Category: Shroud

0 Out Now! Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Lifts The Veil To Debut Album “Pax Nocturna”

June 4, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shroud

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 4, 2026

Out Now! Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Lifts The Veil To Debut Album “Pax Nocturna”

L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar

Rising from the shadows of Quebec’s extreme‑metal underground, SHROUD proudly announce the official release of their debut full‑length album, “Pax Nocturna,” available everywhere on June 4th, 2026. A blistering fusion of Blackened Thrash with elements of Death and Melodic metal, the album marks a defining first chapter for one of Montreal’s most intense and uncompromising new acts.

SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris (Warsenal) during the height of the COVID‑19 lockdowns. With their previous projects stalled and the music scene frozen, the pair began writing together in Montreal at a time when even leaving the house felt taboo. Despite the restrictions, the creative spark was undeniable. Week after week, riffs and ideas evolved into the earliest form of what would become “Pax Nocturna.”

As the world reopened in 2022, the band solidified with Justin Cournoyer joining on bass, and Jordan Barillaro recruited after filling in for their first show in November 2022. The chemistry was immediate. SHROUD was born, united, focused, and driven.

SHROUD’s sonic identity is rooted in Black and Thrash metal, sharpened by the aggression of Death metal and the atmosphere of Melodic metal. The band describes the album as a rollercoaster, fast, punishing, dynamic, and immersive, yet always unmistakably SHROUD.

Fans of extreme metal will find a record crafted for them. It’s intense, tightly executed, and overflowing with raw energy. Its lyrical depth explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss and the darkest corners of human existence. The overarching concept is Satanic Gnosticism, a rejection of imposed order and corrupt leadership, and an embrace of the chaos from which humanity originates.

“It’s the acknowledgement that we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” adds vocalist/guitarist Matteo Conti.

The cover art draws from the dark fantasy of Yoshitaka Amano, the surreal horror of Zdzisław Beksiński, and the mythic grandeur of The Lord of the Rings. The imagery depicts the four band members in ritualistic worship of Murmur, the Archduke and Lord of Hell, symbolising philosophy, music, and the pursuit of higher consciousness.

On stage, SHROUD deliver a level of intensity, tightness, and emotional ferocity that sets them apart. Their performances blend hate, love, determination, and pure sonic violence, a presence that has already earned them slots alongside Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia, and more.

Local Montreal fans can see them perform this Friday, June 5th, for their album release show at Foufounes Electriques with support from Lüger, Katö and Burning Sanctum. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/1636052210962146

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic, “Pax Nocturna”, out June 4th, 2026, is available on all digital platforms and CD and Vinyl.

CD / Vinyl – https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/album/pax-nocturna

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/5dfAWpVKaWlsdSBYNZ8L1H

All Creation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4okttHfnlg

The Eternal Void – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ56_laldDc

Track Listing:
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05

Album and Live Band lineup:
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343

https://www.instagram.com/shroud.mtl

About: Emerging from the depths below, Shroud formed in 2022 when Conti and Osiris began writing together during the pandemic. With the later addition of Barillaro and Cournoyer, the band’s lineup solidified into a unit defined by technical skill, raw aggression, and a shared vision of darkness. Their sound, blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals echoing through the void, has quickly earned them recognition as one of Montreal’s most promising extreme‑metal acts. Now, with Pax Nocturna, Shroud is ready to unleash its full power.

Album Recording Credits:
– All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
– All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
– Produced by: Shroud and Jordan Barillaro
– Mixed by: Jordan Barillaro
– Album Art by: Justin Cournoyer
– Mastered by: Tore Stjerna

-30-

“Imagine the ferocity, the grit and attitude of ‘Power n Pain’ era Whiplash, add the nocturnal melodic majesty of Necrophobic, and then a heaping helping of D-beat (always appreciated). Vicious, limb twitchin’ and about as infectious as something you believe you might have picked up on a recent European vacation, but wish you hadn’t. Recc for fans of SkeletonWitch, Necrophobic, Hellripper and others who successfully manage to imbue ragin’ Thrash insanity with an exquisite sense of darkness. This scatches the itch, then successfully obliterates it!” 94/100 – Cult Metal Flix

“A definite early AOTY candidate with strong claims, 5 star Black/Thrash!… There’s a high amount of crushing chugging riffs across this full length and the leadwork is absolutely scorching across the board, shreddy solos with that classic heavy metal, Thrash phrasing with a few mid-paced ones thrown in that are topped off with a couple of whammy bar accents and tremolos in them. Some of these riffs just will absolutely pummel you, as they’re fast and unrelenting as hell; also, there’s one or two solos that appear in a single track too. The vocals on this aren’t just high black metal screams, but there’s creepy deep spoken word vocals, chants and a few death growls also; if you’re into absolutely groove filled Blackened Thrash then absolutely look no further than this masterpiece, absolutely don’t sleep on it, a definite AOTY contender personally. Rating: 10/10!” – Drako’s Metal Reviews

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

0 Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Unveils The Darkness w/ Debut Album “Pax Nocturna” Out June 2026; Streaming Singles “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void”

May 26, 2026
by Asher
· Music News · Shroud

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 26, 2026

Montreal Blackened Thrash SHROUD Unveils Its Darkness w/ Debut Album “Pax Nocturna” Out June 2026

Streaming Singles “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void”

Vinyl / CD Pre-Order Available

L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar

Montreal’s rising Blackened Thrash force SHROUD will release their long‑awaited debut album, “Pax Nocturna,” on June 4th, 2026, delivering a ferocious first statement forged in chaos, philosophy, and pure extreme‑metal intensity. The band has already begun their ascent with two singles, “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void”, both now streaming and showcasing the band’s blistering blend of Black, Thrash, Death, and Melodic metal.

Formed during the isolation of the COVID‑19 pandemic, SHROUD began when guitarist/vocalist Matteo Conti approached drummer Zack Osiris with the idea of starting a new project while the world was locked down. Despite restrictions and the stigma of even leaving the house, the pair began writing in Montreal, crafting songs week by week and discovering a shared foundation of influences and vision. By 2022, as the world reopened, the lineup solidified with Justin Cournoyer on bass and Jordan Barillaro on guitar, a chemistry that immediately felt inevitable.

“Once Jordan joined after our first show, it was clear this was the real beginning of Shroud. Everything since has been a train of reckoning, writing, performing, and bonding. The four of us feel truly united in what Shroud has become,” adds Conti.

SHROUD describes their sound in five words: Blackened Thrash Metal, but “Pax Nocturna” expands that foundation with elements of Death Metal, Melodic Metal, and atmospheric extremity. Fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic will find themselves right at home.

The band expects the album to resonate strongly with extreme‑metal listeners:

“Black and Thrash are the driving forces, but we pull from Death and Melodic Metal too. It’s meant to be a ride, fast, punishing, sometimes slowing down, but always taking you somewhere while staying true to the sound of Shroud,” says Conti.

Lyrically, “Pax Nocturna” explores Satanic Gnosticism, existential dread, anti‑religious critique, and the darker corners of human nature. Each track dives into a different facet of the void.

“It’s the rejection of imposed order and the corruption of organized religion. It’s embracing the chaos we come from, acknowledging we are our own gods and masters. It is peace within the night. It is Pax Nocturna,” adds Conti.

The album was primarily written by Conti and Osiris, with Cournoyer and Barillaro shaping and refining the final structures. Newer material has become fully collaborative as the band continues to evolve.

The album artwork reflects SHROUD’s fascination with the occult and surrealism, drawing inspiration from Yoshitaka Amano, Zdzisław Beksiński, and dark fantasy imagery. Depicting the four band members in ritualistic worship of the demonic Archduke Murmur, the piece symbolizes philosophy, music, and the band’s unified creative force.

SHROUD has already carved a reputation in the Quebec metal scene for their tightness, intensity, and unrelenting stage presence, sharing stages with Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, and Sorguinazia.

“We play with vigour and hate, but also love and determination. Our presence and delivery stand out. It’s all or nothing.”

The band is set to support Atlanta’s Tómarúm and LA’s Gudsforladt alongside locals Black Market Fossil on May 28th at Piranha Bar in Montreal. Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/2763370517331518/

and Album Release Show – June 5th at Foufounes Electriques w/ LÜGER, KATÖ et BURNING SANCTUM.

Info at https://www.facebook.com/events/1636052210962146/

Recommended for fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, and Necrophobic.

Listen to singles “All Creation” and “The Eternal Void” at the following links:

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/artist/60dzfqRWshGC9cqd0TbFIE

All Creation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4okttHfnlg

The Eternal Void – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ56_laldDc

“Pax Nocturna” is due out June 4th, 2026.

CD / Vinyl – https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/

Album and Live Band lineup:
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343

https://www.instagram.com/shroud.mtl

-30-

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

0 EPK – Shroud – Pax Nocturna (2026)

May 24, 2026
by Asher
· EPKs · Shroud

EPK – Shroud – Pax Nocturna (2026)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

“The album, front to back, is structured to be a ride. Black Metal and Thrash Metal are the driving genres, but we incorporate elements of Death and Melodic Metal as well. It goes fast, sometimes it slows down, but it’s meant to be a rollercoaster of heavy metal that takes you on a journey with a bit of everything while maintaining the sound of ‘Shroud.’” – Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals – Shroud

For Fans of Watain, Dissection, Hellripper, Skeletonwitch, Necrophobic

Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086688022343 | Instagram.com/shroud.mtl

Shroudmtl.bandcamp.com | Spotify

“A definite early AOTY candidate with strong claims, 5 star Black/Thrash!… There’s a high amount of crushing chugging riffs across this full length and the leadwork is absolutely scorching across the board, shreddy solos with that classic heavy metal, Thrash phrasing with a few mid-paced ones thrown in that are topped off with a couple of whammy bar accents and tremolos in them. Some of these riffs just will absolutely pummel you, as they’re fast and unrelenting as hell; also, there’s one or two solos that appear in a single track too. The vocals on this aren’t just high black metal screams, but there’s creepy deep spoken word vocals, chants and a few death growls also; if you’re into absolutely groove filled Blackened Thrash then absolutely look no further than this masterpiece, absolutely don’t sleep on it, a definite AOTY contender personally. Rating: 10/10!” – Drako’s Metal Reviews

“With Pax Nocturna , SHROUD makes a striking statement that will allow them to carve out a prime spot among the new Canadian bands to watch.” – Ondes Chocs

“The debut album from the thrash/death newcomers goes hard from start to finish! Right from the opener ‘The Eternal Void’ this thing is heavy, urgent and awesome, and it keeps its momentum for its full 45-minute runtime. The fact that it’s only nine songs in that time as well means that everything gets time to breathe, and everyone in the band gets time to shine. Highlights include ‘Merciless Tyrants’, ‘Diablivion’ and the epic closer, but the whole album is great from start to finish! It certainly won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are into the heavier end of metal, this is absolutely worth a spin. The band have a bright future ahead of them, and in years to come people will look at this release as their big launching pad. 8.5/10″ – Overtone Magazine

“Shroud’s latest offering, ‘Pax Nocturna’, is a relentless onslaught of blackened thrash metal that will leave listeners in awe of its sheer intensity. The album exudes a dark and foreboding atmosphere, with haunting melodies and aggressive riffs that create a sense of impending doom. Standout tracks such as ‘The Zealot’ and ‘Merciless Tyrants’ showcase the band’s ability to seamlessly blend black metal fury with thrash metal aggression. The production quality on ‘Pax Nocturna’ is top-notch, with every instrument cutting through the mix with clarity and power. This album marks a significant progression in Shroud’s career, solidifying their position as one of the leading forces in the extreme metal scene.” – MetalStorm.com.au

““Fans of extreme metal will find a record crafted for them. It’s intense, tightly executed, and overflowing with raw energy. Its lyrical depth explores philosophy, anti‑religion, the abyss and the darkest corners of human existence. The overarching concept is Satanic Gnosticism, a rejection of imposed order and corrupt leadership, and an embrace of the chaos from which humanity originates.” – The Black Metal Archive

“With Pax Nocturna, the Montreal quartet Shroud delivers a particularly compelling debut album. From the very first notes, the band establishes a strong identity thanks to powerful riffs, inspired solos, and a constant energy that permeates every composition. The tracks are well-constructed and demonstrate a solid mastery of musical composition. The overall effect is both impactful and memorable, showcasing the musicians’ talent. Pax Nocturna serves as an excellent calling card for the band. A name to remember and a release that richly deserves the attention of metal fans.” – World Metallum QC

“Blackened Thrash Metal from the Canadian band Shroud and their newest album called ‘Pax Nocturna’. The combination of Black Metal and Thrash Metal always makes me happy, especially when done right, like this band does. Within the first few songs, they got me hooked immediatetly with their riffs, those are just so fun, addictive and heavy as Hell. It has alot of energy that is cloaked in the Blackened darkness, it fits just so well together. Especially the drums on this album are so clear and well-performed that it blew my mind actually. Vocals too, they are these Black Metal screams of anguish and rage, it’s really sickening in a good way. I could go on and on about this album but check it out for yourself, you’ll understand my hype! Rating: 9,1/10” – Evert’s Band Page Promotion

“Shroud are a very great sounding melodic mixture of black, death and thrash metal and if you are a fan of those musical genres, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE “The Eternal Void” “Darkest Night” and “Abaddon”. 8 out of 10.” – ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine

Band: Shroud
Album Title – Pax Nocturna
Release date: June 4th, 2026
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Blackened Thrash Metal
Location of band: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Track Listing:
1. Pax Nocturna (0:43)
2. The Eternal Void (5:09)
3. The Zealot (5:15)
4. Merciless Tyrants (5:59)
5. Darkest Night (4:45)
6. Diablivion (5:28)
7. Death Blows Over (4:18)
8. All Creation (5:29)
9. Abaddon (7:55)
Album Length: 45:05

Album Recording Credits:
– All songs performed by: Matteo Conti, Zack Osiris, Jordan Barillaro, Justin Cournoyer
– All songs written by: Matteo Conti and Zack Osiris
– Produced by: Shroud and Jordan Barillaro
– Mixed by: Jordan Barillaro
– Album Art by: Justin Cournoyer
– Mastered by: Tore Stjerna

Album and Live Band lineup:
Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals
Jordan Barillaro – Guitar
Zack Osiris – Drums
Justin Cournoyer – Bass

=========================================================

About The Album Artwork:

It’s a representation of our love and admiration for the occult. The colours themselves, the circular position of the characters involved, the full moon in the center, etc., are influenced by the dark fantasy artworks of Yoshitaka Amano and the Surreal Horror art of Zdzislaw Beksinski. There is also an element of The Lord of the Rings involved with the imagery. It’s symbolic in the sense that the 4 of us (depicted on the left) are at the worship of the Demonic Lord Murmur (on the right), who is the Archduke and Lord of Hell, representing philosophy and music.

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The overall concept of the album is Satanic Gnosticism. It’s the rejection of order and the corruption inflicted upon earth and its people by organized religions and corrupt leaders. It’s embracing the chaos that we naturally come from and acknowledging that we are sons and daughters of the black flame and born from the abyss to which we long to return. A higher form of consciousness and what lies beyond this place. It’s a fuck you to the enemies of the planet and acknowledges we are our own gods and masters, and to embrace that power for ourselves

It’s the fascination and worship of death and the beyond while rejecting what is acceptably taught to most of the world’s population.

It is peace within the night.

It is Pax Nocturna.

Track by Track:

1. Pax Nocturna
The instrumental opening of the album. It features piano and uses the two minor chords heard most often throughout the rest of the album. Meant to be thematic and draws an influence from the intro of Metallica’s ‘Blackened’.

2. The Eternal Void
We used to call this one “The Punk Song” before it was given its official title. It has an element of Punk Rock but presented in a Blackened Thrash fashion. Lyrically, it deals with existentialism and a consistent feeling of emptiness that calls to a presence referred to as ‘The Eternal Void’.

3. The Zealot
The first song Matteo and Zack wrote together. Musically, it was the birth of what would follow as Shroud’s sound. The lyrics’ subject matter is based on the Spanish Inquisition of the Medieval and Renaissance ages, and how terrifying they were towards Christians and Non-Christians alike. There were no rights and no fair trials. Basically, a witch-hunt for anyone who didn’t conform to what the Church at that time believed was the appropriate way to behave as a true Christian. ‘The Zealot’ represents one of its heads, Tomas De Torquemada, who was responsible for sending 10,000. People are unjustly sent to their deaths.

4. Merciless Tyrants
This song’s lyrics are about a Warhammer 40000 faction known as “The Necrons”. They’re an ancient, terrifying race of undead androids driven by their goal to conquer the galaxy. Known for brutal tactics and unending hordes, they are actual merciless tyrants. They have an Egyptian-like theme to them, and the song’s music represents that being heavily based on the Phrygian Scale.

5. Darkest Night
This song’s subject matter deals with the abandonment of one’s faith. Although scary to realize in oneself that there is no higher power or afterlife, there is a sense of relief and liberty in attaining true enlightenment.

6. Diablivion
A song that deals with Religious crusades conquering and colonizing lands to spread the word and faith of their god. It is done in a way that paints the crusaders as the true terrifying oppressors and is told from the perspective of those being subjected to their will.

7. Death Blows Over
A song we used to call “Fasty Thrashy” before its official title. It’s a super fast-paced, all-out assault of Thrash Metal with darker elements that give it a Black Metal vibe. It features lots of guitar solos as well. The subject matter deals with having the worst hangover you can possibly imagine.

8. All Creation
A song that’s about the formation of the Earth. Not the one in the biblical sense, but in the more scientific reality-based version of the Planet forming from dust and debris, being constantly pummeled by asteroids that would eventually form its shape and would cool to have Oceans and Continents.

9. Abaddon
A song about mortality, its subject is about how all things are destined to die, and we do it in a symbolic way through the perspective of one of the lords of Hell, Abaddon. It’s the slowest and longest song on the record, and makes its way to an outro we felt fitting to tie the finale together for Pax Nocturna.

L-R – Justin Cournoyer – Bass, Matteo Conti – Guitar and Vocals, Zack Osiris – Drums, Jordan Barillaro – Guitar

Emerging from the depths below, Shroud is set to make their full-length debut with ‘Pax Nocturna.’

Formed in 2022 by Guitarist/Vocalist Matteo Conti and Drummer Zack Osiris, the band quickly solidified its lineup with the addition of Jordan Barillaro on Guitar and Justin Cournoyer on bass. Each member brought a blend of technical prowess and raw intensity, setting the stage for Shroud’s relentless sonic assault.

Drawing inspiration from the bleak and obscure corners of existence, Shroud embarked on their musical journey, crafting compositions that reflect the darkness and chaos of the human psyche. Their sound, characterized by blistering riffs, thunderous drums, and raspy vocals that echo through the void, resonates deeply within the metal community. Overall, the general perception of the band would be closest to the style of Blackened Thrash Metal.

After honing their craft through intense and electrifying live performances in the Quebec music scene, Shroud is set to unleash their debut album ‘Pax Nocturna’ on June 4th, 2026.

Discography:
2026 – Pax Nocturna (LP)
2024 – The Eternal Void (Single)
2025 – All Creation (Single)

SHARED STAGE WITH:
Exciter, Midnight, Wraith, Goatwhore, Vitriol, Necrofier, Wormwitch, Spiter, Gudsforladt, Tomarumvoid, Angelus Apatrida, Sorguinazia

TOURS AND FESTIVALS
2026 – Speed Trap vol 2, Montreal, CA
2024 – Woods of Gallows V, New York, USA

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Asher Media Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Join 2,164 other subscribers