Category: Music News

0 NEWS: Louder Than Hell! Ottawa’s HELLBROS Announce European Tour Dates

May 12, 2016
by Asher
· Hellbros · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 12, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

Louder Than Hell! Ottawa’s HELLBROS Announce European Tour Dates

Music Video – Father Time – Watch here.
Free Download – Good Time Machine – Download here.

Ottawa, ON’s loud, wild and heavy anthemic rock n’rollers HELLBROS are proud to announce they will be trekking across the Atlantic for their first European tour that will kick off on June 2nd and see them perform in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and wrap up in the Netherlands on June 24th.

“Going to Europe has been a goal of ours for a few years now and then suddenly everything just fell into place. We look forward to playing in front of fans that are seeing us for the first time. To say we are stoked would be a massive understatement.” comments frontman Peter Jurt.

The tour is in support of last year’s self-titled and the band’s third studio recording that was debuted on French label Bad Reputation, and is a compilation of their two previous self releases, 2011’s full length album ‘Good Time Machine’ and their 2015 EP ‘Calling All Giants’. Album is available for online purchase at the following link here and be heard at the following stream here.

Tour Dates:

May 21 2016 – Cherry Cola’s – Toronto ON, (Tour Kick off show)

June 2 2016 – Au Vigor – Vance, Belgium

June 3 2016 – La Taverne du Théâtre – La Louviere, Belgium

June 4 2016 – A La Ville de Rennes – Vouziers, France

June 5 2016 – El Diablo – Lille, France

June 8 2016 – Rocas – Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

June 9 2016 – Sombrero Café – Amiens, France

June 10 2016 – L’entrepôt – Arlons, Belgium

June 11 2016 – Le Belvédère – Namur, Belgium

June 12 2016 – Thunderbird Lounge – St. Etinenne, France

June 14 2016 – Black Label Bar – Leipzig, Germany

June 17 2016 – Rockjungfer – Arnstadt, Germany

June 18 2016 – Ölfleck – Frauenfeld, Switzerland

June 21 2016 – Liberties – Avranches, France

June 22 2016 – La Scène Michelet – Nantes, France
June 24 2016 – The Cave – Amsterdam, Netherlands

1. Street Party (3:24)
2. For The Worst (3:26)
3. Dead City Rockers (2:11)
4. Father Time (3:08)
5. Hate (4:44)
6. Tombstone (3:02)
7. Kill You (2:57)
8. Terminator (2:12)
9. Trespassing by Night (3:07)
10. Shoot The Horse (4:00)
11. I Heart Drugs (4:17)
Album Length: 36:33

BIO:

Straight outta Canada’s capital, Ottawa Ontario, Hellbros are anything but a bunch of latte sipping civil servants. Instead they spend their time crafting loud, belligerent rock n roll with heaps of attitude. Brothers Peter Jurt (vocals, guitar) & Christian Jurt (guitar) along with childhood friends Josh Roy (drums, vocals) and Mat ‘Spag’ Collins (bass, vocals) create the high-energy quartet that blast out “loud, wild and heavy, excellent stuff as you’d like to point your bucket of beer to the sky while screaming and shouting alongside brothers and sisters during a nightly wild party” – Metal To Infinity

2015 began a great year for the Hellbros, they signed with Bad Reputation Records (Fr) and released their 3rd album, ‘Self Titled’, on September 15th in Europe. A follow up to their debut full length album ‘Goodtime Machine’, which took home the fan voted best rock/hard rock album of the year in the 2012 Independent Music Awards. They once again teamed up with engineer and co-producer Dean Hadjichristou and mixer Riccardo ‘Paso’ Pasini for this album.

November 2015 Hellbros released an unofficial anthem during the Grey Cup week for the Ottawa Redblacks CFL football team. The song entitled, “We’re All Redblacks” was debuted on TSN1200 radio. “Pretty strong effort!, well sung, well performed.” – JR TGOR Show The song was also picked up by Ottawa’s Classic Rock station Chez 106.1 – “Hellbros getting us all in the mood for the Ottawa Redblacks game!” – Woody (Chez 106)

In June 2016 Hellbros will head overseas for a run of shows in Europe that bring them through Belgium, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Germany & the Netherlands. Just like Hellbros latest album their shows will start off with a “hardrock-like ‘heeeeeell yeaaah!’” and just like it does on their album it will set the tone for the rest of the show. So hold on to your butts.

Hellbros Highlights:

Main Stage Opening Act for Monster Truck, Alice Cooper and Iron Maiden at Ottawa Bluesfest, “I think these guys are going to be loudest band so far today. Dammit they look pretty frigging cool.” – Scotty Lear (106.9 The Bear) introducing Hellbros at Bluesfest.
– Goodtime Machine LP received Rock/Hardrock Album of the Year – Independent Music Awards
– Multiple Cross Canada Tours (Performed in all Canadian provinces except Newfoundland)
– Reached over 17,500 Song Downloads (Itunes, Tunecore & Bandcamp)

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0 NEWS: MORTOR Announce New Lineup, New Album On the Way

May 11, 2016
by Asher
· Mortor · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 11, 2016

MORTOR Announce New Lineup, New Album On The Way

L-R- Jay Cross – Drums, Jonathan Boulay – Vocals, David Paquette – Guitar, Nicolas Miquelon – Bass

Canadian death thrashers MORTOR have announced their return, along with a new lineup and a new album, titled ‘Burn up the Dead’ on the way. The band will return to the stage for the first time in Ottawa alongside Brazil’s NERVOSA August 3 in Ottawa. Info here.

The band have released a teaser video showcasing a sample of the new album, alongside the cover art. The video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1YURY7o3Y8

The band had been on hiatus since July of 2013. More details are around the return, as well as the release date, are expected soon.

BIO:

Born from the creative mind of rhythm guitarist David Paquette, Mortor began as a solo project that soon turned into a full-fledged band following Paquette’s move from Montreal to Ottawa.
Founded in 2008, Mortor began sculpting and fine-tuning their metal sound while writing and playing live shows with one goal in mind: to bombard the world of extreme metal with their fresh, raw sound.

To date, the band has released two albums, ‘Metal Ride’ (2010) and Shoot ‘em Up (2012). A forthcoming record, ‘Burn up the Dead’, is currently under production with a new lineup.

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0 NEWS: Wacken Metal Battle Canada Announce 2016 National Final Line Up – One Band To Rule Them All!

May 11, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 11, 2016

MetalBattle.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Announce 2016 National Final Line Up – One Band To Rule Them All!

Prizes from PureGrainAudio.com & Los Cabos Drumsticks

2016 Trailer Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQcxqsxchkQ

Free Download – Vol 4. Compilation featuring over 90 bands and 7 Hours of Canadian Metal – here.

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA is proud to announce the line up for this year’s national final on June 11th in Toronto, ON at The Opera House for ‘One Band To Rule Them All’ and play at Wacken Open Air 2016 in Wacken, Germany, which holds an attendance of over 80,000 metalheads from around the world. After battle rounds across the country during the months of January to May, the following bands listed below will be judged by a panel of industry professionals (to be announced at a later date) during their performance plus will be joined by special guest headliners and 2013 WMBC champions Crimson Shadows.

“The National Final is upon us once again. In the name of Canadian metal, and in honour of all who have participated and supported the 2016 Metal Battle, we’re very proud to present some of Canada’s finest metal acts. Let us rally together and give the winning band a proper send off to Germany.” comments WMBC organizer JJ Tartaglia.

CANADIAN FINAL – SATURDAY, JUNE 11 @ OPERA HOUSE (735 Queen St. E.), Toronto, ON

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1526172981010202/
Special Guest Headliner – Crimson Shadows (2013 WMBC Champions) – https://www.facebook.com/CrimsonShadowsBand/

Tales Of The Tomb – Edmonton, AB – (Prairie Final Winner) – https://talesofthetomb.bandcamp.com

Profaner – Hamilton, ON – (Ontario 1/2 Final Winner) – http://profanercanada.bandcamp.com

Pyramid Theorem (Toronto, ON – Ontario Final 2/2 Winner – https://pyramidtheorem.bandcamp.com

The Mountain Man – (Vancouver, BC – BC Final Winner) – https://mountainmanmetal.bandcamp.com

Distorthead – (Montreal, QC – Quebec Final Winner) – https://distortheadmetal.bandcamp.com

All 2016 Battle Rounds info can be found here.

The national final winner will also be given a drummer prize pack from Los Cabos Drumsticks that includes 12 pairs of sticks of their choosing, a stick bag, a practice pad, and other Los Cabos Drumsticks swag plus automatic eligibility for endorsement (full details here). This year’s runner up will receive a prize from our media partner PureGrainAudio.com, which will be giving a promotional package (valued at approximately $3k) that includes a video interview shot and edited by PureGrainAudio, a featured contest of the band’s choosing (giveaway of signed merch, music, etc.), a free song download article that’s featured at the very top of PureGrainAudio’s Audio section for at least 1 week, a photo shoot with the band (either a live show shoot or band pics.) and one month free web banner advertisement on the site. (Full details here)

This is WMBC’s fourth year hosting the competition across country in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, London, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. For the last three years that Wacken Metal Battle has been held in Canada, it has produced two world champions Vesperia (2015) and Crimson Shadows (2013) to triumph at the international Wacken Metal Battle beating out over 30 other representing countries from around the globe.

Live Video @ Wacken – 2015 – Vesperia – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lwkzc4zGUY

Live Video @ Wacken – 2014 – Mutank – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQrLaG8BPL4

Live Video @ Wacken – 2013 – Crimson Shadows – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prOdgG4OwQU

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 30 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 26 years. Oshawa’s Vesperia (2014 winners – video at Wacken), Toronto’s Crimson Shadows (2013 winners – video at Wacken) and Montreal’s Mutank (2014 winners – video at Wacken) have had that honour playing in front of thousands. The 2016 festival will be taking place from August 4-6.

How it works:

Each city will hold their qualifying rounds plus city finals from the months of January to May 2016 selecting the top band to move forward to the national finals in Toronto, ON on June 11th at Opera House with one being selected to perform at the 27th edition of Wacken Open Air taking place from August 4-6. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry.

The finalists will be selected as follows by province.

1 finalist from BC

1 finalist from Prairies (AB, SK, MB)

2 finalists from Ontario

1 finalist from Quebec

Rules: http://metalbattle.ca/rules.html

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

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: https://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

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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 – https://www.boonsdalerecords.com/

TicketFly – http://www.ticketfly.com/

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

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

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

Concertworks – http://www.concertworks.ca/

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

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

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

Ibanez – http://www.ibanez.com/

Band-Brand – https://www.band-brand.ca/

Axe Music – https://axemusic.com/

Media Sponsors:

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

Adrenaline 101 Radio – http://www.adrenaline101radio.com

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/

Canadian Death Metal – http://www.facebook.com/CanadianDeathMetal

Canada’s Extreme Metal Radio – http://www.xtrememetalradio.ca

Chronic Aggression – http://www.facebook.com/ChronicAggressionRadio

CJLO – http://www.cjlo.com/

Crown of Viserys – http://crownofviserys.wordpress.com/

Exclaim! – http://www.exclaim.ca/

Hammer Smashed Radio – http://www.facebook.com/hammersmashedradio

Heavy Metal ICU – http://www.heavymetalicu.com

Hellbound – http://www.Hellbound.ca/

LiveVan.com – http://www.livevan.com/

Loaded Radio – http://www.loadedradio.com/

Metal As Fuck – http://metalasfuck.net

Metalheads United – http://www.metalnationradio.com/

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

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

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

Moose Radio – http://www.metalmooseradio.blogspot.ca

Muzik Injection – http://www.muzikinjection.com/

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

Pure Grain Audio – http://www.puregrainaudio.com/

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

Scene Magazine – http://www.thescenemagazine.ca/

Zombitrol – http://zombitrol.com/

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 NEWS: Vancouver’s THE MOUNTAIN MAN Announce Show Dates (BC/ON); Debut EP ‘Bloodlust’ Out Now!

May 10, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · The Mountain Man

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 10, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Hatebreed, Lamb Of God, Black Dahlia Murder, Gojira

EPK | Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | Instagram

Vancouver’s THE MOUNTAIN MAN Announce Show Dates (BC/ON); Debut EP ‘Bloodlust’ Out Now!

(L-R) – Jordan Orr (Guitar), Tevyn Pacey (Bass), Parker Lane (Vocals), Ryan McCreedy (Drums), Tyson Tambellini (Guitar) (Photo credit: Shimon Karmel)

Recently unleashing their debut EP ‘Bloodlust’ this past March, Vancouver, BC’s THE MOUNTAIN MAN are trekking out of the Sasquatch infested forest to give a barrage of metal for fans that will include their CD release party on June 18th at the Modified Ghost Festival, plus representing BC in the Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final on June 11th in Toronto, ON and Armstrong Metalfest in Armstrong BC in July.

Upcoming Show Dates:

May 28th – Captain Cabin – Mission, BC w/ Neck of the Woods, Giants Arise, The Fifth Circle – Event info

June 11th – The Opera House – Toronto, ON – Wacken Metal Battle Canada Finals – Event info

June 18th – The Astoria – Vancouver, BC (Modified Ghost Presents: Bloodlust CD Release Party) w/ Meridius, Exterminatus, Wormwitch – Event info

July 15/16 – Armstrong Metalfest – Armstrong, BC – Event info

August 20 – Severfest at The Astoria – Vancouver, BC – Event info

Their debut EP ‘Bloodlust’ is now streaming via PureGrainAudio.com at the following link: http://puregrainaudio.com/audio/the-mountain-man-bloodlust-ep-exclusive-album-stream-premiere

EP Order – https://mountainmanmetal.bandcamp.com/

1. Backhand of God

2. Bloodlust

3. Open Graves

4. The Great Decay

5. Ghost

About:

Vancouver’s rugged outdoors-metallers, The Mountain Man, deliver a diverse blend of hard-hitting music, paying homage to the Sasquatch through crushing riffs and blaring drums. This band is all Canadian; celebrating camping, plaid, beer, and above all else energetic metal. Parker (ex-BRAUHEIST) gets straight to the point with his raw, gruff vocals and lyrics filled with animosity that cut through the instruments like an unyielding axe. Each song is like a hand-drawn map guiding fans through the British Columbian wilderness. While the first half is complete, the second half is up to the listener to build their own path and take what they will from each track.

The band developed their sound from listening to groups like The Black Dahlia Murder, Crowbar, Gojira, Lamb of God, and Black Sabbath, taking to heart the importance of dedicating their lives to their craft. Tevyn Pacey (Bass), Ryan McCreedy (Drums), Parker (Vocals), Tyson Tambellini (Rhythm Guitar), and Jordan Orr (Lead Guitar) are like woodsmen secluded from civilization with nothing but their instruments to craft doomy, yet frantic metal. They harness a variety of metal genres and bend them to their will.

The Mountain Man released their debut EP Bloodlust on Friday, March 25, 2016. The five song EP is purposefully open ended so that listeners can interpret each song and find meaning for themselves. More information can be found at https://mountainmanmetal.bandcamp.com

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0 Tickets On Sale Now! Calgary Metalfest w/ ANNIHILATOR, EXCITER (original line-up), RAZOR, SACRIFICE And More!

May 10, 2016
by Asher
· calgary metalfest · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 2016

CalgaryMetalfest.com | Facebook

Tickets On Sale Now! Calgary Metalfest w/ ANNIHILATOR, EXCITER (original line-up), RAZOR, SACRIFICE And More!

Big Nate Productions and Hubb Music Proudly Present Calgary Metalfest V! A Historic Night of Canadian Metal!

Tickets and VIP passes are now on sale through http://getqd.com/calgarymetalfest and Sloth Records in Calgary for the September 17th, 2016 concert at Flames Central with international touring act ANNIHILATOR whom will be performing a blistering 75 minute set for their first show in Western Canada since 1993. Also appearing, will be the recently reformed and original lineup of speed/thrash metal pioneers EXCITER, their first Western Canadian performance since 1985. The show will be opened by thrash veterans RAZOR and SACRIFICE. These bands are all hot off the heels of multiple critically acclaimed festival performances in the US, Europe, and South America. Calgary’s GATEKRASHÖR will provide last call entertainment.

Club shows will be held at The Ship and Anchor Pub, Distortion – Live Music Venue, and Dickens Pub, September 14th through 16th. All shows 18+. Full lineups and more to be announced!

More info as it becomes available at http://calgarymetalfest.com and http://bignateproductions.com

Calgary Metalfest, in its fifth annual year, was started in 2012 by festival organizer Nate Reno after his experiences working with Monsters of Rock (2008) and Noctis Metalfest (2008-2013).

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

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0 VESPERIA Announce ‘The Tempests Over Ontario Tour’ (May/June); Toronto June 1st w/ Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and Primal Fear

May 10, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Vesperia

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 10, 2016

EP Promo request here.

For fans of Septicflesh, Wintersun, Arcturus, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Finntroll

VesperiaMetal.com | Bandcamp | iTunes

VESPERIA Announce ‘The Tempests Over Ontario Tour’ (May/June)

Toronto June 1st w/ Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and Primal Fear

L-R – Casey Elliott (Guitar), Morgan Rider (Vocals, Bass), Frankie Caracci (Guitar), Dylan Gowan (Drums)

Live at Wacken Open Air 2015 – Watch here.

EP Stream – The Iron Tempests – Listen here.

Music Video – The Western Tempests – Watch here.

Recently wrapping up their cross Canada tour with Finnish metal masters KALMAH during the month of April, VESPERIA are proud to announce they will be back on the road for dates in Ontario during the months of May and June for ‘The Tempests Over Ontario Tour’. The tour will also include VESPERIA headlining the Kitchener Metalfest on May 28th plus being local support for the June 1st tour stop of Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and Primal Fear at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club in Toronto, ON.

“After touring from coast to coast with Finland’s Kalmah, we have decided to do a short run of shows in our home province! All these towns have a significant history for the band and how we got our start. We also cant wait to share the stage with Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody and Primal Fear during their Toronto stop!” comments vocalist / bassist Morgan Rider.

Dates:
May 26 – Windsor, ON – Rockstar

May 27 – London, ON – Grinning Gator

May 28 – Kitchener, ON @ Wax Nightclub (Kitchener Metalfest) – Event info
June 1 – Toronto, ON – Virgin Mobile Mod Club w/ Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody, Primal Fear – Event info

June 4 – North Bay, ON – Fraser

June 5 – Sudbury, ON – The Asylum

After tour, VESPERIA will also be completing the recording of their new album to follow to 2015’s ‘The Iron Tempests’ EP. The album is being recorded at Blue Sound & Music Studios in Toronto, Canada with engineer/ producer Russ Mackay (Mastodon, Iron Maiden, Styx) and will feature an array of famous Canadian guest musicians with the art created by Juno award-winning artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Nevermore, Dream Theater).

VESPERIA launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise over $5,000 to record the new album giving fans many special and unique perks for their contributions, including mead made by the band’s front man Morgan Rider, drinking horns, album pre-releases, the bands stage banners and much more! For all details on contributions, please visit the following link: https://www.indiegogo.com/at/new-vesperia-album

About:

The cloudy beginnings of VESPERIA lay etched in the gorged bodies of former musical projects among the now four-member band. Twisting, writhing and forcing their aural onslaught upon metal audiences across the globe have sincerely ensured the band’s continuity through all the harsh and arduous battles modern metal bands are bound to encounter in their tenures.

Established in 2012 by vocalist/ bassist Morgan Rider, the sound, direction and theme of the music quickly and naturally evolved into the style of fierce and heroic metal the band is now known and praised for.

Shortly after releasing their first full-length album Voyage from Vinland,VESPERIA redefined themselves and further focused their direction with the 2012 demo, The Swordsman. In 2013, the band independently funded and released their 2nd full-length album An Olden Tale, drawing the ears and attention of metal fans around the world and demonstrating their true mastery of their craft. During that same year, the band also independently funded and completed several Canadian tours to support the album.

Early 2015 saw the band enter the studio once again to record some demo material, which would become The Iron Tempests EP. During this time, the band toured Canada from coast to coast and also made an appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany, where they won the title of 2015 International Wacken Battle Champions, a second time win for the band’s frontman, Morgan.

With their most fierce music written to date and a bounty of opportunity awaiting, VESPERIA continue to hungrily eye 2015 as the year they will make their mark upon the Earth.

For more info, please visit the following links:

http://www.vesperiametal.com

http://facebook.com/vesperiametal

http://twitter.com/vesperiametal

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 NEWS: STRIKER Nominated For Western Canadian Music Award ‘Metal/Hard Rock Artist of The Year’ + USA Tour

May 6, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Striker

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 6, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For Fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Enforcer, Skullfist, Steelwing

Striker-Metal.com | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

iTunes | Big Cartel | CD Baby

STRIKER Nominated For Western Canadian Music Award ‘Metal/Hard Rock Artist of The Year’ + USA Tour

New Album ‘Stand In The Fire’ Out Now

Music Video – Too Late – Watch here.

Song Stream – Out For Blood – Listen here.

It’s been a busy 2016 for Canadian power metallers STRIKER and their latest album ‘Stand In The Fire’ released this past February. The band toured Europe with Primal Fear, are now hitting the road for their USA tour with Spellcaster, Weresquatch and Thrashole, plus will have an upcoming cross Canada dates to follow and to add to the madness, they have been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award for ‘Metal/Hard Rock Artist of The Year’ alongside KEN mode (MB), Shooting Guns (SK), Third Ion (SK), Van Halst (AB). The awards will be held in Regina, SK on October 13th. For more info, please visit the following link here.

“We are extremely excited to be nominated for Metal/Hard Music Artist of the Year, it’s been an amazing year for us and we are so very honoured to be recognized for all of our hard work. Hope to have a beer with the rest of the nominees at the awards!” comments guitarist Tim Brown.

Nominees list: http://breakoutwest.ca/2016-wcma/wcma-nominees/

Metal/Hard Music Artist of the Year
KEN mode (MB)
Shooting Guns (SK)
Striker (AB)
Third Ion (SK)
Van Halst (AB)

Striker Dates:

*Striker Only – **Striker & Spellcaster Only

5/13 – Portland, OR – Bossanova Ballroom
5/14 – Boise, ID – The Shredder
5/15 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Metro **
5/16 – Reno, NV – PB&J’s
5/17 – Fullerton, CA – Slidebar
5/18 – Scottsdale, AZ – The Rogue Bar
5/19 – El Paso, TX – Mesa Music Hall
5/20 – San Antonio, TX – The Korova
5/21 – Houston, TX – Satellite Bar
5/23 – Orlando, FL – Bombshell Tavern
5/24 – Atlanta, GA – 529 **
5/25 – Covington, KY – Backstage Cafe
5/27 – Chicago, IL – Reggies Live
5/29 – Des Moines, IA – Vaudevill Mews
5/30 – Dubuque, IA – The Venue
5/31 – Omaha, NE – Lookout Lounge
6/1 – Colorado Springs, CO – Sunshine Studios Live
6/2 – North Platte, NE – Sculley’s Shooters
6/3 – Scottsbluff, NE – Elks Lodge
6/4 – Billings, MT – The Railyard
6/6 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry *

About the album:

‘Stand In The Fire’ is STRIKER‘s most uncompromising record to date. A record packed with incredible riffs and colossal anthems, all laced together with epic harmonies. Inspired by legendary bands like Iron Maiden, Striker wears their hearts firmly on their battle jackets, soaking up the power and influence of classic rock and metal.

The band; Dan Clearly (vocals) Tim Brown (lead/rhythm guitars) William Wallace (bass) Adam Brown (drums) recorded the album themselves with the help of Randy Black (who filled in on drums while Adam was away…) and mixing genius Frederik Nordstrom (Bring Me The Horizon, In Flames, Opeth) giving them not only the time and space needed but the freedom to set up the release direct to fans worldwide.

‘Stand in The Fire’ available on limited edition orange vinyls at Striker-Metal.com plus digitally on iTunes, CD Baby.

To hear a full stream of the album, please visit the following link here.

Track Listing ‘Stand In The Fire’:

1. Phoenix Lights (3:38)

2. Out For Blood (3:51)

3. Too Late (4:52)

4. Stand In the Fire (3:39)

5. The Iron Never Lies (4:06)

6. Escape From Shred City (2:53)

7. Outlaw (4:35)

8. Locked In (3:45)

9. United (4:06)

10. Better Times (3:37)

11. One Life (4:17)

Album Length: 43:23

About Striker:

STRIKER formed in Edmonton, Canada in 2007 and they were signed to German label Iron Kodex off the strength of their first demo. They made two albums with the label and recorded 2nd album Armed To The Teeth with acclaimed producer Michael Wagener (Ozzy, Skid Row, Metallica). They played shows with Metallica in Canada and hit the road for what eventually became a full world tour with shows across Europe and Japan. They used their time in Europe to work with Frederik Nordstrom and were snapped up by Napalm Records in 2012 for the release of the acclaimed album City Of Gold.

For more info: www.Striker-Metal.com.

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0 NEWS: VAN HALST Nominated For Western Canadian Music Award ‘Metal/Hard Rock Artists of The Year’

May 6, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Van Halst

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 6, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For Fans of In This Moment, Evanescence, Halestorm

VanHalstMusic.com | Facebook | Twittter | Soundcloud | Youtube

Bandcamp | iTunes

VAN HALST Nominated For Western Canadian Music Award ‘Metal/Hard Rock Artists of The Year’

Supporting ‘Because I Am A Girl’ Benefit Concert – Toronto – May 28th

Out Now! New Album ‘World of Make Believe’

Upcoming Shows:

May 28 – Toronto, ON @ Hard Rock Cafe (Because I Am A Girl Benefit Concert) – Event info

Aug 18-21 – Nevis, AB (OurFest) – Event info

Photo Credit: Renee Robyn

Music Video – Save Me – Watch here.

Album Stream – Bandcamp | Soundcloud

Edmonton, AB’s VAN HALST has been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award for Metal/Hard Rock Artist of The Year for their March 2016 release ‘World of Make Believe’. The awards will be held in Regina, SK on October 13th. For more info, please visit the following link here.

Vocalist Kami Van Halst comments:

“We are so grateful to be nominated for Metal/Hard Rock Artist of the Year. It is an amazing experience to be recognized for your art. We are very excited to attend the ceremony with all the other nominees in October.”

VAN HALST were nominated alongside the following:

Metal/Hard Music Artist of the Year
KEN mode (MB)
Shooting Guns (SK)
Striker (AB)
Third Ion (SK)
Van Halst (AB)

Nominees list: http://breakoutwest.ca/2016-wcma/wcma-nominees/

In additional news, VAN HALST will be performing at this year’s 2nd annual‘Because I Am A Girl’ benefit concert on May 28th in Toronto, ON at the Hard Rock Cafe presented by ARYA Concerts & Events. The benefit concert features all acts with female musicians in honour of of supporting and raising proceeds for Plan Canada’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ initiative, which helps to create a brighter future for girls in the developing world. For more info on Plan Canada, please visit the following link: http://plancanada.ca/because-i-am-a-girl

Vocalist Kami Van Halst comments:

“We are very excited to be apart of the fundraiser for the Because I Am A Girl foundation. Because I Am A Girl is a global initiative working to end gender inequality. This is something very important to us, we speak a lot about feminism in our music and believe that no one should be held back from achieving their potential due to gender or sex.”

About:
A fierce, empowering force of hard rock fused with metal with strong socially conscious lyrics and advocacy for female rights, VAN HALST recently released their debut album ‘World of Make Believe’ on March 4th, 2016, which is now available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

VAN HALST, a project that first began as a solo endeavour for whom the band is named after — Kami Van Halst, 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 Strathon J. Bajowsky (Havok Way) 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 main writing forces for the band are Kami and Scott working together to give listeners a vivid image of social injustices. The band’s live performance is a theatric experience as the utilize full-costumes, make-up and stage props.

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, please visit www.vanhalstmusic.com

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0 NEWS: BLACK ABSINTHE Full Album Stream ‘Early Signs of Denial’ via Exclaim!

May 6, 2016
by Asher
· Black Absinthe · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 6, 2016

EP Promo Request here.

For fans of Black Sabbath, Killswitch Engage, Motorhead, Mastodon, High On Fire, Coheed and Cambria

Facebook | Twitter @ blackabsintheto | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp

BLACK ABSINTHE Full Album Stream ‘Early Signs of Denial’ via Exclaim!

Debut Album ‘Early Signs of Denial’ Due Out May 13th

Upcoming Show Dates:

May 13 – Oshawa, ON @ The Atria – Event info
May 14 – Toronto, ON @ Coalition T.O. (CD Release Show) – Event info

Toronto, ON heavy metal trio BLACK ABSINTHE are surfacing from the basement to team up with Exclaim! and unleash the full stream of their debut album ‘Early Signs of Denial’ produced by Dave Baksh (Cross Dog, The Mahones) plus mixed and mastered by Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie- Hillbilly Deluxe). Set for release on May 13th, 2016, the album is the band’s first professional recording to follow their three self recorded EPs Live At Coalition (2014), Noise Complaint (2014) and Augusta (2012).

BLACK ABSINTHE’s powerful heavy riffs and bass lines are reminiscent of classic thrash and new wave British heavy metal with a range of progressive to classic rock influence ready to be shared with fans new and old alike.

To hear the full album stream for ‘Early Signs of Denial’, please visit the following link at Exclaim!: http://exclaim.ca/music/article/black_absinthe-early_signs_of_denial_album_stream

The title “Early Signs of Denial” is a conceptual connection to the themes of fear, corruption, and overcoming disparity, which is explored in the album’s songs. The record has emphasis of crushing modern tone, polished instrumental sections, soaring vocals and a blending of contemporary and classic metal. With each track, this unique record represents different aspects of BLACK ABSINTHE’s diversity in song writing. The band does not tread lightly over their new wave of British heavy metal song style or their technical and progressive metal influences.

Album Pre-order – https://blackabsinthe.bandcamp.com/

1. The Wild (3:50) [MetalNationRadio]

2. Is This Life (4:42)

3. Berj Khalifa (3:19)

4. Pigs (4:03)

5. NOW (3:58) [MMK]

6. Winter (6:23) [Hellbound]

Album Length: 26:18

For more info, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/blackabsintheband.

About:

Formed in 2011 by vocalist and guitarist Jack Cerre, bassist Kyle Scarlett and drummer Austin Henderson, the trio continue to rip through the underground Toronto metal scene without pause.

Compounding heavy riffs and bass lines reminiscent of classic thrash and new wave British heavy metal with a range of progressive to classic rock influence, Black Absinthe presents a solid example of a Canadian metal band. They’re road hungry, influenced plus supported by other driven Canadian musicians and most of all, ready to innovate and grow the traditions of a genre they venerate and respect. As leaders in the scene, Black Absinthe were headlining Toronto semi-finalists in the Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2015.

With a new year ahead, Black Absinthe pushes on with their desire to provide their fans in Canada and online with a cleaner and heavier presentation of their sound. The years incubating in Toronto’s metal underground have served the band well. From their 2012 debut EP Augusta to their 2014 EP Noise Complaint, both releases have established the band’s sound as well as their stage presence, leading to their driven heavy metal machine. Now in 2016, Black Absinthe are ready to release their debut studio album Early Signs Of Denial (May 13, 2016). The album was produced by Dave Baksh (Cross Dog, The Mahones) out of the Gentleman’s Den studio in Pickering, ON who’s experience proved to be the final touch; aiding in refining drum dynamics, smoothing the transitions and layering harmonic guitar lines. Black Absinthe’s Early Signs Of Denial sound is a leading example of the contemporary Canadian metal scene serving to showcase how the band sounds in a crisp, powerful, and ultimately more professional recording environment.

The title “Early Signs of Denial” is a conceptual connection to the themes of fear, corruption, and overcoming disparity, which is explored in the songs. The record has emphasis of crushing modern tone, polished instrumental sections, soaring vocals and a blending of contemporary and classic metal. With each track, this unique record represents different aspects of Black Absinthe’s diversity in song writing. The band does not tread lightly over their new wave of British heavy metal song style or their technical and progressive metal influences.

Through the bands expanding network cultivated through Coalition Music’s “Artist Entrepreneur Program”, they chose Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie- Hillbilly Deluxe) to mix and master the album in the Winter of 2015. His strong ability to work with a diversity of sounds was the appeal to the band. His mixing took the album into the sonic spheres of a classic 80’s sound providing, grandeur, psychedelia, and an arena rock feel that could properly represent the textures put down in tracking. There was an immediate trust formed with the stylistic choices Gryner made throughout mixing.

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 NEWS: Black Metal Brother Duo HELLEBORUS To Support TAAKE In Denver June 5th; Streaming New Track ‘Draconian Discipline’

May 5, 2016
by Asher
· Helleborus · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 5, 2016

Promo Request here.

For fans of Satyricon, Dark Fortress, Septic Flesh, Necrophobic, Belphegor

Black Metal Brother Duo HELLEBORUS To Support TAAKE In Denver June 5th

Streaming New Track ‘Draconian Discipline’

New Album ‘Carnal Sabbath’ Out June 17th via Satanth Records & Black Plague Records

Upcoming Show Dates:

May 28 – Longmont, CO – Metal Fest @ Left Hand Brewery – info
June 3 – Colorado Springs, CO – 71GrindFest – info
June 5 – Denver, CO – The Roxy Theatre – w/ TAAKE – info
Sept 15-18 – White Hall, MD – Shadow Woods Metal Fest – info

Unleashing their much anticipated debut album ‘The Carnal Sabbath’ via Satanth Records (Russia) and Black Plague Records (USA) on June 17th, 2016, Colorado Springs, CO black metal duo HELLEBORUS founded by brothers Jerred & Wyatt Houseman will be supporting Norwegian black metal masters TAAKE for their tour stop Denver on June 5th at the Roxy Theatre. Full details can found here.

The duo recently premiered their latest single ‘Draconian Discipline’ on MetalInjection.net at the following link: http://www.metalinjection.net/av/helleborus-draconian-discipline-is-the-evil-track-you-need-to-conquer-the-day

Their album ‘The Carnal Sabbath’ is a Bacchic frenzy of carnal abandon told through lascivious guitars and tempting bass rhythms along with elements of black, death and doom metal to provide a vast backdrop for an ambiance of potential and possibility. Fans of The Devil’s Blood, Satyricon, Necorphobic, Belphegor, Blut Aus Nord are sure to be seduced by Helleborus.

1. Helleborus Black (6:51)
2. Coils (5:06) [Youtube] [Free Download NCS]
3. Edge Of Black Waters (6:17)
4. Colored Spores of Yuggoth (5:42) [Decibel Mag]
5. Draconian Discipline (4:40)
6. The Poison of Sleep (5:23)
7. Temple of Seventh Death (4:24)
8. A Gift of Renewal (7:08)
9. The Carnal Sabbath (9:17) [Youtube]
Album Length: 54:50

About:

Conceived within the womb of Execration, Helleborus is the latest emanation of Jerred & Wyatt Houseman. Like the enigmatic and deadly winter flower from which the project takes its name, Helleborus pushes the exploration of traditional black metal into the uncharted territory of sensual duality and mysticism. Building on their professional experience with Execration and personal experiences through Akhenaten, the Houseman brothers sought a deeper expression of their experiential-driven musical style that audiences can connect with through a union of opposites.

“We’ve always had a vision for the type of black metal project Helleborus would be. We wanted to explore and deliver a darker and yet more romantic side of black metal. There is an unknown side of metal that is masculine and powerful, yet sensual and respectful; controlled chaos.” comments vocalist Wyatt Houseman.

Album Band Line Up features: Wyatt (vocals, lyrics) & Jerred Houseman (producer, all instruments)

Live Band Line Up features: Brent Boutte’ – Drums, Jerred Houseman – Guitar & leads, Wyatt Houseman – Voice, Ian Horenman – guitar & rhythms, Michael Hylands – Bass

For more info, please visit the following links:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Helleborus/147780151924510

http://twitter.com/hellebrus

EPK – http://wp.me/pciNW-64s

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