Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Supermodel Taxidermy – At What Cost (2024) (Punishment 18 Records)

March 14, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Supermodel Taxidermy

EPK Supermodel Taxidermy – At What Cost (2024) (Punishment 18 Records)

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

“The sophomore At What Cost, has exceeded expectations of early listeners by adding new dynamics such as Cheney’s crushing vocals. Supermodel Taxidermy has done a lot of back-and-forth “call and receive” vocals on this record. It is designed to catch you with its intense guitar hooks, heavy drums, and catchy bass lines, all while keeping your attention to the lyrical topics at hand. If we have sold this to your ears correctly, the album will be nothing shy of D.R.I.’s Full Speed Ahead vs Iron Reagan’s Crossover Ministry with a touch of Slayer. – Shawn Maynard – Supermodel Taxidermy

For fans of D.R.I, Suicidal Tendencies, Biohazard, Dayglo Abortions, Slayer

Punishment18records.com | Facebook.com/supermodelmodeltaxidermy | Twitter.com/SUPERMODELTAXI | Youtube.com/@supermodeltaxidermy | Instagram.com/supermodeltaxidermy

Supermodeltaxidermy.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

Digital – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/supermodeltaxidermy/at-what-cost

“it’s fun and catchy, it’s crazy fast and just makes you want to throw yourself into walls.” – The Metal Crypt

“At What Cost is one richly impressive and increasingly addictive release. It looks like SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY is coming for the world and the cost? Sheer pleasure!” – The Ringmaster Review

“blends skate punk with elements of thrash into a lethal concoction that slaps you in the face as it runs by. The atmosphere they create is explosive; a mix of punk rock energy with thrash level instrumentals. Their sound is reminiscent of Bad Brains or Minor Threat, but with a harsher bite. The amount of authentic punk energy Supermodel Taxidermy crammed into this record is almost unbelievable, and when combined with the instrumental elements of thrash, its tone is almost deadly. Energetic and emphatic, the band’s raw mix of chaotic energies serves them well on this record. There is no real lull in energy at any point within this record, proving that if Supermodel Taxidermy can do anything, it’s bring in the heat.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“Punk rock and thrash when combined can elevate the energy to that youthful exuberance that is hard to resist. Supermodel Taxidermy lean into their love of those styles on At What Cost, creating an enthusiastic platter that channels its messages in short, solid songs that will get the hordes moving. Could be the best skater soundtrack to bust out those rad, death defying moves for 2024.” – DeadRhetoric

“Songs like “Exorcist for Beer”, “Blood Painted Dash”, and “Lipstick” run the hardcore punk/thrash metal gamut, from party anthems to horror tales, to the band’s metal-fueled love for scene chicks. SUPERMODEL TAXIDERMY’s “At What Cost?” drips Gen-X punk and metal sensibilities. If that’s your bag, go get it. You won’t be disappointed.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“An album that leaves its mark and will make you follow them into the future.” True Metal

#41 on Loudwire weekly wire: TOP 50 Best New Rock & Metal Songs for the single Blood Painted Dash (2022)

“‘A Whorer Story’ sounds like a crossover album, fans of the genre are bound to get on board with it and whilst there isn’t anything really new, it does set the stage for the remainder of their career.” – Metal Digest (2022)

“Supermodel Taxidermy takes skate punk, hardcore, and thrash to the next level with loud riffs, catchy lyrics, and infectious energy. They released the EP A Whorer Story in January, but they’ve returned with a new, standalone single. The latest track, “Blood Painted Dash,” is ready to make your ears pop!” – Canadian Beats (2022)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album: At What Cost
Release Date: May 31st 2024
Label: Punishment 18 Records
Distribution: Plastichead

Track Listing
1) Wake Up 1:56
2) Exorcist For Beer 3:21
3) Clinics 3:20
4) Lipstick 2:54
5) Blood Painted Dash 3:16
6) Gage 1:48
7)Kevlar 3:10
8)The Hanging Tree 3:17
9) Subliminal 3:12 (Suicidal Tendencies Cover)
10) Death Dealer 3:37
Total Length 29:55

Album Credits:
All songs performed by: Supermodel Taxidermy
All songs written by: Supermodel Taxidermy *Except Subliminal (Suicidal Tendencies cover)
Produced by: Rob Lawless
Mixed by: Terry Paholek
Mastered by: Terry Paholek
Album Artwork by: Andrei Bouzikov
MAPL Canadain Content and Socan Member

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Shawn Maynard – Guitar & lead vocals
Michael Cheney – Bass & vocals
Reilly Williams – Drums

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About The Album Artwork

The artwork’s concept is about demons entering and exiting the passageway to hell; as they get closer to the entrance their horns grow predominantly. The demons leaving seem to make their horns disappear as they get closer to society. The very front of the painting has a war between two demonic entities who are pulling a human in opposite directions. This signifies what it takes to keep your composure intact and stay true to who you are in a ruthless society. This is why we titled it “At What Cost” -Shawn Maynard

About The Album (Musically – Lyrically)

The majority of this album looks at death lyrically. A lot of the writings question the cause and effect to vices and the wrong choices that can be made throughout our lives

Musically this album is fast and heavy as hell. We wanted to have it throwing left hooks repeated, there are not many moments on this record when it gives you that break. Have a listen and prove me wrong – Shawn

Track By Track (Musically – Lyrically)

1. Wake Up – is the intro to our album, It comes in chunky and then sets the tempo for the record a quarterway through the first song. Lyrically it’s about partying after a funeral when the cause was actually an overdose.2. Exorcist For Beer – This one is a party anthem! it’s also a story about finding an exorcist on the dark web who makes all our problems much worse than just booze alone. musically this one’s like getting into the ring with Mike Tyson, the intensity keeps coming.

3. Clinics – is a heavy track in a few ways, this song touches on Canada’s issues with opioids and the needle clinics involved around it. This is one of the harder tracks of the album.

4. Lipstick – here’s a fun song paying homage to the women of our scene. If rock and thrash was a genre, this song would be part of it!

5. Blood Painted Dash – was our first single released for this album. It’s a darker song about waking up dead in the morgue. This one has some slayer-ish style solos and fast action pieces flying everywhere.

6. GAGE – this one was basically taken right out of the pages of Steven King’s book Pet Sematary. The song is metal as f@&K

7. Kevlar – I wrote this one about a tribute tattoo I have for a fallen brother; we were left with some unsaid words and I think this song clears the air. Think Slayer vs D.R.I’s “Full Speed Ahead”

8. The Hanging Tree – was a song found in one of Reilly’s lyric books. Shawn revised it to suit his singing style but lyrically it’s content was crossed over from Reilly’s story of an actual hanging tree into Shawn’s vision of paganism and the cycle of death and regrowth. It’s 196 bpm of pure metal.

9. Subliminal – Is a song we covered by Suicidal Tendencies, ever hear of them?

10. Death Dealer -is a fast one about not letting life pass you by. Make it count without any regrets! the quick lyric trading between Shawn and Mike has taken Supermodel Taxidermy’s sound in an upward direction. not only does the track have dual vocals but the gangs are not to be disregarded either – FAST and HEAVY

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Fun Facts – Story Angles

1) Supermodel Taxidermy started as a concept album with Shawn the guitarist and two hired guns recording “A Whorer Story” in the studio. Initially, it wasn’t supposed to go any further until the overwhelming response the album was received. After that it’s current members were sought out and the band was formed.

2) Our first show was at a festival in our hometown. Until that point, none of us boys had played anywhere together. Our friends and family all came out for it and we definitely turned a few heads with our unique blend of punk and metal

3)The piano played on the record at the beginning of death dealer was an excerpt from Lucas King done by our bassist Mike. We tossed around the idea of who to bring in and do it, but nothing was panning out. That’s when Mike surprised the band by showing us he knew how to play – Shawn.

4) The three of us own puppies from the same litter. My female Frenchton had a litter In December and I couldn’t think of a better guy to raise the pups than the two boys backing me in the band. Now our dogs get to remain as tight as we are! Shawn.

5) The second song on the album, called Exorcist for Beer was written on a fishing trip by Reilly (drummer), with his father and little brother. It’s actually tongue and cheek about his little brother and we even got Reilly’s old man to record a skit on the record before the song starts. he’s basically screaming at us to shut up and quit with the music. Naturally, he did great because of the 27 years of practice he had at it with Reilly. Thanks again Kenny!

L-R – Reilly Williams – Drums, Shawn Maynard – Guitar, Lead Vox, Mike Cheney – Bass, Vox)

Photo Credit – Cole Williams

Supermodel Taxidermy, the dynamic force in thrash metal and hardcore punk, from Fort McMurray, Canada, is set to blow minds with their latest album “At What Cost”, which promises an exhilarating fusion of intense guitar hooks, heavy drums, catchy bass lines, and thought-provoking lyrics that will entice metal enthusiasts around the globe. They share their thoughts on the upcoming album:

“The record is intense. Our singing stops right about the time we want to have a look into the mosh pit on the floor, but even those parts have heavy riffs. We don’t leave much room for separating the two, they drive each other. The first record has elements of a hardcore punk album with metal scattered all over it. Our new record is a thrash metal album that kept a lot of its punk rock elements.”

Supermodel Taxidermy emerged from the aftermath of the critically acclaimed EP “A Whorer Story”, which started as a solo project but evolved into a full-fledged band due to overwhelming support. The upcoming album, “At What Cost”, delves into personal topics such as addiction, death, suicide, and prostitution, intertwining them with empowering messages.

Supermodel Taxidermy prides itself on collaborative songwriting, with each member contributing their strengths to create a powerful and cohesive sound. The band’s ethos revolves around pushing boundaries and tackling societal horrors through their music, all while injecting elements of fun and pop culture. They are recommended for fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, and Iron Reagan.

“At What Cost” is due out on May 31, 2024, and available for pre-order / pre-save at the following links:

https://www.punishment18records.com/

https://hyperfollow.com/SupermodelTaxidermy

https://supermodeltaxidermy.bandcamp.com/album/at-what-cost

Supermodel Taxidermy is:
Shawn Maynard – Guitar & Vocals
Michael Cheney – Bass & Back Up Vocals
Reilly Williams – Drums

Shared Stage with: The Dwarves, Authority Zero, Into Eternity, Chaser, Ripcordz, Untimely Demise, The Flatliners, The Corps, Golers, Tymo, Thirteen Goats, Choke, Citizen Rage, Forsaken Rite, Age Of Ashes, The Unending, The Devils Sons, Bogue Brigade, L.A.M.S, Vargouille, Despite The Reverence, La Chinga, Heir To Ash…

Festivals:
Party In The Park September 13th 2025, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
Decimate Metalfest June 27th 2025, Millet, Alberta, Canada
Rock the Rails June 7th, 2024, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
Alternative Waves June 15th 2024, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Dr Frogs Cavalcade of Audio Elixirs August 1st 2024, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada
Party in the Park September 14th, 2024, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada
Rock The Rails June 2nd 2022, Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada

0 EPK – The Order of The Precious Blood – Cheaper But Will Do (2024)

March 8, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · The Order of The Precious Blood

EPK – The Order of The Precious Blood – Cheaper But Will Do (2024)

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

“We think our fans will enjoy this new single. It combines a lot of elements that we are already known for, just pushed a little bit further. This song has been a part of our live set for a couple of months now and we’re excited to give our fans a recorded version that they can learn the words to and sing along with at shows, which is always awesome for us.

Get wrapped up in the chaotic emotion of the song. It moves from section to section fairly quickly and it’s also under 2 minutes, so ultimately we want to grab the attention of the audience in a very intense way for a short time and give them an experience they want to revisit again and again. Cheaper But Will Do takes you through a strange, abstract journey, even if it is a short one.” – The Order of The Precious Blood

For fans Converge, Alexisonfire, Every Time I Die, Code Orange, The Dillinger Escape Plan

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/preciousblood | Instagram.com/preciousblood709 | Facebook.com/preciousblood709 | Youtube.com/@preciousblood709

Preciousblood709.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“From the rocky shores of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada comes a blood ceremony, an unholy sacrament of the wicked riff. The Order of the Precious Blood congregates to bask in the red glow and immense power of heavy fucking metal” – Decibel Magazine

“I’m downright flabbergasted by the quality of this EP. I’ve come back to it time and time again. It’s got a distinct sound, it’s got variety, it’s got great songwriting, and top of the line production. If this is what The Order of the Precious Blood is starting out with then consider me a devout follower of the cult. I can’t wait to hear what these guys produce next. If you haven’t listened to this EP yet, do yourself a favour and get on that.” – HeavyNFLD

Show Dates:
April 19 – St John’s, NL – Peter Eastons – 19+ w/ Of The Black, Kaspam Cult, Killer 9000
April 20 – St John’s, NL – Gower Street United Church – All Ages
April 25 – Halifax, NS – Radstorm w/ Pavel Stroke, Thousand Knives, and Pale Ache
April 26 – Miramichi, NB – The Shred Shed w/ Ten Dollar Meat Bags and Ibex
April 27 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz w/ Yhorm, and Ibex
April 28 – Glace Bay, NB – The Bitten Moon Pub w/ Breakneck, Fear and Filth, and Great Value
May 2 – Charlottetown, P.E.I. – Charlottetown Beer Garden – ECMA Showcase
May 4 – Charlottetown, P.E.I. – Charlottetown Beer Garden – ECMA Showcase

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Cheaper But Will Do
Release Date: March 8, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Single Credits:
All songs performed by: The Order of The Precious Blood
All songs written by: The Order of the Precious Blood
Produced by: Krisjan Leslie & The Order of the Precious Blood
Mixed by: Krisjan Leslie
Mastered by: Krisjan Leslie
Single Artwork by: Datura AD

Single and Live Lineup:
Paul Brake – Lead Vocals
Ben Chapman-Smith – Bass
Cameron Legge – Guitar
Barry O’Keefe – Guitar
Adam Hearn – Drums

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About The Single Artwork

The artwork is an abstract art piece that depicts the hallucinatory world of chaos and darkness that is discussed in the lyrics of the song Cheaper But Will Do. A hooded skeletal figure offering you an unknown object or substance, as you walk closer to accept the offer, the figure’s face becomes a terrifying kaleidoscope spinning around you.

About The Single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Musically the song is equal parts lightning fast hardcore punk and searing noisy dissonance, with aggressive emotive vocals that spew venom straight to the listeners face. The lyrics describe a bleak landscape where we must all purchase our own versions of the “drugs” that are cheaper than we would like, but nonetheless, they will have to do. After dragging the listener through the darkness, the lyrics challenge you to “maintain existence now”.

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STORY ANGLES

1. The Order of the Precious Blood attempts to build a world that incorporates music, but with other esoteric elements that border on cult-like. The Order of the Precious Blood have been known to pass out pamphlets at their shows with subject matter regarding the evolution of human consciousness and the mysteries of the universe.

2. The Order of the Precious Blood has been known to reach their fans by way of analog viral marketing. They have left clues and prizes in the form of secret “drops” that may happen at other shows or local businesses or even left in public places. Prizes or clues can range from free cover or merchandise for dedicated fans, or creepy mystery items.

3. When The Order of the Precious Blood filmed their “Bastard! Rejoice! Live in the Basement” video which is available on the bands instagram, they filmed it in their old rehearsal space where singer Paul Brake used to live. Paul went to his local Wal-Mart and purchased every set of black curtains they had in stock for the set of the video, and returned them after they were finished. Some unsuspecting people have curtains that were used in our video hanging in their home. Also a great way to save money!

4. The Order of the Precious Blood have worked with local horror movie production company Grind Mind and have participated in their yearly film festival two years in a row. They have left secret drops at this festival, have performed at the opening ceremony, and have had spooky viral marketing appear in the programs handed out over the weekend festival.

5. The Order of the Precious Blood have made a habit of taking promotional pictures in various abandoned places in Newfoundland. From abandoned pig farms to abandoned hospitals, they make an effort to bring the element of horror by taking you inside these often spooky places.

FUN FACTS

1. Nominated for a MusicNL local award for Loud Artist of the Year, and are scheduled to showcase at the ECMA week in PEI in May 2024.

2. The Order of the Precious Blood have handed out pamphlets and what they called “hymn books” that were DIY printed with the bands lyrics for their set as a way to engage with their audience.

3. Paul’s old band RocketRocketShip had played with Barry and Adam’s old band Release the Hounds many times in the past, and Release the Hounds even beat RocketRocketShip in a battle of the bands.

L-R – Cameron Legge (Guitar) Ben Chapman-Smith (Bass), Paul Brake (Vocals), Adam Hearn (Drums) Barry O’Keefe (Guitar)

Photo Cred – Matthew Myler Photography

Precious Blood’s frenetic style can best be described as a horror movie come to life: relentless, punishing and claustrophobic, wielding a jagged dissonance while incorporating an unexpected brew of experimental and pop songwriting techniques. The Order of The Precious Blood is a blackened hardcore punk band comprised of frontman Paul Brake (RocketRocketShip, Wastecase), guitarists Cameron Legge (Slowpoke, Anoxia) and Barry O’Keefe (Release the Hounds), bassist Ben Chapman-Smith (Slowpoke, Head Loss) and drummer Adam Hearn (Release the Hounds, Faster Than Felix).

More Info:

THE ORDER OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD or ‘PRECIOUS BLOOD’ are a blackened punk band from St. John’s, NL that has been quickly amassing followers across Newfoundland and across the Maritimes.

The group launched in OCT ‘22 with a SOLD-OUT debut ‘BLOOD CEREMONY’ in their hometown and has quickly risen to the top of the local heavy music scene through careful marketing and strategic growth. Their first EP ‘I No Longer WIsh For Salvation’ (Release date: June 16, 2023) earned the group a NOMINATION for 2023 MUSICNL LOUD ARTIST OF THE YEAR (to be awarded Oct 21).

PRECIOUS BLOOD is unique in their ability to engage fans by creating lore around the group which plays on themes of cults, religions, and mysticism. Their ‘Augmented Reality’ marketing campaigns use touchpoints like cryptic posters, burner phone lines, item drops, and tracts/pamphlets which blur the lines between truth and fiction for their followers and act as worldbuilding tools.

Fans of PRECIOUS BLOOD are HIGHLY ENGAGED and enjoy attending frequent LIVE SHOWS, purchasing high quality and limited edition MERCHANDISE, and CONNECTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA. The band frequently partners with local businesses and brands to offer PROMOTIONS and GIVEAWAYS at their shows and on social media.

The group has already undertaken an ATLANTIC CANADIAN TOUR in AUG ‘23 with funding support from MusicNL. They have supported touring bands coming to NL like Diner Drugs (NB) and will be performing in the west coast of NL in fall 2023 with Pale Ache thanks to a separate grant from MusicNL.

Over the next year, THE ORDER OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD will continue to deepen the audience experience through SOUND RECORDING, MUSIC VIDEOS, PR CAMPAIGNS, LIVE SHOWS/TOURING, AUGMENTED REALITY MARKETING, and SHOWCASING at MusicNL Week 2023 and ECMA 2024.

Discography:
2024 – Cheaper But Will Do – Single
2023 – I No Longer Wish For Salvation – EP

Shared Stage with: Diner Drugs, Pale Ache, Anthesis, Baited, Smoke Signals

Tours and Festivals:
2023 – I No Longer Wish For Salvation Atlantic Tour
August 13th – St John’s NL all ages
August 18th – Charlottetown PEI
August 19th – Saint John NB
August 20th – Bathurst NB
August 23rd, Fredericton NB
August 24th – Halifax NS All Ages
August 25th – Halifax NS
August 26th – Halifax NS all ages skatepark show
August 27th – St John’s NL Skate or Don’t comp
September 9th PB Homecoming show

0 EPK – Nate Silva – The Chase (2024)

February 28, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Nate Silva

EPK – Nate Silva – The Chase (2024)

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

Booking Agent – Michel Benac, Voila Concerts – info[@]voilaconcerts[.]ca

“I’ve been showing some of my close musician friends the new album, and it’s all been fairly positive. It’s a fairly big departure for me – moving away from prog rock and more metal leanings, and harder metal projects before that – doing something more radio-friendly, for a lack of a better term. I’m hoping to reach a wider audience.

There’s definitely an explicit channeling of a lot of the 90s alternative and rock bands that I used to be into when I was younger in this album. Those bands and styles were certainly integral – moreso than I probably realize – so I think it has a nostalgic quality for that era of rock music. The album is also a look into some of the darker parts of grief and heartbreak that I was experiencing leading up to the beginning of the pandemic; experiencing the actual pandemic itself, and just trying to persevere one’s creative integrity through such a strange moment in society for everyone. So it’s also a very personal reflection of what I was dealing with during the creative process.” – Nate Silva

For fans of Foo Fighters, Danko Jones, Billy Talent, Green Day, Rush

Natesilvamusic.com | Youtube.com/@natesilvamusic | Instagram.com/natesilvamusic | Facebook.com/natesilvamusic

Natesilvamusic.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Twitch.tv/naters_pataters | Amazon

“What strikes me first is how smooth and calming his vocals are. Combined with the music, it makes for a very pleasing sound.” – Metal-Temple

“Silva has delivered an album that is a deeply personal reflection of not only where he has come from but where he stands now. In the process, he has provided us with a suitably entertaining soundtrack to that transitional journey.” – Uber Rock

“let yourself be carried away to small goosebumps… “The Chase” has definitely become an album that opens up new perspectives for the musician.” – PowerMetal.de

“”Nate Silva offers us a calling card to his sensitive, tormented rock universe, supported by a pleasant voice.”” – MusicWaves.fr

“The Chase by Nate Silva – with his deeply personal debut album, the singer songwriter explained how a tough breakup and healing from the breakup inspired the lyrics of The Chase. The album is a combination of rock and folk with drummer/vocalist Matt Babineau and bassist/vocalist Dan Joseph joining Nate on the journey.” – Amplify The Noise

Nate Silva – Artist of The Day – Maximum Volume Music (April 9th, 2024)

“Silva streak has Cornwall musician promoting The Chase across Ontario” – Cornwall Standard Freeholder

[Download Album Cover| Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: The Chase (28:52)
Release Date: Friday, May 3, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid (digital) / independent (physical)

Track Listing:
1-Best Damn Thing (3:12)
2-The Chase (feat. Dino Soares) (3.52)
3-Come Down (3:23)
4-Said And Done (5:09)
5-Burn! (3:06)
6-Cauterize (feat. Kevin Daoust) (4:24)
7-Perpetuate (5:46)

Album Credits:
– Written by Nathan Da Silva
– Produced by Nathan Da Silva
– Mixed by Shawn Sasyniuk, Crosspatch Studios, North Bay, Ontario, Canada.
– Mastered by Pierre Duchesne, Studio Ouie-Dire, Shefford, Quebec, Canada.
– SOCAN member / MAPL Canadian Content
Album Band Line Up:
Nathan Da Silva – Lead Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Synthesizer
Shawn Sasyniuk – Drums, Percussion, Lap Steel Guitar on Track 5
Brendan Soares – Vocals on Tracks 2 & 3

Live Band Line Up:
Nathan Da Silva – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Scott Reeves – Bass, Vocals
Matt Babineau – Drums, Vocals

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About The Album Artwork

Just a shot from a photoshoot I did with well-known Ottawa photographer Sean Sisk.

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

Musically, this record is revisiting some of my earliest musical inspirations and experiences as a preteen kid. Growing up in the 90s, that grunge, post-grunge, and alternative rock sound was big. So I feel that era of rock music can be heard in this record. On the other hand, it’s also hard for me to completely break away from the metal influences, and I think the importance of guitar work – and the lead guitar stuff throughout the record – is where that comes from.

Lyrically, it’s a very personal album. I went through a tough breakup before writing this – probably the hardest breakup in my life – so I was healing from that when writing the lyrics, and it shows. The act of writing these lyrics and putting them into songs was also part of the healing process for me – to get those feelings out and express them through song was therapeutic in itself.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Best Damn Thing: This is an acoustic guitar-driven track, with fingerstyle playing and folk leanings. Likely inspired from my time with Reuben And The Dark. It’s a song about loss, healing, and change. Losing everything you once had, that you thought you would never lose. Learning about how someone really is when you thought you knew them after so many years of knowing them – that kind of thing.

2. The Chase: Musically, this song screams Danko Jones – I’m a big fan of his. The guitar work is also inspired by bands like The Fall of Troy (with the intro riff) and Green Day. I also admire players like Alex Lifeson of Rush, who – in a trio – tries to play lush and dense chord voicings on the guitar to fill the aural space, and so that approach comes through in the choruses and bridge. Lyrically, I wanted this song to be a “pump up” song for myself; feeling down and out through the pandemic, losing all your work and having the uncertainty of not knowing when you’ll be able to play music again really takes a toll on the psyche as a performing artist. It’s a song about staying true to yourself, persevering, and never losing sight of your artistic and creative goals.

3. Come Down: There’s dance rock and 90s post-grunge vibes throughout this tune, with a catchy chorus and a Tom Morello-inspired guitar solo halfway through. This song is about navigating a relationship that’s about to break and trying your best to make it work despite everything working against you.

4. Said And Done: This is the folk and almost country-inspired song of the album. I started dating someone during the pandemic, and after being in such a long relationship with someone else before that, it was a big learning experience for me – being with someone new after such a long time. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long, but it flip-flopped quite a bit and lasted longer than it should have, so I was pretty chewed up about it. This was the lyrical inspiration for this tune. Musically, I wrote it just sitting with my acoustic guitar, trying to write something that just sounded absolutely depressing (*laughs*). But I also really wanted to channel that David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) approach to guitar playing for the solo section. I’m also a huge fan of John Petrucci of Dream Theater, and their song “The Spirit Carries On” was a big inspiration for the solo section as well. So that part of the tune is certainly a mashup of those two approaches. From a songwriting standpoint, I think this is one of the strongest tunes on the record.

5. Burn!: The hardest track on the record, this song is an unapologetic ode to the enjoyment of driving your favourite motorized vehicle at exhilarating speeds down a two-lane highway (in my case, a 1991 Mazda Miata – *laughs*). There are a lot of double meanings in the lyrics, using driving a car as a metaphor for pursuing your dreams and living a lifestyle of rock and roll. This was a demo I wrote back in 2014 and got shelved until now – at the time it was “too simple” for the creative projects I was doing at the time, but it felt right to revisit it now. Definitely channeling bands like Danko Jones and Foo Fighters on this one.

6. Cauterize: More 1990s alternative rock inspiration on this one, and likely the angriest song on the record (*laughs*). This is the uglier side of grieving the end of a relationship and trying to deal with infidelity. The words are pretty on the nose with this one, so I’ll let the lyrics speak for themselves. Musically, I wanted a groovier song on the album, and I also wanted a song that could have the potential for jamming or opening up in the middle section in a live performance setting. So for the studio version, I asked my good friend Kevin Daoust to take a guest guitar solo spot on it, and it actually ended up being a bit of a call-and-response, back-and-forth – kinda thing. I also reached out to my former guitar teacher, Wayne Eagles, to take a more experimental, fusion-esque approach to the solo section, so there are actually *two* studio versions of this track.

7. Perpetuate: This was another song that I wasn’t quite sure how it would turn out. It started with me just mucking around with natural harmonics on the guitar, and then I had this groovier version of the chord progression, so I tried to make something work with the two, and this is what came out…! Shoutout to Shawn Sasyniuk – who not only co-engineered and mixed the album, but also played drums and percussion on all tracks – who really shines on this track with his tasteful, super-groovy, and almost hip-hop like drumming. Oddly enough, there’s one particular track from a video game soundtrack that I drew a lot of explicit and implicit inspiration from (video game music, in general, is another significant musical influence for me). And I think the way this song is structured – in particular, the long instrumental outro – nods to video game music. Lyrically, it’s about living through the pandemic, the isolation, the almost-exclusive interaction with others online, the incredibly divisive political views throughout, and ultimately, just really wanting things to go back to “normal.”

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

Story angles:

1. Nate Silva was a brainchild and mastermind of Toronto-based prog rock/metal band – and Wacken Metal Battle Canada champions – THE SLYDE, who were active for 10+ years, with 7 albums released, and over 200 shows throughout Canada and abroad.

2. After writing and performing music with more prog rock and heavy metal leanings, Nate returns to his musical roots with his upcoming album, “THE CHASE,” channeling his first musical love of 1990s grunge, alternative hard rock, and pop punk rock that he discovered before even picking up the guitar.

3. With almost 1500 career performances to date with creative projects like THE SLYDE, as well as a freelance musician with acts like REUBEN AND THE DARK and CINDY DOIRE of SCARLETT JANE, Nate is no stranger to the grind of the music business and to the killing road.

4. Nate’s upcoming album was a healing journey for him, writing about some extremely personal experiences that he went through leading up to the pandemic and during the COVID-19 lockdowns. For some of the tracks, he collaborated with longtime childhood friend and fellow musician, Brendan “Dino” Soares. Both played in THE SLYDE for years.

5. Nate was born and raised in Cornwall, Canada. He went to Carleton University in Ottawa immediately after highschool for a Bachelor of Mathematics degree, but after 3 semesters, he switched to the Bachelor of Music Performance program and never looked back. Shortly after graduating, he relocated to Toronto to pursue a music career. Life circumstances led him to move to Muskoka in 2020, weeks before the pandemic began. With everything on lockdown and his gigging and touring schedules erased, Nate decided to spend his lockdown time wisely by returning to Ottawa and enrolling in the Master of Arts in Music program at Carleton. There, he completed a thesis paper on ludomusicology and rock music, and also studied fingerstyle acoustic guitar with world renowned guitarist Don Ross. Now with the Master’s degree completed, Nate is shifting focus back to his music career.

From L to R: Dan Joseph (Bass, Vocals), Nate Silva (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Matt Babineau (Drums, Vocals)

Photo Credit Sean Sisk

Nate Silva is a Canadian guitarist and singer/songwriter who has traveled through several sonic worlds throughout his career. Whether he is touring North America with indie folk act REUBEN AND THE DARK, commanding an audience in his band (and Wacken Metal Battle Canada champions) THE SLYDE at the world’s biggest heavy metal festival in Germany, or interpreting your favourite Top 40 tune at a local pub, Nate’s versatile guitar work and captivating tenor vocals shine across multiple musical genres.

After years of leading his own rock/metal bands under pseudonyms and freelancing with numerous talented artists, Nate is now embarking on a solo career. His debut single, “COME DOWN,” evokes 1990s alternative post-grunge and dance rock vibes. His second single, “BURN!,” is an unapologetic rock anthem to the enjoyment of driving your favourite car at exhilarating speeds down a two-lane highway. The third single “BEST DAMN THING” is a somber, introspective folk-inspired number about loss, change, and healing. These tunes are previews of Nate’s debut album, “THE CHASE,” to be released in May 2024.

Accompanied by drummer/vocalist Matt Babineau and bass guitarist/vocalist Scott Reeves, NATE SILVA’s power trio continues the high-energy rock music experience once established in THE SLYDE, with more dynamic musical versatility, personal reflection, and radio-friendly accessibility.

Nate is an endorsed artist with FENDER, FRYETTE AMPLIFICATION, ERNIE BALL, and CORRIGAN PICKUPS.

0 EPK – Never Elected – Turbulent (2024)

February 27, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Never Elected

EPK – Never Elected – Turbulent (2024)

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

For fans of Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, Guns N Roses, Soundgarden

Facebook.com/neverelectedband | Instagram.com/never_elected_band | Youtube.com/c/NeverElected

Neverelected.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“Washington D.C.’s Never Elected are bringing back some of the best elements of the ’90s, including the long hair. Fusing the socio-political consciousness of Rage Against the Machine, Living Colour’s furious bass-riffs, and the Foo Fighters’ driving guitars, the band is an in-your-face grunge-revival explosion.” – New Noise Magazine

“It’s really about time that you “Wake Up” and start paying attention to the world around you, including the hard rockers known as Never Elected. The band has just released a visually-stimulating music video to accompany their recent single, a revved-up, riff-driven sonic assault that has been the band’s most successful track since its November 2019 release. “Wake Up” is a preview of what’s to come on the group’s next record which they have been hard at work on this year and are on the verge of completing. If it wasn’t already evident by its title and socio-politically themed lyrics, the hard-hitting music video for “Wake Up” illustrates the fact that the band is out to convey a serious message.” – V13

“After releasing the thought-provoking and socio-politically themed video for their song “Wake Up” last year, Washington, DC’s Never Elected is back with a new video for their song “Where You Belong”. The video touches on yet another serious topic. This time dealing with the struggles of mental health, a topic that is taboo to discuss openly in many cultures.” – All About The Rock

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Turbulent
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1 – All Rise – 4:56
2 – Hate Breeds Hate – 4:20
3 – It’s Over – 4:06
4 – So Damn Easy – 5:04
5 – Time – 3:55
6 – Stab Me – 3:41
7 – Voice Inside – 5:09
8 – Tolerance Broken – 4:26
9 – All My Life – 2:15
10 – Death Complaint – 5:56
11 – One Of These Days – 4:00
Album Length: 47:52

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Never Elected
• All songs written by: Never Elected
• Produced by: Never Elected, Co-Producer Farhad ‘Zink’ Hossain
Recorded by Farhad ‘Zink’ Hossain at Zinkferd Studio
• Mixed by: Matty Pellets
• Mastered by: Jason Stanley
• Album Artwork by: Sujit Kumar

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Sujit Kumar – Vocals
Altan Aydin- Guitars
Dr T – Bass
Wesley Meyer – Drums

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About The Album Artwork:
The artwork is in 3 layers where you see a child, an angry screaming man and then also what looks like an AI-generated self just looking back at the two, devoid of any feeling or emotion.Track By Track:1. ALL RISE – He stood and waited for years while his father was already dead and gone. All he wanted to hear is that his father is innocent.His father, James, was the personal bodyguard of Karan, who was the son of an influential politician. He was a man of integrity and honesty and would even put his life down to serve his duty. His job was to protect and serve Karan without judgement.Karan was a party animal and indulged in every vice possible. While James didn’t personally endorse any of Karans habits, he was there to do his duty. Karan often threw expansive parties for his elite friends where everything his friends indulged in was provided. Most of these parties were also visited by the local politicians and the top cops.On one such party, there was a change and there was a raid by the Narcotics department and Karan is arrested along with a few of his high profile friends. The police and courts had all the evidence needed to prosecute, but in a matter of days he is acquitted and James is taken in custody as being the prime supplier of contraband. He is further charged with murder as well, as one of the party goers succumbed to an overdose.He looks up to his employers for help but is always told that they are going to stand behind him as long as he just waits in jail for a while. While in jail, he mysteriously is found dead. The family is in shambles and while the employers conveniently give them a sum of money to “heal”, all they wanted to hear is the truth showing that James was an honorable man.He sits there looking at the lady of Justice with the band around her eyes, when he hears the words “ALL RISE”. While his father is dead and burnt a long time ago, he just hopes to hear the word “Innocent”, but all that he hears is GUILTY AS CHARGED.

2. HATE BREEDS HATE – An abusive and tumultuous relationship with a person who was so consumed by hatred, that all they felt was hate.3. ITS OVER – The abusive relationship where he is shunned and told to leave time and again but must return because she keeps calling him back saying she is dying. He finally decides that he is done and is going back home, but then realizes he has no one and no place called home.

He finally answers the call that he has been deliberately ignoring over the last few weeks. “Please come back. Please. I don’t know why I let this happen. I’m dying, please return. I’ll make all the changes and it will all be better, but for now please come back. Please return”

Ever since he left, he has been shuttling between places and he had just found a place to live that he could afford. He leaves that place, losing his deposit and advance rent to return.

In less than three days, she tells him it’s over again and this time he knows he’s done, even though he has nowhere to go.

4. SO DAMN EASY – They kept telling him, that he needs to voice out everything that he has bottled up inside. He is happy just smiling and spreading the happiness and love. He is now just an existentialist and doesn’t care for life and has a constant hope to end it all. He is never ever going to show it or let anyone know, while dealing with episodes of severe bouts of depression and suicidal ideation, where he sometimes screams out for help silently while telling people that he does not need saving.

We’re sitting at a bar way past closing time. The owners were friends and they let us sit in after everyone was gone and the doors were shut. We’re talking about old times and school days when Kurt asks “ Baba, you sure you ok?” I burst out laughing and ask him why he asks. He says that he feels I’ve been bottling up all my thoughts. Then says “You’ve got to let it all go man. You’ve got to let out and show everyone what you have inside”

5. TIME – Cocaine, a plethora of pills, and a bottomless pit of Rum sounded like the perfect place to meet his soulmate.

During a time of complete hopelessness and having lost all reason to keep living, he goes on a partying binge where he hopes to overdose and die. There is nothing to save for and nothing and no one to live for anyway. There is no one he trusts and no one he knows that believes in him. One night, he thinks he has finally found someone who believes in him and accepts him for the loser that he is. The night at the club was great and the days and nights that followed were even better. He thought he had found his soulmate, only for both to wake up to reality once the high had worn out.

6. STAB ME – story of a boy who was born to family where the dad was a highly respected person, and his mom was a ‘housewife’. He was a smart and confident kid who did well in art and sport, and did average academically, but it was never ‘good enough’. He was always put down by family because he didn’t match the HIGH STANDARDS set by the family. Always being put down and under pressure with no one to talk to, his only friend was his mom.

He finds his solace in drugs in his late teens and gets to a point where the parents and immediate neighbors realize. Instead of helping him in the right way, the dad wants to hush the problem and tells him to “Figure it out” and “get out of it”. He doesn’t want anyone to know that his son is a drug addict. He stops giving him money for college and tells him to “figure it out”.

Kid starts stealing from home, his neighbors, and his friends to support his habit. Neighbors and friends let mom know. Mom cannot tell this to dad and she needs to keep this hush, so secretly gives money to the kid to support his habit..

These are his thoughts and conversations with his mom who helped him dissolve his pain away to death.

7. Voice Inside – Sitting on the top of a terrace on a hill, looking down at the city contemplating on giving up or fighting on and working to bigger, better things ahead. Working on long forgotten dreams. Working on every little strain of positive thought that was either suppressed, burnt out or deliberately killed by myself.

As I sat there reminiscing about good times, I felt guilty. For no reason at all, a feeling of guilt is what went through me. I was not used to feeling or thinking of good times. It had been ages. My mind and body seemed to be rejecting these good feelings.

Maybe it was the hash that night or the fact that I was away and alone from social interaction for a bit that opened the doorway into my long-suppressed self.

8. TOLERANCE BROKEN – After years of soaking in insults and building walls internally, the volcano inside of him is no longer dormant and is ready to explode. He now sees things in a different way and is ready to destroy it all.

Told to pretend and wear a mask, smile and tolerate and soak in all the offence. Keep those feelings locked behind those walls you have learnt to build all your life.

Whether as a girl in a patriarchal world, or as a dark skinned / unpretty / ugly child, hiding behind layers of make up or an artist forced to hide within cubicles of data filled screens. Or an immigrant in an unwelcome new world.

9. ALL MY LIFE – All My Life begins with a Rhyme that the artist’s grandma sang to him regularly, mocking his ugly looks as a toddler. The genesis of this fiery and incisive track lies in that childhood rhyme, a haunting echo of a grandma’s jests at the artist’s toddler ugliness. This fiery and incisive track serves as an unfiltered outpouring of frustration directed at all those who have brought adversity into the artist’s life, spanning different periods and across various aspects. It is a brief rant on the hypocrisy and self-serving agendas exhibited by both, close and extended family. To amplify its potency, the band enlisted the vocal prowess of Reena Joy, reviving the persona of the Grandma with chilling authenticity. The band continues their collaboration with Rahul Mukerji of Proviscocity LLC, who the band had previously worked with,on their last two releases, “Where You Belong” and “Wake Up”, both of which garnered widespread acclaim on a global scale. Recorded by Zink Hossain at Zinkferd Studio in Virginia, the song then travelled across the Niagara to Montreal, Canada, where it was mixed by Matty Pellets and mastered by Jason Stanley at Studio 9. Recorded by Zink Hossain at Zinkferd Studio in Virginia, the song embarked on a transcontinental journey, traversing the Niagara to Montreal, Canada. Here, it underwent meticulous mixing by Matty Pellets and mastering by Jason Stanley at Studio 9, adding layers of sonic depth to its raw emotional resonance.

10. DEATH COMPLAINT – Battered and bruised, mentally, emotionally, and even physically, because he just got off a fist fight that he provoked for no reason known to him as he has always been scared of violence and would never want to cause harm to anyone in any form…. He walks back to the room, he now lives in, looking at whatever possessions he physically owns. High on a mix of sleeping pills, alcohol and a few other drugs, his brain works out a suicide plan with what he sees before him but he stops at the last minute..

11. ONE OF THESE DAYS – One of These Days is all about self-reflection, introspection, and the yearning for transformation. Broken mirrors and distorted reflections, give an insight into the artist’s identity and innermost thoughts. Torn within himself, he acknowledges the existence of an ‘Echo Chamber’, where his words and thoughts resonate without being fully comprehended by others.

Despite these hurdles the artist decides to confront his fears and uncertainties head-on. The line “I want to walk on the sun, Might get my feet burnt, Let’s do it” encapsulates his resolve to embrace risk and challenge themselves, even in the face of potential adversity.

In essence, “One of These Days” encapsulates the journey toward self-awareness and personal growth, urging listeners to confront their inner truths and pursue change, regardless of the uncertainties that may await them.

L-R – Dr. T – Bass, Wesley Meyer- Drums, Sujit Kumar- Vocals, Altan Aydin – Guitar

Photo Credit – Rahul Mukerji

Never Elected, one of Washington D.C.’s most captivating and electrifying acts, is set to rock the airwaves new album “Turbulent” coming out on April 19th. The album is also a finalist in this year’s 2024 WAMMIES (Washington, D.C.’s version of the Grammy’s) for Best Hard Rock / Metal Album along with their other nominations for Best Hard Rock / Metal Band, and Best Hard Rock / Metal Single (All My Life).

Known for their thought-provoking material centered around socio-political themes, Never Elected continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene. The album “Turbulent” is a deep reflection of the tumultuous times experienced by the band’s vocalist. From rocking out to evoking tears, the audience’s reactions to the songs have been diverse and intense, showcasing the emotional depth of Never Elected’s music.

Formed by the dynamic duo, Sujit Kumar and Altan Aydin, who share a common love for all things grunge and rock ‘n’ roll, the band also features Dr. T on melodic bass riffs and Wesley Meyer, the driving force behind the drums. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the band persevered, recording and releasing two singles and music videos that kept their fans engaged during a period of uncertainty.

Recommended for fans of Foo Fighters, Alice In Chains, and Guns N’ Roses, Never Elected’s “Turbulent” is due out on April 19th, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://neverelected.bandcamp.com.

Discography:
Turbulent – 2024
Down Too Long EP – 2017
Wake Up – Single – 2019
Where You Belong – Single – 2021

Shared Stage with: Shumaun, Iris Divine, XK Scenario, Shrewdness of Apes, Silent Island

0 EPK – Lÿnx – Claws Out (2024) (Bullzhorn Records)

February 27, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Lynx (Bullzhorn Records)

EPK – Lÿnx – Claws Out (2024) (Bullzhorn Records)

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

“All of us have put a lot of thought into this album, as every artist does. With our new frontman and his extraordinary talent, it has opened a whole new list of possibilities, and the energy that is Lÿnx has just gone to the next level. From Japan to Spain, the USA, and Germany our previous EP’s have made it to different parts of the world, our next album is going worldwide!

We are trying to give our fans the whole experience with this album. If you want to tour downtown with your girl or your boys and crank up the tunes, we got that. If you want to sit back and chill, listen to some good time rock, we got that too. You’re having a party? Hell Yeah! We should be the first album played because that’s what Lÿnx is. We bring the energy, the noise and want everyone to enjoy it with us!” – Lÿnx

For fans of Motley Crue, Guns N Roses, Skid Row, Mr. Big, Poison

“”Claws Out is a straight shot of heavy rock n’ roll straight to the heart. With its infectious energy, blistering guitar solos, and powerhouse vocals, it’s a proof to the enduring power of the genre. Crank up the volume, grab the Aqua Net, throw up the horns, and let Lÿnx take you on a journey through the wild and untamed world of hair metal glory. MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Rock Machine”, “Can’t Get Enough”, “Band of Brothers”, “Pull the Trigger”, “Lights Out”” – Amplify The Noise

“Claws Out” is pure hair metal and above all with a very authentic, nostalgic production!” – PowerMetal.de

“”Claws Out” is a powerful shot from heavy rock n’ roll straight to the heart. With its contagious energy, hot guitar solos and powerful vocals, it’s a testament to the genre’s timeless power. Turn up the volume, take the hairspray and let Lÿnx take you on a journey into the wild and indomitable world of hair metal!” – Rockway.gr

“Lynx sound and style is so old they are practically new! Throw-back, retro, old-school…call ‘em what you will but it works because virtually no one is doing this anymore. There are a select few local bands who are doing this style and sound but more often than not they are cover bands. It takes balls of steel to rock like this in the year 2024 and I’m am so glad that they do!” – Metal Rules

“The look and feel of this debut full-length album just screams late 80s sleaze metal and the sound here very much pays homage to the halcyon days of smudged eyeliner, scratchy vocals and Sunset Strip fantasies but with an occasional contemporary gloss.” – Metal Forces Magazine

“Lÿnx serve their fans Claws Out not only the typical 1980s rock that you are used to from their previous releases, but also varied punk that is enriched with a good party mood. The listener never gets bored, on the contrary: this puts you in a good mood!” – Soundmagnet Magazine

“Lÿnx is an honest to goodness rock n roll band in a time when rock needs just that. They offer up blistering guitar riffs and solos, melodic choruses, and high energy performances that resemble the spirit of a time long gone by.” Hitonindie.com

“A brilliant release that perfectly builds on the stage that their self titled EP set. ‘Long Live Rock N Roll’ is a direct unyielding ode to what rock music used to be. A release that’s not for the faint of heart, its bold, brash and wonderfully Brutal. Landing as one of Lÿnx’s defining musical moments” Thomas Bedward- Broken 8 Records

“ Opening tracks can tell you a lot about an album. Sometimes bands come out swinging, and others take a slow burn approach. There’s no slow burn in Lÿnx. And the title track ‘Long Live Rock N Roll’ roars out of your speakers. It features a great guitar solo, fantastic percussion, and drips with 80s glam.” Dave Wilks – CGCM Radio/ Podcast

“This is a really solid, fun band that were excited about, and can’t wait to hear what’s next. So, Crank it up and press play!”- MusicNotez Magazine

“a crazy cocktail of glam and hard rock, “Claws Out” isn’t necessarily original, but it’s definitely effective.” – Music Waves

Album Title: Claws Out
Release Date: May 9, 2024
Label: Bullzhorn Records
Distribution: DistrokidTrack Listing:
1. Hell In High Heels (04:18)
2. Rock Machine (04:08)
3. Claws Out (04:24)
4. Can’t Get Enough (05:00)
5. Shake it Up (Remastered) (03:47)
6. Band of Brothers (05:31)
7. Nothing But Love (04:59)
8. Hard As Life (04:38)
9. Pull the Trigger (04:54)
10. Lights Out (04:09)

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Lÿnx
• All songs written by: Lÿnx
• Produced by: Bullzhorn Records
• Mixed by: Priyam Baksi
• Mastered by: Nathan Reiner
• Album Artwork by: Syafiq AL Faruq
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Ja6ur- Lead Vocals
Blade- Guitar, Backing Vocals
Fangs- Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Flash- Drums/ Percussion

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

About the album (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The album is straight, heavy Rock’n’roll, you could pull it right off the shelf of any record store on the Sunset Strip in the late 1980’s, of course with our modern day producing and mastering!

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1.Hell In High Heels: This song was Ja6ur’s Ex. We wanted to express in words the feeling of ‘Forbidden Fruit’ in a sense. When you know it’s gonna hurt but you still need it. Every person has that one volatile relationship, we’ve just given it lyrics.

2.Rock Machine: What’s a home? Safe space, family, comfort etc. Not for us! The tour vehicles never get the appreciation they deserve. Band’s tour bus/van/cars are our home away from home and we decided to write our anthem for these long overlooked heroes.

3.Claws Out: Title Track!!! With this one we wanted to hit hard and fast. So one thing led to another and well…Werewolf! In honesty, we wanted this one to have a different theme than other songs and it went through about 3 different versions before we decided to get Ja6ur write some bloodthirsty werewolf shit and it just worked out.

4.Can’t Get Enough: Sex! Drugs! Rock N’ Roll! Who doesn’t love a party anthem? Can’t Get Enough, we want more too! Always to excess, the chorus wanted those gritty Crüe gang vocals, the general theme stemming from Fangs and his vision of a night out with his lady.

5.Shake it Up: Every band needs that one fast paced shake your ass kind of song, something to get the ladies moving and the men groovin’. Shake it up has all the feels from the catchy riffs to the furious guitar solo. Strong bass to keep the beat, banging drums you’ll feel in your chest, and a screeching vocal tune that may just have you coming back for more!!!

6.Band of Brothers: “For a long time I’ve held the idea that family is not just what you’re born into but also those people that you choose to be in your life. One night while under the influence of a magical spore it became clear to me that the brothers I always wanted were already in my life. This is my ode to them.” – Fangs

7.Nothing But Love: Every good rock record has the one your girlfriend likes! So here ya go. We wrote this one about our special ladies and now you can cover it when you’re in the dog house.

8.Hard As Life: Been bullied? Shit on at work, for no reason? Had a bad fucking day? We wrote this for exactly these times, we’ve been there, you’re not alone!

9.Pull the Trigger: This song is about the 1950s Anti Rock n Roll movement/propaganda where it was considered as the ‘Devil’s Music’ or was believed as the cause of the nation’s social ills and youthful rebellion. As a result, it was banned from many radio stations, schools etc. Pull the Trigger is our way of telling them to Fuck off!

10.Lights Out: What’s more punk than getting punched out at your favorite karaoke bar? Okay there’s probably a lot but that’s not the point. Anyways that’s what happened to our buddy Cooper. Next thing you know there’s a song about it (with minor embellishments) We’ll make an honest man out of him one day!

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Our guitarist Blade uses his background in music production to compose a lot of our songs at work without an instrument in his hands. Constantly thinking of different riffs, beats he then goes into hope and sees how they can work musically. A lot of them works and some don’t but once he has an idea in his head he records it on his phone, goes home, grabs a guitar and starts figuring out how he can make it into the Lÿnx signature sound.

2. Our first show together was a show at the Blind Beggar in Calgary. We put on a 3-band show with us being the headliner to close out the night. We prepared our setlist and hit the stage. After the set, the crowd was demanding an encore, and of course we didn’t have one. We ended up playing Long Live Rock n Roll again and invited the crowd up to join us on stage and dance out the rest of the show. It was a great moment for the band and the fans loved it, what a great way to close out our first show together.

3. We are all blue-collar worker who have spent years and years grinding away the short time we have on this earth living someone else’s dream. We all decided as a band to create our own path while putting our heart, soul, and past experiences into our music. Our passion to create music is what drives us, while knowing that once we make it we never want to go back to the mundane working life we all know.

4. We want our fans to be taken back to a time long gone that was full of hair, crazy outfits and rockstars. As well as bring in a new generation who might pass off the music as “our parent’s music” we believe that the rock n roll genre has taken a backseat for a while to other genres which isn’t a bad thing, but we want to make sure that the rock is still alive and make our forefathers proud.

L-R : Blade [Guitars] | Flash [Drums] |Ja6ur [Vocals] | Fangs [Bass]

Photographer Credit: Breana Garland

Lÿnx is a Hard Rock/Hair Metal four-piece band currently based in Calgary, Canada formed in 2020 during the pandemic. Connected by a shared love of 80s Rock, the band immediately set about writing original songs that embody the style & swagger of the past, while embracing the polished production & down to Earth grit of their more modern rock influences. Having gained a reputation for their anthemic choruses, sizzling guitar solos & powerhouse vocals, Lÿnx have garnered a dedicated & eclectic international fan base. The band aims to build on the momentum created by their released music & push their sound into even more extreme & rock n’ roll places.

Lÿnx is:
Ja6ur- Lead Vocals
Blade- Guitar, Backing Vocals
Fangs- Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
Flash- Drums/ Percussion

Discography:
May 2024 – Claws Out
Sept 2020 – Long live Rock N Roll – EP
Feb 2020 – Lÿnx Self Titled Debut EP

SHARED STAGE WITH:
Iron Kingdom, Tyrants of Chaos, Arrival of Autumn, Wthcnvtcn, Sionis, Die Another Day, Crimson Caliber, Osyron, Balrogath, Chiliocosm, Faster than Bears, Orbit the Fox, Haunt the Stars, Sarafin

TOUR AND FESTIVALS:
Alternative Waves Festival, Medicine Hat Alberta 2023
Serenade Metal Fest, Edmonton 2023
WayneStock Music Fest, Drumheller 2023
Alternative Waves Festival, Medicine Hat Alberta 2022
Decimate Metal Fest, High River 2022

Artist Endorsements:
Soultone Cymbals
The New Vintage Custom Guitars – Calgary, Alberta
Just Music- Cranbrook, British Colombia

0 EPK – Drungi – Hamfarir Hugans (2024)

February 25, 2024
by Asher
· Drungi · EPKs

EPK – Drungi – Hamfarir Hugans (2024)

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

Management: Magnus Addi Olafsson – magnusaddi[@]gmail[.]com

“Worth the wait, for those that have been following us it has been a journey of postponement which will provide our fans with much satisfaction. To those who discover us they are in for a ride filled with Icelandic lyrics, heaviness and nature-inspired lyrical content. We aim for an experience filled with primal emotions, that most people will be able to relate to regardless of their understanding of our language.” – Drungi

For fans of Sólstafir, Skálmöld, Black Sabbath, Gojira, Manowar

Drungi.is | Facebook.com/drungiiceland | Instagram.com/drungiiceland | Youtube.com/@drungiiceland912

Drungi.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“Their music is so perfect that the only thing we can comment on is their clothes” – A&P Reacts

“Bringing an interesting mix of rock, black n roll and doom metal that takes elements from all three genres and conjures up an infectious hard rock/metal album for those of you that just want to cut loose with your basic intrinsic musical urges. Fiercely primal, raw, full of hooks, and chunky grooves, Drungi looks to shake your foundations to the core.” – Metal Epidemic

“a band who have managed to dig out a niche of their own with a unique yet cohesive sound and solid performances for their first and unsigned album. It speaks of a combination of lethal talent, inspiration, and a hell of a working ethic. I hope Drungi is willing to dig deep and mine the most out of its style, because this outfit has the potential to go very far indeed. Hamfarir Hugans is just the first step.” – Angry Metal Guy

“Based on a merger between the mind and Icelandic nature, “Hamfarir Hugans” is a surefire way to get a dosage of Icelandic music, heavy riffs and piercing vocals.”” – Metal Temple

Hamfarir Hugans is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant. Each track unfolds like a chapter in an ancient saga, drawing one deeper into Drungi‘s world. Hamfarir Hugans is satisfyingly heavy and melodic and an invitation to embark on a journey through the realms of myth and emotion. MUST LISTEN TRACKS: all eight tracks” – Amplify The Noise

“This album is a for sure the best debut of a band this year so far and I seriously doubt there will be something new so enticing as this new Drungi album. Try to put your dirty hands in this disc if you are seeking something different and very metal at the same time.” – Darksouls United

Album Title: Hamfarir Hugans
Release Date: April 5, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Alda – 5:42
2. Þoka – 7:00
3. Ófærð – 5:15
4. Skriða – 3:34
5. Frost – 4:42
6. Skjálfti – 4:20
7. Kvika – 7:31
8. Myrkur – 6:17

Album Credits:
– All songs Performed by: Magnús Addi Ólafsson, Rúnar Gauti Gunnarsson, Sjafnar Björgvinsson, Markús Loki Gunnarsson, Sandra María Bergþórsdóttir.
– All songs written by: Magnús Addi Ólafsson, Rúnar Gauti Gunnarsson, Sjafnar Björgvinsson, Markús Loki Gunnarsson, Guðmundur Kristinn Haraldsson.
– Produced by: Stephen Lockhart
– Mixed by: Stephen Lockhart
– Mastered by: Stephen Lockhart
– Album Artwork by: Magnús Addi Ólafsson and Rúnar Gauti Gunnarsson, Fixed by Dall-E AI for clarity

Album band lineup:
Magnús Addi Ólafsson – Bass
Rúnar Gauti Gunnarsson – Lead guitar,
Sjafnar Björgvinsson – Vocals,
Markús Loki Gunnarsson – Rhythm guitar,
Kristján B. Heiðarsson – Drums

Live band Lineup:
Magnús Addi Ólafsson – Bass
Rúnar Gauti Gunnarsson – Lead guitar,
Sjafnar Björgvinsson – Vocals,
Markús Loki Gunnarsson – Rhythm guitar,
Sandra María Bergþórsdóttir – Drums

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About The Album Artwork

It’s a merger between the mind and Icelandic nature. With our songs being very mind–nature inspired we thought this was a fitting idea for an album cover. – Magnus & Runar

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

As previously mentioned, the album is a theme following mental issues that people suffer from and the imagery of the Icelandic things in nature that can kill you. So, we have a death that’s both physical and mental. – Magnus

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Alda (Wave) – Musically it follows the rhythm of a wave crashing a boat into the cliffs of northwestern Iceland. Lyrically it’s about self-harm where sometimes you feel like you are drowning in the abundance of emotion and you wish you were just washing away.

2. Þoka (Fog) – Musically it’s following the feeling of being lost in a dense fog with no sense of direction and the panic that ensues. Lyrically it’s about having a brain fog and you don’t know if you are thinking logically and being on the brink of being insane or on the brink of total chaos much like schizophrenia.

3. Ófærð (Impass) – Musically: The name translates to impassible or Impass and the music follows the idea of violent storms, snow or rain and the music is inspired by those storms that make much of Iceland impassible both in winter and summer. Lyrically: Being trapped or isolated and having no escape from it much like Locked in syndrome.

4. Skriða (Landslide) – The highs and lows of the song translate into mountain tops and how easy it is to be caught in a landslide. Crumbling down from the turmoil one gets inflicted by, from a high point and until hitting rock bottom.

5. Frost (frost) – The damage that the Harsh cold of Iceland can inflict upon the world. Being trapped in an icy cold winter that never thaws. Fimbulwinter. Much like being a psychopath, with a complete lack of emotion.

6. Skjálfti (Quake) – Unstable, unpredictable, like the earthquakes we have every day in Iceland. Insecurity and shivering when you feel the shaking of the ground without any shaking happening in the ground. Inner turmoils and fears, Anxiety.

7. Kvika (Magma) – An epic scope of a volcano captured in an eerily musical way. The inner anger and violence that boils under the surface. The magma boils slowly but you do not know when it will erupt and cause cataclysmic events a mind disaster. Explosive manic disorder.

8. Myrkur (Dark) – We don’t know what happens in the darkness and how it will affect our life, and that’s the scary idea that happens in the musical part of Myrkur. Depression, You can let the darkness control you but you must remember to turn on the light that only oneself can turn on. The darkness can be obsessive but it is dangerous if it’s used wrongly on others and yourself.

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Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. Our most told story is the one about the guitarist the lied on his application. Saying that he was 16 when he asked to join when in fact he was still only 15, We had a lot of gigs with an underage guitarist and his parents were often seen in the crowd.

2. During our second gig we were about to go on stage and the bassist completely missed the fact that the guitarist had to go to the bathroom. And so walked on stage and played for nearly 5 minutes a single riff until the rest of the band finally joined him. Being an eventful gig our singer shows up dressed as a zombie priest with heavy makeup and Rúnar then reviewing the band before joining got scared out of his mind when meeting the vocalist outside the venue.

3. When arriving at Lemmy Rock fest in 2022 we were a bit early and noticed that nothing was properly set up at the time, so we carried all the shared gear, set up the stage and hung all the lighting + lighting programming prior to the show. An hour before heading on stage our bassist walked into the tattoo shop located in the venue and got the band Motif tattooed on his calf and was essentially in pain the whole show.

4. Sandra remarks – Magnus likes his show underwear like he likes his bacon, Extra crunchy.

5. Sjafnar our vocalist Participated in the Icelandic idol completely wooing the judges with Cowboys from hell acapella.

L-R: Magnus Addi Olafsson (Bass) | Sandra Maria Berþorsdottir (Drums & Vocals) | Sjafnar Bjorgvinsson (Vocals) | Runar Gauti Gunnarsson (Guitar) | Markus Loki Gunnarsson (Guitar)

Photo Credit: Hvergiland Photography

We are Drungi, hailing from the cool shores of Reykjavík Iceland. A refreshing addition to the hard rock/metal scene with an interesting mix of Rock, black‘n‘roll, and doom.

Formed in 2019, the lineup consists of Sjafnar on vocals, Rúnar on lead guitar, Loki on rhythm guitar, Magnús on bass and Sandra on drums. The first show they played was in mid-2019 when they opened a small local festival, Toolraiser 2019, and since then they have played numerous shows including Lemmy Rock Festival 2022 and Culture Night 2022.

Drungi celebrates their 5th year together with the release of their debut album “Hamfarir Hugans” this coming April 2024. Having all suffered from some form of mental illness, the debut album consists of songs inspired by Icelandic nature as well as the deep-rooted mental troubles, that many other people may struggle with every day. Their lyrics are all in Icelandic and connect with the harsh environments they as locals have had to deal with since the island was first populated. Their different musical backgrounds have come together to form a unique mixture of metal and rock that many people connect with on a deeper level.

Shared Stage with: Sóstafir, Krownest (2023 WMB winners), Vögel, Canis, Aesculus, Morii, Ormar, Hodris, Merkúr, Ultra Magnus, Skepna Overturn, Kookaveen, Nornagal, Skoffín, M-sea

0 EPK – ADON – Self-Titled (2024)

February 22, 2024
by Asher
· ADON · EPKs

EPK – ADON – Self-Titled (2024)

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

“While we hope that new fans will find many things to love about the album, the intention behind the music has always been artistic expression. We hope that in this way, people can connect with the album. We want people to be totally immersed in the cacophony of sound that is this album. We hope that it feels akin to be taking a journey through time and space and that they might consider what lies beyond this realm.” – ADON

For fans of Enslaved, Marduk, Hate, Havukruunu, Oranssi Pazuzu

Instagram.com/adon_metal | Facebook.com/ADONMetal | Youtube.com/@adon_metal6409

Adonmetal.bandcamp.com | Spotify

[Downlaod Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Adon
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Ascension – (6:08)
2. Æther – (5:27)
3. Adon – (16:43)
4. Azimuth – (5:19)
5. Axiom – (3:48)
6. Æon – (11:03)
Total Length – 48:28

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Adon
• All songs written by: Æthelwulf II, Nath
• Produced by: Adon
• Mixed by: Dave Otero (Flatline)
• Mastered by: Dave Otero (Flatline)
• Album Artwork by: Adon

Album Band Line Up:
Nath – Guitars, Bass, additional vocals
Æthelwulf II – Vocals, additional instrumentation
James Stewart – Drums

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

As a whole, this album represents lifelong dreams. The pursuit of which escaped us as younger folk but found proper creative footing as we matured. It represents all of our influences in a way that, hopefully, can only be described as ‘ADON’. The album explores themes of war, power, death, apocalypse, cosmos, emergence, transformation, and repeating history, oftentimes through the lens of ancient Viking/ Saxon era imagery. Musically it finds its core in black metal though it couldn’t possibly only be described as that.

We believe it is uniquely us, and we made it for ourselves. We love to share our creative expressions with others though, and we hope that others can find meaning as we do.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

1. Ascension – This song sets the tone for the album with its brutality. The lyrics as we wrote them visually focus on the beginning of an apocalypse, and the hopeless futility of survival. The title ‘ascension’ conjures imagery of a kind of torturous rapture.

2. Æther – A non-stop onslaught of violent themes and images of battle. A war cry in the spirit of Vikings, taking flight on wings of vengeance.

3. Adon – This song tells a classic story of a man playing at being God. However, in this story, the subject an ancient king, is given a glimpse into the unfathomable and loses himself in the abyss before glimpsing an unknown eternity. The character of king I (Æthelwulf II) is based on my own line of ancestry of Saxon kings and their mix of pagan & Christian ideologies. This idea of asking God for the power to subjugate is delightfully paradoxical and all too common in our own history. To further tie into these ideas, a large portion of the lyrics for this song are written and performed in Olde English. I enlisted the help of an Olde English expert to help me translate my ideas and spent a good amount of time working on my pronunciation. Olde English is also present in other songs as well, but most prominently here.

We titled the song ‘Adon’ to further draw a line to concepts we frequently touch upon in our lyrics. The ancient word, ‘Adon’, can be translated as meaning “The Lord”. Adon as a god character in mythology, to me, personifies hubris. Calling yourself the Lord of anything is an expression of hubris in a human context. I thought exploring this idea of unhinged hubris to be quite interesting. This imagery is also the main theme on the album’s cover.

4. Azimuth – Originally inspired, like many of the songs on this album, by the Arthurian legend, but changed over time into a vision of destiny and decay, exploring the themes of emergence and transformation.

5. Axiom – Put simply, this song tells the story of a person being stretched into nothingness upon entering a black hole.

6. Æon – Another musing on apocalypse, telling a more complete story from our world ending completely to the unknown reaches of the cosmos. We use the imagery of a trumpet signaling the end of the age of the earth, as described in Judeo-Christian texts a motif musically and lyrically. I found it quite interesting to imagine a single blare of a horn signaling the end of humanity; the end of an age.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Every song on the album features a guest musician or two.
-Chris Beattie (The Zenith Passage, Dreamer) adds lead and solo guitar to Ascension, Æther, Azimuth, and Æon. While our music isn’t anywhere near as complex as Chris’ own bands, we felt that his beautifully moving soloing style and unbelievable technical proficiency fit perfectly throughout the album.

-Justin Sakogawa (Warscythe, Splattered, ex-Defeated Sanity, Vile) contributes solos on both Axiom and Adon. Justin’s style takes an equally precise technical performance and injects it with a more traditional “Death” influenced soloing style that was perfect for the songs he contributed to. He also makes an appearance in the music video for Axiom to shred his parts on that song.

-Ember Belladonna provides some haunting and ethereal flute to Axiom and Adon. Her contributions to Adon truly take that song to another level and give it a cinematic and psychedelic edge.

– Kyle Schaefer (Fallujah, Archaeologist) adds his vocals to the track ‘Adon’ at key moments throughout the track.

2. We were lucky enough to connect with James Stewart (Decapitated, ex-Vader) during the pandemic and he graciously agreed to track drums on our EP. He offered us the option to have him on or debut when we got around to it, and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. His home recording setup got a significant upgrade between our EP and album, and his performances are unforgettable. Having him involved to offer his insights and advice and his impeccable professionalism made the production of the album that much better.

3. I hit up Dave Otero on Instagram after hearing his mixes of Ahklys. I thought a similar production might work well for us, but didn’t fully realize who Dave was and the breadth of his work. It sounds idiotic to say now, with the number of MASSIVE hits he has under his belt, and for some reason, he agreed to mix the album. He offered indelible advice particularly as it pertains to future recordings. Still can’t believe he mixed and mastered this behemoth!

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

L-R – Æthelwulf II: bottom (seated) – Vocals, additional instrumentation, Nath: Top (standing) – Guitars, Bass, additional vocals

ADON was ideated long ago, but finally emerged in the winter of 2020 with their EP release ‘Arkane’.

Mixed and mastered at Endarker Studio in Sweden, it was clear from the start that ADON sought to craft extreme metal that was rooted in the foundations of the genres that inspired them, but stood on their own in the music they crafted.

The sound of the EP reflected their grimmer influences while teasing a future that was much darker and intense, with more room for experimentation within a Blackened/Death sound.

With their full-length, self-titled debut album, ADON reached their sights further still…

Recorded throughout 2022, the core of ADON remains whilst also featuring several collaborations from the likes of Kyle Schaefer (FALLUJAH), Chris Beattie (THE ZENITH PASSAGE, DREAMER), and Justin Sakogowa (SPLATTERED, WARSCYTHE), and several other talented guests, and was mixed and mastered by a staple of extreme metal, Dave Otero.

With an enormous, crushing, and relentless sound that still finds room for experimentation, ADON is ready to unleash on the planet their apocalyptic debut this coming April 2024.

Discography:
– 2024 – Self-Titled – LP
– 2020 – Arkane – EP

0 EPK – Ivy Gardens – Goon (2024)

February 22, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Ivy Gardens

EPK – Ivy Gardens – Goon (2024)

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

“Goon contains many tracks that our fans have been hearing live for a while. We knew how to craft a listening experience that mirrored our live performances, but we wanted to do something a little different. Sustaining a mosh pit through the course of a performance isn’t a concern on an album. We wanted an experience that took you places, with some unexpected twists, flowing from one song to the next and feeling like a natural progression to an ultimate finale.” – Ivy Gardens

For fans of Kyuss, Truckfighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, Soundgarden

Band: Ivy Gardens
Album Title: Goon
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Label: Paper Cut Recordings

Facebook.com/ivygardensband | Instagram.com/ivygardensofficial | Youtube.com/@ivygardens420/

Ivygardens.bandcamp.com | Spotify

The Canadian National College Radio – May 2024 – Top 20 Loud – #9 Ivy Gardens (Earshot)

The Canadian National College Radio Loud Chart – #8 Ivy Gardens (Earshot) – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

“…the sonic equivalent of a panic attack.” – Canadian Beats

“Stoner metal, a little chilled sounding, but fast paced, cool stuff.” – Mosh Pit – WORT 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

““Boner” has got a really cool groove, too, showing you what can happen when you’ve got a band that is truly possessed by the power of The Riff. It’s one of those grinding, motoriffic jobs in the spirit of Kyuss’ “Green Machine.” And it doesn’t take long before we, too, are caught under its sway. The retro organ sound from the keys provides a spooky touch to the chorus, which comes like a sigh of relief after the tense build-up of those guitar-driven verses. The drumming is swarmy and frenetic, and strikes with power at pivotal moments. The breakdown at 4 minutes is a headbanging oasis, made even cooler with the synthesizer’s late-’60s garage twist.” – Doomed and Stoned

“This Canadian trio are promising us a debut album that is “a relentless onslaught of vulgar, belligerent punk, sludge and sweat” when it is released in April. If this lead single is anything to go by, things are going to get very belligerent and sweaty when the full-lengther finally hits our death decks.” – Uber Rock

“GOON is an action packed and turbocharged release powered by Pissed Off grooves and a snarling Punk Rock Attitude which allows IVY GARDENS to deliver a devastating FREAKY slice of Psychedelic Sludge/Stoner Metal.” – Outlaws of The Sun

“Nothing about Ontario’s Ivy Gardens is predictable. Describing it is just going to sound trite. I love it when I know I’m going to miss the mark no matter what I write. But here’s my take: take some awesome keyboard parts from 1967, link them to 80’s New Romantic Synth parts played on guitar, add equal parts Stoner, Punk and Post-Metal. I mean, these guys drank the wrong whiskey and mixed it with the wrong drug while listening to the Clash, and then came down listening to Elvis Costello and early Queens of the Stone Age. Someone somewhere was blasting the B-52’s and the Stooges. It’s a heady mix that when mashed together is cohesive, fresh and original.” – Clean And Sober Stoner

““Goon” by IVY GARDENS. Pretty cool stuff. I like the inventiveness of it. Not something you’ll find carbon copies of. I also like the Stoner edge. Definitely worth checking out.” – Metal-Temple

“Alright, folks, if you haven’t already been swept up by Ivy Gardens, now’s the time. The Niagara, Ontario crew—masters of raw, unfiltered punk and sludge—delivered their first full-length album, Goon, back in April 2024. And let me tell you, it’s an auditory onslaught like no other… Goon is more than just a debut album; it’s a setlist Ivy Gardens fans have been craving. Since their thunderous arrival on the scene in 2021, they’ve been wreaking havoc across Canada’s east coast. And with a summer tour already in the works, this runaway train isn’t slowing down. Ready to dive in? The volume’s punishing, the intensity’s relentless, and there’s zero room to catch your breath—it’s like a panic attack in musical form. Ivy Gardens is daring you to join their world, where the mosh pit never ends, and the ringing in your ears is the only encore you’ll get. If you’re into Kyuss, Truckfighters, or Queens of the Stone Age, then Goon is about to become your new favorite album.” – Papy Jeff Metal

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Ivy Gardens
Album Title: Goon
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Label: Paper Cut Recordings

Track Listing:
1. 12 Million Bar Blues (4:43)
2. Boner (5:27)
3. Chlorine (1:52)
4. Black Sand & Gold (0:57)
5. Lamb (2:01)
6. Stoic (3:14)
7. Goon (3:22)
8. Shattered Glass (1:45)
9. Provider (5:37)
Album length: 29:01

Album Credits:
All songs written, produced and performed by Ivy Gardens.
Joe Zandwyk, Andrew Blackborow, Sebastian Hogg
Mixed by Joe Zandwyk
Mastered by Audrey Leyenhorst
Album Artwork by Sebastian Hogg
Canadian Content – MAPL

Live and Recording Band Lineup:
Joe Zandwyk – Vocals, Drums
Andrew Blackborow – Vocals, Guitar
Sebastian Hogg – Keyboards

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

About The Album Artwork

The cover features a former mascot who died a very quick death. He’s immortalized forever on this record.

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

We consider Goon to be a historical document. At a particular point in space and time, somewhere in a sweaty basement in Southern Ontario, we achieved a sound. Sonic belligerence, and euphoria through volume. The words flowed out naturally from personal struggles and experiences. Here it is documented: Goon.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1 – 12 Million Bar Blues, the opener, our instrumental odyssey. No words. Just riffs. Energy. Power. The introduction to our sound, the introduction to the experience. It sends you hurtling forward at a million miles per hour until it drags you straight back down.

2 – Boner is our very own feel-good hit of the summer. Opening with a relaxed groove that builds and builds to the heaviest possible climax, Boner has been a major highlight of our live set since it was introduced. Following the more relaxed pacing of the song, the softer vocal performance less seen in our music tells of a (seemingly) simple disagreement between two bitter individuals.

3 – Chlorine is our oldest song to date. Written when we were just 14, it’s a pure punk song that is full of energy the whole way through. Speed and intensity. Lyrically, the track details the human experience of chemical warfare.

4 – Black Sand & Gold is an ambient soundscape, named after an old novel chronicling the Yukon gold rush. Vast, uncaring wilderness, biting frost, black sand, and gold are the visual references for this quiet, palate-cleansing track.

5 – Lamb is our fastest and most aggressive track. Andrew screams commands: be a lamb, guide my hand. Rhythmically intricate at a breakneck pace, this track was one of the first written for the album, and the first to reach this level of sonic violence and belligerence.

6 – Stoic is our most lyrically packed song on the album as well as rhythmically unique. Bouncing between hard-hitting dirges and quick, jumping rhythms, the song explores the perspective of someone with a lot of self-destructive behavior, who still manages to find peace through it.

7 – Goon is a song that was written with the intention of being both rhythmically intricate, but ultimately danceable. Where the verses are filled with screaming lyrics from the point of view of a struggling addict, the chorus takes a more melodic approach, as the person in question experiences the ecstasy that comes with getting their fix.

8 – Shattered Glass is a quick punk blaster that turns on a dime. The lyrics depict a specific scene of violence and gore, and someone’s attempt to escape a dangerous situation.

9 – Provider, the record’s finale, is our stoner-doom sludge fest. A delicate introduction builds quietly, introducing its themes, until it all comes crashing down at an immense volume. We ride the groove out, and variations on its themes are introduced until the pressure is released gradually for the final gentle climax. Lyrically, Provider is a song about struggling to abandon a substance you’ve formed a reliance on, trying to ditch the last thing that keeps you going.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1 – Ivy Gardens operates under a golden rule: the “dollar to decibel ratio”. We almost exclusively use old junk amplifiers and speaker cabs. Old Peavey garbage, fished from some old fart’s garage jam space, is not only the secret sauce in our sound, but also the only possible way for us to accomplish the task of CRUSHING volume under a budget of $0.

2 – Among our various accolades is the title of “loudest band in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia”. A small little restaurant was not prepared for the volume and intensity we brought there on our recent East Coast tour, but the audiences were. A great show.

3 – One of our first musical achievements was a successful cover of YYZ. We’re huge Rush fans. We were maybe 15 when we first played it live, and under the unfamiliar lights of a strange venue, we blasted through it at nearly double speed. We’ve yet to be able to recreate it.

4 – Ivy Gardens is entirely DIY. We’ve built our own jam space, and recording studio, and studied audio engineering to record and mix our material. We are entirely self-sufficient.

L-R – Sebastian Hogg (Keyboards), Andrew Blackborow (Guitar & Vocals), Joe Zandwyk (Drums & Vocals)

Photo Credit – Rachel Imre

DOG ASS MUSIC. The only way to describe the vulgar, belligerent, punk, sludge & sweat of Ivy Gardens, from Niagara, Ontario. Birthed from a primal desire for physical volume and violent catharsis, Ivy has been hitting the road hard since their inception in 2021. Vibrating in the bones of audiences across Ontario, Quebec and the east coast of Canada.

The Ivy Gardens experience is a nearly endless stream of beaten-to-hell drums, searing organ, throbbing bass synths, and a liquid wall of guitar sludge. The volume is crushing. There is no room to breathe. The sonic equivalent of a panic attack. Never breaking the groove, never killing the energy, never stopping the mosh pit. The audience earns a brief moment of quiet melodic respite before a thundering finale, and the endless phantom ring in your ears serves as the band’s only encore.

Discography:
2024 – Goon (LP)
2023 – Shattered Glass (single)
2022 – Walk Like An Egyptian (single)
2022 – Ivy Gardens (EP)
2021 – Stonaire (single)
2021 – Another Blood (single)
2020 – About You (single)

0 EPK – Jupiter Hollow – Cohesion (single) (2024)

February 2, 2024
by Asher
· EPKs · Jupiter Hollow

EPK – Jupiter Hollow – Cohesion (single) (2024)

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

Band: Jupiter Hollow
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Tunecore

JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Instagram

Spotify | Apple Music

“The fun part about releasing each song one by one is it leaves the fans not knowing what is coming next. Compared to our last single “Distant Shadow”, our new single “Cohesion” does a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. We wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that breakout into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.” – Jupiter Hollow

PROG Magazine Top #9 Unsigned band 2020

“If Jupiter Hollow are emblematic of the next generation of progressive metal bands, a bright tomorrow lies ahead. Hugely impressive.” – Prog Magazine.

“Comparisons to bands like Tool, Live, A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails come easy and for good reason. This is the new generation of players who are putting their spin on all things progressive, industrial and synthy. The grandsons of Genesis and Yes, this is progressive rock for the youth of today who find the originators a bit to baroque for their tastes… Their sound is built to appeal to fans of so many genres and preferences it should be a slam dunk.” – Skulls n’ Bones

“JUPITER HOLLOW just produced the best prog metal album of all time this year, condensing, mixing and forging a hot musical steel here.” – Prog Archives

“Each track displays plenty of musicianship from this young duo, with vocals continuing to strengthen and songwriting solidifying.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“A young Canadian duo ready to bring fans of complex music a spacey, experimental and refreshing experience… bursting with high-quality heaviness and progressiveness.” – The Headbanging Moose

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Jupiter Hollow
Release Date: February 2, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Tunecore

Single Credits:
All parts written and performed by Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry
Produced by Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry
Mixed by Zane Hawley of Shadow Studio Canada
Mastered by Joao Carvalho of Joao Carvalho Mastering
Single Artwork by Studio 204 Limited
Members of SOCAN
Music is Canadian Content

Single Recording Band Lineup:
Kenny Parry (drums, vocals, lyrics, synth)
Grant MacKenzie (guitar & bass)

Live Band Lineup:
Kenny Parry (vocals)
Grant MacKenzie (guitar)
John-Ryan Godfrey (Bass)
Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums)

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Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. We had our income confiscated at a show in Quebec by the local police and our performance was cut short due to the venue being illegal.

2. All official album drums are tracked in one take for each song and completely unedited, all recorded for video proof.

3. Our live performances feature focus-diverting visuals and conceptual and captivating costuming by vocalist Kenny Parry.

Toronto, Canada’s Jupiter Hollow takes music to a whole new level. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this powerhouse duo and live quartet featuring John Ryan Godfrey and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh have been making waves in Canada since 2015 with their unique brand of progressive rock/metal.

With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and the duo’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow takes their time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band just wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can.

Presenting their latest single, “Cohesion”, to follow their previous track “Distant Shadow”, this new song represents the relationship between an artist who wants nothing more than to have the freedom and the ability to express, share, and grow, but is trapped by the demands of survival in an oversaturated society incapable of supporting the true diversity of each individual.

Musically, “Cohesion” is a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. Jupiter Hollow wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that break out into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the accompanied music video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.

“Most of us are struggling out there in some way, and a lot of us are on the verge of giving up on everything because we don’t have the life we dream of, constantly reminded everywhere we go by someone who is succeeding while we struggle to survive. So whether you’re an artist, a mechanic, a doctor, or just a single mother or father with barely enough time for their family, let alone themselves, everyone deals with darkness in their life at some point. This song is a reminder that no matter what may get in the way, never lose focus on what makes you be yourself, and never give up on what gives you joy.” adds vocalist Kenny Parry.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Cohesion” at https://youtu.be/7tbnhxuCD-c

Digital – Spotify, Apple Music

Explorative, and intriguing, Jupiter Hollow continues to push the limits of progressive rock and metal and is recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.

Artist Endorsements: Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, JH Audio

Discography:
2023 – Distant Shadow (single)
2020 – Bereavement – LP
2018 – Ahdomn – LP

Shared Stage with:
Protest the Hero, Bearings, Texas King, Hawking, I See Aura, Taking Balfour, Sky Caught Fire, Glass Lung, Chasing Shadows, Dizzy Mystics, Young Critters, We Are Human

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Ontario CAN Headline Tour
2022 – GAINFEST – Guelph, ON
2021 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON
2020-2021 – Bereavement Live-Stream Tour
2019 – Kronik Fest – Guelph, ON
2018-2019 – Ahdomn Tour
2018 – Kronik Kristmas Fest – Guelph, ON

0 EPK – Blood Opera – Songs in the Key of Death (2024)

January 30, 2024
by Asher
· Blood Opera · EPKs

EPK – Blood Opera – Songs in the Key of Death (2024)

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

“Hell is full. The dead are alive. Unlock humanity’s survival from the zombie apocalypse with Blood Opera’s “Songs in the Key of Death”! We are very proud to present our brand of “dead metal” with special musical and horror guests. We poured our love of all things horror into these songs. This album was made possible by the delicious humans who made it possible with their donations and pre-orders to our crowdfund campaign. We hope you feast on it in full as we feast on your flesh.” – Blood Opera

For fans GWAR, Dokken, WASP, Ghost, Mudvayne

Band: Blood Opera
Album Title: Songs in the Key of Death
Release Date: February 24, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Bloodopera.ca | Facebook.com/bloodoperainc | Instagram.com/bloodoperainc | Youtube.com/@bloodopera5933

Spotify | Bloodopera.bandcamp.com

“Toronto’s very own, Blood Opera primed the audience for the forthcoming onslaught…Blood Opera, local purveyors of the horror business, celebrating debauchery by toasting the crowd with a ceremonious Blood Chug!” – John Gallant (Live in Limbo)

“Blood Opera’s new single, “Be My Victim,” is a serious rock n’ roll homage to many aspects of the original Candyman film, including the nostalgia of playing scary childhood games, and the fear of losing complete control.” – Rue Morgue

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Booklet – Lyrics]

Band: Blood Opera
Album Title: Songs in the Key of Death
Release Date: February 24, 2024
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Just Keep Digging (1:04)
2. Feeding Frenzy (3:49) ft. guest vocals Morgan Lander (Kittie) and voice-over by Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead)
3. Don’t Go Out Tonight (3:06)
4. Fight to Survive (3:53) ft. voice-over by Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star-Trek)
5. A Waste of Good Suffering (3:55)
6. The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) (4:51)
7. Breaking News (0:58)
8. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Cover) (4:19)
9. The Ballad of Father Malone (4:11) ft. voice-over by Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Escape From New York)
10. Brundlefly (4:34)
11. Damien (5:11)
12. Be My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) (Bonus Track) (3:59)
13. The Band of the Living Dead (0:30)
14. The Key of Death (0:43)
Album Length: 45:09

Album Credits:
– All songs performed by Blood Opera
– All songs written by Blood Opera, except Killer Klowns From Outer Space (cover from The Dickies, written by Leonard Graves Phillips) and Be My Victim (Jordan Foote/Scott Middleton)
– Produced by Blood Opera, except for Be My Victim produced by Scott Middleton (ex-Cancer Bats)
– Mixed and mastered by Nick Ginn (Schoolhouse Studios)
– Album artwork by Carlos Jacome (Creatus Artworks)
– MAPL – Canadian Content, except Killer Klowns From Outer Space (US)

Album/ Live lineup:
Max Murder – Lead Vocals
RIP Junk – Guitar, Back Up Vocals
Damien Deathgasm – Bass, Back Up Vocals
Muerto McBrains – Drums, Synth/FX Programming

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

About The Album Artwork:

An evil, ominous aura basks an undead pianist, who plays Songs in the Key of Death. As his ghoulish face turns to the viewer, blood flows from the keys.

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

Legend has it that the world’s most gruesome heavy metal band Blood Opera died while making their debut album. A couple of dudes attempt to dig up the bodies which are said to have the only copy of the album. They unwittingly unleash the ghouls, setting off the zombie apocalypse. The songs have grooves, badass riffs, eerie synths, and big choruses and are about our beloved horror films. A news report breaks up the album, detailing the zombie carnage that has run rampant. As the album ends, the listener is told how The Band of the Living Dead will return, and how with this CD, they possess the first key to humanity’s survival.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

2. Feeding Frenzy: A Twin Peaks-inspired keyboard intro provides the backdrop to the grave-robbing narration. The song then launches into a fast and heavy rocker, inspired by Return of the Living Dead. The songs feature Kittie vocalist Morgan Lander and actress Linnea Quigley.

3. Don’t Go Out Tonight: Based on the film Maniac, this drop d tuned chugger is short and straight to the point but keeps the energy flowing.

4. Fight to Survive: A film reel begins spinning as a drum intro launches into this 80’s hair metal track based on The Hills Have Eyes. Featuring actor Michael Berryman.

5. A Waste of Good Suffering: An Iron Maiden-style galloper based on the film Hellraiser, featuring a memorable guitar harmony and groovy bass solo.

6. The Gates of Hell: inspired by the cult film of the same name. Another heavy track brings in more modern influences and progressions. Features guest keyboard work by Goblin’s Maurizio Guarini.

8. Killer Klowns From Outer Space: This is a cover of The DIckies song from the film of the same name. It features guest keyboard work by the composer of the OST John Massari.

9. The Ballad of Father Malone: This Black Sabbath doomy track features actress Adrienne Barbeau and is based on the film The Fog.

10. Brundlefly: A snippet featuring our late drummer Dick Demons drum solo then launches into a sci-fi punk/metal hybrid track based on The Fly.

11. Damien: A Satanic, gregorian style operatic intro summons a heavy demonic track based on The Omen.

12. Be My Victim: This bonus track was our single from 2022 and features actor Tony Todd and is based on the film Candyman. It was produced by Scott Middleton (ex-Cancer Bats). As it is an older song it features a couple members no longer in the band but as it is an important song for us we wanted to include it. Fans of Ghost will dig this keyboard and chorus-driven rocker.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. The album is meant to be listened to in full as it contains a storyline and song-to-song transitions.

2. Features Kittie’s Morgan Lander, Killer Klowns From Outer Space OST composer John Massari, Goblin’s Maurizio Guarini and actors Linnea Quigley, Tony Todd, Adrienne Barbeau and Michael Berryman.

3. Officially endorsed by zombie godfather George A. Romero

4. Officially approved by GWAR to be their direct support for their latest Toronto show in October 2023 as touring mates X-Cops could not get through the Canadian border.

5. All zombie prosthetics are made by vocalist Max Murder.

Top L-R – RIP Junk (Guitar, Vocals), Damien Deathgasm (Bass, Vocals)

Bottom L-R – Max Murder (Lead Vocals), Muerto McBrains (Drums, Programming)

Photographer Credit – Craig Leonard (Billy Bones)

They were born in blood, conceived in Hell, and reanimated by accident! Bent on cannibalizing the entire human race, Blood Opera have already infected whole populations with their raunchy and often controversial live displays of violence, gore and perverse sexual acts! Having feasted on human flesh with bands such as GWAR and being endorsed by the zombie Godfather himself, George A. Romero, these purveyors of so-called “Dead Metal” have quickly become Canada’s number one horror metal act. With powerful operatic vocals, sleazy guitar riffs, and blasphemous lyrics inspired by some of the scariest movies ever made, one thing is for sure- if the gates of Hell are left open, it could mean the end of all humanity!

Discography:
2024 – Songs in the Key of Death – LP
2022 – Be My Victim (single)
2019 – Blood Opera – EP

Shared Stage with:
GWAR, BA Johnston, Night Chill, Thunderor. Official after party band of the “It’s Alive!” Kirk Hammet ROM exhibit and the horror conventions Frightmare in the Falls, Shock Stock, Horror Rama

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