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Category: EPKs

0 EPK – The Convalescence – No Survivors ft. Carnifex’s Scott Ian Lewis (2023) (Blood Blast Distribution)

  • February 19, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Convalescence

EPK – The Convalescence – No Survivors ft. Carnifex’s Scott Ian Lewis (2023)

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

Bookings – Keith Wampler – Phone #: 419 351 0678 – keithatthelegendagency[@]gmail[.]com

For fans of Carnifex, The Black Dahlia Murder, Cradle Of Filth, Lorna Shore, Cannibal Corpse

Band: The Convalescence
Single Title – No Survivors ft. Scott Ian Lewis (Carnifex)
Release Date – January 26th, 2023
Distro: Blood Blast Distribution

“The single is one of the hardest-hitting songs we’ve ever released, The lyrics and video were inspired by the Alien films, and having Lewis doing some nasty guest vocals really helped give it the brutality we were looking for, We played it live throughout our recent European Tour and absolutely loved the energy it brings to the stage. We’re looking forward to this one being a part of our live show for many tours to come. This new album is basically like one big horror movie, song by song each one tells a story. Each one is brutal in its own way.” – Keith Wampler – The Convalescence

​Tconband.com | ​Facebook.com/theconvalescence | Instagram.com/theconvalescenceofficial | ​Twitter.com/tconband

Legendrecordings.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | Theconvalescence.bigcartel.com

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: The Convalescence
Single Title – No Survivors ft. Scott Ian Lewis (Carnifex)
Release Date – January 26th, 2023
Distro: Blood Blast Distribution

Single Credits:
Performed by The Convalescence & Scott Ian Lewis
Written by Keith Wampler, Toby Wright, Charles Webber, Katie McCrimmon
Produced by Jason Suecof
Mixed by Jason Suecof
Mastered by Christian Donaldson
Album Art by Genocide Artwork
No Ascap

Album Band Lineup:
Vocals – Keith Wampler
Guitar – Toby Wright
Guitar – Zac Lunsford
Bass – Ronald Buckley
Drums – Charles Webber
Keys – Katie McCrimmon

Live Band Lineup:
Vocals – Keith Wampler
Guitar/Vocals – Toby Wright
Guitar – Brandon Davis
Bass/Vocals – Ronald Buckley
Drums – Cameron Olalde

The Convalescence is a five-member Symphonic Deathcore band formed in Toledo, OH in early 2011. The Convalescence blends Black Metal/Horror theatrics with intense Death Metal style Blast Beats and shredding Guitar along with brutal slamming Breakdowns and catchy melodies. The band tours nearly nonstop racking up nearly 1,000 live performances across 9 Countries.

The Convalescence has released 4 Full-Length Albums, 2 EPs, and 2 stand-alone singles resulting in over 1 Million plays on Spotify and Youtube each. The band also released 2 Documentaries via Amazon Prime Video in 2020 supported by a Sold Out Movie Theater Screening of them both in Maumee, OH on Oct.30th, 2020. The band recently finished recording their 5th Full Length Album with Producer Jason Suecof at Audiohammer Studios with a projected release in Early Summer 2023.
Discography
– “No Survivors” (2023)
– “Undead Swarm” (2022)
– “The Human Disease 2.0” (2021)
– “Monument Of Misery” (2019)
– “Coming Undone” (2018)
– “This Is Hell” (2017)
– “Poison Words” (2016)
– “The Process” (2014)
– “Unmasking The Betrayer” (2012)
– “Memories” (2011)

Music Placements (Movies/Commercials)
– “Scum” on the “Death Metal” Movie Soundtrack (2017)
– “One Of The Dead” on the “14 Ghosts” Soundtrack (2022)
– “One Of The Dead” on the “Cult Affairs” Soundtrack (2022)

Radio Charts
“Undead Swarm” #25 on iTunes Rock Charts (2022)
“The Human Disease 2.0” #3 on iTunes Metal Charts (2021)
“Monument Of Misery” #8 on Billboard Heatseekers Charts (2019)
“Monument Of Misery” #189 on iTunes Top 200 Albums (2019)
“Monument Of Misery” #64 on iTunes Rock Charts (2019)
“Monument Of Misery” #3 on iTunes Metal Charts (2019)
“The Return” #13 on iTunes Metal Charts (2019)
“Coming Undone” #121 on iTunes Metal Charts (2018)
“This Is Hell” #64 on iTunes Metal Charts (2017)

Shared stage with:

Slayer, Slipknot, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Korn, Rob Zombie, Disturbed, Godsmack, Three Days Grace, Testament, Sabaton, Sepultura, Killswitch Engage, Hatebreed, Black Label Society, Soulfly, Tech N9ne, Clutch, Suicidal Tendencies, In Flames, Battlecross, Light The Torch, Halestorm, Motionless In White, Wage War, Stitched Up Heart, Fever 333, Black Veil Brides, Thrice, Lilith Czar, Beartooth, Bush, Ace Frehley, Black Stone Cherry, Buckcherry, Crazy Town, Prison, Filth, Hunt The Dinosaur, Nekrogoblikon, Brand Of Sacrifice, Insane Clown Posse, Esham, Ouija Macc, Twisted Insane, Token, Ghostmane, Odd Squad Family, Chelsea Grin, Ringworm, Grave, The Offspring, A Day To Remember, Of Mice & Men, 10 Years, Cold, Big Hoodoo, Green Jello, Six Feet Under, Putrid Pile, Breaking Benjamin, Asking Alexandria, Alter Bridge, Hellyeah, Five Finger Death Punch, Bullet For My Valentine, Corrosion Of Conformity, Falsifier, Hive, Raven Black, Signs Of The Swarm, The Breathing Process, In This Moment, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dying Fetus, The Faceless, Origin, Betraying The Martyrs, Lorna Shore, Obituary, Fit For An Autopsy, Terror, Cro-Mags, Angelmaker, Venom Inc, Goatwhore,
Toxic Holocaust, Overkill, Crowbar, Entheos, A Killer’s Confession, Winds Of Plague, Archspire, Spite, Shadow Of Intent, Aborted, Psycroptic, Ingested, Disentomb, Dyscarnate, Devildriver, Hideous Divinity, Coal Chamber, Fear Factory, Born Of Osiris, All Out War, Harms Way, The Last Ten Seconds Of Life, Traitors, Currents, Varials, Rivers Of Nihil, Enterprise Earth, Impending Doom, The Agony Scene, Oh Sleeper, The Devil Wears Prada, Whitechapel, Thy Art Is Murder, Carnifex, Attila, Bury Your Dead, Walls Of Jericho, Dope, Flaw, Otep, Prong, Waking The Cadaver, Bodysnatcher, Within Destruction, Cognitive, Suffocation, Cattle Decapitation, All Shall Perish, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Oceano, Cryptopsy, As Blood Runs Black, Ice Nine Kills, Ill Nino, Jungle Rot, King 810, Jasta, Upon A Burning Body, Mushroomhead, Atreyu, All That Remains, I Prevail, New Years Day, Sworn In, Straight Line Stitch, Motograter, Soreption, Rings Of Saturn, For The Fallen Dreams, Terrorizer, Sea Of Treachery, Sanction, Soil, Depths Of Hatred, King Conquer, Code Orange, Abiotic, Vital Remains, Abigail Williams, In Dying Arms, Sworn Enemy, Disgorge, Wretched, The Bunny The Bear, Kissing Candice, Dark Sermon, Sumo Cyco, Hinder, Alukah, Necronomicon

Tours & Fests
– European Tour w/Carnifex, Chelsea Grin (2022)
– Northern Wisconsin Metalfest (2022)
– Irate Fest w/Norma Jean, Madball (2022)
– Summit Fest w/Unearth, Impending Doom (2022)
– Rust Fest w/Dropout Kings (2022)
– Toledo Deathfest w/Malevolent Creation (2022)
– Reckless Fest (2022)
– Michigan Metalfest w/Attila, Oceano (2022)
– The Undead Swarm Tour (2022)
– A Legacy In Blood Tour w/Necronomicon, Alukah (2022)
– Earthday Birthday w/Godsmack, Three Days Grace (2022)
– Halloween Tour w/Battlecross, The Breathing Process (2021)
– Inkcarceration Festival w/Rob Zombie, Halestorm (2021)
– Warlando Festival w/Judas Priest, Sabaton (2021)
– Central Florida Metalfest w/Filth (2021)
– Toledo Deathfest w/Jungle Rot, Filth (2021)
– 10 Year Anniversary Tour w/Jungle Rot, Filth (2021)
– Summit Fest w/Saving Abel, The Bunny The Bear (2021)
– Slamdakota Deathfest w/Putrid Pile (2021)
– The Return Tour (2021)
– X-Mass In Hell European Tour w/Six Feet Under (2019)
– Annihilation Fest w/Atreyu, Whitechapel (2019)
– Hallowicked w/Insane Clown Posse, Esham (2019)
– Northern Wisconsin Metalfest w/Casket Robbery (2019)
– The House Of Suffering Tour w/Casket Robbery (2019)
– Blue Ridge Rock Festival w/The Offspring, A Day To Remember (2019)
– Full Terror Assault w/Grave, Jungle Rot (2019)
– Michigan Metalfest w/Hatebreed, Chelsea Grin (2019)
– The Gathering Of The Juggalos w/Insane Clown Posse, Ghostemane (2019)
– Monument Of Misery Tour w/Reign, The Breathing Process (2019)
– Tour w/Oceano, Angelmaker (2019)
– Rocklahoma w/Korn, Disturbed (2019)
– Road To Rocklahoma Tour w/Adrift On River Styx (2019)
– Toledo Deathfest w/Sea Of Treachery, The Breathing Process (2019)
– Dead Fest w/Sea Of Treachery, Krosis (2019)
– Chaos & Carnage (Pontiac) w/Whitechapel, Dying Fetus (2019)
– Spring Bash ‘N’ Thrash w/A Killer’s Confession (2019)
– Texas Independence Fest w/Impending Doom (2019)
– Spring Tour w/Sea Of Treachery (2019)
– Brews & Bruise Fest w/Goatwhore, Battlecross (2019)
– Damage Fest w/My Own Will (2019)
– Canadian Tour w/The Breathing Process, My Own Will (2019)
– Detroit Metal Festival w/Bury Your Dead, Signs Of The Swarm (2018)
– Halloween Tour w/My Own Will (2018)
– Michigan Metalfest w/Whitechapel, Lorna Shore (2018)
– Guelph Deathfest w/Hideous Divinity, Depths Of Hatred (2018)
– Inkcarceration Festival w/Black Label Society, Clutch (2018)
– In Becoming A Ghost Tour w/The Faceless, Lorna Shore (2018)
– Pontiac Music Festival w/Becomes Astral (2018)
– I Won’t Survive Tour w/Becomes Astral (2018)
– Hell Over Ontario Tour w/Alukah (2018)
– Devastation On The Nation (Detroit) w/Aborted, Psycroptic (2018)
– Chaos & Carnage (Pontiac) w/Carnifex, Winds Of Plague (2018)
– Toledo Deathfest w/Your Chance To Die (2018)
– Monument Of Misery Tour w/Your Chance To Die (2018)
– This Is Hell Tour w/Wings Denied (2017)
– Full Terror Assault w/Overkill, Venom Inc (2017)
– The Blood Stained Earth Tour w/Venom Inc, Goatwhore (2017)
– The Summer Slaughter Tour (Cincinnati) w/The Black Dahlia Murder, Dying Fetus (2017)
– The Resistance Tour Pt.2 w/Otep (2017)
– New England Metal & Hardcore Festival w/Testament, Sepultura (2017)
– Brotherhood Of The Snake Tour w/Testament, Sepultura (2017)
– SXSW Music Festival w/Otep (2017)
– The Resistance Tour w/Otep (2017)
– Fall Tour (2016)
– Texas Tattoo Showdown Festival w/Hinder (2016)
– West Coast Death Fest w/Terrorizer, Disgorge (2016)
– The Great Southern Massacre Tour w/Apothica (2016)
– Dirt Fest w/Killswitch Engage, Asking Alexandria (2016)
– Toledo Deathfest w/My Own Will (2016)
– Road To Dirtfest Tour w/Crossing Rubicon (2016)
– Kill This Fest (2016)
– Bordertown Brutality Festival (2016)
– Rock Fest w/Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch (2016)
– Watch Them Burn Tour w/Alive At Last (2016)
– The Underground Chaos Tour w/My Own Will, I Apollo (2016)
– Poison Words Tour w/So This Is Suffering (2016)
– SXSW Music Festival w/Sid Wilson (2016)
– To Hell And Back Tour w/Ira Hill (2016)
– Tyrants Of Death European Tour w/Suffocation, Cattle Decapitation, Abiotic (2016)
– Fall Tour w/Neurotic November (2015)
– Dirt Fest w/Hellyeah, Coal Chamber (2015)
– Mayhem Festival w/Slayer, King Diamond, Hellyeah (2015)
– West Coast Annihilation Tour w/Ursa Minor (2015)
– The Beaten Path Tour w/Beside The Silence (2015)
– Rock The Farm w/Adrift On River Styx (2015)
– Toledo Deathfest w/Adrift On River Styx (2015)
– Totally Fukn Awesome Fest w/Ill Nino, Straight Line Stitch, Motograter (2015)
– The Civil Unrest Tour w/Ill Nino, Straight Line Stitch, Motograter (2015)
– Back To The U.S. Tour w/Cryptopsy, Disgorge, Soreption (2015)
– Northeast Ohio Metalfest w/The Bunny The Bear (2015)
– Midwest In Distress Tour w/This Is A Lifetime (2015)
– Ground Zero Tour w/As Blood Runs Black, Rings Of Saturn (2014)
– Chains Of Oblivion Tour w/Our Own Accord (2014)
– Toledo Deathfest w/Pick Axe Preacher (2014)
– Rise Of The Rotting Tour w/Maybe Whitney (2014)
– Metal Reigns In The Southwest Festival w/United By Hate (2014)
– The Nekrodesecratour w/Goodnight Irene, United By Hate (2014)
– The Blood, Gore, Brutality Tour w/Sykosis (2014)
– Summer Pitfest w/The Bunny The Bear, In Dying Arms (2013)
– Do You Like It Heavy Fest w/In Dying Arms, Kingdom Of Giants (2013)
– The See You LayTour w/Along Came A Spider, Fallen Captive (2013)
– The EradicaTour w/Erimha (2013)
– Age Ov The Gods Festival w/Master, Sacrificial Slaughter, Kleos (2013)
– For The Fans Tour w/Kleos (2013)
– The Skeletour w/Tides Of War (2012)  
– Toledo Deathfest (2012)
– The Winter Wipeout Tour w/The Black Order (2012)
– All Freaks Halloween Ball (2011)
– Road To Metalfest Tour (2011)
– The Lone Wolves Tour w/Winterus (2011)
– Free Fest (2011)
– Bludgeon Fest w/Mobile Deathcamp (2011)
– Northwest Ohio Metalfest (2011)

0 EPK – Jon of Mars – Songs From Nowhere (Holcomb Records) (2023)

  • February 18, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Jon of Mars

EPK – Jon of Mars – Songs From Nowhere (Holcomb Records) (2023)

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

For fans of Fear Factory, Korn, Down, Mudvayne, GWAR

Band: Jon of Mars
Album Title: Songs from Nowhere
Release: April 20, 2023
Label: Holcomb Records
Distribution: Distrokid and Holcomb Records

“The album is a fusion of styles and genres, along with concepts and ideas that represent the chaos that the human population has experienced in the last few years, along with the entropy that is the online culture of humanity.” – Barrett Holcomb – Jon of Mars

Holcombrecords.wixsite.com/jon-of-mars/ | Twitch.tv/jonofmars | Youtube | Facebook.com/Marsjonmusicman

Apple Music | Spotify | Jonofmars.bandcamp.com

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Jon of Mars
Album Title: Songs from Nowhere
Release: April 20, 2023
Label: Holcomb Records
Distribution: Distrokid and Holcomb Records

Track Listing:
1. Soultest – 1:21
2. A Respite! – 4:31
3. MisinformedNation – 3:40
4. Azag’s Fable – 3:55
5. Mister Blue – 4:44
6. Inhumane Tragedy – 3:35
7. Ghosts – 5:34
Length is 27:22

Album Credits:
All songs performed by Barrett Holcomb, Wendall Holmes, Jordan Karg
All Songs written by Barrett Holcomb
Produced by Jordan Karg, Barrett Holcomb
Mixed by Jordan Karg
Mastered by Jordan Karg
Album artwork by William Gustafson

Album Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
Jordan Karg – Drums and Keys

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

The album as a whole:
The album is a fusion of styles and genres, along with concepts and ideas that represent the chaos that the human population has experienced in the last few years, along with the entropy that is the online culture of humanity

Track By Track explained:

1. Soultest – This track is meant to be the interpretation of the arrival of Jon of Mars on Earth, it’s melancholy and strange as if you were being transported to a completely new place.

2. A Respite! – The alien has accessed the internet and is now experiencing the internet culture for the first time and all of the worst things that people become on the internet.

3. MisinformedNation – After having experienced things like vanity and jealousy, the alien now uncovers the state of online politics.

4. Azag’s Fable – Azag is a Sumerian demon fueled by jealousy, hate, and vanity whose face is so reviled that it boils water and causes plague, the alien realizes that this is the current path for people and that eventually, all people will realize this fate.

5. Mister Blue – The alien meets a kind stranger that introduces him to weed via a bong named Mister Blue, here the alien learns that there are ways to mitigate his newfound anxiety by smoking when he also realizes the power of human connection.

6. Inhumane Tragedy – Jon of Mars discovers that though there are injustices in the world, people have the power to come together in hopes of changing society for the better.

7. Ghosts – Jon of Mars completes his mission in Small Town, USA and leaves to reflect on the things he’s learned, and communicate with his masters whether or not the human race is worthy of salvation, despite their folly.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. Jon of Mars is a concept, he is an alien inspired by all of humanity with an impartial eye, trying to figure out what the fuck is happening on earth, much like all of us.

2.  All of the music on this was written by throwing dice and using number systems found in nature, like the kind that dictate how trees grow branches!

3. Jordan Karg is a successful Berklee graduate and currently a music producer, Wendall Holmes is the best know bassist on the western side of PA, and Barrett Holcomb has been playing live music in PA since he was 14 under countless other bands.

4. This album was the reason that Barrett Holcomb got accepted into Berklee College of Music.

5. This album was a way for the band members to be vocal about the strange, dumb, and confusing things that our friends and families were doing or going through during the pandemic, there was a lot of frustration and fear that we needed to get out, but also hope that people can realize their mistakes and make changes.

5. 2/3 of the members are Berklee Alumni.

6. Marijuana was an inspiration for one song and the writing on almost every other song.

7. Barrett’s cat, Venus was used for ambient noises on 2 tracks.


Having cut his teeth in the underground metal and punk scenes of Northwestern PA, Barrett Holcomb formed Jon of Mars out of a collaborative effort after having worked with Berklee Alumni and music producer Jordan Karg. From the pandemonium of the COVID-19 Pandemic Jon of Mars was forged as a musical outlet to vent trapped creativity, as the world had paused and there were no shows for this creative magma to erupt forth upon the world.

“Hailing from the red planet, a mysterious creature crawls forth from the farthest depths of the earth to observe the denizens of Earth to decide their ultimate fate, drawn by the curious nuance of human life he seeks to understand the human race…. either to help them find salvation or destruction in their greatest and most universal creation: Music.”

Album Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
Jordan Karg – Drums and Keys

Live Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
AJ Fry – Drums

Discography:
2023 – Songs From Nowhere

0 EPK – Ondfodt – Det Österbottniska Mörkret (2023) (Black Lion Records)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Ondfodt - Black Lion Records

EPK – Ondfodt – Det Österbottniska Mörkret (2023) (Black Lion Records)

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

Band: ONDFODT
Album Title: Det Österbottniska Mörkret
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Label: Black Lion Records

Blacklion.nu | Facebook.com/blacklionrecordswe | Instagram.com/blacklionrecordsswe/ | Twitter.com/Blacklionrecswe | Youtube.com/@BlackLionRecordsTV

Facebook.com/Ondfodt666 | Instagram.com/ondfodt_official/ | Ondfodtblacklion.bandcamp.com

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: ONDFODT
Album Title: Det Österbottniska Mörkret
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Label: Black Lion Records

Track Listing:
1 – Det Österbottniska Mörkret – 2:10
2 – Tvetalan – 3:30
3 – Furstins Tid – 3:59
4 – Tå Do Dör – 3:59
5 – Where Death Roams – 3:39
6 – Falskhejtins Folk – 4:55
7 – Själavandring – 4:15
8 – Höstfruktan – 4:31
9 – Dödsrejson – 7:11
10 – Tå Livi Bleknar – 2:05
Album Length: 40:18

Album Credits:
“Det Österbottniska Mörkret” was recorded at Wolfthrone Studios in September/October 2022.
Recording, mixing and mastering engineer: Owe Inborr
All music by Ondfodt
Lyrics written by Joel Notkonen on “Where Death Roams”
Guitar solos by Jacob Björnfot(KVAEN) on songs “Själavandring” and “Dödsrejson”
Guest Vocals by Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns on “Where Death Roams” (recorded at Alapulu)
Photographs: Sandra Björses
Artwork by: René Thuys

ONDFODT is:
Tommi Tuhkala: Drums, Synth/Effects
Joel Notkonen: Bass, Synth/Effects, Backing Vocals
Dario Kåll: Guitars, Backing Vocals
Owe Inborr: Vocals, Guitars

About:

ONDFØDT started in April 2013 when founding members Owe Inborr and Mikael Kåll decided to start a new raw black metal project. They spent a couple of days in the studio and soon Ondfødt’s first EP entitled “I” was released independently. The release of the EP turned out to be a success and it didn’t take long until all copies were sold out.

Ondfødt immediately started to work on new material and signed a deal with Immortal Frost Productions for the release of their debut album. After the release of the first EP Ondfødt recruited three new members: Bassist Dario Vujocevic, Drummer Simon Bondegård on Drums, and Guitarist Juuso Englund.

During the recordings of Ondfødt’s debut, Simon Bondegård, unfortunately, had to leave the band, and vocalist Owe Inborr jumped in as a replacement during the recordings.

In 2017 vocalist Owe started to write new music for their upcoming album “Dödsrikets Kallelse”.

In 2018 Ondfødt entered Wolfthrone Studios for the second time and started the recordings.

This time they got vocalist “Mathias Lillmåns” from “…and oceans, Finntroll” to guest as vocalist on the track “No Ere Jo Satan” which they later made a music video of. The album got released on CD, Vinyl, and Digitally in early 2019.

After the recording of “Dödsrikets Kallelse” in 2018 Owe started again to write new material for the third album “NORDEN” and together with guitarist Juuso they shaped a new sound for the band. The recording phase of “NORDEN” took place in 2019 at Wolfthrone Studios and this time they got “Jacob Björnfot” from “KVAEN” to perform 2 solos on the album. On the tracks “Han Bor I Skuggona” and “Gifti Från Tadjin” you can hear his performance. Norden got released on CD, Vinyl, and Digitally in the summer of 2021.

In December 2021 Dario joined the band again but this time as guitarist and decided together with Owe to bring back Ondfødt live once again after almost 9 years away from the stage. In early 2022 “Tommi Tuhkala” (Outlaw, KVAEN) joined the band as their permanent drummer.

In April 2022 Ondfødt released the first glimpse of the band live again by releasing two “live in studio” videos together with session bassist Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans).

After that Owe started to write new songs for their 4th full-length “Det Österbottniska Mörkret”. Later in the summer, the band joined “Black Lion Records” to release their 4th album for its release in May 2023. In September 2022 “Joel Notkonen” joined the band permanently as their bassist and together they shaped the songs to their fullest and started the recordings once again at “Wolfthrone Studios”.

In December 2022 Ondfødt had their comeback gig at “Black Sheep Pub & Terrace”. The concert was filmed and recorded professionally by “Wolfthrone Studios” and got released by “Black Lion Records” on the 31st of December 2022.

ONDFODT is:
Tommi Tuhkala: Drums, Synth/Effects
Joel Notkonen: Bass, Synth/Effects, Backing Vocals
Dario Kåll: Guitars, Backing Vocals
Owe Inborr: Vocals, Guitars

Discography:
2023 – Det Österbottniska Mörkret (Black Lion Records) – LP
2021 – Norden (Immortal Frost Productions) – LP
2019 – Dödsrikets Kallelse (Immortal Frost Productions) – LP
2014 – Hexkonst (Immortal Frost Productions) – LP
2013 – I (Self-Release) – EP

0 EPK – Ironmaster – Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage (2023) (Black Lion Records)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Ironmaster (Black Lion records)

EPK – Ironmaster – Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage (2023) (Black Lion Records)

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

For fans of Death, Behemoth, Hypocrisy, Morbid Angel, Nile

Band: Ironmaster
Album Title: Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Label: Black Lion Records

Blacklion.nu | Facebook.com/blacklionrecordswe | Instagram.com/blacklionrecordsswe | Twitter.com/Blacklionrecswe | Youtube.com/@BlackLionRecordsTV

 Facebook.com/ironmaster666  |  Instagram.com/ironmaster666 | Ironmaster1.bandcamp.com

Album pre-order – https://ironmasterblacklion.bandcamp.com/album/weapons-of-spiritual-carnage 

“We are very satisfied with the outcome of the album, it’s a continuation of our debut album but a bit more odd-structured songs which may or may not be pleasing to the listener. The goal is to get the listener to dive deep into the music with the album growing more and more every time they hear it.” – Ironmaster

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Track Listing:
1. Solemn Pestilence – 3:22
2. Ocean Of Searing Hatred – 4:58
3. Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage – 3:48
4. Infinite Virulent – 5:03
5. Monolithic Suppressor Engaged – 3:14
6. Cast Into The Hollow – 4:59
7. Implications Of Sacral Time – 0:36
8. Lies Of Apathy – 3:43
9. Bringer Of Deception – 3:48
10. Dismantling Eternity – 4:23
Album Length: 37:55

L-R – Ironmaster Current Line Up – Jonas Kjellgren(Guitar) Roberth Karlsson (Vocals) Janne Jaloma (Drums)
Photo credit: Scott Bobbox

Ironmaster was formed in Nyhammar, Sweden in April 2020 by Jonas Kjellgren (guitars), a bunch of songs were written, and soon after Jonas teamed up with Janne Jaloma (Drums) and Robert Karlsson (Vocals).

An album was recorded and mixed at Blacklounge Studios during the summer of that very same year.
The band set out to record an album as crushingly fast and intense as they could manage, and then some…

The style of the debut album ‘Thy Ancient Fire’ is like a mix of Swedish early 90’s Death Metal and the
Florida Death Metal sound from the same era, there’s also a healthy dose of Thrash Metal in there.

Band Line Up:
Roberth Karlsson – Vocals (Edge Of Sanity, Scar Symmetry, Facebreaker, Pan.Thy.Monium, Darkified)
Janne Jaloma – Drums (Dark Funeral, Aeon, Diabolical, Night Crowned)
Jonas Kjellgren – Guitars (Raubtier, Scar Symmetry, Centinex, Carnal Forge, Dellamorte, World Below)

Discography:
2023 – Weapons Of Spiritual Carnage
2022 – Thy Ancient Fire

0 ITUS – Droner (single) (2023)

  • February 16, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · ITUS

ITUS – Droner (single) (2023)

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

For fans of Crowbar, Conan, Windhand, Katatonia, Electric Wizard

“We wrote Droner across a couple months besides our other singles Sturgeon, and Dead Future. They all pull in different genres and symbolize an experimental stage for us as writers while we incorporated Vincent into that process. Droner is intended as a rock and roll ride through old-school heavy metal and new school all at once. It’s both bright and dark, and it’s a testament to how ITUS has changed and continues to grow. The lyrics describe a troubled soul who finds false peace and hard lessons with a malignant partner. The lyrics lean back and take influence from old school heavy metal and rock.” – ITUS

Facebook.com/ItusDoom | Youtube | Instagram.com/Itusdoom

Itusofficialdoom.Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

“Blending their love of doom, stoner rock and its attendant psychedelia, Ontario trio Itus have created a colossal debut in Primordial.” 9/10 – Exclaim!

“Love doom and sludge metal, but find yourself frustrated that those bands that would monolithically crush the listener fail to pay nearly as much attention to injecting some measure of melody into their music? Ontario duo ITUS may be the cure to what ails ya. Starting with downcast sludgy stoner doom, the pair of guitarist Brandon Lucking and vocalist Reiner Vandenbosch also aren’t shy about making use of psychedelic rock and good ol’ fashioned heavy metal to get their point across. Think of it like Graves at Sea and Conan discovering the magic power of Tony Iommi’s fake fingertips and the blinding quality of a vintage Hawkwind live show.” – Decibel Magazine

“Primordial is a great release as it treats you to five unique tracks. Never once do you hear the same thing as ITUS truly does a great job of keeping you on your toes and guessing as to what you are about to hear next. Through and through this is a well crafted and cohesive effort that you would be unwise to skip over.” – Cadaver Garden

““This Can’t Be” is a change of pace from the record’s ravenous namesake single which came out earlier in the month. It’s a moving window into their world, with clean vocals this time reminiscent of Woods of Ypres and a vibe that fans of Pallbearer should have no trouble at all falling in love with.” – Doomed And Stoned

““The Chaplain” sounds like the languid expansion of the universe; the impassive serenity of planetary movement; the inexorable eroding of rock by wind and water; the absurd “progress” of humanity set against a backdrop of endless time. It’s achingly heavy and crushingly slow, just like epic doom should be… ITUS drive all thought from your mind and leave only doom behind… ” – CVLT Nation

“This EP is shrouded in a dark and eerie atmosphere from the instant you put it on, but despite that very consistent vibe, there is a lot of variation going on in the lyrics and sound. The production on here is immaculate, these riffs are just enormous, they swallow you whole… Just how I like my doom!… Seriously, the riffs alone are worth listening for! Definitely going to be the EP to beat this year.” 8/10  – Noob Heavy

“… an EP that packs a punch and holds its ground that’s for sure… The intensity really shines and each song generates it more and more. You have the rhythmic highs and lows of the genre and all your senses are overwhelmed. It really makes the listener want even more and you kinda feel depressed when it’s all over so you decide to listen to it all over again! This is the type of EP that you just place inside your CD Player or on your MP3 player and just let all that negative vibes leave your body. You just listen to it and forget about everything all around you especially in this world of sickness, chaos and crisis. A modern twist to an overcharged genre!” 8/10 – Metal-Temple

“Massive crushing riffs heave themselves out of the primeval sludge that provides the sonic backdrop for this crushing aural assault, which seethes and broils around you like a pungent stew sucking you deep into the bowels of the cauldron in which it is simmering. There is superb use of sound effects to create ever denser layers of atmosphere, which in turn add to the hypnotic quality of the five tracks, which themselves flow with an natural ease and sense of purposeful progression, which makes this release all the more intimidating and impressive in equal measure.”  – Uber Rock

“A very strong first release, and well worth checking out for doom fans looking for something with some brains behind the fuzz.” – The Burning Beard

“dark and brooding doom “Primordial is a powerful and unforgiving EP that is certainly worthy of your time.”  – Astral Noize

“crisp, and aggressive guitar tones” – Permafrost Today

“ITUS, from Toronto, Canada, provide a good blend of doom, heavy and psych vibes… Five songs in this Ep where blackened vocals enrich the doom sound carpet, trademark of the band.” – Hard Rock Heavy Metal

“Droner is a peg in the sand for ITUS as a developing band. We’re psyched about what we accomplished with it. We pushed our limits musically into new lands so to speak. Droner is the second of 3 very different singles we wrote one after another; coming after Sturgeon we wanted to experiment more with Droner. We’re pleased at how it came to be, but even more pleased with what we learned and gained through it all. The next single will be even closer to what we think ITUS is supposed to sound like, but Droner caused that, and we plan to play it with a ton of new songs, as we come back to gigs in 2023. Injuries aren’t going to stop us.” – Reinier Viktor Vandenbosch

“Droner marked the moment for me that I truly felt a part of ITUS writing our second single together from scratch. Although we had a similar process to completing Sturgeon, the second time around with Droner felt more natural and fluid.” – Vince Anastasi

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single title: DRONER
Release date: February 16, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid
Track length: 4:12

‘Droner’ Single recording credits:
Performed by ITUS (the band)
Written by ITUS
Produced by: Luc Chiasson
Mixed by: Luc Chiasson
Mastered by: Luc Chiasson
Single Art by: Dan Bothen
— ITUS are all SOCAN members —
— ‘Droner’ is 100% Canadian content —

Band lineup + live band lineup:
Reinier Vandenbosch – Vocals
Brandon Lucking – Guitar
Brandon Aitchison – Bass Guitar
Vince Anastasi – Drums

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

FUN FACTS:

1. All four of ITUS’ members live in different cities throughout the GTA and Ontario, yet somehow manage to meet at the jam space to practice, write music and get into trouble. ITUS is from Hamilton, Caledon, Muskoka, and downtown Toronto. ITUS’ reach is far.

2. ITUS’ jam space resides in a spooky basement below a huge club in TORONTO, with winding hallways reminiscent of a dungeon.

3. Brandon Lucking, ITUS’ guitar player is a licensed Airplane Structural Technician, and Reinier has been his on-and-off apprentice.

4. The whole band is beast lovers. Snakes, birds, dogs, and cats can live together! Reinier especially loves Bullterriers.

(L-R) Brandon Aitchison (Bass), Vince Anastasi (Drums), Brandon Lucking (Guitars), Reinier Vandenbosch (Vocals)
Photo Credit by Jake Daffern

ITUS was born in 2018 when Brandon Lucking (guitars) and Reinier Vandenbosch (vocals) began writing Doom Metal together. Fans of Conan, Pallbearer, Crowbar, Windhand, Electric Wizard, and Black Sabbath will find themselves tripping out on ITUS’ soundscape of horrors ‘PRIMORDIAL’, their debut EP. ITUS blends grueling sludge and epic doom with stoner rock and death metal. Crushing yet jammy heavy metal passages, infused within a psychedelic, horror atmosphere established their EP as ITUS’ first brutally tripped-out release. The PRIMORDIAL EP launched on Friday the 13th of March 2020. Covid seemed to strike right then with lockdowns, but given time to build ITUS recruited Vince Anastasi on drums, and the three boys started building in new directions both musically and professionally. ITUS lined up gigs for 2022 and performed a slew of new singles alongside the music from their first EP. New music videos produced by the band are also coming this year in 2022 and 2023. Hold your eyes and ears open for the new Sludge from ITUS.

Discography:
2023 – Droner (single)
2021 – Sturgeon (single)
2020 – Primordial – EP

0 Austria’s HOG MEETS FROG Streaming Single “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes” Off Upcoming EP “humANIMALization”

  • February 10, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Hog Meets Frog (Echotunes)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 10, 2023

​

Austria’s HOG MEETS FROG Streaming Single “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes”

New EP “humANIMALization” Out Feb 24th

Bottom L-R: : | ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi (guitar) | Ivo Matuš (drums)
Top: | Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl (bass, storytelling)
Photo Credit Vicky vanSane

Austria’s Hog Meets Frog cannot be pigeonholed with their self-described “SQUEAQUACK music’, a fusion of humorous lyrics with funk, prog, punk, and metal. Their diversity truly makes them stand out as their next EP “humANIMALization” will be unveiled on February 24th. A non-conceptual concept record, “humANIMALization” explores offbeat stories about several intriguing animals including a bigot monkey, an insecure piggy, a peeping control bear, and a greedy stock market bull.

Today, the band presents their second single off the forthcoming EP, entitled “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes”, front man, bassist, and storyteller Peter ’PETZ’ Schwabl, explains the song in further detail.

“Let me explain the tendencies to write the text for ‘apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes’ as follows: If the natural sciences are to be believed, the average commonality of human DNA and chimpanzee DNA is 98.5% – in some cases, it is as high as 99.4% congruent. So many a man has more in common with a chimpanzee at the DNA level than with a human woman.

Thus it has lent itself to transferring the behavior and attitude of some humans to monkeys. In this sense, bigotry, and hubris fit our DNA relatives with the opposable thumb like a glove. If I may quote myself at this point: ‘the pride of god’s creation, the candle in the dark, above reproach superior, enlightened by the spark. Admired by all livings, the sun but out of sight, infallible, benignant, a special kind of weight.’

Listen to “Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes” –https://youtu.be/1nm0NVi8Z5k

​

“humANIMALization” is the third EP from Hog Meets Frog, influenced by a range of genres including progressive metal, death metal, funk, and world music, Hog Meets Frog will be unexpectedly contagious for fans of bands such as Primus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and System of a Down.

“humANIMALization” is due out on February 24, 2023, and available for pre-order – Hogmeetsfrog.bandcamp.com​

First single “Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping” – https://youtu.be/wBzsbPU_4Yc

​

Track Listing:​
1. Of Snakes ‘n’ Moles ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Dough (4:32)
2. Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping (5:10)
3. Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes (4:47)
4. Stuff(ed), Cage(d) & Enslave(d) (3:25)
5. ZIGGY The Unpigcorn (3:46)
EP Length: 21:42

EP Band Lineup:​
Ivo Matuš – Drums (peeping-bear’s exegesis of not peeping || apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes)
Christoph ‘fizl’ Hehn – Drums (of snakes ‘n’ moles ‘n’ bulls ‘n’ dough || stuff(ed), cage(d) & enslave(d) || ZIGGY the unpigcorn)
ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi – Guitar
Peter ’PETZ‘ Schwabl – Bass, Storytelling

Live Band Lineup:​
Christoph ‘fizl’ Hehn – Drums
ARIYAN Rezaei Jahromi – Guitar
Peter ‘PETZ‘ Schwabl – Bass, Storytelling

For more info: Hogmeetsfrog.com | Facebook.com/hogmeetsfrog | Twitter.com/hogmeetsfrog | Instagram.com/hogmeetsfrog | Tiktok.com/@hogmeetsfrog | Spotify​

– 30 –

“The sow meets a frog… sounds like the beginning of a joke, but the project HOG MEETS FROG is anything but a joke, since the funk metallers from Austria are thoroughbred musicians. Their new work will be released in mid-February under the title “humanIMALization”, whereby the Viennese deal with current political and social issues in a fabulous animal story… If the song titles like Apes don’t smoke cigars, just pipes are very funny, the musical aspects are of very high quality and definitely not “suitable for a headband”. Sure, funk is not a run-of-the-mill genre to sing along to, but sophisticated music at the highest level. So to speak, jazz music of the metal species. One can clearly register the inspiration of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Primus and Co. on this record, whereby the songs transport positive energy. Conclusion: Intoxicating and exciting songs that will delight fans of the genre mentioned above.” – Rock Magazine

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 EPK – Burn The Evidence – Bad Influences (2023)

  • February 8, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Burn The Evidence · EPKs

EPK – Burn The Evidence – Bad Influences (2023)

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

For fans Of Mice and Men, Ice Nine Kills, Bring Me the Horizon, I Prevail

Facebook | Instagram.com/Burntheevidence_music | TikTok.com@BTE_Band | Spotify

Band Name: Burn The Evidence
Single Title: Bad Influences
Release Date: January 26th, 2023
Label: Self Release

Track Listing: Bad Influences – 4:26

Single Credits:
Produced by: Tiny Rik Production
Mixed by : Tiny Rik Production
Mastered by: Tiny Rik Production
Artwork by: Zakir Ullah

Band line up:
Vocals: Rémi Arsenault
Guitar : Eric Desormeaux
Guitar : Maxime Rondeau
Bass: Dominik Roy
Drums: Emmanuel Jean

Ottawa’s Burn The Evidence is entering the mosh pit with the introduction of their debut single “Bad Influences” accompanied by a lyric video. It’s just one of many planned tracks to be released in 2023.

No strangers to the Canadian metal scene, Burn The Evidence is a crushing nu-metalcore union formed by former members of the local area band Greta Knights and current members of Fractures and Outlines. The conception though of BTE has been churning in the mind of vocalist/lyricist Rémi Arsenault for many years and now it has finally met its fruition.

“It’s been in my head since 2021, a band that brings investigation and mysteries with brutal breakdowns and heavy riffs. I’m a big fan of everything that’s related to crime scene investigation and its scientific evolution throughout the years. I think psychopaths who do fucked up shit are glorified… I don’t like this… I want to glorify the investigators who give those bad guys what they really deserve! So many stories and content we can work with it’s incredible! We want to elaborate cool stories in our music, where we are the investigators who gonna catch those bad guys! All fiction for now, but we have the intention to glorify a couple of amazing real-life investigators solving real-life mysteries.”

Set to be captivating with suspenseful and heavily structured intensity, the band’s first single is an exciting time for them as they look forward to new fans hearing what they have been brewing along with those who are familiar with their previous endeavours.

“This is just the stepping stone, we want people to walk this path with us and listen closely to the story behind the music. And of course… when we hit the stage… we want people at the front moving their heads and jumping everywhere. It’s gonna be the start of a great chronicle.” adds Arsenault.

One of many already recorded tracks to be revealed, “Bad Influences” is a mix of bouncy riffs with jumping breakdowns and a melodic chorus, that will tease people for what’s to come next. From the clean vocals to high-pitch screams to cult prayers, BTE will be providing constant content for headbanging consumption this year, full of innovative genre-blending and storytelling to bring the noise to the pit regularly.

“With this new band, we are trying to build not only songs, but build a connection with the listener that’s going to merge them into the stories of each track. For example, in a police chase, you might find a faster power riff, or during the announcement of a death to a family, it would be softer and more emotional you know. For this first single, we are trying to demonstrate the realization of bad choices and bad things that are led by a mix of internal bad influences and psychotic problems, it’s a song that will make you jump, it’s gonna make you fight the invisible ninja, and at the end wanting more.”​
​
A cross between metalcore and nu-metal, Burn The Evidence is recommended for fans of Ice Nine Kills, Of Mice and Men, Bring Me the Horizon, and I Prevail.

Burn The Evidence is:
Vocals: Rémi Arsenault
Guitar : Eric Desormeaux
Guitar : Maxime Rondeau
Bass: Dominik Roy
Drums: Emmanuel Jean

0 EPK – Squidhammer – (Single) Drown In Flames – ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (2023)

  • February 8, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Squidhammer

EPK – Squidhammer – (Single) Drown In Flames – ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (2023)

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

Booking Agent – Keith Wampler – keithatthelegendagency[@]gmail[.]com

For fans of Pantera, Lamb Of God, Arch Enemy, Black Label Society, DevilDriver

Band: Squidhammer
Single Title: ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains
Release Date: 1/27/23
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

“‘Drowning in Flames’ is a mental roller coaster. A twisted riddle full of metaphors. It’s the outside voice we all wish we could hear over our own noise. It’s everything you hope you’re not. It’s the shackles you watched your own possessed hands put around your very ankles. It’s the only way out.

It’s a long trip, musically speaking. A labyrinth. Hooks left and grooves right. A push/pull of thrash, chugs, and sway. It’s a bit of an arpeggio of a song structure, with an exit hidden in the middle. Will you burn your way out, or will you wind up right back where you started?” – Jake Schultz – Squidhammer

Squidhedz.com | Facebook.com/squidhammermetal | Twitter.com/getchasquidon | Youtube.com/@squidhammermetal9966 | Instagram.com/squidhammermetal

Squidhammer.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music | All Digital Platforms – Withkoji.com/@Squidhammer

“The introductory growl that Marq brings in is like an atomic bomb going off – unleashing chaos and dismay as this track kicks off with unrivaled energy. Ericka’s performance rips through like shrapnel, with a chaotic presence that carries an aura of fury and insanity in its wake. Both vocalists mesh seamlessly in their pieces, allowing this track to blast through with mind-blowing drum beats, demonic bass, and furious riff work to share in the spotlight, rather than be shadowed by it.” – Valkyrjia @ VALKYRJIAN Metal Blog (2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“The mixture of chaotic, guttural growls, and shrill screams that unite these two vocal powerhouses is baffling, leaving for a track that’s not only complex and intense in its delivery but, strangely catchy as well” – Valkyrjia @ VALKYRJIAN Metal Blog (2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“The song mixes elements of Groove and Thrash Metal, with aggressive vocals, in a great vocal dynamic between vocalist Ericka and Marq Pointer, heavy riffs and a destructive rhythmic part” – Leandro Vianna @ ROADIEMETAL of Brazil
(2022 ‘Hamrammr’ Single)

“This is no nonsense metal, which is out to ensure that there are no prisoners whatsoever as they have all been blasted through a wall by the sheer volume and attack of what is taking place” – Kev Rowland @ House of Prog Radio (2018 ‘Power Removal Service’ LP)

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Squidhammer
Single Title: ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains
Release Date: 1/27/23
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

1. ‘Drowning In Flames’ ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains (5:54)

Single Credits:
• Performed by: Squidhammer
• Written by: Jake Schultz & Ericka Schultz Niemann
• Produced by: Squidhammer & Evan Yoakum
• Mixed by: Russell Hollar
• Mastered by: Russell Hollar
• Album Artwork by: Jake Schultz
• P.R.O. Affiliation: ASCAP

Single Recording Lineup – Drowning In Flames’:
Kyle Fawley – Featured Main Vocals
Ericka Schultz Niemann – Layering Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitar
Joe Dunn – Bass Guitar
Skeebo – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Ericka Schultz Niemann – Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitar
Joe Dunn – Bass Guitar
Skeebo – Drums

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

Story Angles / Fun Facts:

1. All the new Squidhammer material since our lineup change in late 2021 has been tracked “free-time” in the studio, meaning we do not use a metronome / click track to record. The drums are tracked to a live rhythm guitar and everything is built on top of that. This is a studio approach that was once standard but has nearly died off in the heavy metal world and we feel like too much soul has been removed from modern heavy metal because of it. – Jake Schultz

2. Squidhammer got its name in 2010 from a guy on a bar stool who was allowed to name us for the night at a living room jam party. It went on as a joke for the night, but stuck like glue. – Jake Schultz

3. Squidhammer once showed up at a “Kentucky Derby Days” festival in central Wisconsin because we were in the area killing time before a show that night and we saw they were frying brats and burgers. We had just grabbed some food quickly when a member of the staff approached us assuming we were “the band”. They had booked a country cover band which was apparently running late. We had all of our gear with us, so we had no choice but to play into it and record the whole experience. We went as far as to set everything up and blast out one of our songs, ‘Rock the Fuck On’ to all of these drunk rednecks in the bar. I mean, there were tons of people at this festival. They all looked like they were seeing a ghost and many of them were starting to leave, so after one song, we decided to tell everyone what we had done. I’ll never forget the old man at the bar who was pounding his fist in the air and wanting more. – Jake Schultz

4. All of Squidhammer’s releases to date have been mixed and mastered by Russell Hollar of Russell Hollar Music/Nomad Recording Studio in Argyle, TX. He’s always been super easygoing and personable, while also having inhuman workflow capabilities. The dude knows how to make metal slam. – Jake Schultz

5. We got the ‘Hail The Squid’ title from guitarist Marc Rizzo of Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy, etc… He has been a friend of the band since he jammed on stage with us back in 2016 at Axemetal Fest II. Since then, we have been a support act on nearly every solo show he has booked in Wisconsin. He can always be heard shouting, “HAIL THE SQUID!!!!!” from the back of the venue when we’re on stage. Marc has always joined us on stage to jam one of his tunes or a random Pantera cover whenever we’re on a bill together. – Jake Schultz

L-R: Jake Schultz (Guitar) | Eric “Skeebo” Kjelland (Drums) | Ericka Schultz-Niemann (Vocals) | Joe Dunn (Bass)
Photo Credit: Ericka Schultz-Niemann

Squidhammer proudly calls Watertown, Wisconsin home. The band carved out its place in the midwest metal scene in 2018 with their debut album, ‘Power Removal Service’. In early 2018, the band took a road trip to Fort Worth, Texas and recorded the album with producer Russell Hollar in five days and headed straight back home. The album was released independently and has been lovingly accepted into the “favorites” category of many midwest headbangers who have shown so much support. Its tracks have been featured on local radio stations as well as several worldwide internet radio stations. One track has even been played on Sirius XM’s Liquid Metal channel several times.

To ensure the band’s availability, Squidhammer’s founding member, Jake Schultz, has since adopted an open-door approach to the band lineup, meaning that members are free to come and go as they please, and contribute to studio recordings and live performances/tours at whichever level they feel comfortable. This has proven to ensure that only the most passionate, humble, and dedicated people are involved.

‘Hail The Squid’, the band’s second studio project is currently being rolled out to the world via a series of single releases. Squidhammer is extremely excited to announce that the open-ended and ongoing collection is a Wisconsin collaborative effort. So far, under this series title, 12 planned tracks will feature 20+ vocalists from Wisconsin’s top metal bands. This project is meant to help show everyone just what Wisconsin has to offer to the U.S. metal scene, as Squidhammer continues to tour the country. Squidhammer aims to attract more national and international acts to the great Wisconsin metal scene, benefiting everyone involved!

Squidhammer is:
Ericka Schultz – Vocals
Jake Schultz – Guitars
Eric “Skeebo” Kjelland – Drums
Joe Dunn – Bass

Discography:
2023 – Drowning In Flames ft. Kyle Fawley of Digital Remains – Single
2022 – Hamrammr (ft. Marq Pointer of H1Z1) – Single
2022 – Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit (Pantera Cover) – Single
2020 – Firing Order:18436572 – Single
2018 – Power Removal Service – LP
2017 – Rock The Fuck On – Single

Shared Stage with:
Goatwhore, Crowbar, Exhorder, Battlecross, Abigail Williams, Ghostbath, Wolf King, Raven, Mobile Deathcamp, Act Of Defiance, Psychostick, Crobot, Jungle Rot, Marc Rizzo, Necronomicon,  Sarah Longfield, Scars of Atrophy, Malevolent, The Convalescence, Casket Robbery and many more…

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Squidhammer Headline Tour (WI, IL, IA, OK, TX, KS)
2022 – WoR U.S. Tour (Direct Support) (WI, IA, IL, IN, OH, PA, VA)
2022 – Northern WI Metalfest XVIII – Lake Nebagamon, WI
2022 – Dimestock Metalfest XI – Watertown, WI
2022 – Toledo Deathfest – Toledo, OH
2022 – Squidhammer/INFLUENCE co-headline tour (MI, OH, PA, KY, IN, WI)
2020 – Dimestock Metalfest IX – Watertown, WI
2019 – Dimestock Metalfest VIII – Watertown, WI
2018 – Dimestock Metalfest VII – Watertown, WI
2018 – Project Mayhem VIII – Rhinelander, WI
2017 – Dimestock Metalfest VI – Watertown, WI
2017 – Project Mayhem VII – Rhinelander, WI
2016 – Dimestock Metalfest V – Madison, WI
2016 – Project Mayhem VI – Rhinelander, WI
2016 – Axemetal Fest II – Theresa, WI
2015 – Dimestock Metalfest IV – Madison, WI
2015 – Project Mayhem V – Rhinelander, WI
2014 – Dimestock Metalfest III – Madison, WI

0 EPK – Milanku – À l’aube (2023) (Folivora)

  • February 8, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Milanku (Folivora)

EPK – Milanku – À l’aube (2023) (Folivora)

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

For fans of Cult of Luna, Godspeed You Black Emperor, Isis, Neurosis, Yoo Doo Right

“After a long hiatus, we are excited to perform this new album live. We have maintained our core sound but we have grown immensely musically, I mean we had lots of time on our hands…and this album basically represents an offering to our fans who have been waiting for new music from us.” – Milanku

Album Title: À l’aube
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Label: FOLIVORA (Canada), D7i (Canada/USA), Moment of Collapse (EU)
Distribution: Believe Digital

Folivora.ca (Label) | Doze.mu/artistes/milanku (Management)

Facebook.com/milankuband | Instagram.com/milankuband | Youtube.com/@milankuband

Apple Music | Spotify | Milanku.bandcamp.com

“Milanku’s third full-length is a thing of beauty and terror. Its dichotomy of clean and harsh is endlessly intriguing, allowing exploration through a garbled shimmer that chokes and sputters across its thirty-nine minutes. While the ubiquitous Isis and Neurosis comparisons are partially fair, you’ll be more apt to recall Holy Fawn or Novarupta of yesteryear; its emphasis on organicity lends itself to minimalist sprawl rather than mammoth brutality. Somehow, though, the unbearable lightness of Milanku’s sound feels more punishing than any riff can provide. While certainly not for everyone and the nuanced post-rock influence takes many listens to unpack, this ascent through the roaring thunderclouds in the pinkish glow of dawn is worth every wound or scar that brought you here – it is an invitation to just be.”  4/ 5 – Angry Metal Guy 

“Le groupe montréalais Milanku propose un album qui plaira aux amateurs de rock lourd, à ceux qui recherchent le travail sérieux derrière une démarche sincère.” – La Presse

“The Montreal group Milanku offers an album that will appeal to heavy rock fans, to those looking for serious work behind a sincere approach” – La Presse

“The five-member Montréal band conjures an ethereal sound that takes advantage of ambient soundscapes to drop a robust blend of post-everything.” – Doomed and Stoned

“By and large this is a production that should have a solid appeal among post-rock fans and those with a taste for atmospheric laden progressive rock where instrumental sections is a dominating aspect of the album experience.” – Progressor

“Some records are much more deeply emotional than others. They may hide pain, loneliness, hopelessness and other various positive or negative emotions. These first are some of the feelings that immediately came to my mind and soul listening to Milanku ‘s new record À l’aube. ” – Greek Rebels

“Cette fois-ci, le groupe nous présente un nouvel opus titré simplement À l’aube; une création évoquant un réveil aussi brutal que mélancolique après une nuit apocalyptique. En fait, ce disque pourrait très bien devenir la trame sonore d’un monde dévasté à jamais dont l’existence tient à quelques survivants…” – Le Canal Auditif

“This time, the group presents us with a new opus titled simply À l’aube; a creation evoking a sudden and melancholy awakening after an apocalyptic night. In fact, this disc could very well become the soundtrack of a world devastated forever whose existence depends on a few survivors…” – Le Canal Auditif

“Milanku manages to distinguish themselves from the patterns already seen in post-rock, betting their point essentially on the feelings of the listener by multiplying the textures: vaporous layers, crystalline notes, mysterious atmospheres, subtle experiments up to the crash of hardcore used sparingly but intensifying the many reliefs of this superb new album.” – Eklektik Rock

“À l’aube grants you the luxury of unimpeded time, where no clock can dictate the order of the day. It could stretch to an hour with no diminution of quality, yet five tracks spread over thirty-eight minutes are just as effective. Milanku’s music grows on you and reveals latent pleasures with each listen. You can see snowflakes outside, but you can also envisage a clear blue sky waiting in succession before the evening turns to dusk.” – Scream Blast Repeat

“it always has been, and continues to be about the music, and this album’s visceral power cannot be denied.” – A Closer Listen

““À L’aube; nous sommes disparus” slowly turns into a cyclone, as pop-jazz singer Erika Angell’s voice sounds like a high priestess in the wake of a storm that everyone is trying to escape.” – Pan M 360

“There is something about Milanku and their latest record Á l’aube that causes me to think, there is only one possible comparison and that might be the biggest one to draw in this little niche of ours: Envy. Yes, the one and only Envy. The masters from Japan and their unique sound. Milanku must have listened carefully and then transferred their newly gained insights perfectly into their own realms. Hard to beat in 2023.” – Veil of Sound

“The slowness of the post-hardcore of Milanku or the erasure of the world.” – Weird Sound

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: À l’aube
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Label: FOLIVORA (Canada), D7i (Canada/USA), Moment of Collapse (EU)
Distribution: Believe Digital

Track Listing:
1. À l’aube; de leurs silences – 10:54
2. À l’aube; il sera déjà trop tard – 8:04
3. À l’aube; prêchant la mauvaise nouvelle – 5:43
4. À l’aube; de la grande tristesse – 4:55
5. À l’aube; nous serons disparu – 8:41
Album Length: 38:16

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: MILANKU
• All songs written by: MILANKU
• Produced by: GUILLAUME CHIASSON ET MILANKU
• Mixed by: GUILLAUME CHIASSON
• Mastered by:
• Album Artwork by: FRANÇOIS LEMIEUX
• Member of SOCAN
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Recording and Live Lineup:
François Lemieux (Guitare, Synthétiseur)
Carl Ruest (Guitare, Voix)
Guillaume Chamberland (Basse, Voix)
Guillaume Boudreau-Monty (Drum)
Jean-François Bourbonnais (Guitare)

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

One whole, poignant, intense. Heavily influenced by the emotions of despair and loneliness brought on by the pandemic.

The lyrics of Milanku are written in the form of text per album. Once the music is composed, the lyrics are composed. The lyrics and the flow are inspired by the music and the feeling it gives us inside. We are inspired by Milan Kundera and more precisely on his works of ”La lenteur” and ”La plaisanterie”. Once the text of the album is composed, the sentences are divided from one song to the other of the album. The music, the lyrics as well as the live performances of the group are very much influenced by the daily life of each one where we are plunged in a reality where everything goes very fast.

Most of the skeleton of the album was built before the pandemic. After a few months of downtime, we refined and modified the songs and recorded the songs in two studio sessions. The pandemic had an impact on the sound of all the songs on the album. Without the pandemic, the result of the album would not be the same at all. The album sounds like a whole, a maturity of the band and a story that is told from the first note to the last.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

If you take the songs titles, they form a poem that describes the process of the story:
 -Track 1 – first single as well
À l’aube; de leurs silences  = In the dawn; of their silences
A slow post rock piece full of angst.

-Track 2
À l’aube; il sera déjà trop tard = At dawn, it will already be too late
A heavier track that tries to convey the feeling of loss of control.

-Track 3
À l’aube; prêchant la mauvaise nouvelle = At dawn; preaching the bad news
The idea behind this track was about the bombardment of information during the pandemic.

-Track 4

À l’aube; de la grande tristesse = At the dawn; of great sadness
This songs portrays the loneliness, the suicides, the violence against women that our isolation created.

-Track 5 – second single- featuring Erika Angell from Thus Owls
À l’aube; nous serons disparus = At dawn, we will be gone
The most musically emotional track of the album, this song starts of as a sweet guitar melody and slowly turns into a storm featuring Erika’s voice as the grand priestess of this storm that everyone is trying to escape. The lyrics in Swedish and French make it even more mystical.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The band is very influenced by writer Milan Kundera

2. All the visuals and graphics concepts are created by the band, that includes videos, posters, album graphics, etc.

3. Although their music is a little on the sad side, the band is actually very funny and charming.

Photo Credit – Nick Shaw

If Milanku draws its origins from the work of Milan Kundera, the soundtrack is definitely more on the side of the thundering density of the being than of its “unbearable lightness”, galvanized by the Czech author.

From the start, Milanku hammers out its brutal character, infused with melancholy, even dystopia, and standing straight upright on the wire: defiant, shouting, and inspired.

Mesmerized by the warrior’s rage, flayed by its own doldrums, the quartet relies on pared-down arrangements and an oft-staged vocal presence, harmonizing like an instrument, and howling at the big time, but plastered with a disquieting sense of dilettante.

At the heart of the enterprise, tearing off the peels of flapping skins, we explore the state of affairs of the contemporary genre, tragic, desolate, where any notion of common sense seems diffuse in the amalgam of trompe-l’oeil. The texts are meditative, inquisitive and the observations that emanate from them, weep and persist in trying to make sense of it, through its ever-growing losses of illusion.

With four full-length releases behind them, both in Canada (D7I Records, Désordre Ordonné, L’oeil du Tigre), and abroad (Tokyo Jupiter Records (Japan), Moments of Collapse (Germany), Replenish Records (USA), GS production records (Russia), We are Grain of Sand (Russia) Alerta-Antifascista, Milanku presents today À l’aube (Folivora, 2023), a five-track burn that breathes new life into a caste of disenfranchised people, imbued with a disarming lucidity, and gives itself a framework and a voice to pull its head out of the swamp.

International recognition

The band has been affiliated with several; indie labels and distributors over the years, namely: in Canada (D7I Records, Désordre Ordonné, L’oeil du Tigre), Jupiter Records (Japan), Moments of Collapse (Germany), Replenish Records (USA), GS production records (Russia), We are Grain of Sand (Russia) as well as Alerta-Antifascista (Germany).

In 2016, the band will continue to tour Europe, visiting the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria.

The band’s albums have been consistently recognized at the GAMIQ since 2013 in addition to jumping on a plethora of specialized year-end lists around the globe.

Milanku is:
François Lemieux (Guitare, Synthétiseur)
Carl Ruest (Guitare, Voix)
Guillaume Chamberland (Basse, Voix)
Guillaume Boudreau-Monty (Drum)
Jean-François Bourbonnais (Guitare)

Discography:
2023 –  À l’Aube (Label – Folivora, Distrbuted by Believe Digital)
2018  – Monument du non-être et Mouvement du non-vivant (Distributed by D7i, Replenish Records, L’Oeil du Tigre, Moment of Collapse)
2015 – Des Fragments (Distributed by D7i, Replenish Records, L’oeil du Tigre, Moment of Collapse, Tokyo Jupiter, Grans of Sand Records)
2012 – Pris à la gorge (Distributed by Tokyo Jupiter, L’œil du Tigre, D7i, Moment of Collapse, GSP Records, Replenish Records)
2008 – Convalescence (Distributed by
Tokyo Jupiter, L’œil du Tigre, D7i, Moment of Collapse, GSP Records, Replenish Records)

Shared Stage with:
If These Trees Could Talk, Féroce, Alcest, The Caution Children, Atsuko Chiba, Zéro Absolu, Oktoplut

Tour and Festivals:
2018 – Nuits Psychédéliques In MTL
2019 – Franco de Montréal
2020 – Coup de Cœur Francophone in MTL
2021 – Metaverse show during the Phoque OFF festival in Québec City

0 EPK – Red Cain – Blight (single) (2023)

  • February 6, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Red Cain

EPK – Red Cain – Blight (single) (2023)

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

For fans of Kamelot, Mastodon, Powerwolf, Lord of the Lost, Tesseract

Single Title: Blight
Release Date: Jan 17, 2023
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital

RedCain.ca | Redcain.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/redcainofficial | Instagram.com/redcainarmy |  YouTube

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

Calgary, Canada’s fantasy prog power metal Red Cain is kicking off the beginning of 2023 with their next The Wheel of Time (novel/TV series) inspired single entitled “Blight” that continues the storyline from their previous single “The Fisher King” released this past November.

An epic and progressive track, “Blight” shreds fans into another voyage of storytelling, vocalist Evgeniy Zayarny explains further:

“Blight is defined as an organic contagion that damages, destroys, or corrupts. In the Wheel of Time universe, where the Dark One touches the world, uncontrolled and aberrant growth sprouts and covers the land, home to malign flora and monstrous fauna. With this track, we moved the needle firmly into the progressive part of our prog power style, delivering an atmospheric, chilling, and dynamic performance meant to mimic the unstoppable advancement of the Blight over the land. Is the Blight a disease or a majestic triumph of organic life without limits? With this Tesseract, Ihsahn, and Insomnium-influenced track, we explore this idea.
​
The concept of “Blight” came out of a question – what is the ideal state in the evolution of organic life? Influenced by authors like Stanislaw Lem and Adrian Tchaikovsky, this has long been a theme in science fiction and is becoming relevant in the modern era. The Blight also plays a key role within the Wheel of Time universe, and the concept sets the stage for a musical exploration from our end where another evolution to our sound likewise takes root.”

“Blight” was mastered by Alan Sascha Laskow (Every Hour Kills, ex-Divinity) and mixed by Tyler Corbett, (Sole Audio).

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Red Cain
• All songs written by: Red Cain
• Produced by: Red Cain
• Mixed by: Tyler Corbett
• Mastered by: Alan Sacha Laskow
• Album Artwork by: Red Cain
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording and Live Band Lineup:
Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals
Samuel Ridout – Guitars
Tyler Corbett – Guitars
Kalie Yan – Bass, Vocals
Taylor Gibson – Drums

Sing

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

“Conceptually, “Fisher King” takes place in the universe of the legendary Wheel of Time fantasy series. It is the throw of the gauntlet by the Dragon Reborn, the Champion of the Light in his prime – a showcase of the kind of monumental inertia that brooks no opposition. Unsettling, bombastic, and unrelenting, this track showcases a musical and lyrical contest of wills between the “Chosen One” archetype, and his antithetical, flawed, yet lethal opponent caught in his unrelenting march.

The concept of the Fisher King comes from Arthurian legend, telling the story of a wounded king unable to act as the protector of his lands, spending his time fishing in a pond, leading to them falling into ruin. The epic and forthright style of this track belies the lyrical theme of self-annihilation and corruption that can take root in those who are raised to be heroes or saviours. Our protagonist, Rand al’Thor, is a monumental force of destruction, inevitable, standing for all that is Good. But this destruction is also within himself – the vessel of the Light can be consumed by that same Light from within – and is personified by his antagonist, the Chosen One of the Shadow. This track is a study of two men, both on a collision course with each other, both doomed and aware of their fate, locked in a mortal conflict that sees no end and spans eons.

“Fisher King”, was written in its original form over 10 years ago, long before Red Cain’s existence as a band – so it was an extremely cool experience to go back to this old track, rewrite, and revitalize it to fit our sound. Much like our upcoming album, “Fisher King” keeps the quintessential Red Cain “melancholy and rage” but takes the death metal influences from “Kindred: Act II” even further, featuring a huge growl-centric chorus, a variety of down tuned, sludgy riffs, and gripping, raw vocal hooks and melodies.” – Red Cain

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Fisher King
Release Date: Nov. 9, 2022
Label: Independent
Distribution: Digital

Track Listing:
1. Fisher King – (5:37)

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Red Cain
• All songs written by: Red Cain
• Produced by: Red Cain
• Mixed by: Tyler Corbett
• Mastered by: Alan Sacha Laskow
• Album Artwork by: Red Cain
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording and Live Band Lineup:
Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals
Samuel Ridout – Guitars
Tyler Corbett – Guitars
Kalie Yan – Bass, Vocals
Taylor Gibson – Drums

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Evgeniy, the frontman, is of joint Russian/Ukrainian descent and was exposed to Slavic paganism from a young age, gaining insight into old ceremonies and spoken word myths, as well as the vast and strange body of Slavic folklore. A lot of these experiences and his love for myth and the exploration of the occult come through in the lyrics and concepts of Red Cain’s music.

2. Red Cain’s first two full albums, “Kindred: Act I” and “Kindred: Act II” conceptually told a sprawling story of how raw and primal ancient myth collides with modern society and human yearning toward the stars, toward perfection. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content.

3. The band members feel strongly in favour of experimentation, whether with genres, resulting in much of the material sitting across multiple genres, not all related to metal; visual elements, with striking and inventive story-based music videos a particular focus; or art and concepts, many of which relate to the clash between the ancient and modern, with more recent material zeroing in on a futuristic design and musical style.

4. Red Cain’s story music videos for “ZERO” and “Juliet” have cumulatively earned the band 17+ international film festival awards, including wins at major festivals such as IndieX FilmFest, Global Shorts, LA Film & Script Festival, Cannes Indies Cinema Awards, and finalist with Toronto Indie Filmmakers Festival, Tokyo International Short Film Festival, and New York Tri-State International Film Festival. The band is currently planning its next feature music video to follow these two successes.

L to R: Samuel Ridout (guitar), Tyler Corbett (guitar), Evgeniy Zayarny (vocals), Kalie Yan (bass, vocals), Taylor Gibson (drums)

Melancholy and Rage

Born out of the vast prairies and snowy peaks of Alberta, Canada, Red Cain is a modern progressive metal project with Eastern European roots. With intricate songwriting, powerful vocals, eerie soundscapes, and strong electronic-backed groove, Red Cain champion a fluid, dynamic, and unique style centered around telling dark, conceptual Faustian sagas and constructing those into an unforgettable live experience. Described by frontman Evgeniy Zayarny as a vehicle of “Melancholy and Rage”, Red Cain delivers power, flair, thematic Slavic influence, and intricate, lethal edge in their work. Listeners might well pick out elements reminiscent of such luminary acts as Kamelot, Symphony X, Tesseract, Lord of the Lost, whipped into a venomous new shape. The current incarnation of this Canadian metal band is of these influences mixed with a lot of vodka and Eastern European melancholy, shaken and stirred.

Red Cain self-released its debut self-titled EP in North America in 2016 to excellent reviews, and followed this up with two award-winning full-length albums, “Kindred: Act I” in 2019, and AFA-funded “Kindred: Act II” in 2021, working with Sliptrick Records globally to have over 3500+ physical copies sold, as well as over 200,000 digital streams to date. The band has hit #1 on the Canadian National Loud Charts on multiple occasions and is a 1x winner and 3x nominee for the Metal Recording of the Year at the YYC Music Awards.

The band has created 13 videos, of which 2 are full-length, high-production music videos for “ZERO” and “Juliet”. The latter two videos have won 17 awards at international music festivals, including the Berlin Short Film Festival, Venice Shorts, Global Shorts, IndieX FilmFesti, AIFF, and Hollywood Art & Movie Awards, among others. The band has a strong history of collaboration, with a highlight being our work with Juno Award-winning vocalist Kobra Paige of heavy metal band Kobra and the Lotus, on the track “Wing of the Crow”.

Red Cain released our latest album “Kindred: Act II” globally with Sliptrick Records in 2021, with a particular focus on promotion and engagement in the United States and Eastern Europe, where the band has received significant traction in 2020-21. With live performances stunted by COVID, the band has focused strongly on building out the concept behind the two-album “Kindred” arc with non-musical collateral, creating story content and custom art for the album concept.

With a significant upward trend of fan interest for this release, and 100,000 + digital streams, Red Cain has our set sights firmly set on another ambitious and conceptually exciting project, with the next release cycle coming in 2023.

Red Cain is:
Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals
Samuel Ridout – Guitars
Tyler Corbett – Guitars
Kalie Yan – Bass, Vocals
Taylor Gibson – Drums

What the press is saying:

“This is a track (Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire) that infuses their progressive and power metal sound, similar to that of Symphony X and Kamelot. Alongside this, there are also faint similarities to bands like Dream Theater and even Korn. This is a nearly 6 minute track that doesn’t let up and doesn’t fear to change up its style throughout.” – Metal Injection

#10 Red Cain !earshot – The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 (Earshot)

“From the proggy goodness of album opener “Kindred”, to the blast beats of “Baltic Fleet”, to the epic closer “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire), there is something here for every fan of progressive power metal.  With this being Act II in Red Cain’s Kindred body of work, I really feel as though I entered a movie theater right in the middle of an epic saga. Each song is a journey in and of itself, but each also contributes to the overall fantastic voyage.  I will absolutely be purchasing Act I of this amazing tale and listen from start to finish, the way it was intended. Do yourself a favor and do the same!” – Metal Rules

“If you like your music melodic, mysterious, and gothic, with a progressive power metal base, then this is for you. This has been a joy to review and yet another band to add to my favoured list. ” – The Prog Space

“Zayarny is a powerhouse vocalist and the contortions he forces into Red Cain make for a very diverse record.. the talent behind the record is undeniable, and at the very least, Kindred proved far more creative and thought-provoking than most death metal records I’ve recently tackled. You should give it a shot — even if you’re not a big weenie..” – Angry Metal Guy

“Overall, ‘Kindred: Act II’ is an interesting mix of styles that combine together in technical wizardry to set the backdrop for the continued tales of the warrior Zalcoatl. There’s some unexpected musical influences that bubble to the surface, particularly the liberal use of electronic elements provides a futuristic, yet gothic, element to the tales. Vocally, there’s some clear inspiration from Kamelot going on here. They’re predominantly clean, but with a wide range between high pitched and deep passages. The guitar work is pretty varied as well and at times even hits a distinctly djent groove that seems to appear out of nowhere!… Fans of Kamelot and Mastodon alike will find some common ground with ‘Kindred: Act II’ (and Act I for that matter).” – Uber Rock

“These seasoned metal performers brought me to school with a clear cut album, delivered beautifully across seven tracks. The epic highs and lows of the album leave me wanting more… My hat is off to RED CAIN!” – Metal Temple

“With a flurry of progressive guitars, grandiose vocals and intriguingly wild effects, Red Cain burn brightly from the very start with the opening track, Kindred.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Songs alternate between melodic and more progressive portions in fine fashion. There is also a heroic aspect to the band that assures that they have some variety and also ties them to power metal. The entire affair is uplifting and does a good job getting the listener entranced in the music… a fun album and a very nice way to start the year off. It will also appeal to fans of bands from a number of different sub-genres.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“the crew here found yet another gem from Red Cain, one filled with cosmic terrors this time. Kindred: Act II provides us with an additional slice of that delicious metal geekery that this band is capable of. A record that makes complexity sound easy, even casual. And that’s a feat not many bands master these days anymore.” – Rock Music Raider

“RED CAIN keep us on our toes right down to the final track Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire). There is a mixture of all sorts going on but again, it flows together seamlessly. It’s complex yet memorable. I knew logically this was the last track of the album but I feel this story is not over yet. Will there be Act III to follow in the next year or so? Who knows, I personally hope there is. Kindred:  Act II was a great introduction to RED CAIN and their sound. From listening to this, it’s easy to see why they have been nominated for awards. I look forward to see how their sound grows and develops from now.” – Rock Out Stand Out

“One of the best aspects, despite the fact that this is prog, is that the music is very easy to get into and enjoy. It is often midtempo, headbobbing music as a general style, and that makes things exceedingly easy for fans in general that prefer normal, song-friendly speeds…  the real big reason to listen is the melodic singing. It makes this listener really curious to find out if the singing can be this good in the live concert. Is this voice for real?! It sounds so good, and strong, and also melodic. It is the thing that takes the band over the top in terms of music and of catching the interest of potential fans. There is an elegance and style to the singing that makes the songwriting attractive and pulls you in to check out more of the music.” – Metal Bulletin Zine

“Kindred: Act II is a solid offering. It straddles a number of different styles and influences without committing 100% to any of them… any metalhead with a taste for the dramatic should find something rewarding in here.” – The Independent Voice

“I think Red Cain took the right chances and put forward an interesting release that will challenge the listeners to catch everything they’ve put into making this album. It’s definitely not a one listen and you’ve got it album. It is a listen multiple times to catch what you missed each time before type of album. Give this one a chance and see if you don’t love it yourself.” – Yesterdaze News

“an atmosphere between anger and melancholy are exactly what the band is all about. “KINDRED: ACT II” is definitely a really strong album and one only regrets that it ends so early. But as the saying goes : Quality is more important than quantity!” – Metal-Heads.de

“This new album is opened by KINDRED, a brilliant tune with different influences, from power/prog to electro-rock. It’s enriched by an interesting solo, a well-groomed production and cinematic mood.” – HardRockHeavyMetal

“a strong progressive mix and very melodic power metal, they are a band of experienced musicians who give us a well-defined, real album with these seven tracks, for lovers of this genre it will be more than good and unique.” – Darkzen Dragon Metal Angels

“The album kicks off with a couple of brilliantly technical and melodic tracks – ‘Kindred’, is heavy and showcases the skillset these guys have at their disposal in true Progressive style. ‘Demons’ is a much more catchy hook-based track, although no less technically capable, but with catchy riffs, melodies and enough commercial bent to pull in a new listener – whilst still playing to that vocal ambidextrousness with a couple of lines that wouldn’t sound amiss on a Marilyn Manson album. And then the album switches style and becomes haunting, moody and totally surprising with the falsetto introduction to ‘Precipice Of Man’, which fools you into thinking it’s a power ballad before belting you around the head with one of the heaviest bass sounds I have heard in a while and a much more extreme vocal sound. These kind of body swerves just keep coming, and are what makes this album such a refreshing change.” – Ever Metal

“Concluding this album is the pure Power Metal entity known as ‘Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire)’. This proves to be an enjoyable ad worthy finale for what has been a brilliant album. ‘Kindred: Act II’ doesn’t include a single bad song and advertises the talent of Red Cain excellently.” – AC Rock Reviews

======

“What we have here is a two headed beast of sad and melancholy music on one side and angry and raging music on the other. The two combine somewhere in the middle with flair for the dramatic and impassioned vocals. This is definitely worth your time if you are looking for something off the beaten path.” – Metal Temple (Kindred Act I Review)

“Red Cain’s first full-length act is a more than solid release that I can warmly recommend if you enjoy the likes of Kamelot, TesseracT and Blind Guardian or just enjoy some good old thinking man’s metal music in general. With a charismatic frontman, well thought out and varied songwriting and a healthy dose of power and energy, Red Cain is a up and coming Canadian act that I’ll sure be keeping my eye on!” – Belgian Metal Shredder (Kindred Act I Review)

“Kindred: Act I is all about raw and unbridled metal power. A thoughtful brand of metal that – for once – does not base itself on mindless growling about the stage along normal lines of metal conduct. Instead they rip the established status quo to pieces and attack with a very unusual metal dish. One that comes with a distinct groove to boot… a very tasty fusion of Progressive and Power Metal that we have rarely seen to date. A metal dish best consumed red-hot. Have some, you will not regret it.” – Rock Music Raider (Kindred Act I Review)

“Symphonic progressive metal with alternative and gothic nuances – Red Cain are well on their way to establishing new territory in story telling and musical match-ups. Kindred: Act Irepresents a fine opening album for these Canadians, and should lend itself well to various multi-media opportunities for live show and film options. The best records connect on a mind, body, and spirit level – and this will be one that should be in the conversation for visionary, forward-thinking effort, proving the ink is not dry on what metal can bring to the table for innovation.” – Dead Rhetoric (Kindred Act I Review)

“I couldn’t be more impressed with this band and album from the opening track “Snake Bouquet” to the last track “Wing Of The Crow” which is an awesome closing track with guest vocals from Kobra Paige of Kobra and The Lotus. This album takes you on an epic and melodic journey, I feel fans of bands from Avatar to Kamelot to Marilyn Manson and anything in between will really love this album.” – Crannk (Kindred Act I Review)

“Red Cain have produced a very awesome album. It sounds and looks very professional, has great riffs and epic melodies. Keep an eye on these guys, they will come very far.” – Lyrical Spell Magazine (Kindred Act I Review)

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