Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Shiverwood Shade – Escaping Darkness (2025)

July 15, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Shiverwood Shade

EPK – Shiverwood Shade – Escaping Darkness (2025)

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

“Escaping Darkness represents our most personal and ambitious work to date. Over the years, we’ve experienced challenges, growth, setbacks, and victories that shaped not only who we are as individuals but also who we are as a band. This album captures those experiences through a combination of heavy music, cinematic storytelling, and honest emotion. We wanted to create an album that listeners could experience from beginning to end—a journey through darkness, doubt, resilience, and ultimately hope. While the record explores difficult emotions and personal struggles, its message is ultimately one of strength and perseverance. We hope listeners find pieces of their own story within these songs.” – Shiverwood Shade

For fans of Linkin Park, Bring Me the Horizon, Story of the Year, Breaking Benjamin, Architects

ShiverwoodShade.com | Facebook.com/swsprod20 | 𝗫.com/ShiverwoodS | Youtube.com/@SWS449 | Instagram.com/shiverwoodhsade

Shiverwood.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“Shiverwood Shade’s song “Pulling Away” begins with melancholy synths before the guitars explode with a powerful mix of punk and nu metal riffs. -Skylight Webzine

“Escaping Darkness: Shiverwood Shade on Chaos, Catharsis, and a Modern Nu‑Metal Pulse” – Wall Mag

“Exploring themes of inner struggle, resilience and transformation, Escaping Darkness balances aggressive riffs with melodic passages and atmospheric synth layers. Tracks such as Crawling Back and Holding On showcase the band’s signature mix of raw intensity and emotional depth”. -Rock Street Journal, India

Band: Shiverwood Shade
Album Title: Escaping Darkness
Release Date: December 26, 2025
Label: From The Depths Entertainment
Distribution: Songdew Network (India)
Genre: Nu Metal/Post hardcore/Alternative Rock
Location of Band: Kolkata, India

Track Listing:
1. Intro – 1:02
2. Pulling Away – 4:14
3. Facing Darkness – 3:53
4. Holding On – 3:37
5. Crawling Back – 3:54
6. Walking In Circles – 4:50
7. Alone – 3:12
8. Lost – 3:50
9. Haunted – 3:39
10. Divided By Hate – 4:06
11. Break Free – 3:21

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Shiverwood Shade
• All songs written by: Shiverwood Shade
• Produced by: Shiverwood Shade
• Mixed by: Shiverwood Shade
• Mastered by: Shiverwood Shade
• Album Artwork by: Shiverwood Shade

Album Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

Live Band Line-up:
Gaurav Ghosh – Vocal
Anirban Bhattacharya-Vocal
Anupam Ghosh-Guitar
Saptarshi Basu-Bass
Manav Kundu-Keys
Sayan Pal-Drums
Monish Mallick-Guitar

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About The Album Artwork:

Lyrically, “Escaping Darkness” explores themes of inner conflict, healing, resilience, self-discovery, and personal growth. Musically, the album combines crushing riffs, atmospheric textures, cinematic layers, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged performances. The album balances heaviness with vulnerability, creating a diverse yet cohesive listening experience.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

This track-by-track breakdown explores the musical and lyrical themes of the album, focusing on a journey through emotional struggles and ultimate liberation.

1. Pulling Away (4:14)
Musical/Lyrical: Combines ominous synthwave with heavy nu-metal, with lyrics focusing on the pain of separating from a toxic environment.

2. Facing Darkness (3:53)
Musical/Lyrical: Features industrial, groove-heavy sounds with lyrics about confronting internal demons and trauma.

3. Holding On (3:37)
Musical/Lyrical: Driven by a melodic, bass-heavy sound with lyrics about the exhaustion of fighting internal battles.

4. Crawling Back (3:54)
Musical/Lyrical: A chaotic, high-energy track with lyrics detailing the frustration of personal relapses.

5. Walking In Circles (4:50)
Musical/Lyrical: A progressive,, long-form track featuring lyrics about feeling stuck in mental loops.

6. Alone (3:12)
Musical/Lyrical: A minimalist, intimate song that builds to an explosive finish, with lyrics about the pain and necessity of isolation.

7. Lost (3:50)
Musical/Lyrical: A high-tempo nu-metal track, exploring the feeling of losing one’s identity and direction.

8. Haunted (3:39)
Musical/Lyrical: A dark, industrial track with lyrics focused on being plagued by past memories and regrets.

9. Divided By Hate (4:06)
Musical/Lyrical: The heaviest track on the album, with lyrics examining the destructive nature of internal and external anger.

10. Break Free (3:21)
Musical/Lyrical: An uplifting, anthemic finale that signifies the end of the emotional journey and achieving personal freedom.

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STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1. Shiverwood Shade has been active since 2012 and has performed across India at major college festivals including IIT Kharagpur, IIIT Gwalior, and ITM.

2. The band’s sound combines Nu Metal, Post-Hardcore, and cinematic elements, creating a style they describe as “Cinematic Metal.”

3. The album “Escaping Darkness” was built around the concept of overcoming adversity and finding hope through difficult experiences.

4. Every member contributes creatively to the songwriting process, making each track a true collaborative effort.

5. Shiverwood Shade has been featured by international and national rock and metal platforms including Rock Rage Radio and Rock Street Journal,W.O.A FM99(UK) aired by billboard charting artist “Oliver Sean” who himself has commented on the band and their music.

6. The 1,500-Kilometre Rebirth
Originally founded in Gwalior back in 2013, the band built their early live identity winning foundational college battles like Spring Fest IIT Kharagpur. However, the creative core underwent a massive cross-country evolution, completely reforming 1,500 kilometres away in Kolkata in 2022 with a brand-new lineup. This literal geographical relocation mirrors the sonic transition of Escaping Darkness—leaving behind past science-fiction themes to build a tight, unified underground metal brotherhood from scratch.

7. Sonic Hybridization Over Pure Metal
While the record is clearly anchored in heavy guitar riffs, the band purposefully integrated non-traditional electronic textures into their production. By overlaying standard post-hardcore and nu-metal with industrial elements, EDM, and synthwave, they deliberately broke genre boundaries. The band chose to craft long, complex song arrangements explicitly to take listeners to entirely different musical places, treating electronics as cinematic narrative tools rather than simple background tracking.

8. Despite maintaining deep roots in the Indian independent circuit, the band engineered a massive leap onto the global stage for this specific album rollout. They successfully bridged the gap between Eastern metal composition and Western distribution by signing with US-based label From The Depths Entertainment alongside global backing from MN2S in the UK. This international push earned them a feature on the UK’s Laura Beth Show,W.O.A.FM99,Rock Rage Radio(USA) etc. proving that their intensely personal, therapeutic themes resonate far beyond local borders.

Shiverwood Shade is an alternative/groove metal outfit originally formed in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India, in late 2013. The band quickly made a name for themselves in the Indian independent circuit, winning high-profile national college music festivals, including Spring Fest at IIT Kharagpur. Their early material was heavily inspired by science fiction, space concepts, and progressive metal arrangements, serving as an outlet for their musical interests at that stage in their lives.

Discography:
2026 – Myself – Single
2025 – Escaping Darkness- Album
2016 – Humanity-EP

SHARED STAGE WITH:
IF HOPE DIES(India), VIRUS (India)

TOURS AND FESTIVALS YOU HAVE PERFORMED ON.
2026 – Chasing Daylight Tour, Ashutosh College-Kolkata, India
2016 – Spring Fest, IIT Kharagpur – Kharagpur, India
2015 – JCI Gwalior Rock Band Fest-Gwalior, India
2014 – Rock Knock, ITM University – Gwalior, India

Corporate sponsors/artist endorsements:
M.G.Motors

0 Shores of Null – Homesick (2026) (Dusktone)

July 14, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

Shores of Null – Homesick (2026) (Dusktone)

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

“I think Homesick is meant to be experienced as a whole rather than as a collection of separate songs. It is a record that moves through different emotional states: longing, loss, anger, vulnerability, and the need to find a place to belong. We wanted it to feel immersive, with songs that can hit hard in the moment but also reveal more of themselves over repeated listens.

The singles will offer different entry points into the album, each showing a different side of its sound and emotional weight. But the full picture only comes together when you listen to the record from beginning to end. Hopefully, it will be an intense and personal experience for anyone willing to spend time with it.” – Davide Straccione – Vocals – Shores of Null

For fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Swallow The Sun, Katatonia, Borknagar

Dusktone Label: https://www.dusktone.it/ | https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/ | https://www.instagram.com/dusktone/ | https://www.facebook.com/dusktone

“Italy’s Shores Of Null return with first single from album HOMESICK due October. This is ‘Bleed To Life,’ a darkly atmospheric piece of modern metal fusing power metal melody and drama with doom and a touch of death metal heaviness.” – Loud Enough Magazine

Album Title: Homesick
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Label: Dusktone
Genre: Gothic Doom Metal / Melodic Death Doom Metal
Location of Band: Rome, Italy

Track Listing:
1. Allies Before Defeat – 4:35
2. Two Mountains – 4:34
3. Bleed to Life – 4:09
4. Homesick – 5:31
5. Son of the Tide – 4:18
6. Dreaming of a Scar – 5:08
7. Society Is the Murderer – 4:30
8. The Numbing Void – 6:18
9. Another Breath – 3:52
10. Disappear – 4:33
Album Length: 47:32

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Shores Of Null
• All songs written by: Gabriele Giaccari and Raffaele Colace
• All lyrics by: Davide Straccione (except ‘Allies Before Defeat’ by Matteo Capozucca)
• Produced by: Shores Of Null and Marco Mastrobuono
• Mixed by: Marco Mastrobuono
• Mastered by: Marco Mastrobuono
• Album Artwork by: Brooke Shaden

Album and Live Band Line-up:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

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About The Album Artwork:

Some artworks illustrate an album. Others seem to have been waiting for it. That’s exactly how we felt when we discovered Reflection: Departed, a piece by photographer and visual artist Brooke Shaden from her Begin Again series, which we ultimately chose as the cover artwork for Homesick. The artwork portrays a figure climbing through an empty frame, leaving behind shattered pieces of glass on the ground. As Brooke describes it, the frame represents the way we frame our lives and the places we look to in search of belonging and a sense of self. But here the glass is shattered, and the frame stands empty. Is she breaking free from her cage, or becoming trapped even further inside it? That ambiguity resonates deeply with the concept of Homesick. The album revolves around the contradiction contained within the idea of homesickness itself: the longing to return to something familiar, while knowing that what we call “home” may also be the source of our pain. Throughout the record, home becomes something far more complex than a physical place. It can be a person, a memory, a state of mind, or a former version of ourselves. It can comfort us, but it can also haunt us. The artwork captures that tension beautifully. The figure is neither arriving nor leaving, neither free nor imprisoned, suspended between departure and return, much like the emotional space inhabited by the songs themselves. For us, nostalgia is not simply a refuge. It is also the courage to face the past and the realization that, however painful it may be, our history is what ultimately shaped who we are.

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

Lyrically, Homesick revolves around the idea of belonging and the complicated relationship we have with the places, people, memories, and experiences that shaped us. At its core lies the contradiction contained within the very idea of homesickness: the longing to return to something familiar while knowing that what we call “home” may also be the source of our pain. Many of the songs deal with nostalgia, loss, trauma, mortality, acceptance, and the difficult process of reconciling with our past rather than escaping from it. There is also a recurring sense of cycles throughout the record: tides, seasons, memories and emotions constantly returning, reminding us that some things never truly leave us, but perhaps can eventually be understood and embraced.

Musically, I think Homesick represents the most mature and focused version of Shores Of Null so far. The different elements that have always been part of our sound now coexist more naturally than ever before, always serving the emotional core of the songs rather than existing for their own sake. The result is probably our most intimate and emotionally honest record to date, but also one of our heaviest and most dynamic. At the same time, it contains some of the catchiest and most memorable melodies we’ve ever written, like‘Bleed To Life’ or ‘Two Mountains’. It is an album that lives in contrasts: light and darkness, comfort and danger, despair and acceptance, departure and return. Sounds like home.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. ALLIES BEFORE DEFEAT
This was always meant to be the opening track of the album. It immediately establishes the emotional direction of Homesick, combining explosive energy with a deep sense of melancholy. Lyrically, it explores the complex relationship between love, support, suffering, and separation, and was written by our bassist Matteo Capozucca.

2. TWO MOUNTAINS
Probably the catchiest song we’ve ever written. The lyrics are inspired by the Legend of Maja, an ancient story from Abruzzo, the region where I was born and still live today. It’s a tale of maternal love, grief, and sacrifice that has been passed down through generations and remains deeply rooted in the identity of our land.

3. BLEED TO LIFE
One of the most aggressive and in-your-face songs on the record, but also one of the most melodic. The song revolves around the idea that pain, sacrifice and suffering are not only things we endure, but experiences that shape who we become and ultimately bring us closer to life itself.

4. HOMESICK
The first song ever written for the album and the one that gave the entire record its title and emotional core. It explores the idea of home as something deeply ambiguous: a place of comfort and belonging, but also of fear, pain, and memories we can never fully leave behind.

5. SON OF THE TIDE
Built around crushing growl-driven verses and an epic chorus, the song explores themes of solitude, destiny and belonging through imagery connected to the sea, which becomes a metaphor for the forces that shape our lives and the paths we inherit rather than choose.

6. DREAMING OF A SCAR
Musically, it sits somewhere between melodic death metal and gothic rock atmospheres, opening with a piano and violin introduction that immediately sets the mood for the journey ahead. The violin was performed by Shaun MacGowan of My Dying Bride, whose contribution adds another layer of melancholy and elegance to the song. Lyrically, it’s a dialogue between childhood and adulthood, reflecting on the passing of time and the desire to hold on to the wonder and dreams of our younger selves, even as life slowly changes us.

7. SOCIETY IS THE MURDERER
Probably one of the most unusual songs of the platter, built around some unconventional ideas and arrangements. It’s also entirely sung with clean vocals. Lyrically, it deals with our relationship with failure and the pressure of living in a society that glorifies success while often condemning those who fall short of it. It’s ultimately an invitation not to fear failure, but to accept it as an inevitable and valuable part of our journey.

8. THE NUMBING VOID
Featuring guest vocals by Natalie Koskinen of Shape Of Despair, this song ventures into more death doom territory, while opening up into melodic passages during the chorus. In many ways, it feels like a spiritual successor to Beyond The Shores. Lyrically, it explores grief, mortality and the helplessness that often follows the loss of someone close to us, along with the regret that so often comes with realizing there was never as much time as we thought there would be.

9. ANOTHER BREATH
After the slowest and most introspective moment on the album, this song arrives like a bolt from the blue. Driven by recurring blast beats and abrasive energy, it reflects the anxiety, loneliness and relentless repetition that often define modern life.

10. DISAPPEAR
The closing track of the album and yet another example of how central melody remains to our songwriting. Despite dealing with themes of loss, surrender and acceptance, the song carries one of the most memorable choruses on the record, almost inviting the listener into one final singalong before the journey comes to an end.

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Photo Credit – Arianna Savo

Shores of Null stand out as one of Italy’s most compelling and forward‑thinking metal acts, defined by their ability to merge seemingly disparate elements into a seamless, emotionally charged whole. Their sound is overwhelmingly heavy yet deeply soothing: blackened aggression intertwines with gothic‑doom melancholy, while chorale‑like guitar textures stretch across the instrument’s full range. A powerful rhythmic backbone supports a refined interplay of clean and growled vocals, enriched by the lush harmonies that have become the band’s unmistakable trademark.

Formed in Rome in 2013, Shores of Null quickly established themselves within the metal underground through a series of acclaimed releases. Their debut “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014) introduced a melodic and somber approach, followed by the darker and more intricate “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017). In 2020, the band unveiled the ambitious “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records), a 38‑minute doom opus featuring guest appearances from Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun), Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), and Elisabetta Marchetti (Inno), further cementing their reputation for bold, immersive songwriting.

Their fourth album, “The Loss Of Beauty” (2023), was hailed as one of the genre’s standout releases of the year. Shores of Null supported it with an extensive EU/UK tour alongside Swallow The Sun, Draconian, and Avatarium, followed by major festival appearances at Hellfest, Rock Imperium, 70000 Tons of Metal, and more, solidifying their status as one of the rising forces in contemporary melodic death doom.

In 2025, the band released “Beauty Over Europe,” a powerful live album capturing the raw emotional weight and commanding presence of their performances across the continent. The same year, they announced “Latitudes of Sorrow,” a highly anticipated split with Finnish funeral doom masters Convocation, offering a profound exploration of grief, atmosphere, and sonic heaviness.

Now, Shores of Null return with their most ambitious and accomplished work to date. “Homesick,” out October 16, 2026, via Dusktone, marks a new milestone in the band’s evolution. Following the success of The Loss Of Beauty, the band expands their emotional and sonic universe with ten meticulously crafted songs—each carrying its own identity while contributing to a cohesive, immersive whole. Refined arrangements, streamlined structures, and subtle details reward repeated listens, showcasing Shores of Null at their most mature.

Produced with exceptional clarity and depth by Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono, Homesick features the strongest production in the band’s history, enhancing the contrast at the core of their sound: deeply melancholic and decadent passages balanced by moments of intensity, energy, and emotional elevation. Guest appearances from Natalie Koskinen (Shape of Despair) and Shaun MacGowan (My Dying Bride) add further dimension, with Koskinen’s haunting vocals and MacGowan’s evocative violin enriching the album’s atmosphere.

Lyrically, “Homesick” explores nostalgia, absence, and the complex meanings of “home”, not merely a place, but a memory, a wound, a person, or a version of oneself left behind. Conceived as a complete listening experience, the album moves through longing, loss, anger, vulnerability, and the search for belonging, revealing its full emotional weight when experienced from beginning to end.

With “Homesick,” Shores of Null deliver one of the strongest statements of their career: a deeply emotional, immersive, and meticulously crafted record that reaffirms their place among the leading forces of melodic death doom while continuing to push their sound into new territory.

Discography:
2026 – Homesick – Album
2025 – Latitudes Of Sorrow – Split w/ Convocation
2025 – Beauty Over Europe – Live Album
2023 – The Loss of Beauty – Album
2021 – Quiet Whispers (Unplugged at Traffic Garden) – Live Album
2020 – Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) – Album
2017 – Black Drapes for Tomorrow – Album
2014 – Quiescence – Album

Shared Stage with:
Paradise Lost, Swallow The Sun, Saturnus, Draconian, Lacuna Coil, In Flames, Messa.

Tours and Festivals:
2026 – Tour in support of Paradise Lost and Saturnus – Europe
2025 – Headlining UK Tour – UK
2025 – Support show for In Flames and Lacuna Coil – Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy
2025 – Mini Tour w/ Decembre Noir – Germany
2024 – Hellfest Open Air Festival – Clisson, France
2024 – Rock Imperium Festival – Cartagena, Spain
2024 – 70000 Tons Of Metal – Miami-Puetro Plata (USA / Dominican Republic)
2024 – Finnish Tour – Finland
2024 – Fekete Zaj – Mátrafüred, Hungary
2024 – Teifljågd Metal Open – Helfenberg, Austria
2023 – Tour in support of Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium – Europe and UK
2022 – Tour w/ Impure Wilhelmina – Italy and Slovenia
2022 – Metal Days Festival – Tolmin, Slovenia
2022 – Metalgate Czech Death Fest – Červený Kostelec, Czechia
2019 – European Tour w/ In The Woods, Ereb Altor, Isole – Europe
2019 – Italian mini-tour w/ Arcturus – Italy
2018 – Headlining Tour – Europe
2017 – Tour in support of Harakiri For The Sky – Europe
2017 – Metalitalia Festival – Milan, Italy
2017 – Frantic Fest – Francavilla al mare, Italy
2016 – Tour in support of Novembre and Isole – Europe
2016 – Italian mini-tour w/ Harakiri For The Sky – Italy
2016 – Tour in support of Hooded Menace and Mourning Beloveth – Europe
2016 – Inferno Metal Festival – Oslo, Norway
2015 – Co-headlining tour w/ Doomraiser – Europe
2014 – Candlefest – London, UK
2013 – Doom Over London – London, UK
2013 – Mini-tour w/ Negura Bunget – Italy

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What the press has said:

““An Easy Way” is the first of three Shores of Null songs on the split, and it quickly begins in a very un-easy way, delivering slowly writhing and uncomfortably dissonant notes along with gritty, ragged growls. In its upper reaches, the music also miserably wails in glistening tones, in counterpoint to vividly throbbing beats. From there, the band ratchet up the music’s intensity, deploying hammering drums and tremolo’d riffing that creates a searing form of distress. At that point the vocals also change, soaring in song, but far from joyful in mood. The band then continue shifting gears and sensations (as well as the high/low vocal stylings), intertwining sounds of gloom and torment, as well as riffing that throbs and captivating melodies that both miserably sparkle and moodily flow above a heavy low-frequency undercurrent. At times the music seems to grieve and yearn, or to become dour and bitter, leavened with bursts of aggression that include hard jolts at the song’s conclusion.” – No Clean Singing

“Latitudes Of Sorrow is deeply affecting and powerful through and through. Shores of Null and Convocation are ideally paired on this release and provide a good balance to this ship adrift in nihilistic fog.” – Doomed & Stoned

“The Shores Of Null tracks are atmospheric, bleak and haunting, while the Convocation pieces are crushing, very funereal and cavernous. Combined, they make a bleak, thought-provoking and sublime listen…. End-to-end, a superb EP,” – Metal Talk

“Reviewing a split release is interesting because you can often judge it from different perspectives. Should you review each band’s contribution separately or should you make a judgment of it as a cohesive front to back release? Both approaches are valid and for Latitudes of Sorrow, I think it’s a pretty good contribution from Shores of Null paired with a stellar one from Convocation, adding up to a really good release overall. If you like either band, you’ll certainly be pleased.” – 4/5 – Toilets ov Hell

““Latitudes of Sorrow,” this split effort pitting Shores of Null and Convocation, lands at an ideal time, when summer has indeed ended and the cold weather is seeping into our pores. These are two bands that bury you in power and punishment, making sure the toll you pay is physical and mental. It also is perfect music for the darker days, when your hope is at its bleakest and you take some solace in knowing you don’t suffer alone. ” – Meat Mead Metal

“One track really stands out above all of them, and it’s a bit of a collaboration. It’s the sort of thing that really makes the split come together. “The Year Without Summer” is an absolute gloomfest, and it sees Shores of Null team up with Convocation vocalist Marko Neuman. It’s a highly effective way to transition from one band to the next, as it opens with a more melodic feel and slowly ramps up some of the heaviness to prime the listener for the second half. It’s a fantastic touch, but it’s also a great track on it’s own, bringing some anguished and brutal vocals to the more melodic Shores sound and it makes for a very epic feel as the song moves on. For fans of either group, or anyone looking for a strong bit of icy doom to start your winter season with, Latitudes of Sorrow is a great selection. Both bands provide their own flavors of misery and gloom, in such a way that fans of one group should find themselves drawn to the other by the time the split ends. 8/10″ – Dead Rhetoric

“Split EP’s do not always work. Sometimes there is a glaring split between the bands that cannot be overcome. What Everlasting Spew Records have done is link a couple of bands on their roster that work together, delivering an EP that leaves you wanting more from both bands, including a joint tour. 5/5″ – Metal Epidemic

““Latitudes of Sorrow” is a masterful study in contrast, proving that grief has many voices. SHORES OF NULL approaches sorrow as a turbulent, human experience: passionate, melodic, and driven by dynamic tension. Their side is the sound of the emotional struggle itself, filled with weeping guitars and soaring vocals that fight against the darkness.” – Tuonela Magazine

“As a whole, “Latitudes of Sorrow” is one punishing release filled with crafty atmospherics, monumental riffing, and very bleak and desolate moods. Both bands create unique vibes on their sides of the EP, but the overarching theme of mystery and melancholy very much permeates their music. With all songs perfectly crafted to never overstay their welcome and yet inflict the maximum amount of mystery, this split release is as effective as they come for the genres portrayed.” – Infernal Masquerade

“Doom and darkness take center stage with Latitudes of Sorrow, bringing together two underground bands with complementary styles under the same banner. While Shores of Null knows how to be both aggressive and melancholic, Convocation sticks to its slow aggression to win us over. Both bands are becoming sure bets on the scene.” – Acta Infernalis

“The three tracks contributed by SHORES OF NULL are thoroughly melodic, building on rather sad emotions and constantly hovering between dark metal reminiscences and something more organic gothic metal.” – PowerMetal.de

“„Latitudes Of Sorrow” is a successful split that presents both in their typical musical habitat… the almost 40-minute record serves its purpose and shows that it is always worth bringing split releases onto the market in order to open up new perspectives and target groups for both sides.” – Metal.de

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Metal Hammer writers’ top metal albums of 2023 – Edwin McFee – #20 – Shores of Null – The Loss of Beauty

“With The Loss Of Beauty, SHORES OF NULL have produced their second world class record in a row.” – Distorted Sound Mag (9/10)

“The deep, dark, poetic brilliance behind The Loss Of Beauty is undeniable, and Shores Of Null’s doomy melancholic style is especially ideal for those considering themselves fans of Swallow The Sun, Draconian and Saturnus.” – Metal Storm (8,5/10)

“The Loss of Beauty is a morose and often magnificent listen.” – Metal Hammer UK (8/10)
“The Loss of Beauty is an engaging, exquisite, and moving slice of melodic doom that further cements Shores of Null’s esteemed position in the scene.” – Dead Rhetoric (9/10)

“The Loss of Beauty is an incredibly strong and versatile album, on which themes known from genres such as post black metal or post punk are presented in a diverse and varied manner.” – BetreutesProggen (13/15)

“Once again, Shores of Null continue to impress with yet another slab of high-quality doom/death that seems the quintet on an upwards trajectory.” – Angry Metal Guy (4/5)

“With lyrics like “my loneliness will guide me” and “isolation will set us free,” classic doom drumming, and impressive vocals, Shores of Null announce their intent to deliver the best doom album of 2023.” – Noizze UK (9/10)

“Un grato disco de casi una hora de música, donde la melancolía no es predominante, sino lo melódico, y eso es cae a la perfección.” – Metallerium (9.2/10)

“A savourer, en s’aimant. A savourer, l’esprit ouvert aux beautés que l’on croit – ou que l’on relègue au rang d’- insignifiantes et qui sont le sel du monde qui nous entoure. A savourer, tout simplement..” – Soil Chronicles (9/10)

“Shores of Null haben für mich mit The Loss of Beauty einen heißen Anwärter auf mein Album des Jahres veröffentlicht, das ich jedem Fan von melancholischem Metal mit Doom, Gothic, Melodic Death und Black Metal Einflüssen nur wärmstens empfehlen kann! Von mir gibts für dieses Meisterwerk die Höchstnote!.” – Sound Magnet (10/10)

“If “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying)” granted them the status of Masters of the Genre, with “The Loss of Beauty” we cannot help but acknowledge their unquestionable talent for creating stunning beauty that goes under your skin, both with music and words.” – Tuonela Magazine
“It is an album with many faces, a true chameleon, that shows the best of heavy, doom, dark, gothic, death, and a pinch of black metal. The musicians of this band are playing at the very highest level and it is unprecedented what this band is capable of.” – Zware Metalen (94/100)

0 EPK – Mutual Trauma – Left Inside (single) (2026)

July 4, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Mutual Trauma

EPK – Mutual Trauma – Left Inside (single) (2026)

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

“Left Inside represents a significant step forward for Mutual Trauma, both musically and lyrically. The song explores the lasting effects of abuse and betrayal while emphasizing resilience and the determination to move forward. It also reflects the band’s continued evolution, combining crushing heaviness, memorable melodies, layered electronic elements, and dynamic songwriting into what we feel is our strongest release to date. Previous singles “Dead Dreams” and “Die Alone” helped establish the band’s sound, while “Left Inside” marks the next step in that evolution.” – Brandon Reynolds – Lead Vocals – Mutual Trauma

For fans of Spiritbox, Counterparts, Knocked Loose, Polaris, Soilwork

Facebook.com/MutualTrauma | Youtube.com/@MutualTrauma | Instagram.com/mutualtrauma

Spotify | Apple Music

“Canada’s Mutual Trauma and ‘Left Inside,’ a piece of modern metal weaving elements of metalcore with prog metal and electronic for a sound that is richly textured, dark and yet melodic.” – Loud Enough Magazine

Band: Mutual Trauma
Single Title: Left Inside
Length: 4:14
Release Date: June 12, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid
Genre: Metalcore/Modern Metal
Location of Band: Victoria, BC, Canada

SINGLE RECORDING CREDITS:
• All songs performed by: Mutual Trauma
• All songs written by: Combination of Trustin Bruyere (guitars), Michael Gignac (bass), Chris Heretic (drums clean vocals), and Brandon Reynolds (Screams / lead vocals)
• Produced by: Trustin Bruyere, Michael Gignac, Derek Mattin, Matt Thomas
• Mixed by: Matt Thomas
• Mastered by: Matt Thomas
• Album Artwork by: Trustin Bruyere, modifications by Damian Donald
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

RECORDING AND LIVE LINEUP:
Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar
Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals
Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals
Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar
Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

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About Single Artwork:

The album cover is pretty simple. It depicts the silhouette of a hand reaching out from a dark place, grasping in the light, but there’s nothing there to grasp. We felt it fit pretty well with the single, which is about abuse. – Michael Gignac – Bass

About The Single (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Lyrically, “Left Inside” explores the lasting effects of abuse and betrayal. Rather than focusing solely on the pain itself, the song is also about refusing to let those experiences define you. Even when the scars remain, there is strength in choosing to move forward instead of being consumed by the past. – Brandon Reynolds – Lead Vocals

From a musical perspective, I’d describe Left Inside as a pretty energetic song, despite the darker subject matter. I think that this gives a feeling of resilience and defiance, rather than acceptance and despair. Even without saying so, it feels to the listener like, though the abuse may have occurred and the negative consequences continue to be felt, we can refuse to be defined by it, and we can rise above it. We will not allow the abuser to take everything, and we can prosper in defiance.

The main riff has a strong beat to it begging for people to headbang, while the verses are chunky and pummeling. We opted for melodic singing, done by Chris, for the choruses on this song, with Brandon punching in a few growls to keep up the aggression. After a brief dreamlike respite, the song kicks back in for the 3rd chorus, which climaxes with all hell breaking loose in the second half, with Brandon’s screams, Chris’ singing, some relentless kick drums, and almost black metal-y fast chord strumming all happening at once before an epic octave-based groovy riff closes us out.

We put a lot of time and effort into this track, and I think it shows. – Michael Gignac – Bass

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The phrase/name “Mutual Trauma” was first coined after Trustin and Damian survived the Hot Ones hot wing challenge together. What started as an inside joke eventually became the band’s name. Over time, though, the name has taken on a deeper meaning. Everyone carries different struggles and experiences, and just as shared challenges can bring people together, so can music. We hope our songs create that same sense of connection by exploring emotions and experiences that listeners can relate to.

2. The song Echoes, which will be the closer for the upcoming EP, is the song that convinced Mike to join as the bass player despite knowing dick all about modern metal at the time

3. During a show at the Cobalt in Vancouver, Mike ripped a massive hole in the crotch of his prized cyberpunky pants and opted to play the next 2 shows of the tour wearing a very un-metal baby blue cabana set that happened to have shorts that were small enough that they showed more of his hairy, untanned, upper legs than most people would ever choose to see.

4. Chris unknowingly played our very first live set with a slice of pizza tucked into the cargo pocket of his shorts. None of us realized it until after the show. Please join us in a moment of silence for the slice.

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

L-R – Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

Born from the ashes of past projects and fueled by a refusal to stop creating, Mutual Trauma is a modern metal force emerging from Victoria, BC. Built by Chris Heretic (drums/clean vocals) and Trustin, the band quickly expanded with Brandon Reynolds (lead vocals) and Michael Gignac (bass), both formerly of Reaver, alongside Damian Donald (rhythm guitar). Their sound blends metalcore, melodic death metal, djent, and electronic textures, shaped by influences like Invent Animate, Soilwork, and In Flames.

Mutual Trauma’s music explores real emotional experiences, abuse, betrayal, resilience, and growth, anchored by Brandon’s introspective lyrics and the band’s dynamic, collaborative writing process. Their latest single, “Left Inside,” marks a major step forward, combining crushing riffs, atmospheric layers, and a powerful message of defiance.

Onstage, the band delivers high‑energy, cyberpunk‑infused performances that stand apart in the local scene. With a new EP in development, Mutual Trauma continues to evolve while staying true to their modern, emotionally driven sound.

Band Lineup:
Michael Gignac – Bass Guitar
Chris Heretic – Drums, Clean Vocals
Brandon Reynolds – Screams / Lead Vocals
Trustin Bruyere – Lead Guitar
Damian Donald – Rhythm Guitar

DISCOGRAPHY:
June 12, 2026 – Left Inside – Single
June 19, 2025 – Die Alone – Single
March 18, 2025 – Dead Dreams – Single

LIST OF BANDS YOU HAVE SHARED STAGE WITH:
No Living Witness, Blackthrone Ascension, Arrow in the Quiver, Our Last Crusade, Antler, All was Lost, Utility Provider, Under the Mountain, Krypteia, Dead after Dark, Yegg, Thirteen Goats, Torrefy

LIST OF TOURS AND FESTIVALS YOU HAVE PERFORMED ON
JUN 2025 – Arrow in the Quiver Polarity LP Release Shows – Nanaimo/Victoria, BC
AUG 2025 – Mosh the Rock metal festival, Sooke BC
NOV 2025 – No Living Witness/Blackthrone Ascension Tour – Vancouver/Nanaimo/Victoria, BC

0 EPK – Fernando Molinari – Numen (2026)

June 28, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Fernando Molinari

EPK – Fernando Molinari – Numen (2026)

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

“If you are a prog and fusion fan, I think you will really enjoy it! This EP is a journey into a very dense atmosphere with layers, riffs, and melodies.” – Fernando Molinari

For fans of Al Di Meola, Egberto Gismonti, Avishai Cohen, The Aristocrats, Virgil Donati, Plini, Mahavishnu Orchestra

Instagram.com/molinarifernando | Facebook.com/FernandoMolinariPage | Youtube.com/@Fbmolinari

Spotify | Fernandomolinari.bandcamp.com

“Numen is a heavy-hitting progressive album that fuses metal, jazz, fusion, and flamenco. Molinari composed, arranged, and produced the five tracks and got a murderer’s row of musicians to bring it to life, including Marco Minnemann, Andre Nieri, Chris Clark, Daniel Felix, and more. He hammers out odd-time syncopations that will break your neck, then gets the fretless out to double a face-melting melody. Seriously, if you like heavy, adventurous music with outrageous bass playing, go listen to it right now.” – No Treble

“Fernando Molinari has a new album out that may be one of the year’s best prog and fusion records. Reaching Inside is packed with tantalizing riffs and grooves that the bassist has been honing over the past few years. His ideas came to fruition with a stellar cast of musicians including drummers Marco Minnemann and Arthure Rezende; guitarists Brunno Henrique, Davi Filho, and Kit Tang, and keyboardists Herbert Medeiros and Daniel Félix. If you’re like me, discovering new music is exciting, exhilarating, and rewarding! I can’t tell you how many times I hear “there’s no good music anymore”. You have got to be kidding, there are great bands/artists out there creating. Brazilian bassist Fernando Molinari’s latest Reaching Inside is a wonderful piece of modern fusion, and had I known about this one prior to making my best of 2021 list, it would be on it.” – Sea of Tranquility – Pete Pardo

“I will choose “Reaching Inside” by Fernando Molinari. It’s amazing! Absolutely incredible! It’s short at 35 minutes long, Great melodies! This guy is a great songwriter! It’s evident from the first time you hear the album. As a bass player he is absolutely flawless! I love “Focus”, the album’s opening song. Beautiful guitars, I love the melodies “Mercurio” rocks! It has hints of progressive and is very intense! Great job by the whole band! I love the bass lines on this album, they’re really good. “Ocean Wind” is another great song, “Control” is amazing I mean, there are no errors. It’s a beautiful mix of times throughout the album, there’s a lot of variety! Killer album by a very talented guy!” – Sea of Tranquility – Pete Pardo (2021 – Reaching Inside)

“The bass player, FERNANDO MOLINARI, launched on December 2021 the CD, “Reaching Inside”, considered by critics as one of the best albums of Fusion/Progressive of the world.The new work records a journey of self-knowledge where Fernando, who is already a world reference for the bass, demonstrates all his dexterity as a composer creating riffs, grooves and themes that take turns the spotlight with a stellar team of musicians.” – MS METAL AGENCY

Band: Fernando Molirani
Album Title: Numen
Release Date: June 19, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Fusion/Prog
Location of Band: USA

Track Listing:
1. Minvera – 5:47
2. Netuno – 4:36
3. Mitra – 4:49
4. Gemina – 5:32
5. Marte – 4:12
Album Length: 24:58

Album Recording Credits:
Written, produced and arranged by: Fernando Molinari
Fernando Molinari – Bass.
Marco Minnemann – Drums (Minerva, Netuno and Gemina)
Andre Nieri – Guitars (Minerva and Netuno)
Mariko Muranaka – Cello (Gemina)
Joao Hanysz – Acoustic and Electric guitars (Mitra and Marte)
Luigi Paraventi – Drums (Marte)
Chris Clark – Piano solo (Gemina)
Arthur Rezende – Drums (Mitra)
Daniel Felix – Electric piano, Keyboards and Effects (Netuno and Gemina)
Herbert Medeiros – Keyboards (Minerva)
Cristian Del Giorgio – Keyboards (Mitra)
Pascoal Molinari, Rosemary Molinari & Juliana Chimenes – Rhythmic Claps (Mitra)
Mixed and Mastered by Paulo Anhaia

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

About The Album Artwork:

The concept of NUMEN is a Latin term for “divine presence”, “divine will”, or “divinity” – not a specific god, but a manifestation of something divine. So the concept behind the artwork was to illustrate it with elements taken from the song titles.

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

This album is full of flavors and textures. I wanted to build something epic — huge on themes, strong melodies, killer riffs, deep textures, and tons of personality.

Track By Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Minerva – This song is built in 5/4 time with 5 distinct layers running simultaneously. It features a very strong melody and riffs. Prog/fusion track!

2. Netuno – A powerful track with heavy riffs and odd time signatures. It balances crushing riffs with layered harmonies. Prog/fusion/Metal track!

3. Mitra – This song has a flamenco vibe, driven by acoustic guitars, percussion, and piano. It’s a very deep and dark piece. Flamenco/Fusion/Prog track!

4. Gemina – A mix of prog metal, Middle Eastern textures, and jazz fusion, featuring powerful riffs and beautiful cello and piano melodies. Fusion/Prog/ethnic/jazz track!

5. Marte – The most straightforward song on the record, played as a trio. Heavy, groovy, with massive breakdowns! Metal/prog track!

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

Brazilian bassist and composer Fernando Molinari has carved out a unique space in the modern prog and fusion world, building a career defined by creativity, precision, and fearless musical exploration. What began as a necessity, becoming a solo artist because no musicians in his hometown were interested in forming a band, has evolved into a signature artistic identity rooted in depth, energy, and genre‑blending innovation.

Molinari describes his sound in five words: deep, energetic, prog, fusion, and heavy. His latest EP, NUMEN, released June 19, 2026, embodies all of these qualities, offering listeners a dense, atmospheric journey filled with layers, riffs, melodies, and emotional weight. Fans of progressive music and fusion will find plenty to connect with, as the record balances technicality with storytelling and mood.

Despite being a bassist, Molinari approaches music as a composer first. His writing process is unconventional: he never begins with an instrument. Instead, he records vocal ideas on his phone, later transcribing them into full arrangements on the computer. Only once a song is complete does he pick up an instrument, ensuring the composition isn’t limited by technique. He writes for every instrument, building tracks that feel like full‑band pieces rather than bass‑centric showcases. His arrangements are rich with simultaneous layers, harmonic depth, odd time signatures, recurring motifs, and intricate textures, all while remaining musical and listenable.

Over the years, Molinari’s sound has evolved significantly. Early compositions were built around a live trio format, bass, drums, and guitar, resulting in more straightforward structures. During the pandemic, he expanded his sonic palette by inviting additional musicians and incorporating piano, cello, percussion, multiple guitars, and keyboard layers. This shift elevated his compositions to a new level of complexity and emotional resonance.

The musicians featured on NUMEN are notable figures in their own right, each bringing world‑class experience to the project:

Marco Minnemann – Drums (The Aristocrats, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Steven Wilson)

Andre Nieri – Guitar (Virgil Donati Band)

Mariko Muranaka – Piano (Hans Zimmer, Madonna)

Joao Hanysz – Guitar (Casagrande & Hanysz with Eloy Casagrande of Slipknot/Sepultura)

Luigi Paraventi – Guitar (PALEFACE SWISS)

Chris Clark – Piano (Virgil Donati / Jon Anderson Band)

Daniel Felix – Keyboards (Caravellus)

The EP was mixed and mastered by Paulo Anhaia, a Grammy Award–winning producer.

Conceptually, NUMEN is rooted in Roman mythology. The term “numen” refers to a divine presence or manifestation—something sacred that cannot be fully explained. Molinari wrote the EP during one of the most difficult periods of his life, channeling his emotions into music as a form of healing. For him, music is a numen: a place of peace, clarity, and connection to something greater.

The EP’s artwork reflects this concept, incorporating visual elements inspired by the song titles and the overarching theme of divine presence.

Musically and emotionally, NUMEN is epic in scope, full of textures, strong melodies, killer riffs, and deep personality. It stands as Molinari’s most ambitious work to date, a testament to his evolution as a composer and his ability to transform personal struggle into powerful instrumental storytelling.

Discography:
2026 – NUMEN
2021 – BUILD BY ELEMENTS
2016 – REACHING INSIDE
2010 – IDENTIDADE

Artist Endorsements:
Fbass, Gallien Krueger, DR Strings, Focusrite, GruvGear, BeyerDynamic, In-Earz, XVive, Kala, KraftGeek, Capurso, S.Martyn, ACS Guitars, Cabos CTS, DMT efeitos, Ghostfire, Reunion Blues.

0 EPK – Triskelyon – Metalmorphosis (2026) (Moribund Records)

June 24, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Triskelyon

EPK – Triskelyon – Metalmorphosis (2026) (Moribund Records)

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

Digital Only Release – Aug 21, 2026

Follow TRISKELYON:
Facebook | Bandcamp

Follow Moribund Records:
Moribund Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp

The Ferocious 5th Assault from Canada’s Thrash Metal Titans reforging Classics in Steel!!!

Canada’s unstoppable Metal force Triskelyon returns with “Metalmorphosis,” a special digital-only release that transforms legendary Rock and Pop anthems into a blazing barrage of pure Heavy Metal power! Founded in 2021 by guitarist and mastermind Geoff Waye (Category VI), Triskelyon has rapidly risen through the ranks of the underground with the acclaimed releases “Downfall,” “Artificial Insanity,” “Shattered Elysium,” and “Maelstrom of Chaos.” Now, the band unleashes its boldest concept yet – a full album dedicated entirely to crushing cover versions, forged in the fires of Thrash, Speed, Power, and Traditional Metal.

Aptly titled “Metalmorphosis,” this release represents the complete metalization and transformation of timeless classics into high-octane metallic weapons. From the arena-sized power of Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69,” to the dark intensity of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Triskelyon reinvents each track with razor-sharp riffs, thunderous rhythms, soaring vocals, and explosive solo work.

Fan favorites from previous albums also return, including the band’s acclaimed renditions of “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Major Tom (Coming Home),” “It Doesn’t Really Matter,” and “Nobody’s Business.” Covering icons such as Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, Heart, Billy Idol, Men Without Hats, Men at Work, Platinum Blonde, Peter Schilling, and Bryan Adams, “Metalmorphosis” stands as both a tribute to the golden age of Rock and Pop and a declaration of Triskelyon’s limitless creativity. Each song is reborn heavier, faster, darker, and more powerful than ever before, while still preserving the unforgettable hooks and melodies that made them legendary.

“Metalmorphosis” is more than a covers album – it is a celebration of transformation through Metal. A relentless collision of nostalgia and aggression, this digital-only release proves once again that Triskelyon can take any musical form and forge it into molten steel.

As before, all songs were mixed and mastered by Michael Small. Album art by Ellim.

Track Listing:
1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (Tears for Fears cover)
2. Summer of 69 (Bryan Adams cover)
3. The Safety Dance (Men Without Hats cover)
4. Overkill (Men at Work cover)
5. Heartbreaker (Pat Benatar cover)
6. Nobody’s Business (Billy Idol cover) <Downfall album>
7. It Doesn’t Really Matter (Platinum Blonde Cover) <Artificial Insanity album>
8. Hungry Like The Wolf (Duran Duran Cover) <Shattered Elysium album>
9. Major Tom (Coming Home) (Peter Schilling Cover) <Maelstrom of Chaos album>

Note: ALL Album Released covers are the same except “Major Tom,” which is a remaster (not a remix).

Note: 5 brand new covers packaged with the 4 covers already done into one compilation album! 🙂

Album Credits:
1. Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Vocals: Dale Drew
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Dwayne Pike
Drums: Raul Marques

2. Summer of 69
Vocals and bass: Dwayne Pike
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Drums: Raul Marques

3. The Safety Dance
Vocals: Pete Healey
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Darrin Pope
Drums: Raul Marques

4. Overkill
Vocals: Pete Healey
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Dwayne Pike
Drums: Raul Marques

5. Heartbreaker
Vocals: Amanda Jackman
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Dwayne Pike
Drums: Raul Marques

6. Nobody’s Business
Vocals: Pete Healey
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Dwayne Pike
Drums: Raul Marques

7. It Doesn’t Really Matter
Vocals: Amanda Jackman
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Keith Jackman
Drums: Raul Marques

8. Hungry Like The Wolf
Vocals: Dale Drew
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Darrin Pope
Drums: Raul Marques

9. Major Tom (Coming Home)
Vocals: Amanda Jackman
Guitars: Geoff Waye
Bass: Darrin Pope
Drums: Nicole Trinchero

0 EPK – Dirty Shirt – Dirty Thirty (The Best Of) (2026)

June 24, 2026
by Asher
· Dirty Shirt · EPKs

EPK – Dirty Shirt – Dirty Thirty (The Best Of) (2026)

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

For fans of Dubioza Kolektiv, Skindred, Bloodywood, Alestorm, The Hu

“As someone who was already playing alongside future Dirty Shirt members in the wedding band that gave birth to this adventure, I can honestly say it has been an incredible journey. We started in a small town in north-western Romania during the post-communist years, and somehow ended up performing on some of Europe’s biggest stages.

Dirty Shirt became much more than a band. It became a family. Over the years, we have kept most of the core members while continuously welcoming new people into the project. Today, we are nine official band members, but the Dirty Shirt family is much larger: a collective of nearly thirty active people involved in the studio and on the road, including musicians, technicians, crew members and many others working behind the scenes.

None of this would have been possible without the support of our families, our friends and, above all, our fans. This album is a celebration of all of them. Thank you for being part of these thirty years.” – Mihai Tivadar (keyboards, guitars) – Dirty Shirt.

Band: Dirty Shirt
Album Title: Dirty Thirty (The Best Of)
Release Date: June 26, 2026
Label: Dirty Shirt
Distribution: Dirty Shirt
Genre: Rock / Metal / Folk
Location of Band: Romania

All Links: https://linktr.ee/dirtyshirtband

Dirty-Shirt.com – Facebook.com/DirtyShirtRomania – Twitter.com/dirtyshirtband – Youtube.com/dirtyshirtoriginal

Instagram.com/dirtyshirtband – Tiktok.com/@dirtyshirtband

Dirtyshirt.bandcamp.com – Apple Music – Spotify – Dirty-merch.com – Deezer

DIRTY SHIRT – DIRTY THIRTY (THE BEST OF)

To celebrate 30 years of activity, Romanian folkcore metal pioneers Dirty Shirt are releasing “Dirty Thirty (The Best Of)”, a career-spanning retrospective featuring 30 songs that trace the band’s journey from its earliest recordings to its latest releases.

The compilation brings together songs from every era of Dirty Shirt:

Very Dirty (2000) – 1 song, represented by the new version released 25 years later on Pandemic Special
• Same Shirt Different Day (2010) – 2 songs
• Freak Show (2013) – 4 songs, plus the orchestral version of “Away” released on Pandemic Special
• Dirtylicious (2015) – 7 songs
• Letchology (2019) – 7 songs
• Get Your Dose Now & Pandemic Special (2022) – 7 songs
• Plus two recently released singles from the upcoming studio album: “FOMO” and “Büntető”

Dirty Thirty (The Best Of) will be available in three formats:

Digital edition on all major streaming and download platforms
• Limited double-CD digipak edition
• Vinyl edition featuring 22 selected tracks (due to format limitations)

Several tracks from the band’s earlier catalogue have been newly remastered by Adrian “Bila” Urițescu, Dirty Shirt’s long-time sound engineer. The album artwork was created by internationally acclaimed artist Costin Chioreanu, extending a creative collaboration with the band that has now lasted more than 13 years.

The project was partially financed through a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2025.

Featuring more than 40 musicians.

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

CD TRACK LISTING:

CD 1 :
1. Ciocârlia
2. Put It On
3. Fake
4. Nem Loptam
5. Hora Lentă
6. Killing Spree
7. Când s-o-mpărțit norocu’ (Part 1 & 2)
8. Ride
9. Freak Show
10. Nice Song
11. Moneyocracy
12. Dulce-i vinu’
13. Cobzar
14. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
15. Pitbull

CD 2 :
16. Büntető (feat. Besh o droM)
17. Dope-A-Min
18. Pretty Faces (feat. Benji Webbe, Caliu & Paul Ilea)
19. Hot for Summer
20. Geamparalele
21. Away (Orchestral Version)
22. Don’t Care (25 Years Later)
23. Manifest
24. Hoții
25. Săracă inima me
26. Bad Apples
27. Dirtylicious
28. Maramu’
29. Pălinca (feat. Boots)
30. Latcho Drom (feat. Caliu)

CD CREDITS:
Dirty Shirt:
Dan “Rini” Crăciun – vocals (2-29)
Robert Rusz – vocals (2-29)
Mihai Tivadar – keyboards, guitars (1-30)
Cristian Bălănean – guitars (1-30)
Dan Petean – guitars (1-7, 10-22, 24, 27-30)
Pál Novelli – bass (except 20)
Cosmin Nechita – violin (2-7, 10, 14, 16-22, 29,30)
Vlad Țoca– drums (except 16)
Sergio Ponti – drums (16)

Transylvanian FolkCore Orchestra
Miruna Puiu – backing vocals (2-7, 10, 14, 16-22, 29), Alexandra Joicaliuc – backing vocals (2-7, 10, 14, 16-22, 29), Tea Vișan – backing vocals (7, 14, 16-22), Andrei Oltean – flutes (2-7, 10, 14, 16-22, 29, 30) & accordion (7, 17-20), Mihai Muntean – cimbalom (7, 14, 17-20, 22), Darius Boșca – clarinet (7, 14, 16-20, 30), Gabriel Bărăștean – violin (2-6, 10, 21, 29), Cătălina Popa – flute (6, 21), Adela Bărăștean – viola (21, 30), Alexandra Enache – cello (21, 22), Rebeka Dula – cello (21)

Special Guests:
Ádám Pettik – vocals (16), Attila Sidoo – acoustic guitar (16), Adrian Urițescu – bass & additional guitar (20), Andrei Oșan – clarinet & saxophone (1-6, 10-13, 21, 24, 27- 29), Assica Jelba – additional synths (8, 12, 27), Benji Webbe – vocals (18), Caliu – violin (18, 30), Ciprian Ghiață – accordion (1, 11-13, 24, 27-29), Cosmin Petruț – violin (26), Cosmo – percussion (7, 20), Cserey Csaba – percussion (1, 11-13, 24, 27, 28), Eduard Albina – accordion (2-6, 10, 19, 29), Ferenc Balogh – viola (2-6, 10, 29), Gergely Barcza – saxophone & EWI (16), Ionuț Varolaș – trombone (3, 4, 6, 19), József Csurkulya – cimbalom (16), Leonard Negrea – cimbalom (1-6, 10-13, 19, 24, 27-29), Marius Sabo – violin (1, 11-13, 24, 27-29), Mathieu Di Pilla – vocals (29) & backing vocals (17-19), Mihnea Blidariu – trumpet (3, 4, 6), Paul Ilie – synths (18), Stefan Peterfi – double bass (3).

Produced by Mihai Tivadar
Remastering by Adrian Urițescu

Music by Dirty Shirt (except 1, 15, 16, 30), Mathieu Di Pilla (2, 6, 10, 14, 17, 18), Eugen Seno Ionescu (13), Aralica Vojislav & Janković Nedad (15), Ádám Pettik & Barcza Gergely (16), Paul Ilea (18), Dinu Șerbănescu (26), including traditional music (1, 7, 12, 20, 23-25, 28, 30)

Lyrics by Mathieu Di Pilla (2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 14, 17-19, 29), Leonard Ciocan (8, 9, 11-13, 21, 24, 26, 27), Mihai Tivadar (3, 5, 10, 22, 23, 28), Dan Crăciun (22, 23, 28), Andrei Oltean (3, 5), Alexandra Joicaliuc (10), Csapó Dániel (4), Eugen Seno Ionescu (13), Janković Nedad (15), Ádám Pettik & Barcza Gergely (16), Gică Petrescu & Cezarina Moldoveanu (26), including traditional lyrics (7, 12, 20, 25, 28, 29)

Mixing: Adrian Urițescu (7, 14, 16-22, 30) and Charles “Kallaghan” Massabo (1-6, 8-13, 15, 23-29)
Mastering: Adrian Urițescu (7, 14, 16-22, 30), Charles “Kallaghan” Massabo (2-6, 8-10, 25, 26, 29) and Alan Douches (1, 11-13, 15, 23, 24, 27, 28)
Arrangements & editing: Mihai Tivadar (1-30) and Charles Massabo (15, 23)

Recordings: LowBass5 Studio (1, 8, 9, 11-14, 16, 21, 22, 24-28), 7 Cats Studio (1, 7, 11-13, 17-20, 24, 27, 28), MT Sound (1-29), Dirty Shirt Studio (7, 14, 16-22), Kallaghan Studio (15, 23), Luna Recording Studio (11-13, 24, 27, 28), Goldie Star Production (11-13, 24, 27, 28), Casa Radio Cluj-Napoca (30), PSSS Studio (8, 9, 25, 26), G. M. Zamfirescu Studio (26), Obelus Studio (7, 17-22), Osimetric Studio (7, 20)

Artwork by Costin Chioreanu
Pictures by Ciprian Vladuț, Vlad Țoca, Bragovski, Sam Decout, Nelu Tilie, Schliemann Enoh, P. Schwichtenberg, Sergiu Negrean, Andreea Markocsanyi & many others.

Albums artworks: Costin Chioreanu (Dirtylicious, Letchology), Lia Cucuianu (Get Your Dose Now), Cristian Bălănean (Pandemic Special), Elvis Dead (Same Shirt Different Day) & Barbu Crăciun (Very Dirty).

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

VINYL TRACK LISTING:

Disc 1:

Side A:
Ciocârlia
Put It On
Pretty Faces (feat. Benji Webbe, Caliu & Paul Ilea)
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Când s-o-mpărțit norocu’ (Part 1 & 2)

Side B:
Ride
Freak Show
Hot for Summer
Moneyocracy
Dirtylicious
Cobzar

Disc 2:

Side A:
Büntető (feat. Besh o droM)
Manifest
Geamparalele
Don’t Care (Short Version)
Away (Orchestral Version)

Side B:
Maramu’
Nice Song
Bad Apples
Săracă inima me
Pălinca (feat. Boots)
Latcho Drom (feat. Caliu)

Dirty Shirt:
Dan “Rini” Crăciun – vocals (2-21)
Robert Rusz – vocals (2-21)
Mihai Tivadar – keyboards, guitars (1-22)
Cristian Bălănean – guitars (1-11)
Dan Petean – guitars (1-5, 8-12, 14-17, 20-22)
Pál Novelli – bass (except 14)
Cosmin Nechita – violin (2-5, 8, 12, 14-17, 21-22)
Vlad Țoca– drums (except 12)
Sergio Ponti – drums (12)

Transylvanian FolkCore Orchestra
Miruna Puiu – backing vocals (2-5, 8, 12, 14-16, 18, 21), Alexandra Joicaliuc – backing vocals (2-5, 8, 12, 14-16, 18, 21), Tea Vișan – backing vocals (3-5, 8, 12, 14-16), Andrei Oltean – flutes (2-5, 8, 12, 14-16, 18, 21, 22) & accordion (3, 5, 8, 14), Mihai Muntean – cimbalom (3-5, 8, 14, 15), Darius Boșca – clarinet (3-5, 8, 12, 14, 22), Gabriel Bărăștean – violin (2, 16, 18, 21), Cătălina Popa – flute (16), Adela Bărăștean – viola (16, 22), Alexandra Enache – cello (15, 16), Rebeka Dula – cello (16)

Special Guests:
Ádám Pettik – vocals (12), Attila Sidoo – acoustic guitar (12), Adrian Urițescu – bass & additional guitar (14), Andrei Oșan – clarinet & saxophone (1–7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 21), Assica Jelba – additional synths (6, 10), Benji Webbe – vocals (3), Caliu – violin (3, 22), Ciprian Ghiață – accordion (1, 9-11, 13, 17, 21), Cosmin Petruț – violin (19), Cosmo – percussion (5, 14), Cserey Csaba – percussion (1, 9-11, 13, 17), Eduard Albina – accordion (2–6, 8, 18, 21), Ferenc Balogh – viola (2–6, 18, 21), Gergely Barcza – saxophone & EWI (12), Ionuț Varolaș – trombone (3, 4, 6, 8), József Csurkulya – cimbalom (12), Leonard Negrea – cimbalom (1–6, 8-11, 13, 17, 21), Marius Sabo – violin (1, 9-11, 13, 17, 21), Mathieu Di Pilla – vocals (21) & backing vocals (3, 8), Mihnea Blidariu – trumpet (3, 4, 6), Paul Ilie – synths (3), Stefan Peterfi – double bass (3)

Produced by Mihai Tivadar
Remastering by Adrian Urițescu

Music by Dirty Shirt (except 1, 12, 20, 22), Mathieu Di Pilla (2–5, 8, 18), Eugen Seno Ionescu (11), Aralica Vojislav & Janković Nedad (20), Ádám Pettik & Barcza Gergely (12), Paul Ilea (3), Dinu Șerbănescu (19), including traditional music (1, 5, 13–14, 17, 20, 22)

Lyrics by Mathieu Di Pilla (2–6, 8, 18, 21), Leonard Ciocan (6, 7, 9–11, 16, 19), Mihai Tivadar (6, 13, 17, 18), Dan Crăciun (13, 17), Andrei Oltean (6), Alexandra Joicaliuc (18), Csapó Dániel (4), Eugen Seno Ionescu (11), Janković Nedad (20), Ádám Pettik & Barcza Gergely (12), Gică Petrescu & Cezarina Moldoveanu (19), including traditional lyrics (5, 14, 17, 20, 21)

Mixing: Adrian Urițescu (3–5, 8, 12, 14–16, 22) and Charles “Kallaghan” Massabo (1, 2, 6, 7, 9–11, 13, 17–21)

Mastering: Adrian Urițescu (3–5, 8, 12, 14–16, 22), Charles “Kallaghan” Massabo (2–7, 18–21) and Alan Douches (1, 9, 11, 13, 17)

Arrangements & editing: Mihai Tivadar (1–22) and Charles Massabo (13)

Recordings: LowBass5 Studio (1, 4, 6–9, 11–12, 16–21), 7 Cats Studio (1, 3, 5, 8–9, 11, 14, 17), MT Sound (1–21), Dirty Shirt Studio (4–5, 8, 12, 14–16), Kallaghan Studio (13), Luna Recording Studio (9–11, 17), Goldie Star Production (9–11, 17), Casa Radio Cluj-Napoca (22), PSSS Studio (6–7, 19–20), G. M. Zamfirescu Studio (19), Obelus Studio (3, 5, 8, 12, 14–16), Osimetric Studio (5, 14)

Artwork by Costin Chioreanu

Pictures by Ciprian Vladuț, Vlad Țoca, Bragovski, Sam Decout, Nelu Tilie, Schliemann Enoh, P. Schwichtenberg, Sergiu Negrean, Andreea Markocsanyi & many others.

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

What the press has said:

“Long time readers will know by now that I am partial to the weirder side of heavy music. Dirty Shirt certainly has my attention this week. They’re like a mix of 6:33, Russkaja, and Turisas. This is bombastic, fun metal with Romanian folk mixed in. ” – Metal Injection

“This album is buoyant, blistering and bolshy; you certainly want to get your dose now!” 8/10 – Powerplay Magazine

“”Whoa! ‘Get Your Dose Now!’ is definitely not your average metal album. It’s simply something that you won’t hear anywhere else. Dirty Shirt is the real deal with extraordinarily talented musicians and a uniqueness that sets them apart from the crowd. If you’re in the market for some new music, this band offers something for everyone, from hardcore metal and thrash to tribal and traditional. It’s like your grandmother’s goulash recipe, a little of this and a little of that, with the end result being magical and inimitable.” – Uber Rock

“Are you bored with your current playlist? Perhaps you are looking for something a bit different than the bands you typically listen to? Then look no further my music-loving friends. Let me introduce you to the Transylvanian folkcore of Dirty Shirt. What started out as a wedding band has morphed into a magical, musical amalgam that blends modern hardcore and nu-metal with traditional acoustic instruments and Eastern European musical influences giving us an entirely new breed of metal with known as Romanian crossover folkcore metal. ” – Uber Rock

“Dirty Shirt did a good job again and ‘Get Your Dose Now!’ is a very nice album to listen to and it deserves a listen.” – Folk-Metal.nl

“with DIRTY SHIRT you have joy in life and fun in music. They ignite a light in the currently dark world. A good mood is guaranteed. So get your dose today, now, get vaccinated against sadness and depression. before it’s too late. – Saitenkult

“This album can be discovered as you listen. It is rich, destabilizing at times, but always fair and imbued with sensitivity. With Get Your Dose , the DIRTY SHIRT surely give us their best album, and it was not easy given the quality of the previous one. No need to write sandwiches about it, you just have to let yourself be seduced. Cheer.” – Among The Living

“Dirty Shirt, Your New Favorite Transylvanian Folk-Core Band ” – Metal Sucks

“DIRTY SHIRT only sound like DIRTY SHIRT.” – Metal Temple

“Is it catchy? Yes. Is it fun? Yes. Is it utterly mental? Yes. Highly recommended” – Metal Observer

“Dirty Shirt are probably one fantastic live band with an immense energy” – Rock Freaks

” “…you’ve never heard anything quite like this before”” – Sonic Abuse

“It’s one of those rare albums where it keeps you glued to your seat just waiting to see what pops up next.” – Heavy Metal Time Machine

“As Monty Python would say, ‘And now for something completely different.’ ” – Music Underground

“this is a band like no other in the music scene now in days in the underground, indie or mainstream scene.” – Vents Magazine

0 EPK – Truent – Vilemaker (2026) (single)

June 21, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Truent

EPK – Truent – Vilemaker (2026) (single)

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

“The most recent song we’ve written. There was much deliberation on the structure and placement of certain parts, but I think it came together in a very satisfying way. The first song our new vocalist, Darian, has written the lyrics for.” – Nicolas Landry (Drums) – Truent

For Fans of Revocation, Alluvial, Cognizance, Fit for an Autopsy, Psycroptic

All Links – https://ffm.bio/truentmetal

Facebook.com/Truentmetal | Youtube.com/@truentmetal | Tiktok.com/@truentmetal | Instagram.com/truentmetal

Truentmetal.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Tab Store: https://truentmetal.gumroad.com/

‘Maple Ridge’s Truent draw out the progressive side of thrash metal in a tightly knit package similar to greats such as Lamb Of God, Revocation or even Gojira. The band aren’t happy to sit on their hands slaying overdone thrash metal, opting to mix in melodic riffing, experimental passages of prog metal and more.’ – Altpress

Band: Truent
Single Title: Vilemaker – 4:27
Release Date: June 26th, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Genre: Death Metal
Location of Band: Vancouver, BC

Single Recording Credits:
• Song performed by: Matthew Pancoust (Guitar) | Eli Slamang (Guitar) | Nicolas Landry (Drums) | Darian Mazloomi (Vocals) | Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant (Bass)
• Song written by: Eli Slamang, Nicolas Landry, Darian Mazloomi, Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant, Matthew Pancoust
• Produced by: Truent
• Mixed by: Mike Low
• Mastered by: Mike Low
• Album Artwork by: Feri Irawan (@artfery_illustration)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Live and Single Band Lineup:
Matthew Pancoust – Guitar
Eli Slamang – Guitar
Nicolas Landry – Drums
Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant – Bass
Darian Mazloomi – Vocals

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

About The Single Artwork:

The single’s artwork is inspired by the manga Berserk. Which also served as inspiration for the lyrics

About the single – Vilemaker:

Lyrically, Vilemaker is about a tyrant’s climb to reach absolute power through the deaths of those around him. Every corpse born from his conquest is another step towards a destiny, a vision, a kingdom. This song explores the evils of deceiving and manipulating others to achieve one’s goals. It is directly inspired by Berserk’s ‘Golden Age’ arc.

Musically, it’s very fast-paced and heavy. Very lyrically dense, lots of technical riffing, groovy drums, and a good sense of momentum and energy that builds throughout the song.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Tours Built Around Swimming
Our tours are basically elaborate excuses to find good places to swim. Lakes, rivers, hotel pools, sketchy roadside swimming holes: if there is water nearby, we are probably trying to get in it.

2. The Pickup Truck Tour
On our first cross-Canada tour, our van’s transmission blew in Edmonton before the first show even happened. Instead of calling it quits, we worked our connections, rented a Ford F-150, and kept going.

That meant five big dudes crammed into a pickup truck all the way to Montreal and back. Since our van had bunks built into the back, we also lost our mobile home overnight. When we did not have places to stay, we slept outside in parking lots and on park benches just to keep the tour going.

It was stressful, uncomfortable, and ridiculous, but somehow it became our most successful tour up to that point.

3. From Garage Covers to Original Metal
We started as a group of teenagers playing Rush and Led Zeppelin covers in our parents’ garages when we were in Grade 8. From there, we slowly found our way into metal together. We would discover a new band, get obsessed, then try to write songs in that style as a group.

By the time we were 15 or 16, we were writing and recording original songs. At 18 or 19, we released our second EP, To End an Ancient Way of Life, while still figuring out what kinds of metal and songwriting styles really felt like us. Around that same time, we started playing our first shows in Vancouver.

There have been a few lineup changes since then, but Matthew Pancoust and drummer Nicolas Landry have been there since the very beginning, jamming in garages around Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

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

L-R – Matthew Pancoust (Guitar) | Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant (Bass) | Darian Mazloomi (Vocals) | Nicolas Landry (Drums) | Eli Slamang (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Paradox Visuals – Instagram: @_prdxvisuals

Vancouver death metal act Truent, has spent the last several years becoming a force in the Canadian metal scene – extensively touring in Canada, and sharing stages with Archspire, Decapitated, Voivod, Revoaction, Signs of the Swarm, and more. With a fresh lineup, new music on the way, and a cross-Canada headlining tour under their belts, the band continues to bring their technical, groove-laden style of death metal to a rapidly growing audience.

Live and Single Band Lineup:
Matthew Pancoust – Guitar
Eli Slamang – Guitar
Nicolas Landry – Drums
Jason Whitewick-Bonenfant – Bass
Darian Mazloomi – Vocals

Discography:
2026 – Vilemaker – Single
2024 – Creating Mortality – Single
2022 – Through the Vale of Earthly Torment – LP
2018 – To End an Ancient Way of Life – EP
2017 – Faith in the Forgotten – EP

Shared Stage with:
Archspire, Decapitated, SepticFlesh, Kataklysm, Voivod, Signs of the Swarm, Revocation, Fallujah, The Zenith Passage, Opal in Sky, Filth

Touts and Festivals:
2026 – Vancouver Island Tour – Vancouver Island
2025 – Loud as Hell Festival – Drumheller, AB
2024 – Creating Mortality Across Canada Tour – Cross Canada
2023 – Melting Through the Abyss Tour – Western Canada
2023 – Armstrong Metal Festival – Armstrong, BC
2019 – Armstrong Metal Festival – Armstrong, BC

Artist Endorsements:
Engl Amplification
Barekuckle Pickups
Zuta Group (Amplifiers)

0 EPK – Tonic Breed – Name Dealer (EP)

June 16, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Tonic Breed

EPK – Tonic Breed – Name Dealer (EP)

ft. guests from Whitesnake, Flotsam and Jetsam, Five Finger Death Punch, ex-Lamb of God, ex-Megadeth

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

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

Spotify | Apple Music

“The new EP, “Name Dealer” from Tonic Breed (Patrik Svendsen) just landed and it’s a monster. Leading the way is the title track single which features guest appearances from rock legends Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) on drums and Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra) on lead guitar. We gave it a spin and it’s like sticking your face in a furnace with mean riffs, a driving snare, rolls a-plenty, deep hooks, a blistering guitar solo and nice slicing vocals. ‘Name Dealer’ unfolds as an unforgettable heavyweight of modern metal from three dudes that have been at this game quite a while and know what it takes to bring it, and then some. Catch Tonic Breed on your Home for the Best New Rock…W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll

What the press has said about Tonic Breed:

“This is a collection of songs you need to hear, so what are you waiting for? [8/10]” – Metal Noise (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“The guest musicians really came together on this EP, it’s real luxury material. In short, it is a great return of Patrick as he has been throughout his career with Tonic Breed. If you are fans of Metallica, Testament, Pantera or Slayer, listening to «Fuel the Fire» it is essential this year. Without a doubt I will follow the career of this One Man Band with great interest.” – Broken Tomb (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“Tonic Breed show that the embers have not gone out and this EP gives them a good old poking, tossing them around and letting the heat build-up. ” – Metal Digest (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“Tonic Breed reinforces my growing belief that music, and particularly metal, can one day survive and even thrive without need of the corporate machine.” – Metal Disciple (2014 – Outsold – LP)

“For an unsigned act Outsold has one of the best productions I have heard in a long time. Simply put it’s a fantastic album.” – Teeth of the Divine (2014 – Outsold – LP)

“TONIC BREED could easily advance up the ranks thanks to this impressive release.” – Metal Temple (2014 – Outsold – LP)

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

“For an unsigned act Outsold has one of the best productions I have heard in a long time. Simply put it’s a fantastic album.” – Teeth of the Divine (2014 – Outsold – LP)

Band: Tonic Breed
EP Title: Name Dealer
Label: Self-Release
Release Date: June 10th, 2026
Genre: Heavy Metal
Location of Band: Norway

Track Listing:
1. Name Dealer ft. Tommy Aldridge (drums), Joel Hoekstra (lead guitars) – 3:48
2. Close In ft. Charlie Engen (drums), Adrian Bjerketvedt (guitars and lead guitars) – 5:45
3. Anew – Chris Adler (drums) – 3:31
4. The Die is Cast ft. Michael Gilbert (guitar solo) – 3:31EP Credits:
Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen – All string instruments and vocals except when other specifiedTrack 1 – Name Dealer
Featuring: Tommy Aldridge (drums), Joel Hoekstra (lead guitars)
Produced by Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen
Co-produced by Adrian Bjerketvedt (including organ)
Mixed by Patrik Svendsen and Adrian Bjerketvedt
Drum recording at Joel Jacks Studio in Santa Ynez, CA
Vocals recorded in Sarpsborg, Norway
Engineered by Adrian Bjerketvedt
Mastered by Steve KitchTrack 2 – Close In
Featuring: Charlie Engen (drums), Adrian Bjerketvedt (guitars and lead guitars)
Produced by Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen
Co-produced by Adrian Bjerketvedt
Mixed by Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen and Adrian Bjerketvedt
Vocals recorded in Sarpsborg, Norway
Engineered by Adrian Bjerketvedt
Mastered by Steve KitchTrack 3 – Anew
Featuring: Chris Adler (drums)
Produced by Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen
Mix and master: Gene “Machine” Freeman
Studio engineer (vocals): Adrian Bjerketvedt
Recorded Match-May 2025, Oslo and Sarpsborg, Norway | Richmond, Virginia, United States

Track 4 – The Die Is Cast
Featuring: Michael Gilbert (guitar solo)
Producer: Patrik K. Svendsen
Engineer: Adrian Bjerketvedt
Mastered: Steve Kitch
Recorded January-February 2025, Oslo and Sarpsborg, Norway

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

About The EP:

Name Dealer is the second EP in the new Tonic Breed format, where guests are invited to perform on the tracks. The first two songs were released last year, and the EP was completed with an additional two songs on June 10th.

I’m extremely happy with the quality of the songs and the musicians involved in the process. This EP experiments with everything from the old recipe while adding new layers such as orchestration and different songwriting approaches.

The quality of the deliveries from everyone involved is beyond my expectations. Everything from the musical contributions from the guests to the mixing and engineering process in the final stages of the song creation has exceeded what I hoped for.

Track by Track (Musically and Lyrically)

1. Name Dealer
This is a song that wastes no time getting to the point. It opens with intensity and maintains momentum throughout. The chorus has a hook, which isn’t typically associated with Tonic Breed.

It’s an absolute honor to have Tommy Aldridge and Joel Hoekstra on this song. Their performances exceeded all expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Having the opportunity to collaborate with musicians of their caliber means a great deal to me, and it’s something I’m truly grateful for.

2. Close In
Musically, it’s a semi-ballad with a lot of layers. There are clean parts, heavier sections, harmonies, choirs, and orchestration. It’s by far the most dynamic thing I’ve done in music.

Lyrically, it deals with loss and what that does to you over time. Not just the moment, but the long-term weight of it.

3. Anew
This high-octane track features Chris Adler, the iconic drummer of Lamb of God, lending his blistering rhythms to the song. I originally sent over a rough demo of the song, a storm of riffs strung together with placeholder drums and a suggested structure. We worked together on a new structure for the song, and Chris took the lead on shaping it into something far more unique and effective than my original draft. To me, this is the most Lamb of God-style drumming I’ve heard from Chris since he was in Lamb of God. I’m sure some metal guitarists would kill to hear Chris Adler’s drumming behind their riffs; I’ve been lucky enough to experience that firsthand.

4. The Die Is Cast
Straight to the point. No fluff, no filler, “The Die Is Cast” is pure, hard-hitting thrash from start to finish, with a touch of melody woven in. The song is about a powerful war machine that lies broken and abandoned, surrounded by the wreckage of others like it. Its silence feels heavy, as if it’s aware of the destruction it once brought and the emptiness that followed.

I think the fans are gonna dig this one. Tonic Breed never releases a song that sounds too much like the previous one. Also, with guest appearances, the unique touch on each song is there all the time. I’m super excited about the response from the fans! I went for an ’80s thrash composition on this one! Having Michael on board is an absolute honor, as he was a part of that era and genre of music.

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

Tonic Breed is a Norwegian thrash and heavy metal one-man music project by Patrik K. Svendsen. Until 2019, Tonic Breed was originally a four-piece band, established in Sarpsborg, Norway, in 2006. As of 2022, Tonic Breed has released three albums and one EP. Today, Tonic Breed is constantly reinventing itself in songwriting and guest collaborations, which already include Chris Adler (Lamb of God), Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam) and Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch, Scale The Summit, Idealogy).

Discography:
-2026 – Name Dealer (EP)
– 2026 – Name Dealer (single) (ft. guest drums Tommy Albridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) and guest guitar Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra))
– 2026 – Close In (single) (ft. guest drums Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch, Scale The Summit, Idealogy)
– 2025 – Anew (single) (ft. guest drums Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
– 2025 – The Die Is Cast (single) (ft. guest guitar solo Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam)
– 2025 – The Charge (single w/ Darkroot)
– 2024 – Outsold – LP – 10th Anniversary Edition
– 2022 – Fuel the Fire – EP (ft. guests Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Bernt Jansen (Artch/Wig Wam), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Martin Skriubakken (Endezzma), Oliver Palotai (Kamelot)
– 2018 – Install Memory – LP
– 2014 – Outsold – LP
– 2010 – On the Brink of Destruction

0 EPK – Tonic Breed – Name Dealer (single) (2026)

June 14, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Tonic Breed

EPK – Tonic Breed – Name Dealer (single) (2026)

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

Spotify | Apple Music

“It’s an absolute honor to have Tommy Aldridge and Joel Hoekstra on this song. Their performances exceeded all expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Having the opportunity to collaborate with musicians of their caliber means a great deal to me, and it’s something I’m truly grateful for.” – Patrik K. Svendsen – Tonic Breed

Discography:
– 2026 – Name Dealer (single) (ft. guest drums Tommy Albridge (Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne) and guest guitar Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Trans-Siberian Orchestra))
– 2026 – Close In (single) (ft. guest drums Charlie Engen (Five Finger Death Punch, Scale The Summit, Idealogy)
– 2025 – Anew (single) (ft. guest drums Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
– 2025 – The Die Is Cast (single) (ft. guest guitar solo Michael Gilbert (Flotsam and Jetsam)
– 2025 – The Charge (single w/ Darkroot)
– 2024 – Outsold – LP – 10th Anniversary Edition
– 2022 – Fuel the Fire – EP (ft. guests Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth), Bernt Jansen (Artch/Wig Wam), Björn Strid (Soilwork), Martin Skriubakken (Endezzma), Oliver Palotai (Kamelot)
– 2018 – Install Memory – LP
– 2014 – Outsold – LP
– 2010 – On the Brink of Destruction

About The Single:

This is a song that wastes no time getting to the point. It opens with intensity and keeps the momentum going throughout. The chorus has some kind of hook, which isn’t typically associated with Tonic Breed.

Band: Tonic Breed
Single Title: Name Dealer
Length: 3:48
Release Date: June 10th, 2026
Genre: Heavy metal
Location of Band: Norway

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Tonic Breed (guest Tommy Aldridge and Joel Hoekstra)
• All songs written by: Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen
• Produced by: Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen, co-produced Adrian Bjerketvedt
• Mixed by: Adrian Bjerketvedt and Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen
• Mastered by: Steve KitchSingle Band Line Up:
Patrik Kvalvik Svendsen – Guitars, vocals
Tommy Aldridge – Drums
Joel Hoekstra – Lead guitar

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

What the press has said:

“This is a collection of songs you need to hear, so what are you waiting for? [8/10]” – Metal Noise (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

“Tonic Breed show that the embers have not gone out and this EP gives them a good old poking, tossing them around and letting the heat build-up. ” – Metal Digest (2022 – Fuel The Fire)

0 EPK – Metaladian – Deaditation (2026)

June 10, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Metaladian

EPK – Metaladian – Deaditation (2026)

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

For fans of Strapping Young Lad, Metallica (early), Suffocation, Bela Bartok, Ludwig Van Beethoven

“This is the debut album of Metaladian. It is the culmination of 20+ years of work. There is a great deal of variation within the album in terms of lyrical content, tempo, and texture. Still, there is consistency with my use of chromaticism, lush harmonies, virtuosic drums, soaring and heavy vocals, and thrash-like backing vocals. The album clearly belongs in the metal genre, but is greatly influenced by classical composers, which lends itself to the progressiveness and complexity. The album is a story arc featuring a journey of pain, retribution, and redemption. The vocals are a mix of melodic screams and quick call-and-response between all the members. The overall feel of the album is drenched in violence and darkness, but with a hint of light that can be achieved that begins to show itself as the album progresses. The album is crafted to allow the listener to become fully sucked in and able to follow as a kind of sound-journey.” – Andrew Brophy – Metaladian

Facebook.com/metaladian | Instagram.com/metaladian | Tiktok.com/@metaladian | Youtube.com/@metaladian9997

Metaladian.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“”Deaditation” is an ambitious debut that establishes its own identity within progressive and extreme metal. It’s a raw, luminous auditory adventure, inviting listeners to experience it as a sonic expedition. A clear and well-defined sonic journey, with an arc from pain to redemption. Variations in tempo, texture, and vocal register maintain the listener’s attention throughout the six tracks. The interwoven vocal power creates a unique and recognizable character. Note: 9.6 Author: Violeta Wolff” – Broken Tomb Magazine

“Extreme-metal outfit Metaladian erupt with a torrent of ferocious bloodshed, chaos, and power in Deaditation, the dizzying title track from their upcoming debut album, out this Canada Day, July 1st. Marking the culmination of over twenty years of composing and refining by mastermind Andrew Brophy, the single serves as a fierce introduction to the band, offering a masterclass in progressive death metal, fusing classical-influenced ambition with a brutal, multi-vocal assault.” – The Black Metal Archives

“»Deaditation« is a bold and unusual debut that blends progressive extreme metal, thrash, death metal, sludge and classical compositional approaches into a cohesive story. Especially the four-part alternating vocals, the variable drumming and the dramatic development of »Left Hand Path« until the conciliatory end of »Welcome To Your Holy Hell« give MetaladiaN an independent identity. However, the enormous density, some extra-long sections, the overcrowded production in places and very directly worded texts prevent every idea from having its full effect. Anyone who values concept albums as a demanding overall experience and is prepared to deal intensively with the six long pieces will discover a passionate work with remarkable musical standards.” – MetalUnderground.at

Album Title: Deaditation
Release Date: July 1st, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Metal
Location of Band: Hamilton, ON, Canada

Track Listing:
1. Left Hand Path – 9:44
2. Deaditation – 6:21
3. No Worse Death Than The Loss Of All Hope – (Wondering Why I Wonder Why) – 7:35
4. Confrontation With God – 11:59
5. Cure For Judgement – 6:51
6. Welcome To Your Holy Hell – 8:49
Album Length: 51:19

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Metaladian
• All songs written by: Andrew Brophy
• Produced by: Andrew Brophy
• Mixed by: Dan Brophy
• Mastered by: Andreas “Seidr Jonsson” Westholm of Dark Prod Mixing and Mastering
• Album Artwork by: Roberto Toderico of Roberto Toderico Art

Band Line-up:
Andrew Brophy – Lead Vocals – Drums
Dan Brophy – Vocals – Rhythm, Lead and Classical Guitars
Ruth Guetchal – Vocals – Rhythm Guitars
Dustin Smith – Vocals – Bass Guitars

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About The Album Artwork:

The artwork depicts the members of the band as a group of skeleton witches brewing their toil in a cauldron in the moonlight. – surrounded by snarling wolves and victims’ limbs scattered on the ground. This grisly image is an analogy for the calling to arms to our fellow brothers and sisters to arm themselves for the spiritual battle ahead against us. Dan on the left is holding what’s left of the latest victim’s genitals. I’m holding the victim’s heart and head; Dustin is holding the scythe, and Ruth is stirring the cauldron.

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

The album is a story arc featuring a journey of pain, retribution, and redemption. The lyrics are introspective and personal, but still have the ability to connect with their audience through more abstract imagery based on violent fantasy. The vocals are rhythmically punctuated with quick call and response between all the members, with the lead vocals being more melodic and the backing vocals more akin to a kind of thrashy punctuation. The lyrics were set up in a way that Dustin, Dan and Ruth are extensions of me. Musically, they cover the range and dynamics that I cannot do. Dustin is on the lower end of the scale. With a lot of range in his style. Low bellowing or a Guttural feral Ogre. Dan is more like a vicious rabid dog, or riot vocals. Ruth gets the ripping, high, screeching screams that slice through your soul. I sing all the long-held-out harmonies as well. The music is both chromatic and harmonically lush, with a dense layer of multiple parts that weave around one another, connected with catchy hooks and bone-crushing riffs. The overall feel of the album is drenched in violence and darkness, but with a hint of light that can be achieved that begins to show itself as the album progresses. The album is crafted to allow the listener to become fully sucked in and able to follow the journey as a kind of sound journey.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Left Hand Path – Left Hand Path is part one of two songs. The lyrics introduce the dark and serious landscape of what the listener can expect through the rest of the album. These lyrics show how we are living in a difficult, dark and violent era that seems inescapable. Shattered innocence of youth we all once were, and growing up with the haunting memories of the sadistic brutality of human nature taking pleasure in the pain of the vulnerable. Leaving the victim with immense psychological pain and emotional torture, and an unrelenting anger directed towards the abuser. Musically, the bass and rhythm guitar play twisted, chromatic lines while the other guitar outlines lush harmonies. It’s one of the longer tracks with multiple sections. Opening with sound effects of cold wintery winds with wolves howling in the distance, representing the brutality of nature. We move into the introduction with a high lead guitar, falling into a devastating riff in unison. The verses are made up of slowly climbing chromatic guitar riffs with vocals passed between members with blistering leads at their apex. The middle section is a hypnotic drone section with erratic screams and wild guitar noise. Closer to the end of the song, we move in with a slower, more introspective, hypnotic section Chanting we will curse you 100 000 fold. We end with more melodic vocals and triumphant chord changes that prepare us for Deaditation

2. Deaditation – Deaditation is part two of Left Hand Path and is the featured single off the album. Lyrically, it paints a picture of a blackened world with the band calling its fans to arm themselves against the forces of evil that attempt to push us down. Giving the emotional devastation back to the abusers through a Deaditation. A meditated psychic attack that forces the predator to feel the pain they left on the victim 100,000-fold. The track opens up with a massive crowd of rioters hunting down their victim. Dustin starts us off on the bass with a constant chromatic line as Ruth fades in with the contagious droning harmonies while Dan’s guitar is ripping feedback. I enter with a tribal drum solo that takes us into the first verse. The interplay between vocalists is quick and dizzying. The drum parts were written to match the rhythm of the vocals. The vocals dictated the cymbal hits for the most part, which just happened naturally from singing and playing drums. The music itself comprises three different sections – a plateau, an ascension and a descent – each of which is permeated by chromatic runs, with the lead guitar playing lightning-fast licks to punctuate the sections. Each time the three sections restart, the tempo is increased. In this way, the music is incrementally and constantly gaining momentum, driving the music to a spiralling frenzy by the final descent. We end with the crowd of rioters celebrating.

3. No Worse Death Than The Loss Of All Hope – No Worse Death Than the Loss of All Hope (NWDTTLOAH) is the third track and is part one of two songs. NWDTTLOAH performs a 180-degree change from what the listener has heard so far. It is a slow and sludgy song – dark and depressing that feels as though one is wallowing in a pit of despair from which they can never leave. The lyrics bring this feeling across with giant harmonies and long-held notes punctuated by the backing vocals. The music is through-composed with nearly no repetition, but as a stream of consciousness with small fragments of repeated figures that tie it together. The song ends with long-held chords and the vocalists screaming “no” in unison. On the final instrumental hit is a church bell that feels like death has taken hold, with a sample of a grief-stricken soul crying, wallowing in self-pity. Beneath the tolling of the bell, a dark, chromatic-sounding classical guitar piece I composed is performed by my brother Dan, which meanders until it comes to its conclusion.

4. Confrontation with God – Is part two of No Worse Death. Confrontation is the transition between pain and retribution. The lyrics are a questioning of why? Why does life have to work this way? Why would God allow this to happen? It is the final straw, and I have it out with God. Falling deeper into mental and emotional anguish, then into panic and maniacal hysterics, pushed past the point of no return. The end is the attempted suicide, begging for forgiveness, then death. The music is one of the more complex arrangements of the entire album. There is an elongated introduction with a prayer recited with a march-like snare and bass drone, sirens, arpeggiated guitar chords and a melodic guitar floating on top. The band enters together triumphantly with unison chords and dives straight into the heaviness. The song ends with a crushing two-note riff that slows to nearly a halt, following suit with the lyrics and the slowing down of the music to recreate the slowing down of the heart into the last breath, then flatlines. Leaving the listener exhausted by the end.

5. Cure for Judgement – Cure for Judgement is the other single from the album. It is part one of two songs (Holy Hell being part two). The lyrics for this song deal with the evils that come with judgement and how those who push their views on others are ignorant of personal truth and sovereignty. It is also ironic as it would naturally humble me on the views and judgements of others and seeing everything and everyone as a reflection of myself. The music is a medium tempo, beginning with some noise that sounds as though the guitar is on fire. The musical structure is complex, beginning with Ruth arpeggiating chords at an alarming speed. Directly after the bass, drums, and other guitars are layered over top in unison with the words “burn” and “fire” being passed around by the members. Following the introduction are several verses and bridges that expand and diminish in length, interspersed by blazing quick and snake-like melodic solos. These are broken up with several choruses in which my voice rings overtop, and the music is heightened to be almost ecstatic. The song ends with chaos – drums, bass, and guitar are playing an almost marching beat with the lead guitar performing an array of arpeggio sweeps.

6. Welcome to Your Holy Hell – Holy Hell is one of the heavier songs on the album with an upbeat tempo that makes the listener want to thrash everything in sight! The lyrics dwell on revenge and payback – a chance to finally let the person in mind know what you think of them. Furiously mocking and berating them, which is backed up by the musical intensity. The song opens with an ascent that accelerates until it feels inescapable, then suddenly falls away. This breaks away into a groovy, angry riff with ranting and raving from me and some thrash-like backing vocals. Soon after, the anger melts away into a doom-like groove that slows into a sludge. The music again ascends until we are back into an even quicker tempo with more insane and angry-sounding rants, insults and a punchy, groovy riff that carries the music into an almost fight-like sound. The end completely breaks away with soaring melodic vocals, triumphant chord changes and a virtuosic solo. Then the music comes to an end with a sample of my pet dog Adian before he passed away, barking and playing for the last time before I had to put him down. There are sounds of a beautiful sunny day at the waterfront with a soft breeze in the trees. Adian represents the final part of the arc – redemption.

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The lyrics have an arc, beginning with depression and self-hatred, but lead to revenge and end with redemption. Even though the lyrics can be abrasive and violent, they also lead us into self-realization, actualization, and forgiveness.

2. Ruth’s rhythm guitar part is the main harmony and is almost completely composed of arpeggiated chords throughout, being almost a kind of keyboard part played on guitar. The other guitar and bass play almost always in rhythmic unison, and the drums tend to punctuate both parts. In this sense, a bigger sound is achieved.

3. All four members are also part of the Hamilton band 30 Immolated; 16 returned who have released one full-length, an EP, and a video. Also, Daniel and I are brothers who have been playing metal together since we were teenagers; Ruth is Dan’s wife, so it’s a family band of sorts. Dustin is, of course, our metal brother from another mother.

4. Dan, Ruth, and I have studied classical guitar and music. I was fortunate to go back to school in my late twenties and studied classical guitar and music at Mohawk College in Hamilton for four years. My brother and Ruth both have doctorates in composition. All three of us teach music for a living. I personally have taught at a few different music studios in the greater Toronto area for twenty-five years, but I have been teaching guitar, bass, and ukulele at Long and McQuade’s for around ten years now. I have also been teaching drums, piano, guitar, and ukulele at Dan and Ruth’s music studio as well as privately on my own.

5. I created and designed the band name and logo, Metaladian. Which means, quite simply, a Canadian metalhead. Each letter of Metaladian was designed as a weapon. I was born on July 1st, 1974, in Ottawa. I love Canada and consider myself very fortunate to have lived from one side of Canada to the other.

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L-R: Dan Brophy – Rhythm and Lead Guitars and Vocals, Andrew Brophy – Drums and Lead Vocals, Dustin Smith – Bass Guitar and Vocals, Ruth Guechtal – Rhythm Guitar and Vocals

Photo Credit – Andrew Brophy

Metaladian is a new band formed in Hamilton, Ontario, led by composer, drummer, and vocalist Andrew Brophy. Musically, we belong in the metal genre, but are greatly influenced by classical composers, lending itself to the progressiveness and complexity. The overall feel of the music is drenched in violence and darkness, but with a hint of light that can be achieved through our musical journey. The lead vocals, performed by drummer Andrew Brophy, are both harsh and melodic, with soaring melodies and lush harmonies, which alternate with the more thrash-style vocals from the rest of the band. The drums themselves are virtuosic, complementing the crushing riffs and flowing chords. The debut album “Deaditation” from Metaladian is the culmination of 20+ years of work. There is a great deal of variation within the album in terms of musical content, tempo, and texture.

Discography:
2026 – Deaditation (LP)
2020- Metaladian – Cure for Judgement – Demo

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