Category: Music News

0 Montreal Thrash HOMICIDE Shred Classic Riffs And Solos With Premiere of Next Single “Point Blank Rage” via MetalRules

August 13, 2020
by Asher
· Homicide · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 13, 2020

Interview Request at asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Slayer, Motorhead, Exodus, Death, Sodom

Montreal Thrash HOMICIDE Shred Classic Riffs And Solos With Next Single “Point Blank Rage”

Premiere Second Single via Metal-Rules

New Album ‘Left For Dead’ Out August 21st

L-R – Bryan Donahue – Guitar, Mac – Bass, Scotty – Drums, and at bottom Gab – Vocals / Guitar

Montreal’s Homicide has a new album “Left For Dead” that is ready to take the world by storm on August 21st, 2020; the first offering since the band went dark 25 years ago.

What has been coined as “apocalyptic thrash” is coming back for fans and Homicide states it is like the first album, but on steroids. With a considerable amount of experience under their belts, this new album promises to be an instant classic. A no holds barred tour de force. The band shares the premise and musical intricacies behind the single:

“It gets things off to a fine start and is a reminder of just how good the storytelling style of vocalist Gabriel Morency is as he delivers a tale of the wrath of God. Mid-tempo evil chugs keep things going nicely and the riffs pay homage to the Bay Area Thrash scene with a nostalgic tooth gap grin while that whammy bar drop is a nice touch. It’s one of those tracks that cut at a point when it could happily go on for another few minutes and that’s always the hallmark of quality.”

This is the soundtrack for listeners who are looking to conquer the world. Whether you’re driving, working out, or just looking for something to bang your head to, the fast and furious styling of Homicide is going to hit the spot.

All killer and no filler Homicide is suitable for fans of Venom, Exodus, and Motorhead.

Today, the band shares their second single off the full length, “Point Blank Rage”. The track is a classic driving song of raw sounding old school riffs and solos.

Guitarist Bryan Donahue comments:

“Who said the solo was dead? They lied. The lyrics might be simple enough, but they’re crowd fodder for chanting and will go down a storm in that regard.”

Listen to “Point Blank Rage via its premiere on Metal-Rules HERE.

The band’s first single “Scourge of God” is available on YouTube (lyric video), Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play HERE.

“Left For Dead” Album Teaser Video HERE.

Track Listing:
1. Shot to Hell (4:43)
2. Point Blank Range (4:15)
3. Left For Dead (4:15)
4. Enemy of The State (5:06)
5. Nightmares of The Apocalypse (2:28)
6. Scorched Earth (3:45)
7. Scourge of God (5:43)
Album Length: 30:18

More info:
Facebook.com/HomicideMontreal
EPK

About:
Formed in Montreal in the extremely vibrant metal/hardcore/crossover music scene of the early

1990’s, Homicide was, at the time, an amalgamation of members from other heavy-hitting bands on the scene who had developed strong followings and solid reputations in their own right. Gab Morency of Corrupted Youth (guitar/vocals) and Bryan Donahue of Damaged (guitar) began writing together after discovering that they had similar heavy influences and interests such as Motorhead, Slayer and Venom.

Morency had been renting a room in an extensive apartment building that also housed the jam space of local heavyweights Lizard. This is where the raucous rhythm section of Greg Mcleary (bass) and Scotty MacCulloch (drums) of Lizard heard the riffs from Morency and Donahue and decided that they had to join in on the heaviness that was transpiring.

After a period of only a few weeks, Homicide had begun recording what would be their first album “Malice and Forethought”. This catapulted them into the scene, where they played alongside and held their own with the likes of Voivod, Death, and Merciful Fate just to name a few. These performances granted Homicide a reputation for one of the best live bands performing on the scene with crowd-pleasers such as “Bring Back the Rope” about lax capital punishment policies and “Death Train” giving a nod to the devastation of terrorism in the poison gassing of a Japanese subway line.

With a sound that can be coined as “Apocalyptic Thrash”, Homicide went underground for many years and it was presumed that the band was no longer. However, 2020 brought the band members together again they recorded a new album “Left For Dead” which compared to the first album will be like going from light beer to moonshine. Homicide is back and fully amped to be bringing fast, aggressive to new and old fans around the world.

Homicide’s “Left For Dead” is due out August 21, 2020.

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“They specialize in Old School Crossover Thrash and returning nearly 25 years later with their sophomore album “Left For Dead” they clearly have some unfinished business.” – Metal Noise

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0 Rockshots Records: Greek Power Prog BLACK FATE Release Single “Savior Machine”; New Album “Ithaca” Due Out October 23rd

August 12, 2020
by Asher
· Black Fate (Rockshots Records) · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 12, 2020

For fans Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Kamelot, Nightwish, Dio

Rockshots Records: Greek Power Prog BLACK FATE Release Single “Savior Machine”

New Album “Ithaca” Due Out October 23rd

Greek power prog Black Fate will be releasing their new album “Ithaca” on October 23rd, 2020 via Rockshots Records. With their heartbreaking world-class vocals, catchy hooks, and lyrics, along with crashing guitar riffs, haunting melodies, and furious technical and melodic solos, Black Fate continues to satisfy bands with the release of their 5th studio album. “Ithaca” was mixed and mastered by Steve Lado and follows full-lengths “Between Visions and Lies” (2014) (Ulterium Records), “Deliverance of Soul” (2009) (Asiral Records), “A Piece of Dream” (2002) (Secret Port Records), “Uncover” (2001) (Secret Port Records).

The band comments on the release of “Ithaca”:

“‘Ithaca’ is melodic, technical, and groovy, but also a bit dark. It has beautiful and strange melodies with powerful emotions. We believe it’s an album for all kinds of metal audiences. We hope the fans will see it the same way. We see ‘’Ithaca’’ as a very integrated album. Fans who have followed us over the years will also notice many changes in the songwriting process, we concentrated to find the best form and the best overall result for every song.”

Today, the band is sharing their first single “Savior Machine” and comments about the track:

“A fast tempo song, maybe the fastest track of the album with aggressive guitars, dark melodic & catchy vocals, fast drumming, and intense choral keyboards.”

Listen to “Savior Machine” at the following links:

Spotify
YouTube

Black Fate was formed in 1990 in Larissa, Greece, and introduced themselves to the metal world with two demos ’’Black Fate” and “A Piece of Dream’’ with great praise.

A decade after establishing themselves and a few lineup changes, the band debut the 2000 full length “Uncover” via Secret Port Records, and two years later their two first original demos were also released together under the title “A Piece of Dream”.

After a short hiatus, the band returned in 2009 with their next offering “Deliverance of Soul’’ via Asiral Records.

Then in 2014, the power melodic metal band switched up to a new line up featuring vocalist Vasilis Georgiou, guitarist Gus Drax from UK bands Biomechanical and Sunburst, bassist Vasilis Liakos and drummer Tsintzilonis Nikos. The new line up recorded the album ”Between Visions and Lies” released by Swedish label Ulterium Records in 2014 along with the label re-issuing in 2016 the band’s re-mastered 2009 album ”Deliverance of Soul” along with new album artwork.

Then in 2019, the band recruited keyboardist Themis Koparanidis and Black Fate hit the studio to record their 12 track epic “Ithaca” that was mixed and mastered by Steve Lado and now scheduled to be released via Italian label Rockshots Records for October 2020.

Black Fate is inspired by the giants of their genre (Dream Theater, Fates Warning, Kamelot, Nightwish, Iron Maiden, Dio, and many others) and look forward to showcasing their blend of melodic progressive power metal in the next chapter of their two-decade career.

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/blackfategreece
Instagram.com/blackfate_official_funpage
Youtube
Spotify

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0 Los Angeles Death Shred Bloodfeast Ritual Unleash Lyric Video “Eternally Molested By The One Most Foul”; Debut EP “Altars of Sacrifice” Out Now!

August 12, 2020
by Asher
· Bloodfeast Ritual · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 12, 2020

For fans of The Black Dahlia Murder, Arsis, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Death

Los Angeles Death Shred Bloodfeast Ritual Unleash Lyric Video “Eternally Molested By The One Most Foul”

Debut EP “Altars of Sacrifice” Out Now!

“This EP is a love letter to Death Metal. Old School, Modern, Technical and Brutal; we love all of the aspects of death metal as a genre,
and we wanted to show that with this EP. We tried to display our influences by dramatically changing the vibe of each song.” – Bloodfeast Ritual

Los Angeles death shred Bloodfeast Ritual unleashed their debut EP “Altars of Sacrifice” this past July. It’s a five-track introduction ranging from technical death metal to melodic shred, with lyrical content that shares the trio’s love for 80’s horror movies (The Evil Dead, Dawn of The Dead), video games (Bloodborne), HP Lovecraft, and general blasphemy.

“This EP is a love letter to Death Metal. Old School, Modern, Technical and Brutal; we love all of the aspects of death metal as a genre, and we wanted to show that with this EP. We tried to display our influences by dramatically changing the vibe of each song.” says the band.

Heavy, fast, and brutal, today the band is sharing their lyric video for “Eternally Molested By The One Most Foul”, where listeners can expect a guitar nerd’s wet dream as guitarists Michael Bala and Hunter Gurney showcase the rippage with four excitable solos.

“This song was something Mike wrote at 4 in the morning because he couldn’t sleep until it was out of his head and on paper. We love the melody and song structure, and think it’s one of the most unique songs on the EP.” says the band.

Listen and get your headbang karaoke ready with “Eternally Molested By The One Most Foul” on YouTube.

Bloodfeast Ritual’s debut EP “Altars of Sacrifice” is available on Bandcamp, Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon.

Track Listing:
1. Grave Fodder (4:27)
2. Eternally Molested By The One Most Foul (4:46)
3. No More Room In Hell (4:40)
4. Chopped Up And Burned (3:39)
5. Fetid Offering (3:21)
EP Length: 20:56

More info:
Bloodfeastritual.com
Facebook.com/bloodfeastritual
Instagram.com/bloodfeastritual
EPK

About:

Formed in the barren lands of Los Angeles when guitarist Hunter Gurney found fellow guitarist Michael Bala shredding at a Guitar Center in Hollywood, CA. With the shock and awe of each other’s talent, a friendship was quickly formed, and soon after the two mad lads began jamming, jellying, and collaborating in all senses of the phrase.

Between the two of them, there was a strong, electrical creative energy that compelled the pair to both write songs. The young shredders were very inspired by HP Lovecraft, 80s horror, and older style death metal. Hunter added his own flavor to Michael’s existing songs, and Michael helped Hunter expand his own songwriting abilities. The pair worked very quickly, and composed a handful of crunchy tunes; soon after, it was time to find other members to join their cult for brutality.

Through a mutual friend, the duo met growler David Ainsworth. Michael and Hunter were taken aback at David’s ability to perform metal vocals in a wide variety of styles, and suddenly the wolf pack became a terrifying trio of tremendous heavy metal titans. The Mississippi Mutant aka David became close with Michael and Hunter and joined them on their quest for death metal domination.

After a few solid months in the practice room, the trio decided it was time to hit the studio. Five songs for annihilation were chosen to be recorded and were executed with surgical precision, under the watchful eye of Charlie Waymire from Ultimate Studios. Michael and Hunter shared bass duties on the recording, and vocalist David injected his vocal venom from with lyrics of demons and eldritch horrors. Showcasing a range from technical death metal to melodic shred, the trio’s sonic devastation “Altars of Sacrifice” (EP) was completed and set to assault the masses on July 24th, 2020.

2020 is proving to be a big year for Bloodfeast Ritual. The band is beginning their journey, and they appreciate each and everyone that has encouraged them, either in the form of inspiration or those that have taken the time to pass on a kind word. Especially during the current age of Covid.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Sadistic Embodiment Conjure Creative Chaos With “Catherine’s Braid” Off “Blood Spell”; New Album “Blood Spell” Out September 18th, 2020 via CDN Records

August 12, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Sadistic Embodiment

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 12, 2020

For fans of Gojira, Rotting Christ, Bloodbath, Kataklysm, Strapping Young Lad

Sadistic Embodiment Conjure Creative Chaos With “Catherine’s Braid” Off “Blood Spell”

New Album “Blood Spell” Out September 18th, 2020 via CDN Records

L-R – Bryan James Newbury (Drums); Jason Cullen (Rhythm Guitar); Wally Fischer (Lead Guitar); Curtis Vieville (Bass)
Photo Credit: Danika Challand AKA Demonika

Canada’s Sadistic Embodiment is releasing a new album “Blood Spell” and to get you ready for the sonic onslaught, they have the single “Catherine’s Braid” available now.

Sadistic Embodiment has released 3 EPs so far, and are pleased to add this new full length to their discography. They share what listeners can expect from the album:

“’Blood Spell’ will pique our fans interest. They will tell that we have grown in depth and complexity while maintaining simple and heavy death metal passages. This album will get fans pumped with new catchy choruses intermixed with powerful and epic melodies. The newest material exhibits a darker soundscape than our previous releases.”

“Catherine’s Braid” was chosen as the first single for a reason. The chorus will convince listeners to pound their fists and chant. The intro and choruses feature the wretched growls of Calvin (Org666) Fehr of Dead Jesus. Watch the video and take in the imagery of an individual experiencing their slow and brutal sentence, being broken on the wheel!

Simple, heavy, and catchy, each of the nine songs have a distinct feel given the variation in vocal and instrumental styles throughout the album. Each song stands out and yet they are all uniquely Sadistic Embodiment. This will please old school death metallers and the new school with the variety of punch-in-your-face hooks, melodic passages, and absolutely brutal anthemic choruses.

Like a pungent black onion, “Blood Spell” has many layers of groovy, mid-tempo riffs, choruses alongside pain, anguish, and rage; the instrumental and vocal nuances meticulously build into each song.

“Blood Spell” is the album fans of both old school death metal and newer will appreciate. Especially fans of Gojira, Bloodbath, and Kataklysm.

The album will be released on September 18, 2020 on all major digital platforms along with being available for pre-order (CD) from CDN Records here.

Track Listing:
1. Stranger (4:41)
2. Gallows Hill (5:33)
3. Catherine’s Braid (6:03)
4. Phantom Tormentor (4:41)
5. Nebulae (Call of the Void) (2:48)
6. Suicide Ceremony (3:09)
7. Global Enema (4:06)
8. Flesh Deposition (5:37)
9. Cerebral Termination (5:26)
Album Length: 42:08

Sadistic Embodiment is:
Bryan James Newbury (Drums)
Jason Cullen (Rhythm Guitar)
Curtis Vieville (Bass)
Wally Fischer (Lead Guitar)

For more info:
CDNRecords.com
Facebook.com/sedeathmetal
Instagram.com/sadisticembodimentofficial
EPK

About:

The sadistic death metal quartet was originally conceived in Edmonton, Alberta. Although all Edmonton born half of the group now resides in Calgary, travelling frequently to join the others in crafting extreme musical works. Each member brings their own distinct flair to the music, live theatrics, and social media content.

Drummer Bryan Newbury (also known from Into Eternity, Untimely Demise) formed the project in the fall of 2017 by inviting Curtis Vieville and Helge Lipphardt to jam simple and catchy death metal. A couple of months later, Jason Cullen joined the group and then Nate Mandrusiak joined shortly thereafter, forming the five-piece that produced their Self-Titled (March 30th, 2018) and Blodørn (September 8th, 2018) EPs. Curtis Vieville left to travel for the summer of 2018, leaving the band to record bass and vocals for the Blodørn release on his behalf.

During the late fall of 2018, the group parted ways with Helge Lipphardt and brought on Curtis’ old bandmate Wally Fischer. Continuing their relentless musical onslaught the group wrote and released the EP Beloved Imprisonment on January 31st, 2019, showcasing their evolved sound. But the work was far from over and after a few gigs, the group began work constructing their first full-length album. During that period the band parted ways with their singer Nate in early 2020, and from thereafter the group became a three-pronged vocal assault team.

Completing their work in the spring of 2020, the milestone album “Blood Spell” was finally realized. As if sensing the impending debut, CDN Records approached the band with a record deal just as the final touches were being completed. And thus Sadistic Embodiment joined the CDN Records family.

Each release from Sadistic Embodiment grows in depth and complexity while maintaining simple and heavy death metal passages. They pride themselves on having catchy choruses intermixed with powerful and epic melodies. The newest material exhibits dark soundscapes with a lot of variation in song type and feel. Listen closely and you will find evil and pain lurking in the mix

“Blood Spell” is due out September 18, 2020 via CDN Records.

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0 Canada’s Entropy Announce New Expansive, Cinematic Album “Force Convergence”

August 11, 2020
by Asher
· entropy · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 11, 2020

For fans of Slayer, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica

Canada’s Entropy Announce New Expansive, Cinematic Album “Force Convergence”

L-R: Oscar Rangel (Bass), Ger Schreinert (Vocals), Dan Lauzon (Guitar), Blake Lemieux (Drums)
Photo Credit – Pamela Ashton – Lauzon

Canadian legends Entropy first hit the metal scene in the late 80s and 30 years later they are still melting faces, this time with “Force Convergence”.

This will be the fourth album from the band, and they describe it as their best album yet and it’s a cinematic type experience. Entropy shares the premise being the concept album:

“We wanted to bring metal fans a sci-fi horror experience with the album story. The lyrical inspiration is from bands like Rush, Queensryche, Voivod, Iron Maiden, and also from films like Aliens, Predator, War Of The World’s, Independence Day, Invasion Of The Body Snatchers. There is also a sprinkle of war scene themes throughout the story, like Apocalypse Now, Platoon, and Starship Troopers, mixed in for fun.”

The story-driven, progressive thrash metal album has been getting excellent reviews from the people who have had a chance to listen to it early, this is the album that everyone wants!

So far, all the Entropy albums have a different feel to them, and this new one is also forging its own path. “Force Convergence” is a 30-minute metal rip-ride! It is a creative and fun album that flows with power, melody, aggressiveness, and meaning.

With an original and eclectic sound that is 30 years in the making, Entropy is suitable for all metalheads especially those who enjoy Slayer, Pantera, and Iron Maiden.

“Force Convergence” is due out August 28th and will be available on Entropymetal.com (CD), Spotify, Apple Music.

Advance Album Stream on YouTube.

Track Listing:
1. Everything Falls (1:03)
2. Ripzone (4:10)
3. Planetary Impact Extinction (6:30)
4. Threshold of Decimation (4:44)
5.Weaponized Storm System (4:52)
6. Transmigration (2:41)
7. Force Convergence (5:11)
Album Length: 29:15

Entropy is:
Album / Live Band Line Up:
Ger Schreinert (Vocals)
Dan Lauzon (Guitar)
Oscar Rangel (Bass)
Blake Lemieux (Drums)

For more info:
EntropyMetal.com
Facebook
EPK

About:

Formed in Toronto in the late 80s, Canadian metal band Entropy has released 3 albums on their own independent label, Ashen Existence (1992), Transcendence (1995), and E3 (2012).

The quartet of Oscar Rangel (bass), Ger Schreinert (vocals), Dan Lauzon (guitar), and Blake Lemieux (drums) mark their own eclectic style of metal. Lauzon writes the songs as guitar music structures. Schreinert gets down the lyrics and vocal lines. Rangel contributes with beautiful classical guitar and creative bass lines throughout the songs. Lemieux composes the drum parts, and the result is brutal and elegant at the same time.

The unique sound of Entropy comes from a blend of thrash, death, prog, groove, speed, and power metal stylings. The original sound coupled with strong reviews in print and web media for their independent CD releases, Entropy has performed extensive shows for their fans, playing live with such legendary acts as Annihilator, Piledriver, Fear Factory, Razor, Obituary, and Anvil and countless local Canadian bands.

Entropy’s independent album releases have become somewhat of an underground metal collector’s item, with on-line reports of eBay bids going up to $500 USD for an original copy of Ashen Existence!

As of August 2020, Entropy will release the fourth album Force Convergence, with even more music planned after that. Entropy thanks their fans, and metal album collectors from around the world, for the continued interest and support of their unique brand of metal.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Heavy Metal Is Alive And Well With Protokult’s Massive New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Due Out Oct 1st; Streaming First Single “Feed Your Demons”

August 11, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Protokult

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 11, 2020

For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger

Heavy Metal Is Alive And Well With Protokult’s Massive New Album “Transcending The Ruins”

Streaming First Single / Music Video “Feed Your Demons”

New Album Out October 1st, 2020

L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)

Protokult have been defining folk/pagan metal since 2009 when they released their debut album “Ancestral Anthems”, since then they have created three additional uncompromising and relentless albums with their fifth “Transcending The Ruins” coming out on October 1, 2020.

An introduction to this new offering comes with the single “Feed Your Demons”, which the band explains in their own words:

““Feed Your Demons” was probably the last song written for the record, we needed something fairly simple, heavy and to the point. I pictured a groovy yet haunting female folk bridge in the middle and wanted some extra aggression too. One of the more personal songs from the album, it deals with the fragility and vulnerability of what makes us human, I.E addictions, shame, and hopefully learning to cope with so-called vices. It’s not a song that supports addiction but essentially, controlling your demons if you absolutely HAVE to feed them on occasion.”

Over two years in the making, “Transcending The Ruins” is a rush, meant to be enjoyed either as a whole journey or at any entry point, the band ensures. Approaching this record with a bit more maturity and consistency, the result is heavier, faster, darker.

Inspired and fascinated by various metal genres alongside folk-culture, after a few years of experimenting, Protokult was meant to fuse the two together while paying homage to the past, Bacchanalian festivities and honouring the underground.

For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, and Nightwish, the record pulsates from start to finish yet incorporates the massive dynamics, ambience and dashes of folk-melodies that the band has become known for.

“Feed Your Demons” can be heard at the following links:
YouTube
Spotify

“Transcending The Ruins” will be out on October 1, 2020. Album pre-order on Bandcamp.

Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult, Darren Mcgill
• Mixed by: Darren Mcgill
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams
• Album Artwork by: Marie Cherniy
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar, vocals, keyboards, additional percussion, jawharp
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder,
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Jack Neila – rhythm and lead guitar
Dave Slowiak – bass, gang vocals

Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar and vocals
Dave Slowiak – bass and backup vocals
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder and synth
Jack Neila – guitar
Kaveh Afshar – drums

Guest musicians:
Quinn Strahl – electric violin
Matt Hilden (Vesication) – vocals
Joe Feral- vocals
Jesse Harvey (Ammo) – vocals
Cristina Marcu – operatic vocals
Ewelina Ferenc- folk vocals

Corktown trans-choir:
Jason Adamo, Geoff Hodsman, Andrei Sin, Davey White, Matt Hilden, Oliver Salathiel

For more info:
Protokult.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.

With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.

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“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks

“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock

“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France

“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl

“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple

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0 EPK – Entropy – Convergence (2020)

August 10, 2020
by Asher
· entropy · Music News

EPK – Entropy – Convergence (2020)

Publicist – Jon Asher – ashermedia[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans Slayer, Pantera, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica

Album Title: Force Convergence
Release Date: August 28, 2020
Label: Self-Release

EntropyMetal.com | Facebook | Twitter

Fun Facts / Story Angles

1. Ger wants to write a screenplay for a Force Convergence Horror/Sci-Fi film.
2. Entropy was the highest-selling independent bands at HMV in Toronto when record stores used to thrive. (circa 1992)
3. Gerry is the biggest Manowar fan. He was able to be live guest vocals for Battle Hymns with Ross The Boss (Manowar) on stage at the Mod Club in Toronto in January 2020. It slayed. The end.

“metal lunatics and progressive fanatics should still listen to this otherwise recommendable piece of metal” – Rock Hard (Germany) – Ashen Existence Review

“This new full length (their third) is a pure face-ripper, and it charges forth like a possessed beast armed to the teeth with malevolent riffs. Leading the charge is singer Ger Schrienert, whose trademark screams remain bristling with the old-school thrash edict. His vocal range always teetered between terse shouting and was layered over with his trademark high-pitched wail. ” – Dead Rhetoric – E3 Review

“Here’s another mind-shatteringly awesome discovery I made on YouTube recently. A band so fuckin’ incredible that I’m absolutely certain they would’ve gone on every single mixtape I ever made as a kid had I discovered them when they were actually active. ” – Aversion Online

“Tunes like ‘Succubus’ show the band can slow things down for heavy effect, while ‘Bloodrites’ thrash fast and catchy. ‘Darkness Eclipsed’ is a success of a sprawling prog-metal closer inspired by RUSH and DREAM THEATER… definitely deserving of some respect and a few loud spins. Welcome back, Entropy!” – Bravewords – E3 Review

“E3 is only Entropy’s third album but their heritage and history stand out hugely with this release. “Means to the End” and “Premonition” immediately bring to mind the best of this era while “Bloodrites” draws you in with its power and aggression.” – Planet Mosh – E3 Review

““Means To An End” puts everything in a Thrash order with a headbanging rhythm and vocals that reminded me of the early SACRED REICH. Everything you know or have experienced in the early US based Thrash is here, served with a vintage sound production that has absolutely nothing to do with triggered drums or over-compressed vocals and plastic guitar distortion. No, ENTROPY sound like they play live in your garage as loud as possible, not paying attention to the neighbors’ complaints.” – Metal Kaos – E3 Review

“Their debut album Ashen Existence turns 25 years old this year and features dirty death metal-inflected thrash, akin to an unholy alliance between Slaughter and Forbidden. Blastbeats, Overkill-style shrieks and psychotic solos supply an abundance of action.” – Hellbound

“Ashen Existence is, for the most part, a wise voyage through technical thrash with quirky, progressive flavors and some of the finest death/thrash drumming this side of Protector’s late, great Michael Hasse.” – The Metal Archives

“Entropy’s Ashen Existence really hits the mark. The debut of this group must be one of the best “unknown” albums ever heard, composed of highly complex but fully consistent thrash metal. The sound of this album is unique and stylish, a wall of captivating riffs and distinctive vocals that range from high screams to low growls with ease.” – Classic Thrash

L-R: Oscar Rangel (Bass), Ger Schreinert (Vocals), Dan Lauzon (Guitar), Blake Lemieux (Drums)

Photo Credit – Pamela Ashton – Lauzon

Formed in Toronto in the late 80s, Canadian metal band Entropy has released 3 albums on their own independent label, Ashen Existence (1992), Transcendence (1995), and E3 (2012).

Entropy’s independent album releases have become somewhat of an underground metal collector’s item, with on-line reports of eBay bids going up to $500 USD for an original copy of Ashen Existence!

Album / Live Band Line Up:
Ger Schreinert (Vocals)
Dan Lauzon (Guitar)
Oscar Rangel (Bass)
Blake Lemieux (Drums)

Discography:
2020 – Force Convergence
2012 – E3
1995 – Transcendence
1992 – Ashen Existence

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: Force Convergence
Release Date: August 28, 2020
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Everything Falls (1:03)
2. Ripzone (4:10)
3. Planetary Impact Extinction (6:30)
4. Threshold of Decimation (4:44)
5.Weaponized Storm System (4:52)
6. Transmigration (2:41)
7. Force Convergence (5:11)
Album Length: 29:15

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Entropy
• All songs written by: Lauzon / Schreinert
• Produced by: Dan Lauzon / Jonathon LeFrancois- Leduc
• Mixed by: Dan Lauzon / Jonathon LeFrancois- Leduc
• Mastered by: Jonathon LeFrancois- Leduc
• Album Artwork by: Yan Sek
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

0 Helion Prime Release First Single “Forbidden Zone” Off Upcoming Album “Question Everything”

August 10, 2020
by Asher
· Helion Prime · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 10, 2020

For fans of Unleash the Archers, Iron Maiden, Helloween

Helion Prime Release First Single “Forbidden Zone” Off Upcoming Album “Question Everything”

New Album “Question Everything” Out October 5th, 2020

L-R – Alex Bosson – Drums, Mary Zimmer – Vocals, Jason Ashcraft – Guitars, Chad Anderson – Guitars, Jeremy Steinhouse – Bass
Photo Credit: Casey Frederick

It’s been about two years since the band’s sophomore release “Terror of the Cybernetic Space Monster” and Sacramento sci-fi power metallers Helion Prime returns with their third effort and the much shorter title “Question Everything” set for release on Monday, October 5th, 2020 via their label Saibot Reigns. This is Helion Prime‘s first album with new vocalist Mary Zimmer, who has also accompanied the band on two separate tours of the United States. It also sees the band’s original singer, Heather Michele, returning in a writing capacity and contributing all lyrics and melodies. Heather Michele also along with other former Helion Prime vocalist Sozos Michael and with John Yelland (Judicator/Dire Peril) add their guest vocals on the full length.

The highly anticipated third record is a concept album, with each song revolving around different figures throughout human history who had the courage to question the status quo of their respective worlds/societies, in some cases even dealing with harsh persecution as a result. Those Helion Prime chose to write about-faced prejudice, mockery, ex-communication, and persecution – yet through it all, they held true to their beliefs and ideas. Time would be their greatest ally as their ideas and identities were eventually validated, oftentimes not until after their passing. They serve as an inspiration for all minds to continue thinking outside the box and staying true to themselves.

Jason speaks on the album itself:

“This album has truly been amazing to work on. The idea behind it is something I’ve been holding on to since around the time I started the band. Aside from writing some of what I consider to be Prime’s best work it was a great experience getting to work with Heather again on an album as she once again contributed her talents for the lyrics.”

Today, the band releases their first single from the album, “The Forbidden Zone”, based on the fictional character Cornelius from the classic sci-fi film “Planet of the Apes.” The lyric video was made by Austin Bentley.

Founder/Songwriter Jason Ashcraft says:

“I have had plans to write a song based on the film Planet of the Apes for some time now. I love films and just needed the right time. The character Cornelius really fits into the theme I was going for with this album. He is the only fictional character to be featured on this album.”

Watch and listen to “The Forbidden Zone” HERE.

Spotify here.

“Question Everything” was mixed by Chris Collier and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima with additional mixing/drum edits/reamping by Alex Nasla of Gear Gods Studio. Guitar/Bass edits by Michael Goodrich and cover art by Marc Whisnant.

“Question Everything” is out worldwide on October 5th, 2020 via Saibot Reigns.

Album Pre-Order – Questioneverything.helionprimemetal.com

Track Listing:
1. The Final Theory (4:20)
2. Madame Mercury (4:19)
3. Prof (3:55)
4. The Gadfly (6:35)
5. Photo 51 (5:13)
6. E Pur Si Muove (5:48)
7. Words of The Abbot (4:55) ft. guest vocals John Yelland (Judicator, Dire Peril)
8. The Forbidden Zone (4:32)
9. Question Everything (5:56) ft. Heather Michele (ex-Graveshadow, ex-Helion Prime) and Sozos Michael (ex-Helion Prime, Planeswalker)
10. Reawakening (6:54)
11. Kong at the Gates (Misfits Cover)
Album Length: 56:12

Helion Prime is:
Mary Zimmer – Vocals
Jason Ashcraft – Rhythm Guitars
Chad Anderson – Lead Guitars
Jeremy Steinhouse – Bass
Alex Bosson – Drums

For more info:
Helionprimemetal.com
Facebook.com/helionprimemetal
Instagram.com/helionprimemetal
EPK

– 30 –

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0 Toronto’s Prospects Announce Intriguing New Prog Track “Orphic Trigger” Off EP “Recalling”

August 7, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Prospects

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 7, 2020

For fans Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist, Opeth, Protest The Hero

Toronto’s Prospects Announce Intriguing New Prog Track “Orphic Trigger” Off EP “Recalling”

EP “Recalling” Out September 4th

Progressive metal act Prospects have unleashed a new single “Orphic Trigger” coming from the upcoming four-track EP “Recalling” due out September 4th, 2020.

Founded in 2014 by multi-instrumentalists Robert Medeiros, Prospects combines influences from acts like Opeth and The Contortionist for chillingly heavy tracks with multiple layers. In a niche, but thriving genre, the band aims to broaden their horizons and bring together fans from different backgrounds, united by a love of heavy and experimental music. The band explains one of the unique challenges they had when recording this album:

“Since there is some distance between band members, we all recorded/tracked the instrumentals on our own, compiled them into an organized folder, and sent them to be mixed and mastered by Jamie King. Vocals were recorded by Mike Indovina.”

“Orphic Trigger” can be enjoyed as individual songs or as an entire EP experience; with only 4 songs, but 32 minutes of audio you can rest assured that each song is its own adventure entirely. Even though there are snippets of a storyline from the previous album, 2017’s “Calling Of A Red Bird”, they all feel original and cohesive.

With Medeiros on vocals, keys, and guitar, Matt Dalton on guitar and vocals, drummer Anthony Zicari and bassist Mathew Lothian, Prospects builds a catalogue of melodic and rhythmic interest, looking outside of metal to genres like jazz, orchestral, and world music for further inspiration. Perfect for deep thinking, subculture aficionados, lovers of the outdoors, hipsters, and geeks, Prospects weaves together technicality with melody.

For fans of Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist and Opeth, Prospects is heavy, melodic, and exotic.

“Orphic Trigger” is now available as of August 7, 2020 and can be heard on the following links:
YouTube
Bandcamp
IGTV

along with Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Amazon HERE.

The full “Recalling” EP will be released on September 4, 2020.

Band Line Up:
Robert Medeiros – Guitar/Keys/Vocals
Matt Dalton – Guitar/Vocals
Matthew Lothian – Bass
Anthony Zicari – Drums

For more info:
Facebook.com/prospectsmusicoffical
Instagram.com/prospectsband
EPKAbout:
Prospects is a Toronto progressive metal band founded in 2014 by multi-instrumentalist Robert Medeiros. Generally inspired by modern metal and acts from numerous other genres Prospects released their debut “The Calling of a Red Bird” in 2017 as a foray into the plethora of bedroom level studio albums.

Following this advent, Medeiros took a short hiatus to refine his songwriting and production skills. He would meet guitarist Matt Dalton in 2019 and form the initial line up with Mathew Lothian on bass shortly after.

With the initial 2017 release of Calling of a Red Bird utilizing midi drums, the group was looking for a real drummer that could fill the role. After posting in several online forums and Facebook groups, it wasn’t too long before finding drummer Anthony Zicari and things fell into place.

As rehearsals became a regular thing and a few songs started shaping up the band aimed to find their way onto local bills around the GTA (greater Toronto area).

Back to the recording sessions, the band has been working on their new EP “Recalling” expected for release in 2020. Working with Jamie King (Between The Buried And Me, The Contortionist, Etc) for mixing and mastering, the band is confident a great product for the masses. The EP “Recalling” is a collection of old and new material, showcasing where the band has come from, but also where they are heading!

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
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0 Earth’s Yellow Sun Begin Illustrating Prog Masterpiece “The Infernal Machine” With Intense Animated Videos

August 7, 2020
by Asher
· Earth's Yellow Sun · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 7, 2020

For fans Periphery, Snarky Puppy, Dream Theater, Animals As Leaders, Thank You Scientist

Earth’s Yellow Sun Begin Illustrating Prog Masterpiece “The Infernal Machine” With Intense Animated Videos

“The Infernal Machine” Celebrates 5 Years!

Re-release EP Tracks w/ Animated Videos

Top L-R Brian Dhari (Tenor Sax), Josh Hanff (Guitars), Chris Bruder (Keyboards)

Bottom L-R Duncan Stan (Bass), Julien Bigras (Drums), Murray Heaton (Alto Sax)

Photo Cred: Michele Dalgarno, Samantha Carcasole, Eric Soto

Five years ago Toronto’s Earth’s Yellow Sun released their sophomore EP “The Infernal Machine”. Now to celebrate the anniversary of that EP, they are re-releasing the tracks in the form of animated videos starting at the beginning with “Part I – Assembly”.

The concept album is the perfect soundtrack to these videos, the premise lying in a futuristic society, the dependency on technology and artificial intelligence, and the conflict that arises between man and machine. Guitarist Josh Hanff shares his excitement for this project:

“The release in question, The Infernal Machine was actually released exactly five years ago, but we are releasing this comic book video concept for the five-year anniversary. The project has been in the works between myself and a couple of artists since the actual album was completed, and we’re really excited to be able to finally show our fans (and potential fans) the story behind the music, which was always in my mind (and my co-producer’s mind) as we created the album back in 2014/2015. “

“Part I – Assembly” is an introduction to the world and its characters. We see the process of the machine being made and programmed, culminating in the grand reveal to the public. This audiovisual experience is experimental, thought-provoking, and deeply artistic. Four more pieces of the story are to follow over the next couple of months.

An incredible mix of guitars, saxophone, choir, violins, and a heavy rhythm section, Earth’s Yellow Sun is difficult to label yet easy to enjoy. Recommended for fans of Periphery, Dream Theater, and Animals as Leaders, the first video of five can be viewed at the following link:

Track Listing:
1. Part I – Assembly (6:09)
2. Part II – Unveiling (2:58)
3. Part III – Betrayal (3:31)
4. Part IV – Bastion (3:12)
5. Part V – Rapture (7:14)
Album Length: 23:06

For more info:
EarthsYellowSun.net
Facebook.com/EarthsYellowSun
Instagram.com/EarthsYellowSun
EPK

About:

Difficult to Label; Easy to Enjoy

We are Earth’s Yellow Sun, an instrumental band hailing from Toronto, Canada. While often described as “progressive metal”, you’ll quickly find that it’s not so simple to label us – our unique approach to writing music is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Blending a crushingly heavy rhythm section with soaring melodic saxophone lines and funky organ pads, Earth’s Yellow Sun is like the love child of Periphery and Snarky Puppy that you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Our most recent release “Under the Covers” features our cover arrangements of three songs from vastly different corners of the musical world, featuring collaborations with some talented vocalists. From the progressive rock realm, we cover Rush’s “Overture 2112/The Temples of Syrinx”, featuring the incredible Rody Walker of Protest the Hero. From jazz territory, we cover pianist Tigran Hamasyan’s instrumental rhythmic mind-bender “Entertain Me”. And from the pop world, we cover the Backstreet Boys hit “Larger Than Life”, featuring the vocals of Lauren Babic of Red Handed Denial.

As an instrumental band, we rely on our music to convey our stories. Our sophomore release “The Infernal Machine” is a concept record that chronicles a futuristic society’s dependence on technology and artificial intelligence, and the ensuing conflict between man and machine. The creation of this EP saw us venture further into experimental territory, incorporating unconventional instrumentation such as violin, choir, and tabla into sound.

Earth’s Yellow Sun was initially conceived in 2014, while we were attending Humber College’s music program. After bonding over our mutual interest in heavy progressive music, and our shared desire to write innovative music of our own, we formed a school ensemble where we first toyed with the idea of incorporating saxophones into a metal band. This experiment proved to be a great success, and Earth’s Yellow Sun rose from the ashes of the school ensemble once classes came to an end.

Our unique and eclectic sound allows us to fit into a variety of different concert bills. Since our live debut in 2015, we have been fortunate enough to share the stage with several notable acts, including Between the Buried and Me, Protest the Hero, Intervals, Intronaut, Plini, Thank You Scientist, Moon Tooth, Auras, and Red Handed Denial. We greatly look forward to returning to the stage as soon as we can, bigger and better than ever.

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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