Category: Music News

0 Scattered Storm Embark On A Journey With Title Track Off Upcoming “In this Dying Sun”

October 27, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Scattered Storm

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2022

Scattered Storm Embark On A Journey With Title Track Off Upcoming “In this Dying Sun”

New EP “In this Dying Sun” Out Nov 11th via Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital)

L- R – Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples, Andre Accosta – Vocals, Kevin Armstrong – Guitar, Brian Fausnaugh – Bass

The progressively dark quartet Scattered Storm hailing from El Paso, Texas, is releasing their second EP “In this Dying Sun” set for November 11th. The EP pivots from its overall sound carving out a much darker, and more progressive tone. Drummer Jay Arriaga and guitarist Kevin Armstrong have been much of the driving force for the songwriting drawing inspiration from bands like Psycroptic and Cephalic Carnage, whom they have also performed live with. The band explains the premise of the single:

“This pretty much talks about our dying planet. Or even a dying galaxy. Which resonates deeply with what we have been doing to our planet for so long and the consequences of that. Death, decay, nothing good coming out of it really. In the absence of light, there is only darkness. The song is fast and precise almost Fear Factoryish-like, but it simulates a fast and imploding galaxy.”

According to the band, they have never lost track of the bigness, especially with Tue Madsen mixing this record. In their talks with him, it was really emphasized that even though songs are faster, they still want them to sound huge. In turn, Madsen delivered a monster of an album, a melodic wall of sound with plenty of intriguing layers to keep listeners on their toes. Madsen also featured “In This Dying Sun” for his drum sample pack through Drum Forge because he really dug the song.

“In This Dying Sun” takes off from where last year’s “Oblivion” left off, bringing in darker melodies and proggy riffs. It still has the hooks but the vocals have evolved more and the synths took a back step for more guitar work. Some of the songs are faster-paced as well giving it a more driving force.

Scattered Storm takes a good blend of the sludge from Meshuggah, the ambiance of Tesseract, and the epicness of Devin Townsend, but is also influenced by bands like Fear Factory and Mnemic.

The music video for the single “In This Dying Sun” can be seen and heard below.

The EP “In This Dying Sun” comes out on November 11, 2022, via Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast and Believe Digital).

Digital – https://bfan.link/bloody-love

Track Listing:
1. Bloody Love – 4:44
2. The Process – 3:49
3. Hollow – 4:16
4. In this Dying Sun – 3:42
5. Seen – 4:49
EP Length: 21:12

Recording and Live Band Lineup:
Jay Arriaga – Drums, Keyboards, Samples
Kevin Armstrong – Guitar
Brian Fausnaugh – Bass
Andre Accosta – Vocals

For more info:
https://linktr.ee/scatteredstorm
https://www.facebook.com/scatteredstormband
https://www.instagram.com/scatt_storm

About:
Scattered Storm is an El Paso, Texas-based metal band which formed three years ago with the collaboration between Jay Arriaga (drums) from No Life on Earth, Years of Cold, and Kevin Armstrong (guitar) from Mondoshawan, Section 6. From there Andre Acosta from Pissing Razors, Hereafter the Wave and current No Life on Earth frontman joined the ranks on vocals. Having recorded a couple of songs on Bass for both Oblivion and In This Dying Sun, Brian Fausnaugh (Random Allusion, Limerance) finally joined the ranks full time replacing Eddie Garcia on bass. Scattered Storm recorded In This Dying Sun in 2021 at Javier’s Studio Empty Paradise Studios for its release on November 11th, 2022 via Blood Blast Distribution to follow their 2021 debut EP “Oblivion”.

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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)

0 Canada’s NIHILIST DEATH CULT (members ex-Pestilence, Abyss, Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm) Posts Video For Debut Album “Death To All Tyrants” Coming December 2022

October 27, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Nihilist Death Cult

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2022

Canada’s NIHILIST DEATH CULT (members ex-Pestilence, Abyss, Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm) Posts Video For Debut Album “Death To All Tyrants” Coming December 2022

Photo Credit – Ron Sumners (ex-Slaughter drummer)

Formed in 2018 by Nick Sagias on bass and vocals (Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm, Overthrow, ex-Pestilence) and his brother John Sagias on drums (Soulstorm, Abyss) along with guitarists Ethan Bolduc (Jaww, Abyss), and Rick Kowalski (Soulstorm, Bound By Defiance), Toronto’s Nihilist Death Cult will be unleashing their debut album entitled “Death To All Tyrants” this coming December.

The album features nine quick strikes to the jugular of hardcore death punk recorded and mixed by Scott Middleton (ex-Cancer Bats). It’s short and sweet with a running time of just under 15 minutes, but it delivers a full dose of whiplash and speedy licks.

Earlier this summer, the band unveiled the album’s title track, a song about the underdog stepping up to the tyrant and winning.

“Scott was excellent to work with and helped us a lot with hearing things we didn’t hear before, that’s what a good producer does and it was a great experience working with him. After we heard the final mixes, there was the daunting task of picking the first track we would use for the lyric video and be the first thing anyone heard of us as a “new” band. We eventually settled on ‘Death To All Tyrants’ because it felt like it set the tone for both the sound and lyrical message we were trying to get across with NDC. We are not trying to be political or force our opinions, but we still feel we are responsible for some substance in our lyrics and I feel the messages in the lyrics are universal ideas that affect all of us in many types of situations and cultures.” adds Nick Sagias.

The title track and its lyric video can be viewed and heard at https://youtu.be/PJR04jl5roI

Nihilist Death Cult was born after the ending of Toronto underground legends Soulstorm, of which Nick Sagias was a founding member.

“I felt it in my heart that I needed to get back to the roots, the fast styles I grew up on, punk, thrash, death metal after I ended Soulstorm in 2016, so I started writing in the style of death metal for what I was going to eventually call my other band Tribe of Pazuzu. During the writing phase in 2017/2018, I came up with the name Nihilist Death Cult first for this other new death metal project, after letting that sit for a month or two I realized it was a more punk-sounding name and I already had a handful of riffs in the hardcore punk style that I ended up arranging and being the first 5 songs for NDC. I sent them to my brother John and he liked it right away and was down to make it happen, which was awesome because I always loved his dbeat style and feel of drumming.”

Relentless savage hardcore death punk grind, Nihilist Death Cult should appeal to most fans of band members’ previous and current endeavours, whether it be Jaww, Abyss, Overthrow, Soulstorm, Tribe of Pazuzu (ft. Flo Mounier (drums -Cryptopsy), John McEntee – guitar, Incantation – first two EPs). “Death To All Tyrants” is meant to bring back the anger, the fire, and the brooding fast music meant to be in punk and metal.

“This album is about how the corporate sponsored news media feeds you the stories and ideas they are paid to push… it’s about the victims standing up to the tyrants… it’s about choosing your own path and not blindly following norms if they don’t suit you.” says Nick Sagias.

Live, fans can expect seasoned veterans to go up on stage and put on a show to match the energy of their extreme music that’s ferocious and devastating.

Recommended for fans of Poison Idea, early DRI, early Bad Brains, Nails, Terrorizer and CroMags, Nihilist Death Cult‘s album “Death To All Tyrants” is due out on December 2, 2022.

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

Track Listing:
1. Follow The Money (1:06)
2. Hunting For Prey (1:38)
3. Obey & Consume (1:55)
4. Wake Up! (0:57)
5. Death To All Tyrants (1:25)
6. Ready For War (2:07)
7. Imperium (1:49)
8. Is This Progress? (2:01)
9. You Get What You Deserve (1:04)
Album Length: 14:07

Album Recording Band Line Up:
Nick Sagias – Bass/Vocals
John Sagias – Drums
Ethan Bolduc – Guitar

Live Band Line Up:
Nick Sagias – Bass/Vocals
John Sagias – Drums
Ethan Bolduc – Guitar
Rick Kowalski – Guitar

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/NihilistDeathCult
https://www.instagram.com/nihilistdeathcult
https://twitter.com/NIHILDEATHCULT

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0 BC’s Mountain Shaking ARMSTRONG METALFEST Open Band Submissions For 2023 Lineup!

October 27, 2022
by Asher
· Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2022

BC’s Mountain Shaking ARMSTRONG METALFEST Open Band Submissions For 2023 Lineup!

July 14-15 – Armstrong, BC, Canada

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

AMF Spotify Playlist 2022 Lineup here.

Canada’s mountain-shaking extreme music festival Armstrong MetalFest is launching the band submissions for their 2023 lineup with applications opening on November 1st and ending on November 30th at 11:59 pm PST.

Bands interested in performing at the festival can apply at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/contact/band-submissions/

After their most successful event to date in 2022, which saw the festival’s highest attendance on record along with marking AMF‘s return after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the 2023 edition will be held on July 14th and 15th at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC.

Hosted in British Columbia’s Okanagan valley with the Canadian Rockies as a specular backdrop, the 2022 gathering of metalheads witnessed Spokane, WA deathcore titans ENTERPRISE EARTH headline the festival along with Vancouver’s cult-loved pyro maniacs ZIMMERS HOLE and progressive death kings NECK of THE WOODS. AMF also presented a very special performance from Kelowna’s OMNIA NIHIL (formerly Apollyon) in memory of beloved vocalist Matt Depper who suddenly passed away this past January. A total of 28 bands from across Western Canada and the USA fueled the moshpit for much-needed music therapy.

Tickets for AMF 2023 and camping along with the lineup will be announced at a later date.

Festival co-organizers Jesse Valtsar adds:

“Mark it down on the calendar, we have huge plans to make 2023 the biggest event to date! With the success of 2022, we are going to continue the momentum right into next year! We are planning out our headliners and dreaming up new ways to make Metalfest the best!”

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 over 30 bands, 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, 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.

For more info:
Armstrongmetalfest.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Festival Press Materials HERE.

2022 Sponsors / Partners:
Legion HQ
West Metal Entertainment
WCMFA
BC Arts Council
Rancho Vignola
Mason Henniger
Nor-Val Rentals
Exclaim!
Askew’s Foods
Armstrong Tourism
Creative BC
Swag Merch
Bravewords
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
V13
Metal-Rules
Trash Talk w/ Nate
Posteblocke Media
Asher Media Relations

What the press is saying:

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

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—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Exitus Stratagem Records – Aittala Shun Genres Boundaries With New Swing Metal Title Track Off Upcoming Album “Live to Regret”

October 26, 2022
by Asher
· Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 26, 2022

Exitus Stratagem Records – Aittala Shun Genres Boundaries With New Swing Metal Title Track Off Upcoming Album “Live to Regret”

“Live to Regret” Out November 7th

L-R – AITTALA – Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums), Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox), Ali Lugo (Bass)
Photo Credit – Formont Photography

Aittala defies the rules when it comes to metal genres, since their inception back in 1991 they have crossed boundaries with their version of eclectic doom metal, bringing in a wide range of influences that accent their sounds with hints of power metal, traditional metal, and sludge. They are getting ready to release their latest album “Live to Regret” via Exitus Stratagem Records and ahead of that are releasing the title track, a swing metal-inspired track about whether to keep secrets or come clean. On the recording and themes of the album guitarist/vocalist Eric Aittala had this to share:

“I wrote this album during a chaotic time in my life. Not only was it during the height of the lockdowns of the pandemic, but I was also in a very chaotic relationship. That chaos fueled my creativity both musically and lyrically. I was constantly walking on an uncertain tightrope and I never knew I was going to break. We hope the fans feel the same pleasure, pain, chaos, and passion that I was going through and infused into the songs when they listen to the album and singles.”

Watch and listen to the lyric video for the album title track via its premiere on Spaceuntravel – https://youtu.be/tbrSCICjTh8

“Live to Regret” will be the seventh addition to the Aittala discography, through which there has been a lot of evolution and growth. The core sound has remained constant but has steadily matured over time. The first two albums had programmed drums and were laden with synths/keys and were a bit more experimental. After Gary (drummer) joined the band for the third album, his drumming style helped further refine the unique sound. With the addition of Ali on bass, he brought a different musical perspective that is infused throughout the new album.

Aittala plays eclectic doom suitable for any metalhead with an open mind. They are recommended for fans of Eyehategod, Baroness, and Crowbar.

“Live to Regret” will be available on November 7, 2022, via Exitus Stratagem Records and was produced by Eric Aittala and John E. Wooten IV, who also mixed the record along with mastering by Dave Harris at Studio B Mastering. Album artwork by Mariano Pugliese.

Album pre-order: https://hypeddit.com/aittala/livetoregret

Album Sampler – https://youtu.be/yAoHuPoHlHE

Music Video – Collateral Damage – https://youtu.be/Foh__WSHD4o

Track Listing:
1. Live to Regret – 2:49
2. Collateral Damage – 3:22
3. War of Attrition – 3:18
4. Saint – 3:35
5. Cannibals – 3:56
6. Betrayed – 3:26
7. Big Brother – 4:45
8. Dancing with Disaster – 3:35
9. Never Forget – 3:36
10. Well Enough Alone – 5:03
11. Juliet (2022) – 5:24
Album Length: 42:56

For more info:
https://www.exsrmusic.com
http://www.aittala.com
https://www.facebook.com/aittalamusic
https://www.instagram.com/aittalamusic

About: The music of AITTALA (pronounced ‘EYE-tah-la’) crosses many metal genres; it’s hard to put it into just one category. The sound infuses elements of classic heavy metal, doom, progressive, power, thrash, and hard rock with lyrics drawing inspiration from the darker side of the human condition. The AITTALA sound has been cited for being unique which is no easy feat in the metal genre.

The first version of AITTALA was formed in 1991 while Eric Aittala was living in Holland. With fellow American Tim on vocals and Dutch bandmates Ed (drums) and Jon (bass), the band became a staple of the Dutch metal scene.

With the release of the 3-song EP ‘Selling Heaven’ in summer of 1993, AITTALA opened for such bands as THE GATHERING and SADIST. Unfortunately, as the demo started to create a buzz in the underground European metal scene, Eric had to return to the US and disbanded AITTALA.

Over the next decade or so, Eric played in numerous bands (TRIBE, MAGNETHEAD, DWELL) and lost focus on AITTALA.

Near the end of the 00’s, Eric decided it was time to refocus his efforts on the AITTALA brand. From 2009 to 2016, AITTALA released 4 full-length albums: ‘Bed of Thorns’ (2009), ‘Haunt Your Flesh’ (2011), ‘Effigy’ (2014) and ‘American Nightmare’ (2016). Each album showcasing a natural progression of song writing and lyrical content but retaining the core AITTALA sound and evolving it.

In 2019, AITTALA signed with Curtain Call Records and released the band’s fifth full-length album ‘False Pretenses’. It was ten brand new songs that not only continued the song writing evolution of heavier but catchy songs, but also sonically. AITTALA used an entirely different approach for the recording, mixing and mastering to create the best AITTALA album to date.

The current lineup of AITTALA consists of Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL) on drums and Ali Lugo (ex-AGE OF DESPAIR) on bass.

They continue to write, record and tour to bring AITTALA to the masses with plans in 2022 to unleash their sixth studio album entitled “Live To Regret” to be released by label Exitus Stratagem Records.

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“This platter is heavy melodic ear candy that drips with deep and mesmeric face-melting tones and grinding rhythms.” (Live to Regret) – The Metal Gods Meltdown

“The band’s sound is difficult to pigeonhole because they incorporate a variety of styles. The common element in all the songs is the potent groove. On tracks like “Black Coffin” and “Afterthought” stoner/doom is at the forefront, while songs such as “Disowned” have a more traditional metal vibe. There are progressive influences on “How Much Longer,” while the closer “Debt” is a piano based ballad. Even with so many disparate styles, Aittala bring everything together into a cohesive whole.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“I would describe them as an eclectic Doom Metal band, although their sound is a bit tough to define. That’s ultimately a good thing though, and I enjoy the refreshment of something different. My only major complaint is that on some songs, the vocals and lyrics are so drawn out that they become a little boring and you end up waiting a bit for something cool to happen. The good news is something cool usually does end up happening” – Metal-Temple

“In the metal world, bands can start to sound the same and Aittala steps outside of the box. With clear crisp vocals, grinding rhythms and well executed leads, this band is definitely in a league of their own.” – The Metal Channel

—
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 Wacken Metal Battle USA Submissions Now Open! One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

October 25, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 25, 2022

Wacken Metal Battle USA Submissions Now Open! One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce its return for 2023 to crown one independent band to perform on the world’s largest gathering of metalheads from around the world. To date, the battle has sent 4 previous bands to perform on metal’s most prestigious stage. 2022 witness San Diego’s Mythraeum crown champion, following previous winners San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

2023 battles will be taking place in Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, San Diego, CA, Bay Area, CA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Akron, OH, Salt Lake City, UT, Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX, Houston, TX and El Paso, TX with more to be announced at later date.

WMBU Promoter and Artist Relations Eric Dow adds:

“I am very excited to announce Wacken Metal Battle USA 2023. The battle this year was extremely successful so we are not going to muck with the formula too much. One change is that I am happy to announce the addition of Salt Lake City to the battle. Who will wear the crown next year? Will San Diego be dethroned? Will Houston come up victorious? Will Akron send the champions to Germany? Make sure you follow the battle and find out who will represent the USA with pride in the battle at Wacken Open Air!

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.

Independent American bands interested in participating can apply at – https://metalbattleusa.com/apply/

Band submissions will open on October 25th at 6AM PST and close on December 15th at 11:59PM PST.

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

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Sponsors / Partners:
Bravewords.com
MetalAssault.com
MetalDevastationRadio.com
Metal-Rules.com
V13.net
Dungeon Works Productions
Asher Media Relations
Fatal Illness Management
Come And Take It Productions
Brick By Brick
VonWolfe Entertainment
Aces High Saloon
TMI Collaborations
Funhouse Seattle
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0 Reminder – Band Submissions End October 31st For Alberta’s Decibel Breaking MetalFest LOUD AS HELL 2023 Lineup – Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands

October 24, 2022
by Asher
· Loud As Hell Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2022

Reminder – Band Submissions End October 31st For Alberta’s Decibel Breaking MetalFest LOUD AS HELL 2023 Lineup

– Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands –

August 4th – 6th, 2023

Canadian extreme music festival LOUD AS HELL announces it will be accepting band submissions for their 2023 lineup being held from August 4th to 6th at the Dinosaur Downs Stampede Grounds in Drumheller, AB.

Bands interested in performing at LAH XI can submit their application at https://www.loudashell.ca/bands

Submissions end October 31st.

Once home to the roaring sounds of dinosaurs, Alberta’s badlands has been hosting Loud As Hell since 2012 and will witness the 11th edition of one of Western Canada’s most celebrated metal festivals.

LOUD AS HELL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with exception of 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country. Past years have hosted well-known bands such as Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Battlecross, Fit for An Autopsy, Anciients, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Striker, KEN mode, Obey The Brave, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, Divinity, Neck of The Woods, Endast among many more.

2022 festival lineup Spotify playlist – https://spoti.fi/3IGRtv7

Volunteers Wanted For 2023:
Volunteers are wanted for production and security. For full details email at loudashellfestival[@]gmail[.]com

More info:
LoudAsHell.ca
Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival
Twitter: @LoudAsHellFest
Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
Social Media Hashtag #LAHX
Video – Into Eternity @ Loud As Hell 2021: https://youtu.be/xGSV8eZ-IN0
Video – Iron Kingdom @ Loud As Hell 2021: https://youtu.be/gLE7poCVgFE

About:
LOUD AS HELL 2023 will be celebrating its eleventh festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!

For LAH’s 2022 lineup, the music event featured an assortment of forty top-tier artists from Western Canada over three headbanging days that included Vancouver’s AngelMaker, Neck of The Woods, and Carcosa, a reunion set by Montreal metalcore titans Endast along with a rare appearance from Calgary’s prog squad Divinity.

The sold-out 2022 lineup was scaled down to only Canadian bands due to international artists being unable to perform in the country because of border restrictions and guidelines stated by the federal government for Covid precautions.

LAH Partners:
Town of Drumheller
WCMFA – Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance
Asher Media Relations
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Swag Merchandising
Cursed Earth Apparel
Valley Brewing
Canalta Hotels
Neighbors’ Corner Pub
Prairie Fire Productions Ltd
Jerry’s Liquor Store
Decimate MetalFest
Hazzardous Materials
Trash Talk with Nate Trash
Wicked Wally Webcast
Gettin Late with Nate
Slimbztv
Voxx Promos
MetalHeads United

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What the press is saying:
“Western Canada’s loudest heavy metal festival brings fans to town more known for dinos than drum solos.” – CBC Calgary

“Loud as Hell – one of Canada’s top underground metal festivals – was a metal family reunion. If you walked around the grounds, where tents covered the landscape like flowers, you would experience concert goers laughing, hugging and just enjoying the moment. The music played non-stop and the people were some of the best you’ll meet. What else do you need? If you’re a metalhead fan, mark it down for next year because this is a concert you don’t want to miss.” – Blackfalds Life

“Headbanger alert: Loud As Hell festival to ramp up the volume” – Calgary Herald

“Nevermind the bug spray and sun tan lotion, as August approaches Drumheller residents should stock up on earplugs.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud As Hell returns to the southern Alberta city for its seventh year and as its name implies, will rock the city to its core.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud as Hell has celebrated eight years in the Badlands to date, with acts from all over the world-shattering the peace and quiet of the hills in a camping and music extravaganza.” – Hanna Herald

“Drumheller with its dinosaur bones is the site of the annual Loud as Hell heavy metal festival Friday through Sunday. Dozens of the heaviest bands known to Man will be taking the stage, many of them Canadian” – Gig City
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0 VIS MYSTICA Presents Jedi-Themed Power Metal EP “Celestial Wisdom” Out December 2022, ft. guests Ty Christian (Lords of the Trident), David Michael Moote (Operus), Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland) – Produced by Chad Anderson (Helion Prime)

October 24, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Vis Mystica

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2022

VIS MYSTICA Presents Jedi-Themed Power Metal EP “Celestial Wisdom” Out December 2022

ft. guests Ty Christian (Lords of the Trident), David Michael Moote (Operus), Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland)

– Produced by Chad Anderson (Helion Prime) –

Vis Mystica comes from the mind of Pennsylvania’s Connor McCray, who is a massive fan of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and its various lore. So far, all of his lyrics have been his retelling of the Dawn of the Jedi comics from Dark Horse Comics. It’s been a long time coming and now he is ready to unleash the debut EP “Celestial Wisdom” upon the galaxy on December 2nd, 2022 via Dark Star Records. The EP is produced by Chad Anderson (Helion Prime) and so far, three singles have been released to tantalize listeners far and wide.

“Whispering Winds Of Fate” ft. Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland) is the intro song and the shortest song on the EP. It serves as a guide to the main world in which the story takes place – Tython. This song describes the sentient world calling out telepathically to beings spread throughout the galaxy to board ships and come bask in the planet’s knowledge and secrets.

“The Plains of Silence” takes us back to Tython to the Silent Desert, where all sound is nullified and students can meditate on the power of the world. This was the first song written for the EP and definitely has a much more “happy” feel than many of the other songs McCray has written.

“Lux Et Veritas” is another kind of “happy” song but the lyrics tell a completely different story. This song is based on the prisoner Daegen Lok, who was exiled for prophesying a coming war between the Rakatans and the people of Tython.

“We are trying to provide fans with escapism from everyday life and transportation into a fantastical world of magical powers and epic stories. We expect the EP to be received very well; while we take great influence from other bands we are quite confident that we possess a style that is somewhat unique in the Power Metal landscape.” the band comments.

Vis Mystica is recommended for Star Wars fans and those who like Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden. They also have a crowdfunding campaign set up for the EP.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-vis-mystica-fund-celestial-wisdom#/

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

Singles:

The Plains of Silence – https://youtu.be/0QBIGZfYXUs

Lux Et Veritas (ft. David Michael Moote – Operus) – https://youtu.be/t67cf_l_Pmo

Whispering Winds of Fate – ft. Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland) – https://youtu.be/u5JCB_7BOBk

Track Listing:
1. Whispering Winds of Fate (feat. Jonas Heidgert – Dragonland) – 3:58
2. Legacy of the Builders (feat. David Michael Moote – Operus and Ty Christian – Lords of the Trident) – 5:29
3. The Plains of Silence – 4:42
4. Lux Et Veritas (feat. David Michael Moote – Operus) – 5:36
5. Beyond the Gates of Fury – 4:04
EP Length: 23:51

(CD Bonus Tracks)
6. The Plains of Silence (2020 Demo feat. Jesse Isadore)
7. Introitus (2016 Demo)
8. Secrets of the Maps (2016 Instrumental Demo)

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Vis Mystica
• All songs written by: Connor McCray
• Produced by: Chad Anderson
• Mixed by: Chad Anderson
• Mastered by: Chad Anderson
• EP Artwork by: Cody Bucher

EP Band Lineup:
Connor McCray – Guitar, Bass, Orchestration
Devin Dewyer – Vocals
Dillon Trollope – Drums

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/vismysticaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vismystica
Spotify

About: Lingering in the unknown regions of the galaxy for many years, Vis Mystica has returned to known space to unleash an onslaught of music that has not been seen for a thousand generations: Jedi Metal!

Learn the stories of the ancient masters and their battles against the forces of evil in the tales of Vis Mystica. For fans of: Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, Twilight Force, Symphony X, Wintersun

– 30 –

“Vis Mystica is a very interesting power metal band from Pennsylvania. Listening to this group is like finding an oasis in the middle of the driest desert. Although one of its main characteristics is that its music is based on the Star Wars universe, it is fair to say that its music shines by itself and it is not for less, since its influences are not found in its local scene, not even in its country.” – Metal-Rules.com

“Offering escapism from everyday life, Vis Mystica transports listeners into a fantastical world of magical powers and epic stories with their Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic inspired Power Metal. Along with taking great influence from other bands, they possess a style that is unique and holds its own in the power metal landscape.” – Bloodynews.ro

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! ONELEGMAN New Album “Event Horizon” + New Music Video “Chaos Theory”

October 21, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · ONELEGMAN (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 21, 2022

Rockshots Records – Out Now! ONELEGMAN New Album “Event Horizon” + New Music Video “Chaos Theory”

Italian proggers ONELEGMAN are proud to share their latest offering, their new album “Event Horizon”, now available as of October 21, 2022, via Rockshots Records.

The third full-length from the trio, “Event Horizon” is ONELEGMAN’s most peculiar release to follow a new concept for each one of its tracks; to create a mosaic with sounds, lyrics, and graphics in order to show to the listener the direction of their journey. The band explains in further detail:

“‘Event Horizon’ is a journey. A journey in the human intimate, sometimes in the unconscious, exploring the universe to the limit of possible knowledge and consciousness. The research for new worlds, the chaos theory, the last days of a star’s life, the direction of time, entropy, the fourth dimension that is gravity, love as an elementary form of existence, existence as a mere force of attraction, and repulsion between electrons, existence as creatures of God or as sons of physics and chemistry. All different shapes of life itself, like the music we composed: from frenzy guitar riffs to electro-rock ambient. Different musical styles that link each other through words and music.”

It is not the band’s intention to translate the works of scientists such as Greene, Rovelli, Bertone, Hawking, Jim Al-Khalili, and Primo Levi into music, but to take inspiration from their treatises, terminologies, and thoughts to build cosmic and quantum images where they search for the true human essence, perhaps where life is born.

For the album’s release day, the band is also sharing their new music video for their track “Chaos Theory”.

VIDEO – https://youtu.be/qd6_y6JLCG4
LISTEN – https://bfan.link/eventhorizon/spotify

The band adds:

“The time has come to show ourselves in all our beauty. We chose to shoot Chaos Theory, the opening track of the album, in an extraordinary location as difficult to reach as its uniqueness. A special place from which a flap of wings is capable of changing the perspective of everything. The Pietra di Bismantova, Bismatova’s Stone. A tribute to our roots and our territory.”

ONELEGMAN is recommended for fans of Devin Townsend, Faith No More, and Alice In Chains.

Album order – https://bit.ly/EventHorizonCD

Lyric Video – Event Horizon – https://youtu.be/k3G7xb4O0QU

Music Video – Radiate – https://youtu.be/cpxmqujCLcs

Track Listing:
1 – Chaos Theory – 4:12
2 – Magnetar – 3:43
3 – Event Horizon – 4:38
4 – The Line – 3:53
5 – Radiate – 3:43
6 – Steric Hindrance – 4:03
7 – Black Holes Have No Hairs – 4:02
8 – The Order Of Time – 3:12
9 – Cosmos – 2:31
10 – Slaps Two By Two Until They Become Odd – 3:44
Album Length: 37:46

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/onelegmanband
Instagram.com/onelegmanofficial

About:

ONELEGMAN was formed in 2003 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. They introduced themselves to the world with their 2007 self-produced EP. In 2011, they collaborated with Dysfunction Production, an Italian team of producers who worked with Dino Cazares (Fear Factory), Tue Madsen (Meshuggah), Logan Mader (Machine Head) and Dan Korneff (Paramore), Bjorn Strid (Soilwork) among the others to produce their debut album “The Crack”.

In 2015, they released their sophomore full-length “DO YOU REALLY THINK THIS WORLD WAS MADE FOR YOU?”. The record was a more rock-oriented, dynamic, orchestral concept album about people experiencing, living, and interpreting the theme of change through a tragedy that leaves a mark on their lives forever. It was dedicated to those affected by the earthquakes that struck the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy during May 2012.

Supporting their catalogue with tours across Italy and sharing the stage with bands like HATEBREED, WOLFMOTHER, and LACUNA COIL among many others, ONELEGMAN entered the studio in 2019 to create their third album, “Event Horizon” now set for release in 2022.

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Out Now! Boston Metalcore PISTACIA Get “Edgy” With Debut EP + New Music Video “It Was The Cat”

October 21, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Pistacia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 21, 2022

Out Now! Boston Metalcore PISTACIA Get “Edgy” With Debut EP + New Music Video “It Was The Cat”

Pistacia is a young metalcore act hailing from Boston, USA and they are now streaming their debut EP “Edgy”. They have been leading up to this release by releasing a handful of singles, the most recent being the homage to self-harm entitled “It Was The Cat”. They confront serious issues with heavy music and offer the listener empathy through breakdowns and anguished screams. The upcoming EP is about different symptoms/aspects of mental illness and will be relatable to a wide variety of fans. Their sound brings elements from 2007-2010 metalcore and they make music for people who miss that amazing era of music. That being said they make sure to incorporate plenty of modern breakdowns that make you want to mosh. The band comments on the introductory record:

“At our inception, having some sort of overarching principle seemed like an open question, a sun at which we dare not look too long—it seemed daunting. How do we make our disparate agents, these myriad tastes and backgrounds, and ideas and emotions thrive, and not simply collide? What was once a threat is a challenge we’ve willingly accepted; let’s redefine rock in our image—in one word if you will—edgy. We stitch together the jagged edges of unwanted puzzle pieces left discarded in the bin; our collage knows no two parts that its whole won’t embrace graciously…the red and black, the fusion, funk and slam, the upbeat harmonic ecstasy of a chorus and the atonal cataclysm that preceded it and often follows menacingly.”

Pistacia hopes that others find order in the chaos, healing in the vulnerability of morose, panicked, and earnest lyrics, and most of all meaning in the pathos. They got together due to a shared love of pushing boundaries, questioning norms, and disrespecting authority, and hopefully, it yields as potent a catharsis to listeners as it does to them.

Their goal is to have people who can relate to the lyrics feel seen. Each track on “Edgy” is about mental illness whether it be a symptom of a straight-up diagnosis. They make music for people who are scared and voiceless. Pistascia is recommended for anyone who enjoyed the heyday of the emo times, especially those with an interest in Bring Me the Horizon, Motionless in White, and Kittie.

“Edgy” is out on October 21, 2022, and available on Spotify, Apple Music, Pistacia.bandcamp.com.

Music Video – “It Was The Cat” – https://youtu.be/alpM9aI0BjQ

Tour Dates:
Oct 22 – Starlite – Southbridge, MA
Oct 25 – Diversity Consignment – Jamaica Plain, MA
Oct 26 – Millhill Basement – Trenton, MA
Nov 12 – Providence, RI – The Alchemy

Track Listing
1. It Was the Cat – 4:00
2. N. Hale – 4:00
3. Fake a Smile – 4:00
EP Length: 12:00

EP Band Lineup:
Vic Gregg – Vocals
Theo Chaouat – Guitar
Ben Sonsire-Cummings – Guitar
Ron Bernhaut – Bass

Live Band Line Up:
Vic Gregg – Vocals
Theo Chaouat – Guitar
Ben Sonsire-Cummings – Guitar
Ron Bernhaut – Bass
Thomson Estabrook – Drums

For more info:
http://pistaciaofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/Pistacia-104625968817408
https://www.instagram.com/pistaciaofficial
https://twitter.com/pistaciaband

About: In late 2019, Vic Gregg founded Gen-Z, an emo-throwback metalcore outfit. Members Ron Bernhaut, Theo Chaouat, Ben Sonsire-Cummings, and Thomson Estabrook complete the aesthetic onslaught that comprises Pistacia’s live show—in the scene’s dearth of energetic performance, the band found their niche, bringing blistering riffs to tight compact venues with pure animus and palpable vitriol. They have a nostalgia-borne affinity for all things emo and maintain a reckless proclivity for gothic imagery and provocative allure. With a marriage between heavy breakdowns, catchy choruses, and pathos-driven lyrics, Pistacia is that edgy, rebellious act you’ve been craving.

Shared stage with:
The HU, Mudfuck, Quarantined, Reapercussion, Survive the Sun, Proxies, Spite

Discography:
It Was the Cat – 2022 – EP
Hematophagous – 2021 (single)
Loaded Gun – 2021 (single)
Melatonin – 2021 (single)

– 30 –

0 IMMORTAL GUARDIAN Issue New Single/Music Video for “Perfect Person”

October 21, 2022
by Asher
· Immortal Guardian (M-Theory Audio) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 21, 2022

IMMORTAL GUARDIAN Issue New Single/Music Video for “Perfect Person”

4th new song offered from the Power/Progressive Metal band’s upcoming new album

Photo Credit – Arturo Pina

As Power/Progressive Metal band IMMORTAL GUARDIAN continues building their next opus, the group issues “Perfect Person” as the fourth sample of their new work. Recording independently and remotely the quartet is assembling the follow-up to 2021’s successful ‘Psychosomatic’ track-by-track and sharing the material as it completes, along with visually captivating music videos, that again the self-contained group produces themselves.

“Perfect Person” is available now for streaming/download at all digital platforms or watch the video at https://youtu.be/MRTrNHlC90A

“I grew up in a very religious Mexican family. It was a big part of our lives, especially every Sunday morning when we went to church,” explains guitarist/keyboardist Gabriel Guardian. “But one day, our pastor had a heart attack while in the middle of a sexual act cheating on his wife and died right there in the church after-hours. It was absolutely bonkers and I remember it really stirred up the moral point-of-views in our tiny Texas town.We stopped going to church after that and really started questioning why we were there, to begin with.You see, some Christians had such a bad taste of the church that they left religion altogether and felt lied to and deceived, while others said the Christian thing to do would be to forgive him and move on and find another church. It was super interesting to grow up and watch both sides of this play out. This made a very interesting topic to write about and it definitely fueled the spark for ‘Perfect Person.’

At the end of the day, it is about NOT over-idolizing and over-glorifying religious figures, politicians, celebrities, even musicians, and the like. I wonder if that pastor had just lived his life and died a non-religious man, nobody would have been bothered, but because everyone sought this man’s advice every week, got baptized by him, got married by him, and put his words and lifestyle on a pedestal, it made it that much more devastating. Everyone can pin a local ‘icon’ in their minds as a perfect figure that could do no wrong and preach endless golden words when in fact, he is just a mortal man with mortal sin.”

Heavy topics are not unfamiliar to Immortal Guardian whose previous album focused on the Covid pandemic, likely the first full album to be thematically linked to the disease and its effect on the globe and its people. In the past year, Immortal Guardian has revealed three brand new songs — “Ozona,” “Echoes” and “Southern Rain” forming a basis for their next conceptual piece. The band will continue to share new material as the creative process proceeds to build up to a follow-up full-length traditional album planned for 2023. More info will be released by Immortal Guardian and M-Theory Audio in the weeks and months to follow, including new tour dates. https://www.facebook.com/igmetal/.

IMMORTAL GUARDIAN is:
Gabriel Guardian – guitars/keyboards
Carlos Zema – vocals
Justin Piedimonte – drums
Joshua Lopez – bass

For more info:
https://www.immortalguardian.net
https://www.facebook.com/igmetal
https://immortalguardian.bandcamp.com
www.smarturl.com/immortalguardian

– 30 –

“A mega-catchy prog-power anthem (Read Between The Lines) mixed with a blend of crushing performances that’ll leave you salivating for more.” – Metal Injection

“Immortal Guardian are a band that are so technically proficient that it’s infuriating. Gabriel Guardian is, as usual, the star of Psychosomatic with his self-dueling guitar/keyboard work, but the shiny new rhythm section is right there with him. The album covers a lot of ground. It’s power metal at it’s core but some moments sound very Dethklok, while others have a bit of a Latin flare, and you’re also getting classical influences.” – Metal Injection

“Psychosomatic, an album that will likely be viewed as one of 2021’s best releases, and a landmark record for Immortal Guardian. ” – Metal Nation

““Psychosomatic” is a super catchy (Prog) Power Metal album” – Metalheads Forever Magazine

“With this album (Psychosomatic) Immortal Guardian should no longer be seen as a promising band. Not only have they shown that they have an enormous compositional quality and an elite technical level, they have also shown that they are a band that faces difficulties and that they have all the will to continue. Making a high-quality second album two years after their dazzling debut tells us about the enormous inner power these musicians have.” – Metal Rules

““QUARAN-TAAAAAYN!” No matter what you think about Immortal Guardian, it’s refreshing to hear a band that plays their style while confronting modern life. Though there’s a lot of big, epic, technical stuff going on on Psychosomatic, it never devolves into a lot of bullshit about chivalry and orcs. As such, they feel poised to be the inheritors of Nevermore’s throne, a gritty power metal band who feel relevant even as they soar. Get this in your brain.” – The Pit

“If you enjoyed Age of Revolution, you are bound to be thrilled by Psychosomatic. The band continues to up their game with technical thrills, but grounds it in some darker and personal songwriting that gives it a slight edge over their previous material. An easy pick-up for those in the power/prog section.” – Dead Rhetoric

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