Dead Asylum started their Back to Western Canada with a show at Muninn's Post Friday night (April 12th). Headlining was Drop Dead Fred along with openers Death Machine and Eden Echo. Erik sat down with the members of Eden Echo to discuss their new EP Kingdom in the Shadow and Dead Asylum to discuss a progressing metal scene and being a band with members all across Canada.
Wolfheart, Opeth, Equipose, The Black Dahlia Murder, Rivers of Nihil, ArkenFire, Whitechapel, Enterprise Earth, Ratt, WMD, Villain, Time Rift, Roadrash, West of Hell, Expain, Nomad, Ravenous, Padova
A Kelowna-based podcast about all things that are metal! We sit down, hit record and talk about what's new in metal culture. This includes what we've been listening to, new music, metal news and whatever else interests us. Sometimes local metal bands or metalheads sit in with us to talk metal. We are on a neverending quest to find new kick-ass metal so come explore metal culture with us one band at a time!
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Dead Asylum's Western Canada tour begins in Kelowna
Death/thrash metal band Dead Asylum kicked off their Western Canadian tour in Kelowna last night. Not only that but local band Drop Dead Fred played (and headlined) their first show in 1.5 years. Opening acts Death Machine and Eden Echo.
I arrived early with the new podcast gear that I had spent some time during the week setting up. It was very easy to do and basically a plug'n'play with a couple tweaks. A far cry from the set up Terence and I had "working" for the few weeks prior to this show. This turned out to be a very good thing because I had lined up Mike and Samantha from Dead Asylum to join me in an interview. I have to admit there was a bit of nervousness having the equipment all set up outside of my familiar surroundings. In the end it all worked out and I felt really good about how the night went!
This was the third time now that I have seen this group live and once again they played their hearts out and the crowd really opened up to them. Before the show I sat down with the boys of Eden Echo as well. One interesting tidbit that came up was when I asked the band about how I sort of hear a folk-like influence in the music and Matt brought up that a few members of the band were in Opeth. When he told me that it clicked with me and made a lot of sense. There is influences of Opeth and more of a folk-rock vibe.
It is clear they are getting tighter and gaining more confidence every show.
They played a couple of songs that are not on their new EP "Kingdom of the Shadow". One of which I managed to capture here:
Eden Echo YouTube playlist
Eden Echo Spotify
A great blend of tech and traditional death metal. Maybe only traditional death metal for the time being. That is until they have more material that they don't need to play their demo songs anymore. Whenever I run into Spencer or Chandler (rocking an Equipoise shirt last night) and get talking about metal the bands and influences they speak about are much more tech death than straight death. The newer songs are much more technical and have very interesting parts.
Honestly I really enjoy watching Death Machine. Such an intense and menacing performance. Taylor really gets the crowd going and gives it his all behind the drums. It will be a real pleasure watching where this band ends up going and how they get there.
Death Machine YouTube Playlist
Death Machine Bandcamp
Hot off their show in Kamloops with Wolfheart and Shatterless Dead Asylum kicked off their 8 date Back to Western Canada tour at Muninn's Post. Like in Kamloops they put on a really good show here in Kelowna. Each member is interacting with the crowd and have build a stage presence that is engaging and fun to watch.
Vocalist Mike and drummer Samantha sat down with me before the show to discuss the metal scene in British Columbia and what it takes to be a band with members spread across the country. That episode should be coming up real soon.
If Dead Asylum is coming to your area for this tour I recommend seeing them. It's worth the price to hear some good death/thrash metal performed by a tight and great group of people.
Dead Asylum YouTube Playlist
Dead Asylum Bandcamp
See Dead Asylum on one of their upcoming dates as they tour through BC and Alberta.
There was a medical emergency that I attended to for part of Drop Dead Fred's set and for that I feel really bad that I didn't get any photographs to share on social media for them. Unfortunately as a train health care attendant sometimes situations happen where I need to do my duty for the public.
Yes, everyone was fine. :)
I've not listened to this band before so this was my first experience with them. Generally I don't like going in blind to shows and like to have at least an idea of what to expect. Here I felt very adventurous and went in blind. Only this morning to look them up and do some research.
At first their sound was quite death metal but I felt there was enough core influences that they were actually deathcore. The breakdowns that happened in the last few songs eventually did confirm this.
GREAT INTENSITY. I felt these songs were really tight and entertaining. Music I would listen to outside of seeing the show. Even searching them online I find it difficult to find any real solid information outside from their FB, YouTube and Bandcamp page.
Drop Dead Fred YouTube Playlist
Drop Dead Fred Bandcamp
I'm really looking forward to seeing these guys play again. As anyone following the blog and podcast would know I'm really digging deathcore lately and this is absolutely no different.
I got to meet a few new people last night as well. A couple really into glam and hair metal and as far as I could hear (god damn loud metal!!) they were wanting to come out and support the local scene and bands. That was a really nice conversation and I really hope to meet them again at a future show. I invited them to next week's ArkenFire show with WMD, Villian, Time Rift and Roadrash. The whole heavy/speed/power thing might be up their alley.
It's always amazing introducing people to new metal music or metal in general. There is truly so much to gain from it.
If you enjoy the bands consider coming out to the shows and if you cannot support them on their Bandcamp!!
I arrived early with the new podcast gear that I had spent some time during the week setting up. It was very easy to do and basically a plug'n'play with a couple tweaks. A far cry from the set up Terence and I had "working" for the few weeks prior to this show. This turned out to be a very good thing because I had lined up Mike and Samantha from Dead Asylum to join me in an interview. I have to admit there was a bit of nervousness having the equipment all set up outside of my familiar surroundings. In the end it all worked out and I felt really good about how the night went!
Eden Echo
This was the third time now that I have seen this group live and once again they played their hearts out and the crowd really opened up to them. Before the show I sat down with the boys of Eden Echo as well. One interesting tidbit that came up was when I asked the band about how I sort of hear a folk-like influence in the music and Matt brought up that a few members of the band were in Opeth. When he told me that it clicked with me and made a lot of sense. There is influences of Opeth and more of a folk-rock vibe.
They played a couple of songs that are not on their new EP "Kingdom of the Shadow". One of which I managed to capture here:
Eden Echo YouTube playlist
Eden Echo Spotify
Death Machine
A great blend of tech and traditional death metal. Maybe only traditional death metal for the time being. That is until they have more material that they don't need to play their demo songs anymore. Whenever I run into Spencer or Chandler (rocking an Equipoise shirt last night) and get talking about metal the bands and influences they speak about are much more tech death than straight death. The newer songs are much more technical and have very interesting parts.
Honestly I really enjoy watching Death Machine. Such an intense and menacing performance. Taylor really gets the crowd going and gives it his all behind the drums. It will be a real pleasure watching where this band ends up going and how they get there.
Death Machine YouTube Playlist
Death Machine Bandcamp
Dead Asylum
Hot off their show in Kamloops with Wolfheart and Shatterless Dead Asylum kicked off their 8 date Back to Western Canada tour at Muninn's Post. Like in Kamloops they put on a really good show here in Kelowna. Each member is interacting with the crowd and have build a stage presence that is engaging and fun to watch.
Vocalist Mike and drummer Samantha sat down with me before the show to discuss the metal scene in British Columbia and what it takes to be a band with members spread across the country. That episode should be coming up real soon.
If Dead Asylum is coming to your area for this tour I recommend seeing them. It's worth the price to hear some good death/thrash metal performed by a tight and great group of people.
Dead Asylum YouTube Playlist
Dead Asylum Bandcamp
See Dead Asylum on one of their upcoming dates as they tour through BC and Alberta.
Drop Dead Fred
There was a medical emergency that I attended to for part of Drop Dead Fred's set and for that I feel really bad that I didn't get any photographs to share on social media for them. Unfortunately as a train health care attendant sometimes situations happen where I need to do my duty for the public.
Yes, everyone was fine. :)
I've not listened to this band before so this was my first experience with them. Generally I don't like going in blind to shows and like to have at least an idea of what to expect. Here I felt very adventurous and went in blind. Only this morning to look them up and do some research.
At first their sound was quite death metal but I felt there was enough core influences that they were actually deathcore. The breakdowns that happened in the last few songs eventually did confirm this.
GREAT INTENSITY. I felt these songs were really tight and entertaining. Music I would listen to outside of seeing the show. Even searching them online I find it difficult to find any real solid information outside from their FB, YouTube and Bandcamp page.
Drop Dead Fred YouTube Playlist
Drop Dead Fred Bandcamp
I'm really looking forward to seeing these guys play again. As anyone following the blog and podcast would know I'm really digging deathcore lately and this is absolutely no different.
I got to meet a few new people last night as well. A couple really into glam and hair metal and as far as I could hear (god damn loud metal!!) they were wanting to come out and support the local scene and bands. That was a really nice conversation and I really hope to meet them again at a future show. I invited them to next week's ArkenFire show with WMD, Villian, Time Rift and Roadrash. The whole heavy/speed/power thing might be up their alley.
It's always amazing introducing people to new metal music or metal in general. There is truly so much to gain from it.
If you enjoy the bands consider coming out to the shows and if you cannot support them on their Bandcamp!!
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Hear Me Black Bear
What are we listening to?
New Devin Townsend Empath is out and it is amazing.
Whitechapel's discography. About the theme to The Valley.
Ghost touring North America stopping in Penticton. Discuss my first impressions of Ghost?
New releases
News
New Rammstein single and self titled album coming May 17.
Static-X news, first images of touring vocalist, mystery regarding identity, recorded new versions of WDT songs; Tony Campos addresses critics, curious choice of words especially when taken into context of the post made by former Tour Manager.
Ronnie James Dio hologram to tour this summer. What do you think about hologram concerts of passed musicians? Would you attend?
Bands mentioned:
Pantera, Slayer, Wolfheart, Devin Townsend, Frank Zappa, Rammstein, Whitechapel, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Ghost, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Static-X, Dope, Amon Amarth, Darkthrone, Gloryhammer, Iron Maiden, Wormwitch, The Exploited, Creed, Inter Arma, Blackguard, Enterprise Earth, Danko Jones, Sunn O))),
New Devin Townsend Empath is out and it is amazing.
Whitechapel's discography. About the theme to The Valley.
Ghost touring North America stopping in Penticton. Discuss my first impressions of Ghost?
New releases
| Whitechapel | The Valley | deathcore |
| Devin Townsend | Empath | progressive |
News
New Rammstein single and self titled album coming May 17.
Static-X news, first images of touring vocalist, mystery regarding identity, recorded new versions of WDT songs; Tony Campos addresses critics, curious choice of words especially when taken into context of the post made by former Tour Manager.
Ronnie James Dio hologram to tour this summer. What do you think about hologram concerts of passed musicians? Would you attend?
Bands mentioned:
Pantera, Slayer, Wolfheart, Devin Townsend, Frank Zappa, Rammstein, Whitechapel, Tool, A Perfect Circle, Ghost, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Static-X, Dope, Amon Amarth, Darkthrone, Gloryhammer, Iron Maiden, Wormwitch, The Exploited, Creed, Inter Arma, Blackguard, Enterprise Earth, Danko Jones, Sunn O))),
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Tzimani Shreds up the Post
Power and heavy metal takes over Muninn's Post! ArkenFire headlined a show Friday night at the local Feast Hall along with Tzimani hailing from San Diego and progressive instrumental metal act Indecipherable Noise from Peachland, BC.
Indecipherable Noise YouTube Playlist
Indecipherable Noise on Bandcamp
Their self-titled EP came out a year ago so still being somewhat fresh they played most songs off it. I'm not aware if they were playing any new material. Their songs have catchy choruses and great solos. There isn't much more to ask for from a heavy metal band!
Tzimani YouTube Playlist
Tzimani on Bandcamp
ArkenFire on Bandcamp
There were lots of familiar faces among the crowd and a couple new ones. I brought out my good friend Justin who really enjoyed the music, met some new people and had an overall great night. He's a huge fan of all genres of music and always a fan of metal but just doesn't come to shows very often. That's about to change! It always makes me feel good to see both familiar and new faces. The fan base here is a dedicated bunch of people who all contribute to the scene in their own interesting and unique ways.
Indecipherable Noise
Instrumental progressive metal project of local talent Jevon Carignan (guitar), Dylan Gutierrez (guitar), Vaughn Janes (bass), and Mitchell Corbach (drums). They play a style influenced by Animals as Leaders and Rush. A great way to warm up the crowd and get people on their feet before the main acts took stage. I quite enjoyed it and they seemed to have some really nice ideas there.Indecipherable Noise YouTube Playlist
Indecipherable Noise on Bandcamp
Tzimani
This two piece hailing from San Diego shredded their way through their set. Straight up heavy metal brothers rocking their way across North America. Eddie can really play the guitar. Each song they played were full of mean riffs and ripping solos.Tzimani YouTube Playlist
Tzimani on Bandcamp
ArkenFire
I only had time to stick around for the first three songs. Morning shift beckoned. Raid Winds and Night Sister were the first two songs played. I do not recall the third. The band sounded just as good as at Wacken Battle of the Bands. These guys are on fire every time they play. It is a real treat to watch them on stage and they definitely deserve a larger one at that. There is a soft spot in my heart for heavy/power metal and have been for years.There were lots of familiar faces among the crowd and a couple new ones. I brought out my good friend Justin who really enjoyed the music, met some new people and had an overall great night. He's a huge fan of all genres of music and always a fan of metal but just doesn't come to shows very often. That's about to change! It always makes me feel good to see both familiar and new faces. The fan base here is a dedicated bunch of people who all contribute to the scene in their own interesting and unique ways.
Monday, March 25, 2019
Apollyon Debuts New Track "Wretched Grandiose"
Saturday night, at Wacken Battle of the Bands, Apollyon debuted the new track Wretched Grandiose. The set also included songs from their album False Light and solidified themselves as winners of Wacken Battle of the Bands round 3 Kelowna.
They will battle against other winners BC Finals set to take place April 28 in Vancouver at The Red Room. See the Facebook event here.
They will battle against other winners BC Finals set to take place April 28 in Vancouver at The Red Room. See the Facebook event here.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Wacken Battle of the Bands Round 3
Wacken Battle of the Bands round 3 took place last night at Muninn's Post here in Kelowna. This was yet another sold out show for the popular Viking feast hall. We had judges present including Byron Stroud from Strapping Young Lad fame and his most recent project Imonolith.
Northern Steel
The first band up were our friends travelling all the way from Prince George. This three piece metal act put on a really nice show. It was a pleasure listening to their intense but melodic songs. Lots of memorable licks. The first few songs were quite short and felt more like ideas that were in the midst of being fleshed out into songs. But their last few songs were really well done.
I had the pleasure to talk with the guys later on through the night. Really awesome people who are struggling to help the Prince George metal scene flourish. Good luck Northern Steel! When they are back in town we'll be sure to have them on the podcast.
Northern Steel Playlist (2 songs)
Death Machine
Spencer and the boys rip. That's all I can say about these guys. Their blend of old school and technical death metal is such a pleasure to listen to. Dylan and Chandler playing off each other with the solos and Dylan just nailing some of them. Sounding so tight. Spencer's presence on stage is huge and menacing. Pairing so well with his vocal style. Taylor destroying it on the drums as per usual.
Kelowna will be left a smoldering crater when Death Machine releases studio recordings.
Death Machine Playlist (2 songs)
Eden Echo
Eden Echo played last weekend and tonight they sounded even tighter than that set. A difference in the confidence in the live performance could be noticed already and the crowd was so supportive. I really dig their style of European folk melodeath. The fantasy themes to the songs are right up my alley and I dig all the vocal styles.
ArkenFire
The only reason ArkenFire didn't win tonight is they'd be giving all the other NWBHM/power metal bands a run for their money at Wacken Open Air. Not only is it cool af that we have a local power metal band but damn are they tight and have some really good material. Jacob's vocal style is similar to Bruce Dickinson and his onstage presence is second to none. He's having a blast up there as the band grinds out their riffs. Randy and Ian rip solo after solo.
No video available yet
Apollyon
Congratulations to Apollyon for absolutely destroying Muninn's last night. Anyone who has seen this band live knows they deserve the victory. Matt's vocals and stage presence is so good and a lot of fun to watch. Shout out to his Emperor shirt. Horns up! They debuted a new song titled Wretched Grandiose. An intense and incredibly fast track which undoubtedly kicked everyone's ass.
They will be representing the Okanagan well at the BC Finals taking place in Vancouver at The Red Room on April 28th. There is a chance I may miss it but you don't want to!
No video available yet
This was a really great night. I met some new people and made new connections. Got lots of footage to share with local fans and the Internet. This will most likely be brought up a number of times but I just love what's going on in Kelowna right now. This little scene is producing some great talent and people.
Friday Tzimani is in town with ArkenFire and Indecipherable Noise. Cover is only $10 which is a steal for the type of entertainment provided. Come out and support the local metal scene!
Northern Steel
The first band up were our friends travelling all the way from Prince George. This three piece metal act put on a really nice show. It was a pleasure listening to their intense but melodic songs. Lots of memorable licks. The first few songs were quite short and felt more like ideas that were in the midst of being fleshed out into songs. But their last few songs were really well done.
I had the pleasure to talk with the guys later on through the night. Really awesome people who are struggling to help the Prince George metal scene flourish. Good luck Northern Steel! When they are back in town we'll be sure to have them on the podcast.
Northern Steel Playlist (2 songs)
Death Machine
Spencer and the boys rip. That's all I can say about these guys. Their blend of old school and technical death metal is such a pleasure to listen to. Dylan and Chandler playing off each other with the solos and Dylan just nailing some of them. Sounding so tight. Spencer's presence on stage is huge and menacing. Pairing so well with his vocal style. Taylor destroying it on the drums as per usual.
Kelowna will be left a smoldering crater when Death Machine releases studio recordings.
Death Machine Playlist (2 songs)
Eden Echo
Eden Echo played last weekend and tonight they sounded even tighter than that set. A difference in the confidence in the live performance could be noticed already and the crowd was so supportive. I really dig their style of European folk melodeath. The fantasy themes to the songs are right up my alley and I dig all the vocal styles.
ArkenFire
The only reason ArkenFire didn't win tonight is they'd be giving all the other NWBHM/power metal bands a run for their money at Wacken Open Air. Not only is it cool af that we have a local power metal band but damn are they tight and have some really good material. Jacob's vocal style is similar to Bruce Dickinson and his onstage presence is second to none. He's having a blast up there as the band grinds out their riffs. Randy and Ian rip solo after solo.
No video available yet
Apollyon
WACKEN BATTLE OF THE BANDS ROUND 3 WINNERS!!!
Congratulations to Apollyon for absolutely destroying Muninn's last night. Anyone who has seen this band live knows they deserve the victory. Matt's vocals and stage presence is so good and a lot of fun to watch. Shout out to his Emperor shirt. Horns up! They debuted a new song titled Wretched Grandiose. An intense and incredibly fast track which undoubtedly kicked everyone's ass.
They will be representing the Okanagan well at the BC Finals taking place in Vancouver at The Red Room on April 28th. There is a chance I may miss it but you don't want to!
No video available yet
This was a really great night. I met some new people and made new connections. Got lots of footage to share with local fans and the Internet. This will most likely be brought up a number of times but I just love what's going on in Kelowna right now. This little scene is producing some great talent and people.
Friday Tzimani is in town with ArkenFire and Indecipherable Noise. Cover is only $10 which is a steal for the type of entertainment provided. Come out and support the local metal scene!
Thursday, March 21, 2019
At Doom's Gate
After a weekend of two sold out gigs in Kelowna we have a lot to say about what we saw and heard. Have you ever heard the soundtrack to Doom 2016? Since we can't stop listening to it we decided to give it some discussion! The show down between two melodic death metal bands is on. Hold on tight as we compare two bands that are and yet are not similar.
What happened the last week?
What happened the last week?
Thursday the 14th - Enterprise Earth and Aethere show
Saturday the 16th - Truent and Technical Damage show
News
New Amon Amarth track Raven's Flight.
DOOM
Mick Gordon’s video on the Doom 2016 soundtrack.
The 4 Easter eggs hidden in his music. On Feb 7th the final easter egg was discovered 2 years after the game’s release.
Other
When people wear shirts from bands they don't listen to or don't understand where it's from.
Upcoming
3rd round of Wacken Battle of the Bands at Muninn’s Post March 23rd.
Bands Mentioned:
Alter Bridge, Creed, Slash, Meadows End, Brymir, Gomorrah, Hannes Grossman, Tremonti, Charlie Handsome and the Brats, Enterprise Earth, Aethere, Vultures, Ugly, Truent, Technical Damage, Eden Echo, The Unending, Strapping Young Lad, Rhapsody, Wintersun, Ensiferum, System of a Down, Fear Factory, Spiritbox, Jinjer, Galactic Pegasus, Wolfheart, Stratovarius, Children of Bodom, ReinXeed, Sabaton, Metallica, Northern Steel, ArkenFire, Apollyon, 3 Inches of Blood, Meadows End, Brymir, Gomorrah, The Anchor, Hannes Grossman, Gladius Sky, Svavelvinter, Groza, Accursed Spawn,
Alter Bridge, Creed, Slash, Meadows End, Brymir, Gomorrah, Hannes Grossman, Tremonti, Charlie Handsome and the Brats, Enterprise Earth, Aethere, Vultures, Ugly, Truent, Technical Damage, Eden Echo, The Unending, Strapping Young Lad, Rhapsody, Wintersun, Ensiferum, System of a Down, Fear Factory, Spiritbox, Jinjer, Galactic Pegasus, Wolfheart, Stratovarius, Children of Bodom, ReinXeed, Sabaton, Metallica, Northern Steel, ArkenFire, Apollyon, 3 Inches of Blood, Meadows End, Brymir, Gomorrah, The Anchor, Hannes Grossman, Gladius Sky, Svavelvinter, Groza, Accursed Spawn,
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