Canada’s NOMAD Invites Metalheads To Take A Journey Through The Universe And Their Minds With “Choke”
Mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)
Photo Credit – Chris Geistlinger
Hailing from Canada’s Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Nomad have been making a name for themselves locally for the last several years, playing at local fests (ex. Armstrong MetalFest) and supporting big-name acts in the extreme metal scene. Now they are excited to reveal their debut album “The Mountain” (mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy)), which is as heavy and relentless as it is approachable and honest. New fans will get to enjoy something fresh, while those who have seen them at a festival or supporting a well-known band over the years will be able to replay their favourite tracks over and over. The third single “Choke”, is an epic of phenomenal cosmic power. Nomad comments:
“This single is another pretty long one, hitting different dynamic levels as we go. we looked for other meanings of the word “Choke”, which is the chorus section, guitarist/vocalist Matt Johnstone took the reins on a number of other sections, and went with a cosmic theme, the birth, and death of the universe. We married those different themes together and this is the result.”
Listen to “Choke” via its premiere on TheCirclePit’s YouTube channel – https://youtu.be/nZ2rrlrld8Q
The writing process for Nomad has always been collaborative which fills their music with diverse layers of influences. During their writing process, one member will usually have a collection of riffs that go together, or the skeleton of a song, and they’ll sit together and workshop it to nail down the instrumentals, with everyone putting their own stamp on things. Normally the song title will come next based on the feel or vibe one or more members get from the song, and lyrics will come based on the title, often with multiple interpretations of what the title could mean.
“The Mountain” is due out on March 3, 2023, and was mixed by drummer Bretton Melanson and mastered by Christian Donaldson (Cryptopsy). It is recommended for fans of Gojira, Lamb of God, and Sepultura.
Album pre-order (CD, Digital) – Nomadbc.bandcamp.com
Previous singles
“Burning Alive” – https://youtu.be/N4uKBAfxc4c
“Revolution” – https://youtu.be/eCxDYxihhtw
Track Listing:
1. Burning Alive (4:30)
2. Haunted (6:00)
3. Revolution (6:05)
4. Relentless (6:09)
5. A Lonely Wanderer (5:08)
6. Blood Moon (9:40)
7. Rise in the Fall (6:20)
8. Processor (6:56)
9. Choke (8:52)
Album Length: 59:38
Album Credits:
– All songs written and performed by Nomad.
– Additional writing contributions by past members:
Kasey Klassen
Lorne Valliers
Dylan Heska
Justin Kleinsasser
– Mixed by Bretton Melanson
– Mastered by Christian Donaldson
– Album Artwork by: Angela Grimmuza/ Art Of Grimmuza
– MAPL – Canadian Content
Album and Live lineup:
Bretton Melanson: Drums/Vocals
Matt Johnstone: Guitar/Vocals
Jeff Mabb: Guitar/Vocals
Josh MacDonald: Bass
For more info: Facebook.com/nomadmetal | Instagram.com/nomadbandbc
About: Nomad is a dynamic, progressive death metal band from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada and consists of drummer/vocalist Bretton Melanson; guitarist/vocalist Matt Johnstone; guitarist/vocalist Jeff Mabb; plus bassist Josh MacDonald. Kickstarted by Johnstone who was looking for an outlet, he approached Melanson and since the material felt right and with their previous history playing together, the ball was rolling. Over a few years, there was a lineup flux, with each additional leaving their mark on the material. Ultimately, they then recruited Mabb as a second guitarist and MacDonald on bass, and working collaboratively, they weave their melodic, groovy death metal.
Looking to avoid the violence and gore tropes that are quite prominent in metal music, they tend to tell stories based on fictional characters, historical events, science fiction, and astrophysics. Each member adds their own flair to the songs, imprinting their distinct influences.
When they hit the stage, the audience is greeted by multiple vocalists that deliver a massive wall of layered sound, integrated sound effects, and a well-thought-out visual element. They played Canada’s prominent Armstrong Metalfest in 2016-2019 and performed alongside bands such as Kataklysm, Origin, Soulfly, and Alestorm. They are releasing their debut album “The Mountain” in 2023.
