California based trio Cemetery Sun shared their ambitious new full length album ASCENSION on Velocity Records. The 10 track album was self-recorded by the band at guitarist Matt Scarpelli’s home studio over the course of 12 months. The album itself is a sonic exploration in real time – spanning everything from hard rock to pop punk to electronic infused indie-pop. A deeply personal lyrical theme permeates the release, with songs that explore the dynamics of abandoning toxic relationships, the painful process of self realization and struggles with mental health. Standout track “IDNUA” fuses the bands pop-punk and active rock leanings with lush electronics and radio-friendly production. The soaring vocal performance is perfectly supported by layers of guitars and a catchy, high octane beat that drives the song forward into a hard hitting chorus. “Misery’s Company” highlights the band’s ability to capture melodic lightning in a bottle, boasting an earworm of a chorus that sounds right at home on mainstream rock radio. The official video shows the band embracing their visual aesthetic, a combination of late 90s’ and 2000s’ alternative sensibility, while giving the audience a taste of their caustic live set.
The band has this to say about their new album
“‘ASCENSION’ is our first full length record. It’s a record that came about through the many personal experiences we have shared as a band as well as individually. We chose the name ‘ASCENSION’ because we quite literally had to ascend as a band and rise past the ashes of who we were before while embracing who we have become. We hope this record encourages you that you may find hope and personal liberation past whatever it is you have gone through or may still be going through.”
On ASCENSION, Cemetery Sun explores themes of mental health and complex relationship dynamics, with introspective lyricism that feels personal yet relatable. The band recorded 90% of the album at their home studio, which not only allowed them to have complete artistic freedom and direction, but it provided them time to hone their desired sound without being pigeon-holed into one specific genre. Citing everyone from Linkin Park to The Neighbourhood as influences, the band exemplifies a diverse range of sounds across the ten songs on the album. From radio-rock friendly tracks like “IDNUA” and “Chemical Warfare” to the catchy pop-punk vibe of “Heartbreak Kid” featuring fast-rising emo-rapper LiL Lotus, ASCENSION is sure to be a breath of fresh air in a scene that has been yearning for the kind of innovation.
You can watch the video for “IDNUA” here now and the video for “Misery’s Company” here. ASCENSIONis available for purchase at cemeterysun.band. The band is set to hit the road this fall, supporting The Score in October, followed by a longer run with Grayscale. All tour dates and the album tracklist can be found below.
Cemetery Sun is Josh Doty (vocals), Matt Scarpelli (lead guitar), and Elliot Polokoff (guitar/producer).
