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Category: Music News

0 Blackened Death Ancient Thrones Premiere Bass Playthrough “The Millionth Grave” via Bass Magazine

  • December 18, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Ancient Thrones · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 18, 2020

For fans of Revocation, Skeletonwitch, The Red Chord, The Black Dahlia Murder, Wolves in the Throne Room

Blackened Death Ancient Thrones Bass Playthrough “The Millionth Grave” Off Latest Concept Album “The Veil”

Playthrough Premiere via Bass Magazine

New Album “The Veil” Out Now!


L-R: Dylan Wallace (Guitar)| Nick Leslie (Guitar)| Sean Hickey (Drums, Vocals)| Matt LeBlanc (Bass)
Photo Credit – Matt LeBlanc

This past November, Halifax, Canada’s Ancient Thrones unleashed their concept album “The Veil”. The full length is 57-minute descent into the afterlife telling the story of grief that people can relate to through dark and progressive blackened death.

Ancient Thrones explains:

“The record is a concept record so it’s meant to be listened to in its entirety to get the full experience of the story. Even the songs were written and laid out in a way that they seamlessly transition into each other. Almost as if it was just one long piece of music broken up into separate parts as tracks. We want people to headbang and mosh, but we also want to bring people on a journey through this world of purgatory and grief and understand each phase of grief the record represents through the 10 tracks.”

Today, in support of “The Veil”, bassist Matt Leblanc is sharing his playthrough for the track “The Millionth Grave”.

“We keep the energy high right out of the gate in this one following off of the high energy of The Sight of Oblivion. Bit more of a thrashy vibe in this one, but we introduce some half-time heavier sections throughout the song to inject some groove and dynamics to keep things fresh. And then we end with more intensity.”

To view “The Millionth Grave” bass playthrough, please visit Bass Magazine for its premiere HERE.

Recommended for fans of Revocation, The Red Chord, and The Black Dahlia Murder, “The Veil” is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon.

Lyric Video – The Soul To Flesh – YouTube
Guitar Playthrough – The Soul To Flesh – YouTube
Guitar Playthrough – Divided/Dissolve – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. Transient (1:58)
2. The Sight of Oblivion (6:00)
3. The Millionth Grave (5:53)
4. The Soul to Flesh (6:14)
5. Viduus (The Veil) (9:29)
6. Sentient (2:11)
7. The River of Rain (4:32)
8. Divided/Dissolve (9:12)
9. The Infinite Eyes (9:10)
10. Permanent (2:54)
Album Length: 57:38

More info:
Facebook.com/Ancientthrones
Instagram.com/ancientthrones
EPK

About:

Ancient Thrones, formerly “Abysseral Throne”, is a locally acclaimed blackened metal outfit that rebranded to suit major changes in line-up and songwriting.

Formed in 2011, they quickly went to work to establish themselves among their scene and gained local notoriety eventually allowing them the opportunities to open for renowned metal acts from across the globe.

Sean Hickey (drums/vocals) is the sole original founder of Abysseral remaining, Matt LeBlanc joined in 2015 on bass and improved and refined the sound and operation drastically. Once they lost their original singer and guitar player Jonny Rains, Dylan Wallace joined and took over main songwriting duties. Hickey took over completely on vocals with a black/death metal vocal style, and Nick Leslie joined shortly after on the second guitar. Work began on writing a new album which took about 3 months to write the music for. The new material sparked the name change to Ancient Thrones as an homage to one of Hickey’s favorite bands and inspirations, Wolves in the Throne Room.

In 2013 the band released its debut record and its subsequent follow-up in 2016, “Storming The Black Gate”, which was nominated for an East Coast Music Award. Ancient Thrones have toured throughout Canada, and played at several festivals, sharing the stages with bands such as Silverstein, The Agonist, Black Crown Initiate, and Skull Fist.

2020 sees the release of the concept album “The Veil” showcasing the band’s desire for storytelling and pushing them to new heights musically. The new album explores the journey of a man faced with tragedy, his mortality and ultimately the permanence of our actions told through technical soundscapes and haunting atmosphere.

– 30 –

“A full-throttle attack, the song (The Sight of Oblivion) delivers bludgeoning rhythms, vicious darting and slashing guitar-work, scorching blackened shrieks, and cold-hearted roars.” – No Clean Singing

“Nearly an hour in length, The Veil earns that run-time with crisply-written compositions and an arsenal of sky-ripping riffs. The acoustic reprieve of “Sentient” and melodic grief of “Permanent” reveal the album’s heavy heart. But the album conjures strength from those pensive moments. Rife with nimble axe-work from Dylan Wallace and Nick Leslie, The Veil never succumbs to the solemnity of its subject. The Veil remains an impactful listen down to its final dying note.” – Decibel Magazine

“Canadian band Ancient Thrones perform a combination of black, death and thrash metal with some progressive tendencies on The Veil. They have similarities to Skeletonwitch, but have an even more dynamic sound.” – Heavy Music Headquarters – Ancient Thrones

“The prize for most ambitious album of 2020 already has the name of Ancient Thrones carved in marble.” – Scream Blast Repeat

“a 57-minute descent into purgatory….” – Permafrost Today

“The Sight of Oblivion and The Millionth Grave are steeped in ferociousness and savagery as only a band well versed in blackened death metal are capable of producing.8.5/10” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“an album filled with pummeling riffs, intricate song structures, and technical musicianship… fans of more epic and melodic Black/Death will want to give The Veil a listen. 4/5” – The Metal Crypt

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Within Nostalgia Release Stream Of Blackened Doom Album “Void and Decay”, Album Stream Premiere via Decibel Magazine

  • December 17, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Within Nostalgia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 17, 2020

For fans of Woods Of Ypres, Agalloch, My Dying Bride, Nachtmystium, Enslaved

Within Nostalgia Release Stream Of Blackened Doom Album “Void and Decay”

Album Stream Premiere via Decibel Magazine

New Album “Void and Decay” Out December 18th


L-R – Kye Bell (Lead Guitar/ Bass), Alyssa Broere (Rhythm Guitar, Bass, Vocals)
Photo Credit – Isaac Paul Images

After two solid single releases, Canada’s Within Nostalgia is streaming their new album “Void and Decay”. This album follows up their debut album “Conjuring A New Reality”, which was released in 2019. Taking the reins as a duo, they have forged forward continuing to weave dark melodies and haunting riffs together to create a sound that is intriguing in its uniqueness.

Refusing to be restricted to a single sub-genre, Within Nostalgia flirts with a wide range of influences, including black, doom, and death. The band comments on the album:

“We’re very excited to put this release out. Not only for fans but for ourselves as well since we’ve really found our sound and direction. You can obviously tell there is a black metal influence but it’s so much more than that on this album. We’ve really embraced the strangeness of our sound and let go of any preconceived notation of what “metal” is to us.”

Citing that their writing process has changed considerably since they first began, Within Nostalgia takes unbridled emotion and shapes it into something tangible and enjoyable for listeners.

“Void & Decay” is a dark album, having a lot to do with the current state of our society. Within Nostalgia put a lot of pain and anger in this album that was inside of them, perhaps subconsciously and through that, they found some strange positive light.

Recommended for fans of My Dying Bride, Nachtmystium, and Enslaved, the full album “Void & Decay” is now streaming via its exclusive premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

The full album “Void & Decay” comes out on December 18, 2020.

Album pre-order here.
Spotify playlist add here.
Music Video “Desideratum” – YouTube
Lyric Video “Beneath Unworthy Presence” – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. City of Nameless Faces (5:25)
2. Beneath Unworthy Presence (5:55)
3. BlackLight (6:51)
4. Higher Than My Fears (7:31)
5. Desideratum (6:09)
Album Length: 31:53

For more info:
Facebook.com/withinnostalgia
Instagram.com/withinnostalgiaofficial
EPK

– 30 –

““Desideratum” encompasses a variety of both moods and musical styles. Its rhythmic propulsion is viscerally compelling and its hook-laden melodies are both evocative and memorable.” – No Clean Singing

“…this one is getting a 9. There is a clear step to the next level and the solidifying of a band’s goals and sounds. I will be eagerly anticipating their next full length—I have no doubt it will blow me away. The path that “Void & Decay” has set them upon will only bring success.” – Metal Temple

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Cellar Twins New Music Video “Millenium”, Re-Release of Album “Duality” January 29, 2021 via Rockshots Records

  • December 17, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Cellar Twins (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 17, 2020

For fans of Bullet For My Valentine, Asking Alexandria, Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium

Rockshots Records: Cellar Twins New Music Video “Millenium”

Re-Release of Album “Duality” January 29, 2021 via Rockshots Records

Earlier this month, Rockshots Records announced they will be re-releasing Belgian melodic rockers Cellar Twins’ compelling 2019 full length “Duality” on January 29, 2021.

A combination of ten infectious hook-laden tracks that blends raging modern instrumentals with powerful yet clear vocals, “Duality” can be enjoyed by laidback rockers to full-on metalheads. Fans of their 2017 EP, which was more rock/hard rock-oriented will notice the band has taken a heavier path regarding the songwriting while retaining clarity in the vocals, which has become their unexpected trademark combination.

Depiction of life itself with all its uplifting and crushing moments, expressed with anger, fear, joy, and doubts, “Duality” is a deep internal exploration where two messages arise. The first one being that each story always has two sides and the second one being, that even when going through hell, hope must always prevail.

“Listening to Duality is like getting a free ticket for an intense journey into a unique universe where light and darkness combine.” adds the band.

In support of the re-release of “Duality”, Cellar Twins is sharing a new music video for the track “Millenium”. An authoritative song where the intricate nature of toxic relationships is explored.

“Like severing a dying limb, it’s about fighting against both yourself and others to seek redemption, whatever the cost might be.”



Music Video: https://youtu.be/kg50meq4IBk
Spotify https://spoti.fi/3oSC4OV
Apple Music https://apple.co/34cwZJo
Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/Duality_CD

Formed in 2014, Cellar Twins debut their first sounds in 2017 with their debut self-titled EP and lead single/ music video “My Shell”. The EP was the band’s stepping stone to greatness with its heavy rock riffs, soaring lead lines, deep lyrics and just all-around good time listen with its Belgian progressive/alternative rock flare.

Over the years, Cellar Twins have offered fans an intense journey into a unique universe where light and darkness, passion and rebellion all combine to showcase a multitude of musical horizons and assert itself as a new image of rock music.  They have appeared on multiple Belgian festivals such as the Kraken Metal Festival, Bear Rock, and American Rock Festival plus have participated in Wacken Open Air’s Metal Battles.

Music Video – Molotov Parade – YouTube
Music Video – My Shell – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. Millenium
2. Molotov Parade
3. Cloud Walker
4. Selfear
5. Social Waste
6. Antithesis
7. Wovoka
8. Tales of autumn
9. $olace
10. Promesse

Produced by Cellar Twins
Mixed by Jeff Sternon
Photo by Chris Lyon et Lola Zerbo
Artwork by Chromatorium Music

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/cellar.twins
Instagram.com/cellartwins

– 30 –

“I saw them at Kraken Metal Rock fest last year and was blown out of my socks. I would love to see it performed on stage again!” – Snoozecontrol

“When I listened to their first album I regretted not having heard about Cellar Twins before… We at metal-heads.de will certainly keep an eye on them.” – Metal-Heads.de

“All the elements are there and clearly Cellar Twins have talent.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“We have listened to a lot of music this year but « Duality » is without a doubt one of the best albums.” –  Independant Music Showcase

“This is really an ultra-professional sounding band… This record contains but only good songs and for the band it seems so easy to hold the attention of the listener… This is a band that is able to make it worldwide… It has been a long time ago I was so impressed by a Belgian band… Musical wise these lads don’t have to learn any lessons.” – Metal To Infinity

“Cellar Twins can be proud of its first full-length.” – White Room Reviews

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Video: Chris Broderick Shreds Guest Solo From Without Mercy’s New Album “Seismic”

  • December 17, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Without Mercy

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 17, 2020



For fans of Cattle Decapitation, Meshuggah, Whitechapel, Pantera, Decapitated

Video: Chris Broderick Shreds Guest Solo From Without Mercy’s New Album “Seismic”

New Album “Seismic” Out Now!
Featuring guests Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, ex-Nevermore), Chris Broderick (Act of Defiance, ex-Megadeth, ex-Jag Panzer)

L-R – Ryan Loewen (Bass) DJ Temple (Guitars) Alex Friis (Vocals) Matt Helie (Drums)
Photo Credit: Shimon Karmel

Unleashing their beast of an album “Seismic” on November 20th, Without Mercy assaulted fans with their latest behemoth of nine assaulting grooving death metal tracks that even include special guests Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy) on opening track “Thunderbird” and Chris Broderick (Act of Defiance) on “Disinfect The Soul”. Both showcase their undeniable shred talents for each guest solo and today, Without Mercy is sharing the playthrough clip for Broderick‘s contribution.

Without Mercy guitarist, DJ Temple adds:

“Imagine looking up to a guitarist for years and one day they answer a guitar question in a blog for you. Then next they email you and you guys become friends. Now imagine that guitarist loves your new record and plays a guest solo on it. That’s the path that this took and went down and I’m still in shock that it happened. Broderick gave a shit and really took his time to put together something impressive and tasteful all At the same time. His approach to guitar is so Intellectual and it just represents an unreal amount of talent and charisma. He brought this song to another level.”

Watch Chris Broderick‘s video on Without Mercy‘s YouTube channel HERE.

And Jeff Loomis‘ solo video can be viewed here.

Without Mercy‘s new album “Seismic” is distributed by Bloodblast Distribution (powered by Nuclear Blast) and follows the band’s 2016 EP “Moucchido”. The vast majority of the material for “Seismic” was written and rewritten multiple times over the past four years. Honed and tightened over tours and live performances, Without Mercy were unwilling to place “filler” to enhance anything. They came at this album with the best of everything they had after their inspirations were doing the same. The band shares their thoughts on the full length:

“We are beyond stoked to have our new album “Seismic” see the light of day. This album represents 4 years of solid work ethic and unwillingness to compromise even in the slightest. We’re trying to give the listeners and fans of the band a chance to hear what tenacity can sound like. Lyrics that are an honest take on issues, riffs that have been refined over time, drum parts and rhythms that are not standard or washed out. Even the mixing team behind it has a resume as long as your arm. We pushed ourselves in every field of this record and now that it’s here, we can relive those moments with all of you.”

For fans of Cattle Decapitation, Pantera, and Decapitated, “Seismic” is available on all digital platforms HERE.

Physical CD available Withoutmercyband.com.

Spotify playlist add HERE.

Music Videos:
Uprooted – YouTube
Disinfect The Soul – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. Thunderbird (ft. Jeff Loomis) (4:53)
2. Abysmal (5:42)
3. Left Alone (4:00)
4. Wiindigo (4:55)
5. Disinfect The Soul  (ft. Chris Broderick) (7:18)
6. The Disaster (3:52)
7. Possessed (4:04)
8. I Break The Chain (4:44)
9. Uprooted (4:58)
Album Length: 44:29

For more info:
Withoutmercyband.com
Facebook.com/withoutmercyband
Instagram.com/withoutmercyband
EPK

– 30 –

“Without Mercy’s New Album Is A Whirlwind of Sonic Punishment” – The Pit

“Overall, two elements really struck me here…one was the level of intensity, and the other the level of musicianship from the band. How they can remain unsigned is a mystery to me. They play with such a tight synergy that it’s almost like they can finish each other’s sentences before they even open their mouth.” – Metal Temple

“While the heavy metal name generator might have had something to do with what this meaty metal unit called themselves, you can’t say it doesn’t fit. Without Mercy are pretty damn *ahem* merciless and to cap that off, their new album is so aptly titled. Seismic…a relentless powerhouse that is akin to tectonic plates smashing into each other. There is no fucking mercy and it’s fucking glorious. Excuse the swearing but that’s how this album makes you feel. It makes you feel like a beast. It makes you feel capable of taking on the world. It’s chunky, it’s thick, it’s chokingly devastating and undoubtedly one to be remembered.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“A merciless Vancouver-based Death and Thrash Metal unity is ready to strike us all once again with their newest opus, representing four years of solid work ethic and unwillingness to compromise even in the slightest.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Without Mercy’s music is made for a wide audience. Seismic will please as much to pure violence lovers, as a crowd that fight following the catchy groove.” – Acta Infernalis

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Canada’s Phantom High Are Putting The Fun Back Into Dysfunctional With “Black Divine”, Music Video Premiere via MetalInjection

  • December 16, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Phantom High

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 16, 2020

For fans of KORN, Deftones, Motionless In White, In This Moment, New Years Day

Canada’s Phantom High Are Putting The Fun Back Into Dysfunctional With “Black Divine”

Music Video Premiere via MetalInjection


L-R: Phantom High is Jairo Lopez (Synth) | Blaire French (Bass) | Peril Erinyes (Vocals) | Seven Six (Guitar) | J3D1 (Drums)
Photo Credit – Lyon Smith

Toronto’s Phantom High are debuting their latest single “Black Divine” on Metal Injection right now.

Phantom High has amassed several singles and an EP since their inception in 2017, putting a glam core twist on Lady Gaga, Bryan Adams, and Childish Gambino tracks as well as shaping their own originals. Coined as “ironic pop back from hell”, Phantom High will entice those looking for something very different from the traditional rock aesthetic. Those who can look past the mask can expect a cathartic release, anthemic melodies, heavy guitars, and abysmal soundscapes, under honest unfiltered lyrics. The lyrics and inspiration behind “Black Divine” resonate in a special way as vocalist Peril Erinyes explains:

“Taken from ancient Egyptian culture, “Sacred or Divine Feminine”, which referred to aspects and/or traits of artistry. Mine was dark, hence the addition of “black”. It’s essentially the title I’d given the “closet” I was in, the music and dreams of becoming my true self, were what kept me from ending my life, despite how poor, how alone, and how sick or abused I was, there was always my “Black Divine” to close my eyes and fall into its promise, like a symbiotic possession.”

Phantom High is purely an experience, a real-life exorcism every time they go on stage. A flurry of passion, musicianship, and over the top antics await anyone who dares to witness the spectacle. A first-hand look at Phantom High can be seen over at MetalInjection who is premiering the video HERE.

Recommended for fans of goth, glam, and nu-metal, especially those who enjoy KORN, Deftones, and Motionless In White, the single releases worldwide on December 18, 2020 and available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon.

For more info:
PhantomHigh.ca
Facebook.com/phantomhigh666
Twitter.com/phantomhigh666
Instagram.com/phantomhigh666
EPK

About:

Hailing from Toronto and flaunting a deep personal relationship with the pageantry of the macabre, Phantom High is already making their mark on a scene that too often leaves the “fun” out of “dysfunction”. The band has launched with a mission statement to bring authenticity, conviction, and theatrics back to a genre that centers on navel-gazing and nihilism.

The roots of their inspiration are easy to see for veterans of the golden days of goth and glam, drawing energy as much from the horror in film, anime, and literature as from the music genres that inform their hard-hitting live show.

Phantom High is anarchistic alchemy, bringing together the fundamental elements of what scares us, what turns us on, and what makes us hungry for substance in an ephemeral, digital world that no longer seems interested in keeping the blood pumping, the volume loud and the music in each and every face.

Phantom High prides itself on putting the music and the show first and foremost, staying true to their roots while planting new ones like mausoleums in the fertile ground of a whole new generation desperate for something to scream along to.

– 30 –

“I think it’s rad! Good job!” Munky – Korn

“It sucks to go on after Phantom High” Dan Lobalsamo – Rehab Is For Quitters

“Phantom High performing at Handlebar, where the Toronto based horror glamcore group gave fans quite the show! The four piece shared the stage with Trick Casket & DI Auger for a horror filled night. If you’re looking for a terrifying mix of hard rock/electro with elements of Nu Metal Synthwave you’re in luck”. – Dropout Entertainment

“When a roving band of glam-core horror enthusiasts hunt down Trent Reznor on Purge Night and pull his guts out through his nose with a rusty fishhook, they’ll be listening to Phantom High.” – MyFreakingEars

“Just before the world fell apart, we recorded a studio session inside Playdead Cult’s DIY concert space, with an awesome Toronto GLAMCORE band called PHANTOM HIGH. If you haven’t heard of them that’s because they’re fairly new, but tune in and you’re gonna leave this episode understanding why we’re so excited about this band.” – Gobs The Zombie – Midnight Looms/94.9FM radio Western (London, ON)
—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt’s New Single “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”, Song Premiere via TheProgSpace

  • December 15, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Aaron Holt · Music News

 

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 15, 2020

For fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, Rush, Avenged Sevenfold, Porcupine Tree

Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt’s New Single “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”

Song Premiere via TheProgSpace

“Set Free Your Sorrow” is the first single from the upcoming album by Aaron Holt. It is the first track on the album and a fantastic stage set for what is to follow. Like many people going through an incredibly rough time in 2020 this song was written as motivation to “loosen the ties, set free your sorrow”.

The soundtrack to these lyrics portrays the dark and heavyweight that many people carry around on themselves. With so many things going wrong, there has to be some sort of direction we can all look towards to ensure a happy ending. The rest of the album features lyrical ideas around this and follows through letting go of the agony we all have trapped inside. The band really explored creating darker sounds out of their instruments, graduating to more full time 7 string guitar parts, large recording spaces, and soaring vocals mixed nicely on top. Holt comments on the album:

“I think anyone who has heard my work before will be pleasantly surprised at the results we’ve managed to create in the more non-ideal recording locations. I strived to focus more on writing towards a mindset around “no one cares about the snare on a song that no one wants to listen to”. We really just tried to flip the production phase more from sounds and tones to the actual material that’s being performed on the instruments and as a whole in the group. I was constantly chasing that catchy riff, melody, or rhythm.”

Natural, authentic and heavy, “In The Palace” will be the third from Aaron Holt, following “My Burdened Mind” (2018) and “The Unknown” (2017). Aaron Holt is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, and Trivium.

The first single off the record, “Set Free Your Sorrow” can be heard via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

The single will be available on all digital platforms as of December 18th.
Pre-Save at the following link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/aaronholt/set-free-your-sorrow

“In The Palace” will be ready for ears in 2021 (release date to be revealed at a later date).


Track Listing:
1. Set Free Your Sorrow
2. Castles In My Skies
3. Once Again
4. Fortress In My Mind
5. Entrapped
6. The Other Side
7. Trapped Inside
8. Eternally

For more info:
Facebook.com/aaronholtmusic
Instagram.com/aaronholtartist
EPK

– 30 –

About:
Aaron Holt’s musical journey started on the George Mason University campus where he was asked to play bass guitar for a local church’s grand opening. It was there that he met drummer and percussionist TJ Maistros who would grow to become a lifelong friend and amazing collaborative partner.

The album My Burdened Mind was a very long and labored writing, recording, and mixing project that ended up taking way longer than originally estimated to create the finished product at 47:36 minutes. The long story short is that the album My Burdened Mind was another grand learning experience for Aaron as a producer especially in terms of recording source material that was worthy of being shared with the world.

After the album’s release, vocalist Eric confirmed he would no longer participate in the project and would not want to participate in any live shows. Short of a bassist and vocalist Aaron and TJ anxiously sat on the release and hoped that anyone would listen. Enter album 3, the endeavor where Aaron is truly making every effort to improve upon everything he didn’t quite get right before.

He signed on the incredible help of local vocalist Sujit Kumar who in his own right stands on pretty high shoulders in the local DC music scene as well as making a name for himself across the globe. Sujit agreed to meet and record a few demo tracks, one older song that Eric originally recorded and another new song that would eventually go on to be the single “Set Free Your Sorrow” for a full-length album.

Fast forward to 2020 and Aaron with the immense help of TJ and Sujit has completed a 3rd album clocking in at 58 minutes with 10 songs. The production is solid, all instruments hold their own, and everyone listening has great smiles on their faces with absolute relief that everything has come together so well and polished compared to older works. The new album “In The Palace” features a lot of emotional baggage associated with past relationships, differences in opinion among close friends, thoughts on dealing with incredibly stressful daily life, and also a bit of fantasy writing as well in the longest prog ballad written by the group to date. You can expect to hear a large mix of guitar-oriented music such as straight-ahead rock, classic metal riffs, and intricate progressive lines that flow through each section seamlessly.

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 IMMORTAL GUARDIAN Unveil Music Video “Lockdown” Off Upcoming 2021 Album “Psychosomatic” via M-Theory Audio, Music Video Premiere via MetalInsider

  • December 15, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Immortal Guardian (M-Theory Audio) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 15, 2020

For fans of  Iron Maiden, Helloween, Symphony X, Kamelot, Marty Friedman, Dragonforce

IMMORTAL GUARDIAN Unveil Music Video “Lockdown” Off Upcoming 2021 Album “Psychosomatic” via M-Theory Audio

Music Video Premiere via MetalInsider

Progressive/Power Metal Quartet’s Concept Album “Psychosomatic” Out February 12, 2021

IMMORTAL GUARDIAN is (L-R):
Gabriel Guardian (Guitars/Keyboards)
Carlos Zema (Vocals)
Joshua Lopez (Bass)
Justin Piedimonte (Drums)

IMMORTAL GUARDIAN, the progressive/power metal quartet hailed by MetalSucks as “seriously epic”, has unveiled a music video for “Lockdown”, the second single from their forthcoming concept album “Psychosomatic”. The clip, which showcases the group cleverly adapting to the same stay-at-home conditions that are affecting millions of people around the world at this moment can be viewed via its premiere on MetalInsider HERE.


The single itself is available for streaming and purchase on digital music platforms such as Bandcamp, Apple Music, and Spotify. CD and limited-edition purple vinyl pre-orders for “Psychosomatic”, which will be released by M-Theory Audio on February 12, 2021 are available now at http://smarturl.com/immortalguardian.

“Rich or poor, it doesn’t matter, every human this year experienced some kind of lockdown/isolation during this insane year,” says guitarist/keyboardist Gabriel Guardian. “We couldn’t even just meet up because our borders were on lockdown for international travel. Thank god for the internet, as we were able to still create music and keep each other company online even with thousands of miles between each member. ‘Lockdown’ talks about all of the same questions we all have been asking ourselves since the start of the pandemic. Where did this all come from? Who’s to blame? Is the lockdown saving more lives than it’s destroying? We can only keep making music through these crazy times and hope for a better tomorrow.”

After winning over new audiences with their acclaimed 2018 debut full-length “Age of Revolution” and touring relentlessly alongside fellow shredders such as Marty Friedman, Powerglove, and Exmortus, IMMORTAL GUARDIAN gathered in Las Vegas earlier this year to begin recording their second album. As the spread of COVID-19 and the subsequent pandemic began to ensue, each member of the band retreated to their respective hometowns. With shutdowns around the world being enforced, the band completely scrapped the record that they had been working on and were heavily inspired to write and create a new thematic record about their emotions surrounding current events.

“Psychosomatic” is a product of the extraordinary events of 2020. The result is a truly multi-national record, with guitarist/keyboardist Gabriel Guardian remaining in Las Vegas, vocalist Carlos Zema recording his vocals from his home in Brazil, new drummer Justin Piedimonte joining the band from his hometown in Montreal, Canada, and new bassist Joshua Lopez remaining in IMMORTAL GUARDIAN‘s native Texas.

The group, founded by Gabriel Guardian, whose uncanny ability to play guitar and keyboard simultaneously has been showcased on MTV’s “Amazingness” along with his unique dual-instrument covers of classics by the likes of Iron Maiden, Pantera, and Guns N’ Roses have garnered hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and have been built upon the band’s following through multiple self-released EPs before signing with M-Theory Audio for the 2018 release of their first full-length record, “Age of Revolution”. The band has also performed live alongside some of the biggest names in metal, including Judas Priest, Dragonforce, Kamelot, Symphony X, Sonata Arctica, Slayer, Metal Church, Soilwork and Steve Vai, and in countries such as Brazil and Russia, and during high-profile performances at ESPN’s X Games, South By Southwest and the Fun Fun Fun Fest.

“Psychosomatic” is the next step in IMMORTAL GUARDIAN’s evolution while still capturing the band’s exhilarating trademark melding of melodic power metal with progressive/shred tendencies. More information about the album will be revealed in the weeks to come.

First Single – “Read Between The Lines” – YouTube (Lyric Video)


Track Listing:
1. Psychosomatic (5:33)
2. Read Between The Lines (6:01)
3. Lockdown (4:12)
4. Phobia (6:13)
5. Clocks (5:12)
6. Self-Isolation (0:39)
7. Goodbye To Farewells (5:50)
8. Candlelight (5:24)
9. Find A Reason (7:00)
10. New Day Rising (5:56)
Album Length: 52:06

Album cover art by Nathalia Suellen (Secret Sphere, Almah, Dark Moor).

For more info:
M-theoryaudio.com
ImmortalGuardian.net
Facebook.com/igmetal
Instagram.com/immortal_guardian
Twitter.com/igmetal
EPK

– 30 –

“Holy fucking shit, man. Talk about epic… Immortal Guardian make some seriously epic symphonic power metal that throws in elements from all over the metal spectrum. We have power metal highs and death metal screams on top of keyboards and even some djenty staccato riffs here and there. It’s a different take on epic metal and it’s definitely something that will interest you… I’m not sure I’ve heard anything quite this varied before but I’ve gotta say I dig it.” – Metal Sucks

“Refreshingly concise and engagingly written, Age of Revolution offers more thoughtful themes and exhilarating moments than someone like Yngwie Malmsteen could ever hope to achieve… This consistent level of engagement is only possible because Immortal Guardian places strong songwriting before instrumental showmanship.” – Angry Metal Guy

““…vocalist Carlos Zema (ex-Outworld) has an amazing range and more passion for delivering heavy words than 98% of active power vocalists out there.” – Your Last Rites

““Gabriel is a Virtuoso – – with a capital Flying V, blending Electrical Classical styles with Power Metal and occasional Latin elements.” – Metal Asylum

““The band are incredibly skilled, which is an understatement to be brutally honest – the guitar work here is as magnificent as the keyboard playing, which reminds me of only some of the greatest keyboardists in the metal genre.” – The Grim Tower

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Rockshots Records Signs AVALAND For Metal Opera Debut Album “Theater Of Sorcery” Out April 2021

  • December 15, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Avaland (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 15, 2020

For fans of Avantasia, Ayreon, Beast In Black, Nightmare, Sonata Arctica

Rockshots Records Signs AVALAND For Metal Opera Debut Album “Theater Of Sorcery” Out April 2021

Album Guests w/ Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emmanuelson (Rising Steel), Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare) and more!


Avaland is L-R:
Camille Souffron: Bass, Double-Bass
Christophe Feutrier: Guitars
Adrien G. Gzagg: Composer, Writer, Lead Singer, Keyboards and Orchestrations
Lucas Martinez: Guitars
Léo Mouchonay: Drums

Rockshots Records is proud to announce their signing of Grenoble, France’s AVALAND, an epic and symphonic metal opera, directed, written, and composed by young 22-year-old prodigy Adrien G. Gzagg.

Inspired by heroic fantasy, history, mythologies, and esoterism, Gzagg decided to create an epic story with 8 characters. Entitled “Theater Of Sorcery”, the debut will be a theatrical metal adventure that tells the story of a young sorcerer Adam Wilstorm who could be the salvation of bringing back the light to the kingdom of Avaland and during his journey, he must learn to control his powers linked to the Storm.

For AVALAND, Gzagg reunited with four musician friends Camille Souffron (Bass), Christophe Feutrier (Guitars), Lucas Martinez (Guitars), and Léo Mouchonay (Drums) that he has performed with in the past to help him to record the metal opera’s debut full-length. The record also includes talented guests for vocals and guitars with Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emmanuelson (Rising Steel), Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare) among many other great musicians.

Gzagg adds:

“I started my heavy metal life as a great fan of Avantasia and Ayreon. I was impressed by those big teams Tobias Sammet and Arjen Lucassen could create. I quickly knew I would make something like this in my life! It wasn’t easy to find musicians who were crazy enough to follow me in this adventure, and I thank them so much for their trust in this project, especially guitarist Christophe Feutrier (guitars) my partner in crime for Avaland for 5 years now.

I like to also add that Avaland is not a “classic” band, it’s a Metal-Opera and when Covid is over, I plan to take it the stage with many vocalists to perform this theatrical tale of an epic and magical story. To sum it up, Avaland is a modern-age opera to not just fans of metal, but beyond!”

The album will be released on April 2, 2021.

An album teaser can be heard and viewed on YouTube.

For more info:
Rockshots.eu 
https://www.facebook.com/avaland.metal.opera

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Watch Cell Press Drummer Pelt The F’ Out of These Skins For “Dead At OACI” From Noisy, Sludgy Self-Titled EP Out Now!

  • December 11, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Cell Press · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 11, 2020



For fans of KEN mode, Unsane, Mastodon, Keelhaul

Cell Press Drummer Posts Video of Pelting Skins For “Dead At OACI” From Noisy, Sludgy Self-Titled EP

EP Out Now! Limited Edition Cassette from Ancient Temple Recordings and No Funeral Records

Lineup (L to R): Sean Arsenian (Guitar, Vox), Joey Cormier (Bass), Mark McGee (Drums), PQ (Vox)

Cell Press drummer Mark McGee has posted his next video of pelting skins with a playthrough for “Dead At OACI”. The first song Cell Press wrote together, the track comes off the Montreal band’s debut EP released on November 27th. The song itself is organized chaos smashing your throat with angry noise and aggressive sludge. Even though Cell Press has no one metal genre label to them, they are best described as a concoction of grindcore, noise, sludge, extreme metal, along with anything and everything the band feels like creating.

Watch McGee shatter the kit in this latest drum video via his YouTube.

Cell Press‘ eclectic self-titled EP may not be metal enough or noise-rock enough or sludge enough for some, but the band gets bored really fast and the result is serious channel surfing taking advantage of a wide variety of influences. With this record, they have gone all out to wrap their ideas up in a burlap sack, tied with razor wire. As the band says in their own words:

“This EP sorta sums up what we’re about at this particular moment. Genre people might not be satisfied with our lack of adherence to any one sound for too long, but we didn’t make these songs for those sorts of people. This ep is designed as a broad introduction to the band, and new listeners will hopefully anticipate what else is coming down the pipe in the future. It upholds the high standards Cell Press sets for themselves and each song is quite different from the others.”

Super loud and vigorous, Cell Press is a sort of hybridized amalgamation of influences, and most recommended for fans of Jesus Lizard, Converge, and Botch.

Digital download from Cell Press here.

Limited edition cassette order available from No Funeral Records and Ancient Temple Recordings.

Spotify playlist add here.

Videos:
“Desert Breath” – YouTube (Music Video)
“Piss Police” – YouTube (Drum Playthrough)

Track Listing:
1. Piss Police (3:35)
2. Desert Breath (2:52)
3. Blacked Out In Verdun (2:37)
4. Dead At OACI (3:31)
5. My Son Will No The Truth 11:40
EP Length: 24:18

For more info:
Facebook.com/cellpressmtl
Instagram.com/celllpresss
EPK

About:

Cell Press are a Montreal-based band that formed in 2019. They play a sort of burly noise-rock that leans more on the hardcore and metal side of the swamp. They took their name from the 2001 Russian prison documentary “The Mark Of Cain”. The brutal humanity of that film is reflected in the music… on the surface, it’s raw and punishing but there are complexities

and nuances revealed once the surface noise has been embraced. Members have played in a myriad of punk, metal, and hardcore bands such as The Great Sabatini, Biipiigwan, I Hate Sally, The Chariot, Animal Ethics, Architect, Swarm Of Spheres, and Angles. Their self-titled EP is the first offering of tunes. Recorded pre-quarantine in Hamilton at Boxcar Sound Recording

(Sean Pearson), mixed in Oakland at Anti-sleep studios by Scott Evans with the pandemic in full swing… 2 local shows have been logged but any further plans to gig have been halted by Covid-19.

Discography:
2020 – Self Titled – EP

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

“Noisy and enjoyable, I give this Cell Press effort high marks. I am a Punk fan from the beginning, and I hear those roots here, certainly in the attitude, even if the category is technically off. The disenfranchisement is very appealing. Recommended.” – Flying Fiddle Sticks

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 NoCleanSinging Premiere: Canada’s Duskwalker Release Music Video For H.P. Lovecraft Inspired “The Crawling Tongue” Off “All They Know Is Fear”

  • December 10, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Duskwalker · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 10, 2020

For fans of Morbid Angel, Carcass, Cannibal Corpse

Canada’s Duskwalker Release Music Video For H.P. Lovecraft Inspired “The Crawling Tongue” Off “All They Know Is Fear”

Video Premiere via NoCleanSinging

“All They Know Is Fear” Out Now! via CDN Records

The members of Ontario’s Duskwalker have been making their rounds in the underground metal scene for decades and their efforts culminated in the current form in 2015. Having originally started with the sole purpose of being a money-making cover band, things took a heavier turn when they morphed into a kickass metal band.

They released a full-length “Codex Mystirium” in 2016 under the name The Offering and traveled extensively to promote it, however, due to another band with the same name they took the name of one of their songs. In 2019, under the name Duskwalker, they released “All They Know Is Fear” via CDN Records. They released the video for the single “Shadowcreeper” via Decibel Magazine and also won the 2019 Niagara Music Award for Best Heavy Metal Group.

A heavy throwback yet modern, Duskwalker‘s album “All They Know Is Fear” as a whole is made to be enjoyed from beginning to end with carefully arranged songs that provide a well-rounded listening experience. It is a monstrous sophomore album with themes of myth, conspiracy, and horror, showing that Duskwalker have conjured a diverse mix of extreme metal that’s recommended for fans of Morbid Angel, Carcass, and Pantera.

Today, the band shares their next music video for their track “The Crawling Tongue”. The song is about the H.P. Lovecraft character Nyarlothtep along with featuring super heavy riffs and vocals that sound really pissed off akin to Morbid Angel and Pantera mixed together. The band explains the track:

“We want it to take the listener somewhere dark. We have forged traditional metal, old school death, and thrash. Genres are blended creating a visceral assault that stands out from song to song with a dose of atmosphere and darkness.”

Watch “The Crawling Tongue” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Duskwalker‘s latest album “All They Know Is Fear” is available on CDNRecords, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon.

Music Video – Shadowcreeper – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. The Return (1:58)
2. Dimensional Collision (4:13)
3. The Crawling Tongue (5:20)
4. Madness Unleashed (4:57)
5. Dyatlov Pass (5:58)
6. Shadowcreeper (3:58)
7. Bielek (3:50)
8. Domus Volant Noctuae (2:18)
9. The Crushing Weight Of Guilt (5:19)
10. Masters Of Vril (7:04)
11. Ripping Terror (3:43)
Album Length: 48:41

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Joey Scaringi – Vocals
John Robinson – Guitars
Cale Costello – Drums
Matt Grabon – Bass / Vocals

More info:
Facebook.com/DuskwalkerOfficial
Instagram.com/duskwalkermetal
Twitter.com/duskwalkermetal
EPK

About:
Formed in 2015 In Niagara Falls, Canada. Duskwalker combines traditional heavy metal and death metal with atmospheric passages. Comprised of Niagara’s lifer metal musicians, they released their debut “Codex Mystirium“ in 2016. In November of 2019, Duskwalker released their sophomore album “All They Know Is Fear“ Distributed by CDN Records. The band won The Niagara Music Award for Best Heavy Metal Group in 2019 and 2020.

– 30 –

“After drummer Cale Costello summons listeners with a lethal drum roll, the song (Shadowcreeper) quickly lunges for the kill. Vocalist Joey Scaringi’s rasped snarls and growls accompany blastbeats until the mid-song breakdowns syncopate with the Shadowcreeper’s violent pursuit. Once guitarist John Robinson’s sharpened solo starts stabbing, the finale seems written in blood. There’s no happy ending here, just melodic death metal that balances brutality and infectious grooves.” – Decibel Magazine

“Your neck is going to hurt after giving these guys a spin. DUSKWALKER evoke a pure metal spirit that hones a modern groove into a heavier and darker place where all they know is fear! Their tunes pick and pull accents of influence from a wide spectrum but overall stay true to a highly accessible and aggressive metal barrage. Every song on the album is different but shades of Dethklok, Carcass, Pantera, Amon Amarth, Revocation, and Nile can be felt in the shadows around every turn. “All They Know Is Fear” proves to be one hell of a ride, in which I’m sure will resonate a diverse group of metalheads. Crank this up loud and apologies in advance for tomorrow’s neck pain! 8/10” – Blessed Altar Zine

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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