Category: Music News

0 ROCKSHOTS RECORDS – Melancholic Finnish Metallers DECROWNED First Single “Mouth Leaks Black” Off New Album “Persona Non Grata” Out Feb 2024

December 1, 2023
by Asher
· Decrowned (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 1, 2023

ROCKSHOTS RECORDS – Melancholic Finnish Metallers DECROWNED First Single “Mouth Leaks Black”

New Album “Persona Non Grata” Out Feb 2024

Finnish metallers Decrowned will be releasing their brand of catchy and groovy melancholic metal with their first full-length “Persona Non Grata” this coming February 2024 from Rockshots Records. The album follows their two EPs “Hansel’s Nightmare” (2019) and debut “Weight of The Dark Sky” (2018), which garnered the “Newcomer of the Month” award from Finnish metal magazine Inferno.

Since its inception in 2017, Decrowned has been constantly evolving, progressing musically and its production both live and studio, especially with the aid of Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen who has done a remarkable job of mixing the record. On “Persona Non Grata” fans will find a great number of variations, each song has its own identity but the themes of each are very relevant to one another.

“We hope the listeners will find their own personal ways to relate to the songs and also find the album interesting enough to keep finding new things and themes in it.” adds the band.

Every member brought something to the table for the album, but guitarists Jaakko Kauppinen (guitars) and Simo Puustinen composed most of the songs. Musically, the band takes a turn into heavier waters from its predecessors, still keeping in mind the essence of Decrowned. Lyrically “Persona Non Grata” is a very dark album, reflecting things that pass through the generations, consuming us from inside. It is a description of a haunted future and the past that took wrong turns on personal and universal levels. This undefined black matter that flows ignoring time and reason is the unwanted entity… Persona non grata.

The first single presented off “Persona Non Grata” is the track “Mouth Leaks Black”, which the band explains:

“Starting the album with a blast, “Mouth Leaks Black” is a song that we mostly just wanted to have fun with, it’s kind of playful but still serious enough with fun dark occult themes in play. Having an almost “punk rockish” theme in the chorus, some groovy riffing in the verse and maybe a bit of a chill mental trip on the later half of the song, this has become one of our favorites to perform live. This really gets us going on stage so we figured it’s the best way to get the album going, setting up the album with maybe a bit lighter tone than the rest of the album.”

Listen to “Mouth Leaks Black” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/ioQ6Qn2wfss

Digital – https://bfan.link/mouth-leaks-black

Recommended for fans of Amorphis, Insomnium, In Flames, and Katatonia, “Persona Non Grata” is due out on February 23, 2024.

Album pre-order at https://bit.ly/DecrownedCD

Track Listing:
1. Folklore pt.1 (intro) – 0:48
2. Mouth Leaks Black – 4:20
3. Rainworld – 4:16
4. Stonewing – 3:56
5. Mindparasite – 4:44
6. Scarred – 5:02
7. Awaken – 3:30
8. Faceless – 3:50
9. The Bird and The Tree – 4:51
10. The Vigorian Man – 4:09
11. Persona Non Grata – 4:52
12. Folklore pt.2 (outro) – 0;42
Album Length: 45:05

PERSONA NON GRATA was:
Produced by Decrowned with help of Tero Kinnunen
Recorded at Crown Crusher studio/Joensuu
Kantele recordings at Guru studio/Joensuu
Engineered by Antti Venäläinen
Mixed by Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen
Mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox
Artwork and layout by Jukka Turunen (www.jukkaturunen.com)
Band photography by Harri Säynevirta (www.saynevirta.fi)
Keyboards and synths by Jukka Turunen
Kantele by Sari Puustinen and Saila Kinnunen
Guitar solo on “Mindparasite” by Euge Valovirta
Finnish vocals on “Mindparasite” by Tuomo Huurre

Decrowned is:
Miikka Hulmi, Vocals and bass
Antti Venäläinen, Drums
Jaakko Kauppinen, Guitar
Simo Puustinen, Guitar

More info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/rockshotsrecords | Instagram.com/rockshotsrecords

Facebook.com/decrownedtheband | Instagram.com/decrownedtheband | Tiktok.com/@decrownedofficial

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0 Streaming Now! Avant-garde Metal Duo DISORIENTATION New EP “Survival Mode” Reveals Dissonant Oboe and English Horn Arrangements To Handle Psychological Survival

November 30, 2023
by Asher
· Disorientation · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 30, 2023

Streaming Now! Avant-garde Metal Duo DISORIENTATION New EP “Survival Mode”

Reveals Dissonant Oboe and English Horn Arrangements To Handle Psychological Survival In Unpleasant Situations

Daniel Daris – Guitars, Bass, Marie-Claude Fleury – Vocals, Oboe, English Horn, Drum Programming

Photo Credit : Marie-Claude Fleury

Montreal, Canada’s avant-garde metal duo Disorientation returns to unleash their sophomore EP “Survival Mode” on December 1st to follow their 2021 self-titled debut. Presenting a much blunter and more straightforward record than its predecessor, the 16-minute, 3-track recording bends extreme metal, noise, and hardcore influences at its will pushing the envelope with unorthodox vocal lines, odd structures, with the accompaniment of dissonant oboe and English Horn arrangements to create a strong emotional reaction to reflect tactics for psychological survival in unpleasant situations.

The band adds:

“We are very excited to present Survival Mode to the public. This is another milestone for us to express our own unique sound and perspective in the context of metal music. We both have been busy with other projects, which explains the 2-year gap between Survival Mode and our self-titled EP. However, the drive to produce more music of our own has never disappeared during that time. We doubled down on the unique elements that set us apart. We also opted for a more straightforward sound with a mix that better reveals each instrument and voice. We think that this will express the power of those new songs more effectively.”

The overall theme of “Survival Mode” is about coping mechanisms, and the process of releasing this EP has been an exercise of survival for both Daniel Daris (Guitars, Bass) and Marie-Claude Fleury (Vocals, Oboe, English Horn, Drum Programming), who suffered losing loved ones during its recording. With “Survival Mode”, they aim to build real momentum and bring their atypical symphonic music to the live environment.

Before it officially releases, Disorientation has teamed up with Bravewords for the exclusive full-stream premiere of “Survival Mode” HERE.

“Survival Mode” is due out on December 1, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://disorientationmetal.bandcamp.com.

Lyric Video – “Dissociation” – https://youtu.be/Dl2ALnBJluY

Track Listing:
1. Dissociation (7:43)
2. Jaded (5:56)
3. Dark Side (2:27)
Album Length: 16:06

EP Band Line Up:
Marie-Claude Fleury – Vocals, Oboe, English Horn, Drum Programming
Daniel Daris – Guitars, Bass

Guest Musicians
Maude Théberge and Pascal Germain-Berardi : Classical Choir on Dissociation

More Info: Facebook.com/disorientationmetal | Instagram.com/disorientationmetal

About: Disorientation is a DIY Dark Experimental Metal band from Montreal, Canada, created by Marie-Claude Fleury and Daniel Daris. While other symphonic acts portray beauty, wonder, and grace, Disorientation takes you down a path of troubling disarray, crippling misery, and severe anguish you can’t escape from.

The idea of the band had been floating around for a few years, with song fragments written here and there but it was at the beginning of 2020 that Marie-Claude and Dan really got serious and started establishing the foundation of their unpolished sound driven by oboe orchestral passages and vocals that are harsh, vulnerable and everything in between.

Disorientation strives to combine the abrasiveness of old death/thrash metal with the orchestral elements introduced by European bands in the late 90s/early 00s to create depressive music with simple riffs that go for emotion rather than technique. The band avoids predetermined chord progressions, verse-chorus-verse-chorus structures, and clean/distorted vocal dichotomies to create disconcerting, dissonant, and memorable songs.

On September 26th, 2021, Disorientation released their first 3-track EP. In spite of minimal promotion, Disorientation’s unique sound and approach were noticed. Metal Trenches called it “a perfect band name and title for this self-titled EP” while Turkey’s Metalperver wrote that it was “Interesting music, worth checking out.” The songs got airplay on Dark Metal Radio, Sewer Spewer, The Autopsy Report, No Name Radio, and Mtl Métal.

“Survival Mode” is the band’s second EP due out in December 2023. Those 3 new songs feature even more of the elements that set them apart: unorthodox vocal lines, odd structures, dissonant oboe arrangements, in-your-face discomfort, and distress. With this offering, Marie-Claude and Daniel intend to keep their momentum. They are currently assembling a lineup with the goal of playing Disorientation’s music live.

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“Delving deeper into the eerie atmospherics of metal’s less-trodden path, we find Disorientation, a Montreal-based duo who eschews the symphonic metal genre’s usual dalliance with ethereal beauty, opting instead for an odyssey through sonic desolation. Born from the minds of Marie-Claude Fleury and Daniel Daris, Disorientation is the antithesis of grandeur and elegance, painting a world where the grotesque and the sublime collide.” – Idioteq

“Moving away from the raw quality of the recording of their self titled debut EP with “Survival Mode” while Disorientation claim to have created something more straightforward this time around, that’s not the impression that we get. The Avant-garde duo instead go deeper down the rabbit hole and continue their perpetual forward motion with a ferocious and spine chilling trio of cuts that once again disorientate and disturb. Opening cut “Dissociation” once again finds the oboe effectively replacing the lead guitar and adding ominous and sinister melodies to contrast against the fierce unclean vocals from Fleury. The stunning choral vocals from the first record are maintained with guest musicians Maude Théberge and Pascal Germain-Berardi forming a classical choir and there is no question that the straight jackets are awaiting Disorientation alongside a trip to Arkham Asylum. The near eight minute opening cut has more twists and turns than a page turning dime store psycolocal horror novel and is exactly what the edge of the seat was made for. 8.5/10” – Metal Noise

“It sounds all over the place… a very avant-garde vibe to it … It almost feels improvised, it’s like slam poetry but with black metal oboe. This is definitely not going to be for everyone, but I love that weird, kind of obscure random stuff. This is all over the place, it feels improvised, I kind of like it like that, this is Disorientation, which is a perfect band name and title for this self-titled EP.” – Metal Trenches (2021 – Disorientation – EP)

“Canadian band Disorientation produces interesting music. Black/death metal ties with folk instruments and synths. The song Nature, in which the band decorated with plug-ins and acoustic passages and also used choir vocals, caught my attention. They released a three-track self-titled EP; It’s worth taking a look.” – Metal Perver (2021 – Disorientation – EP)

“… a little do-it-yourself project of dark low-fi symphonic metal with a little depressed folkloric side … it’s a pretty interesting little 3-piece EP … the album cover is also magnificent.” – Mtl Metal – CIBL 101.5 FM

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0 HATRED REIGNS Is Now Streaming Their Death Metal Labour Of Love And Dedication “Awaken The Ancients”

November 30, 2023
by Asher
· Hatred Reigns · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 30, 2023

HATRED REIGNS Is Now Streaming Their Death Metal Labour Of Love And Dedication “Awaken The Ancients”

New Album “Awaken The Ancients” Out December 1st, 2023

L-R – Jeff Calder – Guitars, Adam Semler – Bass & Vocals, Neil Grandy – Drums, Mitchi Dimitriadis – Vocals

Canada’s Hatred Reigns is a convergence of masterful musicians, each with a rich and storied background in the music industry. They came together in 2015 and released their first EP “Realm I: Affliction” in 2018. They follow it up now with “Awaken The Ancients”, which weaves together the elements of old-school death metal with modern technical intricacies, creating a sonic tapestry that is both captivating and groundbreaking.

The lyrics on this concept album are inspired by the film “What Dreams May Come”, the novels Dante’s “Inferno”, John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and the mental anguish and exploits that many of us experience but choose life vs succumbing to the ever-looming darkness.

“In a quest for liberation, the damned are ferried across by Charon who must navigate treacherous planes, confronting challenges from demons above and lurking waters below. Their odyssey takes them across the enigmatic river Styx, lured by the ancients towards Necropia, where ultimate judgement awaits. We are unleashing an infernal symphony of brutality and precision! Our music is a testament to the raw power and intricate craftsmanship that defines death metal. Each member has their own barrage of styles and influences which created the unique twist that is Hatred Reigns.” adds the band.

“Awaken The Ancients” is not just an album; it’s a conceptual epic that traverses uncharted realms of sound and emotion. The album’s narrative follows a protagonist grappling with oppressive forces, leading to a summoning of the ancients who rise to liberate the tormented from their prolonged suffering. Plunged into an endless abyss, the tormented emerge upon a desolate shore, surrounded by aimless souls. This is not an adventure for the faint of heart, and should only be attempted by the hardiest of metalheads, those with a penchant for Origin, Carcass, and Behemoth.

Listen to “Awaken The Ancients” via its worldwide album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

“Awaken The Ancients” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Hatred Reigns vocalist Mitchi Dimitriadis, with album art designed by Pedro “Lordigan” Sena. The album is available on December 1st, 2023, at the following links:

Digital – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/hatredreigns/awaken-the-ancients

Bandcamp – https://hatredreigns.bandcamp.com

Music Video – “Awaken The Ancients” – https://youtu.be/e6UZwj9YumA

Track Listing:
1. Awaken The Ancients (5:20)
2. Pain Leads To Nothingness (3:16)
3. To Depths Unknown (2:40)
4. Obsolarium (2:36)
5. Ushered By Charon (5:23)
6. Planes Divide (3:47)
7. Absentia (4:58)
8. Departing Acheron (3:43)
Album Length: 31:20

Album and Live Lineup:
Mitchi Dimitriadis – Vocals
Jeff Calder – Guitars
Neil Grandy – Drums
Adam Semler – Bass & Vocals

More info: Facebook.com/hatredreignsband | Instagram.com/hatredreigns | Youtube.com/@hatredreigns1027

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“Hatred Reigns’ Awaken the Ancients is Brutality in Sound and Theme… For those of you who can’t get enough of their brutal technical death metal thematically based on What Dreams May Come, Dante’s Inferno, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and love wallowing in the murky anguish of life’s darkness, take an audio gander at the stream of the album.” – Decibel Magazine

“this is a slab of high density, very technical death metal that fans will love” – Real Gone Rocks

“Hatred Reigns play to their strengths on this album opener (Awaken The Ancients), delivering speed and fury, but impressive agility as well as aggression. They unleash madness in the viciously sizzling and skittering riffage and ruthlessness in the bone-smashing hammer blows that segment the frenzies, and the monstrous guttural growls expel the words in barks that are almost as fast as the backing instrumentation. But the band also switch things up, slowing the tempo and injecting weirdly swirling arpeggios and then hitting the accelerator to bring forth an even more demented and delirious escapade, this time fronted by crazed screams and screeches as well as gritty growls, and propelled to further heights of lunacy by a fret-melter of a solo and bursts of maniacal drum battery. When the band decelerate again, the chords elevate it into an otherworldly realm, both menacing and haunting, and the band also layer in a little bass solo, a few humongous bass drops, and a hulking, lurching stomp. But of course they go back into the fast lane for one last burst of high-adrenaline barbarity as the song surges to the end.” – No Clean Singing

“‘Departing Archeon’, grabs me where I didn’t expect (You can see the video for this at the bottom of this page). This time the vocal and lyrics are instantly engaging… accessible and menacing ‘Welcome… We’ve been waiting for You…’ which somehow made me smile from ear to ear. And just wait for that main riff – it’s f**king perfection. Simple, brutal and so utterly worthy of a headbang. Looking over the release notes they compare their release to ‘Origin’, Suffocation, and Hideous Divinity, but I’m getting vibes of classic Thrash and Death Metal. Think early Sepultura, Gorefest and Carcass, especially with that DIY ethos those thrown in too. It enables them to keep their influences close to their heart and do exactly what they want to. Overall, it took me a few listens to the album to appreciate how good it is. It’s a complex album that doesn’t hide behind overly technical playing … it knows how to keep the riffs simple, crunchy and heavy… Incredible stuff.” – Music Trespass

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0 MASSIVE SCAR ERA Continues To Mesmerize With “30 Years” Off “Metal Goes Egyptian”

November 28, 2023
by Asher
· Massive Scar Era · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 28, 2023

MASSIVE SCAR ERA Continues To Mesmerize With “30 Years” Off “Metal Goes Egyptian”

With an impressive six albums already, Massive Scar Era presented their seventh record “Metal Goes Egyptian” earlier this November. The EP features six songs, including two brand-new tracks and four rearrangements of previously released songs. Each song showcases the collaboration between Cherine Amr and diverse musicians, creating a seamless fusion of metal and Egyptian traditional Arabic music. The fourth single off the EP “30 Years” is now being presented with a video, which Amr comments on:

“This is a rearrangement of a previously released song under the same title. I wrote it when I turned 30 when I moved to Canada. I’m used to writing songs and then jamming on them with a drummer to try out different ideas. With the move to Canada, I didn’t know any drummer to jam with, and I wasn’t ready to network yet, so I had to navigate midi and drum machine, which was a pain – still a pain! But I wrote the drumline for this song on my computer, and with this added knowledge, it gave me a tool to finally express the beats I have in my mind, even if they don’t sound great.”

Watch “30 Years” at https://youtu.be/MwByTGPMDNw

Originating in Alexandria, Egypt, Amr now lives in Montreal, Canada which provides the backdrop for her musical endeavors. The formation of Massive Scar Era stemmed from her desire to delve into songwriting within a complete band framework. Initially, the intention was to establish a traditional band setup. However, due to relocation between cities within Canada, it became challenging to maintain a consistent lineup of band members. Nonetheless, she chose to view this as an opportunity to engage in collaborations with diverse arrangers and songwriters in every release.

“Metal Goes Egyptian” was recorded and filmed with a traditional Egyptian Arabic music orchestra in Studio Mix Art in Montreal, Canada. The EP was released on November 3, 2023, and is recommended for fans of Huntress, Arkan, and Acrassicauda.

The EP is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music at the following link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/massivescarera/metal-goes-egyptian-2

Previous Videos:

“Oblivious” – https://youtu.be/fF_uFyOWNqg

“Between Waves” – https://youtu.be/d6LU9v6lHk8

“Back to the Sun” – https://youtu.be/WULR4FvSCHI

Track Listing:
1. Between Waves – 3:22
2. 30 Years – 4:43
3. Oblivious – 3:46
4. Back to the Sun – 3:41
5. Color Blind – 3:14
6. Endorphins – 2:37
EP Length: 21:26

More info: Facebook.com/massivescarera | Instagram.com/massivescarera

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“Steeped in Metal, but bridging the gap to Egyptian music, Massive Scar Era is a Metal band you need to know about in 2023. The brainchild of visionary artist Cherine Amr, their new EP Metal Goes Egyptian, the seventh release in her career, is coming out in November. Not only does the band creative a ground-breaking mix of Metal and world music, Cherine had to flee her country where “the devil’s music” is forbidden to create, let alone defying gender norms that could lead to punishment, or worse. With its unique fusion of Prog Rock, post-Grunge, Egyptian music, and Heavy Metal, the group just released a new single “Between Waves!”” – Ghost Cult Magazine

” When you’re a metal act, you either go big or you go home, and going big is what Massive Scar Era does extremely well. Today, the metal ensemble unveiled the video for their new single, “Oblivious,” off of their Metal Goes Egyptian EP. As an in-studio performance video, it’s simple but effective. It’s particularly effective due to the level of precision with which the band plays. Then you add in the orchestral elements, and you have essentially what amounts to a symphony. Beyond band founder and leader Cherine Amr, there are many minds and parties at play to bring this vision to life. Amr collaborates closely with musicians, producers, and video creators. Her goal is to combine heavy metal’s power with traditional Arabic music’s beauty and charisma. You’ll hear it all come together in perfect harmony upon Metal Goes Egyptian’s official release on November 3rd.” – V13

“As the title indicates, it’s metal with a middle eastern tone and style… mostly melodic death with clean and harsh vox.” – The Moshpit – WORT 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

“the Egyptian-Western music cocktail has an almost hypnotic effect” – PowerMetal.de

“Through “Metal Goes Egypt”, their new EP, Canadian band Massive Scar Era invites open-minded heavy music fans to embark on a musical journey that transcends borders and creates a unique fusion of metal energy and the melodic beauty and cultural nuances of traditional Egyptian Arabic music.” – YoZone.fr

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0 Reminder – Band Submissions End Nov 30th For WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024

November 27, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 27, 2023

Reminder – Band Submissions End Nov 30th For WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024

Wacken Metal Battle USA will return in 2024 to crown one independent band to perform at the world’s largest gathering of metalheads from around the world. To date, the battle has sent 5 previous bands to perform on metal’s most prestigious stage. 2023 witnessed San Diego’s Fadrait crowned champion, following previous winners San Diego’s Mythraeum (2022), San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

Watch the video of 2023 winners Fadrait at Wacken Open Air – https://youtu.be/RhdJ2eCuX4k

Applications for 2024 end November 30th, 2023 at 11:59 PM PST.

Unsigned bands can ONLY apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select United States and then the City that your band like to perform in) – https://www.metal-battle.com/countries/

2024 battles will be taking place in the following cities:

New York, NY
Clifton, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
Bay Area, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Orange County, CA
Sacramento, CA
San Diego, CA
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
El Paso, TX
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX

Event info for future battles can be found at https://www.facebook.com/metalbattleusa.official/events

For the last 5 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black and many more. Details here.

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://metalbattleusa.com/rules/

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! Singapore’s NOPROPHECY Debut Album “As The Bridge Collapses”

November 24, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · NOPROPHECY (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 24, 2023

Rockshots Records – Out Now! Singapore’s NOPROPHECY Debut Album “As The Bridge Collapses”

Singapore’s NOPROPHECY‘s debut album “As The Bridge Collapses” is now ready to captivate fans with its versatility from Rockshots Records. Promising a multifaceted experience, the album delves into the band’s signature melodic style while exploring various stylistic shifts across metal genres.

Describing their sound in five words – Aggressive, Melodic, Intense, Groove, and Dynamic – NOPROPHECY has consistently pushed boundaries, showcasing their signature blend of fierce intensity and melodic artistry.

“There are so many variations the band incorporates into its songwriting with this album and we believe there is something for everyone. We feel an album should always have a flow from start to finish and that is what we’re trying to achieve with this album. We definitely played around with the choruses more this time, keeping in mind to engage more crowd participation for this album cycle. We want to give the fans a refreshing experience, yet something that is relatable on a personal level.” adds the band.

NOPROPHECY invites fans and metal enthusiasts alike to join them on this exciting and diverse musical venture. With their dedication to delivering a powerful live experience, NOPROPHECY incorporates backing tracks during performances to elevate the audience’s engagement.

Recommended for fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Bullet For My Valentine, and As I Lay Dying, “As The Bridge Collapses” is now available as of November 24th, 2023 from Rockshots Records.

Album Order – http://bit.ly/NoProphecyCD

Digital – https://bfan.link/as-the-bridge-collapses

Lyric Video – “Ghost Of Yesterday” – https://youtu.be/pJd2H3vO3iQ

Track Listing:
1. Convelescent 0:38
2. As The Bridge Collapses 3:05
3. Ghost Of Yesterday 4:28
4. Sorrows 4:03
5. Burn It Down 3:33
6. Broken 3:31
7. Set Me Free 4:15
8. Voices 3:39
9. Higanbana 3:29
Album Length: 29:21

For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/noprophecySG
https://www.instagram.com/NOPROPHECYSG
https://twitter.com/NOPROPHECYSG

About: Established in 2013 by Alveria Sykes, Singapore’s NOPROPHECY has emerged as a formidable force in modern metal. The band’s inception was fueled by a collective passion for music and a desire to unite their musical abilities in a band setting. Each member looked up to revered musicians, aspiring to bring their own unique touch to the musical landscape.

During its formative years, NOPROPHECY saw a rotation of musicians, but by the release of “After Life Comes EP” in 2016, the band had solidified its lineup, setting the stage for what would become a promising musical journey. Their debut full-length “As The Bridge Collapses” is due out in November 2023 from Rockshtos Records.

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0 Out Now! Italian / Malaysian Symphonic Power Metallers SILENT ANGEL New Album “Unyielding, Unrelenting”

November 24, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Silent Angel (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 24, 2023

Out Now! Italian / Malaysian Symphonic Power Metallers SILENT ANGEL New Album “Unyielding, Unrelenting”

With its foundations deeply rooted in power and symphonic metal along with mixing progressive and Japanese metal influences, Italian / Malaysian-based Silent Angel presents its debut album “Unyielding, Unrelenting”. Featuring 10 tracks, the crafting of the full length and lyrics was an exciting yet emotional process in which band founder Eric “StormBlade” Poon poured out his heart, soul, and emotions during the composition process.

“I hope that the listeners will immerse themselves in the music and that the emotions, energy, and feelings will be translated to the listeners whilst listening to the album in its entirety.”

Lead vocalist Claudia Beltrame adds:

“We’d like for our audience to be enthralled by the super catchy melodies and hit by the vibrant riffs, inspired by the greatest power metal bands from the 90s. We’d also like for them to appreciate the unique blend of the two voices, and be engrossed in the rhythmic session powerful throughout the album, from the most energetic tracks to the most emotional ones.”

Working on a shoestring budget, Silent Angel started off by recording some demos and put out a roughly recorded EP just to see if the music had potential and it did. Changing their lineup along with the global pandemic setting things back by a few years, through all the trials and tribulations, their hard work, dedication, and efforts are finally coming to fruition.

“The tracks are actually a selection of songs that I wrote back in the late 90s until the resurgence and reformation of Silent Angel in 2015 and subsequently, resumed writing and composing the music, lyrics, and song arrangement,” says Eric Poon.

“Unyielding, Unrelenting” is meant to immerse fans in the music and let it give them the strength and courage to face their demons and overcome adversity. The record offers a lot of pleasant vintage vibes, magnificent guitar solos, and hammering drums, but also sentimental and quiet moments and unique melody lines with its soaring duo vocals and energetic rock singing from Claudia Beltrame, frontwoman for Italian symphonic prog band, Degrees Of Truth and Gracie Shona, well known from the Malaysian club scene.

“There will be a Silent Angel, a guardian, a protector that will give you that sliver of hope and nudge to push on and fight for a better future as you listen to ten tracks of power/symphonic metal,” adds Eric Poon.

Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Stratovarius, Rhapsody, and Hammerfall, Silent Angel’s “Unyielding, Unrelenting” is available from Rockshots Records as of November 24th, 2023.

Digital – https://bfan.link/unyielding-unrelenting

Album order – https:/bit.ly/SilentAngelCD

Music Video – “Against The Tides” – https://youtu.be/Vyi-CwgYq_4

Music Video – “Tears of Celestine” – https://youtu.be/tR1dHlNnnPU

Track Listing:
1. Unyielding Spirit – 2:40
2. Against The Tides – 5:34
3. A Destiny In Shadows – 3:45
4. Through Selene’s Eyes – 4:30
5. Aurora’s Dream – 4:58
6. Descent Into Infinity – 3:50
7. When Dusk Meets Dawn – 3:20
8. Angel Rising – 4:07
9. Tears Of Celestine – 5:21
10. Twilight Of The Black Rose – 6:18
Album Length: 44:27

Silent Angel is:
Eric “StormBlade” Poon – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals, Songwriter, Lyricist
Claudia Beltrame – Lead Vocals
Gracie Shona – Co-lead Vocals
Dauz – Bass

Permanent Session Musicians
Davide Scuteri – Keyboards, Synth
PAE – Drums

Silent Angel is currently endorsed by Blackstar Amps, MusicNomad Guitar Care, Mackie, Blacksmith Strings, and Zoom and is supported by CK Music (Malaysia), City Music Singapore, and EMusic Instruments.

For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/SilentAngelBand

About: Originally formed in 2000, and taking over a decade-long hiatus, the band returned in 2015 with a fresh new lineup and released two EPs along with gaining support on American, Canadian, Italian, Australian, and UK radio stations. The band was also honoured with recording a track for Samsung’s Milk Music Ad Campaign, plus performing a Malaysian tour where they headlined the IDX SummerFest, which was followed by two tours of Japan.

After the Japan tours, Silent Angel returned to the studios to record their full-length album but unfortunately were struck with tragedy with the untimely passing of their bass player putting the recording on pause.

Fast forward to 2020, Silent Angel brought in multi-award-winning recording and mixing engineer, Rahmad Kamikaze as the co-producer and welcomed bassist Dauz and professional drum sessionist PAE.

Moving in 2021, the beautiful and talented Italian soprano powerhouse Claudia Beltrame joined the band lineup, and later on with Italian keyboard and synth wizard, Davide Scuteri contributing his talent to the music, we’re now poised to unleash our full-length masterpiece upon the world in the very capable hands of our record label, Rockshots Records!

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“The employment of dual female singers with Claudia Beltrame (also of Degrees of Truth) and Gracie Shona gives the band depth in terms of the styles explored because of their ranges – everything from rock to metal and operatic angles touched upon, coming together to harmonize certain passages for “Through Selene’s Eyes” to add more emotional, dramatic tension that mirrors the musical components. Guitarist Eric Poon as the main songwriter drives influences like Helloween, Hammerfall, and Stratovarius to the forefront, dazzling with tasty positive chord progressions and sophisticated lead breaks that make “Against the Tides” and “Descent Into Infinity” early appealers. At certain times Silent Angel also explores 80’s classic heroes like Iron Maiden when you hear the main hooks and higher melodies of “Angel Rising”, the drumming from Pae steady with interesting power moves which line up to the energetic guitar runs.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Unyielding, Unrelenting is aimed directly at fans of female-fronted symphonic/power metal” – Metal Crypt

““Against The Tides” appropriately opens the actual series of songs. The track varies the tempo again and again, but without taking it easy for even a second. As expected, the chorus is easily accessible, and the ladies Claudia Beltrame and Gracie Shona perform a fine duet…” – Hellfire Magazin

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0 Streaming Now! DEGENERATOR (ft. members All Else Fails, ex-Striker) Spellbinding Sound Comes Alive On “The Abyssal Throne”

November 23, 2023
by Asher
· Degenerator · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023

Streaming Now! DEGENERATOR (ft. members All Else Fails, ex-Striker) Spellbinding Sound Comes Alive On “The Abyssal Throne”

Debut Album “The Abyssal Throne” Out Nov 24th, 2023

L-R – Jonathan Webster – Drums, Barrett Klesko – Vocals, Guitar, Bass

Degenerator, Edmonton, Canada’s aggressive sonic titans, unleash a captivating blend of stoner, sludge, grunge, and goth rock with their debut album “The Abyssal Throne”, which is streaming now. Led by Barrett Klesko (Alle Else Fails) who is joined by Jonathan Webster (Pass of Era, ex-Striker), this relentless musical force delivers a spellbinding sound that resonates with fans of grunge, sludge, stoner, and doom metal. These internationally acclaimed musicians set the stage for an immersive journey through explosive moods, progressive time signatures, and hauntingly unusual vocal melodies. Klesko comments on what’s in store for those who check the album:

“This album is a radical departure from anything I have produced before. It’s more somber, but not as heavy, as All Else Fails, slower, but also more profound than the Misfires, and though it has more order than The Secret Places of the Earth, it still keeps some of the mystery. I hope my fans can discover a new facet of my creativity and a new bond with the art that I make.”

Degenerator is a sonic experiment that Klesko conducted to unleash the noise that was haunting his mind. He wanted to capture the essence of retro The Smashing Pumpkins, with their saturated fuzzy guitars, but also add a touch of gothic darkness that he finds deeply appealing. Interestingly, they started with the drums and then built everything else on top of them.

“The Abyssal Throne” is completely DIY, it was mixed and mastered by Webster, and produced by Klesko who also did the album artwork and leveraged AI to create something that reflected how the music made him feel. It is recommended for open-minded fans who want to experience something new and who enjoy Baroness, Torche, Smashing Pumpkins, and Soundgarden.

“The Abyssal Throne” is due out November 24, 2023, and can be heard in full via its album stream premiere on Doomed and Stoned HERE.

Album pre-order – https://degeneratormusic.bandcamp.com/

Music Video – “Eternalism” – https://youtu.be/Ad7o2rmB5vQ

Music Video – “Neurotonic” – https://youtu.be/f-4FWtW9qdI

Track Listing:
1. Eternalism – 3:42
2. Finality – 4:06
3. The Day That Never Comes – 4:39
4. Darkness Prevails – 3:58
5. Neurotonic – 4:46
6. The Children of the Night – 3:59
7. Hiraeth – 4:06
8. The Spiral – 4:13
9. Heart Like a Hole – 4:15
10. For Every Truth – 5:38
11. A Way Out – 3:52
Album Length: 47:14

About:

Degenerator, Edmonton’s aggressive sonic titans, unleash a captivating blend of stoner, sludge, grunge, and goth rock.

Degenerator, the relentless musical force hailing from the underground scene in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, emerges from the depths to deliver a spellbinding sound that resonates with fans of Baroness, Type O Negative, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and Alice in Chains. With their captivating blend of stoner, sludge, grunge, and a touch of doom, Degenerator sets the stage for an immersive journey through explosive moods, progressive time signatures, and hauntingly unusual vocal melodies.

Driven by a collective passion for pushing the boundaries of music, Degenerator boasts an exceptional lineup featuring members from renowned bands such as Striker, All Else Fails, The Order of Chaos, Tyler Dory Trio, and The Secret Places of the Earth. Their combined expertise and unwavering dedication forge a distinct sonic tapestry that both embraces and reinvents the spirit of goth and grunge from the ’90s and ’00s.

Drawing inspiration from the genre’s most revered figures, Degenerator fearlessly invites listeners into an enigmatic soundscape where raw emotions intertwine with thought-provoking lyrics. Their music reflects the complexities of the human experience, delving into the depths of despair while simultaneously igniting a raging fire within the soul.

From the very first notes, Degenerator launches audiences into a realm where aggression surges and anticipation fills the air. With their unyielding commitment to innovation, they flawlessly navigate intricate and progressive time signatures, resulting in a sonic assault that defies convention. Each song becomes an adrenaline-fueled journey, enticing listeners to surrender to the primal depths of their own emotions.

As they traverse the sonic landscape, Degenerator masterfully balances thunderous, distorted riffs with intricate melodies that seamlessly intertwine. Their music evokes a wide range of emotions, from seething rage to cathartic release, leaving no listener untouched by its commanding power. Fans of ’90s and ’00s goth and industrial rock will find solace in the band’s fusion of familiar elements while being propelled by their fresh and unrelenting approach.

Degenerator’s journey to musical excellence is further underscored by their remarkable accolades. The band’s members have been recipients of prestigious awards, including a JUNO Award for Best Metal Album, a Canadian Music Award for Metal Recording of the Year, Edmonton Music awards, and numerous other industry honors. Their track record of success serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication and artistic brilliance.

Degenerator’s forthcoming release promises to be a revelation for music enthusiasts craving an aggressive and captivating sonic experience. With their untamed creativity, unmatched musicianship, and a proven history of award-winning success, Degenerator is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of alternative rock.

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““Eternalism,” hits the thunder with a brutality that is of yet unmatched in its synchronicity.” – The Median Man

“The cut “Neurotinic” culled from the first half of The Abyssal Throne is likewise atmospheric and catchy. In some of its harder moments, there’s a sense of Degenerator The Abyssal Thronemetallic emotionalism that reminds of Katatonia, but by and large Degenerator — that’s vocalist, guitarist and bassist Barrett Klesko and drummer Jonathan Webster — keep the vibe geared toward a heavy alternative rock, not quite stoner or even prog-stoner, but certainly aware of and wiling to be led by its riff, and the melody of the vocals in hook digs into pop hookmaking without sounding ridiculous, and that’s something of a triumph itself. In combination with the sharper-edged “Eternalism,” the album-opener and prior single, it portrays the band as experienced songwriters at the relative outset of developing an already-broad sound.” – The Obelisk

“The Abyssal Throne is remarkable work. Consistent but varied, old-school but without exaggerating the homage, clear of production, and powerful of transmission. Like a Billy Corgan working in concert with the late Chris Cornell on behalf of a subsidiary of 4AD, DEGENERATOR opens its mind, and lets wander some symptomatic psychedelic diversions of the parentage between Black SABBATH and the Seattle wave, sometimes citing MILK, BARONESS, and other witnesses of an era of crossbreeding pushed to its extremes.” Metalnews.fr
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0 Streaming Now! YESTERDAY’S HERO’s Save The Day With Debut Album “Ways To Hate”

November 23, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Yesterday's Hero

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023

Streaming Now! YESTERDAY’S HERO’s Save The Day With Debut Album “Ways To Hate”

+ Music Videos “Be” & “Life So Good”

Having shared the stage with bands such as Escape the Fate, Powerman5000, The Convalescence, and Gemini Syndrome, among many others, Ohio alternative metal quintet Yesterday’s Hero is ready to present their debut album “Ways To Hate”. Featuring seven tracks, the full-length takes listeners through the emotions of a struggling bleeding heart at the end of a tumultuous relationship. Musically, it’s a fusion of high-energy grooves with timeless melodies.

The band explains further:

“‘Ways To Hate’ features previous re-recorded tracks from their 2021 debut EP “Killing Me” along with a few new songs such as “What I Needed”, “Bounce” and the title track “Ways To Hate” to complete the seven-song album that we want to get your blood pumping and moshing in the pit. We pride ourselves on using raw gritty tube amps, no backing tracks or plug-ins. There is no need for a laptop as we intentionally step back from today’s norm. What hear on the record is what you’ll hear live, note for note.”

In a digital age of singles, Yesterday’s Hero went analog for this record as they would like those listening to experience each track finishing and ready for the next. The tracklisting was arranged in an order specifically to create a feel of an album experience, not just one single.

“We have simple intentions along with catchy riffs with relatable lyrics. We want to give music fans a nostalgic taste for our music experience with a bit of new raw live sound.” adds the band.

Recommended for fans of Chevelle, Rise Against, Killswitch Engage, Godsmack, and Seether, Yesterday’s Hero‘s first full-length can be heard in full before it officially drops on November 24th, 2023 via its album stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

“Ways To Hate” is available for pre-order at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/yesterdayshero/ways-to-hate.

Music Video – Be – https://youtu.be/iI3WQ7LoNMQ

Music Video – Life’s So Good – https://youtu.be/UdtbpNH7LGM

Track Listing:
1- Killing Me (3:43)
2- What I Needed (4:06)
3- Ways to Hate (3:38)
4- Bounce (4:12)
5- Be (3:46)
6- Road of Doom (5:26)
7- Life’s So Good (3:46)
Album Length: 28:36

Band Lineup Live and Recording
Chris Neller – Vocals
Nathan Fike – Lead Guitar
Tony Smith – Guitar
Bill Mizen – Bass
Byron Ferguson – Live Drums and Recorded Drums on track 2. What I Needed, 3. Ways to Hate, 4. Bounce
Jesse Elkins – Recorded Drums on track 1. Killing Me, 5. Be, 6. Road of Doom, and 7. Life’s So Good

More info: Yesterdaysheroband.com | Facebook.com/YesterdaysHeroBand | Instagram.com/hero_yesterdays

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0 JUDICATOR Shares Blind Guardian Cover “The Curse of Feanor” Off “I Am The Void” EP Out Dec 8th

November 23, 2023
by Asher
· Judicator · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 23, 2023

JUDICATOR Shares Blind Guardian Cover “The Curse of Feanor” Off “I Am The Void” EP Out Dec 8th

Left to right: Chad Anderson (Guitar), John Yelland (Vocals), Dayton Andersen (Guitar), Dalton Jolley (Drums), John Dolan (Bass)

Photo Credit – Demii Photography

Hailing from Salt Lake City, USA, Judicator is a denim and leather-clad power metal act that will blow your hair back and excite your loins with its fervent riffs, wailing solos, and powerful vocals. Since their inception many years ago they have released six albums already and an EP “I Am The Void” is on the horizon. The EP features two heart-pounding tracks over 15 minutes that pack a punch. The song “The Curse of Feanor,” is a Blind Guardian cover as the band explains:

“Regarding “The Curse of Feanor,” this is a song that our Patreon supporters voted on. The cover has been available to them for some time now, and we chose to release it to the public alongside “I am the Void.”. There isn’t anything especially groundbreaking or innovative about the cover, but it’s a nice break from the emotional heaviness of “I am the Void.” It’s good to conclude the EP with a cavalry charge like this.”

In 2010, John Yelland and Alicia Cordisco met at a Blind Guardian concert. The two developed a friendship and formed Judicator two years later. Prior to Cordisco’s departure from the band, Yelland would write all the lyrics and Cordisco would write all the music.

Since 2022’s ‘The Majesty of Decay,’ however, Yelland has become the band’s primary songwriter and lyricist. Mostly focused on historical topics, Judicator takes a look at everything from Napoleon Bonaparte to the renowned Byzantine general Belisarius. They don’t shy away from heavy topics though, exemplified by the rollercoaster title track on this EP.

Judicator brings raw energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Through their performances, the band conjures imagery of both ancient battles and inner turmoil. They are recommended for fans of Scanner, Iron Savior, and Helion Prime.

Watch and listen to Judicator‘s cover of Blind Guardian’s “The Curse of Feanor” at https://youtu.be/hoyDco3P4Ek

“I Am The Void” is due out on December 8th, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://judicatormetal.bandcamp.com/ and digital pre-save at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/judicator/i-am-the-void.

Track Listing:
1. I am the Void (9:01)
2. The Curse of Feanor (5:51)
EP Length: 14:51

More info: Judicatormetal.com | Facebook.com/judicatormetal | Twitter.com/JudicatorMetal | Instagram.com/judicatormetal

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“The Majesty of Decay is simply one of the best power metal albums released in the last few years, and potentially, my favorite Judicator yet.” – Angry Metal Guy

“This album is guaranteed that fans of Judicator will be talking about it for years to come. There are those which will utterly hate this album as a release that has gone too far in one direction. However, this is a gamble which has paid off and ‘The Majesty of Decay’ is not only arguably one of the best albums released this year, but also debatably the best album that Judicator have ever released.” – Metal Digest

“[Judicator is] unmatched when it comes to delivering an illuminating experience that is both energized and heartfelt.” — GBHBL

“Judicator is something new, but still something excellent. And we sing along, with open shirts and fists pointing to the sky.” — Devilution

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