PATCHWORK, the rising force in modern thrash and power metal, has just dropped their newest single, “Fallout,” the fourth release from their upcoming album Scars, due out May 15, 2025. Featuring a blistering guest solo from Bobby Gustafson (SATAN’S TAINT, ex-OVERKILL), “Fallout” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
“Fallout” explores the long-term effects of unresolved trauma and the scars it leaves behind—individually, socially, and culturally. A central theme on Scars, the song deals with those who never confront their past and instead become consumed by bitterness, delusion, and narcissism. When these damaged perspectives are projected outward, the result is chaos—personal and societal—and the ripple effects can be devastating. The title itself reflects the collateral damage left behind by this emotional and psychological instability.
The track stands out in Scars for its directness and intensity. It was originally planned as the album’s closing song until “At The End” was written later in the recording process. Structurally, “Fallout” departs from the longer, more intricate compositions of PATCHWORK’s 2015 debut Exit Wounds, favoring instead a leaner, more immediate arrangement—part of a conscious shift toward more accessible, hard-hitting songwriting on this second release.
The band was honored to collaborate with Bobby Gustafson, whose legacy in thrash metal helped shape PATCHWORK’s own musical foundation. His shredding solo in “Fallout” brings a fierce, vintage tone to the track, delivering a powerful climax that adds weight to the song’s themes of unrest and consequence.
About PATCHWORK:
PATCHWORK is a dynamic metal band hailing from Rockford, IL, known for their aggressive blend of thrash, power, and progressive metal. Since their inception in 2010, PATCHWORK has captivated audiences with their intense soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics. Composed of Heith Gruner on vocals, Brad Carlson on guitars, Liza Sanchez on bass, and Dave Caruana on drums, the band has forged a unique path in the metal scene, distinguished by their musical complexity and deep thematic content.
The origins of PATCHWORK trace back to a group of seasoned musicians looking to reflect on their personal experiences and the broader human condition through music. The name “PATCHWORK” itself symbolizes the diverse elements that each member brings to the band, stitched together to form a cohesive and resilient artistic tapestry. Over the years, PATCHWORK has undergone several lineup changes, each time emerging with a renewed focus and energy that have enriched their sound and artistic direction, with Dave and Brad remaining as integral songwriters and collaborators.
Their debut album, Exit Wounds, released in 2015, introduced PATCHWORK to the world, showcasing their ability to blend melodic precision with raw power. The album was well-received, establishing the band as a formidable presence in the metal community. Since then, PATCHWORK has continued to evolve, exploring new themes and musical territories with each subsequent release.
The band’s latest album, Scars, is a profound exploration of the scars—both physical and emotional—that life’s trials leave behind. The album reflects the band’s journey, marked by personal losses and the challenges of the ever-changing music landscape. Through Scars, PATCHWORK delves into the process of healing and the strength found in vulnerability, themes that resonate deeply in their meticulously crafted tracks.
Despite not being a live band currently, PATCHWORK’s music continues to reach a wide audience through their recordings and online presence. Their dedication to creating authentic, powerful music that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit remains unwavering.
With a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and a passionate approach to music, PATCHWORK stands as a beacon in the metal genre, inviting listeners to find solace and strength in their thunderous riffs and compelling narratives.
PATCHWORK is:
- Dave Caruana – Drums
- Brad Carlson – Guitars
- Heith Gruner – Vocals
- Liza Sanchez – Bass
Connect with PATCHWORK:
- Official Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/patchwork
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatchworkScars/
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PatchworkMetal
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patchwork8518
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/689Cr3lszirOkEN9sKoHLv
Scars Track Listing:
- You Have Failed (feat. Todd Paluzzi)
- Scars
- Fallout (feat. Bobby Gustafson)
- Relllik (feat. Kragen Lum)
- Ruined
- Methuselah
- Divide (feat. Dallas Toler-Wade, Ronnie Parmer)
- The Vulture
- Skies in Flames (feat. Michael Gilbert)
- The Empty
- Buried Alive (feat. Bobby Gustafson)
- Bitter Truth (feat. Dallas Toler-Wade)
- At The End (feat. Kragen Lum)