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Category: Music News

0 TUMBLEWEED DEALER Creates A Groovy Soundtrack For Alan Moore’s Retelling of Swamp Thing’s Origin w/ “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds” Off New Album “Dark Green” Out Feb 2025

  • January 21, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Tumbleweed Dealer

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2025

TUMBLEWEED DEALER Creates A Groovy Soundtrack For Alan Moore’s Retelling of Swamp Thing’s Origin w/ “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds”

New Album “Dark Green” Out February 2025

L-R – Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars, Jean-Baptiste Joubaud – Synths & Programming, Angelo Fata – Drums & Percussions

Photo Credit – PAULINE DELABORDE PHOTOGRAPHIE​

Set to release their fourth studio album “Dark Green” this February 2025, Montreal, Canada’s instrumental progressive psychedelic groove metal triad Tumbleweed Dealer is sharing their second single “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds”.

Unlike all other tracks on the record, “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds” is the band’s first foray into music with vocals as they paired up with Ceschi Ramos, whose versatility matches the group’s genre-bending sound.

Composed specifically for Tumbleweed Dealer to collaborate with Ceschi Ramos. The band first gave it a more repetitive pattern so Ramos could do a 16-bar rap. The trio then wrote the melodies with his voice in mind, and they crafted parts to serve as choruses. Ramos listened to the song over and over again as he wrote down his words. It became a symbiotic experience, which made the writing even more special as it stands alone as the only vocal track among an otherwise instrumental album.

Seb Painchaud explains the track further:

“The lyrics for Ghosts Dressed In Weeds were mostly written by Ceschi Ramos. I wrote the hooks first and let him in on my inspiration for this album: Alan Moore’s re-imagining of Swamp Thing’s origin story. The emphasis is on the moment where Swamp Thing gets dissected and has his worst enemy laugh while he explains to him that he is not a man turned into a plant, but rather a plant that absorbed a dead man’s memories through osmosis. That exact moment is the inspiration for the album. I didn’t want Ceschi to write specifically ABOUT the graphic novel though. It was enough for him to capture the essence of having your whole world turned upside down, your whole self-perception changed. When Swampy receives the news, he freaks out, breaks free, runs away, and lies down in a swamp without moving for over a month. We’ve all had moments where we just wanted to lay down in a marsh and die. We have felt like we didn’t know how to make sense of a revelation that shatters our self-image. My exact words to Ceschi were that he needed to capture that “How do I go on from here?” moment we have all had. And I think he did that perfectly.”

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds” via its premiere on New Noise Magazine HERE.

The new album “Dark Green” is Tumbleweed Dealer‘s effort to capture two essential parts in Alan Moore’s retelling of Swamp Thing’s origin. Firstly, the main character’s struggle and loss of identity. Secondly, they wanted to capture the antagonist’s transformation into nature’s anger towards men.

Each song is meant to feel like a complete journey where listeners are transported to a world where blues, psychedelia, and progressive rock intertwine. It’s been a long-awaited record and marks a bold new chapter for them since 2016’s “TDIII – Tokes, Hatred & Caffeine”. It’s a culmination of their growth as musicians and their desire to create something truly unique. Other notable guests on the album are Zach Strouse’s (Rivers Of Nihil, Burial In The Sky) guest saxophone solo and Antoine Baril’s (Augury, Obliveon) vintage keys for the album’s title track.

“I think the evolution between our third album, and this new one, will surprise some people. We didn’t write a follow-up to our last record. Instead, we incubated the band’s sound and sped up its evolution. If we kept on pace to release an album every year like we did at first, this would’ve been the 10th one. But we had kids, and that slowed down the process—so this is an evolutionary leap forward that might be jarring. I think that anyone who enjoyed our previous releases will still find what they liked in our sound while enjoying the new variety we’ve brought to it.” says Painchaud.

Due out on February 7, 2025, “Dark Green” is recommended for fans of Elder, Ohm, Camel, Opeth, and Cynic, and is available for album pre-order at https://tumbleweeddealer420.bandcamp.com/album/dark-green​

First Single / Title Track – Dark Green – https://youtu.be/L73im_7hOWs​

Track Listing:​
1. A Distant Figure In The Fog (2:52)
2. Sparks Adrift In The Louisiana Nightsky (3:39)
3. A Plant That Thinks It’s Human (3:34)
4. Becoming One With The Bayou (3:19)
5. Dragged Across The Wetlands (2:56)
6. Dark Green (4:48)
7. Ghosts Dressed In Weeds (5:31)
8. Moss On The Mind (3:13)
9. Body Of The Bog (6:34)
10. A Soul Made Of Sludge (3:49)

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Tumbleweed Dealer
• All songs written by: Tumbleweed Dealer
• Produced by: Jean-Baptiste Joubaud
• Mixed by: Jean-Baptiste Joubaud
• Mastered by: Harris Newman
• Album Artwork by: Glenn Le Calvez

Album Band Line Up:​
Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars
Angelo Fata – Drums & Percussions
Jean-Baptiste Joubaud – Synths & Programming

Guest Musicians:​
Antoine Baril – Mellotron, Hammond Organ & Keyboards on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 & 10
Guillaume Audette – Wurlitzer, Rhodes and Church Organ on tracks 8 & 10
Jocelyn Couture – Trumpet & Flugel Horn on tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9
Loïc Roy-Turgeon – Trombone on tracks 4 and 5
Zach Strouse – Saxophone on track 6
And special guest star Ceschi Ramos as himself on track 7

More info: Facebook.com/TumbleweedDealer | X.com/westernhorror | Instagram.com/tumbleweeddealer

-30-

“The epic song (Dark Green) is a good indication of what the rest of the record holds, which is plenty of blues, psychedelia, and prog rock.” – Decibel Magazine

“Tumbleweed Dealer’s “Dark Green,” the title track from their upcoming album out on February 7th, is a lesson in blending diverse musical influences into a singular, gripping piece. Clocking in at just under five minutes, the song showcases the band’s evolution and fearless creativity by weaving elements of blues, psychedelia, and progressive rock into a dynamic and unpredictable journey. The track builds a narrative through its seamless shifts in tone and texture. From introspective melodies to bursts of raw energy, the track balances complexity with accessibility. Antoine Baril’s vintage keys anchor the composition, giving it a retro flair, while Zach Strouse’s saxophone solo adds an unexpected but welcome layer of richness. Tumbleweed Dealer’s roots in extreme music shine subtly through black metal-inspired melodies and brief flashes of double bass drum that are a nod to their past without overshadowing their current direction. This contrast between intensity and finesse underscores the band’s skill in pushing genre boundaries. “Dark Green” not only introduces the thematic essence of the album but it also captures the spirit of exploration that has defined Tumbleweed Dealer’s evolution.” – Amplify The Noise

—–
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0 HYPERSPACE METALFEST Adds GREYHAWK, THE ASTRAL PROPHETS To 2025 Lineup w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR, OWLBEAR, RED CAIN and more!

  • January 21, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Hyperspace Metal Festival · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2025

HYPERSPACE METALFEST Adds GREYHAWK, THE ASTRAL PROPHETS To 2025 Lineup

w/ ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, GLYPH, CRIMSON SHADOWS, LUNAR, OWLBEAR, RED CAIN and more!

April 10th – 12th – Vancouver

HMF 2025 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/3T4kU2p

​

Returning for its 6th edition after another year of crowd-pleasing epic fun in Vancouver, B.C., Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival HYPERSPACE METAL FEST announces the addition of headliner GREYHAWK along with The Astral Prophets to their 2025 lineup to replace the unfortunate cancelations of Planeswalker and support from Heyoka’s Mirror.

Festival organizer Joey Hockin of Journeyman Productions adds:

“There has been a shakeup in the Hyperspace lineup for this year. Planeswalker and Heyoka’s Mirror have had to cancel their appearances this April. We’re hoping that we’ll be able to have them at the fest in the future, we’re going to keep trying for next year. For this year please welcome newcomers The Astral Prophets and for the Friday night headliner, we have the mighty Greyhawk stepping up to play once again! Anyone who’s seen them at Hyperspace before knows that they are going to tear the roof off!”

Being hosted at The Cobalt (April 10 &11th) and the Rickshaw Theatre (April 12th), Hyperspace Metal Fest’s 2025 lineup features headliners ENFORCER, PSYCHOSTICK, along with Crimson Shadows, Lunar, Owlbear, Tower Hill, Solarus, Red Cain, Tylor Dory Trio, Serpent Rider, Luminator, and Crüzer.

Headlining Saturday, April 12th at The Rickshaw Theatre, Sweden’s ENFORCER have proved themselves both live and on record, they stake their place amongst the world’s most renowned heavy metal bands since first forming in 2005. They have toured the world over, playing the biggest festivals and garnering a global fanbase. Their latest sixth studio album Nostalgia (released May 2023 – Nuclear Blast), features 13 heavy metal anthems and throws ENFORCER back to their speed metal roots. Fusing extreme guitar riffing with catchy stadium choruses, ENFORCER is out to conquer the world. Music Video – Nostalgia – https://youtu.be/XhfrJAPbOCY

​

Supporting ENFORCER on the closing night lineup will be Comedy Metal Kings PSYCHOSTICK. These humorcore titans bring forth a nostalgic escapade of sing-alongs and moshing fun with iconic titles such as “Beer!”, “Numbers (I Can Only Count to Four)”, “Dogs Like Socks”, “Obey The Beard!”, “Boobs”, and their latest single “Ultra Mega Fast” – https://youtu.be/kaqeizvxefM

​

The Saturday night lineup will also witness the return of the formidable force that is Toronto’s Crimson Shadows bringing forth tales of fantasy and warfare in their fierce melodic power and death metal imbued sound. Thundering across the icy Canadian mountains, Crimson Shadows has awoken after five years away. The band has emerged from the dark and is preparing to forge its own path in this next stage of its journey. Across their defiant career stretching almost two decades, to date notable highlights of Crimson Shadows‘ journey include the band’s appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany in mid-2013 and subsequent victory in obtaining the title of International Wacken Battle Champions. Alongside international performances, Crimson Shadows has ventured across the length and breadth of their homeland delivering brutality, technical prowess, and unyielding intensity in their melding of power and death. Music Video – Guardians – https://youtu.be/W9BKYvGYeCM

Headlining Friday, April 11th at The Cobalt and returning for their third time at HMF is Seattle’s Greyhawk. This will be the band’s first time headlining along with performing with new vocalist Anthony Corso. They are supporting their latest album “Thunderheart” released in April 2024 on Fighter Records, a division of Xtreem Music. Band playthrough – Spellstone – https://youtu.be/65ySwth-LKo

The second night of the festival will also unleash the first-ever live performance of Lunar, a progressive metal project from California that features members from Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision. Founded by drummer Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) and Ryan Erwin who passed away in 2018, LUNAR continues in his memory. This fourth full-length “Tempora Mutantur” out on January 31st via Saibot Reigns Records follows 2023’s “The Illusionist” and features a fresh lineup with the addition of guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist) and Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse). Music Video – Watch The Weather Change – https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE

Meant to perform on the 2024 lineup, but forced to cancel, Tylor Dory Trio returns for 2025, they are a monstrous progressive metal unit and beloved by many in Western Canada. This live performance on Friday, April 11th, will be their first following a nearly seven-year layoff. Music Video – The Waitress – ​https://youtu.be/nh9MxcSqlOE

Also added to the Friday lineup and opening the night is The Astral Prophets, a psychedelic rock/metal band from Calgary, AB featuring Apprentice, Lycanthro, and Scythia members. This is the band’s first time on the fest although some members have played the fest before in previous groups. They will be supporting their latest 2023 EP “Anywhere But Here”. EP Stream – https://youtu.be/255g8CZX2F8

Opening night of the festival, Thursday, April 10th at The Cobalt, will showcase the Pacific Northwest’s Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album “Honor, Power, Glory” released this past March. Music Video – March of the Northern Clan – https://youtu.be/htSyUb25wD4

Traveling from Edmonton, AB, Tower Hill delivers premium old-school heavy metal inspired by bands like Running Wild, Riot, Judas Priest, early Blind Guardian, and Helloween. Forging the best of the late 80s and early 90s German, British, and US metal scenes into a new blend of shimmering steel, Tower Hill’s riff-driven, hook-laden traditional metal will have you banging your head and singing along. Lyric Video – Deathstalker – ​https://youtu.be/IGybnd-HZRU👍

Replacing the originally announced Lost Nebula, Calgary’s RED CAIN has been imported to perform their power-prog storytelling with Eastern European roots for the masses. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I”, “Kindred: Act II” and “NÄE’BLISS”. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with the latest singles “Firestarter” and “Demons II”. Music Video – Demons II – https://youtu.be/7VViLOrFfQ8

​

Hyperspace Metal Festival VI – April 10th – 12th.​
One-day passes and three-day passes are available at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hyperspace-metal-festival-vi-tickets-1000996957847​

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/1637280440385808​

Thursday, April 10th – The Cobalt​
Glyph
Tower Hill
Red Cain
Serpent Rider
Crüzer
​
​Friday, April 11th – The Cobalt​
Greyhawk
Lunar
Solarus
Tylor Dory Trio
The Astral Prophets
​
​Saturday, April 12th – The Rickshaw Theatre​
Enforcer
Psychostick
Crimson Shadows
Owlbear
Luminator

To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2024, please visit the following links:
​Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​
​Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival​

Festival Press Materials Dropbox HERE.

Over the five editions of Hyperspace Metal Festival, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, melodic death, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Týr, Flotsam and Jetsam, Skelator, Trollfest, Aether Realm, Exmortus, Striker, Riot City, Into Eternity, Witherfall, Planeswalker, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous, Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.
​

– 30 –

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 Announces BC Bands & Rounds – One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  • January 20, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2025

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 Announces BC Bands & Rounds

– One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2025 –

WMBC Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k​

Spotify – 2024 WMBC National Finalists Playlist HERE.

One Band To Rule Them All! After another record-breaking year of submissions from independent bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year’s British Columbia and Ontario 2025 battles and bands, which could see one unsigned band crowned champion and perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

The 2025 British Columbia and Ontario battles will be held in the following cities and dates with more to be announced for Canada. The national final will be held in Vancouver, BC on May 31st, 2025 at The Rickshaw Theatre.

2025 Canadian Wacken Battles:​
​
​British Columbia Dates:

March 1 – Vancouver Round 1 @ The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
DeathBound, NIGHTOWL, Utility Provider, Nokturna, Burnt Lung
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/1114719273271273/
​
​March 2 – BC Interior Round @ Jackknife Brewing – Kelowna, BC
Dendros, Burn It All, Gregorious, Nomad, Storm The Empire
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/913101870812415/
​
​March 22 – Vancouver Round 2 @ The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
Iron Kingdom, Ashen Pall, Heathanz Sinz, Killing Twins, TIVR
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/951824699871604/
​
​March 30 – Vancouver Island Round @ Lucky Bar – Victoria, BC
YEGG, Electric Druids, Decryptor, Gate Theory, Antler
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/481340948041676/
​
​May 3 – BC Final @ The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
​May 31 – National Final @ The Rickshaw, Vancouver, BC
​
​Ontario Dates:​
​January 10 – London Round @ Rum Runners
Atria (guest headliner), Death Club, Dead Days, 4HateU8
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944970149316798/
​WINNER – DEAD DAYS – https://www.facebook.com/deaddaysmusic​
​
​January 24 – Hamilton Round @ Main Stage Rehearsal
The Good Depression, Killotine, Zero Tolerance, Devilz By Definition, Zero End
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-24-hamilton
​
​January 25 – Toronto Round 1 @ Hard Luck
Pillars of Autumn, Ischemic, Purveyor of Chaos, Unkle Skurvey
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-25-toronto
​
​February 1 – Toronto Round 2@ Hard Luck
Seagrave, Nepenthe, Panic Response, The Animal Warfare Act
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-feb-1-toronto

Edmonton, AB – TBA
Calgary, AB – TBA
Ottawa, ON – TBA
Montreal, QC – TBA
Quebec City, QC – TBA

The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:​
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB – 2023 National Finalist).

The night was MC’d by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor – Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM – Alerte Metallique – Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography – Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations – Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions – Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager – The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire – 2023 National WMBC Winner – Trois-Rivières, QC).

After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto’s Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB – https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4​

List of previous WMBC national winners Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

Info:

Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
​
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/​

Links:​
​Metal-Battle.com​​
​
Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official​
​Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan​
​Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official​

– 30 –

Media Partners:​
Bravewords.com
Metal-Rules.com
Absolute Underground Magazine
BrokenNeckRadio.com
V13.net
MetalDevastationRadio
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)
GhostCultMag.com
Rocknroam.ca
Vox & Hops Podcast
The Metal Voice

Promoter Partners:​
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks
Asher Media Relations

​

​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Rockshots Records – California Power Metal NIVIANE Unleashes Powerful New Video for “Tomorrow’s A New Day” Off New Album “Queen of Phantoms” Out March 2025

  • January 17, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Niviane (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2024

California Power Metal NIVIANE Unleashes Powerful New Video for “Tomorrow’s A New Day”

New Album “Queen of Phantoms” Out March 2025 via Rockshots Records

Sacramento, California Niviane, the powerhouse of American power metal is unveiling their latest single “Tomorrow’s a New Day”, accompanied by an official video. Taken from their upcoming album “Queen of Phantoms” —set for release on March 7th, 2025—this track showcases the band’s signature blend of soaring melodies, intense riffs, and emotional depth while exploring a profound and deeply personal theme.

Unlike the other songs on the album, “Tomorrow’s a New Day” was a spontaneous creation that originated during a live-streamed writing session in the midst of the COVID lockdowns. Initially conceived as a demonstration of the band’s songwriting process, the track’s impact was undeniable, leading Niviane to keep it and ultimately include it on the album.

Lyrically, the song delves into mental health struggles, touching on themes of depression, drug abuse, and emotional turmoil. Sung from the perspective of a friend or family member witnessing a loved one spiral downward, the track delivers a powerful and poignant message. As the band explains, “We decided to touch on some deeper subject matter on a few songs for this album, and this track was definitely one of those”.

Musically, the song delivers everything fans of Judas Priest, Queensrÿche, Primal Fear and Nevermore crave—blistering guitars, commanding vocals, and anthemic power metal energy—all wrapped in a poignant and cinematic atmosphere.

With its gripping narrative and powerful composition, “Tomorrow’s a New Day” stands out as one of the most emotionally charged tracks in “Queen of Phantoms”. The official video further amplifies its message, bringing the song’s raw emotions to life.

LISTEN TO “Tomorrow’s a New Day” – http://lnk.to/0PeUts

​
​OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvsYzy3h2WI

​

First single “12 BC: Legions” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/PTB6RGW0v-E​

​Spotify​

CD pre-order (Out March 7th, 2025) – https://rockshots.eu/products/niviane-queen-of-phantoms-cd​

Tracklist:
1. Queen of Phantoms
2. 12 BC: Legions
3. 12 BC: Germania
4. Beacon In The Darkness
5. Some Wounds… Never Heal
6. All Debts Repaid
7. Tomorrow’s A New Day
8. Event Horizon
9. Our Maze
10. Gunslingers & Graves
11. Under Black Flags
​
Band line up
Aaron Robitsch: Keys & Orchestration
Gary Tarplee: Guitars
Isaiah AR: Drums
Mark Miner: Guitars
Norman Skinner: Vocals
Tyler Satterlee: Bass

More info: ​
​​https://www.rockshots.eu​

​https://www.niviane.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/nivianemetal/​

​https://www.instagram.com/nivianemetalofficial/​

​https://x.com/nivianeofficial​
​

About:

Niviane is an American metal band formed in 2015 hailing from Sacramento California. The band melds together their collective influences of classic heavy metal, thrash, and power metal.

The line-up consists of guitarists Mark Miner & Gary Tarplee, bassist Tyler Satterlee (Blessed Curse), Drummer Isaiah AR, Keyboardist Aaron Robitsch (Grave Shadow, Crepuscle) & vocalist Norman Skinner (Forbidden, ex-Imagika).

Niviane has toured and performed with such bands as Amon Amarth, Testament, Warrant, Hammerfall, Primal Fear, Angra, Delain, Soulfly, Rhapsody, Amorphis, Butcher Babies & more.

The band has released 2 studio albums “The Druid King” in 2017 & “The Ruthless Divine” in 2020 including 3 spectacular music videos for their songs “The Berserker”, “Fires In The Sky” & “Psychomanteum”. A 3rd album “Queen of Phantoms” is completed and scheduled to be released in 2025.

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What the press had said:

THE DRUID KING (2017)

allabouttherock.com – Eleven tracks of pure heavy epic power metal with soaring vocals and majestic anthems

dangerdog.com – Creative and compelling American melodic power metal. Easily recommended.

deadrhetoric.com – Combining traditional/power metal with class, grace, and a sense of worldwide sophistication that places the songwriting and performances at a level rarely achieved this early in a band’s career.

knac.com – Melodic elements as well as the science fiction and fantasy themes should appeal to fans of AMON AMARTH, ICED EARTH, IRON MAIDEN

maximummetal.com – Based on this debut alone, Niviane are going to be a young band to watch.

THE RUTHLESS DIVINE (2020)

darkscene.at – This mix of thrashy ingredients, pounding rhythms and omnipresent, subtly epic melodies will put a big grin on your face.

earshot.at – “The Ruthless Divine” is again pure and damn energetic US power metal with everything that goes with it.

knac.com – This is metal to bang your head to, put your fist in the air and show the whole entire world how very proud you are to be a METALHEAD!An 11 track masterpiece that will get any headbanger banging their head! This is music that is meant to be played for the METAL MASSES!

metalgodstv.com – A superb one hour of power from an emerging great of the power metal genre – Niviane are on fire, and have delivered a sensational album.​
—
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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! HIGHWAY QUEEN’s New EP “Extendead Play” + Music Video “Lies”

  • January 17, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Highway Queen (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2025

Out Now! HIGHWAY QUEEN’s New EP “Extendead Play” + Music Video “Lies”

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of Highway Queen’s new EP, “Extendead Play”, a fresh chapter in the Finnish rockers’ journey through melodic hard rock and metal-infused soundscapes. The EP will be available on all major platforms as of January 17th, 2025.

“Extendead Play” continues to showcase Highway Queen’s signature style, blending 80s-inspired hard rock with modern melodic elements, powerful riffs, and dynamic rhythms. This new collection of songs dives deeper into the band’s ability to tell stories through music, with lyrics that explore themes of anger, lust, bitterness, and longing. The EP captures the brutality of life, both good and bad. An official music video for the track “Lies” is out today adding a visual dimension to the band’s compelling storytelling.

Since their formation in late 2019, Highway Queen has been a rising force in the melodic hard rock scene. After the successful release of their debut album, “Bitter Soul” in 2022, the band has continued to evolve and refine their sound. The songs on “Extendead Play” like those on “Bitter Soul” were recorded and produced by Aleksanteri Kuosa, who has also worked with bands such as Waltari and Before The Dawn. Their music is recommended for fans of melodic hard rock, heavy rock, and the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).

With “Extendead Play” Highway Queen reaffirms their position as torchbearers of melodic rock with a modern edge, delivering music that resonates with the heart and soul. Prepare to turn up the volume and join the ride as Highway Queen takes you on another electrifying musical journey.
​
​LISTEN to the EP at https://lnk.to/dPX0pF​

WATCH “Lies” at https://youtu.be/Lb-DQVPGPuk

​

Track Listing:​​
1. Lies
2. I Will Take You To Hell
3. Come To Me
4. I’m Calling You
​
​Album Credits:​​
All songs written by
– Virpi Kääriäinen: lyrics
– Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen: music
– Arrangements: Teemu Kääriäinen, Virpi Kääriäinen, Aleksanteri Kuosa, Juha Skog & Henri Backman
– Produced, engineered & mixed by Aleksanteri Kuosa
– Mastering: Svante Forsbäck
​
​Highway Queen are:
​
Virpi Kääriäinen: vocals
Teemu Kääriäinen: guitars
Juha Skog: bass & backing vocals
Henri Backman: drums

For more info:​
​www.rockshots.eu​
​www.highwayqueenband.com​
​www facebook.com/highwayqueenband​
​www.instagram.com/highwayqueenband​

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0 Canadian Thrashers MUTANK New Video “Abortron” Off New Album “Think Before You Think” Out Now!

  • January 17, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · MUTANK

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2025

Canadian Thrashers MUTANK New Video “Abortron” Off New Album “Think Before You Think” Out Now!

L-R – Ahmed Saad (Drums), Stephen Reynolds (Bass, Vocals), Costa Skoulikas (Guitar), Chris Nascimben (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Kat Dydyk

Canadian thrashers MUTANK have their next headbanging video for fans to check out for their track “Abortron” from their latest album “Think Before You Think” released this past November from Boonsdale Records.

Band members comment about the track:

Costa: “Elon Musk is jealous he didn’t invent this robot who sucks the lives out of your uterus!”

Stephen: “The lyrics for Abortron are disgusting and no one should read them.”

Watch and listen to the video for “Abortron” at https://youtu.be/Lvls4psV5MI

​

After a short hiatus, MUTANK has exploded back on the thrash scene with their new album “Think Before You Think” to follow the highly praised 2017 EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” also released on Boonsdale Records and was named by Metal Injection as “1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know” (Read here). This new full-length features a rampage of ten thrash happy tracks with fan favourites such as “Running Reds”, “Abortron”, and “Thrash Primordial”.

“We want this album to energize people and make them feel the way we do when we listen to some of our favourite artists. This album is the most material we have ever put out! 50 minutes of pure metal across 10 tracks. The songs really picked themselves as we kept writing tracks we really enjoyed playing. This is Thrash for Metalheads by Metalheads! We have evolved from crossover to a more refined thrash band with longer and more intricate songs, it can be a bit proggy… The level of seriousness in songwriting is evident on this new record.” adds the band.

With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made a big impression on the Canadian metal scene in 2014 with their debut EP “M.E.C.H METAL” and being declared champions of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada to garner them a performance at Wacken Open Air (Live Video – https://youtu.be/yQrLaG8BPL4). By 2017, the band took their distinctive sound and hit the road to tour across Canada supporting ANNIHILATOR alongside Australia’s MASON.

Kicking off 2025, MUTANK plans to be a tour de force, hitting moshpits everywhere and anywhere in support of “Think Before You Think”.

Recommended for fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus, “Think Before You Think” is available at the following links:

CD Pre-Order (Limited to 250 copies) – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/product/mutank-think-before-you-think-cd-pre-order​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3NLOS88

​

Bandcamp – https://mutankthrash.bandcamp.com/album/think-before-you-think

​

Previous Videos:

Illuminatus – https://youtu.be/NcmZtePbI3M​

Bad Magnitude – https://youtu.be/P7XFJzQD5m8​

Channel Change – https://youtu.be/HLvI8ignuLE​

Track Listing:
​
1. Illuminatus – 6:14
2. Payback – 5:24
3. All Against All – 4:43
4. Channel Change – 5:11
5. Bad Magnitude – 5:30
6. Abortron – 3:37
7. Groundbreaker – 2:08
8. Metalheads For Hire – 5:37
9. Running Reds – 6:27
10. Thrash Primordial – 4:40
Album Length: 49:38

More Info: Boonsdalerecords.com | Facebook.com/bonebrainsnotdemolishers | Instagram.com/mutank_or_die | X.com/MUTANK​

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“If peppy, energetic thrash in the vein of Slayer, Exodus, Overkill, DRI, Suicidal Tendencies and Anthrax is your bag, then give MUTANK a whirl. They’re certainly full of vim, vigor and energy.” – Decibel Magazine
​
“Think Before You Think offers enough modern flair to stand apart in today’s metal landscape. Mutank have delivered a thrilling ride that cements their place in the global thrash scene. With Think Before You Think, they aren’t just revisiting the past. They’re shaping the future of the genre.” – Amplify The Noise
​
“Variety. It might not be an aspect many expect to experience across this album, but that’s Mutank for you, and right up to the end, they find inventive ways to keep the listener engaged. First, by delivering an anthem for all head bangers around the world with the excellently titled Metalheads for Hire. Then by getting even more artistic with Running Reds, a track with some intriguing progressive touches. Before Mutank’s impressive return is capped off with an absolute cacophony of thrashy noise via Thrash Primordial. The record ending as it begun, with heads being banged hard.” – Games, Brrrains & A Head-Banging-Life
​
“The quartet from Montreal in fact has the ability to make the compositions interesting and unpredictable by expertly mixing thrash assaults with the impetuosity of hardcore, without giving up melodic cues of classic metal extraction and adding the immediacy of punk, permeating songs of that variety capable of intriguing the listener without ever getting bored. “Illuminatus” opens the dance with a sulphurous and threatening start and then settles on a thrashy and rocky mid tempo, all seasoned with unpredictable tempo changes and excellent solos… An album that may not rewrite the history of thrash metal, but which will help the genre evolve while remaining anchored to its origins. Rating: 9/10.” – MetalHead.it

“The result here is some chunky, old school thrashcore which kicks off with the six-minute ‘Illuminatus’, a song that plods like a doomy Slayer before the combo embarks on a steady moshing groove. It’s relatively simple punk-laced thrash with strong choppy vocals that wouldn’t be out of place on some mid-80s obscure metal record…. ‘Channel Change’ begins like some cool traditional metal offering with a sweet crisp solo before resorting to a maniacal punky thrust of jabbing riffs and vocal retorts.” – Metal Forces Magazine

—
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0 Gore House Prod. – NECRAMBULANT’s New Music Video Has You “Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit” Off Guttural Death Metal + New Album “Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance” Out March 2025

  • January 15, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Necrambulant (GoreHouse Productions)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2025

NECRAMBULANT’s New Music Video Has You “Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit” Off Guttural Death Metal

New Album “Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance” Out March 2025 via Gore House Productions

L-R – Andy “Bonemeat” York – Vocals & Lyrics, Matt Riena – Drums, Trent Pittard – Bass, Ron Clark – Guitars

Photo Credit: Matt Riena

Phoenix, Arizona’s Necrambulant will be unleashing their second full-length “Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance” via Gore House Productions this coming March 2025 to follow 2022’s “A Feast of Festering Flesh” (EP) and 2013 debut album “Infernal Infectious Necro-ambulatory Pandemic”.

Revealing their first single “Chunked Pus Chowder“ with a claymation video this past November, they are unshackling their next music video and second single “Sentenced to a Gluttonous Pit”.

“This was the first song written for the new album. Lyrically, the theme came from watching movies like Army of Darkness and Return of the Jedi; where there is some sort of criminal sentence of being cast into a pit containing something within that will consume you. In this story, it’s a septic pit that serves as both an open sewer for human waste and a habitat for flesh-hungry zombies awaiting someone to be “sentenced to the pit”…” adds the band.

The music video can be seen and heard via its premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Necrambulant‘s sophomore album is a relentless record presented as an anthology of all that they represent, horror, gore, and slamming brutal death metal. Incorporating a full arsenal of death metal and slam to further define their self-described sound of “Inhuman Slam Grind”, “Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance” has something to offer on many levels of thematic brutality; zombies, serial killers, cannibals, sci-fi, and Warhammer.

“This new album is just a relentless barrage of slamming brutal death metal. We strived for a no-bullshit / no-filler tracklist that will just pummel the listener with heaviness. We spent the past two years working on fine-tuning these songs to be a proper representation of our original moniker of “Inhuman Slam Grind”. We hope this new album is something that fans of our earlier material will appreciate and something fresh for the newer fans as well. Expect a full audial assault of horror, gore, and guttural slamming sickness the Necrambulant way.” says the band.

Recommended for fans of Devourment, Kraanium, Cephalotripsy, Cannibal Corpse, and Abominable Putridity, Necrambulant’s “Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance” will be available as of March 7th, 2025 from Gore House Productions.

Album pre-orders (Cassette and CD) will be available at https://orcd.co/uomnecrambulance​

First Single – “Chunked Pus Chowder”

Music Video – https://youtu.be/7qXIxWeTZ58​

Bandcamp – https://gorehouseproductions.bandcamp.com/track/chunked-pus-chowder-2​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3ZpLKWm​

Track Listing​
1. Amalgamation of Gresome Curdling Ambonination – 3:09
2. Inhumane Creophagus Repulsion – 3:14
3. Catastrophic… / Epoch 0 – 3:14
4. Barbarian Brute Force Annihilation – 3:47
5. Sentenced to a Guttonous Pit – 2:59
6. Pestilential Ascendancy – 2:53
7. Ineffable Tormenting Possession – 2:24
8. Chunked Pus Chowder – 3:04
9. Upheaval of Malignant Necrambulance – 2:01
10. Coffin Meat – 2:50
11. Self-Biologic Carnivorous Cannibalism – 3:00
Album Length: 32:35

More info: ​Gorehouseproductions.com​ | Facebook.com/necrambulantaz | Instagram.com/necrambulant | Tiktok.com/@necrambulant​

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“the songs on Necrambulant’s comeback release, A Feast of Festering Flesh, are excellent slam filled sludge… The ep cover is also gruesome and nasty… if you’re looking for slam-filled sludge in the vein of Sanguisugabogg, Cephalotripsy and all the Russian slam bands combined get this ep. It’s fun, heavy and slamming. Brutal shit!!” – Teeth of the Divine

“Necrambulant exists as a means to get drunk and turn out fascination of gore, violence, splatter, and zombie flicks into what some define as the coining term for Necrambulant; “INHUMAN SLAM GRIND”. Ya dig?”’ – Brutalism

“It will intimidate and dominate as the harsh sounds unmercifully take hold but with more than just a warm embrace! It’s eagerly challenging and forthright and the band have held on to their reputation, although showing similarities in the tracks there is only so much you can do whilst snorting to a barrage of unruly riffs and tight drumming – so fair’s fair I think its absorbing and definitely worth a listen or sixteen! ” – Brutalism

“Well well. If this isn’t one of the heaviest starts to one of the heaviest songs ever. Epoch of Nihilistic Cosmic Failure has quite the opening. US band Necrambulant play Brutal Death Metal of the Slammiest Slam variety that ever did Slam. Or something. You get the idea. The sound of this début album is absolutely huge. You can almost feel the zombies pressing into your flesh like a physical presence. The riffs are so fat, bloated and outright heavy it’s amazing that the speakers don’t sink into the floor just by transmitting these festering, dense sounds. The tracks are all about finding the heaviest and most brutal ways to play Death Metal, and everything else is of secondary concern. That’s not to say that all of the other elements to the songs are unimportant or poor, it’s just not the priority here. I mean, they even find ways to sound heavier than normal when going fast. Most of this album is a complete chug-fest though, and it would sound boring if it weren’t for the fact that it’s just done so well… All I can do is recommend that you turn the volume up enough to make your ears bleed and sit in a darkened room until the music just takes you. Once infected by their zombie-plague you’ll be bouncing around like a motherfucker with the rest of us. ” – Wonderbox Metal​
​

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0 Rockshots Records – RISEN CROW Shares Next Single “Believe In Me” Off New Album “Requiem For A Damned Love” Out Feb 2025

  • January 15, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Risen Crow (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2024

RISEN CROW Shares Next Single “Believe In Me” Off New Album “Requiem For A Damned Love” Out Feb 2025

Italian power/gothic metal band Risen Crow returns with their second single, “Believe In Me”, from the upcoming album “Requiem For A Damned Love”, dropping February 28th, 2025 from Rockshots Records.

“Believe In Me” is an anthem of trust, inner turmoil, and connection, blending symphonic textures, intricate guitars, and emotive vocals. Concept-driven, haunting, and melodic, this single sets the tone for a journey through obsession, madness, and the destructive power of love. The music video delivers a cinematic experience, perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the track. Don’t miss it! Let Risen Crow take you into their world of powerful storytelling and atmospheric metal.

Watch the official music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zNqJ0UKs_TA

​
Stream “Believe In Me” – https://lnk.to/1MMluz

​
​
Formed in 2020 in Rome, Risen Crow stands out in the Italian metal scene with their distinct fusion of power metal and gothic elements. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands such as Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Kamelot, and Lacuna Coil, the debut album, “Requiem For A Damned Love” delves into themes of obsession, damned love, and sacrifice, taking listeners through an intense narrative filled with emotion and depth. With a strong lineup and a unique blend of influences, the band is ready to make their mark on the international metal scene.
​
​Risen Crow’s “Requiem For A Damned Love” is available for digital pre-save and CD pre-order at https://lnk.to/4DdftW​

Music Video – Risen Crow – https://youtu.be/mgYBWxVzZDo​

Track Listing:
1. Never surrender
2. Black Widow
3. Funeral Jack
4. Risen Crow
5. Revelation
6. Dark In my life
7. Believe in me
8. Black Rose
​
​Recording, Mixing & Mastering: Francesco Mattei and Kate Nord at Underworld Studio​
​underworldstudiocasperia.com | Facebook.com/UnderworldStudio​

Cover, Artwork & Layout Design: Harley Velasquez at Infinity NucleArt Studio​
​Instagram: @HarleyVelasquezArt | Facebook.com/InfinityNucleArtStudio​
​
​Risen Crow Line Up:​
Antonella Della Monica: Vocals
Claudio Vattone: Vocals
Giuseppe Longo: Guitars
Francesco Menale: Guitars
Alessandro Bernabei: Keyboards
Flavio Cicchetti: Bass
Filippo Martini: Drums

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/risencrowband | https://www.instagram.com/risencrow​
​

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​
—
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0 Toronto’s DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

  • January 15, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Derev · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2024

Toronto’s DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

L-R: Armando Bablanian (Guitar) | Stan Komarovsky (Bass) | Michel Karakach (Drums) | Mike Symons (Vocals) | Ran Zehavi (Keys)

Photo Credit – Jon Blacker

Toronto, Canada’s progressive metal band Derev is unveiling their latest single “Cyclone” a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track follows their earlier single “Room 9” and is the latest preview of their highly awaited first full-length album “Troubled Mind” slated for release on March 26, 2025. The band comments on the lyrical content:

“Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state, “Imposter Syndrome” makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.”

“Cyclone” demonstrates Derev‘s masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax. The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that gradually intensifies as layers of bass and drums create an underlying sense of unrest. This tension ultimately gives way to a soaring, heartwarming guitar solo that brings a moment of clarity before concluding with a memorable cliffhanger riff.

The forthcoming album “Troubled Mind” promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, featuring both energetic highs and poignant lows. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Cyclone” at https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U

Spotify – https://show.co/XRS9Tlm​

Due out March 26, 2025, “Troubled Mind” is available for album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store​

First single – Animated video for “Room 9” at https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​
​

Track Listing:​
1. Buried Voice (7:23)
2. Cyclone (5:39)
3. Crawl Space (1:16)
4. Room 9 (6:15)
5. Paracusia (4:35)
6. Tides of Time (5:59)
7. Darker Self (5:44)
8. Trace Within (5:01)
​
​Album Band Line Up:​
Adel Saflou – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
​
​Live Band Line Up:​
Mike Symons – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys

More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

About: “Divided by war, United by music”

Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.

After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member, and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev’s debut release “Leap of Faith” melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.

The band’s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev’s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering “Troubled Mind”. Symons’ compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.

As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album “Troubled Mind” on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.

Discography:
2025 – Troubled Mind – LP
2021 – Leap of Faith – EP

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“Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.” – The Prog Space
​
“Room 9 is a song that manages to present a depth and feelings that fill the song very well. We have here a very progressive performance, which incorporates heavy and intense riffs, a good song to know the band!” – Metal Junk Box
​
“Derev offer a hard-hitting examination of war and honour on their darkly exotic and relentlessly heavy single and video Turab” – Tinnitist
​
“With “Leap Of Faith” Derev presents itself as a mature band with strong songs and great musicians. All the more reason to eagerly look forward to the first full-fledged album.” – Progwereld
​
“It seems like 2020 and 2021 have given artists the isolation and the time they need to make their best music, or finally release their first music. Derev‘s first released track “Futile” was a pleasant surprise: it’s melodic and creative, and it has a fantastic video with a perfectly chosen voice. That one track led me to an interview with the band, and I get to know both them and their planned EP release “Leap of Faith“…. This EP is without a doubt the best release I have heard in 2021 so far. I would give it a 9/10 and recommended it to any fan of (New) Opeth, Haken, Beardfish, Soen.” – Leb Metal (2021 – Leap of Faith)
​
“Leap Of Faith, an EP, featuring six songs, is their musical debut and Derev combines traditional metal with melodic progressive rock and Eastern musical influences…. Derev really surprised me with this great EP, a must listen for fans of Riverside, Opeth and Haken; highly recommended indeed!!” – BackGround Magazine
​
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0 VORTEX Announces “Symphony for the Dead” Eastern Canadian Tour w/ France’s XAON – (ON, QC, NB)

  • January 14, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Vortex

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2025

VORTEX Announces “Symphony for the Dead” Eastern Canadian Tour w/ France’s XAON – (ON, QC, NB)

Rimouski, Quebec’s Vortex announces they are pairing up with France’s XAON for an eastern Canadian tour this coming April followed by European dates in October and November.

Entitled “Symphony For The Dead Tour”, the Canadian edition of shows will kick off in Montreal, QC on April 15th and see both bands perform 10 dates across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick with support on select shows from Omnivide, Strigampire, Ulfhednar, and Burning Attic (dates listed below).

The tour will also be in support of VORTEX‘s next release for 2025, a new 5-song EP to follow their third studio album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” released in 2023. That info will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Symphony For The Dead Tour – Vortex + XAON (QC, ON, NB)​
April 15 – Montreal, QC – Le Petit Campus ***
April 16 – Edmundston, NB – Ateepic *
April 17 – Saint John, NB – Haven Music Hall and Cafe *
April 18 – Moncton, MB – Xeroz *
April 19 – Rimouski, QC – Coop Le Paradis *
April 22 – Ottawa, ON – The Rainbow
April 23 – Drummondville, QC – La Ste-Paix ****
April 24 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti ****
April 25 – Saguenay, QC – Microbrasserie Port-Alfred
April 26 – Trois-Rivieres, QC – L’Entite **
​
* Omnivide
** Strigampire
*** Ulfhednar
**** Burning Attic

About Vortex:

Vortex is a symphonic Death Metal band from Quebec, Canada, and is comprised of seasoned musicians with an abundance of studio and live experience. Their masterful lyric writing is equally matched with their prowess in devising riffs, and orchestrations.

Vortex music is filled with heavy riffing and melodies, technical vocals, and epic soloing. They will transport the listener into a new world and are recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Shadow of Intent, Dimmu Borgir, and Fleshgod Apocalypse.

In June 2023, Vortex released “The Future Remains In Oblivion”, their third epic concept album set to aggressive and beautiful orchestral melodic death metal with hints of black metal. Each song on the album is one chapter in their well-written sci-fi tale and there is a build-up in intensity and emotion that goes along with the storyline and the lyrics as you traverse the album. VORTEX is gearing up to release a new 5-song EP and hit the road in 2025 alongside the talented band XAON. They will be supporting each other on a tour across Canada in April 2025 and Europe in October-November 2025.

Music Video – The Future Remains In Oblivion – https://youtu.be/rN9fKCm_PkE

​Music Video – First Blood – https://youtu.be/Wd-yfIfRRzQ

​For more info (Official Website, Socials, Videos, Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music): https://linktr.ee/vortexband​

About XAON:

XAON. An elusive name born in the Alpine Might. Never quite fitting in any of the numerous galleries metal has to offer, drifting through the extremes whilst juxtaposing finesse and vehemence from an unworldly orchestra, endlessly exploring the vast echoic gloominess of the human mind.

In only a few short years, the combo has managed to step foot on 3 continents through the release of their debut album “The Drift”, notably across Europe with gothic metal monsters SIRENIA and folk metal legends TYR, in Japan with OBSCURA and ARCHSPIRE, in the US with THE VEER UNION, and sharing the stage in festivals across Europe with bands such as MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, EXODUS, GOJIRA, PARADISE LOST, ELUVEITIE and many more. In 2019, XAON came back with their critically acclaimed 2nd album “Solipsis” and raged across Europe with SEPTICFLESH and KRISIUN and distinguished themselves as an extremely powerful live act.

On July 1st, 2022, XAON released their new magnum opus, “The Lethean”, bringing the band’s grandiose aggressiveness to a whole new level, pummeling their way through a cataclysmic atmosphere while reaching a new majestic apotheosis. This record got them to play at the mighty WACKEN OPEN AIR 2023.

Music Video – If I Had Wings – https://youtu.be/OXAA1Flep7Y​

Live Video – And Yet I Smile (Wacken Open Air 2023) – https://youtu.be/k6iZZZ9etvA

​More info: https://www.xaonmusic.com/​

​
– 30 –

Canadian College Radio Charts – – August 2023 – top 20 loud – #14 Vortex (earshot)

“#8 on Top 10 Quebec Band 2023 Albums – The Future Remains In Oblivion delivers a solid punch with their intense and well-felt symphonic death metal and, with a quality product like this, they have nothing to envy of the big names in the genre.” – Thorium Mag

“The Future Remains in Oblivion is the collision zone between powdered wig classical and battle jacketed death metal that should hold appeal for fans of Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh and those who like their Suffocation mixed with Dimmu Borgir.” – Decibel Magazine

“The song’s (The Walls) multi-faceted nature is further revealed in harrowing and haughty growls, jolting chords, and fiery sunbursts of sound, as well as through a swirling melodic guitar solo that spectacularly sends the song into the stratosphere. The song’s finale is itself a full-power spectacle that really gets the adrenaline surging.” – No Clean Singing

“If there’s anything that Vortex nails, it’s drama. Album highlight and banger track “First Blood” is simply massive” – Angry Metal Guy

“For some music is pure escapism but does that still hold true when bands like Canadian Melodic Death Metal monster Vortex whisk the would be listener into a bleak world that is recovering from a devastating cataclysm? Scenes of war and survival are punctuated with harrowing strings, technical riffs, and guttural and Black Metal inspired vocals as the band weave cinematic stories and orchestral touches into their third concept album “The Future Remains In Oblivion”” – Metal Noise

“the title-track The Future Remains In Oblivion, a song that will blow your mind with its insane wall of sounds, background orchestrations, epic passages, striking riffs and solos, and visceral yet intricate drums, resulting in one of the most breathtaking moments of the entire album.” – The Headbanging Moose

“An excellent group that you must discover because of the intensity they are able to show” – Ondes Chocs

“a band that takes great pride in weaving together cinematic stories set to orchestral melodic death metal. Canada’s very own Vortex is prepared to whisk you away to a bleak world that is recovering from a devastating cataclysm in the latest album, The Future Remains In Oblivion.” – Canadian Beats

“The Future Remains In Oblivion est un disque coloré, aux mélodies chaleureuses et aux superbes guitares.
“The Future Remains In Oblivion is a colorful record, with warm melodies and superb guitars.” – Music Waves

“The breakdowns are huge in places. There are big moments where the influences pour through, but are blended with giant choral arrangements and symphonics. It’s absolutely like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie. I love the melodies, the harmonics, and the guitar solos. This is absolutely an album which ought to be part of your listening rotation this month. I was genuinely impressed with quite a bit of the entire album. I think that when you look at this album, the absolute banger of the title tack is 100% worth several spins with the blackened guitar riffs and tremendous choral arrangements.” – Metal Epidemic

“Melodic death, a bit technical and prog” – Mosh Pit Radio WORT 89.9FM (Madison, WI)​
​
—–
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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Tweet @AsherMedia

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