Category: Music News

0 AxMinister Give “Salvation” With New Lyric Video via PureGrainAudio + New EP Out May 4th “The Crucible of Sin”

April 26, 2018
by Asher
· axminister · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 26, 2018

For fans of Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Manowar, Slayer

AxMinister Give “Salvation” With New Lyric Video via PureGrainAudio

New EP Out May 4th “The Crucible of Sin”

Hailing from the frozen tundra of Ontario, AxMinister are the heroes of metal the world needs! Initially formed back in the forgotten mists of metallic history (1999); the power-trio returns in 2018 with their next triumph “The Crucible of Sin” to follow singles “Visceral Speed” (2017), “AXistential Christmas” (2015), “Unborn Warriors: The Cries of Tomorrow” (2015) and full length “Betray Everything” (2015).

Warriors of metal on a holy quest, AxMinister is inspired by Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Manowar and can be best described with a sound that of a sped up Type O Negative.

Teaming up with PureGrainAudio, AxMinister are offering “Salvation” with their second single, a galloping raging song about getting over toxic relationships with a slight Monte Python approach.

Check it out at the following link: http://puregrainaudio.com/videos/axminister-offer-salvation-with-new-single-and-lyric-video-exclusive-premiere

The band adds:

“Our soon to be released EP “The Crucible of Sin” sports a sense of humour. It tries to tell a… at times, nihilistic, story about love, lust, oppression, and redemption. Following every recording and show, we try to reflect on our own mistakes, and attempt to improve. We grew to understand our 90s thrash/traditional style of songwriting, and compose accordingly. This EP has that ‘90’s warm thrash sound akin to Megadeth’s Youthanasia album. We hope old and new audiences join us on a journey that is at times fictional, visual and imaginative, while other times introspective and contemplative. We like you to dance, head bang, and mosh to it.”

“The Crucible of Sin” is due out May 4, 2018 and available for pre-order on Bandcamp here.

Track Listing:
1. Prey (4:15)
2. Salvation (4:16)
3. The Trials of Hercules (4:06)
4. The Succubus and the Crucible of Sin (5:10)
5. Sanctus Equitis Mortis (5:06)
EP Length: 22:56

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/AxMinister
https://twitter.com/axministertrio
https://www.instagram.com/axminister_band
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bOO
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“From the drop of the first note, AxMinister pull their ax from stone, brandishing it mightily and powerfully as they dish out shredding sharpened riff after sharpened riff. Thrown in to the mix are face melting solos as well as ever present charging drumming as well as very solid very infectious vocals. Each of the five tracks present within this release are woven together well to provide you with a cohesive and well rounded sound that you will have a hard time getting out of your head. With The Crucible Of Sin, AxMinister gift you with five highly addictive and highly entertaining tracks that you keep coming back to.” – Cadaver Garden

“You can tell that AxMinister is a band that is all about fun, especially since one of their songs is titled “Arnold Schwarzenegger” – Metal Master Kingdom

“I don’t know how I’ve never come across these guys before; they played some great traditional Heavy Metal about history and had a killer stage show to boot, with frontman Nicholas Klaus looking like an executioner and their drummer constantly changing hats/helmets/masks throughout the set.” – Five Magics Music

“[AxMinister’s] gritty pounding thrash originals should also make lots of fans on the Fourth of July, so keep them in mind!” – Sault Metal Scene

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0 Watch Out! It’s Not Godzilla… That’s FALLEN LEGION “Monster Reborn” via New Noise Mag – New EP “Downfall” Out May 18th + “The Weekend Warriors Tour” Across Ontario

April 26, 2018
by Asher
· Fallen Legion · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 26, 2018

For fans of Veil of Maya, Between The Buried And Me, Protest The Hero

Watch Out! It’s Not Godzilla… That’s FALLEN LEGION “Monster Reborn” via New Noise Mag

New EP “Downfall” Out May 18th

“The Weekend Warriors Tour” Across Ontario

Releasing two well-received demo EPs “Screams From The Dungeon” (2012) and “Infinite Archive” (2015) plus performing with bands like Soilwork, Havok, Unearth, Battlecross and 36 Crazy Fists, Oshawa’s FALLEN LEGION have made quite a name for themselves in Southern Ontario since forming in 2008. Consisting of Nick Sauter on guitars, Jon Kal on bass, Josh Masterson on vocals and Dylan Waybrant on drums, FALLEN LEGION are inspired by an eclectic metal brigade of Gojira, Korn, Iron Maiden, Dethlok and Antonio Vivaldi for a sound best described as “energetic, unorthodox, progressive, spirited, and memorable”.

Set to unleash their next EP entitled “Downfall” on May 18th, 2018, these whiplash tyrants are offering fans a Godzilla size headbanger in the form of their second single “Monster Reborn” streaming now on New Noise Magazine at the following link: https://newnoisemagazine.com/stream-fallen-legion-monster-reborn/

Their forthcoming EP is “the journey of a downfall. Going from stable to unbound and the choices that come with the calamity. The single embraces the human struggle and highlights the importance of hope. The EP is about dealing with stress- mortal blows, drugs, thoughts of suicide, the inner struggle, and the wrath of it all. The EP represents the outcome of painful experiences. Songs like ‘Escapegoat’ deal with not being able to handle the consequences of one’s actions and pushing them onto those weaker than yourself.”, and ‘Monster Reborn’-about letting the guilt build up inside, trapping one within their own mental anguish.”

“Downfall” is available for CD pre-order on the band’s official website here along with download on May 18th on all major online retailers.

In additional news, FALLEN LEGION will be performing across Southern Ontario for “The Weekend Warriors Tour” in support of the release.

FALLEN LEGION – Weekend Warriors Tour

April 27 – The Atria – Oshawa, ON – (CD Release / Tour Kick Off)

April 28 – The Jam Spot – New Market, ON

May 4 – Doors Pub – Hamilton, ON

May 5 – East Village Arts Collective – London, ON

May 11 – Southside Pizzeria & Co. – Peterborough, ON

May 12 – Ask A Punk – Ottawa, ON

May 25 – Detour Music Hall – St. Catherines, ON

June 8 – Overtime Sports Bar – Kingston, ON
June 16 – The Asylum – Sudbury, ON

Track Listing:
1. Cipher
2. Escapegoat (4:27)
3. Injection (5:24)
4. Way Out (4:50)
5. Monster Reborn (3:03)
6. New Skin feat. guest vocals and keyboard Lindsay Schoolcraft (Cradle of Filth) (6:04)
EP Length: 24:48

EP Band Line Up:
Josh Masterson (Vocals)
Jon Kal (Electric Bass)
Nick Sauter (Guitars)
Dylan Waybrant (Drums)
Lindsay Schoolcraft on Newskin (Vocals and Keyboard)

Live Band Line Up:
Josh Masterson (Vocals)
Jon Kal (Electric Bass)
Nick Sauter (Guitars)
Dylan Waybrant (Drums)

For More Info:
https://fallenlegionband.com
https://www.facebook.com/FallenLegionMetal
https://twitter.com/6FALLEN6LEGION6
https://www.instagram.com/fallen.legion.band
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bKo
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

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0 MEKA NISM Announce Florida Show Dates; “The War Inside” EP Listening Party + Opening For Jonathan Davis (Korn) and more!

April 26, 2018
by Asher
· Meka Nism · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 26, 2018

For fans of In This Moment, Lacuna Coil, Arch Enemy, Epica, The Agonist, Jinjer

MEKA NISM Announce Florida Show Dates

“The War Inside” EP Listening Party + Opening For Jonathan Davis (Korn) and more!

L-R – James Christopher Lane, Jarret Robinson, Meka Kyoto, Jay Adkisson, Bobby Keller – Photo Credit by Barry Nadler

Inspired by Metallica, Joan Jett, Iron Maiden, Slayer, and Ghost, MEKA NISM’s sound is powerful, metallic, aggressive, melodic, and in your face. They are a band that fires on all cylinders and with the most charismatic front-woman “Meka”; they have supported legends like Mastodon, Gojira, The Offspring, Limp Bizkit, Otep and In Flames. Preparing for the release of their new EP “The War Inside” on May 11th, the Orlando based band announces they will be performing a series of Florida show dates in May and June, which includes being local opening support for Jonathan Davis (Korn) plus hosting a local EP listening party at Park Ave CDs. “The War Inside” follows their three previous releases “Live From The Machine Shop” (Live CD) (2016), “The Shift” (EP) (2015) and “The Dance At The End of The World” (EP) (2013).MEKA NISM have also unleashed two singles off the EP, “Trailblazer” and the title track. Both songs inspire messages of battling both internal and external demons with a positive choice and knowing you can persevere when times feel like they have no escape.

Music Video – The War Inside – https://youtu.be/zKm8hZhe8jI

Song Stream – Trailblazer – https://youtu.be/h7jCx8-AUns

Show Dates:
May 10 – Orlando, FL – Park Ave. CDs – info (The War Inside EP Listening Party + In Store Q&A w/ fans)
May 12 – Tampa Bay, FL – Brass Mug – info (Halfway To Halloween 2018)
May 14 – Orlando, FL – Plaza Live – info (w/ Jonathan Davis)
June 2 – St. Petersburg, FL – State Theatre – info
June 9 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues – info – (The War Inside CD Release Show)

“The War Inside” EP pre-order available at www.meka-nism.com.

Track Listing:
1. The War Inside (4:49)
2. These Years of Silent Screams (3:32)
3. Trailblazer (4:32)
4. Arrows of Alchemy (5:22)
5. Black Sky (4:03)
EP Length: 22:20

EP and Live Band Line Up:
– Ms. Meka (Vocals)
– Bobby Keller (Guitar)
– Chris Lane (Drums)
– Jarret Robinson (Bass)
– Jay Adkisson (Keys)

For more info:
http://www.meka-nism.com
http://www.facebook.com/mekanismband
http://www.twitter.com/mekanismband
http://www.instagram.com/mekanismband
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bz9
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

Quick Facts:
– Played Breeding Festival in Flensburg, Germany in 2017.
– Opened Main Stage for WJRR’s Earthday Birthday 24 in April 2017.
– Headlined Local Stage at 3rd Annual Kink Music Festival.
– Ranked 2016 Orlando’s #1 Metal Band – Orlando Weekly.
– Toured with Avatar in 2016.
– Toured with Trapt and Otep in 2015.
– EP “The Shift” Named One of Top 34 Albums of 2015 – Unrated Entertainment Magazine.
– Single “From Out of Nowhere” Selected to Best of 2015 List – From the Depths Entertainment.

– 30 –

“What would happen when you lock Arch Enemy and Lacuna Coil in the same room and force them to record an album? Well, you’d probably get something like Florida residents Meka Nism.” – Merchants of Air

“They experiment with melodies, dipping their toes in and out of a pool of sounds and influences. Then, they combine these creative expressions with the most important element of their music: the message. Meka Nism doesn’t just deliver thrashing tunes; it seeks to deliver listeners from their own wars inside. ” – Shockwave Mag

“It’s honest, heavy and packed full of some of the most amazing elements of metal music infused with some of the most versatile, controlled and distinct vocals in metal music today.” – Yesterdaze News

“Meka Nism is a band to watch. ” – Sonic Cathedral

“Lead singer Ms. Meka is intriguing and quite compelling, both visually and with her vocal range, and the guys in her band provide the perfect vehicle for the artistic vision that they’ve managed to create together.” – I’m Music Magazine

“Full of energy, this band never fails to strike a chord with everyone sharing the stage from the audience. Meka’s vocals are the antithesis of the ever-present smile on her face that lights up the room. This lovely woman genuinely smiles with her eyes. The entire band is simply memorizing. Meka Nism is one of those bands that must be seen live. Don’t hesitate to meet them either. All of them are engaging, genuine and make you feel like the rock star! ” – Metal Nexus

“Orlando’s metal/operatic band, MekaNism performed songs which included “From Out of Nowhere” and “Mekamorphosis,” which got the crowd hyped for their set. Ms. Meka, with her melodious sound and great enthusiasm, was so engaged and energized throughout the performance. The rest of the band was bursting with the same energy and truly put on a memorable show.” – (Live Review) Monkey Goose Magazine

—

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0 Denied At US Border Question’s Who Is “Color Blind” – Egyptian / Canadian Metal Band MASSIVE SCAR ERA Premiere Protest Video via Decibel Magazine

April 25, 2018
by Asher
· Massive Scar Era · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 25, 2018

Denied At US Border Question’s Who Is “Color Blind”

Egyptian / Canadian Metal Band MASSIVE SCAR ERA Premiere Protest Video via Decibel Magazine

L-R – Cherine Amr (Guitar + Vocals), Allan Heppner (Session Drummer), Nancy Mounir (Violin + Percussion + Egyptian Flute), Dylan Wijdenes-Charles (Bass)
Photo Credit: My City Photos

Obstacles and persecution, these are just a few of the things Cairo / Vancouver post hardcore band MASSIVE SCAR ERA have become accustom to since first forming in Alexandria, Egypt in 2005 where they were accused of being Satanist for simply just performing the music they love, a form of metal with classical and Middle Eastern influences. Over the years, through all the struggles, band co-founder Cherine Amr decided it was time to relocate to a safe haven where the band’s artistry would be more accepting. With the difficult decision along with other founding member Nancy Mournir, MASSIVE SCAR ERA would be a band working in two continents from two countries. Cherine would relocate to Vancouver, Canada and Nancy would remain in Cairo, Egypt. Over the years, the band has seen much attention for their unique take on metal along with their lyrical messages. They have performed on festivals such as Metalocalypstick (Canada), Total Metal Festival (Italy), Inferno Metal Festival (Norway), FreakStock Festival (Germany), Saxstock Festival (Germany), Metal Asylum, Dubai (UAE), SOS Music Festival (Egypt) and Sweden Rock Festival, but there was one event last year during March 2017, SXSW in Austin, TX, MASSIVE SCAR ERA were denied performing at, even though they had showcased in 2015 and 2013. On their travel to the festival through Canada, the band was blocked from entry at the USA border.

Cherine Amr comments:

“Last year, the band was invited once again to perform at SXSW, although Egypt wasn’t on Trump’s ban list along with being granted the visas from the American embassy, the border agents didn’t allow us into the country. We were given multiple inexplicable excuses.”

This denial fueled MASSIVE SCAR ERA‘s next musical expression / protest in the form of their fifth EP “Color Blind”.

Cherine adds:

“The new EP we are planning to release later this year is heavily influenced by this incident; the songs mostly talk about discrimination and stereotype. Plus we continue to introduce pre-colonial Egyptian music to our sound celebrating our Egyptian identity, which means all the violins are in Egyptian scales and microtones don’t follow the guidelines of the Cairo Music Conference (1932) that was held during the British Colonization of Egypt.”

Joining forces with Decibel Magazine, MASSIVE SCAR ERA are sharing their music video for the EP’s title track. The video is collaboration between the band and Vancouver’s Nebula Company Theatre merging modern contemporary dance with metal music to demonstrate the artistic emotions MASSIVE SCAR ERA have felt during their US denial to SXSW in 2017.

Watch “Color Blind” at the following link: https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2018/04/25/watch-massive-scar-era-channel-traditional-egyptian-influence-on-color-blind/

MASSIVE SCAR ERA‘s single “Color Blind” is available for download on Bandcamp here.

Track Listing:
1. Color Blind (3:13)

Recording Band Line Up:
– Cherine Amr (Vocalist, Guitar)
– Nancy Mounir (Violin + Percussion + Egyptian Flute)
– Dylan Wijdenes-Charles (Bass)

Live Band Line Up:
– Cherine Amr (Vocalist, Guitar)
– Nancy Mounir (Violin)
– Meghan Engel (Viloin and Cello)
– Dylan Wijdenes-Charles (Bass)
– Allan Heppner (Drums)

For more info:
http://www.massivescarera.com
http://www.facebook.com/massivescarera
http://www.twitter.com/MassiveScarEra
http://www.instagram.com/MassiveScarEra
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bU7
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“Egypt’s female fronted metal band Massive Scar Era shred a whole new sound.” – Bitch Media

” Massive Scar Era tends to describe itself as a posthardcore act. That doesn’t begin to do the group justice on 30 Years, which might be the most fascinating dark-horse record to come out of the city this year.” The Georgia Straight (Vancouver)

“Fighting every step of the way, Massive Scar Era is determined to bring their music to the world. Amr’s heavy riffs and wailing growls are offset by her singing voice and middle-eastern steeped violin. It all comes together for some truly unique hardcore music. The anger in “My Ground,” their last single, speaks to every touring female musician who has ever faced sexism (read: all of them), and the groove in “Pray” would get even the staunchest arms-crossed-at-the-back-of-the-crowd concert goer moving. We can all be thankful they’ve stood their ground, and that their new EP, 30 Years, comes out.” – Beatroute (BC)

—

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0 Decibel Mag Premiere: Full EP Stream: Brutal Tech Death Metal WIDOW’S PEAK Debut “Graceless”

April 25, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Widow's Peak

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 25, 2018

For fans of Aborted, Dying Fetus, Necrophagist, Cattle Decapitation, Cannibal Corpse

Decibel Mag Premiere: Full EP Stream: Brutal Tech Death Metal WIDOW’S PEAK Debut “Graceless”

Debut EP Out April 27th

(L-R) Patricio Cereceda-Paulsen – Drums, Chris McCrimmon – Lead Guitar, Matt Yeomans – Vocals, Scott Cressman – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, Mike Jones – Bass, Vocals

(Photo Credit: Hazzard @Hazzardous Material)

While many metal bands find inspiration from supernatural sources, myths, and legends, WIDOW’S PEAK find influence from true life horror, from the depths of cruelty, terror and pain that man(un)kind so readily descends to. WIDOW’S PEAK is an aural catalogue of carnage, a metallic mausoleum of pain, a sonic symphony of suffering. Their music does not reach for the stars, but rather for the cold void that surrounds them, the darkness that lives in the soul of man. Make no mistake; WIDOW’S PEAK’s ferocity is the music of the spears, metal dripping with blood, bile and venom!

Set to unleash their debut EP “Graceless” this Friday, April 27th, these brutal technical death metal tyrants have teamed up with Decibel Magazine to pummel your senses with its full stream premiere at the following link: https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2018/04/25/full-ep-stream-widows-peak-graceless/

The band comments:

“Graceless” is a jagged and angular approach to technical death metal that fuses tales of perverse violence with the sounds of chaos. We set out to create something that’s brutal and overwhelming, but never loses sight of the underlying groove. We feel that this EP is exactly that: 20 minutes of bang-your-head, balls-to-the-wall madness that any fan of extreme metal will appreciate.”

“Graceless” is available for pre-order on the Bandcamp here.

Track Listing:
1. Debt Collector (3:47)
2. CBT (3:47)
3. Overseer (2:02)
4. Headless (2:58)
5. Mother Misery (3:34)
6. Graceless (3:25)
EP Length: 19:35

WIDOW’S PEAK is:
Patricio Cereceda-Paulsen – Drums
Chris McCrimmon – Lead Guitar
Matt Yeomans – Vocals
Scott Cressman – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Mike Jones – Bass, Vocals

Show Dates:
April 27 – Calgary, AB – Distortion (CD Release) – info
June 7 – Calgary, AB – Distortion – Decimate MetalFest – info
Aug 3 – Drumheller, AB – Dinosaur Downs Stampede Grounds – Loud As Hell Fest – info
Aug 10 – Vanderhoof, BC – Brookside Resort – Metallion Festival – info

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/widowspeakdm
https://twitter.com/widowspeakdm
https://www.instagram.com/Widowspeakdm
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bre
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“Canadian technical death metal outfit Widow’s Peak might be more man than machine, judging by Graceless, their new EP. Starting from the second you hit play, Widow’s Peak attack with blistering fretwork, relentless drumming and a diverse vocal performance.” – Decibel Magazine

“an inventive display of breathtaking destructiveness married to kaleidoscopic, head-spinning instrumental performances, and further reveals an unconventional taste in melody that makes the song even more fascinating….but there’s still more to be said about the song. In broad strokes, it’s complete balls-to-the-wall mayhem, mostly rushing ahead in the red zone, from the barrage of percussive tumult to the mutilating riffs and the deranged, insectile leads. And to add to the feeling of lunatic savagery, the bullet-spitting vocals veer from monster roars to banshee shrieks.” – No Clean Singing (Track Review – Mother’s Misery)

“Brewing in the darkest depths and the most pungent of bowels of Calgary, Alberta, Widow’s Peak comes spewing forth with their debut EP titled Graceless. This is a demented, dark and incredibly vile release filled with six full tracks that are sure to rip your scalp right off your skull. ” – Cadaver Garden

“Friends of technical death metal will rejoice over the technically precise and relentlessly brutal wave of destruction resounding on the soon to be released debut EP from Widow’s Peak. The Canadians from Calgary, Alberta are still pretty much an underground tip but “Graceless” is a promising move to get this band more well-deserved attention.” – Overdrive Music Mag

“The songs are savage and ferocious affairs, featuring head-spinning technicality that’s offset by brutal riffs and belligerent rhythms. With plenty of blast and groove, as well as sickening guttural growls, Graceless is sure to keep fans of extremity happy.” – Wonderbox Metal

“Groovy killer rhythms, twisted paces and just catching rhythms, enough sick to be supported by all the fans into technical death metal! ” – Sick and Destroy

“Lyrically vile and discomforting, they focus on the strangely perverse and dark aspects of the human condition and real life events” – Ursound

—

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0 Metal Warriors VALYRIA Attempt “The Crossing” via Metal-Rules + New EP “Into The Dying of Time” Out May 18th

April 25, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Valyria

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 25, 2018

For fans of Wintersun, Omnium Gatherum, Dragonforce, Children of Bodom, Blind Guardian, Kalmah, Insomnium

Metal Warriors VALYRIA Attempt “The Crossing” via Metal-Rules

New EP “Into The Dying of Time” Out May 18th

L-R – Andrew Traynor – Guitar/Vocals, Mitchell Stykalo – Drums, Jeremy Puffer – Guitar/Vocals, Cam Dakus – Bass/ Lead Vocals

With the world becoming a darker place by the day, we need more metal bands that deal in Realistic Escapism; that is escapism that draws from events in the real world (see Joseph Campbell’s seminal ‘Hero With A Thousand Faces’ for more) and helps the listeners cope heroically with their own daily battles. The aural equivalent of the work of George R.R. Martin!

Indeed, Alberta power-influenced progressive death metal band VALYRIA take their name from the works of the aforementioned Martin.

As the band explains. “Valyria is a ruined city in the world of Essos, the world in which George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Song of Fire and Ice’ takes place. Valyria is a city of wonderment, magic and untold power. The aesthetic Martin creates within his novels is a similar atmosphere to that we as a band try to conjure with our music.”

Influenced by Wintersun, The Faceless, Dragonforce, Blind Guardian and Omnium Gatherum, VALYRIA describes their sound as “dramatic, complex, uplifting, emotional, technical” something their fans will be able to hear on their new EP “Into The Dying of Time”, which features such soon-to-be-classics as “Steel Inquisition”, “Tome of The Shattered Vessels”, “Of Sky and Sea”, “The Crossing” and “Floating World”.

Joining forces with Metal-Rules.com, VALYRIA reveal their second single “The Crossing” at the following link: http://www.metal-rules.com/2018/04/25/metal-warriors-valyria-attempt-the-crossing-via-metal-rules-new-ep-into-the-dying-of-time-out-may-18th/

The band comments:

“‘The Crossing’ is the most succinct example of our sound – equal parts djent, death and power metal, with even a tiny hint of skate punk. This song is filled with glittering keyboard and guitar melodies, brutal chugging, and soaring vocal harmonies, surrounding a lush clean section that builds up into trade-off solos book ending the album’s heaviest breakdown. ‘The Crossing’ is based on Haruki Murakami’s novel ‘Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World’, an existential cyberpunk odyssey that sees our protagonist confront and cross through his own demise and live on in the world of dreams.

VALYRIA’s EP “Into The Dying of Time” will be released on May 18, 2018 and available for pre-order on Bandcamp here.

Song Stream – “Steel Inquisition” – https://youtu.be/4NJMnPw9XIo

Track Listing:
1. The Final Empire (Intro) (0:52)
2. Steel Inquisition (6:17)
3. Tome of Shattered Vessels (5:58)
4. Of Sky and Sea (6:35)
5. The Crossing (5:38)
6. Floating World (4:26)
7. Into the Dying of Time (Outro) (2:02)
EP Length: 31:51

VALYRIA is:
Jeremy Puffer – Guitar and Vocals
Cam Dakus – Bass and Lead Vocals
Andrew Traynor – Guitar and Vocals
Mitchell Stykalo – Drums

For More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/ValyrianSteelCanada
https://twitter.com/valyriayeg
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bLG
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“Where these guys really excel is in structure and atmosphere. As I said, this track reminds me of something like Rhapsody of Fire, Ensiferum or Wintersun… it definitely has that epic melodeath style sound and you don’t need me to tell you that.”-The Grim Tower,

“The album is a keeper for any melo-death fan looking for a fresh & different sound.” – Metalium

“With Collatus , Valyria has made a really successful first album: well played, well interpreted, with a very advanced songwriting and a good dose of originality. 9/10” – Metallifer

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0 Ottawa Thrashers INFRARED Are “All In Favour” With Metal-Rules Track Premiere + “New Album “Saviours” Due Out May 25th + Launch Pre-Order

April 24, 2018
by Asher
· Infrared · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 24, 2018

For fans of a mix of the Big 4, Testament, Exodus, Metal Church, SOD

Ottawa Thrashers INFRARED Are “All In Favour” With Metal-Rules Track Premiere“New Album “Saviours” Due Out May 25thLaunch Pre-Order

L-R = Alain Groulx (Drums, Backing Vocals) | Mike Forbes (Bass, Backing Vocals) | Armin Kamal (Vocal, Guitar) | Kirk Gidley (Guitar, Backing Vocals)
Photo Credit: Gord Weber

Set to unleash their new album “Saviours” on May 25th, Ottawa thrashers INFRARED are “All In Favour” of premiering their first single with Metal Rules.com.

“Anyone who likes a more classic thrash sound, and longs for those days, just like we do, will dig this album. Since we are from that era, we are not trying to bring back that style of music, we are simply continuing what we know and do best!” comments vocalist / guitarist Armin Kamal.

Check out “All In Favour” and thrash for yourself at the following link: http://www.metal-rules.com/2018/04/24/ottawa-thrashers-infrared-are-all-in-favour-with-metal-rules-track-premiere-new-album-saviours-due-out-may-25th-post-teaser-launch-pre-order/

Making an impact on the Canadian’s 80s thrash scene, Ottawa legends INFRARED have returned to cement and carry on their own legacy, with their new album “Saviours”featuring all new music to follow their EP “No Peace”, which featured tracks all written in the 80’s and only recently heard by fans in 2016. “Saviours” features eight tracks that are thrashy, aggressive, melodic, heavy, and tight.

Vocalist / guitarist Armin Kamal adds:

“The Big Four will stand out as we have been described as a band with a bay area sound…But our influences are truly rooted in 70s and early 80s metal. Accept, Scorpions, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest are all bands that laid the foundation and the love of metal for us!”

“Saviours” is available for pre-order on iTunes here.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/jeM0gQkqX4I

Show Dates:
May 30 – Arnprior, ON – The St, John Pub – info – w/ Flotsam and Jetsam
June 29 – Ottawa, ON – House of Targ – info w/ Black Mass, Mortor

Track Listing:
1. Project Karma (6:48)
2. The Demagogue (6:52)
3. Saviour (6:04)
4. The Fallen (6:33)
5. All In Favour (5:51)
6. They Kill For Gods (7:41)
7. Father of Lies (5:55)
8. Genocide Convention (5:33)
Album Length: 51:20

Band Line Up:
– Armin Kamal (Vocals and Guitars)
– Kirk Gidley (Guitars, Backing Vocals)
– Alain Groulx (Drums, Backing Vocals)
– Mike Forbes (Bass, Backing Vocals)

For more info:
http://infraredmetal.ca
https://www.facebook.com/infraredmetal
https://twitter.com/infraredmetal
https://infraredmetal.bandcamp.com
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bQY
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“Straight up thrash metal with the heavy and fast riffs, pounding drums, and the thumping of the bass.” – Sleaze Roxx

“After sitting down and listening to Infrared’s ‘No Peace’ over a period of days, it’s safe to say that this is a solid thrash metal album that will easily please genre purists. It’s an aggressive offering, but it doesn’t take too many risks, nor does it have to. This band is extremely talented and this album is well worth your money.” – Metal At The Gates

“At times reminiscent of old school Metallica, sometimes Megadeth, sometimes something else entirely. In short, if you dig 80’s metal you should really give this album a listen. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I’m already looking forward to the next.” – Skull Banger

“No Peace grabs you by the balls from the first power chords of Inframental and doesn’t let up until the final note of In Search Of.” – Korea Guitar

“Overall, classic sounding, old school thrash metal from an era when thrash was still evolving, this album (No Peace) is a cracking introduction to the mid eighties thrash metal sound.” – Metal Gods TV

“For the sound and style, this is one of the top releases over the last year. The style was getting stale with many sound a-likes, now Infrared are here, so pick up your jaw and enjoy this bruiser of an album. “- Acier Doux Metal Management & Promotions Tunisia

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0 Wacken Metal Battle Canada – National Final Joins Forces w/ Boonsdale Fest

April 24, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 24, 2018

MetalBattle.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Wacken Metal Battle Canada – National Final Joins Forces w/ Boonsdale Fest

June 9th – Toronto @ Opera House

One Independent Canadian Band To Play At Wacken Open Air (Germany) World’s Largest Metal Festival

Free Download – Vol 5. Compilation featuring over 3 Hours of Canadian Metal – here.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Promo Video: http://youtu.be/gQcxqsxchkQ

It’s coming down to the wire for this year’s 2018 Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final, where one band will be crowned Canadian champion and represent the nation at the international metal battle at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Germany. For this year’s 5th national final, WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia, whom also runs Boonsdale Records is bringing together two passions as one at the 2nd annual Boonsdale Fest.

Tartaglia comments:

“This is all part of the new strategy to minimize travel for the Metal Battle finalists and to have them play to a packed venue. I’m happy to say that Boonsdale Fest 2018 is looking very promising. The idea is to keep growing it year after year and eventually move it to an outdoor location. We want to fill the gap of an open air metal festival in Toronto and we want it to have some of that spirit of Wacken!”

This year’s 2018 Boonsdale Fest will be held on June 9th at the Opera House in Toronto, ON and will feature bands Borealis, Operus, Mokomokai, Pressive, Hammerdrone (WMBC Western finalist) and Centuries of Decay (WMBC Eastern finalist).

Featuring:
Borealis
Operus
Mokomokai
Pressive
Hammerdrone (Metal Battle Western Finalist)
Centuries of Decay (Metal Battle Eastern Finalist)
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1635420189827650/

Hammerdrone (Metal Battle Western Finalist)
Centuries of Decay (Metal Battle Eastern Finalist)
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1635420189827650/

From 2013 to 2016, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has crowned previous winners Hamilton’s Profaner (2016), Oshawa’s Vesperia (2015), Montreal’s Mutank (2014) and Toronto’s Crimson Shadows (2013) to play Wacken Open Air.

Full List of 2018 battles and participating bands in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City can be found here.

Remaining Battle Rounds:

Quebec Final
Date: Friday, April 27
Venue: Piranha Bar (680 Saint-Catherine St W.)
Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/236223013621597/
Bands:
Dumpster Mummy http://dumpstermummy.bandcamp.com – MTL Round 1 WINNER
Sovereign Council http://sovereigncouncil.bandcamp.com – Ottawa WINNER
Skullmace http://skullmace.bandcamp.com – MTL Round 2 Winner
Nordheim http://www.facebook.com/nordheimofficial – Quebec City Winner

Eastern Final
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Piranha Bar (680 Saint-Catherine St W.)
Event Link: TBA
Bands:
Lutharö http://www.facebook.com/Lutharoband
Centuries of Decay http://www.centuriesofdecay.com

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition where over a hundred band’s from across the country battle each other for one to be selected and join over 20 other countries for an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken , Germany for the last 28 years.

Wacken Metal Battle 2014 Canada Finals by Ondeschocs.com: http://youtu.be/RrOGyBtqwaQ

For more info on Metal Battle Canada, please visit these links:

Official Website: http://www.metalbattle.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada

Twitter: @MetalBattleCAN

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WackenMetalBattleCAN

For more info on Wacken Open Air, please visit http://www.wacken.com

– 30 –

Sponsors:

Rehearsal Factory – http://rehearsalfactory.com

FACTOR – http://www.factor.ca/ (“We acknowledge the financial support of Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters”)

Pearl Drums – http://pearldrum.com

Boonsdale Records – http://www.boonsdalerecords.com

TicketFly – http://www.ticketfly.com

Los Cabos Drumsticks – http://www.loscabosdrumsticks.com

Dungeonworks – http://www.facebook.com/dungeonworksprods

The Invisible Orange – http://www.theinvisibleorange.com

Concertworks – http://www.concertworks.ca

Big Nate Productions – http://www.bignateproductions.com

Rose Management – http://www.facebook.com/RoseManagement

Indie Week – http://canada.indieweek.com

Ibanez – http://www.ibanez.com

Band-Brand – http://www.band-brand.ca

Axe Music – http://axemusic.com
Sunrise Records – http://www.sunriserecords.com

Media Sponsors:

Absolute Underground – http://www.facebook.com/groups/10034445807

Asher Media Relations – http://www.ashermediarelations.com

Beatroute Magazine – http://www.beatroute.ca

Bravewords – http://www.bravewords.com

Broken Neck Radio – http://www.BrokenNeckRadio.com

Bucketlist Music Reviews – http://www.bucketlistmusicreviews.com

Canada’s Extreme Metal Radio – http://www.cemrofficial.com

CJLO – http://www.cjlo.com

Hellbound – http://www.Hellbound.ca

Metal Master Kingdom – http://www.metalmasterkingdom.com

Metal Nation Radio – http://www.metalnationradio.com

Metal-Rules – http://www.metal-rules.com

Ondes Chocs – http://www.facebook.com/OndesChocs

Pure Grain Audio – http://www.puregrainaudio.com
Pure Rock Radio – http://www.purerockradio.net

Quebec-Metal – http://www.quebec-metal-archives.blogspot.ca

Zombitrol – http://zombitrol.com

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0 Toronto Proggers THE SLYDE Announce New Album “Awakening” Out May 18th + New Music Video “Back Again”

April 24, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · The Slyde

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 24, 2018

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, Haken

Toronto Proggers THE SLYDE Announce New Album “Awakening” Out May 18th

New Music Video “Back Again”

L-R: Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals), Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar), Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples), Brendan Soares (Drums, Vocals) – Photo Credit: Gilad Cohen

Following up with 2017’s EP release “Back Again”, Toronto melodic proggers THE SLYDE return with their first full length effort titled “Awakening”. The band (formerly known as just Slyde) will drop ten tracks of their intricate, contrapuntal prog rock that they’ve honed over the last decade on May 18, 2018.

The band comments:

“‘Awakening’ refers to the process of invoking change. Each song can be seen as a protest song, arguing for a more peaceful and autonomous way of life. For example, the opening track ‘Awaken/Walk With Me’ is about getting away from the powerful effects of media control and propaganda. ‘Back Again’ is about the beauty and fragility of our Earth, and how we take it for granted. ‘Divide’ refers to the brainwashing effects of politics of fear and division in the West. “Awakening” looks at our daily consumption and poses the question ‘what is, or could be, our reality?”

In true prog fashion, THE SLYDE stays true to their mission statement with their quirky arrangements, aggressive edge, and ominous lyrics. The result is a thought provoking, high-octane album for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Coheed and Cambria, and Megadeth. Driven by Nathan Da Silva’s elegant vocals, Sarah Westbrook’s powering keyboard skills, and the powerful rhythm section of Alberto Campuzano (Warmachine, ex-Annihilator) and Brendan Soares, the band are to catch the ears of any technically minded melodic prog rock fan.

The band adds:

“We think fans will certainly enjoy this release, and will notice that we’re slowly adding more of an aggressive edge to our songwriting plus incorporating more ‘metal’ elements into the riffs. ‘Awakening” is less conceptual than previous releases by containing more straight up rockin’ tunes. Each song stands on its own.”

“Awakening” is available for pre-order on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon and Distrokid here.

Music Video – Back Again – https://youtu.be/9T7jugWro2o

Music Video – Divide – https://youtu.be/-9DSd7ru_mY

Lyric Video – Fading – https://youtu.be/_AaBYNVXyo8

Show Dates:

May 23 – Peterborough, ON – The Red Dog – info
May 24 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar – info

May 25 – Hamilton, ON – This Ain’t Hollywood – info

May 26 – Niagara Falls, ON – The Geekery Pub – info

June 6 – Kingston, On – The Mansion – info

June 7 – Montreal, QC – Katacombes – info

June 8 – Ottawa, ON – Cafe Dekcuf

June 9 – Cornwall, ON – Lola’s Pub – info

Track Listing:
1. Awaken (0:37)
2. Walk With Me (3:01)
3. In Silence (4:39)
4. These Wars (4:50)
5. Awakening (3:51)
6. So Blind (4:20)
7. Fading (3:54)
8. Join The Parade (4:39)
9. Divide (4:48)
10. Back Again (5:31)
Album Length: 40:16

THE SLYDE is:
Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar)
Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples)
Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals)
Brendan Soares (Drums, Vocals)

For more info:
http://www.theslyde.ca
http://facebook.com/theslydecanada
http://twitter.com/theslydecanada
http://instagram.com/theslydecanada
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bTX

– 30 –

“…This is quite possibly the greatest thing I have heard from the underground in a while, at least in North America. The Slyde have nailed a style many deny exists, and done it with true flair. I really hope this band picks up, since they are one of the current unsung talents of this earth.” – The 10th Doctor of Prog, on The Slyde’s 2012 EP ‘New World Sympathy’

“…an impressive step forward/return to form for these Canadian bright-eyed musicians and stands to solidify their name as one of the more promising ventures in the increasingly prolific progressive metal scene.” – Heavy Blog is Heavy, on the ‘Back Again’ EP

“Back Again is a breath of fresh air as all four songs bounce along with spirit and confidence, not to mention a great blend of strong hooks, succinctness and technical ability which is evident but not rammed down our throats. Everything just sounds right, if that makes sense.” 8/10 – The Man of Much Metal

“Not just an epic heavy prog-fest, The Slyde have delivered an intelligent and compelling 4-track EP that hints at much promise to come from this Canadian four piece.” – ProgRadar, on the ‘Back Again’ EP

“The Slyde will be the band I remember from IndieWeek. Thanks for making it worthwhile guys. Incredible set. Best band of the week by a mile.” – Music Vice

—

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0 Out Now! Greek Heavy Metal SENSE OF FEAR Debut Album “As The Ages Passing By…” via Rockshots Records

April 20, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Sense of Fear - Rockshots Records

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 20, 2018

Out Now! Greek Heavy Metal SENSE OF FEAR Debut Album “As The Ages Passing By…” via Rockshots Records

(L-R) – Themis Iakovidis – Guitar, Dimitris Gkatziaris – Bass, Ilias Kytidis – Vocals, Ioannis Kikis – Guitar/Vocals, Markos Kikis – Drums

Signing to Rockshots Records, Greek classic heavy metal thrashers SENSE OF FEAR‘s debut album “As The Ages Passing By…” is now available as of April 20th.

Years in the making, SENSE OF FEAR‘s debut full length “As The Ages Passing By…” follows the band’s 2013 self-titled EP. Offering an old school heavy metal feel with a modern pounding anvil, each track crafted on the new album was carefully selected for a good old headbanging time along with telling a unique story. The album was recorded at Valve Studio in Thessaloniki, Greece by Stratos “Strutter” Karagiannidis (Gus G, Wardrum) with mixing and mastering done at Music Factory and Prophecy Studios in Kempten-ALLGÄU, Germany by R.D. Liapakis (Mystic Prophecy, Devil’s Train) & C. Schmid. Album artwork designed and edited by Colin Marks (Nevermore, Exodus, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Kataklysm, Jeff Loomis, Xerath, Sylosis).

The band comments:

“Each song has its own gravity to the album, and all together create SENSE OF FEAR’s presentation to the world as a band and as musicians. All the lyrics come from personal experiences and emotions. This is our way to express ourselves and fight the personal demons.”

“As The Ages Passing By…” is now available digitally and on CD via Rockshots Records online store here plus iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all major online retailers.

Track Listing:
1. Molten Core (5:30)
2. Slaughter of Innocence (7:38)
3. Black Hole (5:52)
4. Angel of Steel (5:26)
5. The Song Of A Nightingale (5:44)
6. Torture of Mind (5:44)
7. Lord Of the World (2:36)
8. Unbreached Walls 5:57)
9. Sense Of Fear (6:29)
10. As The Ages Passing By, Time… Still Runs Against Us (8:59)
Album Length: 1:00:00

SENSE OF FEAR is:
Ilias Kytidis – Vocals
Ioannis Kikis – Guitar/Vocals
Themis Iakovidis – Guitar
Dimitris Gkatziaris – Bass
Markos Kikis – Drums

For more info:
http://www.Rockshots.eu
http://www.senseoffearband.info
https://www.facebook.com/senseoffearband /

– 30 –

“SOF’s sonic palette is a mix of vintage speed metal and power metal, with the occasional progressive foray, recalling Iced Earth and early Fates Warning.” – Metal Rules

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