L-R - Curtis Blair - Drums, Chris Chapman - Bass, Shane Hawco - Vocals, Ben Harbak - Guitar
Photo Credit by Dana Zuk
Culled, the politically-charged, sludge-encrusted grind band hailing from Edmonton, Canada, is proud to announce the release of their newest single “Halo of Flies”, which is the first look at their upcoming EP “Psycles” coming out on July 26th on Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. The record has been long-awaited since the release of their debut, 2018’s “Thin the Herd, Fail to Learn”. The band comments on the single:
“We wanted to bring a direct intensity and ferocity for our lead single to show just how different this release will be from our debut. Directly addressing the harms and trauma caused by the patriarchy and our collective roles in it. It goes beyond the history of harm, and oppression of 50% of our society but also addresses the manipulation to propagate the myth that a majority of our society needs to be subservient to our masters who have been gifted privilege by simply being born in the right color, shape and righteous area of the world.”
The lead track is another quick and intense battering. It showcases how formidable Culled is, in their present state with a lineup change including Chris Chapman on bass and Curtis Blair on drums. With a blend of slow crushing sludge and blistering speed and chaos of grindcore “Halo of Flies” delivers a powerful message urging empathy over apathy in today's unpredictable political and ethical climate. It is recommended for fans of Napalm Death, Nasum, and Pig Destroyer.
Hard-hitting progressive metal band, The Aphelion, from Ottawa, Canada proudly announces the release of their upcoming album “Nascence” coming out on August 9th, 2024, and have two music videos already out for the debut singles “Deserter” and “Flight”. The album is one half a pair, an enrapturing concept album that tells the story of a man’s descent into madness and his own mind in response to the mundanity and repetitiveness of the world around him. They dive into the singles:
“‘Deserter’ was the obvious choice for a lead single; it’s a great cross-section of what the rest of the album has in store and a barnstormer of a tune from the first second to the last. The live reception to this song has always been big so we tried to capture that energy on the record. ‘Flight’ is by far the heaviest piece of music we’ve ever released, and one of our favourite live songs as well.”
The album finale “Deserter” is a culmination of all of the sounds across this album, and features indulgent non-linear songwriting tied together with catchy choruses. The song pushes each member to their limit at one point or another across its runtime and features complex polymeters and incredibly fast passages. “Flight” is by far the heaviest song on the album, an homage to thrash metal and prog death giants such as Gojira. It moves at a near break-neck pace across its nearly seven-minute track time across blistering solos, thrashy riffs, and pummeling breakdowns.
Since their formation in 2015, The Aphelion has built a reputation for their innovative sound, dramatic flair, and emotional depth. Their music is complex, with unexpected shifts in genre to create contrast and bring levity. The singles are available on YouTube and recommended for fans of Haken, Leprous, and Opeth.
With breakneck thrash fury comes Canada’s Supermodel Taxidermy and their second EP “At What Cost”, releasing today (May 31st) on physical CD to follow its digital release on April 26th via Punishment 18 Records. With a track record of turning heads and pushing boundaries, they promise to deliver an electrifying blend of intense riffs, powerful vocals, and unbridled energy that will leave listeners craving for more. The band comments on what to expect:
“This album is going to exceed the expectations of our early listeners while also adding dynamics with new elements that we decided to enforce all over the record. Things such as Cheney’s crushing vocals. We do a lot of back-and-forth vocals on this record. This record was made to catch your ears with its intense guitar hooks, heavy drums, and catchy bass lines all while keeping your attention to the lyrical topics at hand.”
Lyrically, the majority of this album looks at death; a lot of the writings question the cause and effect of vices and the wrong choices that can be made throughout our lives. Musically this album is fast and heavy as hell. Supermodel Taxidermy wanted to have it throwing left hooks repeatedly, there are not many moments on this record when it gives you a break.
The band was formed after an overwhelming response to the EP “A Whorer Story”, which was intended to be a one-off solo record, and since then they have been staking a claim for themselves in the local scene. The album, ten tracks coming in at just under half an hour, was produced by Rob Lawless and mixed/mastered by Terry Paholek, showcasing the band's commitment to delivering an exciting listening experience. This thrash metal and hardcore punk collision is recommended for fans of Iron Reagan, Dayglo Abortions, and Slayer.
Supermodel Taxidermy's new album “At What Cost” is available digitally and for CD at the following links:
Upcoming Shows: June 7 - Fort McMurray, AB - Syncrude Atheteltic Park - Rock The Rails (Headlining + Album Release Party June 15 - Medicine Hat, AB - Alternative Waves Festival - Mainliners Pub - info Aug 4 - Lethbridge, AB - The Slice - info w/ Ripcordz
Kicking off their 2024 Summer tour dates on May 31st that are in honor of guitarist Dallas Toler Wade's 50th birthday and the 10th anniversary of Narcotic Wasteland's self-titled debut album, the trio is unshackling their latest single "Barbarian" for the masses. The song will be featured on the band's forthcoming third full-length "Digital Cordyceps" out on Megaforce Records in 2024 (release date TBD).
Dallas Toler-Wade comments on the new track:
"Barbarian is one of my favorite songs I have written so far. The guitar work is thrashy but also has a neo-classical element to it. I love the mid-tempo churning bass drums that is no secret at this point. Lyrically the song is about my personal feelings on how I want to live my life, but also an observation of what is going on in the world right now. I am sure I am not the only one who sees we are living in an oligarchic society. Meaning we are in a society where only a chosen few have most of the political power. This has always disgusted me. I never needed a political leader or organized religion to tell me how to act, what to read or listen to, and who to vote for. I think it is all complete self-serving bullshit and I refuse to have any part in it. I am barbaric. I follow no rules but my own. I refuse to participate in a society that is untrustworthy, narcissistic, and completely selfish. So I choose a more nomadic life as far away as possible from all of the madness. I am here to entertain. It is my calling. I hope you enjoy the song!!!!! Thanks to all of the fans for your continued support and inspiration!!! Let's rise above and take our freedom back!!!!!"
And don't forget to brace yourself for a face-melting experience as Narcotic Wasteland announces a metal extravaganza like no other this summer! Their unholy crusade of show dates commences on May 31, 2024, in Crockett, CA, and continues its apocalyptic conquest through cities like Portland, Dallas, Austin, New Orleans, Tampa, and more, culminating in a final siege on July 7, 2024, in Saginaw, MI.
They are joined by special guests Whore of Bethlehem, Ignominious, Filth, and Malignancy (Headlining), who will conjure up nightmares with their savage performances.
From blistering guitar wails to heart-pounding drum onslaughts, every show promises to be an infernal ritual that will leave metalheads possessed by the spirit of pure chaos.
Prepare for a night of headbanging, mosh pits, and the unleashing of sonic hellfire.
Tour Dates: 5/31/2024: Crockett, CA - Toot's Tavern 6/1/2024: Lakeport, CA - Drinx Bar 6/2/2024: Yreka, CA - The Empire 6/3/2024: Portland, OR - Bossanova Ballroom 6/4/2024: Seattle, WA - El Corazon 6/6/2024: Vancouver, BC - The Cobalt 6/8/2024: Millet, Alberta, Canada - Decimate Metal Fest / Millet Agriplex 6/9/2024: Great Falls, MT - The Newberry 6/11/2024: Denver, CO - Herman's Hideaway 6/12/2024: Lubbock, TX - Jake’s Backroom 6/13/2024: Dallas, TX - Haltom Theater - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/14/2024: Austin, TX - Come & Take It Live - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/15/2024: Laredo, TX - The Cold Brew Rock Bar - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/16/2024: Corpus Christi, TX - Boozerz Rock Bar - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/17/2024: Houston, TX - Black Magic - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/18/2024: New Orleans, LA - The Goat - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/19/2024: Long Beach, MS - Trax Bar - With Special Guest Whore of Bethlehem 6/20/2024: Pensacola, FL - Subculture 6/21/2024: Tampa, FL - Brass Mug 6/22/2024: Daytona Beach, FL - Tir na nOg Irish Pub 6/23/2024: Pompano, FL - Pipers 6/24/2024: Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits 6/25/2024: Ridgeville, SC - The Ridgeville Roadhouse 6/26/2024: Raleigh, NC - Chapel of Bones - With Special Guest Ignominious 6/27/2024: York, PA - Skid Row Garage - With Special Guest Ignominious 6/28/2024: Wallingford, CT - Cherry St. Station - With Special Guest Ignominious 6/29/2024: Charleez Hill - Lebanon, ME - The New England Death Metal Fun Time Bonanza - With Malignancy (Headlining) and Ignominious (Special Guest) 6/30/2024: Oakdale, NY - Shakers Pub with Malignancy - With Malignancy (Headlining) 7/2/2024: Albany, NY - Empire Underground - With Filth (Headlining) 7/3/2024: White Hall, PA - Planet Trog - With Filth (Headlining) 7/4/2024: Rochester, NY - Montage Music Hall - With Filth (Headlining) 7/5/2024: Lakewood, OH - Foundry Concert Club - With Filth (Headlining) 7/6/2024: Chicago, IL - WC Social Club - With Filth (Headlining) 7/7/2024: Saginaw, MI - The Vault - With Filth (Headlining) Note: All dates and venues are subject to change. Please visit https://narcoticwasteland.com/tour for the latest updates.
Since their inception in 2021, Canada’s Gnarwhal has been at the forefront of the heavy music resurgence in their northern home of Yellowknife. With their self-titled debut album released in early 2023, the band quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for the Western Canadian Music Award and the Best New Single award at the 2022 Music NWT Awards. They are following that album up with a new EP “Altered States” and ready for the ears of those who like fuzzy, doomy rock. Vocalist Mark Kilbride comments on the EP:
“There seems to be a common thread to most of the lyrics on the album and I feel listeners will be able to relate their own experiences to the songs. I know what these songs mean to me and try to steer toward authentic emotions to accompany the instruments. The songs on the album portray a sense of resilience and a fight against the complexities of our own thoughts and emotions. No matter how much the characters in the songs endure, you can still feel a sense of hope and resilience.”
“Altered States” represents a significant evolution in Gnarwhal's musical journey, offering a darker and heavier atmosphere compared to their debut release. From the haunting melodies of “Tides” to the introspective depth of “From Her Hands”, each track on the EP contributes to a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
The creation of the EP was not without its challenges, as the band navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic and unforeseen obstacles during the recording process. Despite these hurdles, Gnarwhal remained steadfast in their commitment to delivering a powerful and authentic musical statement. “Altered States” was produced and mixed by Dan Ponich, mastered by David Collins, and the album artwork was done by Jonah Cutler. It is recommended for fans of Mastodon, Elder, and Truckfighters.
Recommended for fans of Kyuss, Mastodon, and Elder, “Altered States” is due out on May 24, 2024, and is available for pre-order digitally and on vinyl athttps://gnarwhalband.bandcamp.com
Track Listing: 1. Tides (3:37) 2. The War / Nothing More (6:36) 3. From Her Hands (3:46) 4. Altered States (3:19)
