Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Triskelyon – Self-Titled (EP) (2022)

January 18, 2022
by Asher
· EPKs · Triskelyon

EPK – Triskelyon – Self-Titled (EP) (2022)

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

For fans of Anthrax, Death Angel, Metal Church, Megadeth, Testament

EP Title: Self-Titled
Label: Self-Release
Release Date: January 25, 2022

Triskelyon.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/Triskelyon-109813604928220 | YouTube

“The three songs have the rage, heaviness and some rawness you expect from thrash, but also the melody and speed you’ll find in the more aggressive and harsher forms of power metal (no flowery stuff here, people). Pete’s vocals definitely are more of the aggressive heavy/power metal variety while Marlee shakes the hell out of the speakers with a more aggressive and harsher, yet high-pitched style.” – The Metal Crypt (2022 – Self-Titled EP)

“This is the kind of band that really plays that pure, raw, seething thrash metal that I love.” – Wings of Death (2022 – Self-Titled EP)

“Classic heavy thrash, catchy quick stuff with big screamy vox! Great stuff!” – WORT 89.9FM – Mosh Pit Radio – Madison, WI (2022 – Self-Titled EP)

“The EP thunders around the listener’s ears with a massive, powerful sound and gripping guitar riffs, but is also arranged with great attention to detail. Geoff Waye also acts as lead guitarist in the melodic as well as brute playing with pinpoint accuracy… Thrash fans who expect more than just head banging should remember the name TRISKELYON.” – PowerMetal.de (2022 – Self-Titled EP)

“What does Melodic Thrash sound like? Well in the eyes (and ears) of Geoff Waye it sounds like Thrash with influences of Traditional Metal, so you have plenty of heavy chugging Thrash riffs, separated by Traditional Metal bridges and big choruses. Opening cut “Hunger” sounds like a classic Anthrax cut from the “Spreading The Disease” era, with Iron Maiden influences all over it and Pete Healey’s higher pitched vocals only enhancing that nostalgic feel.” – Metal Noise (2022 – Self-Titled EP)

Triskelyon is a Canadian melodic thrash metal project created by Geoff Waye, guitarist for Artach and Category VI. Conceived in late 2021 as a studio-only project, the first self-titled EP is set for release on January 25, 2022.

Triskelyon features the contributions of various vocalists. The vocalists and musicians that featured on the EP include vocalist Pete Healey and Marlee Ryley (Hyperia), along with drum programming by Raul Marques (Burning Torment).

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The EP as a whole explained by Geoff Waye.

The music is straight to the point. No dicking around with breakdowns, no long drawn out solos, just get straight into it and let the headbanging commence. The EP’s tracks are therefore not long but get right into it. I tried to make the chorus more antithetic and memorable. Melodic solos. Speed. Etc.

Track by track explained by Geoff Waye.

1. Hunger: This EP opener is a statement. It starts with no buildup just straight into the fun speedy thrash riffage. This was also the first song I wrote for this project. After I had it written and got the drums done, I knew I was onto something. The song is about a hunger for change in the world. I am not a fan of the way the world is heading in terms of politics, divisions, and how stuck in their ways and traditions people are. The chorus line “It’s the time for the fearless to rise. A hunger for change in their eyes.” gets to the theme and heart of the song’s idea.

2. Find A Way: This is the more melodic of the three and has a bit more groove. It’s about my life in a way with lyrics about feeling somewhat isolated from the pandemic….even tho the song itself is not at all about the pandemic. It’s just a song about feelings and finding my way through it all.

3. Odyssey (Blessed by Steel): This is the fastest and most intense song on the EP. It’s speedy and full-throttle thrash. The lyrics are again personal and about my musical life journey as told through using song references which an astute listener might pick up on a few of them.

Story Angles / Fun Facts:

1. Triskelyon is a deliberate misspelling of the word “triskelion”. It is defined as follows: “A triskelion or triskeles is an ancient motif consisting of a triple spiral exhibiting rotational symmetry. … The actual triskeles symbol of three human legs is found especially in Greek antiquity, beginning in archaic pottery, and continued in the coinage of the classical period.” It has different meanings, but the one that spoke to me is the concept of forwarding movement and not standing still….some of the ideas that found their way into the lyrics for “Find a Way”.

2. Pete and Geoff were in a Newfoundland based band together in the early 2000s called Oberon.

3. Triskelyon is a solo project yet the door is open to collaboration with others.

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Self-Titled
Label: Self-Release
Release Date: January 25, 2022

Track Listing:
1. Hunger (2:58)
2. Find A Way (4:03)
3. Odyssey (Blessed by Steel) (3:32)
EP Length: 10:34

EP Credits:
• Performance credits:
Geoff Waye – All Guitars and bass
Pete Healey – vocals (track 1, 2)
Marlee Ryley – vocals (track 3)
Raul Marques – drum programming
• All songs written by: Geoff Waye
• Produced by: Geoff Waye and Michael Small
• Mixed by: Michael Small
• Mastered by: Michael Small
• Album Artwork by: Geoff Waye
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Geoff Waye – All Guitars and bass
Pete Healey – vocals
Marlee Ryley – vocals
Raul Marques – drum programming

0 EPK – CRS – The Failure (single (2023) ft. Kat Danzig

January 13, 2022
by Asher
· CRS · EPKs

EPK – CRS – The Failure (single (2023)

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

For fans of Meshuggah, Fear Factory, Carcass, Sepultura, Cynic, Pestilence

Band: CRS
Release Date: January 12, 2023
Label: None Records
Distribution: N/A

“With this single ‘The Failure’ we wanted to try a different style of Death Metal, a more comfortable structure but without losing intensity. The single has an important message, humanity is a failure and it has screwed up the whole planet. Having a female guttural singer as a guest brings an interesting shine to the band.” – CRS

Facebook.com/crsmetalband | Youtube.com/@CRSBAND | Instagram.com/crsmetalband

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

“Where this album shines the most is in its flow. Throughout its eight tracks, CRS manages to build momentum song after song. There are fast parts and great guitar solos aplenty. However, CRS never slip on their songwriting. It’s an album that’s just always in that groovy death zone. Even when tracks like “The Daydreamer’s Nightmare” takes us into a spaced-out, relaxed solo or others like “The Art of Breathing”, that takes the album down a notch, CRS really lose nothing. They manage to bring a lot of out of their sound. Hell, “A Better Place to Hate” and ” “Tan Lejos de Dios (Nowhere.. But Here)” both have some tasty, thrashy bits to open them up.” – Metal Injection

“Now, as we nearly enter a new decade, CRS have returned with a full-length of groove/death metal with a technical spark. This spark comes in the form of shredding guitar solos and guest spots from drummer Kevin Talley on a few songs and Obscura/Alkaloid bassist Linus Klausenitzer on “The Art Of Breathing.” Those two musicians are at such a high skill level that the listener will immediately recognize their work. Their inclusion gives gravitas to the songs they are on, though the group does fine on their own with tunes like the anthemic “Resistencia” and Meshuggah-esque “Asfixia.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“… Fast forward to now and the band comes roaring back to life on their sophomore effort The Collector of Truths and it’s a love letter to the time they left behind. Industrial bombast, guttural death metal, and melodically progressive strains of genius all play out in equally large parts over the course of these eight tracks” – Nine Circles

“The Collector of Truths” can be considered a groundbreaker album due to everything CRS have to offer musically and instrumentally. “The Collector of Truths” goes beyond. It crosses all known borders of music styles leading the fan to an awkward, but pleasant experience. Well, if you are bold enough and not a regular Death Metal fan. because as an extreme music style, Death Metal, against all odds, should be able to offer a safe ground to all kinds of experiences though weird they are.” – Metal Addicts

“There is a wonderful sense of pervasive evil that dominates the record from tracks like album opener ‘Asfixia’ to ragers like The Daydreamer’s Nightmare. I love this sense of harsh realities and raw brutality. It gives The Collector Of Truths a sense of authenticity, showing that the band emerged from true struggle to birth this record unto the world.” – Two Guys Metal Review

“CRS, or CIRROSIS, a band that plays their own brand of simplistic, mellow Technical Death Metal. Their debut album “The Collector of Truths” is proof that the genre does not need to be as complex as possible in order to be good. You know those albums that just get better as they play? This record is exactly that, the last few tracks forming the peak, the monumental conclusion.” – Metal Temple

“CRS (or Cirrosis, as they were regularly known back then) definitely leaned into the more progressive side of late 90’s-era death metal–not quite on the level of, say, Cynic, but certainly respectable in their attention to unorthodox song composition. Particularly intriguing on this debut is the remarkably dynamic relationship between the drums and guitar, which provided particularly every track a unique identity amongst the chugs and growls. This is all a long way to say that CRS ain’t lying when it comes to their intentions; this truly is death metal with a sense of nuance and melodics. Thus, I award a preemptive “Bravo!” for honesty.” – Sleeping Village Reviews

“Immediately there are strong Fear Factory and Meshuggah influences apparent in the stop start, blastbeat powered opener ‘Asfixia’. It is nice to see particularly Fear Factory referenced in modern death metal, considering how superb their early output was. There is a fair amount of technical work going on here and some pretty sweet soloing as well, such as in the frantic ‘Kill My Name’. There’s a lot of Atheist in here too; some of the twisting melodies are awesome and ‘The Art of Breathing’ has a totally out of the blue mid section that I quite like. Some of the songs are a little paint-by-numbers, like ‘Resistencia’, but overall the band have got a good sound and aren’t afraid to slip in a few softer moments.” – The Killchain Blog

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

““The Failure” talks about how we, as a human race, have failed. We believe that everything on this planet is here for us, including all living things. We don’t care about tomorrow or the young ones. We are a failure. A disgrace to intelligence. We don’t even say it poetically, that’s exactly what we are saying with the lyrics. There’s no empathy, just emptiness.

Musically we wanted to explore a genre that we hadn’t before: melodic death metal. Not totally at least. We’ve always loved clean guitar passages and melodic guitar solos, so this time we wanted to compose a full-death melodic song, at least our version. And with the addition of singer Kat Danzig we completed our goal.” – CRS

Band: CRS
Release Date: January 12, 2023
Label: None Records
Distribution: N/A

Single:
1. The Failure (4:05)

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: CRS •
All songs written by: CRS
• Produced by: Francisco Oroz
• Mixed by: Francisco Oroz
• Mastered by: Francisco Oroz
• Album Artwork by: Gabriel Sandoval

Single Recording and Live Band Line Up:
• Francisco Oroz: Guitar
• Hideki Inukai: Guitar
• Kello Gonzalez: Bass
• Octavio Ramírez: Drums
• Sir Oz: Growls Live

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. This song wasn´t originally for CRS but we liked it so much that we keep it. We guess there was a freshness and freedom while composing it thinking it was for someone else.

2. We didn’t realize that Kat’s and Sir Oz’s low growls sounded so similar until we heard the final version. We invite you to guess which is which without watching the video.

3. All guitars in this song are played by Francisco Oroz since Hideki hadn’t joined the band yet.

4. The lyrics of The Failure were written by Francisco Oroz, except for the verses in Spanish, which Sir OZ wrote inspired by the original idea.

CRS – L-R – Tavo Ramirez (Drums), Kello Gonzalez (Bass), Kaith Danzig (guest vocals) – Hideki Inukai (Guitar), Sir Oz (Vocals), Francisco Oroz (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Carlos Hemosillo

CRS is a Death Metal band from Sonora, Mexico, formed in 1991 with the name Cirrosis by Francisco “Chucky” Oroz and Sir OZ, are the only original members in the current lineup. Due to their technical capacity to adhere to progressive elements and melodic solos, CRS quickly gained notoriety in the local and national scene. Their live performances were characterized by intensity and fury, becoming a cult band. In 1996, “Joseph Lev” joined the band and they recorded their first demo “La Tierra de la Adicción” which was distributed limitedly. In 1999, CRS entered the studio and recorded the album “Reciclando Desesperación” in Spanish, offering a range of different Death Metal styles, highlighting the quality of its production.

In 2001, CRS decided to break up, and its members continued with their personal and professional projects. In 2014, Concreto Records decided to reissue the album “Reciclando Desesperación” describing it as “The maladaptive sound that disturbed a style in Mexico that can currently give lessons to current modern bands”.

In 2019, CRS returned to record their second studio album “The Collector of Truths” with Concreto Records. Two international musicians play as guests in the album, Kevin Talley (Dying

Fetus, Suffocation, Chimaira), on drums, and Linus Klausenitzer (Obscura, Alkaloid) on bass. In September 2020, CRS recorded a Live Session for the Mexican online festival “Moshfest” which became an EP called “Live in isolotation” featuring Kello Gonzalez on bass, who became an official member on December 2021.

In March 2022, they released a new single titled “The enemy has always been me”. In October 2022, CRS played live after twenty years with the Brazilian band Sepultura. On that same date, Hideki Inukai joined the band on the second guitar.

Shared Stage with: Sepultura

Discography:
2022 – The Failure (single)
2022 – El enemigo siempre he sido yo (single)
2020 – Live in Isolation – EP
2019 – The Collector of Truths – LP
1999 – Reciclando Desesperación – LP
1997 – La Tierra de la Adicción – Demo

0 EPK – Idol of Fear – Trespasser (2022) (Somnolence Productions)

January 12, 2022
by Asher
· EPKs · Idol of Fear

EPK – Idol of Fear – Trespasser (2022) (Somnolence Productions)

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

For fans of Behemoth, Shining, Deathspell Omega, Mgla, Emptiness

Album Title: Trespasser
Release Date: March 11, 2022
Label: Somnolence Productions

Facebook.com/idoloffear | Twitter.com/idoloffear | Youtube.com/idoloffear | Instagram.com/idoloffear

Idoloffear.bandcamp.com | Spotify

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#5 – Canadian College Radio Loud Chart – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, March 29, 2022 (source – Earshot)

“Enter the Sullen Murk of Idol of Fear’s Trespasser… a downcast combination of atonal black metal and ornate death/doom…” – Decibel Magazine

“The poetry of the lyrics is eloquent and frightening, providing a shattering portrayal of dismay and despair, yet in its bitterness, shaded with sarcasm, the words may also be understood as expressing a revelation of emptiness that is triumphant and empowering. Musically, the song is a stylistic hybrid that’s deeply haunting and even entrancing, but it too is a bitter revelation. The slow, ghostly wail of horns opens the song, along with solemn ecclesiastical chanting. Skull-cracking beats join in along with grim guitar emanations and torrid howls. The pace of the music remains steady, but the riffing transforms into a searing sensation. The tragic wail of the opening persists, and bell-like guitar tones ring out in grief around the scalding vocals and the boom and snap of the drums. A feeling of anguish burns through the music, but a sea of soft ambience flows in, along with a mysterious rippling melody. The music ascends and shines, but never casts off the feeling of tragedy or the aura of mystery.” (single – Cheirotonia) – No Clean Singing

“Idol Of Fear have released Trespasser, an album far too good to go unnoticed… End to end Trespasser has a magnificently bleak and darkly foreboding air throughout,” – Jools Green – Metal Talk

“The biggest surprise isn’t merely that Trespasser is great, but that it’s within striking distance of excellence. Despite its flaws, Trespasser is a highlight of 2022, and is the only album that’s torn me away from the new Sylvaine. While Trespasser isn’t rainbows and butterflies, it hooked me on my first listen, and left me even more enthralled and moved after dozens of spins. I like to think I’m a harsh enough reviewer, with an average score of 2.86 (including an unpublished dud). This review might endanger my employment indentured servitude with AMG LLC. But Trespasser is one of the greatest dark-horse records I’ve heard in years, and I have no regrets in awarding it my inaugural 4.0. If you’re one of Idol of Fear’s 118 Spotify listeners, I’m impressed. If not, get on board. 4/5” – Angry Metal Guy

“Eloquent, frightening, and tangibly real, it is the reflection of a lost, fearful mindset that longs for answers. Trespasser is a hostile Masterpiece. ” – Metal Roos

“This is the kind of album that puts a lot of effort into creating a unique atmosphere, a very sinister one at that, and while similarities to Emptiness are abound, this still feels extremely unique. And despite its emphasis on atmosphere, the staying power lies within the fact that they’ve managed to craft really memorable songs to pursue this atmosphere. Choruses and melodies never feel cheesy, but they stick out, ensuring a pretty good balance between immediate and lasting impact.” – Metal Storm

“Familiar with much of the Canadian metal scene, Idol of Fear stands out as a band offering variety and passion through their creative experimentation and discovery. Trespasser is sure to bring familiar listeners and new to their knees with terrifying vocals, chaotic melodies, and beautiful instrumentals that certainly made me raise my eyebrows in surprise.” – Noob Heavy

“I love the way that Idol Of Fear can create songs that are as majestic and beautiful as they are brutal, nasty, and uncomfortable. When these two forces combine, it’s only a matter of time before I succumb. Take a listen yourselves to see if you feel the same way. Highly recommended.” – Man of Much Metal

“in the spectrum of Black Metal Idol Of Fear sit in what has become known as the third wave, the avant-garde new wave that specialises in creating dark and oppressive atmospheres with brooding, menacing and sinister moments combining to create something almost cinematic.” – Metal Noise

“Excellent atmospheres of swamps, mystery, desolation, shadows, tragedy and death. 9/10” – Metal Friends

“If you like this kind of Black-Doom-Ambient it’s definitely a must-listen record.” – RTMB Music

Highlight #1 (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP)) on January 2015 Canadian College Radio Loud Charts (Earshot)

Metal Made In Canada #7 All Sights Affixed, Ablaze on Top 20 albums of 2014

(All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP)) #70 on Top 100 Metal Bands for 2014 – CJLO 1690 AM Concordia University’s radio station (Montreal, QC)

“Idol Of Fear expel a nice level of energy to create a blackened crafted set of songs…” – Brutalism (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“The first full length from Ontario quartet Idol of Fear kind of snuck under the radar at the end of last year, but better late than never – especially since this is one debut that will make you sit up and take notice… well-conceived and mindfully executed.” – Metal Rules (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“the song (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze) delivers is dark, dynamic music performed with a lot of impressive instrumental flair, a deft balance of memorable melody and scathing aggression, and the kind of vocals you can understand — at the same time as they are gnashing voraciously through flesh and bone.” – No Clean Singing

“For a first release, this is a very good album on which to build a lengthy and prosperous career. It will appeal to lots of people, and you will most likely love it if you enjoy experimental music. This is well worth checking out.” – Metal Temple (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“All Sights Affixed, Ablaze from Barrie’s Idol of Fear impresses right from the get-go with “Vanquish.” – Hellbound

“one listen of this track (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze) and you’ll find all sorts of influences and shifts in tone, but it’s all dark and weighty. ” – Yell Magazine

“Idol of Fear is one of the best surprises of 2014 in the realm of black metal.” – Metal Made In Canada(All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“The music is consistently strong, heavy, and brutal, but it also has a melodic quality undergirding the whole thing, particularly in the guitars. Listen to the music and you’ll hear it, a melodic high end that tracks the heaviness, much like a bird of pretty circling its way closer and closer to its kill…Together, the band members have created some ambitious and edgy extreme metal. This is a solid debut from a band to watch!” – Sea of Tranquility(All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“Using some kind of awesome power, Idol Of Fear manages to take all the doom and gloom of operatic Black Metal and combine it with the tonal complexity of Death Metal all in a fresh and new way that I haven’t heard before.” – Absolute Underground Mag (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“I don’t usually give away spoilers but this album has just an epic finish. Make this the last music you hear before heading outside on a dark, crisp night. You’ll feel the air differently.” Metal Storm (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

”This is extreme experimental Metal Canadian style; it sits menacingly across the chasm between death and black reinforced by its own innovative edge.” – Metal Talk (All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP))

“the band creates an imposing and immersive soundscape of extreme metal which comes with a blackened heart and experimentally fuelled provocation. It is a fiercely challenging and rewarding confrontation as evidenced by the band’s debut album All Sights Affixed, Ablaze, eight individual torments which align for one grievous and pestilential seduction of ears and imagination.” – Ring Master Reviews

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Track By Track Explained by the band:

The Flayed Horizon – A fast and ravenously violent song, tribal sounding beats with the most unhinged vocals on the album. The lyrics pertain to recurring dreams of utter pandaemonium.

Angel Dust – Steamroller of a song with evil groovy & alien-sounding guitar riffs. Personal lyrics based on loss.

Cheirotonia – Musically there is something tragic to this one while carrying an air of mystery. The lyrics are bitter and somewhat sarcastic, but also triumphant and empowering.

Phantom – A mid-paced heavy hitter with riffs that crawl through the walls to stalk your soul. Featuring spiteful lyrics based upon cathartic retribution

Trespasser – The most dirge-like, spiritual song on the album. Features heavy organs and lyrics dealing with intrusion into forbidden realms

In the Cold Light of Dawn – A somewhat poppy song for us, utilizing more direct, catchy hooks and a straight-up structure

Alone With You – Pummeling snakelike guitars and menacing vocals/lyrics create a violently brooding and cryptic atmosphere of betrayal

What You Came to Find – A cryptic dirge to lead you into the abyss…

Endless – A somber melody offered as a resonating conclusion

Album Title: Trespasser
Release Date: March 11, 2022
Label: Somnolence Productions

Track Listing:
1. The Flayed Horizon (5:24)
2. Angel Dust (5:28)
3. Cheirotonia (5:15)
4. Phantom (4:58)
5. Trespasser (5:15)
6. In the Cold Light of Dawn (4:27)
7. Alone With You (5:12)
8. What You Came to Find (6:18)
9. Endless (3:00)
Album Length: 45:16

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Idol of Fear
• All songs written by: Idol of Fear
• Produced by: Idol of Fear
• Mixed by: Idol of Fear
• Mastered by: Jeremie Bézier (Emptiness, Enthroned)
• Album Artwork by: Rotten Fantom
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Austin – Vocals
Dave – Guitar
Kalei – Bass
Doug – Drums

Discography:
2022 – Trespasser
2020 – Pox (single)
2018 – Grave Aperture (LP)
2014 – All Sights Affixed, Ablaze (LP)

L-R – Kalei – Bass, Austin – Vocals, Doug – Drums, Dave – Guitar
Photo credit: A.J.

A heavy darkness from Canada who have been stalking the unlit horizon since 2011, Idol of Fear is undeniable, undefinable. Formed out of a necessity to make something out of the gloom that swirls around us all, Idol of Fear has been making music together for a very long time now and dedicated themselves to honing their craft, as it is work that they do not approach lightly.

Thus far, Idol of Fear have released two full-lengths, “All Sights Affixed, Ablaze” (2014) and “Grave Aperture” (2018). A third, “Trespasser” will come out in 2022. All contributing ideas to the creative process, Idol of Fear tracked the first two albums themselves and tend to write new material by recording as opposed to jamming it out. Every lyric relates to a personal experience, but oftentimes certain elements seem to make their way through dreams and other nebulous connection points.

When playing live, some songs are re-arranged in order to be properly executed, but for the most part Idol of Fear recreates the atmosphere that their recorded material projects – with the extra ferocity of course.

0 EPK – CHOREOMANIC – Self-Titled (2022)

December 21, 2021
by Asher
· Choreomanic · EPKs

EPK – CHOREOMANIC – Self-Titled (2022)

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

For fans Zappa, Mr. Bungle, John Zorn, Infectious Grooves, Brian Setzer Orchestra

Album Title: CHOREOMANIC
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Label: Self Release
Distribution: Self Distribution

Choreomanic.com – Facebook – Instagram – Youtube – Bandcamp – Spotify

Digital Pre-Save – https://emubands.ffm.to/choreomanic

“With ‘Choreomanic’ Joost van der Graaf shows a completely different side of himself. It is a special musical whole that you really have to listen to several times to process it. You keep hearing new things in every song. No guitars and yet heavy, it is a special mix that will certainly appeal to fans of more technical work. The special thing is that Choreomanic will probably also appeal to audiences from other genres such as jazz. In any case, it is not everyday. However, the production is so strong that you should at least give it a listen, whether you’re a fan of the harder work or not, ‘Choreomanic’ is too good to pass up.” – Metal-Experience

[Downlaod Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: CHOREOMANIC
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Label: Self Release
Distribution: Self Distribution

Track Listing
1. This Is Not A Drill (3:50)
2. Spun Sugar (2:45)
3. What You Get (3:26)
4. Red Flags (2:26)
5. Choreomanic (2:17)
6. Walk With Urgency (2:33)
7. Off With The Figurehead (2:18)
8. Time To Let It Out (2:08)
9. Calling God (4:28)
10. Take The Money Give It To Me Now (2:31)
11. Story About The Moon (2:46)
12. Away From The Sun (5:52)
Album Length: 37:25

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: CHOREOMANIC
• All songs written by: Joost van der Graaf
• Produced by: Michiel Eilbracht & Joost van der Graaf
• Mixed by: Michiel Eilbracht
• Mastered by: Michiel Eilbracht
• Album Artwork by: Yvo Sprey

Album Band Line Up:
Thijs Ronteltap – Keys
Jeroen Verberne – Trombone
Tommie Freke – Saxophone
Gidon Nunes Vaz – Trumpet & Bugle
Koen Herfst – Drums
Joost van der Graaf – Bass, Sampling, Voice & Percussion

Live Band Line Up:
TBD

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

Track by track explained by Joost van der Graaf:

1. This is not a drill: I think is a great first song with a noisy modular intro and a really “busy” structure once it goes. Lyrically inspired by corruption, panic drills, and nuclear attack.

2. Spun Sugar: instrumental track with a “circus” vibe to me…

3. What you get: easy intro and then panic all the way. A person is chased by dogs and there’s shooting. It ends badly.

4. Red flags: short instrumental with an almost happy horn melody on top of a harsh intro. Time signature changes just because it happened. Due to one of many theories on Choreomania, a person suffering from it would immediately start convulsing and tripping at the sight of the color red. I think I imagined such a person being surrounded by red flags…..

5. Choreomanic: Obviously the title track. Instrumental (apart from the exclamation of the word) This was the very first idea I got for the album. It has some sort of a Punk vibe I believe…

6. Walk with urgency: the cool thing about this song is that the main groove and bassline are inspired by the intro of a song by my first serious band Creepmime! That song is called ‘King Of Misrule’, from the album ‘Chiaroscuro’ 1995… Instrumental. Titel refers to the way a junky walks with urgency on the way to scoring.

7. Off with the figurehead: I somehow have trouble with figureheads in general. Pretty much an instrumental Thrash song.

8. Time to let it out: 12/8 is probably my favorite time signature, so I guess I clapped my hands in sheer joy! This one is the single for good reasons I think. Short song, a lot going on, annoying repetitive horn parts, yep…

9. Calling God: the heavy midtempo one. I absolutely love the sound of that desolate Bugle! Lyrically: a joke that is not supposed to be funny. Don’t play outro with kids around!

10. Take the money give it to me now: Title says it all. Here the junky finds what he’s looking for and is reborn. Thrash with horns!

11. Story about the moon: instrumental, a bit of a prog track. About the title: I am one of those people who does not buy the moon landing lie. Bring it on!

12. Away from the sun: actually a long outro based on a bass drone idea I had been carrying with me for some years. Awesome horn parts based on original ideas for guitar and keys by Andy Judd (longtime friend and Creepmime mastermind) and Thijs Ronteltap. Would make a nice movie soundtrack I think.

Instrumental track, kind of a death march. There’s a vibe of blistering heat, hence the title.

Dutch bassist Joost van der Graaf (1973) has been active in music since he was fourteen years old. In the early 90’s he toured Europe for the first time, as a bass player/ vocalist in Creepmime (Mascot Records), to promote the album ‘Chiaroscuro’. After Creepmime he studied music in Amsterdam and became a working musician, performing and teaching.

In the new millennium, Joost co-formed I CHAOS (RITF records, Suburban distr.) The band released two albums: ‘The Human Repellent’ and ‘Masterbleeder’. In this period he was also a stand-in bassist for Sinister, touring Russia.

In 2012, he became a permanent member of GermanThrashers Dew-Scented (Metalblade), releasing three full-lengths with them up to 2018: ‘Icarus’, ‘Insurgent’ & ‘Intermination’. The band toured extensively through Europe but also in Japan, together with renowned bands from the international metal scene (Testament, Exodus, Death Angel, and others).

Joost teaches ‘Bass Skills’ and ‘Band Development’ at The Metal Factory in Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Since 2019 he proudly plays with Dutch iconic act Pestilence (Agonia Records) appearing on the album ‘Exitivm’.

In 2020, he started working on his own project CHOREOMANIC, in which different musical influences from his past come together. Obviously one of these influences is metal, but also other styles like funk & prog.

His self-titled debut album CHOREOMANIC will be out on February 18, 2022.

Joost van der Graaf’s Discography:
2022 – Choreomanic – Self-Titled (Self-Release)
2021 – Pestilence – Exitivm (Agonia Records)
2015 – Dew-Scented – Intermination (Metal Blade Records)
2015 – Dew-Scented – Immersed – 7#split EP (Metal Blade Records)
2015 – I Chaos – Masterbleeder (RITF Records/Suburban Distribution)
2013 – Dew-Scented – Insurgent (Metal Blade Records)
2012 – Dew-Scented – Icarus (Metal Blade Records)
2011 – I Chaos – The Human Repellent (RITF Records/Suburban Distribution)
2009 – I Chaos – Self-Titled – EP (Self-Release)
2008 – Cypher – MMVIII – EP (Self-Release)
1995 – Creepmime – Chiaroscuro (Mascot Records)

Endorsed by:
Ibanez – https://www.ibanez.com
Peavey – https://peavey.com
Tech 21 – https://www.tech21nyc.com/products/amplifiers/powerengine-dd/
DR Strings – https://www.drstrings.com
Rock n Soul – https://www.rocknsoul.nl

0 EPK – Primalfrost – Lost Elegies (2021)

December 16, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Primalfrost

Primalfrost – Lost Elegies (2021)

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

For fans of Wintersun, Wolfheart, Stormlord, Kalmah, Insomnium

Album Title: Lost Elegies
Release Date: December 28, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/Primalfrost | Instagram.com/primalfrostofficial

Primalfrost.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Primalfrost.bigcartel.com | Apple Music

“Epic Metal, in the veins of the Folky, the Black, and the Melodic Death, is a sound that is dominated almost entirely by WINTERSUN, who arguably created and dominated a scene all on their own. Up until now, I believed that no other band who attempted this style of music would be able to live up to them, but Canadian Epic Metallers PRIMALFROST do more than that, having created a seamless symphony of melody, heaviness, speed, story-telling, crunch and atmospherics, embellished by perfect mixing.” – 10/10 Metal-Temple (Prosperous Visions Review 2014)

“There seems to be something in Canadian waters that produces high quality one-man projects, especially in the viking/black/folk metal areas…. Brainchild of Dean Arnold, Prosperous Visions is his full-length debut after the EP Chapters of Time two years ago and it has turned out to be a nice slab piece of epic black/power/folk metal… Prosperous Visions is pretty impressive for a 17 year old! And the album is not that easy to pigeonhole, since Arnold manages to layer the songs well and almost constantly shifting tempo without losing focus or flow.” 9/10 – Metal-Observer (Prosperous Visions Review 2014)

“Music wise, the riffs and symphonic orchestrations take on a Scandinavian flavor reminiscent of legendary Bathory and Immortal, as well as touches of Ensiferum. The record’s blackened power/folk metal sound has a frosty, Nordic battle warrior vibe… Fans of this style of metal will be ecstatic over Prosperous Visions. It’s not as top-shelf as the previously-mentioned bands, but for a debut, Primalfrost shows heaps of promise.” – Bravewords (Prosperous Visions Review 2014)

“Prosperous Visions is 55 minutes of prime-time Melodic Black Metal. If you want the epic, fantastical grandeur of Power Metal with the rougher, more aggressive delivery of Black Metal then this is for you. An ambitious album and well worth adding to your collection. May they prosper for many years to come.” – Wonderbox Metal (Prosperous Visions Review 2014)

“there are no parts of the album that can be considered disappointing in any way, as Primalfrost provides plenty of great riffs, brutal moments, and glorious sounds.” Skull Fracturing Metal (Prosperous Visions Review 2014)

Album Title: Lost Elegies
Release Date: December 28, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Maelstrom (5:11)
2. Bringer of Immensity (4:36)
3. Nomad (3:38)
4. Stormbearer (4:16)
5. Voyage Into Ruin (9:06)
6. Solace Kingdom (5:59)
7. As Embers Wane (1:57)
8. Tenebrous Skies (10:59)
Album Length: 45:47

Album Credits:
Dean Arnold – All Instruments, Vocals, & Orchestration
Recorded by Dean Arnold in Toronto, Canada
Mixed & Mastered by Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc of Silverwings Studios in Montreal, Canada
Additional Orchestration by Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc
Album Artwork by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design

Discography:
2021 – Lost Elegies – Album
2021 – Stormbearer – Single
2021 – Nomad – Single
2021 – Maelstrom – Single
2014 – Prosperous Visions – Full-Length
2012 – Chapters of Time – EP

Primalfrost was formed in 2012 by Canadian musician Dean Paul Arnold when he was 15 years old. Dean is the sole composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist behind the band since its inception. Primalfrost’s sound combines melodicism/lush symphonic with the grit/power of extreme metal, taking influence from bands like Wintersun, Wolfheart, Stormlord, Septicflesh, & more.

Primarily a guitarist, Dean has performed hundreds of shows in 30+ countries across four continents. Primarily touring with American Death Metal band Vital Remains, and now Toronto’s own Operus, Dean has acquired hard-touring experience in a vast variety of settings. Dean has had dozens of guitar solo appearances on a wide variety of metal albums, including Polish death metal band Hate’s 2017 album “Tremendum” (Napalm Records) and for Colorado’s Buried Realm, alongside players like Teemu Mäntysaari (Wintersun) and Brandon Ellis (Black Dahlia Murder).

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns, the band has been brought out of hiatus allowing a new album to be recorded/released. Titled “Lost Elegies”, Dean has teamed up with Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc (Blackguard, Ex-Deo) for mixing & mastering as well as Jan Yrlund (Manowar, Tyr, Korpiklaani) for artwork. This album is a powerhouse of melodic metal with blistering riffs, guitar solos, orchestration, & more, sure to be enjoyed by many. “Lost Elegies” is due out December 28, 2021.

0 EPK – Circa Arcana – Bridget Viginti (2022)

December 2, 2021
by Asher
· Circa Arcana · EPKs

EPK – Circa Arcana – Bridget Viginti (2022)

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

“Musically the EP takes you through a journey. We decided to start it off with 10 of Swords, which we felt was a great opener of a song for our listeners. It gives off the best impression of the sound that is Circa Arcana. As the listener goes through the record you can hear all the nuances that you heard in the opening song.” As a whole, musically I can say the record is a fast-paced rollercoaster to the face kind of experience. We are really excited for everyone to hear it!

This EP also touches on a lot of deep concepts. I have always been a believer that a song should be interpreted by the listener and in one’s personal interpretation one can find their meaning to the song. We do touch on dark themes some personal stuff and some dark conceptual stuff. But honestly, if you want to figure out meanings to the songs, you’re gonna have to dig a little deeper to figure those out! We incorporate a lot of symbolism on our social accounts, our videos, photos, etc. All I can say is if you enjoyed “ESOTERIC” and “THE TOWER” then you are definitely going to enjoy this EP!” – Johny Serna – Guitar

For fans of Underoath, Blessthefall, Wage War, Like Moths To Flames, We Came As Romans

EP Title: Bridget Viginti
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Facebook.com/circa.arcana | Instagram.com/circa.arcana | YouTube

Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon

“Do you like melodic metalcore? If you do, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy what Texas metalcore band Circa Arcana are doing with their newest single, “Esoteric”. Formed last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, you might not think it a good time for a new band to form, but art often flourishes during the darkest times. It’s no different for Circa Arcana – the band is currently finishing their first EP entitled Bridget Viginti, slated for later release in 2022. A decent comparison might be mid-period Killswitch Engage, It Dies Today, or even the underrated Diecast album Internal Revolution, as the band’s combination of bright melodies and aggression will fit right at home to fans of that style.” – New Fury Media

“Circa Arcana may have gotten started last year, but some of the members have been around in the El Paso for a WHILE. Their sound has compared to It Dies Today, I See Stars, Blessthefall & Howard Jones-era Killswitch Engage.” – Daniel Paulus – KLAQ 95.5 FM – El Paso, TX

“Right off the bat, this EP swept me up in a wave of nostalgic feelings with its mixture of heavy guitar riffs, melodic choruses, crushing vocals, and the occasional somber and more emotional moments. The tracks on this EP showcase everything that got me into this style of music back in early high school. Circa Arcana’s forthcoming EP, Bridget Viginti, brings with it something for every fan to enjoy, whether it be the heavier aspects or the more melodic moments. There is a nice line drawn in the sand between the more technical moments and those that pull on the emotions of the listener.” – Metal Epidemic

“a nice melding of the emo and hardcore styles. The 5 song EP shows Circa Arcana performing at the top of their abilities. Bridget Viginti is a nice showcase of some hardcore influenced tracks that are given an injection of melody… There are sing-along moments to be found here and they blend in nicely. There is catchiness and it leads to memorability.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“A short and sweet explosion of American Metalcore, ranging from personal struggles with addiction and personal demons to stories of occult legends and disassociated dreams.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Drawing very much on the spirit of metalcore pioneers such as Killswitch and 36 Crazyfists, while also strongly referencing latter day proponents such as BMTH and We Came As Romans, Circa Arcana could well prove to be one of those bands that make you re-evaluate your assessment of what you believed to be a dying sub-genre by bringing a whole new level of excitement and re-invigoration to it. Fuck, they even throw anthemic power punk into the eclectic recipe, with obtuse sidebar of ‘Luna’.” – Uber Rock

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Bridget Viginti
Release Date: February 18, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Ten of Swords (5:42)
2. The Tower (4:31)
3. The Chariot (3:00)
4. Luna (4:28)
5. Esoteric (4:40)
EP Length: 22:19

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: CIRCA ARCANA
• All songs written by: CIRCA ARCANA
• Produced by: CIRCA ARCANA / JTS STUDIO PRODUCTIONS
• Mixed by: CHRIS HARD / RESARTUS PRODUCTIONS
• Mastered by: CHRIS HARD / RESARTUS PRODUCTIONS
• EP by: Kavan the Kid

EP Recording & Live Band Line Up:
Kevin Cangas – Vocals
Johny Serna – Guitar
Felipe Jasso – Guitar
Frank Loya – Drums
Ben Reyes – Bass

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

The EP as a whole explained by the band.

[Johny] – “Musically the album takes you through a journey. We decided to start it off with 10 of Swords which we felt was a great opener of a song for our listeners. It gives off the best impression of the sound that is Circa Arcana. As the listener goes through the record you can hear all the nuances that you heard in the opening song.” As a whole musically I can say the record is a fast-paced, Rollercoaster to the face album. We are really excited for everyone to hear it!”

Track by Track explained by the band.

[Johny] – “10 of Swords is the opening track to the record. It really shows the diversity of the sound to Circa Arcana. The song ties in clean ambient hooks with a melodic chorus, a plethora of synth and string production, and finishes with a death punch of a breakdown. This song really shows off the multitude of influences based within our music and captures a little of everything for the listener to enjoy!”

[Johny] – “The Chariot. This song is our reckless powerhouse on the album. 3 minutes of non-stop in-your-face aggression. When we wrote this song we wanted it to be a call to action, make you get up on your feet type of song. It incorporates groove-ish moving riffs, a killer breakdown, and even a Viking chant. Definitely, one of our favorites to perform live!”

[Johny] – “The Tower. This is our “arena metal” song as well as our second single. If you listen to the lyrics carefully it’s one hell of a story. The song started off with the opening lead. Originally all I had written was probably the first 30 seconds to the track and after I showed the rest of the guys we quickly figured out a pattern for it and knocked it out. Frankie actually came up with that breakdown for it, still one of my favorites. The entire song is a headbanger from start to finish. Personally, my favorite thing about this song is when we play it live people can easily catch on to the chorus and sing along.”

[Johny] – “Luna. Luna was actually originally written by Frank. Frank is a badass songwriter and one day when we were just kicking it after rehearsal he showed it to me. If I remember correctly it was a song he had written over a year or two ago and had recently found the file on his laptop. I loved the idea immediately and we decided to re-write it from scratch. It’s the lightest song on the record, hardly any screams but a beautiful song!”

[Johny] – “Esoteric. Esoteric was the first single we released as a band. We started writing the song off of the chorus riff. That riff was something I had written about 4 years ago when I played with Frank in another local band but we never did anything with it. When we first formed Circa and were trying to start writing some songs he remembered that riff. I had to find an old phone recording to remember what he was talking about. We built the song up pretty quickly from there. It’s definitely an eerie song, lyrically touching on the topic of addiction and overcoming it.”

Texas 5-piece metalcore act Circa Arcana from El Paso Texas bring forth a mixture of melodic ferocious vocals, bouncy breakdowns, and hard-hitting riffs. Founded by Johny Serna (guitar), Frankie Loya (drums), Felipe Jasso (guitar), Ben Reyes (bass), and Kevin Cangas (vocals) the 5-piece released their first single “Esoteric” on January 2021. Touching on the struggles of overcoming one’s personal demons, “Esoteric” led the way to the band’s second single which enfolded a darker theme within the band. “The Tower” released in June of 2021 bridges the gap between sanity and madness. The band encompasses a blend of modern metal concepts with a nostalgic yet new approach. Circa Arcana dive into the realms of Metalcore, Post-Hardcore, and Emocore genres. The band finished recording their first EP titled “Bridget Vīgintī” and has set its release for February 18th, 2022. The title derives from the name of the first “witch” burned in Salem, Massachusetts, and the symbolic number “20”, for the 20 witches burned during the Salem Witch Trials.

EP Recording & Live Band Line Up:
Kevin Cangas – Vocals
Johny Serna – Guitar
Felipe Jasso – Guitar
Frank Loya – Drums
Ben Reyes – Bass

Discography:
2022 – Bridget Vīginti (EP)
2021(June) – The Tower (single)
2021 (January) – Esoteric (single)

Shared Stage with:
The Crowned, Semper Acerbus, Pyrotechnica, A Liar Like You, Darken the Day, Fatherwolf, Iperion, Anathemia

0 EPK – Dead Velvet – Dogs (2022) (single)

December 1, 2021
by Asher
· Dead Velvet · EPKs

EPK – Dead Velvet – Dogs (2022) (single)

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

“The Dogs is the first song that we decided to share with the world and we chose this one because we find it well represents the general sound and musical aesthetic that we’re going for. It’s a blistering tale of lost love and trying to push past all the pain in a relationship to make it work when, really, it would probably make more sense to just leave. It’s about empty promises and broken dreams, and I think that’s something that many people have been through and a message that almost all of us can connect with on some level.” – Jesse – Vocals

“We can’t wait to show the world what we’ve been cooking. We worked on this track (and many others) for a long time and slowly moulded it into exactly what it was meant to be. We think it represents us very well musically and lyrically and is a great precursor to the music we’re going to be releasing in the future.” – Stretch – Guitar

For fans of Deftones, Stray From The Path, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Emmure

Single Title: The Dogs
Release Date: January 21, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Facebook.com/deadvelvetmtl | Instagram.com/deadvelvetmtl | YouTube

Digital Streaming Platforms – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/deadvelvet1/the-dogs

L-R – Jesse (Vocals), Corey (Bass), Stretch (Guitar), Tylor (Drums)

Based out of Montreal, Quebec, Dead Velvet is a metal band formed in 2021. Striving to serve up their own poetic blend of atmospheric chaos, dirty grooves and emotional turmoil, they are set out to provide provocative, intense, no bullshit performances. Pulling in influences from multiple genres including nu-metal, hardcore, hip-hop and everything in between, they are sure to make you move your feet. Their first single “The Dogs”, recorded with Maxime Lacroix of House Of Gain studios, will be out in early 2022. With a multitude of other bone-crushing tunes in the works, Dead Velvet are making their way to a stage near you.

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Originally, the band was called Gorilla Finger. I was playing the game Would You Rather on someone’s phone and the question was “Would you rather finger a gorilla or have a gorilla finger you?”, and I found the words “gorilla” and “finger” so phonetically pleasing together. It sounded really funky but after asking several people what they preferred between the two names, we eventually decided to go with Dead Velvet. I didn’t want to let the name Gorilla Finger go but Dead Velvet really grew on me. – Stretch – Guitar

2. In 2016 our drummer Tylor and bassist Corey were starting a band called “ Act On Impulse” and they actually hit me up to be their vocalist, I was definitely interested in the project and wanted to jam with them but I was already in two projects at the time, one being Junkowl in the early stages of its creation and because of my schedule I didn’t have the time. Fast forward 5 years and I saw Dead Velvet forming and saw a couple Instagram stories of them playing and honestly thought to myself “Damn I wish I was a part of this project” and then not long after Tylor sent me a message saying they were looking for a vocalist, they sent me two tracks at like midnight and I was so stoked and inspired by the music that I wrote the lyrics for both of them that night and recorded vocals the next day in my kitchen. We jammed a couple days after that and it’s been nothing but good times ever since. – Jesse – Vocals

3. I came up with my own tuning that we use for all our songs. Different tunings inspire different riffs and I wanted to have a new approach when writing for this band. I also had to figure out a way to make all the weird guitar parts more playable. – Stretch – Guitar

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: The Dogs
Release Date: January 21, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. The Dogs (3:57)

Single Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Dead Velvet
• All songs written by: Dead Velvet
• Produced by: Dead Velvet
• Mixed by: Maxime Lacroix
• Mastered by: Maxime Lacroix
• Single Artwork by: Dead Velvet
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

0 EPK – Messora – Forever as I Beg (single) (2021)

December 1, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Messora

EPK – Messora – Forever as I Beg (single) (2021)

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

“Forever as I Beg is about being trapped in a self-destructive and self-abusive cycle where your vices control you. The song begins lyrically in the valley of the cycle, where the character is in-between self-destructive bouts and is just dealing with the aftermath of their behavior. As the song progresses the lyrics turn darker and read as if there are two characters, an abuser and a victim, even though there is only the one individual. The music darkens to reflect this. Towards the end of the song the lyrics are entirely from the point of view of the “abuser” as the music reaches its dynamic climax.” – Zach Dean – Messora

For fans of Opeth, Gojira, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Rivers of Nihil

Single Title: Forever as I Beg
Release Date: December 17, 2021
Label: Hatred and Lust
Distribution: Hatred and Lust

Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

Digital Pre-Save – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/messora/forever-as-i-beg-single

Montreal, Canada’s Messora started as a solo recording project with no clear goal back in 2016 and since then, has evolved into a full-fledged live band that is releasing a new single “Forever as I Beg”, a follow up to the 2019 album “The Door”. Listeners familiar with the album will be pleasantly surprised by this new, very long, single, which goes through the whole “album” kind of arc and progression within the single piece of music. You are meant to get the album experience condensed in a nine-minute progressive death metal song. Zach Dean explains the track further:

“It is about being trapped in a self-destructive and self-abusive cycle where your vices control you. The song begins lyrically in the valley of the cycle, where the character is in-between self-destructive bouts and is just dealing with the aftermath of their behavior. As the song progresses the lyrics turn darker and read as if there are two characters, an abuser and a victim, even though there is only one individual. The music darkens to reflect this. Towards the end of the song the lyrics are entirely from the point of view of the “abuser” as the music reaches its dynamic climax.”

Dean continues to explain that “Forever as I Beg” is the fully matured version of the sound Messora was exploring and developing on “The Door” and now that Messora has taken its “progressive death metal” sound to its peak, the band will be exploring different styles in the future. As a very aesthetically driven band, they put a lot of care into creating a unique aesthetic and atmosphere for their live show. It’s all about cool outfits and red lights.

Dark, experimental, and unpredictable, Messora is recommended for fans of Opeth, Gojira, and King Crimson.

[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Forever as I Beg
Release Date: December 17, 2021
Label: Hatred and Lust
Distribution: Hatred and Lust

Forever as I Beg (8:49)
(bonus download track via Bandcamp) Closer (Nine Inch Nails cover) “b side” (3:43)

Recording Credits:
– All songs performed by Messora
– Forever as I Beg written by Zach Dean
– Closer written by Trent Reznor
– Produced by Zach Dean and Jonathan Leduc
– Mixed and Mastered by Jonathan Leduc
– Album Artwork by Maya Charest
– Member of SOCAN
– Forever as I Beg – music is Canadian content
– Messora is Sam Neumann, Ben Bertrand and Zach Dean

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

“Overall, this was indeed a hard album to categorize, genre wise. When the album is at its fiercest, I get a distinct GOJIRA vibe…those hard as ice riffs, sterile vocals, and punishing sound. But when they harmonize and explore some melody, and the two more ambient tracks, it lets me know that they are not afraid to experiment a bit. That is a strong quality to any good band, not afraid to take some risks for the sake of overly formulated music. I think that they are just beginning to hit their stride, and can’t wait to hear their next release.” 8/10 – Metal Temple

“Messora constantly find new directions, evolving their music from one side to the other and back. The fact they can do it flawlessly is a joy [8/10] ” – Metal Noise

“The music is technical, brutal, thoughtful, and emotional; taking the listener on a singular journey to the recesses of your mind… This is music for your ears and soul, so purchase and stream the album at the links below.” – Ghost Cult Mag

“If you are a progressive music fan or a fan of metal in general, you need to give ‘The Door’ a chance. It’s challenging, haunting and complex. I don’t have a single complaint about the album and it’s very hard to believe that this is their first LP. Bands normally chase this perfection for years before achieving it. If they continue on this path there is nothing stopping Messora from joining the greats.” – Diary of a Music Addict

“The Door is a guitarist’s album, as central member and founder Zach Dean performs guitar and vocals, and does so with intense gusto. Influences range from Gojira, Tool, Lamb of God, Psycroptic, and Children of Bodom, which sounds neither interesting nor unique, but Messora makes it work, creating a hella tight sound that incorporates it all into one potent wallop… In the end, Messora offers a ridiculously fun guitar album of ear candy.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The Door is one record you certainly check out if you want nothing but solid tracks all the way through. This record will certainly put Messora on the metal map.” – Metal Utopia

“I am starting to sound like a broken record when I talk about all the bands who have released great debut records this year. Well, add another to the list, because Messora is here with their debut, The Door. Messora have created a melting pot of a debut record with how many styles they try to fit into The Door. Having not heard of this band prior to this, I was pleasantly surprised and satisfied with what I heard, especially considering it started as a solo project and bloomed into something much more, and I am beyond excited to see what they do on future records because they’re only going to get better.” – Metal Utopia

“one dynamic and briliant listening experience.” – Noob Heavy

“The Door, their debut album, is more like a kaleidoscope of metal – a blending of various subgenres in the metal sphere. As you listen closely to each song you embark on a very unconventional and artistic journey that dips you in bits of black metal, thrash, power, doom and death metal. For me to say I loved the entire album is huge…Messora truly an exceptionally talented musicianship that is simply a heavy work of art.” – Boston Rock Radio

“It’s bone splintering stuff, with pulverising segments of speed and also crushing heaviness which put the band in the doom camp at times. Certainly one I would recommend exploring. 8/10” – Musipedia Of Metal

“Promising career start for the Canadian quartet” – Broken Tomb Magazine

“Combining a variety of genres, the group made good impressions on those who shows up early with their tight musicianship and ability to change pace on a moment’s notice” – Apt 613

“… Messora was a whirlwind on stage. It was hard to believe that a half hour had passed when they began to play their final song, as each song had layered onto each other leaving viewers with a feeling that the experience was almost surreal.”- Splice Media Group

“…and these guys have not only kicked down the door, they have torn it apart and blown it straight off its hinges…. Their range and versatility know no bounds, and if this standard of work is carried on, they could mould and develop into anything and become colossal world leading metallers, and then those of you who took the time to have a listen now can say that you heard their debut album before they got to next level giants and it was that fucking good.” – The Metal Wanderlust

Photo Credit: Vladim Vilain

Formed as a solo recording project in 2016, Messora has become a band that obscures and challenges genre. To the band, the music comes as what feels best in the moment. To the fans, it is a kaleidoscope of sound that appears different at every glance and to every eye. Messora has been described as Death Metal, Black Metal, Progressive Metal, Melodic Metal, and Doom Metal, and Experimental music by fans and showgoers. The elements that make up the music may seem familiar to some, yet the whole remains a challenge to define.

The band knows how to set themselves apart from others musically as well as aesthetically, with showmanship and presentation second only to musical performance during their live show. They demand attention with their presentation, but keep it with the strength of their performance and musicianship. Messora always delivers, visually, aesthetically and musically.

Messora has headlined shows in Kingston, Ottawa, Montréal and Mont-Laurier, and has opened for popular international bands such as Replacire, Arsonists Get All The Girls, Wolfheart, Mors Principium Est, Carach Angren and Inanimate Existence.

Messora released their debut album “The Door” on October 4th, 2019 to widespread acclaim from fans and critics, establishing the act as an important part of the Montréal metal scene.

Now in 2021, they return with their single “Forever as I Beg”, an almost album experience condensed in a nine-minute progressive death metal song.

Messora’s Zach Dean explains the track further:

“It is about being trapped in a self-destructive and self-abusive cycle where your vices control you. The song begins lyrically in the valley of the cycle, where the character is in between self-destructive bouts and is just dealing with the aftermath of their behavior. As the song progresses the lyrics turn darker and read as if there are two characters, an abuser and a victim, even though there is only one individual. The music darkens to reflect this. Towards the end of the song the lyrics are entirely from the point of view of the “abuser” as the music reaches its dynamic climax.”

Dean continues to explain that “Forever as I Beg” is the fully matured version of the sound Messora was exploring and developing on “The Door” and now that Messora has taken its “progressive death metal” sound to its peak, the band will be exploring different styles in the future. As a very aesthetically driven band, they put a lot of care into creating a unique aesthetic and atmosphere for their live show. It’s all about cool outfits and red lights.

Dark, experimental, and unpredictable, Messora is recommended for fans of Opeth, Gojira, King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Rivers of Nihil.

Messora is now, Sam Neumann, Ben Bertrand and Zach Dean

Discography:
2021 – Forever as I Beg (single)
2019 – The Door

Shared the stage with:
Carach Angren, Mors Principium Est, Wolfheart, Replacire, Arsonists Get all the Girls, Inanimate Existence, Eye of Horus

Festivals:
Vankleek Hill Farmfest 2019

0 EPK – Hyperia – Silhouettes of Horror (2022)

December 1, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Hyperia

EPK – Hyperia – Silhouettes of Horror (2022)

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

For fans of Exmortus, Arch Enemy, Unleash the Archers, Havok

Album Silhouettes of Horror
Release Date: March 18, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Hyperiametal.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/Hyperiabandofficial | Instagram.com/hyperiametal

Spotify | Apple Music

“If you prefer your metal loud, dark and just a touch campy (and who doesn’t?), then Calgary-turned-Vancouver rockers Hyperia are planning to deliver with Silhouettes of Horror, the follow-up to 2020’s equally furious and equally fun Insanitorium. First single “Operation Midnight” is an unrelenting barrage of riffage held down by Marlee Ryley’s throat-blistering vocals.” – Exclaim! – One of Exclaim!’s most anticipated albums of 2022

“With their second album Silhouettes Of Horror, Canadian thrashers Hyperia doubled down on the most ferocious elements of their sound to achieve a sound that owed more than a passing nod to Tetonic thrashers Kreator or Destruction. The fact vocalist Marlee Ryley can deliver blackened snarls with as much gusto as trad-metal histrionics helped them stand out from the crowd, firmly establishing Hyperia as promising up-and-comers in the wide world of thrash. RH” – Metal Hammer – The top 10 best thrash metal albums of 2022

“Recent Calgary-to-Vancouver transplants Hyperia are all about thrashing in a style inherent to ’80s basketball shoes, shredded denim, battle jackets and those studded gauntlets that may look cool, but are likely more responsible for forearm rashes than being a gateway to one-night stands. Imagine classic Megadeth, “Toxic Waltz”-era Exodus, Annihilator and Anthrax alongside Exmortus, Havok, Warbringer, Violator, Crisix and others with a new-school take on an old-school sound.” – Decibel Mag

“Energetic, melodic, fast, psychotic, and dynamic are just some of the elements that make Silhouettes of Horror an album that old and new fans of thrash, NWoBHM, and power metal will appreciate. The band even included a cover homage of Abba’s Gimme Gimme Gimme.” – Sentinel Daily

“All in all, Silhouettes of Horror gave me what I want for from a modern melodic thrash album. It’s fun, it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s got cool stories to tell.” – Angry Metal Guy

“an addictive brand of primal thrash” – Dead Rhetoric

“You can tell these musicians study at the foot of many legendary bands for influence – combining the intensity of Slayer, Exodus, and Death Angel with the innovative musicianship of Children of Bodom, occasionally allowing the bass play of Scott DeGruyter to garner a spotlight for “Experiment 77”. Session drummer Gord Alexander pummels his kit with controlled abandon, executing fine double kick/snare sequences that drive “Prisoner of the Mind” to swinging hair windmill tendencies, while throwing down standard thrash power principles for “Operation Midnight”. Beyond killer titles like “Hypnagogia” and “Pleonexia”, the icing on top of an already enticing package lies with the fierce clean to extreme growl/scream delivery from Marlee Ryley. Venomous and slithering, you never know when she will melt paint off the walls only to hit solid melodies from her soul.8.5/10” – Dead Rhetoric

“This is one of the most exciting thrash albums I have heard in a fair few years. Hyperia have absolutely smashed it delivering an album that just keeps giving insane quality, track after track. Silhouettes of Horror is a special album and one that is so relentless, so energetic and enthusiastic that I felt out of breath just listening to it. Amazing. Do yourself a favour an make sure you grab a preorder of this excellent release from Hyperia on Bandcamp. 9/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Closing things out with an addictive-to-listen Abba cover, Hyperia ultimately showcase that while they’re here to bring all the notions of devastation and velocity to your current surroundings, they never forgot you need to have a little fun from time to time.” – The Razor’s Edge

“I have a long-running theory that any style of music can be immediately improved by making it just a little bit spookier, and Hyperia is the proof that it works for thrash. Regular thrash is all well and good, but add some spooky-ass melodies in there and it becomes instant Spear bait. The strings players are all on their A-game here, and there’s an inordinate amount of cool shit happening on the drums with regards to thrash, but the vocals are what hooked me off the bat. Marlee Ryley has a raw wail and a vicious scream that both play into this particular style extremely well, and it makes the whole package super enticing.” – Toilet ov Hell – Top Albums Ov 2022

“Silhouettes of Horror dropped early this year and quickly became one of my go-to albums for whenever I wasn’t sure what to put on. It’s an album that feels quintessentially “metal” to me, bearing all the traits that got me into the genre in the first place, distilled to their purest form and injected in perfectly measured doses. It’s riffs on riffs on riffs with tons of flashy shreds, a driving rhythm section, and some wild vocals. You’ve also got to respect them for being one of the only bands out there to put out a metal cover of a pop song that actually fucking rules.” – Tolet ov Hell

“It’s a vile concoction, but it bloody works. From the outset, introductory trio “Hypnagogia,” “Intoxication Therapy,” and “Experiment 77” righteously capture and highlight Hyperia‘s raison d’être: to regale us in tales of mental degradation, escapism by way of fermented imbibements, and inhumane clinical experiments. These three cuts slice and dice in quick, surgical slashes that will leave most listeners bleeding heavily and begging for more mauling. Thankfully, Hyperia had only onslaught in mind, as closing trio “Silhouettes of Horror,” “Operation Midnight” and “Pleonexia” close out the main story with a tempest of scalpels and scotch, infusing every moment of their horror-oriented exhibits with relentless fun and unhinged performances across the board. Even the cover of ABBA‘s “Gimme Gimme Gimme” that the band pinned to the tail of the record wins, thanks to faithful reproduction of that song’s big hook and an enthusiastic vocal delivery.” Angry Metal Guy

“this album is the perfect blend of terror and thrash that blends well to create something uniquely familiar. It hits all the musical notes you’re after, while still indulging in a few out of this world solos and combos that are to die for. Favourite Tracks: Experiment 77, Silhouettes of Horror” – Metal Goddesses

“Classic metal / thrash / prog-ish metal, big voices, harsh thrashy stuff… great stuff!!” – The Mosh Pit 89.9FM (Madison, WI)

“this is neck-wrenchingly good riffage delivered through a neat production as tracks such as ‘Experiment 77’, ‘Terror Serum’ and ‘Operation Midnight’ show a band in full throttle having all the hallmarks of Havok and Warbringer and Exodus. Yet, there is so much more here than just another thrash album, the melodic death touches bring in elements of Arch Enemy whilst the virtuoso guitaring and powerful is a call to arms for Exmortus fans. However, what stands tall here are the banshee vocals of Marlee Ryley who brings all the energy of Noora Louhimo as well as fellow Canadian Brittney Slayes from Unleash the Archers.” – Metal Digest

“this 50-minute exercise in thrash really needs to be heard because this is some serious pummeling…. Silhouettes Of Horror is a rollicking opus and showcases the progression of the band. The stories contained herein are as thought-provoking as the musicianship, which literally strips the flesh.” – Metal Forces Magazine

“No question, the Canadians know exactly what they want and like each of the eleven tracks. The 50 minutes of playing time fly by without boredom” – Saitenkult

“an album of extreme power and passion… Be warned! This is seriously furious thrash metal with an unusual vocal twist…” – Female Fronted Power

“HYPERIA have grit, they have fire and they have passion that you cannot buy. Their music is ferocious, at times wild to the point of anarchic but “Silhouettes Of Horror” is an album well worth checking out, especially if you like your female vocals with guts and your thrash with a dirty death metal undercurrent.” – Female Fronted Power

“She’s (vocalist Marlee Ryley) got quite the powerful screams that’ll rip your ears off at times… Overall the album is heavy and fast and packs a lot of punch…” The Metal Crypt

“Do you believe in government experiments and conspiracy theories? Are you a diehard fan of first-class Thrash Metal? If your answer is yes to one or both of these questions, then Hyperia have exactly what’s needed to put a huge smile on your face while you raise your horns to the demented music found in their excellent new album, leaving us all eager for more of their wicked creations in the nearby future.

Best moments of the album: Intoxication Therapy, Experiment 77, Whitecoat and Operation Midnight.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Silhouettes of Horror offers an extreme range of musical strength, to which all musicians contribute their full strength. Vocals in the perfect alternation between growling and clean vocals complement the experimental solos and riffs to an hour of music that entertains the listener very well and leaves them with neck pain. Whopping 9 / 10” – Soundmagnet.eu

“I’m still amazed when discovering such a powerful band… the band is bringing us a very good album to set on top of the Thrash Metal pile to listen to every day.10/10” – The Metal Mag

“Silhouettes Of Horror is so damn good for me. For once no cheerful party thrash, but an old school dark, heavy album brimming with classic ingredients, each convincing for itself, and together they form a beautiful sum. As far as I’m concerned, Hyperia has done a great job” – Wings of Death

“There is a thrill, there is energy, there is a claw, and there is no shortage of interesting melodies or riffs. The album is aimed at those who long for real heavy metal power… This album is destructive and will be remembered for a long time. Hyperia has released a really thoughtful and refined album that will unite fans of heavy metal and thrash metal.” – Power Metal Warrior

“At the crossroads of thrash and death, Hyperia offers a solid album with “Silhouettes Of Terror”. The band shows great qualities and has the weapons to break through in the middle of the pack of young wolves who are candidates to take over from the old ones.” – Music Waves

Insanitorium – #18 on Top 20 – February 2020 – Canadian College Radio Loud Charts (source: Earshot)

“They’ve got their own flair of melodic and thrash metal going for them which is only going to serve them better as the future comes. All in all I’d absolutely recommend this album, not just because it’s an album that’s got its own vibe and identity to it but it’s arguably the first thrash metal album of the year to grab my attention”- THE METAL ONE ABOVE ALL

“Insanitorium will get the blood flow going and cause massive pit eruption when Hyperia tear up the stage and that’s what the best thrash of any kind should achieve. Keeping their eyes on the prize with creative flourishes in a brief two-year window since forming, the future looks very bright for these Canadians as more people flock to the band’s addictive, pounding style” – DEAD RHETORIC

“Unhinged and unconfinable, Hyperia may throw a lot and we mean a lot of ideas at the wall in the hope that they stick but in the end, it’s their scattershot approach and fearless demeanor which makes them so damn appealing!”

– WORSHIP METAL’S 2020 “10 THRASH METAL ALBUMS YOU HAD TO HEAR IN JANUARY”

“Musically everything is very well done: blast beats and solid drum patterns, driving basses, powerful riffs and handsome melodic guitar solos in well-constructed and arranged songs. But the signboard for Hyperia seems to me to be the smooth vocals of Marlee. They range from very powerful and clean, to strong screams and just as rough and raw grunts. Maybe I can mention Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy) as an example, but it seems to me that Marlee can handle even higher screams” – MUSIKA.BE (Translated from Dutch)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Silhouettes of Horror
Release Date: March 18, 2022
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Track Listing:
1. Hypnagogia 4:17
2. Intoxication Therapy 4:38
3. Experiment 77 4:28
4. Severed 4:20
5. Prisoner Of The Mind 4:18
6. Terror Serum 4:51
7. Whitecoat 3:31
8. Silhouettes of Horror 3:54
9. Operation Midnight 4:22
10. Pleonexia 6:59
11. Gimme Gimme Gimme (ABBA Cover) 4:29
Album Length 50:13

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Hyperia
• All songs written by: Colin Ryley, Marlee Ryley, David Kupisz
• Produced by: Colin Ryley
• Mixed by: Colin Ryley
• Mastered by: Mika Jussila
• Album Artwork by: Andrei Bouzikov
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Lead Guitar
David Kupisz – Rhythm Guitar
Scott Degruyter – Bass
Gord Alexander – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Lead Guitar
David Kupisz – Rhythm Guitar
Scott Degruyter – Bass

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

The album as a whole explained by the band:

Silhouettes of Horror’s lyrical concept is that of parapsychology, night terror hallucinations, and inhumane government experiments. The music is fast, melodic, and heavy-hitting thrash metal.

Track by track explained by the band:

Hypnagogia – Fast opening track that sets the pace for the album. Lyrically it deals with the condition “Hypnagogia” which is a state between wakefulness and sleep where someone experiences hallucinations.

Intoxication Therapy – Our classic thrash song on the album is about dependence on alcohol and a party lifestyle. It borders on a fun yet a real topic that a lot of people might relate to.

Experiment 77 – This song was written about a government experiment where they dosed subjects with LSD for 77 days to study the human mind, doubling the dose each day. It showcases a lot of intricate moments for each instrument and contains extended dual-guitar solo as well as bass solos.

Severed – The slowest song on the album. A change of pace from the rest of the album. Lyrically it’s about how humans were originally all connected, but how throughout time the link of our collective consciousness has been severed.

Prisoner of the Mind – A super melodic and classical-based lick starts this song off. It leads into a fast and thrashy verse with a big, catchy sing-along chorus. Lyrically it describes how we are all slaves to our thoughts and conditioning.

Terror Serum – Terror Serum is a song about living life in fear. A metaphor for being injected by fear from media, news, and our entire culture. Musically a high-energy song, it shows off a range of vocal styles and includes an extended C-section with harmonized guitar leads.

Whitecoat – Whitecoat is influenced by Stephen King’s novel “The Institute” where the government runs experiments on young people to harness their powers and create psychological warfare. Another fast-paced classic thrash song that is sure to start pits live.

Silhouettes of Horror – The title track of the album – this song starts with only guitar and builds with drums into a fast-paced double kick frenzy. A constant pulse flows throughout the song that is ridden with heavy vocals and instrumentals.

Operation Midnight – Operation Midnight is the first single from the album and accompanied by a music video. This song is hard-hitting with melodic vocal lines and sporadic guitar riffs. A catchy and memorable song that portrays what the whole album is about.

Pleonexia – The grand finale and longest song on the album. Lyrically, the song is about corporate greed and how it affects our society. Another fast song with constant double kicks and a variety of vocal types.

Gimme Gimme Gimme – Our homage to the great ABBA. We took this classic song and made it thrash with an extended solo section. We’ve always been fans of non-metal metal covers and wanted to demonize the pop hit.

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Hyperia recently made the decision as a band to move to Vancouver to pursue their musical goals in a more established city.

2. Hyperia had a 3-month tour planned throughout the UK, Europe, and Canada that was unfortunately canceled due to the Covid pandemic.

3. In 2019 Hyperia branded a beer named “Hybeeria” that was sold during the band’s “Asylum” Music Video Premiere as well as their debut album’s sold-out release show, which was a record-breaking event for the venue, having almost 300 people in attendance for a local headlining act.

4. In 2019, Hyperia signed to Latvian-Record label Sliptrick Records, who released their debut album “Insantorium” worldwide.

5. In February 2020, weeks before the covid-shutdown, Hyperia was asked to open for Soulfly and Toxic Holocaust at the Gateway Venue in Calgary, Canada.

6. Guitarist Colin and vocalist Marlee Ryley are a husband and wife thrashing team!

L-R – David Kupisz – Rhythm Guitar, Colin Ryley – Lead Guitar, Marlee Ryley – Vocals, Scott Degruyter – Bass
Photo Credit – Derek Carr of Visions in Pixels Photography

HYPERIA (originally from Calgary, AB now based in Vancouver, BC) is a Melodic Thrash Metal band known for their wailing vocals, shredding guitars, and fast, heavy music. Formed by Colin and Marlee Ryley in September 2018, they found 3 members from the local metal community and hit the ground running. Since the release of their debut EP “FISH CREEK FRENZY” in 2019, HYPERIA has been thrashing venues and taking the Western Canadian metal community by storm.

In April 2019, HYPERIA announced their signing SLIPTRICK RECORDS, who released their debut full-length album “INSANITORIUM” in January 2020. The band celebrated their release to a 300 person sold-out show in their hometown of Calgary, Canada.

Later that year, the band announced the departure of their previous drummer Jordan Maguire, while at the same time revealing the commencement of their second record “SILHOUETTES OF HORROR” with session drummer Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon, Immunize). The album was completed in June 2021 and is due out in March 2022.

Live Band Line Up:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Lead Guitar
David Kupisz – Rhythm Guitar
Scott Degruyter – Bass

Album Band Line Up:
Marlee Ryley – Vocals
Colin Ryley – Lead Guitar
David Kupisz – Rhythm Guitar
Scott Degruyter – Bass
Gord Alexander – Drums

Discography:
2022 – Silhouettes Of Horror – LP
2020 – Insanitorium – LP (Sliptrick Records)
2019 – Fish Creek Frenzy – EP

Shared Stage with:
Soulfly, Toxic Holocaust, Hatchet, Invicta, West Of Hell, Seax

Artist Endorsements:
WB Gear

0 EPK – My Hollow – Fighting The Monsters (EP) (2022)

November 26, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · my hollow

EPK – My Hollow – Fighting The Monsters (EP) (2022)

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

“This is by far some of the heaviest tunes we have written and the addition of Lead Guitarist Danio Pirrone and keyboardist Matt Williams has also created a new dimension to the My Hollow sound to make it so much more epic. The new tunes don’t stray too far from our back catalog, but they do possess more of a mature approach to our songwriting. At the end of the day, we hope that the listener can extract their own joy from each individual song. We think the older, as well as the newer fans, can find tangible qualities to enjoy about the new EP.” – My Hollow

For fans of Chimaira, Gojira, Lamb of God, August Burns Red, Fit For An Autopsy

Heavy, Progressive, Groove, Death, Metal

EP Title: Fighting The Monsters
Release Date: April 8, 2022
Label: Self-Release

Myhollow.ca | Facebook.com/myhollowband | Twitter.com/my_hollow | Instagram.com/myhollow | YouTube

Myhollow.bandcamp.com | Apple Music | Spotify

“It has all the subtlety of two-ton anvil slamming down on a set of pearly whites! ” – Heavy Metal Time Machine

“Five pissed off Canadians ready to tear my head off! A welcome surprise.”- Power of Metal

“A staggeringly great job these boys are doing.”- Metal Talk

“I once read it was the test of the progressive band to take two wholly unrelated pieces of music and move seamlessly between them. My Hollow has that in spades, and diamonds, and clubs, and hearts.” – Glacially Musical

“On Borrowed Time is killer. True, it’s packed with a lot of influences, ranging from Pantera to Parkway Drive and more, but My Hollow still retain their own unique, bone-shaking, heavy sound. They’ve just been sure to include all of the best and dirtiest elements of heavy music.” – Skullnbones

“A heavy rabbit punch of an album.” – Hunter Young, Metal Machine

“They are a dynamic band, jamming along at 100mph, then cruising along to vast, deep sonic vistas that refresh the listener throughout the album (after On Borrowed Time, Cold Dark Days slows it down). They bounce around from different influences and spheres, but never staying long enough to wear out their welcome.” – Hunter Young, Metal Machine

“Canada’s My Hollow really set the metal underground on fire with their debut full-length entitled “On Borrowed Time”. This CD encompasses most every element of death metal and death-metal/core into the mix and the end result is one of the best releases I have heard this year. Definitely in the top 10.” -Akerthorpe, Encyclopedia Metallum

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Fighting The Monsters
Release Date: April 8, 2022
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Vultures (4:59)
2. Fighting The Monsters ft. Björn Strid (Soilwork) (4:19)
3. Hell Or High Water (6:26)
4. Faded Through (5:17)
5. The Iron Harvest (4:40)
EP Length: 25:41

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: My Hollow
• All songs were written by: My Hollow
• Produced by: Greg Gallagher and Sean De Faria
• Mixed by: Tyler Williams @ Monolithic Productions
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams @ Monolithic Productions
• Album Artwork by: Jennifer White
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Recording and Live Band Line Up:
Graham Gaudreault – Vocals
Angelo Giammattolo – Drums
Greg Gallagher – Guitar
Danio Pirrone – Guitar
Sean De Faria – Bass
Matt Williams – Keyboards

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

The EP as a whole:

Lyrically, the album fits well together. Each song has its own struggle and perseverance. The main focus for each song was to have its own battle and its own victory. Each topic is different, each outcome is the same.

Track by track explained:

1. Vultures
When I wrote this song I wanted to write something brutally heavy and I had this kind of black metal fast tremolo guitar riff that just totally crushed. I wrote a couple of alternate parts that were cool, but didn’t have the feeling that I was going for. I would say that this song was probably one of the most difficult ones for me as I had to revisit it a couple of times. I am definitely happy with the finished product which made all the struggle worthwhile. (Greg – Guitar)

2. Fighting The Monsters:
This song came together like peas and carrots. I wanted to write a single that had huge sounding choruses and fast, hard hitting verses. We wanted some singing parts in the chorus and we were fortunate enough to have Bjorn of Soilwork completely kill it on this song. I was definitely aiming for a sound that a bigger variety of crowd may latch on to. (Greg – Guitar)

3. Hell Or High Water:
When I wrote the guitar parts for this song they ended up coming together really quickly. I remember feeling some stress and some loneliness at the time and I think that it comes through in the music. It’s also a lot different structurally than most of our songs, which is something that I always try to bring to the table. It also features a longer instrumental section nearing the end which also has gotten positive feedback from the crowd during live performances. Danio Pirrone added a pretty sweet guitar solo in place of the one originally written as a place holder, which is far more technical than My Hollow leads of old. The vocals that Graham added feed into the feel of the music as well, that feeling of unrest and longing for closure are evident in the lyrics. (Sean – Bass)

4. Faded Through:
This was one of the first songs I wrote coming off the release of the “And Now We Fall” single. I wanted to keep the same feel and evolve from that sound which was heavy on the keyboards. I had some basic ideas for the keys and when Matt got a hold of the song, he took it to the next level. The song really came together when we started jamming it out. I had a hard time coming up with an ending and Sean had this killer break down the fit perfectly which in turn allows us to do our trademark move, “The Slowbang,” when we play it live. If you’ve ever seen us play Cold Dark Days live, you’ll know what I’m talking about. (Greg – Guitar)

5. The Iron Harvest:
For me, this song was all about the ending. I actually wrote the song backwards in a sense. I had this killer idea for an ending of a song and what better way to start the song than to completely blast the fuck out of our forearms with a shit ton of tremolo picking. We jammed this song out for a while and with some solid ideas from the boys, this beast of a song was born. (Greg – Guitar)

This was my least favourite song, in truth, prior to Matt getting involved. The ending was awesome, but I wasn’t a fan of the beginning sequence until Matt added his parts in, which for me really improved the tune dramatically. He brought some outside-the-box ideas to parts I felt needed something extra and morphed it into one of my favourites tracks from this release. Danio Pirrone came into the studio and ripped a few lead parts on top of this tune that we could only dream of playing in a My Hollow song prior, this is only a small feature of what he is capable of, so it’s a taste of what’s to come from future My Hollow songs. (Sean – Bass)

L-R Angelo Giammattolo – Drums, Sean De Faria – Bass, Graham Gaudreault – Vocals, Greg Gallagher – Guitar, Matt Williams – Keyboards,
(not pictured in photo) Danio Pirrone – Guitar
Photo Credit – Brett Teskey

hollow: (1) a place or area that is lower than the area around it.
(2) an empty space inside of something.

The definitions of the word hollow describe My Hollow fittingly. With intense riffs and passages seamlessly giving way to lower, heavier parts in a lock-up, chunked out style with mutes leaving empty space in an otherwise chaotic sequence.

Based out of the Toronto area, My Hollow boasts a cast of independent metal journeymen, hungry to be heavier, tighter and more engaging with every song. Applying advice and drawing experience from performing alongside some of Canada’s biggest metal exports; The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Threat Signal, Beneath The Massacre among others. My Hollow as a whole can draw from a multitude of influences, not only from metal but from other genres as well, reflected in both their recorded releases as well as their live performance. Described by Danish webzine Power Of Metal as “five pissed off Canadians ready to tear my head off!” As well as “all the subtlety of a two-ton anvil slamming down on a set of pearly whites” by US based heavy metal blog, Heavy Metal Time Machine.

My Hollow has two official releases, 2012’s ‘Cold Dark Days EP’ featuring four demo versions of songs which were reworked and reimagined on 2014’s ‘On Borrowed Time’ full length release featuring My Hollow’s most refined and focused work to date.

Like any band, My Hollow has had its highs and lows. Being selected as a finalist for the annual Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2013 solidified My Hollow as one of Toronto’s, as well as Canada’s top metal acts and announced themselves to a broader spectrum of listeners. Although narrowly missing out on a spot to perform in Germany at heavy metal’s premier festival the experience proved to strengthen the bands resolve and galvanize their confidence in the process.

While the band’s recorded releases give the listener an idea of what My Hollow is about, the live performance is where My Hollow truly shine. “With a crushing wave of energy, and sound, My Hollow filled the venue with their effervescent presence. The lads never disappoint on stage,” is how Toronto based metal publication Metal Master Kingdom described their experience.

With a new EP “Fighting The Monsters”, which includes guest vocals from Bjorn Strid (Soilwork) due out in 2022 and an ever-evolving sound and live performance, My Hollow strive to become an ever-present staple in the Canadian and global metal scene and will stop at nothing to leave you hollow, and wanting more.

EP Recording and Live Band Line Up:
Graham Gaudreault – Vocals
Angelo Giammattolo – Drums
Greg Gallagher – Guitar
Danio Pirrone – Guitar
Sean De Faria – Bass
Matt Williams – Keyboards

Discography:
2022 – Fighting The Monsters (EP)
2020 – iSolation (Single)
2018 – And Now We Fall (Single)
2015 – On Borrowed Time (LP)
2013 – Cold Dark Days (EP)

Shared Stage with:
The Agonist, Beyond Creation, Cryptopsy, Soilwork, Unearth, Battlecross, Fit For An Autopsy, Wretched, War Of Ages, SkullFist, Neck Of The Woods, Operus, Kill Devil Hill, Vital Remains, Warbringer, Beneath The Massacre. As well as (relatively) local bands: Insurrection, Centuries Of Decay, Sludgehammer, Astaroth Incarnate, BornBroken, Lutharo, Tortured Saint, Burning The Day.

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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. The guitar and vocal tracking for the album were engineered by both Greg Gallagher and Sean De Faria. The drums were recorded by Tyler Williams at Monolithic Productions, who also mixed and mastered the album. Every band is on a budget, the more money you can save doing things yourself the better, so long as the end product is acceptable. That money can be used for other ventures like promotion, music videos and merchandise.

2. All artwork from the last 10 years has been done by Jennifer White, the wife of our vocalist, Graham. She has made so many amazing pieces over the years and has really made us look good visually. She also created the storyboard for the music video for ‘Vultures,’ as well as creating all of the puppets, props and backgrounds by hand, all while serving as de facto director for the video. We are very fortunate to have her around, My Hollow wouldn’t have been the same without her.

3. We have a number of “Easter Eggs” and hidden inside jokes without our content. A lot revolve around Angelo’s obsession with the number ’11.’ For instance, whenever we can we change the double-L’s in My Hollow to My Ho11ow, or whenever we have a music video we’ll have things in the background, like in the music video for “On Borrowed Time,” the clock is set to 11:11. Also, on one of our recordings, Graham said ‘Meow’ instead of ‘Now,’ in homage to the cult movie classic “Super Toppers.”

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