Canadian Metal

EMQ’s with TOM MCKAY

EMQ’s with TOM MCKAY

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Toronto, Canada based Solo Metal Artist Tom McKay. Huge thanks to Tom for taking part!

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Tom McKay. I grew up liking music from a very young age. One of the bands my dad would get me and my siblings into was the works of The Beach Boys and Bon Jovi. Somehow that led me to originally wanting to be a drummer (Not sure why. You’d think it’d be Meshuggah to do that). That never came to fruition, but my love of music stuck around. So much so that in high school, I started playing guitar and my thirst for playing metal music went to junkie levels in an instant. I spent the next few years honing my craft as a musician, and as a songwriter, to the point where I could finally release music under my own name.

How did you come up with your band name?

Well, when a man and a woman love each other, they fuck…hard…and then 9 months later they realized that doing so means they have to come up with a name for whatever abomination they just concocted. Long story short, my parents came up with my band name, and I just had to suck it.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I’m from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) in Canada. The metal scene (given that our hard-on for being like America (but also not like America at the same time)) is not that different from the states. The only difference I found is that we are much more connected, and many of the local acts prefer to have their own identity to their music and not try to be part of a monotonous blob that is most of the American thrash scene.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

The latest release up to now is my new song ‘Hung by the Wings of Fate’. It features a singer from Fiverr named Kylee Brielle. Her voice is fantastic, and turned out to be a perfect fit for the music as I delved further into the symphonic style that I enjoy.

‘Hung By The Wings Of Fate’ (Official Audio)

Who have been your greatest influences?

Opeth, Epica, Avenged Sevenfold. Basically, I love progressive death metal with groove and symphonic influences. Kind of describes some of the music I write anyways.

What first got you into music?

My dad got me into “The Beach Boys” and “Bon Jovi” when I was young, and I was hooked to the catchy hooks and melodies of both acts. Later on, my stepmom got me into the heavier side of music with classic rock/metal like “Skid Row”, “Guns N’ Roses”. It was here where my tastes began to develop even further, and flourished once I went into high school.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

I would love to work with many of my influences, but honestly, I would love to see what a collaboration between me and Lindsay Schoolcraft would look like. I’m already friends with her, so it’s not that far-fetched, but I would love to see how our musical influences would bounce off each other, or combine into something totally different

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Wacken Open Air, not even a question. Obviously, that’s a long shot away at my current level, but even attending Wacken is a huge bucket list goal for me.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I haven’t received any gifts, but I know what it feels like to have an old crazy Christian lady spit holy water at me for wearing a Slayer shirt.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Never think you are perfect the way you are. No matter what it is in your life, there’s always an infinite amount of ways you can be better. Even if you’re great at what you do, there’s always a way to be better.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Iggy Pop… wait, he’s not dead? Oh shit. Uhhhhh… either Lemmy or Chester Bennington.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I love the songwriting aspect the most. I’m not much of a performer, as I’ve never played live. But as a songwriter, that’s always where I’ve felt the most mentally challenged as you can’t just break the rules of music without understanding how to break them. Sometimes it pays off, other times it doesn’t. When you find that sweet spot, you know you’ve made a winner.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Labels that treat musicians with respect and not just cash cows would be nice. I know there are some labels that do treat their musicians well, but because of how the landscape is set up, you’re probably better off being an independent band more than anything else.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Dream Theater’s “Octavarium”. No contest, one of the best progressive metal albums I’ve ever heard.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Depends on the context, but CD’s have been my usual go-to as car speakers will pick up certain things you never noticed before. It’s a neat little mixing trick I recommend, as it was recommended by Glenn Fricker of Spectre Sound Studios, check your mix with car speakers as well as other listening devices.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Does choir in elementary school count? (Yes, it does – Rick)

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Continuing to dive further into radio, as I went to college for it and that’s where I still feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

That’s assuming I go to parties at all. But since you asked: Corey Taylor, Mikael Akerfeldt, Misha Mansoor, Simone Simons, Angela Gossow.

What’s next for the band?

I have multiple projects going on for my solo work, including a concept EP and full-length album.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

I use any social links I’ve got, so YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I also will send emails out to people with an EPK attached.

www.facebook.com/tmckay715/
www.twitter.com/tmckay715
www.instagram.com/tmckay715/
www.tommckay.bandcamp.com
www.open.spotify.com/artist/6ElkxMfIMoOhcgXjFJftex
www.youtube.com/channel/UCREln7hc7TKk550sWOgwUEA

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

They’re whatever you want them to be. But if the answer is not “who cares”, it’s wrong and you should feel bad.

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with FATAL SWITCH

EMQ’s with FATAL SWITCH

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Montreal, Canada based Rap Metal/Rock band Fatal Switch. Huge thanks to vocalist Steve Tobin for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

We are Fatal Switch, a Rap Metal Rock band that plays loud heavy music mixed in with devasting hip hop stories about demons, aliens, war and all-around destruction.

My name is Steve Tobin and I am the founding member and front man of Fatal Switch. My brother Luca Tobin and I formed the band some years ago and shortly after we found our manager Pedro Barbosa and our producer Kevin Jardine through our involvement in the music scene. From that moment the first seeds Fatal Switch were sown, and we created our debut album titled “Doctors & Demons” which was recently released on Aug 7^th, 2020.

The instrumentation performed on the album consisted of session musicians and my brother left the band shortly after the album was recorded. So, I was left with an album but no band members to perform it. I quickly had to form a group who would be willing to promote the first album live and continue writing new material as we establish our brand.

I am proud to say that Fatal Switch officially consists of guitarists Ryann Paqueo and Max Rope, bassist David Vigliotti and drummer Ralph A Samah.

How did you come up with your band name?

I wanted to have a name that stood out in peoples mind but that also had a personal meaning to what the band stood for. It wasn’t all that easy to find the perfect name and it all started by putting together (what I thought were) cool word combinations together on a page.

After coming up with close to a hundred I narrowed it down to a few and then started polling family and friends. Time and time again Fatal Switch kept winning out against the rest and to me it made the most sense because there is duality to the words Fatal Switch. It is a representation of something lurking beneath the surface ready to rise with destruction. An inner polarization inside oneself to be channelled as a tool for good or evil.

What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?

We are from the city of Montreal in Canada and the scene here is heavy!! Of all musical genres I think metal has the largest community in my city. It really is the reason why our style of hybrid rap metal exists. I had a voice and a message I wanted to share with the world and if it wasn’t for metal it would still be undiscovered.

My brother Rodney Ramroop introduced me to metal music, then to the scene taking me to show after show were things really started to take form for my career. There really are some amazing people in the metal universe from fans to industry professionals alike, we are linked by a brother/sister-ship that has made this journey possible.

What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)

Our latest single is the title track off our album called “Doctors & Demons”. We got a sick video airing on TV and we have been gaining momentum on YouTube. The video stars suicide girl Stiletto Thunder Kiss who did a fantastic job and the visuals were put together by the genius of JD Leblanc of Heymakers video production.

Our 10-track album is also live on all platforms so go check out the video as well as our tunes and let us know what you think!

‘Doctors & Demons’ (Official Video)

Who have been your greatest influences?

That’s a long list. Definitely when looking at our style of music bands like RATM, Beastie Boys, Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park are at the top of the food chain and have paved the way for this type of sound to exist. Also, Crazy Town X is very talented and have some of the best bangers!

On the hip hop side, Eminem, Dr Dre, Busta Ryhmes, NAS and 2Pac immediately spring to mind while Anthrax, Metallica, Megadeth, Tool and Slipknot would be some key metal influences to pair with the hip hop ones. This is a small example as the list can easily fill a page.

What first got you into music?

My uncle is great with a guitar and he taught me my first song at a very young age. I was just 4 years old when I performed my first song in front a crowd of a few hundred people. Since then my life has been all about music and preforming.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Most of my band mates would surely say Metallica but let me give that one some thought.

I mean selfishly I would say Eminem because I know he could take my vocals to the next level but…I think we would crush a song with Billie Eilish. Ya… egos aside I would like to work with her on a song because I think we would create something very different and unheard of. Plus, she’s crazy talented and at the end of the day it’s all about creating a masterpiece not trying to become one. So that’s my answer right now.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

It would have to be Heavy Montreal. I’d love to start there and venture into other ones. Why? Because it’s an amazing festival that all of us have attended for years and to be one of the bands on that stage would absolutely rock and be a tangible mark of success!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Fans give gifts? Why have I not been told about this? I’ve gotten compliments and stuff but I’m still waiting for my box with a bow on top.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

That nothing is as it seems and to question everything! I mean, can evil not disguise itself under a warm smile bearing a cloak of nobility? Or is it not possible to demonize good people who only want to bring about positive change? These kinds of questions are riddled underneath the stories of our songs so hopefully the whisper of that message can be heard throughout the album and leave our listeners asking themselves a question or two.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Kurt Cobain man…Huge Nirvana fan over here. I feel as though he had so much more music to give. He went way to soon. Same could be said about Bradley Nowell though… I hope they are making some crazy songs together in another universe and that I’ll get to hear them one day.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Having cool chats like this is definitely one of the better parts about being a musician. Specifically, because it gives us a chance to reach new listeners. And when someone comments or reaches out to us online or at a show, expressing that they are connecting with the music… wow that is one of the best feelings in the world. We don’t make music for ourselves we create it for the audience, so to be told that you’ve been heard means the world to me.

I hate how much everything costs. I could spend millions of dollars on music and barely make a dent. Everything else is gravy though.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Wealth distribution. Like our current economy we all suffer by financial means because the wealth gap is too large, and the music industry is no different. The major labels have way too much money (therefore power) and stifle creativity. If governments limit how much a label can earn in a year then smaller labels would suddenly have bigger budgets, drive more competition and give everyone a more equal opportunity to succeed. There would be fewer backhanded deals and this whole nonsense of paying an artist less than a penny for a stream would cease to exist because more influential bodies would be advocating for fair compensation. It’s one simple thing our governments refuse to do that would take down the house of cards, but no. Instead they continue to steal our money through taxation while cutting deals with all the major criminals. I mean just think about it. If labels were financially limited, they would have to make deals with fewer artists, treat the ones they own with more respect and make sure the quality and calibre of what they produce is beyond amazing. Plus, they wouldn’t have a million artists sit on a shelf just so they can hedge their bets on what might sell. But that’s just my cynical view, doesn’t mean I am right. I would love to see how it would change things though.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Sure, I’ll name one. It in no way means that it is my favourite album of all time because I don’t think I have just one. But looking back into my current song writing process I am having more and more respect for the early years of Korn and I think “Follow The Leader” truly stands the test of time.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Gotta be Vinyl all the way! I don’t currently own any at the moment, but man do I ever have fond memories of those things. As a kid my dad had a nice collection and I remember him playing classics like Pink Floyd for me. Definitely looking to start building a collection in the near future.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Indie Week 2019 was our last show (thanks COVID!) and our best to date. The guys crushed it on stage, and we had an amazing time.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I really don’t know to be honest. I do have some skillsets that I am trying to integrate within the music because music is my life. Music is my religion and when you are so devoted to something you tend to attribute everything you are good at to your cause. Just take a look at Bruce Dickinson, the guy fly’s an airplane but it’s the maiden airplane. As a musician everything you learn tends to lend itself back into the craft in some form or another.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

I’d love to say Joe Rogan, Eminem, Dave Mustaine, Mike Tyson and Russell Simmons. But in these dark times if I truly had a shot at anyone it would be the five richest people in the world right now. I’d sit them down and either try and make a small change in the world through healthy debate or… ask them to fund my next album.

What’s next for the band?

Well we just dropped Doctors & Demons so we will be promoting our first album as we get ready to head back into the studio early next year for our second record. I’d love to say shows and touring but that huge pause button has hit the industry pretty hard right now.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

You can find us over here:
www.fatalswitch.fanlink.to/doctors-and-demons
www.facebook.com/fatalswitch/
www.instagram.com/fatal.switch/
www.twitter.com/FatalSwitch

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Let’s be honest and call it for what it is. A biscuit cake.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I’d like to thank you and your readers for spending a bit of time to get to know us. It truly makes all the hard work and effort worth it when we get a chance to share our musical creations. Loved all the questions! I had great time doing this! We’d love to keep in touch with all of you so please drop us a line on social media so we can get to know YOU a bit better. Much love and noise – Fatal Switch!

Utility Provider – The Wolf Bar, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada 25-07-2020

Disclaimer: These photos are solely the property of Arturs Feists. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of these images unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

New ROADRASH Line-Up and Promo Photos By Arturs Feists

New ROADRASH Line-Up and Promo Photos
By Arturs Feists

Hey everyone, It’s Rick.

Over the last year, our awesome Canadian Photographer Arturs, has been to several gigs (when gigs were actually a real thing), by Vancouver based Speed Metal band RoadRash and sent us the photos for publication. He has also interviewed the band for us (links to all of these are at the bottom of the page).

Now RoadRash are back with a new line-up and Arturs has done their new promo shoot, and great photos they are too. Below, Arturs and RoadRash introduce you to the new members of the band and the pics!

“THE BOYS ARE BACK! The pandemic has been a cruel bitch but the West Coast grease machine that is ROADRASH have been hard at work. You might see some familiar & not so familiar faces in our latest photos. We’d like you to give a warm welcome to the new skin lasher & stick basher TACHE D’HUIL! Also, we ask you to welcome back from the original incarnation of the band – JOEY “LIGHTNING JOE” ROADS! We would like to thank Benny Burn & Tom “Guerreiros” Sadek for their contributions over the last few years. You will find Benny playing in his rock band Rebel Priest for all your Burnman needs. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours. We are currently writing & demoing our sophomore album & will be firing on all cylinders for 2021.

ROADRASH IS:
DAVID HAMMER – LEAD VOCALS & BASS
BARE BONES – RHYTHM GUITAR & HYPE
JOEY ROADS – LEAD GUITAR & CUNNALINGUIST
TACHE D’HUIL – DRUMS & PHILANDERER

STAY CLEAN.

Arturs Feists Photography
www.sales-artursfeists.photography/

Band Links:
www.facebook.com/RoadRashSpeedMetal/
www.roadrashmusic.bandcamp.com/
www.instagram.com/roadrashspeedmetal/
www.spotify.com/artist/2Cdf4qizbLeDf1tM7ROAQH
www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRLESRqJCXgugzexoCgywA

Interview with RoadRash Feb 2020
www.ever-metal.com/2020/02/11/interview-with-roadrash/

RoadRash – Astoria, Hastings, Vancouver, BC, Canada – 13/10/2019
www.ever-metal.com/2019/10/24/rash-astoria-hastings-vancouver-bc-canada-13-10-2019/

RoadRash – SBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada – 25/09/2019
www.ever-metal.com/2019/09/29/roadrash-sbc-vancouver-bc-canada-25-09-2019/

Osyron – Foundations

Osyron – Foundations
SAOL/The Orchard
Release Date: 10/07/2020
Running Time: 28:41
Review by Beth Jones
10/10

After a pretty productive bank holiday weekend, Rick decided to hit me up with something new that he thought I would like, as part of my quest to write more reviews. The first of these is our subject here, Canadian Symphonic Metal band, Osyron. Based in Calgary, Alberta, the group see themselves as ‘bridging the gap between traditional European metal and the music of their homegrown contemporaries’.

Starting out in Ontario, they originally went by the name Morbid Theory, releasing two demos (Chaos Breed in 2006 and Harbinger in 2010). The band saw some changes in line-up, scenery, and identity, and, after moving to Alberta in 2012, Osyron was born.

Their upcoming release, “Foundations”, although only 5 tracks in duration, is just about scraping album length, owing to the progressive nature of their compositions and the story that it takes you through. It is a view on Canadian history, spanning topics from the country’s colonization, to the mistreatment and recognition of indigenous tribes, and the country’s participation in global warfare. This hard hitting and melancholy theme is stark from the off.

Starting with dark symphonic chords and the pounding of drums, Osyron take us through colonisation in the first track ‘The Cross’. It’s pounding beats and droning root chords suggest the regimented power of an oppressor, and the helplessness of the indigenous people; ‘They would learn to live like us, Or they would learn to die by the cross.’

The second track ‘Ignite’, tells the story of Canada’s roll in WWI, explored from a Canadian and UK perspective. Again, lyrically, it’s hard hitting. Musically it explores differentiation in rhythm, emulating the chaotic nature of battle, as well as pulsing beats and chanting war cries that suggest the regimented and indoctrinated nature of war. The use of drums here also cleverly suggests the sounds of a battlefield.

A contrast in pace and instrumentation to the first two tracks, ‘Battle of The Thames’, starts acoustically, with just voice and guitar, at a much slower pace, but in keeping with the melancholy that drifts beautifully throughout this record. It has almost a folk, lilting feel, and would not be out of place performed atop a craggy cliff on a Celtic shoreline. Halfway through, we are treated to a far away guitar solo, which almost sounds like a distant violin, adding more to the feeling of a ‘folk’ route. I may be wrong, but I think I can hear a mandolin in there too at some points. This track gathers layered momentum as it progresses, and reaches a climax with an excellent guitar solo, pulling things back from folk, to symphonic metal.

The penultimate track, ‘The Ones Below’, marks a sudden change in pace, starting with a fully loaded groove riff, the sort you would expect from a well-oiled groove metal band. However, this is intertwined with the ethereal sounds of strings. The reason for the more upbeat nature of this track – it is a celebration of the generations past and how their sacrifice is now being recognised. The raising of a glass to the ones below ‘We drink not in our sorrow… For our sisters and brothers’.

However, you still feel that this isn’t enough… That more can be done… A theme that is explored in the final, and title track, on this record. An epic composition and by far my favourite, it’s musically full, symphonic, and heavy in its minor key. For me, lyrically it is the most tortured track on the album. The chorus lines ‘Wild lies, of white crimes, I, can no longer bear…And hear them cry, throughout the night, Why? Have our wrongs taken their rights?’ are very stark, powerful, and thought provoking. And the change up in rhythm towards the end spark thoughts of final painful realisation and desperation to put right wrongs. Very deep and pretty moving.

Musically, this record is symphonic and proggy in all the right places, and if you like bands such as Nightwish, Symphony X, Dream Theater, Kamelot, and Wintersun, you’re going to like this. But in my opinion, the ace card here is the lyrics, and the way that every member of the band has explored and interpreted the subject matter. They all had a hand in writing the tracks, for the first time in their history, and I think that it has really worked very well. I might not have known Osyron before hearing this record, but I definitely intend to get to know them more now.

TRACKLISTING:
1. The Cross
2. Ignite
3. Battle of The Thames
4. The Ones Below
5. Foundations

LINE-UP:
Krzysztof Stalmach (Guitar)
Cody Anstey (Drums)
Bobby Harley (Guitar)
Reed (Vocals)
Tyler Corbett (Bass)

LINKS:
www.osyron.com
www.facebook.com/osyron/
www.twitter.com/osyron
www.instagram.com/osyronband/
www.youtube.com/user/osyron/videos

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Anvil – Legal At Last

Anvil – Legal At Last
AFM Records
Released:14/02/2020
Running Time: 50:31
Review by Dark Juan
4/10

Greetings and salutations from a dark and gloomy Dark Juan Terrace, my dear followers of the Left-Hand Path. As I am staring through the mullioned and open window from my meditation chamber (where there is a disturbing and frankly boring lack of nubile young virgins with innocent eyes and a faith in the False Lord that has just got to be libertined out of them) I am assailed by the smell of petrichor and there appears to be calm before a storm. The clouds are heavy, black and pendulous and all the birds have fucked right off somewhere. My glorious and vicious pack of hellhounds are all asleep on my bed. There’s also no cheese or alcohol in the house and the police are starting to take a dim view of my increasingly desperate excuses for being outside – Apparently telling them you are hunting for virgins is not an acceptable excuse in West Yorkshire, nor is claiming you have been living in the woods for twenty years and have chosen that moment to re-enter civilisation. Apparently, my clothes were too fresh smelling and well-pressed for that one to work…

So, to business. I’m listening to venerable Canadian metal stalwarts Anvil’s latest release, “Legal At Last”. It appears that they have a blueprint and they are not deviating from it one fucking jot. Experimentation is not a word in the Anvil dictionary. What we have here is a heavy metal album that literally has been transported through time from 1984. We have gang backing vocals, big chant-a-long choruses, an utterly derivative production where everything is snare drums to the fore, songs about weed, drinking, surveillance and how great Anvil are. Unfortunately, Anvil aren’t that great, and it has always been a mystery to this hellpriest as to why Anvil have enjoyed such a long career, when they have basically released the same album for the last twenty years. This is so utterly derivative it is sucking the life out of me. When you have other bands like Cloven Hoof (who are of a similar vintage) STILL managing to make traditional metal sound fresh and fun, it makes Anvil almost become a less amusing version of Spinal Tap – a band with steadily decreasing relevance clinging to past glories, helped with an ageing fanbase who all still wear their original 1982 tour shirts and look with disdain at the neophyte metaller who has just discovered the One True Path and malign them cruelly for not liking “the classic stuff”. Well, fuck you, OLD GUYS! This record might have been a good release in 1985, but now it is just tawdry, man.

Opener and title track “Legal At Last” is basically a paean to how great Anvil are. Yes, there is a punchy staggered backing vocal but I have to be honest here, Lips’ voice is not to my taste and this self-aggrandising bullshit got the teenaged Dark Juan’s back up so much that glam rock is still a no-go area because it would only take one phosphor bomb and you could wipe out a room full of primped pussies just from the fumes of the hairspray igniting. Second track “Nabbed In Nebraska” is equally boneheaded and has just insulted my intelligence so much I’ve just ordered a conventional bombing strike on Toronto to revenge myself upon the place for even giving us Anvil in the first place. “Smoking weed ain’t no crime” howls Lips. Clearly it fucking was in Nebraska, you numpty. Also, smoking weed ain’t big or clever. It generally makes you a combination of sleepy, talkative, food obsessed and very bloody annoying. And smelly. Very very fucking smelly. Track three on this apparently never-ending record is “Chemtrails”. Oh dear. Oh dear. Hackneyed and derivative and clearly Anvil have no idea of airspeed friction and contrails. Take it from me, dear friends and acolytes, I worked on aircraft at Manchester Airport and there are NO FUCKING NOZZLES FOR DUMPING CHEMICALS ON CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT!!!! Or I would say that, because I am one of them, you will all immediately howl… Grow the fuck up.

And so it continues – one of the few redeeming qualities of this record is that it does at least have a positive environmental message that is timely in the song “Plastic In Paradise”, but then they also have a song called “Glass House” about surveillance of the world populace, which is an interesting subject but ruined by some truly banal lyrics. “There is no place to hide, nowhere to go inside,” “There is no lock, there is no key, when you lose your privacy,” and the ABSOLUTE winner (and cheerfully grammatically incorrect,) “Me and you, living in a zoo.” Musically, Anvil still come across as a more muscular Twisted Sister with added metal attitude, but everything about the record is one massive fucking cliché, man. Overpowering drums? Check. Massively overproduced guitar sound, multitracked to fuck because there is only one guitar player? Check. Utterly faceless bass robot? Check. Gang vocal? Check. Battering the floor tom a lot? Check. Ham-fisted attempts at political commentary? Fucking check, check and check again. There is simply no fucking excuse, when metal is undergoing a renaissance of sorts currently, to release such dated and unoriginal music, especially when contemporaries are making good albums again.

Metal has moved on from this. At best, this record is a curiosity showing just how stagnant metal can be without new blood to move it along. It has some good riffs, some good song structures but Ozzy Osbourne did all this considerably better on “The Ultimate Sin.”

In 1986.

The Patented Dark Juan Blood Splat Rating System wants its intelligence quotient back. 4/10 for one of the most average records I have ever heard from “legends.” Bah. And indeed meh.

TRACKLISTING:
01. Legal At Last (I wish you weren’t.)
02. Nabbed In Nebraska (Don’t take controlled substances there, then!)
03. Chemtrails (Load of old pony, bach.)
04. Gasoline (More to worry about here than fucking chemtrails.)
05. I’m Alive (Clearly the Nebraska State Police were feeling charitable.)
06. Talking To The Wall (Is this while Accept have their Balls To The Wall? That’s a bit worrying.)
07. Glass House (Good concept, utterly shit lyrics.)
08. Plastic In Paradise (Timely and important. No, not taking the piss at this point.)
09. Bottom Line (Of your wife’s colossal pants?)
10. Food For The Vultures (An excellent metaphor for this album.)
11. Said And Done (Not quite yet, but hope springs eternal.)
12. No Time (Bonus Track – I read bonus track as a song that didn’t make the actual choice of songs for the album, but we will bung it on anyway.)

LINE-UP:
Steve “Lips” Kudlow – Vocals/ guitar
Robb Reiner – Drums
Chris Robertson – Bass

LINKS: (2 3 4 – lol) – (This is a terrible joke, even for Dark Juan’s standards – Rick)
www.facebook.com/anvilmetal/
www.twitter.com/AnvilMetal666
www.instagram.com/anvil.metal/

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Dark Juan and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with SHADÖCCULT

EMQ’s with SHADÖCCULT

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Ontario, Canada based Dark Cinematic Metal band. Shadöccult. Huge thanks to Martin Breton for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Martin Breton and I am the lead singer and guitar player in Shadöccult. I wrote our debut album which is released on March 30, 2020. Along with 4 other band members, Shadöccult is a darker and heavier project following a large catalogue of solo music.

How did you come up with your band name?

Our name idea started as ‘Shadow Cult’ which represented the brotherhood of heavy metal. We wanted something more unique, so the name morphed into Shadöccult. The umlaut above the ‘ö’ is a nod to Blue Öyster Cult.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

We are from Kitchener, Ontario Canada. In the past few years our local scene has had a surge of metal. A very strong thrash metal scene continues to gain strength and attract international attention, while an underground doom scene continually pulls dedicated audiences.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

Our debut self-titled album will be released on March 30, 2020.

Who have been your greatest influences?

One of my biggest influences is Yanni. Yes, the adult contemporary composer Yanni. I just want to be the heavy metal Yanni. Other important influences include Devin Townsend, Dimmu Borgir, Radiohead, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, and Severus Snape.

What first got you into music?

I joined a travelling boys’ choir when I was 9. My first summer we travelled to England and sang in Westminster Abbey. The power that I felt singing in a cathedral like that was a high that I am still chasing today!

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Buckethead would probably my first pick.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Wacken! I got to go in 2011. Life changing.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

No weird gifts, just beers.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Be a critical thinker and do what makes you happy.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Dio. I never got to see him…

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Music is my escape. Being a musician keeps me sane. I hate seeing soulless music take centre stage while so many hard-working artists go unnoticed.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

A bigger push to get metal in the public eye.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Judas Priest – “Sad Wings of Destiny”

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I love vinyl the most. Nothing better than putting that needle down.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

The Geraldton Jamboree! First time getting band V.I.P laminates and a backstage area so it was special. Amazing crowd. I’ll never forget it.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I have found a passion in working with kids and I would be investing more time doing that.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Patrick Stuart, Sir Ian McKellen, Uli Jon Roth, Jack Black and Jim Carey.

What’s next for the band?

Everything! We’re just getting started. Our social media will feature solo piano covers of metal songs and monthly livestreams. We are currently writing our second album and creating compositions for a classical guitar orchestra to be featured in the meantime. Summer show announcement to come as well!

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Our album is available on CD and digital download from Bandcamp:
www.shadoccult.bandcamp.com

You’ll also find us on:
www.facebook.com/Shadoccult/
www.youtube.com/channel/UC4sB28Kt9mHAkytrD9hXcuw
www.instagram.com/shadoccult/

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Despite being biscuit-sized, I believe that they are in fact a cake.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Sincere thank you to the Ever Metal team for keeping the spirit of metal alive!

EMQs with Bleeding Raven

EMQ’s with BLEEDING RAVEN

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Canadian one-man Aggrotech project, Bleeding Raven. Huge thanks to Dean Mason for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

Hello, I’m Dean Mason of Bleeding Raven (and Gnostic Gorilla). Bleeding Raven is a one-man aggrotech project so, I more or less do everything, including making the muffins! Hahahahaha! So, I started off in music as a tiny little boy in school and put out a single with some mates from the hood. It was a cross between Maiden and Bauhaus…lol! The tracks were “Dark Hallway/Golgotha”, and it was released simply as “Dean Mason”;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p05YqqTOS_M/

It was released on “Lonely Ghost Productions” indie label. In 2012, I revisited the idea of doing music strictly as a hobby, as I have a ‘career’ and thus was born [initially] “The Lonely Ghost Project”. I recorded a few singles

and released them, but never really took myself seriously (still don’t)! In 2016, I decided to release an entire album, but used the name “Gnostic Gorilla”, then that album was rereleased by Cleopatra Records in 2018. I was offered a deal with them in January of 2018, and I admit I was immensely surprised. Quite an honour. So…I released a few albums as “Gnostic Gorilla” (with other labels as well) and then finally, in May of 2019, I wanted to do a more aggrotech type project and thus was born “Bleeding Raven”. (also released on Cleopatra Records)!

How did you come up with your band name?

The idea for the name comes from First Nations lore. The Raven is a significant character/image in Indigenous Canadian (First Nations) spiritual storytelling and folklore. Depending on the tribe, the Raven is seen as either a little trickster, or as a sort of spiritual entity that carries the soul to the Great Spirit or warns of impending death. The ‘bleeding’ part of the name is a reference to the suffering of my brothers and sisters of the First Nations, but also of humanity in general. In case someone tries to slam me with false claims, the ‘bleeding’ part has NOTHING to do with sacrifice. Just for the record!

What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I’m from Canada. The ‘metal’ scene is very vibrant. My brother actually was a member of Summertime Daisies, a Death Metal band from the 90’s. But anyway, whatever you find in Europe and the US, you’ll find here.

What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)

“Darkness Consumed” released by Cleopatra Records.

Who have been your greatest influences?

In my early years, as a lad, I’d say that Gary Numan was the artist that most inspired me to just consider doing music. He remains an inspiration in many ways, but throughout the years other bands have had an impact on how I approach music. I’d say that this album, “Darkness Consumed” is inspired by the more industrial type bands, like Psyclon Nine and Die Sektor, but also in a general way, many artists have inspired me. To name a few, Type O Negative, Ministry, Japan, Korn, Frost Like Ashes, Zardonic, Global Citizen, CRIX IIIX, Marilyn Manson, Skinny Puppy, Maiden, Sabbath, and many others. But I also have to give a shout out to The Doors who will forever be for me one of the best bands ever in the history of modern music. Gary Numan and The Doors are in many ways my biggest inspirations, even though my music itself is not like theirs. I have to add that I’m very impressed with William Westwater and his many projects, including and especially “Fear Incorporated” and “The Pandemonium Bureau”.

What first got you into music?

My dad was in a band before I was even born. It’s sort of in my DNA. I was singing Elvis tunes as a kid along with some French songs, like “La Poupee Qui Fait Non” by Michel Polnareff. Check it out man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDkVjrYNyLo

Then KISS and Gary Numan inspired me as a young lad.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Gary Numan, Ian Astbury or Billy Corgan. None of this will happen of course but hey…you asked. LOL!

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

And that is a BIG IF. I’m not a live act. But if I could, I really don’t know. Ozzfest. (does that still exist?)

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

We’re in deep shit folks…run to the hills. Hahahahaha! I don’t know honestly. There’s so much hate in this world, we all need to fucking get along. It really doesn’t cost anything to be nice. BE NICE! Lol!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Jim Morrison. Like…duh…

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

The most important aspect of being into music for me is actually the lyrics. The music for me is a vehicle for the lyrics. But that’s me. As for what I hate, I don’t know. Mixing…lol! I’ve lost more equipment that went flying through the window….lol!

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I don’t know. It would be slightly arrogant for me to make suggestions, I think. I’m just a really, REALLY small guy. But I do have to say that I’ve noticed there’s this hierarchy, or a sort of ‘caste system’ within the celebrity ‘elite’ in rock and roll-dom. Established celebrities don’t give a rat’s ass about new acts, they just want to keep their thrones polished and they associate only amongst themselves. I mean, there are exceptions of course (Gary Numan is quite approachable), but in general, there is this attitude of “better than thee” amongst the established artists that makes me gag. It’s a total ‘caste’ system, which is kind of ironic, considering that rock is supposed to be more or less anti-establishment etc. But it’s just the same ‘royal’ bullshit, but with long hair and makeup as opposed to three piece suits and tiaras.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Replicas” by Gary Numan (solo act) and The Doors Live (band)!

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I like vinyl, and there is something so special about vinyl. BUT we do live in a digital age and we can’t go backwards. And I LOVE the convenience of having so much music available without having to rent a U-Haul. But I DO like the tangible aspect of a vinyl record with inner sleeve etc. Cassettes? Really? Do we really want to go back to that? I mean, CDs ok, but cassettes? I don’t get it myself.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Music is a hobby. That’s all it is. I got a label deal (a couple actually) and that includes three albums with Cleopatra Records which is quite neat, but music isn’t my livelihood. I don’t discuss my ‘real career’ in interviews.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Pope Francis. Dracula. Boy George. Ian Astbury and Sophie Tweed- Simmons.

What’s next for you?

Sadly, the only plans I have for the next few months—years, is promoting that which I have released already. Well…there is also another Gnostic Gorilla (my other project) release in 2020, but that’s it. You see, I lost my hearing…completely in the left ear and the right ear is vulnerable…functioning only with an aid and it’s touch and go at that. The left ear can’t be helped with a hearing device. It’s completely gone. Toast. Its what they call sudden hearing loss. It’s what I call being shit out of luck royally. Hahahahaha! I joke but it’s not easy. So, there we are.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

https://bleedingraven.bandcamp.com/releases
http://www.bleedingraven.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0f0TNu9WymksAcpNnOwOVg?si=IYdcCPvOT0-
https://www.facebook.com/bleedingravenofficial
http://www.bleedingraven.com/

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

Never had them! I don’t think we have these here. Must be an English treat or something. But whatever they are, they are probably delicious!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

No, thank you! Keep promoting the ‘little guy and gal’ man. Cheers and enjoy your Jaffa Cakes…lol…

EMQ’s with ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN

EMQ’s with ARRIVAL OF AUTUMN

Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Alberta, Canada based Metal band Arrival Of Autumn! Huge thanks to vocalist Jamison Friesen for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Jamison Friesen, I’m the vocalist in Arrival Of Autumn. The band was formed in 2011 by Brendan (guitar), Ty (drums) and myself. We released an EP in 2012, an album in 2014. We eventually recruited our current bass player Kevin, and second guitar player Ryan. We got signed and released our new album on Nuclear Blast Records, it’s called “Harbinger” and it’s available now!
How did you come up with your band name?
Our drummer Ty brought the idea to us, it’s inspired by an Opeth song and we thought it was fitting.
What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We’re from Canada, in the province of Alberta. We have a fantastic metal scene out here and lots of great bands. There are hardworking promoters in every city and a lot of talented bands.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)
Our new album “Harbinger” was released earlier this year, on the same day we released a music video for the track ‘Better Off Without’ which can be found on Nuclear Blasts YouTube page. (Link Below)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPZWH6YM1oc
Who have been your greatest influences?
Metallica is my number one, other major influences for me in my younger years were Demon Hunter, Linkin Park, & Bullet For My Valentine.
What first got you into music?
As far back as I can remember I’ve enjoyed many genres of music. I was taken to my first live show at a young age and loved it.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
It would be James Hetfield, no doubt.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Download Festival at Donington. There’s been so many legendary sets played there.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Chicken & Waffles flavoured cereal, it was amazing.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Create your own meaning in life, find something you enjoy and live for it.
If you could bring one Metal/Rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Cliff Burton.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Being able to yell at people and call it art is pretty great! There’s a lot of self-doubt when dealing with song writing, it can be tough to stay positive when dealing with writers block.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Let’s get back to real musicians making money.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
The Flaming Lips – “The Soft Bulletin”.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I love being able to download an album as soon as it’s available, but I also enjoy buying vinyl copies of my favourite albums.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We had a great set in San Diego recently, the energy was insane and we smashed it.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Gaming a lot more.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
You wouldn’t know them, but they’re good people.
What’s next for the band?
We’re embarking on a 7 week tour of the USA & Canada with In Flames & Red this winter!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
We’re on all platforms as /arrivalofautumn or @arrivalofautumn. Listen to our music on Spotify, Apple, etc.
http://www.arrivalofautumn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ArrivalOfAutumn/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OLm78czd7Y80yrzwAb7FK
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Cakescuit for sure!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thanks for having me and thanks to all the readers checking this out! Make sure to listen to our new album “Harbinger” and catch us on tour in your city very soon!

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with CRUICKSHANK

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EMQ’s with CRUICKSHANK

Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Canadian based Sludge/Doom/Hardcore band Cruickshank! Huge thanks to them for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi! My name is Marc and I play guitar in a band we called “Cruickshank”. One of my bestest chums Mark McGee and I got together and decided to start making an album. I had some songs and he was living in Iqaliut, Nunavut so we pieced them together via internets. We recorded the drums at Boxcar sound in Hamilton with our good buddy Pearson and everything seemed to be going as planned when……
……good suspense build eh? Yeah, uh, nothing crazy happened. Got Graham Christian formerly of Teethmarks to do some lyrics and vocals then asked Scott Miller from Anthesis/Frig Dancer to slap-a-da-bass and that was that. Miller mixed/mastered it and I couldn’t be happier with how it all turned out.
How did you come up with your band name?
McGee came up with it. I think he just read it somewhere and thought it sounded awesome.
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
We are all from various parts of Canada. The metal scene is great here. It’s fucking cold right?
What is your latest release (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest, and only, release is a self-titled full length cassette. Dig it?
Who have been your greatest influences?
For this project it was all over the place. We all brought something a little different to the table and it made the thing really shine. I tried to do my best Cobra Noir impersonation on the guitar. If you haven’t heard that band check them out. Classic shit!
What first got you into music?
Being pissed and whatnot! Wanting to be Kirk Corbane or whatever his name is.
Teenaged angst. Misguided visions! Perverted cessation! A desire to overuse adjectives in order to appear more complex than I actually am!
Good times.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Zakk Wylde, Victor Wooten, Stevie Wonder and Seth Putnam! Don’t tell me that isn’t a creative juggernaut! Don’t!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Coachella! Seems like a rad time with a ton of cool bands but I think it’s mad expensive.
All jokes aside I would like to go to that fest someday.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Huh…..good question. My good friend Jan brought me a Bernie Worrell t-shirt once. I was really touched that he knew I dug the OG Bern. Super sweetie that guy.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thanks a ton for the support! Means a lot that anyone checks out our music let alone enjoys any of it!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Zakk Wylde!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love the creative process almost as much as I hate the creative process. It’s maddening at times. I wish I was good at it and didn’t have to put as much effort in. Knowing music and being really good at it wasn’t in the cards for me. Makes it interesting for sure but it can be a black hole of frustration and existential dread sometimes.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Can’t say I know enough about it to give an intelligent answer. Maybe just more governmental support for the arts in general! Like Sweden. But I feel as though that funding could be better used to help our indigenous populations. You stumped me.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Can’t Buy A Thrill” – Steely Dan. SD are punk as fuck.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I will download something and then buy the record if it sticks with me.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We have yet to play one so I guess there’s nowhere to go but UP!!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Publicly mutilating my genitalia, saving the whales or both!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Rob Thomas, Santana, Chad Kroger, the dude from Staind and Wes Borland.
What’s next for the band?
Going to play some shows in October, that’s pretty much it. Might do another album again someday! It’s been a fun experience.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://www.facebook.com/Cruickshank-566952513709042/
and
https://crckshnk.bandcamp.com/releases
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Totes a biscuit! Totes!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Not really. Thanks a ton for taking the time to support heavy music. Appreciate the fuck out of it!

Bottom Cruickshank Promo Pic

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.