The Sacramento-based quintet GRAVESHADOW – who deftly mixes symphonic/gothic metal with elements and influences from a variety of styles to create something epic, progressive, melodic and powerful – release a brand-new music video for “The Betrayer” from their recently released comeback album, ‘The Uncertain Hour’, which can be seen here – https://youtu.be/fshpIWhMTbQ
The footage that comprises the clip was shot on the band’s recent west coast headlining tour from a show at Seattle’s Funhouse venue by Karl Whinnery, bassist from tour and labelmates Vintersea.
“‘The Betrayer’ was written with the intention of continuing the more power metal direction that was introduced with the release of [the first single] ‘Gwynnbleidd,'” explains guitarist Aaron Robitsch. [Guitarist] Will also wanted to make more use of guitar harmonies, and I think this song showcases that well. It also continues a theme we have become known for — lyrics about World of Warcraft.”
“This song became an early favorite of mine during the recording process. Aaron worked out the idea to have a video shot while we were on tour and the fantastic Karl Whinnery from Vintersea helped us out by shooting it,” states guitarist William Lloyd Walker. “Really happy with how it came out and a huge thanks to Karl for helping us put this together.”
GRAVESHADOW‘s third album, ‘The Uncertain Hour,’ was produced by Miss May I guitarist Justin Aufdemkampe (Clutch, War of Ages), mastered by Alberto De Icaza (Crobot, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) and features artwork by Roman Ismaylov (Battle Beast, Beast In Black). It sees a new lineup for GRAVESHADOW now augmented by the newfound energy that has been brought into the band by the soaring melodic performance of new vocalist Rachl “Raxx” Quinn and the rumbling rhythm section of new bassist Luci Rae and new drummer Bones Padilla. The returning guitar duo of William Lloyd Walker and Aaron Robitsch once again deliver a beautiful display of guitar histrionics that tastefully mix searing shred with warm melody, while Aaron even adds some harsh backing vocals. GRAVESHADOW are back on the scene with a story to tell. Intertwining melodic highs and crushing lows to sweep listeners away on a journey of self-discovery, loss and the will to carry on.
Jewelcase CDs and limited-edition vinyl (200 copies) of ‘The Uncertain Hour’ are available in stores or can be ordered online from www.smarturl.com/graveshadow, as well as digital downloads/streaming.
Three digital singles and videos have been released in the buildup for the album. The first taste of new music from the reformed lineup came with The Witcher inspired song “Gwynnebleidd” https://youtu.be/XrorDG70g3Q way back in May 2020. It proved the revamped quintet could create new music and be accepted by their existing fanbase and a new audience. Collaborating on more new music further sessions continued and were evidenced by “Soldier Of 34” https://youtu.be/qXDzhkfRjuM and “The Swordsman” (the latter even featuring guest vocals from Chelsea Murphy of Dawn of Ouroboros, Cailleach Calling and Tegmentum) https://youtu.be/WnFOUN9S4aw.
Additionally, GRAVESHADOW will perform two shows in Northern California next month with direct support on both shows coming from buzzworthy So Cal band Our Dying World.
Upcoming GRAVESHADOW live shows
10/14 Cafe Colonial – Sacramento, CA
10/15 Hotel Utah Saloon – San Francisco, CA
GRAVESHADOW‘s previous album, 2018’s ‘Ambition’s Price,’ was given accolades by Metal Utopia for being “a great record with lots of great moments for fans of Nightwish and The Birthday Massacre.” Metal Nation praised ‘Ambition’s Price,’ declaring that “GRAVESHADOW has taken what has become a somewhat complacent and stagnant style of metal and breathed fresh life into it, creating something vibrant and memorable.” The fantastical lyrical themes that were explored by the band on ‘Ambition’s Price’ – their debut record for M-Theory Audio and the follow-up to the group’s incubatory 2015 debut full-length ‘Nocturnal Resurrection’ – were applauded by critics and fans alike. The band followed the release of ‘Ambition’s Price’ by winning over new audiences with extensive touring alongside bands such as Arkona, Sirenia, Exmortus, Night Demon, and Unleash The Archers.
