Category: Music News

0 Wacken Metal Battle USA – National Final – May 13th – San Diego – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2023

May 8, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 8, 2023

Wacken Metal Battle USA – National Final – May 13th – San Diego

DEATHBLOW – SALT LAKE CITY – WINNER
FADRAIT – SAN DIEGO WINNER
STEELLAKE – TEXAS WINNER
FINAL GIRLS – NEW JERSEY WINNER
ANUBIS – WEST COAST WINNER
VILLIANS IN VAIN – PACIFIC NORTHWEST FINAL
AUTUMN LIES BURIED – OHIO FINAL

– One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2023 –

After months of battles across the country, Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce the top seven independent bands performing at the 2023 National Final in San Diego, CA on May 13th at the Brick By Brick (Ticket Info). One band will be crowned champion and represent the USA at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at one of the world’s most prestigious stages and the largest metal festival Wacken Open Air (Aug 4 -6), which has an attendance of over 80,000 people, and held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years.

To date, the battle has sent 4 previous bands to perform on metal’s most prestigious stage. San Diego’s Mythraeum (2022), San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

This year’s 2023 WMBU national finalists are the following:

DEATHBLOW – Salt Lake City, UT – https://www.facebook.com/deathblowofficial
FADRAIT – San Diego, CA – https://www.facebook.com/Fadrait
STEELLAKE – El Paso, TX – https://www.facebook.com/SteellakeEPTX
FINAL GIRLS – New Jersey – https://www.facebook.com/FINALGIRLSNJ
ANUBIS – Los Angeles, CA – https://www.facebook.com/AnubisBandOfficial
VILLIANS IN VAIN – Eugene, OR – https://www.facebook.com/villainsinvain
AUTUMN LIES BURIED – Clarksville, TN – https://www.facebook.com/autumnliesburied

For the national final, all seven bands will be judged by experienced industry professionals on various categories of professionalism and musicianship for only one to be selected to represent the USA on the world stage at Wacken Open Air.

Guest Judges:
Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music/Wacken)
Mark Vieira (Parts Unknown Management)
Jon Halperin (Talent Buyer @ Glass House)
More TBA

For the last 4 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2023 will be the 32nd edition of the festival and will be held from August 2nd to 5th. The 2023 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Iron Maiden, Megadeth, The Dropkick Murphys, Wardruna, Jinjer, Beartooth, Trivium, Kataklysm and many more. Details here.

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

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2023 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

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

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

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toldeo DeathFest)

0 ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2023 Lineup w/ WARBRINGER, FALLUJAH, ENTERPRISE EARTH, THE ZENITH PASSAGE, VALE OF PNATH, STRIKER and more!

May 5, 2023
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

EWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 5, 2023

ARMSTRONG METALFEST Announces 2023 Lineup

w/ WARBRINGER, FALLUJAH, ENTERPRISE EARTH, THE ZENITH PASSAGE, VALE OF PNATH, STRIKER and more!

July 14-15 – Armstrong, BC, Canada

Watch the official video recap of AMF 2019 here.
(video created by Mayne Brand Productions)

AMF Spotify Playlist 2023 Lineup Here.

British Columbia’s rocky mountains will be quivering this summer from the thunderous sounds of this year’s 2023 lineup for Armstrong MetalFest being held on July 14th and 15th in the Okanagan Valley at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong.

The 2023 lineup features headliners LA thrashers WARBRINGER, San Francisco tech-death giants FALLUJAH, festival alumni Spokane, WA’s ENTERPRISE EARTH, and Los Angeles’ THE ZENITH PASSAGE, along with Denver’s H.P. Lovecraft extreme metallers VALE OF PNATH, and Edmonton’s Juno award-winning heavy metal champions STRIKER among the 28 bands performing on the two-day extreme music festival. (full lineup listed below)

“The artist list for the 13th annual Armstrong Metalfest is here! The announcement is definitely a little later than we would have hoped, but it’s definitely worth the wait! Our team has crafted the biggest lineup the festival has ever seen! Six international acts alongside some of Canada’s best. We are looking forward to seeing the streets of Armstrong busy with metalheads from all over! We are straight up getting ready for the biggest year yet. Our pre-sale tickets before the lineup announcement have been the highest of any year since we started.” says Jessie Valstar – General Manager/Co-founder.

Tickets are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets/

Prices are as follows:

Pre-sales $179.99 (Until July 12th)

Door sales weekend pass $219.99

One day admission $119.99

Armstrong MetalFest 2023 Lineup:
Warbringer (Los Angeles, CA)
Fallujah (San Francisco, CA)
Enterprise Earth (Spokane, WA)
The Zenith Passage (Los Angeles, CA)
Vale of Pnath (Denver, CO)
Striker (Edmonton, AB)
Golers (Vancouver, BC)
Wormwitch (Vancouver, BC)
Greyhawk (Seattle, WA)
Pound (Seattle, WA)
The Hallowed Catharsis (Vancouver, BC)
Empress (Vancouver, BC)
Blackwater Burial (Vancouver, BC)
Liminal Shroud (Victoria, BC)
Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
Truent (Vancouver, BC)
Nomad (Okanagan, BC)
Tymo (Edmonton, AB)
Our Last Crusade (Calgary, AB)
Traceless Dimensions (Kelowna, BC)
Bogue Brigade (Edmonton, AB)
Thousand Arrows (Vancouver, BC)
No More Moments (Siksika Nation, AB)
Storm The Empire (Kelowna, BC)
Blackthrone Ascension (Vancouver, BC)
Cranial Fungus (Okanagan, BC)
Bleak Valley (Kamloops, BC)
Param-Nesia (Vancouver, BC)

2023 follows AMF‘s most successful event to date in 2022, which saw the festival’s highest attendance on record along with it marking its return after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. The 2023 edition promises to be an eclectic earth-shaking lineup with bands from across Canada and beyond.

Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Each year up to 700 metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun they spend three days camping, taking in as much metal over two days, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C., but gives bands opportunities to play different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

Partners:
WCMFA
Vox and Hops
Rancho Vignola
Creative BC
Province of BC
Shepherds Hardware
Askews Foods
Armstrong Coop
ACE Containers
Asher Media Relations
Armadillo Trailers
Staggs Head
Nor-Val
Exclaim!
Bravewords
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
V13
Metal-Rules
Trash Talk w/ Nate
Valstar Electric
Voets

For more info:
Armstrongmetalfest.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Festival Press Materials HERE.

What the press is saying:

“Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan” – Global BC News

Kelowna Now: Armstrong Metal Festival Co-founder reflects on a decade of metal – Video Interview here.

CHBC – Global Okanagan: Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong – Video Interview here.

“In the past, metalheads had to travel to Germany to experience the rush of a big festival, such as Wacken Open Air. But local headbangers decided to bring that feeling home with Armstrong Metalfest.” – Vernon Morning Star

“Go Big or Stay at Home: Armstrong has that welcoming feeling for a rock show.” – The Valley Voice

“To witness such a gathering of talent is an absolute privilege, and for that fact alone, I will certainly be returning to Armstrong Metal Fest.” – Beatroute BC

“This festival is now going to be my yearly must-go-to event and if you’re a metal head that hasn’t attended or a curious metal voyeur, do yourself a favour and check it out, you will not regret it.” – Abort Mag

“The Armstrong Metalfest is one such event and has grown from its initial, humble beginnings seven years ago to be a regular mainstay, with its south-central BC location making for a popular summertime destination for fans and bands alike.” – Decibel Mag

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun

“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Out Now! Israel’s NEOLIA Self-Titled Debut Progressive Metal Album + New Music Video “A Better Version of You” (Live at Barby)

May 5, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Neolia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 5, 2023

Out Now! Israel’s NEOLIA Self-Titled Debut Progressive Metal Album

New Music Video “A Better Version of You” (Live at Barby)

Album Mastered by Howie Weinberg (Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana)

L-R: Neolia Current Line Up – Tomer Mash (Bass), Yair Ben Shalom (Drums), Ben Reiss (Vocals), Guy Greenberg (Guitar), Inbar Davish (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Avi Veldman

Photo Edit by: Rana Sneider

Israel’s Neolia is a force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive metal, and their self-titled debut album is proof of that. With intricate instrumentation, soaring vocals, and unrelenting energy, this album is a must-listen for any fan of progressive music. According to the band, this album has traveled a lifetime with them already, and they are excited to be releasing it to the world. They share their thoughts:

“Being able to shine a light and allowing others to see, hear, and feel what we feel this elaborate vision is in itself a blessing and it is what keeps us going. We wanted to allow new emotions and new subjects that we had felt were not given the proper attention, such as child neglection, mental illnesses, personal family issues, torture and more to be given the option to be approached from a perspective of a fictional story in order for people to be able to connect to the complexity of the lyrics more easily.”

They continue to explain that although this is a concept album, each track presents its own unique characteristics and expresses a variety of styles and musical ideas that are derived from world music, jazz, and electronic at times. The album also incorporates different interludes some atmospheric and some piano based adding more emotional layers and subcontext to the mood changes in the album. It is intended to feel artistic in its nature and to convey a message of freedom.

Neolia was formed to give to others and to encourage people to come together. They give in a few dimensions — one is personal and spiritual, and the other is musical and expressive.

The self-titled album was mastered by Howie Weinberg (Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana) and is available as of May 5th, 2023.

In addition to the album’s release, the band is sharing their latest live video for the track “A Better Version of You”, which was captured during a recent performance at the legendary Tel-Aviv venue Barby.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/pI_qa14kZ-k

Album order is available at https://neolia.bandcamp.com/album/neolia

Previous Videos:

Track Listing:
1. The Shed – 3:44
2. The Shed Outro – 0:52
3. Your Prophecy – 7:44
4. Dance of Violence – 7:10
5. Carried Away – 5:49
6. Carried Away Outro – 1:24
7. Karma – 4:09 ft. guest vocals Ran Yerushalmi
8. Karma Outro – 0:44
9. Day In Day Out – 11:06
10. Anchors – 7:14
11. Rise and Fall – 5:06
12. Blow the Leaves – 7:02
13. A Better Version of You – 4:53
14. Refahim – 8:00
Album Length: 74:57

For more info: Neoliaband.com | Facebook.com/neoliaband | Instagram.com/neoliaband

– 30 –

“This band is going to be huge. You know how Tool and the Mars Volta developed into their own sound and how they have a legion of devoted fans? That’s what Israel’s Neolia is about to do with this self titled debut album.” – Transcending the Mundane

“Karma”, (the video) accompanied by a beautiful shot somewhere in the deserts of Israel, has that fantastic balance of aggression and melody that I love about alternative metal. At its more frenetic moments, like the excellent transitions from the heavier moments near the end of the track and the more melodic chorus, it reminds me of The Mars Volta, and that is one big compliment. Elsewhere, Yerushalmi’s guest vocals are expertly utilized to balance the rawer, more harried vocals of the band’s own singer, Ben Reiss. Together, they present the major melodic force on the track, while the instruments deliver well written, complex, and undeniable groove. This mix is exactly what alternative metal is so good for, hitting on both the emotional and the visceral level of enjoyment. The track ends up being both interesting to dissect and take apart but also something you can move and sing to. If the band’s self-titled is as good as this, and the other tracks released so far seem to indicate that that is indeed the case, then we’re in for a treat. Make sure you head on over to the band’s Bandcamp to pre-order it; I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy

“Neolia’s Self titled debut album is a reflection of years of soaking up music of different genres from rock to pop to world music and whatnot. It’s a fusion of bits upon bits of pieces absorbed and processed and then spat out from a personal perspective. In its musical aspect, its rock and metal based, but with a twist of African, Latin, Jazz, and ambient that reaches the spectrum of high and low, tender, extreme, and crazy.” – New Prog Releases

—
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)

0 Streaming Now! Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Abrasive New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch”

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Vvon Dogma I

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Streaming Now! Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Abrasive New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch”

New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 5th

Fans of Radiohead, Meshuggah, and Deftones are sure to appreciate VVON DOGMA I‘s unique, bass-centric, progressive metal sound. The band takes inspiration from these bands, but puts their own spin on it, creating something that is entirely their own. With “The Kvlt of Glitch”, being released on May 5th, VVON DOGMA I is set to solidify its place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the experimental rock genre. To further hype this release, they are sharing an advance full stream of the album via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

Band founder and bassist Frederick Filiatrault (ChaotH) adds:

“Musically I come from a world where you have to dare to do something different so… hopefully this album takes the listener a bit out of their comfort zone. If it can reach and touch just one person I’ll be happy. Again coming from a band (Unexpect) that reached tens of thousands of people worldwide, it’s quite humbling to start it all over on my own so I’ll just be happy to put it out there really.”

Vvon Dogma I came to be mostly out of 9-string bassist Chaoth’s desire to experiment with different lower tunings and different sounds. He was already starting to think of a side project but when his previous band Unexpect disbanded he slowly but surely started creating another entity to keep experimenting and crafting. The album “The Kvlt of Glitch” was produced by Chaoth along with Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and Dave Evangelista and was mixed and mastered by Max Lacroix at House of Gain Studio.

Synthetic feeling and melancholic, the album is chaotic, well thought out, and something different that will intrigue progressive metal fans. It is highly recommended for fans of Igorrr, Deftones, and Sleep Token.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” is due out May 5, 2023.

Album pre-order – Vvondogmai.bandcamp.com

Music Video – “One Eye” – https://youtu.be/ebEmZojXIgk

Lyric Video – “The Void” – https://youtu.be/G5MTer7TkMA

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

– 30 –

“The invigorating glitched out bliss they have on display here is as dense as it is rewarding, with nothing falling out of place, yet with everything shifting all the time. If “The Void” is any indication of what’s to come, I seriously cannot wait to hear the rest of The Kvlt of Glitch, when it lands on May 5th independently.” – Everything Is Noise

“Vvon Dogma are back with a new video for their new record, The Kvlt of Glitch, in the form of the track “One Eye.” It features some seriously insane nine-string bass playing… Chaoth, their nine-string bassist, is a big driver behind their experimental sound and their popularity.” – Metal Sucks

“The album promises to push boundaries with its unconventional approach to music.” – Metal Insider

—
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 Streaming Now! Canada’s SOVEREIGN COUNCIL Pave Their Own Distinct Path Through Power Metal With New EP “World On Fire”

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Sovereign Council

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Streaming Now! Canada’s SOVEREIGN COUNCIL Pave Their Own Distinct Path Through Power Metal With New EP “World On Fire”

L-R – Joe Moon – Lead Guitarist & Backup Vocals, Brandon Schneider – Drummer, Lisa Thompson – Lead Vocals, Shaun Vanhooser – Bassist, Chris Thompson – Rhythm Guitarist
Photo Credit: Dark Moon Productions

Canada’s Sovereign Council embraces metal head-on, with all of its throttling guitar riffs, intense bass lines, driving drums, and fluctuating vocals that are at times guttural and at others more mellow and introspective. They have two albums under their belts thus far and the third “World On Fire” is out on May 5th, for those looking for the next thing in power metal. The EP was written and composed from a place of love and vulnerability to show a different side of the band who have adjusted their lineup and musical trajectory since their last album “Laniakea”. They explain:

“We feel that the sound we have created here is still at its core very “Sovereign Council” but has matured and developed into something greater. We are extremely proud of this new sound and cannot wait to see how people respond to it. We have another set of songs nearly completed as well; these new songs continue our new direction and add another new edge as well as a heavier feel. You’ll have to stick around for the next release to find out what that edge is.”

For this EP, the band picked five of their strongest tracks which follow the same feel and give listeners a cohesive listening experience through a range of emotions and imagery ranging from inspiring, motivational lyrics to darker subject matter.

The EP was produced by guitarist Joe Moon; mixed and mastered by Silver Wings Studios and the EP cover artwork was done by Martin Trottier. Melodic and powerful, Sovereign Council puts a distinct spin on progressive power metal. They will be enjoyed by those who have Lacuna Coil, Evergrey, and Evanescence in their rotation.

Listen to “World On Fire” in full via its EP stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

“World On Fire” is due out May 5, 2023, and available for pre-order at https://sovereigncouncil.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. World On Fire – 4:43
2. The Wait – 4:24
3. Aberration – 4:00
4. Breathe You In – 3:34
5. Of The Ashes – 4:13
EP Length: 20:52

For more info: Facebook.com/SovereignCouncilpage | Twitter.com/sovcouncil | Instagram.com/sovereigncouncil

– 30 –

““World On Fire” is simply an excellent EP all around. Every track has something unique to offer and it is easy to imagine any of the five songs becoming a favourite depending on the listener. The melodies are catchy, the production is clean and the talent is immense. In particular, I would recommend this release to fans of bands with a more modern take on symphonic metal, such as recent Within Temptation, Beyond The Black, Dark Horse | White Horse and Phantom Elite to name a few. I’m excited to see what comes next for SOVEREIGN COUNCIL. They have certainly made a fan out of me.” – Female Fronted Power

“World on Fire marks a welcome return for Sovereign Council, showing a band with a will to break genre boundaries” – Metal Observer

—
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 Moncton’s DINER DRUGS Release Video For Punchy, Groovy “This War” Off Upcoming EP “42” + Tour Dates (NL, PEI, NB, NS) w/ CANCER BATS

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Diner Drugs · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Moncton’s DINER DRUGS Release Video For Punchy, Groovy “This War” Off Upcoming EP “42”

Tour Dates w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

Diner Drugs is a four-piece stoner metal punk crew, born out of a desire to defeat the boredom of east coast living. Diner Drugs is fast, loud and are always keen to turn up the heat with catchy choruses and deep vocal harmonies while sticking to their deep stoner metal roots. They are ready to hit the road this spring and have a flashy new single “This War” coming out to get fans excited. The single is the first look at a new EP that will be coming out this year. The band explains in detail:

“This is the first single off of our latest EP titled “42”. We are proud of this loud and driving track, complete with catchy choruses and an epic, heavy ending. This song features powerful vocals, with lyrics warning about the dangers of assuming things will work out for the best, without cautiously preparing for the worst. So much hard work from so many people went into this, it’s loud and fast and we hope everyone digs it.”

The tour this spring will take Diner Drugs all over the east coast of Canada. With relaxed attitudes and groovy riffs, they enjoy bringing fun metal to people and enticing them to headbang. Loud and energetic is their goal, and their lyrics come from both personal experience and witnessing the experiences of others. They live in a have-not town, so they are more than familiar with hard times. They draw from these troubles for inspiration and hope to maybe help anyone stuck in these situations feel a little less alone in their battles.

It’s loud, fast, meaningful metal, and according to the band the song means a lot more to them this time around and they feel it reflects in the upcoming record. They are recommended for fans of Cancer Bats, Dead Quiet, and Mokomakai.

Watch and listen to “This War” at https://youtu.be/XwLLFLMmrzU

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3p4Ub9H

The EP “42” is due out via BatSkull Records later this year.

Tour Dates:
May 12 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Abbey (All Ages)
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 24 – Charlottetown, PEI – Trailside w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 25 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 26 – Halifax, NS – The Seahorse w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 27 – Sydney, NS – Curling Club w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

For more info:
SheSaidFeckRecords.com/diner-drugs-epk
Facebook.com/DinerDrugs
Twitter.com/DinerDrugs
Youtube
Instagram.com/DinerDrugs

Management – She Said Feck – shesaidfeckrecords@gmail.com

– 30 –

“Jack Of All Trades” uses clever drum timing between guitar riffs which assaults the senses in different ways and rattles your eardrums like an off-balanced washing machine. The skate punk style writing of this track will have you wondering if NOFX and Suicidal Tendencies had a baby.” – Sarah Hellingwerf, The East

“Diner Drugs is one of those “f&*k all” bands that play heavy, fast and dirty rock.” – Jamie Robash, Divide and Conquer Music

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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(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 Rockshots Records – Pirate Metal CALICO JACK Hit The Seas For A Naval Battle w/ New Video “Broadside Attack” Off New Album “Isla de la Muerte” Out June 2023

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Calico Jack (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Rockshots Records – Pirate Metal CALICO JACK Hit The Seas For A Naval Battle w/ New Video “Broadside Attack”

New Album “Isla de la Muerte” Out June 2023

Named after the nickname for Captain John Rackham, the English pirate captain who operated in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century, Calico Jack was founded in 2011 by the brothers Toto(rhythm guitar) and Caps (drums) with the aim of merging legendary 80s heavy metal with modern Scandinavian folk metal, wrapping everything in a maritime atmosphere, inspired by folk songs and sea shanties of the Anglo-Saxon tradition. They make sure they present a flashback to those times with stage scenery and costumes.

“If you play pirate metal, you can’t help but fill the stage with bandanas, chests, skulls, cutlasses, and pistols. We are arranging to bring real parrots and cannonballs on stage, but we are meeting some resistance from animal welfare and pacifist associations… Aesthetics aside, our live shows are notorious for creating absolute chaos above and below the stage, so it is not advisable to attend one of our concerts if you are looking for meditative and intellectual listening. We also hold the record of never having played sober since the beginning of our career, and we offer unlimited drinks to any fan who asks!” adds the band.

In 2013, they released the debut EP “Panic In The Harbour”, and first self-titled full-length in 2019. Now signing with Rockshots Records, the band will be rum-running their sophomore album “Isla de la Muerte” out on June 30th, 2023.

For this new record, the band kept the style of their debut album but improved every aspect of their music. “Isla de la Muerte” is much more aggressive, the songs are heavier, more dynamic, and more powerful than past ones. The fiddle tunes on the release are more epic and refined, and there’s no shortage of some of Calico Jack‘s trademarks such as the Caribbean sounds in ‘Antigua’. The band also added important elements such as a track of pure classic heavy metal Running Wild-style (‘Bad Fortune’) and a journey through the eastern sounds of the Indian Ocean in the final suite ‘Sandokan’.

Today, Calico Jack shares their first taste off “Isla de la Muerte” with their music video for the single “Broadside Attack”. The song is about one of the best-documented naval battles in the history of piracy, where pirate Olivier La Bouche defeated Captain John Frost. He attacked Frost’s vessel in July 1717. It took him a 12 hours chase to catch up to the vessel and when he did it was 9 o’clock in the evening. The pirate vessel had twenty guns and a crew of 170. Olivier La Bouche’s ship fired a broadside of double rounds and partridges, and a volley of small shots. The band was inspired by this epic event to write a folk-power broadside with which to cannonball the audience at live shows. The track, and the whole album, begin with real noises of Dave picking up his fiddle and breathing before starting to play.

The band adds:

“‘Broadside Attack’ is our attempt to narrate the epicness and tension of a naval battle through adrenaline-fueled folk akin to speed-power metal. This song contains cheerful guitar and violin melodies that contrast with the speed and rhythmic roughness in a way that results in overflowing energy, and it also contains one of our most beautiful guitar solos. We want this to become one of our wildest and most incendiary live anthems, and we chose it as the first single and album opener because we want it to provoke in the listener the sudden impact of a cannonball broadside.”

Watch and listen to the video for “Broadside Attack” at https://youtu.be/fbkuvnJ_cuk

Recommended for fans of Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Equilibrium, Moonsorrow, and Running Wild, “Isla de la Muerte” is available for album pre-order at https://bit.ly/IslaDeLaMuerteCD

Track Listing:
1 – Broadside Attack (07:24)
2 – Isla de la Muerte (10:32)
3 – Bad Fortune (05:02)
4 – Antigua (06:25)
5 – Three Cheers to the Shanty Man (04:30)
6 – Marauder (04:37)
7 – Queen Anne’s Revenge (06:08)
8 – Haul Away Joe (03:31)
9 – Sandokan (15:47)
Total length: 1:03:58

Album Credits:
Recorded at Elnor Studio by Mattia Stancioiu
Mixed and mastered by Calico Jack
All songs written by Calico Jack
Photos by Chiara Mascetti
Cover art by Sergey Vasnev

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Calico-jack.net | Facebook.com/CalicoJackOfficial | Instagram.com/calico.jack.official

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‘Unique but still stick to their theme well enough to remain firmly within the confines of Pirate movie soundtracks and the sorts of songs you would hear sung in port taverns.’ – Folk-metal.nl

‘Calico Jack’s ship is finally ready to set sail in the world of pirate metal, and given the prowess of the crew, it won’t struggle much to conquer land and booty, you can be sure of that…for Blackbeard’s eyepatch!’ – Mr. Folk

‘Let the sails be unfurled, let the flags be hoisted, it’s time to set sail into the open sea in search of treasure and ships to plunder and to other ports to pillage. Calico Jack: dreaded pirates of folk metal.’ – Metalforce

—
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 Canada’s Orchid’s Curse Announce Progressive Thrash Single “Divided by Everything” Off “The Decay” Out June 2023

May 3, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Orchid's Curse

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 3, 2023

Canada’s Orchid’s Curse Announce Progressive Thrash Single “Divided by Everything” Off “The Decay” Out June 2023

L-R = Alex Wrathell (Drums), Brian Jones (Guitar), Keith MacLeod (Guitar), Jason Szeto (Bass), Josh Hogan (Vocals)

With over a decade of musical output, Canada’s Orchid’s Curse continues to create a beautiful amalgamation of brutal metal, progressive melody, and intelligent thought-provoking lyrics. Whether in a live setting or on an album, Orchid’s Curse refuses stagnation and orders your full attention. Thus far, they have released an impressive five albums, and the sixth “The Decay” is just around the corner. Leading up to this release, they are debuting the single “Divided by Everything”, a short and to-the-point ripper, which they comment on:

“It serves its purpose and gets the mosh pit moving. Lyrically this song dives into the political farce that is left versus right divide occurring in most Western cultures with the chorus stating simply “Divided by Everything, Bonded by Division”. We are all being played by the elite, regardless of which side of the political spectrum you may lean on.”

In the early days, the band had more of a standard, mid-2000s metalcore sound. With each new release, the band has continued to progress and refine its sound. They hope that fans will find “The Decay” as an extension of modern-era Orchid’s Curse. The five songs on the album expand across the spectrum of melodic and progressive thrash and hardcore.

Each of the five seasoned musicians has different musical influences, making it hard to pigeonhole them into a particular genre, they include elements of thrash, groove, death, melodic, prog, and hardcore. They are recommended for fans of At the Gates, The Black Dahlia Murder, and Burnt By The Sun.

Listen to “Divided by Everything” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“The Decay” is due out June 16, 2023.

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

Track Listing:
1. Better Men – 5:42
2. Dead Idols – 4:24
3. The Divergence of Man – 4:45
4. Divided by Everything – 2:31
5. Pay to Prey – 6:24
EP Length: 23:47

Orchid’s Curse is:
Josh Hogan – Vocals
Brian Jones – Guitar/Vocals
Keith MacLeod – Guitar
Jason Szeto – Bass
Alex Wrathell – Drums

For more info: Orchidscurse.com | Facebook.com/orchidscurse | Instagram.com/orchidscurse

About: With over a decade of musical output, Orchid’s Curse continues to create a beautiful amalgamation of brutal metal, progressive melody, and intelligent thought-provoking lyrics. Whether in a live setting or on an album, Orchid’s Curse refuses stagnation and orders your full attention.

Since forming in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in late 2005, Orchid’s Curse has positioned itself at the forefront of the highly underrated East Coast metal scene in Canada. Ensuring that every show left the band drained of all they had and every album was created with the most care and the best team they could find. Now with their sixth release “The Decay” ready to release, the band continues to position itself at the forefront of maritime metal.

Metalsucks.net captured the band’s goal of blending various genres of metal, declaring “Orchid’s Curse is one of those bands that play around with melodeath, groove, thrash, and occasionally prog with enough fluidity to rid themselves of any sort of pesky sub-genre tags and earn the simple, yet elegant classification of ‘metal’.” while Canada’s Hellbound.ca recognized the bands continued progression and growth over the years stating, “Few bands demand that each album be a progression, a growth, in the way that Orchid’s Curse does. No musical influence is turned away, but everything is twisted, melded into an intense metal experience that makes your head bang one moment and your toes tap the next”

Since 2006 Orchid’s Curse has shared the stage with an incredibly diverse lineup of bands including, The Black Dahlia Murder, Children of Bodom, Every Time I Die, Cancer Bats, 3 Inches of Blood, Goatwhore, Exhumed, Fuck the Facts, KEN Mode, Misery Index, Counterparts, Baptized in Blood, Martyr, Beneath the Massacre, Vilipend, Ion Dissonance, Neuraxis, L’Espirit du Clan, Unexpect, Trigger Effect, Ninjaspy, Unbreakable Hatred, Misguided Aggression, Greber and many more.

– 30 –

“Orchid’s Curse is one of those bands that plays around with melodeath, groove, thrash, and occasionally prog with enough fluidity to rid themselves of any sort of pesky sub genre tags and earn the simple, yet elegant classification of ‘metal’.” – Metal Sucks

“Orchid’s Curse employ their familiar tactic of borrowing the techniques of multiple genres, from filthy death metal riffs to hardcore barks, progressive guitar explorations and dirge-like, doom-influenced song structures.” – Exclaim!

“Thick, brutal, aggressive and borderline cacophonous, at times, Voices is relentlessly engaging and explosive while maintaining a decisively melodic essence.” – Exclaim!

“heavy riffs built for headbanging” – Metal Storm

“Cynics & Liars, is very much an EP which epitomizes everything good about metal in 2016” – PureGrainAudio / V13

“Orchid’s Curse are versatile, able to play everything from menacing thrash to accessible melodeath to punishing metal” – HeavyMetal.About.com

“Every song punches you right between the eyes” – Mettalworx

“This album is just laced with hook after hook. Whether it be a classic metal riff, a psyched out interval or just a standard heavy rock n’ roll beat; the album is catchier than an STD on 2-for-1 night at a brothel.” – Echoes and Dust

—
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 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – National Final! – May 13th – One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

May 3, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 3, 2023

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – National Final! – May 13th – One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

w/ EATEN BY SHARKS, STRIGAMPIRE, NECHT – Guest Headliner WHIPLASH, Guest Opener KORROSIVE

After months of battles across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its down to three bands for the national final being held in Toronto, ON on May 13th at Lee’s Palace.

Beating out over sixty participating bands, the final three are EATEN BY SHARKS (St. Catharines, ON), STRIGAMPIRE (Trois-Rivières, QC), and NECHT (Calgary, AB). One band will be crowned champion and represent Canada at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at one of the world’s most prestigious stages and the largest metal festival Wacken Open Air (Aug 4 -6), which has an attendance of over 80,000 people, and held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years.

The national final will also host a special guest headliner, the legendary thrash band WHIPLASH along with openers Toronto’s Korrosive.

“The anticipation is really building now. We are doing our very best to give these incredible finalists the opportunity they deserve and the stage to showcase their craft. With kick-ass guest bands and a stellar line-up of judges, in the name of Canadian metal, this will be one to remember!” adds Wacken Metal Battle Canada organizer JJ Tartaglia.

For the national final, all three bands will be judged by experienced industry professionals on various categories of professionalism and musicianship for only one to be selected to represent Canada on the world stage at Wacken Open Air.

Guest Judges:
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)
JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada)

Event Info – https://www.leespalace.com/event/wacken-metal-battle-presents-whiplash-plus-finalists

About:

WMBC has been on pause since 2019, due to the Covid pandemic, and has hosted battles across Canada from 2013 until 2019, with one skip year in 2017.

Previous winners have been 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).

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

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

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning 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 2023 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://metalbattle.ca/rules.html

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

– 30 –

Media Partners:
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground
BrokenNeckRadio
V13
Metal Devastation Radio
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)

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

0 Edmonton’s Call Of The Siren Pulls Listeners Into A Metalcore Typhoon With Video For “Hollow”

May 2, 2023
by Asher
· Call of The Siren · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 3, 2023

Edmonton’s Call Of The Siren Pulls Listeners Into A Metalcore Typhoon With Video For “Hollow”

Rising from the depths of Edmonton, Canada, Call Of The Siren is a metalcore group featuring Brandy Black on vocals, RJ Bevis and Chuck Matthews on guitars, Francisco Martin on drums, and Dave St. Pierre on bass. Entrancing and heavy, they draw in fans with layers of melodic riffs and harmonious clean vocals, before delivering crushing breakdowns and screaming vocals with no mercy. They have a new music video out for the single “Hollow”, which they comment on:

“It was the first song we wrote with RJ and Chuck writing together. RJ wrote this song in memory of a friend that he lost to suicide, and the lyrics were written to fit the extremely sensitive topic, written from the perspective of someone who feels like they can’t go on. We’ve poured a lot of our time over the past few years to write and refine these releases. We are hoping it’s the best Call of the Siren has ever put out there.”

“Hollow” is catchy and heavy, with perfect ebbs and flows that take you through a whirlwind of emotions. It is easy to get lost in different moods throughout the single, as the band careens through soprano vocals before descending into heavy turmoil. As with most bands, they have progressed over time along with their music, which has gotten heavier and more melodic as it matures.

Assembled in late 2017, their sound comes from a unique forge of musical influences, which are evident in the new single. They are recommended for fans of Lamb of God, After the Burial, and Polaris.

Watch and listen to “Hollow”

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3oRzyxQ

Song produced by Call Of The Siren
Mixed & mastered by Chuck Matthews
Vocals recorded by Diego Fernandez at Oracle Recording Studios
Piano by Jeff Black
Lyric Video created by Brandy Black

Call of The Siren is:
Vocals: Brandy Black
Guitar: RJ Bevis
Guitar: Chuck Matthews
Bass: Dave St.Pierre
Drums: Francisco Martin
Programming: Chuck Matthews

For more info: Facebook.com/callofthesirenmusic | Instagram.com/callofthesiren.music

– 30 –

—
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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