Austin’s American Sharks. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
American Sharks Are Back: New Single and Album “Not Dead Yet” Announced
The wait is finally over. After a six-year hiatus, Austin’s favorite punk-metal hybrid, American Sharks, has officially returned. The trio dropped their brand-new single this month, the title track from their upcoming album, Not Dead Yet. (Us/Them Group, 2026)
The new track is a blistering reminder of why this band was missed.
The Sound: “Weezer Goes Stoner Rock”
Hailing from Austin, TX, American Sharks have perfected a high-energy sound that blends infectious pop hooks with “blasting-yer-face” riffs. Imagine the melodic sensibility of Weezer mashed into a heavy Stoner Rock aesthetic, and you’re halfway there.
Centering around founders Roky Moon (vocalist/bassist) and Nick Cornetti (drummer), the new album features nine fast-paced, pummeling tracks that prove the band is far from finished.
A Heavyweight Guest List
The band isn’t coming back alone. Not Dead Yet features an impressive roster of special guest guitar soloists from across the rock and metal world:
Mike Derks (GWAR)
Zach Blair (Rise Against)
Kyle Shutt (The Sword)
David Sullivan (Red Fang)
Leo Lydon (Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol)
Catch Them On Tour
American Sharks will be hitting the road this spring as the main support for Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol. The full U.S. tour kicks off in April.
Mark your calendars! The full-length album arrives just as the tour gets into gear.
Release Date: April 17th, 2026
Label: Permanent Teeth
Formats: LP, CD, and Digital Download
Since their 2013 debut and their self-produced follow-up 11:11, American Sharks have shared stages with legends like Clutch and Corrosion of Conformity. This 2026 return marks a “breathtaking” new chapter for the band.
Don’t miss the largest community band festival in Texas. Photo: Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association.
San Antonio Community Bands Unite for Texas’ Largest Musical Festival
Music is more than sound. It’s how a community hears itself.
Get ready for a day filled with harmony, heritage, and horns! The Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association (GSACBA)is proud to announce the 5th Annual Community Band Music Festival. (Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association, 2026)
Whether you’re a lifelong musician or just a lover of live performance, this event promises to be the premier musical gathering of the season.
📅 Event Details
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Biergarten at Beethoven Maennerchor
Address: 422 Pereida St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Admission: Open to the public!
A Massive Scale of Talent
This isn’t just a local recital; it’s a massive collaborative effort. The GSACBA brings together 11 community bands from across the San Antonio area, featuring more than 500 musicians throughout the day.
Highlights include:
The Oldest German Band Outside of Germany: Experience a direct link to San Antonio’s rich cultural history.
The Heart of Texas Concert Band: Enjoy the sounds of this award-winning ensemble.
A Unique Venue: Relax in the historic King William District outdoors in the iconic Beethoven Maennerchor Biergarten.
Why the Music Matters
Beyond the notes on the page, these community bands serve a vital purpose in our city. They build strong bonds, connect generations, and preserve the traditions that make San Antonio unique.
“This festival highlights the effectiveness of our community bands in a way that brings people together and gives them a place to belong.”
By attending, you aren’t just listening to music, you’re supporting an ecosystem that strengthens the minds of performers and listeners alike while bringing joy to thousands.
Don’t miss out on the largest community band festival in Texas. Grab a seat in the Biergarten and help us celebrate the soundtrack of our community.
Photo: Greater San Antonio Community Bands Association
Singer-songwriter Ivonne Galaz. Photo: Vesper Public Relations, used with permission.
Ivonne Galaz Redefines the Corrido: The Visual Journey of “Nadie Sabe”
Los Angeles, CA — Singer-songwriter Ivonne Galaz, the first woman to break into the corridos tumbados movement, has unveiled the official music video for her most emotional and socially charged single to date: “Nadie Sabe.”(Vesper Public Relations, 2026)
The visual transforms the song, an anthem for those silenced or rejected for living their truth, into a cinematic narrative of resilience, loneliness, and rebirth.
What are Corridos Tumbados?
For those new to the genre, corridos tumbados (or “trap corridos”) are a modern subgenre of Mexican music. They blend traditional acoustic storytelling with:
Hip-hop and Trap elements
Urbano-influenced lyrics
Themes of street life, romance, and luxury
While the genre has been popularized by artists like Natanael Cano and Peso Pluma, Galaz is reclaiming the medium to highlight deep-seated social issues.
A Desert of Isolation and Rebirth
Filmed in the sweeping desert of Phoenix, Arizona, the video uses stark, open terrain as a metaphor for the emotional reconstruction many LGBTQ+ youth face after abandonment.
The Journey: Galaz walks alone with her guitar, symbolizing the internal search for identity and safety.
The Symbolism: Solitary doors scattered across the sand close one by one, representing the “no” and the exclusion experienced by marginalized youth.
The Message: As one door closes, another opens, signaling a path toward freedom and self-discovery.
The Skyline: In the distance, the Phoenix skyline represents a society that watches from afar, often failing to support those who dare to be themselves.
“The corrido has always told the stories of the people. Now it’s time to tell ours — the stories of those who only want to live and love freely.” — Ivonne Galaz
Music as a Mission: “Corridos Rescue Corridos”
“Nadie Sabe” is more than just a song; it is a pillar of Corridos Rescue Corridos, a cultural movement reclaiming the genre as a tool for empathy and social transformation.
In partnership with The TransLatin@ Coalition (TLC) and The OC LGBTQ+ Center, this initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ and 2TGI youth in vulnerable situations. Through this project, Galaz connects the traditional purpose of the corrido, telling the stories of the people, to the lived realities of those who have been displaced or erased.
About Ivonne Galaz
Ivonne Galaz is a trailblazing artist reshaping regional Mexican music. As the first woman to perform corridos tumbados, she has become a cultural force known for her authenticity and raw lyricism. With “Nadie Sabe,” she transforms her art into a mission, using music as a tool for visibility and change.
Photo: Vesper Public Relations, used with permission.
Rock supergroup finds unity in an age of division – Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes. Photo: John Vigran, used with permission.
New Single: Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes Unleash “Animal Magic”
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Blending the grit of the blues, the warmth of Americana, and the heart of Memphis soul, West Coast supergroup Michael Ward with Dogs and Fisheshas officially released their latest single, “Animal Magic.” (Miller PR, 2026)
Recorded at the legendary Hyde Street Studios, the track serves as a sonic tribute to the deep connection between humans and the natural world.
The Supergroup Lineup
The ensemble brings together a staggering amount of musical history, featuring:
Michael Ward: Singer, songwriter, and producer.
Prairie Prince: Drums (The Tubes, Journey, Tom Waits, XTC).
Chris Von Sneidern: Guitar (John Wesley Harding, Chuck Prophet).
Richard Howell: Saxophone (Etta James, Earth, Wind & Fire).
Marc Levine: Bass (Barry Manilow).
Fernando DeSanjines: Percussion (Chalo Eduardo, Escola Nova).
Joshua Raoul Brody: Keyboards (The Residents, BATS Improv).
The Philosophy Behind “Animal Magic”
For Michael Ward, the band’s name and this new single aren’t just clever metaphors. They represent a lifelong philosophy of coexistence.
The seeds for the song were planted 33 years ago when a five-month-old dog wandered into Ward’s studio in the Tenderloin. That moment sparked a decades-long partnership that redefined Ward’s view on interspecies companionship.
“All animals, when carefully considered, exhibit the commonality of just getting by in this fragile accident that is life on earth. Interspecies love, such as that between dogs and humans, is a prime and precious example of evolutionary success.” — Michael Ward
In an era of division, Animal Magic leans into oneness, reminding listeners that togetherness is an instinct, not an ideology.
Recording at a San Francisco Landmark
The single was tracked in Studio A at Hyde Street Studios, a space owned by Ward and designated as a San Francisco Legacy Business.
Formerly known as Wally Heider Studios, these rooms are the “last great temple of the San Francisco Sound.” This is the same soil that yielded landmark albums such as:
The Grateful Dead – American Beauty
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – Déjà Vu
By recording here, the band honors a legacy of analog craft and musical continuity rather than mere nostalgia.
Catch Them Live
Following the success of their album Brighter Days, the band is heading East for a rare performance at one of New York City’s most storied listening rooms:
The band continues to perform in honor of the late Drew Zingg (Steely Dan), channeling his incredible musical lineage into their forward-moving sound.
About Michael Ward with Dogs and Fishes
Since 2000, this progressive American rock band has been defined by lyrical depth and “musical telepathy.” With over two decades of performance history, the group balances deep roots with exploratory musicianship, ensuring every arrangement has room to breathe.
Frozen Soul photo by Kate Russell, used with permission.
Frozen Soul Announces New Album No Place of Warmth — Featuring Gerard Way
Dallas’ premiere death metal/hardcore unit Frozen Soul has officially emerged from the frost to announce their third full-length studio album: No Place of Warmth. (another side, 2026)
Arriving May 8 via Century Media, the record is described as a monolithic and exigent collection of anthems. It promises the band’s signature blend of ferocity and subtle melody, guided by soaring guitar leads through a “dark chasm of merciless riffs.”
A Letter to the Fans from the Wasteland
While their previous work explored glacial territories, No Place of Warmth turns inward. The album surveys the emotional wasteland of everyday struggle, serving as an open letter to fans. It decries the cold realities of life while providing the tools and motivation to conquer them.
“Life is always coming at you, and death doesn’t stop—you might slow it down, but it’s always coming—so you have to make the best out of it and march on.”
— Chad Green, Vocalist
The Title Track: “No Place of Warmth” (feat. Gerard Way)
In a landmark collaboration, the album opener and title track features Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance). The track is available now on all digital platforms.
The Concept: The song explores the choice between letting the cold consume you or finding warmth in a void.
The Video: Directed by Brendan McGowen, the visual features actor London Smith (from 2023’s “Morbid Effigy”) returning to play the personification of Death.
The Collaboration: Green and Way became friends a few years ago. “I knew he had a love for metal,” Green recalls. “Gerard is an amazing artist and musician whose creative vision has shaped generations.”
Evolution of the “Cold” Sound
Musically, the album sees Frozen Soul distilled to their primordial essence. Expect a “menacing” version of the band focused on maximal minimalism across eleven new songs.
Aspect
Description
Vocal Style
Chad Green’s “sandpaper-y bellow” acting as a dungeon master/soothsayer.
Musical DNA
Hardcore punk aggression meets classic American Death Metal (Obituary, Mortician).
Inspiration
Early Earache ruination (Carcass, Bolt Thrower).
Philosophy
“Stop overthinking it… emphasizing brutality but with an ear for hooks.”
On the Road
Frozen Soul has solidified their place as leaders of metal’s next generation. This April, they will hit the road across the states with Avatar and Fleshgod Apocalypse. See tour information here.
Frozen Soul is:
Chad Green / Vocals
Michael Munday / Guitar
Chris Bonner / Guitar
Samantha Mobley / Bass
Matt Dennar / Drums
No Place of Warmth – Tracklist: 1 – No Place of Warmth (Feat. Gerard Way) 2 – Invoke War (Feat. Machine Head) 3 – Absolute Zero 4 – Dreadnought (Feat. Sanguisugabogg) 5 – Chaos Will Reign 6 – Eyes of Despair 7 – Ethereal Dreams 8 – Skinned by the Wind 9 – DEATHWEAVER 10 – Frost Forged 11 – Killin Time (Until its Time to Kill)
L-R: Allen Chapman (drums), Nao Demand (guitar), Mac Kennedy (vox, guitar), Will McAndrew (bass). Photo By Kat Bean, used with permission.
Scythes, Spirits, and Synths: Poison Ruin Announces ‘Hymns from the Hills’
Poison Ruin’s upcoming release, Hymns from the Hills, ambitiously rewrites the rules of punk. The Philadelphia outfit is pushing their sound into expansive new terrains without sacrificing an ounce of the bleak symbolism and uncompromising aggression that established them as one of extreme music’s most urgent voices. (another side, 2026)
Expanding their signature approach to grim mythmaking, these new songs feel equal parts natural, undeniably of this world, and phantasmal.
On Hymns from the Hills, Poison Ruin’s previous stories of toil are revealed to be but one chapter etched upon a bleaker tapestry. This is a landscape populated by:
Spirits traversing sunless deserts and wilted hillsides.
Demonic torture objects lining the psyche.
Bodies transfigured into Luciferian snakes.
Sadean prisoners bound to the screaming silence of abandoned towers.
Lead Single: “Eidolon”
The band’s signature raw, anthemic aggression pummels through on the lead single “Eidolon,” recently released alongside its official video.
Frontman, lyricist, and guitarist Mac Kennedy explains the track’s bleak inspiration:
“‘Eidolon’ is about being stuck in a broken reality, a cog in a fate-machine doomed to play out the same cursed loop until it fully breaks down. The ones who had the power to affect change have abandoned the scene… Grim reminders of what could have, but will not be.”
Expanding the Sonic Mythos
The record acts as both a forceful restatement and a bold departure. While listeners will recognize the crackling, cassette-dubbed darkness, it is now supported by a carefully sculpted mosaic of new textures:
Killing Joke-style hacksaw primitivism.
Blast-beats worthy of the Relapse catalog.
Crisp analog synth lines.
Ambient serenades reminiscent of Scott Walker and The Durutti Column.
The Craft: DIY Grandeur
Meticulously composed and self-recorded, the LP saw Kennedy relocate to a private practice space to meet the record’s greater sonic demands. To polish this “hissing abyss,” the band enlisted top-tier talent for the final touches:
Mixing: Jonah Falco (with Kennedy splicing in gritty tape segments for tonal continuity).
Mastering: Arthur Rizk.
The result is a rich structure of unconventional frictions—crystalline flashes of polish ripping through low-end grime, only to shatter against the whipping sting of rusted chains.
Mythic Sensibilities
Lyrically, Hymns from the Hills reaches new poetic heights. While the record continues the tradition of employing medieval-inflected fantasy imagery, Kennedy is quick to note that these figures are not intended to be read as historically accurate, but rather as tools for cynicism and defiant bravado.
“I’m not very interested in conveying the historical facts of medieval culture. If we are to make sense of the present, we need to employ a more mythic mode of language and symbol to reach beyond the spiritual malaise that envelopes us. A mythic truth resonates within any time, but its echoes call from outside of time. Medieval and fantasy imagery are simply effective personal starting points for tapping into that mode of communication.”
Hymns from the Hills tracklist: 01 – Intro 02 – Lily Of the Valley 03 – Hymn from the Hills 04 – Eidolon 05 – Howls From the Citadel 06 – Pilgrimage 07 – Guts (Lay Your Self Aside) 08 – Turn To Dust 09 – Puzzle Box 10 – Serpent’s Curse 11 – Sleeping Giant (Interlude) 12 – Crescent Sun 13 – The Standoff
The new album will be released March 3, 2026. Photo: Google
The Latin Rock Titan Returns: Juanes Announces New Album ‘JuanesTeban’
The wait is almost over for fans of the Colombian legend. Juanes has officially announced that his 12th studio album, titled JuanesTeban, is set to drop on March 6. (Hits Daily Double, 2026)
Alongside the announcement, the Latin rock icon released a teaser trailer giving fans a glimpse into what’s being hailed as one of his most personal projects yet. The LP was co-produced by Juanes himself and the reigning Latin Grammy Producer of the Year, Nico Cotton (known for his work with Aitana and Nathy Peluso).
A “Kaleidoscope” of Sound
According to Juanes, this album is a return to his roots, blending his signature rock style with the rhythmic soul of Latin America.
“It’s like a kaleidoscope of my many moods: joyful, enthusiastic, melancholy,” Juanes shared. “I wanted to make the kind of album that would take me back to the land of dancing and cumbia – the feeling of Latin America, the root of folklore.”
Tracklist Teasers & Collaborations
The album features high-energy collaborations and soulful solo tracks, including:
“Muérdeme” (featuring Bomba Estéreo)
“Una Noche Contigo”
“Hagamos Que”
“Cuando Estamos Tú Y Yo”
Upcoming Tour Dates & Honors
It’s going to be a massive spring for the “A Dios le Pido” singer. Before the album even hits shelves, Juanes will be honored by Univision at Premio Lo Nuestro with the Lifetime Achievement Award on February 19.
He is also set to headline some of the biggest stages in the world:
Viña del Mar (Chile)
Vive Latino (Mexico)
El Carnaval de Barranquilla (Colombia)
Movistar Arena (Madrid, Spain)
About Juanes
With a career spanning over two decades, Juanes remains one of the most influential figures in music history. Since his solo debut Fíjate Bien in 2000, he has secured 26 Latin Grammy Awards and sold over 15 million records worldwide.
Ready to listen?JuanesTeban is available for pre-order.
Ana Cristina Cash explores her roots in her new album. Photo: Gina Binkley, used with permission.
A Fusion of Heritage and Harmony: Ana Cristina Cash Releases New Bilingual Album, The Sunshine State
Acclaimed songstress Ana Cristina Cash has officially released her latest project, The Sunshine State. A masterful blend of her Cuban-American roots and her home in the heart of country music, this bilingual album is now available across all major streaming platforms. (Aristo PR, 2026)
Recorded at the legendary Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee and produced by John Carter Cash and Willie Breeding, the album is a testament to Ana Cristina’s versatility. Listeners can expect to hear her remarkable vocal range on full display, transitioning effortlessly from a resonant contralto to a soaring soprano.
The Duality of Sound
Having spent over a decade in Nashville, Ana Cristina’s artistry is firmly grounded in country music. However, her Spanish lineage provides a distinct depth that sets this project apart.
“That duality is present in everything I do,” says Ana Cristina. “I’m proud to be an American living in Nashville… and equally proud of my Hispanic culture. I grew up speaking both English and Spanish at home, so it felt natural to record Spanish versions of several of my songs.”
Track Highlights
The album serves as a cultural crossroads, featuring a mix of English, Spanish, and Spanglish tracks:
“Daybreak” / “Un Break”: The breezy opening single and its Spanish counterpart.
“Florida Girl”: A heartfelt nod to her roots.
“Cheap Margaritas”: Available in both the original and a playful Spanglish version.
“Last Call”: A fiery track featured in both languages.
Brand New Tunes: Including the nostalgic “Janice” and “Don’t Give Up.”
Inspired by the Everglades
Much of the album’s imagery is drawn from Ana Cristina’s childhood in rural West Miami. She recalls a time when the area was “wild and untouched,” bordered by the Florida Everglades.
“The first home I grew up in… I only had four neighbors, a dirt road, orange trees in the backyard, and our own chickens,” she notes. “That formative period of my life influenced so much of this record.”
About Ana Cristina Cash
Ana Cristina’s career began at the age of six. By 15, she had signed with Sony Music Latin. Her career is marked by historic milestones, including:
Historic Performances: The first Hispanic American to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at a presidential inauguration (2005).
Iconic Venues: Performances at the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Madison Square Garden.
Nashville Legacy: Married to John Carter Cash since 2016, she continues to record at the historic Cash Cabin Studio and recently signed a global publishing deal with BMG Rights Management.
The Sunshine Stateis out now. Experience the soulful blend of country and Latin influences today.
The Sunshine State tracklist:
“Daybreak”
“Cheap Margaritas”
“Florida Girl”
“Janice”
“Last Call”
“Don’t Give Up”
“Un Break (Daybreak Versión En Español)”
“Cheap Margaritas (Spanglish Version)”
“Tu Última Llamada (Last Call Versión En Español)”
Amon Amarth. Photo: Tomas Gidén, used with permission.
Amon Amarth & Dethklok Announce The Amonklok Conquest North American Tour
Swedish metal titans Amon Amarth is joining forces with Dethklok for The Amonklok Conquest, an extensive co-headlining tour crossing North America in Spring 2026. With special guests Castle Rat, the tour promises a night of pure theater and over-the-top heavy metal entertainment. (another side, 2026)
This historic run marks the first time the two titan-sized bands have co-billed together, making it one of the biggest raids of the year.
A Clash of Metal Giants
Amon Amarth has long honored the adventurous ethos of their Viking forebears by taking their music anywhere and everywhere, earning a reputation as one of metal’s most vital and imperious live acts. Hot off a busy year conquering the high seas, supporting Slayer in the U.K. and storming the U.S. with Pantera, the band returns with an all-new theatrical stage production and an extended set for these upcoming dates.
Amon Amarth declares:
“Three bands. One night. The strong will scream. The weak will fall. Limbs will be lost. We will crush skulls beneath our boots and tear the halls down stone by stone. This is not a concert. It is a reckoning. If you survive… perhaps the gods have other plans for you.”
Dethklok: 20 Years of Metalocalypse
In 2026, Dethklok celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since Metalocalypse premiered on Adult Swim. One of the most essential musical multimedia acts ever, Dethklok is both an animated phenomenon and a live metal juggernaut—combining intense musicianship with breakneck cinematic theatricality.
Joining them each night as special guests is the fantastical heavy metal band Castle Rat.
The Rat Queen proclaims:
“On the heels of the Vernal Equinox, our adjacent universes shall align as we bring .•.The Realm.•. of Castle Rat into battle alongside venerable vikings, Amon Amarth, and Metalocalypse metal-masters, Dethklok! Join us, as we seek to expand and defend .•.The Realm.•. from our arch nemesis: Death, Herself — The Rat Reaperess!”
Tour Information & Tickets
The newly announced North American dates are produced by Live Nation. Tickets and full details are available online. For additional updates and information, visit the official tour site.
New Music & What’s Next for Amon Amarth
Amon Amarth recently celebrated a bountiful year with the release of their new single “We Rule The Waves,” along with its accompanying video. Their first new song in years, it signals what’s to come—a brand-new album arriving in late 2026.
Carved from salt and steel, echoing across oceans and sonically barbaric, modern metal doesn’t get more epic, or more essential, than this.
About Amon Amarth
From pole to pole and sea to sea, Amon Amarth are the undisputed kings of Viking heavy metal. Formed in Tumba, Sweden, in 1992, the band has forged an extraordinary legacy over three decades of thunderous, anthemic metal steeped in Viking history, folklore, and culture.
From their underground smash debut Once Sent From The Golden Hall (1998) onward, Amon Amarth have remained an unstoppable creative force. Albums like Twilight Of The Thunder God (2008) and the conceptual triumph Jomsviking (2016) cemented their reputation for ageless anthems and explosive theatrical live shows, making them standard-bearers for heavy metal as a communal, life-affirming experience.
About Dethklok & Metalocalypse
Dethklok is an extreme metal band and the most successful entertainment act on the planet, along with being the seventh-largest economy in the animated world of Adult Swim’s Metalocalypse. Live, they are a multimedia powerhouse, blending animation, comedy, and sheer brutality while recreating beloved albums and visuals on stage.
Band members include musician and show co-creator Brendon Small and legendary drummer Gene Hoglan, among others.
trauma ray announces new album – Carnival. Photo: Erasmo Viera, used with permission.
trauma ray Explores the Dark Funhouse on Carnival EP
trauma ray’sCarnival EP captures the Fort Worth five’s strongest, most intense, and exploratory work within the boundaries of a whirlwind year. Carnival delves into moodier, more cerebral material, like holding their past excursions against a funhouse mirror. There’s a distinct sense of unease in these songs, built in a fleeting window of time, proving the band works best under pressure and when pulling from the darkest corners of their subconscious. (another side, 2026)
Carnival will be available on February 20 via Dais Records. Pre-save / pre-order here.
Following the Breakout of Chameleon
Carnival follows the breakout success of Chameleon, trauma ray’s 2024 debut on Dais Records. The album helped firmly establish the band amidst the current wave of shoegaze revivalists. Increasingly agile, trauma ray has proven able to weave between scenes, touring extensively with the likes of Deafheaven, Loathe, Touché Amoré, and more.
A confluence of blitzing riffs and stark beauty, trauma ray’s sound continues to evolve, nodding to loud-quiet-loud greats across metal, grunge, and shoegaze, from Slowdive to Smashing Pumpkins.
New Single: “Hannibal”
trauma ray’s new single and video, “Hannibal,” contorts with a tinge of unprecedented evil, slithery and, as vocalist Uriel Avila puts it, “Stone Temple-y, Alice in Chains-y.” Lyrically, the track taps into teenage angst and the feeling of being dissected and rejected.
“It’s a song about the feeling of doing your best as an individual yet still falling short in the eyes of those you hope to make proud,” Avila explains.
“A lot of it stems from internal battles I faced growing up with my father, role models, and religion. Some of it comes from more recent experiences of being put under the microscope by my peers. It’s a gut-wrenching sensation that I was able to tie lyrically to the visceral mood of the instrumentation that kicks off the track and begins the journey through Carnival’s overall theme.”
Recording Under Pressure
During a brief break in their relentless touring schedule last summer, trauma ray regrouped in Texas for a few days to record a flurry of tracks, later sent to Corey Coffman for mixing and mastering. Core songwriting duo Avila and guitarist Jonathan Perez welcomed increased contributions from the rest of the band, most notably guitarist Coleman Pruitt and bassist Darren Baun, who brought an eerier strain of rhythmic and textural ideas.
This shift coincided with a growing sense of collective dread and anxiety, visually captured in a striking photo set of a deserted amusement park near Brighton, England. Shot on tour by drummer Nicholas Bobotas, the images now serve as the EP’s artwork.
Track-by-Track Through the Funhouse
The wordless opener “Carousel” ushers in Carnival’s unsettling atmosphere, with blasts of static and downcast strums giving way to “Hannibal,” the anthemic lead single packed with power riffs and raw emotion.
“Méliès,” named after French illusionist and filmmaker Georges Méliès, cuts between heavy, sludgy chords and a skyward chorus—“from something scary to like a dream state,” Avila says, channeling the surreal abstraction of its namesake.
“Funhouse” dips into doom metal, featuring sparse guitar work and possibly the band’s slowest BPM yet. Lyrics play with shifting perspectives, culminating in a call-and-response outro—“take my hand / this is not your wonderland”—that conjures opposing forces or frames of mind.
A Jarring Exit: “Clown”
In contrast, the final track “Clown” jolts, flashes, and pummels, like emerging from the other end of a house of horrors, now immersed in the disorienting lights of the carnival. Personified by a knotty, synth-soaked lead guitar squall, the song evokes Robin Williams as an archetype of tragic happiness: those who work hardest to make others laugh may privately be the saddest.
Sonically, the band cites influences like Failure’s “Undone” and “Stuck on You,” alongside the omnipresent Loveless. The result speaks to trauma ray’s growing strength: five musicians absorbing, synthesizing, and expanding on what they love.
Carnival offers a brief, highly loopable detour into darkness from a band growing more formidable by the mile.
SA Examiner 