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Category: EPKs

0 The Wring – Nemesis (2024) (WormHoleDeath Records) – Out Sept 27th

  • August 13, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Wring

The Wring – Nemesis (2024) (WormHoleDeath Records) – Out Sept 27th

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

“I like to think that every album finds new ways to expand on my vision. Nemesis feels like the most cohesive record to date and there are a couple of tracks that are more accessible than anything previous so it may attract a new range of listeners. I also called this record ‘Nemesis’ because every song deals with some sort of conflict; mostly with an adversary that is either unseen or difficult to overcome.  The music is similarly juxtaposed, with hard rock and metal mixed with jazz and prog elements.  It makes for interesting listening but all within 5 minute songs. There is also plenty of wankery for metalheads and proggies.” – Don Dewulf – The Wring

Band Name: The Wring
Album Title: Nemesis
Release Date:  September 27, 2024
Label: WormHoleDeath Records
Distribution: Aural/Orchard

Thewring.ca | Facebook.com/thewringband | Instagram.com/wringband | Youtube.com/@thewringband | https://linktr.ee/thewringband

Apple Music | Spotify | Thewring2.bandcamp.com | Amazon

“Prog’s Tracks Of The Week (Aug 16)” – The Sword – The Wring – Prog Magazine

“There is a distinct, and quite energetic, 90s prog feel to Nemesis, reminiscent of bands such as Watchtower and Galactic Cowboys. The songs are loaded with intricate drumming, rock-solid bass playing, and great riffs and solos. Hache’s vocals may not work for everyone but they do for me, making this a super addition to any prog fan’s catalog. 4/5″ – Heavy Music HQ

“A lesson in classic and modern prog metal! Had Doug Pinnick and Jim Matheos come together for a joint project in the late 80’s, throwing together the progressive list of one with the groovy cornerstones of the other background band, wouldn’t it be so unlikely that the fantastic output wouldn’t stray too far from the Canadians at THE WRING in terms of sound. The band has already released three notable records in the past and has also attracted international attention with “Spectra” (2022)… THE WRING has already created some exciting moments on “Spectra”; However, “Nemesis” is finally the Champions League format that a trio with such advantages would actually have belonged in from the start. 9/10″ – PowerMetal.de

“Heads up prog-metal fans! Canada’s The Wring have a hot new number with “The Sword” and it’s not messin’ around. An early peak from their forthcoming album “Nemesis” due to drop on Sept. 27th, “The Sword” is complex with high power riffs, solos, a double kick throughout and soaring vocals that makesfor a beast of a track. Catch “The Sword” from The Wring on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“This album marks a significant step in the band’s journey, showcasing a more cohesive and refined sound that blends their heavy rock roots with progressive and jazz influences. With eight tracks spanning just over 40 minutes, “Nemesis” adds a new, technical twist to progressive metal. – The Prog Space

““Nemesis” is a must for prog metal aficionados and their future is bright.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“recommended to every fan of technically perfect, slightly metallic prog rock, great bass lines” – Betreutes Proggen

“The hard prog songs are powerful and impress in their arrangements.8/10″ – Soundmagnet 

“9 years and 4 albums into this band’s career have helped create some astonishing prog metal. It can get as catchy as hard rock radio, it can get as adventurous as jazz metal, and everything in between. I hear as much from bands like Watchtower as I hear as proggier sides of Between The Buried and Me and Cynic. There’s a dark sense of curiosity going on throughout the album that keeps it intriguing. If this sounds like it could be for you (keeping in mind it is all clean vocals), this is more than worth your time. It’s mesmerizing music written without being too wanky and written for the sake of fretboard Olympics, this is authentic. Seriously, give it a spin if you need some throwback but modern prog metal in your life.” – Heavy Debriefings

“Canadian band The Wring are out with the album “Nemesis”, and progressive rock is the style explored on this production. It is a variety of hard progressive rock we get in this case, by a band that does flirt ever so slightly with some metal attitudes along the way too. But in terms of expression and execution, I’d rather place this band in a similar kind of context as Canadian giants Rush. The songs are at least superficially straight forward sounding affairs, but with minute, subtle and quirky instrument details and structural changes taking place in a seamless manner. Occasionally with more overt alterations taking place too, on a few occasions reminding me ever so slightly about Voivod in the manner of how such alterations are executed. There is a bit of a classic rock element present here too, again with similarities to aforementioned Rush in that department, and the landscapes explored on this album should also have a reach and an appeal beyond the progressive rock universe due to that factor. The Wring strikes me as a band that explore a variety of progressive rock with a similar attitude as Rush in many ways, but making use of more contemporary impulses as they traverse the landscapes they explore. And I’d hazard a bet that many of the people that find that description interesting will find this album to be an enjoyable one.” – Progressor 

“There is something about this band which reminds me of a combination of Mastermind and Rush, but given they are Canadian it is perhaps not surprising that they have picked up some of those influences along the way. There is no room to hide in a trio, and each of these guys are on fire, happily blasting away doing whatever needs to be done to ensure the metallic beast which is The Wring keeps on blasting. It starts at the base, with a rhythm section who are content to both provide the platform and take lead roles when the need arises, a singer who is very good indeed (not sure why he did not sing on the last album, which I have not heard), and a guitarist who likes to provide thick licks and plenty of multi-tracking so the sound is always good and heavy. They are much more heavy rock/hard rock than anything else, but the prog and jazz tendencies have just enough to push them out of the normal metal mainstream, so I can see why they were accepted by Heavy Prog on PA, but I can imagine it was an interesting discussion. I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what they come up with next.” – Prog Archives

“Here’s one for prog dorks. This outfit’s third outing (Spectra) features drums by Marco Minnemann so you know the rhythms are mad. The regulars in the band ain’t slouches either though. This is intricate and melodic prog done well.” – Metal Injection (The Wring – Spectra – 2022)

“A band composed of top artists from the world prog scene, each of whom brings their own style to the band’s sound. Technique and energy, melodic passages, dynamic and expressive vocals and elaborate instrumental sections characterise the album. A recommended listen for all lovers of Progressive Metal sounds, an album to listen to again and again, always managing to give us positive emotions.” – Progressive Rock Journal (The Wring – Spectra – 2022)​ ​ ​

“Tired of prog metal bands who fire away odd rhythms, fast solos and complex arrangements? Half of them trying to sound like Dream Theater but all failing completely? Look no further. The Wring from Canada offers great musicians who find their own way through the prog metal jungle. I said great musicians and I really stand for that. Or how about Marco Minneman (drums), Chandler Mogel (vocals), Don Dewulf (guitars), Reggie Hache (bass, keyboards) and Isamu McGregor (keyboards)”… Sometimes they are a bit more commercial, like in the first song ”Stiletto”, reminding me a lot of Threshold. Other songs bring a bombastic wall of sound, with riffs do die for – ”The Wolf” is a great example. The early parts of ”Fallen” has some Rush vibes (of the later and more rock base Rush era) and also softer parts Mogel is a very good vocalist, and he can alter his voice a lot. Something of a voice chameleon!” – Melodic.net (The Wring – Spectra – 2022)​ ​

​“The opening notes of ‘Sins’ remind me of the opening salvo in Judas Priest’s ‘The Ripper’. Some of the riff structures are also reminiscent of Priest and it’s another great track.” – TheProgSpace (The Wring – Spectra – 2022)​ ​ ​

“The third album Spectra by the Canadian progressive rock project The Wring is downright infectious with its joy of playing and catchy Hard Prog Rock songs. There really is a lot of light and very little shadow here.” – Soundmagnet (The Wring – Spectra – 2022)

““Wring² Project Cipher comes with a heavy, classic rock feel, but there’s an epic, questing nature to tunes like Sorceress, Steelier and Dose that pushes The Wring beyond metal norms and into prog territory.” – Prog Magazine (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“Here we have some progressive metal/classic metal, getting a little more into some more typical prog metal with good technical/complex stuff and yeah, keyboards!” – The Moshpit 89.9 FM – Madison, WI (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“The extreme professionalism on display throughout this entire album, although a labour of love, is a true master class of musicianship performed by musicians who are truly at the top of their game, making the industry what it is today. The sheer attention to detail is a credit to each and every performer as they tailor their craft neatly and precisely throughout every track, with nothing less than perfect being the order of the day.” – Stargazer Music Magazine (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“Overall, the entire album is laden with a rich tapestry of sound and lyrics, well thought out and carefully developed by founder member and visionary Don Dewulf, taking the listener on that perfect journey of thought, and is a credit to its makers gathering no dust in any collection. 10/10” – Stargazer Music Magazine (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“Thanks to his renowned session musicians and original compositions, The Wring is a refreshing discovery that offers a personal reading of modern metal. 4/5” – Music Waves (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“What sounds at first to be a straight-forward rock album, turns out to be so much more. It’s a tad short, but sometimes less is more. You can hear many influences in these tracks, some of them familiar, but The Wring have stamped their own identity all over it. This should keep you going for the time being but expect more from Don Dewulf with The Wring3 already in the recording stage!” – The Prog Space (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“Dewulf’s guitar work shines throughout, at times reminiscent of Alex Lifeson in his prime, such as his powerful solo on ‘Steelier’ which soars above the raging musical maelstrom below. There’s even a funk-infused breakout on ‘Dose’, which is infectious with its driving hook. It’s an absorbing record, one that takes time to soak in, but several plays ensure that it’s burnt deep into the memory. When those end-of-year lists come round, ‘Wring² Project Cipher’ is likely to be pushing for a slot.” – The Razor’s Edge (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“The Wring generally succeed at what they’re going for—Dewulf has produced a fun, catchy record. Particularly on the album’s middle section (“Cipher,” “Steelier” and “Dissension”), there’s some great songs with great riffs. If you’re after some new prog, you could do a lot worse than this album, and I found it quite hard to score.” – Angry Metal Guy (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

“The overall sound is something like the heavier side of Rush, with hooks and melodic elements smoothing out the guitar crunch, making this very accessible.” – The Progressive Aspect (The Wring – Project Cipher 2021)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band Name: The Wring
Album Title: Nemesis
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Label: WormHoleDeath Records
Distribution: Aural/Orchard

Track Listing:
1. Badlands – 5:13
2. The Nail – 5:29
3. Blur – 4:17
4. The Sword – 5:37
5. Before I Disappear – 4:39
6. Welshrats – 5:18
7. Dark Passenger – 5:20
8. Nemesis – 4:47
Total 40:40

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by:  Dewulf/Hache/Abbott
• All songs written by: Don Dewulf/Reggie Hache
• Produced by:  Don Dewulf
• Mixed by:  Francis Perron/Radicart Studios
• Mastered by:  Alex Sergerie/SLAMM Audio
• Album Artwork by:  Gord Woolley
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Don Dewulf – Guitars
Reggie Hache – Bass, Vocals & Keyboards
Kyle Brian Abbott – Drums

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

Describe the album artwork:

A friend of mine is a graphic designer and is responsible for all cover art and packaging for Nemesis and for the previous album, Spectra.  Our process is now predictable and somewhat amusing.  I sit down and carefully mock up ideas and concepts complete with artwork and other images.  He then takes my ideas and converts them into proper visualizations but then he will stick a couple of his own ideas on at the end.  We always go with his ideas.  The cover depicts a cool image of a jellyfish.  Oceans are a critical element in our survival and the jellyfish is an interesting allegory; deadly to humans, food for turtles and sensitive to human-caused climate change.  A kind of circle of Nemesis…

Describe the album as a whole (Lyrically and Musically)

A nemesis is defined as a long-standing enemy and/or an inescapable agent of one’s downfall.  Society’s individuals are buffeted constantly on all sides and internally by such forces, sometimes real, sometimes imagined.  It seems that every human interaction now is adversarial.  “Monkey killing monkey over pieces of the ground…They fight till they die” (Tool – ‘Right in Two” – 10,000 Days).  The lyrics reflect my feelings on these things.  Musically, I have no constraint so I write what I like, and I combine seemingly unrelated styles.  Ever since I heard Hocus Pocus by Focus, I have been fascinated and obsessed with playing jazz chords in a hard rock/metal format.  I think it adds so much depth and interest.  I also build parts around jazz progressions which do the same and then intersperse super heavy metal parts to really let the songs bloom!

Track by track (Lyrically and Musically)

Badlands

Bad behaviour of major media outlets has given rise to powerful lower tier/social media that operate without any requirement for truth or decency; conflicting accounts, conspiracy theory, assertions without proof but presented as fact.  It’s everywhere, but most obvious in the USA where almost every issue is dramatically polarized.  Even the average semi-intelligent person doesn’t really know what to believe anymore.  Musically, Badlands starts with a crushing bass riff leading into an angular verse and a very metal pre-chorus.  The chorus is open and singable.  I love the solo.  It’s got some Lydian forms which has a ‘crooked major’ jazzy kind of vibe.  Fun to play.

The Nail

The rise of populism in politics combined with the power of social media has given platform to a wide base of groups with extreme views.  These groups previously operated on the fringes of society but figureheads like Trump have validated their ideas and subsequent actions, giving rise to insurrection and a general disrespect previously unseen.  What they don’t understand is that they are just tools of megalomaniacs – they are the nail, not the hammer.  And we are truly watching the end of all decency.  The music here is all over the place.  Some tried and true metal parts with another somewhat jazzy solo break – more in the chords than the notes.  Another singable chorus but it goes to odd time in second half with Reggie starting on different beats each iteration.  Fun stuff.

The Sword

The most ‘metal’ song and theme.  If you live by the sword, you will die the same…  I played this on a Dave Mustaine old-school Jackson King V for some historical vibe as well as tightness in attack.  I also changed picks for the main riff… I almost exclusively use the Dunlop Malmsteen now (though I modify each one to have a sharper tip) but for this song, I used the Dunlop Jeff Loomis, which is thick, very stiff and has a sharp point.  It was important to get the proper string tone and attack.  Weird how these things make such a difference.

Before I Disappear

At a certain point in everyone’s life, each of us will start to think about mortality and legacy.  I certainly don’t dwell on these things, but I have a son that is now a young adult, and we are very close, so I often think about the overlap of the contexts of our lives.  A proper moral compass is the best I can do, and the song is about that.  The music has a very major feel and is the most ‘pop’ of any Wring song, which I balance out with a very evil sounding pre-chorus.  The solo starts out somewhat Skynyrd-esque but, of course, ends on the dark side of the street.

Welshrats

Weltschmerz (or the Americanized version – Welshrats) is a term from John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden’ and is loosely interpreted as a vague sense of sadness that can’t really be traced to a specific event.  The song is about dealing with that – trying to understand it and come out the other side.  I listen to a wide variety of music for inspiration, and I think this one came out of a Steely Dan phase with a Slayer/Lamb of God pre-chorus thrown in, just to scare off the yacht rockers…

Dark Passenger

A simple critique of humanity’s almost complete disregard for our planet and each other.  ‘Dark Passenger’ came from the TV show ‘Dexter’; the title character’s ‘dark passenger’ was the personification of what drives him to kill.  We are the earth’s dark passenger.  We have poisoned our planet and each other and we are all facing existential crisis, though are still, for the most part, oblivious.  Musically, this song drifts among genres with some straight-ahead rock riffs, dreamy arpeggios and odd-time breakdowns.  The solo is short but one of my favourites.  Tricky and fun to play.

Nemesis

Believe it or not, this is a break-up song.  The song tries to examine the physiology and psychology of a tough separation.  We’ve all had at least one nemesis moment.  Like most of the songs on ‘Side 2’, it features a wide palette of musical styles with jazzy progressions mixed with distinctly metal riffing and a dissonant solo section.  I particularly like the chorus, musically as well as lyrically.  A very minor progression that I find heart wrenching with words that complement that, delivered emotionally by Reggie.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1.  As I was scouring SoundBetter for players for Spectra, I kept coming back to Reggie Hache’s profile, and rightfully so.  He ended up playing bass and keys on Spectra and those performances were unreal.  At the time, I also auditioned him for vocals… What he sent back didn’t work, so I got someone else.  For some reason, I asked him to try again for Nemesis with a different approach and it was exactly what I was after!  It was a simple lack of communication/clarity on my part otherwise he would have done Spectra too.  Oh well.

2.  I connected with Carlo Belotti at Wormholedeath Records for the release of the second album, Project Cipher.  He and his colleague were so kind and enthusiastic about my music that it was a no-brainer to return to them for Spectra.  In a world where music is essentially free, an obscure studio project has sketchy prospects for financial success.  I fully planned on releasing Nemesis independently to save WHD the cost and effort.  Carlo was relentless in his objection.  He convinced me to continue with them and offered an amazing marketing package to support the record.  It’s hard to put a value to that kind of kindness, enthusiasm and support.

3.  Project Cipher and Spectra both featured performances from some very prominent musicians including two of the best (known) drummers in the rock world today.  At the time, it was incredibly gratifying to have these guys interested in what I was doing, and in many ways, it still is.  What I’ve learned though is that having more emotionally invested players yields a different kind of energy.  Only the listener will really determine if this is true, but I feel that Nemesis has a more cohesive and vibrant feel because my relationship with the players was more interactive.

4.  I discovered Francis Perron when I was looking for a mixing engineer for Spectra.  He turned out to be an amazing addition to the team!  He has 2 Junos for his work with Voivod (one of my favourite bands!) but is incredibly humble and kind.  Until recently, all of our interactions were by messaging.  Finally, we connected via Zoom and it turns out that he typically avoids that because his first language is French and he is self-conscious about his English.  It was an endearing moment for me, highlighting the humanity of such a great talent.  And… his English is very good!! Way better than my French!!

5.  Two things I’ll always remember about my musical journey:  having an album get a good review in Prog Magazine and having a video posted on the Bravewords website.  Those are two places I’ve been going for many years for music news.  To see my music there is surreal.  These things would not have happened without Jon Asher at Ashermedia.  So… even if you have a record deal, find a great publicist!!

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

The Wring – Album Lineup – L-R – Kyle Brian Abbott – Drums, Don Dewulf – Guitars, Reggie Hache – Bass, Vocals & Keyboards

Sudbury, Canada’s intrepid prog act The Wring is thrilled to announce the release of their fourth album “Nemesis” this coming September 2024 from WormHoleDeath Records. The album follows 2022’s highly praised “Spectra”. For this new record and new songs, band founder, Don Dewulf recruited a new drummer, Kyle Brian Abbott along with seeing the incredible talent of bassist Reggie Hache return and taking over vocal duties.

“Our previous album Spectra introduced me to the incredible talent of bassist Reggie Hache.  Nemesis will also feature his vocal genius, delivering what I believe to be the most cohesive and memorable set of songs to date. Kyle Brian Abbott performed all drums on this record.  Kyle is a precise and articulate player who was the metronomic backdrop for often slippery and shifting time.  An absolute powerhouse.” adds Dewulf.

Dewulf also recruited the Juno award-winning talent of Francis Perron once again for mixing duties.

“The music would not be the same without him,” adds Dewulf.

Dewulf thinks that every album finds new ways to expand on his vision. “Nemesis” feels like the most cohesive record to date he has created and there are a couple of tracks that are more accessible than anything previously done, so it may attract a new range of new listeners.

The album is titled ‘Nemesis’ because every song deals with some sort of conflict; mostly with an adversary that is either unseen or difficult to overcome. The music is similarly juxtaposed, with hard rock and metal mixed with jazz and prog elements. It makes for interesting listening but all within 5 minute songs.

“There is also plenty of wankery for metal heads and proggies.” says Dewulf

Recommended for fans of Rush, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, and Dream Theater, “Nemesis” is due out on September 27th, 2024 on WormHoleDeath Records and is available for pre-save at https://orcd.co/nemesispre-save

DISCOGRAPHY
2024 – Nemesis
2022 – Spectra
2021 – Project Cipher
2019 – 48 oz. – Single
2017 – The Wring – Self-titled Album

Shared Stage with:
Anvil, Diamond Head, Sven Gali, Dead Daisies, Hookers & Blow

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – Budweiser New Music Festival – Sudbury – Finger Eleven, Glorious Sons, Crown Lands

0 EPK – BornBroken – Am I Invisible (2024) – Out Sept 20th

  • August 9, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · BornBroken · EPKs

EPK – BornBroken – Am I Invisible (2024) – Out Sept 20th

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

For fans Chimaira, Decapitated, Testament, Machine Head, Slipknot

Band: BornBroken
Album Title: Am I Invisible
Release Date: September 20, 2024
Label: Self-Release

BrokenMusic.ca | Facebook.com/BornBroken | X.com/bornbroken | Instagram.com/bornbrokenofficial | Youtube.com/bornbrokenmusic

Bornbroken.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

#4 BornBroken – !earshot – The National Loud Chart
For the Week Ending: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/index.cfm?intChartTypeID=106&dWeekOfID=2024-10-22

!earshot – October 2024 – top 200 – #186 BornBroken
https://www.earshot-online.com/charts/2024/October/top200.cfm#1

“Am I Invisible and is a sonic soiree in waiting for those who like their metal I the neighbourhood of early Machine Head, post-Roots Sepultura, Lamb of God and Fear Factory resplendent with big guitars, bigger grooves and the biggest choruses.” – Decibel Magazine

“… the song (“How Strong You Are”) includes an anthemic and inspirational chorus, where the vocals rise into impassioned singing. But don’t expect music that feels like it’s seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. The music itself puts up with no excuses, but instead punches fast and damned hard. Backed by battering percussion and thundering basslines, the song includes fiery, writhing riffage and hard-slugging, high-howling hardcore fury. It does soar in the catchy chorus, but even there the vocals also rabidly snarl, and the band always return to pile-driving the listener’s neck, punctuated by some start-stop bursts of high-speed jackhammering and gruesomely growled words. On top of all that, the song includes a fluidly slithering and swirling guitar that itself spirals high, and a finale in which the vocals become truly harsh and scarring while the band inflict one last brute-force beating.” – NoCleanSinging

““Am I Invisible” is a masterclass in modern death metal, balancing technical prowess with emotional depth. BORNBROKEN has crafted an album that not only delivers in terms of heaviness but also resonates on a personal level. The mix of aggressive instrumentation and introspective themes makes this a standout release in 2024, marking the band as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. 8/10″ – Metal Temple

“Man, oh man…..I don’t know if it’s in the water or the politics. But keep it’s got the Canadians angry and making some dope ass death metal. I never knew of this band before this review….but I will never forget them and they are certainly locked in on my playlist material. Released in September, the Album “Am I Invisible” is a knife to the knee stabbing of an album. Every single track, I mean everyone, is a slammer. No complaints from this metal head at all. Powerfully riffs, evil melodies, godly break downs, heavenly solos and vocals that are rage re-incarnate. The title track music video reflects the exact same energy as the album. Deep, symbolic, energetic and metal as hell itself. Don’t sleep on BornBroken and give them a taste test, eh!?!?” – Keeper Magazine

“an aggression fuelled, raging firestorm of fierce savagery, ‘Am I Invisible’ is a brutal onslaught of devastating thrash metal. 10.10 – Metal Gods TV

“Am I Invisible is an exceptional addition to BornBroken’s discography. It’s a brutal, soul-baring album that blends aggression with melody in a way that feels fresh and relevant. For fans of metal that isn’t afraid to confront its own vulnerability while maintaining a fierce edge, Am I Invisible is a must-listen. BornBroken is a band on the rise, and this album proves they are not to be ignored.” – Jace Media Music

““Am I Invisible” by BornBroken is a masterful exploration of the human experience. Its blend of aggressive metal with deeply personal themes creates an album that is both thought-provoking and sonically impressive.” – Din Intunerec

“BORNBROKEN, a name to remember which risks making a lot of noise with this monstrous and devastating new album from Neo Death Thrash groove with a little touch of subtlety.” – OdyMetal

“a solid slab of metal with no time for melodic interludes and once it gets on course, they do not deviate one iota. It’s this blinker on approach makes the album as strong as it is… a powerful statement of intent.- Metal Epidemic

“Am I Invisible is a narrative that invites one to reflect on their own experiences. Each track, from the overwhelming stress of “7 Mondays” to the introspective nature of “Will You Remember,” is a chapter in a broader story about the highs and lows of life. BornBroken’s dedication to their craft is evident. They’ve poured their hearts into this album and it shows in the intensity of their performances and the authenticity of their lyrics. It’s an exceptional and bold exploration of the struggles we all face and is music that speaks to the heart of the human experience while delivering relentless metal energy.” – Amplify The Noise

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

“Although they hail from the famously pleasant country of Canada, BornBroken, might be the heaviest and angriest thing we’ve heard from their parts in a long time. With no shortage of punishing riffs, brutal drumming, and vicious vocals that spit lyrics to change the world, BornBroken’s sophomore album ,The Years of Hard Truths And Little Lies, is worth pre-ordering before it’s due out May 18th.” – Metal Injection (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“Canadian unit BornBroken are releasing The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…, a raging collection of songs inspired by what the band feel is a reality that’s getting worse. We’ll let the band speak on that aspect, but it’s not controversial to confirm that the songs on The Years of Harsh Truths are brutal and varied enough to appeal to fans of Lamb of God, Sepultura and even groove legends Pantera and Exhorder. ” – Decibel Magazine (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“Apocalyptic thrashcore bunch BornBroken wear their political bent on their sleeves. From ‘The Years of Hard Truths And Little Lies’ Bansky-esque artwork to on-the-nose, ‘Take that politics!’ sentiment of its title, their anti-establishment sentiment is layered on thick. It’s hard to argue with their anger, in fairness. Tackling everything from inequality to government conspiracies, the Canadian band’s fury is aimed in all the right directions….BornBroken’s unrelenting pace is proof that, even in the supposedly docile nation of Canada, there’s still plenty to rally against in 2018.” – Metal Hammer (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“Good sweet Mary Poppins, what the hell is in the water in Montreal?! No amount of poutine will silence the outright bonkers heavy that BornBroken have cooking for you. No amount of smoked meats will halt their vicious onslaught of pounding rhythm and vocal cord shredding, headbang demanding, heartwarming metal.” – Metal Rules (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“Un retour percutant qui plaira aux fans de Lamb of God, DevilDriver.” – Voir (Montreal Weekly) (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“Un groupe énergique qui livre la marchandise! Alors quand on m’a proposé de faire la critique de leur nouvel album, je vous laisse deviner quel fut mon engouement à découvrir ce nouvel opus! Une douce brutalité bien musicale comme je les aime. Un album avec une âme, et qui en profite pour prendre possession de la nôtre au passage durant ces trop courtes 40 minutes!…Ma note, un SOLIDE 9 sur 10 largement mérité!” – Metal Universe (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“I can tell you right from the start, these guys are heavy as hell. Big guitar riffs, heavy drums, chugging bass lines, and those deep, guttural screams of the lead singer show this band know exactly what they want and how they will take it. The title track features some excellent guitar work along with the quick metal riffs. It gives you a feel for the band and what to expect for the rest of the album.” – Canadian Beats (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

“The Years of Harsh Truths and Little Lies est un autre chef-œuvre musical que BornBroken nous as pondu. Cinq années d’attente, mais croyez-moi, l’attente en vallait la peine. La voix de Pepe Poliquin est à son meilleur et ultra efficace. Un duo du guitariste hors pair qui nous offre toutes sortes d’émotions qui passent par la brutalité de la mélodie et de plusieurs autres nuances. Une batterie qui nous offre un rythme essoufflant et sans concessions. Une basse très présente et qui se ressent à plusieurs endroits sur l’album. Dix chansons fortement bien exécutées et bien composées. Une production en béton armé, et un son d’enfer. Une production signée Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy) et Marco Frechette. Le tout enregistré au studio The Grid à Montréal. The Years of Harsh Truths and Little Lies est définitivement l’album qui va projeter BornBroken à un autre niveau sur l’échiquier du métal mondial. ” – Quebec Metal (2018 – The Years of Harsh Truths And Little Lies…)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: BornBroken
Album Title: Am I Invisible
Release Date: September 20, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Time Pays No Respect – 5:04
2. Am I Invisible – 3:54
3. Will You Remember – 4:03
4. How Strong You Are – 4:41
5. Conflicting Lies – 5:09
6. Scabs & Scars – 3:36
7. 7 Mondays – 4:00
8. Fold – 6:30
9. Age of Anger – 5:23
10. The Day I Die Inside – 5:07
Album Length: 47:31

Album Credits:
– ALL MUSIC, LYRICS WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY: BORNBROKEN
– PRODUCED, MIXED & MASTERED BY: CHRISTIAN DONALDSON
– ASSISTANT ENGINEERED BY: DOMINIC GRIMARD
– RECORDED @ CHRISTIAN DONALDSON STUDIOS (MONTREAL /SAINT-GABRIEL-DE-BRANDON, QUÉBEC CANADA )
– PHOTOS BY: ERIC SANCHEZ
– ARTWORK DESIGN & LOGO BY: MICHAEL DECKER & BORNBROKEN © & ℗ BORNBROKEN 2024 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Socan Member
Canadian Content MAPL

BornBroken Album Lineup
Mike Marino (Bass)
Michael Decker (Vocals/ All Guitars)
Carlos Ojeda (Drums)

BornBroken live and Official New Lineup
Mike Marino (Bass)
Michael Decker (Vocals/Guitar)
Carlos Ojeda (Drums)
Rob Henx (Lead Guitar) Newest member after recording

About the Album Artwork:

The artwork for “Am I Invisible” by Born Broken features a striking design with a strong, bold visual impact. Here are some key elements of the artwork:

1. **Title and Band Name**:
– The new band name logo “Born Broken” is prominently displayed at the top in a jagged, aggressive font, colored in dark red. The lettering style conveys a sense of raw energy and intensity.

– The album title “Am I Invisible” is subtly placed at the bottom, in a smaller, clean font. It’s less prominent but adds a haunting, introspective touch to
the overall design.

2. **Central Imagery**:
– The focal point is a large, red eye at the center of the artwork. The eye has a glossy, almost mechanical appearance, giving it an unsettling, intense look. The red color of the eye stands out sharply against the otherwise monochromatic
background.

– The eye is surrounded by a splash of red paint or blood, adding a chaotic and dynamic feel to the design.

3. **Background**:
– The background is a textured mix of black, white, and grey tones, with splatters and drips that add a grungy, distressed effect. This creates a sense of
depth and movement.

– The interplay of light and dark areas in the background enhances the stark contrast with the central red eye, drawing attention to it.

4. **Overall Mood**:
– The combination of the aggressive typography, the intense red eye, and the chaotic background conveys a mood of aggression, introspection, and
intensity.

This artwork effectively captures a dark, intense aesthetic that aligns with our band’s themes and style.

===================================================
About The Album:

For us it’s a straight up metal approach, we write what we want to write, what feels right to us. Lyrically it’s a personal approach for the everyday listener and
fans can relate to. Everyday fears and everyday joys…we’ll there is not that must joy left, with he way the world is going…

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

Track By Track

1.  **Time Pays No Respect**

–  **Theme:** The relentless and impartial nature of time, its impact on humanity, and the inevitability of death.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song speaks about the futility of resisting time, the sorrow it brings, and the way it devours everything. The chorus emphasizes the pain that time inflicts, which cannot be defended against or forgotten.

2.  **Am I Invisible**

–  **Theme:** Feelings of invisibility, isolation, and existential despair.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song questions the significance of the individual’s existence and the impact of societal neglect. It explores the desolate emotions of being unnoticed and unmissed, with a recurring chorus asking “Am I Invisible.”

3.  **Will You Remember**

–  **Theme:** The importance of memories and the moments that truly matter in life.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song reflects on corruption, silence, and the significance of living in the present. It challenges listeners to remember and surrender when it truly counts, emphasizing forgiveness and healing.

4.  **How Strong You Are**

–  **Theme:** Personal strength, resilience, and self-belief.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song encourages taking charge of one’s destiny and overcoming challenges. It speaks about the importance of truth, inner voices, and conviction in the face of adversity.

5.  **Conflicting Lies**

–  **Theme:** The damage caused by deceit and the struggle for truth.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song addresses the turmoil and hatred stemming from lies, and the necessity to make things right. It highlights the conflict between accepting lies and the desire for freedom from them.

6.  **Scabs & Scars**

–  **Theme:** The pain of relationships and the lessons learned from love and hurt.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song discusses the irony of hurting loved ones and giving to those who don’t matter. It calls for awakening and learning that love is not misery, and speaks about the universal nature of pain and mistakes.

7.  **7 Mondays**

–  **Theme:** Overwhelm and stress from the monotony and challenges of life.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song conveys a sense of being stuck in a repetitive, stressful cycle that feels like having “7 Mondays.” It explores themes of soul searching, stress, and the struggle to find answers.

8.  **Fold**

–  **Theme:** Decision-making and the consequences of actions.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song reflects on missed opportunities and the struggle to hold on. It talks about life’s changes, the risk of choices, and the dilemma of whether to fold or keep pushing forward.

9.  **Age of Anger**

–  **Theme:** Societal division, intolerance, and the need for unity.

–  **Lyrics Highlights:** The song critiques the spread of anger and intolerance in the world, calling for unity and empathy. It emphasizes the tragic consequences of division and the need to come together to heal societal wounds.

10.  ***The Day I Die Inside**

“The Day I Die Inside” is a hauntingly evocative instrumental and introspective track that delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil of losing one’s sense of self. The song explores the profound sadness and emptiness that comes with feeling detached from one’s own identity and passions. it captures the essence of an internal struggle where the protagonist* grapples with feelings of disillusionment and despair. The crescendo resonates with a sense of finality and resignation, reflecting the emotional death experienced when one’s inner light fades away. Overall, the song serves as a powerful anthem for those who have faced or are facing profound personal loss and existential crisis.

*In the context of the instrumental track “The Day I Die Inside,” the term “protagonist” refers to the emotional journey or the internal state being depicted rather than a specific character. The “protagonist” here is the emotional core of the piece—representing the profound sense of loss, disconnection, and existential struggle. This central emotional theme drives the narrative of the instrumental, guiding the listener through the highs and lows of the experience without the need for literal characters.

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

L-R: Mike Marino (Bass) | Michael Decker (Vocals/Guitar) | Rob Henx (Lead Guitar) | Carlos Ojeda (Drums)

As Born Broken prepares to unleash their latest album, “Am I Invisible,” the band members reflect on the creative journey and the deep themes explored in their new work. Here’s what they had to say about the album:

“We wanted to create something raw and real.”

“Creating ‘Am I Invisible’ was an intense and rewarding process. This album represents who we are and what we stand for. “This album is incredibly personal for all of us. We poured our hearts into every beat, every note. It’s a journey through our highs and lows. ’Am I Invisible’ speaks to the struggles and emotions we’ve faced as individuals and as a band.

“Musically, this album allowed us to experiment with our roots in metal and it’s structures. We aimed to blend heavy, aggressive riffs with melodic elements to create a dynamic listening experience. ”From the relentless march of time in ‘Time Pays No Respect’ to the existential questions in the title track, every song is a piece of our collective soul.

Tracks like ‘How Strong You Are’ and ‘Fold’ showcase the balance. We’re proud of how the music complements the powerful lyrics. Each track brought out different emotions, from the stress and monotony captured in ‘7 Mondays’ to the introspective nature of ‘Will You Remember.’ Songs like ‘Age of Anger’ address the division and intolerance we see every day. We wanted to use our music to call for unity and empathy. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a message, a call to action for anyone who feels unheard or unseen.”

“We’ve always aimed to create music that tells a story, and ‘Am I Invisible’ is our most ambitious story yet. The themes of invisibility, isolation, and resilience are universal, and we wanted to convey them through powerful lyrics and compelling music. The album’s complexity and depth are a testament to our growth as a band.”

We’re grateful to our fans for their unwavering support and hope this album resonates with them as deeply as it does with us. Thank you for joining us on this journey.”

Born Broken is excited to share “Am I Invisible” with the world and invites everyone to experience the raw emotion and powerful messages encapsulated in their latest work. Stay tuned for upcoming events and join the conversation using #AmIInvisible.

0 EPK – Atomis – The Void Box Set (2024)

  • August 5, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · ATOMIS · EPKs

EPK – Atomis – The Void Box Set (2024)

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

“Long-awaited, and well-deserved. Due to a variety of circumstances, and after many false starts, and the passing of our drummer and bandleader Nathan Navetto in 2020, the album never came out. We still have fans of our first single Maelstrom asking about “The Album”, so we’re pleased to now share the entirety of our catalog in the form of a box set. Some were finished, some half-baked, and some completely raw and recorded with a single microphone inside a concrete jamspace.

“With this ‘The Void Box Set’ we’re trying to give an enveloping musical connection to the band that spans across a decade – ranging from a high production debut album of previously unheard music, to an experimental version of the album – “Nathan’s version” – called “Welcome to the Void”, which includes a remix of the debut album, plus 8 bonus ambient/experimental tracks fully written by Nathan. Closing up the box set is a Live off the Floor demos album of songs we performed live regularly from 2010-2014. These are the songs that our local scene would recognize, and songs that sadly never made it to the studio.” – Bryan Buss – Bass – Atomis

For fans of Isis, Neurosis, The Ocean, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Radiohead

Facebook.com/atomisofficial | Instagram.com/atomis.official | Youtube.com/@ATOMISOFFICIAL

Atomismusic.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

“The unique and heavy Atomis were a great band. After the passing of drummer Nathan Navetto in 2020 the band decided to dissolve. But we were excited to learn a new collection, “The Void Box Set” comprising all of their work is set for release on Aug. 30th! And you can always catch plenty of Atomis on your Home for Rock…W-J-O-EEEE!” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“The songs are epic and can almost be described as soundscapes, as they incorporate everything from crushing metal riffs to peaceful ambient noise.” – Matt Petti, Beatroute Magazine

“Before the first viewing of the video, Canadian director and film-maker Doug Cook gave an introductory speech about the making of the video and working with Atomis.  They created a video that perfectly complimented the band’s music and fans asked to watch it a second time (and then even a third time before the venue closed). Cook has been working with many Calgary metal bands lately, such as Divinity, Orphan Hammer and the Unravelling. He has also worked on some videos that may be a little more well known around the globe including “Breaking the Broken” by Control Denied, “Prolong the Agony” by Morta Skuld and the upcoming video for Death’s “Pull the Plug”.” – Evilg – Metal Sucks

 

Atomis 3 album “The Void Box Set”
#1 Atomis Self-titled album (never performed live, recorded in 2014)
#2 Welcome to the Void ( Nathan Navetto (Drums) experimental version of the album – never performed live recorded 2014-2018)
#3 Atomis Live (Live off the floor demos album, songs performed live 2010-2014)

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

Album 1: Recorded in 2014 – ATOMIS (Self-titled)
Track Listing:
1. 12 Chains – (7:27)
2. Awakening – (14:03)
3. In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts (7:35)
4. Maelström – (9:23)

Credits:
• All songs performed by: ATOMIS
• All songs written by: ATOMIS
• Produced by: ATOMIS
• Recorded by: Terry Paholek
• Mixed by: Matthew McLaughlin
• Mastered by: Matthew McLaughlin
• Album Artwork by: Doug Cook and Michael Valenzuela http://www.amvdesign.com
• Members of Socan
• Canadian Content
Album lineup:
Nathan Navetto (Drums)
Matthew McLaughlin (Guitar/Vox/Keys)
Taylor Johnson (Guitar)
Bryan Buss (Bass)

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

Album 2: Welcome the Void (Nathan Navetto (Drums) version of the debut album, which includes 8 extra synth-laden experimental tracks that he wrote solo from 2014-2018)
Track Listing:
1. Genesis – (4:54)
2. oooo wormhole – (1:38)
3. Creation’s Bridge – (7:43)
4. Accretion – (5:13)
5. Entropy – (7:02)
6. Into the Void – (3:11)
7. 12 Strands – (7:22)
8. The Descendant – (3:04)
9. Terrestrial – (9:08)
10. In The Realm of Hungry Ghosts – (7:54)
11. Reflection – (2:49)
12. Events Horizons – (14:17)

Credits:
• All songs performed by: ATOMIS
• Tracks 7, 10 and 12: Written by ATOMIS
• Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 written by: Nathan Navetto
• Produced by: Nathan Navetto
• Mixed by: Nathan Navetto
• Mastered by: Deyson Thiara
• Album Artwork by: Nathan Navetto and Michael Valenzuela http://www.amvdesign.com
• Members of Socan
• Canadian Content MAPL
Album lineup:
Nathan Navetto (Drums)
Matthew McLaughlin (Guitar/Vox/Keys)
Taylor Johnson (Guitar)
Bryan Buss (Bass)

===================================================Album 3: ATOMIS – Live Demos (Live off the floor demos album, songs performed live 2010-2014)
Track Listing:
1. Intro – (3:13)
2. Maelström – (9:12)
3. The Charmer and His King – (5:57)
4. Interlude A – (2:24)
5. They Thought It To Be Impossible, So They Did It – (5:55)
6. Lot Lizard – (6:22)
7. Interlude B – (2:05)
8. Titus Andronicus – (7:44)
9. Bellewether – (10:03)
10. The River – (6:45)
11. Unconsciousness – (6:47)
12. NEW SOG! – (7:35)

Credits:
• All songs performed by: ATOMIS
• All songs written by ATOMIS
• Produced by: ATOMIS
• Mixed by: Nathan Navetto
• Mastered by: Deyson Thiara
• Album Artwork by: Doug Cook and Michael Valenzuela http://www.amvdesign.com
• Members of Socan
• Canadian Content MAPL
Album lineup:
Nathan Navetto (Drums)
Matthew McLaughlin (Guitar/Vox/Keys)
Taylor Johnson (Guitar)
Bryan Buss (Bass)

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

About The Album Artwork:

Welcome to the Void artwork was created by Nathan Navetto, who was a very well-known graphic designer in Calgary, collaborating with bands such as The Weir, Wake, Mares of Thrace, and more. -Bryan Buss

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

Musically, the Box Set really showcases the entirety of ATOMIS all the way from the drawing board, to a polished album, but in reverse. Each of the three CDs showcases three eras of the band in constant creation mode. We are excited to finally share IT ALL, “polished” or not. -Bryan Buss

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Self-titled album only —

12 Chains is a driving, repetitive, droning track constantly moving forward until it breaks. Doug Cook’s music video perfectly shows what one can go through in life, always searching for answers.

Awakening is an epic over 14 minutes in length. Although its placement as the 2nd track works the entire track carries you through the album like a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th track would, roaming up through hills, storms, and into the black of night. Downtuned to B, and even low as G# in the studio for certain parts, it gets as heavy as it gets beautiful.

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts —— A very percussive path laid here, monotonous, and introspective. The fretless bass slides are hypnotizing as the guitar slowly builds til it breaks into an ambiance, letting the synth take over.

Maelström. Recorded 10 years earlier, it makes sense to finish off the album with something familiar, taking the listener back to the beginning creating a nice loop, and ending the album with a bang. This 9+ minute track has been called an album on its own and was previously the band’s only musical release for the last 14 years.

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

FUN FATCS – STORY ANGLES

1. Nathan Navetto was well known as an artist, creating album art, t-shirt designs, and posters for many Canadian Metal Bands. He operated as Oversoul.

2. ATOMIS’ self-titled album was to be mixed by David Bottrill, however, delays due to several circumstances made this not possible.

3. After Nathan’s unfortunate passing in 2020, the band and Nathan’s family spent time going through his archives, finding stems, and several unreleased, as well as previously lost tracks, to compile the VOID Box Set.

4. ATOMIS’ Director, Doug Cook, also directed videos for Death and Control Denied.

5. All of the music on ATOMIS – LIVE DEMOS was the music heard at live shows from 2010-2014. This music was intended to be the 2nd, much heavier album, after an atmospheric debut concept album.

 

Top Left: Taylor Johnson, Top Right: Nathan Navetto, Bottom Left: Matthew McLaughlin, Bottom Right: Bryan Buss

ATOMIS (2010 – 2020) was a music and visual artist group, created by Nathan Navetto, Matthew McLaughlin, Taylor Johnson, and Bryan Buss

Combining elements of post-rock/metal, electronic, and cinema, ATOMIS had created a unique voice in their music/visual hybrid live performances.  

“The songs are epic and can almost be described as soundscapes, as they incorporate everything from crushing metal riffs to peaceful ambient noise.” – Matt Petti, Beatroute Magazine 

In 2012, ATOMIS partnered with Director Doug Cook and released a mind-bending music video for their track Maelström. Featuring ever-evolving psychedelic Rorschach-like visuals that were filmed using special cameras, and mirroring ink in water.  

The video received great praise from fans and was even featured in an episode of the popular YouTube channel, Vsauce.

Until now, Maelström has been the sole piece of music ATOMIS has released.

After recording their debut album in 2014, several circumstances caused ATOMIS to dissolve into a solo project of drummer Nathan Navetto until his unfortunate passing in 2020. The remaining members have spent the last few years compiling a special release from the archives, to release in remembrance of Nathan Navetto.

2024 will see the release of “The VOID Box Set”, which includes ATOMIS’ debut Self-Titled album, Welcome To The Void (Nathan’s version of the album featuring 8 additional experimental tracks), as well as ATOMIS – LIVE DEMOS, a Live off the floor album recorded with a single mic – featuring nearly 80 minutes of music that ATOMIS regularly performed live from 2010-2014.

Director Doug Cook has created two new music videos for the band. The first being an epic video for the lead single, 12 Chains, which was originally sketched out by Navetto and Cook nearly a decade ago, using miniatures, actors, stop motion, CGI among other techniques. 

Doug Cook has also edited a completely alternate version of their Maelström, using previously unseen live performance footage from 2012 of members Navetto, McLaughlin, and Johnson. 

To celebrate these releases, ATOMIS will be inviting family, friends, and fans to The Globe Theatre on August 31st, 2024 for a Double Music Video premiere, and album listening party.

Shared Stage with: Devin Towsend, Brutal Truth, Martyr, Midnight, Acid King
Festivals – Noctis 4.20 – 2011, Calgary, Alberta
Music Placements – Vsauce2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwMg8kwL38A

0 EPK – INSURRECTION – Obsolescence (2024) – Out Sept 13

  • July 29, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Insurrection

EPK – INSURRECTION – Obsolescence (2024) – Out Sept 13

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

“We think people are going to really enjoy the mix of the sound they’ve come to know and love alongside some new ingredients. This album brings together both people who have been in the band for 20+ years, and people who have only recently joined. It gives the music both a familiar and a fresh sound that we’re really excited to share. 

The band is sort of like an onion, in that there’s something immediate there that’s fun, catchy and of course, heavy. But for people who want to keep peeling the layers back, they’ll find some unexpected harmonies, some lyrics with a deeper meaning to them. Admittedly a lot of people may also need to learn a second language (French or English) to actually understand all the lyrics. Ultimately, there’s something there for everyone. If you want to just rock out and have fun, you’ll enjoy our music. And if you want something that goes a bit deeper, you’ll also find that.” – Insurrection

For fans of Misery Index, Testament, Nevermore, Bloodbath, Decapitated

Album Title: Obsolescence
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label: Bam & Co. Heavy
Distribution: Bam & Co. Heavy

Facebook.com/BamAndCoHeavy | Insurrectionmetal.com | Facebook.com/insurrectionmetal | Twitter.com/InsurrectionCAN | Youtube.com/insurrectionCAN | Instagram.com/insurrectionmetal

Insurrectioncanada.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

“This new single (Bless the Machine) goes flat-out right from the start, launched by an extended, serrated-edge scream, rapidly thrusting grooves, and a blizzard of mechanistic yet maniacal riffing. Intestinally deep gutturals proclaim their murderous prayer as the music occasionally seems to dismally moan and wail. The drums methodically chop, but while razor-sharp in their execution they also prove to be just as berserk as the fleet-fingered contortions of the fretwork. And yes, the song includes a head-spinning guitar solo that does sound like a refugee from Castlevania. It’s a hell of a wild, adrenaline-fueled gallop, further fueled by doubled voices screaming, but the song also frequently does sound like malicious machines ecstatically stitching steel through blasted flesh and broken bones — and like the piteous agonies of their victims.” – NoCleanSinging

“Insurrection play a groovy type of death metal that’s equal parts Dying Fetus, Decapitated and Lamb of God.”  – Metal Sucks 

“Head-banging, crushing riffs are the name of the game” – Exclaim!

“It’s immensely obliterating, but the grooves are especially titanic” -No Clean Singing

“Insurrection are masters of dishing out an aural onslaught” – Games, Brains and a Headbanging life

“faultless technically brutal yet catchy and melodic, death metal, infused with some wonderful thrash moments” – Moshville Times UK

“Insurrection hammer you with a full on assault of thumping drums, gnarly riffs and even gnarlier, sometimes bestial, growling vocals.” – Rock n Load Mag

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album / Single Title: Obsolescence
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label: Bam & Co. Heavy
Distribution: Bam & Co. Heavy

Track Listing:
1. Preprogrammed – (1:04)
2. The Gathering – (4:47)
3. Failures of the Flesh – (3:47)
4. Le secret des dieux – (3:33)
5. Némésis – (3:48)
6. Hostile Takeover – (4:14)
7. Obsession – (1:57)
8. Charogne – (4:24)
9. Initiate the End – (4:12)
10. Obsolete – (5:30)
11. Bless the Machine – (4:46)
Album Length: 42:07

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Insurrection
• All songs written by: Insurrection
• Produced by: Insurrection & Joe Lyko
• Mixed by: Joe Lyko
• Mastered by: Joe Lyko
• Album Artwork by: Jeremy Dumouchel
• Member of SOCAN
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Stef Jomphe – Vocals
Antonin Foisy – Guitar
Mike Birch – Guitar
Martin Samson – Bass
Jay Cross – Drums

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

About The Album Artwork:

The artwork is a giant, badass demon cyborg destroying a city block. We love it.

If you’ve been following the band for any amount of time, you’ll know that is the kind of visual we are all about.

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

Musically, the album is cohesive while also being a little bit all over the place. Every song is patently Insurrection, but each song also pulls a bit of inspiration from somewhere new. We’ve got some that have a grind feel and others that have a touch of prog or thrash. Groove brings it all together.

Lyrically, the album touches on both social and political issues while also not pushing any particular agenda. For those who just want to enjoy some fun music, the album is a great time. For people who want to dig a little deeper, there’s something there too.

We also tried something new on this album, by writing the last 3 songs as a trilogy called “The New Uprising”. It was a lot of fun to do and added a new challenge for us in terms of writing 3 distinct songs that also had a linear connection.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Preprogrammed: this is a plain and simple intro. For those who’ve been with us for a long time, it may be worth checking how the previous album ended to enjoy this one further. No Lyrics here.

2. The Gathering: This song starts with a slow chugging intro, kind of like “Scourge of Iron” by Cannibal Corpse. As the song goes on, it evolves in speed and intensity and then comes crashing down again at the end with that same chugging into. The lyrics have a dark, ritualistic style to them, but the song is actually about acceptance – most specifically, the acceptance people find at metal shows and within the metal community itself.

3. Failures of the Flesh: This is our slamming, thrashy, everyone goes nuts in the mosh pit song. The lyrics are about feelings of frustration, as well as ableism.

4. Secret des Dieux: This song is where we write a brief love note to the melodeath genre. To be honest, the song sounds like a mix between Morbid Angel and Hypocrisy. The lyrics are about abuse by members of the clergy.

5. Nemesis – Another hybrid influence for us, where we celebrate both thrash and melodeath influencers, mixed with the Insurrection sound we’ve developed over the last 20 years. The lyrics are about life during the pandemic, and talk about social media relations and relationships during a time of crisis

6. Hostile Takeover: This is a straight-forward, pound-your-chest rhythmic song with an early 2000s feel to it. The lyrics are about capitalism

7. Obsession: This one may be our favourite to jam. It’s 2-ish minutes of grind, or at least the type of grind we can still play 20 years into doing this. The lyrics are about being obsessed with perfection.

8. Charogne – This is a weird one with an almost “dancy” feel while also being heavy and a touch progressive. It’s probably the slowest song on the album as well, with a crushing chorus, and some gang vocals. The lyrics are about the financial system and bottom feeders.

9. Initiate the End: This song is the intro to our trilogy “The New Uprising”. The music is upbeat and groovy, with a bit of proggy influence. The lyrics for this song (and the whole trilogy) use a Robotic Uprising as a metaphor for the rise of political extremism. This particular song talks about demagogy, its subversive nature, and the destruction it can bring.

10. Obsolete: Part 2 of “The New Uprising”! The music is heavy and chuggy, and pays homage to the legendary Québec band Obliveon. Lyrially, this song is about elitism, and how society discards those it deems useless.

11. Bless the Machine – The final part of “The New Uprising” trilogy. Musically, this song sounds like At the Gates playing Castlevania songs. Which you, the reader, will either completely understand, or be completely confused by. We’re fine with that. It’s fast, it’s melodic, and it’s just complicated enough so that every time you listen to it, you may find a tiny new thing. The lyrics are the conclusion of the ideas of the first two parts, and are a “prayer to the machine” to eliminate the “filthy human breed”, which was actually inspired by reflections on the death penalty. The song ends with the words “the New Uprising is Complete”.

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

FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES

1. Insurrection has been around for over 20 years (2003), and we’ve always been active with the exception of a pause due to the pandemic. This album is our first in 7 years, and represents a culmination of everything we’ve worked on over 2 decades, with both familiar (original) faces, as well as fresh blood.

2. Over our 20 year career, we’ve played some incredibly memorable shows. When it was happening, we were a staple at the famous Rockfest in Montebello, where we had the pleasure of playing for thousands of people, and sharing the stage with bands like Cannibal Corpse and the Black Dahlia Murder. On the other hand, we’ve also played “that place” where Celine Dion started out, plenty of asbestos-dust-filled basements, and at least one undisclosed Biker Gang private property fest. Whether we’re doing it for 2 people or 2,000, we’re having a blast.

3. Stef (vocals) was once included in a CBC documentary on unassuming people with strange hobbies’. Yes, the band was his strange hobby. Also, beyond that documentary, we’ve enjoyed a few appearances on CBC Radio/Radio-Canada, La Presse, and on various campus stations and local papers across the country.

4. The band writes in both French and English, and our band name  (and the names of all our albums) actually works in both English and French.

5. We’ve been all over Canada from the east to west coast, with our most recent “road trip” being to Eastern Canada in the summer 2024.

Insurrection Current Line Up – Jay Cross – Drums, Martin Samson – Bass, Stef Jomphe – Vocals, Mike Birch – Guitar, Antonin Perras-Foisy – Guitar

Photo credit: Lisa Thompson and Darkmoon Studios

English

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

Français
Insurrection est un groupe de metal originaire de Gatineau, Québec. Formé il y a plus de 20 ans (2003), le groupe est connu pour ses performances intenses et énergiques. Leur son est une combinaison unique de death metal groovy mélangé à une bonne dose d’énergie thrash. Le groupe a sorti plusieurs albums, notamment “Prologue” (2009), “Fracture” (2010), “Prototype” (2013) et “Extraction” (2017). Leur musique aborde souvent des thèmes sociaux et politiques à travers des paroles bilingues en anglais et en français. Le groupe a acquis une réputation notable sur scène à travers le Canada avec des tournées couvrant d’un océan à l’autre, incluant des performances dans des festivals tels que Montebello Rockfest, Trois-Rivières Metalfest et Decimate Metalfest.

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Stef Jomphe – Vocals
Antonin Foisy – Guitar
Mike Birch – Guitar
Martin Samson – Bass
Jay Cross – Drums

Discography:
2008 – Prologue
2010 – Fracture
2013 – Prototype
2017 – Extraction
2024 – Obsolescence

Shared Stage with: Annihilator, Anonymus, Augury, Battlecross, Beyond Creation, Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Cradle of Filth, Cryptopsy, Deadly Apples, Decrepit Birth, Despised Icon, Dismember, Dying Fetus, Fuck the Facts, Ghoulunatics, Hatebreed, Ion Dissonance, Kalmah, Kataklysm, Lamb of God, Malignancy, Martyr, Meshuggah, Mononc Serge, Napalm Death, Neuraxis, Nile, Psycroptic, Quo Vadis, Rotting Christ, Sarkasm, Sepultura, Shadows Fall, Skinless, Spelldown, The Black Dahlia Murder, Unexpect, Venom Inc, Voivod, White Chapel, Wolven Ancestry

Tours and Festivals:
2009 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2010 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2011 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2011 – Trois Rivières Metalfest, QC
2013 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2013 – Trois Rivières Metalfest, QC
2014 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2015 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2016 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2017 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2018 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2018 – Decimate Metalfest – Calgary, AB
2018 – Western Canada Tour
2019 – Rockfest – Montebello, QC
2024 – Final Extraction: East Coast Tour (NB, NS, QC)

Sponsors / Endorsements:
Sennheiser
Los Cabos DrumSticks
Solar Guitars
inTune Guitar Picks

0 EPK – Infrared – Manifestation (2024) – Out Sept 6th

  • July 29, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Infrared

EPK – Infrared – Manifestation (2024) – Out Sept 6th

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

“Infrared has patiently waited to release this barn burner of an album, Manifestation. With life as busy as it is and some life challenges plaguing the band, the release has been delayed a few times. The band jokes, “This is the longest we have sat on a finished album.” With determination, they ramped up and filmed four videos and did all it took to put together what the fans wanted, new classic thrash metal with a modern feel. The band has taken inventory and assessed their back catalog and looked to see what they could improve on. That exercise gives you straight to the point songs that are high in energy and aggression all while staying true to the classic thrash sound.” – Infrared

For fans of Slayer, Metallica, Testament, Megadeth, Exodus, Death Angel

Band: Infrared
Album Title: Manifestation
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Label/Distribution: Self-Release

http://infraredmetal.ca | https://www.facebook.com/infraredmetal | https://www.instagram.com/infrared_metal | https://x.com/infraredmetal | https://www.youtube.com/@InfraredMetal

https://infraredmetal.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“Manifestation, an album that exists as an old-school thrash album in the vein of Testament and Death Angel without sounding entirely and blatantly old-school.” – Decibel Magazine

“Canada’s Infrared are back and with them comes intense thrash metal and it’s an intense album not only because of the music obviously but also because of the difficulties the band had to face to release it the band has already accustomed us to Dynamic thrash metal but here they take it to a whole new and exciting level it’s not immediate the price you have to pay to make a difference but what you get is an album that will win over fans of strong guitars and sharp solos for those who don’t know them yet this will be an excellent entry point into their sound, for those who already know them they might even consider this one of their best moments ever.” – World of Metal – Albums of the Month – September 2024

“Manifestation is like listening to the collected works of Metal Church, Sacred Reich and Flotsam and Jetsam forced through a blender and straight into your ear canals. On the Superb Demon’s Blood – which is quite simply one of the best ‘proper’ thrash tracks I’ve heard in ages – this formula is, in a word, unbeatable… Armin Kamal‘s vocals are superb throughout, and the upfront bass of Mike Forbes – a glorious mix of Dan Lilker and Frank Bello – is a joy to behold. I’ve been a committed thrasher since the early days of the movement and I’m ashamed to say I wasn’t familiar with Infrared – who actually formed in 1985, fer chrissakes – until recently. I’m happy to put that appalling oversight right, now, however, and strongly urge you to do the same if you too have been living in blissful ignorance about this excellent outfit!” – Sentinel Daily

“There’s a hell of a lot of thrash coming out these days and a lot of it is just rehashing the old stuff (this is not a complaint, mind you), but Infrared are one of those few with a very distinctive style that stands out from the crowd. Highly recommended. 4.75/5″ – The Metal Crypt

“What a blistering brace to begin your new album – an album that storms on with the fierce ‘Demon’s Blood’, the band hammering the ground with an immense amount of force. ‘Manifestation’ is setting off earthquakes and volcanoes all over the world such is its incredible impact, the impact lasting a long fucking time in the memories of every listener, fan and follower. 10/10″ – Metal Gods TV

“‘Manifestation’ is a powerhouse album that solidifies INFRARED‘s place in the thrash metal genre. The band’s commitment to delivering high-energy, classic thrash metal with a modern twist is evident in every track. Fans of Slayer, Metallica, and Testament will find this album a worthy addition to their collection. 9/10″ – Infrared Magazine

“Heavy, fast, aggressive, but with catchy melodies and some excellent guitar work. Forty-two minutes of superb thrash.” – My Global Mind

“The album sound is driven by good Thrash Metal riffing, cool lead guitar solos, and crushing basslines… Thrash Metal fans will like what “Manifestation” has to offer and will look forward to some exciting live shows of INFRARED. 8/10″ – Metal Temple

“It’s tight and well-played, and the energy is high. Mainly a pretty classic sound, which makes it easy to like. Yes, this is something that should make most fans of good old thrash metal bang their heads… But now that I have told you how fantastic they are, you should check them out as soon as possible.” – Hard Rock Info

“this is an album I suspect quite a few fans of ye olde school of thrash metal will find to be rather charmingly enjoyable.” – Viking in the Wilderness

“If you’re longing for Slayer shows that start later this month, then allow us to suggest that you listen to Canada’s Infrared to tide you over. “Cataclysm” revs itself up with a touch of the epic, but “Temple Of Sin” gets itself into the moshpit good and proper. Thunderous stuff abounds. “Nikko” is heavier, the guitars Slash and burn on “Demon’s Blood” though in a very classic thrash way… “Manifestation” underlines again though, just how many thrash bands there are, but it proves also that Infrared are a cut above most. 8/10″ – Maximum Volume Music

“thrashy stuff… catchy and to the point with a little punky hardcore thing happening” – Moshpit Radio – WORT 89.9 FM (madison, WI)

“With Manifestation, Infrared has delivered an album that encapsulates the essence of thrash metal while showcasing their evolution as a band. 8.8/10″ – Rockum

“Heavy, powerful sound throughout and so much catchiness, it’s crazy. By now I must have listened to maybe 250 new albums this year, and this one is definitely in the top 5. Highly recommended for fans of technically minded thrash that fucking slays.” 4.75/5 – The Metal Crypt (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Everything in “From the Black Swamp” is so amazing that is almost impossible to stop listening to it, even after finishing my review. If you are fan of the best of what Thrash Metal can offer, listen to it. It is Heavy and brutal, but at the same time it carries something light on its spirit. I could mention many “It is something plus a good adjective”, but let me be restricted to “It is just Infrared! Period”. Listen to it as loud as you can! Cheers! 9/10” – Ever-Metal (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Infrared’s “From the Black Swamp” is EXACTLY what the METAL world needs right now… full of heaviness, riffy-ness, depth, progressive leanings and thrashing madness! After consecutive strong releases over the last 5+ years, Infrared’s musical growth cannot be ignored! Raging from their classic 80’s roots, they’ve yet again raised the bar in terms of what powerful thrash metal should represent and embody in today’s heavy music landscape. I cannot get enough spins of this new release! A modern thrash metal masterpiece, this new slag of heaviness incites that tingly feeling on the back of your neck that you just can’t shake off… the thrash metal flag is triumphantly waving for these Ottawa legends!”- Steve Kraus Host of 6o on CKLU 96.7FM (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“a thunderous album of all out thrash, delivering a savage amount of varied songs from all corners of the thrash metal genre.” – Metal Gods TV (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Truly recommended as an essential to all thrash fans! 5/5” – Metal Epidemic (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“If you are a fan of very well crafted thrash metal, plan to add From The Black Swamp to your collection. Buy Canadian!” – Sleaze Roxx (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“INFRARED delivers vintage thrash metal with styles comparable to Slayer, Testament and early Anthrax. As all good things typically come back around and this old-school sound is a refreshing change in today’s metal landscape… As a Canadian band that started in the mid-eighties, it is impressive that INFRARED is still making a serious mark with their latest release. The impeccable studio work and enviable songwriting surely position this band for GREAT things to come. 9/10” – Spill Magazine (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“You can expect a bouncy style featuring sneering vocals, a hefty bass tone that goes hand in hand with the crunchy riffs and solid drum mechanics – crossing lines between thrash and traditional metal, along with the occasional punk/hardcore angst that fueled the early days.” – Dead Rhetoric (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“From The Black Swamp” is a masterpiece the world needs right here right now. Don’t call yourself a Bay Area thrash fan if you ignore it as I predict it will be someday mentioned in one breath with “South Of Heaven”, “The New Order”, “Peace Sells But Who’s Buying”, “Rust In Peace” (BIG TIME!), “Ride The Lightning” or “Master Of Puppets”, mark my words. 6/6″ – Eternal Terror (2021 – From the Black Swamp)​
​
​“Black Swamp’ is far from average, it is Infrared doing what Infrared do best and thrash fans will bang their head in appreciation.” – Metal Digest (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Once again, Infrared offers us a thrash metal that is both complex and easy to access: we will never get lost in watchtower-style twists and turns. 9/10″ – Soil Chronicles (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Infrared
Album Title: Manifestation
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Label/Distribution: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Cataclysm (2:07)
2. Temple of Sin (3:20)
3. Nikko (3:40)
4. Demon’s Blood (3:08)
5. Pressure Syndrome (4:29)
6. The Manifest (0:48)
7. Manifest Nation (3:40)
8. Concuss (4:00)
9. Reforma (4:04)
10. My Dreams Are Real (3:48)
11. Parasite Patrol (3:47)
12. Then the Earth Goes Black (4:16)  
Album Length: 41:15

Album Credits:
All songs performed by: Infrared
All songs written by: Infrared
Produced by: Armin Kamal
Mixed by: Armin Kamal
Mastered by: Armin Kamal
Album artwork by: Joe Lyko and AI
Infrared is a Member of SOCAN
Canadian content

Infrared studio and live is:
Kirk Gidley (Guitar and Backing Vox)
Alain Groulx (Drums and Backing Vox)
Mike Forbes (Bass and Backing Vox)
Armin Kamal (Guitar and Lead Vox)

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

About The Album Artwork explained by Armin Kamal (Guitar/Vocals)

The album cover is AI artwork from a local scene producer/artist, Joe Lyko. It represents the torment found in the human form.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained by Armin Kamal (Guitar/Vocals)

Many of the album’s themes are anxiety or fear-based, or based on toxic behaviours, whether interpersonal or at a global level. One of the songs even touches on the danger of AI, so there is some irony there between using AI for the album cover and then writing a fictitious future warning of its dangers. Musically, the album is high energy. While there are some mid-tempo songs and or sections, the album rips more often than not.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained by Armin Kamal (Guitar/Vocals)

1. Cataclysm – Instrumental. Epic feel and climax.

2. Temple of Sin – Inner torment and rage create a flesh temple of sin

3. Nikko – Named after the lead flying monkey in The Wizard of Oz, it’s about those blinded by the charm and manipulation of dark triad types and then do their bidding. This is a heavy brooding song with many vocal deliveries in it to represent the chaos these personality types try to inflict on others.

4. Demon’s Blood – This ripper of a song delves into the addict’s life and mind and how every day is a rinse and repeat of self-abuse.

5. Pressure Syndrome – Loosely based on the 90’s movie “Falling Down” it describes a person coming apart at the seams under the weight of a society that discards him, marginalizes him, and ultimately angers him into a violent rage.

6. The Manifest – Instrumental lead into the song Manifestation with a brooding and atmospheric vibe.

7. Manifest Nation – This song also rips and grooves all the way through while singing about a society losing itself and its way. They try to manifest a better life, but with all the technological distractions, they never achieve their goal.

8. Concuss – This is a straight-up anthem song about retaliating against those that stand in your way, but also a tip of the hat to all those crazy metalheads that hop in the pit and destroy.

9. Reforma – This is a heavy and melodic song about a sick earth longing for change and hoping its stewards do better.

10. My Dreams Are Real – Dracula fans anyone? This song is based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula and the hell those with eternal life must go through.

11. Parasite Patrol – What happens when machines want to take over? This song warns of a barren wasteland created by killing machines with no mercy.

12. Then the Earth Goes Black – This is an epic thrash song that teeters back and forth between full onslaught and brooding and haunting vocals. The song talks of the fear of what happens when the nuclear keys are turned after humans are incapable of diplomatic dialog.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. Infrared suffers for its art! Almost every video shoot has Infrared battling the elements. Their first video, No Peace, was shot in sub-zero temperatures. They bottomed out at minus 30 Celsius on one of the shoot days at an abandoned house. If you look closely at the video or even a photo shoot they did at the same location, you will see red noses and ears. To put it succinctly, “It sucked!” The All in Favour video had them battling rain in a leaky abandoned factory and risking shock hazards all day long. And on their latest photo shoot in a swampy area of the Ottawa River, Mike and Armin both ended up getting stung by wasps after unknowingly disturbing their nest. First time being stung for Armin….ever. Was it worth it? It always is. At least now with the latest album, Manifestation, they have figured out how to suffer less and opted for safer indoor spots.

2. Back in December 1987, Infrared opened for the well-known band Sacrifice. The bands clicked and had a great night. They talked metal and gear and Sacrifice had commented that Infrared was the best opener they had on tour yet. Watching Sacrifice play in ‘87 really inspired the band as they were about the same age as Infrared’s members and they were signed to a label and had two albums.

Infrared was blown away by the Sacrifice performance and the week after the show, they wrote the song Meet My Standards inspired by watching Sacrifice in action. Rob Urbanati gave Kirk a Sacrifice sticker which is still on his guitar to this day. Almost 31 years later, Infrared played with Sacrifice again in September of 2018. It was like nothing changed except they were all older.

They talked metal and gear and had an awesome night.

3. Infrared meet all kinds of people along the way and make some pretty cool friends like the metal grandpa, Stephen Palmer, from Australia who travelled all the way to Canada to follow Sacrifice on tour. On a mini tour with Black Mass from Boston, one night Infrared is playing in Quebec City and notice from the stage some big dude in the mosh pit cradling an Aloe Vera plant in a big pot. The band was like “WTF”? All night he is body slamming in the pit and feeding the plant beer. After the set, the band asked him what’s up with the plant and he said that he promised his buddy’s wife he would take care of it while they were out of town and that he would not let it out of his sight. The plant was dead by the end of the night.

L-R – Alain Groulx (Drums, Backing Vocals), Kirk Gidley (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Armin Kamal (Guitar, Vocals), Mike Forbes (Bass, Backing Vocals)
Photo Credit : Carissa Broeren

If Infrared sound like classic thrash metal, that’s because they are! And rightfully so since they were making music as teenagers in the mid to late 80s back when the Big 4 (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax) were just becoming famous. They literally lived and breathed that scene as it was happening and garnered national attention in Canada through their song and video for Thoughts Caught (in Between).

Then….life happened and members took different paths and the music, that was hot in the underground metal scene and loved by demo tape traders near and far, went dormant for 27 years! In 2014 Infrared reunited with 3 of the original 4 members (Kirk, Armin, and Alain), and since original bassist Shawn Thompson had moved to Miami, they recruited Mike Forbes. They worked hard to release their first full length album, No Peace, featuring songs written all those years ago. 2018 saw Infrared release their sophomore album, Saviours, featuring 8 new songs coming in at just over 50 minutes of music! That was followed up by  their 2019 EP, Back to the Warehouse featuring the last of their 80’s written songs and released as a bridge to their next full length album. In 2021, Infrared released From the Black Swamp. The album featured 12 songs for one hour of hard hitting and emotionally charged songs steeped in the themes of betrayal and malicious sabotage in all walks of life, from societal to interpersonal. Now, in 2024, they release Manifestation, an album that has all the fat trimmed and gets straight to the point, classic thrash in full force.

With several high profile concerts under their belts including opening for Anvil, Exciter, Sacrifice, Razor, Venom Inc., Dirkschneider, Flotsam and Jetsam, DBC, Artillery, Hammerfall, and Atrophy, Infrared raises their horns and looks forward to getting out there to meet and befriend metalheads everywhere!

Infrared studio and live is:
Kirk Gidley (Guitar and Backing Vox)
Alain Groulx (Drums and Backing Vox)
Mike Forbes (Bass and Backing Vox)
Armin Kamal (Guitar and Lead Vox)

Discography:
2024 – Manifestation – Full-length
2022 – The Metal Inquisition EP – EP
2021 – From the Black Swamp – Full-length  
2019 – Back to the Warehouse – EP  
2018 – Saviours – Full-length
2016 – No Peace – Full-length
1988 – R.I.P. (Recognition in Power) – Demo

Shared Stage with: Anvil, Exciter, Sacrifice, Razor, Venom Inc., Dirkschneider, Flotsam and Jetsam, DBC, Artillery, Hammerfall, Atrophy

Mini tours with
2022 – Exciter
2019 – Black Mass
2018 – Razor

0 EPK – Heinous Exsanguination – The Stench of Decaying Flesh (Gore House Productions) (2024) – Out Sept 6th

  • July 22, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Heinous Exsanguination (Gore House Productions)

EPK – Heinous Exsanguination – The Stench of Decaying Flesh (Gore House Productions) (2024) – Out Sept 6th

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

“We are beyond excited to share with the world our first body of work The Stench of Decaying Flesh. We absolutely love making brutal music, and this is just the beginning of what is going to be a great run for the project. Heinous Exsanguination is a passion project, and we will continue to pour our everything into this. Simple heavy music you can listen to without putting too much thought into it. Life is stressful with many things out of your control, and we don’t want any of that on your mind when listening to this. Sit back and enjoy the heaviness.” – Heinous Exsanguination

For fans of Embryectomy, Kraanium, Parasitic Ejaculation, PeelingFlesh

Band: Heinous Exsanguination – EP Title: The Stench of Decaying Flesh
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Label: Gore House Productions

Gorehouseproductions.com | Facebook.com/GoreHouseProductionsOfficial | Instagram.com/gorehouseproductions | Twitter.com/GoreHouse

Tiktok.com/@gorehouseproductions | Youtube.com/c/Gorehouseproductions-Official | Spotify | Gorehouseproductions.bandcamp.com

Facebook.com/heinousslam | Instagram.com/heinousexsanguination | X.com/heinousslam 

Spotify | Apple Music

Band: Heinous Exsanguination – EP Title: The Stench of Decaying Flesh
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Label: Gore House Productions

Track Listing:
1. Engorged With Hatred (2:14)
2. Vile Rotting Mass (ft. Angel Ochoa of Cephalotripsy) (2:57)
3. Savage Evisceration (2:12)
4. The Stench of Decaying Flesh (ft. Azerate Nakamura of Ungraceful) (2:04)
5. Severed Limbs, Mangled Remains (ft. Richard Smihula of Desoectomy) (2:32)
6. Bodies Open Easier Than You’d Think (2:18)
7. Meat Cleaver Meltdown (2:15)

EP Credits:
All songs performed by Heinous Exsanguination
All song written by Heinous Exsanguination
Produced by Mitchell Christian
Mixed and Mastered by Mitchell Christian
Artwork by Armaada Art

Lineup:
Mitchell Christian – All music and production
JP – Vocals

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

About The EP Artwork:

The album artwork by Armaada Art depicts a scene that does a great job portraying the EP title. With pieces of flesh and body parts scattered throughout a grim setting, and the skull being ripped in half center stage, listeners will get the tone being set by this release.

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

This album is what happens when two people come together who have a passion for making heavy music simply because it brings us great joy to make. We love listening to and creating brutal music. We love the sound of raw, straightforward production and slamming riffs. This really shows musically on this album, as it is comprised of a combination of slamming riffs, blast beats, and groovy sections. Lyrical and theming influence for the music comes from a combination of horror movies, actual events, or stories based on torture, murder, etc.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

1. “Engorged with Hatred” explores the depths of rage and loathing within the human experience. Sonically, you’ll hear a build-up similar to growing up in the human experience. Explosions and collisions along the way. This song explores multiple different styles of grooves and riffs. Ranging from slams, thrashy sections, polka beats, driving beats reminiscent of Motorhead, and of course triplet breakdowns and pinch harmonics. At the end of the track, you’re hit with brutal double kicks and chainsaw-like high-gain guitars, setting the tone for the EP.

2. “Vile Rotting Mass” depicts the grotesque decay of a once-vibrant entity, exploring hopelessness, death, and decomposition. This song starts off with a brutal lo-fi Slam riff into a head-spinning intro that will surely make the ancient primate within you want to dance. The song then explores different riffs including hardcore-like riffs fused with the classic Slam we all know and love. The “classic Slam riff” will be mentioned a lot! Don’t forget blast beats either. Nothing wrong with too many blast beats. This song then leads you into a swing section reminiscent of mid-century America. If you aren’t exsanguinated by two minutes into the song, you’ll hear slam/brutal death metal legend, Angel Ochoa (Cephalotripsy, Abominable Putridity, Disgorge) spit the filthiest vocals known to man over once again, that classic Slam riff.

3. The song “Savage Evisceration” finds its inspiration in themes of brutality and carnage, violent acts, and the raw, primal instincts that drive them, exploring human nature and aggression. This track hits you hard right away. A riff that will make any caveman shit his pants. Over the top, you’ll hear JP unleash hell on the world with his piercing and grueling vocals.

4. “The Stench of Decaying Flesh” serves as the title track of the project. It paints a grim picture of the suffering and pain that can be inflicted upon people, and the stench that exudes from their rotting corpses. Chainsaws and slow heavy guitars. That’s what will infect your ears upon first starting this song. Into another head-spinning slammy section you’ll be transported to the perspective of the victim at the beginning of the song. Blasting, groove, brutality. The Stench of Decaying Flesh brings just that. At the end of the journey, you will be pounded by huge sub drops and the demonic vocals from beneath performed by Azerate Namakura (Ungraceful).

5. “Severed Limbs, Mangled Remains” is inspired by the graphic aftermath of conflict and disaster, horror, human suffering, and the enduring impact of violence. And also severed body parts. This song was heavily inspired by Slam royalty, Vasculitis. At the time of writing this album, Mitchell was heavy into Vasculitis. Expect everything you would want from a band in our genre. Blasts, breakdowns, slams, slow-downs. This track really shows the ability of Mitchell and JP to create parts that really blend together. JP’s vocals fuse into the track to become another instrument. A groovy break in the song signals the start of California legend, Richard Smihula (Desectomy) to end with a hard-hitting slam that will definitely have you exsanguinated by now if you aren’t already.

5. “Bodies Open Easier Than You’d Think” is a fun song with a very straightforward subject, it’s very easy to open a body. Whether it be surgical tools, a knife, or even bullets, human skin and muscle isn’t that strong. This song is also a reminder to us and anyone else that we are all living our own journey. We all have our own perspectives. We are all somehow living together on a huge rock floating through an infinite universe. To sum that all up, “we ain’t shit”. This song has been released for quite a while now so hopefully if you’re reading this you have heard it. The track takes you through different moments of beatdown, slam, and thrash. Ending with a car crashing breakdown filled with double kicks faster than a hummingbird’s wings.

6. “Meat Cleaver Meltdown” is the culmination of what happens when you just can’t take it anymore. This is another track with a very straightforward subject matter: if someone reaches a breaking point then you don’t want to be around them especially when they’re holding a freshly sharpened meat cleaver. Ah yes, we all love the evil butcher. This last track is another one that will have any caveman getting down. Inspired by the almighty Suffocation, but with a modern slam twist. This song is powerful, making the listener feel like they’re the king or queen of the world. Or underworld. And of course, finishing you off with one last brutal Slam.

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

FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES

1. Tyrantula (JP) – I was in a deathcore band back in the myspace era, and had the pleasure of opening for some really cool bands like Waking the Cadaver, Impending Doom, and more.

2. JP – I love rollercoasters and theme parks (random fun fact)

3. Mitchell – I started playing guitar at the age of 11. Growing up, I was in multiple bands playing different instruments. Anything from early 2010’s metalcore and deathcore to country cover bands.

4. Mitchell – My profession is a touring FOH engineer. At the time of writing this, I am currently out on tour with Keith Wallen from Breaking Benjamin. Check out his new album, Infinity Now. It’s a pleasure to mix live!

5. Mitchell – I am a huge fan of country music. It is my second favorite genre to anything metal.

Left – Mitchell Christian (Instruments and production), Right – JP – Vocals

Photo credit – Heinous Exsanguination

Brace yourselves for an auditory bloodbath as Heinous Exsanguination releases their upcoming EP “The Stench of Decaying Flesh”. Featuring ferocious guest appearances by Richard Smihula of Desoectomy, Angel Ochoa of Cephalotripsy, and Azerate Nakamura of Ungraceful, fans can expect everything you would want from a slam band -blasts, breakdowns, slams, slow-downs. 

Driven by relentless brutality and spine-chilling intensity, “The Stench of Decaying Flesh” is a testament to Heinous Exsanguination’s dedication to creating the most punishing death metal possible. They are recommended for fans of Embryectomy, Kraanium, and Parasitic Ejaculation.​

“The Stench of Decaying Flesh” is due out on September 6th, 2024, from Gore House Productions and is available for pre-order at https://orcd.co/the-stench-of-decaying-flesh

Discography :
2024 – The Stench of Decaying Flesh – EP
2023 – Bodies Open Easier Than You’d Think – Single

0 EPK – Tonic Breed – Outsold (2024) -10th Anniversary Edition

  • July 21, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Tonic Breed

EPK – Tonic Breed – Outsold (2024) -10th Anniversary Edition

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

Band: Tonic Breed
Album Title: Outsold
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label: Self-Release

“Outsold is a ten-year-old album that will be revisited and remastered in 2024. This edit elevates all the songs and gives the album the release it deserves. Outsold is the Tonic Breed album that has been played the most live, combining all the songs on the release. The lyrics express the darker themes of life, politics, and our inner demons. So does the music itself, which is more progressive in complexity and length compared to the releases before and after it.” – Patrik K. Svendsen – Tonic Breed

For fans of Slayer, Pantera, Metallica, Testament, Megadeth

Tonicbreed.com | Facebook.com/tonicbreed | YouTube | Instagram.com/tonicbreed 

Spotify | Apple Music

“Tonic Breed reinforces my growing belief that music, and particularly metal, can one day survive and even thrive without need of the corporate machine.” – Metal Disciple (Outsold – LP)

“For an unsigned act Outsold has one of the best productions I have heard in a long time. Simply put it’s a fantastic album.” – Teeth of the Divine (Outsold – LP)

“TONIC BREED could easily advance up the ranks thanks to this impressive release.” – Metal Temple (Outsold – LP)

“10/10. Album of the year 2014.” – The Metal Review (Outsold – LP)

“For an unsigned act Outsold has one of the best productions I have heard in a long time. Simply put it’s a fantastic album.” – Teeth of the Divine (Outsold – LP)

“TONIC BREED could easily advance up the ranks thanks to this impressive release.” – Metal Temple (Outsold – LP)

Band: Tonic Breed
Album Title: Outsold
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label: Self-Release

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Track Listing
1. Strife (4:17)
2. Fifth Estate (6:25)
3. Bad Company (6:41)
4. Blackened Mind (7:38)
5. Outsold (7:09)
6. Rebellious Tendencies (6:41)
7. Borregaard (8:11)
8. There’s Just One Escape (5:54)

2024 – 10th Anniversary Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Tonic Breed
• All songs written by: Patrik K. Svendsen, Mats Johansen
• Produced by: Patrik K. Svendsen
• Mixed by: Patrik K. Svendsen and Toproom Studio
• Mastered by: Toproom Studio

Album Band Line Up:
Patrik K. Svendsen: Vocals, Guitar
Rudi Golimo: Bass
Thomas Koksvik: Lead guitar
Mats Johansen: Drums

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

The album as a whole.

Dark and energic, with surprising turns, but at the same time sticking to good old thrash recipe. Lyrical themes that touch the political specter, but also some the darkest thoughts humans can have. Every song is different and easy to tell apart from each other.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY).

Strife – The shortest song on the album. Plenty of catchy riffs and a melodic chorus. Dark-themed lyrics.

Fifth Estate – The banger on the album. Old school riffing, angry and fierce. A fast paced song that sticks to your head.

Bad Company  – Heavy song, downtempo. Your only friend is bad company, the loneliness.

Blackened Mind – A semi-ballad. Gets heavier and heavier, before the sweetest solo at the end.

Outsold – The title track. One of the more prog songs on the album. Takes the listener through a journey, with a clean part in the middle of the song.

Rebellious Tendencies – The surprising one. How can this song be placed as number six on the album? Thrash recipe.

Borregaard – The instrumental into oblivion, inspired by the heavy industrial town of Sarpsborg.

There’s Just One Escape – The end shall not be quiet. A fast-paced song, that starts off with a guitar solo.

This release is a revisited version of Tonic Breed’s 2014 album, Outsold. The genre has similarities to the old Bay-era thrash style, integrated with groove, melodic, and heavy elements. This marks the album’s 10th anniversary.

Until 2019, Tonic Breed was a full-pieced metal band, but Patrik K. Svendsen re-branded Tonic Breed to become a one-piece metal project with its first release in early 2021. After collaborating with artists such as Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), and Oliver Palotai (Kamelot), a new, but old album, is now on the horizon. Outsold is not re-recorded, and the album is still credited with the same lineup the band had in 2014.

Discography:
2024 – Outsold – LP – 10th Anniversary Edition
2022 – Fuel the Fire – EP
2018 – Install Memory – LP
2014 – Outsold – LP

0 EPK – Prisoner – House of Cards (2024) – Out Aug 21st

  • July 19, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Prisoner

EPK – Prisoner – House of Cards (2024)

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

“We want to come out with something from everyone, pushing the boundary of what fits within a genre. We come out of the gate with high tempo, thrashing riffs, that throwback to the bay area thrash scene. Into what is considered to some as a power ballad. Which then throws you into a traditional hard rock song with big choruses and tight harmonies. In theory these songs don’t make sense together but under the House of Cards EP everything is cohesive.” Trevor MacDonald (Bass) – Prisoner

For fans of Black Sabbath, Megadeth, ACDC, Judas Priest, Metallica

Prisonerband.ca | Instagram.com/prisonerbandofficial | Facebook | Youtube

Spotify | Apple Music

“Can you guess what Metallica’s “Garage Days Re-revisited”, Trivium’s “Ember to Inferno” and Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” records have in common? A band having fun, a band giving it all out and a great and present bass guitar. This is what you will get when listening to “House of Cards” the new EP from the Canadian band Prisoner, formed in 2020 in Alberta by four young men on a mission to make Metal even bigger. The EP is formed by three songs and just under eleven minutes of playtime which is enough to show how fucking good they are! 9/10” – Ever-Metal

“And we’ve added the outstanding new single “On A Sunday” from heavy rockers Prisoner! Elements of alternative rock & metal with a twist of modern rock. So well written with acoustic passages leading up to the electric payoff, “On A Sunday” is a special one. Be sure to catch Prisoner on your Home for the Best New Rock.” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“A testament to their musical prowess and diverse range as artists, Prisoner adeptly captures both their high-energy and introspective moments in House of Cards.” – Amplify The Noise

“”House of Cards” did what an EP is supposed to do and that’s whet my appetite for more music from Prisoner. I look forward to their forthcoming full-length album and to hearing what else than do with,” – Rough Edge

“The Devil sends his beast with wrath, for he knows that time is short. Or something. That might be why Calgary metallers Prisoner have followed up their January debut full-length with this EP. And the Maiden reference at the start might have done them a disservice, actually, given that the trio of tracks showcases different sides than that. The opener, “Skies Are Blackened,” is full-on thrash. Think early Metallica, and you aren’t far off, but the next one, “On A Sunday,” couldn’t be more different. Acoustic in the way that Alice In Chains used to be, it’s a fabulous thing. And all of that is before “House Of Cards (The Game PT 2)” hustles into view on the back of quite a mighty gallop. A band to look for, you evidently will not chain Prisoner. 8/10” – Maximum Volume Music

“The Canadian band set out to return to their heavy rock roots, and by the sound of things they have very much done just that. This thing is like Prong but with punk vocals over the top, like the really early days of thrash or crossover. The production fits perfectly with the old-school feel too, feeling like it’s ripped right out of the 80s. The vocals really grew on me throughout, him being able to hit some damn impressive high notes! This thing honestly felt like it was too short, I’d love to have had more from them. Especially with the variety shown between the three tracks. Heck, the slower track, ‘On a Sunday’, is my favourite track on the EP, though the other two are close second and third. I somehow missed the band’s album back in January, but I’mma have to go back and check it out now, as I loved this! 8/10″ – Overtone Magazine

“Can you guess what Metallica’s “Garage Days Re-revisited”, Trivium’s “Ember to Inferno” and Pantera’s “Cowboys from Hell” records have in common? A band having fun, a band giving it all out and a great and present bass guitar. This is what you will get when listening to “House of Cards” the new EP from the Canadian band Prisoner, formed in 2020 in Alberta by four young men on a mission to make Metal even bigger. The EP is formed by three songs and just under eleven minutes of playtime which is enough to show how fucking good they are! 9/10” – Ever-Metal

“And we’ve added the outstanding new single “On A Sunday” from heavy rockers Prisoner! Elements of alternative rock & metal with a twist of modern rock. So well written with acoustic passages leading up to the electric payoff, “On A Sunday” is a special one. Be sure to catch Prisoner on your Home for the Best New Rock.” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“A testament to their musical prowess and diverse range as artists, Prisoner adeptly captures both their high-energy and introspective moments in House of Cards.” – Amplify The Noise

“”House of Cards” did what an EP is supposed to do and that’s whet my appetite for more music from Prisoner. I look forward to their forthcoming full-length album and to hearing what else than do with,” – Rough Edge

“The Devil sends his beast with wrath, for he knows that time is short. Or something. That might be why Calgary metallers Prisoner have followed up their January debut full-length with this EP. And the Maiden reference at the start might have done them a disservice, actually, given that the trio of tracks showcases different sides than that. The opener, “Skies Are Blackened,” is full-on thrash. Think early Metallica, and you aren’t far off, but the next one, “On A Sunday,” couldn’t be more different. Acoustic in the way that Alice In Chains used to be, it’s a fabulous thing. And all of that is before “House Of Cards (The Game PT 2)” hustles into view on the back of quite a mighty gallop. A band to look for, you evidently will not chain Prisoner. 8/10” – Maximum Volume Music

“The Canadian band set out to return to their heavy rock roots, and by the sound of things they have very much done just that. This thing is like Prong but with punk vocals over the top, like the really early days of thrash or crossover. The production fits perfectly with the old-school feel too, feeling like it’s ripped right out of the 80s. The vocals really grew on me throughout, him being able to hit some damn impressive high notes! This thing honestly felt like it was too short, I’d love to have had more from them. Especially with the variety shown between the three tracks. Heck, the slower track, ‘On a Sunday’, is my favourite track on the EP, though the other two are close second and third. I somehow missed the band’s album back in January, but I’mma have to go back and check it out now, as I loved this! 8/10″ – Overtone Magazine

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: House of Cards
Release Date: August 21, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Skies are Blackened (2:42)
2. On a Sunday (4:26)
3. House of Cards (The Game Pt.2) (3:38)
EP Length: 10:46

Recording Credits:
All Songs performed by: Murray Emery, Wes Bartram, Jeremy Hartmann
All songs written by: Murray Emery
Produced by: Murray Emery, Reed Alton (Vocals)
Mixed by: Cody Anstey at Clarity Studios, Calgary, Alberta Canada
Mastered by: Cody Anstey at Clarity Studios, Calgary, Alberta Canada
Artwork by: John Garrett
SOCAN Member
MAPL – Canadian content

EP Band Lineup:
Murray Emery (Vocals/Guitar)
Jeremy Hartmann (Guitar)
Trevor MacDonald(Bass)
Wes Bartram (Drums)
Karl Pflug (Drums)

Live Band Lineup:
Murray Emery (Vocals/Guitar)
Jeremy Hartmann (Guitar)
Trevor Macdonald (Bass)
Karl Pflug (Drums)

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

About the EP artwork. Answered by Murray Emery

The artwork by John Garrett is hand painted and then digitized, and is a continuation of the first record. With the conceptual theme of our mascot “Davey” and his travels within the setting of his world. You can see from the first record his captivity within a cage. Which then evolves from the ‘Skies are Blackened’ single artwork foreshadowing the colors and theme of the EP. Davey’s movements reveal his magical powers and a more personal look at his character. We believe the artwork is just as important as the music, creating a feeling and idea around the band that we can use to make better music and perform better live. Hence why all of our album art is hand painted to reflect how organic our process is and stays true to our vintage influence in music taste.

About the EP as a whole. Answered by Karl Pflug

It is a conglomeration of music with multiple elements from varying sub-genres. Which are represented throughout the EP. It then bridges the gap between emotion and life experience to truly connect music to the individual. As a drummer, I love the style changes from song to song as it pushed me to be a better musician, all while keeping the music consistent, even though the songs are so different.

Track by Track.

1. “Skies are Blackened” is a hard hitting, in your face hard rock/metal track rooted in thrash metal influence. Its upbeat tempo and high energy rhythm drives the listener into the anthemic chorus topped with soaring high vocals. Lyrically it speaks on world ideals and how we interact with one another in society under a scoped direction created by the upper echelon of people running our world. This 2:42 track does not overstay its welcome and is a must listen for anyone interested in modern rock and metal that pays homage to its predecessors from the 70s-2000s.

2. “On a Sunday” directs the listener to the calmer angelic side of hard rock. With glassy acoustic guitar and a direct larger than life chorus it appeals to those who dabble in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Influenced by 90s-2010s modern rock, this song speaks about human interaction in interpersonal relationships. The idea that someone believes they know you but in reality has no concept of your personal perception.

3. “House of Cards” is your go to anthemic hard rock anthem. Ripping guitar harmonies, with a massive and catchy chorus it’s reminiscent of pop punk styling and structure all while remaining rock n roll. This song has everything for every type of listener from musician to casual music fans alike. Lyrically and musically referencing the continuation of “The Game” from the first record.

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

FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES

1. “Skies are Blackened” was the first song ever written for Prisoner. I had been playing guitar for maybe two years and wrote it in an hour. It was my extreme thrash metal influence at 16 where I wanted to write something quick and simple as a show opener. The boys and I love playing it and it is collectively one of our favorite songs to play.

2. “On a Sunday” was the most unexpected song to come from the Prisoner camp. I had the intro riff on a voice note, and during our travels from Ontario to Alberta we as a band were going through potential ideas. I hated the idea at first, but with a bit of encouragement the boys and I wrote the rest of the song in one afternoon… on a Sunday. Lyrically I feel like everyone has been in a situation where no matter how hard they try, someone just can’t wrap their head around who they are. To me this is a relationship I know well, where someone knew me better than anyone, but also had no clue who I was and what my personal perception of myself was.

3. Prisoner’s first show was in the basement of the original guitar player’s frat house in Guelph, Ontario. The band built the stage out of stolen pallets and plywood behind Home Depot and Walmart. The house was packed and the show/party was shut down by police as people started to show up and party outside as they physically couldn’t get into the house. The roof was shaking and flexing during our performance from everyone jumping above us and we were worried it was going to be our one and only shot at glory before it collapsed. Thankfully we’re still here making music.  The house also had a “mold room” full of old mattresses which made Murray extremely sick for the next 3 shows Prisoner played in Ontario.

4. “Skies are Blackened” was the first song Murray ever wrote for Prisoner.

5. Prisoners drummer Karl was originally a jazz drummer and was introduced to metal when he was adopted into the band. Yet he had insane double pedal chops and his playing left the rest of the band speechless. He is currently going through the discographies of recommended bands from his bandmates.

6. Each member of Prisoner crossed paths before the band’s current formation without knowing each other. Murray met Trevor doing live sound for his band Even Odds and recording their music. He also met Jeremy when he was doing live sound at The King Eddy while Jeremy played in a performance with “Jam Club” at the Bell National Music Center. Trevor knew Karl from high school band and brought him up on the bands search for a “kick ass drummer”

7. We all have day jobs and we find them relatively humorous, but Jeremy’s takes the cake. He works at a basil farm… Which is hilarious because whenever we bring it up to other bands and people in general, they always ask him if he has a “hook up”. Yet he actually grows basil. Which we use on the regular for band made pesto sauce.

L-R – Murray Emery (Guitar/Vocals), Karl Pflug (Drums), Jeremy Hartmann (Guitar), Trevor MacDonald (Bass)

Photo Credit – Mikayla Loschuk

The high-energy Canadian rock band bringing you hard hitting riffs and unmistakably tight grooves. Founded in Calgary Alberta in 2020, Prisoners music is rooted in classic/hard rock, heavy metal, and blues. Influenced by all styles of rock and metal, their classic roots combine with a modern style to create a congruent take on modern rock music. Through the talents of frontman Murray Emery, guitarist Jeremy Hartmann, bassist Trevor Macdonald, and drummer Karl Pflug, Prisoner will deliver audiences the ultimate hard rock experience.

Discography:
2024 – House of Cards (EP) Current
2024 – Prisoner (self titled LP)
2022 – Prisoner of Time (Single)

Shared the stage with:
Osyron, Hazzerd, As Heads is Tails, Karnage through Crossing, Anciients, Flashback, Dead Quiet, Empress, LOVERS, Polluted

Tour/Festivals List:
2024 – Electric Highway Festival – Calgary, AB

0 EPK – Tzimani – I Feel Fine (2024) – Out Nov 15th

  • July 19, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Tzimani

EPK – Tzimani – I Feel Fine (2024) – Out Nov 15th

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

“You know those albums that you listen to over and over again and you just know when the first song hits your sense of familiarity, nostalgia, warmth, and comfort? That is what we are trying to encapsulate. The album is straightforward heavy metal mixed with modern elements with a dash of AOR and we feel it is the best representation to show everyone what we are capable of. We are also trying to represent the future of the band and give everyone an entry into some of the larger questions that we struggle with and how we choose to represent that with our songwriting. We are not the type of band that is capable of singing about stories, dragons, and swords, but we excel at writing tunes that people can genuinely relate to and connect with.” – Seb V. – Tzimani

For fans Van Halen, Haunt, Striker, Traveler, Skull Fist, Cauldron

Band: Tzimani
AlbumTitle: I Feel Fine
Release Date: Friday, November 15th, 2024
Label: Glory or Death Records (Vinyl), Noize Cartel Records (Digital)

Facebook.com/tzimaniofficial | Instagram.com/tzimani_official | Youtube.com/@tzimaniofficial486

Tzimani.bandcamp.com| Spotify

Vinyl – ​https://www.gloryordeathrecords.com/

“the blistering new single “Haunting” from metal duo Tzimani! Driving speed riffs, AOR keys, breakout solos and soaring vocals make “Haunting” a very cool track.” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“Typically, when promo proclaims that a band represents a “bold new take” on a traditional, well-trod style, you can expect the same: yet another forgettable “revitalization” of a sound and aesthetic that has been done to death, reanimated, and then slaughtered by copycats once more. In the case of Tzimani, the status quo is effectively put in its place.” –  Sleeping Village

“Electrifying pace sets ‘We Are The Ones’ on fire, hurtling along at full velocity, displaying all the hallmarks associated with the “foot on the monitor” style of traditional heavy metal. Hitting hard like an out of control wrecking ball” –  Frenzy Fire / Metal Gods TV

“refreshing heavy rock 8/10”  SoundMagnet (German)

” This two piece hailing from San Diego shredded their way through their set. Straight up heavy metal brothers rocking their way across North America. Eddie can really play the guitar. Each song they played were full of mean riffs and ripping solos.” – Metal As Medicine (Live Review – 2019 – Kelowna, BC)

” They surprised us all when vocalist/guitarist Eddie Vazquez announced that they were the only other band on the bill. It was their best time to shine. Kudos to you Vazquez brothers!…  Tzimani set up shop, and made that stage their biatch! Soon enough they began playing songs that were not included in their demo such as “Overdrive,” and dished out their hits “Final Hour” and “Get Me Out Of Here” which are available on their demo. These bros emitted a tremendous confidence and were still glowing from their recent inaugural American tour.” – Ugh Metal (Live Review – 2017 – San Diego, CA)

Band: Tzimani
AlbumTitle: I Feel Fine
Release Date: Friday, November 15th, 2024
Label: Glory or Death Records (Vinyl), Noize Cartel Records (Digital)

Track Listing:
1. We Stand and Fight (4:30)
2. Breaker (3:28)
3. Hold On (4:31)
4. Haunting (3:59)
5. Endless Road (5:24)
6. Bleeding Life (3:29)
7. Empty (3:27)
8. I Feel Fine (4:56)
Album Length: 33:45

Album Recording Credits:
• Song performed by: Seb Vazquez (Drums) and Eddie Vazquez (Vox, Guitars, Bass)
• Song written by: Eddie Vazquez
• Produced by: Eddie Vazquez
• Mixed by: Eddie Vazquez
• Mastered by: Eddie Vazquez
• Album Artwork by: Ryan Bartlett

Band Line Up:
Eddie Vaquez – Guitars, Drums, Vox
Seb Vazquez – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Eddie Vaquez – Guitars, Drums, Vox
Seb Vazquez – Drums
Robobass 5000 – Bass

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

About The Album Artwork:

Ryan Bartlett based out of Los Angeles has been our go to guy for all things album releases. He did our band logo, band symbol, and our eponymous release, so we wanted him to be able to take the artwork that we have from the EP and transcend it to something more comprehensive and elaborate. He absolutely knocked it out of the park and we think it is his finest piece in his portfolio but that is me being biased because I love it so much. He even went above and beyond and did out templates for physical release and did an incredible job at providing something original but engaging.  – Seb V.

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

This album is our first synthesizer infusion with our sound. I’ve always wanted to blend heavy metal and synth and it’s our first foray into that sound and we think we were able to get it down in a way that works and remains engaging without potentially alienating the focus of the music. It also gives us an opportunity to go in a broader direction with where I want to go musically too. I’d love to go into a synth heavy AOR direction with a rockin’ metal twist. This album gives me that platform.  – Eddie V.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

We Stand and Fight

We Stand and Fight is a powerful speed metal song that channels the power and energy of early heavy metal to convey a lyrical message about standing up for what you believe in,  against all obstacles.

Breaker

While Tzimani is not an overtly political band, this song is specifically about those who have been scapegoated and blamed for all the ills in the world. Immigrants, are those that are trying to find a better life. This song is definitely more of a rock vibe to it with the midtempo chug but it is something that we like to perform live as a set piece to our shows.

Hold On

I think we all have had enduring issues with loved ones and those we choose to become romantic with. We try our best to make things work and over time we realize that some things are not quite right. The song is about those who struggle to hold on to something that they know it is not right for them in terms of forever. It will eventually be ok as time heals everything, and we have an uplifting tone and drive to the arrangement of the song with galloping double bass lines, sweet guitar leads, and energetic connecting pieces. It also slows down a bit so that the dynamics can speak for how the song is written lyrically.

Haunting

As Eddie said, Haunting is a song about toxic relationships and people having the courage to walk away from them. It can be difficult to realize the strength to make the distance so that is what I wanted to write about with this song. The song is infused with a driving synth-heavy pulse that not only carries the mid-tempo piece with elegance and eloquence it also pieces it all together with a melancholy timbre. It is one of our favorite songs to play and it really opens the dynamic capabilities of the band and what we can achieve sonically.

Endless Road

Musically, this song is going to bend and be closer to what modern heavy music leans to. While it retains the classic Tzimani double bass and heavy but clean rhythms, it has a mood and tone to it that brings the song to a resounding climax in the solo section. We think it is one of our more strong solo sections and it is a song that was written almost ten years ago and we feel that we are ready to release the song after some maturation musically. We all dream of triumph and tribulation and becoming the best that there is to be. This song represents the struggles one may go through the perseverance of building character and fear the loss of strength and the inability to carry on beyond what you personally believe you are capable of.

Bleeding Life

Imagine if Journey decided to write a slightly metal-heavy tune and added some galloping bass drum parts to it. This song represents an allegory of the struggles of daily life and the challenges that come with it. No one ever has it easy, even the dudes that we think do, so this song has more of a sad tone to it to carry the message that we are trying to illustrate musically. We love that this song gives us a lot of room to work with in terms of where we can go musically but its a song that represents a lot of the inner struggles that we each deal with as people, and as people in a band.

Empty

I think we all have had someone that “walked away” on us but really it was a matter of our own doing. We sometimes have to struggle within and deal with our personal demons in order to have a satisfied outlook on life and sometimes our own personal demons can get in the way of our romantic partnerships or people that we hold dearly. It’s a song closer to AOR with a bit of rock to it and we love how we arrange the tune to carry the message forward with clean rhythms, catchy lyrics, and an anthemic solo section.

I Feel Fine

This is Van Halen meets heavy metal all the way, baby. Go put on some 5150 and listen to that rattle and roll that was captured by the band during that point in their tenure. We tried to go with a bit of VH worship but also close out the record with a resounding finish to put the record to a close. Most of the songs in a lot of ways capture some form of inner struggle and this one certainly has the anthemic chorus where we proclaim “I Feel Fine.” The song is about the banality of everyday life. Think about the problems of that most people have to go through and the fact that most have to hide their true feelings. The song has blistering double bass. Massive hooks and a solo break to tie it all together.

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

FUN FACTS / STORY ANGLES

1.We tour in a SUV hauling a trailer. If you ever catch a black Pilot out on the road hauling a trailer at night chances are you will trail us to to a parking lot where we will eventually get cozy and fall asleep. We have this air mattress that we blow up and it fits perfectly when we put all the back seats down. I guess one of the perks of a traveling two man band.

2. We track and engineer all of our stuff in house. Eddie is good as an engineer so he puts all the hard work in the studio process to get a finished product. He really enjoys just playing guitar though and often thinks about hiring on a killer guitar player so he can just be a frontman and really own the stage. As we have learned doing the two-piece for so many years is that you are incredibly limited in how you do a “stage show” so you need to let the songwriting, energy, and live performance do most of the talking.

3. The best tour story that we have ever experienced was having our show in New Mexico get canceled on the same day we were supposed to play there. The promoter called me to give me the bad news but he had a friend that was throwing a garage style party and needed another live act. So he put me into contact with the birthday woman and she gave me an address.

Little did we know that the address was going to take us to backroads Albuquerque and it was sitting on a lot surrounding by two house that we had to drive on unpaved road for a bit. We feared that we would lose control of the vehicle as we were hauling a trailer headed to the place but it was fine. Once we arrive the party, it turned out that it was a backyard biker gang party and that there was going to be pantera tribute as the main entertainment. Think old, rad dudes in bandanas, open carrying, big knives in their waistbands, chain smoking, and real tough looking mfers.

We ended up performing our set to a widely accepting audience with loud hollering and hoots. We tore down and let the Pantera band set up.

Once they got going to kick off the show, the front man announced “WE ARE FROM LA.”

Eddie and I looked at each other thinking “dude this shit is tight! We are playing this garage biker party with another CA band”

Then the frontman goes “LOWER ALBUQUERQUE!” and the guitarist goes right into the opening riff into Cowboys from Hell. We must have openly laughed for a solid 5 minutes straight. It was incredibly well delivered and the seriousness of the gag gave it the punchline it deserved.

That is one hell of way to pitch to someone and it was such an incredible experience given the circumstances of the entire ordeal in New Mexico on that day.

4. Our backing track bassist has two nicknames. Mac Ableton is the one we created, and Robobass 5000 is the one our buddy DJ created. We did one time hear two kids talking shit about us in a bar after we played a set.

One kid goes to another and says “dude did you like that band?” and the kid responds “fuck no. They use auto bass.”

It was hilariously candid and I am sure the kids did not know we were within earshot but we laughed about it and still joke about it to this day. It keeps us grounded and ensures that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Especially living in the 21st century.

5. Raising Canes is our favorite tour food and we try our damndest to consume it as often as we can while living out on the road. I have tried contacting them through several outlets to try to secure some form of sponsorship but to no avail.

L-R – Eddie Vazquez – Guitars, Bass, Synthesizers, Vox – Seb Vazquez – Drums,
Photo Credit: Chris Mcfly

Tzimani is a dynamic metal duo comprised of brothers Seb and Eddie Vazquez from San Diego CA. Founded in 2017 after the pair split from a previous project, Tzimani sought to revolutionize their musical direction. Seb, a powerhouse on drums, and Eddie, a multi-instrumentalist handling guitars, bass, synthesizers, and vocal duties, hit the ground running with their new sound.

In 2017, Tzimani launched their journey with a demo release, swiftly followed by an ambitious West Coast and Southwest tour. They captivated audiences in key markets like Portland, Seattle, and Texas, rapidly building a dedicated fanbase with their electrifying live performances.

The band’s momentum continued to surge in 2018 with the release of their eponymous self-titled EP. This major release, distributed digitally through Noize Cartel Records, propelled Tzimani into the national spotlight. Their relentless touring schedule took them across North America, including over 100 shows that extended into Canada. Notable festival appearances at the Legions of Metal Festival in 2019 and Hyperspace Metal Festival in 2022 solidified their reputation as a formidable live act.

Tzimani’s sound is a unique fusion of melodic AOR elements and the aggressive, rhythmic intensity of old-school heavy metal. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Iron Maiden, Mötley Crüe, Van Halen, and Def Leppard, Tzimani’s music features twin-guitar leads, virtuoso solos, and Seb’s pounding double-bass drumming. Eddie’s vocal phrasing echoes the legendary Dio, while his guitar work channels the spirit of Eddie Van Halen.

Their dedication to the craft saw them included in two significant compilations: “No Legacy” in 2017 and “Metal Assault Mixtape” in 2019. Following the success of their 2018 EP, Tzimani re-released it as an expanded edition in early 2020. This reissue featured two cover songs from W.A.S.P. and Dio, along with their original 2017 demo, aiming to reach a broader audience in anticipation of their next major release.

Despite the relentless touring from 2017 to 2019, the pandemic brought an unexpected slowdown for Tzimani. From 2020 to 2023, the band entered a dormant phase, with limited activity and sporadic performances across California. During this period, however, they remained active in the local scene, using the time to write, record, and finalize their highly anticipated debut album.

As Tzimani prepares to re-emerge, they aim to reclaim the respect and recognition they earned in their early years. Their upcoming 2024 release “I Feel Fine” promises to capture the essence of their relentless energy and innovative sound, heralding a new era for the band. With a legacy of electrifying performances and a sound that bridges the past and future of metal, Tzimani stands poised to make a significant impact on the music scene once again.

Artist Endorsements: Orion Cymbals

Discography:
2024 – I Feel Fine – LP (Glory or Death Records (Vinyl), Noize Cartel Records (Digital)
2024 – We Stand and Fight (single)
2019 – Compilation “Metal Assault Mixtape” – Carry On (song)
2018 – Self-Titled EP
2017 – Compilation “No Legacy Vol. 1” – Final Hour (song)
2017 – Demo

Shared Stage with: Hellfire, Haunt, Bewitcher, Savage Master, Iron Kingdom, Byzantine, Avatar, Great Electric Quest, Toke, Gatekeeper, Mothership, Vicious Rumors, Traveler, Eternal Champion, Witherfall, Paladin, Into Eternity

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Hyperspace Metal Festival – Vancouver BC
2019 – Final Hour Tour
2019 – Legions of Metal Festival – Chicago
2018 – North American Tour Apr 6- Apr 30
2018 – North American Overdrive Tour
2017 – Overdrive Tour

0 EPK – Nightwraith – Divergence (2024) – Out Sept 13th

  • July 15, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Nightwraith

EPK – Nightwraith – Divergence (2024) – Out Sept 13th

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

“I know it sounds cliche, but we really wanted Divergence to take listeners on a sonic journey. There are many layers, and the idea was for people to hear something new upon each listen. The album is intended to lift you up with major melodies, evoke emotion with harmonic minors, and harken overall feelings of nostalgia and hope. The single ‘Perpetual Night’ is a good example of a driving heavy-metal song that is catchy but epic. It checks all the NightWraith boxes by having hooks accompanied by clever vocals, a dynamic drop-off that brings the energy down, and some really epic solos. The other single ‘Whispers of Dragonflies’ is an even more extreme example of this formula. It starts with a nostalgic-sounding synth melody, goes into a fast chorus, and has a clean middle section that showcases more of our classic rock influences. As the energy in this song gradually picks back up, there is a beautiful flute solo by Kelly Schilling (Dreadnought) that ends with the same chorus from the beginning, making it a ‘circular’ type of song.” – Benn Pitts – Nightwraith

For fans of Tribulation, Opeth, Mastodon, Enslaved, Judas Priest

Band: Nightwraith
Album Title: Divergence
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label/Distribution: What’s Left Records

Nightwraithband.com | Facebook.com/nightwraithband | Instagram.com/nightwraithband | Youtube.com/@nightwraithband5142 | Twitter.com/nightwraithband

Nightwraith.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud.com/nightwraithband

“As you’ll quickly discover, in its opening phase it (Whispers of Dragonflies) presents an unusual amalgam of futuristic swirling keyboards and full-throttle blackened ferocity replete with raking chords, hammering drums, and scalding vocals. But it does begin changing, like a musical chameleon. Those changes include a beautifully ringing guitar melody backed by shimmering synths, musing bass tones, and gripping drum fills, and fronted by somber and melancholy singing with a bit of grit in the gears. That phase is a sublime experience, made even more sublime by a guitar solo that sounds like a beguiling prog-rock throwback. The intensity builds again, but without sacrificing the music’s increasingly head-spinning beauty, and that paves the way for the afore-mentioned concert-flute solo, which is flat-out mesmerizing. As also mentioned, the song then loops back to its beginning — hammering, slashing, scalding, and swirling once more, fierce but also glorious. The song is presented with a beautifully filmed video of the band performing the music. Enjoy!” – NoCleanSinging (Whispers of Dragonflies off album Divergence 2024)

“The ringing guitar and keyboard instrumental that opens the song (Beguiler) is magically inviting, but only one feature of a richly tapestried piece that moves through many moods and musical variations. As the song ebbs and flows, twists and turns, it crosses through shade and sun, traversing the gloom of sorrow, seething with tension, and spinning the mind with extended guitar jams that dart and dance, slither and swirl, and become trippy, bluesy, and occult. While all that happens, the rhythm section are putting on their own show. The bass hums and pulses, meanders and invigorates, and the drumming ranges from neck-snapping back-beats to open-handed blasts, with plenty of electrifying fills in the spaces between. Variations mark the vocals as well, which veer from rasping blackened snarls to guttural growls.” – No Clean Singing (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

“Nightwraith brings their own unique blackened heavy metal to the table with their new record Offering. It’s an extremely cool listened rife with throat-shredding vocals, classic rock organs, and of course dizzying stringwork.” – Metal Injection (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

““Genesthai” opens with quiet echoey guitar picking and synth washes before gradually building in intensity and reaching full blast-beat fury. Throughout the six-minute track, NightWraith—vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Pitts, drummer Isidro Soto, guitarist Igor Panasewicz, keyboardist Caleb Jose Tardio and bassist Jerry Hilger—shift comfortably between more extreme death- and black metal-influenced passages and a more classic metal gallop, all while maintaining a strong melodic sensibility. It’s dynamic, intricate and, well, it flows.” – Decibel Magazine (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

“The ‘Blackened Dad Rock’ of Denver’s NightWraith A new metal subgenre.” Westword (Denver) (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

[Album Download Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Nightwraith
Album Title: Divergence
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label/Distribution: What’s Left Records 

Track Listing:
1. Fruitless (5:15)
2. Perpetual Night (5:13) ft. guest Cole Rudy – Pedal Steel Guitar
3. One Flower (5:14) ft. guest Andreas Wild – Baritone Saxophone
4. Whispers of Dragonflies (5:27) ft. guest Kelly Schilling – Concert Flute
5. Invocation (2:19) ft. guest Joey Truscelli – Guitar Solo
6. Fallen Kings and Queens (4:20) ft. guests Dan Phelps & Chuck French – Backup Vocals
7. Nothing Left to Lose (3:24)
8. Divergence (5:20) ft. guests Jeremy Portz & Xander Galvin-Soto – Auxiliary Percussion
9. Us and Them (bonus Pink Floyd cover) (5:18)
Album Length: 42:08

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: NightWraith
• All songs written by: Benjamin Pitts and NightWraith
Except ‘Us and Them’ – written by: D. Gilmour, N. Mason, R. Waters, R. Wright
• Produced/Engineered by: Jacob St. Amand and NightWraith
• Mixed/Mastered by: Zack Ohren
• Album Artwork by: Jef Kopp
Guest Musicians:
Cole Rudy – pedal steel guitar on Perpetual Night
Andreas Wild – baritone saxophone on One Flower
Kelly Schilling – concert flute on Whispers of Dragonflies
Joey Truscelli – guitar solo on Invocation
Dan Phelps & Chuck French – backup vocals on Fallen Kings and Queens
Jeremy Portz & Xander Galvin-Soto – auxiliary percussion on Divergence

Album / Live Band Line Up:
Benjamin Pitts: vocals/guitar
Isidro ‘Spy’ Soto: drums
Igor Panasewicz: guitar
Caleb Jose Tardio: keyboards/synthesizer
Jacob St. Amand: bass

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

About The Album Artwork

The artwork was done by our talented friend Jef Kopp who is a renowned tattoo artist, and fantastic human. It is drawn by hand, with colored pencil, permanent marker, watercolor marker, and paint, and it captures some really bleak and post-apocalyptic feelings. We use the Greek god Pan as the centerpiece for many of our albums and merch designs, as he’s become a mascot of sorts for our band. The vision for the album artwork was for Pan to be in the future, taking stock of the wasteland that humanity has created, but offering a glimmer of hope that the course can still be corrected. This ties in with our band philosophy that music does make the world a better place, and unites all of us as people.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

Musically, the songs on ‘Divergence’ often utilize classic songwriting structures (verse/chorus/bridge/lead). Each individual instrument is not overly complicated, but when layered on top of each other, the music has a lot of depth. Even with the guitars, we always try to play different chord voicings to create a fatter tone. This might not even be very perceptible unless you were to break it down in the mix, then you could hear that each guitar is playing similar notes but at different neck and fret positions. The drums are fast with lots of big rock fills and the choice to use fast double bass and blast beats was meant to give the album a driving, more ‘classic’ metal sound. The keyboards/synthesizer tones are the icing on the cake and are what really color the album in a nostalgic-sounding way. The melodies that were written to lay on top of the guitars are what give the songs the musical complexity that can be rare within the heavy metal genre. There are also a lot of solos on this album, but none of them are overly ‘shreddy’ and are meant to serve the song, not the player. We also stepped up the production on this album by recruiting some talented guest musicians to contribute and added extra rhythmic layers using acoustic guitar and percussive instruments like cowbells and shakers. Then we stepped up the production again by involving producer Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Immolation) to mix and master the project, which gave it a top-shelf-sounding production quality!

Lyrically, I feel like I really put myself out there and I did not hold anything back. At times it seems like our world is crumbling, for many reasons, and the lyrics are an honest representation of the frustration many of us feel. But there is also the element of hope and positivity, which is a unifying theme between the lyrics of all NightWraith songs. I feel that if I only aired grievances without offering any solutions, then I’m just complaining and that is not very helpful. Although real solutions could be a tough pill to swallow for many people, this is the risky part of saying what you really feel since it leaves you open to criticism. But I don’t give a fuck about that anymore, so I’ll say what I want to say. People kill each other over religious ideals, so embrace a Godless way of life. Technology is destroying our mental health so put down the phone and re-establish a relationship with nature. The environment is falling apart so stop eating animals. Capitalism doesn’t work for everyone so try to help the people around you. This is along the lines of what I mean, and are all themes that are touched on in the lyrical content of ‘Divergence’.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

Fruitless: this might be one of our most musical songs because it has multiple key modulations and a proggy bridge section. We felt it was a good opener to the album because it’s not overly aggressive, has a chorus that’s easy to sing along with, but still has blast beats. It’s a good overall representation of the sound of ‘Divergence’ and foreshadows what can be expected in the rest of the songs. There is also a short clean vocal section in the bridge with one of my favorite lines on the record: “We’re better off, skeptical and Godless.” This ties into the lyrical theme of the album, that after years of spiritual searching, we have only found it through music and not any type of religion or deity. I’m sure plenty of people can relate to this feeling which is why I wanted to write about it. There is also a Rudolf Steiner quote during the bridge that helps button up the lyrical concepts around natural law and ancient wisdom.

Perpetual Night: this song could be the most ‘classic NightWraith’ song on the album, it’s got it all! It has a catchy black metal sound to it, a dynamic bridge section that brings the energy way down and picks back up with back-to-back guitar/keyboard solos, plus the chorus is fun to sing along with. Lyrically, this song is about how our global society is kind of blindly going all-in on technology, and how we should maybe take a step back and re-establish a connection to nature. In my experience, I get much more meaning from life through the physical world around us, and not through the dopamine-driven logic of tech. The lyrics also explore what our world might look like if we continue down this path, which is the overarching theme of the album: “Colorless dreams in perpetual night”.

One Flower: this song wins the award for most solos! The bridge section, also has one of my favorite guitar riffs on the entire album, which captures a cool 80s kind of vibe. There are killer back-to-back guitar solos and a really fitting saxophone solo performed by the talented Andreas Wild of The Night Sweats. Lyrically, this is probably the most pissed and anarcho-punk out of all the songs, as it’s mostly about the many failures of capitalism. Additionally, the lyrics were inspired by a publication titled ‘Expect Resistance’ where the forward highly encourages anyone to plagiarize or reproduce the contents with or without citing the sources, so I am definitely not the first person to use these analogies. But for all of the frustrations expressed in the lyrics, there is also an offering of hope: “Where one flower blooms, more will follow”. This theme of hope also ties into the album artwork, where you may notice a single flower growing in a pile of rubble.

Whispers of Dragonflies: this song really showcases our musical range, and has a cool ‘circular’ song structure which makes it really stand out on the album. The song kicks off with a John Carpenter-style synth intro. The main riff for the beginning/end of the song is very intense, and then the song has a dynamic shift to clean guitars that help the synth chords really shine through. The vocals go clean for this section too, but have enough grit on them to sound haunting. There is also a clean guitar solo, a rock fusion section with a synth interlude that sends you to outer space, and a lovely flute solo performed by our friend Kelly Schilling from the band Dreadnought. Lyrically, this is a poem I wrote about about an area in Colorado called the Lost Creek Wilderness. My Dad took me there for a multi-day backpacking trip when I was a kid, and the area completely blew my mind. I still return every few years and hike the same 25-mile loop I did with my Dad when I was young. It’s an inspiring area in the Pike National Forest and I highly recommend visiting if you ever have the means.

Invocation: this is an instrumental track and picks up where the song ‘Offering’ (from our previous album) leaves off. It’s interesting because this song takes the two main riffs from Offering and stacks them on top of each other, creating somewhat of a ‘movement’ and putting a fresh twist on the original parts. This song also starts with a proggy ‘King Crimson-esque’ keyboard solo, and ends with an incredible guitar solo performed by our friend Joey Truscelli from the band Wayfarer.

Fallen Kings and Queens: this song starts with a bang and goes directly into one of three verses that have a driving ‘NWOBHM’ cadence to them. Between the bridge with harmonized guitars, the melodic chorus, and a 4 bar drum solo, this is definitely the ballad on the album. Lyrically, this is our most emotional song because it’s written for some friends of ours who are no longer with us. There are three verses in this song, each written for an inspirational Denver artist whose life was tragically cut short. The goal was to use this as a way for us to personally heal from these losses, but non-specific enough that a listener could also apply the meaning to any fallen loved ones in their lives. Guest vocals were performed by our friends Dan Phelps and Chuck French, who were both closely connected to the fallen.

Nothing Left to Lose: every NightWraith album has one song that falls within the umbrella of punk/hardcore, and this is that song! It includes a combination of riffs from the toolshed that needed a home, but they all work together perfectly. The chorus riff is actually a play on the main riff from ‘The Sentinal’ by Judas Priest, one of my all-time favorite Priest songs. The verses have one of the coolest-sounding drum sections on the record, and the bridge has an awesome half-time breakdown – but its also very melodic so it fits perfectly with the rest of the album. Lyrically, this one is pretty cynical. It’s about how being in bands for many years has been all-consuming and caused issues in other aspects of my life, namely relationships and jobs. As pessimistic as the lyrics are they certainly ring true, and anyone in a band or in the music industry can probably relate. There’s a line in the song that reinforces an unhealthy stereotype about artists, but it’s fitting: “the best songs occur when we’re tortured”.

Divergence: musically, this song is our most cinematic sounding, which is why it is the title track of the album. It starts with a rhythmic verse that is followed by a huge blues guitar lick. This sets the stage for the second act of the song which is an arrangement of super melodic chords on top of some furious blasting. There is an awesome rhythmic section that we lovingly refer to as the ‘Deftones’ riff, then a break in the song that includes an auxiliary percussion section performed by our friend (and Abhoria bandmate) Jeremy Portz. Our drummer’s kiddo Xander also recorded some bongos on this percussion section, and it was really cool having a new generation involved! The end of the song has a super climactic synth section with blast beats underneath it, again lending to the cinematic quality of this track. Since this song is divided into two halves, the lyrics represent two possible paths that humanity could go down in regard to technology, specifically AI. If this technology is left unchecked, it could have disastrous consequences for everyone. This also ties into the cover art which represents the destruction of humanity and civilization, and is even represented by the ½ and ½ color vinyl scheme. It’s not all doom and gloom though, there’s still time to unify as people and put some guardrails in place. This might also be a good time to mention that this album was 100% written and produced by humans, no AI whatsoever was used in the making of this record!

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1: NightWraith has over 100 years of combined musical experience because we’re all old haha!

2: One time someone tried to break into our van through the side window, but the joke was on them because the door was busted and did not open! Unfortunately, we had an out-of-town show a few days later, and the exhaust system clogged up on our way home. So we were moving at a max speed of 35 mph all the way home, with a broken window, at night, in the dead of winter. It was so cold that Igor and Caleb had to pull out the emergency blanket to stay warm, which was actually kind of adorable.

3: Ben and Spy used to play together in a legit Dethklok tribute band! And Joey (Wayfarer) who did the guitar solo on our song ‘Invocation’, was the ‘Swisgaar’ of the band and executed all of those leads not for note – super impressive!

4: Caleb has earned a doctorate in English literature, so technically there’s a Dr. in the band!

5: Igor runs several restaurants around Denver/Boulder named Quiero Aerepas, and serves authentic Venezuelan street food. Igor is also the only member who previously made a living as a professional musician – in South America!

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

L-R – Caleb Jose Tardio – Keyboards/Synthesizer, Igor Panasewicz – Guitar, Isidro “Spy” Soto – Drums, Jacob St. Amand – Bass, Benjamin Pitts – Vocals/Guitar

Photo Credit – Josh Massara

NightWraith is a melodic death metal band from Denver, CO that explores the genre with an eclectic and intuitive approach. Their music encompasses poignant themes: seeking the sublime in nature, being genuine in a deceptive world, and living with the idea of death—concepts that unite us all as people. Using haunting melodies and triumphant anthems, NightWraith offers listeners a sonic pilgrimage into the heart of being human.

The band was formed in 2016 without any preconceived notion of genre, allowing them to develop their sound organically. “Gone are the days of trying to be the fastest or heaviest band,” says founding member Benjamin Pitts. “We’ve already done bands like that and now we just want to write music that is fun to play and meaningful to us.” The members of NightWraith have been musical companions for over a decade in the Denver scene, but this lineup achieves its own unique approach to aggressive music, inspired by but not limited to the past.

After releasing a self-titled album in 2019, Nightwraith gained notoriety and played shows with heavy hitters like ‘Khemmis’ and ‘Green Druid’, but they were still developing their sound and being called to a new musical frontier.

During 2020, a year filled with anxiety and isolation, the band would finally have the time and freedom to create the next chapter of their story. Their new full-length, “Offering”, is a monumental effort that has turned some heads in the death metal circuit and beyond. With the addition of a new member in early 2021 (keyboards/synthesizer), the band broadened the scope of their exploration, making “Offering” an experience that is both aggressive and textural.

Pulling inspiration from a wide array of bands and genres, NightWraith has been sonically refined into something truly unique. “It’s like we took all the heavy parts from bands like Carcass, and Enslaved, and combined it with the warmth of classic bands like Thin Lizzy, and Blue Oyster Cult”, explains Ben. “It has been really fun inserting rock guitar and organ tones into a genre that typically avoids these types of sounds.” Additionally, the songwriting on “Offering” is deliberate, concise, and thoughtful, while remaining heavy enough to please the death metal audience for which it was intended.

As NightWraith continues to evolve, it is clear that their ambitions are paying off. “Offering” is expressive, inventive, joyful, sorrowful, and will certainly inspire its listeners. “Offering” was released on March 25th, 2022 and is available on digital/analog formats through Reaping Scythe Records.

In 2024, the band will be unleashing their follow-up “Divergence” from What’s Left Records.

Discography:
2024 – Divergence – LP
2022 – Offering – LP
2019 – Self-Titled – LP
2017 – Demo – cassette

Shared the stage with:
Khemmis
Orbit Culture
Abigail Williams
Nite
Vale of Pnath
Bewitcher
Glacial Tomb
Of Feather and Bone
Green Druid
Necropanther
Cyborg Octopus
Cloud Catcher
Smokey Mirror
Native Daughters
Bleakheart
Velnias

Festivals:
Denver Hex Fest – 2019 (Pig Destroyer, Lightning Bolt, The Body, Author and Punisher, Dreadnought)
Decemburger Fest – 2017 (Bongripper, Serial Hawk, Call of the Void, Vermin Womb, The Munsens, Abrams)

Music Placements: Flow Right Plumbing – Phone Jingle

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