Tag: toronto

0 Toronto’s TRICK CASKET’s Industrial Metal Single “Filth” Is A Brutal And Beautiful Banger

September 26, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Trick Casket

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 26, 2023

Toronto’s TRICK CASKET’s Industrial Metal Single “Filth” Is A Brutal And Beautiful Banger

L-R: Evan Holly (Guitar), Connor Lex Grant (Vocals, synths), Joey (Drums)

Formed in 2017 by vocalist Connor Grant, Trick Casket found its birth in the depths of Toronto’s industrial-metal scene during an arduous journey of emotional turmoil and darkness. A thunderous storm of industrial metal, Trick Casket’s sound channels the spirit of legendary acts like Ministry and 3Teeth while paying homage to their key influences, including Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy, Korn, and Suicide Commando. With this formidable musical arsenal, they have carved a unique niche in the genre. Their latest single, the anger-fueled “Filth” marks a new chapter for the band, as they explain:

“The song is about a betrayal. Seeing just who someone truly is underneath. But am I talking about someone who did me wrong? Or is it all self-reflection realising you aren’t who you thought you were? You choose. At the heart of Trick Casket’s music lies a compelling narrative, delving into the struggles of depression, anxiety, anger, and frustration. Their lyrics serve as a cathartic release, resonating with listeners who find solace and strength in their powerful melodies.”

When it comes to the single cover Grant says that it was born from his love of juxtaposition and abstract images that can tell any story you want. Musically, “Filth” is this brutal, slamming industrial metal banger, but the artwork is a woman’s hand clasping vines. He loved the unsettling beauty in that and how we all have to get our hands dirty, and the things we hold close that we think are beautiful might just be dead vines in the end.

The idea for Trick Casket came from a cocktail of everything Grant loves: heavy music, horror, and theatre. He wanted to fully become who he felt like he was on the inside and at the same time, create a release for others. Trick Casket wants people to party, enjoy themselves, forget whatever stress and pain they’re pushing through, and just let their souls go. They are recommended for fans of Nine Inch Nails, Skinny Puppy, and 3TEETH.

Watch and listen to the video for “Filth” at https://youtu.be/VLGYpQFWQUE

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/48oPfP9

Bandcamp – https://trickcasket.bandcamp.com

More info: Facebook.com/trickcasket | Instagram.com/trickcasket

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“Trick Casket throws himself into each of his performances and the opportunity to open a night for such beloved and respected acts was the perfect opportunity to pull out his best work yet.” – SPILL MAGAZINE

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 ETHEREAL VOID Explore War, Suffering And Demise In “Gods of a Dead World” Streaming Now!

May 25, 2023
by Asher
· Ethereal Void · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 25, 2023

ETHEREAL VOID Explore War, Suffering And Demise In “Gods of a Dead World” Streaming Now!

Behold Ethereal Void, a trinity of death metal musicians whose music emanates from the shadows of Ontario, Canada. Infused with groove and progressive elements, their rhythmic dirges speak of the void beyond time and space, a place of emptiness and desolation. Forged in that void, their music embodies the hopelessness of existence, reminding us of the futility of our struggles. Their third album “Gods of a Dead World” is now ready to be shown the light of day and they invite you to indulge in the album stream. They comment:

“This album is definitely our most consistent offering to date. We refined the sound both in writing and production while maintaining a unique angle for every song. The biggest stand-out is the introduction of orchestral elements to the sound. It feels like a long time coming, at least from my perspective. The album is much more refined musically as well. While we generally keep to the traditional EV themes, There is a constant-running sub-theme of the futility and violence of warfare.”

Throughout the album, Ethereal Void takes up through moments of tension, traditional death metal, instrumental interludes, relentless riffs, and anxious melodies. They cover bleak and harsh topics such as war, suicide, a dying planet, and the worship of entropy. The organic conjuring of the album is initially created by Terci Ruina creates, further embellished by Nemesis, and completed by “Voiicide” who also produced, mixed, and mastered it.

“Gods of a Dead World” is raw, visceral, and primitive. The groove-based death metal darkness within is recommended for fans of Gojira, Septic Flesh, and The Design Abstract.

Listen to it in full via its album stream premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“Gods of a Dead World” is due out May 26, 2023, via Abstrakted Records.

Album pre-order – https://design.bandcamp.com/album/gods-of-a-dead-world

Lyric Video – Seeds of Hatred – https://youtu.be/ZN2wTUjij8c

Track Listing:
1. Overture to Annihilation (1:35)
2. The Voiceless (2:59)
3. Seeds of Hatred (3:44)
4. The Art of Ruination (2:48)
5. Psychosomatic Suicide (2:59)
6. Decay (Interlude) (0:46)
7. Return to the Void (3:34)
8. The Brown Stone Spire (2:32)
9. Gods of a Dead World (5:49)
Album Length: 26:50

For more info: Facebook.com/EtherealVoid

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““The Voiceless” is a rushing charge. It gets the listener’s pulse pumping because the song itself has such a mad pulse. Many of them actually, from the fast jolts in the fuzzed-out riffage to the die-stamp hammering of the snare and the jackhammer impact of the bass. And it does sound like a mad pulse, thanks to the swarms of frantic tremelo’ed fretwork, the relentless double-bass strafing, and the ugly ravenous growls. While the head-hooking energy of those assaulting ingredients never really lets go, the music does also move sideways. Eerie spectral tones ring out, creating an overlay of melancholy. The music even seems to elevate in wailing splendor, as a prelude to a sorcerous guitar solo that sounds both inviting and yearning, both enticing in its glimmering tones and downcast in its mood. Even the unhinged screams of the vocalist almost sound like singing (almost).” – No Clean Singing

“A compact and concise release, Gods of a Dead World comes in at around 26-minutes long and features a number of sharp and savage pieces of music. Kicking off with a frantic showcase of guitar screams and squeals, with the chunky familiarity of death metal heaviness, Overture to Annihilation gets in, smashes stuff up, and gets out.” – Games Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life

“or a Death Metal cut “Overture to Annihilation” is a real eye opener, blood soaked in cinematic orchestration and virtuoso lead guitars, the barked vocals having that story telling quality to them. That flows nicely into “The Voiceless“, which introduces the lyrical themes and creatures with Voiicide playing both victim and killer as vocals come from alternate angles with a vocal tweak. It works incredibly well, the riffs flowing freely with chugging aggression, the leads bright and vibrant against the darkness. The way the cuts have been put together has been well thought through, the segway into “Seeds of Hatred” barely noticeable as the flow continues like an orchestral piece but there is also enough of shift to identify the track as being separate.” – Metal Noise
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Descend Into Darkness With ETHEREAL VOID’s Death Metal Single “The Voiceless”; New Album “Gods of a Dead World” Out May 2023

May 9, 2023
by Asher
· Ethereal Void · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 9, 2023

Descend Into Darkness With ETHEREAL VOID’s Death Metal Single “The Voiceless”

New Album “Gods of a Dead World” Out May 2023

Behold Ethereal Void, a triad of malevolence hailing from the dark corners of Ontario, Canada. Their macabre melodies blend together the harmony of death metal with a sinister groove and progressive flair, all in worship to the gaping maw of the void. Born from the emptiness beyond time and space, they defy the norms of mortal ears with a sound that defiles all that has come before. They are ready to unleash their third album “Gods of a Dead World”, which promises to be unlike anything they have done before. They are now streaming their second single “The Voiceless” and share the background of the track:

“Conceptually, this song is about a mass exodus of people from another realm, silently venturing onward to an unfathomable destination. It is definitely one of the more chaotic songs on the album, countered by what could generously be called a thrashy riff in the chorus. The theme is a little more abstract, dealing with a mass exodus of people in a different existential realm.”

Ethereal Void are inspired by the darkness alive within humanity and within the universe as a whole. Throughout their discography, they explore the concepts of entropy, decay, void, and ruin. This third album diverges from their first two and they expect that it will be a welcome change for existing fans. It is more raw, visceral, and primitive than before.

“Gods of a Dead World” is a dark and heavy exploration of war, suffering, and demise. It is recommended for fans of Gojira, Septic Flesh, and The Design Abstract.

Listen to “The Voiceless” via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

“Gods of a Dead World” is due out May 26, 2023 via Abstrakted Records.

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

Lyric Video – Seeds of Hatred – https://youtu.be/ZN2wTUjij8c

For more info: Facebook.com/EtherealVoid

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 MASSACRE and NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announce Canadian Madness Tour

April 28, 2023
by Asher
· Massacre · Music News · Narcotic Wasteland

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 28, 2023

MASSACRE and NARCOTIC WASTELAND Announce Canadian Madness Tour

Photo Credit – Andrea Roberts

Massacre and Narcotic Wasteland are excited to announce that they will be trekking north for the Canadian Madness Tour this summer! The tour kicks off on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at Piranha Bar in Montreal QC, followed by The Rockpile in Toronto ON on Friday, August 18th, and finally, the Brass Monkey in Ottawa ON on Saturday, August 19th.

As you may already know, Massacre and Narcotic Wasteland are two of the most influential and talented bands in the metal scene today. They have been thrilling audiences all over the world with their intense and powerful performances, and now they are coming to Canada to give their fans an unforgettable experience.

The Canadian Madness Tour promises to be an epic night of metal and mayhem, showcasing the best of Massacre and Narcotic Wasteland’s music. You can expect to hear some of their biggest hits, as well as some new and exciting material that will leave you wanting more.

Tickets for the tour will be available starting Friday, April 28th, 2023 at 11 am. Don’t miss your chance to see these two legendary bands in action. Get your tickets early and secure your spot for what is sure to be one of the most memorable tours of the year.

Tour Dates:

8/17/23 – Piranha Bar – Montreal, QC – Ticket Info

8/18/23 – The Rockpile – Toronto, ON – Ticket Info

8/19/23 – Brass Monkey Ottawa ON – Ticket Info

Narcotic Wasteland Singles:

Morality and the Wasp – https://youtu.be/fXThLKTP-xI

The Best Times Have Passed – https://youtu.be/U6kB087hGyY

Victims of The Algorithm – https://youtu.be/KEGN0iGR1Uo

Digital – https://orcd.co/nwvota

Massacre Singles:

Behind The Serpent’s Curse Feat. Anders Odden of Cadaver – https://youtu.be/AeQE7Jtl1EA

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3Az5gST

For more info:

Narcotic Wasteland – https://www.narcoticwasteland.com

Massacre – https://linktr.ee/MASSACREofficial

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—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 Come Face To Face With The Infamous Dracula In AxMinister Video “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” Off New EP “vir fortis” Out May 2023

April 12, 2023
by Asher
· axminister · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 12, 2023

Come Face To Face With The Infamous Dracula In AxMinister Video “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement”

New EP “vir fortis” Out May 2023

L – R – Bas – Drums, Nick – Vocals/Bass, Steve – Guitar
Photo Credit – Maribeth Chabot – Shootingstarr Rock & Roll Photography

AxMinister is a heavy metal trio from Toronto, Canada. Their sound is true to the traditional metal stylings of some of the biggest metal bands in history. They have their fifth studio release coming in May and they invite metalheads around the world to dive into epic stories and epic riffs. The upcoming EP “vir fortis” is a three-track stunner of a record that gets lyrical content from Vlad The Impaler and Napoleon, its history delivered with thunder. The first single “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” is a smoldering look at the Romanian hero. The band shares some details about the single and EP:

“The single chronicles the horrifying experience of impalement, and the ravenous joy Prince Vlad relished from his forests of impalement. The artwork for the album is oil paintings by our drummer Bas. Bas is sort of obsessed with Napoleon Bonaparte, and there are at least two more songs about the French Emperor to be released in the coming years.”

AxMinister leads listeners through history with “vir fortis” as they examine the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the story (along with the myth) of Vlad the Impaler. Their songs are historically accurate and they aim to tackle three things: History, self-improvement, and the ecclesiastical realm. According to them, they need to tell the world that great men have walked before them, great power lies within your souls, and that there is something bigger than yourself. Live your life any way you please, but remember, you will one day be held accountable.

Your history lesson awaits, the video for “Vlad the Impaler… Forests of Impalement” can be seen and heard via its premiere on Bravewords HERE.

“vir fortis” is out on May 11, 2023. It is recommended for fans of Megadeth, Manowar, and Judas Priest.

EP pre-order – https://axminister.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:
1. The Age of Napoleon… The Rise – 17:06
2. Vlad The Impaler… Son Of The Dragon – 7:02
3. Vlad The Impaler… Forests of Impalement – 4:45
EP Length: 28:53

EP Credits:
All songs written and performed by AxMinister
Produced/Mixed/Mastered at Monolithic Productions by Tyler Williams
Member of SOCAN – yes
MAPL – Canadian Content

EP and Live Band lineup:
Nicholas Klaus – Vocals/Bass
Steve MacLeod – Guitar
Bas Von Bismark – Drums

For more info: Axminister.ca | Facebook.com/AxMinister | Twitter.com/axministertrio | Instagram.com/axminister_band |

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“From the drop of the first note, AxMinister pull their ax from stone, brandishing it mightily and powerfully as they dish out shredding sharpened riff after sharpened riff. Thrown in to the mix are face melting solos as well as ever present charging drumming as well as very solid very infectious vocals. Each of the five tracks present within this release are woven together well to provide you with a cohesive and well rounded sound that you will have a hard time getting out of your head. With The Crucible Of Sin, AxMinister gift you with five highly addictive and highly entertaining tracks that you keep coming back to.” – Cadaver Garden (2018)

“this EP (The Crucible of Sin) is just some good ol’ fashioned beer and pretzels Heavy Metal in the vein of bands like Manowar” – Metalcrypt (2018)

“The Crucible of Sin is a great thrash/traditional metal album, showing strong influences from Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica to full effect.” – Hellbound (2018)

“an exciting piece of Thrash Metal. It has a unique touch to it that allows the EP to be memorable, whilst the guitars make it very enjoyable.” – Noizze UK (2018)

“The stair-step cultural guitar to snare combinations for “The Trials of Hercules” brings out the Manowar fan in us all – while the speedy double kick locomotive aspects to closer “Sanctus Equitus Mortis” surely keep the ears pinned for a closer…It’s clear that you have a solid set of musicians and keen songwriting abilities – so if you want something a bit more dramatic and adventurous in your thrash airings, AxMinister could be that difference maker for you.” – Dead Rhetoric (2018)
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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MetalFest, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Toledo DeathFest)

0 Streaming Now! Toronto’s MALICE DIVINE Coat Empowerment In Black Metal Textures In “Everlasting Ascendancy”

January 26, 2023
by Asher
· Malice Divine · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 26, 2023

Streaming Now! Toronto’s MALICE DIVINE Coat Empowerment In Black Metal Textures In “Everlasting Ascendancy”

“Everlasting Ascendancy” is the second album from Canada’s one-man black metal project Malice Divine, following up their much acclaimed self-titled debut in 2021. Able to work freely without creative impediments, Ric Galvez has poured his passion into this album and it shows. A lot of the songs have complex song structures, but there is also a lot of catchiness and melody to make this album a very memorable listen, nonetheless. He shares his excitement for the release:

“I am incredibly excited to finally have the sophomore Malice Divine album “Everlasting Ascendancy” released into the world! With this album, I am aiming to have the listener feel empowered and inspired to go after what they want in life and not settle for less. The message of Malice Divine is one of empowerment and that message can be found throughout all 8 tracks on “Everlasting Ascendancy” in some shape or form. I poured my heart and soul into this album, which will be apparent both musically and lyrically. Despite the music obviously being extreme metal, that doesn’t stop me from writing about very personal matters. All in all, I am incredibly proud of this album, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”

“Everlasting Ascendancy” is a dynamic experience while also being an overall more aggressive album than the first one, especially in the vocal delivery. There are still plenty of melody and classical guitar sections, which is a major part of Malice Divine’s sound. The solos on this album are even more virtuosic than before as well.

All songs on “Everlasting Ascendancy” were written by Galvez who enlisted session drummer Dylan Gowan (Vesperia, Birds of Bellwoods, Co-Host We’re Talkin Drums, Overkill Reviewer Banger TV) to hammer them out. The album was produced and mixed by Tyler Williams (Sludgehammer, Monolithic Productions) and mastered by Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, Scale The Summit). The album artwork was done by Eka Saputra (Psychopart).

Malice Divine intends to deliver a listening experience that is highly memorable and one that will leave the listener feeling empowered and wanting to listen to it again and again. They are recommended for fans of Watain, Thulcandra, and Dissection.

Listen to “Everlasting Ascendancy” in full via its album stream premiere on MetalInsider HERE.

“Everlasting Ascendancy” will be released on January 27, 2023.

Pre-Save the album here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/malicedivine/everlasting-ascendancy-2

Guitar Playthrough Video – Silenced Judgement – https://youtu.be/1txFo60rUKI

Lyric Video – Everlasting Ascendancy https://youtu.be/-F-J7OKMskA

Track Listing:
1. Silenced Judgement (4:10)
2. Apparitions Of Conquest (8:22)
3. Usurping The Paragon (6:07)
4. At One With Infinity (6:06)
5. Parasitic Demons (5:39)
6. Reclaimed Strength (5:31)
7. Illusions Of Fragmentation (8:39)
8. Everlasting Ascendancy (8:10)
Album Length: 52:44

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Malice Divine
• All songs written by: Ric Galvez
• Produced by: Tyler Williams
• Mixed by: Tyler Williams
• Mastered by: Jamie King
• Album Artwork by: Eka Saputra (Psychopart)
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album Band Lineup:
Ric Galvez – Vocals/Guitars/Bass
Dylan Gowan – Drums (Session)

For more info: Facebook.com/malicedivineband | Youtube.com/malicedivine | Instagram.com/malicedivineofficial

About: Toronto, Canada’s Malice Divine is a solo project conceived by Ric Galvez, who had always had the dream of being the leader of his own project. He wanted to expand beyond being known as just a lead guitarist, into also being known as a songwriter, vocalist, and frontman. Ric has played in local bands previously and was a contestant on Banger TV’s Shredders of Metal Seasons 1 & 2.

Ric has a major in music from York University, and through Malice Divine he shows off his vocal, guitar, and bass prowess. His lyrics are inspired by psychology, spirituality, as well as personal experiences that involve the overcoming of obstacles and hardships, using the resulting verses as a form of empowerment.

The second offering from Malice Divine, entitled “Everlasting Ascendancy”, will be released in early 2023. Once again it features Ric Galvez on Vocals, Guitars, & Bass, as well as Dylan Gowan (Vesperia, Banger TV) playing session drums. Malice Divine is also currently transitioning from being a solo project into being a band effort, and is set to start performing live in 2023. What people can expect from seeing Malice Divine live is highly aggressive black and death metal-inspired music, with shreddy and virtuosic guitar solos that add a melodic layer that isn’t common in the genre.

Malice Divine’s sophomore album “Everlasting Ascendancy” is set to be released on January 27th, 2023.

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“This is one of the first albums to come out this year and it is this strong. So as we gather our thoughts for AOTY 2022, an early contender for 2023 kicked this year off right! This album is essential. You’re welcome!” – Metal-Rules (2023 – Everlasting Ascendancy)

“Slaves of shred will have another reason to bow down in 2023 because Toronto-based Malice Divine will be releasing their second album Everlasting Ascendancy on January 27th. As lots of people already know, the man behind this project — Ric Galvez — has made a name for himself as a guitar virtuoso, and if anything, he elevates his skill to even greater heights on Everlasting Ascendancy. But as the album’s title track that we’re premiering today (through a lyric video) demonstrates quite convincingly, the songs aren’t just excuses to show off, but are instead well-crafted pieces that display dynamism, inspiring melodies, and the kind of hard-charging ferocity that creates primal reactions.” – NoCleanSinging (2023 – Everlasting Ascendancy)

“The solos and those vocals just emit black metallic sparks and they eat into my ear canals. Watain and Dissection merge here with his own style. An explosive mix does the honors and every track is a feast. “Eight songs long” always surprising variety. A very successful album. A uniform porridge was absolutely not touched here. The cover is like an invitation card. “Come and listen to this beast”. A great start to my first review of the year.” – Hellfire-Magazin (2023 – Everlasting Ascendancy)

“Malice Divine hop back and forth between coming off like a death metal band doing covers of stuff they’ve recorded as a black metal band and coming off like a black metal band doing covers of stuff they’re recorded as a death metal band.”- Decibel Magazine (2021 – Self-titled album)

“Whether you’re into death metal, progressive metal, or epic metal, this album ticks all of those boxes effortlessly.” – Powerplay Magazine (2021 – Self-titled album)

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces Battle Rounds – One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2023

January 17, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 17, 2023

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA Announces Battle Rounds

– One Unsigned Canadian Band To Play Wacken Open Air 2023 –

Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its 2023 battle rounds being held from coast to coast for one unsigned Canadian band to perform on one of the world’s most prestigious stages and largest metal festival Wacken Open Air, with over 80,000 people in attendance, held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years. (dates listed below)

WMBC has been on pause since 2019, due to the Covid pandemic, and has hosted battles across Canada from 2013 until 2019, with one skip year in 2017.

Previous winners have been The Slyde (Toronto, ON – 2019), Centuries of Decay (Toronto, ON – 2018), Profaner (Hamilton, ON – 2016), Vesperia (Toronto, ON – 2015), Mutank (Montreal, QC – 2014), Crimson Shadows (Toronto, ON – 2013).

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Trailer – https://youtu.be/b55Fh5Vo64k

Battles will be hosted in the following cities: Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

All bands will be performing in front of experienced music industry professionals who will be making judgments at each qualifying round based on various categories of professionalism and musicianship.

Here’s the full list of dates below, event links for each battle can be found on https://www.facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official/events

Battle Rounds

Vancouver – Preliminary Round
Thurs, Feb 23 – The Cobalt w/ Ape War, Hunting Giants, Hyperia, Pharm, QUASICOSM

Calgary – Preliminary Rounds
Tue, January 17 – Dickens w/ Grim Prognosis, Lÿnx, Tyrants of Chaos
Wed, February 1 – Dickens
Wed, February 15 – Dickens
Wed, March 1 – Dickens

Edmonton – Preliminary Rounds
Thurs, Jan 19 – Starlite Room w/ Fall of Earth, Withered Days, Enosis
Thurs, Feb 2 – Starlite Room w/ Arcane Tyrant, Repugnant Scum, Malicious Intent
Sun, Feb 5 – Starlite Room w/ Pre Breaker, Sparrow Blue, The Judge The Juror
Thurs, Feb 16 – Starlite Room w/ Rising Sun, The Usual Suspects, Hollow Point & Buried Beneath

Hamilton – Preliminary Rounds
Fri, Jan 27 – Mainstage Studios w/ Sarcophilous, Aquila, Eaten by Sharks, Hollow Core, Death Perception

Toronto – Preliminary Rounds
Sat, Jan 28 – Hard Luck w/ Ammo, AxMinister, Devil Witch, Xephyr
Sat, Feb 4 – Hard Luck w/ Phantom, Burdizzo, Bloody Monroe, CNTRL
Fri, Feb 24 – Bovine Sex Club w/ Superchucker, I See Aura, Active Arson, Hellrager

Ottawa – Preliminary Round
Fri, March 24 – Mavericks

Quebec City – Preliminary Round
Fri, Feb 24 – Quebec City – La Source de la Martiniere

Montreal – Preliminary Rounds
Fri, Feb 17 – Piranha Bar
Fri, March 3 – Piranha Bar
Sat, March 11 – Piranha Bar

Montreal – Eastern Final (Ottawa vs Montreal vs Quebec City)
Fri, March 31 – Piranha Bar

Toronto – Ontario Final:
TBA

Calgary Final:
Fri, March 10 – Dickens

Calgary – Western Final (BC, AB)
Sat, April 1 – Dickens

Toronto – National Final:
Sat, May 13 – Lee’s Palace

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 represent Canada in an international battle of the bands at the world’s largest outdoor metal festival: Wacken Open Air. The battles have been hosted at the festival for over a decade giving independent bands the opportunity to showcase their talents to an international audience along with the chance to win multiple prizes.

How it works:
Participating cities will host qualifying rounds plus a city final organized by a local city concert promoter where one band will move forward to the Canadian national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2023 and compete against the winners of 29 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

Rules for participation: https://metalbattle.ca/rules.html

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattle.ca
Facebook.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official
Twitter.com/MetalBattleCan
Instagram.com/MetalBattleCanada.Official

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Media Partners:
Bravewords
Metal-Rules
Absolute Underground
BrokenNeckRadio
V13
Metal Devastation Radio
Rich Embury (internationally syndicated DJ)

Promoter Partners:
Boonsdale Records
Dungeonworks Productions
The Invisible Orange
Big Nate Productions
ConcertWorks

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
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(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

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0 MALICE DIVINE Assertive Black Metal Comes To The Front With Title Track Off “Everlasting Ascendancy” Out Jan 2023

January 6, 2023
by Asher
· Malice Divine · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 6, 2023

MALICE DIVINE Assertive Black Metal Comes To The Front With Title Track Off “Everlasting Ascendancy” Out Jan 2023

Driven by a passion for dark, brutal music and the desire to have full creative control, Toronto’s Ric Galvez created his one-man project Malice Divine. He released a self-titled full-length in 2021 and now with the full intention of starting to play live in 2023, the album “Everlasting Ascendancy” is being unveiled. The title track from this release summarizes everything that Malice Divine is about. It has uplifting lyrics, fast tremolo-picked sections, groovy and heavy riffs, epic melodies and solos, and a classical guitar piece that concludes the song. Galvez comments:

“I am very excited to have the title track of the new album “Everlasting Ascendancy” as the second single. This song has some of my most adventurous guitar work to date. It changes riffs frequently and has 5 guitar solos, which is the highest number of solos that I’ve had in one song as of right now. Lyrically the song is also quite personal to me. Essentially the message of the song is that no matter what life throws at me or what I end up going through, I will always come out on top.”

Galvez knew immediately that this track would be the one to finish the album and it is in good company with the other seven tracks, which include fast-paced ragers that will incite mosh pits, to mid-tempo groovy tracks. There are ferocious guitar solos juxtaposed against exceptional classical guitar work. Lyrical themes range from paranormal phenomena to personal growth. It’s a well-rounded offering, with enough diversity to not get stale and enough cohesion to be listened to from front to back without breaking immersion.

The album is a dynamic experience with its blend of different influences that aren’t found in many other bands; powerful and assertive it is recommended for fans of Watain, Thulcandra, and Dissection.

The album title track “Everlasting Ascendancy” can be heard via its premiere on NoCleanSinging HERE.

“Everlasting Ascendancy” will be released on January 27, 2023.

Album Trailer – https://youtu.be/HtpTgxAtE68

Pre-Save the album here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/malicedivine/everlasting-ascendancy-2

Playthrough Video – “Silenced Judgement” – https://youtu.be/1txFo60rUKI

Album Band Lineup:
Ric Galvez – Vocals/Guitars/Bass
Dylan Gowan – Drums (Session)

For more info: Facebook.com/malicedivineband | Youtube.com/malicedivine | Instagram.com/malicedivineofficial

Malice Divine’s sophomore album “Everlasting Ascendancy” is set to be released on January 27th, 2023.

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“Whether you’re into death metal, progressive metal, or epic metal, this album ticks all of those boxes effortlessly.” – Powerplay Magazine

“What exactly does Malice Divine bring to the table? Judging from “In Time” alone, the project brings a great cornucopia of gripping riffs, virtuosic soloing, constantly dynamic rhythms, harrowing vocals, and a talent for interweaving variant melodies that turn out to be memorable, as well as an ability to make such kaleidoscopic music both cohesive and catchy. The opening sequence of riffs begins to establish the pattern, shifting from sensations that are slow, dismal, and perilous to spidery and feverish, and then to cold and cruelly deranged. But that’s just the start of this dark but exhilarating piece.” – No Clean Singing

“My time with Malice Divine has shown me that Ric Galvez is a talented vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter, and fans of blackened and/or melodic death metal are highly encouraged to check it out. Malice Divine has planted their flag squarely on my radar, and I’m excited to see what Galvez comes up with on the next go-around.” – Angry Metal Guy

“Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal thrown into an insane blender of savage brutality\m/ \m/” – Heavy New York

“his self-titled debut is a very guitar-centric slab of Black/Death that sounds like a mixture of Dissection’s melodic sensibility with Skeletonwitch’s relentless energy. The playing is as sharp and precise as you’d expect it to be, and some of the leads are really superior…” – The Metal Crypt

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ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

0 Canada’s NIHILIST DEATH CULT (members ex-Pestilence, Abyss, Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm) Releases Video For Hardcore Punk Track “You Get What You Deserve” Off Debut Album “Death To All Tyrants” Out December 2022

November 16, 2022
by Asher
· Music News · Nihilist Death Cult

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 16, 2022

Canada’s NIHILIST DEATH CULT (members ex-Pestilence, Abyss, Tribe of Pazuzu, Soulstorm) Releases Video For Hardcore Punk Track “You Get What You Deserve”

Debut Album “Death To All Tyrants” Out December 2022

Photo Credit – Ron Sumners (ex-Slaughter drummer)

Toronto, Canada’s Nihilist Death Cult have its first album coming out this year, and to get listeners riled up they are releasing the video for the single “You Get What You Deserve” ft. a guest solo from Ian Mumble (Overthrow). Each of the nine tracks on the album is a shot of adrenaline in the veins of old-school punk rock and hardcore that take heavy riffs and slam them into relevant lyrics that you’ll want to sing along with. The single is directed to those who are always talking shit but never do anything:

“Your once proud moment is all in the past, what have you done all these years?” – the band comments further:

“Instead of writing more technical and trying to be complicated, we took the opposite approach and focused on the riffs, having strong catchy riffs was important to us, we were never worried about song lengths or slowing down, or having a soft mellow part in the middle section like most bands do… these songs are deliberately short and intense to capture the anger and hate in the mood of the songs… to keep the pace relentless… an execution to the songs with a “no compromise” attitude”. This should appeal to most fans of music I’ve done in the past, whether it be Overthrow, Soulstorm, or Tribe of Pazuzu… I feel it still retains my writing style while also expressing another facet/feel of my writing… my writing has always been on the darker side with anger and hate mixed in for attitude… I want to bring that back to punk and metal, the hate, anger, fire… relentless fast music.”

Vocalist/bassist Nick Sagias started NDC in 2018 after ending his previous band Soulstorm. This new effort should appeal to most fans of music he’s done in the past, whether it be Overthrow, Soulstorm, or Tribe of Pazuzu. He feels that it still retains his writing style while also expressing another facet of his creativity, it’s still dark and full of anger and hate mixed in for attitude. He channels that into his punk and metal hate, anger, fire… relentless fast music that is recommended for fans of early DRI, early Bad Brains, and Nails.

The music video for “You Get What You Deserve” can be seen and heard via its premiere on IDIOTEQ HERE.

Nihilist Death Cult‘s album “Death To All Tyrants” is due out on December 2, 2022.

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

Lyric Video – Death To All Tyrants – https://youtu.be/PJR04jl5roI

Track Listing:
1. Follow The Money (1:06)
2. Hunting For Prey (1:38)
3. Obey & Consume (1:55)
4. Wake Up! (0:57)
5. Death To All Tyrants (1:25)
6. Ready For War (2:07)
7. Imperium (1:49)
8. Is This Progress? (2:01)
9. You Get What You Deserve (1:04)
Album Length: 14:07

Album Recording Band Line Up:
Nick Sagias – Bass/Vocals
John Sagias – Drums
Ethan Bolduc – Guitar

Live Band Line Up:
Nick Sagias – Bass/Vocals
John Sagias – Drums
Ethan Bolduc – Guitar
Rick Kowalski – Guitar

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/NihilistDeathCult
https://www.instagram.com/nihilistdeathcult
https://twitter.com/NIHILDEATHCULT

– 30 –

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

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0 Canadian Extreme Thrashers KORROSIVE To Unleash New Album “Toxic Apokalypse” On Cassette / CD / Vinyl via CDN Records

November 9, 2022
by Asher
· Korrosive · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 9, 2022

Canadian Extreme Thrashers KORROSIVE To Unleash New Album “Toxic Apokalypse” On Cassette / CD / Vinyl via CDN Records

New Video “Radioaktive Scourge”

Canadian thrashers Korrosive announce they will be unleashing CDs, cassettes and vinyl of their latest album “Toxic Apokalypse” via CDN Records. CDs will be due out on November 18th, with cassettes and vinyl for release in 2023 (release to be announced at a later date). The full-length was released digitally on October 7th of this year.

Korrosive is from Toronto, ON that is in your face, unapologetic, and is definitely one that offers a high-octane headbanging experience, unlike anything you’ve heard before as they explore and push the boundaries of thrash metal with extreme influences.

“We want to be a thrash metal band that combines the elements of thrash in its roots, but also breaks down walls by incorporating various influences from grind and death, or whatever comes to mind to mix it up.” says vocalist Rad Zarei.

Their new album “Toxic Apokalypse” follows their first full-length 2021’s “Kaustic Hordes” and the 2019 EP “Melting from Within”. Featuring eight assaulting bangers, each song on the album is quite different in a way from each other, and yet, still uniquely Korrosive. They push each track with speed and extremity, from ‘Fatal Strike’ that has a ton of blast beats and solos, yet is still unmistakably thrash, to ‘Radioaktive Scourge’, filled with pure aggression, unlike anything they’ve released before. From its speed, the lyrics, and the sheer intensity, this song may be the shortest track on the record, but makes the largest impact and it’s over before you know it. And also strongly recommended is ‘Hail the Hellfire’, perhaps the band’s anthem to the entire “Toxic Apokalypse” album. Written as a reflection of the period when the full-length was being composed, this track discusses the brutality of war and the end result of each and every individual involved in its cause, regardless of side.

The band adds:

“Diabolical, fast, unforgiving armageddon. From slow passages, mid-tempo bangers, hyper-fast blast beats, and the occasional odd-time signature, it’s a ride in extreme thrash unlike anything before. Toxic Apokalypse is an album that will hit you hard, fast, and leave you with a ‘what the f*ck just happened?’ feeling.”

Lyrically, the music sets the overall tone for how the lyrics are written and substance. Songs deal with topics of science fiction, armageddon, and “what if” scenarios. The album art was created by the infamous Ed Repka (Dark Angel, Death, Hirax, Megadeth, Suicidal Angels, Venom).

“Typically, the way we write songs is to have each song done or be in the middle of the writing process, and I would create something out of that. It is rare for us that lyrics get written first before the song is made,” adds Zarei.

One thing that the mosh pit can always expect from Korrosive is the energy they bring to their shows.

“I always think of a show, regardless of venue, as a performance that is meant to capture the crowd. And as a band, Korrosive always exudes that level of intensity during our shows.”

Recommended for fans of Sodom, Kreator, Death, and Sepultura, “Toxic Apokalypse” was produced by Ben Erikson with mastering done by Arthur Rizk (Power Trip, Kreator, Cro-Mags, Municipal Waste, Soulfly).

Lyric Video – Radioaktive Scourge – https://youtu.be/9YZc6iJwsLM

CD and cassette pre-order is available at the following links:

CD – https://cdnrecords.com/shop/korrosive-toxic-apokalypse/

(CD / Cassette) – https://korrosivemetal.bandcamp.com/album/toxic-apokalypse

Vinyl pre-order link to be issued at a later date.

Spotify

Track Listing:
1. Into Nekropolis 05:28
2. Radioaktive Scourge 01:48
3. The Goddamned 04:47
4. Fatal Strike 03:28
5. Libertad y Muerte 05:15
6. Infernal Onslaught 05:10
7. Hail the Hellfire 04:20
8. Karnage Incarnate 07:39
Album Length (37:55)

Album Credits:
• All songs performed by: Korrosive
• All songs written by: Korrosive
• Produced by: Ben Erikson
• Mixed by: Ben Erikson
• Mastered by: Arthur Rizk
• Album Artwork by: Ed Repka
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)

Album and Live Band Lineup:
Rad Zarei – Vocals
Jack Neila – Guitars
Kaveh Afshar – Drums
Derek Solomos – Guitars
Carlos Rodriguez – Bass

For more info:
https://www.facebook.com/korrosivethrash
https://www.instagram.com/korrosivethrash

– 30 –

“If you like your thrash metal with a little San Francisco and a nice helping of Germany, then this is the album for you. “Toxic Apokalypse” is already out on CDN Records from Canada and it’s a must for any metal fan who likes it hard, nasty, and ripping off heads! This is easily in my top five metal albums of 2022.” – Pete Altieri, Murder Metal Mayhem

“It’s an album which is relentless, something that any self-respecting thrash fan would want. And yet, there is some balance to the album. It’s paced well, with the tempo picking up again at the tail end of the album” – UK Thrashers

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780 | jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook @AsherMediaRelations | Instagram @AsherMedia | Tweet @AsherMedia
(Rockshots Records, Extreme Metal Music, Armstrong MF, Loud As Hell, Metalocalypstick, Decimate MF, Electric Highway Fest, Wacken Metal Battle Canada/USA, Hyperspace MF, Le FestEvil)

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