Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – Self-Titled (2023)

February 6, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Necronomicon Ex Mortis

EPK – Necronomicon Ex Mortis – Self-Titled (2023)

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

For fans of Black Dahlia Murder, Obscura, Arsis, Racer X, Megadeth

“The music and lyrics are 90s death metal riffs and 80s guitar solos. We want the listener to feel like they’re trapped in an 80s B horror movie. On VHS, obviously.” – Necronomicon Ex Mortis

Band: Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Title: Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Necronomiconexmortisband.com | Facebook | Instagram.com/necronomiconexmortisband | Spotify | Necronomiconexmortis.bandcamp.com

“You might suspect we’re exaggerating, but we’re really not. The four songs on the EP are undeniably sinister and ferocious, but the dominant impression of the music is that it’s exhilarating and exultant, the work of people who decided to put their formidable talents to the test, while having a shitload of fun doing that. When you listen it will make sense to hear that the EP comes recommended for fans of Black Dahlia Murder, Obscura, Arsis, Racer X, and Megadeth.” – No Clean Singing

“Inspired by Swedish Death Metal “Celestial Tomb” lays down the blast beats while having an interesting melodic lead that flies into a monstrous extended face melting solo of the highest order, confirming if there was any doubt that these musicians have the capability to step on stages with World Superpower level bands and hold their own. If it wasn’t for their love of old school works, you could easily see them going down the more technical road of an Archspire or Inferi, the clues to that murder mystery are all wrapped up within this whirlwind of an opener for all to witness.” – Metal Noise

“the EP feels solid. It has remarkable melodies, a good sound and a cool cover.” – Metal Bite

“Epic/symphonic black metal, good technical and proggy stuff too.” – WORT FM 89.9FM (Madison, WI)

“They are young, their desire is noticeable and they are also capable of entertaining… “Earth Cancer” radically changes the record and becomes something more classic, sounding more like things like CANNIBAL CORPSE or CANCER, but maintaining the technique of the former. I am very surprised by the work of both guitarists, since they are capable of combining good riffs with a certain dose of brutality without leaving an unintelligible hodgepodge.” – Necromance Magazine

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Title: Necronomicon Ex Mortis
Release Date: March 31, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Celestial Tomb (4:35)
2. Earth Cancer (4:22)
3. Nocturnal (4:00)
4. The Burning (4:59)
EP Length: 17:58

EP Recording Credits:
All songs performed by: Michael Nystrom Bala (Guitar), Manuel Barbará (Guitar), Yusuf Rashid (Bass), Joey Ferretti (Drums), Craig Schmul (Vocals)
All songs written by: Michael Nystrom Bala
Produced/Mixed by: Charlie Waymire at Ultimate Studios
Album artwork by: Lucas Korte
ASCAP Member

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The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

The music and lyrics are 90s death metal riffs and 80s guitar solos wrapped in a B horror movie.

Ttrack by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

1. Celestial Tomb
This is a Swedish-style rager with an interesting melodic twist. Lyrically, it was inspired by the chalice dungeons in Bloodborne.

2. Earth Cancer
A song about angering God so he curses the human race with overpopulation. Musically, this is more meat-and-potatoes old-school death metal to contrast with the previous song.

3. Nocturnal
A combination of Michael’s favorite thrash riffs. It’s about murdering teenagers at a summer camp.

4. The Burning
The final track on this EP as well as future releases will always be named after a horror movie. This song is about The Burning, the acclaimed 80s horror movie. Musically, it is the most complex to play, it involves a key change, it’s the fastest song on the EP, and the most interesting.

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FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES

1. The members of this band are good friends from Berklee

2. While in LA recording this EP, Mike, and Manuel listened to Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia at least 5 times

3. Yusuf learned and recorded the bass parts the same day he joined the band (saving us the trouble)

4. An extreme love for the Evil Dead franchise is what ultimately willed this band into existence.

5. While recording, we spent several days complaining about how difficult the rental truck was to drive until our engineer pointed out you can disable the 4-wheel drive.

Top – Michael Bala – Guitar, Manuel Barbarà – Guitar

Bottom – Yusuf Rashid – Bass, Craig Schmul – Vocals, Joey Ferretti – Drums

Chicago, USA’s Necronomicon Ex Mortis is a bubbling cauldron of 80’s horror movies, the 80s shred goods, modern production, and tight thrash metal. They are gearing up to release their debut self-titled album which is intended to transport listeners into a VHS tape of campy horror and aggressive riffs.

Encapsulating all the best that horrors have to offer, from old school horror movies, horror games and H.P. Lovecraft, Necronomicon Ex Mortis introduce their bloody music with gusto in hope that it will worm its way into the brains of metal fans around the world.

Necronomicon Ex Mortis was formed out of extreme love for 90s death metal and 80s shred. The idea came to be when Bala called some of his best friends from Berklee and used a combination of pestering, begging, and trickery to get them to play metal with him.

This EP acts as a trailer for their music, a taste of the feature-length that is on the horizon, and a small sampling of what is the gory good time that awaits in the future. It is recommended for fans of Black Dahlia Murder, Obscura, and Arsis.

The self-titled debut EP is due out March 31st, 2023.

0 EPK – Surface of The Sun – Dragon (EP) (2020)

February 3, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Surface of The Sun

EPK – Surface of The Sun – Dragon (EP) (2020)

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

For fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, Chevelle

“Musically the two songs were meant to contrast. Dragon was written to be on the fringe of what I would normally classify as a Surface of the Sun song. I had radio in mind when I wrote this, and tried to keep the song within boundaries that one typically needs for radio, but still make sure it has the Surface of the Sun feel. Vanguard was meant to be more progressive, and contrasting, and a current example of the roots of Surface of the Sun.

Lyrically, Dragon and Vanguard are essentially part 2 and 3, after the lyrics of Oblivion. Oblivion is basically about overcoming the voice inside that might tell one they are not good enough; it’s about overcoming self doubt. Dragon is about, now having beaten that voice, finding that inner strength, the Dragon, to become what one is meant to or wants to be. Vanguard is about, now having become that thing, the dragon, becoming a leader who can inspire others to do the same. So, its cyclical. It’s a process of growth that repeats itself, spreading from one person to the next.” – Devon Egger – Surface The Sun

Band: Surface The Sun
Album Title: Dragon
Release Date: Aug 17, 2020
1. Dragon (3:47)
2. Vanguard (6:19)
EP Length: 10:06

Surfaceofthesunmusic.com | Instagram.com/surface_of_the_sun_music | Facebook.com/surfaceofthesun | Youtube.com/@surfaceofthesun

Surfaceofthesun.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“Panacea is a very well put together release and really showcases Eggers’ production and musical skills” – Powerplay Magazine UK (2019 – Panacea EP)

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Surface The Sun
Album Title: Dragon
Release Date: Aug 17, 2020
1. Dragon (3:47)
2. Vanguard (6:19)
EP Length: 10:06

EP Credits:
Music: All music and lyrics written and performed by Devon Eggers, except the drums, which were performed by Chris Warunki.
Produced, recorded, edited, and mixed by Devon Eggers at Surface of the Sun Studios.
Mastered by Andrew Downton at Railtown Mastering.
EP Artwork: By Vohrart
Member of SOCAN
Content is Canadian Music (MAPL)

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The EP as a whole and track by track:

Musically the two songs were meant to contrast.

Dragon was written to be on the fringe of what I would normally classify as a Surface of the Sun song. I had the radio in mind when I wrote this and tried to keep the song within boundaries that one typically needs for radio, but still make sure it has the Surface of the Sun feel. Vanguard was meant to be more progressive and contrasting, and a current example of the roots of Surface of the Sun.

Lyrically, Dragon and Vanguard are essentially parts 2 and 3, after the lyrics of Oblivion. Oblivion is basically about overcoming the voice inside that might tell one they are not good enough; it’s about overcoming self-doubt. Dragon is about, now having beaten that voice, finding that inner strength, the Dragon, to become what one is meant to or wants to be. Vanguard is about, now having become that thing, the dragon, becoming a leader who can inspire others to do the same. So, it’s cyclical. It’s a process of growth that repeats itself, spreading from one person to the next.

Musically:

Dragon: Dragon is a catchy, yet heavy track, that is driven by a kick drum like a dance (EDM) song would be. It even has, after the bridge, an EDM-like “drop” into the final chorus. It blends a dance-like feel into a prog-rock track.

Vanguard: Vanguard is a longer, progressive soundscape that follows a unique arrangement that allows for interesting builds and dynamics between sections. The vocal arrangement is kept simpler to allow for more complexities within the Asian instruments that complement the heavy guitar tracks.

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Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. Surface of the Sun is a solo project by Devon Eggers, with almost 100% of all things being created and done by Devon Eggers. Each album is a massive undertaking that requires him to wear multiple hats, use multiple skillsets, have crazy patience, utilize thorough planning, and manage a project that normally requires several skilled people. He also does this while being 100% independent, with no finanical support or other support of any kind. Surfuce of the Sun is likely to be one of the most “independent” and “solo” projects anyone will encounter.

2. Oblivion, Surface of the Sun’s first hit single, was not written to or intended in any way to be a radio single. Yet, through an interesting combination of events, ended up reaching 26 on the Canadian Rock Radio TOP 40 chart.

3. Oblivion, released in 2019, captured the attention of Billboard, giving Devon Eggers and Surface of the Sun an artist spotlight.

4. Devon received a 4-page interview spread in Long & McQuades 2019 fall cataloge.

5. Devon Eggers also writes, performs, and releases music from multiple genres under his own name. These are entirely solo endeavours, just like Surface of the Sun. He is also a novelist, having written two books in a series that has received 5-star reviews on Amazon. Book 3 is in the works.

Photo Credit – Charmaine Schmaltz

After moving to Vancouver, Canada, in 2002 to obtain an education in audio engineering, Devon Eggers worked as an in-house and freelance engineer in many of the major studios around the city. During this time, he focused on developing his skills as an engineer and producer, learning from studio regulars such as Garth Richardson (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chevelle, Rage Against the Machine), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend Project), and Dave Genn (Matthew Good Band, 54-40).

During that time Devon also wrote original material with other musicians. Nothing serious ever developed, but he continued to write, finding his sound and voice as an artist. It wasn’t until around 2005, intrigued by the challenge, that he decided to pursue his music as a solo endeavour, which required moving beyond being just a guitar player. Devon focused on developing his skills with other instruments and singing and then wrote his debut album, A Dying Star. He performed all music and lyrics (except for drums), and after some significant life changes, completed recording and mixing the album in a very small town in northern British Columbia. In 2011 Devon chose the project name, Surface of the Sun, and A Dying Star was released.

Since then Devon released the EP, Panacea(2019), which had it’s single, Oblivion, peak at 26 on the Canadian radio Rock TOP 40 charts, and the single, Dragon (2020). From Oblivion’s success, Devon received an Artist Spotlight by Billboard in 2019, and a feature article by Long & McQuade in the Fall 2020 magazine.

Devon experimented with other genres releasing two EPs under a secondary solo project that will be re-released under his name in 2021. He also self-published his first novel, an action-packed thriller with a sci-fi twist called, Sky View (available as an e-book on Amazon and Kobo). He continues to develop his expertise as a safety professional specializing in improving workplace safety and culture and started acting in short films in 2020.

Devon also offers multiple music services including mixing, training, and production. Please feel free to send him a message on Facebook if you’re interested to learn more about these services.

Discography:
2011 – A Dying Star
2019 – Panacea
2020 – Dragon

0 EPK – Maudiir – Soliloque (2023)

January 31, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Maudiir

EPK – Maudiir – Soliloque (2023)

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

For fans of Skeletonwitch, Darkthrone, Voivod, Ihsahn, Carcass

Band: Maudiir
EP Title: Soliloque
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Label: Self-Release

“‘Soliloque’ is a riff-driven EP with big bass grooves and corrosive vocals raging on environmental issues, mixing thrash metal, black metal and progressive elements, giving it a unique sound and feel.

‘Soliloque’ is a different EP than ‘La Part du Diable’, which was also different than ‘Le Temps Peste’. I like to think that the overall production is getting better with every release. I don’t want to repeat myself or focus on some kind of recipe. The overall sound of ‘Soliloque’ is very different from ‘La Part du Diable’; different guitar, bass, and drum sounds. I also used less effect on the vocals, a more in-your-face approach. One song was recorded with a 7-string guitar, and I dabbled with some slide guitar on another… Trying new stuff. I particularly like the bass sound that cuts through really well. Being primarily a guitar player, I‘ve really come to enjoy giving a lot of space to the bass guitar in my music. It’s the instrument that I have the most pleasure recording.” – Maudiir

Facebook.com/people/Maudiir/100063607593649 | Twitter.com/maudiir1 | Youtube.com/@maudiir356 | Instagram.com/maudiirofficial

Maudiir.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Amazon | Spotify

Canadian College Radio Loud Charts: #1 – The National Loud Chart – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 16, 2021 (Earshot)

“As “The Slumber” begins, a jittery, dissonant bass riff, underlaid by droning guitar and soon joined by F.‘s rabid snarl, creates an immediate feeling of incipient and dangerous derangement as it quivers above a neck-popping back-beat and a febrile bass line.” – No Clean Singing

“Feel free to imagine Maudiir as a mix of early Metallica and Enslaved, Darkthrone, Diamond Head, Skeletonwitch, Martyrdöd, Skitsystem and fellow French Canadian technology users/abusers, Voivod. Sitting at home with no shows to attend or play for a year has provided F. the opportunity to work in isolation and create the next chapter in the Maudiir story, La Part du Diable. The five songs within continue stirring the influence pot with the result being simultaneous sweet and sourness, light and darkness, uplift and despondency.” – Decibel Magazine

“If you’re tired of all those black/thrash bands that sound too much like each other, this is a little different. Just solid blackened thrash with a strong footing in traditional heavy metal that calls for repeat plays.” – The Metal Crypt

“If this is what Maudiir can achieve in only 24 minutes and 24 seconds, bring on a full-length. If you’re into Skeletonwitch, Voivod, or Ihsahn, give release this a listen!” – 4/5 Metal-Rules.com

“It’s The Crowning Hour that closes out a banger of an EP. Where the guitars blur reality and the drums hammer so hard, the brain begins to ache. The tempo is fiery, and the passionate delivery is joyfully received again.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“The first thing you notice about Maudiir‘s new EP, La Part du Diable, is just how good the record sounds. Crystal clear production on a blackened thrash release might not be at the top of every listener’s shopping list, but here the production absolutely works for F.” – Sentinel Daily

“What’s so refreshing with this E.P. is the flourishing evolution of styles and the sheer confidence in which the music is played. Aided by the crisp and professional production, this is a genuinely exciting release.” – The Razor’s Edge

“Maudiir entertain those who like black metal but also are open to prog and old school heavy metal. The mix is pleasing and the whole thing works very well.” – CGCM Podcast

“Touches of punk add attitude to these five angry and aggressive pieces of blackened thrash metal and make it an impressive debut EP” – Loud Enough? Magazine

“Some really great tracks and precise playing makes this debut EP a note worthy event” – Absolute Underground Magazine

““Le Temps Peste” is overall an engaging listen that, as it progresses, gets even better and more complex, gradually easing you into the building mood and feel of the EP, the first couple of tracks “Product” and “Abuse The Used” build on bleak Blackened driving riffs alongside a vitriolic rasping vocal delivery, the latter also benefiting from more of a haunting melody developing, a galloping Thrashy second half and soaring lead work which really adds to the sound.” 4/5 – The Metal Wanderlust

“Métal de bord en bord, ce projet fait partie de ceux dont les sonorités sont parfaitement heavy, mais ô combien inclassables, où se mêlent habilement les influences et saveurs auditives les plus diverses. Avec Maudiir, on fusionne avec brio black, thrash et death mélodique, avec une touche de métal classique et de NWOBHM dans les acérés riffs. Le temps peste inclut tout plein de riffs aussi corrosifs que galopants, qui rendraient très fiers autant un prêtre traître qu’une vierge de fer, risquant très bien de vous donner un sale mal de cou.” – BoulevardBrutal.com

“En tous les cas, F. ne s’enfonce pas dans l’erreur des artistes qui bossent en solo, à savoir, s’enfermer dans leur monde et devenir hermétique à l’oreille lambda. Sa musique est bien orchestrée ; même si elle fait appel à du déjà connu, elle tient la route et on y aime y retourner plusieurs fois. Il y a, à la fois de l’agressivité, de la noirceur, mais aussi de la fluidité dans ce metal un peu vieille école, mais bien vivant!” – Metal France

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Maudiir
EP Title: Soliloque
Release Date: April 7, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Toxic Cloud (5 :24)
2. L’Éloge du Cuivre (5 :02)
3. Residue (4 :30)
4. Regarde au Ciel (4:41)
5. CH4 (5:44)
EP Length: 25:24

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: F.
• All songs written by: F.
• Produced by: F.
• Mixed by: F.
• Mastered by: F.
• Album Artwork by: cover artwork by bergZ, band logo by Dopesmoker
• Member of SOCAN
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Recording Lineup:
F. – Everything

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The EP as a whole explained:
‘Soliloque’ is a riff-driven EP with big bass grooves and corrosive vocals raging on environmental issues, mixing thrash metal, black metal, and progressive elements, giving it a unique sound and feel.

Track by Track explanation:

1. ‘Toxic Cloud’ starts off with a classic metal/almost hard rock feel, then goes into a black metal frenzy with a very epic ending. The song is about the Bhopal disaster.

2. ‘L’Éloge du Cuivre’ is a very different song for Maudiir. I would describe it as Helmet/Prong meets ‘Spirit of Sulfur’ from the previous EP ‘La Part du Diable’. A result of experimenting with a 7-string guitar, I think it’s a very catchy song and I really love the instrumental thrash metal section. The song is mostly about the Fonderie Horne in northern Quebec, but also touches on any non-repenting polluting company.

3. ‘Residue’ starts off with a 90’s death metal feel, then goes into a Killing Joke-type chorus. It’s about the additives/pollutants we are forced to consume, be it through food, water, or air, and their effects on our health.

4. ‘Regarde au Ciel’ is my first try at composing a song in French Québécois, my native tongue. A fast number that starts off with an odd time signature riff then goes into a very melodic bass-driven passage and has a black metal bridge section. The lyrics are about the general state of the environment, and how we are pretty much powerless and somewhat disinterested in really doing anything about it.

5. ‘CH4’ is a black/thrash metal hybrid with a very catchy chorus and an instrumental section where I experimented with slide guitar. It’s about the landfill fires in India, and the people living around these landfills.

Maudiir – Band Photo Credit: bergZ

Maudiir, coming from the underbelly of Montreal, Quebec, Canada is an outlet for observations on obedience and industrialization riddled with man-made waste. With 80s heavy metal influences alongside black metal and punk, Maudiir is unique in sound; hauntingly dark while being corrosive and galloping.

Maudiir is a one-man black/prog/thrash metal project that formed to be musically independent. Starting with guitar, F. works his way through each sullen track, adding drums, recording all the colorations and textures of the guitars, adding bass, and finally writing the words, very often at the same time they are being recorded.

The pessimistic aura of the music combines with lyrics about consumer society, religion, science going awry, addiction to technology, and environmental decay.

Maudiir released the debut EP “Le Temps Peste” in February 2020 and a year later unleashed the follow-up “La Part du Diable” in 2021.

Now in 2023, two years after the sophomore record, Maudiir returns with the third offering “Soliloque”, an intense and aggressive five-track record built on thrash metal foundations, flirting with prog and melodic tendencies.

“It’s not a linear EP; certainly not the same song repeated again and again. Open-minded people, step in. Those who have heard my past EPs will notice ‘Soliloque’ is different than ‘La Part du Diable’, which was also different than ‘Le Temps Peste’. I like to think that the overall production is getting better with every release. I don’t want to repeat myself or focus on some kind of recipe. The overall sound of ‘Soliloque’ is very different from ‘La Part du Diable’; different guitar, bass, and drum sounds. I also used less effect on the vocals, a more in-your-face approach. One song was recorded with a 7-string guitar, I dabbled with some slide guitar on another… Trying new stuff. I particularly like the bass sound that cuts through really well. Being primarily a guitar player, I‘ve really come to enjoy giving a lot of space to the bass guitar in my music. It’s the instrument that I have the most pleasure recording.” adds Maudiir.

“Soliloque” is due out April 7, 2023.

F. (ex-Deeply Confused, Tears for the Dead Gods) is also currently leading prog/thrash metal outfit Trinity Blast.

Maudiir is F.

Discography:
2023 – Soliloque (EP)
2021 – La Part du Diable (EP)
2020 – Le Temps Peste (EP)

0 EPK – Asylence – Endanger Us All (2023)

January 30, 2023
by Asher
· Asylence · EPKs

EPK – Asylence – Endanger Us All (2023)

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

“We hope that everyone is ready for our greatest effort which is Endanger Us All. We couldn’t be more proud of how this album came together. Listeners who are familiar with us will hear some material they are used to and a lot of new attitudes that they have never heard before. Our first EP was merely an introduction to what we can do compared to the range this record has achieved.

We were faced with a decision on whether or not to include some of our oldest songs on this record which we never had properly recorded. After we realized how well our new and old material blended for a well-balanced experience from start to finish we really started to understand the raw energy this album radiates.

It’s heavy, it’s deadly,” – Ayslence

For fans of Arch Enemy, Devildriver, In Flames, Amon Amarth

Album Title: Endanger Us All
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

Asylence.com/merch | Spotify | Apple Music

“There’s some truly fierce deathcore emerging from the Midwest. One of the most promising acts from the region is Asylence. Not only do they lean into the tropes of the genre (Gotta love that quick little bass fill before the vocals kick in!) but their brand new video, ‘Arrows For Christ’ is absolutely killer!” – Metal Injection

“Eulogy of Man features top musicianship and is a heavy, melodic, groove-laden group of songs sure to excite old-school heads as well as forward-thinking fans of modern bands.” – Ghost Cult Magazine

“Michigan metal outfit Asylence have teamed up with Metal Insider to premiere a video for their emotionally-driven new song, “Endanger Us All.” – Metal Insider

“Melodic death metal powerhouse” – Decibel Magazine

“Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with going with a classic formula and hitting it out of the park.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Nasty, angry, aggressive, and heavy. What’s not to like? Ranging from old-school death metal, black metal, and deathcore, it’s all here plus a shed load of real technical ability and attitude. The future’s bright for Asylence.” – Myglobalmind Online Magazine

“Where Asylence expand beyond normal parameters is in a song like “In Solidarity We Die” – the placement of lower register alternative / clean vocals against the heavier screams / growls allows the music to be equally twisted at a doom to mid-paced crawl, adding tension plus darker textures over the course of the arrangement. Smartly keeping the run time for Endanger Us All just under 30 minutes, Asylence approach their music from a mix of influences that include acts like Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Devildriver, and Jungle Rot.” – Dead Rhetoric

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Endanger Us All
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDBaby

Track Listing:
1. A Call To Arms – 0:55
2. Endanger Us All – 3:53
3. The Garden of Disrespect – 3:34
4. Eternity, Please – 3:37
5. In Solidarity, We Die – 3:32
6. Arrows For Christ – 3:25
7. In This Hell – 3:47
8. Soulless – 3:32
9. A War Waging Within – 3:16
Album Length: 29:35

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Asylence
• All songs written by: Asylence
• Produced by: Aaron Lumsden
• Mixed by: Aaron Lumsden
• Mastered by: Aaron Lumsden
• Album Artwork by: Diyaco Paymazd

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Ryan Lang – Vocals
Aaron Lumsden – Guitar
Alex Aubuchon – Drums
Richard Olrich – Bass Guitar

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Track By Track Explanation:

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) Lyrically this album is mixed because of the timeline in which songs were written, but overall I feel like it hits the way it was meant to. I try to convey a message to our audience more than I try to shock with vulgarity, and my message is usually that of self awareness and the horrors that can occur under the guise of salvation. Musically these songs weave the emotion and intensity of our message.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY).

2. Endanger Us All – This song is the perfect representation of the direction we want to continue for our music. Each of our songs is personal to me Lyrically but this one really just spilled out of me. How we all felt during the pandemic like we were dirty or some kind of contagion to be careful around others and to isolate ourselves despite how the loneliness can affect you.

3. The Garden of Disrespect – This is one of my favorite of our newer material, it just goes so hard. This song was fun to write, super morbid, and to the point. You can’t take it with you, we’re all gonna die, be humble.

4. Eternity, Please – About as dark and brooding as it gets on the album is this song. We really show some black metal roots at the start and then right into our own sound with a splash of something experimental for us, this is a bit of a ride. The lyrics tell a tale of a king who wanders his halls with no question to his reign but still he suffers. Heavy and lonely is the crown, and the years can feel like an eternity alone.

5. In Solidarity We Die – This song is Aaron’s favorite, and for good reason. The guys really put their heads together on this one, musically this song just rips with a melodic twist on the chorus. The song to me sounds like it was written by the last person on Earth, writing the final texts about the tragic failing of humankind that brought us to our doom.

6. Arrows for Christ – Arrows for Christ was inspired by the tale of an American Christian Missionary who in 2018 illegally traveled to the North Sentinel Island in an attempt to preach Christianity to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. On the third day he was killed by the tribe, and as he requested in his journal, his remains were never recovered

7. We Are The Devils – This was actually the first song we ever wrote as a band. It really shows the progression we have taken since we all started it’s all started, we still love this song and play it often. This song basically says if we are all doomed we might as well have a good time

8. Soulless – This is another oldie but a goodie. One of the heaviest songs we’ve ever written especially early on in the band. This is screaming in an addict’s face. This is how hard it is to see a loved one fade away into the depths of addiction.

9. A War Waging Within – This song goes way back but still holds its own on the album. This is an old-school angry metal song straight forward in-your-face “sick of this shit” attitude.

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The ending to Soulless was actually first written off the cuff live. We screwed up how it was supposed to end and just ran with it and the crowd loved it. We did too, so we made sure to add it to the final song.

2. We found our bassist and friend Richard Olrich on Craigslist, which we are told rarely works out. We are certainly glad it did for us!

3. Ryan named the band after the now Haunted attraction and former actual insane asylum from his hometown, Eloise.

4. The A War Waging Within lyrics about a “world of shit” was inspired by the movie Full Metal Jacket and the original title for the song was Full Metal Jackass.

5. Aaron has his own production company Akuro Productions and has become the band’s main source for promo pictures and video content. Truly a jack of all trades!

L-R – Alex Aubuchon – Drums, Aaron Lumsden – Guitar, Ryan Lang – Vocals, Richard Olrich – Bass

Asylence (uh-sigh-lence): A hybrid of the words Asylum and Silence, when joined together, present a universal idea and timeless message: The constant suffering and failures of mankind. After the dissolution of drummer Alex Aubuchon’s highly active, long-standing thrash band, he began to focus his efforts on recruiting for his new project. He discovered the talent of guitarist Aaron Lumsden, an avid scene supporter who frequented many local and regional shows.

A dedicated relationship quickly formed between the pair, and Asylence was born. Frontman Ryan Lang, having been a mainstay in the Detroit metal scene but group-less at the time, was Asylence’s first choice to handle vocal duties. Ryan accepted, excited at the idea of hitting the stage once again. Shortly after, bassist Richard Olrich joined the group to complete the sound. A new era of heavy metal ensued.

Forged from the melting pot of Detroit’s underground metal scene, Asylence is a well-oiled metal machine built with passion, intent, and ferocity like no other. Since their formation in 2016, Asylence has been on a path of sonic destruction as they crush their audiences with fierce live performances throughout Michigan and surrounding states, opening for national acts such as Archspire, Belphegor, and Sea of Treachery, among others. Taking no prisoners and amassing a loyal, respecting fan base in the Midwest and beyond, behold the rise of Asylence.

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Ryan Lang – Vocals
Aaron Lumsden – Guitar
Alex Aubuchon – Drums
Richard Olrich – Bass Guitar

Discography:
2023 – (Upcoming) Endanger Us All – LP
2020 – Eulogy Of Man – EP
2016 – Forge The Void – Demo

Shared Stage with:
Destruction, Belphegor, Archspire, Cryptopsy, Warbringer, Traitors, Origin, Signs of the Swarm, Sea of Treachery, Jungle Rot, Defeated Sanity, Widowmaker, Bury Your Dead, The Convalescence, VCTMS, Filth, Dyscarnate, Kissing Candice, Falsifier, Obliterate, The Last Ten Seconds of Life, Panzerfaust

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – Pizza Show – Warren, MI
2018 – Detroit Metal Festival – Detroit, MI
2018 – My Home Your Hell Tour – Warren, MI
2017 – North American Totenritual – Detroit, MI
2017 – Bloodletting North America XI – Westland, MI
2017 – North America Under Attack – Detroit, MI

Music Placements if any (Movies, Commercials)
Fuzz & Malloy S02E02 “The Spooky Houseguest” – https://youtu.be/gzp4AuYTcHI

0 EPK – Category VI – Firecry (2023) (Moribund Records)

January 30, 2023
by Asher
· Category VI (Moribund Records) · EPKs

EPK – Category VI – Firecry (2023) (Moribund Records)

For fans of Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest, Dio, Mercyful Fate

Band: Category VI
Album Title: Firecry
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Label: Moribund Records
Distribution: Moribund Records

Facebook.com/CategoryVI | Instagram.com/categoryviofficial | Youtube.com/CategoryVImetal

Spotify | Categoryvi.bandcamp.com/

Follow Moribund Records: Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Spotify

“a promising band worth watching.” – Rock Hard (DE)

“the band, with their sound rooted firmly in the early 80s, play with real charisma.” – The Independent Voice

“a really nice slab of metal that should please fans of the old and new heavy and power metal genres.” – Metal Crypt –

“If you dig acts like Seven Kingdoms, Mindmaze, or Helion Prime, then I’d call this a no brainer although Category VI do separate themselves from their contemporaries with a more pugilistic edge, and a lethal injection of classic metal attitude which would call to mind Judas Priest or Mercyful Fate. Overall a solid record. You could do far worse than check this out. “ – The MetalCrypt

“So if you like your metal aggressive yet smooth, soulful while never failing to thrash, and resonating without sacrificing in that certain visceral punch, War is Hell is a must – an album that will appeal to the diehard fans of a forgotten generation of thrashers and headbangers, while bringing sufficient juice and sizzle to lure wayward fringe fans of the millennium and beyond. “ – Metalheads Forever

“This album, their second full length, is a power metal tour de force. Although I don’t think they sound like either band per say, they do give off a classic metal vibe like JUDAS PRIEST or MERCYFUL FATE. “ – Metal Temple

“Musically, Category VI are a storming True Metal band with no pretentions and no excuses made….Unlike the trend-driven sub-genres, the sound of Category VI is timeless and WAR IS HELL has already shown that they are ready to take it to the international stage.“ – Metal-Rules

Band: Category VI
Album Title: Firecry
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Label: Moribund Records
Distribution: Moribund Records

Track Listing:
1. Firecry – 6:10
2. Valkyrie – 6:05
3. The Vultures Never Came – 4:10
4. She Runs With Wolves – 4:12
5. Heavy is the Crown – 3:47
6. Coven – 4:52
7. The Cradle Will Fall – 4:53
8. Burning Bridges – 3:49
9. Barracuda (Heart) – 4:21
Album Length: 42:18

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Category VI
• All songs written by: Category VI
• Produced by: Category VI
• Mixed by: Category VI / Keith Jackman
• Mastered by: Keith Jackman
• Album Artwork by: Cover art by Ivan Radnic
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Amanda Marie Jackman: vocals
Geoff Waye: guitar
Keith Jackman: bass
Brian Downton: Additional drums
Jason Williams: session drums

Live Band Line Up:
Amanda Marie Jackman: vocals
Geoff Waye: guitar
Keith Jackman: bass
Brian Downton: drums

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

Describe the album as a whole:

Amanda: at its core, unapologetic. The concept of this album is about the burning of witches historically, but also, how we are still being “burned” after all of these years.

Describe each song track by track:

Amanda:
Firecry- The title track of the album, a fucking battle hymn. This song is about witch burnings, but conceptually, it’s about how being “different” is still causing us to be “burned” all of these years later.

Valkyrie- Is about sexism and misogyny and my own personal experiences with this. Being told to shut up my whole life backfired. LOL 🙂 It’s about sisterhood and banding together like a bunch of powerful Valkyries against the assholes in the world!

The Vultures never came- This song was written in memory of my friend, Jill Janus from the powerhouse band, Huntress. Jill sadly passed on a few years back, and I was lucky enough to get to know her before she died. I just really looked up to her, and was honoured that she was thinking about collabing with us on a track, but sadly this did not come into fruition. This song is an homage to her strength, mental illness is no joke and has taken so many bright souls. She deserved a good send off, and I think we delivered.

She Runs With Wolves- This song is about a woman who was beaten down so badly by society, she fled into the deep woods. One night she gets abducted by aliens and they befriend her by giving her shapeshifting powers: by turning into a man eating wolf!

Heavy Is the Crown: Persistence and resilience in the face of adversity to emerge as a leader. “Heavy is the crown but she wears it like a feather.”

Coven- Bassist Keith Jackman wrote this song, and is his first lyrical contribution 🙂 This song is about our band seducing people into our witch lair and all of a sudden it turns into an oven, we essentially want to eat you up!

Cradle Will Fall- This song is about a child witnessing their mother being abused and sadly their mother turns into their abuser. It’s also about the sad realization that this child is on their own, to fend for themselves, and having to grow up at a young age.

Burning Bridges- The term, “Burning Bridges” often has a negative connotation, however, sometimes we actually NEED to burn them the fuck down. Some friends don’t deserve access to us anymore, so I wrote this song about how I unapologetically stopped talking to certain female friends that turned out to be bullies.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. The band name explained…. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based on a hurricane’s sustained wind speed. There is (currently) no 6 in the scale, so we named it “Category VI” and envisioned that next level would be a huge firecane destroying everything in its path.

2. Bassist Kieth Jackman plays in an AC/DC tribute band in the role of Malcolm Young.

3. Guitarist Geoff Waye has two side projects: Triskelyon (melodic thrash) and Artach (epic black metal).

4. Vocalist Amanda Marie runs her own business – a Spa!

5. Geoff created “Metal Rules”…’nuff said!

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

Hailing from the misty shores of the northeast Avalon, Category VI formed in early 2010. The band brings something new to the local Newfoundland metal scene as they are the only female-fronted melodic metal band in the province! Category VI has performed live in St. John’s actively since 2010 with other local hard rock and metal bands as well as with touring bands Including NAIL and ANVIL and to date has released two full-length albums.

The band self-released their first full album “Fireborn“ in January 2014. The album received plenty of praise and great reviews on both the local and international levels. Two music videos (“Reborn“ and “Silence befalls the crowd“) were produced for the album. “Silence befalls the crowd“ has been released 4/28/2017 on the DVD “Kill For Metal Vol. I“, a compilation of videos of label-mates on the KILLER METAL RECORDS label. The band has performed regularly for over 7 years at many venues.

Not long after the release of “Fireborn“, CATEGORY VI signed to Killer Metal Records. The band spent most of 2015 writing and perfecting material for their second album “War is Hell”. Recordings for the album took place throughout 2016 and wrapped up in June 2016 at Redhouse Recording in St. John’s, NL. Album mixing was done in the summer/fall of 2016 and mastering was completed in early January 2017 by Lacquer Channel Mastering in Toronto, Ontario. “War is hell” has been released globally as of June 9, 2017. The album was nominated for hard album of the year for Music NL and was favourably reviewed by several press outlets.

The band played several shows in 2017-2018 until pausing to write the 3rd album. Then, without a permanent drummer, and with the pandemic, the band was in hibernation. The band has now emerged from the shadows with a new drummer and with the third album FIRECRY ready to be released in 2023 via Moribund Records.

Discography:
2014 – Fireborn
2017 – War is Hell
2023 – Firecry

Shared Stage with:
Anvil, Nail, Manacle, Emblem, Devastator, Winterhearth

0 EPK – Feed After Midnite – The Hunger (2023) (Feed On This Records)

January 28, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Feed After Midnite

EPK – Feed After Midnite – The Hunger (2023)

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

For fans of Deftones, Avenged Sevenfold, In Flames, KillSwitch Engage, Metallica

“We hope that listeners will appreciate our attention to groove and melody while still maintaining a level of heaviness. We create music that we enjoy so it’s validating when other people can relate to what we are doing musically. Each song stands on its own but leaves you with a hunger for more.” – Feed After Midnite

Feedaftermidnite.com | Facebook.com/FeedAfterMidnite | Instagram.com/feedaftermidniteband | Youtube.com/@feedaftermidnite/

Spotify | Apple Music | Feedaftermidnite.bandcamp.com | Amazon

Band: Feed After Midnite
EP Title: “The Hunger”
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Label: Feed On This Records
Distribution: DistroKid

Track Listing:
1. Shadows of the Night – 1:13
2. False Awakening – 4:02
3. Red Dead – 4:20
4. Ascending the Flames – 5:00
5. Book of the Fallen – 5:28
EP Length: 20:04

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Feed After Midnite
• All songs written by: Feed After Midnite
• Produced by: Feed After Midnite and Joe Lyko
• Mixed by: Joe Lyko
• Mastered by: Joe Lyko (Dark Moon Productions)
• EP Artwork by: Marc Bastien
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Dylan DeRepentigny – Bass
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Live Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

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

The EP as a whole:

Lyrically the songs on the EP don’t really connect to each other. “The Hunger” is a collection of different stories. Each song from tracks 2-5 can stand on its own as a single. Musically, we knew that we wanted an acoustic type intro thing to lead it in, like a horror or sci-fi movie then we move on to the business of groovy metal. Book of the Fallen was chosen to be the last track because of the fade out at the end of it. Overall the EP has a nice flow to it.

Track By Track:

Shadows of the Night:
This is an instrumental intro. This track features an eerie almost haunting acoustic guitar line which slowly builds into an epic almost cinematic sounding theme. The track finishes with a cymbal swell that leads nicely into the second track for a cool effect.

False Awakening:
Is based on the films The Matrix and John Carpenter’s They Live. It’s how life and society is ruled by the media and government and their narrative and we the people are tired of being controlled and lied to.

Musically “False Awakening” is the fastest most aggressive song on the EP. It starts off sounding old school Slayeresque but quickly shifts into a headbang inducing double bass groove.Just when you think you have heard the heaviest the song can get the breakdown kicks in mid song and takes it to another level. The song finishes off with the breakdown commanding us all to “disobey, it’s time to f*ck the system!”

Red Dead:
It’s about the choices we make in life and the outcome of choosing our paths. Not letting revenge take control sort a good and evil thing

Musically, this one starts off sounding like doom metal but quickly transforms into a catchy groove metal tune. The breakdown mid song goes back to the doom metal style then we get another dose of the catchy chorus before we are led out with a cool variation of the doomy riff.

Ascending the Flames:
Is all about your trip to hell and meeting the big red guy. There’s no escape from your life/crime/tyranny on the good people of earth

Musically, this one is all built on a catchy drum beat that persists throughout the tune. The chorus kicks in with a heavy lurching halftime feel that commands you to bob your head! The breakdown on this one mid song is pure metalcore gold, pounding double bass, tasty guitar work to match and it all climaxes in a beautifully executed drum fill to bring us back to the chorus one last time.

Book of the Fallen:
Influenced by the movies Dawn of the Dead/Evil Dead. Being fans of retro horror movies it was more of a fun song about controlling the undead/ But also that it’s not because something is written that it means its the truth

Musically, this one starts off with the sounds of the undead before a tasty halftime groove kicks in. This one takes you for a ride with unexpected stops, catchy verses and an even catchier chorus! The breakdown that comes mid-song is so tasty. Just as the song seems like it’s climaxing, it stops and you think it’s done but it comes back to the original groove but this time the deluxe version with zombies and piano and tasty stuff going on everywhere it is so damn satisfying you have to listen to it multiple times to soak it all in, we promise!

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts

1. We had our first show booked but didn’t have a band name yet and the promoter needed a name by the next day. During a break from practice, the band was trying to come up with a name with no luck, looking for inspiration, we looked through books on Marc’s bookshelf when we found a novel for the movie Gremlins, someone said “don’t feed them after midnight” and we all looked at each other, someone said what about the opposite, Feed after Midnight, we all agreed but decided to change it up a bit with the spelling of Midnite.

2. Marc, Denis and Yvon have been playing music together since 1998 and have played in different incarnations of the band until becoming Feed After Midnite.

3. In 2009, Marc, Denis and Yvon, produced an independent short horror film called Holyshit Zombies 2. The film was made on a shoestring budget and was filmed in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.

4. Guitarist Denis Bastien has a Gizmo figurine from his childhood that has always made its way on the top of his amp for every Feed After Midnite show.

L- R: Denis Bastien (Guitar), Sean Bolster (Drums), Yvon Gauthier (Vocals), Marc Bastien (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Feed After Midnite

Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Feed after Midnite was formed in March 2018. Longtime friends and band members Marc, Denis, and Yvon decided to submit a demo they did for a local Battle of the Bands contest and were chosen to play one of the shows. The problem was the guys didn’t really have a band, the song they submitted was only the 3 of them doing all the instruments and vocals. They recruited the singer from their previous band, Gunfighter Pedestrian, to be the vocalist and recruited Dylan DeRepentigny to be on Bass. The show was supposed to be a one-off, but the guys had such a blast doing it that they just said “let’s start a band”. Yvon(vocals) at the time was the band’s drummer and became the new vocalist as the other vocalist didn’t really fit the style and direction the band wanted to go. The band recruited Dominic Chaumont to be the new drummer.

They played their first show as Feed after Midnite in July 2018. From 2018 to late 2019, the band played a few shows in Ottawa and opened up for Buckcherry in July 2019. For a few months after, the band was mostly inactive, nothing was really going on. In late 2019, Marc, Denis, and Yvon began writing some new material when it was decided that it would be best to amicably part ways with Dominic. In January, the band placed an ad looking for a new drummer, and Sean Bolster answered the ad. Instantly the guys felt that Sean was a great fit and asked him to join the band that very first practice. Everything was going great, the band was set to enter the studio in April 2020, when the pandemic hit. The band decided to take the “time off” and really polish the new songs some more.

In the summer of 2020, the band entered the studio for the very first time, to record the songs Out of Time and Running Man. In the fall of 2020, both songs were released and received a positive reaction. Out of Time was picked up by Ottawa’s Rebel radio station and was on regular rotation for almost 2 years. The next single, Sweet Embrace, was released in late 2021. In March 2022, the band entered the studio to record their first EP. The recording was completed in late Summer of 2022 and was released on November 25 of that year. In August 2022, bassist Dylan decided to part ways with the band to go on to do some other project.

Feed After Midnite is:

EP Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Dylan DeRepentigny – Bass
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Live Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Discography:
2022 – The Hunger – EP
2021 – Sweet Embrace – Single
2020 – Running Man – Single
2020 – Out of Time – Single

Shared Stage with:
Buckcherry, Beasto Blanco, Eve of Uprise, Sinful Ways, Black Absinthe, Danny Van Sceney, As We Suffer, Vortex, Aeternam, Infrared, Rockin’ Engine, Echos from Beyond, Boxcar Cadavers, Wasting Time, This Disaster, Hempress, Cynical Sons

0 EPK – Lunar – The Illusionist (2023) (Saibot Reigns Records)

January 28, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Lunar

EPK – Lunar – The Illusionist (2023)

ft. members from Witherfall, Helion Prime, Planeswalker, Novareign, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Album Guests Jørgen Munkeby (Shining), Christian Münzner (Obscura), Andy Gillion (Mors Principium Est),
Taylor Washington (Paladin), Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse), Ben Karas (Thank You Scientist), Gleb Kanasevich, Patrick Corona

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

For fans of Opeth, Katatonia, Haken, Caligula’s Horse, Devin Townsend

Album title: “The Illusionist”
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Label: Saibot Reigns Records

“We are so excited to finally be able to present our new album, “The Illusionist,” to the world! This album has taken so many twists and turns for us. We started the process of writing and recording everything for this album in 2020 during lockdowns. Now, 3 years later, after so many different issues, it’s finally finished and released! Despite how difficult it was for us to finish this album, we couldn’t be more proud of it! This album has the best songwriting and production of any Lunar album to date. There is such a wide variety of sounds and influences, but also the album flows seamlessly from one song to another. And, once again, there is a huge list of amazing guest appearances from members of Obscura, Caligula’s Horse, Paladin, Emperor, Thank You Scientist and more!” – Alex Bosson – Lunar

Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | Twitter.com/LunarBandOffcl | YouTube.com/@lunarbandofficial

Lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“It’s really well done technically by a band that clearly cares about their music and can play.” – Rock The Joint Mag (The Illusionist 2023)

“If I had one word to describe this album, it would be this one: whirlwind… “The Illusionist” is an album that is living. From its jazzy highs to its heavy metal lows, this album is constantly on its toes, never repeating itself and never, ever growing complacent. A wonderful whirlwind indeed. 9/10” – Ever Metal

“I feel like Lunar has captured the balance between accessibility and technicality very well. I hear many of the same elements in their sound that, when employed well, make bands like Dream Theater, King Crimson, Voïvod and even Sigh so engaging. I love when an album comes out of nowhere (for me, anyway) and makes this much of an impression.” – The Metal Crypt

“As I said at the start, when I heard this album I was immediately grabbed by it. The story works nicely, it is very character based and features plenty of emotions which as a listener I certainly could relate to. The music is terrific with all the players putting in excellent performances and the instrumentation used in a clever way to match all that is going on with the lead character. There are moments of heavy prog as well as metal, but melody runs through the heart of it. The fact that some of the people in the band have never met or even been in the same room together is remarkable as it sounds like everyone was on the same hymn sheet and it doesn’t sound pieced together. That is a great credit to the writing, arranging as well as all the musicians doing their parts to the benefit of the whole piece. An absolutely delightful as well as enjoyable album.” – CGCM Rock Radio

“The concept is that there are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between. Styles on the album run the gambit from Progressive Metal with melodic vocals, to moments of Jazz, to cookie monster Thrash…. The musicianship is solid on all of the parts, with some excellent performances, notably vocalist Chandler Mogel… it does warrant checking out for Prog-Metal fans that like a mix of growler and melodic vocals.” – Metal Express Radio

“The Illusionist again is at the highest level of the progsphere, Bosson’s continuation of the Lunar name, honouring his co-founder and friend, through the medium of progressive metal, is an advantageous endeavour. 9/10” – Musipedia of Metal

“The disc is well produced and played very well, so anyone who wants to dive into tempo changes and virtuosity will find what they are looking for.” – Metal Shock

“It is a dynamic and inclusive variety of the form we get here, where gentle atmospheric laden sequences and vibrant, guitar driven passages with regular as well as a more alternative variety of progressive metal coexist quite nicely, with occasional flirts towards extreme metal as a part of the experience. The compositions are further fleshed out by the use of world music elements inside of a metal context, as a standalone feature, as elements of more dreamladen ambient tinged interludes as well as combined with passages with a bit more of a jazz orientation. The latter which is present also in a more standalone and elegant manner. Occasional use of orchestral textures is a part of the totality too, and the band aren’t afraid to hit a more energetic power metal run when needed either. The vocals are clean and melodic, with occasional use of growls but more for dramatic effect and less as a defining feature. A production to seek out, inclusive and dynamic progressive metal is a type of music you tend to enjoy.” – Progressor

“LUNAR present an impressive show with „The Illusionist“. In contrast to the album title, however, there are no illusions, but quite real musical art. Thereby LUNAR conjure all kinds of things out of the hat. Their magic consists of a collection of high-quality multi-faceted songs. Thereby they go mainly a hard way. But many fine passages, which are refined with classical instruments of all kinds, provide great experiences. Furthermore, exotic sounds additionally provide for an atmospherically deep and exciting work. Personally, I also noticed especially the excellent guitar work, which conjures up fantastic moments again and again. In its entirety, it is a work of art of all the musicians involved, who have created something magical here. I can’t see any weaknesses here.” – Metal-Heads.de

“This is a record that everyone must own. Every generation and every country should adore an album like this, as one like Theogony rarely makes itself known. If you like music and consider it art, this is a must.” – Prog-Sphere on “Theogony” #23 Best Albums of 2017

“The sophomore album from this Cali band is showing the band expanding their horizons in sound. The heavy parts are heavier, the lighter parts are even lighter and the proggier parts are even more insanely proggy *plus on the song, Surrender, there is a very cool nod to the final lasting riff in Opeth’s Deliverance to close out the track…don’t think I didn’t catch that!* With all of the guest appearances, fantastic production and just masterful songwriting, this is one of the strongest prog albums you will hear all year. Trust me!” – Heavy Debriefings on “Eidolon” #39 Best Albums of 2019

“Inspired by a tragedy that befell the project in the way of losing guitarist Ryan Erwin, drummer and songwriter Alex Bosson has put his emotions towards honing a release that is as beautiful as angry. Helping him in his vision are guest contributions from members of Haken, Leprous, Thank You Scientist, Fallujah, etc.” – Prog-Sphere on “Eidolon” #19 Best Albums of 2019

“The word “classic” gets tossed around a lot, but I honestly can’t think of a better word for Eidolon. From front to back and top to bottom, this album is both firmly rooted in death metal with a progressive bend while standing alone atop the mountain. It’s equally headbanging heavy and enthralling, music to get in the mosh pit and simply sit in awe of. This is required listening because there’s nothing else quite like it.” – Progarchy on “Eidolon”

“Like Theogony, Eidolon is another very impressive showcase of modern progressive metal. It’s technical, emotional, melodic, and aggressive and is just very well put-together overall.” – wimpsandposers.com

Best of AOTY:
Prog-Sphere: “Theogony” #23 best of 2017
Prog-Sphere: “Eidolon” #19 best of 2019
Heavy Debriefings: “Eidolon” #39 best of 2019
Wimpsandposers: “Eidolon” #20 best of 2019
2019 SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Nominee “Best Metal Band”

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: “The Illusionist”
Release Date: March 3, 2023
Label: Saibot Reigns Records

Track Listing:
1. Prestidigitation – 6:16
2. The Illusionist – 10:04
3. Showtime – 3:45
4. Worship The Sun – 5:23
5. Turn Off The World – 7:14
6. Disassembled – 5:53
7. Juggling Chainsaws – 7:30
8. For My Next Trick – 3:57
9 . Now You See Me – 8:39
Album Length: 58:46

Album Credits:
– Album Produced by: Alex Bosson
– Album Mixed by: Linus Coreliusson
– Album Mastered by: Jens Bogren
– Album artwork by: Travis Smith
– Album layout / design by: Brian Lewis
– Member of ASCAP

Recording Lineup:
Drums & Percussion – Alex Bosson
(Music – Track 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,9) (Lyrics – Track 2, 3, 5, 6,9)
Guitars – Balmore Lemus
(Music – Track 4) (Lyrics – Track 4, 7
Bass – Ryan Price (Music – Track 8)
Keyboards & Synthesizers – Alex Nasla
Lead Vocals – Chandler Mogel
Growl Vocals – Brian Lewis
Clarinet – Gleb Kanasevich (Track 1)
Saxophone – Patrick Corona (Track 2)
Flute & Saxophone – Jørgen Munkeby (Track 6)
Violin & Viola – Ben Karas (Track 9)
Additional Guitar Solo – Andy Gillion (Track 2)
Additional Guitar Solo – Taylor Washington (Track 3)
Additional Guitar Solo – Sam Vallen (Track 5)
Additional Guitar Solo – Christian Münzner (Track 7)

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

The album as a whole:
Lyrically this album tells the story of a magician that questions his entire life’s work. He’s spent his entire life devoting himself to his craft and now he questions if it was worth it. I think this is a concept many people can relate to, especially those of us that have careers in some kind of artistic field. We often question what we’re doing in life to pursue our dreams. Musically the album goes through many stages as the character does on this journey of himself. There are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between.

Track by Track:

1. “Prestidigitation” – this song is the most intense instrumental the band has ever done. It’s meant to set the stage for the variety of feelings you’re going to have throughout the show to come.

2. “The Illusionist” – the title track is meant to really introduce the character and tell us about who he is and what he does. Musically I think this helps us experience some of the constant changes of feelings about who he is and questioning himself.

3. “Showtime” – this song is the hype of him about to go out and perform, even when he doesn’t want to and what he has to do to make that happen. Musically I wanted something high-energy, so it’s a bit more power metal inspired.

4. “Worship The Sun” – this track has our title character questioning why people worship or look up to him, or any performer for what they do. Questioning not only himself but his fanbase. This song is very Egyptian sounding musically. This one was written by Balmore.

5. “Turn Off The World” – this song starts the character’s feelings of depression, just wanting the world to “turn off” and shut it all down. Musically I feel like this one is the most “accessible” to people as it has some more of the pop vibes throughout the progressive metal song. Definitely has a catchy chorus, in my opinion.

6. “Disassembled” – another song really diving into the depression feeling. Feeling life is falling apart, questioning every decision he’s ever made and why people have supported him in what he’s done. This song has some electronic kind of vibes. Very inspired by Lunatic Soul for this one.

7. “Juggling Chainsaws” – this song brings the character into feeling as if he’s completely lost control. Constantly trying to juggle the chainsaws of life and keep them all in the air without something terrible happening. It’s very chaotic, technical, and probably the proggiest and heaviest song of the album (maybe even the craziest song we’ve ever done). You can definitely hear the Dream Theater and Haken influence in this song.

8. “For My Next Trick” – another instrumental song. This one is very serene. Very centered around bass as a lot of this one was written by Ryan Price. A calm before and after the storm. After his mind has calmed down he has an idea for one last epic trick to pull and finally feels a sense of peace.

9. ”Now You See Me…” – the closing track to the album brings forward the idea of the previous track; our main character’s final trick. An epic show where he disappears forever. Did he perform this successfully or did he epically fail? Was he meant to disappear forever? Is he even still alive? Was he a master of his craft and this was his plan to disappear and know peace? Do we mourn him or celebrate him? The world may never know.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts

1. The album “Eidolon” was written by Alex about the grieving process of losing his friend and Lunar co-founder, Ryan Erwin.

2. The album cover art for “Theogony” and “Eidolon” were both painted by Alex’s father, Ed Bosson, along with the art used for the “Turn Off The World” lyric video.

3. On top of all the drums, percussion, and much of the songwriting, Alex played synth on one track on “Eidolon” and also played bass on one song from the debut “Provenance” EP.

4. Despite the fact that many of the members of Lunar have been with the band for years and have released multiple albums together, the core members have never all been in the same room together at the same time and many of them have never even met each other in person!

5. Once, during the days when “Theogony” was still being written, Alex and Ryan met Mikael Akerfeldt (from Opeth) and told him that they had kind of ripped him off with something they had written and his response was “that’s cool.”

Top – L- R – Ryan Price – Bass, Alex Nasla – Keyboards & Synthesizers, Chandler Mogel – Lead Vocals
Bottom – L – R – Alex Bosson – Drums & Percussion, Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals, Balmore Lemus – Guitars

Based out of Sacramento, CA, LUNAR is a progressive metal band formed in 2013 when longtime friends Alex Bosson (drums/percussion) and Ryan Erwin (guitar/vocals) decided to get together and write the style of music that was always in their hearts: genre-defiant and free of restrictive influence. After securing Danny Stevenson on Keyboards, the search continued for a full lineup… but to no avail. Rather than delay their progress, the trio decided to record and self-release their debut EP, PROVENANCE, in the Winter of 2014.

Shortly after the release of PROVENANCE, Danny parted ways with the group, while Bosson and Erwin began work on LUNAR’s debut full-length, THEOGONY – a concept album based on the nine Muses of Greek mythology. While reading about Melpomene, the Greek Muse of tragedy, Alex realized that the concepts that these nine Muses represent – subjects such as history, tragedy, music, love, etc. – are the backbone for most creative output in this world. In keeping with the progressive element of the band, he had the idea to spread the musical and lyrical diversity of these themes across an entire album: each of the nine tracks named after one of the Muses, the music and lyrics based around the theme that each specific Muse represents.

Once more unable to flesh out a suitably complete lineup as the writing progressed, Alex and Ryan decided to enlist contributions from other professional musicians around the world – initially a handful of guests laying down additional guitar solos. With the eventual additions of Ryan Price on bass and Chandler Mogel on vocals, a proper lineup for THEOGONY was set: and by the end of the recording process, 17 different musicians had participated – including members of Hatriot, Angel Vivaldi, Helion Prime, Berried Alive, and many more.

In the Summer of 2017, LUNAR signed on with Divebomb Records and in November of 2017, THEOGONY was released on CD. A logical step forward from PROVENANCE, the dynamically atmospheric hour-long journey of THEOGONY is sure to please fans of Porcupine Tree, Opeth, and Tool – to name but a few – with its lushly textured contrasts of beauty and aggression.

THEOGONY received numerous raving reviews even being called a “masterpiece” and “A record everyone must own. Every generation and every country should adore an album like this.” And even made #23 on Prog-Sphere’s Top albums of 2017.

In the Spring of 2018, Ryan Erwin unexpectedly passed away, leaving Alex unsure of what to do. After some time passed, he decided to persevere through the tragedy and continue on with LUNAR. Using the tragedy as inspiration, he began writing the next album, EIDOLON – another concept album based around the cycle of life and death and the stages of grief that the ones left behind feel. After writing all the music for the album, Alex enlisted their friend Balmore Lemus (NOVAREIGN) to handle tracking guitars for this album. And with Ryan Price and Chandler Mogel both returning again, the lineup for EIDOLON was set.

In keeping with the diversity that the guests brought to THEOGONY, Alex decided to continue with that idea. By the end of the recording, a total of 18 musicians contributed to EIDOLON – this time including members of Haken, Thank You Scientist, Fallujah, Leprous & Caligula’s Horse, to name a few.

EIDOLON is another journey of progressive metal at its finest, spanning 7 tracks and nearly an hour of material. Once again being released through Divebomb Records, EIDOLON is available as of November of 2019.

LUNAR are currently working on the follow-up to EIDOLON entitled THE ILLUSIONIST which is due out in early 2023.

Discography:
2023 – “The Illusionist”
2019 – “Eidolon”
2017 – “Theogony”
2014 – “Provenance” – EP

Alex Bosson – Endorses: Scorpion Sticks, Groove Juice Cleaners
Balmore Lemus – Endorses: Engl Amps

0 EPK – Hog Meets Frog – humANIMALization (Echotunes)

January 27, 2023
by Asher
· EPKs · Hog Meets Frog (Echotunes)

EPK – Hog Meets Frog – humANIMALization (Echotunes)

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

“The EP is a non-conceptual concept record under the motto of the title: ‘humANIMALization’.

And, as it happens, when the animal in the human awakens, then, for example, one turns into a bigot monkey and the other becomes an insecure piggy, one becomes a peeping control bear and the other becomes a greedy stock market bull.

Just this behavior – sometimes silly, monkey, or also clumsy, bearish – is told in the lyrics, as well as through the wide range of sound worlds and riffs. There it goes from the cheerful, funky ‘I’m about to pee’ slap sound to the broad, massive, ‘the world is so evil’ New Metal sound to fuzzy-bassy and distorted-guitary sound with a sip of kick-ass drums.

You can call it progressive if you want or metal funky or whatever you want… in the end it’s nothing less than HOG MEETS FROGs SQUEAQUACKmusic!!

I think that most people will first notice the cheerful, funny, sick side of HOG MEETS FROG. But a few will remove the mask and then let themselves fall into the deepest depths of the music and lyrics and see what thoughts lie dormant there: Stories that life writes.” – Peter ‘PETZ’ Schwabl – Hog Meets Frog

For fans of Primus, RHCP, System of a Down, TOOL, Frank Zappa

Band: Hog Meets Frog
EP Title: humANIMALization
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Label: Echotunes

Sales Links: Hogmeetsfrog.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“The quirkily name Hog Meets Frog are an Australian funk prog metal trio who released their third EP, humANIMALization, in February, and from which the equally odd Of Snakes ‘n’ Moles ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Dough, is taken. We’re getting strong Primus vibes here, and the band also admit to a Tool influence.” – Prog (Great new prog music in our Tracks of The Week – April 28, 2023)

“If you are a fan of the jerky, spiky, awkward sounds of Primus you’ll love this. I daresay if you enjoy a bit of early Red Hot Chili Peppers you may also dig this – certain parts of the record do have a sneak peek toward Frank Zappa and The Mothers Of Invention and The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown – not too obviously, but those sly, sideways little looks are there.” – Ever- Metal UK

“‘Does humor belong in music?’ was once a question that the late/great Frank Zappa asked – and Austrian funk-prog metallists apparently agree wholeheartedly, as evidenced within the video for their new tune, “Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping,” – Bravewords

“Many hard rockers like when it is funky. Then this cool act must not be overlooked! This unit is a tight bunch of players and they have catchy tunes, for sure… Well worth checking out for fans of crazy funky hard rock.” – Melodic.net

“There’s an element of uniqueness to how each of these songs are written, although you can’t deny the clear influence of say the Primus bass lines or Zappa-esc experimentation, yet it is within the niche, thematic storytelling that gives Hog Meets Frog a real musical identity. The way they can tell a story with humour yet allow you to consider the real and often times scary true circumstances behind where these stories originate is what gives this band their staple. Certainly one to look out for in the future, long live Sqeekquackmusic!” – Metal Epidemic

“On their latest EP, this Austrian band presents offbeat funk-metal with semi-spoken vocals that tell absurd stories about weird characters. There are all sorts of slap-happy bass parts you could imagine Les Claypool coming up with, insanely busy and leading the band. That’s Peter Schwabl on the bass, and he handles the “storytelling” vocals as well… HumANIMALization is 23 minutes of big fun” – Exposé Online

“If I had to draw a comparison for this band… it’d be Primus, heavy catchy, quirky and big bass guitar. Great stuff!” – Mosh Pit Radio 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

“One of the most creative and interesting bands I’ve heard in some time comes in the form of Austria’s Hog Meets Frog. The trio is extremely talented and unique.” – Transcending The Mundane

“They’re from Austria. One of the greatest song titles (Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping) I’ve ever heard. That’s all you’re getting. Press play and share the adventure” – Metallum Sub Terra

“If you love listening to the whimsical funky excursions of Les Claypool, and wouldn’t mind exploring similar landscapes that also include a bit more of a progressive metal approach and attitude, this EP will just about guarantee you an enjoyable experience.” – Progressor

“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 isn’t 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.” – Rock Magazine

“Overall – As chaotic as claimed, with quirky features, throughout, it’s fair to say that you never know where this is going to go, next. Trippy, outlandish and bizarre, it’s a wacky wonderland, all of its own… ‘HumANIMALIZATION’ can never be accused of being boring or predictable. Spicy and novel, in equal measure, it may appeal more to niche audiences. Hard to summarise easily, it’s a case of suck it and see.” – Rock Queen Reviews

“with all the wild antics they pull off in tracks with titles like snakes ‘n’ moles ‘n’ bulls ‘n’ dough, apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes and ZIGGY the unpigcorn, it all remains surprisingly easy to follow. Even the lyrics, which are all kind of inverted fables, with humans and the animalistic traits in their personalities. Weird? Absolutely. Wild? Certainly. But never just a gimmick, never a mess, in short, just a damn good album. Does Humor Belong In Music? Zappa once asked. Well, if the music is SQUEAQUACKmusic it is.” – Rock Portaal

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Hog Meets Frog

EP Title: humANIMALization
Release Date: February 24, 2023
Label: Echotunes

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

(ghost track to find – number 23. It is called ‘the rabbit’s cry’)

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: HOG MEETS FROG
• All songs written by: HOG MEETS FROG
• Produced by: Peter ‘PETZ’ Schwabl & Lukas Wiltschko
• Mixed by: Lukas Wiltschko (lwsonics.com)
• Mastered by: Lukas Wiltschko
• EP Artwork by: Attila Zsolt Tornyi (LaMañana, lamanana.net)

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

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

The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The EP is a non-conceptual concept album under the motto of the title: ‘humANIMALization’.

You can call it progressive if you want or metalfunky or whatever you want… in the end it’s nothing less than HOG MEETS FROGs SQUEAQUACKmusic!!The best approach to serious topics is fun.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Of Snakes ‘n’ Moles ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Dough (4:32)

The text tells of a friendship between a snake and a mole and a greedy bull who is addicted to the madness of money-making and wants to break up the friends to get more money himself. In the end, of course, friendship wins.

Starting with a stonerous riff the music then slides into a dry, narrative stomping and further into a spherical reverberant sound delirium, to finally once again – as already at the beginning of the song – get the stones and rocks rolling.

2. Peeping-Bear’s Exegesis of Not Peeping (5:10)

The reason for writing the story of the peeping bear was the intelligence services and control freaks of this world, starting with the NSA scandal up to the possibilities of digitally utilized psychometric tools used for influencing elections by corporations or rich power-hungry people and warmongers.

This and much more we have packed into the sleeve of the sympathetic voyeur bear, who on top of that smilingly believes that he is spying, spying, and eavesdropping on everyone with good reason and only with the best of intentions.

From the left, from the right, from above and underneath, there comes this funky oriental punch right in your ears that represents the toe-dancing voyeur-bear, who sympathetically elated but unerringly sneaks into your mind and makes you join in. This absurdly groovy riff – in all its variations – opens a brief window in the middle of the song to a ponderous 7/8 schizophrenia that provides a prime breeding ground for a guitar solo. When the window closes, the slap bass hand in hand with the drums and the guitar do their fat oriental play again, until the song takes freaky punky forms to finally end in a massive slow groove.

3. Apes Don’t Smoke Cigars – Just Pipes (4:47)

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 operating thumb like a glove. If I may quote myself at this point: ‘the pride of gods 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.’

4. Stuff(ed), Cage(d) & Enslave(d) (3:25)

“stuff(ed), cage(d) & enslave(d)” describes just three scenarios on which a part of humanity perpetuates itself in history.

Does it make sense? No! Would there be other ways? Yes!

Panda girls being caged in boxes, dolphin teenagers being stuffed into tuna cans, human children being enslaved on cocoa plantages and all this just to guarantee fun, tradition, and pleasure for a few people on this earth – and they never ever give a damn about where it comes from.

Does it make sense? No! Would there be other ways? Yes!

guided by a funky, slappy bass beaten off by the drums and licked by a weirdo guitar the voice tells the story in a sick way until the ‘three-nstruments’ in the back suddenly – just for a moment – jump forward and punch a distorted brute hole in the sound to immediately retreat right away again next to the voice, clear and distinct. But then, after some time, everything crosses over to a biohazard chorus – something that tells the listener what not to do what has been done very often for much with his mind too long while listening to it: “stuffed, caged & enslaved!”

5. ZIGGY The Unpigcorn (3:46)

Lyrically seen ‘ZIGGY the unpigcorn’ addresses a topic that many know, but very few are aware of the abysses that can open up: the beauty industry. First of all, I should say that I personally am not a fan of cosmetic surgery – except for medically necessary ones. Even though I realize that most of us have been the piggy at some point that doesn’t think of ourselves as beautiful or doesn’t have much confidence in ourselves. Body modification and cosmetic surgery are for some – often on an unconscious level – the obvious way to salvation, pushed by a billion-dollar industry and a society that has taught itself that appearance should have an enormously high status. I don’t want to overdramatize this, but I think that in the sense of making money, there is far too little education about what psychological trauma interventions like this can have. Many are then not even aware of where the new problems come from, because they seem to have fulfilled a dream. But well… we all know these dreams, from which one wakes up drenched in sweat and is glad that it was just a dream. After having surgery you can’t wake up anymore. This is probably the least homogeneous song on the record. Because at first it bounces seductively slap sound happily back and forth in front of the listener until it suddenly jumps uncompromisingly aggressively into one face, sucks itself there, and slaps and trashes and slaps and trashes and slaps and trashes, to then shortly after crawling through the ears into the skull and hit there from the inside with a new metal hammer against the skullcap until it goes through the ceiling… and this with a playful surprise every now and then and always with a little smile.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. HOG MEETS FROG play their music in honor of the holy spirit SQUEAUQACK. He created everything with just one fart and then fell into a deep sleep, on the edge of infinity. Maybe one day he will come back and – hand in hand with Kthulu (the misunderstood savior), the flying spaghetti monster, and some characters of the HOG MEETS FROG family – make the world a place of love, peace, and joy.

2. After a show, PETZ was asked by some fans if he wanted to drink liquor or whiskey with them or smoke a joint. PETZ thankfully declined, saying that he doesn’t drink or smoke, whereupon he was asked, “Really? And how do you get ideas like that without alcohol or drugs?”

3. HOG MEETS FROG seems to be funny… but it isn’t.

4. HOG MEETS FROGs music was defined as ‘avant-garde funk’.

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

Hog Meets Frog is nothing short of humorous and entertaining with its diverse, wacky music. They have a new EP “humANIMALization” coming out in February. A non-conceptual concept record, it explores offbeat stories about several intriguing animals including a bigot monkey, an insecure piggy, a peeping control bear, and a greedy stock market bull. Their high jinks are detailed through storytelling and interesting music that is cheerful, funky, fuzzy, and progressive. The band explains further:“Every person has his or her own world of experience, which we do not want to give a framework. Everyone should see in the album what he or she sees in it. It is always a nice compliment when people tell us that they had fun listening to our music. Because we also want to convey fun. We are also happy when people not only see the music or the obvious sides of the stories, but also go through the looking glass to look for the deeper meaning behind it, which can be found in almost every number. In any case, interpretations are not only allowed but encouraged. For those who want to know what we were thinking, we are happy to talk about it.”“humANIMALization” is the third EP from Hog Meets Frog, two of the tracks including this single were released previously, but itching to have another physical offering, they gathered five cohesive songs that offer metaphors into current events and provide commentary on social systems in place, in this case, the NSA scandal.

Influenced by a range of genres including progressive metal, death metal, funk, and world music, Hog Meets Frog is only defined by itself and is unexpectedly contagious. They are recommended for fans of 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

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

Discography:
2023 – humANIMALization (EP)
2019 – apes don’t smoke cigars – just pipes (single)
2018 – peeping-bear’s exegesis of not peeping (single)
2012 – holy spirit SQUEAQUACK (LP)
2006 – RUN tha FREAKS (multimedia single)
2004 – FREAKY RITES (EP)
2003 – infernal promotion (EP)

0 EPK – Chasm of Discord – Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence (2022) (Blood Blast Distribution)

January 20, 2023
by Asher
· Chasm of Discord · EPKs

EPK – Chasm of Discord – Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence (2022) (Blood Blast Distribution)

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

For fans of Necrophagist, Cannibal Corpse, Hypocrisy, The Faceless, Into Eternity

Album Title: Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence
Release Date: November 4, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Blood Blast Distribution

“We hope the listeners can grasp the sense of urgency and headbanging stomp of the tracks. Death metal can still be brutal, technical, and catchy at the same time.” – Chasm

Shreded1.wixsite.com/chasm-of-discord | Facebook.com/people/Chasm-of-Discord/100076383739368/ | YouTube | Instagram.com/chasmofdiscordband

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon| Chasmofdiscord.bandcamp.com

Album Title: Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence
Release Date: November 4, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Blood Blast Distribution

Track Listing:
1. Feeding the Machine (3:02)
2. Monolith of Deceit (3:18)
3. Cremation (3:35)
4. Deny the Light (4:08)
5. Identified Singularity (3:40)
6. Living Envy the Dead (5:19)
7. Disparaging Revelations (3:54)
8. Insidious (4:35)
9. Anatomic Abomination (4:06)
10. Where the Body Lies (3:25)
11. Formless Being (5:21)
Album Length 44:30

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Chasm of Discord
• All songs written by: Matt Miller
• Produced by: Matt Miller
• Mixed by: Matt Miller and Tony Reviere
• Mastered by: Jamie King
• Album Artwork by: Handrot Art

Line Up:
Marco “Lord Marco” Pitruzzella (Drums)
Tony Reviere (Vocals)
Matt Miller (All Guitars and Bass)

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

The album as a whole:

Darkness and violence are the main themes of Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence. Not unlike a horror movie that is filled with psychological terror.

Track by Track:

1. Feeding the Machine
Feeding the Machine lyrically matches the musical assault of the instruments. We chose it as a single because it was relentless and made a bold statement. The lyrical content is about a mindset of crushing your enemies.

2. Monolith of Deceit
The lyrics are about the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming and how for centuries it has been the center of many conspiracy theories from aliens to gods. Musically the song has a crushing rhythmical feel while also having a very melodic and somewhat uplifting guitar melody.

3. Cremation
Cremation is straight to the point. It is about the internment of human remains after death. Truly from ashes to ashes. The song has melodic parts coupled with scorching drums and face melting guitar solo.

4. Deny the Light
Written about multiple personalities fighting for control. The music has a frantic feel with sections that play like a monologue between the personalities.

5. Identified Singularity
The lyrics represent the need for humans to find a new planet to inhabit as we are currently destroying the planet we live on. The lyrics are about traveling through a black hole. Musically the song has a strong neoclassical influence.

6. Living Envy the Dead
Lyrically this song is about getting revenge. In gruesome and glorious detail. Musically the song is telling a story. The drum intro sets the tone that this song is going to take you somewhere.

7. Disparaging Revelations
The lyrical content is about enhanced interrogation techniques and the psychological effects on all parties involved. Musically the song has an air of desperation about it.

8. Insidious
The initial idea for Insidious came from a trip to the hospital to visit a family member who had brain surgery to stop an aggressive form of cancer. The lyrics are a fist hand account of the tribulation of such a disease. The music equally represents the brutality that is cancer.

9. Anatomic Abomination
This song is about a genetically altered human that decides it has had enough of living and is now unleashing its hate upon the world. Similar to the Frankenstein monster. Musically the song is disjointed just like a monster. Almost like 2 different songs in one when the violin break starts playing.

10. Where the Body Lies
This song is about vigilante justice. There are many people who feel that the law does not do enough to punish criminals. Musically this song is full of technical playing while still retaining hooks.

11. Formless Being
This song’s lyrical content is truly about nothing and the message is how the fear unknown has such an influence over our lives. The end of the song has a very operatic and symphonic quality to it. Full of hooks as well as call and response between the guitar and vocal.

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

Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. Many songs had been demoed for a few years and some were initially considered to be recorded as instrumentals.

2. The album was recorded in a living room during the peak of the Covid pandemic. Most of the critical listening was done in the kitchen.

3. The album was going to be released under a different band name. The name Chasm of Discord came from the Simpsons’ character Reverend Lovejoy. Who is named after a street in Portland Oregon not too far from where the band lives.

4. Tony and Matt had worked on the OSDM cover album Reekomposer before tracking the vocals for Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence.

5. A different engineer was supposed to master the album but fortunately Jamie King was available.

6. Marco “Lord Marco” Pitruzzella has recorded over 500 songs with various artists.

7. Matt Miller also releases instrumental music.

8. Tony Reviere is a competitive bicyclist winning and qualifying for many Mountain Bike races.

L-R – Marco “Lord Marco” Pitruzzella (Drums), Tony Reviere (Vocals), Matt Miller (All Guitars and Bass)
Photo by Anthony Reviere

Hailing from the depths of the Pacific Northwest Chasm of Discord was formed in 2021 when metal shred guitarist Matt Miller was looking for members to help with a new death metal project he had been working on. After recording guitars, and bass, and programming the drums for the full-length album he felt that the drums were not going to do justice to the project and that’s when he recruited Marco “Lord Marco” Pitruzzella who has been featured on countless records including records from Vornagar, Six Feet Under, Rings of Saturn, and Sleep Terror just to name a few to fill the percussion duties. All that was left was to find the right vocals for the album, and that’s when vocalist Tony Reviere from the Portland, Oregon death metal act Spawn stepped in with his brutal OSDM style of vocals to complete the lineup. Tony was also featured on Matt Miller’s death metal cover album “Reekomposer”. With the lineup complete, Chasm of Discord finished the final touches on their debut album “Admonisihg the Dawn of Reverence”, and have plans to release the record sometime in 2022. Chasm of Discord’s new album is a masterclass in extreme metal. A perfect mix of old-school death metal with a touch of tech-death and melodic passages sure to melt the ears.

Discography:
2022 – Admonishing the Dawn of Reverence

Artist Endorsements:
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0 EPK – Apollo – A Divine Comedy (2023)

January 12, 2023
by Asher
· Apollo · EPKs

EPK – Apollo – A Divine Comedy (2023)

Publicist – Jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“This EP has been in the works for a long time, and I could not be happier with the result. I ended up collaborating with a few new friends, and together, we achieved an impressive piece of work that really feels like art. I’m satisfied we told the story I set out to tell, and it’s expressive not only Dante’s journey, but the journey we all find ourselves on at one time or another; having to fight like Hell and make it out the other side. This EP is for those who have ever doubted themselves, have fallen apart to the demons in their head, felt like giving up, and needed guidance. Don’t give up. Keep fighting. Keep climbing. Trust the ones who stick by your side. Eventually, you’ll find your path.” – Kyle

“I think Kyle has had this EP in the works for the past 8 years, if I’m not mistaken, bringing me on to write lyrics as long as 3 years ago. The more I wrote, the more attached I grew to the vocals that would eventually be put down on this EP. The level of quality and the tones these tracks demanded forced me far outside my comfort zone, having to learn entirely new vocal techniques to do it justice. In the end, this EP is a comprehensive death metal opera, an epic that will hopefully give the listener the same growth and cathartic experience we had while writing it. Every single choice, every note, and vocal take was absolutely deliberate and meant to evoke a specific response. Throughout the journey, the listener will be presented with soaring melodic solos, sombre but beautiful keys that guide the self to introspection, crushingly heavy 8-string guitars, pounding drums, and vocals that dance with the music like a soliloquy to an audience of one”. – Adrian

For fans of Slice the Cake, Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, Spiritbox, Rivers of Nihil

Band Name: Apollo
EP Title: A Divine Comedy
Release Date: January 27th, 2023
Label: Self-Release

Apexaudio.ca | Facebook.com/ApolloMusicCanada | Instagram.com/apollomusiccanada | YouTube | Spotify

Track Listing:
I: Dark Woods – 3:59
II: Abandon All Hope – 6:19
III: Interlude – 1:19
IV: Deeper, Darker – 6:22
V: Ascendance – 6:56
EP Length: 24:56

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Kyle Prusky, Adrian Parcioaga
• All songs written by: Kyle Prusky, Adrian Parcioaga
• Produced by: Kyle Prusky, Adrian Parcioaga
• Mixed by: Kyle Prusky
• Mastered by: Kyle Prusky
• EP Artwork by: Adrian Parcioaga

EP Band Lineup:
Kyle Prusky – Guitars, Bass
Adrian Parcioaga – Vocals
Alex Rudinger – Programmed Drums
Layne Murdoch – Solo Guitar (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4)
Lucas de la Rosa – Keys (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4)

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The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

MUSICALLY – I would describe this EP as a journey that has its ups and downs. You feel the weight of what Dante is going through; the aggression, uncertainty, unknown, and mystery. Don’t forget an unrelenting progression that crescendos into epic highs, straight down to epic lows. – Kyle

LYRICALLY – Like several other concept records I’ve had the honour of taking part in, I tried to take a story (in this case an existing one), build out a journey, and infuse it with personal reflection in the process. It’s almost impossible to write agnostically, that is to say without letting your own ideals spill over into the material. As a result, the chronicles of Dante and the obstacles he faces should end up feeling more relatable, even with all the elevated language mimicking the original prose throughout. Here is a man who has lost and seeks to regain, but in the process he must dive further and further into madness, fear, grotesque dread, and the suffering of mankind others may be (or choose to be) blind to, and at the end, he must come out a changed person. This is the basis of any good character development and a process we undertake invisibly most of the time in our lives. Dante descends into Hell on a quest to bring back his late beloved along with his guide, Virgil. Along the way, he learns he must travel through all the rings of Hell and face the original evil in Lucifer himself. He bears witness to tragedies beyond comprehension and must consistently turn his head from the horrors or sheds tears for the doomed souls within. There are several stages at which he feels hopeless, that he is unable to continue and must turn back, but comes to the realization that the only way out is through. So he ventures on through the darkest depths and faces the terrors within and without before he is allowed to ascend into the light. – Adrian

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

MUSICALLY – I: Dark Woods. Begins with Dante waking up in the woods, not sure how he got there or where to go. I wanted to start the EP just as innocently and slowly as his journey started, adding one more element to the tapestry at a time. The track then transitions into their descent into hell, appropriately titled II: Abandon All Hope. This track is where things start to kick off. Dante is experiencing life in Limbo and the first few rings of Hell. I wanted this track to sound just as overwhelming, daunting at times, and chaotic so that people can feel the effects of the journey ahead. III: Interlude is a brief pause as Dante leans on the safety of his guide Virgil, still aware that there is a long journey ahead. Listeners should anticipate that the Interlude is but a short reprieve until we get back into the swing of things. It’s a track both beautiful, and unnerving. IV: Deeper, Darker is where we start to get into the harsh realities of this journey through Hell and all the stress endured. We start off with a symphony of guitars that make up the voices of demons and suddenly enter into a jarringly heavy passage. Up and down we go all track long, finding short moments of clarity in an otherwise surreal journey. V: Ascendance. This track is heavy riff, after heavy riff, after heavy riff. I wanted to feel Dante’s struggle to stay the course and make it out of Hell. I’ve always joked that this song is “riff city” – Kyle

LYRICALLY –

I: Dark Woods: Dante wakes in a dark forest, confused. The lyrics in this song aim to address the paranoia and uncertainty he feels confronted with this new and terrible quest laid out for him. He is unsure of his path, uncomfortable of his surroundings, and slowly thrust into a whirlwind of hellish visions. The language used is very direct and statement oriented, it is taking stock of the environment and path ahead and gives us a direct insight into Dante’s state of mind. He describes very deliberately his emotions, hopes, and fears. He yearns for the light which he has been exiled from, the sweet ecstasy of the world he has departed, and begins a descent into despair. It is only a taste of the things to come, and serves as a sort of monologue like one would find at the beginning of a play.

II: Abandon All Hope: Here, the journey begins in earnest, Dante is urged to turn back or abandon all hope if he enters Hell itself. The lyrics try to communicate a feeling of disgust and horror at these initial rings of Hell, closely following Dante’s own reactions. The heroes venture on through rings of screaming corpses whose voices get swept up by the wind and echo endlessly, toiling in agony forever, and reach the river Styx which serves as a passage for the damned further in. The legendary Charon ferries them across to a land of men who worshipped false idols, on which I provide some commentary that time had betrayed them since some had come before it was determined Christianity was to be the true religion, and as such, they are punished for sins unknown and unwillingly committed. Across the various next chapters, Dante and Virgil come across lustful lovers, adulterers, and those who wasted their lives, each ring offering carefully curated and increasingly torturous punishments.

Interlude – no lyrics

IV: Deeper; Darker: The initial shock of Hell has worn off somewhat by this point and we focus on Dante’s condemnation of the sinners within throughout this song and an increased panic that sets in as the heroes are chased further down to the very center of Hell. First, they come upon another set of dark and twisted trees, where screams of anguish once again appear to sit upon the very air surrounding them, only to learn these sinners have been turned into the living trees they walk amongst, blood seeping from broken branches and Harpies sent to feast upon them a la Prometheus’ famous punishment. Further on, another river, where souls that profaned divinity are set to burn tantalizingly out of reach of the water that would end their misery. Another circle down, ten pits of frauds and cheaters writhing in excrement and filth, constantly whipped, as well a blackened pit where souls desperately climb the walls only to be cut by waiting demons and cast down into the fires below. Dante muses on the sufferings he sees, gazing and judging through philosophical eyes, accepting what some souls have done and lamenting what others have wrought. At the end, they reach the climax of their descent, the very center of Hell.

V: Ascendance: For the final track, I wanted to invoke a sense of awe and admiration amidst the fear and dread. It is the most egregious and terrible sight that Dante has ever witnessed, the most loathsome of visions, the true form of Lucifer himself towering over his domain, inspiring nightmares of terrible proportions and bending the minds of the weak to madness. In this incomprehensible horror, however, I believe there is an admiration for the pure scale of it all in Dante. How can one gaze at something so profoundly terrifying and not be amazed at it in spite of one’s fear? As a result, the lyrics tend towards statements and descriptions that beggar belief, inspiring incredulity, and demanding worship. As the heroes climb up on the very back of the multi-headed beast that is the Lord of Darkness, they finally make their ascent out of Hell and, once reaching the surface, gaze up at the stars with fresh eyes and newfound appreciation. – Adrian

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. I had surgery on my chest a while back. I had this EP 100% written and planned out, and then suddenly I couldn’t play guitar for months to recover! When I finally felt able… recording this EP become a part of my physical therapy. It meant a lot to me to finally be able to play guitar well enough to get this thing done. – Kyle

2. Adrian and I have been working together for many years now, in multiple projects and multiple bands. I actually don’t know what I would do without him. He has become an integral part of my creative process and it’s awesome to have a brother in music! – Kyle

3. Almost every single song I have done with Kyle for Apollo preceding this EP had an entirely different tone and vibe, and this EP ended up being more varied than ever before! I’d never done most of these vocal techniques prior to tracking this work and Kyle is always very open to my experimentation, which I cannot thank him for enough. The trust we share is something very dear to me and allows me to grow as a musician in every way possible, I wouldn’t be who I am without him. – Adrian

4. The vocals on this EP were re-tracked probably 7 or 8 times per song over the course of 2 years, it was an absolute product of love, passion, and hard work. – Adrian

L-R – Kyle Prusky (Guitars, Bass), Adrian Parcioaga (Vocals)

Apollo features a clever combination of beautiful melodies and earth-shattering dissonance that culminates into a powerful and unique display of metal.

Apollo is the solo side project of one Kyle Prusky who brought in the expertise of Adrian Parcioaga to create an enthusiastic, heavy, and memorable concept EP revolving around the classic story of Dante and his descent into hell. “A Divine Comedy” takes the listener on a cathartic journey through breakdowns, growls, and aggressive riffs. Prusky shares his thoughts on the release:

“This EP has been in the works for a long time, and I could not be happier with the result. This EP is for those who have ever doubted themselves, have fallen apart to the demons in their head, felt like giving up, and needed guidance. Don’t give up. Keep fighting. Keep climbing. Trust the ones who stick by your side. Eventually, you’ll find your path. Every single choice, every note, and vocal take was absolutely deliberate and meant to evoke a specific response. Throughout the journey, the listener will be presented with soaring melodic solos, somber but beautiful keys that guide the self to introspection, crushingly heavy 8-string guitars, pounding drums, and vocals that dance with the music like a soliloquy to an audience of one.”

The concept record contains 5 tracks, each one a chapter following Dante’s descent into hell. It is a journey that has its ups and downs; you feel the weight of what Dante is going through; the aggression, uncertainty, unknown, and mystery. Don’t forget an unrelenting progression that crescendos into epic highs, straight down to epic lows.

According to Parcioaga “A Divine Comedy” is a progressive death metal opera, unabashedly dynamic and ever-shifting; and Apollo is an expression and extension of whatever comes to Kyle Prusky’s brilliant mind, regardless of genre. The EP was produced, mixed, and mastered by Prusky, with assistance from Parcioaga who also did the cover artwork. It is recommended for fans of Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, and Spiritbox.

“A Divine Comedy” is due out on January 27, 2023.

Discography:
2022 – Sundowning (single)
2022 – Clarity (single)
2021 – Self-Indulgence (single)
2021 – pitygang (single)
2020 – Murderous (single)
2020 – Swarm (single)
2020 – WMD (single)
2020 – Blunt Force Trauma (single)
2015 – Peace & Quiet EP

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