The lineup reads like a rundown of Toronto’s metal scene. Aside from Gowan and Bates, we have singer Sam Astaroth of Astaroth Incarnate and Morgan Rider (vocalist/bassist of Gowan’s other band, Vesperia). There’s a lot of potential on this debut. Take notice.
Posts By Asher
0 Exclaim! Iomair – S/T “The lineup reads like a rundown of Toronto’s metal scene. Aside from Gowan and Bates, we have singer Sam Astaroth of Astaroth Incarnate and Morgan Rider (vocalist/bassist of Gowan’s other band, Vesperia). There’s a lot of potential on this debut. Take notice.”
0 Metal France – Ominous Eclipse – Sinister
0 Overdrive Mag – Ominous Eclipse – Sinister – “Sinister by Ominous Eclipse delivers a raw, refreshed and refined take on Death Metal, and have the potential to finalize their own sound and create something fantastic. For a local band of their stature though, the Quartet have me impressed, and if they continue to experiment with their demented harmonies, INSANE riffs and lyrical content, in a few short years they’ll be touring with bands such as The Black Dahlia Murder and Revocation.”
Sinister by Ominous Eclipse delivers a raw, refreshed and refined take on Death Metal, and have the potential to finalize their own sound and create something fantastic. For a local band of their stature though, the Quartet have me impressed, and if they continue to experiment with their demented harmonies, INSANE riffs and lyrical content, in a few short years they’ll be touring with bands such as The Black Dahlia Murder and Revocation.
https://overdrive-mag.com/2018/09/24/review-ominous-eclipse-sinister/
0 EPK – Karmic Link – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Karmic Link – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Release Date: October 19, 2018
DISTRIBUTION & LABEL: Rockshot Records
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com
karmiclink.tumblr.com | Facebook | Youtube | Soundcloud
Bandcamp | Spotify | RockShots Store
Download High Res Photo | Download High Res Album Cover | Download Logo
Karma Link – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Release Date: October 19, 2018
Label & distribution: Rockshots Records
Track Listing:
1. Random Phantom
2. Dark Metropolis*
3. The Tone Of C
4. False Spots On The Highway
5. Your Fire Will Burn For Centuries
6. RiaMa (instrumental)
7. EndLess
8. Lost Magic Alchemy
9. Nostalgia
Album and live line-up
Stathis Kassios: Keys, Vocals, Samples
Evan Hensley: Guitars, Bass
Kim ‘Kimbo’ Gustavsson: Drums, Guitars
Album Credits
- Produced by Stathis Kassios & Evan Hensley
- Mixed by Stathis Kassios & George Frangelis at SoundHouse Studios Athens (www.soundhousegr.com)
- Mastered by George Frangelis at SoundHouse Studios Athens
- All music & lyrics by Stathis Kassios
- Artwork & Design by Stathis Ridis (Lucifer’s Child)
- Photography by Anastasia Michail
- Guitars & Bass recorded in Nashville (USA) at Twilight Cloud Studio
- Drums & more guitars recorded in Oslo (Norway) at Pluto Hill Studio
- Keys recorded in Athens (Greece) at Cyberia Studio
- Vocals recorded in Athens at SoundHouses Studio
- Guest vocal appearance in “Dark Metropolis’’ by Vassilis Mazaris (Daylight Misery)
- Guitars on Random Phantom, Dark Metropolis, Endless, Lost Magic Alchemy, Nostalgia, by Evan Hensley
- Bass on all tracks by Evan Hensley
- Drums on Dark Metropolis, The Tone of C, False Spots on the Highway, Your Fire Will Burn for Centuries by Kim ‘Kimbo’ Gustavsson
- Guitars on The Tone of C, False Spots on the Highway, Your Fire Will Burn for Centuries by Kim ‘Kimbo’ Gustavsson
Album Line Up:
Stathis Kassios – Keyboards, Vocals
Evan Hensley – Guitars, Bass
Kim Kimbo Gustavsson – Drums, Guitars
*Dark Metropolis track features a guest vocal appearance by Vassilis Mazaris (Daylight Misery)
Discography:
UPCOMING RELEASE – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Esoterica (2010)
No Light But Rather Darkness Visible (2008)
L-R – Stathis Kassios (keys and vocals) and Evan Hensley (guitar and bass)
Photo by Anastasia Michail (Photography)
SHORT BIO:
Karmic Link is the brainchild of Stathis Kassios (Nightfall, ex-system Shock) who, after a period of extensive recording and live experience, gave birth to a surrealistic musical project. In 2006, he started experimenting on some songs with Mina G., a charismatic mezzo-soprano, full of karmic ideas. The link was established and the result was mixed and mastered in the famous Tico Tico studios in Finland. The group’s debut album “No Light but Rather Darkness Visible” was released in 2008 with a new lineup consisting of Stathis Kassios, Evan Hensley and Kim Kimbo Gustavsson. Karmic Link so far consists of Mediterranean energy, doses of industrial coldness, atmospheric landscapes, progressive bits, instrumental madness, dark pop tunes, electro breakdowns, funky grooves and hard rock pentatonic moments. Karmic Link’s new album Dark Metropolis (2018) is an album sourcing musicianship from Greece, Norway, and USA, different cultures bound together to offer an alternative metal experience!
LONG BIO:
Karmic Link is the brainchild of Stathis Kassios (Nightfall, ex-system Shock) who, after a period of extensive recording and live experience, gave birth to a surrealistic musical project. In 2006, he started experimenting on some songs with Mina G., a charismatic mezzo-soprano, full of karmic ideas. The link was established and the result was mixed and mastered in the famous Tico Tico studios in Finland. So sinners…beware. Karmic Link so far consists of Mediterranean energy, doses of industrial coldness, atmospheric landscapes, progressive bits, instrumental madness, dark pop tunes, electro breakdowns, funky grooves and hard rock pentatonic moments.
“Karmic Link is promoting thought-provoking concepts, ideas, heretic, and hermetic philosophies to explain today’s chaotic world and the dystopian times to come in a globally connected world…Karmic Link is the bitter yet powerful sound of our personal life’s soundtrack filled with anxiety for the future ruled by technology.” Stathis Kassios
The group’s debut album “No Light but Rather Darkness Visible” was released in 2008 and the concept behind this intriguing title, is questioning the Eastern vs Western modern conflict but from a metaphysical point of view. Guest musicians on the CD include Bob Katsionis (Firewind), who recorded and performed all rhythm and lead guitars, and Jani Liimatainen (Sonata Arctica), who laid down leads on one of the two instrumental songs of the album.
Although coming from a warm Mediterranean country, Greece, Stathis Kassios embarked on a life-changing trip in 2008 in cold Sweden where he met Evan Hensley coming from Nashville, Tennessee and Kim Kimbo Gustavsson who is Swedish. The 3 musicians started jamming and working together with great success in System Shock’s “Urban Rage” album and Karmic Link’s thought-provoking concept studio album ‘’Esoterica’’ released in 2010.
Karmic Link’s new album Dark Metropolis (2018) is an album sourcing musicianship from Greece, Norway, and USA, different cultures bound together to offer an alternative metal experience!
CDs and digital downloads available on Rockshots Records, iTunes, and Spotify.
0 Rockshots Records: Canadian Horror Band MALACODA Announce Tour Dates + New Video “Mannequin Heart” + New Album “Restless Dreams” Out October 2018
For fans of Kamelot, Kataonia, Type O Negative, Dimmu Borgir, Paradise Lost
Rockshots Records: Canadian Horror Band MALACODA Announce Tour Dates
New Video “Mannequin Heart”
New Album “Restless Dreams” Out October 2018

L-R: Tiny Basstank – Bass, Lucas Di Mascio – Vocals, Vlad Prokhorov – Drums, Mick D Kiss – Guitar
Canadian horror influenced symphonic power metallers MALACODA will be hitting the road in October and November to promote their upcoming album “Restless Dreams” out on Rockshots Records on October 19th in North America and October 26th in Europe.
Tour Dates:
Oct. 20 – Duffy’s Tavern – Toronto, ON (Album Launch Party) – info
Oct. 25 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC – info
Oct. 26 – Cafe Dekcuf – Ottawa, ON – info
Oct. 27 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON – info
Oct. 28 – Overtime – Kingston, ON
Nov. 10 – The Absinthe – Hamilton, ON
Inspired by the horror video game “Silent Hill 2”, “Restless Dreams” is a musical journey through dark tormented themes of doubt, loss, guilt and terror. The plot of the album follows a broken man’s journey through the ghost town of Silent Hill after receiving a letter from his dead wife asking him to meet her there. MALACODA brings a fresh interpretation of these themes and artfully bring to life the oppressive, claustrophobic aura of the fog consumed town with deviously clever song-writing and mind-catching lyrics. “Restless Dreams” is a musical release unlike any other. Fans and new listeners alike, prepare for an atmospheric and melodic metal descent into a world of horror and despair. “Restless Dreams” was masterfully mixed by Jon Howard (Threat Signal, Imonolith).
Music Video – “Mannequin Heart” – Watch here.
Song stream and download on Spotify and iTunes.
Album CD pre-order – https://bit.ly/RestlessDreams_CD

Track Listing:
1. The Fog of Memory (1:24)
2. I Got A Letter (4:40)
3. Wrapped In Laments (3:32)
4. In Static (1:41)
5. Knives (3:27)
6. Mannequin Heart (3:32)
7. Youth Is Innocence (4:17)
8. Doppleganger (4:21)
9. Darkness Leads The Way (2:23)
10. The Labyrinth Within (3:50)
11. Dominance (3:14)
12. Abstract Care (3:47)
13. The Symbol of Pain (7:10)
14. Our Special Place (12:10)
Album Length: 59:33
Album Credits:
Vocals/Guitar/Bass/Keyboards – Lucas DI Mascio
Drums – Michael Farina
Guitar – Daniel Alonzi
Additional Guitars – Cooper Seldon
Guest Vocals on “Doppelganger” – Mohammad Maki
Guest Solo on “Our Special Place” – Tom MacLean
Live Band Lineup:
Lucas Di Mascio – Vocals
Tiny Basstank – Bass
Vlad “The Vampire” Prokhorov – Drums
Mick D Kiss – Guitar
http://www.rockshots.eu
http://www.malacodametal.com
https://www.facebook.com/MalacodaBand
https://www.instagram.com/malacodametal/
Taking their name from a demon from Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’, Malacoda’s visceral, gothic vision is indeed divine but no laughing matter.Having worked in the music industry for a decade and feeling less than inspired by the overabundance of local thrash and death metal, Malacoda was originally intended to just be Lucas Di Mascio’s recording project. Inspired musically by Type O Negative, Katatonia and Paradise Lost, he wanted an outlet for his dark yet romantic musical ideas. He didn’t expect it to get as far as it has, now as 4 piece band with Vlad Prokhorov (drums), Mickey D Kiss (guitarist), Tiny Basstank (bass) in the ranks they continue to paint horrific and beautiful soundscapes. Malacoda has two albums, “Malacoda” (2014), and “Ritualis Aeterna” (2016), in their archives with a darker, more raw Silent Hill inspired concept album “Restless Dreams” set to be released in October 2018.Vocalist and composer Lucas, who studied Literature and Religion at University, explains: ‘The reason why I chose Malacoda as a band name was for a few reasons. The book, Dante’s Inferno, was a big influence on me as a teenager and young adult. It’s a very powerful piece of literature. I knew I wanted something from that book as a band name, and it’s one of the many names in the book that lent itself to interesting imagery- when you hear “Malacoda” it doesn’t sound like the name of a demon, it sounds like something more elegant and mysterious than horrifying. I wanted a powerful name that fit not only the sound of the band but also the lyrical themes I touch upon. The idea behind the band has always been to “find the beauty within horror”, and I think Malacoda suits that idea.”Like the ‘Inferno’ that inspired their name they forge metal without limits in sonic shapes endless and horrifying in equal measure. Malacoda’s music vision shares much in common with Dante’s, they are unafraid to gaze into the abyss, unafraid to be inspired by the myriad of human horrors within and without. They are not blind to the worlds within them waiting to be born. Full of dark atmosphere, originality and innovation, this is gothic power metal for the 21st century, intelligence and intensity to rival that of their infernal inspirations!
– 30 –
“‘Penny Dreadful’ starts off this 25-minute six track EP and from the off, it feel like the influences of old Hammer Horror movies are rife across all elements of the music. Dark, foreboding and with lyrics to enjoy as well as unsettle, Malacoda have done a good job in the atmospheric storytelling department.” – Powerplay Mag UK
“These sixs track are loaded with immersive tempos, excellent guitar play and plenty of keyboard sounds. The end result reminds me of something between Dimmu Borgir, Nightfall, Moonspell and Kamelot, which obviously means that this music is epic as hell. My favorite track is ‘I Got A Letter’ but there’s a lot of gothic goodness to be found on this thing.” – Merchants of Air
“It’s funny how I started listening to this EP straight after reviewing the excellent Devilment Album by Dani Filth and his cohorts , these guys would fit in perfectly with the Cradle of Filth front mans merry band of Gothic themed demons live and would be an awesome addition to any Devilment / Cradle of Filth tour!” – The Metal Gods Meltdown
“an intoxicating blend of dark, melodic metal on this six track EP Ritualis Aeterna…25 minutes of gothic metal that is morose while melodic, as well as cinematic in terms of presentation and execution.” – Dead Rhetoric
—
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
0 YYC Music Awards 2018 Winners Are…

(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Calgary, AB – September 24, 2018

YYCMA organizers comment:
“The YYC Music Awards Board of Directors would like to thank all those that support our initiative in working to bring our local music community together.
Congratulations to all the 2018 YYC Music Awards winners and nominees!
To the volunteers, the musicians and artists that submit their talents, our sponsors, the fans that come to support their favorite artists, the voting committee that takes precious time to be a part of the process, our production manager, Darryl Bowers, The Palace Theatre staff and management, presenters and guests and all those that have given us their stamp of approval for what we do – you all make the YYC Music Awards the event that it is. And to the managers, promoters, media, live music venues and representatives that keep the music in our city playing – Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.”
2018 YYCMA Winners:
Alternative Recording of the Year
• I Am The Mountain – ‘Motorcycles’
• NewLaw – ‘Bring on the Rain’
• Poke the Bear – ‘That Was Real’
• RALEIGH – ‘Dead in Tracks’ – WINNER
• Thomas Thomas – ‘Gracious Host’
Blues Recording of the Year
• Black Cherry Perry’s Mississippi Medicine Show – ‘Big Mamma’s Kitchen’
• Carly Reirson – ‘Crooner Sing To Me’ – WINNER
• Dave Spivak Project – ‘Ran Outta Money’
• Jason Cote and Rolling Thunder – ‘Take It All’
• The Bluesland Horn Band – ‘Midnight Shopping’
Country Recording of the Year
• Backroad Traveler Band – ‘Burn it Down’
• Ginelle James – ‘It Don’t Have to Hurt’
• Nice Horse – ‘Mansplainin’ – WINNER
• Shane Harluk – ‘Old Man River’
• Tanya Ryan – ‘In Another Life’
EDM Recording of the Year
• DeadDeer – ‘Snowglobe’
• Ginsong & Titus1 – ‘Deeper’ – WINNER
• Titus1 – ‘Sky is Falling’
• Troo Knot – ‘Pescado Mago’
• Velour Fog & Angie C – ‘Givin’ It Up (Ft. Lambert McGaughy)’
Female Artist of the Year
• Kate Stevens – WINNER
• Lisa Anderson
• Michelle Minke
• Tanya Ryan
• Varnia Henry
Folk Recording of the Year
• Lighter Than Arrows – ‘The Trip’
• Steel & Timber – ‘I Hate To Lose’
• The Raven & The Fox – ‘Follow Me’
• The Wardens – ‘Across the River’
• Todd Stewart – ‘Ordinary Love’ – WINNER
Group of the Year
• I Am The Mountain
• Kobra and The Lotus
• Raleigh
• The Static Shift – WINNER
Industry Person of the Year
• Brian Cymbaluk – WINNER
• Pat McGannon
• Stephanie Hutchinson
• Deanne Matley
• Chris Maric
Jazz Recording of the Year
• Allison Lynch – ‘Sky Hunter’
• Johanna Sillanpaa – ‘Blue Skies’
• Keith O’Rourke – ‘Sonny Tune’
• Prime Time Big Band – ‘Prime Time’
• Tricia Edwards – ‘Trainwreck III’ – WINNER
Male Artist of the Year
• Devin Cooper
• Drew Gregory
• Hayden McHugh
• Kay L
• Matt Blais – WINNER
Metal Recording of the Year
• Benevolent Like Quietus – ‘Where Dead Hearts Reside’
• Divinity – ‘Conqueror’ – WINNER
• Hammerdrone – ‘Black Bison’
• Hazzerd – ‘The Tendencies Of a Madman’
• Tim Holman – ‘The Pilgrimage’
Music Video of the Year
• Adam Dorval, Director – Cable Street ‘Your Chemistry’ – WINNER
• Brett Connors & Brett Ferster, Directors – Shred Kelly ‘Don’t Ever Look Back’
• Ivan Colic, Directors – Kobra and The Lotus ‘Light Me Up’
• Mathew Pust, Directors – I Am The Mountain ‘Motorcycles’
• Troy Kokol, Director – Troy Kokol ‘Jim Cuddy’
People’s Choice Award
• Black Cherry Perry’s Mississippi Medicine Show – ‘Where There’s Smoke’
• Drew Gregory – ‘Smokin”
• Life Like Fire – ‘Little Things’ – WINNER
• Powerhouze – ‘Calgary’
• Titus1 – ‘Sky is Falling’
Pop Recording of the Year
• Brett McCrady – ‘Alien’
• Jennie Harluk – ‘Bus Ticket’ – WINNER
• Lisa Anderson – ‘All I Know’
• Lisette Xavier – ‘Show Me (Ft. ICSOUL)’
• White Chocolate Thunder – ‘Wasteland’
Rock Recording of the Year
• Crooked Spies – ‘Great Unknown’
• Kobra and The Lotus – ‘Light Me Up’
• Matt Blais – ‘Give a Little More’
• The Ashley Hundred – ‘Lonely Love’
• The Static Shift – ‘Wide Awake’ – WINNER
Single of the Year
• Drew Gregory – ‘Smokin”
• Matt Blais – ‘Give a Little More’
• Nice Horse – ‘Mansplainin”
• The Static Shift – ‘Wide Awake’ – WINNER
• White Chocolate Thunder – ‘Wasteland’
Songwriter of the Year
• Devin Cooper – ‘No Chasing You’
• I Am The Mountain – ‘Motorcycles’
• Nice Horse – ‘Mansplainin’ ‘
• Todd Stewart – ‘Ordinary Love’
• Troy Kokol – ‘Jim Cuddy’ – WINNER
Urban Recording of the Year
• DJ Newboy – ‘Sail Away (Ft. Kay L, Bobby Soul & Bobby Blastem)’ – WINNER
• Kay L – ‘Nothing 2 U’ ( ft. Stephen Voyce)
• Music By Chapter – ‘Heavy’
• Pat Clifton – ‘Stay Woke’
• Project Trybe – ‘Long Way to Go’
World Recording of the Year
• Holly Blazina – ‘Transcendencia’ – WINNER
• Brent Saklofske – ‘Barcelona’
• MD Lyonga – ‘Wangele’
• Roger Duncan – ‘Morning Love’
Zackariah and the Prophets Memorial Award
• Adam Ambrose
• Kate Stevens – WINNER
• MINDSEED
• Steel & Timber
• Varnia Henry
For more info:
http://www.YYCMusicAwards.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/YYCMusicAwards
The YYC MUSIC AWARDS is also accepting volunteer applications leading up to, and for the gala, along with membership for the Calgary Music Selection Committee (CMSC), who are voting members.
Sponsorship Inquiries:
http://www.YYCMusicAwards.com/sponsorship
About:
The YYC MUSIC AWARDS celebrates the artists that embrace Calgary as home; entertaining and supporting its arts and culture. The award event was founded by music industry professionals, with backgrounds in artist management, booking agents, media as well as recording studio production/engineering.
DIRECTORS | ORGANIZERS
Leanne Harrison | Program Director
Shannon Ambrose | Public Relations & Media Director
Sarah Fiedler | Artist Relations Director
Erin Hall | Sponsorships & Funding Director
—
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
0 The Gauntlet Publications Society – University of Calgary: YYC Music Awards celebrates the best in Calgary’s music community
0 ProgArchives – Into Eternity – The Sirens – “Amanda is a real find, the perfect conduit for the style of music they are performing, which is a mix between Arch Enemy, Death, Opeth and King’s X. It is deep, it is pummelling, it has hints of Judas Priest yet somehow stays more melodic while losing none of the brutality. Some of the guitar solos, such as on the killer song “Sandstorm”, are breathtakingly quick and somehow the band manages to groove and move while at the same time rocking like absolute and total bastards.”
Amanda is a real find, the perfect conduit for the style of music they are performing, which is a mix between Arch Enemy, Death, Opeth and King’s X. It is deep, it is pummelling, it has hints of Judas Priest yet somehow stays more melodic while losing none of the brutality. Some of the guitar solos, such as on the killer song “Sandstorm”, are breathtakingly quick and somehow the band manages to groove and move while at the same time rocking like absolute and total bastards.
0 the Burning Beard – HITMAN – The Offering: Side 1 – “A well-rounded set of tracks, with plenty of hooky little moments to lodge in the ears and memory, this batch of tunes should have fans well satisfied while drawing in a good crowd of new listeners to hear what they’ll come up with next.”
A well-rounded set of tracks, with plenty of hooky little moments to lodge in the ears and memory, this batch of tunes should have fans well satisfied while drawing in a good crowd of new listeners to hear what they’ll come up with next.
http://www.theburningbeard.com/2018/09/sending-up-smoke.html
0 Metal Trenches – Iomair – S/T – “Make way for a new instant classic with the violin-infused progressive death metal of Iomair via Infamous Butcher Records. FFO: Ne Obliviscaris, Opeth, Ihsahn… BUY THIS ALBUM. It stands out from the pack and Iomair absolutely kill it on all fronts. I guarantee that you won’t be able to put it down once you press play.”
Make way for a new instant classic with the violin-infused progressive death metal of Iomair via Infamous Butcher Records. FFO: Ne Obliviscaris, Opeth, Ihsahn… BUY THIS ALBUM. It stands out from the pack and Iomair absolutely kill it on all fronts. I guarantee that you won’t be able to put it down once you press play.



