• About AMR
  • Band EPKs
  • Campus Radio Campaigns & Charts
  • Festivals & Associations
    • 420 Music & Arts Festival (Calgary, AB)
    • Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC)
    • Calgary Metalfest
    • Calgary’s YYC Music Awards
    • Days of The Dead Festival (Red Deer, AB)
    • Loud As Hell Metal Fest (Drumheller, AB)
    • Metalocalypstick Fest (Lone Butte, BC) – Mountains, Camping and the Women of Metal!
    • ShrEdmonton Metal Fest & Conference
    • WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA
    • WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA
  • Services (Hire Us!)
  • Subscribe To AMR Artist News & Album Promo

Tag: Ayreon

0 Rockshots Records: Welcome To The World of AVALAND w/ Debut Music Video “Theater of Sorcery” ft. Emmanuelson (Rising Steel), Metal Opera Album Out April 2, 2021

  • January 15, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Avaland (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2021

For fans of Avantasia, Ayreon, Beast In Black, Nightmare, Sonata Arctica

Rockshots Records: Welcome To The World of AVALAND w/ Debut Music Video “Theater of Sorcery” ft. Emmanuelson (Rising Steel) 

Metal Opera Album “Theater Of Sorcery” Out April 2, 2021

Album Guests w/ Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO),
Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emanuelson (Rising Steel),
Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare)



Avaland is L-R:
Camille Souffron: Bass, Double-Bass
Christophe Feutrier: Guitars
Adrien G. Gzagg: Composer, Writer, Lead Singer, Keyboards and Orchestrations
Lucas Martinez: Guitars
Léo Mouchonay: Drums

Grenoble, France’s AVALAND welcomes fans to their symphonic and operatic metal world with their debut music video “Theater of Sorcery” featuring guest vocals from Emmanuelson of Rising Steel. . The song is the title track from their forthcoming debut album due out April 2021 via Rockshots Records. The full length was directed, written, and composed by 22-year-old prodigy Adrien G. Gzagg.

“This song is a great introduction to the world of Avaland, like a kind of hymn. It teases what’s gonna happen throughout the album, it’s an invitation for an epic and magical journey. Adam, the main character is about to share his story. The song also introduces the character The Master Of Sorcery performed by Emmanuelson (Rising Steel, Ellipsis…), who helped me a lot with this album and coached me to do my best. He is a mentor to me so it was obvious to have him as the Sorcerer who will teach Adam to control his power. He and I share a great passion for music and I’m really proud to open the Avaland story with him. For the title track’s guitar solo, I asked Ricky Marx (Now Or Never, ex-Pretty Maids), because after seeing him play with Now Or Never, I noticed something mystical in his guitar feelings that I found really cool, he’s got this old school touch that I admire. I really love the magic of his solo on this track!” adds Adrien G. Gzagg.

Enter the world of AVALAND by exploring their debut music video “Theater of Sorcery” via Rockshots Records’ YouTube channel HERE.

Spotify playlist add HERE.

Inspired by heroic fantasy, history, mythologies, and esoterism, Gzagg decided to create an epic story album with 8 characters. Entitled “Theater Of Sorcery”, the debut will be a theatrical metal adventure that tells the story of a young sorcerer Adam Wilstorm who could be the salvation of bringing back the light to the kingdom of Avaland and during his journey, he must learn to control his powers linked to the Storm.

For AVALAND, Gzagg reunited with four musician friends Camille Souffron (Bass), Christophe Feutrier (Guitars), Lucas Martinez (Guitars), and Léo Mouchonay (Drums) that he has performed with in the past to help him to record the metal opera’s debut full-length. The record also includes talented guests for vocals and guitars with Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emmanuelson (Rising Steel), Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare) among many other great musicians.

Gzagg adds:

“I started my heavy metal life as a great fan of Avantasia and Ayreon. I was impressed by those big teams Tobias Sammet and Arjen Lucassen could create. I quickly knew I would make something like this in my life! It wasn’t easy to find musicians who were crazy enough to follow me in this adventure, and I thank them so much for their trust in this project, especially guitarist Christophe Feutrier (guitars) my partner in crime for Avaland for 5 years now.

I like to also add that Avaland is not a “classic” band, it’s a Metal-Opera and when Covid is over, I plan to take it the stage with many vocalists to perform this theatrical tale of an epic and magical story. To sum it up, Avaland is a modern-age opera to not just fans of metal, but beyond!”

The debut album “Theater of Sorcery” will be released on April 2, 2021.

Digital Album Pre Save: https://backl.ink/143916904

Physical Album Pre Order: http://bit.ly/TheaterOfSorcery_CD


Track Listing:
1. Theater Of Sorcery – feat. Emmanuelson
2. Gypsum Flower – feat. Scheepers/Emmanuelson/Zorgati
3. Let the Wind Blow – feat. Zorgati/Heli/Kanji
4. Storyteller – feat. Zak Stevens
5. Escape To Paradise – feat. Zorgati/Kanji
6. Holy Kingdom Of Fools – feat. Jeff Kanji
7. Never Let Me Walk Alone – feat. Madie
8. Deja-Vu – feat. Emmanuelson
9. I’ll Be Ready For Your Love – feat. Heli Andrea
10. War Of Minds – feat. Zorgati/Madie
11. Rise From The Ashes – feat.orgati/Madie/Stevens/Heli/Kanji/Emmanuelson/Scheepers

AVALAND is :
Adrien G. Gzagg: Composer, Writer, Lead Singer, Keyboards and Orchestrations
Christophe Feutrier: Guitars
Lucas Martinez: Guitars
Camille Souffron: Bass, Double-Bass
Léo Mouchonay: Drums

Guests / Characters:
Adrien G. Gzagg is Adam Wilstorm
Zaher Zorgati (Myrath) is Adam’s Inner Voice
Jeff Kanji is Jacob Reiser, Adam’s Best Friend
Heli Andrea (Mobius/OLANE) is Solveig Elweiss, Adam’s Beloved Emmanuelson (Rising Steel/Ellipsis) is The Master Of Sorcery
Zak Stevens (Ex-Savatage/TSO/Archon Angel) is The Storyteller, appearing from the past
Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear/ex-Gamma Ray) is Aloïsius Jestens, King Of Avaland
Madie (Nightmare/Faith In Agony) is The Guardian Angel

Guests Guitars:
Ricky Marx (Ex-Pretty Maids/Now Or Never) on 1. Theater Of Sorcery
Stephan Forté (Adagio) on 2. Gypsum Flower
Ayman Mokdad (Venus Syndrome/Alien Encounters) on 7. Never Let Me Walk Alone
Virgile (ex-Rising Steel/Schräpnel) on 11. Deja-Vu

Choirs and Back Vocals:
Adrien G. Gzagg, Chris Feutrier, Leo Mouchonay, Emmanuelson, Jeff Kanji, Heli Andrea, Yves Campion (Nightmare), Cara (Eltharia)

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Avaland-themetalopera.com
Facebook.com/avaland.metal.opera
Instagram.com/avaland_metal_opera
Twitter.com/AvalandMetal

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Rockshots Records Signs AVALAND For Metal Opera Debut Album “Theater Of Sorcery” Out April 2021

  • December 15, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Avaland (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 15, 2020

For fans of Avantasia, Ayreon, Beast In Black, Nightmare, Sonata Arctica

Rockshots Records Signs AVALAND For Metal Opera Debut Album “Theater Of Sorcery” Out April 2021

Album Guests w/ Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emmanuelson (Rising Steel), Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare) and more!


Avaland is L-R:
Camille Souffron: Bass, Double-Bass
Christophe Feutrier: Guitars
Adrien G. Gzagg: Composer, Writer, Lead Singer, Keyboards and Orchestrations
Lucas Martinez: Guitars
Léo Mouchonay: Drums

Rockshots Records is proud to announce their signing of Grenoble, France’s AVALAND, an epic and symphonic metal opera, directed, written, and composed by young 22-year-old prodigy Adrien G. Gzagg.

Inspired by heroic fantasy, history, mythologies, and esoterism, Gzagg decided to create an epic story with 8 characters. Entitled “Theater Of Sorcery”, the debut will be a theatrical metal adventure that tells the story of a young sorcerer Adam Wilstorm who could be the salvation of bringing back the light to the kingdom of Avaland and during his journey, he must learn to control his powers linked to the Storm.

For AVALAND, Gzagg reunited with four musician friends Camille Souffron (Bass), Christophe Feutrier (Guitars), Lucas Martinez (Guitars), and Léo Mouchonay (Drums) that he has performed with in the past to help him to record the metal opera’s debut full-length. The record also includes talented guests for vocals and guitars with Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Zak Stevens (Savatage/TSO), Zaher Zorgati (Myrath), Emmanuelson (Rising Steel), Stéphan Forté (Adagio), Madie (Nightmare) among many other great musicians.

Gzagg adds:

“I started my heavy metal life as a great fan of Avantasia and Ayreon. I was impressed by those big teams Tobias Sammet and Arjen Lucassen could create. I quickly knew I would make something like this in my life! It wasn’t easy to find musicians who were crazy enough to follow me in this adventure, and I thank them so much for their trust in this project, especially guitarist Christophe Feutrier (guitars) my partner in crime for Avaland for 5 years now.

I like to also add that Avaland is not a “classic” band, it’s a Metal-Opera and when Covid is over, I plan to take it the stage with many vocalists to perform this theatrical tale of an epic and magical story. To sum it up, Avaland is a modern-age opera to not just fans of metal, but beyond!”

The album will be released on April 2, 2021.

An album teaser can be heard and viewed on YouTube.

For more info:
Rockshots.eu 
https://www.facebook.com/avaland.metal.opera

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Rockshots Records: Progressive Death ISLE OF THE CROSS New Music Video ‘The Wolf’ Debut Album “Excelsis” Out Now!

  • July 16, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Isle of The Cross · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 16, 2020

Interview Request at asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Symphony X, Ayreon, Opeth

Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS New Music Video ‘The Wolf’

Debut Album “Excelsis” Out Now!

Progressive-death metal band ISLE OF THE CROSS have unleashed their new video ‘The Wolf’ in support of their debut album “Excelsis” released this past February via Rockshots Records.

The video is for tracks “The Wolf, Pt I. Invocation” and “The Wolf, Pt II. Sanctuary”.

Watch the video at this link HERE.  

The band explains in further detail:

“The two ‘Wolf’ tracks take a little diversion from the storyline on the album in order to pay homage and deliver a message to a small parish that celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

‘The Wolf, Pt I. Invocation’ is an octagonal ritual where the leader welcomes and initiates the obliteration of the innocent minds of children. ‘The Wolf, Pt II. Sanctuary’ is a direct message to the small parish previously mentioned and quite timely as they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Though it truly is a universal message to all leaders and followers of religious sects and cults who are so violently overcome by their own self-righteous pride and arrogance; having a form of Godliness and blindly believing through their own willing enslavement that they are actually ‘serving God.’ One of the cardinal sins in the world and one radicals’ are highly fond of, is the brainwashing and tormenting of an innocent mind; especially that of a child. Though redemption is never too far of a reach for any of us and so of utmost importance is the closing monologue.”

Infusing a blend from the avant-garde realms of extreme, symphonic, melodic, and technical death-metal, ISLE OF THE CROSS is led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Je Schneider.

The debut full length “Excelsis” is a concept release based on a tale of two lovers amidst betrayal, murder and their search to reunite in the afterlife. From the immediate and vicious thrust of the opening track ‘Sacrifice’, the listener is quickly catapulted into an enigmatic journey of sonic power. From the furious to the melodious opuses on the album, the listener is enveloped in a dynamic exploration until the very end. At the heart of ISLE OF THE CROSS is the conveyance of depth, poignancy, and redemption through the endurance of tragedy.

‘Excelsis’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Je Schneider.
Album available at the following links:
Rockshots Records’ official store – (CD)
Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, Google Play HERE.


Track Listing:
1. Sacrifice (4:14)
2. Tartarus (8:25)
3. Excelsis (4:35)
4. The Wolf, Pt. I. Invocation (1:09)
5. The Wolf, Pt. II. Sanctuary (7:20)
6. Stars (6:25)
7. Empyrean (7:42)
8. Paradigm (4:21)
9. Breatheia (5:57)
10. The 9th Circle, Pt. I. Caina (2:28)
11. The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca (0:53)
12. The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno (8:34)
Album Length: 1:02:04

ISLE OF THE CROSS is:
Je Schneider – Lead Songwriter & Lyricist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist
Eric Gillette – Lead Guitar
Diane Lee – Vocals
Eric Castiglia – Vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
IsleofTheCross.net
Facebook.com/Isleofthecross

– 30 –

—

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

0 Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS New Music Video ‘Stars’; Debut Album “Excelsis” Out Now!

  • April 27, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Isle of The Cross · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 27, 2020

For fans of Symphony X, Ayreon, Opeth

Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS New Music Video ‘Stars’

Debut Album “Excelsis” Out Now!

 

Progressive-death metal band ISLE OF THE CROSS have unleashed their new video ‘Stars’ in support of their debut album “Excelsis” released this past February via Rockshots Records. The track is a tale of the enrapturing love of two, who befall an early death, yet vow their unending devotion to reunite beyond this life and for eternity.

Watch the video at this link HERE.

Infusing a blend from the avant-garde realms of extreme, symphonic, melodic, and technical death-metal, ISLE OF THE CROSS is led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Je Schneider.

The debut full length “Excelsis” is a concept release based on a tale of two lovers amidst betrayal, murder and their search to reunite in the afterlife. From the immediate and vicious thrust of the opening track ‘Sacrifice’, the listener is quickly catapulted into an enigmatic journey of sonic power. From the furious to the melodious opuses on the album, the listener is enveloped in a dynamic exploration until the very end. At the heart of ISLE OF THE CROSS is the conveyance of depth, poignancy, and redemption through the endurance of tragedy.

‘Excelsis’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Je Schneider.
Album available at Rockshots Records’ official store – http://bit.ly/Excelsis_CD
Spotify
Apple Music


Track Listing:
1. Sacrifice (4:14)
2. Tartarus (8:25)
3. Excelsis (4:35)
4. The Wolf, Pt. I. Invocation (1:09)
5. The Wolf, Pt. II. Sanctuary (7:20)
6. Stars (6:25)
7. Empyrean (7:42)
8. Paradigm (4:21)
9. Breatheia (5:57)
10. The 9th Circle, Pt. I. Caina (2:28)
11. The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca (0:53)
12. The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno (8:34)
Album Length: 1:02:04

ISLE OF THE CROSS is:
Je Schneider – Lead Songwriter & Lyricist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist
Eric Gillette – Lead Guitar
Diane Lee – Vocals
Eric Castiglia – Vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
IsleofTheCross.net
Facebook.com/Isleofthecross

– 30 –

—

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

0 Rockshots Records: The World Is An ‘Inferno’ And ISLE OF THE CROSS Has A New Video For It!

  • March 17, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Isle of The Cross · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 17, 2020

For fans of Symphony X, Ayreon, Opeth

Rockshots Records: The World Is An ‘Inferno’ And ISLE OF THE CROSS Has A New Video For It!

Debut Album “Excelsis” Out Now!

 

Progressive-death metal band ISLE OF THE CROSS have unleashed their new video ‘Inferno’ in support of their debut album “Excelsis” released this past February via Rockshots Records.

Watch it at this link https://youtu.be/uXbHeWtAVds

Band founder Je Schneider explains the video:

“Dante Alighieri was born in Florence, Italy in 1265. Dante’s Inferno, widely hailed as one of the great classics of Western literature, details Dante’s journey through the nine circles of Hell. This video includes Part II and III of the final realm of Dante’s Inferno:

The 9th Circle; Judecca and Inferno.

The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca:

Judecca is where Dante gives a quick summation of his journey through the Inferno and as he approaches the final realm of the 9th Circle, he now from a distance sees Lucifer himself. Lucifer is enchained and deeply rooted in the lake of ice. The surrounding bodies within this region are completely covered in ice and there is no sound or movement. They cannot cry or communicate at all. 

The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno:

Dante finally reaches the final ring of the entire Inferno. Beatrice makes her appearance more apparent and tells of her unending love and guidance for Dante. She and Virgil, Dante’s guide from the very beginning, emphatically encourage Dante to finish his journey as this realm proves to be the toughest of all. The entire Divine Comedy is summed up in the final words of the song which were written by Dante: Salvation’s path begins in hell.

The 9th Circle, is known as The Circle of Treachery and is considered the most evil because it opposes God’s greatest gift to mankind, love. The four rings are ordered in the degree of which they oppose love. People are expected to love family, country, and friends so the three outer rings are less severe. The inner ring is the ultimate sin because that is treachery against a benefactor, which violates a love that is freely given.”

You can also listen to Dante’s Inferno score by Je Schneider in its entirety: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDHfjTvQRznw7iX2Y-L6l4-HEJdKgHq28

Infusing a blend from the avant-garde realms of extreme, symphonic, melodic and technical death-metal, ISLE OF THE CROSS is led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Je Schneider.

The debut full length “Excelsis” is a concept release based on a tale of two lovers amidst betrayal, murder and their search to reunite in the afterlife. From the immediate and vicious thrust of the opening track ‘Sacrifice’, the listener is quickly catapulted into an enigmatic journey of sonic power. From the furious to the melodious opuses on the album, the listener is enveloped in a dynamic exploration until the very end. At the heart of ISLE OF THE CROSS is the conveyance of depth, poignancy, and redemption through the endurance of tragedy.

‘Excelsis’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Je Schneider.
Album available at Rockshots Records’ official store – http://bit.ly/Excelsis_CD
Spotify
Apple Music

Music Video – ‘Sacrifice’: https://youtu.be/kEXqU0voyn0


Track Listing:
1. Sacrifice (4:14)
2. Tartarus (8:25)
3. Excelsis (4:35)
4. The Wolf, Pt. I. Invocation (1:09)
5. The Wolf, Pt. II. Sanctuary (7:20)
6. Stars (6:25)
7. Empyrean (7:42)
8. Paradigm (4:21)
9. Breatheia (5:57)
10. The 9th Circle, Pt. I. Caina (2:28)
11. The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca (0:53)
12. The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno (8:34)
Album Length: 1:02:04

ISLE OF THE CROSS is:
Je Schneider – Lead Songwriter & Lyricist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist
Eric Gillette – Lead Guitar
Diane Lee – Vocals
Eric Castiglia – Vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
IsleofTheCross.net
Facebook.com/Isleofthecross

– 30 –

—

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

0 Rockshots Records: Out Now! ISLE OF THE CROSS Debut Album “Excelsis”

  • February 21, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Isle of The Cross · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 21, 2020

For fans of Symphony X, Ayreon, Opeth

Rockshots Records: Out Now! ISLE OF THE CROSS Debut Album “Excelsis”

 

Progressive-death metal band ISLE OF THE CROSS’ debut album “Excelsis” is now available as of Feb 21st via ROCKSHOTS RECORDS.

Infusing a blend from the avant-garde realms of extreme, symphonic, melodic and technical death-metal, ISLE OF THE CROSS is led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Je Schneider.

The debut full length “Excelsis” is a concept release based on a tale of two lovers amidst betrayal, murder and their search to reunite in the afterlife. From the immediate and vicious thrust of the opening track ‘Sacrifice’, the listener is quickly catapulted into an enigmatic journey of sonic power. From the furious to the melodious opuses on the album, the listener is enveloped in a dynamic exploration until the very end. At the heart of ISLE OF THE CROSS is the conveyance of depth, poignancy, and redemption through the endurance of tragedy.

‘Excelsis’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Je Schneider.
Album order available at ROCKSHOTS RECORDS’ official store – http://bit.ly/Excelsis_CD

Music Video – Sacrifice – https://youtu.be/kEXqU0voyn0

Single ‘Tartarus’ stream and download:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/KgEBS6385Xg
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/38OXfdG
iTunes – https://apple.co/2Pw6ffP


Track Listing:
1. Sacrifice (4:14)
2. Tartarus (8:25)
3. Excelsis (4:35)
4. The Wolf, Pt. I. Invocation (1:09)
5. The Wolf, Pt. II. Sanctuary (7:20)
6. Stars (6:25)
7. Empyrean (7:42)
8. Paradigm (4:21)
9. Breatheia (5:57)
10. The 9th Circle, Pt. I. Caina (2:28)
11. The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca (0:53)
12. The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno (8:34)
Album Length: 1:02:04

ISLE OF THE CROSS is:
Je Schneider – Lead Songwriter & Lyricist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist
Eric Gillette – Lead Guitar
Diane Lee – Vocals
Eric Castiglia – Vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
IsleofTheCross.net
Facebook.com/Isleofthecross

– 30 –

—

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

0 Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS Release Single ‘Tartarus’ Off Upcoming Album “Excelsis” Out Feb 21st; Pre-Order Available

  • January 17, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Isle of The Cross · Music News · Rockshots Records

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2020

For fans of Symphony X, Ayreon, Opeth

Rockshots Records: ISLE OF THE CROSS Release Single ‘Tartarus’ Off Upcoming Album “Excelsis”

Debut Album Out Feb 21st

Pre-Order Available

 

Progressive-death metal band ISLE OF THE CROSS has inked a worldwide deal with ROCKSHOTS RECORDS for the release of their debut album ‘Excelsis’.

Infusing a blend from the avant-garde realms of extreme, symphonic, melodic and technical death-metal, ISLE OF THE CROSS is led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Je Schneider.

The debut full length “Excelsis” is a concept release based on a tale of two lovers amidst betrayal, murder and their search to reunite in the afterlife. From the immediate and vicious thrust of the opening track ‘Sacrifice’, the listener is quickly catapulted into an enigmatic journey of sonic power. From the furious to the melodious opuses on the album, the listener is enveloped in a dynamic exploration until the very end. At the heart of ISLE OF THE CROSS is the conveyance of depth, poignancy, and redemption through the endurance of tragedy.

The first single ‘Tartarus’ is now available on the following outlets for stream and download:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/KgEBS6385Xg

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/38OXfdG
iTunes – https://apple.co/2Pw6ffP

‘Excelsis’ was produced, mixed and mastered by Je Schneider, and is due out February 21, 2020.
Album pre-order is available at ROCKSHOTS RECORDS’ official store – http://bit.ly/Excelsis_CD


Track Listing:
1. Sacrifice (4:14)
2. Tartarus (8:25)
3. Excelsis (4:35)
4. The Wolf, Pt. I. Invocation (1:09)
5. The Wolf, Pt. II. Sanctuary (7:20)
6. Stars (6:25)
7. Empyrean (7:42)
8. Paradigm (4:21)
9. Breatheia (5:57)
10. The 9th Circle, Pt. I. Caina (2:28)
11. The 9th Circle, Pt. II. Judecca (0:53)
12. The 9th Circle, Pt. III. Inferno (8:34)
Album Length: 1:02:04

ISLE OF THE CROSS is:
Je Schneider – Lead Songwriter & Lyricist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Vocalist
Eric Gillette – Lead Guitar
Diane Lee – Vocals
Eric Castiglia – Vocals

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
IsleofTheCross.net
Facebook.com/Isleofthecross

– 30 –

—

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

0 MetalInjection Premiere Violin Progressive Metal CYDEMIND’s VIVALDI Cover In Stunning Music Video “Winter”

  • March 11, 2019
  • by Asher
  • · Cydemind · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 11, 2019

For fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Haken, Plini, Ayreon, Neal Morse Band, Genesis, Rush

MetalInjection Premiere Violin Progressive Metal CYDEMIND’s VIVALDI Cover In Stunning Music Video “Winter”


After releasing their debut album “Erosion” in 2017 and writing the videogame soundtrack of NavyBlue and the Spectrum Killers in 2018, CYDEMIND is back with a new single and music video called “Winter”. The song is an arrangement of one of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Season violin concertos.

Watch “Winter” via MetalInjection.net at the following link: http://www.metalinjection.net/video/cydeminds-violin-metal-shred-was-made-for-winter-in-this-beautiful-video

As the Montreal-based quintet is led by classical violinist Olivier Allard, it was natural for the band to showcase its classical sound in this music video.

“It’s always been in CYDEMIND’s side-projects to make metal covers of classical music pieces, says Olivier. What better way to start than with one of my favorite violin concertos by Vivaldi!”

Co-directors Vincent Allard and Juliette Guerin hopped in the project without hesitation:

“Vivaldi’s Winter violin concerto is already such a cinematic piece with lots of contrast. It was a great challenge to find landscapes that could match both our view of Quebec’s winter while maintaining CYDEMIND’s highly energetic approach to the piece.”

The video was shot in various locations in Quebec, Canada. Scheduled to be filmed in March 2018, the project was postponed to February 2019 due to bad weather.

“As much as we had no luck last year, karma was on our side this year, says guitarist Kevin Paquet. The weather was fabulous, I think it definitely highlights the splendor of our Canadian winters.”

“Winter” was recorded at The Grid studio in collaboration with producer Christian Donaldson (The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Beyond Creation). The artwork was created by CYDEMIND’s own drummer Alexandre Dagenais.

“Winter” is available for stream and download on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, and all other major platforms, where you can also find CYDEMIND’s debut album Erosion (2017).

 

For more info:
http://www.cydemind.com
http://www.twitter.com/cydemind
http://www.instagram.com/cydemind
http://www.twitter.com/cydemind

About:
In a world where so much music is bland and generic, CYDEMIND is a breath of fresh air! Mixing progressive rock, jazz, classical, and progressive metal, Montreal-based CYDEMIND is a special and unique band, one we’ll be hearing a lot more from in the future. Influenced by such bands as Dream Theater. Symphony X. Haken, Neal Morse Band, and jazzmen like Avishai Cohen and Tigran Hamasyan, violinist Olivier Allard describes their sound as “violin meets instrumental prog metal!”.

Prolific artists, CYDEMIND released its first EP ‘Through Mists and Ages’ back in 2014 and soon after its single ‘What Remains’. After a few years of writing and refining their sound, the quintet (violin, bass, piano, guitar, drums) came back with their first full-length album. Entitled ‘Erosion’, its six tracks are centered around the theme of nature and its persistence through time. Epic is the word here, with one track clocking in at an impressive 27 minutes. ‘Erosion’ was released independently on Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and all major online retailers.

CYDEMIND then branched off a bit from the usual metal band musical path to produce the music for the indie video game ‘Navyblue and the Spectrum Killers’. The game released in September 2018 and is available on Steam. In addition to writing the whole soundtrack for the game, CYDEMIND also released two singles ‘Navyblue’ and ‘Lights of Iberia’ as bonus content for the game.

To further expand their musical soundscape and reach new audiences, the versatile band released its first music video ‘Winter’ in March 2019. The single is an arrangement of Vivaldi’s ‘Winter violin concerto’ from the Four Seasons. Shot in various locations in Quebec, Canada, the video highlights both the majestic Canadian winter and the highly energetic performance of the band.

In addition to their recording experiences, the band has performed many times in the Montreal area since 2011 in venues like Foufounes Électriques, Katacombes, Theatre Plaza and more. They recently created the first edition of Proggy Nights in Canada, a small tour that reunited 3 Canadian prog bands in Québec City, Montreal and Toronto.

Aside from their performance expertise, Olivier (violin) and Camille (piano) have also been teaching their instrument for many years. Olivier is a doctorate student in violin performance at University of Montreal, while Camille graduated from the classical piano program at CEGEP St-Laurent in Montreal.

– 30 –

“presented what will easily be among the top prog metal albums of the year…” – Metal Underground

“An epic album in every sense of the word” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Cydemind have an excellent album on their hands with “Erosion.”” – Progressive Music Planet

“Everything a person could want in his or her progressive metal is contained within the album’s six tracks. Heavy, complex riffs? Check. Knotty, constantly-shifting time signatures? Check. Shreddy solos? Double check. Winding, non-linear song structures? Epic track lengths? Uplifting melodies? Check, check, and check. And then there’s that violin. It’s pretty clear from the first few notes that Olivier Allard has classical training, because he attacks his instrument like Yngwie Malmsteen with a bow.” – Indy Metal Vault

—

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

0 NEWS: Montreal’s Instrumental Violin Prog Metal CYDEMIND Premiere Album “Erosion” via TheProgReport

  • May 26, 2017
  • by Asher
  • · Cydemind · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 26, 2017


For Fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Haken, Plini, Ayreon, Neal Morse Band, Genesis, Rush

Montreal’s Instrumental Violin Prog Metal CYDEMIND Premiere Album “Erosion” via TheProgReport

New Album ‘Erosion’ Out May 26th

 L-R: Camille Delage (Keys), Nico Damoulianos (Bass), Olivier Allard (Violin), Alexandre Dagenais (Drums), Kevin Paquet (Guitars)

Influenced by bands such as Symphony X, Dream Theater, Haken, Plini, Rush along with classical, jazz and progressive rock, Montreal’s instrumental violin prog metal CYDEMIND offer a refreshing take on progressive music that is sure to attract interest from a wide audience with their new album “Erosion”.  Teaming up with TheProgReport, the quintet is proud to premiere the full stream of the release, which consists of six compositions including a 27 minute masterpiece of the album’s title track.

CYDEMIND comments:

“We’re very excited to finally release Erosion. We’ve been working on it for so long; to finally launch it feels like we’ve reached the summit of a mountain that took 5 years to climb. We hope you’ll appreciate the scenery as much as we do. Thanks for supporting us and here’s to many more albums!”

“Erosion” was recorded in Montreal at The Grid with producer Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Beyond Creation, Neuraxis) along with additional recording of grand piano done at Studio 270. Album artwork was done by drummer and band co-founder Alexandre Dagenais along with lyrical poems included with the release written by pianist Camille Delage. The poems describe each composition as the album gravitates around the theme of nature and its persistence through time.

To hear the full stream of “Erosion”, please visit the following link: http://progreport.com/cydemind-stream-their-new-album-erosion/

‘Erosion’ is available on iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify and all other major online retailers.

In additional news, CYDEMIND‘s local CD launch in Montreal will be held June 17th at the Cabaret Lion D’Or with special guest progressive rockers No Ticket. Tickets are available on www.lepointdevente.com.

 

Track listing :
1. What Remains (4:58)
2. Tree of Tales (6:41)
3. Derecho (13:36)
4. Red Tides (5:25)
5. Stream Capture (6:29)
6. Erosion (27:19)
Album Length: 1:04:30

Cydemind is:
Olivier Allard (Violins)
Alexandre Dagenais (Drums)
Camille Delage (Keyboards/Piano)
Nico Damoulianos (Bass)
Kevin Paquet (Guitars)

For More Info:
http://www.cydemind.com
EPK – http://wp.me/pciNW-9QY

– 30 –

“presented what will easily be among the top prog metal albums of the year…” – Metal Underground“An epic album in every sense of the word” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“Cydemind have an excellent album on their hands with “Erosion.”” – Progressive Music Planet

“Cydemind have captured a sound that I have spent a long time searching for. Combining the modern progressive style of bands such as Dream Theater and Haken, with some exceptional violin at the forefront to really stand out from the crowd.” – Belwood Music

“Out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada could be the next big musical act in the world of instrumental progressive metal, and that band is known as CYDEMIND…The beauty of this record is that the entire record stands out, yet the flow of the musicianship and arrangements flow together like that expensive wine that is aged over time and that cheese that is cured to where it has its perfect, exquisite taste to it. ” – Muen Magazine

“A lush and atmospheric journey that brings brisk mountain air into my lungs” – Metal Trenches

“Bottom line, “Erosion” is a glorious album that is worthy of any Metal… nay, any music collection. It’s simply wonderful music to listen to.” – 925 Rebellion

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
AsherMediaRelations.com
Join AMR Mailing List

0 NEWS: Free Download ‘Tree of Tales’ From Violin Instrumental Prog Metal CYDEMIND via PureGrainAudio; New Album ‘Erosion’ Out May 26th

  • May 11, 2017
  • by Asher
  • · Cydemind · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 11, 2017

 

For Fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Haken, Plini, Ayreon, Neal Morse Band, Genesis, Rush

Free Download ‘Tree of Tales’ From Violin Instrumental Prog Metal CYDEMIND via PureGrainAudio

New Album ‘Erosion’ Out May 26th

 

L-R: Camille Delage (Keys), Nico Damoulianos (Bass), Olivier Allard (Violin), Alexandre Dagenais (Drums), Kevin Paquet (Guitars)

Influenced by bands such as Symphony X, Dream Theater, Haken, Plini, Rush along with classical, jazz and progressive rock, Montreal-based CYDEMIND will be releasing their first full length album ‘Erosion’ on May 26th to follow their to 2014 debut EP ‘Through Mist and Ages’. The album offers a refreshing take on progressive music that is sure to attract interest from a wide audience, especially with classically trained violinist Olivier Allard, who leads the listener throughout the different moods of their compositions. 

Teaming up with PureGrainAudio.com, CYDEMIND are exclusively offering a FREE download of their second single ‘Tree of Tales’.

“Tree of Tales’ offers many different moods and time signatures. There’s some groovy drum and bass lines, lots of grand piano and of course Olivier’s violin shines on top of all that.” explains guitarist and main songwriter Kevin Paquet.

Download ‘Tree of Tales’ for free at http://puregrainaudio.com/audio/cydemind-tree-of-tales-free-song-download

‘Erosion’ was recorded in Montreal at The Grid with producer Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Beyond Creation, Neuraxis) along with additional recording of grand piano done at Studio 270. The release consists of six compositions including a 27 minute masterpiece of the album’s title track, making it the band‘s most ambitious project to date. The album artwork was done by drummer and band co-founder Alexandre Dagenais along with lyrical poems included with the release written by pianist Camille Delage. The poems describe each composition as the album gravitates around the theme of nature and its persistence through time. 

‘Erosion’ will be available on iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify and all other major online retailers as of May 26, 2017. Their first single ‘What Remains’ is available for download on Bandcamp here.

Track listing :
1. What Remains (4:58)
2. Tree of Tales (6:41)
3. Derecho (13:36)
4. Red Tides (5:25)
5. Stream Capture (6:29)
6. Erosion (27:19)
Album Length: 1:04:30

Cydemind is:
Olivier Allard (Violins)
Alexandre Dagenais (Drums)
Camille Delage (Keyboards/Piano)
Nico Damoulianos (Bass)
Kevin Paquet (Guitars)

Show Dates:
June 17 – Montreal, QC @ Lion D’Or (CD Launch)

For More Info:
http://www.cydemind.com
EPK – http://wp.me/pciNW-9QY

– 30 –


—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us

AsherMediaRelations.com

Join AMR Mailing List

Page 1 of 2
  • 1
  • 2

Asher Media Relations Tweets

  • \m/\m/ Hails Horns! Thank You Canadian MDs and Djs! #1 – Cell Press, #6 – Fuck The Facts !earshot The National Loud… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 7 hours ago
  • \m/ @metalcrypt666 - @igmetal Immortal Guardian - "You get complex musicianship and songwriting, pristine produc… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 8 hours ago
  • Pipeman Interviews @screamsofsyrens - @pipemanradio 's Power of Music | iheart.com/podcast/209-pi… @iHeartRadio 8 hours ago
  • Immortal Guardian Posts Video Cover Collaboration of "Into The Pit" (Fight/Rob Halford) rocknloadmag.com/news/immortal-… via @rocknloadmag @igmetal 8 hours ago
  • Interview - Jeff Pennachio @BtcWeb breathingthecore.com/2021/01/interv… 8 hours ago
  • \m/ @Rage_In_My_Eyes - Aces High (Brazilian Tribute to Iron Maiden ) @MDR666ZM @ZachMoonshine metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/youtu… 8 hours ago
  • AVALAND - Theater of Sorcery (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) @MDR666ZM @ZachMoonshine @AvalandMetal @rockshotsrec metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/youtu… 8 hours ago
  • \m/ @WithoutMercy Separate Themselves From The Herd w/ New Music Video "I Break The Chain" @MDR666ZM… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 8 hours ago
  • Prog Power @RedCainArmy Shares Black Metal Influenced Single "Baltic Fleet" @MDR666ZM @ZachMoonshine metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/… 8 hours ago
  • Pipeman Interviews @screamsofsyrens - @pipemanradio in the Pit | @iHeartRadio iheart.com/podcast/209-pi… 8 hours ago

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

Join 4,135 other followers

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Bandcamp
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube