San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents their new single 'Hermine', an invigorating song that channels the band's edgier energy. Erupting with a wall of sound from the first notes, this is the first song written for their debut album, anticipated for early 2026 via Stratis Capta Records.
Formed in 2022, Octavian Winters is guitarist Stephan Salit (Thrill of The Pull), drummer Randy Gzebb (Thrill of The Pull, Love Club), bassist Jay Denton and Ria Aursjoen (AURSJOEN) on vocals and keyboards. Fusing a visceral and ethereal sound, they create haunting textures and channel half-remembered stories from an indifferent metropolis, shadows and lunar energy looming over a concrete maze.
Now critically acclaimed, the band gained a solid reputation with their 2023 debut EP 'The Line or Curve', and 2024's 'Nebula / Velveteen' collaboration with Mark Pistel (Consolidated, Meat Beat Manifesto), their tightly crafted songs running the gamut from the ethereal to the dark and driving. This new offering, 'Hermine', visits those harder edges.
"Hermine was wonderful to write and sing because it has a real no-holds-barred energy about it. I was also able to revisit some of my metal roots, in terms of vocal delivery, which was both fun and cathartic," says vocalist Ria Aursjoen. "The lyrics reference the novel Steppenwolf by Hesse, and explore the nature of the fragmented psyche and passionately urges the freedom of self acceptance."
Randy Gzebb says, "It feels like the song is moving forward with unstoppable momentum. This is one of my favorite songs to play live". Stephan Salit adds, “I started out writing this as an homage to Geordie Walker (R. I. P. ) but it took on a life of its own and well, here we are".
Just as their forthcoming album, 'Hermine' was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith & the Muse, Christian Death) at 13 Studio in Chicago.
Octavian Winters' members have a rich history of collaborating and touring with notable artists, including Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Lords of the New Church, Savage Republic, Christian Death, The Frozen Autumn, Everything Goes Cold and Black Tape for a Blue Girl.
Octavian Winters will be performing at A Murder of Crows Festival in New York on August 30, joining Pink Turns Blue, Vision Video, Ritual Howls, Hallowed Hearts, Astari Nite, Soft Vein, Altar de Fey, Nox Novacula, The Brickbats, The Long Losts and 45 Grave. West coast fans can also enjoy their October 31 show at Bar Sinister in Los Angeles for their legendary Ghostly Halloween Ball.
As of August 12, 'Hermine' is available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Concert tickets can be obtained at https://octavianwinters.com/shows
CREDITS
Music written by Octavian Winters
Lyrics by Ria Aursjoen
Ria Aursjoen - Vocals / Keyboards
Stephan Salit - Guitars / Vocals
Randy Gzebb - Drums
Jay Denton - Bass
Produced, recorded, mixed & mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio, Chicago, IL
Released by Stratis Capta Records
Published by Flare and Bloom Music BMI
Cover artwork backdrop by Henry Austin Lannan
Octavian Winters wordmark by Eric Olson
Artist photos by David Kruschke, except
Banner portrait by Katheleen Landino
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
PERFORMANCES
August 30 @ 6pm - A Murder of Crows Festival, New York, NY
October 31 @10pm - Bar Sinister, Los Angeles - Ghostly Halloween Ball
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