Step into the Shadows with Jackson Colt’s New Symphonic Gothic Rock Odyssey ‘Van Helsing’

Step into the Shadows with Jackson Colt’s New Symphonic Gothic Rock Odyssey ‘Van Helsing’

Jackson Colt returns with a surge of cinematic gothic rock on his new single and video ‘Van Helsing’. Blending the drama of gothic metal with 80s-inspired synth power, the track unfolds like a dark fantasy film through sound. Choirs rise, haunted organs echo, and fiery guitars drive the heartbeat of a story that feels both mythical and deeply human. At its centre, a haunting bell tolls for Hallowed Ground, symbolising the fight for belonging and the search for home.

At its core, ‘Van Helsing’ follows a woman who faces her demons and refuses to fall. The monsters represent the battles we all fight, while the Van Helsing figure stands for resilience, courage and purity in the face of adversity. It is a powerful metaphor for strength, transformation and survival.

Featuring drums, bass, keys, layered backing vocals, and full production, mixing, and mastering by Mark Haze, ‘Van Helsing’ merges raw power with cinematic depth. Mark’s production expands Jackson Colt’s signature guitar-driven sound into a bold, immersive world that captures both intensity and emotion.

With ‘Van Helsing’, Jackson Colt channels his lifelong love of gothic imagery, classic rock, and the electrifying pulse of 80s metal into a sound that feels timeless yet fresh. The result is an anthemic and striking release that confirms his place as one of South Africa’s most exciting and visionary modern rock artists.

• Stream ‘Van Helsing’ – https://hypeddit.com/vanhelsing

• Watch ‘Van Helsing’ Music Video – https://youtu.be/k_r80BMMgkI

• All Links – https://linktr.ee/jacksoncoltrock

Jackson Colt Commentary

“With ‘Van Helsing’ I wanted to explore a deeper gothic style where the supernatural meets rock. I’ve always loved horror and fantasy films and have been fascinated by the mysteries of the unseen world. That sense of darkness and wonder inspired me to create something that feels like there’s another realm hidden within the shadows of our own.

The song tells the story of a woman who faces many challenges and rises above them. The monsters symbolise the struggles she encounters, while she embodies the spirit of Van Helsing – not as a direct reference to the fictional character, but as a metaphor for purity, courage, and strength in the face of adversity.

I’ve always been drawn to gothic literature and imagery, and much of my music carries that influence. For ‘Van Helsing’, I aimed for a gothic rock and gothic metal sound with a cinematic edge, allowing the music to unfold like a story on its own.

The bell in the track represents Hallowed Ground – a place of safety and belonging that the character seeks throughout her journey. The inclusion of choirs, haunting organs, and a touch of theremin helped build this gothic world where she battles her inner demons.

To tie in my signature sound, I layered a synth bass with the main riff to nod to my 1980s influences. The production, mixing, and mastering by Mark Haze are phenomenal – he brought depth and texture that transformed the song into a dark, immersive fantasy experience.” – Jackson Colt

Jackson Colt Bio

Jackson Colt is a South African artist and rock band that embodies the vibrant spirit of 80s rock with a modern twist. With music defined by infectious chorus hooks, melodic riffs, and electrifying solos, Jackson Colt pays homage to the golden era of the guitar while breathing new life into the genre for audiences around the world.

The journey of Jackson Colt began when Jackson received his first guitar at the age of nine from a second-hand store. Inspired by legendary bands such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who and Grand Funk Railroad, he embarked on a musical journey driven by the raw energy of classic rock. Growing up surrounded by the timeless sounds of Deep Purple, AC/DC and Def Leppard, Jackson’s musical path was shaped by the fiery passion of his family’s record collection.

Jackson’s love affair with the guitar deepened when he discovered the groundbreaking work of Eddie Van Halen. Drawing inspiration from guitar icons such as David Gilmour, Slash, and 80s shredders like George Lynch and Yngwie Malmsteen, he dedicated himself to mastering his craft. His passion for metal music further evolved through the influence of artists such as Alexi Laiho and Jeff Loomis, adding depth and dynamism to his distinctive sound.

On stage, Jackson Colt delivers a high-energy performance reminiscent of the glory days of 80s arena rock. Backed by a powerhouse live ensemble featuring bassist Dean Gerber, drummer Matthew Safi and rhythm guitarist Piet Snyman, each member brings their own flair to the stage, creating an electrifying connection with audiences worldwide.

Working closely with South African music luminaries Dale Schnettler (known for his work with Prime Circle, The DrumJ Experience and Euphoria) and Mark Haze (celebrated for his powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence and seamless blend of Rock ’n’ Roll, Soul and Blues), Jackson has taken his artistry to new heights. Their mentorship, collaboration, and production have been instrumental in shaping his sound, resulting in a series of acclaimed singles that have achieved international success.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2021 with debut singles ‘Poison’ and ‘Angels of Rock’, Jackson Colt has continued to captivate listeners with their electrifying sound. The single ‘Echoes’ climbed to the top of the Mix FM SA Top 40 and received widespread praise across North and South America, as well as in the UK, Australia and Germany. With singles such as ‘Shake Your Body’ and ‘Reckless Love’, Jackson Colt fuses irresistible rhythm with the raw power of 80s rock, marking a bold new chapter in their evolution.

Jackson has also released several instrumental guitar shred tracks, including ‘Monsoon’, which showcases advanced guitar techniques such as multi-finger tapping and sweeping arpeggios.

The latest release ‘Van Helsing’ explores a gothic rock and metal sound while staying true to Jackson’s signature style. Featuring drums, bass, keys, backing vocals, and production, mixing, and mastering by Mark Haze, the track layers a synth bass with the main riff as a nod to 80s influences, creating a dark and immersive fantasy experience rich in depth and texture.

As Jackson Colt continues the journey towards a debut album, he remains poised to reach new horizons and inspire audiences across the world with their bold, reimagined vision of 80s rock.

• All Links https://linktr.ee/jacksoncoltrock

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• Bandcamp https://jacksoncolt.bandcamp.com

• YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JacksonColt

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