Progressive death metal rising stars KALLIAS will be digitally releasing its brand new album ‘First Ascent’ on August 25, 2023 via AISA Distribution! In celebration, the band has partnered with Knotfest to premiere the first single from the record, “Lungta II: Everlasting,” along with a haunting music video. The clip can be found at THIS LOCATION.
Kallias guitarist and vocalist Nicole Papastavrou comments, “We’re thrilled to showcase our more progressive elements in this new single, such as the use of Chris’ upright bass and a very special throat singing section by Alex Novick. Overall, ‘Lungta II: Everlasting’ is not only a departure from ‘First Ascent,’ but takes a direction we hope to accomplish with the next record.
“The music video resembles the physical and mental journey of climbing in the Himalayas. ‘Lungta,’ meaning ‘Wind Horse,’ resemble the prayer flags that bring goodwill, with red specifically resembling fire. We best used our imagination to bring to life the inward battle one must face when taking such journeys. We hope you enjoy the visuals and look forward to the release of ‘First Ascent’ to follow.”
In addition, Kallias will be embarking on a run of West Coast tour dates this August in support of Cyborg Octopus! The trek will kick off on August 25 in Fullerton, CA and will conclude on August 30 in Fresno, CA. The full itinerary can be found below!
Kallias U.S. Tour Dates:
08/25: Fullerton, CA @ Programme
08/26: San Diego, CA @ Til Two Club
08/27: Cupertino, CA @ XBar
08/29: Las Vegas, NV @ The Griffin
08/30: Fresno, CA @ Destructive Warehouse
‘First Ascent’ can be pre-saved on all streaming services HERE.
The 3D cover artwork of ‘First Ascent’ was created by Francesco Artusato (Light The Torch, ex- All Shall Perish) and can be found below along with the tracklist.
‘First Ascent’ Tracklisting:
- The Approach (00:46)
- Irrational Fear Ft. Jeff Loomis (04:57)
- Disembodied Existence (04:26)
- Matter Eater Ft. Colin Cook (05:27)
- The Dark Machine (04:43)
- 21 Grams Ft. Rafael Trujillo (05:52)
- Nine In Time Ft. Greg Burgess (02:55)
- Lungta I: The Path (01:13)
- Lungta II: Everlasting (06:51) [WATCH]
Full album running time: 37:00
Kallias is comprised of players who are masters of their craft. Nicole Papastavrou’s solid history of songwriting and tight rhythms paired with Colin Cook’s jazzy and technical leads are the perfect compliment. JP Andrade’s undeniably precise percussion serves the music on every level, from jazz-influenced melodic sections to satisfyingly odd rhythms for the eager prog-loving ear. Beautifully woven bass lines by Chris Marrone provide an indomitable structure and embrace for each instrument — never overpowering, yet always highlighting.
For modern day prog and metal fans, Kallias can be compared to bands such as Opeth, Meshuggah, and Decapitated. The quartet holds a musical chemistry that is few and far between and that will keep you in the foreground from the beginning with bone-chilling introductions. This is by no means background music. Kallias creates their own genre for a panoramic audio experience that demands the listener’s undivided attention to focus and feel.
Kallias Lineup:
Nicole Papastavrou – Guitars + Vocals
Chris Marrone – Bass + Vocals
Colin Cook – Guitars
John Paul “JP” Andrade – Drums
‘First Ascent’ Recording Lineup:
Nicole Papastavrou: Guitar, Vocals
Chris Marrone: Bass, Vocals
John Paul “JP” Andrade: Drums
Zaki Ali: Guitar
Special Guests:
Jeff Loomis (Nevermore, Arch Enemy) on “Irrational Fear”
Rafael Trujillo (ex-Obscura, Obsidious) on “21 Grams”
Greg Burgess (Allegaeon, Nuclear Power Trio) on “Nine in Time”
Colin Cook (Stanley Clarke Band) on “Matter Eater”
Album credits:
Written by Kallias; Nicole Papastavrou, Chris Marrone, John Paul Andrade, Zaki Ali
Produced by Zaki Ali
Recorded at Redshift Recording and Cinderella Man Studios by Zaki Ali
Mixed and mastered by Zack Ohren
Follow Kallias: YouTube – Facebook – Instagram – Official Website – Bandcamp – Twitch – TikTok – Spotify – Apple Music – Pre-Save
Click image to watch the video
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