Category: Music News

0 Come Face To Face With The Infamous Dracula In AxMinister Video “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” Off New EP “vir fortis” Out May 2023

April 12, 2023
by Asher
· axminister · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 12, 2023

Come Face To Face With The Infamous Dracula In AxMinister Video “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement”

New EP “vir fortis” Out May 2023

L – R – Bas – Drums, Nick – Vocals/Bass, Steve – Guitar
Photo Credit – Maribeth Chabot – Shootingstarr Rock & Roll Photography

AxMinister is a heavy metal trio from Toronto, Canada. Their sound is true to the traditional metal stylings of some of the biggest metal bands in history. They have their fifth studio release coming in May and they invite metalheads around the world to dive into epic stories and epic riffs. The upcoming EP “vir fortis” is a three-track stunner of a record that gets lyrical content from Vlad The Impaler and Napoleon, its history delivered with thunder. The first single “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” is a smoldering look at the Romanian hero. The band shares some details about the single and EP:

“The single chronicles the horrifying experience of impalement, and the ravenous joy Prince Vlad relished from his forests of impalement. The artwork for the album is oil paintings by our drummer Bas. Bas is sort of obsessed with Napoleon Bonaparte, and there are at least two more songs about the French Emperor to be released in the coming years.”

AxMinister leads listeners through history with “vir fortis” as they examine the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the story (along with the myth) of Vlad the Impaler. Their songs are historically accurate and they aim to tackle three things: History, self-improvement, and the ecclesiastical realm. According to them, they need to tell the world that great men have walked before them, great power lies within your souls, and that there is something bigger than yourself. Live your life any way you please, but remember, you will one day be held accountable.

Your history lesson awaits, the video for “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” can be seen and heard via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“vir fortis” is out on May 11, 2023. It is recommended for fans of Megadeth, Manowar, and Judas Priest.

EP pre-order – https://axminister.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. The Age of Napoleon… The Rise – 17:06
2. Vlad The Impaler… Son Of The Dragon – 7:02
3. Vlad The Impaler… Forests of Impalement – 4:45
EP Length: 28:53

EP Credits:
All songs written and performed by AxMinister
Produced/Mixed/Mastered at Monolithic Productions by Tyler Williams
Member of SOCAN – yes
MAPL – Canadian Content

EP and Live Band lineup:
Nicholas Klaus – Vocals/Bass
Steve MacLeod – Guitar
Bas Von Bismark – Drums

For more info: Axminister.ca | Facebook.com/AxMinister | Twitter.com/axministertrio | Instagram.com/axminister_band |

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“From the drop of the first note, AxMinister pull their ax from stone, brandishing it mightily and powerfully as they dish out shredding sharpened riff after sharpened riff. Thrown in to the mix are face melting solos as well as ever present charging drumming as well as very solid very infectious vocals. Each of the five tracks present within this release are woven together well to provide you with a cohesive and well rounded sound that you will have a hard time getting out of your head. With The Crucible Of Sin, AxMinister gift you with five highly addictive and highly entertaining tracks that you keep coming back to.” – Cadaver Garden (2018)

“this EP (The Crucible of Sin) is just some good ol’ fashioned beer and pretzels Heavy Metal in the vein of bands like Manowar” – Metalcrypt (2018)

“The Crucible of Sin is a great thrash/traditional metal album, showing strong influences from Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica to full effect.” – Hellbound (2018)

“an exciting piece of Thrash Metal. It has a unique touch to it that allows the EP to be memorable, whilst the guitars make it very enjoyable.” – Noizze UK (2018)

“The stair-step cultural guitar to snare combinations for “The Trials of Hercules” brings out the Manowar fan in us all – while the speedy double kick locomotive aspects to closer “Sanctus Equitus Mortis” surely keep the ears pinned for a closer…It’s clear that you have a solid set of musicians and keen songwriting abilities – so if you want something a bit more dramatic and adventurous in your thrash airings, AxMinister could be that difference maker for you.” – Dead Rhetoric (2018)
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Tentacles Industries – France’s SUNBEAM OVERDRIVE Streaming Next Single “Crimson Stains” Off New Album “Diama” Out May 2023

April 12, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Sunbeam Overdrive (Tentacles Industries/Season of Mist)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 12, 2023

Tentacles Industries – France’s SUNBEAM OVERDRIVE Streaming Next Single “Crimson Stains”

New Album “Diama” Out May 2023

Photo Credit – Elusive Daeva

France’s Sunbeam Overdrive was born from the ashes of Tom Abrigan And The Shrunken Heads, as a kind of solo progressive rock project. With additional members and more collaboration, the sound became more metal and less focused on guitar solos. Now with a solid identity under their belts their upcoming debut full-length “Diama”, the band is ready to expose their progressive and alternative new style. The ten tracks on the record take listeners through a gamut of emotions, and today, Sunbeam Overdrive presents their second single “Crimson Stains”. The band explains the track in further in detail:

“On this song, the band starts with a faster more punk spirit, reminiscent of early Soundgarden or Pearl Jam albums, but with a more metal/progressive riffing. The lyrics are about the mental load and burden, and sometimes physical aggressions that women are faced with; based on the testimonies of many and only just trying to imagine how it feels like to live with such a disadvantage in a patriarchal world…”

Listen to “Crimson Stains” below.

Sunbeam Overdrive provides an alternation between energetic moments with punk/rock’n’roll vibes, and more aerial, spiritual, and psychedelic phases of musical contemplations. Heavy riffing and on-point guitar solos, combined with versatile vocal styles and harmonies, and a sensation of block-compact sound. “Diama” is an adventure, and encourages fans to take an introspective look at their own experiences. It is recommended for fans of Tool, Periphery, The Human Abstract, and Cynic.

“Diama” was engineered and mixed by Tom Abrigan and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima (Devin Townsend Project, Megadeth, Cynic, Pain of Salvation) at Tower Studio, France. The album will be released on May 12, 2023, by Tentacles Industries with distribution from Season of Mist.

Album pre-order is available at the following links:

Limited Digipak / Bundles – https://tentaclesindustries.bigcartel.com/artist/sunbeam-overdrive

Digital pre-save – https://bfan.link/diama

Lyric Video – Out of Plato’s Cave – https://youtu.be/3MAJwOWFTj4

Track Listing:
1. Ascending (1:47)
2. Diama (6:14)
3. Slave To The Void (5:14)
4. Crimson Stains (4:49)
5. Diamond Shape (7:10)
6. Junction: Buhl’s Eye (1:20)
7. Deaf And Blind (4:47)
8. Shen (5:45)
9. Out Of Plato’s Cave (5:05)
10. Hard Sun (5:49)
11. Fainted Core (Bonus Track – Live Acoustic) (6:08)
Album Length: 54:08

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Tom Abrigan – Guitars & Vocals
Karim Arnaout – Vocals
Laurent Duclouet – Drums
Bruno Morgana – Bass

For more info: Sunbeamoverdrive.bandzoogle.com | Facebook.com/Sunbeamoverdrive | Instagram.com/sunbeamoverdrive

Tentaclesindustries.bigcartel.com | Facebook.com/tentaclesindustries | Instagram.com/tentaclesindustries

Twitter.com/tentaclesindus | Youtube.com/@tentaclesindustries | Tentaclesindustries.bandcamp.com

About: Founded around professional musicians in 2019 and hailing from Marseille, southern France, SUNBEAM OVERDRIVE is mixing progressive metal and ’90s alternative rock. Hard at work since day one, the band quickly released its first 3-track EP and performed their very first show at the famous German Euroblast Festival in October 2019. Sunbeam Overdrive was about to hit the stages when the Covid-19 pandemic started… In turn, and after a few line-up movements, they started producing their first full-length album “Diama”, to be released worldwide in 2023.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Rockshots Records Signs Finland’s Ode In Black For New Album “Into The Dark”

April 11, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Ode In Black

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 11, 2023

Rockshots Records Signs Finland’s Ode In Black For New Album “Into The Dark”

Rockshots Records is proud to announce their signing off of Finnish rockers Ode In Black for the release of their sophomore album “Into The Dark” to be unleashed later this year.

The band comments on their signing and upcoming full-length:

“Compared to our debut album ”Seeds Of Chaos” this one’s a bit more mature & polished. The songs sound bigger, better, and maybe also a bit heavier. At least that was one of our goals. It’s a step into something new for sure. There are more electronic elements and the songs are way more simple than before due to having done pre-production with an outside producer. But in the end, the songs are written by us and do sound like Ode In Black. I guess it’s growth, or it might be some kind of a tumor, who knows. There’s also a plethora of faster songs than on ”Seeds Of Chaos”. It happened organically; playing the ”Seeds Of Chaos” songs live, we felt that we needed some faster material to cause some serious neck injuries to the crowd. In a way the album’s a step into the dark for us, hence the album title ”Into The Dark”.

Ode In Black is a rock band from Kuopio, Finland. The band consists of Pasi Mäenpää (vocals), Iiro Saarinen (guitars and backing vocals), Juhani Saarinen (guitars), Ville Puustinen (bass), and Taisto Ristivirta (drums). The band has been in its current line-up since 2015. Ode In Black relies on tight playing, gritty riffs, and catchy choruses. At times, their music may display influences from Finnish melancholic metal, while at other times, they pay homage to 80’s glam rock.

After releasing their first EP ”Goodbye” in 2014, the band spent the next years touring all over Finland and spreading the word of their melancholic metal. In 2017 the band began working on their first full-length album. In the summer of 2017 the band released two singles ”The Sea In Which We Drown” and ”The Lone Wolf”. 2018 blasted off with the band’s debut full-length album ”Seeds Of Chaos”.

During the Covid years, the band has evolved heavier and darker than before. A first taste of Ode In Black’s new sound will be the single “Until We Fall” to be released on April 21st, 2023 with a music video. The energetic “Until We Fall” will give a taste of what’s to come on their follow-up album “Into The Dark”.

Single pre-save – https://bfan.link/until-we-fall

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Odeinblack.com | Facebook.com/OdeInBlack | Youtube.com/@odeinblack2627

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 JON OF MARS Has A Close Encounter Of The Green Kind In “Mr. Blue” Off “Songs from Nowhere” (Holcomb Records) Out April 2023

April 11, 2023
by Asher
· Jon of Mars · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal QC – April 2023

JON OF MARS Has A Close Encounter Of The Green Kind In “Mr. Blue”

New Album “Songs from Nowhere” (Holcomb Records) Out April 2023

With a penchant for storytelling and odd time signatures, the boys behind Jon Of Mars bring their concept to life, telling tales of Earth through the eyes of an alien. They have been working hard over the pandemic on their debut album “Songs from Nowhere” and now, with gusto, are excited to be bringing it to the ears of all the earthlings. The third single “Mr. Blue” is now being presented in the form of a lyric video and recounts the alien’s adventure with marijuana. Vocalist and guitarist Barrett Holcomb gives more details:

“The alien meets a kind stranger that introduces him to weed via a bong named Mister Blue, here the alien learns that there are ways to mitigate his newfound anxiety by smoking when he also realizes the power of human connection. My neighbor Robbie has a blue bong that we used to hang out and hit, and one day I decided that I wanted to write a song about it. The song is slower and more sludge metal than any others on the album, and it was inspired by bands like DOWN and Windhand, it’s meant to be a nice song to groove along with and relax because that’s what Robbie and I do best.”

Punchy and groovy, the group formed out of a collaboration from a college final project that Jordan Karg was working on. The idea for Jon of Mars came from Holcomb’s middle name coupled with the feeling that they don’t belong in normal human society, so they chose to write from the perspective of an alien.

“Songs From Nowhere” offers seven humorous, thought-provoking, technical progressive metal tracks that will entertain and challenge listeners. It is suitable for anyone who enjoys creative and off-beat writing especially fans of Down, Mudvayne, and GWAR.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Mr. Blue” via its premiere on AllAboutTheRock HERE.

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3UdTCpt

Album pre-order – https://jonofmars.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-nowhere

Previous singles:

– “Respite” at https://youtu.be/3WlmeqMtNcU

– “Misinformed Nation” at https://youtu.be/xKx7Yh-dvuA

Track Listing:
1. Soultest – 1:21
2. A Respite! – 4:31
3. MisinformedNation – 3:40
4. Azag’s Fable – 3:55
5. Mister Blue – 4:44
6. Inhumane Tragedy – 3:35
7. Ghosts – 5:34
Length is 27:22

Album Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
Jordan Karg – Drums and Keys

Live Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
AJ Fry – Drums

For more info: Holcombrecords.wixsite.com/jon-of-mars/ | Twitch.tv/jonofmars | Facebook.com/Marsjonmusicman

About: Having cut his teeth in the underground metal and punk scenes of Northwestern PA, Barrett Holcomb formed Jon of Mars out of a collaborative effort after having worked with Berklee Alumni and music producer Jordan Karg. From the pandemonium of the COVID-19 Pandemic Jon of Mars was forged as a musical outlet to vent trapped creativity, as the world had paused and there were no shows for this creative magma to erupt forth upon the world.

“Hailing from the red planet, a mysterious creature crawls forth from the farthest depths of the earth to observe the denizens of Earth to decide their ultimate fate, drawn by the curious nuance of human life he seeks to understand the human race…. either to help them find salvation or destruction in their greatest and most universal creation: Music.”

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0 Israeli Symphonic Metallers StormbounD Insist “The Show Must Go On” With Queen Cover Video

April 11, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · StormbounD

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 11, 2023

Israeli Symphonic Metallers StormbounD Insist “The Show Must Go On” With Queen Cover Video

New Album “December” Out Now!

L-R – Yuval Partush (Drums), Rotem Sadia (Keyboard), Ofer Friedman (Guitar & Vocals), Yael Horwitz (Vocals), Shani Friedman (Guitar), Pavel Kleiman (Bass)

Photo credit – Yair Abelson

Following on from the release of their debut album ‘December’ in August 2022, Israeli symphonic metallers StormbounD have returned with a video cover of the Queen’s classic track “The Show Must Go On”.

Speaking about why they chose to go with this track, the band stated:

“First of all, most of us are Queen fans. One day we were just fooling around with this song’s intro at rehearsal, and it felt like something that could fit our sound and style, so we learned the entire song and played it at the next show. Ever since then, we can’t do a show without it so we figured out that if everyone enjoys it, we might as well record the thing. It felt really good to take such an iconic song and give it a little energy boost while keeping the original version’s harmonies, and we hope we’ve done it justice.”

The video can be seen and heard for “The Show Must Go On” at https://youtu.be/62Z1zu4Lvdw

Digital – https://orcd.co/stormshow

Symphonic metal act StormbounD is an astonishing combination of well-crafted instrumentalism and the breathtaking vocals of the lead singer Yael Horwitz. The band is the musical theatre that will carry you everywhere from the angelic to the diabolic, from joyous harmony to the sheer loneliness, and from the beauty to the beast.

The band was formed in 2017 in Tel Aviv, Israel by bassist Pavel Kleiman and guitarist and vocalist Ofer Friedman. Next to join were Ofer’s wife Shani Friedman on guitar, Yuval Partush on drums, Rotem Sadia on the keyboard, and Yael Horwitz as lead singer. All members of the band are well-established professional musicians.

Shortly after its formation the group began writing and performing and made a unique mark in the local heavy music scene. The band took part in all major metal events and festivals in Israel, opened for Epica at their concert in Tel Aviv, and its shows were sold out. The band has released four videos so far for the songs “Desert’s Roar“, “Altar of Innocence“, “Child’s Play” and “Flying High“.

During the summer of 2022, the band released its debut album ‘December’, and it has been garnering great compliments from countless metal magazines along with a lot of airplay on various radios and playlists all over the world.

The album was produced by StormbounD and Ian Post, it was mixed and mastered by Alex Zvulun at A.G Studio and the album artwork was done by Gogo Melone ART. The band says they are currently working on their second album, so fans can expect a lot more from the StormbounD camp in the near future!

Diverse and harmonic, with hints of darkness while staying heavy, StormbounD is accessible for both metal veterans and those new to the scene. They are recommended for fans of Delain, Amaranthe, and Nightwish.

“December” was released on August 5, 2022, and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.

Track Listing:
1. Desert’s Roar – 5:03
2. Altar of Innocence – 5:12
3. Sacred Lies – 4:41
4. Away from Here – 6:04
5. December – 10:30
6. Shadows – 4:21
7. Flying High – 4:55
8. Fragments – 6:24
9. Child’s Play – 9:02
Album Length: 56:12

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Yael Horwitz – Vocals
Ofer Friedman – Guitar & Vocals
Shani Friedman – Guitar
Rotem Sadia – Keyboard
Pavel Kleiman – Bass
Yuval Partush – Drums

For more info:
Stormboundband.com
Facebook.com/StormBoundBand
Instagram.com/stormbound.band

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“If you’re a fan of the genre, there’s a lot to be excited about here” – Metal Hammer UK

“There are plenty of Symphonic Metal bands out there who are still churning out the same old Nightwish-influenced stuff that has been done to death, but StormbounD bring something different to the party, a vibrancy and freshness that makes them very hard to ignore” – Ave Noctum Magazine

“It all conspires to transfer the listener to another, magical dimension… Such is the immersive nature of this album that the hour running time passes in the blink of an eye, and its addictive quality will have you pressing repeat” – Devolution Magazine

“If bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Delain, Evanescense and others float your boat, “December” is next on your shopping list” – Powerplay Magazine

“Move aside Nightwish. Move aside Within Temptation. There’s a new symphonic metal titan in town. In all seriousness, this was fantastic. I have a very up and down relationship with the sub-genre but this was a ridiculous high for me. Everyone is insanely skilled and very good songwriters, and created a well put together album as a result. I cannot wait to hear more and hopefully see them live soon!” – Overtone Magazine

“December is a compelling debut album that offers as much for the metal fan (that riff in the title track) as well as the symphonic, unafraid to experiment with various styles Stormbound offers music that is exciting, and emotional at times exceptionally heavy. An excellent display of passion and energy.” – Metal Roos

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 The Electric Highway Festival (Calgary, AB) Opens Band Submissions For 2024 Lineup – April 4- 6

April 10, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · The Electric Highway Festival

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 2023

The Electric Highway Festival (Calgary, AB) Opens Band Submissions For 2024 Lineup – April 4- 6

EHF 2023 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/3ZKB9Tm

Calgary’s The Electric Highway Festival has wrapped up for 2023 and it was a resounding success according to festival organizers. The event took place from March 23, 24, and 25, 2023 at Dickens, with 3 days of music from Canadian bands trekking from across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba along with American headliners, Los Angeles’ Sasquatch.

The 2024 edition of The Electric Highway will take place April 4, 5, and 6, 2024 once again at Dickens in Calgary.

Band submissions for the 2024 event are now open and run until June 30, 2023.

Bands can fill out the form at https://theelectrichighway.ca/band-submissions/

About:

Buckle up for The Electric Highway Festival!

The 2023 edition of the festival focused on Desert Rock and Metal, Doom, Sludge, and Heavy Psych and had expanded to include some punk and hardcore bands as well.

The festival featured Californian headliners Sasquatch, one of the festival’s past favorites, laying down their brand of fuzzy, kick-ass Desert Rock & Heavy Psych with direct support from Vancouver’s La Chinga who returned for their 4th appearance on Saturday night. Black Mastiff returned to headline Friday night with Calgary’s Gone Cosmic and HypnoPilot headlined the Thursday show with support from Citizen Rage. These are just a few of the wicked bands that played at The Electric Highway. The full lineup can be found below.

The Electric Highway 2023 Official Nightly Lineups:

Thursday, March 23:
HypnoPilot (Lethbridge, AB) – Daily Headliner
Citizen Rage (Calgary, AB)
Musing (Calgary, AB)
No More Moments (Siksika, AB)
Father Moon (Calgary, AB)
Destroy My Brains (Lloydminster, AB).

Friday, March 24:
Black Mastiff (Edmonton, AB/Vancouver, BC) – Daily Headliner
Gone Cosmic (Calgary, AB)
Set & Stoned (Crossfield, AB)
Hombre (Calgary, AB)
Empress (Vancouver, BC)
Molten Lava (Vancouver, BC)
Space Queen (Vancouver, BC) Owls & Eagles (Calgary, AB)

Saturday, March 25:
Sasquatch (Los Angeles, CA) – Festival Headliner
La Chinga (Vancouver, BC)
Buffalo Bud Buster (Calgary, AB)
Brown Dwarf (Red Deer, AB)
The Astral Prophets (Calgary, AB)
Iron Tusk (Siksika, AB)
The Sleeping Legion (Winnipeg, MB)
Tebby & the Heavy (Edmonton, AB)
Garuda (Cranbrook, BC).

The Electric Highway is a fully immersive festival experience and offers much more than just music. The festival also featured an art & vendor exposition during all three days at Dickens, March 23 – 25, 2023.

Check www.TheElectricHighway.ca for more festival information.

We look forward to bringing this festival to you, and can’t wait to see everyone in 2024!

Social Media Links:

Website: TheElectricHighway.ca

Facebook: Facebook.com/ElectricHighwayFestival

Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/849216866328036

Instagram: Instagram.com/TheElectricHighway

Twitter: Twitter.com/TheElectricHwy

Hashtag #BuckleUp

Festival Artwork by David Paul Seymour
The Electric Highway Logo by Sketchy Intuitions

Festival Press Materials Dropbox HERE.

Business Partners/Sponsors:
Asher Media Relations
Athena Bookkeeping Services Inc.
Black Collar Manufacturing
Calgary Metal Scene Events
The Celestial Agency
Dickens
FACTOR Canada
High Voltage TV
Loud as Hell Festival
METALHEADS UNITED
New Level Brewing

Travel and Tourism Partners:
Tourism Calgary
Travel Alberta

Media Partners:
Absolute Underground
Broken Neck Radio
CJSR
CJSW
Digital
Distortion
Doomed and Stoned
The Obelisk
Outlaws of the Sun
Metal Devastation
Metal Rules
Trash Talk
V13

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

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0 Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Shares Ambitious, Avant-Garde Music Video “One Eye” Off Upcoming Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 2023

April 7, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Vvon Dogma I

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 7, 2023

Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Shares Ambitious, Avant-Garde Music Video “One Eye” Off Upcoming Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 2023

Montreal, Canada’s VVON DOGMA I burst onto the scene with their debut EP “Communion” back in 2017, which received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and intricate instrumentation provided by nine-string bassist Chaoth, known for his playing in Unexpect. Now VVON DOGMA I is releasing another album “The Kvlt of Glitch”, poised to take things to the next level, pushing the boundaries of experimental rock and challenging listeners with their unconventional approach to music. The first single to be dropped is “One Eye”, on which Chaoth shares his thoughts:

“It is the first single even though it doesn’t necessarily represent the whole album. Sometimes you have to go with something different. It sounds more playful and not as serious than the rest of this dark-ass album and I guess the video shows that a little bit. I got to collaborate with my old friend Pierre-Olivier Forest for the video. Really just an excuse to reconnect with an old friend.”

Musically, Chaoth comes from a world where you have to dare to do something different, and “The Kvlt of Glitch” is exactly that. It will wrench the listener out of his or her comfort zone and send them into another dimension of deep synths and extraordinary riffs.

The writing process for VVON DOGMA I is mostly taken upon by Chaoth right now, but he is looking to have way more collaboration on the following releases. ”It starts with the music and then I apply lines from my lyric book”, but Chaoth says that sometimes the music forces you to change the words so that everything flows phonetically. It’s like a sonic Tetris where everything needs to fall into place and feel right.

“One Eye” is recommended for open-minded fans who enjoy avant-garde sounds and who already enjoy Sleep Token, Unprocessed, and Meshuggah.

Watch and listen to the music video for “One Eye” via its premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” was produced by Chaoth along with Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and Dave Evangelista and is due out May 5, 2023.

Album pre-order – Vvondogmai.bandcamp.com

Album Teaser: https://youtu.be/wESCD1mzsSo

In addition to the album, Chaoth has launched bass lessons via his Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/chaoth

Track Listing:
1. The Void – 4:45
2. Tabula Rasa – 4:25
3. Triangles and Crosses – 4:33
4. Day of The Dead – 4:36
5. One Eye – 4:34
6. Hivemind – 2:47
7. Lithium Blue – 4:51
8. 2 + 2 = 5 – 3:11 (Radiohead Cover)
9. Hurt – 3:58
10. The Great Maze – 6:54
Album Length: 44:40

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: VVON DOGMA I
• All songs written by: CHAOTH and VVON DOGMA I (except 2+2=5 written by Radiohead)
• Produced by: Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson, Dave Evangelista, Chaoth
• Mixed by: Max Lacroix at House of Gain studio
• Mastered by: Max Lacroix at House of Gain studio
• Album Artwork by: Patrick Filteau and MidJourney
• Canadian Content (MAPL) (for Canadian

Vvon Dogma I – Album and Live Band Lineup:
ChaotH (Frederick F) – 9 String bass
Kevin Alexander – Drums
Yoan MP – Guitar
Blaise Borboën – Synth, Strings, Production

For more info: Facebook.com/VvonDogmaI | Instagram.com/vvondogmai | Twitter.com/vvondogmai | Youtube.com/@vvondogmai8596

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“It sounds like Cynic mixed with The Algorithm, Last Chance To Reason, and others. It’s a shame this is only an EP, because I want so much more.” – Metal Injection

“It’s very much a ‘thinking outside of the box’ type of EP, with many different instruments and musical styles blended together.” – V13

“Chaoth (Frederick Filiatrault) is undoubtedly a member of the ranks of the most outstanding Canadian musicians.” – Silence-Magazin

“We may have the arrival of a whole new genre or style of music with what’s happening here from Montreal, Quebec’s Vvon Dogma I. Having just released the “Communion” EP in recent days, the music contained upon it is quite forward thinking progressive metal at its roots.” – Riff Relevant

“Vvon Dogma I’s new EP has more than twice as many bass strings than tracks…an explosive look at Frederick Filliatrault’s new project, one that he conceived almost entirely as an excuse to write with his nine-string bass. Yep. Nine strings. On a bass…the Canadian band’s debut starts them off strong.” – All About The Rock

“a very unique EP.” – Games, Braaains & A Headbanging Life

“Vvon Dogma I really makes you feel that there is a well planned progression that aims to make you go through different stages until you reach a safe place” – RTMB Music

“”Communion projects a cocktail of Creative Rock and Metal of outstanding quality that will appeal to the connoisseur of all things out there in prog and avant-garde space. This is some wild shit. And does the RMR office suite like wild? Damn straight we do. And so should you – get some.” – Rock Music Raider

“This is a band that have managed to create their own brand of odd progressive metal…This is a band that does to djent what Claypool does to funk and Patton does to rock and metal. An out there and challenging affair, and most likely with more of a niche appeal due to that. But those who get it will enjoy this stuff immensely.” – Progressor

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

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0 Knoxville Thrashers QUIESCENT MANTIS Signs To Exitus Stratagem Records For New Album; Streaming Singles “Fight”, “Shake The Cage” + Tour Dates

April 7, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Quiescent Mantis

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 7, 2023

Knoxville Thrashers QUIESCENT MANTIS Signs To Exitus Stratagem Records For New Album

Streaming Singles “Fight”, “Shake The Cage” + Tour Dates

L-R – Johnny Mejia – Drums, Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals, Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals

Exitus Stratagem Records is proud to announce their signing of Knoxville, TN death thrashers Quiescent Mantis for the release of their yet-to-be-titled first full-length album to follow the 2021 debut EP “Chapter 1”. The band has unveiled already a sneak peek of what’s come from the record with currently released singles “Shake The Cage” and the instrumental mosher “Fight”. The band aims to provide a unique experience with a mixture of old-school thrash and new-school metal techniques such as breakdowns, which will be prevalent on their new album that is being produced by Yanic Bercier (Quo Vadis, Gone In April) at WaveTransform Recording Studio.

Exitus Stratagem Records label president Jason Z. Fisher comments on the signing:

“From the moment we heard the opening chords of Shake the Cage and its throwback guitar solos and catchy chorus, we knew we had to get their music out to a broader audience. All that and a giant mantis. How can you resist? The well-envisioned science fiction undertones of their lyrics and concepts bring something fresh and new to the table. ExSR is very excited to help bring Quiescent Mantis’s first full-length album to the world. We also plan some visualizers worthy of the creative concepts they have built.”

Quiescent Mantis guitarist Chris Trainor adds:

“We are super excited about signing with EXSR. We knew when Jason came to us about our song Shake The Cage and how he described it made us truly feel he was excited about our music, which in turn we knew this was the company we wanted to push our first full-length album. With this album there is a little bit of everything for every listener super heavy unrelenting tracks to super melodic tracks there is a song for everyone and we can’t be more excited to have a great company helping us along the way.”

The album release date, cover artwork, track listing and single will be revealed at a later date. Quiescent Mantis is recommended for fans of Orbit Culture, Power Trip, and Havok.

Singles:

“Shake the Cage” – https://youtu.be/DxEe1tnJTSQ

“Fight” – https://youtu.be/Vj_SRMWnjN0

Digital stream and download at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/quiescentmantis/fight

Tour Dates:
April 7 – Another Round Bar and Grill – Richmond, VA w/ Escuela Grind, Bonginator
April 8 – Ground Zero – Total Death Fest – Spartanburg, SC w/ Krypt
May 4 – The Concourse – Knoxville, TN w/ Bleed From Within, Sidious, Wolves of Oz
June 22 – Open Chord – Knoxville, TN
June 24 – Knoxville Hardcore Fest – BrickYard Bar – Knoxville, TN
July 23 – Studio 301 – Portage, WI

Quiescent Mantis is:
Chris Trainor – Guitarist / Backup Vocals
Jordan Mckenzie – Bass and Vocals
Johnny Mejia – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/QuiescentMantis | Instagram.com/quiescent_mantis | Linktr.ee/QuiescentMantis

About:
Former scientists Chris Trainor, Jordan McKenzie, and Johnny Mejia were previously employed by Sub-atomic Weight of Acceleration Research Mechanics or S.W.A.R.M. While working on a project involving particle collision the team inadvertently tore open a brief doorway to the mantis homeworld exposing themselves to a mind-altering pheromone in the process.

The trio is now obsessed with opening the portal permanently allowing their mantis overlords access to our world; they are harbingers of the Swarm, selected to terraform and prepare Earth for the coming invasion. Wielding mighty instruments of sonic assault they herald the approach of the swarm of the brutal blend of thrash death metal and hardcore. The Swarm has slumbered in exile for far too long, the gates are ready to open, and it’s time to join the Swarm!

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 7 Years In Waiting… Ottawa’s SIGNS OF CHAOS’ New Album Will Have You “Blindsided” Out April 2023; Lyric Video “Bastard Son” + Free Single Download

April 7, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Signs of Chaos

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 7, 2023

7 Years In Waiting… Ottawa’s SIGNS OF CHAOS’ New Album Will Have You “Blindsided” Out April 2023

New Lyric Video “Bastard Son” + Free Single Download

L-R Dave McCann – Guitar, “Handsome” Tom Hansen – Bass, Nick Bedard – Vocals, Matt MacIvor – Guitar, Stephane Desilets – Drums

Photo Credit: GNGP Photography

It’s been nearly 7 years to the day since Ottawa’s Signs of Chaos (ft. members Fumigation, Norilsk, Damnus) released their EP “Watch It Burn” in April 2016. Known for their straight-up metal groove mixed with ferocious brutality, the Canadian band has their next offering “Blindsided” ready to sucker-punch you with new heavy riffs and angry vocals for loud play sure to get you hyped in the pit.

“I think we’ve stuck to the core sound that we established on the first album, but have started adding in additional elements and influences as we’ve gone on. This is our first album with some acoustic guitar parts and an instrumental track for example. We hope fans like it. While this album does go in some different directions than our previous material, it has a lot of the same elements as our earlier releases so people who liked those should find something to get into here.” adds guitarist Matt MacIvor.

The album touches on themes many fans can relate to from living everyday life, getting hurt and betrayed by others, growing up having an unstable home, addiction, and seeing how the world is turning upside down.

Today, the band presents their lead single “Bastard Son”, one of the last songs Signs of Chaos wrote for the record.

This song has become one of our favorites to play. It’s a high-energy track that really showcases our sound. We hope that the single gives listeners a taste of what’s to come from the new album ‘Blindsided’, and that they’ll be as excited as we are for the full-length’s release.” adds MacIvor.

“Bastard Son” can be heard via its lyric video – https://youtu.be/s03B2x5INwU

Free track download – https://signsofchaos.bandcamp.com/track/bastard-son

Spotify

Recommended for fans of Machine Head, The Haunted, Pantera, and Gojira, Signs of Chaos‘ new album “Blindsided” is due out on April 21, 2023, and available for pre-order at Signsofchaos.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:
1. Faceless – 4:20
2. Bastard Son – 4:09
3. Through Your Eyes – 5:53
4. Blindsided – 4:16
5. Anonymous – 5:02
6. Dead to You – 3:54
7. No One Gets Out Alive – 5:06
8. Curveball – 4:52
Total runtime: 37:32

For more info: SignsofChaos.ca | Facebook.com/signsofchaosmetal | Twitter.com/socmetalwitter | Instagram.com/signsofchaosmetal

Formed in 2008, Ottawa, ON based SIGNS OF CHAOS’ assaulting and aggressive sound has made ripples on their local scene having opened for such bands as Alestorm, Eluveitie, Insomnium, Firewind, Dark Tranquility, Beyond Creation, Exciter, Death Angel to name a few. The band features the insane riffage of Matt MacIvor and Dave McCann along with the ear-stabbing vocals of Nick Bedard followed by the blasting drums of Stephane Desilets and the trademark tombstone slab of bass playing by Tom Hansen. The band’s ready to unleash their second full-length “Blindsided” this coming April 2023 to follow their 2016 EP ‘Watch It Burn’ and 2012’s debut album ‘Rise’.

Album Fun Fact:
Every time our bassist Tom’s name is mentioned on the liner notes for an album he has a different nickname. On Blindsided he has three credits, so three different nicknames. When we run out of nicknames for Tom then we’ll have to disband. We’ve still got enough in the backlog for a couple more albums though.

Discography:
2023 – Blindsided – LP
2016 – Watch It Burn – EP
2012 – Rise – Album
2009 – Untitled Promo CD – Demo

– 30 –

“Signs of Chaos are an amazingly talented and hard working band that have been staples in Ottawa’s metal scene for many years. This album is an excellent demonstration of what this band does best: KICK FUCKING ASS !” – The Ottawa Epitaph – Album Reviews

“I often wonder just how it is that a band that is this good remains unsigned? … ‘Rise’ is like getting a blast of fire as you go about sticking your head into a furnace! … like ‘Holy cat in the hat Batman!’ if this metal doesn’t come off as the the very definition of the word ‘heavy’ then I don’t know what would!” – Heavy Metal Time Machine: Signs of Chaos

“They’re one of those unique bands that you could show your kvlt friend, and girlfriend to all at the same time without the fear of either being cast out as a poser, or not getting laid.” – Shy Guy Assassin – Guest Column: Three Bands You May Not Know But Should

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Vancouver Orchestral Metal Ensemble OPUS ARISE (ft. members of Svneatr, Thousand Arrows, Ysgaroth) Answer “The Unanswered Question”; New Album “The Network” Out Now!

April 7, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Opus Arise

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 7, 2023

Vancouver Orchestral Metal Ensemble OPUS ARISE (ft. members of Svneatr, Thousand Arrows, Ysgaroth) Answer “The Unanswered Question”

New Album “The Network” Out Now!

L-R – Derek Ho – Cello (live only), Matthew Logan – Drums, Violin II, Ellen Smith – Viola, Michelle Gao – Violin I, Kyle Hagen, Shawn Hillman – Guitar, Cello, Matthew Hannah – Keyboards

Photo Credit Jade Weekes

Vancouver, BC’s Opus Arise is an orchestral progressive metal ensemble featuring members of extreme bands Svneatr, Thousand Arrows, and Ysgaroth. Opus Arise unleashed their second full-length “The Network” this past December. It’s a concept record that is a cyberpunk tale that brings together classical strings and metal rhythms to create luscious soundscapes to dissonant chaos.

As part of the album’s storyline, the band is offering up the next visualizer for the full-length’s closing track “The Answered Question”. Guitarist Shawn Hillman explains the track’s place in the story:

”The Unanswered Question is the album closer, the protagonist journey comes to end with an unresolved cliffhanger.”

Watch and listen to “The Unanswered Question“ via its premiere on V13 HERE.

Opus Arise‘s latest album, “The Network”, is a cyberpunk world filled with neon lights backed by progressive metal riffs and classical themes. The eight-track record was produced and mastered by Maor Appelbaum; mixed by Ryan Shepard, with the album artwork done by Daniel Reyes. The nine players on the record bring forth their skills on guitar, cello, bass, drums, violin, keyboards, viola, and contrabass in a sometimes collaborative effort, which is primarily composed and scored by Matthew Logan and Matthew Hannah. The drums were recorded in a mansion back in 2018 where the original rehearsal space was, and the same location was used to film the music videos for the singles “Reminiscence”, “Change” and “Inner Skepticism”.

“The Network” has a modern metal influence and different composers from their first album. It is best described as orchestral neo-classical instrumental progressive metal and is recommended for fans who enjoy Powerglove, Scale The Summit, and Animals As Leaders.

“The Network” is available at Opusarise.bandcamp.com, Spotify.

To watch previous music videos, please the band’s YouTube.

Track Listing:
1) Inner Skepticism – 5:50
2) Electric Jungle – 6:02
3) Antimatter – 3:22
4) Digital Soundscape – 4:38
5) Reminiscence – 5:21
6) Change – 5:23
7) Timeshift – 5:21
8) The Unanswered Question – 5:13
Album Length: 41:13

Album Band Lineup:
Shawn Hillman Guitar, Cello on “Digital Soundscape”
James Readman: Guitar
Daniel Carmago: Bass Guitar (Tracks 1-3, 5-7)
Matthew Logan: Drums, Violin II
Matthew Hannah: Keyboards
Michelle Gao: Violin I
Ellen Smith: Viola
Darrell Bennett: Cello
Kyle Hagen: Contrabass, Bass Guitar (Track 8)

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/opusarise
https://www.instagram.com/opusarise
https://twitter.com/OpusArise

– 30 –

“On its latest album, the Network, Vancouver orchestral rock crew presents a cyberpunk concept driven by cello, viola and violin as much as electric guitar. With members drawn from the ranks of local metal acts Svneatr, Thousand Arrows and Ysgaroth, the eight-track, 40-minute record is another fine release from the globally recognized and appreciated B.C. metal scene.” – Vancouver Sun

“An instrumental journey with a lot of charisma… Anyone who likes to think outside the box from time to time and likes instrumental music should definitely give “The Network” a try.” – PowerMetal.de

“… this is great progressive music… the album is strongly recommended if you’re open minded and you like your music to sound like a detailed and complex story. Great stuff!” – Metal Rules

“Sometimes there comes a prog metal act with something new or at least different than most others. And Opus Arise surely fits this description! Their songs are instrumental to begin with. But that’s far from all.” – Melodic.net

“A magnificent album, original, inventive and of great musicality.” – Pierre Davidson – A Progressive Life – CFUZ 92.9 FM – Penticton, BC

““Inner Scepticism,” shimmers through the linement of time and brings about an intricate braid.” – The Median Man

“This new record teleports the listeners to a cyberpunk world filled with neon lights punctuated with progressive riffs. The album has a modern metal influence and different composers from their first album.” – Canadian Beats

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

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