Tag: news

0 PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

January 28, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Prog Metal Mania - Munich

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 28, 2025

PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup

w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

Festival Artwork by Ryan T Hancock

Offering an exciting mix of established greats as well as emerging, young bands, Prog Metal Mania Festival is making its event debut on May 2nd and 3rd in Munich, Germany at the world-famous Backstage, featuring the headliners SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION along with OBSIDIOUS, XAON, POEM, and more.

Official Prog Metal Mania Spotify Playlist – https://spoti.fi/4aqkF9p

Shaping up to be a must-attend for Progressive Rock and Metal fans from Germany and beyond, the 2025 inaugural lineup sees 13 bands and one special guest hailing from Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Greece, Italy, and Lebanon. While each one of them brings something special out of the broad Prog, Metal & Mania spectrum, most haven’t played in the Bavarian capital before or rarely visited Southern Germany until now.

Organizer Katha states: “The idea for Prog Metal Mania came to life through the collaboration of Mostly Metal \m/ & The Progspace and the common wish to bring certain bands on one of Munich’s most prestigious stages for heavy music. Even though it’s a new festival, the response to the first announcements has been overwhelming, grateful for the warm welcome we got within the scene. We’re really happy to have so many fantastic bands on board, and can’t wait to celebrate their music and the festival’s debut with all those Prog Metal Maniacs from near and far!”

Day split tickets and weekend passes are available at the following link HERE.

Friday, May 2nd, 2025 – Doors 13:00, Stage times 13:30 – 23:30
Disillusion
Obsidious
F.K.Ü.
Vulkan
Loch Vostok
Ihlo
Jester’s Tears

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 – Doors 12:30, Stage times 13:00 – 23:30
Scar Symmetry
Poem
Xaon
Turbulence
Aeons
Soulsplitter
John Macaluso

About The Bands – https://progmetalmania.com/en/Bands/

SCAR SYMMETRY – With legendary guitar wizard Per Nilsson as a driving force, the Swedish band perfectly blends mind-blowing riffs with virtuoso soloing, built up on mighty synth layers, complex yet groovy rhythms, and topped by a vigorous dual vocal attack. Fascinating Metal fans all over the world, they will play their first show in Munich after 12 years!

DISILLUSION – With their special blend of Progressive Death Metal, the German band takes their audience from the top of the world to the end of the sea. By creating dense, multi-layered soundscapes and versatile movements at the forefront of artistic concepts, they already released three rich, fully matured Metal masterpieces.

OBSIDIOUS – Named after black volcanic glass, the group’s moniker exudes something dark, of fiery origin, and metaphorically offers a nearly limitless platform for expression and advancement. Having caught the Extreme Metal scene by storm with their iconic debut in 2022, the international Tech Death powerhouse is set to blow the roof off at Prog Metal Mania 2025!

TURBULENCE – The Lebanese masters of musical story-telling even make a robot dream with their marvelous soundscapes and virtuosic playing, inviting their listeners on captivating, emotional journeys.

JOHN MACALUSO – Born in the US, now living in Italy, the legendary drummer has already played on over 200 albums (ARK, Michael Romeo, Powermad, Yngwie Malmsteen…) and countless tours. He will present a special show for fans of hot rhythms and cool stories with his terrific, versatile playing and some glimpses behind the scenes.

XAON – The French Symphonic Death Metal band spreads its wings on the hunt for nothing less than epicness. By melting the raw energy of Extreme Metal with the finesse and vehemence of a mighty orchestra, their music is absolutely mind-blowing, yet with an amazing sense for details – Brutal and beautiful at the same time.

VULKAN – The Swedish band with the eruptive name offers mesmerizing melodies to immerse yourself in, served on a layer of intriguing rhythms with a true sense for incredibly atmospheric soundscapes.

LOCH VOSTOK – By bringing together raw beauty with complexity and finesse, their music comes along brutal yet with a catchy grooviness, delivering fat choruses, shredalicious solos, and poisonous hooks.

POEM – There’s a certain beauty in melancholy, and the Greek quartet absolutely brings this to the top with its unique, intense compositions. The outstanding voice and expressive performance of singer George Prokopiou make each song a highly emotional experience.

F.K.Ü. – Since there’s a huge overlapping between the Horror and the Metal communities, it seems like a great idea to bring these two beasts together, and F.K.Ü. clearly pull out all the stops on this. Heavily inspired by Freddy Krueger & Co, these four Swedish guys will bring Metal and Mania to Munich.

AEONS – Hailing from the Isle of Man, the Progmetal powerhouse will come to Germany with three albums under their belt, taking their audience from the plains of the American West to ancient Greece, and even to the vast reaches of space with their mighty, musical tales.

SOULSPLITTER – Following their combined musical vision, the German arts collective melts various stylistic splitters into a soulful, new whole. Over the past years, they delved deeper into a specific aspect of their signature sound where heavy guitars and intricate rhythms meet classical piano in a prominent position.

IHLO – The band from Scotland blends modern Progressive Metal with electronic and pop influences to create a sound that is huge musically, emotionally crushing, and full of hooks. Their debut recently got a re-issue via Kscope, and with album No2 showing up on the horizon, they also might bring new music to Munich in May.

JESTER’S TEARS – Even though the name of this Munich-based band might be quickly associated with an album title by Marillion, it is rather the multi-layered symbol for their music, and was actually inspired by Venice and its famous carnival. The five musicians will open Prog Metal Mania with their powerful mix of wonderful playfulness and complex, yet accessible songs.

More info:

https://progmetalmania.com

https://www.facebook.com/ProgMetalMania/

https://www.instagram.com/progmetalmania

https://linktr.ee/progmetalmania

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Festival Press Promotional Packet HERE.

About The Venue – Backstage – Reitknechtstraße 6, 80639 München – www.backstage.eu

Located in the heart of Munich, Backstage is easy to reach by public transport thanks to the S-Bahn station Hirschgarten being pretty close. A chargeable parking space is also available, several hotels are within walking distance.

As all concerts are set on the same stage, there are no overlaps in the playing times so all bands can be experienced. The venue’s beer garden is a great place for lively chats with other music enthusiasts during the breaks while getting drinks and food there.

Festival Links:

Prog Metal Mania will take place on 2 & 3 May 2025 at the Backstage (Werk) in Munich, Germany

Organizer: Mostly Metal Events & PR

For requests please contact info[@]progmetalmania[.]com

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0 YESTERDAY’S HERO New Video “What I Needed” Off Debut Album “Ways To Hate” Out Now!

January 24, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Yesterday's Hero

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 25, 2025

YESTERDAY’S HERO New Video “What I Needed” Off Debut Album “Ways To Hate” Out Now!

Ohio alternative metal Yesterday’s Hero has a new music video to offer up to fans for their track “What I Needed” featured on their debut album “Ways To Hate”. It is a hooky distorted riffing song, guitarist Tony Smith wrote it with his son playing the drums. A Rise Against-inspired banger. It’s a song that is medication for the wounds that we’ve all been dealt.

“Waking up to the realization that not everything is as it seems and really accepting that. It’s what a lot of us need to move forward in life. Sometimes in the middle of a struggle, you may not realize it’s “What I Needed”. adds Smith.

Watch and listen to “What I Needed” via its premiere on Ghost Cult Magazine HERE.

Yesterday’s Hero is a good time band. They have more fun out at the shows than they probably should. They are no choir boys and they bring that signature sound with their first full-length “Ways To Hate”. It was purposely recorded in analog to give you a real album experience and not just singles spread out. The tracklisting was designed for each song to complement the next from beginning to end along with feeling the music and its emotions of struggling with a bleeding heart at the end of a tumultuous relationship

A fusion of high-energy grooves with timeless melodies to get your blood pumping and moshing in the pit, Yesterday’s Hero is recommended for fans of Chevelle, Rise Against, Killswitch Engage, Godsmack, and Seether.

Released on November 24, 2023, “Ways To Hate” is available on all digital platforms at https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/yesterdayshero/ways-to-hate and https://yesterdayshero.bandcamp.com (CD/digital).

Previous Videos:

Ways To Hate – https://youtu.be/TYftddOAhlA

Bounce – https://youtu.be/G0P7nnW8wzU

Track Listing:
1- Killing Me (3:43)
2- What I Needed (4:06)
3- Ways to Hate (3:38)
4- Bounce (4:12)
5- Be (3:46)
6- Road of Doom (5:26)
7- Life’s So Good (3:46)
Album Length: 28:36

Band Lineup Live and Recording
Chris Neller – Vocals
Nathan Fike – Lead Guitar
Tony Smith – Guitar
Bill Mizen – Bass
Byron Ferguson – Live Drums and Recorded Drums on track 2. What I Needed, 3. Ways to Hate, 4. Bounce
Jesse Elkins – Recorded Drums on track 1. Killing Me, 5. Be, 6. Road of Doom, and 7. Life’s So Good

More info: Yesterdaysheroband.com | Facebook.com/YesterdaysHeroBand | Instagram.com/hero_yesterdays

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“This is a great album…. they all sound awesome, being the perfect blend of the early 2000s alt-metal sound and a more modern take, almost bordering on Phil Campbell at times. And, as similar as it all was, I would happily take a lot more of it. Seven tracks just wasn’t enough for me! It sounds great and I think these guys are going to be a big deal soon, if this album is anything to go off!” – Overtone Magazine

“If you’re a real mensch, then you know when it’s your time to bounce, like the boys in Yesterday’s Hero. The hard rockers are happy to unveil their new music video for “Bounce,” off of their new record, Ways To Hate. The seven-track effort was self-released late last month and checks all the boxes of a no-nonsense, riff-rocking good time. There probably isn’t anywhere more rock n’ roll to record a music video than a car shop, which the band selected as the location of this badass new video clip. The primary riff featured in “Bounce” is one of the first the Ohio quartet conceived for this new record. In a sense, the riff dictated the subject matter of the song, with the band feeling that it really “bounced.” Feeding off of this energy, the song came about rather naturally and cohesively.” – V13

“”When it comes to big riffs, ‘Bounce’ by Yesterday’s Hero doesn’t sell the listener short. Its main thrust sounds like a stoner rock band channelling an old Fugazi tune; the muted riff on the verse adds a sharp edge beneath a great vocal, and exploding into a huge chorus, the band are able to convey a timeless post-grunge sound that sounds massive beneath an enthusiastic hook. If that wasn’t enough, a slow heavy breakdown drawing from a blend of groove metal and hardcore influences increases the tension at the track’s end, ensuring these four minutes leave most rock fans more than satisfied.” – Real Gone Rocks

“The song (Killing Me) is a straightforward alt-metal rager for fans of the late-90s/early-2000s nu-metal scene. The video follows a series of drawings to create a dark and mysterious noir-type atmosphere. ” – New Noise Magazine

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

January 23, 2025
by Asher
· Lunar · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 23, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Previous Singles

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

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

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

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

(Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Exitus Stratagem Records – THIRTEEN GOATS Open Up The Pit For Glacial Mutilation Metal Festival + “Tour of The Black Flame” w/ OPAL IN SKY, NAMELESS KING + New Album “Capricorn Rising” Out Now!

January 22, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Thirteen Goats

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 22, 2024

THIRTEEN GOATS Open Up The Pit For Glacial Mutilation Metal Festival

+ Vancouver Island Tour Dates – “Tour of The Black Flame” w/ OPAL IN SKY, NAMELESS KING

New Album “Capricorn Rising” Out Now! via Exitus Strategem Records

“It’s really strong. GREAT musicians, great production, as well as a very progressive aspect without losing the darkness.” – Kelly Schaefer, Atheist

L-R: Thirteen Goats Current Lineup | Rob Fitz-Gerald (Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals) | Graham K. Miles (Lead Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars) | Cody Lewichew (Bass, Gang Vocals) | Leonid Verman (Drums, Gang Vocals) – Photo Credit: Kevyn Lilith Hoskin

Vancouver, Canada’s Thirteen Goats announce they will be performing on this year’s lineup for the Glacial Mutilation Metal Festival being held over three nights in Vancouver, BC from February 20th to 22nd at The Wise Hall. Thirteen Goats will be the festival’s opening band alongside The Hallowed Catharsis (Vancouver, BC), Dawn of Ouroboros (Oakland, CA), Black Pestilence (Calgary, AB), and Rat King (Seattle, WA).

The festival lineup also features Exist (Baltimore, MD), Bonded By Blood (Pomona, CA), Xoth (Seattle, WA), Terrifier (Vancouver, BC), Celestial Wizard (Denver, CO), Nomad (Okanagan, BC), Art of Attrition (Red Deer, AB) and more!

Full details and lineup are available at the following links:

Facebook Event – https://www.facebook.com/events/3676238119297179

Tickets – https://orangetickets.ca/detalles_evento.php?id_evento=1872

In additional news, Thirteen Goats will be storming Vancouver Island, BC in March 2025 for the “Tour of The Black Flame” supporting OPAL IN SKY alongside NAMELESS KING (dates listed below). Thirteen Goats is touring in support of their second album—the extreme metal rock opera “Capricorn Rising” unleashed on Exitus Stratagem Records this past July.

Tour of The Black Flame w/ Opal In Sky, Nameless King, Thirteen Goats
Tickets available at – https://orangetickets.ca/
March 20 – Nanaimo, BC – The Globe
March 21 – Victoria, BC – Phoenix Bar
March 22 – Port Alberni, BC – Rainbow Room
March 23 – Cumberland, BC – Masonic Hall

Thirteen Goats’s “Capricorn Rising,” tells the story of their mascot, Shepherd: a goat-skull-wearing Antichrist who raises an army of animals to liberate the earth from humanity’s constant wars and greed. This high-concept narrative is delivered with Thirteen Goats‘ signature blend of infernal riffs, huge hooks, and uniquely theatrical songwriting.

Each song on the album is part of a broader narrative that explores themes of disillusionment, radicalization, and rebellion as Shepherd and his 12 demon goats wage their crusade. Thirteen Goats delivers a unique blend of death and thrash metal, combined with a storytelling approach that takes listeners on a journey through the darkest aspects of both human and animal nature.

Listeners can expect furious riffage, ambitious song structures, and even occasional female guest vocals (courtesy of guest artist Carly Ellen Jones). What they shouldn’t expect is a record that plays it safe or falls neatly into one specific subgenre. Thirteen Goats is recommended for fans of Lamb of God, Carcass, and Mastodon.

Released on July 12, 2024, “Capricorn Rising” is available from Exitus Stratagem Records at https://www.exsrmusic.com/store/p/pre-sale-thirteen-goats-capricorn-rising

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/41hkue1

Music Videos:

Murder Lives in the Heart – https://youtu.be/hpgqlbehecM

Sign of the Goat – https://youtu.be/D_J3sPkBPxU

A Wolf in Shepherd’s Clothing – https://youtu.be/6J5wSen7Emc

More info: Exsrmusic.com | ThirteenGoats.com

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“It’s really strong. GREAT musicians, great production, as well as a very progressive aspect without losing the darkness.” – Kelly Shaefer from Atheist

“take a spin around the room with Thirteen Goats’ “high-concept narrative” and take on modern metal stylized by everything from Mastodon and Carcass to Cannibal Corpse and Lamb of God.” – Decibel Magazine

“Tinnitist Album of The Week! Thirteen Goats ‘Capricorn Rising’ – Exitus Stratagem Records – https://tinnitist.com/2024/07/11/albums-of-the-week-thirteen-goats-capricorn-rising/

“All in all, on “Capricorn Rising” the gentlemen from the West Coast combine the universal power of North American thrash metal into a versatile, interesting and, above all, powerful record.8/10″ – Power-Metal.de

“What makes this turbocharged song (Sign of The Goat) so damned much diabolical fun is the band’s melding of viscerally compulsive grooves, head-spinning instrumental pyrotechnics, and rapid-fire vocal assaults — and doing so in a way that makes the track highly infectious too. The song vividly intersects with the tech-death sphere through flurries of quickly darting, swirling, and swarming riffage, deliriously cavorting arpeggios, and a multitude of percussive fusillades. As displayed in the video, fingers and limbs fly like the wind, and the guttural barks and hair-raising screams in the vocal department rhythmically eject the violent words just as fast and just as furiously. But, as forecast, the song is also a viscerally groovesome beast. It’s almost relentlessly hard-slugging, but what really stands out are brutish, muscle-galvanizing jackhammer-bursts, the first of which comes only 25 seconds into the track. Another one of those episodes sets itself up as the backdrop for crazed guitar soloing that sounds like the ecstasies of fiends. And we did warn you — this thing is also immediately catchy and enduringly addictive. It comes recommended for fans of Bolt Thrower, Archspire, and Lamb of God.” – NoCleanSinging

“To get some idea of Thirteen Goats’ approach to heavy music, consider that the Straight’s own Mike Usinger once asked readers to imagine “Vulgar Display of Power-era Pantera in a cage match with Cannibal Corpse and Ministry.” That’s a great start, but it doesn’t account for tracks like “Beheading Zoo”, which tops neck-snapping thrash with enough throat-shredding black-metal screams to please even the most discerning Mayhem fan. Or “Murder Lives in the Heart”, which throws a soaring refrain of heaven-sent clean vocals (courtesy of Carly Ellen Jones) into the mix… Capricorn Rising is that rarest of things in today’s world: a true album, with a set of songs designed to be listened to in sequence. Those songs tell the tale of Shepherd, a man so distraught over the state of the world—endless wars, environmental devastation, and other human-made disasters—that he sells his soul for the power to communicate with non-human creatures… Capricorn Rising is a saga replete with scorched-earth mayhem and mass slaughter—something you can bang your head to while pondering your own complicity in the global capitalist exploitation of ecosystems and peoples alike. In other words, it’s basically the perfect LP for our profoundly fucked-up epoch.” – Georgia Straight (Vancouver Weekly)

“they turn on the thrusters for “Beheading Zoo” and “Permission To Die,” closer “Animal Kingdom” is a quasi-ballad with a ferocious second half. ” – Heavy Music Headquarters

“their music gets the blood pumping. Sounding something like Archspire mixed with Blackening-era Machine Head, the tracks on Capricorn Rising are direct and violent. ” – Metal Utopia

“I’d say this is melodic death, some brutal death stuff, melodic music, black metal vox, growns and clean vox too.” – 89.9 WORT FM – The Moshpit (Madison, WI)

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces Battle Rounds & Bands – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

January 21, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2025

WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces Battle Rounds & Bands

One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

One Band To Conquer Them All! Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce its 2025 rounds and participating bands (more to be announced) across the country, which will see one unsigned band crowned champion and perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g

List of previous WMBU national winners, Cascade Effect (2024 – San Diego), Fadrait (2023 – San Diego) Mythraeum (2022 – San Diego), Monarch (2019 – San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 – Anaheim) and Corpse Hoarder (2017 – Philadelphia).

Spotify – 2024 WMBU National Finalists Playlist – https://spoti.fi/4cbAEb8

The 2025 WMBU champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

2025 USA Wacken Battles – The national final will be held in Clifton, NJ on June 21st at Dingbatz.

Texas Battles:
Jan 31 – Dallas, TX – Trees w/ IH8, Dead Stereo, Vein, Gravehuffer, Divide, From the Grave
Feb 1 – Dallas, TX – Trees w/ Lyric Noel, Wolvera, The Funeral Procession, Oklahoma Blood, Hand Over Fist
Feb 2 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live
Feb 8 – Houston, TX – BFE Rock Club
Feb 22 – San Antonio, TX – Rock Box
Feb 23 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock
March 9 – Austin, TX – Come And Take It Live

California Dates:
Feb 8 – Oakland, CA – Toot’s Tavern w/ Taunted, Midnight Mass, Dev1ous
Feb 22 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages w/ Mourning High, Kumsumption, Against The Sun, Final Summon, Vendetta XIII, War Goul, Illusions of Grandeur
Feb 28 – Sacramento, CA – On The Y w/ Diamantide, Cross, Jnx, Replication
March 1 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages w/ Sentinel Hill, Stryke, Hazard, Nox Sinister, Andsoul, John Demena
March 7 – Oakland, CA – Toot’s Tavern w/ Creepo, Project Mayhem, Burden of Oath, Modern Monsters, Swept To Sea
March 22 – Sacramento, CA – On The Y w/ Way II Stoned, Rail Rage, Exacto, O’Craven
April 5 – Santa Ana, CA – Stages w/ Deface The Dream, Parabellum, Subtle Tension, Hellheart, Tomb of Minerva
April 5 – Sacramento CA – On The Y
April 12 – Oakland, CA – Toot’s Tavern w/ Thares, Catapult Collision, No Fucking Good, Sonus, Tungsten Reigns
April 18 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick w/ Avadan, The Provoked, Sleeping Faceless, Door 13 and more…
April 19 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick w/ The Norse, Brutalator, Of Glory and Decay, Fire & Flesh, Gannondorf and more…
May 3 – Oakland, CA – Toot’s Tavern
May 17 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
May 31 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick

Maryland Battles:
Feb 8 – Catonsville, MD – Morsbergers Tavern w/ Omen//Skye, Voids, For Fear Itself, Nights Edge, What Are The Odds?, Delenda
March 1 – Catonsville, MD – Morsbergers Tavern w/ Dying Oath, Bedroom Floor, Traverse The Abyss, Feed Me To The Wolves, Space Lumberjacks and more…
March 22 – Catonsville, ND – Morsbergers Tavern w/ Watersdeep, Gone Cold, Babies For Brunch, Within Me, Desolation, Fupa Goddess

New Jersey Battles:
Feb 28 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz w/ Prime Prophecy, Gore, Psilo, PERN, Before I Die, Youth Death Club
March 1 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz w/ Deadly Ascension, Falsify, Jackpipe, Ultraviolet, FireHaze, The Age of Ore
April 4 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
May 17 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz
June 21 – Clifton, NJ – Dingbatz – National Final

New York Battles:
March 6 – Brooklyn, NY – Woodshop Brooklyn
March 7 – Brooklyn, NY – Lucky 13 Saloon
April 12 – Brooklyn, NY – Our Wicked Lady

Florida Battles:
March 15 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug w/ Wirethrone, Varanger, Nocturnal Dawn, Claux, Endurus, Forfeiture
April 19 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug w/ Pontifex, Othalan, Nibiru, Piss On Christ, Corrupted Saint, Donefor
May 17 – Tampa, FL – The Brass Mug

Washington Battles:
March 28 – Seattle, WA – The Funhouse

Oregon Battles:
March 29 – Portland, OR – Dante’s
April 19 – Portland, OR – Dante’s

For the last 6 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade and give independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 and compete against the winners of 30 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa.official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa.official

– 30 –

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0 TUMBLEWEED DEALER Creates A Groovy Soundtrack For Alan Moore’s Retelling of Swamp Thing’s Origin w/ “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds” Off New Album “Dark Green” Out Feb 2025

January 21, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Tumbleweed Dealer

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2025

TUMBLEWEED DEALER Creates A Groovy Soundtrack For Alan Moore’s Retelling of Swamp Thing’s Origin w/ “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds”

New Album “Dark Green” Out February 2025

L-R – Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars, Jean-Baptiste Joubaud – Synths & Programming, Angelo Fata – Drums & Percussions

Photo Credit – PAULINE DELABORDE PHOTOGRAPHIE

Set to release their fourth studio album “Dark Green” this February 2025, Montreal, Canada’s instrumental progressive psychedelic groove metal triad Tumbleweed Dealer is sharing their second single “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds”.

Unlike all other tracks on the record, “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds” is the band’s first foray into music with vocals as they paired up with Ceschi Ramos, whose versatility matches the group’s genre-bending sound.

Composed specifically for Tumbleweed Dealer to collaborate with Ceschi Ramos. The band first gave it a more repetitive pattern so Ramos could do a 16-bar rap. The trio then wrote the melodies with his voice in mind, and they crafted parts to serve as choruses. Ramos listened to the song over and over again as he wrote down his words. It became a symbiotic experience, which made the writing even more special as it stands alone as the only vocal track among an otherwise instrumental album.

Seb Painchaud explains the track further:

“The lyrics for Ghosts Dressed In Weeds were mostly written by Ceschi Ramos. I wrote the hooks first and let him in on my inspiration for this album: Alan Moore’s re-imagining of Swamp Thing’s origin story. The emphasis is on the moment where Swamp Thing gets dissected and has his worst enemy laugh while he explains to him that he is not a man turned into a plant, but rather a plant that absorbed a dead man’s memories through osmosis. That exact moment is the inspiration for the album. I didn’t want Ceschi to write specifically ABOUT the graphic novel though. It was enough for him to capture the essence of having your whole world turned upside down, your whole self-perception changed. When Swampy receives the news, he freaks out, breaks free, runs away, and lies down in a swamp without moving for over a month. We’ve all had moments where we just wanted to lay down in a marsh and die. We have felt like we didn’t know how to make sense of a revelation that shatters our self-image. My exact words to Ceschi were that he needed to capture that “How do I go on from here?” moment we have all had. And I think he did that perfectly.”

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Ghosts Dressed In The Weeds” via its premiere on New Noise Magazine HERE.

The new album “Dark Green” is Tumbleweed Dealer‘s effort to capture two essential parts in Alan Moore’s retelling of Swamp Thing’s origin. Firstly, the main character’s struggle and loss of identity. Secondly, they wanted to capture the antagonist’s transformation into nature’s anger towards men.

Each song is meant to feel like a complete journey where listeners are transported to a world where blues, psychedelia, and progressive rock intertwine. It’s been a long-awaited record and marks a bold new chapter for them since 2016’s “TDIII – Tokes, Hatred & Caffeine”. It’s a culmination of their growth as musicians and their desire to create something truly unique. Other notable guests on the album are Zach Strouse’s (Rivers Of Nihil, Burial In The Sky) guest saxophone solo and Antoine Baril’s (Augury, Obliveon) vintage keys for the album’s title track.

“I think the evolution between our third album, and this new one, will surprise some people. We didn’t write a follow-up to our last record. Instead, we incubated the band’s sound and sped up its evolution. If we kept on pace to release an album every year like we did at first, this would’ve been the 10^th one. But we had kids, and that slowed down the process—so this is an evolutionary leap forward that might be jarring. I think that anyone who enjoyed our previous releases will still find what they liked in our sound while enjoying the new variety we’ve brought to it.” says Painchaud.

Due out on February 7, 2025, “Dark Green” is recommended for fans of Elder, Ohm, Camel, Opeth, and Cynic, and is available for album pre-order at https://tumbleweeddealer420.bandcamp.com/album/dark-green

First Single / Title Track – Dark Green – https://youtu.be/L73im_7hOWs

Track Listing:
1. A Distant Figure In The Fog (2:52)
2. Sparks Adrift In The Louisiana Nightsky (3:39)
3. A Plant That Thinks It’s Human (3:34)
4. Becoming One With The Bayou (3:19)
5. Dragged Across The Wetlands (2:56)
6. Dark Green (4:48)
7. Ghosts Dressed In Weeds (5:31)
8. Moss On The Mind (3:13)
9. Body Of The Bog (6:34)
10. A Soul Made Of Sludge (3:49)

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Tumbleweed Dealer
• All songs written by: Tumbleweed Dealer
• Produced by: Jean-Baptiste Joubaud
• Mixed by: Jean-Baptiste Joubaud
• Mastered by: Harris Newman
• Album Artwork by: Glenn Le Calvez

Album Band Line Up:
Seb Painchaud – Bass & Guitars
Angelo Fata – Drums & Percussions
Jean-Baptiste Joubaud – Synths & Programming

Guest Musicians:
Antoine Baril – Mellotron, Hammond Organ & Keyboards on tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 & 10
Guillaume Audette – Wurlitzer, Rhodes and Church Organ on tracks 8 & 10
Jocelyn Couture – Trumpet & Flugel Horn on tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9
Loïc Roy-Turgeon – Trombone on tracks 4 and 5
Zach Strouse – Saxophone on track 6
And special guest star Ceschi Ramos as himself on track 7

More info: Facebook.com/TumbleweedDealer | X.com/westernhorror | Instagram.com/tumbleweeddealer

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“The epic song (Dark Green) is a good indication of what the rest of the record holds, which is plenty of blues, psychedelia, and prog rock.” – Decibel Magazine

“Tumbleweed Dealer’s “Dark Green,” the title track from their upcoming album out on February 7th, is a lesson in blending diverse musical influences into a singular, gripping piece. Clocking in at just under five minutes, the song showcases the band’s evolution and fearless creativity by weaving elements of blues, psychedelia, and progressive rock into a dynamic and unpredictable journey. The track builds a narrative through its seamless shifts in tone and texture. From introspective melodies to bursts of raw energy, the track balances complexity with accessibility. Antoine Baril’s vintage keys anchor the composition, giving it a retro flair, while Zach Strouse’s saxophone solo adds an unexpected but welcome layer of richness. Tumbleweed Dealer’s roots in extreme music shine subtly through black metal-inspired melodies and brief flashes of double bass drum that are a nod to their past without overshadowing their current direction. This contrast between intensity and finesse underscores the band’s skill in pushing genre boundaries. “Dark Green” not only introduces the thematic essence of the album but it also captures the spirit of exploration that has defined Tumbleweed Dealer’s evolution.” – Amplify The Noise

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 Announces BC Bands & Rounds – One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

January 20, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2025

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA 2025 Announces BC Bands & Rounds

– One Band To Rule Them All & Play Wacken Open Air 2025 –

WMBC Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

Spotify – 2024 WMBC National Finalists Playlist HERE.

One Band To Rule Them All! After another record-breaking year of submissions from independent bands across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce this year’s British Columbia and Ontario 2025 battles and bands, which could see one unsigned band crowned champion and perform at one of the world’s most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

The 2025 British Columbia and Ontario battles will be held in the following cities and dates with more to be announced for Canada. The national final will be held in Vancouver, BC on May 31st, 2025 at The Rickshaw Theatre.

2025 Canadian Wacken Battles:

British Columbia Dates:

March 1 – Vancouver Round 1 @ The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
DeathBound, NIGHTOWL, Utility Provider, Nokturna, Burnt Lung
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/1114719273271273/

March 2 – BC Interior Round @ Jackknife Brewing – Kelowna, BC
Dendros, Burn It All, Gregorious, Nomad, Storm The Empire
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/913101870812415/

March 22 – Vancouver Round 2 @ The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
Iron Kingdom, Ashen Pall, Heathanz Sinz, Killing Twins, TIVR
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/951824699871604/

March 30 – Vancouver Island Round @ Lucky Bar – Victoria, BC
YEGG, Electric Druids, Decryptor, Gate Theory, Antler
Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/481340948041676/

May 3 – BC Final @ The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC
May 31 – National Final @ The Rickshaw, Vancouver, BC

Ontario Dates:
January 10 – London Round @ Rum Runners
Atria (guest headliner), Death Club, Dead Days, 4HateU8
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1944970149316798/
WINNER – DEAD DAYS – https://www.facebook.com/deaddaysmusic

January 24 – Hamilton Round @ Main Stage Rehearsal
The Good Depression, Killotine, Zero Tolerance, Devilz By Definition, Zero End
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-24-hamilton

January 25 – Toronto Round 1 @ Hard Luck
Pillars of Autumn, Ischemic, Purveyor of Chaos, Unkle Skurvey
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-jan-25-toronto

February 1 – Toronto Round 2@ Hard Luck
Seagrave, Nepenthe, Panic Response, The Animal Warfare Act
Ticket link: https://wackenmetalbattle.bigcartel.com/product/wacken-metal-battle-feb-1-toronto

Edmonton, AB – TBA
Calgary, AB – TBA
Ottawa, ON – TBA
Montreal, QC – TBA
Quebec City, QC – TBA

The 2025 WMBC champion will receive the following:
– A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
– Full professional backline provided.
– $1,000 CAD towards flights to Germany.
– VIP camping at the festival.

The 2024 WMBC national final was held in Edmonton, AB at The Starlite Room on May 25th and witnessed regional winners Arrow In The Quiver (Vancouver, BC), Infrastrvctvre (Calgary, AB), Age of Ashes (Edmonton, AB), Beguiler (Toronto, ON) and Red Raven Chaos (Montreal, QC) along with special guest headliners NECHT (Calgary, AB – 2023 National Finalist).

The night was MC’d by Gord Alexander (Tessitura, Tides of Kharon) and judged by an industry panel that included JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada, Boonsdale Records, Skull Fist, Thunderor – Toronto, ON), Luc Lainé (CFLX 95,5 FM – Alerte Metallique – Sherbrooke, QC), Dan Cleary (Striker), Kim Aebly (The Invisible Orange, Vancouver, BC), Dana Zuk (Dana Zuk Photography – Edmonton, AB), Jon Asher (Asher Media Relations – Montreal, QC), Nancy Barnes (Big Nate Productions – Calgary, AB), Celestia Scarlett (Owner/Artist Manager – The Celestial Agency- Calgary, AB) and Steve DC (Strigampire – 2023 National WMBC Winner – Trois-Rivières, QC).

After each band presented their furious rallying battle performance, the only one that stood out from the rest was crowned 2024 champion Toronto’s Beguiler who moved on to perform as the only independent Canadian band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).

Live Full Video of 2024 WMBC National Final in Edmonton, AB – https://www.youtube.com/live/dCYiImMkzq4

List of previous WMBC national winners Beguiler (Toronto, ON – 2024), Strigampire (Trois-Rivières, QC – 2023), The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

Info:

Since 2013, with a pause year in 2017 and 2020 due to COVID-19, Wacken Metal Battle Canada has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, and many more. Details here.

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2025 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All battle rounds are judged by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://www.metal-battle.com/rules/

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
Facebook.com/WMBCanada.official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

– 30 –

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Promoter Partners:
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0 Toronto’s DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

January 15, 2025
by Asher
· Derev · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 15, 2024

Toronto’s DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

L-R: Armando Bablanian (Guitar) | Stan Komarovsky (Bass) | Michel Karakach (Drums) | Mike Symons (Vocals) | Ran Zehavi (Keys)

Photo Credit – Jon Blacker

Toronto, Canada’s progressive metal band Derev is unveiling their latest single “Cyclone” a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track follows their earlier single “Room 9” and is the latest preview of their highly awaited first full-length album “Troubled Mind” slated for release on March 26, 2025. The band comments on the lyrical content:

“Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state, “Imposter Syndrome” makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.”

“Cyclone” demonstrates Derev‘s masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax. The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that gradually intensifies as layers of bass and drums create an underlying sense of unrest. This tension ultimately gives way to a soaring, heartwarming guitar solo that brings a moment of clarity before concluding with a memorable cliffhanger riff.

The forthcoming album “Troubled Mind” promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, featuring both energetic highs and poignant lows. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Cyclone” at https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U

Spotify – https://show.co/XRS9Tlm

Due out March 26, 2025, “Troubled Mind” is available for album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store

First single – Animated video for “Room 9” at https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M

Track Listing:
1. Buried Voice (7:23)
2. Cyclone (5:39)
3. Crawl Space (1:16)
4. Room 9 (6:15)
5. Paracusia (4:35)
6. Tides of Time (5:59)
7. Darker Self (5:44)
8. Trace Within (5:01)

Album Band Line Up:
Adel Saflou – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys

Live Band Line Up:
Mike Symons – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys

More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic

About: “Divided by war, United by music”

Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.

After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member, and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev’s debut release “Leap of Faith” melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.

The band’s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev’s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering “Troubled Mind”. Symons’ compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.

As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album “Troubled Mind” on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.

Discography:
2025 – Troubled Mind – LP
2021 – Leap of Faith – EP

-30-

“Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.” – The Prog Space

“Room 9 is a song that manages to present a depth and feelings that fill the song very well. We have here a very progressive performance, which incorporates heavy and intense riffs, a good song to know the band!” – Metal Junk Box

“Derev offer a hard-hitting examination of war and honour on their darkly exotic and relentlessly heavy single and video Turab” – Tinnitist

“With “Leap Of Faith” Derev presents itself as a mature band with strong songs and great musicians. All the more reason to eagerly look forward to the first full-fledged album.” – Progwereld

“It seems like 2020 and 2021 have given artists the isolation and the time they need to make their best music, or finally release their first music. Derev‘s first released track “Futile” was a pleasant surprise: it’s melodic and creative, and it has a fantastic video with a perfectly chosen voice. That one track led me to an interview with the band, and I get to know both them and their planned EP release “Leap of Faith“…. This EP is without a doubt the best release I have heard in 2021 so far. I would give it a 9/10 and recommended it to any fan of (New) Opeth, Haken, Beardfish, Soen.” – Leb Metal (2021 – Leap of Faith)

“Leap Of Faith, an EP, featuring six songs, is their musical debut and Derev combines traditional metal with melodic progressive rock and Eastern musical influences…. Derev really surprised me with this great EP, a must listen for fans of Riverside, Opeth and Haken; highly recommended indeed!!” – BackGround Magazine
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0 Texas’ ABOLISHMENT OF FLESH’s New Music Video “Hater of Man” Explores Disassociating with Society and Reality Off EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy”

January 13, 2025
by Asher
· Abolishment of Flesh · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 13, 2024

ABOLISHMENT OF FLESH’s New Music Video “Hater of Man” Explores Disassociating with Society and Reality

Latest EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy” Out Now!

Live Lineup – Top Left – Ramon Cazares – Guitars, Vocals – Top Right – Izaak Chavez – Guitar

Bottom Left – Jake Lahniers – Bass, Backing Vocals – Bottom Right – Adrian Galindo – Drums

Texas, USA’s death metal powerhouse Abolishment of Flesh is unshackling their latest music video for their track “Hater of Man” off their latest EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy”, released in 2023 via Blood Bast Distribution.

A relentless barrage of guttural death metal to knock you off your feet, the song is about a child in the womb who senses the rejection and hatred of a drug addict mother. This child grows to become disassociated with society and reality. In the end, the person is consumed with hate for themselves and everyone around them.

Vocalist and Guitarist comments:

“This was another one I wrote almost 10 years ago. The part after the solo was rewritten and re-arranged. The older version was old-school death metal so I wanted to modernize it in a sense. I think it turned out nicely and the riffs are really fun to play.”

Watch and listen to the music video for “Hater of Man” via its premiere on Slam Worldwide at https://youtu.be/KIXiepFhV3g

Abolishment of Flesh’s latest EP “Resurrecting Misanthropy” has a little bit of something for everyone. The band is not just death metal, they throw in some black metal, melody, thrash, groove, and grind. Their sound incorporates several aspects of metal and they don’t just stick to one formula.

With themes rooted in war, violence, disease, corruption, and the systematic collapse of human civilization, Abolishment of Flesh delivers an anti-human message about death and destruction. Although AOF’s violent and grim nature of its lyrics is serious, its main focus is on metal music and creativity.

“Resurrecting Misanthropy” is out now at Abolishmentofflesh.bandcamp.com and Spotify and is recommended for fans of Kataklysm, Suffocation, and Deicide.

Lyric Video “Words Defy Truth” – https://youtu.be/vYJ1LwFnx7M

Track Listing:
1. Words Defy Truth (4:00)
2. Hater of Man (3:23)
3. Disavowed (4:04)

More info: Abolishmentofflesh.com | Facebook.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial | X.com/abolishmenttxdm | Youtube.com/@abolishmentoffleshofficial | Instagram.com/abolishmentoffleshofficial

-30-

“Spiraling and crazed death metal from Amarillo, The Abolishment Of Flesh’s debut proves they aren’t messing around.” – Metal Injection (Inhuman Condition 2018)

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0 Rockshots Records – Out Now! BERIEDIR’s New Album “Liminal Spaces”

January 10, 2025
by Asher
· Beriedir (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 10, 2025

Out Now! BERIEDIR’s New Album “Liminal Spaces”

Beriedir proudly releases their third studio album “Liminal Spaces”, now available as of January 10th from Rockshots Records.

With “Liminal Spaces”, Beriedir fully embraces a progressive and experimental sound, moving away from their power metal origins. The new record delves into melancholia, nostalgia, longing, and seclusion, delivering in both lyrics and music.

“It’s okay to bask in memories, we’re not alone in our burnouts, weird dreams can (and do) affect us, and it’s entirely possible to relapse into the same old sorrows. Sometimes we just need a song to accompany us in this. This is Liminal Spaces.” adds the band.

In the first half, fans are introduced to the album with the straightforward style of the opening track Halo, and explore the main theme of Liminal Spaces with the song Neon, followed by the tight rhythms and variations of In The Corner Of My Eyes. Listeners should be ready to break their neck in the “kyrie eleison” section of As Tight As Phantoms Hold and get carried by the deeply introspective style of F.I.V.E.

The record’s second half gets sweetened with More Than Starlight‘s romantic and wide-open style. Understand what Burnout really is, with the homonym track and its headbanging section followed by polyrhythmic-dying-heartbeat. Return straight to life with the “in your face” styles of Anemoia and Massive, dealing with the wildly incalculable facets of our human depth both in waking life and dreams. In the closure, enter In The Liminal Space, the empty room where you know that you don’t belong, and finally get out, following the familiar sound of a classic guitar playing, right in front of you, a sweet outro melody. Lyrics are a core part of this production, as they reflect introspective themes through an elevated poetic style. Make sure to read them while you listen.

Don’t miss the opportunity to dive into this new chapter of Beriedir’s story, prepare yourself to experience “Liminal Spaces”.

Digital – https://lnk.to/AR9Bpc

CD – https://rockshots.eu/products/beriedir-liminal-spaces-cd

Music Video – “Neon” – https://youtu.be/R5WalIheULc

Music Video – “Halo” – https://youtu.be/vb-QwoHrU8c

Track Listing:
1. Halo
2. Neon
3. In The Corner Of My Eyes
4. As Tight As Phantoms Hold
5. F.I.V.E.
6. More Than Starlight
7. Burnout
8. Anemoia
9. Massive
10. In The Liminal Space

Line-up:
Stefano Nüsperli: Vocals, Keyboards
Simone Bacchi Mottin: Guitars, Backing Vocals
Francesco Ideo: Guitars
Ciro Salvi: Drums
Daniele Cantaboni: Bass Guitar

Beriedir offers a sound that, throughout their discography, spans from progressive power metal—characterized by its signature, neck-breaking choruses—to a contemporary progressive identity, delivering tight rhythms, gargantuan emotional sections, and earth-shattering, surgically precise breakdowns. This powerful musical package is wrapped in introspective themes, melancholic and nostalgic, creating a dark and enveloping aesthetic.

The band originated as a project by frontman Stefano Nüsperli and began their live career in 2015 with the release of their first demo, The Line. From that point on, they have participated in numerous musical events, such as Fosch Fest 2016, and have had the opportunity to share the stage with renowned metal acts like Korpiklaani and Pathfinder.

In 2018, they released their debut full-length album, The Path Beyond the Moon, which allowed them to reach a broader audience. Following the release of their acoustic EP, Lullabies Beyond the Moon (2020), Beriedir signed with Rockshots Records in January 2022 for the release of their second full-length, AQVA, which features Ivan Giannini (Vision Divine, Derdian) as a guest on the track Stormbound. The album received enthusiastic reviews from the press and was warmly welcomed by listeners. As a bonus track, the band released the single Send Me An Angel, a cover of the song by Vision Divine.

Following the album’s release, Beriedir performed several live shows, sharing the stage with prominent bands from both the Italian and international scenes, such as Stratovarius, ELEGY, Moonlight Haze, Trick or Treat, Strana Officina, Derdian, Crying Steel, and others.

After a period focused on live performances and production sessions—including the release of a well-received cover of Lady Gaga’s Bloody Mary in 2023—the band released Elegies From The Lighthouse, an EP featuring acoustic reinterpretations of tracks from AQVA, in September 2024. Shortly thereafter, they announced their third full-length album, Liminal Spaces, scheduled for release in January 2025, once again through Rockshots Records, and preceded by the launch of two singles.

More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/BeriedirOfficial | https://www.instagram.com/beriedirofficial

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“Melodies accompanied by explosive rhythms” – Loud And Proud

“I am utterly convinced that Beriedir will begin to achieve a level of success that their obvious talent fully deserves.” – Man Of Much Metal

“Not only will Beriedir pull your face off, but they’ll do it at breakneck speed in 5/4 time. ‘Aqva’ is a fast-paced album, thrashing machine gun powered guitars do endless battle with the fanfare of keyboards which blast with all the fun of those Euro-pop power metal sound.” – The Metal Crypt

“Metaphysical lyrics […] Through the entire song I thought somehow that a whole orchestra is with the band, so these guys truly know how to play their instruments properly and make magic out of them.” – Abaddon Magazine

“The word “elegant” comes to mind to describe the atmosphere of this album. None of these songs is superfluous. The strength of this release lies in the coherence and articulation of the songs. This clever structure supports an emotional journey. It evokes gigantic waves crashing on your heads.” – Metal Express Radio

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