UPON STONE single-handedly re-sparked the metal scene’s excitement for the sound of melodic death metal (AKA “melodeath”) with their 2024 Century Media debut, Dead Mother Moon. This time, the freshly retooled San Fernando Valley, CA fivesome return with their strongest offering yet, the three song End Time Lightning EP. Produced by the band and Nails bassist Andrew Solis and mixed by the legendary Dan Swano, (whose discography encompasses legendarily key releases from Dissection, Opeth and Katatonia), End Time Lightning is a rebirth for UPON STONE. Including a cover of Manowar’s “Outlaw”, it’s a bloodthirsty barrage of melodicism and menace. The sound of melodeath is perfectly encapsulated in the EP’s spearhead track and self-directed video, “Fury My Master,” which takes plenty of cues from 80’s horror and VHS-inspired grittiness.
Listen to End Time Lightning HERE and watch the video for “Fury, My Master” HERE.
The band shares about the EP:
“End Time Lightning represents a window into the next evolution in Upon Stone. More grandiose, detailed and sharpened than before, while still retaining the visceral unfiltered darkness in its core essence. A brief journey through somber yet glorious spiritual warfare, and a truly collaborative effort that sees everyone in the band pushing themselves to new heights. With the production helmed by a pillar of Southern California metal in Andrew Solis, while the Swedish master himself Dan Swano, whose essential works laid the foundation that influenced Upon Stone to form, brought the songs to life through his signature lethal mix and master. The legendary Andreas Marschall Returns and delivers the perfect visual manifestation in the cover art, making this EP deadly cohesive and something we feel very proud of. Chaos Awakens!”
The band shares about the music video:
“We are excited to share the music video for “Fury My Master”. A core value within the band is to utilize each member’s vision and execution beyond just the music of upon stone. This music video is no different. Pulling from 80’s horror, found footage and a general sense of blood thirsty misanthropy the video was written and directed by the band and brought to life with the help of a close circle of friends and collaborators who understand and share the vision and mission of Upon Stone. Sleep all day, party all night, never grow old, never die. It’s fun to be a vampire. Enjoy.”
Catch UPON STONE on tour in North America supporting Creeping Death and Kruelty starting today. Dates below.
Upon Stone are Xavier Wahlberg – Vocals, Ronny Marks – Guitar, Gage Goss – Guitar, Wyatt Bentley – Drums, and Harley Woolston – Bass.
