http://www.nataliezworld.com/2018/04/serene-dark-gives-details-of-their-new.html
Posts By Asher
0 Nataliez World – Serene Dark Gives the Details of their New Album, Recent Single and Future Planning Matters
0 Pest Webzine – Interview w/ Hallux
0 BeatRoute (BC) – 2Shadows Are Set to Feed Heavy and Hypnotic Versatility to the Obscene #concerts #music #rock #metal #yvr #vancouver #beatroute #2shadows #thingstodo
0 The Sudbury Star – Sudbury music: Unrelenting live performers – Neck of The Woods
0 Oh My!!! Must Watch Interview!!! Check it out! Armstrong MetalFest – AMF co-founder Jesse Valstar talks 10 Years of headbanging with KelownaNow #10yearsarmstrong #metal #festival #concerts #thingstodo #okanagan #armstrong #amf
0 Ottawa Thrashers INFRARED Are “All In Favour” With Metal-Rules Track Premiere + “New Album “Saviours” Due Out May 25th + Launch Pre-Order

(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – April 24, 2018
Ottawa Thrashers INFRARED Are “All In Favour” With Metal-Rules Track Premiere“New Album “Saviours” Due Out May 25thLaunch Pre-Order

Photo Credit: Gord Weber
Set to unleash their new album “Saviours” on May 25th, Ottawa thrashers INFRARED are “All In Favour” of premiering their first single with Metal Rules.com.
“Anyone who likes a more classic thrash sound, and longs for those days, just like we do, will dig this album. Since we are from that era, we are not trying to bring back that style of music, we are simply continuing what we know and do best!” comments vocalist / guitarist Armin Kamal.
Check out “All In Favour” and thrash for yourself at the following link: http://www.metal-rules.com/2018/04/24/ottawa-thrashers-infrared-are-all-in-favour-with-metal-rules-track-premiere-new-album-saviours-due-out-may-25th-post-teaser-launch-pre-order/
Making an impact on the Canadian’s 80s thrash scene, Ottawa legends INFRARED have returned to cement and carry on their own legacy, with their new album “Saviours”featuring all new music to follow their EP “No Peace”, which featured tracks all written in the 80’s and only recently heard by fans in 2016. “Saviours” features eight tracks that are thrashy, aggressive, melodic, heavy, and tight.
Vocalist / guitarist Armin Kamal adds:
“The Big Four will stand out as we have been described as a band with a bay area sound…But our influences are truly rooted in 70s and early 80s metal. Accept, Scorpions, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest are all bands that laid the foundation and the love of metal for us!”
“Saviours” is available for pre-order on iTunes here.
Album teaser – https://youtu.be/jeM0gQkqX4I
Show Dates:
May 30 – Arnprior, ON – The St, John Pub – info – w/ Flotsam and Jetsam
June 29 – Ottawa, ON – House of Targ – info w/ Black Mass, Mortor

Track Listing:
1. Project Karma (6:48)
2. The Demagogue (6:52)
3. Saviour (6:04)
4. The Fallen (6:33)
5. All In Favour (5:51)
6. They Kill For Gods (7:41)
7. Father of Lies (5:55)
8. Genocide Convention (5:33)
Album Length: 51:20
Band Line Up:
– Armin Kamal (Vocals and Guitars)
– Kirk Gidley (Guitars, Backing Vocals)
– Alain Groulx (Drums, Backing Vocals)
– Mike Forbes (Bass, Backing Vocals)
http://infraredmetal.ca
https://www.facebook.com/infraredmetal
https://twitter.com/infraredmetal
https://infraredmetal.bandcamp.com
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bQY
(Bio written by Steve Earles)
– 30 –
“Straight up thrash metal with the heavy and fast riffs, pounding drums, and the thumping of the bass.” – Sleaze Roxx
“After sitting down and listening to Infrared’s ‘No Peace’ over a period of days, it’s safe to say that this is a solid thrash metal album that will easily please genre purists. It’s an aggressive offering, but it doesn’t take too many risks, nor does it have to. This band is extremely talented and this album is well worth your money.” – Metal At The Gates
“At times reminiscent of old school Metallica, sometimes Megadeth, sometimes something else entirely. In short, if you dig 80’s metal you should really give this album a listen. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I’m already looking forward to the next.” – Skull Banger
“No Peace grabs you by the balls from the first power chords of Inframental and doesn’t let up until the final note of In Search Of.” – Korea Guitar
“Overall, classic sounding, old school thrash metal from an era when thrash was still evolving, this album (No Peace) is a cracking introduction to the mid eighties thrash metal sound.” – Metal Gods TV
—
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 Wacken Metal Battle Canada – National Final Joins Forces w/ Boonsdale Fest

(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – April 24, 2018
MetalBattle.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube
Wacken Metal Battle Canada – National Final Joins Forces w/ Boonsdale Fest
June 9th – Toronto @ Opera House
One Independent Canadian Band To Play At Wacken Open Air (Germany) World’s Largest Metal Festival
Free Download – Vol 5. Compilation featuring over 3 Hours of Canadian Metal – here.
Wacken Metal Battle Canada Promo Video: http://youtu.be/gQcxqsxchkQ
It’s coming down to the wire for this year’s 2018 Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final, where one band will be crowned Canadian champion and represent the nation at the international metal battle at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Germany. For this year’s 5th national final, WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia, whom also runs Boonsdale Records is bringing together two passions as one at the 2nd annual Boonsdale Fest.
Tartaglia comments:
“This is all part of the new strategy to minimize travel for the Metal Battle finalists and to have them play to a packed venue. I’m happy to say that Boonsdale Fest 2018 is looking very promising. The idea is to keep growing it year after year and eventually move it to an outdoor location. We want to fill the gap of an open air metal festival in Toronto and we want it to have some of that spirit of Wacken!”
This year’s 2018 Boonsdale Fest will be held on June 9th at the Opera House in Toronto, ON and will feature bands Borealis, Operus, Mokomokai, Pressive, Hammerdrone (WMBC Western finalist) and Centuries of Decay (WMBC Eastern finalist).
Featuring:
Borealis
Operus
Mokomokai
Pressive
Hammerdrone (Metal Battle Western Finalist)
Centuries of Decay (Metal Battle Eastern Finalist)
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1635420189827650/
Hammerdrone (Metal Battle Western Finalist)
Centuries of Decay (Metal Battle Eastern Finalist)
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1635420189827650/
From 2013 to 2016, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has crowned previous winners Hamilton’s Profaner (2016), Oshawa’s Vesperia (2015), Montreal’s Mutank (2014) and Toronto’s Crimson Shadows (2013) to play Wacken Open Air.
Full List of 2018 battles and participating bands in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City can be found here.
Remaining Battle Rounds:
Quebec Final
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: Piranha Bar (680 Saint-Catherine St W.)
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/236223013621597/
Bands:
Dumpster Mummy http://dumpstermummy.bandcamp.com – MTL Round 1 WINNER
Sovereign Council http://sovereigncouncil.bandcamp.com – Ottawa WINNER
Skullmace http://skullmace.bandcamp.com – MTL Round 2 Winner
Nordheim http://www.facebook.com/nordheimofficial – Quebec City Winner
Eastern Final
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Piranha Bar (680 Saint-Catherine St W.)
Event Link: TBA
Bands:
Lutharö http://www.facebook.com/Lutharoband
Centuries of Decay http://www.centuriesofdecay.com
About:
Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition where over a hundred band’s from across the country battle each other for one to be selected and join over 20 other countries for an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken , Germany for the last 28 years.
Wacken Metal Battle 2014 Canada Finals by Ondeschocs.com: http://youtu.be/RrOGyBtqwaQ
For more info on Metal Battle Canada, please visit these links:
Official Website: http://www.metalbattle.ca
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada
Twitter: @MetalBattleCAN
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WackenMetalBattleCAN
For more info on Wacken Open Air, please visit http://www.wacken.com
– 30 –
Sunrise Records – http://www.sunriserecords.com
Pure Rock Radio – http://www.purerockradio.net
—
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
0 Toronto Proggers THE SLYDE Announce New Album “Awakening” Out May 18th + New Music Video “Back Again”

(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – April 24, 2018
For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, Haken
Toronto Proggers THE SLYDE Announce New Album “Awakening” Out May 18th
New Music Video “Back Again”

L-R: Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals), Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar), Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples), Brendan Soares (Drums, Vocals) – Photo Credit: Gilad Cohen
Following up with 2017’s EP release “Back Again”, Toronto melodic proggers THE SLYDE return with their first full length effort titled “Awakening”. The band (formerly known as just Slyde) will drop ten tracks of their intricate, contrapuntal prog rock that they’ve honed over the last decade on May 18, 2018.
The band comments:
“‘Awakening’ refers to the process of invoking change. Each song can be seen as a protest song, arguing for a more peaceful and autonomous way of life. For example, the opening track ‘Awaken/Walk With Me’ is about getting away from the powerful effects of media control and propaganda. ‘Back Again’ is about the beauty and fragility of our Earth, and how we take it for granted. ‘Divide’ refers to the brainwashing effects of politics of fear and division in the West. “Awakening” looks at our daily consumption and poses the question ‘what is, or could be, our reality?”
In true prog fashion, THE SLYDE stays true to their mission statement with their quirky arrangements, aggressive edge, and ominous lyrics. The result is a thought provoking, high-octane album for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Coheed and Cambria, and Megadeth. Driven by Nathan Da Silva’s elegant vocals, Sarah Westbrook’s powering keyboard skills, and the powerful rhythm section of Alberto Campuzano (Warmachine, ex-Annihilator) and Brendan Soares, the band are to catch the ears of any technically minded melodic prog rock fan.
The band adds:
“We think fans will certainly enjoy this release, and will notice that we’re slowly adding more of an aggressive edge to our songwriting plus incorporating more ‘metal’ elements into the riffs. ‘Awakening” is less conceptual than previous releases by containing more straight up rockin’ tunes. Each song stands on its own.”
“Awakening” is available for pre-order on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon and Distrokid here.
Music Video – Back Again – https://youtu.be/9T7jugWro2o
Music Video – Divide – https://youtu.be/-9DSd7ru_mY
Lyric Video – Fading – https://youtu.be/_AaBYNVXyo8
May 23 – Peterborough, ON – The Red Dog – info
May 24 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar – info

Track Listing:
1. Awaken (0:37)
2. Walk With Me (3:01)
3. In Silence (4:39)
4. These Wars (4:50)
5. Awakening (3:51)
6. So Blind (4:20)
7. Fading (3:54)
8. Join The Parade (4:39)
9. Divide (4:48)
10. Back Again (5:31)
Album Length: 40:16
THE SLYDE is:
Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar)
Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples)
Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals)
Brendan Soares (Drums, Vocals)
For more info:
http://www.theslyde.ca
http://facebook.com/theslydecanada
http://twitter.com/theslydecanada
http://instagram.com/theslydecanada
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bTX
– 30 –
“…This is quite possibly the greatest thing I have heard from the underground in a while, at least in North America. The Slyde have nailed a style many deny exists, and done it with true flair. I really hope this band picks up, since they are one of the current unsung talents of this earth.” – The 10th Doctor of Prog, on The Slyde’s 2012 EP ‘New World Sympathy’
“…an impressive step forward/return to form for these Canadian bright-eyed musicians and stands to solidify their name as one of the more promising ventures in the increasingly prolific progressive metal scene.” – Heavy Blog is Heavy, on the ‘Back Again’ EP
“Back Again is a breath of fresh air as all four songs bounce along with spirit and confidence, not to mention a great blend of strong hooks, succinctness and technical ability which is evident but not rammed down our throats. Everything just sounds right, if that makes sense.” 8/10 – The Man of Much Metal
“Not just an epic heavy prog-fest, The Slyde have delivered an intelligent and compelling 4-track EP that hints at much promise to come from this Canadian four piece.” – ProgRadar, on the ‘Back Again’ EP
“The Slyde will be the band I remember from IndieWeek. Thanks for making it worthwhile guys. Incredible set. Best band of the week by a mile.” – Music Vice
—
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
0 Death By Metal STL – Interview with the band Xael
0 EPK – The Slyde – Awakening (2018)
The Slyde – Awakening (2018)
For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, Haken
TheSlyde.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Youtube | Instagram
Bandcamp | iTunes | Amazon | DistroKid
Download Band Photo | Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics
“Vigorous and passionate, these players shine brightly, each contributing dynamic passages as witnessed in “Walk With Me”, “Fading”, and “Divide”. ” – Bravewords.com
“The Slyde have written a full-length rock record that is retro yet contemporary, edgy yet smooth. There are plenty of dynamics while staying high-energy and never boring or overwrought. Well-balanced and entertaining, these songs are progressive but not pretentious. Have a listen then tell your friends! ” – Progressive Music Planet
“If you’re looking for a familiar prog-rock band in the stylings of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, and even a bit of Protest the Hero with a new-age twist, look no further and grab the album today ” – Canadian Beats
“An album with an incredible energy and a vocalist that keeps up with them, The Slyde make a formidable record. This band have many highlights on Awakening, including ‘Walk With Me’ and ‘So Blind’ where the band make clear just what they can do.” – Thinking Lyrically
“It’s obvious that The Slyde is very passionate about their music, and for good reason. The tracks contained on this album are top notch progressive jams, each offering their own unique spin on the prog rock/metal genre.” – Under Air Media
“Awakening is a thoroughly entertaining affair, especially for fans of Rush and early Dream Theater. ” – Disagreement.net
“…This is quite possibly the greatest thing I have heard from the underground in a while, at least in North America. The Slyde have nailed a style many deny exists, and done it with true flair. I really hope this band picks up, since they are one of the current unsung talents of this earth.” – The 10th Doctor of Prog, on The Slyde’s 2012 EP ‘New World Sympathy’
“…an impressive step forward/return to form for these Canadian bright-eyed musicians and stands to solidify their name as one of the more promising ventures in the increasingly prolific progressive metal scene.” – Heavy Blog is Heavy, on the ‘Back Again’ EP
“Back Again is a breath of fresh air as all four songs bounce along with spirit and confidence, not to mention a great blend of strong hooks, succinctness and technical ability which is evident but not rammed down our throats. Everything just sounds right, if that makes sense.” 8/10 – The Man of Much Metal
“Not just an epic heavy prog-fest, The Slyde have delivered an intelligent and compelling 4-track EP that hints at much promise to come from this Canadian four piece.” – ProgRadar, on the ‘Back Again’ EP
“The Slyde will be the band I remember from IndieWeek. Thanks for making it worthwhile guys. Incredible set. Best band of the week by a mile.” – Music Vice
[Download Album Cover]
[Download Album Lyrics]
Release Date: May 18, 2018
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid
Track Listing:
1. Awaken (0:37)
2. Walk With Me (3:01)
3. In Silence (4:39)
4. These Wars (4:50)
5. Awakening (3:51)
6. So Blind (4:20)
7. Fading (3:54)
8. Join The Parade (4:39)
9. Divide (4:48)
10. Back Again (5:31)
Album Length: 40:16
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: The Slyde
• All songs written by: The Slyde
• Produced by: The Slyde
• Mixed by: Andres Puche
• Mastered by: Matt Glover
• Album Artwork by: Casey Shea
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL) Yes
• Album Band Line Up:
– Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar)
– Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples)
– Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals)
– Brendan Soares (Drums, Vocals)
Discography:
2018 – Awakening LP
2017 – Back Again EP
2012 – New World Sympathy EP
2011 – Feed The Machine
2010 – The Slyde II (demo/EP)
2009 – The Slyde I (demo/EP)
Shared Stage with:
Protest The Hero, Down With Webster, Pain of Salvation, Fuck The Facts, Dana Fuchs Band, Timber Timbre, Moxy, Heaven’s Fire, Sumo Cyco, Warmachine, Prismind, Polarity, Panzerfaust, Vesperia, Sierra, Coldrift, Reglement 17, Odd Ones, A Primitive Evolution, The Dead Centuries, Perpetuate, Akoufen, Colony, Parliament Owls, Cast in Cadence, Last Bullet, The Great Diversion, TimeGiant.
Festival and Tours:
2019 – ’10 Years And Counting Tour’ (ON/QC)
2019 – Wacken Open Air – Germany
2018 – Awakening Tour (ON/QC)
2016-2017 – 14 dates in Ontario in support of Back Again EP
2013-2014 – 32 dates in Ontario/QC in support of New World Sympathy EP
2013 – IndieWeek – Toronto, ON
2013 – Cornwall Lift-Off – Cornwall, ON
2013 – Wacken Metal Battle Canada – Toronto, ON
2013 – CMW – Toronto, ON
2012 – 31 self booked shows in Ontario/Quebec in support of NWS EP/Feed The Machine
2012 – Right To Exist, Right To Resist, U of T – Toronto, ON
2012 – IndieWeek – Toronto, ON
2012 – Friends For Peace, City Hall – Ottawa, ON
2012 – Arts In The Park – Cornwall, ON
2012 – The Edg3 – Maxville, ON
2012 – Big Money Shot – Ottawa, ON
2011 – 27 dates – Ontario/Quebec in support of Feed The Machine
2011 – IndieWeek – Toronto, ON
2011 – Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest – Ottawa, ON
2011 – RiverFest – Brockville, ON
2010 – 36 dates in Ontario/Quebec/NB/NS in support of 2010 Demo release
2010 – Big Money Shot – Ottawa, ON
2010 – Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest – Ottawa, ON
2010 – RogersTV Daytime – Ottawa, ON
2009 – Big Money Shot – Ottawa, ON
Music Placements:
‘Take Us Away’ was licensed via BedTracks.com and used in the TV show ‘Don’t Drive Here’.
L-R: Nathan Da Silva (lead vocals, guitar), Sarah Westbrook (keyboards, samples), Andrew Suarez (drums), Alberto Campuzano (bass guitar, backup vocals)
Winners of the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition, Toronto’s melodic proggers The Slyde are ready to represent Canada at the Wacken Metal Battle international final, at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
The band will be showcasing highlights from their latest album “Awakening”. The band (formerly known as just Slyde) dropped their ten-track album in 2018, harnessing the intricate, contrapuntal prog metal they’ve honed over the last decade. Described by critics as “a highly impressive, thunderously powerful, thought-provoking collection of songs” and “vigorous and passionate”, The Slyde carve their own path and take no prisoners.
In true prog fashion, The Slyde stays true to their mission statement with their quirky arrangements, aggressive edge, and ominous lyrics. The result is a thought-provoking, high-octane brand of prog metal for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Coheed and Cambria, and Megadeth.
Driven by Nathan Da Silva’s elegant vocals, Sarah Westbrook’s powering keyboard skills, and the powerful rhythm section of bassman Alberto Campuzano and drummer Andrew Suarez (with longtime drummer/songwriter Brendan Soares), the band are to catch the ears of any technically minded melodic prog rock and metal fan.
The Slyde has played nearly 200 shows on the Eastern Canadian circuit, sharing the stage with such bands as Protest The Hero, Down With Webster, Angra, Pain of Salvation, F*ck The Facts, Dana Fuchs, and Timber Timbre among others, and have made past appearances at Ottawa Bluesfest, Canadian Music Week, IndieWeek, and Cornwall Lift-Off.
THE SLYDE is:
Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar)
Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples)
Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals)
Brendan Soares (Drums, Vocals)
Track by Track explained:
1) Awaken – An intro track; a swell erupting into scene of a protest. Mystery that sets up destruction for:
2) Walk With Me – A straight forward, punk-inspired upbeat opening track with a breakdown catchy chorus and breakneck keyboard solo. This song talks about media control and propaganda. Reminds me of System Of A Down and Megadeth.
3) In Silence- about the metaphorical and literal abuse of people- contrasts of heavy intricate sections, with a quiet mid-section, ramps up into a rhapsodous catchy part then leads to a crazy screaming guitar solo! People might ‘get triggered’ by these lyrics because it has the word ‘rape’ in it. Musically similar to The Fall of Troy, Megadeth, and Opeth.
4) These Wars – happy joyful intro riff using major tonality, pretty heavy lyrics, contains a double guitar/key solo then more key solo. This song is about narcissism and the takeover of social media in society. Musically similar to riffs heard in Soilwork, and Dream Theater.
5) Awakening – The title track, usage of organ tones gives a Deep Purple vibe. Quirky, monophonic riffs remind me of Dream Theater and Symphony X. Also has a catchy chorus, and probably the most technical song on the album.
6) So Blind – Another fast, punk and metalcore-inspired heavy song. Very catchy Chorus at 1:00. Awesome keys/guitar double solo, keys solo breaks out of double solo. Very dirty outro at 03:30 that abruptly shifts the pacing of the song. As is the title: No one can shove their way through the everyday hustle and bustle to see that the most basic of their own human rights are being eliminated. (the last 4 songs from here were previously released as an EP in 2017 called ‘Back Again’)
7) Fading – Intro is a big anthemic auditorium sound. Lots of key and guitar dueling underneath soaring vocals. The interplay between the guitar and keys remind me of old school In Flames and other Eurometal bands like Soilwork and MyGrain. Aliens don’t want to be our friends. Humans are too messed up.
8) Join the Parade – A more progressive cut from the album, using shifting meters, funky bass lines (reminiscent of Daft Punk), and a tempo change halfway through into a Metallica-inspired thrashy section for a keyboard solo. Hooky chorus as well. The song is about not having freedom and conforming.
9) Divide – Another Eurometal-inspired song with its guitar riffs, hard hitting drums and bass, and dualing keyboard and guitar lines. Verses have punky vocals and chorus has a repeating call-and-answer hook from the backup vocals. This song talks about the politics of division and fear, and was written in secret as an anti-trump song during the 2016 campaign. Finishes with a moody piano outro.
10) Back Again – Our only ballad on the album, this song is the most radio friendly of all the songs, and showcases the most dynamic and variety in our sound. Lots of ambiance and sparse textures, with a middle section that has our signature sound that’s prevalent throughout the record, then comes back down to finish the song. The tune was inspired by Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot concept and how the fragility and beauty of our world is taken for granted and often forgotten about.






