Tag: prog metal

0 TheProgSpace Premiere – Step Into Colorado’s OBSIDIAN SKIES’ Distant World Through Their Spacey Melodic Death Metal Debut “Saturnian”

October 13, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Obsidian Skies

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 13, 2022

Step Into Colorado’s OBSIDIAN SKIES’ Distant World Through Their Spacey Melodic Death Metal Debut “Saturnian”

Debut EP “Saturnian” Out October 14th

Mixed and Mastered by Tom MacLean (ex-Haken, Athemon, Brutta)

Colorado’s Obsidian Skies, an intrepid duo of Logan Dougherty (guitars/piano/orchestration) and Tim Watervoort (guitars/basses/vocals) are pleased that their debut EP “Saturnian” is now streaming for listeners around the world to enjoy as they explore other worlds and the challenges that come with them.

Lyrically, the album takes place on Saturn’s moon, Titan. In this story, Earth became inhospitable to life and a portion of humankind left the planet to settle on Titan. After colonizing the moon, society began to take shape. Many people could not let go of the thought of all the people left behind on a dying Earth and began to riot. As a result of this, the military presence on the colony dispatched the instigators and enforced a strong, almost dystopian order on the moon. People were at peace, but were not able to live a fulfilling life.

Musically, in order to convey the story, they avoided a repetitive song structure. The songs move through many sections with motivational references throughout to tie them together. Many different instruments carry the melody, including fretless bass and piano. As a whole, the most technically complex part peaks in the middle of the EP as the story climaxes. Their guitars are tuned in drop C, but they didn’t let that limit the tonal centers that they could explore. The band continues to explain the album:

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, working on this album was one of the things that kept us sane. We went through job losses, large life changes, and mental health struggles during this time. The writing was very therapeutic for both of us and it feels amazing to see this EP come to life. We’ve both always seen music as an escape and we bring that into our lyrics. We’ve both challenged ourselves with this album, both as songwriters and as instrumentalists. It’s resulted in something we’re beyond excited to share with the world, an EP that really shows who we are as musicians.”

From heavy rhythmic sections to sweeping orchestral melodies, Obsidian Skies feel they’ve touched on a large part of the musical spectrum with this release. The 25-minute EP consists of three tracks that run together to tell this epic tale of humanity’s battle with adversity. It was produced by Obsidian Skies and mixed and mastered by Tom MacLean (ex-Haken, Athemon, Brutta).

Recommended for fans of melodic death metal and sci-fi, “Saturnian” will especially be of interest to those who enjoy Opeth, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Epica.

“Saturnian” is streaming now in full ahead of its release on October 14, 2022, via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

Pre-order – https://obsidian-skies.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. Celestial Age – 6:58
2. Rebirth in the Stars – 11:19
3. Home – 5:52
EP Length: 24:10

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Obsidian Skies (Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort)
• All songs written by: Obsidian Skies (Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort)
• All Lyrics written by: Tim Watervoort
• Produced by: Obsidian Skies (Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort)
• Mixed by: Tom MacLean
• Mastered by: Tom MacLean

EP Band Line Up:
Logan Dougherty – Guitars, Piano, Orchestration
Tim Watervoort – Guitars, Basses, Vocals

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/Obsidian-Skies-109138908535805
https://www.instagram.com/obsidianskiesband

About: Obsidian Skies was founded amidst the turmoil of 2020 by Logan Dougherty and Tim Watervoort. The two had worked together before, but not since the breakup of their previous band Endlight, in 2017. Logan and Tim wrote much of Endlight’s music, with Logan on guitars and Tim on bass and vocals. They performed throughout Colorado, sharing the stage with bands such as Unleash the Archers and Archspire until the band’s end. While they remained close friends, Tim and Logan’s musical and professional paths diverged for a time at this point.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 Chicago’s BURNED IN EFFIGY Unleash “Nightfall” Off Upcoming Album “Rex Mortem” Out Jan 2022

November 15, 2021
by Asher
· Burned In Effigy · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 15, 2021

Chicago’s BURNED IN EFFIGY Unleash “Nightfall” Off Upcoming Album “Rex Mortem” Out Jan 2022

L-R – Mark “Smedy” Smedbron (Vocals) | Matt Watkins (Bass) | Eddie Dec (Drums) | Steve Bacakos (Guitar) | Mike Hisson (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Emily Fuschen – Dark Trix Photography

Chicago’s BURNED IN EFFIGY announces they will be unleashing their new album “Rex Mortem” on January 28, 2022 to follow their debut EP “Terrestrial”. Unlike their debut recording, which was all instrumental, this first full-length from the band will see not only new guitarists Mike Hisson and Steve Bacakos on the lineup, but also witness vocalist Mark “Smedy” Smedbron (Vocals) unleash his earworm fury unto the masses. The three new members join co-founding members Eddie Dec (drums), Matt Watkins (bass)

Fans can expect diverse high energy on “Rex Mortem”. The album takes elements from multiple subgenres within metal, mainly melodic death and progressive metal while infusing neoclassical elements into each track. No two tracks sound the same. The quintet skillfully and tastefully changes keys and time signatures throughout, so the feel of the music is constantly shifting, but also smoothly flowing between each section.

“We are psyched to present our debut album, Rex Mortem, a catalog of the first chapter of the band. This has been in the works for a long time and we couldn’t be more pleased with how it has turned out. The songs vary in complexity and intensity and demonstrate our growth as a band since its inception. Listeners will hear influences such as The Black Dahlia Murder and The Human Abstract, combining our love for death metal and progressive/neo-classical metal. The vocals are gritty and tense and the lyrics emphasize this with dark tales inspired by mythology, history, and classic literature. Many of the songs follow the story of a tyrannical king aiming to expand his power and influence, who ends up being brought down by his closest allies. We believe our album has something for all metal fans, regardless of preferred subgenre.” adds the band.

In lead up to the release of “Rex Mortem”, Burned In Effigy is unveiling their lead single “Nightfall”, a track that incorporates multiple clean sections to outline the main musical themes that then appear in the riffs, including fast-paced tremolo picking sections with blast beats. Bassist Matt Watkins explains further:

“Nightfall is a song we’ve been playing since the inception of the band and we felt it needed to be re-recorded for this album with vocals. Though we’ve progressed our songwriting and technicality since writing it and first recording it in 2017, this song has been a cornerstone of our sound. We experimented with multiple different styles with some songs that were written after Nightfall, but kept coming back to that neo-classical, dark sound. The lyrical themes of Dracula along with Smedy’s vocals fit right in with the mood of the song and inspired us to do a lyric video incorporating scenes from Nosferatu.”

Watch and listen to “Nightfall” via its lyric video at https://youtu.be/gqe2919mDJ4

Spotify

Album pre-order available at Burnedineffigy.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. Doomsayer (3:28)
2. Artorias (5:08)
3. Nightfall (3:20)
4. The Empiricist (4:05)
5. Hades (4:26)
6. Atlas (4:23)
7. Treachery (3:25)
8. Vendetta (3:55)
Album Length: 32:12

Album Recording Lineup:
– Mark “Smedy” Smedbron – Vocals
– Matt Watkins – Bass
– Eddie Dec – Drums
– Vito Bellino – Guitar
– Brad Dose – Guitar

Live Band Line Up:
– Mark “Smedy” Smedbron – Vocals
– Matt Watkins – Bass
– Eddie Dec – Drums
– Steve Bacakos – Guitar
– Mike Hisson – Guitar

About:
Burned in Effigy is a neoclassical melodic death metal band from Chicago, IL. Formed in late 2016 by founding members Brad Dose (guitar), Vito Belino (guitar), Eddie Dec (drums), and Matt Watkins (bass). Starting as an instrumental melodic metal band, the four were brought together by their love of complex, melodic, and heavy music and sought to bring more of that to the Chicago extreme music scene.

Burned in Effigy released their debut EP, Terrestrial, in April 2017. The band focused on playing shows after and building an audience through top-notch live performances while opening for prominent bands such as Scale the Summit, Angel Vivaldi, Oh, Sleeper, and Mushroomhead. While supporting this EP, Burned in Effigy worked with a couple of different vocalists and eventually recruited vocalist Mark “Smedy” Smedbron in December 2019 while in the early demo stages for their first full length.

Instrumental recordings for the band’s masterpiece, Rex Mortem, were finished in early 2020. Shortly after, the band parted ways with guitarist Brad Dose. Vocal recording, mixing, and mastering was finished in mid 2021, after which guitarist Vito Bellino left in order to focus on music school. Shortly after, the remaining three members Eddie Dec (drums), Matt Watkins (bass), and Mark “Smedy” Smedbron (vocals) rallied and recruited guitarists Mike Hisson and Steve Bacakos, who naturally fit with and complemented the band’s signature sound.

For more info:
Facebook.com/burnedineffigyofficial
Instagram.com/burnedineffigyil
EPK

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 VARIUS’ Presents Reflective Stories Of Battle Through New Video “Golden Crown”; Video Premiere via TheCirclePit; New EP “Concordance” Out Now!

November 15, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Varius

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 15, 2021

VARIUS’ Presents Reflective Stories Of Battle Through New Video “Golden Crown”

Video Premiere via TheCirclePit

New EP “Concordance” Out Now!

L-R: Joel Tassillo (Bass) / Joey Scaringi (Vocals) / Vladimir Prokhorov (Drums) / Patrick Forlin (Guitar)
Photo Credit: Britney Goertz

Varius has recently released their heaviest record to date and one they describe as their most diverse and collaborative. Each of the four songs was written by a different band member allowing individual influences and styles to shine through. This method of writing allowed each person to play producer for their own track, bringing in ideas from the rest of the band to really bring their visions to life. “Golden Crown” is the first track on the EP and the longest, it touches on themes of battle, loyalty, and brotherhood. Varius explains further:

“This song represents something completely different as far as what our audience would expect of us. It is the EP’s most straightforward track and is a mid-tempo wall of sound. It has a more classic-metal kind of sound, but with almost Amon Amarth-style vocals. The calmer intro gives way to a massive chord-based riff, and the song progresses into an epic guitar solo and dynamic build through the outro. Lyrically, the song touches on themes of battle, loyalty, and brotherhood. The lyrics were influenced by the concept of ancient warriors who lived and died by the sword and battled for their brothers in arms rather than glory and wealth.”

Although fans will likely notice the prominent thrash and death metal elements that are the core of Varius’ sound, they want to emphasize that their influences are a lot more diverse than just those styles. Throughout the EP they play around with many styles as well as lyrical themes like fantasy, science fiction, and horror while reflecting real-life issues through them.

The progressive and melodic death metal that Varius creates is suggested for fans of Children of Bodom, Dethklok and Death.

Watch and listen to “Golden Crown” via TheCirclePit – https://youtu.be/sxMZYav2Z_Q

“Concordance” is available on digital music platforms at https://linktr.ee/varius

Track Listing:
1. Golden Crown (6:03)
2. Concordance of the Legionfall (4:59)
3. Lament of Dissonance (4:43)
4. Gut Shoveler (5:28)
Digital EP Length: 21:14
Note: Physical CD copies of Concordance will feature a bonus track (previously released digitally – 2019)
5. P.I.S.S. (3:22) (CD Bonus Track)
EP Length (CD version): 24:40

For more info:
Facebook.com/Varius.band
Instagram.com/varius.official
EPK

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“it’s full of dynamic surprises — a song that’s bombastic and brazen, savage and scintillating, mysterious and magnificent — and its name is “Concordance of the Legionfall“.” – No Clean Singing

“For their second EP Concordance, Varius decided to let each band member bring their own song in. This move lets the band step away from the rigid melodic death metal of their first EP, The Great Tribulation, and try out other genre types. Opener “Golden Crown” keeps its deathly roots in the ruinous vocals, as the song is otherwise traditional heavy metal that wouldn’t have been out of place for Manowar or Accept. Each of the four tunes on Concordance avoid hinting at any ideas of what Varius will do next, like the forceful doom in the second half of closer “Gut Shoveler.” Hearing their two EPs back-to-back is listening to a band actively transforming themselves over the course of 40 minutes. With Concordance, Varius have made a point to keep their sonic options open moving forward, as they could go anywhere from here. 4/5” – Heavy Music Headquarters
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0 Out Now! Saudi Instrumental Prog Metal DUSK Sophomore EP “To Where I Belong”

November 10, 2021
by Asher
· DUSK · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 10, 2021

Out Now! Saudi Instrumental Prog Metal DUSK Sophomore EP “To Where I Belong”

Saudi Arabia’s DUSK is a one-man musical journey from the mind of Meshari Sangora. Presenting his latest EP “To Where I Belong”, the four-track EP of progressive instrumental modern metal is now available as of November 10th.

The sophomore EP follows the 2020 debut “Ascension” and stand-alone singles “Enrapture”, “Particle of Shapes” and “Rotten Roots”.

Taking about 5-6 months from when initially written, the project was completed with its articulated riffs and solos. It is a recording that tells a story of musical taste that’s being challenged constantly and one that the audience will surely enjoy throughout.

“The EP is very raw and in your face with its rhythmic details and with every listen you give it, you can hear something new in the background that you haven’t noticed before,” says Dusk.

“To Where I Belong” is a mixture of clean guitar tones, complex rhythmic riffs, and tasteful lead solos. On this latest recording, Dusk teamed up with two fellow artists and personal friends legendary Saudi guitarist Madani Zakri who has on a guest solo on the track “Epiphany” along with one of the best upcoming modern guitar players from the Riyadh scene, Abdulrahman Elghazali who adds a guest solo on “Fear Is The Thing They Desire”.

“To Where I Belong” is now available for stream and download on Dusk94.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud.com/officialdusk

Song Stream – Title Track – “To Where I Belong” – https://youtu.be/hYDRmaJweFA

Track Listing:
1. Beneath My Fears (3:50)
2. Epiphany ft. Madani Zakri (4:48)
3. Fear Is The Thing They Desire ft. Abdulrahman Elghazali (5:25)
4. To Where I Belong (4:32)

Track By Track Explained:
1 – Beneath My Fears, being the first track and the opening of the EP, it starts off with a clean guitar lead till that first riff catches you by surprise & builds off the dynamic tension as the track goes on.

2 – Epiphany, being the second track on the EP, features Saudi legend guitarist “Madani Zakri” as a guest solo where he changed the complete atmosphere with his melodic runs & licks.

3 – Fear Is The Thing They Desire, being the third track that also features one the best upcoming modern guitar players in the scene “Abdulrahman Elghazali” as a guest solo as well as modernizing the track and giving it a cool extra layer of dynamics.

4 – To Where I belong, the titled track for the EP and the final chapter that concludes the story with its loud riff changing patterns & fast lead runs.

About:
Dusk is a lead electric guitar player with experience of nearly10 years in the music field, working in various music genres such as Metal, Rock, Hiphop, Jazz, Soul, R&B, and EDM. Some of his musical influences are of the likes of Currents, Erra, Volumes, Led Zeppelin, Andy James, Buckethead, and many more.

Since 2020, he has been releasing his solo projects in metal subgenres like Metalcore, djent, melodic metal, and progressive metal.

Dusk is also a founding member of the group “FIGŪREZ” as they recently released their titled EP “Motherland” where it got international praise.

About EP guests:
Madani Zakri got his musical success from the early 2000s where he got involved heavily in the Saudi metal scene when it was underground.

Adding 12 years of experience in the GGC and UK under his belt, and having deep expertise in other genres like rock, classical music, Eastern music, and pop, he became one of the local legends in the Riyadh music community.

Abdulrahman Elghazali is a Sudanese progressive metal artist based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that has been a guitar player for 8 years along with being experienced with other instruments such as the piano and the violin. Some of his musical influences are; Tosin Abasi, Mark Holcomb, Yvette Young.

For more info:
OfficialDusk.com
Facebook.com/Officialdusk94
Instagram.com/official__dusk
Twitter.com/Official__Dusk

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Rockshots Records Signs Finland’s AMOTH (ft.Ensiferum’s Pekka Montin) For New Album “The Hour Of The Wolf”; Music Video For First Single “The Man Who Watches The World Burn”

October 26, 2021
by Asher
· Amoth (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 26, 2021

Rockshots Records Signs Finland’s AMOTH (ft.Ensiferum’s Pekka Montin) For New Album “The Hour Of The Wolf”

Music Video For First Single “The Man Who Watches The World Burn”

New Album “The Hour Of The Wolf” Out Jan 28, 2022

Rockshots Records is proud to announce their signing of AMOTH for the release of their third album “The Hour of The Wolf” on January 28, 2022.

Amoth is a melodic progressive heavy metal band with progressive elements from Helsinki, Finland. Their upcoming album “The Hour Of The Wolf” is a huge leap forward compared to their previous recordings “Revenge” (2016), “Crossing Over” (2011), “Wounded Faith (EP) (2008).

“This is by far our best album yet! Superior performances from all of the musicians. Much better production and songwriting. It’s not a fast-food album. Some of the songs are quite complex so it takes probably more than one listen to really get into!” comments Amoth guitarist and main songwriter Tomi Ihanamäki.

Amoth’s roots are strongly founded on 80’s heavy metal, but branch out in different directions with elements from progressive rock, thrash, and even jazz brought to the table.

The new album features Pekka Montin of Ensiferum once again as the lead vocalist and for the first time, there are also keyboards on an Amoth recording. Fans can expect insane vocals and virtuoso-like playing from all members of the band. The nine songs are very diverse, taking sudden twists and turns into unexplored territory. Amoth even offers up two Steve Vai / Joe Satriani-style instrumentals on this new full-length with tracks “Wind Serenade Part I” and “Wind Serenade Part II”.

The band is currently streaming the first single “The Man Who Watches The World Burn”, a track loosely based on the Joker character from the Batman movies. It is also the only down-tuned song on the whole album and has a bass solo.

“The world is burning before your very eyes, how do you react? It’s a new world and it’s in chaos and you must adjust to that idea.”

Listen to “The Man Who Watches The World Burn” via its music video on Rockshots Records’ YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/GXAlEnnzfSM

Amoth‘s new album “The Hour of The Wolf” is recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, King Diamond, Testament, Megadeth, Joe Satriani.

CD pre-order – https://bit.ly/TheHourOfTheWolf_CD
Digital pre-save – https://bfan.link/the-hour-of-the-wolf

Track Listing:
1. Alice (4:46)
2. The Man Who Watches The World Burn (6:57)
3. Wounded Faith (4:31)
4. Wind Serenade Part I (2:02)
5. Wind Serenade Part II (5:20)
6. We Own The Night (5:34)
7. It Ain’t Over Yet (3:27)
8. Traces In The Snow (6:26)
9. The Hour of The Wolf (7:27)
Album Length: 46:34

For more info:
Rockshots.eu
Amothband.com
Facebook.com/amothband
Instagram.com/amothband

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Out Now! Prog Duo ATHEMON (ft. ex-Haken) Release Debut Self-Titled Album

October 11, 2021
by Asher
· Athemon · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 11, 2021

Out Now! Prog Duo ATHEMON (ft. ex-Haken) Release Debut Self-Titled Album

L-R – Athemon Current Line Up | Adriano Ribeiro (Guitar, Vocals) | Tom MacLean (Bass, Production)
Photo Credits: Adriano’s picture: José Simonetti, Tom’s picture: Sunny Dhaliwal

Progressive metal duo Athemon debut self-titled full length is now available as of October 11th, 2021, and can be heard on Flyathemon.bandcamp.com and Spotify.

Crossing paths online during the beginning of the Covid global lockdown, musicians Tom MacLean (bassist/producer, To-Mera, ex-Haken) based in the UK and Adriano Ribeiro (vocalist and guitarist) based in Brazil, used the digital world to their advantage to give rise to their new band Athemon.

“Adriano sent me his demo and it gave me goosebumps, so I was keen to get involved,” says MacLean.

From a significant evolution between demos to their final introductory recordings, MacLean and Ribeiro created a bonding friendship over musical interests that created the perfect environment to allow them to evolve and conceive their debut album.

Formed as a gateway to express their art using progressive metal music, Athemon‘s first release is a concept record that is meant to be heard as one long 50-minute track divided into nine parts.

“Full of dark and enigmatic atmospheres, this is a 50-minute concept album divided into nine songs, which tells a story about self-awareness. This is a creative release that seeks to forge the perfect alloy of darkness and beauty,” adds the band.

For the album’s recording, the duo invited a special guest drummer from Brazil, Gledson Gonçalves who added his percussionist touch to compliment each one of the nine tracks.

“As nobody goes alone in this world (even being totally alone inside one’s own mind), the songwriting process had a lonely beginning, but a very collaborative end. The beginning of this project was driven by Adriano, but nothing would fit so well if it wasn’t for the amazing connection the three of us have (Adriano, Tom, and our special guest on drums, Gledson),” says MacLean.

The lyrics for the album were written by vocalist/guitarist Adrian Ribeiro and were inspired by thoughts of how confusing reality can be if you are not taking care of your emotional side. “The thin line between what’s real and what’s not is an endless world,” adds Ribeiro.

New fans of Athemon, can expect much more to come from the pair as they already have plans to launch their second album by the end of 2022, which they are currently composing with promising results.

As for the live spectacle of Athemon, for now, the band will let the music flow until the duo can connect from across the Atlantic for their first in-person jam session.

Recommended for fans of Nevermore, Pain of Salvation, Opeth, Gojira, and Mastodon, Athemon‘s self-titled debut is available on Flyathemon.bandcamp.com, Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3arRp3G.

Track Listing:
1. Perception (3:16)
2. Whispers (5:29)
3. The Glass Hindered Us (3:57)
4. Different From What Was Missing (5:23)
5. Seed of Change (7:25)
6. I Voice of Mine (8:12)
7. Reaching Deepness (6:42)
8. Greatest Understanding (5:54)
9. Birth (4:01)
Album Length: 50:20

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Athemon
• All songs written by: Athemon
• Produced by: Tom MacLean
• Mixed by: Tom MacLean @ Twelve Tone Studio
• Mastered by: Tony Lindgren @ Fascination Street Studios
• Album Artwork by: Luigi Quarta

Album Band Line Up:
Adriano Ribeiro (Guitars, Vocals)
Tom MacLean (Bass)
Gledson Gonçalves (session Drums)

More Info:
Athemon.com
Facebook.com/fly.athemon
Instagram.com/fly.athemon
EPK

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
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0 Shumaun’s Progressive Rock Album “Memories & Intuition” Streaming Now!, Album Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace, Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

September 7, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Shumaun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 7, 2021

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree

Shumaun’s Progressive Rock Album “Memories & Intuition” Streaming Now!

Album Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace

Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

Ft. Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert),
Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony Macalpine),
Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord),
Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation), and Chris DeChiara

Shumaun (L to R) Jose Mora: Bass, Farhad Hossain: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Tyler Kim: Guitar

Shumaun, from Virginia, USA are now streaming their third album “Memories & Intuition.” Unlike the previous album, this one is not a concept album. It’s lyrically thematic, but the songs were written to be stand-alone singles, as Farhad Hossain (vocals/guitar/keys) explains:

“I really focused on the craft of songwriting on this album. I think it’s the best collection of songs I’ve ever written. The hard part was making the decision that a song was done and ready to go. You can spend years refining material, but that doesn’t necessarily make a song “better.” Luckily for me, these songs developed rather quickly and naturally. The lyrics by far are my most personal yet. I knew I wanted twelve tracks, so I set off to do just that and nothing more. There were no extra tracks.”

Hossain continues to explain that the members of the band have several more albums in them as there is no shortage of musical ideas at this point. It is hard to say what direction we will go in the future, but it’s exciting because we don’t set limitations on our musical exploration… as this album certainly shows. Melody will always remain an integral part of our music and that will never change, adds Farhad Hossain.

“Memories & Intuition” is more song-oriented than the previous two albums, but maintains the progressive twists associated with Shumaun. The music is accessible and honest with elements that can be appreciated by a wide spectrum of rock and metal enthusiasts.

Shumaun is recommended for fans of Tool, Rush, and Fates Warning.

“Memories & Intuition” is streaming now via TheProgSpace HERE.

“Memories & Intuition” is out on September 10, 2021 and will be available on digital platforms Shumaun.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music.

Album teaser – https://youtu.be/3aSbnu_JPhE
Music Video – Memories of Water – https://youtu.be/kxeJGQfy1ww
Lyric Video – Under The Sun – https://youtu.be/3pPkZ8U5c60
Lyric Video – Intuition Underground – https://youtu.be/991wSVct4Ec

Track Listing:
1. A Subtle Invocation (3:20)
2. Prisoners (3:51)
3. Memories of Water (3:33)
4. Jabriel’s Song (5:59)
5. Invincible (7:22)
6. Under the Sun (5:06)
7. The Pursuit of Happiness (5:11)
8. Tides (4:28)
9. Intuition Underground (4:39)
10. Breathing Light (9:00)
11. A Planetary Shift (5:40)
12. The Day We Said Goodbye (5:18)
Album Length: 1:03:26

Album Band Line Up:
Farhad Hossain – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Jose Mora – Bass
Tyler Kim – Guitars
Drums: Thomas Lang (Tracks 2, 5, 9, 10)
Drums: Mark Zonder (Tracks 1, 3)
Drums: Atma Anur (Tracks 4, 7)
Drums: Leo Margarit (Tracks 6, 8)
Drums: Chris DeChiara (Track 11)
Additional keyboards on “Tides” by Bill Whitney

For more info:
Shumaun.com
Facebook.com/shumaun
Instagram.com/zinkferd
Twitter.com/shumaun
EPK

About:
Shumaun initially started as a solo project by Farhad Hossain (ex singer/guitarist/keyboardist of Iris Divine). After recording a few demos, he decided to recruit a few friends to help build the project into a full-fledged collaborative band. Through the course of recording their self-titled debut album, Shumaun went through a period of tribulation while securing a drummer. Original drummer Tanvir Tomal (ex Iris Divine) had to leave for professional obligations in the middle of the recording sessions and was later replaced with Waqar Khan (Entity Paradigm), who is also well known for his work with the platinum-selling Ali Azmat of the EMI recording artist Junoon (one of South Asia’s most successful rock bands). Waqar remained with the band long enough to record a few tracks on the debut record as well as appear live for some of the earlier shows. Travis Orbin (Darkest Hour, Periphery), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) recorded the remaining drums on the debut record that was released in the fall of 2015. Tanvir has since returned to the band as the live drummer.

2019 saw the band releasing their sophomore album “One Day Closer to Yesterday.” The album was once again mixed by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studio in France. The album was rawer and heavier, but the melodies and vocals were never compromised. It includes the bombastic prog metal single “Go.”

2021 sees Shumaun releasing their third album “Memories & Intuition,” which features the amazing drumming of legends such as Thomas Lang (Peter Gabrie l, Paul Gilbert), Atma Anur (Jason Becker, Tony Macalpine), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord), and Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation). Shumaun once again tapped Brett Caldas-Lima and Tower Studio for mixing and mastering. The album is their most melodic to date and consists of their single “Memories of Water.”

The Shumaun sound is shaped by the soaring vocals and lead guitar work of Farhad Hossain, the pounding melodic bass lines of Jose Mora, and the subtle guitar nuances of Tyler Kim. The band has received many accolades, and have made it onto several “album of the year” lists from sites such as Progressive Music Planet, Decibel Geek, and Metal Asylum etc. The band also won The Deli Magazine’s “Best of 2015” for Washington DC bands, and have been featured on Revolver Magazine, and Decibel Magazine.

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0 Rockshots Records: Environmental Prog VENUS SYNDROME Streaming First Single “Sideral Groove” Off Upcoming Album “Cannibal Star” Out Oct 22nd

September 3, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Venus Syndrome (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 3, 2021

For fans of Dream Theater, Pagan’s Mind, Sons of Apollo, Haken, Symphony X, King’s X

Rockshots Records: Environmental Prog VENUS SYNDROME Streaming First Single “Sideral Groove” Off Upcoming Album “Cannibal Star”

“Cannibal Star” Due Out October 22, 2021

Venus Syndrome will be releasing their sophomore album “Cannibal Star” on October 22nd, via Rockshots Records.

Formed originally as a Dream Theater cover band under the moniker MetroTheater, it wasn’t too soon after that drummer Thibaud Pontet (Eternal Flight), guitarist Ayman Mokdad (Alien Encounters), keyboardist Rodolfo Lima Sproesser (Goiana, Tahra, Heretic, Floyd Rose cover Pink Floyd), bassist Florian Guidat and vocalist Emmanuelson (Ellipsis, Rising Steel, Hydroflame) were keen to create something more.

It came under the suggestion of main composer and guitarist Ayman Mokdad to the rest of the band that he had written original material inspired by the concept of the “Venus Syndrome”, in which the Earth undergoes runaway warming and the oceans boil off and is viewed as the greatest threat to humanity’s existence (more info here).

From those lyrical and musical ideals, Venus Syndrome offered up their self-titled debut album during April 2020 all while being an international collaboration between musicians on two sides of the globe. Rodolfo Lima Sproesser is based in Brazilian while the rest of the group is in France.

Carefully crafting power melodies, intricate hard rocking rhythms and soaring vocals inspired by the likes of Russell Allen (Symphony X), Warrel Dane (Nevermore) and Ray Adler (Fates Warning), the band is ready to introduce their next recording and the sophomore full-length “Cannibal Star”.

Recruiting Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio, Ultra-Violence, T/L Rhapsody, Eternal Idol, Eldritch, Elvenking) for mixing and mastering, the new album is a more mature production compared to their self-recorded effort. On “Cannibal Star”, Venus Syndrome showcases eleven tracks for fans to not just enjoy its melodic progressive metal groove, but also go beyond the listening experience and understand the message behind their music.

“Humanity will disappear if each one of us, each individual do not contribute to safeguarding it. Art, and particularly music is a healer and can help us reach the target and build something strong for our kids and their kids hopefully.” says guitarist and composer Ayman Mokdad.

The band decided on the tracks not just on record, but how they would be best performed for a memorable live experience and the importance of its messaging for saving our planet and humanity.

“There’s an amazing live show that goes with these songs, that’s why there is an instrumental ouverture, an instrumental interlude, and an ending part on the song “Contaminate Me” that we can play with the audience for several minutes. They can expect all the energy and power of the universe. We want them to sing our songs long after the show.”

In preview to its release, the progressive metal group is sharing their first single “Sideral Groove”, a groovy seven strings song, where the chorus says it all.

“Music is our life our companion and the reason to live. Our mission to believe in.” adds the band.

Listen to “Sideral Groove” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/Jj2gQhSmEcI
Digital pre-save – https://bfan.link/sideral-groove

Album pre-save – https://bfan.link/cannibal-star

Track Listing:
1. Ouverture 2040 (2:41)
2. Dark Side of The Sun (4:07)
3. Sideral Groove (5:33)
4. Sun Inside Me (4:53)
5. Golden Mind (4:37)
6. Empire of The End (4:12)
7. Cannibal Star (3:11)
8. Breaking The Black Stars (4:23)
9. Tunnel of Light (3:31)
10. Like A Monster (4:08)
11. Contaminate Me (4:40)
Album Length: 46:01

For more info:
Venus-syndrome.monsite-orange.fr/index.html
Facebook.com/thevenussyndrome

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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0 Rockshots Records: Greek Prog/Power ILLUSORY Release New Video “A Poem I Couldn’t Rhyme”

August 25, 2021
by Asher
· Illusory (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 25, 2021

For fans of Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Savatage, Jag Panzer

Rockshots Records: Greek Prog/Power ILLUSORY Release New Video “A Poem I Couldn’t Rhyme”

New Album “Crimson Wreath” Out Now!

Greece’s prog power Illusory are sharing their new lyric video for the heroic rhapsody “A Poem I Couldn’t Rhyme” in support of their third album “Crimson Wreath” released on May 21st via Rockshots Records.

“This is a song with heavy riffing, a song where vocal lines are almost fighting against guitar and keys themes. However, the whole outcome gives you peace – finally! Based on a nightmare of a story or vice versa, this lyric video is filled with emotions and emphatical images, portraying a story which could easily be never-ending.” adds the band.

The lyric video for “A Poem I Couldn’t Rhyme” can be viewed on Rockshots Records YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/9x-aRn1wmxE

Having opened for such legendary acts Blue Oyster Cult, Warrel Dane, Geoff Tate, and Gus G, Illusory‘s new album “Crimson Wreath” is the next step in their widely praised evolution to follow 2016’s Polysllabic (7hard/7us) and 2013’s “The Ivory Tower” (The Leaders Records).

Melodic, riffy, cerebral, and complex “Crimson Wreath” is a very emotional and melodic release, yet heavy and strong at the same time. Both new fans and ones who have been listening to the band for years will indulge themselves in this latest offering of classic, progressive, epic, and thrashy performances. Lyrical themes found on “Crimson Wreath” are mostly anti-war, but the full length also includes a thematic unit consisting of three songs that deal with human loss.

“The band is thrilled! When we look back, from the first minute to the last one, from the moment we pressed record on the very first drum takes to the album wrap-up, we can’t stop thinking about all the things we set and done during those long hours of arranging every little album detail. “Crimson Wreath” has become a member of our discography and our most recent brainchild. And we are totally proud of it!”

For fans of Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Savatage, Jag Panzer, Illusory‘s “Crimson Wreath” is available at the following link: http://bit.ly/CrimsonWreathCD

Track Listing:
1. Besetting Sins (5:01)
2. Acedia (2:11)
3. Crimson Wreath (6:35)
4. Immortal No (4:25)
5. All Shall Fade (1:51)
6. All Blood Red (5:48)
7. The Voice Inside Me (1:28)
8. S.T. Forsaken (8:08)
9. Ashes To Dust (5:51)
10. A Poem I Couldn’t Rhyme (4:22)
An Opus Of Loss And Sorrow:
11. Pedestal I: Past Forever Last (6:07)
12. Pedestal II: The Isle Of Shadows (9:08)
13. Pedestal III: Agony’s Last (6:53)
14. Fortress Of Sadness (10:04)
Album Length: 1:18:00

ILLUSORY is:
Dee Theodorou – Vocals
George Papantonis – Guitars
Greg Bakos – Guitars
Niki Danos – Bass
Makis Vandoros – Keyboards
Costas Koulis – Drums

For more info:
Roc kshots.eu
Illusoryband.com
Facebook.com/illusoryband
Instagram/illusory_band
Twitter.com/illusoryband

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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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.

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#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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