Tag: hamilton

0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces Battle Rounds – One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2023

January 17, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2023

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces Battle Rounds

– One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2023 –

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its 2023 battle rounds being held from coast to coast for one unsigned Canadian band to perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages and largest metal festival Wacken Open Air, with over 80,000 people in attendance, held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years. (dates listed below)

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

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

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

Battles will be hosted in the following cities: Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

All bands will be performing in front of experienced music industry professionals who will be making judgments at each qualifying round based on various categories of professionalism and musicianship.

Here’s the full list of dates below, event links for each battle can be found on https://www.facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official/events

Battle Rounds

Vancouver – Preliminary Round
Thurs, Feb 23 – The Cobalt w/ Ape War, Hunting Giants, Hyperia, Pharm, QUASICOSM

Calgary – Preliminary Rounds
Tue, January 17 – Dickens w/ Grim Prognosis, Lÿnx, Tyrants of Chaos
Wed, February 1 – Dickens
Wed, February 15 – Dickens
Wed, March 1 – Dickens

Edmonton – Preliminary Rounds
Thurs, Jan 19 – Starlite Room w/ Fall of Earth, Withered Days, Enosis
Thurs, Feb 2 – Starlite Room w/ Arcane Tyrant, Repugnant Scum, Malicious Intent
Sun, Feb 5 – Starlite Room w/ Pre Breaker, Sparrow Blue, The Judge The Juror
Thurs, Feb 16 – Starlite Room w/ Rising Sun, The Usual Suspects, Hollow Point & Buried Beneath

Hamilton – Preliminary Rounds
Fri, Jan 27 – Mainstage Studios w/ Sarcophilous, Aquila, Eaten by Sharks, Hollow Core, Death Perception

Toronto – Preliminary Rounds
Sat, Jan 28 – Hard Luck w/ Ammo, AxMinister, Devil Witch, Xephyr
Sat, Feb 4 – Hard Luck w/ Phantom, Burdizzo, Bloody Monroe, CNTRL
Fri, Feb 24 – Bovine Sex Club w/ Superchucker, I See Aura, Active Arson, Hellrager

Ottawa – Preliminary Round
Fri, March 24 – Mavericks

Quebec City – Preliminary Round
Fri, Feb 24 – Quebec City – La Source de la Martiniere

Montreal – Preliminary Rounds
Fri, Feb 17 – Piranha Bar
Fri, March 3 – Piranha Bar
Sat, March 11 – Piranha Bar

Montreal – Eastern Final (Ottawa vs Montreal vs Quebec City)
Fri, March 31 – Piranha Bar

Toronto – Ontario Final:
TBA

Calgary Final:
Fri, March 10 – Dickens

Calgary – Western Final (BC, AB)
Sat, April 1 – Dickens

Toronto – National Final:
Sat, May 13 – Lee’s Palace

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 represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

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

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

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

– 30 –

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Promoter Partners:
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Canada’s AQUILA Unleash “The Great Fire”, A New Music Video and EP of Aggressive and Progressive Brutality

August 17, 2022
by Asher
· Aquila · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 18, 2022

Canada’s AQUILA Unleash “The Great Fire”, A New Music Video and EP of Aggressive and Progressive Brutality

Hamilton, ON, Canada’s AQUILA return in 2022, after taking a short vow of silence since releasing two EPs in 2020 “Valle Mortalitatis” (Feb) and “Jewel of the Empire’s Crown” (July). The band recently unleashed this past June their latest offering entitled “The Great Fire”, which continues their love affair with historical stories of the Roman Empire.

“We write about Roman events and themes like battles and certain emperors. It was brutal times back then, so the listener gets a little history lesson as well. I write my own twists and spice things up for the story in the song.” adds vocalist Mark Arruda.

“The Great Fire” is a concept record of four songs about the Roman Emperor Nero who is known for killing Christians and The Great Fire of Rome (Jul 18, 64 AD – Jul 23, 64 AD). This recording is musically the most brutal and progressive material the band has written emphasizing the METAL into METALcore once again.

“This is our best material to date. It’s brutal, heavy, and catchy and it’s a rollercoaster ride. It has the Aquila sound still with some added influences to our sound. We have matured as people and as songwriters during this time of the pandemic. To be honest, this EP saved us from going crazy during these troubled times. It helped us stay focused and motivated through it all. I hope people give it a listen, we are metal fans and metal lovers. I’ve been in metal bands since 1999 and I’m, I mean, WE are so proud of this EP.” comments Arruda.

The opening and title track “The Great Fire” starts off slow and then it explodes. It is the band’s traditional straightforward in-your-face track with a Power Trip style breakdown in the middle of the song. The lyrics are about Nero causing the fire and that he wanted it to happen. From there you enter the “Emperor’s Curse”. This song starts off brutal and it is a rollercoaster of a track, traveling into Tool-like drumming and guitars with a catchy hook at the end of it. It’s the most progressive song AQUILA has ever written and was inspired by their own song, “Bound For Glory”, from their 2009 debut album “Imperium”. After a very brutal beheading and crucifixion of Christians to Nero taking his own life, track 3 “A City Risen” is about what Nero is thinking before he takes his life or even after his death. The song is at a slower pace, but hits heavy with many hooks. “I think it’s my best vocal performance ever. I used my singing range for this one, not just straight death metal vocals for this one,” says Arruda.

EP closer, “The Plague of Galen” was written when vocalist Mark Arruda and drummer Mark McGuire reconnected just before the Covid pandemic and felt it was fitting to write a song about a plague that happened in Rome many centuries ago. The song has a melodic death metal feel to it that you can certainly headbang to. The breakdown in the middle is crushing, ending with Iron Maiden-influenced guitar playing.

With all its fury and melodic groove, “The Great Fire” is just the next taster for fans old and new alike, as the band continues writing for a full-length album to be released in the near future. The band adds:

“We want our listeners to experience the emotions on this EP, there are elements to headbang to and elements of anger and sadness as well. Each track is different from one another with a lot of hills and valleys.”

And local fans in Hamilton, ON will be able to experience them live for the first time since 2014. The band will be performing on September 2nd at Doors pub alongside Kings In Graves, With Fists Open, and Demise of Ourselves. More info here.

Recommended for fans of Gojira, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, and In Flames, AQUILA‘s new EP “The Great Fire”, released on June 30th is available on Spotify, Aquilametal.bandcamp.com (CD), Apple Music.

The band’s new music video for the EP’s title track can be seen and heard at https://youtu.be/saRz5k0b_aI

Track Listing:
1. The Great Fire – 5:11
2. Emperor’s Curse – 8:15
3. A City Risen – 4:16
4. The Plague of Galen – 6:16
EP Length: 24:00

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Aquila
• All songs written by: Aquila
• Produced by: Aquila
• Mixed by: Aquila
• Mastered by: Aquila
• EP Artwork by: Silent Q Design
• EP and Live Band Line Up:
– Mark Arruda – Vocals
– Matt McGuire – Drums
– Anthony Rimac – Guitar
– Tony Medina – Guitar
– Colin Wakil – Bass

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/AquilaMetal
https://www.instagram.com/aquila_metal

About:
Aquila is a Canadian metalcore band from Hamilton Ontario. The roots of their sound are from the early 2000s metal scene.

They started in 2006 with Matt McGuire (drums) and Anthony Rimac (guitarist) in Windsor Ontario. In 2009, Aquila entered the studio with Chase Bryant (current bassist for Warbringer), Matt Shelson (guitarist), and Mark Arruda (vocalist) and began working on their debut album, Imperium, with Glenn Fricker in Windsor, Ontario. From 2009 to 2013, they toured for their album across Canada, including a lengthy east and west coast tour, and multiple weekly shows in Ontario. Sharing the stage with the likes of Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Misery Index, Threat Signal, and many more, Aquila with their aggressive stage attitude can sure entertain and work the crowd.

In 2020, Aquila released 2 Eps, Valle Mortalitatis and Jewel of the Empire’s Crown. The 7 songs were recorded back in 2013 with Glenn Fricker, but were never released at that time.

Now with new guitarist Tony Medina and bassist Colin Wakil, Aquila worked hard to release a new EP called The Great Fire in 2022. The 4 songs were written, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Aquila. A video for the title track, The Great Fire, was recorded by the band as well.

“We started writing for this EP in 2020. The pandemic made it very difficult to get together. We also had to find a new guitarist. Once Tony joined the band he quickly learned the songs and started helping us record and mix ourselves. No pressure, just us in our element. I think the growth and maturity in our sound on this Ep. is obvious. This Ep is us, brutal and in your face.” – Mark Arruda – Aquila

Aquila’s latest EP “The Great Fire” was released on June 30th, 2022, and is available on all digital platforms.

– 30 –

“Aquila strikes that excellent balance between aggression, heaviness, and constructing memorable earworms that keeps up listener engagement. The Great Fire embodies an ideal melodeath metalcore product – ready to take the band up from the underground into making worldwide impressions with their music.” – Dead Rhetoric (2022)

“There are plenty of great guitar solos and fills on this album, with the ones in ‘Bound For Glory’ and ‘Within These Flames’ especially standing out…. Aquila’s “Imperium” brings the fury back to metalcore, creating an album full of aggressive vocals and face-melting riffs and solos. “Imperium” is a mostly great debut from a band that’s hopefully on its way to even greater heights.” – Metal Underground (2010)

“A notable difference between Aquila and other Southern Ontario bands is that they thrash throughout their songs, have great guitar leads and refrain from plastering breakdowns throughout their music. They keep it raw and interesting…. Everyone should pick up a copy of Imperium next time Aquila comes to your town. Fans of Assassinate The Following, Unearth, Bloodshoteye and Odium will headbang to Aquila. This band will be legend… Wait for it…. dary.” – V13 (2011)

—
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0 Mexico’s LOST NEBULA Announces Canadian Tour To Support New EP “Created In The Image Of God”

July 6, 2022
by Asher
· Lost Nebula · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 6, 2022

Mexico’s LOST NEBULA Announces Canadian Tour To Support New EP “Created In The Image Of God”

New EP Out July 15th

L-R – Julio Becerra (Guitar), Quetzalin Dominguez (Vocals), Harry Gonzalez (Bass), Fernando Bujanda (Guitar)
Photo: Kinady Navarro

Mexico’s proggy alt-rock outfit Lost Nebula is setting out on a Canadian tour this summer in support of their latest album “Created In The Image Of God”. This will be the fourth release from the band and it shows a distinct maturity without losing the desire to try new things – on the record, they introduce the use of synths and growls and bolsters songwriting.

Lost Nebula presents an approachable take to metal, infusing their sound with melodic choruses, hardcore breakdowns, both growling and clean vocals, and elements of pop, alternative metal, and prog. They cover familiar topics such as discrimination, dehumanization, and the growing dependency on technology. The band explains the upcoming album in their own words:

“All the music created by Lost Nebula is a reference to human emotions and feelings. In this case, it covers the human experiences of discrimination, which could be from a different way of thinking or a different way of looking at another person, basing it on transhuman people, in colloquial terms, people with prosthetic parts attached to them to enlarge and/or improve life. It goes from melodic prog metal to power ballad, making the distinctive sound of the band. Strident guitars and bass, tight and complex rhythm parts along with a warm female voice and something that has never been done before in the band, growl vocals added to one of the singles.”

Looking to take the complexity of progressive rock music and repackage it into a more commercial version, Lost Nebula went into this new album with an open mind, and tore down their boundaries. It is the most original, pure form of the band and they will surely impress old fans and captivate new ones.

The tour starts on Tuesday, July 19 in Montreal, QC and they will make their way across the country to Nanaimo, BC. Lost Nebula brings a unique show to every gig, and regardless of venue size, creates an immersive, memorable, epic experience.

Melodic, unpredictable, and creative, “Created In The Image Of God” is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Haken, and Leprous.

“Created In The Image Of God” is available as of July 15th.

Album pre-order – https://lostnebula.bandcamp.com, Spotify.

Music Video – Darwin Among The Machines – https://youtu.be/21K2qtVQX6E

TOUR DATES:
July 19 – Montréal, QC – Piranha Bar
July 20 – Quebec City, QC – La Source de la Martinière
July 21 – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub
July 22 – Toronto, ON – Rockpile Toronto
July 23 – Sudbury, ON – Zig’s Bar
July 24 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirate’s Pub
July 25 – Winnipeg, MB – The Park Theatre
July 26 – Regina, SK – The Exchange
July 27 – Edmonton, AB – Rendezvous Pub
July 28 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice
July 29 – Saskatoon, SK – TBA
July 30 – Drumheller, AB – Loud As Hell Festival
July 31 – Nelson, BC – Beauties
Aug 1 – Calgary, AB – Blind Beggar
Aug 2 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Pub
Aug 3 – Kamloops, BC – Blue Grotto
Aug 4 – Vancouver, BC – Wise Hall
Aug 5 – Victoria, BC – Upstairs Cabaret
Aug 6 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe Hotel

Track Listing:
1. Darwin Among The Machines (6:31)
2. Technophobia (5:08)
3. If It’s Doomsday… (4:54)
4. The Posthuman (3:54)

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/lostnebulamx
https://www.instagram.com/lostnebulamx
https://twitter.com/lostnebulamx

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0 Prog Rockers THE SLYDE Announces ’10 Years And Counting Tour’

July 23, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · The Slyde

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 23, 2019

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, Haken

Prog Rockers THE SLYDE Announces ’10 Years And Counting Tour’

L-R: Nathan Da Silva (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples), Andrew Suarez (Drums), Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Backup Vocals)

Celebrating 10 years of performing and recording their melodic prog rock since first forming in Ottawa, ON in 2009 to later re-locate permanently to Toronto, ON, THE SLYDE are proud to announce their ’10 Years And Counting Tour’ (dates listed below). During their 10 year career, THE SLYDE has recorded and released two albums ‘Awakening’ (2018) and ‘Feed The Machine’ (2011) along with four EPS, ‘Back Again’ (2017), ‘New World Sympathy’ (2012), ‘The Slyde II’ (2010) and ‘The Slyde I’ (2009). The band has also played nearly 200 shows on the Eastern Canadian circuit, sharing the stage with such bands as Protest The Hero, Down With Webster, Angra, Pain of Salvation, F*ck The Facts, Dana Fuchs, and Timber Timbre among others, and have made past appearances at Ottawa Bluesfest, Canadian Music Week, IndieWeek, and Cornwall Lift-Off. Before they hit the road for the Ontario tour during September, THE SLYDE will be performing on August 2nd at Wacken Open Air in Germany, a festival with an attendance of over 80,000. The band is performing at the festival after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition and being selected to represent their home country at the Wacken Metal Battle international final.

The band comments:

“We are pleased that we made it 10 years doing what we love to do. And it couldn’t be better, in terms of timing, that we are chosen as the Canadian reps for the Wacken Metal Battle international final – which we are beyond stoked for. For the tour, we’ll be doing some songs we haven’t played in years, and we hope to see some longtime fans in attendance. And after the tour, we’ll be hitting the studio to release something special for our 10 year anniversary, so look out for that come Christmas time. Here’s to another 10 years!”

THE SLYDE is driven by Nathan Da Silva’s elegant vocals and passionate guitar work, Sarah Westbrook’s powering keyboard skills, and the powerful rhythm section of bassist Alberto Campuzano and drummer Andrew Suarez (with long-time drummer/songwriter Brendan Soares), the band are to catch the ears of any technically minded melodic prog rock and metal fans of bands such as Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Coheed and Cambria, and Megadeth.

The band latest album “Awakening” is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and Distrokid here.

Album stream here.
‘Back Again’ – Music Video here.
‘Divide’ – Music Video here.
‘Fading’ – Lyric Video here.

THE SLYDE – ’10 Years And Counting Tour’:
Sept 6 – Hamilton, ON – Corktown – info
Sept 7 – Cornwall, ON – Lola’s – info
Sept 13 – Ottawa, ON – Mavericks – info
Sept 27 – London, ON – Call The Office – info
Sept 28 – Peterborough, ON – Red Dog – info
Oct 3 – Barrie, ON – Foxx Lounge – info
Oct 4 – Toronto, ON – Rivoli – info
Oct 5 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion – info

THE SLYDE Live Line Up:
Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar)
Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples)
Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals)
Andrew Suarez (Drums)

For more info:
TheSlyde.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPK

– 30 –

“Vigorous and passionate, these players shine brightly, each contributing dynamic passages as witnessed in “Walk With Me”, “Fading”, and “Divide”. ” – Bravewords.com

“The Slyde have written a full-length rock record that is retro yet contemporary, edgy yet smooth. There are plenty of dynamics while staying high-energy and never boring or overwrought. Well-balanced and entertaining, these songs are progressive but not pretentious. Have a listen then tell your friends! ” – Progressive Music Planet

“If you’re looking for a familiar prog-rock band in the stylings of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, and even a bit of Protest the Hero with a new-age twist, look no further and grab the album today ” – Canadian Beats

“…an impressive step forward/return to form for these Canadian bright-eyed musicians and stands to solidify their name as one of the more promising ventures in the increasingly prolific progressive metal scene.” – Heavy Blog is Heavy, on the ‘Back Again’ EP

“Not just an epic heavy prog-fest, The Slyde have delivered an intelligent and compelling 4-track EP that hints at much promise to come from this Canadian four piece.” – ProgRadar, on the ‘Back Again’ EP

—

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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 – The Castor Troys – Legends Never Die (2018)

August 26, 2018
by Asher
· EPKs · The Castor Troys

The Castor Troys – Legends Never Die (2018)

Release Date: November 9, 2018

Distribution: CD Baby

For Fans of The Offspring, the Headstones, Social Distortion, Rise Against, Monster Truck, The Lazys, The Motorleague

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

Bandcamp | Spotify | Itunes

Download High Res Photo | Download High Res Album Cover

“Need a good song to pump you up for a long day? This classic punk-rock track (We Are One) might even fuel you up better than your morning caffeine boost. You’ll be screaming along with these powerful vocals and air-guitaring these riffs all week long.” – Alt Press

“Legends Never Die gets by on its attitude alone. It’s a short one at just six songs and seventeen minutes, but that’s all The Castor Troys really need to get their point across; very punk rock. “We Are One” is all you can ask for in a punk rock song. With ripping guitars, fast rhythm, catchy group vocal chorus, aggressive lyrics, you can’t ask for anything more. It is very reminiscent of The Offspring or Pennywise,and the alt-punk flavour of the mid nineties. “Watch The City Burn” is more of a classic rocker, maybe with a little southern vibe to it. It had me thinking of Ram Jam’s “Black Betty,” at least at the start. It showcases lead vocalist Aaron Walsh’s storytelling capabilities as he spins a yarn about Hamilton and his seeming irreverence for it.” – Bucketlist Music Reviews

“The Legends Never Die EP departs from their debut album and takes their sound to the next level with a tighter chemistry and production. It boasts two full-throttle singles: “Blackout Love” and the follow-up, “We Are One”… Other standout tracks on the EP include “Burn This City Down” and “Wreck of the Bastard”. After a listen, you’re bound to walk away with at least a few songs stuck in your head! ” – LdnReverb

“Writing music that is catchy and instantly memorable, The Castor Troys weave tales in an accessible and uncompromising manner.” – Ignite Music Mag

“Hard rock revival? I fuckin’ hope so! Add another band to the burgeoning list – Ontario’s The Castor Troys. This hard rockin’ quartet infuse their dynamic new EP with strains of punk, country and loads of heavy rock. Adrenaline pumping screaming melodic anthems that only hard rock can deliver.” – Power of Pop

“The artwork for the Legends Never Die EP, that features a leather clad skeleton shifting into high gear in a muscle car, gives you a a fair idea of what to expect from Ontario’s The Castor Troys latest release, and you won’t be disappointed or surprised as this is balls out rock ‘n roll with a punk edge. ” The Punk Site

“They play a kind of anthemic punk rock with hard rock influences thrown in that has as much to do with Rise Against and Ignite as with Monster Truck and Iron Maiden… If you are into hard rockin’ riffs and tons of ooh’s and aah’s, feel free to check out The Castor Troys.” – Punk Rock Theory

“The new release from Canadian rockers The Castor Troys, everything about the EP caught our instincts and wants in a slab of rock ‘n’ roll whilst providing one of the most fiercely enjoyable encounters this year. ” – The Ringmaster Review

“If Legends Never Die is any indication, The Castor Troys are certainly a band to watch out for as they commence to tour across Ontario and potentially beyond in support of an EP that everyone should be listening to. From front to back, Legends Never Die is an exciting thoroughly enjoyable record.” – Canadian Beats

Legends Never Die (EP) (2018)

Release Date: November 9, 2018
Distribution: CD Baby

Track Listing:

1. Blackout Love
2. We Are One
3. Watch the City Burn
4. Legends Never Die
5. Wreck of the Bastard
6. Runnin’ Down a Dream*

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by The Castor Troys
• All songs written by The Castor Troys except #6 written by Tom Petty, used under license
• Produced by Andre Kaden Black
• Mixed and Engineered by Tal Vaisman
• Mastered by Noah Mintz at Laquer Channel
• Album Artwork by Derrick Castle

Album Recording & Live Line Up:

Aaron Walsh – Lead Vocals
Chris Ledroit – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Matthew Bowker – Bass, Backing Vocals
Bryson Emmons – Drums, Backing Vocals

Discography:

Legends Never Die (EP) (2018)
Come Hell or High Water (LP) (2015)

L-R – Matthew Bowker (Bass, Backing Vocals), Aaron Walsh (Lead Vocals), Bryson Emmons (Drums, Backing Vocals), and Chris Ledroit (Guitars, Backing Vocals)
Photo Credit: Brandon Taylor

The Castor Troys are a story-telling hard rock band from Hamilton, Ontario. Through lyrics that tell tales of war heroes, bank robbers, and clandestine lovers, this intrepid four-piece peddles true stories and truer fiction. Drawing inspiration from bands like Headstones, Social Distortion, Motörhead, The Offspring, and Iron Maiden, The Castor Troys craft fiery and infectious songs that draw you in and don’t let go.

Taking their band name from a character in a John Woo film, The Castor Troys are a jubilant mix of hard rock, punk, country and southern rock. “Castor Troy was the villain (played by Nicolas Cage) in Face/Off. He was elegant, flamboyant and stylish, instantly likeable, while at the same time single-minded and ruthless in his pursuit of his goals.” expands the band on their choice of name.

Formed in 2013, they released their debut full-length album “Come Hell or High Water” in May of 2015 and their 6 track EP “Legends Never Die” on November 9, 2018. Working with producer Andre Kaden Black and engineer Tal Vaisman (Ascot Royals) has refined the band’s sound and enabled them to capture the fierce energy of their live performance onto record.

Proven by becoming the 97.7 HTZ-FM Rocksearch 2018 Finalists, The Castor Troys are a relentless team of stage veterans. They’ve played many festivals including Canadian Music Week and the Burlington Sound of Music Festival Kick-off concert. Writing music that is catchy and instantly memorable, The Castor Troys weave tales in an accessible and uncompromising manner.

Shared The Stage With:
Bush, Live, Headstones, Monster Truck, Trampa, Frank Turner, The Planet Smashers, Silverstein and Crown Lands

Festivals and Tours:

Winona Peach Festival (2018)

Highlights:

97.7 HTZ-FM Rocksearch 2018 Finalists

0 CREATURES Announce Ontario Dates In Support of Upcoming EP “II” Out July 20th; Unleash New Video “Samara”

July 3, 2018
by Asher
· Creatures · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2018

For fans of Angelmaker, Carnifex, Veil of Maya, Impending Doom, Upon A Burning Body

CREATURES Announce Ontario Dates In Support of Upcoming EP “II” Out July 20th

Unleash New Video “Samara”

Set to unleash their sophomore EP “II” on July 20th, Toronto’s CREATURES will be hitting the road for a tour dates across Ontario in during the month of August in support of the release.

CREATURES “II” Ontario Tour:
August 12 – Toronto, ON – The Rockpile
August 16 – Barrie, ON – Foxx Lounge – info w/ Kavara
August 17 – Niagara Falls, ON – Geekery Pub – info w/ Kavara
August 18 – Kingston, ON – Overtime
August 19 – Hamilton, ON – The Doors Pub – info w/ Kavara
August 20 – Brantford, ON – Our Place – info

L-R = Christian Roman – Bass, Vic Borowski – Guitar, Rob Esposito – Vocals, Nick Galati – Guitar, Tj MacKay – Drums

Spawned in the Toronto murk in 2015, CREATURES is a group effort with a long history that intertwines the lives of numerous local bands to summon a truly devastating soundscape of unbridled chaos. Inspired by bands such as Necrophagist, Despised Icon and Thy Art Is Murder, CREATURES is a 5 piece band playing heavy and catchy deathcore, taking intense sounds and mixing in small elements of extreme and black metal.

Almost immediately after forming, CREATURES released a 4 track self-titled EP. A varied sampling of the musical talents from the band helped them gain the interest of fans in the local scene and they played several shows with great reception. Taking great pride in live performances, Creatures embodies all the aspects of showmanship with high energy and audience involvement.

Three years later, in 2018, they’re set to unleash their second offering the “II” EP unto the world through their own independent label Old Haunt Records on July 20th. The songs reach into a large porcelain cup of topics and instead of just merely presenting their themes to their listeners, CREATURES smashes the cup in their faces, making sure their themes cut deep and stay with the listeners. Whether they are lyrics about the futility of existence with a cartoon metaphor, or the bond of brotherhood within an intense party setting, there is a message for everyone to latch onto. Regardless, the songs are a visceral insight into the band’s life.

CREATURES first single and lyric video “Samara” can be watched at the following link via BeheadingTheTraitor:

Track Listing:
1.Old Style F.A (3:09)
2. What Would Rick Sanchez Do? (3:33)
3. Samara (2:37)
4. Broken Anchors (3:33)
5. (Safe Space) Triggered (3:49)
EP Length: 16:43

EP Line Up:
Nick Galati – Guitar
Rob Esposito – Vocals
Tj MacKay – Drums
Vic Borowski – Guitar
Brandon Paris – Bass

Live Band Line Up:
Nick Galati – Guitar
Rob Esposito – Vocals
Tj MacKay – Drums
Vic Borowski – Guitar
Christian Roman – Bass

For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/creaturesTO
http://www.instagram.com/creaturesgram
http://creaturesto.bandcamp.com/

– 30 –

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0 View Mag – Deathpoint’s Sinister

March 20, 2014
by Asher
· Deathpoint

http://www.viewmag.com/42677-Hamilton+Music+Notes.htm

0 DEATHPOINT Announce Ontario + Quebec Tour Dates; Post Video Comment On Line Up Changes; New Music Video ‘Between The Lines’

March 13, 2014
by Asher
· Deathpoint

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

R.I.Y.L: As I Lay Dying, In Flames, Intandem, Nine Inch Nails, Periphery,
Soilwork, Stone Sour, Tesseract, Tool, Threat Signal

EPK | Press Photo

Tour Dates | Facebook | Reverbnation

Twitter | Youtube | Soundcloud | Instagram

Buy Links: Bandcamp | iTunes | Kill The 8 Merch

Album Lyrics – Deathpoint – Sinister – 2013 | Album Cover Download

DEATHPOINT Announce Ontario + Quebec Tour Dates; Post Video Comment On Line Up Changes; New Music Music Video ‘Between The Lines’

L-R = Brad Gold – Bass | Tom Emmans – Vocals | Tim Ross – Guitars – Photo Credit: Anna Sklavos

Hamilton, ON’s metalcore giants Deathpoint have announced the following Ontario and Quebec dates with support from new touring drummer Joey Muha of Threat Signal.

“The band is super stoked to have acquired the services of Joey Muha for our upcoming tour. We spoke to Threat Signal and asked Jon if he we could have Joey play with us for these shows and Jon loved the idea of Joey playing with us. These are going to be absolutely killer shows.” comments guitarist Tim Ross.

Upcoming Shows:

March 22 – Bay Music Hall – Hamilton, ON – (Monsters of Schlock Show) – Events Details

April 3 – The Spill – Peterbrough, ON – Event Details

April 4 – Bar Le Trash – St. Hyacinthe, QC – Events Details

April 5 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC – Event Details

April 6 – Bell Pub – Belleville, ON

Deathpoint is on tour in support of their latest album ‘Sinister’ and latest music video ‘Between The Lines’.

Music Video – Between The Lines: http://youtu.be/43mh1Dmputw (recommended if you like TV shows like Dexter, Criminal Minds and Nurse Jackie)

In additional news, Deathpoint has posted a new video blog addressing their current line up changes at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_2q-SCLCWM

About: Deathpoint signed with Spread The Metal Records in April 2013 for distribution and released their sophomore album “Sinister” on October 1, 2013 debuting at #20 on CMJ Rock Radio charts. The band has been touring Ontario and Quebec aggressively and in early September 2013 the band performed at the Spread The Metal Festival in Toronto with Suffocation and Kittie among many others. Deathpoint will be pushing through Canadian tour dates in 2014, eager to not only experience the vastness of their home country but also do what they love the most –metal.

[Download Album Cover] |[Album Lyrics – Deathpoint – Sinister – 2013]

Album Stream: http://deathpoint.bandcamp.com/album/sinister

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/sinister/id664555324

Kill The 8 Merch – http://www.kt8merch.com/store/pages/21547

Track Listing: Deathpoint – Sinister
1. For Your Eyes Only 05:22
2. Between The Lines 03:53
3. Sinister 04:04
4. Sick, Sick, Sick 04:37
5. Remission 04:58
6. Entitled To Nothing 03:33
7. Condemned To Suffer 05:33
8. Lost Haven 04:19
9. Thirty Stitches 07:06

For more info, please visit these links:

Facebook.com/Deathpoint.metal

Twitter: @DeathpointMetal

Instagram: http://instagram.com/deathpointmetal#

Soundcloud.com/Deathpoint

EPK – https://ashermediarelations.com/epks/epk-deathpoint-sinister-spread-the-metal-records-release-date-october-1-2013/

0 DEATHPOINT Announce Touring Members; New Music Video ‘Between The Lines’ + Ontario Show Dates

January 20, 2014
by Asher
· Deathpoint

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

R.I.Y.L: As I Lay Dying, In Flames, Intandem, Nine Inch Nails, Periphery,
Soilwork, Stone Sour, Tesseract, Tool, Threat Signal

EPK | Press Photo

Tour Dates | Facebook | Reverbnation

Twitter | Youtube | Soundcloud | Instagram

Buy Links: Bandcamp | iTunes | Kill The 8 Merch

Album Lyrics – Deathpoint – Sinister – 2013 | Album Cover Download

DEATHPOINT Announce Touring Members; New Music Video ‘Between The Lines’; New Album Out ‘Sinister’ + Ontario Show Dates

L-R = Brad Gold – Bass | Tom Emmans – Vocals | Tim Ross – Guitars – Photo Credit: Anna Sklavos

Unleashing their new music video ‘Between The Lines’ last week, Hamilton, ON’s hard hitting, heavy riffing melodic groove metal band Deathpoint are proud to announce guitarist Bill Elliot (Battlesoul), bassist Tiny Basstank (A Sin For A Prayer) and drummer Steve “The Animal” Mitchell (Burning the Day) to their touring line up.

“The band is extremely excited and pleased to have been able to assemble a solid line up of musicians for our upcoming headline shows. All three of these guys are great additions to our family and we have wanted to share the stage with each of them for a long time.” comments bassist Brad Gold.

Deathpoint will be performing upcoming show dates in London, ON on Feb 7th, Windsor, ON on Feb 8th and an Anti-Valentine’s Day show on Feb 14th in Guelph, ON with more to be announced in support of their latest album ‘Sinister’.

Upcoming Shows:

Feb 7, 2014 – The APK – London, ON – Show Details

Feb 8, 2014 – Canadian Anglo Club – Windsor, ON – Show Details

Feb 14, 2014 – Red Papaya – Guelph, ON – Show Details

Music Video – Between The Lines: http://youtu.be/43mh1Dmputw

Deathpoint signed with Spread The Metal Records in April 2013 for distribution and released their sophomore album “Sinister” on October 1, 2013 debuting at #20 on CMJ Rock Radio charts. The band has been touring Ontario and Quebec aggressively and in early September 2013 the band performed at the Spread The Metal Festival in Toronto with Suffocation and Kittie among many others. Deathpoint will be pushing through Canadian tour dates in 2014, eager to not only experience the vastness of their home country but also do what they love the most –metal.

[Download Album Cover] |[Album Lyrics – Deathpoint – Sinister – 2013]

Album Stream: http://deathpoint.bandcamp.com/album/sinister

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/sinister/id664555324

Kill The 8 Merch – http://www.kt8merch.com/store/pages/21547

For more info, please visit these links:

Facebook.com/Deathpoint.metal

Twitter: @DeathpointMetal

Instagram: http://instagram.com/deathpointmetal#

Soundcloud.com/Deathpoint

About: Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Deathpoint is a melodic groove metal band with a passion for persistence. What started out in bassist Brad Gold’s basement in 2005 when he was barely thirteen years old alongside childhood friend Cameron White on guitar, the band steadily grew into something promising. Drummer Mike Labate was introduced to the band by guitarist David Johnson. David left the band shortly after, leaving the trio of Brad, Cameron and Mike as an instrumental progressive metal band. Searching for a vocalist via Kijiji, Jonnie Barr was the next addition to the line-up. Deathpoint’s first show was in late 2007, and began playing regularly in the local scene. The desire for a second guitarist became apparent for harmonies and rhythms, and Mike Paling stood up to the task. Paling only stayed with the band for a very short period of time before they parted ways, leading to the addition of his replacement, Henry Joldersma – a high school friend of drummer Mike Labate.

Deathpoint released their debut album “Fixation” on May 7th 2010 and immediately began playing more shows alongside bands such as Threat Signal, Quo Vadis, The Agonist, Divine Heresy, and Moonspell. Shortly after “Fixation” was released, Cam White and Deathpoint parted ways due to a difference of priorities; with a very promising career ahead of him, White chose to pursue his education in computer engineering at the University of Waterloo. The band placed an ad on Kijiji once again, this time seeking a guitarist. Tim Ross responded, and it was clear he was man for the job. Brad, Mike, Henry, Jonnie and Tim released the band’s EP “Suffer” in August 2011.

The writing process for “Sinister” began within six months of releasing “Suffer,” and by August 2012 they began recording the new album. Jonnie Barr suffered a vocal cord injury which prevented him from performing and recording vocals, and Deathpoint decided it was time move on in another direction. The split was amicable in nature, as Jonnie was very understanding of the band’s desire to take the next step in driving forward. Jonnie and Deathpoint are still the best of friends; business did not get in the way of their strong brotherly bond. Frantically searching for a new vocalist to appear on the album, Tom Emmans of Odium offered his service for hire. After hearing the instrumental tracks and realizing the potential of what could be in store for Deathpoint, he immediately decided to join full-time.

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