Tag: prog

0 Soar Away With Powerful Solos With ‘F-22 Raptor’ From PYRAMIDS ON MARS

November 5, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · Pyramids On Mars

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 5, 2019

For fans of Joe Satriani, Rush, Yngwie J Malmsteen, Steve Vai

Soar Away With Powerful Solos With ‘F-22 Raptor’ From PYRAMIDS ON MARS

Guitarist Kevin Estrella’s project Pyramids On Mars has a new album being released on December 21, 2019, entitled “Edge of the Black”. Offering an aural palette of intense instrumental rock, it’s emotional, provocative and 4-dimensional

The first single from this album is ‘F-22 Raptor’, the song soars like the jet itself, with intricate riffs set alongside aggressive chugging and the visuals are of the USAF stealth tactical fighter the song is named after.

Following up on the two previous albums from Pyramids On Mars, “Edge of the Black” was written, composed and performed solely by Keven Estrella who cites influences from musical greats including J.S Bach and Antonio Vivaldi with today’s guitar virtuosos Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani. Edge of Black pays homage to these artists while still maintaining Estrella’s own creative flair. Estrella shares his thoughts on the album:

“On Edge of The Black, I wanted to put emphasis on songwriting and telling a story. The emphasis is not just on the lead guitar melody, but on the band as a whole. Harmonic variations on repeating themes are strongly utilized; like rhyming phrases in spoken language that allows easier accurate retelling of the original story. This idea of repeating music phrases/themes so the audience can easily recall it and hum it all the way home.”

Full of determination and talent, Estrella compares his music to that of Satriani and Rush. In his own words:

“I honestly think ‘Edge of the Black’ will do for this decade what Joe Satriani’s ‘Surfing With The Alien’ did for instrumental rock back in the ’80s. It captures the same passion, energy, and melodic hooks, yet it has an updated sound. It is no secret I am heavily influenced by the band Rush. They are a part of my circuitry.”

Listen to ‘F-22 Raptor’ via its premiere on Prog-Sphere HERE.

“Edge of The Black” pre-order available on Bandcamp.

Track Listing:
1. Blood Moon 5:42
2. Nacht Waffen 6:56
3. Song of Light 5:44
4. F-22 Raptor 5:53
5. The Ambassador 4:57
6. Mercury Magnetar 4:58
7. Arcturian Rain 4:38
8. Time to Believe 4:40
9. Arioso Lullaby 4:39
10. Whale Song 4:28
Album Length: 52:40

For more info:
PyramidsOnMars.com
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About:

Every once in awhile there comes along a band that is so different or unique, you would think they were dropped on Earth from another planet. Pyramids on Mars is one of those bands. What first catches you, is that they are an instrumental band. A combination of elements such as hard rock, industrial, metal and psychedelic rock: and then the lead guitar comes soaring in. Well crafted, beautiful, melodic phrases so catchy and memorable they will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.

Pyramids on Mars is the solo project of guitarist Kevin Estrella. He wanted to do something musically different that would stand out from the crowd. Estrella’s musical style is very similar to world-renowned rock guitarist Joe Satriani, so much so that Estrella has nicknamed himself the “Satriani of the North.”

“Of course Satriani has had a huge influence on me,” he says “But he (Satriani) does more of a bluesy thing whereas I am more influenced by classical music. I absolutely love the Baroque classical composers J.S Bach and Antonio Vivaldi who are my biggest musical influences.

Estrella recorded, produced, engineered and mastered his debut album, self-titled “Pyramids on Mars” in 2013. Since then, he has been capturing music industry attention-getting international radio airplay in the U.S, Canada, South America, and Europe. He is a regular guest on Brian ‘the hammer’ Jackson radio (Los Angeles) to over 4 million listeners and a weekly speaker on Real Rock Radio (Chicago).

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0 Edmonton’s SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC Premiere “Exoplanets” Guitar/Bass/Keys Playthrough via GearGods

October 18, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · Sleeping In Traffic

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 18, 2019

For fans of Between The Buried & Me, Devin Townsend, Tool, Thank You Scientist

Edmonton’s SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC Premiere “Exoplanets” Guitar/Bass/Keys Playthrough via GearGods

Double EPs ‘That Which Saves Us’ and ‘That Which Destroys Us’ Out Now!

L-R: Ryan Berehulke – Bass, Cory Bosse – Vocals/Synth, Greg Turner – Guitar, Andrew Bateman – Drums

Photo Credit: Graham Gnarles

Edmonton proggers SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC recently released their double EPs on September 27th. “That Which Destroys Us” is dark and aggressive in sound while “That Which Saves Us” has a more upbeat and catchy vibe.

Teaming up with GearGods, the band is showcasing their latest guitar/bass/keys/vocals playthrough for their track ‘Exoplanets’ off “That Which Saves Us”.

The band adds:

“‘The song is full of interesting riffs and grooves, the guitars and bass are augmented by Cory’s synth playing. Incorporating big chords and complex sequencing, any synthesizer gear head would love this track.”

Watch the playthrough at the following link HERE.

With influences from Between The Buried & Me, Devin Townsend and Tool, the newest release is a split EP that explores the dual nature of the band’s music. The band explains the duality in their vision:

“The first ‘That Which Saves Us’ is the “upbeat EP”. It strongly represents a lot of the pop-punk influences that Ryan and Greg bring to the band, and features songs with inspiring themes and uplifting major keys. The other ‘That Which Destroys Us’ displays more of the band’s extreme metal influences, without abandoning some of the weirdness the band is known for. The EPs continue to explore odd time signatures and polyrhythms in the context of heavily distorted guitars, snarling synths, and guttural vocals.”

The EPs are available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music.

Track Listing:
1. Through Method And Rigor (4:43)
2. Fungal Symbiosis (feat. Elle T.) (3:50)
3. Exoplanets (feat. Elle T.) (6:09)
4. False Alternatives (5:13)
5. The Scrupulous Study Of Everything (5:41)
EP Length: 25:38

Track Listing:
1. (√-π)÷0=1 (3:58)
2. Audaciousness Of Him (7:10)
3. Narcicystic Pustule (1:26)
4. Masculine Toxin (4:38)
5. Gaia Shrugged (feat. Elle T.) (6:07)
6. The Inevitable Heat Death Of The Universe (5:32)
EP Length: 28:53

For more info:
SleepingInTraffic.com
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Youtube
EPK

Bio:

Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Sleeping In Traffic is a progressive metal band whose artistic vision is built around the concept of change. Nothing in the band’s music is intended to remain static. Each album and performance brings new adaptations and innovations; always playing with the sonic possibilities.

Influenced by the likes of Between The Buried and Me, Devin Townsend, and Porcupine Tree, they have been manifesting dynamic, and ever-evolving music since 2014. Sleeping In Traffic released their debut self titled EP in 2014 and the full length ‘Feminism’ in 2017 that is a guitar-driven hard rock/metal concept album that borrows heavily from ska, jazz, pop-punk, and classic prog rock. They have graced many stages in Western Canada including performances at Alberta’s Farmaggedon Metal Fest (2015) and Edmonton’s Shredmonton (2016/17).

Sleeping In Traffic is releasing two new EPs in 2019, ‘That Which Saves Us’ and ‘That Which Will Destroy Us’ each with a different character. One explores the darker, heavier metal influences of the band, while the other channels the more upbeat side to their music. Synthesizers will form a core element to both of these releases due on September 27, 2019.

Sleeping in Traffic consists of four members, each with their own unique and eclectic musical tastes, which influence their contributions to the band.

Greg Turner’s unusual approach to guitar is a core element of Sleeping In Traffic’s music. Stuttered, chaotic time signatures and bizarre chord voices in catchy patterns flow from his fingers to form the basis of many of the songs. His use of a multitude of pedals adds colourful timbres and occasionally acts as their own instrument.

Ryan Berehulke carves out a thundering obelisk of depth from his 5-string bass and his tower of speakers. His style is definitive in a way that meshes perfectly with the guitars to provide a wall of reinforcement, yet often also takes the main stage, without ever abandoning the supreme role as the band’s foundation. His ingenuity in his approach to bass playing is indispensable; from the funky groove and raw, pounding roars; all the way to evolving, ambient textures.

Andrew Bateman is a mad scientist behind a drum-kit. With his intricate knowledge of rhythms, he weaves complex patterns in and around the eccentric time signatures that the music follows. His array of styles ranges from pulverizing metal to pattering, offbeat jazz and everything in between. He is always searching for novel rhythmic cadences and new ways to strike the same drums. He is highly technical, yet playful; often improvising on the spot and testing the limits of his fellow musicians.

Cory Bosse acts as the voice of the band, as well as the source of many of its most unexpected sounds. His bombastic singing style has its roots in the metal music that originally inspired him to make music, yet weaves in a multitude of techniques from the myriad of styles he has explored since. Operatic vibratos flow into passionate howls, jazz scat collapses into death growls, and beat boxing meanders into throat singing in a pandemonium of vocal exploration. To help compliment each song’s particular character, he harnesses the power of a host of instruments, including keys, saxophone, synthesizers, and guitar.

– 30 –

“The 9-track record comes with a focused story-telling, remarkable songwriting and with an offer of something that separates them from the bigger part of the prog gang. The band is not shy to explore within pop, indie rock or alternative and fuse these elements with sound-defining progressive rock and metal influences.” – Prog-Sphere

“Feminism possesses great balance between the up-beat rock tunes polished with rock’s progressive and alternative subgenres, but what this album shows is talent of the band which certainly can bring something epic. Until then, let Feminism shows itself in its full brilliance.” – Progzilla

“sound more like their fellow countrymen Protest the Hero, albeit with a sax in the mix of things. Their overall style is the same careening prog metal that PtH are good at… For a debut album, I am impressed with “Feminism.”… I think Sleeping in Traffic have potential, so they are worth following.” – Progressive Music Planet

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0 Prog Rockers THE SLYDE Announces ’10 Years And Counting Tour’

July 23, 2019
by Asher
· Music News · The Slyde

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 23, 2019

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, Haken

Prog Rockers THE SLYDE Announces ’10 Years And Counting Tour’

L-R: Nathan Da Silva (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples), Andrew Suarez (Drums), Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Backup Vocals)

Celebrating 10 years of performing and recording their melodic prog rock since first forming in Ottawa, ON in 2009 to later re-locate permanently to Toronto, ON, THE SLYDE are proud to announce their ’10 Years And Counting Tour’ (dates listed below). During their 10 year career, THE SLYDE has recorded and released two albums ‘Awakening’ (2018) and ‘Feed The Machine’ (2011) along with four EPS, ‘Back Again’ (2017), ‘New World Sympathy’ (2012), ‘The Slyde II’ (2010) and ‘The Slyde I’ (2009). The band has also played nearly 200 shows on the Eastern Canadian circuit, sharing the stage with such bands as Protest The Hero, Down With Webster, Angra, Pain of Salvation, F*ck The Facts, Dana Fuchs, and Timber Timbre among others, and have made past appearances at Ottawa Bluesfest, Canadian Music Week, IndieWeek, and Cornwall Lift-Off. Before they hit the road for the Ontario tour during September, THE SLYDE will be performing on August 2nd at Wacken Open Air in Germany, a festival with an attendance of over 80,000. The band is performing at the festival after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition and being selected to represent their home country at the Wacken Metal Battle international final.

The band comments:

“We are pleased that we made it 10 years doing what we love to do. And it couldn’t be better, in terms of timing, that we are chosen as the Canadian reps for the Wacken Metal Battle international final – which we are beyond stoked for. For the tour, we’ll be doing some songs we haven’t played in years, and we hope to see some longtime fans in attendance. And after the tour, we’ll be hitting the studio to release something special for our 10 year anniversary, so look out for that come Christmas time. Here’s to another 10 years!”

THE SLYDE is driven by Nathan Da Silva’s elegant vocals and passionate guitar work, Sarah Westbrook’s powering keyboard skills, and the powerful rhythm section of bassist Alberto Campuzano and drummer Andrew Suarez (with long-time drummer/songwriter Brendan Soares), the band are to catch the ears of any technically minded melodic prog rock and metal fans of bands such as Rush, Dream Theater, Haken, Coheed and Cambria, and Megadeth.

The band latest album “Awakening” is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon and Distrokid here.

Album stream here.
‘Back Again’ – Music Video here.
‘Divide’ – Music Video here.
‘Fading’ – Lyric Video here.

THE SLYDE – ’10 Years And Counting Tour’:
Sept 6 – Hamilton, ON – Corktown – info
Sept 7 – Cornwall, ON – Lola’s – info
Sept 13 – Ottawa, ON – Mavericks – info
Sept 27 – London, ON – Call The Office – info
Sept 28 – Peterborough, ON – Red Dog – info
Oct 3 – Barrie, ON – Foxx Lounge – info
Oct 4 – Toronto, ON – Rivoli – info
Oct 5 – Kingston, ON – The Mansion – info

THE SLYDE Live Line Up:
Nathan Da Silva (Vocals, Guitar)
Sarah Westbrook (Keyboards, Samples)
Alberto Campuzano (Bass, Vocals)
Andrew Suarez (Drums)

For more info:
TheSlyde.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPK

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“Vigorous and passionate, these players shine brightly, each contributing dynamic passages as witnessed in “Walk With Me”, “Fading”, and “Divide”. ” – Bravewords.com

“The Slyde have written a full-length rock record that is retro yet contemporary, edgy yet smooth. There are plenty of dynamics while staying high-energy and never boring or overwrought. Well-balanced and entertaining, these songs are progressive but not pretentious. Have a listen then tell your friends! ” – Progressive Music Planet

“If you’re looking for a familiar prog-rock band in the stylings of Rush, Dream Theater, Coheed and Cambria, and even a bit of Protest the Hero with a new-age twist, look no further and grab the album today ” – Canadian Beats

“…an impressive step forward/return to form for these Canadian bright-eyed musicians and stands to solidify their name as one of the more promising ventures in the increasingly prolific progressive metal scene.” – Heavy Blog is Heavy, on the ‘Back Again’ EP

“Not just an epic heavy prog-fest, The Slyde have delivered an intelligent and compelling 4-track EP that hints at much promise to come from this Canadian four piece.” – ProgRadar, on the ‘Back Again’ EP

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0 Glasgow Prog Rockers ATLAS:EMPIRE New Video “Hostess”; New Album “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” Out December 7th

October 8, 2018
by Asher
· Atlas : Empire · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 8, 2018

For fans of Thrice, Circa Survive, Glassjaw, At The Drive-In

Glasgow Prog Rockers ATLAS:EMPIRE New Video “Hostess”

New Album “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” Out December 7th

L-R – Robert Hasebe (Bassist), Jamie Sturt (Guitar and Vocals), Steven Gillies (Guitar and Vocals)

Glasgow’s progressive alternative rock band ATLAS : EMPIRE have posted their latest music video “Hostess” in support of their upcoming album “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” due out December 7th, 2018.

Since forming in 2011, ATLAS : EMPIRE have enjoyed success both through their recordings and several tours crossing the UK, the EU and Eastern Canada, including performing at Indieweek in Toronto.

To date the band has released 3 EPs, “To The Astronaut…” (2012); “Somnus” (2013) and “For the Satellites” (2015) with “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” as their 2018 debut full length.

An ambitious concept album , the band is eager to get “The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” into the ears of their fans.

Guitarist Steve Gillies introduces the premise of the album:

“The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” is a concept album, based around humanity’s growing reliance on technology and specifically how society falls apart when that fails us. We wrote each song like a chapter in a book, both musically and lyrically, to follow that narrative.”

Weaving their way between the multitudes of different genres that influence them, ATLAS : EMPIRE visit the worlds of heavy progressive rock and expansive ambient shoegaze. Exploring topics that centralize around the concept of become exponentially more reliant on technology and less “connected” by proxy, and the future of modern society when the system we rely on fails. With a slew of songs written and plans already for a fifth release, A : E is shooting for the stars.”

“The Stratosphere Beneath Our Feet” is available for pre-order at the following link: https://atlasempire.bandcamp.com.

Music Video – “Gethsemane”

Track Listing:
1. As Yet Unwritten
2. Diminishing Returns
3. It’s All In The Reflexes
4. The Moment We Were Exploding
5. Gethsemane
6. The Entire of History You
7. Hostess
8. The Year of The Four Emperors
9. Our Hands Part The Waves
10. Cenotaphs

Album Band Line Up:
Steven Gillies
Jamie Sturt
Robert Hasebe
Ben Montgomery

For more info:
https://atlasempire.co.uk
https://facebook.com/atlasempire
https://twitter.com/atlasempireUK
https://www.instagram.com/atlas_empire

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“A lesson in progressive rock” – Rocksound (UK)

“The band show an impressive versatility throughout the record as they straddle various genres with ease. Post-hardcore sits neatly alongside the Maybeshewill inspired post-rock…” – abadgeoffriendship.com

“They hit you with a wall of sound, that has a slightly Math feel to it. The tracks have a lot of overlapping phrases, but with darker tones to the guitars, it almost feels like Deftones and Arcane Roots had a lovechild and raised it in ‘Bonnie’. Both vocalists lighten the mood and play upon a subtle gaelic charm in between tracks…There’s just the right level of melody combined with guitar-wrecking aggression for them to stand out in the Glasgow scene.” – threesongsandout.com

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0 Fractal Cypher – Prelude To An Impending Outcome (EP) (2018)

October 5, 2018
by Asher
· EPKs · Fractal Cypher

Fractal Cypher – Prelude To An Impending Outcome (EP) (2018)

Release Date: November 8, 2018

Album Pre-Order on iTunes | Google Play | CD Baby

For fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Scar Symmetry, Sonata Arctica, Kamelot

#5 on VOIR (Montreal weekly) Top 2016 Quebec Artists for debut album “The Human Paradox”

“an enormously talented band” – Progressive Music Planet

“Montreal has another very hot iron in the fire of metal” – Metal Observer

“their style is tailor made to resonate with fans of Dream Theater and Symphony X, but without the thick layer of pretentiousness that follows the former around.” – Sorrow Eternal

“If you’ve ever wanted a hearty progressive mix of old and new, then look no further. Imagine Dream Theater and Pagan’s Mind thrown into a melting pot and then given a modern makeover. Do you like the sound of that? I do, which is why I like Fractal Cypher.” – Wonderbox Metal

“La production se veut impeccable, les compositions sont copieuses au niveau des arrangements et Fractal Cypher possède cette qualité qui se veut bien importante pour le genre : allier la complexité musicale avec des mouvements sonores accrocheurs.” – Voir

“Montréal Quintet Fractal Cypher aren’t one of those bands you can easily categorise. Mixing a blend of Power Metal in the vein of Sonata Arctica and Avantasia, but with an aggressive, progressive and technical edge that would sit comfortably along-side the likes of Devin Townsend or Scar Symmetry. Much like the title of their album ‘The Human Paradox’, the mixing of these styles would seem somewhat paradoxical, however they are successfully and seamlessly blended to work cohesively with one another… they’re definitely one to keep an eye on, that’s for sure.” – Loud Stuff

Line Up From L to R : Steven Cope (Drums), Tommy Fradette (Bass), Simon Lavoie (Vocals), Ludovick Daoust (Keyboards), Vincent Bruneau (Guitars)

Photo Credits : Eric Sanchez Photography

SHORT BIO:

Fractal Cypher exists to captivate audiences with progressive instrumentals that cut through the mesmerizing vocals and provide a new perspective on each listen. Straight out of the heart of Canada’s metal scene, these Montreal metallers constantly shift their compositions with seamless transitions and theatrical interludes to keep audiences on their toes.

Since 2014, Simon Lavoie (vocals), Ludovick Daoust (keyboard), Vincent Bruneau (guitar), Tommy Fradette (bass) and Steven Cope (drums) have been committed to a constant evolution; the powerful quintet is just as versatile in their music as they are in their musical interests, darting between djent and classic rock whilst anchoring on a power and death metalcore.

Their debut album ‘The Human Paradox’ was released in September of 2016, with the follow-up EP ‘Prelude To An Impending Outcome’ slated to be revealed in November of 2018. If reception to the previous album is any indication of the talents of Fractal Cypher, this next release is sure to be a masterwork.

LONG BIO:

Since 2014, ex-Far From Reality members Simon Lavoie (vocals), Ludovick Daoust (keyboard), and Vincent Bruneau (guitar) have dedicated themselves to Fractal Cypher and with the addition of Tommy Fradette on bass and Steven Cope on drums, they are set to bring their message to the metal world.

Quoted as calling their music puzzling, the band follows a theme that starts with their band name, Bruneau elaborates: “Fractal is a term employed most of the time to describe a geometric shape or a design. It’s a geometric form or object that constantly evolves from its initial shape. Cypher means a secret method of writing to transmit a message or a code. We thought it would be cool to put the two concepts together, which means a repeating secret code that constantly evolves on itself, so it’s finally a message that can never be found.”

Committed to a constant evolution, the powerful quintet is just as versatile in their music as they are in their musical interests, darting between djent and classic rock whilst anchoring on a power and death metalcore. Each song acts of its own volition almost taking control of the members and shaping a personality and energy, not unlike a living entity. Ludovick is at the helm of songwriting; calculating and unlocking each melody before Lavoie becomes the voice for each piece.

Their debut album ‘The Human Paradox’ produced by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy, The Agonist, Beyond Creation, Neuraxis) was released in September of 2016, with the follow up EP ‘Prelude To An Impending Outcome’ (also produced by Donaldson) slated to be revealed in November of 2018. If reception to the previous album is any indication of the talents of Fractal Cypher, this next release is sure to be a masterwork.

1. Coming Back To Life
2. The Grandeur Of It All
3. From The Above And To The Stars
4. Red Lady

All songs performed by: Fractal Cypher
All songs were written by: Music By Ludovick Daoust, Lyrics by Simon Lavoie and Ludovick Daoust
Produced by: Ludovick Daoust and Christian Donaldson
Mixed and mastered by: Christian Donaldson
Album Artwork by: Silent Q Desing

Album Line Up:

Vincent Bruneau (Guitars)

Ludovick Daoust (Keyboards)

Simon Lavoie (Vocal)

Tommy Fradette (Bass)

Steven Cope (Drums)

Live Line Up:

Vincent Bruneau (Guitars)

Ludovick Daoust (Keyboards)

Simon Lavoie (Vocal)

Tommy Fradette (Bass)

Steven Cope (Drums)

Yoan Marier-Proulx (live session guitarist)

Shared stage with: Hammerfall, The Agonist, Heaven’s Cry, Gone In April, Angra, The Last Scattering, Bookakee, Decadawn, Pyramid Theorem, Cydemind, Universe Effects.

Festivals and Tours

March 2018 , Québec mini tour with Gone In April (members of Quo Vadis and Beyond Creation)
FME fest Rouyn Noranda – March 2018

Discography
Prelude To An Impending Outcome (EP) (2018)
The Human Paradox– Full length (LP) (2016)

0 Vancouver Alt-Prog KOSM Announce Debut Album “Cosmonaut” Coming November 2018

September 27, 2018
by Asher
· KOSM · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 27, 2018

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

Vancouver Alt-Prog KOSM Announce Debut Album “Cosmonaut” Coming November 2018

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

Photo credit – Justin Forster

Vancouver progressive metal band KOSM is proud to announce they will be releasing their debut album “Cosmonaut” on November 16th, 2018. Combining influences from Tool, Mastodon, The Agonist, Gojira and A Perfect Circle; their sound is dynamic and unquestionably lethal. Since their induction in 2016, they have been making their mark in Vancouver’s metal scene and beyond with cover videos, and most recently with two singles “Ancient Heart” and “Space Mead”. “Cosmonaut” is an LP loosely based on themes from the H.P. Lovecraft and other with each song meant to walk the listener through a story from beginning to end. With even more material in the world and future albums planned, KOSM summons you to join them on this journey full of experimental and progressive metal.

The band explains:

“Cosmonaut is a concept album loosely based on the weird-fiction of HP Lovecraft, and borrowing concepts from the science-fiction of Frank Herbert, and Roger Zelazny. The album follows a cosmonaut on a cosmic journey through time and space; from the earthly confines of mortal life, to ascendancy as an immaterial and omnipotent being. The cosmonaut’s journey is essentially symbolic, serving as a commentary on the human experience: a journey from confusion and anger, to transcendence and self-understanding.”

KOSM’s current singles “Ancient Heart” and “Space Mead” are available on Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play.

For those in the Vancouver area, KOSM will be hosting their CD release concert at Pub 340 on November 17th with local support from OmnisighT, Truent, and Opus Arise. Event info here.

Ancient Heart (Music Video) – https://youtu.be/6G8arglKdxc

Space Mead (Band Playthrough) – https://youtu.be/WjzBQvyXudI

Blood And Thunder (Mastodon cover) – https://youtu.be/o-sBO6oQXDY

Toxicity (S.O.A.D cover) – https://youtu.be/pr8HvF5QwLU

Track Listing:
1. Space Mead (6:07)
2. Cosmonaut (5:27)
3. Colossus (6:38)
4. Wolves Upon The Throne (5:46)
5. The Esoteric Order (6:23)
6. Farseer (6:40)
7. Ancient Heart (5:23)
8. Fiefdom In The Sky (2:15)
9. Omnipresence (4:36)
10. Monarch (7:16)
11. Umbrakinesis (5:23)
12. Wza – Y’ei (4:20)
Album Length: 1:06:21

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

For more info:
https://kosmband.com
https://www.facebook.com/kosmofficialband
https://twitter.com/officialkosm
https://www.instagram.com/kosmofficial
EPK – https://wp.me/pciNW-bus

– 30 –

“The song (Ancient Heart) itself, which swings between some appetizingly heavy progressive riffs and aggressive growls and more melodic moments (with clean singing behind them). A tough band to place in that regard, but one certainly worth seeking out as they continue to expand their sound.” – DeadRhetoric

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0 Montreal’s FRACTAL CYPHER Unveil Track Listing & Artwork For “Prelude To An Impending Outcome”

September 25, 2018
by Asher
· Fractal Cypher · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 25, 2018

For fans of Symphony X, Dream Theater, Scar Symmetry, Sonata Arctica, Kamelot

Montreal’s FRACTAL CYPHER Unveil Track Listing & Artwork For “Prelude To An Impending Outcome”

New Mini-Album Promises A “Roller Coaster of Genres”

Montreal prog quartet FRACTAL CYPHER are getting ready to release their mini-album “Prelude To An Impending Outcome” in November and have just unveiled the artwork and the track listing. This 4 song mini-album promises to be a roller coaster of genres across completely different sounding songs with intimate lyrics influenced by personal experiences.

“Prelude To An Impending Outcome is a mini album of 4 songs that are completely different from one to another to create a maximum roller coaster effect and make it non linear and interesting to listen to. The clash of style is more important and more obvious than our previous album, but the songs have gained in maturity in term of songwriting and sound. The vibe of this album is really more intimate, due to the lyrics and the overall ambiance/universe of the songs. The melodic side of the band is still really present, offering catchy vocal lines and outstanding solos all over the songs.” – FRACTAL CYPHER

Each track has a different prominent genre influence from power ballad, blues, djent and jazz with the band’s heavy and melodic base as an anchor. The album artwork was done by Silent Q Design out of Montreal and foreshadows the moody and existential prog metal that lies within. Although this album is more intimate with different textures and influences, the reception to its predecessor should be a prime indication of the talents of FRACTAL CYPHER; this next release is sure to be a masterwork.

Track Listing:
1. Coming Back To Life (10:13)
2. The Grandeur Of It All (6:52)
3. From The Above And To The Stars (8:04)
4. Red Lady (9:30)
Mini-Album Length: 34:30

“Prelude To An Impending Outcome” will be self released on November 8th 2018.

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/fractalcypher
https://twitter.com/FractalCypher
https://www.instagram.com/fractalcypherofficial
Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/ycb7bspd

BIO:

Their debut album ‘The Human Paradox’ was released in September of 2016, with the follow up mini-album ‘Prelude To An Impending Outcome’ slated to be revealed in November of 2018.

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0 EPK – Protosequence – Biophagous (EP) (2017)

May 18, 2017
by Asher
· Protosequence

Protosequence – Biophagous (EP)

For Fans of Abiotic, early- Fallujah, The Faceless

Release Date: August 18, 2017

Contacts: Manager – Cara Ashbey – cara@odessamusicmgmt.com

Publicist – Jon Asher – ashermedia(@)gmail.com

Download Band Press Photo | Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics

“Edmonton’s Protosequence perform an agile balancing act on the new song “Shepherd” we’re bringing you from their forthcoming EP, Biophagus, a high-wire performance that deftly straddles a stylistic divide without ever losing their path forward.” No Clean Singing

“In the vein of bands like All Shall Perish & Born of Osiris, Protosequence kick proceedings off with the furiously tech riffing of Parasitic, a wild & untamed slab of death metal. That is until a surprising tempo change that brings in some keyboards & more classic metal sounding guitar solo. It’s a damn strong start, one that leaves you wondering just what more Biophagous has to offer.” – Games, Braaaiiins And A Headbanging Life

“Protosequence is an act of quality over quantity. I get seriously lost in their music, be it through a spine-damaging headbanging session (“DFL”) or stretch of melodic introspection (“Shepherd”). Biophagous offers up another nice showcase of the band’s skill across a variety of substyles and paces.” – Metal Trenches

“Biophagus is of another caliber, every aspect of it is flawless, and will not only be in my playlist but should be in everyone else’s as well. Whatever you do, do not sleep on this band. Make sure you pick up Biophagus when it releases August 18th! ” – Blood Rock Media

“Incorporating elements from deathcore, technical death metal, and, yes, even djent, Protosequence manages to maintain the listener’s interest while developing an identity that is not only unique to Canada, but to the world. ” – It Djents

“Traversing between djent and technical progressive metal” – Somberlane

“You can compare Protosequence to as many modern metal bands as you want but they’re deserve being called more than “just another scene band”. “Schizophrene’ is more than solid and the new EP will be worth the wait on this showing. Cracking modern tech-death.” – This Noise Is Ours

“This EP is bursting with technical hooks and ripping solos that take more than a few cues from the technical death metal camp. In fact, if we consider a spectrum between these genres, I would say that Schizophrene falls closer to groups like The Zenith Passage than Whitechapel. Also, mad props for the seemless shifts between melodic and harsh riffs while maintaining aggression in the vocals.” – Metal Trenches (EP Review Schizophrene)

“Musically speaking, they share as much in common with Periphery as they do with Lost Soul. While there will be some who are turned off by the noise gates and the disparity of the chunky lows and the sharp highs, I think it’s one of the band’s biggest strengths. It represents the merging of two very technical subgenres and presents each of them in the context of the other. It’s kind of a hard thing to explain without listening; check out “Guardian” and follow it up with “Darkness Weeps” for the best illustration of this dichotomy.” – Toilet ov Hell (EP Review Schizophrene)

Biophagous EP
Release Date: August 18, 2017

[Download EP Cover]
[Download EP Lyrics]

Track Listing:
1. Parasitic (4:42)
2. DFL (3:42)
3. Shepherd (5:02)
4. The Hate Subsides (4:08)
EP Length: 17:35

EP Credits:
– Guitars tracked by Tylor Dory
– Pre-production drums with Peter Zawalski
– Piano on ‘Parasitic’ written and recorded by Tylor Dory
– Guest Vocals on ‘DFL’ by Diaro Irvine
– Bass written by Ryan Schaffler
– Vocals and drums recorded by Greg Wright at Hillbilly Wizard Sound
– Editing, Mixing and Mastering by Chris Foster at First Strike Recordings
– Artwork and CD layout design by Erskine Designs
– Band Photo by Ryan Wiesner at Trivium Photography

EP Line Up:
Ryan Schaffler (Bass)
Kyle Hunter (Guitar)
Joseph McKee (Vocals)
Logan Vars (Drums)
Dylan Parker (Guitar and Vocals)

Live Band Line Up:
Dylan Parker – Guitar Vocals
Logan Vars Drums
Josh Hahn – Vocals
Jacob Teeple – Bass

Discography:
2016 – Schizophrene (EP)

Shared Stage with:
Protest The Hero, Kataklysm, Ne Obliviscaris, Black Crown Initiate, Archspire, The Schoenberg Automaton, Our Last Crusade, Death Toll Rising, Tylor Dory Trio, The Noumenon, Plaguebringer, Tides of Kharon, W.M.D., Apollyon, The Faceless, Angelmaker

Festivals:
2017 – Metallion
2015 – Breakdown For Break-fest 2015

L-R: Dylan Parker – Guitar, Vocals, Logan Vars – Drums, Josh Hahn – Vocals, Jacob Teeple – Bass

Photo-credit: Ryan Wiesner @ Trivium Photography

Protosequence was formed in the spring of 2014 by 5 guys who shared the same goal: create an array of songs that reflected each of them personally. As autumn approached that year, the band started to play in Edmonton, as well as Central and Southern Alberta. Releasing their debut 4 song EP “Schizophrene” in January of 2016, they quickly established a name for themselves in the Edmonton and area metal scene. Bassist Ryan Schaffler left the band in early 2017, with Jacob Teeple filling the vacancy seamlessly. After taking to the road, completing a 10 day tour of Western Canada in June, they hit the studio and released their sophomore 4 song EP “Biophagous” in August of 2017. 2018 saw Protosequence solidify and expand their following around Western Canada. Playing Armstrong and Metallion Festival, touring through BC, as well as sharing the stage with touring acts like The Faceless, Angelmaker, Ingested, Signs of the Swarm, Bodysnatcher, and others. In August, vocalist Joe McKee announced his retirement from Protosequence, with guitarist Kyle Hunter following suit a few weeks later. Protosequence quickly added Josh Hahn to the mix on vocals after seeing him perform with his previous band, Seraphic Nihilist. Shortly after Metallion Festival, the band convinced him to move from Prince George, BC, to the motherland: Edmonton, Alberta. With no luck finding a replacement guitarist, the band pressed on into writing mode.

0 Prog-Sphere Premiere New Video ‘Seven Sisters’ By Prog Virtuosos OMNISIGHT; Out Now! New EP ‘Power of One’

February 3, 2017
by Asher
· Music News · Omnisight

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 3, 2017

For fans of Dream Theater, Tool, Yngwie Malmsteen, Animals As Leaders,Van Halen, RacerX

Prog-Sphere Premiere New Video ‘Seven Sisters’ By Prog Virtuosos OMNISIGHT

Out Now! New EP ‘Power of One’

Bringing progressive metal into new dimensions especially for those who really enjoy full explosive adventure, Vancouver virtuosos OmnisighT recently gave the world their latest effort ‘Power of One’. The EP showcases their highly regarded musicianship and finely wrought song-craft. As a whole ‘Power of One’ is a musical journey with a story concept to question the status quo and stand up against the oppression plus deceptions of the ruling class.

Teaming up with Prog-Sphere.com, OmnisighT are excited to share with fans their latest video ‘Seven Sisters’ in support of the EP.

Vocalist / guitarist Raj Krishna explains:

“I wrote the seven sisters riff just goofing around at home. I really didn’t even like it that much! I still wanted to try it out live in the room though, and Chris our drummer put this super funky groove on it and I got a vocal off it right away. It’s loosely based on the seven sisters oil cartel BP, Shell, Exxon, Texaco Standard Oil and the like. Basically it’s about befriending people just to get at their resources. It’s also in a 7/8 time signature through a lot of the song, so that’s me just trying to be clever!”

Watch ‘Seven Sisters‘ at the following link: http://www.prog-sphere.com/specials/omnisight-seven-sisters-video-premiere/

‘Power of One’ is now streaming along with CD and digital download at https://omnisight.bandcamp.com/album/the-power-of-one

Also available on iTunes, Spotify, and all other major online retailers.

Drummer Chris Warunki comments on the release:

“The Power Of One is the sound of a band firing on all cylinders. Guitarists, bassists, drummers and vocalists will all have something in-store for them here with this EP. We are excited to get this out to the prog/rock/metal masses both musically and lyrically. Speaking of lyrically, the album will come with a PDF booklet exclusive to our Bandcamp supporters. We took a “more is more” approach with this one and it will be a real challenge, but a welcome challenge; to take it to the stage. We want to keep the musicianship in the music, that has been our agenda since day one!”

If you’re in the Vancouver, BC area, you can catch the guys performing their local CD release show on March 11th at the Astoria with support from My Mother The Carjacker and Did You Die. Full event details can be found here.

1. Shift The Paradigm (5:24)
2. Resistance (4:51)
3. Seven Sisters (6:32)
4. Fall of The Empire (7:04)
5. Power of One (7:11)
EP Length: 31:04

About:
Known for their formidable musicianship, virtuosic guitar solos and powerful songs, OmnisighT is masterfully blurring the lines between melodic hard rock and progressive metal. Beginning as collaboration between vocalist/guitarist Raj Krishna and drummer Chris Warunki, they created the impressive ‘Path’ debut album in 2012. Their live line-up was consolidated with the addition of Dave Shannon on bass and guitarist Blake Rurik. ‘Path’ was followed up by the 2013 ‘Wave Particle’ EP.

Like all truly visionary musicians, band co-founder Raj was driven to create unique music. “I’ve been writing and singing songs since I was a little kid. We never seemed to hear heavy prog music that had shredding and hooks at the same time. It always seems you get one or the other….Having technical musicianship with good song-writing, shredding licks, and big hooks was the whole idea.”

Raj sums up OmnisighT’s music thusly: ‘Proggy, hooky, shredding, sad, and powerful!’

While Raj is justifiably proud of OmnisighT’s recorded output, he sees the importance of performance. ‘Live is where the band really shines! We put on a show, running around smiling and shredding. The band plays with more intensity…we often give the headliners a run for their money.’

For more info, please visit the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/omnisight
https://ashermediarelations.com/2016/12/16/epk-omnisight-power-of-one-ep-2017/

– 30 –

“The depth of talent in Canada often surprises us. Here is another superb band to add to the list. It remains to be seen how far “The Power Of One” takes OmnisighT. But one thing is for sure, it is an EP of which they can be incredibly proud.” – Maximum Volume Music

“If you’re going to attempt this sort of thing, you’d better have chops. Fortunately, (OmnisighT) have ’em, and how.” – Georgia Straight

“Their stage presence and technique is out of this world…I can safely say that the only guitarists I’ve seen live that instilled the same sort of awe in me as Raj Krishna were Jeff Loomis and John Petrucci himself.” – Prog Sphere

“great songwriting, fantastic lead guitar work…immediately on the first track, the intro “String Theory,” we are greeted by some immense guitar skills. Seriously, these guys are fucking fantastic.” – The Monolith

“deliciously retro, Zappa-meets-Malmsteen solos with at least one toe in the land of jazzy improv… guitar fiends should rush to check them out.” – Georgia Straight

“I have never been more impressed with a band that I had zero knowledge about. These guys play like they’ve been playing together since birth and clearly love what they do at a cellular level.” – Metal Titans

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0 NEWS: SkullsnBones Showcase TACTUS’ Prog Tech Shredding In ‘Colossus’ Guitar Playthrough

November 1, 2016
by Asher
· Music News · Tactus

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 1, 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

SkullsnBones Showcase TACTUS’ Prog Tech Shredding In ‘Colossus’ Guitar Playthrough

New Album ‘Bending Light’ Out Now!

Photo Credit: The Photo Ninja

Unleashing their debut full length ‘Bending Light’ on October 7th, Fredericton, New Brunswick five piece progressive metal band TACTUS have teamed up with SkullsnBones.com to show fans the technical shredding behind their track ‘Colossus’ in their latest guitar playthrough, which can be viewed at the following link: http://skullsnbones.com/tactus-premiere-guitar-playthrough-of-colossus/

TACTUS‘ ‘Bending Light’ 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’.

Bending Light – Album Stream – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niLxagtaRQE

The album is available for order on CD and digital download at the following links.

CD: http://buytactus.bigcartel.com/

Regular Album Order:

https://tactusband.bandcamp.com/album/bending-light

Bandcamp Exclusive Version w/ instrumentals and complete guitar tablature:

https://tactusband.bandcamp.com/album/bending-light-bandcamp-exclusive

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: 59.21About:

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).

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

– 30 –

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