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Tag: metal

0 Headbang To MINDRAZER’s Infectious Video “Suffer In Silence” Off New Album “A Thing of Nightmares” (Produced by Kevin Antreassian – Dillinger Escape Plan)

  • February 7, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Mindrazer (Misanthropic Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2024

Headbang To MINDRAZER’s Infectious Video “Suffer In Silence”

Out Now! New Album “A Thing of Nightmares” (Produced by Kevin Antreassian – Dillinger Escape Plan)

Get ready to headbang and sing along in your car with Mindrazer’s latest music video “Suffer in Silence” in support of their debut album, “A Thing of Nightmares” (produced by Kevin Antreassian – The Dillinger Escape Plan), which was released this past October via the label Misanthropic Records.

The lyrics are simple and the melody is infectious. Get your pipes warmed up for this power-thrashing banger!

The band comments about the track:

“This is a bi-polar anthem that has uplifting highs and brutal chugging lows. This one is about the toxic culture surrounding internet discourse.”

Check out the video premiere for “Suffer in Silence” on Metal-Rules HERE.

Combining the anthemic melodies of traditional and power metal, the precise, aggressive attack of thrash, and twists of dark intensity borrowed from second-wave black metal, Jersey, USA’s Mindrazer plays a style as familiar as it is fresh. Their first full-length, “A Thing of Nightmares” is a bold, brutal, and diverse exploration of melodic thrash metal, which even before its official release, was igniting mosh pits at the band’s live shows. Now, with the album’s availability, fans can delve into the depths of these tracks and experience them in all their glory.

The writing for the tracks on the album spans a large period of evolution, which can be heard as one progresses through the album. “Knightfall”, the earliest work, is much more power metal, upbeat, and melodic. “Better Dead”, another early song, is very riff-focused and old-school sounding. “Crusader” and “Suffer In Silence”, the later tracks on the record are great examples of how that power metal vibe never really left but the music got heavier and more technical. Each of the ten tracks offers epic melodies and frenetic dynamics that metalheads will be eager to sink their teeth into.

“This album really came as a collection of the best of our work from before 2020. ‘A Thing of Nightmares’ is a culmination of half a decade of artistic inspiration. We find that this record demonstrates immediately that we aren’t afraid to push the boundaries of the genre, whether it is crushing breakdowns, modern-tinged leads or even borrowing tropes from power metal. It is technical, epic, brutal but most of all fun. Borrowing stories from history, literature, and cinema, the album touches on themes of horror, shame, anger, oppression, and mania by way of story, metaphor, and allegory. We aren’t reinventing the genre or breaking significant new ground but we are bucking modern thrash trends of coalescing around the hardcore-laden neo-thrash and never straying from it and are doing so without regrets.” adds the band.

Released on October 13, 2023, “A Thing of Nightmares” is recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Blind Guardian and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Officialmindrazer.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:​
1. Entombed In Time (5:36)
2. Suffer in Silence (4:05)
3. Left to Rot (6:09)
4. In the Corner of Your Eye (6:06)
5. Knightfall (5:35)
6. The Misanthropist (6:11)
7. Extractor (4:51)
8. Better Dead (4:07)
9. Crusader (6:25)
10. Mercy (1:12)
Album Length: 50:22

Album Recording Lineup:​
Nick DeFuria – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Classical Guitar, Additional Percussion
Vin “Hawky” Verducci – Bass Guitar
Brian Weissman – Drums, Percussion, Harsh Vocals
Zack Larmer – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Featuring a guest guitar solo from Mo Uddin on track 7

Live Band Lineup:​
Nick DeFuria – Lead Vocals and Guitar
Vin “Hawky” Verducci – Bass Guitar
Brian Weissman – Drums, Harsh Vocals
Patrick Wentz – Guitar and Harsh Vocals

More info: Mindrazerband.wixsite.com/home | Instagram.com/mindrazerofficial | Facebook.com/mindrazerofficial​

-30-

“The lyrics of “A Thing of Nightmares” reflect dark themes that fit perfectly with the intense music. Mindrazer manage to create a dark atmosphere that captivates the listener. This album is a must for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth and Blind Guardian. It’s a powerful statement from a band that doesn’t allow itself to be locked into genre boundaries, but rather courageously explores new paths.” – Amplified Magazin​
​
​“I have to say the singer has a very interesting style. There is aggression and attitude with his voice, but he has a powerful almost operatic vibrato too, it’s very cool. Think Nevermore’s frontman… The leads are actually very good though, I’m reminded of Megadeth’s Marty Friedman. The solos have a similarly expressive vibrato and there is plenty of flashiness mixed with well judged melody.” – Metal Rules​
​
​“A Thing of Nightmares is a nice morning surprise, the kind that makes the day more pleasant… Able to draw a link between the 80s and the new century, the four musicians attack with benevolence, and even put us in a trance, when “Better Dead” advocates a chosen death rather than an suffered life. Until the end, the quartet holds the quality ramp firmly. And if “Crusader” is reminiscent of a more serious and bold MAIDEN, the influences are cleverly mixed so as not to stand out too much, which is always a good point. So let’s forget the easy promotional promises and concentrate on a slender album. MINDRAZER deserves to be better known on a large scale, and begins their career with a unifying work if not founding.” – MetalNews.fr​
​
​“The Bruce worship is strong but pulled off very well! I like the contrast between the powerful clean vocals and ultra thrash instrumental portion. The bass pops very well and the drums are frantic but on point.” – Cutting Edge Metal (USA)​
​
​“Entombed in Time stands out for its old school thrash metal concept accompanied by the fantastic and live sounding performances of Mindrazer.” -Metalhead Community Magazine (Switzerland)​
​
​“Good songs, really good guitar, even better vocalist; they’ll go far!” -Mark Wasserman, 3 and 1 Grab Productions, Live Sound: Nick Cannon’s “Wild n’ Out”, Barclay Center, Madison Square Garden, Staples Center, Arco Arena etc.​
​
​“It was an insane show! At one point the lead singer who was also playing guitar, steps out in front, puts his arm up, points a finger down and starts moving it in a circle like he’s indicating to the crowd “I want you to make a circle pit now” and you felt the entire mood of the room just change. Everyone got ready and they played this really heavy song. It was so good!” -WRCU-FM Radio Into the Pit

—
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0 Moncton’s OMNIVIDE Confronts The Destructive Tendencies Of Humanity With Brutal “Opulence” Off Debut Album “A Tale of Fire” Out March 2024

  • February 7, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Omnivide

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2024

Moncton’s OMNIVIDE Confronts The Destructive Tendencies Of Humanity With Brutal “Opulence”

Debut Full-Length “A Tale Of Fire” Out March 22, 2024

L-R – Alex Cormier (Bass), Nicolas Pierre Boudreau (Guitar), Samuel Frenette (Guitar & Vocals), Samuel Lavoie (Keyboards), Marc-André Richard (Drums)

Photo Credit – Deepti Suddul – DeeptiSuddul.com​

Moncton, Canada’s Omnivide is a dynamic metal force formed in 2020 by members of the Sunbird project, and they are gearing up for the release of their debut album, “A Tale of Fire”, scheduled for March 2024. Breaking away from paying homage to others to enter the realm of original music, Omnivide fuses progressive metal, death metal, and melodic/symphonic metal into a grandiose, brutal, beautiful, dark, and melancholic sonic experience. Their latest single “Opulence” comes with a band playthrough video and is sure to draw in metal fans with a wide range of backgrounds. The band comments:

“This song is one of the most in-your-face and brutal on the album, having much less of the orchestral elements present throughout most of the songs, as we wanted to have a song that stood in contrast to the rest of the album and provided variety in the pacing and sonic content of the tracks.”

The relentless energy of the music matches the lyrical content, which describes how humans came from the earth but are now polluting it and over-consuming its resources to the point of changing the global climate. It paints a metaphor of humans being gluttons that are taking pieces of the earth for themselves with no self-control or regard for the planet, and the earth shifting from being a fertile ground for human life to actively trying to eradicate a species that has essentially become a parasite.

Omnivide’s goal is to have their music illustrate the brutality and destructive power of nature, which can and will defend itself when threatened, and does so in a ruthless manner that is almost incomprehensible to our human minds. “Opulence” serves as a prime example of their musical diversity, with its relentless energy and thought-provoking lyrics. It is recommended for fans of The Black Dahlia Murder, Opeth, and Alkaloid.

Watch and listen to the band playthrough video for “Opulence” via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

Due out on March 22, 2024, “A Tale of Fire” is available for album pre-save at https://linktr.ee/omnivide.

Lyric Video – “Holy Killer” – https://youtu.be/gwIYIHQK_i0

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3HR8e91

​

Track Listing:​
1. Clarity – 6:44
2. Opulence – 4.48
3. Desolate – 7:35
4. A Tale of Fire – 5:05
5. Cosmic Convergence – 5:04
6. Holy Killer – 5:06
7. Death Be Not Proud – 6:32
8. Stoned Dragon – 7:45
Album Length: 48:44

More info: Omnivide.ca

-30-

—
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0 Boonsdale Records – THUNDEROR (ft. members of Skull Fist) Announces May 2024 European Tour Dates w/ Tytus

  • February 7, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Thunderor

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 7, 2024

​

THUNDEROR (ft. members of Skull Fist) Announces May 2024 European Tour Dates w/ Tytus

Debut Album “Fire It Up” Out Now! via Boonsdale Records

Thunderor 2024 Line-Up L – R: Jonny Nesta (Guitar) | JJ Tartaglia (Lead Vocals, Drums) | Brycen Gunn (Bass)​
​

Canadian 80’s-infused heavy metal band THUNDEROR announces they will be embarking on their next European tour this coming May 2024 with Italy’s Tytus (dates listed below).

“We’re very stoked to be returning to Europe once again, this time with a rippin’ new setlist as we’ll be road testing some of the new tunes. And what better way than with our brothers in Tytus! Plus select shows with Violet and Night Laser. This tour is a real testament to the new generation and the DIY attitudes of today, hope to see some good crowds out to support it!” adds vocalist and drummer JJ Tartaglia.

Formed in 2020 by Skull Fist band members JJ Tartaglia and Jonny Nesta, THUNDEROR delivers hook-driven anthems to the caliber that has come to be expected by a Canadian power trio. Since 2019, drummer JJ Tartaglia has felt a calling, one which grew stronger each day. Being a member of several prominent metal bands over the last decade, the time had come to take his quest even further. He would share a vision, a feeling… a message he could deliver only with his voice.

Fueled by his passion for adventure, JJ began to work on drum arrangements and piano pieces that would become the skeletons of the THUNDEROR songs. Fall of 2021, would see the release of the 1st single “How We Roll”, immediately garnering a worldwide audience. The debut album “Fire It Up” was released in 2022 via Boonsdale Records, charting at #1 on Earshot’s National Loud Chart in Canada. The band has already toured throughout Canada, Europe, Mexico, and South America supporting major acts such as Airbourne, Enforcer, Night Demon, and more.

If you’ve ever felt a longing for escape, a thirst for adventure, wrapped in romance and danger, allow THUNDEROR to be your soundtrack!

Appreciated by fans of Judas Priest, Gowan, and Manowar, “Fire It Up” is available via Boonsdale Records.

CD – https://thunderor.bigcartel.com​

​Spotify

​

Music Video – How We Roll – https://youtu.be/_U-ElWkLNg0

​

Music Video – Fire It Up – https://youtu.be/6t_KqTq7OOE

​

Music Video – Dangerous Times – https://youtu.be/cyh71qusBIA

​

Music Video – Thunderor – https://youtu.be/Ecz-49Z2bEY

​

European Tour Dates 2024:​
​Thunderor (CA) + Tytus (IT)​
01.05 Natz-Schabs, IT – Putzer Bikerfest
02.05 Stuttgart, DE – Schwarzer Keiler
03.05 Bilzen, BE – South of Heaven
04.05 Gladbeck Metal Bash Open Air, DE
05.05 Wageningen, NL – Bevrijdings Festival
06.05 Hamburg, DE – Logo
07.05 TBC
08.05 Leipzig, DE – Black Label
09.05 Lichtenfels, DE – Paunchy Cats
10.05 Vienna, AT – Escape
11.05 Maribor, SI – Gustaf Pekarna
12.05 Caneva, IT – Meskio Bar

For more info:
​
Facebook.com/ThunderorOfficial​
​Instagram.com/thunderor_official​

– 30 –

“The bottom line for THUNDEROR is that a listen is urgently required. Those who like the singing will have a lot of fun with the CD” – Vampster
​
“If you’re looking for a solid rock record that’s equal parts pop and metal, Fire It Up could be your jam. The songs are well crafted, catchy and fun road companions. Take it on your next drive or spin it at Saturday’s kegger. Thunderor takes not being serious very seriously. They recaptured the spirit of 80s rock staples like Ozzy to Journey but also managed to put their own stamp on it. Not many throwback NWOTHM acts succeed in putting this much character in their sound.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The moment I first heard “How We Roll,” I knew I was in trouble…and instantly hooked. Other numbers like “All or Nothing,” “On the Run,” “We Can Make It,” and the epic title track, infuse multiple sub-genres like thrash, power, and synth metal, and are the type of adventurous anthems that make life still feel like it’s worth living even on its darkest of days.” – Rewind It Magazine

—

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0 Canada’s Macabre Metallers BLOOD OPERA Announce Album “Songs in the Key of Death” Out End of Feb 2024; Album Guests Morgan Lander (Kittie), Maurizio Guarini (Goblin)

  • February 5, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Blood Opera · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 5, 2024

Canada’s Macabre Metallers BLOOD OPERA Announce Album “Songs in the Key of Death” Out End of Feb 2024

Album Guests Morgan Lander (Kittie), Maurizio Guarini (Goblin)

Track Voice Over Guests – Tony Todd (Candyman), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead), Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star Trek)

Top L-R – RIP Junk (Guitar, Vocals), Damien Deathgasm (Bass, Vocals)
Bottom L-R – Max Murder Lead Vocals), Muerto McBrains (Drums, Programming)
Photo Credit – Craig Leonard (Billy Bones)

They were born in blood, conceived in Hell, and reanimated by accident! Bent on cannibalizing the entire human race, Toronto, Canada’s Blood Opera has already infected whole populations with their raunchy and often controversial live displays of violence, gore, and perverse sexual acts! Having feasted on human flesh with bands such as GWAR and being endorsed by the zombie Godfather himself, George A. Romero, these purveyors of so-called “Dead Metal” have quickly become Canada’s number one horror metal act. They are riled up and ready to release their first full-length album “Songs in the Key of Death” on February 24th and to prime listeners for the bloodbath, they have released two video singles “The Gates of Hell” featuring guest keyboards by Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) and “Be My Victim” featuring a voice-over by actor Tony Todd (Candyman), which they share in further detail:

“The Gates of Hell was inspired by the cult film of the same name. Another heavy track brings in more modern influences and progressions. It features guest keyboard work by Goblin’s Maurizio Guarini. “Be My Victim” is a bonus track from 2022 and features actor Tony Todd and is based on the film Candyman. As it is an older song it features a couple of members no longer in the band but as it is an important song for us we wanted to include it. Fans of Ghost will dig this keyboard and chorus-driven rocker.”

On “Songs in the Key of Death”, Blood Opera wants to pay tribute to the genre films they love and mix metal with the macabre. The band was originally to be the live musicians for a proposed Return of the Living Dead musical that unfortunately did not come to fruition.

With powerful operatic vocals, sleazy guitar riffs, and blasphemous lyrics inspired by some of the scariest movies ever made, one thing is for sure- if the gates of Hell are left open, it could mean the end of all humanity!

Due out on February 24, 2024, the fiendish feeding frenzy of “Songs in the Key of Death” is recommended for fans of GWAR, Dokken, and WASP and is available for album pre-order at https://bloodopera.bandcamp.com.

Lyric Video – The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) – https://youtu.be/XtL3rOlqB6Q

​

Music Video – By My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) – https://youtu.be/-WFjtFmdFW4

​

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4bjem7z

​

Track Listing:​
1. Just Keep Digging (1:04)
2. Feeding Frenzy (3:49) ft. guest vocals Morgan Lander (Kittie) and voice-over by Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead)
3. Don’t Go Out Tonight (3:06)
4. Fight to Survive (3:53) ft. voice-over by Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star-Trek)
5. A Waste of Good Suffering (3:55)
6. The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) (4:51)
7. Breaking News (0:58)
8. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Cover) (4:19)
9. The Ballad of Father Malone (4:11) ft. voice-over by Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Escape From New York)
10. Brundlefly (4:34)
11. Damien (5:11)
12. Be My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) (Bonus Track) (3:59)
13. The Band of the Living Dead (0:30)
14. The Key of Death (0:43)
Album Length: 45:09

More Info: https://bloodopera.ca​

-30-

“Toronto’s very own, Blood Opera primed the audience for the forthcoming onslaught…Blood Opera, local purveyors of the horror business, celebrating debauchery by toasting the crowd with a ceremonious Blood Chug!” – John Gallant (Live in Limbo)

“Blood Opera’s new single, “Be My Victim,” is a serious rock n’ roll homage to many aspects of the original Candyman film, including the nostalgia of playing scary childhood games, and the fear of losing complete control.” – Rue Morgue​
—
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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​

-30-

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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

​
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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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

– 30 –

​

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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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​

– 30 –

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