EPK – Strigampire – All To Dominate (2023)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Band: Strigampire
Album Title: All To Dominate
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid Â
“We believe that our fans will greet our new album with great excitement, as we’ve worked hard to deliver something fresh and thrilling while maintaining our unique musical style. It’s worth mentioning that it has been 5 years since we last released material, and even 3 years since our last performance due to the pandemic and lineup issues.
Our new album also introduces two new members to the lineup, bringing their own styles and personal touches to our music. However, I think what will truly set this album apart is the involvement of Willy Thousand in the songwriting process. Some tracks were written by Johnny, and others by Willy, who joined the group in 2016. He managed to adapt to the band’s direction while adding his distinct style.
We believe this is the best production we’ve ever done. The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Chris Donaldson, who has managed to give this album an incredibly powerful and impactful sound. We’re eagerly anticipating our fans’ reactions when they discover these new songs, and we hope they’ll continue to support our music.
With this album, we aim to provide an immersive listening experience for our fans. We want to take them on a journey through the various songs on the album, addressing diverse themes and emotions. That’s why the order of the songs on the album is always important to us, as we want the experience to be complete and coherent. We come from the old school and still consider an album as a complete work that should be listened to from start to finish.
Musically, we maintain a similar recipe to our previous albums while also reinventing ourselves a bit. Some songs have a more black metal style, others lean towards rock; some are highly aggressive, while others are more melodic and tempered. Even though it remains melodic and has nothing to do with mathcore or technical death metal, we showcase each member’s musical skills through frantic guitar solos and high-energy drum rhythms.” – Strigampire
For fans of Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, At The Gates
Strigampire.com |Â Facebook.com/Strigampire |Â Strigampire Official – YouTube | Instagram.com/strigampire
Strigampire.com/shop |Â Strigampire.bandcamp.com | Apple Music |Â Spotify
2023 Wacken Metal Battle Canada Champion (Bravewords)
“Charisma, efficiency, and talent are three fitting words to describe Strigampire’s performance. With music that blends the finest elements of black metal and melodic death metal, and a phenomenal stage presence.” Fred Laroche – Capitale Du Métal
“This group is a treasure from Quebec and they did not come back from Wacken Open Air in Germany for nothing, they were finally noticed after years of work and it is well deserved because they are in their place performing in front of us with such conviction. We are talking about musicians of great quality with a lot of movement despite the difficulty of what they play most of the time. I would have loved for them to play on the big stage with the big sound, but it was Mononc Serge and Anonymus who were coming to close the long day of festivities.” – Metal Universe
“A music group from Trois-Rivières, Strigampire, will participate in the most important death metal festival, Wacken Open Air, this summer in Germany.” CBC Radio Canada
“Itâs the story of five teenagers who form a musical group at the age of 15. They rehearse at school at lunchtime, in their parents’ basement or garage in the evenings and on weekends. They have nourished their passion for more than 20 years. They could never have suspected that this adventure would lead them to the most prestigious international heavy metal music competition. The Strigampire group from Trois-Rivières will represent Canada at the Wacken Battle Music in Germany on August 2.” – L’Hebdo Journal
“Throughout the album (One Fix, Nine Clouds and Six Feet Deep), the Canadian quintet walk the line between throat-shredding aggression and accessible melodies.” – Decibel Magazine
“Strigampire are a melodic death metal band offering a unique blend of aggression, bitterness and power combined with a rock and roll attitude.” – La Grosse Radio Metal
“âThe Only Hell I Knowâ balances between ripping vocals and galloping, melodic riffs.” – Decibel Magazine (2018 – One Fix, Nine Clouds and Six Feet Deep)
“If a combo has reached a level like STRIGAMPIRE on “One Fix, Nine Clouds & Six Feet Deep”, you can’t make enough use of it. Two thumbs up for this fine piece of melodic death lead entertainment!” – PowerMetal.de
Band: Strigampire
Album Title: All To Dominate
Release Date: December 15, 2023
Label: Self-Release
Distribution: DistroKid Â
Track Listing
1. Liberty (4:37)
2. Dominate Them All (4:17)
3. Sold Our Soul (5:31)
4. In The Maze of The Lost (4:23)
5. Where I Belong (6:11)
6. Basking In Paradise (5:02)
7. Death Silence (4:49)
8. The Day I’ll Join You (4:24)
9. Brave The Tempest (4:21)
10. TNT (AC/DC cover) (3:32)
Album Length (47:07)
Album Recording Credits:
⢠All songs performed by: Strigampire
⢠All songs written by: Johnny Dead & Willy Thousand
⢠Produced by: Christian Donaldson & Strigampire
⢠Mixed by: Christian Donaldson
⢠Mastered by: Christian Donaldson
⢠Album Artwork by: Dan âDotelâ Turcotte
⢠Member of SOCAN
⢠Canadian Content (MAPL)
Album and Live Band Line Up:
Steve DC – Vocals
Johnny Dead – Guitars
Willy Thousand – Guitars
BadGuy Provencher – Bass
James Foster – Drums
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About The Album Artwork
The title “All To Dominate” can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context. Originally, the idea was “altogether to dominate,” emphasizing a collective effort to achieve domination. This is reflected in the image of Stan, who encourages people to follow him toward freedom and life, away from the oppression of the time when the album was written.
On the other hand, the title can also be understood as “Everything to dominate,” meaning that all the necessary resources to achieve domination are available. The artwork illustrates Stan motivating people to take control of their lives. The album artwork is double-sided. On the back, it’s clear that the people are ready to be revitalized.
The second image also reveals a darker reality, suggesting that power can sometimes corrupt.
The artwork offers an engaging perspective, giving the impression of being part of the crowd, creating a triangular shape with Stan at the top, evoking an image reminiscent of the Eye of Providence above a pyramid. This reference can be interpreted spiritually, encouraging the search for knowledge and a deeper understanding of life and faith.
Ultimately, the meaning of “All To Dominate” depends on the listener’s perspective and the context in which they listen to the album. This adds depth and a multifaceted dimension to the album, allowing each person to find their own interpretation.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
Musically: All To Dominate skillfully blends various musical elements, ranging from Black/Death Metal to Heavy Metal and Rock, offering a rich and diverse sonic experience. Powerful guitar moments, crazy solos, and impactful rhythms demonstrate undeniable mastery of the instruments. However, the melodic and melancholic sections serve as a reminder that emotion remains at the core of each composition. This balance between technical expertise and emotional depth creates an intense and emotionally charged musical experience!
About Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
LIBERTY
Lyrically: The first song of the album addresses the psychological and emotional consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on people, as well as the deceptive maneuvers of governments to pacify the masses. I also express my frustration and anger towards the situation and encourage listeners to unite in the fight against tyranny and to regain lost freedom. I criticize the measures taken to contain the pandemic, which have led to isolation, fear, and anxiety, highlighting their detrimental impact on the mental health of the population.
Musically: This song kicks off the album, brilliantly capturing the variety of moods that unfold through our melodies. Although precise labeling of metal styles and subgenres isn’t my forte, I would say it starts with a fast and thrashy riff, subtly guiding us towards powerful and rock-oriented sections, an evolution we increasingly incorporate into our songs. Then, a guitar solo in Johnny Dead’s style emerges, followed by a bridge that quickly returns us to the initial atmosphere, concluding with a warrior-like riff that urges one to wreak havoc all around!
DOMINATE THEM ALL
Lyrically: “Dominate Them All” encourages people to rise against obstacles and fight for what they want in life. In this song, free will play the role of a true referee who gives you time when you’re down to reflect on what’s not right in your fighting technique. You can then get up and implement a different approach to defeat the opponent. It’s good to be strong and resilient in taking hits, but constantly falling can lead to demotivation and failure, which may result in giving up. Hence the importance of studying the opponent and not losing sight of the ultimate goal â emerging victorious from every battle rather than merely settling for having tried.
Musically: This song marks a turning point in the evolution of our music! “Dominate Them All” will be the first Strigampire track you hear that wasn’t composed by Johnny Dead! Yes, on this album, a few compositions bear the signature of Willy Thousand, and we are very pleased with the result! Will, who has been performing with Strig since 2016, has gradually immersed himself in our style while bringing something new to it.
The song begins with a fairly smooth and catchy riff, but it quickly takes us into a different atmosphere. Guitars filled with melancholy under a rapid drumbeat where the bass drum resonates like machine guns on a battlefield! Moreover, during Johnny’s solo, you can feel the vibe of a military march, giving a sense of invincibility, as if nothing could stop us from advancing! It’s a direction you wouldn’t expect when the piece starts!
SOLD OUR SOUL
Lyrically: âSold Our Soul” talks about our passion for Heavy Metal music. I explain that we dedicate our lives to music, even if it means making sacrifices. I reference the idea of selling our soul to the devil for the love of Heavy and rock music!
I elaborate that, in my opinion, it’s important to sometimes stop fixating on the horizon and thinking about the destination, and instead take the time to appreciate the wonders that surround us in this wild adventure along the path of life. I believe that our most beautiful moments occur when we veer off the road and venture into uncharted territory. Even if the journey is occasionally bumpy, we never cease to move forward! For us, it’s when we venture off the common path that we truly find what makes us proud.
Musically: “Sold Our Soul” eloquently explains why we are an Extreme Rock band! It’s truly an anthem to Heavy Metal! The atmosphere surrounding it is electrifying and incredibly badass. However, at times, it delves into a more mystical and less in-your-face ambiance, with a guitar melody that gradually evolves to culminate in an epic solo, emblematic of the rock & roll spirit.
This song embodies a remarkable fusion of rock’s fervour and the extravagance of metal. The high-energy elements seamlessly blend with introspective moments, creating a striking balance. In essence, “Sold Our Soul” is a true reflection of our identity as an Extreme Rock band, celebrating the roots of Heavy Metal and capturing the raw energy and melodic finesse that characterize our music.
IN THE MAZE OF THE LOST
Lyrically: “In The Maze Of The Lost” narrates the personal struggle of a man against his inner demons and addictions. I describe the mindset of an addict who is unable to find a way out of his problem, much like someone lost in a labyrinth. His addiction pulls him towards the abyss and causes him to lose all forms of trust, whether it’s in others or in himself. It’s only when he realizes that he’s deceiving himself that he recognizes his once seemingly harmless consumption has now become a significant issue. His desire to overcome leads him to set aside his pride and ask for help.
Musically: The second song, composed by Willy, begins with a melodic intro over a breathless blast beat. This is followed by a break where the lead guitar evokes a Finnish influence, creating a bridge to a highly rhythmic riff, accompanied by captivating vocal lines and a drumbeat that’s equally engaging. Finally, it transitions into a groovy cadence where the strings and drums come together to deliver powerful and impactful punches. All of this is accompanied by a guitar solo that belongs to the realm of competition!
WHERE I BELONG
Lyrically: The message primarily revolves around a character who battles their doubts, fears, and insecurities to reach the place that is promised to them. It’s the story of a person who charges forward without concern for those trying to slow them down in the pursuit of their dream. Perseverance and determination are once again highlighted in this text, with a strong emphasis on self-confidence and faith in one’s own abilities.
Musically: It’s hard to believe that the music of “Where I Belong” was written about fifteen years ago. Of course, we reworked certain passages when we pulled it out of the vault, but the essence remained the same! It’s a very brutal piece, arguably the most aggressive on the album! There are plenty of blast beats, sometimes straightforward and punchy guitar riffs, but also a melancholic chorus. Throughout the piece, the atmosphere is electrifying, culminating in a conclusion that reminds me a bit of “Summer Dying Fast” by Cradle of Filth. However, Johnny concludes the piece with an epic solo and a magical touch of rock emotion that is uniquely his own!
BASKING IN PARADISE
Lyrically: The song “Basking in Paradise” denounces economic inequalities and social injustices caused by the exploitation of resources by the wealthy in the West. I refer to the plight of impoverished countries being stripped of their natural wealth by the greed of the upper class, who take advantage of it to live in opulence.
There’s a tone of anger and frustration in the lyrics, describing the negative consequences of this exploitation on the local population. I also mention corrupt and insatiable leaders who are never satisfied with what they have and continue to exploit the resources of impoverished nations. I call for solidarity and equality for all.
Musically: “Basking in Paradise” is one of those songs that were composed many years ago but remained unfinished until now. It is evident that we can feel the influences of Black Metal from that time, just like in “Where I Belong.” Overall, I’d say it’s the song that maintains the Black Metal ambiance the longest. It starts off strongly with a riff over a blast beat, taking us to the chorus, then immerses us in another Black Metal atmosphere but with a different cadence. This transition paves the way for a kind of narration on my part, leading us to a break that swiftly returns us to the initial structure.
However, we took care to introduce some variations in the drum rhythm, which helps the listener orient themselves within the song. This sense of orientation is crucial, especially to avoid being suddenly overwhelmed by the grandiose finale, where the guitar melodies take the forefront in a striking manner! An instrumental conclusion that has the power to enchant the listener and plunge them into a deep trance!
DEATH SILENCE
Lyrically: This song is the last one I wrote, and at that time, I was struggling with the dreaded writer’s block, unable to put into words the ideas swirling in my head. Eventually, I found inspiration by drawing a parallel between this creative pause and the pause imposed on the entire world during the pandemic. I explored the similarities between the adverse effects of these two dormant periods.
As the words took shape, I realized that what I missed the most was not just the words to compose a song, but that sense of unity and sharing of emotions with our audience during our live performances.
The song concludes by evoking the terror that a blank page can instill. However, it also carries a message of hope by reminding us that a blank page is not just an emptiness but an opportunity to write a new chapter in our story.
Musically: After two tracks steeped in the essence of Black Metal, “Death Silence” arrives, starting with a long instrumental introduction. However, when this piece takes flight, hold on tight, because its intense thrash metal rhythm, flirting with punk, will amp you up solidly before suddenly propelling you into an ambient segment.
This is where things get intriguing, with floor tom beats, tom rolls, and a narrative voice leading to enchanting guitar melodies. The ensemble creates a floating atmosphere, and suddenly, the chorus erupts like an explosion with a gang vocal, brutally bringing you back to earth in an instant! So yeah!!
The conclusion of this song is one of the most explosive in the entire album! It’s truly a musical detonation that leaves everything in ruins in its wake!
THE DAY I JOIN YOU
Lyrically: “The Day I’ll Join You” is a letter addressed to a recently departed loved one. The abrupt ending has left me with a feeling of confusion and distress as the cause of the death remains unknown to this day. I explain to them that they’re probably better off up there and that they’re not missing out much here, highlighting the ongoing war in Ukraine and the infamous COVID-19 pandemic.
In this song, I express frustration and sadness over the global issues caused by humanity. Humans have the capacity to create incredible things, but unfortunately, they also use that capacity to cause significant harm to their own planet and species. This situation allowed me to accept and better understand the motivations of my friend, in case she had foreseen her own passing.
Musically: The first time I heard “The Day I’ll Join You,” I was a bit surprised by Johnny’s artistic direction. The song had an atmosphere all its own, somewhat different from what we usually do. I felt that same surprise with “Death Silence,” written by Willy. However, once I found the theme that matched the music, I truly immersed myself in the atmosphere.
From the very first notes, you can feel a deep melancholy, a distress settling in right from the start. I’d say this song is really like the soundtrack of a film. It feels like we’re following a story with chapters and final resolution. The guitars toward the end thrust us into a whirlwind where madness, incomprehension, and bitterness violently collide.
BRAVE THE TEMPEST
Lyrically: In the final track of the album, I share my perspective on the importance of being attentive to external signs that indicate the need for a change in order to achieve inner well-being. I encourage people to step out of their comfort zones, face challenges, and make changes in their behaviour and outlook on life in order to regain inner peace.
Musically: “Brave the Tempest,” the album’s final track! Our very first ballad, well, almost! Haha! No, not really, but there is still a slower-paced refrain, tinged with melancholy, where hope and determination linger. This song encourages us to rise up and confront life with a determined attitude. I quickly got to the refrain to explain why, in my opinion, it’s our ballad, but in reality, the song is very energetic and mainly composed of catchy riffs.
This song was the shortest one we had, and it was among the three songs that had been sleeping in our repertoire for a few years. That’s precisely why we hadn’t used it yet. It was short, and it seemed like something was missing. By reworking it, we finally crafted an epic finale, where Johnny and Willy exchange guitar melodies that evoke in the listener, at least in me, an inner strength that encourages self-improvement and fulfilment in life.
It’s with this feeling that we hope the listener returns from this spiritual journey named “All To Dominate”!
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BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
1. We have a mascot that has been featured on all our album covers since our debut full-length album, “Where Torments Drown.” This creature was inspired by the strigoi as described in numerous Romanian legends, but we’ve given it a somewhat more human-like appearance, one could say. It makes its first appearance on our debut album, but you can trace the transformation of this being into the creature by examining the demos we released before the album.
2. On “The Hike Of Life,” released in 2007, you can see a man kneeling, looking at his reflection in a puddle of water. At this point, he still retains a human appearance. Then, in 2008, you can spot him on the roof of a building, observing the carnage he has caused. In this image, the man is now equipped with wings but still maintains a somewhat human physique. It’s on the full album released in 2009 that his transformation is finally complete as well!
3. The name of our creature is Stan. We’re just one “a” away from Satan! But that’s not the primary reason for our choice. In fact, my name is Steve, and the other founding member, Johnny, is actually named Jonathan. If you take the first two letters of my name and the last two of his, it spells Stan. Hehe!
4. On our 2008 demo, when you rotate the cover by 180 degrees, a subliminal image is revealed â it’s quite incredible! Unfortunately, it was only a promotional album with three songs, and it’s now out of stock. Nevertheless, upon reflection, I should seriously consider creating merchandise based on this illustration because I’m continually amazed by the imagination and talent of our artist, Dan ‘Dotel’ Turcotte when I look at this artwork
5. Our current bassist actually played with us at our beginnings in 2001. He left the band in 2003 when we were still just teenagers. Eighteen years later, when we were in search of a bassist, he reached out to me, and since 2021, we have had three original members back in the band. This is something that hasn’t happened since 2005!
6. Johnny and I have been friends since we were 6 years old! It’s been over 30 years now, and we’ve stuck together through thick and thin! Hahaha! The strength of our bond lies in having fun and staying young at heart!
Left to Right: BadGuy P / Bass – Johnny Dead / Guitars – Steve DC / Vocals – Willy Thousand / Guitars – James Foster / Drums
Photo Credit –Â Jonathan Beaupied
In 2001, Strigampire emerged onto the music scene, captivating audiences with their eloquence and delivering electrifying live performances. Over the years, their intense energy has earned them recognition and opportunities to share the stage with renowned international bands, including Dark Tranquility, Krisiun, Belphegor, Cannibal Corpse, Misery Index, and Despised Icon, among others.
After the release of their demos “The Hike Of Life” (2007) and “Promo 2008,” Strigampire unleashed their first album, “Where Torments Drown,” in 2009, garnering praise from both fans and critics alike. Despite encountering lineup challenges, they persevered and released “The Merry-Go-Round” in 2012. Although an EP showcasing three tracks from their upcoming album was unveiled, the band faced internal struggles, leading to a dissolution in 2013.
However, fueled by their undying passion, the two founding members reunited in 2016 and surrounded themselves with a fresh surge of energy. With three talented and dedicated musicians who share an incomparable chemistry, Strigampire made a triumphant comeback in 2017, leaving an indelible mark on the “Omnium Du Rock” competition, where they emerged as one of the top five finalists out of 125 bands from across Quebec.
Adding to their achievements, the band signed their first record deal with PRC Music in March of the same year. They entered the studio in November and unveiled their highly anticipated single, “The Only Hell I Know”, in early 2018, a prelude to their new album, “One Fix, Nine Clouds & Six Feet Deep,” which was released on March 23. This milestone was followed by a series of exhilarating concerts throughout the province of Quebec.
To commemorate their 18 years as a band, Strigampire released the compilation album “Rarely Legal â 18 Years Of Misconduct” in May 2019. This remarkable album showcases the evolution of two rebellious hearts who share an unwavering passion for the rock and roll lifestyle. The album launch, held in their hometown of Trois-Rivières, marked the departure of Myrdynn and Xander from the band. However, their exit paved the way for Yannick Laplante to reclaim his position as the drummer, a role he previously held from 2005 to 2012. Additionally, Samuel ”Rook” Bédard, a talented musician from Quebec City, joined the formation as a session bass player a few days later.
In 2019, Strigampire unveiled the captivating music video for their song “Dead Of Night,” generating considerable buzz within the music scene. A highly anticipated tour in Quebec was scheduled for May 2020, but unfortunately, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their plans. Like many others, Strigampire had to adapt and reinvent their strategies to navigate this new reality.
Despite these challenges, the band seized the opportunity presented by the confinement period to focus on composing and promoting their music online. They harnessed this time to push the boundaries of their creativity and refine their distinctive sound.
In 2021, a pivotal moment unfolded when James Foster, a young and talented drummer, answered the band’s call for a member with his remarkable skills. Joining the formation, the band began jamming without a bassist. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store. After an unsuccessful search for a bassist, the vocalist received a call from BadGuy P, the original bassist, and a childhood friend. BadGuy expressed his desire to play music with his former comrades while waiting for a replacement to be found. Against all odds, BadGuy returned to the band after more than twenty years, reuniting three original members from the 2001 lineup.
The following year was marked by an intense period of creativity as the band focused on composing new material. Their hard work culminated in October 2022 when Strigampire entered the studio with Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy) to record their highly anticipated third full-length album. In 2023, the band made a triumphant return to the stage, performing at various venues across Quebec to promote their comeback. Among these performances, one stands out as particularly special: the first round of the Wacken Metal Battle Canada, a competition featuring over 60 bands from across the country, with the chance to represent Canada at the legendary Wacken Open Air festival in Germany.
Today, several concerts from this tour are yet to come. The album mixing is complete, and its release is scheduled for December. However, the most exciting news is that Strigampire emerged as the grand winner of the competition and will represent Canada at the Wacken Metal Battle in Germany during this prestigious festival. With over 80,000 tickets sold in less than 8 hours, Strigampire seizes this opportunity to fulfill its ultimate dream: spreading the new sound of extreme rock on a global scale.
The future looks incredibly promising for Strigampire, and the world can expect a musical explosion that will push all boundaries. Get ready to be transported into a whirlwind of raw energy and incendiary riffs because the best is yet to come for this exceptional band.
Album and Live Band Line Up:
Steve DC – Vocals
Johnny Dead – Guitars
Willy Thousand – Guitars
BadGuy Provencher – Bass
James Foster – Drums
Shared Stage with:
Dark Tranquility, Krisiun, Belphegor, Cannibal Corpse, Misery Index, Human Carnage, Â Despised Icon Augury, Anonymus, Quo Vadis, No Other Way, Beneath The Massacre, Sloatvean, Threat Signal, Mutiny Within, Mononc Serge, Fuck The Facts, Spirit of Rebellion, Insurrection, End Is Near. Martyr, Kalmah, Descend Into Nothingness.
Tours and Festivals:
2023 – Wacken Open Air 2023
2023 – The Inferno Invasion Tour 2023
2019 – PRC MetalBash – Trois-Rivieres
2019 – PRC MetalBash – Montreal
2010 РTrois-Rivi̬res MetalFest РTrois-Rivi̬res
2009 – Grind Your Mind Open Air – Notre-Dame-Du-Bon-Conseil
2005 РTrois-Rivi̬res MetalFest РTrois-Rivi̬res
Discography
2023 – All To Dominate – Full-length
2019 – Rarely Legal : 18 Years of Misconduct – Compilation
2018 – One Fix, Nine Clouds & Six Feet Deep – Full-length
2012 – The Merry-Go-Round – EP
2009 – Where Torments Drown – Full-length
2008 – Promo 2008 – EP
2007 – The Hike of Life -Demo Â
2003 – A Dehydrated Corpse – Demo
