L-R - David Lamothe (Lead Guitar), Matt Zephyr (Vocals), Tommy Lemieux (Drums), Joey Sollazzo (Rhythm Guitar), William Gunn (Bass)
Photo Credits: Roxanne Morin of Hexagon Productions
Held In Secret are five hardworking individuals who spend every day creating the heaviest and djentiest listening experience known to the Ottawa metal scene. On Friday, May 29th, 2020, they will release their sophomore effort “Nomads” and before it officially drops, the band is sharing the EP's exclusive full stream via V13.net HERE .
“Nomads” is, according to the band, an improvement from their debut EP. “Nomads” is a concept release with highly relatable subjects, set to clean and heavy metalcore. Moving away from “repetitive early 2010’s metalcore”, Held In Secret diverges into a more accessible sound, interesting to a broader public, incorporating choirs and piano, all while retaining all of the heaviness of the first EP. It also features guest vocals from Garrett Russell of Silent Planet on the title track.
The band comments on the release:
"'Nomads' is an EP that talks about what we believe to be five of the biggest problems in today’s society, Abuse, Racism, Depression, Pollution, Addiction. Five subjects to make the mood go dry at Thanksgiving dinner, but five incredibly important issues that we need to talk about. In each of these songs, you can find a world of emotion twirling into abstractness, the sheer heaviness of the music mixed with the intensity of the lyrics makes for a completely immersive experience. This EP is about the power we have if we stick together. Together, we can stand against abusive households, and improve the system that these poor beaten kids get thrown into. Together we can put an end to hate crimes and racism of all kinds and nature. Together we can beat this global depression, and just by caring a little bit more about one another. Together we can stop putting so much god damn plastic into our oceans. Together we can stand a chance against our opponent in this battle against the opioid crisis. Together we can fight this oppressive system and give a fair chance to all to reach for the stars and not be limited by social constructs such as “Social Class” and prejudice.
Never One Left Behind
Nomads"
Recommended for fans of Silent Planet, Volumes, and Architects, “Nomads” will be available on all digital platforms including Bandcamp , Spotify , Apple Music , and Amazon .
Track Listing:
1. Ties (4:31)
2. Nomads (feat. Garrett Russell) (3:31)
3. Downcast (3:55)
4. Gaia (3:31)
5. Static (3:44)
EP Length: 19:15
For more info:
Facebook.com/HeldInSecret
Instagram.com/heldinsecret
EPK
Held In Secret was impulsively founded in January of 2016 by Matt J. Zephyr (vocals) and David Lamothe (lead guitar) with the explicit goal of taking over the world. Since then, they have been joined by a great family of like-minded people with the addition of William Gunn (bass), Tommy Lemieux (drums) and Joey Sollazzo (rhythm guitar).
These five individuals work hard every day to create the heaviest and Djentiest listening experience known to the Ottawa metal scene. Wanting the listeners to feel like they are understood, the lyrics from Held In Secret paint pictures of trauma, despair, and hope.
On December 7th, 2018, Held In Secret released their debut EP “Dawnbreaker” (Produced by Dark Moon Productions). After a year of performances, our protagonists came together in the studio once again to produce their sophomore effort called “Nomads” set for release on May 29, 2020.
Taking pride in what they do, Held in Secret ensures a wild ride for their audience as Zephyr climbs structures while scream-rapping extra multisyllabic lines; Lamothe, Gunn, and Sollazzo sing backup while shredding, jumping around and headbanging; often jumping off stage to get in the pit. The intense stage presence continues with Lemieux banging it out, full throttle behind the kit.
Held In Secret is just warming up, they have more live shows planned, as well as more music has been written ready to follow “Nomads”. Keep an ear out!
"Featuring tight, groovy riffage and a bright melodic backdrop, “Nomads” is a great introduction to what Held In Secret are doing. With prominent shows already played with the likes of Blind Witness, Held In Secret’s sophomore EP is bound to be a success." - New Fury Media
"Taking their cues from a more modern sound of metalcore, one that incorporates a lot of technical guitars and melody, Held in Secret come out swinging with Ties. A meaty and explosive start, the aggressive percussion doesn’t overpower the more heartfelt chorus... A hell of an EP and a strong contender for the best of the year." - Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life
"Nomads features five tight tracks of distorted ingenuity and blood-curdling screams from frontman Matt Zephyr with the EP also featuring guest vocals from Silent Planet’s Garrett Russell." - V13.net
"Listeners who crave a heavy sound rooted in metalcore and djent that is laced with angst will feel like they have an empathetic friend with a familiar voice... These guys promise an energy filled live show, full of shredding, headbanging, and jumping off stage into the pit . - The Independent Voice
"Held In Secret brings both aggressive vocals, cleans for choruses (mostly), melodic riffage and punishing downbeat drums." - Uber Rock
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