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Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Alexander – I (2020)

  • October 29, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Alexander · EPKs

EPK – Alexander – I (2020)

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

For Fans of Sunn O))), Boris, Merzbow, Caspar Brötzmann Massaker, Burial Chamber Trio, Lustmord, Neurosis

Alexanderseye.com | Alexanderseye.bandcamp.com (100 copies on 12” LP available) | Facebook.com/alexanderfuneraldrone

“While other bands of the same style, Sunn O))) for instance, mostly aim for the slow and, as the name of the genre suggests, droning tones. Alexander however, implements other sounds into the music, unnerving sounds of laughs and the like. “Runes” gives the impression, and has the atmosphere, of a ghost town. Faint sounds of what used to be.” – Metal Injection

“This is extremely well made material… for those who “get” this music I suspect this one will be regarded as quite the unexpected gem.” – House of Prog

L-R – Kyle Alexander McDonald (Voices, Bass, Sub Synth) and Jörg Alexander Schneider (Drums, Percussion)

Comprised of Kyle Alexander McDonald (Voices, Bass, Sub Synth, and FX) of Canadian mantra doom band ZAUM and Jörg Alexander Schneider (Drums, Percussion) of German free jazz band Jealousy Mountain Duo, the funeral drone twosome known as Alexander released their debut album “I” on October 31, 2020 via Superbob Records.

“I” is a two-track monolithic funeral drone experience that is a dark and intangible descent into madness that echoes with reverberation plus drawn-out riffs and comes from the duo’s shared appreciation of experimentation and true artistic expression within music and sound.

“Fans of our other musical endeavours should find this fits quite almost as expected in a sense. No lyrics, writing is channeled directly from the fringe of the universe. Reconsider the reality of your existence, in the present moment. Allow yourself to have your perspective altered!”

Just now commencing their audiological voyage, Alexander suggests that several more experimental funeral drone albums will follow. Alexander is recommended for fans of Sunn O))), Boris, and Merzbow.

“I” is available via Superbob Records on 12” LP.

Album order in Germany/Europe – https://schneidercollaboration.bandcamp.com/album/alexander

Album order in Canada/USA  – http://alexanderseye.bandcamp.com

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

BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS

1. Think the soundscapes in purgatory.
2. All drums recorded in Huckelhoven, Germany, and all other instrumentation and sounds recorded, mixed, and mastered in Moncton, NB, Canada.  2 more albums in the works currently.
3. Kyle’s Mantra Doom band ZAUM and Jorg’s Experimental Noise band Jealousy Mountain Duo toured 16 shows across each province in beautiful (mainland) Canada and back in 2017.
4.  Both members’ first instrument was drums.
5.  Both members own and operate a recording studio on their respective continents.
6.  Both members have toured over 250 tour dates on each other’s continent in previous bands.
7.  Both members happen to have the same given name ALEXANDER.
8.  Both members happen to be as die-hard fans of hockey as they are music!

Album Title: I
Release Date: October 31, 2020
Label: Superbob Records

Track Listing:
1. Astral Descent (15:14)
2. Runes (19:23)
Album Length: 34:38

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Kyle Alexander McDonald and Jörg Alexander Schneider
• All songs written by: Kyle Alexander McDonald and Jörg Alexander Schneider
• Produced by: ALEXANDER
• Mixed by: Kyle Alexander McDonald
• Mastered by: Kyle Alexander McDonald
• Album Artwork by: Simon Heath
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Kyle Alexander (Voices, Bass, Sub Synth)
Jörg Alexander (Drums, Percussion).

Discography:
2020 – I

0 EPK – Within Nostalgia – Void & Decay (2020)

  • October 21, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Within Nostalgia

EPK – Within Nostalgia – Void & Decay (2020)

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

For fans of Woods Of Ypres, Agalloch, My Dying Bride, Nachtmystium, Enslaved

Album Title: Void & Decay
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Label: Independent
Distribution: DistroKid

Facebook.com/withinnostalgia | Instagram.com/withinnostalgiaofficial

Bandcamp, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music

““Desideratum” encompasses a variety of both moods and musical styles. Its rhythmic propulsion is viscerally compelling and its hook-laden melodies are both evocative and memorable.” – No Clean Singing

“Within the first few seconds, the band’s sound really comes together.  The melodic leads accent the clean vocals while the drums and bass help the Blackened vocals go for the throat.” – Metal Temple

“The  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being   a self-released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  the  beauty  of  nature  and  dark  emotion  themes.” – Occult Black Metal Zine

“Musically it is catchy and warm but elements of black metal flowing through it give it a dark edge.” – Loud Enough? Magazine

Album Title: Void & Decay
Release Date: December 18, 2020
Label: Independent
Distribution: DistroKid

Track Listing:
1. City of Nameless Faces (5:25)
2. Beneath Unworthy Presence (5:55)
3. BlackLight (6:51)
4. Higher Than My Fears (7:31)
5. Desideratum (6:09)
Album Length: 31:53  

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Alyssa Broere/ Kye Bell
• All songs written by: Alyssa Broere/ Kye Bell
• Produced by: Within Nostalgia/ Dave Strba of Chainsaw Media
• Mixed by: Dave Strba
• Mastered by: Dave Strba
• Album Artwork by: Darina Muravjeva

Album Band Line Up:
Alyssa Broere – Rhythm Guitar/ Bass/ Vocals/ Drum Programming
Kye Bell – Lead Guitar/ Bass/ Drum Programming

Live Band Line Up:
Alyssa Broere/ Kye Bell

L-R: Within Nostalgia Line Up – Kye Bell (Lead Guitar/ Bass), Alyssa Broere (Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Vocals)

Photo Credit – Isaac Paul Images

About:

Within Nostalgia’s beginnings go back to 2013, when multi-instrumentalist (drums, bass, guitar, and vocals) Alyssa Broere created a one-woman project inspired by the beauty of nature and dark emotion. Choosing to relocate to North Bay, ON soon after, Within Nostalgia would grow from a solo reckoning to a full-on trio with the addition of James Ahola (bass and backing vocals) and Kye Bell (drums) for the release of the 2016 debut EP entitled “Visions”.

Two years after the debut, the band was joined by Chad Hemmings on lead guitar for a fuller sound and the release of their first full length “Internal Momentum Of Fate”. Following a brief lineup change with the departure of Chad Hemmings, Kye Bell exchanged his drum sticks for a guitar along with Liam Ahola taking over drums and bassist Sara Vi joining for the band’s 2019 album “Conjuring A New Reality”.

Fast forward to the present, 2020, and Within Nostalgia has downsized to a duo comprised of Alyssa Broere (Rhythm Guitar/ Bass/ Vocals/ Drum Programming)   and Kye Bell (Lead Guitar/ Bass/ Drum Programming) sharing creative duties to unleash the next chapter of the band’s extreme music with the album “Void & Decay”.

Fans of the band will notice the sound has morphed over the years and on this new release, the songwriting is more dynamic with plenty of experimentation added.

The band comments:

“We think that ‘Void and Decay’ will be received with curiosity and hopefully with an open mind. Our music, especially this album, has an immense range of genres within it. With this album being a two-piece collaboration, it brings on a different dynamic and feel. The listening experience of ‘Void & Decay’ reflects a personal and unique journey. We hope that listeners can relate to the music and lyrics in a meaningful way and be able to gain their own perspective from it.”

“Void & Decay” will be due out on December 18th, 2020 on all digital platforms.

Past Music Videos:
2019 – Death Lifes’ Lover – YouTube
2019 – Art of Deceit – YouTube

Discography:
2020 – Void & Decay (LP)
2019 – Conjuring A New Reality (LP)
2018 –  Internal Momentum Of Fate (LP)
2016 – Visions (EP) (demo)

Shared Stage with:
Chrome Waves, Hexenklad, Astaroth Incarnate, Neck of the Woods, First Fragment

0 EPK – Ricky Butcher (from Sons of Butcher cartoon series) – Fuck: The Album (2020)

  • October 20, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Ricky Butcher (from Sons of Butcher cartoon series)

EPK – Ricky Butcher (from Sons of Butcher cartoon series) – Fuck: The Album (2020)

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

For fans of Sons of Butcher, Tenacious D, Steel Panther, Dethklok, Spinal Tap, Psychostick

Release Date: November 27th, 2020
Label: Infamous Butcher Records
Distribution: IDLA

Fuckthe2020.com | Facebook.com/ricky.butcher.526 | Twitter @rickencebutcher | Instagram @rickybutcher2020

RickyButcher.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

Release Date: November 27th, 2020
Label: Infamous Butcher Records
Distribution: IDLA    

Track Listing:
1. Big Fuckin’ Welcome (0:37)
2. Play Fuck The Shit (0:41)
3. Fuck The Shit 2020 (1:09)
4. Fuck The Album (0:56)
5. Wake Up and Smell The Fuck (0:09)
6. Song of 1000 Fucks (1:59)
7. Holy Fucking Fuck (1:25)
8. One, Two, Fuck You (0:07)
9. Fuck Your Mom (1:10)
10. Bitch, Are You Fuckin’ fo’ Real? (0:07)
11. Doug’s Got A Fuck Song (0:18)
12. Fuck The Dollarstore (0:33)
13. Fuckjective (1:14)
14. Home Fuckin’ Stretch (0:11)
15. Sweet Fuckin’ Solo (0:46)
16. Calm The Fuck Down (1:27)
17. Fuck You (0:41)
18. Trying To Fuck Off (3:49)
19. Fuck Off (1:20)
20. The Fuckin’ End (0:04)
Album Length: 18:52

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Ricky Butcher – Vocals, Guitar
Doug Borski – Vocals, Bass
Sausage Ralph – Drums
Colin Van Ham Steak – Guitar

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Ricky Butcher
• All songs written by: Ricky Butcher
• Produced by: Ricky Butcher
• Mixed by: Bill Hendersen
• Mastered by: Bill Hendersen
• Album Artwork credit: Brian Hoang
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Promo Photo Credit: Renee Trotier

Hamilton, Ontario’s Ricky Butcher had a philosophy in mind when he wrote his debut solo record: Fuck the production, fuck the mix, fuck the process, fuck the prudes, and especially fuck the album. Oh, and fuck 2020 too while we’re at it! His idea for Fuck: The Album was simple – write and record a hard rockin’ comedy homage to the most popular and versatile curse word of our time while there was still government lockdown money to be handed out. With the help of his bandmates Doug Borski (bass), Sausage Ralph (drums) and Colin Van Hamsteak (lead guitar), the self-proclaimed “Rock God” Ricky Butcher leads the listener through a nineteen-minute listening experience filled with silly, cathartic and self-aware fuck songs.

Ricky Butcher is best known as the lead vocalist/guitarist for Sons Of Butcher, a rock-band-turned-cartoon-series that debuted on Canadian national television in 2005. As the Legend goes, music was starting to suck and the chicks were drying up when a thunderous clap of lightning struck the Earth. Just then Ricky Butcher appeared, naked and cold, with a guitar in one hand and a boob in the other. He immediately wrote the Sons Of Butcher hit song “Fuck The Shit”, garnering airplay on The Howard Stern Show and winning an award for “Comedy Song Of The Year” from The Red Peters Comedy Music Hour. Now that he’s had two animated seasons, a live-action tour special, and six studio albums under his belt with Sons Of Butcher, Ricky has decided to stretch his Gibson Firebird wings and take to the skies for his very first solo album.

Fuck: The Album will be released on all digital platforms on November 27, 2020 via Infamous Butcher Records. The first single “Song Of 1000 Fucks” is due out on October 23, 2020. For pre-sale links and information, check out Fuckthe2020.com.

0 EPK – Cell Press – Self-Titled (EP) (2020) (Ancient Temple Recordings) (No Funeral Records)

  • October 11, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Cell Press · EPKs

EPK – Cell Press – Self-Titled (EP) (2020) (Ancient Temple Recordings) (No Funeral Records)

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

“This EP sorta sums up what we’re about at this particular moment. Genre people might not be satisfied with our lack of adherence to any one sound for too long but we didn’t make these songs for those sorts of people. This might not be metal enough or noise rock enough or sludge enough or whatever, but we’re the kinda guys who get bored real fast, so there’s some channel surfing going on here. That said, we wrapped up all these ideas with burlap and tied it with razor wire. Hopefully, fans of ugly music will appreciate what we’ve done here as an introduction to the band and anticipate whatever else is coming down the pipe from us. We worked pretty hard to make sure this met our personal standards… and we’re really jazzed about how it all turned out thanks to the talents of our friends in the audio dept. This EP sounds crazy.” – Cell Press

EP Title: Self-Titled
Release Date: November 27, 2020
Label: Ancient Temple Recordings, No Funeral Records, Self-Released
Distribution: Distro Kid

For fans of KEN mode, Unsane, Mastodon, Keelhaul

Cellpress.bandcamp.com | Facebook.com/cellpressmtl | Instagram.com/celllpresss | Spotify

No Funeral Records | Ancient Temple Recordings

Canadian College Radio Loud Charts:
#1 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 (Earshot)
#3 – January 2021 – Top 20 Loud – National Loud Chart (Earshot)
#6 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 (Earshot)
#1 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 19, 2021 (Earshot)
#1 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 (Earshot)
#5 – December 2020 – Top 20 Loud – National Loud Chart (Earshot)
#2 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 (Earshot)
#3 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, December 8, 2020 (Earshot)
#10 – National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 (Earshot)

“From the grooves on “Piss Police” to the odd-timed melodic chords of “Blacked Out in Verdun,” everything moves in unexpected ways. All of this is perfectly set to the backdrop of PQ’s uniquely cackled screams… Cell Press is a great sludge metal EP that reminds the listener of the best aspects of this sub-genre. This EP makes the future appear bright for what is to come from this band. 8/10″ – Exclaim!

“You know that feeling, when you spin a new record for the first time and it just fucking destroys you? Well today I am happy to report, Cell Press outta Montreal have truly delivered the goods with their debut self titled EP.  I mean fuck, is it any wonder this band rules, when they can boast members from the likes of The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, Architect. With their self-titled release, Cell Press give zero fucks about accessibility, instead they focus on delivering punishing aggression with a melting pot of sludge metal, noise rock, and grindcore.” – The Sludgelord

“a perfect showcase of their unique sound and style and leaves you wanting to hear more from the band. Their total disregard for the limitations of genres and boundaries results in the EP blending noise, grindcore, sludge, punk, groove and dark ambient among other influences. They perfectly blend raw aggression with groove and melody and aren’t afraid to shift gears to play with ambience and noise.” – Cave Dweller Music

“Warm fuzzy guitar tones bring a touch of the Sabbath to “Piss Police” with broken chords and momentary pauses giving the kind of sound that Raging Speedhorn look for to accompany the rampant venting screams of the vocals that unapologetically roar along during the montage.” – Metal Noise

“Cell Press’s debut self titled EP is definitely an interesting listen. I didn’t expect it to take me on the journey which it did. An aggressive sound runs throughout showing that this band don’t play by the rules, they’re making music the way they want to.” – The Independent Voice

“Noisy and enjoyable, I give this Cell Press effort high marks. I am a Punk fan from the beginning, and I hear those roots here, certainly in the attitude, even if the category is technically off. The disenfranchisement is very appealing. Recommended.” – Flying Fiddle Sticks

“Each of the five songs stands for itself, and as nightmarish they are, it is a lot of fun listening to them. There are two tracks on the EP that need special mentioning. First, there is ‘Desert Breath’ which the band called an inverted ‘Immigrant Song’ and features a line from Woodie Guthrie at the end. And then there is the eleven-minute long track ‘My Son will No [sic] the Truth’ at the very end of the tape. This one is the result of drummer Mark playing a long-ass solo while being stoned. The other band members added layer by layer to this recording, and while doing that they only listened to the layer previously recorded. The result is a weirdly awesome jam… Cell Press’ debut is a noisy, sludgy work of nihilism and musicked claustrophobia. This release is punk as fuck.” – MangoWave

 

STORY ANGLES/FUN FACTS:

1. “My Son Will No The Truth” began with drummer Mark getting suuuuuper high at the end of the first night of tracking and ripping an 11-minute solo. The next day the band added layers with a kind of rule in play: whoever was tracking could ONLY listen to whatever was tracked last. So each layer was a sort of reaction to the prior layer only. The studio is located next to some train tracks… the train sound at the beginning was captured serendipitously at some point during the 2nd day.

2. All of the song titles were the original “working titles” that Cell Press applied during demo stages. When the band asked vocalist PQ what he wanted to call the songs, the original working titles were to stay. Each one is a kind of inside joke that was going around in the jam room on the day the band demoed the song.

3. There’s one very small guitar riff that occurs in “Blacked Out In Verdun” that guitarist Sean initially played as a joke. It never failed to crack up the band so they kept it. It only happens one time… They wonder if anyone else could pick it out.

Lineup (L to R): Sean Arsenian (Guitar, Vox), Joey Cormier (Bass), Mark McGee (Drums), PQ (Vox)

Cell Press are a Montreal-based band that formed in 2019. They play a sort of burly noise-rock that leans more on the hardcore and metal side of the swamp. They took their name from the 2001 Russian prison documentary “The Mark Of Cain”. The brutal humanity of that film is reflected in the music… on the surface, it’s raw and punishing but there are complexities and nuances revealed once the surface noise has been embraced. Members have played in a myriad of punk, metal, and hardcore bands such as The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, The Chariot, Animal Ethics, Architect, Swarm Of Spheres, and Angles. Their self-titled EP is the first offering of tunes. Recorded pre-quarantine in Hamilton at Boxcar Sound Recording

(Sean Pearson), mixed in Oakland at Anti-sleep studios by Scott Evans with the pandemic in full swing… 2 local shows have been logged but any further plans to gig have been halted by Covid-19.

Discography:
2020 – Self Titled – EP

The EP as a whole explained by the band:
We are not really trying to find “The Formula”. That’s boring to us. We all have plenty of ideas that we want to explore, and it just so happens that this combination of people is going to communicate those ideas in a very aggressive fashion. Some of it isn’t even really musical at all (“My Son Will No The Truth”). But this EP has bundled together 5 pieces that each stands on their own and don’t sound like each other.

Track by track explained by the band:
1 – Piss Police – We bookended this track with one riff which we play in different ways, as an intro and outro. The middle section was something guitarist Sean Arsenian had demoed at home for a different project. It found a better home with Cell Press. The bridge is a much noisier take on a Jesus Lizard type of riff.

2 – Desert Breath – This is sort of an inverted “Immigrant Song” type of riff, on steroids. The Refrain at the end is hijacked from a Woody Guthrie song.

3 – Blacked Out In Verdun – This song is sort of like a mish-mash of helmet and Keelhaul. The main riff has this elastic tempo thing towards the end of its phrasing that can be hard to achieve together, but its the most rewarding aspect of the song to guitarist Sean Arsenian.

4. Dead At OACI – This was the first song the band wrote together.

5. My Son Will No The Truth – Some folks don’t appreciate the “Filler” type of noise piece that some bands will have, but this track is as important to them as any of the other. They’ll never play it live (impossible to replicate), but they think it’s a really cool piece.

EP Title: Self-Titled
Release Date: November 27, 2020
Label: Ancient Temple Recordings, No Funeral Records, Self-Released
Distribution: Distro Kid

Track Listing:
1. Piss Police (3:35)
2. Desert Breath (2:52)
3. Blacked Out In Verdun (2:37)
4. Dead At OACI (3:31)
5. My Son Will No The Truth 11:40
EP Length: 24:18

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Cell Press
• All songs written by: Cell Press
• Produced by: Sean Pearson (Cursed, Shallow ND, Fiftywatthead)
• Mixed by: Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City, Town Portal, Great Falls)
• Mastered by: Carl Saff (Ken Mode, Blacklisters, Fu Manchu, Childbite)
• EP Artwork by: Wurmzilla
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP/Live Band Line Up:
PQ (Vox)
Sean Arsenian (Guitar, Vox)
Joey Cormier (Bass)
Mark McGee (Drums)

0 EPK – Sinful Ways – Burst Into Flames (single) (2020)

  • October 9, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Sinful Ways

EPK – Sinful Ways – Burst Into Flames (single) (2020)

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

For fans of Trivium, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Parkway Drive, Avenged Sevenfold

Single Title: Burst Into Flames
Release Date: October 23, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid    

Facebook.com/SinfulWaysBAND | Instagram.com/_sinfulways | YouTube

Spotify | Apple Music

“The guitar work is very well done, the riffs compliment the drums perfectly, the transitions are very well done. The bridge/breakdown fits perfectly, it sounds like they used a light octaver on the guitars to give them an extra punch there and it worked amazingly. The guitar solo afterwards was well executed.” – The Ottawa Sound

“Sinful Ways practice a very aggressive and fast thrash sound in the Machine Head and Lamb of God line, crossing growls with clean voices. It is the type of band that easily captivates: professional musicians, excellent notions of composition, modern contagious sound and a clear desire to win. Uncompromised, but still serious, these Canadians will please fans of elite and quality metal” – Metal Hammer Portugal

“With a kickass attitude, drive and awesome production this band is destined for greatness” – Henric Liljesand (The Unguided, Night Crowned)

“Burst into flames brings the pain. The song is very well written and structured by blending modern and old school metalcore aspects” – Michael Labelle (A skylit drive, horcrux)

[Download Single Artwork | Download Single Lyrics]

Single Title: Burst Into Flames
Release Date: October 23, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid    

Track Listing:
1. Burst Into Flames (4:47)

Single Credits:
• All songs performed by: Sinful Ways
• All songs written by: Sinful Ways
• Produced by: Sinful Ways
• Mixed by: Dark Moon Productions
• Mastered by: Dark Moon Productions
• Album Artwork by: Nik Paquin
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

L-R: Brad Lake (Bass, Vocals) | Dave Matlak (Drums, Backing Vocals ) | Georgio Karapanos (Guitar)| Andres Chavez (Lead Guitar, Vocals)
Photo Credit: Jessy Dwyer, Beyond the Pit

Sinful Ways is Canadian heavy metal that embraces the roots of the genre while also exploring thrash, groove, and metalcore.

The band began when Andres Pierce (guitar/vocals) and Brad Lake (guitar/vocals) were in high school. They went through many different name changes and tried out different drummers and singers for a long time before the Sinful Ways we know today was formed with the addition of Georgio Karapanos (guitar) and Dave Matlak (drums/backing vocals). 

The first EP “To Hell Tonight” was launched in 2019 and the band cemented their heavy melodic metal with substance. Sinful Ways channel energy and enthusiasm both on their recordings and live. They are an engaging band that will play each show as if it were their last compared to other bands that don’t have the attitude or energy of a true metal band.

In 2020, Sinful Ways began releasing singles to capture the attention of listeners, starting with “No Escape” and “Burst Into Flames” with more in the works including another EP.

Band Line Up:
Brad Lake – Guitar/Vocals
Andres Pierce – Guitar/Vocals
Georgio Karapanos – Guitar
Dave Matlak –Drums/Backing Vocals  

Discography:
2020 –  Burst Into Flames – Single
2020 – No Escape – Single – YouTube
2019 – To Hell Tonight – EP  

Shared Stage with:
A Pale Horse Named Death, Maplerun, Stormy Atmosphere, As the Structure Fails, The Northern, Fractures & Outlines

Artist Endorsements:
Dirtbag Clothing, WB Gear

0 EPK – Abandoned Souls – Blinding Darkness (single)

  • October 8, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Abandoned Souls · EPKs

EPK – Abandoned Souls – Blinding Darkness (single)

“Abandoned Souls are back! A song that would stand up and stand out for its heavy, precise riffs, supersized presence, and assaulting ambience, today the group is debuting their brand new single, “Blinding Darkness.”” – V13.net

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

Single Title: Blinding Darkness
Release Date: October 9, 2020
Label: Fiend Records
Distribution: CD Baby  

For fans of Godsmack, Alice In Chains, Alter Bridge, Shinedown, Three Days Grace

AbandonedSouls.com | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

 iTunes | CD Baby | Amazon | Google Music Store

“A kick-ass band, with only five tracks they give you the power all great bands do from the start ’till the end.” – The Metal Mag

“I loved the pace of the EP and the musical ride from pounding opening notes of “Prove It” to the last soulful note of “So through”. There’s nothing better than finding new music to like and I will definitely be checking out more of Abandoned Souls.” – Decibel Geek

“..this EP does not disappoint! Here we have five songs that strike with urgency, thoughtful lyrics, insightful messaging, and almost prophetic timeliness.” – Patchchord News

“There is no downside to a single second of Abandoned Souls ‘Make It Last‘ EP.” – Riff Relevant

“Make It Last is an album rife with replay value.” – Get Exposed Music

Single Title: Blinding Darkness
Release Date: October 9, 2020
Label: Fiend Records
Distribution: CD Baby

Single Credits:
• Performed by: Abandoned Souls
• Written by: Abandoned Souls
• Produced by: James Todd
• Mixed by: James Todd
• Mastered by: James Todd
• Cover Artwork by: Reagan Thorne
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
James Todd – Vocals
Derek De Kort – Guitar
Tom Dobrentey – Drums
Reagan Thorne – Bass

L-R: Derek De Kort (Guitar) | James Todd (Vocals) | Tom Dobrentey (Drums) | Reagan Thorne (Bass) 

Canada’s Abandoned Souls will be releasing their new single “Blinding Darkness” on October 9, 2020 with a video soon to follow.

With the release of “Blinding Darkness”, the band is excited to share with fans their blend of powerful and personal music inspired by life experiences. For the year 2020, it’s absolutely the right song at the right time. The lyrics for this song were written shortly after James Todd’s mother passed away, and he channeled his thoughts during that dark time into the music. He explains the meaning of the song in his own words:

“The song is about facing the reality of death or dark times and dealing with it. It’s also learning to maneuver through the darkness and finding a way to be more comfortable within that space. To realize that you need to face it head-on sometimes and learn how to live and prosper from the experience of getting through these times.”

As the cliché goes, “there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.”, Abandoned Souls shows strength and pushes through, finding that light and marching towards it. Given the current state of the world, this encouragement to overcome obstacles is pertinent as ever.

Abandoned Souls have amassed a respectable discography since 2006 including four full-length albums and an EP. As their name partly implies, they write hard-hitting aggressive music that has melody. Consistently writing tunes with heavy replay value, sharing the stage with many well-known bands, and appearing at several festivals, Abandoned Souls knows how to write classic heavy songs that will linger in the minds of listeners. 

Recommended for fans of hard rock including Alter Bridge, Godsmack, Three Days Grace; “Blinding Darkness” is available on October 9, 2020.

The single can be heard HERE.

Discography:
2020 – Blinding Darkness – Single
2017 – Make It Last – EP
2016 – Fire – Single
2014 – Insightful Minds At Ease – Album
2014 – Leave It Behind – Single
2012 – Damned If You Don’t – Album
2008 – Some Never Will – Album
2006 – Circle Of Shadows – Album

Shared Stage with:
King’s X, Skid Row, Lee Aaron, Lynch Mob, Red Dragon Cartel, Thornley, Default, Harem Scarem, and hundreds of great independent bands over the years.

Tours and Festivals:
2013 – Indiefest – Sarnia, ON
2012 – 102.1 The Edge, New Music Night – Toronto, ON
2012 – Summerfest – Sudbury, ON
2012 – Summerstock – Paris, ON
2009 – Rail City Music Festival – St. Thomas, ON
2008 – Indypalooza – Port, Burwell, ON
2007 – Thirsty Souls Crop Tour – London, ON
2006 – Thirsty Souls Weekend – London, ON
2006 – Soundwave – Strathroy, ON
2006 – Downsview Park Canada Day – Toronto, ON
2006 – CMW – Toronto, ON

Music Placements:
For future release: A New Night (movie short) features, “Want and Need”
2008 :TahoeFilms- Sled Heads Vol 4 (She Rides)

Past Features:
2018 – Featured on Emidio’s Rock Den Vol. 1 compilation CD
2017 – 94.9 The Rock’s, Generation Next feature artist for July 3- 7
2015 – Metal or Hardcore Artist or Group of the Year – London Music Awards
2012 – 102.1 The Edge- Supernova Band of the Month- Aug.
2006 – Climaxxx Radio’s Ultimate Battle Champions

Endorsements: Spector Bass and Traynor 

0 EPK – Shores of Null – Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying) (2020) (Spikerot Records)

  • October 2, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

EPK – Shores of Null – Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying) (2020) (Spikerot Records)

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

Album Title: Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)
Release Date: November 27, 2020
Label: Spikerot Records
Distribution: Goodfellas

For fans of  Swallow The Sun, My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Amorphis, Saturnus

Spikerot.com/ | Shoresofnull.com | Facebook.com/shoresofnull | Instagram.com/shoresofnull | Twitter.com/shoresofnull

Youtube.com/user/shoresofnull | Youtube.com/user/ShoresOfNullVEVO

Shoresofnull.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Amazon

“Take a solid 40-minutes and give Beyond the Shores your full attention. It’s a special thing to get a lengthy track like this so well-executed and dripping with emotion. The heavy moments are gripping, and the sorrow-fueled moments feel serene. It all leads up to an impressive conclusion with just enough uplift and acceptance that’ll leave you quite impressed, and most importantly, want to take the journey for another listen. Longingly beautiful from start to finish.” – DeadRhetoric

“Shores of Null continues to impress and expand upon their doomy sound. An epic-length track worthy to sit amongst the best of these ventures (Edge of Sanity, Insomnium). Emotionally fulfilling and musically satisfying all at once.” – Dead Rhetoric (Best-of 2020)

“this album definitely is one of the best Doom Metal pieces I had the pleasure to look at in 2020. Once you plunge into its astonishing flow, there will be no escape from that majestic march through soaring soundscapes to those tear-drenched horizons.” – Rock Music Raider (Best of 2020)

“While the song / album is fairly slow for the most part, with a primary focus on the instrumentals, the musicianship delves into other genres along the way. Featuring some passages that are akin to that of more progressive metal, some sections even fall back into more hard rock. All this, before dropping back into some of the slowest doom metal I’ve encountered this year.” – Metal Injection

“it’s certainly ambitious (video for “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying)”), but if you have the time, it’s worth the watch. Steeped in quality and excellent videography, it definitely deserves the attention for the amount of effort used.” – Metal Injection

“Shores of Null rolled the dice with Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) and delivered in a big fucking way… Shores of Null have crafted something special; a heart-wrenchingly emotive and beautiful journey of sorrow, anguish, pain, and acceptance. Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) is a splendidly sombre, brilliantly written opus of commanding death-doom that demands attention.” – Teeth of The Divine

“With all that said, Shores of Null gambled heavily on this album, and in my eyes, it most certainly paid off handsomely. To make a one-song album that’s stretching near the 40-minute mark requires a hefty amount of guts to pull off, but in doing so, they’ve made something that takes the potential found on Quiescence, and adds a heaping amount of maturity and songwriting growth to the formula. The result is a fantastic album that sees Shores of Null standing tall among their doom and funeral doom contemporaries,2 as well as a guaranteed spot on my year-end list.” – Angry Metal Guy

“this album is phenomenal, both in terms of concept and its monumental delivery… with this magnum opus [Shores Of Null] have proved their position front and centre as depressed doom-titans…” – The Sleeping Shaman

“The greatest danger of a single track album is that such a lengthy and expansive piece of music can be difficult to maintain momentum and interest throughout. Shores of Null have definitely avoided this, and the album is not only interesting throughout, but thoroughly engrossing. This is music to lose yourself in, so that forty minutes seems to pass in the blink of an eye. I’m not sure if the band plans to play this album live, but if so, and if they have the chance to do so, it will be a phenomenal spectacle. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to play it again….” – The Progressive Aspect

“This album is incredibly dramatic and engrossing from start to finish, with the guest appearances, in particular, the female vocals and excellent violins, helping to elevate and oftentimes complement the music on this record quite significantly, turning what was already a great album into one of the musical highlights of 2020. In a year that has already seen a variety of great releases by bands with a more gothic sound and style, this is perhaps one of the more impressive and enduring ones, and easily stands as the best thing SHORES OF NULL have accomplished to date.” – Distorted Sound Mag

“Beyond The Shores (On Death and Dying)” is a near perfect, monumental achievement of doom.  I can’t imagine any fan of the style not finding something here to enjoy.” – Metal Temple

“An enchanting, gloomy opus.” – Moshville Times

“A single track of incredibly well-realised melodic doom metal, layered with all sorts of treats and nuanced delivery.” – Wonderbox Metal

“A piece of delicious despair, delivered on a platter of storm-ridden and excellently executed Doom Metal. A record that left anybody else in the genre in 2020 quaking in their wake.” – Rock Music Raider

“their most intricate and brooding work to date… grandiose emotional impact.” – Metal Storm

“Every element plays a powerful role across this well thought out and constructed release. From the haunting piano and violins, the spoken elements, cleans and growls, all the way through to the crushing Doom rich segments, this takes you on a convoluted listening journey that, although at times painfully emotive for the listener, is at the same time an utterly superb listen that you want to tear yourself away from, yet can’t. Produced by Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Fleshgod Apocalypse) ‘Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) is a magnificently powerful and moving release. Recommended for any and all Doom fans, especially fans of My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Swallow the Sun and Amorphis.” – Metal Talk

“Shores of Null stand out from their contemporaries in their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements and to sound overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time. Blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. A powerful monument to the medium of depressive doom (recommended especially fans of My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, and Amorphis)”- Doomed and Stoned

“Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) might just be a single track but it is as epic and exhausting as a ten-track album. The lone track, nearly 40 minutes long and broken into segments that bury the mind under mountains of gloom and doom.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life  

“You are about to live an unique experience created by Shores of Null. It is complex to describe such an experience with words. If the song has to be listened in a single take, it develops different and complementary ambiences. The band’s melancholic and heavy basis permanently stays, and guests add their specific touch, beginning with Mikko Kotamäki and Thomas A G Jensen’s howlings, that enrich the group’s intense rhythmic with this melodic oppression… Shores of Null took a huge risk with this new album. However, Beyond the Shores (on Death and Dying) is an unusually pure treasure, of which sparkle will shine for years on the band’s career, which seems to be at its peak. 9.5/10” – Acta Infernalis

“This album is a giant step, as they haven’t released a track over 10 minutes up to this point in their career. The concept is strong, based on psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance). Torment echoes through the whole song, as the main character struggles with loss. The journey builds with an unrushed pace, giving the listener time to sink into its darkness. Shores Of Null are daring with this new effort, and those with the patience for a song this long should be satisfied.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)
Release Date: November 27, 2020
Label: Spikerot Records
Distribution: Goodfellas

Track Listing:
1. Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying) [38:24]

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Shores Of Null
• All songs written by: Gabriele Giaccari and Raffaele Colace, lyrics and vocal arrangements by Davide Straccione
• Produced by: Shores Of Null and Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono
• Mixed by: Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono
• Mastered by: Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono
• Album Artwork by: Sabrina Carmanico
• Member of SIAE (Italy)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

 

L-R – Emiliano Cantiano (Drums) – Gabriele Giaccari (Guitars) – Davide Straccione (Vocals) – Matteo Capozucca (Bass) – Raffaele Colace (Guitars) 

Photo Credit – Arianna Savo

Shores Of Null is a Rome-based metal band, an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013. They have churned out two impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014) and the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), both of which were highly praised by the worldwide music press.

Shores of Null stands out from its contemporaries with its ability to blend seemingly disparate elements and their ability to sound overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time. Blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place. Their music can be both melancholic yet majestic, made of chorale-like guitar textures across the instrument’s entire range, sustained by a powerful rhythmic section and punctuated by a refined mixture of clean and growled vocals, along with extensive use of pleasing vocal harmonies which have become the band’s trademark through the years.

Shores Of Null has performed over 150 shows, including six European tours (with In The Woods, Ereb Altor, Hooded Menace, Mourning Beloveth, Novembre, Harakiri For The Sky, Sylvaine, and more), dozens of shows and tours in their home country (with Primordial, Arcturus, Candlemass, Moonsorrow, Leprous, Saturnus, Negura Bunget, etc.) and many European Festivals (Inferno Festival, Eindhoven Metal Meeting, Winter Days Of Metal, Doom Over London, Metalitalia Fest, Frantic Fest, and more). 

Shores Of Null’s third work, “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying),” is expected to be released in November 2020 via Spikerot Records, continuing to prove the band’s willingness to go off the beaten path and create their ultimate doom manifesto, a 38 minute-long suite emphasizing their heavier, slower and dramatic side, inspired by the five stages of grief formulated by the Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. The band has collaborated on the dark opus with many special guests, including two doom-titans, Mikko Kotamäki (Swallow The Sun) and Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), along with the angelic voice of Elisabetta Marchetti (Inno). The band is able to present an even more diverse and eclectic sound on the album thanks to the addition of classical instruments like piano and violin, along with the return of the talented Marco “Cinghio” Mastrobuono (Hour Of Penance, Fleshgod Apocalypse) behind the production desk.

Discography:
2020 – Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying) (Spikerot Records) – LP
2017 – Black Drapes For Tomorrow (Candlelight/Spinefarm) – LP
2014 – Quiescence (Candlelight Records) – LP

ABOUT “BLACK DRAPES FOR TOMORROW” (2017)
“An impressive piece that captures poignant awareness wonderfully both lyrically and musically” Metal-temple (10/10)
“A glorious, alluring and gripping album.” Ave Noctum (9.5/10)
“Is Shores of Null one of the more underappreciated gems within the current metal scene?” Dead Rethoric (9/10)
“This is truly an emotionally polarizing experience which deserves everyone’s time of day.” Ghost Cult Mag (8/10)
“This album is a solid collection of eleven beautiful songs.” Powerplay Magazine (8/10)
“This album haunts you from start to finish! A top notch album of its genre.” Lords Of Metal (89/100)
“Among the best italian bands, their sophomore album confirms them at the top of emotional and introspective metal.” Rock Hard Italy
“It’s very european, and all the better of it.” Terrorizer

ABOUT QUIESCENCE (2014)
“This is how metallic darkness should sound in 2014.” Dead Rethoric (9.5/10)
“These guys have huge potential to create some masterworks in the years to come” Metalriot.com (4/5)
“Quiescence will stand as a contender for being one of the best albums of 2014” Metal-Temple (9/10)
“The explosion has yet to come but if, and when it does, Shores Of Null damn well better be leading the pack” Metal Observer (8/10)
“A debut wrought with much of the same free-spirited experimentation at the core of Opeth’s pre-Still Life era.” Metal Hammer UK (3,5/5)
“A dark, progressive exclamation mark” Powermetal.de (8/10)

Shared Stage with:
European tour w/ In The Woods, Erab Altor, Hooded Menace, Mourning Beloveth, Novembre, Harakiri For The Sky, Sylvaine
Italian shows w/ Arcturus, Candlemass, Primordial, Leprous, Saturnus, Moonsorrow, Negura Bunget)

EUROPEAN TOURS
2019 w/ In The Woods, Ereb Altor, Isole
2018 Shores Of Null only
2017 w/ Harakiri For The Sky, Sylvaine
2016 w/ Novembre, Isole
2015 w/ Doomraiser
2015 w/ Hooded Menace, Mourning Beloveth

FESTIVALS
2020 – Metal Days – Tolmin, Slovenia (postponed to 2021)
2018 – Winter Days Of Metal – Bohinj, Slovenia
2017 – Metalitalia.com Festival – Milan, Italy
2017 – Frantic Fest – Francavilla al mare, Italy
2016 – Inferno Metal Festival – Oslo, Norway
2016 – Metal Over Malta – Siggiewi, Malta
2015 – Eindhoven Metal Meeting – Eindhoven, The Netherlands
2014 – Candlefest – London, UK
2013 – Doom Over London – London, UK

0 EPK – Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws – Burned Alive (single) (2020)

  • October 2, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws

EPK – Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws – Burned Alive (2020)

Single Title: Burned Alive
Release Date: October 27, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

Johnnynocash.com | Facebook.com/johnnynocashoutlaws | YouTube.com | Instagram.com/johnnynocashofficial 

Johnnynocash.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music

“Are you looking for music to spice up your drinking nights? Well look no further than Toronto’s Johnny Nocash and the Celtic Outlaws.” – Metal Injection

“There is a songwriting style to the band, one they seem to have mastered, with highs and lows, and plenty of contrast. Recorded at Helm Studio by David Partridge, and having listened to the album on my phone, on good speakers, and on headphones, the production sounds great, crisp and bold. The songwriting is strong enough, however, in conjunction with the excellent production sound, this album is an easy sell.” – Metal Nation (2019 – To The Gallows (EP))

“Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws’ new self-titled release is a gritty rockers dream and a new country fans nightmare.” – Five Magics Music

“Johnny NoCash & The Celtic Outlaws have made themselves into a most polished, authentic down and dirty rock band I am aware of in GTA. This band that holds onto there punk and metal roots at the same time creating bleeding-edge rock n roll. Going so far as to create their own genre calling it “Celtic Death Country“. Now with back-to-back songs with very strong video releases this band is very, very ready for export globally.”  – See Rock Live

Single Title: Burned Alive
Release Date: October 27, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

Track Listing:
Burned Alive (3:22)

Single Credits:
• All songs performed by: Johnny Nocash and the Celtic Outlaws
• All songs written by: Johnny Nocash and the Celtic Outlaws
• Produced by: Alex Holycross
• Mixed by: Lee Hoffman
• Mastered by: Lee Hoffman
• Album Artwork by: Mirko Kranitzer
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Band Line Up:
Johnny Nocash – Vocals/ Guitar
Memphis Raines – Lead Guitar
LC J – Bass
Cory Hofing – Drums

L-R – Memphis Raines – Lead Guitar I Johnny Nocash – Vocals/ Guitar I Cory Hofing – Drums I LC Jay – Bass  Photo credit: Dan Clement

“From the North, we come to RAID”

Celtic Death Country pioneers Johnny Nocash and The Celtic Outlaws are a whiskey fuelled, smoked out Armageddon of chaos. This is the dark reinvention of country we’ve been waiting for.

——————————

Johnny Nocash struggled as a one-man act playing local dive bars for years in the west end of Toronto in the late 2000s. The songs were rough, honest, and personal and they connected with the people he played for. After years of playing solo and being recognized as a one-man powerhouse, he expanded the sound and brand to a full band with The Celtic Outlaws. Adding thick rhythmic sections with soaring Celtic/ country leads all supported by Johnny’s unforgettable and truly unique voice they created a sound that can only be described as Celtic Death Country.

2019 saw their latest and most complex EP “To The Gallows”, produced and recorded at Clean as Dirt Studios in Michigan. They toured for the first set of international shows in southern Germany, played sold-out shows with The Lazy’s and Days n Daze and won the Toronto International Short Film Festival for the best music video “SOUTHBOUND”.

Discography
2019 – To The Gallows (EP)
2018 – Self Titled (EP)

Artist Endorsements:
Los Cabos Drumstick
Mapex Drums

Shared Stage with:
The Lazys, DaysNDayz, Beyond Creation, The Native Howl, The Anti-Queens

0 EPK – Ysgaroth – Storm Over a Black Sea (2020)

  • September 29, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Ysgaroth

EPK – Ysgaroth – Storm Over a Black Sea (2020)

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

For fans of Skeletonwitch, Enslaved, Wolves in the Throne Room, Death, Morbid Angel

Album Title: Storm Over a Black Sea
Release Date: November 13th, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Ysgaroth.com (coming soon) | Facebook.com/Ysgaroth | Twitter.com/ysgaroth | Instagram.com/ysgarothofficial | YouTube

“Simply put, the album is an enormous surprise, an unexpected gem that arrives without much advance fanfare. It is, after all, this Vancouver trio’s debut album. But they’re not taking tentative steps here. The songs are remarkably ambitious in their construction and remarkably demanding in their execution. Fortunately, the instrumental skill displayed here is at a very high level, and the songcraft, while elaborately multi-faceted and wide-ranging in its stylistic scope, is thrilling to behold.” – No Clean Singing

“Songs like “Forward Unto Death” and the colossal 17-minute closer “Deluge” perfectly highlights what this band can do, spinning out intricate and aggressive tracks with killer riffs, pummeling drums, complex and strange song structures, and absolutely gorgeous lead work, all contained within a raw, savage production job which sports a guitar tone that cuts like a jagged stone dagger… a promising young band…” – The Metal Crypt 

“This is sophisticated extreme metal that demands repeat listening.” – Scream Blast Repeat

“If you’re looking for a unique black metal record to carry with you into this winter season, look no further! Fantastic stuff, really.8/10” – Noob Heavy

“The sound of the band has it all: black metal, death metal of the ’80s, thrash of the ’90s, sludge with post-metal, and the final signature of progressive metal. This is a very promising new band… Listen to “Storm Over A Black Sea”, it’s worth it.” – Greek Rebels

“Unexpected melodic harmonies are accompanied by grating vocals of the harshest on the album as a whole; Steigler sounds like his voice could give out at any point before a step up into a fiery blend of Black Metal rhythms with Death Metal leads sweeps everything aside like the loser of a game of chess ripping the board from the table and throwing all the pieces into to the sky with furious intent. That rise and fall pattern between the two styles keeps you on your toes, never quite sure when it’s going to switch personality and when it does it has the grace and speed of an assassin. How on Earth Ysgaroth follow this up is beyond us… [8/10]” – Metal Noise

“This is an impressive debut, with great songs” – UK Thrashers

“The real nugget of play and exploration in this album is the 17 + minute final track, ‘Deluge’. it opens with powerful slow sludgy guitar distortion, but then slows down to a very interesting drum and bass riff session with softer blackened vocals over – the guitar spends that time in off the front. But then, the forces of power and direction come together and the energy picks up again. I would have to say that this track is a fabulous clincher for the album, but also just as a track, it is super. If you are down with noisy bands, and are okay with a few of the ‘black metal’ rules being broken, Ysgaroth’s, “Storm Over A Black Sea”, is the album to check out.
4.5 / 5” – Brutalism

“The music is melodic extremity, with a certain black metal feel in places and with some prog tendencies, but still moshing and headbanging metal. The vocals are shrieked a lot, although there is some growling in there, too. While the vocals scream black metal, the music points to some surprising melodic places. Ysgaroth is brutal and melodic and they plan to have their cake and eat it, too. Is it possible?! Ysgaroth is going to find out! Would you like to come along? It will be a fun ride through the minds of these Canadian brutes. Just when you think you got them figured out, they will surprise you with 17 minutes of the song “Deluge.” It’s like they decided to let us see that they love Scandinavian extreme metal, but maybe when you’re a Canadian prog band you can’t really avoid having some Rush sneak into your subconscious.” – Metal Bulletin Zine 

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Storm Over a Black Sea
Release Date: November 13th, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Rain (1:54)
2. Nam Gloria Satanas (feat. Jessie Grace of KOSM) (7:06)
3. Sacred (5:31)
4. Altar of Scars 11:48)
5. Forward Unto Death (feat. Jessie Grace of KOSM) (5:19)
6. Deluge (feat. Erik Leonhard of KOSM) 17:24
Album Length: 49:05

L-R: Shawn Hillman (Bass) | Steve Cuddington (Drums) | Kurt Steigleder (Guitar, Vocals) – Photo Credit: Jade Weekes

Ysgaroth is a progressive extreme metal band conjured in Vancouver, Canada that seamlessly blends elements of various metal subgenres into a vicious hybrid.

Initially, Ysgaroth started as Kurt Steigler’s black metal studio project, a non-serious musical outlet, but over time he grew attached to the songs and wanted to take them live.

With the desire to hit the stage, Steigler (guitar/vocals) was joined by Steve Cuddington (drums) and Shawn Hillman (bass) With these additions, the songs got more structurally ambitious, a sludge influence began to creep into the band. Cuddington brings an absolutely crushing, hardcore-influenced drumming style that gave the songs a new vitality, and Hillman’s exceptionally musical bass playing served as the perfect bridge between the crushing drums and razor-sharp guitars. Ultimately, the sound of the band became a mix of its black metal roots, classic 80’s death metal, 90’s thrash, and sludge with the long compositions of post-metal and the shifting, churning time signatures of progressive metal. Steigler is the main songwriter, but overall the process is hugely democratic.

The debut album from the band “Storm Over a Black Sea” will be unearthed on November 13th, 2020, and considering the growing amount of music they have been writing – fans can expect a lot more from Ysgaroth.

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Steve Cuddington, Shawn Hillman, Kurt Steigleder
• All songs written by: Ysgaroth
• Produced by: Ysgaroth & Michael Krauschaar
• Mixed by: Michael Krauschaar
• Mastered by: Michael Krauschaar
• Album Artwork by: Braden Farr
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Steve Cuddington – Drums
Shawn Hillman – Bass
Kurt Steigler – Guitar and Vocals
Jessie Grace – Vocals on Nam Gloria Satanas and Forward Unto Death
Erik Leonhard – First guitar solo in Deluge

Live Band Line Up:
Steve Cuddington – Drums
Shawn Hillman – Bass
Kurt Steigler – Guitar and Vocals

Discography:
2020 – Storm Over a Black Sea

Shared Stage with:
Chaos Century, Wraiths, Rejected Sanity, SVNEATR, Death Machine, Hexripper, Exterminatus, Illyrian, BornBroken, Suicide Forest, Ozawar, Arrow in the Quiver, Param-Nesia, Kayas, Demon Cleaver, Tribunal, Basic Instinct

 

0 EPK – Arcana – Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms (EP) (2020)

  • September 26, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Arcana · EPKs

EPK – Arcana – Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms (EP) (2020)

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

For fans Rush, Caligula’s Horse, Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree

EP Title: Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms
Release Date: November 6th, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

Thearcanacollective.com | Instagram.com/arcanaband_official | Facebook.com/arcanabandofficial | YouTube

Arcanacollective.bandcamp.com

“The four-song collection is a beautiful conglomeration of progressive rock, pop hooks, and operatic vocals and soundscapes.” – V13

“ARCANA brings you a myriad of sounds from battering Prog Rock to delicate Pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire.” – The Metal Temple

“The song’s musical arrangement is a heavy, unique work that boasts influences from the likes of fellow prog rock acts Haken, Rush, and Porcupine Tree.” – Phil’s Picks

“Arcana unveils with this “Letters From A Lost Soul” an interesting first EP showing a real potential” – Music Waves

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms
Release Date: November 6th, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid

Track Listing:
1. Letters From A Lost Soul (0:53)
2. Wings (7:11)
3. Tailwind (3:55)
4. Octosun/Wings (Reprised) (9:54)
EP Length: 21:55

Rogan McAndrews (Composer, Co-producer, Guitar, Bass, Vocals) | Photo Credit: Rogan McAndrews

Arcana brings you a myriad of sounds from battering prog rock to delicate pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire. With a narrative spanning across multiple albums, Arcana blends sci-fi, mythology, and a study of human action in the face of adversity.

Born from the mind of Calgary-based musician Rogan McAndrews, Arcana follows the story of a character named Damian as he attempts to mend his life and relationship with his wife Hope and daughter Cassidy in the wake of tragedy.

Beginning with the upcoming debut EP “Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms”, is a concept record that explores a love story expressed through letters from Damian to his wife and child, but also give a glimpse into his anxieties and nightmares.

Damian and Nightmare are played by Rogan McAndrews.
Hope is played by Anna Draper.
News Anchors Dave and Alice are played by Chelsea Finnigan and Griffin.

“Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms” is due out November 6th, 2020.

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Rogan McAndrews (guitar, bass, vocals), Deyson Thiara (drums),  & Anna Draper (vocals)
• All songs written by: Rogan McAndrews
• Produced by: Rogan McAndrews & Deyson Thiara
• Mixed by: Deyson Thiara
• Mastered by: Deyson Thiara
• Album Artwork by: Kate Depatie, Rogan McAndrews
• Member of SOCAN 
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Rogan McAndrews – Guitar, Bass, Vocals (Damian), Synths.
Anna Draper – Vocals (Hope)
Deyson Thiara – Drums

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