Finally, an update

You’d be mistaken if you thought that all was quiet in this corner of the world. The lack of updates may indicate as such, but that’s misleading. In fact, it has been an insanely busy couple of months, full of developments and change.

I am now the press & promotions manager UK & Europe for the very awesome Earache Records. I am beyond chuffed to be working with bands like Woods of Ypres, Natur, Wormrot and Hour of 13. However, I am also still available to work on freelance projects -so as ever, I welcome enquiries! My time is more limited, sure, but I am as enthusiastic as ever and always got my eye on new and exciting projects to undertake.

The best way to contact me if you have any queries relating to EARACHE BANDS ONLY is Becky AT Earache DOT com

However, if you have a query of a non-Earache variety, then stick to Becky AT pioneermusicpress DOT com please

Cheers!

Conan play Roadburn 2012.

Worshipping at the Altar Of The Riff, Conan summon the Gods of fuzz, distortion and blazing valves to join them in their sonic ritual. In response to the special invitation extended to them from Voivod, Conan will be destroying the innards of all those who enter Stage01 (formerly known as Bat Cave) on Friday 13th April. Their performance at Roadburn will be their first ever show outside of the UK and Ireland.

Conan are incredibly proud to be able to confirm that their European debut will be made at Roadburn 2012. They will be performing as special guests, invited by festival curators, Voivod. Conan’s Jon Davis comments: “The invitation from Voivod to be part of their curated event was as unexpected as it was an honour. We can think of no better place to make our European debut”

Also performing at Roadburn 2012 will be Voivod themselves, Sleep, Final, OM, Yob, Saviours, The Obsessed… and many, many more bands. For the full line up, and more information about the festival, please check out www.roadburn.com

 

Castles sign to EyesofSound

Castles, the Belgian rock trio, are proud to announce their happy union with London-based label EyesofSound, and the forthcoming release of their debut album You, The Organ Grinder.

The intrepid riff-seekers-featuring former Beecher vocalist, Edward Godby- crossed the Channel this summer to lay down ten tracks of balls-out, heavy noiserock with producer Chris Fielding (Primordial, Electric Wizard, Taint). Those tracks make up You,The Organ Grinder, which will be released digitally and on limited edition CD in January 2012.

Edward comments:

“The three of us just wanted a holiday in Wales, because of our unhealthy fixation with sheep and accents, two things that Wales provides in copious supply. On arrival we happened upon Chris Fielding, a man, who told us that we struck him as a real bunch of lads, a trio that might be capable of creating something worth listening to. We gave it a go, because the sheep and the accents, it transpired, had limited appeal.”

EyesofSound label boss, Ryan Berry had the following to say on the signing of Castles “We’re excited to be working once again with Mr Godby and his cohorts that complete Castles in this cross channel collaboration”

Plans for a limited edition vinyl release are also in the pipeline.

Castles are currently streaming the title track from the album on their website:
www.castlesband.net

Promotional copies of You, The Organ Grinder will be serviced to media outlets shortly.

Vicious Bastard

It’s not often in life that you can say that you’re having a happy and productive relationship with a vicious bastard. But I am. The Vicious Bastard in question is a band of extreme grinders hailing from Birmingham, UK. Their name really is indicitive of their sound- if you like fast, brutal grinding in your earholes, then Vicious Bastard might just be the band for you.

And could it really be grind from Birmingham without at least a courteous nod to Napalm Death? Well, no but Vicious Bastard go one step further, roping Barney Greenway in to do guest vocals on Stump, which you can hear below. The album, Post Abortion Lust will be released this winter, on FETO Records- run by Shane Embury (Napalm Death) and Mick Kenney (Anaal Nathrakh).

Digital promos will be available this week. Please email Becky@Pioneermusicpress.com to receive Pioneer Music Press promos.

Damnation Festival- Press Accreditation Open

*Press Accreditation Is Now Closed*

If you have a query about your already-submitted application you can contact Becky@damnationfestival.co.uk

Conan/Slomatics split

Recently, Liverpudlian heavyweights Conan announced that they had signed to Burning World/Roadburn Records for the release of their soon to be recorded 2012 album. Following on from that, they am delighted to be able to announce that their recent split album with Northern Irish riff lords Slomatics will also be getting a release via Burning World Records.

Originally only available on a limited edition vinyl via Head of Crom (now all but sold out), the crushing might of this doom tag team will soon be available on compact disc from our friends in Holland. The split, which was mastered by James Plotkin (Khanate, Pelican, Earth) has already received rave reviews in its wax format. “People should be aware that the CD release was mixed with a lot more bottom end than the vinyl release – it’s ridiculously heavy.” comments Conan’s riff-mastermind, Jon Davis. The incredible artwork by Tony Roberts (Electric Wizard, Cathedral) can be seen below.

Window Dangling: Pioneer Music Press <3 Conan

I am super chuffed to be able to tell you that the flourishing relationship between Pioneer Music Press and heavy, heavy doom lords Conan is going from strength to strength. As of, well, now, you can now contact me regarding all things Conan, not just press related enquiries. Yep, that’s right, I am about to go all Don Arden and dangle people out of windows on Conan’s behalf.

Prior to working with them in a press capacity, I was a big fan of their leaden riffs, so it’s a magical thing to be working with them full on and full time. As you’ll know if you keep up to date with such things (if not, why not!?), Conan have just inked a deal with Burning World Records; mothership of all that is Roadburn. I am confident that this will be just one in a long line of triumphs for these fellas.

The guys are planning a short European tour for the begining of November, so if you’re interested in hosting these fine fellas, drop me an email- Becky AT PioneerMusicPress DOT com

Conan