Tag: toronto

0 Pakistan’s Death Metal Nightmare AZAAB Announces Canadian Tour In May With New Lineup

March 12, 2024
by Asher
· AZAAB · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – March 12, 2024

Pakistan’s Death Metal Nightmare AZAAB Announces Canadian Tour In May With New Lineup

Azaab, the Islamabad-based death metal act, is thrilled to announce their upcoming Canadian tour in May 2024. The tour comes in the wake of significant lineup changes within the band, presenting a fresh chapter for Azaab.

Following the departure of their original vocalist, who moved to Saudi Arabia for work, and their bassist preparing for relocation, Azaab faced the challenge of finding new members in the midst of a serious shortage of death metal musicians in Pakistan. Fortunately, through a connection from a common friend, the band discovered Hassan Munir, a talented vocalist, and Sid, a skilled bassist, both based in Toronto, Canada. The introduction marked the beginning of a new era for Azaab. They share their excitement for the upcoming tour:

“After much planning and anticipation, we’re excited to announce that we will be hitting the road across Canada this May! Canada seemed like the obvious choice for our first tour since 2 out of 4 band members are based in Canada. Tyson Blaste (Plague. Becomes Astral, ex-Grindmother, ex-TheApex) is filling in on drums for this tour which makes it 3/5. I think it’s safe to say that the Azaab HQ has moved from Islamabad to Ontario. Other than that Canada has an amazing metal scene and we couldn’t be happier with playing live there.”

Azaab‘s latest album “Summoning The Cataclysm” released in 2022 on Satanath Records (Georgia), Maxima Music Pro (Indonesia), and on cassette from Tikoes Kecemploeng Prods (Indonesia) features guests Bobby Koelble (Death), Phil Tougas (First Fragment), Nick Mkhl (Sic Semper Tyrannis, Kepler, Brutal-Sphere) and Aissam El Hassani (Vile Utopia).

Showcasing their distinctive style that straddles the boundaries between old school and technical, melodic, and brutal, the album’s lyrical themes cover a wide range of topics, including horror, politics, human nature, the end of days, war, and sci-fi. Those with an interest in Morbid Angel, Vader, and Death should definitely plan to make one of their tour dates (listed below).

“Summoning The Cataclysm” is available on Azaab.bandcamp.com, and Spotify.

Youtube Album Stream – https://youtu.be/vMbx3Itdl2Y

Video – B.L.O.O.D.B.O.R.N – https://youtu.be/XKjppp67uZA

AZAAB – Summoning The Cataclysm Tour Canada 2024
May 10 – Quebec City, QC – Scanner
May 11 – Montreal, QC – Traxide
May 13 – Moncton, NB – Xeroz
May 14 – Halifax, NS – Radstorm
May 16 – Sherbrooke, QC – Le Murdoch
May 17 – Ottawa, ON – Cafe Deckuf
May 22 – Windsor, ON – Coffin Club
May 23 – London, ON – Rum Runners
May 24 – Toronto, ON – Garrison
May 25 – Guelph, ON – Red Papaya

Track Listing:
1. Pandemonium Twilight
2. Carbon Plague – ft. guest vocals by Nick Mkhl (Sic Semper Tyrannis, Kepler, Brutal-Sphere) and Aissam El Hassani (Vile Utopia)
3. A Hollow Pact
4. Preachers Of Hate
5. When Worlds Collide – ft. guest solo by Bobby Koelble (Death)
6. The Infernal Citadel – ft. guest solo by Phil Tougas (First Fragment)
7. Trophies Of Flesh
8. The Empty Throne (Decapitated Cover)
9. B.L.O.O.D.B.O.R.N

Album Lineup
Shahab Khan – Guitars
Afraz Mamoon – Guitars
Saad Latif – Vocals
Waqar Ghayas – Bass
Adhytia Perkasa – Drums

Live Lineup 2024 – Azaab
Shahab Khan – Guitar
Afraz Mamoon – Guitar
Hassan Munir – Vocals
Sid SQ – Bass
Tyson Blaste – Drums

More info: Facebook.com/azaabmetal | Instagram.com/azaab_deathmetal

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0 Reminder – Canada’s DEADWOLFF Kick Off First American Tour of 2024 – “NO REST IN THE WEST TOUR”

February 22, 2024
by Asher
· Deadwolff · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 22, 2024

Reminder – Canada’s DEADWOLFF Kick Off First American Tour of 2024 – “NO REST IN THE WEST TOUR”

Deadwolff’s Debut Album Out Now! On Golden Robot Records

L-R: Angus Pike (Drums), Tommy Wolffe (Bass. Vocals), Bobby Deuce (Guitar)

Kicking off their first tour of 2024, Toronto, Canada’s DEADWOLFF announces they will be hitting the road this coming February and March for American show dates. Entitled the “NO REST IN THE WEST TOUR”, the heavy rock n’ roll band will be tearing their way across the lower west coast of the USA for two weeks with their headbanging, beer-drinking, no-holds-barred tunes.

NO REST IN THE WEST DATES
Feb 23 – Houston, TX – Trip Six
Feb 24 – Austin, TX – Lost Well
Feb 25 – San Antonio, TX – Hi-Tones
Feb 27 – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Mezzanine
Feb 28 – Glendale, AZ – Starlite Lounge
Feb 29 – Las Vegas, NV – Dive Bar
March 1 – San Diego, CA – Tower Bar
March 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Universal Bar and Grill
March 4 – Tucson, AZ – The Rock
March 5 – El Paso, TX – The Living Room
March 7 – Dallas, TX – Three Links
March 8 – Oklahoma City, OK – Grand Royale
March 9 – Tulsa, OK – The Whittier

About:

A blend of hard rock, punk, and metal, Deadwolff set itself apart from other bands with its take on the New Wave of Heavy Rock and Roll. Recommended for fans of Judas Priest, Motorhead, and W.A.S.P, Deadwolff‘s is a revival of foot-tapping, beer-drinking, headbanging tunes, and more. The band is touring in support of their debut full-length “Heavy Rock N’ Roll” released on March 31st, 2023 via Golden Robot Records.

Music Video – Heavy Rock n’ Roll – https://youtu.be/kAiNlEmDkZk

Music Video – Homeward Bound – https://youtu.be/iPC0z5J3Xnc

Album – https://linktr.ee/deadwolff

For more info:

Deadwolff – http://www.linktr.ee/deadwolff

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0 Canada’s Macabre Metallers BLOOD OPERA Announce Album “Songs in the Key of Death” Out End of Feb 2024; Album Guests Morgan Lander (Kittie), Maurizio Guarini (Goblin)

February 5, 2024
by Asher
· Blood Opera · Music News · Uncategorized

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – February 5, 2024

Canada’s Macabre Metallers BLOOD OPERA Announce Album “Songs in the Key of Death” Out End of Feb 2024

Album Guests Morgan Lander (Kittie), Maurizio Guarini (Goblin)

Track Voice Over Guests – Tony Todd (Candyman), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead), Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star Trek)

Top L-R – RIP Junk (Guitar, Vocals), Damien Deathgasm (Bass, Vocals)
Bottom L-R – Max Murder Lead Vocals), Muerto McBrains (Drums, Programming)
Photo Credit – Craig Leonard (Billy Bones)

They were born in blood, conceived in Hell, and reanimated by accident! Bent on cannibalizing the entire human race, Toronto, Canada’s Blood Opera has already infected whole populations with their raunchy and often controversial live displays of violence, gore, and perverse sexual acts! Having feasted on human flesh with bands such as GWAR and being endorsed by the zombie Godfather himself, George A. Romero, these purveyors of so-called “Dead Metal” have quickly become Canada’s number one horror metal act. They are riled up and ready to release their first full-length album “Songs in the Key of Death” on February 24th and to prime listeners for the bloodbath, they have released two video singles “The Gates of Hell” featuring guest keyboards by Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) and “Be My Victim” featuring a voice-over by actor Tony Todd (Candyman), which they share in further detail:

“The Gates of Hell was inspired by the cult film of the same name. Another heavy track brings in more modern influences and progressions. It features guest keyboard work by Goblin’s Maurizio Guarini. “Be My Victim” is a bonus track from 2022 and features actor Tony Todd and is based on the film Candyman. As it is an older song it features a couple of members no longer in the band but as it is an important song for us we wanted to include it. Fans of Ghost will dig this keyboard and chorus-driven rocker.”

On “Songs in the Key of Death”, Blood Opera wants to pay tribute to the genre films they love and mix metal with the macabre. The band was originally to be the live musicians for a proposed Return of the Living Dead musical that unfortunately did not come to fruition.

With powerful operatic vocals, sleazy guitar riffs, and blasphemous lyrics inspired by some of the scariest movies ever made, one thing is for sure- if the gates of Hell are left open, it could mean the end of all humanity!

Due out on February 24, 2024, the fiendish feeding frenzy of “Songs in the Key of Death” is recommended for fans of GWAR, Dokken, and WASP and is available for album pre-order at https://bloodopera.bandcamp.com.

Lyric Video – The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) – https://youtu.be/XtL3rOlqB6Q

Music Video – By My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) – https://youtu.be/-WFjtFmdFW4

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/4bjem7z

Track Listing:
1. Just Keep Digging (1:04)
2. Feeding Frenzy (3:49) ft. guest vocals Morgan Lander (Kittie) and voice-over by Linnea Quigley (The Return of the Living Dead)
3. Don’t Go Out Tonight (3:06)
4. Fight to Survive (3:53) ft. voice-over by Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, X-Files, Star-Trek)
5. A Waste of Good Suffering (3:55)
6. The Gates of Hell ft. guest keyboards Maurizio Guarini (Goblin) (4:51)
7. Breaking News (0:58)
8. Killer Klowns From Outer Space (Cover) (4:19)
9. The Ballad of Father Malone (4:11) ft. voice-over by Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Escape From New York)
10. Brundlefly (4:34)
11. Damien (5:11)
12. Be My Victim ft. voice-over by Tony Todd (Candyman) (Bonus Track) (3:59)
13. The Band of the Living Dead (0:30)
14. The Key of Death (0:43)
Album Length: 45:09

More Info: https://bloodopera.ca

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“Toronto’s very own, Blood Opera primed the audience for the forthcoming onslaught…Blood Opera, local purveyors of the horror business, celebrating debauchery by toasting the crowd with a ceremonious Blood Chug!” – John Gallant (Live in Limbo)

“Blood Opera’s new single, “Be My Victim,” is a serious rock n’ roll homage to many aspects of the original Candyman film, including the nostalgia of playing scary childhood games, and the fear of losing complete control.” – Rue Morgue
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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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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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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
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(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
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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)

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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(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

– 30 –

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

—
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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