Tag: Helion Prime

0 California Prog LUNAR Reflects On Painful Memories In “A Summer To Forget” Lyric Video Off New Album “Tempora Mutantur”

March 4, 2025
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 4, 2025

California Prog LUNAR Reflects On Painful Memories In “A Summer To Forget” Lyric Video Off New Album “Tempora Mutantur”

ft. members Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Making Live Debut at Hyperspace Metal Festival 2025 (Vancouver, BC) – April 11th

Top 1st Row – Ryan Price – Bass, Alex Bosson – Drums
Middle 2nd Row – Connor McCray – Lead Guitar, Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
Bottom 3rd Row – Carlos Alvarez – Rhythm Guitar, Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals, Anthony Stahl – Keyboards

Following the recent release of their emotionally charged concept album “Tempora Mutantur” this past January, Sacramento, USA’s progressive metal collective Lunar unveils their lyric video for “A Summer To Forget”. The final visual installment in the album’s narrative arc promises to be a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the transformative power of musical storytelling, continuing the band’s unique approach to progressive metal as a form of emotional expression. They comment on the track:

“The album starts off with a song that sounds a bit upbeat musically (heavy with the horns) despite a fairly dark lyrical theme: dealing with memories, how we sometimes forget what we wish we wouldn’t and cling on to what we wish we could forget.”

The track represents a powerful entry point into the album’s complex exploration of temporal experiences and personal transformation. “A Summer To Forget” embodies the band’s commitment to creating music that transcends traditional genre limitations, offering listeners a nuanced journey through personal pain and potential healing.

Continued and driven by drummer and primary songwriter Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) after the passing of co-band founder Ryan Erwin in 2018, “Tempora Mutantur” is the result of a deeply personal and introspective creative process. The video continues the band’s tradition of transforming personal struggles into universal musical experiences, inviting listeners to find their own emotional resonance within the intricate layers of sound and metaphorical storytelling. Fans of Tool, Porcupine Tree and Ayreon should be among the first to check out this track.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “A Summer To Forget” via its premiere on Prog-Sphere HERE.

Lunar‘s fresh lineup features guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist), and Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse).

A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

LUNAR‘s “Tempora Mutantur” was released on January 31, 2025 and is available from Saibot Reigns Records.

Album order – http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3ESMviX

Previous Videos:

“Watch The Weather Change” – https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE

“Weakening Winter Touch” – https://youtu.be/0in2WNVshGM

“Spring In My Step – https://youtu.be/mtOhnwOpK_0

“Fall Back Into Old Habits” – https://youtu.be/J4jTMq-XaTY

(Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

Track Listing:
1. A Summer To Forget – 6:37
2. Fall Back Into Old Habits – 11:16 ft. guest guitar solo by Wayne Ingram (Wilderun)
3. Seasonal Interlude – 4:47
4. Weakening Winter Touch – 8:46
5. Spring In My Step – 7:26
6. Tempora Mutantur: Part I – Passage of Time – 3:12 ft. guest guitar solo by Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse)
7. Tempora Mutantur: Part II – Broken Pendulum – 3:47
8. Tempora Mutantur: Part III – Watch The Weather Change – 4:51
Album Length: 50:45

Album Credits:
Performance and Writing credits – full info HERE.
Produced by: Alex Bosson
Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

Album Main Lineup:
Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
Carlos Alvarez – Rhythm Guitar
Connor McCray – Lead Guitar
Ryan Price – Bass
Alex Bosson – Drums
Anthony Stahl – Keyboards

Live Lineup:
Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
Jordan Price – Guitars
Ryan Price – Bass
Alex Bosson – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl

– 30 –

“If you like your progressive metal equal parts weird and rocking then look no further than the latest from Lunar. There’s a little bit of an Opeth vibe sometimes, but like recent Opeth, Lunar have a love for the classics. Tempora Mutantur is a fun one and an early favorite of mine in this new-ish year.” – Metal Injection (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“An album of Progressive Metal with forays into the more technical Death with interesting interweaving of clean and harsh vocal parts, between cantatoed virtuoso instrumental sections. The band confirms the good things heard previously, offering 8 incisive and technical tracks that enhance the compositional and performing technique of the lineup and guests. A recommended listen for lovers of the most Extreme sounds of Progressive Metal with references to bands like Opeth, to start this 2025 at its best.” – Progressive Rock Journal (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Tempora Mutantur is an impressive concept album – especially when you have in mind that several of the musicians have worked independently and never met… It will be interesting to see what it can develop into when the band finally meet each other for their first live performance in 2025.” – HeavyMetal.dk (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Their technical ability is right up there with a lot of Progressive musicians” – Metal Temple (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Progressive music has taken on a form of its own in the metal world over the years. At this point, there are only a few common elements that are present. With Lunar, every album remains progressive, yet is entirely different from each other, and Tempora Mutantur is no exception. One thing you can expect is that it is going to be good, no, great. Tempora Mutantur is Lunar’s fourth album and will be released on January 31st, 2025.” – Metal Nation (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“On each listen I get more out of it and as you can probably tell I think it is excellent. I appreciate that the band have made sure not to attempt to repeat the last album but to try new ideas and give listeners something fresh, new and exciting. The playing is excellent, the use of vocalists works very well and the themes are explored nicely… Considering how amazing “The Illusionist” was says how strong a follow up this album is. Anyone into bands like Dream Theater, Opeth, Haken, Ayreon or Tool should find a lot to enjoy here. This is thoughtful, intelligent, progressive music with words to match and I thoroughly recommend it.” – CGCM Rock Radio (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“New release from progressive collective Lunar drops tomorrow (Jan. 31st)! The new album “Tempora Mutantur” is a dense forest of progressive rock stylings that prog fans can sink their teeth into, the album cut “Weakening Winter Touch” is a favorite from the album that we have been eagerly anticipating adding and you can catch it on your Home for the Best New Rock…” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“As Lunar get further into their career, they are becoming more agitated, as evident by how assertive the music is on their fourth album, Tempora Mutantur. Their use of two vocalists, one for the melodic content and the other for the growls, is more defined on this record, as they have more of an even partnership than before when the harsh vocals were less prevalent… Though originally conceived as an EP revolving around the four seasons, Tempora Mutantur was expanded with a vaster vision. It happens that this vision has the group at their heaviest, a spot from which they show great confidence. 4/5” – Heavy Music Headquarters (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Tempora Mutantur is filled with riffs and varied musical styles. They cover everything from clean, beautiful sections to challenging technical sections to prog death metal. Repeated listens are necessary to not only appreciate all that the band is doing on the album, but to learn how to appreciate some of the more challenging passages as well. If you enjoy progressive metal/death metal, I would recommend you give Tempora Mutantur a shot. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you give it a chance, it is actually a very enjoyable album that will stand the test of time.” – Metal Epidemic (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Marking their fourth full-length album, I’m happy to conclude that Lunar continues to produce music that very consistently delivers in quality. On Tempora Mutantur, they’ve honed their stylistic influences on a few ideas while treading on looser territory with their songwriting approach. Lunar has brought us a bevy of solid riffs to indulge in with a studio that, I hope in this economy, didn’t cost the band as much as they sound like they do. As time passes and the seasons continue to change I hope Lunar is still in the game for another four releases.” – The Progressive Subway (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Every Lunar album is a cause for celebration and Tempora Mutantur is another incredible offering from a band becoming a progressive metal powerhouse…. Any fan of progressive metal or extreme metal will yet again find themselves loving what Lunar do, a jukebox of prog metal which kept me loving it throughout. 9/10” – Musipedia of Metal (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“This quality is so high, and the variation as well.” – Melodic.net (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“Album dealing with the effects of time on our body, musically symbolized by this melodic alternation and heavy discharge. On OPETH, HAKEN, TOOL for a varied extreme music that is fun, moving, bestial and takes you to the guts. A sound closer to a VOIVOD than a DREAM THEATER, with Chandler playing on Brian’s growl to give this conglomerate of extreme music, like our personal double facet. A must for extreme fans, a musical danger for the progs of the 70s.” – Profil Prog (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“a fantastic display of Prog for the heaviest of fans to those who just appreciate masterclass musicianship. If you want a tribute to Prog, give this one a listen.” – Heavy Debriefings (2025 -Tempora Mutantur)

“An album to seek out by those who enjoy a more contemporary oriented variety of progressive metal that comes with 70s progressive rock inspired passages and interludes as a bit of a recurring feature.” – Progressor (2025 – Tempora Mutantur)

“LUNAR have sure hit on a way to keep you engaged, waiting for the next tonal shift and surprising instrumental variety. Not a flawless album, but a real interesting one.” – Wormwood Chronicles (2025 – Tempora Mutantur)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Streaming Now! Prog Collective LUNAR Unveils Groundbreaking Concept Album “Tempora Mutantur”

January 30, 2025
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 31, 2024

Streaming Now! Prog Collective LUNAR Unveils Groundbreaking Concept Album “Tempora Mutantur”

ft. members Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Fourth Studio Album “Tempora Mutantur” Out Jan 2025 via Saibot Reigns Records

Making Live Debut at Hyperspace Metal Festival 2025 (Vancouver, BC) – April 11th

Sacramento, USA’s progressive metal pioneers LUNAR are set to release their most ambitious project to date, “Tempora Mutantur” on January 31, 2025. A meticulously crafted concept album that explores the intricate passages of time, personal transformation, and emotional landscapes, the record represents a milestone in the band’s continuing musical evolution. They comment on the release:

“We’re very excited to present our new album “Tempora Mutantur” to the world! This album is more thematic rather than conceptual like the last album. This album deals with something everyone can relate to and no one can escape: the passing of time. As we get older, our perspective changes, we gain some things, and lose others… sometimes the things and ones we love. And we struggle and fight along the way.”

Lunar hopes that fans will be able to resonate with the album and find some solace in it as it is highly relatable to the theme of time passing. Continued and driven by drummer and primary songwriter Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) after the passing of co-band founder Ryan Erwin in 2018, the album is the result of a deeply personal and introspective creative process.

The album’s eight tracks weave a complex narrative that explores themes of seasonal change as metaphors for personal growth, mental health, and the passage of time. From the opening track to the three-part title suite that closes the album, Lunar demonstrates its unique ability to transform personal struggles into universal musical statements that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. The album is recommended for fans of Haken, Tool, and Porcupine Tree.

Listen to the album stream premiere of “Tempora Mutantur” via Decibel Magazine HERE.

A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

LUNAR’s “Tempora Mutantur” will be available from Saibot Reigns Records as of January 31st, 2025.

Album pre-order – http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/

Videos:

“Watch The Weather Change” – https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE

“Weakening Winter Touch” – https://youtu.be/0in2WNVshGM

“Spring In My Step – https://youtu.be/mtOhnwOpK_0

“Fall Back Into Old Habits” – https://youtu.be/J4jTMq-XaTY

(Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

Album Credits:
Performance and Writing credits – full info HERE.
Produced by: Alex Bosson
Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

Live Lineup:
Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
Jordan Price – Guitars
Ryan Price – Bass
Alex Bosson – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl | Spotify

– 30 –

“It’s really well done technically by a band that clearly cares about their music and can play.” – Rock The Joint Mag (The Illusionist 2023)

“If I had one word to describe this album, it would be this one: whirlwind… “The Illusionist” is an album that is living. From its jazzy highs to its heavy metal lows, this album is constantly on its toes, never repeating itself and never, ever growing complacent. A wonderful whirlwind indeed. 9/10” – Ever Metal

“I feel like Lunar has captured the balance between accessibility and technicality very well. I hear many of the same elements in their sound that, when employed well, make bands like Dream Theater, King Crimson, Voïvod and even Sigh so engaging. I love when an album comes out of nowhere (for me, anyway) and makes this much of an impression.” – The Metal Crypt

“As I said at the start, when I heard this album I was immediately grabbed by it. The story works nicely, it is very character based and features plenty of emotions which as a listener I certainly could relate to. The music is terrific with all the players putting in excellent performances and the instrumentation used in a clever way to match all that is going on with the lead character. There are moments of heavy prog as well as metal, but melody runs through the heart of it. The fact that some of the people in the band have never met or even been in the same room together is remarkable as it sounds like everyone was on the same hymn sheet and it doesn’t sound pieced together. That is a great credit to the writing, arranging as well as all the musicians doing their parts to the benefit of the whole piece. An absolutely delightful as well as enjoyable album.” – CGCM Rock Radio

“The concept is that there are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressing, and everywhere in between. Styles on the album run the gambit from Progressive Metal with melodic vocals, to moments of Jazz, to cookie monster Thrash…. The musicianship is solid on all of the parts, with some excellent performances, notably vocalist Chandler Mogel… it does warrant checking out for Prog-Metal fans that like a mix of growler and melodic vocals.” – Metal Express Radio

“The Illusionist again is at the highest level of the progsphere, Bosson’s continuation of the Lunar name, honouring his co-founder and friend, through the medium of progressive metal, is an advantageous endeavour. 9/10” – Musipedia of Metal

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

0 Prog Collective LUNAR Confronts Personal Struggles in “Fall Back Into Old Habits” Lyric Video From New Album “Tempora Mutantur” Out Jan 31st

January 23, 2025
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2024

Prog Collective LUNAR Confronts Personal Struggles in “Fall Back Into Old Habits” Lyric Video

ft. members Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Fourth Studio Album “Tempora Mutantur” Out Jan 2025 via Saibot Reigns Records

Making Live Debut at Hyperspace Metal Festival 2025 (Vancouver, BC) – April 11th

Sacramento, USA’s progressive metal visionaries LUNAR shares their new lyric video for “Fall Back Into Old Habits”, delivering a powerful exploration of personal patterns and emotional cycles. As the third preview of their upcoming concept album “Tempora Mutantur”, the track promises to be a visceral examination of human vulnerability, showcasing the band’s unique ability to transform personal struggles into universal musical experiences. Drummer Alex Bosson comments on the single:

“This is, I think, the longest, and maybe the “heaviest” song for Lunar thus far. Mostly features the growl vocals from Brian Lewis (although there is some of Chandler’s beautiful voice on here too). Lots of double basses, and multiple shreddy guitar solos (including one from Wildrun’s Wayne Ingram).”

Lyrically, “Fall Back Into Old Habits” deals with addiction, or anything we do that can give us temporary relief to help us get through rough moments, but ultimately have terrible long-term effects on ourselves. The 11-minute epic represents Lunar‘s commitment to creating music that is therapeutically honest and musically innovative.

“Fall Back Into Old Habits” continues Lunar’s tradition of creating progressive metal that challenges listeners to confront their inner landscapes. It is recommended for fans of Haken, Tool, and Porcupine Tree.

Watch and listen to the video for “Fall Back Into Old Habits” via its premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

Founded by drummer Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) and Ryan Erwin who passed away in 2018, LUNAR continues in his memory. This fourth full-length “Tempora Mutantur” follows 2023’s “The Illusionist” and features a fresh lineup with the addition of guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist) and Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse).

A collaboration of musical minds, and with anything LUNAR does; “Tempora Mutantur” is an emotional thematic listening experience with ups and downs musically and lyrically dealing with the passing of time and the effects it has on us physically and mentally.

LUNAR’s “Tempora Mutantur” is due out on January 31, 2025, from Saibot Reigns Records.

Album pre-order – http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/

Previous Singles

“Watch The Weather Change” – https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE

“Weakening Winter Touch” – https://youtu.be/0in2WNVshGM

“Spring In My Step – https://youtu.be/mtOhnwOpK_0

A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

(Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

Album Credits:
Performance and Writing credits – full info HERE.
Produced by: Alex Bosson
Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

Live Lineup:
Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
Jordan Price – Guitars
Ryan Price – Bass
Alex Bosson – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl | Spotify

– 30 –

“It’s really well done technically by a band that clearly cares about their music and can play.” – Rock The Joint Mag (The Illusionist 2023)

0 “Watch The Weather Change” The New Music Video From Progressive Collective LUNAR (ft. members from Helion Prime, Beholder, Mokili Wa) Off Fourth Studio Album “Tempora Mutantur” Out Jan 2025

November 22, 2024
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 22, 2024

“Watch The Weather Change” The New Music Video From Progressive Collective LUNAR

ft. members Helion Prime, Beholder, Vis Mystica, Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Fourth Studio Album “Tempora Mutantur” Out Jan 2025 via Saibot Reigns Records

Making Live Debut at Hyperspace Metal Festival 2025 (Vancouver, BC) – April 11th

Progressive collective LUNAR, founded by drummer Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) and Ryan Erwin who passed in 2018 and continues in his memory to present their fourth full-length “Tempora Mutantur” to follow 2023’s “The Illusionist”.

For this new record, there’s a fresh lineup to change it up from their previous one with the addition of guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist) and Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse).

A collaboration of musical minds, and with anything LUNAR does; “Tempora Mutantur” is an emotional thematic listening experience with lots of ups and downs musically and lyrically dealing with the passing of time and the effects it has on us physically and mentally.

Originally the album was to be a 4 track EP with seasonal concepts, but as the cooperative wrote more and more, they decided they wanted it to be more and have some general passing of time themes as well, so they pushed forward with a full album experience.

“This album deals with something everyone can relate to and no one can escape: the passing of time. We get older, our perspective changes, and we gain some things, and lose others… sometimes the things and ones we love. And we struggle and fight along the way. This album deals with some of the highs and lows we deal with along this journey we all share. Hopefully, the fans will be able to resonate with it and find some solace and aid in their own experiences of time passing. I believe the songwriting has gotten stronger over the years. I think the songs are a bit more well-structured. But I think the overall sound of the band has remained pretty consistent over the years. The music is very “prog,” so it’s been diverse I think from day 1. Probably even more so now than it was at first.” adds Bosson.

Today, LUNAR presents its first single “Watch The Weather Change” accompanied by a music video. The closing track of the album speaks of dealing with denial and mental vacancy.

“While this is technically the last of a 3 part song on the album, I felt this song encapsulates the feeling of the album best. It has some wonderful shreddy sections on each instrument, a simpler structure with a mix of heavy elements of growl vocals, and a good catchy chorus. This was the first time we’ve ever been able to shoot an actual band footage music video overlooking a beautiful Los Angeles skyline. We shot this footage almost a year ago and I’m excited to get to share it with the world!” adds Bosson.

Watch and listen to the video for “Watch The Weather Change” at https://youtu.be/WKdnZD_DJsE

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4g0ita5

Recommended for fans of Opeth, Caligula’s Horse, Haken, Tool, and Porcupine Tree, LUNAR’s fourth studio album “Tempora Mutantur” is due out January 31, 2025, from Saibot Reigns Records.

Album pre-order – http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/

A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

(Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

Album Credits:
Performance and Writing credits – full info HERE.
Produced by: Alex Bosson
Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

Live Lineup:
Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
Jordan Price – Guitars
Ryan Price – Bass
Alex Bosson – Drums

For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl

– 30 –

“It’s really well done technically by a band that clearly cares about their music and can play.” – Rock The Joint Mag (The Illusionist 2023)

“The concept is that there are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between. Styles on the album run the gambit from Progressive Metal with melodic vocals, to moments of Jazz, to cookie monster Thrash…. The musicianship is solid on all of the parts, with some excellent performances, notably vocalist Chandler Mogel… it does warrant checking out for Prog-Metal fans that like a mix of growler and melodic vocals.” – Metal Express Radio

0 LUNAR Announces Progressive New Album “The Illusionist” And Single “Juggling Chainsaws” Ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner

January 27, 2023
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 27, 2023

LUNAR Announces Progressive New Album “The Illusionist” And Single “Juggling Chainsaws” Ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner

ft. members from Witherfall, Helion Prime, Planeswalker, Novareign. Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, Double Vision

Album Guests Jørgen Munkeby (Shining), Christian Münzner (Obscura), Andy Gillion (Mors Principium Est),
Taylor Washington (Paladin), Sam Vallen (Caligula’s Horse), Ben Karas (Thank You Scientist), Gleb Kanasevich, Patrick Corona

Top – L- R – Ryan Price – Bass, Alex Nasla – Keyboards & Synthesizers, Chandler Mogel – Lead Vocals
Bottom – L – R – Alex Bosson – Drums & Percussion, Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals, Balmore Lemus – Guitars

Hailing from Sacramento, USA, Lunar is a progressive metal band that was founded in 2013 by longtime friends Alex Bosson (drums/percussion) (Helion Prime) and Ryan Erwin (guitar/vocals) (who passed away unexpectedly in 2018). The two together wrote the style of music that was always in their hearts: genre-defiant and free of restrictive influence over three albums. With the unexpected death of Ryan Erwin, band co-founder Alex Bosson continues the next chapter of Lunar with friends in Witherfall, Novareign. Mokili Wa, Nordic Frost, Outloud, and Double Vision for the release of this year’s “The Illusionist”, the fourth album from the band. Optimistically, Bosson quotes that this album is likely to be the fan favorite, being the best they’ve done, with strong songwriting, and production; and songs that all sound different, but remain cohesive. The introduction to the album lies with the single “Juggling Chainsaws” featuring Obscura’s Christian Münzner, which Bosson explains:

“We want to come out of the gate swinging with this one. This is likely the most chaotic, most technical and heaviest song we’ve ever done in a lot of ways. There’s more musical complexity, including an incredible guest guitar solo from Christian Münzner. Lyrically, it conveys the character’s feeling of completely losing control. Constantly trying to juggle the chainsaws of life and keep them all in the air without something terrible happening.”

Listen to“Juggling Chainsaws” ft. Obscura’s Christian Münzner via its premiere on Metal-Rules HERE.

Proggy and crazy, the Dream Theater and Haken influences are evident in this song. As for the album, is it a concept album that tells the story of a magician that questions his entire life’s work. He’s spent his entire life devoting himself to his craft and now he questions if it was worth it. Musically the album goes through many stages as the character does on this journey of himself. There are songs that are angry, songs that are confused, songs that are depressed, and everywhere in between.

recommended for fans of Opeth, Katatonia, and Haken, The nine-track album “The Illusionist” is being released on March 3, 2023, via Saibot Reign Records and can be pre-ordered via https://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:
1. Prestidigitation – 6:16
2. The Illusionist – 10:04
3. Showtime – 3:45
4. Worship The Sun – 5:23
5. Turn Off The World – 7:14
6. Disassembled – 5:53
7. Juggling Chainsaws – 7:30
8. For My Next Trick – 3:57
9 . Now You See Me – 8:39
Album Length: 58:46

Album Credits:
– Album Produced by: Alex Bosson
– Album Mixed by: Linus Coreliusson
– Album Mastered by: Jens Bogren
– Album artwork by: Travis Smith
– Album layout / design by: Brian Lewis
– Member of ASCAP

Recording Lineup:
Drums & Percussion – Alex Bosson
(Music – Track 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8,9) (Lyrics – Track 2, 3, 5, 6,9)
Guitars – Balmore Lemus
(Music – Track 4) (Lyrics – Track 4, 7
Bass – Ryan Price (Music – Track 8)
Keyboards & Synthesizers – Alex Nasla
Lead Vocals – Chandler Mogel
Growl Vocals – Brian Lewis
Clarinet – Gleb Kanasevich (Track 1)
Saxophone – Patrick Corona (Track 2)
Flute & Saxophone – Jørgen Munkeby (Track 6)
Violin & Viola – Ben Karas (Track 9)
Additional Guitar Solo – Andy Gillion (Track 2)
Additional Guitar Solo – Taylor Washington (Track 3)
Additional Guitar Solo – Sam Vallen (Track 5)
Additional Guitar Solo – Christian Münzner (Track 7)

For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | Twitter.com/LunarBandOffcl | YouTube.com/@lunarbandofficial

– 30 –

“This is a record that everyone must own. Every generation and every country should adore an album like this, as one like Theogony rarely makes itself known. If you like music and consider it art, this is a must.” – Prog-Sphere on “Theogony” #23 Best Albums of 2017

“The sophomore album from this Cali band is showing the band expanding their horizons in sound. The heavy parts are heavier, the lighter parts are even lighter and the proggier parts are even more insanely proggy *plus on the song, Surrender, there is a very cool nod to the final lasting riff in Opeth’s Deliverance to close out the track…don’t think I didn’t catch that!* With all of the guest appearances, fantastic production and just masterful songwriting, this is one of the strongest prog albums you will hear all year. Trust me!” – Heavy Debriefings on “Eidolon” #39 Best Albums of 2019

“Inspired by a tragedy that befell the project in the way of losing guitarist Ryan Erwin, drummer and songwriter Alex Bosson has put his emotions towards honing a release that is as beautiful as angry. Helping him in his vision are guest contributions from members of Haken, Leprous, Thank You Scientist, Fallujah, etc.” – Prog-Sphere on “Eidolon” #19 Best Albums of 2019

“The word “classic” gets tossed around a lot, but I honestly can’t think of a better word for Eidolon. From front to back and top to bottom, this album is both firmly rooted in death metal with a progressive bend while standing alone atop the mountain. It’s equally headbanging heavy and enthralling, music to get in the mosh pit and simply sit in awe of. This is required listening because there’s nothing else quite like it.” – Progarchy on “Eidolon”

“Like Theogony, Eidolon is another very impressive showcase of modern progressive metal. It’s technical, emotional, melodic, and aggressive and is just very well put-together overall.” – wimpsandposers.com

Best of AOTY:
Prog-Sphere: “Theogony” #23 best of 2017
Prog-Sphere: “Eidolon” #19 best of 2019
Heavy Debriefings: “Eidolon” #39 best of 2019
Wimpsandposers: “Eidolon” #20 best of 2019
2019 SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Nominee “Best Metal Band”
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 Jedi Metal VIS MYSTICA Courts Evil In Their Single “Legacy of the Builders” ft. Guests From Operus, Lords of The Trident + New EP “Celestial Wisdom” Out Dec 2022

November 15, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Vis Mystica

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 15, 2022

Jedi Metal VIS MYSTICA Courts Evil In Their Single “Legacy of the Builders” ft. Guests From Operus, Lords of The Trident

ft. guests Ty Christian (Lords of the Trident), David Michael Moote (Operus), Jonas Heidgert (Dragonland)

– Produced by Chad Anderson (Helion Prime) –

“Celestial Wisdom” Out December 2nd

Lingering in the unknown regions of the galaxy for many years, Pennsylvania’s Vis Mystica has returned to known space to unleash an onslaught of music that has not been seen for a thousand generations: Jedi Metal! Influenced heavily by power metal, but also partly by thrash, black, and death metal bands, Vis Mystica offers escapism from everyday life and transportation into a fantastical world of magical powers and epic stories through their debut EP “Celestial Wisdom” and the most recent single “Legacy of the Builders” featuring David Michael Moote of Operus and Ty Christian of Lords of the Trident. They explain the track:

“Builders is a more cynical track that introduces our villains; the brutal Rakatan Empire. This song outlines the arrogance of this race and their quest for not only dominance, but their desire to be truly immortal and have a galaxy of slaves to build monuments to their glory and dominance.”

Listen to “Legacy of the Builders” featuring David Michael Moote of Operus and Ty Christian of Lords of the Trident at https://youtu.be/ooSura09t2g

Vis Mystica was initially formed by Connor McCray, in late 2015 as a creative outlet to pursue his passion for symphonic power metal. It took nearly five years for the band to get off the ground but now it’s gained massive momentum with no signs of slowing down. Despite having 15-20 songs on the backburner for future albums McCray wanted to challenge himself by creating all new music over the course of 4-5 months for this EP to test his own ability to make music in a timely manner. Fans can expect a massive amount of new music over the coming years; McCray suggests, as he has ideas for several albums to come already and these will only grow stronger with time.

Along with a love for bands such as Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, and Twilight Force McCray also incorporates his passion for fantasy and science fiction films, books, and comics; namely Dark Horse Comics’ series Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi.

Epic and technical, Vis Mystica is recommended for Star Wars fans and those who like Blind Guardian, Iron Maiden, and Bal-Sagoth. They also have a crowdfunding campaign set up for the EP.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-vis-mystica-fund-celestial-wisdom#/

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

Previous singles can be heard on the band’s YouTube here.

Track Listing:
1. Whispering Winds of Fate (feat. Jonas Heidgert – Dragonland) – 3:58
2. Legacy of the Builders (feat. David Michael Moote – Operus and Ty Christian – Lords of the Trident) – 5:29
3. The Plains of Silence – 4:42
4. Lux Et Veritas (feat. David Michael Moote – Operus) – 5:36
5. Beyond the Gates of Fury – 4:04
EP Length: 23:51

(CD Bonus Tracks)
6. The Plains of Silence (2020 Demo feat. Jesse Isadore)
7. Introitus (2016 Demo)
8. Secrets of the Maps (2016 Instrumental Demo)

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Vis Mystica
• All songs written by: Connor McCray
• Produced by: Chad Anderson
• Mixed by: Chad Anderson
• Mastered by: Chad Anderson
• EP Artwork by: Cody Bucher

EP Band Lineup:
Connor McCray – Guitar, Bass, Orchestration
Devin Dewyer – Vocals
Dillon Trollope – Drums

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/vismysticaofficial
https://www.instagram.com/vismystica
Spotify

About: Lingering in the unknown regions of the galaxy for many years, Vis Mystica has returned to known space to unleash an onslaught of music that has not been seen for a thousand generations: Jedi Metal!

Learn the stories of the ancient masters and their battles against the forces of evil in the tales of Vis Mystica. For fans of: Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, Twilight Force, Symphony X, Wintersun

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“Vis Mystica is a very interesting power metal band from Pennsylvania. Listening to this group is like finding an oasis in the middle of the driest desert. Although one of its main characteristics is that its music is based on the Star Wars universe, it is fair to say that its music shines by itself and it is not for less, since its influences are not found in its local scene, not even in its country.” – Metal-Rules.com

“Offering escapism from everyday life, Vis Mystica transports listeners into a fantastical world of magical powers and epic stories with their Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic inspired Power Metal. Along with taking great influence from other bands, they possess a style that is unique and holds its own in the power metal landscape.” – Bloodynews.ro

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

0 Reminder – Vancouver – April 15-17 – Hyperspace MetalFest w/ Into Eternity (“The Scattering of Ashes” lineup reunion), Witherfall, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous and more!

April 11, 2022
by Asher
· Hyperspace Metal Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 11, 2022

Festival Press Materials Here.

Reminder – Vancouver – April 15-17 – Hyperspace MetalFest

w/ Into Eternity (“The Scattering of Ashes” lineup reunion), Witherfall, Iron Kingdom, Helion Prime, Ravenous and more!

April 15 – 17 – Vancouver, BC, Canada

Hyperspace MetalFest 2022 Lineup Spotify Playlist HERE.

Hyperspace Metal Festival returns after a year and a half of postponement due to the Covid pandemic. The third edition that was originally announced for April 2020 will be hosting its rescheduled 2022 lineup in Vancouver, BC from April 15th – 17th at Funky Winkerbeans and the Rickshaw Theatre.

The lineup for Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival will feature 20 bands, some originally announced for the 2020 production along with a few new additions that will perform over three nights with headliners Into Eternity for a special reunion “The Scattering of Ashes” lineup, Witherfall and Iron Kingdom (full lineup listed below).

“We are very excited to bring to you the lineup for the rescheduled Hyperspace Metal Festival III! It’s been a long time and most of the bands on the lineup have held on this long waiting for the festival to happen. There have been some changes to the lineup; please welcome Into Eternity, Witherfall, Archon Legion, Dire Peril and Planeswalker to the lineup! This is going to be an unforgettable weekend of melodic metal that if you are a fan of the genre you are not going to want to miss! See you in April!” adds Hyperspace Metal Festival organizer Joey Hockin.

Tickets on sale at eventbrite.ca

Friday, April 15th sold out.
2-day festival passes available (April 16/17)
Facebook Event here.

Highlights of the confirmed bands include Into Eternity performing with their 2006 “The Scattering of Ashes” lineup that sees original members, Tim Roth (clean/death vocals & guitar), Troy Bleich (Planet Eater) (bass & clean/death vocals), Stu Block (ex-Iced Earth) (clean/death vocals) and Jim Austin (drums) reunite along with current guitarist Matt Cuthbertson (Untimely Demise). Into Eternity will be executing tracks from their full-length “The Scattering of Ashes”, an album that has sold over 15,000 copies in the US and peaked at number 45 on Billboard’s Top Independent Albums chart along with giving fans a taste of new extreme music from their forthcoming yet to be titled full-length. Dark melodic heavy metal juggernauts Witherfall from Los Angeles will be blazing new trails and weaving new tales in support of their latest 2021 album “Curse of Autumn” (Century Media Records), and local Vancouver heavy metal heroes Iron Kingdom, who are HMF alumni, make their second appearance on the festival lineup after headlining the inaugural 2018 event. In addition to those bands, two extremely rare performances will be witnessed for Planeswalker (California/Cyprus), a Magic The Gathering inspired power metal duo featuring members of Helion Prime and Dire Peril along with a reunion set from Victoria, BC’s Archon Legion, which features members of Unleash The Archers.

Over the two years that Hyperspace Metal Festival has been running, bands from all over the world have come to play power, prog, and speed metal on the Canadian West Coast. The festival has presented lineups that have included performances by Crimson Shadows, West of Hell, Judicator, Odinfist, Tanagra, Scythia, Greyhawk, The Order of Chaos, Red Cain, and many more.

Hyperspace Metal Festival 2022 Lineup:

April 15 (Funky Winker Beans)

Doors – 5:30pm – Showtime – 6pm
Iron Kingdom
Silver Talon
Apprentice
Tzimani
Evereal
Winters Reach

April 16 (Rickshaw Theatre)

Doors – 5:30pm – Showtime – 6pm
Witherfall
Archon Legion
Ravenous E.H
Planeswalker
Novareign
SYRYN
Ophelia Falling

April 17 (Rickshaw Theatre)

Doors – 5:30pm – Showtime – 6pm
Into Eternity
Helion Prime
Dire Peril
Gatekeeper
ArkenFire
Lycanthro
Forsaken Rite

To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2022, please visit the following links:
Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival
Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival

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—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Hyperspace Metal Festival 2022 Lineup – April 15 – 17 – Vancouver, BC, Canada

March 4, 2022
by Asher
· Hyperspace Metal Festival · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Hyperspace Metal Festival Announces 2022 Lineup

April 15 – 17 – Vancouver, BC, Canada

Hyperspace Metal Festival 2022 Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/3a32Kaj

Hyperspace Metal Festival is proud to announce its return after a year and a half of postponement due to the Covid pandemic. The third edition was originally announced for April 2020 and today, event promoter Journeyman Productions shares the rescheduled 2022 lineup to be held in Vancouver, BC from April 15th – 17th at Funky Winkerbeans and the Rickshaw Theatre.

The lineup for Canada’s premier melodic and power metal festival will feature 20 bands, some originally announced for the 2020 production along with a few new additions that will perform over three nights with headliners Into Eternity, Witherfall and Iron Kingdom (full lineup listed below).

Tickets will be on sale at eventbrite.ca as of October 4th.
18$ CAD pre-sale for a single-day ticket, $25 CAD for a single-day ticket at the door.
50$ CAD for a 3-day festival pass.
Facebook Event here.

Hyperspace Metal Festival 2022 Lineup:

April 15 (Funky Winker Beans)
Iron Kingdom
Silver Talon
Apprentice
Tzimani
Forsaken Rite
Evereal

April 16 (Rickshaw Theatre)
Witherfall
Archon Legion
Ravenous E.H
Planeswalker
Novareign
SYRYN
Ophelia Falling

April 17 (Rickshaw Theatre)
Into Eternity
Helion Prime
Dire Peril
Gatekeeper
ArkenFire
Lycanthro
Winters Reach

To follow updates for Hyperspace Metal Festival 2022, please visit the following links:
Facebook.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival
Instagram.com/HyperspaceMetalFestival
Festival Press Materials Here.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Alexi Laiho Tribute Video Posted by Members of Immortal Guardian, Helion Prime, Oceans of Slumber

January 7, 2021
by Asher
· Immortal Guardian (M-Theory Audio) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 7, 2020

Alexi Laiho Tribute Video Posted by Members of Immortal Guardian, Helion Prime, Oceans of Slumber

The metal world was shocked and saddened earlier this week by the news of the passing of metal guitar legend, Children of Bodom’s Alexi Laiho. As one of the most influential guitarists of his generation, the loss of his unquestionable impact is felt around the globe by metal musicians who he inspired.

Members of Immortal Guardian are just a few of those who admired and were impacted by Laiho‘s musical leadership.

In recognition of his monumental career and effect on them as fans and songwriters, Immortal Guardian guitarist Gabriel Guardian, vocalist Carlos Zema and drummer Justin Piedimonte along with friends Mary Zimmer (Helion Prime), Semir Özerkan (Oceans of Slumber), and Rex VanCandy are sharing a tribute video covering Children of Bodom’s track “Downfall”.

Gabriel Guardian comments:

“This is our tribute to one of the greatest metal guitar players who ever lived: Alexi Laiho. This man influenced me in ways no other guitar player ever has. Alexi set the bar for all of us! Him and Santana are my top 2 favorite guitar players of all time. I watched all his live videos/DVDs religiously as a kid and was so influenced by all the legendary music Children of Bodom and Sinergy made to be like them. Those dual guitar/keyboard leads set the vibe/bar for me for many many years learning how to play music. I’m so sad to see the world has one less guitar legend. His music helped me get through some of my darkest days and he inspired me to make metal music from day one.

Big thanks to my friends who collaborated with me to make this tribute happen. We are all Bodom fans and had so much fun making this video. We are all so saddened by the news and we coped with it by doing what we do best, playing music. I hope where ever Alexi is, he can hear our tribute and feel the infinite amounts of love all his fans have for him. Until we meet again… RIP Alexi Laiho (WildChild)”

The video can be viewed on YouTube here.

For more info:
M-theoryaudio.com
ImmortalGuardian.net
Facebook.com/igmetal
Instagram.com/immortal_guardian
Twitter.com/igmetal
EPK

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Magic The Gathering Inspired Power Metal PLANESWALKER (created by Helion Prime current and former members), Debut Single “The Forever Serpent” Out Now!

June 22, 2020
by Asher
· Music News · Planeswalker

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 22, 2020

Magic The Gathering Inspired Power Metal PLANESWALKER (created by Helion Prime current and former members)

Debut Single “The Forever Serpent” Out Now!

L-R – Sozos Michael – Vocals, Jason Ashcraft – Guitars

Inspired by Magic The Gathering card game, Planeswalker is the new power metal band founded by Helion Prime guitarist Jason Ashcraft and former vocalist Sozos Michael.

Today the band is debuting the music video for their first single entitled “The Forever Serpent”, which is based on the MTG bad boy Nicol Bolas.

Watch it on YouTube HERE.

Along with stream on Spotify and download on Bandcamp.

Jason Ashcraft explains the creation of the project:

“For those who follow Helion Prime understand that parting ways with Sozos was due to unfortunate struggles with visa issues as he lives in Cyprus, but I knew someday we’d work together again I just wasn’t sure how. I then got the idea to start a band based completely on Magic The Gathering lore because between Helion Prime and Dire Peril I think I’m good on sci-fi based material and why wouldn’t I need ANOTHER project. When I first heard the song Sozos had written for us I immediately knew it had to be about Nicol Bolas.”

Sozos Michael adds:

“I am beyond excited for the release of ‘The Forever Serpent’, our first creative output with Jason since our collaboration in Helion Prime. As you will surely notice listening to the song (and/or watching the music video), we channeled our most primal nerdiness to this endeavor, and we have no plans to slow down! We have just begun exploring the rich and deep lore of MTG, and we are excited to see where this journey will lead us.”

Planeswalker currently has no immediate plans for a full-length album but Ashcraft would like to see something in 2021.

Song Credits:
Planeswalker is:
Sozos Michael: Vocals
Jason Ashcraft: Guitar

Guest musicians on “The Forever Serpent”:
Chelsea McMasters: Bass
Alex Bosson: Drums
Alex Nasla: Keys

Mixed and Mastered by Alex Nasla at Gear Gods Studio

For more info:
Facebook.com/planeswalkermetal

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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