Category: EPKs

0 EPK – Scimitar – Shadows of Man (2019)

July 24, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Scimitar

Scimitar – Shadows of Man (2019)

For Fans of Amon Amarth, 3 Inches of Blood, Ensiferum, Skeletonwitch

Release Date: August 23, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Publicist / Press Relations – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

Bookings: Angus Lennox – scimitarofficial(@)gmail.com – 250-415-1056

Scimitar.ca | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | CD Baby

“Shadows of Man is gritty, furious, and packs way more variety into it than I would have ever expected. With a sound that’s in the realm of Ensiferum and Vanir, Scimitar’s combination of death, black, and folk elements will be welcome with any fan of the dark side of folk metal.” – Metal Observer

“In a departure from their original sound, Shadows of Man elevates Scimitar to a higher, more mature level. Back with their first effort (and a solid effort it is!) in years, Scimitar have sliced their way back onto the scene.” – Powerthorn

“Fans of melodic death metal with lots melodies, and in this case the melodies are of the folky/proggy variety, would find this Canadian band a worthwhile investigation.” – Metal Bulletin

“More reasons to love Canada! From Victoria, B.C. we have Scimitar and their latest album is Shadows of Man. A fusion of styles awaits you as they invite the listener to join them in an epic journey of times long ago. They make a solid and inviting sound that incorporates elements of melodic death metal, black metal,and folk metal to contrast with and complement the heavy riffs, powerful drumming, and Viking style vocals.” – Boston Rock Radio

“Shadows of Man” is an experimental, refreshing album, which I especially liked because of the variety. “Shadows of Man” ist ein experimentierfreudiges, erfrischendes Album, das mir vorallem der Abwechslung wegen gefallen hat.” – Silence Magazin

“What I would (and have for the last year or so), consider the top metal prospect of Canada, Scimitar, keep doing what you’re doing because greatness is on its way.”- Metal Master Kingdom

“Deliciously captivating as it is heavy, Scimitar throw their hats into the battle for the best Viking/Pagan Metal act – and they are on their way to winning it all in a bloody conflict that will kill most of the false metal that tries and horribly fails to deliver.” – MetalBite

Album Title: Shadows of Man
Release Date: August 23, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. State of Nature
2. Knights Collapse (SINGLE)
3. Flayed on the Birch Rack
4. Wandering at the Moon
5. To Cultivate with Spears
6. Shadows of Man I: Imperium
7. Shadows of Man II: Cataclysm
8. Where Ancient Spectres Lie
9. Mysterium, Tremendum et Fascinans
Album Length: approx 48 minutes

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Noel Anstey, Angus Lennox, Clayton Basi, Jesse Turner
• All songs written by: Noel Anstey/Angus Lennox
• Produced by: Noel Anstey
• Mixed by: Noel Anstey/Martin Schoeps
• Mastered by: Martin Schoeps
• Album Artwork by: Hammk (https://www.deviantart.com/hammk)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band and Live Line Up:
Angus Lennox (Vocals/Bass)
Noel Anstey (Guitar)
Jesse Turner (Guitar)
Clayton Basi (Drums)

Discography:
2019 – Shadows of Man
2014 – Wandering at the Moon – Single
2013 – To Cultivate with Spears – Single
2010 – Black Waters – LP
2009 – The Art of Pillage – EP

Shared Stage with:
Ensiferum, Arkona, Soulfly, Septic Flesh, Heidevolk, Unleash the Archers, Inquisition, Archspire, Hibria, Anciients, Woods of Ypres, Mitochondrion, Arsis, Helsott, Into Eternity

Tours and Festivals:
2019 – Path to Glory Tour (Ensiferum/Septic Flesh) – Vancouver, BC
2018 – Vancouver Island Metal Festival – Victoria, BC
2017 – Vancouver Island Metal Festival – Victoria, BC
2015 – Yav North American Tour (Arkona/Heidevolk) – Victoria, BC
2014 – Farmageddon – Edmonton, AB
2014 – Shadows of the West Tour – BC/AB
2013 – Armstrong Metalfest – Armstrong, BC
2011 – Absolute Underground’s Rising Scum Fest – Victoria, BC

Artist Endorsements:
Clayton Basi – RAYA Drums/Imperial Cymbals

L-R: Clayton Basi (Drums) | Angus Lennox (Vocals/Bass) | Jesse Turner (Guitars) | Noel Anstey (Guitars)

Photo Credit: Aaron Lam

SHORT BIO

Scimitar is a metal band hailing from the island capital of Victoria, BC, Canada. Combining influences from melodic-death, folk, and black metal; Scimitar features uncompromisingly heavy drums, high-rollicking fingerstyle bass, dual-guitar-driven harmonies, and gruff yet sharply enunciated harsh vocals that deliver lyrics based in historical fiction and fantasy.

Since 2008 they have firmly cemented their boots in the western Canadian music scene opening for the likes of Ensiferum, Septic Flesh, and Arkona; playing at festivals including Absolute Underground’s Rising Scum Fest, Vancouver Island Metal Festival and Armstrong Metal Fest and releasing two full-length albums, ‘Black Waters’ in 2010 and ‘Shadows of Man’ in 2019.

This musical package is manifested live through blistering energy and sword-edged focus on the audience. Most of Scimitar’s chronicle remains blank, as they have much more to offer the world of metal.

LONG BIO

Scimitar was formed in 2008 by high-school friends Angus Lennox (vocals/bass), Clayton Basi (drums), and the brothers Anstey; George (guitars) and Noel (guitar). The band’s debut album ‘Black Waters’ was released in 2010 with David Douglas on keyboards. In 2011, Scimitar headlined Absolute Underground’s Rising Scum Fest, supported by the soon-to-be tech-metal legends Archspire. David Douglas then left Scimitar in 2012 to pursue his education in music and the band decided to stay as a four-piece.

The next installment of new Scimitar material emerged in spring 2013 during the South of Heaven Symposium: “To Cultivate With Spears” was the band’s first self-recorded single; it was also the first of many Scimitar songs with lyrics directly based in a historical narrative. In 2013, Scimitar played Armstrong Metalfest and Farmageddon in the summer of 2014. Later that summer, Scimitar embarked on their first tour across western Canada, Shadows of the West. “Wandering at the Moon”, the second self-produced single, was released on the first day of the tour with another studio music video.

2016 would be a year of turbulent change for Scimitar when Anstey; founding member, lead-guitarist and older brother to Noel; left the band to pursue his budding career in the new Canadian marijuana industry. In early 2017, Anstey’s replacement was recruited, Jesse ‘J-Star’ Turner. In the fall of 2017, Scimitar finally began recording Shadows of Man. Hard at work on the production they only broke stride to play Vancouver Island Metal Festival in 2017 and 2018. In early 2019 the band would then play the gig of their lives, opening for Ensiferum (Scimitar’s main musical influence) and Septic Flesh at the Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver. Soon after, Scimitar announced that Shadows of Man had finally been recorded and will be released on August 23rd, the first night of Vancouver Island Metal Festival 2019.

This musical package is manifested live through blistering energy and sword-edged focus on the audience. Scimitar has shared the stage with metal notables such as Ensiferum, Arkona, Soulfly, Septic Flesh, Heidevolk, Unleash the Archers, Inquisition, and Archspire.

0 EPK – Sophist – Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto (EP) (2019)

July 18, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Sophist

Sophist – Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto (EP)

For fans of Anaal Nathrakh, Mayhem, Napalm Death

Release Date: August 16, 2019

Label: Self-Release

Distribution: CD Baby

SophistMetal.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Highlight: #3 on Top 10 National Loud Charts – For the Week Ending: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 (Earshot)

“They’ve produced the music in a way that creates a dense, murky sound and a chilling atmosphere, but not so dense as to obscure the sulphurous riffs, the fast-changing drum rhythms, or the ear-lacerating impact of the vocals… Betrothal To the Stone… is a rough and raw piece of work, a necrotic, alchemical creation that does indeed sound like it was spawned in Hell.” – No Clean Singing

“The three songs proper here do a great job of putting vibe first (seriously, try to remember anything more than “harsh atmosphere” after this EP ends), and I like the band’s blinders-on approach to creating extremely ugly, grinding, raw BM. ” Bravewords

“Inspired by some of the greatest names of the Black Metal and Grindcore scene, this Canadian duo is ready to disturb our peace of mind with their unholy and blistering fast creations. Best moments of the album: Choke on Your Own Bile. Worst moments of the album: None.” – The Headbanging Moose

“In a caustic mashing of grindcore and black metal, Sophist comes storming through the gates of the netherworld to grace us with a truly skin ripping and flesh tearing sound. Their upcoming offering Betrothal To The Stone features six unbridled and unhinged offerings of grinding blackened malevolence that is sure to twist your neck leaving your head screwed on backward. Nearly from the onset you come face to face with pure brute force savagery that is never to relent until the last gnarled note pierces through your ear drums. Ever ripping, buzzing and maiming, Sophist offer up a terrorizing wall of noise one track after the next that devastates and scorches earth. ” – Cadaver Garden

“Exquisite DIY homemade hideousness.” – Metal Bulletin Zine

“SOPHIST have cleverely entwined grind & black metal like venomous snakes mating on a bed of putrefying flesh. Dive deep into this EP and your reward shall be deathly sweet.” – TrveNorthReviews

“Voici les ingrédients de leur metal : le riffing peut être épais, ou glacé,mais ils savent poser des plans de guitare répétitifs qui ont le don de vous choper le cervelet pour ne plus vous lâcher comme sur Betrothal to the Stone :Conception of Mephisto ou Choke on Your Own Bile…au final, le rendu de leur musique, plutôt « bélier » a quelque chose de viscéral, de profond, de souterrain. ” – Metal France

“« Choke On Your Own Bile » poursuit par de cauchemardesques cavalcades. Rapide mais contenant pas mal de variations, ce titre repose sur un riff principal bien entraînant derrière lequel se trouve le chanteur, tel un monstre s’élevant du blizzard (aux inspirations occultes venant principalement d’un texte d’alchimiste intitulé « Hermaphrodite Child Of The Sun And Moon »…la musique de Sophist est toute aussi insidieuse ” – Eklektik Rock

EP Title: Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto
Release Date: August 16, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CD Baby

Track Listing:
1. Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto (3:15)
2. Choke On Your Own Bile (5:10)
3. A Captive of Saturn’s Scythe (2:52)
4. Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto (Bonus Instrumental Version) (3:15)
5. Choke On Your Own Bile (Bonus Instrumental Version) (5:10)
6. A Captive of Saturn’s Scythe (Bonus Instrumental Version) (2:52)
EP Length: 22:37

• All songs performed by: Sophist
• All songs written by: Michael K Sparks, Davis R Hay
• Produced by: Davis Hay
• Mixed by: Davis Hay
• Mastered by: Davis Hay
• Album Artwork by: Unexpected Specter
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
• Album Band Line Up: Davis Hay, Michael Sparks

L-R – Michael K Sparks – Bass, Guitars, Davis R Hay – Programming, Vocals

Photo Credit – Stephanie Bell

SHORT BIO

Sophistry – noun – the use of clever but false arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving.

There is no deceiving with Edmonton, Canada’s SOPHIST, however, the duo of Michael K. Sparks (bass/guitar) and Davis R. Hay (programming/vocals) are straightforward with their approach to grinding black metal and as the name suggests, they are like the locus of negativity.

Conjured in June of 2019, the duo of Sophist have just begun their musical journey, diving straight into recording their debut EP “Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto”. Obscure riffs are plentiful in this blasting grinding, black metal necrosis.

Dauntless, SOPHIST have continued to move at ‘frightening speed’ to write more esoteric and occult music, which will be revealed in the future.

LONG BIO

Sophistry – noun – the use of clever but false arguments, especially with the intention of deceiving.

Conjured in June of 2019, the duo of SOPHIST have just begun their musical journey, diving straight into recording their debut EP “Betrothal To The Stone: Conception of Mephisto”. Obscure riffs are plentiful in this blasting grinding, black metal necrosis.

Both veterans in the local music scene, Sparks and Hay keep the writing process simple, with Hay defining the drums and song structure followed by Sparks overlay of bass and guitar. Lyrics and synths are layered on top and the finished product is recorded. The result are songs that fall together with the feel of grindcore and black metal that is very fast but still has flavour.

Dauntless, SOPHIST have continued to move at ‘frightening speed’ to write more esoteric and occult music which will be revealed in the future.

0 EPK – Iron Kingdom – On The Hunt (2019)

July 12, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Iron Kingdom

Iron Kingdom – On The Hunt (2019)

For fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Riot, Helloween

Release Date: October 4, 2019

Label: Self-Release

Distribution: Indie Pool

Publicist / Press Relations – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com – 514-581-5780

Contact info: (Chris Osterman / Band Manager / Merchandise / Booking Agent) – iron_kingdom(@)hotmail.com – 1-604-230-4348

Online Store | Big Cartel | Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon

IRON KINGDOM – European Tour 2020
March 4 – Paris, FR – Le Klub
March 5 – Hamburg, DE – Bambi galore w/ Riot City
March 6 – Stadskanaal, NL – Bolle Ruud
March 7 – Neiderkassel, DE – Full Metal Osthessen Festival
March 12 – Tilburg, NL – Little Devil w/ Vicious Rumors
March 13 – Magdeburg, DE – Flowerpower
March 14 – Lunen, DE – Swordbrothers Metal Fest

Other Dates:
Feb 11 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre w/ Ross The Boss
April 17 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre – Hyperspace Metal Festival

“a glorious gallop of foot on the monitor, traditional heavy metal that will have NWOBHM fans drooling. 9/10” – Metal Gods TV

“It’s a pleasure when you have the chance to listening to bands such as IRON KINGDOM, true defenders of best tradition of our loved music. 88/100” – Hard Rock Heavy Metal

“One of Western Canada’s finest exports is traditional heavy metal band Iron Kingdom… another solid effort proving why Canada is by far the best country for modern traditional heavy metal!” – Skull Fracturing Metal

“With On The Hunt, you can expect Iron Kingdom’s traditional heavy metal. They make no apologies for invoking legends like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, et al, for metal inspiration. Not dismissing the excellent rhythm section, but with the twin guitar attack of Osterman and Merrick, you’ll find all the songs within On The Hunt quite guitar-forward… Essentially, with this album, Iron Kingdom remains true to their metal style. 4/5” – DangerDog Music Reviews

“I feel a bit of pride that Western Canada has produced a lot of excellent classic metal bands in the past decade. Bands like Riot City, Striker, and Traveler are just a few examples of the greatness I’m referring to. However, the best of all of them, in my opinion, is Vancouver’s own Iron Kingdom (and not because they’re so local to me – that’s just a bonus), and this is more evident than ever in their fourth album to date: On the Hunt. 9/10” – Power Thorn

“Of the hundreds of heavy metal bands that have “Iron” in their name, not very many of them are deserving of it. Iron Maiden? Obviously. Iron Savior? Yup. Iron Fire? Definitely. Of course, Iron Kingdom are undoubtedly deserving of the mark, because the metal they’ve forged is strong, heavy, and true. 9/10” – Power Thorn

“With a Maiden-style lick, the quartet enters the first single “White Wolf” and gallops in the best NWOBHM manner through the song, crowned by double-lead guitars and a simple but memorable chorus…one can congratulate the three boys and the lady for a successful album, which should be well received by all traditional Metalheads. 8/10″ – Hellfire Magazin

“they’re clearly a talented band and I enjoyed the thematic elements in the album. If you like traditional Metal, specifically older Speed Metal, they’re worth checking out. 8/10” – Metal Temple

“Holy Shit! Have you heard Iron Kingdom’s On the Hunt? If you haven’t you are missing out on one of the coolest album’s of 2019.” – 10/10 Keeper Magazine

““White Wolf,” comes in all guns blazing with a harmonized guitar intro which then leads into some frenetic energy coming off the band, ensuring the listener is hooked from the very first notes.” – The Median Man

“Assigning the label traditional to this Vancouver metal quartet is entirely fair. From the cover that could have been by Frank Frazetta to the shrieking high register howling of the lead singer. His Rob Halford-by-way-of-Tygers of Pan Tang vocals and the power metal surges, impressed the judges on CTV’s Canada’s Got Talent who thought referencing the beginning days of the NWOBHM (New wave of British Heavy Metal was in the right place with an eighties revival looming. They certainly have tight chops. ” – Vancouver Sun

“Classic thrashy metal with a little bit of a heavier Judas Priest thing going on.” Mosh Pit Radio – WORT 89.9FM (Madison, WI)

“40 minutes of enjoyable no-frills classic metal.” – Angry Metal Guy

StillSpinning.ca top albums for 2019 #38 on Iron Kingdom – “On the Hunt” – 7.5/10 – “Solid metal album. Worth taking a listen”

“Given the illustrious tradition that Iron Kingdom takes up as a musical mission, the album is done remarkably well. It is time for fans of the style to give the Canadians a good listen because they have lots to offer. The singing is unique and the guitar heroes of heavy metal have done a great job of inspiring this band. If you are a big fan of traditional heavy metal, you might have some problems moving on from this album: you’ll find that it is worth repeated listens.” – Metal Bulletin

“a mouth watering and exciting gallop, ‘White Wolf’ is cracking traditional heavy metal.” – Frenzy Fire

“This is what heavy metal is supposed to sound like. No let up at all just an album of full on greatness.” – The Dirty Room

“This song (White Wolf) is something that every true fan of metal should like.” – Hard Rock Info

“Kurze und knappe, oftmals speedige und hymnische Kompositionen graben nicht nur der Konkurrenz im Sektor des klassischen, allzeit aktuellen Heavy Metal das Wasser ab, sondern auch den gern retrogresken Plünderern der NWoBHM. 8/10” – Streetclip

“A rollercoaster ride of pure, unadulterated adrenaline.” – Zachary Houle (Ride For Glory Review 2015)

“their latest work is the most refined Iron Kingdom album. One word obligatory item for old heavy school freaks.” – Power Metal Warrior (Poland) (Ride For Glory Review 2015)

“Obviously an experienced band, Iron Kingdom know exactly what they are doing and more importantly the music is full with purpose” – Death Metal Underground (Ride For Glory Review 2015)

“This is a tremendous throwback into the (first) golden age of metal.” – Merchants of Air (Belgium) (Ride For Glory Review 2015)

““Gates Of Eternity” could prove to be one of the most important discoveries in 2013 for U.S. Metal lovers.” – Rock Hard Magazine (Germany) (Gates of Eternity Review 2013)

“Sometimes you just want some glorious old school metal that makes you want to batter a dragon to death. Iron Kingdom are said band and from the opening track, At The Gates, I’m sold. When we reach Crowned In Iron we truly reach old school metal at its finest” – Sound the Charge (Scotland) (Gates of Eternity Review 2013)

“Immediately noticeable is that the recording seems to cherish a vintage feel, which delightfully contributes to the album’s ambiance. “Gates of Eternity” should keep listeners on edge and anticipating future projects from Iron Kingdom.” – Metal Mellowdee (Gates of Eternity Review 2013)

“I want an Iron Kingdom/Voodoo Queen Baseball Tee so I can blast this album and try to sing along, banging my head and driving to the stadium in my Trans Am to drink cans of Bud in the parking lot before the Iron Kingdom show! Fuck I wish it was the 80’s right now.” – Metal Titans (Canada) (Curse of the Voodoo Queen Review 2011)

Album Title: On The Hunt
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Indie Pool

Track Listing:
1. White Wolf (5:23)
2. Driftin’ Through Time (3:20)
3. Sign Of The Gods (4:43)
4. Keep It Steel (3:04)
5. Raze And Ruin (3:50)
6. Road Warriors (4:41)
7. Invaders (5:30)
8. Paragon (4:33)
9. The Dream (4:45)
Album Length: 39.52

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Iron Kingdom
• All songs written by: Iron Kingdom
• Produced by: Chris Osterman and Megan Merrick
• Mixed by: Daniel Tsourounis
• Mastered by: Greg Reely at the Green Jacket
• Album Artwork by: Alan Lathwell
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Chris Osterman – Guitar / Vocals
Leighton Holmes – Bass Guitar
Megan Merrick – Guitar
Chris Sonea – Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Chris Osterman – Guitar / Vocals
Leighton Holmes – Bass Guitar
Megan Merrick – Guitar
Chris Sonea – Drums

Discography:
2019 – On The Hunt – LP
2015 – Ride For Glory – LP
2015 – Unleashed At The Kraken (Live In Seattle) – Limited Vinyl – EP
2013 – Gates Of Eternity – LP
2011 – Curse Of The Voodoo Queen – LP

Shared Stage with: Angra, Ashbury, Blaze Bayley (Ex- Iron Maiden), Flotsam and Jetsam, Hammerfall, Hellfire, Holy Grail, Jag Panzer, Metal Church, Night Demon, Sanctuary, Sinner, Skull Fist, Striker, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Witch Cross

Tours and Fests:
2018 – Halloween Havoc Festival – Surrey, BC
2018 – Western Canada Tour (Enter Eternity 2018)
Celebrating 5 Years of Gates Of Eternity album
(10 Shows in BC / AB / YT)
2018 – Hyperspace Festival – Vancouver, BC
2016 – Western USA Tour
(7 Shows Across WA / OR / CA / UT)
2016 – Western Canadian Tour
(9 Shows across BC / AB)
2016 – Metallion Festival – Vanderhoof, BC
2016 – Brazilian Tour – w/Blaze Bayley (Ex – Iron Maiden)
(7 shows in southern Brazil via Open The Road Agency)
2016 – Tatuira Festival – Brazil
2016 – USA / Eastern Canadian Tour
(37 Shows across USA / Canada)
2015 – Western Canada Tour
(13 Canadian Dates, BC / AB / YT)
2015 – Metallion Festival – Vanderhoof, BC
2014 – Western USA Tour – w/Night Demon
(11 Shows across WA / OR / CA / AZ )
2014 – Throwback Metal Fest – Apple Valley, CA
2014 – European Tour
shows across UK /France / Poland / Germany & The Netherlands)
2014 – Keep It True XVII – Lauda Konigshofen, DE
2014 – Warmup Festival – Paris, FR
2014 – Very ‘Eavy Festival IV – Stadskanaal, NL
2013 – Canadian Tour
(27 shows across Canada)
2012 – Western Canadian Tour
(7 Shows in BC / AB)

Music Placements: (TV, Movies, Commercials)
Canada’s Got Talent in 2012, which was aired on CTV (ratings for that episode were about 1 million people viewership)

Corporate sponsors / artist endorsements:
D’Addario / Evans Canada

L-R Iron Kingdom current Line Up | Far Left: Leighton Holmes (Bass) | Centre Left: Chris Osterman (Vocals & Guitar) | Centre Right: Megan Merrick (Guitar) | Far Right: Chris Sonea (Drums)

Photo Credit: Benjamin Somobere

SHORT BIO

Inspired by legendary pillars of heavy metal such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, The Scorpions, and Rush, Iron Kingdom is well known for their energetic and electrifying stage presence, as well as intricate musical melodies that bring listeners back to a time when the genre was in its prime.

Formed in Surrey, Canada, in June of 2011, Iron Kingdom’s intent was to fill the gap of bands that are heavy, but not extreme, melodic but not mainstream, technical but approachable. ‘Curse Of The Voodoo Queen’ was released on Dec 14, 2011, and the band took the opportunity to tour western Canada, along with an appearance on the CTV Show, Canada’s Got Talent (viewership of 1 million on that episode). With the debut album finishing its cycle, the group decided it was time to record a new album, and by April 26, 2013, ‘Gates Of Eternity’ was released. Garnering strong reviews and attention from around the world, Iron Kingdom was invited to perform at Germany’s Keep It True XVII festival.

Following this massive milestone, Iron Kingdom set out to pursue as many opportunities as they could spending some serious time on the road through Canada in 2013, Europe in 2014, followed by a tour in the USA with California’s Night Demon. The band had created some major momentum and Iron Kingdom were spreading their moniker far and wide in support of the first two releases.

On July 30, 2015, Iron Kingdom released not one but two more albums, ‘Ride For Glory’, their 3rd full-length album, as well as ‘Unleashed At The Kraken (Live In Seattle)’, an exclusive live E.P. recorded on a previous tour. The band set out on the road again in support of the two new releases. The tour was unfortunately riddled with many trials, including a vehicle accident that almost killed the band members. Life on the road continued, including a massive North American tour in 2016, as well as a tour in Brazil in a supporting slot for former frontman of Iron Maiden, Blaze Bayley.

As of 2019, with a new lineup and a new album ‘On The Hunt’ on its way, Iron Kingdom will once again be ready to take the world by storm and aid in the revival of the mighty and classic sounds of Traditional Heavy Metal.

LONG BIO

Formed in Surrey, Canada, in June of 2011, Iron Kingdom’s intent was to fill the gap of bands that are heavy, but not extreme, melodic but not mainstream, technical but approachable. The band’s core members were Chris Osterman on guitar and vocals, bassist Leighton Holmes, and then drummer Amanda Osterman, joined by Jordan Wright on guitar. This changed quickly after recording their debut album ‘Curse Of The Voodoo Queen’ where Wright was replaced by guitarist Kenny Kroecher.

‘Curse Of The Voodoo Queen’ was released on Dec 14, 2011, and the band took the opportunity to tour western Canada, along with an appearance on the CTV Show, Canada’s Got Talent (viewership of 1 million on that episode). With the debut album receiving little attention, the group decided it was time to record a new album, and by April 26, 2013, ‘Gates Of Eternity’ was released. Garnering strong reviews and attention from around the world, Iron Kingdom was invited to perform at Germany’s Keep It True XVII festival.

On July 30, 2015, Iron Kingdom released not one but two more albums, ‘Ride For Glory’, their 3rd full-length album, as well as ‘Unleashed at the Kraken (Live in Seattle)’ an exclusive live E.P. recorded on a previous tour. The band set out on the road again in support of the two new releases. The tour was unfortunately riddled with many trials, including a vehicle accident that almost killed the band members. Following the tour, Osterman decided to step back from the band to pursue other commitments. Joey Paul then took her place behind the kit.

Life on the road continued, including a massive North American tour in 2016, as well as a tour in Brazil in a supporting slot for former frontman of Iron Maiden, Blaze Bayley. After many performances, Kroecher and drummer Paul departed, thus leaving the door open for Chris Sonea, and Megan Merrick, on drums and guitar respectively. With a new lineup and a new album ‘On The Hunt’ on its way, Iron Kingdom will once again be ready to take the world by storm and aid in the revival of the mighty and classic sounds of Traditional Heavy Metal.

0 EPK – Surface of The Sun – “Panacea” (2019)

July 9, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Surface of The Sun

Surface of The Sun – “Panacea” (2019)

For fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, Chevelle, Miosis, Karnivool, Alpha Galates

Release Date: September 6, 2019

Label: Self-Release

Distribution:

Publicist / Press Relations – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Spotify | Bandcamp | Apple Music

“Calling all fans of music in the vein of Tool (yes, we’re talking about alternative metal, art tock, progressive metal, progressive rock, and all of that juicy goodness); please allow us to introduce you to Mr. Devon Eggers, a recording engineer and independent, British Columbia, Canada-based musician whose one-man solo prog project is dubbed Surface of the Sun… Nothing at all quiet about this new single, “The Silence” is a six-minute and seventeen second-long lesson in modern, progressive metal that should find its way onto many new fans’ playlists. Clearly, we’re dealing with a talented dude here; with the exception of the drums, Eggers wrote, performed, recorded, and even mixed all of the music and vox heard on the new EP.” – PureGrainAudio

“If you’re looking for music that will envelop you with multitudes of thoughts, emotions, and moments common to the human experience, then you are going to want to get your hands on Panacea by Surface of the Sun.” – The Littlest Voice

“The Verdict: On some level, Surface Of The Sun excites me more than the new Tool album on the horizon. There’s a youthful excitement and energy to what Eggers is doing that I don’t think Maynard and co. can still conjure in this phase of their lives. It’s a hunger that just can’t be faked, and Panacea has that in spades.” – Metal Trenches

“When you take into consideration all the different elements that went into making these four songs were the creation of one person (minus the percussions) then you can see how truly impressive the undertaking of ‘Panacea‘ was. It definitely should be on your playlist! ” – The Music Below

“If you are a fan of progressive metal such as Tool, Karnivool and Chevelle then you may enjoy this…It takes great knowledge and talent to be able to play multiple instruments, sing and master an album. I give much credit where it’s due on the production and execution of the music.” – The Independent Voice

“Cet EP propose vingt-six minutes d’une musique puissante et hypnotique (‘Panacea’) qui alterne les ambiances, sur laquelle la guitare n’intervient qu’occasionnellement pour tisser des motifs autour d’ une section rythmique en béton armé qui assure l’essentiel de la musique, tout en proposant des mélodies entêtantes, à l’image de celle du premier titre ‘The Science Says’.” – Neo Prog

[Download EP Cover]
[Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Panacea
Release Date: September 6, 2019
Distribution:

Track Listing:
1. The Science Says (5:03)
2. Oblivion (5:22)
3. The Silence (6:16)
4. Panacea (8:52)
EP Length: 25:34

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Devon Eggers, except for the drums, which were performed and composed by Chris Warunki (hired drummer, not a band member)
• All songs written by: Devon Eggers
• Produced by: Devon Eggers
• Mixed by: Devon Eggers
Engineered by: Devon Eggers (Additional Engineering on drums by Olivia Quan)
• Mastered by: Andrew Spindor
• Album Artwork by: Sushant Vohra
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL): MAPL

Discography:
– 2011 – A Dying Star (LP)
– 2019 – Panacea (EP)

Charmaine Schmaltz at Ingenz Creativity (https://photos.ingenz.ca)

SHORT BIO

Surface of the Sun is a one-man project spawned from the mind of Devon Eggers. Working on music over the years in the capacity of a recording engineer, he decided to complete a few of his musical ideas on his own. He manifests the subjects for the catchy and melodic songs, and then writes, performs and records all the instruments and vocals save for the drums. He does his own mixing but usually outsources the mastering and has two completed albums to date.

In 2011, he released the debut full length ‘A Dying Star’, which is being followed up in 2019 with the EP ‘Panacea’ that will show further maturation and how Eggers has grown as an artist, writer, producer and engineer.

LONG BIO

Surface of the Sun is a listening experience that people can get lost in; it is dynamic with a rollercoaster of energy, melodies and heaviness. Each song stands out on its own while still complimenting the others.

Unrestricted by any other creative influence, Eggers can focus on his sole vision for progressive metal that he hopes will inspire others in some way, especially to think outside the box, to question, to be open, or to better themselves and others. While many of the lyrics may be aggressive and highlight an issue, Eggers usually writes in a way that focuses on correcting or improving whatever that problem may be.

0 EPK – Triple Murder – “Pre-Meditated” (EP) (2019)

July 8, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Triple Murder

Triple Murder – “Pre-Meditated” (EP) (2019)

For fans of Pantera, Lamb of God, early Machine Head, Whitechapel, Thy Art Is Murder, Black Dahlia Murder

Release Date: September 20, 2019

Label: Self-Release

Distribution: Distrokid

Publicist / Press Relations – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

Bookings: triplemurderofficial(@)gmail.com

“Musically, the track (Crawl) is a mix of seething guitar bursts and brutish pounding grooves, jagged jabbing chords and squirming arpeggios, vicious shrieks and carnivorous roars. It’s part racing melee and part methodical, pile-driving punishment. It also includes a fluid yet freakish guitar solo that spirals upward in mad ecstasy, as well as clean vocals intermixed with the cacophony of harsh roaring and screaming in a way that lends a sorrowful dimension to the music, and you’ll come to a closing sequence that will provide good exercise for your neck and a good clobbering for your skull. (The song includes guest vocals by Eric Forget of A Scar For the Wicked.)” – No Clean Singing

“All in all, you will not regret this EP. It is aggressive and well done. Most importantly it is a lot of fun. I sincerely hope that ‘Pre-Meditated’ is the first of many we will see from TripleMurder. If this is how they debut then the future looks very good. With how much energy is poured into their music I would also be willing to bet they are worth seeing live and I hope I get the chance after this. Like I said at the beginning my biggest problem with this album is simply that I want more of it. A lot more of it.” – Uber Rock

“Never to be put in a box or pigeon holed, TripleMurder uses their heavy eclectic sound to produce variety and diversity. There is a lot that TripleMurder has to offer within their six track EP titled Pre-Meditated. From groove filled riffs, to heavy break downs, to searing solos, to varied vocals and more, TripleMurder packs this EP to the bursting point. Through six offerings, Pre-Meditated provides a wickedly heavy yet entirely memorable and entertaining listen.” – Cadaver Garden

“With tunes such as “Boogieman”, “Sacrifice” and “Ready to Bleed”, this EP rocks hard and heavy from start to finish.” – The Metal Channel

“a fine piece of nostalgic Metal that is the perfect soundtrack to some beers with its instant catchy riffs, familiar sound and vibe.” – Metal Noise

“Badass, but in a tasteful way is the best way to describe the debut single and video ‘Cannibalistic‘ from Ottawa’s TRIPLEMURDER.” – Happy Metal Geek

“With bolstered yells, thrashing guitars, and a tasteful blend of both modern and metal sounds Pre-Meditated, the debut EP of TripleMurder, shows a promising future for the Canadian metal band.” – Boston Rock Radio

“If you are looking for something original, TripleMurder will give it to you.” – Broken Tomb Magazine

“The band was eager to showcase their skills (as it was their third show as a band) and did they ever deliver. With song titles like Cannibalistic, it was no surprise that the crowd began to get rowdy and mosh. Members of the crowd being eager to move, their energy being uncontainable that they opted to hang from the venue rafters in their excitement.” – Splice Media Group

“TripleMurder brings that Pantera meets 2000s metalcore stuff in the best way possible.” – Ghostblade

“Great live band and lots of elements of old school death/thrash and modern metal in the mix. Never a dull moment in their music.” – Andrew Depedro Charlton (KNAC.com)

[Download EP Cover]
[Download EP Lyrics]

EP Title: Pre-Meditated
Release Date: September 20, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing :
1. Boogeyman (4:03)
2. Eyes Of Judgement (3:52)
3. Sacrifice (3:23)
4. Crawl ft. Eric Forget (A Scar For The Wicked) (3:31)
5. Ready To Bleed (4:41)
6. Cannibalistic (4:24)
EP Length: 23:57

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: TripleMurder
• All songs written by: TripleMurder
• Produced by: Erich Mueller & Maxwell Fortin-Proulx
• Mixed by: Erich Mueller
• Mastered by: Erich Mueller
• Album Artwork by: Roberto Napolitano @hate my design
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album & Live Band Line Up:
Maxwell Fortin-Proulx
Erich Mueller
Zachary Le May
Mike Eron

Discography:
2019: Pre-Meditated EP

Shared Stage with:
Unearth, Darkest Hour. Jinjer (Oct 9th 2019), The Browning (Oct 9th 2019), Sumo Cyco (Oct 9th 2019), BillyBio, Thy Will Be Done, Enochian, The Northern, A Scar For the Wicked

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – “We Wish You A Metal Christmas” Fundraiser show (Ottawa, Ontario)

L-R: Zachary Le May -Drums, Erich Mueller – Bass, Mike Eron – Vocals, Maxwell Fortin-Proulx – Guitar

Photo Credit: Jessy Dwyer @ Beyond The Pit

SHORT BIO

With the idea of forming a band without musical boundaries or constrictions, TripleMurder has made it a point to breathe new musical life into the metal scene. Triple Murder is here to make listeners question what they think about pigeonholing bands into sub-genres, offering everything from chunky groovy riffs, blast beats, to breakdowns and two-steps and everything in between. With lyrical themes involving the state of the human race, politics and social media scares to just everyday life and human interactions, TripleMurder brings an in-your-face live show to the stage in a brilliant display of headbanging, jumping, power stomping, running and tons of other antics! Their first EP ‘Pre-Meditated’ from TripleMurder is set to be released September 20, 2019, with more material in the works!

LONG BIO

With the idea of forming a band without musical boundaries or constrictions, Maxwell Fortin-Proulx (guitar) made it a point to collect himself and recalculate a plan that would crush his previous band in heaviness and breathe new musical life into the metal scene. He decided to form TripleMurder after going to college and finding out that Erich Mueller (bassist) was in the same class as him who he had tried to form a band with previously without success. With a stockpile of songs and ideas packed in his arsenal to execute, all they needed was a drummer and a vocalist to breathe life into the incubating project. After auditioning a couple of drummers, Zachary Le May had made the cut bringing with him a lot of modern metal elements and demonstrating the effectiveness of breakdowns.

The songwriting commenced and a singer was found in Mike Eron who brought his very intense vocal style to band rounding out the lineup in March 2019. Triple Murder is here to make listeners question what they think about pigeonholing bands into sub-genres, offering everything from chunky groovy riffs, to blast beats, to breakdowns and two-steps and everything in between.

With lyrical themes involving the state of the human race, politics and social media scares to just everyday life and human interactions, TripleMurder brings an in-your-face live show to the stage in a brilliant display of headbanging, jumping, power stomping, running and tons of other antics! Their first EP ‘Pre-Meditated’ from TripleMurder is set to be released September 20, 2019, with more material in the works!

0 EPK – Juliet Ruin – “Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos” (2019)

June 29, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Juliet Ruin

Juliet Ruin – “Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos” (2019)

For fans of Halestorm, The Agonist, Jinjer, Evanescence, Killswitch Engage

Release Date: September 6, 2019

Distribution:

Publicist / Press Relations – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

Booking and management by Kent Geislinger

P: 7809071898 @: julietruinband(@)gmail.com

JulietRuin.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

Spotify | Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon

Show Dates:
Sept 6 – Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
Sept 7 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
Sept 13 – Kelowna, BC – Fernando’s
Sept 14 – Vancouver, BC – Pat’s Pub
Oct 4 – Red Deer, AB – The Krossing
Oct 5 – Medicine Hat – Liquid Niteclub
Oct 19 – Grande Prairie, AB – Better Than Fred’s

“An album full of energy, fluid, strong! Aggressive! Powerful!! Continuous, forceful!” – Darkzen Dragon Metal Angels

“From hardrock, to metalcore and everythign in between, Juliet Ruin delivers a fun and interesting record with many sounds, attitudes and emotions.” – Heavy New York

“I have been really enjoying the heck out of this album” – Craank

“Seasons- A fascinating ride through a stygian underworld in a chariot of fire driven by a demigod like being that wields both the power of life and death. With Avenged Sevenfold style instrumental phrasing, powerful dual vocal combination, and an awesome 2 verse bridge, Seasons is a scorching hell-ride. If you have a god, commit your mortal soul to him (or her) before embarking on your journey through the seasons of the underworld.” – Ginger Approved

“Juliet Ruin’s sound is comparable to a muddier version of Alexisonfire, with Ruin guiding the songs with her powerful voice while being backed up by Geislinger’s harsh screams and growls…. Juliet Ruin has been gaining more recognition after every concert with its single “Rogue Down” receiving a nomination at the Edmonton Music Awards.” – Vue Weekly (2017)

“Search no further than the Juliet Ruin playbook, it’ll teach you a thing or two. Their hard work and dedication are clearly paying off, and I predict that it won’t be too long until they become a commercial success. Yes, I’m willing to wager on it.” – Ravenkin Photography (2018)

Nominated for Metal Recording of The Year – Ugly Side – Edmonton Music Awards 2018

[Download Album Cover]
[Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos
Release Date: September 6, 2019
Distribution:

Track Listing:
1. Simple Wars (4:54)
2. Spite (3:49)
3. Violent Hands (4:11)
4. Details Kill (4:43)
5. FTW (5:18)
6. Seasons (3:49)
7. With Only Rage (4:44)
8. Charlatan (4:12)
9. Stay Gold (3:28)
10. Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos (4:50)
Album Length: 44:03

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Juliet Ruin
• All songs written by: Juliet Ruin
• Produced by: Diego Fernandez
• Mixed by: Diego Fernandez
• Mastered by: Diego Fernandez
• Album Artwork by: Colin Turnbull
• SOCAN Member.
• Canadian Content: MAPL

Album Line-Up :
Jess Ruin – Lead Vocals
Kent Geislinger – Guitar and Vocals
Dayn Armsworthy – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Cody Reid – Bass and Backing Vocals
Jesse Bauman – Drums

Live Line-Up
Jess Ruin – Lead Vocals
Kent Geislinger – Guitar and Vocals
Wesley Rands – Guitar
Cody Reid – Bass and Backing Vocals
Jesse Bauman – Drums

Discography:
2019 – Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos LP
2017 – Juliet Ruin EP

Shared Stage with:
The Agonist, Wednesday 13, The Veer Union, Into Eternity, Sovereign Council, Ninjaspy, Shark Infested Daughters, Tessitura, Tides of Kharon, Black Friday, Solborn, Protosequence, Process, Bastian, WMD, New Jacobin Club, Forsaken Rite, Van Halst, Anarcheon, Kosm, The Myopia Condition, Tartar Control.

Tour and Festivals:
2018 – Days of the Dead – Red Deer, AB
2018 – Screamfest – Saskatoon, SK
2018 – Loud as Hell Festival – Drumheller, AB
2018 – Metalocalypstick Fest – Lone Butte, BC
2017 – Days of the Dead – Red Deer, AB
2017 – Metalocalypstick Fest – Lone Butte, BC
2017 – CEMR Fest – Calgary, AB
2016 – Metalocalypstick Fest – Valemount, BC

Awards:
2018 – Edmonton Music Awards – Nominated for Metal Recording of The Year – Ugly Side

L-R – Kent Geislinger – Guitar and Vocals, Jesse Bauman – Drums, Jess Ruin – Lead Vocals, Wesley Rands – Guitar, Cody Reid – Bass and Backing Vocals

Photo Credit to Dana Zuk Photography

SHORT BIO

Juliet Ruin was formed in 2015 from the ashes of previous project Fiction of Fate with the desire to fuse metal sound with clean technical vocal stylings in a way that is both beautiful and beastly.

Juliet Ruin took the obligatory first step with their debut self titled EP in 2017 and quickly made their way through the local scene, captivating audiences with high energy interactions that evoke emotion, vulnerability and power over various local gigs and appearing at several festivals over their flourishing career.

The next exciting step for Juliet Ruin is the release of their first full length album ‘Old Stardust, Love and Chaos’ in 2019 that promises to be more technical with heavy instrumentation, including some dabbling in low tuned 7 string guitars. The lead vocals have added more screams but also more clean techniques with pop-esque power vocals.

LONG BIO

Clean and spirited, Juliet Ruin is comprised of Jess Ruin (lead vocals), Kent Geislinger – (guitar/backing vocals), Wesley Rands (guitar), Cody Reid (bass/backing vocals) and Jesse Bauman (drums); creating an original sound chock full of catchy hooks that convey a fresh and emotive feel to their heavy music. Starting with a riff, the structure is bounced across the band until it reaches perfection with Ruin adding the final touches through the lyrics that touch on human experience and perseverance, the issues the world is facing or honest personal truths. The inspirations all usually come from an emotionally poetic point of view fueled by the general vibes of the music, current-event issues, messages of hope, and occasionally deep seething vengefulness.

0 EPK – Elektric Mistress – Self-Titled (EP) (2019)

June 26, 2019
by Asher
· Elektric Mistress · EPKs

Elektric Mistress – Self-Titled (EP) (2019)

For fans of Kyuss, Sleep, QOTSA, Down, Monster Truck, Clutch

Release Date: July 19, 2019

Label: Self-Release

Distribution: Distrokid

Elektricmistress.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube

“Looking to witness a true retro psychedelic synth rock experience with a progressive edge? Look no further because Elektric Mistress is here to deliver! Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Elektric Mistress covers a wide spectrum of sonic grooves and influences from the early pioneers of heavy riff rock such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. Take a deep breath and ride the wave through a hypnotic haze of electric highs and sedated tones to take you back in time and return again.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Very classy stuff, and it is absolutely recommended!” – Melodic.net

“Overall, I super, super dig this record. I’ll be honest, I was intrigued by the cover art and I’m so glad I gave it a chance. These guys are straight out of the seventies, without sounding like posers or hangers-on. If you love Deep Purple, Blue Oyster Cult, Pink Floyd, Steppenwolf, Iron Butterfly, and the like, then here is some modern music you will most definitely fall in love with.” – 1340 Mag

[EP Lyrics]

EP Title – Elektric Mistress
Release Date: July 19th, 2019
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: Distrokid

Track Listing:
1. Turn To Grey – 8:36
2. Cuba Time – 3:45
3. Meeting of The Minds – 4:06
EP Length: 16:28

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Elektric Mistress
• All songs written by: Elektric Mistress
• Produced by: Elektric Mistress
• Mixed by: Jason Jenkyns
• Mastered by: J. LaPointe Archive Mastering
• Album Artwork by: MontDoom Design and Illustration
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album & Live Band Line Up:
Steve Poole – Vocals
Kyle Cantfell – Guitars
Riley MacDonald – Keys
Kieran Richardson – Bass
Victor Canales – Drums

Shared Stage w/:
Dazor, Shadow of Everest, The Black Rats, The Bloody Hell, Dirtbox, Hostis, Halnova, Second Line Parade

Tours and Festivals:
2018 – Maritime Metal and Hard Rock Festival – Windsor, NS

SHORT BIO

Looking to witness a true retro psychedelic synth-rock experience with a progressive edge? Look no further because Elektric Mistress is here to deliver! Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Elektric Mistress covers a wide spectrum of sonic grooves and influences from the early pioneers of heavy riff rock such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. Take a deep breath and ride the wave through a hypnotic haze of electric highs and sedated tones to take you back in time and return again.

Elektric Mistress began their journey through oblivion in 2018, creating a unique soundscape of stoner rock ignited with crunchy, groovy guitar riffs, bombastic drums, dirty keys, choice bass licks and loud and raspy vocals. For those keen to experience what can best be described as ‘smoke rings in a blizzard’ the band’s debut self titled EP is set for release this coming summer 2019 on July 19th and promises to be a solid offering of tunes suitable for those looking for a classic stoner rock vibe and also those that are more experimental minded.

LONG BIO

Looking to witness a true retro psychedelic synth rock experience with a progressive edge? Look no further because Elektric Mistress is here to deliver! Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Elektric Mistress covers a wide spectrum of sonic grooves and influences from the early pioneers of heavy riff rock such as Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd. Take a deep breath and ride the wave through a hypnotic haze of electric highs and sedated tones to take you back in time and return again.

Comprised of Kieran Richardson (bass), Kyle Cantfell (guitar), Steve Poole (vocals), Riley MacDonald (keys), and Vic Canales (drums), Elektric Mistress began their journey through oblivion in 2018, creating a unique soundscape of stoner rock ignited with crunchy, groovy guitar riffs, bombastic drums, dirty keys, choice bass licks and loud and raspy vocals. This deadly combination is already starting to pay off for Elektric Mistress, having already played a handful of local shows and performing at Maritime Metal and Hard Rock Festival 2018.

For those keen to experience what can best be described as ‘smoke rings in a blizzard’ the band’s debut self titled EP is set for release this coming summer 2019 on July 19th and promises to be a solid offering of tunes suitable for those looking for a classic stoner rock vibe and also those that are more experimental minded.

0 EPK – Matt Chanway – The Beyond (single) (instrumental) (Guitar Shredder) (2019)

June 14, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Matt Chanway (Guitar Shredder)

Matt Chanway – The Beyond (single) (instrumental) (Guitar Shredder) (2019)

For fans of Conquering Dystopia, Alluvial, Revocation, Nevermore, Voivod

Release Date: TBD

LABEL: Self-Release

PR Rep – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

MattChanwayGuitar.com | Facebook | Soundcloud | Youtube | Instagram

Bandcamp | Amazon | Spotify

Matt Chanway – The Beyond (single) (5:13)

“You can hear the love of playing the guitar that emanates from the fingers of this extremely talented player with song after song of thrills and heavy shredding.” – Altered Frequencies

“This is not an album just for shredders, it’s for anyone who wants an album of great metal that will get your head banging and wear your air guitar out.” – The Ripple Effect

“Burstfire solos, frantic time signatures, complicated riffing and the like are all signposts of an artist who wants to see how far he can go. Unsurprisingly, this ambition pays off. The release could stand on its own as proof that Matt could play alongside the world’s greatest in shred guitar.” – Prog Sphere Magazine, February 2017

“The progressive metal genre never ceases to provide scores of insanely skilled guitar-slingers, and Vancouver’s Matt Chanway can now be recognized as another mind-blowing practitioner of the style.” – Guitar.com

“Ferocious, fast, and fucking awesome, Matt Chanway indeed has a scintillating skill that surely many would aspire to. His compositions are interesting, invigorating, intense, and inspiring: everything instrumental prog metal should be.” – Swept Media

“The guitar god’s name may not be familiar quite yet, but based on this display, it’s evident that Chanway is going to become one of the most recognized modern axe slingers. I dare you to take a listen to this record and not be in awe at the speed, precision, and cohesive spark that carries the record through.” – Lords of Dogwood”

“Released Christmas Day, Matt Chanway’s eponymous solo album is a showcase for his virtuosic guitar playing and intricate song crafting. The six song album is decidedly modern, never resting on its laurels however from time to time, echoes from those pioneers of thrash metal will sear through, keeping the album packed with adrenaline. Produced with the help of drum programmer Jacob Craner and bassist/engineer Stuart Hidalgo, this album will leave you wondering why you ever needed the barking and screeching of a vocalist in the first place.” – Music-News.com

Matt Chanway is a Canadian guitarist, instructor, and session musician from Vancouver BC. His debut album was released in 2016 to critical acclaim, and not long after finished as a finalist in Guitar Idol, the world’s foremost guitar competition showcasing the top emerging players on the planet. Holding a Fellowship in music performance from the University of West London, Matt teaches guitar and theory full-time in his hometown Vancouver BC.

Matt’s playing is inspired by a combination of the old and new school, with rock guitar players from the 80’s, modern progressive “shredders” such as Dan Mongrain and Jeff Loomis, as well as 70’s jazz-rock musicians John Mahavishnu and Al Di Meola. Fans of challenging, progressive, intense instrumental music – artists such as Alluvial, Tony Macalpine, Martyr, Vitalism – will enjoy Chanway’s music.

In 2019, Chanway releases his first new music since 2016, the single ‘The Beyond’. Three more singles are to be released throughout the 2^nd half of the year, with info on live performances coming soon.

0 EPK – Waingro – III (No List Records / Sludgelords Records) (2019)

June 11, 2019
by Asher
· EPKs · Waingro

Waingro – III (No List Records / Sludgelords Records) (2019)

For fans of The Bronx, Queens of the Stone Age, High On Fire, Eye Hate God, Fu Manchu

Release Date:

August 15, 2019 (UK vinyl and worldwide digital) – Sludgelord Records, September 13, 2019 for Vinyl in Canada – No List Records

Publicist – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

Sludgelords Records | No List Records | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

“Waingro have crafted an impressive debut that should soon see them mentioned alongside fellow Vancouverites Baptists and Bison B.C. as a reliable source of West Coast heaviness.” – Exclaim

“Think Queens of the Stone Age but with Nick Oliveri fully supplanting Josh Homme on the mic.” – BeatRoute

“There is no escaping from the fact that Waingro have something special about them. As they have the sound and vision to turn some heads within the Hard Rock/Stoner Rock scene.” – Sludgelord

“Waingro came out swinging, with a masterful energy and stage presence that immediately turned heads across the board.” – BeatRoute

“Melodically dissonant in the best way possible, these guys play rock ‘n roll the way it should be, drawing on influences from all over the place to concoct something that they’ve made entirely their own.” – CVLT Nation

Track Listing:
1. New Colony (3:30)
2. Red Death (3:03)
3. Bay Area Cult (3:15)
4. Third Veil (2:40)
5. Merrin (2:48)
6. Marked Cross (3:43)
7. Dead Calm (2:41)
8. The Upward Turn (3:17)
9. Pacino (1:53)
10. Monaco (3:29)
11. Greenwater Manifesto (4:59)
12. Cardinal (4:42)
Album Length: 40:06

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Waingro
• All songs written by: Waingro
• Produced by: Jesse Gander & Waingro
• Mixed by: Jesse Gander
• Mastered by: Stu McKillop
• Album Artwork by: Cole Benoit
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album & Live Band Line Up:
Brian Sepanzyk (guitar, vocals)
Benjie Nesdoly (Drums)
Nate Pennell (Bass, backing vocals)

Photo Credit: Cole Benoit

SHORT BIO

Fueled by a passion for stoner rock and punk; Brian Sepanzyk (guitars/vocals), Benjie Nesdoly (drums) and Nate Pennell (bass/backing vocals) took the heaviness of hardcore, the groove from stoner rock and then added subtle desert rock highlights to work on what would come to be known as Waingro.

While their earlier material can be considered stoner hardcore with releases Self Titled (2014) and “Mt. Hood” (2015); Waingro adds a grunge edge with their upcoming album “III due out August 15, 2019 its UK vinyl and worldwide digital release via Sludgelord Records and is Canadian vinyl release on September 13, 2019 via No List Records. Bringing a ton of energy, while still remaining super tight, Waingro’s main lyrical concepts explore the character of the same name from the film Heat. Writing about situations from the character’s potential point of view complemented with visual landscapes for his possibilities, Waingro have played several festivals across Canada and with their latest album around the corner, will be looking to further their reach in the future.

LONG BIO

The experienced musicians have honed their craft in several other bands over the years, but it wasn’t until they formed Waingro that Sepanzyk (guitar/vocals), Nesdoly (drums), and Nate Pennell (bass/backing vocals) were truly able to explore their talents in the abrasive desert rock band. While their earlier material can be considered stoner hardcore with releases Self Titled (2014) and Mt. Hood (2015); Waingro adds a grunge edge with their upcoming album “III due out August 15, 2019, its UK vinyl and worldwide digital release via Sludgelord Records and is Canadian vinyl release on September 13, 2019, via No List Records.

Not ones to be conventional, Waingro gives a glimpse into their writing process: “It usually starts with Sepanzyk coming up with some riffs, then going out to a cabin and locking ourselves away for 2-3 days while we BBQ and play Bocce.”

Bringing a ton of energy, while still remaining super tight, Waingro’s main lyrical concepts explore the character of the same name from the film Heat. Writing about situations from the character’s potential point of view complemented with visual landscapes for his possibilities, Waingro have played several festivals across Canada and with their latest album around the corner, will be looking to further their reach in the future.

Discography:
2019 – III
2015 – Mt Hood
2014 – Self Titled

Shared Stage with:
Fu Manchu, High On Fire, Mudhoney, Eye Hate God, Power Trip, Sheer Mag, Sumac, Baptists, Helms Alee

Tours and Festivals:
2015 – Up Downtown Festival Edmonton
2015 – Sled Island Calgary
2015 – Levitation Festival Vancouver
2016 – Canadian Music Week Toronto
2018 – Modified Ghost Festival Vancouver

Music Placements (Movies, Commercials)
Rocky Mountain Bikes

0 EPK – As I May – My Own Creations (2019) (Rockshots Records)

June 11, 2019
by Asher
· As I May · EPKs

As I May – My Own Creations (2019) (Rockshots Records)

Release Date: Out July 26, 2019 Worldwide via Rockshots Records, July 24, 2019 In Japan via Spiritual Beast

Publicist – Jon Asher – asher(@)ashermediarelations.com

Rockshots.eu | AsIMay.com | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Track Listing:
1. End of The Beginning (0:39)
2. Pride Goes Before A Fall (3:30)
3. What A Waste of Life (3:34)
4. I See You In Me (3:30)
5. Silent (4:12)
6. Necessary Evil (3:42)
7. Cure Is More Worse Than Disease (3:08)
8. Quiet Place (3:49)
9. Loud (3:54)
Album Length: 30:03

Album Credits:
– Recorded at: 13th Studio and Astia Studio
– Produced, mixed and mastered: Stefan Pommerin at Illusia Production
– Drum Production: A.I.M, Stefan Pommerin and Anssi Kippo
– Vocal Production: A.I.M and Rami Nykänen
– Synths/ Programmin: Lasse Hiltunen and Stefan Pommerin
– Artwork: Jan Handzus
– Photos: Kimmo Pulliainen
– Choir: Jari Valjakka, Kari Vesalainen and Vesa Karjalainen

Finnish modern metal act AS I MAY will be releasing their second album “My Own Creation” this coming July 2019. Signing with labels Rockshots Records (Italy) and Spiritual Beast (Japan), the sophomore full length is slated for a worldwide release on July 26th along with it being available in Japan on July 24th.

“My Own Creation” is a fast-paced blend of modern metal with metalcore highlights. It’s heavy, melodic and unique; and sonically more mature than AS I MAY’s previous release “Speak No Evil” (2017). Working on writing music that is easy to identify with a digital atmosphere, AS I MAY make their listeners headbang and sing along to the catchy choruses.

Paying homage to many old school metal bands, In Flames fans will find a special affinity for this Finnish act.

The four-piece modern melodic metal band from Mikkeli, Finland was formed in 2016. The group now consists of Tipi Nokelainen (vocals and bass); Lasse Hiltunen (vocals and guitar); Jani Valhola (backup vocals and guitars) and Marko Korhonen (drums).

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