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• MINDREAPER Unveils Epic New Video "The God I Am" In Anticipation of Upcoming Album “Withering Shine (...Into Oblivion)” Out Dec 2024

  Oct 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R: Christian Schoenke – Bass, Marcel Schneider – Drums, Sebastian Rehbein – Lead Vocals, Manuel Nozulak – Additional Vocals, Marcel Bangert – Guitars, Keys

  Fans of hard-hitting melodic death metal are in for a treat as Germany's Mindreaper gears up to premiere their latest music video “The God I Am”. This visual spectacle serves as a powerful prelude to their highly anticipated album “Withering Shine (...Into Oblivion)” set to drop on December 2nd, 2024 via Death Age Records.

  “Withering Shine (...Into Oblivion)” stands as Mindreaper's magnum opus, seamlessly blending traditional elements with modern symphonic touches to create a unique sonic landscape. The album promises to be a collection of eternal hymns, each track a testament to the band's musical prowess and emotional depth.

  Mindreaper takes listeners on a haunting journey through the echoes of past existences, confronting themes of transience and irrelevance. The album doesn't shy away from societal critique, tearing open old wounds and processing the lowest socio-cultural structures while keeping an eye on potential apocalyptic dystopias.

  Listeners can expect brutally snotty guitars, lung-piercing bass, and stomach-smashing percussion, all embraced by epic orchestral arrangements that avoid falling into kitsch. The varied vocals of two powerful singers add another layer of depth to the already rich soundscape.

  As the band puts it, “It is not the raised index finger, but the middle finger that wields the pen and the sword!” It is recommended for fans of Carcass, Edge of Sanity, and At the Gates.

  Watch and listen to the video for “The God I Am” via its premiere on TheCirclePit below.

  Due out on December 2nd, 2024 via Death Age Records, “Withering Shine (...Into Oblivion)” will be available at the following links:

  Online Store - https://www.mindreaper.de/shop/de/2-mindreaper-shop​

  Bandcamp - https://mindreaper.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3rmTjeL

  Track Listing:​
  1 - Withering Shine (… Into Oblivion)
  2 – Liberty’s Fate
  3 - Death T(h)rust
  4 - Nocturnal Animals
  5 - Desert Trails
  6 - Vengeance Dawn
  7 - Power Plant
  8 - The God I Am
  9 - Bequest for No One
  10 - Black Stone Misery
  11 - Final Heaven

  Line Up:​
  Sebastian Rehbein - Vocals
  Marcel Bangert - Guitars, Keys
  Christian Schoenke - Bass
  Marcel Schneider - Drums
  Manuel Nozulak - Additional Vocals

  ​Album Credits:​
  Recording and Mixing: Andy Classen's Stage One Studio
  Mastering: Tue Madsen - Sheriff at Antfarm Studio
  Music & Arrangement: Marcel Bangert
  Lyrics: Sebastian Rehbein

  More info: https://www.mindreaper.de | https://www.facebook.com/TheMindreaper | https://www.instagram.com/mindreaper_metal​

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• HETEROMORPHIC ZOO Unleashes "New World" EP and "Ritual of Fidelity" Music Video

  Oct 13, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Emerging metal act Heteromorphic Zoo, from Victoria, BC, Canada, is set to captivate audiences with their debut EP “New World”, produced by Chris Wiseman (Shadow of Intent, Currents) plus mixed and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). Coinciding with the EP launch, the band has unveiled the music video for their single “Ritual of Fidelity”, which they comment on:

  “This song is about an ancient power awakening within a great tomb, filled with monsters. The leaders declare their loyalty (or fidelity) to the overlord. Musically, the actual “ritual of fidelity” takes place in the middle of the song. It’s a classical 3-voice fugue between the violin, lead guitar, and rhythm guitars + bass with a subject, tonal response, 2 counter subjects, and everything. Of course, it’s not a pure fugue since other instruments are also playing, but that’s the skeleton of it, and the callback to an old baroque form brings out the ritualistic nature of the song.”​
  ​​
  “Ritual of Fidelity” has a memorable lead guitar melody during its chorus, chuggy yet melodic verse riffs, and an overall more neoclassical sound. The violin is fairly subdued and in the background until the moment of the ritual fugue, since that moment is meant to introduce it to the listener for the first time.

  Born from a desire to create “Worship Music for Monsters”, Heteromorphic Zoo's five-track EP showcases a diverse and extreme sound that pushes the boundaries of modern metal. Lyrically, "New World" tells the story of a grand alliance of monstrous beings invading a new realm, with perspectives shifting between the monsters, their overlord, and their enemies. The band's innovative approach combines groove and melody, intricate riffs, and powerful breakdowns, resulting in a sonic experience that defies easy categorization. They are recommended for fans of In Flames, Within the Ruins, and Ne Obliviscaris.

   

  ​Released on October 10th, 2024, "New World" is available at the following links:

  ​https://heteromorphiczoo.bandcamp.com/album/new-world​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3NkbzAg​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Ritual of Fidelity – 3:29
  2. Your Final Seconds (feat. Ville Hokkanen) – 3:42
  3. Napalm – 4:22
  4. Avatara – 3:39
  5. Aura of Despair – 3:41
  Total Length 18:53

  EP Credits:​
  All songs performed by:
  Heteromorphic Zoo
  Coty Garcia - Vocals
  Megan Ash - Violin
  Ray Heberer - Guitar, Bass
  Bryce Butler - Drums
  ​
  All songs written by:
  Ray Heberer (SOCAN member)
  Produced by Chris Wiseman
  Mixed by Christian Donaldson
  Mastered by Christian Donaldson
  Album Artwork by Lordigan Pedro Sena
  Music is Canadian Content - MAPL
  ​
  Album band lineup:
  Coty Garcia - Vocals
  Megan Ash - Violin
  Ray Heberer - Guitar, Bass
  Bryce Butler - Drums
  ​
  Live band lineup:
  Ray Heberer - Vocals, Guitar
  Megan Ash - Violin
  Jon Power - Bass
  Bryce Butler - Drums

  More Info: https://linktr.ee/heteromorphiczoo

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• WACKEN METAL BATTLE USA Open Band Submissions For 2025 Battles - One Band To Conquer Them All & Play Wacken Open Air

  Oct 11, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

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

  One Band To Conquer Them All! Wacken Metal Battle USA is proud to announce its return for 2025 battles nationwide for one independent band to be crowned champion and perform at one of the world's most prestigious and largest already sold-out metal festivals Wacken Open Air (July 30th – August 2nd) (Attendance of over 80,000 people in Wacken, Germany for over 30 years).

  Unsigned bands ONLY can apply. Please fill out your information at the following link (please select USA and then the City that your band would like to perform in) - https://www.metal-battle.com​

  (Band Submissions open from October 11th - December 15th, 2024)

  ​

  The 2025 WMBU champion will receive the following:
  - A slot at the 2025 Wacken Open Air Festival.
  - Full professional backline provided.
  - $1,000 USD towards flights to Germany.
  - VIP camping at the festival.

  2025 battles will be taking place in the following cities:

  (National Final on June 21st in Clifton, NJ at Dingbatz)

  New York, NY
  Clifton, NJ
  Baltimore, MD
  Tampa, FL
  Portland, OR
  Seattle, WA
  Bay Area, CA
  Los Angeles, CA
  Orange County, CA
  Sacramento, CA
  San Diego, CA
  Austin, TX
  Dallas, TX
  Corpus Christi, TX
  Houston, TX
  San Antonio, TX

  The 2024 WMBU national final was held in San Diego at Brick By Brick with regional winners Cascade Effect (San Diego), WarTroll (NorCal), Versipul (PNW), Prime Prophecy (East Coast), and Father Wolf (Texas).

  Judged by an industry panel that included Rod Kukla (Silver Lining Music), Craig Goldy (Dio), Derek Engemann (Scour, Phil Anselmo and the Illegals, ex-Cattle Decapitation), and Patrick Stone (Adler's Appetite, Budderside), the band that reigned the stage and proved themselves worthy of gracing the holy land of metal at Wacken Open Air in Germany was crowned 2024 champion, San Diego's Cascade Effect.

  As the 2024 crowned USA champion, Cascade Effect went on to perform as the only independent American band at the International Battle at Wacken Open Air 2024 (July 31st – August 3rd).​

  List of previous WMBU national winners, Cascade Effect (2024 - San Diego), Fadrait (2023 - San Diego) Mythraeum (2022 - San Diego), Monarch (2019 - San Diego), Voices of Ruin (2018 - Anaheim) and Corpse Hoarder (2017 - Philadelphia).

  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.

  For the last 6 years of battles (2017-2019, 2022, 2023, 2024), 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 2025 will be the 34th edition of the festival and will be held from July 30th – August 2nd. The 2025 event is already sold out with a line-up that includes Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apocalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, 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 30 other countries in a final global battle. All bands will be judged during battle rounds by respected local music industry representatives.

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

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• SANDVEISS Unleashes Fiery New Heavy, Melodic Stoner Prog Rock Album “Standing In The Fire”

  Oct 11, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Heavy rock titans Sandveiss, from Quebec City, Canada, are proud to announce the release of their highly anticipated new album “Standing in the Fire”, which comes out on October 11th, 2024. This new release returns with their most ambitious and diverse album to date, it features eight powerful tracks that showcase the band's evolution and musical prowess. The band comments on the album:

  “Five years after the release of our sophomore album “Saboteur”, we are stoked to finally present our new offering, “Standing in the Fire”. Musically, it showcases diversity but also, we hope, homogeneity and coherence. We draw from a wide range of influences, from metal to stoner rock, from prog to punk rock. While some are more apparent than others, they all play a key role in shaping our sound.”

  The production of “Standing in the Fire” has a modern feel while still incorporating vintage sounds and instruments, and the mix by Karl Daniel Lidén (Greenleaf, Dozer, The Ocean Collective) adds depth, texture, and power to the album. Lyrically, the songs were mostly written in response to, or sometimes as a grim reflection on, human and social issues, including politics and environmental problems.

  The band cites that they've pushed their boundaries on all sides. The heavy is heavier, the prog is proggier, and the catchy is catchier. They've allowed themselves to explore new territories while staying true to their core sound. They are recommended for fans of The Sword, Dozer, and Baroness.

  Due out on October 11th, 2024 from Folivora Records, the album “Stand in the Fire” is available for pre-order (Digital and Vinyl) at https://sandveiss.bandcamp.com/album/standing-in-the-fire​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3XnzDIq​

  Track Listing:​
  1. I'll Be Rising - 5:03
  2. Standing In The Fire - 3:51
  3. Wait And See - 3:26
  4. No Love Here - 7:26
  5. Fade (Into The Night) - 3:48
  6. Gone Away - 4:53
  7. These Cold Hands - 4:57
  8. Bleed Me Dry - 5:42

  More info: https://folivora.ca/ | https://www.facebook.com/Sandveiss | https://www.instagram.com/sandveissband

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• FREYA Drummer Ethan Henry Unveils His Horror Movie SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN Just in Time For Halloween Binge Watching!

  Oct 9, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NEWS RELEASE

  Montreal, QC - October 9, 2024

  FREYA Drummer Ethan Henry Unveils His Horror Movie SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN Just in Time For Halloween Binge Watching!

  "The Scariest Monsters Are The Human Kind"

  Hailing from Syracuse, NY, veteran hardcore/metal band FREYA's drummer Ethan Henry is unleashing his inner horror fan by inviting fans to view his haunting independent movie "Severance Mountain", which he directed, wrote, produced, edited, and composed music for with his team at Ignorant Tourist Productions.

  In the movie's premise, deep in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern New York, Sarah (Nicole Morgan) and Toby (Cade Guillory) plan to reconnect on a remote camping trip following the tragic loss of Toby's girlfriend. It doesn't take long for Sarah to realize something is off and her long-awaited getaway turns into a vacation from hell. Meanwhile, Local police Sergeant "Sarge" (Kim Scharff Snyder) discovers a potential threat to all who enter the parks and Desperately pleads to her superiors to take action and warn the public of this "threat". Meanwhile, With each step she takes deeper into the forest, Sarah finds herself in the ultimate struggle to survive against the threats of SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN.

  Ethan Henry comments:

  "SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN came to life shortly after the pandemic. With all the restrictions and difficulties trying to make a film during that time, we wanted to get back at it but needed to keep our budget small and keep our cast and crew down to a minimum. Thanks to John Sovi II at Sovs Media for sparking the idea, I developed the concept for Severance Mountain with our restrictions in mind. I ended up rewriting the working script with Melissa Godin Hunt and started planning to film our independent, ultra-low-budget horror film. Even though our budget was small and it seemed near impossible to make at times, our determination to complete the film and make something we thought would be gross, familiar, and entertaining finally came to be. If you like indie horror, gore, and practical effects, then SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN is for you."

  SEVERANCE MOUNTAIN was released on September 13, 2024, and is available for streaming and download on Amazon, iTunes, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and ROKU.

  More info:

  ​https://ignoranttouristproductions.com/severance-mountain​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562018042591​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/severancemountainmovie​

  ​https://www.tiktok.com/@severancemountain​

  ​========================================================

  FREYA recently dropped their newest single “Blood Thirst”. This powerful track showcases the band's unique blend of hardcore intensity and thrash metal fury, which they have been perfecting for over two decades. The single is a straightforward banger. Drawing inspiration from the hard-hitting, old-school hardcore vibe of bands like Biohazard, the song opens with a memorable riff that immediately grabs the listener's attention. As the track progresses, Freya seamlessly shifts into a thrash metal assault reminiscent of Slayer, showcasing the band's ability to blend genres with precision and intensity.

  “Blood Thirst” was released on August 23rd, 2024 via Upstate Records and will appeal to both hardcore and metal fans alike, especially those interested in Earth Crisis, Terror, and Hatebreed.

  Listen to “Blood Thirst” at the following links:

  Digital - https://bfan.link/blood-thirst

  More Info: Upstaterecordsny.com/freya | https://linktr.ee/freyaband315​
  ​

  -30-

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  ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
  Jon Asher - Music Publicist
  #.514.581.5780
  jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
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