Check out the issue at https://absoluteunderground.tv/absolute-underground-magazine-issue-121/
Posts By Asher
0 Absolute Underground Mag – Dec 2024 – Jan 2025 – World On Alert, Trollwar, Sandveiss, Infrared, BornBroken, Atomis, Prisoner, Maitreya
0 Montreal Aggro-Metal CHÜZO Unveils Pummeling Drum Playthrough For “The Brutalator” Off New EP “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” Produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 27, 2024
Montreal Aggro-Metal CHÜZO Unveils Pummeling Drum Playthrough For “The Brutalator”
New EP “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” Out Now!
Produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope)
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L to R: Alex S (Bass), Cristian S (Guitars/Vocals), Mischa M (Vocals), Carlos G (Drums)
Photo Credit @stutteringuzii (Instagram)
Montreal, Canada aggro-metal contingent CHÜZO is sharing their next drum playthrough in support of their new EP “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” unleashed this past October. Earlier this month they unveiled the playthrough video for “Brand New Cell” and they have their second for “The Brutalator” before the year ends.
The track is about a character who comes to each town or village to reclaim social justice for anyone who has been mistreated by greedy and evil parts of humanity. Watch the playthrough by CHÜZO drummer Carlos G. via its premiere on TechnicalMusicReview HERE.
Produced with Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope, Uplift Recording Studio), CHÜZO ‘s new EP “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” is a three-track record that marks the next chapter and true representation of what CHÜZO‘s sound is meant to be.
“This new EP was to showcase our new lineup with our newest songs that are truly representative of our musical style, a style that we proudly call ‘Aggro-Metal.’ Very aggressive metal songs that have relatable themes that anyone can listen to and understand. This EP is our audio shotgun blast to the world to pay attention to and to mosh intensively during our live sets.” adds guitarist Cristian S.
CHÜZO‘s new lineup features the ensnaring vocals of Taiwanese Brazilian transplant Mischa M joining local first-generation Chilean Canadian and mastermind Cristian S. along with Carlos G from Venezuela and Alex S from Russia who all have found Montreal, Canada to be their home-to-breed their blender of grindcore, Swedish death metal, thrash, and hardcore punk to transform a sub-genre dubbed ‘Aggro Metal’.
The EP’s lyrics are driven by self-reflection and daily struggles. The inspiration for writing comes from life experiences and trying to live past them, especially the traumatic ones. Using all bad energy from bad experiences to create something positive for yourself and the world. This EP speaks of vengeance and the bad side of dedicating your life to achieving your desired revenge despite your own life and sanity. Brutal Social Justice.
For fans of Sepultura (Cavalera Bros era 84-96), At the Gates, Napalm Death, Slipknot, and Fuck the Facts, “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” was released on November 15, 2024.
EP Stream links below:
Bandcamp – https://chuzomtl.bandcamp.com/album/m-t-m-d-maximum-threshold-minimum-decay
Digital (Spotify) – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chzo/mtmd
EP Stream – https://youtu.be/jqCdfYwDev4
Music Video – “Brand New Cell” – https://youtu.be/CPvB0BhDxbQ
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EP Artwork by Draught https://www.instagram.com/draught___/
Track Listing:
1. The Brutalator – 3:39
2. Brand New Cell – 3:12
3. Bruised and Broken – 4:21
More Info: Instagram.com/chuzo.band | Facebook.com/chuzo.band
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“‘A Brazilian vocalist, a Chilean guitarist, a Russian bassist and a Venezuelan drummer walk into a Montreal metal bar’ might sound like the beginning of a borderline funny joke, but it, in a roundabout way, speaks to the christening of thrash, punk, death-beat quartet CHÜZO. The band’s latest EP — M.T.M.D.(Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay) — is the latest in a long line of releases since forming in 2020 and sees the light of day today. The band has a lot to say about their latest endeavour, but fans of old Sepultura, Napalm Death, At the Gates and Fuck the Facts should find something of interest ” – Decibel Magazine
“M.T.M.D is a crucial chapter in Chüzo’s evolution, showcasing a lineup that’s finally found its voice. Their journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the ability to channel personal struggles into a collective outcry for justice.” – Amplify The Noise
“It might be something of a cliché but it remains true; this isn’t simply an EP. It’s a promo for helping Chüzo find a major label for a debut full length… [8/10]” – Metal Noise
“CHÜZO have achieved several things on “MTMD (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” that other bands dream of for an entire career. On the one hand, the clever balancing act is impressive between old school credibility and new school influences. A factor that plays a striking role in the overall absolutely high-class work is that Canadians walk in a straightforward and focused manner in the ear. The three songs on the EP entitled “MTMD” are fast-paced in nature, mill into the ear canals at massive speed and –’s most important aspect – remains there… The EP is catchy, intense and yet has matured, multi-layered and serious Half-life to be equipped. Conclusion: Check in, buy, leave, killer!” – Metal Division Magazine
“Their common points: knowing how to intelligently mix the best of grindcore mixed with Swedish death, with a touch of hardcore thrash from a punk perspective. Chüzo calls his music, « Aggro Metal ». The theme of their songs, telling their life experiences, shouting their anger at the traumas experienced. The kind of text that allows you to let off steam and make yourself understood even if you have gaps in English. Chüzo is a sort of best of aggressive metal music with this vengeful punk attitude: Chüzo would be a disciple of Napalm Death. Damn their music is good to hear. For fans of Sepultura and the Cavalera brothers, Chüzo is for you, Cristian S. sings with the same kind of vocal intonation as Max C. For Christmas, I would like Chüzo to tour the old continent within the next 2 years. If I had the means, I would participate financially in their future tour. There are small (et larger) concert halls waiting for you. The day we can do a concert at the Kjbi, Chuzo is automatically on the bill” – Margoth PDF Webzine
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Rockshots Records – Finland’s AITHEER Streaming Title-Track From Forthcoming Debut Full-Length “The Serpent” Out Feb 2025
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 27, 2024
Finland’s AITHEER Streaming Title-Track From Forthcoming Debut Full-Length “The Serpent” Out Feb 2025
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Photo by Andrea Ferrantelli
Rockshots Records is thrilled to announce the release of Finnish avant-garde Aitheer’s debut full-length album, “The Serpent,” coming February 21, 2025.
Building on the introspective vibes of their 2020 “Sleeper” EP, “The Serpent” represents a bold evolution for this Finnish progressive metal band. Formed in 2017, Aitheer has transitioned from a cover and jam project to a pioneering force in the music scene, now ready to take you on a dynamic 32-minute musical voyage.
This album explores new sonic territories, blending progressive metal with rock, jazz, classical, and ambient influences, creating a theatrical and cinematic experience. The meticulously crafted arrangements, recorded at Studio UG in Kerava, Finland, feature talented musicians, including session drummer Toni Paananen.
The title track “The Serpent” drops today! It’s an experimental piece combining groovy bass lines with psychedelic and cinematic elements, embodying the album’s spirit of pushing musical boundaries. This is the first Aitheer song with Finnish lyrics, adding an exotic twist to their hypnotic and dynamic nature.
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“The Serpent” SINGLE cover credits:
Graphic Design by Jarmo Sainio
Photography by Niko Löfman.
Logo by Niko Löfman.
Listen to “The Serpent” and mark your calendars for the full album release!
YouTube – https://youtu.be/VOz76T4xOWA
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3BY0Id3
Album Pre-Order – https://rockshots.eu/products/aitheer-the-serpent-cd
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Track Listing:
1. Prologue
2. The Dance of Twins
3. East
4. Law
5. Clairvoyance
6. The Serpent
7. Flame
Band Lineup:
Niko Löfman: Vocals (studio, live), Guitar (studio, live), Bass (studio), Keyboards (studio)
Lassi Enqvist: Guitar (studio, live), Keyboards (studio)
Toni Paananen: Drums (studio, live) / Toni Paananen – Drums (studio, live)
Andrea Ferrantelli: Bass (live)
Album Artwork Credits:
Art of the front cover painted by Iiris Astraya.
Graphic Design by Jarmo Sainio.
Photography by Niko Löfman, Lassi Enqvist, Roope Kytölä, Andrea Ferrantelli, and Anssi Kippo.
Logo by Niko Löfman.
For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/Aitheer
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Jupiter Cyclops – Age of the UFOnaut (2024) (Rockshots Records)
Jupiter Cyclops – Age of the UFOnaut – Out July 19th – Rockshots Records
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/JupiterCyclopsArizona | https://www.instagram.com/jupitercyclopsaz/ | Spotify
Album order – https://bit.ly/JupiterCyclopsCD
“Seriously, Age of The UFOnaut is a stunning listening proposition, a forty minute mission to the heart of psych rock, and a glorious, freewheeling celebration of everything that’s great about heavy metal rock n’roll into the bargain. It’ll make you dance, it’ll make you bang your head, it’ll have you air guitaring until severe RSI sets in… all the good stuff. Get it into your ears as soon as you can. You won’t regret it!” – Sentinel Daily
“Taking their inspiration from the mid-1970s proto-metal and the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, Jupiter Cyclops pay a nice homage to both of them. Age Of The UFOnaut feels like a cross hybrid of Dio and Motörhead between Aaron Peltz’s robust vocals and the potent rifts provided by former Opiate for the Masses guitarist Dustin Lyon. “Sinful Ways” is a standout track that manages to add a very subtle vocal distortion in a way that is not over done or distracting. With an album clocking in at a respectable forty minutes, Jupiter Cyclops doesn’t overstay their welcome and deliver a quick yet powerful debut.” – Heavy Music Headquarters
“This album should be quite the joyful experience for those who have a passion for guitar dominated hard rock from many eras, but perhaps most of all for those who love the classic era of that tradition but who also desire something that sounds just a little bit different. A solid, quality production through and through.” – The Viking in the Wilderness
“America’s Jupiter cyclops drop debut album AGE OF THE UFONAUT – 8 tracks of catchy riff driven heavy rock inspired by 70s British rock bands.” – Loud Enough? Magazine
“The album opens with the (sort of) title track UFOnaut. UFOnaut is a great melding of NWOBHM style riffs over doom/stoner tempo’s and pacing with 80’s hair metal shredding for the solo. The riffs are full of energy with some great guitar harmonies, the tempo is similar to Black Sabbath’s Children Of The Grave or masters of stoner rock, Wo Fat’s The Black Code. This works ridiculously well, particularly the massive singalong chorus, what a way to open an album… for a debut this is really impressive…” – Musipedia of Metal
Formed by scene veteran Aaron Peltz (Downthesun, On a Pale Horse) and joined by guitarist Dustin Lyon (Opiate for the Masses), bassist Jake Melius (Big Wheel Stunt Show), and drummer Kyle Eades (Old Fashion Assassin), JUPITER CYCLOPS is ready to set the rock world on fire!
Their debut album “Age Of The UFOnaut” is an electrifying blend of energy, rockin riffs, catchy powerful vocal melodies, and contagious grooves. Influenced by classic rock and NWOBHM, this album is for fans of Clutch, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and more. If you’re into UFOs, interstellar demons, and exploring the hidden parts of your mind, this is the album for you!
JUPITER CYCLOPS describes the album as: “The album has energy, rockin riffs, catchy powerful vocal melodies, and contagious grooves that you’ll want more of. Each song can hold its own. If you like UFOs, interstellar demons, and tapping into a part of your brain you didn’t know was there, this is for you.”
“Age Of The UFOnaut” was released on July 19th, 2024 from Rockshots Records.
Track Listing:
1. UFOnaut – 4:55
2. Between Worlds – 5:26
3. Sinful Ways – 5:10
4. Doomed – 5:47
5. Down From the Inside – 3:49
6. Chemical Voodoo – 5:23
7. Way Down Below – 5:58
8. Lumerian Nights – 4:21
Album Length: 40:49
JUPITER CYCLOPS are:
Dustin Lyon: Guitar
Aaron Peltz: Vocals
Jake Melius: Bass
Kyle Eades: Drums
0 EPK – Jupiter Hollow – Incivility (2024)
EPK – Jupiter Hollow – Incivility (2024)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Band: Jupiter Hollow
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Tunecore
JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Instagram
PROG Magazine Top #9 Unsigned band 2020
“If Jupiter Hollow are emblematic of the next generation of progressive metal bands, a bright tomorrow lies ahead. Hugely impressive.” – Prog Magazine.
“Comparisons to bands like Tool, Live, A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails come easy and for good reason. This is the new generation of players who are putting their spin on all things progressive, industrial and synthy. The grandsons of Genesis and Yes, this is progressive rock for the youth of today who find the originators a bit to baroque for their tastes… Their sound is built to appeal to fans of so many genres and preferences it should be a slam dunk.” – Skulls n’ Bones
“JUPITER HOLLOW just produced the best prog metal album of all time this year, condensing, mixing and forging a hot musical steel here.” – Prog Archives
“Each track displays plenty of musicianship from this young duo, with vocals continuing to strengthen and songwriting solidifying.” – Heavy Music Headquarters
“A young Canadian duo ready to bring fans of complex music a spacey, experimental and refreshing experience… bursting with high-quality heaviness and progressiveness.” – The Headbanging Moose
Band: Jupiter Hollow
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Tunecore
Single Credits:
All parts written and performed by Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry
Produced by Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry
Mixed by Zane Hawley of Shadow Studio Canada
Mastered by Joao Carvalho of Joao Carvalho Mastering
Single Artwork by Studio 204 Limited
Members of SOCAN
Music is Canadian Content
Single Recording Band Lineup:
Kenny Parry (drums, vocals, lyrics, synth)
Grant MacKenzie (guitar & bass)
Live Band Lineup:
Kenny Parry (vocals)
Grant MacKenzie (guitar)
John-Ryan Godfrey (Bass)
Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums)
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Fun Facts – Story Angles:
1. We had our income confiscated at a show in Quebec by the local police and our performance was cut short due to the venue being illegal.
2. All official album drums are tracked in one take for each song and completely unedited, all recorded for video proof.
3. Our live performances feature focus-diverting visuals and conceptual and captivating costuming by vocalist Kenny Parry.
L-R – Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh – Drums – Grant MacKenzie – Guitar, Kenny Parry – Vocals, John-Ryan Godfrey – Bass
Pushing from one horizon onto the next, Toronto, Canada’s Jupiter Hollow’s growth has come a long way since making their debut as a duo in 2015. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this recording and songwriting powerhouse duo has transformed into a live quartet with the addition of John Ryan Godfrey (Bass) and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums).
Advancing their unique brand of progressive rock/metal, the band is presenting their latest single “Incivility” accompanied by a music video to close out their new music releases for 2024. “Incivility” serves as a bold statement, reflecting the band’s evolution both sonically and thematically. With its intricate arrangements, evocative lyrics, and captivating visuals, the single is a testament to the band’s relentless dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.
The band comments on the single:
“At its core, Incivility reflects humanity’s inner struggles, the relentless pursuit of purpose, and the emotional void created by modern distractions. The lyrics delve into themes of arrogance, wasted time, and the consequences of superficial existence, symbolized by “filming your bones”—a critique of documenting life rather than living it.
The song wrestles with the tension between ambition and the emptiness of unmet expectations, asking hard questions: At what cost do we chase our dreams? and How do we reconcile purpose with the pressures we hide? The recurring imagery of the “yawning cage of wasted love” evokes a profound sense of entrapment, urging listeners to confront the emotional weight of past mistakes while seeking true fulfillment.
Musically and lyrically, Incivility challenges listeners to reflect on their lives, embracing the discomfort of self-awareness while pushing forward with resilience. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—demanding authenticity in a world that often values the opposite.”
With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and Jupiter Hollow’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and they have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow will take the time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can. Recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.
Artist Endorsements: Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, JH Audio
Discography:
2023 – Distant Shadow (single)
2020 – Bereavement – LP
2018 – Ahdomn – LP
Shared Stage with:
Protest the Hero, Bearings, Texas King, Hawking, I See Aura, Taking Balfour, Sky Caught Fire, Glass Lung, Chasing Shadows, Dizzy Mystics, Young Critters, We Are Human
Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Ontario CAN Headline Tour
2022 – GAINFEST – Guelph, ON
2021 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON
2020-2021 – Bereavement Live-Stream Tour
2019 – Kronik Fest – Guelph, ON
2018-2019 – Ahdomn Tour
2018 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON
2022 – Ontario CAN Headline Tour
2022 – GAINFEST – Guelph, ON
2021 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON
2020-2021 – Bereavement Live-Stream Tour
2019 – Kronik Fest – Guelph, ON
2018-2019 – Ahdomn Tour
2018 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON
0 Rockshots Records – NEKOMATA Streaming New Single “De Priapi Dilemma” From New Album “EUPHORIA” Out January 2025
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 20, 2024
NEKOMATA Streaming New Single “De Priapi Dilemma” From New Album “EUPHORIA” Out January 2025
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Italian Power Core innovators NEKOMATA unleash their next single “De Priapi Dilemma” from their forthcoming sophomore album “EUPHORIA” out on January 24th, 2025 from Rockshots Records.
Diving into darker, more intricate territory, “De Priapi Dilemma” blends Power Metal, Metalcore, and Death Metal into a relentless and cinematic masterpiece. It’s a complex arrangement that the band enjoys performing live. The band explains the track:
“De Priapi Dilemma takes a critical look at the “real man” concept, exposing the hypocrisy of self-proclaimed saviors who are merely trying to sell a product. These so-called gurus exploit the insecurities of men searching for an identity that promises happiness, profiting from their vulnerabilities. This manipulation distorts what it means to be a man in today’s world, creating exaggerated and often harmful stereotypes. Despite the ongoing pressure to conform to these distorted views, the song encourages embracing one’s true self and rejecting the notion that who you are isn’t enough.”
Listen to “De Priapi Dilemma” at the following links:
Spotify – https://lnk.to/Ry76yU
Youtube – https://youtu.be/0lyAPwhA70c
After making a powerful impact with their debut album “…And Then, The Abusement Park Left Town” (2022) and its standout singles “Call to Arms” and “Algorithmically Imperfect,” Nekomata is pushing their sonic boundaries even further with their second full length “EUPHORIA”.
Like its predecessor, “EUPHORIA” is not a concept album in the strictest sense, yet the thread that ties each track together makes it feel like one. “EUPHORIA” is a journey that explores the idea of happiness and its pursuit through various scenarios, often ending in futility or driven by social pressures pushing us to achieve something in our lives before being consumed by emptiness. The album is undoubtedly darker and more cynical towards its listeners, often addressing them directly to awaken their conscience and uncover what lies behind this obsessive pursuit. This tone is reflected in the overall mood, atmosphere, and intensity of the instrumentals, creating a more powerful and cathartic experience.
Guitarist Andrea Cappellari adds:
“On a composition and musicality level, Euphoria is stronger in every aspect than its predecessor. Each of the songs gives the possibility to explore different “colors of music“, from a mood point of view, but also because on our debut we experimented with some solutions and came up with our sound idea: Euphoria is the same formula brought to next level. Our mantra… musically speaking, is that music should be written technically complex but MUST be easy to listen to.”
Recommended for fans of Architects, Veil of Maya, and Periphery, “EUPHORIA” will be available on all platforms on January 24, 2025, from Rockshots Records.
CD pre-order – https://rockshots.eu/products/nekomata-euphoria
Previous Single:
Music Video – “In My Flesh” – https://youtu.be/KQcwB8WeHoM
Music Video – “Zero” – https://youtu.be/-y6vG-eq71Y
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Track Listing:
1. Py
2. Shattered
3. Automata
4. In My Flesh
5. Feedback
6. Zero
7. De Priapi Dilemma
8. Road To Ruin
9. Super Omnia
10. Ataraxia – Still Abused
Nekomata is:
Andrea Olivieri: Vocals
Andrea Cappellari: Guitars and programming
Filippo Zavattari: Bass guitar and backing vocals
Alberto Mezzanotte: Drums
For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.theprojectneko.com/
https://www.facebook.com/theprojectneko/
https://www.instagram.com/theprojectneko/
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Out Now! UK Blackened Doom TIGGUO COBAUC Re-Release “Fountains of Anguish”
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 20, 2024
Out Now! UK Blackened Doom TIGGUO COBAUC Re-Release “Fountains of Anguish”
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L-R – Luca Martello – Guitars/Sound Productions, Reno Ramos – Bass/Vocals
Photo by H-SoundMusic Records
First unleashed in Europe this past April, UK-blackened doom duo Tigguo Cobauc’s latest album “Fountains of Anguish” is now unleashed in North and South America via Exitus Stratagem Records and is available digitally and on CD as of December 20th, 2024, with Vinyl to be released at a later date.
Following their 2022 debut “Trial by Combat”, their sophomore record “Fountains of Anguish” is an amalgamation of classic black metal, reinterpreted with a modern sensibility, and infused with doomy elements that evoke a sense of atmospheric weight. Tigguo Cobauc has seamlessly integrated keyboards into their compositions, adding depth and texture to enhance the listening experience. Through this unique blend, they aspire to infuse their music with a distinctive touch of originality, creating a soundscape that resonates with the genre’s traditions and contemporary influences.
“Fountains of Anguish” stands as a vivid snapshot of our artistic essence in 2023, encapsulating the intricate layers of our sound and vision. It reflects the alchemical fusion of our influences, embodying the raw emotion, complexity, and depth that characterize our current trajectory. This work crystallizes our evolution, a testament to our sonic exploration and collective spirit, serving as both a beacon and a mirror of our artistic journey at this moment. This collaboration with Exitus Stratagem Records not only amplifies our reach, but also solidifies our commitment to sharing our art with a broader audience. We are excited to embark on this journey and connect with fans who resonate with our sonic vision.” adds the band.
Forged by ancient magic deep in the sandstone depths of Nottingham, UK, Tigguo Cobauc‘s spellbinding guitar riffs over primal rhythm are the sound of your darkest desires. The duo’s birth into the constellations has been steeped in the murky depths of Death/Doom, cloaked in a sludgy resonance. They have evolved from these beginnings, transcending into realms infused with black metal’s ethereal atmospheres, where shadows and intensity intertwine.
Tigguo Cobauc‘s “Fountains of Anguish” is recommended for fans of Celtic Frost, Bathory, and Venom.
Album order (CD) at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-tigguo-cobauc-fountains-of-anguish-lp-cd
Digital – https://hypeddit.com/tigguocobauc/fountainsofanguish
Video – Craving for Slay – https://youtu.be/Q0wv8NvwqLA
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Track Listing:
1. Craving For Slay – 5:26
2. The Darkest Emperor – 5:46
3. Eternal Quietus – 7:27
4. Inner Disaster – 6:08
5. Volt-Face – 5:12
6. Engaged Putridity – 4:21
7. Deliverance – 6:10
Total Time: 40:36
Tigguo Cobauc Recording Lineup:
Reno Ramos – Bass/Vocals
Luca Martello – Guitar
Lloyd David – Drums
Wayne Turton – Keyboards
More info:
Exsrmusiccom | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic
Tigguocobauc.mystrikingly.com | Instagram.com/tigguocobauc | Facebook.com/tigguocobaucband | Tiktok.com/@tigguocobauc
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“refreshing and provides a listening experience designed to be consumed in one sitting. Trust me, if you love Blackened Sludge and Doom, there’ll be more than one sitting for you listening to this work of art…. the production is impressive, hitting the sweet spot of providing sharpness and clarity whilst retaining a subtle touch of grit and rawness that the genre demands and avoiding being overly polished.” – Ever-Metal
“an album of the year contender.” – Black Metal Archives
“Enjoy a crunchy, dark metal joyride with Tigguo Cobauc… It takes black metal atmospheres and blends them with a raw punk sound, spreading it all over a heavy slice of sludge metal.” – Elevar Magazine
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Prog Guitarist Marko Bojkovic Next Single Helps You “Find Your Flame” ft. THE MOURNING’s Johnny Ray From Upcoming Album “Powercore” Out Jan 2025
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 19, 2024
Prog Guitarist Marko Bojkovic Next Single Helps You “Find Your Flame” ft. THE MOURNING’s Johnny Ray
New Album “Powercore” Out Jan 2025
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Prog guitarist Marko Bojkovic will release his latest and eighth studio album “Powercore” in January 2025. Last month he shared his first single “What We Accomplished” to give insight into what’s to come from the record. With just over a month away from the full-length’s release, he’s unveiling his second single “Find Your Flame”, a cover of the song from the video game Sonic Frontiers.
Bojkovic explains:
“Find Your Flame plays when you fight the Titan Knight on Chaos Island. For several years, It Doesn’t Matter was my favorite Sonic song, but Find Your Flame dethroned it due to its djent riff, amazing chorus, stellar guitar solo, and beautiful clean outro. When I first heard the song, I thought to myself “I NEED to learn this song on guitar.” I covered it on YouTube along with the other Titans’ songs (I’ll admit I played it incorrectly, but you live and learn!). The power metal-style vocals that the Mourning’s Johnny Ray did add to the power metal feel of my version, enabling it to keep with the progressive power core feel of my album! I hope you all are ready to feel like you’re fighting Knight and headbang at supersonic speed!”
Listen to “Find Your Flame” ft. Johnny Ray (The Mourning), Gabe Vermund, and Chris Thomas via its premiere on the SpaceUntravel YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/7ASxCQiOaMU
Digital pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markobojkovic/find-your-flame-feat-gabe-vermund-chris-thomas–johnny-ray
What started from playing Sonic Adventure on Sega Dreamcast, and a soundtrack that interested him in guitar sounds, prog guitarist Marko Bojkovic comes forth with his latest and eighth studio album “Powercore” for release on January 24th, 2025 on Forerunner Recordings..
Packing the most punch with perfectly combined progressive metal, power metal, metalcore, and djent along with influences from jazz fusion to classical music, Bojkovic‘s new album “Powercore” (named after his own dubbed genre of metal called Progressive PowerCore) is meant to send positive messages such as being able to accomplish anything you set your mind to and believing in yourself. Musically, the album’s guitar solos are among the best he’s ever written. As a small content creator on YouTube and Patreon, Bojkovic has become known on the internet for his economy-picking prowess, which he showcases to excellent use on the songs featured in this full-length.
“My guitar teacher Francesco Pinter and the popular YouTube guitarist Bradley Hall have told me that my economy picking separates me from other guitarists! Now I want to see if I can have people comment on my vibrato…” adds Bojkovic.
In addition to the guitar work, Bojkovic played all the bass lines on “Powercore” along with recruiting guest vocals from Chris Thomas (growling vocals, clean vocals) and Gabe Vermund (clean vocals).
Bojkovic comments:
“Those familiar with my album Venom may be caught a bit off guard given the drastic change in my style, but this album Powercore is meant to be accessible to metal fans and non-metal fans alike. It’s a positive listening experience that motivates the listener to go out and accomplish a task and not want to give up. Also a bit of self-reflection such as wanting a better life but having to deal with a lot of bullshit or if a best friend was a real one.”
Recommended for fans of Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Periphery, Dream Theater, and Firewind, Marko Bojkovic‘s new album “Powercore” is available for pre-save at the following link – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markobojkovic/powercore
First single – “What We Accomplished” ft. Chris Thomas at the following links:
Youtube – https://youtu.be/PGJLE2tzeaE
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3YPhx2x
Fans interested in Bojkovic’s Patreon Page to get exclusive content about his guitar playing and techniques, please subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/MarkoBojkovic
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Track Listing:
1. Anesthesia (No Easy Way Out) – 3:58
2. From Within – 5:29
3. Sacrifice For Sanity – 3:50
4. What We Accomplished ft. Chris Thomas – 3:17
5. Find Your Flame ft. Johnny Ray (The Mourning) – 4:00
6. Thrown – 5:41
7. To Reminisce – 4:54
Album Length: 31:11
More info: Facebook.com/markobojkovicmusic | Instagram.com/markobojkovicshredsguitar
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“You can do stuff on lead guitar that no one else can do, such as your economy picking.” – Patrick Finster – Producer
“Venom is a very heavy album and I absolutely loved the guitar work. The self-titled track really showcased the heavy riffs and helped set the course for the rest of the album. ‘Maximum Carnage’ also had nice guitar work as well. Hard, heavy, and head bang worthy riffs…. In all I highly recommend this album for fans of bands like Trivium and Meshuggah. With Marko’s guitar work plus the vocals, it’s definitely worth a listen for anyone that enjoys heavy metal, with some screaming vocals.” – Music Crowns
Florida metal guitarist Marko Bojkovic has released his latest album, Venom. Musically, the album is a mixture of progressive metal, death metal, power metal, and thrash metal, with a hint of influence from anime and video game OSTs… Marko’s music is perfect for fans of Trivium, Meshuggah, Allegeaon, Obscura, Dream Theater, Firewind, Sabaton, Powerwolf, Iron Maiden, Kiko Loureiro/Angra, and Leprous.” – Punkerton Records
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Marko and mentoring his playing for over 2 years now and can easily see he’s one of the most capable, hardest working and fastest learning guitarists I’ve ever come across!” – Bradley Hall, guitar Youtuber
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Montreal’s MAD PARISH’s New Video “Bishop’s Tomb” Delves Deeper Into Concept Album “The Dust Of Forever” + Comic Book Out Jan 2025
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 19, 2024
Montreal’s MAD PARISH’s New Video “Bishop’s Tomb” Delves Deeper Into Concept Album “The Dust Of Forever” + Comic Book Out Jan 2025
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Montreal, Canada’s Mad Parish continues to build anticipation for their forthcoming concept album “The Dust Of Forever” with the release of their second single “Bishop’s Tomb”. This new track further explores the rich narrative and musical landscape of the album, set to drop in January 2025.
“Bishop’s Tomb” showcases Mad Parish‘s ability to blend heavy metal intensity with intricate storytelling. The song is a crucial piece of the album’s overarching narrative, offering listeners another glimpse into the band’s most ambitious project. They comment on the musical styling found in the single:
“During the recording process, we discovered that we needed another song to fill out the track listing. Using the story of how “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath was recorded, we got together one afternoon for a few hours and came up with riffs and chords, and did it very quickly, without much thought. To our surprise, it turned out to be one of the strongest songs on the album, possibly because of its simplicity. A steady chugging verse, followed by a Rush-style bridge, then a classic chorus that opens up wide with a soaring vocal melody featuring long sustained notes. A fun song to write, and even more fun to play.”
With “Bishop’s Tomb,” Mad Parish sends their audience deeper into the world they’ve created. The song represents a pivotal moment in the protagonist’s journey, and musically, it embodies the epic, medieval pre-battle metal sound they’ve been cultivating.
The track highlights the band’s evolving sound, which draws from a diverse pool of influences including NWOBHM, progressive rock, 70’s rock, 80’s new wave, punk, and even classical and jazz elements. This eclectic mix results in a unique heavy metal experience that sets Mad Parish apart in the contemporary music scene. They are recommended for fans of Virgin Steele, Camel, and Rush.
Watch and listen to the music video for “Bishop’s Tomb” via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.
“The Dust Of Forever” is due out on January 31, 2025, and will be available digitally plus CD and Vinyl along with a limited edition comic book via their Bandcamp at https://madparish1.bandcamp.com.
Album Teaser – https://youtu.be/OvwWRctCSSc
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Comic Book Credits:
Story – Josh McConnell
Artwork – Niall Skinner
Editing – Rahl Stafford
Design – Maximus Rex
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Track Listing:
1. Prophecy – 1:30
2. Defecther – 4:32
3. Possess The Child – 4:45
4. Outerest In Irisius – 1:34
5. Ouen Formation – 6:35
6. Hunted – 1:51
7. Astra T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) – 4:42
8. Transmission #1 Dream On – 1:40
9. Resistius – 6:44
10. Aeternal – 1:44
11. An Age To Quell – 4:05
12. Transmission #2 – Will Of God – 2:04
13. Loched – 3:24
14. Cathedron Wakes – 5:37
15. Book of Rites – 1:06
16. Bishop’s Tomb – 3:32
17. Transmission #3 – Baz Raa Luum – 1:46
18. The Experience Hunter – 5:04
19. Trajectory: Tantus – 2:02
20. The Dust Of Forever – 5:11
21. Hail To The Hunter – 1:01
Album Length: 1:10:40
Album Band Line Up:
Josh McConnell – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass (Track 8)
Bob Eaglesham – Guitars, Vocals, Bass (Track 18), Drums (Track 18), Keyboards (All Tracks except 8, 12, 15, 18, 19)
Andre Bisson – Keyboards (All Tracks except 1, 4, 6, 10, 12, 17, 21), Piano (Track 15)
Peter Mika – Keyboards (2nd keyboard solo on Resistius Track 9)
Patrick Latreille – Bass (All Tracks except 8, 18)
Paskal Belanger – Drums (Track 2,3,5,7,9,13,14)
Gopal Devanathan – Drums (Track 11, 16, 20)
Tony Spina – Drums (Track 12)
Jeff Louch – Piano (Track 12)
Live Band Line Up:
Josh McConnell – Vocals
Bob Eaglesham – Guitar, Vocals
Aaron Carbray – Guitar
Andre Bisson – Keyboards
Gino Laposta – Bass
Max Rex – Drums
More Info: Madparishmetal.com | Facebook.com/madparishmetal | Instagram.com/madparishmetal | Spotify
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“MAD PARISH threw open the flood gates with their brand of high octane Heavy Metal in the spirit of the old guard and seeing them open for Grim Reaper on a smaller stage not long ago, it is clear that a bigger space is exactly what the band needed! Loads of onstage prancing and members’ charisma gave the audience a jolt to quickly “get in the groove”! Hook laden and punchy, the songs are such that they stay in the headspace long after they’re played. “A Stitch in Crime” and “To Build a Fire” (among others) struck a chord as singer, Josh McConnell’s confidence and onstage appeal made it easy for fans to sing along. Gyrating in unison, the players playfully performed their hearts out without missing a beat, harkening back to a time when the NWOBHM was just getting into full swing!” – Ondes Chocs (Live Review 2014 opening for Skid Row in Montreal)
“Montreal’s MAD PARISH kicked off the festivities with a strong performance, harking back to the early 80`s tradition, both in terms of sound and look! Singer, Josh McConnell appeared like an untamed Heavy Metal wrestler, flaunting traditional 80`s style black spandex and belting out a vicious scream under long locks of curly hair (ala. Chuck Billy of TESTAMENT)! Meanwhile the three guitars raged behind, accompanied by a rhythmic bass and drum tempo that kept the energy high. Wasting no time in « delivering the goods », MAD PARISH certainly have synchronized their performance from headbanging in unison to dual vocal harmonies with the guitarist to including a dry ice effect that may have been a bit too thick at times. Nevertheless, the band played a flawless set with the players clearly having the time of their lives!” – Ondes Chocs (Live Review 2014 opening for Grimm Reaper in Montreal)
“Darkness Befalls This Cursed Land, Without Chains, Red Baron and the title track, just to name a few tracks from this collection of songs, will make you want to dust off old records now left in the hands of dust, a sign of a time that passes inexorably, hit to the heart by melodic solos, choruses to scream to the sky and rhythms as hard as steel, forged in the sacred temple of hard and heavy, which turn into lethal weapons in the hands of the Canadian band. A great job, absolutely to be rediscovered for lovers of old school metal.” – Iye Zine (Album – 2014 – Procession)
““Procession” is a solid album for what it is and certainly worth a listen to if you’re want an easy listen to whether you want to get into some kind of metal or maybe just progressive metal itself. It has a really good sound to it that is something that I would personally listen to casually whenever I needed something different to fill my ears, and Mad Parish is perfect for that for me. For other’s this is something you’d jam to all day every day simply because you think it is the absolute shit. But either way, “Procession” is definitely a noteworthy album to check out if you’re looking for something different and interesting.”- Headbanger Reviews (Album – 2014 – Procession)
“. A good album to turn on in the evening over a cold beer and forget about the problems” – Gloria Metalus (Album – 2014 – Procession)
Best of Montreal (Montreal Mirror) Heaviest Local Act 2009, 2010, 2011 (in the top 3)
Radio CJLO number 1 song “Stitch In Crime” for 3 months(Album – 2014 – Procession)
Heavy Metal Gems top 20 metal albums of 2014 (17 out of 20)(Album – 2014 – Procession)
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds – One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – December 19, 2024
WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces BC and Ontario 2025 Battle Rounds
– One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2025 –
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WMBC Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k
Spotify – 2024 WMBC National Finalists Playlist HERE.
One Band To Rule Them All! After another record-breaking year of submissions from independent bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year’s British Columbia and Ontario 2025 battles, which could see one unsigned band crowned champion and perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).
The 2025 British Columbia and Ontario battles will be held in the following cities and dates with more to be announced for Canada. The national final will be held in Vancouver, BC on May 31st, 2025 at The Rickshaw Theatre.
2025 Canadian Wacken Battles:
British Columbia Dates:
March 1 – Vancouver Round 1 @ The Cobalt
March 2 – BC Interior Round @ Jackknife Brewing
March 22 – Vancouver Round 2 @ The Cobalt
March TBC – Vancouver Island Round @ Lucky Bar
May 3 – BC Final @ The Cobalt
May 31 – National Final @ The Rickshaw, Vancouver
Ontario Dates:
January 10 – London Round @ Rum Runners
Atria (guest headliner), Death Club, Dead Days, 4HateU8
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944970149316798/
Ticket link: https://www.ticketweb.ca/event/whacken-metal-battle-2025-rum-runners-tickets/14091163
January 24 – Hamilton Round @ Main Stage Rehearsal
The Good Depression, Killotine, Zero Tolerance, Devilz By Definition, Zero End
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-24-hamilton
January 25 – Toronto Round 1 @ Hard Luck
Pillars of Autumn, Ischemic, Purveyor of Chaos, Unkle Skurvey
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-25-toronto
February 1 – Toronto Round 2@ Hard Luck
Seagrave, Nepenthe, Panic Response, The Animal Warfare Act
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-feb-1-toronto
Edmonton, AB – TBA
Calgary, AB – TBA
Ottawa, ON – TBA
Montreal, QC – TBA
Quebec City, QC – TBA
The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.
The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB – 2023 National Finalist).
The night was MC’d by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor – Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM – Alerte Metallique – Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography – Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations – Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions – Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager – The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire – 2023 National WMBC Winner – Trois-Rivières, QC).
After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto’s Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).
Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB – https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4
List of previous WMBC national winners Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).
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Info:
Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.
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About:
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.
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 Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.
Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/
Links:
Metal-Battle.com
Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official
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Promoter Partners:
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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