New Dawn Fades |Lores |Self-release

Release Date March 25^th, 2026
Format Vinyl/Digital
Genre Stoner/Doom Metal
Country United States

New Dawn Fades hails from Philadelphia, bringing a thick blend of doom, grunge, and heavy psych to the table. The lineup features veterans of the scene including vocalist and guitarist GFA (Ritual Earth), guitarist Corey Pettingill (Blackhand), bassist Algar (Green Meteor), and drummer Steve Roche (Saetia). Drawing on the aggressive sounds of bands like Soundgarden, Down, and High On Fire, they mix crushing volume with melodic hooks.

"Lores" is a dirty, loud, and aggressive album that sounds exactly like a dark basement in Philadelphia should sound. The guitars are tuned low and the distortion is thick enough to chew on. The production captures the raw energy of the band without making it sound like a demo tape. The riffs are big and simple, driving the songs forward with a primitive stomp that gets the head nodding immediately.

The songs on this album rely heavily on the interplay between GFA and Corey Pettingill. They trade riffs that sound like chainsaws cutting through metal. Tracks like "Villains Come To Light" and "True Till Death" show that these guys understand how to write a hook without sacrificing heaviness. The vocals are gritty and emotional, fitting the music perfectly. The rhythm section is locked in, with Algar’s bass providing a low-end rumble that shakes the floorboards. Steve Roche’s drumming is particularly interesting, adding a frantic, nervous energy that keeps the slower doom parts from dragging.

There is a straightforward honesty to "Lores" that is refreshing. New Dawn Fades isn't trying to trick you with complex time signatures or overproduced nonsense. They plug in, turn up the volume, and play until their fingers bleed. "Souls" and "Dead Vultures" keep the momentum going with sludge-filled grooves that feel heavy and dangerous. It is rock and roll stripped down to its ugly, beautiful essentials.

This album is a strong release for anyone who likes their music slow, low, and loud. It has a few repetitive moments, but the sheer power of the riffs makes up for it. It is a good, solid listen that delivers the goods without asking for permission. If you are into the heavy side of grunge or the catchier side of doom, "Lores" is worth your time.

Score: 7.0

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