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Tag: prog rock

0 A Refugee’s Tale DEREV’s New Video “Tides of Time” Speaks of A Yearning For Home + Tour Dates (ON/QC) + Debut Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

  • February 27, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Derev · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 27, 2025

A Refugee’s Tale DEREV’s New Video “Tides of Time” Speaks of A Yearning For Home

Tour Dates (ON/QC) + Debut Album “Troubled Mind” Out March 2025

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

Photo Credit – Jon Blacker

Set to release their first full length “Troubled Mind” at the end of March 2025 along with hitting the road across Ontario and Quebec (dates listed below), Toronto prog Derev is sharing their next single “Tides of Time” accompanied by a music video. The track showcases the distress of “cognitive immobility”, a mental trap that leads to an effort to recreate past incidents that one lived in the past. By doing so, the person attempts to retrieve what was left behind, leaving them stuck in a place that no longer exists in reality.

Drummer Michel Karakach shares:

“Leaving my hometown in Syria at the age of 25, after having built so many wonderful friendships, memories, and experiences was a struggle I never knew I’d have to deal with until I did. Finding myself reminiscing over and over about my past life inspired me to write about it as a form of therapy. I never knew this was an actual mental diagnosis until I did some research on it.”

While “Tides of Time” may sound simple and straightforward for first-time listeners, the truth is far from it. This song is filled with hidden gems and rhythmic intricacies that can only be caught by well-trained ears. It features a 7/8 time signature layered over a pulsing 4/4 backbeat, creating a mesmerizing polyrhythmic loop throughout. As the song progresses from a mellow, slow vibe to an intense, epic crescendo, a standout guitar solo seamlessly ties all the elements together. It concludes with the same bass riff that opened the track, forming an endless loop that mirrors the song’s central theme.

Watch and listen to the music video for “Tides of Time” via its premiere on Prog-Sphere HERE.

“Troubled Mind” is Derev’s first full length and second release to follow their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith”. Derev was conceived after founding member, and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into now a powerful reality.

“Troubled Mind” builds on the foundation laid in Derev’s first release, offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers, while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

“While our debut EP tackled broad themes like war, technology, and injustice in the world, Troubled Mind shifts focus to the personal realm. We wanted to explore and articulate various mental states, the subtle thoughts, and inner dialogues that when nurtured and fed over time, makes us who we are. And while we offer some kind of resolution in a few tracks, the purpose of the album is to explore and highlight these different states of mind, rather than try to resolve them.” adds the band.

Derev‘s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on “Troubled Mind”.

Set for release on March 26, 2025, Derev‘s debut album “Troubled Mind” promises to be an introspective journey, offering listeners a relatable experience with mental health and its struggles. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

Album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store (Vinyl, CD, Tour Pass)

Previous Singles:

Lyric Video – “Cyclone” – https://youtu.be/1il9zsnxl0U​

Animated Video – “Room 9” – https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​

Spotify – https://show.co/XRS9Tlm​

DEREV – Troubled Mind ON/ QC Tour​
March 1 – London, ON – Richmond’s Tavern w/ Swearcrow
March 15 – Barrie, ON – The Queens w/ Kill/Death Radio & Cudbear
March 22 – Toronto, ON – The Supermarket w/ Magnavita & St. Doval, and Rod Rodrigues
March 28 – Waterloo, ON – Midnight Run Café w/ Local Goblin
March 29 – Guelph, ON – The Red Papaya w/ Jupiter Hollow, Crown For A King, and Exolithic
April 5 – Montreal, QC – Piranha Bar w/ World On Alert & Vinyl Hero
April 11 – Hamilton, QC – Club Absinthe w/ 8 Banger, Hollow Core, Bad Communication
April 12 – Brantford, ON – Brandi’s Kitchen & Bar w/ Jupiter Hollow & Guests
April 25 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion w/ Mad Wet Sea & Guests
​

Track Listing:​
1. Buried Voice (7:23)
2. Cyclone (5:39)
3. Crawl Space (1:16)
4. Room 9 (6:15)
5. Paracusia (4:35)
6. Tides of Time (5:59)
7. Darker Self (5:44)
8. Trace Within (5:01)
​
​Album Band Line Up:​
Adel Saflou – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys
​
​Live Band Line Up:​
Mike Symons – Vocals
Armando Bablanian – Guitar
Michel Karakach – Drums
Stan Komarovsky – Bass
Ran Zehavi – Keys

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

About: “Divided by war, United by music”

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

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

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

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

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

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

-30-

“Derev’s sound combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric sound of old-school progressive rock, while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage.” – The Prog Space
​
“Room 9 is a song that manages to present a depth and feelings that fill the song very well. We have here a very progressive performance, which incorporates heavy and intense riffs, a good song to know the band!” – Metal Junk Box
​
“Derev offer a hard-hitting examination of war and honour on their darkly exotic and relentlessly heavy single and video Turab” – Tinnitist
​
“With “Leap Of Faith” Derev presents itself as a mature band with strong songs and great musicians. All the more reason to eagerly look forward to the first full-fledged album.” – Progwereld
​
“It seems like 2020 and 2021 have given artists the isolation and the time they need to make their best music, or finally release their first music. Derev‘s first released track “Futile” was a pleasant surprise: it’s melodic and creative, and it has a fantastic video with a perfectly chosen voice. That one track led me to an interview with the band, and I get to know both them and their planned EP release “Leap of Faith“…. This EP is without a doubt the best release I have heard in 2021 so far. I would give it a 9/10 and recommended it to any fan of (New) Opeth, Haken, Beardfish, Soen.” – Leb Metal (2021 – Leap of Faith)
​
“Leap Of Faith, an EP, featuring six songs, is their musical debut and Derev combines traditional metal with melodic progressive rock and Eastern musical influences…. Derev really surprised me with this great EP, a must listen for fans of Riverside, Opeth and Haken; highly recommended indeed!!” – BackGround Magazine
​
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

0 Streaming Now! Visit 1898 London With Progressive Concept Album “The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” From METRO SOCIETY

  • February 29, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Metro Society · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 29, 2024

Visit 1898 London With Progressive Concept Album “The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” From METRO SOCIETY

Chris Mangold and Ian Ringler initially came together to explore musical realms, and their collaboration took a chilling turn when they decided to infuse a conceptual storyline based on the Paris Metro system into their music for their debut album “A Journey in Paris” (2007). After a long hiatus, they return, this time to the ominous streets of London in 1898, where the echoes of Jack the Ripper’s gruesome murders still linger. “The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” is an atmospheric and eerie concept album that follows an up-and-coming detective embroiled in a murder mystery. The band explains the album:

“We are going for the full album front-to-back listening experience with this album. This is a story-based album that we are hoping listeners will dive into the full album experience. The songs are really meant to be listened to together as a whole, however, we also feel that any of the individual songs could be listened to on their own and still tell their own story. Hopefully, after listeners hear one or two songs they’ll want to jump into the full album to hear the rest.”

“The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” is a true showcase of musicianship, each member of the band has moments throughout the songs that are rooted in the progressive rock/metal style and really show off what the band is capable of on their respective instruments/talents. Guitarist Mangold has some amazing lead guitar work in the songs “City Streets” and “Society”; vocalist George Margaritopoulos gives an impressive vocal performance throughout the album that demonstrates his dynamic range of vocal styles. The rhythm section consisting of drummer Will Mangold and bassist Ringler provides a thunderous and intricate backdrop that drives each song forward while not skipping out on complex technical nuances.

The album was produced by Chris Mangold, Ian Ringler, and Will Mangold; mixed and mastered by Rob Murray and Kyle from Wilderfox Studio in Vermont, and the album artwork was done by Harley Velasquez at Infinity Nucleart Studio.

Listen to “The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” in full via its album stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

Recommended listening for fans of Threshold, OSI, and Pain of Salvation, “The London Conspiracy Chapter I 1898” is due out on March 1, 2024, via the band’s own label Metro Society Records, and is available for pre-order at https://metrosociety.bandcamp.com.

Videos:

Lyric Video – “City Streets” – https://youtu.be/IWWqrAoOMf4

​

Lyric Video – “Pieces of the Past” – https://youtu.be/-FXAfead2uI

​

Track Listing:​
1. London 1898 – 2:59
2. City Streets – 7:34
3. Lost Souls – 6:29
4. Pieces of the Past – 9:25
5. Society – 6:37
6. Underground – 5:33
7. Inferno – 7:23
Album Length: 46:02

Album Band Line Up:​
Chris Mangold – Guitars / Keys
Ian Ringler – Bass
Will Mangold – Drums
George Margaritopoulos – Vocalist

More info: Metrosociety.net​

-30-

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

0 Vancouver’s HUNTING GIANTS Cast Away The Pain of The Past w/ Video “Kindred” Off New Album “Mythos” Out Now!

  • January 6, 2023
  • by Asher
  • · Hunting Giants · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 6, 2023

 

Vancouver’s HUNTING GIANTS Cast Away The Pain of The Past w/ Video “Kindred”

New Album “Mythos” Out Now!

L-R – Corey Wharton (Bass), Bradley Trivett (Guitar), Daniel Beavington (Drums), Stephen Atkey (Vocals)
Photographer Credit – Bradley Trivett

Canadian progressive grunge rockers Hunting Giants are sharing their next video for the track “Kindred” off their latest album “Mythos” released this past November. ​“Mythos” is the new crowning achievement from Hunting Giants who have put in many years of musical work, writing, and recording while gigging and enduring quarantine as a band during the Covid pandemic. The album’s goal is to grab listeners and amaze them with intricate woven stories, energetic riffs, and distinctive vocals. The album is meant to be an adventure, with each track having its own flavour and setting; the songs are worlds unto themselves. All of the music on the release contribute to a listening experience that is much more than the sum of its parts. The material is an addictive encounter that will keep you coming back.

The band explains in further detail about “Kindred”:

“Opening up with the flight of guitars as they soar over a pounding bass riff, this song is about casting away the pain and trauma of the past and coming together as allies with those whom we once saw as enemies. The open chords of the chorus leave room for the bass and percussion to accent the coming riff as the vocal sing about the power of unification. The bridge drops into a monologue where our protagonist is faced with one final challenge. This gives way to a last verse where we as the listener are given the choice to decide what happens in our futures. The triumphant outro hints of Queens of the Stone Age as the vocal harmonies ease into a final harmonized note.”

Listen to “Kindred” at https://youtu.be/I-VaQeZiBbI​

Hunting Giants is recommended for those who enjoy 90s grunge, heavy rock, and prog, especially fans of Alice In Chains, I Mother Earth, Soundgarden, Tool, and Audioslave.

“Mythos” is available on CD and digital at the following links:

CD order – https://huntinggiants.com/product-category/mythos-albums/​

Digital – Huntinggiants.bandcamp.com, Apple Music, Spotify.

Previous music videos can be viewed on Hunting Giants‘ YouTube channel HERE.

Track Listing:​
1. Mythos – 3:28
2. Ancient Text – 3:18
3. Too Big To Kill – 3:06
4. Rituals – 3:57
5. Among Thieves – 5:28
6. Whispers – 2:16
7. Vanguard – 2:54
8. Mantle – 3:19
9. Kindred – 4:05
10. Epitaph – 1:09
11. Into Stone – 4:55
12. Remnant – 4:00
13. King of Ashes – 2:52
Album Length: 44:49

Hunting Giants is:
Corey Wharton – Bass Guitar
Stephen Atkey – Vocals
Bradley Trivett – Guitar
Daniel Beavington – Drums

For more info:​
​HuntingGiants.com​
​Facebook.com/huntinggiantsband​
​Instagram.com/huntinggiantsband​
​Twitter.com/huntinggiants​

About:​
Hunting Giants is a four-piece heavy rock band from Vancouver, BC, Canada. This unique group of musicians offers a spectacular visuals-driven live performance that exceeds both the precise ferocity of their recordings and the highest expectations of an energized audience looking for something recognizably different. Their music is both refreshing and familiar, serving well as the musical backdrop for one’s ongoing discovery of meaning in life and self.
​
Hunting Giants was started in 2017 with Bradley Trivett assembling the first musical themes and combining the percussive expertise of Daniel Beavington with the explosive rhythmic prowess of Corey J. Wharton into the foundation of a team set to discover and dominate the most enormous sounds and daunting massive ideas they could find. Led by the visionary passion and styling of frontman Stephen Atkey, Hunting Giants is poised to deliver an incredible auditory and visual experience.

Discography:
2022 – Mythos – LP
2018 – Skyward Eyes – EP

– 30 –

“A glorious adventure is about to begin, starting right here today! Heavy metallers Hunting Giants are debuting their brand new music video for “Rituals,” the first single from their upcoming album Mythos. The song indicates the zeal and the ambition that the band is bringing towards this new record, due for release on September 30th. The “Rituals” video matches the flat-out intensity of the song, one that discusses necromancy and the harshness of hatred and shame.” – V13

“It’s not often that a band is described as ‘a blend of modern hard rock, progressive rock/metal and grunge influences,’ but that is indeed a fitting description of Vancouver’s Hunting Giants” – Bravewords

“If you’re tired of reading about the same old bands over and over again look no further. Its time to get excited about music again! Hunting Giants is a breath of fresh air! They are keeping the metal alive with their euphonious new sound. They hail from Canada where a lot hot new bands are burgeoning onto the music scene. Every song off their new album, Mythos is incendiary and their new album is a must have in your music collection.” – Metal Lair​
​
​“There are some fine songs on here like ‘Ancient Text’, ‘Too Big Too Kill’ and ‘Vanguard’… Guitarist Bradley Trivett has a neat line in big crunchy riffs and singer Stephen Atkey has a great voice. This will appeal to those who like Muse or Alice in Chains…” – Powerplay Mag UK​
​
​“Let me say this first, HUNTING GIANTS from Vancouver are REALLY freaking good. These guys are relatively new but they are tighter and more accomplished man many veteran bands.” – Rock You Show

“This is an album (Mythos) that you’ll want to wander through thanks to their technical proficiency and the production value.” – Metal Roos

“a solid listen, and a fairly unique combination of a few different styles. It’s mostly heavy enough for Metal fans, and mostly melodic enough for fans like myself who appreciate a good hook.” – Metal Temple​
​
​“Mythos’ features a very 1990s vibe, offering elements of nostalgia as well as a contemporary feel. They can go hard or ease back, adding theatre and energy in a single song (‘Vanguard’), and then draw deep on emotions (‘Mantle’). It’s a heady mix that runs alongside the overall story line in the album. ‘Mythos’ isn’t an album that will appeal to all. Certainly, those whose tastes veer towards the heavier end of the metal spectrum may baulk at it. It should however, appeal to a wide range of fans, who will be able to appreciate the textured and layered songs and the ambition of a band who have delivered a fine release.” – The Razor’s Edge​
​
​“a sonically pleasing experience that had a few unusual stylistic fusions. Most of the time, it’s strong enough for Metal enthusiasts as well as being melodic enough for people like myself who adore theatricality. Additionally, they demonstrated some excellent playing.” – Ever Metal UK​
​
​“Hunting Giants: Will grab listeners and amaze them.” – Permafrost Today​
​
​“There is a lot to discover here. The sound of the varied album is also well controlled and the rhythm section really bangs.” – Saitenkult

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

0 THE WRING Share Proggy, Heavy Rock Teaser For Upcoming Album “Spectra”

  • October 13, 2022
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · The Wring

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 13, 2022

THE WRING Share Proggy, Heavy Rock Teaser For Upcoming Album “Spectra”

Canada’s The Wring is gearing up to release a third album in December, which is an amalgamation of different styles, brought together by solo artist Don Dewulf. His project has been growing by leaps and bounds, and this new release will wow listeners across the heavy spectrum. “Spectra” is a bit like a 1970’s King Crimson album, but without any ethereal soliloquies and certainly with a more significant hard rock/metal influence. It is a cauldron of hard rock, jazz, metal, classical, 80’s rock, 70’s rock, and probably a few other things. The performances are tight and meaningful. Dewulf comments on the album:

“I am very proud of the compositions on this album. You will hear rock, prog, metal, jazz, classic rock, and a few other things, covering a wide range of approaches, but still cohesive and very accessible for any kind of listener. Prog music can tend to be grandiose; I wanted this album to be the opposite of that. Tight, concise, and well-executed with interesting melody, rhythm, and lyrical themes. Marco Minnemann’s drums were the first thing to be recorded. His performance set the tone; the other guys had no choice but to play their asses off, and they did!”

To bring his vision to life, Sudbury, Ontario local Dewulf enlisted some of the best professional musicians to play the parts. Marco Minnemann – world-renowned drummer, member of The Aristocrats, and successful solo artist. Chandler Mogel – Amazing singer with a great 80’s vibe. Reggie Hache – Canadian bass superstar. Does his own thing and contributed incredible parts to this album. Isamu McGregor – Session keyboard player with great vision and feel. Together they deliver an expansive, detailed eight-track album that touches on a wide range of musical styles and themes. Each listener will hear something different in the compositions.

The Wring started in 2015, as Dewulf had a lot of material written that needed to see the light of day. He assembled the players and released the self-titled album in 2017. They played some shows, and players drifted off, but there was still an abundance of material. Another batch of studio musicians was brought together to release “Project Cipher” in 2021 and yet another diverse bunch got together for “Spectra”.

The band’s classic heavy rock intertwined with prog is recommended for fans of Rush, King Crimson, and Dream Theater.

“Spectra” is due out on December 16, 2022 via Wormholedeath Records.

The album teaser can be heard at https://youtu.be/FBbV-FngKG0​

Album digital pre-save available at https://orcd.co/spectrapreorder​

Track Listing:​
1. Stiletto 4:40
2. Stones & Bones 4:58
3. The Prince 3.54
4. The Wolf 5:00
5. Tin Man 5:25
6. From Mars 4:43
7. Sins 4:43
8. Fallen 5:05
Album Length: 38:28

Album Recording Line Up:​
Don Dewulf – Guitars
Marco Minnemann – Drums
Chandler Mogel – Vocals
Reggie Hache – Bass & Keyboards
Isamu McGregor – Keyboards

For more info:​
​http://www.thewring.ca​
​https://www.facebook.com/thewringband​
​https://www.instagram.com/wringband​

– 30 –

““Wring² Project Cipher comes with a heavy, classic rock feel, but there’s an epic, questing nature to tunes like Sorceress, Steelier and Dose that pushes The Wring beyond metal norms and into prog territory.” – Prog Magazine

“The extreme professionalism on display throughout this entire album, although a labour of love, is a true master class of musicianship performed by musicians who are truly at the top of their game, making the industry what it is today. The sheer attention to detail is a credit to each and every performer as they tailor their craft neatly and precisely throughout every track, with nothing less than perfect being the order of the day.” – Stargazer Music Magazine

“Overall, the entire album is laden with a rich tapestry of sound and lyrics, well thought out and carefully developed by founder member and visionary Don Dewulf, taking the listener on that perfect journey of thought, and is a credit to its makers gathering no dust in any collection. 10/10” – Stargazer Music Magazine

“Thanks to his renowned session musicians and original compositions, The Wring is a refreshing discovery that offers a personal reading of modern metal. 4/5” – Music Waves

“What sounds at first to be a straight-forward rock album, turns out to be so much more. It’s a tad short, but sometimes less is more. You can hear many influences in these tracks, some of them familiar, but The Wring have stamped their own identity all over it. This should keep you going for the time being but expect more from Don Dewulf with The Wring3 already in the recording stage!” – The Prog Space

“Dewulf’s guitar work shines throughout, at times reminiscent of Alex Lifeson in his prime, such as his powerful solo on ‘Steelier’ which soars above the raging musical maelstrom below. There’s even a funk-infused breakout on ‘Dose’, which is infectious with its driving hook. It’s an absorbing record, one that takes time to soak in, but several plays ensure that it’s burnt deep into the memory. When those end-of-year lists come round, ‘Wring² Project Cipher’ is likely to be pushing for a slot.” – The Razor’s Edge

“The Wring generally succeed at what they’re going for—Dewulf has produced a fun, catchy record. Particularly on the album’s middle section (“Cipher,” “Steelier” and “Dissension”), there’s some great songs with great riffs. If you’re after some new prog, you could do a lot worse than this album, and I found it quite hard to score.” – Angry Metal Guy

“The overall sound is something like the heavier side of Rush, with hooks and melodic elements smoothing out the guitar crunch, making this very accessible.” – The Progressive Aspect

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

0 Rockshots Records – Brazilian Multi-Instrumentalist Lucas Barbosa’s TERRA’s New Video “Sound Of Rain”, Debut Album “Hypercube” Out November 19th

  • October 25, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · EPKs · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 25, 2021

Rockshots Records – Brazilian Multi-Instrumentalist Lucas Barbosa’s TERRA’s New Video “Sound Of Rain”

Debut Album “Hypercube” Out November 19th

Brazilian multi-instrumentalist Lucas Barbosa will be releasing his studio project Terra and its debut album “Hypercube” on November 19th via Rockshots Records.

Today, the third single “Sound of Rain” is revealed with a music video via Rockshots Records’ YouTube channel.

Music Video – https://youtu.be/tLK-ZikGZNw

Digital Stream – https://spoti.fi/3jAiIxJ

Barbosa explains the track:

“Sound Of Rain is a soundtrack for a resting session at the end of a long and tiring journey or just an exhausting day. In every journey, there is a moment when we sit down, take a deep breath and try to make sense of all the learnings, mistakes and lessons we collect along the way. It is part of the learning process and it feeds the creative and constructive loops of any thought or idea we might be forming. Our subconscious does this process automatically during our dreams when we sleep. So, Sound Of Rain talks about owning this process, about Lucid Dreaming, by the sound of pouring water, in a comfortable and warm environment, where we lead the process of making sense of all what we learned so far in our life journeys, what is yet to discover and what path should we take to get to the final goal. In this case, the formation, comprehension and harvesting of the perfect Idea, the one that represents the best version of ourselves, a Hypercube on the top of the mountain. In order to transmit this message, elements of percussion, finger-style classical guitar, exploring harmonic features of the instrument, and organic rhythmics were used, over smooth by dynamic harmonic progression were implemented”

Terra brings a combination of musical, audiovisual and artistic experience that translates the personality and ideas of Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist Lucas Barbosa, resulting in a musical journey for those who love music and exploration of the new.

“The idea of Terra was always there, I believe. I have been composing and writing songs since I was 15. I needed a platform to structure and back these songs. This platform should allow me to combine some passions of mine: folk and metal music, traveling and photography. When I was around 20, I came up with the concept of TERRA, a project that would combine all the influences that made the musician and the person I am, in an organic manner, which would allow me to tell my stories of discoveries and exploration, including my experiences traveling through Brazil and throughout the world. It took about 10 years to actually find the environment and opportunity to bring this idea to life by recording Hypercube and kick-starting this journey.” comments Barbosa.

Terra’s first record is the outcome of the combination of elements put together to tell a story of a journey of growth and self-discovery, that frankly, could be the tale of every human being at some point in their lives. Ten songs are there to paint a picture of the artist’s personality and explore each step of the way with the respective deserved depth. Although heavy metal is the glue that unites all the musical nuances presented on this album, “Hypercube” does not shy away from a rich range of influences such as American Bluegrass, Country Music, Classic Rock, Classical Music, Western Folk, traditional Brazilian, Caipira and Sertanejo music along with passages of Samba, Capoeira, Bossa Nova and many others to convey its message. Lucas Barbosa was responsible for playing almost all instruments, including rhythm and lead guitars in all their forms (electric, classical, 6 string, 12 string), bass, Brazilian guitar (or Viola Caipira), Andean guitar (or Charango), Pan flute (Andean flute), harmonica, percussions and piano, in addition to performing all of the vocals in the songs.

Terra‘s debut album “Hypercube” is due out November 19, 2021.
CD Pre-Order: https://bit.ly/HypercubeCD
Digital Pre-Save: https://bfan.link/hypercube

Music Video – Let It Burn – https://youtu.be/OZhRNaqerkQ
Lyric Video – Sign My Name – https://youtu.be/6MZ1mf55tgM


Track Listing:
1. Let It Burn (4:18)
2. Always Resist (4:35)
3. Sign My Name (6:31)
4. Down The Road (4:03)
5. Shivers and Snow (4:56)
6. Sound of Rain (5:45)
7. Against The Wind (10:29)
8. Montaria (9:49)
9. Hypercube (8:54)
10. Our Time Is Now (6:19)
Album Length: 1:05:44

Album Credits:
All songs & Lyrics written by Lucas Barbosa
All Instruments, except drums, played by Lucas Barbosa, including Vocals, Guitars, Bass guitars, 6-string and 12-string Acoustic Guitars, Brazilian Guitar, Andean Guitar, Pan Flutes, Harmonicas, Piano and Percussions
Drums recorded by Alex Cristopher
Produced, Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Thiago Bianchi at Fusão Studios in São Paulo, Brazil.
Cover art Concept by Lucas Barbosa
Art by Carlos Fidelis

More info:
Rockshots.eu
Facebook.com/TerraLucasBarbosa
Instagram.com/terramusictrip
Youtube

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Shumaun Shares Thomas Lang’s Drum Playthrough “Invincible” Off “Memories & Intuition”, Playthrough Premiere via GearGods

  • September 30, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Shumaun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 30, 2021

Shumaun Shares Thomas Lang’s Drum Playthrough “Invincible” Off “Memories & Intuition”

Playthrough Premiere via GearGods

Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers
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

Progressive rock band Shumaun recently released their new album “Memories & Intuition” earlier this September. For the recording, the band recruited an all-star lineup of drummers that included 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.

Today, in support of the full-length, Shumaun is releasing Thomas Lang’s playthrough video for the track “Invincible,” which is being premiered on GearGods HERE.

“It truly is an honor for someone like Thomas Lang to be on Shumaun’s latest record. He was able to take our songs to another level with his creative approach to drumming. All of us are big fans,” adds vocalist/guitarist Farhad Hossain.

“Memories & Intuition” is Shumaun‘s third album. The band wants average music fans to be able to feel a connection to the melodies and lyrics. Expecting that everyone’s listening experience will be different, they just want the honesty and integrity of the music to resonate with listeners in whatever shape or form that may be. Shumaun provides an accessible approach to modern progressive rock, with ambitious melodies and catchy harmonies. The new full length is also more song-oriented than the previous two albums, but maintains the progressive twists and turns the band is known for. They can be appreciated by a wide spectrum of rock and metal enthusiasts. “Memories & Intuition” is lyrically thematic, but the songs were written to be stand-alone singles, as Farhad Hossain (vocals/guitar/keys) explains:

“Even though the album is very singles based, it’s meant to be listened to in sequence. There is a natural flow between the songs and lyrics that almost make it feel conceptual. The album theme ties to loss, the current human condition, personal relationships, and the battle of the self.”

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

“Memories & Intuition” is available on digital platforms Shumaun.bandcamp.com, Spotify, Apple Music.

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 Gabriel, 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.

– 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 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 Gabriel, 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.

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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 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
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