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Tag: toronto

0 Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW New Music Video “The Mill’ + Live Stream Dates + New Album “Bereavement” Out Now!

  • June 23, 2020
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Hollow · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 23, 2020

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

Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW New Music Video “The Mill’

New Album “Bereavement” Out Now!


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

Progressive prodigy duo Jupiter Hollow are sharing with fans their latest music video for their track “The Mill” in support of their recently released album “Bereavement” to follow their two highly praised recordings “AHDOMN” (2018) and “Odyssey” (2016).

Watch the video at the following links:
YouTube
Facebook


“The music video for The Mill is a fleeting summary of the entire album’s concept. Showcasing the 2 main characters among the hundreds of others subtly embodied by Kenny throughout the live shows and various media appearances.”  adds JH’s Grant MacKenzie (Guitar, Bass, Synth).

“Bereavement” is the continuation of the storyline from both previous releases. The band further explains:

“A man with unimaginable global power sends important members of his family and society away to a habitable world outside of our solar system in order to salvage humanity. As capable as this man is of salvaging humanity’s dying society on Earth, he finds more solace in the greed and power he has inherited. Victim of his lifelong internal battle with mental instability, he leaves humanity to extinction on Earth. Struggling with this outcome, he sends himself and his ship aimlessly into space, attempts suicide, and crashes on a planet in another solar system. Upon awakening, he realizes where he is, and that he will soon meet the remaining faces that have abandoned him, just as he abandoned them, and they’re hungry.”

The duo of Grant MacKenzie (Guitar, Bass, Synth) and Kenny Parry (Vocals, Drums, Piano, Synth) that form Jupiter Hollow are here to create an artistic experience unlike anything else in the industry. Inspired from 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. Get ready as Jupiter Hollow will take you on a musical tour, from the studio to the stage, and every place in between. They are your tour guides.

You may begin the experience with Jupiter Hollow at the following link: Jupiterhollow.ca/experience

Fans can use this promo code JH.LiveStream at their “virtual merch booth” for 15% off any of their merch during the live stream tour. They have a couple of t-shirt designs, a few hats left, a handful of AHDOMN CDs along with new Bereavement CDs. Shop here: Jupiterhollow.ca/shop

Viewing for their upcoming live streams on their Facebook page Facebook.com/JupiterHollowOfficial and Instagram.com/jupiterhollow_ at the following dates:

6.23.2020 (8:00 pm – EST)
6.24.2020 (8:00 pm – EST)
6.25.2020 (8:00 pm – EST)
6.29.2020 (8:00 pm – EST)
6.30.2020 (8:00 pm – EST)
7.1.2020 (6:00 pm – EST)*
7.2.2020 (8:00 pm – EST)
* (Show on Canada Day will only be 50-60 mins)


Track Listing:
1. L’Eau du Papineau (3:58)
2. Scarden Valley (5:12)
3. The Rosedale (6:26)
4. Kipling Forest (6:06)
5. The Mill (3:59)
6. Mandating our Perception (2:29)
7. Sawbreaker (8:56)
8. Extensive Knowledge (5:41)
9. Solar Gift (12:37)
Album Length: 55:25

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_

About:

We are Jupiter Hollow. Some people consider us to be alternative metal, some people consider us to be progressive rock, and some people just like what they hear. We don’t believe in genre; we believe genre is an excuse to pigeonhole our sound. For us, we prefer to keep our options open.

When you hear Jupiter Hollow you may feel an overwhelming sense of space, arrangement and instrumentation. However, behind the music there are just 2 humans: Kenny Parry and Grant MacKenzie. We met on Earth in the year of 2015 at a musical gathering, where the universe inevitably conceived Jupiter Hollow. Since then, we’ve expressed part one of a conceptual endeavor called “AHDOMN”. This story is to be continued with the release of our new record “Bereavement” on June 12, 2020.

As for what Jupiter Hollow sounds like, that’s for you to determine. We don’t care what we sound like, since we don’t have control over our destiny. Our path is written, but we must walk it. Therefore, the music has already been created in the future, and we are messengers of the present.

We are from Earth, from your future. Moving forward through time is to move forward through space. We are evolutionary descendants of our past, we evolve from our actions. Jupiter Hollow is here to share the missing link of your human existence.

– 30 –

—

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

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

 

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 23, 2019

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

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

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

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

The band comments:

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

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

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

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


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

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

For more info:
TheSlyde.ca
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
EPK

 

– 30 – 

 

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

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

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

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

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

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | asher@ashermediarelations.com 
Facebook | @AsherMedia
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0 BLACKGUARD Announce New Album “STORM” Coming In 2019 + First Show In Four Years In Toronto March 22nd

  • January 21, 2019
  • by Asher
  • · BLACKGUARD · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 21, 2019

BLACKGUARD Announce New Album “STORM” Coming In 2019 + First Show In Four Years In Toronto

March 22  – Coalition  – Toronto, ON w/ Crimson Shadows


Seminal Canadian melodic death/folk metal band BLACKGUARD announces their first show in over four years as well as their plans to independently release their long-awaited fourth studio album “STORM” in 2019 to follow their 2011 full length “Firefight” on Victory Records and 2009’s “Profugus Mortis” released on Sumerian and Nuclear Blast.

The band made the following announcement via their facebook page.

“It is with great pleasure that we can finally start sharing with you our plans for this year! We will be playing our first show in four years at Coalition in Toronto on March 22nd with CRIMSON SHADOWS (Napalm Records) and BOREALIS (AFM Records)! This will be one hell of a fun show with some of our oldest friends so come out and make this a night no one will forget.

Details / pre-order info for our new album “STORM” will be revealed in the coming weeks and of course, some new music for everyone to sink their teeth into. It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally here so stay tuned!

We would like to take this time to thank all of you from the bottom of our black hearts for your continuing support for this musical entity that has been such a huge part of our lives for so long. This next chapter in our history is a return to our roots, we’re going at this alone again without the shackles of business obligations that brought us to the brink in the past. This is a labor of love beyond the typical metrics of “success” or “failure” and sharing this piece of us with you is our apotheosis.

And finally, for those who don’t know how this all began….

Our out of print first record “So It Begins…” under our original name “Profugus Mortis” is now available for download on our Bandcamp page (https://blackguardmtl.bandcamp.com/album/so-it-begins-5) for 5$. It’s a trip to hear the band’s evolution to what we are now and we hope you will enjoy this glimpse into our history.

Thank you all.

BLACKGUARD”

Show Dates:
March 22 – Toronto, ON – Coalition

Music video – Firefight (off “Firefight” on Victory Records (2011) – https://youtu.be/JEuPbDOFxow

Album Streams “Profugus Mortis” and “Firefight”:

– https://open.spotify.com/artist/6babBcPlEkSZCsXKf7wFnD

About:
Blackguard broke into the international scene with their 2009 sophomore album Profugus Mortis(Sumerian/Nuclear Blast records) and their 2011 follow up Firefight (Victory Records). They quickly gained a reputation as a dominating live act and relentless touring machine, participating in 18 national tours in 5 years playing with Epica, Sabaton, Deicide, Finntroll, The Summer Slaughter tour, Pagan Fest, Kamelot and many more.

For More Info:
https://www.facebook.com/blackguardband

– 30 –

—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | asher@ashermediarelations.com
Facebook | Tweet @AsherMedia | Instagram @AsherMedia
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0 Band Submissions Now Open For Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2019; One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2019

  • October 23, 2018
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 23, 2018

MetalBattle.ca | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Band Submissions Now Open For Wacken Metal Battle Canada 2019

One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2019



Free Download – Vol 5. Compilation featuring over 3 Hours of Canadian Metal – here.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Promo Video here.

Video of 2018 Champion Centuries of Decay at Wacken Open Air here.

    One band to rule them all! Going on its sixth year, Wacken Metal Battle Canada returns to present one unsigned Canadian band to conquer hundreds and perform at the world’s largest metal festival, Wacken Open Air. The 2019 line up includes Sabaton, Parkway Drive, Demons & Wizards, Powerwolf, Airbourne, Rose Tattoo, Within Temptation, Meshuggah and many more. Full details here.

Year six of these battles is a very exciting one because for the first time, Wacken Metal Battle Canada will be expanding to St. John’s, NL and Halifax, NS to make the competition officially coast to coast. Full list of participating regions listed below.

ON – Toronto
ON – Hamilton
ON – Ottawa
QC – Montreal
QC – Quebec City
SK – Saskatoon
AB – Calgary
AB – Edmonton
BC – Vancouver/Lower Mainland
BC – Island
BC – Interior
NL – St. John’s
NS – Halifax

In addition to the expansion to the East coast, Wacken Metal Battle Canada will be hosting the 2019 national final for the first time in Western Canada. The host city will be Calgary, AB, moving it from Toronto, ON, where the national final has been held for the last 5 years.

Wacken Metal Battle Canada organizer JJ Tartaglia comments:

“I think these new changes for 2019 will be a big help in keeping the Metal Battle Canada exciting for both the bands and the audience. The idea of moving around the national final has been tossed around for a while now, so holding the finals in Calgary this year will be a refreshing twist on the structure. And the East Coast! As a Maritimer myself, I couldn’t be happier with the addition of Halifax and St. John’s, now making these events truly coast to coast.”

Winner of this year’s Wacken Metal Battle Canada national final will receive $2,000 CAD towards airfare to travel and perform at the 30th edition of Wacken Open Air taking place from August 1st – 3rd, 2019 in Wacken, Germany. The Canadian champion will also have the opportunity to win monetary and gear prizes from the international Wacken Metal Battle. International prizes listed below plus more info can be found here.

Winners of the International Wacken Metal Battle will receive cash and other prizes (2019 prizes still to be announced)

2018 Prizes were the following:

1st Place
– Slot to play at the Full Metal Holiday Festival in Mallorca including flight and accommodation
– 5000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

2nd Place
– 4000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

3rd Place
– 3000€ from the company Pohl-Boskamp and more!

4th Place
– 2000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

5th Place
– 1000€ from the Wacken Foundation and more!

Bands interested in participating in 2019 battles can apply at http://www.metalbattle.ca 

Deadline to submit is Dec 21st.

List of previous Canadian winners:
Centuries of Decay (2018)
Profaner (2016)
Vesperia (2015)
Mutank (2014)
Crimson Shadows (2013)

About:

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance of winning their spot among 29 other countries’ champions, and representing the Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air, which has been taking place in Wacken , Germany for the last 29 years. The winner of Wacken Metal Battle Canada will perform at the 2019 festival taking place from August 1st – 3rd.

For more info:

Official Website: http://www.metalbattle.ca

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada

Twitter: @MetalBattleCAN

Instagram: @MetalBattleCan

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/WackenMetalBattleCAN

For more info on Wacken Open Air, please visit http://www.wacken.com

– 30 –

2018 Battles Sponsors:
Rehearsal Factory
Pearl Drums
Boonsdale Records
TicketFly
Los Cabos Drumsticks
Dungeonworks
The Invisible Orange
Concertworks
Big Nate Productions
Rose Management
Indie Week
Ibanez
Sunrise Records
2018 Battles Media Partners:
Absolute Underground
Asher Media Relations
Beatroute Magazine
Bravewords
Broken Neck Radio
Bucketlist Music Reviews
CJLO
Hellbound
Metal Master Kingdom
Metal Nation
Metal-Rules
Ondes Chocs
Pure Grain Audio
Pure Rock Radio
Quebec-Metal
Zombitrol—

ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | ashermedia@gmail.com
Facebook | @AsherMedia | Hire Us
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Join AMR Mailing List

 

0 DECATUR Announce Ontario Tour Dates + Debut Album “Badder Than Brooklyn” Out Now! Produced By Gojira’s Joe Duplantier

  • September 6, 2018
  • by Asher
  • · Decatur · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 6, 2018



For fans of Metallica, Pantera, Slayer, Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, In Flames

DECATUR Announce Ontario Tour Dates

Debut Album “Badder Than Brooklyn” Out Now!

Produced By Gojira’s Joe Duplantier

 

Unleashing their debut album “Badder Than Brooklyn” produced by Joe Duplantier of Gojira during October of last year along with a lengthy tour across Canada, Toronto-based metal messiahs DECATUR will be kicking off their fall “Buried Out Back Tour” across Ontario a full year after their full length’s release. Their first date of the tour will begin in Cornwall on October 6th and wrap up in Windsor on October 27th. DECATUR has gone through line up changes since releasing their debut album. For this upcoming tour, the band’s live line up features founding member Jay Sarrazin supported by drummer Joey Muha (Jungle Rot, Threat Signal, Lightyears), Anthony Zhura (Caym, Centuries of Decay) and Aidan Keenan (Imperion).

Check out video of drummer Joey Muha smashing out DECATUR at the following link:


DECATUR: Buried Out Back Tour
Oct 6 – Cornwall, ON – Lol’as
Oct 13 – Guelph, ON – Jimmy Jazz
Oct 19 – Brampton, ON – 52nd Street Bar
Oct 25 – Toronto, ON – Coalition
Oct 26 – St. Catharines, ON – Detour
Oct 27 – Windsor, ON – Dominion House

The band’s latest music video “Worst Enemy” can be viewed at the following link below. The video is a message from the band to conquer the fight against depression and follows the album’s theme of power and empowerment, a clarion call for strength in life’s battles…healing through headbanging.

Vocalist / guitarist Jay Sarrazin comments:

“Worst Enemy was actually the first song I wrote for this album. I was at a pretty dark place in my life at the time. I was struggling with depression and anxiety and was constantly berating myself with negativity. I felt trapped in a box so to speak and I became my own worst enemy. That’s what the song is about and the music video we made emphasizes that emotion of being trapped in that box or in your own head saying all these things to yourself. Throughout the years I have learned to find more coping methods and I am always learning more about myself. Hopefully this song helps other knows they are not alone and to seek help if they need it.”

Watch “Worst Enemy”

DECATUR‘s debut album “Badder Than Brooklyn” was produced by Joe Duplantier of Gojira and is all-killer, no filler! It doesn’t hide behind its production; it compliments it. These are truly songs of power and empowerment, a clarion call for strength in life’s battles…healing through headbanging. From the power shredding of “Into The Night” and the storytelling of the album’s title track “Badder Than Brooklyn” to the brutal beat down of songs like “Bottled Inside” and “Internal War”, DECATUR feel modern metal has lost its way and they’re here to provide the roadmap forward to the future! Make no mistake, Decatur are a band that puts the grit into integrity, as guitarist/vocalist Jay ‘Beard’ Sarrazin says, Decatur make “real metal for real metalheads.”

Named after their very own Street of Dreams in New York, where they recorded their debut album at Silvercord Studios in Brooklyn, DECATUR get their unique sound by being opened-minded, not just to each other in this band of brothers, but to different genres, not just of metal, but also the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and even pop! Decatur’s criteria if it’s good they can make it better! They focus on evolution not devolution. There is no fear of DECATUR repeating themselves musically; for them…the world is not enough. They see themselves as intrepid explorers, never playing it safe, always looking for new lands to conquer, and in the process drawing on creative powers they never knew they possessed.

“We put a lot of effort into writing real songs and putting out a real album that hopefully touches a broad fan base. Our goal was to make sure that not only every single song had been thoroughly thought through, but that it was given all the attention and passion that we truly felt they deserved. We honestly feel like metal has lost its way a bit and we were set on writing something original and not following the trends of today such as low tunings, aggressive growling and perfectly lined up music and sound. We focused on the realness of ourselves and wanted to produce something that wasn’t always perfect and was as real and as honest as we could be. We did not need or want to hide behind production. We wanted our raw talent to be caught and portrayed to everyone. Our goal was to produce something from the soul, not from the computer.” Says Sarrazin.

Listen to “Badder Than Brooklyn” full album stream at the following link:

Album available on CD, digital download and streaming on Bandcamp, Sunrise Records, iTunes, Spotify, Amazon.

For more info:
http://www.decaturmetal.com
http://www.facebook.com/decaturmetal
http://www.twitter.com/decaturmetal
http://www.instagram.com/decaturmetal
EPK – http://wp.me/pciNW-aE6

(bio written by Steve Earles)

– 30 –

“Badder Than Brooklyn is one of those wonderful albums that will give you little to complain about…one of the best heavy metal releases this year. Shatterproof & Internal War Pt. 2 confirm this with the former a very traditional & groove-layered slab while the latter goes for a more melodic approach.” Games, Brrrains & A Head-Banging Life

“Badder Than Brooklyn is a solid debut album of modern metal that’s worth seeking out.” – Heavy Metal HQ

“Great for a pounding run or a body-wrecking workout, Badder Than Brooklyn will satisfy fans of metal, hard rock, or good old-fashioned rock and roll.” – Shockwave Mag

“The energy in the room was electrifying, and it was impossible not to mosh and head bang with intense vigour. The band’s connection on stage was infectious, as it was obvious that these guys loved what they were doing and loved doing it together.” – The Phoenix News – Live Review – Kelowna, BC

“Badder Than Brooklyn is a formidable effort by these talented newcomers. Considering​ the fact that this is their debut album, I most certainly think that they have nailed it. With memorable and we’ll crafted songwriting, if these guys keep up their work I see a bright future ahead if them. Undoubtedly an album that I will recommend for all Thrash/Groove Metal enthusiasts. That being said I hope they will come back even stronger in their sophomore effort for which I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled.” – Metal Centre

“Toronto-based Decatur, with their debut release Badder Than Brooklyn, has created a metal album for metal’s sake, a traditionally fast, heavy riffing, drivingly intense set of tunes to be included on an FM radio station in the next installment of Grand Theft Auto playing between Megadeth’s “Holy War…The Punishment Due”, Metallica’s “Battery”, and right after Pantera’s “Walk”.” – Canadian Beats

—

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0 CREATURES Announce Ontario Dates In Support of Upcoming EP “II” Out July 20th; Unleash New Video “Samara”

  • July 3, 2018
  • by Asher
  • · Creatures · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – July 3, 2018

 

For fans of Angelmaker, Carnifex, Veil of Maya, Impending Doom, Upon A Burning Body

CREATURES Announce Ontario Dates In Support of Upcoming EP “II” Out July 20th

Unleash New Video “Samara”


Set to unleash their sophomore EP “II” on July 20th, Toronto’s CREATURES will be hitting the road for a tour dates across Ontario in during the month of August in support of the release.

CREATURES “II” Ontario Tour:
August 12 – Toronto, ON – The Rockpile
August 16 – Barrie, ON – Foxx Lounge – info w/ Kavara
August 17 – Niagara Falls, ON – Geekery Pub – info w/ Kavara
August 18 – Kingston, ON – Overtime
August 19 – Hamilton, ON – The Doors Pub – info w/ Kavara
August 20 – Brantford, ON – Our Place – info


L-R = Christian Roman – Bass, Vic Borowski – Guitar, Rob Esposito – Vocals, Nick Galati – Guitar, Tj MacKay – Drums

Spawned in the Toronto murk in 2015, CREATURES is a group effort with a long history that intertwines the lives of numerous local bands to summon a truly devastating soundscape of unbridled chaos. Inspired by bands such as Necrophagist, Despised Icon and Thy Art Is Murder, CREATURES is a 5 piece band playing heavy and catchy deathcore, taking intense sounds and mixing in small elements of extreme and black metal.

Almost immediately after forming, CREATURES released a 4 track self-titled EP. A varied sampling of the musical talents from the band helped them gain the interest of fans in the local scene and they played several shows with great reception. Taking great pride in live performances, Creatures embodies all the aspects of showmanship with high energy and audience involvement.

Three years later, in 2018, they’re set to unleash their second offering the “II” EP unto the world through their own independent label Old Haunt Records on July 20th. The songs reach into a large porcelain cup of topics and instead of just merely presenting their themes to their listeners, CREATURES smashes the cup in their faces, making sure their themes cut deep and stay with the listeners. Whether they are lyrics about the futility of existence with a cartoon metaphor, or the bond of brotherhood within an intense party setting, there is a message for everyone to latch onto. Regardless, the songs are a visceral insight into the band’s life.

CREATURES first single and lyric video “Samara” can be watched at the following link via BeheadingTheTraitor:

Track Listing:
1.Old Style F.A (3:09)
2. What Would Rick Sanchez Do? (3:33)
3. Samara (2:37)
4. Broken Anchors (3:33)
5. (Safe Space) Triggered (3:49)
EP Length: 16:43

EP Line Up:
Nick Galati – Guitar
Rob Esposito – Vocals
Tj MacKay – Drums
Vic Borowski – Guitar
Brandon Paris – Bass

Live Band Line Up:
Nick Galati – Guitar
Rob Esposito – Vocals
Tj MacKay – Drums
Vic Borowski – Guitar
Christian Roman – Bass

For more info:
http://www.facebook.com/creaturesTO
http://www.instagram.com/creaturesgram
http://creaturesto.bandcamp.com/

– 30 –

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0 NEWS: Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW Announce Ontario Show Dates; Debut EP ‘Odyssey’ Out Now!

  • January 26, 2017
  • by Asher
  • · Jupiter Hollow · Music News

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 26, 2017

For fans of Tool, Rush, A Perfect Circle, Pink Floyd, Tesseract, Karnivool & Rishloo

EPK | JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | Twittter | Instagram | Youtube

Download = Press Photo | EP Cover

Prog Duo JUPITER HOLLOW Announce Ontario Show Dates

Debut EP ‘Odyssey’ Out Now!

L-R- Grant MacKenzie (guitar, bass, synth), Kenny Parry (vocals, drums, synth/keys). Photo by Sandra Beatty

Barrie, ON’s ambient progressive metal / rock duo JUPITER HOLLOW announce they will be performing the following Ontario show dates in support of their debut EP ‘Odyssey’ recently released on Jan 13th.

Show Dates:
Feb 26 – Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
March 3 – Barrie, ON @ The Foxx Lounge
April 8 (changed from original date 15th) – Toronto, ON @ Cherry Cola’s N Rock & Rolla Cabaret Lounge

‘Odyssey’ is a concept record featuring 5 tracks to introduce JUPITER HOLLOW‘s ambient experimental progressive songwriting plus will act as a prelude to their planned full length ‘AHDOMN’. The duo was birthed in 2015 and have already mastered the art of bringing their fans on an audio and visual experience. Their sound is usually referred to as spacey, experimental and refreshing, reminding listeners of bands like Tool, Pink Floyd, A Perfect Circle, Tesseract, The Contortionist and Rush. Consisting of two young, passionate and driven Canadian artists, Grant MacKenzie (21) and Kenny Parry (18), the pair perform with a dominating stage presence, while captivating their audiences with their unique sonic journey.

The EP is now streaming at www.JupiterHollow.ca plus on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5H7zRhIx_s

The EP is available on iTunes, Amazon.

Music Video ‘Deep In Space’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ydNnVUyqKI

Music Video – ‘Hades Heart’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep6dxPi_Iis

1. Deep In Space (5:06)
2. Ascending (2:52)
3. Hades Heart (4:30)
4. Over 50 Years (5:05)
5. Odyssey (5:50)
EP Length: 23.26

About the duo:

Grant, who plays guitar, bass and synth for the band started his music career 8 ½ years ago at the age of 12, sitting in his basement watching the movie Rock Prophecies. This movie was about legendary rock photographer Robert M. Knight, finding and transforming a young, unknown guitarist from a small town into a worldwide success. Inspired and motivated, Grant spent the next few years honing his guitar skills, writing music, and later learning the business side by attending college for business marketing. At age 20, Grant was invited into the Brotherhood of the Guitar, by founder Robert M. Knight, leading to endorsements with Ernie Ball Music Man and JH Audio.

While Grant was performing with another group at a local battle of the bands, he came across a mesmerizing singer by the name of Kenny Parry (vocalist, drummer and synth for Jupiter Hollow), who was almost performing as if he was possessed on stage, hitting notes that seemed impossible by any guy. Kenny Parry started music at the young age of 2 years old, setting up pots and pans like a drum set and banging away. This led to an obsession with music, and a discovery of his unique talent. In his teenage years, Kenny won himself the title “Best Drummer in Ontario” 3 years in a row. Around this time, Kenny started learning how to sing after being inspired by singers such as Maynard James Keenan, Mike Lessard, Dan Tompkins and Ian Kenny to name a few. Through years of strengthening his vocal abilities in choirs, bands and hours of dedication, Kenny has acquired an articulate vocal range, relentless endurance, and almost shocking performance through his uncontrollable stage presence.

Shortly after meeting, Grant and Kenny knew that their talents combined would create something truly unique, and Jupiter Hollow was born. Since then, the duo effortlessly created music in Kenny’s basement for months on end. The concept grew to be a two-man band, since Grant and Kenny wrote all of the music and wanted to keep it that way. The two musicians use technology to their advantage, allowing them to perform with a dominating stage presence, while captivating their audiences with their unique sonic journey.

For more info, please visit: www.JupiterHollow.ca.

– 30 –

“Jupiter Hollow have given the world five songs of progressive brilliance. For such a young duo hailing from Barrie, Ontario they pack a serious punch. They are great musicians and have crafted an amazing voice which touches on a range of progressive cliches but with a twist of more ambient music. Their music shows maturity beyond their age…” – The Independent Voice

“Impossibly young Canadian duo deliver quite a trip. When a prog band emerges with their debut EP and the two people in it are 18 and 21 respectively, you are more than entitled to feel old. When a prog duo emerges with as much talent as Jupiter Hollow you are entitled to feel excited about the future…A band this brimming with ideas will at some point in their careers deliver a masterpiece. This is an incredible start.” – Maximum Volume Music
“New listeners can expect to go on a musical journey when hearing Jupiter Hollow.” – Barrie Advance

“Teen duo Jupiter Hollow deserve props for valuing virtuosity and going against the grain. Rock on!” – Power of Pop

“An adventurous duo that isn’t afraid to experiment with sound as well as influences, which range from Rush to A Perfect Circle to newer Leprous. ” – Lords of Metal

“Jupiter Hollow consists of only two guys; there’s a Grant, and there’s a Kenny. They put all of the music together themselves, and it’s pretty spectacular if you ask me!” – Noah Campbell, Rock 95.7FM (Radio Host)

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0 Out Now! SLUDGEHAMMER Pound The Fury With Debut Album ‘The Fallen Sun’

  • June 10, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Sludgehammer

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 10, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Revocation, Mastodon, Lamb Of God, Pantera, Opeth

Facebook |  Twittter | Reverbnation | Soundcloud

Youtube | Instagram | Bandcamp | iTunes

Press Photo | Album Cover | Album Lyrics

Out Now! SLUDGEHAMMER Pound The Fury With Debut Album ‘The Fallen Sun’

Upcoming Show Dates:

July 9 – Sudbury, ON – The Asylum – info


L-R – Chris Szarota – Vocals, Jeff Wilson – Guitars, Tyler Williams – Guitars, Dan Ayers – Bass/Vocals, Fernando Villalobos- Drums
Credit: Hayden John Wolf

Music Video – Carrion Eater – Watch here.

       Featuring eleven fist pounding tracks of dynamic vocal performances from lead vocalist Chris Szarota and bassist Dan Ayers, along with a showcase of mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming fury. Toronto, ON’sSLUDGEHAMMER are proud to unleash their debut full length album ‘The Fallen Sun’ officially out now as of June 10th. The debut album is the follow up their 2014 EP ‘Organ Harvester’ and was self-produced by the band plus mixed by guitarist Tyler Williams along with mastering done by world renowned producer & engineer Lasse Lammert (Gloryhammer, Alestorm, Teramaze) at LSD Studio in Germany.

“We’re extremely happy to announce that “The Fallen Sun” is available today through bandcamp. Included are 9 brand new tracks that will get any metalhead’s blood pumping. We had some fun in the studio and decided to record 2 bonus tracks that are also included on the album. We busted our asses with this one in the winter and we’re super excited with how it turned out. Enjoy at high volumes please! Support the underground!” comments guitarist Jeff Wilson.

A full album stream of ‘The Fallen Sun’ can be heard at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2dmlDY6eK0
The album is available digitally and on CD at the following bandcamp link https://sludgehammermusic.bandcamp.com.

1. Demons From The Woodwork (4:02)
2. Intestines Entwined (5:02)
3. The Black Abyss (6:29)
4. Ectogenesis (4:34)
5. Carrion Eater (5:56)
6. Consuming Afterbirth (4:34)
7. Carnivorous Forest (5:08)
8. Utopian (5:45)
9. Revolting (4:46)
10. Organ Harvester (4:51)
11. Casualties (4:34)
Album Length: 55:48

For more info, please visit https://www.facebook.com/sludgehammermusic

About:
Sludgehammer is a five piece Canadian metal band formed in 2013.  The band began with guitarist Jeff Wilson and drummer Fernando Villalobos jamming together, which quickly resulted in writing songs and searching for a full line up.  Their search led to vocalist Chris Szarota, who possessed an astonishing vocal ferocity and bassist and vocalist Dan Ayers, who passed the audition as a bassist and also revealed a golden voice.  Thus, the first incarnation of Sludgehammer was formed.

The four members worked hard over the next few months to put together a demo, which was released at the band’s first gig on November 22nd, 2013.  The demo was well received even though it was completely self-recorded and the gig offers kept on coming, along with new fans.

With the success of the demo, the band knew that it was time to step things up and hired producer Christian Anderson for their 2014 release, ‘Organ Harvester’.  During the writing sessions, the band decided that Chris and Dan should share vocal duties for this record, as Dan’s voice had been absent from the demo.  The dual vocals proved to be a force to be reckoned with and on August 11th, 2014 ‘Organ Harvester’ was released to rave reviews.

‘Organ Harvester’ gained both new fans and better shows, gathering serious momentum and solid name among the metal community.  However by 2015, after playing many gigs with the ‘Organ Harvester’ material it became very obvious that the fans were hungry for more.  The band began writing more songs for the next release and kept playing gigs, which led them to guitarist Tyler Williams.  Tyler was working as a sound man at the Atria in Oshawa, ON where Sludgehammer was playing, and after their performance, Tyler approached the band.  They set up a jam and in July 2015, Tyler Williams joined Sludgehammer.

The new five piece line up produced a much fuller sound as Jeff and Tyler began working together.  The old songs were given new life and badass new material was being written for their next release, titled ‘The Fallen Sun’.  The new songs featured dynamic vocal performances from Dan and Chris, mind bending guitar solos, heavy riffs and blistering drumming.  As the songs started to pile up, Sludgehammer discussed recording a full length album.  Tyler suggested that they record at his studio, Monolithic Productions.  The band set up shop there and are now ready to unleash ‘The Fallen Sun’ for release on June 10, 2016.

– 30 –

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0 NEWS: VOW OF THORNS Announce Canadian Tour Dates w/ Ashbringer; Streaming New Track ‘Meeting On The Astral Plane’; New Album ‘Farewell To The Sun’ Out July 15th

  • June 8, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Vow of Thorns

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 8, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For fans of Agalloch, Fen, Woods of Ypres (older), Krallice, Woods of Desolation

VOW OF THORNS Announce Canadian Tour Dates w/ Ashbringer

Streaming New Track ‘Meeting On The Astral Plane’

New Album ‘Farewell To The Sun’ Out July 15th

Tour Dates:
July 12 – Montreal, QC – Casa Del Popolo – info
July 13 – Oshawa, ON – The Atria – info
July 14 – Toronto, ON – Coalition T.O. – info
July 15 – Hamilton, ON – The Doors Pub – info
July 16 – London, ON – Old East Bar & Grill – info

     Canadian black metal doom fusionists VOW OF THORNS announce they will be hitting the road for a five-day tour of Ontario and Quebec with Minnesota’s atmospheric black metallers Ashbringer. The tour will kick off on July 12th in Montreal and wrap up on July 16th in London to support VOW OF THORNS‘ upcoming album ‘Farewell To The Sun’ due out July 15th to follow the 2013 debut EP ‘Forest Dweller’.

Their first single and the album’s opening track ‘Meeting On The Astral Plane’ is now streaming at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8kBC0qeuJ0

Guitarist D. Richards comments on the track:

“‘Meeting on the Astral Plane’ tells the story of one man’s escape from physical reality to a place of infinite possibilities; an existence free of mortal boundaries. The escape, however, is only temporary and he must return to his lowly existence and face himself, which he does in the following track ‘Great Abomination’. His experience on the astral plane leads him to believe that death may be the ultimate escape. As our protagonist’s experience progresses so does the music. From the triumphant march of the opening riff to the crushing doom encased ending.”

VOW OF THORNS have been conceptualizing albums and pushing the boundary between aggressive and emotional. What once served as an anagram for Kevin Hawthorne’s solo work is now a joint effort with Dustin Richards, where the duo has quickly become one of the most intimidating musical ventures to date. The duo have been constructing songs unanimously and without interruption in a seamless writing process to craft work fueled by their musical and environmental influences. Constantly shifting between disparaging black metal vocals and triumphant guitar hooks dripping with doom-encrusted bass riffs and theatrical drums. The band pairs the forces of black metal and doom, blending the two styles with ease while maintaining a certain sense of tension and uncertainty in the air.

1. Meeting On The Astral Plane (10:30)
2. Great Abomination (5:07)
3. Farewell To The Sun Part I (4:28)
4. Farewell To The Sun Part II (10:32)
5. Farewell To The Sun Part III (7:51)
6. Doomed Woods (12:39)
Album Length: 51:10

For more info, please visit: http://www.vowofthorns.com.

– 30 –

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0 NEWS: VAN HALST Supporting ‘Because I Am A Girl’ Benefit Concert – Toronto – May 28th

  • April 25, 2016
  • by Asher
  • · Music News · Van Halst

(contact info below)

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 25, 2016

Album Promo Request here.

For Fans of In This Moment, Evanescence, Halestorm

VanHalstMusic.com | Facebook | Twittter | Soundcloud | Youtube

Bandcamp | iTunes

VAN HALST Supporting ‘Because I Am A Girl’ Benefit Concert – Toronto – May 28th

Out Now! New Album ‘World of Make Believe’

Upcoming Shows:
April 29 – Calgary, AB @ Overtime Sports Bar (Canada’s Extreme Metal Radio Fest) – Event info

May 28 – Toronto, ON @ Hard Rock Cafe (Because I Am A Girl Benefit Concert) – Event info

Aug 18-21 – Nevis, AB (OurFest) – Event info

Photo Credit: Renee Robyn

Music Video – Save Me – Watch here.

Album Stream – Bandcamp | Soundcloud

     Edmonton, AB’s VAN HALST is proud to announce they will be performing at this year’s 2nd annual ‘Because I Am A Girl’ benefit concert on May 28th in Toronto, ON at the Hard Rock Cafe presented by ARYA Concerts & Events. The benefit concert features all acts with female musicians in honour of of supporting and raising proceeds for Plan Canada’s ‘Because I am a Girl’ initiative, which helps to create a brighter future for girls in the developing world. For more info on Plan Canada, please visit the following link: http://plancanada.ca/because-i-am-a-girl
Vocalist Kami Van Halst comments:
“We are very excited to be apart of the fundraiser for the Because I Am A Girl foundation. Because I Am A Girl is a global initiative working to end gender inequality. This is something very important to us, we speak a lot about feminism in our music and believe that no one should be held back from achieving their potential due to gender or sex.”

A fierce, empowering force of hard rock fused with metal with strong socially conscious lyrics and advocacy for female rights, VAN HALST recently released their debut album ‘World of Make Believe’ on March 4th, 2016, which is now available on iTunes and Bandcamp.

VAN HALST, a project that first began as a solo endeavour for whom the band is named after — Kami Van Halst, has since become a full group producing socially conscious, lyrical tracks that focus on disenfranchised and marginalized populations. The band’s influences stay true to goth rock with Kami Van Halst demonstrating an agile vocal delivery in combination with pummeling growls. Lyrically, the band draws from black metal due to its focus on people suffering from isolation and rising to overcome the preconceptions of a judgmental society. In This Moment’s industrial fusion remains a primary influence for Van Halst, employing a sampler, synthesizer, and distorted vocals.
Kami Van Halst dominates as the vocalist performing both growls and soaring vocals (Surviving Suzanne), Scott Greene (Derina Harvey Band/Dirty Pool) and Strathon J. Bajowsky (Havok Way) craft the guitar work while Brendan McMillan (bass) (My Darkest Days) and Brett Seaton (drums) (Cultured by Fire) drive the rhythm section of the band. Kami’s range and virtuosic vocal ability always captivates an audience and her attitude on stage truly delivers the meaning behind the songs. The main writing forces for the band are Kami and Scott working together to give listeners a vivid image of social injustices. The band’s live performance is a theatric experience as the utilize full-costumes, make-up and stage props.


1. The End (4:31)
2. Save Me (4:12)
3. Ryan’s Song (4:11)
4. World of Make Believe (3:46)
5. Questions (3:23)
6. Denying Eyes (4:08)
7. Monster (3:29)
8. Plastic Smile (5:11)
9. Put Him Down (4:33)
10. Perfect Storm (4:44)

Album Length: 42:14

For more info, please visit www.vanhalstmusic.com
– 30 –

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