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Category: Music News

0 ROCKSHOTS RECORDS – Out Now! STONE HORNS’ New Album “Chimaira” + New Video “In the Clutches of the Abyss”

  • January 26, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · STONE HORNS (ROCKSHOTS RECORDS)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 26, 2024

Out Now! STONE HORNS’ New Album “Chimaira” + New Video “In the Clutches of the Abyss”

Rockshots Records is proud to unleash France’s STONE HORNS third studio album “Chimaira”, now available as of January 26th. The full-length features seven groove-laden hell-bent tracks, that tell the story of an odyssey of being rejected by all and thirsting for revenge. It explores life’s thirst for recognition, whatever its form. Through its various acts, the story continues in different states, colors, and landscapes. A raw, merciless finality that leaves little room for breath in this torment of violence. We’re all chasing a chimera, but isn’t it the chimera that’s chasing us? That’s the question this album tries to answer, combining freshness and warmth, violence and peace, waves, and digressions.

With their headbanging groove, this third studio offering “Chimaira” is a culmination of all the band’s experiments to date. This is the band’s most accomplished album to date, both in terms of composition and production. The band’s long-time fans will be satisfied, but they also hope to bring in new fans with this record, with a slightly more modern production. Each track has its own universe on this full length, but it’s also part of a whole, because like their previous albums, “Chimaira” is a concept album.

“There’s something for every metal taste and color. The aim of this album is for fans of every sub-genre of metal to be able to say to themselves at some point when listening to it: “I really like that beat”. “Chimaira” is a bit like the child of “The Beast Inside” (2018) and “Rise of Apophis” (2021)”. says the band.

For the album’s release day, Stone Horns is sharing their new music video for the track “In the Clutches of the Abyss”, a raging song inspired by Slipknot and Machine Head and treated to a guitar solo reminiscent of diabolical melodies. The final chorus might remind some fans of a bit of a Gojira sound.

Check out the music video for “In the Clutches of the Abyss” at https://youtu.be/jb1jDljt27c

​Digital – https://lnk.to/clutchoftheabyss

​

Recommended listening for fans of Machine Head, Devildriver, Slipknot, Lamb of God, and Jinjer, Stone Horns’ third full-length is available from Rockshots Records on CD at https://bit.ly/ChimairaCD and digitally at https://lnk.to/stonehorns.

Track Listing:
1. Grasping the Embers of Exile – 7:51
2. No Mercy – 3:58
3. Terra Genesis – 3:31
4. Age of Chimairas – 4:10
5. Chrysalis – 4:52
6. In the Clutches of the Abyss – 5:29
7. Echoes of a Fallen Empire – 5:24
Album Length: 35:18

Album Credits:
Music: David Viard, Antoine Roszak, Mathis Lakermance, Damien Servais
Lyrics: David Viard
Guitars: Mathis Lakermance, Damien Servais, Antoine Roszak
Bass: Antoine Roszak, David Viard
Drums : Maël Taguelmint
Vocals: David Viard
Production, Antoine Roszak, David Viard
Mix and Mastering, Antoine Roszak
Covers & Arts : David Viard, helped by IA
Cover « Age of Chimairas » : Mrdrfckr Art and David Viard

More info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/StoneHornsOfficial | Instagram.com/stone_horns​

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RISE OF APOPHIS (2021) – Media Reviews

“The real strength of this album lies in the diversity of the compositions as well as a good alternation of the songs and the atmopheres. With a production worthy of the big American machines, “Rise of Apophis” is a superb discovery…” – METAL’ART
​
“Far from resting on their laurels, the Stone Horns rekindle the flame and offer today a very good album that announces a turning point in their career…” – DAILY ROCK FRANCE 4,5/5
​
“Power is the key word here. The listener is plunged into the heart of a lead maelstrom that falls on him without giving him any respite. With Rise Of Apophis, STONE HORNS has clearly taken a step forward and offers us an accomplished album that they must defend on stage…” – AMONG THE LIVING
​
“The album is never redundant. It is all the less so as the Marseillaise venture on this new album on new territories for them: thus this excellent “Shores of Kismeth” which mixes diabolically heavy and black influences. A particularly successful second try that confirms all the qualities of the combo and sees them move to an higher level.” – SEIGNEURS DU METAL 8/10

THE BEAST INSIDE (2018) – Media Reviews
​
“At a time when the future of Machine Head seems to be uncertain, the release of this first Stone Horns album, “The Beast Inside release of this first Stone Horns album, “The Beast Inside”, will certainly make some happy people.” – ROCK HARD FRANCE
​
“The object raises the potential of a young formation which does not cease to ally groove and raw energy, the whole enveloped by a rather effective production.” – METALLIAN
​
“Très bon premier album. Du sang frais!” – WARM TV 8/10

​
—
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0 PALOOKA Crash The Gates of Rock w/ New Single “Cut You Out of Me” Off Forthcoming EP “Save Yourself” Out Feb 2024

  • January 26, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Palooka

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 26, 2024

Seattle’s PALOOKA Crash The Gates of Rock w/ New Single “Cut You Out of Me”

New EP “Save Yourself” Out Feb 2024

Photo Credit – Chris Schanz

Resonating a hard-punching adrenaline-fueled rock sound PALOOKA brings forth big thick two-guitar songwriting with strong vocals remedies to soothe the soul. Releasing their title track “Save Yourself” from their forthcoming EP due out in February 2024. The band is previewing their second track off the record. Entitled “Cut You Out of Me”, the song embraces change and perseverance to heal oneself with its exciting and irresistible chorus backed by its intense vintage guitar-driven riffs. It’s straight-up rock n’ roll that is all truth and pushes to rediscover oneself.

“PALOOKA is thrilled to unveil our latest song, ‘Cut You Out of Me.’ This track delves into the aftermath of the end of a significant long-term relationship. Even when parting ways is the right thing, there are haunting emotions tied to the void, the missed opportunities, and the unrealized potential. ‘Cut You Out of Me’ is a journey of reclaiming one’s strength and forging a path forward.” adds

Listen to “Cut You Out of Me” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/WAFlQ7yw1Hk​

Digital – https://found.ee/cutyououtofme​

PALOOKA hails from Seattle, USA, singer Chuck Campbell belts out melody lines full of emotion and purpose with tenacity. Chris Quinn and Glen Logan trade flurries of devastating and searing guitar punches reminiscent of a barroom brawl. All of which sits on the rock-solid pounding foundation built on the talents of Howard Binner on bass and the percussive mauler Jason Reavis on drums. This powerhouse of rock has been making waves since their debut album “What’s Wrong With Wanting Everything” in 2011. They have come a long way since then and their forthcoming 2024 EP “Save Yourself”.

As fans of a wide assortment of genres, PALOOKA channeled their influences into an energy and intensity that is all their own. They made a point to push their boundaries and across the upcoming EP, listeners can expect to hear elements of metal, blues, 70’s rock, grunge, alternative, and more.

Mostly written throughout the pandemic, the songs on “Save Yourself” were born from the unique environment of physical isolation, which not only left its mark on the personal themes of the songs but also played a pivotal role in the collaborative process. Interestingly, PALOOKA didn’t consciously decide on the track lineup. Instead, the songs, along with the circumstances that led to their creation, organically determined which songs found their place on “Save Yourself”. Loud, classic, and accessible PALOOKA is recommended for fans of Cheap Trick, Alice in Chains, and AC/DC.

“Save Yourself” will be released on February 23, 2024.

Music Video – “Save Yourself” – https://youtu.be/a2APbhYOX2E

​

Track Listing:​
1. Cut You Out of Me (4:00)
2. F Mind (4:13)
3. Save Yourself (4:01)
4. Far From God (3:09)
5. Bellflower (5:54)
EP Length: 21:19

​Album & Live Band Lineup:​
Chuck Campbell: Vocals
Howard Binner: Bass
Jason Reavis: Drums
Glen Logan: Guitar
Chris Quinn: Guitar

More Info: https://linktr.ee/palooka​

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“Good old fashioned rock and roll..ferocious guitar work…. full of anthemic twists and turns.” – Glen Casebeer NW Music Scene (2018)

“Palooka brought a fire to the stage…playing a no nonsense brand of in your face rock music.”- NW Music Scene (2012)

“Combining one part attitude with three parts rock, this band will cross the boundaries between screaming guitar licks and soft acoustic ballads. They have given us exceptionally written songs peppered with intelligent and honest lyrics, incredible guitar playing, and an overall sense of talent that is occasionally too much to take in all at once.” – Rhonda Readence, Freelance Writer (2011)

“Fans of old-school rock will fall in love with Palooka’s classic feel and energetic pace.” – Nathan Liss, Target Audience Magazine (2011)

—
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0 Finland’s DECROWNED Streaming Next Single “Stonewing” Off New Album “Persona Non Grata” Out Feb 2024

  • January 25, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Decrowned (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 25, 2023

​

Finland’s DECROWNED Streaming Next Single “Stonewing” Off New Album “Persona Non Grata” Out Feb 2024

Melancholic Finnish metallers Decrowned will unveil their first full-length “Persona Non Grata” this coming February 2024 from Rockshots Records. Just before the new year, they revealed their first single “Mouth Leaks Black” and today they’re ready to share their second audio preview to the album with “Stonewing“. Vocalist and bassist Miikka Hulmi explains:

“I was always very keen on the first riff and the whole song came up very fast around it. The song starts heavily and the chorus is very melodic. The track tells a story about a fallen angel who walks on this Earth. The world’s sorrow turns her to stone. Even though the story is dark, it has positive and uplifting features.”

Listen to “Stonewing” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/DEpYwTfFF90

​

Digital – https://lnk.to/Stonewing

​

“Persona Non Grata” follows Decrowned‘s 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 their 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.

Recommended for fans of Amorphis, Insomnium, In Flames, and Katatonia, “Persona Non Grata” is due out on February 23, 2024, from Rockshots Records and is available for pre-order at https://bit.ly/DecrownedCD​

First single – “Mouth Leaks Black” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/ioQ6Qn2wfss

​

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

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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​
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0 Canada’s KELEVRA’s New Video “The Distance” Puts A Progressive Spin On Hateful Endings; New Album “Oneiric” Out March 2024

  • January 25, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Kelevra · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 25, 2024

Canada’s KELEVRA’s New Video “The Distance” Puts A Progressive Spin On Hateful Endings

New Album “Oneiric” Out March 8, 2024

L-R – Adrienne Mahoney (Bass), Mat Yarotski (Guitar), Matt Fraser (Vocals), Brett Forst (Guitar), Dylan Dobrescu (Drums)

Photo Credit: Mac Ulmer

Regina, Canada’s Kelevra has made a name for themselves in the national scene with their distinct and unique approach to metal, accompanied by a high-intensity live show. Recently they have taken time away from performing live to step back into the studio and create their third album “Oneiric”, which will be released in March 2024. The first single is the gripping “The Distance” – a story of hateful endings and love lost. The band comments:

“The bpm and varied technique required to pull this one off really demands the band be tight and ready, and it has become a standout track showcasing every band member firing on all cylinders. The nimble string gymnastics, push and pull feel in the rhythm section, and stops and starts on a dime really come together to show clever musicianship. The lyrics, vocals, and music interplay with an urgency that drives home the message of the track in a tight and cohesive unit.”

For Kelevra, the writing process is different from song to song, but usually begins with a single guitar riff. With the luxuries of technology and home recording studios, it is also common for songs to be formed in their entirety by one or two of the members and then presented to the band. Each member of the band has considerable experience in other bands as well, so talent and professionalism run deep in this group.

As a band, they have always found music as a way to reflect and share their thoughts and opinions, whether it be directly or metaphorically. With tons of new material, together with an ever-evolving fast-paced, melodic, and heavy sound, Kelevra is set to take Canadian progressive metal to all-new heights in 2024. They recommended listening for fans of Chimaira, Lamb of God, and Unearth.

Watch and listen to the music video for “The Distance” via its premiere on TheCirclepit – https://youtu.be/ZPA4etK0jdU

​

Single digital pre-save – https://show.co/UTV47uC​

“Oneiric” is due out on March 8, 2024, and is available for album pre-order at https://kelevrasask.bandcamp.com.

Kelevra is (Album & Live):​
Dylan Dobrescu (Drums)
Brett Forst (Guitar)
Matt Fraser (Vocals)
Adrienne Mahoney (Bass)
Mat Yarotski (Guitar)

More info: Facebook.com/KelevraSK | Instagram.com/kelevraband​

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—
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0 Step Back In Time To Gritty 1800s London With METRO SOCIETY’s Progressive “City Streets” Off Upcoming Album “London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898”

  • January 25, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Metro Society · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 24, 2024

Step Back In Time To Gritty 1800s London With METRO SOCIETY’s Progressive “City Streets”

New Album “London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” Out March 2024

Metro Society, the brainchild of guitarist/songwriter Chris Mangold and bassist Ian Ringler (MAGNITUDE 9 / PSYCO DRAMA), is set to send shivers down the spines of progressive rock/metal enthusiasts with their latest single and video “City Streets”. The haunting track is part of the highly anticipated album “The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898”, a concept-driven musical journey into the dark and mysterious streets of 1800s London, which comes out in March 2024. “City Streets” is the first song on the album with lyrics and it’s a prog rocker with driving guitars and catchy melodic vocals. The band shares:

“This was one of the first song concepts that we came up with when starting to plan out the storyline for the album. We knew we wanted the album to start off with the character of The Detective walking the London streets at night. Ironically enough, when we worked on the vocal recordings for the album, we sort of went in a reverse order starting with the last song on the album and then working our way towards the first song.”

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “City Streets” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” revolves around a gripping story penned by Chris Mangold and Ian Ringler, exploring the thin line between the thirst for knowledge and the addictions of obsession. Set against the backdrop of London in 1898, the Victorian age draws to a close, but the horrors of Jack the Ripper’s murders continue to cast a grim shadow over the city.

The album features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including vocals from George Margaritopoulos (WARDRUM) and Will Mangold, Chris’ father who contributed his talent to the drum tracks. The final recording, production, and mixing was a joint effort between the band and Rob Murray and Kyle from Wilderfox Studio. It is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and Threshold.

“The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” is due out on March 1, 2024, via the band’s own label Metro Society Records, and is available for pre-order at https://metrosociety.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​
1. London 1898 – 2:59
2. City Streets – 7:34
3. Lost Souls – 6:29
4. Pieces of the Past – 9:25
5. Society – 6:37
6. Underground – 5:33
7. Inferno – 7:23
Album Length: 46:02

More info: Metrosociety.net​

-30-

“I especially like the spirited opening track, A King In His Own World, which is more of an overture than anything and which features nice, clear-but-fuzzed-out guitar work by Chris Mangold (who also co-wrote the album) and some cool synthesizer lines from his co-writer Ian Ringler. Also good is Hills Will Roll, featuring interesting, inventive percussion by Will Mangold.” – DPRP – Review 2007 – A Journey in Paris

“The one great thing about Metro Society is that they don’t really sound like any other band on the prog-metal scene, so don’t expect any Dream Theater, Symphony X, or Vanden Plas moments here for the most part. Other than some dark aspects that might fall in line with latter day Fates Warning, this is very original sounding. Singer Brown has a voice that fits the brooding style of the music perfectly, whether he is hitting some soaring falsetto’s or the occasional mid-range gruff passage, in which he fluctuates between the two on the kick ass opener “King of His Own World”. The bands more melodic and catchy side surfaces on “Welcome Hope” featuring Brown’s tender vocals and some tasty guitar work from Chris Mangold. Hard hitting progressive metal, with beefy guitar and stabbing synths, is heard on “Hills Will Roll”, and the band really lay down the crunch factor on “Metro”, a killer instrumental with intricate bass lines, heavy riffs, wild synths, and flailing drum work. Brown almost hits Dio territory on the Medieval and progressive sounding “Purgatory”, and the band launches into multi-part, prog-metal of epic proportions on the near 19-minute “Lost in Paris”. This one features plenty of great textures and instrumental bits, as the band moves from acoustic sections to progressive passages to out and out metal.” – Sea of Tranquility – Review 2007 – A Journey in Paris

—
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0 SHORES OF NULL Get Ready To Sail and Perform At 70000TONS OF METAL and more!

  • January 24, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 24, 2024

​

SHORES OF NULL Get Ready To Sail and Perform At 70000TONS OF METAL and more!

Italian melodic death-doom force Shores of Null is set to bring their beauty to the Caribbean sea as they announce they will be performing at this year’s 70000TONS OF METAL, the world’s biggest heavy metal cruise, which will also mark the band’s very first appearance outside of Europe. It will be intimate, powerful, and cathartic.

70000TONS OF METAL is part of the Shores of Null’s tour plans for 2024, which also features performances at the most renowned metal festivals in Europe including Hellfest (France), Rock Imperium (Spain), and more to be announced. The band will be promoting their latest acclaimed fourth record “The Loss of Beauty” (Spikerot Records) mentioned among the best metal records of 2023 by fans and media outlets all across the world (Metal Hammer, Angry Metal Guy among others).

In addition, Shores Of Null will take the opportunity to perform at 70000TONS OF METAL their iconic 38-minute long track “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” in its entirety: a blend of funeral doom, gothic atmospheres and emotional lyricism, which perfectly summarizes the skills of the Italian quintet.

“We can’t wait to embark on such a unique festival experience and be in so close contact with all the fans and the festival attendees. For us, it’s a dream come true to bring our music to the States, and we will do our best to please the audience with our two different sets”. adds bassist Matteo Capozucca

Shores of Null stand out with their ability to blend seemingly disparate elements into their sound, overwhelmingly heavy and soothing at the same time: blackened aggression stands alongside gothic-doom sections without either sounding out of place.

Music Video – The Last Flower – https://youtu.be/W_LV8-Mz8qA

​

Music Video – Darkness Won’t Take Me – https://youtu.be/zjY8Wztnq-k

​

Album Stream:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/vWOcwJYjhq8

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3ZckbMW​

Album order (Digital, CD, Vinyl) – https://linktr.ee/thelossofbeauty

​

Track Listing:​
1. Transitory – 1:20
2. Destination Woe – 4:52
3. The Last Flower – 4:59
4. Darkness Won’t Take Me – 4:14
5. Nothing Left To Burn – 4:55
6. Old Scars – 4:23
7. The First Son – 2:17
8. A Nature In Disguise – 6:26
9. My Darkest Years – 4:56
10. Fading As One – 5:19
11. A New Death Is Born – 4:54
Album Length: 48:40
Bonus Tracks (CD and digital only)
12. Underwater Oddity – 4:18
13. Blazing Sunlight – 1:57

Shores Of Null is:
Davide Straccione – Vocals
Gabriele Giaccari – Guitars
Raffaele Colace – Guitars
Matteo Capozucca – Bass
Emiliano Cantiano – Drums

For more info: Spikerot.com | Shoresofnull.com
​

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

The Rome-based metal band has been an unwavering presence within the metal underground since their musical outset in 2013, churning out three impressive records: the melodic and somber “Quiescence” (Candlelight, 2014), the darker and more complex “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (Candlelight/Spinefarm, 2017), and finally their most ambitious work to date “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)” (Spikerot Records, 2020), a 38-minute long opus which continues to prove the band’s willingness to go off the beaten path while creating their ultimate doom manifesto.

The band’s fourth album “The Loss Of Beauty”, recorded during the same sessions of “Beyond The Shores”, was released in March of 2023.

– 30 –

Metal Hammer writers’ top metal albums of 2023 – Edwin McFee – #20 – Shores of Null – The Loss of Beauty

“Once again, Shores of Null continue to impress with yet another slab of high-quality doom/death that seems the quintet on an upwards trajectory. Their “Alice in Chains gone doom” recipe needs no repairing, thank you kindly, and while they’ve been around for nearly a decade, it’s still exciting to see where they go from here, because it still feels like The Loss of Beauty is hinting at even greater things to come. Add this to your overcast morning breakfast coffee moments, or your sunny afternoon chillout sessions.” – Angry Metal Guy​
​
​“With The Loss of Beauty, Shores of Null have released a hot contender for my album of the year, which I can warmly recommend to every fan of melancholic metal with doom, gothic, melodic death and black metal influences! I give this masterpiece the highest grade!” – Soundmagnet Magazin​
​
​“I highly recommend spending a quiet hour listening to the record with headphones.” – Powermetal.de​
​
​“It is a highly entertaining set of songs that comes together well nonetheless and leads to an emotional impact upon the listener. Fans of melancholic doom metal will find a lot to like here.” – Metal Bite​
​
​“with this new work, the Shores Of Null have shown all their majestic talent: The Loss Of Beauty is an album that mixes evil and joy, clarity and impurity, melodies and distortions with extreme dexterity. An album that will attract you thanks to its enchanting idyllic and romantic scores but which will make you unleash as soon as the rough and atrocious parts come into play: a record capable of transporting the interlocutor into a mystical and fairy environment but simultaneously unhealthy and distressing. Nothing to add: listen to them and I’m sure you will have yourselves confirmed everything I said!” – Metal Wave​
​
​“”The Loss Of Beauty” has not lost its beautiful melodies And it is exactly this mix that SHORES OF NULL keep to the end of the album… “The Loss Of Beauty” convinces by far Stretches through its refreshing heterogeneity. Straccione’s very strong vocal performance does the rest.” – Metal.de​
​
​“The Loss Of Beauty offers melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom metal to melodic black/death metal. With frequent use of clean vocals and deep growls. A must for fans of Paradise Lost, Amorphis and Enslaved.” – Metalogy

​
​–
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2024 Battle Rounds – One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  • January 23, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2024

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces 2024 Battle Rounds

– One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2024 –

WMBC Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k​

One band to rule them all! With hundreds of submissions from bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce a majority of their 2024 battles with more to follow with dates and bands. All the battles are listed by participating cities (please note Ottawa bands will be hosted at Montreal rounds). The national final will be held in Edmonton, AB on May 25th.

Bands that have been selected to participate in the battles will have the chance to win their performance slot as the only independent Canadian band to be crowned champion and perform at International Battle at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).​

The winning band receives the following:
– A slot at the 2024 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2024 Battle Rounds:

VANCOUVER
SAT, FEBRUARY 24 – THE COBALT
Arrow in the Quiver, Mediaslaves, Kayas, Krypteia, Shattered Throne
https://www.facebook.com/events/1394977157762953======
EDMONTON
ROUND 1 – THU, FEBRUARY 1 – STARLITE ROOM
WINNER – FALL OF EARTH
Malicious Intent, Fall of Earth, The Usual Suspects, Heir To Ash
​https://www.facebook.com/events/740225274703866/​
​
EDMONTON
ROUND 2 – THU, FEBRUARY 15 – STARLITE ROOM
Boneyard, All Was Lost, Ashes of Yggdrasil, Age of Ashes
https://www.facebook.com/events/1306104580046948/
​
EDMONTON
ROUND 3 – THU, FEBRUARY 22 – STARLITE ROOM
Reket Betties, Burried Beneith, The Judge The Jurror, Call of The Siren
https://www.facebook.com/events/816110603609527/
======
CALGARY
ROUND 1 – THU, JANUARY 25 – DICKENS
WINNER = DIVIDE THE DEAD
Divide The Dead, Mors Sanctorum, Passing Pluto
​https://www.facebook.com/events/1041416670452096/​
​
CALGARY
ROUND 2 – THU, FEBRUARY 8 – DICKENS
A Mile West, Hooker Spit, Reduced To Rubble, Victoria Lies
https://www.facebook.com/events/850505983430501/
​
CALGARY
ROUND 3 – THU, FEBRUARY 22 – DICKENS
Goar, Infrastrvctvre, Neon Detour, and Rising Tempest
https://www.facebook.com/events/263060210015600/
======
OSHAWA
ROUND – FRI, FEBRUARY 9 – ATRIA BAR
Beguiler, Gravearth, Incarnatus, Divine Curse
​https://www.facebook.com/events/931267525322604/​
​
=======
HAMILTON
ROUND – SAT, FEBRUARY 10 – MAINSTAGE REHEARSAL STUDIOS
Atria, 30 immolated ; 16 returned, Kings In Graves, Savelene, Flidais
​https://www.facebook.com/events/337866369078276/​
======
​
TORONTO ROUND 1 – SAT, FEBRUARY 17 – BOVINE SEX CLUB
Phantom Lung, Out of Spite, Bloody Monroe, Deafened
​https://www.facebook.com/events/763470685628572/​
​
TORONTO
ROUND 2 – SAT, FEBRUARY 24 – HARD LUCK
Rippr’d, Devilwitch, LÜZR, Reformatory
​https://www.facebook.com/events/2046971162655827/​
​
TORONTO
ROUND 3 – FRIDAY, MARCH 1 – HARD LUCK
The Ocean Cure, Xephyr, Kozen, Jaodae
https://www.facebook.com/events/870248178174962/
​
TORONTO
ONTARIO FINAL – FRI, APRIL 19 – RIVOLI
=======
​
MONTREAL
ROUND 1 – SAT, FEBRUARY 17 – PIRANHA BAR
Zero State, Kapitur, Deadwood, I, Apokalpyse
https://www.facebook.com/events/1626854771389759/
​
MONTREAL
ROUND 2 – SAT, MARCH 2 – PIRANHA BAR
Cries of Blood, The Listener, The Occult, Drowning in Blood
https://www.facebook.com/events/766020401621712/
​
MONTREAL
ROUND 3 – FRI, MARCH 29 – PIRANHA BAR
Dead Velvet, Dismayed, The Aphelion, Red Raven Chaos
https://www.facebook.com/events/1152220232431148/

MONTREAL
EASTERN FINAL – FRI, APRIL 26 – PIRANHA BAR
======
​
QUEBEC CITY
ROUND – FRI, FEBRUARY 23 – LA SOURCE DE LA MARTINIÈRE
Ageless Madness, Vormir, Polygraph, Turbo
https://www.facebook.com/events/1110642779961164/

======
​
NATIONAL FINAL
SAT, MAY 25 – STARLITE ROOM, EDMONTON, AB

Info:

The 2023 battles hosted over sixty participating bands from across Canada with Trois-Rivières, QC’s STRIGAMPIRE being selected to represent the country at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at Wacken Open Air. At the 2023 WMBC national final, STRIGAMPIRE performed alongside Western Canadian finalist NECHT (Calgary, AB) and Ontario finalist EATEN BY SHARKS (St. Catharines, ON).

The Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final was held in Toronto, ON on May 13th at Lee’s Palace where the three final bands from Western, Central, and Eastern Canada were judged on various categories of professionalism and musicianship by a panel of experienced industry professionals that included Pedro Almeida (A&P Reacts), Antonio Almeida (A&P Reacts), Noel Peters (Inertia Entertainment), Tim Henderson (BraveWords), Thorsteinn Kolbeinsson (Wacken Metal Battle Iceland), Sarah Lutz (Looters), Kevin Michaud (Front Row Promotions), Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM – Alerte Metallique), Rae Chatten (Rock’n Roam, Live Nation), Mark Tremblay (Metal on Metal Podcast) and JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada).

Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada 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.

Strigampire joins the list of previous winners The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

2023 battles were hosted in Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada 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 Canadian 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://www.metal-battle.com/rules/​

Links:​
​Metal-Battle.com​​
​
Facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official​
​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official​

– 30 –

Media Partners:​
Bravewords.com
Metal-Rules.com
Absolute Underground
BrokenNeckRadio.com
V13.net
MetalDevastationRadio.com
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
GhostCultMag.com
Rocknroam.ca

Promoter Partners:​
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks

​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
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0 Opium Death Announce Their Debut Album “Genocidal Nemesis” With Brutal Single “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear”

  • January 23, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Opium Death

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2024

Opium Death Announce Their Debut Album “Genocidal Nemesis” With Brutal Single “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear”

Opium Death is a brutal concoction of extreme metal, sent forth from the suburbs of Chicago, USA to lay waste to metalheads around the world with their first full-length album “Genocidal Nemesis”. The band expects it to be received positively as it brings a lot of variety in terms of tempo dynamics, song structure flow, lyrical themes, and overall, a different experience with each track while maintaining a heavy sound through it all. The first look at this album is the single “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear”, the second track, which Opium Death comments on:

“The single is about the birth of the antichrist as a result of man worshipping money. Money revolves in all our lives and is constantly in our faces and so we reflect this musically to start the album with a bang and have an odd-time riff that helps catch the listener’s attention which over time is something they can grab onto the rhythm real quick.”

With “Genocidal Nemesis”, Opium Death wants to bring forth a sense of commonality knowing that everyone has been through experiences that anger us whether directly or indirectly, and are in it together. They showcase this relatability with a clear-cut execution of their passion for extreme music.

Opium Death was born from a wide variety of influences and they carry over into this album, they dive into subgenres like black, thrash, and death metal, and incorporate technical and progressive elements into them. It has something for everyone and is most recommended for fans of Death, Gojira, and Cannibal Corpse.

Listen to “Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear” via its premiere on GhostCultMagazine HERE.

“Genocidal Nemesis” is due out on April 19, 2024, and is available for pre-order – https://opiumdeath.bandcamp.com​

Track Listing:
1. Cower (1:16)
2. Genocidal Nemesis I: Fear (3:01)
3. The Condemned (4:32)
4. Ozymandias (8:40)
5. Flatline (1:18)
6. Extinction (5:31)
7. Chronic (4:22)
8. Deadweight (3:28)
9. Shattered (5:36)
10. Vesuvius (3:45)
11. Fe56 (2:07)
12. Genocidal Nemesis II: Desolation (9:29)
Album Length: 53:10

More info: Opiumdeathofficial.com

-30-

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0 Montreal’s CELL PRESS’ New Album “Cages” Is A Devastating Display Of Noise Rock And Hardcore; Unveil Single “Things They Do In France”

  • January 22, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Cell Press · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2024

Montreal’s CELL PRESS’ New Album “Cages” Is A Devastating Display Of Noise Rock And Hardcore

Unveil Single “Things They Do In France”

Cell Press is a Montreal-based band that formed in 2019. They play a sort of burly noise-rock that leans more on the hardcore and metal side of the swamp. Members have played in a myriad of punk, metal, and hardcore bands such as The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, The Chariot, Animal Ethics, Architect, Swarm Of Spheres, and Angles. They are releasing their first full-length album “Cages” this March and are now introducing it with the single “Things They Do In France”, a song about lost love and what could have been had it not been so toxic. The band shares more info:

“This song starts off with probably the most melodic riff in our catalog, then quickly turns into a fast and bumpy ride throughout the rest of the way. The structure of this song is similar to a toxic relationship as it starts off smooth then turns into an unpredictable cacophony of violent riffage, drumming, and screaming. There is also a double entendre to this song name and lyrics referring to the way Quebec both linguistically and culturally traditionally looked down upon by our upper-class friends in France.”

Cell Press continues on to say they are very proud of being from the city of Montreal and the province of Quebec, they like to express that subtly in certain songs and areas where it is artistically appropriate without coming across as corny.

From their first S/T EP to this album, Cell Press’ sound has not changed dramatically. “Cages” has a little more melody to it, but retains that grit and heavy sound they have been honing over the last four years. Crushing and grinding, this album is not for the faint of heart, it is recommended for fans of KEN Mode, Unsane, and Keelhaul.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Things They Do In France” via its premiere on IDIOTEQ HERE.

“Cages” is due out on March 8, 2024, via The Ghost Is Clear Records (Vinyl), Ancient Temple Recordings (Vinyl), and No List Records (Cassette) at https://linktr.ee/cellpress and http://cellpress.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​
1. Adult Baptisms (3:12)
2. Kissed by a Morose on Mont Royal (3:14)
3. Original Uranium Baby (2:48)
4. Dark Side of the North (4:02)
5. JOI to the World (4:01)
6. Disco Naps on the Devil’s Bedpost – (4:08)
7. Blue Royale – (3:31)
8. Recoil (A Collective Behaviour of Violence) – (3:51)
9. Things They Do in France – (4:35)
Album Length: 33:22

More info: Facebook.com/cellpressmtl | Instagram.com/celllpresss | Twitter.com/celllpresss​

-30-

What the press has said about Cell Press’ 2020 Self-Titled EP:

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Halifax’s NOVICHOK Drag You Beneath The Waves With Video For Single “Dead Weight” Off Latest Album “Geo-Desiccant”

  • January 22, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Novichok

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2024

Canada’s NOVICHOK Drag You Beneath The Waves With Video For Single “Dead Weight”

New Album Album “Geo-Desiccant” Out Now!

Back L-R – Adam Hersey (Drums), Lindsey Dicks (Guitar), Brady Hallet (Bass) – Front – Jeff MacDonald (Vox)

Photo Credit – Alicia Montague (thephotoninja.ca)

Novichok is a bunch of pissed-off salty thrashers hailing from the east coast of Halifax, Canada and they are here to narrate the collapse of the world around us. They released their second album “Geo-Desiccant” at the tail end of 2022, and this year will be putting out music videos to compliment some of the best tracks off that album. The first track is “Dead Weight”, an intense song that melds the heaviness of death metal with the speed and precision of thrash. The band explains further:

“This song is the narration of an actual nightmare in which a scuba gear malfunction seals your fate as the eager sea life begins to feast even before you are dead. Inspired by an early Cannibal Corpse, it’s thrash bordering on death metal. We’re told that we have a classic metal sound that is still new and exciting. This makes sense…each band member has a long list of influences – punk, thrash, death, black, grind, folk, rap…all from the 1970s through today.”

Watch and listen to the music video for “Dead Weight” at https://youtu.be/utY_oHA6AkE

​

Novichok got their start as a cover band playing the classics from Megadeth, Voivod, and Suicidal Tendencies. They added originals to the set, and before long they were the 3 piece thrash band that they are today. Their songs are angry, sometimes political, sometimes about science but always about real things that they find interesting or disturbing.

Novichok delivers a solid listening experience that is heavy and provides a good escape with relatable lyrical themes. They try to switch up the energy throughout each song so they don’t get boring and provide a lasting soundtrack for working out, driving, or where your day takes you. They focus on keeping it heavy, with varying tempos and time signatures but don’t let it sound too technical. They are recommended for fans of Megadeth, Pantera, and Sacrifice.

Novichok‘s latest album “Geo-Desiccant” released September 15, 2022, is available on digital platforms at https://linktr.ee/novichokband and CD at https://novichokmetal.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​
1. Thrash Free or Die – 5:06
2. First World Poisons – 5:31
3. Tire Fire – 3:18
4. Apes with Sticks – 4:41
5. Freedom Fighters Manual – 4:59
6. Dead Weight – 3:30
7. Predicting Terror – 5:52
8. Geo-Desiccant – 7:17
9. Heat Death – 6:10
Album Length: 46:28

Album Lineup:​
Vocals: Jeff MacDonald
Guitar: Lindsey Dicks
Bass Guitar: Jason Young, Brady Hallet (Dead Weight)
Drums: Andrew MacIntosh

More info: http://www.novichok.ca​

-30-

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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