Category: Music News

0 Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveil a Quentin Tarantino Inspired Story Video for Their Song “War of Attrition” + Tour Dates (FL, GA)

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Aittala (Exitus Stratagem Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Exitus Stratagem Records – AITTALA Unveil a Quentin Tarantino Inspired Story Video for Their Song “War of Attrition”

“Live to Regret” Out Now!

March 2023 Tour Dates! (FL, GA)

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

Offering up a unique, progressive, and memorable sound with traditional heavy metal, sludge, and doom at its core, North Carolina’s Aittala unleashed its sixth full-length album “Live to Regret” this past November via Exitus Stratagem Records. Lyrically, the album chronicles a chaotic period of time for members of the band personally as well as the global events happening in parallel.

Today, in support of the full-length, Aittala is unveiling their next music video for the track “War of Attrition”; a Quentin Tarantino-inspired story video where the hunter unsuspectedly becomes the victim.

Watch “War of Attrition” via its video premiere on Invisible Oranges HERE.

Aittala‘s latest album “Live to Regret” has eleven tracks, each defying the limits of genre rules. There is the thrash-inspired track “Cannibals” that confronts the tightening grip of governmental monitoring and control. The sludgy “Big Brother” – is about the devolution/zombification of the human race due to technology. The smoky stoner infused “Never Forget” talks about dealing with a toxic person along with many more.

Band founder Eric Aittala adds:

“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 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.”

Fans can expect more music in the works, and there are no plans to stop writing and releasing new material. An eclectic mix of metal, “Live to Regret” is recommended for fans of Baroness, Crowbar, and Katatonia.

“Live to Regret” was released (Nov 7, 2022) by 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 order: https://hypeddit.com/aittala/livetoregret

In additional news, Aittala will be doing a mini tour during March 2023 in Florida and Georgia (dates listed below).

Tour Dates:
March 1 – Rain Dogs – Jacksonville, FL
March 2 – Propaganda – Lake Worth, FL
March 3 – Uncle Lous – Orlando, FL
March 4 – Sweetwater Bar and Grill – Duluth, GA

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

Aittala is:
Gary ‘Smith’ Zeus (Drums)
Eric Aittala (Guitar/Vox)
Ali Lugo (Bass)

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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“Aittala Offer Powerful Pandemic Post-Mortem on ‘Live to Regret’… Stick it on a playlist with Apostle of Solitude, Crowbar, Famyne, and Paradise Lost, with a dash of Slayer for good measure.” – Doomed and Stoned

“One of the best albums for 2022” – 666MrDoom YouYube Channel

“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 Shores Of Null Reflect On Past Horrors In Sorrowful Video “My Darkest Years” Off “The Loss Of Beauty” Out March 2023 + EU Tour w/ Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Shores of Null (Spikerot Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Shores Of Null Reflect On Past Horrors In Sorrowful Video “My Darkest Years”

New Album “The Loss Of Beauty” Out March 2023

EU Tour w/ Swallow The Sun, Draconian, Avatarium

Rome’s Shores of Null is explaining their discography of melancholic doom with their fourth album “The Loss Of Beauty”, arriving March 24th, 2023. Stylistically, “The Loss Of Beauty” continues along the sulcus set forth by “Quiescence” (2014) and “Black Drapes For Tomorrow” (2017). It’s melancholic dark metal with a wide range of influences, from gothic metal to doom and melodic black/death, with frequent use of vocal harmonies and deep growls. The next single “My Darkest Years” is an emotional homage to stories told to guitarist Raffaele Colace by his grandfather, a WWII veteran. He share the details:

“He was taken prisoner in Russia, but he managed to escape and he traveled all the way to Greece, where he hid for a few years in the countryside, in a swamp between the trees, sometimes in a pigpen. In his stories, he told of a woman that brought him a piece of bread every now and then, thus saving him from hunger. Although he managed to escape and survive the war and return to his family in Italy, sorrow never left him for the rest of his life. Whenever he recalled these memories, his eyes were full of tears, and we know for sure that the horrors he saw were way bigger than anything he was able to tell.”

Vocalist Davide Straccione takes his inspiration from daily life, in particular stories with a deep emotional meaning. Most of the time it’s the mood of the song that inspires him to write about a certain topic, and writing lyrics with a melody in mind allows him to visualize what he wants to tell. For “The Loss Of Beauty” some of the lyrics came after talking to Martina (Sanda Movies) about a few ideas for some of their videos, creating a triple connection between the music, the words, and the images.

Recommended for fans of anything dark and dreary, especially those with an existing interest in Enslaved, Swallow The Sun, and Borknagar.

Watch and listen to the music video for “My Darkest Years” (created by Underrom Studio) via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“The Loss Of Beauty” is due out March 24th, 2023.

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

Music Video – “Nothing Left To Burn” – https://youtu.be/wuP14Dgx4F4

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

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

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

Shores Of Null on their upcoming European tour with Swallow The Sun, Draconian and Avatarium in April/May 2023: https://www.shoresofnull.com/tour
02/04/2023 – Parkteatret – Oslo (NO)
04/04/2023 – Pumpehuset – Copenhagen (DK)
05/04/2023 – HeadCrash – Hamburg (DE)
06/04/2023 – Doornroosje – Nijmegen (NL)
07/04/2023 – Het Entrpot – Brugge (BE)
08/04/2023 – Rebellion – Manchester (UK)
09/04/2023 – Slay – Glasgow (UK)
10/04/2023 – Limelight 2 – Belfast (UK)
11/04/2023 – Whelan’s . Dublin (IRE)
12/04/2023 – The Underworld . London (UK)
13/04/2023 – Essigfabrik – Köln (DE)
14/04/2023 – Matrix – Bochum (DE)
15/04/2023 – Colos-Saal – Aschaffenburg (DE)
16/04/2023 – Im Wizemann – Stutgart (DE)
17/04/2023 – Le Grillen – Colmar (FR)
18/04/2023 – Backstage – Paris (FR)
19/04/2023 – Le Ferrailleur – Nantes (FR)
20/04/2023 – Le Rex – Toulouse (FR)
21/04/2023 – Sala Changó – Madrid (ES)
22/04/2023 – Sala Bóveda – Barcelona (ES)
23/04/2023 – Secret Place – Montpellier (FR)
24/04/2023 – CCO Villeurbanne – Lyon (FR)
25/04/2023 – Legend Club – Milan (IT)
26/04/2023 – Orto Bar – Ljubljana (SLO)
27/04/2023 – Schüür – Luzern (CH)
28/04/2023 – Undertown – Meyrin (CH)
29/04/2023 – Caves du Manoir – Martigny (CH)
30/04/2023 – Backstage – Munich (DE)
01/05/2023 – Dürer Kert – Budapest (HU)
02/05/2023 – Viper Room – Vienna (AT)
03/05/2023 – Futurum – Prague (CZ)
04/05/2023 – Hole44 – Berlin (DE)
05/05/2023 – Drizzly Grizzly – Gdansk (PL)
06/05/2023 – Klub Łącznik- Wrocław (PL)
07/05/2023 – UT Connewitz – Leipzig (DE)

For more info: Spikerot.com | Shoresofnull.com | Facebook.com/shoresofnull | Instagram.com/shoresofnull | Twitter.com/shoresofnull

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

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

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

– 30 –

Shores of Null continues to impress and expand upon their doomy sound. An epic-length track worthy to sit amongst the best of these ventures (Edge of Sanity, Insomnium). Emotionally fulfilling and musically satisfying all at once.” – Dead Rhetoric (Best-of 2020)

“this album definitely is one of the best Doom Metal pieces I had the pleasure to look at in 2020. Once you plunge into its astonishing flow, there will be no escape from that majestic march through soaring soundscapes to those tear-drenched horizons.” – Rock Music Raider (Best of 2020)

“it’s certainly ambitious (video for “Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying)”), but if you have the time, it’s worth the watch. Steeped in quality and excellent videography, it definitely deserves the attention for the amount of effort used.” – Metal Injection

“Shores of Null rolled the dice with Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) and delivered in a big fucking way… Shores of Null have crafted something special; a heart-wrenchingly emotive and beautiful journey of sorrow, anguish, pain, and acceptance. Beyond the Shores (On Death and Dying) is a splendidly sombre, brilliantly written opus of commanding death-doom that demands attention.” – Teeth of The Divine

“this album is phenomenal, both in terms of concept and its monumental delivery… with this magnum opus [Shores Of Null] have proved their position front and centre as depressed doom-titans…” – The Sleeping Shaman

“Beyond The Shores (On Death and Dying)” is a near perfect, monumental achievement of doom. I can’t imagine any fan of the style not finding something here to enjoy.” – Metal Temple

“An enchanting, gloomy opus.” – Moshville Times

“A single track of incredibly well-realised melodic doom metal, layered with all sorts of treats and nuanced delivery.” – Wonderbox Metal

“A piece of delicious despair, delivered on a platter of storm-ridden and excellently executed Doom Metal. A record that left anybody else in the genre in 2020 quaking in their wake.” – Rock Music Raider

“their most intricate and brooding work to date… grandiose emotional impact.” – Metal Storm

—
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 Rethink Traditional Heavy Metal With ODINFIST’s “Deadline” Off “Remade in Steel” Out March 2023

February 9, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Odinfist

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 9, 2023

Rethink Traditional Heavy Metal With ODINFIST’s “Deadline”

New Album “Remade In Steel” Out March 2023

Hailing from British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley in Canada, Odinfist are well known around the country for their distinctive brand of traditional heavy metal that is wrapped up in a fun-loving and energetic package. They’ve been around for 16 years, and have an impressive discography under their belts. Their latest addition to this is “Remade in Steel”, six pummeling tracks that lay on heavy riffs, fun choruses, and enough variance to get anyone excited about what is coming next. The third single is “Deadline” – this is the Metallica song, it is also the Megadeth song. It goes from doomy to thrashy, with lots of chromatic riffages. The lyrics are about trying to survive under pressure, crushing anxiety, and running out of time. The band comments:

“This is the last song that we wrote for the album, and it came together rather quickly. There are a lot of twists and turns in this song. It builds from a doomy intro to a groovy verse and chorus and then explodes into a frantic, thrashing ending. Both the lyrics and music have a darker vibe and tone to them. The vocals get pretty unhinged and “crazy” on this song.”

According to the band, their music has become more melodic and complex over the years. They’ve been pushing the confines of traditional metal, by incorporating other subgenres. They had been doing the whole traditional metal thing for about 10 years before it really got cool again. “Back then, the only thing like that really going on was 3 Inches of Blood”. Now they are stoked there is way more new traditional metal to also draw influence from.

Each song on “Remade in Steel” offers a unique musical experience, where you don’t always know what’s going to come next in a song or a track. The end result is a complete album that has a little bit for everyone, and a sense of completion at the very end. They are recommended for fans of Eternal Champion, Cauldron, and Anvil.

Listen to “Deadline” via its premiere on SonicPerspectives HERE.

“Remade In Steel” is due out on March 10, 2023, and is available for pre-order at https://odinfist.bandcamp.com/album/remade-in-steel

Previous singles:

“Riffmaster” – https://youtu.be/uJyYAEJxxvY

“Metalmancer” – https://youtu.be/f-xZCqGH_VI

Track Listing:
1. Riffmaster – 6:28
2. Metalmancer – 4:36
3. Remade in Steel – 5:16
4. Allfather – 6:52
5. Deadline – 5:16
6. Masquerade – 8:34
Album Length: 37:02

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Odinfist
• All songs written by: Odinfist
• Produced by: Shane Bouthillier
• Mixed by: Shane Bouthillier
• Mastered by: Shane Bouthillier
• Album Artwork by: Art of Grimmuza
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Tyler Anderson – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Bradley Caulien – Drums
Justin Ketterer – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Jesse Valstar – Bass

For more info: Facebook.com/Odinfist | Instagram.com/odinfist.official

About: Odinfist has been bringing heavy metal to the Okanagan Valley for sixteen years, and has participated in a variety of major shows and festivals across Western Canada. They have played with a variety of other bands such as Kataklysm, Thor, 3 Inches of Blood, etc. Members of Odinfist are also very involved with the Okanagan Metal scene. The band is all about fun, melodic heavy metal that you mosh, party, or just have a good time to, with a relentlessly energetic and entertaining live show.

– 30 –

“…pure and hard Heavy Metal, from the old school, in the purest style of IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, and other bands of the well-known NWOBHM…” – Necromance Magazine

“Odinfist has a damn good grasp on the metal jugular without ruining the authenticity of the medium.” – Metalpsalter

“They capture the old school sound better than most of the competition, without a doubt” – Foul Feast Webzine

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0 NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Unleashes Shredding Guitar / Vox Video For “Victims of the Algorithm”

February 8, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Narcotic Wasteland

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 8, 2023

NARCOTIC WASTELAND’s Unleashes Shredding Guitar / Vox Video For “Victims of the Algorithm”

Photo Credit – Andrea Roberts

2022 was a very active year for South Carolina’s Narcotic Wasteland founded by guitarist Dallas Toler-Wade. The band had tours supporting ACCEPT and Malevolent Creation plus a performance at Rustfest (Detroit, MI) along with sharing with fans three new singles “Morality and the Wasp”, “The Best Times Have Passed” and “Victims of the Algorithm”, which will appear on the band’s forthcoming album due out later in 2023.

Today, Narcotic Wasteland is unveiling the latest guitar and vocal playthrough for their latest single “Victims of the Algorithm”, a crushing speed storm of death thrash, with its visceral vocals, and a demolishing blast beat to annihilate the mosh pit.

Check out the playthrough via its premiere on MetalSucks HERE.

“This guitar/ vocal playthrough was footage taken from the video shoot for our latest single Victims of the algorithm. We had rehearsed the song a good bit before the tour and had about two weeks out on the road to play the song live. So even though it’s just a video I feel I got the performances pretty close to the studio version. Kenji Tsunami with Tsunami films once again does a fantastic job!” adds Dallas Toler-Wade.

Narcotic Wasteland is currently working on their forthcoming 2023 album to be released via Megaforce Records (release date to be determined). The single “Victims of the Algorithm” was recorded with engineer, and producer Erik Schultek who is no stranger to the band having recorded drums, engineered, and produced their self-titled debut album. The band’s 2023 album will be the follow-up to their sophomore full-length 2017’s “Delirium Tremens”.

Stream for “Victims of the Algorithm” available at https://orcd.co/nwvota

Inspired mostly by thrash metal and classic heavy metal, Narcotic Wasteland is becoming more thrash and speed and less death metal and getting better at writing material that is meaningful and powerful. They are recommended for fans of Vader, Death, The Crown, Autopsy, Pestilence, and Nile.

Previous singles:

“Morality and the Wasp” – https://youtu.be/fXThLKTP-xI

“The Best Times Have Passed” – https://youtu.be/U6kB087hGyY

Show Dates:
Friday, June 23, 2023 – The Concert North – Houston, TX
Saturday, June 24, 2023 – The Rail Club – Forth Worth, TX
Sunday, June 25, 2023 – Boozerz Rock Club – Corpus Christi, TX

For more info:

https://www.narcoticwasteland.com
http://www.facebook.com/narcoticwasteland
https://www.instagram.com/narcoticwastelandofficial
https://twitter.com/Narco_Wasteland

About:

Narcotic Wasteland started as a side project Dallas Toler-Wade had been working on the past few years when he was not touring or in the writing/studio with metal heavyweights “Nile.”

‘So I just started writing some songs kind of more in the style of things I was playing before my time in Nile. The more we started working on these demos the more we wanted to complete an album and take it to the stage!!! Our observation of what was going on in parts of the town we grew up in and in other parts of the world fueled a new level of angst for me personally.” DTW

– 30 –

“The song (Victims of the Algorithm) takes on lightning-fast and heavy riffs, in the tradition of the band, and the lyrics tackle our dependence on social media in the modern age.” – Decibel Magazine

“Dallas-Toler Wade, back with the riffs. (The Best Times Have Passed) – Metal Injection

0 Surface Of The Sun Reveals Music Video For Empowering, Progressive And Catchy Single “Dragon”

February 7, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Surface of The Sun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2023

Surface Of The Sun Reveals Music Video For Empowering, Progressive And Catchy Single “Dragon”

Canada’s Surface of the Sun is a solo project by Devon Eggers, with almost 100% of all things being created and done by him. Each of his recordings (1 full-length and 2 EPs) have been a massive undertaking, making Surface of the Sun one of the most “independent” and “solo” projects anyone will encounter. His latest release is a two-track EP entitled “Dragon”, featuring the title track and song “Vanguard”, which were written purposely to contrast. He explains the title track, which is available now in video form:

“I’m trying to give fans a taste of what Surface of the Sun is from both ends of the spectrum. Dragon being from something catchier, and Vanguard from something deeper and more progressive. Dragon was written to be on the fringe of what I would normally classify as a Surface of the Sun song. I had the radio in mind when I wrote this and tried to keep the song within boundaries that one typically needs for airplay, but still make sure it has the Surface of the Sun feel.”

“Dragon” is a catchy, yet heavy track, that is driven by a kick drum like a dance song would be. It even has, after the bridge, an EDM-like “drop” into the final chorus. It blends a dance-like feel into a prog-rock track. Thematically, it represents inner strength and was inspired after Eggers watched an episode of Game of Thrones. He’d been searching for something to represent that strength having already known how he wanted the lyrics to connect to the previous single, “Oblivion” (which peaked at #26 on Canadian Top 40 Radio Charts – Jan 2020) off the 2019 EP “Panacea”, Eggers hopes that with his music he can give listeners a musical soundscape that is both catchy, but is also something they can get lost in. The type of music one can close their eyes to, shut off all the lights, and just be carried away by the sounds and melodies.

Surface Of The Sun is recommended for fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Chevelle.

Watch the music video for “Dragon” at https://youtu.be/jYFvcUP0cQw

EP “Dragon” was released on Aug 17, 2020, and is available at Surfaceofthesunmusic.com/shop, Surfaceofthesun.bandcamp.com, Spotify.

Track Listing:
1. Dragon (3:47)
2. Vanguard (6:19)
EP Length: 10:06

EP Credits:
Music: All music and lyrics written and performed by Devon Eggers, except the drums, which were performed by Chris Warunki.
Produced, recorded, edited, and mixed by Devon Eggers at Surface of the Sun Studios.
Mastered by Andrew Downton at Railtown Mastering.
EP Artwork: By Vohrart
Member of SOCAN
Content is Canadian Music (MAPL)

For more info: Surfaceofthesunmusic.com | Instagram.com/surface_of_the_sun_music | Facebook.com/surfaceofthesun

– 30 –

“Panacea is a very well put together release and really showcases Eggers’ production and musical skills” – Powerplay Magazine UK (2019 – Panacea EP)

0 Saskatoon’s DESPITE THE REVERENCE Unleashes Video For Technical Single “Cyborg” Off “Stress Of Evolution” Out April 2023

February 7, 2023
by Asher
· Despite The Reverence · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, Qc – February 7, 2023

Saskatoon’s DESPITE THE REVERENCE Unleashes Video For Technical Single “Cyborg”

“Stress Of Evolution” Out April 14th

Despite The Reverence, a staple in the Canadian music scene for the last decade now has a brand new album “Stress Of Evolution” coming out this April. It’s a twelve-track, neck-breaking monster of an album that builds on all of their previous work and cumulates into a release that is accessible, yet devastating. The second look into this dynamic album is the single “Cyborg”, which the band details:

“One of the more technical songs on the album featuring a blistering opening lead riff and heavy pounding guitars under the verse sections of the song. The vocals are heavy and growling over the verses but break into a melodic crescendo during the chorus. The song slips into a quiet dark interlude in the middle section which builds in intensity back into the chorus and outro. The lyrics touch on the melding of humans and robotics.”

Watch and listen to “Cyborg”

Despite The Reverence wanted the album to be dynamic from heavy to melodic and accomplished that with a mixture of tempos, styles, and instrumentation. They cite that variety is the spice of life and they tried to bring everything under one roof creating unique and interesting compositions which flow together under a common concept.

When playing live, they are very professional and love putting on a big live show including lights, smoke, and stage backdrops. They write the set to flow together and generally do not take a lot of pauses or chit-chat. They figure the fans are there to hear the music so they keep the songs flowing as they play with high energy and intensity. They are recommended listening for fans of Pantera, Tool, and Black Sabbath.

“Stress Of Evolution” comes out on April 14th, 2023.

Previous single “Primate Centurion” – Music Video – https://youtu.be/0ehkuCbxB-M

Track Listing:
1. Cyborg – 5:41
2. Khali Yuga – 4:33
3. Surprise Kill Vanish – 4:42
4. Primate Centurion – 6:11
5. Killing Plebs – 3:54
6. Fears Of Our Fathers – 1:45
7. Stress Of Evolution – 5:02
8. Human Obsolete – 4:28
9. Thinning The Herd – 3:19
10 .War Machine – 4:55
11. At My Door Knocks Death – 5:47
12. Disco Death Tech – 4:07
Album Length:

For more info: Facebook.com/despitethereverence | Instagram.com/despitethereverence | Twitter.com/DTRofficialband

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0 Out Now! Multi-Instrumentalist MATT MILLER’s Remastered Album “Decrepit Shed”

February 3, 2023
by Asher
· Matt Miller · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 3, 2023

Out Now! Multi-Instrumentalist MATT MILLER’s Remastered Album “Decrepit Shed”

Matt Miller – Photo Credit – Luna Rose Wolf

Two years almost to the day, Akademia-Award-winning producer, engineer, and songwriting shredder Matt Miller unveils the remastered version of his first full-length of originals entitled “Decrepit Shed” via Blood Blast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast & Believe Digital. “Decrepit Shed” was originally recorded at the peak of Covid-19 lockdowns and released in February 2021. The re-release was freshly remastered by Matt Miller himself.

“The original release of Decrepit Shed was extremely ambitious while still full of nuance and depth. Like standing back and viewing a painting to see the bigger picture I felt that the smallest details which gave Decrepit Shed its foundation were somewhat obscured. The remastered version brings all these small but crucial pieces into focus and takes an already exciting listening experience to another level. The remastered version of Decrepit Shed takes an extremely strong 2-dimensional album and brings it into a 3-dimensional world.” says Miller.

Soaring, crushing, ferocious, emotive, and relentless, are words that strongly describe “Decrepit Shed”. The album has a lot to offer from various metal sub-genres and encompasses the best elements of technical guitar playing while still having well-written songs.

“Decrepit Shed” is now available as of February 3, 2023, on digital platforms at the following links:

(Spotify, Apple Music) – https://bfan.link/decrepit-shed-remastered

Bandcamp – https://mattmiller2.bandcamp.com/album/decrepit-shed-remastered

Step into the Light – Guitar Playthrough – https://youtu.be/3hwcBIFQOjA

Fans can also check out Matt Miller‘s his latest instrumental album “Monument of Velocity” released this past July, which also took him on the CYBER SHRED TOUR with Rings of Saturn, Extortionist, Distinguisher, and Voraath.

Containing eight tracks full of technical and progressive metal eliciting feelings of suspense, and tension while being fun, melodic, and brutally heavy, “Monument of Velocity” was well received by fans, especially those into bands such as Jeff Loomis, Necrophagist, Dragon Force and Obscura. Can listen to the album at https://mattmiller2.bandcamp.com/album/monument-of-velocity.

Track Listing:
1. Through the Doorway (1:38)
2. Step into the Light (2:55)
3. Smoldering Ruin (2:33)
4. Skynet Sonata (4:32)
5. Downward and Onward (3:39)
6. Noise Shaping (4:44)
7. Meddling of Wizards (3:07)
8. Tension and Release (4:31)
Album Length: 26:04

Album Credits:
All music written by Matt Miller
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered, and Produced by Matt Miller at The Kill Box 2021 Album art by Hand Rot Art
Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, and Programming by Matt Miller
Remastered 2022 by Matt Miller at the Kill Box

For more info:
https://mattmillerhhakmusi.wixsite.com/mattm
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100052177364686
https://www.instagram.com/mattmiller630

Matt Miller is endorsed by:
Kahler USA
EMG Pickups
GHS Strings
Stevens Cables and Effects Pedals

Booking – Extreme Management Group
Mark Kloeppel – emg.markkloeppel[@]gmail[.]com

About:
Akademia-Award-winning producer, engineer, and songwriter MATT MILLER side-steps these industry achievements to embark on something deeply introspective and personal; a transcendent, reactionary and vile personage embodying soaring progressive melodies and captivating crushing rhythms which engulf the listener in black clouds of desperation and shimmering hope.

Drawing upon the gut-wrenching timed-precision of European death metal stalwarts NECROPHAGIST and SPAWN OF POSSESSION, MATT MILLER progressively blends this approach with deep synthetic and symphonic atmospheres like that of DEVIN TOWNSEND, often arriving at surprisingly emotive and heart-clenching metallic passages like that of RIVERS OF NIHIL.

Calling upon other single-member death metal projects such as PUTRID PILE or INSIDIOUS DECREPANCY, the live performance can best be described as a reclaiming and repainting of the earth by a relentlessly sweeping and deranged berzerker appealing to the vast minions of the extreme music. The combination of elements within MATT MILLER distills the traditions of the international metal realm, the progressive atmospheres of modernity, and reactions to a vile world into a single unrelenting persona of despair and vengeance.

MATT MILLER’s first self-produced instrumental EP came in 2017, drawing on influences from classic metal bands such as MEGADETH and IRON MAIDEN to shredders like YNGWIE MALMSTEEN and PAUL GILBERT, while combining a technical death metal approach to create a maximum intensity music with a frenetic and frantic feel and ferocious atmosphere. Since then, and a few releases into this brief career, MATT MILLER boasts 12,000 consistent monthly listeners on Spotify before hitting the international touring circuit. This was garnered from his 2017 EP, the 2021 self-released ‘Decrepit Shed’ LP, the ‘Reekomposer/Decomposer’ covers double LP, as well as the ‘8E’s’ 1980’s themed covers LP.

In 2022 Matt released the formidable original instrumental LP Monument of Velocity on Blood Blast Distribution. Matt also toured supporting Rings of Saturn on the CYBER SHRED TOUR 2022. 29 shows encompassing the continental United States. Matt has released the cover LP Only What the Light Allows through Blood Blast Distribution as well.

Matt Miller hails from the rain soaked northern Oregon Coast; influenced by the natural foreboding environment. Moving into the present, MATT MILLER has joined up with Extreme Management Group to spread a singularly relentless auditory mind-bend.

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! Australia’s NOTHING SACRED EP “Leviathan”

February 3, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Nothing Sacred (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 3, 2023

Rockshots Records – Out Now! Australia’s NOTHING SACRED EP “Leviathan”

Out now! Australia’s Nothing Sacred unleash their new EP “Leviathan” via Rockshots Records to follow their first album in 30 years entitled “No Gods” released in 2021.

“The 2021 album “No Gods” was well received so we were keen to get back into the studio and follow up as quickly as possible. The new release is another mix of new tracks and older tracks that builds on what we did with “No Gods”. We think it takes things a step forward – Sacred fans will find plenty to enjoy.” adds the band.

Fans of Nothing Sacred will notice on the band’s forthcoming EP “Leviathan” that there has been a lineup change that now sees the return of Chris Stark taking the reins as lead vocalist, replacing James Davies. Stark had previously sung with the band for a number of years and has now returned in time to lay down the vocal tracks for their next monster.

The EP “Leviathan” has plenty of riffs, killer solos, and big melodies from vocalist Chris Stark. The EP also includes the song “Sudden Death”, a thrashy unreleased track that was a mainstay during the band’s live gigs in the mid-’80s plus re-recordings of a few tracks from the band’s first album “Let Us Prey” and two new songs. All the new songs were written in group sessions with everyone jamming, throwing around riffs and arrangements into the mix. Overall, the EP is a blend of old and new, and something they could get done without a follow-up taking too long.

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

Digital – https://bfan.link/Leviathan

Track Listing:
1. Leviathan – 3:27
2. Drone – 4:35
3. Guardian – 3:40
4. SirMegma – 3:02
5. Sudden Death – 2:29
6. DroneTrance – 4:33
EP Length: 21:49

Nothing Sacred is:
Stu Bedford – Guitar
Chris Stark – Vocals
Karl Lean – Bass
Sham – Drums
George Larin – Guitar

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/NothingSacredMetal | Instagram.com/nothingsacredaustralia | Nothingsacredau.bandcamp.com

About: Conceived in Melbourne in 1983, Nothing Sacred went on hiatus for two decades. During the 80s, the heavy metal band unleashed their EP “Deathwish”, which catapulted them as one of the most sought-after pit makers with the record’s title track becoming a classic within the Australian metal scene. Three years later in 1988, Nothing Sacred unleashed the full-length entitled “Let Us Prey” on Cleopatra Records. Unfortunately a year after that LP’s release, the band disbanded in 1989. Lead guitarist Mark Woolley, bassist Karl Lean, and drummer Sham went on to contribute to Hobbs’ Angel of Death‘s early work in the late 1980s. Woolley also appeared on Hobbs’ first self-titled album in 1988. Vocalist Mick Burnham later joined the short-lived Melbourne band Seizure in 1993.

Although their tenure was short-lived, Nothing Sacred still remains an underground metal phenomenon in Australia. Songs from the Deathwish EP still get airplay on several Australian metal radio programs.

In 2012, Nothing Sacred performed a series of 30th anniversary shows with Ross Percy (Ion Drive, Little House Godz) joining George Larin on guitar that included a support slot for the ex-Iron Maiden vocalist’s Paul Di’AnnoP/Blaze Bayley Australian tour. Despite the success, the band agreed not to continue and returned to retirement.

In 2015, the band decided to re-activate with a lineup of Sham, Karl Lean, George Larin, Ross Percy, and new vocalist Chris Stark. A slot on Melbourne’s Brewtality Metal Festival received positive reviews before the band embarked on a short tour of Japan (That footage was released in 2021 as a part of a 3 disc boxset), which inspired them to continue and lead the band to headline day one of the Steel Assassins Festival in Sydney.

Line-up changes again slowed the band, James Davies was recruited for vocals along with Stu Bedford on guitar. From there, the band spent most of 2019 and 2020 writing and recording, what was their first full-length in over 30 years. Entitled “No Gods”, the record witnessed Nothing Sacred‘s resurrection to the metal world. The album peaked on the Australian iTunes metal charts in October 2021 at #4 along with metal media outlets giving multiple praising reviews.

Now ready to follow up “No Gods”, Nothing Sacred has gone through another lineup change swapping singer James Davies out with the return of Chris Stark. Chris had sung with the band previously for a number of years and has now returned in time to lay the vocal tracks down on their next release “Leviathan” set for release in February 2023 via Rockshots Records.

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Australian iTunes charts, October 2021. No Gods #4 in the Metal charts.

“The highly infectious intensity this album began with has not diminished in any way shape or form. And if you ask me – the thirty-year wait for a new album has been well and truly worth it.” – Metal Roos – 4.5 / 5 – No Gods

“Dramatic speed changes with a dense rhythm section. Powerful vocals with that speed metal scream added to the top. They are definitely very good at what they do.” – Metal Epidemic – 4 / 5 – No Gods

“Excellent production but above all the perfect rhythmic synchrony between the powerful riffs and the war machine called Sham behind the skins … A record for those who inevitably feel strong and ready to never back down. A great Job.” – Metal Wave (Italy) – No Gods

“ ‘No Gods’ is full of dark, yet energetic riffs with a vocal style that is easy to understand yet doesn’t sound whiny or too dramatically sorrowful.” – Brutalism.com

“In their decades amiss from the public NOTHING SACRED has managed to keep under wraps a form that manages to sound contemporary yet as well offers the classical indulgences of Thrash roots.” – Metal Temple

“Time may have marched on, but with ‘No Gods’, the band pick up almost exactly where they left off 30 years ago … there is a lot of quality here and a real chemistry bubbling beneath that surface.” – Metal Digest

“Overall, if you are a fan of US power metal, more melodic thrash metal and, of course, power-thrash, you should check this album out” – Metal Music Archives – 4 / 5 – No Gods

“This new album, “No Gods” is a culmination of musical experience and renewed energy … a band who have nothing to prove and are just enjoying the creativity.” – UK Thrasher

“If you ever come across this EP (“Deathwish”) , do not hesitate to get it! It’s essential listening for lovers of obscure old school metal.” – Encyclopedia Metallum

–
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 Rockshots Records – France’s Manigance Unveil “All Your Excesses” Off English Version of New Album “The Shadows Ball (Les Bal Des Ombres)” Out Feb 2023

February 3, 2023
by Asher
· Manigance (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 3, 2023

Rockshots Records – France’s Manigance Unveil “All Your Excesses”

English Version of New Album “The Shadows Ball (Les Bal Des Ombres)” Out Feb 2023

France’s Manigance will be releasing an English version of their latest album “The Shadows Ball (Les Bal Des Ombres)” on February 24th, 2023 via Rockshots Records. The original francophone version was released on March 18, 2022.

Today, the band presents their next single “All Your Excesses”, a song that denounces the behaviours and human activities that lead to the progressive and rapid destruction of our environment, our planet.

“All our excesses have serious consequences. It’s our responsibility to change,” says Carine Pinto (vocals/lyrics)

François Merle (guitar) adds:

“This is the most complicated piece in terms of rhythm. The bass/drums part is very precise and an acoustic guitar solo brings a Hispanic touch. The vocals on the chorus are particularly high and very metal.”

Listen to “All Your Excesses” at the following links:

Visualizer – https://youtu.be/bITiDUggM6Y

Digital – https://bfan.link/all-your-excesses

What started out as a cover band to doing full fledge originals and being garnered “Best French Group of 2003” by Hard Rock Magazine and triumphing on the stage at Hellfest (Live video), “The Shadows Ball” is the band’s eighth studio album and first to be sung in English by new vocalist Carine Pinto who replaced Didier Delsaux in 2018. The band made the decision to do English songs as they wanted to make their music more accessible to foreign audiences in preparation for their 2023 European tour with Rhapsody of Fire in March.

“This album contains different songs from the Manigance standards. We have shortened the songs and worked on the arrangements. We think we can play a lot of these songs in our shows. It’s a sign that the fans should enjoy these songs. They are adapted to be played live. We have evolved in our writing process. The songs are still very rich, but the structure is simpler. We also listen to the latest productions to offer a modern album with a current sound.” adds guitarist François Merle.

The new album features twelve tracks that are inspired by Pinto’s lyrics from personal and intimate emotions, but also can relate to most listeners, from the betrayal of a friend, the burning of Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris – France), climate change, violence against the LBGT community, confinement during COVID, and domestic violence.

“The Shadows Ball” is recommended for fans of heavy metal and bands like Battle Beast and Accept.

Album pre-save – https://bfan.link/theshadowsball

CD pre-order – https://bit.ly/theshadowsballCD

Music Video – “The Shadows Ball” – https://youtu.be/lWoGUusvcvY

Track Listing:
1. Odyssey – 1:23
2. Cold Blood – 4:24
3. All Your Excesses – 4:28
4. End of Lock Up – 4:26
5. The Shadows Ball – 5:14
6. Death Warrant – 4:01
7. High Treason – 4:48
8. Eternity – 4:36
9. At Gates of Memory – 4:42
10. In Spite of Everything – 4:42
11. Dawn of The New Fight – 4:49
12. Forgotten Survivor – 4:34
Album Length: 52:12

For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
https://www.facebook.com/MANIGANCE.Official
https://www.instagram.com/manigance.official
https://twitter.com/Manigance64

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0 Canada’s FEED AFTER MIDNITE Release Striking Music Video For Groovy Single “False Awakening”

February 2, 2023
by Asher
· Feed After Midnite · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 2, 2023

Canada’s FEED AFTER MIDNITE Release Striking Music Video For Groovy Single “False Awakening”

L- R: Denis Bastien (Guitar), Sean Bolster (Drums), Yvon Gauthier (Vocals), Marc Bastien (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Feed After Midnite

Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Feed After Midnite was formed in March 2018. They recently released their debut EP “The Hunger” and have a new music video out now for the song “False Awakening”. “The Hunger” is a collection of different, unrelated stories bringing out the full groove of the band. The single is based on the films “The Matrix” and “They Live” and it relates to how life and society are ruled by the media and government and their narrative and we the people are tired of being controlled and lied to. The band continues to explain:

“It is the fastest, most aggressive song on the EP. It starts off sounding old-school Slayeresque but quickly shifts into a headbang-inducing double bass groove. It was actually the last song written for the EP. It really came to its final form as we were recording the other songs. Joe Lyko really helped us with the breakdown on this one. We were really pleased with how it turned out post-production, so we decided to make it the first single. This is the fastest tempo song out of all and really represents a new level of technical skill for us all.”

Feed After Midnite hopes listeners will appreciate their attention to groove and melody while still maintaining a level of heaviness. Each song stands on its own, but leaves you with a hunger for more. Their sound has definitely changed over the years, moving away from the hard rock/classic metal in the beginning, the newer stuff is heavier and a bit more aggressive. Closer categorized as metalcore or groove metal they are recommended for fans of Deftones, Avenged Sevenfold, and In Flames.

Watch and listen to “False Awakening”, which was self-directed by the band via its premiere on the Spaceuntravel YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/wHhiDClKjp0

“The Hunger” was released on Nov 25, 2022, via the band’s label Feed On This Records and available on Spotify, Apple Music, Feedaftermidnite.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:
1. Shadows of the Night – 1:13
2. False Awakening – 4:02
3. Red Dead – 4:20
4. Ascending the Flames – 5:00
5. Book of the Fallen – 5:28
EP Length: 20:04

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Feed After Midnite
• All songs written by: Feed After Midnite
• Produced by: Feed After Midnite and Joe Lyko
• Mixed by: Joe Lyko
• Mastered by: Joe Lyko (Dark Moon Productions)
• EP Artwork by: Marc Bastien
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Dylan DeRepentigny – Bass
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

Live Band Line Up:
Marc Bastien – Guitar/keys
Denis Bastien – Guitar
Sean Bolster – Drums
Yvon Gauthier – Vocals/keys

For more info: Feedaftermidnite.com | Facebook.com/FeedAfterMidnite | Instagram.com/feedaftermidniteband | Youtube.com/@feedaftermidnite

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