Tag: edmonton

0 JULIET RUIN Premiere ‘Fight To Win’ Lyric Video + Show Dates w/ Jinjer In Calgary & Edmonton

October 22, 2019
by Asher
· Juliet Ruin · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 22, 2019

For fans of Halestorm, The Agonist, Jinjer, Evanescence, Killswitch Engage

JULIET RUIN Premiere ‘Fight To Win’ Lyric Video + Show Dates w/ Jinjer In Calgary & Edmonton

New Album “Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos” Out Now!

L-R: Kent Geislinger – Guitar and Vocals, Jesse Bauman – Drums, Jess Ruin – Lead Vocals, Wesley Rands – Guitar, Cody Reid – Bass and Backing Vocals

Photo Credit: Dana Zuk Photography

Edmonton, AB’s JULIET RUIN recently released their first full-length album “Old Stardust, Love and Chaos” on September 6, 2019 to follow their 2017 debut self titled EP. The release promises to be more technical with heavy instrumentation, including some dabbling in low tuned 7 string guitars to create an original sound chock full of catchy hooks that convey a fresh and emotive feel to their heavy music. Lead vocalist Jess Ruin has added more screams, but also more clean techniques with her pop-esque power vocals. Fans of forward-thinking modern metal such as Evanescence, System of a Down, and Killswitch Engage should take special note of this powerful and emotive Canadian band.

Teaming up with GhostCultMag.com, JULIET RUIN is excited to premiere their latest lyric video for the track ‘Fight To Win’ at the following link HERE.

The band adds:

“‘Fight to Win’ is probably one of the more unique tracks on the album. It begins softly and quickly changes pace, flowing into our most experimental vocals in the verses. FTW is a wordy and exciting track with an array of vocal styles. The verses of this one are special vocally because of creative on-the-spot thinking in the studio by Diego Fernandez. The last-minute change to make the verses more spoken the entire mood of the song different. FTW is an ode to owning up to a vengeful nature just to flaunt it proudly as a warning sign.”

Digital stream and download of JULIET RUIN‘s debut album “Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos” is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Amazon.

Music Video ‘Spite’ here.

Lyric Video ‘Seasons’ here.

In additional news, JULIET RUIN will be supporting Ukraine’s Jinjer in Calgary on October 29th and Edmonton on October 30th.

The band adds:

“We as a band are absolutely honoured to be opening up for Jinjer, we are all fans and their meteoric rise has been a pleasure to watch.”

Show Dates:
Oct 29 – Calgary, AB – Dickens w/ Jinjer, The Browning, Sumo Cyco
Oct 30 – Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room w/ Jinjer, The Browning, Sumo Cyco

Track Listing:
1. Simple Wars (4:54)
2. Spite (3:49)
3. Violent Hands (4:11)
4. Details Kill (4:43)
5. FTW (5:18)
6. Seasons (3:49)
7. With Only Rage (4:44)
8. Charlatan (4:12)
9. Stay Gold (3:28)
10. Old Stardust, Love, and Chaos (4:50)
Album Length: 44:03

For more info:
JulietRuin.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPK

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“Every band needs to find that element, which connects them with a fanbase, and Juliet Ruin has done that early on in their career.” – PureGrainAudio

“Pre-album single “Spite” that features a Sprite logo is also reminiscent of “Cloud Factory” era Jinjer with an excellent vocal range on show. Blending riffs seamlessly with gravity defying leaps between sub-genres from classic Metal to Hard Rock to Metalcore, it’s a nice twist on the conventional approach.” – Metal Noise

“If you are into Halestorm, Jinjer, Killswitch Engage you are gonna fall in love with this group not just a bit. But madly and deeply! Grab a hold of this gem of a release on the 6th of September you aint gonna regret it , cos Juliet Ruin aint gonna “Ruin” ya day they are gonna make it !! ” – The Metal Gods Meltdown

“An album full of energy, fluid, strong! Aggressive! Powerful!! Continuous, forceful!” – Darkzen Dragon Metal Angels

“From hardrock, to metalcore and everythign in between, Juliet Ruin delivers a fun and interesting record with many sounds, attitudes and emotions.” – Heavy New York

“I have been really enjoying the heck out of this album” – Craank

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0 Edmonton’s SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC Premiere “Exoplanets” Guitar/Bass/Keys Playthrough via GearGods

October 18, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · Sleeping In Traffic

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 18, 2019

For fans of Between The Buried & Me, Devin Townsend, Tool, Thank You Scientist

Edmonton’s SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC Premiere “Exoplanets” Guitar/Bass/Keys Playthrough via GearGods

Double EPs ‘That Which Saves Us’ and ‘That Which Destroys Us’ Out Now!

L-R: Ryan Berehulke – Bass, Cory Bosse – Vocals/Synth, Greg Turner – Guitar, Andrew Bateman – Drums

Photo Credit: Graham Gnarles

Edmonton proggers SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC recently released their double EPs on September 27th. “That Which Destroys Us” is dark and aggressive in sound while “That Which Saves Us” has a more upbeat and catchy vibe.

Teaming up with GearGods, the band is showcasing their latest guitar/bass/keys/vocals playthrough for their track ‘Exoplanets’ off “That Which Saves Us”.

The band adds:

“‘The song is full of interesting riffs and grooves, the guitars and bass are augmented by Cory’s synth playing. Incorporating big chords and complex sequencing, any synthesizer gear head would love this track.”

Watch the playthrough at the following link HERE.

With influences from Between The Buried & Me, Devin Townsend and Tool, the newest release is a split EP that explores the dual nature of the band’s music. The band explains the duality in their vision:

“The first ‘That Which Saves Us’ is the “upbeat EP”. It strongly represents a lot of the pop-punk influences that Ryan and Greg bring to the band, and features songs with inspiring themes and uplifting major keys. The other ‘That Which Destroys Us’ displays more of the band’s extreme metal influences, without abandoning some of the weirdness the band is known for. The EPs continue to explore odd time signatures and polyrhythms in the context of heavily distorted guitars, snarling synths, and guttural vocals.”

The EPs are available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music.

Track Listing:
1. Through Method And Rigor (4:43)
2. Fungal Symbiosis (feat. Elle T.) (3:50)
3. Exoplanets (feat. Elle T.) (6:09)
4. False Alternatives (5:13)
5. The Scrupulous Study Of Everything (5:41)
EP Length: 25:38

Track Listing:
1. (√-π)÷0=1 (3:58)
2. Audaciousness Of Him (7:10)
3. Narcicystic Pustule (1:26)
4. Masculine Toxin (4:38)
5. Gaia Shrugged (feat. Elle T.) (6:07)
6. The Inevitable Heat Death Of The Universe (5:32)
EP Length: 28:53

For more info:
SleepingInTraffic.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
EPK

Bio:

Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Sleeping In Traffic is a progressive metal band whose artistic vision is built around the concept of change. Nothing in the band’s music is intended to remain static. Each album and performance brings new adaptations and innovations; always playing with the sonic possibilities.

Influenced by the likes of Between The Buried and Me, Devin Townsend, and Porcupine Tree, they have been manifesting dynamic, and ever-evolving music since 2014. Sleeping In Traffic released their debut self titled EP in 2014 and the full length ‘Feminism’ in 2017 that is a guitar-driven hard rock/metal concept album that borrows heavily from ska, jazz, pop-punk, and classic prog rock. They have graced many stages in Western Canada including performances at Alberta’s Farmaggedon Metal Fest (2015) and Edmonton’s Shredmonton (2016/17).

Sleeping In Traffic is releasing two new EPs in 2019, ‘That Which Saves Us’ and ‘That Which Will Destroy Us’ each with a different character. One explores the darker, heavier metal influences of the band, while the other channels the more upbeat side to their music. Synthesizers will form a core element to both of these releases due on September 27, 2019.

Sleeping in Traffic consists of four members, each with their own unique and eclectic musical tastes, which influence their contributions to the band.

Greg Turner’s unusual approach to guitar is a core element of Sleeping In Traffic’s music. Stuttered, chaotic time signatures and bizarre chord voices in catchy patterns flow from his fingers to form the basis of many of the songs. His use of a multitude of pedals adds colourful timbres and occasionally acts as their own instrument.

Ryan Berehulke carves out a thundering obelisk of depth from his 5-string bass and his tower of speakers. His style is definitive in a way that meshes perfectly with the guitars to provide a wall of reinforcement, yet often also takes the main stage, without ever abandoning the supreme role as the band’s foundation. His ingenuity in his approach to bass playing is indispensable; from the funky groove and raw, pounding roars; all the way to evolving, ambient textures.

Andrew Bateman is a mad scientist behind a drum-kit. With his intricate knowledge of rhythms, he weaves complex patterns in and around the eccentric time signatures that the music follows. His array of styles ranges from pulverizing metal to pattering, offbeat jazz and everything in between. He is always searching for novel rhythmic cadences and new ways to strike the same drums. He is highly technical, yet playful; often improvising on the spot and testing the limits of his fellow musicians.

Cory Bosse acts as the voice of the band, as well as the source of many of its most unexpected sounds. His bombastic singing style has its roots in the metal music that originally inspired him to make music, yet weaves in a multitude of techniques from the myriad of styles he has explored since. Operatic vibratos flow into passionate howls, jazz scat collapses into death growls, and beat boxing meanders into throat singing in a pandemonium of vocal exploration. To help compliment each song’s particular character, he harnesses the power of a host of instruments, including keys, saxophone, synthesizers, and guitar.

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“The 9-track record comes with a focused story-telling, remarkable songwriting and with an offer of something that separates them from the bigger part of the prog gang. The band is not shy to explore within pop, indie rock or alternative and fuse these elements with sound-defining progressive rock and metal influences.” – Prog-Sphere

“Feminism possesses great balance between the up-beat rock tunes polished with rock’s progressive and alternative subgenres, but what this album shows is talent of the band which certainly can bring something epic. Until then, let Feminism shows itself in its full brilliance.” – Progzilla

“sound more like their fellow countrymen Protest the Hero, albeit with a sax in the mix of things. Their overall style is the same careening prog metal that PtH are good at… For a debut album, I am impressed with “Feminism.”… I think Sleeping in Traffic have potential, so they are worth following.” – Progressive Music Planet

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0 Canadian All-Star Quintet IMONOLITH Release Debut Single ‘Hollow’ (ft. ex/current members of Devin Townsend Project, Threat Signal, Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory, Methods of Mayhem)

January 18, 2019
by Asher
· Imonolith · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 18, 2019

Canadian All-Star Quintet IMONOLITH Release Debut Single ‘Hollow’

Featuring former and current members of
Devin Townsend Project, Threat Signal, Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory, Methods of Mayhem

Canadian Dates in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton

IMONOLITH, the new metal powerhouse featuring vocalist Jon Howard (Threat Signal, Arkaea), drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project), guitarist Brian Waddell (Devin Townsend Project), bassist Byron Stroud (Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory), and second guitarist Kai Huppunen (Methods of Mayhem, Noise Therapy) is making an unforgettable entrance with a brand new official single, “Hollow”, available to stream/download for the first time today.

Experience the highly-anticipated new track via a brand new video here: https://youtu.be/57tcysG4QgY

“Hollow” can also be streamed/purchased via https://imonolith.lnk.to/HollowPR.

“Hollow” serves as the perfect introduction to IMONOLITH, a band whose mission is simple: to write the heaviest riffs, the biggest hooks, and most monstrous grooves. Given the impressive pedigree of each player, they do exactly this and more.

Recorded and produced by Brian Howes and Jay Van Poederooyen (Nickelback, Chris Cornell, Airbourne, Hinder, Daughtry) at Van Howes Studios in Los Angeles, California, “Hollow” is immediately setting the bar high and the best is yet to come.

Drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen comments:

“’Hollow’ is a song about the personal battles we all can face internally. Social pressures and self-expectation can drive you to a point of feeling hollow inside if you don’t meet specific standards in your mind. The song itself actually has a positive message built into it. It’s not about feeling hollow, it’s more about preventing that hollow feeling that any one of us can develop through negative thinking and limited beliefs.”

Fans can expect many surprises as they unveil more music. RVP continues:

“As for ‘Hollow’, musically it represents the catchier side of IMONOLITH’s music. We have varying influences spread throughout the band and we don’t like to play just one style of music. We have a more metal crushing side, a catchier radio side and then music that fits in-between our heavy and catchier vibes. We always aim to make IMONOLITH’s overall sound diverse and interesting. Most of all, we’re always focused on trying to write a great song, no matter if it’s heavy or catchy.”

IMONOLITH was officially formed in February 2018 by drummer Ryan ‘RVP’ Van Poederooyen and guitarist Brian Waddell, although the pair started writing their own brand of heavy music in 2015 whilst playing together in the Devin Townsend Project. RVP and Waddell then went on to recruit vocalist Jon Howard, bassist Byron Stroud, and second guitarist Kai Huppunen, completing a fearsome line-up. The Canadian quintet has since written a mass of highly diverse material, which appeals to everyone from the metalhead to the radio rock fan, and everyone in between.

Since teasing demos and video clips online, IMONOLITH have amassed a dedicated legion of supporters worldwide, and with the release of the new single, their following is set to expand by the thousands. With their first run of shows throughout Canada announced and big international plans in the pipeline, 2019 is set to be a huge year for IMONOLITH.

Show Dates:
February 23 – Vancouver, BC @ The Red Room – info
March 1 – Calgary, AB @ Dickens – info
March 2 – Edmonton, AB @ Starlite Room (Temple) – info

For More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/imonolithband
https://www.instagram.com/imonolithband
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-cRX

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0 Band Submissions Now Open For Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2019; One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2019

October 23, 2018
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 23, 2018

MetalBattle.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Band Submissions Now Open For Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2019

One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2019

Free Download – Vol 5. Compilation featuring over 3 Hours of Canadian Metal – here.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Promo Video here.

Video of 2018 Champion Centuries of Decay at Wacken Open Air here.

One band to rule them all! Going on its sixth year, Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns to present one unsigned Canadian band to conquer hundreds and perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air. The 2019 line up includes Sabaton, Parkway Drive, Demons & Wizards, Powerwolf, Airbourne, Rose Tattoo, Within Temptation, Meshuggah and many more. Full details here.

Year six of these battles is a very exciting one because for the first time, Wacken Metal Battle Canada will be expanding to St. John’s, NL and Halifax, NS to make the competition officially coast to coast. Full list of participating regions listed below.

ON – Toronto
ON – Hamilton
ON – Ottawa
QC – Montreal
QC – Quebec City
SK – Saskatoon
AB – Calgary
AB – Edmonton
BC – Vancouver/Lower Mainland
BC – Island
BC – Interior
NL – St. John’s
NS – Halifax

In addition to the expansion to the East coast, Wacken Metal Battle Canada will be hosting the 2019 national final for the first time in Western Canada. The host city will be Calgary, AB, moving it from Toronto, ON, where the national final has been held for the last 5 years.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada organizer JJ Tartaglia comments:

“I think these new changes for 2019 will be a big help in keeping the Metal Battle Canada exciting for both the bands and the audience. The idea of moving around the national final has been tossed around for a while now, so holding the finals in Calgary this year will be a refreshing twist on the structure. And the East Coast! As a Maritimer myself, I couldn’t be happier with the addition of Halifax and St. John’s, now making these events truly coast to coast.”

Winner of this year’s Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final will receive $2,000 CAD towards airfare to travel and perform at the 30th edition of Wacken Open Air taking place from August 1st – 3rd, 2019 in Wacken, Germany. The Canadian champion will also have the opportunity to win monetary and gear prizes from the international Wacken Metal Battle. International prizes listed below plus more info can be found here.

Winners of the International Wacken Metal Battle will receive cash and other prizes (2019 prizes still to be announced)

2018 Prizes were the following:

1st Place
– Slot to play at the Full Metal Holiday Festival in Mallorca including flight and accommodation
– 5000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

2nd Place
– 4000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

3rd Place
– 3000€ from the company Pohl-Boskamp and more!

4th Place
– 2000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

5th Place
– 1000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

Bands interested in participating in 2019 battles can apply at http://www.metalbattle.ca

Deadline to submit is Dec 21st.

List of previous Canadian winners:
Centuries of Decay (2018)
Profaner (2016)
Vesperia (2015)
Mutank (2014)
Crimson Shadows (2013)

About:

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 representing the Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken , Germany for the last 29 years. The winner of Wacken Metal Battle Canada will perform at the 2019 festival taking place from August 1st – 3rd.

For more info:

Official Website: http://www.metalbattle.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada

Twitter: @MetalBattleCAN

Instagram: @MetalBattleCan

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WackenMetalBattleCAN

For more info on Wacken Open Air, please visit http://www.wacken.com

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2018 Battles Sponsors:

2018 Battles Media Partners:

Absolute Underground
Asher Media Relations
Beatroute Magazine
Bravewords
Broken Neck Radio
Bucketlist Music Reviews
CJLO
Hellbound
Metal Master Kingdom
Metal Nation
Metal-Rules
Ondes Chocs
Pure Grain Audio
Pure Rock Radio
Quebec-Metal
Zombitrol—

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0 EPK – Protosequence – Biophagous (EP) (2017)

May 18, 2017
by Asher
· Protosequence

Protosequence – Biophagous (EP)

For Fans of Abiotic, early- Fallujah, The Faceless

Release Date: August 18, 2017

Contacts: Manager – Cara Ashbey – cara@odessamusicmgmt.com

Publicist – Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com

Download Band Press Photo | Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics

“Edmonton’s Protosequence perform an agile balancing act on the new song “Shepherd” we’re bringing you from their forthcoming EP, Biophagus, a high-wire performance that deftly straddles a stylistic divide without ever losing their path forward.” No Clean Singing

“In the vein of bands like All Shall Perish & Born of Osiris, Protosequence kick proceedings off with the furiously tech riffing of Parasitic, a wild & untamed slab of death metal. That is until a surprising tempo change that brings in some keyboards & more classic metal sounding guitar solo. It’s a damn strong start, one that leaves you wondering just what more Biophagous has to offer.” – Games, Braaaiiins And A Headbanging Life

“Protosequence is an act of quality over quantity. I get seriously lost in their music, be it through a spine-damaging headbanging session (“DFL”) or stretch of melodic introspection (“Shepherd”). Biophagous offers up another nice showcase of the band’s skill across a variety of substyles and paces.” – Metal Trenches

“Biophagus is of another caliber, every aspect of it is flawless, and will not only be in my playlist but should be in everyone else’s as well. Whatever you do, do not sleep on this band. Make sure you pick up Biophagus when it releases August 18th! ” – Blood Rock Media

“Incorporating elements from deathcore, technical death metal, and, yes, even djent, Protosequence manages to maintain the listener’s interest while developing an identity that is not only unique to Canada, but to the world. ” – It Djents

“Traversing between djent and technical progressive metal” – Somberlane

“You can compare Protosequence to as many modern metal bands as you want but they’re deserve being called more than “just another scene band”. “Schizophrene’ is more than solid and the new EP will be worth the wait on this showing. Cracking modern tech-death.” – This Noise Is Ours

“This EP is bursting with technical hooks and ripping solos that take more than a few cues from the technical death metal camp. In fact, if we consider a spectrum between these genres, I would say that Schizophrene falls closer to groups like The Zenith Passage than Whitechapel. Also, mad props for the seemless shifts between melodic and harsh riffs while maintaining aggression in the vocals.” – Metal Trenches (EP Review Schizophrene)

“Musically speaking, they share as much in common with Periphery as they do with Lost Soul. While there will be some who are turned off by the noise gates and the disparity of the chunky lows and the sharp highs, I think it’s one of the band’s biggest strengths. It represents the merging of two very technical subgenres and presents each of them in the context of the other. It’s kind of a hard thing to explain without listening; check out “Guardian” and follow it up with “Darkness Weeps” for the best illustration of this dichotomy.” – Toilet ov Hell (EP Review Schizophrene)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRREcq4clPw

Biophagous EP
Release Date: August 18, 2017

[Download EP Cover]
[Download EP Lyrics]

Track Listing:
1. Parasitic (4:42)
2. DFL (3:42)
3. Shepherd (5:02)
4. The Hate Subsides (4:08)
EP Length: 17:35

EP Credits:
– Guitars tracked by Tylor Dory
– Pre-production drums with Peter Zawalski
– Piano on ‘Parasitic’ written and recorded by Tylor Dory
– Guest Vocals on ‘DFL’ by Diaro Irvine
– Bass written by Ryan Schaffler
– Vocals and drums recorded by Greg Wright at Hillbilly Wizard Sound
– Editing, Mixing and Mastering by Chris Foster at First Strike Recordings
– Artwork and CD layout design by Erskine Designs
– Band Photo by Ryan Wiesner at Trivium Photography

EP Line Up:
Ryan Schaffler (Bass)
Kyle Hunter (Guitar)
Joseph McKee (Vocals)
Logan Vars (Drums)
Dylan Parker (Guitar and Vocals)

Live Band Line Up:
Dylan Parker – Guitar Vocals
Logan Vars Drums
Josh Hahn – Vocals
Jacob Teeple – Bass

Discography:
2016 – Schizophrene (EP)

Shared Stage with:
Protest The Hero, Kataklysm, Ne Obliviscaris, Black Crown Initiate, Archspire, The Schoenberg Automaton, Our Last Crusade, Death Toll Rising, Tylor Dory Trio, The Noumenon, Plaguebringer, Tides of Kharon, W.M.D., Apollyon, The Faceless, Angelmaker

Festivals:
2017 – Metallion
2015 – Breakdown For Break-fest 2015

L-R: Dylan Parker – Guitar, Vocals, Logan Vars – Drums, Josh Hahn – Vocals, Jacob Teeple – Bass

Photo-credit: Ryan Wiesner @ Trivium Photography

Protosequence was formed in the spring of 2014 by 5 guys who shared the same goal: create an array of songs that reflected each of them personally. As autumn approached that year, the band started to play in Edmonton, as well as Central and Southern Alberta. Releasing their debut 4 song EP “Schizophrene” in January of 2016, they quickly established a name for themselves in the Edmonton and area metal scene. Bassist Ryan Schaffler left the band in early 2017, with Jacob Teeple filling the vacancy seamlessly. After taking to the road, completing a 10 day tour of Western Canada in June, they hit the studio and released their sophomore 4 song EP “Biophagous” in August of 2017. 2018 saw Protosequence solidify and expand their following around Western Canada. Playing Armstrong and Metallion Festival, touring through BC, as well as sharing the stage with touring acts like The Faceless, Angelmaker, Ingested, Signs of the Swarm, Bodysnatcher, and others. In August, vocalist Joe McKee announced his retirement from Protosequence, with guitarist Kyle Hunter following suit a few weeks later. Protosequence quickly added Josh Hahn to the mix on vocals after seeing him perform with his previous band, Seraphic Nihilist. Shortly after Metallion Festival, the band convinced him to move from Prince George, BC, to the motherland: Edmonton, Alberta. With no luck finding a replacement guitarist, the band pressed on into writing mode.

0 REMINDER THIS WEEK – STRIKER – ALBERTA CD RELEASE SHOWS – CALGARY, EDMONTON, RED DEER

April 11, 2017
by Asher
· Striker

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 11, 2017

For Fans of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Enforcer, Skullfist, Steelwing

REMINDER THIS WEEK – STRIKER – ALBERTA CD RELEASE SHOWS – CALGARY, EDMONTON, RED DEER

April 13 – Dicken’s Pub – Calgary, AB w/ Ravenous, Riot City & In/Vertigo – info
April 14 – Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB w/ Ravenous & Tylor Dory Trio – info
April 15 – The Vat Pub – Red Deer, AB w/ Ravenous, Wraith Risen, and Bodies Burn Black – info

Photo Credit: Dana Zuk

STRIKER will be returning to their shredding grounds of Alberta in April for their first Canadian shows since unleashing their fifth studio album on February 24th, which the band has been touring the USA plus Europe in support of for last three months.

Their shows, April 13th in Calgary at Dicken’s Pub, hometown return on April 14th in Edmonton at Starlite Room and April 15th in Red Deer at The Vat will be CD release events for their Albertan fans that have been loyal over the years supporting STRIKER‘s career in the province and beyond.

STRIKER‘s self-titled album released via their indie label Record Breaking Records features 9 shredding tracks that are all killer and no filler to continue the band’s classic mix of heavy metal.

To hear the full stream of STRIKER‘s new album, please visit: http://loudwire.com/striker-striker-exclusive-album-stream-interview/

Watch their video ‘Born To Lose’ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39j6gazeWKo

In additional news, STRIKER has been nominated for four Edmonton Music Awards (Album of The Year, Metal Recording of The Year, Group of The Year, People’s Choice). The award nominations are for their highly praised 2016 album ‘Stand In The Fire’ (album stream here).

“We are hoping to make the hat-trick for Metal Recording of the Year at the Edmonton Music Awards this year. We are super stoked to be nominated for Album of The Year as well as Group of The Year. It was a fantastic year for us so let’s keep it rolling with some new hardware!” comments guitarist Tim Brown.

Full 2017 Edmonton Music Awards nominee list: http://www.edmontonmusicawards.com/2017-nominees/
Metal Recording of the Year
All Else Fails – The Forever Lie
Black Friday – Suffering In Stereo
Juliet Ruin – Rogue Down
Silence The Machine – Lost
Striker – Phoenix Lights

Album of the Year
100 mile house – Hiraeth
Altameda – Dirty Rain
Royal Tusk – DealBreaker
Scenic Route To Alaska – Long Walk Home
Striker – Stand in the Fire

Group of the Year
100 mile house
Royal Tusk
Scenic Route To Alaska
Striker
The Dungarees

People’s Choice – Winner To Be Determined By Online Fan Vote
Striker
Click here to vote! https://yeglive.ca/surveys/edmonton-music-awards-2017

1. Former Glory (3:59)
2. Pass Me By (3:33)
3. Born To Lose (3:58)
4. Cheating Death (0:53)
5. Shadows In The Light (3:29)
6. Rock The Night (4:30)
7. Over The Top (4:38)
8. Freedom’s Call (4:30)
9. Curse of The Dead (3:49)
Album Length: 33:23

For More Info:

http://www.striker-metal.com

https://www.facebook.com/strikermetal

https://twitter.com/StrikerMetal

https://instagram.com/strikermetal

About:

Striker is an Edmonton-based recording and performing heavy metal band that has grown immensely through their years in the industry. A classic mix of heavy metal, hard rock, and 80’s hair metal, their music features powerful, clean vocals, catchy choruses, vocal harmonies, and impressive guitar leads.

Audiences are often floored by the energy of their live show, and their recorded material has been met with fantastic response by both fans and industry across the world. Striker has toured across dozens of countries as headliners as well as support for major metal acts. Gearing up for the release of their latest album the sky’s the limit for these Canadians!!

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“Striker gush with so much enthusiasm here, with explosive riffs swirling between the vibrant harmonies and choruses, that it’s hard not to notice…Tracks like “Former Glory” and “Born to Lose” are anthemic, catchy as hell and feature soaring vocals from Dan Cleary and terrific guitar work by Tim Brown…On Striker, the band take a host of influences and hone them into a sound they can call their own.” – Exclaim!

“From the first storm-summoning power chord on the opener Former Glory, Striker (CAN) proves their new album’s initial claim of not dwelling on the past, a high and appropriate cry of “Yeah, I’m back again!”… If you haven’t witnessed this inspiring resurrection of classic metal, the band plays Friday, April 14 at Starlite with Ravenous and Tylor Dory Trio, no doubt sharpened from the faithful overseas audiences.” – Edmonton Journal

“When a band releases an eponymous album it’s a statement of intent, a sign of confidence, everything being as it should be. For make no mistake, Striker are a special band. As the old Metal Gods ascend to Valhalla, new gods will arise. This is Striker’s fifth album and it’s just timeless. Not retro, not looking back, but taking everything that’s uplifting and glorious about heavy metal into 2017 and beyond…this album has to be in every writer and fan’s top ten at the end of 2017.” – Hellbound

“A less balls out, more aggressive record than its predecessor, STRIKER delivers another impressive collection of high energy headbangers….Regardless of what your heavy metal predilections may be, STRIKER offers something for everyone. Super catchy tunes dripping with shred gymnastics and all around technical prowess, Striker deserves a place on any metal fan’s playlist….If you have not experienced Striker yet, this album is a worthy place to start and should appeal to a wide range of fans, particularly followers of the Priest, Anthrax and Maiden.” – Metal Rules
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0 NEWS: HOPELESS YOUTH On Cross Canada Tour Now! Streaming New EP ‘Devil, Walk With Me’ (Rainville Records)

May 2, 2016
by Asher
· Hopeless Youth · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 2, 2016

EP Promo Request here. EP Download here.

For fans of Converge, Trap Them, Cursed, EyeHateGod

Facebook | Twitter @ HopelessMTL | Bandcamp | Soundcloud | iTunes

HOPELESS YOUTH On Cross Canada Tour Now! Streaming New EP ‘Devil, Walk With Me’ (Rainville Records)

Montreal, QC’s chaotic hardcore force HOPELESS YOUTH are hitting the road across Canada in support of their latest EP ‘Devil, Walk With Me’ released on April 15th via their indie label Rainville Records for physical CD plus digitally via Pluto Records to follow their 2014 debut album ‘Disgust’ released on Candlelight Records.

“We’re stoked to be hitting the road across Canada, in support of the new EP. Excited to see familiar faces and hopefully new ones. We’ll have a silk screen version of the record, available on this tour only, limited to 5 copies per show. ” comments the band.

To hear the full stream of ‘Devil, Walk With Me’, please visit the following link: http://rainvillerecords.bandcamp.com/album/devil-walk-with-me

The band will be performing the following cities:

May 2 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Handsome Daughter

May 3 – Regina, Saskatchewan – The Club

May 4 – Calgary, Alberta – Trvp House

May 6 – Vancouver, British Columbia – The Matador
May 8 – Edmonton, Alberta – Local Omnivore

1 – The Garden (3:31)

2 – Devil, Walk With Me (2:41)

3 – Moon Child (4:34)

4 – Light Bearer (1:51)

5 – The Price To Pay (4:46)

EP Length: 17:15

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

About:
What started in the summer of 2012 has managed to grow into a blend of chaotic and dissonant hardcore. Hopeless Youth takes influence of everything from thrash metal, crust punk to even black metal and doom. They manage to keep it rough and in your face, while having you sing along at the same time. The four piece from Montreal, QC manages to make every show as loud, unpredictable, and entertaining as a train wreck. Not to say they fall apart on stage, but rather put themselves in a position to achieve a certain catharsis through violently pouring themselves into every performance. After releasing their debut record ‘Disgust’ in 2014 on Candlelight Records, they’ve returned in 2016 with a new E.P. ‘Devil, Walk With Me’, which has been released on their own label Rainville Records, as well as digitally via Pluto Records. This new set of songs is sure to turn heads and blow speakers. Enjoy it at your own risk.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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Brutal Battle Cuba

Armstrong Metal Fest

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0 NEWS: VESPERIA Sign w/ Fatal Illness Management + Cross Canada Tour (April 4-24) w/ KALMAH

March 23, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Vesperia

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 23, 2016

EP Promo request here.

For fans of Septicflesh, Wintersun, Arcturus, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Finntroll

VesperiaMetal.com | Bandcamp | iTunes

VESPERIA Sign w/ Fatal Illness ManagementCross Canada Tour (April 4-24) w/ Finnish Masters KALMAH

L-R – Casey Elliott (Guitar), Morgan Rider (Vocals, Bass), Frankie Caracci (Guitar), Dylan Gowan (Drums)

Live at Wacken Open Air 2015 – Watch here.

EP Stream – The Iron Tempests – Listen here.

Music Video – The Western Tempests – Watch here.

After a hectic 2015, which included 3 tours, a new EP, a music video, an appearance at Wacken Open Air and being crowned the International Wacken Champions, Canada’s VESPERIA have rung in 2016 by signing a management agreement with California-based Fatal Illness Management.

Manager Eric Dow comments: “Fatal Illness Management is proud to add VESPERIA to our roster. Everyone involved in this partnership has great passion for this genre of music and we are very confident of the success we will have together. We have big plans in the works so be on the lookout for this epic onslaught.”

For more info on Fatal Illness Management, please visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/fatalillnessmanagement

In additional news, VESPERIA will be supporting Finnish metal mastersKALMAH‘s 2016 cross Canada tour from April 4th – 24th (dates listed below) plus finishing up their recording of their new album to follow up to 2015’s ‘The Iron Tempests’ EP. The album is being recorded at Blue Sound & Music Studios in Toronto, Canada with engineer/ producer Russ Mackay (Mastodon, Iron Maiden, Styx) and will feature an array of famous Canadian guest musicians with the art created by Juno award-winning artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Nevermore, Dream Theater).

VESPERIA launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise over $5,000 to record the new album giving fans many special and unique perks for their contributions, including mead made by the band’s front man Morgan Rider, drinking horns, album pre-releases, the bands stage banners and much more! For all details on contributions, please visit the following link: https://www.indiegogo.com/at/new-vesperia-album

Canadian Tourture 2016 Kalmah & Vesperia

April 4 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck Bar – Event Info

April 5 – Ottawa, ON – Mavericks – Event info

April 6 – Jonquiere, QC – Les Productions 4 Barils – Event info

April 7 – Rimouski, QC – Salle Desjardins-Telus – Event info

April 8 – Halifax, NS – Gus’ Pub & Grill – Event info

April 9 – Moncton, NB – Esquire Tavern – Event info

April 10 – Quebec, QC – Salle Multi de Méduse – Event info

April 11 – Montreal, QC – Foufounes Electriques – Event info

April 12 – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch – Event info

April 13 – Drummondville, QC – Salle Gaston-Mandeville – Event info

April 14 – Sudbury, ON – The Asylum – Event info

April 16 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre (Manitoba Metal Fest) – Event info

April 17 – Regina, SK – The Exchange – Event info

April 18 – Lethbridge, AB – Moose Hall – Event info

April 19 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room – Event info

April 20 – Prince George, BC – Generator Cabaret – Event info

April 21 – Vancouver, BC – The Red Room – Event info

April 22 – Victoria, BC – Logan’s Pub – Event info

April 23 – Kelowna, BC – Flashback’s – Event info

April 24 – Calgary, AB – Distortion – Event info

April 26 – Brandon, MB @ North Hill Inn **No Kalmah

April 29 – Timmins, ON @ The Working Class **No Kalmah – Event info

About:

The cloudy beginnings of VESPERIA lay etched in the gorged bodies of former musical projects among the now four-member band. Twisting, writhing and forcing their aural onslaught upon metal audiences across the globe have sincerely ensured the band’s continuity through all the harsh and arduous battles modern metal bands are bound to encounter in their tenures.

Established in 2012 by vocalist/ bassist Morgan Rider, the sound, direction and theme of the music quickly and naturally evolved into the style of fierce and heroic metal the band is now known and praised for.

Shortly after releasing their first full-length album Voyage from Vinland, VESPERIA redefined themselves and further focused their direction with the 2012 demo, The Swordsman. In 2013, the band independently funded and released their 2nd full-length album An Olden Tale, drawing the ears and attention of metal fans around the world and demonstrating their true mastery of their craft. During that same year, the band also independently funded and completed several Canadian tours to support the album.

Early 2015 saw the band enter the studio once again to record some demo material, which would become The Iron Tempests EP. During this time, the band toured Canada from coast to coast and also made an appearance at Wacken Open Air in Germany, where they won the title of 2015 International Wacken Battle Champions, a second time win for the band’s frontman, Morgan.

With their most fierce music written to date and a bounty of opportunity awaiting, VESPERIA continue to hungrily eye 2015 as the year they will make their mark upon the Earth.

For more info, please visit the following links:

http://www.vesperiametal.com

http://facebook.com/vesperiametal

http://twitter.com/vesperiametal

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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Brutal Battle Cuba

Armstrong Metal Fest

Farmageddon Open Air

Test Your Metal Records

Wacken Metal Battle Canada

Black Mourning Light Metal Fest

ShrEdmonton Fest & Conference

0 NEWS: Out Now! VAN HALST Unleash New Album ‘World of Make Believe’

March 4, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Van Halst

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 4, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For Fans of In This Moment, Evanescence, Halestorm

VanHalstMusic.com | Facebook | Twittter | Soundcloud | Youtube

Bandcamp | iTunes

Out Now! VAN HALST Unleash New Album ‘World of Make Believe’

Upcoming Shows:

March 31 – Edmonton, AB @ The Mercury Room (Wacken Metal Battle Canada)

April 2 – Edmonton, AB @ Filthy McNasty’s (CD Release Show)

April 29 – Calgary, AB @ Overtime Sports Bar (Canada’s Extreme Metal RadioFest) – Event info

Photo Credit: Renee Robyn

Music Video – Save Me – Watch here.

Track Listing: Van Halst – World of Make Believe
1. The End (4:31)
2. Save Me (4:12)
3. Ryan’s Song (4:11)
4. World of Make Believe (3:46)
5. Questions (3:23)
6. Denying Eyes (4:08)
7. Monster (3:29)
8. Plastic Smile (5:11)
9. Put Him Down (4:33)
10. Perfect Storm (4:44)

Album Length: 42:14

Edmonton, AB’s VAN HALST is a fierce, empowering force of hard rock fused with metal. A project, which began as a solo artist for whom the band is named after — Kami Van Halst, has since become a full group producing socially conscious, lyrical tracks that focus on disenfranchised and marginalized populations. The band’s influences stay true to goth rock with Kami Van Halst demonstrating an agile vocal delivery in combination with pummeling growls. Lyrically, the band draws from black metal due to its focus on people suffering from isolation and rising to overcome the preconceptions of a judgmental society. In This Moment’s industrial fusion remains a primary influence for Van Halst, employing a sampler, synthesizer, and distorted vocals.

Kami Van Halst dominates as the vocalist performing both growls and soaring vocals (Surviving Suzanne), Scott Greene (Derina Harvey Band/Dirty Pool) and Strathon J. Bajowsky (Havok Way) craft the guitar work while Brendan McMillan (bass) (My Darkest Days) and Brett Seaton (drums) (Cultured by Fire) drive the rhythm section of the band. Kami’s range and virtuosic vocal ability always captivates an audience and her attitude on stage truly delivers the meaning behind the songs. The main writing forces for the band are Kami and Scott working together to give listeners a vivid image of social injustices. The band’s live performance is a theatric experience as the utilize full-costumes, make-up and stage props.

Their debut album ‘World of Make Believe’ is now available as of March 4th and can be picked up on iTunes and Bandcamp plus streaming at the following links below.

Vocalist Kami Van Halst comments about the album:

“We are so excited to be releasing this album. It’s been in the works for years and to finally have it out is an amazing feeling. Thank-you for all the support and we’ll see you on the road!”

Listen to ‘World of Make Believe’ at the following links:

Bandcamp: https://vanhalst.bandcamp.com/album/world-of-make-believe

Idobi Radio http://idobi.com/exclusive/premiere-van-halsts-new-album-world-of-make-believe/

For more info, please visit www.vanhalstmusic.com

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