Spectre Sound News Feed

Bloodshoteye - Expect the Unexpected

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:06:07 EDT

I'd like to congratulate Bloodshoteye for finally releasing, "Expect the Unexpected." It's been a long, hard road on this one, and the end result is magnificent!

I'd also like to commend Chris Donaldson from Cryptopsy for the outstanding work he did mixing this album.

This was my first project as "Producer" and "Engineer" ...I'm used to wearing all the hats, but it was nice to just focus on getting the best performances possible out of the band. The end results are stunning.

The CD is available at CDN records a there's a very cool CD & shirt combo deal as well.
http://www.cdnrecords.com/

Check out "There will be Blood" in the recording section. Brutal!

Aquila - Imperium

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 12:37:52 EDT

Well, it's been a very busy year around here. I've also recently finished up Aquila's debut full lengh, "Imperium." It's distributed by CDN records, http://www.cdnrecords.com/ and available for a very cool $6.66 through that site.

Catch them on their cross-Canada tour, going on right now!

Assassinate the Following

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 12:33:57 EDT

Just finished production on Assassinate the Following's "Massacre of the North" which will be released by CDN records. Congratulations, guys!

U87

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:14:41 EDT

I've recently acquired a Vintage Neumann U87 manufactured in 1981. It's former home was in a nice Hollywood, California studio. It was recently serviced by David Bock (from Bock audio) and let me tell you, this thing is magnificent.

Sunn Beta Lead

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:10:42 EDT

Added a vintage Sunn Beta Lead to the amp pile, for those authentic "Stoner Rock" sounds. The guys in The Melvins swore by 'em, and this particular amp sounds HUGE.

DESPISED ICON

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:26:57 EDT

Got a call from Mr. Yannick St. Amand a few days ago & he asked me to reamp the guitars for the upcoming Despised Icon live DVD. The show was in Montreal, playing to a sold-out crowd.

The performances were amazing, the guitars turned out "heavy as fuck" & I can't wait to see the finished product!!

It will be out this autumn on Century Media. I'll get the title & artwork as soon as that's available.

Krieg

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:20:39 EDT

In other news, I'll be starting to mix Krieg's new album in early September. It'll be released on the British label, Coprorecords.

Krieg hails from Milan, Italy and was kind enough to track me down. This is my first big international project, & I'm thrilled to be part of it!

Bloodshoteye

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:06:19 EDT

Well, this one's been ongoing for quite some time now... Bloodshoteye has returned for their third full length album. I'm co-producing with Shane, tracking, & editing.
Mix & Mastering duties will be handed off to Mr. James Murphy (Testament/Death/Obituary) & hopefully the album will be finished by the end of the year & released on Galy Records sometime in early '09.
It's been a monumental effort, as it's a fiercely technical record. Not to mention the broken limbs, back injuries, fights, missing teeth & all the other fun stuff that has gone into this!!!
However, I do believe we've got the best performance Bloodshoteye has ever given captured on this album. They don't have a title yet, but "Better Off Dead" has been discussed. I'm grateful to be a part of it!

The Unthinking Majority

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:58:56 EDT

Just finished up two songs for The Unthinking Majority's debut. Funk Rock with one hell of a vocalist. When you consider the fact that these guys are only 17, it's doubly impressive.

Check them out in the Recordings section!

Aquila '08 project review

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:54:20 EDT

"Unboundzine.com review on demo 2

Aquila-Demo 2
(Self-Released, 2008)

I was impressed with what I heard on the debut demo from this Canadian band but they have certainly stepped up quite a bit with their follow up demo. The band hits somewhere in between Lamb of God and All That Remains, but the band also brings in a number of interesting riff ideas. There is a rock vibe to some of the riffs and the overall feel of the demo is much more professional and rock solid.

While the style of the band might be completely new, the strength of the songwriting more than makes up for it. The songs, while still heavy, manage to be extremely memorable through creative riff ideas and a varied approach from song to song. The production is also much more solid this time around. In all honesty this sounds as good, if not better, than a number of albums released by bigger record labels these days. It's commendable that the band put so much effort into making the demo sound amazing.

If this demo doesn't lead to a record deal for the band I would certainly be surprised. This is a powerful, well written demo from a band that has a bright future. I suppose you could say Aquila are a metalcore band but they aren't typical of the genre. If you are a fan of rhythmic yet melodic metal or are a fan of Lamb of God or All That Remains this is a band you will want to look into. This is a band that could big things and it is only a matter of time before a label sees the potential this band has.

http://www.myspace.com/aquilametal"

Yeah, the band wasn't the only one who put in effort! Check out the Recordings section for "Kill or be Killed." to hear what exactly this guy was talking about!

Bridget!

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 20:50:53 EDT

Wow, is this ever overdue. Finished Bridget's debut album, a rock/country/folk melding early this year. Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/acousticbridget

Band Photography

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:11:01 EDT

I finally got a proper set of photographic monolites. If any group is interested in having high quality photos taken of them, contact me & we can arrange things.

Here's some shots I did with Black Kreek.

Mesa Cabinet

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 01:05:08 EDT

Finally added a Mesa Standard cabinet to the gear list. The tone is quite exceptional. You'll hear it in full force on the new Aquila stuff.

Aquila returns

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:59:43 EDT

Aquila has returned for another demo... in preparation for a full length in 2009. For a warm-up, this is turning out to be pretty damn intense. Stay tuned for clips!

Warlock!

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:55:04 EDT

Just got a very cool BC Rich Warlock. What's interesting is, it has an acrylic body.... meaning more mass. More mass = more interesting tone. Coupled with the fact it's got an EMG 85 loaded in the bridge & this thing just annihilates! Expect to hear some clips very soon.... we'll be using it this Saturday on the new Aquila material.

Top 10 of 2007

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:53:38 EDT

Black Kreek's "Power of Reality" has been named one of the top 10 independent metal releases of 2007 by Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles magazine. Thanks go to the staff of BW&BK for the recognition & congrats go to the band! It was one hell of a record! Here's the list:

1. Redeemer - 4 song EP
2. Divinity - Allegory
3. Senate - The Great Northern Scenekill
4. The Ottoman Empire - Way Of The Blade
5. Ledyard - Demo 2007
6. Black Kreek - Power Of Reality
7. Cryogen - This Nightmare
8. Discrete - Absent Of Light
9. The Downward Candidate - Distort & Confuse
10. Remain - Died A Hero

Assassinate the Following

Sun, 7 Oct 2007 01:08:07 EDT

Just finished the debut from Assassinate the Following. There's a track up on the hi-res player in the recordings section. Check it out, these kids kick serious ass!

Aquila

Sat, 1 Sep 2007 11:08:58 EDT

Greets, all! I've just finished up the debut demo from Aquila. This group features some ex-Bloodshoteye members, as well as some of the Windsor Lancer's football team! What a mix! Anyway, you can check them out on the RECORDINGS page.

Here's a bunch of pics (thanks to Mark Aaruuda for the extra shots.)

API

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:52:13 EDT

Just added a quartet of API 512c microphone preamplifiers to the arsenal. These are "the" preamplifier for drums, and are fantastic on heavy guitars & vocals as well. They're already being used on the new Aquila demo.

Through the Mirror

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:48:38 EDT

As we near the end of a very pleasant & cool July, (take that, Global Warming twits!) I'm very proud to announce that the finishing touches have been completed on Final Stage's full length album, "Through the Mirror." A sample song will be posted within the next couple of days.

Final Stage

Sat, 26 May 2007 12:14:51 EDT

Final Stage has returned to lay down tracks for a full length album. We're right in the thick of things right now, but drums & bass are complete. More news to follow.

Recordings section updated.

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:53:46 EDT

There's a new, High-Resolution MP3 player in the Recordings section. This is a little easier to work with than the old method, so expect updates more frequently. There are songs posted on it from present all the way back to Betrayer's "Shadowed Force" so be sure to scroll down the list & check out the many projects that have been recorded here in the last few years.

No Better Way complete.

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:42:08 EDT

Just finished a 4 song demo with the hard rock trio, No Better Way. You can check out their sound in the Recordings section.

Dreams Destruction complete.

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:30:16 EDT

This update is a little late. We put the finishing touches on Dreams Destruction's full length debut, "The End of Innocence" a few days before Christmas. Oh well, better late than never! There's two full songs up in the recordings section, "Capsule" as well as "Blighted." Check 'em out!

Here's a few shots of Dreams unleashing thier new material while opening up for Drowning Pool!

Hellraiser!

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 14:26:01 EDT

Just added a Schecter C1 Hellraiser to the arsenal. It's a solid mahogany body, set-in neck, EMG loaded monster! It also features a tone-pros bridge for quick retunings & is one of the heaviest sounding guitars I've ever recorded. Expect some clips up in the recordings section very shortly.

Dreams Destruction!

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:24:59 EDT

Currently in the thick of things, busting my tail on the new Dreams Destruction CD. We've got about 90% of the record tracked, mixing as we go. Hopefully we'll have the loose ends tied up by the end of the week... Here's some pics of the sessions...

Black Kreek - Power of Reality

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 17:12:40 EDT

The debut CD from Black Kreek has been finished & released. You can purchase it at HMV nationwide, or through their website, www.blackkreek.com

Overall, the project turned out to be a stunner. Great songs & performances all around. Congrats guys!

Below are some pictures I took at the CD release show at Club O. Yes, I'm available to do group photography, be it either portrait or live. Contact me if interested.

Up the Kreek!

Mon, 3 Jul 2006 10:54:33 EDT

We just spent the last 4 days tracking drums and bass on Black Kreek's untitled debut album. So far, the guys have put in some absolutely stunning performances. Great work, guys!

Kickin' it with Final Stage

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:09:34 EDT

Just putting the finishing touches on the debut CD from Final Stage. We've been working hard on this disc for the last few weeks, and it's turning out quite stellar. Samples will be posted when it's complete.

More new gear

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:06:04 EDT

The control room has been retrofitted with a set of Event ASP-8 powered monitors. The results out of these things have been nothing short of stunning. Rebuilding the soffits to hold them was nothing short of a major pain in the ass! Regardless, they were worth the effort. A serious step up from the KRKs.
A Mackie "Big Knob" monitor control/talkback system was also added as well. It's a great tool to work with.

Aven Aura returns!

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 10:59:24 EDT

I've really had my nose to the grindstone for the last little while, as there's been a great deal of activity around here the last few weeks.
First up: Aven Aura has returned to resume work on thier monster debut, "The Shadow of the Idols." The project was put on hold as the guitarist/composer, Steve Jones suffered a serious arm injury. Thankfully, it wasn't permanent, and Steve is back playing in top form. Expect further updates on these guys... this is going to be one hell of a record!

Far From Right complete.

Sun, 14 May 2006 16:03:49 EDT

We just put the clear coat on Far From Right's debut demo. 3 rippin' tracks of warp-speed pop-punk. Great job guys! This one was a blast. I'll have a sample up shortly.

Far From Right begins tracking

Sun, 30 Apr 2006 10:45:31 EDT

We started drums & guitar yesterday on Far From Right's debut, "Glad you're gone." Inital tracking went extremely well, and this project is already sounding like a monster!

In4Life completes tracking

Sat, 15 Apr 2006 09:44:11 EDT

Tracking was completed yesterday on In4Life's untitled debut album. Mitch Aitken came in to wrap up vocals, guitars & a few other loose ends. Mixing has been progressing well, and the record should be completed shortly.

Another True Story Wraps / New gear

Sun, 9 Apr 2006 13:58:32 EDT

We just finished up the "Spade of Diamonds" single with Another True Story, probably the youngest screamo band to ever make a record. It turned out great, and the band will be back in the next few months to work on their debut EP.
On the gear front, we've added a Radial Technologies "X-AMP" reamp box to the arsenal. Essentially, this allows guitar tones to be tweaked after the band has tracked their parts....including the use of multiple amplifiers simultaneously. In practice, it's damn cool & a great way to work!

Cuttin' vocals with In4Life

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 13:21:37 EDT

In4Life was in yesterday working on vocals for thier upcoming full length album. We had a hell of a day and this project took a big step forward, rapidly approaching completion. Great job, guys!

New Songs Added

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 18:11:04 EDT

We've just added two new smokin' tracks to the recordings section. Central Slang shows the world what good rap metal is supposed to sound like with "Rose City Hustlaz"... take a hint, Mr. Durst! Meanwhile, In4Life have released a full on metal grinder: "Don't Bother." Both these tracks showcase Spectre's production techniques, and I highly recommend downloading them to see what kind of quality we can offer for your group.

Hotrod 5150

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:04:46 EDT

We've had the power section to our Mark 1 5150 tricked out this week. The stock tubes have been replaced with some Slovakian voodoo, and modifications to the output electronics have turned an already great amp into a fire breathing monster! Preliminary results have been jaw dropping. Clips of this bad boy will definiltey be posted shortly.

In4Life Back 4 Full Length

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:04:45 EDT

What originally started out as a small demo has mutated into a full 10 track album. It's funy how things like that work out. In4Life has created a very cool musical adventure spanning from pop/punk to full on grinding metal. We plan to have this album completed by the end of March, and everything is on schedule. Look for clips in the recording section soon!

RPG Wraps Up

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:04:44 EDT

Windsor psycho-punk freakazoids RPG just put the clear coat on thier new 2 song debut. This should be hitting the local university airwaves very shortly. Certainly one of the strangest projects I've ever done..... but pretty cool nonetheless.

Central Slang Wraps Up

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:04:43 EDT

Central Slang put the finishing touches on thier new demo, "Rose City Hustlaz." I just wanted to say, it was an extreme pleasure working on this project. This band knows how to tear it up. The outcome was amazing, and there'll be a full song posted shortly.

Palmer Returns

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 13:04:42 EDT

Aaron Palmer, ex Mr. Bones, Woods Of Ypres bassist made a special appearance a short while ago. He laid down a positivley smokin' bass line for a 'one off' track with my ever-evolving side project/not very serious musical venture, "The Fiddlin' Bens." Hopefully we'll get a clip up soon. It's always a great time working with Aaron. This guy just plain rips.

Spectre Wows Recording Magazine

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 18:54:52 EDT

From the August 2005 issue of RECORDING:

Music: "Shadowed Force" is a male rock vocal. Jeff Klingbeil sang lead, played lead and rhythm guitar and wrote the song. Norm Michaud played bass. Bill Lozon played lead guitar and Shawn Bastien was on drums. Glenn Fricker engineered the track; mastering was done by Phil Demetro at Lacquer Channel Mastering; longtime readers may remember Phil as an occasional contributor to Recording.

Recording: Impressive gear list and an impressive sound. This one is as good as any you are likely to hear in this genre. The overall volume is cranking without any over-compression/limiting artifacts. Hats off to Messrs. Fricker and Demetro!

Individually, the tones are textbook for this style. Chunky, dark guitars, heavy kick drum and bass and an amazing vocal performance that is beautifully recorded. We're not sure which microphone/preamp combination was used here but it sure does work. This is just a fine recording, top to bottom.

Suggestions: None.

Summary: While we are not sure what's happening in the Canadian record industry at the moment, if there are labels actively pursuing this type of sound, "Shadowed Force" is a contender.

August 14th, 2005

Sun, 14 Aug 2005 19:13:36 EDT

Well, this update has certainly been overdue! Sorry for the delay, but it's been a busy year. We've had a ton of bands come in & out, and some pretty cool gear updates as well. Not to mention, RECORDING magazine has been so kind as to review the new Betrayer material.

Here's a couple of Shots of the band laying down "Shadowed Force." There are 2 clips up in the Recordings section.

Aven Aura has also been hard at work on thier debut, "The Shadow of the Idols." It's most certainly the largest, epic, & mindblowing project I've ever undertaken.

Eyes of Icarus have also released a debut, "The Fallen." Go check them out in the Recordings section.

August 16th, 2004

Mon, 16 Aug 2004 20:06:55 EDT

Well, Summer is almost over, and man it's been a crazy one! Woods of Ypres' "Pursuit of the Sun & the Allure of the Earth" is finally complete, and will be released to the public on the 21st. There's a pair of full songs posted in the Recordings section as well. Check out www.woodsofypres.ca for ordering information. Bloodshoteye's video for "Hitlist" will be airing on both Muchmusic and Fuse. InForLife is getting close to finishing their debut disc, and Mister Bones is in the process of wrapping up "Monster Burn" as well as "Lost Highway." Meanwhile, Betrayer will be making their long awaited return to the studio this Labour Day weekend for a 4 song EP (it's about time guys!), and I've got a major project ongoing with Aven Aura from Toronto. Aven had to the foresight to fly in Mr. Janne Saarenpaa from Sweden to lay down drum tracks.... wow, was that ever a great session!

June 24th, 2004

Thu, 24 Jun 2004 14:20:15 EDT

Still plugging away on the new Woods Disc. There's some clips up in the recordings section, as well as a full song from Central Slang. Check 'em out.

May 25th, 2004

Tue, 25 May 2004 12:06:55 EDT

I'm hard at work here on the new Woods of Ypres disc. Bones' "Monster Burn" should be completed this summer, and there are some other developments in the works as well. Gear wise, I've added a Great River MP2NV preamp based on the Neve 1073 module. I've also switched to Saw Studio recording software, because it pretty much blows away everything else out there. I've also added a Marshall 1960 lead 4X12 cabinet to my arsenal of speakers. More news to follow.... I've gotta get back to work

February 7th, 2004

Sat, 7 Feb 2004 19:46:55 EDT

I almost forot to mention some great news: Bloodshoteye will have thier full length debut, recorded here at Spectre Sound, released by GALY RECORDS! "Without any Remorse" should hit the store shelves in the next couple of months. Congratualtions to the band on a job well done!

BTW, there's a new "Band Photos" section up, a revised client/project list, and a few other tweaks to the site. I'll be putting up more songs in the next few days as well.

February 6th, 2004

Wed, 4 Dec 2002 23:06:51 EDT

Greeting from Chichen-Itza! Land of kings, pyramids, human sacrifice, and an ancient version of basketball where losing meant getting beheaded!

In recording news, well, things have been BUSY! Since the new studio opened, I've completed A Darker Broadcast, Central Slang's "Six Elements", Bloodshoteye's "Without any Remorse", Wolfbait's "Songs in the Key of Death" and I'm currently working on Mister Bones' "Monster Burn and the Power Seekers." Whew!

BTW, there's a new Mp3 up from the Bloodshoteye album. Death's Sweet Revenge This is the first Mp3 I've put up to come out of the new studio, enjoy!

Upcoming projects include a single from Betrayer, as well as the new Woods of Ypres album!

Gear-wise, there's been a few tweaks, a couple of new mics, and best of all, the addition of an Emprical Labs Distressor. Quite simply: It's the best modern analog compressor out there. You'll hear it on the Bones album.

September 9th, 2003

Wed, 4 Dec 2002 23:06:50 EDT

We had a special guest in the studio last week. None other than Mr. Randy Blythe from LAMB OF GOD. Randy was in town to hang out with Bloodshoteye, and laid down some backup vocals for thier upcoming album. Mr. Blythe appears courtesy of Epic Records.