Eaglewing, the Denver-based heavy progressive classic rock revivalists, have announced a new, breathless two-song EP channeling the frenetic energy of Iron Maiden with the earnest songwriting of Scorpions and the gravity of Black Sabbath—due out on August 9th, 2024 through King Volume Records (US) and Jawbreaker Records (EU).
Armed with blistering guitar riffs, frantic solos, powerful bass lines, intricate drumming, soaring vocals, and sudden time signature shifts, the Eaglewing musicians specialize in channeling the template of classic rock and metal while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective.
“The late ‘70s and early ‘80s were the best time for music,” guitarist Russell Ponder says. “You had some of the best music pioneers in the best bands in the world with all of these different influences. We’re trying to bring back that same level of passion and fury in a new wave of American heavy metal.”
The EP opens on the band’s self-titled anthem, capturing the band’s ethos in just under five minutes of powerful instrumentation and impressive vocals. “This falls right into the tradition of heavy bands writing songs about themselves,” vocalist Ross Murphy says. “For us, it’s about rising from the ashes of creation and knowing that you can and will succeed. You might fall on hard times, but music is your North Star. We’ll all go through peaks and valleys, but that’s what life is about.”
After Eaglewing, the band slips into Hellraiser Wild, a four-and-a-half minute romp that conjures up thoughts of classic Iron Maiden.” “‘Hellraiser Wild’ is about eating mushrooms in the desert and staring at the stars with no light pollution,” Ross says. “It’s about contemplating the curiosity of existence—where we’ve been and where we’re going.”
The Eaglewing EP was recorded at World Famous Studios outside of Denver, where it was captured, mixed, and mastered by Pete deBoer. “Pete is amazing,” Russell says. “I don’t normally listen to anyone in the studio, but Pete has such great observations and recommendations. He always helps us recalibrate by saying, ‘Pretend you’re on stage and turn it up!’ That’s important, because if you want to take over the world with music, you need the right sound.”
By pulling so many influences from the ‘70s and ‘80s, Eaglewing has successfully captured an epic one-two punch of neo-classic rock and metal that serves as the perfect soundtrack for embarking on the hero’s journey, whether that’s slaying dragons, saving the princess, or protecting the town from a terrible force. Look for Eaglewing on August 9th, 2024 .