Author: Robert Hanly

First offering from forthcoming as-yet-untitled 3-song EP kicks off a new era for the symphonic prog-metal collective.

  

Valcata, the symphonic progressive metal collective known for weaving cinematic orchestration with emotional depth, has officially released Overload the Reactor. This first single from their upcoming 3-song EP is now available digitally worldwide on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.

Rooted in themes of connection and determination, Overload the Reactor uses sci-fi-infused imagery to tell a fundamentally human story: two souls uniting to overcome darkness and embrace hope.

“This song is about the power of support,” explains composer Oha Cade. “Our protagonists find connection through a shared purpose. When you find yourself struggling, often all it takes is one other soul to help you break through.”

 

 

A Global Lineup

• David Michael Moote (Operus) – clean and harsh vocals, honed in Toronto’s progressive metal scene.

• Sharon Portilla (Blind Hex) – clean lead vocals; she co-founded the Mexican neo-symphonic band Blind Hex in 2021.

• Landryx (ex-Unexpect) – versatile drummer from Quebec whose work on Unexpect’s acclaimed albums In a Flesh Aquarium and Fables of the Sleepless Empire fueled tours with elite acts including Dream Theater and Iron Maiden.

• Amin & Armin Saffar (Hyper Planet) – the Iranian-born duo add guitar and bass depth, fusing Persian heritage with avant-garde prog-metal (now based in the Netherlands).

• William Khan (Golden World Archive) – cinematic, neoclassical orchestration.

• Emil Reitan (Frostbitt, Trylion, Tulpas) – mixing/mastering at Iceland’s renowned Icicle Studios.

• Oha Cade – composer, lyricist, producer, and visionary force behind Valcata.

This lineup will continue across all tracks of the forthcoming EP.

 

 

a new chapter

Since debuting in 2019 with their conceptual self-titled album, Valcata has earned praise for blending symphonic, progressive grandeur, and heartfelt storytelling. Overload the Reactor is the group’s latest emotional anthem to signal a powerful new era.

Bandcamp: https://valcata.bandcamp.com/album/overload-the-reactor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/valcataproject
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valcata_official
Merch: https://valcata-merchandise.creator-spring.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4v5p8lgoaI12d3E879sZ2d?si=26d244bc06ce40d3
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valcatamusic
Website: https://www.valcata.com/

 

First offering from forthcoming as-yet-untitled 3-song EP kicks off a new era for the symphonic prog-metal collective.

  

Valcata, the symphonic progressive metal collective known for weaving cinematic orchestration with emotional depth, has officially released Overload the Reactor. This first single from their upcoming 3-song EP is now available digitally worldwide on Bandcamp and all streaming platforms.

Rooted in themes of connection and determination, Overload the Reactor uses sci-fi-infused imagery to tell a fundamentally human story: two souls uniting to overcome darkness and embrace hope.

“This song is about the power of support,” explains composer Oha Cade. “Our protagonists find connection through a shared purpose. When you find yourself struggling, often all it takes is one other soul to help you break through.”

 

 

A Global Lineup

• David Michael Moote (Operus) – clean and harsh vocals, honed in Toronto’s progressive metal scene.

• Sharon Portilla (Blind Hex) – clean lead vocals; she co-founded the Mexican neo-symphonic band Blind Hex in 2021.

• Landryx (ex-Unexpect) – versatile drummer from Quebec whose work on Unexpect’s acclaimed albums In a Flesh Aquarium and Fables of the Sleepless Empire fueled tours with elite acts including Dream Theater and Iron Maiden.

• Amin & Armin Saffar (Hyper Planet) – the Iranian-born duo add guitar and bass depth, fusing Persian heritage with avant-garde prog-metal (now based in the Netherlands).

• William Khan (Golden World Archive) – cinematic, neoclassical orchestration.

• Emil Reitan (Frostbitt, Trylion, Tulpas) – mixing/mastering at Iceland’s renowned Icicle Studios.

• Oha Cade – composer, lyricist, producer, and visionary force behind Valcata.

This lineup will continue across all tracks of the forthcoming EP.

 

 

a new chapter

Since debuting in 2019 with their conceptual self-titled album, Valcata has earned praise for blending symphonic, progressive grandeur, and heartfelt storytelling. Overload the Reactor is the group’s latest emotional anthem to signal a powerful new era.

Bandcamp: https://valcata.bandcamp.com/album/overload-the-reactor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/valcataproject
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valcata_official
Merch: https://valcata-merchandise.creator-spring.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/4v5p8lgoaI12d3E879sZ2d?si=26d244bc06ce40d3
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@valcatamusic
Website: https://www.valcata.com/

 

Bandcamp pre-order

Spotify pre-save

YouTube teaser

Valcata, known today as a symphonic metal collective that thrives on remote collaborations, began as a traditional six-member band based in Dublin, Ireland, from 2008 to 2010. The original lineup featured:

• Lorelle Brownlee – lead vocals (2008-2009)

• Joanne King – lead vocals (2009-2010)

• S. Hanan – lead guitar, harsh vocals

• Diarmuid Coughlan – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

• Darragh O’Connor – bass

• David McGuinness – drums

• Oha Cade – keyboards, backing vocals

In 2009, the band recorded a six-track demo EP called Nightmares & Promises. Shortly after, Lorelle left to focus on her studies, and Joanne stepped in as lead vocalist. After about a year of live shows, the group eventually disbanded. Valcata later re-emerged as a remote project led by Oha Cade in 2019, continuing to create music today.

Now, for the first time in years, Nightmares & Promises is coming back. This lost EP will be re-released digitally, letting Valcata’s current listeners experience these hidden treasures.

As a special bonus, the EP will feature two versions: one with Lorelle’s original vocals and another with Joanne’s newly recorded vocals, giving fans two different yet equally stunning takes on these classic tracks.

Two promo singles will be released this Friday Feb 14th:

1. Memory (Lorelle Version)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (Joanne Version)

Listeners who pre-order the EP on Bandcamp will also get immediate access to Joanne’s version of Memory and Lorelle’s version of Tuatha Dé Danann.

The full double-EP will be released on Bandcamp and streaming platforms on February 21st.

With its old-school symphonic metal charm, catchy melodies, and driving instrumentals, Nightmares & Promises captures the passion and creativity of a young band making music they truly love.

Some original members have pursued other paths, while others continue to make music. Darragh co-founded the experimental extreme metal band Horrenda. Joanne frequently performs with her various rock cover bands such as Wildheart (Heart tribute) and Lady Riot (celebrating women in music).

~ Tracklist ~

1. Memory (4:25)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (5:19)

3. The Illusionist (3:33)

4. Live No More (6:12)

5. Weeping Pool (4:41)

6. Forgotten (7:22)

Mixed and mastered by Shannon Bowman (Studio23).

Bandcamp pre-order

Spotify pre-save

YouTube teaser

Valcata, known today as a symphonic metal collective that thrives on remote collaborations, began as a traditional six-member band based in Dublin, Ireland, from 2008 to 2010. The original lineup featured:

• Lorelle Brownlee – lead vocals (2008-2009)

• Joanne King – lead vocals (2009-2010)

• S. Hanan – lead guitar, harsh vocals

• Diarmuid Coughlan – rhythm guitar, backing vocals

• Darragh O’Connor – bass

• David McGuinness – drums

• Oha Cade – keyboards, backing vocals

In 2009, the band recorded a six-track demo EP called Nightmares & Promises. Shortly after, Lorelle left to focus on her studies, and Joanne stepped in as lead vocalist. After about a year of live shows, the group eventually disbanded. Valcata later re-emerged as a remote project led by Oha Cade in 2019, continuing to create music today.

Now, for the first time in years, Nightmares & Promises is coming back. This lost EP will be re-released digitally, letting Valcata’s current listeners experience these hidden treasures.

As a special bonus, the EP will feature two versions: one with Lorelle’s original vocals and another with Joanne’s newly recorded vocals, giving fans two different yet equally stunning takes on these classic tracks.

Two promo singles will be released this Friday Feb 14th:

1. Memory (Lorelle Version)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (Joanne Version)

Listeners who pre-order the EP on Bandcamp will also get immediate access to Joanne’s version of Memory and Lorelle’s version of Tuatha Dé Danann.

The full double-EP will be released on Bandcamp and streaming platforms on February 21st.

With its old-school symphonic metal charm, catchy melodies, and driving instrumentals, Nightmares & Promises captures the passion and creativity of a young band making music they truly love.

Some original members have pursued other paths, while others continue to make music. Darragh co-founded the experimental extreme metal band Horrenda. Joanne frequently performs with her various rock cover bands such as Wildheart (Heart tribute) and Lady Riot (celebrating women in music).

~ Tracklist ~

1. Memory (4:25)

2. Tuatha Dé Danann (5:19)

3. The Illusionist (3:33)

4. Live No More (6:12)

5. Weeping Pool (4:41)

6. Forgotten (7:22)

Mixed and mastered by Shannon Bowman (Studio23).

The international symphonic metal collective Valcata return with their new single ‘Archangel’ featuring English sopranist Pete Rawcliffe (Crown Solace) on vocals.

“When I heard the incredible music of Crown Solace and Pete’s stunning vocals, this was a collaboration I looked forward to,” says composer Oha Cade, “Hearing him sing immediately inspired me to write a beautiful song, and I couldn’t have dreamed how spectacular the final result would be. With his amazing versatility, range, and vocal creativity, he took it to an emotional level beyond what I could have imagined!”

The track was initially intended for release as part of Rawcliffe’s solo work, but as the recordings progressed, all parties agreed that the song fit perfectly as a Valcata single. The song is a departure from Valcata’s normally progressive style, focusing on a traditional symphonic metal direction, resulting in a heavy and dramatic banger inspired by big hits from the titans the genre.

‘Archangel’ also introduces other new names to the Valcata project. The guitars and bass for the song were performed by the Iranian progressive metal band Hyper Planet, made up of brothers Armin and Amin Saffar. Armin provides the groovy and virtuosic bass licks throughout, while Amin showcases thundering riffs and an astonishing guitar solo.

It’s also the first Valcata song to feature full and lush orchestration, magically produced and arranged by William Khan, a Spanish composer and producer who runs the symphonic metal opera Golden World Archive. Jonas Schütz (Sacrosanct, Sapiency) from Germany returns on drums, enhancing the song with his killer grooves and signature prowess.

Lastly, the song was mixed and mastered to perfection by Joost van den Broek, a masterful engineer based in The Netherlands and a major name in the metal scene, having worked on music by bands such as Epica, Ayreon, and Powerwolf.

In conclusion, ‘Archangel’ is an example of the spirited collaboration that Valcata cultivates, and showcases yet another side to their versatile and powerful discography. It is, without a doubt, yet another promising sign of more great things to come from this collective of passionate musicians.

~

Credits

VOCALS
Pete Rawcliffe (Crown Solace) ~ England

GUITARS
Amin Saffar (Hyper Planet) ~ Tehran, Iran

BASS
Armin Saffar (Hyper Planet) ~ Tehran, Iran

DRUMS
Jonas Schütz (Sacrosanct, Sapiency, Eraserhead, Diësis, Condemned to Dream, First Encounter, Oceanrise) ~ Germany

ORCHESTRATION
William Khan (Golden World Archive) ~ Spain

MIXING AND MASTERING
Joost van den Broek (Ayreon, Epica, Powerwolf) ~ The Netherlands

ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Oha Cade — composition, lyrics, arrangement, production, design
Pete Rawcliffe — production, arrangement
William Khan — arrangement
Leiada Krozjhen — photography

~

Links:
Bandcamp
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
Website
Instagram
Facebook

The international symphonic metal collective Valcata return with their new single ‘Archangel’ featuring English sopranist Pete Rawcliffe (Crown Solace) on vocals.

“When I heard the incredible music of Crown Solace and Pete’s stunning vocals, this was a collaboration I looked forward to,” says composer Oha Cade, “Hearing him sing immediately inspired me to write a beautiful song, and I couldn’t have dreamed how spectacular the final result would be. With his amazing versatility, range, and vocal creativity, he took it to an emotional level beyond what I could have imagined!”

The track was initially intended for release as part of Rawcliffe’s solo work, but as the recordings progressed, all parties agreed that the song fit perfectly as a Valcata single. The song is a departure from Valcata’s normally progressive style, focusing on a traditional symphonic metal direction, resulting in a heavy and dramatic banger inspired by big hits from the titans the genre.

‘Archangel’ also introduces other new names to the Valcata project. The guitars and bass for the song were performed by the Iranian progressive metal band Hyper Planet, made up of brothers Armin and Amin Saffar. Armin provides the groovy and virtuosic bass licks throughout, while Amin showcases thundering riffs and an astonishing guitar solo.

It’s also the first Valcata song to feature full and lush orchestration, magically produced and arranged by William Khan, a Spanish composer and producer who runs the symphonic metal opera Golden World Archive. Jonas Schütz (Sacrosanct, Sapiency) from Germany returns on drums, enhancing the song with his killer grooves and signature prowess.

Lastly, the song was mixed and mastered to perfection by Joost van den Broek, a masterful engineer based in The Netherlands and a major name in the metal scene, having worked on music by bands such as Epica, Ayreon, and Powerwolf.

In conclusion, ‘Archangel’ is an example of the spirited collaboration that Valcata cultivates, and showcases yet another side to their versatile and powerful discography. It is, without a doubt, yet another promising sign of more great things to come from this collective of passionate musicians.

~

Credits

VOCALS
Pete Rawcliffe (Crown Solace) ~ England

GUITARS
Amin Saffar (Hyper Planet) ~ Tehran, Iran

BASS
Armin Saffar (Hyper Planet) ~ Tehran, Iran

DRUMS
Jonas Schütz (Sacrosanct, Sapiency, Eraserhead, Diësis, Condemned to Dream, First Encounter, Oceanrise) ~ Germany

ORCHESTRATION
William Khan (Golden World Archive) ~ Spain

MIXING AND MASTERING
Joost van den Broek (Ayreon, Epica, Powerwolf) ~ The Netherlands

ADDITIONAL CREDITS
Oha Cade — composition, lyrics, arrangement, production, design
Pete Rawcliffe — production, arrangement
William Khan — arrangement
Leiada Krozjhen — photography

~

Links:
Bandcamp
Spotify
YouTube
Apple Music
Website
Instagram
Facebook

The ethereal symphonic progressive metal project Valcata return with a playthrough video for their powerful track Paralyzed. Bringing together an array of talented musicians from across the globe, Valcata manifest an immense and enthralling sound.

Watch the full band playthrough video below:

Initially beginning as a symphonic/power metal band based in Dublin, Ireland, Valcata now operates as a fully remote project led by Oha Cade, a composer based in New York. The music is produced online in its entirety.

2019 saw the project’s self-titled debut full-length unleashed, followed by the single Tower in early 2021. Now, Paralyzed showcases Valcata‘s thriving collaborations and evolving compositions.

Cade states: “As new music draws near, please enjoy this treat — a full band playthrough of our latest single Paralyzed. This is the first time we’ve given some proper performance visuals to our music and I’m very proud of how this turned out.“

Purchase the track on Bandcamp.

— LINEUP —

– Vocalists –
Stefani Keogh (NERGARD, WOODS OF WONDERS) ~ England — lead clean, backing clean/harsh
Marcos L. Peñate (EVENOR, EVERLASTING MORTALITY) ~ Spain — lead harsh, backing clean

– Guitars –
João Miguel (ENBLOOD, NEPHILIM) ~ Portugal

– Bass –
Chris Kollias (SL THEORY, SERENITY BROKEN, PERSONA NON GRATA) ~ Greece

– Drums –
Jonas Schütz (SACROSANCT, SAPIENCY, ERASERHEAD, DIËSIS, CONDEMNED TO DREAM, FIRST ENCOUNTER, OCEANRISE) ~ Germany

– Strings –
Nathaniel Wolkstein (www.nathanielwolkstein.com) ~ USA

– Synths –
Oha Cade ~ USA

The ethereal symphonic progressive metal project Valcata return with a playthrough video for their powerful track Paralyzed. Bringing together an array of talented musicians from across the globe, Valcata manifest an immense and enthralling sound.

Watch the full band playthrough video below:

Initially beginning as a symphonic/power metal band based in Dublin, Ireland, Valcata now operates as a fully remote project led by Oha Cade, a composer based in New York. The music is produced online in its entirety.

2019 saw the project’s self-titled debut full-length unleashed, followed by the single Tower in early 2021. Now, Paralyzed showcases Valcata‘s thriving collaborations and evolving compositions.

Cade states: “As new music draws near, please enjoy this treat — a full band playthrough of our latest single Paralyzed. This is the first time we’ve given some proper performance visuals to our music and I’m very proud of how this turned out.“

Purchase the track on Bandcamp.

— LINEUP —

– Vocalists –
Stefani Keogh (NERGARD, WOODS OF WONDERS) ~ England — lead clean, backing clean/harsh
Marcos L. Peñate (EVENOR, EVERLASTING MORTALITY) ~ Spain — lead harsh, backing clean

– Guitars –
João Miguel (ENBLOOD, NEPHILIM) ~ Portugal

– Bass –
Chris Kollias (SL THEORY, SERENITY BROKEN, PERSONA NON GRATA) ~ Greece

– Drums –
Jonas Schütz (SACROSANCT, SAPIENCY, ERASERHEAD, DIËSIS, CONDEMNED TO DREAM, FIRST ENCOUNTER, OCEANRISE) ~ Germany

– Strings –
Nathaniel Wolkstein (www.nathanielwolkstein.com) ~ USA

– Synths –
Oha Cade ~ USA

   bandcamp

The ethereal symphonic metal project VALCATA return with their powerful new single Paralyzed. Bringing together an array of talented musicians from across the globe, VALCATA manifest an immense and enthralling sound.

“This song is about how being a musician can sometimes be torturous and depressing, because there’s a climb to success that seems so insurmountable,” says composer Oha Cade.

“I’m sure not only musicians can relate to this, but anyone who has a dream or a goal and sometimes feels lost. Paralyzed is about a moment in time that many of us feel, where the future seems bleak. There is hope of course, and my hope is expressed in the creation of the song itself. I’m extremely grateful to have worked with the insanely talented musicians who have brought this song to life.”

Watch the visualizer for “Paralyzed” here.

Initially beginning as a symphonic/power metal band based in Dublin, Ireland, VALCATA now operates as a symphonic project led by Cade, who is now based in New York. The name VALCATA is a combination of ‘falcata’ (a type of ancient weapon) and Valhalla. 2019 saw the project’s self-titled debut full-length unleashed, followed by the single Tower in early 2021. Now in 2022, Paralyzed showcases VALCATA’s thriving collaborations and evolving compositions. Dark thundering rhythms burst into life accompanied by a delicate piano and eerie orchestration. Stefani Keogh’s cleans soar above the metal instrumentation while Marcos L. Peñate’s demonic harsh vocals bring a menacing impact.

From entwining melodies and soaring leads to dynamic percussion and technical elements, VALCATA offer a thrilling experience of symphonic metal. Paralyzed is an enchanting addition to their spellbinding discography.

— CREDITS —

– Vocalists –
Stefani Keogh (NERGARD, WOODS OF WONDERS) ~ England — lead clean, backing clean/harsh
Marcos L. Peñate (EVENOR, EVERLASTING MORTALITY) ~ Spain — lead harsh, backing clean

– Guitars –
João Miguel (ENBLOOD, NEPHILIM) ~ Portugal

– Bass –
Chris Kollias (SL THEORY, SERENITY BROKEN, PERSONA NON GRATA) ~ Greece

– Drums –
Jonas Schütz (SACROSANCT, SAPIENCY, ERASERHEAD, DIËSIS, CONDEMNED TO DREAM, FIRST ENCOUNTER, OCEANRISE) ~ Germany

– Strings –
Nathaniel Wolkstein (www.nathanielwolkstein.com) ~ USA

– Synths –
Oha Cade ~ USA

– Mixing And Mastering –
Jacob Hansen (AMARANTHE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, EPICA) ~ Denmark

Music, lyrics, and artwork by Oha Cade

 

 

   bandcamp

The ethereal symphonic metal project VALCATA return with their powerful new single Paralyzed. Bringing together an array of talented musicians from across the globe, VALCATA manifest an immense and enthralling sound.

“This song is about how being a musician can sometimes be torturous and depressing, because there’s a climb to success that seems so insurmountable,” says composer Oha Cade.

“I’m sure not only musicians can relate to this, but anyone who has a dream or a goal and sometimes feels lost. Paralyzed is about a moment in time that many of us feel, where the future seems bleak. There is hope of course, and my hope is expressed in the creation of the song itself. I’m extremely grateful to have worked with the insanely talented musicians who have brought this song to life.”

Watch the visualizer for “Paralyzed” here.

Initially beginning as a symphonic/power metal band based in Dublin, Ireland, VALCATA now operates as a symphonic project led by Cade, who is now based in New York. The name VALCATA is a combination of ‘falcata’ (a type of ancient weapon) and Valhalla. 2019 saw the project’s self-titled debut full-length unleashed, followed by the single Tower in early 2021. Now in 2022, Paralyzed showcases VALCATA’s thriving collaborations and evolving compositions. Dark thundering rhythms burst into life accompanied by a delicate piano and eerie orchestration. Stefani Keogh’s cleans soar above the metal instrumentation while Marcos L. Peñate’s demonic harsh vocals bring a menacing impact.

From entwining melodies and soaring leads to dynamic percussion and technical elements, VALCATA offer a thrilling experience of symphonic metal. Paralyzed is an enchanting addition to their spellbinding discography.

— CREDITS —

– Vocalists –
Stefani Keogh (NERGARD, WOODS OF WONDERS) ~ England — lead clean, backing clean/harsh
Marcos L. Peñate (EVENOR, EVERLASTING MORTALITY) ~ Spain — lead harsh, backing clean

– Guitars –
João Miguel (ENBLOOD, NEPHILIM) ~ Portugal

– Bass –
Chris Kollias (SL THEORY, SERENITY BROKEN, PERSONA NON GRATA) ~ Greece

– Drums –
Jonas Schütz (SACROSANCT, SAPIENCY, ERASERHEAD, DIËSIS, CONDEMNED TO DREAM, FIRST ENCOUNTER, OCEANRISE) ~ Germany

– Strings –
Nathaniel Wolkstein (www.nathanielwolkstein.com) ~ USA

– Synths –
Oha Cade ~ USA

– Mixing And Mastering –
Jacob Hansen (AMARANTHE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, EPICA) ~ Denmark

Music, lyrics, and artwork by Oha Cade