Breathing The Core Track By Tracks: Chronicles of Hate – The Birth Of Hate (2020) Rockshots Records http://www.breathingthecore.com/2020/01/track-by-tracks-chronicles-of-hate.html
Posts By Asher
0 Breathing The Core Track By Tracks: Chronicles of Hate – The Birth Of Hate (2020) Rockshots Records
0 Toilet ov Hell Review: Krvsade – Judgement Day EP
Toilet ov Hell Review: Krvsade – Judgement Day EP https://toiletovhell.com/review-krvsade-judgement-day-ep/
0 Un buon debutto per gli americani FroggBand ma con qualcosa da migliorare per il futuro – Allaroundmetal
Un buon debutto per gli americani FroggBand ma con qualcosa da migliorare per il futuro – Allaroundmetal http://www.allaroundmetal.com/component/content/article/26-releases/6898-un-buon-debutto-per-gli-americani-frogg,-ma-con-qualcosa-da-migliorare-per-il-futuro
0 The Metal Bulletin paper zine interview: Frogg
The Metal Bulletin paper zine interview: Frogg https://metalbulletin.blogspot.com/2020/01/interview-frogg.html
0 Krvsade Judgement Day (ep) – Musika
Krvsade Judgement Day (ep) – Musika https://www.musika.be/2020/01/20/krvsade-judgement-day-ep/
0 HELLEVATE – Krampusnacht (2 1/2 Track EP) – streetclip.de
HELLEVATE – Krampusnacht (2 1/2 Track EP) – streetclip.de http://streetclip.de/2020/01/20/hellevate-krampusnacht-2-1-2-track-ep/
0 Zware Metalen – Sophist – Betrothal to the Stone: Conception of Mephisto
Zware Metalen – Sophist – Betrothal to the Stone: Conception of Mephisto https://zwaremetalen.com/albumrecensies/sophist-betrothal-to-the-stone-conception-of-mephisto%e2%80%8b
0 ROXX100.com Hellevate – Krampusnacht EP “If you are a fan of Iced Earth, Powerwolf, Judas Priest and Kreator, this would be a band to look into.”
ROXX100.com Hellevate – Krampusnacht EP “If you are a fan of Iced Earth, Powerwolf, Judas Priest and Kreator, this would be a band to look into.” https://roxx100.com/2020/01/20/hellevate-krampusnacht-ep/
0 Wacken Metal Battle USA: Watch Full Set Video of 2019 Champions MONARCH Playing Wacken Open Air
(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – January 2020
Wacken Metal Battle USA: Watch Full Set Video of 2019 Champions MONARCH Playing Wacken Open Air
2019 Wacken Metal Battle USA Champions, San Diego thrashers MONARCH are sharing the full set video from their performance at last year’s Wacken Open Air.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/Gjct4mbhdxM
Upcoming Battles – WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2020
One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air
W:O:A Metal Battle – Official Trailer here.
Wacken Metal Battle USA 2020 Spotify Playlist here.
Battle Dates: (more to be announced)
01-Feb – San Francisco, CA – Toot’s Tavern – info
01-Feb – Seattle, WA – The Funhouse – info
08-Feb – Tampa Bay, FL – The Verona Bar – info
08-Feb – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live – info
08-Feb – Fort Worth, TX – The Rail Club
08-Feb – Houston, TX – Acadia Bar – info
08-Feb – San Antonio, TX – Fitzgerald’s – info
15-Feb – Los Angeles, CA – The Viper Room – info
15-Feb – Oakland, CA – Red Hat
15-Feb – Seattle, WA – The Funhouse – info
16-Feb – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Ballroom
21-Feb – Inland Empire, CA – The Boiler Room
22-Feb – Los Angeles, CA – The Viper Room – info
22-Feb – Tampa Bay, FL – The Verona Bar – info
29-Feb – Los Angeles, CA – The Viper Room – info
01-Mar – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues – info
06-Mar – Inland Empire, CA – The Boiler Room – info
06-Mar – Tucson, AZ – House of Bards
07-Mar – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick – info
07-Mar – Sacramento, CA – The Boardwalk
14-Mar – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick – info
14-Mar – Phoenix, AZ – Pub Rock
14-Mar – Austin, TX – Come and Take It Live – Texas Final
20-Mar – Inland Empire, CA – The Boiler Room – I.E. Final – info
21-Mar – Los Angeles, CA – The Viper Room – LA Final – info
21-Mar – Portland, OR – Dantes – info
28-Mar – Sacramento, CA – On The Y – North California Final
04-Apr – Tampa Bay, FL – The Verona Bar – Florida Final
04-Apr – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick – SD Final
04-Apr – Phoenix, AZ – Pub Rock – AZ Final
11-Apr – Los Angeles, CA – The Viper Room – West Coast Final – info
11-Apr – Seattle, WA – The Funhouse – Pacific Northwest Final
13-Apr – Brooklyn, NY – Saint Vitus Bar
09-May – Los Angeles, CA – The Viper Room – National Final – info
About:
For over a decade at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival Wacken Open Air, independent metal bands from around the globe have been performing in front of thousands and competing against one another for one to be crowned champion of the world along with winning multiple prizes. For the fourth year, Wacken Metal Battle USA is returning to America and will be hosting qualifying rounds in select cities across the nation. The national champion of those battles will perform at 31st edition of the festival taking place from July 30th – August 1st, 2020 in Wacken, Germany. The sold-out 2020 Wacken Open Air line-up includes Slipknot, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Amon Amarth, Sodom, Annihilator, Overkill, Venom, Sick of It All, Nervosa, U.D.O., Hypocrisy, Death Angel, Beast In Black, At The Gates and many more. Details here.
Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and representing the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken, Germany for the last 30 years. The winner of Wacken Metal Battle USA will perform at the 2020 festival taking place from July 30th – August 1st.
2020 battles will be held in Phoenix, AZ, Tucson, AZ, Inland Empire, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Oakland, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Atlanta, GA, Las Vegas, NV, New York City, NY, Portland, OR, Austin, TX, Fort Worth, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX, Seattle, WA, and Tampa Bay, FL.
Concert promoters interested in hosting a Wacken battle in their city can apply at this link: https://metalbattleusa.com/promoter-application-for-wacken-metal-usa-battles/
How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the 31st edition of Wacken Open Air and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.
Rules: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/
Last year’s 2019 national final was hosted in Los Angeles, CA and featured Dissentience (Winners, East Coast), Monarch (Winners, West Coast), Nahaya (Winners, Texas), Toxic Ruin (Winners, Chicago), Violence System (Winners, Atlanta) whom were selected from over a hundred bands that participated in battles across the USA.
2019 – WMBU Winner
Monarch (San Diego, CA)
Video – Live at Wacken 2019 here.
2018 – WMBU Winner
VOICES OF RUIN (Anaheim, CA)
2017 – WMBU Winner
CORPSE HOARDER (Philadelphia, PA)
Video – Live at Wacken 2017 here.
For more info:
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/MetalBattleUSA
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Wacken Open Air – Wacken.com
Sponsors / Partners:
MetalAssault.com
MetalDevastationRadio.com
MetalMasterKingdom.com
Metal-Rules.com
PureGrainAudio.com
PureRockRadio.net
Dungeon Works Productions
Asher Media Relations
Fatal Illness Management
Come And Take It Productions
Mosh Pit Army
Masquerade Atlanta
Saint Vitus
Tampa Bay Mosh Team
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Tweet @AsherMedia
Instagram @AsherMedia
0 EPK – Special Ops – Blood And Tears (2019)
Special Ops – Blood And Tears
For fans of Therapy?, Five Finger Death Punch, Monster Magnet, Eagles of Death Metal, System Of A Down
Release Date: November 24, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby
Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
SpecialOpsband.com | Facebook | Twittter | Youtube | Instagram
Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon | CD Baby | Google Play
Special Ops returned with a fresh new album dubbed “Blood And Tears” in 2019. In this self-produced 8th release to be followed by the second single ‘Dead Are Calling’ before the full-length album and last single ‘I Put A Spell On You’, along with Grammy award-winning Producer Steve Pageot, Mixing engineer Darius Szezepaniak and Mastering engineer Kevin Jardine, Special Ops capture jaw-dropping tracks that display a fusion of the members’ diverse cultures.
From Ak Johnson’s Fierce Melodic Vocals and backed by a well-armed rhythm section of Chris Groulx’s intricate Jazz, blues and metal influences of guitar and strumming and Waldo Thornhill’s thumping Bass, and drummer Manuel Bessette’s pounding fury. Special Ops have, in less than 6 months, unleashed 2 direct hits to follow up to their award-winning “Through The Heart Of The Infidel” and successful single “Pressure” as well as older success’s like “Anger” chosen as the theme song for “The Sid Cycle Show” (Global/Spike/Men TV).
“BLOOD AND TEARS” captures the hearts and minds of those who have struggled in protest and demonstrates the trial and tribulations they as a band have seen. Everything from one member’s cancer ordeal through tour to lost loves to industry drama that the everyday artist struggles with. Special Ops bring forward in their international collective an explosive return to their unique brand of rock.
L-R – Wally Thornhill (Bass), Ak. Johnson (Vocals, Guitar) , Mana Manu Bassette (Drums), Gandalf Christoph (Guitar)
“As seen by the music video above, these guys bring the timeless heavy rock groove of bands like Monster Magnet, and Eagles of Death Metal, so you know you’re in for a good time.” – Metal Injection
“These dudes use a mix of vintage and modern gear, from classic Charvel guitars to custom Warwick fretless basses. As their guitarist and singer AK Johnson says, “We’re somewhat of gearholics”. Sounds like they’ll be right at home here.” – Gear Gods
“The new release is a sweet mix of thumping rhythmic, catchy vibrations and unparalleled musical talent thought lost to the world of synthetic beats.” – Buzzfeed
“Special Ops has my attention, and they should have yours, too. They’ve got it going on! We can only hope they get down to the U.S. for a tour soon and, hopefully, to the Left Coast. Excellent stuff!” – Huffington Post
“Like Special Ops, the video kicks ass, gives no quarter and takes no prisoners… Special Ops has it going on! “Baby Take It All” is real rock and roll: raw, arrogant and in your face. This is a great song and an excellent video. I like it!” – Huffington Post
“Blood and Tears is a pure Metal outside the box gem. You won’t come across something this unique and different everyday” – CKUT 90.3 FM
” you need to catch them live to hear any of their new material, and being fuelled by their want to succeed, their music sounds better than ever.” – Montreal Rocks
“Their creative impulse is one part measured criticism, one part unadulterated rage… Their albums reflect as much, reveling in social critiques that relent only when A.K.’s singing dissolves into frustrated screams. The single is their first step towards a brighter, more radio-friendly sound, yet still maintains their throaty, hard rock edge.” – Alternative Addiction
“SPECIAL OPS, QUEBEC’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ROCK WORLD IS BEYOND EXCEPTIONAL! …Not only was the sound stunningly amazing, but it went a good distance to show the band’s fun-loving attitude they have towards each other, and their fans. These guys are the true definition of what it means to be music artists and performers.”- Popit Records
Album Title: Blood And Tears
Release Date: November 24, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby
Track Listing:
1. Blood And Tears (4:07)
2. Mr. Big Shot (2:47)
3. I Put A Spell On You (2:35)
4. Dead Are Calling (3:38)
5. Ship Has Sunken (3:02)
6. Baby Take It All (3:10)
7. Lie To Me (3:10)
8. Bloody Mary (2:55)
9. Salt (2:53)
10. Standing Hollow (3:03)
11. What You Call Man (4:32)
Album Length: 35:53
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Special Ops
• All songs written by:Special Ops
• Produced by: Special Ops (except I Put A Spell On You – Produced by Steve Pageot)
• Mixed by: Darius Szezepaniak
• Mastered by: Kevin Jardine
• Album Artwork by: Wally Thornhill
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album Band Line Up:
AK Johnson – Vocals & Guitar
Wally Thornhill – Bass
Pat Kadaver – Drums
Weka Soliman – Guitar
Live Band Line Up:
AK Johnson – Vocals & Guitar
Wally Thornhill – Bass
Gandalf Groulx – Guitar
ManaManu Bessette – Drums
Discography:
2019 – Blood And Tears
2017 – Baby Take It All (single)
2016 – Tangents EP
2012 – Live and Kicking
2009 – Through The Heart Of The Infidel
2009 – Pressure (single)
2007 – Phase 2: Amidst The Madness
2005 – Phase 1: In Search of Madness
2003 – Emily EP
Tours:
•2018 – Take it All Tour
• 2017 – Tangents Qc Tour
• 2010 – Through The Heart US/CAN Tour
• 2007-2008 – Amidst The Madness Tour Cross Canada Tour
• 2005 – 2006 – In Search Of Madness Cross Canada Tour
• 2003-2009 – CANADA DAY (Two Mountains),
• 2005 – Bryce Fest – Winnipeg
• 2004-2005 – M.O.M. Fest –
• 2003 – Montreal Music Fest
Music Placements
• Viral Phase Video – Dead Are Calling playlist placement including – gyms, cinemas, restaurants, bars etc… 2018
• Gravity One Music Video Network – Dead Are Calling playlist placement 2018
• Pressure Video Hawaii Airlines, H&M U.S. retail chain and many more over 3 million hits in total 2010
• Annabelle Cosmetics Promotional Video 2009 – How to Create Custom QUAD FOXY Browns Look
• “Sid’s Cycle Show” 2007-08
Season 1&2, Global, Men TV, Showcase Action, Spike (+2 million viewers)- Anger Is Creeping – Theme Song – Phase 2: Amidst The Madness – used as TV
Soundtrack
• CTV – Whistler (2006)
• MTV – The N (2006)
• CBC – “Rock Your World” 2006
Past Radio Charts:
• I Put A Spell On You #16 on DRT GLOBAL TOP 50 ROCK AIRPLAY CHART 01-11-2020
https://digitalradiotracker.com/drt-dev/drt-national-airplay-charts.php?prevWeek=01-11-2020
• I Put A Spell On You #104 on DRT GLOBAL TOP 150 INDEPENDENT AIRPLAY CHART 01-06-2020
https://digitalradiotracker.com/drt-dev/drt-national-airplay-charts.php?prevWeek=01-04-2020
Past Features:
• In Vivo Media – Feature Cover Story 2019
• Phenom Studios – Placement caters to the Western Europe region
• 360 Degree TV – Dead Are Calling playlist placement 2019
• ww.safari-video.com – an avant garde video channel targeting Australia & New Zealand
• Now Entertainment – Feature story 2019
• Focal Point – Feature story 2018
• Marquix Global Network – Feature Cover Story 2018
• 247inkmag.com – 6 page exclusive, full page add, banners on rotation 2017
• Alternative Addiction – 6 week feature and banner on rotation 2017
• Metal Injection – Baby Take it All one week placement on home page as well as side banners 2017
• “Gear Gods Show” Special Ops show off the goods! 2017
Corporate sponsors / artist endorsements:
Surine bass, MeMerch.ca
ashermediarelations.com 