Tag: Canada

0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – National Final! – May 13th – One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

May 3, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 3, 2023

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – National Final! – May 13th – One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

w/ EATEN BY SHARKS, STRIGAMPIRE, NECHT – Guest Headliner WHIPLASH, Guest Opener KORROSIVE

After months of battles across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its down to three bands for the national final being held in Toronto, ON on May 13th at Lee’s Palace.

Beating out over sixty participating bands, the final three are EATEN BY SHARKS (St. Catharines, ON), STRIGAMPIRE (Trois-Rivières, QC), and NECHT (Calgary, AB). One band will be crowned champion and represent Canada at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at one of the world’s most prestigious stages and the largest metal festival Wacken Open Air (Aug 4 -6), which has an attendance of over 80,000 people, and held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years.

The national final will also host a special guest headliner, the legendary thrash band WHIPLASH along with openers Toronto’s Korrosive.

“The anticipation is really building now. We are doing our very best to give these incredible finalists the opportunity they deserve and the stage to showcase their craft. With kick-ass guest bands and a stellar line-up of judges, in the name of Canadian metal, this will be one to remember!” adds Wacken Metal Battle Canada organizer JJ Tartaglia.

For the national final, all three bands will be judged by experienced industry professionals on various categories of professionalism and musicianship for only one to be selected to represent Canada on the world stage at Wacken Open Air.

Guest Judges:
Pedro Almeida (A&P Reacts)
Antonio Almeida (A&P Reacts)
Noel Peters (Inertia Entertainment)
Tim Henderson (BraveWords)
Thorsteinn Kolbeinsson (Wacken Metal Battle Iceland)
Sarah Lutz (Looters)
Kevin Michaud (Front Row Promotions)
Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM – Alerte Metallique)
Rae Chatten (Rock’n Roam, Live Nation)
Mark Tremblay (Metal on Metal Podcast)
JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada)

Event Info – https://www.leespalace.com/event/wacken-metal-battle-presents-whiplash-plus-finalists

About:

WMBC has been on pause since 2019, due to the Covid pandemic, and has hosted battles across Canada from 2013 until 2019, with one skip year in 2017.

Previous winners have been The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

2023 battles were hosted in Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2023 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://metalbattle.ca/rules.html

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattle.ca
Facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

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Media Partners:
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground
BrokenNeckRadio
V13
Metal Devastation Radio
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)

Promoter Partners:
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 MASSACRE and NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announce Canadian Madness Tour

April 28, 2023
by Asher
· Massacre · Music News · Narcotic Wasteland

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 28, 2023

MASSACRE and NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announce Canadian Madness Tour

Photo Credit – Andrea Roberts

Massacre and Narcotic Wasteland are excited to announce that they will be trekking north for the Canadian Madness Tour this summer! The tour kicks off on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at Piranha Bar in Montreal QC, followed by The Rockpile in Toronto ON on Friday, August 18th, and finally, the Brass Monkey in Ottawa ON on Saturday, August 19th.

As you may already know, Massacre and Narcotic Wasteland are two of the most influential and talented bands in the metal scene today. They have been thrilling audiences all over the world with their intense and powerful performances, and now they are coming to Canada to give their fans an unforgettable experience.

The Canadian Madness Tour promises to be an epic night of metal and mayhem, showcasing the best of Massacre and Narcotic Wasteland’s music. You can expect to hear some of their biggest hits, as well as some new and exciting material that will leave you wanting more.

Tickets for the tour will be available starting Friday, April 28th, 2023 at 11 am. Don’t miss your chance to see these two legendary bands in action. Get your tickets early and secure your spot for what is sure to be one of the most memorable tours of the year.

Tour Dates:

8/17/23 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC – Ticket Info

8/18/23 – The Rockpile – Toronto, ON – Ticket Info

8/19/23 – Brass Monkey Ottawa ON – Ticket Info

Narcotic Wasteland Singles:

Morality and the Wasp – https://youtu.be/fXThLKTP-xI

The Best Times Have Passed – https://youtu.be/U6kB087hGyY

Victims of The Algorithm – https://youtu.be/KEGN0iGR1Uo

Digital – https://orcd.co/nwvota

Massacre Singles:

Behind The Serpent’s Curse Feat. Anders Odden of Cadaver – https://youtu.be/AeQE7Jtl1EA

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3Az5gST

For more info:

Narcotic Wasteland – https://www.narcoticwasteland.com

Massacre – https://linktr.ee/MASSACREofficial

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0 Rockshots Records – Canada’s WALK WITH TITANS’ New Single Calls Upon On Their Hero “Herakles”; Debut Album “Olympian Dystopia” (Greek Myths Meet Power Metal) Out May 2023

April 28, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Walk With Titans

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 28, 2023

Rockshots Records – Canada’s WALK WITH TITANS’ New Single Calls Upon On Their Hero “Herakles”

Debut Album “Olympian Dystopia” (Greek Myths Meet Power Metal) Out May 2023

Photo Credit – Dani Rod – Above the Sky Studios

Presenting epic power metal with a twist of Greek Mythology, Montreal, Canada’s Walk With Titans will be releasing their debut album “Olympian Dystopia” on May 26th, 2023 via Rockshots Records.

Today, the band shares the album’s opening track and second single “Herakles”. It’s a track about the Greek Hero and is a straightforward metal hymn in which Walk With Titans channel their inner Manowar.

Watch and listen to the video for “Herakles” at https://youtu.be/3I3cQG9F7Fo

Efficient, epic, well executed, heavy, and mythical, this is what power metal fans will discover from 50 minutes of Walk With Titans’ first full-length “Olympian Dystopia” brought forth by Nikko Cyr (drums), Nick Maugy (rhythm guitar), Louis Jacques (lead guitar) (ex-Blackguard), Lydz Grondin (bass), and Jonathan Vézina (vocals & orchestrations).

Guitarist Louis Jacques adds:

“It’s a power metal album without compromising the epic side. I think listeners will realize that and enjoy it. We made this album during the pandemic and it kept us sane, we hope fans will find the same joy in listening to it as we had to make it! We bring some ancient Greek Myths to the forefront like Eurydice and Herakles, while others are more subtle like ‘Edge of Time’, which is Khronos representing time eating us all. Other tracks on the record we made as an analogy for societal issues.”

Walk With Titans is recommended for fans of Angra, Stratovarius, and Rhapsody of Fire.

Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/WalkWithTitansCD

Lyric Video – “Seven Against Thebes” – https://youtu.be/B8RxVmKbLKY

Track Listing:
1. Herakles (4:08)
2. Edge of Time (4:34)
3. Gods of the Pantheon (5:53)
4. As Titans Fall (4:36)
5. Lost Ways (4:28)
6. Final Dawn (5:31)
7. Gift of Fire feat. Renato Osório (5:38) – Guest guitar solo by Renato Osório (Atomic Elephant, ex-Hibria)
8. Lost Paradise (5:17)
9. Seven Against Thebes (4:16)
10. Eurydice (5:46)
Album Length: 50:22

Walk With Titans is:
Drums : Nikko Cyr
Rythm Guitar : Nick Maugy
Lead Guitar : Louis Jacques
Bass Guitar : Lydz Grondin
Vocals & Orchestrations : Jonathan Vézina

Album Credits:
Album Artwork: Jean-Michel Lima
Logo and album cover layout: Jivago Raymond
Booklet Layout: Simon Bertrand
Recordings: Nick Maugy and Louis Jacques, and vocals were at Silverwings Studio by Jonathan Lefrançois
Mix and Mastering: Francis Gagné from Progressive Acoustics
Drums on the Album: Martin Plante (session drummer)
Music by Walk With Titans
Guest solo on ”Gift of Fire” by Renato Osório (ex-Hibria)
Lyrics: Jonathan Vézina, Louis Jacques, and David Zinay (lost paradise, final dawn)

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064909415917 | Instagram.com/walk_with_titans

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—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Canada’s MEDEVIL Announces New Vocalist To Lineup; New Album Out “Mirror in the Darkness”

April 27, 2023
by Asher
· Medevil · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 27, 2023

Canada’s MEDEVIL Announces New Vocalist To Lineup

New Album Out “Mirror in the Darkness” In Tribute To Drummer’s Passing

Photo Credit – IDFK Design & Photography

Earlier this April, Medevil took the stage at a sold-out Hyperspace MetalFest in Vancouver, BC with the support of vocalist Eric Willmott (Apprentice, ex-Meridius) to fill in for the band’s main singer Liam Collingwood. Taking the stage and fans by storm during that event, today, the band announces they will continue future performances will Wilmott.

“Liam Collingwood is still a part of Medevil and will be continuing to work with us both creatively and in various singing roles on the upcoming album(s). Eric Willmott will be singing for us at all live performances, and is expected to sing as the lead vocalist on the upcoming studio albums as well.” adds the band.

Medevil recently released their new album “Mirror in the Darkness” on April 7th. The record is a big step up from their debut full-length “Conductor of Storms”, with a more progressive and ambitious direction than before. The album is also a tribute to drummer Chris Malcolmson who passed away after its recording. The songs on this new album have much more variety, and a lot more to offer, which should accommodate a wider array of music tastes from metal fans or fans of music in general. The band is very confident that fans of the first record will enjoy this one and they explain further:

“‘Mirror in the Darkness’ is our boldest step into different musical stylings than ever before. It is a very dark-sounding album mood-wise and can be described as ‘progressive power metal’ in most areas. Each song throughout sounds completely unique from the other, bringing out a new metal flavour unheard from the previous tracks. We also experimented with Drop-C tuning here on a couple songs, adding to the dark sound. While it is not a concept album, the lyrics throughout have consistent themes about heavy personal issues such as depression and negativity you feel in life.”

Their style on “Conductor of Storms” was heavily inspired by the classic ‘80s heavy metal bands, but for “Mirror in the Darkness” they started looking at other heavy metal influences within the progressive metal sphere such as Opeth, Porcupine Tree, and Mastodon. You can hear this influence on tracks like ‘No Peace in Rest’, ‘Dead Before Birth’ and ‘Veiled’ where they make use of longer arrangement structures, odd time signatures, and atmospheric soundscapes.

Intended to be listened to in a single sitting from front to back, Medevil spent a lot of time considering the flow of the album, from fast and energetic to dark and brooding, so there is a lot of variety that will come from a fully engaged listen. Dedicated to late drummer Chris Malcolmson, it is recommended for fans of Metal Church, Accept, and Baroness.

Listen to “Mirror in the Darkness” at Medevil.bandcamp.com, Spotify

Lyric Video – Among Thieves – https://youtu.be/sC55M5Cy-3M

Upcoming Events:
June 9 – The Wise – Vancouver, BC w/ Iron Kingdom

Track Listing:
1. Dead Before Birth (6:18)
2. Among Thieves (5:00)
3. Pray for Me (6:35)
4. The Signal (7:22)
5. Smoke and Mirrors (1:48)
6. Weight of the Crown (4:18)
7. Mirror in the Darkness (8:31)
8. Gateways (2:41)
9. Veiled (3:56)
10. No Peace in Rest (9:23)
Album Length: 55:58

Album Recording Lineup:
Liam Collingwood – Vocals
Gary Cordsen – Lead Guitar
Brett Gibbs – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar & Backup Vocals
Eric Wesa – Bass & Backup Vocals
Chris Malcolmson – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/medevilband | Twitter.com/MedevilMusic | YouTube | Instagram.com/medevilofficial

About: Medevil is a highly energetic, fast-paced metal band known for its tight songwriting, intense stage presence, and roaring vocals. They are one of the few metal bands coming out of Chilliwack BC and hold that title proud as they have earned much praise and respect since their inception in 2014. As one of the 6 national finalists of the 2015 Wacken Metal Battle Canada, they are becoming more and more renowned throughout the country; their fame attaining them a following in their local town and across through to Vancouver.

Their music could be described as “power thrash” with half of their set being chorus-driven, and the other half focusing on blistering fast riffs. Influences for the band include Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Metal Church. Their fast but catchy songs keep the crowd chanting throughout the set, and leave them wanting more. Liam Collingwood, the band’s singer, keeps the band image in theme with the songs while on stage and will wear thematic outfits when the mood demands it.

The band was founded on January 13, 2014, by Eric Wesa (bass), as well as brothers Liam (vocals) and Ross Collingwood (drums). It only took two months after the band’s inception before the boys found the ultimate guitar duo they were looking for, Gary Cordsen and Brett Gibbs. Once the lineup was solidified, they wasted no time performing shows and begin their musical journey. As a band, Medevil has two common goals; to explore their musical talents, and continue performing live for their fast-growing fanbase.

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“At fifty six minutes in length, some listeners may be daunted by the sheer amount of Medevil they are being asked to absorb, but I can quite honestly say that there is not one second wasted here as the band deliver one of the most compelling, absorbing albums I’ve heard in quite some while. Congratulations to all involved.” – Sentinel Daily

“Medevil – Pray For Me – Six great new prog tracks you really must listen to!” – Prog Mag (March 6, 2023)

“a heavy onslaught of aggressive and menacing metal with moments of progressive diversion and musical exploration.” – Metal Roos

“The band has expanded their approach from their debut, writing songs that are more complex and progressive. Tracks like “Dead Before Birth” are intense and bombastic, while songs such as “Pray For Me” are mellower and more expansive. There are a few shorter numbers, but Medevil prefer extended compositions, with several tracks in the 6 to 9 minute range. The Udo Dirkschneider-esque vocals may be polarizing, but the songs are engaging and the musicianship impressive.” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“There are more twists that catch you off guard here (Dead Before Birth), and is the perfect way to kick off “Mirror in the Darkness”. It’s probably their most complicated song rhythmically, and while they didn’t originally write this thinking it should be complex, it seemed to happen naturally with the riffs they were coming up with at the time. Somehow despite that complexity, it’s also extremely catchy.” – First Angel Media

“The sequel doesn’t disappoint in any way. The listening pleasure increases with every single track. Nothing is veiled (“Veiled”) here, the bandwidth of musical ability is lived out openly. Who or what to emphasize here is up to you. I recommend “Pray for Me”, “Weight of the Crown” and “Veiled” as check out tips. With the mirror of darkness you can see the direction: it’s going forward!! My rating is a full 10 Hellfire points.” – Hellfire Magazin

“Medevil has put their thinking caps on for this because there are some really interesting songs on this. There’s something for everyone on this so it will appeal universally to metalheads everywhere. Something is happening in Canada because this is about the tenth release I’ve reviewed, and they are all of high quality and pretty diverse. The question is – what will Medevil do next? They’re going to have to go some to top this. Score: 9/10” – My Global Mind

“Medevil’s overall sound is often interesting, like a weird mash-up of Metal Church and 90s prog-metal acts like Wicked Maraya. Cool ideas populate nearly every song and there are a collection of killer moments that hook the ear ” – Angry Metal Guy

“Overall, a heavy onslaught of aggressive and menacing metal with moments of progressive diversion and musical exploration.” – Metal Gods Tv

0 Canada’s FALL OF EARTH Is Now Streaming Intriguing Hybrid Album “From The Ashes” + May Show Dates w/ Allegaeon

April 21, 2023
by Asher
· Fall of Earth · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 21, 2023

Canada’s FALL OF EARTH Is Now Streaming Intriguing Hybrid Album “From The Ashes”

+ Show Dates w/ Allegaeon (Edmonton May 21st, Calgary May 22nd)

Photo Credit – Christopher Wood – Listen Media, www.listenmedia.ca

Fall of Earth, based in Edmonton, Alberta, is a hybrid metal band led by the growls, screams, and soaring clean vocals of Inuit frontman Alex Rye, who captivates every audience member with his energy and showmanship. The flying fingers of axe slinger Brody Bauer produce a dizzying array of sounds that regularly elicits screams of rapture from the audience. The progressive and primal low end is provided by bass wielder Aaron Winklmeier, as he muscles his way (both literally and figuratively) around the stage. Brendan Meilleur brings the elite combination of high-energy drum fills and expressive grooves, all while contributing vocal harmonies. This intrepid quartet already has one solid release under their belts and now they have returned to deliver another – “From The Ashes”. They get into the details:

“The album is a consistent ride full of ups and downs, with no breaks. We’ve taken our heavy sections and made them heavier, and taken our softer sections and made them more impactful. We have carefully calculated all the dynamics and structures of each song so each second of every track serves a purpose. This record has pieces of us personally etched into the music, so we could share who we are and what our minds look like on an audio basis. As far as the listening experience goes, with all this being said, we hope for our fans to feel the love and importance that music has had on our lives, and pass that onto them through our own interpretation.”

Fall Of Earth is a play on words that reflects their core belief that the world is experiencing a multitude of issues including climate change, war, and mass extinctions that is leading us all to a darker place as a society. The band hopes to use the power of music to help the world recover. “From The Ashes” was produced, mixed, and mastered by Diego Fernandez at Oracle Recording Studios, and the album artwork was done by the band. It is recommended for those who enjoy Trivium, Mastodon, and Gojira.

“From The Ashes” is now available as of April 21, 2023 at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/fallofearth/from-the-ashes

Lyric Video – “Block Out The Sun” at https://youtu.be/zdjISmh9kYA

Upcoming Show Dates:
May 21 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room w/ Allegaeon, The Judge The Juror, Ages of Ashes
Mat 22 – Calgary, AB – Dickens w/ Allegaeon, Whorrify, Wych
Aug 6 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Festival w/ Jungle Rot, The Convalescence, Pound, Wormwitch, W.O.R., Nomad

Track Listing:
1. Medusa (8:25)
2. The Dead And Soon To Be (5:54)
3. Block Out The Sun (4:24)
4. Path To Self Destruction (6:40)
5. Crossroads (9:35)
6. From The Ashes (5:14)
7. Shores Of War (5:49)
8. Purgatory (6:00)
9. Into The Woods (6:33)
Album Length: 58:39

Fall of Earth is:
Alex Rye – Lead Vocals
Brodie Bauer – Guitar, Vocals
Brendan Meilleur – Drums, Vocals
Aaron Winklmeier – Bass, Vocals

For more info: Fallofearthband.com | Facebook.com/FallOfEarthBand | Twitter.com/FallofEarthBand | Instagram.com/fallofearthband

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“Fresh Tracks: Fall of Earth offers a smorgasboard of metal on From the Ashes… What if a band took numerous metal genres and combined them to form a monstrous kaiju? This is the modus operandi of Edmonton’s Fall of Earth. Known more succinctly as “hybrid metal,” Fall of Earth’s sound encompasses death, thrash, progressive, metalcore; you name it, they have it cranked to 11″ – Edmonton Journal

“It is an extreme variety of the form we get here, and one that at the core level is defined by seamless transitions between extreme metal, thrash metal and power metal. But in between we also get quirkier parts more aligned with progressive metal, and more interestingly from a progressive point of view we also get a liberal array of acoustic and semi-acoustic passages and interludes with a more delicate and atmospheric laden style, form and orientation. The vocals come with the same amount of versatility, with harsh and melodic lead vocals being the main forms used. A production to seek out by those with an interest in a powerful and vibrant variety of extreme progressive metal expanded with a liberal array of delicate and atmospheric laden interludes.” – Progressor

“The nine songs present some real diversity in the genre by embracing several different approaches” – Metal Temple

““Medusa,” hits hard and powerful a song that immediately grabs the listener by the throat and never lets go.” – The Median Man

“Fall of Earth are gradually gaining more and more of the city spotlight” – E-Know

“Fall of Earth, is bolting through the scene with their magnificent stage presence and performance. High energy and a sure crowd-pleaser that will leave you wanting more. I’ll admit, these guys blew my mind! I’m a big fan now for sure! Some awesome individuals as well that genuinely show a passion for their craft and a desire to deliver a live show you won’t forget!” – Heavy Metal A Way of Life

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Canada’s PHAETON’s Now Streaming Instrumental Prog Space Adventure “Between Two Worlds”

April 20, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 20, 2023

Canada’s PHAETON’s Now Streaming Instrumental Prog Space Adventure “Between Two Worlds”

L-R – Colin Righton – Drums & Percussion, Daniel Airth – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Kevin Thiessen – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards, Ferdy Belland – Electric & Fretless Bass
Photo by Julian Bueckert

Get ready to soar through the cosmos with Canada’s Phaeton and their second expansive album “Between Two Worlds”. They anticipate taking their listeners through space and time and feel a complete visceral release that can only be found through progressive metal. They consider this full-length to be a major step up for them and have focused on being sharp and clever to grab people’s ears with melody lines of the twin guitars instead of vocals. They continue to share their excitement for the release:

“We pushed ourselves as musicians, we pushed ourselves as instrumentalists, and we pushed ourselves as a unit to create something that had to at least be on par with the first album – and we surpassed all our expectations. We’re hoping that fans of prog-metal find something enjoyable in these tunes and will urge them into repeat listening, and we hope all the twists and turns and corners and swerves we’ve woven together will surprise and delight. And with us re-energized for live performance, we aim to convince the world that you can say so much…without saying a word.”

There is certainly no ‘sophomore slump’ happening with “Between Two Worlds”, which will accompany listeners on an emotional journey – the classic goal of all instrumental progressive metal. This release is just a taste of what’s to come from Phaeton, who has more material being written.

Phaeton emerged virtually fully formed from the start. As soon as they realized they were onto something explosive and exciting, they followed the blazing comet to the final impact, splitting the hardened crust of progressive metal complacency and bursting forth the white-hot magma of fresh reinvention. “Between Two Worlds” is recommended for fans of Opeth, Gojira, and Meshuggah.

“Between Two Worlds” can be heard in full via its full-stream album premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

“Between Two Worlds” is due out April 21st, 2023, and available for pre-order at Phaetonband.bandcamp.com

Band playthrough – “Monsoon” – https://youtu.be/-sRzrejyHuA

Track Listing:
1. Predestination – 4:57
2. Oceans of Time – 6:44
3. Terra Australis – 4:42
4. Monsoon – 6:06
5. Refraction – 4:48
6. Geomorphic – 4:51
7. Magma Chamber – 6:09
8. Between Two Worlds – 9:21
Album Length: 47:40

For more info: Facebook.com/Phaetonband | Instagram.com/phaetonband | Twitter.com/phaetonband

About: PHAETON was formed in Kimberley, BC in March 2017 by Kevin Thiessen (lead & rhythm guitar), Daniel Airth (lead & rhythm guitar), Colin Righton (drums & percussion), and Ferdy Belland (electric & fretless bass). Combining technically ferocious compositions of modern metal with the ambitious song-arrangement mindset of classic prog-rock, PHAETON (named for the theoretical proto-planet which collided with Ancient Earth during the Primordial Era) stands alone in the wilderness of British Columbia with their unique approach to instrumental prog-metal.

Phaeton is:
Kevin Thiessen – Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
Daniel Airth – Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Ferdy Belland – Electric & Fretless Bass
Colin Righton – Drums & Percussion

Discography
2018 – Self Titled – LP
2023 – Between Two Worlds – LP

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“Top-tier instrumental prog-metal-math music from the East Kootenay region performed by a quartet of veteran musicians.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun)

“The sound on all seven tracks is huge and if there was a “best sounding hammer-ons” award then March of the Synthetics could be a contender.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun)

“An epic Progressive Metal listening experience.” – Trevor Hatter (BeatRoute Magazine)

“This badass band makes a devastating impact with their high velocity musical assault.” – Time Lord (Progarchy)

“A sparkling, sizzling debut from PHAETON, taking us on a futuristic musical journey, with deep roots in the ancient past.” – Stephen Conrad (Progressive Rock Fanatics)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Continue Their Progressive Assault With “The Void” Off Upcoming Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 2023

April 19, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Vvon Dogma I

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 19, 2023

Montreal’s VVON DOGMA I (ex-Unexpect – 9 String Bassist) Continue Their Progressive Assault With “The Void”

New Album “The Kvlt of Glitch” Out May 2023

For VVON DOGMA I, music is more than just a form of entertainment, it’s an art form that allows them to explore their emotions and convey their message to the world. Their music is characterized by a sense of urgency, with powerful riffs and raw vocals that cut through the noise. The project of bassist Chaoth, formerly of Unexpect, is chaotic and thought-provoking and their upcoming album “The Kvlt of Glitch” is dark and melancholic. The newest single “The Void” is being presented with a lyric video, in which Chaoth shares some insight on what to expect:

“This one needed to be the first track of the record as it is the oldest material by far. Most of that song was written over a decade ago and I really love the sound design and glitchy introduction that gives a feel of what you’re walking into musically. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling of emptiness inside, or maybe I’m just a hopeless bluesy melancholic. I actually wrote the first half of that song thinking it could be Unexpect material back in the day, so that tells you how old some of these parts are.”

When it comes to selecting tracks for the album, Chaoth doesn’t come from the school of thinking where you write 30 songs and the best 12 make it on the record. For him, everything he spent countless hours crafting will make it on the record. He also wanted to include a cover and selected the track “2 + 2 = 5” by Radiohead.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” is essentially Chaoth paying tribute to every period of different influences that he’s had in his life, from 90’s alternative and nu-metal to modern electronic and ambient music and everything in between. The album is recommended for fans of Unprocessed, Meshuggah, and Igorrr.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “The Void” via its premiere on EverythingIsNoise HERE.

“The Kvlt of Glitch” was produced by Chaoth along with Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and Dave Evangelista and is due out May 5, 2023.

Album pre-order – Vvondogmai.bandcamp.com

Music Video – “One Eye” – https://youtu.be/ebEmZojXIgk

In addition to the album, Chaoth has launched bass lessons via his Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/chaoth

Track Listing:
1. The Void – 4:45
2. Tabula Rasa – 4:25
3. Triangles and Crosses – 4:33
4. Day of The Dead – 4:36
5. One Eye – 4:34
6. Hivemind – 2:47
7. Lithium Blue – 4:51
8. 2 + 2 = 5 – 3:11 (Radiohead Cover)
9. Hurt – 3:58
10. The Great Maze – 6:54
Album Length: 44:40

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: VVON DOGMA I
• All songs written by: CHAOTH and VVON DOGMA I (except 2+2=5 written by Radiohead)
• Produced by: Blaise Borboën-Léonard, Chris Donaldson, Dave Evangelista, Chaoth
• Mixed by: Max Lacroix at House of Gain studio
• Mastered by: Max Lacroix at House of Gain studio
• Album Artwork by: Patrick Filteau and MidJourney
• Canadian Content (MAPL) (for Canadian

Vvon Dogma I – Album and Live Band Lineup:
ChaotH (Frederick F) – 9 String bass
Kevin Alexander – Drums
Yoan MP – Guitar
Blaise Borboën – Synth, Strings, Production

For more info: Facebook.com/VvonDogmaI | Instagram.com/vvondogmai | Twitter.com/vvondogmai | Youtube.com/@vvondogmai8596

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“It sounds like Cynic mixed with The Algorithm, Last Chance To Reason, and others. It’s a shame this is only an EP, because I want so much more.” – Metal Injection

“It’s very much a ‘thinking outside of the box’ type of EP, with many different instruments and musical styles blended together.” – V13

“Chaoth (Frederick Filiatrault) is undoubtedly a member of the ranks of the most outstanding Canadian musicians.” – Silence-Magazin

“We may have the arrival of a whole new genre or style of music with what’s happening here from Montreal, Quebec’s Vvon Dogma I. Having just released the “Communion” EP in recent days, the music contained upon it is quite forward thinking progressive metal at its roots.” – Riff Relevant

“Vvon Dogma I’s new EP has more than twice as many bass strings than tracks…an explosive look at Frederick Filliatrault’s new project, one that he conceived almost entirely as an excuse to write with his nine-string bass. Yep. Nine strings. On a bass…the Canadian band’s debut starts them off strong.” – All About The Rock

“a very unique EP.” – Games, Braaains & A Headbanging Life

“Vvon Dogma I really makes you feel that there is a well planned progression that aims to make you go through different stages until you reach a safe place” – RTMB Music

“”Communion projects a cocktail of Creative Rock and Metal of outstanding quality that will appeal to the connoisseur of all things out there in prog and avant-garde space. This is some wild shit. And does the RMR office suite like wild? Damn straight we do. And so should you – get some.” – Rock Music Raider

“This is a band that have managed to create their own brand of odd progressive metal…This is a band that does to djent what Claypool does to funk and Patton does to rock and metal. An out there and challenging affair, and most likely with more of a niche appeal due to that. But those who get it will enjoy this stuff immensely.” – Progressor

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Come Face To Face With The Infamous Dracula In AxMinister Video “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” Off New EP “vir fortis” Out May 2023

April 12, 2023
by Asher
· axminister · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 12, 2023

Come Face To Face With The Infamous Dracula In AxMinister Video “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement”

New EP “vir fortis” Out May 2023

L – R – Bas – Drums, Nick – Vocals/Bass, Steve – Guitar
Photo Credit – Maribeth Chabot – Shootingstarr Rock & Roll Photography

AxMinister is a heavy metal trio from Toronto, Canada. Their sound is true to the traditional metal stylings of some of the biggest metal bands in history. They have their fifth studio release coming in May and they invite metalheads around the world to dive into epic stories and epic riffs. The upcoming EP “vir fortis” is a three-track stunner of a record that gets lyrical content from Vlad The Impaler and Napoleon, its history delivered with thunder. The first single “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” is a smoldering look at the Romanian hero. The band shares some details about the single and EP:

“The single chronicles the horrifying experience of impalement, and the ravenous joy Prince Vlad relished from his forests of impalement. The artwork for the album is oil paintings by our drummer Bas. Bas is sort of obsessed with Napoleon Bonaparte, and there are at least two more songs about the French Emperor to be released in the coming years.”

AxMinister leads listeners through history with “vir fortis” as they examine the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the story (along with the myth) of Vlad the Impaler. Their songs are historically accurate and they aim to tackle three things: History, self-improvement, and the ecclesiastical realm. According to them, they need to tell the world that great men have walked before them, great power lies within your souls, and that there is something bigger than yourself. Live your life any way you please, but remember, you will one day be held accountable.

Your history lesson awaits, the video for “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” can be seen and heard via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“vir fortis” is out on May 11, 2023. It is recommended for fans of Megadeth, Manowar, and Judas Priest.

EP pre-order – https://axminister.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. The Age of Napoleon… The Rise – 17:06
2. Vlad The Impaler… Son Of The Dragon – 7:02
3. Vlad The Impaler… Forests of Impalement – 4:45
EP Length: 28:53

EP Credits:
All songs written and performed by AxMinister
Produced/Mixed/Mastered at Monolithic Productions by Tyler Williams
Member of SOCAN – yes
MAPL – Canadian Content

EP and Live Band lineup:
Nicholas Klaus – Vocals/Bass
Steve MacLeod – Guitar
Bas Von Bismark – Drums

For more info: Axminister.ca | Facebook.com/AxMinister | Twitter.com/axministertrio | Instagram.com/axminister_band |

– 30 –

“From the drop of the first note, AxMinister pull their ax from stone, brandishing it mightily and powerfully as they dish out shredding sharpened riff after sharpened riff. Thrown in to the mix are face melting solos as well as ever present charging drumming as well as very solid very infectious vocals. Each of the five tracks present within this release are woven together well to provide you with a cohesive and well rounded sound that you will have a hard time getting out of your head. With The Crucible Of Sin, AxMinister gift you with five highly addictive and highly entertaining tracks that you keep coming back to.” – Cadaver Garden (2018)

“this EP (The Crucible of Sin) is just some good ol’ fashioned beer and pretzels Heavy Metal in the vein of bands like Manowar” – Metalcrypt (2018)

“The Crucible of Sin is a great thrash/traditional metal album, showing strong influences from Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica to full effect.” – Hellbound (2018)

“an exciting piece of Thrash Metal. It has a unique touch to it that allows the EP to be memorable, whilst the guitars make it very enjoyable.” – Noizze UK (2018)

“The stair-step cultural guitar to snare combinations for “The Trials of Hercules” brings out the Manowar fan in us all – while the speedy double kick locomotive aspects to closer “Sanctus Equitus Mortis” surely keep the ears pinned for a closer…It’s clear that you have a solid set of musicians and keen songwriting abilities – so if you want something a bit more dramatic and adventurous in your thrash airings, AxMinister could be that difference maker for you.” – Dead Rhetoric (2018)
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Canada’s MEDEVIL New Album “Mirror in the Darkness” Is Up For Preorder With “The Signal” Available Now

February 15, 2023
by Asher
· Medevil · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 15, 2023

Canada’s MEDEVIL New Album “Mirror in the Darkness” Is Up For Preorder With “The Signal” Available Now

L-R – Brett Gibbs (Guitar) | Eric Wesa (Bass) | Liam Collingwood (Vocals) | Chris Malcolmson (Drums) | Gary Cordsen (Guitar)

Photo Credit: Matthew Collingwood

Chilliwack, BC, Canada’s Medevil’s progressive and powerful metal has reached new heights with their second album, which is now up for pre-order and will be fully released in April. Those who pre-order the album now on Bandcamp will be treated to the single “The Signal”, a venture into more progressive territory than they have before. They go into detail about the track:

“This is the first song we could consider being an ‘epic’ on the album. This is also the first song to feature Ken Schellenberg’s orchestral elements. “The Signal” is a dynamic blend of heavy emotion and a delicate atmosphere. The lyrics are about looking for signs of issues or problems in your life, with themes of hospitals and life/death.”

Compared to their first album, 2016’s “Conductor of Storms”, which was comparatively much simpler lyrically, melodically, and rhythmically, they have pulled a lot more inspiration from progressive bands, and the soundscapes have a lot more depth than they’ve had in the past.

When it comes to song selection, most of the songs came up during the break between albums and were added to the album based solely on the band’s excitement about them. Some other tracks were pulled up from musical experiments that felt like they added some much-needed colour to the overall tracklist. While they don’t currently have other songs recorded, they are still actively working on new music for the future.

“Mirror in the Darkness” is dedicated to the passing of Medevil‘s drummer and friend Chris Malcolmson whose drums are recorded on the album. It is recommended listening for fans of Metal Church, Accept, and Baroness.

Album pre-order with an immediate download of “The Signal” at https://medevil.bandcamp.com

“The Signal” – Pre-Order Teaser – https://youtu.be/1Uv350l-UBQ

“Mirror in the Darkness” comes out on April 7, 2023.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/ljUlC7DPt40

Lyric Video – Among Thieves – https://youtu.be/sC55M5Cy-3M

Upcoming Events:
March 11 – Bully’s Studio – New Westminster, BC – w/ Hem Netjer, Thirteen Goats – Info
March 24 – Chilliwack, BC – Flashback Brewing Co. (Album Listening Party)
April 13 – Fox Cabaret – Vancouver, BC – Hyperspace MetalFest – w/ Riot City, Greyhawk, Atavistia, Hyloxalus, Zack Brannon – Info

For more info: Facebook.com/medevilband | Twitter.com/MedevilMusic | YouTube | Instagram.com/medevilofficial

– 30 –

“Perfectly situated to please fans of classic heavy metal, Conductor Of Storms is very strong debut from the young Medevil.” – The Monolith (2016)

“Rejoice metalheads! Chiliwackian power thrashers, Medevil, has created a top-notch debut full-length album entitled Conductor Of Storms”. – Bravewords (2016)

“Play it loud, play it fast as heavy metal world has found another new soldier to carry on the flag in the form of “Medevil”” – Planet Caravan (2016)

“Conductor of Storms is one of the most complete, fully-formed and damn near perfect debut albums I’ve ever heard from a young heavy metal band. Tracks like Escape – a blustering, no-holds-barred mashup of Metal Church, Megadeth and Overkill – are just so mature, so faultlessly executed and so, well, heavy metal, it beggars belief that they are not being delivered by a band that’s been in the game for thirty years.” – Sentinel Daily (2016)

“Riding out of the cold wastes of western Canada on warhorses of steel comes Medevil with their amazing, self-released debut album Conductor of Storms. Bruising Traditional Heavy Metal is what these guys play and they play it well. Monstrous riffs and pounding, organic drums underscore the powerful vocals and intricate solos. The band has a taste for things epic, so no love songs or cliché odes to the Metal lifestyle here.” – Metal Crypt (2016)

0 Bravewords Presents Medevil’s “Among Thieves” Off Upcoming “Mirror In The Darkness” Out April 2023

January 25, 2023
by Asher
· Medevil · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 25, 2023

Bravewords Presents Medevil’s “Among Thieves” Off Upcoming “Mirror In The Darkness” Out April 2023

L-R – Brett Gibbs (Guitar) | Eric Wesa (Bass) | Liam Collingwood (Vocals) | Chris Malcolmson (Drums) | Gary Cordsen (Guitar)

Photo Credit: Matthew Collingwood

Medevil is a highly energetic, fast-paced metal band known for its tight songwriting, intense stage presence, and roaring vocals. Back in 2016, they released their debut album “Conductor of Storms” and this year they are following it up with “Mirror In The Darkness”, which is dedicated to their late drummer Chris Malcolmson whose drums are recorded on the album. Their first single is “Among Thieves”, a straight-shooting thrashy metal song – with some interesting twists – that bridges the gap sonically between the two albums. Fans of the first album should appreciate this song. A triplet feels with unrelenting riffs, and catchy bass lines, that are brought to life through Liam Collingwood’s vocals and lyrical themes relating to greed, and stealing time (whether your own or someone else’s). The band comments:

“We are extremely excited to put this one out as the first taste of the new album. This song is definitely the thrashiest, which should connect a lot with people who enjoyed “Conductor of Storms”. It has probably the toughest riffs on the album, with all the riffs and layout here written by Gary, and keeps the energy high throughout. We feel like it’ll be a fan favourite live since there are some sections that are easy to chant, and the time changeup keeps it feeling interesting near the end. The lyrics talk about the greed living around us all, from any era, whether is financial greed or stealing someone’s time away from them.”

“Mirror In The Darkness” definitely has its singles that can be pulled out and enjoyed individually, but Medevil suggests that the best way to get the intended listening experience is to play it front to back in a sitting. They spent a lot of time considering the flow of the album, from fast and energetic to dark and brooding, so there is a lot of variety that will come from a fully engaged listen.

Progressive and powerful, Medevil is recommended for fans of Mastodon, Metal Church, and Accept.

Listen to “Among Thieves” via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“Mirror in the Darkness” comes out on April 7, 2023.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/ljUlC7DPt40

Album pre-order – https://medevil.bandcamp.com

Upcoming Events:
March 24 – Chilliwack, BC – Flashback Brewing Co. (Album Listening Party)
April 13 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret – Hyperspace Metal Fest – info