Search Results: progressive

• 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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• 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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• 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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• CHAIN CODE's Spacey, Progressive Debut Album “Synthetic Outcomes”

  Oct 1, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Chain Code, the progressive rock project from Milwaukee, USA, is now officially reeling their debut album, “Synthetic Outcomes”, which will hurtle listeners through time and space as they go on a sonic journey through a dystopian future where technology has overtaken humanity, blending complex melodies, dissonant chords, and thought-provoking lyrics into a cohesive and immersive experience. Mastermind MuRphry shares his thoughts on the album:

  “I am pleased to finally unleash this labor of love. I started this project in 2022 and manically wrote two albums, fixated on creating paranoid yet beautiful progressive rock to express my enjoyment of dystopian science fiction that sees humanity losing its very essence to machines. The initial point musically was to have Adrian Belew join Voivod in my bizarro musical mind. I encourage any weirdo to put on a set of headphones and take a trip to our future with the chaotic elegance that is Chain Code!”

  Each track on the concept album offers a unique perspective on the overarching theme of the consequences of humanity’s overreliance on technology. From the frantic energy of the opening track “Human(kind of)” to the haunting beauty of “In Line” Chain Code masterfully balances chaos and harmony, creating a sound that is both challenging and rewarding.

  “Synthetic Outcomes” invites listeners to immerse themselves in a world where technology has the upper hand, but the future is still uncertain. It is recommended for fans of progressive rock, sci-fi themes, King Crimson, and Talking Heads.

  Listen to “Synthetic Outcomes” at the following links:

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4enVncZ​

  Bandcamp - https://chaincode.bandcamp.com/album/synthetic-outcomes​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Human(kind of) (8:12)
  2. A New Face (4:42)
  3. They’re NOT Mad Scientists (4:16)
  4. Unlearn (6:18)
  5. My Buddy (3:54)
  6. Inadequate (4:27)
  7. Junk Piles and Their Lonely Owners (5:16)
  8. Reaching Out (7:02)
  9. In Line (8:00)

  More info: Facebook.com/ChainCodeBand

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• NIGHTWRAITH Unleases Progressive MeloDeath Epic Album “Divergence”

  Sep 13, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  NightWraith, the progressive melodic death metal band from Denver, USA presents their latest and new offering "Divergence". An album featuring eight original tracks and a cover version of Pink Floyd's "Us and Them", the full-length has a lot of depth to it and is not a traditional metal record.

  Vocalist guitarist Benjamin Explains further:

  "We hope people can appreciate the risks we took on this record. We wanted to really kick it up a notch for anyone who already knows our music since they might be expecting that from us. We also don’t want to turn off any potential new listeners, so it was kind of a fine line between what current fans expect from us, and what brand-new listeners are willing to keep an open mind for. There’s really something for everyone on this album, whether it's 80’s style guitar riffs, blast beats, electric piano, or guttural vocals."

  "Divergence" takes listeners on a sonic journey. There are many layers to it and the band's idea was for people to hear something new with each listen. The album is intended to lift you up with major melodies, evoke emotion with harmonic minors, and harken overall feelings of nostalgia and hope. ‘Divergence’ often utilizes classic songwriting structures (verse/chorus/bridge/lead). Each instrument is not overly complicated, but when layered on top of each other, the music has a lot of depth. The drums are fast with lots of big rock fills and the choice to use fast double bass and blast beats was meant to give the album a driving, more ‘classic’ metal sound. The keyboards/synthesizer tones are the icing on the cake and are what truly color the album in a nostalgic-sounding way. The melodies that were written to lay on top of the guitars are what give the songs the musical complexity that can be rare within the heavy metal genre. There are also a lot of solos on this album, but none of them are overly ‘shreddy’ and are meant to serve the song, not the player.

  The band also stepped up the production on this album by recruiting some talented guest musicians to contribute and added extra rhythmic layers using acoustic guitar and percussive instruments like cowbells and shakers. Then stepped up the production again by involving producer Zack Ohren (Machine Head, Immolation) to mix and master the record, which gave it a top-shelf-sounding production quality.

  Due out on September 13, 2024, from What’s Left Records, “Divergence” is available for album pre-order at https://nightwraith.bandcamp.com/​

  Vinyl pre-order - https://whatsleftrecords.bigcartel.com/product/nightwraith-divergence-lp-clear-red-vinyl ​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Fruitless (5:15)
  2. Perpetual Night (5:13) ft. guest Cole Rudy - Pedal Steel Guitar
  3. One Flower (5:14) ft. guest Andreas Wild - Baritone Saxophone
  4. Whispers of Dragonflies (5:27) ft. guest Kelly Schilling - Concert Flute
  5. Invocation (2:19) ft. guest Joey Truscelli - Guitar Solo
  6. Fallen Kings and Queens (4:20) ft. guests Dan Phelps & Chuck French - Backup Vocals
  7. Nothing Left to Lose (3:24)
  8. Divergence (5:20) ft. guests Jeremy Portz & Xander Galvin-Soto - Auxiliary Percussion
  9. Us and Them (bonus Pink Floyd cover) (5:18)
  Album Length: 42:08

  More info: Nightwraithband.com | Facebook.com/nightwraithband | Instagram.com/nightwraithband | Twitter.com/nightwraithband

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