Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Hopeless Nation – Disaster (2026) (single)

February 19, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Hopeless Nation

EPK – Hopeless Nation – Disaster (2026)

Band: Hopeless Nation
Single Title: Disaster – 4:42
Release Date: February 20, 2026
Label: Provocant Media

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

“We’re thrilled to finally release ‘Disaster’ and the upcoming singles. These songs are a mix of energy, reflection, and raw honesty, and we couldn’t have done it without the incredible people around us. Francis Perron at RadicArt brought his mastery as an engineer, working with someone of his caliber, known for Voïvod, pushed the music to a whole new level. Jonathan Houle and Maxime Dupont’s contributions over the years, on bass, guitar, and rhythm, laid the foundation for everything we do, and these releases are our way of honoring that legacy.” – Hopeless Nation

For fans of Gojira, Darkest Hour, At the Gates, Lamb of God, Zao

Instagram.com/hopelessnation_official | Facebook.com/hopelessnation

Spotify | Hopelessnation.bandcamp.com | Apple Music

“Cette pièce immédiate, dense et agressive frappe dès la première seconde et se démarque par son intensité, ses couches sonores riches et ses refrains plus mélodiques, ouvrant le groupe à un public plus large tout en restant fidèle à son essence.” – Metal Universe (2025 – Silverspoon – Single)

“Hopeless Nation’s Silverspoon is featured on Exclaim!’s Weekly Playlist, highlighting the band among Canada’s notable new releases.” (2025 – Silverspoon – Single)

“I won’t lie to you and say I couldn’t wait to see the return of HOPELESS NATION. Their ten years of absence will have been far too long, having left their mark on the Trois-Rivières hardcore/metal scene from 1998 to 2014. Although many of their fans seemed absent (probably due to age), those from the first hours who were there as well as those who discovered the band for the first time were not disappointed. Fred, the singer, did not lose his enthusiasm at the time and his interaction with the public was impeccable. When we say that music is a story of passion, their performance was proof of that. HOPELESS NATION delivered a performance without artifice, rooted in a hardcore and metal heritage old school too often put aside these days.” – Chicks Rock Media – TROIS-RIVIÈRES METALFEST (2024)

“Invigorated by the arrival of new blood, Hopeless Nation channeled all this newfound energy into Built from Scratch, an album propelled by “the rage to start playing again”, to use the expression used by Maxime. Made with Francis Perron at Studio Radicart, the record marks a new stage in the journey of the group which, with 10 years of career behind its belt, is surely one of the deans of the Trois-Rivières metal scene. ” – Voir (2009)

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Hopeless Nation
Single Title: Disaster – 4:42
Release Date: February 20, 2026
Label: Provocant Media
Location: Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
Genre: Hardcore Groove Metal

Single Credits:
– All songs performed by: Hopeless Nation (Frédéric Marchand – Vocals; Louis-Simon Bellerose – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals; Guy Provencher – Rhythm Guitar; Karl Héroux Rella – Bass; Steve DC – Drums, Backing Vocals)
– All songs written by: Frederic Marchand (lyrics), Louis-Simon Bellerose, Maxime Dupont, Jonathan Houle, Steve DC (music).
– Produced by: Jonathan Houle, in collaboration with Frederic Bujold and Francis Perron (RadicArt)
– Mixed by: Francis Perron (RadicArt)
– Mastered by: Francis Perron (RadicArt)
– Single Artwork by: Concept by Hopeless Nation/design adaptation by Frederic Marchand, AI artwork
– Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording Band Line Up:
Frédéric Marchand – Vocals
Louis-Simon Bellerose – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jonathan Houle, Maxime Dupont – Rhythm Guitar
Jonathan Houle, Karl Héroux Rella – Bass
Steve DC – Drums, Backing Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Frédéric Marchand – Vocals
Louis-Simon Bellerose – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Guy Provencher – Rhythm Guitar
Karl Héroux Rella – Bass
Steve DC – Drums, Backing Vocals

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

About The Single Artwork:

The artwork showcases a hand-painted forest in flames, with birds fleeing the inferno, and a massive wave crashing against the burning coastline.

This striking imagery mirrors the intensity and chaos of the Disaster narrative, highlighting destruction, human vulnerability, and the unstoppable force of nature. It complements the cinematic video, reinforcing themes of resilience, survival, and humanity’s fragile relationship with the planet.

About the Single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

“Disaster” plunges listeners into chaos and resilience, with lyrics depicting cities in ruin, suffering, and the search for hope. Musically, crushing riffs, relentless rhythms, and raw vocals mirror the tension and urgency of live performance, creating a visceral, socially aware, and intense listening experience.

The Disaster video weaves high-energy live performance with fleeting, chaotic glimpses of a world unraveling. Band members move through the ruins as firefighters, first responders, and civilians, navigating moments of peril and quiet courage. Shadows of destruction and flickers of resilience collide, leaving viewers suspended between tension and reflection, where raw energy meets the fragile pulse of humanity.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. Reunion & Grind:
After nearly a decade of silence, Hopeless Nation reunited in summer 2024, revisiting unrecorded 2014 material. 2026 will bring a rapid succession of new singles and videos, with live performances expanding the music experience across nations and delivering full-force, raw energy to fans.

2. Live Meets Storytelling:
In the video, the band takes on heroic roles amid chaos, confronting global crises from natural disasters to humanity’s impact on the planet. Live performance from their first comeback show merges with AI-generated visuals, creating a cinematic spectacle that captures raw, unpredictable disaster moments and immerses viewers in tension and survival.

3. Scene Credibility:
The members are deeply rooted in the Quebec hardcore and metal scene. Louis-Simon leads punk hardcore legends Genetic Error, while Steve DC and Guy Provencher represented Canada in Europe after winning the Wacken Battle of the Bands with Strigampire in 2024.

Over 1000 live shows under their belt — all members combined — prove their relentless commitment to the scene.

4. Live Performance Rituals:
Hopeless Nation delivers sweat-soaked, high-octane shows with no backing tracks, pure lamp-amp sound, and full crowd interaction. Their 2025 shows drew strong attention, fueling brighter opportunities and raw-energy performances for an ambitious 2026.

5. Legacy & Homage:
Many of the new singles are a tribute to past members Jonathan Houle (bass & guitar, 2012–2014, 2024) and Maxime Dupont (rhythm guitar, 1998–2014). Their contributions helped shape the band’s sound, and these releases honor their talent and dedication.

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

L-R: Karl Héroux Rella (Bass), Louis-Simon Bellerose (Lead Guitar), Frederic Marchand (Vocals), Steve DC (Drums), Guy Provencher (Rhythm Guitar)

Photo Credit: @willodoescontent

Explosive. Raw. Heavy. Unique. Relentless. These five words define the sound and the spirit of Hopeless Nation, a metal/hardcore hybrid forged in the fires of punk rebellion and refined through decades of evolution.

Formed in 1998 by a group of friends drawn to the urgency of bands like Ten Foot Pole and Strung Out, Hopeless Nation quickly carved out a name in Quebec’s underground scene. As their musical tastes grew darker and heavier, so did their sound, absorbing the aggression of All Out War, ZAO, and Madball, and later the technical ferocity of Gojira, Lamb of God, and Darkest Hour. The result: a signature blend of hardcore grit and modern metal precision, delivered with unfiltered emotion and pit-ready intensity.

Their 2009 album Built from Scratch marked a high point in their early career, backed by over 200 shows and shared stages with heavyweights like 100 Demons, Bane, With Honor, Lofofora, and Despised Icon. Known for their sweat-drenched, no-backing-tracks live shows, Hopeless Nation became a staple at venues like Montreal’s Foufounes Électriques and Trois-Rivières Metalfest.

After a hiatus, the band returns in 2025 with renewed fire and a sharpened edge set to unleash a series of singles that are a sonic gut-punch, layered, immediate, and aggressive, yet open enough for clean vocals and hooks that stick. The singles are mixed and mastered by Francis Perron (Voïvod) at RadicArt, and they bridge the band’s hardcore roots with a modern metal sheen, setting the tone for an upcoming EP.

Hopeless Nation’s writing process is collaborative and deliberate. Lead guitarist Louis-Simon Bellerose crafts the riffs, while drummer Steve DC, bassist Karl, and rhythm guitarist Guy Provencher (also of Strigampire, Wacken Metal Battle Canada winners) bring the groove. Vocalist Frédéric pens lyrics that cut deep—tackling themes of inequality, privilege, personal struggle, and societal decay with honesty and urgency.

With over two decades of evolution behind them, Hopeless Nation stands as a testament to the enduring power of heavy music. Their sound has matured, but their mission remains the same: to move bodies, challenge minds, and leave everything on the stage.

Discography:
2026 – Disaster – Single
2025 – Silverspoon – Single
2009 – Built from Scratch – Album
2004 – Our Mistakes – EP (Galy Records)
2002 – World of Hate – Album

Tours and Festivals:
2025 – Mini-Tour, with The Almighty Trigger Happy, Québec, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, QC
2025 – Super Sugoi Tour, with Within Destruction – Montréal, QC
2024 – Trois-Rivières Metalfest, with Feels Like Home – Trois-Rivières, QC
2012 – Maquisart, with Despised Icon – Trois-Rivières, QC
2009 – Bloodfest, with 100 Demons, Toronto, ON
2009 – Bloodfest, with 100 Demons, Montréal, QC

Shared Stage with:
Despised Icon
Within Destruction
100 Demons
Unearth
Bane
With Honor
Kalmah
Lofofora
L’Esprit Du Clan
A Perfect Murder
Insurrection
Burning The Oppressor
Mass Murder Messiah
A Death For Every Sin
Buried Inside
Spelldown

0 EPK – Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy – Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum (2026)

February 18, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (2024) (Gore House Productions) · Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (Gore House Productions)

EPK – Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy – Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum (2026)

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

“There’s a saying in regards to music: ‘Evolve; don’t change. With every release, we push creative boundaries both in the writing and recording process. We never want to make a drastic change that feels forced and alienating to our day one supporters, but we strive to evolve in ways that feel natural for the growth of the band, not just musically, but as people, too. We want this album to be something that you can either sit with at home, with a nice pair of headphones and marvel at the complexity and immensity of the music.” – Jesse Agiomamitis (vocals/lyrics) – Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

For fans of Deathspell Omega, Defeated Sanity, Ulcerate, Disentomb, Sanguinary Consummation

Band: Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Album Title: Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum
Release Date: April 3, 2026
Label: Gore House Productions
Album Length: 32:32

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

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

Facebook.com/OnchoOfficial | Instagram.com/onchocerciasis_official | Youtube Music

Spotify | Officialonchocerciasis.bandcamp.com | Apple Music

“It’s brutal as fuck, but it’s also explores the entire bouquet of sick creativity extreme music has to offer. The Fallen Lament is fun. It’s violent and it loves to blur boundaries between already scummy, disgusting genres.” – Vox & Hops Metal Podcast (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“This EP is definitely for the lovers of the extreme – fans of Deathspell Omega, Defeated Sanity, and Ulcerate will dig the fuck out of this record. So will fans of Dehumanizing Itatrian Worship, whose Kiryu Zhang contributes vocals on the last track of the EP, ‘Facial Gutting’. 9/10” – Ever Metal (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“The tracks revolve around blast beats and slams with some truly impressive breakdowns on display. Lyrics are themed around many different influences including mental health issues that have plagued the bands members, anime and video games making for an interesting read. In essence this EP provides a really promising preview of things to come for this band, who have the potential based on this evidence of creating something special.” – The Razor’s Edge (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“OxE are a different beast, very heavy and extreme but different to most bands of this ilk. The best way to describe them would be like Mortician, but with slam riffs! They have that downtuned bass that trawls the depths of hell with its tone and razor-sharp guitars, frantic programmed drums and some seriously deranged vocals. The tracks are short and sweet, the whole EP only goes on for ten minutes twenty one secs but in that time, you feel so bludgeoned and battered listening to it that it feels much longer, almost like you are succumbing to some exquisite torture!| – The Razor’s Edge (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“What’s cool here is when the music slows down almost to a crawl and sounds creepy as fuck, with a horror/suspense-like feeling that’s not without reminding me of some of the most disgusting episodes of the X-Files when they had some kind of monster eating its victims or what have you, and you can probably throw in a few horror B-movies in there as well. The Fallen Lament is kind of chaotic and dissonant and certainly sets itself apart in the sea of brutal death metal releases out there. 4/5″ – The MetalCrypt (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“primal and brutal variety of dramatic and booming extreme metal ” – The Viking in the Wilderness (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“Brutal gore death grind metal with pig squeally vox” – 89.9 WORT FM – The Moshpit (Madison, WI) (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“It’s been a long time since I heard anything like this mentioned, and the truth is that I haven’t been disappointed. Those from Canada bring us the best formula to execute it. This is based on being as heavy as they are fluid, without giving up the occasional surprise in the form of extra convolutions, which, by the way, fits like a glove. I was extremely grateful that they didn’t focus on composing ultra-heavy and simplistic «ruido» with little direction twist like many others do, reminding us once again that Slam can be rich in nuances within its borders.” – Broken Tomb (The Fall Lament – 2024)

“Have you ever been sat at home on a quiet evening and thought; “you know what would be really good right now? A migraine”? Well, if the answer to that is yes, then the boys in ONCHOCERCIASIS ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY have got you covered. In this, their twenty-five minute, nine-track offering that is akin to standing in a bucket of water and attaching yourself to a car battery, The Rotted Plinth of Sachiel is a full-on assault on your senses that is sure to test the endurance of even the most seasoned veteran of fringe, extreme metal sub-genres.” – Distorted Sound Mag (2021 – The Rotted Plinth Of Sachiel)

“They may come across as a novelty act trying to be extreme for the sake of extremity, but OEGD are here to subjugate you. Give them five minutes, and they’ll bludgeon you into submission. Whether you like it or not is a different matter.” – Scream Blast Repeat (2021 – The Rotted Plinth Of Sachiel)

“Each song on this EP is a testament to the band’s mastery of slamming death metal, characterized by punishing rhythms and relentless guttural growls.” – Necrozine

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Track Listing:
1. Conquering Divinity – 3:17
2. The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends – 1:21
3. Severing What Makes Me Human – 2:41
4. Apotheotic Apotemnophilia – 3:03
5. Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon – 2:23
6. Gutted & Corpsed – 3:05
7. Heaven’s Empty Halls – 5:13
8. Hurt Beyond Healing – 2:33
9. Abyssikataplexika – 2:35
10. Vile Verses Flogged into the Wings of Angels – 1:23
11. Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy – 4:58
Album Length: 32:32

ROLES:

Jesse Agiomamitis: Vocals, Lyrics
Alice Simard: Composition, Guitars, Lead Guitars
The Popu: Additional Songwriting, Mixing and Mastering, Guitars, Bass, Orchestration and Sound Design, Additional lyrics, Additional Vocals

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

About The Album Artwork:

We wanted something that represented all of our combined influences going into the songwriting, in one way or another, and we knew that Mei Maro would be able to deliver something incredible, as usual. There are aspects of various folklore and other things that interest us, all crafted together beautifully by the talented Mei.

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Jesse Agiomamitis: Start-to-finish, the album is dissonant, punishing, and disorienting.

Many of the lyrical subjects are larger than life, and the songs tell a story of a single entity, a “godslayer”, essentially, on a God of War-esque rampage through the universe, all veiled in obscurity.

This character and his actions mirror the overall feeling of the album: cold, calculated, and violent.

The Popu: Musically, the LP is definitely the most experimental OxEx to date. In between the utter carnage of the main instrumentals are layers of synths and organic instrumentation that have gone through various levels of sonic destruction to give the overall soundscape an alien feel. I was highly inspired by “Nithing – Agonal Hymns” of 2023 and the classic record “Dripping – Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss”.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Track 1: Conquering Divinity

Lyrically quite fantastical, evoking certain mythological imagery.

The music itself is very chaotic; there’s something new around every corner on this track, and that’s absolutely by design, being the first track on the record. Throwing a curveball out of the gate.

Track 2: The Fallen Lament, Paralytikus Ascends

As heard on the teaser EP we released leading up to the album, this track is one that is pretty straightforward and sounds most like our older material but with better performances all around.

Track 3: Severing What Makes Me Human

A quite dark track with a lot of weird things going on, and with a lot of the lyrics on this record, they’re not meant to be taken too seriously. We want it to evoke some type of image in the listener’s mind as they read over and listen to the track.

Track 4: Apotheotic Apotemnophilia

Getting toward the middle of the record, we knew we had to throw in something a little varied. This song has more melody than most others, but it is still incredibly heavy once that introduction is over. As the title of the track ‘Apotheotic Apotemnophilia’ may suggest, the lyrics (although somewhat vaguely) deal with the idea of a deity who is dissatisfied with aspects of their being.

Track 5: Entombed Within the Infinite Panopticon

This one is a little more straightforward. Just pummeling every second of the runtime, especially towards the end when the slower section comes in. We don’t have as many “breakdown” type moments compared to our earlier EPs, but when they do come in, like on this track, they hit way harder.

Track 6: Gutted & Corpsed

Starts off strong with a lot of blasting and gurgling before making a dramatic shift toward the middle of the song, where it sounds more like a portal to the underworld has been opened. There are these unearthly shrieks and angular riffs that throw the listener for a loop and make you really pay attention to what’s going on, right before getting back into the blasting and gurgling.

Track 7: Heaven’s Empty Halls

One of my absolute favourites on the record. So much is going on texturally with this almost Dungeon Synth-esque backing instrumental that really elevates the guitars, drums, and vocals giving a somewhat creepy vibe to the song and it perfectly kicks off the final portion of the record.

Track 8: Hurt Beyond Healing

Standard ass-beater of a track, bringing everything back to gravity after the last song. Lots of guitar wizardry and chaotic vocals are going on here.

Track 9: Abyssikataplexika

One of the most gnarly vocal performances on the record, with a few new sounds that really don’t sound human, accompanied by some of the deepest chugs on the record and even blistering drumming.

Track 10: Vile Verses Flogged into the Wings of Angels

Dark and brooding atmosphere, like something from a horror soundtrack, perfectly builds tension before release with the final track.

Track 11: Forged in the Blackest Reaches of Blasphemy

Melodic, brutal, chaotic, and structured all at once. Bearing our influences on our sleeve and once again paying homage to the great Disentomb (among other bands). There’s no better way for us to cap off the record.

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

FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES:

1. Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (shorthand: OxE) was originally a solo project by Alice, who released a split record with a friend before bringing Jesse aboard in early 2019.

2. The majority of the lyrics for OxE tracks pertain, in some way, to mental health struggles that I and people around me have dealt with throughout life, but with a cryptic shadow realm he keeps slipping into becomes reality, and he is now trapped there for all eternity. This song is actually about Hyperion’s friend who has dealt with this mental illness every day for his whole life.

3. OxE members hail from various countries. Popu is German, Alice is Canadian, and Jesse is Australian.

4. When it comes to the artistic and lyrical thematics, OxE is inspired by various forms of media. We love incorporating ideas from video games (Dark Souls, NieR, etc.), anime (Berserk, Evangelion, Angel’s Egg), and many areas of real-world mythology and folklore into our music.

5. The Popu has been a fan of the band since the first EP, but has never gotten in contact with Alice or Jesse until two years later, when – by sheer coincidence – Alice and Popu bonded online through the obscure interest of the Danmaku Game “Touhou Project”. Inseparable since then.

L-R – The Popu (Guitar, Drums, Bass) | Alice Simard (Guitar, Drums) | Jesse Agiomamitis (Vocals)

Photo Credit: Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Emerging from the depths of Quebec City’s underground, Onchocerciasis Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OxE) is a brutal death metal force that defies genre boundaries with its calculated chaos and apocalyptic soundscapes. Originally conceived as a solo project by guitarist Alice Simard, OxE quickly evolved into a collaborative powerhouse with the addition of Australian vocalist Jesse Agiomamitis and German multi-instrumentalist Popu. Together, they’ve forged a sound that’s grotesque, dissonant, and deeply cerebral—equal parts slam, blackened death, and avant-garde experimentation.

Following the blistering EP The Fallen Lament, OxE returns with their most ambitious and punishing release to date: Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum. This LP marks a significant evolution in the band’s sonic identity, pushing further into experimental territory while retaining the visceral brutality fans have come to expect. Musically, the album is a labyrinth of dissonant riffs, guttural vocals, and alien soundscapes. Synths and organic instrumentation are warped and mangled into textures that feel both ancient and futuristic. Popu cites Nithing – Agonal Hymns and Dripping – Disintegration of Thought Patterns During A Synthetic Mind Traveling Bliss as key inspirations for the LP’s sonic architecture. Lyrically, Jesse crafts cryptic narratives that explore mental illness, mythological annihilation, and existential dread. At the heart of the album is a conceptual arc following a “godslayer” on a cosmic rampage—an allegory for inner turmoil and transformation. The lyrics are intentionally veiled, allowing listeners to imprint their own interpretations.

Planning to release Singles like “Hurt Beyond Healing” and “Gutted & Corpsed” offers a glimpse into the album’s duality: straightforward brutality laced with surreal, introspective undertones. The juxtaposition of characters—those who embrace life versus those who recklessly flirt with death—reflects the band’s ongoing exploration of human fragility.

Recommended for fans of Deathspell Omega, Defeated Sanity, Ulcerate, Disentomb, and Sanguinary Consummation, Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum will be released on April 3, 2026, via Gore House Productions and is available for pre-order at https://orcd.co/scabbed-god-cerebrum

Discography:
2025 – Fugue Gnawed from the Scabbed God Cerebrum LP
2024 – The Fallen Lament LP
2021 – The Rotted Plinth of Sachiel LP
2019 – Adoration of Decaying Innocence EP
2018 – Interspecies Defloration EP

0 EPK – Thunderor – Bleed For It (2026) (Boonsdale Records)

February 17, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Thunderor

EPK – Thunderor – Bleed For It (2026) (Boonsdale Records)

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

“I hope that this album will inspire listeners to follow their dreams, let it be a soundtrack to your unbridled life adventures.” – JJ Tartaglia – Thunderor

For fans of The Darkness, Skull Fist, Ghost, Night Flight Orchestra

Band: Thunderor
Album Title: Bleed For It
Release Date: April 17, 2026
Label: Boonsdale Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Boonsdalerecords.com/thunderor | Facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial | Instagram.com/thunderor_official | Youtube.com/@BOONSDALE | Musicnovascotia.ca/artist/thunderor/

Thunderor.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Canada Tour 2026 with Burning Witches
April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC
April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City, QC
April 22 – Rainbow Bistro – Ottawa, ON
April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ON

Scandinavia Tour 2026 with HOLMES (The Sound of WASP)
May 15 – Nordic Noise – Copenhagen, Denmark
May 16 – Godset – Kolding, Denmark
May 21 – Willemeen – Arnhem, Netherlands
May 22 – Iduna – Drachten, Netherlands
May 23 – South of Heaven – Bilzen, Belgium
May 27 – The Abyss – Gothenburg, Sweden
May 28 – Muskelrock – Blädinge, Sweden
May 29 – Lokstallet – Skövde, Sweden
May 30 – Gjerdrum Rock Club – Gjerdrum, Norway
May 31 – Sjøboden Live Scene – Mandal, Norway

“Thunderor are back with a new fist pumping anthem, the single ‘Pump Up The Volume’ is here and it’s the first track from their forthcoming album “Bleed For It” coming in March. Speedy riffs with plenty of energy to match, ‘Pump Up The Volume’ also pulls in those classic metal vibes and you can almost smell the studded leather. Mix in a blistering 6-string solo and what more could you ask for? Catch it right here on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

“The spirit of the glorious 80’s is omnipresent on the debut, those who like authentic 80’s sound should definitely check out.” 8/10” – Rock It!

“The good mood album of the season comes from Canada. Crisp, consistently catchy songs with excellent guitar work, sometimes enhanced with appropriate keyboard sounds.” 8,5/10” – Deaf Forever

“There must be room somewhere between Steel Panther, The Darkness and The Night Flight Orchestra!” – Metal Hammer

“Thunderor the Musical is infectious, hard-rocking comic book fun that blows the roof off the place – I smiled my way through the whole show – I bet you will, too.” – Sesaya Arts Magazine

“Thunderor the Musical is raucous fun with shredding guitars and driving drums… filled with catchy anthems, flawlessly performed by powerhouse musicians.” – Grind Mag

“I’m always impressed when a drummer handles lead vocals, especially in metal, where the physical demands of drumming are intense. JJ Tartaglia nailed it, delivering flawless vocals without missing a drum beat.” – Allfather Metal

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Thunderor
Album Title: Bleed For It
Release Date: April 17, 2026
Label: Boonsdale Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Track Listing:
1. Pump Up The Volume (3:42)
2. Bleed For It (4:06)
3. Take Me To The Show (4:09)
4. Get ‘Em Counted (3:19)
5. Cape Breton Home (3:33)
6. Streets Of Fire (4:16)
7. One Chance (3:40)
8. DreamQuest (1:29)
9. In The Fire O’ The Heat (4:19)
Total: 33:11

Album Recording Credits:
• Songs written by: JJ Tartaglia, Jonny Nesta
• Vocals, Drums, Keys: JJ Tartaglia
• Guitars: Jonny Nesta
• Bass (tracks 1,2): Brycen Gunn
• Bass (tracks 3-7,9): Oscar Anesetti
• Additional Keys (tracks 3,4,7): Anthony Pannozzo
• Fiddle (track 5): Colin Grant
• Produced by: JJ Tartaglia
• Mixed by: Chris Snow
• Mastered by: Kristian Montano
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
JJ Tartaglia – Vocals, Drums, Keys
Jonny Nesta – Guitar
Brycen Gunn – Bass

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

About The Album Artwork:

The album art shows different scenes of the story of ‘Thunderor The Musical’

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

The whole album is somewhat of a concept album as it tells the story of ‘Thunderor The Musical’: a tale of adventure and romance in the face of mortality, hearkening back to the glory days of arena rock, wild and restless, as a young group of would-be rockers head out on an impromptu adventure in a time of danger and hope.

The year is 1992, in a tumultuous alternate universe, Bowen, a has-been musician and biker, finds himself inspired by romance and gives one more shot at glory. Joined by love-hungry best friends Kenzie and Sheenah, and a local friar, they find themselves in the face of a rival biker leader, and thrown into an unexpected journey. Through danger, good times, and love triangles, the troupe are thrown into the trials of life, riding against the wind and never looking back.Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Pump Up The Volume – This one is a fun track, a good pump-up song before a night out or a big event. The middle section is really meant for live, to get the audience pumping.

2. Bleed For It – This song is the essence of the album; it all revolves and comes back to this theme of bleeding for something. It’s a real anthem with some Twisted Sister vibes.

3. Take Me To The Show – Simply about friends travelling to go to a rock/metal show and all of the adventures that come with that.

4. Get ‘Em Counted – This one’s about pro wrestling! Mainly written for my brother Remy, aka Clash Kincade, who also stars in the music video.

5. Cape Breton Home – Wrote this one as a tribute to back home, Cape Breton Island. Features the great Colin Grant on the fiddle.

6. Streets Of Fire – A soundtrack for revolution. Danger, chaos, clashes in the streets, the people rallying together. Some Bruce Springsteen influence shining through here.

7. One Chance – Leaning more on the heavy metal side here, lyrically, it’s about romance, wanting that one chance with the one you want.

8. DreamQuest – Instrumental bit meant as an epic intro leading to the final song, the climax.

9. In The Fire O’ The Heat – This final opus is about being in Hell. Not physically, but mentally. Love gone wrong, choices gone wrong, betrayal, left alone with the pieces. Albeit still with a glimmer of hope, resilience.

Thunderor L-R: Brycen Gunn (Bass) | JJ Tartaglia (Vocals, Drums, Keys) | Jonny Nesta (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Rae Chatten

Formed in 2020 by multi-JUNO-nominated musicians JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta (also known for their work in Skull Fist), THUNDEROR delivers hook-driven anthems to the caliber set by their arena-rock predecessors, infused with elements of heavy metal, hair metal, and rock opera.

Their debut album, FIRE IT UP (2022), charted at #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada, quickly establishing the band as a rising force in the global metal scene. Extensive tours across Europe, Canada, Mexico, and South America followed, with Thunderor sharing stages alongside major acts such as Airbourne, U.D.O., Enforcer, and Night Demon.

In May 2024, the single “Get ‘Em Counted” amassed over 230K views on YouTube, further fueling anticipation for the band’s next chapter. In the summer of 2025, Thunderor unveiled Thunderor the Musical at the Toronto Fringe Festival—a bold rock opera production featuring a full cast and unreleased material that now forms the backbone of their forthcoming sophomore album.

Set for release in April 2026, the new album will feature the high-energy singles such as “Pump Up The Volume” and “One Chance” that embody the band’s uplifting spirit and theatrical flair. With improved vocals, bigger anthem choruses, and a concept-driven narrative, the record promises to be both a soundtrack to the musical and a standalone heavy metal experience.

If you’ve ever felt a longing for escape, a thirst for adventure, wrapped in romance and danger, allow THUNDEROR to be your soundtrack!

Discography:
2026 – Bleed For It – LP
2022 – Fire It Up – LP

Artits Endorsements: Pearl Drums, Ahead Drumsticks

Shared Stage with: Airbourne, Enforcer, Night Demon

Upcoming Festivals:
May 15, 2026 – Nordic Noise, DK
May 28, 2026 – Muskelrock, SE
June 2026 – NXNE – Toronto, ONUpcoming Tours:Canada Tour w/ Burning Witches
April 20 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC
April 21 – La Source De La Martiniere – Quebec City
April 22 – The Brass Monkey – Ottawa, ON
April 23 – The Garrison – Toronto, ONEurope Tour w/ HOLMES (The Sound of WASP)
May 15, 2026 – Nordic Noise, DK
May 16, 2026 – Godset – Kolding, DK
May 21, 2026 – Willemeen – Arnhem, NL)
May 22, 2026 – Iduna – Drachten,
May 23, 2026 – South Of Heaven – Bilzen, BE
May 27, 2026 – The Abyss – Gothenburg, SE
May 28, 2026 – Muskelrock – Bladinge, SE
May 29, 2026 – Lokstallet – Skovde, SE
May 30, 2026 – Gjerdrum Rock Club – Gjerdrum, NO
May 31, 2026 – Sjoboden – Mandal, NOPast Festivals:
July 3-12, 2025 – Toronto Fringe Festival, ON
May 8-9, 2025 – ECMA, St. John’s, NL
May 4, 2024 – Gladbeck Metal Bash, DE
Jun 9, 2023 – NADA Fest, PT
July 31, 2022 – Loud As Hell, AB
June 5, 2022 – Muskelrock, SE
May 27, 2022 – Metalheadz Open Air, DEPast Tours:Canada Dates 2025 w/ Wildstreet
20.11.25 Bovine, Toronto
21.11.25 Piranha Bar, MontrealEurope Tour 2024 w/ Tytus
01.05.24 Putzer Bikerfest – Natz-Schabs, IT
02.05.24 Schwarzer Keiler – Stuttgart, DE
03.05.24 South of Heaven – Bilzen, BE
04.05.24 Gladbeck Metal Bash Open Air, DE
05.05.24 Sound Dog – Breda, NL
06.05.24 Logo – Hamburg, DE
07.05.24 Reset Club – Berlin, DE
08.05.24 Black Label – Leipzig, DE
09.05.24 Paunchy Cats – Lichtenfels, DE
10.05.24 Escape – Vienna, AT
11.05.24 Gustaf Pekarna- Maribor, SI
12.05.24 Meskio Bar – Caneva, ITEurope Tour 2023 w/ Kryptos
04.06.23 Fredagsmangel – Stockholm, SE
05.06.23 HM Army Rockclub – Sandviken, SE
06.06.23 Oceanen – Gothenburg, SE
07.06.23 Bastard Club – Osnabrück, DE
08.06.23 Bambi Galore – Hamburg, DE
09.06.23 NADA Fest – Beja, PT
10.06.23 Sala Silikona – Madrid, ES
11.06.23 Razzmatazz 3 – Barcelona, ESSouth America 2023 w/ Enforcer
22.02.2023 – Midas Music, Montevideo
25.02.2023 – Hangar 110, Sao Paulo

Canada Tour 2022 w/ Night Demon
20.09.22 – Montreal, QC @ Piranha Bar
21.09.22 – Ottawa , ON @ Brass Monkey
22.09.22 – Toronto, ON @ Rockpile
23.09.22 – St. John’s, NL @ Columbus Hall

Mexico Tour 2022 w/ Airbourne
03.09.2022 – C3 Stage, Guadalajara
04.09.2022 – Café Iguana, Monterrey
06.09.2022 – Circo Volador, Mexico City

Europe Tour 2022 w/ Traveler
27.05.22 – Metalheadz Open Air [DE]
28.05.22 – MKNZ – Ilirska Bistrica [SI]
05.06.22 – Muskelrock Festival [SE]
07.06.22 – Copenhagen – Stengade [DK]
08.06.22 – Weimar – Kasseturm [DE]
09.06.22 – Kassel – Goldgrube [DE]
10.06.22 – Oberhausen – Emscherdamm [DE]
11.06.22 – De Verlichte Geest – Roeselare [BE]
12.06.22 – Hamburg – Bambi Galore [DE]
13.06.22 – Pisek – Divadlo Pod Carou [CZ]
14.06.22 – Vienna – Escape [AT]
15.06.22 – Selb – Rockclub Nordbayern [DE]

0 EPK – The Divine Project – Rebirth (2025)

February 15, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · The Divine Project

EPK – The Divine Project – Rebirth (2025)

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

“We set the goals to reintroduce The Divine Project to the world as a faster, heavier, and more complex band. We made sure we came out swinging and wrote music intended to punch everyone in the face. We were determined, focused, and angry when we made this EP, and we didn’t give a damn what people thought of us. It’s a blend of the music we love, while telling stories of the life we hate. Rebirth is our new beginning and our way of saying The Divine Project is here to stay.” – The Divine Project

For fans of Trivium, Linkin Park, Killswitch Engage, Static-X, All That Remains

Band: The Divine Project
EP Title: Rebirth
Release Date: November 28, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DECM Records
Genre: Modern/Alternative Metal
Location of Band: Toronto, ON, Canada

TDP-Official.com | Facebook.com/TheDivineProject | Youtube.com/@TheDivineProject | Instagram.com/TheDivineProject

Thedivineproject.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Tidal

“… I’m simply left wanting more. Not from the track itself, but from an EP whose tracks each bring their own texturally layered elements, all melded together in an extraordinary Extended Play recording.” – Jay Broderick, LoudTO, 2025

“You know a band is special when they have a truly unique sound. Those were my thoughts when I gave this EP a listen.” – “Metal” Mike, @black_kross_zine, 2026)

March Mayhem 2026 Tour w/ Selias, The Divine Project
Ticket info – https://www.tdp-official.com/event-list
March 13 – The Richmond Tavern – London, ON
March 14 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON
March 27 – See Scape – Toronto, ON

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Track Listing:
1. The Revolt (3:46)
2. Ruins Of Truth (3:27)
3. Don’t Startle The Murder (4:18)
4. The Longest Night (5:53)
EP Length: 17:24

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: The Divine Project
• All songs written by: The Divine Project
• All lyrics written by: Eric Rivera, Roman Petryga
• Produced by: David T. Anselmo, Mitchell Greenham
• Mixed by: David T. Anselmo, Caleb Hyde
• Mastered by: Caleb Hyde
• Album Artwork by: David T. Anselmo, Roman Petryga
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP and Live Band Line Up:
Ro Stevens – Vocals
Eric Divine – Founder/Guitar
David T. Anselmo – Guitar
Derek ‘DRock’ Boshkov – Bass
Mitch Greenham – Drums

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

About The EP Artwork:

(David – Guitar)
The name “Rebirth” is inspired by our new line-up and era for The Divine Project. We wanted to avoid the cliche of “reincarnation of a phoenix from the ashes”-style imagery, but still have this sort of fantastical, “Final Fantasy-esque” element to the artwork for our first EP. That’s when Ro brought us the idea of the angel, which checks the boxes and also aligns more closely with the theme of our band. (Divine, ergo Angel, you get it.) This is why the angel is forming up from dust, holding up the staff, kind of breaking through the void. We’ve yet to start working on the design or title for our follow-up EP, but based on the feelings we get from the music itself, you can expect it to be dark, lonesome, and a bit uncomfortable.

Another fun fact: for Rebirth, the staff that the angel is holding is somewhat a 3D rendering of an idea that we had for a band emblem. We figured that’s what it would look like in ‘real life’. About the EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Rebirth is a heavy, emotionally-charged EP that moves through resistance, disillusionment, danger, and ultimately endurance. Across the four tracks, we blend our love for all genres of metal while trying to create music that hits with real weight but still feels built for connection and release. The EP’s emotional thread is transformation through conflict. It begins with defiance and uprising (“The Revolt”), descends into fractured belief and emotional ruin (“Ruins of Truth”), spikes into volatile psychological tension (“Don’t Startle The Murder”), and closes with a long-form survival anthem that tells a story of a final turning point (“The Longest Night”). For us, Rebirth ultimately lives up to its name. Not as a clean reset, but as a hard-earned return for The Divine Project; fighting our way through the collapse of old truths, and emerging with something stronger, sharper, and more alive.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. The Revolt
Musically – The Revolt launches the EP with urgency and a kick in the ass. It’s a modern metal track driven by tight, punchy drums and aggressive guitar work that feels both militant and anthemic. With a balance of heaviness with clarity and a chorus that is made to hit live – big, propulsive, and emotionally direct. The Revolt is made to please the crowd and to incite an epic mosh pit.

Lyrically – The Revolt is a song about the powers to be trying to hold us down. It’s about the hypocrisy of violent, ‘self-justified’ power structures that bring the cyclical nature of revolution. It sounds like a battle cry on the surface, but it is more about being self-aware and uncomfortable, forcing us to open our eyes and see what’s happening around us. It’s not a simple ‘rise up’ anthem; it’s a warning. If we don’t take action now to prevent this life cycle from repeating, we will fall into a state of “us versus them.” When this happens, we must fight for a change, knowing that change may bring destruction. We must talk about The Revolt now, to prevent it from occurring.

2. Ruins of Truth
Musically, Ruins of Truth shifts into a darker, more atmospheric space. It is less about pure momentum and more about tension, weight, and emotional gravity. The guitars, bass, and drums lock into a heavier groove and create a sense of collapse and aftermath while the vocals carry a haunted intensity. We would call this our “nu-groove metal” type of song, which will help get the heads nodding.

Lyrically, Ruins of Truth is about false leaders and their imposing their beliefs onto us. It’s about a society in moral, psychological, and ideological collapse. We are trapped between extremes, manipulated to slowly surrender our humanity through division; yet somehow, there are people out there who follow. Even today, as a country, we are forced to cooperate with our neighbours while their leader only shows us tyranny.

3. Don’t Startle The Murder
Musically, Don’t Startle The Murder is the EP’s most volatile and striking track. It is sharp, unpredictable, and charged with menace. It leans into a more aggressive and cinematic edge, with riffs and rhythmic turns that feel like they are constantly tightening the screws, and a bridge that takes the listener in a totally new direction and genre. The vocals are meant to move between restraint and explosion, giving the song a sense of danger and psychological pressure. It’s djent, it’s trash, it’s fucking heavy!

Lyrically, Don’t Startle The Murder is a story from the perspective of someone who has been attacked by those who call themselves righteous. They watch as these people prey on the weak and vulnerable, as they are ‘easy’ targets – like a crow that only feeds on what’s already dead or dying. This person sees what the righteous are capable of doing, but also watches as their way of life slowly destroys them from the inside. For them, greed, not God, is the real driving force, but every action has a reaction, and consequences are inevitable. It is the moment when you realize the situation is not just broken; it is actively threatening. This is an angry song, but not a reckless one. The anger is controlled, aimed, and ethical. It speaks for the victim, not the executioner, and refuses to let the righteous ones hide.

4. The Longest Night
Musically, The Longest Night was designed to close out the EP. It is our most expansive and emotionally sweeping song. It takes its time, building from a tense, introspective mood into something larger and more anthemic, blending heaviness with a sense of endurance and calmness. We wanted to create something that leads into a wide, cinematic arc, that feels like that moment when you let go of that breath you’ve been holding on for so long. The vocals are less confrontational and more like survival; raw, exhausted, and determined. With a drum rhythm that’s designed to make you dance and guitars that showcase our love for 2000’s metalcore, The Longest Night is a collective favourite of all of us.

Lyrically, The Longest Night is a war-type story told from the perspective of ‘a soldier’. The song is about being used by their ‘leader’ (a higher power) and realizing too late that the cause that they fought for was a lie. This story is to help paint a picture that sometimes we do things we are told are right but end up being wrong. We are told to fight for what is just, but in fact is just a ploy. It shows that we are all human, all vulnerable, and sometimes can fall on the wrong side of history. It is a call back to yourself when you are disappearing inside the weight of everything. This isn’t a pro-war song, or a simple anti-war song – it’s a post-war reckoning. It honours the instinct we all have to protect each other, while telling the story of someone who fell for the system that exploits this instinct.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE EP “Rebirth”:

1. All the pre-production/demo for Rebirth was done internally. We all have some sort of ‘home studio’ to make music, and David and Mitch are graduates from Metalworks Institute (Mississauga, Ontario) with diplomas as audio engineers. This allowed us to put together high-quality demos, which, in fact, were so well done that our engineer, who helped mix and master the EP (Eardrum Valley Records), was able to use the guitars and bass from the demos in the final production. Only drums and vocals were re-recorded in a live studio session.

2. Everything heard on the EP is performed live. Right now, we aren’t keen on making music that couldn’t be expressed properly with only the 5 of us on stage, so we avoided writing music for Rebirth that needs essential backing tracks to play live. Our motto was ‘if it can’t be played on our instruments, then we don’t do it’.

3. For the track ‘Don’t Startle The Murder’, during the bridge, you will hear additional percussion being played in the background. We decided during the vocal recording sessions that we wanted to add something to build the ‘Latin’ vibe that the bridge had. Unfortunately, we didn’t have access to any Latin instruments of sorts, so Derek brought in toys that his kids use for the percussion. This included a toy maraca and a clapper of sorts. We used these to make the background percussion sounds that you hear in the recording.

4. A lot of people have approached us asking if DSTM is actually supposed to be ‘Don’t Startle The Murderer’. The title is intentional as it’s a play on words. A group of crows is called a murder, and the chorus of the song screams out, ‘the crows will carve you out’. The title ‘Don’t Startle The Murder’ is a warning not to provoke these people (the crows), who tend to be in a higher place of authority.

5. The Longest Night wasn’t called that until the day before we submitted the EP for release. For the longest time (heh), it was called Wake Up, but we felt it didn’t properly express what we wanted to convey in a title. It’s definitely the favorite track in the EP amongst all the band members, so we wanted to find a really meaningful and profound name for it. After some hemming and hawing, we finally bit the bullet and finally settled on the tried and true “Name-the-song-after-the-significant-words-in-the-chorus” method and called it The Longest Night.

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
1. Our mission is to bring music that’s considered ‘underground’ or ‘too heavy’ to the forefront of the industry.
2. Started as a solo project by Eric Divine, The Divine Project is now a staple in the Toronto music scene.
3. David T. Anselmo and Mitch Greenham are both graduates of Metalworks Institute.

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

L-R – Mitch Greenham (Drums) | Eric Divine (Guitar) | Ro Stevens (vocals) | Derek ‘DRock’ Boshkov (Bass) | David T.Anselmo (Guitar)

Photo by: Ivan Gaitan-Ruiz (IG: @pato.feoart)

Hailing from the Greater Toronto Area, The Divine Project is a powerful fusion of talent spanning the spectrum of hard rock to metal, igniting your ears with a sound that’s raw, emotive, and aggressive in style. With a mission to bring music that’s considered ‘underground’ or ‘too heavy’ to the forefront of the industry, The Divine Project is a force to be reckoned with. Energetic and charismatic, their one-of-a-kind live performance has found them as the direct city support for the likes of Eyes Set To Kill, Black Satellite, Awake At Last, Sumo Cyco, and Escape The Fate.

The Divine Project is recognized as a staple in the Ontario music scene. In 2025, TDP re- emerges to reach even greater heights, as founding guitarist Eric Divine leads the band with an all-new roster composed of frontman Ro Stevens, fellow guitarist David T. Anselmo, bassist Derek “DRock” Boshkov, and drummer Mitch Greenham.

Meet The Band

The Voice
Rø Stevens – Frontman
With nearly two decades of experience and 17 years commanding the frontlines, Ro Stevens is a powerhouse vocalist known for his undeniable stage presence and relentless energy. A true passion for metal fuels his music, but Ro’s versatile voice has led him through almost every genre, always with one goal in mind: to make the crowd lose themselves in the moment.

Ro’s dynamic performances are more than just music—they’re an experience. With the ability to ignite raw emotion and power from the first note, he creates a connection with his audience that’s felt deep in the soul. His voice is both fierce and captivating, demanding attention and giving back nothing less than pure energy in return.

The Divine Project stands as the embodiment of that energy, blending hard-hitting sound with an intense passion that only Ro can lead. This is no ordinary performance—this is the kind of show that leaves an imprint, every time.

The Founder
Eric Divine – Rhythm Guitar
As the founder of The Divine Project, Eric is “The Man with the Plan” and the driving force that has kept TDP alive year after year. A love-hate relation with his art, he leaves every ounce of emotion in the music he creates. Born to 80’s metal and raised in the nu-metal era, Eric brings his love of melodic, hard-hitting, intricate guitar playing to his own sound. With more stories to tell, he will not stop until The Divine Project is a name found in every household music collection.

The Engine
Mitch Greenham – Drums
With over fifteen years of drumming experience, Mitch is the rhythmic backline for The Divine Project. Evolving from the instrumental entity known as 1. O.M with lead guitarist David Anselmo, Mitch brings his expertise as a trained audio engineer alongside his musicianship, stemming from personal inspirations of Travis Orbin, Dan Presland, and Sebastian Lanser. Influenced by progressive metal, tech/ symphonic death metal, and avant-garde metal, Mitch aims to find an optimal blend of technicality and groove to create a unique but memorable musical experience.

The Muscle
Derek “DRock” Boshkov – Bass
As a child of the MuchMusic era, Derek draws inspiration from metal, pop-punk, nu-metal, grunge, and industrial, infused with Latin and Balkan influences from his own cultural upbringing. His unique bass tone blends deep, pulsing grooves with a high-energy edge, laying a powerful rhythmic foundation for The Divine Project. With over a decade of experience performing in the Toronto area with Swixblade, Zen in Chaos, and Be Kind, Rewind, he now channels his passion into creating music that is both crushingly heavy and beautifully intense, pushing sonic boundaries with raw energy, depth, and unfiltered power.

The Wings
David T. Anselmo – Lead Guitar
The Lead Guitarist for The Divine Project, and the brain behind the musical entity known as 1.O.M., whether on a fretboard or in a DAW, David is a font of creativity who strives to inject a wide variety of influences into his craft. A lover of heavy riffs and sonorous leads, but an avid fan of all things catchy, David favours synergizing the slick stylings of neo-soul and funk with a foundation of post-hardcore, metal-core, and instrumental rock to create music that’s compelling yet fun.
The Divine Project enters the next chapter of its story; More ferocious, more passionate, more determined. The Divine Project is coming.

…Will you be ready?

Discography:
2025 – Rebirth – EP
2017 – In The Eyes Of Chaos – LP (physical copies only)

Shared Stage with: Jupiter Hollow, Night of The Snakes, Vulpecula, Lubbock Lights, Dog Whistle, Operus, Devil Witch, Solarus, Killotine, Dead Beyond Fear, Polarity, Cevilain, I See Aura, Dawn Vally, Duskwalker, Drop Top Alibi, Stuck In Neutral, Sewn, Mind Swell, Constrain, Falstaff, Napoleon

Local Support for Bands touring through Toronto: Escape The Fate, Sumo Cyco (Initiation Tour), Black Satellite, Eyes Set To Kill (The Attention Tour), Awake At Last. All The Time Everywhere.

Tours and Festivals:
2026 – March Mayhem 2026 Tour – London, Oshawa, Toronto, ON.
2026 – Wacken Metal Battle Toronto Round 1 – Toronto, ON.
2025 – Music Day In Canada – Mississauga, ON.

0 EPK – Nova Spei – Renaissance (2026) (single)

February 13, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Nova Spei (Bam&Co. Heavy) · Uncategorized

EPK – Nova Spei – Renaissance (2026) (single)

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

“We’re confident listeners will connect with this new chapter of the band — a rebirth shaped by the shift to a more powerful, feminine vocal presence, yet still carrying even greater intensity. The sound feels more organic than our previous album, and we want people to feel the passion and pure joy we pour into creating this music.

“Releasing Renaissance first made perfect sense. It’s the song that speaks to our fall and our return, so what could be more logical than starting with the track that tells that story?” — Nova Spei

For fans Gojira, Tesseract, Killswitch Engage, Spiritbox, Architects

NovaSpei.com | Facebook.com/NovaSpei | X.com/NovaSpeiBand | Instagram.com/novaspei | Youtube

Novaspei.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

Online Store – www.novaspei.com/marchandise | Bam&Co. Heavy

“Une pièce qui a tout ce qui faut pour devenir un classique du métal québécois. Des phrases percutantes et pleine de sens sur une musique lourde à souhait.” – Ondes Chocs

“Nova Spei : Nouvel espoir sur la scène métallique au Québec” – Voir

“Bref un excellent album à se mettre sous la dent ou sous le sapin pour le temps des fêtes ! Supportez notre belle scène du Québec ! ” – Metal Universe (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

“so there they were, twelve times groovy metal in French – from Canada. “Sequentis” by NOVA SPEI offers many an entertaining song. A lot of it certainly ignites live in the mosh pit and causes the crowd to freak out because they know how to get their limbs moving with their riffs and fat grooves… an album that is fun and fans of the good old groove metal should like.” – Stormbringer (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

“”Along with a meticulous display of proficient musicianship, this entire album is not only a credit to its makers, but the multifaceted collection of influences that has firmly planted a seed deep within them over the years, and brings New Hope to both the listener and the band as you peel away the cellophane so to speak. As a result, this album won’t gather dust in any collection, and will keep heads bouncing and feet tapping from sofa to stage.”” – Stargazer Music Magazine (2021 – Sequentis – LP)

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics | English Translation of Lyrics]

Band: Nova Spei
Single Title: Renaissance – 2:38
Release Date: February 13, 2026
Label: Bam&Co-Heavy
Distribution: Believe Digital
Genre: Metal
Location of Band: Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Nova Spei
• All songs written by: Nova Spei
• Produced by: Nova Spei
• Mixed by: Francis Perron – Radicart Studio (Voivod, Martyr, etc)
• Mastered by: Maor Appelbaum at Maor Appelbaum Mastering – California – U.S.A (Faith No More, Halford, Yes, etc)
• Album Artwork by: Flat Bathtub : Filip Ivanović personal playground
• Member of SOCAN and SOPROQ
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Band Line Up:
Cédrick Charland – Lead Guitarist
Dany Soucy – Founder, Rhythm Guitarist
Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois – Vocals
Julien De Carufel – Drums
Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette – Bass, Vocals

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

About the Single Artwork:

Filip Ivanovic has managed to capture in images what our rebirth is in a world full of pitfalls.

About The Single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Renaissance is an energetic song that demonstrates our overflowing energy. It speaks of the obstacles we’ve encountered, our desire to get back up and start again, stronger than ever.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. We started imagining the next album with an approach as modern as Sequentis’s. But Francis Perron showed us how it could all sound much more organic, more raw, the way he worked with Voivod, and our focus completely shifted when we heard his first rough mix.

2. We didn’t know who to contact for mastering the songs, and when we were offered the chance to work with Maor Appelbaum (Faith No More, Yes, etc.), we thought it would never happen, and yet… he said yes and seems to have really liked what he heard! We’re not worthy! hahaha

3. This was the first time Nova Spei had recorded in a professional studio. We had recorded the two previous albums in our own facilities.

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

Photo Credit – Joe Weller (Joe Lacerte)

NOVA SPEI, a French-language metal band from Quebec, launched/presented their first album, “Self-Titled” as the opening act for Anonymus on their December 2017 tour across Quebec. In 2019, they toured most of Quebec’s major cities during the band’s 30th-anniversary tour. By 2025, Nova Spei will have performed over 100 shows to promote the band in Quebec and Ontario.

NOVA SPEI was formed in 2012 by Dany Soucy (guitar) (Dook, Legion). Nicolas Dumais (bass) joined the band in 2014. Julien De Carufel (drums) arrived in August 2021, and it was, finally, in 2025 that Cédrick Charland (lead guitar), as well as Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois (vocals), joined the new version of Nova Spei.

In 2017, their first album was produced and recorded in their home studio in Champlain, and mixed, produced, and mastered in France by Anthony Chognard (Smash Hit Combo, CHSprod). Their single “L’homme aux 1000 Sourires” (The Man with 1000 Smiles) is in constant rotation on Quebec City’s RadioX 98.1FM, and their song “Ma Muse” (My Muse), and a few more can be heard during Montreal Canadiens games at the Bell Centre.

2019 marked the beginning of recording for their second album titled SEQUENTIS. The first single, “Qui Sème Le Vent” (Who Sows the Wind), was released in November 2019, but due to the pandemic, the album’s release was delayed by two years, until November 12, 2021.

After some lineup changes, 2026 heralded the return of the full band and the desire to hit the road again. An album titled TRINITAS is therefore in preparation for autumn 2026, with the intention of restarting the party on stage that is Nova Spei.

Band Line Up:
Cédrick Charland – Lead Guitarist
Dany Soucy – Founder, Rhythm Guitarist
Emmanuelle Desbiens-Dubois – Vocals
Julien De Carufel – Drum
Nicolas Dumais-Brouillette – Bass, Vocals

Discography:
2026 – Renaissance (single)
2021 – Sequentis – LP
2017 – Self-Titled LP

Music Placements: Montreal Canadiens games at the Bell Centre

Artist endorsements: Charbonneau Guitars

0 Protected: EPK – Without Mercy – Infinite Loss (2026)

February 12, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Without Mercy

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0 EPK – Famous Strangers – Deepstar (2024) (single)

February 12, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Famous Strangers

EPK – Famous Strangers – Deepstar (2024) (single)

For fans of Halestorm, Nothing More, Sevendust, Godsmack, Evanescence, Butcher Babies, Bad Omens

“Deep Star is coming. This was the very first song we ever released, and the video has been two years in the making. We’re fired up that it’s finally unleashed. A dark cosmic tale of a woman from space sent to save our doomed souls. Massive thanks to Brad Thompson, Mileena Kombat, and Shade Nightclub for helping summon this beast.” – guitarist Jeff Kittilitz.

Famousstrangersband.com | Facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110131774 | Instagram.com/famousstrangersband

Tiktok.com/@famousstrangersband | Youtube.com/@Famousstrangersband

Spotify | Apple Music | Famousstrangers.bigcartel.com

“Haunting, Stirring and Impactful…those words just keep going through our mind as we take in the new single “I’ll See You In The Stars” from Famous Strangers. This one is quite unique with a powerful intensity that is full of rhythm and achieves the rare feat of fury as a pure form of beauty. We really dig this one and you can catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Famous Strangers
Single Title: Deepstar
Single Length: 4:40
Release Date: September 13, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Hard Rock
Location of Band: Sherwood Park, AB, CanadaSingle Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Famous Strangers
• All songs written by: Famous Strangers
• Produced by: Jeff Kittlitz
• Mixed by: Phil Anderson
• Mastered by: Maor Applebaum
• Single Artwork by: Art Szabo Creative
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadaon Content – MAPL

Single Band Line Up:
Jeff Kittlitz – Guitar, Vocals
Amanda Keirnan – Vocals, Lyrics
Braden Sustrik – Bass
Brian “Beej” Jolly – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Jeff Kittlitz – Guitar, Vocals
Amanda Keirnan – Vocals, Lyrics
Braden Sustrik – Bass
Brian “Beej” Jolly – Drums

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

About the single:

“The artwork to me represents the fact that she sees what we cannot: the patterns we repeat, the light buried beneath the weight. She is not a savior in the traditional sense. She is a shift in angle, a reminder of what we’ve forgotten. Clarity exists outside the spiral. Deep Star is the version of ourselves we lost when we stopped looking up.” ~ Art Szabo (Digital Artist)

About the single:

I started writing this song literally just describing my friend Mileena, how she makes me feel and how her presence feels in the room. It all came together so perfectly when I added all the space and Healing. The world needs a Hero and I put those two together.. it just happened.. flooding the paper like some epic extraterrestrial being! Whats even better is that she agreed to be Deepstar and be in our video! We are honored and Blessed to have her. AMANDA KIERNAN

“Deep Star” came together quickly and organically. While exploring presets on my new Fractal FM9, I landed on a tone that instantly brought to mind classic Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and the main riff came together almost immediately. Once I brought it to Beej, the song fell into place fast and gave Amanda plenty of space to write. It was one of the first songs the four of us created together. During recording, the ending evolved in the studio, and we loved it so much we kept it. It was one of those moments that proves the magic that happens when everyone’s locked in. At its core, it’s a straight-up rock song.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. The band is the perfect mistake—something that was never meant to be, yet somehow became exactly what it needed to. It came together as a meeting of the minds, a collision of ideas and energy that formed something greater than any of us could have planned.

2. The single, along with all of Famous Strangers’ music, is recorded and mixed by Jeff Kittlitz, making the entire process 85% in-house. This hands-on approach allows us to shape our sound exactly as we envision it, keeping the recording experience raw, real, and true to who we are as a band.

3. Amanda actually DJs at an exotic nightclub in Edmonton called Shade

4. Braden isn’t just holding down the low end in Famous Strangers—he’s also a teacher, working with students from K to 12. Whether it’s in the classroom or on stage, he brings the same passion and dedication to everything he does.

5. Beej is relentless behind the kit, averaging six hours of drumming every day. Whether it’s rehearsing, refining technique, or just chasing the perfect groove, the dedication never stops.

L-R – Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals), Braden Sustrik (Bass, Vocals), Amanda Kiernan (Vocals), Brian Jolly aka “Beej” Beejerson (Drums)

Shadows of Sound: Story of Famous Strangers

Famous Strangers is a dynamic and innovative band known for their dark, moody, and mysterious sound that blends atmospheric, visual storytelling with powerful, intense music. Formed in 2023, the band came together through a shared passion for creating music that pushes boundaries and evokes deep emotions.

The band consists of members with extensive past experiences in other bands, bringing a wealth of talent and diverse influences to the group. Their combined expertise and creative vision have shaped the unique sound of Famous Strangers, characterized by haunting melodies, a blend of melodic and aggressive vocals, and atmospheric instrumentals.

Famous Strangers is gearing up to make their mark on the music scene with a series of single releases this year, leading up to a highly anticipated full album release set for 2026. As they embark on this exciting journey, the band remains committed to delivering powerful performances and captivating audiences with their unforgettable sound.

Stay tuned as Famous Strangers continues to reveal more of their musical journey, bringing their fans along for an exhilarating ride through the depths of their creative vision.

Recording & Live Band Lineup:
Amanda Keirnan (Vocals)
Jeff Kittlitz (Guitar, Vocals)
Brian Jolly aka “Beej” Beejerson (Drums)
Braden Sustrik (Bass, Vocals)

Discography:
Deepstar (Single Release (Sept 13th 2024)
George (Single Release November 15th 2024)
I’ll See You In The Stars (Single Release March 7th, 2025)
L.S.C. (Single Release June 3rd, 2025)

Shared Stage with: Revocation, Danko Jones, Three Inches of Blood, The Devil Sons, King Thief, Riot City

0 EPK – Killcrown – Death (single) (2026) (Exitus Stratagem Records)

February 5, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Killcrown (Exitus Stratagem Records)

EPK – Killcrown – Death (single) (2026) (Exitus Stratagem Records)

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

For fans of Lorna Shore, Traitors, Filth, Dying Fetus, White Chapel

“I’m confident our fans are going to embrace this album with a real love for the brutal arts. We poured everything we had into creating something that truly resonates—something that drags listeners into the moments that inspired every track. You can feel the anticipation building; people are hungry to get their hands on this record.

Our goal is to make listeners feel like the music is punching them straight in the face—BLUDGEONED. The sound is unavoidable, unrelenting. Just when you settle into the groove, BOOM—you’re slammed with a jagged, chaotic breakdown that shouldn’t make sense at first, but somehow you’re stank-facing and moving with it anyway. Then the vocals hit: heavy, clear, and shocking. You hear a line and think, “Did he really just say that?”

We’ve always pushed ourselves to make every song the best it can be. If we like a track but don’t absolutely love it, it’s gone. Our fans deserve nothing less than our strongest work.” – Steve Maple (vocals) – Killcrown

https://www.exsrmusic.com | https://www.facebook.com/Killcrown | https://www.youtube.com/@Killcrown | https://killcrown.bandcamp.com/

Digital Link (Spotify): https://hypeddit.com/killcrown/death

“Oldschool Death Metal sensibility meets modern aggression” – Terry Stevens, Q106 WJXQ

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Killcrown
Single Title: Death – 3:10
Release Date: February 5, 2026
Label: Exitus Stratagem Records

Single Recording Credits:
All songs performed by: Killcrown
All songs written by: Orin Knuppenburg and Steve Maple
Produced by: Orin Knuppenburg
Mixed by: Exitus Stratagem Records
Mastered by: Exitus Stratagem Records
Album Artwork by: Stealthfangs

Recording Band Lineup:
Vocals: Steve Maple
Guitar: Orin Knuppenburg
Lead Guitar: James Alexander
Bass: Tyler Walterspaugh
Drums: Dave Zaza

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

About The Single Artwork:

Knives to the face. It is a brutal depiction of life.

About the upcoming album (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The album is the heaviest and most interesting music we have ever put together. The lyrics are more profound than anything I have ever written. I am blown away at some of the parts, almost as if I didn’t write them.

The music is so well written. Each song is written to stand out as its own work of art.

About The Single:

DEATH is our first single from the record. We had written a few of the other songs prior, but this is one of our newer songs, and we felt like it was a better representation of what we really are currently. I was sitting at home one day, and I got a call from Orin.

“Hey Bitch, you need to get the fuck over here and listen to this song and write lyrics!!”

We call each other ‘Bitch’ as a pleasantry.

I got there, and he played the song. It was EVERYTHING.

I knew that this was going to change the way that we write because of how loudly it was speaking to us.

I wanted to go home and write to it, but he was so excited, he made me stay and write it there. 1 hour later, I had some of the most impactful lyrics that I had ever written. Orin LOVED it…except the chorus.

“The whole song is PLATINUM. We can’t have a bronze Chorus.”

I was like “Well, I never!”

So, he got called over to someone at the door, and I was so appalled that he didn’t like my chorus that now I was going to write a chorus so fucking good that he would CHOKE on it!!! AND, I had to have it done by the time he was done talking with the person at the door.

“Severing Misery. Cut it Out. Make it Bleed. Hold Your Breath. Never Stop. DEATH”

It was perfect. I sang it to him 2 minutes after being INSULTED by his actually polite constructive criticism, and his jaw dropped. LOL “You did that while I was gone?”

Then, he tells me to scratch track the vocal. We got in the booth, and I ended up laying down what we used as our final tracks that were written that day. It was our best work at the time, too!

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

Story Angles – Band Fun Facts:

1. Two of our members played in the band Nuskin before Killcrown was formed. Because of this, we get asked to play an NWA song at almost EVERY show!

2. We are from a super small town in Michigan. We play in Battle Creek a lot, but are from Hastings and Delton, Michigan. These are the types of towns that you grow up thinking there is no way that you can make it anywhere in entertainment. We have found that we can make it as far as we want to. It is up to us how far we push this thing, ya know?

3. Our lead vocalist owns two grassroots music festivals also based in Michigan. MICHIGAN METAL FEST and MIDWEST BREWTAL FEST. We get to play the fest every other year or every few years, but I’m a dick about not favoring my band, so we don’t play every year, and we don’t get special treatment or billing. Lol

4. Once, at a show at The Music Factory, I had a hernia, so I couldn’t sing my set. I really didn’t want to pull out of the show because it was a killer one and we had committed to doing it. So, instead of cancelling, I decided to try to have another vocalist cover my set. I immediately felt bad for whoever had to learn my set in 2 weeks! I thought for a few about a way to get the songs not only covered but make it an even more special evening. I decided to reach out to 5 different vocalists/friends of mine, and they all were STOKED to help. We made history that night. It was absolutely legendary. I wasn’t supposed to sing, but still did 1 song. lol

5. Our whole band is known to drive separately to an out-of-state gig. We all get along, but that’s just the way we do it a lot cause a couple of the guys are on different schedules. We are a whole convoy!

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

L-R – Orin Knuppenburg (Guitar), Dave Zaza (Drums), Steve Maple (Vocals), Tyler Walterspaugh (Bass), James Alexander (Lead Guitar)

Photograph Credit: Steve Maple w/ Deathhouse Media

Born from a relentless passion for extreme music, Killcrown stands as one of Michigan’s most punishing and unapologetic heavy acts. Vocalist Steve Maple and guitarist/composer Orin forged the band after years of writing together, evolving from their previous nu‑metal project Nuskin, a Midwest cult favorite known for its explosive shows and infamous NWA “Boyz In Da Hood” cover. What began as a creative partnership has sharpened into a singular vision: to create music so heavy, so visceral, that listeners feel bludgeoned by every riff, every breakdown, every word.

Hailing from the small towns of Hastings and Delton, Killcrown is proof that extreme metal can erupt from the unlikeliest places. Their sound, an unrelenting fusion of deathcore, slam, death metal, and melodic brutality, has earned them a reputation as “the heaviest band” everywhere they play. Fans describe their shows as unforgettable, grimy, energizing, and downright violent in the best possible way. The band’s stage presence has become legendary, with crowds lining up for photos, autographs, and the adrenaline rush that only Killcrown can deliver.

With influences ranging from Lorna Shore and Traitors to Filth, Dying Fetus, and Whitechapel, Killcrown has carved out a sound entirely their own—detailed, intentional, and crafted to hit like a punch to the face. Maple and Orin write with each other in mind, pushing one another to extremes, refusing to release anything that isn’t their absolute best. If a song isn’t loved, it’s gone. Their fans deserve nothing less.

Killcrown is preparing to unleash their heaviest and most profound work to date: a full‑length album slated for release later this year. Each track is built as its own piece of violent musical art, shaped by real‑life experiences, emotional lows, and the raw honesty that fuels Maple’s most impactful lyrics yet.

The first taste of this new era comes in the form of their devastating new single, “DEATH.” Written in a burst of creative fury, complete with Orin demanding Maple “get the f*ck over here and write lyrics”. The track became a turning point for the band. Within an hour, Maple had crafted some of the most powerful lines of his career, including a chorus so intense it stunned the room into silence. The final vocal take was captured that same day, raw and unfiltered, becoming the definitive version used on the record.

“DEATH” arrives with artwork as brutal as the music itself, knives to the face, a stark depiction of life’s harshest realities. The single is already spinning on stations like Q106 WJXQ in Lansing, championed by longtime supporters Scary F’in Terry and Metal Mandy. As the band puts it:

“This song is some of our best work to date. We truly feel that people are going to connect with this track. This album is written from a very honest standpoint that is BRUTAL, yet beautiful.”

Beyond the studio, Killcrown’s story is filled with the kind of lore that cements a band’s legacy: Maple running two major Michigan festivals (Michigan Metal Fest and Midwest Brewtal Fest) without ever giving his own band special treatment; a legendary night where five guest vocalists stepped in when Maple had a hernia; and the band’s habit of driving separately to out‑of‑state gigs like a chaotic metal convoy.

Killcrown is more than a band; they’re a force. A testament to what happens when passion, pain, and precision collide. With their upcoming album on the horizon and “DEATH” marking the beginning of a new chapter, Killcrown is poised to hit harder than ever.

Extreme. Brutal. Unforgettable. Killcrown is here to make you feel, whether you’re ready or not.

Band Lineup:
Vocals: Steve Maple
Guitar: Orin Knuppenburg
Lead Guitar: James Alexander
Bass: Tyler Walterspaugh
Drums: Dave Zaza

Shared Stage with: Mushroomhead, (hed)P.E., Gideon, Filth, Traitors, Green Jello, Vorrath, Cultus Black, The Convalescence, Casket Robbery, & Aight Bet

Tours and Festivals:
2024 – Michigan Metal Fest – Battle Creek, MI
2024- Toledo Death Fest – Toledo, Ohio

0 EPK – CAERRIAN – Fathomless Ruin (2026)

January 29, 2026
by Asher
· Caerrian · EPKs

EPK – CAERRIAN – Fathomless Ruin (2026)

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

For fans of Lamb of God, Dissection, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Opeth

“We are CÆRRIAN. Progressive melodic death metal from Mission, BC, Canada. A unique blend of heaviness, melody & harmony, covered with layers of frost.”

“Fathomless Ruin was a song concept written almost 8 years ago, just a riff idea that never saw the light of day. Resurrected when Warrborn was dissolved. Breakthroughs in my playing led to new parts and transitions that led to feel changes in the song, which influenced the lyrical concept and song structure. The lyrics wrote themselves after the first verse was laid out. The vision for the lyrics became crystal clear to me after writing the bridge section. It started off as a top gun-style theme, I envisioned jet fighters flying through the clouds, etc., but later saw the death of a Viking fleet at the mercy of the kraken. A song with a moral: Set out to rape, pillage, and kill, face your demise, and if you live, expect to be alone with no one, no glory, only sorrow. ” – Caerrian

All Links – https://linktr.ee/caerrian

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571108528697 | https://instagram.com/caerrian | https://x.com/caerrian | https://www.youtube.com/@caerrian | https://tiktok.com/@caerrian

Spotify – https://show.co/6yOWAUD

“I’m so stoked Drumeo and Sabian asked us to feature ‘Fathomless Ruin’ in this ad for the new Redlight & Spotlight cymbal lines. It coincides perfectly with the launch of the single and me being picked up as a Sabian Artist. The Sabian sound is one I’ve known and loved all my life. And I can’t wait to showcase that in our live shows.” – Aaron Graham – Drums – Caerrian

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Caerrian
Single Title: Fathomless Ruin (5:45)
Release Date: Jan 30th 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby
Genre: Melodic/Progressive Death metal
Location of Band: Vancouver, BC

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Caerrian
• All songs written by: Ken Rothe, Chris Dyck, Justin Gordon, Aaron Graham
• Produced by: Ken Rothe, Chris Dyck, Justin Gordon
• Mixed by: Matt Roach
• Mastered by: Matt Roach
• Album Artwork by: Cimmerian Art
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording Line Up:
Ken Rothe – Lead Guitar
Justin Gordon – Rhythm Guitar
Josh Erhart – Bass
Aaron Graham – Drums
Tyler Parsons – Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Ken Rothe – Lead Guitar
Justin Gordon – Rhythm Guitar
Justin Marcil – Bass
Aaron Graham – Drums
Tyler Parsons – Vocals

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

About Single Artwork:

The single artwork is inspired by a death from above theme, and also an ocean theme, to kind of keep with the lyrical contents, which is about crossing the ocean to pillage and getting decimated along the way.

About the upcoming EP (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The EP is a heavy melodic journey that crosses genres and tickles the brain. Sonically, crushing with massive guitar tones and pro sound quality. There is something in it for everyone, even calm parts like Opeth would have in their tunes, which lead to heavy parts. Stompy bits, prog bits, and everything in between, super melodic solos that aren’t just shreddy, but suit the moods. Lyrics are mainly based around the topics listed above: power struggles, defeat, control, and manipulation.

About The Track:

Fathomless ruin: uplifting and epic, then dark and evil, then uplifting again. The song is about a fleet of Vikings crossing the sea to pillage, encountering the kraken along the way, which destroys the fleet and all the warriors, leaving one soul survivor washed ashore in a foreign land to tell the tale.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND:

1) Caerrian’s lyrical concepts and messages are designed to make people think. The current state of the world, the current state of your life, the past decisions you’ve made, and the implications of your actions. It is supposed to bring light to the various shady aspects of govt, finance, social media, influencers, and corporations who are really running the show. Some of our lyrics were written after doing our taxes, the burn of that, the burden of having to do your own work to pay someone else for things they aren’t delivering to us. Other things, such as the manipulation of the masses through social media, also heavily influence our writing, the strengthening of left vs. right, especially during COVID, and then after. We like to try to remain neutral on these things, but to show people that the left and right aren’t so divided, we should be more aligned with one another. To wake up and stop believing everything read on social media and everything delivered to us in the news.

2) This single and the EP were recorded at Raincity recorders by Caerrian, with Matt Roach. Who engineered, mixed, and mastered it all.

3) We used the Quad Cortex, a Mesa Boogie Mark IV (Rev A), a Diesel VH4, and a Modded 5150 block letter through Mesa, and Marshall cabinets to achieve the guitar tones. Solar and ESP Guitars. All guitars use Evertune Bridges, fishmann fluence pick ups, and EMG pickups.

4) Drums are all live off the floor, and mic’d up, no triggers or samples used.

5) Our Drummer Aaron is an instructor with Drumeo and has a Doctorate in percussion from UBC.

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

L-R – Ken Rothe – Guitar, Tyler Parsons – Vocals, Justin Marcil – Bass, Justin Gordon – Guitar, Aaron Graham – Drums

Launched in December of 2024, CÆRRIAN is a five-piece progressive/melodic death metal band from Mission, BC, Canada.

Drawing influence from many metal sub-genres, the core sound is akin to bands like Amon Amarth, Soilwork, Iced Earth, Arch Enemy, Shadows Fall, Death, and Lamb of God.

Aiming to hit the riffs and grooves of Pantera, Megadeth & Slayer, while layering the progressive elements of Mastodon and the frostiness of Dissection or Witchery.

A unique blend of heaviness, melody, and harmony that we feel has something for every listener’s taste.

Vox: Tyler Parsons
Lead: Ken Rothe
Rhythm: Justin Gordon
Bass: Justin Marcil
Drums: Aaron Graham

Artist Endorsements: Aaron Graham – Sabian Cymbals

Shared Stage with:
•Anciients
•Ashen Pall
•Blackthrone Ascension
•Cryptic Enslavement
•Cultovar
•Dredge the River
•Deathbound
•Edith
•Empress
•Gregorious
•Heathanz Sinz
•Hushed
•Insurrection
•Killing Twins
•Malevolent
•Mortuary Cave
•Mutual Trauma
•Mvlgrave
•No Living Witness
•Omniesia
•PlagueDoctor
•Quasicosm
•Terrifier
•Torrefy
•Vampires and Leeches
•Vision of Verity
•Woke Up Wasted
•Yegg

0 EPK – Eternios – Requiem for the North (2026)

January 27, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Eternios

EPK – Eternios – Requiem for the North (2026)

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

“We hope it receives a positive response. We’re very proud of how the single turned out and feel it’s a great representation of what’s to come on the full-length. We want to portray a cold sense of melodic black metal with hopefully enough originality and breadth to appeal to extreme black metal fans as well as extreme melodic metal fans.” – Eternios

For fans of Brymir, Old Man’s Child, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Windir, Dissection

Facebook.com/eterniosmetal | Instagram.com/eterniosmetal | Youtube.com/@Eternios

Spotify | Apple Music

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Eternios
Single Title: Requiem For The North – 6:23
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital Release
Genre: Blackened Symphonic Death Metal
Location of Band: Vancouver, Canada

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Eternios
• All songs written by: Colin Ryley
• Produced by: Colin Ryley
• Mixed by: Colin Ryley
• Mastered by: Colin Ryley
• Album Artwork by: Mike Hrubovcak (Visual Darkness)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Single Band Line Up:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Guitars, Bass, Orchestrations, Programming

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

About The Album or Single Artwork:

The single artwork is a rendition of the upcoming full-length artwork, which was done by Mike Hrubovcak of Visual Darkness. He is also the vocalist of many bands, including Imperial Crystalline Entombment, Monstrosity, and Vile. His work on the album cover for Imperial Crystalline Entombment is some of my favourite black metal artwork I’ve ever seen, so when I reached out to him and he expressed interest, it was awesome.

It’s a very winter-heavy artwork with icy-blue tones and whites with music notes and notation flying out of a polar blizzard.

About the single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Requiem for the North is my love letter to the vast Canadian wilderness. The feeling you get surrounded by snow and frost with no one around for miles as the sun sets around you is a melancholic and silent feeling that you feel deep in your soul. I intended to create a song that encapsulated this feeling, combining the extreme cold with beautiful harmony. It starts with aggressive blast beats and keeps a fast pace throughout the song, moving into a big, catchy chorus and eventually to a neo-classical style C-Section and chorus. This song also has a dedicated outro with dual guitar harmonies and double kicks over fast-picked legato tremolo rhythms.

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Eternios was created in late 2025 by guitarist Colin Ryley as a creative project based on his lifelong love of Scandinavian melodic death/black metal.

2. Colin did all the instruments and vocals for the first studio album as well as all the production, mixing, and mastering. But when he started looking forward to playing live shows during the second album recording, Marlee Ryley (Hyperia) hopped on vocal duty to allow him to focus solely on guitar.

3. Colin and Marlee Ryley are married and have toured extensively across Canada and Europe with their melodic thrash metal band “Hyperia”.

4. Eternios is a made-up word based on the word “Eternity”, a concept that heavily inspired the first album’s writing, which was based around evolution and the metaphysical mystery of the universe.

5. Eternios was created as solely a studio project for Colin Ryley, but with growing local interest as well as a wish to take the band further, he started putting together a full line-up while recording the second album.

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

Eternios is a Blackened Symphonic Death Metal band from Vancouver, BC, created by Colin Ryley (Hyperia, Bayonet Dismemberment). Originally starting as a studio-only creative side-project, Eternios created and released their first full-length album “Mysterium” to the world in January 2025, receiving numerous praises and positive responses for the combination of aggressive black metal with melodic symphonic orchestral sections.

In late 2025, composing and recording started for the second full-length “Requiem For The North”, and the decision was made to turn Eternios into a live band. The sophomore album contains 9 originals along with a cover and is set to be released in Spring 2026.

Discography:
2026 – Requiem for the North (Album) – Unreleased
2025 – Mysterium (Album)

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