Search Results: heavy-metal

  • AITTALA Drops New Single "Myself Deceived" Off Upcoming Album Machines Out April 2025 on Exitus Stratagem Records

     

    Eclectic doom metal powerhouse AITTALA is unveiling the first single "Myself Deceived" off their highly anticipated album "Machines", set to drop on April 17, 2025, via Exitus Strategem Records.

    Listen at the following links:

    Digital (Spotify) - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/myselfdeceived

    The songs on "Machines" were originally written and demoed between 1990 and 1997 on an analog 4-track cassette recorder. Now, Aittala has revived these tracks, preserving their raw essence while enhancing them with modern production techniques. The album offers a nostalgic yet powerful experience, blending early progressive metal influences with storytelling-driven lyrics. While showcasing a distinct style from their recent works, "Machines" stays true to Aittala’s signature heavy, immersive sound.

    Formed in 1991 in Holland, Aittala quickly gained recognition in the Dutch metal scene, opening for bands like THE GATHERING and SADIST. After a hiatus, frontman Eric Aittala resurrected the band in 2008, leading to six full-length albums: Bed of Thorns (2009), Haunt Your Flesh (2011), Effigy (2014), American Nightmare (2016), False Pretenses (2019), Live to Regret (2022).

    Now, with "Machines," AITTALA boldly steps into the past, bringing long-lost tracks to life with a modern, crushing edge.

    This dynamic duo of Eric Aittala (Guitars/Vocals) and Gary ‘Zeus’ Smith (Drums) (THE FIFTH, ex-MR BLACKWELL) continues to write, record, and tour, bringing their distinct brand of heavy, immersive metal to fans worldwide.

    Album pre-save (due out April 17, 2025) - https://hypeddit.com/aittala/machines

    Track Listing:
    1. Machines - 7:31
    2. Myself Deceived - 6:24
    3. Misery - 6:53
    4. To Know the Man - 4:51
    5. Machines (Prologue) - 2:32
    6. Machines (Epilogue) - 5:03
    Album Length: 33:15

    For more info: Exsrmusic.com | Aittala.com | Facebook.com/aittalamusic | Instagram.com/aittalamusic | Spotify

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  • 15 Years of Mountain Moshing! ARMSTRONG METALFEST Unveils 2025 Lineup w/ BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and more!

     

    Celebrating 15 Years of mountain moshing in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, Armstrong MetalFest unveils its conquering 2025 lineup with BORN OF OSIRIS, HAVOK, GLYPH, RIOT CITY, THE BROWNING, VIRVUM and lots more from across Canada and beyond.

    Hosted on July 11th and 12th in Armstrong, BC at the Hassen Arena, this year's two days of moshing, headbanging, and camping is a very special one as festival council members comment:

    "The band council worked hard on this year's lineup. I am so excited to have the Browning back. They were amazing on stage. I have been wanting to see Born of Osiris play live for years. I love them, and now I get to see them in my own little town." - Heather Valstar, Vice President of West Metal Entertainment Society

    "I'm really excited about the diversity of this year's line-up. The selection team has really put in the work. There's sure to be something for everyone: a great mix of trusted favorites and new additions to your playlist for the rest of the year!" - Kate Kutzner, President of West Metal Entertainment Society

    "This year's festival is a work of art! I can't believe we are on the 15th year already. Time flies when you're setting up a festival full of crushing riffs, soaring vocals and down right nasty beats. Life rules, bring on the summer!" - Festival Co-Founder / General Manager - Jessie Valstar.

    AMF Weekend Passes are available at https://armstrongmetalfest.ca/tickets

    All tickets provide general admission and grant access to the festival grounds, camping area, and arena from 9:00 AM on Friday, July 11, 2025, until 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Free camping is included.

    ​(Tickets will be mailed starting after March 1st if you have chosen the "Ticket Mailed" option.)

    Headlining opening night, Friday, July 11th, Denver thrashers HAVOK are no strangers to the mosh pits, these veterans have unleashed five studio albums – Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), V (2020) – and recently surprised fans this past November with the EP "New Eyes".

    Also supporting the Friday night stage, the Pacific Northwest's Glyph (ft. members from Gatekeeper, Greyhawk, Hjelvik), which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory" released in March 2024.

    Another highlight for Friday is the screaming heavy metal from Calgary's speed demons Riot City, who bring forth their steel, spikes and leather! A youthful band that represent the new face of Canadian metal. An amalgam of ripping and hot heavy metal, created in pure and youthful madness, they're bullet belts feature two full lengths "Electric Elite" (2022), "Burn The Night" (2019) and their latest live album "Live in Newcastle" (2023).

    Saturday, July 12th will be headlined by international tour de force, progressive deathcore titans, Chicago's BORN OF OSIRIS. The group is signed to Sumerian Records and has released seven full lengths and two EPs. Their album, A Higher Place, reached number 73 on the Billboard 200. Their second full-length album, The Discovery, debuted at 87 on the Billboard 200. The band unveiled their latest single "In Desolation" this past August.

    Also featured on Saturday is AMF alumni Kansas City's THE BROWNING who will be unleashing their unique eclectic blend of electronicore and deathcore. This past November, they released their sixth album "OMNI" that features 10 powerful tracks, including collaborations with Nik Nocturnal and the eponymous song with THE DEFECT.

    Performing for the first time at AMF and adding to the nostalgia of Saturday night, VIRVUM, progressive / technical death metal all the way from Zürich, Switzerland that many in Canada have been waiting a long time to witness. There's no better place to see them along with the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies than at AMF 2025

    Other to be treasured highlights of this year's fest not to miss is Montreal, QC up and coming thrashers DROWNING IN BLOOD, who are notorious pit mongrels and have made quite a name for themselves in Eastern Canada. Vancouver's GRAVEMASS, they might be a new band, but they feature some serious experienced metalheads from Zimmers Hole, West of Hell, The Golers, Punch Drunk, 3 Inches of Blood and Revocation. Switzerland's technical death/black metal Stortregn, they deliver a mix of charging riffs, blast beats and brutality that leaves the listener begging for more. The Defect is an electronic rock/metal project created by husband and wife duo – Jonny McBee (The Browning) and Moon McBee. Their debut album "Death X Destiny" was recently released on Feb 7th, 2025 under record label FiXT. From the Salish lands of Spokane, WA, Hísemtuks Hími•n introduce their Indigenous melodic black metal of hard hitting riffs, fast paced drumming and a lot of melody. This project has strong roots in the Spokane Tribe/Nez Perce. Most songs are about Native American mythology, history, and folklore.

    AMF 2025 Lineup:
    Havok (Denver, CO)
    Born of Osiris (Chicago, IL)
    Glyph (Seattle, WA)
    Riot City (Calgary, AB)
    The Browning (Kansas City, KS)
    Virvum (Zürich, Switzerland)
    Atavistia (Vancouver, BC)
    Drowning In Blood (Montreal, QC)
    Convictions (Fremont, OH)
    Scalding (Vancouver, BC)
    Syryn (Calgary, AB)
    Stortregn (Geneva, Switzerland)
    The Defect (Kansas City, KS)
    Gravemass (Vancouver, BC)
    Lover (Calgary, AB)
    Yegg (Vancouver Island, BC)
    Hísemtuks Hími•n (Spokane, WA)
    The Spruce Moose (Edmonton, AB)
    Volt (Fort McMurray, AB)
    Jisei (Vancouver, BC)
    Nomad (Okanagan Valley, BC)
    Planetkiller (Kelowna, BC)
    Shackled To The Throne (Edmonton, AB)
    The Cadavor Dog (High River, AB)
    Famous Strangers (Edmonton, AB)
    Valley of Despair (Edmonton, AB)
    Naitaka (Kelowna, BC)
    FloodGate (Kelowna, BC)

    In addition to the performing bands, Armstrong Metal Fest will be bringing back the following on-site activities: Yeti Games, Metal Madness Market, and Thrash Wrestling.

    Please Note: Camping - RV / Non-Hookup RV / Vehicle Passes: Make sure to reserve your vehicle spot to get the best location on the grounds. A fee is required for a weekend pass per vehicle in addition to your day or weekend pass. RV hookups include water and power. If you choose to park your vehicle outside the camping area in the main parking lot, then a vehicle pass is not required.

    For more info:
    Armstrongmetalfest.ca
    Facebook
    Instagram
    Twitter

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  • RISEN CROW New Album "Requiem For A Damned Love" + New Lyric Video "Black Widow"

     

    After unveiling two singles and their respective music videos, Risen Crow are set to release their long-awaited debut album, "Requiem For A Damned Love" today, February 28th 2025 via Rockshots Records. This record marks the full realization of the band's unique sound—a blend of power metal energy and gothic atmospheres, where elevated melodies meet intense riffs and evocative storytelling.

    At the heart of the album lies "Black Widow", the focus track, which embodies the themes of betrayal, vengeance and obsession. The song carries a dynamic mix of dramatic vocal lines, intricate guitar work and evocative atmosphere, making it a defining piece in Risen Crow’s growing discography.

    To support the release, the band has produced an Official Lyric Video for "Black Widow", now available on YouTube.

    Watch herehttps://youtu.be/T4mUn_3RRow

    [embed]https://youtu.be/T4mUn_3RRow[/embed]

    Today's new single follows the success of tracks "Risen Crow" and "Believe In Me" that have already gained momentum, with the first music video surpassing 90,000 views on YouTube.

    Drawing inspiration from bands like Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Kamelot and Lacuna CoilRisen Crow deliver a collection of songs that weave together emotional depth and powerful instrumentation. "Requiem For A Damned Love" is an album that explores obsession, madness and the fragile line between love and destruction, with each track serving as a chapter in an intense and cinematic journey.

    Since their formation in 2020, Risen Crow have honed their craft combining symphonic elements, dark atmospheres and melodic complexity. Their debut album reflects a band that has embraced its influences while forging its own identity.

    Fans of melodic and atmospheric metal will find a compelling and dynamic album that balances raw emotion with refined musicianship.

    Risen Crow’s "Requiem For A Damned Love" is available for digitally and on CD at https://lnk.to/4DdftW

    [embed]https://open.spotify.com/album/0Z8tCibmR6dNxcXef7FeVg?go=1&nd=1&dlsi=cd05076d3bec4364[/embed]

    Music Video - Risen Crow - https://youtu.be/mgYBWxVzZDo

    Music Video - Believe In Me - https://youtu.be/zNqJ0UKs_TA

    Track Listing:
    1. Never surrender
    2. Black Widow
    3. Funeral Jack
    4. Risen Crow
    5. Revelation
    6. Dark In my life
    7. Believe in me
    8. Black Rose

    Recording, Mixing & Mastering: Francesco Mattei and Kate Nord at Underworld Studio
    underworldstudiocasperia.com | Facebook.com/UnderworldStudio

    Cover, Artwork & Layout Design: Harley Velasquez at Infinity NucleArt Studio
    Instagram: @HarleyVelasquezArt | Facebook.com/InfinityNucleArtStudio

    Risen Crow Line Up:
    Antonella Della Monica: Vocals
    Claudio Vattone: Vocals
    Giuseppe Longo: Guitars
    Francesco Menale: Guitars
    Alessandro Bernabei: Keyboards
    Flavio Cicchetti: Bass
    Filippo Martini: Drums

    More info: https://www.rockshots.eu | https://www.facebook.com/risencrowband | https://www.instagram.com/risencrow

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  • MILE HIGH POWER FEST (Denver, CO) Announces 2025 Line Up w/ POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more!

     

    Mile High Power Fest 2025 Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/432isz9

    In August 2024, Mile High Power Fest kicked off a new chapter for the Denver, Colorado power metal scene, and for local promoter BiteSize Productions. With an attendance of nearly 400 for its inaugural year, Mile High Power Metal Fest is proud to return on August 16th, once again at the Oriental Theater for its 2nd edition with its 2025 lineup featuring POWERGLOVE, GLYPH, OWLBEAR, EMPRESS, LYCANTHRO, CELESTIAL WIZARD and more! (details listed below).

    The Mile High Power Festival is a celebration of strength, unity, and the unyielding spirit of metal. Deeply rooted in Denver’s vibrant culture, it champions local talent and businesses while providing a stage for rising power metal bands to unleash their sound and seize the spotlight. Like the thunderous clash of steel against the Rocky Mountains, this festival delivers an unforgettable experience, forging connections and showcasing the future of power metal.

    "After an incredible debut in 2024, we’ve taken everything we learned from last year to make 2025 even more exciting. Expect a weekend filled with electrifying performances, an unbeatable atmosphere, and the energy that only power metal can deliver. Whether you’re a devoted fan or new to the scene, this festival is your chance to be part of something truly special. Don’t miss out on the energy, the excitement, and the chance to be part of Denver's next great tradition. Get your tickets now and experience the power for yourself at The Mile High Power Festival 2025—where metal and steel collide with the cold, untamed spirit of the Rocky Mountains!" adds festival co-founder Lucyfer - BiteSize Productions.

    Featuring headliner Boston's PowerGlove, the very beloved instrumental power metal cover band will present a night of nostalgic tributes to retro video game and television themes. The band released their latest EP "The Super Smash Bros" in August 2024.

    They are joined by the Pacific Northwest's Glyph, which is not just a heavy metal band, they are a crew of intergalactic mercenaries escaping a dying planet in their spaceship, the VSS Dragonlord. Clearly, Glyph isn’t just writing songs, they’re building worlds and they bring it forth in their latest album "Honor, Power, Glory" released in March 2024. 

    Formed in 2020 during a time in which plague stalked the land and time lost all meaning, the core of Owlbear is comprised of North American scene veterans Katheryn Scary (vocals), Jeff Taft (guitars), and Leona Hayward (bass), all of whom hail from different corners of the continent. The band made their live debut at the sold-out Legions of Metal festival in Chicago in 2024 in support of their debut album "Chaos to the Realm" (2023) (Alone Records). Musically, Owlbear draws influence from classic heavy and speed metal and roots their lyrics in the media its members love, from the famous roleplaying game that inspired the band’s namesake to the Final Fantasy franchise. Dynamic vocals, frenetic riffing, and bass that are equal parts pummeling and acrobatic drive the band’s relentless approach, and with the imminent release of their sophomore album "Feather & Claw" on February 28th, 2025 via Alone Records, Owlbear aims to continue to carve out its niche within the heavy metal community with a savage swipe of a plumed talon.

    Hailing from Philadelphia, Empress is a symphonic power metal quintet that loves weaving grand tales over catchy and triumphant symphonic soundscapes. Their critically acclaimed debut album, titled “Fateweaver” released in August 2022, which renowned mixing and mastering engineer Dan Swanö has characterized as one of his best works in melodic metal, carefully entwines musical universes and invites you to follow your imagination and fantasy. Among Empress’ remarked past live performances, it is worth mentioning their album release show at Mad With Power Fest in Madison, WI, on the release day of “Fateweaver”, as well as having shared the stage with bands such as Oceans of Slumber, Seven Spires, and Grim Reaper on their journey to conquering the symphonic metal stronghold with sophistication.

    Trekking from the Canadian North, Ottawa's Lycanthro encapsulates a heavy, yet melodic sound, that is drawn from influences of both European/American classic power and thrash metal along with high howling vocals, piercing guitars, a booming rhythm section as well as uses of instruments such as piano and classical guitar to forge a powerful sound. Fans be prepared for an energetic and epic stage presence as they take you on their lyrical journey of classic horror and mythology. They recently released their new single "Iris", which will be featured on their upcoming 2025 album "Remnants of Rapture". The single was mixed/mastered by Damien Rainaud (Dragonforce / Once Human) and features a keyboard solo from Arttu Vauhkonen (Arion).

    Local hometown heroes, Denver's Celestial Wizard brings a mix of fantasy and heavy metal to the table, giving you a front-row seat to a sci-fi experience unlike any other! The band has been blazing new trails with their aggressive, powerful sound. Pulling from both power metal and death metal, they achieve a melodic, high-intensity mix that hits just right. Their sophomore album ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ showcases just that, as they deliver hard-driving riffs paired with aggressive, death metal-styled vocals. ‘Winds of the Cosmos’ is a metal monster in a league all its own!

    Also supporting the lineup will be Denver's blackened pagan power metal Oak, Ash & Thorn who released their latest album "Our Grief Is Thus" in April 2024 on Lost Future Records. The album is a powerful, unique sound that is fully their own, as melodic and memorable as it is heavy and crushing. Now, Oak, Ash & Thorn are taking the next step in their journey by signing with Season of Mist. As they continue to tour in support of their latest album, the band will begin writing what’s bound to be a highly-anticipated follow-up.

    To open the festival's night, winners of the 2024 Battle of the Bands for the festival will be Denver locals Viperwitch and Signs of Tranquility. Make sure to come early to the fest to cheer on the local winners!

    In addition to the primary festival night, Mile High Power Fest hosts a pre-party that puts Denver’s local talent in the spotlight. But this isn’t your average showdown—it’s a platform for rising Denver local metal bands to showcase their passion and skill, with the chance to earn a coveted spot on next year’s MHPF lineup. Industry pros from across the country join the fun, offering feedback, mentorship, and networking opportunities that can launch careers. It’s a night of powerful performances, community connections, and metal excellence that sets MHPF apart from every other festival out there.

    Mile High Power Fest 2025 Lineup:
    Powerglove
    Glyph
    Owlbear
    Empress
    Lycanthro
    Celestial Wizard
    Oak, Ash, & Thorn
    Viperwitch
    Signs of Tranquility

    Ticket info:
    GA tickets: $45
    Reserved Table (Limit 10, includes 4 GA tickets): $200
    Ticket link: https://tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/427460

    Venue: Oriental Theater - 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

    More info:
    Website: https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mile-high-power-fest

    FAQ - https://www.bitesizeevents.com/mhpf-2025-press-release
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556641145956
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milehighpowerfest

    About:

    The Mile High Power Festival, Denver’s only power metal festival was derived from the creative mind of Soren Bray. The idea was born after a night of celebration with his band, Celestial Wizard while attending the HyperSpace Festival in Vancouver, Canada. It was then that Soren realized the U.S. had only a handful of power metal festivals—and none near his home in Denver. Partnering with Lucy, owner of Bitesize Productions LLC, Soren teamed up to turn this dream into a reality. The duo pitched Soren’s dream fest idea to the Oriental Theater (Denver, CO, USA) who was thrilled to join the project! Thus it began.

    MHPF's inaugural 2024 lineup featured Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Traveler, Lords of the Trident, AfterTime, Judicator, Graveshadow, Celestial Wizard, Seizure, Starwraith, and Siege Perilous.

    Mile High Power Festival is the ultimate gathering for power metal enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of Denver, Colorado, this annual event is a showcase of the finest power metal bands locally and from around the globe. It's a testament to the unyielding spirit and intensity of power metal music, uniting devoted fans and talented artists in a euphoric celebration. Immerse yourself in a weekend of high-voltage performances, camaraderie, and the unapologetic essence of power metal.

    The night before the festival, they host an exciting Battle of the Bands event where local artists compete for a chance to perform at the following year's fest. This event not only uplifts the Denver local music community but also provides valuable feedback to the artists from industry professionals. Join us for a night of great music and support Denver's local talent!

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  • Canadian Power Thrash PHEAR's Heaviest Sound To Date On New Album "Save Our Souls" (Produced by Jon Howard (Threat Signal))

     

    Canadian metal contingent PHEAR has unleashed their second full-length album "Save Our Souls", now available as of February 13th, 2025 with digital distribution from Golden Robot Records. The new record follows the band's award-winning album “Instanitarium” (2019), and their critically acclaimed EP “The Curse Lives On” (2020).

    With their arena-caliber sound, "Save Our Souls" was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jon Howard (Threat Signal), and can be best described as the heaviest offering from PHEAR to date. Most of the album was written during the dark times of Covid. "Not a lot to be happy about during that time," adds vocalist Patrick Mulock.

    Extremely passionate and driven, PHEAR is always thinking of new ways to entertain its fans, and "Save Our Souls" is no exception. It has taken four years to complete (mostly due to covid). Led by Patrick Mulock and producer Jon Howard in the studio, each musician was pushed hard to get the best out of each of them and they delivered.

    "We had a lot of time to craft these songs. We didn’t have any time restraints. We would go into the studio and do three songs at a time. We were very excited to work with Jon Howard (Threat Signal) again. Jon is the sixth member of Phear. The studio experience was great as we fed off each other's ideas. We pushed each other to get the best performances we could. There are NO FILLERS here. Seven String guitars have played a big part in this. Our sound has grown. The bass guitar on this album is HUGE! The drumming from Mike Harshaw was also very aggressive. If you were to ask me now…This is the heaviest Phear has ever been……….for now lol!" says Mulock.

    A listening experience of thrash, prog, and classic metal elements, PHEAR offers a strong balance from infectious choruses to melodic and growling vocals for true heavy metal nostalgia. Their two lead singles, the album's title track and "Snake" are sure to make you throw up your hail horns and rock out with a sore neck from the headbanging. Plus the band offers up their cover version of Nevermore's "Narcosynthesis".

    "We feel that Phear fans will LOVE this album. We have played some of these songs live and they have gone over amazingly. The first time we played the title track “Save Our Souls”, the entire club was singing the chorus. And it has happened everywhere we have played since…….. No better feeling in the world!" adds Mulock.

    PHEAR features Patrick Mulock (Lead Vocals) (Eidolon, Rampage), Pat Rogers (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Profaner- 2016 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions), Alex Zubair (Lead & Rhythm Guitars) (Burn to Black, Nadar Sadek, Iomair, Nephelium), Andrew Suarez (Drums) (Fatality, The Slyde - 2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions) and Chris Boshis (Bass) (Conflicted).

    Throughout their existence, PHEAR has had the honour of opening for German metal legend UDO DIRSCHNEIFER, THE DEAD DAISIES, and STRYPER, along with performing on a pre-show for icons and heroes IRON MAIDEN in 2019 in Toronto at Budweiser Stage.

    Recommended for fans of Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Judas Priest, Dream Theater (prog elements), and Metallica, PHEAR's sophomore album "Save Our Souls" is available from Golden Robot Records at the following link (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon) - https://orcd.co/save-our-souls

    Track Listing
    1. Aftershock (5:11)
    2. Save Our Souls (6:39)
    3. Snake (5:26)
    4. Narcosynthesis* (5:29) (*Nevermore Cover)
    5. New World Error (5:11)
    6. Lease on Life (7:02)
    7. Bleed (7:57)
    8. On Thin Ice (8:20)
    9. Delusions (Live) 6:45)
    Album Length: 58:03

    Album Credits:
    All songs performed by: Phear
    All songs written by: Phear
    *excluding “Narcosynthesis” Written by Nevermore
    Produced by: Jon Howard and Phear
    Mixed by: Jon Howard and Phear
    Mastered by: Jon Howard (Woodward Avenue Studios)
    Album Artwork for “Save Our Souls”: Drake Mefestta

    Recording Band Line Up:
    Patrick Mulock - Lead Vocals
    Chris Boshis - Bass Guitars, Backing Vocals
    Alex Zubair - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
    Pat Rogers - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
    Mike Harshaw - Drums

    Live Band Line Up
    Patrick Mulock - Lead Vocals
    Chris Boshis - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
    Alex Zubair - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
    Pat Rogers - Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar
    Andrew Suarez - Drums

    More info:
    https://phearofficial.com
    https://www.facebook.com/phearband
    https://www.instagram.com/spreadthephear

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