Out Now! Canada's AxMinister's New EP "vir fortis" Presents A Heavy Metal History Lesson On Napoleon and Vlad The Impaler
L - R - Bas - Drums, Nick - Vocals/Bass, Steve - Guitar
Photo Credit - Maribeth Chabot - Shootingstarr Rock & Roll Photography
History buffs assemble! Canada’s AxMinister is now streaming their fifth studio release “vir fortis”, a heavy metal-infused history lesson covering Napoleon and Vlad The Impaler. Historically accurate, this is a journey to a different time. There are two songs about Vlad and an impressive 17-minute saga about Napoleon. The first Vlad song was released last month as a lyric video single, as for the other two, AxMinister hints at what fans can expect:
““Vlad the Impaler…Son of the Dragon” studies the rich history associated with the infamous despot, as well as the myth pervading hence. “The Age of Napoleon…The Rise”, which was in the works for five years, sets the stage for the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte; this exciting study of the world that gave birth to the future Emperor, leaves us as he becomes a captain of artillery, in the French revolutionary army.”
“vir fortis” was produced, mixed, and mastered at Monolithic Productions by Tyler Williams and the EP cover artwork is an oil painting by drummer Bas von Bismark who also writes a majority of the lyrics. Bassist/vocalist Nicholas Klaus writes most of the music, with guitarist Steve Macleod contributing key song elements wherever needed. The songs are then arranged by the band collectively.
Heavy metal fans, especially those with an interest in history and battle, will not be disappointed with this album. Those who listen to Manowar, Rush, and Iron Maiden should take note.
“vir fortis” is out now as of May 11, 2023. It is recommended for fans of Megadeth, Manowar, and Judas Priest.
EP order - https://axminister.bandcamp.com
Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3BiFuCJ
Lyric Video - Vlad The Impaler... Forests of Impalement - https://youtu.be/axGvn0_8Hbk
Track Listing:
1. The Age of Napoleon... The Rise - 17:06
2. Vlad The Impaler... Son Of The Dragon - 7:02
3. Vlad The Impaler... Forests of Impalement - 4:45
EP Length: 28:53
EP Credits:
All songs written and performed by AxMinister
Produced/Mixed/Mastered at Monolithic Productions by Tyler Williams
Member of SOCAN – yes
MAPL - Canadian Content
EP and Live Band lineup:
Nicholas Klaus – Vocals/Bass
Steve MacLeod – Guitar
Bas Von Bismark - Drums
For more info: Axminister.ca | Facebook.com/AxMinister | Twitter.com/axministertrio | Instagram.com/axminister_band |
“From the drop of the first note, AxMinister pull their ax from stone, brandishing it mightily and powerfully as they dish out shredding sharpened riff after sharpened riff. Thrown in to the mix are face melting solos as well as ever present charging drumming as well as very solid very infectious vocals. Each of the five tracks present within this release are woven together well to provide you with a cohesive and well rounded sound that you will have a hard time getting out of your head. With The Crucible Of Sin, AxMinister gift you with five highly addictive and highly entertaining tracks that you keep coming back to.” – Cadaver Garden (2018)
"this EP (The Crucible of Sin) is just some good ol' fashioned beer and pretzels Heavy Metal in the vein of bands like Manowar" - Metalcrypt (2018)
“The Crucible of Sin is a great thrash/traditional metal album, showing strong influences from Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica to full effect.” – Hellbound (2018)
“an exciting piece of Thrash Metal. It has a unique touch to it that allows the EP to be memorable, whilst the guitars make it very enjoyable.” – Noizze UK (2018)
“The stair-step cultural guitar to snare combinations for “The Trials of Hercules” brings out the Manowar fan in us all – while the speedy double kick locomotive aspects to closer “Sanctus Equitus Mortis” surely keep the ears pinned for a closer…It’s clear that you have a solid set of musicians and keen songwriting abilities – so if you want something a bit more dramatic and adventurous in your thrash airings, AxMinister could be that difference maker for you.” – Dead Rhetoric (2018)
