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Category: Planeswalker

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​

– 30 –

“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 \m/\m/ April 2022 – Powerplay Rock and Metal Magazine Hyperia, Turbo, Planeswalker – Band, Rockshots Records Vanderlust Cellar Twins, The Human Tornado

  • April 21, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · Hyperia · Planeswalker · The Human Tornado · Turbo · Vanderlust (Rockshots Records)
\m/\m/ April 2022 – Powerplay Rock and Metal Magazine
https://powerplaymagazine.co.uk/shop/p/powerplay-250-april-2022
Hyperia, Turbo, Planeswalker – Band, Rockshots Records Vanderlust Cellar Twins, The Human Tornado

0 PLANESWALKER’s (members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) New Video ft. Guests From Unleash The Archers, Ravenous E.H., ex-Helion Prime; Debut Album “Tales of Magic” Out Jan 21st

  • January 21, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Planeswalker

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2022

 

PLANESWALKER’s (members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) New Music Video “Oath of the Gatewatch” ft. Guests Unleash The Archers, Ravenous E.H., ex-Helion Prime

Debut Album “Tales of Magic” Out Jan 21st

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

Exploring the rich and deep lore of Magic: The Gathering, Planeswalker, the new power metal band founded by Helion Prime guitarist Jason Ashcraft and newly added Gloryhammer vocalist Sozos Michael, celebrate the release of their debut album “Tales of Magic”, out now as of January 21st with the unveiling of their most ambitious music video to date for the track “Oath of the Gatewatch”.

The video features album guests Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers), R.A. Voltaire (Ravenous E.H.) and Heather Michele (ex-Helion Prime). The track itself is inspired from the lore of Magic: The Gathering where it follows the storyline of the same name – Oath of the Gatewatch. Each guest vocalist plays a character from the story and each had this to say.

“There it is! I am incredibly proud of everyone that put their heart and soul to make this song. “Oath of the Gatewatch” is one of the most intricate and complex pieces I have written, and it could well have collapsed under its own weight were it not for the stellar performances of our amazing guest singers. So thank you, Brittney, Heather, Rav, we couldn’t have done this without you.” – Sozos Michael.

“It’s amazing what can be accomplished when five Magic: the Gathering nerds join forces across the globe – creating one of the best Power Metal epics (with costumes, to boot!)” – R.A. Voltaire.

“Oath of the Gatewatch is one of the most fun endeavors I’ve had the opportunity to work on. The concept, the costumes, the amazing music from Planeswalker, and the incredible talent from all musicians involved makes this a truly special project. I hope you all love it as much as I do!” – Heather Michele.

“It’s such an honour to be a part of this project! Not only is it created by one of my oldest friends from the North American metal scene, but it includes some of my favourite voices in metal today and I couldn’t be more proud. This is the coolest, nerdiest side project of all time and I just count myself lucky to be a part of it. Hopefully, you all enjoy the video that I climbed a tree to perform, and braved many a wild pup charging into the forest off the walking path to see just exactly what it was I was up to dancing around in the bushes lol I had the greatest time with this song and I really hope you all will as well!” – Brittney Slayes

Watch and listen to “Oath of the Gatewatch” at https://youtu.be/lNgna-Al18c

​

“Tales of Magic” includes guest performances from Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers), Heather Michele (ex-Helion Prime), Taylor Washington (Paladin), R.A. Voltaire (Ravenous), and more.

Album order is available at the following links:

Big Cartel (Shirts and Physical Copies) – https://planeswalkerpreorder.bigcartel.com​

Bandcamp – https://planeswalkersozjas.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-magic​

​Spotify​

The Spark – Music Video – https://youtu.be/RkuuZjpvdzs​

Tales of Magic – Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/-xsmtpXXzVU​

Track Listing:
​
1. Tales of Magic
2. The Spark
3. Shadow of Emeria
4. Blackblade
5. The Forever Serpent
6. Oath of the Gatewatch
7. A Million to One (Kiss Cover)

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

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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0 PLANESWALKER (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) Unveil Music Video “The Spark”; Debut Album “Tales of Magic” Out Jan 21st

  • December 24, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Planeswalker

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 24, 2021


Magic The Gathering Inspired Power Metal PLANESWALKER (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) Unveil New Single “The Spark”

Debut Album “Tales of Magic” Out January 21, 2022

Inspired by the Magic The Gathering card game, Planeswalker is the new power metal band founded by Helion Prime guitarist Jason Ashcraft and newly added Gloryhammer vocalist Sozos Michael.

Today, the duo is unveiling the music video for their second single “The Spark” from their forthcoming debut album “Tales of Magic” due out on January 21, 2022.

Watch at https://youtu.be/RkuuZjpvdzs

“Tales of Magic” includes guest performances from Brittney Slayes (Unleash the Archers), Heather Michele (ex-Helion Prime), Taylor Washington (Paladin), R.A. Voltaire (Ravenous), and more!

Album pre-order available at the following links:

Big Cartel Pre-Order (Shirts and Physical Copies): https://planeswalkerpreorder.bigcartel.com

Bandcamp Pre-Order: https://planeswalkersozjas.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-magic

First single and album title track – Tales of Magic – Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/-xsmtpXXzVU

Track Listing:
1. Tales of Magic
2. The Spark
3. Shadow of Emeria
4. Blackblade
5. The Forever Serpent
6. Oath of the Gatewatch
7. A Million to One (Kiss Cover)

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

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Magic The Gathering Inspired Power Metal PLANESWALKER (created by Helion Prime current and former members), Debut Single “The Forever Serpent” Out Now!

  • June 22, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Planeswalker

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 22, 2020

Magic The Gathering Inspired Power Metal PLANESWALKER (created by Helion Prime current and former members)

Debut Single “The Forever Serpent” Out Now!


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

Inspired by Magic The Gathering card game, Planeswalker is the new power metal band founded by Helion Prime guitarist Jason Ashcraft and former vocalist Sozos Michael.

Today the band is debuting the music video for their first single entitled “The Forever Serpent”, which is based on the MTG bad boy Nicol Bolas.

Watch it on YouTube HERE.

Along with stream on Spotify and download on Bandcamp.

Jason Ashcraft explains the creation of the project:

“For those who follow Helion Prime understand that parting ways with Sozos was due to unfortunate struggles with visa issues as he lives in Cyprus, but I knew someday we’d work together again I just wasn’t sure how. I then got the idea to start a band based completely on Magic The Gathering lore because between Helion Prime and Dire Peril I think I’m good on sci-fi based material and why wouldn’t I need ANOTHER project. When I first heard the song Sozos had written for us I immediately knew it had to be about Nicol Bolas.”

Sozos Michael adds:

“I am beyond excited for the release of ‘The Forever Serpent’, our first creative output with Jason since our collaboration in Helion Prime. As you will surely notice listening to the song (and/or watching the music video), we channeled our most primal nerdiness to this endeavor, and we have no plans to slow down! We have just begun exploring the rich and deep lore of MTG, and we are excited to see where this journey will lead us.” 

Planeswalker currently has no immediate plans for a full-length album but Ashcraft would like to see something in 2021.


Song Credits:
Planeswalker is:
Sozos Michael: Vocals
Jason Ashcraft: Guitar

Guest musicians on “The Forever Serpent”:
Chelsea McMasters: Bass
Alex Bosson: Drums
Alex Nasla: Keys

Mixed and Mastered by Alex Nasla at Gear Gods Studio

For more info:
Facebook.com/planeswalkermetal

– 30 –

—

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

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