Photo credit: Jacqueline Silva
Red Handed Denial, the genre-defying quartet making waves in the underground music scene, is back with a vengeance. Their upcoming album, A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia, promises to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, technical prowess, and unapologetic energy.
The Sound: Prog Djentyness Meets Metalcore
Described by Toilet ov Hell as a fusion of “prog djentyness, a dash of metalcore, and a saturation of pure-f***ing-fun,” Red Handed Denial has carved out a unique niche for themselves. Their music defies easy categorization, blending intricate guitar work, thunderous drumming, and soaring vocals into a heady mix that leaves listeners both exhilarated and craving more.
“Parasite”: A Raw and Emotionally Charged Preview
The album’s lead single, “Parasite,” drops today along with an intense music video directed by Alex McFarland. The performance clip captures the raw emotion and hard-hitting essence of the foursome. Vocalist Lauren Babic explains the inspiration behind the track:
“It’s about a person you can’t get rid of who feeds off your energy. Truthfully, these are my feelings about social media. If I could, I’d throw my phone into the ocean, because it truly sucks the life out of me. My connections to friends and family have suffered because of social media. ‘Parasite’ embodies my anger of wanting to watch it die.”
Navigating the Virtual Dystopia
A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia is a testament to the band’s discontent with our increasing reliance on technology, especially during the pandemic. Babic reflects:
“We’re reaping the consequences. Mental health has severely suffered. When the world opened, a lot of us struggled and felt different. We get a false sense of security from platforms like TikTok and Instagram. We’re stuck in a cycle of little dopamine releases from every swipe, but we’re not content. When I get away from these apps, I find clarity.”
Expanding Horizons: Synthesizers, MIDI Keyboards, and Unlikely Inspirations
Working closely with co-producer Lee Abrecht, Red Handed Denial has expanded their sonic palette. A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia incorporates synthesizers and MIDI keyboards, pushing the boundaries of their sound. The band draws inspiration from both likely and unlikely sources, including video game soundtracks that have left an indelible mark on their creative process.
Pre-Order Now: Purple/White Swirl Vinyl Variant, CD, and Digital
Fans can pre-order the album now, with options including a limited-edition purple/white swirl vinyl variant, CD, and digital formats. Visit Boketo Media to secure your copy and immerse yourself in the dystopian journey.
On Tour with Unprocessed
Red Handed Denial is hitting the road this spring, joining forces with Unprocessed for a one-month North American tour. Tickets are on sale now, and fans can expect a high-octane live experience that captures the essence of their music.
April 4 Chicago, IL Cobra Lounge SOLD OUT
April 5 Lakewood, OH Mahall’s
April 6 Toronto, ON Velvet Underground
April 7 Montreal, QC Café Campus
April 9 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore Philadelphia
April 10 Cambridge, MA Sonia Live
April 11 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Made
April 12 Vienna, VA Jammin’ Java SOLD OUT
April 13 Carrboro, NC Cat’s Cradle SOLD OUT
April 15 Orlando, FL Will’s Pub
April 16 Atlanta, GA Purgatory at The Masquerade
April 17 Nashville, TN The End
April 19 Dallas, TX Trees
April 20 Houston, TX The Secret Group
April 21 Austin, TX Spiderhouse Ballroom
April 23 Denver, CO Marquis Theater
April 24 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
April 25 Boise, ID The Shredder
April 26 Portland, OR McMenamins
April 27 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret
April 28 Seattle, WA Chop Suey
April 30 Sacramento, CA Harlow’s
May 1 San Francisco, CA Neck of the Woods
May 2 Fresno, CA Strummer’s
May 3 Los Angeles, CA The Roxy Theatre
May 4 Anaheim, CA Chain Reaction
Meet the Band
Lauren Babic (Vocals): The fiery frontwoman whose lyrics cut deep.
Tyson Dang (Drums): The heartbeat of the band, driving the rhythm.
Chris Mifsud (Guitar): The wizard behind the strings, conjuring sonic magic.
Dominick De Kauwe (Bass): The anchor, grounding the music with powerful basslines.
Red Handed Denial’s Legacy
With three albums under their belt—Stories of Old (2013), Redeemer (2019), and I’d Rather Be Asleep (2022)*—Red Handed Denial has steadily built a devoted fanbase. Their hit single “Father Said” cracked 1 million Spotify streams and counting, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with. As they embark on their latest musical odyssey, one thing is certain: every song feels like an anthem.
Dead Rhetoric dubbed them a “powerhouse,” and Canadian Beats declared that Red Handed Denial’s music transcends mere entertainment— a visceral experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Stay tuned for A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia, arriving May 24
A Journey Through Virtual Dystopia tracklist:
1. Parasite
2. My Demise
3. One More Night
4. Falling Back To You
5. Driving Towards A Neon Sunset
6. Smokescreen
7. …and Then I Found Myself in a Virtual Dystopia
8. Eat Glass
9. I Hope You’re Happy
10. Home
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