CASTLE NOMINATED FOR JUNO AWARDThrash-infused doom metallers CASTLE have been nominated for a Juno Award -- Canada's equivalent of a Grammy -- in the "Metal/Hard Music Album Of The Year" category for their stunning work on the 2012 release "Blacklands." The Juno Awards ceremony will be held on April 21st in Regina, Saskatchewan, where the band will compete against fellow nominees Cancer Bats, Devin Townsend Project, Ex Deo and Woods of Ypres.
CASTLE, originally conceived by guitarist, songwriter and producer Mat Davis as a solo project, turned a meeting of hearts into the formation of a band. After meeting his wife Elizabeth Blackwell, who would become the group's vocalist and bassist, Davis also reached out to his longtime friend and musical collaborator Al McCartney from Toronto to play drums. The power trio released their debut album "In Witch Order" via German label Van Records in 2011; it was revered by the press, including being named Metal Hammer Norway's "Album of the Year" in addition to leading the Roadburn Festival to name the band "Newcomer of the Year."
The band recorded their latest album, "Blacklands," at Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, Calif. with producer Billy Anderson (EyeHateGod, Neurosis, Cathedral, Sleep). Released by PROSTHETIC RECORDS in September 2012, the album was described by Metal Hammer UK as "a tough alloy of purest classic metals -- doom, thrash, epic and power -- with dark, smoky lady vocals," while being praised by Exclaim! magazine for its "sinister sweetness" and "irresistible hooks." The group has filmed music videos for three songs from the album: the title track, "Corpse Candles" and "Storm Below The Mountain."
Shortly after the release of "Blacklands," the band embarked on a Scion A/V-sponsored North American tour with Witch Mountain and recently completed their first-ever headlining U.S. tour, which featured drummer Rae Amitay (Mares of Thrace, Woods of Ypres, Thrawsunblat) filling in for McCartney. Following a performance at SXSW, CASTLE will soon embark on a Western U.S. tour, after which they will support Intronaut on a spring European tour that includes a performance at the prestigious Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Holland. Tickets and tour dates can be found on the band's website: heavycastle.com