Edmonton, Canada’s most electrifying new metal force, The Judge The Juror (TJTJ), has dropped their blistering new single, “Heliconian Optivisor,” the first taste of their upcoming conceptual EP, “Primitive Minds,” set to release in early fall 2025. This marks the beginning of an ambitious trilogy of EPs that will unfold over the next eight months, each exploring the collapse of the human condition through the band’s self-forged genre: PSYDEATHTECHPROG.
A mesmerizing, fast-paced assault of sonic force, “Heliconian Optivisor” dives deep into the psychological tension of viewing the world through distorted lenses, red flags we fail to see until it’s too late. The track blends blistering tech-death precision with psychedelic synths and progressive structures, reflecting the band’s desire to find authentic community without compromising identity.
“What happens when you realize that you may have been viewing parts of your life through a lens you didn’t create? This song speaks of our human desire to find community and belonging that doesn’t come at the cost of selling our souls to fit in. This sentiment has been an ongoing discussion for the band members, as we try to carve a new, unique, and niche sound. We don’t always know where we fit into the metal scene, but we know we want to be authentic and stay true to what we believe without compromising. This balancing creates a push and pull of emotions that the musical structure of the song builds on,” says David W Frontenac (Vocals/Synth/Programming).
Listen to “Heliconian Optivisor”:
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Add to your Spotify Playlist – https://distrokid.com/
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The first of three conceptually linked EPs, “Primitive Minds” explores the paradox of modern humans trapped in ancient mental frameworks. Lyrically and musically, it’s a psychedelic futurist journey, equal parts brutal and introspective. TJTJ‘s release plans for the EPs will be Fall 2025 “Primitive Minds”, early 2026 “Medieval Institutions”, and mid-2026 “Godlike Technologies”. Each release will build on the last, culminating in a sweeping narrative about societal collapse, technological alienation, and the search for meaning.
In addition to unveiling the new single, The Judge The Juror will be hitting the road for an August tour in Alberta and BC with The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor. Catch them live for one of the most high-energy performances in Western Canada. Expect a barrage of increasingly weird and wonderful proggy tech-death.
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Tour Dates – The Judge The Juror w/ **The Hallowed Catharsis & Plague Doctor
Aug 21 – Kelowna, BC – Jackknife Brewing**
Aug 22 – Kamloops, BC – Bridgeview Theatre** (UGEFEST)
Aug 23 – Salmon Arm, BC – Solid Urban Studios**
Aug 24 – Abbotsford, BC – Heavy Metal BBQ**
Sept 13 – Red Deer, AB – The Vat
More info: https://linktr.ee/
About:
Formed from the ashes of previous projects, The Judge The Juror (TJTJ) is a collaborative powerhouse born out of Edmonton’s vibrant metal scene. With members Scotty, Merrick, Nick, and David—formerly of Driven to Exile and Vespertine Battle Scene—the band draws from a wide spectrum of influences including Meshuggah, Cynic, Dance Gavin Dance, and VOLA to forge a genre entirely their own: PSYDEATHTECHPROG.
Amidst the vast landscape of tedious and semantic metal subgenres, TJTJ emerges to carve out a bold new niche. Their sound—described in five words as Psychedelic Progressive Techdeath—combines technical riffage, intricate drum grooves, and experimental synthesis to dazzle the mind. Their writing process is deeply collaborative, often sparked by singular musical ideas and built layer by layer into sonic journeys that challenge and captivate.
With a blistering high-energy live presence and a fearless commitment to pushing boundaries, The Judge The Juror is rapidly solidifying their place as one of Western Canada’s most innovative metal experimenters.
The Judge The Juror Lineup:
David W Frontenac – Vocals / Synth / Programming
Scotty Oakes – Guitar
Merrick Fenton – Bass
Nick Burpee – Drums
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