complete in itself, but with every track standing strong on its own as well.” – Lords of Metal (NL), 80/100
“A damn strong output, super catchy, with cool melodies and also varied, proggy, exciting and with great vocals, and all this as the debut. All attention!” – Crossfire Metal (DE), 85/100
“This band knows how to rock in a very catchy way!” – White Room (NL)
“Blue Hour Ghosts burst upon the scene with a flaming debut album, bringing out a breath of adrenaline and a compelling mix of modern prog, classic metal, aggressive rock and spine-chilling melodic traits” – Rock Hard Italy (IT), 8/10
“This is really a cool record, nothing is missing! Blue Hour Ghosts succeed right away from their first chapter.” – Metal Hammer (IT), 82/100
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Vis Mystica Shares Next Star Wars Inspired Single “Whispering Winds of Fate” ft. Dragonland’s Jonas Heidgert, New Album “Celestial Wisdom” Coming 2021
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 11, 2021
For fans of Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, Twilight Force, Symphony X, Wintersun
Vis Mystica Shares Next Star Wars Inspired Single “Whispering Winds of Fate”
New Album “Celestial Wisdom” Coming 2021
L-R – Devin Dewyer (Vocals), Connor McCray (Guitar, Bass, Orchestration) – Photo Credit – Cody Bucher
Offering escapism from everyday life, Vis Mystica transports listeners into a fantastical world of magical powers and epic stories with their Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic inspired power metal. Along with taking great influence from other bands, they possess a style that is unique and holds its own in the power metal landscape. Their 2021 album “Celestial Wisdom” is a fantastical journey into a world full of mystic powers and sprawling landscapes, with a classic ‘Good vs. Evil’ battle and many memorable locations and detailed stories.
Today, the band shares their third single “Whispering Winds of Fate” off the forthcoming record. The track is a guide for listeners to the main world Tython where the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic story takes place. Tython is a terrestrial planet located in the galaxy’s Deep Core region that is shrouded in myth. The Martyrium of Frozen Tears built by Jedi there and some Jedi scholars made the case that Tython was the site of the Jedi Order’s first temple. During the Galactic Civil War, DoctorChelli Lona Aphra led Darth Vader to Tython’s Meridional Ice Cap to mislead him as to the location of the Rebel Alliance’s main base, which was actually on the Outer Rim planet Hoth.
“Whispering Winds of Fate” is an audio storytelling to describe the sentient world calling out telepathically to beings spread throughout the galaxy to board nine ships and come bask in the planet’s knowledge and secrets. The track also features guest vocals from Dragonland’s Jonas Heidgert.
Vis Mytica‘s Connor McCray (Guitar, Bass, Orchestration) comments:
“The final song written for the album and in our opinion possibly the best. All parties came together to combine catchy melodies with great vocal lines and a powerhouse effort from Jonas Heidgert.”
“Whispering Winds of Fate” can be heard at the following links:
YouTube
Spotify
Vis Mystica was initially formed by Connor McCray, in late 2015 as a creative outlet to pursue his passion for Symphonic Power Metal while he was still a member of a blackened death metal band at the time.
Highly suggested for fans of Blind Guardian, Symphony X and Wintersun, the album “Celestial Wisdom” will be released in early 2021.
Previously released singles:
“Lux Et Veritas” ft. David Michael Moote (Operus) – YouTube,
“The Plains of Silence” – YouTube
Bandcamp
Track Listing:
1. Whispering Winds of Fate (feat. Jonas Heidgert)
2. Legacy of the Builders (feat. David Michael Moote)
3. The Plains of Silence
4. Lux Et Veritas (feat. David Michael Moote)
5. Beyond the Gates of Fury
6. On The Loose (Saga Cover) – (CD Bonus Track)
Album Band Line Up:
Connor McCray – Guitar, Bass, Orchestration
Devin Dewyer – Vocals
Dillon Trollope – Drums
Live Band Line Up:
Connor McCray – Guitar
Devin Dewyer – Vocals
Jon Juchniewicz – Drums
Ben Juchniewicz – Bass
For more info:
Facebook.com/vismysticaofficial
Instagram.com/vismystica
EPK
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 EPK – Manuel Barbará – Moonrise (2021)
EPK – Manuel Barbará – Moonrise (2021)
Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans Dream Theater, Keith Merrow, Periphery, Tesseract, Jeff Loomis
Manuelbarbara.com | Facebook.com/8stringalchemy | Instagram.com/8stringalchemy | YouTube
8stringalchemy.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
Album Title: Moonrise
Release Date: March 19, 2021
Track Listing
1. Moonrise (5:08)
2. The God Complex (6:08)
3. Children of Prometheus (4:54)
4. Mirrors I – Image (5:10)
5. Mirrors II – Silver (3:48)
6. Mirrors III – Reflection (4:20)
7. The Nightmare Weaver (6:15)
Album Length: 35:45
Album Credits
– All Songs Performed by: Manuel Barbará, Nick Thorpe, Joey Ferretti
– All Songs Written by: Manuel Barbará
– Produced by: Manuel Barbará and Charles Henry-Volk
– Mixed and Mastered by: Charles Henry-Volk
– Album Art: Annie Tohill
– Drums Recorded by Benny Grotto and Sam Stallings at Mad Oak Studios
Album Band Lineup:
Manuel Barbará – Guitars, Programming
Nick Thorpe – Bass
Joey Ferretti – Drums
Discography
2021 – Moonrise
Manuel Barbará is a New Jersey based musician and composer with a passion for progressive metal and contemporary classical music. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music where he earned a degree in guitar Performance and Composition.
He was not born into a musical family. He did not grow up surrounded by music, and he did not dream of being a musician from a young age. In fact, despite taking piano lessons as a child, he rarely thought of music even as a recreational activity. For most of his teenage years, he intended to pursue a Computer Science career. However, inspired by bands such as Iron Maiden and Pink Floyd he took up guitar at the age of sixteen. Under the tuition of renowned guitar teacher Matt Mills, he successfully auditioned for Berklee less than three years later.
Metal drew him in with its complexity and sophistication, energy and passion. Through it, he found a gateway into the classical tradition. He has had the opportunity to study both of these styles under mentors such as Joe Stump, Jon Finn, Shaun Michaud, Norm Zocher, Marti Epstein, and Arnold Friedman.
Precision, structure, discipline, and ambiance, characterize both his guitar playing and his compositional style. Drawing from his eclectic musical background he takes equal inspiration from bands like Periphery, Tesseract, and Dream Theater as well as from instrumental guitarists like Tony MacAlpine and Paul Wardingham and composers such as Dubussy, Bartók, Pärt, and Stravinsky.
Taking his training as a classical composer and applying it to this style of modern metal that he loves so much, and going beyond the standard Yngwie “neo-classical metal” influence, Barbara will present his debut album “Moonrise” this coming March 2021.
Barabra adds:
“This music has been part of my own little universe for so long, and I am beyond excited to share it with the world. The process of making the album has been an epic journey, a learning experience, and a trial by fire all wrapped into one and I am looking forward to bringing it to an audience. The purpose of music for me, after all the craft and technique and study are done, is to draw the listeners in and allow them to experience totally new worlds. The details of those worlds will be up to each individual person, but I hope the audience will join me on this small adventure I’ve prepared.”
Much of the writing of the full length was done during the very early days of his training in classical composition and he has even more music to come (unrecorded, as of yet) that is much more refined and elaborate in its use of compositional techniques and harmonic language.
0 Jeff Pennachio Paints A Vivid Soundscape With “Interposition” Off Upcoming Debut EP “Setting The Stage” Out Jan 22nd, Track Premiere via NewFuryMedia
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 8, 2021
For fans of Plini, Dream Theater, Trans Siberian Orchestra
Jeff Pennachio Paints A Vivid Soundscape With “Interposition” Off Upcoming Debut EP “Setting The Stage”
Track Premiere via NewFuryMedia
“Setting The Stage” Out January 22, 2021
New York’s Jeff Pennachio (guitarist for Design The Void) is releasing a three-track EP “Setting The Stage” slated for release on January 22, 2021.
The instrumental compilation shows off Pennachio’s musical mastery as he takes on the responsibility of guitars, bass, drums, and orchestral programming. These songs were composed during his time in a cover group The Stay when he decided to pursue an original songwriting direction. Armed with new ideas, he ran with them and formed the EP, which he intends to follow up with more music that is almost inspirational from soundtracks.
The lead single from this collection is “Interposition”, which is a harmonious, progressive track that shows off the depth of Pennachio’s talent. According to him, it all started off with a small riff that came to him while working with another band and grew to be his favorite track on the EP. He explains in further detail:
“This piece was developed from a random keyboard riff that was partially inspired by an introduction of another song from the group Quantum (which, at the time, was our keyboardist’s main band). I believe this sound really brands what I was after from a compositional standpoint.”
Some listeners say the main theme of this song is a reminder of Christmas music in particular, but it is deep enough that there are sure to be many other comparisons. With the complexity and passion put into the track, it’s easy to see why it was picked as the single from the EP.
Jeff Pennachio is recommended for anyone who enjoys a complex and vivid listening experience especially fans of Plini, Dream Theatre, and Trans Siberian Orchestra.
The single “Interposition” can be heard via its stream premiere on NewFuryMedia HERE.
“Setting The Stage” is out on all digital platforms on January 22, 2021.
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.
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt Shares Lyric Video “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 7, 2021
For fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, Rush, Avenged Sevenfold, Porcupine Tree
Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt Shares Lyric Video “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”
Releasing the first single “Set Free Your Sorrow” this past December from the upcoming 2021 album “In The Palace”, Aaron Holt is sharing with prog fans the lyric video for the track, which can be viewed and heard on YouTube HERE.
“Set Free Your Sorrow” is the first song on the forthcoming album and a fantastic stage set for what is to follow. Like many people going through an incredibly rough time in 2020, this song was written as motivation to “loosen the ties, set free your sorrow”.
The soundtrack to these lyrics portrays the dark and heavyweight that many people carry around on themselves. With so many things going wrong, there has to be some sort of direction we can all look towards to ensure a happy ending. The rest of the album features lyrical ideas around this and follows through letting go of the agony we all have trapped inside. The band really explored creating darker sounds out of their instruments, graduating to more full time 7 string guitar parts, large recording spaces, and soaring vocals mixed nicely on top. Holt comments on the album:
“I think anyone who has heard my work before will be pleasantly surprised at the results we’ve managed to create in the more non-ideal recording locations. I strived to focus more on writing towards a mindset around “no one cares about the snare on a song that no one wants to listen to”. We really just tried to flip the production phase more from sounds and tones to the actual material that’s being performed on the instruments and as a whole in the group. I was constantly chasing that catchy riff, melody, or rhythm.”
Natural, authentic and heavy, “In The Palace” will be the third from Aaron Holt, following “My Burdened Mind” (2018) and “The Unknown” (2017). Aaron Holt is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, and Trivium.
The single “Set Free Your Sorrow” is available on all digital platforms at the following link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/aaronholt/set-free-your-sorrow
“In The Palace” will be ready for ears in 2021 (release date to be revealed at a later date).
Track Listing:
1. Set Free Your Sorrow
2. Castles In My Skies
3. Once Again
4. Fortress In My Mind
5. Entrapped
6. The Other Side
7. Trapped Inside
8. Eternally
For more info:
Facebook.com/aaronholtmusic
Instagram.com/aaronholtartist
EPK
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About:
Aaron Holt’s musical journey started on the George Mason University campus where he was asked to play bass guitar for a local church’s grand opening. It was there that he met drummer and percussionist TJ Maistros who would grow to become a lifelong friend and amazing collaborative partner.
The album My Burdened Mind was a very long and labored writing, recording, and mixing project that ended up taking way longer than originally estimated to create the finished product at 47:36 minutes. The long story short is that the album My Burdened Mind was another grand learning experience for Aaron as a producer especially in terms of recording source material that was worthy of being shared with the world.
After the album’s release, vocalist Eric confirmed he would no longer participate in the project and would not want to participate in any live shows. Short of a bassist and vocalist Aaron and TJ anxiously sat on the release and hoped that anyone would listen. Enter album 3, the endeavor where Aaron is truly making every effort to improve upon everything he didn’t quite get right before.
He signed on the incredible help of local vocalist Sujit Kumar who in his own right stands on pretty high shoulders in the local DC music scene as well as making a name for himself across the globe. Sujit agreed to meet and record a few demo tracks, one older song that Eric originally recorded and another new song that would eventually go on to be the single “Set Free Your Sorrow” for a full-length album.
Fast forward to 2020 and Aaron with the immense help of TJ and Sujit has completed a 3rd album clocking in at 58 minutes with 10 songs. The production is solid, all instruments hold their own, and everyone listening has great smiles on their faces with absolute relief that everything has come together so well and polished compared to older works. The new album “In The Palace” features a lot of emotional baggage associated with past relationships, differences in opinion among close friends, thoughts on dealing with incredibly stressful daily life, and also a bit of fantasy writing as well in the longest prog ballad written by the group to date. You can expect to hear a large mix of guitar-oriented music such as straight-ahead rock, classic metal riffs, and intricate progressive lines that flow through each section seamlessly.
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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