Posts By Asher

0 Canadian Progressive Death ANCIENT THRONES Returns w/ Haunting Video “A Moon Fused Key” From Sophomore Album “Melancholia” Out Sept 2025

July 22, 2025
by Asher
· Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 22, 2025

Canadian Progressive Death ANCIENT THRONES Returns w/ Haunting Video “A Moon Fused Key” From Sophomore Album “Melancholia” Out Sept 2025

+ Launch Vinyl Pre-Order

Ancient Thrones Current Line Up

Top L-R: Dylan Wallace (Guitar) | Nick Leslie (Guitar)

Bottom L-R: Matt LeBlanc (Bass) | Sean Hickey (Drums & Vocals)

Photo Credit – Matt Leblanc

Halifax, Canada’s relentless progressive death metal band Ancient Thrones return with their harrowing sophomore album “Melancholia”, dropping September 19th, 2025, a follow-up to 2020’s debut “The Veil”. Leading the release is their first single, “A Moon Fused Key”, accompanied by a haunting lyric video that offers a raw glimpse into the album’s psychological abyss.

Formed in 2011 and reborn in 2018 with the arrival of guitarist and composer Dylan Wallace, Ancient Thrones carved out a new identity rooted in fast, extreme, progressive, cinematic, and existential soundscapes. With “Melancholia”, the band dives deeper into these sonic philosophies, creating a concept-driven album born out of isolation, trauma, and the need to transform pain into art.

“We think this album is a turning point for us, where we were able to take the atmosphere of our previous record, and kick the aggression up to a thousand. The intention of our last record, “The Veil,” was to be poetic and hopeful, but the intention with our second full-length, “Melancholia,” is to crush any ounce of hope that is left,” adds the band.

A high-speed, technically savage record written during the first wave of the pandemic. “Melancholia” is packed with themes of hallucination, suicide, and emotional unraveling, inspired by personal experience and psychedelic trauma. Built as a narrative journey, with abstract lyrics and music that flow seamlessly from track to track.

The writing process started with Wallace churning out riffs in isolation while drummer and vocalist Sean Hickey developed the narrative alongside the music. Their creative synergy resulted in a cinematic tapestry where music evokes visuals, and lyrics deepen the vision. Each track exists as a piece of a larger, emotionally devastating puzzle.

The band meticulously sculpted every sonic detail over five years, dialing in tones and mastering techniques to ensure a pummeling production. Unlike their expansive debut, “Melancholia” tightens its tracklist to accommodate a proper vinyl release, with each song handpicked for impact. Every riff, lead, and vocal layer contributes to an immersive and aggressive listening experience.

“We didn’t plan to write a concept album, but the story began to unfold, and we couldn’t resist,” adds Hickey.

Inviting fans into the haunting world of “Melancholia”, Ancient Thrones is unveiling their first single and the album’s opening track, “A Moon Fused Key”. Kicking off the record, the track sets the stage for the violent nature about to unfold both musically and lyrically. This is the point of the concept album where the character puts an end to every piece of life in his body. At the end of the song, he sees the hand of god pulling him to heaven, and he severs it. This song is fast, filled with crushing riffs, and sets the tone for what’s to come.

The band comments:

“A Moon Fused Key is the opening track on the album, but also a climax narratively, jumping straight into where hell is unfolding in our character’s story. The song begins with unrelenting force and speed, and does not stop until the final bitter moments. We wanted to establish that Melancholia was not just a catchy title for the album; that we intend to tie our audience in a nihilistic, inhuman, terrifying, and brutal end, as the character celebrates their death viciously. This song is a statement in existential exhaustion, where you have no choice but to brace for what’s coming”.

Taking influences from black metal, 2000s death metal, and modern tech death, “Melancholia” reflects the Ancient Thrones’ commitment to pushing boundaries in extreme music. Recommended for fans of Archspire, The Red Chord, Deafheaven, and The Faceless.

Watch and listen to “A Moon Fused Key” via its lyric video premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/54OafwThPmIXquCxxy0ySq

Album pre-order (Vinyl, Digital) (out Sept 19th, 2025) – https://ancientthrones.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. A Moon Fused Key (5:12)
2. Achromatopsia (1:19)
3. Melancholia (6:17)
4. A Turning Point (5:46)
5. A Pellucid Prism (4:26)
6. Sacred Swollen Glass (6:16)
7. Blight (2:18)
8. A Pale Palace (4:55)
9. Vacant (5:31)
Album Length: 42:00

Band Lineup:
Dylan Wallace – Guitar
Nick Leslie – Guitar
Matt LeBlanc – Bass
Sean Hickey – Drums & Vocals

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

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What the press has said about 2020’s “The Veil”:

“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. There’s a brazen, borderline-unhinged quality to the barrage, generated by screaming, rapidly whirling leads, magma-like bass notes, and fast-changing, bone-cracking drums. But within the assault there are also fluid, sinuous melodic leads whose mellifluous, reverberating tones give the music a mysterious, mesmerizing, and mournful quality. And near the end one of those leads morphs into a fret-burning dual-guitar extravaganza that really gets the blood rushing.” – No Clean Singing (2020 – The Veil)

“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 (2020 – The Veil)

“Trailer Park Boys and Hobo With a Shotgun aren’t the only pieces of media that have emerged from Nova Scotia that you should get excited over.” – MetalSucks

“From the massive tremolo sections and bludgeoning riffs to the surprisingly melodic harmonies between guitarists Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, Ancient Thrones have definitely honed in on something special with this track.” – GearGods

“From earth crushing riffs and face-melting guitar solos to the overarching theme of grief and devastation that the record encompasses, this single really ramps up the intensity” – Bravewords

“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. The songs are both aggressive and intelligent in equal measure and run through a variety of different emotional tangents. There is a vile and harsh aspect to the band, but there is also a forward thinking one. It all results in a creative and dynamic listen.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (2020 – The Veil)

“The prize for most ambitious album of 2020 already has the name of Ancient Thrones carved in marble. Who among you fancies a 56-minute blackened death metal saga with an epic meditation on one man’s descent into the afterlife? No band thought it conceivable to write the metal version of Ingmar Bergman’s The Seventh Seal, but this Nova Scotia quartet are not just any band. This is a remarkable journey for the contemplative mind.” – Scream Blast Repeat (2020 – The Veil)

“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 (2020 – The Veil)

“With this new incarnation, Ancient Thrones has moved into strict Black/Death territory, producing an album filled with pummeling riffs, intricate song structures, and technical musicianship that’s leavened by atmospheric segments and epic, sometimes audacious melodies that border on Cascadian. The production matches this style perfectly, being heavy and abrasive while allowing the songs enough room to stretch out… fans of more epic and melodic Black/Death will want to give The Veil a listen. 4/5” – The Metal Crypt (2020 – The Veil)

“It is fast, thrashing extreme metal with shrieked/growled vocals, and a headbanging attitude. They have elements of thrash, black and death but their method of delivery won’t confuse anyone. It is metal to make the fans move. It is pretty thrashy, pretty brutal but also melodic, and the guitar work has plenty to offer both in the riffs and the melodies.” – Metal Bulletin (2020 – The Veil)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Rockshots Records – Silent Angel New Member Announcement!

July 22, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Silent Angel (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 22, 2025

Silent Angel New Member Announcement!

Italian/Malaysian symphonic power metal band Silent Angel proudly unveils a major update to their lineup: drummer Albar Omar officially joins the band as a permanent member.

Hailing from the state of Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia, Albar brings over two decades of experience and a powerful musical identity rooted in groove and progressive metal. Drawing inspiration from bands such as Lamb of God, Slayer, Dream Theater, Periphery, God Forbid, and Greylotus, his drumming style blends precision, power, and complexity. Among his most influential drummers are legends like Dave Lombardo, Matt Halpern, Buddy Rich, and Chris Adler.

A well-known presence in Malaysia’s underground and indie metal scene, Albar continues to perform with the groove metal band Daylight Descends, while now also committing his talent and energy to Silent Angel’s future.

His arrival marks a key step in the band’s renewed journey. With a new Asian tour scheduled for later in 2025 (details coming soon) and studio work planned for the upcoming full-length album set for release in 2026, Albar’s entry reinforces the band’s ambitious roadmap.

Fans can expect to witness his technical prowess and passionate drumming both on stage and in the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album.

Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, and Hammerfall, Silent Angel’s latest album, “Unyielding, Unrelenting” (released Nov 24, 2023) is available from Rockshots Records.

Digital – https://lnk.to/jVsu38V1

Album order – https://rockshots.eu/products/silent-angel-unyielding-unrelenting-cd

Track Listing:
1. Unyielding Spirit – 2:40
2. Against The Tides – 5:34
3. A Destiny In Shadows – 3:45
4. Through Selene’s Eyes – 4:30
5. Aurora’s Dream – 4:58
6. Descent Into Infinity – 3:50
7. When Dusk Meets Dawn – 3:20
8. Angel Rising – 4:07
9. Tears Of Celestine – 5:21
10. Twilight Of The Black Rose – 6:18
Album Length: 44:27

Silent Angel is:

Eric “StormBlade” Poon – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals, Songwriter, Lyricist
Claudia Beltrame – Lead Vocals
Dauz – Bass
Albar Omar – Drums

Permanent Session Musicians
Davide Scuteri – Keyboards, Synth

Silent Angel is currently endorsed by Blackstar Amps, MusicNomad Guitar Care, Mackie, Blacksmith Strings, Zoom, CK Music (Malaysia), City Music Singapore, and EMusic Instruments.

For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/SilentAngelBand

About: Originally formed in 2000, and taking over a decade-long hiatus, the band returned in 2015 with a fresh new lineup and released two EPs, along with gaining support on American, Canadian, Italian, Australian, and UK radio stations. The band was also honoured with recording a track for Samsung’s Milk Music Ad Campaign, plus performing a Malaysian tour where they headlined the IDX SummerFest, which was followed by two tours of Japan.

After the Japan tours, Silent Angel returned to the studios to record their full-length album, but unfortunately, they were struck with tragedy with the untimely passing of their bass player, putting the recording on pause.

Fast forward to 2020, Silent Angel brought in multi-award-winning recording and mixing engineer, Rahmad Kamikaze, as the co-producer and welcomed bassist Dauz.

Moving in 2021, the beautiful and talented Italian soprano powerhouse Claudia Beltrame joined the band lineup, and later on, with Italian keyboard and synth wizard, Davide Scuteri contributing his talent to the music, we’re now poised to unleash our full-length masterpiece upon the world in the very capable hands of our record label, Rockshots Records!

– 30 –

“The employment of dual female singers with Claudia Beltrame (also of Degrees of Truth) and Gracie Shona gives the band depth in terms of the styles explored because of their ranges – everything from rock to metal and operatic angles touched upon, coming together to harmonize certain passages for “Through Selene’s Eyes” to add more emotional, dramatic tension that mirrors the musical components. Guitarist Eric Poon as the main songwriter drives influences like Helloween, Hammerfall, and Stratovarius to the forefront, dazzling with tasty positive chord progressions and sophisticated lead breaks that make “Against the Tides” and “Descent Into Infinity” early appealers. At certain times Silent Angel also explores 80’s classic heroes like Iron Maiden when you hear the main hooks and higher melodies of “Angel Rising”, the drumming from Pae steady with interesting power moves which line up to the energetic guitar runs.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Unyielding, Unrelenting is aimed directly at fans of female-fronted symphonic/power metal” – Metal Crypt

““Against The Tides” appropriately opens the actual series of songs. The track varies the tempo again and again, but without taking it easy for even a second. As expected, the chorus is easily accessible, and the ladies Claudia Beltrame and Gracie Shona perform a fine duet…” – Hellfire Magazin

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 EPK – Imperishable (ft. Nile, Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation, Olkoth members) – Revelation In Purity (2025) (Everlasting Spew Records)

July 21, 2025
by Asher
· EPKs · Imperishable

EPK – Imperishable – Revelation In Purity (2025) (Everlasting Spew Records)

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

For fans of: Morbid Angel, Emperor, Angelcorpse, Zyklon, Nile

“First of all, we’re thrilled to be releasing “Revelation In Purity” on Everlasting Spew Records. They’re a well-respected and renowned underground label that aligns with our musical standards and vision. It’s an honor. This album started with just a few ideas between Alex and me, and has now taken on a life of its own, and we’re damn proud of what we’ve achieved here. It definitely represents where we were at the time. Musically and otherwise. The pandemic, the birth of my son, the loss of immediate family, etc, it’s all in there. It’s an honest record that is a bit more raw and recorded old-school. There’s no quantizing or samples on the drums. Minimal edits across the board. We wanted it to sound good, but not over-polished. A lot of that is in – Brian Kingsland (Vocals/Guitar)

Band: Imperishable
Album Title: Revelation In Purity
Release Date: August 29, 2025 (Digital/CD/Tape) – Vinyl Coming 2026
Label: Everlasting Spew Records

CD – https://everlastingspew.com/everlasting-spew-releases/11076–pre-order-imperishable-revelation-in-purity-cd.html

Cassette – https://everlastingspew.com/everlasting-spew-releases/11075–pre-order-imperishable-revelation-in-purity-tape.html

Everlastingspew.bandcamp.com/album/revelation-in-purity

Facebook.com/Imperishable83 | Instagram.com/imperishable_metal

Spotify | Youtube.com/@everlastingspew | Apple Music

“Aggressive” and “blistering” are definitely adjectives that apply to “Oath of Disgust” — but if anything they understate the case. The music blasts from the speakers in a superheated torrent of blaring, blazing, and rapidly darting riffage, backed by furious drumming out on the cutting edge of human capacities and by maniacal yet nimble bass performances. Kingsland‘s bestial roars, scathing howls, and unhinged screams add to both the song’s full-blown fury and its berserk energies. But the song also twists and turns in unexpected ways. There is indeed singing in this one — haunting and harrowing singing — as well as rapidly mutating riffage and rhythmic variations that combine to create music which viciously eviscerates, jolts like jackhammers, convulses in feverish insectile swarms and darting bursts, and seems to maniacally scream. The music also suddenly expands and segues into a magnificent guitar solo, leading to one last spectacle of head-spinning instrumentation at the finale. And so the song proves to be not only aggressive and blistering but also inventively elaborate and technically mind-bending, undeniably savage but also a multi-faceted and relentlessly thrilling escapade (and immediately addictive too).” – No Clean Singing

“Imperishable are hideously good. Revelation in Purity is a monstrous mix of blackened, technical, deathly, murderous extremity, and an album that’s a mandatory listen for any fan of death metal that delivers an experience greater than the norm. Don’t miss this.” – Wonderbox Metal

“A majestic Death Metal album, this one is one you’re going to want to hear. 8.5/10″ – Metal Noise

“« Revelation In Purity » is a dark album, fast, technical and aggressive as possible. Like an extreme cook, Imperishable there is an improbable (but delicious) recipe in which the cream of Death Metal combines its flavors with the gratin of Black Metal. To be tested urgently if you have strong eardrums and stomach.” – Music In Belgium

“An album that has several very interesting characteristics – from the foray of a very solid rhythmic base, to forays into lacerating, annihilating ranges of voices and riffs, even some disturbing tempo changes, really disconcerting, offering a quite special touch to the music. As for the overall production, the songs show you everything you want to hear, and that’s saying a lot. Perhaps, within the mix the only thing missing was to give a little more volume to the guitars. Imperishable offers personality to your proposal. A remarkable album that will delight loyal followers of bands like Hate Eternal, Vltimas, Morbid Angel or even Angel Corpse.” – Metal Friends

“Death metal without an expiration date… Given that pedigree, you’ll have a reasonable idea of what to expect from this. The trio’s work in “Revelation in Purity” isn’t as technical or noodly as what you’d get from Enthean or Nile, but it more than makes up for that in speed and ferocity. It’s a near-perpetual stream of of blastbeats and tremolo riffs topped with Kingsland’s crunchy vocals, drawing some of its melodic ideas from the barbaric end of the black metal spectrum. It’s a straight-to-the-point neck breaker of a song, so clear some mosh space and jam it now.” – Toilet Ov Hell

“ Inspired by monsters like Morbid Angel, Emperor, Angelcorpse and, of course, Nile, the Imperishable did not come to reinvent the wheel. They came to put gas, set fire and send the wheel down the hill. “Revelation In Purity” is raw, it is straightforward and it is honest. It is the debut of a band that already sounds veteran and that, if it maintains this fury, will leave a trail difficult to ignore.” – World of Metal

“Imperishable‘s signature style is first and foremost violence, but we quickly find ourselves overwhelmed by the technicality and many other elements on Revelation in Purity. The album is very rich and deserves several listens.” – Acta Infernalis

“This is an album that doesn’t let up for one second. It is fucking relentless. It breaks into your house in the middle of the night, pulls you out of your bed by your throat, and drags you kicking and screaming to Hell. It. Is. Glorious.” – Black Metal Archive

“For all the talent that’s to be had behind this creation, it should have been obvious from the onset that “Revelation in Purity” was going to be a devastating effort in a magnificent form. These guys have known what they’re doing for years now across several different projects, and now they should proudly add Imperishable as another notch on their belts as they embark on their own journeys throughout the underground with this record something that promises far more in the future for those willing to wait for those forces to meet once again.” – Head Banger Reviews

“Imperishable are a very great sounding blackened death metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE “Oath Of Disgust” “Spewing Retribution” and “The Enduring Light Of Reverence”. 8 out of 10.” – Bringer of Death Zine

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Imperishable
Album Title: Revelation In Purity
Release Date: August 29, 2025 (Digital/CD/Tape) – Vinyl Coming 2026
Label: Everlasting Spew Records

Track Listing:
1. Oath Of Disgust (4:00)
2. Exclusion Continuum (4:35)
3. Revelation In Purity (4:43)
4. Spewing Retribution (3:50)
5. Iniquity (5:06)
6. Where Dead Omens Croon (2:40)
7. The Enduring Light Of Irreverence (7:18)
Album Length: 33:00

Album Credits:
All songs performed by Imperishable
All songs written by Imperishable
Produced by Brian Kingsland
Mixed and Mastered by Jamie King
Album artwork by Nestor Avalos
Logo by Caelan Stokkermans

Lineup:
Brian Kingsland: Guitar/Vocals
Alex Rush: Bass
Derek Roddy: Drums

Discography:
2025 – Revelation in Purity – LP
2020 – Exclusion Continuum – single
2024 – Imperishable – demo

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

About The Album Artwork:

Initially, we wanted something dark and nostalgic. Detailed but not too busy. Nestor did a fantastic job with this simple yet impactful cover. It’s as if a gateway is being opened up.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

As a whole, the title of this record is based on the revelation of what true purity is. To be free of religion and restraint.

Musically, this record is fast and aggressive, but still retains discernible musicianship throughout. The performances on this record highlight the compositions. All parts are moving and working together to further strengthen each song.

Lyrically, the record ranges from topics of religion, health, personal struggles, and sacrifice.

But there is no low-hanging fruit. It is largely up to the listener to interpret.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Oath of Disgust
Musically, this song is one of the more technical. Quite a few twists, like clean singing over blast beats and Black metal chords, but it is overall memorable, fast, and aggressive. The guitar solo is dark and well-phrased throughout chord changes.

Lyrically, the song is loosely based around personal sacrifice that is never fulfilling or reciprocated. The constant struggle for greatness.

2. Exclusion Continuum
Musically, this tune has a darker vibe. A haunting guitar melody over dark chords in the intro gives an eerie presence. Eventually, the song leads into a breakneck pace, but not overly complicated riffing, with a mosh-worthy groove section in the middle.

Lyrically, it deals with personal betrayal and the strength to overcome through hatred, perseverance, morals, and principles. Thus, it is a song of confidence and positivity.

3. Revelation In Purity
Musically, this song has a very catchy main riff. The verse section is more akin to black thrash, while the bridge brings an Angelcorpse vibe. Aggressive and catchy throughout. The ending brings a slow funeral doom feel, with an evil brooding guitar solo to conclude the journey.

Lyrically, this song is anti-religion. Purity in the Christian context is unrealistic and misguiding. The revelation is that true purity is freedom from religion.

4. Spewing Retribution
Musically is an onslaught of aggressive picking and fast blast beats. Letting off the jugular only momentarily for a Dimebag meets Ihsahn guitar solo, before ramping back up again. This song is a staple of the aggressive sound the band has achieved.

Lyrically, the song is again anti-religious. But, crafted so in a more poetic, interpretive manner, rather than outright violence and hatred

5. Iniquity
Musically, it is tuned down and a bit sludgy. Some new elements are introduced momentarily with clean guitar and clean vocals, leading to Morbid Angel meets Immolation style riffing. Slow, grooving, and evil. The ending harmony lead into some murky, unsettling territory.

Lyrically, the song is loosely based on living a healthier lifestyle. It was inspired by Alex’s weight loss journey

6. Where Dead Omens Croon
Musically, it is a jagged piece. Starting with alternating technical blackened style riffs, then immediately racing into Angelcorpse speed worship. The bridge is filled with an interesting array of emperor-ish clean vocals, followed by a classic harmonized guitar section before jolting back to the frantic black/tech of the intro.

Lyrically, it’s loosely based around the death of Brian’s grandfather, the birth of his son, and how it’s affected his touring lifestyle.

7. The Enduring Light Of Irreverence
Musically, the final track is a linear journey. Lots of ideas that develop and mutate to describe the journey into irrelevance. The journey takes us through many styles, from ugly black metal to tightly performed death metal, while never losing focus and musicality. The song premieres 4 guitar solos of varying involvement. Each one is deploying varying degrees of Brian’s signature black/blue style. The final section of the song introduces a dark progressive climax, with a very tasteful guitar solo conclusion.

Lyrically, the song is an interpretative journey towards one’s own freedom from religion, which is the ending light, the enduring liberation.

Imperishable is an extreme metal band hailing from South Carolina, USA. The project was formed in 2020 by guitarist/vocalist Brian Kingsland (Nile, Enthean) and Bassist Alex Rush (Olkoth, Enthean). The lineup was completed in early 2023 with the addition of drum legend Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal, Malevolent Creation). The trio is set to release their debut album, “Revelation In Purity”, on August 29th, 2025. The focus is to deliver ferocious material while retaining memorable hooks and musicality. The record is dark, aggressive, and occasionally experimental at times. The songs are molded around power rather than flash. Pure metal with a sense of exploration!

Lineup:
Brian Kingsland: Guitar/Vocals
Alex Rush: Bass
Derek Roddy: Drums

Discography:
2025 – Revelation in Purity – LP
2020 – Exclusion Continuum – single
2024 – Imperishable – demo

0 Listen To LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL’s Spotify Playlist For This Year’s 2025 Lineup w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, and more!

July 21, 2025
by Asher
· Loud As Hell Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 21, 2025

Listen To LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL’s Spotify Playlist For This Year’s 2025 Lineup w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, and more!

August 1st – 3rd – Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands – Drumheller, AB

Hashtags #LAHXIII, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2025

Preview this year’s LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR with their Spotify playlist showcasing the 2025 festival lineup that includes REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, HOG MEETS FROG, and more!

LAH 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cu3CgEX8n2g2MQbADNJmg

Hosted in the barren expanse of sculpted sandstone, wind-carved hoodoos, and the vast canyons of Alberta, Canada’s badlands, one of the country’s loudest decibel-breaking extreme music events, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival returns for its 13th edition in Drumheller, AB from August 1st to 3rd at the Dinosaurs Down Stampede to showcase the best up-and-coming Canadian and international talent to roar through the country’s largest dinosaur fossil grounds.

This year’s festivities will witness technical death metal masters Revocation headline the Sunday, August 3rd, lineup. The band unveiled their latest 2025 single and music video “Confines of Infinity,” featuring brutal guest vocals from Cattle Decapitation’s Travis Ryan. The single also marks the debut of a new Revocation lineup that sees vocalist and guitarist Dave Davidson joined by drummer Ash Pearson–who has been in the band since 2015–bassist Alex Weber, and guitarist Harry Lannon. Revocation formed in 2006, and their self-released debut, Empire of the Obscene, came out in 2008. Since then, they’ve released seven critically acclaimed albums and have toured the world, bringing their technically charged, high-energy extreme metal to rabid fans in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Music Video – Confines of Infinity (ft. Travis Ryan of Cattle Decapitation) – https://youtu.be/h6Nez7ikOm4

Also on the Sunday lineup will be Insurrection, the powerhouse metal band from Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Formed over 20 years ago (2003), the band is known for its intense and energetic performances. Their sound is a unique twist of groovy death metal mixed with a healthy dose of thrash energy. The band has released several albums, including “Prologue” (2008), “Fracture” (2010), “Prototype” (2013), “Extraction” (2017), and “Obsolescence” (2024) (Bam Co. Heavy). Their music often addresses social and political themes through bilingual lyrics in both English and French. The band has gained a notable reputation on stage throughout Canada with tours covering coast to coast, including performances at festivals such as Montebello Rockfest, Trois-Rivières Metalfest, and Decimate Metalfest. Music Video – The Gathering – https://youtu.be/OloWe37IY04

Headlining Saturday, Aug 2nd, Montreal, QC’s First Fragment will display their virtuosity and demonstrate why they are so beloved globally for their Neoclassical/Technical Extreme Metal. The band broke ground with their debut EP “The Afterthought Ecstasy” (2010). Their latest two albums, “Dasein” (2016), “Gloire éternelle(2021), and the latest instrumental compilation record, “Le Recueuil Des Âges” (2024), have been released on Unique Leader Records. Music Video – Pantheum – https://youtu.be/4mU_qLoa3Ds

Saturday will also feature LAH alumni Gorgatron, guttural Death Metal out of Fargo, North Dakota. Their sound is based on a “love of the riff” approach to writing and is rooted in the old-school stylings of Death Metal and Thrash. They have honed their style and work ethic with rigorous DIY tours across the States, Europe, Canada, and Mexico. They have a slew of records under their belts with their latest “Sentience Revoked” (2024) (Redefining Darkness Records) and just this past January, they unleashed a digital EP “Live From the Basement”. It was originally set to be released on Adult Swim’s ‘Fish Center Live’ in 2020, but was shelved due to Adult Swim shutting down their livestream division that same year. Music Video – Absorbency – https://youtu.be/oZ_0uqAh5fc

The festival’s first day on Friday, Aug 1st, will be headlined by hip-hop-influenced deathcore gutter gang Filth out of North Carolina. They dropped the next chapter in their discography, Southern Hostility, in April 2024. Music Video – Opp Stoppers – https://youtu.be/DUl3DPXdCBY

Also on Friday are Vancouver, BC’s Opal in Sky, twin brothers Tyson and Dylon Opalinsky. They share a deep passion for music and its limitless possibilities. Their music reflects their shared values and beliefs. They believe that music has the power to heal, uplift, and bring people together. They are committed to creating meaningful and enjoyable music, and their unique sound is a fusion of different styles and influences. They released their debut album, “Dream Shift,” in July 2024. Music Video – Those Who Wait – https://youtu.be/w6KmSMB2zGs

With a lineup featuring over 40 bands from across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, traveling the furthest from Europe is Vienna, Austria’s Hog Meets Frog, a band fans don’t want to miss. The trio is renowned for their eccentricity and boundary-pushing music that blends prog, funk, and metal. The Urbanizer (You Know Where the Flowers Have Gone) (feat. Marco Minnemann) – https://youtu.be/2PBE6BjOGuc

Other highlights for this year’s open-air are Toronto’s Beguiler, champions of last year’s 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Canada; the slamming deathcore of Arizona’s Gore Pig; Mexico’s Spit On Your Grave, showcasing their powerful, deep growls, blast beats, slam riffs, and heavy breakdowns, all infused with a melodic touch; and Vancouver’s Thirteen Goats, with their signature blend of infernal riffs, huge hooks, and uniquely theatrical songwriting.

Weekend Passes (Aug 1- 3) are available at https://loudashell.ca/shop/

This weekend pass grants you full access to all the headbanging, moshing, and metal mayhem that Loud As Hell Open Air offers.

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR 2025

Thursday, July 31 – Kick Off Party
Vapor (California, USA)
Display Of Decay (Edmonton, AB)
Black Pestilence (Calgary, AB)
Decrepitation (Edmonton, AB)

Friday, August 1
Filth (Shelby, NC, USA)
Auzzy Blood – Freak Show (Las Vegas, NV, USA)
Opal In Sky (Vancouver, BC)
Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Alberta)
Spit On Your Grave (Monterrey, Mexico)
Hazzerd (Calgary, AB)
Ascension Blacklist (Newburgh, ON)
Black Friday (Edmonton, AB)
Daniel Martin’s The Infamous (Edmonton, AB)

Saturday, August 2
First Fragment (Montreal, QC)
Kyle Pullan – Acoustic (Canmore, AB)
Gorgatron (Fargo, ND, USA)
Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Alberta)
Heartsick (Lansing, MI, USA)
Judicator (Salt Lake City, UT, USA)
Casket Robbery (Munroe, WI, USA)
Kelevra (Regina, SK)
Lycanthro (Ottawa, ON)
Frontal Assault (Cedar Rapids, IA, USA)
Cabrakaan (Calgary, AB)
Spectre (Winnipeg, MB)
Pridelands (Red Deer, AB)
Pharm (Kelowna, BC)
Beserker (Lethbridge, AB)

Sunday, August 3
Revocation (Boston, MA, USA)
Kyle Pullan – Acoustic (Canmore, AB)
Insurrection (Gatineau, QC)
Auzzy Blood – Freak Show (Las Vegas, NV, USA)
Gorepig (Hot Springs, AZ, USA)
Hazzardous Material – Burlesque (Alberta)
Cyborg Octopus (San Francisco, CA, USA)
Squidhammer (Waterton, WI, USA)
Truent (Vancouver, BC)
Beguiler (Toronto, ON)
Reaping Asmodeia (Minneapolis, MN, USA)
Endless Chaos (Winnipeg, MB)
Hog Meets Frog (Vienna, Austria)
Thirteen Goats (Vancouver, BC)
Woodhawk (Calgary, AB)
Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)

Since its inception in 2012, LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has exposed hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually, except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their 2024 edition was host to the most stacked lineup to date, featuring BEYOND CREATION, STRIKER, ANCIIENTS, GREEN JELLY, THE CONVALESCENCE, SUPER MONSTER PARTY, TERRIFIER, and lots more. Previous years have witnessed well-known bands such as Jungle Rot, Narcotic Wasteland, Necronomicon, Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Battlecross, Fit for An Autopsy, Anciients, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Striker, KEN mode, Obey The Brave, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, Divinity, Neck of The Woods, Endast, among many more.

Live LAH 2024 – Anciients – Despoiled – https://youtu.be/-E440Gax4ao

Live LAH 2024 – Terrifier – Depths Of The Storm Scepter – https://youtu.be/ZEm4ncOlbH4

Live LAH 2023 – Narcotic Wasteland – Sex, Lies and DNA – https://youtu.be/q-AraxYaEfA‪

Live LAH 2023 – Jungle Rot – A Call To Arms – https://youtu.be/b5GCaJ–lZo

More info:
LoudAsHell.ca
Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival
Twitter: @LoudAsHellFest
Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
Social Media Hashtags #LAHXIII, #LAHOA, #LAHOA2025

Festival Press Materials – Posters, Band Links, EPKs, Photos – HERE.

About:

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2025 will be celebrating its thirteenth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!

LAH Partners:
WCMFA – Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance
Asher Media Relations
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Ghost Cult Magazine
This Day In Metal
Valley Brewing
Canalta Hotels
Neighbors’ Corner Pub
Prairie Fire Productions Ltd
Big Nate Productions
Trash Talk with Nate Trash
Slimbztv
High Voltage TV
Seeing Red Podcast
Through The Looking Glass Photography
PMC – Positive Mindset Creations
Heavy Metal A Way Of Life
QMR (Queen Metal Radio)
Unity X Radio

– 30 –

What the press is saying:

“Located an hour and a half east of Calgary is the town of Drumheller, Alberta. With a population in the neighborhood of 8000 and existing smack dab in the middle of Canada’s desert and dinosaur country, it’s not a place one would immediately associate with any sort of metal scene, let alone a big-ass outdoor metal fest. But that’s where you’d be wrong. Going into its 11th year, the Loud as Hell Festival is set to roll on August 4-6th with the likes of Narcotic Wasteland, Jungle Rot and Incite headlining three days of metallic fun featuring 40 or so bands, including The Convalescence, Gorgatron, Necronomicon, Untimely Demise, Eyes of Perdition and more.” – Decibel Magazine

“Western Canada’s loudest heavy metal festival brings fans to town more known for dinos than drum solos.” – CBC Calgary

“What’s more metal than the badlands? Drumheller, AB, is known for being the dinosaur capital of the world — but it’s also the home of the Loud as Hell festival, an event celebrating none other than the loudest music known to man (and, by proxy, prehistoric reptile).” – Exclaim!

“Loud as Hell – one of Canada’s top underground metal festivals – was a metal family reunion. If you walked around the grounds, where tents covered the landscape like flowers, you would experience concert goers laughing, hugging and just enjoying the moment. The music played non-stop and the people were some of the best you’ll meet. What else do you need? If you’re a metalhead fan, mark it down for next year because this is a concert you don’t want to miss.” – Blackfalds Life

“Headbanger alert: Loud As Hell festival to ramp up the volume” – Calgary Herald

“Nevermind the bug spray and sun tan lotion, as August approaches Drumheller residents should stock up on earplugs.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud As Hell returns to the southern Alberta city for its seventh year and as its name implies, will rock the city to its core.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud as Hell has celebrated eight years in the Badlands to date, with acts from all over the world-shattering the peace and quiet of the hills in a camping and music extravaganza.” – Hanna Herald

“Drumheller with its dinosaur bones is the site of the annual Loud as Hell heavy metal festival Friday through Sunday. Dozens of the heaviest bands known to Man will be taking the stage, many of them Canadian” – Gig City
—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love! For the Week Ending: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 92.5 FM CFBX “the X” – Kamloops Loud – #8 Derev | CFOU 89,1 FM – Trois-Rivieres Loud – #10 Woodhawk | CIVL Radio 101.7 FM – Abbotsford Loud #7 phear, #8 Infrared #9 MUTANK Boonsdale Records | CJLO – 1690AM – Montreal Loud – #7 Doll, #9 Crüzer | Smithers Community Radio CICK 93.9 – Smithers Top 30 – #23 Tumbleweed Dealer

July 19, 2025
by Asher
· Cruzer · Derev · DOLL · Infrared · MUTANK · PHEAR · Tumbleweed Dealer · Woodhawk

Thank You Canadian MDs and DJs for the airplay love!
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
92.5 FM CFBX “the X” – Kamloops
Loud – #8 Derev
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfbx.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-07-15
==========================
CFOU 89,1 FM – Trois-Rivieres
Loud – #10 Woodhawk
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cfou.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-07-15
==========================
CIVL Radio 101.7 FM – Abbotsford
Loud #7 phear, #8 Infrared #9 MUTANK Boonsdale Records
https://earshot-online.com/charts/civl.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-07-15
==========================
CJLO – 1690AM – Montreal
Loud – #7 Doll, #9 Crüzer
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cjlo.cfm?intChartTypeID=6&dWeekOfID=2025-07-15
==========================
Smithers Community Radio CICK 93.9 – Smithers
Top 30 – #23 Tumbleweed Dealer
https://earshot-online.com/charts/cick.cfm?dWeekOfID=2025-07-15

0 Rockshots Records – Hoist The Sails! Crank The Volume! Pirate Metallers CALICO JACK’s New EP “Jack Speak Shanties” Is Out Now! + Music Video “Wellerman”

July 18, 2025
by Asher
· Calico Jack (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 18, 2025

Hoist The Sails! Crank The Volume! Pirate Metallers CALICO JACK’s New EP “Jack Speak Shanties” Is Out Now! + Music Video “Wellerman”

After conquering the Caribbean with cannon-fire and swagger, Italian pirate metal act Calico Jack set sail for colder seas with their brand new EP “Jack Speak Shanties”, a wild tribute to the sea shanties that shaped their pirate souls.

Marking the occasion is the new single and music video “Wellerman”, a dramatic reinterpretation of the legendary 19th-century whaling anthem. Fueled by Viking metal grit, Scandinavian flair, and original riffage, the band breathes new life into this maritime classic, now paired with a stunning video where Calico Jack sheds their Caribbean garb and embraces the rugged look of old-school whalers.

Watch “Wellerman” – https://youtu.be/ZfLdwp_ab_s

Digital – https://lnk.to/fXbPpb

5 tracks. 5 tales of salt, rum, and myth.
From the fierce cries of “The 24th of February” to the Celtic melancholy of “Spanish Ladies”, the EP “Jack Speak Shanties” is not just a record. It’s a roaring, storm-soaked homage to nautical tradition.

“This is a love letter to the songs that made us,” says guitarist Toto. And it shows.

Hoist the sails. Crank the volume. The shanties have returned — pirate metal style.

CD (out July 18th, 2025) – https://rockshots.eu/products/calico-jack-jack-speak-shanties-cd

Lyric Video – Don’t Forget Your Old Shipmate – https://youtu.be/Lb7DRyMcBYE

Track Listing:
1. Wellerman – 4:12
2. Don’t Forget your Old Shipmate – 4:03
3. Off to Sea Once More – 3:50
4. The 24th of February – 4:43
5. Spanish Ladies – 5:19

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Calico-jack.net | https://linktr.ee/Calico_Jack

– 30 –

‘Unique but still stick to their theme well enough to remain firmly within the confines of Pirate movie soundtracks and the sorts of songs you would hear sung in port taverns.’ – Folk-metal.nl

‘Calico Jack’s ship is finally ready to set sail in the world of pirate metal, and given the prowess of the crew, it won’t struggle much to conquer land and booty, you can be sure of that…for Blackbeard’s eyepatch!’ – Mr. Folk

‘Let the sails be unfurled, let the flags be hoisted, it’s time to set sail into the open sea in search of treasure and ships to plunder and to other ports to pillage. Calico Jack: dreaded pirates of folk metal.’ – Metalforce

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Ethan Henry (Freya, The Last Season) One-Man Solo Band ASHES OF THE SUN Shares New Video “Here To Stay” From Debut Album “Gods With Machines”

July 17, 2025
by Asher
· Ashes of The Sun · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2025

Ethan Henry (Freya, The Last Season) One-Man Solo Band ASHES OF THE SUN Shares New Video “Here To Stay” From Debut Album “Gods With Machines”

Debut Album “Gods With Machines” Out August 2025

“If Metallica and Megadeth had a baby with Alice in Chains, that’s Ashes of the Sun.” – Ethan D. Henry

Ethan D. Henry – Photo Credit – Gidget Photos

Best known as the drummer of hardcore titans FREYA (2004 – 2008, 2017-present), featuring EARTH CRISIS members Ian Edwards, Eric Edwards, and Karl Buechner, along with co-writing and performing on the THE LAST SEASON 2003 album “Called It Civilization”, Ethan D. Henry will be releasing his first solo effort, ASHES OF THE SUN, and its debut album “Gods With Machines” due out August 1st, 2025, via his label Ignorant Tourist Productions.

This past June, AOTS revealed the first single “A New Way To Die” and is now ready to share the next track in prelude to the album’s release. Entitled “Here To Stay”, the song is about the chosen one and his community accepting the reality that the gods are not what they appear, The Leaders are in league with these false gods. As a whole, they decide to take their lives, land, and religion back. It’s time to unite and stand up.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Here To Stay” at https://youtu.be/qqF20imtxU8

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/4bdFGerd2CsbsYzQtovCZA

ASHES OF THE SUN was born out of a catalog of songs Henry had written over the years. Unsure what to do with them, he sat in his studio and started to record them. Not sure what would become of them. He had his friend Jason “Jocko” Randle at CAPTURE STUDIO (Syracuse, N.Y.) to take a listen and put his mixing and mastering touch on it. After those sessions, Ethan decided his eclectic song list was cohesive enough to make an album.

“After recording about a dozen songs, I developed solos and vocals for them. I felt the way I played the solos and sang would help bring the songs together and could make the collection work as a full-length album. I’m very happy with the way GODS WITH MACHINES came out. It’s simply the way I play and write, and shows some of my influences in the metal/rock/grunge/alternative scene and how they blend together. The vision for this album was to have a flow like some of my playlists, and I imagine most people’s playlists. I hope that fans will enjoy the mellow acoustic/ballad intros that transition into hard rock/ metal flows. I wanted these songs to reach rock fans and metal fans alike. I’ve been in metal bands for a long time and love the brutality Karl and Dan brought to Freya and The Last Season, but I wanted to reach a broader audience. So I chose to tone the heavy vocals back and sing the album. I think ultimately, whether it’s my metal, rock, or grunge influences coming through in these songs, it sounds like the era of music I grew up listening to. late 90s, early 2000s. I like that about this record,” adds Henry.

The nine tracks on “Gods With Machines” were written, performed (drums, guitar, bass, vocals), and produced, along with the album artwork, all by Ethan D. Henry. Overall, the album is ultimately about having faith in God and constantly questioning it. It expresses feelings of being misled by those you admire and trust. It’s about being yourself and finding your spiritual path and God.

“On this particular album, my lyrics are about an alien race that lands on a planet after destroying their world. Realizing the people are looking to the sky for heaven, they pretend they are gods and take advantage of the natives, steal their resources, and live in their paradise. Eventually, the people rebel against the gods after years of abuse and lies. They overthrow the gods and realize they aren’t what they claim to be,” says Henry.

Recommended for fans of Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soundgarden, “Gods With Machines” is available for pre-order (out August 1, 2025) at https://ignoranttouristproductions.com/

First Single – “A New Way to Die”:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/a9qodtHeNTQ

Digital single – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ashesofthesun/a-new-way-to-die-single

Track Listing:
1. Sophisticated Clowns – 5:49
2. Save The World – 4:17
3. Forced To Kill – 5:51
4. The Elephant – 4:34
5. A New Way To Die – 4:26
6. Gods With Machines – 5:15
7. The Lost Ones – 4:07
8. Here To Stay – 6:11
9. They Bleed Just Like You 4:31
Album Length: 45:05

More info: https://ignoranttouristproductions.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/ethanhenry43/ | https://www.instagram.com/ignorant_tourist_productions_/

-30-

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Streaming Now! DOLL Releases “Better Days, Different Times” EP, Completing Their Triumphant Return

July 17, 2025
by Asher
· DOLL · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 17, 2025

Streaming Now! DOLL Releases “Better Days, Different Times” EP, Completing Their Triumphant Return

Canadian alt-rock powerhouse Doll is now streaming “Better Days, Different Times”, their first new collection of material since 2011’s “The Ragdoll Diaries”. The EP represents not just a return to form but a significant evolution for the Ottawa-based band that has expanded their sonic palette while maintaining their core identity. They share their excitement:

“With this album, we wanted to pull listeners in closer to what’s top of mind to us, our values, our experiences. It’s not just something to hear; it’s something to sit and listen to. It’s less about the volume this time, more about the weight behind the lyrics.”

Every track on this record was handpicked because it struck something deep in Doll. Some songs come in softer, quieter moments. But don’t let that fool you, the weight is still there. The message is still dark, still heavy.

The EP maintains the band’s commitment to authentic expression and therapeutic songwriting. Each track emerges from genuine experience and emotion, continuing the band’s tradition of using music as both personal processing and connection with listeners who share similar struggles.

“Better Days, Different Times” marks not just Doll’s return from the dead, but their emergence as a more complete artistic entity. The EP proves that time away has served to deepen rather than diminish their creative impact, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a compelling entry point into the band’s evolved sound. They are recommended for fans of Nobro, SoftCult, Amyl and the Sniffers, and The Pretty Reckless.

Listen to the EP’s full stream premiere on GhostCultMagazine HERE.

EP-pre-order (out July 18th) – https://doll.bandcamp.com/

Music video – Doll‘s cover of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” at https://youtu.be/cynliYX-Djk

Track Listing:
1. Bleeding – 4:32
2. Shark Bait – 3:07
3. Smoke on the Water – 4:26
4. Scene Dream – 4:28
5. Ends Like This – 3:24
6. Goodbye – 3:27
Album Length: 23:29

Album Credits:
All songs performed by: Doll
All songs written by: Doll
Produced by: Josh Hart, Jason Jaknunas
Mixed by: Josh Hart
Mastered by: Josh Hart
Album Artwork by: Mark Kidd

Album Lineup
Guitar: Pete Kasper
Guitar, Vocals, Bass: Christina
Drums: Chris Zimmerman – Smoke on the Water,
Josh Hart – All the Rest
Cello: Raphael Weinroth-Browne
Keys: Phil Campbell
Extra Guitars : Athanasios Maravelis

More info: https://www.facebook.com/dollband

-30-

“#1 Doll – Zach’s Picks of the Week – July 7 – 12, 2025 – Canadian Beats

“Doll sharpens their grit with new muscle and melody. Their return after more than a decade is not a nostalgia trip but a rebirth. The Ottawa band’s forthcoming EP Better Days, Different Times (July 18th) expands their core formula of raw energy and no-frills honesty by inviting new players and broader sonic choices into the mix. But even with cello flourishes and genre jumps, their identity remains firmly intact.” – Amplifying The Noise

“The new track ‘Shark Bait’ from Doll is a blast! The world has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of “JAWS” and now we have a brand new punk-fueled bite in the pants to go along with all of the bloody hoopla. ‘Shark Bait’ is basically straight ahead hardcore riffage with razor sharp teeth, fun lyrics and a precursor to their new EP, ‘Better Days, Different Times’ set for a July 18th release. Catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“The Rag Doll Diaries” is the story of a road weary/world weary band with so much to say and share. Its the combination on heartache and despair offered with a hand meant for holding. In other words here is real music for the real world.” – Heavy Metal Time Machine (2013 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“Doll was conceived as a bridge between punk and rock, a bridge that was fulfilled in the early ’90s by bands like Nirvana and the mid-’90s by Foo Fighters… A good punk band doesn’t write about the joys of picking daisies and Doll is no exception.” – The Whig Standard (Kingston, ON) (2013)

“Doll provides a missing link between punk and rock.” – The Intelligencer (Belleville, ON) (2013)

“The four-piece are definitely reminiscent of the grunge era and have provided a concise four-word biography of the band: “Rock N’ Fucking Roll.” – Exclaim! (2011 – The Ragdoll Diaries)

“One of the most striking aspects of Inside The Dollhouse, after Christina’s whiskey-and-hell voice, is a fictional character by the name of Sally created to carry the songs. A concept completely unexpected given the band’s twentysomething youth, immediately reminiscent of Alice Cooper’s infamous character Steven, introduced on Welcome To My Nightmare in 1975.” – Bravewords (2010 – Inside the Dollhouse)

“The debut from Ottawa’s Doll caught me instantly like a fish on a hook. This is serious music. Dark, intense and magnetic, this is the kind of gritty ’90s grunge that doesn’t fuck around. Fronted by the vocally vicious Christina Kasper, Doll recall an angry and confused era of music devoid of pop but not catchiness. Kasper howls in the vein of Courtney Love and Brodi Dalle, and while the lyrics are simple and not exactly fresh, they are impacting. Songs like “Perfect” deal with trying to live up to society’s standards, while “Sally Lost Her Shoelaces” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” deal with hurt, confusion and heroin against a backdrop of chunky guitars, assaulting drums and badass attitude. Julie-Anne Madore’s backing vocals add a whispered, haunting feel to this record. If the dirty rock’n’roll alone doesn’t reel you in, nothing will.” – Exclaim (2009 – Inside the Dollhouse)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 HOG MEETS FROG – New Single “The Urbanizer” Ft. Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani) + Canadian Tour & Loud As Hell Open Air Fest

July 16, 2025
by Asher
· Hog Meets Frog (Echotunes) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 16, 2025

HOG MEETS FROG Unveils New Single “The Urbanizer” Ft. Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani)

+ Canadian Tour & Loud As Hell Open Air Festival Appearance

Austrian avant-funk-prog-metal trio Hog Meets Frog have dropped their most ferociously surreal single to date: “The Urbanizer” (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone), featuring world-renowned drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani). The track arrives ahead of the band’s first-ever Canadian tour (dates listed below), which includes a performance at the Loud As Hell Open Air Festival in Drumheller, Alberta, on August 3rd.

Lyrically dystopian and musically unhinged, “The Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone)” is a darkly groovy critique of ecological collapse and unchecked urban sprawl—told from the perspective of the “urbanizer” himself, a concrete deity paving over the planet.

The track’s artwork, created by Attila Zolt Tornyi (LaMañana), features a golden skull in a desolate concrete wasteland—symbolizing the “concrete gold” of speculative real estate and the sunless future it casts.

Bassist and band storyteller Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl comments on the single:

“We have featured on the tune ‘The Urbanizer’ drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani), which is a great honour for us. A mutual friend brought us together – thanks, Alan!! The song’s main riff was written many years ago, and a few years later, the first four verses and thus the character of the urbanizer emerged. Over the years, however, it has become clear that society isn’t getting to grips with the issue; rather, the effects of human actions, which have been driving global warming for decades, are increasing in a lot of areas. Why? Well, some deny ecological changes out of fear, some out of greed, and still others just to show that they’re ‘against the system’ – whatever that means. Precisely because of the subject matter, the song is one of those that even we couldn’t make into a particularly funny song… but, hey! Let’s just say that HOG MEETS FROG also has a dark side.”

Listen to “The Urbanizer” (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann is now on all major streaming platforms.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/2JBo93Ad2S7uD46tInWG8F

YouTube – https://youtu.be/2PBE6BjOGuc

Performing in Canada for the first time, Hog Meets Frog is excited to be showcasing in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, as well as performing at one of Canada’s loudest and most extreme metal gatherings, Loud As Hell Open Air Festival, which also includes Revocation, First Fragment, Insurrection, and Gorgatron.

“Don’t expect anything. Just experience it. You’ll see three guys throwing sounds around, sometimes wearing masks, telling stories. The rest forms in the head of the beholder,” adds Petz.

Hog Meets Frog – The Urbanizer Greening Tour 2025
July 26 – Schwarzach, Austria – Tauerngold Festival
July 30 – Ottawa, ON – Avant-Garde Bar
Aug 1 – Toronto, ON – The Rockpile
Aug 3 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY, and more!
Aug 6 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
Sept 6 – Schwaz, Austria – Woodlight Festival

About:
Formed after a “musical abstinence” by a copywriting drummer and a lyricist bassist “pregnant with a riff,” Hog Meets Frog was born from a story about a hog and a frog having… fun. Their sound? In their own words: “Freaky-fuckin’-SQUEAQUACK-music.”

The band’s writing process is as unpredictable as their music—riffs born on subways, lyrics conceived in showers, and stories inspired by overheard conversations, political absurdities, and the slow-motion collapse of the natural world.

For more info: Hogmeetsfrog.com | Facebook.com/hogmeetsfrog | Twitter.com/hogmeetsfrog | Instagram.com/hogmeetsfrog | Tiktok.com/@hogmeetsfrog

– 30 –

“The quirkily name Hog Meets Frog are an Australian funk prog metal trio who released their third EP, humANIMALization, in February, and from which the equally odd Of Snakes ‘n’ Moles ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Dough, is taken. We’re getting strong Primus vibes here, and the band also admit to a Tool influence.” – Prog (Great new prog music in our Tracks of The Week – April 28, 2023)

“If you are a fan of the jerky, spiky, awkward sounds of Primus you’ll love this. I daresay if you enjoy a bit of early Red Hot Chili Peppers you may also dig this – certain parts of the record do have a sneak peek toward Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention and The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown – not too obviously, but those sly, sideways little looks are there.” – Ever- Metal UK

“‘Does humor belong in music?’ was once a question that the late/great Frank Zappa asked – and Austrian funk-prog metallists apparently agree wholeheartedly, as evidenced within the video for their new tune, “Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping,” – Bravewords

“Many hard rockers like when it is funky. Then this cool act must not be overlooked! This unit is a tight bunch of players and they have catchy tunes, for sure… Well worth checking out for fans of crazy funky hard rock.” – Melodic.net

“There’s an element of uniqueness to how each of these songs are written, although you can’t deny the clear influence of say the Primus bass lines or Zappa-esc experimentation, yet it is within the niche, thematic storytelling that gives Hog Meets Frog a real musical identity. The way they can tell a story with humour yet allow you to consider the real and often times scary true circumstances behind where these stories originate is what gives this band their staple. Certainly one to look out for in the future, long live Sqeekquackmusic!” – Metal Epidemic

“On their latest EP, this Austrian band presents offbeat funk-metal with semi-spoken vocals that tell absurd stories about weird characters. There are all sorts of slap-happy bass parts you could imagine Les Claypool coming up with, insanely busy and leading the band. That’s Peter Schwabl on the bass, and he handles the “storytelling” vocals as well… HumANIMALization is 23 minutes of big fun” – Exposé Online

“If I had to draw a comparison for this band… it’d be Primus, heavy catchy, quirky and big bass guitar. Great stuff!” – Mosh Pit Radio 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

“One of the most creative and interesting bands I’ve heard in some time comes in the form of Austria’s Hog Meets Frog. The trio is extremely talented and unique.” – Transcending The Mundane

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0 EPK – Hog Meets Frog – The Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann (single) (2025)

July 16, 2025
by Asher
· EPKs · Hog Meets Frog (Echotunes)

EPK – Hog Meets Frog – The Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann (single) (2025)

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

For fans of Primus, RHCP, System of a Down, TOOL, Frank Zappa

“And the urbanizer opened his arms and said: Let all greenery be erased! So let us be deaf, dumb, and blind on our way to extinction and take away our own biosphere! And if you have doubts as you pave over meadow after meadow, root out forest after forest, and poison river after river while blasting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere like there’s no tomorrow, then raise your head and look up to me in awe – but don’t expect salvation from your fears, for I am your creation: the urbanizer.” - Hog Meets Frog

Band: Hog Meets Frog
Single Title: Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Label: Echotunes

Sales Links: Hogmeetsfrog.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“We have featured on the tune ‘The Urbanizer’ drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani), which is a great honour for us. A mutual friend brought us together – thanks, Alan!! The song’s main riff was written many years ago, and a few years later, the first four verses and thus the character of the urbanizer emerged. Over the years, however, it has become clear that society isn’t getting to grips with the issue; rather, the effects of human actions, which have been driving global warming for decades, are actually increasing in a lot of areas. Why? Well, some deny ecological changes out of fear, some out of greed, and still others just to show that they’re ‘against the system’ – whatever that means. Precisely because of the subject matter, the song is one of those that even we couldn’t make into a particularly funny song… but, hey! Let’s just say that HOG MEETS FROG also has a dark side.” – Hog Meets Frog

Hog Meets Frog – The Urbanizer Greening Tour 2025
July 26 – Schwarzach, Austria – Tauerngold Festival
July 30 – Ottawa, ON – Avant-Garde Bar
Aug 1 – Toronto, ON – The Rockpile
Aug 3 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Open Air Festival w/ REVOCATION, FIRST FRAGMENT, FILTH, INSURRECTION, GORGATRON, OPAL IN SKY and more!
Aug 6 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
Sept 6 – Schwaz, Austria – Woodlight Festival

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Hog Meets Frog
Single Title: Urbanizer (You Know Where The Flowers Have Gone) ft. Marco Minnemann
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Label: Echotunes

Single Credits:
• song performed by: HOG MEETS FROG feat. MARCO MINNEMANN
• All songs written by: HOG MEETS FROG
• Produced by: Lukas Wiltschko (LW Sonics), PETZ
• Mixed by: Lukas Wiltschko (LW Sonics)
• Mastered by: Lukas Wiltschko (LW Sonics)
• Album Artwork by: Attila Zolt Tornyi (LaMañana)

Single Band Line Up:
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox

Live Band Line Up (for Canada-Tour 2025):
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Ivo Matoš – Drums
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox

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About The Single Artwork:

The artwork comes – how could it be otherwise – from Attila Zolt Tornyi (LaMañana). It is an excerpt from the video for the song and shows the skull and face of the “urbanizer”, who can be seen in the middle of a concrete landscape created by him.

The skull is yellow-orange and could be a symbol for the sun, as the “urbanizer” himself says about himself: “I’m the god of the building industry, I’m the sun of the spoiled sky…”

In this context, it can also be understood as “concrete gold”, a symbol of the fact that more and more is being built by speculators for speculators, but less and less affordable living space is being created for most people. This is also reflected in the oppressively gray, deserted surroundings, in which no one is to be seen apart from the “golden” skull – not a person, but also not a plant.

About the single as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Lyrically – this time – we take a look at one of the causes of the increasingly extreme climate situation – the urbanization.

The story is told from the perspective of the “urbanizer” and paints a picture of how we humans pave over meadow after meadow, root out forest after forest, and poison river after river while blasting dirt into the atmosphere like there’s no tomorrow. With that, we also want to address the unpleasant social and health-related developments that the lining of nature brings with it.

The arrogance and short-sightedness of this, our behaviour, is described by the words of the urbanizer, who obviously does not realize that in the end, he will ultimately meet his end with the extinction of mankind – just as people do not seem to understand that they cannot live without nature.

Musically, the song begins to make its way rhythmically unconventional – for some, it may simply leave them asking, “WT*!?” but only for a few seconds until their thoughts are stomped out of their heads and into their stomachs by a darkly epic riff that unexpectedly hits them.

Then there comes the awakening of the urbanizer, soft, slow, groovy, and dry, only to find himself shortly thereafter in the alarmist “right in your face lick”. This is repeated once more before the tune takes a turn for the hardcore, punchy, and honest, which makes him slide into a playful but serious solo part. The urbanizer dances through the musical scene once more, this time a little more exhilarated than before until the song finally jumps into what feels like a fast final part – which it probably is.

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. HOG MEETS FROG play their music in honor of the holy spirit SQUEAUQACK. He created everything with just one fart and then fell into a deep sleep, on the edge of infinity. Maybe one day he will come back and – hand in hand with Kthulu (the misunderstood savior), the flying spaghetti monster, and some characters of the HOG MEETS FROG family – make the world a place of love, peace, and joy.

2. After a show, PETZ was asked by some fans if he wanted to drink liquor or whiskey with them or smoke a joint. PETZ thankfully declined, saying that he doesn’t drink or smoke, whereupon he was asked, “Really? And how do you get ideas like that without alcohol or drugs?”

3. HOG MEETS FROG seems to be funny… but it isn’t.

4. HOG MEETS FROGs music was defined as ‘avant-garde funk’.

Bottom L-R: : | ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi (guitar) | Ivo Matuš (drums)
Top: | Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl (bass, storytelling)
Photo Credit Vicky vanSane

Hog Meets Frog is the genre-bending, groove-infused trio that’s been warping minds and melting faces since their sonic leap onto the scene. Hailing from Austria, this power trio blends progressive metal, jazz fusion, funk, and absurdist humor into a sound that’s as technically dazzling as it is wildly unpredictable.

With a reputation for tight musicianship, tongue-in-cheek lyrics, and a fearless approach to composition, Hog Meets Frog has carved out a niche that’s equal parts Frank Zappa, Primus, and Meshuggah—yet unmistakably their own.

Their latest single, “Urbanizer”, drops like a wrecking ball into the modern prog landscape. A blistering commentary on city life and digital overload, the track fuses polyrhythmic riffs, slap bass wizardry, and theatrical vocals into a chaotic anthem for the overstimulated. It’s a bold evolution of their sound—more aggressive, more intricate, and more unhinged than ever.

Whether you’re a math-metal disciple or a jazz-funk explorer, Hog Meets Frog invites you to embrace the weird, worship the groove, and get lost in the madness.

Single Band Line Up:
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox

Live Band Line Up (for Canada-Tour 2025):
Markus Bratusa – Guitar
Ivo Matoš – Drums
Peter “PETZ” Schwabl – Bass, Vox

Discography:
2025 – the urbanizer (you know where the flowers have gone) ft. Marco Minnemann – single
2024 – ADOLF the ant (…or am I steve?) – single
2023 – humANIMALization (EP)
2019 – apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes (single)
2018 – peeping-bear’s exegesis of not peeping (single)
2012 – holy spirit SQUEAQUACK (LP)
2006 – RUN tha FREAKS (multimedia single)
2004 – FREAKY RITES (EP)
2003 – infernal promotion (EP)

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What the press has said about 2023 EP – humANIMALization

“If I had to draw a comparison for this band… it’d be Primus, heavy catchy, quirky and big bass guitar. Great stuff!” – Mosh Pit Radio 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

“They’re from Austria. One of the greatest song titles (Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping) I’ve ever heard. That’s all you’re getting. Press play and share the adventure” – Metallum Sub Terra

“If you love listening to the whimsical funky excursions of Les Claypool, and wouldn’t mind exploring similar landscapes that also include a bit more of a progressive metal approach and attitude, this EP will just about guarantee you an enjoyable experience.” – Progressor

“If the song titles like Apes don’t smoke cigars, just pipes are very funny, the musical aspects are of very high quality and definitely not “suitable for a headband”. Sure, funk isn’t a run-of-the-mill genre to sing along to, but sophisticated music at the highest level. So to speak, jazz music of the metal species. One can clearly register the inspiration of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and Co. on this record, whereby the songs transport positive energy.” – Rock Magazine

“Overall – As chaotic as claimed, with quirky features, throughout, it’s fair to say that you never know where this is going to go, next. Trippy, outlandish and bizarre, it’s a wacky wonderland, all of its own… ‘HumANIMALIZATION’ can never be accused of being boring or predictable. Spicy and novel, in equal measure, it may appeal more to niche audiences. Hard to summarise easily, it’s a case of suck it and see.” – Rock Queen Reviews

“with all the wild antics they pull off in tracks with titles like snakes ‘n’ moles ‘n’ bulls ‘n’ dough, apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes and ZIGGY the unpigcorn, it all remains surprisingly easy to follow. Even the lyrics, which are all kind of inverted fables, with humans and the animalistic traits in their personalities. Weird? Absolutely. Wild? Certainly. But never just a gimmick, never a mess, in short, just a damn good album. Does Humor Belong In Music? Zappa once asked. Well, if the music is SQUEAQUACKmusic it is.” – Rock Portaal