[Photo Credit: John Mourlas]
Chicago’s heavy ensemble BLACK SITES present their next single release, “Giving Up The Ghost”. Written about losing one’s belief in a higher power, the new track arrives ahead of the band’s forthcoming full length, For Eternity, set to release independently on July 17, 2026.
On the musical influences behind “Giving Up The Ghost”, BLACK SITES founder Mark Sugar shares, “I was very much trying to channel Tony Iommi and Jimmy Page on this track. The intro is total Iommi worship, specifically what he did on ‘Die Young’. The guitar overdubs at the end were an idea borrowed from Depeche Mode’s ‘Policy of Truth’.”
Across the album’s track list, BLACK SITES deliver impactful catchy choruses and lyrical hooks alongside a powerful riff-driven sound. “Giving Up The Ghost” showcases this stylistic direction with a highly emotive element that manifests through touches of orchestral strings and somber guitar leads.
For Eternity was produced by Mark Sugar & Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios, with mixing and mastering by Dan Swano. Drums on For Eternity were recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio.
About BLACK SITES:
Based out of Chicago, IL, USA, BLACK SITES was founded in 2016, initially as a studio project, by vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar. Sugar was later joined by members John Picillo (bass), Ryan Bruchert (guitar) and Chris Avgerin (drums). BLACK SITES combines old school metal with guitar harmonies, melodic/clean vocals and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of VOIVOD, BLACK SABBATH, and KING’S X.
BLACK SITES released their debut In Monochrome in 2017 (Mascot/Provogue Records), followed by Exile in 2019. 2021 saw the release of Untrue that was produced by Sanford Parker and awarded Record Of the Year by Dr. A.N. Grier at AngryMetalGuy.com. BLACK SITES ventured to The Promised Land? with their 2024 full-length that featured Tom Draper. (Ex-CARCASS/SPIRIT ADRIFT) on the track “Chasing Eternity”.
Now, in 2026, Mark Sugar is joined by new members Jose Salazar (bass), Lee Smith (guitar) and Chris Black (drums). The forthcoming album For Eternity is set to release independently on July 17, 2026.
BLACK SITES Is:
Mark Sugar (vocals, guitar)
Jose Salazar (bass)
Lee Smith (guitar)
Chris Black (drums)
Connect With BLACK SITES:
Bandcamp: https://blacksites.bandcamp.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksites
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksitesmusic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksitesmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blacksites
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0yY6r4UHQDv4BUOr5bKu1o
For Eternity Track Listing:
1. When It Calls (5:09)
2. Aquarius Betrayed (5:05)
3. Above Soil, Beneath Sky (4:47)
4. Giving Up The Ghost (6:43)
5. Blades (For The Chosen Ones) (4:51)
6. Silent Wars (4:51)
7. When Prophecy Fails (5:49)
8. Unanswered For Eternity (6:54)