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Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Utiltilty Provider – Challenger (2024) – Out Nov 26th

  • November 13, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Utility Provider

EPK – Utiltilty Provider – Challenger (2024) – Out Nov 26th

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

“For me, the most important aspect of music is how it makes you feel when you listen. When we set out to record “CHALLENGER” we knew that we wanted to take our fans on a unique, powerful, and intense listening experience. The overarching theme of “CHALLENGER” is one of triumph over adversity and having the courage to throw off your “chains” (both physical and mental) and strike out on your own. We wanted our fans to be able to make a connection with the music and I think that this album will touch people on a very personal level. One cool element that we added to the album is the concept of a side “A” and a side “B”. Up until this album, all U.P. songs were written in drop C tuning. The first 6 songs of the album stay in that same drop C tuning, however side “B” is written in A# tuning – it’s literally a whole new sound for our fans! The transition from side “A” to side “B” is marked by a beautiful instrumental track written solely by Chris called “Northern Storm”. We hope the listeners will enjoy this nuance within the album. We sure had a ton of fun recording it!” – Tyler Mayfield – Vocals – Utility Provider

Mastodon, Pantera, Strapping Young Lads / Devin Townsend, Alice in Chains, Gojira

Band: Utility Provider
Album: “Challenger”
Release Date: November 26th, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/utilityproviderband | Instagram.com/utilityproviderband | Youtube | X.com/utilityboys

Utilityprovider.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“We’re back at it on a Monday morning & we’ve just added the punishing new track “Challenger” from UTILITY PROVIDER! “Challenger” is the title track from the forthcoming album set for a Nov.26th release. A heavy driving track that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let up for 5 minutes. Varied tempos and outstanding musicianship make for a special cut.” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“I suspect that quirky progressive thrash metal may be a suitable general description of the landscapes explored on this album, and if that is a description that intrigues you then chances are good for you to find this album to be a rewarding experience” – Progressor

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Utility Provider
Album: “Challenger”
Release Date: November 26th, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Broken Ghost Touches – 2:39
2. Humans – 4:23
3. Challenger – 5:08
4. Social Murder – 1:59
5. Killer Instinct – 3:36
6. Northern Storm – 1:13
7. You Know She’s Metal – 3:14
8. Loudest Voices – 4:47
9. Skin & Bones – 4:22
10. Independent Soul – 2:28
11. Scabs – 5:55
12. Controversy In Everything – 4:40
Album Length: 44:29

Album Credits:
Recording Engineer: Nick Bergeron, Starport Studios, Langley B.C
Mixing and Mastering: Michael Kraushaar, Little Red Studios, Vancouver B.C
All songs written, performed, and produced by UTILITY PROVIDER
Album Artwork: Shayne Gold
*All band members are members of SOCAN
*MAPL applies: All music / lyrics were written and performed by Canadian citizens and the album was recorded in Canada

Album Band Line Up:
Guitar / backing vocals: Chris Thomas
Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
Bass / backing vocals: Tyler Parsons-Mathieu

Live Band Line Up:
Guitar / backing vocals: Chris Thomas
Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
Bass / backing vocals: Shayne Gold

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

About The Album Artwork

We wanted the artwork to reflect the overarching message of the album and I think Shayne did a great job capturing this. The lone figure with his arms raised atop the mountain signifies one’s triumph over adversity. The mountain itself acts as a symbol of whatever adversity looks like to each individual.

About  the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

1. Broken Ghost Touches:

Tyler: An instrumental track that blends elements of thrash, prog, and rock. We really focused on getting great guitar and bass tone, with powerful drums that punch in to accent certain moments in the song. Chris’s solo on top of the rhythm guitar adds a nice technical element too. I think this song really shows off the skill and musical abilities of U.P!

2. Humans:

Tyler: The music is heavy, dark and punishing which is reinforced by the lyrical content. The lyrics for this song were actually written by John Murray, who spent a brief time in U.P years back. He wrote about the atrocities humans commit in the name of religion. One very powerful line is “you threw little children into unmarked graves”, which touches on the recent discovery in Canada of unmarked graves where  Indigenous children were buried after being killed in the residential school system brought forth by the Catholic Church.

3. Challenger:

Tyler: This is the title track of the album so we spent a lot of time making sure the production was exactly what we wanted. The music, I think, sounds like a cool mix of thrash and power metal. The guitars are especially highlighted in this song to give it that power and distinct U.P tone that Chris is known for. The verses have quick guitar licks overtop of the main melody to add flavour. The vocals are mostly clean so listeners can hear the lyrics, which embody the theme of the album. This song in particular focuses on overcoming physical challenges with a fighting spirit. You will notice that the lyrics repeat in each verse – this was done on purpose to really drive home the point.

4. Social Murder

Tyler: This song is meant to be an anthem. Right off the bat, we have guitar, bass, and drums smack the listener square in the face to set the tone. From there it’s 2 minutes straight of pure, raw rage. Its short length makes it easy to listen to over and over again. The term ‘social murder’ was coined by Friedrich Engels in 1845 to describe the “unnatural death that occurs due to social, political, or economic oppression”. To embody that spirit I wrote the lyrics as a call to arms; throw off your chains, fuck the oppressors, and string them up.

5. Killer Instinct

Tyler: This song is a little off from the theme of the album as it’s more about the baser predatory instinct humans share with other animals, and how we use it along with our advanced minds to dominate all other species, and other humans, of the world. The music, specifically the guitar, utilizes palm muting for that loud-quiet-loud dynamic to highlight the vocals in the verses. The lyrics of each verse are meant to metaphorically tie in an aspect of human warfare with a feature of another predatory animal.

6. Northern Storm

Tyler: A quick instrumental track that marks the switch from side A (the drop C tuning) to side B (A# tuning). This was written/composed completely by Chris and features a simple guitar riff with background noises reminiscent of a coming storm. The crickets and cracking thunder remind me a lot of the powerful storms I’d hear in Texas when my family would visit my grandma. This track prepares listeners for the “storm” that is side B, which is noticeably ‘darker’ than side A.

7. You Know She’s Metal

Tyler: The most straight-up ‘metal’ sounding track of the album. Vadim does an incredible job on the drums with his massive snare hits and thundering double-kick work. In the chorus during the “metal” scream the vocals reach a pitch that Chris Cornell, Myles Kennedy, or even Steven Tyler would be proud of. Lyrics were again written by John Murry and embody the spirit of a metalhead.

8. Loudest Voices

Tyler: Similar to “Social Murder”, this song also focuses on rising against oppression and the lyrics reflect this throughout the song. Musically the song could make a strong case for being considered the most dynamic on the album; several riff changes, a bass solo part, and an absolutely chaotic ending. The same could be said for vocals. A mix of clean, rough, and screaming vocals at various parts intertwined with the ‘cookie monster’ backing vocals of Tyler Parsons-Mathieu.

9. Skin and Bones

Tyler: The chorus line says it all: “How would you feel if I stripped you down to your skin and bones?”, in other words, how would you feel if your true nature was exposed? How would you feel if we took away the facade – is it something you’d want the public to see? I find there is a distinct ‘grunge’ feel in this song reminiscent of early Nirvana. It features a simple repeating guitar riff through the verses to give more emphasis to the vocals and drums. However, the chorus guitar is chaotic and in your face. I also find the snare tone to be really great in this song. I think Chris and I do a killer job in this song with mixing vocals, especially during the chorus. This track is the only one on the album where Chris actually takes the role of primary vocalist (he is the only one singing during the verses) which pays homage to the many years where he was the primary singer in U.P.

10. Independent Soul

Tyler: This song sounds absolutely nothing like anything U.P. has put out before. Completely clean guitar, bass, and vocals, it feels more like a metal ballad. It features beautiful guitar and bass tones all throughout and I love that there’s nothing fancy, it’s just all raw, which I think encapsulates the feeling and power of this song. Vocals are reminiscent of Corey Taylor singing clean. Lyrics center on coming to terms with who you are and finding a way to accept yourself.

11. Scabs

Tyler: My personal favourite of the album, “Scabs” has perhaps the best sounding vocals, clean and raspy, and uniquely features an unexpected drums-only intro. It is also the longest song on the album at 5 minutes and 55 seconds. The first half of the song is more rock sounding and you can hear this primarily in the guitars and vocals, although that signature U.P metal/rock guitar tone is still present. Things heat up in the second half with a distinctly ‘metal’ riff, very powerful drums, and intense vocals. The ending is my favourite part; a single guitar riff with repeating harmonic notes and quiet drums which allow a beautiful falsetto harmony between Chris and myself to shine through. Listen closely and you’ll also hear a subtle but intricate bass riff in the background separate from the guitar. If you close your eyes you can hear the ghost of old-school Alice in Chains. Lyrics are about overcoming addiction and trauma, surviving, and shedding your mental ‘scabs’.

12. Controversy in Everything

Tyler: This track was actually featured on the U.P album “Lost in Humanity’s Grip” but had no vocals, so we decided to re-record it as a bonus track for our fans with the new U.P lineup. The production is miles ahead of the original recording. The music features a heavy prog element that’s really noticeable in the guitar tone and the drum structure. Vocals are mostly clean and rock-sounding, but Tyler Parsons-Mathieu’s ‘cookie monster’ vocals add a healthy dose of metal. If you listen closely you can also hear Chris do some Josh Homme-esque sexy deep vocals underneath the main vocal line around 3:12, and again at 3:55 in the song.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angels

1. “Independent Soul” almost didn’t make the album. We had actually planned on scrapping it due to time constraints and the song not being where we wanted it. On the last night we had booked with Michael Kraushaar for mixing and mastering, we ended up finishing “Controversy” early and had, I think, an hour and a half left of the booked time. So we said, “Hey Michael, we have this one other song, would you be willing to take a look at it?”. Being the wizard that he is, Michael was able to take it and turn it into the beautiful song that you hear now.

2. “Independent Soul” was originally supposed to sound way different than it does. It was originally over 7 minutes in length and had a huge metal section with screaming vocals, and a third chorus. We just couldn’t get the sound to where we wanted it and, as I mentioned above, was almost scrapped completely. But we really liked the quiet sections and didn’t want to lose them completely. So we decided fuck it, let’s scrap all the parts after the quiet section and see what we get. Turns out it was a great decision because we ended up with this beautiful song that is completely unique on the album.

3. Back in 2016 our former drummer, Chris Lang, was awarded the Order of Canada for rescuing 2 people trapped in a burning vehicle. He and former bassist Dan Wakefield were driving back in the early am from a gig at the Wolf Bar when a car went flying past them on the highway and careened out of control, smashing into a pole and ending up in the culvert separating the two sides of traffic. Chris and Dan stopped to see if the people were ok and saw that the car was catching fire and the people were stunned and barely moving. Chris leaped into action and risked himself to rescue them from the burning wreck. You can read all about it here in this CBC article! https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/car-flames-surrey-utility-provider-rock-blues-metal-band-1.3798073

4. Back in April 2024 we were playing a gig at The Phoenix in Victoria. Now we all know Tyler loves to jump out into the crowd and mosh, headbang and interact with the fans as much as possible – and of course, this night was no exception. About halfway through the set, he jumped past the floor monitors to be with the audience. He was headbanging arm-in-arm with a couple of people and realized that he needed to get back to the mic to finish the song. Unfortunately, when jumping back he missed one of the monitors and rolled over on his ankle. He immediately fell over, but continued to sing and finish the song. Like a true rock star, he finished the set, hopping around on one foot. We didn’t realize until the next day just how bad he had hurt it, it was so purple and swollen and he could barely put any weight on it.

 

L-R – Vadim Cartovenco – Drums, Chris Thomas – Guitar/Backing Vocals, Tyler Mayfield – Lead Vocals, Shayne Gold – Bass/Backing Vocals

UTILITY PROVIDER BIO: 

Utility Provider is a progressive metal band based in Vancouver B.C that was formed by Chris Thomas (formerly: RED ANT ARMY – FUSE BREAKER – DIELECTRIC – CTT PROJECT – WURM) in 2013 with Scott O’Hara (FREEBASE) on Drums and Dan Wakefield on Bass 

After many shows throughout 2014, Scott and his family relocated to Alberta and Dan & Chris continued on in search of a new drummer. Enter the Chris Lang years. Lang’s addition not only helped Thomas and the writing get stronger – but it also changed the texture of the music. With Lang’s talents mixed in with Thomas and Wakefield’s already large sound, Utility Provider was now a real driving force in the local music scene. 

After 3 long years of nonstop playing in the local scene and only demo songs to show for it, Utility Provider hit the studio to record its debut album “ALL IN TIME”. The album dropped on August 14th, 2019. With songs like “FRASER HEIGHTS” & “GREASE TRAP” making waves on indie radio stations worldwide, while also supporting the release with many local shows, there were changes starting to develop – and like most bands, changes were made. Wakefield eventually departed from U.P. leaving the band temporarily with no bass player. After many auditions, the right fit was found and U.P welcomed Tyler Parsons-Mathieu as its new bass player. While taking some time off to work on the new line up (learning and writing songs) and getting ready to record their second album, COVID hit the world. Ever resilient, U.P. decided to focus all their energy on making a new record during the lockdown refusing to wither away like so many other bands. 

“LOST IN HUMANITY’S GRIP” was released June 28th, 2022 and U.P., like everyone else, started playing live shows again – however, another setback was on the horizon. In July of 2022, Chris Lang had to depart for personal reasons. U.P. wished him all the best and thanked him for his musical input, but as all successful musicians know, the show must go on!!!!! 

Enter new drummer Vadim Cartovenco (formerly of 2 DAYS & COUNTING). Vadim brought new life into the band, especially with U.P. reeling from the loss of Lang just as “LOST IN HUMANITY’S GRIP” was being released. Cartovenco’s technical mastery and powerful hits added a huge presence to an already formidable U.P. sound. 

Up to this point, U.P had solely relied on Thomas to perform as both lead guitarist and lead singer, which led the band to the realization that they were still missing one crucial element; a true frontman, unburdened by an instrument, with the experience and showmanship necessary to take U.P to that next level. In April 2023, after several rounds of auditions, U.P. found their new dynamic frontman in Tyler Mayfield (formerly of LUNG FLOWER). With over a decade of playing, touring, and recording experience, and the ability to perform both melodic and heavy vocals while still bringing a manic energy to the stage every night, Mayfield’s addition took U.P. up to a whole other gear.

In Spring 2024 U.P. started tracking sessions with the all-mighty Nick Bergeron at Starport Studios (Langley, B.C.) for their 3rd album titled “CHALLENGER”. Bergeron made a massive mark on the record and U.P could not be any happier with the amazing work he did during the recording process. Then in October 2024 mixing and mastering were handed off to the renowned Michael Kraushaar at Little Red Studios (Vancouver B.C). Kraushaar’s work on the “CHALLENGER” album showed a true mastery of the art of sound. U.P. was thrilled with the amount of work and dedication Kraushaar put into making “CHALLENGER” sound exactly as they had envisioned. 

Backtracking to summer 2024, after the recording sessions had been completed, Tyler Parsons-Mathieu announced that he would be leaving the band to pursue other musical endeavours. Parsons-Mathieu’s departure was very amicable and U.P has wished nothing but the best for him and all his musical projects! U.P. was also incredibly grateful for the bass riffs and backing vocals he contributed to the “CHALLENGER” album. 

Fortunately, Parsons-Mathieu’s replacement was found quickly and came in the form of Shayne Gold (formerly of EDITH), a long-time veteran of the Vancouver music scene. Officially joining the band in September 2024, Gold brought yet another new and creative element to the bass sound of U.P. With his unique style of heavy notes blended into hypnotic hooks, and a wonderfully infectious personality, Gold became a welcome addition to the U.P lineup. 

“CHALLENGER” officially drops on November 26th, 2024. Stay tuned!

Album Band Line Up:
Guitar / backing vocals: Chris Thomas
Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
Bass / backing vocals: Tyler Parsons-Mathieu

Live Band Line Up:
Guitar / backing vocals: Chris Thomas
Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
Bass / backing vocals: Shayne Gold

Discography:
2024 – “CHALLENGER” – album
2022 – “Lost in Humanity’s Grip” – album
2019 – “All in Time” – album

0 EPK – Tigguo Cobauc- Fountains of Anguish (Exitus Stratagem Records) (2024)

  • November 12, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Tigguo Cobauc (Exitus Stratagem Records)

EPK – Tigguo Cobauc- Fountains of Anguish (Exitus Stratagem Records) (2024)

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

“The listening experience, enriched by the newly woven atmospheres, transcends the ordinary,  transforming into a profound ritualistic communion with the audience. Each note reverberates like an  incantation, inviting a shared journey into the depths  of sound that beckons a collective transcendence.” – Tigguo Cobauc

For fans of Celtic Frost, Venom, and Bathory

Band: Tigguo Cobauc
Album Title: Fountains of Anguish
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Label: Exitus Stratagem Records

Exsrmusic.com | Facebook.com/ExSRecords | Instagram.com/exsrmusic | Twitter.com/exsrm | Youtube.com/@Exitusstratagemrecords9577

Tigguocobauc.mystrikingly.com | Instagram.com/tigguocobauc | Facebook.com/tigguocobaucband | Tiktok.com/@tigguocobauc

Tigguocobauc.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“this was a fantastic album, and it brought Doom to a whole new level for me, because the band was bold, and unafraid to explore uncharted territory, while keeping their roots strong. 8/10″ – Metal-Temple

“IIn the waning days of 2024 comes quite a surprise…one of the best doom albums of the year from an unknown band who clearly know what they are doing. This record is full of crushing riffs, dark melodies and an otherworldly atmosphere. In every way this is an absorbing listen.n the waning days of 2024 comes quite a surprise…one of the best doom albums of the year from an unknown band who clearly know what they are doing…. Definitely track this one down!” – Wormwood Chronicles

“Unlike many of their contemporaries, Tigguo Cobauc let the slimy guitars carry the mix rather than hide under the keyboards. ‘The Darkest Emperor’ starts like an agonising piece of death-doom before it uses the influence of Bathory to accelerate into a higher gear. You’ll hear the early Celtic Frost records in this song, but the keyboards belong in the straight-to-video horror film market of the 1980s. Each elongated ripped-windpipe vocal feels like the testimony of a man who knows his fate is to be hung, drawn and quartered. The rhythms in ‘Inner Disaster’ change tempo as easily as snow turns to slush…. Often, extreme metal bands go through the motions of screaming in pain, but Tiggou Cobauc mean it. They love to menace the listener like the early legends of underground metal. And they embrace the dramatic rather than shy away from it…. Most artists want to deliver the perfect steak, but Tigguo Cobauc would like you to gorge on the gristle and enjoy the fat dribbling on your chin. Their song structures appear to be easy to grasp, but they’re more complex on second listen. 8/10″ – Scream Blast Repeat

“A production to seek out by those who enjoy extreme metal explored with a bit of an off kilter intent and an atmospheric laden orientation.” – Viking in the Wilderness

“If I had to name Tigguo Cobauc’s musical style, it would be doomizing black heavy metal.
You won’t regret the time spent listening to their music!” – Margoth PDF Webzine

“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

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Tigguo Cobauc
Album Title: Fountains of Anguish
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Label: Exitus Stratagem Records

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: 40:36.44

Album Credits:
Produced by Tigguo Cobauc
Drums Recorded at NOISEBOY STUDIOS (Salford, UK)
All instruments recorded at THREE SQUIRES RECORDINGS (Nottingham, UK)
Vocals recorded at GREENSIGHT PRODUCTIONS (Nottingham, UK) Mixed and Mastered by Esben Willems at BERSERK STUDIO (Gothenburg,  Sweden)
Artwork by Merg & Been, vinyl version edited by H-SoundMusicRecords

All songs written by: Renato Ramos, Luca Martello
Tigguo Cobauc recording line-up:
Reno Ramos – Bass/Vocals
Luca Martello –  Guitar
Lloyd David – Drums
Wayne Turton – Keyboards

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

About The Album Artwork:

The album artwork embodies the essence of the musical journey, encapsulating the mood with evocative imagery that resonates deeply. It serves as a visual portal, mirroring the sonic landscapes contained within, a silent yet powerful reflection of the emotional currents that ebb and flow throughout the album.

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

“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 in this moment.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY &  MUSICALLY):

“Craving For Slay” asserts itself as a quintessential black metal onslaught, balancing modern sensibilities with melodic vocals and fierce screams, all while preserving the hallmark heavy doom elements familiar to Tigguo Cobauc.

“The Darkest Emperor” opens with a profoundly  doom resonance, rushing into a rapid, old-school  black metal segment before unfurling into a sorrowful  melody that captures the essence of despair.

“Eternal Quietus” begins with evocative tones,  transitioning into an accelerated black metal fervor that eventually spirals into a rich, enveloping doom.

“Inner Disaster” presents an oppressive riff that weaves throughout the track, ebbing and flowing in a relentless cycle that captures a sense of turmoil.

“Volt-Face” marks our initial composition for the album, a malignant entity that maintains its dark intensity from beginning to end.

“Engaged Putridity” introduces listeners to the more  symphonic dimensions of Tigguo Cobauc, melding  richness with complexity in a captivating exploration

“Deliverance” stands as an experimental venture,  hinting at potential trajectories for our evolving  sound, a glimpse into the future possibilities of our  musical landscape.

L-R – Luca Martello – Guitars/Sound Productions, Reno Ramos – Bass/Vocals

Photo by H-SoundMusic Records

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.

Beginning their journey with the 2022 debut “Trial by Combat”, this birth into the constellations was steeped in the murky depths of Death/Doom, cloaked in a sludgy resonance. From these beginnings, they gradually evolved, transcending into realms infused with black metal’s ethereal atmospheres, where shadows and intensity intertwined.

Unraveling their latest album “Fountains of Anguish”, this past April in Europe, the blackened doom duo of Luc Martello and Reno Ramos announces the re-release of this second full-length in North and South America via Exitus Stratagem Records digitally and CD on December 20th, 2024, and on Vinyl (release date to be announced at a later date).

The band comments:

“We have already unveiled the album in Europe, and the resonance it has garnered has been nothing short of remarkable. The reviews have painted a vivid tapestry of praise, while the response during our live demonstrations has sparked an exuberant and electrifying communion with our audience. 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. 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.”

The sound of “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.

“This record is enriched by the newly woven atmospheres that ascend the ordinary, transforming into a profound ritualistic communion with the audience. Each note reverberates like an incantation, inviting a shared journey into the depths of sound that beckons a collective transcendence.” adds the band.

Embarking upon this next chapter of their journey, Tigguo Cobauc’s “Fountains of Anguish” is recommended for fans of Celtic Frost, Bathory, and Venom.

Discography:
2020 – Thynghowe – Demo
2022 – Trial By Combat – LP
2024 – Fountains Of Anguish – LP

Endorsed by Blackhawk Amplification

Tours and Festivals
2021 Percey Pickelbacks, Nottingham (UK)
2022 Metal 2 The Masses, Tap N Tumbler, Nottingham (UK) 2022 Arches, Coventry, (UK)
2022 Scruffy Murphy, Birmingham (UK)
2022 The Hive, Rotherham (UK)
2022 Black Balloon, Botucatu (Brazil)
2022 Hocus Pocus, San José Dos Campos, (Brazil) 2022 Obscure Fest, São Paulo, (Brazil)
2022 Balada Rock, Piracicaba, (Brazil)
2022 No Limits Garage Sessions, Favelas of Arujá, (Brazil) 2022 Kaiowas, Lema, (Brazil)
2022 Let’s Go, Santa Gertrude, (Brazil)
2022 74 Club, Santo André, (Brazil)
2022 Casa Amarella, Osasco, (Brazil)
2022 Estacao Cultura, Campinas, (Brazil)
2023 Unearthed Festival, Derby (UK)
2023 Tap N Tumbler, Nottingham (UK)
2023 Little Un, Moorthope (UK)
2023 Yorkshireman, Sheffield (UK)
2024 The Gryphon, Bristol (UK)
2024 45 live, Kidderminster (UK)
2024 King Billy, Northampton (UK)
2024 The Pit, Newport (Wales)
2024 Victoria, Coalville (UK)
2024 Bank Holiday Massacre, Old Cold Store, Nottingham UK) 2024 Legends, Mansfield (UK)
2024 Old Salutation Inn, Nottingham (UK)

0 EPK – Marco Bojkovic – Powercore (2025) – Out Jan 24th

  • November 6, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Marko Bojkovic

EPK – Marco Bojkovic – Powercore (2025) – Out Jan 24th

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

“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.” – Marko Bojkovic

For fans of Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Periphery, Dream Theater, Firewind

Facebook.com/markobojkovicmusic | Instagram.com/markobojkovicshredsguitar | Youtube.com/@markob.19

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon 

Album pre-save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markobojkovic/powercore

“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

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]
Band: Marko Bojkovic
Album Title: Powercore
Release Date: January 24, 2025
Label: Self-Release
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 – 3:17
5. Find Your Flame – 4:00
6. Thrown – 5:41
7. To Reminisce – 4:54
Album Length: 31:11

Album Credits:
Songs Written by Marko Bojkovic
Produced and mixed by Patrick Finster
Mastered by James Lewis
Artwork by Regis Lima

Album Lineup:
Marko Bojkovic – Guitar
Chris Thomas – Growling vocals, clean vocals
Gabe Vermund – Clean vocals

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

About The Album Artwork:

Three power cores come together to form a molecule, which serves as a metaphor for strengthening yourself and the bond you share with your loved ones.

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

Lyrically: The album is meant to send positive messages such as being able to accomplish anything you set your mind to and believing in yourself.

Musically: The music is my own genre of metal called “Progressive PowerCore.” It’s a blend of progressive metal, power metal, metalcore, and djent! I have a lot of influences that went into making this style of metal, so you can imagine how hard it was for me to choose 5 artists! There are also influences from other genres such as jazz fusion and classical music.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

1. Anesthesia (No Easy Way Out) is about me addressing my uncertainty about returning to the medical field. I had almost died in medical school and was cheated out of nursing school. I spent all of last year wondering what to do next, but a family friend offered me his help to introduce me to a great medical profession called anesthesiologist assistance. It is of peak interest to me and I am going to go for it!

2. From Within states that we all have a power within us, and we already have that power! We didn’t get it from training or experience; we just have it! All you have to do to realize you have it is to believe in yourself! This song also has the best guitar solo that I’ve written by far because it’s the perfect showcase for my current style!  

3. Sacrifice for Sanity is a self-reflective experience for the listener. I have lived a very blessed life with hard-working parents who run a very successful business but they had to deal with a lot of bullshit to get to where they are today. The question that this song asks the listener is “The better the life you want for yourself, the more bullshit you have to deal with. Are you prepared for it?” This song also doesn’t feature a solo; I let the riffs do the talking (And Chris, of course)! It’s also the proggiest song on the album due to the constant time signature changes, subtle key changes, and the harmonic djent breakdown.

4.  What We Accomplished is the first song that I wrote for this album. In spring of 2023, I went through the roughest moment of my life. People spread lies about me and because of that, I couldn’t be with an amazing group of friends that I made as long as we were hoping, which caused me to go through heartbreak. When I tried to state my innocence, they fought alongside me and helped me try to stay with them. Although we failed to keep me with the group, we formed an even stronger friendship through the experience, and we accomplished a greater goal…becoming eternal friends. This song is dedicated to them.

5.  Find Your Flame is a cover of the song from the video game Sonic Frontiers. It plays when you fight the titan Night 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, the first thing I thought to myself was “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!  

6. Thrown is about losing your best friend over something completely foolish. A lot of people lost best friends for the stupidest reasons, so this song can provide them with some closure. It happened to me with Spiritual Chaos. It was a band I co-founded with my ex-best friend, only to be brainwashed by someone who was jealous of me.

7. To Reminisce is the last song I wrote for Spiritual Chaos, and I guarantee you the band would’ve considered it the best song.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. I was stranded on a Caribbean island after a category 5 hurricane, Maria. I was in medical school at the time, but eventually left due to my health deteriorating following evacuation.

2. I use Jackson and Ibanez guitars, and I have a kickass Aristides on the way!

3. The album was mixed by Patrick Finster and mastered by James Lewis

4. My favorite gig was in August 2019 with my first band Particle Effect. We opened for a very popular local Tampa band called Voxx. They’re dear homies of ours and I hope Particle Effect can reunite in the near future!

5. I come from a musical family. Both my sisters play piano and my dad plays accordion. It was genetically imprinted on me to play music!

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 in January 2025.

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 Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Periphery, Dream Theater, Firewind, Marko Bojkovic’s new album “Powercore” is due out on January 24, 2025, on Forerunner Recordings, and available for pre-save at the following link – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markobojkovic/powercore​

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

Discography:
2011 – Memories Revisited…How Quickly Time Flies – Album
2011 – The Newcomer – Album
2012 – Shadow of the Pain – Album
2012 – The Statistics Album – Album
2015 – Emerald Theory – Album
2018 – Guitars Roasting on an Open Fire – Album
2022 – Venom – Album
2025 – PowerCore – Album

0 EPK – Hellfire 76 – Rags to Rage (2024)

  • November 2, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Hellfire 76

EPK – Hellfire 76 – Rags to Rage (2024)

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

“The album RAGS TO RAGE is a continuation of our first release, in that the subject is all thought-provoking. As for a lot of music, we want the lyrics to be literal but also open to the listener’s interpretation. Sticking with the theme and ideas of Voodoo, Witchcraft, The Occult, and other oddities. We want to take the listeners on a dark and ominous journey into a place they don’t normally think about. Musically, it’s straight-up, fuzzed-out, uptempo jams, but with the various lyrical topics, it gives the listener a little more to chew on.” – Hellfire 76

For fans of Melvins, Clutch, Killing Joke, Fu Manchu, Trouble

Band: Hellfire 76
Album Title: Rags to Rage 
Release Date: November 29th, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Hellfire76.com | Facebook.com/Hellfire76nc | Instagram.com/hellfire76nc

Spotify | Hellfire76.bandcamp.com

The Über Rock Singles Club Daily Pick – Hellfire 76 (Nov 2, 2024)

“Dark, mysterious, foreboding, yet strangely inviting. This is the latest single (The Omen) from HELLFIRE ‘76, a band that brings together the things you love about heavy music: bold, swinging riffs, gruff manic vocals, crunchy chugging rhythms. “The Omen” has got it all going on, which lyrically “is about how religion uses fear to prey on weak minds to do the dirty work.”” – Doomed and Stoned

“The song (Rags To Rage) is a major rager perfect for a road-trip playlist!” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“The BLISTERING new album “Rags To Rage” from Hellfire 76 is waiting to be unleashed to the masses on Nov. 29th! One of the outstanding tracks from the album is the new single “The Omen” and it’s one hell of a track. A broody beginning gives way to a haunting tale and a heavy bluesy rhythm harkens back to some of the best Blue Oyster Cult material of the 70’s. At last, the riffs arrive and we are right in the middle of a heavy-duty jam with mean vocals at the helm. An eclectic journey you won’t want to miss, catch Hellfire 76 on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“Drink the concoction prepared by the band, a cocktail of blood riffs, genuine rhythms and distorted vocals that you can find in the dirtiest pubs in New Orleans! Fans of Kyuss, ZZ Top, Killing Joke, The Melvins and Clutch will be thrilled!” –  Heavy Mag

“In the radius of bituminous rhythms, nevertheless animated by a Rock energy, we frankly opt more for cousinage with CLUTCH, a formation that has always been able to evolve between thickness, melody and conciseness. With, as a bonus, these hints of greasy and oily Blues which inject a kind of groove and sap within a Metal which should not silence or ignore its affinities with the severe and groovy Metal proper to Pantera.” –  Integral Metal

“Hellfire 76 comes at you hard and heavy and without mercy.” –  Doomed Nation

“Hellfire 76, A duo devoted to rampaging Stoner-Doom-Psych-Metal, which swings to dense blues licks that suggest a Triceratops mating with a Sherman Tank!” –  Q C Nerve

The Hellfire 76 use the masks of voodoo, witchcraft, the occult and tarot cards to tell us stories of how Evil has taken over our world, ruled by liars, impostors and careerists. People are flooded with a river of lies, perpetrated by governments and the Church, which obscure our view of the Truth.” – Progressive Rock Journal

 

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]
Band: Hellfire 76
Album Title: Rags to Rage 
Release Date: November 29th, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. Rags to Rage – 3:33
2. Steal Your Soul – 3:25
3. 1000 Crimes – 3:38
4. As Above – 3:44
5. The Keepers – 3:40
6. Magic and Religion – 3:23
7. Black Angel – 3:43
8. The Omen – 5:45
Album Length: 30:52
Album Credits:
Album Artwork by Mike McGuiness
Member of BMIAlbum and Live Band Lineup:
Von Bury- Guitar-Bass-Organ-Vocals
Mike McGuiness-Drums
=============================================

About The Album Artwork:

Old school distressed in a “SST Records” kinda way

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

The overall theme of this album is dark, taboo, spooky, tongue-in-cheek, fuzzed-out southern metal!

Track By Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Rags to Rage- musically fast and aggressive, lyrically-it’s pretty much an “action/reaction” lyric- each to its own interpretation.

2. Steal Your Soul- is about the downfall of a narcissist, do bad things, and bad things happen to you.

3. 1000 crimes- it’s about the thought that not all things that the Church creates are in good intentions

4. As Above- is about a soul-less dictator, what you reap is what you sow

5. The Keepers- About the documentary about a twisted Christian cult

6. Magic and Religion- it’s about the similarities between Magic and Religion, and how very similar they are.

7. Black Angel- is about an angel that belongs in neither Heaven nor Hell

8. The Omen- is about how religion uses fear to prey on weak minds to do the dirty work.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. Von Bury grew up in New Orleans Louisiana, home of all things decadent and spooky. So a lot of his writings are influenced by growing up in that city.

2. HELLFIRE 76 was actually a 3 pc initially. Our Bassist came down with a debilitating nerve disease that prevented him from continuing on with the band. Seeing that all the songs were written by Bury/ McGuiness, it made sense to just continue on as a 2 pc. He is a great guy and we felt he couldn’t be replaced so we soldered on as a duo.

3. We actually have enough material at this time for 4 more albums if we didn’t write another note. We are pretty prolific in the writing capacity. We keep writing, always chasing the next idea. Keeps us engaged!

4. Being a 2ps has some great advantages:
We travel VERY cheap, can set up in front of most acts, less drama. It always makes for great conversation AFTER the show because people are always intrigued on how we get a huge sound for just 2 people. We’ve been told we are the “heaviest” 2pc band in the land…. I think we are definitely one of them for sure!

5. When you are a 2pc act, there’s NO time for drama and trivial bullshit. You are like “bookends” one without the other is a no go.

6. We record all our songs in 1 take. We are THAT well rehearsed!

Taboo lyrics served over blues-infected grooves! This is the unique blend of sounds that HELLFIRE 76 brings to the table. With influences ranging from ZZ Top, Killing Joke, and Kyuss to the Melvins, HELLFIRE 76 delivers a sound sure to satisfy doom, stoner, and psych rock fans alike!

Formed by founding members Von Bury (formerly of the Southern Gothic act LOVESUCKER and the Occult Rock act and Napalm Recording artist BLOODY HAMMERS) and Mike McGuiness (formerly of the Industrial Metal act FACE THE WORLD), HELLFIRE 76 set out to create a brand of Heavy Southern Stoner Devil Metal that has been missing for quite some time.

All killer-no filler, this two-piece brings 110% to their first full-length “Rags To Rage” due out at the end of November 2024. The overall theme of this album is dark, taboo, spooky, tongue-in-cheek, fuzzed-out southern metal. Von Bury explains further:

“The album RAGS TO RAGE is a continuation of our first release, in that the subject matter is all thought-provoking. As for a lot of music, we want the lyrics to be literal but also open to the listener’s interpretation. Sticking with the theme and ideas of Voodoo, Witchcraft, The Occult, and other oddities. We want to take the listeners on a dark and ominous journey into a place they don’t normally think about.”

For fans of Melvins, Clutch, Killing Joke, and Fu Manchu, “Rags To Rage” is due out on November 29, 2024.

Discography:
2024 – Rags To Rage LP
2021 – Self-Titled EP

0 EPK – Mutank – Think Before You Think (2024) (Boonsdale Records)

  • October 29, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · MUTANK

EPK – Mutank- Think Before You Think (2024) (Boonsdale Records)

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

For fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Metallica, Faith No More, Motorhead, Pantera, Slayer, Anthrax, Overkill, Exodus

Facebook.com/bonebrainsnotdemolishers | Instagram.com/mutank_or_die | X.com/MUTANK | Youtube.com/@mutube3701

Mutankthrash.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Band: MUTANK
Album Title: Think Before You Think
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Label: Boonsdale Records

“If peppy, energetic thrash in the vein of Slayer, Exodus, Overkill, DRI, Suicidal Tendencies and Anthrax is your bag, then give MUTANK a whirl. They’re certainly full of vim, vigor and energy.” – Decibel Magazine

“Think Before You Think offers enough modern flair to stand apart in today’s metal landscape. Mutank have delivered a thrilling ride that cements their place in the global thrash scene. With Think Before You Think, they aren’t just revisiting the past. They’re shaping the future of the genre.” – Amplify The Noise

“Variety. It might not be an aspect many expect to experience across this album, but that’s Mutank for you, and right up to the end, they find inventive ways to keep the listener engaged. First, by delivering an anthem for all head bangers around the world with the excellently titled Metalheads for Hire. Then by getting even more artistic with Running Reds, a track with some intriguing progressive touches. Before Mutank’s impressive return is capped off with an absolute cacophony of thrashy noise via Thrash Primordial. The record ending as it begun, with heads being banged hard.” – Games, Brrrains & A Head-Banging-Life

“The quartet from Montreal in fact has the ability to make the compositions interesting and unpredictable by expertly mixing thrash assaults with the impetuosity of hardcore, without giving up melodic cues of classic metal extraction and adding the immediacy of punk, permeating songs of that variety capable of intriguing the listener without ever getting bored. “Illuminatus” opens the dance with a sulphurous and threatening start and then settles on a thrashy and rocky mid tempo, all seasoned with unpredictable tempo changes and excellent solos… An album that may not rewrite the history of thrash metal, but which will help the genre evolve while remaining anchored to its origins. Rating: 9/10.” – MetalHead.it 


“The result here is some chunky, old school thrashcore which kicks off with the six-minute ‘Illuminatus’, a song that plods like a doomy Slayer before the combo embarks on a steady moshing groove. It’s relatively simple punk-laced thrash with strong choppy vocals that wouldn’t be out of place on some mid-80s obscure metal record…. ‘Channel Change’ begins like some cool traditional metal offering with a sweet crisp solo before resorting to a maniacal punky thrust of jabbing riffs and vocal retorts.” – Metal Forces Magazine

What the press said about 2017’s “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T”:

Highlight: #2 – Canadian National Loud Chart – August 2017 – Top 20 Loud (Earshot)

“they play good-natured thrash a la Overkill and Exodus… perfectly serviceable and enjoyable, definitely more effective when they are playing fast.” – Decibel Mag

Metal Injection named MUTANK 1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know – Read here.

“Based out of (arguably) the metal hub of the nation, Montreal, Mutank are a ferocious and frenzied crossover-thrash band that infect its listener with an ear worm that no amount of Michael Buble ballads can remedy. The 2014 winners of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada contest have churned out consistently crushing thrash riffs for years and have all the tools and check off all the required boxes to make a major play in the global metal market. For first time listeners, check out “Corporate Child” from their 2014 album M.E.C.H. Metal and the pulverizing headbanger “D.E.A.T.H.” from their 2017 EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” – Metal Injection

“Montreal punk/thrash crossover act MUTANK has quickly become my favourite new discovery in the world of metal. They’re fast, funny, and equal parts smart and stoopid, with lyrics like “Who do Mu Tank you are?” and a band name that gets likened to a cross between a “mutant” and a “tank”. MUTANK’s music hearkens back to vintage Suicidal Tendencies, D.R.I., or the more metal moments of the Dayglo Abortions or SNFU.” – Georgia Straight

“MUTANK is like a Coffee Crisp bar: crunchy as hell, and without any gooey center.” – Bucket List Music Reviews

“their hybrid thrash, traditional, speed metal makes for a great heavy experience” – We Love Metal

“Killer drumming, awesome bass hooks, great rhythm & furious sounding vocals. It’s a statement of intent from Mutank. That they are not to be underestimated & written off as just another ‘thrash throwback’.” – Games, Brains & A Headbanging Life

“They have a lot of thrashing songs that have abbreviated titles, and they kick some serious ass with their old school music and hardcore attitude.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Mutank have gotten creative with each song on the album, by coming up acronyms to fit the title of the album, they describe their sound as a “T-rex skateboarding down a volcano”. If your a fan of old school Overkill, Megadeath or Exodus or if you just want a fast and thrash album check it out” – Canadian Beats

““W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T.” is one of those records that you seem a band jamming out in their garage and eventually an audience just gathers because their thrash, punk, and a bit of tongue-in-cheek causes the listener to pay attention to what Mutank has to say.” – MUEN Mag

“Fast riffs, Heavy tempos crazy yelling.. its got all you’ve asked for. A mix of Suicidal Tendencies Punk/Thrash debut, Nuclear Assault fast moshing killer speed assault…a great funny and entertaining mini album for all beer drinkers fans of Tankard and ready to get into the moshpit 100/100.” – The Metal Mag

“grab you battlejack, studs and spandex trousers and feel like you are back in 1985.” – Lords of Metal

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

About The Album Artwork:

Stephen: “The idea for the artwork came to me from the title “Think  Before You Think”. It depicts some poor guy’s brain exploding out of his skull sporting a wicked grin. I drew it  in the style of 90’s comic books  since I feel like that style really suits  the music.”

About The Album:

Stephen: “The album musically is fast and heavy with lots of solos and riffs. Lyrically we cover a lot of ground from the economy to time travel.”

MUTANK Track by Track
1. Illuminatus  
Costa: “The intro sets the tone for the album with its strong riffs and songwriting continues the MUTANK tradition of elaborate riffs and ripping  solos!”

Stephen: “Lyrically Illuminatus (which gets its title from the 1975 novel) is  about power and how it takes the souls of those that desire it the most.”  

2. Payback:

Costa: “A vulgar display of hard riffs with some excellent drum work!”

Stephen: “Lyrically Payback is about the pressure money puts on  individuals and how it can drive people to the edge.”  

3. All Against All

Costa: “The mob is coming for you!”  

Stephen: “Lyrically All Against All is about the direction our world is  heading, how we are all being divided into arbitrary groups and pitted  against each other.”  

4. Channel Change

Costa: “By far the most challenging song to play, it absolutely rips!”

Stephen: “Channel Change is about media melting your brain and your  choice to either form something new from it yourself or let them do it for  you.”

5. Bad Magnitude

Costa: “Stretch your neck and bang away to the best instrumental you’ve  ever heard!”  

Stephen: “This is an easy one: there are no lyrics.”

6. Abortron

Costa: “Elon Musk is jealous he didn’t invent this robot who sucks the  lives out of your uterus!”

Stephen: “The lyrics for Abortron are disgusting and no one should read them.”  

7. Groundbreaker

Costa: “MUTANK goes back to their crossover roots with a short and  heavy killer!”  

Stephen: “Groundbreaker is a song about taking your destiny into your  own hands and serves to encourage those looking to blaze their own  path.”  

8. Metalheads for Hire

Costa: “Just what every metalhead needs… a job! We are for hire!”

Stephen: “Lyrically Metalheads for Hire is about working a 9 – 5 while  thrashing on the side.”

9. Running Reds

Costa: “The only song that features a slow breakdown. The main riff is  pure heavy and fast which will make you run every red.”  

Stephen: “Lyrically Running Reds is about going on a joyride-bloodbath  ending in disaster.”

10. Thrash Primordial

Costa: “The continuation of ‘Thrashback to the Past’ off our first album. It blasts you in the face with the opening riff and continues on blasting,  finishing off with some guitar duels. Good luck trying to put your melted  skin back on your face!”

Stephen: “Lyrically it’s a sequel to the final track from our first album  where we return to the future from prehistoric times to discover metal  has been destroyed and we need to bring it back!.”

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: MUTANK
Album Title: Think Before You Think
Release Date: November 29, 2024
Label: Boonsdale Records

Track Listing:
1. Illuminatus – 6:14
2. Payback – 5:24
3. All Against All – 4:43
4. Channel Change – 5:11
5. Bad Magnitude – 5:30
6. Abortron – 3:37
7. Groundbreaker – 2:08
8. Metalheads For Hire – 5:37
9. Running Reds – 6:27
10. Thrash Primordial – 4:40
Album Length: 49:38

Album Credits:
All songs performed by MUTANK
All songs written by MUTANK
Produced and Mixed by: Olivier St-Pierre and MUTANK
Mastered by: Tony Colgan and Stephen Reynolds
Album Artwork by: Stephen Reynolds

Album Band Line Up:  
Stephen Reynolds – Bass and Vocals
Ahmed Saad – Drums
Costa Skoulikas – Guitar
Chris Nascimben – Guitar

Song Credits
1. Illuminatus – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas
2. Payback – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas, Steven Been
3. All Against All – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas, Chris Nascimben
4. Channel Change – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas
5. Bad Magnitude – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas, Chris Nascimben
6. Abortron – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas
7. Groundbreaker – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas
8. Metalheads For Hire – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas
9. Running Reds – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas, Steven Breen
10. Thrash Primordial – Stephen Reynolds, Ahmed Saad, Costa Skoulikas

Live line-up:
Stephen Reynolds – Vocals/Bass
Ahmed Saad – Drums
Costa Skoulikas – Guitar

Left to Right: Ahmed Saad (Drums), Stephen Reynolds  (Bass, Vocals), Costa Skoulikas (Guitar), Chris  Nascimben (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Kat Dydyk

Canadian thrash maniacs MUTANK return with their newest collection of bangers and first taste of new neck-breaking tunes in seven years since releasing their mosh heavy EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T.” in 2017 via Boonsdale Records.

Entitled “Think Before You Think” will be released once again on Boonsdale Records on November 29th, 2024, and features ten volcanic thrash tracks to blaze a new path to jackhammer a pure audio assault. Live favourites such as “Running Reds”, “Abortron”, and “Thrash Primordial” are sure to please die-hard fans for easy repeat listens.

Vocalist/bassist Stephen Reynolds comments:

“We want this album to energize people and make them feel the way we do when we listen to some of our favourite artists. This album is the most material we have ever put out! 50 minutes of pure metal across 10 tracks. The songs really picked themselves as we kept writing tracks we really enjoyed playing.”

With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made a deservedly big splash on the Canadian metal scene with their debut EP “M.E.C.H METAL” and a performance at Wacken Open Air after being declared champions of the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition.

With their distinctive sound, the band moved forward in 2017, touring across Canada supporting ANNIHILATOR alongside Australia’s MASON in support of their EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” (Boonsdale Records). Metal Injection also named the band “1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know” (Read here).

2024 will be a tour de force for MUTANK with the launch of “Think Before You Think”. Fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus are sure to join them in the pit when it releases on November 29th, 2024 on Boonsdale Records.

Discography:
2024 – Think Before You Think – LP
2017 – W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. – EP
2014 – M.E.C.H. Metal – LP

Shared stage with:
Annihilator, D.B.C., Dayglo Abortions, Skull-Fist, Lich King, Entropy, Mason, Screamer, Fatality, Warsenal

Tours/Festivals:
2017 – Main support on Annihilator tour – Canada
2014 – Wacken Open Air, Wacken, Germany

0 EPK – Mad Parish – The Dust of Forever (2025) – Out January 31st

  • October 29, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Mad Parish

EPK – Mad Parish – The Dust Of Forever (2025) – Out January 31st

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

“The album is a departure from our traditional sound, however, the singalong choruses are very much intact as well as elements of the first album in an expanded form. This is a full concept album, which transports the listener to another universe through the story, and enables new aspects to be discovered in repeated listens due to the layering of sounds and textures throughout all the songs.” – Mad Parish

For fans of Iron Maiden, Virgin Steele, Camel, Rush, Rainbow

Band: Mad Parish
Album: The Dust of Forever
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Label: Self-Release

Madparishmetal.com | Facebook.com/madparishmetal | Youtube.com/@MadParishMetal | Instagram.com/madparishmetal

Madparish1.bandcamp.com | Soundcloud.com/madparish | Spotify

“where some bands call the lyrics the story and leave it at that, not Mad Parish. They’ve actually made a full comic book as well to go along with the record” – Decibel Magazine

“We all know the prog metal genre is still overflooded by bands from all parts of the world. I stopped trying to keep updated in the genre many years ago, but sometimes there are bands that impress on me – or at least bring something different to most other bands in the genre. Montreal (Canada) band Mad Parish is a band I’d like to bring to your attention. They have a sound that comes closer to the end of the 80’s and early 90’s, which I like a lot. And the lead vocalist Josh McConnell has a very interesting voice, a bit like an early Ozzy Osbourne. Futhermore, they are not as progressive as your ’average’ prog metal act, and some songs can be described as ’hard rock with hints of prog’ – where others are true prog metal songs… well worth checking out, as this album offers something a little different to many bands.” – Melodic.net

““The Dust of Forever” is filled with material that will grab you right away but your appreciation will continue to grow with each additional spin.  As I sit here writing this review and listening to the title track unfold (which btw is the last “song”), I’m already looking forward to hitting that repeat button to start this metal opera again.  While I admit there is no one track that stands out, I’m realizing that the whole record stands out and works best when listened to from start to finish.  This record may have taken many years to complete but it is worth it.  2025 is starting off with a bang and “The Dust of Forever” is a great way to usher in the new year.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“Progressive with classic riffs and a voice reminiscent of Ozzy. Overall, an interesting record that takes some getting used to ( because of the many interludes, but should not be underestimated. I find 8 out of 10 Hellfire points Canadians are allowed to attach themselves to their album.” – Hellfire Magazin

“For the Mad Parish comic, I must say that this booklet has certainly scored a more than enough score; the story, a fanciful epic with an entertaining mix of sci-fi and religious ingredients is a great pleasure, and the drawings may be somewhat “-easy” modern, but still of such quality, that really makes it worth taking a seat.” – Rock Portaal

“Josh McConnell’s vocals are a ray of hope because the singer exudes a lot of charisma and partly reminds me of a young Ozzy Osbourne… fine compositions such as ‘Ouen Formation’, which does it quite convincingly, to combine the prog page of IRON MAIDEN with GENESIS in the early Collins phase and even give you a good catchy tune.” – PowerMetal.de

“Somewhere between the melodic prog rock a la Asia to Rush, and the spicier NWOBHM of something in the direction of Praying Mantis; that’s how the music of The Dust Of Forever comes across to me. Names such as BOC, Boston or Iron Maiden can also sometimes appear. Mad Parish seems to belong to the NWOTHM movement; or the New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal. Very catchy, beautiful pieces with harmonic melody lines… The compositions are absolutely of top level, as are the appropriate and melodic ( often high) vocals and I also really need to mention the guitars. The technical interpretation of the rhythm section may not be as clear as, for example, the aforementioned Rush, but this is also just fine. With so much keyboard available, I had a completely different scene in mind for the title Transmission #2 Will Of God, but no (kerk) organ or gospel; We hear a wonderful jazz-freaky Fripp-like piece of work. This album is well put together and also contains some surprises.” – Rock Portaal

“A traditional and original album at the same time, whose intensive listening and acquisition should be added to the list of your good resolutions for the year 2025.” – Music In Belgium

“These Canadian trad metallers take us deeper into the story of their forthcoming concept album – and comic book – with a song which very much draws from how Black Sabbath recorded ‘Paranoid’, in that it was thrown together as a last-minute album filler but could become one of their defining musical moments’ – Uber Rock

“an ambitious heavy metal album that offers a mix of complex musicality and concept-oriented lyrics.” – MetalUnderground.at

“the album weaves an original story through a tapestry of Heavy Metal, following the journey of Joe, an immortal protagonist caught in a universe-threatening cataclysm, promising to transport listeners to another realm, with layered sounds and textures that reveal new aspects with each listen… Fans can look forward to an immersive album experience… one of the most innovative bands hailing from Montreal.” – The Headbanging Moose

“This one is red hot folks, the new album “Dust of Forever” from Mad Parish arrives today and it’s impressive. Track after track of ‘New Wave of British Heavy Metal’ that melds with progressive rock and in the end you have one kickin’ album man. Catch tracks from Mad Parish & “Dust of Forever” on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“A balenottero of one minute that is articulated in as many as twenty-one chapters, the new album by the Canadians Mad Parish, moreover accompanied by a proper comic book. An ambitious and certainly demanding undertaking in terms of resources put in play, which however seems to have all the cards in order to satisfy those who decide to give a chance to the bizarre North American sextet. From a stylistic point of view, we are faced with a metal work in every respect, which takes root in the dictates of prog and develops organically leveraging the aesthetics dear to the pioneers of NWOBHM: starting from this assumption, we encounter the cosmic adventures of an immortal hero who throughout his journey in space finds himself facing apocalyptic disasters and daunting challenges. Events that unfold alongside the musical dimension, which becomes a real soundtrack accompanying a series of brilliant and well-structured insights. The plots developed by the group are decidedly valid from a qualitative point of view: the interpretation of the ensemble is virtually flawless in its exaltation of experimental phrases and dramatic impactful moments.” – Rock Hard Italy

“There are quite a lot of songs on the album, and a lot to discover, because MAD PARISH is very diverse. The mixture of classic rock and classic metal styles works really well on this Space Rock Opera concept album, which comes along with a lovely comic book that tells the story you can hear on the album. In case you’re not familiar with any of the aforementioned bands, I could easily go for a description like IRON MAIDEN meets HAWKWIND, but that wouldn’t be fair, because MAD PARISH has a sound on their own that mixes classic rock, space rock and classic metal into an exciting long journey you need to experience yourself if you’re able to get the vinyl edition of the album. Check out this sensational band. 8.5/10 ” – Strutterzine

“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)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Mad Parish
Album: The Dust of Forever
Release Date: January 31, 2025
Label: Self-Release

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 Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Mad Parish
• All songs written by: Josh McConnell & Bob Eaglesham
• Produced by: Mad Parish
• Mixed by: Andre Bisson, Josh McConnell, Bob Eaglesham
• Mastered by: Phillipe Gagnon
• Album Artwork by: Niall Skinner
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

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

[Download Comic Book]

Comic Book Credits:
Story – Josh McConnell
Artwork – Niall Skinner
Editing – Rahl Stafford
Design – Maximus Rex

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About The Album Artwork

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

The album is an original story written by Mad Parish that is told through the tapestry of a soundtrack that chronicles the journey of Joe, the protagonist. Through events beyond his control, he discovers that he is immortal and that cataclysmic events are about to take place endangering the universe in which he lives. He also finds out that he has an important role in this process, through an ancient text prophecy hidden for eons. The story is told through the music of Mad Parish, rooted in traditional heavy metal with embellishments in new textures and sounds.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

1. Prologue – The prophecy is spelled out in short form, spoken by Cathedron, and the music sounds like Angelo Badalamenti was commissioned to compose the music for the next Zelda game.

2. Defecther – The ‘Lasters’ decide to execute the newborn female child (Arla) which is against their religion – however, Bishop Cadfael who is aware of a hidden prophecy steals her away and escapes. Musically its Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ deciding to gallop instead.

3. Possess The Child – Cadfael returns to and ancient mining planet (Earth) and performs a ritual on a human female. Musically there is a ‘Band On The Run’ influence which also includes action such as Cadfael’s ship crashing.

4. Outerest In Irisius – Cadfael’s moment of tranquility after the significant events that have just taken place. Musically, right out of Camel’s playbook of 70s folk-prog.

5. Owen – Formation – Cadfael settles on planet Owen, and raises Arla at the same time guiding Joe through the transmissions of a sonic blue light. Musically, this has echoes of a classic 80s ballad, with some heavier Metallica-esque elements from ‘One’.

6. Astral T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone) – Joe wakes up in Astrat.R.A.Z, a massive prison constructed on a comet. Musically, its John Carpenter who listened to too much Jethro Tull.

7. Hunted – Incidental music illustrating the chase that occurs after Joe escapes from Astrat.R.A.Z with the help of Arla. Musically its pure John Williams a la Empire Strikes Back.

8. Transmission #1 Dream On – The first of three intercepted transmissions Joe and Arla receive through their makeshift radio, this one coming from Earth. Musically, it sounds like a Jimmy Buffett residency at an old age home.

9. Resistius – Joe and Arla’s radio signal is intercepted by a rogue gang of space pirates who attempt to capture them for a bounty. Musically, its as if Exodus decided they wanted to be Rush.

10. Aeternal – Joe feels a moment of despair in knowing he will live forever and cannot bear to be alone. Coincidentally, shortly after Joe and Arla start a physical and emotional relationship, much to Joe’s relief. Musically, this is Pet Sounds in space.

11. Transmission #2 – Will Of God – The second transmission received by Joe and Arla’s radio, also from Earth. Musically, this is an apocalyptic cult chanting for the end to come, on top of a Jazz inspired version of Resistius.

12. An Age To Quell – Joe and Arla are forced to go their separate ways to fulfill their individual quests under impending galactic shifts. Musically, its Highway Star on steroids.

13. Loched – Joe finds himself back on Earth being pursued by the Executioner and he must resurrect an ancient Cathedron, hidden in the bottom of a Canadian lake. After witnessing events that reveal the validity of the hidden prophecy, the Executioner decides to help Joe. Musically, Candlemass would have been proud to see Mad Parish’s headbanging crowd.

14. Cathedron Wakes – The Cathedron, a robotic colossus and the last of its kind is awakened by Joe’s amulet, and the Executioner has now given the book of rites to him. Musically, this is a thrash song that all robots would love. The music attempts to recreate the machinations of a colossal machine.

15. The Bishop’s Rite – A piano intro foreshadowing the Bishop’s Tomb. Musically, it’s a solo piano intro.

16. Transmission #3 – Baz Raa Luum The third and final transmission received, this comes from deep within the Laster’s region. Musically, this is Laster’s devotional music.

17. Bishop’s Tomb – The Executioner desires to absolve herself of the crime of killing Bishop Cadfael, and does this by declaring her death site sacred and also his resting place. She also gives Joe the book of rites which is crucial to fulfilling the prophecy. Musically, a cinematic banger.

18. The Experience Hunter – On the precipice of the climax of the story, Joe has a moment of reflection on the events that have shaped and brought him to this crucial moment in time. Musically, Judas Priest’s Point Of Entry.

19. Trajectory: Tantus – Joe, piloting Cathedron travels through a series of wormholes to arrive at the site of the celestial battle that decides the fate of all. Musically, the Edison Twins dropped acid and plugged all their computers in at the same time.

20. The Dust Of Forever – The climax and conclusion of the story and the album. A new child is born, and order has been restored to the universe and the Laster’s are finally defeated. Musically, a NWOBHM bastard child matures into a power metal adult, in chapter form.

21. Hail To The Hunter – The victorious chant of the liberated masses heard across the newborn galaxy.

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. One of the main themes on this album is triumph over adversity, even when all seems hopeless. To find the inner strength to carry on in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds is central to the main characters. Oddly enough, even though the story was written a few years ago it feels as though it resonates more in today’s world – a world of instability, uncertain outcomes and a general mood of anxiety and hopelessness. The message we want to convey is that there is almost no limit to the untapped strength of the human spirit, to remain strong and steadfast in the pursuit of righteous endeavor.

2. The album in a way serves as the soundtrack to the story, which is why we included several interludes and intrumental pieces as well. We’re hoping this will give the album a flow to it, where periodically the metal stops and the music shifts gears, clearing the palate so to speak. It also gives the album peaks and valleys which is essential to any good narrative storytelling.

3. The recording process was about as chaotic as the events that occur in the story. It was recorded in several locations: Some drums were tracked at Breakglass Studios, at a jam space, and at Studio B-Son. Guitars were recorded direct and re-amped at Studio B-Son. Vocals were recorded at 2 separate home studios and everything has spent time traveling to various places through the internet and back.

4. For a time, we joked about this album being our version of ‘Chinese Democracy’ by Guns ‘N’ Roses because it took so long to finish. However, that isn’t really accurate because of the events that delayed the work – notably, the process survived a member having a heart attack, the global pandemic, files disappearing, equipment failures, cross platform sync issues, and busy members’ schedules. Undeterred, we soldiered on, and the results made it all worth it. Having said that, we probably won’t make an album like this ever again, but we can at least say we did it, and we did our best. In the end, its all about the songs.

5. Some years ago we drove out to Halifax in February to do a few shows. It was very cold, and on the way there the trailer blew a tire. We realized the jack for the van didn’t extend enough to lift the trailer, so we literally scavenged the area for pieces of wood to stack under the jack so we could change the tire. Later on we realized we were running out of gas and all the gas stations were closed. We drove for about 50 kilometres with the ‘Empty’ light on the gas gauge, putting the van in neutral to coast down hills and save every drop of gas. Somehow we made it to a gas station, and cheers erupted. The shows we did that weekend were some of the best to date, likely because we were all happy to be alive. On the way home, the other tire on the trailer blew out. To this day, we avoid doing any out of town shows in February.

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Mad Parish is a heavy metal band that hails from Montreal, Quebec. In existence for over 10 years, the band’s reputation as a formidable live act is well-established within the Montreal heavy music scene. Possessing a truly unique songwriting style, they effortlessly fuse NWOBHM styles with progressive rock and catchy sing-along melodies.

After releasing their debut album “Procession” in 2015 to very positive reviews, the band found itself in a rebuilding phase. Undaunted, they opted to recruit a roster of top-notch musicians already well-known to the music scene in their own right. To further up the ante, they decided that the new album would be expanded into a full concept album, complete with a story and a companion comic book. The ultimate plan is to launch the new album in a live setting with costumes, set pieces, and visual effects.

Mad Parish has a unique set of influences within its ranks. While heavy metal is the end result, the ingredients are extremely varied. Brewing beneath the surface of their music there are traces of NWOBHM, progressive rock, 70’s rock, 80’s new wave, punk, pop music new and old, classical, and jazz. The band, with their energetic stage show, has impressed audiences while opening for such acts as Skid Row, Grim Reaper, Udo Dirkschneider, Ripper Owens, Blaze Bayley, Steel Panther, Cauldron, Priestess, Off!, Cauldron, Holy Grail and Skull Fist.

Francais:

Mad Parish est un groupe de heavy metal originaire de Montréal, au Québec. Existant depuis plus de 10 ans, la réputation du groupe en tant que formidable groupe live n’est plus à faire au sein de la scène musicale heavy montréalaise. Possédant un style d’écriture vraiment unique, ils fusionnent sans effort les styles NWOBHM avec du rock progressif et des mélodies entraînantes.

Après avoir sorti son premier album « Procession » en 2015 avec des critiques très positives, le groupe se retrouve dans une phase de reconstruction. Intrépides, ils ont choisi de recruter une liste de musiciens de premier ordre déjà bien connus de la scène musicale. Pour monter encore plus haut, ils ont décidé que le nouvel album serait étendu en un album concept complet, accompagné d’une histoire et d’une bande dessinée d’accompagnement. Le plan ultime est de lancer le nouvel album dans un décor live avec costumes, décors et effets visuels.

Mad Parish possède un ensemble unique d’influences au sein de ses rangs. Même si le résultat final est du heavy metal, les ingrédients sont extrêmement variés. Sous la surface de leur musique se cachent des traces de NWOBHM, de rock progressif, de rock des années 70, de new wave des années 80, de punk, de musique pop nouvelle et ancienne, de classique et de jazz. Le groupe, avec son spectacle énergique, a impressionné le public en première partie d’actes tels que Skid Row, Grim Reaper, Udo Dirkschneider, Ripper Owens, Blaze Bayley, Steel Panther, Cauldron, Priestess, Off!, Cauldron, Holy Grail et Skull fist.

Discography:
2024 – The Dust Of Forever – Album
2014 – Procession – Album

Shared Stage with:
Jan.8th, 2017 – Udo Dirkschneider (from Accept)
Oct.27th, 2016 – Ripper Owens (from Judas Priest)
Sept.24th, 2016 – Blaze Bayley (from Iron Maiden)
Aug.6th, 2016 – Gr3 Nascar in Trois Rivieres with Alcoholica
Jul.14th, 2016 – Quebec City with Steel Panther (Festivale D’Ete)
Priestess (Katacombes, Mavericks, Café Campus)
Off! (Bovine Sex Club) secret show during CMW 2014
Skid Row (Corona Theatre)
Grim Reaper (Katacombes)
Cauldron (Katacombes)
Holy Grail (Il Motore)
Anvil (Katacombes)

 

0 EPK – CHÜZO – M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay) (EP) (2024)

  • October 21, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · CHUZO · EPKs

EPK – CHÜZO – M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay) (EP) (2024)

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

“Hopefully it will be received with open hearts and minds. The band has been trying to regain the buzz and hype, and with the new formation, we’re hoping to get more newer fans. The listener will receive a full audio assault upon all his senses from the heavy riffs, to the soaring vocals. This is finally what CHÜZO was meant to sound like after many years and many ex band members. This Mark III version of CHÜZO is the final evolution in the sound of CHÜZO.” – Cristian S (Guitars/Vocals) – CHÜZO

For fans of Sepultura (Cavalera Bros era 84-96), At the Gates, Napalm Death, Slipknot, Fuck the Facts

Band: CHÜZO
EP Title: M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Distribution: Distrokid

Instagram.com/chuzo.band | Facebook.com/chuzo.band | Youtube.com/@CHUZO514

Chuzomtl.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Digital EP – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/chzo/mtmd

 

TOUR DATES​
March 7 – Piranha Bar (Wacken Metal Battle) – Montréal, QC – info​
March 14 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON – info​
March 15 – Duffy’s Tavern – Toronto, ON – info​
March 16 – Doors Pub – Hamilton, ON – info

“‘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

““Bruised and Broken” is definitely a rager. Mischa and Christian belt out the words in a tandem of furious screams and monstrous roars. Behind them, the song discharges high-speed percussive obliteration and punk beats, a violent churn of high-grit riffage, and bowel-loosening bass-quakes. The band also work in mean-eyed slashing chugs, a brutalizing breakdown that seems to get more thuggish but no less head-hooking as the seconds pass, an explosion of boiling and battering grindcore mayhem, and another hardcore beatdown that’s probably a sure-fire mosh trigger in a live show — with Mischa‘s screaming voice still coming for your throat with no-holds-barred intensity. Just this one song proves that for Chüzo the label “Aggro Metal” isn’t false advertising. It’s a gut-slugging, bone-smashing, vocally blistering, and viciously eviscerating outburst, and it also proves to be a pretty addictive piece of rage-fueled catharsis too. Speaking of live shows, the video gives a good sense of what the band’s live sets are about, and a good sense of how much fun they had beating the shit out of things in that rage cage.”- No Clean Singing

!earshot – December 2024 – top 20 loud – #20 – CHÜZO – M.T.M.D.
https://earshot-online.com/charts/2024/December/loud.cfm

“The band has just released M.T.M.D., an acronym that stands for Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay, to testify how high the group’s ambitions are. The perspective could at first glance be assimilated to that of the variegated groove metal universe, but on closer inspection there is much more in the folds of the individual songs, characterized by the desire to release vital energy and give voice to impulses, emotions, feelings. The sound matrix is brutal, at times unstoppable, and characterized by the fierce performance of the gritty Mischa Mai microphones: combining power, imagination and a pinch of healthy madness the quartet gave full demonstration of their qualities.” – Rock Hard Italy

“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

“Although the formation is stationed in Montreal, we are in fact in the presence of a real metal multinational, since three of the four members of the group come from the most disparate corners of the globe (Venezuela, Russia and Brazil). Different cultures and attitudes that have contributed to forging Chüzo’s artistic vision in a peculiar way, grappling with three pieces as explosive as they are original from the point of view of form. The band has just released M.T.M.D., an acronym that stands for Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay, to testify how high the group’s ambitions are. The perspective could at first glance be assimilated to that of the variegated groove metal universe, but on closer inspection there is much more in the folds of the individual songs, characterized by the desire to release vital energy and give voice to impulses, emotions, feelings. The sound matrix is brutal, at times unstoppable, and characterized by the fierce performance of the gritty Mischa Mai microphones: combining power, imagination and a pinch of healthy madness the quartet gave full demonstration of their qualities.” – Rock Hard Italy

L to R: Alex S (Bass), Cristian S (Guitars/Vocals), Mischa M (Vocals), Carlos G (Drums) 

Photo Credit @stutteringuzii (Instagram)

Emerging from the Canadian capital of metal, Montreal, QC, Canada, CHÜZO is hitting the scene and beyond with a new EP entitled “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” to mark the latest chapter and a true representation of what their sound was meant to be with the fresh new lineup who are hungry to showcase what this forthcoming record will spark.

Featuring three tour de force tracks produced by Kevin Jardine (Slaves On Dope), the EP is a full audio assault upon all the senses from the heavy riffs to the soaring vocals of Brazilian transplant and new vocalist Mischa M. She is joined by local first generation Chilean Canadian and mastermind Cristian S. along with Carlos G from Venezuela and Alex S from Russia whom all have found Montreal, Canada to be home to breed their self-described ‘Aggro Metal’, which can be described as grindcore mixed with Swedish death metal and a touch of thrash metal crossed over into hardcore punk.

“The sound of the band evolved from, initially, grindcore, to hardcore, to now Aggro Metal. The evolution had to be this way because of the influence of certain early members that were pulling the sound of the band into a musical lane that was not the initial idea. Nonetheless, after the latest band member changes, this current lineup is focused on making the sound that we have developed on M.T.M.D. This is finally what CHÜZO was meant to sound like after many years and many ex-band members. This mark III version of the band is the final evolution in the sound of CHÜZO.” adds Cristian S.

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 Factsm “M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)” is due out on November 15, 2024.

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: CHÜZO
EP Title: M.T.M.D (Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay)
Release Date: November 15, 2024
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. The Brutalator – 3:39
2. Brand New Cell – 3:12
3. Bruised and Broken – 4:21

EP Credits:
All songs performed by CHÜZO
All songs written by CHÜZO
Produced, edited, mixed and mastered by Kevin Jardine at Uplift Recordings
Album artwork by @draught (Instagram)
Music is Canadian content (MAPL)

EP Band lineup:
Mischa Marmade – Vocals
Cristian Salamanca – Guitars and Second vocals
Alex Shlyannikov – Bass
Carlos Gutierrez – Drums

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

About The EP Artwork:

The artwork design was created by @draught; and the band thought it was the best representation of what “Maximum Threshold, Minimum Decay” meant, as a person who is being driven down by life and society, to just withstand the abuse, the injustice, the mistreatment, and coming out of the other side with “minimum decay” from within his heart, mind, and soul.

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

This new EP will be a new chapter and a true representation of what the CHÜZO sound was meant to be with the proper musicians who are hungry to showcase what M.T.M.D. could spark. Lyrically, mostly vengeance, and the bad side of dedicating your life to achieving the revenge you wish to achieve in spite of your own life and sanity. And Brutal Social Justice

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. The Brutalator: It is a character that comes to each town or village to reclaim social justice to anyone who has been mistreated by greedy and evil parts of humanity.

2. Brand New Cell: this track is about dedicating your life to achieving vengeance upon your enemies, yet sacrificing your life, your loved ones, and your own sanity to get your revenge.

3. Bruised and Broken: audio payback unto certain individuals who dared to try to sabotage the existence of CHÜZO.

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

Fun Fact
1 – All members except one are from abroad. From Venezuela, Brazil, and Russia. And one native-born yet not-raised first-generation Canadian/Montrealer.

Shared Stage with:
– C.I.B.D
– Mistwalker
– Unwanted Noise
– Neon Ghost House
– Klawfield
– Carissa
– Steve and the Stabwounds
– Evil Villian
– Basement Dweller
– Gutser
– Tremble
– Worm’s Out
– Cystic Enbalment
– Soil of Ignorance
– Voidchaser
– .Poste
– T-Rex Marathon
– The le7tovers
– Wooden
– Red Raven Chaos
– Phear
– Duskwalker
– As the Structures Fail
– Crossing Swords
– Arnie & the Airwaves
– Insutra
– Noor
– Selias
– Please Stand By
– Personas
– Prophecies
– Dumbass
– Motorwolf
– Ghidorah

0 EPK – Tumbleweed Dealer- Dark Green (2025)

  • October 21, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Tumbleweed Dealer

EPK – Tumbleweed Dealer – Dark Green (2025)

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

“We think the evolution between our third album, released 8 years ago, and this new one will surprise some people. We didn’t write a follow-up to our last record. Instead, we incubated the band’s sound and sped up its evolution. If we kept on pace to release an album every year like we did at first, this would’ve been the 10th one. But we had kids, and that slowed down the process—so this is an evolutionary leap forward that might be jarring. We think that anyone who enjoyed our previous releases will still find what they liked in our sound while enjoying the new variety we’ve brought to it.” – Tumbleweed Dealer

“We used to write songs as soundtracks to imaginary scenes in non-existent movies. We’d set the mood, and the title would sum up the vibe so the listener could imagine the scene. With the new album, we tried to fit a whole darn movie in every track. And not just a regular movie: I want people to feel at the end of a song the same way I felt when I first finished watching Memento. Amazing, confused, baffled by all the twists and turns, and obliged to start back at the beginning in order to go through that emotional ride again, now that they know where the rainbow ends. I want every song to be enjoyable, yet never predictable. I want to reward the repeat listeners with audio easter eggs you can’t pick up on during a first listen, so they can get engrossed deeper in the musical swamp we’ve created, kind of the same way I discover something new every time I rewatch Breaking Bad, even if it’s been 7 or 8 times already.” – Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars – Tumbleweed Dealer

For fans of Elder, Ohm, Camel, Opeth, Cynic, Rush

Facebook.com/TumbleweedDealer | X.com/westernhorror | Instagram.com/tumbleweeddealer | Youtube.com/@TumbleweedDealer

Tumbleweeddealer420.bandcamp.com | Spotify

Treble – The 10 Best Psychedelic Albums of 2025 and Tumbleweed Dealer‘s “Dark Green” is one of them! – https://buff.ly/78FwNgU

“The epic song (Dark Green) is a good indication of what the rest of the record holds, which is plenty of blues, psychedelia, and prog rock.” – Decibel Magazine

“Canada’s Tumbleweed Dealer take listeners on a rich auditory adventure on Dark Green” – The Prog Space

“How about a new prog-rock instrumental?! The title track “Dark Green” from the forthcoming album has arrived from progressive stoner rockers, TUMBLEWEED DEALER and we’re digging it. We’ve also had the opportunity to preview the new album and it’s also a strong statement and should sit well with prog lovers. Keep an eye out for the album to be released on Feb. 7th and catch the single “Dark Green” now on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“an enjoyable album from Tumbleweed Dealer, an album that’s totally not your run of the mill psych/prog/stoner release and not afraid to take chances and do something different. Oh, and the cover art is damn glorious! 4/5″ – Sea of Tranquility

“There’s no denying that ‘DARK GREEN’ is a demanding listen. Its narrative ambition and instrumental sprawl ask a lot from the audience. But that’s the point. TUMBLEWEED DEALER isn’t chasing playlist placements—they’re building worlds. And with ‘DARK GREEN’, they’ve built a world you can lose yourself in… or get lost for good.8/10″ – Infrared Magazine

“Tumbleweed Dealer’s Dark Green takes one on a swampy odyssey that blends cinematic storytelling with an intricate fusion of styles. Released eight years after their last album, the ambitious project feels less like a follow-up and more like an evolutionary leap. The band retains its roots in southern-tinged stoner rock while weaving in progressive, post-punk, and jazz influences to craft a truly genre-defying sound.” – Amplify The Noise

“Tumbleweed Dealer’s refusal to conform to predictable patterns is a defining strength of Dark Green. Seb Painchaud’s vision to “fit a whole movie in every track” results in an album that feels immersive yet fresh with each listen. Whether through the melancholic duality of “Moss On The Mind” or the visceral energy of “Dragged Across The Wetlands,” the record balances technical sophistication with emotional resonance. Dark Green is an intricate musical journey that celebrates Tumbleweed Dealer’s growth while challenging genre conventions and a record that rewards those willing to step into its murky depths.” – Amplify The Noise

“a bold evolution of their signature blend of bluesy desert rock and progressive experimentation.” – Montreal Rocks

“10 tracks of instrumental/semi-instrumental music that fuses prog, stoner, blues, sludge and more into one astonishing and surprising sonic trip!” – Loud Enough? Magazine

“Dark Green is, as I’ve mentioned, a welcoming return to the Dealer’s home planet. The future seems certain to see what the trio will do next. Their continuous sound has been putting listeners into a trance, not knowing what will happen in the weeks, months, and years to come. It might be the album’s answer to the Midnight Movies of the late ‘60s and 1970s where it still continues to thrive, and we got something special with this bad boy.” – Echoes & Dust

“This is one of those compositions that requires total immersion. Clean singing, bah who needs singing at all?! Recorded with finetuned care so you can hear all the little fret squeaks before they ramp up the ambience straight from a John Frusciante record. With synths and other keys that chameleon-ize said maestro’s voice, later emulating the sound of a backing choir that then morphs into church organ. When the atmospherics basking in the background saunter forth, the darker shades of green start to realize and the track enters the domain of prog royalty. As a double kick is racing the throbbing-for-the-last-gasp procreative releases of the bass before flamenco-picking a Morricone lick ghosted into a pregnant silence to just nod for the memory of a note that enticingly lures like an anglerfish with, “you ready for more?” The timestamp at termination is 4:51 but this is some form of dimension-manipulating chronomancy because the track feels like it is over quicker than Napalm Death’s “You Suffer.” That means I’m either suffering from THC-induced crapulence or my favorite drug just happens to be music; and when it’s layered this well, with so much to encounter on repeat listens, it can truly have the magical property of transcendental transportation.” – No Clean Singing

“Epoustou-magoric! A new word was needed to describe this euphoric and inventive music. It will not be performed live, too densely stratified with a number of guitars of up to 8 in different chords. Raised to the level of a masterpiece, the work combines musical inspiration with the theme of ecological reflection and its graphic representation of nature. This globality facilitates a chimerical immersion, more lively than a virtual reality headset, even augmented. The effect felt becomes fascinating and so catchy that we have to see the adventure through to the end. A true dealer of twirling dreams!” – Concert Monkey

“A disc that could well be from the psychedelic 70’s. Here, diverse musical styles merge into one another Some jazz, some funk combined in a costume of the psychedelic, progressive genre, make a very idiosyncratic album. In some phases of the tracks I had to draw a stylistic comparison to the Krautrockers from „Amon Düll II“. Self-indulgent compositions give the album a limit that is not easy to recognize. Overall, entertaining and recommended. 7.5 out of 10 Hellfire points should be fair.” ” – Hellfire Magazin

“Canadian band Tumbleweed Dealer are out with the album “Dark Green”, and progressive rock is the style explored on this production. It is quite an amalgam of a creation this one, with old and new sounds and traditions combined in a dreamladen yet suitably challenging brew. Gentle but quirky guitar details of the kind that makes me think of Robert Fripp is a bit of a recurring element here, and arguably a bit of a defining  feature. But more expressive sections that grabs hold of some jazz conventions is a part of this landscape too, alongside dreamladen and mellow moods and atmospheres of the kind that brings associations to classic era Camel at their most appealing. Contemporary electronic textures are applied along the way here too, but with ear candy also for those who love the Mellotron and the classic organ sounds. With everything lightly seasoned by psychedelic music elements and a little bit of a possibly folk music influx.” – Progressor

““Dark Green” is an excellent album” – Plus PROG de Vous

“I do really dig when they unleash the Organ on tracks like Moss On The Mind and A Soul Made Of Sludge. They give the drummer some love on the cool track Body Of The Bog. I also enjoy how this is an instrumental record where all the songs are relatively short, creating a nice flow to the album, especially for those with short attention spans. Dark Green is a mixed bag to me. There is some cool instrumentation and wow can these guys play… Those who like their instrumental stoner with some proggy and even jazz elements may dig this…” – Musipedia of Metal 

“If you’re all about chill vibes and want something easy to listen to, Dark Green has plenty to offer with all the different keyboard textures and psychedelic sounds thrown at you atop a comfortable math rock base.” – Progressive Subway

“For me the band is unique in their style and execution of the songs. Hugely talented musicians that crafted an exciting album. This an exceptional album for the music lovers.” – Project Metal Music

“‘Dark Green’ is a bit of a musical experience really, the psychedelic and progressive nature of the music takes you on a hell of a trip, with each song expressing something completely different and sometimes pretty abstract.” – Uber Rock
​
““With “Dark Green”, Tumbleweed Dealer stretches the contours of the instrumental stoner in a slow, enveloping psychedelic odyssey, where every note seems to emerge from a thick fog.”” – Music Waves

“A true delight for connoisseurs of instrumental progressive rock in its most refined forms: Tumbleweed Dealer is a Canadian trio that boasts over ten years of experience on the scene, marked by important recognitions and prestigious collaborations. The band’s last studio work dates back to the distant 2016, but we can say that the long wait has been absolutely worthwhile: with Dark Green, the band has more than rewarded its fans, releasing an album that from the first to the last note stands out for its ability to evoke multicolored scenarios, fantasy, and stylistic solutions that are as daring as they are elegantly structured. In the ten chapters of the work, heavy, jazz, blues, psychedelia and much more converge: the group certainly did not impose limits when it came to allowing ample space for imagination and technical evolutions. Visionary and ambitious, the group’s fifth album shines for the intensity of its interpretation and quality level: the listening experience becomes disorienting and deep, rich in stimuli and dotted with emotionally and sensorially striking peaks. An almost essential work, and not just for the more refined palates.” – Rock Hard Italy

“Take a splash of post rock, add to it stoner and math rock, and you get this record. It’s equal parts groovy, heavy and fuzzy, channeling the best of three worlds to create a unique and convincing instrumental experience.” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy

“…plays out like a creepy western movie soundtrack being conducted by Earthless jamming with Ennio Morricone. Tumbelweed Dealer have taken the essence of a classic western and paired up it with a doom and gloom psychedelic stoner rock vibe for one thrilling ride into the unknown.” – The Sludgelord 

“It’s funky, heavy, bluesy, jazzy, and psychedelic. It’s a head-bobbing, day-brightening swirl of colors, and it tastes much better than bongwater.” – No Clean Singing

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Tumbleweed Dealer
Album Title: Dark Green
Release Date: February 7, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Record Union

Track Listing:
1. A Distant Figure In The Fog (2:52)
2. Sparks Adrift In The Louisiana Nightsky (3:39)
3. A Plant That Thinks It’s Human (3:34)
4. Becoming One With The Bayou (3:19)
5. Dragged Across The Wetlands (2:56)
6. Dark Green (4:48)
7. Ghosts Dressed In Weeds (5:31)
8. Moss On The Mind (3:13)
9. Body Of The Bog (6:34)
10. A Soul Made Of Sludge (3:49)

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Tumbleweed Dealer
• All songs written by: Tumbleweed Dealer
• Produced by: Jean-Baptiste Joubaud
• Mixed by: Jean-Baptiste Joubaud
• Mastered by: Harris Newman
• Album Artwork by: Glenn Le Calvez

Album Band Line Up:
Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars
Angelo Fata – Drums & Percussions
Jean-Baptiste Joubaud – Synths & Programming

Guest Musicians:
Antoine Baril – Mellotron, Hammond Organ & Keyboards on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 & 10
Guillaume Audette – Wurlitzer, Rhodes and Church Organ on tracks 8 & 10
Jocelyn Couture – Trumpet & Flugel Horn on tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9
Loïc Roy-Turgeon – Trombone on tracks 4 and 5
Zach Strouse – Saxophone on track 6
And special guest star Ceschi Ramos as himself on track 7

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

About The Album Artwork:

I think the exact description I gave the artist was “What Mati Klarwein did for Miles Davis, but in a swamp instead of Africa.” I wanted to capture those surreal artworks that the prog bands had in the 70s while keeping with the theme of the album. We tried to have it done through Photoshop art at first, but ultimately, we had a painting commissioned instead.

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

We tried to capture two essential parts in Alan Moore’s retelling of Swamp Thing’s origin: Firstly, the main character’s struggle and loss of identity. We also wanted to capture the antagonist’s transformation into nature’s anger towards men. We wanted to keep all the Southern sensibilities in our sound while tackling a much more serious tone.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

A Distant Figure In The Fog

We wanted to capture the ominous feeling of knowing that something is out there at the beginning of a movie, but you don’t know just what. Musically, it’s the first track I wrote after getting a mellotron-emulating guitar pedal, and I wanted to make full use of the choir settings to dial into that Fulci zombie movie soundtrack vibe.

Sparks Adrift In The Louisiana Nightsky

This song evokes the clamour of angry locals running into the marsh, torch in hand, to capture Swamp Thing. The feeling of mass hatred that is born out of incomprehension and fear inspired this track to be more complex than anything Tumbleweed Dealer has done in the past.

A Plant That Thinks It’s Human

We tried to capture the old school sci-fi vibe around the idea of someone learning that they are simply memories embedded in a new complex organism—in this case, a plant. We did that by incorporating elements of a post punk atmosphere with 80’s inspired synths so we could later contrast it with smoother progressive rock sections.

Becoming One With The Bayou

Our protagonist lays down and gives up. The rain fills up his wooden eye socket as he cannot be bothered to blink. We tried to capture the grief of this moment with a mellotron-heavy track that constantly contrasts nostalgic slower moments with angular upbeat ones.

Dragged Across The Wetlands

Swamp Thing is back! And he is pissed… Imagine having a mythical, gigantic Ent-type creature grab you by the legs and run through the swamps. Upbeat and catchy, the song’s darker melodies underlie the anger that drives it.

Dark Green

The title track meant to sum up the whole voyage. The song pauses midway and picks back up through a whirlwind of rapid tonal shifts that are meant to bewilder and confuse during a first listen, but to be rewarding on subsequent plays. Come to think of it, it’s kind of like rewatching The Usual Suspects for that plot twist, which none of our fifteen-year-old selves saw coming. It’s our Keyzer Söze.

Ghosts Dressed In Weeds

We brought in Ceschi Ramos for his unique ability to blend rap, singing and screaming. We played with the fact that, after 3 and a half instrumental albums, hearing his voice might set up the expectation that we were heading for a classic verse-chorus structured song. Of course, the aim was to shatter those expectations as soon as they set in.

Moss On The Mind

The final 3 songs lead into each other in an attempt to close off the album with an epic trilogy. Every progressive rock album needs one of those sequences! On the opening track, we created two similar chord progressions, one being major and upbeat, and the other being its minor key, sadder counterpart. We wanted to have a duality that was similar to anime theme and ending songs. The fun was in alternating between the two moods.

Body Of The Bog

This song is the “body” of the closing trilogy, hence the name. It served as a kind of depository in which we could add all the twists and turns we wanted to include on the album. What resulted is a long, charged and dense (we swear that’s not a euphemism) song that navigates through various changes. Just when you think it has completely derailed from its original starting point, the nods to the opening sequences start showing up and the track begins to take us full circle.

A Soul Made Of Sludge

A song carried by its rhythm section’s constant drive and the lush keys that hover above it, the few guitars included in the conclusion to the album are actually re-purposed melodies from the opening track. In some sense, the end of the album brings us to that slightly doubtful feeling that something is, somehow, familiar: “Isn’t this where we came in?”. We tried to showcase how stylistically far from the intro we have come, while remaining part of the overall Tumbleweed Dealer sound. What entertains our curiosity now is how much further we can push to broaden that sound.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Although the band’s name itself implies cannabis consumption, I’ve actually been completely sober for over 8 years. About 10 years or so ago, I got black out drunk with some friends in Quebec City. I woke up before anyone else, unsure of whose house I was in, saw a library with graphic novels, and grabbed the only one I had never read, which so happened to be Alan Moore’s run on Swamp Thing. That’s where the inspiration for the album came from

2. The album’s title came about organically. I felt inspired, but had no idea how to cut it up. All I knew was that the cover art had to be dark green. For the longest time we referred to it as The Dark Green Album. I don’t know if it’s because we realized it fit perfectly or if we just couldn’t come up with anything better, but we eventually decided that Dark Green was a keeper.

3. JB and I started to work on the album, building up demos with drum machines before Angelo joined in. His band (Hopeless Youth) recorded with JB, and since they hit it off, JB played him our demos. A few meetings later, we asked him to join.

4. The band only played a handful of live shows with a line up that entirely consisted of former or current members of Ion Dissonance.

5. The former Ion Dissonance line-up played Psycho California in 2015. The group was unreachable the day of the show, having no cell phones or laptops, and didn’t get a message that told them they were going on stage 3 hours earlier than planned. The band showed up for sound test thinking they were early only to be given rented equipment they had never used before and be thrown on stage less than 10 minutes after arriving. It’s only on stage that the guitarist realized the guitar he was given only had 21 frets while the songs were written to often utilize the 22nd one.  Regardless, the band managed to play an excellent set to an enthused crowd with no idea they had been in at the venue for less than 15 minutes.

L-R – Jean-Baptiste Joubaud – Synths & Programming, Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars, Angelo Fata – Drums & Percussions

Photo Credit – PAULINE DELABORDE PHOTOGRAPHIE – https://www.paulinedelaborde.com/

Starting off in 2012 as a one-man digital adventure to explore Seb Painchaud’s interest in smoky, bluesy, haze-laden instrumental music, the project quickly grew into a melting pot of stoner, psychedelic, post, and math rock—an infrasonic concoction that was brewed to complement a potent mushroom trip across the desert. The band first worked with drummer Carl Borman, known associates Dopethrone’s current drummer, along with studio engineer and producer Jean-Baptiste Joubaud to record a debut, self-titled album that would establish Tumbleweed Dealer’s vision and sound.

By 2014, the band’s sophomore release, Western Horror, leaned into a cinematic direction, immersing listeners into a wordless narrative that probably belongs best to a Tarantino film. Recruiting Ion Dissonance drummer Jean Francois Richard this time around, the band crafted a much more focused, dark, and slightly dissonant version of their southern melodies.

The following release of 2016, TDIII – Tokes, Hatred & Caffeine, saw the group tightening its compositions, resulting in an album that featured a total of 12 tracks over the span of 40-minutes. Gone were the long, drawn-out build ups! Tumbleweed Dealer began to favor quickly undulating cascades of harmonies, all of which were played against a rhythm section that openly showcased a vast array of musical influences. From post-punk to shoegaze, by way of samba and funk, the new goal was to demonstrate that the Tumbleweed Dealer sound was more generally an attitude than a style to be pigeonholed into cemented genres.

While the band never actively toured, they played the occasional show. Scarce as they were, the band traveled as far as California to share their mastery of the loop station and to recreate their soundscapes in a live setting while commanding the stage with the authority of the seasoned extreme metal veterans that made up their ranks at the time.

By the time composition started for an eventual fourth album, the group’s live lineup had dissolved. What started as a simple decision to ward off the need to write music that can be recreated in front of a live audience quickly grew into what Sebastien coined a “bucket list album”, a shining new opportunity to indulge in every adventurous musical thought in a way that was free from any concern about the feasibility of its pieces. Pairing themselves with an unlikely drummer early in the creative process, Angelo Fata from local hardcore bands Jesus Horse and Hopeless Youth, group mainstays Painchaud and Joubaud went on to craft songs that merged oppositional forces of vintage sounds with modern ideas. Mellotrons, Hammonds, and Rhodes were added on top of jazzy, funky riffs that managed to maintain the group’s melodic pallet in a way that pushed it further. If there was an elevator pitch to sum this new direction up, it might go something like this: “What if Toe and Camel got high together in a swamp?”

Recruiting session musicians such as Antoine Baril of One-Man-Yes/Rush Youtube fame, Zach Strouse, who is better known for his saxophone work with Rivers Of Nihil among other death metal acts, and local players-for-hire with pedigrees extending to sharing the stage with the likes of Deep Purple and Celine Dion, the recording sessions were capped off with the presence of indie rapper/singer/composer/label runner/Co-Defendant member Ceschi Ramos, culminating in the band’s first ever use of a human voice on one of their tracks. Tumbleweed Dealer finally delivered on the hip hop influences that underlay their back beats.

More than 8 years in the making, Tumbleweed Dealer’s main driving force, Seb Painchaud, not only thinks that this album reflects a life-spanning culmination of his experience as a musician and composer, but also of his life as an avid musical fan with an obsessive need to discover new artists, genres, and sounds. From finally being able to make use of riffs he wrote as an Opeth-obsessed adolescent in 1996 to repurposing chord progressions he crafted when he was at the helm of various black metal projects, one thing has become clear to him: the band’s first three albums were stepping stones that built up his confidence to eventually coin the genre-bending, stereotype-defying, yet oddly fluid music he imagined for the past twenty years. Though he has released records with various projects since his early twenties, Dark Green is the album he has been working on his whole life, whether he knew it or not.

Discography:
2025 – Dark Green – LP
2016 – TDIII – Tokes, Hatred & Caffeine – LP
2014 – Western Horror – LP
2013 – Tumbleweed Dealer – LP
2012 – Death Rides Southwards – EP

Shared Stage with: Ohm, Elder, Pentagram, Dopethrone, Truckfighters

Tours and Festivals:
2015 – Psycho California, Orange County, CA
2015 – Buckfest 14, Montreal, QC

0 EPK – Liva – Ecce Mundus (2023)

  • October 21, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · LIVA

EPK – Liva – Ecce Mundus (2023)

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

“Ecce Mundus is more grandiose and developed orchestrations, more heaviness in the guitar parts, a more lyrical experience with our power vocal duo and a feeling to be in another world or another dimension.” – Liva

For fans of Therion, Nightwish, Leaves’Eyes, Epica, Cradle of Filth

Band: Liva
Album Title: Ecce Mundus
Release Date: CD – November 17, 2023 – Digital January 12, 2024
Label: Stoke Records (Independent)
Distribution: Outside Music (Canada), Orchard (US)

Livaband.com | Facebook.com/www.livaband | Instagram.com/livametalband | Youtube

Livametalband.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“There are fewer rules in metal nowadays, and fellow Francophones Liva have taken the ones that remain and stomped them to dust. The mix is raw and yet warm. The hook finds you it won’t let go. 8/10” – Brave Words (Ecce Mundus)

-« (…) le compromis parfait entre puissance et mélodie. Un voyage au travers de sonorités lointaines et saisissantes. Le groupe a apporté un soin particulier à créer une atmosphère enivrante. Tout simplement splendide, transcendé. Il est évident que Liva est un groupe au potentiel énorme. Sublime ! » 9/10, Rock Hard (France) (Ecce Mundus)

”This is a fantastic album. Highly recommended.” Powerplay Magazine (Ecce Mundus)

 

 

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Liva
Album Title: Ecce Mundus
Release Date: CD – November 17, 2023 – Digital January 12, 2024
Label: Stoke Records (Independent)
Distribution: Outside Music (Canada), Orchard (US)

Track Listing:
1. De avaritia et luxuria mundi – (9:30)
2. Materiae summa – (6 :33)
3. Ecce mundus demundatur – (5 :06)
4. Sunt – (3 :34)
5. Samson & Dalila I – (5 :29)
6. Samson & Dalila II – (5 :19)
7. Obscura – (7 :31)
8. O Roma nobilis – (6 :57)
9. Silence – (6 :04)
Album Length: 55:51

Album Recording Credits:
•  All songs performed by: Liva
•  All songs written by: Pier Carlo Liva
•  Produced by: Pier Carlo Liva
•  Mixed by: Pier Carlo Liva
•  Mastered by: Maxime Lacroix, Pier Carlo Liva
•  Album Artwork by: Christophe Viau
•  Member of SOCAN
•  Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Pier Carlo Liva (tenor vocal, death vocal, guitars, electronics)
Nadine Guertin (soprano vocal)
Martin Tremblay (bass)
Claude Lacroix (drums)

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

About The Album artwork:

I wanted a mix between ancient Rome and the story of Samson & Dalila. These are the two most important ideas that I had when it came to work with the visual artist. It was a great working team because I think it’s one of the most difficult part of an album.

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

–  Extensive sonic explorations propel the group’s characteristic blend of power metal and classical music. Grand and elaborate orchestrations further open up this instrumental universe. With Ecce mundus, launched in the fall of 2023, Liva returns to Latin texts, here medieval texts on themes from Antiquity and other ones, timeless. Ecce mundus talks about the glory of Rome, the story of Samson and Dalila, and about human flaws such as greed, corruption, and hypocrisy, the same from ancient times to the present day! All this is propelled by a majestic orchestral music.

 Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) :

1-  De avaritia et luxuria mundi : this is the longest song of all the album.
Songs, with 9 minutes 30 seconds. All the ability of the band is in this song. I gave a lot of space to our new soprano Nadine to improvise.

The song is about the search of power, linked to human greed, and an insatiable thirst. As with a tumor, the more it swells, the more violently the disease grows.

2- Materiae summa: for this one, the riffs of the intro, the verse, and the chorus are very heavy but in three different ways for each section. I wanted a half-beat song with a double bass drum feel in it. I’m very proud of it.

The text says : Nothing happens without a cause; everything that is, is the consequence of what was and the cause of what it will be.

3- Ecce mundus demundatur : this is my power ballad but not like many bands used to do. I wanted it with sensuality and a progressive style of intensity.

The text says : The world is nothing but filth, the only thing it abounds in is vices galore.

4- Sunt : this my power metal song of the album. This song was created in one night! I love the final section. It talks about corruption, dishonest lawyers and hypocrite people.

5- Samson & Dalila I : this is the « flagship » song of the album. This song has all elements that are to be found in the Liva style.

It’s about the old story of Samson & Dalila. To avenge her people, Dalila cuts off the hair of Samson, thus weakening him.

6- Samson & Dalila II :
With the same story of Samson & Dalila, I wanted to have a Hard Rock feel to sing over. I’m very proud of what I found for Nadine’s chorus and the how I use all the register of my voice.

 7- Obscura :
I wanted to use a “galop” kind of riff. This was an old idea that I worked very much to build the structure. The lead section is one of my favourite of the album.

The text is about happiness, suggestion to making up for what it lacks in length with its intensity—the amount in which it impacts an individual is long-lasting, even if happiness itself is not.

😯 Roma nobilis : this is the heaviest song that I have ever written. It talks about the glory of Rome:

Queen of the earth, O thou Rome of nobility, Thou the most excellent City of cities,

Red with the rubrical blood of the Martyrs, White with the Virginal garments and lilies:

Thee we hail as we come to thy portal Guard us, govern us, City immortal!

9-Silence: this one was my toughest song to build. It took me a lot of time to build that song with a mix of very good old ideas. But it’s only last year that a was inspired to finish it. The leads section of one of my best ever.

The text: Even when man is gone and human sound ceases, the green ruins, desolate walls and antique palaces continue to exist with the solidity of their ‘silence’ – or rather the subtle sound and paralleled peace of nature.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND:

–  In 2005, after a soundcheck at the Club Soda in Montréal, we were walking on the sidewalk, heading for dinner and suddenly, a guy threw himself at my feet, on his knees, saying “thank you for saving the future of metal in Québec!”

-In 2009, we played in Québec City and a band with whom we were sharing the stage did not want to allow us to use their gear for the shows’ needs, though bands often share their stuff for time saving purposes. Their attitude surprised us. The day after, we were playing in another city so we stayed in a hotel. When it was time to go to bed, our bassman says « I forgot my toothbrush » so I said, in the same fashion as the other band’s the night before “I don’t share my gear!”

L-R – Martin Tremblay – Bass, Nadine Guertin – Soprano, Pier Carlo Liva – Death Vocals, Tenor Vocal, Guitars, Electronics, Claude Lacroix – Drums

Photo credit: Karine Couillard

 As a symphonic power metal opera band, Liva has been one of Canada’s pioneers of blending classical music and metal music since 1997.

Liva’s four members hail from Sherbrooke and Montréal are Nadine Guertin (soprano), Pier Carlo Liva (death and tenor voices, guitars, electronics), Martin Tremblay (bass) and Claude Lacroix (drums).

Liva came together as a band in Sherbrooke, Québec (Canada) in 1997 and recorded its eponymous four-track demo in 2001. These pieces also appeared on the group’s first album, Requiem (2002). This heavy metal version of a requiem in Latin was a hit with many music lovers. Then, in the spring of 2007, Liva released its second album,

De Insulis, putting music to the Latin texts of French poet and theologian Alain de Lille, said De Insulis (12th century). In the fall of 2013, Liva’s long-awaited third album, Human abstract, is launched with texts in Shakespeare’s language.

Since the beginning, Liva has shown their talent when playing opening acts for international bands such as Voivod, Gorguts, Nightwish, Kataklysm, Therion and Leaves Eyes/Kamelot, to name a few. Liva also featured in a show dedicated to the future of metal music in the province of Québec, at the “Weekend Extreme” held in 2002.

Liva has been the subject of various reports and articles, one among others in the fall of 2001 on the television program Bande-à-part on ARTV, Radio-Canada’s specialized art channel. Then, on March 8, 2002, Liva performed with a chamber orchestra consisting of 13 musicians and chorus members during a radio concert that was recorded in front of a live audience for Bande-à-part and broadcast in April of 2002. This memorable event gave the audience a taste of the band’s wide-ranging and innovative musical talent.

On March 9, 2003, the quartet won the award entitled “MIMI de l’artiste le plus avant- gardiste,” that is given to the artist that “cuts the most radically with preconceived and known slots: language, musical genre, artistic pursuits.” The members of the band received this prize “because they have the capacity to harmonize classical music with metal.” This award acknowledged not only the musicians’ will to explore the unexplored, but also their determination to overcome the difficulties of such an audacious fusion.

Discography:
2023 – Ecce mundus – LP
2013 – Human Abstract – LP
2007 – De Insulis –LP
2002 – Requiem – LP
2000 – Liva – EP
1997 – Demo

Shared Stage with: Voivod, Gorguts, Nightwish, Kataklysm, Therion, Leaves Eyes/Kamelot, Kalmah, Kataklysm, Blackguard, Vrylnia, Uriel, War Call, Sanguine Glacialis, Forgotten Tales, etc.

0 EPK – SweetBeast – Illusions (2025)

  • October 21, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · SweetBeast

EPK – SweetBeast – Illusions (2025)

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

“We believe our fans will really connect with our debut album. The mix of heavy, low-tuned guitars and melodic, psychedelic riffs captures the essence of our live performances, which our audience already loves. With this album and its singles, we’re aiming to give fans a fully immersive listening experience. We want them to feel transported by the deep, heavy grooves and layered, psychedelic soundscapes as if they’re on a journey through the mind or some otherworldly place. Each track is designed to pull the listener in with dynamic shifts, powerful riffs, and moments of reflection, creating a balance between intensity and space. We hope the singles offer a taste of this experience, sparking curiosity for the full album, which will be best enjoyed as a cohesive journey from start to finish. We’re excited to see how they embrace it.” – SweetBeast

For fans of Queens Of The Stone Age, All Them Witches, Alice In Chains, Kyuss, Pink Floyd

Band: SweetBeast
Album: Illusions
Label: Humalien Records
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Distribution: Distrokid

SweetBeast.ca | Facebook.com/SweetBeastFuzz | Instagram.com/sweetbeastfuzz | Tiktok.com/@sweetbeastfuzz | Youtube.com/@sweetbeastfuzz

Sweetbeastrock.bandcamp.com | Spotify

Digital Single – Dream Eater – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbeast/dream-eater

Digital Single – Illusion fr. Space Queen – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sweetbeast/illusion-feat-space-queen-single

“The record (Illusions) is characterized by heavy grooves, memorable licks, and catchy, heavy, doomy goodness. Any lovers of the groove will definitely be fans of this one.” – Decibel Magazine

“Grungy heavy rock with fuzzy psychedelic twists win the day in ‘Illusions’ (2025), tapping a similar vein to bands like Queens Of The Stone Age, Stone Temple Pilots, All Them Witches, Kyuss, and Alice In Chains. While standing distinctly on their own turf, SweetBeast dishes out addictive grooves and punchy lyrical moments.” – Doomed and Stoned

“How about some brand new heavy-duty stoner rock?! The new single “Dream Eater” from SweetBeast is pretty amazing. “Dream Eater” meanders and bubbles beneath the surface until erupting with a wicked heavy solo and then falls back to its broody state. All in all, it’s a psychedelic journey that you won’t want to miss” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“SweetBeast creates tunes akin to an acid trip in the 70s — ideal for headbanging and perfect for getting lost in.” – Kelowna Now

“Making their first appearance on stage in Vancouver after making the trek from Kelowna, something I always appreciate. Shows the band believes they have something more people need to hear and are willing to live the road life to spread their sound. With this confidence comes a great live show, exactly what we got last night. Still grooving in the stoner/psych rock vein, SB leaned into the psychedelic direction a little more. Some great damn rock songs in here lead by a great singer armed with a voice that fit the vibe/sound so well. Fuzz heavy guitars shredding away and more than a few great little solos gave this set its flavor. Got some heavy 70’s era psychedelic vibes with all the wonderful squeals and squeaks coming from them. Just beautiful. Far and away though, the sexiest part of this offering were those drums. With the drummer exuding confidence in their ability, they gave us a great set full of wonderful licks and fills. Always in command on each song they were a blast to watch, full of fun grooves to dance to.” – Elder God Productions (Live Review – RED GATE 22/11/03 – Vancouver)

Video Endorsement from Dave Catching (Queens of the Stone Age / Eagles of Death Metal / Rancho De La Luna recording studio): Dave Catching Intro For SweetBeast at Tune It Down Turn It Up 2020

“They have beautiful harmonies and great melodies, I can’t wait to get them down here to make the album they deserve to make and unleash it upon the world..” – Dave Catching

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: SweetBeast
Album: Illusions
Label: Humalien Records
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. 70/30 – 7:57
2. Thunder – 4:01
3. Dream Eater – 5:29
4. Midnight – 4:38
5. Plastic People – 6:41
6. Illusion ft. Space Queen – 11:26
Album Length – 40:12

Album Credits
• All songs performed by: Eric Gorzynski, John Hermary, Alex Graham, Jackson Cameron Harlton
• All songs written by: Eric Gorzynski, John Hermary, Alex Graham
• Produced by: Self Produced
• Mixed by: Adam Wittke – Arc House Studios
• Mastered by: Dan Harden – The Record Room
• Album Artwork by: Eric Gorzynski
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Eric Gorzynski – Guitar/Vocals
John Hermary – Guitar/Vocals
Alex Graham – Bass/Vocals
Jackson Cameron Harlton – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Eric Gorzynski – Guitar/Vocals
John Hermary – Guitar/Vocals
Alex Graham – Bass/Vocals
Colton Schofield – Drums

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

About The Album Artwork:

Our album artwork is inspired by the light and dark aspects of life. The figure is the gatekeeper of the duality of “as above, so below”; the mysterious existence of life that we all go through and can’t always be explained in words. The beating heart is a symbol of a dear friend that we are paying respects to, from all the encouragement and mentoring we got from him throughout this journey.

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

Illusions feels like a journey through shifting realities, blending heavy, distorted riffs with introspective lyrics. Musically, the album leans heavily on low-tuned guitars, swirling effects, and a tight rhythm section that creates a dense, atmospheric sound. There’s a hypnotic groove throughout, with moments of psychedelic exploration, where riffs evolve into mind-bending progressions. The songs fluctuate between heavy riffs and light, airy melodies that offer a contrast, pushing the boundaries of stoner rock.

The lyrics capture a journey through the complexities of relationships, self-identity, and societal pressures. It explores themes of emotional imbalance, liberation from oppression, and the dangers of superficiality in a digital age. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency to awaken from deceptive realities, urging listeners to embrace authenticity and confront their inner demons. With a mix of passionate desire, haunting introspection, and powerful calls to action, the album invites reflection on the struggles between illusion and truth, ultimately encouraging a reclamation of one’s true self.

Overall, *Illusions* is a sonic exploration that invites listeners to journey inward and outward, reflecting the complex relationship between mind, sound, and reality.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. 70/30
The song’s lyrics arose from an egotistical situation that comes up from time to time in the industry – when people tell you one thing but then feel that they deserve more out of an equal interaction than the rest of the participants and decide to take more – 70% more and give 30%. This track explores the dynamics of unbalanced relationships, emphasizing the emotional toll of giving without receiving. The narrator questions the subject of self-worth while acknowledging that the other person desires power. The refrain, “Take what you want, I don’t need anything,” and  “Smile pretty thing, colourful and dirty,” hints at a genuine disposition and bittersweet reality, where beauty coexists with grime. Ultimately, it suggests that balance (70/30) in relationships and business is crucial for fulfillment.

2. Thunder
“Thunder” is a bold and raw anthem that channels the anger and pain of ongoing racial oppression, drawing inspiration from the murder of George Floyd and the global fight against racism. With visceral lyrics that evoke images of chains, whips, and martyrdom, the song challenges listeners to confront the harsh realities of systemic racism that persist even in a world free of formal slavery. The song urges a collective scream for justice and personal liberation from hate.

3. Dream Eater
This song delves into the subconscious, exploring the idea of dreams as both a refuge and a danger. The “dream eater” symbolizes external forces that prey on vulnerability. With whimsical yet haunting imagery—like “dreams of paisley dripping down like daisies”—the song reflects the fragility of sanity and the allure of escapism. It’s a call to embrace dreams while remaining aware of their potential darkness.

4. Getting Off At Midnight
A seductive and upbeat track, this song captures the thrill of desire, spontaneity, and the feeling of after-work night life. The repetitive chorus creates an infectious energy, inviting listeners to embrace the night and live in the moment. The lyrics hint at a mix of escapism and passion, highlighting the exhilarating rush of connection, while the metaphor of “black holes” adds an intriguing layer of uncertainty.

5. Plastic People
This track critiques the superficiality of modern society, particularly the harmful effects of social media on mental health. With lines like “effects and filters, digital weapons,” the song highlights how the endless stream of digitally altered images fuels feelings of inadequacy, especially in women. This cycle of comparison can lead to doom scrolling, depression, and even suicide, stripping away authenticity and turning people into hollow, “plastic” versions of themselves. By raising awareness of these devastating effects, the song encourages self-reflection and contrasts inner beauty with the hollowness of curated personas.

6. Illusion
The closing track, “Illusion,” serves as a wake-up call to awareness. It encourages listeners to confront the deceptive nature of their realities and societal constructs. The repeated urging to “wake up” reinforces the theme of breaking free from illusions that cloud perception. The imagery of ghosts and whispers suggests a yearning for truth amidst confusion, creating a sense of urgency to reclaim one’s identity.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. For the past six years, SweetBeast has organized a desert rock festival, bringing together 10-15 bands per event to celebrate the heavy, psychedelic sounds of the genre. In 2018, we had the honor of working with legendary guitarist and producer Dave Catching, known for his work with Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age. We flew him up to Kelowna for an unforgettable weekend where he hosted a free Q&A and meet-and-greet with fans. To top it off, we launched an artist development initiative that gave three lucky bands studio time to record with Dave himself. In 2020, we adapted to the times by hosting a virtual edition of the festival, with Dave Catching and Patrick Hutchinson serving as MCs for a live-streamed event, where they shared stories of their lives in the music industry and introduced all of the bands, which can still be viewed on YouTube.We had a concept of being the “Desert North”, a Canadian roots festival akin to the likes of the origins of the Desert sound down in Joshua Tree, California.

2. We laid down this entire album, live off the floor, in just 2 days. Now of course there were a few overdubs that we plugged in during that weekend but by the end of the 2 days all that was left was the mixing and mastering. We also added some special treats post-production that made the songs really pop, like vocal harmonies in the song “Illusion” done by the lovely ladies in Space Queen, and a few studio effects for added flavor. When we told the studio what we had planned to accomplish that weekend they thought we were crazy, and said it’s usually at least a week of studio time to get all those songs laid out. But we got it done and couldn’t be happier with the results.

3. We seem to be drawn towards alternate tunings. The album consists of 3 different tunings, 2 of which are very similar. After the album was finished we started dabbling in yet another alternate tuning and fell in love. The only problem that persists with this is having to do 2 guitar swaps throughout a 45 minute set.. The tunings are too different to try to tune up on stage so we swap guitars instead. It may seem a bit much at first, but with a bit of planning we aim to make each transition seamless and flow with the energy of the music, in time we plan to have enough material in each tuning to be able to play individual sets catered to the energy of the event in front of us.

4. In 2019 we hosted a secret location show deep in the woods for the second night of our festival “Tune it Down Turn it Up”. We had built a stage with a drum riser out of pallets and plywood, hauled all the gear out there, hooked up a generator, hung a large curtain between the trees behind the stage to project some psychedelic visuals for the show, and started up a massive bonfire to keep the attendees warm through the night. We had a total of 7 bands lined up from 8:00pm – 2:30am, when we got to the final band I recall Eric coming up to me in a panic saying “We’re out of bands, people are still partying, should we (SweetBeast) get up there?!” “Oh hell yeah!” I said with excitement. We got on stage and made all sorts of psychedelic noise, not feeling the ability to conquer a structured song at the time (we called this the SweetBeast meltdown).. Once I’d had enough I got up and handed my bass to whoever wanted the chance to play. Thus commencing a rotating jam with different musicians throughout the remainder of the evening. Around 6:30 am it began to pour rain, shutting down the operation for fear of electric shock.. We hauled all the gear to safety and looked around, still feeling a sense of energy in the remaining crowd, Eric and I had a brief discussion and yelled out “WE’RE BURNING THE STAGE!!” We proceeded to tear the stage apart piece by piece, and like a trail of ants everyone grabbed their piece and brought it to the fire, resulting in approx. 75 ft tall flames that were so bloody hot you wouldn’t dare get too close. Aside from the one girl who sat about 20ft from it in a car tire glistening with sweat.. She was loving it. It was an epic finale to an epic weekend and a memory we will never forget.

5. Eric’s house is where we do all our jams and creation. He has a detached shed in the backyard that’s shared with the neighbors, and over the years (with help from the band), we have slowly taken it over as the people next door have moved out; decorating it with crochet blankets, posters, mood lights and all the toys we need to make it the perfect spot for making music at all hours. In the spirit of making music and being creative, it has been given the name “ The Womb.” Where all the musical babies are born. When the Kelowna scene was thriving, people would either ask to come back to The Womb, or Eric would invite musicians and other funky people back after a night of open mic’s or other events to keep the energy and magic flowing, hosting wild memorable late night jams for anyone who was inclined to join. There have been so many amazing people in and out of there, all adding to the creative and artistic energy that emits from within. It has been the birthplace for all of our music and an inspiration for other artists, and we probably would not have made it this far as a band if we didn’t have The Womb at our disposal.

6. Since 2020, the music scene in Kelowna has faced a tough challenge with the closure of around six local venues. As musicians, it’s been disheartening to watch places that once thrived, and nurtured live music and community art to see it disappear. These closures have made it increasingly difficult for bands like ours to find spaces to share our music and connect with fans. Despite these setbacks, we’ve kept pushing forward, organizing our own events and shows, and expanding our reach by finding shows in other nearby cities such as Vancouver, Nelson, Kamloops, Vernon, Grand Forks, and Revelstoke. We hope to keep traveling further over the years and plan tours to expand our reach to new territories around the world.

L-R – Eric Gorzynski – Vocals/Guitar, Alex Graham – Backup Vocals/Bass, Colton Schofield – Drums, John Hermary – Vocals/Guitar

About:

At the heart of SweetBeast’s sound lies a dynamic fusion of celestial and grounded elements. The music transcends traditional boundaries, blending the cosmic dimensions of psychedelic, stoner, and desert rock. As you surrender to the music, be prepared to traverse the vast, sun-soaked landscapes of the desert through gritty, soul-stirring riffs that define our unique sonic identity.

SweetBeast invites you to lose yourself in our cosmic fusion, a living, breathing entity that wants you to explore the echoes of reverberating guitars and the rhythmic heartbeat of the desert.

Shared Stage with: Spotlights (NY), Pharm, Space Queen, Down the Lees, Gone Cosmic, Gadfly, The Getmines, Charles Mansion, Upcoming: The Well

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – 2024 – Tune It Down Turn It Up – Kelowna, BC
2023 – Okanagan Tattoo Show
2024 – The Get Mines “Lil Rips” Tour

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