Coming up with a great band name is never easy. And sometimes, I think metal bands have it harder than anyone — their names have to be cool, original AND heavy. Clearly, some of today’s Grindhouse residents have found a clever solution: Using words that appear made up (or at least misspelled)! So turn off your autocorrect, turn up the volume and bludgeon yourself about the head and face to the superb blastrains of these slaughtercaustic devastructions (and if you’d like to use any of those words for your metal band, let me know):
Auro Control ft. Jeff Scott Soto | Not Alone
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Auro Control are a new Brazilian band with a fast, precise, melodic, virtuous and energetic sound that delivers an amazing auditory experience and leaves a lasting impression. Their debut full-length The Harp is an ambitious album, uniting the greatness of power metal with the depth of prog and the richness of percussion from Bahia-Brazil, resulting in a unique and surprising hybrid. Produced by Thiago Bianchi, the album will feature the participation of Bianchi himself (Noturnall, ex-Shaman), Aquiles Priester (W.A.S.P., ex-Angra), Felipe Andreoli (Angra), and Jeff Scott Soto. Introduce yourself to them with the single and video Not Alone.”
Harpazo | I Am God
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “The Crucible is the debut album from Harpazo, a supergroup formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon). Set for release on July 5 in North America, 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. The single I Am God encapsulates the essence of Harpazo, presenting a dynamic, messianic, and powerful metal anthem filled with intense energy and compelling melodic sections. It takes listeners on a cinematic and haunting journey through a dystopian world, perfectly reflecting our metal opera vision. The bridge hooks you with its irresistible catchiness, smoothly transitioning into a robust and infectious chorus.”
Dendera | Fading
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Following the overwhelming success of their previous single Mask Of Lies — a preview of their upcoming eponymous album — British metalcore powerhouse Dendera release their latest single Fading. It’s a progressive, modern and melodic song with heavy-hitting, bouncing riffs that move from light to dark throughout. The story of the song begins by referring to the thoughts and feelings of someone suffering from deep depression. As the song travels through three different scenes, the story changes to how it feels to overcome these challenges, culminating in an epic, uplifting ending where the darkness finally lifts. Music and vocals come together in this piece to take the listener on a truly emotional journey. But the surprises don’t end here. In addition to the single, Dendera have also unveiled a captivating video that takes viewers on a visual journey.”
Paradise In Flames | Concerto No 6 In C Minor, Cold Spring
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Formed in 2002 in the heart of Santa Luzia, Paradise In Flames emerged with a mission to challenge pre-established ideas and forge a new path in the metal landscape. Drawing inspiration from the brutal scenes of death and black metal, the band bring together heavy riffs with unconventional elements. Case in point: Their new single Concerto No 6 Minor, Cold Spring, from their upcoming album Blindness, due June 14. “This album proved to be the most challenging of the band’s career, as it required a strong correlation between the music and lyrics,” they say. “The concept was to have one set of lyrics for all 11 tracks, ensuring each song had a logical sequence while collectively creating an engaging atmosphere to captivate the listener.”
Nok Novum | Dad Problems
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Formed in early 2008, Nok Novum are an instrumental band from Canada. They were conceived as a two-piece by guitarist Grant Cooper and drummer Brady Mason. With the addition of Scott Giffin on guitar and Cam Dougall on bass in late 2013, Nok Novum proved to be one of the top live acts in the Calgary metal scene. Seamlessly combining mesmerizing video with music, their goal is to create a stimulating auditory and visual experience. Their sophomore release Nok Novum II is set to be released in 2024. Grant wrote most of the riffs on the new single Dad Problems in his dad’s basement when he was about 25 years old (12 years ago now!) and living with Brady. The two would spend hours just freeform jamming on ideas, with lots of improvisation, collaborating to construct the core of the song in the most organic way possible.”
Victoria Lies | Trial By Fire
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Victoria Lies, the electrifying new Canadian metalcore band emerging from the remains of From The Flame, released their latest video single Trial By Fire. It marks the debut of the band’s invigorated lineup, featuring Brett Hetherington on vocals, Nick Shyrokov on drums, Chris Kohler and Rory Fitzsimmons on guitars, and Jay Powell on bass. “This one came together so beautifully, there was no resistance from the song at all,” says Fitzsimmons. “It just kept coming and coming. It started with Jay and I in the studio trying to come up with anything to help move the album writing along. The start was the hardest part because you’re starting with a completely blank canvas and zero direction on where to go. Eventually, Jay dug up an old riff he had from his days in Florida, he gave the riff to me, I put my spin on it and we finally had our start! From that moment we were off to the races.”
Derelict | Versus Entropy
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “After a 12-year hiatus, Montréal’s pioneers of brutal melodic technical death metal are back with a vengeance. Eric Burnet (vocals/guitar), Max Lussier (guitar/vocals) and Sébastien Pittet (bass) are joined in Derelict by new drummer Tommy McKinnon (Neuraxis, Akurion, Conflux). Their new album Versus Entropy comes out on June 21st. In preparation, they are debuting the title track, which combines technical and progressive elements over a catchy and brutal death metal core. They share their thoughts: “If someone had never heard Derelict before and wanted to get an impression in one song, this would be the one. It’s melodic tech death with some brutal riff breaks, dueling solos, a lovely clean break, and an epic crescendo. The lyrics are about the human struggle to stave off decay and decline, which of course is impossible, and the toll that it takes.”
Lord Buffalo | I Wait On The Door Slab
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Austin heavy psychedelic and Americana purveyors Lord Buffalo present an upbeat and compelling second track taken from their new album Holus Bolus, due July 12. Lord Buffalo are heavy in the way that ghosts are heavy… in the way that billowing dust is heavy. That is to say, the Texas band’s music impacts hard, though it seems impossible to touch. Their sound flows through us, it doesn’t invite the Pavlovian response of typical heavy rock music. Perhaps it’s fitting that Holus Bolus takes its name from an antiquated term meaning “all at once.” It materializes instantly from the first opening notes, a grey haze drawing listeners in with deft juxtapositions of droning violin, guitars, drums and vocals.”
Eternal Drak | Soul Of Hate
THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Eternal Drak have long been a cornerstone of metal in Canada. Their seventh album Imprisoned Souls is slated for release on July 17. The first single off this long-awaited album is Soul Of Hate, which draws together three decades of musical mastery from the Quebec metal band and proves to fans that they are only getting better. The band comment: “We really liked (Soul Of Hate) from the beginning, and we selected it as the first single because it contains a structure that roughly represents most of what is on the album. The recording of this song was not easy since, not being satisfied, we shared it with the band’s closest fans to obtain their opinions and suggestions. Several times we had to adapt it in the studio to reach this result, something that represents and opens the album of the imprisoned souls.”
