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Tag: Sons of Apollo

0 Prog Virtuosos PHAETON Hit The Road For Western Canadian Dates (AB, BC) For Third Album “Neurogenesis” Out Now! ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

  • November 3, 2025
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 3, 2025

Prog Virtuosos PHAETON Hit The Road For Western Canadian Dates (AB, BC)

Third Album “Neurogenesis” Out Now!

ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet PHAETON is hitting the road this November for a string of Western Canadian tour dates in support of their third full-length album, “Neurogenesis.” Known for their electrifying live performances, the band will bring their cerebral, crushing sound to Alberta and British Columbia:

Upcoming Show Dates:​
Nov 7 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice w/ Pharm, S.I., Rainbow Patrol – info​
Nov 8 – Edmonton, AB – Divebar w/ Pharm, Excerebration, Spruce Moose – info ​
Nov 21 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ Dead Bob, Blind Marc – info​
Nov 29 – Cranbrook BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ ANCIIENTS – info

Front (L-R): Kevin Thiessen (Guitars, Keyboards), Ferdy Belland (Bass), Daniel Airth (Guitars), Back: Colin Righton (Drums)

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Following their acclaimed 2020 release “Between Two Worlds,” “Neurogenesis” marks a bold evolution in PHAETON’s sound, more concise, yet no less imaginative. Engineered and mixed by guitarist Kevin Thiessen at The Cube in Kimberley, BC, and mastered by Jamie Sitar at Outtatown Sound in Winnipeg, MB, the album features artwork by Calgary-based artist Matt Semenok and a guest appearance by prog legend Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo).
​
Formed in 2017 in Kimberley, BC, PHAETON blends neo-classical melodicism, crushing riffs, tornado percussion, and contrapuntal basslines. Their lineup includes Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards; ex-Azsension, ex-Datura), Daniel Airth (guitars; ex-Chaos Logic), Ferdy Belland (bass; ex-Bif Naked), and Colin Righton (drums; ex-Chaos Machine).​
​
​PHAETON‘s music channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted soundscapes, wordless journeys through shifting time signatures, soaring melodies, and tectonic riffage. “Neurogenesis” explores themes of technological singularity and the convergence of biological minds with machine intelligence: part cold warning, part sober observation.
​
​“Neurogenesis” is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year, with more music on the horizon, including the standalone 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” in 2026 and their fourth album “Quartum” in 2027.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV

Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

Previous Singles:

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg

Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8

Track Listing:​
1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
2. Discontinuum (6:37)
3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
4. Synethesia (6:24)
5. Arachnid (4:48)
6. Augmented (4:37)
7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
Album Length: 39:19

Band Lineup:​
– Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
– Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
– Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
– Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial

– 30 –

“”Neurogenesis” one of the hottest tips of the running season. At least when it comes to instrumental prog, the band has reached the top of the annual list!” – PowerMetal.de​
​
​“Oh prog-metal how we love thee…case in point, the new single ‘Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian’ from Phaeton. This dandy little slice of modern prog-metal is not only exceptionally recorded but is jammed full of stabbing riffs, fluid bass lines, drum rolls galore and of course keyboard wizardry courtesy of the legendary Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo). Keep an eye out for the new album “Neurogenesis” from PHAETON set to drop on Oct. 24th and to tide you over listen up for ‘Isochron’ on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll​
​
​“I’ve always maintained that instrumental bands have to work harder at their craft, because the lack of vocals is one more thing they have to find a replacement for. Lead guitar breaks can take the place of vocals, as can keyboards. They do a solid job of this on the album… They have the chops, that’s for sure.” – Metal-Temple​
​
​“Neurogenesis“ is a work that combines virtuosity, atmosphere and emotion in extraordinary balance.” 4/5 – MetalUnderground.at

“PHAETON’s Neurogenesis: Where Prog-Meets-Precision, and Machines Whisper to the Riffs” – Papy Jeff Metal

“Phaeton’s sound is a kaleidoscope of progressive sounds, tech-death, thrash and djent… The album opens with the song “Tethys Rising” has in it’s a lot of austerity, but you can hear perfectly strong and expressive here sound and style. Song “Discontinuum” also holds the right one level and very exciting. The dynamics and rhythm are impressive here. Piece “Isochron” with the guest participation of Derek Sherinian, he enriches and has in great riffs, but there are also Middle Eastern elements, which it also increases the effect. Number “Synethesia” it emphasizes even more the intensity and complexity of sounds with a lot of power and energy. Track “Arachnid” he has a lot of neoclassical playing, but he doesn’t forget about it crushing playing with lots of thrills. Song “Augmented” it also has a specific level to it. Title piece “Neurogenesis” he crowns the album with pride and precision. You can hear perfectly balanced music here, which has a claw, feistiness and focuses on diversity and versatility. 4/5″ – W-Mgnieniu-Rocka

​
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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0 Rockshots Records – Brazil’s AURO CONTROL Unleash New Video “Not Alone feat. Jeff Scott Soto (Art Of Anarchy, SOTO, Sons Of Apollo)

  • May 16, 2024
  • by Asher
  • · Auro Control (Rockshots Records) · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 16, 2024

Brazil’s AURO CONTROL Unleash New Video “Not Alone feat. Jeff Scott Soto (Art Of Anarchy, SOTO, Sons Of Apollo)

New Album “The Harp” Out May 31st via Rockshots Records

Rockshots Records is proud to present Auro Control, a new Brazilian band dedicated to excellent Prog/Power Metal. With its fast, precise, melodic, virtuous, and energetic sound, Auro Control delivers an amazing auditory experience that leaves a lasting impression. “The Harp” is an ambitious album, uniting the greatness of Power Metal with the depth of Prog Metal and the richness of percussion from Bahia-Brazil, resulting in a unique and surprising sound. The album produced by Thiago Bianchi, will feature the participation of Bianchi himself (Noturnall, ex-Shaman), Aquiles Priester (W.A.S.P., ex-Angra), Felipe Andreoli (Angra), and Jeff Scott Soto. Can’t miss the new single and video “Not Alone” featuring Jeff Scott Soto!

VIDEO – https://bit.ly/NotAloneYouTube​

LISTEN – https://lnk.to/6P7HaxVO​

ALBUM PRE ORDER – https://bit.ly/4aDZjol​

FFO: Angra, Stratovarius, Helloween, Symphony X & Dream Theater

Track Listing:
1 – Aurum Regium
2 – Feel The Fire
3 – Not Alone (feat. Jeff Scott Soto)
4 – Rise of the Phoenix (feat. Aquiles Priester)
5 – The Harp (feat. Aiace & Felipe Andreoli)
6 – Afterglow
7 – Head Up High
8 – Conception
9 – Runner
10 – Breaking Silence (feat. Thiago Bianchi)
​
​Auro Control is:
Lucas de Ouro – Vocals
Lucas Barnery – Guitars
Diego Pires – Guitars
Thiago Baumgarten – Bass
Davi Britto – Drums

For more info:​
​Rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/aurocontrol | https://www.instagram.com/aurocontrol/​

-30-

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

0 Rockshots Records: Environmental Prog VENUS SYNDROME Streaming First Single “Sideral Groove” Off Upcoming Album “Cannibal Star” Out Oct 22nd

  • September 3, 2021
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Venus Syndrome (Rockshots Records)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 3, 2021


For fans of Dream Theater, Pagan’s Mind, Sons of Apollo, Haken, Symphony X, King’s X

Rockshots Records: Environmental Prog VENUS SYNDROME Streaming First Single “Sideral Groove” Off Upcoming Album “Cannibal Star”

 “Cannibal Star” Due Out October 22, 2021

Venus Syndrome will be releasing their sophomore album “Cannibal Star” on October 22nd, via Rockshots Records.

Formed originally as a Dream Theater cover band under the moniker MetroTheater, it wasn’t too soon after that drummer Thibaud Pontet (Eternal Flight), guitarist Ayman Mokdad (Alien Encounters), keyboardist Rodolfo Lima Sproesser (Goiana, Tahra, Heretic, Floyd Rose cover Pink Floyd), bassist Florian Guidat and vocalist Emmanuelson (Ellipsis, Rising Steel, Hydroflame) were keen to create something more.

It came under the suggestion of main composer and guitarist Ayman Mokdad to the rest of the band that he had written original material inspired by the concept of the “Venus Syndrome”, in which the Earth undergoes runaway warming and the oceans boil off and is viewed as the greatest threat to humanity’s existence (more info here).

From those lyrical and musical ideals, Venus Syndrome offered up their self-titled debut album during April 2020 all while being an international collaboration between musicians on two sides of the globe. Rodolfo Lima Sproesser is based in Brazilian while the rest of the group is in France.

Carefully crafting power melodies, intricate hard rocking rhythms and soaring vocals inspired by the likes of Russell Allen (Symphony X), Warrel Dane (Nevermore) and Ray Adler (Fates Warning), the band is ready to introduce their next recording and the sophomore full-length “Cannibal Star”.

Recruiting Simone Mularoni (Domination Studio, Ultra-Violence, T/L Rhapsody, Eternal Idol, Eldritch, Elvenking) for mixing and mastering, the new album is a more mature production compared to their self-recorded effort. On “Cannibal Star”, Venus Syndrome showcases eleven tracks for fans to not just enjoy its melodic progressive metal groove, but also go beyond the listening experience and understand the message behind their music.

“Humanity will disappear if each one of us, each individual do not contribute to safeguarding it. Art, and particularly music is a healer and can help us reach the target and build something strong for our kids and their kids hopefully.” says guitarist and composer Ayman Mokdad.

The band decided on the tracks not just on record, but how they would be best performed for a memorable live experience and the importance of its messaging for saving our planet and humanity.

“There’s an amazing live show that goes with these songs, that’s why there is an instrumental ouverture, an instrumental interlude, and an ending part on the song “Contaminate Me” that we can play with the audience for several minutes. They can expect all the energy and power of the universe. We want them to sing our songs long after the show.”

In preview to its release, the progressive metal group is sharing their first single “Sideral Groove”, a groovy seven strings song, where the chorus says it all.

“Music is our life our companion and the reason to live. Our mission to believe in.” adds the band.

Listen to “Sideral Groove” at the following links:

Lyric Video – https://youtu.be/Jj2gQhSmEcI
Digital pre-save – https://bfan.link/sideral-groove

Album pre-save – https://bfan.link/cannibal-star


Track Listing:
1. Ouverture 2040 (2:41)
2. Dark Side of The Sun (4:07)
3. Sideral Groove (5:33)
4. Sun Inside Me (4:53)
5. Golden Mind (4:37)
6. Empire of The End (4:12)
7. Cannibal Star (3:11)
8. Breaking The Black Stars (4:23)
9. Tunnel of Light (3:31)
10. Like A Monster (4:08)
11. Contaminate Me (4:40)
Album Length: 46:01

For more info:
Venus-syndrome.monsite-orange.fr/index.html
Facebook.com/thevenussyndrome

– 30 –

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS

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jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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