Tag: wacken

0 Canadian Prog CANDOR ZEALOT (ft. ex-members of Annihilator, The Slyde) Make Their Debut w/ Single “Lie For Country”

January 20, 2026
by Asher
· Candor Zealot · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – January 20, 2026

Canadian Prog CANDOR ZEALOT (ft. ex-members of Annihilator, The Slyde) Make Their Debut w/ Single “Lie For Country”

L-R – Chris Gagnon (Guitar, Vocals) | Nate Silva (Lead Vocals, Guitar) | Dino Soares (Drums) | Alberto Campuzano (Bass Guitar, Vocals)

Photo Credit: Ryan Stacey

Canadian (Ottawa, ON) progressive metal newcomers Candor Zealot are set to make their explosive debut with “Lie For Country”, the first in a series of singles to be released throughout 2026. With a sound that fuses the melodic intricacy of Rush and Dream Theater with the raw energy of Megadeth, Billy Talent, and Killswitch Engage, Candor Zealot are poised to deliver a fresh yet nostalgic take on modern progressive rock and heavy metal.

Formed by frontman Nate Silva after the disbandment of his previous project, The Slyde, in 2019, Candor Zealot emerged from years of creative exploration, pandemic delays, and solo ventures. Recruiting many of the same musicians from The Slyde, Silva describes the band as a “spiritual successor” to his earlier work, only this time with a sharper name and a renewed focus on honesty and intensity.

“‘Lie For Country’ is our debut single, and we wanted to introduce ourselves with breakneck speed, musical intensity, and a poignant political message. There are influences of Megadeth, Killswitch Engage, Billy Talent, and even System of a Down in this track, and it’s a song about being manipulated and politically indoctrinated without thinking critically. We are proud of this track, and we are pumped to release it!” – Nate Silva, Candor Zealot

Rather than releasing a traditional full-length album, Candor Zealot will roll out six singles across 2026, each designed to capture attention in today’s fast-paced listening culture. Fans can expect melodic hooks, technical proficiency, and thought-provoking lyrics that tackle both politics and relationships, two universal themes that resonate deeply.

Candor Zealot is comprised of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Canada’s metal scene, including ex-members of Annihilator and The Slyde. Frontman Nate Silva (vocals/guitar), formerly of The Slyde, is an international touring artist and academic researcher on chiptune music. Guitarist Chris Gagnon, based in Ottawa, is a versatile performer active in eight tribute bands covering acts from Queen to Rage Against the Machine. Drummer Dino Soares, a longtime collaborator with Silva since their teenage years, continues to freelance in Kingston’s music scene. On bass, Alberto Campuzano, formerly of Annihilator, also performs with Toronto’s Metallica tribute act Sandman. Collectively, the band brings decades of experience and a proven pedigree, highlighted by Silva, Soares, and Campuzano’s performance at Wacken Open Air in Germany after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada with The Slyde.

With “Lie For Country” as their fiery introduction, Candor Zealot plans to release five more singles throughout 2026, followed by additional recordings in 2027.

Listen to “Lie For Country” at the following links:

Add yo your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/candorzealot/lie-for-country-2

Music Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f26f_KNVBq0

For more info:

http://candorzealot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582854735079

https://www.instagram.com/candorzealot

https://www.tiktok.com/@candorzealot

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0 BROCARDE Unveils “Feed My Soul” ft. KORN’s Ray Luzier – A Haunting Dive into Theatrical Horror Metal

October 1, 2025
by Asher
· Brocarde · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 1, 2025

BROCARDE Unveils “Feed My Soul” ft. KORN’s Ray Luzier – A Haunting Dive into Theatrical Horror Metal

Known for her haunting vocals, theatrical visuals, and ghostly whispers, Brocarde returns with her next sonic séance, blurring the line between the living and the dead. A gothic siren of symphonic metal and supernatural storytelling, her most visceral offering yet, “Feed My Soul,” is a thunderous single featuring the legendary Ray Luzier of KORN on drums.

“I love Brocarde’s very unique vocal style and vibe. She has mass aggression to sweetness and everything in between in her voice! The very interesting song arrangements and theatrical segments make the whole package a dynamic, fun adventure to listen to. I see great things ahead for her!” says Ray Luzier.

The track was recorded remotely across three cities: Brocarde in London, Luzier in Nashville, and producer Chris Collier (Korn, Mick Mars, Whitesnake) in Las Vegas. Though the trio never met during the recording process, fate intervened at Wacken Open Air, where Brocarde bumped into Luzier in the canteen.

“Watching Ray perform with Korn side stage was a powerful reminder of what I’m fighting for. That’s the level I want to reach,” adds Brocarde.

The “Feed My Soul” music video was shot in a haunted hunting lodge deep within Germany’s Black Forest, ominously known as The Demon Hotel. The setting mirrors Brocarde’s signature theatrical horror aesthetic, equal parts Phantom of the Opera and Edgar Allan Poe nightmare. From hushed whispers to guttural screams, she commands every moment with chilling precision, layering her vocals like a spectral choir and saturating each frame with raw emotion. The walls, adorned with taxidermy heads frozen in terror, serve as eerie spectators to the song’s themes of toxic entanglement and psychological warfare. Ray Luzier’s thunderous drumming injects a primal pulse, anchoring Brocarde’s ethereal delivery in a maelstrom of cinematic intensity.

“Feed My Soul is more than a song; it’s a spiritual experience. I wrote it alone in the dark, channeling voices from beyond and emotions I couldn’t explain. It’s about craving connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. I want listeners to question everything they see as normal,” adds Brocarde.

The single offers a glimpse into Brocarde’s long-awaited debut album, set for release in 2026, a decade in the making. While details remain under wraps, fans can expect a musical journey that’s as emotionally raw as it is visually spellbinding.

Brocarde’s rise has been anything but ordinary. From marrying (and exorcising) a Victorian ghost named Edwardo, to conducting paranormal investigations at Download Festival and Wacken Open Air, she’s carved a niche as rock’s most fearless medium. Her column “Terrifying Travels” in The Daily Star chronicles her encounters with the dead, while her website Brocarde.com documents her haunted adventures around the globe.

With “Feed My Soul,” Brocarde invites fans to step into her world, a place where music, magic, and madness collide.

Music Video –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nn74iRfivMo

Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://open.spotify.com/track/5fhv0p8TA2moaZztoFoFPE

More info:

https://brocarde.com/

http://instagram.com/brocarde/

https://www.facebook.com/brocarde/

http://youtube.com/@thebrocardeshow

https://x.com/thebrocardeshow

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“Electrifying, creative new artist…powerful stuff!” – David Coverdale (Whitesnake)

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0 Don’t Flip The “Channel Change” – Canadian Thrashers MUTANK Unveils Video For New Album “Think Before You Think” Out Now!

December 18, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · MUTANK

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 18, 2024

Don’t Flip The “Channel Change” – Canadian Thrashers MUTANK Unveils Video For New Album “Think Before You Think” Out Now!

New Album “Think Before You Think” Out End of November 2024 (Boonsdale Records)

L-R – Ahmed Saad (Drums), Stephen Reynolds (Bass, Vocals), Costa Skoulikas (Guitar), Chris Nascimben (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Kat Dydyk

Rattling the moshpits worldwide with their new album “Think Before You Think” on Boonsdale Records, Montreal, Canada’s MUTANK is offering a slab of new mind-blowing speed thrash with their latest video “Channel Change”. It’s a song about media melting your brain and your choice to either form something new from it yourself or let them do it for you.

Watch the video for “Channel Change” via its premiere on MetalAddicts HERE.

MUTANK made a big impression on the Canadian metal scene in 2014 with their debut EP “M.E.C.H METAL”. In that same year, they were also declared champions of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada which garnered them a performance at Wacken Open Air (Live Video – https://youtu.be/yQrLaG8BPL4). By 2017, the band took their distinctive sound and hit the road to tour across Canada supporting ANNIHILATOR alongside Australia’s MASON in support of their highly praised EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” (Boonsdale Records). Metal Injection also named MUTANK “1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know” (Read here).

After a short hiatus, MUTANK has exploded back on the scene with their new album “Think Before You Think” unleashed this past November. The new album features a rampage of ten thrash happy tracks with fan favourites such as “Running Reds”, “Abortron”, and “Thrash Primordial”. With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made

“This is Thrash for Metalheads by Metalheads! We have evolved from crossover to a more refined thrash band with longer and more intricate songs, it can be a bit proggy… The level of seriousness in songwriting is evident in the new album. We want this album to energize people and make them feel the way we do when we listen to some of our favourite artists. This album is the most material we have ever put out! 50 minutes of pure metal across 10 tracks. The songs picked themselves as we kept writing tracks we enjoyed playing. Lyrically we cover a lot of ground from the economy to time travel.” adds the band.

Moving into 2025, MUTANK plans to be a tour de force to support “Think Before You Think”. Fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus are sure to join them in the circle pit.

CD Pre-Order (Limited to 250 copies) – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/product/mutank-think-before-you-think-cd-pre-order

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3NLOS88

Previous Videos:

Illuminatus – https://youtu.be/NcmZtePbI3M

Bad Magnitude – https://youtu.be/P7XFJzQD5m8

Track Listing:
1. Illuminatus – 6:14
2. Payback – 5:24
3. All Against All – 4:43
4. Channel Change – 5:11
5. Bad Magnitude – 5:30
6. Abortron – 3:37
7. Groundbreaker – 2:08
8. Metalheads For Hire – 5:37
9. Running Reds – 6:27
10. Thrash Primordial – 4:40
Album Length: 49:38

More Info: Boonsdalerecords.com | Facebook.com/bonebrainsnotdemolishers | Instagram.com/mutank_or_die | X.com/MUTANK

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“If peppy, energetic thrash in the vein of Slayer, Exodus, Overkill, DRI, Suicidal Tendencies and Anthrax is your bag, then give MUTANK a whirl. They’re certainly full of vim, vigor and energy.” – Decibel Magazine

“Think Before You Think offers enough modern flair to stand apart in today’s metal landscape. Mutank have delivered a thrilling ride that cements their place in the global thrash scene. With Think Before You Think, they aren’t just revisiting the past. They’re shaping the future of the genre.” – Amplify The Noise

“Variety. It might not be an aspect many expect to experience across this album, but that’s Mutank for you, and right up to the end, they find inventive ways to keep the listener engaged. First, by delivering an anthem for all head bangers around the world with the excellently titled Metalheads for Hire. Then by getting even more artistic with Running Reds, a track with some intriguing progressive touches. Before Mutank’s impressive return is capped off with an absolute cacophony of thrashy noise via Thrash Primordial. The record ending as it begun, with heads being banged hard.” – Games, Brrrains & A Head-Banging-Life

“The quartet from Montreal in fact has the ability to make the compositions interesting and unpredictable by expertly mixing thrash assaults with the impetuosity of hardcore, without giving up melodic cues of classic metal extraction and adding the immediacy of punk, permeating songs of that variety capable of intriguing the listener without ever getting bored. “Illuminatus” opens the dance with a sulphurous and threatening start and then settles on a thrashy and rocky mid tempo, all seasoned with unpredictable tempo changes and excellent solos… An album that may not rewrite the history of thrash metal, but which will help the genre evolve while remaining anchored to its origins. Rating: 9/10.” – MetalHead.it

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0 MUTANK Shatters The Mosh Pit w/ New Video “Bad Magnitude” Off New Album “Think Before You Think” Out End of November 2024 (Boonsdale Records)

November 21, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · MUTANK

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 21, 2024

MUTANK Shatters The Mosh Pit w/ New Video “Bad Magnitude”

New Album “Think Before You Think” Out End of November 2024 (Boonsdale Records)

L-R – Ahmed Saad (Drums), Stephen Reynolds (Bass, Vocals), Costa Skoulikas (Guitar), Chris Nascimben (Guitar)

Photo Credit – Kat Dydyk

Set to rattle mosh pits around the globe with their forthcoming album “Think Before You Think” at the end of this November, Canadian demolition thrash crew MUTANK is injecting onto screens their late music video “Bad Magnitude”.

“This is an easy one: there are no lyrics. An ode to thrash, this track is meant for fans to stretch their neck and bang away to the best instrumental you’ve ever heard!” adds the band.

The live clips in the video are taken from MUTANK‘s 2017 cross-Canada tour with Annihilator and Australia’s Mason. The video was filmed and edited by Chalky of Moshriff.com.

Watch “Bad Magnitude” via its premiere on Ghost Cult Magazine HERE.

MUTANK‘s new album “Think Before You Think” will be released on Boonsdale Records on November 29th, 2024, following 2017’s EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T.” and the first taste of new neck-breaking tunes in seven years. Featuring ten volcanic thrash tracks to blaze a new path to jackhammer a pure audio assault. Live favourites such as “Running Reds”, “Abortron”, and “Thrash Primordial” are sure to please die-hard fans for easy repeat listens.

“This is Thrash for Metalheads by Metalheads we evolved from crossover to a more refined thrash band with longer and more intricate songs… The level of seriousness in songwriting is evident in the new album. We want this album to energize people and make them feel the way we do when we listen to some of our favourite artists. This album is the most material we have ever put out! 50 minutes of pure metal across 10 tracks. The songs picked themselves as we kept writing tracks we enjoyed playing.”

With a passion for classic thrash and a desire to play radical riffs, MUTANK made a deservedly big impression on the Canadian metal scene with their debut EP “M.E.C.H METAL” and a performance at Wacken Open Air after being declared champions of the 2014 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition.

Live Video – MUTANK at Wacken Open Air 2014 – https://youtu.be/yQrLaG8BPL4

With their distinctive sound, the band moved forward in 2017, touring across Canada supporting ANNIHILATOR alongside Australia’s MASON in support of their EP “W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” (Boonsdale Records). Metal Injection also named the band “1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know” (Read here).

2024 will be a tour de force for MUTANK with the launch of “Think Before You Think”. Fans of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Havok, Megadeth, Overkill, and Exodus are sure to join them in the circle pit when it releases.

CD Pre-Order (Limited to 250 copies) – https://boonsdale.bigcartel.com/product/mutank-think-before-you-think-cd-pre-order

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3NLOS88

More Info: Boonsdalerecords.com | Facebook.com/bonebrainsnotdemolishers | Instagram.com/mutank_or_die | X.com/MUTANK

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Highlight: #2 – Canadian National Loud Chart – August 2017 – Top 20 Loud (Earshot)

“they play good-natured thrash a la Overkill and Exodus… perfectly serviceable and enjoyable, definitely more effective when they are playing fast.” – Decibel Mag

Metal Injection named MUTANK 1 of 8 Hidden Gems in Canadian Metal You Need To Know

“Based out of (arguably) the metal hub of the nation, Montreal, Mutank are a ferocious and frenzied crossover-thrash band that infect its listener with an ear worm that no amount of Michael Buble ballads can remedy. The 2014 winners of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada contest have churned out consistently crushing thrash riffs for years and have all the tools and check off all the required boxes to make a major play in the global metal market. For first time listeners, check out “Corporate Child” from their 2014 album M.E.C.H. Metal and the pulverizing headbanger “D.E.A.T.H.” from their 2017 EP W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T” – Metal Injection

“Montreal punk/thrash crossover act MUTANK has quickly become my favourite new discovery in the world of metal. They’re fast, funny, and equal parts smart and stoopid, with lyrics like “Who do Mu Tank you are?” and a band name that gets likened to a cross between a “mutant” and a “tank”. MUTANK’s music hearkens back to vintage Suicidal Tendencies, D.R.I., or the more metal moments of the Dayglo Abortions or SNFU.” – Georgia Straight

“Killer drumming, awesome bass hooks, great rhythm & furious sounding vocals. It’s a statement of intent from Mutank. That they are not to be underestimated & written off as just another ‘thrash throwback’.” – Games, Brains & A Headbanging Life

“They have a lot of thrashing songs that have abbreviated titles, and they kick some serious ass with their old school music and hardcore attitude.” – The Headbanging Moose

“Mutank have gotten creative with each song on the album, by coming up acronyms to fit the title of the album, they describe their sound as a “T-rex skateboarding down a volcano”. If your a fan of old school Overkill, Megadeath or Exodus or if you just want a fast and thrash album check it out” – Canadian Beats

“Fast riffs, Heavy tempos crazy yelling.. its got all you’ve asked for. A mix of Suicidal Tendencies Punk/Thrash debut, Nuclear Assault fast moshing killer speed assault…a great funny and entertaining mini album for all beer drinkers fans of Tankard and ready to get into the moshpit 100/100.” – The Metal Mag

“grab you battlejack, studs and spandex trousers and feel like you are back in 1985.” – Lords of Metal

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Announces 2024 National Final Bands w/ w/ Cascade Effect, WarTroll, Versipul, Prime Prophecy, Father Wolf – One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

June 7, 2024
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – June 7, 2024

WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA 2024 National Final w/ Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), Father Wolf (Texas)

One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

One band to conquer them all! After multiple battles with bands from across the country, Wacken Metal Battle USA announces this year’s 2024 national final with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

These final five bands will meet in San Diego, CA on June 22nd at the Brick By Brick with special guest headliners, 2023 WMBU champions Fadrait (Live video at Wacken Open Air – https://youtu.be/RhdJ2eCuX4k).

Each competing band will be judged by a panel of music industry professionals where one will be crowned the 2024 champion and move on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air (July 31st – August 3rd), one of the world’s most prestigious and largest metal festivals (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

Event Info – https://www.facebook.com/events/s/wacken-metal-battle-national-f/440409358569224/

“I am excited to finish up another successful battle on the 22nd. I want to thank all of the bands, judges, promoters, and media partners who put in their valuable time and effort. Can’t wait to crown our next champion!” adds WMBU representative Eric Dow.

Wacken Judges for 2024 National Final:
Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music)
Craig Goldy (Dio)
Derek Engmann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation)
Patrick Stone (Adler’s Appetite, Budderside)

2024 WMBC National Finalists

Spotify – 2024 WMBU National Finalists Playlist – https://spoti.fi/4cbAEb8

Cascade Effect (San Diego, CA) – https://cascadeeffectband.com
WarTroll (NorCal – San Francsico, CA) – https://linktr.ee/wartroll
Versipul (Pacific North West – Puyallup, WA) – https://versipul.bandcamp.com
Prime Prophecy (East Coast – Brooklyn, NY) – https://www.primeprophecy.com
Father Wolf (Texas – El Paso, TX) – https://linktr.ee/fatherwolf

To date, the battle has sent five previous bands to perform on metal’s most holy grail of stages. 2023 witnessed San Diego’s Fadrait crowned champion, following previous winners San Diego’s Mythraeum (2022), San Diego’s Monarch (2019), Anaheim’s Voices of Ruin (2018) and Philadelphia’s Corpse Hoarder (2017).

2024 battles were hosted in the following cities: New York, NY, Clifton, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Portland, OR, Seattle, WA, Bay Area, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Orange County, CA, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, San Antonio, TX.

Wacken Battle Trailer Video – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g

For the last 5 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2024 will be the 33rd edition of the festival and will be held from July 31st – August 3rd. The 2024 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Scorpions, Amon Amarth, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Pain, Beast In Black, and many more. Details here.

Wacken Metal Battle USA is part of an international competition that sees bands from across the country battle each other for the chance to win their spot among 30 other countries’ champions, and represent the USA 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 and give 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 American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2024 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://metalbattleusa.com/rules/

Links:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa

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0 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champs STRIGAMPIRE Now Streaming Immersive Death Metal Album “All To Dominate”; Produced by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

December 14, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Strigampire

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 14, 2023

Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champs STRIGAMPIRE Now Streaming Immersive Death Metal Album “All To Dominate”

New Album “All To Dominate” Out Dec 15th, 2023

Produced by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)

L-R – (Back row) James Foster / Drums – BadGuy P / Bass (Front row) – Steve DC / Vocals – Willy Thousand / Guitars – Johnny Dead / Guitars

Canada’s national Wacken Metal Battle champs Strigampire are proud to be streaming their latest album “All To Dominate”, which they declare is the best production they’ve ever done. The album skillfully blends various musical elements, ranging from black/death metal to heavy metal and rock, offering a rich and diverse sonic experience. Vocalist Steve DC shares his thoughts on the album:

“The album tackles various themes such as personal struggles, global issues like economic inequalities and social injustices. I strive to write introspective lyrics, expressing emotions like sadness, frustration, and anger, but also hope and determination. With this album, we aim to provide an immersive listening experience for our fans. We want to take them on a journey through the various songs on the album, addressing diverse themes and emotions.”

“All To Dominate” contains powerful guitar moments, crazy solos, and impactful rhythms that demonstrate undeniable mastery of the instruments. However, the melodic and melancholic sections serve as a reminder that emotion remains at the core of each composition. This balance between technical expertise and emotional depth creates an intense and emotionally charged musical experience.

Strigampire has an old-school mindset when it comes to the track layout, and considers an album as a complete work that should be listened to from start to finish. “All To Dominate” was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Chris Donaldson (Cryptopsy), and the album artwork was done by Dan “Dotel” Turcotte. It is recommended for fans of Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, At The Gates, and Cradle Of Filth.

“All To Dominate” is due out on December 15, 2023, and can be heard in full via its album stream premiere on Decibel Magazine HERE.

Album pre-order (CD/Digital) at https://strigampire.bandcamp.com.

Lyric Video – Liberty – https://youtu.be/ocjvdclKICQ

Music Video – Sold Our Soul – https://youtu.be/6nlZwywZpow

Track Listing
1. Liberty (4:37)
2. Dominate Them All (4:17)
3. Sold Our Soul (5:31)
4. In The Maze of The Lost (4:23)
5. Where I Belong (6:11)
6. Basking In Paradise (5:02)
7. Death Silence (4:49)
8. The Day I’ll Join You (4:24)
9. Brave The Tempest (4:21)
10. TNT (AC/DC cover) (3:32)
Album Length (47:07)

Album and Live Band Line Up:
Steve DC – Vocals
Johnny Dead – Guitars
Willy Thousand – Guitars
BadGuy P. Provencher – Bass
James Foster – Drums

Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Strigampire
• All songs written by: Johnny Dead & Willy Thousand
• Produced by: Christian Donaldson & Strigampire
• Mixed by: Christian Donaldson
• Mastered by: Christian Donaldson
• Album Artwork by: Dan “Dotel” Turcotte

More info: Strigampire.com | Facebook.com/Strigampire | Instagram.com/strigampire

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“Feverishly jittery riffing, a booming low-end pulse, and bestial snarls build anticipation for what’s to come, and what comes is a rushing phalanx of jolting grooves, slashing and searing chords, riotously swirling leads, and scorch-the-earth vocals. The song (Sold Our Soul) hammers the pulse, and there’s abundant devilry in it too, as well as near-sung gang yells, tumbling percussive fills, deliriously exultant soloing that soars to screaming heights — and a break for a beer. But there’s a kind of mystical melodic line that also slithers through the heavy metal exultation until the soloing rockets it high.” – NoCleanSinging

“Huit albums métal à découvrir en décembre…. Strigampire All To Dominate” – Thorium Magazine

“For a band hovering in the darker sides of metal, the songs are surprisingly upbeat. It’s often the vocals that sound the darkest and more extreme—here we have a cross between melodic death growls and black metal screeches. The songs are fast and melodic, and I found it very hard to sit still while listening to them as they all, without exception, just get you going —prepare for intense headbanging, air guitaring, maybe trying to sing along, or at the very least get the foot tapping. My favourite song is “Sold Our Soul”; the beginning always makes me stop whatever I’m doing, and then it’s just headbanging frenzy. The songs have kind of a European power metal energy to them: fast (I’ve said that), heavy, pounding, and very catchy. If they used cleaner vocals, I wouldn’t be surprised if heavy/power metallers who don’t mind harsher, rougher music would get into this, though I would advise the band not to try that—the vocal style is a perfect match for their music. The album ends with a cover of AC/DC’s “T.N.T.”, probably my second favourite (as of this writing) as it is an excellent cover of that classic song. The vocals here are different, a good hybrid of the harsh style and that of Bon Scott’s—definitely interesting, and the band’s rendition of the song is fucking excellent. I think Bon Scott would approve… Fucking good stuff, and no wonder they won that Wacken contest with such quality material. 4.75/5″ – The Metal Crypt

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0 WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – National Final! – May 13th – One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

May 3, 2023
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle Canada

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – May 3, 2023

WACKEN METAL BATTLE CANADA – National Final! – May 13th – One Band To Rule Them All and Play Wacken Open Air 2023

w/ EATEN BY SHARKS, STRIGAMPIRE, NECHT – Guest Headliner WHIPLASH, Guest Opener KORROSIVE

After months of battles across the country, Wacken Metal Battle Canada is proud to announce its down to three bands for the national final being held in Toronto, ON on May 13th at Lee’s Palace.

Beating out over sixty participating bands, the final three are EATEN BY SHARKS (St. Catharines, ON), STRIGAMPIRE (Trois-Rivières, QC), and NECHT (Calgary, AB). One band will be crowned champion and represent Canada at the international battle that hosts 29 other participating countries at one of the world’s most prestigious stages and the largest metal festival Wacken Open Air (Aug 4 -6), which has an attendance of over 80,000 people, and held in Wacken, Germany for now over 30 years.

The national final will also host a special guest headliner, the legendary thrash band WHIPLASH along with openers Toronto’s Korrosive.

“The anticipation is really building now. We are doing our very best to give these incredible finalists the opportunity they deserve and the stage to showcase their craft. With kick-ass guest bands and a stellar line-up of judges, in the name of Canadian metal, this will be one to remember!” adds Wacken Metal Battle Canada organizer JJ Tartaglia.

For the national final, all three bands will be judged by experienced industry professionals on various categories of professionalism and musicianship for only one to be selected to represent Canada on the world stage at Wacken Open Air.

Guest Judges:
Pedro Almeida (A&P Reacts)
Antonio Almeida (A&P Reacts)
Noel Peters (Inertia Entertainment)
Tim Henderson (BraveWords)
Thorsteinn Kolbeinsson (Wacken Metal Battle Iceland)
Sarah Lutz (Looters)
Kevin Michaud (Front Row Promotions)
Luc Laine (CFLX 95.5 FM – Alerte Metallique)
Rae Chatten (Rock’n Roam, Live Nation)
Mark Tremblay (Metal on Metal Podcast)
JJ Tartaglia (Wacken Metal Battle Canada)

Event Info – https://www.leespalace.com/event/wacken-metal-battle-presents-whiplash-plus-finalists

About:

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

2023 battles were hosted in Vancouver, BC, Edmonton, AB, Calgary, AB, Toronto, ON, Hamilton, ON, Ottawa, ON, Montreal, QC, and Quebec City, QC.

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:
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Promoter Partners:
Boonsdale Records
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ConcertWorks

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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, Toledo DeathFest)

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.

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.

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 –

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0 Wacken Metal Battle USA Returns For 2022! Band Submissions Open August 26th!

August 26, 2021
by Asher
· Music News · Wacken Metal Battle USA

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 25, 2021

Wacken Metal Battle USA Returns For 2022! Band Submissions Open August 26th!

Sponsors / Partners:
Bravewords.com
MetalAssault.com
MetalDevastationRadio.com
Metal-Rules.com
V13.net
Dungeon Works Productions
Asher Media Relations
Fatal Illness Management
Come And Take It Productions
Masquerade Atlanta
Syd Howell Presents
Brick By Brick
VonWolfe Entertainment
Tampa Bay Mosh Team
Rabbit Hole Entertainment
TMI Collaborations
Funhouse Seattle
SBS Live

Wacken Metal Battle Trailer – https://youtu.be/fjMugRXEc5g

Wacken Metla Battle USA Trailer – https://youtu.be/E_xjt8Qp3TE

Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce its return in 2022 after two years of missed battles across America due to the Covid pandemic. For its last three years (2017-2019), Wacken Metal Battle USA has hosted battles across the country to send one independent metal band to perform at the world’s largest metal festival Wacken Open Air in Wacken, Germany. 2019 saw the festival celebrate its 30th anniversary, but due to Covid, the 2020 and 2021 editions were both canceled. As the metal community regains its strength, Wacken Open Air 2022 will be the 31st edition of the festival and will be held from August 4th to 6th. The 2022 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Slipknot, Till Lindemann (Rammstein), Judas Priest, Limp Bizkit, As I Lay Dying, Lacuna Coil, Danko Jones, Gwar, Death Angel, Tarja, and many more. Details here.

For over a decade at Wacken Open Air, independent metal bands from around the globe have been performing in front of thousands and competing against one another for one to be crowned champion of the international battle at the festival along with winning multiple prizes. For 2022, Wacken Metal Battle USA is returning to America and will be hosting qualifying rounds in select cities across the nation.

Current cities confirmed for 2022 battles are the following:
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Orange County, CA
Sacramento, CA
Oakland, CA
San Francisco, CA
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
Phoenix, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Tampa Bay, FL
Atlanta, GA
Las Vegas, NV
Austin, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Lubbock, TX
San Antonio, TX
El Paso, TX
Akron, OH

Battle Submissions:
Applications for 2022 will open on August 26, 2021 at 6AM PST and end on November 14, 2021 at 11:59PM PST. Bands interested in participating in 2022 battles can apply at the following link: https://metalbattleusa.com/apply/

Concert promoters interested in hosting a Wacken battle in their city can apply at this link: https://metalbattleusa.com/promoter-application-for-wacken-metal-usa-battles/

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 American national final (date and city to be determined). The winner of the national final will move on to perform at the Wacken Open Air 2022 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://metalbattleusa.com/rules/

About:
Wacken Metal Battle USA 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 USA 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 30 years. The winner of Wacken Metal Battle USA will perform at the 2022 festival taking place from August 4 – 6th

2019’s national final was hosted in Los Angeles, CA and featured Dissentience (Winners, East Coast), Monarch (Winners, West Coast), Nahaya (Winners, Texas), Toxic Ruin (Winners, Chicago), Violence System (Winners, Atlanta) whom were selected from over a hundred bands that participated in battles across the USA. The national final battle was Judged by a panel of metal industry that consisted of Alex Distefano (LA Weekly), Marco Barbieri (M-Theory Audio) and DJ Will (KNAC.COM).

2019 – WMBU Winner
Monarch (San Diego, CA)
Video – Live at Wacken 2019 here.

2018 – WMBU Winner
VOICES OF RUIN (Anaheim, CA)

2017 – WMBU Winner
CORPSE HOARDER (Philadelphia, PA)
Video – Live at Wacken 2017 here.

For more info:
Metal-Battle.com
MetalBattleUSA.com
Facebook.com/metalbattleusa
Twitter.com/MetalBattleUSA
Instagram.com/metalbattleusa

– 30 –

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0 Bravewords Premiere: Streaming Now! “Future Shock” From San Diego Thrashers MONARCH

April 15, 2021
by Asher
· Monarch · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – April 15, 2021

For fans of Slayer, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Testament, Exodus

Streaming Now! “Future Shock” From San Diego Thrashers MONARCH

Album Stream Premiere via Bravewords

New Album “Future Shock” Out April 16, 2021

L-R – Gabe Mendez (Bass), Adam West (Drums), Matt Smith (Vocals/Guitar), Casey Trask (Guitar)
Photo Credit: Astrid Anaya

San Diego’s MONARCH will be unleashing their sophomore album “Future Shock” on Friday, April 16th and before this electrifying thrash thriller hits the moshpit, the band has teamed up with Bravewords for its full stream premiere HERE.

The band adds:

“Future Shock hits hard on a lot of levels, there are the riffs, the solos, the speed, the heaviness, the melodies, great memorable lyrics, the dynamic range of our creativity we think was truly expressed, and yet we still managed to sound like ourselves. We all just really look forward to sharing it with everyone. At the time of this release, the world is still battling the COVID-19 virus in parts of the world and we think it will be a welcome escape from having to worry so much right now. We should all be cautious of course, but we can’t make our lives not worth living.”

Compared to their first, very DIY album, 2017’s “Go Forth… Slaughter”, MONARCH‘s next escapade “Future Shock” was done professionally at Clarity Recordings in El Cajon, California, and is a big step forward for the band both musically and sonically. It explores the entire spectrum of the band’s creativity, with each song varying in sound, but maintains a cohesive feeling. The overall concept of the full length is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations system, governments, and major groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment.

Recommended for fans of Exodus, Slayer, and Testament, MONARCH‘s “Future Shock” will be available on April 16, 2021 at the following links:

(CD, Vinyl) – https://monarch.band
Spotify

Music Videos:
“Nuclear Warfare” – https://youtu.be/eI9R0LNYGHM
“Shred or Die!” – https://youtu.be/DOgceZdx2mU

Live video at Wacken 2019:
Khaos Warrior – https://youtu.be/wXiU078YKM0
Full Wacken Set – https://youtu.be/Gjct4mbhdxM

Track Listing:
1. Blast The Seed (5:16)
2. Khaos Warrior (2:51)
3. Future Shock (5:00)
4. Nuclear Warfare (4:00)
5. Shred or Die! (4:15)
6. Multiverse (3:02)
7. Fatal Vector (6:47)
8. Collision Of Bones (3:45)
9. Swarm Of The Whorenet (6:41)
10. Metal Soul (5:21)
Album Length: 47:04

More Info:
Monarch.band
Facebook.com/monarchthrash
Instagram.com/monarch666
Twitter.com/riseofmonarch
EPK

– 30 –

““Go Forth… Slaughter” is a loud record that is full of twists and turns. Hopefully this release encourages Monarch to do some touring beyond Southern California, because songs like these need more ears.” – SD Metal

“A very colorful cover can also win over many fence-sitting people – and the rawer attention to detail on the production front gives us a clearer picture of what to expect live (a sinister snare snap plus in your face guitar tones duly noted). Go Forth…Slaughter executes in that late 80’s/early 90’s thrash/death platform, where people lost interest in major label veterans straying into commercial waters. Monarch makes it safe for you to trust their music: brutal, aggressive, and all for the love of the genre.” – Dead Rhetoric

“‘a super solid speed metal record.” – Metal Assault (2017 – Review – Go Forth... Slaughter)

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