ON TOP's 'Topless' EP Out Today on Toil Records

Philadelphia's hard-hitting power trio ON TOP have release new EP 'Topless' today on Toil Records. Purchase the digital EP at this location. The CD version is forthcoming.

Stream album track "Got Me Runnin'" here and "Lie to Me" here. 

Topless is the band's third offering, one demonstrative of their continuing musical evolution. Following up the band's raucous 2014 EP Top to Bottom (HPGD Productions), the new EP features ON TOP's signature rock/metal blend from heard on the previous two releases multiplied by 10. Topless contains more aggressive, yet dynamic vocals; a broader array of hooks, tastier licks, dynamite drums, and a much fatter production.

Topless was recorded at Tribe Sound Studios in West Chester, Pennsylvania, engineered by Brian Davis, and mix/mastered by Chris "The Wizard" Collier (KXM, Lynch Mob).

1. Lie to Me

2. Crazy

3. 282

4. Got Me Runnin'

"Fresh, energetic and heavy hitting." 

- JP's Music Blog

"On Top sound like a well-oiled machine. This thing grabs attention from start to finish."

 - Manic Mosh Metal

"Tasty rock!" 

- White Room Reviews

www.facebook.com/ontoprocks

www.youtube.com/ontoprock

http://www.toilinc.com/

U.S Doom Unit Northern Crown to Release 'In the Hands of the Betrayer' October 14

South Florida Epic Doom Metallers NORTHERN CROWN will self-release debut EP In the Hands of the Betrayer on October 14.  

As one of the oldest genres of heavy metal, doom metal's roots are buried deep and anchor the extensive forest that heavy metal has become. NORTHERN CROWN pays homage to those who have come before in its approach to riffs, organ use, and pacing, but doesn't let the old school ways of doom define it. Stream the title track and pre-order the EP at:

http://music.northerncrownband.com/album/in-the-hands-of-the-betrayer 

  

1. In the Hands of the Betrayer

2. A Perfectly Realized Torment

3. Crystal Ball [Candlemass Cover]

4. Approaching, Encroaching Storm

5. To Thee I Give an Orchid

In the Hands of the Betrayer features five intense pieces ranging from four to twelve minutes in length. Covering the emotions of retribution, shock, outrage, and despair in the originals, the album rounds out with a cover of CANDLEMASS' 1986 anthem, "Crystal Ball." "Doom, specifically, is about alienation," main songwriter and guitarist Zachary Randall explains. If other acts can be said to be the trees of the forest, NORTHERN CROWN is the velvet fog unfurling through them. Randall goes on to note that, "this is easily the most personal art I've ever created, both musically and lyrically." Each song, the oldest more than ten years in the making, is detailed, emotive, and pronounces a rare resonance and memorability. NORTHERN CROWN is the sound of realization and reaction, with a touch of smoke and mirrors - an approaching, encroaching storm. Album vocalist Frank Serafine summons a formidable blend of his vocal influences, such as RONNIE JAMES DIO, ROB HALFORD, and JORN LANDE, for his performance. Drummer Josh Brown is guided by the rule of elegant simplicity in his style and contributes many nuances to the songs both in pushing a section or pulling back the momentum. Featured performers also include guests from psych metal pioneers ORBWEAVER, with guitarist Sally Gates contributing leads and Randy Piro summoning bass guitar lines from the aether. Additionally, Roberto Celentano of SHADOW SOCIETY adds a keyboard presence in the forms of organs and piano throughout the record, recalling RAY MANZAREK, JON LORD, KEN HENSLEY, and PER WIBERG, which completes the crux of the smothering atmosphere. www.northerncrownband.com  www.facebook.com/NorthernCrownDoom  twitter.com/NrthrnCrownDoom

AEON ZEN releases details of new EP "Self Portrait"

English progressive-metallers AEON ZEN are back with a new EP entitled Self Portrait, which is a collection of re-workings of songs originally found on their debut album and one completely new composition. The EP will be released for a pay-what-you-want download, as well as in a very limited number of CDs on 25th November 2013.

On the new EP, AEON ZEN's creator Rich Hinks said:

"These new recordings display AEON ZEN's continued growth both in terms of songwriting and arranging, but also as a cohesive band unit. They are far from simple re-recordings of some of our older songs, they are completely re-made, and almost like brand new songs!

"Self Portrait is a great way for us to give something back to our fans, and to give our fans a way to support us by donating as much as they want or can for the EP."

Self Portrait limited edition CD (only 100 available!) can be pre-ordered here:

Self Portrait CD Pre-Order.

Digital downloads will be available starting on 25th November.

Self Portrait tracklist:

1. Psych!

2. Portrait

3. Rain

4. Demise

Produced, mixed & mastered by Rich Hinks at Zen Chapel Studios.
Artwork by Rich Hinks & Mattias Norén.

http://www.aeonzen.com/

http://www.facebook.com/aeonzen

http://www.twitter.com/aeonzen

http://www.youtube.com/aeonzenmusic