Tag: music

0 Quebec’s VORTEX Lay Down Intricate Storytelling And Melodic Death Metal Riffs In “The Walls” Off Forthcoming Album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” Out June 2023

May 10, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Vortex

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 10, 2023

Quebec’s VORTEX Lay Down Intricate Storytelling And Melodic Death Metal Riffs In “The Walls”

New Concept Album “The Future Remains In Oblivion” Out June 2023

L-R – Justin L’Italien Dubé (Drums and Piano), Simon Desjardins (Bass), Alexandre Labrie (Vocals), Dany Lévesque (Guitars), Mathieu Duguay (Guitars and Orchestrations)
Photo Credit: Freeman

Prepare to be whisked away to a bleak world that is recovering from a devastating cataclysm in the latest album from Canada’s Vortex. “The Future Remains In Oblivion” is the third concept album from the band which takes great pride in weaving cinematic stories set to orchestral melodic death metal. Scenes of war and survival are punctuated with harrowing strings, technical riffs, and guttural and black metal vocals. The second single “The Walls” is the fourth chapter in this eight-track sojourn and the band is eager to explain this part of the story:

“Our Fool got all sorts of people to believe and follow him. They’ve put everything they’ve got into building a secret small city that is protected by reinforced walls and an arsenal. Inside these walls, they have everything they need to survive any cataclysm and its aftermath. Although it is fast and aggressive, ‘The Walls’ is the catchiest song on our new album. Its verses have a strong orchestral melody underlying black metal riffing and vocals to create a unique feel.”

According to the band, the choruses have some of their best orchestral writing with its predominant violin melody supporting powerful layers of guttural vocals. “The Walls” has one of the best solos of the album, technical with lots of feel and melody.

Listen to “The Walls” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

Vortex is comprised of seasoned musicians with an abundance of studio and live experience, and with an offer to join a label, they decided to band together to create music that would have dynamics and a strong melodic side while retaining the essence of what death metal is.

Recommended for fans of Septicflesh, Lorna Shore, and Dimmu Borgir, “The Future Remains In Oblivion” is due out June 9th, 2023.

Digital (Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music) – https://linktr.ee/vortexband

Music Video – First Blood – https://youtu.be/Wd-yfIfRRzQ

Tour Dates:
May 20 – Lévis, QC – Corsaire Microbrasserie w/ Fracturus, Strigampire
June 9 – Matane, QC – Le Barachois – Gaspesian Metal fest
Sept 15 – Rivière du Loup, QC – Espace Collectif Berger St-Modeste w/ Aeternam
Sept 16 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar (Hellstorm Productions 20th Anniversary Show)
Oct 20 – Quebec City, QC – L’Anti Bar w/ Strigampire, Beyond Fiction
Oct 21 – Ottawa, ON – The House of Targ w/ Serene Dark, Strigampire
Nov 3 – Saguenay, QC – CEM w/ Beyond Fiction, Strigampire
Nov 4 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar w/ Strigampire, Serene Dark
Dec 15 – Rimouski, QC – Le Paradis – Strigampire, Serene Dark, Beyond Fiction
Dec 16 = Trois-Rivières, QC – L’Entité w/ Strigampire, Serene Dark

Track Listing:
1. From The Sun (5:24)
2. Downfall (4:11)
3. The Fool (3:13)
4. The Walls (4:32)
5. Our Possible End (4:23)
6. First Blood (4:29)
7. The Future Remains In Oblivion (4:50)
8. When No More Words Will Be Heard (5:22)
Album Length: 36:29

For more info: Vortex.band | Facebook.com/vortex.band.ca | Instagram.com/vortex.band.ca | Twitter.com/vortexband

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“Vortex, with their epic and heavy music, are truly a staple of the Quebec metal scene and it’s always a pleasure to see them perform.” – Thorium Mag – Live Review 2022

“Symphonic tones merge beautifully with wailing guitar riffs and thunderous drums in a storm of terrible and wonderful fury of the gods. VORTEX’s very name sums up the unique blend of complex sounds they’ve taken time to master.” – 9/10 – Metal Temple (Lighthouse Review 2019)

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

0 RED CAIN Is On “The Great Hunt” With New Live Video Off Wheel of Time Inspired Album “NÄE’BLISS” Out June 2023

May 10, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Red Cain

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC- May 10, 2023

RED CAIN Is On “The Great Hunt” With New Live Video Off Wheel of Time Inspired Album “NÄE’BLISS” Out June 2023

L-R – Taylor Gibson (drums), Kalie Yan (bass, vocals), Evgeniy Zayarny (vocals), Samuel Ridout (guitar)

Photo Credit Zak Kelly

The hunt is on with Calgary, Canada’s Red Cain‘s last single to be released before they unleash their new album “NÄE’BLISS” on June 2nd, 2023. One of the heaviest tracks in the Red Cain repertoire “The Great Hunt” is a stomping, driven ¾ march utilizing 8-string guitars and layers and layers of bass.

“This track pushes further into the djent riffs present elsewhere on the album, yet contains all of the usual characteristics of a Red Cain anthem – lush electronic backing, soaring, aggressive vocals, and a pulsing, headbanging groove. Conceptually, within the album’s theme continuing to revolve around the “Wheel of Time” universe, “The Great Hunt” calls our Forsaken protagonists to begin the hunt for the most dangerous game – their archenemy, the world-breaking Champion of the Light – the Dragon Reborn himself. With regression to the status quo threatening, and Chaos the only antidote, will this bold move yield success – or drive the world deeper into the designs of the Wheel? Step up, heft your spear – and join The Great Hunt.” adds the band.

Watch and listen to “The Great Hunt” via its live video at https://youtu.be/Xm8OeUGVkjg

Red Cain‘s third full-length album “NÄE’BLISS” is a homage to the legendary world of Robert Jordan’s fantasy epic “The Wheel of Time” (novel/TV series). With a grimdark edge, down-tuned guitars, death and power prog metal influences, and an unrelenting march forward, “NÄE’BLISS” is a foray into the reverse side of the Wheel of Time story – that of the Forsaken, antagonists, instruments of the Great Lord of the Dark, and the brutal and captivating allure of letting Chaos reign supreme.

The band explains further:

“We are fascinated by antagonists, why they stand against the “common good”, and how they came to fill that role – and when reading the Wheel of Time, there was the same intrigue behind how the very clearly defined “evil” faction in this world justified its existence. Why did the Forsaken willingly join the Shadow? Why do some men and women want the world to burn, and the Wheel to stop spinning? Within such a carefully crafted narrative and beautifully balanced universe, there were puzzling, unexplored gaps that we were determined to delve deeper into.

And of course, fantasy is but a mirror of reality – so outside WoT lore, these questions apply equally well to the world beyond our window. Which of our idols are false, which heroes degenerate, and what history is a compendium of careful lies? It is all too easy to raise your fist against those labeled evil by the multitudes or a voice above while failing to realize you yourself are the instrument of tyranny and corruption.

We are all massive fantasy fans, and for us, Wheel of Time rubs shoulders with LOTR as a genre-defining epic fantasy series that started it all. The world of the Wheel is a brutal, compelling world with multitudes of fascinating characters, and we were particularly interested in exploring its more visceral aspects – an area that begs to be paired with heavy metal. We’ve seen some of our musical icons, like Blind Guardian, successfully go down this path, and it was magnificent to see new musical interpretations of those stories spun out by them – not to mention some bloody good fun.

Now, it is our turn to ride forward in another turn of the Wheel. Enjoy!”

Red Cain is recommended for fans of Kamelot, Symphony X, Myrath, Powerwolf, Mastodon, and The Contortionist.

“NÄE’BLISS” is due out on June 2, 2023.

Album pre-order – https://redcain.bandcamp.com

Previous Music Videos:

We Are Chaos – https://youtu.be/YbXEV1DFjnQ

Fisher King – https://youtu.be/WaPe8mQ5uG8

Track Listing:
1. Fisher King – 5:35
2. Blight – 6:37
3. The Great Hunt – 4:09
4. We Are Chaos – 4:55
5. Sightblinder – 2:47
6. The Man Who Can’t Forget (Part I) – 2:38
7. Crane of Malkier (Part II) – 2:04
8. Red Cain – Fires of Heaven ft. James Delbridge (Lycanthro) – 8:02
Album Length: 36:52

Red Cain, from Calgary, Canada is a modern progressive metal project with Eastern European roots. They have been making waves since their first release in 2016, with award-winning music videos and concept albums “Kindred: Act I” and “Kindred: Act II”. Red Cain’s first two full albums conceptually told a sprawling story of how raw and primal ancient myth collides with modern society and human yearning toward the stars, toward perfection. The albums contained a ton of genre inspirations, from gothic rock to ambient electronica, power, black, and death metal, and were universally lauded for their inventiveness, variety, and strong conceptual content. They continue this momentum with forthcoming releases.

Red Cain is:
Evgeniy Zayarny – Vocals
Samuel Ridout – Guitars
Tyler Corbett – Guitars
Kalie Yan – Bass, Vocals
Taylor Gibson – Drums

For more info: Redcain.ca | Facebook.com/redcainofficial | Instagram.com/redcainarmy | Redcain.bandcamp.com | Spotify

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What the press is saying:

“This is a track (Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire) that infuses their progressive and power metal sound, similar to that of Symphony X and Kamelot. Alongside this, there are also faint similarities to bands like Dream Theater and even Korn. This is a nearly 6 minute track that doesn’t let up and doesn’t fear to change up its style throughout.” – Metal Injection

#10 Red Cain !earshot – The National Loud Chart For the Week Ending: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 (Earshot)

“From the proggy goodness of album opener “Kindred”, to the blast beats of “Baltic Fleet”, to the epic closer “Sunshine (Blood Sun Empire), there is something here for every fan of progressive power metal. With this being Act II in Red Cain’s Kindred body of work, I really feel as though I entered a movie theater right in the middle of an epic saga. Each song is a journey in and of itself, but each also contributes to the overall fantastic voyage. I will absolutely be purchasing Act I of this amazing tale and listen from start to finish, the way it was intended. Do yourself a favor and do the same!” – Metal Rules

“If you like your music melodic, mysterious, and gothic, with a progressive power metal base, then this is for you. This has been a joy to review and yet another band to add to my favoured list. ” – The Prog Space

“Zayarny is a powerhouse vocalist and the contortions he forces into Red Cain make for a very diverse record.. the talent behind the record is undeniable, and at the very least, Kindred proved far more creative and thought-provoking than most death metal records I’ve recently tackled. You should give it a shot — even if you’re not a big weenie..” – Angry Metal Guy

“Overall, ‘Kindred: Act II’ is an interesting mix of styles that combine together in technical wizardry to set the backdrop for the continued tales of the warrior Zalcoatl. There’s some unexpected musical influences that bubble to the surface, particularly the liberal use of electronic elements provides a futuristic, yet gothic, element to the tales. Vocally, there’s some clear inspiration from Kamelot going on here. They’re predominantly clean, but with a wide range between high pitched and deep passages. The guitar work is pretty varied as well and at times even hits a distinctly djent groove that seems to appear out of nowhere!… Fans of Kamelot and Mastodon alike will find some common ground with ‘Kindred: Act II’ (and Act I for that matter).” – Uber Rock

“These seasoned metal performers brought me to school with a clear cut album, delivered beautifully across seven tracks. The epic highs and lows of the album leave me wanting more… My hat is off to RED CAIN!” – Metal Temple

“With a flurry of progressive guitars, grandiose vocals and intriguingly wild effects, Red Cain burn brightly from the very start with the opening track, Kindred.” – Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

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

0 Descend Into Darkness With ETHEREAL VOID’s Death Metal Single “The Voiceless”; New Album “Gods of a Dead World” Out May 2023

May 9, 2023
by Asher
· Ethereal Void · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 9, 2023

Descend Into Darkness With ETHEREAL VOID’s Death Metal Single “The Voiceless”

New Album “Gods of a Dead World” Out May 2023

Behold Ethereal Void, a triad of malevolence hailing from the dark corners of Ontario, Canada. Their macabre melodies blend together the harmony of death metal with a sinister groove and progressive flair, all in worship to the gaping maw of the void. Born from the emptiness beyond time and space, they defy the norms of mortal ears with a sound that defiles all that has come before. They are ready to unleash their third album “Gods of a Dead World”, which promises to be unlike anything they have done before. They are now streaming their second single “The Voiceless” and share the background of the track:

“Conceptually, this song is about a mass exodus of people from another realm, silently venturing onward to an unfathomable destination. It is definitely one of the more chaotic songs on the album, countered by what could generously be called a thrashy riff in the chorus. The theme is a little more abstract, dealing with a mass exodus of people in a different existential realm.”

Ethereal Void are inspired by the darkness alive within humanity and within the universe as a whole. Throughout their discography, they explore the concepts of entropy, decay, void, and ruin. This third album diverges from their first two and they expect that it will be a welcome change for existing fans. It is more raw, visceral, and primitive than before.

“Gods of a Dead World” is a dark and heavy exploration of war, suffering, and demise. It is recommended for fans of Gojira, Septic Flesh, and The Design Abstract.

Listen to “The Voiceless” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

“Gods of a Dead World” is due out May 26, 2023 via Abstrakted Records.

Album pre-order – https://design.bandcamp.com

Lyric Video – Seeds of Hatred – https://youtu.be/ZN2wTUjij8c

Track Listing:
1. Overture to Annihilation (1:35)
2. The Voiceless (2:59)
3. Seeds of Hatred (3:44)
4. The Art of Ruination (2:48)
5. Psychosomatic Suicide (2:59)
6. Decay (Interlude) (0:46)
7. Return to the Void (3:34)
8. The Brown Stone Spire (2:32)
9. Gods of a Dead World (5:49)
Album Length: 26:50

For more info: Facebook.com/EtherealVoid

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0 JON OF MARS Releases Otherworldly Playthrough Video For “A Respite!” Off “Songs from Nowhere” (Holcomb Records)

May 8, 2023
by Asher
· Jon of Mars · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal QC – May 5, 2023

JON OF MARS Releases Otherworldly Playthrough Video For “A Respite!” Off “Songs from Nowhere” (Holcomb Records)

Hailing from the red planet, a mysterious creature crawls forth from the farthest depths of the earth to observe the denizens of Earth to decide their ultimate fate, drawn by the curious nuance of human life he seeks to understand the human race, either to help them find salvation or destruction in their greatest and most universal creation: Music. So begins the tale of Jon of Mars, an alien who shares his perspective on Earth in creative ways, set to heavy music. The debut tale of Jon of Mars “Songs from Nowhere” was released in April and now they present a playthrough video for the track “A Respite!”. Vocalist and guitarist Barrett Holcomb explains the story behind the track:

“In “A Respite!” the alien has accessed the internet and is now experiencing internet culture for the first time and all of the worst things that people become on the internet. This was the song that started the band, it was the first part of the project Jordan approached me with, it was finished in 4 weeks’ time and really got us in the groove for the next few songs. It’s about internet culture and the dangers of not having self-love, or trying to become what you see on the internet.”

The album “Songs from Nowhere” is a fusion of styles and genres, along with concepts and ideas that represent the chaos that the human population has experienced in the last few years, along with the entropy that is the online culture of humanity. Musically, Fear Factory influenced a lot of the grooves and lyrical decisions in the album, GWAR inspired the radical ideas behind the lyrical content, there’s a little bit of rock and metal fusion like DOWN, Korn influenced the fusion of genres and differing songs, and Mudvayne was a big influence on the bass and rhythms. Any fans of nu-metal, modern metal, guitars, drums, and blast beats will find Jon Of Mars intriguing.

Watch the playthrough for “A Respite!” at https://youtu.be/0YJfcElj4QI

“Songs from Nowhere” was released on April 20, 2023and is available at Jonofmars.bandcamp.com, Spoti.fi/3mM3cno

Lyric Video – “Mr. Blue” – https://youtu.be/HIoM9C3QicM

Track Listing:
1. Soultest – 1:21
2. A Respite! – 4:31
3. MisinformedNation – 3:40
4. Azag’s Fable – 3:55
5. Mister Blue – 4:44
6. Inhumane Tragedy – 3:35
7. Ghosts – 5:34
Length is 27:22

Album Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
Jordan Karg – Drums and Keys

Live Lineup:
Barrett Holcomb – Vocals and Guitar
Wendall Holmes – Bass Guitar
AJ Fry – Drums

For more info: Holcombrecords.wixsite.com/jon-of-mars/ | Twitch.tv/jonofmars | Facebook.com/Marsjonmusicman

About: Having cut his teeth in the underground metal and punk scenes of Northwestern PA, Barrett Holcomb formed Jon of Mars out of a collaborative effort after having worked with Berklee Alumni and music producer Jordan Karg. From the pandemonium of the COVID-19 Pandemic Jon of Mars was forged as a musical outlet to vent trapped creativity, as the world had paused and there were no shows for this creative magma to erupt forth upon the world.

“Hailing from the red planet, a mysterious creature crawls forth from the farthest depths of the earth to observe the denizens of Earth to decide their ultimate fate, drawn by the curious nuance of human life he seeks to understand the human race…. either to help them find salvation or destruction in their greatest and most universal creation: Music.”

– 30 –

“Just a good solid groovin’ metal. Some clean and harsh vox, but I like to just say it’s “Metal metal” good” – Moshpit Radio 89.9 FM (Madison, WI)

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

0 Out Now! Israel’s NEOLIA Self-Titled Debut Progressive Metal Album + New Music Video “A Better Version of You” (Live at Barby)

May 5, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Neolia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 5, 2023

Out Now! Israel’s NEOLIA Self-Titled Debut Progressive Metal Album

New Music Video “A Better Version of You” (Live at Barby)

Album Mastered by Howie Weinberg (Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana)

L-R: Neolia Current Line Up – Tomer Mash (Bass), Yair Ben Shalom (Drums), Ben Reiss (Vocals), Guy Greenberg (Guitar), Inbar Davish (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Avi Veldman

Photo Edit by: Rana Sneider

Israel’s Neolia is a force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive metal, and their self-titled debut album is proof of that. With intricate instrumentation, soaring vocals, and unrelenting energy, this album is a must-listen for any fan of progressive music. According to the band, this album has traveled a lifetime with them already, and they are excited to be releasing it to the world. They share their thoughts:

“Being able to shine a light and allowing others to see, hear, and feel what we feel this elaborate vision is in itself a blessing and it is what keeps us going. We wanted to allow new emotions and new subjects that we had felt were not given the proper attention, such as child neglection, mental illnesses, personal family issues, torture and more to be given the option to be approached from a perspective of a fictional story in order for people to be able to connect to the complexity of the lyrics more easily.”

They continue to explain that although this is a concept album, each track presents its own unique characteristics and expresses a variety of styles and musical ideas that are derived from world music, jazz, and electronic at times. The album also incorporates different interludes some atmospheric and some piano based adding more emotional layers and subcontext to the mood changes in the album. It is intended to feel artistic in its nature and to convey a message of freedom.

Neolia was formed to give to others and to encourage people to come together. They give in a few dimensions — one is personal and spiritual, and the other is musical and expressive.

The self-titled album was mastered by Howie Weinberg (Metallica, Pantera, Nirvana) and is available as of May 5th, 2023.

In addition to the album’s release, the band is sharing their latest live video for the track “A Better Version of You”, which was captured during a recent performance at the legendary Tel-Aviv venue Barby.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/pI_qa14kZ-k

Album order is available at https://neolia.bandcamp.com/album/neolia

Previous Videos:

Track Listing:
1. The Shed – 3:44
2. The Shed Outro – 0:52
3. Your Prophecy – 7:44
4. Dance of Violence – 7:10
5. Carried Away – 5:49
6. Carried Away Outro – 1:24
7. Karma – 4:09 ft. guest vocals Ran Yerushalmi
8. Karma Outro – 0:44
9. Day In Day Out – 11:06
10. Anchors – 7:14
11. Rise and Fall – 5:06
12. Blow the Leaves – 7:02
13. A Better Version of You – 4:53
14. Refahim – 8:00
Album Length: 74:57

For more info: Neoliaband.com | Facebook.com/neoliaband | Instagram.com/neoliaband

– 30 –

“This band is going to be huge. You know how Tool and the Mars Volta developed into their own sound and how they have a legion of devoted fans? That’s what Israel’s Neolia is about to do with this self titled debut album.” – Transcending the Mundane

“Karma”, (the video) accompanied by a beautiful shot somewhere in the deserts of Israel, has that fantastic balance of aggression and melody that I love about alternative metal. At its more frenetic moments, like the excellent transitions from the heavier moments near the end of the track and the more melodic chorus, it reminds me of The Mars Volta, and that is one big compliment. Elsewhere, Yerushalmi’s guest vocals are expertly utilized to balance the rawer, more harried vocals of the band’s own singer, Ben Reiss. Together, they present the major melodic force on the track, while the instruments deliver well written, complex, and undeniable groove. This mix is exactly what alternative metal is so good for, hitting on both the emotional and the visceral level of enjoyment. The track ends up being both interesting to dissect and take apart but also something you can move and sing to. If the band’s self-titled is as good as this, and the other tracks released so far seem to indicate that that is indeed the case, then we’re in for a treat. Make sure you head on over to the band’s Bandcamp to pre-order it; I think it’s going to be a lot of fun!” – Heavy Blog Is Heavy

“Neolia’s Self titled debut album is a reflection of years of soaking up music of different genres from rock to pop to world music and whatnot. It’s a fusion of bits upon bits of pieces absorbed and processed and then spat out from a personal perspective. In its musical aspect, its rock and metal based, but with a twist of African, Latin, Jazz, and ambient that reaches the spectrum of high and low, tender, extreme, and crazy.” – New Prog Releases

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

0 Streaming Now! Canada’s SOVEREIGN COUNCIL Pave Their Own Distinct Path Through Power Metal With New EP “World On Fire”

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Sovereign Council

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Streaming Now! Canada’s SOVEREIGN COUNCIL Pave Their Own Distinct Path Through Power Metal With New EP “World On Fire”

L-R – Joe Moon – Lead Guitarist & Backup Vocals, Brandon Schneider – Drummer, Lisa Thompson – Lead Vocals, Shaun Vanhooser – Bassist, Chris Thompson – Rhythm Guitarist
Photo Credit: Dark Moon Productions

Canada’s Sovereign Council embraces metal head-on, with all of its throttling guitar riffs, intense bass lines, driving drums, and fluctuating vocals that are at times guttural and at others more mellow and introspective. They have two albums under their belts thus far and the third “World On Fire” is out on May 5th, for those looking for the next thing in power metal. The EP was written and composed from a place of love and vulnerability to show a different side of the band who have adjusted their lineup and musical trajectory since their last album “Laniakea”. They explain:

“We feel that the sound we have created here is still at its core very “Sovereign Council” but has matured and developed into something greater. We are extremely proud of this new sound and cannot wait to see how people respond to it. We have another set of songs nearly completed as well; these new songs continue our new direction and add another new edge as well as a heavier feel. You’ll have to stick around for the next release to find out what that edge is.”

For this EP, the band picked five of their strongest tracks which follow the same feel and give listeners a cohesive listening experience through a range of emotions and imagery ranging from inspiring, motivational lyrics to darker subject matter.

The EP was produced by guitarist Joe Moon; mixed and mastered by Silver Wings Studios and the EP cover artwork was done by Martin Trottier. Melodic and powerful, Sovereign Council puts a distinct spin on progressive power metal. They will be enjoyed by those who have Lacuna Coil, Evergrey, and Evanescence in their rotation.

Listen to “World On Fire” in full via its EP stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

“World On Fire” is due out May 5, 2023, and available for pre-order at https://sovereigncouncil.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. World On Fire – 4:43
2. The Wait – 4:24
3. Aberration – 4:00
4. Breathe You In – 3:34
5. Of The Ashes – 4:13
EP Length: 20:52

For more info: Facebook.com/SovereignCouncilpage | Twitter.com/sovcouncil | Instagram.com/sovereigncouncil

– 30 –

““World On Fire” is simply an excellent EP all around. Every track has something unique to offer and it is easy to imagine any of the five songs becoming a favourite depending on the listener. The melodies are catchy, the production is clean and the talent is immense. In particular, I would recommend this release to fans of bands with a more modern take on symphonic metal, such as recent Within Temptation, Beyond The Black, Dark Horse | White Horse and Phantom Elite to name a few. I’m excited to see what comes next for SOVEREIGN COUNCIL. They have certainly made a fan out of me.” – Female Fronted Power

“World on Fire marks a welcome return for Sovereign Council, showing a band with a will to break genre boundaries” – Metal Observer

0 Moncton’s DINER DRUGS Release Video For Punchy, Groovy “This War” Off Upcoming EP “42” + Tour Dates (NL, PEI, NB, NS) w/ CANCER BATS

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Diner Drugs · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Moncton’s DINER DRUGS Release Video For Punchy, Groovy “This War” Off Upcoming EP “42”

Tour Dates w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

Diner Drugs is a four-piece stoner metal punk crew, born out of a desire to defeat the boredom of east coast living. Diner Drugs is fast, loud and are always keen to turn up the heat with catchy choruses and deep vocal harmonies while sticking to their deep stoner metal roots. They are ready to hit the road this spring and have a flashy new single “This War” coming out to get fans excited. The single is the first look at a new EP that will be coming out this year. The band explains in detail:

“This is the first single off of our latest EP titled “42”. We are proud of this loud and driving track, complete with catchy choruses and an epic, heavy ending. This song features powerful vocals, with lyrics warning about the dangers of assuming things will work out for the best, without cautiously preparing for the worst. So much hard work from so many people went into this, it’s loud and fast and we hope everyone digs it.”

The tour this spring will take Diner Drugs all over the east coast of Canada. With relaxed attitudes and groovy riffs, they enjoy bringing fun metal to people and enticing them to headbang. Loud and energetic is their goal, and their lyrics come from both personal experience and witnessing the experiences of others. They live in a have-not town, so they are more than familiar with hard times. They draw from these troubles for inspiration and hope to maybe help anyone stuck in these situations feel a little less alone in their battles.

It’s loud, fast, meaningful metal, and according to the band the song means a lot more to them this time around and they feel it reflects in the upcoming record. They are recommended for fans of Cancer Bats, Dead Quiet, and Mokomakai.

Watch and listen to “This War” at https://youtu.be/XwLLFLMmrzU

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3p4Ub9H

The EP “42” is due out via BatSkull Records later this year.

Tour Dates:
May 12 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Abbey (All Ages)
May 13 – St. John’s, NL – The Deck
May 24 – Charlottetown, PEI – Trailside w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 25 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 26 – Halifax, NS – The Seahorse w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives
May 27 – Sydney, NS – Curling Club w/ Cancer Bats, Thousand Knives

For more info:
SheSaidFeckRecords.com/diner-drugs-epk
Facebook.com/DinerDrugs
Twitter.com/DinerDrugs
Youtube
Instagram.com/DinerDrugs

Management – She Said Feck – shesaidfeckrecords@gmail.com

– 30 –

“Jack Of All Trades” uses clever drum timing between guitar riffs which assaults the senses in different ways and rattles your eardrums like an off-balanced washing machine. The skate punk style writing of this track will have you wondering if NOFX and Suicidal Tendencies had a baby.” – Sarah Hellingwerf, The East

“Diner Drugs is one of those “f&*k all” bands that play heavy, fast and dirty rock.” – Jamie Robash, Divide and Conquer Music

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

0 Rockshots Records – Pirate Metal CALICO JACK Hit The Seas For A Naval Battle w/ New Video “Broadside Attack” Off New Album “Isla de la Muerte” Out June 2023

May 4, 2023
by Asher
· Calico Jack (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 4, 2023

Rockshots Records – Pirate Metal CALICO JACK Hit The Seas For A Naval Battle w/ New Video “Broadside Attack”

New Album “Isla de la Muerte” Out June 2023

Named after the nickname for Captain John Rackham, the English pirate captain who operated in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century, Calico Jack was founded in 2011 by the brothers Toto(rhythm guitar) and Caps (drums) with the aim of merging legendary 80s heavy metal with modern Scandinavian folk metal, wrapping everything in a maritime atmosphere, inspired by folk songs and sea shanties of the Anglo-Saxon tradition. They make sure they present a flashback to those times with stage scenery and costumes.

“If you play pirate metal, you can’t help but fill the stage with bandanas, chests, skulls, cutlasses, and pistols. We are arranging to bring real parrots and cannonballs on stage, but we are meeting some resistance from animal welfare and pacifist associations… Aesthetics aside, our live shows are notorious for creating absolute chaos above and below the stage, so it is not advisable to attend one of our concerts if you are looking for meditative and intellectual listening. We also hold the record of never having played sober since the beginning of our career, and we offer unlimited drinks to any fan who asks!” adds the band.

In 2013, they released the debut EP “Panic In The Harbour”, and first self-titled full-length in 2019. Now signing with Rockshots Records, the band will be rum-running their sophomore album “Isla de la Muerte” out on June 30th, 2023.

For this new record, the band kept the style of their debut album but improved every aspect of their music. “Isla de la Muerte” is much more aggressive, the songs are heavier, more dynamic, and more powerful than past ones. The fiddle tunes on the release are more epic and refined, and there’s no shortage of some of Calico Jack‘s trademarks such as the Caribbean sounds in ‘Antigua’. The band also added important elements such as a track of pure classic heavy metal Running Wild-style (‘Bad Fortune’) and a journey through the eastern sounds of the Indian Ocean in the final suite ‘Sandokan’.

Today, Calico Jack shares their first taste off “Isla de la Muerte” with their music video for the single “Broadside Attack”. The song is about one of the best-documented naval battles in the history of piracy, where pirate Olivier La Bouche defeated Captain John Frost. He attacked Frost’s vessel in July 1717. It took him a 12 hours chase to catch up to the vessel and when he did it was 9 o’clock in the evening. The pirate vessel had twenty guns and a crew of 170. Olivier La Bouche’s ship fired a broadside of double rounds and partridges, and a volley of small shots. The band was inspired by this epic event to write a folk-power broadside with which to cannonball the audience at live shows. The track, and the whole album, begin with real noises of Dave picking up his fiddle and breathing before starting to play.

The band adds:

“‘Broadside Attack’ is our attempt to narrate the epicness and tension of a naval battle through adrenaline-fueled folk akin to speed-power metal. This song contains cheerful guitar and violin melodies that contrast with the speed and rhythmic roughness in a way that results in overflowing energy, and it also contains one of our most beautiful guitar solos. We want this to become one of our wildest and most incendiary live anthems, and we chose it as the first single and album opener because we want it to provoke in the listener the sudden impact of a cannonball broadside.”

Watch and listen to the video for “Broadside Attack” at https://youtu.be/fbkuvnJ_cuk

Recommended for fans of Finntroll, Korpiklaani, Equilibrium, Moonsorrow, and Running Wild, “Isla de la Muerte” is available for album pre-order at https://bit.ly/IslaDeLaMuerteCD

Track Listing:
1 – Broadside Attack (07:24)
2 – Isla de la Muerte (10:32)
3 – Bad Fortune (05:02)
4 – Antigua (06:25)
5 – Three Cheers to the Shanty Man (04:30)
6 – Marauder (04:37)
7 – Queen Anne’s Revenge (06:08)
8 – Haul Away Joe (03:31)
9 – Sandokan (15:47)
Total length: 1:03:58

Album Credits:
Recorded at Elnor Studio by Mattia Stancioiu
Mixed and mastered by Calico Jack
All songs written by Calico Jack
Photos by Chiara Mascetti
Cover art by Sergey Vasnev

For more info: Rockshots.eu | Calico-jack.net | Facebook.com/CalicoJackOfficial | Instagram.com/calico.jack.official

– 30 –

‘Unique but still stick to their theme well enough to remain firmly within the confines of Pirate movie soundtracks and the sorts of songs you would hear sung in port taverns.’ – Folk-metal.nl

‘Calico Jack’s ship is finally ready to set sail in the world of pirate metal, and given the prowess of the crew, it won’t struggle much to conquer land and booty, you can be sure of that…for Blackbeard’s eyepatch!’ – Mr. Folk

‘Let the sails be unfurled, let the flags be hoisted, it’s time to set sail into the open sea in search of treasure and ships to plunder and to other ports to pillage. Calico Jack: dreaded pirates of folk metal.’ – Metalforce

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

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0 CEMR MetalFest (Edmonton, AB) Announces 2023 Lineup w/ Display of Decay, Votov, Whorrify, Immortal Possession, Death Perception and more!

May 1, 2023
by Asher
· CEMR MetalFest · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 1, 2023

CEMR MetalFest (Edmonton, AB) Announces 2023 Lineup w/ Display of Decay, Votov, Whorrify, Immortal Possession, Death Perception and more!

CEMR 2023 Festival Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/3Lr5XDX

CEMR MetalFest announces its return in 2023 since being postponed during the Covid Pandemic. This year’s lineup is being hosted in Edmonton, Alberta from September 1st to 3rd at Rendez Vous Pub. The lineup includes headliners Display of Decay, Votov, and Whorrify among many more from the Canadian West Coast. (full lineup below).

Highlights of the festival’s lineup include Friday night headliners and hometown death metal heroes Display of Decay, who will be supporting their latest album “Art In Mutilation” (2018) (Gore House Productions), along with delighting and punishing the audience with an onslaught of new blast beats and evil gutturals from their yet to be titled forthcoming sixth studio offering. They will be supported that same night by Winnipeg old-school death metallers Immortal Possession, who are making a rare performance since first forming in 1989. They will be supporting their latest album and first new extreme music in 20 years, “The Resurrectionist” released in 2022 via CDN Records. Headlining the Saturday night is Votov, also hailing from Winnipeg with their OSDM layered with thrash undertones and primal grooves. Headlining the closing night on Sunday is one of the must-see acts from Calgary, mosh pit tyrants Whorrify, named by MetalSucks as one of Canada’s grinding bands to check out “Their songs are vile-filled but earnest and the performances are sweat-filled and cathartic.” and praised by Absolute Underground, “They have brutal songs that get the pit going which are catchy enough to not be just a bunch of noise, making for memorable live shows.”.

In addition to the headliners, local Edmonton thrashers TYMO are another band not to miss, who will be supporting their latest album “Art of The Maniac” named “one of the best thrash releases of the month (February)!” by Metal Hammer Germany and reveled by Worship Metal as one of The 5 Greatest Canadian Thrash Albums of 2022, “In the mood for a good ol’ fashioned thrashing? Feeling the need for speed? Is it party time? If the answer to any (or all) of the above is/was a resounding “fuck yes!” then Tymo’s The Art Of A Maniac was the thrash album for you… Relentless and, most importantly FUN, Tymo’s clean, crisp lethal riffage and Tim Tymo’s feral barks combined to create a detailed thrash canvas liberally sprayed with blood, sweat, tears, and beers….Bob Ross would approve (probably).”

And trekking all the way from Hamilton, ON, Death Perception making their first appearance in Western Canada to support their blisteringly fast 2021 album “Ashes” (WormHoleDeath Records).

Ticket Info:
Early Bird Weekend Passes are available at $60.00 until June 15th
_______
1 Day: $ 25.00
2-Day Passes : $ 45.00
Weekend Passes After June 15th: $70.00
Tickets are available online on Eventbrite along with physical available for purchase at Rendezvous Pub in Edmonton, AB.

Event info – https://www.facebook.com/events/s/cemr-metalfest-iii/1351904695594695/

CEMR MetalFest 2023 Lineup:

*Friday September 1st*
Narcissistic Necrosis – Calgary, AB
Exit Wound – Calgary, AB
Crimson Caliber – Medicine Hat, AB
Balrogath – Calgary, AB
Brain Stem – Edmonton, AB
Inhumed – Winnipeg, MB
Immortal Possession – Winnipeg, MB
Display Of Decay (Headliner) – Edmonton, AB

*Saturday September 2nd*
Divide The Dead – Red Deer, AB
Cultist – Calgary, AB
Tymo – Edmonton, AB
Forsaken Rite – Edmonton, AB
Snakepit – Calgary, AB
Tides Of Kharon – Edmonton, AB
Death Perception – Hamilton, ON
Votov (Headliner) – Winnipeg, MB

*Sunday September 3rd *
Hooker Spit – Red Deer, AB
Molten Black – Calgary, AB
Phantom Divine – Red Deer, AB
Lynx – Calgary, AB
Buried Beneath – Edmonton, AB
Waking Mayhem – Edmonton, AB
Naitaka – Kelowna, BC
Whorrify (Headliner) – Calgary, AB

Sponsors:
Spectra Alternative Solutions
Heavy Metal A Way Of Life
Asher Media Relations
Lady Red’s Bath Of Blood c/o Metal Devastation Radio
Rich Embury ‘s METALLIC UTOPIA
Custom Artwork by Diko Nursyahra
Trash Talk w/Nate Trash
Abscene Productions
Local Band Smokeout Canada

For more info: Cemrmetalfest3.com | Facebook.com/cemronline | Instagram.com/cemrmetalfest

– 30 –

0 PYREXIA Unleashes New Lyric Video “Purging The Nemesis” Off 25th Anniversary Re-Recorded Edition of “System of The Animal” Out June 2023

May 1, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Pyrexia

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 1, 2023

PYREXIA Unleashes New Lyric Video “Purging the Nemesis”

25th Anniversary Re-Recorded Edition of “System of The Animal” Out June 2023

Photo Credit – Jim Wertman

In 1997, Long Island, NY’s Pyrexia unleashed one of their OSDM classic records “System of The Animal”. Set to unleash a re-recorded 25th-anniversary edition of the album with its current band lineup that consists of Chris Basile (Guitar), Shaun Kennedy (Bass), Jim Beach (Vocals), and John Glassbrenner (Drums), the punishing brutal death metallers are sharing a new lyric video for the track “Purging the Nemesis” via their Youtube at https://youtu.be/vqtorFK8J8A

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3oO7wmE

Band co-founder and guitarist Chris Basile adds about the track:

”This track is probably the most ferocious on the album. Pure Brutal Death Metal Vintage 1997. Only this time you can hear the riffs and feel the drums.”

The 25th Anniversary edition of “System of The Animal 25” was recorded at Chapel Sound on Long Island, NY, and was mixed and mastered at Demigod Studios by Miguel Tereso. With “System of the Animal 25”, Pyrexia provides the blueprint for OG Brutality. It’s fierce, angry, and in your face. This album will not leave your playlist. So put on your moshing shoes for this one. Heads will be banging and elbows flying.

“This album was ahead of its time in 1997. I don’t think a lot of people were ready for such a mix of Brutal Death Metal VS. Beatdown Hardcore. When people hear this material with the production we put together with Demigod Studio, combined with the fact that the music was written in the mid-90s. I think it puts Pyrexia in a whole new light for a lot of people. I think the songwriting is really going to stand out for listeners bored with bands that put out the same album over and over.” says Basile.

“System of the Animal 25” is due out on June 6th, 2023 via the band’s label Gravitas Entertainment.

Album pre-order (CD, Vinyl) is available at Pyrexiaofficialmerchandise.bigcartel.com

Lyric Video for re-recorded “Unscathed” – https://youtu.be/m5hfuEat8I8

Track Listing:
1. Confrontation
2. Downsized
3. System of the Animal
4. Closure
5. Purging the Nemesis
6. Day One
7. Unscathed
8. G.F.Y.S. (Go Fuck Your Self)

For more info: Pyrexia.world | Facebook.com/PYREXIADEATHMETAL | Instagram.com/pyrexiaofficial

About:

Band formation: 1990 – present
Location: Long Island, New York

1987-1989: Chris Basile joins the band Mortuary along with Terrence Hobbs, Doug Cerrito, and Mike Smith, all of Suffocation. Together over 30 songs were written by the band and many of the songs and riffs written during this time appear on both Pyrexia and Suffocation’s early releases leading to many comparisons.

1990: Basile meets up with the four other original members Guy Marchais, Rob Shimonski, Daryl Wagner and Mike Andrejko, and Pyrexia is formed. They go on to release their 1991 demo Liturgy of Impurity and later the classic 1993 Full-length Sermon of Mockery, cementing their place in the anoles of Death Metal history……

Pyrexia continued to release one seminal release after another including their 1997 “System of the Animal”, and even teaming up with Trevor Peres of Obituary in 1999 to form the band “Catastrophic” which went on to release their debut album on Metal Blade records.

In 2007 the band signed with Unique Leader Records and began an extensive campaign of touring and performing both in America and overseas in support of the next three albums released under the UL moniker that continues today.

With the addition of Gravitas Entertainment and Management as full-time management for the band, the schedule and team in place for 2023 have the band set for new heights…..

– 30 –

Page 14 of 54

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