Search Results: progressive

• 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

  Read more

• 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

  Read more

• 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

  Read more

• FEN Returns With New Album “Dear Mouse”

  Sep 12, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  After a twelve-year hiatus, progressive rock band FEN is set to release their sixth studio album, “Dear Mouse”, on September 12, 2024. Emerging from the mountain shadows of Nelson, Canada in 1998, FEN has consistently impressed critics and fans alike with their unique blend of technical proficiency and purposeful songwriting. The band comments:

  “‘Dear Mouse’ is less a comeback album than a tying up of loose ends. The ten songs were all started in 2014 or earlier. They sat as fragments for a long time, but as life pulled the band apart, we couldn’t ignore these unfinished gems—or so we thought of them. We chipped away at them on and off. They dragged us along almost painfully at times. For the final three years, we pushed as hard as our lives would allow. Ultimately, Dear Mouse was a test of our perseverance and of getting out what needed to be said. We can rest now. And we will. We hope you find something in the music to appreciate.”

  “Dear Mouse” marks a significant milestone for the band, breaking their decade-long silence. The album stands at a crossroads of genres, incorporating elements from throughout FEN's discography. Fans can expect a diverse listening experience, with tracks ranging from the multi-movement composition “Seam of the Heart”, which echoes the eerie concept of their earlier work “Heron Leg”, to the infectiously melodic “Ritual Lite”, competing for the title of poppiest tune in their repertoire.

  The album's guitar work is a particular highlight, seamlessly transitioning from jagged riffs to ethereal textures, offering a comprehensive summary of the band's decades-long refinement of their craft. Lyrically, many of the songs on "Dear Mouse" explore themes of endings, touching on subjects such as the conclusion of long-term relationships, employment, and even one's physical home. Despite these potentially heavy themes, the band aims to provide an overall uplifting and energetic listening experience, with a couple of slower tracks for balance. It is recommended for fans of Tool, Porcupine Tree, and Opeth.

  Album Order - https://fencanada.bandcamp.com/album/dear-mouse​

  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Ritual Lite - 4:28
  2. Recall - 4:29
  3. Season to Live - 4:57
  4. The Password is I Believe - 2:48
  5. Dying on a Hill (of Cubicle, Window, Steel, and Concrete) - 4:19
  6. The Seam of the Heart - 6:52
  7. Our Latest Quarry - 3:56
  8. E.D.B.D. - 2:37
  9. Dear Mouse - 4:56
  10. Into the Blaze - 5:18
  Album Length: 44:40

  Album Credits:​
  Produced by Fen
  Sheldon Zaharko of Zed Productions: tracked drums and bass, and mixed all songs
  Album mastered by Andy Vandette at Evolve Mastering
  All songs written by Fen
  Oil paintings by Jason Froese
  Band:
  Randall Stoll: drums
  Jeff Caron: bass on tracks 1-9
  Sam Levin: guitar, piano, programming, bass on track 10
  Doug Harrison: vocals, lyrics

  More Info: https://www.facebook.com/fenmusic

  Read more

• 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

  Read more