• About AMR
  • Festivals & Associations
    • 420 Music & Arts Festival (Calgary, AB)
    • Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC)
    • Calgary Metalfest
    • Calgary’s YYC Music Awards
    • Days of The Dead Festival (Red Deer, AB)
    • Loud As Hell Metal Fest (Drumheller, AB)
    • Metalocalypstick Fest (Lone Butte, BC) – Mountains, Camping and the Women of Metal!
    • ShrEdmonton Metal Fest & Conference
    • WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA
    • WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA
  • Services (Hire Us!)
  • Subscribe To AMR Artist News & Album Promo

Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Vinyl Hero – Sledgehammer (single) (2021) – (VINYL HERO version – Peter Gabriel Cover)

  • February 23, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Vinyl Hero

EPK – Vinyl Hero – Sledgehammer (single) (2021)

Sledgehammer is a personal favourite of the band and has been part of their live set for a long time and through that time have really made it their own. “We’re a rock band, a power trio,” says Vinyl Hero’s bassist, Costa Siarlis, “and we wanted to make our version sound like a rock band wrote it, it’s more of a rendition than a cover!” Even as a 3 piece, Vinyl Hero manage to bring enough ambience from the intro to hard-hitting and sing-along choruses to make fans of the original and modern-day rock listeners alike throw some horns in the air!

For fans Queens Of The Stone Age, Stone Temple Pilots, Big Wreck, Shinedown

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

Single Title: Sledgehammer (VINYL HERO version – Peter Gabriel Cover)
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution:  Distrokid

VinylHero.com | Facebook.com/VinylHero | Instagram.com/vinylheroband | Twitter.com/Vinyl_Hero | YouTube

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

“‘Seven Days On A Train’ was released to great acclaim “Glam stomping, bratty tear away, excellent musicianship, ragged glory and scarves trailing all over the script” (Steve Swift – PowerPlay magazine UK)

 “They crunch about that gravel path of theirs like there is no tomorrow.” (RockmusicRaider, Newsflash).

“Low and slow riffage from a Montreal three-piece that’s been making the rounds for the past five years or so. Good for fans of stoner rock. If Chris Cornell were still with us, he’d get a kick out of these guys. The singer kinda reminds me of former QotSA dude Nick Oliveri (except with his clothes on).” – Alan Cross

Single Title: Sledgehammer (VINYL HERO version – Peter Gabriel Cover)
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution:  Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Sledgehammer (single) (4:29)

Single Credits:
• All songs performed by: Vinyl Hero
• All songs written by: Vinyl Hero (rendition of Peter Gabriel’s original version)  
• Produced by: Dave Traina (Freq Shop Studios) Tiburce Perlau
• Mixed by: Dave Traina and Tiburce Perlau
• Mastered by: Harry Hess (HBomb Mastering)
• Album Artwork by: Tiburce Perlau
• Members of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Recording Line Up:
Ray Howard – Lead Vocals/Guitarist
Costa Siarlis – Backup Vocals/Bassist
Tiburce Perlau – Backup Vocals/Drums/added Percussions/added Sample tracks
Marco Favaro – Additional Back Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Ray Howard – Lead Vocals/Guitarist
Costa Siarlis – Backup Vocals/Bassist
Tiburce Perlau – Backup Vocals/Drums

L-R – Costa Siarlis (Bass/Vocals), Ray Howard (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Tiburce Perlau (Drums, Vocals)

Ray Howard, lead vocals/ lead guitar Master Mind/Batman
Tiburce Perlau, drums/ back vocals Visual-Sound Production/Expert Craftsman
Costa Siarlis, bass/ back vocals Social Media guru /Super Foodie

Heavy and gutsy rock riffing served alongside palpable and unmistakable lead vocals!

The feeling you get when headbanging to a Vinyl Hero tune is best described as a Symphony of Synchronicity. Three different individuals with one main goal. Ray Howard and Costa Siarlis (founding members) had a couple of years to curate their songs and sound with different members and once drummer Tiburce Perlau was added to the lineup their overall sound hit a level that has become Vinyl Hero’s trademark sound!

No strangers to touring, Montrealer’s Vinyl Hero have been hard at work tilling the soil along the Quebec/Ontario’s 401; headlining venues in Montreal such as Club Soda, and playing important support slots to blues legends like Pat Travers, Stu Hamm, and Alex Skolnick at the towering Le National Theater. The band has been a fan favourite at Mont Tremblant’s Blues Fest and by way of consistent, steady, touring has built a vibrant and reliable following in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, Kitchener, even as far away as Victoria B.C. along with numerous markets in their native province of Quebec. Vinyl Hero has graced Major Canadian Festival stages including Toronto’s Indie Week (three years running) and Nappanee’s VoodooRockFest. FM Radio spins include CHOM 97.7’s show Montreal ROCKS, and Oshawa’s the Rock 94.9 FM who have been ambassadors for the band in the greater Toronto area. Vinyl Hero was also nominated for Canada’s best independent Rock Video in 2018 by Dropout Entertainment and was named Montreal’s most popular vote for CBC’s Searchlight.

Their 2016 E.P. ‘Seven Days On A Train’ was released to great acclaim “Glam stomping, bratty tear away, excellent musicianship, ragged glory and scarves trailing all over the script” (Steve Swift – PowerPlay magazine UK)(Pure Grain Audio) “They crunch about that gravel path of theirs like there is no tomorrow .” (RockmusicRaider, Newsflash).

In 2020, Vinyl Hero released their single “VULTURES” recorded at Montreal’s #churchofrocknroll recording studio The Freq Shop ran by Dave Traina (The Damn Truth) and multi-instrumentalist Derek Orsi.

With influences drawing from Queens Of the Stone Age, Stone Temple Pilots, as well as fellow Canadians Big Wreck, Vinyl Hero has not placed its cross-hairs on adhering to a particular sound or bandwagon. The Montreal power trio is best described as Deep, Honest, Powerful, and True. Their ethos; to embody in music, humanity, living emotion, and the organic nature characteristic of music during the vinyl era, all while delivering smart arrangements with impactful dynamics and deft akin to power trios such as Nirvana and The Tea Party.

Discography:
2021 – Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel cover) (single)
2020 – Vultures (Single)
2016 – Seven Days On A Train (EP)
2010 – Self-titled EP

Past Features:
– Big Shiny New Track on the Week – CHOM 97.7FM – Montreal, Qc
– 5 songs you must hear this week: June 1st, 2020 – Alan Cross – Corus Radio  

Shared Stage with: Pat Travers, Stu Hamm and Alex Skolnick, The Damn Truth, Double Experience, Trampa (Brazil), The Motorleague, CeVilain, Hommage a MUSE (Muse tribute band)

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – Simcoe – Peterborough, ON
2018 – VoodooRockFest – Napanee, ON
2018 – IndieWeek – Toronto, ON
2018 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON
2018 – Rainbow Bistro – Ottawa, ON
2017 – Indie Week – Toronto, ON
2017 – The Moustache Club – Oshawa, ON
2017 – Lola’s Pub – Cornwall, ON
2016 – Indie Week – Toronto, ON  

0 EPK – Split Album – The Blood of Christ / Vomit Remnants – Eastern Beast – Western Wolf (CDN Records) (2020)

  • February 22, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · The Blood of Christ

EPK – Split Album – The Blood of Christ / Vomit Remnants – Eastern Beast – Western Wolf (CDN Records) (2020)

For fans Carcass, Sepultura, Enslaved, Morbid Angel, Immolation, Dissection

Split Album Title: The Blood of Christ / Vomit Remnants – Eastern Beast – Western Wolf
Release Date: December 4, 2020
Label: CDN Records

Facebook.com/bloodofchristofficial | Twitter.com/bloodofchrist94 | Instagram.com/bloodofchrist_official | YouTube

 Bloodofchristofficial.bandcamp.com | CDN Records

“Anthology IV shows that they deserve to be respected as one of Canada’s better death metal exports” – Exclaim!

  “…Canadian brutal death metal legends Blood Of Christ are a band who helped to define the sound known as Northern Hyperblast…” – Metal Injection  

“Able to bring about varied atmospheres and textures into an otherwise assaulting formula, Blood of Christ seem on top of their game…” – Dead Rhetoric

“…an album, incredibly heavy with some really delectable rhythm, Unrelenting Declivity of Anguish is 7 tracks of ferocious noise…” – Games, Brains and Headbanging Life

Album Title: Eastern Beast – Western Wolf
Release Date: December 4, 2020
Label: CDN Records

Track Listing:
The Blood of Christ – Epic Canadian Death Metal Legends
1. Forgotten Divinity Chapter 1 (6:34)
2. Sworn To The Northern Star (6:02)
3. Apocalyptic Vertigo (5:37)
4. Forgotten Divinity Chapter 2 (6:25)

Vomit Remnants – Brutal Death Metal Legends from Japan.
The band recorded 2 new songs and 1 cover song for releasing the split with their long-time favorite band Blood Of Christ in 2020. The singer Toshiyasu recorded for the first time in a long time since he recorded with Woundeep.

1. Blood Runs Cold (3:19)
2. Embodiment Of A Painful Void (3:20)
3. Moonlight Eclipse (The Blood Of Christ Cover) (5:06)
4. Embludgeonment (Live) (4:08)
5. Inherited Deformity (Live) (4:17)

The Blood of Christ Split Album Credits:
All songs performed by: The Blood of Christ
All music written by: Jeff Longo & Jason Longo
All lyrics written by: Hank Bielanski
Produced by: The Blood of Christ
Mixed by: Jeff Longo
Mastered by: Dan Swanö
Album Artwork by: Debbie Longo and Andreas Christanetoff
Member of SOCAN
Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up/Live Band Line Up:
Jason Longo – Drums
Hank Bielanski – Vocals & Bass
Jeff Longo – Guitars

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

Track By Track – The Blood of Christ – Half of Split

Forgotten Divinity Chapter 1 – An old school Blood of Christ song, from 1998 that we resurrected and added some redux life into it.  It has a very chaotic feel to it.  Lyrically, it is about the divinity returning home to his clan after many years of hiatus.

Sworn to the Northern Star – This song really showcases are blackened-death metal side, with a lot of epic riffs.  It is a new song for us, written in 2018 and features a lot of riffs from our drummer Jason Longo.  Historically, he helped write some occasional riffs on the old Blood of Christ albums and that was a part of the sound back then.  We feel that bringing back some of his writing really helped make this song “bring our sound back”.  Lyrically speaking, it is a song that is quite literally about playing in a metal band and devoting yourself to the craft.

Apocalyptic Vertigo – Again a unique song that blends black metal and death metal in an abrupt manner.  Features some really catchy trash riffs too, and a solid down-picking pit riff to end it off, all of which are indicative of Jeff Longo’s guitar style.  Lyrically, this one deals with time travel and loosely takes inspiration from the “Twelve Monkeys” movie.

Forgotten Divinity Chapter 2 – The sequel to chapter 1, is a brand new song (the newest of these four).  It is a morose feeling number, with both epic-doomy riffs and catchy trash riffs… that culminates in one of our most epic dark metal passages.  Lyrically, it is the same as chapter 1, but wraps up the story.

L to R: Jason Longo – Drums, Hank Bielanski – Bass & Vocals, Jeff Longo – Guitars
Photographer Credit – Debbie Longo

Canadian Epic Dark Metal band The Blood of Christ (aka Blood of Christ) began their career in the early ’90s, making a blackened death metal hybrid that sounded similar to a mashup of Carcass and Enslaved. They kept this style throughout their first two albums, but started to tweak it on their third full-length album, 2003’s “Breeding Chaos”. The Blood of Christ’s brooding, unique and crushing sound has made fans out of underground metal lovers from many genres, creating an appeal that defies genre borders.

On their second release through CDN Records, the London trio has crafted their most focused and creative effort yet with 7 numbers of Epic Dark Metal dexterity and power. Fiends whom were raised on the sheer brutality and boundary-smashing efforts of Morbid Angel, or the pioneering and challenging progressive grind-core of Liverpudlian innovators Carcass, the epic and majestic sounds of Viking artisans Enslaved or even the groove-laden proto-death of Brazilian legends Sepultura will find something rousing and engulfing within The Blood of Christ. All of these influences and components meet head-on and shatter the boundaries of conventional arrangements and ultimately take the listener away to territory similarly explored by none before.

While their influences favored the shocking approach with lyrical themes that were rampant with Gore, Satanism and often-abhorrent imagery, The Blood of Christ chose to focus on more abstract and poetic subject matter. Their songs are often rife with human suffering, lust and longing, time travel, astrology, historic battles and the human struggle for personal freedom. A sincerely dark and often poetic way of not being afraid to expose the innards of human suffering, and relate to the misery from the destructive, self-promotion of humanity with unique vocals that sound as if purveyed by a raging beast – all of which is set to a brutal and epic soundtrack.

The Blood of Christ was formed in London, Ontario, in 1994, their lineup composed of avid metal scenesters: guitarist Jeff Longo, bassist Marek Kopala, drummer Jason Longo and vocalist Jason Deaville. Musically, at that time they were closest to Cannibal Corpse, although other metal bands like Morbid Angel, Samael, Kataklysm and Carcass played a role in their sound.

A 1995 demo (that saw a shift in style to what is now their own blend of death and black metal) helped the band secure a deal with Pulverizer Records, which released their debut album, “…a Dream to Remember” in 1997. A strong underground following began to build behind the group with albums like 1997’s “…a Dream to Remember” and 2002’s “As the Rain Gently falls”. Vocalist Conan Bulani, who joined the group in time to appear on the band’s debut album, sadly passed away in 2011. The Blood of Christ is now fronted by Ontario underground-metal veteran Hank Bielanski on bass & vocals.

The release of “Eastern Beast – Western Wolf”, a split CD & Cassette with Japanese hyper-groove masters Vomit Remnants on CDN Records in late 2020 will see the debut of Hank’s beastly craft with The Blood of Christ. The Blood of Christ is the embodiment of an Epic Dark Metal craft that in it of itself is limitless with possibility.

Discography:
1994 – Divine Requiem – Demonstration Cassette
1994 – Frozen Dreams – Demonstration Cassette
1995 – Chapter III the Lonely Flowers of Autumn – Demonstration Cassette
1996 – La cicatrice de sirène – 7” Vinyl EP (Torture Records, Italy)
1997 – …a Dream to Remember – CD Album (Pulverizer Records, USA)
1997 – …a Dream to Remember – CD Album (Diehard Music, Denmark)
2002 – As The Rain Gently Falls – CD Album (Skyscraper Music/PHD, Canada)
2003 – Breeding Chaos – CD Album (Skyscraper Music/PHD, Canada)
2006 – …a Dream to Remember – CD reissue (CDN Records, Canada)
2018 – Unrelenting Declivity of Anguish – CD Album (CDN Records, Canada)
2019 – Bilateral Carnage – Split 7” vinyl with Deformatory (CDN Records, Canada)
2020 – Eastern Beast/Western Wolf – Split album with Vomit Remnants (CDN Records, Canada)

Shared Stage with:
Cryptopsy, Hemdale, Incantation, Morbid Angel and many, many more local acts/international acts.

Tours and Festivals:
1997 – Ontario and Quebec tour with Incantation
2002 – Canadian tour with Kataklysm and Necronomicon
2018 – Ontario and Quebec tour with Killitorous

0 EPK – WarCall – Dead End Pt. 1 (2021) (Plan B Music)

  • February 18, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Warcall

EPK – WarCall – Dead End Pt. 1 (2021) (Plan B Music)

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

For fans Motorhead, Metallica, Dissection, Iron Maiden, Slayer

“This EP is part one of two records to be released in 2021. As a whole, the two EPs are a collection of 9 songs (the first EP is 4 tracks), 9 stories about struggle. Recorded and mixed in a post-apocalyptic setting, we have let the events of 2020 influence the process and the mood of the two EPs, while still aiming for a timeless production that will age well in time. The title and artwork represent the doom and gloom of life in the year 2020 and how the human race reacts in the face of death and uncertainty.  With the impossibility to meet to even take a band picture, WarCall presents themselves as fictional post-apocalyptic warriors, a subtle comment and nod to the current events that marked the year 2020.” – WarCall

EP Title: Dead End Pt. 1
Release Date: April 23, 2021
Label: Plan B Music
Distribution: Independent

Facebook.com/warcallband | Instagram.com/warcallband | YouTube

Spotify | Apple Music

” These guys are really good at spreading melody all over while keeping a hard edge to their music; that was true on Invaders and it’s still true here. There are more than a few nods to old-school traditional metal in the guitar work as well as some subtle, hard-hitting, visceral power metal elements that are a little reminiscent of Quebec City’s Hanker’s more power metal-ish moments. The vocals are more on the melodic death side of things, a harsh more-or-less growly style that’s decipherable enough if you pay close attention. At just under 21 minutes, Dead End Pt. 1 packs a lot of variety that makes it hard to pigeonhole it into a specific genre, so if you like hearing a band that’s experimenting with its sound while remaining within the confines of metal, this one is certainly worth a look.” – The Metal Crypt

“This is an E.P. which rages, the thick riffs and battering drumming sweeping through each of the four songs. It’s a blitzkrieg of an assault, the combination of melody and ferocious savagery working neatly. It’s certainly fast, blurring the boundaries of speed, power, and thrash metal. The final two songs, ‘800x’ and the speed metal blurring of ‘The Chase’ maintain the momentum which is frenetic from the start. Proudly citing themselves as a DIY band, WarCall were able to record the E.P. at various band members studios. Producing, mixing, and mastering themselves, this is really a self-sufficient beast that is straining at the leash to return to the live scene. The band have captured their rough and ready sound and it’s one that is pleasing from beginning to end.” – The Razor’s Edge

“Fast, aggressive, full of riffs, exciting drumming and growling vocals. Nice old school, including accompanying vintage production. It grinds and grinds a bit here and there, which is exactly what I think is the charm of this music.” – Wings of Death

“This is just fantastic, straight forward, super enjoyable metal that you can really bang your head to. While focusing a lot of energy on speed and aggression there is still plenty of melody in the mix here with a certain level of groove maintained throughout the album. The vocals have a harsh edge but are very easily understandable and suit the melodic overtone of the music. There’s plenty of riffs to be enjoyed, alongside high energy drum work that will get you out of your seat and onto your feet. If you enjoy bands like The Crown, One Man Army and the Undead Quartet and Legion of the Damned then you will most likely enjoy what the band have to offer. I don’t have too much else to say other than blast this bad boy on loud and rock the hell out.” – Cave Dweller Music

“Big things are happening for Montreal’s WarCall…Motor-Maiden-‘tallica brand of street wise thrash…” – Decibel Mag

“The creativeness they’ve put into their debut far surpasses anything else I have heard from new Canadian bands this year…Inventive, fun, crisp and a great first offering”. – Exclaim!

“WARCALL’s delivery is fresh, powerful, with good drive and melodies and this tight-knit feeling that just gives you this sense of urgency.” – The Metal Observer

“Actually, “very very heavy” doesn’t go far enough. “Bully Bastard” slugs had enough to loosen teeth and leave bruises, and the grooves are damned compulsive, too, so loosen up your neck muscles before diving into this track. But while the song rocks hard enough to shake listeners like rag dolls, the music also channels rage and intensity through the raw grit of the vocals and the grim (but very catchy) vehemence of the riffs.” – No Clean Singing

“Fans of an old school thrash/speed sound will find plenty to enjoy throughout Invaders. 10 tracks of meaty metal that makes you want to dig out the old patch jacket & head-bang until your neck fuses.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“If you enjoy old school thrash, early speedy rock ‘n’ metal MOTÖRHEAD or DARKTHRONE in their thrashy black metal/crusty punk phase then WARCALL will wet your appetite and get you salivating! Dig out your battle vest, your whitewashed denim jeans, and white trainers and bang that head furiously!” – All About The Rock

“It’s fast, it’s heavy, it’s exciting, and it doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not, while also knowing exactly what it is. That’s a rare trait to have in a band, and it shows their consistency and maturity as songwriters; you can really tell this is not their first album. The ultimate takeaway here is that WARCALL deserve a lot more attention than what they’re currently getting. I hope to see them take things to the next level on their next full-length.” – Metal Temple

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS

1. WarCall is proud to be a totally DIY band. We record, mix and master our own music and book our own tours.

2. The album was recorded in the Covid pandemic. We were able to record the drums in the summer in JC’s studio and the bass and vocals were recorded in Mat’s studio. JC and Mat each auto produced their guitar tracks on their side.  Once all the instruments were recorded, Mat took care of editing and sound reinforcing the drums and guitars, while JC re-amped the guitars and solos in his studio.  After the production process, Mat took care of the mix in the fall of 2020, with the input of Phil, JC and Gord along the way. Mixing was done by the end of 2020 and JC took care of the mastering in January 2021.    

3.  On top of being self-sufficient in the studio, WarCall is a road warrior and stage hungry band. 2020 was really hard for not being able to play shows and go on the road. A tour of Europe was in preparation for the fall on 2021 and it does not seem possible in the current context. So, while waiting to go on the road, WarCall will release music and probably start a new recording project soon!

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

EP as a whole:

Recorded and mixed in a post-apocalyptic setting, we have let the events of 2020 influence the process and the mood of the EP, while still aiming for a timeless production that will age well in time. The title and artwork represent the doom and gloom of life in the year 2020 and how the human race reacts in the face of death and uncertainty.  With the impossibility to meet to even take a band picture, WarCall presents themselves as fictional post-apocalyptic warriors, a subtle comment and nod to the current events that marked the year 2020.

Track by Track:

1. Reckless – When you commit to something bigger than yourself, you have to be prepared to make sacrifices. You have to be ready to overcome the worst trials and let go of your identity.

2. Deathwish – When you’ve worked hard to build a life for yourself and suddenly everything is being taken away for no reason. Revenge becomes your only option, murderous madness takes hold of you.  Inspired by the movie of the same name.

3. 800x – When you want to reconnect with someone, but you feel guilty about your absence. The bond that held you together is all you have left and you want to keep it.

4. The Chase – When a man becomes unhealthy and takes pleasure in making his neighbor suffer. He sinks into a bottomless abyss that leads to his own downfall.

EP Title: Dead End Pt. 1
Release Date: April 23, 2021
Label: Plan B Music
Distribution: Independent

Track Listing:
1.  Reckless (4:19)
2.  Death Wish (8:00)
3.  800x (3:42)
4.  The Chase (4:41)
EP Length: 20:44

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: WarCall
• All songs written by: WarCall
• Produced by: WarCall
• Mixed by: Mat (Mathieu Simard)
• Mastered by: JC (Jean-Christophe Lachaine)
• Album Artwork by: Timur Khabirov
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP and Live Band Line Up:
Gord – Bass and Vocals
Phil – Drums
Mat – Guitars
JC – Guitars

Left to Right: Phil – Drums, Gord – Vocals / Bass, Mat – Guitar, JC – Guitar
Photo Credit / Artwork: Timur Khabirov

War has always been an intrinsic part of humanity. Whether it is huge wars involving entire countries or the small wars we all fight every day to survive, it is fair to say that war has defined humanity.

One of the definite treatises on war is Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’; a book still in print to this very day. On the use of music in war, Sun Tzu writes: “Gongs and drums, banners and flags, are means whereby the ears and eyes of the host may be focussed on one particular point.”

Now, we have WarCall, who not only use drums, but also bass, guitars, and vocals to achieve the same end with their growing army of fans.

Inspired by Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead, Dissection, and Slayer, guitarist Mathieu Simard describes WarCall’s music as “fast, aggressive, melodic, dramatic!”.

Now, with four well-received albums under their bullet-belt (Invaders (2017), III (2015), Blood, Guts, and Dirt (2013), Demonarchy (2008)), this power-quartet will unleash two new EPs in 2021, “Dead End Pt. 1” on April 23rd with “Dead End Pt. 2 expected to follow in the Fall via their own label Plan B Music.

As a whole, the two EPs are a collection of 9 songs, 9 stories about struggles during 2020 (“Dead End Pt. 1” being 4 tracks). The EPs were recorded and mixed in a post-apocalyptic setting. As with every album, “Dead End Pt. 1” and “Dead End Pt. 2” are technically more advanced in terms of songwriting and production. Of course, Warcall has evolved as musicians from each album, but they believe that their total is greater than the sum of its parts, so they play what feels right for the metal.    

The band comments:

“We have let the events of 2020 influence the process and the mood of the two EPs, while still aiming for a timeless production that will age well in time. The title and artwork represent the doom and gloom of life in the year 2020 and how the human race reacts in the face of death and uncertainty. With the impossibility to meet to even take a band picture, WarCall presents themselves as fictional post-apocalyptic warriors, a subtle comment and nod to the current events that marked the year 2020.”

Live, post covid times, WarCall will truly give it their all with total authenticity. What you hear on their recordings is what you hear on stage. Energetic, powerful, focused, and proficient performances ready to encourage the circle pit.    

WarCall has toured Europe (FR, DE, BE, CZE, SP) three times along with multiple tours across Eastern Canada. They have also been opening support for such bands as Destruction, Anvil, Paul Di’Anno, Kalmah, Catamenia, Impaled Nazarene, Arkona, Norther, Anonymus, Slaves on Dope, Martyr, Reanimator, Wolven Ancestry.

WarCall’s new EP “Dead End Pt. 1” is due out April 23rd, 2021 via Plan B Music.

Discography:
2021 – Dead End pt. 1 – EP
2017 – Invaders – LP
2015 – III – LP
2013 – Blood, Guts, and Dirt – LP
2008 – Demonarchy – LP

Shared Stage with:
Destruction, Anvil, Paul Di’Anno, Kalmah, Catamenia, Impaled Nazarene, Arkona, Norther, Anonymus, Slaves on Dope, Martyr, Reanimator, Wolven Ancestry

Tour History:
2019 – Winter Bash Festival (Montreal, QC),
2018 – Eastern Canada Tour (QC, NB, NS)
2017 – Opening Support for Anvil (Montreal, QC)
2017 – European Tour (FR, DE, BE, CZE)
2016 – Opening Support for Malignant Tumor (Quebec City, QC)
2016 – InnerFest (Jonquiere, QC)
2015 – Opening Support for Reanimator (Montreal, QC)
2015 – European Tour (FR, BE, DE)
2014 – European Tour (FR, SP, CZE)
2012 – Opening Support for Destruction (Montreal, QC)
2012 – Opening Support for Kruger (Sherbrooke and Trois Rivieres, QC)
2012 – Opening Support for Kruger (Troies, QC)
2012 – Opening Support for Salves On Dope (Montreal, QC)
2011 – Kalmah Tour (QC, ON)
2009 – Opening Support for Wolven Ancestry, Hellacaust (Toronto, ON)
2008 – Catemenia Tour (QC, ON)
2008 – Opening Support for Norther (Ottawa, ON, Chicoutimi, St-Hyacinthe, QC)
2008 – Opening Support for Impaled Nazarene (Halifax, NS, Moncton, NB)
2008 – Opening Support for Martyr (Lebel-sur-Quévillon, QC)
2008 – Opening Support for Kalmah (Montreal, QC)

0 EPK – Lycanthro – Mark of The Wolf (2021) (Alone Records)

  • February 10, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Lycanthro

EPK – Lycanthro – Mark of The Wolf (2021) (Alone Records)

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

For fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Manowar

Album Title: Mark of the Wolf
Release Date: June 4, 2021
Label: Alone Records (Greece)

Facebook.com/Lycanthrokills | Instagram.com/lycanthro_metal | Youtube

Spotify | Lycanthro.bandcamp.com

 

“Their latest single (Crucible) is a treat for any fans of power metal or good old classic heavy metal. The track features a catchy rhythm, precision drumming, and classic 80’s vocals. It’s over 7 minutes of headbang worthy heavy metal. The guitar work is a particular highlight of the track, changing pace throughout the track, keeping the listener engaged throughout.” – Metal Injection

“Mark of the Wolf is filled with mostly catchy heavy metal (good luck trying to get “In Metal We Trust” out of your head after hearing it once) that gets the listener break out the air guitar and air drums and sing along almost from beginning to end. Fans of ’80s heavy metal and modern power metal that’s not over the top should definitely find something to like on Mark of the Wolf.” -The Metal Crypt

“As a debut hard rock/heavy metal album overall, it not only showcases a variety of talent throughout its 43 minutes of captured studio time, but it also features an even number of eight powerful songs crafted with fury and determination… Mark Of The Wolf marks not only many criteriae for the consummate debut album but also marks LYCANTHRO’s own territory within the new breed. 5.0 Out Of 5.0” – KNAC.com

“with Mark of the Wolf this scribe believes Lycanthro will vault up the scene in terms of a fine debut album, a promising lift to those that love all aspects of power metal.” – Dead Rhetoric

“This is an album that bears repeating. For a band named after literal monsters, it’s uplifting and stirring. So Canadian, right? LYCANTHRO is a refreshing band; “Mark of the Wolf” is an impressive album.” – Metal Temple

“Mark of the Wolf is an album that can undoubtedly captivate its listeners over a long period of time. Even after several playthroughs, there are still details to discover that you didn’t notice before. Anyone who claims that there is no exciting talent left in the metal world these days is definitely ignorant – or deaf. Regardless of this basic thought: I wouldn’t be surprised if James – a huge Blind Guardian fan, by the way – one day creates an opulent rock opera in which he honours all his different influences. Anyone who sees him on social media knows that he is full of drive – let’s see where his path leads. Hopefully, we will see him on a European concert stage with his three new colleagues in the foreseeable future!” – Epic Metal Blog

“The Thrash / Power hybrid screams out loud and clear from the get-go, with ‘Crucible’, an absolute belter which, right from the first few bars, indicates that Vocalist James Delbridge has something of a range on him…  Interestingly, technically proficient and with an incredibly promising vocal delivery, this is clearly a band to watch.” – Ever Metal

““Enchantress” starts with solid sounds, before the machine slowly picks up speed and settles in medium tempo realms, before a longer solo part speeds things up. What should be emphasized here – as on the entire album – is the excellent work of the string wizards, above all Forest Dussault. With “In Metal We Trust” the North Americans have a real metal anthem in their luggage, which should be celebrated live according to all the rules of the art.” – Hellfire Magazin

“An authentic and truly excellent work in a new wave of traditional heavy metal, Lycanthro’s debut album Mark of the Wolf is the kind of passionate and diverse music that is surely the beginning of something great.” – Cavedweller Music

“any fan of straight up metal in the grand tradition will find plenty to howl about on “Mark of the Wolf”.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“Crucible,” starts things off slowly and with great measure. It advances forth into destruction and insanity with great aplomb. Delivering the world into a whirlpool of excess and power.” – The Median Man

“Eerie picked acoustic over strings begin the track (Crucible) with driving guitars burst through and start off a rampage of rock riffing and drums. With an uptight electric feel to the track, it’s a full on rock n roll epic complete with howling vocals and singing guitars.” – Backseat Mafia

“What’s better than spending your Saturday evening with a bunch of Canadian Heavy Metal Werewolves? I bet there’s not much that sounds more like an alpha move huh? LYCANTHRO have assembled their first full-length and it is a ripper! 8/10” – Reflections of Darkness

“Mark of the wolf” is an example of how a heavy metal album should sound. It is classic, and at the same time very inventive and fresh. Expectations fully met. Their debut can easily be classified as one of the most important events of 2021. Rating: 9/10″ – Power Metal Warrior

“All the songs on this disc have very well thought out compositions with excellent buildups from the intros to the outros. The songs are top caliber which can compete with any of today’s current metal bands” – John Ricci (Exciter)

“A harken back to the old school!” – Joe Comeau (Liege Lord, ex-Overkill, ex- Annihilator)  

“Had put on a performance that nearly upstaged the headliner” – KNAC.com

“Taking some classic influences and intertwining them into a potent, headbanging outfit. International attention and accolades aren’t far behind as these members grow” – Dead Rhetoric

“These guys write some amazing riffs, better than many with decades more experience” – Decibel Geek

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

“This album is a diverse listening experience. Even though everything in one way or another is under the umbrella of Power or Thrash metal, there is something for everyone on here in terms of melodic metal (except for screams haha). There are soaring high vocals, epic guitar solos, lots of harmonies, heavy chugging riffs, a few odd instruments, and even a breakdown or two. We firmly believe in making a diverse listening experience and this album is no different, there’s something everyone on this album!” – Lycanthro

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Mark of the Wolf
Release Date: June 4, 2021
Label: Alone Records (Greece)

Track Listing:
1. Crucible (7:17)
2. Fallen Angels Prayer (4:47)
3. Mark of The Wolf (5:02)
4. Enchantress (6:53)
5. In Metal We Trust (5:07)
6. Into Oblivion (3:24)
7. Ride the Dragon (4:03)
8. Evangelion (6:25)
Album Length: 43:02

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Lycanthro
• All songs written by: James Delbridge
• Produced by: Mike Bond/James Delbridge
• Mixed by: Jason Jaknunas
• Mastered by: Jack Kosto
• Album Artwork by: Velio Josto
• Member of SOCAN & ASCAP
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
James Delbridge – Vocals, Guitars
David Shute – Guitars
Carlo Cote – Bass
Nathan Shuman – Drums
Forrest Dussault – Guitars

Live Band Line Up:
James Delbridge – Vocals, Guitars
Forest Dussault – Guitars
Stew Everitt – Bass
Panos Andrikopoulos – Drums

Fun Facts / Story Angles:

1. This album as well as our previous EP was recorded at Wolf Lake Studios in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec. It’s a unique experience to record there as essentially, it’s a studio in a cabin in the woods. The area is very atmospheric and there’s aren’t that many outward distractions around so we can be productive and focus on the music. It’s like a camping trip mixed with the recording.

2. The album was mastered by Jack Kosto who the most well-known for being the lead guitarist in the power metal band Seven Spires.

3. We brought in a professional chamber choir for the song “Fallen Angels Prayer” on the new album

4. During November 2019, Lycanthro performed at the November Mayhem fest in St Johns Newfoundland. It was the 1st time we had played a show outside of Ontario/Quebec and it was an unforgettable experience. Getting flown in made us feel like rock stars and it was in a 350-person venue that was full! That coupled with experiencing the food, sights, and people made our show in Newfoundland an unforgettable one!

5. Lycanthro played a show during June 2019 in Toronto, ON, and on a boat! Every year our promoter friend Karina Davy of Neurotic Entertainment hosts her birthday concert called “Rock The Boat” where she’ll get three metal bands to play on the boat. It was a very unique and memorable experience but I (James) blew out my vocal chords during that show. Talk about suffering for your art!

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

The album as a whole:
The album is a diverse listening experience. Even though everything in one way or another is under the umbrella of Power or Thrash metal, there is something for everyone on here in terms of melodic metal (except for screams haha). There are soaring high vocals, epic guitar solos, lots of harmonies, heavy chugging riffs, a few odd instruments, and even a breakdown or two. We firmly believe in making a diverse listening experience and this album is no different, there’s something everyone on this album!

Track by Track explanation by James Delbridge:

1. Crucible was technically the 1st official Lycanthro song, I wrote this song back when I was in high school because we read the book “The Crucible” in English class. Also, I actually wrote the lyrics of this song while I was in English class instead of doing my school work. The story of “The Crucible” really fascinated me and I felt as though it would translate perfectly into a metal song. There are also references to other witchcraft stories such as William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” as well. In terms of the music, I was aiming for kind of a Judas Priest meets Death vibe and I think that got pulled off on this track.

2 .“Fallen Angels Prayer” – This song is the epic of the album. Lyrically it tells the story of the “Hunchback of Notre Dame” and Quasimodo’s sympathy towards the gypsy’s for being oppressed in the story, as well as his love for Esmerelda. I knew this song had to have a big and epic feel to it. I would akin this song to kind of our take on a Kamelot style song with lots of diverse instruments such as Piano, Flute, Violin, and a full-on choir! The choir we recorded live off the floor and it added the gigantic feel that we wanted out of this song.

3. Enchantress tells the tale of a man who is wandering through the woods and happens across a woman. She descends from the sky and the man instantly falls in love. He thinks he has already died and that she is an angel but in reality, she’s a demon who’s there to lead him to his death. It’s sort of a similar plotline to Triumph’s “Spellbound” video but with a much darker edge. In terms of the music, this song’s 1st half has sort of a power/groove feel to it with lots of odd chords and guitar harmonies. Then in the 2nd half, it gets a more distinctive Iron Maiden/NWOBHM feel to it with the fast chugging guitar parts. Also, this track has one of my favourite moments on the album at the very end where there’s an Yngwie Malmsteen style guitar run to close the song.

4. “Mark of the Wolf” – This song is a great straight forward headbanger that is akin to the styles of Iron Maiden and Motorhead. It also has some of the weirdest and difficult guitar passages of the whole album in the verses of the song. In terms of the lyrics, this is 1 of 2 songs on this album that is based on the videogame Skyrim. This song in particular talks about the Companions, a group of mercenaries in the game who can turn into Werewolves.

5. “In Metal We Trust” – We figured that we needed a sing-along song for a live setting that will be a crowd-pleaser so then we wrote In Metal We Trust. We wanted a song that really channeled the spirit of old school Priest style metal with catchy riffs and memorable melodies, along with a chant they everyone can sing along to.

6. “Into Oblivion” – This song is the 1st of 2 songs on this album that was written before Lycanthro was a band, Into Oblivion was actually the 1st or 2nd song I’ve ever written. It also probably the old ball song on the album with having a groove metal vibe to it along with one of the few breakdowns we have in our songs along with an Annihilator-esque guitar solo. Lyrically it has to do with zombies, but the inspiration for the lyrics came from a fungus that is known as “Zombie Fungi” as it can claim control of the host mind, but this fungus has only been seen in bugs, but it fascinated me so that’s what the lyrical basis of the song is.

7. Ride the Dragon is the 2nd of the songs that I wrote before Lycanthro was even a band. It is also the song that has gone through the most amount of changes. Lyrically this is the 2nd song about Skyrim, more specifically when the Dragonborn rides the dragon Odavigg to Sovangarde. This song has a vibe that I can only describe as Iron Maiden mixed with Triumph with some great peaks and valleys within it. As well as most of the vocals on the song being layered with is something I’ve wanted to do a long time and it turned out amazing!

8. “Evangelion” – This song is the closest thing we have to a power ballad on this album. This song was a passion song for me as it took me a year to write it! Mainly because I wrote this song bit by bit while I wrote some of the other songs. Lyrically this song is based on the anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion” which is a show that is very near and dear to my heart. As for the music, there’s a few cool synth lines in the song that gives it an epic feel as well as one of the more melodic guitar solos on the album. This song I find has some epic Dio vibes to it reminiscent of tracks from him like “Last in Line” and “Stargazer from Rainbow. From the get-go, we knew this song would be perfect to close the album on an epic and triumphant note.

L-R – Panos Andrikopoulos (Drums), Forest Dussault (Guitar), James Delbridge (Vocals/Guitar), Stew Everitt (Bass)

Lycanthro are a four-piece Power/Thrash metal band that formed in 2016 in
Ottawa, Canada. They combine power, thrash, and speed metal, along with an energetic and epic stage presence with their lyrical themes from classic horror and mythology.

Lycanthro introduced themselves to the Candian metal scene with the release of their self-titled demo followed soon after by their 2018 EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”.

Encapsulating a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound, Lycanthro continues on in 2021 with their signing to Alone Records for the release of their first full length “Mark of The Wolf”. The album was recorded at Wolf Lake Studios in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec and was mastered Seven Spires guitarist Jack Kosto. For the track “Fallen Angels Prayer”, the band brought in a professional chamber choir to add to its epicness.

The album features various lyrical content that fans will appreciate exploring through its different dimensions. Some of the tracks are homages to different stories in pop culture and media, others are meant to bring the listener on a journey through the worlds of each song, or simply meant to be marvel as epic metal we trust.

The band adds:
“We are trying to present fans with a varied and memorable listening experience. Even though everything on this album still fits under the power / thrash metal umbrella, there is something for everyone on this record. High soaring vocals, harmonized guitars, heavy chugging riffs, odd but cool instruments and even a breakdown or two, all metalheads have something they can take from this record and walk away with a positive experience.”

“Mark of The Wolf is due out spring 2021 on Greek label Alone Records.

Album Band Line Up:
James Delbridge – Vocals, Guitars
David Shute – Guitars
Carlo Cote – Bass
Nathan Shuman – Drums
Forrest Dussault – Guitars

Live Band Line Up:
James Delbridge – Vocals, Guitars
Forest Dussault – Guitars
Stew Everitt – Bass
Panos Andrikopoulos – Drums

Discography:
2021 – Mark Of The Wolf – LP (Alone Records)
2018 – Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse – EP
2017 – Demo

Shared Stage with: Hammerfall, Udo Dirkschneider (Ex- Accept), Diamond Head, Unleash The Archers, Battle Beast, Venom Inc., Razor, Anvil, Flotsam & Jetsam, Cloven Hoof, Skull Fist, Blaze Bayley (ex-Iron Maiden), Powerglove,  Striker, Exmortus, Seven Spires, Aggression, DBC (Dead Brain Cells), Elm Street, E-Force (Eric Forrest ex-Voivod), Hibria

Tour and Festivals:
2022 – Hyperspace Metal Fest- Vancouver, BC (upcoming)
2019 – November Mayhem Fest – St Johns, NL
2019 – Heavy Metal Farmfest – Vankleek Hill, ON
2017- E-Force Demonikhol Tour (opening for Eric Forrest ex Voivod)

0 EPK – Ischemic – Self-Titled (2021)

  • February 9, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Ischemic

EPK – Ischemic – Self-Titled (2021)

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

“This self-titled release is the latest full-length from Toronto’s Ischemic, following 2018’s “Stagnation & Woe”. It is the most DIY endeavor yet by the band, all production, engineering, and artwork was handled by them and close friends, resulting in this stripped-down, but unrelenting collection of songs. Crafted during lockdown, the listening experience is a trek through a haunted castle, every corner infested with isolation and creeping dread. Dungeon-crawling doom and sludge riffs are threaded together with creaking, subterranean passages of guitar ambience and noise. Charging death-metal assaults relent to spell-casts of dizzying black metal.” – Ischemic

Facebook.com/Ischemic | Instagram.com/ischemiccanada | Youtube.com/IschemicCanada

Ischemic.bandcamp.com | Spotify

For fans of Autopsy, Thorr’s Hammer, Conan, Krallice, Fuck The Facts

Album Title: Ischemic
Release Date: April 2, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Self-Release

“Toronto’s Ischemic have plenty of blood, plus sweat and tears, in their similarly volatile fusion of death, doom and black metal.” – Exclaim!

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS

1. The self-titled album was written and recorded entirely in the basement of Isabelle’s house in Scarborough. Work was often interrupted by one of her 4 cats sneaking into the recording space to wreak havoc.

2. The album cover and art direction was done by Anthony and photographer Danika Zandboer, who shot the iconic cover image for Vile Creature’s recent release “Glory, Glory! Apathy Took Helm!”. The mask featured on the cover is one of a series that were created by psychedelic artist Marcela Calderon Donefer.

3. The band name comes from Transient Ischemic Attacks, a kind of stroke. Isabelle is a nurse and heard the term often, prompting her to suggest it. The band quickly agreed, as our second choice of “Necrosis” was found to be in use by approximately 32 other metal bands at the time.

4. Ischemic’s first gig, the Headbanging for a Cure event, raised exactly $2112.00, wildly exciting all Rush fans in attendance.

5. Ischemic’s drummer also happens to be the best guitarist in the band.

========

Track by Track explanation:

At 6 minutes long, “Scabs” is our version of a single! Pure 80s death-metal filth contrasted with crushing, doomy choruses and crusty black-metal leads, with a classically face-melting solo from Adam at its center.

“Crawl out of Hell” is an ode to the Sisyphean attempts of man to escape the hell we’ve made for ourselves. The track first appeared in primitive form on our “Frigid Descent” demo but we decided that it deserved a second life with our new lineup, so it was rearranged and cleaned up with crushing new production.

“Illusion of Humanity” is a barrage of blackened sludge riffs, with an almost stoner-rock level of elastic heaviness. The song concerns the tension between the mask of modern humanity and our still-active lizard brains, the riffs maintain a rumbling buildup that eventually lashes out at itself in violent grief.

“Scattering Garden” is the epic centerpiece of the album that swings from atmospheric clarity to skull-crushing doom, with brief pearls of optimistic melody. Clocking in at 22 minutes and 22 seconds, “Scattering” brings together all the elements that make Ischemic unique, ending on an intensely triumphant crescendo.

Album Title: Ischemic
Release Date: April 2, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Scabs (6:38)
2. Crawl out of Hell (11:38)
3. Illusion of Humanity (11:03)
4. Scattering Garden (22:21)
Album Length: 51:42

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Ischemic
• All songs written & produced by: Ischemic
• Recorded by: Anthony Abbatangelo, Mrudul Kamble
• Mixed by: Mrudul Kamble
• Mastered by: Topon Das
• Album Artwork by: Anthony Abbatangelo, Danika Zandboer
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Anthony Abbatangelo – Bass
Mrudul Kamble – Drums
Adam Korchok – Guitars
Isabelle Tazbir – Vocals & Lyrics

(Left to Right) – Isabelle Tazbir – Vocals & Lyrics, Anthony Abbatangelo – Bass, Adam Korchok – Guitars, Mrudul Kamble – Drums
Photo Credit – Danika Zandboer

Ischemic formed in 2012 through the unholy power of Kijiji, where both Isabelle Tazbir (vocals/lyrics) and Adam Korchok (guitar) were searching for fellow ghouls to play some sort of doomy, monolithic death metal. They linked up and began to pull together people from their respective friend groups to play in the band. It wasn’t long before the lineup was solidified and Ischemic could begin churning out filthy, crushing metal from the void.

Ischemic works collaboratively, riff skeletons are brought to the rest of the members, then cursed with flesh. This cohesiveness has resulted in 4 recordings:  “Frigid Descent” (2013); “All Paths Lead Nowhere” (2016); “Stagnation & Woe” (2018); and “Ischemic” (2021). The earlier records resonate with filthy, hellish, death/doom sounds that give way to experimentations in melodic black metal with “Stagnation & Woe”, and a revisit to the past in the most recent album.

The experienced musicians also lend their talents to other local acts; Tazbir has done time as a vocalist in the death metal bands Saprophyte, Serene Molestation, and Blastomycosis, and is currently in Experiment Specimen. Anthony Abbatangelo (bass) plays in the drone/psych band Qarafa and occasionally records and mixes projects for local bands. Mrudul Kamble (drums) fronts the progressive/death metal act Mors Verum and is working on launching a recording studio from his new home in Waterloo, ON.

The live show (post covid times) from Ischemic is both unsettling and energetic. What little light is permitted showcases disjointed, violent movements as Tazbir lures you into their tales of woe. They have shared the stage with the likes of Volur, Greber, Woe, Beyond Creation, and Iskra.

Ischemic’s new self-titled album is due out April 2, 2021.

Discography:
2021 – Ischemic (Full-length LP)
2018 – Stagnation & Woe (Full-length LP)
2016 – All Paths Lead Nowhere (EP)
2013 – Frigid Descent (Demo)

Shared Stage with:
Volur, Greber, Woe, Beyond Creation, Usnea, Iskra, Oozing Wound, Vile Creature, Sarin

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – Briefcase Fest/Cold Summer – Toronto, ON
2018 – Suoni per il Popolo – Montreal, QC
2017 – London DeathFest – London, ON
2014 – Briefcase Fest – Toronto, ON

0 EPK – Monarch – Future Shock (2021)

  • February 8, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Monarch

EPK – Monarch – Future Shock (2021)

Album Title: Future Shock
Release Date: April 16, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

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

For fans of Slayer, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Pantera

“Future Shock hits hard on a lot of levels, there are the riffs, the solos, the speed, the heaviness, the melodies, great memorable lyrics, the dynamic range of our creativity I think was truly expressed, and yet we still managed to sound like ourselves. We all just really look forward to sharing it with everyone.” – Monarch

Monarch.band | Facebook.com/monarchthrash | Instagram.com/monarch666 | Twitter.com/riseofmonarch | YouTube

Monarchmetal.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Winners of Wacken Metal Battle USA 2019

 

“I tell you, they could give Megadeth a run for their money in the technically-superior-melodic-thrash stakes!” – Sentinel Daily

“Possibly more guitar-centric than their last album, Future Shock has that racing intensity and metal to the bone determination to win over even the most skeptical people in the underground. March up to the table and give Monarch your full support – as this is high quality thrash with diversity, musicianship, and killer songwriting at the forefront.” – Dead Rhetoric 

“No matter if thrash is the creed which you live by or you’re venturing into the frenzied scene for the first time. Monarch will appeal to all who like their heavy metal to sound…well, like heavy metal. Get the muscles warmed up, you’re going to find your neck and arms are about to get a serious workout. Cue fists in the air and heads being banged.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Future Shock is a Thrash entity bearing little flaw in delivery, it succinctly manages to pack in a band’s identity into 47 minutes of relentlessly driven Metal invoking headbanging with every single track. For anyone a fan of the genre or of anything loud and fast this album is a necessity for their library.” – Metal Temple

“I like Monarch, and ‘Future Shock’ is an excellent album, the band are obviously very serious at what they are doing, and yet also have a unique sense of fun, I mean what other band can name the likes of the cartoons Futurama, the Legend of Zelda and Dragon Ball Z, as lyrical influences, and also come up with a character ‘The Whore of the North’ as the protagonist of another song? This hard hitting, yet very melodic, with some great hooks and choruses, the riffs and solos simply fly around your ears. If you’re a fan of the likes of Havok, Warbringer at el, you could do far worse than checking out this exciting foursome. Great stuff.” – The Razor’s Edge

“If there’s a reason to stick with Monarch’s thrashy second album Future Shock, it’s the fantastic chemistry between guitarist/vocalist Matt Smith and guitarist Casey Trask. They split soloing duties down the middle, trading them off with the finesse of a Mustaine/Friedman pairing, while locking in with harmonies on songs like “Khaos Warrior.” The first song alone, “Blast The Seed,” has seven guitar solos in its five minutes, and that’s not an exception, as all ten tracks have a truckload of impressive guitar performances.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“What a journey, from games worship to outer space to political controversy to whorey warriors, from mesmerizing classical guitar to thrash metal. There are even some synthesized sounding beats thrown in for good measure. ‘Future Shock’ is a true showcase of the range of Monarch’s technical ability. This band is definitely under-appreciated at the moment. There’s too much technique and flair here for them to be flying under the radar. Monarch is perhaps too often written off as pretenders to bigger bands but they aren’t pretending. They are owning their genre.” – Uber Rock

“with Future Shock, Monarch delivers a quality album – ten strong metal tracks – that will be welcomed by fans of thrash, speed, and power.” – The Great Metal Debate

“those who are a bit tired of the usual thrash formula may find “Future Shock” a breath of fresh metal to their ears as the group tries to add some unconventional elements- whether intentional or not- to make themselves heard loud and clear. 4 / 5” – Brutalism

“You’ll find riffs a plenty on this album, so if you ever worried about not having enough memorable or headbangable guitar work you can put your mind at ease.” Cave Dweller Music

“blistering riff action, sick solos, incessant drumming, excellent production, need I go on? 4.1/5” – Deaf Sparrow

“The album deserves to find a place between “Judas Priest” “Iron Maiden” and other
Metal greats.” – Hellfire Magazin

“This album brings us the workings of an old-fashioned Thrash metal album where Matt Smith’s ragged and powerful voice fits like a glove.” – Algoderock

“there’s no shortage of melodies or classic-tinged shredding. In that same vein of musicality, the rhythm section is insanely tight. That ties everything together solidly, allowing for the vocal rasp to play around a bit more, adding a more extreme edge. Make sure to pay special attention to the bass, though. There are some incredible runs thundering through this release, occasionally taking it to the front as a strong feature instrument. While Future Shock drops neatly into the thrash bracket, it is most assuredly at the most metal end of that spectrum. Not in heaviness, but traditional idioms. If that appeals to you, get this one cranked!” – Slow Dragon Music

“Fans of old-school thrash and more recent bands will enjoy this fresh, surprising and successful opus. The compositions are brutal as you wish, heavy and ultra-fast and we never tire of the impressive technique of the four talented musicians. This group deserves to be known and have its place among the greats. The guitar solos are intense, sound like a ton of bricks, and are performed with bewildering efficiency. They must be really interesting in concert… I haven’t taken a thrashy slap like this since the release of Death Angel’s last album, Humanicide, released in 2019.” – Metal Alliance Mag 

““Go Forth… Slaughter” is a loud record that is full of twists and turns. Hopefully this release encourages Monarch to do some touring beyond Southern California, because songs like these need more ears.” – SD Metal

“A very colorful cover can also win over many fence-sitting people – and the rawer attention to detail on the production front gives us a clearer picture of what to expect live (a sinister snare snap plus in your face guitar tones duly noted). Go Forth…Slaughter executes in that late 80’s/early 90’s thrash/death platform, where people lost interest in major label veterans straying into commercial waters. Monarch makes it safe for you to trust their music: brutal, aggressive, and all for the love of the genre.” – Dead Rhetoric

“‘a super solid speed metal record.” – Metal Assault (2017 – Review – Go Forth… Slaughter)

L-R – Gabe Mendez (Bass), Adam West (Drums), Matt Smith (Vocals/Guitar), Casey Trask (Guitar)
Photo Credit: Astrid Anaya

Monarch is a heavy metal band from San Diego, consisting of Matt Smith on vocals and guitar (NIHILIST, DAMCYAN), Casey Trask on guitar (THE THREE TREMORS, CAGE), Gabe Mendez on bass (SUPRA SUMMUS), and Adam West on drums. Formed in 2007 by Casey Trask and some buddies in high school, Monarch weaved its web across San Diego, finding the best musicians to keep up with the lightning-fast rhythms, smashing drums, and screaming guitar solos, the standard was hard to keep until the right members were found. Adam West was next to join the band bringing a fearsome ferocity that few have ever seen in a drummer. His all-out style drumming and love of heavy metal was a perfect fit for Monarch’s earlier thrash metal material and has since been refined into a speed metal killing machine. Next to join would be Matt Smith, always revered by the members of Monarch as being one of the most creative and eccentric musicians in San Diego playing with local bands Damcyan and Nihilist, Adam and Casey would go to his shows and stare in awe as he would warm up and soundcheck with Yngwie Malmsteen licks. Matt joined the band around 2016, a year later the band would release their debut album “Go Forth… Slaughter” featuring raw thrash metal with a hint of what was to come, with Matt’s affinity and background in classical music, the sound was bound to evolve in the most epic way imaginable. Last to join, but certainly not least, was Gabe Mendez. The members of Monarch would always enjoy watching Gabe’s band Supra Summus perform in San Diego in which Gabe was the bass player/ lead vocalist and was certainly more than capable of the demanding rhythms of Monarch. In 2020, Monarch recruited this demon beast of a bass player and hasn’t looked back since. Monarch has shared the stage with bands such as Death Angel, Nervosa, Powerglove, Act of Defiance, and in 2019, they won the Wacken Metal Battle in the USA to guarantee a slot at the greatest heavy metal festival in the world, Wacken Open Air. Monarch will release their new album “Future Shock” in the year 2021.

Discography
2021 – “Future Shock” – LP
2017 – “Go Forth… Slaughter” – LP

Shared Stage with: Powerglove, Act Of Defiance, Nervosa, Michael Angelo Batio, Death Angel, Hatchet, Exmortus, Nihilist

Festival and Tours:
Wacken Open Air Festival 2019 (Wacken, Germany)
Winners of Wacken Metal Battle USA 2019

Artist endorsements:
XYZ Clothing, ISP Technologies, Liquid Death Mountain Spring Water

====================
BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS

1. In 2019, Monarch won a USA nationwide Wacken Metal Battle and earned a slot at one of the biggest heavy metal festivals in the world, Wacken Open Air Festival 2019 in Germany, that year featuring bands such as Slayer, Sabaton, Hammerfall, Prophets of Rage, and many many more.

2. When we went out to Germany to play Wacken, we were in our hotel room testing out our gear. It was one of Matt’s first times performing out in Europe and we all had to use converters and such for our amps and pedals. So Matt plugs something in wrong and it blows the power on the whole floor of the hotel, I don’t think we’ve ever laughed so hard.

3. Before Monarch existed, the other members (not knowing each other yet) would go watch Matt Smith perform with his bands Nihilist and Damcyan and stare in awe at his soundcheck and guitar solo wizardry, knowing not that they would one day be up there alongside him.

4. The drum tracks on “Go Forth… Slaughter” our first album were all recorded live with only Casey and Matt in the room playing guitars that they couldn’t hear, only Adam, to give the real vibe of our live intensity. No click track on the first record. The final track on that album, “Sonic Reaper” was the first and only take Adam did.

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Future Shock
Release Date: April 16, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Blast The Seed (5:16)
2. Khaos Warrior (2:51)
3. Future Shock (5:00)
4. Nuclear Warfare (4:00)
5. Shred or Die! (4:15)
6. Multiverse (3:02)
7. Fatal Vector (6:47)
8. Collision Of Bones (3:45)
9. Swarm Of The Whorenet (6:41)
10. Metal Soul (5:21)
Album Length: 47:04

Album Credits:
– All Songs Performed by: Matt Smith, Adam West, Casey Trask, Gabe Mendez, Alex Pickard
– All Songs Written by: Matt Smith, Adam West, Casey Trask, Alex Pickard
Produced, Mixed and Mastered by: Sean Tolley (Clarity Recordings)
– Album Artwork by: Marc Sasso
– ASCAP artists: Matt Smith and Casey Trask
Album Band Lineup:
Matt Smith (Vocals, Guitar)
Casey Trask (Guitar)
Gabe Mendez (Bass)
Alex Pickard (Bass – “Collision of Bones”)
Adam West (Drums)

Live Band Lineup:
Matt Smith (Vocals, Guitar)
Casey Trask (Guitar)
Gabe Mendez (Bass)
Adam West (Drums)

MONARCH – FUTURE SHOCK – Track By Track Explained:

The album as a whole:
It hits hard on a lot of levels, there are the riffs, the solos, the speed, the heaviness, the melodies, great memorable lyrics, the dynamic range of our creativity I think was truly expressed, and yet we still managed to sound like ourselves. We all just really look forward to sharing it with everyone.

Track by track:
1. “Blast the Seed” was written all together in about an hour at a practice one day, structure and everything. It was when the most recent Black Dahlia Murder album came out at the time, I think it was “Nightbringers”, and Adam (Drums) wanted to come up with something with that vibe and I think Matt started it up with the main chorus riff and it grew from there, this one has a unique vibe because it was literally a creation from all of us at the moment and is a really fun one to play live. The lyrics are about blasting seeds of life into space to save a doomed race.

2. “Khaos Warrior” is one of our favorites to play, a bunch of guitar harmonies, melodic riffs switching into brutal thrash rhythms, it’s a quick one but super exciting, the lyrics are about the Dragonball Z “Tournament of Power”. Awesome visuals in the lyrics, this one was written entirely by Matt Smith (Guitar/Vocals)

3. “Future Shock”, the title track, written by Matt Smith is based on the show Futurama, waking up, after being cryogenically frozen, into a future world, This one has one of the catchiest choruses of the album and leans more towards the brutal and thrasher side of the spectrum.

4. “Nuclear Warfare” is about just that, and really slams you with loud thrashing brutal riffs till the end, also written by Matt Smith (as an assignment for a composition course while earning his Associates of Arts in Classical Music degree).

5. “Shred Or Die!” Is our first single and music video from the album, this one has probably been in the Monarch setlist for the longest, this one really hits home nowadays lyrically about civil unrest and power-hungry people ruling over others. The music video has gotten some heat as it features some heavy footage of the riots going on in America during COVID-19 and “Black Lives Matter” protests. But on the lighter side also features skateboarding around local San Diego skate spots.

6. “Multiverse” allows us a glimpse into Matt Smith’s classical guitar playing potential, as the rhythm section backs him up with a heavy chord progression and an insane bass line. It gives the feeling of spinning through the blackness of space with no hope of return. It is also the intro track to our next song…

7. “Fatal Vector”, Another of Matt’s creations, using very disgruntled, brutal, chromatic riffs. This is a very unapologetic, unforgiving track about being on a collision course with fate, death. This one is a nonstop smasher live.

8. “Collision of Bones” was written and recorded by our former bass player (Alex Pickard), (All other tracks either feature Gabe Mendez or Matt Smith on bass guitar), about a near fatal car crash he was involved in. Probably will not be heard live anytime soon out of respect of Alex’s departure from the band. It’s a thrash metal song with a brutal half-time feel 2nd half.

9. “Swarm Of The Whorenet” Another of our more collaborative tracks, this song started off as a fictional universe we created in a saga called “The Whore Of The North”, this is the point in the story that the protagonist (The Whore Of The North) is being pursued by servants of the antagonist, in the form of Warrior Whore Hornets, featured in our cover artwork by Marc Sasso who did work for Dio, Slayer, Judas Priest, and many others. This song is an adventure, varying in rhythm and intensity but a very quirky feel that leads into one of the most exhilarating solo sections of the entire album. And war chant that will make you want to yell along with “WORLD WAR WHORE WAR-WHORING!”

10. “Metal Soul” This one, Matt came to us with this awesome bending guitar harmony (heard in the Intro and throughout the song) that reminded me (Casey) of an old school Japanese cop show or something like that and we really wanted to make something of it. It developed into one of the tracks we are most proud of. The lyrics ended up being about the Legend of Zelda “Master Sword” or the “Sword That Seals The Darkness” and turned into a thrashy/power metal trip. Featuring some of the fastest double bass on the album from Adam West and an epic buildup to a crescendo that will make you yearn for the next record.

0 EPK – Reality Grey – Beneath This Crown (2021)

  • February 2, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Reality Grey

EPK – Reality Grey – Beneath This Crown (2021)

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

Management and Booking: Extreme Management Group, Inc. emg.scotteames[@]gmail[.]com, EMG.MarkKloeppel[@]gmail[.]com

 For fans of Soilwork, As I Lay Dying, Scar Symmetry, Lamb of God, Unearth

“Beneath This Crown is in our opinion the most innovative and modern record we ever made. The creative process for each track has been very meticulous and nothing has been left to chances. It blends the melodic and experimental part of Reality Grey with the most brutal and aggressive side of the band.” – Reality Grey

Album Title: Beneath This Crown
Release Date: May 7th, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Blood Blast powered by Nuclear Blast    

Facebook.com/RealityGrey | Instagram.com/realitygrey | YouTube

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

“Melodic, aggressive and catchy, this track adds (Multidimensional Hollow) well placed synths and ambiance to an already well rounded sound, making it complex without being overcomplicated. The new album shows a marked evolution in the band’s sound, something that will intrigue current fans and entice new ones.” – Metal Injection

“Beneath this Crown, a creative step forward in their combination of NWOAHM from the early aughts, At the Gates-inspired metalcore and Scandinavian-flavoured melodic death metal.” – Decibel Magazine

“Reality Grey give off a viciousness and expertise hard to find in other bands. The instrumental expertise of each component is absolute, slighting touching tech-death side of acts like The Faceless but remaining ‘catchy’ in their complexity” – Metal Hammer

“It’s complete and total aural devastation with some seriously chunky moments, so it lives right up to what you’d expect a song called “The Void” to do.” – Metal Injection

“Reality Grey will serve the world of metal excellently both as an all round, no nonsense, metal act and as a brigde band for younger fans of heavy music” – Metalunderground.at

Album Title: Beneath This Crown
Release Date: May 7th, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Blood Blast powered by Nuclear Blast    

Track Listing:
1. Legion (Intro) (1:51)
2. Fade In Fear (4:44)
3. Kings Of Nothing (5:18)
4. Preachers Of Hatred (4:05)
5. Daybreakers (5:37)
6. Powerblast (4:09)
7. Multidimensional Hollow (4:16)
8. The Fury (4:01)
9. Dreaming (Feat. Milly Florio from End Of Skyline) (5:13)
10. Reascent (4:01)
11. Beneath This Crown (5:28)
12. Indelible Stains (3:39)
13. The Void (4:34)
Album Length: 57:03
 
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Reality Grey
• All songs written by: Reality Grey
• Produced by: Reality Grey and Simone Pietroforte at Divergent Studios
• Mixed by: Simone Pietroforte at Divergent Studios
• Mastered by: Simone Pietroforte at Divergent Studios
• Album Artwork by: Anto Addabbo

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Tommy Montenegro – Vocals
Anto Addabbo – Guitars/Clean Vocals
Alberto Pinto – Guitars
Alex Giustino – Bass
Francesco Inchingolo – Drums

Track by Track Explained:
1 – Legion: An orchestral intro with some Orwellian-like speech
2 – Fade In Fear: Fast, razorsharp riffs with a melodic chorus and light-speed guitar solos. Groovy.
3 – Kings Of Nothing: A groovy and brutal intro with crazy riffs, gives way to a “spacey” interlude with a fusion guitar solo.
4 – Preachers Of Hatred: The most brutal song of the album. Slayerish intro gives way to a groovy and jazzy pre-chorus. Insane drumming and a very heavy finale.
5 – Daybreakers: Progressive riffing in the intro, the double bass goes in unison with the guitars, vocals a-la Meshuggah, super spacey chorus with clean vocals. A nice progressive bridge takes the song to a very melodic fusion guitar solo.
6 – Powerblast: Very groovy song, guitars and drums are a monolithic wall of sound. Evil riffs in the final part. Brutal.
7 – Multidimensional Hollow: The most progressive song on the album. Very melodic and complex with light fast guitar solos and an epic finale.
8 – The Fury: Groovy and fast. It starts with a riff a la Breaking Benjamin that results in a old school hardcore chorus.
9 – Dreaming (Feat. Milly Florio of End Of Skyline): Intro Pantera style, the verse, and the chorus are completed with the amazing voice of Milly Florio from the band End Of Skyline that perfectly matches the brutality of Tommy’s voice. The dreamy final part will urge you to listen to the song again. A very experimental tune.
10 – Reascent: Progressive riffing in the intro gives way to an HC verse and chorus. Very evil bridge before the guitar solo.
11 – Beneath This Crown: The title track has different feels, super thrashy at the beginning, doomy special and crazy guitar solos.
12 – Indelible Stains: Super heavy intro guitars and drums makes a wall of sound. The lyrics on the song are some of our favourite ever.
13 – The Void: This song has a metalcore feel, clean vocals chorus and huge breakdowns.

L-R – Francesco Inchingolo (Drums), Alex Giustino (Bass), Tommaso Montenegro (Vocals), Anto Addabbo (Guitars/Clean Vocals), Alberto Pinto (Guitars)
 

Hailing from South Italy, Reality Grey stands tall in the Italian metal scene. Formed in 2004, Reality Grey began their quest to redefine melodic death metal. As a tight-knit 5 piece band, Reality Grey incorporates a modern hybrid of extreme music: melody, brutality; blending complex, yet catchy songwriting. Fearsome death growls & clean vocals give way to razor-sharp guitar riffs and fusion-oriented solos, Reality Grey set out to create something all their own.

With the release of the debut full-length album “Darkest Days Are Yet To Come” in 2006, in the heat of the melodic death metal revolution, Reality Grey managed to secure their first record deal with Razar Ice Records USA. Songs like “Reality Grey” and “Never again” racked up hundreds of thousands plays on the old MySpace allowing the band to tour, gaining popularity well beyond the Italian borders. Following up with EP “Day Zero”, Reality Grey began to push their own boundaries. Ferocious, yet melodic, with a no-holds-barred songwriting attitude. Songs like “Day Zero” and “Slavery” emerged the band’s experimental side, synths, melancholic pianos, and acoustic guitars; perfectly fused with intoxicating sonic aggression.

After years of non-stop touring alongside bands like Deicide, Unearth, Municipal Waste, Sadist, Malevolent Creation, and more, the critically acclaimed “Define Redemption” is released by Bakerteam/Scarlet Records; sending the band on their first headline tour in Japan. Reality Grey, now having been featured on worldwide publications Metal Injection, Metal Hammer UK, Metal Temple, and Metal.de, released 2018’s “The Void”. Reviewed as “a complete and total aural devastation…” that “will blow your speaker out” by Metal Injection.

Reality Grey has completed work on their upcoming full-length due out May 7th 2021 (Blood Blast Distribution powered by Nuclear Blast). Looking ahead with tours and festival appearances on their sights, Reality Grey will continue to push ambitiously, earning their place among the pantheon of heavy music.

Now, having inked a worldwide deal with Extreme Management Group (EMG), the band says “We’re thrilled to announce that we have started working with Extreme Management Group! Definitely the right place for us. Big news is coming very soon. Stay tuned!” EMG said, “We are excited to be working with Reality Grey. They have some really fantastic music. We expect big things to come from this partnership.”.

Artist Endorsements: Jackson Guitars/Fender, EMG Pickups, Mooer Audio, Enki Cases.

Shared Stage with: Deicide, Malevolent Creation, Unearth, Sick Of It All, Municipal Waste, Hatesphere, Rotting Christ, Destrage, Necrodeath, Hideous Divinity, Novembre

Discography:
2021 – Beneath This Crown LP (Self-Release/Distro Blood Blast – Nuclear Blast)
2014 – Define Redemption LP (Bakerteam/Scarlet Records)
2008 – Day Zero EP (Razar Ice Records)
2006 – Darkest Days Are Yet To Come LP (Razar Ice Records)
2004 – Reborn In Apathy Demo

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – Rock Metal Fest – Taranto, Italy
2018 – Breaking Sound Metal Fest – Brindisi, Italy
2018 – Undergrind Metal Meating II, Italy
2016 – RockCult Fest, Italy
2015 – Raw&Wild Rock Fest – Bari, Italy
2014 – “Redemption over Japan” – Headliner Japan Tour
2012 – Municipal Waste Italian tour, Italy
2012 – “Enslaving The Masses” Headliner Italian Tour
2012 – The Bad Side Festival, Gallipoli, Italy
2012 – European Headliner Tour, Fr/De/B/Holland
2012 – Apulia Metal Fest, Bari, Italy
2008 – Deicide Italian Tour, support band, Italy
2008 – Hatesphere Italian tour, support band, Italy
2008 – Total Metal Fest, Italy
2006 – Total Metal Fest, Italy

0 EPK – No Hope For The Lost – The Pilgrimage (EP) (2021)

  • January 26, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · No Hope For The Lost

EPK – No Hope For The Lost – The Pilgrimage (EP) (2021)

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

For fans of Periphery, Meshuggah, Deftones, Devin Townsend, Gojira

Album Title: The Pilgrimage
Release Date: April 9, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Facebook.com/NHFTL | Instagram.com/n0h0pef0rthel0st

Nohopeforthelost.bandcamp.com | Spotify

Single “Yu Yevon” digital pre-save here.

EP digital pre-save here

“The demonic possession vocals are back for “Jecht” with a barrage of Nu-Metalcore riffs that create a dramatic and frantic pit starter. An unexpected and sumptuous solo followed by a big breakdown sequence is an absolute pleasure.” – Metal Noise

““Yunalesca” is another super-short track, but the melodies are outstanding. There is a thick heavy synth line with clean guitars and piano notes, along with some ethereal singing. It begins to pick up, and segues into “Jecht.” The angry vocals and Djent tones are back. It chugs along with some meter shifting until the chorus, where some clean vocals come in. Here is where I might recommend some backing vocals to thicken up the sound, but the song is on fire.” – Metal Temple

“The guitar work exists in a sort of djent space without being overwhelming, knowing when to take breaks and go for it. A good example of this is part three which  acts as an interlude. The instrumentation here is actually really clever with the feeling of space being very apparent. ” – Rock Out Stand Out

“”Yu Yevon” knocks everything and everyone over like a waltz from the start. Expect a kind of mix of diverse genres such as progressive metal, metalcore mixed with soundscapes, and a predilection for video games.” – Musika

No Hope For The Lost is a project formed and led by musician and audio engineer Nathanael Bohnet. Ran out of Octave Studios in Medicine Hat, Alberta, No Hope For The Lost was formed as Deadlights originally in 2018. After releasing one EP and having Covid-19 cancel all plans for festival appearances and touring, Nathanael and bandmate/producer Re Mayer decided it was time to go back to the drawing board. Thus, starting under the new moniker No Hope For The Lost.

Combining influences of progressive metal, metalcore, and various influences from science fiction to video games, No Hope for the Lost delivers a sound that is as heavy as it is accessible. Their new upcoming EP “The Pilgrimage” is centered around the classic video game Final Fantasy X, and they have re-released their old Deadlights material as a homage to their formative days, thus continuing the pattern of being influenced by various works of fiction.

“The Pilgrimage is a structured listening experience that combines an atmosphere of high-energy melody and groove with a foundation of heavy rhythms and ferocious vocal patterns. The EP is meant to flow as one track broken into 4 movements, as we believe the best records are made to be heard that way. It draws influences from many sounds that prevailed through the 2010s, while continuously tipping a hat to the atmospheric soundscapes and vibes of the early 2000s. In a world where the fine line between djent, metalcore, and progressive metal is continuously blurred, The Pilgrimage is a sound confident on its own that refuses to fit in while still having the formulas that make interesting and catchy music. The Pilgrimage is a sound that imagines the heavy side of catchy, and the catchy side of heavy.”  – NHFTL

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS

1. The third track on the EP, and to be honest the entire concept of having things relate to themes present in Final Fantasy X, came from Re and I (Nate) talking in the studio late at night about how we wanted everything to link together. We figured out our concepts, and realized that a lot of the leg work for making everything fit was already there, we just needed one more thing. Re has been getting into a lot of experimental production, so we felt that maybe this was just what we needed to help make things link together. So Re took some random guitar part I wrote doing a scale/theory exercise and created something that really helps bring the rest of the ep together.

2. The guitars for this EP were my (Nate) first attempt at a full re-amp setup. Our friend in Raising the Ruins lent us his 5150/Mesa Rectifier setup, and we had our fun blending that with a gnarly Helix Tone with a Friedman IR.

3. One of the synth patches I (Re) used in Yu Yevon and Braska was actually created by my 3-year-old daughter Vela when she was 2. I let her mess around with the synth until something we had to save was made. It ended up actually getting used, so I actually credit her as one of the creative inputs on this EP.

4. One of the songs on this EP is actually a reprisal of an older song I (Nate) released for my solo project with Re reworking riffs and helping transform it into a better song. Another song off the EP was originally a song that myself and our former guitarist Cesar brought into a band a few years ago. Though both of us had left that project, Re had ended up joining them for a time, and we got the go-ahead to take it for ourselves and rework it into what it is now.

5. Back in 2017 when I (Nate) was trying to figure out collaborations for a solo project, I reached out to Re and we ended up working on a song called Chaotic. A year after that we ended up playing a few shows together with the original lineup when we were Deadlights and Re’s project Bring Your Own Bodies. The following day we did a live stream here in the band studio house for 2 Shadows and BYOB, and shortly after that, I reached out to Re about possibly working together on future promotional stuff as we are both aspiring audio engineers. Two years later Re has not only moved Medicine Hat, but we are finally going at what we have been talking about for the past 3 and a half years.

The EP as a whole:

This EP is a structured listening experience that combines an atmosphere of melody and groove with a foundation of heavy rhythms and ferocious vocal patterns. The album flows as one track broken into 4 movements, as I believe the best albums are made to flow as much as possible.

Track by Track explained:

1. Braska:
The opening track. It is very prog rock-esque and the softest song on the album. It is ominous and atmospheric with vocal layers sung by both Nate and Re all throughout the track. The song is the first movement of the reprised melody throughout the EP. The song builds up into the next track after kicking into distorted guitars and progressively more layered and layered vocals shrouding the song as it closes, using various noises to make an unsettling environment into the next song.

2. Yu Yevon:
Continuing the buildup of noise and voices that made up the end of the intro, Yu Yevon immediately explodes into a rhythmic groove driven by heavy guitars and bass. Soon after, Nate’s screamed vocals kick in to really drive the point home that this experience has started. After going into the first verse, we are reminded of the synth-driven atmospheres of the previous track being thrown into the rest of the song in various contexts. The choruses of this song are a key change into an upbeat and soaring movement that descends back into the heavy rhythmic territory that glues the song together. The bridge of this song is a hardcore and groove metal influenced mosh riff compilation that takes a break from the overused metalcore formula rhythms and focuses on dynamic and power chord driven anger riffs before going back into the upbeat chorus that finally ends the song. The song ends as the next track can slowly be heard fading in with the last sounds of guitar fading out.

3. Yunalesca:
Yunalesca is an interlude track inspired by my (Re)’s aspiration to one day score for movies and video games. It was originally made by looping a riff Nate created and making an atmosphere around it with my synthesizer, and various samples. I then used my vocoder to sing the first reprisal of the reprising melody in the EP. I feel this song paints a picture of the various beautiful natural and urban environments created throughout Final Fantasy X, while still maintaining the influences of the artists I was listening to at the time. The ending sequence of the song uses glitching and reverse effects to shift a change from euphoric and soaring to abysmal and uncertain as distorted and layered voices once again shroud the listener in new ways before being fully immersed in the next and final song.

4. Jecht:
Jecht immediately starts off with part of its chorus: the reprising melody of the EP. This moment defines and makes the listening experience full circle as the final song kicks in with aggressive nu metalcore and djent inspired barrage of riffs. After showing off some riffs and fast aggressive vocals, the song breaks into heavy rhythms and synths before the pre-chorus. The song kicks into a dramatic and melodic chord driven chorus focused on a massive and layered sound. Right after the first chorus, Nate and Re compete with each other with fast guitar leads and a very operatic performance before once again contrasting melody and brutality.

The song’s chorus repeats and then goes into a grand finale sequence that is more or less our ode to Canadian Prog. The song ends with heavy rhythms and an abrupt ending to give a final cliffhanger effect after everything the listener just listened to.

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Album Title: The Pilgrimage
Release Date: April 9, 2021
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Braska (1:36)
2. Yu Yevon (4:26)
3. Yunalesca (1:30)
4. Jecht (4:55)
EP Length: 12:28

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Nathanael Bohnet and Re Mayer
• All songs written by: Nathanael Bohnet (Song 3 Written by Re Mayer
• Produced by: Nathanael Bohnet and Re Mayer
• Mixed by: Nathananel Bohnet (Track 3 Mixed by Re Mayer)
• Mastered by: Nathanael Bohnet
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Re Mayer – Guitar / Backing Vocals / Synth
Nathanael Bohnet – Bass/ Lead Vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Re Mayer – Guitar/Backing Vox
Nathanael Bohnet – Vox

Discography:
2021 – The Pilgrimage EP
2020 – Deadlights EP (also known as No Hope For The Lost)

Shared Stage with:
2 Shadows, Sicks, Widows Peak, Raising The Ruins, BYOB, Revanchist, Blackest Sin

0 EPK – Cavedweller – Slow Death (single) (2021)

  • January 26, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Cavedweller · EPKs

EPK – Cavedweller – Slow Death (single) (2021)

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

For fans of Every Time I Die, Norma Jean, The Chariot, Chelsea Grin, Whitechapel, Traitors

Facebook.com/CavedwellerNB | Instagram.com/Cavedwellernb | Twitter.com/CavedwellerNB

Cavedweller506.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Youtube

“We’re just four homies from a small town that play groovy riffs, and crushing breakdowns. Come show us what you’ve got in the pit.” – Cavedweller

Release Date: February 5, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing: 1. Slow Death (2:39)

Single Credits:
• All songs performed by: Curtis Bonvie, Alex Sturgeon, Sam Brown, Brad Kenny
• All songs written by: Curtis Bonvie, Alex Sturgeon, Sam Brown, Brad Kenny
• Produced by: Tyler Chambers, Gabe Charron (video)
• Mixed by: Tyler Chambers
• Mastered by: Tyler Chambers
• Single Artwork by: Gabe Charron
• Canadian Content (MAPL): Yes

Single Band Line Up:
Cujo Bonvie – Vocals
Alex Sturgeon – Bass
Sam Brown – Drums
Brad Kenny – Guitar

Live Band Line Up:
Cujo Bonvie – Vocals
Alex Sturgeon – Bass
Sam Brown – Drums
Alex Crotty – Guitar

Discography:
2021 – Slow Death (single)
2020 – Primal – EP
2019 – Free-Sushi  – Demo

Cavedweller is four homies from the small town of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada that play groovy riffs, and crushing breakdowns.

Cavedweller is Cujo Bonvie (vocals), Alex Sturgeon (bass), Sam Brown (drums), and Brad Kenny (guitar), four guys who have known each other from the local scene for years. Brown and Sturgeon used to play together in local act Blueprints, and Bonvie was a regular attendee to local shows, and played in a number of local bands, including Dumpster Mummy, Panda Bee Catastrophe, and The Mind Unleashed. Once the four of them started jamming, the chemistry was evident and the rest is history.

In 2019, the band recorded their demo “Free-Sushi” which was followed up in 2020 with the EP “Primal”. The EP was mixed and mastered themselves; guitars were recorded in Sturges room, drums at a friend’s place, and mastered at Kenny’s place. During the recording process at Sturges, a lightsaber battle broke out between Sturge and Kenny to determine whose masters would be the ones released. It was a long and intense battle, but Kenny was ultimately the victor.

There is a wide range of influences coursing through the blood of the band including hardcore, punk, deathcore, and a little bit of prog-metal, and the final result is best suited for fans of Chelsea Grin, Whitechapel, and Traitors.

Cavedweller has played with several bands in their short history and expects to have a full length out by the end of 2021.

Don’t be shy, come show us what you’ve got in the pit!

0 EPK – Diner Drugs – As Is (2019)

  • January 22, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Diner Drugs · EPKs

EPK – Diner Drugs – As Is (2019)

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

Management / Booking: Manager, Kate Butler, She Said Feck Records – shesaidfeckrecords[@]gmail.com

Album Title: As Is
Release Date: September 13, 2019
Label: Self-Release

For fans Red Fang, Cancer Bats, Alexisonfire, The Bronx, Heart Attack Kids

SheSaidFeckRecords.com/diner-drugs-epk | Facebook.com/DinerDrugs | Twitter.com/DinerDrugs | Youtube | Instagram.com/DinerDrugs

DinerDrugs.Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon| Spotify 

“Jack Of All Trades” uses clever drum timing between guitar riffs which assaults the senses in different ways and rattles your eardrums like an off-balanced washing machine. The skate punk style writing of this track will have you wondering if NOFX and Suicidal Tendencies had a baby.” – Sarah Hellingwerf, The East 

“Diner Drugs is one of those “f&*k all” bands that play heavy, fast and dirty rock.” – Jamie Robash, Divide and Conquer Music 

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: As Is
Release Date: September 13, 2019
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Under Fire (4:18)
2. Need Time (3:57)
3. Gump Truck (3:58)
4. Jack of All Trades (3:08)
5. Medicine (2:37)
6. Rotten Eggs (4:46)
7. Back on the Blues (2:36)
8. Cell Maid (4:43)
Album Length: 30:17

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Diner Drugs
• All songs written by: Diner Drugs
• Produced by: Kyle McDonald
• Mixed by: Kyle McDonald
• Mastered by: Kyle McDonald
• Album Artwork by: Brock Jorgensen
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content – MAPL

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Jackson Landry – Guitar/Vocals
Chris Lee – Bass/Vocals
Jordan Fournier – Guitar/Vocals
Jesse Briggs – Drums

 L-R: Jackson Landy (Guitar/Vocals) | Jesse Briggs (Drums) l Chris Lee (Bass/Vocals) l Jordan Fournier (Guitar/Vocals)

Photo Credit – Brock Jorgensen

Diner Drugs is a four-piece stoner metal punk crew, born out of a desire to defeat the boredom of east coast living. Diner Drugs is fast, loud and is always keen to turn up the heat with catchy choruses and deep vocal harmonies while sticking to their deep stoner metal roots.

They’ve developed a reputation for their live performances, keeping themselves steadily on the road, and are now certified road dogs lending east coast support for Cancer Bats and Dead Quiet along with Maritime, Ontario and Quebec support several times over for Heart Attack Kids and local support for heavy hitters Mokomakai and Red Fang.

With two albums under their belts As Is (2019) recorded by Kyle MacDonald of Zaum and their self-titled EP (2017) they have gained immense support and several accolades from their peers and were recipients of the MNB Loud Artist of the Year Award in 2018 and were nominated for MNB Video of the Year Award in 2019.

Since 2009 members of Diner Drugs have been foundations of the Moncton metal scene as former members of Bong Jovi, The Human Comedy, and Savage Young. Diner Drugs as always have no signs of slowing down and already planning for their next record in 2021.

*Their upcoming spring tour with Woodhawk and spring shows in Newfoundland was subsequently canceled due to Covid 19 but with hopes to reschedule for later in 2020/21.

Artist Endorsements:
PENSION Clothing Company

Discography:
2019, As Is (LP)
2017, Self Titled (EP)

Shared Stage with:
Cancer Bats, Mokomakai, Red Fang, Dead Quiet, Heart Attack Kids, Iron Giant, Zaum, Hard Charger Motherhood

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – Cancer Bats East Coast Tour w Dead Quiet
2019 – Mud City Meltdown Festival w Red Fang – Moncton, NB
2019 – Heart Attack Kids East Coast/ON/QC Tour
2018 – Heart Attack Kids East Coast Tour
2018 – She Said Feck Records East Coast Tour
2017 – Mokomaki – East Coast Support

Page 51 of 72
  • 1
  • …
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • …
  • 72

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,176 other subscribers

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Bandcamp
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • ashermediarelations.com
      • Join 655 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • ashermediarelations.com
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...