Tag: Dream Theater

0 Shumaun’s Progressive Rock Album “Memories & Intuition” Streaming Now!, Album Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace, Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

September 7, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Shumaun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 7, 2021

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree

Shumaun’s Progressive Rock Album “Memories & Intuition” Streaming Now!

Album Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace

Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

Ft. Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert),
Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony Macalpine),
Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord),
Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation), and Chris DeChiara

Shumaun (L to R) Jose Mora: Bass, Farhad Hossain: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Tyler Kim: Guitar

Shumaun, from Virginia, USA are now streaming their third album “Memories & Intuition.” Unlike the previous album, this one is not a concept album. It’s lyrically thematic, but the songs were written to be stand-alone singles, as Farhad Hossain (vocals/guitar/keys) explains:

“I really focused on the craft of songwriting on this album. I think it’s the best collection of songs I’ve ever written. The hard part was making the decision that a song was done and ready to go. You can spend years refining material, but that doesn’t necessarily make a song “better.” Luckily for me, these songs developed rather quickly and naturally. The lyrics by far are my most personal yet. I knew I wanted twelve tracks, so I set off to do just that and nothing more. There were no extra tracks.”

Hossain continues to explain that the members of the band have several more albums in them as there is no shortage of musical ideas at this point. It is hard to say what direction we will go in the future, but it’s exciting because we don’t set limitations on our musical exploration… as this album certainly shows. Melody will always remain an integral part of our music and that will never change, adds Farhad Hossain.

“Memories & Intuition” is more song-oriented than the previous two albums, but maintains the progressive twists associated with Shumaun. The music is accessible and honest with elements that can be appreciated by a wide spectrum of rock and metal enthusiasts.

Shumaun is recommended for fans of Tool, Rush, and Fates Warning.

“Memories & Intuition” is streaming now via TheProgSpace HERE.

“Memories & Intuition” is out on September 10, 2021 and will be available on digital platforms Shumaun.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/3aSbnu_JPhE
Music Video – Memories of Water – https://youtu.be/kxeJGQfy1ww
Lyric Video – Under The Sun – https://youtu.be/3pPkZ8U5c60
Lyric Video – Intuition Underground – https://youtu.be/991wSVct4Ec

Track Listing:
1. A Subtle Invocation (3:20)
2. Prisoners (3:51)
3. Memories of Water (3:33)
4. Jabriel’s Song (5:59)
5. Invincible (7:22)
6. Under the Sun (5:06)
7. The Pursuit of Happiness (5:11)
8. Tides (4:28)
9. Intuition Underground (4:39)
10. Breathing Light (9:00)
11. A Planetary Shift (5:40)
12. The Day We Said Goodbye (5:18)
Album Length: 1:03:26

Album Band Line Up:
Farhad Hossain – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Jose Mora – Bass
Tyler Kim – Guitars
Drums: Thomas Lang (Tracks 2, 5, 9, 10)
Drums: Mark Zonder (Tracks 1, 3)
Drums: Atma Anur (Tracks 4, 7)
Drums: Leo Margarit (Tracks 6, 8)
Drums: Chris DeChiara (Track 11)
Additional keyboards on “Tides” by Bill Whitney

For more info:
Shumaun.com
Facebook.com/shumaun
Instagram.com/zinkferd
Twitter.com/shumaun
EPK

About:
Shumaun initially started as a solo project by Farhad Hossain (ex singer/guitarist/keyboardist of Iris Divine). After recording a few demos, he decided to recruit a few friends to help build the project into a full-fledged collaborative band. Through the course of recording their self-titled debut album, Shumaun went through a period of tribulation while securing a drummer. Original drummer Tanvir Tomal (ex Iris Divine) had to leave for professional obligations in the middle of the recording sessions and was later replaced with Waqar Khan (Entity Paradigm), who is also well known for his work with the platinum-selling Ali Azmat of the EMI recording artist Junoon (one of South Asia’s most successful rock bands). Waqar remained with the band long enough to record a few tracks on the debut record as well as appear live for some of the earlier shows. Travis Orbin (Darkest Hour, Periphery), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) recorded the remaining drums on the debut record that was released in the fall of 2015. Tanvir has since returned to the band as the live drummer.

2019 saw the band releasing their sophomore album “One Day Closer to Yesterday.” The album was once again mixed by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studio in France. The album was rawer and heavier, but the melodies and vocals were never compromised. It includes the bombastic prog metal single “Go.”

2021 sees Shumaun releasing their third album “Memories & Intuition,” which features the amazing drumming of legends such as Thomas Lang (Peter Gabrie l, Paul Gilbert), Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony Macalpine), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord), and Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation). Shumaun once again tapped Brett Caldas-Lima and Tower Studio for mixing and mastering. The album is their most melodic to date and consists of their single “Memories of Water.”

The Shumaun sound is shaped by the soaring vocals and lead guitar work of Farhad Hossain, the pounding melodic bass lines of Jose Mora, and the subtle guitar nuances of Tyler Kim. The band has received many accolades, and have made it onto several “album of the year” lists from sites such as Progressive Music Planet, Decibel Geek, and Metal Asylum etc. The band also won The Deli Magazine’s “Best of 2015” for Washington DC bands, and have been featured on Revolver Magazine, and Decibel Magazine.

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0 Rockshots Records: Environmental Prog VENUS SYNDROME Streaming First Single “Sideral Groove” Off Upcoming Album “Cannibal Star” Out Oct 22nd

September 3, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Venus Syndrome (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 3, 2021

For fans of Dream Theater, Pagan’s Mind, Sons of Apollo, Haken, Symphony X, King’s X

Rockshots Records: Environmental Prog VENUS SYNDROME Streaming First Single “Sideral Groove” Off Upcoming Album “Cannibal Star”

“Cannibal Star” Due Out October 22, 2021

Venus Syndrome will be releasing their sophomore album “Cannibal Star” on October 22nd, via Rockshots Records.

Formed originally as a Dream Theater cover band under the moniker MetroTheater, it wasn’t too soon after that drummer Thibaud Pontet (Eternal Flight), guitarist Ayman Mokdad (Alien Encounters), keyboardist Rodolfo Lima Sproesser (Goiana, Tahra, Heretic, Floyd Rose cover Pink Floyd), bassist Florian Guidat and vocalist Emmanuelson (Ellipsis, Rising Steel, Hydroflame) were keen to create something more.

It came under the suggestion of main composer and guitarist Ayman Mokdad to the rest of the band that he had written original material inspired by the concept of the “Venus Syndrome”, in which the Earth undergoes runaway warming and the oceans boil off and is viewed as the greatest threat to humanity’s existence (more info here).

From those lyrical and musical ideals, Venus Syndrome offered up their self-titled debut album during April 2020 all while being an international collaboration between musicians on two sides of the globe. Rodolfo Lima Sproesser is based in Brazilian while the rest of the group is in France.

Carefully crafting power melodies, intricate hard rocking rhythms and soaring vocals inspired by the likes of Russell Allen (Symphony X), Warrel Dane (Nevermore) and Ray Adler (Fates Warning), the band is ready to introduce their next recording and the sophomore full-length “Cannibal Star”.

Recruiting Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio, Ultra-Violence, T/L Rhapsody, Eternal Idol, Eldritch, Elvenking) for mixing and mastering, the new album is a more mature production compared to their self-recorded effort. On “Cannibal Star”, Venus Syndrome showcases eleven tracks for fans to not just enjoy its melodic progressive metal groove, but also go beyond the listening experience and understand the message behind their music.

“Humanity will disappear if each one of us, each individual do not contribute to safeguarding it. Art, and particularly music is a healer and can help us reach the target and build something strong for our kids and their kids hopefully.” says guitarist and composer Ayman Mokdad.

The band decided on the tracks not just on record, but how they would be best performed for a memorable live experience and the importance of its messaging for saving our planet and humanity.

“There’s an amazing live show that goes with these songs, that’s why there is an instrumental ouverture, an instrumental interlude, and an ending part on the song “Contaminate Me” that we can play with the audience for several minutes. They can expect all the energy and power of the universe. We want them to sing our songs long after the show.”

In preview to its release, the progressive metal group is sharing their first single “Sideral Groove”, a groovy seven strings song, where the chorus says it all.

“Music is our life our companion and the reason to live. Our mission to believe in.” adds the band.

Listen to “Sideral Groove” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/Jj2gQhSmEcI
Digital pre-save – https://bfan.link/sideral-groove

Album pre-save – https://bfan.link/cannibal-star

Track Listing:
1. Ouverture 2040 (2:41)
2. Dark Side of The Sun (4:07)
3. Sideral Groove (5:33)
4. Sun Inside Me (4:53)
5. Golden Mind (4:37)
6. Empire of The End (4:12)
7. Cannibal Star (3:11)
8. Breaking The Black Stars (4:23)
9. Tunnel of Light (3:31)
10. Like A Monster (4:08)
11. Contaminate Me (4:40)
Album Length: 46:01

For more info:
Venus-syndrome.monsite-orange.fr/index.html
Facebook.com/thevenussyndrome

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0 Get Caught In OSYRON’s New Music Video “Razor’s Wind” + Out Now! “Kingsbane: Deluxe Edition” (Remixed, Remastered + Bonus Tracks)

August 24, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Osyron

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 24, 2021

For fans of Nightwish, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Kamelot, Wintersun

Get Caught In OSYRON’s New Music Video “Razor’s Wind”

Out Now! “Kingsbane: Deluxe Edition” (Remixed, Remastered + Bonus Tracks)

L-R: Krzysztof Stalmach (Guitar) | Cody Anstey (Drums) | Bobby Harley (Guitar) | Reed Alton (Vocals) | Tyler Corbett (Bass)

Photo Credit by Ara Shimoon

It’s been a very busy summer for Canadian metal band Osyron. They performed at Western Canada’s decibel-breaking metal fest Loud As Hell, were nominated for a Calgary YYC Music Award for Metal Recording of the Year for their 2020 album “Foundations” and they have peaked the Canadian College Radio Loud Charts at #2 during July 2021 for their latest record and reissue of “Kingsbane: Deluxe Edition”.

Continuing to support the promotion of “Kingsbane: Deluxe Edition” that was released earlier this spring on May 14th, Osyron is sharing their latest music video for the song “Razor’s Wind”, which is one of three rewritten and rearranged bonus tracks on the reissue.

The new music video for “Razor’s Wind” was directed and edited by Osyron guitarist Krzysztof Stalmach.

The band explains the track in their own words:

“This song was originally a folk metal opus, telling the tale of how the reluctant hero of the Kingsbane story was finally answering the call to adventure; to leave his safe shores and journey into the unknown. The song muses about all his coming struggles; from within and without.

Being that the setting the original painted was this seafaring epic, it translated so well (along with the beautiful Celtic inspired melodies) into this sea shanty-esque retelling of the original song.”

Watch and listen to “Razor’s Wind” at https://youtu.be/9_hnsepBW9Q

In addition to Osyron revealing the new music video today, they will also be interacting with fans later tonight on a Twitch stream playing Band Room Blitz together with the game designer Andrew Baldock.

Fans can watch and interact with the band members via chat as they talk about the game, Loud as Hell Festival and Kingsbane.

Here are the details:
Stream is 8pm/20:00 MT on August 24th.
The channel is Brian’s Republic – mostly gaming and some music
The Url is https://www.twitch.tv/briansrepublic

Find out more about Band Room Blitz:
https://www.facebook.com/AnalogUniverseGames/videos/267277617692634
https://www.facebook.com/AnalogUniverseGames
https://www.analoguniverse.com/

Osyron’s latest release “Kingsbane: Deluxe Edition” features all original recordings plus bonus tracks remixed by bassist Tyler Corbett and remastered by drummer Cody Anstey. The decision to re-release the record along with three rewritten and rearranged bonus tracks for Viper Queen, Griefmaker and Razor’s Wind (Acoustic) with current drummer Cody Anstey (original recordings were with former drummer Trevor Cobb) was an easy one after the great reception the band received from new fans for their 2020 album “Foundations”.

“Doing a re-release was never on our radar before, and definitely not something we previously considered for such a long and fleshed out album. However, we felt that this album could do with a proper release in our target markets, and we had lots of time over the pandemic to try and breathe some new life into it. As such, we set out to remix and re-master the whole album, along with re-recording 3 songs in re-arranged states as singles. These three songs were picked based on their reception live, our personal connection to them, or for the amount of potential we saw in re-arranging them. We’re super excited to get all these songs out for you in a higher quality mix, but we’re easily most excited to get you to hear these new takes on some of our “classics”. “

The storyline for “Kingsbane” is about a hero who must reluctantly take up arms against a tyrant king in a neighbouring land. Along the way, he faces many inward, and outward challenges he must overcome to achieve his goal. Through it all, the hero learns a valuable lesson that even though they are duty-bound to stop this great evil, this great evil is also in the eye of the beholder. They discover that the weight of absolute power has the potential to corrupt absolutely – maybe not all villains are as one-dimensional as they seem from the outset.

Osyron‘s “Kingsbane: Deluxe Edition” is recommended for fans of Nightwish, Dream Theater, and Wintersun.

CD, Digital – https://osyron.bandcamp.com

Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer – https://orcd.co/kingsbane

Music Video – Viper Queen – https://youtu.be/S6aSsrCdfmU
Music Video – Griefmaker – https://youtu.be/JU97fCRcfnA

Track Listing:
1. From Ashes (2:12)
2. To War (5:55)
3. Razor’s Wind (8:15)
4. Viper Queen (7:07)
5. Griefmaker (6:41)
6. Kingsbane (7:18)
7. Empire of Dust (7:27)
8. Kingmaker (10:06)
9. Razor’s Wind (Acoustic) (5:27)
10. Griefmaker (Re-recorded) (5:27)
11. Viper Queen (Re-recorded) (6:03)
Album Length: 1:12:03

Band Line Up:
Krzysztof Stalmach (Guitar)
Cody Anstey (Drums)
Bobby Harley (Guitar)
Reed Alton (Vocals)
Tyler Corbett (Bass)

For more info:
Osyron.com
Facebook.com/osyron
Instagram.com/osyronband
EPK

About:
Osyron is a symphonic metal band based in Calgary, Alberta. The group consists of vocalist Reed Alton, guitarists Krzysztof Stalmach and Bobby Harley, bassist Tyler Corbett, and drummer Cody Anstey. Bridging the gap between traditional European metal and the music of their homegrown contemporaries, Osyron has a sound all their own.

Performing alongside numerous major acts such as Norther, Protest The Hero, Into Eternity, Threat Signal, and The Agonist, Osyron’s next goal is to take their sound across the Atlantic in the flesh (post-Covid).

Discography:
2021 – Kingsbane – Deluxe Edition – Album (Re-Recorded, Remixed, Remastered)
2020 – Foundations – Album
2017 – Kingsbane – Album
2013 – Harbinger – Album

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What the press is saying:
“Osyron is a band that takes matters into their own hands and literally does most of the production and studio work in-house. They have lovingly remixed their last album, and given fans old and new a brand new take on three songs which are worth the price of the album on their own. The music is all well executed and conceived, and the musicianship is top-notch for every player. Whether you already have the original release or not, the Kingsbane – Deluxe Edition is more than worth the price to add to your collection.” – Metal Express Radio

“This is a band in its best form. Osyron has shown that it continues to improve in its production level, so its next full length should be a reflection of the great evolution that they have shown in this reissue.” – Metal Rules (Review – Kingsbane Reissue 2021)

“‘Kingsbane’ Voted #17 Best of 2017” – Metal Rules

“I loved every second of this album. It is a fantastic experience. From the very first notes of the album to the last, your attention is completely captured. I even have had a hard time writing this review while listening to the album because I kept getting lost in the music. It just sucks you in. This is, without a doubt, a must-have album! You don’t want to miss out on this one. It is an experience that will become a staple of your collection. I know it will be a standout in mine. I loved every second and I know you will too.” – Uber Rock

“another brilliant record from this thrilling band.” – Ever Metal (Kingsbane Deluxe Edition (Remixed/Remastered))

“This is a great blend of epic heavy/folk metal that combines the folk stylings of bands such as Blind Guardian, with 90s thrash elements and 90s symphonic power metal style vocals.” – Cave Dweller Music – (Kingsbane Deluxe Edition (Remixed/Remastered))

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0 Knecht Shares 8-String Guitar Shred w/ New Playthrough “Transformation”; Out Now! Progressive, Instrumental Self-Titled Debut EP

August 11, 2021
by Asher
· Knecht · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 11, 2021

For fans of Haken, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Plini, Liquid Tension Experiment

Knecht Shares 8-String Guitar Shred w/ New Playthrough “Transformation”

Out Now! Progressive, Instrumental Self-Titled Debut EP

Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn

Earlier this July, Joseph Knecht released his debut self-titled EP, a complex journey through progressive metal instrumentals, along with a well-thought-out blend of classic 70s and modern prog. Knecht started out strictly old school, however now he adds modern elements like 8 string guitar and goes for a more modern midrange-focused tone rather than the classic Les Paul through a Marshall sound.

To demonstrate his 8-string shredding, today he shares his latest playthrough video for the track “Transformation”. Knecht explains:

“This was one of the first songs I wrote with my 8 string. It’s a hard-hitting sludgy mixed meter riff. With a hint of Tesseract in the middle with the staccato Djenty section. This song represents my transformation into the style that I have developed.”

Watch and listen to “Transformation” – https://youtu.be/DoDGGuDK9Hg

Knecht writes and performs all instruments on the EP, except for the drums, which on this release he enlists the help of Jason Stewart who adds his own creative flair to the drum scaffolding. The result is something complex, yet accessible, enjoyable by die-hard prog fans and casual listeners alike.

The EP is recommended listening for fans of Haken, Porcupine Tree, Plini and Liquid Tension Experiment.

“Knecht” is available on the following digital platforms: Spotify, Bandcamp.

Previous Videos:
“Destruction”- https://youtu.be/3OeTgXI24GE
“Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)” – https://youtu.be/wXg0SuMSqEQ

Track Listing:
1. Transformation (4:50)
2. Tabernacle Jam (3:50)
3. Working Title (4:42)
4. Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach) (3:42)
5. Summer Nights (3:16)
6. Destruction (5:09)
EP Length: 25:31

EP Recording Line Up:
Joseph Knecht – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Drums – Jason Stewart

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Joseph Knecht and Jason Stewart
• All songs written by: Joseph Knecht
• Produced by: Joseph Knecht
• Mixed by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Mastered by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Member ASCAP

For more info:
Instagram.com/joeknecht.exe
Facebook
EPK

About:
Joseph Knecht, from Tabernacle, New Jersey, USA, has been playing music since he was a small child. He started out with piano when he was five and picked up the guitar a year later. Bass came along in high school and he attended Berklee College of Music to further his music education.

Looking to share the music he was writing and playing, he created his instrumental solo project Knecht, where he plays everything from classic rock to more modern progressive metal. He performs originals and covers as well as teaches private guitar lessons.

With influences rooted mainly in progressive and groove metal, he replaces vocals with sweeping, complex guitar melodies that are written like vocal melodies. A typical song starts with the rhythm, for him the rhythm guitars by themselves should be interesting and be able to garner attention through the piece. While he is doing this, he is thinking about what he might want the other instruments to be doing as well as keyboard sounds if there will be keyboards. For the drums, he will program a track for writing and recording purposes, but ultimately leaves it wide open for Jason Stewart.

Knecht’s debut self-titled EP is available on July 16, 2021. It features Jason Stewart on drums and was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

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0 Prog Band Shumaun Release Second Single “Under the Sun” ft. Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation)

August 3, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Shumaun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 3, 2021

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree

Prog Band Shumaun Release Second Single “Under the Sun” ft. Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation)

New Album “Memories & Intuition” Out September 10th

Shumaun (L to R) Jose Mora: Bass, Farhad Hossain: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Tyler Kim: Guitar

Shumaun is a progressive metal band from Virgina, USA. This September they will be releasing a third album “Memories & Intuition”, from which they are now showcasing the second single, “Under the Sun” ft. Pain of Salvation drummer Leo Margarit, with a captivating lyric video.

“The opening guitar chords were very much inspired by the guitar work of Robin Guthrie of Cocteau Twins,” says Farhad Hossain. It is also good to note that unlike their previous album “Memories & Intuition” is not a concept album, but more thematically driven. The band explains the track further:

“Several aspects of the song are almost experimental. The backing vocals are not just doing harmonies, but they add another dimension to the lead vocals.” adds Tyler Kim.

“The music paints a dark mood, and the vocal melody is hauntingly beautiful and catchy. I love the breaks before the choruses. The ‘Shumaunic’ signature makes its way into the choruses since they’re in 7/4 time, yet doesn’t sound odd because of the groove. One of my favorites on the album for sure,” Jose Mora elaborates.

On this album, Shumaun wants the listener to be able to feel a connection to the melodies and lyrics. Expecting that everyone’s listening experience will be different, they just want the honesty and integrity of the music to resonate with the listener in whatever shape or form that may be. The band provides an accessible approach to modern progressive rock, with ambitious melodies and catchy harmonies.

Alongside the regular band lineup, on this album, Shumaun employs the talents of legendary drummers Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert), Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony Macalpine), and Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord). Drummers Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation) and Chris DeChiara also contributed.

Shumaun’s brand of progressive rock is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, and Fates Warning.

“Under the Sun” can be heard via its premiere on MetalInjection HERE.

“Memories & Intuition” is releasing on September 10, 2021.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/3aSbnu_JPhE

First single “Memories of Water” – https://youtu.be/kxeJGQfy1ww

For more info:
Shumaun.com
Facebook.com/shumaun
Instagram.com/zinkferd
Twitter.com/shumaun
EPK

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 New Jersey’s Knecht Unveils Progressive, Instrumental Self-Titled Debut EP

July 16, 2021
by Asher
· Knecht · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 16, 2021

For fans of Haken, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Plini, Liquid Tension Experiment

New Jersey’s Knecht Unveils Progressive, Instrumental Self-Titled Debut EP

Self-Titled Debut EP Out July 16th

Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn

Joseph Knecht has his first EP ready for listeners around the world. The debut self-titled EP is a complex journey through progressive metal instrumentals, a well-thought-out blend of classic 70s and modern prog. Knecht, who has been playing music the majority of his life gives some insight into the record:

“I decided to make an EP and just started writing. “Transformation” and “Overture” were really the only two songs that I knew from the beginning would be on there. The rest were written for this project. It has djenty riffs combined with the classic keyboard sounds like the Hammond Organ and Minimoog. If you listen closely you can hear Jimmy Page licks in my solos and melodies.”

Knecht says that he started out strictly old school, however now he adds modern elements like 8 string guitar and goes for a more modern midrange-focused tone rather than the classic Les Paul through a Marshall sound.

Knecht writes and performs all instruments on the album, except for the drums, which on this release he enlists the help of Jason Stewart who adds his own creative flair to the drum scaffolding. The result is something complex, yet accessible, enjoyable by die-hard prog fans and casual listeners alike.

The EP is recommended listening for fans of Haken, Porcupine Tree, Plini and Liquid Tension Experiment.

“Knecht” is officially out on July 16, 2021 and available on the following digital platforms: Spotify, Bandcamp.

Videos:
“Destruction”- https://youtu.be/3OeTgXI24GE
“Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)” – https://youtu.be/wXg0SuMSqEQ

EP Recording Line Up:
Joseph Knecht – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Drums – Jason Stewart

For more info:
Instagram.com/joeknecht.exe
Facebook
EPK

Knecht’s debut self-titled EP is available on July 16, 2021. It features Jason Stewart on drums and was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Prog Band Shumaun Announce New Album “Memories & Intuition” Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers, Streaming First Single “Memories of Water”

June 29, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Shumaun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 29, 2021

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Devin Townsend

Prog Band Shumaun Announce New Album “Memories & Intuition” Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

Streaming First Single “Memories of Water”

New Album “Memories & Intuition” Out September 10th

Ft. Album Guests Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert),
Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony Macalpine),
Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord),
Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation), and Chris DeChiara

Shumaun (L to R) Jose Mora: Bass, Farhad Hossain: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Tyler Kim: Guitar

Virginia’s Shumaun is hard rock for people who love the sound of intricate rhythm sections, progressive inspired guitars, colorful synths, and melodic vocals. They have a new album “Memories & Intuition” coming out this fall, with the first single “Memories of Water” already released.

Shumaun is progressive, but not pretentious. They’re accessible to fans who wish to subject themselves to the melodic and ambitious soundscapes painted by the band. This is demonstrated through the single “Memories of Water”. According to the band, it really embodies what Shumaun is all about: writing progressive inspired tracks with memorable melodies and catchy hooks that anyone can sing along to. They continue to explain the album in their own words:

“I think this album is even more song-oriented than the previous two. It still contains many of the progressive characteristics of our previous songs with regard to odd time signatures and layered instrumentation, however, it’s a bit more refined and vocal driven, though there are a couple of instrumentals on it with some crazy progressive moments. I think there’s material on this album that’ll resonate with many prog fans, however, I feel the material won’t get lost on the average music fan who doesn’t necessarily listen to progressive music of any kind. It’s certainly my favorite Shumaun album to date.”

Shumaun started as a solo project of Farhad Hossain, who at the time was playing with Iris Divine and needed another creative outlet for music that didn’t fit in the “prog rock/metal” genre. However, he was unable to stray from his roots of progressive rock and began the writing process for Shumaun’s first album.

Shumaun is recommended for fans of Rush, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

The first single “Memories of Water” was released on April 9th and can be watched on YouTube – https://youtu.be/kxeJGQfy1ww

“Memories & Intuition” is releasing on September 10, 2021. The album teaser is on YouTube – https://youtu.be/3aSbnu_JPhE

For more info:
Shumaun.com
Facebook.com/shumaun
Instagram.com/zinkferd
Twitter.com/shumaun
EPK

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Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Progressive Chaos Ensues With “Destruction” From Knecht Off Upcoming Self-Titled Release

June 23, 2021
by Asher
· Knecht · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 23, 2021

For fans of Haken, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Plini, Liquid Tension Experiment

Progressive Chaos Ensues With “Destruction” From Knecht Off Upcoming Self-Titled Release

Self-Titled Debut EP Out July 16th

Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn

Knecht is the solo project of New Jersey’s Joseph Knecht who has been playing music since he was a small child. He is gearing up to release his debut self-titled EP this summer and has the next single “Destruction”.

Citing that he “has never been the best at writing lyrics”, Knecht takes a purely instrumental stance with his music. He continues to explain:

“I write my guitar melodies like vocal melodies. I think to myself how I would want someone to sing over this part. When I wrote Destruction, I knew this was going to be the finale. It captures everything about my style, with elements from 70s and modern prog rock. It’s based around B Lydian dominant, which gives it a really interesting sound harmonically. It’s upbeat and has a bouncing quality, it is my favorite song on the EP.”

Listen to “Destruction” at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/3OeTgXI24GE
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/2TTF2sq

When commenting on the EP as a whole, Knecht says that he intended to write something short that listeners could groove to along with giving a sampling of his complex creativity and intricate songwriting.

“Knecht” is recommended for fans of progressive and groove metal, especially those interested in bands such as Deep Purple, Dream Theater, and Led Zeppelin.

“Knecht” will be available on all digital platforms on July 16, 2021.

Previous single “Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)” can be heard at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/wXg0SuMSqEQ
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3pzbHPv

EP Recording Line Up:
Joseph Knecht – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Drums – Jason Stewart

For more info:
Instagram.com/joeknecht.exe
Facebook
EPK

Knecht’s debut self-titled EP is available on July 16, 2021. It features Jason Stewart on drums and was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

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0 Rockshots Records: Out Now! TRITON DEVS’ New Album “Stay Alive”

June 18, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · TRITON DEVS (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 18, 2021

For fans of Helloween, Joe Satriani, Dream Theater

Rockshots Records: Out Now! TRITON DEVS’ New Album “Stay Alive”

Out now, as of June 18th, Rockshots Records present Triton Dev‘s new album “Stay Alive”. The band is the creation of composer/guitarist/sound engineer Blacky Lee Stone, aiming to embark on a new musical project to signify a rebirth of the world after this tragic past year and unexpected period spent in lockdown. Collaborating with vocalist Eric Castiglia, drummer Zamkenoby, bassist Anna Portalupi (Hardline, Tarja Turunen), and internationally renowned drummer Mike Terrana (Yngwie Malmsteen, Rage, Tarja Turunen, Axel Rudi Pell). The collective of musicians has created an energetic 10 track full length influenced by elements of classic heavy metal, hard and progressive rock.

Blacky Lee Stone comments:

“My favorite metal genres are speed metal, hard rock, and progressive, but as a musician, I think that if a song is beautiful, interesting and played well, it is regardless of the musical genre. That said, this album embodies that thought, despite having a decidedly metal imprint, each track is contaminated by different micro musical influences that make each track different from the other by exploring many nuances of the genre played as a whole. A direct and melodic album with songs that are not excessively complicated but which suggests the skill of the musicians themselves.”

For its release day, Triton Dev is sharing a visualizer for the album’s closing track “Metallus” – https://youtu.be/DmxYXfbtVTw

“A speed metal song for an epic story that tells of the adventures of Metallus… the superhero of the band. Using the most powerful weapon of Olympus, the “TRITON DEVS” defeats its opponents by making itself justice.”

Previous videos:
The Show –https://youtu.be/3icNr6pkDTM
Summer Day –https://youtu.be/m–0I-_n_DQ
The Light of Your Skin – https://youtu.be/MjmAczDCUto

“Stay Alive” available in both CD and digital format at the following links:
CD – http://bit.ly/StayAliveCD
Digital –http://bit.ly/StayAliveDIGITAL

Track Listing:
1. Black Angel (1:37)
2. Another Round (4:23)
3. This Summer Day (3:58)
4. The Light of Your Skin (5:03)
5. The Show (3:55)
6. Summer Day (4:16)
7. Higher (3:58)
8. Hell’s Fest (4:32)
9. Magic Rainbow (3:55)
10. Metallus (5:13)
Album Length: 40:54

TRITON DEVS:
Eric Castiglia (Vocals)
Blacky Lee Stone (Guitars)
Anna Portalupi (Bass)
Mike Terrana (Drums)
Zammkenoby (Drums)

More info:
Rockshots.eu
https://www.blackyleestone.com
https://www.annaportalupi.com
https://www.facebook.com/mike.terrana.7
https://www.ericcastiglia.com
https://www.facebook.com/ZammKenobyDrum

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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0 Canada’s THE WRING’s New Music Video “Steelier” Takes You On A Visual Space Odyssey, Video Premiere via Sonic Perspectives, Album Guests ft. Marc Bonilla (Keith Emerson Band, California Transit Authority, Glenn Hughes), Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats, Dethklok, Steve Vai), Thomas Lang (Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Williams), Jason Henrie, Jason Sadites

June 17, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · The Wring

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 17, 2021

For fans of Rush, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Queensryche, The Dead Daisies

Canada’s THE WRING’s New Music Video “Steelier” Takes You On A Visual Space Odyssey

Video Premiere via Sonic Perspectives

Album Guests ft. Marc Bonilla (Keith Emerson Band, California Transit Authority, Glenn Hughes),
Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats, Dethklok, Steve Vai),
Thomas Lang (Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Williams),
Jason Henrie, Jason Sadites

Canada’s The Wring released the new album“The Wring² Project Cipher” recently on May 28th. Founded by guitarist Don Dewulf, the studio project’s full length has something for everyone across the spectrums of classic heavy metal to progressive rock and features a lineup of guests that includes Marc Bonilla (Keith Emerson Band, California Transit Authority, Glenn Hughes), Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats, Dethklok, Steve Vai), Thomas Lang (Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Williams), Jason Henrie, and Jason Sadites.

“The Wring² Project Cipher” is seven songs with one instrumental and six vocal tracks and is highly recommended for fans of Rush, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, and The Dead Daisies.

Dewulf adds about full length:

“I love prog music, but it can be a challenging listening task. I wanted to combine the interesting bits of prog with a strong melody and composition. You can rock out or geek out to this.”

Continuing to support the album’s reach to new fans, the band has put together a visual space odyssey in the form of a music video for the record’s opening track “Steelier”, which was inspired by one of Dewulf’s influences, Steely Dan.

“This song started with the pre-chorus – a very jazzy progression in the spirit of Steely Dan. I named the rough early version Steelier in that context. When the lyrics came later, the story is about perseverance and wonder in the face of adversity so I thought the demo name was appropriate. The chorus is in odd time, but fits perfectly, something I love to do.”

The music video “Steelier” was created by Jason Henrie using the digital artwork of Don Mupasi (https://instagram.com/visualdon) and can be watched and listened to via its premiere on Sonic Perspectives HERE.

“The Wring² Project Cipher” is available on the following platforms.

Album pre-order CD, Digital) – https://thewring2.bandcamp.com

Digital (Spotify, Apple Music) https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thewring/project-cipher

Videos:
“The Light” – https://youtu.be/gk5jkD6eg1I
“Cipher” – https://youtu.be/XpqS5D0r8qE

Track Listing:
1. The Light (4:10)
2. Sorceress (4:44)
3. Cipher (4:29)
4. Steelier (4:25)
5. Dissension (4:08)
6. Dose (3:27)
7. Touch (4:29)
Album Length: 29:54

For more info:
Thewring.ca
Facebook.com/thewringband
EPK

About:
The Wring is a progressive rock project created in 2015 by guitarist Don Dewulf who had compiled a large inventory of compositions that he had fully demoed, just needing players to turn the demos into songs. The project started out in a band format with local musicians and they released a debut self-titled album in 2017.

After a series of live dates sharing stages with Anvil, Diamond Head, and Dead Daisies, the band dissolved. A chance conversation with Mikael Akerfeldt inspired Dewulf to forge ahead with new material, re-connecting with bassist Jason Henrie and engaging world-renowned musicians to perform, bringing the new songs to another level.

The result of that was “The Wring 2 – Project Cipher” releasing in 2021, which will feature album guests Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, The Aristocrats, Dethklok, Steve Vai), Thomas Lang (Robert Fripp, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Williams), Jason Henrie, and Jason Sadites.

Always starting with a riff, Dewulf builds compositions that showcase his signature blend of classic heavy rock meets prog. The lyrics come after the music is done and are usually a targeted response to an interaction that has sparked anger. The translation of emotion into words is subtle, often belying the more aggressive undertones. Expect more from Dewulf with The Wring3 already in the recording stage!

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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