Since the release of their debut full-length album, The Aura, in June 2011, Montreal progressive death metallers Beyond Creation have become known for taking the innovative and exciting metal sound of their Quebec homeland and launching it into uncharted territory. Guitarists Simon Girard and Kevin Charté blend top-notch technical death metal playing, at times reminiscent of Gorod and The Faceless, with uid and progressive slides and taps, inspired by everything from
Guthrie Govan to Animals As Leaders. They are joined by arguably one of the most
forward-thinking players in metal, Dominic ‘Forest’ Lapointe, on six-string fretless bass, known for his work with Augury, Quo Vadis, Teramobil, Atheretic and others. Backed by the relentless assault of hyperactive drummer Philippe Boucher (Other bands: Incandescence, First Fragment, Chthe’ilist, Décombres) and led by Girard’s blend of guttural growls and inhaled/pitched screams, Beyond Creation are blazing their own trail through hard work, originality and a fresh perspective on the metal genre.

RIVERS OF NIHIL began their musical journey in 2009, and recorded their first EP, “Hierarchy“, with Carson Slovak. Six years and multiple tours later, the band returned to Slovak and Atrium Audio in Pennsylvania, after having recorded their previous effort “The Conscious Seed of Light” in 2012 with Erik Rutan at Mana Studios in Florida. Since the release of that album and signing with Metal Blade Records, RIVERS OF NIHIL found themselves quickly climbing the global metal ranks on the strength of overwhelmingly positive reviews and tours with Death (DTA Tours), Obituary, Whitechapel, Dying Fetus, Black Crown Initiate, plus an appearance at the storied New England Metal and Hardcore Festival.

During the album campaign, the band was joined by new drummer Alan Balamut and guitarist Jon Topore. Balamut and Topore join guitarist Brody Uttley, bassist Adam Biggs, and vocalist Jake Dieffenbach to form the up-and-coming force of modern death metal that is RIVERS OF NIHIL.

Topping their full-length debut is no elementary task; Terrorizer Magazine declared that RIVERS OF NIHIL “manage to do something unashamedly modern, and yet make death metal sound twisted and malevolent,” whileHeavyBlogisHeavy.com simple noted that it was “Definitely one of the best debuts to come out this year.“

Guitarist Brody Uttley cites recent personal hardships as a major factor in the creative process for “Monarchy“. Uttley divulges that “I lost a few close friends. The loss of these people had a profound influence on the creation of the music for this record. I was having strong feelings of rage, sadness, hope, and frustration as a result. The songs turned out heavier, darker, sadder, and more frightening than I had ever hoped that they would.” The mood of this album, and the song sequence, reflect these emotions. “Monarchy” begins with the most heavy and darkest tracks, and continues to develop more progressive leanings until the end when Uttley says “the emotional tension completely falls apart.“

The seasonal concept that began with spring on “The Conscious Seed of Light” continues, of course, with “Monarchy“, as it welcomes the oppressive heat of summer. The story takes place millions of years after the events in “The Conscious Seed of Light“. Adam Biggs, who also serves as the band’s primary lyricist, explains: “The Earth has been transformed into a vast desert wasteland, where after aeons of lifelessness, new beings begin to take shape and begin their journey as shepherds of the planet. But after a while, a class system forms from a sun-worshiping religious dictatorship, and these beings start to lose their way. Only the guidance of an ancient earthly force can help them save themselves as well the planet.“

It was in early 2012 that a small recording collaboration between two friends (Justin McKinney and Greg Hampton) began to coalesce into something that would prove to be well more than the sum of its parts. The Zenith Passage may have come about from humble beginnings in a stuffy Los Angeles apartment, but the produce thereof is anything BUT humble. Even the earliest demo tracks delivered a relentless torrent of technical guitar work accompanied by a distinctly frenetic and brutal vocal delivery that has since become an unmistakable hallmark in a scene that is all too often the victim of stagnation. Far from being strictly a shredfest, TZP also incorporates a thematic backbone that draws inspiration from the chaotic and awesome destructive powers of our universe. Progressive interludes invoke a palpable sense of abstract dread and reverence for things beyond mortal comprehension. The atmosphere created clearly nods to inspiration drawn from legendary acts such as Deeds of Flesh, Soreption, Fallujah, Severed Savior, and Aeon.
The project’s initial offerings generated enough buzz in social media circles alone to convince the duo to redouble their efforts in earnest, and to begin seeking out members to complete their lineup. This proved no small task in a saturated market, but persistent scouting over to following months precipitated the addition of friend and drummer Josh Slater (Aethere) into the mix. The subsequent release of a proper EP in January 2013 (entitled “Cosmic Dissonance”) catapulted TZP’s recognition to previously unprecedented heights, greatly broadening their fanbase, and catching the attention and admiration of some of California’s foremost metal musicians. Not long thereafter, it was announced that Rob Maramonte (ex-Fallujah) would also be stepping in to lend his talents and fill the role of second guitarist.
With the onset of all these new developments, and the lineup nearing completion, it seemed only natural to take the next step and join the ranks of those by whom they had been so heavily influenced. Thus, in the summer of 2013, TZP had the honor of signing on with Unique Leader Records for a multi-album deal. The stage is currently set for TZP to secure their foothold in topmost reaches of the metal pantheon, and they are hard at work churning out new content for their debut full-length. Rest assured, this marks only the beginning. The world has only just set foot onto the passage towards the pinnacle, the apex, the Xenith. BLEGH.

ROMAN RING was formed by members of Small Town Murder as the next step in an evolutionary process. An anomaly amongst the Chicago metal scene, Roman Ring fuses together elements rarely heard from their local peers. Combining blistering speed and technicality with passages of polyrhythmic grooves along with other-worldy influences. Their music will take you on a journey to another dimension before bringing you back to this earth as an evolved being.

Purge was formed in Chicago in late 2006. It all began when guitarist/ vocalist Bernardo “Burns” Mendia crossed paths with drummer Rob Martin. The two were very ambitious and determined to create a buzz in the local area. Just a few months later, at only age 16, they quickly released a 5 song demo “Simply Gorgastic”. The released was a huge success and they soon became known by locals and all over Myspace for their sheer brutality at such a young age! In early 2007 the lineup was complete acquiring Bill Russell on bass and Josh Wheelock on rhythm guitar. Now, establishing their sound with brutal speeds and bone crushing breakdowns, the band was ready to take it to the next level.

They immediately began performing live all over northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin playing with big names such as Cannibal Corpse, Satyricon, The Faceless, Cradle of Filth, Obscura and many more. Purge was also featured in 2009 Blasphemer Festival. Soon after they released another demo featuring they’re hit song “The Urge to Purge” as well as “Artistic Torture”. Purge was really beginning to create a name for themselves in Chicago land catching the attention of Pit Magazine and Rebel Access TV. Unfortunately, in early 2009 the band decided to take a break for personal and financial reasons.

In early 2012 Purge reformed, re-releasing their hit single “The Urge to Purge”, determined to move up. The band quickly began playing shows all over Chicago land to re-establish their name, performing with reputable bands like Deicide, Nile, Cannibal Corpse, Decrepit Birth, Job for a Cowboy, Between the Buried and Me and many more, not to mention being a part of Summer Slaughter Fest 2012 in Milwaukee, WI. Purge is also regularly played on Rebel Radio, The Kat 105.5 WKAN and Max Ink Radio! Having just released their new EP “Beyond The Unknown”, Purge is determined to crush the metal scene with technical guitar passages racing across the fret board and rumbling break downs sure to melt off anyone’s face. PURGE is now stronger than ever, stunning audiences with their raw energy, insane riffs and professional musicianship. This band is guaranteed blow you away!