Venezuela’s STRATUZ Becomes The First Extreme Metal Band To Win The Pepsi Music Awards

The eleventh edition of the Pepsi Music Awards took place on Tuesday, October 31st, where the Atmospheric Death Doom band Stratuz won the awards for Best Rock Artist and Best Rock Album with their latest album “Osculum Pacis”.
Stratuz is the first extreme metal band to be nominated for the Pepsi Music Awards, creating a historical precedent in Venezuela and now becomes the first extreme metal band to be awarded in these two categories.The band Stratuz was born to make history. In their 40 years, they have pioneered numerous events and broken many milestones within the Venezuelan rock scene.
The band Stratuz was born to make history. In their 40 years, they have pioneered numerous events and broken many milestones within the Venezuelan rock scene.In addition, the band formed by Franklin Berroterán (lead vocals), Gerónimo Egea (guitar), Diego Cabrujas (drums), and Leonardo Rangel (bass), is celebrating their second consecutive year in the Top 50 of The Jacqui Raven Show, on US radio station 99WNRR, as well as their signing with Wormholedeath, a record label whose products are distributed worldwide by Aural Music Group, which has a publishing division managed by Warner/Chappel Music Holland BV (Warner Music Group); its distribution and digital marketing is handled by the US corporation The Orchard INC (Sony Music Ent. ).“We are very happy and honored to receive these two awards from the Pepsi Music Awards for Best Rock Artist and Best Rock Album. We want to thank all the members of the Pepsi Music Awards Academy, for valuing and recognizing our work and allowing us to demonstrate that the Metal genre has much to contribute to our society, likewise, we want to thank all our fans who made this dream materialize through their vote. The sum of each of their votes allowed the formation of each of these awards and this proves that we have the ability to build and materialize our dreams if we wish”, said Franklin Berroterán.
STRATUZ emerged onto the metal scene in 1984 and quickly solidified their position as Venezuela’s most revered metal band. Their debut album, “In Nomine…” released in 1995, catapulted them to recognition and acclaim. Following a triumphant European tour in 1999, they signed with LSP-Company and released “Spirit Seduction,” which marked a new chapter in their musical journey. After a hiatus, the band reunited in 2019, pouring their passion into the creation of “Osculum Pacis,” which was unleashed upon the world in 2022. The album garnered international praise, securing the top spot on the Jacquin Ravens Top 50 Metal chart and earning accolades as the best work of 2022 by esteemed journalist Roberto Palmitesta and Metal Pedia.
The album Osculum Pacis, mixed and mastered by Arturo Banús, is the fourth full-length album by Stratuz, which includes 11 original songs that delve into different trends such as gothic rock, death metal, doom metal, and even some elements of symphonic rock. In March of this year, it was performed live, with a choir and a string ensemble at the Centro Cultural BOD, the first time that an extreme metal band offered a concert in this venue.Stratuz is:Franklin Berroterán – Voices and KeyboardsGerónimo Egea – GuitarsLeonardo Rangel – BassDiego Cabrujas – Drums

Stay connected with STRATUZ through their official channels for the latest updates and exclusive content:
Website: www.stratuz.info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stratuzofficial
Twitter: twitter.com/stratuzofficial
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/stratuzofficial
Instagram: www.instagram.com/stratuz_official

Irish alternative outfit MOVMENT release new single “EXISTENCE”!

Irish alt. post-punk revelation MOVMENT proudly present their new single, EXISTENCE, on EPICTRONIC. The single was recorded in End of Light Studios, Mullingar, and Grouse Lodge, Westmeath, Ireland & mixed by Alex Borwick and mastered by Jerome Schmitt at The Airlab. Artwork by UVRay.

“EXISTENCE” is the 3nd single from the band’s 3rd Album REINVENTION, which will be available from EPICTRONIC and on Bandcamp in November 2023. “EXISTENCE” is available on all digital platforms via Epictronic worldwide: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/4Fc4uKLBUKb4M6QxSjF9kP

Movment creates music, sounds, and noise that is straightforward, and they tell it like it is. They use drums, bass, guitars, synths, and tools that excite them. Atmosphere, turbulence, and truthfulness are at the heart of what they do.

Movment consist of Martin Kelly (Vocals, Drums, Words), Kevin Kelly (Guitars, Bass, Keyboards, Synths, Programming, Words), Mark Kelly (Bass) and Isabella Rowden Kelly (Guitars).

ANTIBIOTICA – Debut 2 track by Swedish thrashers single out now.

Band photo by Uffe Sandin.

ANTIBIOTICA is a Swedish Thrash/Heavy Metal band that was formed by Jack Hagström and Hugo Bengtsson in february 2023. A short time later, the drummer Martin was found and they could start laying the foundations for the first self-written songs. Martin also recommended bringing in his cousin Kasper on bass, which worked out great. 

With this line-up they started planning their first recording. It was decided that it would be a two track single including title track “The Butcher Of The Soul” and ”Deceiver”. Two songs that reflect well what ANTIBIOTICA is about, a hybrid of Thrash and Heavy Metal. Influences are taken from everything like KREATORTESTAMENT and SODOM to IRON MAIDENANGEL WITCH and JUDAS PRIEST. The list could be made long. 

In October 2023 they entered the studio to record their two-song single debut with Henrik Borg (SATUREYE100 YEARSTPFDT etc.) as recording, mixing and mastering guy. They decided early on to do the recording without clicks, just to get that old feeling of energy and a genuine vibe. 

The single is self-released and is so far only available digitally on all major streaming platforms. But if a record company with interest is found, it will also be released on vinyl. Of course, there is also a search for a good record company to sign for a full-length album.

Clubs and festivals are more than welcome to get in touch if you want to book ANTIBIOTICA.

ANTIBIOTICA line-up(Left to right in the photo)

Jack Hagström – Lead guitars / Backing Vocals

Hugo Bengtsson – Rythm guitars / Vocals

Martin Palmgren – Drums / Backing Vocals

Kasper Andersson – Bass / Backing Vocals

Release date: November 3 – 2023

Tracks:

1. The Butcher Of The Soul

2. Deceiver 

Some direct links:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ksX1IAYIR8P5uKy9F1MRP?si=6LdF9upIR2Otn3Tx0dvevA

Bandcamp: http://antibioticasweden.bandcamp.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kORNPJB_xfd18383_etUTPsBDA3XXOXoU&si=W9BQgMUJEuzdnyzE

Also available on all other major streaming platforms.

Social media links:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_antibiotica_

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Antibioticasweden/