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Tag: prog metal

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:
Rockshots.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
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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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.

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 MAITREYA Shares Black Mirror Inspired Psychedelic Prog Video “Pilgrim”, Music Video Premiere via SpaceUntravel, New Album “Hyper Reels” Out June 25, 2021

  • April 30, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Maitreya · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 30, 2021

For fans of The Contortionist, Between the Buried and Me, Protest the Hero, Periphery

MAITREYA Shares Black Mirror Inspired Psychedelic Prog Video “Pilgrim”

Music Video Premiere via SpaceUntravel

New Album “Hyper Reels” Out June 25, 2021

L-R: Matt McCabe (Guitar), Steve McMillan (Drums), Matt Cutrara (Vocals), Lyam Morrison (Bass), Mark Wylie (Guitar)
Photo Credit – Jon Butler

Canadian progressive metalcore outfit Maitreya will be unleashing their upcoming full-length “Hyper Reels” this coming June 2021. The sophomore album boasts a higher degree of musical complexity, filthy breakdowns and a wider range on the vocals ebbing from melodic cleans into sustained growls set to a whirlwind of complicated riffs. The record is a heavily layered listening experience, a cacophony of styles, merging together to create an intense wall of sound that forces you to pay attention to all the subliminal notes and tempo changes.

To date, they have shared three singles “Summit”, “Departed” and “Catalyst” and today they are ready to present their next track in preview of the forthcoming album.

Similar to previously revealed singles that were inspired by the well-known TV show and movies, “Pilgrim” came to light after guitarist Mark Wylie’s viewing of a Black Mirror episode.

“Pilgrim has one of the more broad scoped lyrics concepts in the album. It talks about social trends and the kind of philosophy which organizes our society, which came to mind after seeing an episode of Black Mirror. Our society is organized in a way that leads many to feel imprisoned and trapped within the social norms and systemic structures that exist. This song seeks to emulate both the feelings of imprisonment, as well as a more positive vision for our collective societal future.” adds Wylie.

The music video itself is visually progressive and psychedelic with a calming audio experience until towards the end of the track, you get a beautiful djent breakdown along with an unleashed rapture from vocalist Matt Cutrara.

The music video for “Pilgrim” can be viewed via its premiere on SpaceUntravel‘s YouTube channel HERE.

Spotify here.

“Hyper Reels” is out on June 25, 2021 and is recommended for fans of The Contortionist, Between the Buried and Me, and Protest the Hero.

Album pre-save here.

Previous Singles:
Music Video “Summit” https://youtu.be/yvacOheiE3Y
Music Video “Catalyst” – https://youtu.be/sLOVpNchls8
Song Stream “Departed” – https://youtu.be/ib7uTg0vjLw

Track Listing:
1. Catalyst (7:23)
2. Departed (6:04)
3. Radical (5:31)
4. Summit (4:31)
5. Invaders (6:18)
6. Bloom (4:26)
7. Pilgrim (4:44)
8. Flesh Engine (4:31)
9. Hyper Reels (0:57)
10. Iswara (4:27)
Album Length: 48:56

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Matt McCabe – Guitar
Steve McMillan – Drums
Matt Cutrara – Vocals
Lyam Morrison – Bass
Mark Wylie – Guitar

For more info:
Maitreyametal.com
Facebook/MaitreyaMetal
Instagram.com/maitreyametal
MaitreyaMetal.bandcamp.com
EPK 

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“We’re always on the hunt for interesting new metal bands, and Canada’s Maitreya certainly qualifies. The band’s newest single, “Catalyst”, treads familiar progressive metal territory – think vocals similar to Leprous and instrumentation akin to older BTBAM – but rest assured it sounds fresh.” – New Fury Media

“Ambitious and aggressive, Canada’s Maitreya break boundaries from the beginning with Departed. Heavy, contemporary metal chords are underscored by droning, chorusing vocals, but blink and you’ll miss them as Maitreya soon change direction to a growling verse pandemonium. Their riffing is adventurous and deadly, cutting through weighty, rolling rhythms and movements.” – Jace Media

“Their musical abilities were astounding, and I believe they could have been each individually the most technically capable with their instruments of those performing that night.” – Metal Master Kingdom

“Lead-heavy, yet at the same time musically complex, Maitreya’s music is sonic baptism, taking the listener from the fire pits to the icy peaks. The band’s self-titled album weaves an intricate melodic narrative, where both headbanging metal-heavy riffs and reflective vocal lines co-exist in the vortex of sonic alchemy, presented to the listener in its raw, unfiltered elemental form.” – Dentata Music 

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 KNAC.com – Far Beyond The Ivory Tower: An Exclusive Interview With ILLUSORY (Rockshots Records)

  • April 29, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Illusory (Rockshots Records)

http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=37924

0 EPK – Before & Apace – The Denisovan (2021)

  • April 18, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Before & Apace · EPKs

EPK – Before & Apace – The Denisovan (2021)

Publicist – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans Tool, Meshuggah, Devin Townsend, The Mars Volta

“The Denisovan is a collection of epiphanies that have altered my worldview, put to music. It is a sequence of existential discoveries in odd time signatures. It is the merger of thinking and feeling.” – Devin Martyniuk – Before & Apace

Album Title: The Denisovan
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Label: Self-Release

BeforeAndApace.com | Facebook.com/b4.apace | BeforeAndApace.Bandcamp.com| Spotify

[Download Album Cover | Download Album Lyrics]

Album Title: The Denisovan
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Label: Self-Release

Track Listing:
1. Zeno (11:14)
2. Limbics (9:43)
3. Ontogeny (11:16)
4. Simultanagnosia (19:49)
Album Length: 52:04

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Before & Apace
• All songs written by: Before & Apace
• Produced by: Devin Martyniuk
• Mixed by: Christian Douglas and Devin Martyniuk @ Toneshift Audio, Allan, SK
• Mastered by: Brett Zilahi @ Carvalho Mastering, Toronto, ON
• Album Artwork by: Varya Vinogradova
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Recording Band Line Up:
Permanent/Ongoing Member: Devin Martyniuk (guitar, vocals)
Additional Members for The Denisovan:
Kaylon Disiewich (bass, Taurus pedals)
Bryce Holcomb (vocals, guitar)
Arlan Kopp (drums, percussion)

BEFORE & APACE is a heavy progressive rock project from the creative mind of Saskatoon, Canada’s Devin Martyniuk. The project draws from the same well as Tool, The Mars Volta, and Meshuggah. Over a span of multiple years starting in the mid-2000s, while splitting time as a guitarist/multi-instrumentalist between Western Canada’s goth-punk/metal misfits, The New Jacobin Club, and eclectic folk-rock band, Old Joe and the Truth Hurts, Martyniuk began to craft the songs that would ultimately comprise the debut album THE DENISOVAN by BEFORE & APACE.

It was during this time that Devin Martyniuk met drummer Arlan Kopp (also of The Department Heads) as both were percussionists in the University of Saskatchewan’s Wind Orchestra. They bonded instantly over common musical interests and an amicable fondness for Heroes of Might and Magic III. After Devin shared some of his music with Kopp they began composing drum parts together, often beginning by sequencing the intricate parts using Drumkit from Hell (a set of drum samples created by the band Meshuggah).

Bryce Holcomb, one of Martyniuk’s closest friends and musical snob-kin since early adolescence, joined the project shortly thereafter as the vocalist and sometimes-guitarist. Holcomb’s band at the time, Moksha, were just finishing their run and both Martyniuk and Holcomb were excited at the opportunity to collaborate together musically again; they had previously been part of an acoustic guitar trio called Polysorbate-80, but with BEFORE & APACE, they would be able to explore a completely different span of the musical spectrum.

Now with just a bass player needed to round out the band, Jesse Selkirk joined BEFORE & APACE. While Selkirk would ultimately only stay with the project for a short time, he was integral in bringing focus to the final stages of composition. He would also bring in a few riffs that ended up being the first section of the opening track ‘Zeno’. Selkirk eventually stepped away from the project as he would go on to pursue his own creations: The Depth and, more currently, Sleepwreck.

Shortly after Selkirk’s departure, Kaylon Disiewich of Abscission and The Divided would step in and assume the role. In addition to his undeniably monstrous playing, Kaylon most importantly brought a sense of completeness to the band. After making the monumental task of learning the newly-finished and arduous songs, Kaylon added an unmistakable dimension to the band’s sound and would even define some of the most iconic moments (the post-intro drum-and-bass beginning of Simultanagnosia comes to mind).

With the lineup now complete and the songs finished, the band would now share the music in two ways: the stage and the recording. While BEFORE & APACE would go on to play a number of shows, nearly all in the Saskatoon area, their crowning achievement on the stage would be opening for Devin Townsend in Regina, SK. During this same period, the band would begin recording in Martyniuk’s home studio the songs that would comprise the debut album from BEFORE & APACE, THE DENISOVAN.

“The Denisovan” is due out May 11, 2021.

Album Recording Band Line Up:
Permanent/Ongoing Member: Devin Martyniuk (guitar, vocals)
Additional Members for The Denisovan:
Kaylon Disiewich (bass, Taurus pedals)
Bryce Holcomb (vocals, guitar)
Arlan Kopp (drums, percussion)

Live Band Line Up:
Live lineup as well as the lineup for forthcoming recordings is subject to change. Devin Martyniuk is the one ongoing fixture of Before & Apace.

Discography:
2021 – The Denisovan – LP

Shared Stage with:
The Devin Townsend Project, Ninjaspy, Adolyne, Sparky, Titan

0 Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW Shares Live Session Video “Sawbreaker” + Announce Live DVD / Digital Blu-Ray “Bereavement Live In Ashburn” + Live Stream Dates (April/May)

  • April 16, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Hollow · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 16, 2021

 

Album Download HERE. (for media use only)

For fans of Tool, Rush, A Perfect Circle, Pink Floyd, Tesseract, Coheed & Cambria, Muse

Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW Shares Live Session Video “Sawbreaker”

Announce Live DVD / Digital Blu-Ray “Bereavement Live In Ashburn”

Live Stream Dates (April/May)
April – 18, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29
May – 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20

Offer Free Digital Download of New Album “Bereavement”


L-R: Grant MacKenzie (Guitar, Bass, Synth) | Kenny Parry (Vocals, Drums, Piano, Synth)
Photo Credit – Sandra Beatty

The prog duo known as Jupiter Hollow consisting of Grant MacKenzie (Guitar, Bass, Synth) and Kenny Parry (Vocals, Drums, Piano, Synth) is here to create an artistic experience unlike anything else in the industry. Inspired by the art of storytelling and adventure, they intend on taking you through an in-depth journey through their discography and encourage listeners to join them for every step along the way.

The band is currently hosting virtual concerts during the months of April and May (dates listed below) and for those who have yet to tune in to one, they are sharing video from a recent live session for their track “Sawbreaker”, which also appears on a new live DVD / digital Blu-Ray the band has put together entitled “Bereavement Live In Ashburn” that is available at the following link: https://www.jupiterhollow.ca/product-page/bereavement-live-in-ashburn
To view “Sawbreaker”, please visit the following link on YouTube – https://youtu.be/LTrLEH5GSR8

The Bereavement Live Stream Tour: Phase III
The virtual concerts can be viewed completely FREE on the band’s Facebook or Instagram, but for those interested in making donations, can at the following link: https://www.jupiterhollow.ca/product-page/donate
April – 18, 21, 22, 25, 27, 29
May – 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20
(All shows starting at 6:30 PM EST)

Jupiter Hollow released their highly praised album “Bereavement” during June 2020 to follow their two previous admired recordings “AHDOMN” (2018) and “Odyssey” (2016).

Fans can receive the entire new album including digital downloads, lyrics, all the live videos, conceptual interviews, drum playthroughs, and guitar playthroughs completely FREE at http://jupiterhollow.ca/bereavement-experience.

You’ve Never Experienced A Rock Album Like This Before… – Fan Video – https://youtu.be/vXDNiEpdK3A

Music Video – The Mill – https://youtu.be/iL5QPPAPvOs

Jupiter Hollow is:
Grant MacKenzie (guitar, bass, synth)
Kenny Parry (vocals, drums, synth, piano)

For more info:
JupiterHollow.ca
Facebook.com/JupiterHollowOfficial
Instagram.com/jupiterhollow_
EPK – https://www.jupiterhollow.ca/media

– 30 –

 

—

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

0 Earth’s Yellow Sun Shares Next Animated Video “Part IV – Bastion” For 5th Anniversary of “The Infernal Machine”

  • September 18, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Earth's Yellow Sun · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2020

For fans Periphery, Snarky Puppy, Dream Theater, Animals As Leaders, Thank You Scientist

Earth’s Yellow Sun Shares Next Animated Video “Part IV – Bastion” For 5th Anniversary of “The Infernal Machine”

“The Infernal Machine” Celebrates 5 Years!

Re-release EP Tracks w/ Animated Videos

Top L-R Brian Dhari (Tenor Sax), Josh Hanff (Guitars), Chris Bruder (Keyboards)

Bottom L-R Duncan Stan (Bass), Julien Bigras (Drums), Murray Heaton (Alto Sax)

Photo Cred: Michele Dalgarno, Samantha Carcasole, Eric Soto

Five years ago Toronto’s Earth’s Yellow Sun released their sophomore EP “The Infernal Machine”. Now to celebrate the anniversary of that EP, they are re-releasing the tracks in the form of animated videos. The band has unleashed three videos over the last two months, “Part I – Assembly”, “Part II – Unveiling” and “Part III – Betrayal”. Today, the band unveil their fourth video for the track “Part IV – Bastion”, continuing the next chapter of their illustrated story.

The band explains the track:

“Part IV – Bastion: Our human civilization faces a massive onslaught and many deaths brought on by this mechanized terror that they’ve unleashed on themselves.  They are forced to retreat into remote areas and regroup for a hail mary last-ditch effort at bringing down the machine that has only brought them violence and destruction.”

The animated video for “Part IV – Bastion” can be viewed HERE.

Previous videos:
“Part III – Betrayal” HERE.
“Part II – Unveiling” HERE.
“Part I – Assembly” HERE.

Earth’s Yellow Sun‘s concept EP “The Infernal Machine” is the perfect soundtrack to these videos, the premise lying in a futuristic society, the dependency on technology and artificial intelligence, and the conflict that arises between man and machine. Guitarist Josh Hanff shares his excitement for this project:

“The release in question, The Infernal Machine was actually released exactly five years ago, but we are releasing this comic book video concept for the five-year anniversary.  The project has been in the works between myself and a couple of artists since the actual EP was completed, and we’re really excited to be able to finally show our fans (and potential fans) the story behind the music, which was always in my mind (and my co-producer’s mind) as we created the EP back in 2014/2015. “

An incredible mix of guitars, saxophone, choir, violins, and a heavy rhythm section, Earth’s Yellow Sun is difficult to label yet easy to enjoy. Recommended for fans of Periphery, Dream Theater, and Animals as Leaders.

To hear “The Infernal Machine” in full, please visit the following links on EarthsYellowSun.bandcamp.com, Apple Music, Spotify


Track Listing:
1. Part I – Assembly (6:09)
2. Part II – Unveiling (2:58)
3. Part III – Betrayal (3:31)
4. Part IV – Bastion (3:12)
5. Part V – Rapture (7:14)
Album Length: 23:06

For more info:
EarthsYellowSun.net
Facebook.com/EarthsYellowSun
Instagram.com/EarthsYellowSun
EPK

About:

Difficult to Label; Easy to Enjoy

We are Earth’s Yellow Sun, an instrumental band hailing from Toronto, Canada. While often described as “progressive metal”, you’ll quickly find that it’s not so simple to label us – our unique approach to writing music is unlike anything you’ve heard before. Blending a crushingly heavy rhythm section with soaring melodic saxophone lines and funky organ pads, Earth’s Yellow Sun is like the love child of Periphery and Snarky Puppy that you didn’t know you needed in your life.

Our most recent release “Under the Covers” features our cover arrangements of three songs from vastly different corners of the musical world, featuring collaborations with some talented vocalists. From the progressive rock realm, we cover Rush’s “Overture 2112/The Temples of Syrinx”, featuring the incredible Rody Walker of Protest the Hero. From jazz territory, we cover pianist Tigran Hamasyan’s instrumental rhythmic mind-bender “Entertain Me”. And from the pop world, we cover the Backstreet Boys hit “Larger Than Life”, featuring the vocals of Lauren Babic of Red Handed Denial.

As an instrumental band, we rely on our music to convey our stories. Our sophomore release “The Infernal Machine” is a concept record that chronicles a futuristic society’s dependence on technology and artificial intelligence, and the ensuing conflict between man and machine. The creation of this EP saw us venture further into experimental territory, incorporating unconventional instrumentation such as violin, choir, and tabla into sound.

Earth’s Yellow Sun was initially conceived in 2014, while we were attending Humber College’s music program. After bonding over our mutual interest in heavy progressive music, and our shared desire to write innovative music of our own, we formed a school ensemble where we first toyed with the idea of incorporating saxophones into a metal band. This experiment proved to be a great success, and Earth’s Yellow Sun rose from the ashes of the school ensemble once classes came to an end.

Our unique and eclectic sound allows us to fit into a variety of different concert bills. Since our live debut in 2015, we have been fortunate enough to share the stage with several notable acts, including Between the Buried and Me, Protest the Hero, Intervals, Intronaut, Plini, Thank You Scientist, Moon Tooth, Auras, and Red Handed Denial. We greatly look forward to returning to the stage as soon as we can, bigger and better than ever.

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Cinematic Prog Alizarin Premiere Single ‘Elegy Simulacra’ via MetalInsider; New Album “The Last Semblance” Out July 2020

  • April 24, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Alizarin · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 24, 2020

Cinematic Prog Alizarin Premiere Single ‘Elegy Simulacra’ via MetalInsider

New Album “The Last Semblance” Out July 2020

Reveal Artwork & Track Listing

L-R: Jon Damon (Drums) | Josh Kay (Guitars & Vocals) | Avelino Ramirez (Keyboards) | Terran Fernandez (Bass & Backing Vocals)

Photographer credits: Rob Aft & Christian Robles

Cinematic rock metallers Alizarin announce they will be releasing their sophomore album “The Last Semblance” this coming July and are excited to share the full length’s artwork plus track listing along with the premiere of lead single ‘Elegy Simulacra’. The nearly 8-minute epic prog track is described by the band as “one of the fastest tunes on the album. It’s energetic, urgent, and driven by a persistent hypnotic riff. By the time the tune is complete the listener will feel they’ve been on one mind-bending journey, fully setting up the rest of the record.“

‘Elegy Simulacra’ can be heard via its premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

Born out of the forward-thinking inclinations of guitarist/vocalist Josh Kay in late 2017, Alizarin is on a mission to explore unconventional rock music. In addition to Kay, the Los Angeles based group consists of Jon Damon on drums, Terran Fernandez on bass guitar, and Avelino Ramirez on keyboard.

Alizarin released their first full-length album, titled “Cast Zenith”, in 2018 and is preparing to release their new album “The Last Semblance” in summer 2020. Unlike their strictly instrumental debut record, this follow up release features prominent vocals throughout. Rich harmonies and baritone resonance from Kay’s voice add a new dimension to the music, allowing the band’s sound to expand to truly uncharted territory.

“The Last Semblance” covers a wide spectrum of sonic landscapes and emphasizes the melodic journey over deliberate technique. Although Kay is the chief songwriter of Alizarin, the compositions on the new record focus on a balance of each instrument, with less of an emphasis on the domination of guitar solos and a greater exploration of what each musician is capable of. The album draws influence from such groups as Porcupine Tree, Haken, Alice in Chains, Opeth, Portishead, and many more. The results are a sound that is challenging to define, pensive, and often at the crossroads of melody and dissonance.

Kay adds:

“The album is a work of cinematic progressive metal, centered around brooding melodies and wrapped in epic compositions. There are influences from many styles of music, many beyond metal as well. The music is very melody-driven, with technical aspects in moderation woven into the larger song structures. The chords, melodies, and arrangements are meant to be unpredictable, unconventional and compelling, while remaining extremely listenable and catchy.“

Album pre-order HERE along with an immediate download of ‘Elegy Simulacra’ plus their previous release “Cast Zenith” available on Spotify and iTunes.


Track Listing:
1. Elegy Simulacra (7:55)
2. Fathom (6:53)
3. A Wreath of Temperance (6:40)
4. Velvet Margin (5:12)
5. Heirloom (5:35)
6. Zero Sum (7:03)
7. Attenuation (10:36)
8. The Ivory Silo (8:48)
Album Length: 58:46

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Alizarin
• All songs written by: Josh Kay
• Produced by: Josh Kay and Alizarin
• Mixed by: Josh Kay
• Mastered by: Jamie King
• Album Artwork by: Josh Kay

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Josh Kay – Guitars and vocals
Jon Damon – Drums
Terran Fernandez – Bass and backing vocals
Avelino Ramirez – Keyboards

For more info:
Alizarinmusic.com
Facebook.com/alizaringroup
Instagram.com/alizarinband
EPK

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 KOSM Posts Cover Video of A PERFECT CIRCLE’s ‘3 Libras’; Out Now! Bloodborne Inspired EP “Eyes On The Inside”

  • July 22, 2019
  • by Asher
  • · KOSM · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 22, 2019

 

 

 

For fans of Tool, Mastodon, Gojira, The Agonist, Periphery, A Perfect Circle

KOSM Posts Cover Video of A PERFECT CIRCLE’s ‘3 Libras’

Out Now! Bloodborne Inspired EP “Eyes On The Inside”


L-R – Erik Leonhard – Guitar, Michael ‘Pastrami’ Mastracci – Bass, Jessie Grace – Vocals, Mike Slater – Guitar, Sterling Paterson – Drums
Photo credit – Justin Forster

Vancouver’s KOSM recently plunged listeners into the dark universe of their Bloodborne inspired EP “Eyes On The Inside” unleashed on June 28th, 2019. The dark and agile record demonstrated KOSM‘s maturity in sound since releasing their 2018 Lovecraftian inspired debut album “Cosmonaut” and was the first release that featured all members of the band contributing to the writing process. In addition to the band’s original material, the progressive metal quintet enjoys creating cover videos of some of their favourite bands such as Gojira, Mastodon, Queens of The Stone Age, System of A Down, Halestorm, Plini and many more. Adding to the list of covers, the band is sharing their new video performing A PERFECT CIRCLE‘s famed track ‘3 Libras’ alongside friend James Holder of Vancouver gothic metalcore outfit 2 SHADOWS.

The band adds:

“We’re all big fans of APC and this cover turned out better than we were expecting – we try to keep things DIY and did this all ourselves! Due to time constraints between our current EP release we had to record and shoot this whenever there was time – always have to stay busy!”

Watch KOSM covering A PERFECT CIRCLE‘s ‘3 Libras’ on YouTube here.

KOSM latest EP “Eyes On The Inside” is available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music.

EP stream here.

Lyric Video – ‘Yharnam’ here.

The band adds about writing the EP:

“We really set out to give people what they were asking of us, we all feel it’s going to be received incredibly well. On top of that, this is 100% for all the Bloodborne fans that trolled us into oblivion last year, so we hope that they love it just as much as the fans of progressive metal do! It’s heavier, trickier, and more concise with obvious nods to our biggest influences including Tool, Mastodon and Gojira.”

Show Dates:
Sept 6 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room
Sept 14 – Vancouver, BC – Pat’s Pub
Oct 31 – Vancouver – Rickshaw Theatre w/ Jinjer, The Browning, Sumo Cyco

Track Listing:
1. Yharnam (5:25)
2. Clocktower (5:12)
3. A Call Beyond (4:16)
4. Old Blood (6:58)
5. Eyes On The Inside (4:56)
EP Length: 26:49

KOSM is:
Erik Leonhard – Guitar
Mike Slater – Guitar
Jessie Grace – Vocals
Sterling Paterson – Drums
Michael Mastracci – Bass

For more info:
KosmBand.com
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPK

Bio:
KOSM is a progressive metal band hailing from Vancouver BC, Canada. Combining influences from Mastodon, Tool, and Gojira; their sound is dynamic and unquestionably lethal. Since their induction in 2016, they have been making their mark in Vancouver’s metal scene as an absolute force to be reckoned with.

Familiar to members of the progressive metal covenant, and playing with themes from the H.P. Lovecraft and Bloodborne universes; KOSM is quite unique and authentically its own being. Their first release, 2018’s “Cosmonaut” was an album loosely based on the Lovecraftian myth of Cthulhu and each song was meant to walk the listener through a story from beginning to end. Following this, the band is now gearing up for the release of their latest release in 2019, “Eyes On The Inside”, an EP exclusively based on the Bloodborne video game.

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“The technical abilities of all band members blew my head off. The flow and continuity of the music is maintained from the first to the last note despite all the challenging progressiveness. It’s got more creativity crammed in 5 songs than some bands put in their entire discography. And it kills swiftly with no mercy. For all you waiting on that new Tool album, make this EP your warm up.” 9.5/10 – The Metal Observer 

“If you love your prog chunkier and sludgier KOSM is right up your ally.  They are definitely one of the genre’s best kept secrets and lets not make them a secret anymore, okay?”  – Technical Music Review

“KOSM’s knack for creating concept albums has paid off yet again!” – The Music Below

“I am immediately impressed. “Yharnam” is the first track, and I am already thinking Otep, Epica and iwrestledabearonce. The lyrics are impactful, the flow of the song fits and I want to listen to the rest already. Jessie Grace, vocalist, is showing her talent from the get-go. Having such a strong female lead is really a treasure, and I can’t fault the song. It’s definitely my favourite track off of the EP. The lyrics are dynamic and descriptive, and well executed. If you haven’t played Bloodborne, then this song will make you want to…I loved this EP! Everything worked and came together. It was refreshing, powerful and I believe the band will go far.” – Midlands Metalheads

“Vancouver’s KOSM kick the door in with Cosmonaut, their monstrous full-length debut. Brace yourself for a satisfying trip through an exciting mountain range of cascading, meaty riffs, swelling rises, and heady drops, all led by the powerful, soaring vocals of the dynamic Jessie Grace. ” – Beatroute BC

“KOSM cite Tool, Gojira, and Mastodon as three of their main influences, and all three can be heard loud and clear on their new album, Cosmonaut. The technical, progressive musicianship of Tool meets the crushing grooves and rhythmic vocals of Gojira, and Mastodon’s ear for riffy, thunderous prog are all present on Cosmonaut, which features some of the most technical metal I’ve heard this year outside of, you know, technical death metal. ” – Decibel Magazine

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | asher@ashermediarelations.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia
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0 NEWS: Prog Metal TACTUS Premiere New Track ‘Scimitar’ via New Noise Mag; New Album ‘Bending Light’ Due Out October 7th

  • September 9, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Tactus

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 9, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Periphery, Protest the Hero, Between the Buried and Me

Tactusband.com | Facebook | Twittter @tactusband

Youtube | Instagram @tactusband | Bandcamp

Download = Press Photo | Album Cover | Album Lyrics

Prog Metal TACTUS Premiere New Track  ‘Scimitar’ via New Noise Mag

New Album ‘Bending Light’ Due Out October 7th

L-R: Tactus Current Lineup | Steve Parish (bass) | Ben MacLean (drums) | Jason McKnight (vocals) | Alec Dobbelsteyn (guitar) | Adrian Barnes (guitar & vocals)

Photo Credit: The Photo Ninja

Fredericton, New Brunswick five piece progressive metal band TACTUS have teamed up with New Noise Magazine for the premiere of their first single ‘Scimitar’ off their upcoming debut full length ‘Bending Light’ due out on October 7th. The album features ten outer limit prog tracks produced by the band with mixing and mastering by Jamie King (Between The Buried In Me, Paradise Lost, Scale The Summit) to follow their previously released EPs ‘ins(T)rumental’ (2015) and ‘T’ (2014) plus singles ‘Enigma’ and their metal cover of The Police’s ‘Roxanne’.

The band comments on the track:

“We chose ‘Scimitar’ to be the first ambassador for ‘Bending Light’ because even though it’s shorter and more accessible, it still showcases some of the weird progressiveness of the album. It’s consistently fast and upbeat plus as one of our favourites to play, we thought it was a great way to introduce everyone to the new Tactus.”

To hear ‘Scimitar’, please visit the following link: http://newnoisemagazine.com/song-premiere-tactus-scimitar/

The album is available for pre-order at the following links.

Regular Album Pre-Order with immediate download of single Scimitar:
https://tactusband.bandcamp.com/album/bending-light
Bandcamp Exclusive Version w/ instrumentals and complete guitar tablature plus immediate download of single Scimitar:
https://tactusband.bandcamp.com/album/bending-light-bandcamp-exclusive

Formed in 2011 as a jam project by three fellow music students, the group has gone on to release several singles and EPs independently, while having the opportunity to share the stage with great metal acts like Protest the Hero, Intervals, Black Crown Initiate, and Mandroid Echostar. The group pride themselves on their infusion of multiple musical styles into hard-hitting riffs, epic choruses, and technically intense passages. Soaring melodies, guttural growls, and destructive breakdowns flow into soft, slow, and pensive segments of jazz and rock. Their compositional method, where songs are conceived, written, transcribed, and edited before they are ever learned or rehearsed, adds a level of refinement and fluidity not always found in heavier music. The band do almost all of their engineering work themselves, but have also worked with several talented producers. Their first EP T (June 2014), comprised of four previously released singles and one new song, featured the mixing and mastering handiwork of Gino Bambino (Novallo) and Justin Hill (SikTh). Their single Resurface (December 2014) was handled by George Lever (Burials).

1. Anamnesis (2:12)
2. Aurora (6:26)
3. Scimitar (4:08)
4. All Roads (4:06)
5. Feast or Famine (4:58)
6. Colossus (4:20)
7. Goliath (7:14)
8. Cardinal (4:20)
9. Red and Ivory (6:56)
10. King of the Sky (14:35)
Album Length: 59.21

For more info, please visit: www.TactusBand.com.

– 30 –

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#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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