Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Hexenklad – Heathenheart (CDN Records) (2021)

June 7, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Hexenklad - Heathenheart (CDN Records) (2021)

EPK – Hexenklad – Heathenheart (CDN Records) (2021)

Publicist – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Moonsorrow, Amon Amarth, Ensiferum, Insomnium, Windir

Album Title: Heathenheart
Release Date: July 23, 2021
Label: CDN Records
Distribution: CDN Records

Hexenklad is a Canadian Folk/Black Metal band. Think folk melodies akin to Moonsorrow with twin guitar leads like Dissection, the depth of emotion of Primordial and the overwhelming depth of Insomnium.

“We are extremely proud of this new Black Metal influenced Folk Metal album “Heathenheart”. It is a perfect representation of all of our varied influences and personalities. From the coldness and rawness found in Black Metal to the uplifting and memorable melodies found in Folk Metal, to the hooks and choruses found in Heavy Metal, this album has everything. It’s heavy, it’s raw, it’s uplifting, it’s honest, it’s uncompromising, it’s unique and it’s varied. Every song is different and yet connected.” – Hexenklad

Facebook.com/hexenklad | Instagram.com/hexenklad | YouTube

CDNRecords.com/shop/hexenklad-heathenheart

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

“At 13 tracks and an hour of music, Hexenklad’s recently released second album Heathenheart is a substantial body of work, and a wide-ranging one. Although “folk/black metal” or “pagan metal” are genre labels you might see attached to the band, Heathenheart moves among episodes of wintry blackened moodiness, warlike savagery, grand pageantry, acoustic folk tales, and a lot more.” – No Clean Singing

“The black metal is savage and grand in scope and the folk elements are well implemented, sometimes recalling vintage Hexvessel and Falkenbach.” – Angry Metal Guy

““We Raise a Horn” closes the album, in grand fashion. Raise your horn, take a drink, and give homage to those who have lived a pagan’s life many years ago, in simpler times, in combat and in peace…the ebb and flow of life. You have to love the effort of the band here. They pour everything into their music…their hearts, their souls, and their collective songwriting skills. What results is an energetic trip through thirteen varied tracks with a central core, yet each with their own diverse sound. Long live HEXENKLAD, the diviners of Folk Metal. 8/10” – Metal-Temple

“Hexenklad have written some fantastic songs here” – Metal Utopia

“Hexenklad deliver Northern European inspired black/folk/pagan metal by way of North America. Yet the Ontarians do with an authentic and inspired vigor and aesthetic that recalls Ensiferum, Moonsorrow and vintage Amon Amarth, with an element of Korpiklaani’s cheese in their cloaks, pelts, animal bones and mead horn accoutrements.” – Metal Rules

“The album is a blackened, folky journey through the great expanses of white north, and features guest and session spots from Raphael Weinroth-Browne (Woods Of Ypres, Musk Ox), drummer Sterling Dale, and bassist Alex Snape (Unbowed).” – Metal Injection (2017 – Spirit of the Stone review)

“From beginning to end this album has made me feel everything from depression to excitement. I absolutely recommend this beautifully written masterpiece to fans of metal of all genres. I am really looking forward to the next one from HEXENKLAD.” – Metal-Temple.com (2017 – Spirit of the Stone review)

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Heathenheart
Release Date: July 23, 2021
Label: CDN Records
Distribution: CDN Records

Track Listing:
1. Heathenheart (5:02)
2. Cold Beauty of Winter (4:52)
3. Huginn and Muninn (4:14)
4. Dark Moon in Capricorn (5:13)
5. Rootbound (4:13)
6. The Raven Returns to the Knoll (4:33)
7. A Thousand Paths to Wisdom (4:26)
8. Olde Gods Awaken (5:53)
9. Beware the Outstretched Hand (5:21)
10. A Forest of Dead Trees (4:32)
11. Upon the Wings of Valkyries (7:03)
12. A Moment of Silence (1:00)
13. We Raise a Horn (4:07)
Album Length: 1:00:36

Album Credits:
Timothy Voldemars Johnston – Vocals, Lyrics
Michael Grund – Guitar. Bass on songs 4, 7, & 9
John Chalmers – Guitar. Bass on song 13
Andrew Chalmers – Drums & Percussion
Clare B. – Keyboards & Orchestrations
Emmanuel “Audeath” Audet (Black Empire/Winterfog) – Bass on Songs 2, 5, 8, 10, & 11
Matt “Coldcuts” Collacott – Bass on songs 1, 3, & 6
Nick Sauter – (Treats for Addicts) Guitar Solo on song 7
Alex Chalmers – Clarinet on song 13

All songs by Hexenklad
Song 2 written by Jon Kal and Hexenklad
Lyrics on songs 4 & 8 by Michael Grund
Recorded at Shiver Sound Studios by John Chalmers
Audeath’s Bass recorded at Black Amp Studio
Mixed at BWC Studios by Greg Dawson
Mastered at West West Side Music by Alan Douches
Cover art by Darek Zawiązalec of Black Forest Forge
CD Layout by Robo of Element 6 Custom lmn6.ca
Photography by Vikki Kay Photography
Canadian Content (MAPL)

Live Band Line Up:
Timothy Voldemars Johnston – Vocals
John Chalmers – Guitar
Steve Bowen – Guitar
Matt “Coldcuts” Collacott – Bass
Andrew Chalmers – Drums

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The album as a whole:

An intense Black Metal-influenced Folk Metal album full of Heathen anthems to raise a horn to. The Heathen’s heart is full of chaos, creation through destruction, Hagalaz, and this is a journey into it.

Track by track:

1. Heathenheart – A Heathen, Folk Metal, Melody heavy, upbeat, Headbanging anthem for the Heathen-Hearted. A song about being united, though physically distant. We are all lone wolves yet the pack is calling.

2. Cold Beauty of Winter – This is probably the most Black Metal song on the album. It is more raw and heavy than most of the rest of the album. It is a song about being in a storm in Winter, enraptured by its beauty, and communing with our ancestors.

3. Huginn and Muninn – There is a real mix of Folk and Black Metal melodies in this one. It’s got a good pace and a rawness, yet the choruses bring it back to the Folk side. The lyrics are mostly written in Kenning and are about Odin’s Raven’s–about what they are, what they represent and why that matters. When I first heard the melodies, it made me think of flying over the world and looking down and seeing how everything was made small and how to the one looking down, everyone below would suddenly look like one folk, one people and that in order to be recognized in the mass’s, one’s deeds must indeed be great and worthy and like a beacon in the dark. There’s also a theme of what it would be like to lose one of the integral components of yourself that seeks out new experiences and knowledge and wisdom.

4. Dark Moon in Capricorn – This is a mid-tempo headbanger with more clean singing than most of the others. The lyrics are by Michael on this one.

5. Rootbound – This is a pretty fast, dynamic song. There are some real folky melodies in the choruses and earlier in the song, but the song is definitely on the darker, more Black Metal spectrum, especially the end, which gets raw and chaotic. The lyrics are focused on how we are an echo of our ancestors’ deeds and how we will be an echo of this generation’s deeds, and that we must be careful how we act as the ripples of our actions can create great and terrible consequences. Then I curse my enemies. Because that’s what I do.

6. The Raven Returns to the Knoll – This is probably the most upbeat, positive song on the album (aside from We Raise a Horn). It is a song about a place called Raven’s Knoll, where I, and now most of the band, go camping. There is a festival that happens there that is a multi-faith gathering with a large Pagan/Heathen contingent where we all get together and create a community for a week or two and see what could be, rather than what is. The song is about escaping the concrete coffin we all live in, aka the city, and finding/searching for something better.

7. A Thousand Paths to Wisdom – This is the fastest song on the album. It’s a real headbanger and the end is epic (if I do say so myself). The lyrics are about escaping who we are, who we don’t want to be, and finding something better. It is also about how I dislike preaching/preachers, so I will not tell you what path you should be on, only that there are many paths to wisdom and perhaps there is a better path for you if the path you are on isn’t taking you in the direction you want to be going. I wrote the lyrics while on a trip to Alaska and walking through the mountains and across glaciers really gave me a different perspective on life and these lyrics reflect that.

8. Olde Gods Awaken – This is another more mid-paced, epic song. The lyrics are by Michael.

9. Beware the Outstretched Hand – This is an acoustic song. Definitely the darkest song on the album, to me. It is very personal. It is about betrayal. About showing someone the beast that the lives within, that we all keep caged up, that animal part of us that is in fact who we really are but can’t show, and it’s about being betrayed by that person. The wound can be heard in this song.

10. A Forest of Dead Trees – This is an instrumental. A really unique, oddball song that just flows and bounces around and really holds the attention, without the need for lyrics.

11. Upon the Wings of Valkyries – This song has a long, mostly acoustic intro before becoming really intense and fast. It has a bit of everything in here. It’s got marches, Black Metal riffs, Folk Metal riffs, headbanging parts and some really dark doomy acoustics at the beginning and end. The lyrics were written with two of my Veteran friends in mind, as well as an old friend of mine who wanted very much to learn to fight but found it very hard to find anyone who would train her. The song tells the story of a soldier, dying on a battlefield, and how he is taken to Valhalla where his honoured ancestors wait for him with pride. His daughter is born after he dies and hard it is very hard for her growing up. She learns on her own to become a warrior like he was and, in the end, hears the drums of war calling her, like he did. It is a song for those who fought, who fight and those who wish to but are held back, and how I support them. It is a story, but it is also personal and meaningful, and I think that comes across in the song.

12. A Moment of Silence – This is literally a moment of silence for those who have fallen. In Canada, we, on Remembrance Day, have a moment of silence for those who have fallen and after the previous song, we thought it fitting.

13. We Raise a Horn – This is an acoustic upbeat song. Many years ago, I wanted to write a ritual for Yule. The lyrics of this song come from that ritual. It is basically what I wish for all those who listen to this album. For all those who raise a horn with me.

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FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND:

1. Vocalist Timothy Voldemars Johnston’s previous band Eclipse Eternal recorded their final album, Nostalgia, at guitarist John Chalmers’ recording studio, Shiver Sounds, and it was during that time that he first heard Hexenklad’s music. It was during the mixing of Eclipse Eternal’s album at Silverbirch Productions, that he got the call from John saying Hexenklad’s vocalist had left the band. Although he had decided to not do any more music after Eclipse Eternal, he decided that Hexenklad’s music was too good not to see the light of day, and without hesitation said that he would do the vocals. It was meant to be. That was how Timothy became a part of the band.

2. Bass on several songs were done by Emmanuel “Audeath” Audet of the Quebec Black Metal bands Black Empire and Winterfog. Vocalist Timothy Voldemars Johnston is featured on several Black Empire albums as well. Audeath has been a friend of most of the members of Hexenklad for many years and they were honoured to get the chance to work with him. Also, on this album doing some bass tracks is Hexenklad’s new permanent bassist Matt “Coldcuts” Collacott. Another guest on the album is Nick Sauter of Treats for Addicts who did a guitar solo on song 7. For quite a while Nick actually performed with Hexenklad as a live guitarist and they really wanted to have him on the album as he has a very unique style. The last guest is actually John’s son/Andrew’s brother, Alex Chalmers. He plays the Clarinet on We Raise a Horn.

3. With vocalist Timothy Voldemars Johnston being a practicing Heathen, his lyrics reflect his beliefs, though not in a preachy way. He is not telling people what they should believe, only what he believes. He writes from a Heathen perspective about what could be and what is and how what was, can be used going forwards. His lyrics are an attempt at exploring some of what he’s learned, some of what he’s been shown and some of what he’s experienced and relaying that to the listener in the hopes they gain something from that knowledge.

4. Hexenklad was the first-ever metal band to perform at the Kaleidoscope Gathering and while performing on a stage designed to look like a gigantic Raven, lighting shot across the sky out of nowhere. No clouds or rain just lightning. It was a special night.

5. John Chalmers, the guitarist of Hexenklad, is the father of Andrew Chalmers, the drummer of Hexenklad. Previously, they also both performed in Pagan Ritual.

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

L-R: Michael Grund – Guitar, Andrew Chalmers – Drums, Timothy Voldemars Johnston – Vocals, Matt Collacott – Bass, John Chalmers – Guitar.

Photo by Vikki Kay Photography

The story of Hexenklad began with the planting of a seed, an idea: to create a Metal band that was as deep in meaning and feeling as it was heavy and aggressive in sound. Co-created by guitarist Michael Grund (SIG:AR:TYR, ex-Battlesoul) and drummer Sterling Dale, Hexenklad’s roots sunk down after Grund made the drastic decision to move to the forests of Bancroft, Ontario, Canada, leaving city life and materialism behind. With this mental shift in place, and with the first two Hexenklad songs composed in those very woods, Hexenklad was born: a melodic, Folk and Black Metal-inspired band with thematic leanings towards nature, a respect for Magick and ancient religions, and personal enlightenment and freedom.

Its branches spread in late 2015 with the addition of guitarist John “The Ancient One” Chalmers (Pagan Ritual), who helped round out the music. In 2016, after having recorded the drums for the new album “Spirit of the Stone”, Sterling Dale left Hexenklad and Timothy “Voldamares” Johnston (Eclipse Eternal) joined as vocalist, who expanded the sound still further. With the vision of the album and band now fully formed, comrades were called upon to complete the recordings. Alex Snape (Unbowed) did a guest appearance to add his signature bass sound, while guest cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne (The Visit, Musk Ox) added his wizardry to several tracks. Now-permanent member Clare B. (Eclipse Eternal, ex-Operus) deepened the sound with keyboards to put the final touches to the tapestry. Having now completed the debut album “Spirit of the Stone”, Hexenklad branched out again, growing this time to include new permanent members Jon Kal (Pagan Ritual) on bass and Andrew C. (Pagan Ritual) on drums, once again reuniting father and son (John and Andrew).

In February 2017, Hexenklad was pleased and proud to sign with CDN Records and on July 28, 2017 their debut album “Spirit of the Stone” was released upon the world.

Now in 2021, Hexenklad is unleashing their second album “Heathernheart” once again via CDN Records. The record will be an intense Black Metal-influenced Folk Metal album, full of heathen anthems to raise a horn to. “Heathenheart” is full of chaos, creation through destruction, Hagalaz, and the journey into it.

The band adds:

“Heathenheart” is due out July 23rd, 2021.

Discography:
2021 – Heathenheart
2017– Spirit of the Stone

Shared Stage with:
Antropopagy, Arkos, Ashbringer, Astaroth Incarnate, Aversion, Axminister, Battlebear, Battlesoul, Dawn of Tyrants, Earthover, Empyrean Plague, Fallen Legion, Iron Priest, Klarg, Kolit, Latrodectus, Lutharo, Mavradoxa, Nalzar, Operus, Sinisfear, Sun Below, The Albino Structure, Vesperia, Within Nostalgia, Wormreign

0 EPK – Knecht – Self-Titled (2021) (EP)

June 7, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Knecht

EPK – Knecht – Self-Titled (2021) (EP)

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

For fans of Haken, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Plini, Liquid Tension Experiment

Instagram.com/joeknecht.exe | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

EP Title: Knecht
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Label: Joe Knecht
Distribution: Distrokid

“I wanted to write something that was short and that people could groove too. While there are some complex sections in my songs, they serve a purpose and are not just there to be flashy. The EP sounds like a blend of new and old. Djenty riffs combined with the classic keyboard sounds like the Hammond Organ and Minimoog. My songs have a more bluesy feel like classic 70s Prog even though I used a fair amount of mixed meter and poly meters. If you listen closely you can hear Jimmy Page licks in my solos and melodies.” – Knecht

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:

1. Joseph Knecht is a multi-instrumentalist, first playing piano when he was five and picked up playing guitar one year later with learning to play bass in high school.

2. The track Working Title is entitled as a kind of inside joke. When Joseph first started writing the song, he could not come up with a proper name. So he called it this and the more he kept writing the more the name seemed to fit.

3. Tabernacle Jam is named after Joseph Knecht’s hometown Tabernacle.

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

The EP as a whole:
The EP sounds like a blend of new and old. Djenty riffs combined with the classic keyboard sounds like the Hammond Organ and Minimoog. My songs have a more bluesy feel like classic 70s Prog even though I used a fair amount of mixed meter and poly meters. If you listen closely you can hear Jimmy Page licks in my solos and melodies.

Track by Track explained:
Transformation – This was one of the first songs I wrote with my 8 strings. It’s a hard-hitting sludgy mixed-meter riff. With a hint of Tesseract in the middle with the staccato Djenty section. This song represents my transformation into the style that I have developed.

Tabernacle Jam – It’s an upbeat groove that leans more on the classic Prog side. The intro was inspired by Chick Corea”s song Spade.

Working Title – Yes that’s the actual name, the main groove makes you want to nod your head in time. This is my most riff-focused song as it has a lot of polymetric and odd meter sections.

Overture – This is my cover of the Overture from the game Halo Reach. It’s a much more hard-hitting aggressive take on the original.

Summer Nights – I wrote this song to be a breather. It’s calming like a warm summer night, with a loud solo section in the middle. It’s a nice break before the final song.

Destruction – When I wrote this, I knew this was going to be the finale. It captures everything about my style, with elements from 70s prog rock and modern prog rock.

EP Title: Knecht
Release Date: June 15, 2021
Label: Joe Knecht
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Transformation (4:50)
2. Tabernacle Jam (3:50)
3. Working Title (4:42)
4. Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach) (3:42)
5. Summer Nights (3:16)
6. Destruction (5:09)
EP Length: 25:31

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Joseph Knecht and Jason Stewart
• All songs written by: Joseph Knecht
• Produced by: Joseph Knecht
• Mixed by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Mastered by: Charles-Henry Volk
• EP Artwork by:
• Member ASCAP

EP Band Line Up:
Joseph Knecht – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Drums – Jason Stewart

Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn

Joseph Knecht, from Tabernacle, New Jersey, USA, has been playing music since he was a small child. He started out with piano when he was five and picked up the guitar a year later. Bass came along in high school and he attended Berklee College of Music to further his music education.

Looking to share the music he was writing and playing, he created his instrumental solo project Knecht, where he plays everything from classic rock to more modern progressive metal. He performs originals and covers as well as teaches private guitar lessons.

With influences rooted mainly in progressive and groove metal, he replaces vocals with sweeping, complex guitar melodies that are written like vocal melodies. A typical song starts with the rhythm, for him the rhythm guitars by themselves should be interesting and be able to garner attention through the piece. While he is doing this, he is thinking about what he might want the other instruments to be doing as well as keyboard sounds if there will be keyboards. For the drums, he will program a track for writing and recording purposes, but ultimately leaves it wide open for Jason Stewart.

Knecht’s debut self-titled EP is available on July 16, 2021. It features Jason Stewart on drums and was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

0 EPK – Wasted Land – Fade Away (single) Wall of Sound Records

May 31, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Wasted Land (Wall of Sound Records)

EPK – Wasted Land – Fade Away (single) Wall of Sound Records

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

For fans of In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Suidakra

Facebook.com/wasted.land.official | Instagram.com/wastedlandofficial | YouTube | Spotify | Bandcamp

Wallofsoundsa.com | Facebook.com/wallofsoundsa | Instagram.com/wallofsoundsa

Band: Wasted Land
Nationality: Saudi Arabia
Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Track: Fade Away
Release Date: May 30, 2021
Record Label: Wall of Sound Records

L-R – Wastend Land – Ahmed Khojah -Guitar, Emad Mujalid – Vocals, Ayman Al Ghamdi – Guitar

Saudi Arabia’s Wasted Land has a new single coming out entitled “Fade Away”, this is following their self-titled 2013 album. Since that full-length, the band suggests that they have evolved over time from being melody and folk focused into something heavier, but still having a strong melodic base.

“Fade Away” has been in the works since 2017, and will be the first music video from the band, which can be viewed at https://youtu.be/a66F36A8FDw

Lyrically, the single talks about someone having severe depression and comparing his journey in life to that of a candle, getting shorter and shorter until it eventually burns out. Then he finds his soul’s salvation after his death. Musically, it starts with heavy doses of melody which are complimented by heavy riffs and even more melodies. To contribute to the theme of depression and life’s waning, it carries a somber and melancholic tune near the end. The band comments on the track:

“It’ll be a new mixture from our old folkish style with more heavy catchy riffs and chorus. We hope we can catch the attention from the old fans and attract new ones.”

For Wasted Land, they compose the music first and then create lyrics that fit. For this song in particular guitarist Ayman composed the lyrics a long time ago for his previous band Banj. Writing for the band is a joint endeavour between guitarists Ayman and Ahmed whenever they jam together. Vocalist Emad adds his flavours in the lyrics and of course the vocal lines.

Wasted Land originally formed in 2005 to participate in Metal II gig in Dammam. Ahmed and Ayman were jamming together and felt there was chemistry between them while composing folky melodic death metal. From there they decided to add more members to create a full band. They were one of the first Saudi metal bands to get massive media exposure from outlets like CNN, BBC radio and other local and international newspapers.

Recommended for fans of In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and Suidakra.

“Fade Away” is available for stream and download via Saudi Arabian based label Wall of Sound Records.

Bandcamp – https://wastedlandsa.bandcamp.com/track/fade-away
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3yOm32h

Band Line Up:
Ahmed Khojah – Guitar
Emad Mujalid – Vocals
Ayman Al Ghamdi – Guitar

0 EPK – Fell Harvest – Pale Light In A Dying World (2021)

May 22, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Fell harvest

EPK – Fell Harvest – Pale Light In A Dying World (2021)

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

For fans of Pallbearer, Paradise Lost, Opeth, My Dying Bride, Agalloch, Type O Negative

Facebook.com/fellharvest | YouTube | Spotify | FellHarvest.Bandcamp.com

“’A snapshot of the plague year’, so much of this record was shaped by the pandemic, from deciding to record when and how we did, to tracking parts with a 103-degree fever and the discovery that I couldn’t sing the same way anymore because COVID damaged my lungs too badly. While it’s ultimately about more than just this one, unique moment in the modern zeitgeist, it’s also impossible to separate from the things happening around us when we created it.” – Joseph Fell – Fell Harvest

Album Title: Pale Light In A Dying World
Release Date: July 16, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Titanicide (4:36)
2. Pale Light In a Dying World (8:23)
3. The Lark at Morning (7:10)
4. The Wind That Shakes the Barley (4:32)
5. Thy Barren Fields (6:40)
6. The Ghosts of Scapa Flow (9:08)
Album Length: 40:32

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Joseph Fell, Liam Duncan, Angel Enkeli
• All songs written by: Joseph Fell
• Produced by: Joseph Fell
• Mixed by: Alexander Backlund
• Mastered by: Alexander Backlund
• Album Artwork by: Sam Nelson/Stigma Art
• Album Recording Band Line Up:
Joseph Fell – Bass, Vocals, Additional Guitars
Liam Duncan – Lead and Rhythm guitars
Angel Enkeli – Drums
Synths and programming by Alexander Backlund

Live Band Line Up:
Joseph Fell – Bass, Vocals
Liam Duncan – Lead and Rhythm Guitars
Angel Enkeli – Drums

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

Album was a whole: “A snapshot of the plague year’. So much of this record was shaped by the pandemic, from deciding to record when and how the band did, to tracking parts with a 103-degree fever and the discovery that vocalist Joseph Fell couldn’t sing the same way anymore because COVID damaged his lungs too badly. While it’s ultimately about more than just this one, unique moment in the modern zeitgeist, it’s also impossible to separate from the things happening around us when the band created it.

Describe each song track by track

Titanicide: This song is built around a collection of riffs I wrote more than 20 years ago. It has heavy influence from 90s bands like Samael and At The Gates. These riffs sat homeless in the back of my head all this time because I never felt an urge to unify and complete them. The title and lyrics are about transcending and ultimately destroying one’s idols, both literally and metaphysically.

Pale Light In a Dying World: This was inspired by walking to work during a dark winter morning and feeling like I was struggling to find life in a world that could offer only dimness and cold. It also has heavy 90s melo-death influences but also has an acoustic section that drops to one of the heaviest riffs I’ve ever written

The Lark At Morning: Much more of a straightforward death-doom song, its lyrics are a nod to the famous scene in Romeo and Juliette, inspired by watching the sunrise with a woman who I knew I’d never see again.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley: Classic Irish ballad about one of the many doomed rebellions that country has fought against the English. I feel like the lyrics and melody naturally lead to a very sorrowful, blackened doom feel.

Thy Barren Fields: Probably the song on the album I am most proud of. It encompasses a really broad scope of influences while never feeling like it’s reaching or forcing anything (I hope). This is another one made of brand new parts and things that have been hanging in the back of my head for years.

The Ghosts of Scapa Flow: This was a Thorns of Acanthus song written for that band’s debut EP in 2014. I decided to resurrect it in a new format because it’s always been a fan favorite whenever we play live. It was inspired by the scuttling of the interned German High Seas Fleet following the Treaty of Versailles.

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

STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS ABOUT THE BAND:

– Joseph Fell found Liam through an ad on Craigslist after jamming with probably a half dozen other guitarists who just didn’t have the right combination of doom aesthetic and death metal technique. As soon as he heard Liam’s “audition” track, Crystal Mountain by Death, he knew this was the guy.

– This album was mixed and mastered by Alexander Backlund, the man behind 1914’s “The Blind Leading the Blind”.

– This album’s vocal styles are markedly different from prior efforts, being entirely “clean” with no death or black metal harshness. This was because Joseph Fell contracted COVID during recording and the resulting lung damage made that style of vocal impossible.

– All the clean sections of the album were recorded on an actual acoustic guitar and played fingerstyle.

– The band’s logo/sigil depicts an undead elk with rotting branches for antlers. The stag’s name is CJ – short for Creutzfeldt-Jakob, or “mad cow disease” which one can get from eating elk.

Photo Credit: Sean Castenada
L-R – Joseph Fell – Bass/Vocals, Angel Enkeli – Drums, Liam Duncan – Guitar

Fell Harvest, doom metal from Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA, strives to weave a tapestry of melody, despair, and longing to chronicle the last lights of a dying world.

Fell Harvest grew out of a former project of Joseph Fell (bass/vocals); which found its completed form as a trio with the additions of Angel Enkeli (drums) and Liam Duncan (guitars). The name Fell Harvest came from a dream Fell had where he was walking through a deserted vineyard with every vine bearing bleached bones and rotting flesh. He woke up and wrote a short poem called “The Fell Harvest” about the images and feelings.

Probably the most unique aspect of their live sound is rooted in the fact they are a trio. It’s somewhat rare these days to see a three-piece band in extreme metal, and even more rare to see one that is as melodically driven as Fell Harvest. Fans can hear parallels to bands like Paradise Lost and Rotting Christ, but more careful listeners can hear nods to Venom and King’s X as well.

The band debuted a self-titled EP in 2020 and is following it up with “Pale Light In A Dying World” out on July 16, 2021.

Discography:
2021 – Pale Light In A Dying World – LP
2020 – Fell Harvest – EP

Shared Stage with:
Velnias, Seed of the Sorcerer, Womb of the Witch, The Leshen, Belhor, Scepter of Eligos

0 Primalfrost – Stormbearer (single) (2021)

May 21, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Primalfrost

Primalfrost – Stormbearer (single) (2021)

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

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

Facebook.com/Primalfrost | Instagram.com/primalfrostofficial |

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

As unprecedented heatwaves cook the world this summer, there is one who is trying to bring a refreshing, chilling blast of cold to fans of melodic and black metal. Primalfrost is the solo project of Canadian Dean Paul Arnold and he is putting out a third single “Stormbearer” from the forthcoming album “Lost Elegies”.

“Lost Elegies”, the third album, has been a long time coming as Primalfrost has been on hiatus since shortly after the second album “Prosperous Visions” was released in 2014. This third single proves that Arnold has only gotten better at his craft as time has gone on. He details the track:

“This song showcases the refined, matured, and developed sound of Primalfrost in every way from beginning to end. It will surely satisfy those who love the darkness and melodicism of melodic metal while blended harmoniously with the sonic assault of extreme metal, and the audio production of Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc (ex- Blackguard/Ex Deo) to do the music justice.”

Due to touring schedules with other bands, Primalfrost was put into hiatus, only to be revived due to pandemic restrictions. Arnold writes, performs, and records all instruments, vocals and orchestration for the album. It was mixed and mastered by Jonathan Lefrancois-Leduc of Silverwings Studios in Montreal, Canada who also adds additional orchestration.

Primalfrost brings forth the melody and intensity that is the backbone of melodic death metal and is recommended for fans of Wolfheart, Stormlord, and Kalmah.

The release date for the next full-length “Lost Elegies” is yet to be determined.

Single Title: Stormbearer (4:18)
Release Date: August 10, 2021
Label: Self-Release

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

Discography:
TBA – 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. No official date has been set yet for its release.

Currently, Primalfrost has independently released three singles in preview to the full length, “Maelstrom”, “Nomad” and “Stormbearer”. All are available on Bandcamp, YouTube, & all major streaming platforms.

0 EPK – Scatter Storm – Oblivion (EP) (2021) (Blood Blast Distribution, powered by Nuclear Blast)

May 16, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Scattered Storm

EPK – Scatter Storm – Oblivion (EP) (2021)

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

EP Title: Oblivion
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Label: Blood Blast powered by Nuclear Blast
Distribution: Blood Blast powered by Nuclear Blast

Facebook.com/Scattered-Storm-106688970852378 | Instagram.com/scatt_storm

Scattered Storm hails from El Paso, Texas, USA and is a state supergroup comprised of seasoned musicians Andre Acosta and Ed Razor from Pissing Razors fame with band founders Jay Arriaga (No Life on Earth, Years of Cold), and Kevin Armstrong (Mondoshawan, Section 6). Their music is very dark, futuristic and heavy, but also has a lot of ambience.

Formed in 2019, the band has been polishing itself since and decided on an ultimate direction to go in. From the beginning, there was a very clear understanding of every detail they wanted to incorporate. From the very tuning of the 7 and 8 string guitars and the very specific tonality, they produce the ambience provided by the keyboards to layers and layers of vocals to really convey Acosta’s sound. This is all finished off with the main focus, that catchy riff and rhythm to have the songs stay on people’s minds and headbanging of course. Gotta have headbanging.

A Scattered Storm song begins with Arriaga and Armstrong exchanging riffs, with an emphasis on a technicality, but never losing the groove. After the song is polished, it goes to Acosta who applies the fantastic to the real world through the vocals.

When Scattered Storm hits the stage, the audience can expect a combination of the primal vs the futuristic as described in the lyrics and song title names. In the summer of 2021, they are unleashing their debut EP “Oblivion” via Blood Blast Distribution powered by Nuclear Blast.

Line Up:
Drums, Keyboards and Samples: Jay Arriaga
Guitars: Kevin Armstrong
Live Bass: Eddie “Razor” Garcia
Vocals: Andre Acosta

Endorsements:
Guitars: Kevin Armstrong – Endorsed by Mesa Boogie
Bass: Eddie “Razor” Garcia is endorsed by Sabian, DDrum and Vic Firth
Drums, Keyboards and Samples: Jay Arriaga is endorsed by Aquarian Drumheads and Scorpion Percussion Drumsticks

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

The EP as a whole:

The main theme is darkness in various situations like social, personal, and the fantasy world. The EP lyrically touches on many social and fantasy subjects, musically the intent was to not be too technical, only in moments, but definitely heavy and atmospheric. Again, it is not a concept record, but it kind of flows like one from one song to the other. The music creates the sonic journey while the lyrics convey the history of that journey. There are varied themes within each song, but the consistency of the technical aspects of the music makes it glue very well. This being the solid foundation of rhythm, with the ambience of the keyboards. The bass separates a lot and this was done intentionally as to not sound too predictable in the melodies and more tool like. This works well to create separation and keeps the songs interesting.

Track by Track:

1. Aeon Flux was the first song guitarist Kevin Armstrong wrote and sent to drummerJay Arriaga. The song lyrically focuses on a lot of fake friendships and backstabbing. The song musically is very percussive and has a very tribal feel all throughout. Its pulse is steady as the beating heart while there is all this chaos and aggression behind it. Vocalist Andre Acosta took that aggression very well and kept by growling continuously and not singing clean vocals. Again the primal aspects continue up until the end where it is obvious with the tribal chants that the ending breakdown is about to destroy. This was done intentionally to kick ass live.

2. Under The Fire lyrically touches upon a recent shooting that happened in our town. Musically it began with Jay Arriaga using an eight string to create syncopated riffs that melted into a steady groove of legato slides on the guitar. Then transitioning to machine riffs to Mediterranean landscapes in the middle with climaxing vocals making a segway to the ethereal brutal ending.

3. Kingslayer came about guitarist Kevin Armstrong watching Godzilla too much. We felt this song really encompasses the overall sound of the band because it has pretty much everything we wanted to throw in there. Big vocals, big guitars, pummeling bass, but most importantly that heavy ass steady groove, which will get some of these headbanging necks a run for their money. It has movements that change a lot, but keeps pumping until the Stanley Kubrick inspired space like ending. Lyrically, it touches on a couple of religious subjects plus the philosophical, but mostly focusing on letting go of all of that and being free of the mind and spirit.

4. Empty is heavily influenced by drummer Jay Arriaga’s progressive metal influences. Jay lyrically took from the occult and Aleister Crowley by having our vocalist Andre Acosta read from his works mixing it with his own lyrics. Answer and response represent talking to oneself. Then the orchestral arrangement of the keyboards played by Jay emphasizes that chaotic battle. Several movements escalate to the pivotal moment at the end of the song. Lyrically, it focuses on the inner self, depression and relationships with people that struggle with that. Basically, the theme is the darkness of the mind.

5. Necronomicon came about guitarist Kevin Armstrong and drummer Jay Arriaga’s love for HP Lovecraft books. But the main riff Jay wrote it out of despair for losing a loved one. The steady chug of the guitar conveys almost a walk to the underworld. The world of the dead, which explodes into the Chtulu scream. The song continues to pound and chug until the end bringing all this chaos to an end. Andre Acosta vocally pretty much left it all there, like if the song itself tore him apart. Lyrically it develops on the title of the song, wondering about the fantasy and the underworld.

6. Scattered Storm was finalized by drummer Jay Arriaga when rewriting it on pure electronic form. Heavily influenced by soundtracks and video games. Jay also wrote the lyrics based on letting go of loved ones when they perish from this world. Very climatic and ethereal. The song has a very nice concluding piano note at the end which denotes the end overall of the whole album. Short and straight to the point. Both drummer Jay Arriaga and vocalist Andre Acosta sing on this song. Guitars played by Kevin Armstrong and all electronics by Jay Arriaga.

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Oblivion
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Label: Blood Blast powered by Nuclear Blast
Distribution: Blood Blast powered by Nuclear Blast

Track Listing:
1. Aeon Flux (3:40)
2. Under The Fire (4:03)
3. Kingslayer (4:43)
4. Empty (4:23)
5. Necronomicon (3:16)
6. Scattered Storm (3:35)
EP Length: 23:41

EP Credits:
Produced by Jay Arriaga and Kevin Armstrong
Mixed by Jay Arriaga in El Paso TX, USA at Empty Paradise Studios
Mastered by Allan Wallace in Belo Horizonte, Brazil at Eminence Studios
Artwork Marco Pimentel
Music written by Jay Arriaga and Kevin Armstrong
Lyrics by Andre Acosta and Jay Arriaga

Line Up:
Drums, Keyboards and Samples: Jay Arriaga
Guitars: Kevin Armstrong
Live Bass: Eddie “Razor” Garcia
Vocals: Andre Acosta

0 EPK – White Cowbell Oklahoma – Textos Raros – Vol 1. – 2001-2011 (Slick Monkey Records)

May 9, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · White Cowbell Oklahoma

EPK – White Cowbell Oklahoma – Textos Raros – Vol 1. – 2001-2011 (Slick Monkey Records)

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

For fans of Deep Purple, ZZ Top, Frank Zappa, Funkadelic, Thin Lizzy, KISS, Hawkwind

WhiteCowbell.com | Facebook.com/WhiteCowbellOklahoma | Twitter.com/whitecowbell | Instagram.com/whitecowbell | YouTube

Whitecowbelloklahoma.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Album Title: Textos Raros – Vol 1. – 2001-2011
Release Date: August 6, 2021
Label: Slick Moneky Records

“Magnetic, untamed, infamous and regaled for their strange and sensational stage shows, White Cowbell Oklahoma is the country-fried boogie rock sandwich you didn’t know you were craving.” – Beatroute AB

“given live performances that seem to feature more people onstage than in the audience, chainsaws, strippers, decimated stuffed things (turkeys, play toys and so on), they do aspire to have their music appreciated to the same extent that their image is co-opted, gawked at and gossiped about.” Exclaim!”

“White Cowbell Oklahoma add a touch of psych to their trashy hard rock formula…hellraising Southern-rock-tinged rock ‘n’ roll.” – Now Toronto

There’s no warm-up for White Cowbell Oklahoma’s sixth full-length release, recorded at Zeus’s Toronto studio and also in concert in Amsterdam. As in their live shows, where flames and power tools feature prominently, the underrated Toronto old-school rockers throw us into the fire immediately, and that fire doesn’t die until long after the final chords – from not one, not two, but three guitars – ring out.” – Now Toronto (2015 Mixto Sixto Review)“a fist-pumping, anthemnic set of songs thick on low-end, pelvic thrust and grit. Easily their most confident effort to date, it displays a new Bell that is streamlined and primed for attack. ” – Exclaim! (2009 Bombardero Review)

Established in 1999 in Toronto, Canada, legendary rock armada WHITE COWBELL OKLAHOMA have remained a behemoth of over the top rock n’ roll for over two decades. Featuring a nebulous syndicate of low-life participants and a show often compared to Kiss meets The Allman Brothers meet Frank Zappa meets The Tubes, the band has toured Europe and North America countless times, while completely disregarding musical trends, political correctness, and common decency.

With the band’s first archival release “Textos Raros – Vol 1 – 2001-2011”, WHITE COWBELL OKLAHOMA present eleven rare and unreleased tracks.

From its first decadent decade of operation. No Particular Order. No Particular Regrets.

“Textos Raros – Vol 1 – 2001-2011” is due out August 6, 2021, via the band’s very own indie label Slick Monkey Records.

WHITE COWBELL OKLAHOMA will be releasing new music in early 2022.

Discography:
2021 – Textos Raros – Vol 1. – 2001-2011
2018 – Seven Seas Of Sleaze
2015 – Mixto Sixto
2012 – Buenas Nachas
2010 – Viva Live Locos
2009 – Bombardero
2006 – Casa Diablo
2003 – Cencerro Blanco

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

Track By Track Explained:

1.Take Me Down To Mexico (3:08)
Heavy driving deep purple-esque stoner/space rock. A rare outtake from album Buenas Nachas (2011)

2. Black Night (4:28) (Deep Purple Cover)
Even more purple (it’s a Deep Purple Cover). A fiery, previously-unreleased outtake from album Casa Diablo (2006) sessions, recorded with ten minutes of studio time left, featuring Sgt. Rock on one take vocals.

3. [Just] Some Things A Man Can’t Keep Inside (7:54)
Another rare, very psychedelic Buenas Nachas (2011) outtake, journeying into White Cowbell Ohkahoma’s darkest places via Can and Dr. John.

4. The ‘Bell Are On The Run (3:54)
From 2001, pre Cencerro Blanco (2003). Hommage to 70’s Kiss Style arena Rock. A Stomper about a police pursued band/gang coming to your town. They ain’t foolin’ around.

5. Show A Gamblin’ Man (Early Version) (3:03)
This 2001 version sits back and takes a groovier, harder toke than the speedier, later version on Cencerro Blanco (2003). A feel-good song about murder and gambling, referencing lyrics by Johnny Cash and Doug Sahm.

6. This Cracker’s Got The Blues (Early Version) (3:26)
This was the first White Cowbell Oklahoma song ever written, which was also later re-recorded, much faster, on Bombardero (2009). But this 2001 version has more Skid Row soul.

7. Lone Star Love-In (4:22)
White Cowbell Oklahoma’s first of many tributes to the mythical Texas depicted in ZZ Top’s vast discography. It also gives nods to Ennio Morricone, George Clinton and Desert Wildlife.

8. Rebel Woman (1:45)
Also from 2001. Just a dumb song about fitness enthusiasts and the people who love them.

9. Southern Grace (Live) (3:25)
The original studio version appeared on Cencerro Blanco (2003). This version was omitted from Viva Live Locos (2010) for space reasons. Recorded live at Burg Herzberg Festival (Europe’s largest freak/hippie/jam band soiree) in 2006, the song is an homage to the American prog-rock genre perfected by Kansas and The Marshall Tucker Band.

10. Black Mountain Top (Whiskey Woman) (Live) (4:20)
Another Viva Live Locos (2010) outtake. The original studio version also appeared on Cencerro Blanco (2003). It’s mostly about mining, drilling, etc. (and Whiskey). This song closed out White Cowbell Oklahoma’s live sets – with the stage overrun by enthusiastic (and often undressed) fans – for several years.

11. Streetknifes ‘R’ Go! (7:50)
A previously-unreleased earlier recording of the jam that became “Stretknife’s Theme” on Buenas Nachas (2012). This version is heavier, but arguably groovier.

Album Title: Textos Raros – Vol 1. – 2001-2011
Release Date: August 6, 2021
Label: Slick Moneky Records

Track Listing:
1. Take Me Down To Mexico (3:08)
2. Black Night (4:28) (Deep Purple Cover)
3. [Just] Some Things A Man Can’t Keep Inside (7:54)
4. The ‘Bell Are On The Run (3:54)
5. Show A Gamblin’ Man (Early Version) (3:03)
6. This Cracker’s Got The Blues (Early Version) (3:26)
7. Lone Star Love-In (4:22)
8. Rebel Woman (1:45)
9. Southern Grace (Live) (3:25)
10. Black Mountain Top (Whiskey Woman) (Live) (4:20)
11. Streetknifes ‘R’ Go! (7:50)
Album Length: 47:44

Album Credits:
All songs by WHITE COWBELL OKLAHOMA (SOCAN) except “Black Night” (Deep Purple) (written by Blackmore/Gillan/Glover/Lord/Paice CHEC Music – Ascap)

0 EPK – Ana.n7n – Sonnaa Al Dayaa (single) (2021) (Wall of Sound Records)

May 1, 2021
by Asher
· Ana.n7n · EPKs

EPK – Ana.n7n – Sonnaa Al Dayaa (single) (2021) (Wall of Sound Records)

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

Single Title: Sonnaa Al Dayaa
Release Date: June 10, 2021
Label: Wall of Sound Records

Label: Wallofsoundsa.com | Facebook | Instagram

Instagram.com/ana.n7n | Twitter.com/anan7n | YouTube

Spotify | Anan7n.bandcamp.com

“The mysterious music project Ana.n7n describes itself as a collection of “musicians and storytellers”, fusing Arabic with a multi-layered approach to music composition, from nu-metal to prog rock. The end result is an impactful, yet playful, jam in ‘Esh Saweet’ (what did I do)” – Switched Mag

Previous Singles:

Youm Bedon Shams

Al Awwal

Esh Sawet

Saudi Arabia’s Aana.n7n is a melodic progressive rock/metal quintet that is passionate about three things: writing stories, making music, and creating visual art.

They are only one of a few bands from their country doing heavy music in Arabic vocals.

“There isn’t a lot of music in our genre that converses with the listener using vernacular language and we truly wanted to showcase this in our stories, music, and visuals.” adds the band.

To date, since the band’s formation in 2019, they have released three singles, “Youm Bedon Shams”, “Al-Awwal”, “Esh Sawet” and are currently working on their fourth “Sonnaa Al Dayaa” to be released on May 22nd, 2021. All will be featured on the band’s debut album “(untitled)” to be released later this year from Saudi Arabian based label Wall of Sound Records.

“We genuinely think it’ll be received positively by most local listeners and worldwide, be it they’re into the type of music we make or not. This album is unique in the way it is presented and we feel like it could set a standard for other acts to follow.”

The planned album “(untitled)” will be a concept record that will tell one story about how social media affect us along with the people around us. Each track will be a chapter / themes covering topics such as the double life of a social media influencer, the effects of social media on self-esteem, cyber-bullying, etc. The band is aiming to take the listener through an engaging journey of ups and downs. They want people to be keener to the experience of listening to one coherent narrative of music, and they hope they manage to achieve that with this album.

“The themes of the songs affect the sound textures we choose, this is best exemplified in songs like Youm Bedon Shams (Galactic and dark), Al Awwal (anxious and competitive), and the yet-to-be-released Al Rakhees (dirty and deceiving).”

All the songs on the full length are meant to be viewed with accompanying artwork on Instagram and YouTube for the full audio and visual experience. It will also be sung entirely in Arabic and be an album that is percussive, heavy on the bass, with synth providing a melodic and dark background to it, along with Middle Eastern melodies.

Post-Covid, Aana.n7n is very much looking forward to hitting the stage and incorporating their visual art with their live performances.

0 EPK – Param-Nesia – Aspect of Creation (2021)

April 29, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Param-Nesia

EPK – Param-Nesia – Aspect of Creation (2021)

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

For fans of Black Dahlia Murder, Allegaeon, At the Gates, Arch Enemy, Revocation

“Aspect of Creation is our second EP, and we are very excited to share it with the world. As a band, we have been through a lot together. We have had a couple of member changes over the last couple of years, which changed the dynamic of the group. We currently have a roster that works very well creatively and feels like family. This EP is our testament to that. The sound and style have become more refined, our vision for our music, more clear. We mesh melody with brutality, to tell a story and take you on a journey.” – Param-Nesia

EP Title: Aspect of Creation
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Facebook.com/ParamnesiaVan | Instagram.com/paramnesiavan | YouTube

Param-nesia.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“Param-Nesia- Aspect of Creation – Great White North Metal – TOP NEW RELEASES for June 2021”

“Blending technical chips with some surprisingly memorable hooks — just check out the opening song Pestilence of Man — and plain old heavy riffage, the 5 tracks are relentless.” – Vancouver Sun

“Aspect of Creation” is exactly that Death Metal that Chuck Schuldiner would have wished for in 2021.” – Stormbringer

“Brutal Technical Death Metal from Vancouver, “Aspect of Creation” is a five track delve into blisteringly fast blasts, melodic guitar rhythms, an unwavering vocal performance from Cayle Charlton, “Aspect of Creation” attests to a band with brilliant capability and creativity.” – Metal Temple

“”Aspect of Creation” is an immensely heavy, technical Metalcore EP with all killer and no filler. Clean production, with every instrument being heard clearly, leaving no chance of missing any musical details, quality songwriting, with every member demonstrating proficiency in their craft. PARAM-NESIA are wonderfully talented, and I look forward to many more future releases.” – Metal Temple

“Aspect of Creation is a powerful slab of melodeath that takes listeners on a sonic journey.” – Noob Heavy

“Melodic riffs permeate the record and the group displays great rhythmic precision. I have a soft spot for guitarists that give their picking hands and rhythm-brain a work out with their riffs. Opening track “Pestilence of Man” is chock full of this variety of riffage. There’s tight gallops everywhere and some tasty guitar harmonies at just the right moments.’ – Noob Heavy

“The opening track “Pestilence of Man” already gives a great impression of what you’ll get here: mind blowing death metal with a high, technical precision. The rhythmic is razor-sharp and hard-hitting, showing no mercy in pushing the songs forward. Pounding riffs add more aggression to the music, so do the powerful growled, sometimes screamed vocals. But with all brutality coming out of the speakers, there is still a melody into their music, which is delivered by the guitars.” – Mostly Metal

“Taking you on a journey with a diverse mix of subgenres ranging from Melodic Death Metal, Thrash, Metalcore and Prog Rock, Param Nesia showcase their sound with a beautiful yet melodic soundscape, spiced up with atmospheric overtures.” – Stargazer Music Magazine

“The five tracks of this new Ep are a good mix of melodic riffs and a remarkable technical death metal, which give the listener a considerable sonic impact. A heart-pounding start with “Pestilence”, where power and energy are the two details that make this open track truly devastating.” – Music Webzine

“Last night Param-Nesia opened the show at The Wise Hall & Lounge and they were fucking killer. 5-piece from Vancouver, they have a heavy Lamb of God influence – especially the singer – and a killer bassist finger plucking the shit out of his 5-string. Great start to the night and would definitely see them again.” – Elder God Productions – Vancouver, BC

“The vocalist definitely has some The Black Dahlia Murder ish kind of vocals so I definitely dig that, and the other musical elements definitely pull together for a bit of a unique take on modern death/thrash metal.” – Zrockr Magazine

“The finale that is “Journey to Nothing” is an almost entirely different beast as changing their angle of attack Matt Burnham and Andy Cahalin bring Progressive Death Metal riffs to the plate for an extended cut that allows Charlton to become more of a storyteller and the result is something inspired with some truly spellbinding solos. Welcome Param-Nesia; they have come for the crown of Revocation [8/10]” – Metal Noise

“A work with an exceptional sample of technique, speed and strength, with great guitar solos and high-quality instrumental moments. A style that at times reminded me of the great Allegaeon and their characteristic pauses.” – Riff of Metal

“this ep are 4 songs that display technical skill, musical diversity, and a fuck ton of power!” – Tom’s Reviews (EP Review 2019 – The Beginning)

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

The EP as a whole:
Heavy, melodic, groovy, takes you on an adventure. It is somehow mechanical and soulful at the same time, a bionic metal fuckfest.

Track by Track explained:

Pestilence of Man – Crushing despair overcome, this track offers some pounding riffs with precision drumming, and brutal vocals to kick off the EP.

Forsaken – Takes things in a more melodic direction, a bit more flair in the melodies, while still retaining the heaviness of the intro track. Distinguished by the harmonies and leads with savage vocal accompaniment, and a powerful outro.

Lethocerus – Straight up rhythmic brutality. This one pounds from start to finish, with very little room to sit still.

Home – This one really builds a bridge between the melodic realms and the heavy smashing riffs. Lyrics describe an eternal, inescapable tomb of ones own design, trapped while endlessly decaying away, forever witnessing the passing eons. Dark and poetic.

Journey to Nothing – The pinnacle outro track, captivatingly harmonious, this song covers the spectrum of influences and inspirations of the band, offering shear pulverizing percussive sections, beautifully orchestrated strings, and powerful vocals commanding your attention.

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

Story Angles – Fun Facts:

1. Founded in 2016, Derek Hill and Andy Cahalin started jamming in a snowboard shop after hours. Real waxy.

2. Matthew Burnham and Derek Hill are lifelong friends that played in a band together back in high school in a different province.

3. Cayle Charlton and Andy Cahalin first crossed paths at Loud as Hell festival in Drumheller, but didn’t realize it until years after being in a band together.

4. Andy Cahalin’s wife helped research and find a cheap jam space and book their first tour, due to her thrifty nature.

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Aspect of Creation
Release Date: June 18, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Pestilence of Man (4:44)
2. Forsaken (4:44)
3. Lethocerus (5:29)
4. Home (5:47)
5. Journey to Nothing (7:09)
EP Length: 27:54

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Param-Nesia
• All songs written by: Andy Cahalin & Param-Nesia
• Produced by: Matthew Burnham & Param-Nesia
• Mixed by: Diego Fernandez (Oracle Studios)
• Mastered by: Diego Fernandez (Oracle Studios)
• Album Artwork by: Blackdotx Art
• Member of SOCAN
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Andy Cahalin – Lead Guitar/Bass
Matthew Burnham – Rhythm Guitar/Bass
Cayle Charlton – Vocals
Derek Hill – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Andy Cahalin – Lead Guitar
Matthew Burnham – Rhythm Guitar
Cayle Charlton – Vocals
Colton Hession – Bass
Derek Hill – Drums

L-R – Derek Hill (Drums), Matthew Burnham (Guitar), Cayle Charlton (Vocals), Colton Hession (Bass), Andy Cahalin (Guitar)

Param-Nesia is a five-piece metal band hailing from Vancouver BC. Their visceral sound combines melodic death, thrash, and hints of prog to create music that takes you on a journey from beginning to end. Originally founded in 2016 by guitarist Andy Cahalin, and drummer Derek Hill, followed shortly by vocalist Cayle Charlton, the lineup is now complete with the addition of Matt Burnham on guitar and Colton Hession on bass. Param-Nesia released their debut EP “The Beginning” in Feb 2019, and are set to unleash their follow-up EP “Aspect of Creation” on June 18th, 2021. They are committed to their craft, striving to create music that is heavy, emotionally charged and engaging. With a hard work ethic, Param-Nesia is actively seeking shows/tours (post covid) and building an online presence to add to their repertoire.

Discography:
2021 – Aspect of Creation EP
2019 – The Beginning EP

Shared Stage with:
The Convalescence, Narcotic Wasteland, Protosequence, Plaguebringer, Dying Fetus, Chelsea Grin, Body Snatcher, Frozen Soul, Undeath

Tour and Festivals:
2022 – Modified Ghost Festival – Vancouver, BC w/ Dying Fetus, Chelsea Grin, Body Snatcher, Frozen Soul, Undeath
2022 – Param-Nesia Future Unknown Tour (BC, AB)
2022 – Loud As Hell Fest – Kick-Off Party
2021 – Loud As Hell Fest
2019 – Journey to Nothing Tour – Western Canada
2018 – Dogs, Cats and Hood Rats Tour – Western Canada
2018 – Convalescence Tour – Western Canada
2018 – UFR Metal Festival – Edmonton, AB

Endorsements:
Soultone Cymbals – Derek Hill
Attack Drumheads – Derek Hill
Lampifier Microphones – Cayle Charlton

0 EPK – Mütherload – Ü (EP) (2021)

April 29, 2021
by Asher
· EPKs · Mütherload

EPK – Mütherload – Ü (EP) (2021)

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

For fans of Lamb of God, In Flames, Mastodon, Opeth, Tool

EP Title: Ü
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Facebook.com/mutherloadband | Instagram.com/mutherload | YouTube

Mutherload.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“While bone-shaking grooves and hair-raising vocals are key elements of Mütherload’s sound, so are darting fretwork escapades and mood-altering melodies. You get further proof of that in the following song (and lead single from the EP), “The Visitor”. The drum and bass work remain punishing and the vocals incendiary, but there’s a menacing eeriness about the chorus melody that surfaces in “The Visitor” — when it’s not doing its best to beat you to a pulp or scramble your brains.” – No Clean Singing

“Mütherload revelling in their fondness for making a hell of a din and doing everything possible to blow out your eardrums. It’s great fun.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Headbanging-Life

“Their 6 track debut E.P., entitled ‘Ü’ draws on lots of elements of thrash metal, heavy guitars, awesome melodies, pounding drums and a vocal from singer Derek Lee, that sounds like he’s gargled with concrete before being let loose!!… Mütherload have given people notice, and they are delivering right here, right now, and deserve your attention.” – The Razor’s Edge

“Groove/thrash metal band MÜTHERLOAD deliver a crushing and aggressive sound with their debut EP “Ü”. I knew I would like this EP as soon as “Insect” started playing. First off, it was heavy with punishing drums and riffs. I was a fan of the vocals immediately too… Overall, I think MÜTHERLOAD killed it with their first release and I hope to see them continue on this path and develop their sound.” – Metal Temple

“This regrouped tour-de-force from Canada is ready to kill with a six-track introduction of their thrashy, groovy and melodic death sound.” – The Headbanging Moose

“This EP has a very fresh and exciting sound. The thing that drew me to it most is the balance between the brutal vocals and the groove, particularly where the riffs have that technical edge to their construction.” – Metal Talk

“Ü is a rock-steady first release for Mütherload with glimpses of a worthy foundation set in place.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“…ultra groovy brand of melodic death metal. Now I should clarify that I’m not usually a big fan of groovy melodic death metal but this album blew me away. The sheer level of catchiness and the infectious energy behind the music completely won me over. I listened to this album for the first time while at the grocery store and found it extremely hard not to headbang along in front of the whole store.” – Cave Dweller Music

“With four songs, two interludes and 16:30 minutes of playing time, “Ü” is a rather short, but mind-blowing listen, worth to crank it up. Serious musicianship meets full power vocals and a certain craziness, which is a great combination for me. Considering their founding story I can only confirm: these guys really know how to write music together. Let’s hope this EP is the delicious appetizer for an album to follow.” – Mostly-Metal

“If you’re a fan of music on the heavier side of things, the Canadian crew, Mütherload might just have what you’re looking for… This is a killer EP, and a very quick listen at only around the 16 minute length. Mütherload are certainly one to keep your ears open for. 8/10” – Noise Pollution

“Sludgy, groovy, and louder than the impact of a speeding Mack truck with an icy bridge abutment, Mütherload’s debut EP Ü is a six-track independent monster that should most definitely perk up many an ear with its heavy, heavy tunes.” – Hated One Metal Reviews

“Massive, loud, dark and heavy riff patterns with appropriate rhythm backing dominates the landscapes here, with fluctuating and circulating groove patterns alongside impact riff driven passages. Throaty, hoarse shout style lead vocals provides the lyrical messages. Some subtle melodic resonances and two brief, gentle interlude songs tones down the pummeling energy just a little bit, but powerful, massive and heavy remain the key associations with this production. Those who like thrash metal with death metal impulses (or vice versa) should enjoy this one, especially if dark, powerful and heavy material in this realm sounds interesting.| – The Viking In The Wilderness

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About:

Under a new moniker and sound, London, ON’s melodic death groove/thrash band, Mütherload is a regrouped tour-de-force birthed from the ashes of Heaven Ablaze (2003-2012).

Sometimes our paths are meant to be crossed with one another more than once in this lifetime, and that’s how the story of Mütherload came to be.

Guitarist Patrick Davison bumped into drummer Matt Ashton while on the day job. Both hadn’t seen each other since their previous band Heaven Ablaze went on hiatus in 2013. As old friends get to chatter and play catch up on each other’s activities, one thing was certain they would be writing music together once again. Hitting the jam space in 2019, it didn’t take long for the band to recruit members, bassist Chris McKichan joined the line-up and after their first jam, the trio had four songs created. With a foundation already laid, the band completed its ranks with the two Derek’s, guitarist Derek Haley and vocalist Derek Lee (ex-Ataxia.).

After two years of creating and crafting their sound, along with being local opening support for touring bands Threat Signal, Green Jëllo, Beyond Creation, and The Blood of Christ, the quintet is now ready to present their first offering in the form of an EP entitled “Ü”. The EP is a six-track introduction of Mütherload’s thrashy, groovy, melodic death sound.

“The Ü EP is our first step back into the metal scene after years of silence. We feel this small collection of music represents the focus that we’ve developed as a band in our songwriting for the first time in years. Musically, we’ve stretched our reach into new territory with open tunings, and more space for vocals. This EP deserves to be played loud, so crank it up!” adds guitarist Patrick Davison.

The band has already previewed their lead single “The Visitor”, with their first music video earlier this year. The song was originally written years ago as an acoustic song, which is why if you listen carefully, you can hear an acoustic track in the chorus. The band feels this song best represents their sound as there is a little bit of everything in there. There’s groove, thrash, melody, dynamics, and flow along with it being one of the band’s favorites to play live as well.

The “Ü” will be released on June 25th, 2021 on all digital platforms.

Discography:
2021 – Ü – EP

Shared Stage with:
Threat Signal, Green Jëllo, Beyond Creation, The Blood of Christ

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Ü
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Insect (3:54)
2. The Visitor (3:39)
3. Ü (0:44)
4. Iniquity (3:06)
5. Thaügüst (1:43)
6. Lamia (3:24)
EP Length: 16:32

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Mütherload
• All songs written by: Mütherload
• Produced by: Thomas Ireland
• Mixed by: Thomas Ireland
• Mastered by: Thomas Ireland
• EP Artwork by: Dave Schultz
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP and Live Band Line Up:
Patrick Davison – Guitar
Derek Haley – Guitar
Chris McKichan – Bass
Matt Ashton – Drums
Derek Lee – Vocals

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