Changeling Announce Debut Album (ex-Obscura)

February 11, 2025

With the arrival of Changeling, a boldly progressive new chapter in the history of death metal is bound to unfold. Conceived by fretless guitar virtuoso Tom "Fountainhead" Geldschläger - who's previously played with Amogh Symphony, Belphegor, Defeated Sanity and Obscura - this new project dives into the deepest recesses of our subconscious, where realities' boundaries blend into the infinite possibilities unlocked by the imagination.

On Changeling's self-titled debut album, Geldschläger is joined by core band members drummer Mike Heller (ex-Fear Factory, Malignancy, Raven), vocalist Morean (Alkaloid, ex-Dark Fortress) and bassist Arran McSporran (Virvum, Vipassi). The album also features contributions from Bill Hudson (Trans-Siberain Orchestra, Doro, I Am Morbid), Jason Gobel (ex-Cynic, ex-Monstrosity), Yatziv Caspi (ex-Orphaned Land), James Dorton (Ne Obliviscaris, Black Crown Initiate), Andy Laroque (ex-Death, King Diamond), plus more special guests, including a 50-piece orchestra.

The album's lead single is the ultimate immersion into subconsciousness. "Abyss" is impossibly heavy; cavernous vocals, crushing guitars, gravity-defying orchestration and a microtonal choir inspired by avant-garde composer György Sándor Ligeti sink into ego-death, only to swirl into transcendence.

Watch the video for "Abyss" below:

Changeling comes out April 25th via Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling

Geldschläger is already widely considered a modern-day guitar legend. His fearless fretless guitar playing has earned endorsements from Aristides Guitars, Neural DSP Plug-ins, Steinberg Software, Loxx Products, Engl Amplification, Deadweald Audio Engineering, Elixir Strings, MONO cases and Bareknuckle Pickups. But while he's already pushed technical death metal to further extremes - most noticeably on "Weltseele", the 15-minute epic that he contributed to Obscura's album Akróasis - Changeling defies all categorization.

"Abyss" serves as both a mirror and a gateway. The lead single off Changeling's debut album is the culmination of an evolution that is years in the making. Unblemished by studio trickery, the song is reflective and introspective while also charting new sonic dimensions that are as vibrant and otherworldly as a dream.

The video for "Abyss" was created by Chris Hesse / Strangeworks

In a significant development in early 2024, Fountainhead, now branded under the name CHANGELING for his new project and album, signed with the label Season of Mist. This venture marks a new chapter in Tom’s career, amplifying his visionary approach to music. Accompanied by an all-star band featuring members from Fear Factory, Alkaloid, and Virvum, the project CHANGELING showcases a 60-minute concept album that takes all aspects of Tom’s artistry to new heights.

The album, sharing its name with the project, blends progressive metal, death metal, jazz/fusion, and world music, enriched with complex orchestrations by a 50-piece ensemble of guest musicians. It includes the eagerly anticipated “Part 2” to his renowned composition “Weltseele,” an orchestral metal epic from Obscura’s billboard-chart-entering Akroasis album, which broadly introduced Fountainhead to the metal community in 2016.

Core Lineup:
Tom Fountainhead (ex-Obscura, Amogh Symphony, Belphegor, Defeated Sanity) - Fretted & fretless electric & acoustic guitars, oud, keyboards, composition and arrangements.
Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Malignancy, Raven) - Drums.
Arran McSporran (Vipassi, Virvum) - Fretless bass.
Morean (Alkaloid, Dark Fortress) - Lead vocals & lyrics.

Guest Musicians:
Bill Hudson (Trans-siberian Orchestra, Doro, I am Morbid) - Guest guitar solo
Jason Gobel (ex-Cynic, ex-Monstrosity)- Guest guitar solo
Andy Laroque (ex-Death, King Diamond) - Guest guitar solo
Yatziv Caspi (ex-Orphaned Land) - Tabla, hangdrum, dabouka, riq & shakers
Ally Storch (Subway To Sally)- Violins, viola & cello
James Dorton (The Faceless, NeObliviscaris, Black Crown Initate) - Spoken words
Alexander Kerski (Vianova)- Backing & harmony vocals
Matthias Alexander Preisinger - Piano and glockenspiel, violins & viola
Martin Matiasovic - Horns & Wagnerian Tube
Jan Ferdinand - Vibraphone & marimba
Chris Rützel - Flutes
Ivar Ludvig Nitzler - Cello
Shiho Murano - Tuba
Juliane Erding - Wagnerian tube & horn
Eduard Cortez - Wagnerian tube & horn
Tillmann Schulz - Wagnerian tube & horn
Ava Bonam - Female vocals
Moran Magal - Piano
Cydney McQuillan-Grace, Lauren Gill, Shannon Bedford, Sara Robalo; Tenor and Bari - Ben Francis, John Schaffer, Alice Williams, Cyd McQuillan-Grace; Alto - Lauren Gill, Sara Robalo; Tenor and Bass - James Schouten & John Schaffer - Choir vocals
Krassimir Jossifov - Trumpet
Brandt Attema - Trombones & bass trombones
Kristian Petkov - Bassoon
Stefan Prost - Church organ
Seonghyeon Park - Clarinet
Arnfried Falk - Oboe
Rouven Haliti - Upright bass
Dalai Cellai - Cello

Recording Studio:
FountainheadHQ, Hellersounds, Saforill, Klanghafen, Landesmusikakademie Berlin, Musikhochschule Carl-Maria-Von-Weber, Muziek Studio Beeld, Sonictrain.

Production Credits:
Produced & Engineered by Tom Fountainhead.
Mixed by Tom Fountainhead at FountainheadHQ.
Mastered by Leon Schmidt at his home studio & FountainheadHQ.

Cover Art:
Aaron Pinto (Gutslit) / KidSquidy

Photography:
Aaron Pinto (Gutslit) / KidSquidy

➤ Pre-save & Pre-order: https://orcd.co/changelingchangeling

Follow Fountainhead & Changeling:
Website: http://www.thefountainhead.de
Facebook: http://facebook.com/tomfountainheadgeldschlaeger
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changeling.official
Bandcamp: https://changelingofficial.bandcamp.com/
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MbRUvwQcEBzryOhWMHkvV
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/artist/changeling/294821510
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/fountainheadtv

Booking Contact:
Tom Fountainhead
thefountainhead@gmx.net

Available Formats:
Digital Download
CD Digipak
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - Crystal Clear w/ Red Splatters
2x12" Coloured Vinyl Gatefold - White w/ Red Splatters

CHANGELING Sign to Season of Mist

August 27, 2024

New Brainchild of Guitar Virtuoso Tom Fountainhead

"The Steve Vai of the new millennium." - Christian Münzner (Obscura, Necrophagist)

"The Steve Vai of the new millennium." - Christian Münzner (Obscura, Necrophagist)

"One of the absolute best players in the world." - Bill Hudson (DORO, Trans-siberian Orchestra, Savatage)

"It is my opinion that of the new guitarists described as "innovators", Fountainhead (Changeling) is the most deserving of this title." - Mike Abdow (Fates Warning, Ray Alder, Last Chance To Reason)

"Tom is one of the most expressive guitar players in my dictionary who is also a fantastic composer/producer." - Vishal J. Singh (Amogh Symphony)

With a spirit that fearlessly transcends musical boundaries, CHANGELING, the brainchild of virtuoso Tom Fountainhead, is proud to announce its signing with Season of Mist. This alliance marks the dawn of a transformative chapter, promising to reshape the musical landscape with an avant-garde fusion of genres.

An illustrious career that includes collaborations with titans such as Obscura, Defeated Sanity, and Amogh Symphony, Tom Fountainhead's mastery in composition, production, and innovative fretless guitar work has earned him the reputation of a "modern-day guitar legend." CHANGELING, Fountainhead's newest incarnation, epitomizes his relentless pursuit of musical innovation.

Set to enthrall audiences with a 60-minute concept album, CHANGELING's debut stands as a complete exploration of artistic and technical prowess. Infused with progressive metal, death metal, jazz/fusion, and world music, and enriched with intricate orchestrations by a 50-piece ensemble of guests, the album is a multifaceted sonic experience, to be experienced not only in traditional formats, but also being the first extreme metal album to make full use of the spatial audio format Dolby Atmos.

"I'm extremely excited to be working with Season Of Mist for the release of Changeling" Fountainhead states. "The culmination of 4 years of work and the talents of over 50 musicians coming together in a new project that marks the absolute peak of my work in extreme metal so far. "

As CHANGELING begins this audacious journey with Season of Mist, music enthusiasts worldwide are invited to witness the beginning of a new era. Follow CHANGELING & Fountainhead for updates and prepare to experience a symphony of technical ingenuity and artistic exploration.

Fountainhead, the musical alter-ego of Berlin-based musician Tom Geldschläger, is a celebrated figure across diverse music landscapes. Known for his expansive involvement in the music industry, Tom has contributed to over a hundred releases in capacities ranging from guitarist to orchestrator, producer to mixing/mastering engineer, and occasionally even as an oud-player. His collaborations span globally recognized artists such as Obscura, Belphegor, Marco Minnemann, Defeated Sanity, Amogh Symphony, Hannes Grossmann, Voodoogods, Christian Münzner, Nader Sadek. Featured in numerous international music magazines, authored several books of non-fiction and musical notation, Tom has also been instrumental in integrating the fretless guitar into extreme metal genres.

Acclaimed as a "modern-day guitar legend," Tom's signature playing style and adventurous genre-defying compositions highlight his fearless approach to music. His endorsements include prestigious brands like Aristides Guitars, Elixir Strings, and Bare Knuckle Pickups. Additionally, Tom is a sought-after clinician and speaker, focusing on creativity, music production, and musician's mental health, as well as being at the forefront of spatial audio and 360-degree audio production.

In a significant development in early 2024, Fountainhead, now branded under the name CHANGELING for his new project and album, signed with the label Season of Mist. This venture marks a new chapter in Tom's career, amplifying his visionary approach to music. Accompanied by an all-star band featuring members from Fear Factory, Alkaloid, and Virvum, the project CHANGELING showcases a 60-minute concept album that takes all aspects of Tom’s artistry to new heights.

The album, sharing its name with the project, blends progressive metal, death metal, jazz/fusion, and world music, enriched with complex orchestrations by a 50-piece ensemble of guest musicians. It includes the eagerly anticipated "Part 2" to his renowned composition "Weltseele," an orchestral metal epic from Obscura’s billboard-chart-entering "Akroasis" album, which broadly introduced Fountainhead to the metal community in 2016.

Booking Contact:
thefountainhead@gmx.net

Follow Fountainhead & Changeling:
Website:http://www.thefountainhead.de
Facebook:http://facebook.com/tomfountainheadgeldschlaeger
Instagram:http://www.instagram.com/tomfountainhead
Bandcamp:http://www.thefountainhead.bandcamp.com
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/fountainheadtv

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Reveals Video for Acclaimed New Anthem "Legacy"

October 13, 2020

Order the brandnew album "Aybss" here: https://smarturl.it/UTA-Abyss

Top-Charting Breakout Album, Abyss, Out Now via Napalm Records

Order HERE

In August, breakout Canadian melodic metal quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS dropped one of the most highly-acclaimed albums of 2020, Abyss, sparking serious buzz in the metal and rock communities, and beyond. Deservingly, the conceptual benchmark scored banner praise from critics and fans alike, with Stereogum dubbing the opus "a ripper", and Bandcamp enforcing it as "a mandatory listen". Upon release, Abyss charted worldwide, debuting at the #1 spot on the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist Albums charts, as well as #4 and #8 on the US and Canadian Billboard Top 200 Hard Rock charts, respectively.

Today, the band is following up on the album's successes by throwing fans a hefty bonus in the form of a new video for the post-drop fan favorite "Legacy" – one of Abyss' standout anthems. Searing in with breakneck blastbeats, cosmic guitar work and frontwoman Brittney Slayes' impeccable vocal delivery, the pop-tinged anthem single-handedly proves the band's position as one of this generation's premier heavy acts, bar none. The new video provides an introspective live-action backdrop to the track's conceptual lyrics.

Frontwoman Brittney Slayes explains:

"This song means a lot to us as a band, it's pretty different from everything that we've done before and really set the tone for the sonic exploration that is Abyss. When Andrew first brought the intro riff to us we immediately loved it, but we were a little hesitant as we felt our fans might not understand why we were choosing to include this style of track on the album. The hesitation was momentary though, as we all very quickly decided it was too cool not to continue writing, and luckily it seems like our fans have fallen in love with it as well. It's quite theatrical, and yet somehow very simplistic as well. "

Slayes adds about the video:

"When it came time to choose the next song for a music video, "Legacy" was the resounding winner, but we wanted to do something a bit more than the traditional lyric video. The band all agreed that this is the kind of track that you put on when you're commuting, when you're wandering through the city just vibin', when you're on that long bus ride or skytrain ride staring out the window at the world passing by... So that's what this video is. It's you hanging out in our heads as we walk the streets of Vancouver, traveling towards something, or away from something, but always moving forward. We hope "Legacy" can be your soundtrack to those everyday moments in life, when you've finally put the phone away to really look around and enjoy the beauty of the world that surrounds you. We genuinely hope it can be a small light in this seemingly neverending darkness, even just for a moment."

Watch more new high-quality videos from

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS here,

boasting over 1 Million collective views:

Abyss

Soulbound

Faster Than Light

Thematically, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS' new album Abyss is the direct sequel to the band’s 2017 album Apex. Beginning with a dreamlike acoustic introduction accented by the smoky beckonings of singer Brittney Slayes, opener “Waking Dream” quickly punches into a colossal wall of sound, setting the stage for the auditory escape that is Abyss. Powerful anthems such as the immense power metal-encapsulated title track “Abyss” and metallic pop-tinged earworm “Through Stars” conjure classic elements while maintaining an entirely fresh, forward-thinking approach. Guitarists Andrew Kingsley and Grant Truesdell turn heads with wicked work on stellar tracks such as “Legacy” (fans of artists like Devin Townsend and Astronoid, take note), while Slayes showcases her incredible vocal diversity and range on mighty epics like “Return To Me” and “The Wind That Shapes The Land”. Drummer Scott Buchanan makes technical strides on burners “Soulbound” and “Faster Than Light” – setting breakneck twists and turns ablaze with his bandmates. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS rounds the edge of Abyss with throwback-hued “Carry The Flame”, and wraps up with the soaring, rewarding concept closer “Afterlife”.

Abyss was once again engineered, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios in Denmark (Volbeat, Delain, Amaranthe), with production by guitarist Andrew Kingsley. Additionally, transcendent closer track “Afterlife” features orchestration contributions from Francesco Ferrini of Italian symphonic death metal machine Fleshgod Apocalypse. Fans will notice that, unlike on Apex, Abyss incorporates a weighty dose of synth in the mix, and for the first time ever, all tracks were written on seven strings – adding to the massive expanse of the album’s sound as it explores the celestial realm.

Order Abyss in physical, digital and bundle formats HERE!

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:*

Brittney Slayes - Vocals

Scott Buchanan - Drums

Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals

Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

*Bass on Abyss performed by Benjamin Arscott

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Releases Music Video for Triumphant New Track "Faster Than Light"

August 27, 2020

Order "Abyss" here: https://smarturl.it/UTA-Abyss Out Now! Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Faster Than Light": "Being that this song is about racing o...

New Full-Length Album, Abyss, Out Now via Napalm Records

Order HERE

Canadian melodic power metal quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS just dropped their masterful fifth full-length concept album, Abyss, via Napalm Records last Friday, followed by a searing virtual concert performance from The Rickshaw Theatre in Vancouver, BC on Saturday!

Today, in celebration of the album's release, the band has unveiled yet another wild music video, this time for their triumphant new burner "Faster Than Light". In the tongue-in-cheek video, the members of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS take part in a competitive footrace, but are met with unexpected twists along the way!

Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Faster Than Light":

"Being that this song is about racing off into the far corners of space, we thought it would be a fun idea to actually race each other in the music video to see which one of us was truly 'Faster Than Light'! Of course we had to have some fun with it though, and added a little bit of excitement into the mix. Our director mentioned an older Stephen King novel called The Long Walk as inspiration for a way to spice up the video and we all agreed it would be hilarious! Check out the plot synopsis on Wikipedia if you haven't read it already... This track has turned into a favourite of the band and we knew it had to be a single the moment the finished product was in our hands. It's fast, fun, and is going to be an absolute blast to play live!"

“Abyss” (single) named one of Loudwire’s "20 Best Metal Songs of 2020 (So Far)"

“Abyss is quickly becoming one of my favorites of 2020.”

- Vince Neilstein, MetalSucks

“Like a great entry in a film franchise, [Abyss] ups the ante on its predecessor’s ideas without sacrificing its core appeal.”

- Decibel Magazine

“Canada’s finest must now be regarded as among the power metal elite. Abyss will swallow you up.”

- Blabbermouth

"UNLEASH THE ARCHERS are an underrated gem in modern metal. Abyss should be the album that solidifies them as a household name…”

- Metal Injection

"...Abyss is a mandatory listen for power metal obsesses and curious newcomers alike...

truly spectacular metal..."

- Bandcamp

Order Abyss in physical, digital and bundle formats HERE!

Abyss is available in digital and CD formats, as well as 2LP gatefold vinyl format in original black and limited edition sky blue (Napalm mailorder only, limited to 300 copies). Hurry, formats are going fast – the limited edition purple and red/yellow swirl vinyl editions are already SOLD OUT! The album can also be purchased with several additional bundles including t-shirts and more!

A limited edition Deluxe Earbook format is also available – the only edition including instrumental versions of each track, plus two bonus tracks – synthwave and gothic folk-pop versions of “Abyss” and “Soulbound”, respectively (also featured in a standalone 7” only available with the Earbook format). This is something UNLEASH THE ARCHERS has never done before, turning their tracks into something completely different!

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:

Brittney Slayes - Vocals

Scott Buchanan - Drums

Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals

Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS to Stream Abyss Virtual Album Release Show on Saturday, August 22!

August 17, 2020

Pre-order "Abyss" & listen to the title track here: https://smarturl.it/UTA-Abyss out August 21st Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Abyss": "This track ...

See Below for Details | Get Tickets HERE!

New Full-Length Album, Abyss, out August 21, 2020 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE

Canadian melodic power metal quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS will release their masterful fifth full-length concept album, Abyss, out August 21, 2020 via Napalm Records. With Abyss, the band re-cements themselves as an unequalled, undeniable metallic force with their strongest album to date!

Lockdown got you locked up? UNLEASH THE ARCHERS would never leave their diehard fans hanging! The band is thrilled to announce their official Abyss virtual album release show, exclusively streaming on Saturday, August 22 – just one day after the album's release! Witness the band perform tracks from Abyss and other fan favorites straight from Vancouver venue The Rickshaw Theatre. The streaming event will take place at 12pm PDT/3pm EDT/9pm CEST, and will be viewable for just $10 via a virtual ticket, available to purchase now HERE. Viewing instructions will be provided to ticket buyers upon purchase, and the stream will be available for 24 hours after the initial show time. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS fans – don't miss this!

Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says:

"We are so excited to hit the stage again! Even though we will just have to imagine all of our fans' smiling faces are behind the cameras, we know we are going to have a blast playing these new songs for everyone. It is also a great chance to support one of our favourite local venues that has been hit really hard by the global pandemic. The Rickshaw is a huge part of the metal community in Vancouver so we are happy to have a chance to give back to them. We absolutely can't wait to rock out and let the music take us far away from all the darkness in the world right now, and really hope everyone can join us and take a little break from the madness for a while!"

Get your UNLEASH THE ARCHERS virtual concert stream tickets HERE

Thematically, Abyss is the direct sequel to the band’s 2017 album Apex. Beginning with a dreamlike acoustic introduction accented by the smoky beckonings of singer Brittney Slayes, opener “Waking Dream” quickly punches into a colossal wall of sound, setting the stage for the auditory escape that is Abyss. Powerful anthems such as the immense power metal-encapsulated title track “Abyss” and metallic pop-tinged earworm “Through Stars” conjure classic elements while maintaining an entirely fresh, forward-thinking approach. Guitarists Andrew Kingsley and Grant Truesdell turn heads with wicked work on stellar tracks such as “Legacy” (fans of artists like Devin Townsend and Astronoid, take note), while Slayes showcases her incredible vocal diversity and range on mighty epics like “Return To Me” and “The Wind That Shapes The Land”. Drummer Scott Buchanan makes technical strides on burners “Soulbound” and “Faster Than Light” – setting breakneck twists and turns ablaze with his bandmates. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS rounds the edge of Abyss with throwback-hued “Carry The Flame”, and wraps up with the soaring, rewarding concept closer “Afterlife”.

Pre-order Abyss in physical, digital and bundle formats HERE!

Abyss is available for pre-order in digital, CD format, as well as 2LP gatefold vinyl format in original black, limited edition red/yellow swirl (mailorder only, limited to 300 copies), and limited edition purple (North American mailorder only, limited to 100 copies). The album can also be purchased with several additional bundles including t-shirts and more!

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:

Brittney Slayes - Vocals

Scott Buchanan - Drums

Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals

Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Releases Soaring New Anthem "Soulbound" + Brand New Music Video

July 18, 2020

Pre-order "Abyss" here: https://smarturl.it/UTA-Abyss Out August 21st Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Soulbound" and the music video concept: "This so...

New Full-Length Album, Abyss, out August 21, 2020 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE

Canadian melodic power metal quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS recently announced the upcoming release of their masterful fifth full-length concept album, Abyss, out August 21, 2020 via Napalm Records. With Abyss, the band re-cements themselves as an unequalled, undeniable metallic force with their strongest album to date.

Today, as a follow-up to the otherworldly first single and video "Abyss", UNLEASH THE ARCHERS have unveiled another blazing new single, "Soulbound", alongside a cinematic, high-concept music video. Powered by Brittney Slayes' powerful mezzo-soprano, the virtuosic guitar stylings of Andrew Kingsley and Grant Truesdell, and the thunderous drumming of Scott Buchanan, "Soulbound" pulls the listener into a melodic, lightning-fast journey. Its massive chorus and skyrocketing symphonics will echo in your ears for days to come!

Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Soulbound" and the music video concept:

"This song is what we call a 'quick-banger' in the UTA camp. It's short, fast, catchy, and never lets up. We always have one of these on every record; the kind of song that makes you want to turn the dial up to 11, maybe drive a little faster, perhaps even stand up and headbang by yourself in the middle of the room. This track re-introduces the four sons of The Matriarch as enslaved, unstoppable, half-dead beings that won't give up until The Immortal is destroyed, and we feel like it can stand on its own while not giving too many of the album's secrets away... Get out your air-guitars 'cause this one is blistering!"

The video was shot by Runegate Studios in Victoria BC, Canada and uses two very different environments to differentiate between the world of the living, and the world of the 'Soulbound'. The bright, white, indoor scenes portray a reality much like our own, while the dark, rain-soaked, outdoor scenes take the viewer to a visually stunning reality that will give you goosebumps and make your skin crawl! In this dismal place, The Matriarch has complete control over the Soulbound, and she can compel them there whenever she desires, no matter how hard they may resist."

Pre-order Abyss in physical, digital and bundle formats HERE!

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:

Brittney Slayes - Vocals

Scott Buchanan - Drums

Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals

Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS Releases Otherworldly Music Video for New Track "Abyss"

June 18, 2020

Pre-order "Abyss" & listen to the title track here: https://smarturl.it/UTA-Abyss out August 21st Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Abyss": "This track ...

New Full-Length Album, Abyss, out August 21, 2020 via Napalm Records

Pre-Order HERE - Digital Pre-Orders are Live Today!

Earlier this month, Canadian melodic power metal quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS announced the upcoming release of their fifth full-length album, Abyss, out August 21, 2020 via Napalm Records. Lifted by the urgent, breathtaking vocals of frontwoman Brittney Slayes, on Abyss, the band re-cements themselves as an unequalled, undeniable metallic force with their strongest album to date.

Today, the band is thrilled to reveal a brand new, otherworldly music video for the album's colossal title track, "Abyss". Musically, the track unveils the diversity of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, delivering one earworm moment after another. Its accompanying video, directed by Rod Scobie (also director of the band's music videos for "Awakening" and "Northwest Passage"), takes the viewer on a CGI rollercoaster ride – launching them firmly from the terrestrial plane to the celestial one. At first, the viewer could assume they're viewing a regular performance video, but little hints here and there begin to reveal that it is far from your average clip!

Frontwoman Brittney Slayes says about "Abyss":

"This track set the tone for the whole record; conceptually, lyrically, musically, it all started here. Andy came up with the opening riff back when we were writing Apex, but I knew right away it didn't belong on that record. When we finally started writing Abyss in 2019, this was the first song we wrote and it was the first song I listened to when the record was done. It symbolizes five years of hard work for us, and I think it does a great job of putting the listener in the right place emotionally to start the record. It hints at what the rest of the album is all about, but also doesn't give it all away, not by a long shot!"

Beginning with a dreamlike acoustic introduction accented by the smoky beckoning of singer Brittney Slayes, opener “Waking Dream” quickly punches into a colossal wall of sound, setting the stage for the auditory escape that is Abyss. Powerful anthems such as the immense power metal-encapsulated title track “Abyss” and metallic pop-tinged earworm “Through Stars” conjure classic elements while maintaining an entirely fresh, forward-thinking approach. Guitarists Andrew Kingsley and Grant Truesdell turn heads with wicked work on stellar tracks such as “Legacy” (fans of artists like Devin Townsend and Astronoid, take note), while Slayes showcases her incredible vocal diversity and range on mighty epics like “Return To Me” and “The Wind That Shapes The Land”. Drummer Scott Buchanan makes technical strides on burners “Soulbound” and “Faster Than Light” – setting breakneck twists and turns ablaze with his bandmates. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS rounds the edge of Abyss with throwback-hued “Carry The Flame”, and wraps up with the soaring, rewarding concept closer “Afterlife”.

Thematically, Abyss is the direct sequel to the band’s 2017 album Apex. Brittney Slayes explains about the concept:

“Our protagonist, The Immortal, is once again awakened at the beginning of our story, but this time he is in an unknown place: a ship out in deep space. He wanders alone for a time, reflecting on his misdeeds, searching for his new master. Finally, he finds him, and learns that it is the Grandson of The Matriarch, our antagonist. The Immortal had taken The Grandson’s father away some sixty years before, to be sacrificed by The Matriarch in a ritual to achieve immortality (the events from Apex) and now the Grandson seeks revenge against The Matriarch with the aid of her own weapon, The Immortal.

This album is a classic take on good versus evil, light versus dark, The Grandson versus The Matriarch, but it also uses the ‘person versus self’ literary device in that The Immortal is battling with the good and evil within himself, and must decide in the end if he is simply a tool for others to use, or a man with free will and the ability to choose his own path; a struggle I think every human can relate to.”

Pre-order Abyss in physical, digital and bundle formats HERE!

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:

Brittney Slayes - Vocals

Scott Buchanan - Drums

Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals

Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:

Modern Power Metal Band UNLEASH THE ARCHERS to Release New Full-Length Album, Abyss, via Napalm Records

June 5, 2020

The Celestial, Conceptual Follow-Up to 2017’s Apex Drops August 21, 2020

Pre-Order HERE

Less than a year after the release of their covers EP Explorers, Canadian melodic power metal quartet UNLEASH THE ARCHERS are back with a brand new 10-track masterpiece in the form of their fifth full-length album, Abyss. Lifted by the urgent, breathtaking vocals of frontwoman Brittney Slayes, on Abyss, the band re-cements themselves as an unequalled, undeniable metallic force with their strongest album to date.

Colossal, heart-stopping and heavy-as-hell while often exploring a noteworthy aura of addictive pop sensibility, Abyss further proves the indelible songwriting and technical talents of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS – not only reinforcing how high a modern band can soar within the atmosphere of power metal, but introducing an unbridled array of diverse sonic elements into the fold. Poised to make its mark amid a new generation of epic metal concept albums, listeners will be itching to hit replay within seconds of its satisfying end.

Check out a new teaser of the album’s title track “Abyss” HERE, and stay tuned for more new music and videos coming very soon!

Abyss is set for release via Napalm Records on August 21, 2020, and beginning today, is available for pre-order in CD format, as well as 2LP gatefold vinyl format in original black, limited edition red/yellow swirl (mailorder only, limited to 300 copies), and limited edition purple (North American mailorder only, limited to 100 copies). A limited edition Deluxe Earbook format is also available – the only edition including instrumental versions of each track and bonus alternate single versions (also featured in a standalone 7” only available with the Earbook format) – as well as several additional bundles including t-shirts and more! The album will be available to pre-order digitally in mid-June.

Starting today, pre-order Abyss in available formats HERE!

Beginning with a dreamlike acoustic introduction accented by the smoky beckonings of singer Brittney Slayes, opener “Waking Dream” quickly punches into a colossal wall of sound, setting the stage for the auditory escape that is Abyss. Powerful anthems such as the immense power metal-encapsulated title track “Abyss” and metallic pop-tinged earworm “Through Stars” conjure classic elements while maintaining an entirely fresh, forward-thinking approach. Guitarists Andrew Kingsley and Grant Truesdell turn heads with wicked work on stellar tracks such as “Legacy” (fans of artists like Devin Townsend and Astronoid, take note), while Slayes showcases her incredible vocal diversity and range on mighty epics like “Return To Me” and “The Wind That Shapes The Land”. Drummer Scott Buchanan makes technical strides on burners “Soulbound” and “Faster Than Light” – setting breakneck twists and turns ablaze with his bandmates. UNLEASH THE ARCHERS rounds the edge of Abysswith throwback-hued “Carry The Flame”, and wraps up with the soaring, rewarding concept closer “Afterlife”.

Thematically, Abyss is the direct sequel to the band’s 2017 album Apex. Frontwoman Brittney Slayes explains about the concept:

As mentioned, the Deluxe Earbook edition of Abyss features two bonus tracks – synthwave and gothic folk-pop versions of “Abyss” and “Soulbound”, respectively. This is something UNLEASH THE ARCHERS has never done before, turning their singles into something completely different!

Brittney Slayes adds:

“I hope you enjoy our alternate interpretations of “Abyss” and “Soulbound”, because they honestly show a side of us as musicians that we probably wouldn't be able to showcase otherwise. We all listen to a lot of different genres of music, but these two bonus tracks give huge insight into the music we were listening to as we recorded Abyss... not just metal, but synthwave, pop, and even a bit of country!”

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:

Brittney Slayes - Vocals

Scott Buchanan - Drums

Grant Truesdell - Guitar, Vocals

Andrew Kingsley - Guitar, Vocals, Synth

UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online: