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Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Scattered Storm – In This Dying Sun (2022)

  • October 6, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Scattered Storm

Scattered Storm – In This Dying Sun (2022)

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

EP Title: In This Dying Sun
Release Date: November 11, 2022
Label: Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital)
Distribution: Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital)

“In This Dying Sun shows a certain evolution from our previous effort. We still implement a lot of our core elements which are ambience, groove and melodies, but with this record, we felt the need to explore faster tempos with machine gun-like riffs. This allowed us to expand on subjects and textures from before. We never lost track of the bigness, especially with Tue Madsen mixing this record. In our talks, I really emphasized that to him, even though songs are faster, we still want them to sound huge. And boy did he deliver. Sonically this record has been the best one. Tue Madsen also mastered it. He was even kind enough to feature our single In This Dying Sun for his drum sample pack through Drum Forge because he really dug the song. We also brought in our new bass player Brian Fausnaugh full fold. He had recorded previously with us in some songs, so It was a no-brainer. Lyrically we still draw from books, movies, series, and whatever draws our attention. For this EP, Andre and I (jay) collaborated closer and wrote more together while the recording process was taking place. The band continues to evolve and In This Dying Sun showcases that.” – Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples – Scattered Storm

For fans of Fear Factory, Gojira, Messuggah, TesseracT

Facebook.com/scatteredstormband | Instagram.com/scatt_storm | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music
Linktree – https://linktr.ee/scatteredstorm

“Scattered Storm’s second offering delivers an eclectic mix blending various elements of Heavy Metal and Prog. Andre Accosta delivers a very good vocal performance with a multitude of ranges and dynamics to fit the mood of each song. Kevin Armstrong’s guitar style builds a foundation that is well-balanced with the bass and drums. The band is tight with the tempo changes and does a very nice job with the keys, adding an atmospheric and dark ambiance feeling to the songs.” – Metal Express Radio

“9/10 for a record that absolutely repays multiple listens, such is its depth and complexity… ” – Ever-Metal

“In This Dying Sun is one of those EP’s that has a wide array of appeal to those into groove-heavy, progressive, or alternative/industrial-like metal. Scattered Storm fits their band moniker adequately, a quartet poised to make headway in the current marketplace.” – Dead Rhetoric

“There is little doubt that these new cuts are darker and more personal than the first record while there is also a little more bark and bite as if the shackles are off this time around. “Hollow” offers beauty in clean vocals and twisted melodies while Kevin Armstrong’s riffs keep up the energy levels but it’s the stuccato riff breaks of title track “In This Dying Sun” that ignite the fires. Punching like Prong with its tight rhythms, the clean vocals cut against the grain offering a decent balance between melodic and heavy with Accosta having some moments eerily reminiscent of the much missed Matt Holt of Nothingface. That continues into “Seen” before the spine juddering riffs and unclean roar take hold like a designer drug fueled rage in bombastic style. Where Scattered Storm go from here is going to be intriguing given the waves of turbulence and  eccletic violence found here” – Metal Noise

“Quartet Scattered Storm from Texan city El Paso plays Prog Metal for the hard-shelled souls. Their second EP „In This Dying Sun“ is an elegant sword dance between brachial Death Thrash, eloquent Prog and melodic Alternative Metal. One might need more than two ears for this EP, but it is worth it.” – Mangowave Music Magazine

Their music is dark and futuristic with plenty of ambience to balance the heavy.” – New Noise Magazine  (2021 – Oblivion)

“Chugging guitars, punishing drums, brutal, throat throttling vocals… Yep, it’s all here and a lot more with the latest music video for “Necronomicon” from Scattered Storm. Reminding you of what live music used to be all about, the band torches the room in this electric performance video, as an eager audience beholds the musical greatness that is this Texas supergroup.” – V13  (2021 – Oblivion)

“Their sound has been compared to the likes of Fear Factory, Gojira, Messuggah & TesseracT, & their new single, ‘Kingslayer” definitely would fit in the realm of HEAVINESS.” – KLAQ 95.5 FM (El Paso, TX) (2021 – Oblivion)

On their Oblivion EP, Scattered Storm give stomping grooves and bouncy breakdowns a cinematic flair, as electronics and orchestration add dimensions to their sound. Whether it’s the “2001: A Space Odyssey”-inspired ambient outro to “Kingslayer” or the mournful closing ballad “Scattered Storm,” the band doesn’t hesitate to offer different sides to their music, which is a commendable trait for a band in their infancy.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (EP Review 2021 – Oblivion)

““Kingslayer” was chosen as the preceding single and it’s easy to see why as in one single cut, it envelopes the bands sound as a whole, the Stanley Kubrick inspired space like ending being a piece of ambient bliss.” – Metal Noise (EP Review 2021 – Oblivion)

“The band runs through a number of different styles here, from elements of the djent orientation to thrash metal tinged escapades, ambient music as well as majestic gliding synth creations, classic era progressive metal and electronic metal also finds their way on to this EP. The vocal style mainly alternates between clean melodic vocals and a raspier, aggressive one that has something of a hardcore touch to it. That the songs are dynamic is perhaps a detail that should be obvious. An EP for those who like their metal varied, eclectic and probably progressive in nature.” – The Viking In The Wilderness (EP Review 2021 – Oblivion)

“Scattered Storm has produced an EP with ‘Oblivion’ that continues to fascinate. You never really know what’s coming. It can be very strong, especially with the groove in the whole sound and you can also hear that the band dares to experiment.” – Metal Experience (EP Review 2021 – Oblivion)

“The band’s sound taps into groove metal and earlier djent, more Meshuggah than Periphery, while also echoing nu metal on occasion.” – The Progressive Subway (EP Review 2021 – Oblivion)

“From the beginning, there was a very clear understanding of every detail they wanted to incorporate. From the very tuning of the 7 and 8 string guitars and the very specific tonality, they produce the ambience provided by the keyboards to layers and layers of vocals to really convey Acosta’s sound. This is all finished off with the main focus, that catchy riff and rhythm to have the songs stay on people’s minds and headbanging of course.” Hard Rock Heavy Metal (EP Review 2021 – Oblivion)

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: In This Dying Sun
Release Date: November 11, 2022
Label: Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital)
Distribution: Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital)

Track Listing:
1. Bloody Love – 4:44
2. The Process – 3:49
3. Hollow – 4:16
4. In this Dying Sun – 3:42
5. Seen – 4:49
EP Length: 21:12

EP Recording Credits: Jay Arriaga and Kevin Armstrong
• All songs performed by: Scattered Storm
• All songs written by: Jay Arriaga and Kevin Armstrong
• Produced by: Jay Arriaga and Kevin Armstrong
• Mixed by: Tue Madsen
• Mastered by: Tue Madsen
• Album Artwork by: Marco Pimentel
• Member of ASCAP

Recording and Live Band Line Up:
Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples
Kevin Armstrong – Guitar
Brian Fausnaugh – Bass
Andre Accosta – Vocals

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

In This Dying Sun takes off from where Oblivion left off, but it felt even more darker and proggy. It still has the hooks but the vocals have evolved more and synths took a back step for more guitar work. Some of the songs are faster-paced as well giving it a more driving force.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

1. Bloody Love. Bloody Love deals with toxic relationships in a nutshell. How we sometimes succumb to the other party and let ourselves go even if it’s destroying us inside. The music emulates the brutal emotional aspects going through our heads. The ending is the culmination of that torture by being like an addict and asking for more of that painful love.

2. The Process. Talks about our evolution as human beings and how the systematic process imposed by our daily routines has left us empty, slaving into the future with no sense of self. Basically just being cattle being pulled from one end to the other and not having a say about it. Ultimately trying to break free and set the process on fire.

3. Hollow. This song talks about the process of putting yourself back together after being broken to the core.  Pretty much burying a dead feeling, love or anything that causes us so much pain by being there and burying yourself to try and come out of it ultimately feeling more empty than before with no purpose. Ultimately winning the battle of forgetting but coming out of it almost drained.

4. In This Dying Sun. This pretty much talks about our dying planet. Or even a dying galaxy. Which resonates deeply with what have we been doing to our planet for so long and the consequences of that. Death, decay, nothing good coming out of it really. In the absence of light, there is only darkness. The song is fast and precise almost Fear Factorish-like, but it simulates a fast and imploding galaxy.

5. Seen. This was a very complex song to write vocals to. Because it has many changes. Many ups and downs. Overall it is a very dark song. Its slow riffs and rhythms make it feel like you are in Darth Vader’s home. We used a lot Star Wars references on this song. Yoda’s teachings. The evolution of being good but then going to a dark place. Fear is the path we yell. As in Fear leads to anger, anger leads to pain, pain leads to suffering. All indications that you are pretty much heading to a dark place.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1.- We are always the band that sounds different on live shows. Everyone is blasting away fast and we are slow, dark demons bringing that contrast to shows. Fans seem to notice that a lot.

2.- We all got Covid on our Mexico Tour after not getting it the whole pandemic. It took just one guy on the tour bus!

3. Brian our current bass payer had recorded on Oblivion as well. He only recorded bass on Bloody Love for this album not even being in the band. He joined afterward.

L- R – Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples, Andre Accosta – Vocals, Kevin Armstrong – Guitar, Brian Fausnaugh – Bass

Scattered Storm is an El Paso, Texas-based metal band which formed three years ago with the collaboration between Jay Arriaga (drums) from No Life on Earth, Years of Cold, and Kevin Armstrong (guitar) from Mondoshawan, Section 6. From there Andre Acosta from Pissing Razors, Hereafter the Wave and current No Life on Earth frontman joined the ranks on vocals. Having recorded a couple of songs on Bass for both Oblivion and In This Dying Sun, Brian Fausnaugh (Random Allusion, Limerance) finally joined the ranks full time replacing Eddie Garcia on bass. Scattered Storm recorded In This Dying Sun in 2021 at Javier’s Studio Empty Paradise Studios for its release on November 11th, 2022 via Blood Blast Distribution to follow their 2021 debut EP “Oblivion”.

Recording and Live Band Line Up:
Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples
Kevin Armstrong – Guitar
Brian Fausnaugh – Bass
Andre Accosta – Vocals

Discography:
2021 – Oblivion
2022 – In This Dying Sun

Shared stage with:
Psycroptic, Cavalera Conspiracy, Cephalic Carnage, Fallujah, The Cognitive, Interloper, Healing Music, Flotsam and Jetsam, The Lesser Care, MOndoshawan, Brbarian

Tours and Festivals:
2022 Dessert Hell Tourin Mexico

Past Charts:
Oblivion Charted #145 in Itunes 200 Metal Chart

 

0 EPK – Along the Lines – Our Dear Finale (2022)

  • September 29, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · Along The Lines · EPKs

EPK – Along the Lines – Our Dear Finale (2022)

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

Band: Along the Lines
EP Title: Our Dear Finale
Release Date: October 8, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Self-Release

For Fans of Ice Nine Kills, Famous Last Words , Beartooth , Bring me the Horizon, 
Attack Attack!

“We are absolutely stoked to finally release something we have been holding back this whole pandemic. We started in 2019 and have been working hard and keeping it under wraps for far too long! We wanted this EP to be presented to fans to listen and not just hear the music but also become part of the whole story that is unfolding with each song from front to back.” – Along The Lines

Facebook.com/AlongTheLinesBand | Instagram.com/alongthelines.band | YouTube

Alongthelinesband.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify 

“Like most ultra-modern metalcore, the real attraction is how well the band plays with dynamics, and Along the Lines do an admirable job. Our Dear Finale is all about extreme contrasts: the pummel of djent-y guitar rhythms, the roaring harsh vocals, the softer sections as pretty as pop, all carefully arranged for maximum impact. The production on these songs is hyper, which lets all the details reach your earholes.” – The Walleye

“Deathcore/metalcore, a full synthy sound, clean parts that are a bit too “mallcore” but the harsh parts are decent… eh” – The Moshpit 89.9FM (Madison, WI)

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Along the Lines
EP Title: Our Dear Finale
Release Date: October 8, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. First Day on Earth (4:00)
2. Lioness (3:08)
3. Sanguine (4:05)
4. Collapsed Heart (1:40)
5. Mute (3:38)
Brand New Start (3:37)
7. Our Dear Finale (3:50)
EP Length: 24:00

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Along the Lines
• All songs written by: Along the Lines
• Produced by: Mark Governali
• Mixed by: Mark Governali
• Mastered by: Mark Governali
• EP Artwork by: Evan Middleton
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

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

The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

The songs hit HARD, the lyrics POP and the story is DRAMATIC.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

1. First Day on Earth – This song is about our Protagonist finding love at first sight. This song is the first song on our EP that begins the story with a gentle but powerful chorus.

2. Lioness – This song is Heavy and just hits where it needs to hit with the message very clear as day!

3. Sanguine – Our single, Powerful, Catchy, DRAMATIC, this song completely turns the story around.

4. Collapsed Heart – The feeling of Rage, Guilt, Despair This song musically sums up the emotional wreck our protagonist is feeling

5. Mute – Every feel like you want to tell someone a secret but can’t trust them? This song explains that feeling, with heavy breakdowns and a bridge that pulls it all together.

6. Brand New Start – Upbeat, fast, Catchy. This pulls the EP off the ground from its dark story.

7. Our Dear Finale – Our final song of the EP, this ends the story with a dramatic finish.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The EP is based on a story from one of our good friends about domestic abuse.

2. Along The Lines originally were called Patterns below until we scrapped that name 2 months later.

3. Along The Lines are all nerds and play Magic the Gathering with their producer Mark Governali at least once a week.

4. Along The Lines rented an Airbnb when they recorded the “Sanguine” music video.

L-R – Austin Baxter – Drummer, Greg Vahaaho – Bass, Jon Reid – Vocals, Brady Geurts – Guitar, Tanner Bell – Guitar
Photo Credit – Dave William – DZ Photography

Along the Lines is a band out of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada that was established in 2020. Initiated by guitarist Tanner Bell, drummer Austin Baxter, bassist Greg Vahaaho, vocalist Jonathon Reid and guitarist Brady Geurts, who have all previously worked together, came up with the idea for the band.

The evolution between the previous band’s sound and what’s coming up in this new form is an incredible departure. The songs hit HARD, the lyrics POP and the story is DRAMATIC. They take elements of metalcore, hardcore and post-hardcore, impactful lyrics, and catchy riffs to produce a sound that is infectious, noble, and full of emotion.

Their debut EP “Our Dear Finale” was released in the autumn of 2022. More music is on the way as they are now focusing on writing their full length.

Recording and Live Band Line Up:
Austin Baxter – Drums
Greg Vahaaho – Bass
Tanner Bell – Guitar
Jonathon Reid – Vocals
Brady Geurts – Guitar

Discography:
2022 – Our Dear Finale – EP

0 EPK – The Wring – Spectra (2022)

  • September 20, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Wring

EPK – The Wring – Spectra (2022)

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

“I am very proud of the compositions on this album.  You will hear rock, prog, metal, jazz, classic rock, and probably a few other things, covering a wide range of approaches, but still cohesive and very accessible for any kind of listener.  Prog music can tend to be grandiose; I wanted this album to be the opposite of that.  Tight, concise, and well executed with interesting melody, rhythm, and lyrical themes.

The players: Marco Minnemann on drums – possibly the best rock drummer on the planet right now.  You could spend months just listening to his tracks in isolation.  Reggie Hache’s bass playing is similarly intricate and impeccably executed.  I like to think that the guitar parts are interesting and somewhat unique and span a very wide range of styles, influences and execution.  The vocals come straight out of the 80s with great melody and delivery, offering a very grounded counterpoint to the, often, odd time and melody structure.  There are also keyboards hidden in the mix that offer an almost subliminal base on which everything else is built.

The cover has a cool ’70s vibe that is simple but offers a depth of meaning that will be very personal to each observer; a reflection of the musical content within.” – Don Dewulf – The Wring

For fans of Rush, King Crimson, Dream Theater, Opeth, Porcupine Tree

Band Name: The Wring
Album Title: Spectra
Release Date: December 16, 2022
Label: Wormholedeath
Distribution: Aural/Orchard

TheWring.ca | Facebook.com/thewringband | Instagram.com/wringband | Youtube

Thewring2.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

Album digital available at https://orcd.co/spectrapreorder

“A band composed of top artists from the world prog scene, each of whom brings their own style to the band’s sound. Technique and energy, melodic passages, dynamic and expressive vocals and elaborate instrumental sections characterise the album. A recommended listen for all lovers of Progressive Metal sounds, an album to listen to again and again, always managing to give us positive emotions.” – Progressive Rock Journal

“Tired of prog metal bands who fire away odd rhythms, fast solos and complex arrangements? Half of them trying to sound like Dream Theater but all failing completely? Look no further. The Wring from Canada offers great musicians who find their own way through the prog metal jungle. I said great musicians and I really stand for that. Or how about Marco Minneman (drums), Chandler Mogel (vocals), Don Dewulf (guitars), Reggie Hache (bass, keyboards) and Isamu McGregor (keyboards)”… Sometimes they are a bit more commercial, like in the first song ”Stiletto”, reminding me a lot of Threshold. Other songs bring a bombastic wall of sound, with riffs do die for – ”The Wolf” is a great example. The early parts of ”Fallen” has some Rush vibes (of the later and more rock base Rush era) and also softer parts Mogel is a very good vocalist, and he can alter his voice a lot. Something of a voice chameleon!” – Melodic.net

“The opening notes of ‘Sins’ remind me of the opening salvo in Judas Priest’s ‘The Ripper’. Some of the riff structures are also reminiscent of Priest and it’s another great track.” – TheProgSpace

“The third album Spectra by the Canadian progressive rock project The Wring is downright infectious with its joy of playing and catchy Hard Prog Rock songs. There really is a lot of light and very little shadow here.” – Soundmagnet

“Here’s one for prog dorks. This outfit’s third outing (Spectra) features drums by Marco Minnemann so you know the rhythms are mad. The regulars in the band ain’t slouches either though. This is intricate and melodic prog done well.” – Metal Injection

““Wring² Project Cipher comes with a heavy, classic rock feel, but there’s an epic, questing nature to tunes like Sorceress, Steelier and Dose that pushes The Wring beyond metal norms and into prog territory.” – Prog Magazine

“Tired of prog metal bands who fire away odd rhythms, fast solos and complex arrangements? Half of them trying to sound like Dream Theater but all failing completely? Look no further. The Wring from Canada offers great musicians who find their own way through the prog metal jungle. I said great musicians and I really stand for that. Or how about Marco Minneman (drums), Chandler Mogel (vocals), Don Dewulf (guitars), Reggie Hache (bass, keyboards) and Isamu McGregor (keyboards)? This is their third full length album, which follows upon The Wring (2017) and Project Cipher (2021). Sometimes they are a bit more commercial, like in the first song ”Stiletto”, reminding me a lot of Threshold. Other songs bring a bombastic wall of sound, with riffs do die for – ”The Wolf” is a great example. The early parts of ”Fallen” has some Rush vibes (of the later and more rock base Rush era) and also softer parts Mogel is a very good vocalist, and he can alter his voice a lot. Something of a voice chameleon!” – Melodic.net

“Here we have some progressive metal/classic metal, getting a little more into some more typical prog metal with good technical/complex stuff and yeah, keyboards!” – The Moshpit 89.9 FM – Madison, WI

“The extreme professionalism on display throughout this entire album, although a labour of love, is a true master class of musicianship performed by musicians who are truly at the top of their game, making the industry what it is today. The sheer attention to detail is a credit to each and every performer as they tailor their craft neatly and precisely throughout every track, with nothing less than perfect being the order of the day.” – Stargazer Music Magazine

“Overall, the entire album is laden with a rich tapestry of sound and lyrics, well thought out and carefully developed by founder member and visionary Don Dewulf, taking the listener on that perfect journey of thought, and is a credit to its makers gathering no dust in any collection. 10/10” – Stargazer Music Magazine

“Thanks to his renowned session musicians and original compositions, The Wring is a refreshing discovery that offers a personal reading of modern metal. 4/5” – Music Waves

“What sounds at first to be a straight-forward rock album, turns out to be so much more. It’s a tad short, but sometimes less is more. You can hear many influences in these tracks, some of them familiar, but The Wring have stamped their own identity all over it. This should keep you going for the time being but expect more from Don Dewulf with The Wring3 already in the recording stage!” – The Prog Space

“Dewulf’s guitar work shines throughout, at times reminiscent of Alex Lifeson in his prime, such as his powerful solo on ‘Steelier’ which soars above the raging musical maelstrom below. There’s even a funk-infused breakout on ‘Dose’, which is infectious with its driving hook. It’s an absorbing record, one that takes time to soak in, but several plays ensure that it’s burnt deep into the memory. When those end-of-year lists come round, ‘Wring² Project Cipher’ is likely to be pushing for a slot.” – The Razor’s Edge 

“The Wring generally succeed at what they’re going for—Dewulf has produced a fun, catchy record. Particularly on the album’s middle section (“Cipher,” “Steelier” and “Dissension”), there’s some great songs with great riffs. If you’re after some new prog, you could do a lot worse than this album, and I found it quite hard to score.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The overall sound is something like the heavier side of Rush, with hooks and melodic elements smoothing out the guitar crunch, making this very accessible.” – The Progressive Aspect

“Coming out of nowhere with a completely experienced, well-produced, and polished debut record full of complex compositions and dynamics for vocals, guitar, bass, and drums is Sudbury’s newest best-kept secret: The Wring… I give this album a solid 63 out of the 67 moons of Jupiter, including all four Galilean moons.  Highly recommend it for fans Tool, Opeth, Soundgarden, Rage Against The Machine, or if you listened to your dad’s records growing up.” – Kipp Grose, Asylum Club

Band Name: The Wring
Album Title: Spectra
Release Date: December 16, 2022
Label: Wormholedeath
Distribution: Aural/Orchard

Track Listing:
1. Stiletto 4:40
2. Stones & Bones 4:58
3. The Prince 3.54
4. The Wolf 5:00
5. Tin Man 5:25
6. From Mars 4:43
7. Sins 4:43
8. Fallen 5:05
Album Length: 38:28

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by:  Dewulf/Hache/Minnemann/Mogel/McGregor
• All songs written by: Don Dewulf
• Produced by:  Don Dewulf
• Mixed by:  Francis Perron/Radicart Studios
• Mastered by: Yannick St-Amand
• Album Artwork by: Gord Woolley
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
•   Album Recording Line Up:
Don Dewulf – Guitars
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Chandler Mogel – Vocals
Reggie Hache – Bass & Keyboards
Isamu McGregor – Keyboards

Live Band Line Up:
No live band currently

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

The album as a whole

Spectra is maybe a bit like a 1970’s King Crimson album but without any ethereal soliloquies and certainly with a more significant hard rock/metal influence.  It is a cauldron of hard rock, jazz, metal, classical, 80’s rock, 70’s rock and probably a few other things.  The performances are tight and meaningful.  Marco Minnemann’s drums were the first thing to be recorded.  His performance set the tone; the other guys had no choice but to play their asses off, and they did!

Track by Track:

Stiletto – This song is about the debilitating need for social media attention and validation.  The blade goes in and you never even feel it, then you slowly bleed out.  The verses are in 5/8 and 7/8 creating a somewhat jarring effect, also speaking to the theme.  Chandler does a killer job on the chorus vocal and there is a very peculiar odd-time breakdown before the solo.  Very fun song to play.

Stones & Bones – I’m so happy with how this song turned out; a few key changes but all very appropriate.  A bit of odd time here too and another great vocal performance.  There are also some keyboard parts buried in the mix. Originally, I had planned for this to be a bit of an ode to Deep Purple and Isamu McGregor played a Jon Lord homage but it was just too much (Blackmore never really played rhythm guitar to give the keys space; my rhythm guitars are the foundation of every song!!)  I had to push the keys deeper into the mix; they still add a ton, but more subliminally than overt.  Isamu will probably be mad when hears it, he played his ass off.  Lyrically… I come from a mining town in Northern Ontario, Canada.  Sometimes it feels like a place where music goes to die… just stones and bones.

The Prince – This one was inspired by the Thomas Hardy book ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge’ but is also metaphoric to the self-serving ruthlessness and controlling nature of societal predators.  Musically it’s interesting because the verse is pretty straight ahead rock and the chorus is pure jazz and in odd time. The vocals smooth that over beautifully.  “demi-gods blood-letting weaponized airwaves” – I love that line.  Pretty much sums up the human condition these days.

The Wolf – An instrumental.  Fun main riff with another jazzy chorus and a crushing ending.  Reggie played some killer bass on this and added a great keyboard melody, lifting the song in many ways.  I played this one on a 7-string which adds a nasty resonance.  Fun breakdown and solo.

Tin Man – Starts off with some keys and acoustic guitar, my Opeth rip-off (I’ll say it before someone else does).  Kind of a mid-tempo rock song after that.  The theme is somewhat unusual for me as it was loosely inspired by my son.  He is 18, brilliant, and has a moral compass, unlike any other human I know.  This world is overfilled with greedy maniacs and murderous thugs.  Kids like my son are on a path to change that.  It’s my song of hope.

From Mars – One of my favourite songs on the record.  Somewhat autobiographical, I think.  As a younger person, I really struggled in crowds, especially ones in which I did not belong; which was most.  If you’ve ever felt like a complete alien in a room full of people, you will relate!  I am very proud of the middle breakdown.  Some cool chords and a very fun solo.  Another great performance by Chandler and by Reggie who played some killer bass and also came up with the spooky little piano line in the verses.

Sins – I love the main riff.  It’s another odd time thing (in 13 this time) but the vocals really smooth it out.  Has a total Metallica middle part that jumps out of nowhere!  Marco’s playing on this was inhuman.  The lyrics came from my dismay at how humanity can have advanced so much and in so many ways and yet still do absolutely horrifying things to each other.  How many years will it take for Ukraine to recover from Russia’s insanity?

Fallen – The theme of this was a response to the protests and civil disobedience in both Washington DC and Ottawa, Canada.  It’s incredible how a single charismatic mouthpiece can gather the rabble of humanity and shape it into a weapon.  The intro is odd and staccato, my musical interpretation of crowds of rioters with no real purpose other than chaos. The main riff is simple and, I think, powerful.  Love the solo and the end section on this one.

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About:

Canada’s The Wring is gearing up to release a third album in December, which is an amalgamation of different styles, brought together by solo artist Don Dewulf. His project has been growing by leaps and bounds, and this new release will wow listeners across the heavy spectrum. “Spectra” is a bit like a 1970’s King Crimson album, but without any ethereal soliloquies and certainly with a more significant hard rock/metal influence. It is a cauldron of hard rock, jazz, metal, classical, 80’s rock, 70’s rock, and probably a few other things. The performances are tight and meaningful. Dewulf comments on the album:

“I am very proud of the compositions on this album. You will hear rock, prog, metal, jazz, classic rock, and a few other things, covering a wide range of approaches, but still cohesive and very accessible for any kind of listener. Prog music can tend to be grandiose; I wanted this album to be the opposite of that. Tight, concise, and well-executed with interesting melody, rhythm, and lyrical themes. Marco Minnemann’s drums were the first thing to be recorded. His performance set the tone; the other guys had no choice but to play their asses off, and they did!”

To bring his vision to life, Sudbury, Ontario local Dewulf enlisted some of the best professional musicians to play the parts. Marco Minnemann – world-renowned drummer, member of The Aristocrats, and successful solo artist. Chandler Mogel – Amazing singer with a great 80’s vibe. Reggie Hache – Canadian bass superstar. Does his own thing and contributed incredible parts to this album. Isamu McGregor – Session keyboard player with great vision and feel. Together they deliver an expansive, detailed eight-track album that touches on a wide range of musical styles and themes. Each listener will hear something different in the compositions.

The Wring started in 2015, as Dewulf had a lot of material written that needed to see the light of day. He assembled the players and released the self-titled album in 2017. They played some shows, and players drifted off, but there was still an abundance of material. Another batch of studio musicians was brought together to release “Project Cipher” in 2021 and yet another diverse bunch got together for “Spectra”.

The band’s classic heavy rock intertwined with prog is recommended for fans of Rush, King Crimson, and Dream Theater.

“Spectra” is due out on December 16, 2022 via Wormholedeath Records.

Discography:
2022 – Spectra
2021 – Project Cipher
2019 – 48 oz. – Single
2017 – The Wring – Self-titled Album

Shared Stage with:
Anvil, Diamond Head, Sven Gali, Dead Daisies, Hookers & Blow

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – Budweiser New Music Festival – Sudbury – Finger Eleven, Glorious Sons, Crown Lands

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS: (Don Dewulf)

1.  When the previous album (Project Cipher) was released, Ashermedia took it out to the world.  It was no longer just my personal basement project.  I talked to so many people and received so many positive reviews and feedback, it was amazing.  Even the bad reviews liked something about it.  I learned that proper marketing goes a very long way.

2.  During one of the many interviews I did for the last album, the interviewer asked if I was on a label.  I said ‘no’ and he referred me to Carlo Bellotti at Wormholedeath records from Italy.  Carlo really liked the album and I signed a distribution deal with them.  I presented ‘Spectra’ to Carlo and he went crazy for it, offering an upgraded deal and some further opportunities to push my songs around the world.  Great stuff.

3.  When I was looking for players for the new album, I asked Carlo at Wormholedeath for some suggestions.  He told me that I should look for guys that are killer players but not ‘famous’.  I had already secured Marco Minnemann but followed his advice for the rest.  Reggie, Chandler and Isamu all have great resumes and utterly incredible talent; I could not be happier with those performances.  I should also mention that Marco is surely not human.  His playing is absolutely interstellar.

4.  When it came time to find a mixing engineer, I was a bit lost.  There are so many guys doing this.  Then I happened to pick up the new Voivod record.  I loved the tunes and the production and they are Canadian, so I looked at who did the mixing…  It turned out to be a guy named Francis Perron, also Canadian.  I contacted him and he was keen to do the work on Spectra.  He is a great human and a talented engineer.  I am very grateful for his presence and spirit.

5.  I am a simple guy.  I love to write songs and hear them performed by great players.  I don’t care about money but I do constantly seek to get my music in the ears of like-minded people.  Jon Asher pushed that ball forward a lot.  Two things I’ll always remember:  having the album get a good review in Prog Magazine and having a video posted on the Bravewords website.  Those are two places I’ve been going for many years for music news.  To see my stuff there was surreal.

0 EPK – The Convalescence – 79 Years (single) (2022)

  • September 12, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Convalescence

EPK – The Convalescence – 79 Years (single) (2022)

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

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

“79 Years is one of the darkest and most haunting tracks the band has ever written. After spending a night inside Pennhurst State School and Hospital I can’t think of a more unnerving or intense place that I’ve ever been to.” – The Convalescence

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

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

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

“If you’re a fan of creepy-ass symphonic death metal from bands like Carnifex and Abigail Williams, then you’re going to dig The Convalesence’s new single “79 Years.” The single is based on the band’s night at the now-closed Pennhurst State School and Hospital, alongside a video shot at the same location. Basically the whole entire experience of this song front to back is unsettling.” – Metal Injection

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: 79 Years
Release Date: September 15, 2022
Distro: Blood Blast Distribution

Single Name: 79 Years (3:36)

Credits
Performed By: The Convalescence
Written By: Keith Wampler, Zac Lunsford, Charles Webber, Katie McCrimmon
Produced By: Jason Suecof
Mixed By: Jason Suecof
Album Art By: Icer Rose

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

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

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Story Angles/Fun Facts about band/album

– Our New Video “79 Years” was filmed on location inside Pennhurst State School and Hospital as well as some scenes at The Collingwood Arts Center another well known haunted location.

– The Convalescence is a totally independent band. We print a large amount of our own merch, book our own tours worldwide, build our own stage props, maintain our own tour bus, record our own Pre-Production, and Make our own documentaries with the help of our amazing crew members.

– The Convalescence has played over 1,000 shows in 9 countries.

– The Convalescence has 2 Documentaries currently available on Amazon Prime Video “The Making Of Monument Of Misery” & “Rituals Of The Damned”

– The Convalescence is known for interesting merch items including Action Figures, Hot Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Soap, Shoes, Bed Sets, Masks, and even Pre-Roll Joints that include the band’s faces in Washington State Marijuana dispensaries.

Photo Credit – Damian Gibson

The Convalescence is a five-member symphonic deathcore band formed in Toledo, OH in early 2011. The Convalescence blends black metal/horror theatrics with intense death metal style blast beats and shredding guitar along with brutal slamming breakdowns and catchy melodies. The band tours nearly non-stop racking up nearly 1,000 live performances across nine countries.

The Convalescence has released four full-length albums, two EPs, and two stand-alone singles resulting in over one million plays on Spotify and Youtube each. The band also released two documentaries via Amazon Prime Video in 2020 supported by a sold-out movie theatre screening of them both in Maumee, OH on October 30, 2020. The band recently finished recording their fifth full-length album with producer Jason Suecof at Audiohammer Studios with a projected release in 2023.

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

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

Discography
– “Undead Swarm” (2022)
– “The Human Disease 2.0” (2021)
– “Monument Of Misery” (2019)
– “Coming Undone” (2018)
– “This Is Hell” (2017)
– “Poison Words” (2016)
– “The Process” (2014)
– “Unmasking The Betrayer” (2012)
– “Memories” (2011)

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

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

Shared stage with:

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

Tours & Fests

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

 

0 EPK – The Secret Places of The Earth – The Space Between the Stars (2022)

  • September 10, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Secret Places of The Earth

EPK – The Secret Places of The Earth – The Space Between the Stars (2022)

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

For fans of Pink Floyd, Repulsive, Midwife, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Well Then, Goodbye

Album Title: The Space Between the Stars
Release Date: September 23, 2022
Label: Unsigned
Distribution: CD Baby

Thesecretplacesoftheearth.bandcamp.com | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

The Secret Places of the Earth is a non-linear, live compositional experiment by award-winning Canadian composer, and visual artist Barrett Klesko (All Else Fails, The Order of Chaos, FadeBack Studios United). His first album “Stormwalker” was released in April 2022 to a modest, though enthusiastic fan and critical reception. Described as darkly beautiful, magnetic, and often unsettling, Stormwalker gained momentum with a growing cult following due to its organic live feel and hypnotizing depth. Riding the momentum, The Secret Places of the Earth is offering a second album for 2022 with “The Space Between the Stars” due out on September 23rd.

Album Band Line Up:
Barrett Klesko – Guitar

Discography:
2022 – The Space Between the Stars
2022 – Stormwalker

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The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

In a few words: This album is a deep reflecting pool, as it submerges the listener, massages the senses, opens and engages the mind, and relaxes the body.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

1. Mother Brain: 
In the deepest reach
Thoughts adrift among the stars
Slumber now in peace

2. The Space Between the Stars:
Distance between us
Empty of all but remorse
What could bridge the void?

3. Fragile Futures:
How much time remains?
A future as black as pitch
Life ends in darkness

4. Drifts:
Horizons of ice
Frozen plains devoid of life
Something stirs below

4. Breach:
At the end of days
No one left no one remains
Who speaks outside the door?

Band Fun Facts – Story Angles:

1. As of August 2022, The Secret Places of the Earth has an unreleased catalogue of over 80 songs, which is growing weekly.

2. All songs are recorded on a very minimal rig; few guitar pedals and a looper, no multi-tracking involved.

3. It is impossible to explain this project to others without sounding pretentious about its creation.

4. There has been an immense response to the first album “Stormwalker”, garnering over 20,000 Spotify followers in just a few months.

5. Barrett’s most used effect pedal on this album is a Dr. Scientist Bitquest.

Album Title: The Space Between the Stars
Release Date: September 23, 2022
Label: Unsigned
Distribution: CD Baby

Track Listing:
1. Mother Brain (6:25)
2. The Space Between the Stars (3:12)
3. Fragile Futures (3:01)
4. Drifts (4:52)
5. Breach (3:06)
Album Length 20:19

Album Credits:
– The Secret Places of the Earth (composer, musician) – Barrett Klesko
– Produced and Engineered – Barrett Klesko
– Mastered – Colin Noel @ Electric Treehouse
– Album Artwork by: dianico https://www.fiverr.com/diacinco?source=order_page_summary_seller_link
– Member of SOCAN
– Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Barrett Klesko – Guitar

0 EPK – RivetSkull – Trail of Souls – Samsara (2022)

  • September 10, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · RivetSkull

EPK – RivetSkull – Trail of Souls – Samsara (2022)

“After self-recording and releasing our debut album during the global pandemic, we’ve revisited our songs with professional production that captures the massive sound that fans have come to expect from our live shows.

Recorded at London Bridge Studio (Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Queensrÿche) and produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Deftones, Seether), Trail of Souls: Samsara promises much more than a sonic retouch of the original. The reworked collection features new cover artwork and the previously unreleased recording of a cover of Aerosmith’s “King and Queens.””

For fans of Dio, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Def Leppard, Armored Saint,  Deep Purple

Album Title: Trail of Souls – Samsara
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

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

Rivetskull.com | Facebook.com/rivetskull | Twitter.com/rivetskull

Youtube.com/rivetskull | Instagram.com/rivetskull 

Bandcamp | Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon

Digital Platforms – https://lnk.to/TrailOfSoulsSamsara

It would be easy to call RivetSkull a traditional heavy metal band, but they’re so much more than that. RivetSkull has taken the very roots of heavy metal and forged them into something new and fresh.

Spawned from the same DNA that created the beasts that roamed the dark valleys of Birmingham, the foothills of the Cascades, and the plains of Texas, there’s no denying RivetSkull’s heavy metal heritage. This is hard-hitting music blasted over record store chatter, the buzzing of a tattoo gun, or the revving of a motorcycle engine. But, as any metalhead will tell you, heavy metal is more than just a genre: it’s therapy, it’s a community, it’s a style – and it’s a movement. And it’s always evolving.

RivetSkull has created a modern sound that’s as unique as each member’s influences, from punk to country, from alternative to funk. Listening to RivetSkull, it’s easy to envision the band’s live show: Chad McMurray’s clean vocals soaring over a sea of bobbing bodies in black band t-shirts, Mark X. Plog’s boundary-defying guitar ascending over raised beers and outstretched metal horns, Michael Robson’s emphatic drums and Mark Hopkins’ booming bass rattling the bones beneath black jeans and denim vests.

Like good metal – you’ll feel it in your core as much as you’ll hear it in your ears. All of this is brought to you by a dedicated and hard-working band of brothers. They are RivetSkull and they’re bringing the past into the future.

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Chad McMurray – Vocals
Mark X. Plog – Guitar
Mark Hopkins – Bass
Michael Robson – Drums

Discography:
2022- Trail of Souls: Samsara
2020 – Trail of Souls

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

CM: It’s got an epic, yet nostalgic feel. Lyrically, I write from the heart about things people can relate to, nothing is contrived. We’re not trying to write a certain kind of song and we’re not trying to portray a certain image. We’re not trying to be a tough, brutal band. We’re just normal guys who like metal, much like it was in the 70s – 80s. I don’t know, maybe we need to bring cod pieces back?

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

1. Crash and Burn
“‘Crash and Burn’ is about the pitfalls of relationships. Though you can try to stay clear of danger, sometimes you can’t help but fall into the same traps. The new recording and production conveys the drive and momentum a song about recklessness should be swimming in.  We think we got there with this song and all the others on the album.”

2. Forever
We originally wrote ‘Forever” in 2019 when the world was, once again in a strange place and the US was becoming more and more divided thanks to religion and politics. One year later we would all forever be changed by Covid. Then again in 2022 with more war in the Ukraine, inflation and more political and religious agendas driving yet more distance between all of us. ‘Forever’ refers to the repeating cycle of life’s ups and downs and changes that we forever have to face and come to terms while navigating the waters to get there.

3. Mystified
“Mystified” has to do with fears of stepping out of your comfort zone and sometimes it’s easier to simply take solace by getting high and letting your mind wander to another place.  A journey of finding your way out of the dark and into the light.

4. Another Way To Heaven
Another Way To Heaven deals with a number of things. Is there life after death? Is there really a heaven or god? They want to explore other worlds and if there is really a heaven,  is dying the only way to get there? Now the ending takes a bit of turn and delves into the impact just one person can have. Known as the “father” of the atomic bomb Robert Oppenheimer’s quote taken from Hindu scripture The Bhagavad-Gita, “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds,” makes an appearance and literally means the world-destroying time.

5. Narcissus
“Narcissus” touches on world leaders who convince others to do their bidding regardless of cost. Shining light on the repercussions and madness of blindly following narcissists in leadership by speaking from the narcissist’s twisted point of view.

6. Trail Of Souls
It’s easy to become star-struck or think you’re better than someone else. Particularly people close to you. A reminder to not be blinded by the stars in your eyes or forget those that helped you get where you are.

7. It’s Not Enough
Life, however long it may be, is constantly changing and evolving. From birth, youth, adulthood and death, many reinventions happen throughout its course. Do we ever have enough? How much is enough?

8. Kings and Queens (Aerosmith cover)
Aerosmith has always been a crossover band between hard rock and heavy metal. Several of their songs were inspirational to us, but none quite as much as ‘Kings and Queens.’ The original was a masterpiece of drama, intensity, and a showcase of vocal skill. All of the years of listening to that song and growing as musicians are poured into this recording. We’re proud of how it all came together.”

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Recorded at London Bridge Studio (Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Queensrÿche) and produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer, Deftones, Seether).

2. Chad McMurarry trained with Maestro David Kyle weekly for 7 years.

3. Trail of Souls: Samsara album artwork by rock poster artist Justin Hampton (Ween, Pearl Jam, Kiss)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Trail of Souls – Samsara
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Crash and Burn (2:49)
2. Forever (5:24)
3. Mystified (3:45)
4. Another Way to Heaven (7:29)
5. Narcissus (5:01)
6. Trail of Souls (4:04)
7. It’s Not Enough (4:02)
8. Kings and Queens (Aerosmith cover) (5:16)
Album Length: 37:54

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: RivetSkull
• All songs written by: RivetSkull: Chad McMurray, Mark X. Plog, Mark Hopkins, Michael Robson (except “Kings and Queens, Written by Aerosmith with String Arrangement and Programming by Chad McMurray)
• Produced by: Matt Hyde
• Mixed by: Matt Hyde
• Mastered by: Matt Hyde
• Album Artwork by: Justin Hampton
•  Member of ASCAP and BMI – Mark X. Plog and Mark Hopkins: BMI; Chad McMurray, Michael Robson: ASCAP

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Chad McMurray – Vocals
Mark X. Plog – Guitar
Mark Hopkins – Bass
Michael Robson – Drums

0 EPK – Pistacia – Edgy (2022)

  • September 9, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Pistacia

EPK – Pistacia – Edgy (2022)

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

“Our upcoming EP “Edgy” is about different symptoms/aspects of mental illness. The lead single ‘It Was The Cat’ is about self-harm, then the other tracks are about dissociating, and social anxiety. We think fans are going to love our single ‘It Was The Cat’ as our TikTok fans love what snippets they’ve heard so far. Our sound brings elements from 2007-2010 metalcore and we make music for people who miss that amazing era of music. That being said we have modern breakdowns that make you want to mosh.” – Pistacia

For fans Pierce the Veil, Slipknot, Bring Me the Horizon, Motionless in White, Kittie

Pistaciaofficial.com | Facebook.com/Pistacia-104625968817408 | Instagram.com/pistaciaofficial | Twitter.com/pistaciaband | YouTube

Spotify

Tour Dates:​
October 20 – Sovereign – Brooklyn, NY
October 22 – Starlite – Southbridge, MA
October 26 – Millhill Basement – Trenton, MA

EP Title: Edgy
Release Date: October 21, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing
1. It Was the Cat – 4:00
2. N. Hale – 4:00
3. Fake a Smile – 4:00
EP Length: 12:00

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Vic Gregg, Theo Chaouat, Ben Sonsire-Cummings, Ron Bernhaut
• All songs written by: Vic Gregg, Theo Chaouat, Ben Sonsire-Cummings, Ron Bernhaut
• Produced by: Erik Thorstenn
• Mixed by: Erik Thorstenn
• Mastered by: Erik Thorstenn
• Album Artwork by: Vic Gregg

EP Band Line Up:
Vic Gregg – Vocals
Theo Chaouat – Guitar
Ben Sonsire-Cummings – Guitar
Ron Bernhaut – Bass

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

The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The upcoming EP is about different symptoms/aspects of mental illness. This single is about self-harm, then we have one about dissociating and social anxiety.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained by Vic Gregg – Vocals:

1. It was the Cat is about self-harm and the person or thing that leads you to it most. Whether it is an abuser or an event sometimes things can weigh too heavy on us and we cope in unhealthy ways. Back in the day, when kids has marks on their arms and were asked about it, they would blame their cat. “The cat did it” or “it was the cat.” The cat is that thing or that person that makes life so unbearable you want to take it out on yourself. For me, the cat is a person who I am supposed to love. They took advantage of me all my life and I finally got out and am doing much better. This song has a sick breakdown and the most 2007 chorus since MySpace reigned the internet. It’s catchy and will have you dancing regardless of the dark imagery.

2. I wrote N. Hale about dissociation. Whenever I get over-stressed or put in an uncomfortable situation, I dissociate. It’s never on purpose as a matter of fact I try hard not to. However, it’s still hard to fight. So when that happens I have non-thoughts and my head is just static and I can hear my pulse and that is it. In the track, we have samples of both which perfectly portrays what goes on in my mind when that happens. Ron and I wrote the main riffs for this song together and Ben spiced it up to make it what it is now.

3. Fake a Smile is about social anxiety. I have a hard time making friends and putting myself out there to the world. TikTok has helped me a bit get comfortable speaking, but I still get so insecure whenever I try to talk to someone new. My fear is that I’ll say something dumb and or uninteresting. So I wrote Fake a Smile. The music was all Theo. He wrote this song a few years ago and he pulled it up one day and I fell in love with it. I started to workshop a melody for the chorus and wrote up some lyrics and the song was born. Very nostalgic sound similar to It Was the Cat and brings you back to studded belts and neon monster tees.

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1.  I write about my own life a lot and my daily struggles living with mental illness. I go into depth about each aspect of my diagnosis and there will most likely be a song for each symptom. Living like this is nearly impossible but I want people to know they are not alone. I want to know I am not alone.

2.  The band got together in an interesting way. We all went to the same school and were in an ensemble together. The way our school works is you can take a class that is basically a cover band for a grade. We were in a Pierce the Veil ensemble together and since that class I wanted to keep playing with them all. So I asked them to join me in Pistacia.

3. We played a major music festival with little music out as a band. We played Inkcarceration in 2021 which was especially huge because that festival was Mudvayne’s first show in 10 years. The crowd was insane and to be honest, we crushed that performance. Since then we have been building a fanbase on TikTok.

In late 2019, Vic Gregg founded Gen-Z, an emo-throwback metalcore outfit. Members Ron Bernhaut, Theo Chaouat, Ben Sonsire-Cummings, and Thomson Estabrook complete the aesthetic onslaught that comprises Pistacia’s live show—in the scene’s dearth of energetic performance, the band found their niche, bringing blistering riffs to tight compact venues with pure animus and palpable vitriol. They have a nostalgia-borne affinity for all things emo and maintain a reckless proclivity for gothic imagery and provocative allure. With a marriage between heavy breakdowns, catchy choruses, and pathos-driven lyrics, Pistacia is that edgy, rebellious act you’ve been craving. 

Shared stage with:
The HU, Mudfuck, Quarantined, Reapercussion, Survive the Sun, Proxies, Spite

EP Band Line Up:
Vic Gregg – Vocals
Theo Chaouat – Guitar
Ben Sonsire-Cummings – Guitar
Ron Bernhaut – Bass

Live Band Line Up:
Vic Gregg – Vocals
Theo Chaouat – Guitar
Ben Sonsire-Cummings – Guitar
Ron Bernhaut – Bass
Thomson Estabrook – Drums

Discography:
It Was the Cat – 2022 – EP
Hematophagous – 2021 (single)
Loaded Gun – 2021 (single)
Melatonin – 2021 (single)

0 EPK – Matt Miller – Monument of Velocity (2022)

  • September 6, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Matt Miller

Matt Miller – Monument of Velocity (2022)

Band: Matt Miller
Album Title: Monument of Velocity
Release Date: July 19, 2022

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

Manager – Extreme Management Group – Mark Kloeppel – emg.markkloeppel[@]gmail[.]com

“With Monument of Velocity, I set out to push my creative limits by not relying on any preconceived notions and let each song unfold as its own entity. Which in turn actually created a stronger continuity between the tracks. By writing the majority of the album without a guitar in hand I was able to think outside the box and come up with more interesting melodies and more dynamic rhythms. This process allowed me to achieve a greater level of melodicism and generate a stronger emotional response.” – Matt Miller

Distribution: Blood Blast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast & Believe Digital)

Mattmillerhhakmusi.wixsite.com/mattm | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram.com/mattmiller630 

Spotify | Apple | Mattmiller2.bandcamp.com | Amazon | Deezer

“Creating Emotive Responses” – Prog-Sphere

 

Band: Matt Miller
Album Title: Monument of Velocity
Release Date: July 19, 2022
Distribution: Blood Blast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast & Believe Digital)

Track Listing
1. The Fissure (1:01)
2. Abominable Sands (3:13)
3. The Obscurantist (3:18)
4. Monument of Velocity (4:32)
5. Coral Sword (3:27)
6. Sacred Geometry (3:32)
7. Acheron (3:15)
8. Human Race Against Time (3:38)
Album Length: 25:59

Album Credits
– All music written by Matt Miller
– Recorded, Mixed, Mastered, and Produced by Matt Miller at The Kill Box 2022 – Album art by Hand Rot Art
– Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, and Programming by Matt Miller

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

Monument of Velocity takes you on a journey and makes a bold statement. I like to think of the songs on the album as scenes from a movie.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained:

Track 1  – The Fissure sounds mysterious and builds suspense.

Track 2 – Abominable Sands starts off like a race across a vast open space.

Track 3 – The Obscurantist is a story that is full of suspense, twists, and turns.

Track 4 – Monument of Velocity is like a sorcerer casting a spell. Seamlessly changing form and shape.

Track 5 – Coral Sword is a song that was written based upon the creation myth of the islands of Japan.

Track 6 – Sacred Geometry is constantly building up to a new dynamic every time the music changes

Track 7 – Acheron is a joyous expression that slowly turns into something much more prolific.

Track 8 – Human Race Against Time starts off with extremely high tension and represents life passing before your

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

Fun Facts / Story Angles:

1. Most of Monument of Velocity was written without a guitar. After the initial riffs were recorded, the rest of the song was written during the notation process.

2. Monument of Velocity initially had a different title and was not going to be a Matt Miller release.

3. Some of the songs were written with vocals in mind and were not going to be instrumental.

4. Monument of Velocity had been recorded for a year before its release.

5. Monument of Velocity was recorded at the same time as the album Only What the Light Allows

Funny Stories:
During the CYBER SHRED TOUR I was telling everyone how lonely I was on stage each night. Performing on a national tour is tough but by yourself is a feat unto itself. Especially having to play with such awesome bands. At the last show in Austin TX at Come and Take it Live I noticed everyone was acting a little differently when I was interacting with them throughout the day and I couldn’t figure out why. As I was onstage letting my intro sample play I noticed everyone standing behind the stage. I gave them the middle finger and thought to myself “alright it’s time to bring it” right as the sample ended everyone from the tour ran onstage and helped me yell my battle cry “It’s Miller Time!” Which was something I adopted at the behest of the Voraath guys. It was ultimately a great idea. As I went into the first song I got a little emotional and I tried not to show it but that act of kindness and camaraderie hit me right in the feels and that is a tough spot when you’re trying to go into full shred mode. Unbeknownst to me the other guys on the tour had been planning this and they executed their plan perfectly.

A cool story from the CYBER SHRED TOUR involved joining Rings of Saturn onstage and performing a solo during Faces Imploding. After one of the shows Lucas had mentioned to me that he really liked my set and they wanted to have me join them onstage and play. I talked to Joel and we got the details hammered out. I spent the 4th of July in my motel room trying to write something that would complement the song and add something to it. At the last show in

Austin TX I joined them onstage and threw down a completely improvised solo and it sounded awesome. I nailed my exit queue and walked off the stage feeling great about getting to jam with these ridiculously awesome musicians and great people.

When the CYBER SHRED TOUR rolled into Indianapolis it was hot. Actually to say it was hot is a complete understatement. The venue seemed like they were unprepared. The AC was broken and there was difficulty with providing running water. Everyone was drinking any sort of liquid they could find. There we all were sitting in this venue with 1 industrial fan and 4 ceiling fans. As the time to open the doors drew near the P.A. started having problems. Everyone was setup and ready to go onstage. As the venue troubleshot the P.A. I was lucky enough to jam with Josh from Voraath, Jake from Distinguisher, and Dominic from Extortionist. Even Brian the Tour Manager jumped behind the kit. We played everything from improv black and death metal to Pantera, Slayer, and Metallica covers

Matt Miller – Photo Credit – Tony Reviere

Akademia-Award-winning producer, engineer, and songwriter MATT MILLER side-steps these industry achievements to embark on something deeply introspective and personal; a transcendent, reactionary and vile personage embodying soaring progressive melodies and captivating crushing rhythms which engulf the listener in black clouds of desperation and shimmering hope.

Drawing upon the gut-wrenching timed-precision of European death metal stalwarts NECROPHAGIST and SPAWN OF POSSESSION, MATT MILLER progressively blends this approach with deep synthetic and symphonic atmospheres like that of DEVIN TOWNSEND, often arriving at surprisingly emotive and heart-clenching metallic passages like that of RIVERS OF NIHIL.

Calling upon other single-member death metal projects such as PUTRID PILE or INSIDIOUS DECREPANCY, the live performance can best be described as a reclaiming and repainting of the earth by a relentlessly sweeping and deranged berzerker appealing to the vast minions of the extreme music.  The combination of elements within MATT MILLER distills the traditions of the international metal realm, the progressive atmospheres of modernity, and reactions to a vile world into a single unrelenting persona of despair and vengeance.

MATT MILLER’s first self-produced instrumental EP came in 2017, drawing on influences from classic metal bands such as MEGADETH and IRON MAIDEN to shredders like YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and PAUL GILBERT, while combining a technical death metal approach to create a maximum intensity music with a frenetic and frantic feel and ferocious atmosphere.  Since then, and a few releases into this brief career, MATT MILLER boasts 12,000 consistent monthly listeners on Spotify before hitting the international touring circuit.  This was garnered from his 2017 EP, the 2021 self-released ‘Decrepit Shed’ LP, the ‘Reekomposer/Decomposer’ covers double LP, as well as the ‘8E’s’ 1980’s themed covers LP.

In 2022 Matt released the formidable original instrumental LP Monument of Velocity on Blood Blast Distribution. Matt also toured supporting Rings of Saturn on the CYBER SHRED TOUR 2022. 29 shows encompassing the continental United States. Matt has released the cover LP Only What the Light Allows through Blood Blast Distribution as well.

Matt Miller hails from the rain soaked northern Oregon Coast; influenced by the natural foreboding environment.  Moving into the present, MATT MILLER has joined up with Extreme Management Group to spread a singularly relentless auditory mind-bend.

Discography
2022 – (Aug 5) – Only What the Light Allows (Cover Album)
2022 – (July 19) – Monument of Velocity – LP (Original Material)
2021 – (July 5) Reekomposer (Cover Album)
2021 – (June 21) 8E’s (Cover EP)
2021 – (Feb 2) Decrepit Shed
2021 – (Jan 13) Decomposer (Cover Album)
2021 – (Nov 12) – MMXVII – EP (Original Material)

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – CYBER SHRED TOUR w/ Rings of Saturn, Extortionist, Distinguisher, Voraath, Matt Miller

Endorsements
Kahler USA, EMG Pickups, GHS Strings, Stevens Cables and Effects Pedals

0 EPK – Obsidian Skies – Saturnian (2022)

  • September 2, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Obsidian Skies

EPK – Obsidian Skies – Saturnian (2022)

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

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, working on this EP was one of the things that kept us sane. We went through job losses, large life changes, and mental health struggles during this time. The writing was very therapeutic for both of us and it feels amazing to see this EP come to life. After the breakup of our previous band, it’s great to be able to work together again and produce some of the best work either of us has ever done. We’ve both always seen music as an escape and we bring that into our lyrics. The entire story of this EP takes place on Saturn’s moon, Titan, as humanity leaves a dying Earth and struggles to start anew, echoing the struggles of this pandemic.

We’ve both challenged ourselves with this EP, both as songwriters and as instrumentalists. It’s resulted in something we’re beyond excited to share with the world, an EP that really shows who we are as musicians. From heavy rhythmic sections to sweeping orchestral melodies, we feel we’ve touched on a large part of the musical spectrum with this release.” – Obsidian Skies

For fans of Amon Amarth Insomnium Opeth Fleshgod Apocalypse Epica

EP Title: Saturnian
Release Date: October 14, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Facebook.com/Obsidian-Skies-109138908535805 | Instagram.com/obsidianskiesband | YouTube

Obsidian-skies.bandcamp.com

#1 on WKNC 88.1FM (Raleigh, NC) – Chainsaw Charts 10/4/2022

“Rounding off our 9, no 10 highlights this week is another debut release: “Saturnian” by Colorado progressive/symphonic death metal duo Obsidian Skies… this science-fiction tale feels like an epic mini-blockbuster despite its short runtime of only 24 minutes.” – The Prog Space

“The band’s musicianship is fantastic ” – Metal Temple

“Exciting and versatile Prog-Melo-Death” – PowerMetal.de

““Saturnian” is an enjoyable first release from Obsidian Skies. Whilst only a three song E.P. it is a very ambitious release with some very epic and complex music on show.” – Ever Metal

“What a journey this was from Earth to TITAN through space! From acoustic, piano, orchestral to the singing. I enjoyed every bit of it. The debut EP Saturnian was a pleasant melodic death metal surprise and looking forward what comes next. Logan and Tim really put much effort and you hear it. This is for the Metalfans of Rivers of Nihil, Opeth, Scar Symmetry and Into Eternity. 8/10” – Belgian Metal Shredder

“A bold and somewhat brave undertaking, the first record from Obsidian Skies is an absolute pleasure, the merits of which need to be sung from the rooftops [8.5/10]” – Metal Noise

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Saturnian
Release Date: October 14, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Track Listing:
1. Celestial Age – 6:58
2. Rebirth in the Stars – 11:19
3. Home – 5:52
EP Length: 24:10

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Obsidian Skies (Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort)
• All songs written by: Obsidian Skies (Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort)
• All Lyrics written by: Tim Watervoort
• Produced by: Obsidian Skies (Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort)
• Mixed by: Tom MacLean
• Mastered by: Tom MacLean

EP Band Line Up:
Logan Dougherty – Guitars, Piano, Orchestration
Tim Watervoort – Guitars, Basses, Vocals

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

The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Lyrically, the EP takes place on Saturn’s moon, Titan. In this story, Earth became inhospitable to life and a portion of humankind left the planet to settle on Titan. After colonizing the moon, society began to take shape. Many people could not let go of the thought of all the people left behind on a dying Earth and began to riot. As a result of this, the military presence on the colony dispatched the instigators and enforced a strong, almost dystopian order on the moon. People were at peace, but were not able to live a fulfilling life.

Musically, in order to convey the story, we avoided a repetitive song structure. The songs move through many sections with motivic references throughout to tie it together. Many different instruments carry the melody, including fretless bass and piano. As a whole, the most technically complex part peaks in the middle of the EP as the story climaxes. Our guitars are tuned in drop C, but we didn’t let that limit the tonal centers that we could explore.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Celestial Age
Lyrically: In this track, humankind first leaves a dying Earth to settle on Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. Astronomers have predicted that in our solar system, Titan would be the best second home for humanity. The settlers are awed by the sights they see, such as a gas giant on the horizon. It seems that hope has been restored for the human race, but the settlers still lament their former home.
 
Musically: The track begins feeling more like doom metal with a droning quality. Most of the song is in 6/8, giving it a more flowing feel. Many parts, including the chorus, are more rhythmic, but there are absolutely trance-like sections throughout the song. The song has many instrumental sections, but both clean and harsh vocals are used. Harmonically, the song has many instances of “pivot points”. In the section starting at 4:34, for example, the harmonies pivot around a tremolo-picked “C” to maintain that droning quality.
 
2. Rebirth in the Stars
Lyrically: Following the events of “Celestial Age”, humanity has established a functioning colony on Titan. People have jobs, life is flourishing, and it seems that humanity will rebuild. However, there are those that cannot look past the fact that these people chosen to live on Titan seemingly abandoned the rest of humanity to their fate on a dying Earth. These people riot against what they see as a facade of what used to be and cause untold damage to the colony. The military power in the colony organizes and quells this insurrection, and instills a very strong regime of order. Everyone is once again at peace, but people do not live fulfilling lives. At the end of the song, a new speaker calls for riots against this oppressive dystopian regime.

 

Musically: This song has a much darker quality to it than “Celestial Age”, relying heavily on parallel minor chords. Much of the song also has a more technical feel to it, drawing inspiration from Classical era music. The harsh vocals are much faster in this track, giving many sections a very frantic feel. The tempo of the song as a whole is higher as well. The orchestra is featured heavily in this track, with a four-minute orchestral section in the middle of the song. It explores much of the thematic material introduced by the traditional metal instruments. Rhythmically, this song features many changing time signatures and some metric modulation to shift between tempos.
 
3. Home
Lyrically: This song is less of a story, but more of one man’s lament for his former home and the exploration of his emotions. He begins by expressing that nothing he sees around him in this new place can compare to his lost home. While he may live and breathe here, none of the lands he sees have been “colored by stories and songs”. As the song continues, he notes that while the end of the world took away much of humanity’s achievements, it preserved our stories and our pasts. The song concludes with him acknowledging that he and his peers have a unique opportunity to write new songs about a new home.
 
Musically: “Home” provides a more intimate setting, beginning with an acoustic guitar. The vocals have more presence in this song than in the previous two and distorted guitars do not enter until halfway through the song. Much of this song feels like one that could be sung around a campfire, thinking of days gone by. When the distorted guitars enter, they serve more to provide foundation than a true featured part to keep with the aesthetic. Harsh vocals are present in this song, but to a much smaller degree than the previous two. Harmonically, this song features jazzy major 7th chords to give it a warmer feel.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1. Logan is a data scientist with degrees in Physics, Astrophysics, and Composition, while Tim is a software developer with a Master’s degree in Linguistics. We bring both of these fields into the music in the themes, structure, and performance.2. The entire story of this EP takes place on Saturn’s moon Titan. A large portion of humanity has fled from a dying Earth and is starting anew on a distant moon.

3. This whole EP was recorded in Logan’s bedroom in Colorado, mostly using an Axe FX digital amp simulator.

4. Logan’s first instrument was percussion, but he eventually moved to the piano in high school, and picked up the electric guitar in college to help form our previous band. Tim began as a classical guitarist when he was around 8, then moved to electric guitar in high school. When the bassist of our previous band left, Tim picked up the bass and fell in love with it, moving to six-string and fretless basses.

5. We’re both avid gamers and spend a lot of time together playing games like League of Legends, Valheim, Old School RuneScape, and Minecraft.

L-R: Saturnian | Tim Watervoort (Guitars, Basses, Vocals) | Logan Dougherty (Guitars, Piano, Orchestration)
Photo Credit – Kirk MacDonald

Obsidian Skies was founded amidst the turmoil of 2020 by Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort. The two had worked together before, but not since the breakup of their previous band, Endlight, in 2017. Logan and Tim wrote much of Endlight’s music, with Logan on guitars and Tim on bass and vocals. They performed throughout Colorado, sharing the stage with bands such as Unleash the Archers and Archspire until the band’s end. While they remained close friends, Tim and Logan’s musical and professional paths diverged for a time at this point.

During this time, Logan attained a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition, adding to his Physics and Astrophysics degrees. He released a solo orchestral album, “Kingdom of Sand” in 2017, and had his chamber works performed at the University of Colorado College of Music. Tim completed his Master’s degree in Linguistics and went through an accelerated full-stack web development program. He performed as a vocalist for Oak, Ash & Thorn for a time in 2018, sharing the stage with bands such as Týr and Alestorm. Following this, he focused his musical attention on bass and solo metal work.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and everyone was stuck indoors, the two looked for a project to work on, half to stay sane, and half to explore a new creative outlet. At this time, Obsidian Skies was born. It started with Tim and Logan sharing parts with each other that they had previously written. However, as time went on, it became a true collaborative writing process, with the two writing each song together. Their first release, “Saturnian”, is absolutely some of the best work either has ever produced.

Both Tim and Logan are influenced by progressive and technical death metal, listening to bands such as Fleshgod Apocalypse, Alkaloid, and Ne Obliviscaris. Composers such as Rachmaninoff, Bach, and Debussy strongly influence Logan, as well as more modern composers like John Williams and Howard Shore. Tim is heavily influenced by folk and melodic death metal bands such as Eluveitie and Insomnium and is inspired by great bass players such as Dominic Lapointe and Linus Klausenitzer.

The music of Obsidian Skies spans many different genres, not all of which are metal. While harsh vocals, fast rhythms, and guitar solos are featured prominently, they do not necessarily dominate. Sweeping orchestral melodies, clean singing, and instruments such as piano, acoustic guitar, and fretless bass contribute to the music to create a melodic and diverse sound.

Lyrically, the band’s themes are heavily influenced by science fiction and fantasy. The story of “Saturnian” takes place on Saturn’s moon Titan. In this story, humanity is forced to flee from a dying Earth, and a portion of the population colonizes Titan. While life is able to flourish there, the people who survived are forced to deal with the emotions of leaving their lost home and the guilt of abandoning those who could not leave the planet.

Obsidian Skies remains a studio band for now, but that has allowed for flexibility in tracking that would have been difficult to achieve as a brand-new live band. “Rebirth in the Stars”, for instance, has multiple sections with four or more guitar tracks and several orchestral layers. Their debut EP “Saturnian” is set to release in 2022 and will deliver an elaborate story with a diverse, but undoubtedly metal, sound.

Obsidian Skies is:
Logan Dougherty – Guitars, Piano, Orchestration
Tim Watervoort – Guitars, Basses, Vocals

Discography:
2022 – Saturnian – EP

GEAR the band uses:
Ibanez 6-string guitar
Schecter Hellraiser 7-string guitar
Breedlove acoustic guitar
Kiesel Vader 6-string fretless bass
Kiesel Zeus 6-string fretted bass
Yamaha piano
Spitfire audio samples
Axe FX digital amp
Rode NT1-A condenser microphone
Cubase 8 Pro
Guitar Pro 7
Finale 2014.5

0 EPK – Aittala – Live To Regret (2022) – Exitus Stratagem Records

  • August 29, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · EPKs

Aittala – Live To Regret (2022) – Exitus Stratagem Records

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

Band: Aittala
Album Title: Live to Regret
Release Date: November 7, 2022
Label: ExSR Records

“Lyrically, the album chronicles a chaotic period of time for members of the band personally as well as the global events happening in parallel. Musically, the songs infuse elements of groove, sludge, traditional, doom and thrash metal but are cohesively woven into the unique Aittala sound.” – Aittala

For fans of Mastodon, Eyehate God, Baroness, Crowbar, Katatonia

Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Twitter.com/aittalamusic | YouTube.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic

Aittala.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

Album pre-order: https://hypeddit.com/aittala/livetoregret

“Aittala Offer Powerful Pandemic Post-Mortem on ‘Live to Regret’… Stick it on a playlist with Apostle of Solitude, Crowbar, Famyne, and Paradise Lost, with a dash of Slayer for good measure.” – Doomed and Stoned

“One of the best albums for 2022″ – 666MrDoom YouYube Channel

“This platter is heavy melodic ear candy that drips with deep and mesmeric face-melting tones and grinding rhythms.” (Live to Regret) – The Metal Gods Meltdown

“The band’s sound is difficult to pigeonhole because they incorporate a variety of styles. The common element in all the songs is the potent groove. On tracks like “Black Coffin” and “Afterthought” stoner/doom is at the forefront, while songs such as “Disowned” have a more traditional metal vibe. There are progressive influences on “How Much Longer,” while the closer “Debt” is a piano based ballad. Even with so many disparate styles, Aittala bring everything together into a cohesive whole.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“I would describe them as an eclectic Doom Metal band, although their sound is a bit tough to define. That’s ultimately a good thing though, and I enjoy the refreshment of something different.” – Metal-Temple

“In the metal world, bands can start to sound the same and Aittala steps outside of the box. With clear crisp vocals, grinding rhythms and well executed leads, this band is definitely in a league of their own.” – The Metal Channel

“I am not sure how to describe their overall sound. It is certainly dark, doomy at times, but added to it is a thick, sludgy, rhythmic guitar tone that takes on a life of it’s own. Adding depth is Lugo’s bass, which has an old school Metallica feel and the result is something I’ve not heard before. Almost every one of these songs has that metallic, almost industrial sounding groove line which comes through stronger in some songs more than others, but ever present none the less; it lays a foundation for these songs as dense as the darkness itself.” – Rock-N-Review

“Aittala really blends a ton of genres together on this release. The old school metal feel takes people back to their roots of when they started listening to metal in the first place. The doom and blues sounds show the power that riffs can hold and will have your head nodding along with the music. The riffs really set the tone for a dark, fun album.” – Metal Nexus

“It’s not difficult to pin down Aittala’s heavy metal sound. I’m thinking some classic heavy metal like Black Sabbath and then mid-period Metallica, all washed through down-tuned grunge (he started in 1992 after all), with maybe some a stoner or doom metal vibe dropped in. Aittala’s compositions are heavy with large thick riffage and an equally thick bottom end. After this he fills his songs with satisfying traditional, sometimes neo-classical, leads” – Dangerdog

“The mix of Heavy, Power, Stoner, and Doom Metal resulted in a very tasty aural dish” – Thoughts of Metal

“It has a raw, garage band (harkening to when that was a descriptive term, not some app on a computer) charm that certainly makes them a very unique specimen. Their “I play what I want” attitude is evident in every note of each song, which makes it very easy to embrace the energy of the album. For fans of the old school, this album will be a welcome addition to any collection.” – Fuel The Scene

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Band: Aittala
Album Title: Live to Regret
Release Date: November 7, 2022
Label: ExSR Records

Track Listing:
1. Live to Regret – 2:49
2. Collateral Damage – 3:22
3. War of Attrition – 3:18
4. Saint – 3:35
5. Cannibals – 3:56
6. Betrayed – 3:26
7. Big Brother – 4:45
8. Dancing with Disaster – 3:35
9. Never Forget – 3:36
10. Well Enough Alone – 5:03
11. Juliet (2022 Version) – 5:24

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Aittala
• All songs written by: Aittala
• Produced by: Eric Aittala and John E. Wooten IV
• Mixed by: John E. Wooten IV
• Mastered by: Dave Harris at Studio B Mastering
• Album Artwork by: Mariano Pugliese
• Member of ASCAP

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Eric Aittala – Guitar/Vocals
Ali Lugo – Bass
Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith – Drums

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

The album as a whole:

Lyrically, the album chronicles a chaotic period of time for members of the band personally as well as the global events happening in parallel.

Musically, the songs infuse elements of groove, sludge, traditional, doom and thrash metal but are cohesively woven into the unique Aittala sound.

Track by Track:

1.       Live to Regret – A swing metal-inspired track about whether to keep secrets or come clean.

2.       Collateral Damage – A hard rock/metal track about dealing with relationship ultimatums

3.       War of Attrition – A driving metal song about toxic chaos in a relationship and the struggle to leave or stay.

4.       Saint – A modern-day metal ‘ballad’ about the pleasure and pain of a toxic relationship.

5.       Cannibals – A thrash-inspired track the tighten grip of governmental monitoring and control

6.       Betrayed – A hard rock/metal track about trying to leave the past behind, but it always catches up to you.

7.       Big Brother – A sludge metal-inspired song about the devolution/zombification of the human race due to technology

8.       Dancing with Disaster – A groove metalesque track dealing with addictions causing a twisted sense of reality

9.       Never Forget – A stoner metal-inspired song about dealing with a toxic person

10.   Well Enough Alone – A traditional metalesque track about finally walking away from an unhealthy situation.

11.   Juliet (2022 Version) –  A reimagined version of a 2011 released industrialesque track featuring real drums and guitars (neither of which the original had) that tells the tale of a serial killer and his obsession, Juliet.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. From Aittala’s second album, ‘Haunt Your Flesh’, there’s a song called ‘Human Waste’ which deals with the daily struggles of life, and for years, it a staple as the second song in their set.

At one particular show at a smaller venue, Aittala is about three-quarters into the first song of the set and the band, along with the rest of the crowd based on the reaction on their faces, started to smell a familiar ‘sewer’ smell that kept getting strong. Apparently, someone decided to ‘blow up’ the venue’s bathroom for everyone’s noses to enjoy. Eric comically made light of the situation and it was a fitting segue into the next song….’ Human Waste’

2.  Even though Eric is considered a songwriter by standard definition, he will tell you he’s just the conduit for that combination of words and music to enjoy on this plain of existence at this moment of time by unconsciously interpreting those signals that desire to be a song; the songs essentially write itself through Eric’s vessel.

3.  While the band name is Eric’s last name,  he didn’t intend it to be a band name or suggest using it. The original version of the band in the early 90s had a vocalist, Tim Mannon, and was playing songs Eric had already written. The newly formed band was searching for a name and, as all new bands do, went through hundreds of different names trying to find one that fit the sound. One day Tim said ‘Why not just use Aittala since we’re playing Eric’s songs and the name was ambiguous and doesn’t lend itself to one particular metal genre’. And it stuck.

4.  Right before Aittala went to Europe in 2014, the bassist at the time, Andrew, was prescribed painkillers for an issue he was having. On the first night of the tour, Andrew had no intentions of drinking, but drinking had intentions for him. At some point, someone noticed Andrew hadn’t been seen in a while and he became the subject of a manhunt.  Low and behold, someone found Andrew sitting up on the bus toilet. He was motionless with one eye open and one eye closed. For a brief second, everyone thought the worst, but, luckily he was just passed out.

5.  Aittala was playing a multi-band show.  While hanging out checking out the first band, they see this live wire of a lady running around being crazy.
Ali leaned over to Gary and said “I bet by the 3rd band her shirt is coming off”
No sooner had Ail said that than out came her boobs. Needless to say, they were rather floppy and, when she did put them away, she basically had to roll them up.

After they got done playing and were having dinner and drinks at the bar, she was again shirtless. She basically cornered Ali in his seat and one of her boobs was laying in his chicken Alfredo as she was trying to talk to him. They were pretty sure she had a third-degree burn on her boob from the fresh hot pasta.

L-R – AITTALA Lineup – Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums), Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox), Ali Lugo (Bass)
Photo Credit – Formont Photography

The music of AITTALA (pronounced ‘EYE-tah-la’) crosses many metal genres; it’s hard to put it into just one category. The sound infuses elements of classic heavy metal, doom, progressive, power, thrash, and hard rock with lyrics drawing inspiration from the darker side of the human condition. The AITTALA sound has been cited for being unique which is no easy feat in the metal genre.

The first version of AITTALA was formed in 1991 while Eric Aittala was living in Holland. With fellow American Tim on vocals and Dutch bandmates Ed (drums) and Jon (bass), the band became a staple of the Dutch metal scene.

With the release of the 3-song EP ‘Selling Heaven’ in summer of 1993, AITTALA opened for such bands as THE GATHERING and SADIST. Unfortunately, as the demo started to create a buzz in the underground European metal scene, Eric had to return to the US and disbanded AITTALA.

Over the next decade or so, Eric played in numerous bands (TRIBE, MAGNETHEAD, DWELL) and lost focus on AITTALA.

Near the end of the 00’s, Eric decided it was time to refocus his efforts on the AITTALA brand. From 2009 to 2016, AITTALA released 4 full-length albums: ‘Bed of Thorns’ (2009), ‘Haunt Your Flesh’ (2011), ‘Effigy’ (2014) and ‘American Nightmare’ (2016). Each album showcasing a natural progression of song writing and lyrical content but retaining the core AITTALA sound and evolving it.

In 2019, AITTALA signed with Curtain Call Records and released the band’s fifth full-length album ‘False Pretenses’. It was ten brand new songs that not only continued the song writing evolution of heavier but catchy songs, but also sonically. AITTALA used an entirely different approach for the recording, mixing and mastering to create the best AITTALA album to date.

The current lineup of AITTALA consists of Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL) on drums and Ali Lugo (ex-AGE OF DESPAIR) on bass.

They continue to write, record and tour to bring AITTALA to the masses with plans in 2022 to unleash their sixth studio album entitled “Live To Regret” to be released by label Exitus Strategm Records.

“We think the fans will hear the pain and pleasure that went into the creation of this album as well as hear the growth in the songwriting. I wrote this album during a chaotic time in my life. Not only was it during the height of the lockdowns of the pandemic, but I was also in a very chaotic relationship. That chaos fueled my creativity and both musically and lyrically. I was constantly walking on an uncertain tightrope and I never knew was going to break. We hope the fans feel the same pleasure, pain, chaos and passion that I was going through and infused into the songs when they listen to the album and singles.” adds Eric Aittala.

“Live in Regret” will be available on November 7, 2022.

Discography:
2022 – Live in Regret (ExSR Records)
2021 – American Nightmare (remastered) (ExSR Records)
2019 – False Pretenses (Curtain Call Records)
2016 – American Nightmare
2014 – Effigy
2011 – Haunt Your Flesh
2009 – Bed of Thorns
1993 – Selling Heaven (EP)

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