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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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• ROD RODRIGUES Shares 7 String Fusion w/ Video "Inukshuk" ft. John Macaluso (Drums) and Angel Vivaldi (Guitar); New Album "Tales Of A Changing Life Part 2" Out Now!

  Nov 19, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Brazilian-Canadian guitarist, music teacher, and songwriter with an impressive career in the music industry, Rod Rodrigues presented his latest creation and his first full-length this past October. Entitled "Tales Of A Changing Life Part 2", is a conceptual album, and is the second part of a story inspired by his move to a new country and starting a new life to follow his 2022 EP "Tales Of A Changing Life Part 1".

  Today, Rodrigues unveils his guitar video for the track "Inukshuk", which features guest musicians John Macaluso on drums and Angel Vivaldi, who plays the second guitar solo.

  "This was the first song I wrote for the album, and it’s the heaviest track. I play it on a 7-string guitar, giving it a modern prog feel with some fusion elements," adds Rodrigues.

  ​Fusing prog rock with Latin rhythms guitar virtuoso Rod Rodrigues has studied with renowned musicians Kiko Loureiro (Megadeth) and Greg Howe (Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson) and has received degrees from IG&T and Claretiano University. Since 1997, he has been sharing his knowledge and skills as a music teacher in Brazil, Canada, and Europe. His e-book Guitar Shred (2016) was released in both languages, Portuguese and English, and in 2018, the guitarist and teacher launched his online training course Extreme Guitar Workout, which has attracted hundreds of students from around the world. Over the years, he has also been a member of various bands, including Enemies of Reality and Falling Into a Dream (a Dream Theater tribute band).

  As a solo artist, Rodrigues released his first EP in 2010, titled “The First Step: Introduction”, which gained recognition in several music publications, including Guitar Player, Cover Guitarra, and Guitarload, among others. In 2019, he released his single “T.A.G.” followed by his concept EP, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” in 2022. Notably, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” featured the talented Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, Premiata Forneria Marconi) on the track “Woodbine Sunset”.

  Thanks to his outstanding work on “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1”, Rodrigues was voted one of the top 20 Guitar Players of 2022 by the readers of Brazilian Roadie Crew Magazine.

  Rod Rodrigues produced his first full-length, "Tales of a Changing Life Part 2", with mixing by Renato Osório and mastering by Kris Crummett (Nick Johnston, Issues, Sleeping With Sirens). For the album's guests, Rodrigues recruited guitarists Hugo Mariutti, Angel Vivaldi, and Roy Ziv; bassists Heitor Tenorio and Bruno Ladislau; drummers John Macaluso (ARK, TNT, Yngwie Malmsteen, Riot), Rodrigo Abelha, and Lucas Emidio; as well as Orlan Charles (keyboards, piano, and saxophone), Rodrigo Sperandio (Brazilian viola), and vocalists Wesley Poison, Ana Carla de Carli, Andressa Alves, Caroline Grossi, Matheus Grossi, and Francis Botene.

  "With Tales of a Changing Life Part 2, I believe I reached my peak as a musician and composer. Truly able to convey through music all the emotions of the transformation my life has gone through in the past 10 years. Moreover, I was fortunate to have the best team of musicians, each adding their unique and special touch to the work.” adds Rodrigues.

  Recommended for fans of Dream Theater, Rush, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Angra, "Tales of a Changing Life Part 2" was released on October 18, 2024, and is available at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CwoigV

  Bandcamp (CD + Digital) - https://rodrodrigues.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-a-changing-life-part-2

  Track Listing:​
  1 – Inukshuk – Feat. Angel Vivaldi and John Macaluso (6:31)
  2 – On The Road (5:24)
  3 – East Coast Memories – Feat. Roy Ziv (6:24)
  4 – Dust In My Eyes (6:01)
  5 – Saudade – Feat.Wesley Poison (1:41)
  6 – Mom’s Lullaby (5:40)
  7 – Tales Of A Changing Life Suite – Feat. Hugo Mariutti (11:32)
  Total Time: 42:02

  More info: Rodrodrigues.net | Facebook.com/rodrodriguesofficial | Instagram.com/rodrodriguesofficial

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• SHORES OF NULL Teams Up w/ THUNDERFLIX To Debut Full Live Video of HELLFEST 2024 Performance; New Album "The Loss of Beauty" Out Now!

  Nov 15, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Touring Europe this past summer in support of their latest and fourth record “The Loss of Beauty” (Spikerot Records), Italian melodic death-doom force Shores of Null performed at this year's Hellfest Open Air (Temple Stage) in Clisson, France.

  Delivering a powerful performance that encapsulates their signature blend of heavy, melodic gothic doom. This live set showcases tracks from their rich discography, including highlights from their latest album. As they perform under the iconic lights of Hellfest, the band’s dynamic soundscapes and emotional depth resonate through the crowd, creating an immersive experience for all in attendance. This performance at one of Europe’s premier metal festivals marks a significant moment for Shores Of Null, further solidifying their place in the metal genre.

  Capturing that full set on live video, Shores of Null is ready to unveil it for fans by teaming up with ThunderFlix, the world's premier on-demand video streaming service dedicated exclusively to heavy metal music.

  Vocalist Davide Straccione adds:

  “Hellfest was the culmination of an intense promotional cycle during which we had the privilege of taking 'The Loss Of Beauty' far and wide. Stepping onto that stage was an incredibly powerful experience, rewarding us for years of relentless hard work, dedication, and a deep love for what we do. We felt the energy of the crowd resonating with us, and in that moment, it truly felt like we were exactly where we were meant to be. On a personal level, it was a dream come true, and I believe I can speak for the entire band when I say it was the highlight of our career so far.”

  Watch Shores of Null's Hellfest 2024 performance in its entirety via its premiere on ThunderFlix HERE.

  Watch a live clip of their track "A New Death Is Born"

  ​

  Hellfest 2024 Setlist:​
  intro: Transitory
  1. Destination Woe
  2. The Last Flower
  3. Ruins Alive
  4. Quiescent
  5. Darkness Won’t Take Me
  6. Nothing Left To Burn
  7. My Darkest Years
  8. A New Death Is Born
  outro: Blazing Sunlight
  ​
  Live Video Credits:
  Live Sound Tech: Nikos Giagkoudakis
  Video Recording: Sombrero & Co

  

  "The Loss of Beauty" is Shores Of Null’s fourth album and follows the acclaimed “Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)”, unanimously considered by fans and critics as one of the Doom Metal gems of recent years. Both albums were recorded between 2019 and early 2020, and although "The Loss of Beauty" was initially conceived as the band’s third album, ‘Beyond The Shores’ took its place as it better reflected the doom and gloom sentiment of the 'annus horribilis' 2020.

  Across 11 tracks (plus two bonus tracks), Shores Of Null once again submerges listeners with tempestuous and turbulent riffs. The band continues to hone its sound and take its melancholic dark metal to new heights by mastering an assorted palette of genres with inbred poignancy. The lyrics celebrate beauty in imperfection and transience and are meant to be an invitation to seek beauty in little things, especially those unexpected and ephemeral.

  "Those who follow Shores Of Null from the very beginning know that our influences touch many genres, and I think those who loved ‘Quiescence’ and ‘Black Drapes For Tomorrow’ won’t be disappointed. I consider ‘The Loss Of Beauty’ to be the natural evolution of those records, while ‘Beyond The Shores (On Death And Dying)’ represents a slight detour from the main road, a quite successful experiment in which we gave vent to our most dark and dramatic side, focusing exclusively on gothic/death/doom metal, almost funereal at times. Those who have known us with ‘Beyond The Shores’ might find ‘The Loss Of Beauty’ a bit different, faster in tempos but still very gloomy and melancholic, so I’m pretty confident the album will be well received by fans in general." adds vocalist Davide Straccione.

  Dark and heavy, tinged with feelings of despair, “The Loss Of Beauty” was released on March 24th, 2023, and recommended for fans of Swallow The Sun, Borknagar, and Paradise Lost.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3ZckbMW​

  Album order (Digital, CD, Vinyl) - https://linktr.ee/thelossofbeauty

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Transitory - 1:20
  2. Destination Woe - 4:52
  3. The Last Flower - 4:59
  4. Darkness Won't Take Me - 4:14
  5. Nothing Left To Burn - 4:55
  6. Old Scars - 4:23
  7. The First Son - 2:17
  8. A Nature In Disguise - 6:26
  9. My Darkest Years - 4:56
  10. Fading As One - 5:19
  11. A New Death Is Born - 4:54
  Album Length: 48:40
  Bonus Tracks (CD and digital only)
  12. Underwater Oddity - 4:18
  13. Blazing Sunlight - 1:57

  Shores Of Null is:
  Davide Straccione - Vocals
  Gabriele Giaccari - Guitars
  Raffaele Colace - Guitars
  Matteo Capozucca - Bass
  Emiliano Cantiano - Drums

  For more info: Spikerot.com | Shoresofnull.com
  
  

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• TZIMANI's New Album "I Feel Fine" via Glory or Death Records (Vinyl) & Noize Cartel (Digital)

  Nov 15, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Breaking out with their self-titled debut EP in 2018, San Diego, USA’s Eddie and Seb Vazquez brother duo that makes Tzimani are excited to unveil their first full-length album entitled "I Feel Fine", now available as of November 15th on Glory or Death Records (Vinyl) and Noize Cartel (Digital).

  "This album has been a trial of our toughest mental and emotional challenges to not only complete but to release into the ether as it took us over two years to complete from the time we first recorded drums back in August 2022 to when we finally had masters in hand in June of 2024. In a lot of ways, this album represents an emotional rebirth of the band with efforts to take on the world in the metal scene after a protracted period of relative inactivity dating back to mid-2019 after we wrapped up our touring to promote the 2018 EP."

  We plan on rebuilding the momentum that was lost during the pandemic years and hitting the ground with a renewed vigor and sense of excitement to bring our live performance to places we have not been to and recapture the support of all the fans we left hanging over the last five years to let them know that we are back! We are ready to reclaim the title as the fearless gruesome twosome in the music sphere and we could not be more thrilled to be working with Buddy and Ygor and the Glory or Death Records label and having them allow us to try to transcend our music and reach the broadest audience." adds Sebastien Vazquez.

  Picking up right where the 2018 EP dropped off, Tzimani's album "I Feel Fine" features the same elements of catchy hooks, clean rhythms, and dynamic vocal lines. However, there are bits of deviation when it comes to injecting new elements. Fans will hear an added synthesizer for some of the tracks, an exploration into AOR rock, and some expressions of today's modern music scene for this collection of eight songs of their finest hour adds.

  Sebastien Vazquez explains further:

  "You know those albums that you listen to over and over again and you just know when the first song hits your sense of familiarity, nostalgia, warmth, and comfort? That is what we are trying to encapsulate. The album is straightforward heavy metal mixed with modern elements with a dash of AOR and we feel it is the best representation to show everyone what we are capable of. We are also trying to represent the future of the band and give everyone an entry into some of the larger questions that we struggle with and how we choose to represent that with our songwriting. We are not the type of band that is capable of singing about stories, dragons, and swords, but we excel at writing tunes that people can genuinely relate to and connect with."

  Tzimani is recommended for fans of Van Halen, Haunt, Striker, Traveler, Skull Fist, and Cauldron.

  Tzimani's new album "I Feel Fine" is now available as of Nov 15th, 2024 on Vinyl and digitally at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/40NvoHW

  Digital - http://tzimani.bandcamp.com/

  Vinyl - https://www.gloryordeathrecords.com/shop/p/tzmani-i-feel-fine-pre-order-​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. We Stand and Fight (4:30)
  2. Breaker (3:28)
  3. Hold On (4:31)
  4. Haunting (3:59)
  5. Endless Road (5:24)
  6. Bleeding Life (3:29)
  7. Empty (3:27)
  8. I Feel Fine (4:56)
  Album Length: 33:45

  More info: https://www.facebook.com/tzimaniofficial | https://www.instagram.com/tzimani_official

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• TROLLWAR’s Symphonic Melo-Death EP “Tales from the Frozen Wastes” ft. Guests From Kalmah, Atavistia

  Nov 15, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  The wait is over! Quebec symphonic melodic death masters Trollwar are proud to present their highly anticipated EP “Tales from the Frozen Wastes”, out now on November 15, 2024.

   https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/trollwar/tales-from-the-frozen-wastes

  “Tales from the Frozen Wastes” marks a significant evolution in Trollwar's sound, showcasing a perfect blend of their brutal roots with refined symphonic orchestrations and progressive elements. The EP takes listeners on a journey through a dark dimension, exploring themes of fallen deities, the realm of the dead, and the consequences of mortal ambition. The band comments on the changes that can be found on the record:

  “I think our EP could be described as a renewal. A renewal of our music and a new maturity for our music. I do think that you can hear it through our songs in this release. The ‘Unseen One’ and ‘In the Fields of Frost’ are both great songs that we wrote a couple of years ago, while ‘Bane of the Underworld’ and ‘The Offering’ are pretty much the new Trollwar that you should expect going forward. These two songs show a clear upgrade of how we write our music.”

  This release represents the culmination of years of hard work and musical growth Trollwar has dedicated to their sound. They've pushed themselves to create something that's not just heavy and melodic, but also tells a compelling story through both music and lyrics.

  To celebrate the premiere, Trollwar will be hosting a live Q&A session on their official YouTube channel on the release date (Nov 15th). The band will discuss the creation of the EP, share behind-the-scenes stories, and answer fan questions. They are recommended listening for fans of Equilibrium, Wintersun, and Ensiferum.​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Prologue (2:00)
  2. The Unseen One (7:05) ft. Keyboard Solo by Veli-Matti Kananen (Kalmah)
  3. Bane of the Underworld (5:26)
  4. In The Fields of Frost (4:05)
  5. The Offering (5:46) ft. Clean Vocal / Choir by Mattias Sippola (Atavistia)
  EP Length: 24:24

  More info:

  ​Trollwar.wixsite.com/trollwar | Facebook.com/Trollwar | x.com/trollwarqc | Instagram.com/trollwarmetal/​

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