Category: Music News

0 Festival Line-Up Announced! All Roads Lead To The Electric Highway In Calgary, AB, Canada!

January 23, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · The Electric Highway Festival

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2020

Festival Line-Up Announced! All Roads Lead To The Electric Highway In Calgary, AB, Canada!

The Electric Highway 2020 Spotify Playlist here.

Buckle up for The Electric Highway Festival, two days of killer bands, rad artists and fuzzy vibes April 17 & 18, 2020 at the historic Royal Canadian Legion #1 in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Electric Highway Festival has completed its lineup with the addition of the mighty Mothership from Dallas, Texas. The Supersonic Intergalactic Heavy Rock trio’s goal from the beginning has been to carry on the tradition of the classic rock style of the ’70s, updated and amped up for the modern-day. Mothership have created a unique sound that satisfies like a steaming hot stew of UFO and Iron Maiden, blended with the southern swagger of Molly Hatchet and ZZ Top, paired with a deadly chalice of Black Sabbath. Do not miss this chance to hop on board and join Mothership as they tear across the Universal Cosmos!

The Electric Highway Festival has also added Vancouver’s Empress to the lineup. Both Mothership and Empress will be performing at the festival on Saturday, April 18, 2020. That brings the total number of bands performing during the festival to 22.

The Electric Highway Festival is excited to release its official artwork created by the renowned dark surreal artist David Paul Seymour. David Paul Seymour is an internationally known illustrator based in Minneapolis, MN who has created artwork for Municipal Waste, Conan, Mastodon as well as Shadow Weaver and Wo Fat who are both performing at The Electric Highway Festival in 2020. David Paul Seymore is also the driving force behind The Planet of Doom, an Animated Tale of Metal and Art and the creator of the Kumasan comic series.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/DavidPaulSeymour

IG: https://www.instagram.com/davidpaulseymour

Web: https://davidpaulseymour.bigcartel.com/

The rest of the 2020 lineup brings an electric offering of North American bands featuring headliners Sasquatch and Wo Fat laying down their brand of fuzzy, kick-ass Desert Rock & Heavy Psych. Duel from Austin, Texas will be playing Canada for the 1st time at The Electric Highway Festival along with Hippie Death Cult & LáGoon both from Portland, Oregon. Festival favorites La Chinga return from Vancouver for their 4th appearance and Calgary’s Gone Cosmic & Buzzard from Victoria, BC are just a few more of the wicked bands that will be playing on two stages over the two days of The Electric Highway Festival, the full lineup below.

The Electric Highway Festival has also partnered with the Veteran’s Association Food Bank this year. The Veterans Association Food Bank was incorporated in September 2018, as a Not for Profit Society. The Association and Food Bank is designed to relieve poverty by providing food and basic, fundamental needs for Veterans and their families. The goal is to promote a stable environment for Veterans affected by loneliness, isolation, addiction, mental health or other health-related issues with peer support programs and social activities. The Association provides a safe and welcoming environment for all Veterans, building a community of Veterans helping Veterans. The Festival will be collecting donations of food, cash, and various other items which will be donated to the organization.

The Electric Highway Festival is a fully immersive festival experience and offers much more than just music. The festival also features an art & vendor exposition during both days at The Legion, April 17-18, 2020 and a pinball tournament at Pin-Bar, April 18th, 2020.

Exhibitor spaces are still available for the Art and Vendor Exposition. The Expo is open to Artists, Designers, Craftspeople and other creators as well as interesting small businesses. Limited space is available and you can register HERE. Business sponsorships are also available. Please contact the festival for further information at TheElectricHighwayFestival[@]gmail[.]com

The Electric Highway Festival is also getting the whole thing started with a Kick-Off Party on Thursday, April 16th, 2020 at The Palomino Smokehouse & Social Club. This killer line up features Seattle powerhouse psychedelic doom duo Year of the Cobra as they return to Calgary. They will be joined by Calgary’s Bloated Pig, Outlaws of Ravenhurst, and newcomers Falcotron along with Red Deer’s Smoothsayer.

2 Day Festival Pass holders can pick up their wristbands a day early at The Electric Highway Festival Kick-Off Party. This event will be free for festival pass holders or $13 at the door for non-pass holders. (Space is limited so make sure to get their early!) Pre-order merch sales will also be available for pick up at this event too. Beat the lineup and come for some bands, beer & BBQ at the Pal!

Festival passes are currently on sale; check www.TheElectricHighway.ca to purchase and for more festival information.

The Electric Highway Official Lineup:
Sasquatch (Los Angeles, CA)
Wo Fat (Dallas, TX)
Mothership (Dallas, TX)
Duel (Austin, TX)
La Chinga (Vancouver, BC)
Gone Cosmic (Calgary, AB)
Hippie Death Cult (Portland, OR)
LáGoon (Portland, OR)
Buzzard (Victoria, BC)
Chunkasaurus (Victoria, BC)
Bazaraba (Calgary, AB)
Shadow Weaver (Calgary, AB)
Father Moon (Calgary, AB)
Set & Stoned (Crossfield, AB)
Row of Giants (Calgary, AB)
Hemptress (Kamloops, BC)
Pink Cocoon (Montreal, QC)
The Sleeping Legion (Winnipeg, MB)
The Basement Paintings (Saskatoon, SK)
Empress (Vancouver, BC)
Locutus (Calgary, AB)
The Worst (Calgary, AB)

Festival Links:

Full Festival

Expo – Vendor opportunities are available. Please go to the website to fill out a form.

Pinball Tournament

Kickoff Party

Ticket Information:

Early Bird Festival Passes are $50 (plus GST/SC) while quantities last or until Jan 31, 2020, 11:59 pm at https://theelectrichighway.ecwid.com/

Regular Festival Passes are $65 (plus GST/SC). Single Day tickets are $35 (plus GST/SC)

Regular Festival Passes and Single Day tickets go on sale on February 1, 2020. Physical tickets and passes will be available at Sloth Records and New Level Brewing Company as well as online in the Festival Store. Paperless tickets will also be available on Showpass.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.TheElectricHighway.ca
Facebook: Facebook.com/ElectricHighwayFestival
Instagram: Instagram.com/TheElectricHighway
Twitter: Twitter.com/TheElectricHwy
Hashtag #BuckleUp

Media Partners:
Absolute Underground Magazine
BeatRoute
Broken Neck Radio
Calgary Metal Scene Events
Cannabis Update
CJSW Radio
Crackmacs
Daily Hive
Doomed & Stoned
Hellspeak
Live Music Magazine
Metal Devastation Radio
Metal Master Kingdom
Outlaws of the Sun
PureGrainAudio.com
Pure Rock Radio
Riff Relevant
Taylor Made Radio
The YYScene

Business Partners/Sponsors:
Asher Media Relations
The Celestial Agency
Clearview Accounting Services
From the Floor Entertainment Inc
Loud as Hell Festival
Mammoth Beard Co.
METALHEADS UNITED
New Level Brewing Company
The Palomino Smokehouse & Social Club
Pin-Bar
Royal Canadian Legion #1
Sloth Records
Twinbat Sticker Company
Veterans Association Food Bank

Business partnerships including media partners and other sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact theelectrichighwayfestival[@]gmail[.]com for more information.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Portland’s TANAGRA Forced To Liquidate Merch Following Trademark Dispute From Swiss Speaker Company Nagra

January 23, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Tanagra

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2020

For fans of Caladan Brood, Blind Guardian, I.Q., Iced Earth, Visigoth

Portland’s TANAGRA Forced To Liquidate Merch Following Trademark Dispute From Swiss Speaker Company Nagra

L-R: Steven Soderberg: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Christopher Stewart: Drums and Percussion, Tom Socia: Lead and Backing Vocals, Josh Kay: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Erich Ulmer: Bass Guitar

Photo Credit: Kara Pesznecker Reavis

Tanagra (Portland, USA) has had a bittersweet start to 2020 with the revelation that a Swiss company was filling a trademark dispute. This news comes a few weeks after they were voted on Reddit.com as having the best power metal album of the year for their 2019 full length “Meridiem”.

“It’s pretty funny that one week we’re getting AoY on Reddit and the next we’re being nuked from orbit by a company we’ve never heard of. Regardless of what happens with the trademark dispute, we have to assume that when it’s over we’ll get a cease-and-desist and be dead in the water; We’d exist at the behest of a foreign company who obviously couldn’t give a damn about us, and that’s no way to live.” says bassist Erich Ulmer.

The contesting entity, Nagra, is an audio company based in Switzerland, which is opposing the portion of Tanagra’s application to trademark the band name that involves selling branded merchandise and performing live under the moniker.

The proceedings went live as of Monday, January 20, 2020, but the prog/power metal quintet is not looking to fight an uphill legal battle, instead, they are looking to unload as much merch as they can while they still can. As Ulmer explains:

“Rather than sit on our physical albums and shirts we’re changing everything to ‘pay what you want’ plus shipping. We have hundreds of copies ‘Meridiem’ and ‘None of This is Real’ that will be unsellable soon and we’d rather have them in the hands of metalheads around the world. This is a small piece of history and it’s likely we’ll never be able to print under this name again!”

Tanagra merch is available exclusively on their Bandcamp, through which fans will also be able to join the mailing list for updates on the band’s future, member’s side projects and any name changes.

https://tanagraband.bandcamp.com/

Public Links to Fillings:

http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=91253546&pty=OPP&eno=1

http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pno=91253546&pty=OPP&eno=2

Track Listing:
1. Meridiem (11:35)
2. Sydria (4:01)
3. Etheric Alchemy (8:49)
4. Silent Chamber (7:52)
5. Hidden Hand (10:14)
6. Across the Ancient Desert (7:39)
7. Witness (14:19)
Album Length: 1:04:31

For more info:
Facebook.com/tanagraband
Instagram.com/tanagraband
Spotify
EPK

About:

Formed out of the love of science fiction, fantasy, and theatrical heavy metal storytelling, TANAGRA hit the Portland, USA metal scene in 2011 with epic, symphonic, progressive power metal with lyrical content about original fantasy/sci-fi settings, Magic: The Gathering, historical tales, and other nerdy themes.
In 2015, they released their debut album, None of This is Real, an energetic collection of American power metal showcasing their love for complex arrangements and lengthy songs which garnered critical acclaim from a multitude of publications around the world.

In the time following their debut release, the members found a deep love for progressive rock/metal and symphonic black metal, and in writing new material found ways to combine the sounds of bands like IQ, Anekdoten, Caladan Brood, and Borknagar into their existing American power metal framework.

In 2016, TANAGRA entered the studio with the fruits of their labors to begin recording their ambitious second album, titled ‘Meridiem’, which was released April 26, 2019.

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“Progressive Metal fans, rest assured that your 2019 is in good hands as Prog quintet TANAGRA unleashes “Meridiem”. Filled with vibrant melodies, this seven-track record will take you to a breathtaking journey through an eargasmic musical psychedelic.” – Metal Temple

“Meridiem is another jewel in the trunk of America’s continually-burgeoning power metal scene… Tanagra is something to be loved by music fans, cherished by power metal fans and salivated over by fans of progressive metal.” – Last Rites

“I’m thoroughly impressed with this sophomore. It’s a complete transformation of this band into a wholly new form and they’ve earned every single little bit of it.” – Toilet ov Hell

“Tanagra’s Meridiem will likely please and intrigue fans of American progressive power metal, thanks to the band’s ambitious and lightly complex songwriting.” – Danger Dog Reviews

“There’s an ethereal, otherworldly feel in parts of Tanagra’s compositions that gives the music real presence, and the epic nature of the material will raise the hairs on the back of your neck a fair few times if you allow yourself to become fully immersed in the grandeur of it all. Highly recommended!” – Sentinel Daily

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0 Rockshots Records: EXTREMA Unveil New Music Video ‘The Call’ + Announce Italy Tour Dates

January 22, 2020
by Asher
· Extrema · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2020

Rockshots Records: EXTREMA Unveil New Music Video ‘The Call’ + Announce Italy Tour Dates

Album “Headbanging Forever” Out Now! via Rockshots Records

Italian groove thrash metallers EXTREMA are sharing their latest music video ‘The Call’ in support of their seventh studio album “Headbanging Forever” released this past May via Rockshots Records.

The video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/nPfgsqZ9nC0

Guitarist Tommy Massara adds:

“‘The Call’ is the opener from our latest record. We filmed the video in just one day at 2 different locations: Day and Night; Water and Fire” as you will witness for yourself.”

In additional news, EXTREMA will embark on their Italian tour in support of “Headbanging Forever”.

Tour Dates:
01.02.20 – GENOVA – CRAZY BULL
Opening act: Bellathrix – Desecrate
06.02.20 – BOLOGNA – FREAKOUT CLUB
Opening act: Devils Crusade – Disboskator
07.02.20 – SERRAVALLE / SANMARINO – CLUB24
Opening act: Neker – Gengis Khan – Voices from Beyond
08.02.20 – SAN DONÀ DI PIAVE (VE) – REVOLVER CLUB
Opening act: EX trim
23.02.20 – MILANO – MILANO HEADBANGING NIGHT @ MAGAZZINI GENERALI
Special guest: Strana Officina – Raw Power – SKW
28.02.20 – MANTOVA – ARCITOM
Opening act: Bullet-proof – Logical Terror
29.02.20 – BOLZANO – PIPPO FOODCHILLSTAGE
Opening act: Skanners
07.03.20 – ROMA – DEFRAG
Opening act: Hellcowboys – Enemyinside

Featuring 10 crushing tracks “Headbanging Forever” was produced by EXTREMA guitarist Tommy Massara & Gabriele Ravaglia. The album was recorded and mixed by Gabriele Ravaglia & Maxx Canali at the Fear Studio in Italy plus mastered by Alberto Cutolo at Massive Arts studios in Milan. Album artwork was done by Gustavo Sazes (MACHINE HEAD, ARCH ENEMY, ANGRA, ICED EARTH, GUS G., AMARANTHE).

“Headbanging Forever” is available on CD, vinyl and digitally at the following link here.

Spotify here.

Lyric Video – Pitch Black Eyes’ here.

Music Video – For The Loved And The Lost’ here.

Track Listing:
1. The Call
2. Borders Of Fire
3. For The Loved And The Lost
4. Heavens Blind
5. Pitch Black Eyes
6. Headbanging Forever
7. Believer
8. Invisible
9. Paralyzed
10. The Showdown

More info:
Rockshots.eu
Extremateam.com
Facebook.com
Twitter.com
Instagram.com

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Bio:

EXTREMA’s original line-up was established between 1985 and 1986 in Milan, Italy. In a very short time, the band led by guitars player Tommy Massara achieved a huge success. Tommy is the only remaining member of the original line-up, and over the years he also played the role of artistic and executive producer.

Hundreds of concerts made the band more and more close-knit and open towards a constant growth path, capable from the beginning of welcoming influences external to heavy metal, a consistent choice within an evolutionary framework which saw EXTREMA start from the rebellious attitude of MOTÖRHEAD to later incorporate the style of Californian thrash metal, a scene with which the band shared the utmost care for the technical side of music and a devastating presence on stage.

The band’s reputation as musicians and performers kept growing in a perpetual live context, with extensive tours and the participation to prestigious festivals with the likes of METALLICA, SLAYER, MOTÖRHEAD, and KORN, a.o.

Extraneous from the beginning to political and ideological implications of any kind, EXTREMA’s lyrics have always strived to alternate challenging and contemporary themes with lighter subjects, true to rock’n’roll form.

In May 2017 the band welcomed the new frontman Tiziano Spigno. Thanks to his entry, EXTREMA can finally release all the creativity repressed in recent years: a violent, direct and engaging approach which is – at the same time – also varied, courageous and experimental, resulting in the new album “Headbanging Forever”.

EXTREMA is:
Tiziano “Titian” Spigno – Vocals
Tommy Massara – Guitars
Gabri Giovanna – Bass
Francesco “Frullo” Larosa – Drums

—

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0 Halifax Punks THE BLOODY HELL New Video ‘Evil Everywhere’

January 21, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · The Bloody Hell

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2020

For fans of Misfits, Nirvana, Motorhead, Riff Rock

Halifax Punks THE BLOODY HELL New Video ‘Evil Everywhere’

L – R : James Densley Lead Guitar – Kyle Cantfell Drums – Sean Carver Bass – Ian Kean Vocals / Guitar

Photo Credit – Ian Kean

Halifax punk rockers The Bloody Hell share their latest music video ‘Evil Everywhere’. The video is the band’s answer to Billy Joel’s classic social commentary hit “We Didn’t Start the Fire”. This is The Bloody Hell‘s scathing yet tough and cheek commentary on today’s current culture’s decline, combined with a hard-hitting and impactful video (that was originally banned by YouTube).

The band adds:

“The video is sure to get your heart pumping, your toes tapping and the mind racing. It’s not safe for work, and not for the faint of heart.”

Watch ‘Evil Everywhere’ here: https://youtu.be/Hx8O-0kmu9c

The single ‘Evil Everywhere‘ comes from the 2018 self-titled album, which exemplifies the band’s goal to create a fun and interesting listening experience for their fans that is full of twists and turns, highs and lows. They explain what one can expect at a live gig:

“We try to incorporate the themes into our live set as well, and always have surprises for the audience like props, guests on stage, lighting or video setups. Also, we focus a lot on melody and always have a lyrical hook so there is ample opportunity for the audience to sing along which I think is not very typical of satanic three-chord punk bands”

Formed in 2017, The Bloody Hell have gotten dirtier and more polished at the same time, with the band having got much better at writing hooks and concepts, while the guitars got louder and the vocals got uglier.

Suitable for a variety of fans, The Bloody Hell cites influences ranging from Misfits, Nirvana and Motorhead, anyone who enjoys a fun and dirty romp through catchy hooks and grungy vocals.

The Bloody Hell‘s debut self-titled album is available on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify.

Music Video – ‘Out of Our Minds’ here.

Track Listing:
1. Welcome to Hell (1:44)
2. Last Word (4:11)
3. Diggin (2:35)
4. Evil Everywhere (2:27)
5. Speed Demon (2:53)
6. Out of Our Minds (3:33)
7. Drink Myself To Death (2:59)
8. Uncharted (2:22)
Album Length: 22:48

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

About:

The Bloody Hell is what would happen If George Thorogood sang for the Misfits but all the songs were written by Tom Petty. Super catchy horror rock songs about drinking and heartache played at punk rock speed.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Canadian Guitar Prog PYRAMIDS ON MARS Shares Guitar Playthrough ‘The Ambassador’; New Album “Edge of The Black” Out Now!

January 21, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Pyramids On Mars

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2020

For fans of Joe Satriani, Rush, Yngwie J Malmsteen, Steve Vai

Canadian Guitar Prog PYRAMIDS ON MARS Shares Guitar Playthrough ‘The Ambassador’

New Album “Edge of The Black” Out Now!

Guitarist Kevin Estrella is sharing his latest guitar playthrough video for the track ‘The Ambassador’ off the third full length “Edge of the Black” released this past December from his project Pyramids On Mars. The album offers up an aural palette of intense instrumental progressive shredding rock that’s emotional, provocative and 4-dimensional.

Watch the playthough here: https://youtu.be/mFPp247iOak

“Edge of the Black” follows Pyramids On Mars‘ two previous albums and was written, composed and performed solely by Kevin Estrella who cites influences from musical greats including J.S Bach and Antonio Vivaldi along with today’s guitar virtuosos Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. “Edge of the Black” pays homage to these artists while still maintaining Estrella’s own creative flair.

Estrella explains the track in further detail:

“The idea for The Ambassador was actually sparked from the guitar it was played on. It is played on a Signature ‘Aurora’ Guitar. Built by the Signature Guitar Company sometime around 1987. Alex Lifeson of Rush made the guitar famous playing it exclusively for the albums “Hold Your Fire” and “Show of Hands”. Alex designed the guitar, along with Russ Heinl. What makes it unique is the balance of Basswood (from a rare variety found only in Quebec) and has the three active single-coil pickups, giving the guitar a very unique: clear, bright yet warm distinctive sound. No guitar sounds like it. It was meant to be the ultimate Superstrat. It’s almost like an acoustic guitar on hyperdrive. Only 500 Signatures were ever made. My Signature Aurora is quite unique. The original owner purchased it from Steve’s Music Store in Toronto back in the late eighties. It was a floor model. It doesn’t even have a serial number. It is quite the collector’s item.

The Ambassador was written by-that-guitar. I didn’t write the song, the Signature guitar did. Speaking of Rush, the song is heavily influenced by Rush’s early works from the eighties. The concert video Show of Hands comes to mind was a huge influence on the Edge of the Black sound, particularly in the songs The Ambassador and Arcturian Rain.

The theme of the song is about an Ambassador who has been selected from Earth, chosen to be a spokesperson for the people of Earth. Scientists found a way to open a portal to another galaxy and he was chosen to go through it and hopefully meet some Extraterrestrial nation on the other side. Some other interesting things come to mind in the song. The guitar solo is doing some interesting combinations of two-note per string sweep picking, combined with string skipping arpeggios a-la Paul Gilbert style. The solo ends in a nice diatonic extension arpeggio legato phrasing. These and other techniques I teach on my online instructional guitar lessons https://pyramidsonmarsguitarlessons.pivotshare.com“

“Edge of The Black” is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music.

Track Listing:
1. Blood Moon 5:42
2. Nacht Waffen 6:56
3. Song of Light 5:44
4. F-22 Raptor 5:53
5. The Ambassador 4:57
6. Mercury Magnetar 4:58
7. Arcturian Rain 4:38
8. Time to Believe 4:40
9. Arioso Lullaby 4:39
10. Whale Song 4:28
Album Length: 52:40

For more info:
PyramidsOnMars.com
Facebook
Instagram

About:

Every once in a while there comes along a band that is so different or unique, you would think they were dropped on Earth from another planet. Pyramids On Mars is one of those bands. What first catches you, is that they are an instrumental band. A combination of elements such as hard rock, industrial, metal and psychedelic rock: and then the lead guitar comes soaring in. Well crafted, beautiful, melodic phrases so catchy and memorable they will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Pyramids On Mars is the solo project of guitarist Kevin Estrella. He wanted to do something musically different that would stand out from the crowd. Estrella’s musical style is very similar to world-renowned rock guitarist Joe Satriani, so much so that Estrella has nicknamed himself the “Satriani of the North.”

“Of course Satriani has had a huge influence on me,” he says “But he (Satriani) does more of a bluesy thing whereas I am more influenced by classical music. I absolutely love the Baroque classical composers J.S Bach and Antonio Vivaldi who are my biggest musical influences.

Estrella recorded, produced, engineered and mastered his debut album, self-titled “Pyramids On Mars” in 2013. Since then, he has been capturing music industry attention-getting international radio airplay in the U.S, Canada, South America, and Europe. He is a regular guest on Brian ‘the hammer’ Jackson radio (Los Angeles) to over 4 million listeners and a weekly speaker on Real Rock Radio (Chicago).

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“Not only is Kevin Estrella a understated multi instrumentalist but he can write some amazing pieces of music that have influences of Bach and Vivaldi whilst marrying the best guitar virtuosos of today. This is the must have guitar instrumental album of 2019.” – All About The Rock

“The whole album is persistently conceptualising the idea of a place beyond the black, leaving a lingering sense of both existentialism and awe at Kevin Estrella’s musical talent and ability. He fully allocates all the elements of the band equal respect to create a holistic and visceral thrill that emotionally charges the whole album whilst telling a story that has to be listened to.” – Original Rock

“What we have here is over 50 minutes of intensive guitar playing that holds the attention by being layered with varied tempos, melodies and hooks.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“No lyrics are necessary for the dynamic Estrella, who delivers every shred of guitar you hear throughout the entirety of Edge of The Black’s ten tracks. The album is as daring and progressive as the classic Joe Satriani instrumental record Surfing With The Alien was upon its release in 1987. It drips with passion, energy, and melody, and pays homage to not only Satriani but also Estrella’s other important influences, such as Rush. Rush is ingrained in the circuitry of Estrella, a band that was very much “instrumental” in Estrella going the route he did with his musical career. ” – PureGrainAudio

“This album was interesting. It does take the listener on a journey, and it cannot be denied that Estrella is unbelievably talented. The sci-fi, edge of the universe subject matter is very clear, and fans of this kind of thing will love this album.” – Grater Mag
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0 Rockshots Records: Proggers THE ONEIRA Music Video ‘Still Free To Choose’; New Album ‘Injection’ Out March 13

January 20, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · The Oneira

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2020

For fans of Porcupine Tree, Rush, Yes

Rockshots Records: Proggers THE ONEIRA Music Video ‘Still Free To Choose’

New Album ‘Injection’ Out March 13

Progressive rock act THE ONEIRA has signed with ROCKSHOTS RECORDS for the release of their third album “Injection” on March 13th, 2020.

Led by the Greek multi-instrumentalist Filippos Gougoumis, THE ONEIRA is a multi-cultural project with members from across Greece, Italy, and Germany. The word oneira means “dreams” in Greek to symbolize the willpower of flying across the universe with music.

Following their highly acclaimed albums ‘Hyperconscious’ (2014) and ‘Natural Prestige’ (2011), “Injection” marks a further step towards a more mature and complex sound. Produced and arranged by Filippos Gougoumis and Oliver Philipps (Everon, Delain) plus mixed by Christian Moss, “Injection” is Greek composer Filippos Gougoumis’ homage to positive vibes and battle against fear and sorrow.

THE ONEIRA‘s official video for their first single ‘Still Free To Choose’: https://youtu.be/H_gnWeczh28

Stream ‘Still Free To Choose’:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/30cvTdu
Apple Music: https://apple.co/36JzNwO

“Injection” will be available both CD and Vinyl.
Pre-order now available Rockshots Records’ official store:
CD Pre-Order: http://bit.ly/Injection_CD
VINYL Pre-Order: http://bit.ly/Injection_VINYL

Artwork and album design were created by Jan Örkki Yrlund at Darkgrove Design.

Track Listing:
1. Still Free To Choose (4:19)
2. Know That Feeling (6:39)
3. Edipsos (5:55)
4. Behind The Sun (3:47)
5. Make My Day (4:55)
6. Paint Your Soul (4:17)
7. Trust No One (5:19)
8. Over The Mountain (4:52)
9. Injection (7:35)
Album Length: 47:41

THE ONEIRA are:
Filippos Gougoumis: Composer, lead and rhythm guitars, 12 strings guitar, bass, backing vocals
Manuel Ruscigno: Lead vocals
Gianpaolo “Banjo” Begnoni: Keyboards and programming
Danilo “Sakko” Saccotelli: Drums & percussion, backing vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/RockshotsRecords
TheOneira.com
Facebook.com/TheOneira

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Extreme Metal Music: CHRONICLES OF HATE Unleash Music Video For Title Track From Debut Album ‘The Birth Of Hate’ Out Feb 28th

January 17, 2020
by Asher
· Chronicles of Hate · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2020

For fans of At The Gates, In Flames, Death

Extreme Metal Music:
CHRONICLES OF HATE Unleash Music Video For Title Track From Debut Album ‘The Birth Of Hate’ Out Feb 28th

Album Pre-Order Available

Italian death metallers CHRONICLES OF HATE have unleashed their music video for the title track and first single off their upcoming debut album “The Birth of Hate” due out February 28th via EXTREME METAL MUSIC.

The music video can be viewed at this link: https://youtu.be/Blag9HiYVnY

Stream and download of single at these links:
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/39Kr6Ex
Apple Music – https://apple.co/2saTuPe

Formed in 2016 by guitar players Riccardo D’Angelo and Roberto Simonetti, CHRONICLES OF HATE was raised from the depths of hell with the clear purpose of blending the solid impact of traditional death metal with grooving vibes. Their lyrics are inspired by real events that feed the anger and strong emotions that occur in our daily lives. Influenced by the old school pioneers of the genre such as At The Gates, In Flames, Death, their debut “The Birth of Hate” is a personal interpretation of the tendencies from both old and modern metal.

The band adds about the full length and single:

“The title track off the album, ‘The Birth of Hate’ is inspired by Swedish death metal. It talks about the effects of a catastrophic event and politic corruption. When human values are forgotten, hate takes place. The album itself is our first creation and is the beginning of our adventure. It’s a journey through the facets of the anger and motivations that feed it. This album talks about strong emotions and the breaking point from which you cannot go back. We mix different elements of metal for this release, you will find breakdowns, and you will find fast death metal riffs along with intentional melodic parts to give it our own personal sound.”

Album pre-order for “The Birth Of Hate” available at http://bit.ly/coh_preorder

Track Listing:
1. Deadly World (1:15)
2. Devastation… Rise!! (3:46)
3. The Better Way (4:33)
4. Bet On Tragedy (3:19)
5. The Beast Within (3:50)
6. My Obsession (3:51)
7. Hope Kills (3:52)
8. The Birth of Hate (3:49)
9. Away From Reality (3:27)
Album Length:

CHRONICLES OF HATE are:
Francesco Macchi – Vocals
Riccardo D’Angelo – Guitar
Roberto Simonetti – Guitar
Mirko Pinoli – Bass
Drums on the album by Antonio Inserillo

For more info:
Extremetalmusic.com
Rockshots.eu
ChroniclesofHate.com
Facebook.com/ChroniclesOfHate
Instagram.com/chronicles.of.hate

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS Release Single ‘Tartarus’ Off Upcoming Album “Excelsis” Out Feb 21st; Pre-Order Available

January 17, 2020
by Asher
· Isle of The Cross · Music News · Rockshots Records

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2020

For fans of Symphony X, Ayreon, Opeth

Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS Release Single ‘Tartarus’ Off Upcoming Album “Excelsis”

Debut Album Out Feb 21st

Pre-Order Available

Progressive-death metal band ISLE OF THE CROSS has inked a worldwide deal with ROCKSHOTS RECORDS for the release of their debut album ‘Excelsis’.

Infusing a blend from the avant-garde realms of extreme, symphonic, melodic and technical death-metal, ISLE OF THE CROSS is led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Je Schneider.

The debut full length “Excelsis” is a concept release based on a tale of two lovers amidst betrayal, murder and their search to reunite in the afterlife. From the immediate and vicious thrust of the opening track ‘Sacrifice’, the listener is quickly catapulted into an enigmatic journey of sonic power. From the furious to the melodious opuses on the album, the listener is enveloped in a dynamic exploration until the very end. At the heart of ISLE OF THE CROSS is the conveyance of depth, poignancy, and redemption through the endurance of tragedy.

The first single ‘Tartarus’ is now available on the following outlets for stream and download:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/KgEBS6385Xg

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/38OXfdG
iTunes – https://apple.co/2Pw6ffP

‘Excelsis’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Je Schneider, and is due out February 21, 2020.
Album pre-order is available at ROCKSHOTS RECORDS’ official store – http://bit.ly/Excelsis_CD

Track Listing:
1. Sacrifice (4:14)
2. Tartarus (8:25)
3. Excelsis (4:35)
4. The Wolf, Pt. I. Invocation (1:09)
5. The Wolf, Pt. II. Sanctuary (7:20)
6. Stars (6:25)
7. Empyrean (7:42)
8. Paradigm (4:21)
9. Breatheia (5:57)
10. The 9th Circle, Pt. I. Caina (2:28)
11. The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca (0:53)
12. The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno (8:34)
Album Length: 1:02:04

ISLE OF THE CROSS is:
Je Schneider – Lead Songwriter & Lyricist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist
Eric Gillette – Lead Guitar
Diane Lee – Vocals
Eric Castiglia – Vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
IsleofTheCross.net
Facebook.com/Isleofthecross

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Tech-Metal FROGG Streaming Debut EP “A Reptilian Dystopia” via GhostCult Mag

January 16, 2020
by Asher
· FROGG · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 16, 2020

For fans of Obscura, Arsis, Born of Osiris, Kalmah, The Zenith Passage

Tech-Metal FROGG Streaming Debut EP “A Reptilian Dystopia”

Out Jan 17, 2020

Fresh out of Stamford, Connecticut, USA, comes FROGG, a creative and modern blend of metal that is both dark and melodic. Set to release their debut EP “A Reptilian Dystopia” on January 17, 2020, the band has teamed up with GhostCult Mag for its exclusive full stream HERE.

FROGG has been in the works for years in the mind of Sky Moon Clark and over the years he has been inoculating a stash of riffs, licks, and raw emotion, which will now be poured out into the world. As the band puts it, “it’s a fiery punch to the gut”.

Clark adds:

“Our EP is kind of our raw sound put on a plate without much refinement, but it’s still the basic punch and flavor FROGG has to offer. Just think of the EP as our base, while our in-the-works Album I (expected 2021/2022) will be a more fleshed-out form of FROGG with an emphasized focus on the overall songs start to finish.”

Metal fans looking for something new and creative, especially fans of Obscura, Arsis and Born of Osiris will be able to appreciate FROGG and “A Reptilian Dystopia”.

EP Pre-order here.

Track Listing:
1. Ancient Rain (3:23)
2. Nuclear Storm (2:05)
3. DNA (7:29)
4. Ranidaphobia (3:47)
EP Length: 16:45

For more info:
Facebook.com/Froggband
Instagram @ Froggband
Twitter @OfficialFrogg
EPK

About:

FROGG is a modern technical metal band located in Stamford, USA with influences stemming from Obscura, Arsis, and Born of Osiris.

The concept behind FROGG is simple: create modern heavy music while striving to show off some originality in an often, over-processed genre. FROGG’s main ambition is to hit the live circuit in NYC and its surroundings with a perfected performance and bolstered line-up.

FROGG started as your typical high school band with founder Sky Moon Clark and co-founder at the time, Ryan Panny blasting off primarily Children of Bodom covers for fun. FROGG was later revitalized by Clark, during his time at Berklee College of Music.

Through his time at Berklee, Clark experimented with different projects while continuing to funnel different guitar-centric song ideas and riffs into the archives that would later come to fruition with the next reincarnation of FROGG.

In 2019, the overstocked stash of riffs, licks, and raw emotion was ready to be poured out into the world what was a one-man project bloomed with the addition of Siebe Sol Sijpkens (bass); Anthony Barrone (drums) and Liam Zintz-Kunkel (rhythm guitars) to record the first EP.

With performance in mind, FROGG delivers an authentic live sound with no backup tracks, just raw, practiced musicianship. The dark and melodic band promises something hot, original and intense and the debut album “A Reptilian Dystopia” is slated for release in 2020.

– 30 –

“FROGG have succeeded where others in the tech-metal cesspool have failed this year. They have produced a fresh & enjoyable 5-course meal of original organic riffs, unsaturated with lameness & paired impeccably with a robust production worthy of all bedroom audio nerdz. A Reptilian Dystopia should be a huge part of everyone’s 2020 playlist.” – TrveNorth Reviews

“My favorite part is definitely the ability to sound different in a genre that is starting to get a little stale. Its a heavy blend of Tech while adding some extra melody. Most tech death bands literally go for face melting riffs. Which is also cool. But after a while that gets kind of boring. So for a band like Frogg to put out an EP like this, they could help lead the next generation of tech death kids.” 10/10 – Between The Lines Media

“The quality on show here is amazing for a first release and has left us salivating at the prospect of their debut album [9/10]” – Metal Noise

“Bursting into life with a colossus bang, it’s a technical monstrosity that greets listeners with Ancient Storm. It’s wild, it’s nasty but it’s built on a foundation of sharp riffs and ferocious groove.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“This EP is interesting, because it’s extremely heavy, but it also has a great grasp on melody. Think like… Inanimate Existence + Born Of Osiris + Chon? It’s extremely well played – technical and fast as all hell – while remaining palatable and not overbearing. It’s an interesting balance they have going, and it’s definitely impressive for a debut, especially the 7 minute beast of a track that is DNA.” – Zax Record Reviews

“A Reptilian Dystopia is a succession of rock-hard riffs, complex melodies, extremes and power. The Ep is raw and brutal and according to Sky Moon Clark offers the basis for an album that will be released at the end of 2021. An album with an even more balanced track list. For the time being it is now fifteen minutes of solid extreme metal that will wake you up.” – Rockportaal
—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Edmonton’s SLEEPWRAITH Streaming Album “Day Terrors” via MetalInsider

January 16, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Sleepwraith

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 16, 2020

For fans of Between the Buried and Me, Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, Shadows Fall

Edmonton’s SLEEPWRAITH Streaming Album “Day Terrors”

Officially Out Jan 17th

L-R – Ryan Biggs- Drums, Seedy Mitchell- Strings/Vocals – Photograph Credit: Chelsey Midlet

The intrepid duo of Edmonton’s Sleepwraith are releasing their debut album “Day Terrors” this Friday, January 17, 2020.

Before it officially drops, the band has teamed up with MetalInsider.net for the exclusive premiere of the full length’s stream HERE.

This is the first album from Sleepwarith in what is expected to be a series of releases under the name. The songs and overall flow of the album feel like a journey that takes an emotional toll on the listener, with dynamic parts and unexpected turns. To Sleepwraith it’s important to create music with levels of intricacy that you might not notice on the first listen. Sleepwraith explains their motivation behind writing the album:

“We created an album with little thought as to how it would be received, instead of focusing on making an album that we would want to hear. We’ve always felt that making art with this starting point has created some of the most genuine music out there. Hopefully, our fans enjoy music for the same reasons we do and enjoy this album as much as we do.”

Album download and CD copy of “Day Terrors” will be available on Sleepwraith.com as of January 17, 2020.

Track Listing:
1. The Aphelion Complex (6:16)
2. Transorbital Decay (4:08)
3. Anamnesis (7:19)
4. Burial Plot (4:26)
5. Biomite (4:36)
6. Sol (5:09)
7. Carnival Dread (5:19)
8. A Demon’s Pawn and The Abyss (4:54)
9. The Vile, Raptured (1:58)
10. The Vile Raptured (4:49)
11. Dystory (6:04)
Album Length: 55:04

For more info:
Sleepwraith.com
Facebook.com/sleepwraith
Instagram.com/Sleepwraithofficial
Twitter.com/sleepwraith
EPK

About:

Sleepwraith comes from Edmonton, Canada and the project has been incubated over the course of 20 years and five previous bands ranging from grunge to metalcore to punk rock to hardcore.

The partnership of Seedy Mitchell (guitars/vocals) and Ryan Biggs (drums) is based on a friendship that goes back to before either of them were playing music or even listening to metal. Now that partnership has developed into a dark and dynamic collaborative undertaking that sees Mitchell bringing material to the table in the form of multiple personalities (guitar, bass, vocals) and those elements being worked on together until a song is built.

Coming from different musical backgrounds, Mitchell and Biggs have found their differing styles complement each other and blend to form their brand of deep and intricate metal. Their music conveys emotion through the music but also maintains a technicality that makes it interesting to write and play, and subsequently, listen to.

Sleepwraith wants to tell stories musically and lyrically, focused primarily on creating and releasing new music and art without being concerned about playing it live. All of their energies have been pointed at that goal. With influences coming from all over the metal map including prog, death, mathcore, metalcore, and hardcore, Sleepwraith is an upcoming original band with something for all listeners. The more you listen to it, the more there is to hear.

Their debut album “Day Terrors” is slated for release on January 17, 2020.

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“‘A Demon’s Pawn and The Abyss’ is brutal, with sick aggro riffs and fierce vocal performance.” – Ghost Cult Mag

“Day Terrors” “The deeper we head into the dimension that Sleepwraith inhabit, there’s no escaping just how layered and sonically pleasing it all is. Their ability to go from furious and meaty death-infused metal to bleak melodies and thumping rhythm is second to none.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“The straight jacket awaits and anyone who who has been to the dark places depicted will resonate with the lyrics once they’ve finished head banging to the riffs. This is nothing short of a phenomenal record of depth and texture that’s feisty and intricate and complex as well as being heavy hitting when it needs to be [8/10]” – Metal Noise
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