Category: Music News

0 NIGHTWRAITH Unleashes First Single / Video “Whispers of Dragonflies” Off New Melodic Death Metal Album “Divergence” Out Sept 2024

July 30, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Nightwraith

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 30, 2024

NIGHTWRAITH Unleashes First Single / Video “Whispers of Dragonflies”

New Melodic Death Metal Album “Divergence” Out Sept 2024

L-R – Caleb Jose Tardio – Keyboards/Synthesizer, Igor Panasewicz – Guitar, Isidro “Spy” Soto – Drums, Jacob St. Amand – Bass, Benjamin Pitts – Vocals/Guitar

Photo Credit – Josh Massara

NightWraith is a melodic death metal band from Denver, USA that explores the genre with an eclectic and intuitive approach. Using haunting melodies and triumphant anthems, NightWraith offers listeners a sonic pilgrimage into the heart of being human. They have two albums under their belts already and this year, they unleash a third: “Divergence” on September 13, 2024. Leading up to this release they whet the palette of melodeath enjoyers with the video single “Whispers of Dragonflies”, which they comment on:

“This song was so much fun – from writing it to jamming it live to producing it, and then shooting a video – it was a blast every step of the way! The music is super melodic, the lyrics are meaningful, and we got to shoot the video in a beautiful performing arts center on the DU (Denver University) campus. Kelly (Dreadnought) was awesome to work with too! I’m super glad she was involved with the video production, as well as the guest musician work she did on the track.”

“Whispers of Dragonflies” is a prime lead single as it really showcases NightWraith’s musical range, and has a cool ‘circular’ song structure which makes it really stand out on the album. The song kicks off with a John Carpenter-style synth intro which leads into intense riffs, clean guitars, and dynamic vocals that vary from growls to cleans. There is also a clean guitar solo, a rock fusion section with a synth interlude that sends you to outer space, and a lovely flute solo to round out the variety. Vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Pitts further explains that lyrically the song is a poem he wrote about an area in Colorado called the Lost Creek Wilderness.

Pulling inspiration from a wide array of bands and genres, NightWraith has been sonically refined into something truly unique. They are recommended for fans of Tribulation, Opeth, and Mastodon.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Whispers of Dragonflies” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Due out on September 13, 2024, “Divergence” is available for album pre-order at https://nightwraith.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:
1. Fruitless (5:15)
2. Perpetual Night (5:13) ft. guest Cole Rudy – Pedal Steel Guitar
3. One Flower (5:14) ft. guest Andreas Wild – Baritone Saxophone
4. Whispers of Dragonflies (5:27) ft. guest Kelly Schilling – Concert Flute
5. Invocation (2:19) ft. guest Joey Truscelli – Guitar Solo
6. Fallen Kings and Queens (4:20) ft. guests Dan Phelps & Chuck French – Backup Vocals
7. Nothing Left to Lose (3:24)
8. Divergence (5:20) ft. guests Jeremy Portz & Xander Galvin-Soto – Auxiliary Percussion
9. Us and Them (bonus Pink Floyd cover) (5:18)
Album Length: 42:08

More info: Nightwraithband.com | Facebook.com/nightwraithband | Instagram.com/nightwraithband | Youtube.com/@nightwraithband5142 | Twitter.com/nightwraithband

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“The ringing guitar and keyboard instrumental that opens the song (Beguiler) is magically inviting, but only one feature of a richly tapestried piece that moves through many moods and musical variations. As the song ebbs and flows, twists and turns, it crosses through shade and sun, traversing the gloom of sorrow, seething with tension, and spinning the mind with extended guitar jams that dart and dance, slither and swirl, and become trippy, bluesy, and occult. While all that happens, the rhythm section are putting on their own show. The bass hums and pulses, meanders and invigorates, and the drumming ranges from neck-snapping back-beats to open-handed blasts, with plenty of electrifying fills in the spaces between. Variations mark the vocals as well, which veer from rasping blackened snarls to guttural growls.” – No Clean Singing (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

“Nightwraith brings their own unique blackened heavy metal to the table with their new record Offering. It’s an extremely cool listened rife with throat-shredding vocals, classic rock organs, and of course dizzying stringwork.” – Metal Injection (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

““Genesthai” opens with quiet echoey guitar picking and synth washes before gradually building in intensity and reaching full blast-beat fury. Throughout the six-minute track, NightWraith—vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Pitts, drummer Isidro Soto, guitarist Igor Panasewicz, keyboardist Caleb Jose Tardio and bassist Jerry Hilger—shift comfortably between more extreme death- and black metal-influenced passages and a more classic metal gallop, all while maintaining a strong melodic sensibility. It’s dynamic, intricate and, well, it flows.” – Decibel Magazine (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

“The ‘Blackened Dad Rock’ of Denver’s NightWraith A new metal subgenre.” Westword (Denver) (Nightwraith – Offering 2022)

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0 Rockshots Records – THEIGNS & THRALLS Announces New Album “The Keep And The Spire” Coming Sept 2024 + New Music Video “The Grape And The Grain”

July 29, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Theigns & Thralls (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 29, 2024

THEIGNS & THRALLS Announces New Album “The Keep And The Spire” Coming Sept 2024

+ New Music Video “The Grape And The Grain”

Theigns & Thralls, known for their distinctive blend of folk-metal and classic rock, are excited to announce the release of their new music video for “The Grape And The Grain”. This track is part of their forthcoming album called “The Keep & The Spire”, which showcases the band’s evolution with a heavier and darker tone, devoid of acoustic tracks.

Theigns & Thralls is the brainchild of Skyclad vocalist and songwriter Kevin Ridley, featuring Cruachan and Waylander band members.

Theigns & Thralls continue to push the boundaries of their sound, cementing their position in the global music scene. The new album not only reflects their artistic growth but also offers fans a deeper and more immersive experience.

“The Grape And The Grain” holds a special place in the album, inspired by a memorable night with the band Celtibeerian. Kevin Ridley, the band’s primary songwriter, drew from a personal anecdote involving his mother’s cautionary saying about mixing grape and grain. After a celebratory night involving Jack Daniels and beers, this saying resonated with Ridley, sparking the creation of the song. This personal touch adds a reflective and thematic depth to the album.

VIDEO – https://youtu.be/QMdnpT9_kpI

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/blwAlr

PRE-ORDER VINYL – https://bit.ly/46dJeEd

PRE-ORDER CD – https://bit.ly/3WvOFeF

The new album “The Keep And The Spire” will be released on September 20th, 2024 on Rockshots Records. Save the date!

CD Track Listing
The Battle of Maldon Suite
1. Overture
2. A Single Beam
3. Fight And Lay Your Bones
4. The Battle of Maldon
5. Aftermath
6. Pagan Song
7. The Harrowing
8. The Seeker
9. Now My Life Is Done
10. The Grape And The Grain
11. Interrogativa Cantilena
12. The Mermaid Tavern

Vinyl Album Track Listing
Side 1
The Battle of Maldon Suite
1. Overture
2. A Single Beam
3. Fight And Lay Your Bones
4. The Battle of Maldon
5. Aftermath
6. Pagan Song

Side 2
7. The Harrowing
8. The Seeker
9. Now My Life Is Done
10. The Grape And The Grain
11. Interrogativa Cantilena
12. The Mermaid Tavern

For more info:

Rockshots.eu
Theignsandthralls.com
Facebook.com/theignsandthralls
Instagram.com/theignsandthralls

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0 Rockshots Records – Phoenix’s JUPITER CYCLOPS’ New Music Video For Title Track of New Album “Age of the UFOnaut” Out Now!

July 29, 2024
by Asher
· Jupiter Cyclops (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 29, 2024

Phoenix’s JUPITER CYCLOPS’ New Music Video For Title Track of New Album “Age of the UFOnaut” Out Now!

Releasing their debut album “Age Of The UFOnaut” on July 19th from Rockshots Records, Phoenix, AZ’s Jupiter Cyclops are sharing their latest music video for the record’s title track, a riff-driven onslaught about a rare encounter with an interdimensional race. It’s a ripper that you can’t help but sing along to.

Check out the music video at https://youtu.be/dWDsJ8fcymE

Jupiter Cyclops is an electrifying blend of energy, rockin riffs, catchy powerful vocal melodies, and contagious grooves. Featuring scene veterans Aaron Peltz (Downthesun, On a Pale Horse), guitarist Dustin Lyon (Opiate for the Masses), bassist Jake Melius (Big Wheel Stunt Show), and drummer Kyle Eades (Old Fashion Assassin), the quartet’s influences of classic rock and NWOBHM is sure to please fans of Clutch, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and more.

Exploring UFO sightings, conspiracy theories, interstellar demons, and the hidden parts of your mind, this is an album full of groove sludgy riffs, and a fresh take of blending stoner rock, classic heavy, and 70’s proto-metal. Fans will fall in love with tracks such as opener “Doomed”, an in-your-face fast-moving rocker fueled by conspiracy theories and paranoia to “Down From the Inside”, a classic tune about dismantling the system from within, all layered upon a sweet cake of riffs to “Chemical Voodoo”, a trippy song with a sludgy swinging guitar about the classic woes of drug experimentation to album closer “Way Down Below” featuring a booming guitar riff followed by thundering drums and bass, capped off with lyrics about the consequences of bad decisions.

“The album is a journey through our minds. What we have created was born out of our experiences and influences. It has an overall rock feel with a metal tinge, and a little acid trip mixed into it all.” adds the band.

Recommended for fans of Clutch, Orange Goblin, and Deep Purple, “Age Of The UFOnaut” was released on July 19th, 2024, and is available a the following links;

CD – https://bit.ly/JupiterCyclopsCD

Digital (Spotify, Apple Music) – https://lnk.to/6cuhtfAm

Track Listing:
1. UFOnaut – 4:55
2. Between Worlds – 5:26
3. Sinful Ways – 5:10
4. Doomed – 5:47
5. Down From the Inside – 3:49
6. Chemical Voodoo – 5:23
7. Way Down Below – 5:58
8. Lumerian Nights – 4:21
Album Length: 40:49

JUPITER CYCLOPS are:
Dustin Lyon: Guitar
Aaron Peltz: Vocals
Jake Melius: Bass
Kyle Eades: Drums

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/JupiterCyclopsArizona | https://www.instagram.com/jupitercyclopsaz/

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0 Canada’s INFRARED Showcase Classic Thrash Metal Revival With “Demon’s Blood” Off New Album “Manifestation” Out Sept 2024

July 29, 2024
by Asher
· Infrared · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 26, 2024

Canada’s INFRARED Showcase Classic Thrash Metal Revival With “Demon’s Blood”

New Album “Manifestation” Out Sept 2024

L-R – Alain Groulx (Drums, Backing Vocals), Kirk Gidley (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Armin Kamal (Guitar, Vocals), Mike Forbes (Bass, Backing Vocals)
Photo Credit : Carissa Broeren

Infrared is back with a vengeance, releasing their classic thrash video for “Demon’s Blood”. This is the first single off their upcoming album “Manifestation”, which is slated for a September 6, 2024 release. Hailing from Ottawa, Canada they are a blast from the past with their genuine 80s sound. The comment on what to expect from the track:

“This ripper of a song delves into the addict’s life and mind and how every day is a rinse and repeat of self-abuse. Was one of the first songs written for the album and helped set the tone for the album’s intensity. We all have our demons and vices and this song captures just how harrowing and controlling it can be to be a victim to your own addiction.”

“Demon’s Blood” is a prime example of Infrared‘s ability to blend their classic thrash roots with contemporary themes. The band has matured and refined their sound, delivering high-energy, concise tracks that resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners. With their polished performance and engaging stage presence, Infrared remains a force to be reckoned with in the metal world. Be sure to check out the “Demon’s Blood” video and experience the raw power of Infrared.

Infrared has been together for a long time (10 years with the current lineup) and is very in sync with each other musically. This experience together gives the audience a polished and professional-sounding band. Audience participation is always a part of an Infrared show with the crowd singing along during the choruses. They are recommended for fans of Slayer, Metallica, and Testament.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Demon’s Blood” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

Due out September 6, 2024, “Manifestation” is available for pre-order at https://infraredmetal.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. Cataclysm (2:07)
2. Temple of Sin (3:20)
3. Nikko (3:40)
4. Demon’s Blood (3:08)
5. Pressure Syndrome (4:29)
6. The Manifest (0:48)
7. Manifest Nation (3:40)
8. Concuss (4:00)
9. Reforma (4:04)
10. My Dreams Are Real (3:48)
11. Parasite Patrol (3:47)
12. Then the Earth Goes Black (4:16)

More info: http://infraredmetal.ca/

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“Heavy, powerful sound throughout and so much catchiness, it’s crazy. By now I must have listened to maybe 250 new albums this year, and this one is definitely in the top 5. Highly recommended for fans of technically minded thrash that fucking slays.” 4.75/5 – The Metal Crypt (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Infrared’s “From the Black Swamp” is EXACTLY what the METAL world needs right now… full of heaviness, riffy-ness, depth, progressive leanings and thrashing madness! After consecutive strong releases over the last 5+ years, Infrared’s musical growth cannot be ignored! Raging from their classic 80’s roots, they’ve yet again raised the bar in terms of what powerful thrash metal should represent and embody in today’s heavy music landscape. I cannot get enough spins of this new release! A modern thrash metal masterpiece, this new slag of heaviness incites that tingly feeling on the back of your neck that you just can’t shake off… the thrash metal flag is triumphantly waving for these Ottawa legends!”- Steve Kraus Host of 6o on CKLU 96.7FM (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Truly recommended as an essential to all thrash fans! 5/5” – Metal Epidemic (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“If you are a fan of very well crafted thrash metal, plan to add From The Black Swamp to your collection. Buy Canadian!” – Sleaze Roxx (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“INFRARED delivers vintage thrash metal with styles comparable to Slayer, Testament and early Anthrax. As all good things typically come back around and this old-school sound is a refreshing change in today’s metal landscape… As a Canadian band that started in the mid-eighties, it is impressive that INFRARED is still making a serious mark with their latest release. The impeccable studio work and enviable songwriting surely position this band for GREAT things to come. 9/10” – Spill Magazine (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“You can expect a bouncy style featuring sneering vocals, a hefty bass tone that goes hand in hand with the crunchy riffs and solid drum mechanics – crossing lines between thrash and traditional metal, along with the occasional punk/hardcore angst that fueled the early days.” – Dead Rhetoric (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“From The Black Swamp” is a masterpiece the world needs right here right now. Don’t call yourself a Bay Area thrash fan if you ignore it as I predict it will be someday mentioned in one breath with “South Of Heaven”, “The New Order”, “Peace Sells But Who’s Buying”, “Rust In Peace” (BIG TIME!), “Ride The Lightning” or “Master Of Puppets”, mark my words. 6/6″ – Eternal Terror (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Black Swamp’ is far from average, it is Infrared doing what Infrared do best and thrash fans will bang their head in appreciation.” – Metal Digest (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

“Once again, Infrared offers us a thrash metal that is both complex and easy to access: we will never get lost in watchtower-style twists and turns. 9/10″ – Soil Chronicles (2021 – From the Black Swamp)

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0 Rockshots Records – Brazil’s GLORIA PERPETUA ”Have You Forsaken The Cross” New Single Out! Off Debut Album “The Darkside We Wanna Hide” Out Aug 2024

July 27, 2024
by Asher
· Gloria Perpetua (Rockshots Records) · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 27, 2024

Brazil’s GLORIA PERPETUA ”Have You Forsaken The Cross” New Single Out!

Debut Album “The Darkside We Wanna Hide” Out Aug 2024 via Rockshots Records

Set to release their debut album “The Darkside We Wanna Hide” this coming August on Rockshots Records, Brazil’s Gloria Perpetua’s first full-length features ten powerful tracks and showcases collaborations with renowned musicians from diverse backgrounds, including Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), Vitor Rodrigues (Native Blood, Tribal Scream, Torture Squad), Luis Mariutti (Sinistra, Shaman, Angra, Firebox), João Noleto, Vitor Veiga (Aquaria, Endless), Guilherme Hirose (NorthTale, Traumer), Marcelo Kalunga (solo), and Oruam (Deadly Fate).

Influenced by bands like Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, Helloween, Stratovarius, and Accept Gloria Perpetua’s music offers a thrilling mix of Heavy and Power Metal. Their lyrics focus on themes of self-responsibility, positive change, and fighting for a better world.

Today, it’s time to get another shot of this upcoming record with the new single “Have You Forsaken The Cross?” This song is talking about a question to the church and religion, in general, getting dogma over love, a very important issue. Musically this song could be described as a mix between Iced Earth and Tony Martin

Digital – https://lnk.to/s9C9DnlE

Youtube – https://youtu.be/-DXQZbp5bgs

“The Darkside We Wanna Hide” is set to be released on CD on August 30th, 2024 from Rockshots Records.
https://bit.ly/GloriaPerpetuaCD

Previous single “Beyond The Darkness Portal” can be heard at the following links:

Spotify – https://sptfy.com/R0rL

YouTube – https://youtu.be/uvz4LYXGnO8

Track Listing:
1. Let There Be Darkness
2. Beyond The Darkness Portal (ft. Luís Mariutti, Christian Passos, Raphael Dantas)
3. Have You Forsaken The Cross? (ft. Marcelo Kalunga)
4. Mothers of Jerusalem
5. The Angels Are Calling (ft.Vitor Veiga)
6. The Rape of Gaia (ft. Guilherme Hirose)
7. The Architect (ft. Timo Tolkki & Vitor Veiga)
8. The Key of Life
9. The Way of a Warrior (ft. João Noleto)
10. The Sick Cycle To The Death (ft. Vitor Rodrigues)

More info: www.Rockshots.eu | https://www.instagram.com/gloriaperpetuametal

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0 Out Now! ART OF ATTRITION “…And It Will All End Forever” Takes Technical Deathcore To New Heights + Western Canadian Tour Dates For “The Cascadian Carnage Tour” + Loud As Hell Fest

July 26, 2024
by Asher
· Art of Attrition · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 26, 2024

Out Now! ART OF ATTRITION “…And It Will All End Forever” Takes Technical Deathcore To New Heights

Western Canadian Tour Dates For “The Cascadian Carnage Tour” + Loud As Hell Fest

L-R – Greg Smith (Drums), Joshua Hahn (Vocals), Johnny VanderRoest (Guitars), Jack Sutherland (Guitars)

Photo Credit – Abscene Productions

Formed in early 2019, in Red Deer, Canada, Art Of Attrition has been working tirelessly on writing their second album “…And It Will All End Forever”, which is out now. The blackened technical deathcore band separates themselves from the underground local scene with their 8-string barrage of dueling melodic guitars, gravity blast beats, intense guttural vocals, and epic orchestration. The comment on the album:

“’…And It Will All End Forever’ is a head-first dive into self-introspection. Each track is not only an acknowledgment of the existence of inner struggle, but a confrontation. An open-ended internal dialogue, within itself. The EP is a metaphorical checkpoint on the steep and winding journey of self-discovery. It endeavours to facilitate a starkly honest sense of self-accountability.”

As a whole, the EP brings to the listener disgusting breakdowns, matched by speed and intense guitar work that channel emotions such as anger and anxiety. Hauntingly memorable solos give way to epic choruses that share relatable moments. A whirlwind of deathcore is matched with classic black metal, and capitalized with bits of groove and creative drum parts.

Compared with their first release, 2023’s “The Void Eternal”, listeners can expect more ebb and flow, build up and release, emotion, and an intense/epic listening experience. It is recommended for fans of Gaerea, Dimmu Borgir, and Archspire.

Listen to the full stream video for “…And It Will All End Forever” via The Circle Pit at https://youtu.be/iizPXY4DvK4

Due out on July 26th, 2024, “…And It Will All End Forever” is available for order at the following links:

https://artofattrition.bigcartel.com/ (CD + Bundles)

Digital https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/artofattrition/and-it-will-all-end-forever

Track Listing
1. Drown in Fog (4:38)
2. Vitriol (5:11)
3. Emaciate (4:51)
4. …And It Will All End Forever (5:43)

EP and Live Band Line-Up:
Jack Sutherland: Guitars, Synths, Bass, Orchestrations
Johnny VanderRoest: Guitars
Joshua Hahn: Vocals
Greg Smith: Drums

In additional news, Art of Attrition will be hitting the road this July and August for “The Cascadian Carnage Tour”, which includes a performance at Loud As Hell Festival in Drumheller, AB along with select support dates with Vancouver’s AngelMaker and Seattle’s I Declare War.

“The Cascadian Carnage Tour”
July 26 – Winnipeg, MB – The Handsome Daughter
July 27 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
Aug 2 – Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room w/ AngelMaker, I Declare War
Aug 3 – Regina, SK – The Exchange w/ AngelMaker, I Declare War
August 4 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Festival w/ Beyond Creation, Malignancy, Vitriol, Green Jelly, Striker, Ripcordz, The Convalesence
Aug 6 – Calgary, AB – Dicken’s Pub w/ AngelMaker, I Declare War

More info: www.artofattrition.com

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0 Magic The Gathering Inspired PLANESWALKER (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) Returns With New Video For Single “Compleated”

July 26, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Planeswalker

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 26, 2024

Magic The Gathering Inspired PLANESWALKER (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) Returns With New Video For Single “Compleated”

L-R – Jason Ashcraft – Guitar, Sozos Michael – Vocals

Magic the Gathering-inspired Power Metal band Planeswalker (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) have returned with their newest single “Compleated”. This single tells the story of the Father of Machines – Yawgmoth and about his departure from the Thran empire and becoming the ruler of Phyrexia, as well as his experiments with flesh and machine.

Musically we see a darker turn to naturally fit the theme of the song. Complex riffs and soaring vocals are nothing new with Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) and Sozos Michael (Gloryhammer). The pair is joined by Carlos Alvarez (ex-Power Theory, Behölder, Shadowdance) on bass and Stefanos Meletiou (The Zilla Project, Private Garden) on drums this time around and the two helped bring the big bombastic sound to this song.

Jason Ashcraft comments:

“I’m stoked to get some new Planeswalker material out into the world. This stand-alone single serves as a slight hint of what’s to come. We are working on a second album but have no immediate details on it just yet, but we hope this little slice can hold people over. I was also excited to contribute to writing this time around and I think this is a could example of what can be expected to come when Sozos and I riff together!”

Sozos Michael adds:

“Planeswalker is back! We took our time with this one but I’m excited to share our new song with everyone. This one is about one of MTG’s big baddies, and I feel that both Jason and I had a strong and unified vision of what this song should sound like given the subject matter. It is a stepping stone to our next album and connected to its story in a way that will be revealed in time. Please enjoy this release while we are hard at work on PW2!”

Watch and listen to the music video for “Compleated” at https://youtu.be/CBDLtHHvbXE

Spotify – https://sptfy.com/RdqP

Planeswalker is:
Sozos Michael (Gloryhammer) – Vocals
Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) Guitars
Guest Musicians:
Carlos Alvarez (Shadowdance) – Bass
Daniel Carpenter (Celestiv) – Keys & Orchestra Arrangements
Stefanos Meletiou – Drums

Single Credits:
Mixed & Mastered by Ronnie Bjornstrom
Additional Engineering by Carlos Alvarez
Single cover art by Bo Bradshaw
Jason’s promo photo by Allgood Media Productions

For more info:
Facebook.com/planeswalkermetal
Instagram.com/planeswalkermetal

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“With this album, Jason Ashcraft proves to be one of the most important figures of the genre in all of North America, as confirmed by the last six years in which Helion Prime has become a benchmark band in the country, and this new project only confirms the enormous talent he has for creating new power metal universes capable of engaging with a wide audience. 4/5” – Metal Rules (Tales of Magic 2022)

“I am definitely geeking out on this brilliant collection of musicians coming together to make something really outstanding. If you’re at all into Power Metal, you’re doing yourself a disservice not checking this out.” – Teeth of the Divine (Tales of Magic 2022)

“chock full of glorious riffs and theatrical vocals at every turn. All the standard power metal gallops and runs are present, and Ashcroft does a great job showcasing his melodic sensibilities in his lead work that gels perfectly with Michael’s tenor howl.” – Nine Circles (Tales of Magic 2022)

“The whole album is a cut or two above a lot of the rehashed symphonic/neoclassical/”flower” metal out there and I recommend it to anyone that is a fan of the luminaries of the style. 4/5″ – The Metal Crypt (Tales of Magic 2022)

“Tales of Magic turns out a theatric, uplifting and adventurous entity which starts at its most accessible – the very European sounding title track… Ashcraft’s riffs and powerful melodic lead guitars throughout the album are things of beauty and come inspired from entities throughout the metal kingdom… With Tales of Magic, Planeswalker finds, through powerful, intriguing songwriting and stellar performances, a way to balance and bring the best of both realms. 4/5” – Tortureviews (Tales of Magic 2022)

“The opener immediately shows where to go and what the strengths of the band project are: bell-clear, hymn-like vocals that sit enthroned like on a peak, accompanied by sweet guitar harmonies, heading for a majestic chorus. Anyone who particularly likes early( EPICA, NORTHTALE, STRATOVARIUS or RHAPSODY will be impressed by the title track. Especially since at minute 4:13 a fantastic solo blows the listener off again. Yes, this is European power metal at a very high level! The production is great and the instrumentalists can do a lot.” – Stormbringer (Tales of Magic 2022)

“Planeswalker kidnap us Tales Of Magic into the world of fantasy card games. Their atmospheric power metal fits this topic perfectly and is also suitable for genre fans without any knowledge of Magic: The Gathering interesting.” – Soundmagnet Magazin (Tales of Magic 2022)

—-

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Horror Pain Gore Death Productions – Edmonton’s CULLED Merges Empathy And Sludge Encrusted Grind In Second EP “Psycles”

July 25, 2024
by Asher
· Culled · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 25, 2024

Edmonton’s CULLED Merges Empathy And Sludge Encrusted Grind In Second EP “Psycles”

New EP “Psycles” Out July 26, 2024 via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions

L-R – Curtis Blair – Drums, Chris Chapman – Bass, Shane Hawco – Vocals, Ben Harbak – Guitar

Photo Credit by Dana Zuk

Edmonton, Canada’s Culled have a second EP coming out, “Psycles”, which takes their politically-charged, sludge-encrusted grind to a new level. The cover art on the five-track EP comprises a collection of all the musical themes of the songs within but is heavily focused on the oppressive nature of authoritarianism and how we are blinded by the cycles that we are doomed to repeat.

Like the cover art, “Psycles” deals with oppression and cycles of addiction: be it drugs, power, or religion. Similar to how their debut release “Thin The Herd, Fail To Learn” leaned heavily on the intellectual teachings of Noam Chomsky, “Psycles” leans on the compassionate thoughts of fellow Canadian Gabor Mate where empathy is a mainstay in surviving our current traumatic political climate. The band explains the album further:

“We are very proud of this release and have poured our collective energies into it. “Psycles” is a departure from our debut release “Thin The Herd, Fail To Learn” and feels like a natural evolution of our music with increased intensity and complexity all while retaining our core philosophy and thematic approach. We have never felt more like a collective unit than we do right now and that’s largely due to the huge efforts and enthusiasm from our new members Chris and Curtis.”

Culled’s ethos resonates throughout their music – Through empathy and understanding we can overcome our collective trauma and oppression. They are recommended for fans of Pig Destroyer, Neurosis, and Suffocation.

Listen to the EP’s full stream premiere of “Psycles” via Decibel Magazine HERE.

Due out on July 26th from Horror Pain Gore Death Productions, “Psycles” is available for album pre-order (CD / Digital/ Bundles) at https://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com and (Cassettes/ Vinyl/ Digital) https://www.culled.ca.

Music Video – “Halo of Flies” – https://youtu.be/vx8ku0sjvHc

Music Video – “Coercion” – https://youtu.be/vRu_Y0JQGC4

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3Vmr1PJ

Track Listing:
1. Trauma of History (7:22)
2. Psycles (1:45)
3. Coercion (3:14)
4. Halo of Flies (1:54)
5. Excision (Lost Cause) (6:40)
EP Length: 20:57

EP Band Line Up:
Ben Harbak – Guitar
Chris Chapman – Bass
Curtis Blair – Drums
Shane Hawco – Vocals

More info: Culled.ca | Facebook | Instagram.com/culled.ca

-30-

“Political tensions in the world are running high, and Culled want you to know that they’re not down with it. Combining their searing take on the state of the world with a sludgy grind assault, Culled back their statements with tight songwriting and aggressive performance. On their debut album Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn, Culled wrap angular grindcore in thick sludge, spitting out blasts, mosh parts and distinctive vocals that reflect the band’s disgusted mindset.” – Decibel Magazine

“Sludge grind is one of those things that shouldn’t really exist and yet somehow Culled make it work. They sound absolutely colossal on their new track “Contagion,” a nearly nine minute epic that manages to combine everything that makes the band great. The stop/start madness and dynamic interplay of this song speaks to the band’s talent as songwriters. Meanwhile, the guitar tone alone speaks volumes to what this band has come to represent. With punk fringes on some truly punishing tracks, it’s hard not to be fascinated by the morbid horror of the band. The lead single, ‘Contagion,’ is a mesmerizing ode. It comes from their upcoming LP, Thin The Herd, Fail To Learn, due out October 26th on Hibernation Release. It’s hard to balance two genres that seem so diametrically opposed whilst simultaneously sneaking in moments of pure explorations into the sublime. Experimental, genre bending and clearly forward thinking, ‘Contagion’ is a triumph for a rising force.” – Metal Injection

“Edmonton, AB grind outfit Culled push the boundaries of the genre on their debut full-length, Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn. The quartet incorporate slow, sludgy grooves and doom-laden riffs into their discordant grindcore, resulting in a contrast of sounds that is jarring yet complementary… Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn is an impressive debut that showcases a battle of conflicting sounds throughout its 25-minute runtime. What makes it work is Culled’s thoughtful approach to song composition and structure, along with socio-political lyrical content to match the angst-filled emotions that their music emanates.” – Exclaim!

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 SPREAD THIN’s New Album “World Of Snakes” Is A Hardcore Feast With A Heavy Helping Of Power-Violence

July 25, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Spread Thin

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 25, 2024

SPREAD THIN’s New Album “World Of Snakes” Is A Hardcore Feast With A Heavy Helping Of Power-Violence

New Album “World of Snakes” Out July 26th, 2024

Spread Thin, a Wisconsin hardcore quartet, is ecstatic to share their debut full-length album “World Of Snakes”, which hits online platforms today. This record is their introduction to the scene and they are looking forward to the reception of this no-filler, straightforward hardcore album with pungent power-violence and grind influences. They comment on the album:

“We are extremely proud of this record. The songwriting, production, and overall flow is what we wanted for this debut full length and we feel that previous fans so the band will hear and appreciate the evolution, as well as new fans discovering us for the first time.”

Over the course of 18 minutes, Spread Thin demonstrates earnest lyrics with fervent delivery, vocalist Ben Deml thrashes through raucous, scraping guitars wielded by guitarist Alex Dewall. An acute focus on syncopation of the rhythm section is executed by the chaotic, strategic percussion of drummer Tristan Wells and the garish, lively bass arrangements of bassist Bryan W. Fleming.

The album artwork for “World Of Snakes”, was created by Alyssa Servizzi who, according to the band, absolutely nailed the mood and imagery they were looking for and they feel that it best describes the album visually. Unapologetic and impassioned, Spread Thin defines a volition of candor in their songwriting and live performances with forthright emotion and presentation. They are recommended for fans of Rotting Out, Magrudergrind, and Weekend Nachos.

Listen to the album’s full stream premiere via Bravewords HERE.

“World of Snakes” is due out on July 26, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://spreadthin608.bandcamp.com.

Music Video – “Factory Job” – https://youtu.be/7AC7RZjfdGI

Music Video – “Friendly Deception” – https://youtu.be/_IB2RNX_Rdg

Music Video – “Unjustified” – https://youtu.be/FonZwZNumLM

“World Of Snakes” Record Release Shows
July 26 – Sparta, WI – Barney Community Center
July 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Falcon Bowl

Track Listing:
1 – So Much Hate (2:00)
2 – Factory Job (2:00)
3 – Gaslit (1:52)
4 – Know What’s Bullshit? (2:17)
5 – Unjustified (1:01)
6 – Friendly Deception (3:17)
7 – Nailed (2:05)
8 – Moodswings (1:29)
9 – Listen Up! (2:23)
Album Length (18:17)

More info: https://linktr.ee/spreadthin608

-30-

“Spread Thin: Wisconsin Hardcore Unit Gets to the Point on “Unjustified”” – NoEcho

“Undergirded with dark and heavy currents of storming sound, “IDGAF” comes as a fierce, crushing, and relentless assault on your ear drums and leaves you crawing for more!” – Idioteq (2022)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 LOUD AS HELL Adds ANCIIENTS, POUND OF FLESH, ART OF ATTRITION, EXTERMINATUS To 2024 Lineup

July 25, 2024
by Asher
· Art of Attrition · Loud As Hell Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 25, 2024

LOUD AS HELL Adds ANCIIENTS, POUND OF FLESH, ART OF ATTRITION, EXTERMINATUS To 2024 Lineup

w/ BEYOND CREATION, GREEN JELLY, STRIKER, RIPCORDZ, THE CONVALESCENCE AND MORE!

August 2-4 – Camping & Extreme Music In Alberta’s Badlands – Drumheller, AB

LAH 2024 Lineup Spotify Playlist – https://sptfy.com/QjaZ

One of Canada’s most beloved decibel-breaking extreme music events, LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL returns with its most ferocious lineups to date for its 2024 edition with headliners BEYOND CREATION, GREEN JELLY, STRIKER, RIPCORDZ, THE CONVALESCENCE and many more!

Today, the festival announces the addition of Vancouver’s ANCIIENTS as Saturday night headliner, Red Deer’s blackened technical deathcore squad ART OF ATTRITION, Vancouver death metal EXTERMINATUS, and Ontario hardcore POUND OF FLESH to replace Malignancy, Immortal Suffering, Vitriol, and Thantifaxath whom unfortunately were forced to cancel their performances.

Hosted in Drumheller, AB from Aug 2nd to 4th, this year’s festival will be celebrating its twelfth year showcasing some of the best Canadian and international talent to roar through the country’s largest badlands.

Headling the first night of the festival will be legendary American comedy rock band Green Jelly who will huffing and puffing with their “Three Little Pigs” and more! They will supported by horror deathcore tyrants The Convalescence who will be making their second back-to-back appearance at LAH. The second night will feature Juno Award winning prog metal masters Vancouver’s ANCIIENTS and Ontario hardcore misfits Pound of Flesh along with Vancouver up-and-coming thrashers Terrifier and one of Canada’s favourite punks Montreal’s Ripcordz. Closing out the festival on its third night will be Montreal’s technical death metal titans Beyond Creation with support from Edmonton’s Juno-winning heavy metal champions Striker along with one-of-a-kind video game metal aficionado band, Florida’s Super Monster Party performing their first ever show date in Canada.

The full lineup for this year’s Loud As Hell Open Air Festival is listed below.

Weekend Passes (including camping) are available at https://www.loudashell.ca/tickets (Pick Up at Willcall)

Aug 1 – Kick-Off Party – Neigbours’ Corner Pub
Tides of Kharon
Culled
Pridelands
Ditch Pisser

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2024 LINEUP:

Aug 2
Green Jelly
Adrian Bellue (Acoustic)
The Convalescence
Aussy Blood (Freak Show)
Squid Hammer
Our Last Crusade
Balrogath
Prohibitor
Vaegon

Aug 3
Anciients
Pound of Flesh
Adrian Bellue (Acoustic)
Gutter Creek
Aussy Blood (Freak Show)
Terrifier
Ripcordz
Heartsick
Hazzardous Material (Burlesque)
Revolution Engine
Kelevra
Book of Ghosts
Naitaka
Raising The Ruins
Upside Down Man
Delirium

Aug 4
Beyond Creation
Striker
Art of Attrition
Super Monster Party
Tyrants Demise
Asylum of Ashes
Exterminatus
Hazzardous Material (Burlesque)
Rams Kull
Slaughterhouse Effect
Storm The Empire
Augurium
Phaeton
Kill Witch

Info:

Roaring into the Alberta badlands where the Dinosaurs once roamed, the annual gathering of metalheads from across Canada and beyond will be celebrating its 12th year of decibel-breaking music in 2024. Since its inception in 2012, LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has exposed hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually with the exception of 2020 due to the Covid pandemic. Their 2023 edition was host to the most stacked lineup to date featuring JUNGLE ROT, NARCOTIC WASTELAND, INCITE, NECRONOMICON, THE CONVALESCENCE, and lots more. Previous years have witnessed well-known bands such as Into Eternity, Goatwhore, Battlecross, Fit for An Autopsy, Anciients, Archspire, Unleash The Archers, Striker, KEN mode, Obey The Brave, Protest the Hero, AngelMaker, Divinity, Neck of The Woods, Endast among many more.

Video – Jungle Rot – A Call To Arms – Live at LAH 2023 – https://youtu.be/b5GCaJ–lZo

Video – Jungle Rot – Stay Dead – Live at LAH 2023 – https://youtu.be/_b62YzpxcLc

Volunteers Wanted For 2024:
Volunteers are wanted for production and security. For full details email at loudashellfestival[@]gmail[.]com

More info:
LoudAsHell.ca
Facebook.com/LoudAsHellFestival
Twitter: @LoudAsHellFest
Instagram: @LoudAsHellFestival
Social Media Hashtags #LAHXII and #LAHOA2024

Festival Press Materials – Posters, Band Links, EPKs, Photos – HERE.

About:

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL has hosted hundreds of Canadian and international bands annually since 2012 with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During its decade of showcasing Canadian and international bands, the festival has grown into a pilgrimage for metalheads from across the country.

LOUD AS HELL OPEN AIR FESTIVAL 2024 will be celebrating its twelfth festival event presented by Loud As Hell Productions, Jurassic Ink Custom Tattoo, Prairie Fire Events, and Asher Media Relations. LAH always works its hardest to deliver the best lineup in the West ready to melt your face off. Featuring bands from across Canada and beyond, you won’t want to miss any of it. And don’t forget about their freak shows, burlesque dancers, clinics, vendors, and dinosaurs!

LAH Partners:
WCMFA – Western Canadian Metal Festival Alliance
Asher Media Relations
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground Mag
Ghost Cult Magazine
Valley Brewing
Canalta Hotels
Neighbors’ Corner Pub
Prairie Fire Productions Ltd
Big Nate Productions
Trash Talk with Nate
Trash Slimbztv
MetalHeads United
Heavy Metal A Way Of Life
QMR (Queen Metal Radio)

– 30 –

What the press is saying:

“Located an hour and a half east of Calgary is the town of Drumheller, Alberta. With a population in the neighborhood of 8000 and existing smack dab in the middle of Canada’s desert and dinosaur country, it’s not a place one would immediately associate with any sort of metal scene, let alone a big-ass outdoor metal fest. But that’s where you’d be wrong. Going into its 11th year, the Loud as Hell Festival is set to roll on August 4-6th with the likes of Narcotic Wasteland, Jungle Rot and Incite headlining three days of metallic fun featuring 40 or so bands, including The Convalesence, Gorgatron, Necronomicon, Untimely Demise, Eyes of Perdition and more.” – Decibel Magazine

“Western Canada’s loudest heavy metal festival brings fans to town more known for dinos than drum solos.” – CBC Calgary

“What’s more metal than the badlands? Drumheller, AB, is known for being the dinosaur capital of the world — but it’s also the home of the Loud as Hell festival, an event celebrating none other than the loudest music known to man (and, by proxy, prehistoric reptile).” – Exclaim!

“Loud as Hell – one of Canada’s top underground metal festivals – was a metal family reunion. If you walked around the grounds, where tents covered the landscape like flowers, you would experience concert goers laughing, hugging and just enjoying the moment. The music played non-stop and the people were some of the best you’ll meet. What else do you need? If you’re a metalhead fan, mark it down for next year because this is a concert you don’t want to miss.” – Blackfalds Life

“Headbanger alert: Loud As Hell festival to ramp up the volume” – Calgary Herald

“Nevermind the bug spray and sun tan lotion, as August approaches Drumheller residents should stock up on earplugs.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud As Hell returns to the southern Alberta city for its seventh year and as its name implies, will rock the city to its core.” – Calgary Herald

“Loud as Hell has celebrated eight years in the Badlands to date, with acts from all over the world-shattering the peace and quiet of the hills in a camping and music extravaganza.” – Hanna Herald

“Drumheller with its dinosaur bones is the site of the annual Loud as Hell heavy metal festival Friday through Sunday. Dozens of the heaviest bands known to Man will be taking the stage, many of them Canadian” – Gig City
—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

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