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• Magic The Gathering Inspired PLANESWALKER (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) Returns With New Video For Single “Compleated”

  Jul 26, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  L-R - Jason Ashcraft - Guitar, Sozos Michael - Vocals

  Magic the Gathering-inspired Power Metal band Planeswalker (ft. members of Helion Prime, Gloryhammer) have returned with their newest single “Compleated”. This single tells the story of the Father of Machines - Yawgmoth and about his departure from the Thran empire and becoming the ruler of Phyrexia, as well as his experiments with flesh and machine.

  Musically we see a darker turn to naturally fit the theme of the song. Complex riffs and soaring vocals are nothing new with Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) and Sozos Michael (Gloryhammer). The pair is joined by Carlos Alvarez (ex-Power Theory, Behölder, Shadowdance) on bass and Stefanos Meletiou (The Zilla Project, Private Garden) on drums this time around and the two helped bring the big bombastic sound to this song.

  Jason Ashcraft comments:

  "I’m stoked to get some new Planeswalker material out into the world. This stand-alone single serves as a slight hint of what’s to come. We are working on a second album but have no immediate details on it just yet, but we hope this little slice can hold people over. I was also excited to contribute to writing this time around and I think this is a could example of what can be expected to come when Sozos and I riff together!"

  Sozos Michael adds:

  "Planeswalker is back! We took our time with this one but I'm excited to share our new song with everyone. This one is about one of MTG's big baddies, and I feel that both Jason and I had a strong and unified vision of what this song should sound like given the subject matter. It is a stepping stone to our next album and connected to its story in a way that will be revealed in time. Please enjoy this release while we are hard at work on PW2!"

  ​Spotify - https://sptfy.com/RdqP

  Planeswalker is:
  Sozos Michael (Gloryhammer) - Vocals
  Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) Guitars
  Guest Musicians:
  Carlos Alvarez (Shadowdance) - Bass
  Daniel Carpenter (Celestiv) - Keys & Orchestra Arrangements
  Stefanos Meletiou - Drums
  ​
  ​Single Credits:​
  Mixed & Mastered by Ronnie Bjornstrom
  Additional Engineering by Carlos Alvarez
  Single cover art by Bo Bradshaw
  Jason’s promo photo by Allgood Media Productions

  For more info:
  ​Facebook.com/planeswalkermetal​
  ​Instagram.com/planeswalkermetal

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• HARPAZO Shares Dynamic Lyric Video "Ichor" For Futuristic Rock Opera Album “The Crucible”

  Jun 28, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of "The Crucible", the debut album from HARPAZO, the super-group formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon). This progressive metal rock opera is a thrilling journey through a dystopian future, merging elements of progressive and power metal with symphonic and Celtic influences.

  HARPAZO's unique sound is driven by its all-star lineup featuring legendary musicians from the progressive and Christian metal scenes. Alongside Marc Centanni and Gary Wehrkamp, the album includes performances by: DC Cooper (Royal Hunt), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord), Les Carlsen (Bloodgood), Rey Parra (Deny the Fallen, Sacred Warrior), Christian Liljegren (Narnia), Michael Drive Lee (Barren Cross, Worldview), Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost, Flaming Row), Lee Lemperle (Outside the Wall), Bruno Sa (Operation Mindcrime), Enzo Donnarumma (Enzo and the Glory Ensemble), and Jennifer Eckhart (Jennifer K Eckhart & Stained Glass Road).

  With intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, "The Crucible" invites listeners into a complex world of intrigue and suspense. The album promises a deeply immersive experience that rewards close listening, revealing subtle details and atmospheric layers with each spin.

  “What we have here is a big juicy concept album for fans of prog to sink their teeth in deep. An album like this could only be captured in the elements of prog-rock / prog-metal world where there are no limits. Who better to orchestrate this madness than prog-metal legends Gary Wehrkamp of Shadow Gallery, DC Cooper of Royal Hunt, and Mark Zonder of Fates Warning? Gary, Mark, DC, and I have gathered some of the most passionate and finest musicians we've worked with to help create what we hope will be a rock opera masterpiece. Each one of the musicians has seamlessly weaved their style into the music and poured their soul into their performances. I am very proud of this album and I truly believe we've got something you can't afford to miss out on!” says Marc Centanni.

  For the album's release day, the band is sharing their latest lyric video for the single “Ichor” featuring DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) on vocals.

  "'Ichor' stands out to us as one of the best examples of Harpazo's dynamic music and storytelling. Boasting soaring operatic vocals, DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) shares mic duties with Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery), while prog-rock legend drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord/Fates Warning) lays down his signature inspiring and creative beats. The song incorporates dramatic dystopian symphonic orchestration and merges it with potent melodic guitars. The chorus features a large and expansive vocal melody that we believe will immediately capture your attention and stay stuck in your head for days. The narrative of "Ichor" commences with a gripping intro of our anti-hero protagonist, Michael Lightborne, being turned into a cybernetically augmented assassin for Solomon Industries. His job is to influence politicians, eliminate world leaders, and help Jude Solomon establish his new world order using the life-changing serum known as “Ichor”. This mood-setting track on “The Crucible” is the first song on our album and we know you’ll be hooked and want to hear more from our metal opera. We are so excited for you to hear it!" adds Marc Centanni.

   

  the album "The Crucible" is now available as of June 28th, 2024 for digital streaming/download worldwide!

  ​https://lnk.to/DQbZKb3s​

  CD - Europe - https://bit.ly/HarpazoCD​
  CD - North America (Available July 5th) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3FK468B/

  For more info:​
  ​Rockshots.eu | https://harpazomusic.com | https://www.facebook.com/Harpazomusic | https://www.instagram.com/harpazo_music

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• Proggers SHUMAUN Unveils Their Fourth Album “Opposing Mirrors” Featuring An All-Star Lineup of Drummers - Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert), Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation)

  Jun 28, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  (L to R) – Tyler Kim: Guitar, Farhad Hossain: Vocals, Guitar, Keys, Jose Mora: Bass

  Progressive rock band Shumaun, from Virginia, USA is thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated introspective fourth album “Opposing Mirrors”. This new album is chock full of the band's signature blend of melodic, progressive, and accessible rock driven by Farhad Hossain. Featuring a stellar lineup of drummers, including Thomas Lang, Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation), and Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats), the album is set to be a landmark release in Shumaun's career. Hossain comments on the album:

  “The album is intended to be listened to sequentially, although there are standout singles dispersed throughout. There’s a natural flow between the songs, and the lyrics contribute to a conceptual feel. In essence, the album is kind of conceptual, and the title, “Opposing Mirrors” encapsulates this theme perfectly. Whether it’s reflecting on a loved one, an adversary, or individuals grappling to connect, the album delves into the challenges of understanding “the other” by means of self-reflection and awareness and viewing them as a mirror for oneself, fostering compassion and empathy in the process.”

  Hossain continues to explain that this album is a little more explorative than their previous one. It retains their signature progressive elements but with a stronger focus on guitars with the layered vocals remaining intact. Mixed and mastered by Brett Caldas-Lima at Tower Studio in France, the album delivers a polished yet dynamic sound that is sure to resonate with fans old and new.

  “Opposing Mirrors” is best experienced as a cohesive journey, with each track contributing to a thematic coherence that invites listeners to delve deeper into its rich tapestry of sound. The lyrics for this album were inspired directly by life events and the prevailing state of the world. It is recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Fates Warning, and Dream Theater.

  “Opposing Mirrors” is due out on June 28, 2024, and available for pre-order at https://shumaun.bandcamp.com​

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3V9G00C​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. The Perils of Amnesia (8:06)
  2. Balance (6:00)
  3. Opposing Mirrors (4:26)
  4. Anxiety and Daydreams (6:00)
  5. That Which Turns (4:54)
  6. Beyond Reflection (6:28)
  7. Some Memories 4:10)
  8. Porcelain Trees (9:26)
  ​
  Album Band Lineup
  Farhad Hossain — Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
  Jose Mora — Bass
  Tyler Kim — Guitars
  Drums:
  Thomas Lang (Tracks 1, 3, 8)
  Marco Minnemann (Tracks 4, 7)
  Leo Margarit (Tracks 5, 6)
  Farhad Hossain (Track 2)
  ​

  More info: Shumaun.com | Facebook.com/shumaun | Instagram.com/shumaunofficial

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• Get Lost In The Melody With DREAM HEAVY's “Song In The Dark” Off Upcoming EP + BC Festival Dates

  Jun 18, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Coming from the frozen North is Canada’s Dream Heavy, a melodic and enchanting world folk metal group that weaves together ethereal vocals, rich harmonies, intricate guitar and violin melodies, and a diverse rhythm section that keeps audiences enraptured from start to finish. As the band is hitting the road for music festivals across British Columbia this summer (listed below), they are announcing their latest single “Song In The Dark”, which comes off their yet-to-be-titled upcoming EP. “Song in the Dark” is a melodic/progressive metal journey with a primitive tribal feel. The song is the story of our species’ evolution from our earliest awareness of the self and our awe at the universe around us to the brilliant, violent, destructive, and arrogant beings we have become. The band comments on the track:

  “Song in the Dark is the newest tune on the EP. This song was truly a band effort with both David and Liam contributing ideas to the arrangement of riffs and melodies. Our Producer/Engineer Jane Aurora at Arrival Sounds was also hugely instrumental in influencing the overall “tone” and feel of the song. With the addition of Mary Ancheta’s phenomenal synthesized strings soundscapes and wicked licks, the song truly came to life!”

  Dream Heavy comes from the ashes of beloved bands like Mamaguroove and Samson's Delilah and credits their unique sound to a plethora of influences from metal, Latin, Celtic, and other world music traditions. Their music, characterized by its intensity and thought-provoking lyrics, has captivated audiences across Canada and beyond, earning them a place on campus radio Top 10 lists.

  Reflecting on the band's long journey, they share that Dream Heavy's sound has evolved from each member’s collective passion for sound, movement, and justice. With this new EP, they aim to create a sonic and lyrical soundscape that demands to be heard in its entirety—a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. “Song In The Dark” is recommended for fans of boundary-pushing music in the veins of Porcupine Tree, Kalandra, and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

  Listen to “Song In The Dark” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/dreamheavy/song-in-the-dark

  ​

  Show Dates:​
  July 5-6 - Midsummers Music Festival - Smithers, BC
  July 12-13 - Arts on the Fly Festival - Horsefly, BC
  July 18 - Billy Barker Days - Quesnel, BC
  July 19-20 - Discovery Coast Music Festival - Bella Coola, BC
  July 26 -28 - Kispiox Valley Music Festival - Kispiox Valley, BC
  August 16-18 - Robson Valley Music Festival - Dunster, BC
  November 1-2 - Woodstove Music Festival - Cumberland, BC

  More info: Dreamheavy.ca | Facebook.com/dreamheavyproject | Instagram.com/dreamheavyproject

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• Halifax's TURBO Are Back With New Video “Down In Mexico” From Upcoming NWOTHM Album “Broke And Ugly” Out July 2024

  Jun 12, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  Turbo, Halifax, Canada’s unrelenting force of Nitro-Rock, is back and more ferocious than ever with the announcement of their highly anticipated second album “Broke and Ugly” set to be released on July 12, 2024. The album's first single and music video “Down In Mexico” delivers a taste of the raw energy and visceral sound that Turbo fans have come to crave. The band comments on the single:

  “Our bassist Henry wrote the main riff of this song, and it punched us in the gut so hard that we don’t deviate too far from it at any point through this song. It’s a real thresh, start to finish. We wrote it right before leaving for our tour through Mexico in the hopes that we could play the Mexican fans a ditty written JUST for them. Their response was unreal, show after show. We’re proud to have this one closing out the album with an absolute bang!”

  Turbo's journey is as gritty as their sound. The band members, Evan Frizzle (vocals/guitar), Sylvain Coderre (drums), Lindsey Dicks (guitar), and Henry MacDonald (bass)—formed with the mission to create something that grabs life by the cojones and gives it a good shake.

  “Broke and Ugly” takes Turbo's signature sound to the next level, refining the aggressive, eclectic style that fans first heard on their 2020 debut “Fast as Fvck”. This new album is faster, louder, and rawer, embodying the full-speed-ahead attitude that defines Turbo. It is recommended for fans of Wasp, Motorhead, and Kill Cheerleader.

  Spotify - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/turbo5/down-in-mexcio-pre-release​

  Due out on July 12th, 2024, album pre-order for “Broke and Ugly” is available at https://turboasfvck.bandcamp.com/merch​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Ruthless Forever
  2. Ignite the Night
  3. No Savior
  4. Scorpio Garbage Fire
  5. PissJugs and Rattlesnakes
  6. Nothing to Nowhere
  7. Broke & Ugly
  8. Down in Mexico
  Total Length: 29:12

  For more info:
  ​Facebook.com/TURBOFAF​
  ​Instagram.com/turboasfvck

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