Category: EPKs
0 Protected: EPK – Ravenmocker – Where the Raven Flies (2026)
0 EPK – Siege Perilous – Becoming The Dragon (2026)
EPK – Siege Perilous – Becoming The Dragon (2026)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“One of the big goals was to create a narrative concept album experience while also allowing each individual track to stand on its own, and while that was challenging, I think we accomplished that, so whether you are listening to the entire album or just revisiting a favorite track, audiences will find both experiences to be rich and fulfilling. This was a really cool and interesting writing experience, as we had contributions from every band member in the writing process. We started off in early 2024 by writing the larger story and determining what the different story beats for each track would be, and then people kind of chose which story beats they wanted to tackle. Each song had a kind of originator who put the basics of the track together on some level, and then we worked together to edit, revise, and flesh out the arrangements until we got something that really gelled and really told the story in interesting and dynamic ways.” – Siege Perilous – Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Band: Siege Perilous
Album Title: Becoming The Dragon
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Label: Crunchtronic Records
For fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Iron Maiden
Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Youtube.com/@siegeperilousmetal | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal
Apple Music | Spotify | Online Store – https://siegemetal.com/store
“It gives me great pleasure to tell you that Creation’s Call is a blast. Siege Perilous has succeeded in creating what I would call Epic Power Metal for the Working Man. They don’t waste your time with overlong symphonic interludes between tracks, melodramatic narration, or overproduction that tests the limits of your sanity. The band gets right to the point and pulls you into their epic tales of heroic daring immediately. This is a nice breath of fresh air and if this EP is anything to go by, Siege Perilous has a great future ahead of them. Yes, this could be considered power metal but the no-nonsense approach and urgency to the songwriting makes this release absolutely worth checking out for those of us in the NWOTHM scene. Plus, it’s really just a lot of fun. This one is highly recommended. THENWOTHM SCORE: 9/10” – The NWOTHM (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“‘Creation’s Call’ never gets boring, even on Heavy Rotation. Five gifted musicians have succeeded in creating a varied EP. The twin guitar solos are convincing the whole time. It’s just a shame that it ends after twenty-one minutes. It makes you wish for a full-length album. And, of course, a thrilling live performance. 9.3/10” – Metalheads Forever Magazine (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“solid power metal style that should satiate any LARP-attendees or Dungeons and Dragons mavens. Keep an eye on this quintet – wield thy sword as they lead the battle charge for more quality power metal from the states. 8/10” – Dead Rhetoric
“If you’re a fan of traditional power metal with a modern twist, Siege Perilous is a band you need to discover. Their self-released EP is a promising glimpse into what they’re capable of, and it’s clear that they have the potential to become major players in the genre. 8/10” – My Global Mind (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Denver metal mob reckon that their goal on “Creation’s Call” was to build a world and tell a story in “three to five minutes.” It’s a world of fantasy, as “Oathsworn” proves, where metal rules and swords are held high. “Across The Rubicon,” however, is delivered with such skill that you can’t resist getting sucked in with them. Shaughnessy McDaniel has a brilliant “metal” voice, roaring on “Sons Of The Verdant,” and guitar duo Scott Hancock and Cody Martinez can knock out a NWOBHM riff like it’s 1982, as the title song underlines. “Brothers Of Five” brings the epic one last time, galloping in proper fashion, and it’ll be interesting to see how Siege Perilous develops. This is one hell of an opening statement, mind you. 8.5/10” – Maximum Volume Music (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Creation’s Call not only highlights Siege Perilous’ dedication to epic storytelling but also emphasises their versatility within the power metal genre. With influences ranging from historical events to high fantasy, this EP offers a rich and varied auditory experience that will captivate fans. Prepare to embark on a grand journey through myth and history as Siege Perilous delivers their latest saga.” – Amplify The Noise (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Creation’s Call it is a cohesive and well-crafted work, where the combination of rich letters in history and fantasy, with a meticulous musical execution, it makes mandatory, regardless of its short duration. [82%]” – Via Nocturna (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Creation’s Call doesn’t get boring even in heavy rotation. Five gifted musicians have created a varied EP. The solos of the twin guitars are convincing across the board. It’s just a shame that it’s over after twenty-one minutes. You want a full-length album. And of course a sweaty live performance. 9.4/10” – Keep On Rocking (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“Colorfully mixed NWOTHM/Epic Heavy/Power Metal elixir that appeals to a broad range of fans between ALESTORM, BATTLEROAR, ETERNAL CHAMPION, GATEKEEPER, IRON MAIDEN, RUNNING WILD and WRATHBLADE. Awakens a huge appetite for a full long-play album. On this EP you can clearly see that the band has enormous potential and has already given a great taste of their skills. Conclusion: Strong-looking genretobak that falls out of the usual range! 8,5/10” – FFM-Rock (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
““Oathsworn,” hits the guns from the get go, slamming through the turnstiles of time and building the great beyond.” – The Median Man (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“America’s Siege Perilous release new EP CREATION’S CALL – 5 slabs of hard and heavy metal with a twist of power metal.” – Loud Enough Magazine (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
““Oathsworn” simply explodes out of the gate. The band ratchets every possible dial up to 11 and charges into battle with an epic statement of intent.” – Nine Circles (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
““Brothers Of The Five” offers classic power metal as you would appreciate it. The strain on the neck muscles is correspondingly high and in some places the number cannot deny a slight Maiden stable smell.” – Hellfire Magazin (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“This is traditional/power metal awesomeness. It gives off big Iron Maiden meets Hammerfall vibes, and I am all for it! Much like the previous EP, it had me hooked from the excellent opener, through the awesome ‘Creations Call’ and to the epic closer.” – Overtone Magazine (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“if you dig keep it true, epic, and fast and heavy metal with fantasy and historical themes, you will enjoy Siege Perilous and their latest EP, Creation’s Call. Recommended.” – Dangerdog Music Reviews (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
“a thunderous gallop of heavy come power metal, immensely infectious with a sky high level of head bang ability.” – Frenzy Fire Metal & Rock Reviews (2024 – Creation’s Call – EP)
Track Listing:
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Cody Martinez – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
• All songs written by:
Shaughnessy McDaniel
Scott Hancock
Cody Martinez
Ryan Flanagan
Eric Fischer
Mark Girard
• Produced by: Alex Carrillo
• Mixed by: Alex Carrillo
• Mastered by: Alex Carrillo
• Album Artwork by: Leighton Buxman
• Member of ASCAP
Album Band Line Up:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Cody Martinez – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
Live Band Line Up:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
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About The Album Artwork:
The album artwork, done by the amazingly talented Leighton Buxman, depicts the climax of the story where our titular hero finally becomes the dragon and seizes his destiny. We wanted a vibe that had a combination of dark and high fantasy, and Leighton did an amazing job capturing that vibe through this magical ritual where our hero is transformed. She also did a great job of incorporating small elements and nods for the other songs, like the banner of the “Chieftain” and the shards of the Crystalline dunes mentioned in “Shattered Mirage”. It’s such a tremendous encapsulation of the story we are telling and the vibe we are trying to cultivate on this new album.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
“Becoming the Dragon” is a cinematic journey following the Child of Prophecy as he follows his path, then denies his destiny, and then slowly comes to realize that only by embracing it can he truly overcome it. This story takes twists and turns from the mysterious to the tragic, and we really wanted to reflect that musically with a wide variety of tones, emotions, and musical approaches. Each song is its own unique entity, but together they form something that we believe audiences will really find magical.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
Overture – We wanted to welcome people into the story and album with an overture that featured interestingly arranged snippets from the other songs. Since Ryan joined after the bulk of the core songwriting process, we wanted him to arrange this piece, and he did an amazing job. It really throws in a lot of flavors from the rest of the album while also keeping a unique identity, and it is a great way to ease audiences into the immersive world of “Becoming the Dragon”.
Ancient Rite – This song starts with a somber and mildly ominous intro as we take the audience into the world of the prophecy that engulfs our protagonist. It’s airy in a lot of parts with a strong driving verse, which helps to set the stage for the rest of the story.
As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – This song is a dream come true for long-time Rhapsody and Fabio fan Shaughnessy. Musically, this song also attempts to combine Siege’s unique style with the power metal sound of classic Rhapsody. Fabio plays the dragon that the protagonist is sworn to slay and while this starts off as a classic fantasy tale, it takes a dark twist as Fabio’s dragon warns Shaughnessy’s knight that slaying him won’t free our protagonist but rather will keep him a prisoner of his own destiny. Starts off as an optimistic heroic tale that turns quite dark by the end.
Child of Prophecy – A very Iron Maiden-esque melody and guitar combination tells the story of the protagonist questioning whether his destiny will ever free him or anyone else, or if it’s simply a cage. A philosophical track about fate, freedom, and prophecy.
Shattered Mirage – Delving into a dark and heavy sound, this track shows our hero leaving the world he has known behind. His caravan is ambushed in a desert where the sands are constantly being struck by lightning, forming dunes of glass and encapsulating the bodies of the slain. Does the hero see his future? His past? Or simply the inevitability of death? Musically, this song features some interesting use of double-layered vocals that give off echoes of Hansi Kursch while still retaining Shaughnessy’s unique vocal quality.
Chieftain – Having survived the Crystalline dunes, our hero finds his way to the Infinite Steppe, a vast wasteland where warring tribes vie for control. There, he follows a mighty Chieftain to victory. When the Chieftain perishes, our hero seizes control and cuts a bloody swath through his enemies. This song’s fast driving rhythm, complex arrangement, and chanty chorus give it a unique spirit and one that we hope will get the audience’s blood pumping.
Cut Down – This is one of the most old-school and traditional heavy metal-sounding songs we may have ever done. Combining vibes from Judas Priest, Dio, and a hefty dose of Manowar, Cut Down is a high-octane track that finds our hero continuing his bloody campaign of conquest. Eventually, he realizes that all he’s become is a villain who can’t contribute anything to the world other than blood and death, and gives up his title of Chieftain to return home.
Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – This song musically is a nod to Jim Steinman/Meatloaf and also to Tobias Sammet and his work in Avantasia. This has some great 70s and 80s power ballad vibes, driven by piano and strong orchestration supporting killer vocals from Starkey and soaring leads from the guitar. This power ballad forms the “all is lost” moment of the album, where the protagonist returns home to find that his enemies have found it and put it to the torch and its people to the sword. Here, he encounters the Mystic (Twilight Force and Temperance vocalist Kristin Starkey), who reprimands our hero for leaving, but together they decide on a plan for our hero to seize his destiny, become the dragon, and fight the cosmic forces of destiny.
Becoming the Dragon – Having chosen to embrace his destiny to fight the one who made it, our hero summons magical forces to transform himself into the titular dragon. This song features thunderous drums, shredding solos, and a really killer bass interlude that builds the song towards its high-impact climax.
Eschaton – This sweeping narrative features a lot of different musical movements within as the hero battles the forces of destiny, shattering the universe in order to rebuild it as one free of fate. Inspired by songs like “And Then There Was Silence” by Blind Guardian, “The Scarecrow” by Avantasia, and “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden, this song is an epic with a lot of pieces that flow seamlessly between each other, telling the story of the end of one cosmos and the dawn of a better one.
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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
The Collaboration with Fabio: Shaughnessy has been a Rhapsody fan since he was 16, and so this collaboration is a dream 20 years in the making. When he wrote “As the Dragon Falls,” he had a long list of different vocalists he wanted to collaborate with, but Fabio was at the top of the list, and he didn’t even have to ask his second choice. He really appreciated Fabio’s warm and friendly attitude towards collaboration and thinks the results speak for themselves.
Kristin Starkey, from teacher to collaborator: Shortly after Shaughnessy saw Kristin filling in for Alesandro Conti during their tour with Gloryhammer in early 2024, he signed up for vocal lessons. He really appreciated the advice not just on singing, but on writing, marketing, and the business, and he really appreciates the friendship and rapport the two have built over the last two years. And she’s been a great support that he said has really helped him grow and feel confident in his vocal abilities far beyond what he could have imagined.
Echoes of Home: Shaughnessy wrote Echoes of Home during a pretty hard time for him personally. Shortly after his son was born, he lost a great deal of weight and had to be admitted to the NICU. The room was small, and there was only a couch for sleeping, so at night, Shaughnessy would go home while his wife stayed with their son. It was during these nights when everything seemed grim that he started writing “Echoes”. It really fuelled the sadness and sense of loss that became the core of “Echoes of Home”. Not to worry, though, his son is happy, healthy, and celebrates his second birthday in February of 2026.
Child of Prophecy: This song has an interesting history because the first draft was written long before any of the other tracks of the album, and was at least in a small way the inspiration for the main overarching story. However, when we recorded the version we had written in pre-production, something about the track was not clicking, and the song felt off. The problem was that we had already completed drum tracking, and going back to do more would have cost a lot of money and potentially thrown off our entire budget. In came Ryan, who, within just a day or two, had re-arranged the entire track with the stipulation that the original drums needed to stay intact. The result is a tighter and more on-point version of the song than had ever existed before, and it is a track we are incredibly proud of and excited to share with everyone.
Writing Process: Quite a few people outside of the band commented that our full-band collaborative writing process sounded crazy to them. And while some people originated certain key ideas or skeleton frames of the songs, ultimately, all of us had a hand in shaping each track. It had challenges and required people to really work on communicating, compromising, and collaborating, but in the end, the result is an album that has a lot of each member in its DNA, and that’s something really special.
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Left to Right: Mark Girard (Drums) | Eric Fischer (Bass) | Shaughnessy McDaniel (Vocals) | Ryan Flanagan (Guitar) | Scott Hancock (Guitar)
Photographer Credit – Gii Astorga
Forged in the fires of fantasy and history, Siege Perilous is a Colorado-based power metal band dedicated to telling stories as grand as the battles and legends that inspire them. Born from the camaraderie of live-action roleplay and a shared love of cooperative storytelling, the band was founded by Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums) after witnessing the electrifying performance of Unleash the Archers in Denver in 2021. Inspired to create their own epic soundscape, they soon recruited longtime collaborator Eric Fischer (bass), known for his work in Celtic folk band The Stubby Shillelaghs. In late 2024, the lineup expanded with the addition of Ryan Flanagan, solidifying the band’s roster as they embarked on their most ambitious project yet.
Siege Perilous crafts music that is epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story-driven. Their songs draw from both history and myth—whether chronicling the devastation of the Black Plague, the crossing of the Rubicon, or the slaying of dragons in tabletop and live-action roleplay adventures. Every track is designed as a chapter in a larger saga, blending thunderous riffs, soaring solos, and commanding vocals into immersive narratives that transport listeners into worlds of valor and imagination.
After releasing two EPs and various singles, in 2025, Siege Perilous began recording their debut full-length album, Becoming the Dragon, for release in 2026. A sweeping concept record that weaves a ten-part story across its tracks. The album balances the grandeur of a narrative arc with the individuality of standalone songs, offering fans both a cinematic journey and powerful single experiences. With contributions from every member, the writing process was deeply collaborative, each musician shaping different story beats before uniting them into a cohesive whole. Guest performances from artists like Fabio and Kristin Starkey further elevate the album’s scope and emotional resonance.
On stage, Siege Perilous delivers more than a concert; they create an immersive theatrical experience. Their live shows invite audiences into the worlds they sing about, combining high-energy performance with storytelling flair. Fans can expect not just music, but an adventure that blurs the line between stage and saga.
The band’s influences span the pantheon of heavy and power metal: Manowar, Battle Beast, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, and Sabaton, alongside the symphonic grandeur of Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia. Siege Perilous channels these inspirations into a sound uniquely their own, rooted in classic heavy metal traditions but expanded with modern symphonic arrangements, dynamic vocal range, and cinematic scope.
With their evolving sound, collaborative spirit, and passion for storytelling, Siege Perilous stands ready to carve their place in the halls of power metal. Each song is a quest, each album a legend, and each performance an invitation to join the adventure.
Discography:
2022 – Betrayal of the Dracolich (EP)
2023 – Black Death (Single)
2023 – Blood Hallows (Single)
2023 – Ride the Leyline (Single)
2024 – Creation’s Call (EP)
2026 – Becoming The Dragon (LP)
Shared Stage with:
Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Judicator, Celestial Wizard, After Time Seizure, Starwraith, Oak, Ash, and Thorn, Signs of Tranquility, Fell Harvest
Festivals:
2024 – Mile High Power Fest
0 EPK – Pythonic – Decomposition (2025)
EPK – Pythonic – Decomposition (2025)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“We think fans are going to love this EP. We are trying to give them a taste of our new vocalist with our classic tracks reimagined, or as we refer to it, “Decomposed”. The music is the same, but the vocal delivery from Morgan Warriner is a huge game-changer. We have had so many positive reviews with live shows that it’s easy to assume they are going to love these tracks. Not to mention the bass playing from Max Hiske on this EP is so groovin’, it really adds so much more depth to the tracks.” – Pythonic
For fans of Lamb of God, Morbid Angel, Devildriver, Black Dahlia Murder
Band: Pythonic
EP Title: Decomposition
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Pythonicband.com | Facebook.com/pythonicband | Instagram.com/pythonicband | Youtube.com/@pythonicband
Pythonic.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
““EP 1” is a testament to Pythonic‘s dedication to their craft and their refusal to be confined by sub-genre limitations. Each song is a blend of technical prowess and raw emotion, offering listeners a chance to experience the full spectrum of the band’s capabilities. It is recommended for fans of Machine Head, Trivium and Pantera.” – Metal-Rules (EP01 – 2024)
“Pythonic comes from Canada with ‘Epica’, a track that features fast-paced guitar riffs, heavy drums and an engaging, torn vocal that delivers to listeners the essence of metal and subverts such as alternative, thrash and even melodic, being perfect to the circle and not to leave anyone standing still.” – Os Garot Os Deliverpool (EP01 – 2024)
“Pythonic has an EP for you. Blending Thrash with Old School Swedish Death Metal, the band manages to sound like Entombed but without losing its unique style… So if you have a few minutes of anger to drain, these guys are going to cover you!” – Metal Eclipse Reviews (EP01 – 2024)
“Overall I’m a pretty big fan of this record. If you want something that sounds
maybe like an Anthrax or a Slayer record then you really want to check this out.
The most dynamic and unique part of this EP, in particular is the vocals
are double-tracked and they’re very high in the mix which is something that is somewhat different than a lot of the other metal releases this year which I greatly appreciate. If you want something that has a lot of the thrash guitar element then you’re really going to want to check this out. The guitar and drum parts are fantastic, they really keep the songs very tight even though the vocals are very in your face and they’re usually the the first thing that you would notice with this kind of record but overall this is very strong.” – Brutally Delicious (EP01 – 2024)
Band: Pythonic
EP Title: Decomposition
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Track Listing:
1. Guiltfeeder (4:23)
2. Conceit (4:00)
3. Pills (3:09)
4. Liturgy (3:42)
5. Collateral (3:38)
EP Length: 18:54
EP Recording Credits:
All songs performed by Pythonic
All songs written by Pythonic with Alex Conley
Produced by Pythonic
Mixed by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
Mastered by Reid Paraszczynec / Lucid Distortion Audio
EP Artwork by Danya Lawton
EP and Live Line-Up
Morgan Warriner – Lead Vocals
Ryan Hunter – Lead Guitar
Vincent Kohut – Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals
Max Hiske – Bass
Jayden Warriner – Drums
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About the EP Artwork:
The album artwork was done by the same artist as EP01, Danya Lawton. We got her again for the simple fact that we wanted to take the existing artwork from EP01 and “decay” it. Danya did research on the kind of mushrooms that grow on trees to give a more authentic look to a decaying tree. There is also the added eye in the center of the tree to give it a bit of a possessed feeling. We also did the art in this fashion because a lot of the songs have been shortened from their original counterparts. So, as most musicians compose music, in this case, we “Decomposed” the songs, hence the name Decomposition. The theme of decomposition in the art also helps to drive a more death metal approach that had been taken with the songs.
About The EP:
Lyrically, this EP, within the songs, is a lot more cohesive; the song themes stay on topic the whole time, unlike the past release we have done. I think the short amount of time that a lot of the lyrics were written definitely helped to make them stay on topic. The lyrics are a lot heavier, and that also comes with the delivery. The lyrics are also a lot more raw because they come from a more true-to-person source. The lyrics are truly lived when they are personal, and the non-personal ones just unfold vivid imagery as they are in “Liturgy”.
Musically, the EP came out way more aggressively than last time. Jayden really cooked on the drum parts for the EP. The beats just get a person moving, then when you add Max’s thundering bass to connect it with the riffs, you’ve got magic. I call it a sonic onslaught because there are so many pieces moving together, but they all join up to get this big sound that grooves.
Track By Track:
Guiltfeeder – Lyrically, this song is about ex-friends stabbing you in the back. It talks about how some people will be so nice to your face, but behind closed doors, with others, they will spread rumors and lies about you to try to make you look bad so they can look better. After the dealings with our original Singer, these sentiments couldn’t ring more true. The ending with the backing vocals really drives the full message of the track before Ryan serenades with a face-melting solo. This is one of the tracks that stayed a lot more musically the same from the past track, “Positive Deconstruction,” but we did speed it up to shave a minute off the play time. This was a fun one to rerecord. Speeding the song up gave it a lot more life, plus it’s now way better live.
Conceit – Conceit is a very special track lyrically on the EP. The lyrics were written by Alex Conley, who played bass for us for the first two shows of the year. The lyrics follow a narcissist and the effect their behaviours have on friends and family. It also addresses the anger from the receiving end of narcissistic abuse, how a person wants them to just see how shitty they are, but they are so absorbed in themselves that they never had any chance to see it any other way. Musically, this track did not differ much from the original “Love H8”; nothing was sped up, and no riffs changed. The drums definitely help to drive the thrash sound the band was going for when the song was originally written. The recording was definitely tighter on this one than the original, especially on the bass and the guitar solo at the end.
Pills – The theme that this song was originally supposed to be about is captured so much better by Morgan than it was with Dustin. Reading through the lyrics, he really captures the “beauty” of substance abuse issues. He really gets the inside view portrayed well while also having powerful visual descriptors to really drive home the whole picture of drug addiction. Cracked skin and the itch to get your next fix are really vivid; it almost makes you feel the bugs crawling on your skin. Musically, Pills is the same as the original, and this song is also the only one to share the original name, as the subject matter didn’t change. This song feels a lot tighter than the original version.
Liturgy – This has to be the band’s favourite after recording the songs. The lyrics are about summoning a demon with a sacrifice during a blood moon. As they summon the demon, the flesh of the sacrifice is consumed. This song has such vivid, deep red imagery of a cult giving the demon the land to ravage until the next blood moon. The spoken word at the beginning really sets the tone for the rest of the song. It sounds as if a cult is reading from a text to begin the ritual with an eerie whisper trailing the last word of every line. The trem riffs with the lyrics really intermingle to create a fire spreading across the land type of vibe. The rewritten new chorus riff really chunks up the song. The ending, where Morgan is hitting the highs and Vincent is hitting the lows, just really ties the track together well for a perfect resolution.
Collateral – This song doesn’t stray too far from the themes of its predecessor, “Epica”; however, the name is much better. The song is about joining forces and reclaiming the rights to yourself and the world that’s being controlled for us. It is a very triumphant song with a catchy “MARCH” chant that people can’t help but join in on. This song had a lot of the intro and outro shaved off to cut down the time. The riff is awesome, but it did not need to be repeated that many times. The bass in the intro and outro absolutely slaps. It really helps drive the song in a more marching tone and makes it beefy.
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Fun Facts:
1. We got a sick show with Into Eternity on the 21st of November. Tristan, ex- Pythonic drums, was setting up a show for his birthday, and he pulled some mad strings and got Into Eternity on the bill along with the band he plays in Ravenwitch. As soon as he asked about the show, I was just like done. I’ll ask the band later. We want to be on this show.
2. A good chunk of the lyrics was written in the first two months of the year, and Morgan had to get the show ready with those lyrics in the same amount of time. We had applied to Serenade Metal Fest before we kicked out our old singer, so Morgan had to really expedite the process. We also had to practise a bunch of mornings to get show-ready because that’s the only extra time we could find when at least drums and one guitar could accompany the vocals.
3. We got to open for the band 200 Stab Wounds in July at the Black Cat Tavern. The show was so packed for a Monday. We came with an absolute onslaught of a set to start the night out right. The guys in 200 were so awesome too, their bass player was talking with everyone in the band. That was an exhilarating show and so crazy for a Monday.
4. The week after the 200 Stab Wounds show, we headed down to Regina to open for YEGG on a Monday night. That was also a wild show in more ways than one. First, every other band thought a different band was bringing drums. Luckily enough, it was at The Exchange, which is directly beside Long and McQuade, so we were able to rent a kit and have the promoter return it later. Then the opening band was not on time, and everyone was stressing about whether we should just start the show. The crowd turnout out though, was insane for a Monday night with 0 local openers. After the show, YEGG was on tour, and they had a band drop off their Edmonton show, and they asked if we wanted to hop on the bill. If people could have gotten the day off, we would have been there.
5. We also have a sick show in Edmonton called Slaughter Fest at the Starlite Room main stage. We are so pumped to play the main stage there. We played the temple stage back in 2019, at least Ryan and Vincent have, and that was sweet, but the size difference is something else. Plus, we get to end our year of shows in the same place we started them. This has been a crazy year of growth for the band and our sound. Fitting to end where it all started.
Pythonic – Back Row – L to R: Max Hiske (Bass) | Morgan Warriner (Lead Vocals) | Vincent Kohut (Rhythm Guitar & Backing Vocals)
Front Row – L to R: Jayden Warriner (Drums) | Ryan Hunter (Lead Guitar )
Photo Credit – Carsen Warriner
Pythonic is a Canadian death-groove metal band hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Drawing inspiration from groove and death metal giants such as Lamb of God, The Black Dahlia Murder, Morbid Angel, and Devildriver, the band combines crushing riffs with unrelenting energy. Striving for the tightest live sound possible while delivering an electrifying stage presence, Pythonic is truly a sonic force to be reckoned with. Over the years, the band has seen many lineup changes, but two core members have remained constant. Lead guitarist Ryan Hunter, the resident guitar prodigy, shreds some of the grooviest riffs and most blistering solos. Rhythm guitarist Vincent Kohut brings a machine-like precision, combining thick low-end riffing with razor-sharp tremolo picking.
The 2025 and beyond lineup is the tightest and most prolific in Pythonic’s history:
Jayden Warriner – skin slapping powerhouse on drums
Morgan Warriner – a vocalist with a beastly range that will leave your head spinning
Max Hiske – the latest addition, locking down the low end and slappin’ da bass with fury
Together, this lineup delivers the full-throttle sonic assault that defines Pythonic.
Discography
2025 – Decomposition – EP
2024 – EP01 – EP
2020 – Negative Thoughts – Single
200 Stab Wounds, Beguiler, Art of Attrition, Insurrection, YEGG, Untimely Demise, Ravenwitch, Hatchet, Hazzerd, Kelevra, Augurium, Widows Peak, Protosequence, Agony Spawn, Wasted Heretics, deadsunday, Alien to the Ignorant, Ripcordz, Into Eternity, Display of Decay, Brain Stem, Age of Ashes, A Modern Prometheus, Cell (MB)Fests
2025 – Slaughterfest – Edmonton, AB
2025 – Serenade Metal fest – Edmonton, AB
2019 – Shockerfest 26 – Edmonton, AB
0 EPK – Moonshade – Ma Meilleure Ennemie (Stromae & Pomme Cover) (2025)
EPK – Moonshade – Ma Meilleure Ennemie (Stromae & Pomme Cover) (2025)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“We all share a ton of respect and admiration for Stromae’s work and are huge fans of Arcane. Understandably, we were quite captivated by the emotional weight and cultural resonance of the show, particularly by the scene featuring Ekko and Powder dancing to Ma Meilleure Ennemie. We decided to make more than a simple tribute, and really try to push the song’s boundaries, by partially stripping away the trip-hop shell and rebuilding what’s left in our unique brand of heavy metal. The original is epic, and we like to think we made it sound larger-than-life – because to us, there’s no other way.” – Moonshade
Band: Moonshade
Single title: Ma Meilleure Ennemie
Song info: This is a cover song of the worldwide trip hop anthem by Stromae and Pomme, featured in the Netflix hit show Arcane.
Release date: November 12th, 2025
For fans of Heaven Shall Burn, Arch Enemy, Insomnium, Dark Tranquillity, Omnium Gatherum
Moonshadeofficial.com | Facebook.com/moonshadeofficial | Instagram.com/moonshade_official | X.com/moonshadeband
Tiktok.com/@moonshadeofficial | Youtube.com/moonshadeband
‘The band takes the style to the 2020s’ – Decibel Magazine
‘A very solid and commendable slab of melodic death metal.’ – Man Of Much Metal
‘Completely devoid of fillers’ – Hardline Magazin
‘A work for all lovers of melodeath’ – The Dark Melody
‘The Portuguese upsets have a bright future ahead of them’ – Angry Metal Guy
‘Melodic Death Metal of the first order’ – Metalutopia
‘An excellent melodic metal record’ – LOUD!
‘Full of addictive melodies’ – Metal Release
‘Candidate for album of the year’ -Sounds From Apocalypse
‘A Dark/Melodic Death Metal masterpiece that truly convinces’ – Metalunderground
‘More than mastering Melodic Death, the band makes it their own’ – Acta Infernalis
‘Its only flaw is that it ends too soon’ – World of Metal
‘If you like melodeath, you will like this album’ – The Green Man
Band: Moonshade
Single title: Ma Meilleure Ennemie
Song info: This is a cover song of the worldwide trip hop anthem by Stromae and Pomme, featured in the Netflix hit show Arcane.
Release date: November 12th, 2025
• Originally written by: Stromae, Pomme, Alexander Seaver, et Luc Van Haver
• Single Artwork by: Rui Carneiro
This single was produced, mixed and mastered by Afonso Aguiar from Titanforged Productions (Analepsy, Dark Oath), and is part of a 3-song EP titled Angels, Blood And Enemies, to be released on February 18th, 2026. The single cover artwork was done by Rui Carneiro (Lorna Shore, Polaris, Chelsea Grin).
Band Lineup:
Bruno Martins (Bass)
Daniel Rodrigues (Drums)
Ricardo Pereira (Lead Vocals)
Pedro Quelhas (Guitar)
Luís Dias (Guitar)
==========================================
About The Single Artwork:
This piece was based on the classical painting “Archangel Michael Defeating Satan” by Guido Reni. We felt like it represents the title of the EP from which this cover is a part of, namely: Angels, Blood And Enemies, piecing together the three cover songs it will contain – you are welcome to try and guess the remaining two. It was made by the amazing Rui Carneiro, who previously worked with Lorna Shore, Polaris, Chelsea Grin, etc, as well as in the remaining two artworks associated with Angels, Blood And Enemies.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
This single belongs to 3 3-song EP made up of cover songs reimagined in Moonshade’s style, titled Angels, Blood And Enemies.
About the cover single:
We all share a ton of respect and admiration for Stromae’s work and are huge fans of Arcane. Understandably, we were quite captivated by the emotional weight and cultural resonance of the show, particularly by the scene featuring Ekko and Powder dancing to Ma Meilleure Ennemie. We decided to make more than a simple tribute, and really try to push the song’s boundaries, by partially stripping away the trip-hop shell and rebuilding what’s left in our unique brand of heavy metal. The original is epic, and we like to think we made it sound larger-than-life – because to us, there’s no other way.
===========================================
Fun Facts – Story Angles:
1. Why this song?
The entirety of the band either plays League of Legends or has played at some point, and this initially made them connect with Arcane. They quickly found out that the show was way more than fan service, being an amazing piece of art that inspired them greatly in many ways, one of which was the brilliant soundtrack between many artists outside of metal that different bandmembers love, Stromae’s Ma Meilleure Ennemie stood out, particularly due to the scene featuring Ekko and Powder. We happen to have two huge Stromae fans in Moonshade – Pedro and Ricardo. We were also thinking about doing a metal version of a song for a while, and we never seemed to agree on one, until this one came along – it was a natural fit!
2. Environmental Call to Arms
Songs such as the single Epitaph stands out as an anthem inspired by urgent environmental advocacy. The band’s singer, Ricardo, does more than just talk, though – he’s actually a researcher at the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), and has published papers concerning the effects of climate change on marine life.
3. We’ll Always Have Valencia
In one of the band’s first shows outside their own country, the promoter failed to mention that the Valencian leg of the Spanish tour would get zero publicity, to the point that even some of the regulars at Pub Sedavi did not know there was going to be a show.
These same amazing people, including the club management and the opening band, started calling everyone they knew, and the night was saved – it ended up being the most memorable night of the whole tour.
4. One Man Show
The band’s founder, Pedro Quelhas, does more than just play the guitar – while having written most of Moonshade’s music, he is the recording engineer for all of Moonshade’s records, and produced the band’s first demo and their debut EP.
5. Return Of The King // Prog Influx
Moonshade’s original bass player, Bruno Martins, left the band in 2013, having returned 10 years later as their current bass player, after going through other famous Portuguese acts such as Kandia. Given that our guitarist Luís also plays in Phase Transition and our drummer Daniel is the founder of Onysus, the band has a lot more progressive influences nowadays, which is actually shaping the original songs they are now writing, to be released in 2026-2027.
Moonshade are (left to right): Bruno Martins (Bass) Daniel Rodrigues (Drums) Ricardo Pereira (Lead Vocals) Pedro Quelhas (Guitar) Luís Dias (Guitar)
Photographer: João Fitas (@joao.fitas)
Whether they are forging brave new worlds for the sake of parable, directly tackling controversial topics such as the anthropogenic nature of Earth’s demise or the evils of political and religious fanaticism, the Portuguese extreme metal act Moonshade remain the echoes of a lost generation.
2014 saw the birth of the ‘Dream | Oblivion‘ EP, followed by their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Sun Dethroned‘ in 2018. These releases were taken to many club and festival shows across Portugal, some featuring the likes of Amorphis, Within Temptation and Heaven Shall Burn. In 2019, they embarked on their first ever international tour across the Iberian Peninsula. When COVID-19 came for their throats, they rabidly fought back by writing new music and performing in online events such as Metal Injection’s ‘Slay At Home’.
2022 oversaw the unleashing of the band’s sophomore album and current magnum opus As We Set The Skies Ablaze. This ambitious, independently released project swep across the globe the globe, including major publications such as Metal Injection, Revolver Magazine and Metal Hammer. Currently, the band is setting national and international stages ablaze with their new work.
The rest is history in the making.
Discography:
2011– The Path Of Redemption – Demo
2015 – Dream | Oblivion – EP
2018 – Sun Dethroned – Album
2021 – The Eventide Sessions – Live Session EP
2022 – As We Set The Skies Ablaze – Album
2024 – Path To Oblivion – Digital Remasters EP
2026 – Angels, Blood & Enemies – Digital EP
Shared Stage With: Within Temptation, Amorphis, Heaven Shall Burn, Omnium Gatherum, Decapitated, Orphaned Land, Rotting Christ, TYR, Wolfheart, Dark Oath
Tours and Festivals:
2025 – Milagre Metaleiro – Viseu, PT
2025 – Insanu Metal Fest – Paços de Ferreira, PT
2024 – Halloween IV – Guimarães, PT
2024 – Shores Of Death – Coimbra, PT
2023 – Ghallaecia Metal Fest – Vigo, SP
2023 – Mosher Fest – Coimbra, PT
2021 – Um Metaleiro Também Chora – Mealhada, PT
2021 – Laurus Nobilis Music Fest – Famalicão, PT
2021 – Milagre Metaleiro – Viseu, PT
2019 – River Stone Fest – Porto, PT
2019 – Moita Metal Fest – Lisbon, PT
2016 – Milagre Metaleiro – Viseu, PT
2016 – Zona Metal Fest – Vila Real, PT
2016 – Morbid Spring Fest – Lisbon, PT
2015 – Pax Julia Metal Fest – Beja, PT
2015 – Hell Sweet Hell – Lordelo Metalfest III – Lordelo, PT
2015 – Vagos Open Air – Aveiro, PT
2015 – Headbang Solidário – Porto, PT
2014 – Warfest – 12th Kill – Figueira da Foz, PT
2013 – Infernal Path III – Porto, PT
2012 – Full Metal Injection – Porto, PT
2012 – Infernal Path – S. M. da Feira, PT
2011 – 16th Modern Music Festival – Gondomar, PT
Endorsements: Solar Guitars
0 EPK – Hopeless Nation – Silverspoon (2025)
EPK – Hopeless Nation – Silverspoon (2025)
Band: Hopeless Nation
Single Title: Silverspoon (4:30)
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Label: Provocant Media
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“Silverspoon hits hard from the first note, layered, urgent, and unapologetically aggressive, yet crafted with hooks that reveal more with every listen. Longtime fans will recognize the band’s trademark intensity, while newcomers are welcomed by crisp vocals and polished production that expand its reach. Recorded with Jonathan Houle and Frédéric Bujold, and mixed/mastered by Francis Perron at RadicArt (known for his work with Voïvod), the track is built to dominate metal and hardcore playlists and ignite live crowds. It delivers a visceral jolt, pairing chest-thumping riffs with lyrics that linger. Fierce yet spacious, it gives room for the chorus to soar and the message to resonate—designed to make you move and reflect in equal measure.” – 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
“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)
Band: Hopeless Nation
Single Title: Silverspoon (4:30)
Release Date: November 13, 2025
Label: Provocant Media
– 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 features an old painting-style red snake surrounding and sitting on a silver spoon, symbolizing the dark side in the Silverspoon video story of the boy. It reflects the tension between surface appearances and inner struggle, tying visually to the single’s lyrical themes and the official video clip for “Silverspoon”.
About the Single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
“Silverspoon” is aggressive, punchy, and dynamic, pairing tight riffs with a memorable chorus and head-banging breakdowns. Lyrically, it critiques entitlement while celebrating earned effort.
The single includes a music video: a boy carrying a silver spoon drifts into a dream where he becomes a cult leader commanding followers. Human space invaders threaten his realm, while a red snake, representing his inner darkness, lurks. Blurring dream and reality, the cinematic video explores tension, mysticism, and identity. Created entirely with AI technology, it demonstrates how innovation can enhance artistry while keeping the music authentic.
=====================================================
Fun Facts – Story Angles:
1. Reunion & Grind:
After almost a decade of silence, Hopeless Nation reunited in summer 2024, performing a high-energy reunion show and revisiting unrecorded material from 2014. This marked the start of a new cycle, grinding back up from the roots while staying true to the band’s hardcore and metal ethos.
2. Unique Music Video:
The “Silverspoon” videoclip fuses 1960s suburban nostalgia with cosmic adventure and surreal storytelling. A young boy carrying a silver spoon becomes a cult leader while confronting human space invaders and his inner darkness. It’s 100% AI-created, a bold step that blends innovation with authentic musical expression.
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 2023. Over 250 live shows prove their relentless commitment to the scene.
4. Live Performance Rituals:
Hopeless Nation is known for high-octane, sweat-soaked performances: no backing tracks, pure lamp-amp sound, and full crowd interaction. Their shows often include intense headbanging, chair-throwing, and immersive visual projections, creating a live experience fans remember long after the last song.
5. Legacy & Homage:
The five upcoming singles, including Silverspoon, 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 – Guy Provencher (Rhythm Guitar), Louis-Simon Bellerose (Lead Guitar), Frederic Marchand (Vocals), Karl Héroux Rella (Bass), Steve DC (Drums)
Photo Credit: Frederic Marchand
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. Their comeback single “Silverspoon” is a sonic gut-punch, layered, immediate, and aggressive, yet open enough for clean vocals and hooks that stick. Mixed and mastered by Francis Perron (Voïvod) at RadicArt, it bridges the band’s hardcore roots with a modern metal sheen, setting the tone for an upcoming EP that includes four more singles: Disaster, My Curse, 1000 Miles, and Predators.
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.
Past and present:
2025 – Silverspoon – Single
2009 – Built from Scratch – Album
2004 – Our Mistakes – EP (Galy Records)
2002 – World of Hate – Album
Upcoming releases:
2025 – Disaster – Single (November)
2025 – My Curse – Single (November)
2025 – 1000 Miles – Single (December)
2025 – Predators – Single (December)
Tours and Festivals:
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 – Lily Löwe – Beautiful Disaster (2026)
EPK – Lily Löwe – Beautiful Disaster (2026)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Wig Wam, Halestorm, The Pretty Reckless
Lilylowe.com | Facebook.com/iam.lilylowe | Instagram.com/iam_lilylowe | Youtube.com/@lilyloweofficial
“Löwe has a voice with power, punch, and attitude.” – Norway Rock Magazine
“The Löwe album is one of those examples [of music that just sounds right].” – Metalhead Community
Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen gave Lily Löwe´s song “Bad Baby” a 9/10 rating
Band: Löwe
Album Title: Beautiful Disaster
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Label: Löwe
Distribution: Distrokid
Track Listing:
1. Demons – 2:49
2. Haunted House – 3:26
3. Puppet Master – 2:43
4. Beg For Your Life – 2:54
5. Beautiful Disaster – 2:54
6. Glitter & Gore – 2:36
7. Our Secret – 3:36
8. Wild – 2:48
9. Love Like This – 3:15
Album Length: 27:06
Album Band Lineup:
Lily Löwe / Lill Sofie Wilsberg: Vocal
Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt: Guitar
Eiliv Sagrusten: Drums
Patrik Svendsen: Bass
Stian Hansen: Guitar
Album Credits:
Album Cover Photo: Jarle Nyttingnes
Mixed and Mastered: Jonas Holteberg Jensen (The Woods Norway)
Mastered for Vinyl: Steve Kitch
Demons – Producers: Ola Frøyen, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producer: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Songwriters: Elsbeth Rehder, Ola Frøyen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Puppet Master – Producers: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producer: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Songwriters: Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Elsbeth Rehder, Stian Andreas Rødland Hansen, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Glitter & Gore – Producers: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Songwriters: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Kristian Haugstøyl, Celine Alette Pedersen Breivoll, Trond Holter
Beautiful Disaster – Producers: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producers: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Songwriters: Kristian Haugstøyl, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Love Like This – Producers: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producer: Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Songwriters: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Celine Alette Pedersen Breivoll, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Our Secret – Producers: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Songwriters: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Celine Alette Pedersen Breivoll, Vegard Pytte-Høydal, Trond Holter
Wild – Producers: Jonas Holteberg Jensen, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen
Songwriters: Jonas Holteberg Jensen, Anna Timgren, Nicolas Rosstrøm, Kristina Lorentzen Sjølberg, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Trond Holter
Beg For Your Life – Producers: Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Co-producer: Patrik K. Svendsen
Songwriters: Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Celine Alette Pedersen Breivoll, Patrik K. Svendsen, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt
Haunted House – Producers: Torgeir Ryssevik, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen, Jonas Holteberg Jensen
Songwriters: Torgeir Ryssevik, Celine Alette Pedersen Breivoll, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Vegard Pytte-Høydal, Martine-KR, Oscar Immanuel Mathisen
========================================================
About The Album Artwork:
It’s raw and in your face — a Beautiful Disaster.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
Beautiful Disaster is a collection of songs that explores the chaos and contrast between strength and vulnerability — both lyrically and musically. The album moves between raw emotion and high energy, balancing heavy riffs, big hooks, and dark atmospheres.
Lyrically, it’s inspired by real emotions and experiences, but told through heightened, dramatic stories. Themes like power, desire, self-destruction, and transformation run through the record — from the haunting intensity of “Haunted House” to the unapologetic confidence of “Glitter & Gore” and the emotional turmoil of “Beautiful Disaster.”
Musically, it combines modern production with the heart of hard rock — blending powerful vocals, driving guitars, and catchy melodies with a dark edge.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. Demons dives deep into the darker side of emotion and revenge. With pounding drums, heavy guitars, and Lily’s commanding vocals, it’s a song about reclaiming power after pain. It’s raw, dramatic, and bursting with attitude — a modern hard rock anthem with teeth.
2. Haunted House dives deep into the struggle with inner demons. The “house” serves as a metaphor for the body and mind — a place haunted by negative thoughts, anxiety, and self-destruction. It’s dark, emotional, and cathartic, capturing the chaos of being trapped inside your own head. Musically, it’s heavy and bass-driven, with a modern edge that makes the darkness hit even harder.
3. Puppet Master tells the story of a manipulative figure who thrives on control and deception — someone who plays with people’s emotions like puppets on a string. With heavy riffs, sharp lyrics, and a powerful vocal performance, the song calls out toxic power and the moment it finally collapses.
4. Beg For Your Life is the heaviest song on the album. It’s dirtier than any other song, with riffs that are a bit off-center compared to the entire album.
5. Beautiful Disaster is a dark, emotional rock ballad that captures the beauty and chaos of losing control in a toxic relationship — and just when you think you know where it’s headed, it hits you with a surprisingly catchy ending.
6. “Glitter & Gore” is loud, punky, and playful — a glam-rock riot with attitude, sparkle, and a wink.
7. Our Secret is the record’s happy tune. This riff would make you dance. Or not. A song that should not be underestimated.
8. “Wild” is a high-voltage rock anthem about freedom, rebellion, and unapologetic self-expression. With explosive riffs, fierce vocals, and a catchy chorus made for the stage, it celebrates the thrill of being bold, loud, and completely yourself.
9. Love Like This is the end. A strong power ballad that sticks to your head for a long time.
====================================================
FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES:
1. Lily Löwe launched the project live on national TV during Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix (the Norwegian Eurovision)
2. Patrik, the bass player in Lily Löwe, actually stood in for Trond Holter on guitar in the “Bad Baby” music video — Lily Löwe’s first ever single!
3. The name “Löwe” literally means “lion” in German. Which is fitting, because Lily Löwe’s music has both the bite and the roar.
4. Lily (vocals) and Adrian (guitar) later discovered that they had actually stood right next to each other at a concert back in 2019 — a show where they were both watching Trond Holter, who was already working with Lily on her debut album at the time. They didn’t know each other back then and only realized the coincidence years later, when Lily found an old video showing Adrian in the crowd.
=====================================================
L-R – Stian Hansen, Patrik K. Svendsen, Lill Sofie Wilsberg, Adrian Sunde Bjerketvedt, Eiliv Sagrusten
Photo Credit – Jarle Nyttingnes
Lily Löwe is a Norwegian rock band rooted in melodic hard rock.
They made their debut at Melodi Grand Prix 2022 with the song “Bad Baby”, and released their debut album “LÖWE” later that year, produced by Trond Holter. The album received strong acclaim — Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen gave “Bad Baby” a 9/10 rating, while Norway Rock Magazine wrote: “In addition, Lily Löwe has a voice with power, punch, and attitude.”
In 2025, Lily Löwe released five singles — “Wild”, “Demons”, “Puppet Master”, “Glitter & Gore”, and the title track “Beautiful Disaster” — from their upcoming sophomore album, set for release in early 2026. With their raw energy, melodic edge, and emotional depth, Liliy Löwe is a band to watch.
Discography:
Beautiful Disaster (album) 2026
Glitter & Gore (EP) 2025
LÖWE (album) 2022
0 EPK – The Judge The Juror – Primitive Minds (2025)
EPK – The Judge The Juror – Primitive Minds (2025)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Between the Buried and Me, Born of Osiris, Meshuggah, The Browning, Enter Shikari
Band: The Judge, The Juror
EP Title: Primitive Minds
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Genre: PsyDeathTechProg
Thejudgethejuror.com | Facebook.com/thejudgethejuror | Instagram.com/thejudgethejurorofficial | Thejudgethejuror.bandcamp.com
Spotify – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thejudgethejuror/heliconian-optivisor
EP Title: Primitive Minds
Release Date: November 7, 2025
Label: Self-Release
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Genre: PsyDeathTechProg
1. Your Vice is a Locked Door – (4:36)
2. Heliconian Optivisor – (3:40)
3. HYPERCUBE (Unfolding) – (2:59)
EP Length: 11:16
• All songs performed by: The Judge The Juror
• All songs written by: The Judge The Juror
• Produced by: The Judge The Juror
• Mixed by: Alpha Core Studios
• Mastered by: Alpha Core Studios
• EP Artwork by: Scotty Oakes
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
EP and Live Band Line Up:
Scotty Oakes – Guitar
David Frontenac – Vocals / Synth
Merrick Fenton – Bass
Nick Burpee – Drums
Blaise Marsh – Guitar
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About The EP Artwork:
A painted psychedelic interpretation of the human mind.
About The EP:
This EP is conceptual around the idea of how we as humans are cursed with having a primitive mind in a modern world, and the dichotomy of this reality.
Track by Track:
1. “Your Vice is a Locked Door” – punishing and unrelenting musically, a reflection of what the algorithmic social media landscape is doing to our humanity. Commoditizing us while dividing us and sublimating our base instincts.
2. “Helciconian Optivisior” – the song creates a mesmerizing, fast-paced assault of sonic force, helping to underpin the lyrical. The idea of being trapped behind viewing the world through red lenses, while trying to break through to some sense of true human connection.
3. “HYPERCUBE (Unfolding)” – jarring yet entrancing, techy-death that feels like it might have come from outer space. An exploration of human emotion and how it doesn’t always work in our best interests. Reflecting the internal battles we have within us that create a mental push and pull, which is being exploited by the “powers-that-be” of our society.
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FUN FACTS:
1. We made up a genre (PSYDEATHTECHPROG) to be both descriptive of our unique sound, and a tongue-in-cheek joke about how niche metal has become (“it’s not death metal, it’s blackened tech sludge!” 🡨 We’ve all heard something like this, lol).
2. Merrick has been playing bagpipes with a Scottish Highlands band since the age of 5, and we plan to have a bagpipe feature on our next EP.
3. We’re going on our second-ever tour starting Aug 21, 2025, with The Hallowed Catharsis and Plague Doctor, and we plan to be on the road even more in 2026.
4. David introduced the synth element to the band in late 2023, and it has now become part of our signature sound. He always comes up with unique/weird synth tones because he is equally weird.
5. One time, while on the road with our friends Kelevra, we found out their guitarist, Brett, was feeling under the weather, so we went to the local pharmacy, made him a care package, and presented it to him at the next venue. This was all video documented and can be viewed on our social media.
L-R: Blaise Marsh (Guitar), David Frontenac (Vocals / Synth), Scotty Oakes (Guitar), Nick Burpee (Drums), Merrick Fenton (Bass)
Amidst the vast landscape of tedious and semantic metal subgenres, The Judge The Juror emerges to carve out the latest niche: PSYDEATHTECHPROG.
Combining technical metal riffage, intricate drum grooves, and experimental synthesis elements to dazzle the mind, along with a blistering high-energy live presence, The Judge The Juror is making moves to solidify themselves as a leader in Western Canadian Metal experimenters.
Discography:
2025 – Primitive Minds – EP
2024 – Harmony in Discord – EP
Shared Stage with: Alleageon, Art of Attrition, Beguiler, Into Enternity, Kelevra, Opal in Sky, Forsaken Rite, Age of Ashes, Our Last Crusade, Victoria Lies, Floodgate, Supermodel Taxidermy
Tours and Festivals:
2025 (Upcoming Aug 21) – Insanity in the Interior Tour w/ The Hallowed Catharsis and Plague Doctor
2025 – Alternative Waves Music Festival – Medicine Hat, AB
2024 – Party in the Park – Ft McMurray, AB
2024 – May Long Mini Tour – Edmonton, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Calgary
0 EPK – Deadwood – Rituals of a Dying Light (2026) (Innerstrength Records)
EPK – Deadwood – Rituals of a Dying Light (2026) (Innerstrength Records)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“For fans of Meshuggah and Whitechapel, this EP is the darkest Deadwood has to date. We are very proud of it, and it is a big step in the next chapter of the band. It was all recorded and mixed at EMNT studios, and came out amazing. Lyrically about horror and real-life stories, it gives a bleak and heavy listening experience” – Deadwood
For fans of Whitechapel, Despised Icon, Meshuggah, Chelsea Grin, Thy Art Is Murder
Band: Deadwood
EP Title: Rituals of a Dying Light
EP Release Date: January 9, 2026
Label: Innerstrength Records
Genre: Deathcore
Location, Montreal, QC, Canada
Linktr.ee/Deadwood.band | Deadwoodmetal.com | Facebook.com/deadwood666 | Instagram.com/deadwood_bd | Youtube.com/@Deadwood.666
Deadwood666.bandcamp.com | Spotify
“If you ever wondered what Al Swearengen might listen to if he was living in modern times, here’s your answer, c*********. Montreal’s Deadwood have been around town for a decade now, and pride themselves on evolving into a more savage animal with each release. In December, 2022, they released Inhuman, an EP that is hell bent on making deathcore brutal again.” – Metal Sucks: Deathcore in the North – 10 Canadian Deathcore Bands
Band: Deadwood
EP Title: Rituals of a Dying Light
EP Release Date: January 9, 2026
Label: Innerstrength Records
Genre: Deathcore
Location, Montreal, QC, Canada
Track Listing:
1. Tales of Massacre – (2:48)
2. Heretic – (4:22)
3. Thirst for Blood – (2:49)
4. Whispers of Death – (4:06)
5. Echoes of the Fallen – (3:35)
EP Credits:
All songs performed by Deadwood
All songs written by Deadwood
Produced-Mixed-Mastered at EMNT studios
Album Artwork by Noah Zark
Album Lineup
Fred Element – Guitar
Stephane Filion – Guitar
Charles-Etienne Lafrance – Drums
Martin Demontigny – Vocals
Live Lineup
Fred Element – Guitar
Stephane Filion – Guitar
Charles-Etienne Lafrance – Drums
Derek Heynekamp – Vocals
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About The EP Artwork:
It’s a dark piece that lets you make your own thoughts on it, while giving a dark and creepy vibe.
About the EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
This is a concept EP; lyrically, all the songs are horror stories inspired by real events or urban legends. The goal with this one was to make the band go in a darker direction. Musically, we wanted to become more extreme, faster, and heavier. It is the first time we do solos and have lots of lead guitar sections, bringing a new dimension to our sound. The songs are catchier, and we spent more time on the songwriting for this release. It is a step in our next direction and a taste of things to come.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. Tales of Massacre is a song about the Salem witch trials. We wanted to dive into real events and real-life horrors. It gives the song a dark and creepy atmosphere on top of the brutality. The song is a step in our next direction, more brutal, aggressive, and technical. It has faster parts, but also the groove and the heavy parts that people know us for.
2. Heretic was the first single of the Ep. Inspired both by true events and urban legends, this song is about a nun possessed by the devil. It features a dark atmosphere, slow and heavy riffs, and tasty solos. It is the song we chose for the music video, and it was the first of the EP to be performed live
3. Thirst for Blood is also lyrically about horror. Thirst for Blood is another brutal song that adds a catchy chorus and punk-inspired drum beats to the EP. Fast and catchy, this song about vampires is a guaranteed earworm
4. Whisper of Death continues the theme of horror; this one is all about Jack the Ripper. Being a true story adds to the creepy vibe of the EP. Being slower and more groove-oriented, it is one of the most unique and different songs on the EP, while still keeping the same atmosphere going.
5. Echoes of the Fallen is the last song on the EP and the only instrumental. Dark and catchy, it has many guitar leads and solos, without forgetting about the heavy riffs. A great way to end the EP.
Left to Right: Fred Element (Guitar), Charles Etienne Lafrance (Drums), Stephane Filion (Guitar), Derek Heynekamp (Vocals)
Photo Credit – Fred Element
Deadwood, formed by Fred Element in Montreal, Canada, in September 2020, is a band that uniquely blends death metal and hardcore to create a modern deathcore sound. Known for their heavy music and dark lyrics, their motto is “Make Deathcore Angry Again.” The band aims to evoke terror and fear through their music, ensuring their performances are unforgettable and never content with a quiet crowd.
In early 2022, Deadwood recorded their first demo, “Nemesis,” followed by “InHuman in 2023, which was later released on all music platforms. They have since released singles like “Djinn’s Pits”, “Straightblade,” and “Heretic,”.
By November 2024, the band welcomed Steph Filion as their new lead guitarist, replacing Sébastien Bélanger, and brought a new level of brutality and technicality. Martin Demontigny joined as a vocalist for a short time. Charles-Etienne Lafrance completed the lineup as the new drummer, replacing Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, who left due to health issues, and Sam Matt, formerly bassist, leaves the band and will not be replaced.
In June 2024, they signed with EMG (Extreme Management Group) and recorded a new EP, “Rituals of a Dying Light,” featuring five new songs. They also produced a music video for the song “Heretic” to support the EP’s release.
Since then, Deadwood has performed at numerous shows and festivals, sharing the stage with local and international acts like Humanity’s Last Breath, Born of Osiris, Traitors, Upon a Burning Body, and many more. They toured Japan and the USA, performing at the Inkarceration Festival in Mansfield, Ohio, and are set to add Europe to the list.
Deadwood distinguishes itself in the metal scene with its brutal sound, creating an unforgettable auditory experience. Their music caters to enthusiastic metalheads who crave pure brutality and violence. The band is committed to professionalism and giving their all in every performance, embodying determination and passion.
With their latest signing to Innerstrength Records for the release of their debut EP “Rituals of a Dying Light” on January 9, 2026, the coming year promises to be busy for Deadwood.
0 EPK – Shores of Null Split album with Convocation – Latitudes of Sorrow (2025) (Everlasting Spew Records)
EPK – Shores of Null Split album with Convocation – Latitudes of Sorrow (2025) (Everlasting Spew Records)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“Combining all the various expressions of doom and assembling one of the most grievous and heavy splits you will have the chance to face for years, SHORES OF NULL and CONVOCATION have conjured to release exclusive brand new tracks together in a meaty split that will finally make all your summers end!”
For fans of Katatonia, Paradise Lost, Evoken, Esoteric
Everlastingspew.com | Facebook.com/everlastingspew | Instagram.com/everlastingspew | X.com/EverlastingSpew | Youtube.com/c/EverlastingSpewRecords
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Shoresofnull.com | Facebook.com/shoresofnull | Instagram.com/shoresofnull | Twitter.com/shoresofnull | Youtube.com/user/shoresofnull
Shoresofnull.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Amazon
Album countdown and pre-save: https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/79oGZH6MpwHGsTTmnLKo8D
[Album Cover Download | Album Lyrics Download]
Track Listing:
1. Shores Of Null – An Easy Way
2. Shores Of Null – The White Wound
3. Shores Of Null – The Year Without Summer
4. Convocation – Abaddon’s Shadow
5. Convocation – Empty Room
Split Album Length:
Split Album Credits (for the Shores Of Null side only):
• All songs performed by: Shores Of Null
• All songs written by: Raffaele Colace, Gabriele Giaccari, Davide Straccione
• Produced by: Shores Of Null and Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono
• Mixed by: Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono at Bloom Recording Studios, Rome
• Mastered by: Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono at Bloom Recording Studios, Rome
• Album Artwork by: Lauri Laaksonen (Convocation)
Convocation‘s side of the split was recorded and mixed at The Desolate Dungeon, and mastered at Trollhouse Audio. Lauri Laaksonen created the cover art for the split, with layout by Giorgio Spevo. Split mastering and vinyl mastering was done by Carlo Altobelli at Toxic Basement.
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About The Split Album Artwork of “Latitudes of Sorrow”:
The artwork for ‘Latitudes of Sorrow’ was created by LL of Convocation. The cover portrays someone who has either left or remains as a haunted, spectral presence in a vast, lonely, void-like space. The empty chair is a powerful image that evokes presence in absence.
About the split album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
Speaking on behalf of both bands, ‘Latitudes Of Sorrow’ combines doom-laden heaviness with haunting, melancholic atmospheres, creating vast, introspective spaces where absence, mortality, and inner turmoil resonate. It shows two different faces of doom metal that complement each other.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
1. An Easy Way
It is the song that opens the split, and it is the most straightforward of all our songs in there. It has a dual nature: on the one hand, it’s quite catchy and memorable; on the other, it retains a deep inextinguishable darkness that leaves very little room for hope. Lyrically, it deals with depression and the inner struggle, as well as the temptation to surrender when everything seems utterly bleak. It is a reflection on human frailty that can lead to self-destruction.
2. The White Wound
This song was inspired by the avalanche that struck Hotel Rigopiano on January 18, 2017, in the Central Italian region of Abruzzo, near where I grew up. Imagine 120.000 tons of snow coming down from the mountain at the speed of 100 km/h and destroying everything on its way. 29 people died and only 11 survived. Musically, it blends doom-and-gloom passages with sudden blackened blastbeats, reflecting the unpredictable violence of nature. Lyrically, the song meditates on grief, loss, and the anger over the negligence that allowed the tragedy to happen, leaving lasting emotional scars.
3. The Year Without Summer
Browsing the web for catastrophic events, I came across an unprecedented volcanic eruption that took place in 1816 in modern-day Indonesia, which triggered devastating consequences. Sunlight was obscured, temperatures plummeted, and the world faced famine, floods, and epidemics. The song captures the fear, uncertainty, and despair of that time, exploring both the material devastation and the inner turmoil of those who lived through it. It’s a meditation on fragility, loss, and the inescapable force of nature. It features MN of Convocation of growls.
Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic and majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.
The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out a series of impressive records: the melodic and somber Quiescence (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex Black Drapes For Tomorrow (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and the ambitious Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying) (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long doom manifesto that sees guest appearances of the doom-titans Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun) and Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), along with the angelic voice of Elisabetta Marchetti (Inno).
Shores Of Null’s fourth album, The Loss Of Beauty, released in March 2023, was hailed as one of the best albums of the year within the genre. The band supported the release with an extensive EU/UK tour alongside Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, followed by standout performances at major festivals like Hellfest, Rock Imperium, and 70000 Tons Of Metal, among others, further solidifying their status as one of the rising forces in the metal scene.
In 2025, Shores of Null released Beauty over Europe, a powerful live album capturing the raw energy and emotional depth of their performances across the continent. The release serves as a testament to the band’s commanding stage presence and the resonance of their music with audiences worldwide. Looking ahead, the band is set to unveil Latitudes of Sorrow, a highly anticipated split album with Finnish funeral doom masters Convocation, promising a profound exploration of grief, atmosphere, and sonic weight.
0 EPK – Brocarde – Pandora’s Box (single) (2025)
EPK – Brocarde – Pandora’s Box (single) (2025)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“Pandora’s Box is essentially a fight song—it’s sarcastic as hell. At its core, it’s about being misunderstood,” Brocarde explains. “So often, I feel misrepresented, and this song channels that frustration into something fierce and empowering.” – Brocarde explains.
“It’s about perception—how others see you, and how that often conflicts with your truth. In a world driven by social media, we’ve all become clickbait, and things are so easily twisted or misread.”
“The Puppet master is everyone and no one. It’s that figurehead of control—whoever or whatever that may be. In the video, I’m literally playing into its hands and becoming my own self-fulfilling prophecy. When I first wrote it, it was aimed more specifically at certain people in my life, but over time, it evolved. We all have our own Puppet Masters. We’ve all felt misunderstood. I hope it resonates with people and gives them strength.”
Brocarde continues, “There’s something powerful about the image of a doll—picture-perfect on the surface, but hauntingly silent underneath. And let’s face it, most dolls are terrifying! There’s a recurring theme in my recent releases around identity. It’s something I’ve struggled with, and still do.”
Single: Pandora’s Box
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Label: Season One
Distribution: Ditto
Length: 4:04
Brocarde.com | Instagram.com/brocarde | Facebook.com/brocarde | YouTube.com/@brocarde | Youtube.com/@thebrocardeshow | X.com/thebrocarde.com
“Electrifying, creative new artist…powerful stuff!” – David Coverdale
“I love Brocarde’s very unique style and vibe… she has mass aggression to sweetness & everything inbetween in her voice! The very interesting song arrangements & theatrical segments make the whole package a dynamic, fun adventure to listen to! I see great things ahead for her!” – Ray Luzier from Korn
Band: Brocarde
Single: Pandora’s Box
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Label: Season One
Distribution: Ditto
Length: 4:04
Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Brocarde
• All songs written by: Brocarde
• Produced by: Chris Collier
• Mixed by: Chris Collier
• Mastered by: Chris Collier
• Album Artwork by: Brocarde
• Video Directed by: Brocarde
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FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES:
1. Brocarde had a dramatic supernatural encounter a few years ago that saw her marry (and divorce) a ghost. This encounter has left her with the ability to see and communicate with dead people.
2. Brocarde now travels the world, visiting haunted locations for her website brocarde.com. She also has her own newspaper column with British newspaper The Daily Star, where she showcases her Terrifying Travels.
3. Brocarde has worked with Download Festival on a ghost hunt at the festival site; her investigation showed evidence of two ghosts from the Georgian era being present on-site.
4. Brocarde was invited to Wacken Open Air to perform a seance to connect with Lemmy from Wacken, where she spotted his apparition on horseback, eating a slice of pizza.
5. Brocarde has interviewed several bands, including Floor Hansen from Nightwish and Dani from Cradle of Filth.
Brocarde is the creator of an enchanting world where dark, haunting aesthetics meet passion-fuelled lyrics and design. Brocarde is a dynamic storyteller who marries both music and fashion in an orchestral explosion, designed to make the ears and eyes bleed. A one-woman horror story, if centuries aligned, Brocarde could almost be the secret lovechild of Edgar Allan Poe and Sylvia Plath.
In what could only be described as an effervescent melting pot, Brocarde’s bubbling cauldron is peppered with hints of Little House on the Prairie, and seasoned with remnants of the Addams family values: she’s an all-consuming artist who’s not for the faint-hearted.
Brocarde arrived on the music scene in 2019, presenting her debut single Last Supper. With its biblical relatability and an army of sinister pigs, the music video depicted a twisted fairy tale that whetted the appetite of her loyal supporters. She was hailed as “One to Watch” by Planet Rock Magazine and secured airplay on Kerrang!, Planet Rock, and BBC Introducing.
Since then, Brocarde has gone on to attract the praise of some of rock music’s biggest stars, with Whitesnake’s David Coverdale hailing her as an “electrifying, creative new artist” and describing her as “powerful stuff!” Brocarde’s follow-up single, Love Me ’Til I’m Beautiful, featured drums by Korn’s Ray Luzier. Ray praised Brocarde’s unique vocal style and was enthralled by her ability to capture extreme sweetness and mass aggression in her voice. He described her writing as a dynamic, theatrical adventure and hailed her as a future star.
As someone who’s hugely motivated by the creative process, Brocarde is truly alive when creating – she’s been quoted as crediting songwriting as the thing that got her through some of her darkest, most chaotic moments. As an adolescent, she struggled with fitting in and finding her place in the world, so she used to hide in the woods at school and write lyrics and poems to escape to an alternative dimension. As an adult, the skill still serves her as an outlet for her deepest, darkest, unspoken thoughts.
Speaking of the unspoken, recently Brocarde experienced life outside of our dimension when she found herself being introduced to the spirit world. One dark, stormy night when she was struggling to sleep, Brocarde was visited by Edwardo, the ghost of a Victorian soldier. Edwardo wooed Brocarde, and after a short whirlwind romance, the couple tied the knot on Halloween 2022. On the wedding morning, Brocarde made her second appearance on ITV’s This Morning, this time with her groom Edwardo, who scared Holly Willoughby with his haunting presence. Brocarde dedicated her song “Haunted” to her future husband and walked down the aisle to the spooky orchestral serenade. Her wedding ceremony was televised and appeared on an episode of Say Yes To The Dress with Tan France. The marriage was turbulent, Edwardo the ghost, continued to act like a free spirit and was endlessly untameable. After seeking marriage guidance from a spiritual medium, Brocarde concluded that after six short months of marriage it was time to call in an exorcist and banish her husband forever. Their romance went down in flames, and Brocarde released her menacing divorce song “Just Another Anthem” to mark the beginning of her next chapter…
Brocarde marked the start of single life with an appearance on First Dates on Channel 4.
It took a long time for Brocarde to break Edwardo’s spiritual attachment to her, and there were times when Brocarde never wanted to see a ghost again.
However, after delving into the world of mediumship and spirituality, Brocarde recognised that she had a gift for connecting with the dead and realised that once you marry a ghost, life doesn’t just return to “normal”.
Since her spiritual awakening, Brocarde has dedicated her time to learning and educating people about the paranormal world. She has travelled the world and conducted paranormal investigations in some of the world’s most haunted and terrifying locations. Brocarde has come face to face with the ghosts of malevolent hangmen, murderers, and outlaws, and she has even entered a coven of powerful witches to learn witchcraft, spells and magic.
Last year, Brocarde’s world of horror and music collided when she was invited to do a Ghost Hunt at Download Festival, taking to the Avalanche Stage in the dead of night she came face to face with some headbanging spirits who were waiting in the arena to catch a glimpse of Busted. Fresh off the Download Stage, she travelled to Germany to conduct a special seance in memory of Lemmy from Motörhead at Wacken Open Air. Festival season was a whirlwind for Brocarde, and she interviewed some of the World’s most profile rock bands, she also hosted interviews from the black carpet at the Metal Hammer Awards in Berlin.
2026 marks the launch of Brocarde’s debut album, after ten years in the making. She is set to share some of her most heartfelt songs, a musical story book of colourful emotions and experiences that have made her the woman she is today.
Discography:
2019 – Last Supper
2022 – Haunted
2022 – Haunted (The Bare Bones)
2023 – Just Another Anthem
2025 – Identity Theft
2025 – Last Supper (Reheated Radio)
2025 – Feed My Soul ft. Ray Luzier
2025 – Pandora’s Box
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