• About AMR
  • Festivals & Associations
    • 420 Music & Arts Festival (Calgary, AB)
    • Armstrong Metal Fest (Armstrong, BC)
    • Calgary Metalfest
    • Calgary’s YYC Music Awards
    • Days of The Dead Festival (Red Deer, AB)
    • Loud As Hell Metal Fest (Drumheller, AB)
    • Metalocalypstick Fest (Lone Butte, BC) – Mountains, Camping and the Women of Metal!
    • ShrEdmonton Metal Fest & Conference
    • WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA
    • WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA
  • Services (Hire Us!)
  • Subscribe To AMR Artist News & Album Promo

Tag: Porcupine Tree

0 Progressive Chaos Ensues With “Destruction” From Knecht Off Upcoming Self-Titled Release

  • June 23, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Knecht · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 23, 2021

For fans of Haken, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Plini, Liquid Tension Experiment

Progressive Chaos Ensues With “Destruction” From Knecht Off Upcoming Self-Titled Release

Self-Titled Debut EP Out July 16th


Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn

 

Knecht is the solo project of New Jersey’s Joseph Knecht who has been playing music since he was a small child. He is gearing up to release his debut self-titled EP this summer and has the next single “Destruction”.

Citing that he “has never been the best at writing lyrics”, Knecht takes a purely instrumental stance with his music. He continues to explain:

“I write my guitar melodies like vocal melodies. I think to myself how I would want someone to sing over this part. When I wrote Destruction, I knew this was going to be the finale. It captures everything about my style, with elements from 70s and modern prog rock. It’s based around B Lydian dominant, which gives it a really interesting sound harmonically. It’s upbeat and has a bouncing quality, it is my favorite song on the EP.”

Listen to “Destruction” at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/3OeTgXI24GE
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/2TTF2sq

When commenting on the EP as a whole, Knecht says that he intended to write something short that listeners could groove to along with giving a sampling of his complex creativity and intricate songwriting.

“Knecht” is recommended for fans of progressive and groove metal, especially those interested in bands such as Deep Purple, Dream Theater, and Led Zeppelin.

“Knecht” will be available on all digital platforms on July 16, 2021.

Previous single “Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)” can be heard at the following links:
YouTube – https://youtu.be/wXg0SuMSqEQ
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3pzbHPv

Track Listing:
1. Transformation (4:50)
2. Tabernacle Jam (3:50)
3. Working Title (4:42)
4. Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach) (3:42)
5. Summer Nights (3:16)
6. Destruction (5:09)
EP Length: 25:31

EP Recording Line Up:
Joseph Knecht – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Drums – Jason Stewart

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Joseph Knecht and Jason Stewart
• All songs written by: Joseph Knecht
• Produced by: Joseph Knecht
• Mixed by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Mastered by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Member ASCAP

For more info:
Instagram.com/joeknecht.exe
Facebook
EPK

About:
Joseph Knecht, from Tabernacle, New Jersey, USA, has been playing music since he was a small child. He started out with piano when he was five and picked up the guitar a year later. Bass came along in high school and he attended Berklee College of Music to further his music education.

Looking to share the music he was writing and playing, he created his instrumental solo project Knecht, where he plays everything from classic rock to more modern progressive metal. He performs originals and covers as well as teaches private guitar lessons.

With influences rooted mainly in progressive and groove metal, he replaces vocals with sweeping, complex guitar melodies that are written like vocal melodies. A typical song starts with the rhythm, for him the rhythm guitars by themselves should be interesting and be able to garner attention through the piece. While he is doing this, he is thinking about what he might want the other instruments to be doing as well as keyboard sounds if there will be keyboards. For the drums, he will program a track for writing and recording purposes, but ultimately leaves it wide open for Jason Stewart.

Knecht’s debut self-titled EP is available on July 16, 2021. It features Jason Stewart on drums and was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Knecht Revisits Classic Video Games With Progressive Metal Cover of “Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)”, Self-Titled Debut EP Out July 16th

  • June 10, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Knecht · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 10, 2021

For fans of Haken, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, Plini, Liquid Tension Experiment

Knecht Revisits Classic Video Games With Progressive Metal Cover of “Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)”

Self-Titled Debut EP Out July 16th


Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn


New Jersey’s Joseph Knecht is releasing his debut EP, a self-titled record that is a concise sample of the music he has been writing over the past couple of years. A well-versed musician, he plays both originals and covers in a wide range of genres, primarily focusing on progressive metal. His first single off this upcoming EP is “Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)”, a dramatic rendition of the theme from the classic video game. He explains why he chose the track:

“This is my cover of the Overture from the game Halo Reach. It’s a much more hard-hitting aggressive take on the original. It’s part of a song composed by Martin O’ Donnell. My idea was to take the original which was for orchestra and rearrange it for a prog metal band. The original is such a cool-sounding piece and every time I’d hear it I’d always imagine a metal version. When I got my 8 string and decided to make this EP, covering this song and taking advantage of the extended range of the instrument seemed like the perfect fit.”

The six-track EP takes a wide sampling of Knecht’s skills and presents them to the listener in a concise, yet varied audio experience. All instruments on “Knecht” were written and played by Knecht save for the drums, which are played by session musician Jason Stewart. The EP was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

Knecht is a lifelong musician, picking up piano at the age of five, since then he has learned to play guitar and bass and attended Berklee College of Music.

Predominantly prog with a hint of groove, “Knecht” is recommended for fans of Haken, Black Label Society, and Deep Purple.

“Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach)” can be heard at the following links:

YouTube – https://youtu.be/wXg0SuMSqEQ
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3pzbHPv

”Knecht” will be available on all digital platforms on July 16, 2021.

Track Listing:
1. Transformation (4:50)
2. Tabernacle Jam (3:50)
3. Working Title (4:42)
4. Overture (Excerpt From Halo Reach) (3:42)
5. Summer Nights (3:16)
6. Destruction (5:09)
EP Length: 25:31

EP Recording Line Up:
Joseph Knecht – Guitar, Bass and Keyboards
Drums – Jason Stewart

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Joseph Knecht and Jason Stewart
• All songs written by: Joseph Knecht
• Produced by: Joseph Knecht
• Mixed by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Mastered by: Charles-Henry Volk
• Member ASCAP

For more info:
Instagram.com/joeknecht.exe
Facebook
EPK

About:
Joseph Knecht, from Tabernacle, New Jersey, USA, has been playing music since he was a small child. He started out with piano when he was five and picked up the guitar a year later. Bass came along in high school and he attended Berklee College of Music to further his music education.

Looking to share the music he was writing and playing, he created his instrumental solo project Knecht, where he plays everything from classic rock to more modern progressive metal. He performs originals and covers as well as teaches private guitar lessons.

With influences rooted mainly in progressive and groove metal, he replaces vocals with sweeping, complex guitar melodies that are written like vocal melodies. A typical song starts with the rhythm, for him the rhythm guitars by themselves should be interesting and be able to garner attention through the piece. While he is doing this, he is thinking about what he might want the other instruments to be doing as well as keyboard sounds if there will be keyboards. For the drums, he will program a track for writing and recording purposes, but ultimately leaves it wide open for Jason Stewart.

Knecht’s debut self-titled EP is available on July 16, 2021. It features Jason Stewart on drums and was mixed and mastered by Charles-Henry Volk.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Rockshots Records: BLUE HOUR GHOSTS Posts Lyric Video “Shine”, New Album “Due” Out February 12, 2021

  • February 8, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Blue Hour Ghosts · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 8, 2021

For fans of Katatonia, Porcupine Tree, Amorphis

Rockshots Records: BLUE HOUR GHOSTS Posts Lyric Video “Shine”

New Album “Due” Out February 12, 2021

Alternative prog metal act BLUE HOUR GHOSTS are sharing with fans the latest lyric video for their single “Shine” in support of the upcoming release of their new album “Due” out on February 12th, 2021 via Rockshots Records.

Lyric Video: https://youtu.be/YnXAgF43ZIk
Spotify: https://backl.ink/144204268
CD pre-order: http://bit.ly/Due_CD​
Digital Album pre-save: https://backl.ink/143813663

The band comments on the track:

“Shine is a melancholic andante/mid-tempo rocker with a “grungy” feel, introduced by piano and vocals, before a riveting guitar riff sets on; then, a subtle, atmospheric verse makes way for a truly powerful and dramatic chorus; the song ends with a final climax that brings the listener back to the initial melodies in a circular fashion. The track is literally packed with hooks and melodies that greatly enrich the musical fabric, sustaining Ricky’s wholehearted singing. In spite of its somber tone, the song is about finding the courage to accept our flaws and unlock all the beautiful things we keep inside ourselves, to overcome our fears, our sense of inadequateness or incompleteness, and the cages sometimes relationships bind us to, which can smother our will and diminish our self-esteem. It’s an exhortation to take the initiative, bear the suffering and then find out how an ugly duckling can become a swan, even through pain and waiver.”

BLUE HOUR GHOSTS’ forthcoming  “Due” is the follow up to their 2016 self-titled debut album. Teaming up once again with Giuseppe “Dualized” Bassi (session musician for Fear Factory, Grenouer, Levania, Noveria), BHG‘s “Due” is their sophomore effort continuing their blend of progressive, classic, gothic metal, and alternative rock.

Taking a fresh, powerful, and intense melodic assault, “Due” depicts a wide range of soundscapes ranging from full metal aggression to soft, acoustic atmospheres, passing through infectious and catchy hooks and refrains that will enthrall any music addict, along with sophisticated layered arrangements to satisfy the most demanding palates. Throughout the 9 songs, all the ghosts hiding in the blue hour are made alive in the deep and heartfelt narration provided by both music and lyrics, offering a unique and compelling listening experience.

Keyboardist Simome Pedrazzi comments about the new album:

“With “Due” we are trying to engage new and established fans with an enjoyable, fresh, and yet sophisticated multi-level listening experience. All the nine songs offer an abundance of hooks that can stick into the ear from the first listen and remain impressed into the listener’s mind, stimulating his/her curiosity. There is no room for boredom, as within each song and throughout all the album, powerful and atmospheric sections alternate with each other in a seamless flow, thus keeping the attention high. The variety of musical colours displayed throughout the album and the extreme care we put into obtaining a lush and polished sound will allow for an extremely pleasant sonic experience.”

Previous Singles:
“Walking Backwards” – YouTube (Visualizer)
“On Black Clouds”- YouTube (Music Video)


Track Listing:
1. Walking Backwards (4:01)
2. On Black Clouds (3:45)
3. Dead in August (5:12)
4. Damn Wrong (4:23)
5. Shine (5:19)
6. Fearless (4:00)
7. Lower the Wires (3:57)
8. Disheartened (4:27)
9. Involved/Bored (3:52)
Album Length: 39:00

Album Credits:
Ricky DC – Vocals
Diego Angeli – Guitars
Francesco Poggi – Guitars
Simome Pedrazzi – Keyboards
Matteo Malmusi – Bass
Andrew Gunner – Drums

Produced by Giuseppe “Dualized” Bassi for dysFUNCTION Productions
Recorded and Engineered by Giuseppe Bassi
Mixed and Mastered by Giuseppe Bassi
All music and lyrics written by Blue Hour Ghosts
Additional arrangements, keyboards, sound design and programming by Giuseppe Bassi
Artwork concept and paintings by Blue Hour Ghosts
Band photos by Patrizia Cogliati – Musicphoto
Graphic layout by Francesca Dalla Costa – Secondalinea Officine Creative

Discography:
Blue Hour Ghosts (Buil2Kill Records, 2016)
Do You Believe in Ghosts? (Live) (Buil2Kill Records, 2018)
Due (Rockshots Records, 2021)

More Info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/bluehourghosts
Twitter.com/bluehourghosts
Instagram.com/bluehourghosts
Bluehourghosts.com

– 30 –

“One of the best debut albums since a while in the melodic metal world. An album complete in itself, but with every track standing strong on its own as well.” – Lords of Metal (NL),  80/100

“A damn strong output, super catchy, with cool melodies and also varied, proggy, exciting and with great vocals, and all this as the debut. All attention!” – Crossfire Metal (DE), 85/100

“This band knows how to rock in a very catchy way!” – White Room (NL)

“Blue Hour Ghosts burst upon the scene with a flaming debut album, bringing out a breath of adrenaline and a compelling mix of modern prog, classic metal, aggressive rock and spine-chilling melodic traits” – Rock Hard Italy (IT), 8/10

“This is really a cool record, nothing is missing! Blue Hour Ghosts succeed right away from their first chapter.” – Metal Hammer (IT), 82/100 

—

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

0 Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt Shares Lyric Video “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”

  • January 7, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Aaron Holt · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 7, 2021

For fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, Rush, Avenged Sevenfold, Porcupine Tree

Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt Shares Lyric Video “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”

Releasing the first single “Set Free Your Sorrow” this past December from the upcoming 2021 album “In The Palace”, Aaron Holt is sharing with prog fans the lyric video for the track, which can be viewed and heard on YouTube HERE.


“Set Free Your Sorrow” is the first song on the forthcoming album and a fantastic stage set for what is to follow. Like many people going through an incredibly rough time in 2020, this song was written as motivation to “loosen the ties, set free your sorrow”.

The soundtrack to these lyrics portrays the dark and heavyweight that many people carry around on themselves. With so many things going wrong, there has to be some sort of direction we can all look towards to ensure a happy ending. The rest of the album features lyrical ideas around this and follows through letting go of the agony we all have trapped inside. The band really explored creating darker sounds out of their instruments, graduating to more full time 7 string guitar parts, large recording spaces, and soaring vocals mixed nicely on top. Holt comments on the album:

“I think anyone who has heard my work before will be pleasantly surprised at the results we’ve managed to create in the more non-ideal recording locations. I strived to focus more on writing towards a mindset around “no one cares about the snare on a song that no one wants to listen to”. We really just tried to flip the production phase more from sounds and tones to the actual material that’s being performed on the instruments and as a whole in the group. I was constantly chasing that catchy riff, melody, or rhythm.”

Natural, authentic and heavy, “In The Palace” will be the third from Aaron Holt, following “My Burdened Mind” (2018) and “The Unknown” (2017). Aaron Holt is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, and Trivium.

The single “Set Free Your Sorrow” is available on all digital platforms at the following link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/aaronholt/set-free-your-sorrow

“In The Palace” will be ready for ears in 2021 (release date to be revealed at a later date).


Track Listing:
1. Set Free Your Sorrow
2. Castles In My Skies
3. Once Again
4. Fortress In My Mind
5. Entrapped
6. The Other Side
7. Trapped Inside
8. Eternally

For more info:
Facebook.com/aaronholtmusic
Instagram.com/aaronholtartist
EPK

– 30 –

About:
Aaron Holt’s musical journey started on the George Mason University campus where he was asked to play bass guitar for a local church’s grand opening. It was there that he met drummer and percussionist TJ Maistros who would grow to become a lifelong friend and amazing collaborative partner.

The album My Burdened Mind was a very long and labored writing, recording, and mixing project that ended up taking way longer than originally estimated to create the finished product at 47:36 minutes. The long story short is that the album My Burdened Mind was another grand learning experience for Aaron as a producer especially in terms of recording source material that was worthy of being shared with the world.

After the album’s release, vocalist Eric confirmed he would no longer participate in the project and would not want to participate in any live shows. Short of a bassist and vocalist Aaron and TJ anxiously sat on the release and hoped that anyone would listen. Enter album 3, the endeavor where Aaron is truly making every effort to improve upon everything he didn’t quite get right before.

He signed on the incredible help of local vocalist Sujit Kumar who in his own right stands on pretty high shoulders in the local DC music scene as well as making a name for himself across the globe. Sujit agreed to meet and record a few demo tracks, one older song that Eric originally recorded and another new song that would eventually go on to be the single “Set Free Your Sorrow” for a full-length album.

Fast forward to 2020 and Aaron with the immense help of TJ and Sujit has completed a 3rd album clocking in at 58 minutes with 10 songs. The production is solid, all instruments hold their own, and everyone listening has great smiles on their faces with absolute relief that everything has come together so well and polished compared to older works. The new album “In The Palace” features a lot of emotional baggage associated with past relationships, differences in opinion among close friends, thoughts on dealing with incredibly stressful daily life, and also a bit of fantasy writing as well in the longest prog ballad written by the group to date. You can expect to hear a large mix of guitar-oriented music such as straight-ahead rock, classic metal riffs, and intricate progressive lines that flow through each section seamlessly.

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Arcana Share Making Of Videos For Space Opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”

  • December 22, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Arcana · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 22, 2020



For fans Rush, Caligula’s Horse, Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree

Arcana Share Making Of Videos For Space Opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”

Debut EP Out Now!

Rogan McAndrews (Composer, Co-producer, Guitar, Bass, Vocals) | Photo Credit: Rogan McAndrews

This past November, Calgary’s Arcana unveiled their debut space rock opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”. The EP is a poetic and thought-provoking record that is highly detailed with layers of vocals, orchestral interludes, and a passionate story that weaves a tale of love, tragedy, and perseverance of a character named Damian.

The EP was mainly a two-man project split between founder Rogan McAndrews (guitars, bass, synths, orchestra, and vocals) and friend, drummer, and engineer Deyson Thiara (drums, reamps, mixing, mastering) in their respective home studios along with guest musicians to sing the parts of characters for the story concept.

Rogan McAndrews shares the narrative of the EP:

“This EP is a sort of love story from Damian to his wife Hope and their child Cassidy before tragedy strikes. I try to present what his anxieties and pressures are working far away from his family but also a lingering unstableness from within that is voiced by the character Nightmare that foreshadows the tragedy that is about to befall them. Throughout the “Letters from a Lost Soul” arc, Damian will be expressing all of these emotions through letters to his wife and child, the letters being the songs on each album and the characters writing back and forth.”

The first piece of many to come from Arcana in what is already a vast and colorful universe; today the band is going more in-depth on the release by sharing with fans their latest making-of videos.

The band adds:

“We wanted to open up about what our process was like, both in writing and recording the album, as well as some of our thoughts behind the story and the industry we are diving into. Not a lot of artists show all the tricks and secrets behind the technical work that went into their art. It was always my goal to give an all-access pass to whoever showed interest in Arcana, out of respect to those who enjoy the music and want to know what it is like crafting an album or would like insight into how others shape their sound and thoughts. I know that is something I am consistently intrigued by. To all those whose curiosity has brought them to this series, we hope you enjoy!”

Watch videos at the following links: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpcFzXun2db4OxS57gO8iYgdyHaGutqJP

“Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” is for fans of Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, and Porcupine Tree and available at Arcanacollective.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music

Music Video – “Tailwind” – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. Letters From A Lost Soul (0:53)
2. Wings (7:11)
3. Tailwind (3:55)
4. Octosun/Wings (Reprised) (9:54)
EP Length: 21:55

EP Band Line Up:
Rogan McAndrews – Guitar, Bass, Vocals (Damian), Synths.
Anna Draper – Vocals (Hope)
Deyson Thiara – Drums

For more info:
Thearcanacollective.com
Instagram.com/arcanaband_official
Facebook.com/arcanabandofficial
YouTube
EPK

About:

Arcana brings you a myriad of sounds from battering prog rock to delicate pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire. With a narrative spanning across multiple albums, Arcana blends sci-fi, mythology, and a study of human action in the face of adversity.

Born from the mind of Calgary-based musician Rogan McAndrews, Arcana follows the story of a character named Damian as he attempts to mend his life and relationship with his wife Hope and daughter Cassidy in the wake of tragedy.

Beginning with the upcoming debut EP “Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms”, is a concept record that explores a love story expressed through letters from Damian to his wife and child, but also give a glimpse into his anxieties and nightmares.

Damian and Nightmare are played by Rogan McAndrews.
Hope is played by Anna Draper.
News Anchors Dave and Alice are played by Chelsea Finnigan and Griffin.

“Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms” is due out November 6th, 2020.

– 30 –

“The four-song collection is a beautiful conglomeration of progressive rock, pop hooks, and operatic vocals and soundscapes.” – V13

“ARCANA brings you a myriad of sounds from battering Prog Rock to delicate Pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire.” – The Metal Temple

“The song’s musical arrangement is a heavy, unique work that boasts influences from the likes of fellow prog rock acts Haken, Rush, and Porcupine Tree.” – Phil’s Picks

“Arcana unveils with this “Letters From A Lost Soul” an interesting first EP showing a real potential” – Music Waves

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt’s New Single “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”, Song Premiere via TheProgSpace

  • December 15, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Aaron Holt · Music News

 

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 15, 2020

For fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, Rush, Avenged Sevenfold, Porcupine Tree

Washington D.C.’s Aaron Holt’s New Single “Set Free Your Sorrow” Off Forthcoming Album “In The Palace”

Song Premiere via TheProgSpace

“Set Free Your Sorrow” is the first single from the upcoming album by Aaron Holt. It is the first track on the album and a fantastic stage set for what is to follow. Like many people going through an incredibly rough time in 2020 this song was written as motivation to “loosen the ties, set free your sorrow”.

The soundtrack to these lyrics portrays the dark and heavyweight that many people carry around on themselves. With so many things going wrong, there has to be some sort of direction we can all look towards to ensure a happy ending. The rest of the album features lyrical ideas around this and follows through letting go of the agony we all have trapped inside. The band really explored creating darker sounds out of their instruments, graduating to more full time 7 string guitar parts, large recording spaces, and soaring vocals mixed nicely on top. Holt comments on the album:

“I think anyone who has heard my work before will be pleasantly surprised at the results we’ve managed to create in the more non-ideal recording locations. I strived to focus more on writing towards a mindset around “no one cares about the snare on a song that no one wants to listen to”. We really just tried to flip the production phase more from sounds and tones to the actual material that’s being performed on the instruments and as a whole in the group. I was constantly chasing that catchy riff, melody, or rhythm.”

Natural, authentic and heavy, “In The Palace” will be the third from Aaron Holt, following “My Burdened Mind” (2018) and “The Unknown” (2017). Aaron Holt is recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Tremonti, and Trivium.

The first single off the record, “Set Free Your Sorrow” can be heard via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

The single will be available on all digital platforms as of December 18th.
Pre-Save at the following link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/aaronholt/set-free-your-sorrow

“In The Palace” will be ready for ears in 2021 (release date to be revealed at a later date).


Track Listing:
1. Set Free Your Sorrow
2. Castles In My Skies
3. Once Again
4. Fortress In My Mind
5. Entrapped
6. The Other Side
7. Trapped Inside
8. Eternally

For more info:
Facebook.com/aaronholtmusic
Instagram.com/aaronholtartist
EPK

– 30 –

About:
Aaron Holt’s musical journey started on the George Mason University campus where he was asked to play bass guitar for a local church’s grand opening. It was there that he met drummer and percussionist TJ Maistros who would grow to become a lifelong friend and amazing collaborative partner.

The album My Burdened Mind was a very long and labored writing, recording, and mixing project that ended up taking way longer than originally estimated to create the finished product at 47:36 minutes. The long story short is that the album My Burdened Mind was another grand learning experience for Aaron as a producer especially in terms of recording source material that was worthy of being shared with the world.

After the album’s release, vocalist Eric confirmed he would no longer participate in the project and would not want to participate in any live shows. Short of a bassist and vocalist Aaron and TJ anxiously sat on the release and hoped that anyone would listen. Enter album 3, the endeavor where Aaron is truly making every effort to improve upon everything he didn’t quite get right before.

He signed on the incredible help of local vocalist Sujit Kumar who in his own right stands on pretty high shoulders in the local DC music scene as well as making a name for himself across the globe. Sujit agreed to meet and record a few demo tracks, one older song that Eric originally recorded and another new song that would eventually go on to be the single “Set Free Your Sorrow” for a full-length album.

Fast forward to 2020 and Aaron with the immense help of TJ and Sujit has completed a 3rd album clocking in at 58 minutes with 10 songs. The production is solid, all instruments hold their own, and everyone listening has great smiles on their faces with absolute relief that everything has come together so well and polished compared to older works. The new album “In The Palace” features a lot of emotional baggage associated with past relationships, differences in opinion among close friends, thoughts on dealing with incredibly stressful daily life, and also a bit of fantasy writing as well in the longest prog ballad written by the group to date. You can expect to hear a large mix of guitar-oriented music such as straight-ahead rock, classic metal riffs, and intricate progressive lines that flow through each section seamlessly.

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 The Reticent’s New Video “Stage 3 – The Palliative Breath” Continues The Tale of A Man’s Battle With Alzheimer’s Disease From Concept Album “The Oubliette”, Lyric Video Premiere via NewFuryMedia 

  • November 11, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · The Reticent

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 11, 2020

 

 

For fans of Opeth, Porcupine Tree, Katatonia, The Contortionist, King Crimson

The Reticent’s New Video “Stage 3 – The Palliative Breath”
Continues The Tale of A Man’s Battle With Alzheimer’s Disease From Concept Album “The Oubliette”

Lyric Video Premiere via NewFuryMedia

Out Now! New Album “The Oubliette” via Heaven & Hell Records

North Carolina conceptual metal proggers The Reticent released their latest critically acclaimed concept album entitled “The Oubliette” via Heaven & Hell Records this past September. The full length was produced again by Jamie King (BTBAM, The Contortionist, Scale The Summit), and it tells the tale of man’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The record follows the journey of an old man named Henry, which is based upon a relative of songwriter Chris Hathcock
 who’s real name was Cyrus. The name Henry was chosen as a somewhat more universal name, but also because Henry was one of the Alzheimer’s patients featured prominently in the documentary “Alive Inside”. The concept of the album is to demonstrate Henry’s descent through the seven stages of Alzheimer’s.  He doesn’t know where he is or why he’s there.  He doesn’t remember his wife is dead.  He doesn’t recognize his son. Step by step the disease takes his memories, his ability to speak, his ability to walk, his ability to breathe.

To lyrically visualize the third stage of Alzheimer’s, The Reticent has put together a new lyric video for “Stage 3 – The Palliative Breath”.

Hathcock adds about the track:

“Henry has brief moments of clarity when he realizes that “holes are deepening in his mind” and he vaguely grasps some of what’s happening to him.  More calm and reflective the music echoes the patience that the doctors urge.  The beautiful thoughtful acoustic opening gives way to powerful progressive rock, calm folk, and driving metal all to the conclusion that Henry’s best is long behind him.“

The video for “Stage 3 – The Palliative Breath” can be watched and heard via its premiere on NewFuryMedia HERE.

The Reticent‘s new album “The Oubliette” follows the band’s2016 release “On The Eve Of A Goodbye”, which was an autobiographical concept record that chronicled the day before, day of, and the day after the suicide of band founder Chris Hathcock’s childhood friend Eve. Critics and fans of the record alike were moved by the compelling narrative and heartrending performances along with the band’s award-winning live performances that are both an audiovisual and emotional experience that utilizes film, story-telling, and the sheer intensity of the music.

Even though the recording of “The Oubliette” was delayed four times due to a severe injury to Hathcock’s right arm (the deltoid bursa to be exact), he was able to perform all instruments on the full length, he actually began lining up players to fill in for him as doctors told him he may be endangering his arm’s functionality if he didn’t take an extended break from playing. Luckily, rest allowed him to recuperate enough to complete the record. Although, the process was slowed because he was in pain the entire time, every recording session began with him taking at least 800 mg of Ibuprofen to make it through.

Chris Hathcock comments on “The Oubliette”:

“As with my previous album, I hope that ‘The Oubliette’ will provide listeners with a rich and emotionally challenging audio experience.  This is undoubtedly the most ambitious record The Reticent has attempted to date.  The hope is that listeners will be personally affected by the music on a deep level and that it may draw some attention to a disease that is frighteningly prominent but frequently poorly understood.  There will be moments that are soothing and there will be moments that are overwhelming.  The story I have to tell is not a happy one but it is an important one – and it is often through the pain that we find the most profound reflection and calls to action.”  

“The Oubliette” (Heaven & Hell Records) is available on Heavenandhellrecords.com (CD), Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music.

Music Video – Stage 2: The Captive – YouTube


Track Listing:
1. Stage 1 – His Name Is Henry (9:46)
2. Stage 2 – The Captive (6:00)
3. Stage 3 – The Palliative Breath (7:13)
4. Stage 4 – The Dream (11:47)
5. Stage 5 – The Nightmare (12:14)
6. Stage 6 – The Oubliette (10:38)
7. Stage 7 – ________ (6:10)
Album Length: 1:03:50

Album Band Line Up:
Chris Hathcock – Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Drums, Vocals, Additional Percussion
James Nelson – Lead Guitars

Live Band Line Up:
Chris Hathcock – Vocals, Guitar
James Nelson – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Cliff Stankiewicz – Bass
Mitch Moore – Drums

For more info:
HeavenandHellRecords.com
TheReticent.net
EPK

– 30 –

“Each time I have listened to this, my rating of it has gone up until it could not go any higher. This album will hit the spot musically, tug at the heart strings and chill you to the bone. 5/5 – The ProgSpace

“Once again The Reticent enlist the aid of Jamie King for production, giving The Oubliette the same quality in sound and balance as its predecessor. The instruments sound fantastic, and Hathcock’s singing is stellar. His blend of clean (often yearning) vocals and harsh moments used to demonstrate the confusion and fury of Henry is perfectly arranged… I can safely say my expectations have been met, and at times exceeded, by The Oubliette. Hathcock has taken yet another personal subject and transformed it into a taut, compelling progressive metal opus” – Angry Metal Guy

“it’s clear that this is a very personal story from Chris Hathcock. He poured his heart and soul into the concept, and the way the tracks flowed, the story is very real and vivid. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease, because it mostly affects the patient’s loved ones more than the patient himself. It’s a long process of slowly letting go, until the disease claims another victim. This process is carefully matriculated through music here, and it’s something all fans of music will want to experience. Especially considering the number of us who have been affected in one way or another by this ravaging disease. 9/10” – Metal Temple

“Prog’s most emotionally gutwrenching one-man band returns with plenty more feels… The Oubliette is the next album released under The Reticent‘s name, and tells the story of the protagonist Henry’s decline as a result of Alzheimer’s disease, heavy subject matter again inspired by life experience of Hathcock. The Reticent‘s track record for dealing with such serious subject matter was promising, and with The Oubliette they deliver on said promise.” – Metal Storm

“The Reticent have delivered a narrative masterpiece… I give 10 out of 10 bangs” – Rock Magazine.net

—

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

0 Calgary’s ARCANA Premiere Full Stream of Debut Space Rock Opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” via V13, EP due out Friday, Nov 6th

  • November 4, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Arcana · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 4, 2020



For fans Rush, Caligula’s Horse, Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree

The Beginning Of Arcana’s Space Opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” Is Streaming Now

Stream Premiere via V13.net

Debut EP Out November 6th

Rogan McAndrews (Composer, Co-producer, Guitar, Bass, Vocals) | Photo Credit: Rogan McAndrews

Highly detailed with layers of vocal, orchestral interludes and a passionate story can all be found in the debut EP from Canada’s Arcana. This is the first piece of many in what is already a vast and colorful universe that the band has created.

Aiming to have listeners embrace music that is never stagnant and come away inspired, Arcana has weaved a tale of love, tragedy, and perseverance in the story of Damien. The band shares the details on the premise of the first act.

“This EP is a sort of love story from Damian to his wife Hope and their child Cassidy before tragedy strikes. I try to present what his anxieties and pressures are working far away from his family but also a lingering unstableness from within that is voiced by the character Nightmare that foreshadows the tragedy that is about to befall them. Throughout the “Letters from a Lost Soul” arc, Damian will be expressing all of these emotions through letters to his wife and child, the letters being the songs on each album and the characters writing back and forth.”

Arcana is mainly a two-man project split between the founder Rogan McAndrews and friend, drummer, and engineer Deyson Thiara in their respective home studios. Rogan records and programs all the guitars, bass, synths, orchestra, and vocals while Deyson records drums, reamps, and mixes and masters the tracks. Other musicians were recruited to play the parts of the characters who sing their way through the events that unfold.

Technical and cinematic, “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” is poetic and thought-provoking and the perfect compliment to collections of prog fans, especially ones who enjoy Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, and Porcupine Tree.

Before it officially releases on Friday, November 6th, “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” is streaming in full via its premiere on V13.net HERE.

The EP will be available at Arcanacollective.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music

Music Video – “Tailwind” – YouTube

 

Track Listing:
1. Letters From A Lost Soul (0:53)
2. Wings (7:11)
3. Tailwind (3:55)
4. Octosun/Wings (Reprised) (9:54)
EP Length: 21:55

EP Band Line Up:
Rogan McAndrews – Guitar, Bass, Vocals (Damian), Synths.
Anna Draper – Vocals (Hope)
Deyson Thiara – Drums

For more info:
Thearcanacollective.com
Instagram.com/arcanaband_official
Facebook.com/arcanabandofficial
YouTube
EPK

About:

Arcana brings you a myriad of sounds from battering prog rock to delicate pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire. With a narrative spanning across multiple albums, Arcana blends sci-fi, mythology, and a study of human action in the face of adversity.

Born from the mind of Calgary-based musician Rogan McAndrews, Arcana follows the story of a character named Damian as he attempts to mend his life and relationship with his wife Hope and daughter Cassidy in the wake of tragedy.

Beginning with the upcoming debut EP “Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms”, is a concept record that explores a love story expressed through letters from Damian to his wife and child, but also give a glimpse into his anxieties and nightmares.

Damian and Nightmare are played by Rogan McAndrews.
Hope is played by Anna Draper.
News Anchors Dave and Alice are played by Chelsea Finnigan and Griffin.

“Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms” is due out November 6th, 2020.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 SonicPerspectives VIDEO PREMIERE: ARCANA Reveals Another Single “Tailwind” From Space Rock Opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”

  • October 22, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Arcana · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 22, 2020



For fans Rush, Caligula’s Horse, Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree

Arcana Reveals Another Single “Tailwind” From Space Rock Opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”

Premiere Music Video “Tailwind” via SonicPerspectives

Debut EP Out November 6th

Rogan McAndrews (Composer, Co-producer, Guitar, Bass, Vocals) | Photo Credit: Rogan McAndrews

Calgary, Canada’s Arcana are releasing their debut EP this year, the fantastic space rock opera “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”. They are releasing a second single and first music video “Tailwind” from this debut, which takes progressive metal and rich storytelling to a new level.

“Tailwind”  is the love song on the EP that features the heartfelt exchange between protagonist Damian and his wife Hope who long to see each other again and conveys a true sense of always being there for each other but constantly out of reach. Hope is like the sun to Damian; his guiding light to find his way home.

With lyrics that truly focus on storytelling, they take a look at the effects of tragedy and what drives human action and emotion. There is a lot of inspiration for the story from sci-fi concepts and mythology. As explained by the band in their own words:

“Tailwind is a very stripped-down track. I wanted it to feel like your standard 4 or 5 piece rock band (singer, guitarist, bassist, drums, keys) in contrast to the other tracks on this album which can get up into the 20 individual instrument range. I have been trying to write one more contemporary/pop-like track per album and I believe this encompasses that wish extremely well. It’s upbeat, quick, and it feels like you can dance to it. It is still rhythmically technical but it hides it in the 4/4 time and the drive that pushes the sound forward throughout.”

Arcana springs forth from the mind of Rogan McAndrews who developed the concept for the band and the story it was made to tell. He gathered a number of highly trained musicians from different backgrounds from jazz and rock to contemporary and classical and several vocalists to play the parts of the characters.

Recommended for fans of Caligula’s Horse, Leprous, and Coheed and Cambria, “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” is a thoughtful and ambitious prog metal journey.

The music video for “Tailwind” can be seen and heard via its premiere on SonicPerspectives HERE.

Spotify

The first chapter in the saga “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” comes out on November 6, 2020. EP pre-order will be available at Arcanacollective.bandcamp.com.

First single:
“Wings” – YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music

Track Listing:
1. Letters From A Lost Soul (0:53)
2. Wings (7:11)
3. Tailwind (3:55)
4. Octosun/Wings (Reprised) (9:54)
EP Length: 21:55

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Rogan McAndrews (guitar, bass, vocals), Deyson Thiara (drums),  & Anna Draper (vocals)
• All songs written by: Rogan McAndrews
• Produced by: Rogan McAndrews & Deyson Thiara
• Mixed by: Deyson Thiara
• Mastered by: Deyson Thiara
• Album Artwork by: Kate Depatie, Rogan McAndrews
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Rogan McAndrews – Guitar, Bass, Vocals (Damian), Synths.
Anna Draper – Vocals (Hope)
Deyson Thiara – Drums

For more info:
Thearcanacollective.com
Instagram.com/arcanaband_official
Facebook.com/arcanabandofficial
YouTube
EPK

About:

Arcana brings you a myriad of sounds from battering prog rock to delicate pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire. With a narrative spanning across multiple albums, Arcana blends sci-fi, mythology, and a study of human action in the face of adversity.

Born from the mind of Calgary-based musician Rogan McAndrews, Arcana follows the story of a character named Damian as he attempts to mend his life and relationship with his wife Hope and daughter Cassidy in the wake of tragedy.

Beginning with the upcoming debut EP “Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms”, is a concept record that explores a love story expressed through letters from Damian to his wife and child, but also give a glimpse into his anxieties and nightmares.

Damian and Nightmare are played by Rogan McAndrews.
Hope is played by Anna Draper.
News Anchors Dave and Alice are played by Chelsea Finnigan and Griffin.

“Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms” is due out November 6th, 2020.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Arcana’s Progressive Space Rock Opera Begins With “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”; Premiere Single “Wings” via TheProgSpace ; Debut EP Out November 6th

  • October 7, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Arcana · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 7, 2020



For fans Rush, Caligula’s Horse, Leprous, Coheed and Cambria, Porcupine Tree

Arcana’s Progressive Space Rock Opera Begins With “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”

Premiere Single “Wings” via TheProgSpace

Debut EP Out November 6th

Rogan McAndrews (Composer, Co-producer, Guitar, Bass, Vocals) | Photo Credit: Rogan McAndrews

Canada’s Arcana begin their cinematic and poetic saga with “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms”, which will prove to be a real treat for progressive metal fans across the globe.

The space rock-opera concept is full of layered voices and lyrics, which paint a grandiose portrait of thoughtful concepts and grand tales. The debut EP is just the tip of the iceberg with several more releases planned to tell various stories across a widespread universe. This EP is a sort of love story from the protagonist Damian to his wife Hope and their child Cassidy before tragedy strikes.

The complexity runs deep with the addition of orchestral elements perhaps invoking the listeners’ own struggles when analyzing the characters and lyrics and finding a way to work past them. Throughout the “Letters From A Lost Soul | Act I: The World One Forms” arc, Damian will be expressing all of these emotions through letters to his wife and child, the letters being the songs on each release and the characters writing back and forth. The band cites the theme behind the technicality focused for their first single “Wings”:

“’Wings’ is the instrumental track on the EP and acts as a kind of overture to the whole project, displaying a variety of sounds that will be used and called back upon throughout the EP and future releases. It ranges from hope to despair, longing to contentment, and shows where the project is capable of going.”

Fans of polyrhythms and progressive metal, especially those who enjoy Rush, Caligula’s Horse, and Leprous should take interest in the first foray into this wondrous adventure that starts with “Wings”, which can be heard via its premiere on TheProgspace HERE.

The entire EP releases on November 6, 2020. EP pre-order will be available at Arcanacollective.bandcamp.com.

Track Listing:
1. Letters From A Lost Soul (0:53)
2. Wings (7:11)
3. Tailwind (3:55)
4. Octosun/Wings (Reprised) (9:54)
EP Length: 21:55

EP Credits:
• All songs performed by: Rogan McAndrews (guitar, bass, vocals), Deyson Thiara (drums),  & Anna Draper (vocals)
• All songs written by: Rogan McAndrews
• Produced by: Rogan McAndrews & Deyson Thiara
• Mixed by: Deyson Thiara
• Mastered by: Deyson Thiara
• Album Artwork by: Kate Depatie, Rogan McAndrews
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

EP Band Line Up:
Rogan McAndrews – Guitar, Bass, Vocals (Damian), Synths.
Anna Draper – Vocals (Hope)
Deyson Thiara – Drums

For more info:
Thearcanacollective.com
Instagram.com/arcanaband_official
Facebook.com/arcanabandofficial
YouTube
EPK

About:

Arcana brings you a myriad of sounds from battering prog rock to delicate pop hooks, delivering you experiences that always inspire. With a narrative spanning across multiple albums, Arcana blends sci-fi, mythology, and a study of human action in the face of adversity.

Born from the mind of Calgary-based musician Rogan McAndrews, Arcana follows the story of a character named Damian as he attempts to mend his life and relationship with his wife Hope and daughter Cassidy in the wake of tragedy.

Beginning with the upcoming debut EP “Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms”, is a concept record that explores a love story expressed through letters from Damian to his wife and child, but also give a glimpse into his anxieties and nightmares.

Damian and Nightmare are played by Rogan McAndrews.
Hope is played by Anna Draper.
News Anchors Dave and Alice are played by Chelsea Finnigan and Griffin.

“Letters From A Lost Soul – Act I: The World One Forms” is due out November 6th, 2020.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

Page 2 of 6
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • …
  • 6

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,176 other subscribers

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Bandcamp
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • ashermediarelations.com
    • Join 655 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • ashermediarelations.com
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...