HARPAZO

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Crucible”, the debut album from HARPAZO, the super-group formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon). This progressive metal rock opera is a thrilling journey through a dystopian future, merging elements of progressive and power metal with symphonic and Celtic influences.

HARPAZO‘s unique sound is driven by its all-star lineup featuring legendary musicians from the progressive and Christian metal scenes. Alongside Marc Centanni and Gary Wehrkamp, the album includes performances by: DC Cooper (Royal Hunt), Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord), Les Carlsen (Bloodgood), Rey Parra (Deny the Fallen, Sacred Warrior), Christian Liljegren (Narnia), Michael Drive Lee (Barren Cross, Worldview), Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost, Flaming Row), Lee Lemperle (Outside the Wall), Bruno Sa (Operation Mindcrime), Enzo Donnarumma (Enzo and the Glory Ensemble), and Jennifer Eckhart (Jennifer K Eckhart & Stained Glass Road).

With intricate compositions and thought-provoking lyrics, “The Crucible” invites listeners into a complex world of intrigue and suspense. The album promises a deeply immersive experience that rewards close listening, revealing subtle details and atmospheric layers with each spin.

“What we have here is a big juicy concept album for fans of prog to sink their teeth in deep. An album like this could only be captured in the elements of prog-rock / prog-metal world where there are no limits. Who better to orchestrate this madness than prog-metal legends Gary Wehrkamp of Shadow Gallery, DC Cooper of Royal Hunt, and Mark Zonder of Fates Warning? Gary, Mark, DC, and I have gathered some of the most passionate and finest musicians we’ve worked with to help create what we hope will be a rock opera masterpiece. Each one of the musicians has seamlessly weaved their style into the music and poured their soul into their performances. I am very proud of this album and I truly believe we’ve got something you can’t afford to miss out on!” says Marc Centanni.

For the album’s release day, the band is sharing their latest lyric video for the single “Ichor” featuring DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) on vocals.

“‘Ichor’ stands out to us as one of the best examples of Harpazo’s dynamic music and storytelling. Boasting soaring operatic vocals, DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) shares mic duties with Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery), while prog-rock legend drummer Mark Zonder (Warlord/Fates Warning) lays down his signature inspiring and creative beats. The song incorporates dramatic dystopian symphonic orchestration and merges it with potent melodic guitars. The chorus features a large and expansive vocal melody that we believe will immediately capture your attention and stay stuck in your head for days. The narrative of “Ichor” commences with a gripping intro of our anti-hero protagonist, Michael Lightborne, being turned into a cybernetically augmented assassin for Solomon Industries. His job is to influence politicians, eliminate world leaders, and help Jude Solomon establish his new world order using the life-changing serum known as “Ichor”. This mood-setting track on “The Crucible” is the first song on our album and we know you’ll be hooked and want to hear more from our metal opera. We are so excited for you to hear it!” adds Marc Centanni.

The album “The Crucible” is now available for digital streaming/download worldwide at https://lnk.to/DQbZKb3s

CD – Europe – https://bit.ly/HarpazoCD
CD – North America (Available July 5th) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3FK468B/

Track Listing:
1. Ichor
2. Legion Program
3. I Am God
4. Golden Crown
5. The Crucible
6. Two Witnesses
7. Change of Heart Pt. 1
8. Ultimatum
9. We Are Weak
10. Small Price to Pay
11. Change of Heart Pt. 2
12. The Book of Life

Featuring members:
DC Cooper – Royal Hunt
Gary Wehrkamp – Shadow Gallery / Ayreon
Mark Zonder – Fates Warning / Warlord
Les Carlsen – Bloodgood
Rey Parra – Deny the Fallen / Sacred Warrior
Christian Liljegren – Narnia
Michael Drive Lee – Barren Cross / Worldview
Niklas Kahl – Lord of the Lost / Flaming Row
Lee Lemperle – Outside the Wall
Bruno Sa – Operation Mindcrime
Enzo and the Glory Ensemble band

Full Album Details:
Professional Album Artwork/logo by Dusan Markovic
Produced and Mixed at New Horizon Studios in Stroudsburg, PA
Mastered by Lighthouse Mastering
Story/Lyrics Written by Marc Centanni
Music and Melodies by Gary Wehrkamp
Videos by Wayne Joyner & Dave Letelier

For more info:
Rockshots.eu | https://harpazomusic.com | https://www.facebook.com/Harpazomusic | https://www.instagram.com/harpazo_music

Rockshots Records is proud to announce the release of “The Crucible” the debut album from HARPAZO, a super-group formed by guitarist Marc Centanni and producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery, Ayreon).

Set for release on June 28th in Europe and on July 5th in the USA, this progressive metal rock opera is a thrilling journey through a dystopian future, merging elements of progressive and power metal with symphonic and Celtic influences.

The single “I Am God” encapsulates the essence of Harpazo, presenting a dynamic, messianic, and powerful metal anthem filled with intense energy and compelling melodic sections. It takes listeners on a cinematic and haunting journey through a dystopian world, perfectly reflecting our metal opera vision. The bridge hooks you with its irresistible catchiness, smoothly transitioning into a robust and infectious chorus.

The addition of chilling violins and Gary Wehrkamp’s operatic vocals effectively enhances the gothic and dystopian atmosphere the band aimed to create. Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost) delivers outstanding, punishing drumming utilizing double bass pedals to great effect. The guitars drive the song with brutal precision keeping listeners on the edge of their seats throughout.

“Jude Solomon,” a multi-trillionaire tech savior, is introduced in this track, along with his ambitious plans to revolutionize the world by dismantling traditional values and ushering in a new era. The song paints a vivid picture of a future where AI and technology offer near-immortality.

“I Am God” serves as the pulsating heart of the album and provides an excellent introduction to Harpazo.

HARPAZO’s “The Crucible” will be available on all major streaming platforms and through Rockshots Records on June 28th in Europe and July 5th in the USA. Be sure to check out the album and follow HARPAZO for more updates and news on their journey through the world of progressive metal.

PRE ORDER:
Europe – https://bit.ly/HarpazoCD
North America – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3FK468B/ref=dm_rwp_pur_lnd_preo_hd