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Category: EPKs

0 EPK – The Occult – Self-Titled (2022)

  • June 29, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Occult

EPK – The Occult – Self-Titled (2022)

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

For fans of Type O Negative, Life of Agony, Misfits, Guns N Roses & The Ramones

“We want people to forget about their problems and just get lost in the music. The Occult, despite having dark content (i.e. murder, overthrowing of governments or what have you) is a celebratory band. People come to the shows and leave with a smile. They dance, cry and let themselves go. I think that’s the essence of rock and roll really. Having a transcendental experience.” – The Occult

Album Title: Self Titled – The Occult
Release Date: Aug 19, 2022
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/TheOccultBand | YouTube | Instagram.com/theoccultband

Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify – https://linktr.ee/officialTheOccultband

Infusing 80’s American punk with 90’s rock n’ roll and alt-metal, Montreal, Canada’s The Occult is gearing up to release their debut self-titled album on August 19th, 2022.

Amidst the dark lyrical content such as murder, politics, and disdain for religion, The Occult is ultimately a celebratory band. They like to ensure that people leave the show with a smile. Hoping that people will forget their problems and become fully immersed in the music, they look to provide a transcendental experience. Well rehearsed, they don’t get on stage and wing it, they are dedicated, passionate, and meticulous about their music.

For the most part, each of the band’s songs starts with the vocals, a chorus melody that needs music to be written around it. Once that core of the song is done the rest starts taking shape. The sole songwriter, Eric Savanis was surprised with how simple it was to write – natural and innate. Constantly writing, he finished the thirteen tracks in a few months.

According to the band, this debut is the first step in what they hope is a long journey. They have a lot to say and think people will really dig the tunes. With a conglomeration of influences, especially stuff from the Seattle region in the early 90s, The Occult presents something that is both familiar and fresh. They are recommended for fans of Type O Negative, Life of Agony, Danzig, and Misfits.

Album Band Line Up:
Vocals: Eric Savanis
Rhythm/Lead Guitar & Back Vox/Co-Lead on Dots Vox: Alex Klimatiris (Purple Meadow)
Bass & Back Vox: Gianni Berretta (House of Dusk)
Drums: Justin Piedimonte (Immortal Guardian, ex-The Chronicles of Israfel)
Guest Vocals on Planet Pisces: Lord Fez Khan (ex- Crosstitution, Double Cross)

Album Title: Self Titled – The Occult
Release Date: Aug 19, 2022
Label: Self-Release  

Track Listing:
1. Watch You Die – 3:05
2. In This Night – 2:59
3. Deth Doll – 3:22
4. Strangling Republicans – 2:48
5. It’s Amateur Hour – 2:49
6. 20 Years – 2:59
7. Dots – 2:05
8. Gotta Love Those Humans – 3:47
9. Dine with Me – 1:56
10. Team Satan – 3:48
11. Planet Pisces – 2:44
12. Nicole – 2:51
13. Occupy Unite – 3:14
Album Length: 35:50

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: The Occult
• All songs written by: Eric Savanis
• Produced by: Eric Savanis
• Mixed by: Maxime Philippe
• Mastered by: Maxime Philippe
• Album Artwork by: Ishca Photography

Album Band Line Up:
Vocals: Eric Savanis
Rhythm/Lead Guitar & Back Vox/Co-Lead on Dots Vox: Alex Klimatiris (Purple Meadow)
Bass & Back Vox: Gianni Berretta (House of Dusk)
Drums: Justin Piedimonte (Immortal Guardian, ex-The Chronicles of Israfel)
Guest Vocals on Planet Pisces: Lord Fez Khan (ex- Crosstitution, Double Cross)

Live Band Line Up:
Vocals: Eric Savanis
Rhythm Guitar & Back Vox: Rafael Corzo
Bass & Back Vox: Carlos Carvalho
Drums: TBD

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

It’s certainly dark but there are aspects of celebration in there. If you’re watching a zombie movie where the protagonist survives by killing everyone, it certainly causes for celebration. Finding the light in the darkness if you will. The record is no different.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Watch you Die – Pretty self-explanatory if you ask me. Musically it’s very dynamic and certainly a favourite to play live.

2. In This Night – Probably a little less on the nose than the previous song but these themes are similar. The modulations in the verses were certainly accidental but still stand out as something that’s just really cool musically.

3. Deth Doll – A friend of mine had an old Facebook handle where she called herself Deth Doll. She was going through a time so I decided to write a song for her fictionalizing her name into a character that basically destroys whatever opposition is thrown in her direction. She loved the tune which was an added bonus for sure. Musically it’s got hints of Nirvana in the bridge with the off-the-kilt lead work that Alex threw in there. The rest is almost driving stoner rock but not in a way that’s embarrassing.

4. Strangling Republicans – The title says it all really. Musically it’s a pretty straightforward punk rock and roll tune with some metal overtones in the verses.

5. It’s Amateur Hour – Former Prime Minister and war criminal Stephen Harper sold arms to the Saudis a couple of months back and was quoted as saying “I’m really proud of this deal.” Saudi Arabia, as most people know, is known for its massive bombing campaigns in Yemen among other war crimes. The fact that Stephen Harper is proud of his hand in these war crimes is so disturbing it’s really beyond words. This song is a summation of the years he was in power and the fact that people like him can not only exist in society but thrive. It’s really a reflection of how deranged of a society we, unfortunately, live in. Musically it probably smashes the most, a great closer for our live shows.

6. 20 Years – There are 2 main themes here. The first was the experience that the people in Point Pleasant, West Virginia had when they started experiencing hauntings from a creature they ended up naming the Mothman. The other one was my friend’s inability to take care of herself at that point in time. This tune has a Joey Ramone-type chorus. Poppy in the best sense of the word.

7. Dots – My disdain for Christianity and all the poisons it pours into society. Ferocious high-velocity punk rock tune. Alex sang co-lead vocals on the verses and killed it.

8. Gotta Love Those Humans – Disdain for society’s need for conformity and its inability to welcome people that are operating out of the norm. The heaviest tune on the record, taking cues from Slayer and early Metallica among other things.

9. Dine with Me –  This is about Monsanto and the crimes it committed and continues to commit in Pakistan and India where they created a suicide epidemic by putting farmers in a position of financial catastrophe. Another high bpm punk rock beating.

10. Team Satan – Highlighting, yet again, my disgust for the church and the slave religion that it imposes on the masses. Punk metal tune with a pretty cool bridge. Fun fact, there are about 60 guys screaming GO in the chorus which was a blast to record.

11. Planet Pisces – Students of Astrology know that one of the Piscean traits, that people born under this sign exhibit, is self-deception. Take that concept & blow it up by a thousand and you have Planet Pisces, a tale of insanity & contradictions. Musically there’s punk and some aspects of death metal. The Lord Fez Khan, formerly of Crosstitution, now in Double Cross, guest screams on this song.

12. Nicole –  An exaggerated tale of a nightmare roommate that friends of mine had to endure. Musically it’s a blend of punk and metal with an anthemic sing-along chorus.

13. Occupy Unite –  Based on the Occupy Movement from a couple of years back. Same as Nicole, high octane punk and metal. There’s a riff in there that I call a Soundgarden muscle riff. It makes me happy that their influence is in there somewhere.

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

Discography:
2022 – Self-Titled LP
2021 – Planet Pisces – Single
2018 – In This Night – Single

Shared Stage with:
Guttrot, Ovniii, Doom An Blue, Murtenscythe, Pussy Stench, Califo Fray, Wykan. Ruby  Slipper, Mistwalker

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND

1. As noted above, this is the first step in what we hope is a long journey, I have a lot to say and think people will really dig the tunes.

2. I remember going to Alex’s, where Gianni and I tracked the guitars and were trying to record Dots. I am not a guitar player in the traditional sense of the word. I use it to write and that’s it. I don’t really practice anymore and my leads are limited. When Alex realized that it was gonna take hours to record a 2-minute song he grabbed the guitar out of my hand, plugged in his guitar, and finished it in one take. Gianni and I had a good laugh about that. At the time, Alex had no idea that it was a full record, when he asked me how many songs there were, his face turned white when I responded there were 13. The poor bastard didn’t know what he signed up for

3. While the songs might seem tongue and cheek at times, there’s magick permeating everywhere on the record. As a student of Western Hermeticism, it’s no coincidence that the band is called The Occult.

4. The band members that played on the record were all in the band at separate times for about 5 minutes. Due to scheduling, it was impossible to set up a jam. Eventually, everyone got other things started so it was time to find new guys to play the material live.

0 EPK – Oak, Ash & Thorn

  • June 28, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs

EPK – Oak, Ash & Thorn

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

For fans of Borknagar, Tyr, Immortal, Amon Amarth, Primordial

“Lyrically the album is about the old gods, the ancestors, and the struggles that come along with being human. Musically it’s very melodic with 3-part harmonies and plenty of blast beats.” – Cierra White (Drums)

 “I think the things that make us sound like Oak, Ash and Thorn are Cierra’s unorthodox drumming, my dual clean & growled vocals, and the layers of interweaving strings. Lyrically, it’s about my personal lived experiences expressed through pagan terminology.”  – Adam Armstrong (Vocals, Guitar)

EP Title: To Gaze on Stars of Frost
Release Date: May 26, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Facebook.com/ofoakashandthorn | Twitter.com/MetalOATs | YouTube | Instagram.com/ofoakashandthorn 

Oakashandthorn.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

“Oak Ash and Thorn have returned in triumphant fashion with one of the top EP’s of 2021.” – Folk-metal.nl

“[May Every Altar Linger] opener ‘Let the Hearthfires Burn’ will surely eat a hole in your ear before it’s finished, it’s too sweet.” – Kvlt of Brewtality

Oak, Ash & Thorn arose along Colorado’s Rocky Mountain front range out of a collective passion for heavy metal and old-world paganism. Their debut album, May Every Altar Linger, was released in 2018, laying the band’s foundation of melodic death/black metal shaded with traditional European folk music. The band teamed up with Fabian Jiru of Trollfest/Fleshmeadow to record the To Gaze on Stars of Frost EP, released May of 2021, and is now touring in select states throughout the western United States.

EP Band Line Up:
Adam Armstrong – Lead vocals, guitars
Casey Hill – Guitars
Nate Periat – Guitars, backing vocals
Erik Hoffman – Bass
Cierra White – Drums
Fabian Jiru – Guitar solo on “Suspended and Frozen”

Live Band Line Up:
Adam Armstrong – Lead vocals, guitars
Jason Harding – Backing vocals, guitars
Erik Hoffman – Bass
Cierra White – Drums

Discography:
2021 – To Gaze on Stars of Frost – EP
2018 – May Every Altar Linger – Full Length

Shared Stage with:
Rotting Christ, Borknagar, Abigail Williams, Ghost Bath, Vale of Pnath, Stormruler (Devastation on the Nation 2022), Cattle Decapitation, Carnifex, The Faceless, Rivers of Nihil, Nekrogoblikon, et al (Summer Slaughter 2019), Tyr, Orphaned Land, Ghost Ship Octavius, Aeternam (Tyr’s tour in support of their album “Hel”), Arkona & Metsatöll (Pagan Rebellion North America Part II 2019), Kalmah, Vreid, Empyrean Throne (Kalmah’s Heroes to Us Tour 2019), Cradle of Filth, Cancerslug, &  Frayle (CoF’s most recent US headliner).

Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Existence is Futile Tour – Grand Junction, CO
2022 – Devastation on the Nation – Denver, CO
2019 – Summer Slaughter – Denver, CO
2019 – Pagan Rebellion North America Part II – Denver, CO
2018 – Snakes & Vultures over North America – Denver, CO
2015 – Beltania Festival – Colorado Springs, CO

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

The EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Lyrically the album is about the old gods, the ancestors, and the struggles that come along with being human. Musically it’s very melodic with 3-part harmonies and plenty of blast beats. – Cierra White

I think the things that make us sound like Oak, Ash and Thorn are Cierra’s unorthodox drumming, my dual clean & growled vocals, and the layers of interweaving strings. Lyrically, it’s about my personal lived experiences expressed through pagan terminology. – Adam Armstrong

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Praise Unto the Immortals, lyrically, is about the old gods of the world: the elements. Earth, air, fire, and water, and all their many forms. Musically, this song is nostalgic and full of longing, layered with a healthy dose of blast beats. – Cierra White

2. Anthem to the Forest of Our Ancestors, lyrically is about the death of my father and the void that it left in my life. Musically, this track is probably the most somber and the most influenced by Euro folk of the four of them. – Adam Armstrong

3. Ride!, lyrically, is a battle cry to those you hold dear to take a stand for what is important. Musically, this is probably the most upbeat song we’ve ever written. It’s very much a pump your fist and shout with your chosen brethren type of song. – Cierra White and Adam Armstrong

4. Suspended and Frozen, lyrically is about the end of a long relationship and the enlightenment I gained from getting through that grieving process. Musically, this track is the most experimental we’ve ever gotten. It’s our only song with a guitar solo in it, we experimented with vocal harmonies and brought forth some unorthodox riffs. – Adam Armstrong

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. When brainstorming names for our first album, we thought it would be funny if the acronym for it was MEAL since the acronym for our band name is OAT. Our bassist at the time came up with “May Every Altar Linger”, so we ran with it. Only a couple of people thus far have put it all together. – Cierra White  

2. Each member has some other creative venture that they do on the side. Cierra is also in Denver’s post-black metal band Harboured and has a long, storied history as a powerhouse drummer among northern Colorado metal bands. Erik is part of a regular podcast about movers and the ridiculous shit that they experience on a daily basis.  Jason is an EDM enthusiast and has a solo project called Kaom. Adam is an actor and stage performer, and has a history as a burlesque/circus MC, and is also the lead villain in an upcoming indie vampire flick.

3. When OAT began, they played strictly acoustic, dark folk music, and in fact, for some time after the band’s reimagination as a metal band, the songs were still written solely on acoustic guitars to attempt to maintain a sense of folkishness.

EP Title: To Gaze on Stars of Frost
Release Date: May 26, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Track Listing:
1. Praise unto the Immortals – 5:32
2. Anthem to the Forest of Our Ancestors – 5:16
3. Ride! – 5:14
4. Suspended and Frozen – 8:16

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Oak, Ash & Thorn
• All songs written by: Oak, Ash & Thorn
• Produced by: Oak, Ash & Thorn and Fabian Jiru
• Mixed by: Fabian Jiru
• Mastered by: Fabian Jiru
• Album Artwork by: Adam Armstrong
• Member of ASCAP

EP Band Line Up:
Adam Armstrong – Lead vocals, guitars
Casey Hill – Guitars
Nate Periat – Guitars, backing vocals
Erik Hoffman – Bass
Cierra White – Drums
Fabian Jiru – Guitar solo on “Suspended and Frozen”

0 EPK – Gerald Peter Project – Incremental Changes, Pt. 2 (2022)

  • June 22, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Gerald Peter Project

EPK – Gerald Peter Project – Incremental Changes, Pt. 2 (2022)

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

For fans of Tigran Hamasyan, Jordan Rudess, Hans Zimmer, Dream Theater, Haywyre

“I want them to close their eyes, forget everything about their surroundings, their real life, and find themselves completely getting lost in the music, going on a journey with the music and “wake up” again when the album finishes.” – Gerald Peter

Artist Name: Gerald Peter Project
Album Title: Incremental Changes, Pt. 2
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Label: GRIDMusic
Distribution: Universal Music

Geraldpetermusic.com | Facebook.com/geraldpetermusic | Twitter.com/geraldp001 | Youtube.com/geraldpetermusic | Instagram.com/geraldp001

Digital Album Sales Links – GPP.lnk.to/IncrementalChanges2 | Geraldpeter.bandcamp.com

“IT’S AWESOME MUSIC” – JORDAN RUDESS, DREAM THEATER

“DEEP, LYRICAL, HIGH MELODICALLY […] BOMBASTIC DIMENSIONS AND DRAMATIC PATHOS […] FULL OF SURPRISES, MOOD CHANGES, DYNAMICS AND THEMES”  (translated from German) – BABYBLAUE SEITEN, VOLKMAR MANTEL

“[…] OFFERING INSTRUMENTAL ROCK-PROGRESSIVE WITH GREAT PURITY THROUGH SYMPHONIC AND LYRICAL DEVELOPMENTS.” – MUSICINBELGIUM.NET, PHILIPPE THIRIONET

“‘ENIGMA’ IS THE CINEMATIC PROGRESSIVE ROCK OUTFIT THAT HAS BEEN MAKING QUITE THE BIG SLASH RECENTLY. YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES AND IMAGINE AN EPIC FUTURISTIC BATTLE AS YOU LISTEN TO THE SONG.” – THEMUSICBELOW.COM

“[…] SOME INCREDIBLE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. BEST DESCRIBED AS PROGRESSIVE IN AN ALMOST AMBIENT AURA. LISTENING TO THIS YOU GET TRANSPORTED INTO DEEP SPACE.” – BATTLEHELM.COM, ANDERS EKDAHL

“A MELODIC POWERHOUSE ANTHEM […] PAINTS A DREAM OF STEADY FLOWING NEON LIGHTS, CRISP CHARACTERS, AND MYSTERY STEEPED IN SHADOW […] ‘ENIGMA’ IS TRULY A WORK OF ART THAT YOU MUST EXPERIENCE TO COMPREHEND.” – THELITTLESTVOICE.COM

Gerald Peter, the composer, keyboardist, seaboard player and producer of his creative project takes the listener on an ongoing musical journey through 10 thematic ‘movements’, transcending genre boundaries with elements of progressive rock, cinematic, jazz and electronic music. The new album “Incremental Changes, Pt. 2” under his artist name “Gerald Peter Project” will be released on June 24th via Austrian label Grid Music. The album features the versatile drummer Aaron Thier and a few prominent special guests, including Dream Theater keyboard virtuoso Jordan Rudess, the award-winning soundtrack vocalist Julie Elven (singer for the game soundtracks of Horizon Zero Dawn, World of Warcraft), and the high-skilled guitarist Martin Miller.

“For me, my album Incremental Changes, Pt 2 is a musical statement, an emotional journey and an inner transformation expressed through music. When you listen to my album, you will recognize that it changes and develops a lot, I think that these changes reflect an inner transformation I went through, but also any person can go through comparable to a character developing and leveling up in a computer game. So step by step you go through this musical journey, you can develop yourself through incremental changes into a better version of yourself with every movement you go through. So in the end,  you slowly transform into a state where you are ready for any challenge facing you and your final goal is reached.” – Gerald Peter

Live Band Line Up:
Gerald Peter – Keyboards
Aaron Thier – Drums

Discography:
2022 – Album “Incremental Changes, Pt. 2”
2019 – Two Singles / Videos “Enigma” & Flow
2017 – Video and EP “Incremental Changes, Pt. 1”
2015 – Demo Video “A piece of music by Gerald Peter”

Artist Name: Gerald Peter Project
Album Title: Incremental Changes, Pt. 2
Release Date: June 24, 2022
Label: GRIDMusic
Distribution: Universal Music

Track Listing
1 – Prologue (7th Movement) [3:22]
2 – Enigma (8th Movement) [6:40]
3 – Flow (9th Movement) [4:29]
4 – Transformation (10th Movement) [5:00]
5 – Submerge (11th Movement) [6:19]
6 – Gleam (12th Movement) [4:57]
7 – Timeless (13th Movement) [4:46]
8 – Pulse (14th Movement) [5:51]
9 – Epilogue (15th Movement) [3:15]
10 – Finale (16th Movement) [10:02]

Album Credits
Keyboard, Seaboard, Composition, Production: Gerald Peter
Drums: Aaron Thier
Backing Vocals: Julie Elven
Guest Appearances:
Keyboard Solo by Jordan Rudess on Track 10 Finale from minute 5:42
Guitar Solo by Martin Miller at Track 8 from minute 4:46
Drum Recording Setup, Mixing & Mastering: Mike Wolff @ melonFM
Album Artwork by: Florian Solly / flowdesign.at
Member of AKM (Austrian organization for composer)

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

The album as a whole explained:

It is a story being told through melodies and rhythms. I express these mainly through the piano and synth lead sounds and also heavy synth bass lines. Like in a symphony, melodies and themes are recurring. The album starts epic and heavy prog, gets a bit more calm and gentle in the middle, and then gets more uptempo towards the end, in the big finale it gets epic and heavy prog again.

Track by Track Explained:

1 – Prologue (7th Movement) [3:22]
Epic / atmospheric, without rhythm/drums, arose by a free jam with Julie Elven. Introduction of the piano, some leads, and some epic synths reminding on certain film soundtracks.

2 – Enigma (8th Movement) [6:40]
I would describe that as a heavy synth prog track that was inspired by Dream Theater. The idea for the main riff arose already 15 years ago. The main part here was finding the right sound for the riff and leads, but I am happy with the result. What I am happy with as well of how it develops, it starts pretty much heavy already, but through progressive parts and tempo and time signature changes the track is able to raise its energy more and more throughout the end. Aaron plays a killer drum solo in the middle through a theme that reminds of film music. Julie sounds great and brings the right vibe to the track.

3 – Flow (9th Movement) [4:29]
In this track, the album incorporates more jazzy elements, but without losing the epic and atmospheric vibe. Here I am playing a jazzy piano solo at the end which is a lot of fun to play, in the middle and end I am bringing up themes that were used in other movements already.

4 – Transformation (10th Movement) [5:00]
The sounds and themes are inspired by Harry Potter, Hans Zimmer, Skrillex, and Dream Theater. When I listen to it I picture a story about a big transformation in a pre-apocalyptic world. Aaron has a killer drum solo in the end as well.

5 – Submerge (11th Movement) [6:19]
This is inspired by Rachmaninoff, a movie soundtrack, and some jazz jam sessions I went to. This is probably also the most memorable track and melodies from the album.

6 – Gleam (12th Movement) [4:57]
This track turned out beautiful. It starts calm but it develops into an epic rock ballad track in the end, all in  7-8 of course. The guitar solo part which I play on the seaboard is a reprise of the 2nd movement from my first EP.

7 – Timeless (13th Movement) [4:46]
This is the calmest track of the album. It gives the listener opportunity to calm down again after that high-energy section. I really like the piano solo in this track which has a playful vibe.

8 – Pulse (14th Movement) [5:51]
This track is the track with the most electronic vibes, which is inspired by EDM music obviously. But I incorporated some piano music into the mix and also some jazz elements which makes this track a very interesting fusion of styles. Martins’ guitar solo is genius at the end of the song.

9 – Epilogue (15th Movement) [3:15]
Being almost teleported to the beginning of the album, this has a similar sound and vibe to the prologue. This was also recorded in the same impro session with Julie. This track was only improvised. Some additional epic sounds were added afterward. It was an amazing experience jamming with Julie, she has such a unique voice and creates such an out-of-this-world atmosphere with what she is doing, so it was easy to get inspired by that. This track is also the perfect transition to the big finale.

10 – Finale (16th Movement) [10:02]
Like in every big journey there must be a final challenge in the end, as the end boss in an epic computer game. This track would be the equivalent of an end boss in such a game, high energy, thrilling, action, complex, progressive, playful, and full of drama which eventually turns into something playful in between and something positive in the end. Just around the transition to the positive ending part there is a killer lead solo by Jordan Rudess. After that solo, I am playing my final synth solo of the album I am very happy with how it turned out and the album ends with positive and hopeful energy but leaves space for a continuation of part iii.

Background Info:

Gerald Peter Project is a crossover genre-transcending music project starring Gerald Peter as the keyboard/seaboard player accompanied by the versatile drummer Aaron Thier. Gerald leads through a musical story with his ongoing compositions by combining different elements of prog rock, neoclassical, jazz, cinematic, and electronic music.

Gerald Peter founded the project in 2014 as a creative outlet when he was a working musician on a cruise ship playing dance and party music every day. The creative outlet continued when he was working for ROLI as a Seaboard product specialist in 2015 & 2016. He collected many musical ideas over many years by improvising on the piano and seaboard, inspired by his favourite artists over a variety of genres (but mainly prog), and inspired by gradual and drastic shifts in his life (‘incremental changes’). After having a huge amount of music material, he thought it would be a good idea to compose, based on that material, some concert music being able to record, produce and perform his own music without the need of an entire band around him which was at this point in this life impossible to have because of ongoing traveling. In the beginning, it was an entirely solo project consisting of only Gerald on the keyboard/seaboard and a backing track that was created by himself. But after many living room concerts during the demo phase of his project, he decided to bring the project to the next level and add some live drums. He asked his former bandmate Aaron Thier from Circle of Illusion, who was a great fit for the project and music. They recorded the digital EP “Incremental Changes, Pt. 1” in 2016 together as a live video shoot recording in Vienna, which was released on YouTube and Bandcamp in 2017. In the years from 2017 – 2019 several live shows have taken place in many different locations, e.g. in Vienna, Nuremberg, Toronto, Budapest, and Anaheim, California at the NAMM show 2019. In 2019 Gerald Peter Project released two new performance videos and singles ‘Enigma’ and ‘Flow’ which are both part of the current album ‘Incremental Changes, Pt. 2’. GERALD PETER PROJECT incorporates self-made instrument reactive visuals at its live shows, which are created by a MIDI visualizer program Gerald developed by himself. Gerald was working as a programmer in his 20s and has a degree in media informatics. Some of his visuals can be seen in the music video of ‘Flow’ which was shot in the 8K projection room ‘deep space’ in Linz, Austria, and during live concerts.

Gerald Peter, born in 1986, is a composer, producer, and keyboardist from Vienna who has already worked for Jordan Rudess Music as a co-composer (for the albums “Rockestra” & “Heartfelt”), for Cirque Du Soleil as a touring show-band musician and for ROLI as an international seaboard specialist and demonstrator. Gerald Peter has previously released albums with his band’s Circle of Illusion and Inspirational Corner as well.

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. In 2017, having Aaron Thier be part of the project was a last-minute decision. I had the studio for a video shoot and camera crew already booked and Aaron had only one week to learn the entire music of Part I which was recorded and shot one week later.

2. When I was in London I got visited by Lisa Maria Harris, and a few moments before I just recorded the demo of the 2nd movement of the first EP and I ask her if she could try singing this melody, “I would like to know how it sounds”. Her voice from this spontaneous take ended up in the final record!

3. When I was performing at the NAMM show in 2019 unfortunately Aaron could make it, but I hired a professional drummer, Camille Bigeaut who learned the entire music. When performing at the Hilton Hotel at our spot we only had 10 minutes for the change-over in between bands, so I had all my interface and cables/notebook already ready in my suitcase which I just put as a whole on the stage.  

4. When I was working at the cruise ship as a show keyboard player in 2014, I was using the crew party event “the crew talent show” as a spot to perform my first piece from my solo project in the main theater of the Carnival crew ship I was working at in front of the entire staff of this cruise. After that show, I was known on the ship, and people seemed to enjoy the show. I used video footage from that show to edit the video of “a piece of music by Gerald Peter” which I released at the beginning of 2015 on my youtube channel. This work motivated me to continue my solo project work.

5. We are performing the album release show for Incremental Changes, Pt. 2   in a cinema!

6. I was telling my mother “I need an outfit which glows for my video but I don’t how to realize it”, my mother “I can sew you a neon costume, do you have a draft of what theme you want on the costume”, I showed her what I want … she spent days of sewing but finally she got it right what I want and it is what I wanted which I used in the video and on stage. She is/was my costume creator even if she has never done that before!

0 EPK – Eternal Closure – At the Center of It All – Chapter I (2022)

  • June 16, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Eternal Closure

EPK – Eternal Closure – At the Center of It All – Chapter I (2022)

Publicist – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Currents, Trivium, Periphery

Album Title: At the Center of It All – Chapter I
Release Date: September 23, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

“We are beyond excited to present our latest work to the public. “At the Center of It All” is our most ambitious project to date. It features bigger and more intricate arrangements, a more aggressive edge as well an interplay between female and male vocals. This third album displays how our songwriting abilities have taken a whole new step. We are proud of every song on this album, which is more diverse, heavier, and more technical than anything we have done before. The lyrics come from the heart about what we stand for, how we feel about a range of subjects, and how we get mad at those who reject nuance and empathy in their lives. We want to thank Christian Donaldson, who helps us produce our records since the beginning, for once again delivering an incredible-sounding record that will blow people’s minds.

‘Practice What You Preach’ was a purposeful choice as the first single. It’s one of our most aggressive cuts and really showcases Kat as a vocalist, as well as our 3-guitarist lineup. Everybody gets a chance to shine.”  – Eternal Closure

Eternalclosure.com | Facebook.com/EternalClosure | Instagram.com/eternalclosure | Youtube | Tiktok.com/@eternalclosure

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

“There is really only one way to listen to At the Centre of It all – Chapter 1 by Eternal Closure, and that is very loud indeed! So, turn your music listening device up to maximum volume and prepare your ears for the sweet and sour sound of modern metal at its very best. At the Centre of It All – Chapter 1 has elements of Death Metal, Melodic Metal and Nu Metal in a full-on metal cocktail that just works so well it will leave you crying out for more!” – Metal Epidemic

“Okay, color us pretty impressed by this one. If you’re unfamiliar with Eternal Closure, you won’t be for long. They’re pretty clearly a metal band that should have a lot of fans across the world, and it seems more are taking notice of their fairly unique sound. With influences ranging across the spectrums of death metal, thrash metal, metalcore, and even progressive leanings, the band’s new song “Dimensions Apart” is a good way to get acquainted.” – The New Fury

“their metalcore has been bulked up by a new vocalist and a revamped lineup that now features three guitarists and male/female vocal interplay. They take advantage of their bolstered abilities with songs that let them stand out, like the dueling harmonies from the singers on “Exiled” and a vast-sounding conclusion to “Moonrider.” … the six tracks reach across metalcore to thrash, progressive, and ambient avenues. It’s clear with this release that the behind-the-scenes shifts over the last two to three years have worked to Eternal Closure’s benefit.” – Heavy Music HQ

“Dans l’ensemble, ETERNAL CLOSURE semble plus en forme que jamais. Les combinaisons entre l’aspect très mélodique progressif et le modern metal s’agencent bien aux influences plus old-school metalcore. Je vous recommande principalement les titres « Conflict I », « Dimensions Apart » et « From One Side to Another ». À découvrir !” – Metal Universe

“Having many metalcore sympathies, I find it very difficult to critique an outstanding metalcore album. This, I can assure you, is one of the top core albums in general I have had the pleasure of listening to this year. If you like your metalcore to feel progressive without being pretentious, then check out this certified banger of tracks by ETERNAL CLOSURE.” – Female Fronted Power

“The chugging rhythmic beast of “From One Side to Another” is an absolute powerhouse that has a couple of serious gut punch moments as the band paint in colour and shade, never afraid to add melodic touches to otherwise brutal cuts and vice versa while at the same time having the musicianship to pull off those left turns with style and grace. The grand finale in “Moonrider” takes things into the epic realm, going bigger and bolder with atmospheric Metalcore and Progressive touches to create something with cinematic qualities that still retains that heavier core element as an orientation. On this evidence while you wait for the second chapter which has almost instantly become a highly anticipated one, you’ll also want to check out the previous records. That’s testament to how good this record is [8.5/10]” – Metal Noise

“Having three guitarists REALLY pays dividends with this style of songwriting. Personal standouts for me on this album were the tracks ‘Exiled’, ‘Dimensions Apart’ and ‘Moonrider’. ‘Exiled’ in particular as a melodic quality underpinned by a subdued sense of aggression that doesn’t take away from the melody. How they managed to pull off an aggressive track that doesn’t particularly feel angry is a testament to this band. The same can be said for most of this album. It is the perfect blend between beauty and beast. I had never heard of this band before and after listening to this EP I’m questioning how the hell I haven’t because this is a breath of fresh air in a world where everything, including music and arts, feels like it’s becoming homogenized. This will definitely be in rotation on my playlists going forward and I’m really looking forward to chapter two. If you can check these guys out you will not be disappointed. I know I wasn’t.” – Uber Rock

“I was greatly entertained by this album. I enjoyed every song, and when all is said and done, isn’t that the point? Similarly, I’ve enjoyed every song I’ve heard from Eternal Closure thus far – that’s impressive. Give this small band a listen today and you may leave astounded.” – Sputnik Music

“ETERNAL CLOSURE deliver a modern, powerful album. The djent-driven rhythmic pushes the songs forward, so do the three guitars with their mighty sound. As they’re alternating with more peaceful and melodious moments, the music comes along with a good variety. The mixed vocals add a wide emotional palette fitting to the personal lyrics. The decision to split “At The Center Of It All” into two chapters is welcomed here, as 30 minutes is a good, short-whiled playing time, and makes me looking forward to Part 2.” – Mostly Metal

“Ultra tight with raw energy that’s absolutely blinding, Color of our Fears crushes skulls.” – The Sounds Won’t Stop

“Eternal Closure have created an excellent piece of music that is hard, melodious, brutal and complex.” – KOBZR Magazine

“[Eternal Closure] have reminded me to want to throw my fists into the air just for the hell of it today.” – Drop the Spotlight

“Having 3 guitarists forces us to come up with more complex arrangements, which is awesome.” – Rock Monster Romania

“I feel like our sound is something that is slightly different than what everyone else is doing here.” – Ever Metal

“[People] should expect to hear modern Metalcore that also blends many different influences. There’s some prog, thrash, death, etc… We don’t really confine ourselves to one thing.” – Devils Gate Music

“The entirety of this album is a ride of emotions that flow from song to song in seamless harmony. Listening to this album was nothing short of magic. 8.5/10” – Insanity Media

Photo Credit – Sébastien-Charles Boitel
Top L-R : Marine Lacarrière (guitar), Phil Lemelin (guitar), Olivier Boitel (guitar, back vocals), Katrine Castonguay (main vocals), Philippe Boitel (drums), Jonathan Lauzon (bass, back vocals)

Eternal Closure is a six-piece, female-fronted metal band from Montreal, Quebec. They stand out from the heavy local scene with their unique blend of aggressive riffs, versatile vocals, and epic melodies. They draw inspiration from various sub-genres such as metalcore, progressive metal, and djent. Their hard work and dedication is only matched by their excessive love for cats.

The group formed by guitarist and singer Olivier Boitel, bassist Jonathan Lauzon, and drummer Philippe Boitel, was recently joined by vocalist Katrine Castonguay as well as guitarists Marine Lacarrière and Phil Lemelin, to evolve into its ultimate form.

The band has created their most ambitious record to date, “At the Center of It All”. The album will be split into two chapters, the first of which will be released in the fall of 2022. The song “Practice What You Preach” will be released as a single a few months prior.

The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Cryptopsy’s guitarist and sound engineer Christian Donaldson (Shadow of Intent, Beyond Creation, Despised Icon, The Agonist).

Over the past decade, the band explored what makes them unique. Their songs “I Won’t Fall” and “Defying Gravity” have become a staple in Montreal’s metal scene. They have opened for renowned bands like The Agonist, Ice Nine Kills, Beyond Creation, Obey the Brave, and Red Handed Denial.

Eternal Closure is ready to make its breakthrough in the global metal community and is eager to work relentlessly to reach as many cat-loving metalheads out there as possible!

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Katrine Castonguay – Vocals
Olivier Boitel – Guitar, Back Vocals
Jonathan Lauzon – Bass, Back vocals
Philippe Boitel – Drums
Marine Lacarrière – Guitar
Phil Lemelin – Guitar

Discography:
2022 – At the Center of It All – Chapter I
2020: Color of our Fears Rediscovered – Deluxe Edition
2019: Color of our Fears – LP
2016: Screaming in Silence -LP
2014: Ad Primum – EP

Shared Stage with:
The Agonist, Ice Nine Kills, Beyond Creation, Obey the Brave, Red Handed Denial, Saviors, Fatal Switch, Allegaeon, Becoming the Bully, Basterds, Fall of Stasis, Sirens & Sailors, Sawyer Path, Product of Hate, Shape the Above

Tours and Festivals:
2020 – Phoque-Off – Québec, QC
2019 – Indie Week – Toronto, ON
2019 – Farmfest – Vankleek Hill, ON
2019 – Breakdown Fest – Montréal, QC

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. We are obsessed with cats and have made them part of our brand for a long time.

2. We decided to be a female-fronted band a few years ago to help us stand out and give ourselves more opportunities as far as writing goes.

3. We once had this wonderful idea to have the crowd throw bird seeds at us during a show. We definitely didn’t think that one through. There were bird seeds all over the place, in the crowd, in our cabs, in our drums, it was a nightmare.

4. We once had a show where our old guitarist broke a string during one of the first songs and then he disappeared for most of the set. He broke another string while changing the first one, or something in that vein. He played on about 4 out of the 10 songs. It was really awkward.

5. All of our LPs have been recorded, mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson. He’s part of the band’s sound now.

6. We aren’t afraid of using memes on our social media and our live shows. Expect to hear and see some when you follow the band.

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

The album as a whole explained by Olivier Boitel (guitar, back vocals):

For the album, we wanted to show how versatile we are, but also how heavy we can be. The lyrics are darker and meaner overall, so the music had to reflect that. We’ve decided to split the album into two halves as we felt it would help give the material more chance to breathe. It’s not quite what I’d consider a concept album, but many lyrics and musical ideas are re-used throughout.

The album is divided in two parts and has 13 tracks overall (one of them being an interlude). These are the first 6 tracks aka Chapter 1. The second half should be released somewhere in 2023.

Lyrically, I (Olivier) just speak from the heart. A lot of the lyrics come from what I stand for and are rarely about a character or someone else. When they are “fictional”, they still relate to me at their core. There was a lot less storytelling on this album, if at all. It’s all about how I think and feel about different subjects. The title, At the Center of It All, gives the theme away pretty directly. It’s about seeing things from both sides and getting mad at those that don’t. I do have a relatively firm stance on many of these subjects, but I get angry when people refuse to challenge themselves, and that definitely includes me.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained by Olivier Boitel (guitar, back vocals):

1. Conflict I: It starts off with a false sense of warmth and security. It’s a pretty intro that is quickly thrown away for fast-paced tapping riffs, syncopated rhythmic patterns, and distorted vocals. There’s a bit of everything in this song. It’s fast, melodic, and pretty relentless once it kicks into full gear. It also gives an overview of the dynamic between Kat and I (Olivier singing. The end of the song is essentially the same heavy thrash riff with different variations to fully beat it into people’s heads. Marine helped a lot in figuring out interesting little details throughout this one. There are also many elements that are reprised in Conflict II, the song that ends the second half of the album. The lyrics deal with both sides of an argument lying or bending the truth to make their position seem like the only valid one. It’s a super destructive mindset. “What’s your message? Who are you?” at the end of the chorus is essentially me calling upon everyone to be honest with themselves and others.

2. Practice What You Preach: This song is a full-on thrash assault for most of its duration. The chorus then becomes a bit more of a heavy groove. I (Olivier) think it’s the first time we’ve had a chorus with 0 clean vocals in it when the verses do feature some. It’s definitely a showcase for Kat. The riffs then become a bit more prog in nature while retaining the thrashy aggressiveness. After the end of the bridge, we bring the song down into a soft clean bridge that slowly develops into this anthemic guitar duo section and eventually goes back to the beginning of the song with the intensity at its peak. The ambient outro then leads directly into Exiled. The lyrics deal with people who think they have it all figured out and resent other people they judge not worthy of speaking on anything.

3. Exiled: This song calms the pace down a little bit, with the emphasis being on vocal harmonies and overall melodic writing. There’s a good amount of clean guitars during the verses (mostly as back and forth with the vocals) and harsh vocals are used sparingly. There are a lot of my Killswitch Engage influences coming back in this one. The song also probably has my favorite guitar solo I’ve ever written. I’ve never been much of a lead guitar player but a big effort was made into improving that for this album. This song showcases it the best. Phil had a lot of elements to had to this song and made it what it is. Philippe also has a killer drum track on this one, one of my favorites for sure. It’s one of my favorites personally, I feel like everything is right where it should be. Lyrically, it’s a more introspective song about staying true to yourself and only changing for your own sake, not how society tells you to.

4. Dimensions Apart: This one was mainly written by Jonathan but had a bit of a different structure initially. It’s more-or-less the sequel to a song from our album Screaming In Silence called Wake Up Dead. It was also mixed with ideas Jo had for other songs that were never used. It’s a pretty straightforward banger, with me showcasing my grittier singing. I wrote and recorded the drums which was a lot of fun. I’ve always played drums and have recorded a bit of drumming on every Eternal Closure album so far. It’s also the first song in Eternal Closure history to feature 7-String guitars. Helps us give a bit it a bit of extra thickness and variety. Lyrics were also written by Jonathan, with me ironing out little things here and there. It’s about the disconnect between generations that was created in part by technology.

5. From One Side to Another: This one was the first song I ever wrote with my 7-String guitar. It’s quite different from everything we’ve done before. It’s super heavy but it’s also a bit simpler and slower than our usual sound. It was probably the hardest song to write and took quite a while to properly arrange. From the moment I started writing it a year ago to the album’s recording there was always something a bit off about the intro and the arrangement lacked finesse. I remember Phil in particular not being the biggest fan at first but growing to love it more and more as it evolved into the beast it is today.
Philippe wrote the lyrics for this one and also had a bit more to say about the writing of it than on the other songs. The drum writing in particular is quite different from what I had written for him at first. The lyrics are about knowing the path ahead but finding the strength to go through the challenge it poses.

6. Moonrider: This song is a mix between an old song from Marine and me putting a more Eternal Closure spin on it. It’s a dark and more ambient song, almost what you could consider a heavy ballad. Putting this one together came pretty seamlessly and it was a lot of fun for me to stretch my writing a little and meet Marine’s style halfway. The chorus is a callback to lyrics from Exiled. The ending minute and a half are one of my favorite moments on the record. It’s so cathartic, it gives me goosebumps every time. We thought it was a nice way to end the first half of At the Center of It All: Chapter I. Leaves you with those big emotions and makes you want more. Lyrically, it’s about feeling the weight of the world on your shoulder and finding no solutions. It’s about the want to disappear when you can’t seem to find your place in society.

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: At the Center of It All – Chapter I
Release Date: September 23, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

Track Listing:
1. Conflict I (4:48)
2. Practice What You Preach (5:34)
3. Exiled (3:54)
4. Dimensions Apart (3:55)
5. From One Side to Another (4:43)
6. Moonrider (4:32)
Album Length: 27:28

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Eternal Closure
• All songs written by: Olivier Boitel, Philippe Lemelin, Marine Lacarrière, Jonathan Lauzon
• All lyrics written by: Olivier Boitel, Philippe Boitel, Jonathan Lauzon, Katrine Castonguay
• Produced by: Eternal Closure, Christian Donaldson
• Mixed by: Christian Donaldson
• Mastered by: Christian Donaldson
• Album Artwork by: Pascal Marcoux, Jonathan Lauzon
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Katrine Castonguay – Vocals
Olivier Boitel – Guitar, Back Vocals
Jonathan Lauzon – Bass, Back vocals
Philippe Boitel – Drums
Marine Lacarrière – Guitar
Phil Lemelin – Guitar

0 EPK – The Silverblack – Judgment (2022) (darkTunes)

  • June 10, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Silverblack

EPK – The Silverblack – Judgment (2022) (darkTunes)

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

Album Title: Judgment
Release Date: June 10, 2022
Label: darkTunes

Instagram.com/the_silverblack – Facebook.com/thesilverblack – Twitter.com/silverblackband – Youtube.com/user/silverblackofficial 

Digital – https://bfan.link/judgment

Physical – https://darkmerch.com/thesilverblack

THE SILVERBLACK – “Judgment” 

“Judgment”, the fifth full-length album by industrial metallers “The Silverblack”, marks a  substantial evolution in the band’s sound, focusing more on aggression and heaviness if compared to the previous records, without forgetting the usual dose of catchy hooks and haunting melodies the band is already known for.  

The pounding title track opens the album with its bone-crushing rhythm and cinematic  atmospheres featuring guest vocals by none other than iconic former Fear Factory singer  Burton C. Bell delivers an incredibly strong and inspired performance gifting the  song with an amazing chorus. The title track is quickly followed by another two ragers:  “Punishment” and “A Lifetime Ago”. Both tracks hit the listener hard balancing aggressive  parts with more melodic moments, written with the clear purpose in mind of being  absolute live-crushers these two songs represent exactly where the band feels comfortable  being at the moment. 

“Chasing Ghosts” brings back some gothic elements to the band’s sound, with Infernalizer  (born Claudio Ravinale, also known for being the vocalist of melodic-death metal veterans  Disarmonia Mundi, featuring Soilwork’s singer Speed Strid among their ranks) switching from the harsh growly vocals showcased in the previous tracks to a deep crooning voice in the vibe of Type O Negative and Moonspell. The following “Sometimes They Come Back”  features an uncompromising aggrotech assault partly mitigated by the catchy chorus by the multi-instrumentalist NeroArgento, who is also responsible for all the melodic vocals on the album besides recording and producing all the instruments and the album itself. 

“Chrysalis” develops into a shape-shifting industrial metal interlude before the bleak assault of “Damaged” hits the listener straight in the face with its feral vocals, cyber synths, and crushing rhythm section. “Nocturne” is probably the lightest moment of the whole album featuring heavy retro-wave influences, theatrical gothic vocals and a huge chorus  while “Reality Check” hits hard again with its pounding assault. 

“One Last Nail” delivers the last handful of industrial metal kicks in the face supported by a more rock ‘n’ roll influenced groove before the forlorn melancholy of the almost-ballad  “Into Null” closes what can be considered the darkest and heaviest “The Silverblack” album to date. 

Track Listing:
1. Judgment (feat. Burton C. Bell)
2. Punishment
3. A Lifetime Ago
4. Chasing Ghosts
5. Sometimes They Come Back
6. Chrysalis
7. Damaged
8. Nocturne
9. Reality Check
10. One Last Nail
11. Into Null
Album Length:

Album Credits:
Recorded, produced, and arranged at Aexeron Studio by NeroArgento Music, instruments and clean vocals by NeroArgento
Lyrics and vocals by Infernalizer
Cover art: “Ares Falls” by Leidbild Design
Label: darkTunes Music Group

Discography:
2014 – The Silverblack
2015 – The Grand Turmoil
2016 – The Silverblack (re-worked version)
2017 – The Industrial Chapters EP / Alone
2018 – Rain On A Wedding Day
2019 – Prototype 6:17
2020 – Lullabies For The Departed (Chapter I)
2022 – Judgment

0 EPK – SPHERES – Spiritual Journey (single) (2022)

  • June 10, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · SPHERES

EPK – SPHERES – Spiritual Journey (single) (2022)

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

For fans of Mastodon, Opeth, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend, Tool

Single Title: Spiritual Journey
Release Date: June 10, 2022
Label:  M&O Music
Distribution: Season of Mist

​Spheresmusic.com | Youtube.com/c/SPHERESOFFICIAL | Instagram.com/spheres.official | Facebook.com/bandspheres | Soundcloud.com/spheres-music

Spheresprogmetal.bandcamp.com | https://bfan.link/spiritual-journey

“Ce IONO est une très belle surprise qui m’a pris en contre-pied de ce que j’écoute habituellement mais avec beaucoup de réussite puisque j’ai adoré. Complexe au niveau de la composition, plein de virtuosité au niveau de la réalisation et doté d’une véritable substance il n’y a rien à redire et les fans de metal prog devraient s’en donner plus qu’à cœur joie avec cet album !” – Emaginarock.fr

“Ma comparaison pour aider le lecteur un peu perdu et/ou dérouté sera notre brave DEVIN TOWNSEND ou OPETH qui peuvent alterner d’un titre à l’autre ou même à l’intérieur du même titre autant de différences que SPHERES.” – Profilprog.com

“Le digipak est joliment illustré par Julien Grelet, ce qui fera bien sûr plaisir à tout matérialiste encore en vie.” – Nawakulture.fr

“Le gros point positif de cet album est certainement l’orchestration allant de longs et excellents solos de guitare à une rythmique entraînante. Et une chose est sure, Spheres frappe plutôt fort avec son premier album et on a hâte de découvrir ce qu’ils seront capables de nous fournir par la suite.” – Lagrosseradio.com

Paris’ SPHERES will be offering up their next canvas of progressive metal in the form of their second full-length “Helios” via M&O Music (distribution Season of Mist) on September 23rd. The album follows their highly praised 2019 debut “Ionos”, which the band supported across Belgium, the Netherlands, and their home country of France including a performance at Hellfest.

“Helios” sees a fresh new lineup with founding member and album producer Jonathan Lino (Vocals, Guitars) joined by Olivier Moreau (Backing Vocals, Guitars), Clémence Santé (Bass), Jesse Haddad (Drums), and Marco Walczak (Keyboards) (studio only). The recording quintet is now inviting fans on a new spiritual journey into a dystopian world for the band’s sophomore record.

“Jonathan had written an entire album’s worth of songs and wanted to form a new line-up for both studio recordings and live shows. It’s fairly different from the first album in terms of dynamics as it has much more contrast between and within songs (it even has one track that I wrote, whereas all the previous songs were written by Jonathan L.). There are a plethora of contrasts and textures that inhabit this record: From sharp riffs to ethereal melodies, from clean singing to growls and screams, the atmosphere oscillates between dream and frenzy… Everything is designed to push the listener’s boundaries and invite them to take part in this journey. We hope that fans will notice that.” says Olivier Moreau (Guitar).

Today in preview of “Helios”, the band is sharing its first single “Spiritual Journey” in the form of a music video. It has a really drawn-out and intricate bridge section that the band compliments with fractals and other psychedelic landscapes.

“We’re glad to release Spiritual Journey as the first single from HELIOS. This is by far the most personal song on the record, as well as one of the most memorable. It shows the new direction SPHERES is heading in while keeping some of the secrets intact for people to discover upon the record’s release. It represents a lot of the frustration and sadness we all felt during the last two years while providing a sort of escape from reality, as the title suggests. We put this song out there hoping it resonates with people who have felt the same way, maybe providing a well-deserved dose of psychedelic escape along the way.” adds Jonathan Lino (Vocals, Guitars).

Recommended for fans of Opeth, Tool, Mastodon, Gojira, and Devin Townsend, SPHERES’ forthcoming album “Helios” is available for pre-order (CD, Vinyl, Digital) at the following links: https://linkr.bio/spheresband​

Show Dates:​
09/09/2022 – Caen, France – El Camino
10/09/2022 – Le Havre, France – Le Mc Daids
23/09/2022 – Paris, France – Le Docteur Feelgood (Release Party)
01/10/2022 – Liège, France) La Zone

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The album names are space puns (Ionosphere, Heliosphere)

2. Jonathan records everything in his home studio in Montreuil, France

3. We toured the east of France for a few days in late 2021. As per usual, weird things happened and we ended up watching Dora the Explorer at 2AM after the first show.

4. There is a lot of research that goes into the lyrics in order to stay relevant and not fall into the trap of over-the-top sci-fi. There is something about a reasonable nightmare that makes it even scarier.

5. We all have pretty wide musical backgrounds, so the odd time signatures and tempo changes aren’t new to us. However, Clémence and I both had to re-learn backing vocals because we weren’t used to singing as well as playing in crazy timings.

Single Title: Spiritual Journey
Release Date: June 10, 2022
Label:  M&O Music
Distribution: Season of Mist

Album / Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Jonathan Lino, Clémence Santé, Olivier Moreau, Jesse Haddad, Marco Walczak
• All songs written by: Jonathan Lino
• Produced by: Jonathan Lino
• Mixed by: Jonathan Lino
• Mastered by: Brett Caldas-Lima (Tower Studio)
• Album Artwork by: Julien Grellet

Album Band Line Up:
Jonathan Lino – Vocals, Guitars
Olivier Moreau – Backing vocals, Guitars
Clémence Santé – Bass
Jesse Haddad – Drums
Marco Walczak – Keyboards

Live Band Line Up:
Jonathan Lino – Vocals, Guitars
Olivier Moreau – Backing vocals, Guitars
Clémence Santé – Bass
Jesse Haddad – Drums

Discography:
2022 – Helios (LP)
2019 – IONO (LP)

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

The album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Although HELIOS feels like a futuristic journey, it deals with concepts that are very much here today. From totalitarian dystopias to artificial intelligence and pandemics, this is what the next decades have in store for us. It’s the contrast of an almost spatial prog opera and grounded lyrics that define HELIOS. With heavier, more intricate songs, soaring leads and thick layers of vocals, this album falls into progressive metal in the most literal sense.

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)

ALGORITHMIC SENTIENCE :
Humanity is dying, as human consciousness is stored digitally within expensive replicant bodies reserved for the upper classes. A short and intense song with constant tapping and a ripping opening solo.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY :
An escape from reality towards an artificial connected paradise. A spiritual journey in search of a new digital world, a matrix of sorts.
A mid-tempo song with intricate rhythm changes and prominent melodies.

PANDEMIA :
The pandemic is only a background to what we call “collapsology”. The collapse of global infrastructures and industrial civilization, is seen as inevitable in the not-so-distant future.
The longest song on the record, as well as the most diverse, from ballads to 9/8 chugging with a touch of Iron Maiden-style, leads.

HELIOS :
An instrumental waltz with the cosmic forces of the solar system.

S.C.S :
The world has adopted China’s Social Credit System, locking people up if they run out of said credit. Obedience to the party is mandatory, and the use of “happy pills” is widespread.
A violent, almost razor-sharp bundle of riffs with a soft ending.

RUNNING MAN :
Directly inspired by Stephen King’s book, this one takes place in 2121 after climate disasters, the destruction of global economies, and the advent of a totalitarian dystopia.
A long, cinematic song with a narrated introduction and somewhat humoristic undertones.

TAKE ME HIGHER, AILLEURS :
The mental decline of a character who does not fit in with his peers. The kind of person the Social Credit System would lock up.
The most dreamy song with an abundance of 5/8 and a long solo in the middle.

DO YOU AGREE :
The illusion of choice of today’s digital contracts, unknowingly getting into mass surveillance programs. This title is really about passively producing value and giving it away to super corporations who sell it back to us.
A straightforward song with a djenty intro, dissonant verses, and soaring choruses.

0 EPK – Quiescent Mantis – Shake The Cage (single) (2022)

  • June 1, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Quiescent Mantis

EPK – Quiescent Mantis – Shake The Cage (single) (2022)

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

For fans of Killswitch Engage, Pantera, Machine Head, Gojira, Motorhead

“Shake The Cage was the first song we wrote for our upcoming album with its sole purpose to show our musical ability and a way for all of us to showcase what this next chapter in the swarm and our album is going to be like. We were shooting for a song that will keep the audience moving when played live whether it means headbanging, moshing, singing, or all of the above. The song defines our sound and our music abilities as a whole better than anything we have released so far.” – Chris Trainor – Quiescent Mantis

Single Title: Shake The Cage (single)
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Label: WaveTransform Studios
Distribution: Distrokid

Facebook.com/QuiescentMantis | Instagram.com/quiescent_mantis | YouTube

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

 

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Quiescent Mantis had our first show with Summoners Circle at the open chord alongside good friends 1134 and Forest of Jinn. Summoners Circle are local legends in Knoxville so we came into that show wanting to bring as much energy as we could physically bring as we usually do. Chris was going down on the ground with the crowd to play our instrumental prey. Without hesitation, we started the song and a big circle pit formed around him still one of the craziest things he has witnessed. The swarm took over

2. Before Quiescent Mantis had fully formed Jordan sent me (Chris Trainor) a message asking if I wanted to join the band because of the guitar in my profile picture which is my dean ml select in ocean blue but honestly glad I actually responded because these guys I’m with are insanely talented.

3. Shake The Cage started its life as an instrumental that we actually played multiple times on stage before it had lyrics with it.

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

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Shake The Cage (single)
Release Date: January 14, 2022
Label: WaveTransform Studios
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing – Shake the Cage (5:13) (single)

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Chris Trainor, Jordan Mckenzie, and Johnny Mejia
• All songs written by: Chris Trainor, Jordan Mckenzie, Johnny Mejia
• Produced by: Yanic Bercier
• Mixed by: Yanic Bercier
• Mastered by: Alan Doches
• Album Artwork by: Spacer Art

Band Recording and Live Line Up:
Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals
Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals
Johnny Mejia – Drums

L-R – Johnny Mejia – Drums, Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals, Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals
Photo Credit – Nate Wills – Promotion LLC

Former scientists Chris Trainor, Jordan McKenzie, and Johnny Mejia were previously employed by Sub-atomic Weight of Acceleration Research Mechanics or S.W.A.R.M. While working on a project involving particle collision the team inadvertently tore open a brief doorway to the mantis homeworld exposing themselves to a mind-altering pheromone in the process.

The trio is now obsessed with opening the portal permanently allowing their mantis overlords access to our world; they are harbingers of the Swarm, selected to terraform and prepare Earth for the coming invasion. Wielding mighty instruments of sonic assault they herald the approach of the swarm of the brutal blend of thrash death metal and hardcore. The Swarm has slumbered in exile for far too long, the gates are ready to open, and it’s time to join the Swarm!

Quiescent Mantis is:
Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals
Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals
Johnny Mejia – Drums

Discography:
2022 – Shake The Cage- single
2021- Chapter 1 – EP

Shared Stage with:
Summoner’s Circle, Worm Shepherd, The Breathing Process, Autumn Lies Buried, Until the Dead Walk, Belfast 6 Pack, We Lye Cold, S’efforcer, Bacalou

0 EPK – Split Image – Torrent of Illusion (2022)

  • June 1, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Split Image

EPK – Split Image – Torrent of Illusion (2022)

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

“Split Image is beyond stoked to finally release our debut album Torrent of Illusion. The time has come to move forward from the clutches of the COVID pandemic and there will be nothing prohibiting us from touching the hearts of many individuals while reaching the deepest levels of connections with current and new fans. We are all about unity through music and with Torrent of Illusion being released we strongly believe that our listeners will truly appreciate the messages of becoming hyper-aware of yourself as an individual as well as being aware of others around us. Take care of yourself and others around you because we are all we have.” – Split Image

For fans of Power Trip, Enforced, Dead Heat, Drain, Mindforce

Album Title: Torrent of Illusion
Release Date: June 1, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

Facebook.com/SplitImageCA – Instagram.com/splitimageca – YouTube – Twitter.com/splitimageca

Splitimage.bandcamp.com – Spotify

L to R – Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums, Jared Mooney – Lead Guitar, Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals, Nadesha Mariudottir – Bass, Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar
Photo Credit – Sam Stoutenburg

Murrieta, CA’s Split Image is releasing their debut album “Torrent of Illusion” right away and supporting it later this summer with a tour with their friends in Psycho Mantis. A gritty and powerful crossover experience, the band expects an enthusiastic reception from their fans due to its intensity, and also its relatability. The album packs a punch, it deals with intense lyrical themes surrounding mental health and rounds it out with aggressive hard-hitting instrumentals. The band comments:

“Split Image is beyond stoked to finally release our debut album Torrent of Illusion. The time has come to move forward from the clutches of the COVID pandemic and there will be nothing prohibiting us from touching the hearts of many individuals while reaching the deepest levels of connections with current and new fans. We are all about unity through music and with Torrent of Illusion being released we strongly believe that our listeners will truly appreciate the messages of becoming hyper-aware of yourself as an individual as well as being aware of others around us. Take care of yourself and others around you because we are all we have.”

Belted out with passion, Split Image’s lyrics stem from the various experiences they’ve endured like the loss of a loved one, grief, and perspectives they’ve had or envisioned as well as spirituality. They combine this with a unique sound that boasts familiarity through thrashy riffs, progressive, technical elements, and a solid nod to old-school hardcore.

Split Image will be cruising around the South West states in August and September and those who take in one of their live gigs will be met with a cosmic force – one which allows the crowd to reciprocate the energy radiating from the stage. In other words, nothing but pure energy and tight rhythm, a solid but minimalist performance.

With a dash of many genres, Split Image will be of interest to those who like thrash, punk, crust, and hardcore. Fans of Power Trip, Enforced, and Dead Heat should take note.

“Torrent of Illusion” is being released on June 1, 2022.

Album Band Line Up:
Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals
James Munroe – Lead Guitar (Left)
Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar (Right)
Nicolas MacDuffee – Bass
Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums

 

Live Band Line Up:
Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals
Jared Mooney – Lead Guitar
Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar
Nadesha Mariudottir – Bass
Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums

Psycho Image Tour 2022 – Spilt Image, Psycho Mantis​
Aug 26 – Murrieta, CA – The Barn
Aug 27 – Canoga Park, CA- Scotland Yard
Aug 28 – Fresno, CA – TBA
Aug 29 – Sacramento, CA – The Colony
Aug 30 – Anderson, CA – Demented Designs
Sept 1 – Portland, OR – No Fun Bar
Sept 2 – Seattle, WA – Lucky Liquor
Sept 3 – Chehalis, WA – McFilers
Sept 6 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Bee Hive
Sept 7 – Las Vegas, NV – The Truth Spot
Sept 9 – Phoenix, AZ – The Blooze Bar
Sept 10 – Hemet, CA – House Will

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Torrent of Illusion
Release Date: June 1, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

 

Track Listing:
1. Socialized Crucifixion – (2:34)
2. Justified Suicide – (3:18)
3. Room With A View – (4:19)
4. Blank Shot – (4:03)
5. Facades – (2:35)
6. Mirrorstains – (4:13)
Album Length (21 Minutes)

 

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Christian Sia, Joey Sia, Joshua Escobar, James Munroe, Nicolas MacDuffee
• All songs written by: Christian Sia, Joey Sia, Joshua Escobar, James Munroe
• Produced by: Christian Sia and James Munroe
• Mixed by: James Munroe
• Mastered by: James Munroe
• Album Artwork by: Andrei Bouzikov

 

Album Band Line Up:
Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals
James Munroe – Lead Guitar (Left)
Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar (Right)
Nicolas MacDuffee – Bass
Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums

 

Live Band Line Up:
Joshua “Josh” Escobar – Vocals
Jared Mooney – Lead Guitar
Joey Sia – Rhythm Guitar
Nadesha Mariudottir – Bass
Christian “Chris” Sia – Drums

 

DISCOGRAPHY:
2019 – Sulfur Pits (Single)
2020 – Facades (Single)

 

Shared Stage with:
Psycho Mantis, Corpus, Braineater, Iggy & the Rough Riders, Philosopher

 

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

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

“Lyrically it is a taste of what we as a band, and also personally, have gone through or acquired perspective. It goes from dark to somber towards the end. The music resonates with those who have experienced it and also attracts those who haven’t.” – Josh

“The music compliments the lyrics in a unique way because most of our songs are somewhat progressive. Now when it comes to the matter of the mind our minds are always going 100+ miles per hour whether we acknowledge it or not. The progressive-est music goes hand in hand with our lyrics that deal with mental and personal conflict. It’s as if there is always something else to think about so the music and lyrics capture exactly that!” – Chris

Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY) explained by the band:

“The first song ‘Socialized Crucifixion’ off of Torrent of Illusion deals with becoming alienated and chastised due to biased opinions spread onto others by one individual. As if once someone paints you as a bad individual automatically everyone else follows without question. The point of this song is to urge individuals to really question a situation and take information with a grain of salt especially when it comes to defamation of character. There is always a lot more to what meets the eye and there are two sides of a coin. Musically, this song is fast, simple, straightforward, and ends with a heavy breakdown that really captures the emotion of being a victim of this type of scenario.” – Chris

“Suicide awareness is what the second track ‘Justified Suicide’ is all about. The intro brings a sense of dread with its slow heavy beats and long sustaining riffs. We have had a few friends of ours who had sadly taken their own lives due to being overwhelmed by life in general. I and a few of us have also thought about committing suicide a handful of times whether it was caused by a call of the void or being tempted to cut the high stress by pulling the trigger. Anyone who feels this way needs to remember that you are not alone. There are people who love you and the future is a lot brighter than it portrays itself to be. Every negative experience is only temporary, however, the wisdom you obtain from it is infinite. You gotta keep that PMA at all costs!” – Chris

“The third song ‘Room With A View’ portrays an individual who was unjustly punished through a flawed system of justice. We believe anyone can relate to this whether it be through the literal U.S. justice system or something as simple as being isolated without choice whether it be through the actions of someone else or the individual themself. When it comes to the matter of the mind it could also be considered a prison. The song starts out slow with its dark guitar tones and is greeted with the entirety of the band in an aggressive execution throughout the whole composition.” – Chris

“‘Blank Shot,’ the fourth song off of Torrent of Illusion, is an allegory to choices in life and indecisiveness whether choices are made for the individual themself or deciding these options on their own. When there is pressure to succeed one could simply quit or tread on forward and never give up despite the difficulties/hardship that follows. The lyrics urge individuals to look into themself and their heart to truly discover what resonates with them and choose these decisions based upon what benefits the individual themself as opposed to shooting these ‘blank shots’ that lead to nowhere but square one. Musically, the progressive nature of this song and non-repetition of verses/choruses is our way of describing how much of a labyrinth the human mind can often be especially in a state of indecisiveness.” – Chris

“There is a disorder that is called ‘Alice in Wonderland syndrome’ and it is more of a common occurrence within children than it is a rare occasion with adults. ‘Facades,’ the fifth song of this album, describes this disorder of misinterpreting sight, touch, and even sense of time being simply incorrect. I personally have had these episodes throughout my life, mostly as an adolescent, but I have experienced this syndrome a couple of times as an adult. There is a small percentage of individuals who are diagnosed with ‘Alice in Wonderland syndrome’ and have to live with it every second of their life. These people are a good example of what it takes to have such mental fortitude to combat disorders such as this. ‘Facades’ is more of our fast ‘crossover’ song that bridges the first and the second half of the song with a walky bassline and is eventually met with tying the knot of a breakdown whilst ending the composition with the initial riff of the entire song.” – Chris

“Self-hatred, whether it be caused through disorders such as body dysmorphia, depression, borderline personality disorder, survivor guilt, defeatist attitude (the list goes on) or even if it’s a temporary feeling is what the sixth and final track of Torrent of Illusion embodies. The name ‘Mirrorstains’ comes from evoking the inner consciousness by looking at a mirror because this reflection of oneself is not as clear as it should be. The bass effects in the introduction of the song make you feel as if you are in a bathroom looking at this mirror that is stained. After this introduction comes a ‘doomy’ part to tie up the first section of the song and then comes the heavy and fast riffs. The music merely portrays the rage of self-loathing behavior in a unique way. You are not as alone as you feel. There are people who have gone through the same experiences and many of us who care.” – Chris

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. We had a difficult time naming the band for quite a while. Joey, Josh, and I had come up with hundreds of names, but none of them were to no avail. This went on for a few months and funny enough one day when I and Joey were on the way home from work the song Split Image from the legendary band Excel played on my playlist. Joey just said, “Why don’t we just name the band Split Image?” I took off my sunglasses, looked at Joey, and replied, “Wait, what did you say?!” It was a eureka moment! Everyone agreed on the name and then Split Image became a thing then literally everyone started hilariously saying, “Split Image… it’s a thing!”It was an inside joke for quite some time. – Chris

2. The songs on Torrent of Illusion were actually written a few years ago during the time I and Joey were in a band called Devastation (aka D.V.T.). These songs were so different from the typical style/structure of the music we played in D.V.T. There was a gradual shift from Hardcore Punk to Metal throughout the years in D.V.T. that the music became so different to the point in where these songs sounded like they could be played by a completely different band. So it feels like these specific songs were meant to be played in Split Image and everything fell into place. – Chris

3. There are three J’s and three Tauruses in the band. The three J’s are Josh, Jared, and Joey. The Tauruses are Josh, Nadesha, and Chris. It seems that a lot of things always work in 3’s! – Joey

4. We all have musical roots reaching back to our parents and grandparents. – Joey

5. Split Image’s early incarnation was actually in 2013 when I used to be a guest vocalist for one song out of D.V.T.’s setlist. – Josh

0 EPK – Sobernot – Smoke Masters (Gimme My Money Back) (single) (2022)

  • May 30, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Sobernot

EPK – Sobernot – Smoke Masters (Gimme My Money Back) (single) (2022)

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

“The single ‘Smoke Masters (Gimme My Money Back)’ represents a big portion of what can be expected to be listened to in Destroy. However, all songs have their own soul and sound. Songs are powerful, groovy, brutal, melodic, with great choruses and melodic sections, and also outstanding instrumental performances by the whole party, with tons of riffs and rhythms to capture your neck and make you bang your head almost by instinct. Even the order of the tracklist has a purpose. You can play in that exact order in a live show and it would work perfectly. Time flies when you listen to it and for sure you’ll want to give it a second try right after the first one.” – Sobernot

Single Title: Smoke Masters (Gimme My Money Back) off the album Destroy – out July 7th, 2022)
Single Release Date: June 9, 2022
Label: Self-Release

For fans of Pantera, Testament, Metallica, Megadeth, System Of A Down

Facebook.com/sobernot – Twitter.com/sobernot_band – YouTube.com/c/SobernotBand – Instagram.com/sobernotband

Sobernot.bandcamp.com – Apple Music – Spotify

“As a conclusion, we are in front of a young band that went from a ‘promising band’ to a ‘consecrated band’ in the Chilean scene, daring with a style that is not much exploited in the national and South American level.” – Gabriel Jaque, Rock n Vox

“They reflect in all their lines a full-time winning team, strong and well endowed, somehow everyone participates in this ‘silent conspiracy’. A team that, in soccer jargon, “wins, likes and scores.” – Bastián Gómez, Resistance

“Sobernot presents their first full-length album that has an intense and powerful Groove Metal.” – John Collyer, Discordancia

“The 30-minute presentation had a sound at the level, and strong attitudes from each musician, while they kept promoting “Silent Conspiracy” (2018), their first full-length album.” – Luciano González, Rockaxis

“A delight -and a must- for every lover of the genre at a national level, which is impossible to resist. There is no way to escape from the frenzy projected by these four subjects who do not know sobriety when the watchword is to leave the soul.” – Claudio Miranda, Resistance (Live show review).

[Download Single Artwork | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Smoke Masters (Gimme My Money Back) off the album Destroy – out July 7th, 2022)
Single Release Date: June 9, 2022
Label: Self-Release

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Sobernot
• All songs written by: Pablo La’Ronde & Sobernot
• Produced by: Pablo La’Ronde, Franco Gabelo & Sobernot
• Mixed by: Franco Gabelo (Chile)
• Mastered by: Tony Lindgren (Sweden)
• Album Artwork by: Sandeev Rehal (UK)

Recording and Live Band Line Up:
César “Vaigor” Vigouroux – Vocals
Pablo “Chespi” La’ronde  – Guitar and Vocals
Joaquín “Yakls” Quezada – Bass
Piero “Pyro” Ramírez – Drums

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. When we started to record invitations to our shows, things escalated quickly and we became a sort of Monty Python of short/comic sketches. And when our first drummer decided to leave the band we did a video with him where the new drummer was born like a xenomorph (Alien franchise) leaving his rotten corpse behind and joining the band immediately. You can see the full video on our here: https://www.facebook.com/Sobernot/videos/570385980157040/

2. The concept of “Destroy” comes from our ritual before a show when we get together and scream “Destroy!” to each other in order to get in the mood to give our best every show/recording/video.

3. Similar to Destroy, our first EP name “Aurt” was born in a very similar way, it’s like a phoneme we use to express when something’s cool and fun. And fans got into this very much! Every time we play live you can hear people in the crowd shouting out loud “Auuuurt!!”. We never thought it was going to go that far hahaha. Even when a fan found any of us in the streets or anywhere they say “Auuurt!” instead of “hello”, it’s pretty crazy hahaha.

4. When we play live, we always go down to the crowd and get into the mosh and riff alongside the people, things get crazy and the music won’t be perfect during that madness but is one of the top moments of our live act.

Sobernot is an independent groove metal band born in Santiago, Chile. By mixing classic metal with groove, Latin rhythms, and progressive rock elements, they stand out in their style through powerful and innovative riffs with a balanced use of guttural and clean voices from one of a kind. This is not only reflected in the studio, but they’ve also made their live shows and performances one of the most solid ones on the local scene. Between their most important appearances, they highlight the opening shows for Havok (June 2018), and Crisix (Dec 2018). Also, sharing the stage with three of the most iconic exponents of the old-school thrash metal genre: At War, Hirax, and Exodus in September 2019. Sobernot is about to release their second studio LP, called “Destroy” on July 7th, 2022, which continues the path built by the first album “Silent Conspiracy” (2018), keeping the riffs unique identity, powerful lyrics, and exceptional choruses, but this time powered by the co-production of Franco Gabelo (CL) and mastered at Fascination Street Studios (SWE) by Tony Lindgren (Sepultura, Opeth, Kreator).

“Our album ‘Destroy’ will grab you and won’t leave you ‘til you drop, we tried to have many different rhythms and vibes to pump you in every way, our thrasher side; we include a very powerful ballad; some songs have some nü metal and aggro influences. It’s pretty much an homage to our influences but with our touch of groove and fun. Also, every song is a sing-along, we love to make songs that our audience can yell in our shows alongside us. We try to have a spicy wit in our way to say things so you can have a good time reading the lyrics as well.” – Sobernot

Recording and Live Band Line Up:
César “Vaigor” Vigouroux – Vocals
Pablo “Chespi” La’ronde  – Guitar and Vocals
Joaquín “Yakls” Quezada – Bass
Piero “Pyro” Ramírez – Drums

Discography:
2022 – Destroy – LP 
2022 – Smoke Masters (Gimme My Money Back) (single)
2022 – Servants of the Yellow King (single)
2021 – Live Pandemic
2019 – Live at Blondie
2018 – Silent Conspiracy – LP
2015 – Aurt – EP

Share Stage with:
Crisix (Spain), Havok (US), Exodus (US), Hirax (US), At-War (US)

Tours and Festivals:
2020 – Armagerock 2020 – Santiago
2019 – Thrash Old True Fest (w/ Exodus, Hirax & At War) – Santiago
2019 – Lanzamiento de Target LP “Deep Water Flames” – Santiago
2018 – Crisix en Chile – Santiago
2018 – Solidarity Fest – Santiago
2018 – Metal Night – Talca
2018 – Havok en Chile – Santiago
2018 – Bestias del Metal – Valparaíso
2017 – Lanzamiento de Catoni LP “7: Como Hacer Rock y No Morir en el ntento” – Santiago
2017 – Festival Xtremo Verde – Curico

0 EPK – ITUS – Sturgeon (2022) (single)

  • May 25, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · ITUS

ITUS – Sturgeon (2022) (single)

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

“We hope fans will enjoy the slightly more sludgy, heavier approach we decided to take with our newer material. With our new single, Sturgeon, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned in terms of the heavy music we all love, and we’ve applied it as tastefully as we possibly could. Sturgeon was written with a greater emphasis on hooks and a more focused direction musically. We want Sturgeon to sit as one of the heaviest songs we’ve created to date. We also think that people will really enjoy the music video we procedure together for Sturgeon, especially if you’re Canadian. The music video is a short horror story that follows Reinier around his cottage while he deals with an unknown assailant.” – ITUS

For fans of Crowbar, Conan, Windhand, Black Sabbath, Varials

Release Date: June 29, 2022
Label: Self-Release

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

Itusofficialdoom.Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“crisp, and aggressive guitar tones” – Permafrost Today

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

“Sturgeon is the first song that we plan to release among the other new singles we tracked in December of 2021. We are tentatively looking at releasing singles over the next coming months of 2022 and then releasing them together as an EP with some added material in the second half of 2022.” – ITUS

Single Title: Sturgeon
Release Date: June 20, 2022
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Sturgeon – (05:18)

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: ITUS
• All songs written by: ITUS
• Produced by: Luc Chiasson and ITUS
• Mixed by: Luc Chiasson
• Mastered by: Luc Chiasson
• Album/Single Artwork by: Dan Bothen
• ITUS are all Members of SOCAN
• 100% Canadian Content (MAPL)
• Single Recording Band Line Up:
– Vince Anastasi – Drums
– Brandon Lucking – Guitar and bass
– Reinier Vandenbosch – Vocals

About:

ITUS was born in 2018 when Brandon Lucking (guitars) and Reinier Vandenbosch (vocals) began writing Doom Metal together. Fans of Conan, Pallbearer, Crowbar, Windhand, Electric Wizard, and Black Sabbath will find themselves tripping out on ITUS’ soundscape of horrors ‘PRIMORDIAL’, their debut EP. ITUS blends grueling sludge and epic doom with stoner rock and death metal. Crushing yet jammy heavy metal passages, infused within a psychedelic, horror atmosphere established their EP as ITUS’ first brutal yet eclectic outing. 

The EP launched on Friday the 13th of March 2020. Covid seemed to strike right then with lockdowns, but given time to build, ITUS then recruited Vince Anastasi on drums, and the three boys started building in new directions both musically and professionally. ITUS has lined up gigs for 2022 and will be performing a slew of new singles alongside the music from their first EP. New music videos produced by the band are also coming this year in 2022. Keep your eyes and ears peeled and ready to catch some ITUS. 

Single Recording Band Line Up:
Vince Anastasi – Drums
Brandon Lucking – Guitar and bass
Reinier Vandenbosch – Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Vince Anastasi – Drums
Brandon Lucking – Guitar
Brandon Aitchison – Bass/backing vocals
Reinier Vandenbosch – Vocals

Discography:
2011 – Sturgeon (single)
2020 – Primordial – EP

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