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Tag: Saxon

0 Canada’s Lycanthro Are Now Streaming Their New Album “Mark of the Wolf”, Album Stream Premiere via MetalInsider

  • June 2, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Lycanthro · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 2, 2021

For fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Manowar

Canada’s Lycanthro Are Now Streaming Their New Album “Mark of the Wolf”

Album Stream Premiere via MetalInsider

New Album “Mark of The Wolf” Out June 4th via Alone Records

Lycanthro has been hard at work on their new album “Mark of the Wolf”, which releases on Friday, June 4th via Alone Records to follow their 2018 EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”.

Before “Mark of the Wolf” officially drops, Lycanthro has teamed with MetalInsider.net for its full stream HERE.

On this new LP, Lycanthro has been drawing more influences from European and US power metal to the point where they decided to make it a mainstay in their overall sound.

The band hopes that this upcoming full length will have a positive impact on the listeners and that the songs will be memorable and stuck in the listener’s mind after they’ve finished the album. Along with the two singles “Evangelion” and “Crucible” that have already been released, the album flaunts a diverse range of songs including the sing-along crowd-pleaser  “In Metal We Trust”; the epic retelling of Hunchback of Notre Dame with “Fallen Angels Prayer” and the harmonic “Enchantress”. Vocalist/guitarist James Delbridge gives insight into the album:

“This album has taken a while to forge, and we hope that fans will marvel in the peaks and valleys that this album has to offer, and leave with having a positive experience! Some songs are an homage to different stories from pop culture and media and we hold near and dear to our hearts, other songs are meant to bring the listener on a journey through the worlds within the song, and others are just so the listener can marvel in the epicness of metal!”

“Mark of the Wolf” is eight tracks of diverse listening that offer something for everyone while still staying under the power metal umbrella. High soaring vocals, harmonized guitars, heavy chugging riffs, odd, but cool instruments, and even a breakdown or 2, all metalheads have something they can take from this album and walk away with a positive experience.

This album as well as the previous EP was recorded at Wolf Lake Studios in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec and the mastering was done by Jack Kosto who is most well-known for being the lead guitarist in power metal band Seven Spires.

Lycanthro is recommended listening for power metal fans everywhere especially those who enjoy Helloween, Manowar and Judas Priest.

“Mark of the Wolf”  releases on June 4, 2021 via Alone Records and available on the following platforms.

Album pre-order available on Bandcamp and Big Cartel.
Digital pre-save (Spotify) here.


Track Listing:
1. Crucible (7:17)
2. Fallen Angels Prayer (4:47)
3. Mark of The Wolf (5:02)
4. Enchantress (6:53)
5. In Metal We Trust (5:07)
6. Into Oblivion (3:24)
7. Ride the Dragon (4:03)
8. Evangelion (6:25)
Album Length: 43:02

For more info:
Facebook.com/Lycanthrokills
Instagram.com/lycanthro_metal
EPK
Label: Alone.gr

– 30 –

“Their latest single (Crucible) is a treat for any fans of power metal or good old classic heavy metal. The track features a catchy rhythm, precision drumming, and classic 80’s vocals. It’s over 7 minutes of headbang worthy heavy metal. The guitar work is a particular highlight of the track, changing pace throughout the track, keeping the listener engaged throughout.” – Metal Injection

“Mark of the Wolf is filled with mostly catchy heavy metal (good luck trying to get “In Metal We Trust” out of your head after hearing it once) that gets the listener break out the air guitar and air drums and sing along almost from beginning to end. Fans of ’80s heavy metal and modern power metal that’s not over the top should definitely find something to like on Mark of the Wolf.” -The Metal Crypt

“As a debut hard rock/heavy metal album overall, it not only showcases a variety of talent throughout its 43 minutes of captured studio time, but it also features an even number of eight powerful songs crafted with fury and determination… Mark Of The Wolf marks not only many criteriae for the consummate debut album but also marks LYCANTHRO’s own territory within the new breed. 5.0 Out Of 5.0” – KNAC.com

“Eerie picked acoustic over strings begin the track (Crucible) with driving guitars burst through and start off a rampage of rock riffing and drums. With an uptight electric feel to the track, it’s a full on rock n roll epic complete with howling vocals and singing guitars.” – Backseat Mafia

“What’s better than spending your Saturday evening with a bunch of Canadian Heavy Metal Werewolves? I bet there’s not much that sounds more like an alpha move huh? LYCANTHRO have assembled their first full-length and it is a ripper! 8/10” – Reflections of Darkness

“Mark of the wolf” is an example of how a heavy metal album should sound. It is classic, and at the same time very inventive and fresh. Expectations fully met. Their debut can easily be classified as one of the most important events of 2021. Rating: 9/10″ – Power Metal Warrior

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations
Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 LYCANTHRO Debut Their Epic Power Ballad Video “Evangelion” From Upcoming “Mark of the Wolf” Out June 4th (Alone Records), Video Premiere via Metal-Rules

  • May 19, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Lycanthro · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 19, 2021

For fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Manowar

Lycanthro Debut Their Epic Power Ballad Video “Evangelion” From Upcoming “Mark of the Wolf”

Video Premiere via Metal-Rules

New Album “Mark of The Wolf” Out June 4th via Alone Records

Power/thrash metal act Lycanthro has a new album coming out this year and in true power metal fashion has an epic sweeping ballad out now to share with fans. The single comes with a lyric/ vocal playthrough video so listeners can sing and play along.  

The writing process for the band is usually very singular, James Delbridge (vocals/guitars) writes all of the songs for Lycanthro, but the other members will always chime in with their ideas. In terms of how he writes songs, they usually start based around a lyrical concept and the music flows around that. He explains how “Evangelion” came to be:

“We felt as though this track would be a good addition to the album to diversify it even more. This song was a passion song for me as it took me a year to write it! Mainly because I wrote this song bit by bit while I wrote some of the other songs. Lyrically this song is based on the anime “Neon Genesis Evangelion” which is a show that is very near and dear to my heart. As for the music, there’s a few cool synth lines in the song that gives it an epic feel as well as one of the more melodic guitar solos on the album.”

From the get-go, the band knew this song would be perfect to close the album on an epic and triumphant note. It mixes intense melody within the layered, soaring vocal melodies, with heavy-hitting guitars akin to Rainbow or “Last in Line” era Dio. Listeners will marvel at the peaks and valleys that this epic track has to offer.

“Mark of the Wolf” covers several metal bases from power to thrash to prog and is recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, Blind Guardian, and Helloween.

The video for “Evangelion” can be watched via its premiere on Metal-Rules HERE.

“Mark of the Wolf” is being released on June 4, 2021.

“Mark of the Wolf” is out on June 4, 2021 via Alone Records.

Album pre-order available on Bandcamp and Big Cartel.
Digital pre-save (Spotify) here.

Single – “Crucible” – https://youtu.be/f0vnE4_mT9k


Track Listing:
1. Crucible (7:17)
2. Fallen Angels Prayer (4:47)
3. Mark of The Wolf (5:02)
4. Enchantress (6:53)
5. In Metal We Trust (5:07)
6. Into Oblivion (3:24)
7. Ride the Dragon (4:03)
8. Evangelion (6:25)
Album Length: 43:02

For more info:
Facebook.com/Lycanthrokills
Instagram.com/lycanthro_metal
EPK
Label: Alone.gr

About:
Lycanthro are a four-piece Power/Thrash metal band that formed in 2016 in
Ottawa, Canada. They combine power, thrash, and speed metal, along with an energetic and epic stage presence with their lyrical themes from classic horror and mythology.

Lycanthro introduced themselves to the Candian metal scene with the release of their self-titled demo followed soon after by their 2018 EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”.

Encapsulating a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound, Lycanthro continues on in 2021 with their signing to Alone Records for the release of their first full length “Mark of The Wolf”. The album was recorded at Wolf Lake Studios in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec and was mastered Seven Spires guitarist Jack Kosto. For the track “Fallen Angels Prayer”, the band brought in a professional chamber choir to add to its epicness.

The album features various lyrical content that fans will appreciate exploring through its different dimensions. Some of the tracks are homages to different stories in pop culture and media, others are meant to bring the listener on a journey through the worlds of each song, or simply meant to be marvel as epic metal we trust.

The band adds:
“We are trying to present fans with a varied and memorable listening experience. Even though everything on this album still fits under the power / thrash metal umbrella, there is something for everyone on this record. High soaring vocals, harmonized guitars, heavy chugging riffs, odd but cool instruments and even a breakdown or two, all metalheads have something they can take from this record and walk away with a positive experience.”

“Mark of The Wolf” is due out spring 2021 on Greek label Alone Records.

– 30 –


—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 LYCANTHRO Unveil Single “Crucible” From “Mark of The Wolf” Album Out June 4th via Alone Records

  • April 21, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Lycanthro · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 21, 2021

For fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Manowar

The Trails Will Run Red With “Crucible” Off LYCANTHRO’s Upcoming “Mark of The Wolf”

Single Premiere via Bravewords

New Album  “Mark of The Wolf” Out June 4th via Alone Records

Canada’s four-piece thrash power metal outfit Lycanthro has a new album in the works, “Mark of The Wolf” and the first taste is the single “Crucible”.

“Mark of The Wolf” is a combination of old and new songs; back in 2017, Lycanthro released a four-track demo that received great feedback, but the quality left something to be desired. Three of those four tracks “Crucible”, “Into Oblivion” and “Ride the Dragon” are included in this new offering. Old fans will enjoy the improved production and new fans will be sucked into the mythos of the band.

The album will undoubtedly be received well due to the variation of elements James Delbridge (vocals/guitars), David Shute (guitars), Carlo Cote (bass), Nathan Shuman (drums), and Forrest Dussault (guitars) bring forth. They explain their methods in their own words:

“We mixed a couple of different influences and genres in different songs, different stylistic and lyrical tones, and even a few different instruments to add a new dimension to the sound. We always believe in diversity within your genre and we hope that the fans will appreciate that. We tried to add as many diverse elements as possible so that different listeners can get something out of the music, while still being under the power metal umbrella.”

“Crucible” is the first glimpse at an enthralling and diverse listening experience boasting something for everyone in terms of melodic metal. There are soaring high vocals, epic guitar solos, lots of harmonies, heavy chugging riffs, a few odd instruments, and even a breakdown or two.

Lycanthro formed in 2016 after Delbridge’s previous band broke up; he has always had an affinity for wolves, which inspired the name. According to him, the band sounds apt like “wolves eating a dragon’s carcass”.

Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Saxon, and Blind Guardian, the single “Crucible” can be heard via its stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“Mark of the Wolf” is out on June 4, 2021 via Alone Records.

Album pre-order available on Bandcamp and Big Cartel.
Digital pre-save (Spotify) here.


Track Listing:
1. Crucible (7:17)
2. Fallen Angels Prayer (4:47)
3. Mark of The Wolf (5:02)
4. Enchantress (6:53)
5. In Metal We Trust (5:07)
6. Into Oblivion (3:24)
7. Ride the Dragon (4:03)
8. Evangelion (6:25)
Album Length: 43:02

For more info:
Facebook.com/Lycanthrokills
Instagram.com/lycanthro_metal
EPK
Label: Alone.gr

About:
Lycanthro are a four-piece Power/Thrash metal band that formed in 2016 in
Ottawa, Canada. They combine power, thrash, and speed metal, along with an energetic and epic stage presence with their lyrical themes from classic horror and mythology.

Lycanthro introduced themselves to the Candian metal scene with the release of their self-titled demo followed soon after by their 2018 EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”.

Encapsulating a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound, Lycanthro continues on in 2021 with their signing to Alone Records for the release of their first full length “Mark of The Wolf”. The album was recorded at Wolf Lake Studios in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec and was mastered Seven Spires guitarist Jack Kosto. For the track “Fallen Angels Prayer”, the band brought in a professional chamber choir to add to its epicness.

The album features various lyrical content that fans will appreciate exploring through its different dimensions. Some of the tracks are homages to different stories in pop culture and media, others are meant to bring the listener on a journey through the worlds of each song, or simply meant to be marvel as epic metal we trust.

The band adds:
“We are trying to present fans with a varied and memorable listening experience. Even though everything on this album still fits under the power / thrash metal umbrella, there is something for everyone on this record. High soaring vocals, harmonized guitars, heavy chugging riffs, odd but cool instruments and even a breakdown or two, all metalheads have something they can take from this record and walk away with a positive experience.”

“Mark of The Wolf” is due out spring 2021 on Greek label Alone Records.

– 30 –


—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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

0 Lycanthro Announce Canadian Tour Dates + Hyperspace Metal Festival

  • March 3, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Lycanthro · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 3, 2020

For fans of Manowar, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Iced Earth, Saxon

Lycanthro Announce Canadian Tour Dates + Hyperspace Metal Festival

New Album “Mark of The Wolf” Coming 2020 via Alone Records

Ottawa power thrash quartet Lycanthro announce they will be hitting the road this coming April for dates across Central and Western Canada along with performing at this year’s Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, which includes Helion Prime, Iron Kingdom, Unleash The Archers, Immortal Guardian, and Power Glove among its three-day line-up. (tour dates listed below)

Combining power, thrash and speed metal with lyrical themes based on classic horror and mythology, Lycanthro unleashed their debut EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” in 2018. The EP introduced the band’s heavy, yet melodic sound, with influences from both European and American power metal styles, along with classic thrash. Frontman James Delbridge’s howling high vocals meshed with piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar forged a lasting powerful sound on their local metal scene and beyond.

With 2020 kicking into full throttle with their first-ever Canadian tour, Lycanthro found it to be perfect time to announce the release of their first full length “Mark of The Wolf” via Greek label Alone Records later this year.

Vocalist/guitarist James Delbridge comments:

“This album will be a diverse listening experience. Even though everything in one way or another is under the umbrella of power or thrash metal, there is something for everyone on ‘Mark of The Wolf’ in terms of melodic metal. There are soaring high vocals, epic guitar solos, lots of harmonies, heavy chugging riffs, a few odd instruments, and even a breakdown or two. Lyrically, the content is varied and we think fans will appreciate the different dimensions this album goes to. Some songs are homages to different stories from pop culture and media that we hold near and dear to our hearts, other songs are meant to bring the listener on a journey through the worlds within the song, and others are just to the listener can marvel in the epicness of metal!”

“Mark of the Wolf” will feature 10 high voltage tracks, all recorded once again at Wolf Lake Studios in Lac-des-Loups, Quebec. The album was mastered by Jack Kosto, who is best known as the lead guitarist for power metal band Seven Spires. Lycanthro also brought in a professional chamber choir for the song ‘Fallen Angels Prayer’, which is a planned single off the full length.

Delbridge adds:

“It’s always a unique experience to record there, as essentially, it’s a studio in a cabin in the woods. The area is very atmospheric and there’s isn’t that many outward distractions around so we can be productive and focus on the music. It’s like a camping trip mixed with recording!”

Lycanthro‘s debut EP “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” is available for stream and download on the following platforms:
Spotify
Bandcamp
Apple Music


Tour Dates:
April 7 – Ottawa, ON – Babylon
April 8 – Sudbury, ON – The Asylum
April 9 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub
April 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Royal Albert Arms
April 11 – Regina, SK – Cloud 9 Live
April 12 – Edmonton, AB – Rendez Vous
April 14 – Red Deer, AB – Burgundy’s
April 15 – Kelowna, BC – Muninn’s Post
April 17 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre – Hyperspace Metal Festival
April 18 – Calgary, AB – The Blind Beggar
April 21 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Rockk Starr Barr
April 22 – London, ON – Call The Office
April 23 – Windsor, ON – Dominion House
April 24 – Hamilton, ON – Doors Pub

For more info:
Lycanthro.ca
Facebook.com/Lycanthrokills
Instagram.com/lycanthro_metal

– 30 –

“Had put on a performance that nearly upstaged the headliner”- KNAC.com

“Taking some classic influences and intertwining them into a potent, headbanging outfit. International attention and accolades aren’t far behind as these members grow” – Dead Rhetoric

“These guys write some amazing riffs, better than many with decades more experience” – Decibel Geek

“A harken back to the old school!”  – Joe Comeau (Liege Lord, ex-Overkill, ex- Annihilator) 

“All the songs on this disc have very well thought out compositions with excellent buildups from the intros to the outros. The songs are top caliber which can compete with any of today’s current metal bands” – John Ricci (Exciter) 

—

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

0 NEWS: Japanese Heavy Metallers SOLITUDE Posts New Lyric Video ‘Blow’

  • December 28, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Solitude (Test Your Metal Records)

(contact info)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 28, 2016

For fans of Motorhead, Saxon, Tank, Venom

TestYourMetalOfficial.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Japanese Heavy Metallers SOLITUDE Posts New Lyric Video ‘Blow’

North American Release ‘Reach For The Sky’ via Test Your Metal Records


L to R: Toru Nishida (bass) / Akira Sugiuchi (vocals) / Takamasa “MAD” Ohuchi (drums) / Shingo Ida (guitars) – Credit: Yuki Kuroyanagi

    Unleashing their latest album ‘Reach For The Sky’ for North America via Test Your Metal Records this past November, Japanese heavy metallers SOLITUDE have a new lyric video for their track ‘Blow’. The track is one of 8 fist pounders off the band’s third album that was issued in Japan in 2015 by Spiritual Beast and follows 2009’s Brave The Storm (Spiritual Beast) plus 2001’s Virtual Image (Spiritual Beast). ‘Reach For The Sky’ was mixed by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg, who has previously worked with Bullet and Crucified Barbara along with artwork by Velio Josto (Warlord, Medieval Steel, Ostrogoth etc).

To watch ‘Blow’, please visit the following link at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK8Qvpxv6-o

solitude - "blow" lyric video
Physical Order: http://testyourmetalrecords.bigcartel.com/product/solitude-reach-for-the-sky-pre-order
Digital Order: 
https://solitudetymr.bandcamp.com/album/reach-for-the-sky

Album Preview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDLqwueYR6I 


1. Venom’s Angel (7:32)
2. Blow (4:51)
3. Reach For The Sky (5:30)
4. Don’t Need Mercy (3:59)
5. Escape For The Crime (3:47)
6. You Got My Mind (5:32)
7. On The Edge Of Sorrow (4:03)
8. December (8:41)
Album Length: 43:59

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/solitudejapan
EPK – 
http://wp.me/pciNW-8TC
http://www.testyourmetaloffcial.com

About:

Japan’s SOLITUDE was formed in 1996, when two ex-members of SACRIFICE (Japan)*, the founding member and main composer Akira Sugiuchi <vo> and the bass player on two of their albums Toru Nishida, met ex-RIP RIDE guys of Yasuo Koyano <ds> and Hiroki Nakamori <g>. The guys kept on rehearsing for as long as 3 years, composing songs and forging the foundation of the band. With Heavy Metal as its core, their sound has tastes of various music as if to show that they have been influenced by various different styles of music, such as 70’s Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and most notably NWOBHM, among others.

In 1998, they picked up “SOLITUDE” as the name of the band, and they played live for the first time in March 1999. This debut live was reported through fanzines and the internet, with such praises as “the birth of the new Defenders of Heavy Metal” or “the answer to what Heavy Metal is”. In September, Shingo Ida (ex-BARTOLOMMEO) replaced Nakamori, and his distinctive style of melodic guitars has brought a new blood into the band. In November, they recorded two songs, “Virtual Image” and “Eagle Fly”, latter of which was dedicated to their favorite British Heavy Metal band, SAXON. This recording was used for promotion as “SOLITUDE Demo ’99”.

In July 2000, the band started recording an album, and the recording carried on until December as the band aimed at the highest quality they could achieve. Their debut album “Virtual Image” was finally released on 5th of September, 2001 as the first-ever release of SPIRITUAL BEAST, who would later grow to one of the leading independent Heavy Metal labels in Japan. The album got rave reviews from the underground fanzines and webzines, not just in Japan but in the US and throughout Europe, and requests for interviews flooded in. The reaction was especially overwhelming in Germany, owing to the sampler CD called “Metal Crusade” from “Heavy oder was!?” magazine, which featured the title track “Virtual Image”.

Koyano left the band prior to the release of the album, but the band continued touring with the help from Suguru Kobayashi (ex-CASBAH), sharing the stage with various bands from OUTRAGE, RAGING FURY or METALUCIFER to DEFILED and SIGH. In July 2003, having added Tai Syouda (ex-GUARDIAN’S NAIL, now leading his own band, SEVENTH SON) as a permanent drummer, they flew to Germany to play at “Headbangers Open Air”, where they shared the stage with veterans like BLITZKRIEG, TRESPASS, and KILLER (Belgium) as well as youngsters like STORMWARRIOR, CRYONIC TEMPLE and DOOMSWORD. Their performance was praised by various media, with German “Rock Hard” magazine describing them as “the highlight of the festival”. The fact that many metalheads kept on chanting for SOLITUDE for a while after they left the stage proves the impact they had.

In 2004, they started preparing for a new album, and first recorded “Rainbow Theme” – “Frozen Rainbow” for a SAXON tribute album “Eagleution – A Tribute to Saxon”, put together by Remedy Records in Germany. The recording continued while the band played selected gigs like “Duryu Rock Festival” in Korea (with JURASSIC JADE from Japan, MINDFLOW from Brazil etc), or first-ever opportunity to play in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but their uncompromising attitude and various personal issues of each member delayed the whole process more than they had expected.

The recording, carried out at various points, was finally over and while they were waiting the mixing to be done, at the end of 2008, Syouda decided to leave the band. In February 2009, the remaining 3 guys participated in a NWOBHM cover event “Denim And Leather” as “SOLITUDE with Mad Ohuchi”, featuring none other than Takamasa “Mad” Ohuchi of ex-ANTHEM fame on drums. This resulted in Ohuchi joining SOLITUDE as a permanent member later that year.

In December 2009, after 8 years from the debut album, the long-awaited (literally!) new album “Brave the Storm” finally hit the stores. Like its predecessor, the album was produced by Fuyuhiko Inui, ex-band mate of Ida, who has been involved in various recordings as engineer/producer from BUCK-TICK or CHARA to MAVERICK. The mastering duty was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (THE AGONIST, MASTODON etc).

In January 2011, the band toured Korea and Japan with Swedish sensation Enforcer, with Mean Streak also added for the Japanese dates. In September, “Brave the Storm” was released in Europe on Fastball Music in Germany, proving their growing popularity in the mainland Europe. In July 2012, the band helped set up a Japan tour for Canada’s Skull Fist, and toured with them and Widow from US. In 2013, they co-hosted the “Japanese Assault Fest”, sharing the stage with GIRLSCHOOL, VEKTOR, FASTKILL, AIR RAID etc.

In April 2014, the band finally started recording a new album. Looking for the kind of sound production they grew up listening, they went into a closed movie theater in Gotenba, Shizuoka, where they brought in the recording equipments, just like Deep Purple did in a hotel; Rainbow did in an old castle etc in the 70’s. With the great ambience and the environment to allow you to play as loud as you want, the place was later modified into a proper recording studio called “Tapestry Recording Studio”. The band appeared at the “Japanese Assault Fest” two years in a row (SATAN, HEAVY TIGER, MIDNIGHT MALICE, ETERNAL ELYSIUM etc) later that year.

The album was mixed and mastered at Pama Studios in Sweden, by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg and Magnus “Maxe” Axelsson respectively, who had worked with such bands as BULLET and CRUCIFIED BARBARA. The stunning artwork was painted by the Italian artist Velio Josto, who had done covers for WARLORD, MEDIEVAL STEEL, OSTROGOTH among others. The album “Reach for the Sky” will be released on SPIRITUAL BEAST in June 2015, and the band will be extensively touring throughout Japan for the rest of the year, starting in Nagoya in August.

*SACRIFICE (Japan) was one of the leading bands in the Japanese thrash/underground scene from their formation in 1985 until disbanding in 1992, and they left a lot of impacts on young and upcoming bands then and even now. During their career, they released three studio albums, “Crest of Black” (1987), “Total Steel” (1990) and “Tears” (1992) and shared the stage with SODOM (Germany), NUCLEAR ASSAULT (USA), CASBAH, OUTRAGE, UNITED (all from Japan) among many others. They once featured Shinji “Samm” Tachi of ex-SABBAT on drums, who later formed MAGNESIUM and also joined his brother in METALUCIFER. SACRIFICE has recently reunited under the lineup of Sugiuchi <vo>, Nishida <b>, Tachi <ds> and Temis Osmond <g> of ex-SABBAT fame.

– 30 –

—

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#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
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0 Out Now! Japanese Heavy Metallers SOLITUDE North American Release ‘Reach For The Sky’ via Test Your Metal Records

  • November 25, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Solitude (Test Your Metal Records)

(contact info)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – Nov 25, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

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Out Now! Japanese Heavy Metallers SOLITUDE North American Release ‘Reach For The Sky’ via Test Your Metal Records

L to R: Toru Nishida (bass) / Akira Sugiuchi (vocals) / Takamasa “MAD” Ohuchi (drums) / Shingo Ida (guitars) – Credit: Yuki Kuroyanagi

    Out now! TEST YOUR METAL RECORDS is proud to unleash the North American release of ‘Reach For The Sky’ from Japanese heavy metallers SOLITUDE. The release is the band’s third album that was issued in Japan in 2015 by Spiritual Beast and follows 2009’s Brave The Storm (Spiritual Beast) plus 2001’s Virtual Image(Spiritual Beast). The album features 8 fist pounding tracks mixed by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg, who has previously worked with Bullet and Crucified Barbara along with artwork by Velio Josto (Warlord, Medieval Steel, Ostrogoth etc). Fans of Motorhead, Saxon, Tank and Venom are sure to appreciate.

Physical Order: http://testyourmetalrecords.bigcartel.com/product/solitude-reach-for-the-sky-pre-order
Digital Order: https://solitudetymr.bandcamp.com/album/reach-for-the-sky

Song Stream – You Got My Mind – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXfAk3cTLVI
Album Preview – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDLqwueYR6I

  1. Venom’s Angel (7:32)
  2. Blow (4:51)
  3. Reach For The Sky (5:30)
  4. Don’t Need Mercy (3:59)
  5. Escape For The Crime (3:47)
  6. You Got My Mind (5:32)
  7. On The Edge Of Sorrow (4:03)
  8. December (8:41)

Album Length: 43:59

 

 

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/solitudejapan
EPK – http://wp.me/pciNW-8TC
http://www.testyourmetaloffcial.com

About:

Japan’s SOLITUDE was formed in 1996, when two ex-members of SACRIFICE (Japan)*, the founding member and main composer Akira Sugiuchi <vo> and the bass player on two of their albums Toru Nishida, met ex-RIP RIDE guys of Yasuo Koyano <ds> and Hiroki Nakamori <g>. The guys kept on rehearsing for as long as 3 years, composing songs and forging the foundation of the band. With Heavy Metal as its core, their sound has tastes of various music as if to show that they have been influenced by various different styles of music, such as 70’s Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, and most notably NWOBHM, among others.

In 1998, they picked up “SOLITUDE” as the name of the band, and they played live for the first time in March 1999. This debut live was reported through fanzines and the internet, with such praises as “the birth of the new Defenders of Heavy Metal” or “the answer to what Heavy Metal is”. In September, Shingo Ida (ex-BARTOLOMMEO) replaced Nakamori, and his distinctive style of melodic guitars has brought a new blood into the band. In November, they recorded two songs, “Virtual Image” and “Eagle Fly”, latter of which was dedicated to their favorite British Heavy Metal band, SAXON. This recording was used for promotion as “SOLITUDE Demo ’99”.

In July 2000, the band started recording an album, and the recording carried on until December as the band aimed at the highest quality they could achieve. Their debut album “Virtual Image” was finally released on 5th of September, 2001 as the first-ever release of SPIRITUAL BEAST, who would later grow to one of the leading independent Heavy Metal labels in Japan. The album got rave reviews from the underground fanzines and webzines, not just in Japan but in the US and throughout Europe, and requests for interviews flooded in. The reaction was especially overwhelming in Germany, owing to the sampler CD called “Metal Crusade” from “Heavy oder was!?” magazine, which featured the title track “Virtual Image”.

Koyano left the band prior to the release of the album, but the band continued touring with the help from Suguru Kobayashi (ex-CASBAH), sharing the stage with various bands from OUTRAGE, RAGING FURY or METALUCIFER to DEFILED and SIGH. In July 2003, having added Tai Syouda (ex-GUARDIAN’S NAIL, now leading his own band, SEVENTH SON) as a permanent drummer, they flew to Germany to play at “Headbangers Open Air”, where they shared the stage with veterans like BLITZKRIEG, TRESPASS, and KILLER (Belgium) as well as youngsters like STORMWARRIOR, CRYONIC TEMPLE and DOOMSWORD. Their performance was praised by various media, with German “Rock Hard” magazine describing them as “the highlight of the festival”. The fact that many metalheads kept on chanting for SOLITUDE for a while after they left the stage proves the impact they had.

In 2004, they started preparing for a new album, and first recorded “Rainbow Theme” – “Frozen Rainbow” for a SAXON tribute album “Eagleution – A Tribute to Saxon”, put together by Remedy Records in Germany. The recording continued while the band played selected gigs like “Duryu Rock Festival” in Korea (with JURASSIC JADE from Japan, MINDFLOW from Brazil etc), or first-ever opportunity to play in Sapporo, Hokkaido, but their uncompromising attitude and various personal issues of each member delayed the whole process more than they had expected.

The recording, carried out at various points, was finally over and while they were waiting the mixing to be done, at the end of 2008, Syouda decided to leave the band. In February 2009, the remaining 3 guys participated in a NWOBHM cover event “Denim And Leather” as “SOLITUDE with Mad Ohuchi”, featuring none other than Takamasa “Mad” Ohuchi of ex-ANTHEM fame on drums. This resulted in Ohuchi joining SOLITUDE as a permanent member later that year.

In December 2009, after 8 years from the debut album, the long-awaited (literally!) new album “Brave the Storm” finally hit the stores. Like its predecessor, the album was produced by Fuyuhiko Inui, ex-band mate of Ida, who has been involved in various recordings as engineer/producer from BUCK-TICK or CHARA to MAVERICK. The mastering duty was handled by Alan Douches at West West Side Music (THE AGONIST, MASTODON etc).

In January 2011, the band toured Korea and Japan with Swedish sensation Enforcer, with Mean Streak also added for the Japanese dates. In September, “Brave the Storm” was released in Europe on Fastball Music in Germany, proving their growing popularity in the mainland Europe. In July 2012, the band helped set up a Japan tour for Canada’s Skull Fist, and toured with them and Widow from US. In 2013, they co-hosted the “Japanese Assault Fest”, sharing the stage with GIRLSCHOOL, VEKTOR, FASTKILL, AIR RAID etc.

In April 2014, the band finally started recording a new album. Looking for the kind of sound production they grew up listening, they went into a closed movie theater in Gotenba, Shizuoka, where they brought in the recording equipments, just like Deep Purple did in a hotel; Rainbow did in an old castle etc in the 70’s. With the great ambience and the environment to allow you to play as loud as you want, the place was later modified into a proper recording studio called “Tapestry Recording Studio”. The band appeared at the “Japanese Assault Fest” two years in a row (SATAN, HEAVY TIGER, MIDNIGHT MALICE, ETERNAL ELYSIUM etc) later that year.

The album was mixed and mastered at Pama Studios in Sweden, by Magnus “Mankan” Sedenberg and Magnus “Maxe” Axelsson respectively, who had worked with such bands as BULLET and CRUCIFIED BARBARA. The stunning artwork was painted by the Italian artist Velio Josto, who had done covers for WARLORD, MEDIEVAL STEEL, OSTROGOTH among others. The album “Reach for the Sky” will be released on SPIRITUAL BEAST in June 2015, and the band will be extensively touring throughout Japan for the rest of the year, starting in Nagoya in August.

*SACRIFICE (Japan) was one of the leading bands in the Japanese thrash/underground scene from their formation in 1985 until disbanding in 1992, and they left a lot of impacts on young and upcoming bands then and even now. During their career, they released three studio albums, “Crest of Black” (1987), “Total Steel” (1990) and “Tears” (1992) and shared the stage with SODOM (Germany), NUCLEAR ASSAULT (USA), CASBAH, OUTRAGE, UNITED (all from Japan) among many others. They once featured Shinji “Samm” Tachi of ex-SABBAT on drums, who later formed MAGNESIUM and also joined his brother in METALUCIFER. SACRIFICE has recently reunited under the lineup of Sugiuchi <vo>, Nishida <b>, Tachi <ds> and Temis Osmond <g> of ex-SABBAT fame.
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