Executioner’s Mask reappear with new album, ‘Winterlong’

Executioner’s Mask press photo
Photo credit: Denniz Polk

‘Winterlong,’ the forthcoming full-length from Executioner’s Mask, is an epic bouquet of swelling synths, hypnotic melodies, and noisy guitars.  The ten new tracks marry post-punk and shoegaze while exploring themes of liberation and self-destruction in these end-times. Listen to the album’s shadowy first single Things Fall Apart — which features guest vocals from Kennedy Ashlyn of SRSQ via YouTube below.

Featuring production from Jeff Zeigler (The War On Drugs) and Ryan Schwabe (Oneohtrix Point Never), ‘Winterlong’ is the type of sublime and immersive album that inspires the same visions often conjured by masters like The National, Alcest and Deerhunter.  

In the studio, Executioner’s Mask’s core group of Gambit, Mickle and Wilson added Christian Molenaar into the fold on synths; adding an ethereal edge to the band’s hard-driving melancholy. Additional touches were added by Kennedy Ashlyn (SRSQ) and Jake Superchi (Uada, Ceremonial Castings), each adding their distinct sonic fingerprints that send their compositions further into territories unexplored.  On stage, Gambit, Mickle, and Molenaar are joined by Anthony Charletta on bass, Melissa Lochambon on drums, and Daniel Gaona on guitar to create an explosive force of sound that come together with the potency of Children of God-era Swans.

Executioner’s Mask released their demo ‘True Blue’ in 2018, which was cripplingly dark and solemn while weaving infectious hooks at every turn.  Two years later, Executioner’s Mask released their Profound Lore debut, ‘Despair Anthems,’ which was raw, desperate and satisfying throughout. The band continues their reign with ‘Winterlong’.

Expanding on the kaleidoscope of ambition, expect to see remixes of ‘Winterlong’ released in a series of their own by an ensemble cast that features members of Deafheaven, Full Of Hell, No Joy, Xiu Xiu, and The Armed amongst an army of others. The first of the ‘Winterlong’ remix albums will be released as a bonus disc that will come with the CD release of ‘Winterlong’ mastered by Angel Marcloid (aka Fire-Toolz).

Executioner’s Mask Winterlong cover artwork
‘Winterlong’ track listing

1.  Things Fall Apart (feat. Kennedy Ashlyn)

2.  Two Vultures Fucking

3.  Hart Island

4.  Sick in Heaven

5.  Contempt (feat. Kennedy Ashlyn)

6.  Last Call

7.  Your Ghost

8.  Honey

9.  Flaming Creatures

10.  Wasting

Look for the psychedelic new album from Executioner’s Mask to be out on CD/LP/Digital via Profound Lore Records on June 17th, 2022.  Pre-order here + see the group on the road in May + July — tour dates are listed below.

Executioner’s Mask tour dates

May 6  Austin, TX @ Come At Take It Live

May 7  San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

May 8  Houston, TX @ White Oak

May 10  Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub

May 12  Atlanta, GA @ Boggs

May 13  New Orleans, LA @ Sidney’s Saloon

July 21  Philadelphia PA @ Ortleibs

July 22  Brooklyn NY @ St Vitus (Record Release w/ Pictureplane, Kill Alters)

July 23  Montreal, QC @ TBA 

July 24  Quebec City, QC @ L’Anti

Be the first to comment

C'mon why don't you leave a comment here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.