I did a great PR chat with #gwnmetal Ep. 10 – Music PR for Independent Bands in 2021 w/ Asher Media Relations https://youtu.be/ip4w0w8nwR0
Tag: Asher Media
0 I did a great PR chat with #gwnmetal Ep. 10 – Music PR for Independent Bands in 2021 w/ Asher Media Relations
0 EPK – Oculum Dei – Dreams of Desire and Torment (LP) (2019)
EPK – Oculum Dei – Dreams of Desire and Torment (LP) (2019)
For fans of Dark Funeral, Behemoth, Belphegor, Carach Angren, Emperor, Mayhem, Immortal
Release Date: February 22, 2019
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram
Sales links: Bandcamp | Itunes | Amazon | Spotify | Big Cartel
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
“their sheer terror-laden blend of modernist Blackened Death Metal is sure to strike a chord with many…. a great job all round and a victorious rise to power for Oculum Dei’s debut appearance.” – Gore Crazy
Oculum Dei – Dreams of Desire and Torment (LP) (2018) *DEBUT
Release Date: February 22, 2019
Distribution: Distrokid
Sales links: Bandcamp | Itunes | Amazon | Spotify | Big Cartel
Track Listing:
1. Pandemic (1:22)
2. Involuntary Pandemic (4:05)
3. Ghost In The Corridors 6:44)
4. Kingdom Of Hell (8:40)
5. Dreams Of Desire And Torment (6:44)
6. A Cold Winters Plight (5:12)
7. Blinded By Gods (3:50)
8. A Mist Of Heaven Inside Of Hell (8:43)
Album Length: 45:23
Album Credits:
• All songs were written, produced, and performed by Oculum Dei
• Mixed and mastered by Cole Millward of Giant Spoon Productions
• Album artwork by and design by Mark De Gruchy of Landmine Design
• Photography by Kenny Kivett
• Mixed and mastered by Cole Millward of Giant Spoon Productions
• Album artwork by and design by Mark De Gruchy of Landmine Design
• Photography by Kenny Kivett
Album Band Line Up:
Tenebris (Bass, Drum And Key Programming)
Camalus (Guitars)
Tenebris (Bass, Drum And Key Programming)
Camalus (Guitars)
Zebulv (Guitars And Vocals)
L-R = Zebulv (guitars and vocals), Camalus (guitars), Tenebris – (bass, drum and key programming) | Photo By Kenny Kivett
(Download promotional photo)
SHORT BIO
Hailing from the ashes of Charlotte, USA’s darker side comes forth the blackened death metal trio, Oculum Dei. Mixing different elements and influences of black metal the band is set to bring forth a horde of darkness and set the listeners into a realm of deep, chaotic experiences.
Formed in 2016 as a studio project, Tenebris (bass/drum and keys programming) was looking to spread filth with a black metal project and quickly recruited Camalus (guitar) and Zebulv (vocals/guitar) to join the fray. Located in the Bible Belt of the southern USA the goal was to take influences from Emperor, Behemoth and Dark Funeral and push this eclectic unholy blasphemy as far as it would go.
A team effort behind all the songwriting, Oculum Dei has been working on their first album for almost three years and now the dark demonic war chants of ‘Dreams of Desire and Torment’ are ready to be unleashed on February 22, 2019.
LONG BIO
Hailing from the ashes of Charlotte, USA’s darker side comes forth the blackened death metal trio, Oculum Dei. Mixing different elements and influences of black metal the band is set to bring forth a horde of darkness and set the listeners into a realm of deep, chaotic experiences.
Formed in 2016 as a studio project, Tenebris (bass/drum and keys programming) was looking to spread filth with a black metal project and quickly recruited Camalus (guitar) and Zebulv (vocals/guitar) to join the fray. Located in the Bible Belt of the southern USA the goal was to take influences from Emperor, Behemoth and Dark Funeral and push this eclectic unholy blasphemy as far as it would go.
Not content to remain as a studio project, the trio started playing live gigs locally and have shared the stage with Carach Angren, Wolfheart and Mors Principum Est. Clad in corpse paint with an elaborate and continuously evolving stage show, Oculum Dei has heavily invested into their extreme visionary madness.
The name of the band was inspired by the first song that was written by the band, ‘Blinded by the Gods’ and staying true to the genres of both black and death metal, it’s a haunting, aggressive band, in your face and extremely violent.
“We’d describe it as a dark, intense, chaotic hellcoaster through a fog-ridden forest straight into the fires of hell where you are left to battle yourself until life leaves your corpse and your spirit evaporates and leave you wanting more”
A team effort behind all the songwriting, Oculum Dei has been working on their first album for almost three years and now the dark demonic war chants of ‘Dreams of Desire and Torment’ are ready to be unleashed on February 22, 2019.
Discography:
Oculum Dei – Dreams of Desire and Torment (LP) (2018) *DEBUT
Shared the stage with:
Carach Angren , Wolfheart And Mors Principle
Carach Angren , Wolfheart And Mors Principle
0 EPK – Backstabber – Conspiracy Theorist – LP (2019)
Backstabber – Conspiracy Theorist – LP (2019)
For fans of Kataklysm, Hypocrisy, Decapitated, Deicide, At The Gates
Release Date: February 15, 2019
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
Facebook | Youtube | Soundcloud | Spotify
Sales links: Bandcamp | Itunes
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
“Powered by drumwork that resembles a ferocious mix of machine-gun and mortar fire, Backstabber mount the attack with flurries of vicious, seething riffery and nail-gunning jab-fests, with the lyrics voiced in heartless, imperious roars. The devastation is pushed to further heights of frenzy with a shrill, eerily spiraling solo, and concludes with a hint of off-planet mystery.” – No Clean Singing
“Fast, frantic, politically minded and heavy” – Exclaim!
“Backstabber’s death metal is more of the modern variety (in a good way) with a very clean yet brutal sound and speed aplenty. The playing is insanely tight at times and it’s often hard to believe that this is only the first album of a relatively young band, their first demo having been released in 2016. Some passages are a little on the thrash side but for the most part, this is heavy, pounding, fast death metal driven by a drummer who is really asking for a speeding ticket. ” – 4/5 – The Metal Crypt
“The songs are heavy, and the death and thrash influences make for some fairly easy to get into head bobbing as each track progresses… Conspiracy Theorist is a solid beginning for Backstabber… Solid for those that want some new, well-rounded death metal.” – Dead Rhetoric
“Backstabber’s Conspiracy Theorist is a self-released album that makes one wonder how they haven’t been signed to any label yet… Backstabber have on their hands the first essential death metal release of 2019.” – 4/5 – Heavy Music HQ
“It may be early in the year, but this is easily one of the best death metal releases of the year. Backstabber show off that bands can have that Hypocrisy style, without blatantly ripping off the band. The songs are incredibly well written, alongside the inclusion of different speeches and other famous public speaking that’s mixed in before, after and even in the middle of some of the songs. The mixing is great and if you’re a death metal fan of any caliber, this is an album that should definitely be included in your collection. ” – Five Magics Music
“BACKSTABBER deliver aggressively systematic silver lining lacerations of rip-roaring screams of vengefully vicious old-school Death ‘N’ Thrash Metal professionalism – simply put – recommended.” – Metal-Temple
“Conspiracy Theorist has a real face crushing, devastatingly great death/thrash metal feel to it…” – Crannk
“This album is hard as nails. They do not care for making the music too melodic. It is hard-driving, grooving-thrashing pounding metal. The vocals are super aggressive and abrasive on the ears. The guitars, bass and drums work in marching unison with the purpose of making you form a moshpit or to jump into one or to make you think that you are going to bench press 500 pounds today and do 100 pull-ups at the gym… No melodic singing. No sweet whispers in your ears, just aggro-angry metal to rile you up even more about politics, the government and the extraterrestrials.” – Metal Bulletin Zine
““Conspiracy Theorist” is a very refreshing listen, I’ve no favourite track, each stands solidly alone on its own individual merits, and should appeal to fans of the likes of Kataklysm, Hypocrisy, Decapitated, Deicide, and At The Gates.” – The Metal Wanderlust
Backstabber – Conspiracy Theorist – LP (2018)
Label and Distribution: Independent
Release Date: February 15, 2019
Track Listing:
1. Inaugural Address (1:18)
2. Whistle Blower (2:46)
3. No Privacy (3:35)
4. Subterranean (3:26)
5. Ink Spill (3:19)
6. The Hum (1:55)
7. My Disclosure (3:32)
8. Geo Engineering (3:37)
9. Banksters (4:06)
10. Conspiracy Theorist (4:50)
Album Length: 32:28
Album Credits:
- All were written and performed by Backstabber
- Produced by: Christian M. Theriault
- Mixed by: Francis C. Beaulieu
- Mastered by: Yannick St-Amand
- Album Artwork by: Marie-Jeanne Lemieux
Album Band Line Up:
Christian M. Theriault (Guitars & Vocals)
Eric Seguin (Bass)
Patrick Gagne (Drums)
Live Band Line Up:
Christian M. Theriault (Lead guitar & Vocals)
Eric Seguin (Bass & Back Vocals)
Patrick Gagne (Drums)
Sebastien M. Theriault (Rhythm guitar (Festivals and local shows))
L-R – Patrick Gagné (Drums), Christian M. Thériault (Guitars & Vocals), Éric Séguin (Bass & Back Vocals) | Photo credit: Jean-François Girard
SHORT BIO:
Hailing from Rouyn-Noranda in northern Quebec, Canada, Backstabber is a formidable death/thrash metal trio inspired by conspiracies, new technologies, philosophy and history. Covering a vast number of themes throughout their aggressive music, Backstabber can be likened to a ‘loose cannon’ with no foreshadowing of what direction they will take next, musically and lyrically.
Starting with themes and gradually adding riffs, drums, bass and finally vocals, they pride themselves on complimenting their compositions with energetic and interactive live shows, the entire reason for them writing their songs.
Eager to bring raw and fierce metal to the ears of listeners, Backstabber has recorded their first full-length set to be released on February 15, 2019.
LONG BIO:
Hailing from Rouyn-Noranda in northern Quebec, Canada, Backstabber is a formidable death/thrash metal trio inspired by conspiracies, new technologies, philosophy and history. Covering a vast number of themes throughout their music, Backstabber can be likened to a ‘loose cannon’ with no foreshadowing of what direction they will take next, musically and lyrically.Starting with themes and gradually building around adding guitars, drums, bass and finally vocals, they pride themselves on complimenting their compositions with energetic and interactive live shows, the entire reason for them writing their music.
“Backstabber’s music is meant to be groovy and entertaining. Our live shows consists of the most groovy and intense songs. Set-lists are designed to leave place for crowd entertaining, presentation of the band and thanks during songs to ensure that the show has a good pacing and mood.” says guitarist/vocalist Christian Mongrain Thériault.
Formed as a solo project in 2012 by Christian Mongrain Thériault (guitar/vocals, Ex.: Cryptik Howling, Depths of Hatred, Decrepity, Black Empire), Backstabber was quickly out on ice until 2015 following the addition of Étienne Leclerc (drums) and Sebastien Jean (bass). Backstabber then proceeded to record a 3 track demo entitled Revenge (Is a Meal Best Served Cold), released in January 2016 accompanied with a music video for the opening track “Negatron”. As Revenge came out, Leclerc and Jean were replaced by Patrick Gagné (drums, ex In Flames we Trust, Hécatombe) and Éric Séguin (bass). The newly formed trio went on to appear at the Ontario Death Fest IV later that year. In fall 2017, Backstabber recorded and released a single and a music video entitled “Subterranean”.
As of 2018, Backstabber has carved their place into the local scene playing Festival des Guitares du Monde en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Festival de Musique Émergente alongside Cattle Decapitation and Depths of Hatred along with sharing the stage with First Fragment, Ending Tyranny, Insurrection, Blinded by Faith, Aepoch and more. Eager to bring raw and fierce metal to the ears of listeners, Backstabber has recorded their first full-length set to be released on February 15, 2019.
Discography:
Conspiracy Theorist (LP) (February 19, 2019)
Subterranean (Single) (2017)
Revenge (Demo) (2016)
Subterranean (Single) (2017)
Revenge (Demo) (2016)
Shared the stage with:
Cattle Decapitation, Depths of Hatred, First Fragment, Unbreakable Hatred, Get The Shot, Ending Tyranny, Insurrection, Blinded by Faith, Aepoch, and AtaxiaLive Shows:
Black Empire and Legion of Decadence (2015)
Unbreakable Hatred, First Fragment, and Evil Prevails (2016)
Ending Tyranny, Ataxia, Ruptured Birth, and Aepoch (2016)
Misshapen, Projekt Gothenburg, and Whispers in the Maze (2017)
Get The Shot and Seismic (2017)
Archetype and Peronicus (2017)
Blinded by Faith, Insurrection, and Abitabyss (2017)
Insurrection and Ruptured Birth (2017)
Die Some More and Morbid Chaos (hommage à Sepultura) (2018)
Abitabyss, Archons, Evil Prevails, Black Empire, I Apocalypse, Seismic, Die Some More, Away To Die (2018)
Cattle Decapitation and Depths of Hatred (2018)
Abitabyss and Away to Die (2018)
Cattle Decapitation, Depths of Hatred, First Fragment, Unbreakable Hatred, Get The Shot, Ending Tyranny, Insurrection, Blinded by Faith, Aepoch, and AtaxiaLive Shows:
Black Empire and Legion of Decadence (2015)
Unbreakable Hatred, First Fragment, and Evil Prevails (2016)
Ending Tyranny, Ataxia, Ruptured Birth, and Aepoch (2016)
Misshapen, Projekt Gothenburg, and Whispers in the Maze (2017)
Get The Shot and Seismic (2017)
Archetype and Peronicus (2017)
Blinded by Faith, Insurrection, and Abitabyss (2017)
Insurrection and Ruptured Birth (2017)
Die Some More and Morbid Chaos (hommage à Sepultura) (2018)
Abitabyss, Archons, Evil Prevails, Black Empire, I Apocalypse, Seismic, Die Some More, Away To Die (2018)
Cattle Decapitation and Depths of Hatred (2018)
Abitabyss and Away to Die (2018)
0 EPK – Hellnite – Midnight Terrors (LP)(2019)
Hellnite – Midnight Terrors (LP)(2019)
For fans of Kreator, Slayer, Havok, Skull Fist, Carcass, and Death
Release Date: February 12, 2019
Label: Sliptrick Records
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
L-R – Konnor Miskiman (bass), Paolo Belmar (vocals and guitar), Ryan Payne (drums)
Photo credit: Kefikim Design – Photographer: Kafir Judas
SHORT BIO:
Hellnite is a heavy metal project that was founded in 2010 in Mexico City by Paolo Belmar (vocals and guitar) originally playing covers of early influences, heavyweights including Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth. In 2011 and 2012 they began experimenting with various sounds and playing local events in their home city and their recognizable, heavy original music in the style of Kreator, Slayer and Death was lapped up by fans. The first EP “Manipulator” was debuted in 2013 and shortly after, the band ultimately dissolved and Belmar moved to Canada. A metal fan from a young age determined to keep his project going, Belmar continued to work on the project in his new home of Edmonton, Canada. Working diligently, he performed all the parts for the second album, “Midnight Terrors” which will be released in February 2019. Dauntlessly carrying on, Hellnite now has a full lineup to play live and has been bringing their music to metalheads across Canada and plans to unleash the third album to compliment “Midnight Terrors” is underway.
LONG BIO:
Hellnite is a heavy metal project that was founded in 2010 in Mexico City by Paolo Belmar (vocals and guitar) with schoolmates Luis Mora (ex-bass) and Mauricio Salas (ex-drums). They originally started off playing covers of their early influences, heavyweights including Metallica, Anthrax and Megadeth. A year later, they recruited Luiz Guzman (rhythm guitar) to the band and their sound began to narrow into an authentic form that would see them creating heavy original music in the style of Kreator, Slayer and Death. In 2011 and 2012 they began experimenting with various sounds and playing local shows, conventions, festivals and other events in their home city and their recognizable, heavy songs were lapped up by fans. The first EP “Manipulator” was debuted in 2013 and shortly after, Guzman parted ways with the band leaving Hellnite to become a power trio. Writing started for the next release but the band ultimately dissolved not long after and Belmar moved to Canada. A metal fan from a young age, determined to keep his project going, Belmar continued to work on the project in his new home of Edmonton, Canada. Working diligently, he performed all the parts for the second album, “Midnight Terrors” which will be released in February 2019. The full length paranormal and sci-fi themed concept album proves the growth of the project and leads the way for future releases as Belmar hints: “It’s basically an open door to the next stage of this project. I have been working on this album since 2014, and the next album will be completely different. This album I think will be well received from people who are into oldies and classic metal, I want to provoke curiosity; my purpose is to catch people’s attention so they can follow the next movements of the band, which are going to be a little bit twisted in comparison with Midnight Terrors.”
Dauntlessly carrying on, Hellnite now has a full lineup to play live and has been bringing their music to metalheads across Canada and plans to unleash the third album to compliment “Midnight Terrors” is underway.
Hellnite – Midnight Terrors (LP)(2019)
Release date: February 12, 2019
Record label: Sliptrick Records
Tracklisting
1. Projection
2. Phantom Force
3. Spirits Prevail
4. Beasts from the Deep
5. Thrash of the Living Dead
6. Darker than Black
7 Stage on Fire
8 The Necromancer
9 Midnight Terror
Sales link:
Album credits
- All songs and lyrics were written by Paolo Belmar, Mauricio Salas and Luis “Chaps” Mora
- Produced by Paolo Belmar
- Mixed by: Jon Harris at Rock Metal Studios
- Mastered by: Lasse Lamert at LSD Studios
- Album Artwork by: Alex Camacho at Inner Brush Studio
Available on Spotify, ITunes, Amazon, Google Play, iHeartRadio
Album Band Line Up
Paolo Belmar – Vocals, guitars, bass and programmed drums
Live Band Line Up
Paolo Belmar – Vocals and guitar
Ryan Payne – Drums
Konnor Miskiman – Bass
Ryan Payne – Drums
Konnor Miskiman – Bass
Discography:
Midnight Terrors – Full-Length (2019)
Manipulator – EP (2013)
Shared the stage with
Makina, IntoxXxicated, Strike Master, Cerverus, and Winter Heaven
Festivals and Tours
Expo Ttuajes Mexico City (2014)
Rabid and Dirty Fest (2014)
Six Flags Mexico (2012)
Expo Ttuajes Mexico City (2014)
Rabid and Dirty Fest (2014)
Six Flags Mexico (2012)
0 EPK – TrollWar – Oath Of The Storm (LP) (2018)
TrollWar – Oath Of The Storm (LP) (2018)
For fans of Wintersun, Ensiferum, Finntroll, Amon Amarth, Luca Turilli
Release Date: November 16, 2018
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
Trollwar.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify | Encyclopedia Metallum | Deezer
Sales links: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon | CDBaby | BigCartel
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
“The whole record is an adventure; the sequencing flows well from song to song and is bumpered nicely by an intro that sets the mood, plus an outro that gently brings things to a close, returning the listener safely back to their respective realities. At the end of the day, I definitely think Trollwar is onto something here; they are proudly waving the folk-metal banner and are destined for big things.”
”The vocals are abrasively savage, and the swirling keyboard melody is like ear heroin. I can’t help myself — the song pushes too many buttons for me to resist.” – No Clean Singing
“OATH OF THE STORM has a wave of well-written catchy songs, good production, lots of intensity and power as well, which is something some of the other bands lack. TrollWar is a pretty appropriate name for this enjoyable act and OATH OF THE STORM is one of the more intense Folk Metal albums out this year.” – Metal Rules
“All the songs on this LP are FAR better than anything else I have heard from the band.” – Butterflyman
”the tracks are face smashing and memorable with enough layers to satisfy even the most tech savvy of you folksters”…….”It’s hard to necessarily give you specifics other than multiple layers of instrumentation, blast beats, keys and symphonic touches with shredding guitar and vocals.”- Folk Metal.NL
”Epic, yet down to earth, beautiful yet destructive, these are all things that embody Trollwar” – Two Guys Metal
”The 7-piece band plays a mixture of epic black metal, melodic death metal and folk metal, influenced by the big names of the genre” – Metal Soundscapes
TrollWar – Oath Of The Storm (LP) (2018)
Distribution: CD Baby
Release Date: November 16, 2018
Track Listing:
1. Intro (1:47)
2. Summoning (6:12)
3. Into Shadows (4:40)
4. The Forsaken One (3:47)
5. In Defiance (5:00)
6. Hymn For The Vanquished (4:43)
7. Forgotten (5:36)
8. Omens of Victory (4:28)
9. Home of Forbidden Lore (5:24)
10. Shores of Madness (5:03)
11. Winter’s Night (5:15)
12. Outro (3:02)
Album Length: 55:01
Sales links: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon | CDBaby | BigCartel
Album Credits:
- All songs were written and performed by Trollwar
- Produced, mixed, and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) at The Grid Studio
- Album Artwork by Nicolas Francoeur (Vorace-Art)
Album and live line-up:
Yanick Tremblay (drums)
Mathieu Chauvette (guitar)
Steeve Jobin-Fortin (guitar)
Keven Villeneuve (bass)
Yanick Tremblay (drums)
Mathieu Chauvette (guitar)
Steeve Jobin-Fortin (guitar)
Keven Villeneuve (bass)
Jonathan Mathieu (accordion)
Simon-Pierre Fortin-Leclerc (vocals)
Simon-Pierre Fortin-Leclerc (vocals)
SHORT BIO:
Hailing from Alma Québec, Trollwar combine the best elements of folk, melodic death and black metal into something vital, potent and uniquely their own. Building on the foundations created by the likes of Finntroll and Amon Amarth they forge fiery folky metal that is unique and complex.
Since starting their quest in 2011, they have leveled past their folk roots and have taken a darker, more powerful path becoming more versatile and utilizing more inspiration from bands such as Wintersun and Luca Turilli. The symphonic and power metal elements continue to shine amongst the harshness of the folk and black metal with themes pulled from the works of Tolkien and Lovecraft.
Playing with a myriad of heavy hitters such as Kalmah, Alestorm and Arkona and with an inventory of well-received releases: ‘Bloodshed Forges’ EP (2011); ‘Earthdawn Groves’ LP (2013); and ‘The Traveler’s Path’ EP (2017); Trollwar are working mightily to forge a new LP ‘Oath of the Storm’ for 2018, that will feature their trademark ‘symphony, brutality, darkness, ambiance, and power!’.
LONG BIO:
Hailing from Alma Québec, Trollwar combine the best elements of folk, melodic death and black metal into something vital, potent and uniquely their own. Building on the foundations created by the likes of Finntroll and Amon Amarth they forge fiery folky metal that is unique and complex.
A fierce war party of long term friends with a passion for LARP events and festivals, TROLLWAR consists of Steeve Jobin-Fortin (guitar), Yanick Tremblay (drums), Mathieu Chauvette (guitars), Keven Villeneuve (bass), Simon-Pierre Fortin-Leclerc (vocals) and Jonathan Mathieu (accordion).
Since starting their quest in 2011, they have leveled past their folk roots and have taken a darker, more powerful path becoming more versatile and utilizing more inspiration from bands such as Wintersun and Luca Turilli. The symphonic and power metal elements continue to shine amongst the harshness of the folk and black metal with themes pulled from the works of Tolkien and Lovecraft.
Eager to etch their mark on the metal scene, their live shows are full of the brutality and energy that each one of them brings to the stage, albeit often times, in close quarters:
“Live, the listener can expect something epic! 6 metalheads banging their head offs and playing the instrument they like the most. Epic breakdowns and melodies, pretty good entertainment in general. It’s harder to move on the stage when you are 6 and you play in small venues, but don’t fool yourself. It won’t keep the energy from being thrown in your face from the stage.”
Playing with a myriad of heavy hitters such as Kalmah, Alestorm and Arkona and with an inventory of well-received releases: ‘Bloodshed Forges’ EP (2011); ‘Earthdawn Groves’ LP (2013); and ‘The Traveler’s Path’ EP (2017); Trollwar are working mightily to forge a new LP ‘Oath of the Storm’ for 2018, that will feature their trademark ‘symphony, brutality, darkness, ambiance, and power!’.
Playing with a myriad of heavy hitters such as Kalmah, Alestorm and Arkona and with an inventory of well-received releases: ‘Bloodshed Forges’ EP (2011); ‘Earthdawn Groves’ LP (2013); and ‘The Traveler’s Path’ EP (2017); Trollwar are working mightily to forge a new LP ‘Oath of the Storm’ for 2018, that will feature their trademark ‘symphony, brutality, darkness, ambiance, and power!’.
Discography:
Oath of the Storm LP (NEW) (2018)
Distrollbar Split (2017)
The Traveler’s Path EP (2017)
Omens of Victory Single (2016)
Earthdawn Groves LP (2013)
Bloodshed Forges EP (2011)
Shared Stage with:
Kalmah, Alestorm, Arkona, Seth, Necronomicon, Beyond Creation, Aeternam, Vesperia, Gone in April, Les Bâtards du Nord, Valknatch, Valfreya, Nordheim, Sanguine Glacialis.
Kalmah, Alestorm, Arkona, Seth, Necronomicon, Beyond Creation, Aeternam, Vesperia, Gone in April, Les Bâtards du Nord, Valknatch, Valfreya, Nordheim, Sanguine Glacialis.
Tour Dates & Festivals
FEQ (Festival d’été de Québec), QC (2017)
INNERFEST, Saguenay, QC (2015)
SAGUENAY Viking Fest, Saguenay, QC (2015)
MTL Viking Fest – Montréal, QC (2014)
QC Viking Fest – Austin, QC (2013)
Hellfest Lanaudière, Mandeville, QC (2012)
Bildofest, La Baie, QC (2011)
0 Fractal Cypher – Prelude To An Impending Outcome (EP) (2018)
Fractal Cypher – Prelude To An Impending Outcome (EP) (2018)
Release Date: November 8, 2018
Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Instagram | Bandcamp | Encylopedia Metallum
For fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Scar Symmetry, Sonata Arctica, Kamelot
#5 on VOIR (Montreal weekly) Top 2016 Quebec Artists for debut album “The Human Paradox”
“an enormously talented band” – Progressive Music Planet
“Montreal has another very hot iron in the fire of metal” – Metal Observer
“their style is tailor made to resonate with fans of Dream Theater and Symphony X, but without the thick layer of pretentiousness that follows the former around.” – Sorrow Eternal
“If you’ve ever wanted a hearty progressive mix of old and new, then look no further. Imagine Dream Theater and Pagan’s Mind thrown into a melting pot and then given a modern makeover. Do you like the sound of that? I do, which is why I like Fractal Cypher.” – Wonderbox Metal
“La production se veut impeccable, les compositions sont copieuses au niveau des arrangements et Fractal Cypher possède cette qualité qui se veut bien importante pour le genre : allier la complexité musicale avec des mouvements sonores accrocheurs.” – Voir
“Montréal Quintet Fractal Cypher aren’t one of those bands you can easily categorise. Mixing a blend of Power Metal in the vein of Sonata Arctica and Avantasia, but with an aggressive, progressive and technical edge that would sit comfortably along-side the likes of Devin Townsend or Scar Symmetry. Much like the title of their album ‘The Human Paradox’, the mixing of these styles would seem somewhat paradoxical, however they are successfully and seamlessly blended to work cohesively with one another… they’re definitely one to keep an eye on, that’s for sure.” – Loud Stuff
Line Up From L to R : Steven Cope (Drums), Tommy Fradette (Bass), Simon Lavoie (Vocals), Ludovick Daoust (Keyboards), Vincent Bruneau (Guitars)
Photo Credits : Eric Sanchez Photography
SHORT BIO:
Fractal Cypher exists to captivate audiences with progressive instrumentals that cut through the mesmerizing vocals and provide a new perspective on each listen. Straight out of the heart of Canada’s metal scene, these Montreal metallers constantly shift their compositions with seamless transitions and theatrical interludes to keep audiences on their toes.
Since 2014, Simon Lavoie (vocals), Ludovick Daoust (keyboard), Vincent Bruneau (guitar), Tommy Fradette (bass) and Steven Cope (drums) have been committed to a constant evolution; the powerful quintet is just as versatile in their music as they are in their musical interests, darting between djent and classic rock whilst anchoring on a power and death metalcore.
Their debut album ‘The Human Paradox’ was released in September of 2016, with the follow-up EP ‘Prelude To An Impending Outcome’ slated to be revealed in November of 2018. If reception to the previous album is any indication of the talents of Fractal Cypher, this next release is sure to be a masterwork.
LONG BIO:
Fractal Cypher exists to captivate audiences with progressive instrumentals that cut through the mesmerizing vocals and provide a new perspective on each listen. Straight out of the heart of Canada’s metal scene, these Montreal metallers constantly shift their compositions with seamless transitions and theatrical interludes to keep audiences on their toes.
Since 2014, ex-Far From Reality members Simon Lavoie (vocals), Ludovick Daoust (keyboard), and Vincent Bruneau (guitar) have dedicated themselves to Fractal Cypher and with the addition of Tommy Fradette on bass and Steven Cope on drums, they are set to bring their message to the metal world.
Quoted as calling their music puzzling, the band follows a theme that starts with their band name, Bruneau elaborates: “Fractal is a term employed most of the time to describe a geometric shape or a design. It’s a geometric form or object that constantly evolves from its initial shape. Cypher means a secret method of writing to transmit a message or a code. We thought it would be cool to put the two concepts together, which means a repeating secret code that constantly evolves on itself, so it’s finally a message that can never be found.”
Committed to a constant evolution, the powerful quintet is just as versatile in their music as they are in their musical interests, darting between djent and classic rock whilst anchoring on a power and death metalcore. Each song acts of its own volition almost taking control of the members and shaping a personality and energy, not unlike a living entity. Ludovick is at the helm of songwriting; calculating and unlocking each melody before Lavoie becomes the voice for each piece.
Their debut album ‘The Human Paradox’ produced by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Beyond Creation, Neuraxis) was released in September of 2016, with the follow up EP ‘Prelude To An Impending Outcome’ (also produced by Donaldson) slated to be revealed in November of 2018. If reception to the previous album is any indication of the talents of Fractal Cypher, this next release is sure to be a masterwork.
1. Coming Back To Life
2. The Grandeur Of It All
3. From The Above And To The Stars
4. Red Lady
- All songs performed by: Fractal Cypher
- All songs were written by: Music By Ludovick Daoust, Lyrics by Simon Lavoie and Ludovick Daoust
- Produced by: Ludovick Daoust and Christian Donaldson
- Mixed and mastered by: Christian Donaldson
- Album Artwork by: Silent Q Desing
Album Line Up:
Vincent Bruneau (Guitars)
Ludovick Daoust (Keyboards)
Simon Lavoie (Vocal)
Tommy Fradette (Bass)
Steven Cope (Drums)
Live Line Up:
Vincent Bruneau (Guitars)
Ludovick Daoust (Keyboards)
Simon Lavoie (Vocal)
Tommy Fradette (Bass)
Steven Cope (Drums)
Yoan Marier-Proulx (live session guitarist)
Shared stage with: Hammerfall, The Agonist, Heaven’s Cry, Gone In April, Angra, The Last Scattering, Bookakee, Decadawn, Pyramid Theorem, Cydemind, Universe Effects.
Festivals and Tours
- March 2018 , Québec mini tour with Gone In April (members of Quo Vadis and Beyond Creation)
- FME fest Rouyn Noranda – March 2018
Discography
Prelude To An Impending Outcome (EP) (2018)
The Human Paradox– Full length (LP) (2016)
0 EPK – Atlas : Empire – The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet (2018)
Atlas : Empire – The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet (LP) (2018)
For fans of Thrice, Circa Survive, Glassjaw, At The Drive-In, O’Brother, The Appleseed Cast, Minus the Bear
Release Date: December 7, 2018
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
AtlasEmpire.co.uk | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Soundcloud | Spotify
Sales links: Bandcamp
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
“A lesson in progressive rock” – Rocksound (UK)
“The band show an impressive versatility throughout the record as they straddle various genres with ease. Post-hardcore sits neatly alongside the Maybeshewill inspired post-rock…” – abadgeoffriendship.com
“They hit you with a wall of sound, that has a slightly Math feel to it. The tracks have a lot of overlapping phrases, but with darker tones to the guitars, it almost feels like Deftones and Arcane Roots had a lovechild and raised it in ‘Bonnie’. Both vocalists lighten the mood and play upon a subtle gaelic charm in between tracks…There’s just the right level of melody combined with guitar-wrecking aggression for them to stand out in the Glasgow scene.” – threesongsandout.com
Atlas : Empire – The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet (LP) (2018)
Release Date: December 7, 2018
Track Listing:
1. As Yet Unwritten
2. Diminishing Returns
3. It’s All In The Reflexes
4. The Moment We Were Exploding
5. Gethsemane
6. The Entire of History You
7. Hostess
8. The Year of The Four Emperors
9. Our Hands Part The Waves
10. Cenotaphs
Album Credits:
- All were written and performed by Atlas : Empire
- Produced and mixed by Chris Marshall
- Mastered by Tom Woodhead
- Album Artwork by: Jamie Kerr
Album Band Line Up:
Steven Gillies
Jamie Sturt
Robert Hasebe
Ben Montgomery
Steven Gillies
Jamie Sturt
Robert Hasebe
Ben Montgomery
Live Band Line Up:
Steven Gillies
Jamie Sturt
Robert Hasebe
Szymon Ostasz or Blair Hutcheson
Steven Gillies
Jamie Sturt
Robert Hasebe
Szymon Ostasz or Blair Hutcheson
L-R – Robert Hasebe (bassist), Jamie Sturt (guitar and vocals), and Steven Gillies (guitar and vocals) | Photo credit:
SHORT BIO:
Atlas : Empire are a progressive alternative rock band, based in Glasgow, UK. Since forming in 2011, Atlas : Empire have enjoyed success both through their recordings and over several tours crossing the UK, the EU and Eastern Canada, including performing at Indieweek in Toronto.
To date the band has released 3 EPs, “To The Astronaut…” (2012); “Somnus” (2013) and “For the Satellites” (2015) with “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet”, an ambitious concept album set to be released in 2018.
Weaving their way between the multitudes of different genres that influence them, Atlas : Empire visit the worlds of heavy progressive rock and expansive ambient shoegaze. Exploring topics that centralise around the concept of become exponentially more reliant on technology and less “connected” by proxy, and the future of modern society when the system we rely on fails. With a slew of songs written and plans already for a fifth release, A : E is shooting for the stars.”
LONG BIO:
Atlas : Empire are a progressive alternative rock band, based in Glasgow, UK. Since forming in 2011, Atlas : Empire have enjoyed success both through their recordings and over several tours crossing the UK, the EU and Eastern Canada, including performing at Indieweek in Toronto.
The band started as a duo between Steven Gillies and Jamie Sturt with programmed drums, the music was much more ambient, in a traditional sense. In 2012, they expanded to a 4-piece and the first EP “To The Astronaut…” was released adding more electronic elements, and ultimately progressing towards a more guitar-driven sound. They spent the next few years as a 5-piece, drawing influence from artists like O’Brother, Oceansize and Caspian gradually becoming heavier and more experimental. The second EP “Somnus” was released in 2013 with Rocksound proclaiming it to be “a lesson in progressive rock.” This was followed a few years later in 2015 with the third EP “For the Satellites”.
The full length “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” is an ambitious concept album to be released in 2018, which the band is eager to get into the ears of their fans. Gillies introduces the premise of the album: “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” is a concept album, based around humanity’s growing reliance on technology and specifically how society falls apart when that fails us. We wrote each song like a chapter in a book, both musically and lyrically, to follow that narrative.”
Weaving their way between the multitudes of different genres that influence them, Atlas : Empire visits the worlds of heavy progressive rock and expansive ambient shoegaze. Exploring topics that centralise around the concept of becoming exponentially more reliant on technology and less “connected” by proxy, and the future of modern society when the system we rely on fails. With a slew of songs written and plans already for a fifth release, A : E is shooting for the stars.
Discography:
The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet (2018)
For the Satellites (2015)
Somnus (2013)
To the Astronaut… (2012)
For the Satellites (2015)
Somnus (2013)
To the Astronaut… (2012)
Shared the stage with: O’Brother, Tiny Moving Parts, Wintersleep, Saves The Day, Devil Sold His Soul & The Xcerts.
Tour Dates:
Closure in Moscow, Victor Villareal, Kurt Travis, Listener, The Appleseed Cast & Good Tiger (UK & EU)
Festivals & Showcases
2017 – Indieweek – Toronto, Canada
2017 – King Tut’s – Summernights – Glasgow, UK
2016 – Heavy Metal Buffet – Lerwick, UK
2016– King Tut’s New Years Revolution – Glasgow, UK
Awards and Recognition:
Gain Music Artist of The Month April 2018 (Guelph, Ontario)
Rocksound Artist of the month August 2013 (UK)
0 EPK – The Great Sabatini – Goodbye Audio (2018)
The Great Sabatini – Goodbye Audio (2018)
For fans of Melvins, Unsane, Neurosis, Metz, KEN mode, and Today Is The Day
Release Date: November 16, 2018
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
thegreatsabatini.com | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Metal-archives | Spotify | Itunes
Sales links: Bandcamp | Big Cartel
Record Label(s): No List Records, Ancient Temple Records, No Why Records, Pink Lemonade
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
“The band’s noisy riffs border on doom, with yelled vocals and a punchy rhythm section; fans of Melvins, Unsane and KEN mode will find plenty to love here.” – Decibel Magazine
“Montreal’s the Great Sabatini practice sludgy hardcore with tinges of noise rock, but most importantly do it with a ferocity rarely seen nowadays. Their approach is downright venomous, hitting the midpoint between Melvins’ Stoner Witch and Unsane’s Scattered, Smothered, & Covered — violent, calculating and downright disturbing. Goodbye Audio is the band’s latest offering, fans of the aforementioned as well as Helmet, KEN Mode, Today is the Day and others, pay attention, this record is for you.” – Revolver Mag
“Goodbye Audio is a heady album in all of the best ways possible, honouring the past while also elevating the genre in ways so unexpected and desperately needed.” – Exclaim!
“Four years on from their psyche ravaging third album, Dog Years, Canadian noise sludgers The Great Sabatini return with another maelstrom of noise bred dissonance which, to continue a trend set from their first releases, is their most irresistible trespass to date. Goodbye Audio is around thirty five minutes of sonic abrasion as unpredictable creatively it is expectantly striking; an invasion of raw and toxic noise intent on caustic seduction.” – The Ringmaster Review
“If you were impressed with The Great Sabatini’s 2014 ‘Dog Years’ LP then prepare to have your jaw kicked off your silly face, because ‘Goodbye Audio’ is even better. ” – Collective Zine
“The other half is a wall of incredibly weighty, borderline-doom metal wailing, contingent upon instrumental tones that constrict like pythons and don’t let go.” – Stereogum
“…hails from further out in left-field with more peaks and valleys than the heads-down-tits-up sludgy rock they fire at you from the stage…these dudes have a 90s alt-rock edge grinding against their love affair with riffs that crash bolts of lightning into stacks of Orange amps in delivering a rumbling calling card of hellacious noise.” – Decibel Magazine
“In 2012, the unpredictability and wickedness of Matterhorn and the gritty violence of the companion release The Royal We established the group as one to watch closely; Dog Years confirms that attention was well worth it.” – Exclaim! Magazine
“The Great Sabatini are not just playing by-the-numbers sludge, but rather mixing things up, and transposing their punk attitude into new forms of musical expression beyond what you might be expecting.” – The Sleeping Shaman
The Great Sabatini – Goodbye Audio (2018)
Release Date: November 16, 2018
LABEL: No List Records, Ancient Temple Records, Pink Lemonade, No Why Records
DISTRIBUTION: Independent
Track Listing:
1. Still Life With Maggots (2:06)
2. Dog Years (4:21)
3. Strip Mall or, The Pursuit Of Crappiness Parts 1-4 (3:11)
4. You’re Gonna Die (Unsatisfied) (3:28)
5. Tax Season In Dreamland (4:06)
6. Brute Cortege (3:16)
7. Hand Of Unmaking (14:06)
Album Length: 34:37
Sales link: Bandcamp | Big Cartel | Spotify
Album credits
• All songs were written and performed by The Great Sabatini
• Produced by: Sean Pearson (Cursed, Shallow North Dakota)
• Mixed by: Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City)
• Mastered by: Carl Saff (Kowloon Walled City, Big Business, KEN mode)
• Album Artwork by: Sean Arsenian/Marisa Parisella
• All songs were written and performed by The Great Sabatini
• Produced by: Sean Pearson (Cursed, Shallow North Dakota)
• Mixed by: Scott Evans (Kowloon Walled City)
• Mastered by: Carl Saff (Kowloon Walled City, Big Business, KEN mode)
• Album Artwork by: Sean Arsenian/Marisa Parisella
Album and live Band Line-Up:
Sean Sabatini (guitar/vocals)
Joey Sabatini (bass/vocals)
Rob Sabatini (guitar/vocals)
Steve Sabatini (drums/vocals)
L-R – Rob Sabatini (guitar/vocals), Joey Sabatini (bass/vocals), Steve Sabatini (drums/vocals), and Sean Sabatini (guitar/vocals)
Photo credit: Dave Levitt Photography
SHORT BIO:
Since forming in Montreal, Canada in late 2007, The Great Sabatini has released four EPs and four full length albums, and logged seemingly endless tour dates around North America and Europe. The music is an aggressive mixture of noise rock, doom, hardcore, and metal wrapped up in a burly sludge aesthetic.
The intrepid Sabatini’s; Sean (guitar/vocals), Joey (bass/vocals), Rob (guitar/vocals), and Steve (drums/vocals) got together with the intention of pursuing their musical dreams with similar goals: slow it down, tune it down, turn it up and keep screaming. With all four of them belting out the lyrics, they play loud, and with conviction.
The raw sound compliments the persistent theme of mortality that the new album centers on, with Sean concocted most of the lyrics for, but with heavy input from his band mates. Going forward, The Great Sabatini is less focused on complicating their parts and set on being direct along with working together and highlighting each other’s strengths.
LONG BIO:
Since forming in Montreal, Canada in late 2007, The Great Sabatini has released four EPs and four full length albums, and logged seemingly endless tour dates around North America and Europe. The music is an aggressive mixture of noise rock, doom, hardcore, and metal wrapped up in a burly sludge aesthetic.
The intrepid Sabatini’s; Sean (guitar/vocals), Joey (bass/vocals), Rob (guitar/vocals), and Steve (drums/vocals) got together with the intention of pursuing their musical dreams with similar goals: slow it down, tune it down, turn it up and keep screaming. With all four of them belting out the lyrics, they play loud, and with conviction.
The years of hard work have paid off and to date The Great Sabatini has released an extensive catalogue of recorded works: ‘Burning Wilderness’ EP (2008); ‘Sad Parade Of Yesterdays’ (2009); ‘Napoleon Sodomite’ EP (2011); ‘The Royal We’ EP (2011); ‘Matterhorn’ (2012); ‘Dog Years’ (2014); a split with Anthesis (2015); a split with Godstopper (2016); and ‘Goodbye Audio’ (2018). To amplify on this impressive discography they have also toured extensively across North America and Europe.
After working together for 11 years, the band has refined their heartfelt noisy sludge to perfection. Overcoming situations that prohibit them from getting together often, demos and samples are passed around amongst themselves until a final cohesive body of work is completed. Their upcoming album “Goodbye Audio” due out November 16th, 2018 is a prime example of the harmony and aptitude that can only come from over a decade of being together; it’s a more robust and evolved sound, but still maintaining the caustic energy they had when they started.
When asked about “Goodbye Audio”, they responded: ‘
“We’re trying to give people a raw-ass document of abrasive sludge and noise rock in the most hi-fi package possible. We’re not interested in polish or smoothing over any rough edges… just achieving something of high sonic quality that presents the band that we are today…”
The raw sound only compliments the persistent theme of mortality that the new album centers on, with Sean concocted most of the lyrics for, but with heavy input from his band mates. Going forward, The Great Sabatini is less focused on complicating their parts and set on being direct along with working together and highlighting each other’s strengths.
“Goodbye Audio” will be available on vinyl from No List Records, Ancient Temple Records and No Why Records. Cassette version will be available from Pink Lemonade and feature an exclusive bonus track “Drain The Swamp” only available on that format. Digital download available on TGS’ Bandcamp here.
Discography:
Goodbye Audio (Full Length) (2018)
Split Tape with Godstopper (2016)
Split mini CD with Anthesis (2015)
Dog Years (Full Length) (2014)
Matterhorn (Full Length) (2012)
The Royal We (EP) (2012)
Napoleon Sodomite (EP) (2011)
Sad Parade Of Yesterdays (Full Length) (2009)
Burning Wilderness (EP) (2008)
Split Tape with Godstopper (2016)
Split mini CD with Anthesis (2015)
Dog Years (Full Length) (2014)
Matterhorn (Full Length) (2012)
The Royal We (EP) (2012)
Napoleon Sodomite (EP) (2011)
Sad Parade Of Yesterdays (Full Length) (2009)
Burning Wilderness (EP) (2008)
Shared the stage with:
Yautja, Pyrrhon, KEN mode, Kvelertak, Today Is The Day, Coliseum, Metz, Valient Thor, CKY, Godstopper, Indian, Dopethrone, Fuck The Facts, and Hivesmasher.
Tour Dates & Festivals:
- 4 date stretch of Canadian cities on the Yautja/Pyrrhon tour November 2017
- European tour November 2015
- Fall North American Tour September 17-October 6, 2014
- Western Canada/USA tour May 22-June 13, 2014
- Calgary Metal Fest (2014)
- Eastern Canada tour August 28-September 4, 2013
- European tour April 2-April 27, 2013
- Western USA/Canada Tour September 28 -October 19, 2012
- Midwestern USA/Canada Tour August 2-August 13, 2012
- Arsonfest (2012)
- North American Tour March 1-March 24 2012
- Eastern Canada Tour with KEN Mode August 4-August 14, 2011
- North American Tour March 9-April 3rd, 2011
- Full North American tour Sept 29-Oct 31, 2010
- Eastern USA tour May 13-May 22, 2010
- Eastern Canada tour February 11-February 20, 2010
- East coast Canada tour September 19-September 28, 2008
- Coast to coast Canadian tour February 29-April 5, 2008
Endorsements:
Steve Plays Los Cabos Drum Sticks
0 EPK – Karmic Link – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Karmic Link – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Release Date: October 19, 2018
DISTRIBUTION & LABEL: Rockshot Records
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com
karmiclink.tumblr.com | Facebook | Youtube | Soundcloud
Bandcamp | Spotify | RockShots Store
Download High Res Photo | Download High Res Album Cover | Download Logo
Karma Link – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Release Date: October 19, 2018
Label & distribution: Rockshots Records
Track Listing:
1. Random Phantom
2. Dark Metropolis*
3. The Tone Of C
4. False Spots On The Highway
5. Your Fire Will Burn For Centuries
6. RiaMa (instrumental)
7. EndLess
8. Lost Magic Alchemy
9. Nostalgia
Album and live line-up
Stathis Kassios: Keys, Vocals, Samples
Evan Hensley: Guitars, Bass
Kim ‘Kimbo’ Gustavsson: Drums, Guitars
Album Credits
- Produced by Stathis Kassios & Evan Hensley
- Mixed by Stathis Kassios & George Frangelis at SoundHouse Studios Athens (www.soundhousegr.com)
- Mastered by George Frangelis at SoundHouse Studios Athens
- All music & lyrics by Stathis Kassios
- Artwork & Design by Stathis Ridis (Lucifer’s Child)
- Photography by Anastasia Michail
- Guitars & Bass recorded in Nashville (USA) at Twilight Cloud Studio
- Drums & more guitars recorded in Oslo (Norway) at Pluto Hill Studio
- Keys recorded in Athens (Greece) at Cyberia Studio
- Vocals recorded in Athens at SoundHouses Studio
- Guest vocal appearance in “Dark Metropolis’’ by Vassilis Mazaris (Daylight Misery)
- Guitars on Random Phantom, Dark Metropolis, Endless, Lost Magic Alchemy, Nostalgia, by Evan Hensley
- Bass on all tracks by Evan Hensley
- Drums on Dark Metropolis, The Tone of C, False Spots on the Highway, Your Fire Will Burn for Centuries by Kim ‘Kimbo’ Gustavsson
- Guitars on The Tone of C, False Spots on the Highway, Your Fire Will Burn for Centuries by Kim ‘Kimbo’ Gustavsson
Album Line Up:
Stathis Kassios – Keyboards, Vocals
Evan Hensley – Guitars, Bass
Kim Kimbo Gustavsson – Drums, Guitars
*Dark Metropolis track features a guest vocal appearance by Vassilis Mazaris (Daylight Misery)
Discography:
UPCOMING RELEASE – Dark Metropolis (2018)
Esoterica (2010)
No Light But Rather Darkness Visible (2008)
L-R – Stathis Kassios (keys and vocals) and Evan Hensley (guitar and bass)
Photo by Anastasia Michail (Photography)
SHORT BIO:
Karmic Link is the brainchild of Stathis Kassios (Nightfall, ex-system Shock) who, after a period of extensive recording and live experience, gave birth to a surrealistic musical project. In 2006, he started experimenting on some songs with Mina G., a charismatic mezzo-soprano, full of karmic ideas. The link was established and the result was mixed and mastered in the famous Tico Tico studios in Finland. The group’s debut album “No Light but Rather Darkness Visible” was released in 2008 with a new lineup consisting of Stathis Kassios, Evan Hensley and Kim Kimbo Gustavsson. Karmic Link so far consists of Mediterranean energy, doses of industrial coldness, atmospheric landscapes, progressive bits, instrumental madness, dark pop tunes, electro breakdowns, funky grooves and hard rock pentatonic moments. Karmic Link’s new album Dark Metropolis (2018) is an album sourcing musicianship from Greece, Norway, and USA, different cultures bound together to offer an alternative metal experience!
LONG BIO:
Karmic Link is the brainchild of Stathis Kassios (Nightfall, ex-system Shock) who, after a period of extensive recording and live experience, gave birth to a surrealistic musical project. In 2006, he started experimenting on some songs with Mina G., a charismatic mezzo-soprano, full of karmic ideas. The link was established and the result was mixed and mastered in the famous Tico Tico studios in Finland. So sinners…beware. Karmic Link so far consists of Mediterranean energy, doses of industrial coldness, atmospheric landscapes, progressive bits, instrumental madness, dark pop tunes, electro breakdowns, funky grooves and hard rock pentatonic moments.
“Karmic Link is promoting thought-provoking concepts, ideas, heretic, and hermetic philosophies to explain today’s chaotic world and the dystopian times to come in a globally connected world…Karmic Link is the bitter yet powerful sound of our personal life’s soundtrack filled with anxiety for the future ruled by technology.” Stathis Kassios
The group’s debut album “No Light but Rather Darkness Visible” was released in 2008 and the concept behind this intriguing title, is questioning the Eastern vs Western modern conflict but from a metaphysical point of view. Guest musicians on the CD include Bob Katsionis (Firewind), who recorded and performed all rhythm and lead guitars, and Jani Liimatainen (Sonata Arctica), who laid down leads on one of the two instrumental songs of the album.
Although coming from a warm Mediterranean country, Greece, Stathis Kassios embarked on a life-changing trip in 2008 in cold Sweden where he met Evan Hensley coming from Nashville, Tennessee and Kim Kimbo Gustavsson who is Swedish. The 3 musicians started jamming and working together with great success in System Shock’s “Urban Rage” album and Karmic Link’s thought-provoking concept studio album ‘’Esoterica’’ released in 2010.
Karmic Link’s new album Dark Metropolis (2018) is an album sourcing musicianship from Greece, Norway, and USA, different cultures bound together to offer an alternative metal experience!
CDs and digital downloads available on Rockshots Records, iTunes, and Spotify.
0 EPK – Atria – New World Nightmare (DEBUT EP) (2018)
Atria – New World Nightmare (EP)
For fans of In Flames, Soilwork, Arch Enemy, Trivium
Release Date: November 16, 2018
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: CDN Records
PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Soundcloud | Reverbnation
Sales links: Bandcamp | Distrokid
Download promotional photo | Download album artwork
L-R – Tim Ross (guitar), Brent Westmoreland (bass), Tom Emmans (vocals), Matt McGuire (drums), and Travis McGinnis (guitar)
SHORT BIO:
Atria is a anthemic metal band from Ontario, Canada that plays heavy, yet catchy music with prime influences including Lamb of God, Soilwork, Tool and Slipknot. Founded by Tom Emmans (vocals) and Tim Ross (guitar) in August of 2017, they recruited Matt McGuire (drummer), Brent Westmoreland (bass) and Travis McGinnis (guitar) to fill out the lineup and have played a handful of shows and festivals with a great response and are hungry for more.
The debut release for the band, New World Nightmare EP, is due November 16th, 2018 and is just a teaser of what is to be expected from the band. Not just sticking with the usual heavy formula of the genre, they also add plenty of synth and orchestral parts and experiment with varying degrees of technicality. Even as a relatively new band, Atria is finding their place in the Canadian underground scene and making their name known amongst a wide variety of metal fans.
LONG BIO:
Atria is a anthemic metal band from Ontario, Canada that plays heavy, yet catchy music with prime influences including Lamb of God, Soilwork, Tool and Slipknot.
Founded by Tom Emmans (vocals) and Tim Ross (guitar) in August of 2017, the band takes its name from a music venue in a nearby city at which Emmans and Ross played their first gig at with a different band. The experiences had at that place resonated enough to be cemented as the band’s moniker. Eventually they recruited Matt McGuire (drummer), Brent Westmoreland (bass) and Travis McGinnis (guitar) to fill out the lineup and have played a handful of shows and festivals with a great response and are hungry for more.
The debut release for the band, New World Nightmare EP, is due November 16th, 2018 and is just a teaser of what is to be expected from the band. Not just sticking with the usual heavy formula of the genre, they also add plenty of synth and orchestral parts and experiment with varying degrees of technicality. Emmans expands on his vision for the band’s direction: “I’ve always been a fan of catchy choruses. I like when bands can bring something dark and heavy but also give me something to sing along to. We’ve tried to do that with our new single and I think we’ve accomplished that. Also the lyrics have a great deal of depth and personal meaning to them. The rest of the album is much heavier but there are still plenty of good hooks worked in there.”
Even as a relatively new band, Atria is finding their place in the Canadian underground scene and making their name known amongst a wide variety of metal fans.
Atria – New World Nightmare (2018)
Release date: Nov 16, 2018
Track listing
1. New World Nightmare
2. Someone With Me
3. Less Than Equal
4. Follow You Home
EP Length: 24:24
Distribution: CDN Records | Distrokid
Sales link: Bandcamp
Album credits
- All songs were written and performed by Atria
- Produced and mixed by Jon Howard
- Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound
- Album Artwork: Mikio Murakami at Silent Q Design
Available on Spotify, ITunes, Amazon, Google Play, iHeartRadio
Album Line up and Live Line Up :
Tom Emmans – Vocals
Tim Ross – Guitar
Travis McGinnis– Guitar
Brent Westmoreland – Bass
Matt McGuire – Drums
Tom Emmans – Vocals
Tim Ross – Guitar
Travis McGinnis– Guitar
Brent Westmoreland – Bass
Matt McGuire – Drums
Discography:
2018 – New World Nightmare (DEBUT)
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