Tag: folk metal

0 Rockshots Records – Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM Unveils Powerful Single For Title Track Off Upcoming Third Album “Myth Of Mankind” Out May 2025

March 18, 2025
by Asher
· Aexylium (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 18, 2025

Italian Folk Metal AEXYLIUM Unveils Powerful Single For Title Track Off Upcoming Third Album “Myth Of Mankind” Out May 2025

Aexylium returns with “Myth of Mankind,” the electrifying title track from their highly anticipated third album, which will be released on May 23rd, 2025, from Rockshots Records. This song represents a defining moment for the Italian folk metal band, encapsulating their evolution with a dynamic blend of immersive orchestrations, technical riffs, and anthemic melodies.

Merging the intensity of modern metal with the evocative power of folk instrumentation, Aexylium crafts a unique and amazing sound. “Myth of Mankind” perfectly exemplifies this fusion—combining epic arrangements, intricate guitar work, and the striking vocal interplay between frontman Sam Biganzoli and Arianna Bellinaso. The result is a track as cinematic as it is heavy, offering a fresh and modern take on folk metal while staying true to its melodic roots.

For fans of Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Amorphis, Folkstone, Alestorm, and Mago de Oz, this single is a must-listen. “Myth of Mankind” is not just a song—it’s a statement, showcasing Aexyllium at its most powerful and refined stage. The front cover has been designed by Gustavo Sazes (Angra, Soilwork, Dynazty, Epica).

LISTEN: https://lnk.to/XApTSY
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/Qv5361WI5Q0
ALBUM PRE-ORDER (Release Date May 23, 2025): https://lnk.to/koGz58

Track Listing:
1 – Fontes et Omnia
2 – The Queen
3 – Hexe
4 – Into Oblivion
5 – In Sorrow
6 – Myth of Mankind
7 – Eclissi
8 – Wild Hunt
9 – Surrender
10 – Northern Lights
11 – Eternity

BAND LINEUP
SAM BIGANZOLI – Vocals
ARIANNA BELLINASO – Vocals
FABIO BUZZAGO – Guitar
LUCA PERRONE – Guitar
GABRIELE CACOCCIOLA – Bass
ALBERTO MEZZANOTTE – Drums
FEDERICO BONOLDI – Violin
LEANDRO PESSINA – Flute
STEFANO COLOMBO – Keyboards

ALBUM CREDITS:
Main Music Composer: Fabio Buzzago
Lyrics: Fabio Buzzago, Gabriele Cacocciola, Samuele Biganzoli
Orchestrations: Fabio Buzzago, Stefano Colombo
Production: Davide Tavecchia, Buzzago Fabio, Stefano Colombo, Alberto Bernasconi
Recording, Mixing, Mastering: Davide Tavecchia (Twilight Studio)
Graphics: Gustavo Sazes

ABOUT:

Aexylium was formed in 2014 in Italy, merging the distinctive sound of traditional instruments with the modern intensity of metal.

The band has performed at many renowned European festivals including Dong Open Air, Tanzt!, Mead & Greed, Montelago Celtic Festival, Malpaga Folk & Metal, Druidia, and more. During these events, Aexylium shared the stage with several notable bands such as Blind Guardian, Elvenking, Wind Rose, Týr, Vision Divine, Furor Gallico, Temperance, and others.

Their debut album, ‘Tales From This Land’ (2018), was released through Underground Symphony Records. It was recorded at Twilight Studio by Davide Tavecchia and mastered by Simone Mularoni (Elvenking, DGM, Secret Sphere, etc).

In 2021, Aexylium signed a deal with Rockshots Records for their second album, ‘The Fifth Season’. The album was recorded at Twilight Studio with the artwork designed by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design (Testament, Manowar, Korpiklaani). To date, the band has released six music videos as singles.

Compared to the last studio album, the band has welcomed Alberto Mezzanotte (drums), Luca Perrone (Guitar), and the frontman Sam Biganzoli into its lineup.

Aexylium’s partners include Solar Guitars, Footblaster, Liuteria Cocopelli, and Firebird Strumenti Musicali.

AexyliumLine Up:
Sam Biganzoli: vocals
Arianna Bellinaso: vocals
Gabriele Cacocciola: bass
Federico Bonoldi: violin
Alberto Mezzanotte: drums
Fabio Buzzago: guitars
Luca Perrone: guitars
Leandro Pessina: flute
Stefano Colombo: keyboards

More info:
https://www.rockshots.eu

FOLLOW:
https://www.instagram.com/aexylium_official
https://www.facebook.com/aexylium

-30-

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 CDN Records: Streaming Now! Canada’s Hexenklad (ft. members of SIG:AR:TYR, Eclipse Eternal, Pagan Ritual) Folk/Black Metal Album “Heathenheart”

July 22, 2021
by Asher
· Hexenklad - Heathenheart (CDN Records) (2021) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 22, 2021

For fans of Moonsorrow, Amon Amarth, Ensiferum, Insomnium, Windir

CDN Records: Streaming Now! Canada’s Hexenklad (ft. members of SIG:AR:TYR, Eclipse Eternal, Pagan Ritual) Folk/Black Metal Album “Heathenheart”

New Album “Heathenheart” Out July 23rd

L-R: Michael Grund – Guitar, Andrew Chalmers – Drums, Timothy Voldemars Johnston – Vocals, Matt Collacott – Bass, John Chalmers – Guitar
Photo by Vikki Kay Photography

“Heathenheart” is the second album from Canada’s Hexenklad (ft. members of SIG:AR:TYR, Eclipse Eternal, Pagan Ritual), and it shows a notable evolution over 2017’s “Spirit of the Stone”. This is primarily due to an almost complete lineup change wherein all the members had an active part in composing the music. Vocalist Timothy Johnston explains further:

“This album was written very differently than the first album which was mostly written by Hexenklad’s founder Michael Grund. It was very organic and the songs just grew together. Guitar parts were written first by both Michael and John with a few ideas put in by myself. Then drums were added by Andrew. Once those were all down and arranged, and then rearranged until everything flowed and made sense, then I let the melodies tell me what the songs were about and wrote the lyrics. Once we had the guitars, drums and vocal parts recorded, then the keyboards and bass were added.”

Johnston continues to explain that it was not difficult to pick the tracks that would be used as they were the ones that spoke to them immediately. Often, they would go through many alterations before being used, but they never abandoned a song that spoke to us.

The 13 track album has something for everyone, from the chilling, black metal “Cold Beauty of Winter”, to the mid-tempo headbanger “Dark Moon in Capricorn”, to the instrumental ”A Forest of Dead Trees” to the acoustic “We Raise a Horn”. This variance makes Hexenklad shine, their versatility is a true display of their talent and passion.

Hexenklad has a very distinct chemistry which is only amplified by years of experience in music. Almost everyone in the band comes from another band in the Ontario metal scene including Eclipse Eternal, Pagan Ritual, Battlesoul and Of Hatred Spawn. The album also features several local guests including Emmanuel “Audeath” Audet (Black Empire/Winterfog); Nick Sauter (Treats for Addicts) and Alex Chalmers.

Those who enjoy both folk and black metal, who are looking for something unique and have an open mind, will find much in this album, especially those interested in Insomnium, Windir and Moonsorrow.

“Heathenheart” will be released on July 23, 2021 via CDN Records, but can be heard in advance via its full stream premiere on Black Metal Promotion’s YouTube channel HERE.

Album pre-order available at https://cdnrecords.com/shop/hexenklad-heathenheart/

Music Video – Heathenheart – https://youtu.be/109-5f2P0N8
Lyric Video – Huginn and Muninn – https://youtu.be/uI2ORLXR8sI

Track Listing:
1. Heathenheart (5:02)
2. Cold Beauty of Winter (4:52)
3. Huginn and Muninn (4:14)
4. Dark Moon in Capricorn (5:13)
5. Rootbound (4:13)
6. The Raven Returns to the Knoll (4:33)
7. A Thousand Paths to Wisdom (4:26)
8. Olde Gods Awaken (5:53)
9. Beware the Outstretched Hand (5:21)
10. A Forest of Dead Trees (4:32)
11. Upon the Wings of Valkyries (7:03)
12. A Moment of Silence (1:00)
13. We Raise a Horn (4:07)
Album Length: 1:00:36

Album Credits:
Timothy Voldemars Johnston – Vocals, Lyrics
Michael Grund – Guitar. Bass on songs 4, 7, & 9
John Chalmers – Guitar. Bass on song 13
Andrew Chalmers – Drums & Percussion
Clare B. – Keyboards & Orchestrations
Emmanuel “Audeath” Audet (Black Empire/Winterfog) – Bass on Songs 2, 5, 8, 10, & 11
Matt “Coldcuts” Collacott – Bass on songs 1, 3, & 6
Nick Sauter – (Treats for Addicts) Guitar Solo on song 7
Alex Chalmers – Clarinet on song 13

All songs by Hexenklad
Song 2 written by Jon Kal and Hexenklad
Lyrics on songs 4 & 8 by Michael Grund
Recorded at Shiver Sound Studios by John Chalmers
Audeath’s Bass recorded at Black Amp Studio
Mixed at BWC Studios by Greg Dawson
Mastered at West West Side Music by Alan Douches
Cover art by Darek Zawiązalec of Black Forest Forge
CD Layout by Robo of Element 6 Custom lmn6.ca
Photography by Vikki Kay Photography
Canadian Content (MAPL)

Live Band Line Up:
Timothy Voldemars Johnston – Vocals
John Chalmers – Guitar
Steve Bowen – Guitar
Matt “Coldcuts” Collacott – Bass
Andrew Chalmers – Drums

For more info:
CDNRecords.com
Facebook.com/hexenklad
Instagram.com/hexenklad
Hexenklad.bandcamp.com
Spotify
EPK

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Rockshots Records: Sound The Drums! Italian Symphonic Folk Metal AEXYLIUM First Single “The Bridge” Off Upcoming New Album “The Fifth Season”

July 20, 2021
by Asher
· Aexylium (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 20, 2021

For fans of Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Alestorm

Rockshots Records: Sound The Drums! Italian Symphonic Folk Metal AEXYLIUM First Single “The Bridge” Off Upcoming New Album “The Fifth Season”

New Album “The Fifth Season” Out October 29th

Italian symphonic folk metallers Aexylium are sharing their first single “The Bridge” from their forthcoming album “The Fifth Season” due out October 29th, 2021 via Rockshots Records.

The opening track of the full length, “The Bridge” is an instant war call, a powerful rush of drums, symphonic speed, and heaviness to immediately convey this clan’s followers ready for battle.

The lyric video for “The Bridge” can be viewed and heard on Rockshots Records‘ YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/jyssCoDi9jo

Digital download and stream on the following platforms:
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/36M35fX
Apple Music – https://apple.co/3xMU6Hc

Mixing traditional folk instruments (Flute, Violin, Bouzouki) with the modern symphonic metal, Aexylium‘s sophomore full length follows 2018’s “Tales From This Land” (Underground Symphony Records) and their 2016 self-produced EP “The Blind Crow“. “Tales From This Land” has had over 110k streams on Spotify along with its powerful single “Revive the Village’ placing on the top 200 metal song charts in Germany on Apple Music. Aexylium has also released fan-praised covers of Game of Thrones and Vikings main themes with reinterpreted folk metal sounds.

Since their inception in 2014, the Varese, Italy band has performed at renowned festivals in Europe such as Dumeltica International Music Festival, Montelago Celtic Festival, Malpaga Folk & Metal, Rock Inn Somma, Druidia and Strigarium along with sharing the stage with Elvenking, Wind Rose, Nervosa, Furor Gallico, Temperance and more. In August 2020, despite Covid restrictions, Aexylium was chosen by the city of Milan to perform at the historical Castello Sforzesco.

Their new album “The Fifth Season” is a concrete step towards growth and musical maturity with its offering of festive ballads, tighter riffs, advanced orchestrations and heavier dark songs that are all inspired by Norse Mythology. The record also features guest vocals from Samuele Faulisi (Atlas Pain), Arianna Bellinaso and the members of Coro Facoltà di Musicologia Vocal Ensemble. The album was recorded at Twilight Studio by Davide Tavecchia with the artwork done by Jan Yrlund of Darkgrove Design (Manowar, Testament, Korpiklaani.

The band adds:

“This work is the result of different approaches toward music, and different interests between the members of the band. For example, “An Damhsa Mór” – one of our completely acoustic pieces – reflects the interest of our flutist for Irish tradition and Gaeilge, while “Yggrdasil” is obviously a reference to Norse mythology, which our singer is passionate about. The title track is dedicated to something we would prefer to avoid, but, on the contrary, since the world we are facing is showing its environmental and social limits, the song “The Fifth Season” seems to express all our doubts and anxieties toward the future.”

“The Fifth Season” is due out October 29, 2021 via Rockshots Records and is available for pre-order at the following links:
CD – https://bit.ly/TheFifthSeason_CD
Digital – https://bfan.link/the-bridge

Track Listing:
1. The Bridge (4:47)
2. Mountains (4:16)
3. Immortal Blood (5:54)
4. Battle of Tettenhall (5:59)
5. Skål (4:54)
6. An Damhsa Mór (2:39)
7. Yggdrasil (4:47)
8. Vinland (4:09)
9. The Fifth Season (5:20)
10. Spirit of the North (5:40)
11. On the Cliff’s Edge (2:40)
Album Length: 51:10

Band Line Up:
Steven Merani – Vocals
Fabio Buzzago – Guitar / Backing Vocals
Andrea Prencisvalle – Guitar
Gabriele Cacocciola – Bass
Matteo Morisi – Drums
Stefano Colombo – Keyboards / Accordion / Backing Vocals
Federico Bonoldi – Violin
Leandro Pessina -Flutes / Bouzouki / Mandolin

Album Credits:
Special Guests:
Arianna Bellinaso – Vocals (‘Mountains’ / ‘The Fifth Season’)
Samuele Faulisi – Vocals (‘The Bridge’) – Backing Vocals
Coro Facoltà di Musicologia Vocal Ensemble – Choirs
Produced by: Aexylium, Davide Tavecchia
Music and Arrangements: Aexylium
Orchestral Parts: Stefano Colombo, Buzzago Fabio
Lyrics: Fabio Buzzago, Steven Merani, Gabriele Cacocciola
Recording, Mixing and Mastering: Davide Tavecchia (Twilight Studio)
Cover Art and Booklet: Jan Yrlund – Darkgrove.net
Band Photo: Sasha Martinelli – Salazart

For more info:
Roc kshots.eu
Aexylium.it
Facebook.com/aexylium
Instagram.com/aexylium_official

– 30 –

“The experience of hearing ‘Tales from this Land’ is a wonderful voyage through time and music at the same time” – Metal Temple (9/10)

“They just need to keep honing the direction, it’s on the right track for sure! I’m not even a big fan of folk metal, but I just became a fan of Aexylium!” – BucketList (9/10)

“A significantly well done, fun and excellent debut album if you love this genre of music” – Metalwave (80/100)

“‘Tales from this Land’ is not afraid of foreign competition and shows, together with a handful of CDs released in recent months, great talent” – Mister Folk (8/10)

“The first song of their concert is unmistakable for those who have followed this TV series, I’m obviously talking about ‘Game of Thrones’ and is welcomed by an ovation from the crowd, that is getting bigger under the stage … They are eight on the stage and the energy they spread is perceived and celebrated several times by the horn sounds among the crowd” – Malpaga 2016 live report by Metalpit

“Aexylium from Varese, a band that I personally had never listened live and that turned out to be a pleasant discovery … The crowd is jumping, and even though their show is at the hottest time of the day, the audience for them is consistent, and it is undeniable that they appreciate the exhibition” – Malpaga 2016 by Suoni Distorti Magazine

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 EPK – TrollWar – Oath Of The Storm (LP) (2018)

October 15, 2018
by Asher
· EPKs · Trollwar

TrollWar – Oath Of The Storm (LP) (2018)

For fans of Wintersun, Ensiferum, Finntroll, Amon Amarth, Luca Turilli

Release Date: November 16, 2018

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

Sales links: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon | CDBaby | BigCartel

Download promotional photo | Download album artwork

“The whole record is an adventure; the sequencing flows well from song to song and is bumpered nicely by an intro that sets the mood, plus an outro that gently brings things to a close, returning the listener safely back to their respective realities. At the end of the day, I definitely think Trollwar is onto something here; they are proudly waving the folk-metal banner and are destined for big things.”

”The vocals are abrasively savage, and the swirling keyboard melody is like ear heroin. I can’t help myself — the song pushes too many buttons for me to resist.” – No Clean Singing

“OATH OF THE STORM has a wave of well-written catchy songs, good production, lots of intensity and power as well, which is something some of the other bands lack. TrollWar is a pretty appropriate name for this enjoyable act and OATH OF THE STORM is one of the more intense Folk Metal albums out this year.” – Metal Rules

“All the songs on this LP are FAR better than anything else I have heard from the band.” – Butterflyman

”the tracks are face smashing and memorable with enough layers to satisfy even the most tech savvy of you folksters”…….”It’s hard to necessarily give you specifics other than multiple layers of instrumentation, blast beats, keys and symphonic touches with shredding guitar and vocals.”- Folk Metal.NL

”Epic, yet down to earth, beautiful yet destructive, these are all things that embody Trollwar” – Two Guys Metal

”The 7-piece band plays a mixture of epic black metal, melodic death metal and folk metal, influenced by the big names of the genre” – Metal Soundscapes

TrollWar – Oath Of The Storm (LP) (2018)
Distribution: CD Baby
Release Date: November 16, 2018

Track Listing:
1. Intro (1:47)
2. Summoning (6:12)
3. Into Shadows (4:40)
4. The Forsaken One (3:47)
5. In Defiance (5:00)
6. Hymn For The Vanquished (4:43)
7. Forgotten (5:36)
8. Omens of Victory (4:28)
9. Home of Forbidden Lore (5:24)
10. Shores of Madness (5:03)
11. Winter’s Night (5:15)
12. Outro (3:02)
Album Length: 55:01

Sales links: Bandcamp | Apple Music | Amazon | CDBaby | BigCartel

Album Credits:

All songs were written and performed by Trollwar
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) at The Grid Studio
Album Artwork by Nicolas Francoeur (Vorace-Art)

Available on Spotify, ITunes, and Bandcamp

Album and live line-up:
Yanick Tremblay (drums)
Mathieu Chauvette (guitar)
Steeve Jobin-Fortin (guitar)
Keven Villeneuve (bass)

Jonathan Mathieu (accordion)
Simon-Pierre Fortin-Leclerc (vocals)

SHORT BIO:

Hailing from Alma Québec, Trollwar combine the best elements of folk, melodic death and black metal into something vital, potent and uniquely their own. Building on the foundations created by the likes of Finntroll and Amon Amarth they forge fiery folky metal that is unique and complex.

Since starting their quest in 2011, they have leveled past their folk roots and have taken a darker, more powerful path becoming more versatile and utilizing more inspiration from bands such as Wintersun and Luca Turilli. The symphonic and power metal elements continue to shine amongst the harshness of the folk and black metal with themes pulled from the works of Tolkien and Lovecraft.

Playing with a myriad of heavy hitters such as Kalmah, Alestorm and Arkona and with an inventory of well-received releases: ‘Bloodshed Forges’ EP (2011); ‘Earthdawn Groves’ LP (2013); and ‘The Traveler’s Path’ EP (2017); Trollwar are working mightily to forge a new LP ‘Oath of the Storm’ for 2018, that will feature their trademark ‘symphony, brutality, darkness, ambiance, and power!’.

LONG BIO:

A fierce war party of long term friends with a passion for LARP events and festivals, TROLLWAR consists of Steeve Jobin-Fortin (guitar), Yanick Tremblay (drums), Mathieu Chauvette (guitars), Keven Villeneuve (bass), Simon-Pierre Fortin-Leclerc (vocals) and Jonathan Mathieu (accordion).

Eager to etch their mark on the metal scene, their live shows are full of the brutality and energy that each one of them brings to the stage, albeit often times, in close quarters:

“Live, the listener can expect something epic! 6 metalheads banging their head offs and playing the instrument they like the most. Epic breakdowns and melodies, pretty good entertainment in general. It’s harder to move on the stage when you are 6 and you play in small venues, but don’t fool yourself. It won’t keep the energy from being thrown in your face from the stage.”

Playing with a myriad of heavy hitters such as Kalmah, Alestorm and Arkona and with an inventory of well-received releases: ‘Bloodshed Forges’ EP (2011); ‘Earthdawn Groves’ LP (2013); and ‘The Traveler’s Path’ EP (2017); Trollwar are working mightily to forge a new LP ‘Oath of the Storm’ for 2018, that will feature their trademark ‘symphony, brutality, darkness, ambiance, and power!’.

Discography:

Oath of the Storm LP (NEW) (2018)
Distrollbar Split (2017)
The Traveler’s Path EP (2017)
Omens of Victory Single (2016)
Earthdawn Groves LP (2013)
Bloodshed Forges EP (2011)

Shared Stage with:
Kalmah, Alestorm, Arkona, Seth, Necronomicon, Beyond Creation, Aeternam, Vesperia, Gone in April, Les Bâtards du Nord, Valknatch, Valfreya, Nordheim, Sanguine Glacialis.

Tour Dates & Festivals

FEQ (Festival d’été de Québec), QC (2017)
INNERFEST, Saguenay, QC (2015)
SAGUENAY Viking Fest, Saguenay, QC (2015)
MTL Viking Fest – Montréal, QC (2014)
QC Viking Fest – Austin, QC (2013)
Hellfest Lanaudière, Mandeville, QC (2012)
Bildofest, La Baie, QC (2011)

0 Raven Heart Music – Protokult – No Beer In Heaven

October 29, 2014
by Asher
· Protokult

http://www.ravenheartmusic.com/products-group-92.html

0 Rock and Metal In My Blood – Review – Protokult – No Beer In Heaven

October 27, 2014
by Asher
· Protokult

http://www.rockandmetalinmyblood.com/recensioni/PROTOKULT—No-Beer-in-Heaven/2014—independent/2001/

0 NEWS: Beer Loving Prog Folk Metal PROTOKULT Playing Metal Divas Fest In Toronto November 29; New Album ‘No Beer In Heaven’ + Music Video ‘Get Me A Beer!’

October 22, 2014
by Asher
· Protokult

amr_logo_smal_570

For Interview, Album Requests, Media List contact

Jon Asher – Music Publicist – ashermedia [AT] gmail.com

Radio Promotions – radiotrackingashermedia [AT] gmail.com

#514.581.5780 – www.ashermediarelations.com

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 22, 2014

ALBUM PROMOS FOR MEDIA COVERAGE (ex. feature, interview, album review, airplay, etc.) CAN BE REQUESTED HERE

R.I.Y.L. – Arkona, Windir, Nightwish, Turisas, Skyforger

Sales Links: Bandcamp | iTunes

EPK | Press Photo | Download Album Lyrics | Download Album Cover

Beer Loving Prog Folk Metal PROTOKULT Playing Metal Divas Fest In Toronto November 29; New Album ‘No Beer In Heaven’ + Music Video ‘Get Me A Beer!’

‘No Beer In Heaven’ Album Stream – http://protokultmetal.bandcamp.com/album/no-beer-in-heaven

Youtube ‘No Beer In Heaven’ Album Stream – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tHT25mIl8o

Get Me A Beer! – Music Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY_ADjSWiK8

Lyric Video – Get Me A Beer! – http://youtu.be/lV3vHbwWqN4

Beer drinking progressive folk metallers PROTOKULT are proud to announce they will be performing at this year’s first ever Metal Divas Fest in Toronto, ON at the Bovine Sex Club on November 29th that includes Marchenbilder, At Dawn’s Edge and Psycho Mad Sally. For tickets and info, please visit the following link here.

Protokult front woman Ekatertina Pyatkova comments:

“We are excited to take part in the launch of the first ever Metal Diva Fest in Toronto. It’s great to realize that today we have more and more women participating in metal, both in Canada and the rest of the world. For me the launch of this festival is not only a way to showcase current talented bands, but also a way to honour the legacy of women who have paved the path for us today. This is an amazing line-up, be sure to check it out! I know this festival will turn into a successful reoccurring event.”

The Eastern European transplants now residing in Toronto, ON released their sophomore album ‘No Beer In Heaven’ on August 8th with their single ‘Get Me A Beer!’ pleasing beer fans around the globe. This follow up to 2011’s ‘Marzena’ EP and 2009’s debut ‘Ancestral Anthems’ has a beauty and the beast-like contrast between Ekaterina’s haunting vocals and the band’s metal onslaught, the album captures the reformed quintet at an all-time high, showcasing an impressive palette of twelve entirely new compositions, and straps the listener on an adventurous, heavy and experimental trek, diving into themes of drinking, history and human endeavor. The band unites their diverse cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash and black metal for headbangers everywhere.

Upcoming dates:

November 29 – Toronto, ON – Bovine Sex Club w/ Metal Divas Fest w/ Marchenbilder, At Dawn’s Edge, Psychos Mad Sally

December 6 – St. Catharines, ON – Mikado Lounge w/ Skull Fist, Last Scattering, Manacle

Track Listing: Protokult – No Beer In Heaven

1. Get Me A Beer! (3:04)
2. Heaven Cast Me Out (4:04)
3. My Father’s Word (5:49)
4. Flight of The Winged Hussar (5:52)
5. Sol Intention (4:39)
6. Edge of Time (5:28)
7. Sanctuaries (2:04)
8. Desert Scourge (4:31)
9. Gorale (4:15)
10. Summer’s Ode (6:07)
11. Razbival Okovi Perun (1:26)
12. Water of Life (8:46)

Total Length: (56:12)

For more info, please visit the following links:

http://www.protokult.com

http://www.facebook.com/protokult

http://www.twitter.com/protokult

Album Order – http://protokultmetal.bandcamp.com/album/no-beer-in-heaven

EPK – https://ashermediarelations.com/epks/epk-protokult-no-beer-in-heaven-2014/

– 30 –

“they’ve got a good sense of humor, and they sound top-notch” – Metal Sucks

“boozy blast of heathen prog” – Team Rock

“Le metal a du talent.” – Metal France

“If you’d like a taste of the brew Protokult has on tap, check out the eclectic, hoppy folk thrasher “Get Me a Beer”. Indeed this mix of traditional folk, thrash metal, death metal, and other genres will have you stomping your feet and drinking too fast.`- Yell Magazine

“The rousing opening track “Get Me A Beer” is alcohol-fueled folk metal with similarities to bands like Korpiklaani, but they have many other facets… It’s an extremely diverse album” – Heavy Metal. About.com

“Ah this album was a pleasure to review. So many albums are a slog to get through, but I was sorry when No Beer In Heaven ended…All the band are excellent musicians and you can hear their joy at playing their music. Ekaterina Pvatlova brings another dimension to the band too; her vocals are nothing you’ve heard in metal before, and I love the touch she brings with the woodwind instruments…I love the track “Get Me A Beer” – it could be marketed as a cure for depression. Elsewhere, the contrast between folk and metal works very harmoniously: heavy and uplifting at the same time. Joyous stuff! The band also have a good sense of humour, and while they can be serious, this is an enjoyable life-affirming album to listen to, which is as it should be. Our lives are brief; we should try and enjoy our spell on this earth! I love the album artwork and presentation too. This is a band the world needs to hear more of. Highly recommended! – Hellbound

“a superb album. Protokult gives folk-metal a new nice dimension. Their progressive folk-metal approach is a very delicious one. Don’t let the ‘beer-titles’ fool you, the band goals are far beyond beer-humpaa. They’re far more serious, despite of the sometimes quite merry tunes. This is one of the best folk-metal albums I’ve heard this year” – Folk-Metal.nl

“Protokult is a colourful collective, made up of four guys and a lady…It is a versatile album…progressive twists and turns in the songs and surprising approaches.” – Lords of Metal

“The very second I started to listen to No Beer In Heaven and “Get Me A Beer” came on I was instantly hooked. Instantly Protokult kills it with a killer opening riff that is a combination of electric guitar and synthesizer. “Get Me A Beer” has one of the wildest mix of genres and styles that I have heard in quite some time.” – Kingston Music Reviews

“Let’s mark the list down, shall we: Awesome Folk music spanning different areas of sound and direction, check! Creative and art work based around an old fashioned beer hall, check! And last, but certainly not least, BEER themed music!!!!.” – Metal Temple

“Folk and metal comes together in a epic way with Protokult. The mix is perfect for the party and other festivity’s that needs a nice kick in the ass, like a metal heads funeral. Hooks, beer and the ever changing change ups makes this LP one for the books.” Tommy Tee – The Metal Factory on Insane Realm Radio.com

“Although PROTOKULT is a Canadian-based group, the members come from various backgrounds (Polish, Irish, Russian, Czech) and the result is a marvellous mix of Canadian and international forces. The goal is to unite these cultures into one sound, balancing tradition and folklore with heavy, thrash and black metal for head-bangers everywhere.” – Demented Magazine

“Most bands go on the road to promote the CD and encourage fans to buy it but this album would actually encourage me to go and see the band. The music speaks and says that this band will be well worth watching live.” – Extreme Metal Television

“Anyone who has seen this band live knows that the beer maidens will be pouring potent potables into ever thirsty mouths at the front of the stage. Before this delightful feature comes to fruition, the fans come in close, sing along, and dance the metal jig during the pagan musical onslaught from the band. We are instantly transported to villages, and forests of another era.” – Metal Master Kingdom (Live Review)

“All in all No Beer In Heaven is an extra large package of dark folk metal here to drink and party with you. If you’re a folk fan, be sure to give them a listen. The album is a solid piece and an enjoyment to even non-folk fans. Oh, and they also love the ‘Water of Life’ (that is vodka if you didn’t know already).” – Two Guys Metal Reviews

“They belong amongst the ranks of bands like Moonsorrow and Skyforger…Almost every song twists and turns through several folk metal transformations, without ever tapping into cheesy or overly tired clichés.”- Metal Observer (2010 review for Ancestral Anthems)

“Their songs pulse and writhe like a sinuous living thing.”- Exclaim (2012 review of Marzena)

[Download Album Cover]

[Download Album Lyrics]

Track Listing: Protokult – No Beer In Heaven

Total Length: (56:12)

Hidden Tracks:
13. Brotokult (3:03)
14. We Smoke The Ganga (3:33)

Release Date: August 8, 2014
Label: Self Release
Distribution: Bandcamp, iTunes, CD Baby, Friendly Fire Distro
ISRC Codes #: (coming soon)
UPC Code #: (coming soon)

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Protokult
• All songs written by: Martin Drozd, Ekaterina
• Produced by: Protokult &Glenn Fricker
• Mixed by: Glenn Fricker at Spectre Sound Studios
• Mastered by: Glenn Fricker at Spectre Sound Studios

Album Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd- Vocals, guitars, darbuka, jaw harp, synthesizer
Ekaterina – Soprano and traditional vocals, recorders, psaltery, zhaleika & sopilka.
Dawid Slowiak- Bass, group chants
Jeremy Jackson (Vodnik) – Guitars, group chants
Mike Matveev- Drums

Live Band Line Up:
Martin Drozd- Vocals, guitars, synthesizer
Ekaterina –Vocals, recorders, synthesizer
Dawid Slowiak- Bass, group chants
Jeremy Jackson (Vodnik) – Guitars, group chants
Mike Matveev- Drums

Discography
2014- No Beer In Heaven-full length
2011- Marzena- EP
2009- Ancestral Anthems- LP

Shared Stage w/:

Turisas, Alestorm, Arkona, Huntress, Razor

Tours and Festivals:

2014 – Vikingfest (Montreal)
2014 – Headbanging For a Cure (Toronto)
2012 – Paganfest (Toronto)
2012 – Headbanging For a Cure (Toronto)

0 GMA – Vol179 – Protokult – No Beer In Heaven

October 20, 2014
by Asher
· Protokult

http://globalmetalapocalypse.weebly.com/metal-iii/gma-vol179-gotland-distant-past-ptoma-hiverna-protokult-fragmenta-la-dama-oscura-warfist-body-harvest-sinisfear

0 Tiny & Plankman Show 10/06/14 – Interview w/ Protokult

October 7, 2014
by Asher
· Protokult

http://www.tapdetroit.com/tiny-plankman-show-100614/

We talked with Martin from Protokult & ended up on the subject of BEER (Of course). We talked about their music & where they were playing in Canada & maybe someday coming to The States. If you haven’t heard them you should definitly check them out.