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Tag: metal

0 STRIKER Are Kings of The Ring With New Wrestling Music Video “Sucks To Suck” + New Album “ULTRAPOWER” Out Now!

  • February 2, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Striker

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 2, 2024

​

STRIKER Are Kings of The Ring With New Wrestling Music Video “Sucks To Suck”

Seventh Studio Album “ULTRAPOWER” Out Now!

Produced by Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810)

Clockwise – L-R – Dan Cleary – Vocals, John Simon Fallon – Guitar, Pete Klassen – Bass, Tim Brown – Guitar
Photo Credit: Dana Zuk

Get ready to rumble! STRIKER has a new music video “Sucks To Suck” produced with Top Talent Wrestling Academy and featuring Harlon “The Healer” Abott and Marisa West. The video celebrates the release of the shred master’s new album “ULTRAPOWER” produced with Josh Schroeder (Lorna Shore, Tallah, King 810), which is now available as of February 2, 2024.

“Three days of training, four broken backs, and one trash can to the face. We’re out here putting in the work in the name of HEAVY METAL!” adds the band.

Watch the music video for “Sucks To Suck” at https://youtu.be/oJcw1EY_D1w

​

“ULTRAPOWER” is the seventh full-length from Striker and follows their Juno Award-winning self-released record “Play to Win” (2018) unleashed on their label Record Breaking Records.

With the band writing material since 2018, “ULTRAPOWER” is a collection of Striker tinkering and exploring new avenues. From the album’s opening track “Circle of Evil”, a Malmsteen-esque metal banger about secret societies and the evil dealings behind closed doors to their previously released single “BEST of the BEST of the BEST” serving up some big riffs and hockey arena vocals to “Blood Magic”, which might be one of Striker‘s most progressive songs, taking cues from bands like King Diamond, with its unconventional structure and punctuated guitar solos. From the band delving into their obsession for late 80s AOR and pop rock with “City Calling”, an ode to 1987, and bands like Toto and Kenny Loggins with their hook-powered albums. To fans experiencing the band’s first attempt at a synth-wave track with “Live to Fight Another Day”, this new offering sees Striker making a shredding love letter to the hard-rocking era of guilty pleasures.

The band comments on the album:

“Starting with the album cover, we wanted the artwork to represent how we feel as a band right now. We are an engine that is fired up and ready to roll. We’re made of metal and our circuits gleam! The album itself is an amalgamation of 5 years of writing and exploring music. With influences from AOR to Speed Metal, Hardcore to Hair Metal, Steely Dan to Deathcore, you name it, it made its way into the album. In the end with the help of Josh Schroeder’s guiding hand, we melted it all together to present something uniquely Striker. Lyrically we’ve stuck to the Striker tradition of writing montage songs for movies that don’t exist, songs about our spiraling serfdom, and lyrics about the evils that lurk in the shadows.”

“ULTRAPOWER” is available at http://kck.st/3P6Gws6 (CD, Vinyl, Digital)

​

Music Video – “Give It All” – https://youtu.be/jRKsJp49Lwc

​

Music Video – “Circle of Evil” – https://youtu.be/YrG-mSSvIeo

Music Video – “Best of The Best of The Best” – https://youtu.be/0oX9LFx2szs

​

Guitar Playthrough – “Best of The Best of The Best” – https://youtu.be/tUVe4uBXmA8

​

Show Dates:​
May 3 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s – Legions of Metal Festival
Sept 4 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage – ProgPower USA

Track Listing:​
1. Circle of Evil – (3:44)
2. BEST of the BEST of the BEST – (3:19)
3. Give it All – (4:14)
4. Blood Magic – (4:35)
5. Sucks to Suck – (3:15)
6. Ready for Anything – (3:56)
7. City Calling – (3:45)
8. Turn the Lights Out – (2:49)
9. Thunderdome – (4:01)
10. Live to Fight Another Day – (4:00)
11. Brawl at the Pub – (3:47)
Album Length: 41:30

Album Credits:​
• All songs performed by: STRIKER
• All songs written by: STRIKER
• Produced by: Josh Schroeder
• Mixed by: Josh Schroeder
• Mastered by: Josh Schroeder
• Album Artwork by: Al Perez / Ramone Sketch (@ramonesketch)
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Line Up:​
Dan Cleary – Vocals
Tim Brown – Guitar
John Simon Fallon – Guitar
Pete Klassen – Bass
Jono Webster – Drums

Live Band Line Up:​
Dan Cleary – Vocals
Tim Brown – Guitar
John Simon Fallon – Guitar
Pete Klassen – Bass

More info: Striker-metal.com​

About: Blending classic heavy metal, hard rock, and 80’s hair metal, Striker has been making shredtacular anthems since 2007. The band has toured multiple times across Europe and North America along with festival appearances at 70,000 Tons of Metal, Bang Your Head Festival (Germany), and more to add to the almost 1000 shows performed in their decade-plus career. The band has been honoured with multiple Best Album awards in their home country of Canada from the JUNO Awards, Western Canadian Music Awards, and the Edmonton Music Awards. Since their inception, Striker has released six studio albums Eyes in the Night (2010, Iron Kodex), Armed to The Teeth (2012, Napalm), City of Gold (2014, Napalm), Stand in the Fire (2016, Record Breaking), Striker (2017, Record Breaking), and Play to Win (2018, Record Breaking).

– 30 –

“If you liked the last three albums (as much as I did), Ultrapower will equally satisfy. I know this one will be in my top 10 albums of the year. 8.5/10″ – Bravewords

“All in all, Striker’s Ultrapower may be their finest album to date. Their traditional, “keep it true,” heavy metal has never been more fresh, creative, and versatile, and so also, breathing new life into this classic genre. Easily recommended. 5/5″ – Dangerdog Music Reviews

““Ultrapower” is quite frankly a magnificent album. It has a feel good 80’s movie soundtrack aura about it with the spirit of artists such as John Farnham and Stan Bush standing tall alongside pure 80’s metal throwback. If you love 80’s rock and metal then this album is going to have you grinning from ear to ear. I think I’m gonna be grinning for days after several listens. Some fans of Striker’s more speed metal inclined sound may find this album a bit jarring but I can safely say it is the best album they have done and they have released some corkers. For the pure joy it has given me, this album is going to be hard to top in 2024 and we are still in the early part of the year.” – The Razor’s Edge

“Striker are more-than-ready to show us all the power of heavy music with Ultrapower, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the ride with one of the best (of the best of the best) bands of the current Canadian landscape.” The Headbanging Moose

“an album that is bold, daring and as mentioned shows a band that are not afraid of fusing styles of music together… there are simply to many high quality songs on this album that simply blows me away. This is a polished, highly refined album with top quality production! 9/10” – The NWOTHM

“I really like the diversity in this album. 4/5” – KNAC

“I’m giving this one an 8 of 10 “Flaming Fists”. You can tell there’s a lot of work put into the album, they don’t half-ass anything. The production was good, it’s really hard to make amazing Arena-style rock without a decent budget, but they did a solid job…. if you liked the late 80’s and early 90’s bands you’ll really dig this. Overall, I’m really happy and thankful for this band continuing to do what they do.” – Rock Rage Radio

“The heavy, power, and traditional melodic metal landscape is in great shape thanks to bands like Striker producing high quality songwriting year after year. These Canadians continue to explore horizons while still maintaining the endearing qualities that helped put them on the map in the first place since the late 2000’s. Ultrapower is the seventh full-length studio record, and probably their most varied attack to date – incorporating everything from speed/thrash to AOR and old Wild West vibes. ” – Dead Rhetoric

“Striker’s execution and sense of humor makes for an enjoyable ride.” – Heavy Music HQ

“How do you say when bowling when you clear all the pins with a throw? It is a strike! STRIKER has achieved a great strike with their album „ Ultrapower “. All songs on this album are real hits! Each song has its own character and rocks what it takes. It is a wonderful homage to the 80 ’ years. I would say: The STRIKER engine is in full swing!” – Metal-Heads.de

—
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0 Rockshots Records – VIOLET ETERNAL Debut Track “The Echoes of Time” Off Upcoming Album “Reload The Violet” Out May 2024

  • January 26, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Violet Eternal (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 26, 2024

​

VIOLET ETERNAL Debut Track “The Echoes of Time”

First Full-Length “Reload The Violet” Out May 2024 via Rockshots Records

VIOLET ETERNAL was born out of the desire of two musicians from Italy and Japan to work with each other in creating a new melodic metal band, blending power, and oriental choruses with fast-paced rhythms and interpersonal lyrics, with the ambiance of shredding guitar solos.

Band co-founder and guitarist Jien Takahashi comments:

“I wanted to create the ultimate melodic power metal duo after MAJUSTICE and other activities, I was hungry for new music. There were a lot of songs at the end of the previous activity, so I was looking for a way to shape it. In such a situation, I met Ivan Giannini online. I originally knew Ivan from his legendary work with VISION DIVINE and the album “Angel of Revenge” and his other band Derdian. I was completely fascinated by his emotional voice that seemed to burn the skies. So I was wishing I could do something with him. When I got in touch with Ivan, we immediately hit it off and we decided to make an album together.”

After connecting with vocalist Ivan Giannini, Jien made a call to a mutual friend Ollie Bernstein (Illusion Force, Magic Opera) who he had a feeling would be interested in joining the duo in creating an album together plus he was also playing bass in Derdian, which Ivan was a member of too.

Not too soon after, more pieces to the project came together when the trio recruited Andrea Cappellari (Nekomata and former guitarist for Skeletoon).

With all the members collected, and music being written, the band was ready to hit the studio and decided to team up with producer Dennis Ward (Angra, Helloween) for their first full-length album “Reload The Violet”, which will be released on Rockshots Records this coming May 2024. The album also features guests Takao (MinstreliX), Gabriel Guardian (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN), keyboardist YUHKI, drummer Ryuya Inoue, and Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS).

“From the time of production, Ivan and I were convinced that this album would be a game changer. I think it’s a work that people who love melodic metal will enjoy. If you listen to the music of VIOLET ETERNAL when you feel down, you will surely feel cheerful with hot feeling. Our music will give you the courage. This album strikes hard with both powerful vocals and a perfect mix of oriental melodic metal and emotional vocals.” says Jien Takahashi.

To introduce Violet Eternal to the world, today the band unveils their debut track “The Echoes of Time”, a grand opus-style power metal anthem.

“If you’re familiar with my other band MAJUSTICE and the album title track ‘Ancestral Recall’, ‘The Echoes of Time’ is a continuation of that song. It’s a story about reuniting with someone broke up with in the past, but making mistakes again and again.” adds Jien Takahashi.

Listen to “The Echoes of Time” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/uP3UC2UyOlk

​Digital – https://lnk.to/teotve

​

Recommended for fans of Stratovarius, Beast In Black, and Angra, Violet Eternal’s debut album “Reload The Violet” is due out on May 3, 2024, from Rockshots Records.

Album pre-order – https://bit.ly/VioletEternalCD​

Track Listing:​
1. The Titans – 1:35
2. The Echoes of Time – 4:59
3. Now and Forever – 3:53
4. Ember Flame – 4:06
5. Under the Violet Sun – 3:38
6. Land of Golden Sun – 4:13
7. Never Surrender – 3:41
8. Heartless – 3:27
9. Over the Sorrow – 4:17
10. Sonata Black – 5:17
Album Length: 39:12

Album Credits:​
Violet Eternal Line-up :
Ivan Giannini (Vocals)
Jien Takahashi (Guitarist)
Sound Producer :
Dennis Ward (Sound Producer)
Additional Musicians :
Track 02 to 10. Andrea Cappellari (NEKOMATA, ex-SKELETOON) as Guitarist
Track 02 to 10. Ollie Bernstein (ILLUSION FORCE, MAGIC OPERA) as Bassist
Track 09. Takao (MinstreliX) as Guitarist
Track 09. Gabriel Guardian (IMMORTAL GUARDIAN) as Guitarist and Keyboardist
Track 10. YUHKI as Keyboardist
Track 09 to 10. Ryuya Inoue as Drummer
Track 10. Timo Tolkki (ex-STRATOVARIUS) as Song writer
Album Artwork: Jien Takahashi

More Info: Rockshots.eu | Linktr.ee/violeteternal​

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0 ROCKSHOTS RECORDS – Out Now! STONE HORNS’ New Album “Chimaira” + New Video “In the Clutches of the Abyss”

  • January 26, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · STONE HORNS (ROCKSHOTS RECORDS)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 26, 2024

Out Now! STONE HORNS’ New Album “Chimaira” + New Video “In the Clutches of the Abyss”

Rockshots Records is proud to unleash France’s STONE HORNS third studio album “Chimaira”, now available as of January 26th. The full-length features seven groove-laden hell-bent tracks, that tell the story of an odyssey of being rejected by all and thirsting for revenge. It explores life’s thirst for recognition, whatever its form. Through its various acts, the story continues in different states, colors, and landscapes. A raw, merciless finality that leaves little room for breath in this torment of violence. We’re all chasing a chimera, but isn’t it the chimera that’s chasing us? That’s the question this album tries to answer, combining freshness and warmth, violence and peace, waves, and digressions.

With their headbanging groove, this third studio offering “Chimaira” is a culmination of all the band’s experiments to date. This is the band’s most accomplished album to date, both in terms of composition and production. The band’s long-time fans will be satisfied, but they also hope to bring in new fans with this record, with a slightly more modern production. Each track has its own universe on this full length, but it’s also part of a whole, because like their previous albums, “Chimaira” is a concept album.

“There’s something for every metal taste and color. The aim of this album is for fans of every sub-genre of metal to be able to say to themselves at some point when listening to it: “I really like that beat”. “Chimaira” is a bit like the child of “The Beast Inside” (2018) and “Rise of Apophis” (2021)”. says the band.

For the album’s release day, Stone Horns is sharing their new music video for the track “In the Clutches of the Abyss”, a raging song inspired by Slipknot and Machine Head and treated to a guitar solo reminiscent of diabolical melodies. The final chorus might remind some fans of a bit of a Gojira sound.

Check out the music video for “In the Clutches of the Abyss” at https://youtu.be/jb1jDljt27c

​Digital – https://lnk.to/clutchoftheabyss

​

Recommended listening for fans of Machine Head, Devildriver, Slipknot, Lamb of God, and Jinjer, Stone Horns’ third full-length is available from Rockshots Records on CD at https://bit.ly/ChimairaCD and digitally at https://lnk.to/stonehorns.

Track Listing:
1. Grasping the Embers of Exile – 7:51
2. No Mercy – 3:58
3. Terra Genesis – 3:31
4. Age of Chimairas – 4:10
5. Chrysalis – 4:52
6. In the Clutches of the Abyss – 5:29
7. Echoes of a Fallen Empire – 5:24
Album Length: 35:18

Album Credits:
Music: David Viard, Antoine Roszak, Mathis Lakermance, Damien Servais
Lyrics: David Viard
Guitars: Mathis Lakermance, Damien Servais, Antoine Roszak
Bass: Antoine Roszak, David Viard
Drums : Maël Taguelmint
Vocals: David Viard
Production, Antoine Roszak, David Viard
Mix and Mastering, Antoine Roszak
Covers & Arts : David Viard, helped by IA
Cover « Age of Chimairas » : Mrdrfckr Art and David Viard

More info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/StoneHornsOfficial | Instagram.com/stone_horns​

-30-

RISE OF APOPHIS (2021) – Media Reviews

“The real strength of this album lies in the diversity of the compositions as well as a good alternation of the songs and the atmopheres. With a production worthy of the big American machines, “Rise of Apophis” is a superb discovery…” – METAL’ART
​
“Far from resting on their laurels, the Stone Horns rekindle the flame and offer today a very good album that announces a turning point in their career…” – DAILY ROCK FRANCE 4,5/5
​
“Power is the key word here. The listener is plunged into the heart of a lead maelstrom that falls on him without giving him any respite. With Rise Of Apophis, STONE HORNS has clearly taken a step forward and offers us an accomplished album that they must defend on stage…” – AMONG THE LIVING
​
“The album is never redundant. It is all the less so as the Marseillaise venture on this new album on new territories for them: thus this excellent “Shores of Kismeth” which mixes diabolically heavy and black influences. A particularly successful second try that confirms all the qualities of the combo and sees them move to an higher level.” – SEIGNEURS DU METAL 8/10

THE BEAST INSIDE (2018) – Media Reviews
​
“At a time when the future of Machine Head seems to be uncertain, the release of this first Stone Horns album, “The Beast Inside release of this first Stone Horns album, “The Beast Inside”, will certainly make some happy people.” – ROCK HARD FRANCE
​
“The object raises the potential of a young formation which does not cease to ally groove and raw energy, the whole enveloped by a rather effective production.” – METALLIAN
​
“Très bon premier album. Du sang frais!” – WARM TV 8/10

​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 THE RISEN DREAD Unleashes Their New Sinister Video “Betrayal”

  • January 11, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · The Risen Dread

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 11, 2023

THE RISEN DREAD Unleashes Their New Sinister Video “Betrayal”

L-R – William Ribeiro (Guitar) | Marco Feltrin (Vocal) | Mat Maher (Bass)

​The Risen Dread is a metal band from Dublin, Ireland who have successfully established themselves as one of the country’s most promising metal acts in recent years.​ With an EP and a full length already under their belts, they are going to be expanding their discography in the new year, which they tease now with the sinister single and music video “Betrayal”. Guitarist William Ribeiro comments on the single:

“Betrayal, even though I had some of those riffs for a while, is the first song we wrote after the drummer left. We wanted to do the opposite of what we did for our last album, we wanted this track to be straight to the point and not only fast, we wanted it to be aggressive and heavy, with headbanging riffs as well as moshpit parts. I think Betrayal summarizes the dread that rises again from within each band member after this 2023 year. Nothing better than talking about a woman locked up by her mother. Can you imagine how she felt?”

“Betrayal” tells the true story of Blanche Monnier, a socialite who was locked in a tiny room by her mother and brother at age 25 for 25 years in a room without light. Musically, it’s a death metal song, pure and simple with heavy and catchy riffs, fast double bass, and blast beats. As far as their new material goes, this track has a bit of everything. Fans can expect a lot more where it came from, and can also look forward to new elements like the inclusion of choir and orchestra.

The Risen Dread is a powerhouse of death metal and groove metal, and they also draw upon a variety of influences from metalcore to black metal to hone their signature sound. They turn these elements into something fast, heavy, memorable, and accessible. Fans of Lamb Of God, Sepultura, and Deicide.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Betrayal” via its worldwide premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

More info: Facebook.com/TheRisenDread | Instagram.com/therisendread​

-30-

What the press has said:

“Silent Disease The single drives hard as hell with tons of straightforward grooves and meaty riffs, though with a very pertinent message and accompanying music video” – Metal Injection

“There is a lot for any metal fan to get their teeth stuck into with this impressive release and the fact that this is self produced by the band makes ‘Night Hag’ all the more impressive.” – The Razors Edge

“Night Hag is a banger. One with a lot more depth than you might initially think. Memorable music with all the head-banging trappings you could dream of.” – GBHBL

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Early Bird Tickets For Canada’s Mountain Mosh Pit ARMSTRONG METALFEST On Sale Now!

  • January 8, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Armstrong Metal Fest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 8, 2024

Early Bird Tickets For Canada’s Mountain Mosh Pit ARMSTRONG METALFEST On Sale Now!

July 12-13 – Armstrong, BC, Canada

Watch the official video recap of AMF 2019 here.
(video created by Mayne Brand Productions)

Armstrong MetalFest 2023 Spotify playlist Here.

Western Canada’s largest mountain mosh pit Armstrong MetalFest has launched early bird weekend passes for their 2024 lineup being held on July 12th and 13th at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong, BC with the beautiful backdrop of the Okanagan Valley. The 14th annual gathering of metalheads will once again witness a pilgrimage of extreme metal music fans for two days of unforgettable moshing, headbanging, and camping. From iconic headliners to promising newcomers, the upcoming 2024 lineup is set to showcase the best of diverse metal genres, ensuring an electrifying experience for all.

“It’s one of the premier festivals of its kind in Canada, showcasing the biggest names in local, national, and international heavy metal music.” – Vancouver Sun

Early bird weekend passes are on sale now at the following link until Feb 29th: https://armstrongmetalfest.ca​

(All tickets provide General Admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 12, 2023, until 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2022. Free camping is included.)

Breaking attendance records again, the 2023 edition of Armstrong MetalFest was an eclectic earth-shaking lineup that featured 28 bands performing on the two-day festival that included headliners LA thrashers WARBRINGER, San Francisco tech-death giants FALLUJAH, festival alumni Spokane, WA’s ENTERPRISE EARTH, and Los Angeles’ THE ZENITH PASSAGE, along with Denver’s H.P. Lovecraft extreme metallers VALE OF PNATH, and Edmonton’s Juno award-winning heavy metal champions STRIKER.

(Photo Credit Derrek Carr – The Zenith Passage at AMF 2023)

Since 2009 (minus pause years 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic), West Metal Entertainment and Armstrong Metalfest have not only fostered the talent of hundreds of local bands, but have imported well-known, international acts to the quiet, little Canadian town of Armstrong, British Columbia.

Each year hundreds of metalheads from Canada and the USA descend into the picturesque Okanagan Valley and under the blistering sun, they spend three days camping, taking in as much metal over two days, participating in wrestling events, scavenger hunts, and catching up with their metal family.

The festival has seen such renowned headliners as Kataklysm, Cattle Decapitation, Archspire, Nekrogoblikon, Origin, Rivers of Nihil, and Beyond Creation as well as emerging artists from across North America. At the end of the revelry, the festival disappears without a trace, leaving the landscape as pristine as it has always been.

West Metal Entertainment is a non-profit society that not only puts on the Armstrong Metal Festival every year in Armstrong, B.C., it gives bands opportunities to play at different venues throughout the region including all-ages shows, to encourage musical passion in kids as well as adults.

Partners:​
WCMFA
Vox and Hops
Rancho Vignola
Creative BC
Province of BC
Shepherds Hardware
Askews Foods
Armstrong Coop
ACE Containers
Asher Media Relations
Armadillo Trailers
Staggs Head
Nor-Val
Exclaim!
Bravewords
Absolute Underground Mag
Broken Neck Radio
V13
Metal-Rules
Trash Talk w/ Nate
Ghost Cult Magazine
Valstar Electric
Voets

For more info:​
​Armstrongmetalfest.ca
​
​Facebook​
​Instagram​
​Twitter​

Festival Press Materials HERE.

What the press is saying:

“Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan” – Global BC News

Kelowna Now: Armstrong Metal Festival Co-founder reflects on a decade of metal – Video Interview here.

CHBC – Global Okanagan: Metalheads celebrate a decade of gathering in Armstrong – Video Interview here.

Global Okanagan – Armstrong Metalfest brings aggressive music to the North Okanagan – Video here.

“In the past, metalheads had to travel to Germany to experience the rush of a big festival, such as Wacken Open Air. But local headbangers decided to bring that feeling home with Armstrong Metalfest.” – Vernon Morning Star

“Go Big or Stay at Home: Armstrong has that welcoming feeling for a rock show.” – The Valley Voice

“To witness such a gathering of talent is an absolute privilege, and for that fact alone, I will certainly be returning to Armstrong Metal Fest.” – Beatroute BC

“This festival is now going to be my yearly must-go-to event and if you’re a metal head that hasn’t attended or a curious metal voyeur, do yourself a favour and check it out, you will not regret it.” – Abort Mag

“The Armstrong Metalfest is one such event and has grown from its initial, humble beginnings seven years ago to be a regular mainstay, with its south-central BC location making for a popular summertime destination for fans and bands alike.” – Decibel Mag

Named one of the out-of-town music festivals worth the trip by The Vancouver Sun
​
​
​“For metalheads, this is a great vacation where groups of all sizes can enjoy their favourite musical genre in a fun, energized environment. Not to mention, the camping!” – The Permanent Rain Press

“From farm to stadium: Armstrong Metal Fest’s humble beginnings” – Info News

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​

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0 Tap Your Feet And Bang Your Head To SUPER MONSTER PARTY’s Latest Video “Dance Dance Revolution (Till The Death)”

  • December 18, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Super Monster Party

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 18, 2023

Tap Your Feet And Bang Your Head To SUPER MONSTER PARTY’s Latest Video “Dance Dance Revolution (Till The Death)”

Everyone get ready to party with the latest single “Dance Dance Revolution (Till The Death)” from Florida’s Super Monster Party!

Created from the vision of Rei Sega and his passion, growing up with videogames, Super Monster Party reimagines the lore of heroes and villains and presents familiar themes in imaginative, and humorous ways, of course with a heavy metal twist. Their latest single is in response to a fan request to rework the infamous arcade game Dance Dance Revolution. The track was co-produced with Matt Laplant (Non-Point, Ellefson, Saliva) and also features guests, award-winning saxophonist Hugo Lee and guitarist Oleh Andrievsky, who lives in Ukraine, and recorded all his parts during the war.

“‘Dance Dance Revolution (Till the Death)’ is the second single we released from our upcoming new EP “Rage Quit”, which will be released sometime in 2024. It’s a song inspired by the popular dance game of the same name. The song takes you on a journey as a player inside the game with some twists and turns,” adds Rei Sega.

Super Monster Party writes original songs inspired by popular video games of our past and present. Each song is dynamically different in musical composition, vocal arrangements, and style keeping the music fresh and entertaining. While the lyrics stay unique and true to the game’s lore, attention is paid in providing a relatable connection to those who might be unfamiliar with the games.

The musical content may be tongue-in-cheek, but it does come from serious musicians. Emilio Martinez is also the bassist of Ynwgie Malsteen and Fernando Lemus also drums in Lions at the Gate.

Get your feet ready to dance and your head ready to bang, and you’ll be all set for the latest installment from this heavy-hitting, party band that is recommended for fans of other fun bands such as Electric Callboy, Andrew Wk, and Dragonforce.

Watch the music video for “Dance Dance Revolution (Till The Death)” at https://youtu.be/pN2_MbSZg3k

​

For more info: Supermonsterparty.com | Facebook.com/supermonsterparty | Instagram.com/super_monster_party​

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​
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0 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champs STRIGAMPIRE Now Streaming Immersive Death Metal Album “All To Dominate”; Produced by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

  • December 14, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Strigampire

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 14, 2023

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champs STRIGAMPIRE Now Streaming Immersive Death Metal Album “All To Dominate”

New Album “All To Dominate” Out Dec 15th, 2023

Produced by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

L-R – (Back row) James Foster / Drums – BadGuy P / Bass (Front row) – Steve DC / Vocals – Willy Thousand / Guitars – Johnny Dead / Guitars

Canada’s national Wacken Metal Battle champs Strigampire are proud to be streaming their latest album “All To Dominate”, which they declare is the best production they’ve ever done. The album skillfully blends various musical elements, ranging from black/death metal to heavy metal and rock, offering a rich and diverse sonic experience. Vocalist Steve DC shares his thoughts on the album:

“The album tackles various themes such as personal struggles, global issues like economic inequalities and social injustices. I strive to write introspective lyrics, expressing emotions like sadness, frustration, and anger, but also hope and determination. With this album, we aim to provide an immersive listening experience for our fans. We want to take them on a journey through the various songs on the album, addressing diverse themes and emotions.”

“All To Dominate” contains powerful guitar moments, crazy solos, and impactful rhythms that demonstrate undeniable mastery of the instruments. However, the melodic and melancholic sections serve as a reminder that emotion remains at the core of each composition. This balance between technical expertise and emotional depth creates an intense and emotionally charged musical experience.

Strigampire has an old-school mindset when it comes to the track layout, and considers an album as a complete work that should be listened to from start to finish. “All To Dominate” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and the album artwork was done by Dan “Dotel” Turcotte. It is recommended for fans of Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, At The Gates, and Cradle Of Filth.

“All To Dominate” is due out on December 15, 2023, and can be heard in full via its album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Album pre-order (CD/Digital) at https://strigampire.bandcamp.com.

Lyric Video – Liberty – https://youtu.be/ocjvdclKICQ

​

Music Video – Sold Our Soul – https://youtu.be/6nlZwywZpow

​

Track Listing​
1. Liberty (4:37)
2. Dominate Them All (4:17)
3. Sold Our Soul (5:31)
4. In The Maze of The Lost (4:23)
5. Where I Belong (6:11)
6. Basking In Paradise (5:02)
7. Death Silence (4:49)
8. The Day I’ll Join You (4:24)
9. Brave The Tempest (4:21)
10. TNT (AC/DC cover) (3:32)
Album Length (47:07)

Album and Live Band Line Up:​
Steve DC – Vocals
Johnny Dead – Guitars
Willy Thousand – Guitars
BadGuy P. Provencher – Bass
James Foster – Drums

Album Recording Credits:​
• All songs performed by: Strigampire
• All songs written by: Johnny Dead & Willy Thousand
• Produced by: Christian Donaldson & Strigampire
• Mixed by: Christian Donaldson
• Mastered by: Christian Donaldson
• Album Artwork by: Dan “Dotel” Turcotte

More info: Strigampire.com | Facebook.com/Strigampire | Instagram.com/strigampire​

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“Feverishly jittery riffing, a booming low-end pulse, and bestial snarls build anticipation for what’s to come, and what comes is a rushing phalanx of jolting grooves, slashing and searing chords, riotously swirling leads, and scorch-the-earth vocals. The song (Sold Our Soul) hammers the pulse, and there’s abundant devilry in it too, as well as near-sung gang yells, tumbling percussive fills, deliriously exultant soloing that soars to screaming heights — and a break for a beer. But there’s a kind of mystical melodic line that also slithers through the heavy metal exultation until the soloing rockets it high.” – NoCleanSinging​
​
​“Huit albums métal à découvrir en décembre…. Strigampire All To Dominate” – Thorium Magazine​
​
​“For a band hovering in the darker sides of metal, the songs are surprisingly upbeat. It’s often the vocals that sound the darkest and more extreme—here we have a cross between melodic death growls and black metal screeches. The songs are fast and melodic, and I found it very hard to sit still while listening to them as they all, without exception, just get you going —prepare for intense headbanging, air guitaring, maybe trying to sing along, or at the very least get the foot tapping. My favourite song is “Sold Our Soul”; the beginning always makes me stop whatever I’m doing, and then it’s just headbanging frenzy. The songs have kind of a European power metal energy to them: fast (I’ve said that), heavy, pounding, and very catchy. If they used cleaner vocals, I wouldn’t be surprised if heavy/power metallers who don’t mind harsher, rougher music would get into this, though I would advise the band not to try that—the vocal style is a perfect match for their music. The album ends with a cover of AC/DC’s “T.N.T.”, probably my second favourite (as of this writing) as it is an excellent cover of that classic song. The vocals here are different, a good hybrid of the harsh style and that of Bon Scott’s—definitely interesting, and the band’s rendition of the song is fucking excellent. I think Bon Scott would approve… Fucking good stuff, and no wonder they won that Wacken contest with such quality material. 4.75/5″ – The Metal Crypt

—
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0 Gore House Prod. – Guts, Gore, and More Awaits In “Skid Row Slasher” From STAGES OF DECOMPOSITION Off New Album “Raptures of Psychopathy” Out Feb 2024

  • December 6, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Stages of Decomposition (Gore House Productions)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 6, 2023

Guts, Gore, and More Awaits In “Skid Row Slasher” From STAGES OF DECOMPOSITION

New Album “Raptures of Psychopathy” Out Feb 2024 From Gore House Productions

Since the release of their brutal debut “Piles of Rotting Flesh”, the relentless purveyors of brutal L.A. death grind, Stages of Decomposition are back with a gritty, slamming single titled “Skid Row Slasher”. This track, along with the video, is the first look at their gruesome third album “Raptures of Psychopathy”, which will be released this coming February 2024 from Gore House Productions. “Skid Row Slasher” delves into the haunting tale of the murderers who terrorized the homeless community in the infamous L.A. neighborhood. The band explains in further detail:

“This song is about the infamous Skid Row Slasher and the Skid Row Stabber, both murderers who roamed the streets for victims. We wanted to make this song our first single to represent our theme of serial killers but also represent our city of Los Angeles in a twisted way of how psychotic L.A. can be.”

Known for their massive and impactful delivery of extreme brutality, Stages of Decomposition fuses heart-splitting blast beats, corpulent riffage, and sickening gutturals to create a destructive performance that channels raw primitive energy from the crowd. The band’s unique blend of slamming brutal LA death grind captivates audiences, leaving them entranced in the horrors depicted in their music.

Commenting on their creative process, the band explains that they brainstorm riffs and rhythms during practice sessions, and collaboratively shape the music with the raw brutality of their signature sound. Each song embodies a concept relative to the overall theme of the album, exploring all facets of the general horror theme – from movies to serial killers, events, etc.

“Raptures of Psychopathy” is a visceral exploration of the dark and macabre, a hallmark of Stages of Decomposition’s thematic approach. Coming out on February 2, 2024, by Gore House Productions, it is recommended for fans of Mortician, Dying Fetus, and Devourment.

Watch the video for “Skid Row Slasher” via its worldwide premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Digital pre-save- https://orcd.co/sod-skidrowslasher​

Album pre-order – https://orcd.co/raptures-of-psychopathy​

Track Listing:​
1. Drilling of the Cerebellum – 4:59
2. What Lies Within – 3:10
3. Beast of Jersey 2:42
4. Killing Under Possession – 3:36
5. Murder by Proxy – 3:26
6. Skid Row Slasher – 3:36
7. Carve out the Eyes – 2:37
8. Fetal Devourment – 3:04
9. Crawl Space Burial – 3:12
10. Human Extermination – 3:46
11. Mass Psychosis – 2:09
Album Length: 36:19

More info:

​​Gorehouseproductions.com​ | Facebook.com/StagesofDecomposition | Instagram.com/stagesofdecomposition_official​

-30-

“This is pure bang your head ‘till it pulps music. From growling guitars to smash the kit into pieces drumming, then snarling vocals, and a horror tinge (as we’ll see). It’s only right that they’re signed to Gorehouse Productions… Stages of Decomposition are tight, they can be felt as well as heard. The album (Piles of Rotting Flesh) is consistent with no weak moments. You will bleed, this will hurt. For proof check the official video below.” – Severed-Cinema

“It’s a brutal assault on your ears in the same style as bands like Cannibal Corpse.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life (EP – Crawl Space Burial)

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Shares Xmas Video “Le Père-Noël est une ordure! – Santa Claus is a Garbage!” Off Holiday Album “Noel In Extremis II” (Bam Co. Heavy) Out Now!

  • December 1, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Nova Spei (Bam&Co. Heavy)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 1, 2023

Quebec’s NOVA SPEI Shares Xmas Video “Le Père-Noël est une ordure! – Santa Claus is a Garbage!”

Off Holiday Album “Noel In Extremis II” (Bam Co. Heavy) Out Now!

L-R – Nicolas Dumais (Bass/BackVocal) | Julien De Carufel (Drums) | Dany Duplessis (Singer/Screamer)
Stéphane Filion (Lead Guitarist) | Dany Soucy (Rhythm Guitarist/Ambiant Lead)
Photo Credit – Claude Prud’Homme – Studio-017

Trois-Rivieres, QC’s Nova Spei is back with a new edition of their xmas song “Le Père-Noël est une ordure! – Santa Claus is a Garbage!” (Remixed at 100% by Anthony Chognard from CHS Prod) accompanied by a new music video.

“Le Père-Noël est une ordure! – Santa Claus is a Garbage!” is an original composition on the theme of a bad Santa from a seedy shopping center who humorously missed his life journey.” adds the band.
​
Taking the opportunity once again to join Bam Co. Heavy‘s second Christmas compilation entitled “Noel In Extremis II”, the holiday album also features tracks from bands Dizzygoth, The Lookout, Vantablack Warship, Dirty Cheetah, Thrash La Reine, Rope Skills, Demonstöne, Tunguska Mammoth, Obscurcis Romancia, MR.82, and Reanimator. Album Artwork by Filip Ivanović.
​
On “Noël In Extremis II” you will discover Christmas classics with a new twist. which will in turn become classic versions themselves. Get ready to sing your favourite Christmas songs spiced up by each of these groups.

This compilation continues its tradition by donating a portion of its profits from each CD sale to help the homeless and less fortunate. Anticipation is high from fans of previous compilations. “Noel In Extremis” compilations have become prized and sought-after cult collection items.

The video for “Le Père-Noël est une ordure! – Santa Claus is a Garbage!” can be viewed via TheCirclePit at https://youtu.be/64BJkau56ls

​

Compilation – Noel In Extremis II – CD – https://boutique.boiteamusique.ca/qc/cd/33548-noel-in-extremis-ii-compilation-cd.html​

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/2ScSfNPQGIyb64WFIloP1U

​

Nova Spei will also be performing on December 2nd in Montreal, QC at Foufounes Électriques for the launch party for “Noël In Extremis II” being hosted by BAM Co. Heavy with headliner BARF along with Dizzygoth, The Lookout, Vantablack Warship, Dirty Cheetah, Thrash La Reine, Demonstöne and Tunguska Mammoth.

Event info – https://www.facebook.com/events/1004903737290939/​

About: Nova Spei is a francophone progressive metal band that was formed in 2012 by Dany Soucy (guitar) (Dook, Legion) and in 2014 Nicolas Dumais (bass) and Dany Duplessis (vocals) joined the lineup. Stéphane Filion (guitar) joined the band in August 2018 while Julien De Carufel (drums) arrived in August 2021. The band’s second album, “Sequentis” (released November 2021), was named in the top 10 of several media for the year 2021 and was nominated for Metal Album of the Year at the Alternative Music Gala Independent of Quebec (GAMIQ) for 2022.

On “Sequentis”, a groovy undertone meets progressive, catchy riffs, compiled with aggressive vocals belting out the French lyrics. It’s accessible, but edgy enough to suit a discerning metalhead. It is heavier than their 2017 debut self-titled album, but will still be familiar to their current fans. They have a wide range of influences that combine to result in memorable, heavy music.

The djenty French metal is recommended for fans of Architects, Gojira, and Deftones.

“Sequentis” is now out via Bam&Co-Heavy. The album was written and produced by Nova Spei plus mixed and mastered by Anthony Chognard along with the album artwork done by Filip Ivanovic.

Album stream and download Novaspei.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music, Bam&Co.Heavy Online Store.

Previous Videos:​
“La Proie” – https://youtu.be/YHi8QTU5_Yc​
“Sorcière” – https://youtu.be/KfPMCk2tj4I​
​

For more info:​
​NovaSpei.com​
​Facebook.com/NovaSpei​
​Twitter.com/NovaSpeiBand​
​Instagram.com/novaspei​

​

– 30 –

“Une pièce qui a tout ce qui faut pour devenir un classique du métal québécois. Des phrases percutantes et pleine de sens sur une musique lourde à souhait.” – Ondes Chocs

“Nova Spei : Nouvel espoir sur la scène métallique au Québec” – Voir

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0 ROCKSHOTS RECORDS – Melancholic Finnish Metallers DECROWNED First Single “Mouth Leaks Black” Off New Album “Persona Non Grata” Out Feb 2024

  • December 1, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Decrowned (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 1, 2023

​

ROCKSHOTS RECORDS – Melancholic Finnish Metallers DECROWNED First Single “Mouth Leaks Black”

New Album “Persona Non Grata” Out Feb 2024

Finnish metallers Decrowned will be releasing their brand of catchy and groovy melancholic metal with their first full-length “Persona Non Grata” this coming February 2024 from Rockshots Records. The album follows their two EPs “Hansel’s Nightmare” (2019) and debut “Weight of The Dark Sky” (2018), which garnered the “Newcomer of the Month” award from Finnish metal magazine Inferno.

Since its inception in 2017, Decrowned has been constantly evolving, progressing musically and its production both live and studio, especially with the aid of Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen who has done a remarkable job of mixing the record. On “Persona Non Grata” fans will find a great number of variations, each song has its own identity but the themes of each are very relevant to one another.

“We hope the listeners will find their own personal ways to relate to the songs and also find the album interesting enough to keep finding new things and themes in it.” adds the band.

Every member brought something to the table for the album, but guitarists Jaakko Kauppinen (guitars) and Simo Puustinen composed most of the songs. Musically, the band takes a turn into heavier waters from its predecessors, still keeping in mind the essence of Decrowned. Lyrically “Persona Non Grata” is a very dark album, reflecting things that pass through the generations, consuming us from inside. It is a description of a haunted future and the past that took wrong turns on personal and universal levels. This undefined black matter that flows ignoring time and reason is the unwanted entity… Persona non grata.

The first single presented off “Persona Non Grata” is the track “Mouth Leaks Black”, which the band explains:

“Starting the album with a blast, “Mouth Leaks Black” is a song that we mostly just wanted to have fun with, it’s kind of playful but still serious enough with fun dark occult themes in play. Having an almost “punk rockish” theme in the chorus, some groovy riffing in the verse and maybe a bit of a chill mental trip on the later half of the song, this has become one of our favorites to perform live. This really gets us going on stage so we figured it’s the best way to get the album going, setting up the album with maybe a bit lighter tone than the rest of the album.”

Listen to “Mouth Leaks Black” at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/ioQ6Qn2wfss

​

Digital – https://bfan.link/mouth-leaks-black

​

Recommended for fans of Amorphis, Insomnium, In Flames, and Katatonia, “Persona Non Grata” is due out on February 23, 2024.

Album pre-order at https://bit.ly/DecrownedCD​

Track Listing:
1. Folklore pt.1 (intro) – 0:48
2. Mouth Leaks Black – 4:20
3. Rainworld – 4:16
4. Stonewing – 3:56
5. Mindparasite – 4:44
6. Scarred – 5:02
7. Awaken – 3:30
8. Faceless – 3:50
9. The Bird and The Tree – 4:51
10. The Vigorian Man – 4:09
11. Persona Non Grata – 4:52
12. Folklore pt.2 (outro) – 0;42
Album Length: 45:05

PERSONA NON GRATA was:
Produced by Decrowned with help of Tero Kinnunen
Recorded at Crown Crusher studio/Joensuu
Kantele recordings at Guru studio/Joensuu
Engineered by Antti Venäläinen
Mixed by Tero “TeeCee” Kinnunen
Mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox
Artwork and layout by Jukka Turunen (www.jukkaturunen.com)
Band photography by Harri Säynevirta (www.saynevirta.fi)
Keyboards and synths by Jukka Turunen
Kantele by Sari Puustinen and Saila Kinnunen
Guitar solo on “Mindparasite” by Euge Valovirta
Finnish vocals on “Mindparasite” by Tuomo Huurre

Decrowned is:
Miikka Hulmi, Vocals and bass
Antti Venäläinen, Drums
Jaakko Kauppinen, Guitar
Simo Puustinen, Guitar

More info: Rockshots.eu | Facebook.com/rockshotsrecords | Instagram.com/rockshotsrecords​

​Facebook.com/decrownedtheband | Instagram.com/decrownedtheband | Tiktok.com/@decrownedofficial​

-30-

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