Category: Music News

0 NEWS: Mexican Folk Symphonic Metallers CABRAKAAN Announce Western Canadian Tour Dates; New Album “Cem Anahuac” Out Spring 2018

January 15, 2018
by Asher
· Cabrakaan · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2018

For fans of Nightwish, Equlibrium, Epica, Eluveitie, Ensiferum

Mexican Folk Symphonic Metallers CABRAKAAN Announce Western Canadian Tour Dates

New Album “Cem Anahuac” Out Spring 2018

Marko Cipaktli (Drums/Harsh vocals) | Pat Cuikani (Vocals/Ocarinas) | Paul Belmar (Guitar) | Nakuset Gould (Bass) | Alex Navarro (Guitar)
Photo Credit: Alex Herrera

Mexican symphonic folk metallers CABRAKAÄN will be hitting the road with Quebec’s Valfreya and Alberta’s Forsaken Rite for this year’s “March Of The Frozen Western Canadian Tour”. The tour will see the Mexican transplants whom now call Canada home and residing in Calgary, AB perform in three provinces during the month of February. During the tour, CABRAKAÄN will showcase new tracks from their upcoming 2018 full length “Cem Anahuac” due out in spring 2018 to follow their 2014 debut EP “Songs From Anahuac”.

Staying true to their roots, CABRAKAÄN‘s music combines elements of metal orchestrated with Mexican folklore along with a wide variety of instruments such as strings, acoustic guitars, Jarocha harp, marimba, ocarinas, Huehuetl, and Teponaztle. Their lyrics are in English, Spanish, Zapoteco, Nahuatl and other ancient Mexican languages. The band’s name is based on a character from the Mayan sacred book known as the Popol Vuh, where Cabrakan was the god of mountains and earthquakes.

“We are proud our roots and our culture and we want to share it with the world through our music. When we are on stage, we try to give our fans a great experience by creating an atmosphere from the time of the Aztecs, using costumes and make up. The purpose of our sets too is to give fans more of our culture visually and musically so they can connect with us and enjoy the performance even more.” says drummer Marko Cipaktli.

Tour Dates:
Feb 15 – Kelowna, BC – Muninn’s Post – info
Feb 16 – Calgary, AB – Distortion – info
Feb 17 – Edmonton, AB – The Forge On Whyte – info
Feb 18 – Regina, SK – Cloud 9 – info

About:

CABRAKAÄN was formed in Toluca, Mexico in 2012 and have been calling Canada home since first performing in the country at the 2017 Metalocalypstick fest in Lone Butte, BC where the beauty of the North won them over and encouraged them make the grand decision to relocate.

Their debut EP “Songs From Anahuac” was unleashed in 2014 and displayed a mix of death, folk, and symphonic European influences with Prehispanic instruments along with storytelling of Mesoamerican mythologies (Aztec, Mayan, Tlaxcaltecan, Olmecan) plus Mexican folklore such as La llorona, La Bruja, Day of The Dead.

Wasting no time in Canada, CABRAKAÄN are currently completing production on their follow up full length album entitled “Cem Anahuac” set for release in spring 2018. The album will be an expression of pride for their roots, history and traditions along with their love for metal and traditional music from their home country of Mexico.

For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/cabrakaan
http://www.twitter.com/cabrakaan
http://www.youtube.com/cabrakaan
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bkt

(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“Cabrakaän on a remarkable concert with live orchestra and a chorus” – El Sol de Toluca (Mexican newspaper)

“CABRAKAÄN, a fusion between folklore and metal” – ARTURO MARÍN

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: SONIC PROPHECY Streaming Album Title Track “Savage Gods” New Album “Savage Gods” Out Jan 19th via Rockshots Records Music Video “Night Terror”

January 15, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Sonic Prophecy (Rockshots Records)

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2018

For Fans of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, HammerFall, Manowar, Saxon

SONIC PROPHECY Streaming Album Title Track “Savage Gods”

New Album “Savage Gods” Out Jan 19th via Rockshots Records

Music Video “Night Terror”

American power metallers SONIC PROPHECY have revealed their third single and the title track “Savage Gods” off their upcoming third full length set to be unleashed via Rockshots Records on January 19, 2018.

The band comments:

“Savage Gods is an epic song about an epic battle raging among the mythical Gods for supreme power over the world. Musically it ranges from technical and chaotic to driving, powerful, and aggressive.”

“Savage Gods” is now streaming at the following link:

“Savage Gods” follows SONIC PROPHECY‘s 2015 sophomore release “Apocalyptic Promenade” (Maple Metal Records), an album that combined the melody and beauty of symphonic power metal while maintaining the crunch, drive and power of traditional metal plus their 2011 debut “A Divine Act of War”, which had its music placed in the television series “Rock n’ Lock”, the video game “Volgarr the Viking” and movie Danny Trejo’s “Vengeance”.

The upcoming release lyrically covers many topics, from quests and medieval wars, to mechanized genocide, to the dangers associated with extremist ideologies. Broadening and stretching their musical palate, “Savage Gods” will give fans an adventurous listening experience. It’s an album that combines melodic hard rock, driving heavy metal, and chest pounding anthems in a way that is uniquely Sonic Prophecy.

“We think our fans will love this album! Savage Gods, as a record, basically combines all of the things I think people liked about our previous releases and then moves us forward into new areas musically and lyrically. For our fans, there will be no mistaking this is Sonic Prophecy, but we definitely cover some new exciting ground on this record. This is pure heavy metal with driving guitars, thundering drums, and some of what I feel is my best vocal work to date. With songs “Night Terror, “Unholy Blood” and the album title track, we’ve really laid down a brutal sonic backdrop, along with keeping the melody, which is important to our music.” says vocalist Shane Provstgaard

“Savage Gods” is available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.

Music Video – Night Terror

Song Stream – “Unholy Blood”

Following “Savage Gods” release, SONIC PROPHECY has plans to hit the road and tour across North America, Europe and beyond. The band has performed with Tyr, Alestorm, Ratt, Cinderella, Accept and Sabaton.

SONIC PROPHECY is:
Shane Provstgaard – Vocals
Darrin Goodman – Guitar
Sebastian Martin – Guitar
Ron Zemanek – Bass
Matt LeFevre – Drums

Track Listing:
1. Savage Gods (6:44)
2. Night Terror (5:38)
3. Unholy Blood (5:13)
4. Dreaming Of The Storm (4:55)
5. Man The Guns (5:04)
6. Walk Through The Fire (7:09)
7. A Prayer Before Battle (5:46)
8. Iron Clad Heart (5:24)
9. Man and Machine (6:44)
10. Chasing The Horizon (6:14)
Album Length: 58:57

For more info:
http://www.rockshots.eu
http://www.sonicprophecy.com
https://www.facebook.com/sonicprophecy
https://twitter.com/sonicprophecy
https://www.youtube.com/user/SonicProphecyMetal
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-b4N

– 30 –

“Spitting out earth shattering riffs, screeching solos & plenty of memorable hooks comes Savage Gods. An album with plenty of the old school about it in regards to the classic power/heavy metal style it adopts. Fans of Judas Priest will feel right at home.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“A fine album to start power metal season 2018!” – Lords of Metal

“This is a band very much drawing influence from timeless sources like Judas Priest, Queensryche and Hammerfall and “Savage Gods” sounds like a blending of all those bands. The production is big and bold, the musicianship is solid.” – Wormwood Chronicles

“This is something for every true fan of good old heavy metal.” – Hard Rock Info

“If you haven’t encountered Sonic Prophecy before, think a blending of bands such as Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, Manowar, Blind Guardian, etc. In other words, very enjoyable heavy/power metal with some epic and symphonic streaks thrown into the mix…As far as I’m concerned Savage Gods is a pretty damn essential listen for any power metal fan.” – Wonderbox Metal

“Pure American steel hasn’t sounded this good in a while…Utah natives Sonic Prophecy are back with a third album, Savage Gods – and what a superb piece of work it is too…” – Sentinel Daily

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: Finnish Druid Folk Metal UNSHINE Unleash New Video “Visionary’s Last Breath”; New Album “Astrala” Out via Rockshots Records – Jan 19th, 2018 (EU), Feb 9th, 2018 (NA)

January 12, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · UNSHINE (Rockshots Records)

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 12, 2018

For fans of Doom metal, Post-Metal, Folk Metal and Black Metal

Finnish Druid Folk Metal UNSHINE Unleash New Video “Visionary’s Last Breath”

New Album “Astrala” Out via Rockshots Records – Jan 19th, 2018 (EU), Feb 9th, 2018 (NA)

Inspired by artists as diverse as Enslaved, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Tangerine Dream and Iron Maiden, UNSHINE is described as ‘Finnish druid and folk metal’ by five friends whom all were raised in the countryside villages of Western Finland.

With a long history of recording and playing behind them, UNSHINE are super-stoked about the upcoming release of their new album “Astrala” due out January 19, 2018 in Europe and February 9, 2018 in North America via Rockshots Records. The album is inspired by the invisible side of the Earth. The first five album songs address the manifestations of Astrala and the last five songs describe travels to Astrala. The album has a touch of Nordic melancholy written all over it and it includes music meant to create landscapes and themes from folk stories, mythology and nature religions, but also to present personal views describing the spiritual meaning of a forest as a cultural concept. The binding theme here is forest, although this is not a theme album.

As guitarist Harri Hautala says proudly.

“Unshine has always been a band without the traditional role models. For us, the most important thing in a song is the melody. Sounds and rhythms create the overall atmosphere, but the melody makes the whole ancient story in it come to life.”

Nature is the true influence on UNSHINE’s music. Their alpha and omega. Their beginning and end. The modern world may have almost forgotten the ancient ways, but UNSHINE keep them alive in words and music. Creating songs to reunite the old bonds between the dolmen gods and digitised mankind. Nature is not our enemy, it’s our physical and especially spiritual home.

Exploring these values in their new album “Astrala”, UNSHINE unleash their new video “Visionary’s Last Breath”.

The band comments:

“On this track, we tell the story of a healer preparing for the journey to ASTRALA and this requires purification of soul and body. It is fascinating to think that a modern human could also apply these same methods in most of the everyday activities. If it has worked for thousands of years, why did we forget these ways? This quite heavy song is played in low tuning in order to create the right atmosphere.”

Watch “Visionary’s Last Breath” at the following link:

Album teaser for “Astrala” is also available at this following link: https://youtu.be/ScFgarXtoG4

Album Pre-order:
http://www.rockshots.eu/release/astrala/
http://smarturl.it/astrala

Track Listing:
1. Birch of Fornjot (1:35)
2. Kainun Kuningas (5:13)
3. Jack’s Feast (6:38)
4. The Masks of Enchantment (4:54)
5. Pan The One (4:44)
6. Druids Are A-Coming (4:11)
7. Slow Moving Creatures (5:19)
8. Visionary’s Last Breath (5:32)
9. Suo (Kantaa Ruumiit) (6:06)
10. The Forest (10:28)
Album Length: 54:43

For more info:
http://www.rockshots.eu
http://www.unshine.com
https://twitter.com/UnshineBand
https://www.facebook.com/unshinefinland
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bi7
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: KARKAOS Unleash New Video “Tyrants”; Album Out Now “Children of The Void”

January 11, 2018
by Asher
· Karkaos · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 11, 2018

For fans of Epica, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Children Of Bodom, Iced Earth

KARKAOS Unleash New Video “Tyrants”

Album Out Now “Children of The Void”

One of Montreal’s most reputable and celebrated melodic extreme metal acts KARKAOS is proud to unleash their new music video “Tyrants” off their latest offering “Children of The Void” featuring new vocalist Viky Boyer, drummer Justine Ethier (Blackguard) and lead guitarist Samael Pelletier along with collaborations with guest artists Lindsay Schoolcraft (Cradle of Filth) and Morgan Lander (Kittie).

The bands comments:

“Karkaos is extremely proud to release its new video for the song ‘’Tyrants’’. This new video crafted by JP Charlebois, known for his work with Ion Dissonance and Slaves On Dope, is the perfect visual vessel to bring this song to your screen by being as brutal, relentless and intricate as the song itself.

We felt that Tyrants was the perfect song to give a second and different look to Children Of The Void. Its powerful meaning can easily be applied to our world and the weird times we all seem to be going through. We need to remember that we will always be stronger united than divided and this song is a testament to people taking the lead when our leaders couldn’t. Make sure to watch it and share it with your friends and pick up a copy of the album or some merch if you enjoyed it.”

Watch “Tyrants” at the following link:

“Children of The Void” was recorded, mastered and mixed with Christian Donaldson and Marc-o Frechette at The Grid (The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Neuraxis, Beyond Creation) and Silverwings Studios for keyboards (Blackguard, Ex-Deo , Distoriam) in Montreal, QC. The artwork was made by the immensely talented Marcela Bolívar while the layout was done by Fred Riverin from I Legion.

“Children of The Void” available on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all major online retailers.

Album Stream – https://karkaosofficial.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-the-void

Music Video – “Kolossòs” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pScb6OmjcQU

Track Listing:
1. Babel
2. Skymaster
3. Kolossòs
4. Let the Curtain fall
5. Pale
6. Children of The Void
7. Rêverie
8. Tyrants
9. Where Mushrooms Grow
10. Lightbearer
11. The Beast
12. Bound By Stars

Show Dates:
Jan 20 – Montreal, QC – Club Soda – info

For More Info:

http://www.facebook.com/karkaos
http://www.instagram.com/karkaosofficial

– 30 –

“It hammers along from the opening whistle, with clean female vocals and growls to boot….a thundering release, and with melody always bubbling under the surface will appeal to a wide range of metal fans, more so those at the heavier end of the spectrum.” – Raven Heart Music

“Le groupe a tout en main maintenant pour conquérir le monde, car avecChildren of the Void ils jouent dans la cour des grands. Québec-Métal vous recommande fortement cet album dès sa sortie.” – Quebec Metal

“As we’re all the children of the void, let’s raise our horns and bang our heads to the superb new album by one of the most reputable and celebrated metal acts hailing from the beautiful province of Quebec.” – The Headbanging Moose

“The 12 tracks of Children of the Void take you on a symphonic journey, a journey filled with pace & intense metal riffs blended with soaring melodies. The mix of female vocals against the death metal growls, the super-fast drum beats, the screaming guitar solos & action packed orchestral elements really push Karkaos to another level. Think the guitar style of Children of Bodom with the brutality of Arch Enemy & the melodic nature of Epica but with their own unique sound.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“the way that Karkaos infuses all of their elements that make it a standout record. This is a band that can strike hard and fast if they want to, and on a number of occasions bring out some rather pleasing, death metal-induced heaviness.” – Dead Rhetoric

“Karkaos’ second full-length feels like a gift that keeps giving. There’s always something to get excited about – be it a snarling riff, beaming melody, or a soaring vocal. Symphonic melodic death metal that can move from visceral and aggressive to epic and catchy on the drop of a hat. It contains all the quintessential elements and presents them in a way that still feels fresh and exciting. You won’t find a better example of the style this year.” – Dead Rhetoric #5 on Best of 2017 List

“This is massively majestic and leaves a lasting impression and asserts that Karkaos are a band to watch out for.” – Dark Art Conspiracy

“Definitely appealing to the symphonic and melodic crowds and hitting extreme metal and metal audiences in equal measure. Karkaos know exactly what they want to be and exactly where they’re going and are likely to steadily receive more attention for their efforts.” – Noizze UK

“Ok, here is my first impression : Wow! Karkaos, from Montréal returns with this new album and it’s great… The first connection my brain did was Amon Amarth, Karkaos has that powerful sound that makes you ready to go for a journey against stronger forces. All the elements that are added to the music, bring up the word epic in my head. The music is fast and hits hard in all of the songs. I loved this album and will listen to it again.” – Re Zine

“a solid album with plenty of horns-to-the-sky crescendos” – Metal Trenches

“the band delivers a very well-crafted alternative for Arch Enemy, at least as theatrical music and a slightly darker approach. Fans of the genre will surely love this.” – Lords of Metal

“An album that makes an impact, a great impression. They have matured so much since 2013 and they did an awesome job on this album. They worked two years to make it and it showed. It’s one of the best releases of the year.” – Metal Temple

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: Test Your Metal Records: Sci-Fi Metal XAEL Announces Debut Performance Supporting SEPTIC FLESH In Spartanburg, SC March 13th + Unleash New Single “SRAI (Chained To The Demon of Erring)”

January 9, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Xael

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 9, 2018

TestYourMetalOfficial.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

For fans of Septicflesh, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Wardruna, Behemoth, Black Crown Initiate

Sci-Fi Metal XAEL Announces Debut Performance Supporting SEPTIC FLESH In Spartanburg, SC March 13th

Unleash New Single “SRAI (Chained To The Demon of Erring)”

L-R – Xolotl – Bass / Back Vocals, Tuurm – Lead Guitar / Back Vocals, Nassaru – Lead Vocalist / Guitar / Studio Drummer, Sorgiem – Lead Guitar
Photo Credit: Shannon Wells

Recently signing to Vancouver, BC’s TEST YOUR METAL RECORDS this past December and making their mark with their video “Apathy of The Immortal” along with free downloads of their latest tracks “The Last Arbiter” and “Watchers of Xan”, North Carolina sci-fi metallers XAEL announce their debut live performance as local support for the Septic Flesh, Dark Funeral and Thy Antichrist North American tour stop in Spartanburg, SC on March 13th (full details here).

XAEL vocalist / guitarist / studio drummer Nassaru comments:

“We are very excited for the opportunity to open for Septicflesh, Dark Funeral, and Thy Antichrist and especially for our debut show, which will be at Ground Zero (venue) in Spartanburg, SC. Our appearance here will mark the beginning of our live endeavors as we take our show on the road. Having the opportunity to open for music acts that we respect and as fans ourselves is the best way for us to kick off our journey!”

With the news of their debut show, XAEL is also sharing with fans their fourth single “SRAI (Chained To The Demon of Erring)” to follow their unique approach of releasing singles every month leading up to the release of their sci-fi adventure album “Last Arbiter” set for later release in 2018 via Test Your Metal Records.

The band shares an excerpt from the story album about the track and Srai, the name of the captured entity of the “Wayfarer.” People call it a demon and so forth, it is chained to the wayfarer, bound until death or until it is released.

“As I walk there is a demon behind me, stalking me. It’s chained to me and it curses me. I could cut this chain, but for some reason I cannot bring myself to do it. For all my shortcomings, I deserve the serpent and so forth, it stays with me at all times, lusting for my blood. Srai it calls itself, an entity from antiquity. We are not strangers to each other. To the contrary, we know each other quite well and for that there is a bond between Srai and I for it is cursed with an eternal hunger to ensure that I exist no more. It wants to kill me, but it knows my truth. For this I captured Srai myself knowing it will eventually consume me. Maybe in time, my purpose is to change the nature of this creature.”

Listen to “SRAI (Chained to the Demon of Erring)” at the following link:

XAEL tracks available for FREE download on Bandcamp at the following link: https://xaeloffical.bandcamp.com

Music Video – “Apathy of The Immortal”

Vocalist / guitarist / studio drummer Nassaru adds about their forthcoming debut album:

“We will have eight songs standard and two instrumental tracks. Instead of releasing an album upfront, we want fans to share in our progress in a musical series, releasing two songs a month to allow more time for fans to appreciate the work and for us to best represent the songs in some form of art to convey the entirety of our vision….The album series is called ‘The Last Arbiter’, referring to the protagonist’s mission in the story and his pursuit of an unattainable purpose in pacifying the destructive nature of the sentient world.” Nassaru adds. “It will be different and very diverse, but at its core it is extreme metal, melodies in abundance, and storytelling bard style! So I believe it will be refreshing…something different combining symphonic and folk elements with brutal metal…We want to paint a soundscape, a myriad of imaginative and diverse environments while exploring the complications of being sentient and self-aware.”

XAEL was founded by Nassaru of Rapheumets Well/Enthean as well as Sorgiem “Daniel Presnell,” Tuurm “Alex Rush” from Enthean, and Xolotl “Fernando Ortega” and features various guest artists. Vocalist / guitarist / studio drummer Nassaru describes the band’s music as “a thought provoking metal journey.”

For more info:
http://www.testyourmetalofficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/xael.metal
https://twitter.com/XaelBand
http://instagram.com/xael_official
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-b9T
(Bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

0 NEWS: VAN HALST Issue Studio Update: Recording New Album, Special Guests Include Bif Naked And More!

January 9, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Van Halst

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 9, 2017

For Fans of In This Moment, Evanescence, Halestorm

VanHalstMusic.com | Facebook | Twittter | Youtube

VAN HALST Issue Studio Update: Recording New Album, Special Guests Include Bif Naked And More!

Recording New Album w/ Producer Arnold Lanni (Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven, Simple Plan)

Photo Credit: Renee Robyn

Currently in studio with famed producer Arnold Lanni, best known for his work with Our Lady Peace, Finger Eleven and Simple Plan, Canadian rockers VAN HALST have issued a studio update revealing that Bif Naked will be one of many special guest collaborations on their upcoming 2018 sophomore release to follow their award nominated debut album “World of Make Believe”.

Vocalist Kami Van Halst comments:

“Having Bif Naked collaborate on a tune with me is a dream come true. I’ve been a fan of hers since I was 6 and she was the artist who inspired me to be a rock musician. Bif has such an amazing energy and her voice on the tune makes it something truly special. I can’t thank her enough.”

Bif Naked adds:

“It is wonderful to be in the studio with an artist like Kami because I have such huge respect for her, am completely inspired by her vocal power and emotive delivery. She is the Real Deal, and the fact that I’m a Van Halst fan just makes it all the more awesome!”

VAN HALST released their debut album “World of Make Believe” on March 4th, 2016 to great acclaim from the Canadian music scene. Nominated for a Western Canadian Metal Award and Toronto Independent Music Award, the release debut #8 on the Earshot! Canadian college radio loud charts plus garnered praises from Canadian press commenting the following:

“Goth rock quintet Van Halst takes on feminism, body image and more with impressive debut.” – Beatroute (AB)

“Van Halst incites hope with World of Make Believe.” – Vue Weekly

“Van Halst’s World of Make Believe wants to educate” – Edmonton Journal

“A fine and courageous album from a band I have no doubt we will hear much more from.” – Hellbound

“If Evanescence and In This Moment dominate your stereo, we’d like to present your new favorite band. – Idobi Radio

VAN HALST was a project that first began as a solo endeavour for whom the band is named after — Kami Van Halst, but has since become a full group producing socially conscious lyrical tracks that focus on disenfranchised and marginalized populations. The band’s influences stay true to goth rock with Kami Van Halst demonstrating an agile vocal delivery in combination with pummeling growls. Lyrically, the band draws from black metal due to its focus on people suffering from isolation and rising to overcome the preconceptions of a judgmental society. In This Moment’s industrial fusion remains a primary influence for Van Halst, employing a sampler, synthesizer, and distorted vocals.

Kami Van Halst dominates as the vocalist performing both growls and soaring vocals (Surviving Suzanne), Scott Greene (Derina Harvey Band/Dirty Pool) and Tara McLeod (Kittie) craft the guitar work while Brendan McMillan (bass) (My Darkest Days) and Brett Seaton (drums) (Cultured by Fire) drive the rhythm section of the band. Kami’s range and virtuosic vocal ability always captivates an audience and her attitude on stage truly delivers the meaning behind the songs. The band’s live performance is a theatrical experience as they utilize full-costumes, make-up and stage props.

Full album stream “World of Make Believe” – https://vanhalst.bandcamp.com/album/world-of-make-believe

Music Videos:

Save Me – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAq7jXBPSqM

Questions (Please be advised this video shows scenes of violence towards women. This is intended to raise awareness about victim blaming. ) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fx7AGNqYew

‘World of Make Believe’ is available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

1. The End (4:31)
2. Save Me (4:12)
3. Ryan’s Song (4:11)
4. World of Make Believe (3:46)
5. Questions (3:23)
6. Denying Eyes (4:08)
7. Monster (3:29)
8. Plastic Smile (5:11)
9. Put Him Down (4:33)
10. Perfect Storm (4:44)

Album Length: 42:14

For more info:
www.vanhalstmusic.com

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: SONIC PROPHECY Streaming New Single “Unholy Blood”; New Album “Savage Gods” via Rockshots Records Out Jan 19th

January 8, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Sonic Prophecy (Rockshots Records)

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 8, 2018

For Fans of Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, HammerFall, Manowar, Saxon

SONIC PROPHECY Streaming New Single “Unholy Blood”

New Album “Savage Gods” via Rockshots Records Out Jan 19th

Music Video “Night Terror”

American power metallers SONIC PROPHECY have revealed their second single “Unholy Blood” off their upcoming third full length “Savage Gods” via Rockshots Records on January 19, 2018.

The band comments:

“This classic heavy metal track is about dealing with the ongoing horrors and human atrocities associated with radicalized religious zealotry around the globe. We really love the soaring chorus on this one! This is a gritty track lyrically and the vocal attack and music reflects this.”

“Unholy Blood” is now streaming at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-btlM55W8E

“Savage Gods” is available for pre-order on Amazon and iTunes.

Music Video – Night Terror – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lZriX_JUrY

SONIC PROPHECY is:
Shane Provstgaard – Vocals
Darrin Goodman – Guitar
Sebastian Martin – Guitar
Ron Zemanek – Bass
Matt LeFevre – Drums

– 30 –

“This is something for every true fan of good old heavy metal.” – Hard Rock Info

“Utah’s Sonic Prophecy prove once again that American Heavy Metal is far from dead! The new release Savage Gods unleashes 10 blistering pure heavy metal tracks. They turn up the metal intensity and assault your ear drums with all the power and heaviness they are known for.” – The Dirty Room

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: VANTABLACK WARSHIP Premiere Video “Blood On The Mat” via The Sludgelord (A Graphic Account From A Female MMA Fighter); New Album “Abrasive Pulmonic Speak” Due Out Jan 26th

January 5, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Vantablack Warship

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 5, 2018

For fans of Cancer Bats, Gallows, Everytime I Die

VANTABLACK WARSHIP Premiere Video “Blood On The Mat” via The Sludgelord
(A Graphic Account From A Female MMA Fighter)

New Album “Abrasive Pulmonic Speak” Due Out Jan 26th

Montreal CD Launch Show Feb 10th @ Katacombes

L-R – Yannick Pilon – Vocals / Pierre Pitre – Drums / Kurt Clifford – Bass / Thierry Hivon – Guitar / Pat Gordon – Guitar
Photo Credit: Wayne William Archibald

Once again, Canada’s molten cauldron of metal, its crucible of carnage, spews forth a new release from one of its fine bands, the splendidly named VANTABLACK WARSHIP. Formed by veterans of the Quebec metal scene (Arseniq33, Ghoulunatics, Brutal Chérie, Foreshadow, Les Ékorchés, Buffalo Theory Mtl), this Montreal quintet conjures up images of a neon black pirate ship come to wage a metal storm on an unsuspecting Earth.

Metal legend Tony Dolan, AKA The Demolition Man of Venom Inc. recently described VANTABLACK WARSHIP as a “Cool Slayer”.

The band’s new album “Abrasive Pulmoic Speak” due out on January 26th, 2018 features eight tracks of just solid riffage from heavy hardcore speed demon ripping to sludgy down tunes all applied with dirty in your face vocals ready to destroy with its moshpit anthems.

Guitarist Pat Gordon comments:

“Abrasive Pulmonic Speak”, the title of our album is a testimony to the harshness of our lyrics and music. They are pretty hardcore! But it also refers to the title track, which is based on the works of Henry Miller. He was expatriated for some of his earlier works that he put into print that at those times people never dared say out loud. We are trying to channel that but from another an angle which is the stereotype that comes with metal music, which, quite frankly is tired. We have metalheads that are well into their 60s and 70s today. It’s annoying that people see us as a subculture when in fact we are a very legitimate culture.”

Teaming up with TheSludgelord, VANTABLACK WARSHIP is sharing their new video “Blood On The Mat”, a track lyrically written from a firsthand perspective by a female mixed martial arts fighter and her graphic accounts in the ring.

The band comments:

“The lyrics to Vantablack Warship’s “Blood on the Mat” where written by a woman who wishes to remain anonymous. They are purposefully graphic to invite the reader to reflect on why we choose to live in a society where people pay to watch women inflict pain on each other for the profit of others. This in turn continues to normalize violence. Vantablack Warship strictly condemns all forms of violence against and amongst women.”

Watch “Blood On The Mat” at the following link: https://thesludgelord.blogspot.com/2018/01/video-premiere-quebecs-vantablack.html

“Abrasive Pulmonic Speak” is available for pre-order at the following link here.

2nd Album Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE1bIjEeCSM

1st Album Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4QwAEmEkl0

For those in the Montreal area, VANTABLACK WARSHIP will be hosting their CD launch show on February 10th at Katacombes with Floating Widget and Dizzygoth. Details can be found here.

“Vantablack Warship is a destructive machine live. Something to do with the heaviness of the sound! It echoes the decibel breaking Motorhead was known for with their loud amps. We are straight to the point non-stop metal! No dawdling around on stage and useless banter. We set a good atmosphere and interrelate well with the crowd. Vantablack Warship to the max!”

Show Dates:
Feb 10 – Montreal, QC – Katacombes

Track Listing:
1. Another Dead Rockstar (3:04)
2. Black Tongue Bertha (2:41)
3. Blood On The Mat (3:00)
4. Kill The Kid (2:44)
5. Ruderalis (2:26)
6. Abrasive Pulmonic Speak (2:57)
7. The Blackhole (2:52)
8. Crisis (4:57)
Album Length: 24:45

VANTABLACK WARSHIP is:
– Pat Gordon – Guitar
– Yannick Pilon – Vocals
– Thierry Hivon – Guitar
– Kurt Clifford – Bass
– Pierre Pitre – Drums

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/VantablackWarship
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-b54
(bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“This is an 8 track album of pure metal that is full of incredible riffs and in your face vocals. Their hardcore, thrash and metal influences can clearly be heard throughout, however, they are no copy, they completely own this sound. It is as outstanding record and a definite must hear for all metal and thrash fans.” – Baby Dolls And Razor Blades

“a pulverising hybrid between black, thrash, death and hardcore…an intense and overwhelming album.” – Merchants of Air

“It’s a menacing mix of explosive thrash and you can let it pummel your senses by hitting play” – Exclaim!

“thrash, groove and gnarly vocals…it’s metal from start to finish and yet the overwhelming sense throughout is that this band’s attitude is punk to the core.” – Five Albums

“Assurément un groupe québécois à suivre et à ne pas manquer lorsqu’ils se produiront en spectacle dans votre région. Croyez-moi sur parole, Vantablack Warship – le mini-album et le groupe – fera date dans l’histoire de notre métal. ” – Muzik Injection

“The six songs are exactly what you would expect from a band in this genre, hard, ruthless, aggressive and this with a healthy dose of “f*ck the world and all in it” attitude…With this short record, Vantablack Warship shows they fit right into the current crossover scene and fans of bands like Municipal Waste or Suicidal Tendencies can surely appreciate this little piece of work.” – Lords of Metal

“It’s a hard hitting good time from start to end, no weak spots. It’s a mind bending cluster fuck to the tenth power. The vocals through out the album, so rich, yet so creative and they are their own thing. The melodies and mixing, everything has been extraordinary. It was more than a pleasure to listen to this!” – Taste of Khaos

“play a remarkably catchy brand of rocking deaththrash” – The Killchain Blog

“I’m very much digging it and hopefully there will be more coming from Vantablack Warship because I’ll be spinning this one over and over again.” – Thy Demons Be Scribblin

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: Calgary’s DECIMATE METALFEST Announces First Round of Bands For 2018 Line-Up

January 4, 2018
by Asher
· Decimate MetalFest · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 4, 2018

Calgary’s DECIMATE METALFEST Announces First Round of Bands For 2018 Line-Up

Calgary, Alberta – Distortion – Live Music Venue – June 7-9, 2018

Gearing up for their first annual year of brutality, DECIMATE METALFEST announces Chaos Being, Accostal, Hazzerd, Widow’s Peak, From The Wolves and Hammerdrone as the first batch of local bands to be added to the 2018 line up for the three night festival descending on Calgary, AB from June 7th – 9th at Distortion Live Venue.

DMF organizer Sloan Voxx comments:

“There is so much incredible talent in our city and we are very fortunate to have the pleasure of working with so many of them. We feel that the locals we have included on the first annual DECIMATE METALFEST are a wonderful asset to our fest and will round this bill out perfectly!”

Weekend Passes available at the following link (single tickets to be sold at a later date): https://www.showpass.com/decimate-metalfest-2018/

More info:

Website: https://decimatemf.wixsite.com/decimateme

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

Events Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/decimatemf/events

E-Mail: decimatemf@gmail.com

Instagram: DecimateMetalfest

Twitter: @decimatemf

Details on performing bands:

ChaosBeing

These boys are full metal jacketed. With grinding riffs, twice as hard as a coffin nail, and an “all in it together” stage presence, you’re bound to bang your head along with their powerful metal grooves! Calgary-based, they’ve lit the scene up for years, and still got gas in the tank.

ChaosBeing was unleashed onstage May 2016 and came crashing forward with technical riffs, aggressive drums, melodic harmonies and wicked hooks. Immediately, they established themselves as a force to reckon with in the community of original metal bands from Calgary, Canada.

ChaosBeing’s sound is best described as new age technical metal mixed with classic thrash. It is a well-orchestrated blend of melody and monstrosity. ChaosBeing are down to earth guys who are looking to branch out and be heard. They love to play and support the other amazing musicians in the local community!

The next part of ChaosBeing’s journey will consist of producing some videos, writing new material and releasing a full length CD.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChaosBeing666/

Website: www.chaosbeing.com

====================

Accostal

Accostal is a blend of old school thrash riffs, pounding fast bass, drums and exciting vocal styles coupled with harmonies that are sure to get your fists in the air.

In early 2016, Accostal found their final line up, playing their first show rather quickly. Accostal came out in the summer of 2016 playing along with Brazilan superstars Hibria and opening Calgary Metal Fest, which brought Canada’s big 4 thrash bands to Calgary.

Accostal’s sound has evolved to a mix of melodic hooks and fast harmonies, high vocal range, with a mix of screams and growls. Each member brings his own preferred style of metal ranging from old school traditional and thrash to metalcore, and what you get in the end is something we are proud of and are constantly overwhelmed by the support of the metal community!

Accostal is truly excited to be added to the Decimate Metal Festival line up!

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

Bandcamp: https://accostal.bandcamp.com/album/accostal

====================

Hazzerd

Hazzerd was formed by Drummer/Vocalist Dylan W. and Guitarist Brendan M. in August of 2012 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The two musicians jammed together a few times before realizing they had something good going. They agreed to join up and form an 80’s styled thrash metal band closely following the roots of thrash legends such as Megadeth, Anthrax, Overkill, and Metallica.

In June 2014, Hazzerd entered the studio to record what was to become their first EP (With Brendan recording the Bass) “Victimize The Innocent” a concept of the innocent people in today’s society being the victim no matter what the cause, Religious warfare, a deal made with the wrong character, all-out nuclear war, and the fantasies of a sick serial killer.

In March 2015, Hazzerd recruited their youngest member Toryin Schadlich at 18 years old he fit the lead position just right.

After months of searching and failing, they finally found a longtime friend and bassist Aaron Mckay who joined in August 2015.

In October 2016, Hazzerd entered the studio to begin work on their 2017 debut album “Misleading Evil.

In January 2017, Hazzerd parted ways with Aaron M. and was replaced by David S.

The debut album “Misleading Evil” released worldwide via World War Now Records on September 22, 2017 gaining the title of “One of the best thrash albums since the late 1980’s”

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

Bandcamp: https://hazzerdthrash.bandcamp.com/merch

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheParanormal4

====================

Widow’s Peak

April of 2016, Widow’s Peak came spewing forth a unique and ferocious assault of death metal delivered through dynamic and unrelenting drumming, dissonant and technical riffs, crushing layers of vocals and blistering solos. Delivered with an undeniably contagious level of intensity, Widow’s Peak demands absolute mayhem in response. This unstoppable assemblage revels in depravity and the obscene. Not for the faint of heart.

In the span of a year, WP has toured Alberta extensively ensuring no stone was left unturned in the local metal communities. Opening for bands such as Archspire & Reaping Asmodeia on their Relentless Mutation tour along with numerous local and smaller touring acts. Not to mention a crushing EP soon to be released in early 2018.

“We are ruthlessly driven and passionate about our music and are driven by an insatiable hunger to succeed. Our unique approach to music and business in general is forged through a persistent work ethic, no small measure of risk taking and a genuine “be yourself” attitude dedicated to becoming an unstoppable war machine. We pride ourselves on delivering an intense and fresh take on death metal that has been turning heads in our direction since day one.” – Widow’s Peak

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

Bandcamp: https://wpdm.bandcamp.com/releases

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/widowspeakdm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WidowspeakDM?lang=en

====================

From The Wolves

Calgary reformed From The Wolves brings you hard hitting deathcore with heavy hardcore influences.

While releasing their newest track ‘Necrotic Bloom’, From The Wolves have demonstrated the raw power that they are capable of creating.

Despite only having one track recorded at the moment, their live shows pack a horrific punch that will leave you bruised and wanting more.

Some say From The Wolves is slam, but call it whatever you like; if you do not want to get hit, run the hell away!

Facebook: Facebook.com/fromthewolvesband

Instagram: @fromthewolves

YouTube: https://youtu.be/FzSunE40TIg

Bandcamp: fromthewolvesband.bandcamp.com

====================

Hammerdrone

Hammerdrone is a melodic death metal band from Calgary, AB, Canada.

Their music mixes up intense aggression, dark atmosphere and elegant melodies to deliver songs that are both epic and catchy.

Hammerdrone have been compared to the likes of Amon Amarth, early Soilwork, Behemoth and Rotting Christ.

No clean singing, no symphonics.

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

Website: https://www.hammerdronemetal.com/

Music: https://hammerdrone.bandcamp.com

====================

(Credit: Band bios written by Sloan Voxx)

About:

Decimate MetalFest is the brainchild of Sloan Voxx of Voxx Promotions, which is destined to become an annual Canadian metal pilgrimage to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. With the many yearly festivals becoming part of the national metal heritage, Sloan wants Decimate MetalFest to become one of the best-known events alongside the various festivals located within Alberta, and Western Canada. With Voxx Promos booking and promotional experience, and the support of metalheads internationally, there is nothing to stop them from reaching their goal of bringing in the masses and putting on incredible metal festivals for years to come!” (writing credit – Ingrid Newton)

Voxx Promos was the head promoter for Canada’s Extreme Metal Radio’s CEMR Metalfest in 2017 (https://www.facebook.com/events/222522428193641/), which showcased a killer line up of Western Canada’s up and coming metal bands such as Terrifier, Planet Eater, Display of Decay, W.M.D, Vile Insignia, Path to Extinction, Tessitura, Anarcheon, Kelevra, Train Bigger Monkeys, Ye Goat-Herd Gods, Detherous, Juliet Ruin, Augurium, Anti-Pattern, Forsaken Rite, Graveyard Nemesis and Benevolent Like Quietus.

Partners:
Distortion – Live Music Venue
Big Rock Brewery
Jagermeister
Asher Media Relations
Metal Master Kingdom
Canada’s Extreme Metal Radio – CEMR
TOTAL METAL Productions
Sane Clothing
Metal Nation Radio
Metal-Rules.com
A-BOMB Photography

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: PureGrainAudio.com Features TRIVIUM In Volume #1 of Exclusive Horror Series “Music Hell” Written By Author Michael Aronovitz & Illustrated By Nick McIvor

January 4, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · puregrainaudio.com

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 4, 2018

PureGrainAudio.com Features TRIVIUM In Volume #1 of Exclusive Horror Series “Music Hell”

Written By Author Michael Aronovitz & Illustrated By Nick McIvor

Canadian-based music authority PUREGRAINAUDIO.COM announces the launch of their new horror series entitled “Music Hell”. The series will feature 13 Horror-themed short stories by published author Michael Aronovitz that will each focus on one band and their most current release and include exclusive artwork by illustrator Nick McIvor. PureGrainAudio is warning fans, that the stories may contain horrific imagery and extreme violence.

“Music Hell” is advised to be read with extreme caution. For every action there is a reaction, and because music has reached such an unprecedented level of artistry, the evil in the belly of the world has crept to the surface. Each month, a different super-star band will be cursed, haunted, stalked, and terrorized by vicious serial killers, demented miscreants, blood-sucking zombies, and hideous demon-spirits.

Author Michael Aronovitz comments:

“I got referred to PureGrainAudio by my friend Chris Poland: President of Eclipse Records. I was looking for review work, but Chris Gonda, the C.E.O. of PureGrainAudio took the conversation to another level altogether. He considered my hard-edged horror fiction and immediately came up with the idea that I could write short horror stories not only based on bands with newly released material, but starring them in the plot! Chris named the series “Music Hell” and gave me the press kit for one band’s new record. I wrote the story in two days, and neither Chris or I have looked back since!”

Illustrator Nick McIvor adds:

“I’m excited for Music Hell, because heavy music + horror stories = some spooky fun drawing sessions.”

PureGrainAudio‘s first Volume is called “The Sculptor” and is based on metal masters TRIVIUM and their latest release “The Sin And The Sentence” (Roadrunner). The story follows the band into the depths of ……..

Continue your journey to Music Hell at the following link: https://goo.gl/WGZUmb and stay tuned for Volumes 2 & 3 featuring Electric Wizard and Asking Alexandria respectively. There will be a total of 13 Volumes released monthly throughout the year.

About The Author:

Michael Aronovitz is a published author of (very) dark horror fiction. His first novel, Alice Walks, is available in newly released E-book form through Cemetery Dance Publications: http://tinyurl.com/y9fkxjhv. He has published two other terrifying novels (The Witch of the Wood and Phantom Effect) and two frightening collections (Seven Deadly Pleasures and The Voices in Our Heads), as well as writing a number of in-depth rock reviews for Hellnotes, Goblet of Shock, Metal Heads Forever, and Heavy Music Headquarters. In 2014 he had a short story featured in the renowned anthology Searchers After Horror, and has upcoming fiction coming in Ghostlight, Nemesis, and Apostles of the Weird. In 2011, his story “How Bria Died” was featured in The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, Prime Books. Michael is a college professor of English and lives in Pennsylvania.

MichaelAronovitz.com

About The Illustrator:

Nick McIvor is an illustrator and comic creator from Australia. He studied Animation at the Queensland college of art, and has been working as a freelance artist ever since. His favourite things to draw are probably cats and goblins, and his preferred colour to design with is probably all of them. He moved to Canada to pursue comics, and to pursue little adventure, and he hasn’t been disappointed yet. You can often see him at one of Toronto’s many underground comic festivals – he’ll be the Australian one, you can’t miss him. Nick is excited to be working with Pure Grain Audio for this project, and he hopes to bring the fire.

NicholasMcIvor.com
Instagram @ Nickmcivor_art

——-
For more info:

PureGrainAudio.com
1412-700 King St. W. Toronto, ON, M5V-2Y6, Canada
(416) 723-3911
http://www.PureGrainAudio.com
mail@puregrainaudio.com

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Page 384 of 503

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Asher Media Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Join 2,175 other subscribers