Progressive death metal act DYSTOPIA A.D. announce the upcoming studio album Wasteland Empire, alongside the unveiling of the new single “Breath of Decay.” Wasteland Empire is scheduled for independent release on January 15, 2027.
With “Breath of Decay” DYSTOPIA A.D. demonstrate their appreciation of genres both within and beyond metal. Musically, “‘Breath of Decay’ begins with frenetic Latin percussion in a nod to ‘Chasin’ the Voodoo’ by jazz fusion legend Al Di Meola before making way for dissonant mid-paced black metal riffage accompanied by ferociously snarled vocals,” the band explain.
The single conjures imagery of a natural landscape awash with waterways contrasted against a shadowy darkness of negative emotions. “Lyrically, ‘Breath of Decay’ transports the listener to the backwaters of the Louisiana bayou while exploring themes of guilt, fear, and helplessness, invoking an unshakeable feeling of panic”.
Wasteland Empire was produced, mixed and mastered by DYSTOPIA A.D.. Additional percussion on “Breath of Decay” was performed by Gabriel R. The band’s logo is by Luciferium War Graphics, with the album cover artwork by Hans Trasid of Dis-Art Design.
About DYSTOPIA A.D.:
Formed in 2018 by Aki Shishido (ASH & ELM, STRAINS OF BELLUM) and Chris Whitby (HELLBORE, BLACK NEGATIVE DOMINATION)., the progressive death metal act from New Jersey, USA, incorporate an array of musical influences notably technical/melodic death metal with elements of progressive rock and power metal. DYSTOPIA A.D. draw inspiration from the likes of SEPULTURA, BLIND GUARDIAN, TESTAMENT, REVOCATION, and SHADOWS FALL. The genre fusion across the band’s sound heightens the impact of their music with relentless power and attack, emotion and understanding.
DYSTOPIA A.D.’s first release Designing Ruin arrived in 2018, followed by Rise of the Merciless (2020) and the critically acclaimed Imperial Dawn in 2022. Now moving into their next chapter with the forthcoming full-length, Wasteland Empire, DYSTOPIA A.D. are joined by UK based Charlie Munro (HELLBORE), a longtime friend, collaborator, and producer. Wasteland Empire is set to arrive independently on January 15, 2027.
DYSTOPIA A.D. Is:
Aki Shishido – Lead guitar
Charlie Munro – Lead guitar
Chris Whitby – Vocals, rhythm and lead guitars, bass, keyboards, drum programming
DYSTOPIA A.D. Online:
Bandcamp: https://dystopiaad.bandcamp.com/
E-Shop: https://dystopiaad.bandcamp.com/merch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DystopiaAD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dystopiaad/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@dystopiaad8476
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6cl9TYbCxaL2O9UcaeHtGY
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/in/artist/dystopia-a-d/1436807145
Wasteland Empire Track List:
1. The Last Citadel (3:44)
2. Breath of Decay (5:35)
3. Fires of the Astral Forge (6:16)
4. Wasteland Empire (5:04)
5. The March (5:12)