Thanks for the support
Metallian
\m/\m/
#albumreviews Nov-Dec 2020
Without Mercy, Fuck The Facts, Protokult, Within Nostalgia, King Ov Wyrms
Category: Protokult
0 The Killchain Blog – Review: Protokult – Transcending the Ruins
0 Thanks for the support Metallian \m/\m/ #albumreviews Nov-Dec 2020 – Without Mercy, Fuck The Facts, Protokult, Within Nostalgia, King Ov Wyrms
0 Huge Hails Horns! \m/\m/ Thank you very much MDs and DJs for November love! !earshot – November 2020 – Top 20 Loud #4 Fuck The Facts, #20 Protokult
Huge Hails Horns! \m/\m/ Thank you very much MDs and DJs for November love!
!earshot – November 2020 – Top 20 Loud
#4 Fuck The Facts, #20 Protokult
0 Protokult Announce Toronto Album Release Concert w/ Limited Capacity Due To Covid, November 15th at The Rockpile, New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Out Now!
(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – October 28, 2020
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger
Protokult Announce Toronto Album Release Concert w/ Limited Capacity Due To Covid
November 15th at The Rockpile
New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Out Now!
L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)
Protokult have been defining folk/pagan metal since 2009 when they released their debut album “Ancestral Anthems”, since then they have created three additional uncompromising and relentless albums with their fifth “Transcending The Ruins” recently released on October 1, 2020.
In celebration of the new full length, Protokult announces they will be hosting their album release concert on November 15th in Toronto at The Rockpile with guidelines to follow from the province and the city’s rules on events, which includes an all-seated event with a capacity of 50 along with masks enforced in common areas. Full details on the event and instructions to respect health precautions for Covid can be found HERE.
The band adds:
“We know times are crazy and artists the world over are feeling the grip of COVID regulations. We decided to release the long-overdue album for your enjoyment! If you reside in the Greater Toronto Area, we invite you out on the 15th of November to celebrate the release at the Rockpile. Standard regulations will be in place so first come first serve. Stay safe. Remember, Rock and metal will NEVER die!”
Over two years in the making, “Transcending The Ruins” is a rush, meant to be enjoyed either as a whole journey or at any entry point, the band ensures. Approaching this record with a bit more maturity and consistency, the result is heavier, faster, darker.
Inspired and fascinated by various metal genres alongside folk-culture, after a few years of experimenting, Protokult was meant to fuse the two together while paying homage to the past, Bacchanalian festivities, and honouring the underground.
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, and Nightwish, the record pulsates from start to finish yet incorporates the massive dynamics, ambience, and dashes of folk-melodies that the band has become known for.
The band comments on the full length’s release:
“‘Transcending The Ruins’ is an album about growing up and tipping our hats to the great metal influences of the generations. Some can say the industry has been shaken hard and is in a state of flux so as artists we try to outdo ourselves on every performance and transcend what the popular or common standards may be. Everyone is playing on the edge of their ability and no matter whether you listen from start to finish or dive in randomly, that energy and sincerity are everywhere. This is Protokult on speed all the while putting on a professional face, which makes it the most consistent and rewarding album to date.”
“Transcending The Ruins” is available on Bandcamp (CD), Spotify, Apple Music.
Music Video “Feed Your Demons” – YouTube
Music Video – “Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith)” – YouTube
Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57
For more info:
Protokult.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.
Protokult.com
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.
Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.
Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.
With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.
– 30 –
“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks
“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock
“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France
“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl
“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Rock Out Stand Out – ALBUM REVIEW: Protokult – Transcending The Ruins “Transcending The Ruins is my first experience of PROTOKULT and I am now a new fan because of this mesmerizing record. With its huge variety of tracks, I am certain this will appeal to a wide variety of metal fans. 9/10”
Rock Out Stand Out – ALBUM REVIEW: Protokult – Transcending The Ruins “Transcending The Ruins is my first experience of PROTOKULT and I am now a new fan because of this mesmerizing record. With its huge variety of tracks, I am certain this will appeal to a wide variety of metal fans. 9/10” https://rockoutstandout.com/2020/09/29/album-review-protokult-transcending-the-ruins/
0 Protokult’s Streaming New Album “Transcending The Ruins”, Premiere via Bravewords
(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – September 30, 2020
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger
Protokult’s Streaming New Album “Transcending The Ruins”
Premiere via Bravewords
New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Out October 1st, 2020
L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)
Protokult have been defining folk/pagan metal since 2009 when they released their debut album “Ancestral Anthems”, since then they have created three additional uncompromising and relentless albums with their fifth “Transcending The Ruins” coming out on October 1, 2020.
Over two years in the making, “Transcending The Ruins” is a rush, meant to be enjoyed either as a whole journey or at any entry point, the band ensures. Approaching this record with a bit more maturity and consistency, the result is heavier, faster, darker.
Inspired and fascinated by various metal genres alongside folk-culture, after a few years of experimenting, Protokult was meant to fuse the two together while paying homage to the past, Bacchanalian festivities, and honouring the underground.
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, and Nightwish, the record pulsates from start to finish yet incorporates the massive dynamics, ambience, and dashes of folk-melodies that the band has become known for.
Before “Transcending The Ruins” officially releases, the band have teamed up Bravewords for the album’s exclusive full stream HERE.
The band comments on the full length’s release:
“‘Transcending The Ruins’ is an album about growing up and tipping our hats to the great metal influences of the generations. Some can say the industry has been shaken hard and is in a state of flux so as artists we try to outdo ourselves on every performance and transcend what the popular or common standards may be. Everyone is playing on the edge of their ability and no matter whether you listen from start to finish or dive in randomly, that energy and sincerity are everywhere. This is Protokult on speed all the while putting on a professional face, which makes it the most consistent and rewarding album to date.”
“Transcending The Ruins” will be out on October 1, 2020. Album pre-order on Bandcamp.
Music Video “Feed Your Demons” – YouTube
Music Video – “Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith)” – YouTube
Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult, Darren Mcgill
• Mixed by: Darren Mcgill
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams
• Album Artwork by: Marie Cherniy
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar, vocals, keyboards, additional percussion, jawharp
Ekaterina Pyatkova- vocals, recorder,
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Jack Neila – rhythm and lead guitar
Dave Slowiak – bass, gang vocals
Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar and vocals
Dave Slowiak – bass and backup vocals
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder and synth
Jack Neila – guitar
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Guest musicians:
Quinn Strahl – electric violin
Matt Hilden (Vesication) – vocals
Joe Feral- vocals
Jesse Harvey (Ammo) – vocals
Cristina Marcu – operatic vocals
Ewelina Ferenc- folk vocals
Corktown trans-choir:
Jason Adamo, Geoff Hodsman, Andrei Sin, Davey White, Matt Hilden, Oliver Salathiel
For more info:
Protokult.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.
Protokult.com
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.
Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.
Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.
With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.
– 30 –
“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks
“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock
“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France
“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl
“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Album Review: Protokult – Transcending The Ruins (Self Released) – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life “With the epic folk-melodies and chants of Feed Your Demons, the bouncy Oy Kanada and the hefty hold that Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) has, the dynamic sound of the band really come to the surface. From that kind of grandiose music to another with the hyperactive traditional metal 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) where many a beer will be sunk. The operatic vocals of Ekaterina, unfiltered metal purity of Valley of Thorns and grin-inducing folk highlight that is Wenches, ensure this is an album that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. 9/10
Album Review: Protokult – Transcending The Ruins (Self Released) – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life “With the epic folk-melodies and chants of Feed Your Demons, the bouncy Oy Kanada and the hefty hold that Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) has, the dynamic sound of the band really come to the surface. From that kind of grandiose music to another with the hyperactive traditional metal 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) where many a beer will be sunk. The operatic vocals of Ekaterina, unfiltered metal purity of Valley of Thorns and grin-inducing folk highlight that is Wenches, ensure this is an album that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. 9/10” https://www.gbhbl.com/album-review-protokult-transcending-the-ruins-self-released/
0 Protokult’s New Music Video “Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith)”; Premiere via MetalInjection; New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Out October 1st, 2020
(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – September 23, 2020
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger
Protokult’s New Music Video “Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith)”
Premiere via MetalInjection
New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Out October 1st, 2020
L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)
Protokult have been defining folk/pagan metal since 2009 when they released their debut album “Ancestral Anthems”, since then they have created three additional uncompromising and relentless albums with their fifth “Transcending The Ruins” coming out on October 1, 2020.
Over two years in the making, “Transcending The Ruins” is a rush, meant to be enjoyed either as a whole journey or at any entry point, the band ensures. Approaching this record with a bit more maturity and consistency, the result is heavier, faster, darker.
Inspired and fascinated by various metal genres alongside folk-culture, after a few years of experimenting, Protokult was meant to fuse the two together while paying homage to the past, Bacchanalian festivities and honouring the underground.
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, and Nightwish, the record pulsates from start to finish yet incorporates the massive dynamics, ambience and dashes of folk-melodies that the band has become known for.
Before “Transcending The Ruins” officially releases, the band is sharing the music video for their second single “Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith)”, which can be viewed and heard via its premiere on MetalInjection HERE.
The band adds:
“This song a brief account of our former Irish-Canadian keyboardist who had to leave the band in order to pursue his Gaelic studies at Harvard. He was and is dearly missed and this song deals with integrating into modern multicultural society, particularly those who have multiple backgrounds/ethnicities.”
Protokult‘s first single “Feed Your Demons” can be heard at the following links:
YouTube (Music Video)
Spotify
“Transcending The Ruins” will be out on October 1, 2020. Album pre-order on Bandcamp.
Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult, Darren Mcgill
• Mixed by: Darren Mcgill
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams
• Album Artwork by: Marie Cherniy
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar, vocals, keyboards, additional percussion, jawharp
Ekaterina Pyatkova- vocals, recorder,
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Jack Neila – rhythm and lead guitar
Dave Slowiak – bass, gang vocals
Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar and vocals
Dave Slowiak – bass and backup vocals
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder and synth
Jack Neila – guitar
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Guest musicians:
Quinn Strahl – electric violin
Matt Hilden (Vesication) – vocals
Joe Feral- vocals
Jesse Harvey (Ammo) – vocals
Cristina Marcu – operatic vocals
Ewelina Ferenc- folk vocals
Corktown trans-choir:
Jason Adamo, Geoff Hodsman, Andrei Sin, Davey White, Matt Hilden, Oliver Salathiel
For more info:
Protokult.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPK
Protokult.com
EPK
About:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.
Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.
Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.
With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.
– 30 –
“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks
“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock
“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France
“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl
“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia
0 Heavy Metal Is Alive And Well With Protokult’s Massive New Album “Transcending The Ruins” Due Out Oct 1st; Streaming First Single “Feed Your Demons”
(contact info below)
NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – August 11, 2020
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger
Heavy Metal Is Alive And Well With Protokult’s Massive New Album “Transcending The Ruins”
Streaming First Single / Music Video “Feed Your Demons”
New Album Out October 1st, 2020
L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)
Protokult have been defining folk/pagan metal since 2009 when they released their debut album “Ancestral Anthems”, since then they have created three additional uncompromising and relentless albums with their fifth “Transcending The Ruins” coming out on October 1, 2020.
An introduction to this new offering comes with the single “Feed Your Demons”, which the band explains in their own words:
““Feed Your Demons” was probably the last song written for the record, we needed something fairly simple, heavy and to the point. I pictured a groovy yet haunting female folk bridge in the middle and wanted some extra aggression too. One of the more personal songs from the album, it deals with the fragility and vulnerability of what makes us human, I.E addictions, shame, and hopefully learning to cope with so-called vices. It’s not a song that supports addiction but essentially, controlling your demons if you absolutely HAVE to feed them on occasion.”
Over two years in the making, “Transcending The Ruins” is a rush, meant to be enjoyed either as a whole journey or at any entry point, the band ensures. Approaching this record with a bit more maturity and consistency, the result is heavier, faster, darker.
Inspired and fascinated by various metal genres alongside folk-culture, after a few years of experimenting, Protokult was meant to fuse the two together while paying homage to the past, Bacchanalian festivities and honouring the underground.
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, and Nightwish, the record pulsates from start to finish yet incorporates the massive dynamics, ambience and dashes of folk-melodies that the band has become known for.
“Feed Your Demons” can be heard at the following links:
YouTube
Spotify
“Transcending The Ruins” will be out on October 1, 2020. Album pre-order on Bandcamp.
Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult, Darren Mcgill
• Mixed by: Darren Mcgill
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams
• Album Artwork by: Marie Cherniy
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar, vocals, keyboards, additional percussion, jawharp
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder,
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Jack Neila – rhythm and lead guitar
Dave Slowiak – bass, gang vocals
Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar and vocals
Dave Slowiak – bass and backup vocals
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder and synth
Jack Neila – guitar
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Guest musicians:
Quinn Strahl – electric violin
Matt Hilden (Vesication) – vocals
Joe Feral- vocals
Jesse Harvey (Ammo) – vocals
Cristina Marcu – operatic vocals
Ewelina Ferenc- folk vocals
Corktown trans-choir:
Jason Adamo, Geoff Hodsman, Andrei Sin, Davey White, Matt Hilden, Oliver Salathiel
For more info:
Protokult.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.
Protokult.com
EPKAbout:
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.
With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.
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“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks
“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock
“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France
“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl
“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple
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0 EPK – Protokult – Transcending The Ruins (2020)
EPK – Protokult – Transcending The Ruins (2020)
Publicist – Jon Asher – asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
For fans of Arkona, Korpiklaani, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger
Album Title: Transcending The Ruins
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Protokult.com| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube
Sales Links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music
STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
1. The band is consistently featured on Spectre Media Group’s (Glenn Fricker) YouTube videos as backing music, as well as occasionally having members featured on the show. The band has had a long relationship with Glenn Fricker, having recorded both Marzena and No Beer In Heaven.
2. Four out of five of the members are bilingual.
3. Often at shows and in music videos, they have ‘beer maidens’ or wenches; women in white dresses and corsets who come out on stage and pour willing audience members beer from a sacred Viking horn.
4. Bassist Davey Slowiak and frontman Martin Drozd are the only consistent original members since their inception in 2003.
5. The new album “Transcending the Ruins” was recorded at Union Sound studios in Toronto with Darren Mcgill and features an eclectic variety of talented guests from various other groups.
“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks
“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock
“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France
“Ah this album was a pleasure to review. So many albums are a slog to get through, but I was sorry when No Beer In Heaven ended…All the band are excellent musicians and you can hear their joy at playing their music. Ekaterina brings another dimension to the band too; her vocals are nothing you’ve heard in metal before, and I love the touch she brings with the woodwind instruments…I love the track “Get Me A Beer” – it could be marketed as a cure for depression. Elsewhere, the contrast between folk and metal works very harmoniously: heavy and uplifting at the same time. Joyous stuff! The band also have a good sense of humour, and while they can be serious, this is an enjoyable life-affirming album to listen to, which is as it should be. Our lives are brief; we should try and enjoy our spell on this earth! I love the album artwork and presentation too. This is a band the world needs to hear more of. Highly recommended! – Hellbound
“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl
“Protokult is a colourful collective, made up of four guys and a lady…It is a versatile album…progressive twists and turns in the songs and surprising approaches.” – Lords of Metal
“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple
“Anyone who has seen this band live knows that the beer maidens will be pouring potent potables into ever thirsty mouths at the front of the stage. Before this delightful feature comes to fruition, the fans come in close, sing along, and dance the metal jig during the pagan musical onslaught from the band. We are instantly transported to villages, and forests of another era.” – Metal Master Kingdom (Live Review)
“All in all No Beer In Heaven is an extra large package of dark folk metal here to drink and party with you. If you’re a folk fan, be sure to give them a listen. The album is a solid piece and an enjoyment to even non-folk fans. Oh, and they also love the ‘Water of Life’ (that is vodka if you didn’t know already).” – Two Guys Metal Reviews
““Get Me a Beer!” is a hearty and raucous opener and one that will get heads bobbing (and banging) no doubt.” – Femme Metal Webzine
“They belong amongst the ranks of bands like Moonsorrow and Skyforger…Almost every song twists and turns through several folk metal transformations, without ever tapping into cheesy or overly tired clichés.”- Metal Observer (2010 review for Ancestral Anthems)
“Their songs pulse and writhe like a sinuous living thing.”- Exclaim (2012 review of Marzena)
L-R: Dawid (Bass), Kaveh Afshar (Percussion), Ekaterina (Vocals, Woodwinds), Martin Drozd (Vocals, Guitar, Synthesizer), Jack Neila (Rhythm and Lead Guitar)
As interests in history, paganism and folklore took an increasingly strong hold on folk metallers Protokult, they were inspired to unleash their debut album, “Ancestral Anthems” in 2009. With the first two pressings selling out in months, they vowed to take things to the next level while continuing to deliver a unique mix of Canadian and international influences. In 2011, they released their next offering, the EP “Marzena”, then followed by sophomore album “No Beer In Heaven” that was widely praised for its hooky fun-loving anthems, especially the single “Get Me A Beer!”.
Protokult’s goal? To unite its members’ diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash, and black metal for headbangers everywhere.
Over the past few years, the ever-evolving Protokult has graced the stage with the likes of Arkona, Turisas, Alestorm, Gloryhammer, Tengger Cavalry, Cellar Darling (X-Eluveitie) and Razor.
With beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal rampage, they are ready to unveil their third full-length “Transcending The Ruins”, which is slated for release on October 1st, 2020. The album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of powerful riffs, glorious onslaughts, and essentially reminds us, why we love heavy metal and it’s darker atmospheric shades.
Discography:
2020 – Transcending The Ruins – LP
2016 – Oy Kanada (single)
2016 – The Dark Stumble Home (Acoustic) – EP
2014 – No Beer In Heaven – LP
2011 – Marzena – EP
2009 – Ancestral Anthems – LP
Tours and Festivals:
2017 – Krampus Ball
2016 – Queens Of Metal (Montreal)
2015 – Toronto Folk Metal Fest
2014 – Vikingfest (Montreal)
2014 – Headbanging For a Cure (Toronto)
2012 – Paganfest (Toronto)
2012 – Headbanging For a Cure (Toronto)
2012 – Invasion Infernale Fest (Hamilton)
Music Videos:
2020 – Feed Your Demons
2017 – Get Me A Beer! (Live)
2016 – Oy Kanada!
2014 – Get Me A Beer!
Album Title: Transcending The Ruins
Release Date: October 1, 2020
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. Mark Of Thunder (6:45)
2. Feed Your Demons (6:25)
3. 1516 (Keeper of the Hops) (3:58)
4. Oy Kanada (5:29)
5. Troubled Lad (Slainte Mhaith) (4:30)
6. Na Gryanoi Nedele (1:47)
7. Rusalka (6:17)
8. Valley of Thorns (7:45)
9. Wenches (4:23)
10. Greet The Dawn (6:09)
11. Dead New World (15:23)
Album Length: 1:08:57
Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult, Darren Mcgill
• Mixed by: Darren Mcgill
• Mastered by: Tyler Williams
• Album Artwork by: Marie Cherniy
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar, vocals, keyboards, additional percussion, jawharp
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder,
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Jack Neila – rhythm and lead guitar
Dave Slowiak – bass, gang vocals
Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd – guitar and vocals
Dave Slowiak – bass and backup vocals
Ekaterina – vocals, recorder and synth
Jack Neila – guitar
Kaveh Afshar – drums
Guest musicians:
Quinn Strahl – electric violin
Matt Hilden (Vesication) – vocals
Joe Feral- vocals
Jesse Harvey (Ammo) – vocals
Cristina Marcu – operatic vocals
Ewelina Ferenc- folk vocals
Corktown trans-choir:
Jason Adamo, Geoff Hodsman, Andrei Sin, Davey White, Matt Hilden, Oliver Salathiel
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