Heavy Metal-World™ Goes International: Signs "Strykjärn" to IME Records

Strykjärn

Nestled between Norway and Finland, on the Scandinavian Peninsula of Northern Europe there lies a country of Nordic ancestry known as the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.  Afforded many liberties long removed from western culture, Sweden is also known as the land of Public Access, where all the land and all the nature are open to everyone. The Swedish EPA sums up the Right of Public Access in the phrase ‘Don’t disturb – Don’t destroy.’

Those rules are taken to heart by the Swedes, with the exception of one very particular realm:  HEAVY METAL.  Here, it’s no-holds-barred as some of the most powerfully shredding bands including Opeth, In Flames, Amon Amarth and Soilwork unleash their Swedish, musical fury around the globe.

It’s no surprise that this influence would trickle into the underground metal scenes of the surrounding countryside. Travel 360km to the west of Stockholm, and there you’ll find four brutally-inspired musicians known as “Strykjärn”.

Currently commanding the #1 spot on the ReverbNation charts, representing the town of Säffle – Strykjärn was formed in the winter of 2007 with the single goal to produce some heavy-KO,  face-fucking metalcore. Originally self-releasing a 5-track EP entitled "En Last För Samhället", the group soon evolved, bringing on a new singer & guitarist focused on completing the band’s debut record. In summer of 2009, the quartet released "Vi Lever På Hat" which was very well-received by the anxious public. Continuously focused, the band took no rests and quickly followed up with their third EP "Ingen Morgondag Är Värd Sitt Namn". – ReverbNation/ Strykjärn

“One of the most impressive things about Strykjärn is how much they’ve accomplished towards their catalog and music career in a relatively short amount of time,” comments Ed Fassio, President of Itchy Metal Entertainment (IME Records). “We began discussions in late November, exploring the possibilities of having them join IME as our first international group. Given the logistics involved across borders, this was a very aggressive move for both sides – and exactly what you’d expect from anyone involved in heavy metal. I love their music and am very excited about this band.”

Strykjärn’s new relationship with IME Records will begin with the launch of two new singles, and a collaborative merchandising project.

For more information on Strykjärn, visit them online at:

www.reverbnation.com/Strykjärn

www.heavymetal-world.com

Starting 2011 in Darkness, HMW Signs Vegas Metal Band “diM.” to IME Records

There’s nothing visually dark about the Vegas strip. Rather, the entire place lights up like a Christmas tree each night of the year, beckoning wide eyed tourists and star struck entertainers twenty-four hours a day.

As if to balance the illumination overload, darkness reveals itself within the city’s underground metal scene. It is here that Itchy Metal Entertainment first encountered the explosive sound of Death in Motion (aka diM.)

“I’ve had the privilege of seeing their live show several times,” reflects Ed Fassio, President of IME Records. “diM. commands a very impressive stage presence and they have a very loyal and intense audience.”

diM. are six members bonded by a common interest and love for heavy music. Formed in February of 2006, the sinister sextuplets have shared stage with some of the most brutal, up and coming heavy acts across the nation including: Mushroomhead, Motograter, Divine Heresy, Asesino, Agnostic Front, Spineshank, Otep and Silent Civilian – just to name a few.

With vocal styles reminiscent of sounds from the Deftones, Killswitch Engage, and Sevendust, the group consistently pushes the sound barrier; bringing unique elements to their music including distorted keyboard and samples that sound like recordings from a torture chamber.  Manifesting as the very embodiment of heavy metal, diM’s rhythm section blends unique patterns and grooves with drum fills that roll like an avalanche. And to wrap it up with one big, bloody knot, the band’s Slayer-styled guitar work serves as a facial power punch of unforgiving audio assault.

In early 2011, fans can expect two initial releases from the band through Itchy Metal Entertainment. Future plans include additional projects, merchandise and additional musical considerations. Signing the band on New Year’s Eve, IME Records is making literal bets that the future of Heavy Metal-World™ is: diM.

“I’m very excited to welcome diM. to the label and the world can expect great things from these guys,” adds Fassio. “I love it when bands can deliver the unexpected and shock the senses. These guys draw everyone in for the kill.”

"Rule of Thumb" Joins Heavy Metal-World™, Signs to IME Records

Las Vegas Hardcore band: Rule of Thumb knows respect: How to give it, and definitely how to get it!

As a veteran act on the Sin City metal scene, the established trio holds close associations with almost every musician, venue and promoter in town. Often sharing stage, sometimes sharing gear and always sharing an incredible live show, Rule of Thumb has earned honor and friendships through sweat equity and an uncompromising mission to remain true to themselves.

Unapologetic, the band tackles controversial issues without hesitation and routinely ignores political correctness when delivering their vicious blend of metal, hardcore and punk. Ironically, there are no rules for R.O.T. – and much of their success can be attributed to this rebellion.

“I don’t want to change anything about this band,” states Ed Fassio, head of IME Records. “These guys are loved by their fans because of who they are and what they do and you just don’t mess with that."

Always strategic, IME promotes the idea of mixing structure with mayhem while the Los Angeles indie label sets goals to add some new dynamics to their current line-up. The core pillars of maturity, strong business acumen and established fan-base were driving factors in matching Rule of Thumb with the Itchy Metal Entertainment family.

“Considering that I’ve seen these guys in full operation and witnessed their artistic capability, it wasn’t a hard decision,” says Fassio. “Their performance gets the entire facility involved. There’s so much going on that you can’t help but join the party.”

Rule of Thumb have toured the southwestern US extensively and shared stage with many national and international bands. Currently, the band is preparing to film their first video and planning tours for the east coast and UK.  With a stage performance matched by no other, the energy and no apologies attitude that Rule of Thumb commands should not be missed. – www.reverbnation.com/ruleofthumb

The new relationship will begin with the release of two R.O.T. singles, promoted and distributed by Itchy Metal Entertainment.

Heavy Metal-World™ Signs "In Shadows Embrace" to IME Records

Nestled amongst the tumbleweed, barren landscape and tanned mountains of the southern Nevada Desert is a town like no other. Literally viewable from space, Las Vegas’ appeal has always been attributed to super lights, megastars and ambitious dreams of fame and fortune.  So it’s no surprise that the local entertainment scene would also be flooded with aspiring musicians competing for their own slice of notoriety in Sin City.

The encounters can be fierce and attention is not easily attainable. For one group, it’s been a work-in-progress for over 3 years. In Shadows Embrace (aka ISE) is a heavy metal force, holding their own as one of the most successful bands on the Vegas underground scene.  With accomplishments that range from self-promoting, producing and releasing their own records, opening for numerous national acts and rocking the stage at the largest music festival in southern Nevada (Las Vegas’ Extreme Thing), few local acts have the resiliency, drive and avid fans that ISE commands.

“Anyone who is active on the local metal scene in Vegas knows there are a few consistent names that continue to circulate as the most accomplished and most promising bands to watch. ISE is definitely one of them,” states Ed Fassio.

Developed in early 2008 as an innovative way to market, manage, promote and distribute new media and independent music, Heavy Metal-World™ launched IME Records in November 2010. The company was hell-bent on crafting a common vision for success and set out to find musicians that would understand and share a passion for creativity. As the VP of A&R for HMW and President of IME Records, Fassio has worked closely with many of the local heavy metal acts in Las Vegas.

ISE onstage at Extreme Thing Festival

“I’ve watched ISE’s progression for over 2 years now. I’ve seen them on stages large and small, witnessed their audience control, experienced their live shows and deeply respect their work ethic,” adds Fassio.  “In Shadows Embrace is a band with a tremendous amount of dedication and skill. All the members are focused, business-minded musicians and they truly understand what it means to work for their dreams. I’ve always enjoyed working with ISE and having them join Itchy Metal Entertainment allows a whole new world of possibilities.”

Included in their large list of accomplishments, In Shadows Embrace has shared stage with national acts such as 36 Crazy Fists, Five Finger Death Punch, The Used, Straight Line Stitch, Escape the Fate, Divine Heresy, Otep, Bury Your Dead, Everytime I Die, Through the Eyes of the Dead and many more…

For 2011, ISE’s new relationship with IME Records will begin with the launch of two new singles, supported by an aggressive promotional campaign.

For more information on In Shadows Embrace, visit them online at:

www.reverbnation.com/inshadowsembracelv

www.heavymetal-world.com

Guitar Virtuoso “Andrew Soto” Signs to IME Records

Once in a while a person comes along with a unique, natural gift simply defined as “ability”. When that same artist also enjoys performing, the result is pure entertainment. Such is the case of guitarist Andrew Soto.  The 22 year-old San Pedro, CA native brings speed, melody and thrilling showmanship to the table as the latest artist to sign to IME Records.

Officially launched in November 2010, IME Records is the reincarnation of Itchy Metal Entertainment (originally a music production company) from Las Vegas, NV. After being acquired by Los Angeles Media agency Heavy Metal-World™, IME set out to find a unique pool of talent across multiple genres with a specific focus on metal-influenced musicians. A talent rep brought Soto’s online videos to the attention of Ed Fassio, VP of A&R for HMW and President of IME Records.

“I first saw Andrew Soto on YouTube and it was quite the show. I became an instant fan and was very impressed with his playing,” explains Fassio. “I knew there was potential for a great project together.”

Andrew Soto has been playing guitar since 16.  Self-taught, his sound is absolutely heavy metal with melodies that often possess a jazz-fusion quality. Multi-faceted, Soto plays a variety of instruments including bass, drums and keyboards bringing to life his own blend of blues, rock and speed metal.

As described on his online profiles:

“His music tells a story that is packed with passion, rage, edginess and is deeply introspective. Andrew weaves tight licks to create the atmosphere of a thrill ride. At times, he is reminiscent of an early John McLaughlin, lead guitarist of the Mahavishnu Orchestra…” - http://www.myspace.com/andrewsolo666

Never is this more apparent than on his self-produced tracks “Senses Collapse” and “A New Beginning”. Andrew’s music attacks the senses with an onslaught of instrumental acrobatics. But the intensity really comes to life while watching him actually play the songs.

“What you’ll find in Andrew is someone who is very proficient instrumentally. It’s easy to become transfixed on the way he plays and the smoothness of his delivery,” adds Fassio. “This translates perfectly as an artist who not only composes, but also knows how to capture an audience.”

Signed as a solo-act, the possibilities for Andrew are endless. IME has immediate plans to release two singles from Soto and opportunities are already in development to expand on the new relationship. As the future unfolds, fans can be sure that both label and artist will leverage a full license for unlimited creativity.

Check out Andrew in action on guitar and bass:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsSVYi1GlkE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKof4uWbsGQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYLCqKkesro&feature=related

For additional info on Andrew, check out his official website at:
www.andrewsotoofficial.com