After nearly a decade since their debut, metal band PATCHWORK returns today with the release of their powerful new album, Scars. The album is accompanied by the debut of a lyric video for the emotionally devastating closing track, “At The End,” available HERE.
Formed in 2010 by five longtime friends reuniting after years away from music, PATCHWORK has evolved from a thrash cover band into a formidable force of original songwriting. Scars serves as a conceptual sequel to their 2015 debut Exit Wounds, digging deeper into the emotional and psychological aftermath of trauma. Where Exit Wounds explored the moment of impact, Scars lingers in its wake.
The album showcases PATCHWORK’s signature fusion of thrash, power, and speed metal, sharpened by tighter songwriting, intense performances, and guest contributions from heavyweights like Bobby Gustafson, Kragen Lum, Michael Gilbert, Dallas Toler-Wade, and Ronnie Parmer. New vocalist Heith Gruner and bassist Liza Sanchez inject fresh energy into the band’s lineup, giving the record a modern edge while staying true to its roots.
Among Scars’ 13 tracks is the heart-wrenching closer, “At The End,” a tribute to late band member Mark Sheetz, who passed away from cancer in 2023. Featuring lyrics written by Dave Caruana, solos by Kragen Lum, and a final recorded message from Sheetz himself, the track stands as the album’s emotional core.
Scars was written over six years and recorded at multiple studios, including Scars Studio and The Junkyard, with reamping completed at TVR Studio. The album’s production mirrors its themes: raw, honest, and unrelenting. Scars is available for purchase HERE.
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU5576Edu2U
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)