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

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

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 22, 2020

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

Debut Single “The Forever Serpent” Out Now!


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

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

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

Watch it on YouTube HERE.

Along with stream on Spotify and download on Bandcamp.

Jason Ashcraft explains the creation of the project:

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

Sozos Michael adds:

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

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


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

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

Mixed and Mastered by Alex Nasla at Gear Gods Studio

For more info:
Facebook.com/planeswalkermetal

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 EPK – Helevorn – Aamamata (LP) (2019)

  • January 12, 2019
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Helevorn

EPK – Helevorn – Aamamata (LP) (2019)

For fans of Draconian, Swallow The Sun, Paradise Lost

Release Date: January 23, 2019

Label: Solitude Productions/BadMoodMan Music

PR Rep – Jon Asher – ashermedia (@)gmail.com

Helevorn.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Spotify 

Sales links: Bandcamp | Solitude Prdo/BadMoodMan (RU)

Download promotional photo | Download album artwork | Download logo

Shadows of The North Canada Tour 2019 w/ Majestic Downfall, Helevorn 
May 8 – Victoria, BC – Logan’s Pub
May 9 – Nanaimo, BC – The Cambie
May 10 – Vancouver, BC – Astoria Hastings
May 11 – Kelowna, BC – Munnin’s Post
May 12 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice
May 13 – Regina, SK – The Exchange
May 14 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre
May 16 – Sudbury, ON – The Asylum
May 17 – Toronto, ON – Duffy’s Tavern
May 18 – Ottawa, ON – Cafe Dekcuf
May 19 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti Bar
May 20 – Trois-Rivieres, QC – Tavern Royale
May 21 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar

“…Must be said that the Spaniards know how to deal with majestic pieces emotionally charged, that have nothing to envy what they can offer the leaders of this music (like Swallow the Sun or Draconian)…” – MetalShip (FRA – 9,4/10)

“”Aamamata is an experience that oozes with desolation and gloom, yet still provides that slightly uplifting feeling at the end of the day. Bone-crushing riffs that reverberate with emotion join up with some more introspective moments (see “Goodbye, Hope”) to bring in the contrast that bands like Daylight Dies and Novembers Doom have done so well, yet the structuring of both gives Helevorn a little wiggle room to reach for their own sweet spot. ” – Dead Rhetoric

“over the ensuing best part of an hour Helevorn gives a bravura performance, pulling every stop out of the doom/death bag of tricks to present one of the most sonically and emotionally exhaustive albums I’ve encountered in quite some time…I’ve rarely heard such an album; an album where pure riffery can at once spark feelings of real desolation and upset, yet still manages to leave the listener feeling sadly uplifted.” – Sentinel Daily

“Without a doubt, this will be on my Top Ten when the year ends.” – Broken Tomb Magazine”

“this is a really good album that will be among my doom metal favorites of 2019… The down-to-earth themes along with the obvious passion and attention to detail makes Helevorn one of the best active bands in the genre today.” – DeathDoom.com

“Aamamata is an stunning bit of work (and certainly makes me want to check out their back-catalogue). Everything works so well and it’s a very confident and coherent piece – Helevorn have done well here.” – Soundscape Magazine

“a seductive and mature album” – Metal Integral”

“There are goosebumping moments” – Twilight Magazin

“Magnificent album, highly recommended for all lovers of the genre and with many hidden stories inside. Enjoy it!” – TNT Radio Rock

“A really good album worth to check during this cold and dark winter time.” – Voices From The Darkside

“Aamamata is a disc composed of a set of songs of extreme melancholy and pain with suffered melodies, constituting desolating environments, black and often distressing. Doom metal of high category that fans of names like My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost or Draconian should not miss.” – Via Nocturna

“Spanish doom metal legends Helevorn return, with a new opus and some seriously kick-ass music. “A Sail To Sanity,” is definitive doom, bringing some seriously charged riffs, and a powerful  range of melody, the perfect opener.” – The Median Man

“Totally surrendered to its deeper, melancholy, elegant and sincere doom metal, the Balearics give us a work of art from its very cover to the last note of ‘La Sibil·la’. An album that pays tribute to the Mediterranean and everything that unites us, drawing bridges before a darker world. “- Goatia Media

“Aamamata is a bit more epic, more intense and it keeps the personality of the previous albums.” – Permafrost.today 

Helevorn – Aamamata (LP) (2019)
Record Label and Distribution: Solitude Productions / BadMoodMan Music (RU)   
Release Date: January 23, 2019

Track Listing:
1. A Sail To Sanity (5:25)
2. Goodbye, Hope (5:58)
3. Blackened Waves (5:26)
4. Aurora (7:24)
5. Forgotten Fields (5:44)
6. Nostrum Mare (Et deixo un pont de mar blava) (7:28)
7. Once Upon a War (5:55)
8. The Path to Puya (8:38)
9. La Sibil·la (5:05) 
Album Length: (57:08)

Sales link: Bandcamp | Solitude Prdo/BadMoodMan (RU)

Album Credits:
  • All songs were written and performed by: Helevorn
    (*except ‘Nostrum Mare’ by Miquel Martí i Pol 
    and ‘Sibil·la’)
  • Produced and mixed by: Miquel A Riutort ‘Mega’
  • Mastered by: Jens Bogren at Fascination Studios (SE)
  • Album Artwork by: Gonzalo Aeneas.

Available on Bandcamp and Solitude Prdo/BadMoodMan (RU)

Album & Live Line Up:
Xavi Gil (Drums)
Will Adrift (Bass)
Sandro Vizcaino (Guitars)
Samuel Morales (Guitars)
Josep Brunet (Vocals)
Enrique Sierra (Keys)

L-R – Enrique Sierra (Keys), Josep Brunet (Vocals), Will Adrift (Bass), Sandro Vizcaino (Guitars), Samuel Morales (Guitars), Xavi Gil (Drums) | Photo credit: 

SHORT BIO

Melancholic doom outfit Helevorn started in 1999 in Palma, Spain, and has been exhibiting their elegant and gloomy music around the world ever since.

They began their journey with a demo in 2000, “Prelude” that featured female vocals and followed the gothic doom formula. They were quickly accoladed by the press and they dove into writing, gigging and recording. In 2005 the first full length “Fragments” was released.

In 2006 they were asked to contribute to the Katatonia tribute “December Songs” and released the second studio album in 2009 “Forthcoming Displeasures”. This release saw their musical style evolve into a more intense and heavy sound, more forceful and deep. “Compassion Forlorn” was released in 2014; and was accompanied by a music video for “Burden Me”.

With more and more fans craving the somber tones and dreary vocals, Helevorn brought their dramatic intensity to many European festivals including Dutch Doom Days, Gothoom Open Air, Wave Gotik Treffen, and Madrid is the Dark Fest.

The fourth studio album “Aamamata” will be released on January 23, 2019.

LONG BIO

Melancholic doom outfit Helevorn started in 1999 in Palma, Spain, and has been exhibiting their elegant and gloomy music around the world ever since. They began their journey with a demo in 2000, “Prelude” that featured female vocals and followed the gothic doom formula. They were quickly accoladed by the press and they dove into writing, gigging and recording. In 2005 the first full length “Fragments” was released.

Touring extensively allowed them to bring dark and forlorn music all over Europe, and they were asked to contribute to the 2006 Katatonia tribute “December Songs”. The second studio album 2009’s “Forthcoming Displeasures” saw their musical style evolve into a more intense and heavy sound, more forceful and deep, and was acknowledged as the second best doom metal album of the year by Metalstorm.net.

“Compassion Forlorn” was released in 2014; eight tracks full of human decay from deepest sentiments, and continued evolution in the compositions and the band’s sound. The accompaniment of the “Burden Me” video release firmly anchored Helevorn’s place in the global doom scene. With more and more fans craving the somber tones and dreary vocals, Helevorn brought their dramatic intensity to many European festivals including Dutch Doom Days, Gothoom Open Air, Wave Gotik Treffen, and Madrid is the Dark Fest.

The current lineup, consisting of Samuel Morales (guitars), Josep Brunet (vocals), Xavi Gil (drums), Enrique Sierra (keyboards), Sandro Vizcaino (guitars) and Guillem Morey (bass) are primed to release the fourth album “Aamamata” on January 23, 2019.

“We know that we are not discovering something new, but it’s how it sounds the 90’s goth-doom metal in the present times. It should be received like a piece to reborn the scene and to relate music and the decadence of Humankind through the drama of the refugees, that constantly are dying trying to escape from the hell that Western Countries put to them. We think that fans will love the new album.”

Discography
Aamamata LP (Solitude Prod/BMM) (2019)
Compassion Forlorn (Solitude Prod/BMM) (2014)
“Forthcoming Displeasures” (BadMoodMan Music) (2010)
“Fragments” (Goi Music) (2005)
“Prelude” (Demo) (2001)

Shared the stage with:
Katatonia, Draconian, Tiamat, Ahab, Moonspell, Swallow the Sun, Saturnus, etc.

Festivals & Tours

Full Metal Holidays/ Wacken (2018)
Gothoom Open Air Festival w/Rotting Christ, Slovakia
(2016)
Madrid is the Dark Fest IV – w/Samael, Ahab… (2016)
Tour supporting Saturnus over Europe (2015)
Supporting Draconian (London 2015)
Doom/Rotten/Death Festival (Berlin 2015)
Metal Over Malta Festival (Malta 2015)
Supporting Moonspell (Barcelona 2011)
Dutch Doom Days X edition (NL, 2011)
Wave Gotik Treffen (GER, 2011)
Devilstone Open Air (LT, 2010)
Madrid is the Dark Fest I (SP, 2009)
Dutch Doom Days VI (NL, 2007)
Supporting Swallow the Sun (Spanish and Portuguese Tour 2007)

0 EPK – Backstabber – Conspiracy Theorist – LP (2019)

  • December 18, 2018
  • by Asher
  • · Backstabber · EPKs

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

“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

“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 

“Conspiracy Theorist has a real face crushing, devastatingly great death/thrash metal feel to it…” – Crannk

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

Sales link: Bandcamp | Spotify | Itunes

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)

 

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)

0 EPK – Atlas : Empire – The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet (2018)

  • October 5, 2018
  • by Asher
  • · Atlas : Empire · EPKs

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

Sales link: Bandcamp | Spotify

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

Available on Spotify, ITunes, and Bandcamp

Album Band Line Up:
Steven Gillies
Jamie Sturt
Robert Hasebe
Ben Montgomery
Live Band Line Up:
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)

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 NEWS: THE APEX Announce New EP ‘Underbelly + ‘Fresh Out of The Foundry Tour’ (ON/QC/PE/NB/NS)

  • July 5, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · The Apex

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 5, 2016

Album Request here.

For fans of The Dillinger Escape Plan, Meshuggah, The Red Chord, Candiria

TheApexBand.com | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Bandcamp

THE APEX Announce New EP ‘Underbelly + ‘Fresh Out of The Foundry Tour’ (ON/QC/PE/NB/NS)

L-R: The Apex Album lineup: Brian Gemus (Guitar) | Tyson Taylor (Drums) | Darren Marchand (Vocals) | Jer Candusso (Bass) | Steve Landgraff (Guitar) (Photo Credit Shari Richards)

2015 – Self-Titled – Album Stream – Bandcamp

Music Video – If Detroit River Could Speak – Watch here.

      Windsor, ON’s THE APEX announce they will be unleashing their new EP‘Underbelly’ (artwork and track listing coming soon) in follow up to their 2015 self-titled album and have launched a Go Fund Me / Pre-Order Campaign for fans to support. A full list of perks ranging from limited edition shirts, tapes, CDs, vinyls plus an exclusive performance can be viewed at the following link here.

Video of the band recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EL0PLlXh2A

The band comments:

“We would like to start by saying we are trying to stay as modest as possible here. We see many campaigns for bands shoot for crazy numbers and we are trying to keep ours at a reasonable and achievable number. We are trying to raise some funds to put out our new EP entitled, “Underbelly” which is set to be released in August in time for our East Coast tour around the same time. We need all the help we can get by Aug. 1st. Any help past that day is still a HUGE help!”

The EP will feature 3 ear piercing blasts of extreme shrapnel to please fans as the ghetto tech metallers will be hitting the road this August for their two week ‘Fresh Out of The Foundry Tour’ with Regina’s The Man and His Machine across Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. (dates listed below)


‘Fresh Out of The Foundry Tour’:
Aug 17 – Windsor, ON – The Dominion House – info
Aug 18 – Toronto, ON – Coalition T.O. – info
Aug 19 – Montreal, QC – THR Bar – info
Aug 20 – Drummondville, QC – Pur Heriot – info
Aug 21 – Quebec City, QC – La Source de la Martinière
Aug 22 – Charlottetown, PE – Babas Lounge
Aug 23 – Moncton, NB – Plan B
Aug 25 – Saint John, NB – TBA
Aug 26 – Sydney, NS – Embers
Aug 27 – Sackville, NS – House Show
Aug 28 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub
Aug 29 – Fredericton, NB – Charlotte Street Arts Center – info

BIO:

The Apex formed in August of 2013.

They are a collective of individuals from the Ontario metal community, whom over the years have come together from past bands such as, Closed Casket Funeral, Dismata, Blood Shot Eye, The Coalition Design, and Corprophemia to form The Apex.

In a true culmination of talent, dedication, and timing, this group has created a unique hometown sound that is now being called “Windsor Ghetto Tech”. The brutal sonic assault of their music coupled with the emotional reckless abandonment of their live performance, have drawn stanch comparisons to Meshuggah and classic Dillinger Escape Plan rounded out with a distinctly Canadian flair. To add influence, vocalist Darren M. suffers from Neurogenic Stammering, which effects his speech where the brain won’t tell the mouth what to say so he’s unable to carry on a normal conversation, but for some reason he’s able to scream all the lyrics live and that is how he gets to express himself vocally with the band.

In July, 2014 they entered Shark Tank Productions studio in Windsor, Ontario to begin recording their debut self-titled full length album, “The Apex”. They hired engineer Nick Kinnish of Serafina Productions (Johnny Truent, Architects, and more) to aid them in capturing their sound accurately. In November, 2014 they completed their recording and announced the independent release date of February 21st, 2015. In 2016, the band entered Empire Recording Studios to record their next release, the EP ‘Underbelly’ set to be unleashed in August.

TOUR EXPERIENCE
This band is no stranger to hitting the pavement to support the music they love to make. In their 15+ years of experience creating music in previous bands, they’ve been support on tour for bands like: Cephalic Carnage, All Shall Perish, Despised Icon, Cryptopsy, Today Is The Day, Killitorous, Erimha and Ion Dissonance to name a few. In previous bands they’ve also shared the stage on festivals with bands like: SOD, Venom, Obituary, Cradle Of Filth, Earth Crisis, God Forbid, Skinless, Beneath The Massacre and more to crowds up to 7500+ in North America.

As their current lineup “The Apex”, they have already invested in a mid-sized tour bus and have began to book many shows and festivals across Canada for 2016.

For more info, please visit http://www.facebook.com/wearetheapex.

– 30-

0 Out Now! SLUDGEHAMMER Pound The Fury With Debut Album ‘The Fallen Sun’

  • June 10, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Sludgehammer

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 10, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Revocation, Mastodon, Lamb Of God, Pantera, Opeth

Facebook |  Twittter | Reverbnation | Soundcloud

Youtube | Instagram | Bandcamp | iTunes

Press Photo | Album Cover | Album Lyrics

Out Now! SLUDGEHAMMER Pound The Fury With Debut Album ‘The Fallen Sun’

Upcoming Show Dates:

July 9 – Sudbury, ON – The Asylum – info


L-R – Chris Szarota – Vocals, Jeff Wilson – Guitars, Tyler Williams – Guitars, Dan Ayers – Bass/Vocals, Fernando Villalobos- Drums
Credit: Hayden John Wolf

Music Video – Carrion Eater – Watch here.

       Featuring eleven fist pounding tracks of dynamic vocal performances from lead vocalist Chris Szarota and bassist Dan Ayers, along with a showcase of mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming fury. Toronto, ON’sSLUDGEHAMMER are proud to unleash their debut full length album ‘The Fallen Sun’ officially out now as of June 10th. The debut album is the follow up their 2014 EP ‘Organ Harvester’ and was self-produced by the band plus mixed by guitarist Tyler Williams along with mastering done by world renowned producer & engineer Lasse Lammert (Gloryhammer, Alestorm, Teramaze) at LSD Studio in Germany.

“We’re extremely happy to announce that “The Fallen Sun” is available today through bandcamp. Included are 9 brand new tracks that will get any metalhead’s blood pumping. We had some fun in the studio and decided to record 2 bonus tracks that are also included on the album. We busted our asses with this one in the winter and we’re super excited with how it turned out. Enjoy at high volumes please! Support the underground!” comments guitarist Jeff Wilson.

A full album stream of ‘The Fallen Sun’ can be heard at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2dmlDY6eK0
The album is available digitally and on CD at the following bandcamp link https://sludgehammermusic.bandcamp.com.

1. Demons From The Woodwork (4:02)
2. Intestines Entwined (5:02)
3. The Black Abyss (6:29)
4. Ectogenesis (4:34)
5. Carrion Eater (5:56)
6. Consuming Afterbirth (4:34)
7. Carnivorous Forest (5:08)
8. Utopian (5:45)
9. Revolting (4:46)
10. Organ Harvester (4:51)
11. Casualties (4:34)
Album Length: 55:48

For more info, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sludgehammermusic

About:
Sludgehammer is a five piece Canadian metal band formed in 2013.  The band began with guitarist Jeff Wilson and drummer Fernando Villalobos jamming together, which quickly resulted in writing songs and searching for a full line up.  Their search led to vocalist Chris Szarota, who possessed an astonishing vocal ferocity and bassist and vocalist Dan Ayers, who passed the audition as a bassist and also revealed a golden voice.  Thus, the first incarnation of Sludgehammer was formed.

The four members worked hard over the next few months to put together a demo, which was released at the band’s first gig on November 22nd, 2013.  The demo was well received even though it was completely self-recorded and the gig offers kept on coming, along with new fans.

With the success of the demo, the band knew that it was time to step things up and hired producer Christian Anderson for their 2014 release, ‘Organ Harvester’.  During the writing sessions, the band decided that Chris and Dan should share vocal duties for this record, as Dan’s voice had been absent from the demo.  The dual vocals proved to be a force to be reckoned with and on August 11th, 2014 ‘Organ Harvester’ was released to rave reviews.

‘Organ Harvester’ gained both new fans and better shows, gathering serious momentum and solid name among the metal community.  However by 2015, after playing many gigs with the ‘Organ Harvester’ material it became very obvious that the fans were hungry for more.  The band began writing more songs for the next release and kept playing gigs, which led them to guitarist Tyler Williams.  Tyler was working as a sound man at the Atria in Oshawa, ON where Sludgehammer was playing, and after their performance, Tyler approached the band.  They set up a jam and in July 2015, Tyler Williams joined Sludgehammer.

The new five piece line up produced a much fuller sound as Jeff and Tyler began working together.  The old songs were given new life and badass new material was being written for their next release, titled ‘The Fallen Sun’.  The new songs featured dynamic vocal performances from Dan and Chris, mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming.  As the songs started to pile up, Sludgehammer discussed recording a full length album.  Tyler suggested that they record at his studio, Monolithic Productions.  The band set up shop there and are now ready to unleash ‘The Fallen Sun’ for release on June 10, 2016.

– 30 –

—

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0 NEWS: ANION To Perform At Sled Island June 24th; New EP ‘Fractions of Failure’ (No List Records) Out Now!

  • June 6, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Anion (No List Records)

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 6, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Converge, Cult Leader, Playing Enemy, Botch, Kittens, The Jesus Lizard

EPK | NoListRecords.com | Bandcamp | Facebook | Soundcloud
 Instagram | Spotify | iTunes  | Amazon  | CD Baby
Download = EP Cover | Press Photo

ANION To Perform At Sled Island June 24th; New EP ‘Fractions of Failure’ (No List Records) Out Now!

(Photo Credit: Ryan Walter Wagner)
L-R: Steve Sepanzyk – Guitar, Tristan Helgason – Drums, Cole Benoit – Bass, Sean Bouchard – Vocals
Creating an intense hardcore sound with healthy doses of abrasive noise rock and heavy sludge, Vancouver, BC’s ANION are proud to announce they will be performing at this year’s Sled Island Music Festival in Calgary, AB on Friday, June 24th alongside Chieftain, Vaalt, Witchstone and Bell Witch. Full details can be found here and at www.sledisland.com. (other No List Records artists performing Adolyne June 24 & 25 info here, Moth & Locusts June 25th infohere.)

The band is performing in support of their new EP ‘Fractions of Failure’unleashed this past May via No List Records with a fresh new line up featuring new vocalist Sean Bouchard and new drummer Tristan Helgason (ex-Ghost of Modern Man, Molten Lava) to join guitarist Steve Speanzyk and bassist Cole Benoit. The EP was recorded by Jesse Gander at Rain City Studios with artwork done by Demian Johnston (Great Falls/Playing Enemy) to follow ANION‘s 2013 full length‘Without Solace’.

‘Fractions of Failure’ is available digitally on all major online retailers plus limited edition 7″ vinyl from No List Records here.

Full EP Stream – http://anion.bandcamp.com/album/fractions-of-failure 

1. God’s Day Off (4:30)
2. Old Wounds (1:56)
3. The Widower (3:45)
4. Work Ethic (2:49)

About:
Anion was formed in early 2010 in a diesel soaked rehearsal space with one purpose – to create the music that its members wanted to hear. No scene points, no genre devotion – just a desire to create devastatingly heavy and ultimately ugly music. Riff driven and intense, the music stands apart with an underlying foundation of ugly and intense hardcore, healthy doses of abrasive noise rock and heavy sludge mixed in to create a unique sound that Anion are known for.

Their new EP/7” record entitled “Fractions of Failure” was released on May 20, 2016 via No List Records and features artwork by Demian Johnston (Great Falls/Playing Enemy). This EP, recorded by Jesse Gander at Rain City Studios, sees the recorded debut of new vocalist Sean Bouchard and new drummer Tristan Helgason (ex-Ghost of Modern Man, Molten Lava), elevating the band to a new level.

Anion’s last full length LP, entitled “Without Solace”, was released in September 2013 via No List Records on gatefold vinyl and digital formats. This album, recorded with legendary producer Matt Bayles (Botch, Mastodon, Isis) at Red Room studios in Seattle, WA, “Without Solace”.

Having played with bands such as Indian (Relapse), Helm’s Alee (HydraHead), Thrones (Southern Lord), Black Elk (Crucial Blast), KENmode (Profound Lore), and Ghostlimb (Vitriol), among many other well-known acts, Anion’s live shows are intense and abrasive. Not soon forgotten, they have gained notoriety for these live performances in various publications and websites such as Exclaim! and Beatroute.

With the digital Manolete EP, the Carrion King 7″ and the handcrafted Corpseflower cassette among their releases, Anion has had extremely favorable reviews in publications/sites such as Terrorizer, Maximum Rock and Roll, Exclaim!, Hellbound and more.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 NEWS: VOW OF THORNS Streaming New Track ‘Meeting On The Astral Plane’ New Album ‘Farewell To The Sun’ Out July 15th

  • June 1, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Vow of Thorns

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 1, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Agalloch, Fen, Woods of Ypres (older), Krallice, Woods of Desolation

VOW OF THORNS Streaming New Track ‘Meeting On The Astral Plane’
New Album ‘Farewell To The Sun’ Out July 15th

Upcoming Show Dates:

July 12 – Montreal, QC – Casa Del Popolo – info
July 13 – TBA
July 14 – Toronto, ON – Coalition T.O. – info
July 15 – Hamilton, ON – The Doors Pub
July 16 – London, ON – Old East Bar & Grill

     For the past 6 years, Ontario-dwelling black metal doom fusionists VOW OF THORNS have been conceptualizing albums and pushing the boundary between aggressive and emotional. What once served as an anagram for Kevin Hawthorne’s solo work is now a joint effort with Dustin Richards, where the duo has quickly become one of the most intimidating musical ventures to date. The duo have been constructing songs unanimously and without interruption in a seamless writing process to craft work fueled by their musical and environmental influences. Their new album ‘Farewell To The Sun’ is set for release on July 15, 2016 to follow the 2013 debut EP ‘Forest Dweller’. Constantly shifting between disparaging black metal vocals and triumphant guitar hooks dripping with doom-encrusted bass riffs and theatrical drums. The band pairs the forces of black metal and doom, blending the two styles with ease while maintaining a certain sense of tension and uncertainty in the air. 

To hear their first single and the album’s opening track ‘Meeting On The Astral Plane’, please visit the following link: link: http://vowofthorns.bandcamp.com/track/meeting-on-the-astral-plane-2

“‘Meeting on the Astral Plane’ tells the story of one man’s escape from physical reality to a place of infinite possibilities; an existence free of mortal boundaries. The escape, however, is only temporary and he must return to his lowly existence and face himself, which he does in the following track ‘Great Abomination’. His experience on the astral plane leads him to believe that death may be the ultimate escape. As our protagonist’s experience progresses so does the music. From the triumphant march of the opening riff to the crushing doom encased ending.” comments guitarist D. Richards.

1. Meeting On The Astral Plane (10:30)
2. Great Abomination (5:07)
3. Farewell To The Sun Part I (4:28)
4. Farewell To The Sun Part II (10:32)
5. Farewell To The Sun Part III (7:51)
6. Doomed Woods (12:39)
Album Length: 51:10

For more info, please visit: http://www.vowofthorns.com.

About:

Ontario-dwelling black metal doom fusionists Vow of Thorns once served as an anagram for Kevin Hawthorne’s solo work, now a joint effort with Dustin Richards, the duo has quickly become one of the most intimidating musical ventures to date. The band is constantly shifting between disparaging black metal vocals and triumphant guitar hooks dripping with doom-encrusted bass riffs and theatrical drums. The band pairs the forces of black metal and doom, blending the two styles with ease while maintaining a certain sense of tension and uncertainty in the air. Lyrically, the vocals act like a lone wolf trailing off into a forest unwilling to look back and focusing only on what despair lay ahead. With titles like ‘To The Unknown’ and ‘Wood Etched Epitaph’ on their 2013 debut EP ‘Forest Dweller’ the band accurately absorbs elements of the Canadian northern climate and transcribes it into works of musical art.
One is able to catch a glimpse of each influence in Vow of Thorns songwriting and their influences including Woods of Ypres, Agalloch, Drudkh, Opeth, Daylight Dies, and Wolves in the Throne Room. The band is on a journey that slowly takes on darker, lucid, and more despairing elements as they play more shows and write more records. Vow of Thorns is always developing sinister and near-unstable black metal blanketed by an entrancing shroud. The band is currently gearing up to release their next album and first full-length ‘Farewell To The Sun’ slated for July 15, 2016.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 NEWS: SLUDGEHAMMER Post New Music Video ‘Carrion Eater’; New Album ‘The Fallen Sun’ Out June 10th

  • May 16, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Sludgehammer

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 16, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Revocation, Mastodon, Lamb Of God, Pantera, Opeth

Facebook |  Twittter | Reverbnation | Soundcloud

Youtube | Instagram | Bandcamp | iTunes

Press Photo | Album Cover | Album Lyrics

SLUDGEHAMMER Post New Music Video ‘ Carrion Eater’; New Album ‘The Fallen Sun’ Due Out June 10th

Upcoming Show Dates:

May 28 – Peterborough, ON – w/ Cryptelisk, Sacrificed Alliance, Anthropophagy – info


L-R – Chris Szarota – Vocals, Jeff Wilson – Guitars, Tyler Williams – Guitars, Dan Ayers – Bass/Vocals, Fernando Villalobos- Drums
Credit: Hayden John Wolf
       Set to unleash their debut full length album ‘The Fallen Sun’ officially on June 10th, Toronto, ON’s SLUDGEHAMMER have posted a new music video for their track ‘Carrion Eater’, which is one of eleven fist pounding tracks that features the dynamic vocal performances from lead vocalist Chris Szarota and bassist Dan Ayers, along with a showcase of mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming fury to follow up their 2014 EP ‘Organ Harvester’.

“Sludgehammer is proud to present ”Carrion Eater” as our first music video from ”The Fallen Sun”. This is one of the first songs we wrote for the record and it has become one of our favorites. It was an ambitious track to create as we were trying to combine a lot of different musical elements into a cohesive song. We eventually got it to the point where it is now, an energetic, venom spittin’ ,leg stompin’, headcrusher! It was a lot of hard work creating this record, but also a lot of fun. We’re hoping everyone can enjoy it like we do.” comments guitarist Jeff Wilson.The album was self-produced by the band and mixed by guitarist Tyler Williams and mastered by world renowned producer & engineer Lasse Lammert (Gloryhammer, Alestorm, Teramaze) at LSD Studio in Germany.

To watch ‘Carrion Eater’, please visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAbgAUBrzvo 

 

Sludge photo 2

1. Demons From The Woodwork (4:02)
2. Intestines Entwined (5:02)
3. The Black Abyss (6:29)
4. Ectogenesis (4:34)
5. Carrion Eater (5:56)
6. Consuming Afterbirth (4:34)
7. Carnivorous Forest (5:08)
8. Utopian (5:45)
9. Revolting (4:46)
10. Organ Harvester (4:51)
11. Casualties (4:34)
Album Length: 55:48

About:
Sludgehammer is a five piece Canadian metal band formed in 2013.  The band began with guitarist Jeff Wilson and drummer Fernando Villalobos jamming together, which quickly resulted in writing songs and searching for a full line up.  Their search led to vocalist Chris Szarota, who possessed an astonishing vocal ferocity and bassist and vocalist Dan Ayers, who passed the audition as a bassist and also revealed a golden voice.  Thus, the first incarnation of Sludgehammer was formed.

The four members worked hard over the next few months to put together a demo, which was released at the band’s first gig on November 22nd, 2013.  The demo was well received even though it was completely self-recorded and the gig offers kept on coming, along with new fans.

With the success of the demo, the band knew that it was time to step things up and hired producer Christian Anderson for their 2014 release, ‘Organ Harvester’.  During the writing sessions, the band decided that Chris and Dan should share vocal duties for this record, as Dan’s voice had been absent from the demo.  The dual vocals proved to be a force to be reckoned with and on August 11th, 2014 ‘Organ Harvester’ was released to rave reviews.

‘Organ Harvester’ gained both new fans and better shows, gathering serious momentum and solid name among the metal community.  However by 2015, after playing many gigs with the ‘Organ Harvester’ material it became very obvious that the fans were hungry for more.  The band began writing more songs for the next release and kept playing gigs, which led them to guitarist Tyler Williams.  Tyler was working as a sound man at the Atria in Oshawa, ON where Sludgehammer was playing, and after their performance, Tyler approached the band.  They set up a jam and in July 2015, Tyler Williams joined Sludgehammer.

The new five piece line up produced a much fuller sound as Jeff and Tyler began working together.  The old songs were given new life and badass new material was being written for their next release, titled ‘The Fallen Sun’.  The new songs featured dynamic vocal performances from Dan and Chris, mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming.  As the songs started to pile up, Sludgehammer discussed recording a full length album.  Tyler suggested that they record at his studio, Monolithic Productions.  The band set up shop there and are now ready to unleash ‘The Fallen Sun’ for release on June 10, 2016.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 OUT NOW! BLACK ABSINTHE ‘Early Signs of Denial’; Post Full Album Stream

  • May 13, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Black Absinthe · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 13, 2016

EP Promo Request here.

For fans of Black Sabbath, Killswitch Engage, Motorhead, Mastodon, High On Fire, Coheed and Cambria

Facebook | Twitter @ blackabsintheto | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp

OUT NOW! BLACK ABSINTHE ‘Early Signs of Denial’; Post Full Album Stream

Upcoming Show Dates:

May 13 – Oshawa, ON @ The Atria – Event info
May 14 – Toronto, ON @ Coalition T.O. (CD Release Show) – Event info

      Toronto, ON heavy metal trio BLACK ABSINTHE have surfaced from the basement to unleash their debut album ‘Early Signs of Denial’ produced by Sum 41’s Dave Baksh (Cross Dog, The Mahones) plus mixed and mastered by Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie- Hillbilly Deluxe). Out now as of May 13th, 2016, the album is the band’s first professional recording to follow their three self recorded EPs Live At Coalition (2014), Noise Complaint (2014) and Augusta (2012).

The album stream can be heard at the following links:
– https://soundcloud.com/blackabsintheband/sets/early-signs-of-denial
– http://exclaim.ca/music/article/black_absinthe-early_signs_of_denial_album_stream
along with album order at https://blackabsinthe.bandcamp.com/

“This was our first foray into recording in a studio environment plus working with a producer and mixer. Having a team of people around us helped us produce better songs at a higher quality to give our fans the chance to hear what we’re truly about without the barrier of poor recordings. It’s our jump from the basement to the studio, the raw energy is still there, but there’s an added level of detail to each track. We wanted to make a significant jump forward in quality and songwriting plus for fans who have been following us, we think they’ll be pleasantly surprised.” comments vocalist/guitarist Jack Cerre.

BLACK ABSINTHE’s powerful heavy riffs and bass lines are reminiscent of classic thrash and new wave British heavy metal with a range of progressive to classic rock influence ready to be shared with fans new and old alike.

The title “Early Signs of Denial” is a conceptual connection to the themes of fear, corruption, and overcoming disparity, which is explored in the album’s songs. The record has emphasis of crushing modern tone, polished instrumental sections, soaring vocals and a blending of contemporary and classic metal. With each track, this unique record represents different aspects of BLACK ABSINTHE’s diversity in song writing. The band does not tread lightly over their new wave of British heavy metal song style or their technical and progressive metal influences.

1. The Wild (3:50) [MetalNationRadio]
2. Is This Life (4:42)
3. Berj Khalifa (3:19)
4. Pigs (4:03)
5. NOW (3:58) [MMK]
6. Winter (6:23) [Hellbound]
Album Length: 26:18

For more info, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/blackabsintheband.

About:

Formed in 2011 by vocalist and guitarist Jack Cerre, bassist Kyle Scarlett and drummer Austin Henderson, the trio continue to rip through the underground Toronto metal scene without pause.

Compounding heavy riffs and bass lines reminiscent of classic thrash and new wave British heavy metal with a range of progressive to classic rock influence, Black Absinthe presents a solid example of a Canadian metal band. They’re road hungry, influenced plus supported by other driven Canadian musicians and most of all, ready to innovate and grow the traditions of a genre they venerate and respect. As leaders in the scene, Black Absinthe were headlining Toronto semi-finalists in the Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2015.

With a new year ahead, Black Absinthe pushes on with their desire to provide their fans in Canada and online with a cleaner and heavier presentation of their sound. The years incubating in Toronto’s metal underground have served the band well. From their 2012 debut EP Augusta to their 2014 EP Noise Complaint, both releases have established the band’s sound as well as their stage presence, leading to their driven heavy metal machine. Now in 2016, Black Absinthe are ready to release their debut studio album Early Signs Of Denial (May 13, 2016). The album was produced by Dave Baksh (Cross Dog, The Mahones) out of the Gentleman’s Den studio in Pickering, ON who’s experience proved to be the final touch; aiding in refining drum dynamics, smoothing the transitions and layering harmonic guitar lines. Black Absinthe’s Early Signs Of Denial sound is a leading example of the contemporary Canadian metal scene serving to showcase how the band sounds in a crisp, powerful, and ultimately more professional recording environment.

The title “Early Signs of Denial” is a conceptual connection to the themes of fear, corruption, and overcoming disparity, which is explored in the songs. The record has emphasis of crushing modern tone, polished instrumental sections, soaring vocals and a blending of contemporary and classic metal. With each track, this unique record represents different aspects of Black Absinthe’s diversity in song writing. The band does not tread lightly over their new wave of British heavy metal song style or their technical and progressive metal influences.

Through the bands expanding network cultivated through Coalition Music’s “Artist Entrepreneur Program”, they chose Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie- Hillbilly Deluxe) to mix and master the album in the Winter of 2015. His strong ability to work with a diversity of sounds was the appeal to the band. His mixing took the album into the sonic spheres of a classic 80’s sound providing, grandeur, psychedelia, and an arena rock feel that could properly represent the textures put down in tracking. There was an immediate trust formed with the stylistic choices Gryner made throughout mixing.

– 30 –

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  • News | Neues Video der TYRANTS OF CHAOS @POWERMETAL_de buff.ly/3JKp3CM https://t.co/ainfHIQ0ev 19 hours ago

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