Denver’s formidable thrash-punk outfit, Arson Charge, has ignited a fierce response with the release of their powerful new single, “For The Damned.” The track, available now, is a scathing indictment of the ongoing sexual abuse crisis within the Catholic Church, offering a raw and unflinching commentary. “For The Damned” is featured on the band’s highly anticipated debut album, A Dying Light, which is set to be released on 3rd October via Anxious & Angry.
Ben Roy, the impassioned lead vocalist of Arson Charge, has publicly spoken about his Catholic upbringing and personal experiences of sexual abuse within the church community. Explaining the motivation behind the furious new song, the band states: “‘For The Damned’ is a giant middle finger to the Catholic Church for their negligent and callous handling of an ongoing abuse scandal that continues to erode communities around the world. This song is a rallying cry for all the children that experienced abuse at the hands of clergy. Keep speaking out, we stand in solidarity with you.” The track is accompanied by a provocative official music video, which can be viewed now.
Arson Charge has been rapidly gaining momentum, melding thrash metal and hardcore punk into a potent and electrifying sound. Even before the release of their debut album, the five-piece has been consistently selling out shows across their region, with word of their explosive performances spreading far and wide.
The forthcoming record, A Dying Light, promises to be a brutal and bludgeoning dive into themes of pain, disconnection, and loss. Roy elaborated on the album’s inception: “A Dying Light started off as an impromptu creative outlet for guitarist Justin Hackl after a series of serious health issues and extended hospital stays sidelined him for months. After working with comedian and musician Ben Roy on a couple of those tracks, both decided that there was the framework for an entirely new musical project. Enlisting the talents of drummer Cody Hull, guitarist Dave Sandoval, and bassist Kris Hodgell, Arson Charge was born.” The album brings together the collective influences and styles of its members, resulting in a technical, aggressive, and surprisingly cohesive blend of punk rock, thrash metal, and hardcore. Lyrically, it serves as a catharsis, expressing the raw realities of loss, self-sabotage, fear, and ultimately, hope that are inherent in our increasingly complicated existence. As Roy succinctly puts it: “Don’t fall in love. Get a pet or a fern or something.”
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A Dying Light features previously released singles “The Aftermath” and “A New Throne,” alongside “For The Damned.” It’s available for pre-order now.
A Dying Light tracklist:
- The Feeding Grounds
- For The Damned
- Cleanup On Aisle 10
- One by One
- A New Throne
- There Was No Dog
- 666 BC
- The Aftermath
- The Lark The Wolf and The Rabbit
- Build a Fire
- Bloodstains
- A Dying Light
Rising from Denver, Colorado’s vibrant metal scene, Arson Charge is a five-piece force comprising former members of local stalwarts Native Daughters, Chieftain, and Love Me Destroyer. Fronted by comedian and actor Ben Roy, also known as the lead singer of SPELLS, the band is poised to make a significant impact. With their unique blend of hardcore, thrash metal, and punk rock, Arson Charge delivers an unrelenting assault of sound.
Keep an eye out for Arson Charge as they bring their aggressive sound to a venue near you.
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