Category: Music News

0 Out Now! Guitarist Frankie C. (Vesperia) Unleashes His Shredding Debut EP “Cellular Damascus”

March 13, 2019
by Asher
· Frankie C. · Music News · Vesperia

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 13, 2019

For fans of Marty Friedman, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Buckethead, Tony MacAlpine

Out Now! Guitarist Frankie C. (Vesperia) Unleashes His Shredding Debut EP “Cellular Damascus”

Frankie Caracci, known for his guitar work in Canadian symphonic death metal band Vesperia, has been simmering a side project entitled “Cellular Damascus” and is now ready to give listeners around the world a taste of what he’s been doing on March 13, 2019.

“Cellular Damascus” is an instrumental solo project that came to light after Caracci’s win on season one of “Shredders of Metal” presented by Banger TV. Technical, groovy and energetic, “Cellular Damascus” lets the listener focus on the guitar work that he takes great pride in orchestrating.

“I want fans to have fun listening to it. I wanted to create interesting melodic phrases but still have heavy riffs to headband along with, shred hard but not lose sight of the music and try to have a clear mix where things aren’t overly processed but all instruments/parts are still clear and audible.”

Working consciously on each track, the scene for the album is a suspenseful set with “So It Begins” and concludes majestically with “Fall Of The Hammer”. All four tracks on this debut flow together and show off excellent musicianship. Excited to be focusing on more solo work in the future, Caracci has confirmed another release in the future.

“Cellular Damascus” is now out as of March 13, 2019, and available for stream and download on Bandcamp, Spotify, Youtube, iTunes.

Track Listing:
1. So It Begins (1:06)
2. Fall Of The Hammer (2:55)
3. Cellular Damascus (3:14)
4. Life By Fire (3:19)
EP Length: 10:36

For more info:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frankiecshred

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/arps7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankiecshred

Bio:

Cellular Damascus is the instrumental solo project from Vesperia’s Frankie Caracci. Looking to try something new and forge his wide array of influences together to make something that is uniquely his own.

The first release, the self-titled EP (2019), introduces fans to the melodic and technical headbanging music on which Caracci solely wrote, performed and produced. Influenced but guitar mavericks such as Jeff Loomis, Joe Satriani, Jason Becker, and Michael Romeo and genres such as modern and classic heavy metal thrash, prog and death metal there is an assortment of features in each track that keep the listener on their toes and attentive to the music.

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0 Italian Groove Thrash EXTREMA Posts Album Trailer For “Headbanging Forever” Out May 2019

March 12, 2019
by Asher
· Extrema · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 12, 2019

Italian Groove Thrash EXTREMA Posts Album Trailer For “Headbanging Forever” Out May 2019

Streaming New Single ‘For The Loved And The Lost’

Out May 10th via Rockshots Records / Universal Music

Long-running Italian groove thrash metallers EXTREMA are going to release their seventh studio album, “Headbanging Forever” on May 10, 2019 via Rockshots Records/Universal Music.

Today, the band launches the first album trailer unveiling details about the writing process of “Headbanging Forever”.

The trailer is available here: https://youtu.be/Lu_LWGoTZ6w

Last week, they also released the first single “For The Loved And The Lost”, which can be heard at the following links:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/D6m_W32LKD8

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2Hbom71

The album will be available in CD Digipack Deluxe or Vinyl Gatefold Limited Colored Edition. Exclusive Pre-order at Rockshots Records Store: http://bit.ly/EXTREMA_Store

Plus those who pre-order the album digitally will receive the single “For The Loved And The Lost” instantly from the following links:
https://apple.co/2HlQlB8
https://amzn.to/2VLQd1F

For this album, the band enlisted Gustavo Sazes (MACHINE HEAD, ARCH ENEMY, ANGRA, ICED EARTH, GUS G., AMARANTHE, a.o.) to create the album artwork.

“Headbanging Forever” was produced by Tommy Massara & Gabriele Ravaglia. Recorded and mixed by Gabriele Ravaglia & Maxx Canali at the Fear Studio in Italy plus mastered by Alberto Cutolo at Massive Arts studios in Milan.

Track Listing:
1. The Call
2. Borders Of Fire
3. For The Loved And The Lost
4. Heavens Blind
5. Pitch Black Eyes
6. Headbanging Forever
7. Believer
8. Invisible
9. Paralyzed
10. The Showdown

More info:
http://www.extremateam.com/
https://www.facebook.com/extrema.official/
https://twitter.com/extrema_it
https://www.instagram.com/extrema_official/
https://www.youtube.com/user/boogaow

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Bio:

EXTREMA’s original line-up was established between 1985 and 1986 in Milan, Italy. In a very short time, the band led by guitars player Tommy Massara achieved a huge success. Tommy is the only remaining member of the original line-up, and over the years he also played the role of artistic and executive producer.

Hundreds of concerts made the band more and more close-knit and open towards a constant growth path, capable from the beginning of welcoming influences external to heavy metal, a consistent choice within an evolutionary framework which saw EXTREMA start from the rebellious attitude of MOTÖRHEAD to later incorporate the style of Californian thrash metal, a scene with which the band shared the utmost care for the technical side of music and a devastating presence on stage.

The band’s reputation as musicians and performers kept growing in a perpetual live context, with extensive tours and the participation to prestigious festivals with the likes of METALLICA, SLAYER, MOTÖRHEAD, and KORN, a.o.

Extraneous from the beginning to political and ideological implications of any kind, EXTREMA’s lyrics have always strived to alternate challenging and contemporary themes with lighter subjects, true to rock’n’roll form.

In May 2017 the band welcomed the new frontman Tiziano Spigno. Thanks to his entry, EXTREMA can finally release all the creativity repressed in recent years: a violent, direct and engaging approach which is – at the same time – also varied, courageous and experimental, resulting in the new album “Headbanging Forever”.

EXTREMA is:
Tiziano “Titian” Spigno – Vocals
Tommy Massara – Guitars
Gabri Giovanna – Bass
Francesco “Frullo” Larosa – Drums

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0 Mad With Power Metal And Arcade Festival Invites All Kombatants To 3rd Annual Showdown w/ Theocracy, Lords of The Trident, Judicator, Helion Prime and more!

March 12, 2019
by Asher
· Mad With Power Fest · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 12, 2019

Mad With Power Metal And Arcade Festival Invites All Kombatants To 3rd Annual Showdown

w/ Theocracy, Lords of The Trident, Judicator, Helion Prime and more!

Villains and heroes alike will once again come together on August 10, 2019 to enjoy a buffet of power metal, arcade games and other nerdy delights at the third Mad With Power Festival in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. This one-day fest boasts seven kickass bands playing a variety of power metal and an exclusive appearance from Phillip Ahn, M.D. the actor who played Shang Tsung on Mortal Kombat II.

Headbanging isn’t the only thing to do at the fest, attendees can enjoy tons of free pinball and arcade games; try to beat your friend’s high score or destroy them with a head splitting fatality! Concert goers can expect other entertainment that includes metal opera battles, a heavy metal video game themed museum, and perusing the nerdy goods sold by vendors all whilst sipping the official Bos Meadery “Mad With Power” mead.

This year’s 2019 lineup includes:

Theocracy – Progressive Power Metal from Athens, GA!

Lords of the Trident – Madison’s own Power Metal Heroes!

Judicator – Historical Power Metal from Arizona!

Helion Prime – Sci-Fi Power Metal from California!

Novareign – Heavy Power Metal from California!

Widow – Traditional Heavy metal from North Carolina!

Fiakra – Power Metal from New Jersey!

Tickets and more information can be found at the following links:

(please note Gold and Silver VIP tickets are sold out, general admin, 18+, and sponsorship ($250) tickets still available)

Tickets: http://mothershabooboo.com/madwithpower/index.php/get-tickets/

Website: http://madwithpowerfest.com

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/620093948460813/

2019 Line-Up Spotify Playlist here.

Instagram: @madwithpowerfest

MWP Partners:
Bos Meadery
Rokker Vodka
Warriors of Metal Fest
Queen City Metal Convergence
Wheelhouse Whiskey
Guys, Games, and Beer! Podcast
Phoenix Foreign Car Services
I/O Arcade Bar
Vintage Vault Arcade
Max Ink Radio/Magazine

About:

Mad With Power – the Midwest’s only arcade and heavy metal festival – was a fest built out of spite. Angered by other fests making and breaking promises to him over and over again, fest founder Ty Christian did the only rational thing: make his own fest – and make it better – by filling venues to the brim with free-play arcade and pinball games!

Now in its third year, Mad With Power fest continues to highlight up-and-coming bands in the power metal, thrash metal, and traditional heavy metal sub-genres, and attracts more and more concertgoers with new exclusives every year. In just a few years, the fest has created an official drink (Bos Meadery’s “Mad With Power” mead, available on-tap), shocked fans with power metal opera battles, and crafted unique experiences like a playable “heavy metal-themed video game museum” with the help of local sponsors.

The fest has grown year-by-year, and continues to attract attendees from not only the midwest, but across North America and Canada as well!

Bio about founders:

Ty Christian is the vocalist for the band Lords of the Trident, and the founder of Mad With Power fest. Ty has been playing in, touring with, booking, and managing bands since 1999, and was a roadie and mixing engineer for bands such as Steppenwolf, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Molly Hatchet, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Ty is also the creative director of the Madison Area Music Association – a charity organization that raises funds to put instruments and music education into local schools – and prides himself on being a leader of the DIY musician movement.

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0 TheObelisk Premiere The Galactic Journey of GONE COSMIC’s “Deadlock” Off Upcoming Album “Sideways In Time”

March 12, 2019
by Asher
· Gone Cosmic · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 12, 2019

For fans of Earthless, Alabama Shakes, Black Sabbath, Tess Parks, Pink Floyd

TheObelisk Premiere The Galactic Journey of GONE COSMIC’s “Deadlock” Off Upcoming Album “Sideways In Time”

New Album ‘Sideways In Time’ Out April 12th via Kozmik Artifactz

Canadian Tour Dates (AB/SK/BC)

L-R: Abbie Thurgood (Vocals), Marcello Castronuovo (Drums), Devin “Darty” Purdy, (Guitar), Brett Whittingham (Bass)
Photo Credit: Mario Montes

Canada’s GONE COSMIC have released their first single, “Deadlock” off their upcoming debut album “Sideways In Time”. “Deadlock” is premiered on TheObelisk and will certainly satisfy cravings for powerful, soulful and progressive psychedelic rock.

Starting out with a single riff that flourishes into a multitude of insane riffs, GONE COSMIC combines thick n’ dirty bass lines, essential groove and energetic lyrics and melodies to create an intricate soundtrack to guide you on a galactic journey. “Deadlock” is the spaceship that allows the listener to tune out of the everyday immediate satisfaction and social media obsessed society and lose themselves in the ‘cosmic nod’ of the heavy psychedelic experience of the music.

The band comments:

“‘Sideways in Time’ was created for the every-day music lover and listener to lay on the floor and absorb the sounds and journey, to the well-seasoned musician to break it down and get technical. Our hope is that people enjoy what they hear and come out and catch a show. It’s a whirlwind for sure, these songs aren’t written with an ABC formulaic map.”

Space out with “Deadlock” over on TheObelisk at http://theobelisk.net/obelisk/2019/03/12/gone-cosmic-sideways-in-time-review-premiere/

“Sideways In Time” will be released April 12, 2019, through Kozmik Artifactz and available for pre-order on Bandcamp here.

Comprised of musicians from Western Canadian staple acts Chron Goblin, Witchstone, Funkenshiest, and The Torchettes, fans have an idea of what to expect from this quartet, but can drink it all in, live, on the following dates listed below.

Tour Dates:
April 12 – Calgary, AB – The Palomino
April 13 – Edmonton, AB – Bohemia
April 14 – Red Deer, AB – Bo’s Bar & Stage
April 19 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigo’s Cantina
April 20 – Regina, SK – German Club
May 3 – Victoria, BC – Wheelies
May 4 – Vancouver, BC – SBC Restaurant

Track Listing:
1. Dazed (4:49)
2. Deadlock (6:41)
3. Siren (4:48)
4. Faded Release (5:46)
5. Turbulent (4:36)
6. Misfit Wasted (7:10)
7. Bear The Weight (5:53)
8. My Design (6:28)
Album Length: 46:14

Album Band & Live Line Up:
Abbie Thurgood (Vocals)
Marcello Castronuovo (Drums)
Devin “Darty” Purdy, (Guitar)
Brett Whittingham (Bass)

For more info:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gonecosmic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gonecosmicband
Instagram: www.instagram.com/gonecosmic
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-d3q

Bio:

Championed by a soaring songstress Abbie Thurgood (The Torchettes), whose boldly evocative tones recall Skunk Anansie chanteuse Skin and Alabama Shakes’ Brittany Howard, and accompanied by an agile and aggressive psych-rock outfit, composed of guitarist Devin “Darty” Purdy (Chron Goblin), bass player Brett Whittingham (Chron Goblin), percussionist Marcello Castronuovo (Witchstone), Gone Cosmic has carved out an expansive domain that stretches from sweltering Southern sludge pits to breath-stealing sonic spacewalks.

A blood (orange)-scented breeze that bows the trees, Gone Cosmic chases the infinite haze from the skies and puts it right back in your eyes. Groove-mining breakdowns become the stuff of legend as the four pieces’ floor-thudding tail kick and hellfire halo holler originates a whole that is far more potent than the sum of its individual elements. Meet your new astromancers, the phase-shifting and hard- rocking force that channels the empyreal sounds of heaven on Earth.

Bio was written by Christine Leonard (Beatroute AB, Canada)

– 30 –

“And then there’s Gone Cosmic with their Sideways In Time album, released through Kozmik Artifactz. Set for an early April release this is some grade A, female-fronted psych rock, it whirls and it winds and it wails like a hard rocking banshee on the prowl! Simply stunning!” – Stoner Hive

“It feels like an evolution of the genre” – Chris Beck – Doom Tomb

“Fresh off of announcing their signing to the Kozmik Artifactz label before the April release of their debut Sideways in Time (so bleeding bloody good, by the way), this Calgary supergroup comprised of members of Chron Goblin, Witchstone and Joplin-esque lung pummeler Abbie Thurgood, formerly of The Torchettes, are a heavy, groovy, psych-storm, headtrip. You’re welcome.” – Mike Bell – YYScene

“ It works in a spectacularly gnarly and boombastic, rifftastic, fantastic Joplin blues-rock way.” Mike Bell – YYScene

“Awakening the ears and seducing souls with an addictive pairing of folk-blues and psych-rock, Calgary’s Gone Cosmic is a band that thrives on the mix of complementary and contrasting traits that each member brings to the party. “ – Christine Leonard – Beatroute

“The electromagnetic energy generated when Thurgood’s soaring vocals and passionate lyrical narratives are added to the compelling riffs and hypnotic pulses of the band’s instrumentation is a stunning and stimulating force to behold. “ – Christine Leonard – Beatroute

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0 MetalInjection Premiere Violin Progressive Metal CYDEMIND’s VIVALDI Cover In Stunning Music Video “Winter”

March 11, 2019
by Asher
· Cydemind · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 11, 2019

For fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Haken, Plini, Ayreon, Neal Morse Band, Genesis, Rush

MetalInjection Premiere Violin Progressive Metal CYDEMIND’s VIVALDI Cover In Stunning Music Video “Winter”

After releasing their debut album “Erosion” in 2017 and writing the videogame soundtrack of NavyBlue and the Spectrum Killers in 2018, CYDEMIND is back with a new single and music video called “Winter”. The song is an arrangement of one of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Season violin concertos.

Watch “Winter” via MetalInjection.net at the following link: http://www.metalinjection.net/video/cydeminds-violin-metal-shred-was-made-for-winter-in-this-beautiful-video

As the Montreal-based quintet is led by classical violinist Olivier Allard, it was natural for the band to showcase its classical sound in this music video.

“It’s always been in CYDEMIND’s side-projects to make metal covers of classical music pieces, says Olivier. What better way to start than with one of my favorite violin concertos by Vivaldi!”

Co-directors Vincent Allard and Juliette Guerin hopped in the project without hesitation:

“Vivaldi’s Winter violin concerto is already such a cinematic piece with lots of contrast. It was a great challenge to find landscapes that could match both our view of Quebec’s winter while maintaining CYDEMIND’s highly energetic approach to the piece.”

The video was shot in various locations in Quebec, Canada. Scheduled to be filmed in March 2018, the project was postponed to February 2019 due to bad weather.

“As much as we had no luck last year, karma was on our side this year, says guitarist Kevin Paquet. The weather was fabulous, I think it definitely highlights the splendor of our Canadian winters.”

“Winter” was recorded at The Grid studio in collaboration with producer Christian Donaldson (The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Beyond Creation). The artwork was created by CYDEMIND’s own drummer Alexandre Dagenais.

“Winter” is available for stream and download on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, and all other major platforms, where you can also find CYDEMIND’s debut album Erosion (2017).

For more info:
http://www.cydemind.com
http://www.twitter.com/cydemind
http://www.instagram.com/cydemind
http://www.twitter.com/cydemind

About:
In a world where so much music is bland and generic, CYDEMIND is a breath of fresh air! Mixing progressive rock, jazz, classical, and progressive metal, Montreal-based CYDEMIND is a special and unique band, one we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the future. Influenced by such bands as Dream Theater. Symphony X. Haken, Neal Morse Band, and jazzmen like Avishai Cohen and Tigran Hamasyan, violinist Olivier Allard describes their sound as “violin meets instrumental prog metal!”.

Prolific artists, CYDEMIND released its first EP ‘Through Mists and Ages’ back in 2014 and soon after its single ‘What Remains’. After a few years of writing and refining their sound, the quintet (violin, bass, piano, guitar, drums) came back with their first full-length album. Entitled ‘Erosion’, its six tracks are centered around the theme of nature and its persistence through time. Epic is the word here, with one track clocking in at an impressive 27 minutes. ‘Erosion’ was released independently on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all major online retailers.

CYDEMIND then branched off a bit from the usual metal band musical path to produce the music for the indie video game ‘Navyblue and the Spectrum Killers’. The game released in September 2018 and is available on Steam. In addition to writing the whole soundtrack for the game, CYDEMIND also released two singles ‘Navyblue’ and ‘Lights of Iberia’ as bonus content for the game.

To further expand their musical soundscape and reach new audiences, the versatile band released its first music video ‘Winter’ in March 2019. The single is an arrangement of Vivaldi’s ‘Winter violin concerto’ from the Four Seasons. Shot in various locations in Quebec, Canada, the video highlights both the majestic Canadian winter and the highly energetic performance of the band.

In addition to their recording experiences, the band has performed many times in the Montreal area since 2011 in venues like Foufounes Électriques, Katacombes, Theatre Plaza and more. They recently created the first edition of Proggy Nights in Canada, a small tour that reunited 3 Canadian prog bands in Québec City, Montreal and Toronto.

Aside from their performance expertise, Olivier (violin) and Camille (piano) have also been teaching their instrument for many years. Olivier is a doctorate student in violin performance at University of Montreal, while Camille graduated from the classical piano program at CEGEP St-Laurent in Montreal.

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“presented what will easily be among the top prog metal albums of the year…” – Metal Underground

“An epic album in every sense of the word” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Cydemind have an excellent album on their hands with “Erosion.”” – Progressive Music Planet

“Everything a person could want in his or her progressive metal is contained within the album’s six tracks. Heavy, complex riffs? Check. Knotty, constantly-shifting time signatures? Check. Shreddy solos? Double check. Winding, non-linear song structures? Epic track lengths? Uplifting melodies? Check, check, and check. And then there’s that violin. It’s pretty clear from the first few notes that Olivier Allard has classical training, because he attacks his instrument like Yngwie Malmsteen with a bow.” – Indy Metal Vault

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0 Italy’s N E K E R Announces Canadian Tour Dates

March 11, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · N E K E R

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 11, 2019

For fans of Down, Pantera, Melvins, Every Time I Die

Italy’s N E K E R Announces Canadian Tour Dates

N E K E R – Photo Credit: Francesco Agostini

N E K E R is an Italian solo metal artist that has already conquered several countries across Europe since beginning in 2013 and has now set his attention to the masses across the Atlantic, specifically Eastern Canada. The loud, dirty and noisy project will hit the shores of the Great White North on April 3, 2019, and play 8 gigs in 10 days.

Now with a refined live trio that has re-recorded the original release ‘Louder’, as well as the debut single ‘Sleeping Memories’ that was later released as a music video, N E K E R, is keeping a proud southern sound with subtle elements of metalcore and death metal. His live show not to be missed especially by fans of Pantera, Down, and Everytime I Die; he will be performing on the following dates listed below.

N E K E R adds:

“The first album, Louder, is above all instinct but in a good way. I put in it everything that was in my mind at that time, no frills. This was partly due to the fact that I couldn’t wait to show my work to the world.”

Music Videos:
Loud And Proud – https://youtu.be/-yagpNgAQf0
No Faith – https://youtu.be/ZrRqVMsJZhM
Sleeping Memories – https://youtu.be/acxKedfcCDQ

Tour Dates:
April 3 – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub – info
April 4 – Barrie, ON – The Foxx Lounge – info
April 5 – Toronto, ON – Tail of The Junction – info
April 6 – Oshawa, ON – The Atria – info
April 7 – Kingston, ON – Overtime Sports Bar
April 10 – Peterborough – Simcoe PTBO – info
April 11 – Ottawa, ON – Cafe Dekcuf – info
April 12 – Quebec City, QC – Scanner Bistro – info
April 13 – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch (GloomFest) – info

For more info:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NEKERNOISE/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/n_e_k_e_r
Bandcamp https://nekernoise.bandcamp.com/album/louder
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/bs/artist/n-e-k-e-r/1221228916
Spotify https://play.spotify.com/album/1Monx396X8GONISHXyf5sj
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-d4d

BIO:

N E K E R is an Italian Southern metal project that came into being in 2013 initially as a solo project, after N E K E R’s (bass/vocal) departure from a now defunct metalcore band. He intended to create a sound with strong southern influences without forgetting the years spent playing and listening to genres such as post-hardcore, screamo, and metalcore.

In 2015, with the recruitment of Alessandro Eusebi (guitar) and Daniele Alessi (drums), the live band was fully formed and they hit the studio to re-record the single “Sleeping Memories” with the aim to make an official video. The video was released in January 2016 and the live band took to touring. Later in 2016 “Louder” was re-recorded and supported with a European tour. Having conquered several countries across Europe solo artist N E K E R set his attention to the masses across the Atlantic as well as recording another album.

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0 ASHEN HORDE Premiere “Parity Lost” via NoCleanSinging Off Upcoming Album “Fallen Cathedrals”

March 8, 2019
by Asher
· ASHEN HORDE · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 8, 2019

For fans of Ihsahn, Opeth, Borknagar

ASHEN HORDE Premiere “Parity Lost” via NoCleanSinging Off Upcoming Album “Fallen Cathedrals”

New Album “Fallen Cathedrals” Out March 22, 2019 via Extreme Metal Music

Hailing from the cold, unforgiving wastelands of Hollywood, California, ASHEN HORDE is a two-piece band that strives to embrace a multitude of extreme metal sub-genres, without being bound to any one of them. Drawing influence from metal’s crème de le extreme, from Enslaved and Devin Townsend to Ihsahn and Opeth, ASHEN HORDE (aka Trevor Portz and Stevie Boiser (Vale of Pnath, Inferi)), may have a sound rooted in death and black metal, but can’t truly be called either.

Completing their third full length, “Fallen Cathedrals”, the concept album is in the vein of J.G. Ballard’s dystopian novel “High Rise,” and explores class warfare and a society’s descent into primitive, warring tribes. Musically, the album expands further on the complexities of the band’s earlier releases, but with even more emphasis on progressive and melodic elements, even incorporating clean vocals for the first time. It will appeal to fans of the more progressive side of extreme metal, from Ihsahn and Borknagar to Opeth and Enslaved.

Set to be released on CD, vinyl and digitally in Europe and North America on March 22nd, 2019 via Extreme Metal Music/Rockshots Records, the duo is premiering the concept album’s second single and opening track “Parity Lost” via NoCleanSinging.

The band explains the track:

“‘Parity Lost’ sets the stage not only for the Fallen Cathedrals album, but also serves as a summary of what Ashen Horde is all about. It contains elements of black metal, death metal, and prog, all stitched together in a ball of controlled chaos. Lyrically, it lays the groundwork for the album’s story—a city divided by wealth, with the most affluent on one side, and those struggling to make ends meet on the other. The rich look at the poor as a lazy and low class, while the poor look at the rich as snobby and self-indulgent. Tensions have intensified with each passing year, and the precarious balance is about to be shattered…“

Listen to “Parity Lost” at the following link: https://www.nocleansinging.com/2019/03/08/an-ncs-premiere-ashen-horde-parity-lost/

The band adds:

“The forthcoming album, Fallen Cathedrals, is the perfect illustration of what Ashen Horde is all about. Musically, it draws influence from across the metal spectrum. There is hyper speed, blast-beat-fueled black metal that runs alongside pummeling death metal riffs; clean-sung melodic passages juxtaposed against face-melting screams, and headbanging beats intermixed with progressive odd-time signatures.”

Album pre-order is available on Rockshots.eu, Bandcamp, Amazon.

Lyric Video – “Profound Darkness” – https://youtu.be/Dvb03K0WPvM

Track Listing:
1. Parity Lost (7:37)
2. Profound Darkness (5:22)
3. Retaliation-Regret (4:45)
4. The Vanishing (4:36)
5. Atavism (3:55)
6. Cages (5:07)
7. Final Ascent (4:54)
8. Face of The Enmity (7:12)
9. Primal (bonus track on CD only) (4:33)
Album Length: 48:05

For more info:
https://www.rockshots.eu
http://www.ashenhorde.com
https://www.facebook.com/AshenHorde
https://www.instagram.com/ashenhorde
https://twitter.com/ashenhordeAbout:
Launched as a one-man project in 2013 by writer and multi-instrumentalist Trevor Portz, Ashen Horde has released two critically acclaimed albums, as well as several EPs, over the past three years. Beginning with the ambitious Sanguinum Vindicta trilogy, Portz has worked tirelessly to develop a sound that is both challenging and unique.While the earlier work was more firmly rooted in black metal, subsequent releases have begun to shape the Ashen Horde sound into something more genre-neutral. As noted by Dead Rhetoric, “Ashen Horde takes the best of what’s around and melds it into something more interesting than the [individual] parts.”

2015 saw the release of the sophomore album, Nine Plagues. Again written, performed and recorded entirely by Portz, the album was described by Transcending Obscurity as “the ultimate modern death metal experience.” Lavished with positive reviews, the album greatly helped to boost Ashen Horde’s presence in the extreme metal community. In fact, demand for Nine Plagues on vinyl led to a successful Kickstarter campaign, the result being a double-LP version of the album.

2016 brought a major change to the band, as Portz made the decision to bring in a lead vocalist, ending Ashen Horde’s run as a solo project. Portz drafted Stevie Boiser, known for his work with several tech death heavies, including Vale of Pnath, Inferi, and Equipoise. Notes Portz, “I always felt like the vocals I was doing was fine, but they never turned out quite as dynamic as I heard them in my head. Stevie’s skill will, no doubt, push Ashen Horde to a whole new level.” The first release with Boiser on vocals was “The Alchemist” 7”, which saw the band exploring black and roll, giving a nod to bands like Khold and Satyricon.

Which brings us to 2018 and Fallen Cathedrals. The album represents a more diverse Ashen Horde sound but doesn’t compromise on the intensity and aggression for which the band has become known.

Absolute Zero Magazine commented, “If we the underground can get this into the right hands Ashen Horde will be a major force in the extreme metal world for years to come.” Portz and Boiser are ready to see that prediction play out.

– 30 –

“The ultimate modern death metal experience.” – Transcending Obscurity

“No matter your flavor of the extreme metal underground, Ashen Horde is bound to draw your attention and hold it…” – Dead Rhetoric

“If we the underground can get this into the right hands Ashen Horde will be a major force in the extreme metal world for years to come.” – Absolute Zero Magazine

“What we have here is some very competent progressive black death metal that would please the Behemoth crowd.” — Teeth of the Divine

“…every single moment is filled with an absolutely aggressive energy that does not let up.” – Head-Banger Reviews

“…[Ashen Horde] manages to mash so much together and actually make it sound good without it even seeming difficult.” – Metal Addicts

“Absolutely brilliant.” – The Path Less Travelled Records

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0 Portland Power Metal TANAGRA Reveals Enticingly Epic ‘Meridiem’ Off New Album via Metal-Rules

March 8, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · Tanagra

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 8, 2019

For fans of Caladan Brood, Blind Guardian, I.Q., Iced Earth, Visigoth

Portland Power Metal TANAGRA Reveals Enticingly Epic ‘Meridiem’ Off New Album via Metal-Rules

L-R: Steven Soderberg: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Christopher Stewart: Drums and Percussion, Tom Socia: Lead and Backing Vocals,
Josh Kay: Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Erich Ulmer: Bass Guitar

Photo Credit: Kara Pesznecker Reavis

Hunkered down across four studios for close to three years, joined by guest musicians on piano, cello, and viola, Portland’s Tanagra has been refining and crafting the seven multi-layered compositions on their upcoming album “Meridiem” to perfection. The release, due out on April 26th, is power metal packed with depth, emotion, harmony, and complexity.

Debuting the 11 and a half minute epic title track as the first single, the song displays much of the same ambition that guided Tanagra in their three years crafting “Meridiem”. It’s the perfect overture to open the release, distilling the entire album’s essence of dynamic lengthy songs, soaring guitar solos, majestic orchestrations, and powerful choral vocals into a single track containing everything from mournful piano passages to driving power metal riffing with a dash of symphonic black metal.

Teaming up with Metal-Rules, here’s the first listen of “Meridiem” – https://www.metal-rules.com/2019/03/08/portland-power-metal-tanagra-reveals-enticingly-epic-meridiem-off-new-album-via-metal-rules-com/

The band comments:

“It’s pretty unanimous that this is one of the best things we’ve ever written. It’s really close to all our hearts. Initially, ‘Meridiem’ started as a spiritual successor to 10:04 PM off of None Of This Is Real. As the song began to take shape it became more than just a spiritual successor, instead, it seemed that 10:04 pm existed so that one-day Meridiem would take form. Really as time went on they shared little connection musically and lyrically but at its core shared the collaborative nature that we had come to know as Tanagra. This is the quintessential Tanagra song.”

“Meridiem” will be available on April 26, 2019, through Spotify, CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon.

Album pre-order is available on the band’s Bandcamp.

Track Listing:
1. Meridiem (11:35)
2. Sydria (4:01)
3. Etheric Alchemy (8:49)
4. Silent Chamber (7:52)
5. Hidden Hand (10:14)
6. Across the Ancient Desert (7:39)
7. Witness (14:19)
Album Length: 1:04:31

For More Info:
https://facebook.com/tanagraband
https://instagram.com/tanagraband
https://twitter.com/tanagraband

BIO:

Formed out of the love of science fiction, fantasy, and theatrical heavy metal storytelling, TANAGRA hit the Portland, USA metal scene in 2011 with epic, symphonic, progressive power metal with lyrical content about original fantasy/sci-fi settings, Magic: The Gathering, historical tales, and other nerdy themes.

In 2015, they released their debut album, None of This is Real, an energetic collection of American power metal showcasing their love for complex arrangements and lengthy songs which garnered critical acclaim from a multitude of publications around the world.

In the time following their debut release, the members found a deep love for progressive rock/metal and symphonic black metal, and in writing new material found ways to combine the sounds of bands like IQ, Anekdoten, Caladan Brood, and Borknagar into their existing American power metal framework.

In 2016, TANAGRA entered the studio with the fruits of their labors to begin recording their ambitious second album, titled Meridiem, slated for global release April 26, 2019.

– 30 –

“The guitar work never lets up whether it’s the awesome riffs, the solos, or the harmonized leads, these guys are good… This band knows how to tell a story in a song.” – The Elitist Metalhead

“One of 2015’s big surprises in power metal and definitely one of the best independent releases of the year.” – The Metal Observer

“The album is chock full of catchy riffs, singalong choruses and awe-inspiring shredding… Riffs and vocal hooks flow seamlessly together.” – Metal Bandcamp

“Tanagra is definitely in the right path to become a respected act in the fantasy-themed Power Metal genre” – The Metal Crypt

“…confident vocals which soar like big fucking neon birds.” – Hollywood Metal

“Full of fun and driving riffs, rich melodies, and triumphant vocals…” – Dead Rhetoric

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 BLACKGUARD Unleash New Single “By My Hand” ft. Kittie’s Morgan Lander + New Album “STORM” Coming 2019

March 8, 2019
by Asher
· BLACKGUARD · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 8, 2019

BLACKGUARD Unleash New Single “By My Hand” ft. Kittie’s Morgan Lander + New Album “STORM” Coming 2019

First Show In Four Years In Toronto

March 22 – Coalition – Toronto, ON w/ Crimson Shadows

The northern lords of symphonic melodic-death metal are back!

8 years since the release of their last album “Firefight”, BLACKGUARD have released “By My Hand”(featuring Morgan Lander of Kittie), the first single for their upcoming album “Storm”.

“This has a been a very long time coming, but we’re all elated to finally share with you our first single from ‘Storm’. We have no shame in saying this album is by far our best/heaviest/fastest/bla bla bla, you’ve heard it all before, but sooner than later everyone is going to know why we feel this way. We’d like to send a huge thank you to Morgan Lander of Kittie for doing an amazing job on the chorus of this song, hopefully, she can make it out to a show or two to perform it with us.”

Listen to “By My Hand” at https://youtu.be/DQOxKqFMrAI

Track download and album pre-order available on Bandcamp here.

The band recently broke their long hiatus to announce their first show in four years on March 22nd in Toronto with longtime friends Crimson Shadows and Borealis at Coalition.

“STORM” will be the band’s first album in 8 years and fourth overall. The group will release the record independently on a surprise date in the coming weeks.

The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by longtime producer and former BLACKGUARD keyboardist Jonathan Lefrançois-Leduc at Silver Wings Studio in Montreal.

The video for “By My Hand” was created by Chris Kells (The Agonist) of FTB Visuals and Artwork by Rainsong Design.

Show Dates:
March 22 – Toronto, ON – Coalition

For More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/blackguardband

About:
Blackguard broke into the international scene with their 2009 sophomore album Profugus Mortis(Sumerian/Nuclear Blast records) and their 2011 follow up Firefight (Victory Records). They quickly gained a reputation as a dominating live act and relentless touring machine, participating in 18 national tours in 5 years playing with Epica, Sabaton, Deicide, Finntroll, The Summer Slaughter tour, Pagan Fest, Kamelot and many more.

– 30 –

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0 Brace Yourself For SLUDGEHAMMER’s Brutal Track “No Control” Off Upcoming Album “Antechamber”

March 7, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · Sludgehammer

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 7, 2019

For fans of Revocation, Mastodon, Lamb Of God, Cannibal Corpse, Pantera, Opeth, Decapitated

Brace Yourself For SLUDGEHAMMER’s Brutal Track “No Control” Off Upcoming Album “Antechamber”

L-R: Tyler Williams – Guitars, Josh Stephney – Vocals, Jeff Wilson – Guitars, Dan Ayers – Bass/Vocals, Fernando Villalobos- Drums

Photo Credit: Deborah Lawrence

Toronto’s SLUDGEHAMMER are ready to pummel the masses with their forthcoming album “Antechamber” ready to destroy eardrums on April 12, 2019.

Heavy and groovy, SLUDGEHAMMER delivers the goods with astounding precision and the confidence of a world-class band. The first single “No Control”, with its ferocious drumming that collides with equally aggressive riffs and vocals, is a solid introduction to the pummeling album that “Antechamber” promises to be.

“The whole process has been trial by fire. We bring what we have to the table and if it fits our signature blend then we roll with it. Over the years from our first release until now, our sound has matured quite well and it’s all thanks to the support and input from our fans and friends that have kept us going down the right path thus far. We can only hope to keep pleasing who we do with our albums while bringing in a new level of fan base due to our more well rounded and heavy-yet-easy listening style.”

Fans around the world, especially those with an ear for Decapitated, Pantera, Lamb Of God, and Cannibal Corpse can dig into the single now and wait for the rest of “Antechamber” on April 12, 2019.

“No Control” – https://youtu.be/er53knWtqrM

Album pre-order here.

Metalheads moshing in Ontario will be able to experience the SLUDGEHAMMER madness live on the following dates:

April 12 – Toronto, ON – Coalition T.O
April 13 – Hamilton, ON – Club Absinthe
April 19 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar
April 20 – Ottawa, ON – Café Dekcuf
April 27 – Kitchener, ON – Boathouse
May 3 – Brantford, ON – Our Place
May 11 – London, ON – Old East 765

Track Listing:
1. No Control (5:08)
2. Broken Sea (5:09)
3. Climatic Death (5:02)
4. Forsaken Souls (4:41)
5. Balance Of Life (5:00)
6. The Long Road (5:02)
7. Eternal Darkness (4:10)
8. Supernova Silhouette (8:37)
9. Line ‘Em Up (4:11)
Album Length: 47:04

For More Info:
http://www.facebook.com/sludgehammermusic
https://www.instagram.com/sludgehammermusic
https://twitter.com/sludgehammermx

BIO:

Since the release, their first full-length album, The Fallen Sun, Sludgehammer from Toronto, Canada have been riding a wave of great reviews for the record as well as their live show.

Originally formed in 2013 by Jeff Wilson (guitar) and Fernando Villalobos (drums), Sludgehammer’s initial lineup came together with the addition of Daniel Ayers (vocals/bass) and Christopher Szarota (vocals). By the end of the year, they released a demo which gained considerable ground. 2014’s EP Organ Harvester introduced Dan Ayers as a co-vocalist, creating a unique sound that molded Sludgehammer into the heavy and groovy band it is today.

In 2016, the LP The Fallen Sun was released; fast and chunky it was well received by fans and the media. Unfortunately, after the release of that album, the band parted ways with Szarota and Josh Stephney was brought on board to complete the album cycle.

With the lineup finalized, Sludgehammer hit the road and laid waste to every stage they set foot on, showing their fans that they were now stronger than ever. After a few successful tours in support of The Fallen Sun, it was time to start writing the next record which will be the first to feature Stephney on vocals. Sludgehammer is preparing to show their maturity by unleashing a second monstrous album “Antechamber” in 2019.

– 30 –

“Sludgehammer doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional death or groove metal box, as its diverse elements sets it apart from its peers… hooky riffs, catchy choruses and a perfect clean/growled vocal combination… Sludgehammer possesses loads of potential. Highly recommended!” – Bravewords

“This is how gifted SLUDGEHAMMER as a band is, even with only a demo, EP and now LP under their belts. On their own, they’re a devastating DIY metal band. With a contract in-hand, they’re gonna become unstoppable.” – Blabbermouth

““Demons From the Woodwork”. It’s a jolting, high-octane, full-throttled romp that incorporates elements of thrash, death metal, and head-slugging groove — and it’s an infectious beast that Sludgehammer have unchained.” – No Clean Singing

“Sludgehammer have a great way of infusing groove into their sound. Not nearly enough of that in death metal these days” – CJSF – Metal Meltdown

“The thing about Sludgehammer musically is they take so many different styles and mesh them together into this sound that encapsulates traditional, thrash, modern, death, and progressive metal, while creating something unique yet familiar. The excellent guitar work with hooky riffs and blazing solos matched with the heaviness and intensity was greatly appealing.” – Get Ready To Rock

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#.514.581.5780 | asher@ashermediarelations.com
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