2022 proved to be a pivotal year for emerging hard rock collective Lions At the Gate. The outfit is comprised of former Ill Nino members including frontman Cristian Machado and guitarists Ahrue "Luster" Ilustre, Diego Verduzco and rounded out by veterans Stephen Brewer of Westfield Massacre and drummer Fern Lemus.
In just their second year as a band, Lions At the Gate followed their 2021 introduction with a succession of anthemic singles with "Bed Of Nails", "Scapegoat" and "Not Even Human" all proving especially effective as well-refined hard rock.
The band would also debut an important collaborative effort, enlisting Tatiana Shmayluk of groove metal sensation Jinjer for the track "Find My Way" - a single that would further underscore the long-standing rank of the individual members while simultaneously ushering in a new era as a collective, artistic force to be reckoned with.
Lions At the Gate would also embark on their first national tour as a band in 2022. Joining Italian mainstays Lacuna Coil and Butcher Babies for an electric run of shows, the band delivered convincing performances nightly, cultivating a fresh crop of converted followers along the way.
Harnessing that same force that propelled the band to close out last year strong, Lions At the Gate are rolling into 2023 with no signs of plateauing. Revisiting the excitement of their last tour, the band have released a soaring new single in "The Ledge" that pairs with it a visual that captures the band's show via the footage from Sean Reichenberger. Along with the editing expertise of Vicente Cordero (Cradle of Filth, Crown The Empire), the video offers a true indication of the band's upward trajectory, undeniable talent and infectious live energy.
Speaking to the greater themes of the track and the stylistic shift, vocalist Cristian Machado explains, "'The Ledge' is a very different dynamic than any other single we’ve put out so far. It’s a simple song focused on powerful melody and I hope people can personally interpret it after viewing it through their own heart’s lens."
Machado further details the message of empowerment intended on the track, "There is a voice of reason within it, to be strong through all the challenges in life. A voice that says faith is stronger than fear. The person I am becoming is shedding the skin of old and the new me will not bow down to fear."
The track is the latest preview of the band's expected full length debut. Again working with producer Kile Odell (Motionless in White, Fozzy), Lions At the Gate have proven to be an artist to watch and are already on track to outpace last year.
Lions At the Gate are set to perform a special hometown set at the famed Whisky A Go-Go on January 27th with special guests Breaking In A Sequence, MUGG, HU3M3N and Minor Strut. Tickets for the show are currently available - HERE
