Category: Music News

0 Alberta’s Decimate MetalFest 2020 Cancelled

April 1, 2020
by Asher
· Decimate MetalFest · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 1, 2020

Alberta’s Decimate MetalFest 2020 Cancelled

Due to the global COVID 19 situation and the uncertainty of events and public gatherings, Decimate MetalFest announces they will be cancelling their 2020 edition. The festival was to be held on June 12-14 to Millet, AB at the Millet Agriplex (5400 45th Avenue) with camping available at the Millet Lions Memorial Campground. Millet, AB is 60kms south of Edmonton and 250kms north of Calgary. For its first two years, DMF has been held in Calgary.

DMF’s 2020 line up was scheduled to have an array of 35+ performing acts from many metal sub-genres along with burlesque, comedy, and more from across Canada.

Festival organizer Sloan Voxx issued the following statement:

“Hey everyone, we finally have an update for you. While sitting in limbo through the mess that is our world right now, I was striving to do everything I could to keep the fest going! But after sitting down, a lot of contemplation and a long hard look at what is happening around us, with the heaviest of hearts, I feel that it is in our best interest, and everyone’s safety to cancel this year’s festival.

There are an array of reasons why we need to make this tough decision, and I sincerely apologize for any disappointment or inconvenience, but our top priority is keeping you all safe. As safety is our primary concern and as the situation worsens, the last thing we want is to be responsible for bringing multiple small groups of people together (regardless of the sanitary precautions we have planned out) and put you in jeopardy of becoming ill furthermore to put your families in jeopardy of becoming ill. We don’t want to be part of the problem, we want to be part of the solution.

At this point, we have to ask ourselves: “Is it worth it?”. There is so much at stake here both directly and indirectly. As much as I love this festival, its crew, its bands, fans and everything it represents, and as much as I want to fight tooth and nail to make this happen, the answer is “No.”. I don’t think it’s worth it. Potentially endangering even one person is not worth it.

We will still be here to support all other Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance fests that still may take place (Armstrong MetalFest – AMF, Loud as Hell Festival, Metalocalypstick Fest and Hyperspace Metal Festival). We hope that you’ll join us in crossing your fingers, toes, legs, eyes, and anything else cross-able for them all that it can happen and their fests are able to move forward!

In addition, everyone who was on the roster for Decimate 2020 has a direct invite to return to play Decimate 2021 if they are able to do so. We have a hold on the Millet Agriplex for the weekend of June 11th, 12th, and 13th, 2021, so mark your calendars, because we’re coming back with a vengeance next year, and the rest of the lineup is SICK!!!

I hope you are well and safe. Love you guys.”

Previous years of Decimate MetalFest included bands such as: Into Eternity (Regina, SK), Hammerdrone (Calgary, AB), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON), Tortured Saint (London, ON), Quietus (Edmonton, AB), SYRYN (Calgary, AB), KOSM (Vancouver, BC), Hazzardous Material Burlesque, (Calgary, AB), School of Rock Calgary South (Performance Band -18), Ninjaspy (Vancouver, BC), Widow’s Peak (Calgary, AB), NYLITHIA (Vancouver, BC), Blackwater Burial (Vancouver, BC), Insurrection (Gatineau, QC), Pecado (Calgary, AB), Sludgehammer (Toronto, ON), Gatekeeper (Vancouver, BC), BLQ – Benevolent Like Quietus (Calgary, AB), ODINFIST (Armstrong, BC), Tessitura Official (Edmonton, AB), Filth (Shelby, NC), Insvrgence (Austin, TX), and many more!

Decimate MetalFest is the brainchild of Sloan Voxx of Voxx Promotions, which is destined to become an annual Canadian metal pilgrimage to Alberta, Canada. With the many yearly festivals becoming part of the national metal heritage, Sloan wants Decimate MetalFest to become one of the best-known events alongside the various festivals located within Alberta, and Western Canada. With Voxx Promos booking and promotional experience, and the support of metalheads internationally, there is nothing to stop them from reaching their goal of bringing in the masses and putting on incredible metal festivals for years to come!”
(Writing Credits: Sloan Voxx & Ingrid Newton)

Decimate MetalFest is a proud member of the Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance

Check out other WCMFA festivals:
Armstrong MetalFest – AMF
Loud as Hell Festival
Metalocalypstick Fest
Hyperspace Metal Festival

For more info:
Decimatemf.wixsite.com/decimateme
Facebook.com/decimatemf/
Instagram.com/decimate_mf/
Twitter.com/decimatemf

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Atmospheric Visual Prog LAKEMAN Share Video “25,000 + Hectares”; New EP “Progenitor” Out Now!

April 1, 2020
by Asher
· Lakeman · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 1, 2020

EP Download Request HERE. (for media use only)

For fans of Russian Circles, Mogwai, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, And So I Watch You from Afar

Atmospheric Visual Prog LAKEMAN Share Video “25,000 + Hectares”

New EP “Progenitor” Out Now!

Visual instrumental prog band LAKEMAN is sharing with fans their music video ‘25,000 + Hectares‘ in support of their EP “Progenitor” released this past November.

The track is the shortest LM song ever recorded clocking in at a little over 7 minutes. The song is a sonic meditation inspired by the forest wildfires that sweep through the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada on an annual basis.

The band adds about the track:

“The Ponderosa pine in the area relies on fire to open its cone husks to spread its seeds. Destruction breeds creation. The song’s birth was quick yet meaningful. It had a feeling of something writing itself or being channeled by an unknown source. The song balances two simple chords breathing back and forth through different forms of intensities. Josh Pym screams falsetto’s through the pickups in his guitar while Josh Bissonette weaves a harsh bellowing electronic ambiance over top of the pulsing rhythm section.”

The video tale can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Ac9demx48BY

“Progenitor” is the second audio-visual release from LAKEMAN. Most of the EP was recorded live off the floor by Kaylub Burke at the Center for Arts and Technology with mixing and mastering by Andy Ashley. Visual elements for the EP were filmed and edited by Jonathan Robinson, and lighting was operated by Joshua Goodwin.

Robert McLaren explains further:

“We all seem drawn to lo-fi expression for this project. I personally love to capture moments rather than reproduce them. 90% of “Progenitor” is live off the floor, recorded as a band playing together in a room. I would not suggest this for most bands, it is a waiting game to find the take that everyone played their best and usually, time is not a luxury when you are in a studio. However, you have to learn to love your blemishes and flaws as a band when you record this way. It is a form of radical self-acceptance. I like to also add that we have 20 more minutes of recorded music in production to release after “Progenitor”.

“Progenitor” is available for stream and download via Bandcamp.
CD and vinyl versions that feature individual one of a kind acrylic pour artwork are sold out.
(Watch the EP art creation video here.)
Music Video – Powers Creek – here.

LAKEMAN has a devoted cult-like following throughout the Okanagan Valley and British Columbia. The band’s long-form instrumental and genre-bending approach beckons audiences of various musical forms. They revel in the band’s ability to exchange instruments everything from drums to guitars, bass, keyboards, synthesizers and lately even the fiddle and banjo. All this happens on stage while the music continues seamlessly through ambient soundscapes.

The overall theme of the band is a sonic meditation of the veiled and macabre history of the Okanagan valley. The group finds their sound in a deeply collaborative approach, very little composition is done apart, and there is no “songwriter”. The band starts the compositions by first improvising together, the feel of each improvisation can be vastly different based on who is playing which instrument. As mentioned earlier the band does not have assigned instrument roles as most other bands traditionally do. You can find anyone of the members doing anything from turning knobs on a synthesizer to singing into a violin before they started bowing it. After finding the improvisation the band likes, they then begin the long process of composing around this initial improvisation. Once a LAKEMAN piece of music starts to take form the band will start considering a local myth or legend to devote the theme to, this deepens the band’s thematic composition. This is when the piece will usually take its final or close to its final form.

Track Listing:
1. Powers Creek (8:08)
2. 25,000 + Hectares (7:12)
3. Pandosy (10:38)
EP Length: 25:59

Band Line Up:
Josh Bissonette: guitar, bass, keys/synth, drums
Josh Pym: guitar, bass, keys/synth, vocals
Warryn Berry: guitar, keys/synth, drums
Robert McLaren: guitar, bass, keys/synths, drums, vocals, fiddle, banjo

For more info:
Facebook.com/lakemanband
Instagram.com/lakemanband

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“Experimenting with unique atmospherics, delving deep into concepts that feature tidbits of Okanagan history and relying heavily on intuition, LAKEMAN goes beyond catchy riffs and infectious hooks to create living and breathing art that resonates.” – Kelowna Now

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0 Montreal’s GORLVSH To Release Debut Album “New City Vibe” June 5th via No List Records & Ancient Temple Recordings

April 1, 2020
by Asher
· Gorlvsh · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 1, 2020

Advance Album Download Request here. (for media use only)

For fans of Converge, DFA1979, Lightning Bolt

Montreal’s GORLVSH To Release Debut Album “New City Vibe” June 5th

via No List Records & Ancient Temple Recordings

Bringing their bizarre, mathy, metallic hardcore music to ears everywhere, Montreal, QC power trio GORLVSH (pronounced Gore-Lush) announce they will be releasing their debut album on June 5, 2020 via No List Records and Ancient Temple Recordings for cassette version.

With their heavy, sludgy and energetic sound, suited for anyone looking for something completely different, the band explains:

“We constantly wrote music with the live show in mind. We wanted that to a good blend of all the things we dig that bands do, scrapping the weakest stuff along the way, and constantly iterating upon the songs we dig. Eventually, when we decided to record the full length, we just worked backward from which tracks were most exciting to make something we could be proud of. We’ve upped our production game a lot, but focused primarily on what makes our sound unique, finding riffs that work for our blend of multiple bass amps, octave pedals, and a ton of distortion and fx. We really aim to sound as good and professional as possible, despite our DIY ethos and $0 recording budget.”

Entitled “New City Vibe”, the album is a new mantra, as an injunction. New City Vibe is decadence. The lyrics on the release are all about today’s challenges, individualism, hyper-sexualization, ordinary violence, competition between individuals and deadly ideologies destroying people’s lives. For those who are from the band’s hometown of Montreal, the artwork represents the iconic Farine Roses building.

GORLVSH‘s music video for their single ‘Wait For Me’ can be viewed HERE.

In the raw and gritty video, you are introduced to the unique and creative hardcore that is influenced by Converge, DFA1979, and Lightning Bolt.

GORLVSH‘s “New City Vibe” will be made available for pre-order at a later date from No List Records and Ancient Temple Recordings.

Track Listing:
1. Don’t Miss The Shot (1:45)
2. New City Vibe (2:28)
3. Wait For Me (2:55)
4. Sheppard One Is Down (3:00)
5. Wolves Against Wolves (2:57)
6. I Don’t Want To Survive (2:33)
7. Wake (2:55)
8. 007 (3:35)
9. Too Many Will Try (2:16)
Album Length: 24:28

For more info:
Facebook.com/gorlvshmtl
EPK

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“Combining the influential sounds of Converge, Death from Above 1979 and Lightning Bolt, Montreal’s Gorlvsh (pronounced “Gore-Lush”) is dead set on adding some rowdiness and weirdness to the sonic landscape. We don’t know if they are, as they claim, “Montreal’s sickest guitar-less band,” but from what we can tell they make a hell of a racket that combines math rock angularity, crushing metallic riffs, off-kilter rhythms and a few catchy hooks in there for good measure.” – Decibel Magazine

“Blending Dillinger Escape Plan–esque angular complexity with punk snarl and groovy riffs reminiscent of Mutoid Man, Gorlvsh may not have been what the death metal/grindcore crowd at L’Esco were expecting, but they were one of the most fun and most unique local bands I’ve seen in a good while.” – Bucketlist Music Reviews

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0 BLACK ABSINTHE Postpones Ontario Tour Dates

March 30, 2020
by Asher
· Black Absinthe · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 30, 2020

For fans of Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Mastodon, High On Fire, Black Label Society

BLACK ABSINTHE Postpones Ontario Tour Dates

New Music Video ‘Witness’

Postponed Show Dates:
April 10 – Oshawa, ON – The Atria w/ Pink Cocoon, Sun Below
April 11 – Toronto, ON – Duffy’s Tavern w/ Pink Cocoon, Cherry Hooker
April 22 – London, ON – Call The Office w/ Chris Holmes and The Mean Men
April 25 – Toronto, ON – Duffy’s Tavern w/ Leather Up Your Ass
May 16 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar w/ Metalian, Ammo
May 22 – Ottawa, ON – Dominion Tavern w / JunkOwl, Doom & Blue

L-R – Kyle Scarlett (Bass), Jack Cerre (Vocals/Guitar), Austin Henderson (Drums) – Photo Credit: Katherine Kwan

Toronto’s BLACK ABSINTHE announces they will be postponing their April and May show dates in Oshawa, Toronto, London, and Ottawa due to the global Covid 19 situation. The mini Ontario tour was to be in support of their latest single/music video ‘Witness’ that the trio released in follow up to their 2016 breakout album “Early Signs of Denial” that was produced by Dave Baksh (Sum 41, Black Cat Attack). The album garnered praise from respectable outlets such as Bravewords “The record has emphasis of crushing modern tone, polished instrumental sections, soaring vocals and a blending of contemporary and classic metal.” and Blabbermouth “BLACK ABSINTHE does quite a bit within each of their songs, wrangling together bits of metal theories from yesteryear and today. Classic metal, power metal, death metal, thrash, it’s all dosed out like party pills for headbangers.” along with topping the Canadian College Radio National Loud Charts at #7 for July 2016 (Earshot).

The band issued the following statement:

“We reflect now on the joy playing live brought us, and the importance of bringing people together for the music.

Our friends at home and throughout Ontario are the best part of playing live. We’ll be back with an amazing live show and new music, to thank you all for being there for us, and supporting the new video for ‘Witness.’

The postponement of this tour comes with the belief that we will be back on the road when it is safe, co-ordinated, and with all bands currently involved.”

The music video for “Witness” can be viewed HERE along with it on Spotify, Bandcamp and Apple Music.

BLACK ABSINTHE‘s new single “Witness” was recorded in the backwoods of Lac-des-Loups, QC at Wolf Lake Studios with producer Alexander Galley (Loviatar, Dissentient, Martyrs). Representing a new generation of heavy music producers, Galley’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and openness confirmed he would bring a cutting edge sensibility to the band’s recording of the track. A forward-thinking producer with an ear to the ground of the emerging sounds of heavy music, his direction for guitar and bass tone for the song was a vision all his own. Reminiscent of the classic metal philosophy and in an intense ten-hour blitz, BLACK ABSINTHE went into the studio knowing they wanted to record the song in its entirety and bask in the completed performance. Equipped with an Ayotte house-kit in the studio, Austin Henderson laid down drum tracks to set the foundation of the track for the session. Following, bassist Kyle Scarlett and guitarist Jack Cerre both tuned up and recorded with their stage Fenders. Housing exceptional gear, BLACK ABSINTHE utilized the studio’s Kemper Profiler and boutique bass gear (Darkglass Electronics).

Guitarist and lead vocalist Jack Cerre comments:

“All in all the experience was exhilarating, especially under pressure, our preparation paid off because the recording captures a true performance and urgency.”

The video for the single “Witness” was shot at Toronto heavy metal venue Coalition T.O just months before its unfortunate closure. The venue itself holds a very dear spot in the metal hearts of the band as they lived and performed just steps away from it for the last four years, meeting local and touring bands along with rocking out their own relentless run of shows.

Trusting Katherine Kwan, “The Wild” (2017) director to encapsulate the energy felt in the band’s live performances. The video begins with a glimpse into what a night at their local and beloved punk/metal Kensington Market venue was like. From the bright pit footage to the intoxicating strobe saturated drum breakdown – the single is represented in the best and most chaotic way possible.

“The insanity of the front row has been the proving grounds of Black Absinthe’s sound, and the foreground to this video.” The band adds. “Live shows took the placeholder for releasing music over the past three years, and the energy in this video is how you will always find us live. We want this video to transcend people who have been there while offering a snapshot of underground metal venues found across the globe.” adds the band.

For more info:
Facebook.com/blackabsintheband
Instagram.com/blackabsintheto
EPK

About:

Formed in the underground dungeons and dives of Toronto’s metal scene, Black Absinthe is a Canadian modern heavy metal band consisting of Jack Cerre (guitar, vocals), Kyle Scarlett (bass), and Austin Henderson (drums). A mix of thrashing mosh pits and riff-heavy anthems, their growing presence in the diverse heavy music scene, unifies classic metal grandeur, speed-demon rhythm sections, soaring solos, with modern technicality.

Since 2011, Black Absinthe has performed, recorded, and brought the party all over Canada. Over the course of three EP’s & one LP, Early Signs of Denial, Black Absinthe has continued to grow and experiment on its NWOBHM influences while maintaining the intensity of the genre. As they continue to expand their setlists in 2019 and tour in both new and familiar places, the band is set to release their latest studio recording, Witness, a riff-strong single inspired by the band’s energetic live stage performances. With plenty of live material to work within the studio, the band shows no signs of slowing down and plans to release more material in the coming year.

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0 American Power Metal LOST LEGACY Cancel Tour Dates w/ Whiplash, Doro, Flotsam & Jetsam; Out Now! New Album “In The Name of Freedom” via Pure Steel Records

March 30, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Lost Legacy

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 30, 2020

For fans of Fates Warning, Metal Church, Testament, Stratovarius, Iced Earth

American Power Metal LOST LEGACY Cancel Tour Dates w/ Whiplash, Doro, Flotsam & Jetsam

Out Now! New Album “In The Name of Freedom” via Pure Steel Records

New York power metallers LOST LEGACY announce they will be canceling their scheduled April and May tour dates with Whiplash, Doro, Flotsam & Jetsam. The tour dates were to be in support of their new album “In The Name of Freedom” released on March 20, 2020 via Pure Steel Records.

The band issued the following statement:

“Dear fans and friends. We regret to announce the cancellation of our tour. It is unfortunate, but due to the worldwide pandemic, it’s unrealistic to think it will be safe to go on as planned.

It saddens us because this was to be the first leg of our tour supporting our newly released album “In The Name of Freedom”. Months went into planning, money, and resources to make this tour a reality. But it is best at this time to put people’s health first, this is priority one. Stay home and be safe! You can support us by getting a copy of our new album. We will look at planning another tour soon. Be safe and see you soon!”

Featuring forty-six minutes of pure metal, LOST LEGACY‘s sophomore release is a concept album serving as an act II to their debut full length, which was inspired by the tragedy of 9/11. The album “In The Name of Freedom” is available on Puresteel-Shop.com, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and Spotify.

The band comments about the full length:

“For ‘In The Name of Freedom” the inspiration was driven by Dave’s desire to write about ‘the men and women’ of our armed forces and about the lack of judgment among many media outlets that report without having all the facts – and how it divides people.

The album concept follows as part II to our first self-released album ‘The Aftermath’ that was inspired by the tragedy of 9/11. Vocalist Dave Franco took pen to paper and wrote about the tragedies and the heroism of first responders, soldiers and the survivors of this sad day in our history.

‘In The Name of Freedom’ is dedicated to the men and women of our armed forces that have sacrificed everything to protect our freedoms. As a band, we do not support war, but we are supportive of our troops and wanted to express our feelings about what they go through and the difficulties they face, from dealing with their own mortality and PTSD. It’s our way to honor them and say thanks. The album also has a song “Take Me Away” that relates to the way media outlets present news about shootings in our country and how before all the facts are known, they emit conclusions and judgments without knowing all the facts and how this has an effect on people by causing divide, riots, and misunderstandings.

This album delivers a twin guitar assault that blends heavy melodic riffs, intellectual musicianship, and superb vocals.”

LOST LEGACY has been around since 1998 and their dedication to their craft shows. Having four excellent musicians and a vocalist that can play guitar and write riffs makes for a plethora of ideas. With Franco’s vocal capacity and range, it has transformed them to write music that enhances his vocal performances and gives the band the freedom to play intellectual metal.

For fans of Fates Warning, Metal Church, and Testament, LOST LEGACY is classic power metal with a modern edge.

Videos:
‘Front Line’ YouTube.
‘Will You Remember’ – YouTube

Canceled Tour Dates: In The Name of Freedom US Tour 2020
April 25 – Club Revolution – Amityville, NY %
May 3 – The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY *
May 4 – Sellersville Theatre – Sellersville, PA *
May 6 – The Winchester – Cleveland, OH *
May 7 – Reggies – Chicago, IL *
May 11 – Dingbatz, Clifton NJ +
% = Whiplash
* = Doro
+ = Flotsam and Jetsam

Track Listing:
1. Rise To Glory (1:56)
2. My Faith (8:04)
3. Front Line (4:30)
4. In The Name of Freedom (8:10)
5. Take Me Away (5:28)
6. Enough Is Enough (5:16)
7. Will You Remember (6:13)
8. Rules of Engagement (6:09)
Album Length: 45:50

For more info:
PureSteel-Records.com
LostLegacyny.com/
Facebook.com/LostLegacyNY
Instagram.com/lost_legacy_ny
EPK

About:

Lost Legacy was founded in 1998 in The Bronx, New York and has gained the reputation of a power metal band known for playing melodic music with an attitude. Both classic and modern, Lost Legacy combines lyrical messages that are positive and uplifting with strong vocal performances from Dave Franco.

With decades of experience, Lost Legacy has always had a heavy sound performed by excellent musicians. A professional band, Lost Legacy brings an assault of aggressive guitars, melodic riffs and a classic sound that brings together all the elements and tradition of power metal and thrash. Stage presence and entertaining the fans are of paramount concern to the band who pride themselves on their stage show. With an abundance of energy and they put their heart and soul into each show. Although very centric on power metal, the music has a lot of nuances that give each song a different feel and the crowd is kept on their toes with rhythm changes, tempo changes and melodies that stick.

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“Lost Legacy’s metal is fast and heavy.” – Danger Dog Music Reviews

“For those who enjoy Fates Warning, Metal Church, and Testament, will want to give this record a spin.” – Metal Insider

“Great sound over all supported by well written songs. If you never heard of LOST LEGACY now is the time to change that!” – Reflections of Darkness

“NY’s Lost Legacy Has Been Turning Out the Metal for Over Ten Years. A Killer Six Piece Band Who Know Their Instruments And How To Use Them. Raw Power And Pure Talent Is What You Get.” – Mike The Big Cheese, Heavy Metal Mayhem

“Lost Legacy a metal band out of Bronx NY, that formed in 1998 The latest album “”The Aftermath” came out in 2009 which was a tribute to those who lost their lives in 9/11. Some of the songs are Towers, Time Will Heal, Light The Candles, their music is packed with energy, catchy riffs and powerful vocals. A tour de Force.” – Robin Souls, Metal Messiah Radio

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
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0 Blackcast Premiere Music Video “The American Dream” via The Circle Pit

March 27, 2020
by Asher
· Blackcast · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 27, 2020

For fans of August Burns Red, Wage War, Currents, Meshuggah

Blackcast Premiere Music Video “The American Dream” via The Circle Pit

Blackcast, hailing from San Diego, California has a new single out, “The American Dream” complete with a video being premiered on The Circle Pit‘s Youtube channel HERE.

This single is proof that Blackcast is still able to bring the heavy sound and message that they have come to be known for. With a new lineup, they are continuing to deliver the breakdowns the fans love with added technical aspects and lyrics that are controversial and relatable. The band explains the theme behind the topical new single:

“Our new single, ‘The American Dream’ is about the struggles of immigrants and their journey in getting to the USA. You will hear about the struggles that one may experience during that hard journey that unfortunately gets overlooked sometimes.”

For fans of August Burns Red, Architects and As I Lay Dying, this is solid metalcore with a tinge of deathcore.

“The American Dream” is officially available for stream and download on Spotify and Apple Music.

For more info:
Facebook.com/BlackcastMusic
Instagram.com/BlackcastMusic
EPK

About:

In 2015, in the heat of San Diego, USA, Blackcast started as a 6 piece band featuring two vocalists, 2 guitarists (Dany Khouli and Armand Guerra), a bassist (Hakeem Kelly) and a drummer (Richard Bocanegra). Along the way, there was a falling out with our first 2 vocalists and Blackcast became stagnant until the arrival of vocalist, Tyler Walters, who helped push the band to where it needed to go.

Blackcast was soon able to play alongside big bands such as Born of Osiris, Atilla, Hatebreed, Bleeding Through, Spite, and Bad Omens. For two years they played gig after gig and released two albums, their self-titled debut in 2016 and “Riches to Ruin” in 2017. After that album, life situations and creative differences saw the departure of all the members except for Bocanegra and Guerra. They were replaced by Montgomery Turel (guitar), Luis Perea (vocals), and Richard Orozco (bass).

The new lineup quickly released four banging singles “Against The World” (2018), “Buried Alive” (2019), “Brain Dead” (2019) and “The American Dream” (2020). They are on a roll and can’t wait to show that they are stronger than ever and ready to prove that they still can make ears bleed and heads bang!

Ambition is high, Blackcast has been zoning in on being heavy and dark with all the breakdowns you can handle, and then some. There is more in the works for this collaborative band; focusing on keeping their sound consistent and technical, fans can expect nothing but sheer energy delivered straight to their faces during performances.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Rockshots Records: Australia’s VICTORIA K New Music Video ‘The Haunting’; Debut Album “Essentia” Out April 24, 2020

March 27, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Victoria K

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 27, 2020

For fans of Nightwish, Kamelot, Eluveitie, Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation

Rockshots Records: Australia’s VICTORIA K New Music Video ‘The Haunting’

Debut Album “Essentia” Out April 24, 2020

Australia’s Victoria K is sharing their new video ‘The Haunting’ in support of the forthcoming debut album “Essentia” due out April 24, 2020 via Rockshots Records. The full length was produced by Lee Bradshaw and features special guest Michalina Malisz (Eluveitie).

Victoria K adds about the track:

“‘The Haunting’ is about a tortured past that relentlessly plays on your thoughts and keeps you captive at that point in time. These memories and thoughts haunt you continuously until you can learn to let go of them, if you ever can. Only when you do let go of these torturing thoughts and feelings can you actually move forward again.”

The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/KaFXk11Dphs

Streaming links:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Utr5hs
iTunes (Instant Download): https://apple.co/38YyVph
PRE SAVE: https://backl.ink/125352804

The Melbourne singer/songwriter has made her mark on the rock and metal scene with the release of her debut single ‘Monster’ in 2016, featuring guitar work by Brett Garsed (John Farnham Band) along with her 2019 follow up track ‘Lacuna’ distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Warner Music Group (Australia) and is the lead single off the upcoming album.

The single garnered a lot of media praise and created an opportunity for Victoria K to support Swiss folk metal giants Eluveitie for their May 2019 tour date in Melbourne, a performance that had the crowd chanting for an encore.

Although the album was originally a solo project, it has now developed into the current band structure with each member bringing their own energy and experience to the collective. The band is looking forward to collaborating on future releases and is now heavily focused on the release of this debut full length in April.

Victoria K adds:

“I really hope that when our fans and new listeners hear the album they can all find something that they connect with on a deeper level. Whether that connection is found from within the music itself or from specific lyrics, I really hope they find something familiar, which can connect them to some experience they have had, invoking memories and feelings, eliciting an emotional response.”

Victoria K‘s talented songwriting and compositional influences include Evanescence, Within Temptation, Nightwish and Kamelot amongst other current bands in the European metal scene and her music have been likened to be a blend of these influences. Victoria K has racked up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube with her own original creations and through featured videos alongside a number of talented musicians covering a plethora of songs. Victoria K‘s covers include Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”, Nightwish’s “Last Ride of the Day”, Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” and Kamelot’s “Insomnia”, the latter of which received attention from the band themselves on Twitter and led to a meeting of talents when the American power metal band found themselves in Melbourne during their 2018 ‘The Shadow Theory’ Australian tour.

Other Videos:
‘Forsaken’ – https://youtu.be/Y7lgmTDo_lQ
‘Lacuna’ – https://youtu.be/vHqZ7tMu0xw

Album pre-order – http://bit.ly/essentia_preorder

Track Listing:
1. Freedom Uncharted (feat. Sheri Vengeance) (4:37)
2. Surreal (3:30)
3. Forsaken (feat. Sheri Vengeance) (3:23)
4. Matrix (feat. Sheri Vengeance) (3:45)
5. Shroud of Solitude (feat. Michalina Malisz – Eluveitie) (3:33)
6. The Haunting (3:47)
7. Freaks (2:40)
8. Mist Filled Sky (3:46)
9. Humanity (2:58)
10. Lacuna (4:53)
Album Length: 36:5

Band Line-Up:
Victoria K – Vocals
Sheri Vengeance – Extreme Vocals (Black Like Vengeance, ex. Ne Obliviscaris)
Julia Mammone – Guitar (Enlight)
Martin Kawaler – Bass (Black Like Vengeance, ex. Ten Thousand)

James Davies – Drums

Album Credits:
Produced by Lee Bradshaw for Bradshaw Music Productions
Arrangements by Victoria K and Lee Bradshaw
Orchestra composed and arranged by Lee Bradshaw

Vocals – Victoria K
Guitars – Brett Garsed
Drums – Gerry Pantazis
Bass – Rich Panaia*
*except “Lacuna” – Chris Rourke
Keys, Piano, Synth and Sound Design – Lee Bradshaw
Hurdy Gurdy on “Shroud of Solitude” – Michalina Malisz from Eluveitie
Feature Vocal on “Freedom Unchartered”, “Forsaken” and “Matrix” – Sheri Vengeance

Orchestra – Budapest Scoring Orchestra, conducted by Zoltán Pad
Orchestra engineered by Dénes Rédly
Orchestral contractor – Bálint Sapszon

For more info:
Roc kshots.eu
Victoriakmusicofficial.com

– 30 –

“Lovers of symphonic metal listen up… because Victoria K is about to put Australia on the map.” – Heavy Magazine

“Victoria K’s vocals are absolutely brilliant, they’re ethereal and infectious” – Buzz Music

“The sense of yearning and resolution in Lacuna is woven with sophistication and skill.” – Hysteria Magazine

“She very quickly won over the crowd and with her voice and great tracks like ‘Lacuna’ and ‘Matrix’ it is very easy to see that she will soon be matching it alongside bands like Evanescence and Nightwish.” – Heavy Magazine

“’Lacuna’ is an atmospheric track in which Victoria showcases her fantastic voice by switching between delicate verses and powerful choruses with total ease.” – Maniacs

“’Lacuna’ has so much Metal and so much Gothic in it that you’d want to hear it repeatedly if you’re a Metal fan. The music is sharp and powerful, and the song easily flows into your senses.” – FemMetal

“The latest exciting new talent to emerge from the Melbourne metal scene…” – Sentinel Daily

—

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0 Rockshots Records: Out Now! Finnish Melodic Death Metal TORCHIA’s New Album “The Coven”

March 27, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Torchia

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 27, 2020

For fans of King Diamond, At the Gates, Morbid Angel

Rockshots Records: Out Now! Finnish Melodic Death Metal TORCHIA’s New Album “The Coven”

Finnish melodic death metallers Torchia‘s sophomore album “The Coven” is now out of March 27th via Rockshots Records.

Arising from the inner darkness of composer and lyricist Ville Riitamaa, TORCHIA takes inspiration from a multitude of metal subgenres and their mission is to revitalize the genre of melodic death metal by bringing in a sense of danger and unpredictability.

“The Coven” is available on all the physical and digital stores: https://smarturl.it/TheCoven

To celebrate the album’s release, the band has also unleashed an official audio track for ‘Sky’, now available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_gU0pnHj9xA

The band comments about the song:

“With an intro depicting the singing of the gathering witches in the album cover, ‘Sky’ opens the album with a crushing death metal theme. We wanted to have a very different opener compared to the first album and this track showcases some new directions for Torchia right from the start. The song combines traditional death metal with grand melodic choruses and guitar solos, making it an epic start for the album.”

TORCHIA is a five-members metal band from Tampere, Finland. They released their first full-length album “Of Curses and Grief” in October 2017. The album was produced and mixed by renowned Finnish producer Hiili Hiilesmaa who is known for his work with bands like HIM, Amorphis, Ensiferum, and Apocalyptica. The album was picked 7th best Finnish album of 2017 by Inferno Magazine, the biggest metal media in Finland.

After that album’s release, TORCHIA toured Finland, Europe and Taiwan playing dozens of shows. In early 2019, the band struck a booking and management deal with Heavy Metal Heart and by the end of the year, they signed a deal with Rockshots Records from Italy to release the next TORCHIA album “The Coven” for March 27, 2020.

Music Videos:
‘Plague Pleasant’: https://youtu.be/t9z9Q_dMrn4

‘Moon, Rise!’: https://youtu.be/raRFpb5l5Po

Track Listing:
1. Sky
2. Gallows
3. Moon, Rise!
4. Lord of Dreams (Cult March)
5. Plague Peasant
6. Jäämaa
7. Memoirs
8. Astral Planes
9. Forever Blood

TORCHIA is:
Edward Torchia – Lead and backing vocals
Ville Riitamaa – Rhythm and Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals
Henri Heikkinen – Rhythm Guitars
Pirkka Birkstedt – Bass
Ville Virtanen – Drums

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Torchia.fi

– 30 –

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0 Out Now! All-Star Quintet IMONOLITH Release’s Highly Anticipated Debut “State of Being”

March 27, 2020
by Asher
· Imonolith · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 27, 2020

Out Now! All-Star Quintet IMONOLITH Release’s Highly Anticipated Debut “State of Being”

L-R: Kai Huppunen (Guitars), Brian Waddell (Guitars), Jon Howard (Vocals), Scott Whalen (Bass), Ryan Van Poederooyen (Drums)

Photo by Erich Saide

All-star modern metal band IMONOLITH‘s highly anticipated debut album “State of Being” is now available as of March 27th.

“All of us in IMONOLITH are beyond excited to release our debut album ‘State of Being,’” says drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen. “We spent the better part of a year recording, mixing and mastering it, along with getting the art together. It was important for us to get the whole package done the way we envisioned it. We set our standards high and are stoked on the final results.”

Featuring drummer Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project) guitarist Brian ‘Beav’ Wadell (Devin Townsend Project), Jon Howard (Threat Signal), guitarist Kai Huppunen (Methods of Mayhem, Noise Therapy) and Scott Whalen (Econoline Crush), IMONOLITH is a collective of heavy-hitting players at the top of their game. State of Being also features special guest appearances from Jens Kidman (Meshuggah) and famed Swedish vocalist Johannes Eckerström,

“State of Being” is made up of 10 hook-laden, riff-heavy tracks that center around the theme of how people deal with various stages of life. Having spent much of 2019 writing, arranging, recording and fine-tuning “State of Being”, the Canadian metal powerhouse worked incredibly hard to achieve their goal – to make an engaging heavy metal album.

“The album itself is a journey,” Van Poederooyen says. “You’ll have your mix of heaviness, catchiness, crushing riffs, driving beats, and versatile vocals. We focused primarily on writing the best songs we could to leave our listeners wanting more and to prepare them for an energetic live show.”

The album has already seen the release of four singles and videos – “Hollow,” the 2019 debut single that made big waves, racking up 216K Spotify streams, “Instinct,” “Dig”; and the most recent single, “Becoming the Enemy.” With the release of these singles, IMONOLITH has already received worldwide praise that has garnered them a massive number of streams and attention from the media and fans alike. Now in its second week, “Becoming The Enemy” is currently #14 on the NACC Heavy chart. The track was the fifth most added on its first week.

Check out the videos here:

“Hollow” – https://youtu.be/57tcysG4QgY
“Instinct” – https://youtu.be/zlmOcXMilHs
“Dig” – https://youtu.be/wqn7hTEOgJ4
“Becoming the Enemy” – https://youtu.be/BzwNNB7dgKA

“State of Being” is available in exclusive vinyl and CD formats at www.imonolithband.com, or you can stream the album at the service of your choice here: https://lnk.to/stateofbeing.

IMONOLITH’s first European tour, scheduled to coincide with the release of “State of Being” was recently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the band remains optimistic about future touring.

Says Van Poederooyen, “We’re looking forward to supporting this release through touring everywhere and anywhere we can. Stay posted for announcements and details at http://www.imonolithband.com, which is also the place to purchase our CD, vinyl, and merchandise. Thanks for your support. We look forward to making this debut album cycle one hell of a ride for ourselves and especially for those supporting us worldwide!”

Track Listing:
1. State of Being (1:17) (intro)
2. Becoming The Enemy (3:44) (feat. Johannes Eckerstrom)
3. Instinct (3:43)
4. Dig (4:12)
5. The Mourning (3:13)
6. Forgone (4:37)
7. Breathe (3:49)
8. The Reign (3:41) (feat. Jens Kidman)
9. We Never Forget (4:06)
10. Hollow (3:39)
11. Persevere (4:06)
Album Length: 40:12

For more info:
Imonolithband.com
Facebook.com/imonolithband
Instagram.com/imonolithband
EPK

– 30 –

“A force to be reckoned with.” – Metal Hammer

“Given the members’ diverse musical backgrounds, IMONOLITH don’t fit any obvious metal genre tag. Van Poederooyen and Wadell bring elements of prog, while Howard’s vocals are rooted in the metalcore and extreme metal.” – Consequence of Sound

“‘State of Being’ is built on a backbone of pure heaviness, hard-hitting riffs and irresistible hooks which keep the album burning at high intensity from start to finish.” – Sonic Perspectives

“Those looking for something that knows how to groove hard, offer a catchy chorus, or knock you flat on your back over the course of an album will find ‘State of Being’ to be an immersive listen.” – Dead Rhetoric

“A winning combination that works perfectly.” – The Rock Pit

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0 Riff Wizards WOODHAWK Premiere Music Video “Heartstopper” via MetalInjection

March 26, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Woodhawk

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 26, 2020

For fans of Black Sabbath, The Sword, Clutch, Truckfighters, Priestess, Mastodon, Red Fang, Thin Lizzy

Riff Wizards WOODHAWK’s New Music Video Is A “Heartstopper”

New Album “Violent Nature” Out Now

(L-R): Turner Midzain – Guitar/Vocals, Kevin Nelson – Drums, Mike Badmington – Bass/Vocals

Photo Credit: Trevor Hatter

Calgary’s riff wizards Woodhawk were supposed to hit the road this week for their cross Canada tour from March 26th to May 23rd in support of their latest album “Violent Nature” released this past November. The tour, unfortunately like many others was postponed due to the global Covid 19 situation. As of now, the trio will still perform on the last two dates scheduled in British Columbia (listed below).

As Woodhawk waits to reschedule all their tour dates, they’re still very excited to share their new music video ‘Heartstopper’ via its premiere on Metal Injection HERE.

The band adds:

“This video was a lot of fun to make and all of our first time “acting” in anything. Kevin Keegan and Rob Thespian were a pleasure to work with. It was a lot of work in a short amount of time to do this video, but everyone busted their ass off to make it all come together. The video tells the story of a creepy kidnapper who is obsessed with the band, so he kidnaps them and holds them captive in his home. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s musical. We loved it, and are happy to share it with everyone finally.”

Woodhawk‘s sophomore full length “Violent Nature” steps away from the science fiction themes evident on their previous release 2017’s “Beyond The Sun” and takes a more therapeutic turn. Putting a lot of time and production into the new album with producer Jesse Gander (Rain City Recorders), Woodhawk has worked really hard to capture energy and emotion.

The band explains:

“On previous efforts, we wrote from a science fiction standpoint. It’s where we all were at, at the point in our lives and reflected what we wanted to say and represent. Now, we believe in honesty and find the therapeutic side of music. This album has been an expressive honest view into our lives over the past 2 years.”

For fans of Black Sabbath, The Sword, and Clutch, “Violent Nature” is available on Woodhawk‘s Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major music platforms.

Show Dates:
May 22 – Invermere, BC – Ullr Bar
May 23 – Nelson, BC – The Royal

For more info:
Woodhawkriffs.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

About:
From the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains hails Calgary, AB’s rock n’ roll trio Woodhawk. Masters of the straight-ahead riff rock, Woodhawk blends classic rock influences of Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy with smooth grooves, cranked amps, and heavy-hitting drums. The coalescence of melodious vocals, catchy riffs, and dynamic instrumentation creates a vast soundscape for the listener to explore. With lyrical themes of science fiction and sorcery to more recent themes of struggles and triumph, Woodhawk wears their heart on their sleeve.

Woodhawk began in 2014 with the release of a self-titled EP, followed by the critically acclaimed full length “Beyond The Sun” in 2017. A melodically rich and varied album, steeped in science fiction themes and packed with undeniably catchy riffs, “Beyond the Sun” cemented Woodhawk’s status as a desert rock band with unlimited potential to break through into the mainstream. Rather than taking their freewheelin’ brand of lyrical chrono-metal into the comfortable bracket of factory-produced R’n’R, Woodhawk elected to explore the road less traveled.

Returning to Rain City Recorders in Vancouver, BC during February 2019, Woodhawk worked with Jesse Gander (Anciients, Bison, 3 Inches of Blood, Japandroids, Pack AD) to record their sophomore album “Violent Nature”. Over the course of 2 weeks, Woodhawk tracked their strongest effort yet, producing songs that address the struggles of mental health straight on, and laying it all on the line. Woodhawk’s new material abandons the world of fantasy in pursuit of emotional authenticity and self-discovery.

Our heroes’ quest for clarity and independence has landed them on the precipice of ambition and accomplishment. It’s a true turning point of entry for Woodhawk’s lofty yet assertive life-goals. The elegant anthems and pulsing chords of the next phase in the group’s sonic evolution can scarcely be contained. Grounded with one foot in the present and another in the dynamic future, Woodhawk’s outlook is as boundless as their command of their genre. With the new album due out on November 2, 2019, their intelligence, inventiveness and an uncanny knack for generating timeless tunes are ready to flood the senses and tug at the spirit with an easy-going nonchalance that embraces the audience with confidence and jean-jacketed arms.

Woodhawk features guitarist Turner Midzain, bassist Mike Badmington, and drummer Kevin Nelson. They have taken the stage at the Commodore Ballroom, Sled Island, and UP+DT, in addition to multiple Canadian tours. They have also shared the stage in support of Airbourne, Truckfighters, Elder, and The Shrine. Woodhawk has their sights set on touring North America and Europe to bring their highly energetic and captivating live performance to new audiences.

– 30 –

“Their brand of this style sounds far more refreshing and has a modern rock ‘n roll kind of aura to go along, slightly ringing in signs of alternative influence. The end result is as if Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy had a child born in the age of Chevelle. With that said, this is immaculate. ” – Indy Metal Vault

“Violent Nature kicks off with the slithering riffs of “Snake in the Grass,” which comes crawling up slowly before striking with a venomous fuzz-riffy attack, and a soaring, fist-raising chorus. “Weightless Light” gets my head nodding right away with a solid stoner rock riff, while giving off a pretty decent Monster Truck vibe in the chorus – I can see why they made it the pre-release single.” – Hellbound

“This is what music is about. When you put yourself out there, you connect with others on a deeper level and that’s always a win.” – The Music Below

“going by the lead single “Weightless Light” it seems like whatever they’re making the songs about, Woodhawk still bring the same sense of songcraft to their material, which is always good to know.” – The Obelisk

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