Tag: progressive metal

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

November 10, 2021
by Asher
· DUSK · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 10, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 The Design Abstract Is Now Streaming Their Melodic Death Sci-Fi Epic “Metemtechnosis”, Album Stream Premiere via Bravewords

October 27, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · The Design Abstract

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 27, 2021

The Design Abstract Is Now Streaming Their Melodic Death Sci-Fi Epic “Metemtechnosis”

Album Stream Premiere via Bravewords

New Album “Metemtechnosis” Out October 29th via Abstrakted Records

L-R – Matt Ngo (Guitar) | Voiicide (Vocals, Bass, Synth) | Logan Mayhem (Guitar, Synth)
Photo Credit: Tami Martin

The Design Abstract melds together narrative sci-fi with Gothenburg-esque melodic death metal, resulting in ambiguous concept albums that sound completely different from other artists in the genre. Their latest album “Metemtechnosis” continues the “Technotheism” (2021) storyline after an indeterminate amount of time in the universe. The band compares this new album to the last, and lets us know what’s coming next:

“Many people had many positive things to say about “Technotheism” upon its release, and we feel that “Metemtechnosis” is a worthy successor to it. Compositionally, we have refined many elements and parts of the processes, and from a technical standpoint, we have really stepped up a lot. Those who wanted to hear more of the killer guitar work will assuredly not be disappointed. “Metemtechnosis” also carries on the story of “Technotheism” in part two of what will be a trilogy. Everything that was present in “Technotheism” has been brought back in more compelling ways, and the performances are more on-point than ever before.”

Similar to “Technotheism”, the tracks were written as necessary to touch on the major story beats of the album; an overarching science-fiction story about a far future where technological advancement puts into question a lot of things taken for granted, like the definition of humanity, individuality, progress, and the line between all of these things. After the third album in the trilogy is released, The Design Abstract will move to a different fictional setting, but the music will continue to experiment with the elements they use in new and innovative ways.

All songs on “Metemtechnosis” were written and performed by Voiicide (vocals/bass/programming), Logan Mayhem (guitars/modular synthesis), and Matt Ngo (guitars). It was produced, mixed, and mastered by Voiicide at Abstrakted Records and the album artwork was done by Yuta Shimpo.

The Design Abstract has a sound that is distinctively theirs and is recommended for fans of Soilwork, Septicflesh, and Divine Disorder.

“Metemtechnosis” is streaming now in full via its exclusive premiere on Bravewords HERE.

The album “Metemtechnosis” drops on October 29, 2021 via Abstrakted Records.

Album pre-order – https://design.bandcamp.com

Lyric Video – Born of Machines

Track Listing:
1. Digital Dawn (8:03)
2. Born of Machines (4:35)
3. The Hybrid Awakening (7:07)
4. Organic Data Fusion (5:45)
5. Metropolis II (4:42)
6. Aberration Omega (3:33)
7. Upheaval (Instrumental) (2:00)
8. Sentinels (3:10)
9. Decryptor (6:32)
Album Length: 45:31

Album Band Line Up:
Voiicide – Vocals, Bass, Scoring/Sampling/Programming
Logan Mayhem – Guitars, Modular synthesis
Matt Ngo – Guitars

For more info:
Facebook.com/thedesignabstract
Instagram.com/thedesignabstract
EPK

About:
The Design Abstract is a 3-piece Symphonic Melodic Death Metal band from Kitchener-Waterloo, ON, Canada. The band focuses heavily on storytelling and worldbuilding with a futuristic and sci-fi narrative to each album they create. The Design Abstract formed in 2011 as a solo project under the name Design, and after many lineup changes, grew into a musical entity that presents a bold, epic, and even monolithic fusion of orchestra, synth, and melodic death metal. Sweeping symphonic passages, harsh industrial elements, highly proficient and memorable guitar work, and brutal guttural vocals mixed with soaring cleans are all blended in many ways to put forth a truly unique and powerful musical experience.

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“Incorporating old school sci-fi visual elements with choppy electronics, catchy guitar parts and perfectly timed kick drums, this track (Parallel Projection) is a synth metal blast!” – Metal Injection

“A symphonic technical death metal masterpiece with an amazing concept to keep you engaged from start to finish \m/” – Heavy New York

“Now for some nerd shit. Technotheism is a concept record about the future that at it’s core is a melodic death metal record, but the band dabbles with electronic elements, technicality, and grand orchestrations throughout. Fans of Last Chance To Reason and really any band Mike Semesky (Ordinance, Raunchy, etc) has been a part of will probably dig this.” – Metal Injection

“This is a grandiose affair, full of musicality, technicality, and narrative. Thirteen tracks of symphonic melodic death metal that tells a cyberpunk story of a group of rebels fighting to regain control of Earth. It ranges from technical guitar work to atmospheric electronic passages, and just about everything in between.” – The Prog Space

“I love hearing something ambitious and genre-bending when a band can follow through on their vision. The Design Abstract is one such band, one that had an idea and put it together almost flawlessly… This album is every bit as diverse, colorful, and epic as I had hoped, and there are jaw-dropping moments galore. I absolutely love this record.” – The Prog Mind

“The Design Abstract goes for a big symphonic style in extreme metal, with a few twists and surprises along the way. Fans of the dystopian and/or futuristic sounds may find the album especially interesting. The Design Abstract is the symphony that remains after the alien zombies have taken over and this is the music that they want the world to hear to remind everyone that the zombies are horrible beings that enjoy tormenting the population with grandiose cacophony. When can the party begin, right?” – Metal Bulletin Zine

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0 Rockshots Records Signs Finland’s AMOTH (ft.Ensiferum’s Pekka Montin) For New Album “The Hour Of The Wolf”; Music Video For First Single “The Man Who Watches The World Burn”

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

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 26, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Shumaun’s Progressive Rock Album “Memories & Intuition” Streaming Now!, Album Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace, Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

September 7, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Shumaun

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 7, 2021

For fans of Rush, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree

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

Album Stream Premiere via TheProgSpace

Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 10, 2021
by Asher
· Knecht · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 10, 2021

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

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

Self-Titled Debut EP Out July 16th

Pictured – Joseph Knecht – Photo credit – Tristan Ahearn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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0 Canada’s Mütherload’s New Music Video “The Visitor” Makes Contact With The Unknown; New EP “Ü” Out July 9th, 2021

May 11, 2021
by Asher
· Mütherload · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 11, 2021

For fans of Lamb of God, In Flames, Mastodon, Opeth, Tool

Canada’s Mütherload’s New Music Video “The Visitor” Makes Contact With The Unknown

New EP “Ü” Out July 9th, 2021

Hailing from London, ON, Canada, Mütherload has risen from the ashes of Heaven Ablaze, and has been intriguing metalheads already with their video for “The Visitor”. This single, off the upcoming debut EP “Ü”, has already been released and is viewable on YouTube – https://youtu.be/M_-RLpnxlNQ

As the band puts it, “The Visitor” is one of the darker songs on the record, being in a much lower tuning than the last half of the six-track EP. They explain the track in their own words:

“The Visitor was the first release for us and was also chosen for our first music video. The song was originally written years ago as an acoustic song which is why if you listen carefully, you can hear an acoustic track in the chorus. We feel this song best represents our sound as there is a little bit of everything in there. There’s groove, thrash, melody, dynamics, and flow. It’s definitely one of our favorites to play live as well.”

Mütherload started when guitarist Patrick Davison randomly ran into drummer and former bandmate Matt Ashton, several years after his hiatus from Heaven Ablaze had started. After the first jam, four songs were written and the group took off from there. Having previously worked together in Heaven Ablaze, the chemistry was instantly rekindled and everything just clicked.

The tracks presented on the EP are the ones that best sum up the current sound of Mütherload. There’s no concept approach to it, although a few of the tracks do flow in and out of each other. It’s a real, raw, ‘here’s-who-we-are’ style of recording.

Melodic, and groovy, Mütherload is recommended for fans of Lamb of God, In Flames, and Mastodon.

The full EP “Ü” is out July 9, 2021.

Track Listing:
1. Insect (3:54)
2. The Visitor (3:39)
3. Ü (0:44)
4. Iniquity (3:06)
5. Thaügüst (1:43)
6. Lamia (3:24)
EP Length: 16:32

EP and Live Band Line Up:
Patrick Davison – Guitar
Derek Haley – Guitar
Chris McKichan – Bass
Matt Ashton – Drums
Derek Lee – Vocals

More Info:
Facebook.com/mutherloadband
Instagram.com/mutherload
EPK

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

April 30, 2021
by Asher
· Maitreya · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 30, 2021

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

MAITREYA Shares Black Mirror Inspired Psychedelic Prog Video “Pilgrim”

Music Video Premiere via SpaceUntravel

New Album “Hyper Reels” Out June 25, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spotify here.

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

Album pre-save here.

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

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

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

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

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

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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#.514.581.5780
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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 Albu m 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.

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

Discography:
2021 – The Denisovan – LP

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

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

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

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 16, 2021

Album Download HERE. (for media use only)

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

Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW Shares Live Session Video “Sawbreaker”

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

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

Offer Free Digital Download of New Album “Bereavement”

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

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

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

To view “Sawbreaker”, please visit the following link on YouTube – https://youtu.be/LTrLEH5GSR8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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

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

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 18, 2020

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

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

“The Infernal Machine” Celebrates 5 Years!

Re-release EP Tracks w/ Animated Videos

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

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

Photo Cred: Michele Dalgarno, Samantha Carcasole, Eric Soto

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

The band explains the track:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About:

Difficult to Label; Easy to Enjoy

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

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

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

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

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

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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#.514.581.5780
asher[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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Instagram @AsherMedia
Tweet @AsherMedia

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