News

• Moving Onto Their Next Horizon Toronto Prog JUPITER HOLLOW Unveil New Single / Video "Incivility"

  Nov 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Pushing from one horizon onto the next, Toronto, Canada's Jupiter Hollow's growth has come a long way since making their debut as a duo in 2015. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this recording and songwriting powerhouse duo has transformed into a live quartet with the addition of John Ryan Godfrey (Bass) and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh (Drums).

  Advancing their unique brand of progressive rock/metal, the band is presenting their latest single "Incivility" accompanied by a music video to close out their new music releases for 2024. "Incivility" serves as a bold statement, reflecting the band’s evolution both sonically and thematically. With its intricate arrangements, evocative lyrics, and captivating visuals, the single is a testament to the band’s relentless dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.

  The band comments on the single:

  "At its core, Incivility reflects humanity's inner struggles, the relentless pursuit of purpose, and the emotional void created by modern distractions. The lyrics delve into themes of arrogance, wasted time, and the consequences of superficial existence, symbolized by "filming your bones"—a critique of documenting life rather than living it.

  The song wrestles with the tension between ambition and the emptiness of unmet expectations, asking hard questions: At what cost do we chase our dreams? and How do we reconcile purpose with the pressures we hide? The recurring imagery of the "yawning cage of wasted love" evokes a profound sense of entrapment, urging listeners to confront the emotional weight of past mistakes while seeking true fulfillment.

  Musically and lyrically, Incivility challenges listeners to reflect on their lives, embracing the discomfort of self-awareness while pushing forward with resilience. It’s both a cautionary tale and a call to action—demanding authenticity in a world that often values the opposite."

  ​Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4g0cqSV

  With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and Jupiter Hollow’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and they have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow will take the time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can. Recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.

  Previous Single:

  Music Video - "Cohesion" at https://youtu.be/7tbnhxuCD-c​

  More info: JupiterHollow.ca | Facebook | X | Instagram

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• UTILITY PROVIDER Shed The Mental "Scabs" of Addiction and Trauma w/ New Lyric Video Off New Album "Challenger" Out End of Nov 2024

  Nov 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Vancouver, Canada's UTILITY PROVIDER is set to release their third full-length “Challenger” on November 26th. Before it releases, the prog quartet is sharing their latest lyric video for the track "Scabs". The song was written about overcoming addiction and trauma, surviving, and shedding your mental ‘scabs’.

  Vocalist Tyler Mayfield explains further:

  "My personal favourite of the album, “Scabs” has perhaps the best sounding vocals, clean and raspy, and uniquely features an unexpected drums-only intro. It is also the longest song on the album at 5 minutes and 55 seconds. The first half of the song is more rock sounding and you can hear this primarily in the guitars and vocals, although that signature U.P metal/rock guitar tone is still present. Things heat up in the second half with a distinctly ‘metal’ riff, very powerful drums, and intense vocals. The ending is my favourite part; a single guitar riff with repeating harmonic notes and quiet drums which allow a beautiful falsetto harmony between Chris and myself to shine through. Listen closely and you’ll also hear a subtle but intricate bass riff in the background separate from the guitar. If you close your eyes you can hear the ghost of old-school Alice in Chains."

  ​Produced with Nick Bergeron at Starport Studios (Langley, B.C.) with mixing and mastering by the renowned Michael Kraushaar at Little Red Studios (Vancouver B.C), UTILITY PROVIDER's new album "Challenger" features a fresh new lineup and is an evolution from its predecessors 2022's “Lost in Humanity’s Grip” and 2019's “All in Time”.

  "The writing is much stronger than in the previous releases and the production as a whole is miles ahead of them. What I love about this album is how each song has its own identity; its own sound, and its own story. There are definitely some surprises in store for our fans." adds vocalist Tyler Mayfield.

  The overarching theme of “Challenger” is one of triumph over adversity and having the courage to throw off your “chains” (both physical and mental) and strike out on your own. UTILITY PROVIDER wants fans to be able to make a connection with the music and connect with them on a very personal level. They showcase this with a concept of a side “A” and a side “B”.

  "Up until this album, all U.P songs were written in drop C tuning. The first 6 songs of the album stay in that same drop C tuning, however side “B” is written in A# tuning - it's literally a whole new sound for our fans! The transition from side “A” to side “B” is marked by a beautiful instrumental track written solely by guitarist Chris Thomas called “Northern Storm”. We hope the listeners will enjoy this nuance within the album. We sure had a ton of fun recording it!" adds Mayfield.

  Lyrically, the album “Challenger” was mostly penned by vocalist Tyler Mayfield who wants to tell a story. He elaborates:

  "As the lead vocalist, I feel that it’s my duty to put into words the message that the music is trying to convey. There is a lot of teamwork between Chris and myself to get that right. So in this way, the lyrics don’t always necessarily reflect my personal life, but are more tailored to reflect the story within the music."

  With members individually influenced by different elements of metal. You will hear their sonic meshing of blues rock, prog metal, thrash, and grunge throughout the album. Recommended for fans of Mastodon, Devin Townsend, Alice in Chains, and Gojira, “Challenger” is due out on November 26th, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://utilityprovider.bandcamp.com.

  ​Show Dates:​
  Dec 20 - New Westminster, BC - Bully's Studios - info w/ Mourning High, Assailant, Evan Way

  Track Listing:​
  1. Broken Ghost Touches - 2:39
  2. Humans - 4:23
  3. Challenger - 5:08
  4. Social Murder - 1:59
  5. Killer Instinct - 3:36
  6. Northern Storm - 1:13
  7. You Know She’s Metal - 3:14
  8. Loudest Voices - 4:47
  9. Skin & Bones - 4:22
  10. Independent Soul - 2:28
  11. Scabs - 5:55
  12. Controversy In Everything - 4:40
  Album Length: 44:29

  Album Band Line Up:​
  Guitar/backing vocals: Chris Thomas
  Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
  Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
  Bass/backing vocals: Tyler Parsons-Mathieu

  Live Band Line Up:​
  Guitar/backing vocals: Chris Thomas
  Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
  Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
  Bass/backing vocals: Shayne Gold

  More info: Facebook.com/utilityproviderband | Instagram.com/utilityproviderband | X.com/utilityboys

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• ABBATH Partners with Photographer JEREMY SAFFER for Exclusive Printed Portrait Series

  Nov 21, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Legendary black metal icon ABBATH has partnered with renowned photographer JEREMY SAFFERfor an exclusive print photo series! The limited edition prints were shot by Saffer and signed by Abbath; they can now be purchased HERE.

   

  Jeremy Saffer comments, "I am elated to announce I have teamed up with the legendary Abbath Doom Occulta for an autographed print series. Abbath is an icon of icons and without question one of my favorite people to work with. His image is as iconic as his music and I am extremely fortunate to have had multiple opportunities to contribute to his visual legacy working together in photo shoots. (with more photos on the way soon!) The signed prints are from our shoots in New England over the past 10 years and are printed on Pearl paper which looks absolutely incredible giving it a metallic look with crystals in the paper. There are also super limited (4 of each) larger museum quality Hahnemühle Fine Art Giclée Agave prints which are just absolutely unreal in image, color, texture, and quality. There are an extremely limited amount of hand signed prints available, each were hand signed by Abbath in silver sharpie in Boston earlier this year. Its such a massive honor to work with such a legend and to team up on a very rare autograph print series with Abbath is beyond words."

   

  Behind the scenes footage of Saffer's shoots with Abbath can be viewed HERE.

   

  In addition, ABBATH DOOM OCCULTA will be performing two very special Immortal sets at Inferno Metal Festival and Beyond the Gates Festival, both of which will take place in Abbath's home country of Norway next year!

   

  More information and tickets for Inferno Festival can be found HERE while tickets and the first wave of artists for Beyond the Gates are available HERE.

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• Escuela Grind's 'Dreams on Algorithms' vinyl comes with a free gift

  Nov 21, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Massachusetts metal band Escuela Grind has released its new LP, ' Dreams on Algorithms', via MNRK Heavy (High on Fire, Slomosa).   Recorded at Salem, Massachusetts' GodCity studio with Converge's Kurt Ballou, and mastered by Nick Townsend (Dr. Dre, Betty Davis) the record is the highly anticipated follow-up to Escuela Grind 's celebrated 2022 full-length debut, 'Memory Theater', a recording hailed as "an opus of extremity" by The New York Times.

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• Killswitch Engage Announce New Album "This Consequence" + Band Shares "Forever Aligned" Video

  Nov 21, 2024 Al Feliciano 0 Comments

  Three-time Grammy-nominated hard rock heavyweights and platinum-selling band Killswitch Engage — Jesse Leach, vocals; Adam Dutkiewicz, guitar; Joel Stroetzel, guitar; Mike D'Antonio, bass; and Justin Foley, drums — are pleased to announce their new album THIS CONSEQUENCE. It arrives February 21 via. Metal Blade. Pre-order it here. 
  
  The band  has also shared the video for first single "Forever Aligned." Watch it here. 
  
  "'Forever Aligned' is one of those songs that is not just about us as humans, our love, and connection, but that connection to the unknown, the greater power, the universe, or God," explains Leach. "It feels like a really good first song to release not just sonically, but lyrically, as it is all about connection. The device of world we live in could use a lot more connectivity."Regarding the album, Leach continues, "This Consequence, to me, is the combination of everything the past five years has thrown at us as a band, as humans, and society as a whole. This album is just as much about everybody and their stories as it is for me about my journey personally. Sonically, I love the combination of everybody's ideas and contributions on this album. It feels more like a collaboration than the past few records have been. When all is said and done, I wouldn't change anything about this album."

  
  He finishes, "I think it's the exact record we needed to make. I'm honored and proud of what we all were able to create and refine through this music and message."KSE will also embark on a headline tour in March. It's their first tour of North America since late 2022, as the band has been busy working on the new material that has become This Consequence. The tour features support from Kublai Khan TX, Fit For a King and Frozen Soul, and kicks off on March 5 in Nashville and runs through April 12 in Portland, Maine. All dates are below, and includes appearances at key spring festivals. Tickets and VIP packages will be available here.

  
  Additionally, the band returns to the cover of Revolver for the third time. See the Winter 2024 cover below. Get it here. It's on stands in January. Please note this issue is different than the special collector's edition deluxe magazine that is "must own" for fans!
  
  KILLSWITCH ENGAGE ON TOUR:
  WITH KUBLAI KHAN TX, FIT FOR A KING, + FROZEN SOUL: 
  3/5 — Nashville, TN — The Pinnacle  
  3/6 — Chesterfield, MO — The Factory         
  3/8 — Fayetteville, AR — JJ's Live       
  3/9 — Oklahoma City, OK — The Criterion    
  3/11 — El Paso, TX — Don Haskins Center Arena      
  3/13 — Las Vegas, NV — The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas      
  3/14 — Reno, NV — Grand Theatre at The Grand Sierra Resort        
  3/15 — Wheatland, CA — Hard Rock Live      
  3/17 — Garden City, ID — Revolution Concert House           
  3/18 — Seattle, WA — The Paramount          
  3/19 — Vancouver, BC — PNE Forum
  3/21 — Penticton, BC — South Okanagan Events Centre      
  3/22 — Tsuut'ina, AB — Grey Eagle Resort & Casino       
  3/24 — Winnipeg, MB — Burton Cummings Theatre            
  3/27 — Peoria, IL — Peoria Civic Center        
  3/28 — Waukee, IA— Vibrant Music Hall      
  3/29 — La Vista, NE — The Astro       
  3/30 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre
  4/1 — Grand Rapids, MI — GLC Live 20 Monroe       
  4/3 — Corbin, KY — The Corbin Arena           
  4/4 — Pittsburgh, PA  — Stage AE     
  4/5 — Philadelphia, PA — Franklin Music Hall           
  4/6 — Greensboro, NC — Greensboro Special Events Center           
  4/8 — New Haven, CT — College Street Music Hall   
  4/9 — Buffalo, NY — Buffalo RiverWorks      
  4/11 — Laval, QC —Place Bell
  4/12 — Portland, ME  — Cross Insurance Arena        
  5/8 — Columbus, OH — Sonic Temple*
  5/16 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
  *Festival Appearances

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