Author Archives: Metal Planet Media

Toronto Prog DEREV Shares New Live Video “Cyclone” and Kick Off Cross-Canada Tour Dates For Debut Album “Troubled Mind”

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Getting set to hit the road for their Western Canadian tour (dates listed below) in support release of their first full-length, “Troubled Mind”, Toronto prog rock Derev is sharing their latest live video performing their track “Cyclone”, which was filmed during a hometown album launch show at the Supermarket.

“The Troubled Mind’s release show at the Supermarket was one of the best experiences we’ve had on stage to date. That night was one of those nights when the stars were aligned and everything went as well as we could have hoped. From the energy of the crowd to the impeccable sound and lighting on stage. We wanted to release a video of that night to give people a glimpse of what they can expect coming to see us live. We can’t wait to kick off the tour and bring the whole “Troubled Mind” live experience to our fans out west and all across Canada,” adds the band.

Watch and listen to Derev performing “Cyclone” at Supermarket in Toronto at:

Derev‘s new album “Troubled Mind” is the follow-up to their 2021 debut EP “Leap of Faith,” and takes a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche, addressing a spectrum of mental health issues with each track, ranging from temporary mental instability to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia, cognitive immobility (a fixation on the past), and depression stemming from loss.

Offering a diverse range of sounds from mellow, calm tracks to adrenaline-pumping heavy headbangers while maintaining their distinctive progressive rock sound, enriched with Middle Eastern influences. Incorporating more prominent keyboard parts, experimenting with various time signatures, and introducing new instruments such as the Cajon, Darbuka, and electronic elements. This evolution showcases the band’s innovative spirit and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.

The band adds:

“This album is very personal and introspective. It’s full of memorable songs and parts to listen to and digest, both from a musical and lyrical perspective. Every song tackles a different state of mind and takes the listener into their thoughts of a mental state that they can relate to. As this one marks our second official release, we think the fans will be excited about hearing what Derev still has to offer. They’re in for a crazy ride full of energetic ups and heartbreaking downs.”

Derev was conceived after founding member and drummer Michel Karakach, after fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

Derev‘s dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev‘s sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. 

Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons, who has replaced previous singer Adel Saflou, whose recorded vocals are featured on “Troubled Mind”.

DEREV – Troubled Mind – Western Canada Tour​
May 2 – Sudbury, ON – The Townhouse w/ Jeidei, Codos
May 3 – Marathon, ON – Biloxys Wings and Things
May 4 – TBA (North Western Ontario)
May 6 – TBA (Manitoba)
May 8 – Regina, SK – Revival Music Room w/ Fame Fatale, 66 Aces
May 9 – Saskatoon, SK – Amigos Cantina w/ Out Of Frequency, 66 Aces
May 10 – Edmonton, AB – Rendezvous Pub w/ Darkened Skies, Silent Script, Misplaced Intentions
May 12 – Grand Forks, BC – 4th St. Studio w/ guests
May 13 – Kamloops, BC – The Blue Grotto w/ Augur, Gregarious
May 14 – Vancouver, BC – The Roxy Cabaret w/ guests
May 16 – Vernon, BC – Longhorn Pub w/ None The Wiser, Scared Soul Empire
May 17 – Cranbrook, BC – The York Public House w/ Phaeton
May 18 – Calgary, AB – Verns w/ Humans As Totems, The Future Relics, Rocky Mountain Maniacs, 13 Strikes
May 20 – Winnipeg, MB – Sidestage w/ Valley Narrow, Sunbreather
May 22 – Thunder Bay, ON – Black Pirates Pub w/ Cycle Of Disobedience, Along The Lines, The Fixer
May 23 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Soo Blaster w/ guests
May 24 – Timmins, ON – Victory Tavern w/ guests

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MATRAQUE Brings Scathing Sludge/Doom with Release of Nature Morte Album!

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Minsk (BY) –Nature Morte, the crushing debut album from Belarusian Sludge/Doom/Death quartet, Matraque, is out now on Lithuania’s Ashen Tree Records and streaming in its entirety! The album is available on cassette and digital formats via Bandcamp (the limited edition digipack CD will be available on or around May 25). Click to purchase/stream below!

ashentreerecords.bandcamp.com/album/nature-morte

music.apple.com/us/album/nature-morte/1806946579

“An incredibly strong album, start to finish.“

– Ninehertz

“One hell of an unhappy album. Drowned in Sludge and battered by Death.”

– Smorg Magazine

“Hopelessly dreadful, in every good sense of those words.”

– Metal Temple

“Nature Morte isn’t for people who like to have fun and play board games. It’s hostile and strange.”

– Metal Eclipse Reviews

Sonically, Matraque sits somewhere between Grief, Meth Drinker, and Primitive Man. All lyrics are sung in Belarusian. All music is scarring.

Just as over time, anger and aggression transition into despair, disappointment, and depression, the band, without losing loudness and intensity, chooses corresponding forms and nuances of sound to convey their perception of reality.

In search of their style, where low and sluggish masses of sound are interspersed with mid-tempo bursts, Matraque drew inspiration from such acts as Body Void, Primitive Man, The Body, Indian, Bismuth, etc. In terms of genre, one could mention sludge, doom, and primitive death metal.

The band began its journey in Minsk in the spring of 2023. The members brought their experience from previous projects such as Rowan, Televoid, krvvla, Схизма, kusto., Coat, and Łaska.

Track Listing:

1. Kola

2. Pustazelle

3. Malimon

4. Volya

5. Pry`py`nak

ART OF ATTRITION Kick-Off “The Subservient Bloodletting Tour” w/ Beguiler + New Single “Subserviate & Decay”

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Red Deer, AB extreme metal outfit Art of Attrition are hitting the road across Canada, east to the west this May for “The Subservient Bloodletting Tour” along with 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champions, Toronto, ON’s Beguiler (dates listed below – info). This cross-country trek marks a new chapter for both bands as they expand their reach, unleashing their most punishing sets and new songs to unveil. Enter the mosh pit for these two bands’ audio assaults of some good ol’ extreme sonic carnage!

Art of Attrition recently unleashed their latest single, “Subserviate & Decay”. The track showcases the band’s signature blend of relentless brutality and melodic complexity while pushing into bold new territory.

“Subserviate & Decay” delivers the classical Art of Attrition sound that fans have come to expect – a devastating combination of 8-string guitars, gravity blast beats, and guttural vocals – before taking an unexpected turn after the bridge breakdown. The band expands:

“It is modern primitive. It embodies all you love about Art of Attrition and then slaps you in the face with a caveman club. We loved writing this song, recording the parts, and developing its uniqueness in our catalog. It serves as a visceral reminder of the necessity of internal self-love and confidence.”

Since their formation in 2019, Art of Attrition has carved out their niche in the extreme metal landscape; their 2023 debut album “The Void Eternal” and 2024’s “…And It Will All End Forever” established them as a force in the technical deathcore scene. The single represents a conscious step outside the band’s comfort zone, incorporating elements from other genres they love. It is especially recommended for fans of Lorna Shore, Aversions Crown, and Kublai Khan.

Watch and listen to the video for “Subserviate & Decay” via TheCirclepit:

The Subservient Bloodletting Tour w/ Art of Attrition, Beguiler​
May 2 – La Source de la Martinière – Quebec City, QC
May 3 – Piranha Bar – Montréal, QC
May 4 – Taverne Royale – Trois Rivières, QC
May 7 – The Union – Kitchener, ON
May 8 – Queens Nightclub – Barrie, ON
May 9 – Dominion House – Windsor, ON
May 10 – Sneaky Dee’s – Toronto, ON
May 11 – Dominion Tavern – Ottawa, ON
May 14 – SideStage – Winnipeg, MB
May 15 – Black Cat Tavern – Saskatoon, SK
May 16 – The Vat – Red Deer, AB
May 17 – Dickens – Calgary, AB
May 23 – Starlite Temple – Edmonton, ABMay 24 – The Cobalt – Vancouver, BC

Progressive Metal Force WIND DOWN Unveils Connection Point (Lyric Video)

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Progressive metal innovators WIND DOWN have released the mesmerizing lyric video for “Connection Point”, a standout track from their critically acclaimed album The Burning Past, out now via Wormholedeath Worldwide.
“Connection Point” is a sonic odyssey inspired by Native American culture, shamanic rituals, and the profound link between the human soul and extraterrestrial energy. The song captures a transformative journey inward, where self-discovery meets cosmic awakening. It’s not just music—it’s an exploration of spirituality, energy, and the mysteries of existence. Watch the Lyric Video for “Connection Point” Now:

Blending technical precision, melodic harmonies, and heavy, pulsating riffs, WIND DOWN sound can be best described as Progressive Groove Metal. Drawing influences from bands like Nevermore, Alter Bridge, and Dream Theater, they create a powerful and dynamic musical experience.

LOCUS NOIR SIGN WITH LISTENABLE RECORDS

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Locus Noir is the latest endeavor from singer Ben DMN, best known as the former frontman of the Swiss Industrial/Groove Metal juggernaut Sybreed, and is the result of a deeply personal journey, driven by his aspiration to reconnect with the music that inspired him during his formative years and to rekindle his passion for songwriting and live performances.
 
Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like Type O Negative and Fields of the Nephilim, Locus Noir’s sound radiates a dark and evocative energy. The music also incorporates brooding atmospheres reminiscent of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride and the raw edge of Gothic Rock, resulting in a cohesive soundscape that offers both a fresh perspective and a timeless interpretation of what Gothic Metal can be.
 
This venture also marks a significant evolution in Ben’s vocal style, as he now fully embraces haunting melodic vocals that merge Peter Murphy’s theatrical flair with a depth reminiscent of Depeche Mode. The lyrics traverse contrasting realms, delving into themes both esoteric and carnal, often laced with irony: love, death, lust, and the bitter taste of parties that linger past dawn. Ultimately, Locus Noir serves as a sincere homage to the Gothic subculture.
 
Ben comments “I am simply thrilled to be working with Listenable Records again. It’s a team I’ve known for a long time and hold in high regard: they played a key role in Sybreed’s career and have always demonstrated a highly collaborative approach, which is in line with my own work ethos and was one of my non-negotiable conditions when I decided to return to music as an active artist. I also know that there is a real cultural affinity that will facilitate our exchanges. So I was very happy when they told me they wanted to sign Locus Noir after I contacted them, and I know I can count on the Listenable Records team, especially since they see as much potential in this new band as I do. This makes me very confident – and as optimistic as one can be when playing this kind of music – about the release of Locus Noir’s debut album, Shadow Sun, and the next steps in this new musical adventure.“
 
Initially conceived as a solo project with contributions from both long-standing and new friends, Locus Noir is poised to evolve into a full-fledged live band, ready to carve out its niche in the Metal landscape.
 
Locus Noir’s debut album’ Shadow Sun’ is due for release in 2026 on Listenable Records.

HEAVEN SHALL BURN are causing Interference with “Confounder”

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After releasing a first single, “My Revocation of Compliance”, in early April HEAVEN SHALL BURN are dropping another new song and video taken from their upcoming album, “Heimat”. “Confounder” is their anthem celebrating self-empowerment, self-reliance and autonomous thinking, but ultimately advocating community, supporting and uplifting each other. Watch the emotional video here:

The band comments: “Like an invisible force, the current conditions in our societies deform and mistreat every individual. Pressure to consume, fear campaigns, and pseudo-debates scream at us from all media and numb values important for community and democracy, such as tolerance, solidarity, and autonomous thinking. Standing up against this and setting a positive example that deviates from the madness of everyday life within one’s own bubble with a clear stance is what we want to promote with this song and the accompanying video. Be the disruptive factor, be the ’Confounder‘!”

“Heimat” = German for “home / homeland / native land” – a term that merely refers to a relationship between people and spaces but has nevertheless always been highly emotionally charged. Often misused, it sometimes causes discomfort, lively discussions and battles over interpretation. Maik Weichert (guitar) comments: “‘Heimat‘ is not meant as the narrow-minded end point in the sense it has been used by agitators and populists, but the starting point for observations and perspectives. The album is about a much wider sense of the term ’Heimat‘: the homelands for many different people and also about the spiritual home, something that shapes and determines our thoughts and actions.”

HEAVEN SHALL BURN took their time with the follow-up to “Of Truth And Sacrifice”, which reached number 1 in the Official German Album Charts in 2020. “Heimat” was produced at the band’s own studio, The Dude Ranch, which is run by guitarist Alexander Dietz. Like in the past, Danish producer Tue Madsen took care of the mixing and mastering.

The Thuringians enlisted the renowned artist Eliran Kantor for the artwork, who previously crafted the artwork for “Of Truth And Sacrifice”. The centrepiece of the impressive triptych is a rearing stag – in its roaring variant a classic motif of wildlife painting, the epitome of kitsch and trivial art from the 19th and 20th centuries and interpreted by some as a symbol of patriarchy and capitalist competition, but here placed as a vital allegory of resistance amid an apocalyptic scene. He is flanked by a hunting lynx and a watchful owl, which complete the highly symbolic artwork concept as further elements of the triptych. As with “Of Truth And Sacrifice”, HEAVEN SHALL BURN worked together with composer, producer and director Sven Helbig and conductor Wilhelm Keitel, this time supported by the Mondëna Quartet and the Ukrainian Sophia Chamber Choir.