Black Map Bring Urgency & Emotion on Hex – Featuring Members of Dredg & Far

Black Map and their new album Hex which is out 5/9 on Spinefarm.

Black Map harnesses pure kinetic force—an emotional and electrified collision of post-hardcore, alt-rock, and hard rock driven by the undeniable chemistry between Ben Flanagan (vocals/bass), Mark Engles (guitar), and Chris Robyn (drums). Their new album Hex (via Spinefarm Records) distills this synergy into their most urgent, immediate, and hook-laden work yet. Produced by Beau Burchell of Saosin, Hex channels personal loss, catharsis, and raw energy into soaring choruses, gut-punch riffs, and tracks that pulse with meaning—whether through the vulnerable weight of “Tethered,” the defiant charge of “Fake Your Own Life,” or the anthemic title track.

With roots in cult-favorite acts like Dredg, Far, and The Trophy Fire, Black Map have spent the last decade building a dedicated following, praised by PROG and Westworld and streamed millions of times. Now, with Hex, they’re opening a bold new chapter.

Acclaimed Bay Area Rockers BLACK MAP Share New Single 'Badlands' + Video

Today, multi-genre rockers BLACK MAP share a new single, "Badlands," from their forthcoming album 'Hex,' out May 9th. The album marks their debut for Spinefarm. "Badlands" is accompanied by a new visualizer.

About the single, Ben Flanagan (vocals/bass) comments:

"'Badlands' is a song about ultimately exploring new heights. Moving forward and up. It’s immediate and direct. The spirit of the song reminds me of the music I was listening to when I first picked up a guitar. For me, there is something super cathartic about playing it."

Watch the Video for "Badlands" Below:

At the start of 2024, BLACK MAP retreated to Southern California to record 'Hex' with Saosinguitarist Beau Burchell behind the board as producer. The band embraced a clear, collective vision, shifting from the expansive, ethereal nature of 'Melodoria' to a more urgent and immediate sound.

Vocalist/Bassist Ben Flanagan describes 'Hex' as a body of work with a strong “let’s f*cking go” spirit, while guitarist Mark Engles emphasizes its balance between atmospheric elements and a driving intensity. The album captures the band’s signature style, with Mark’s distinct guitar work ever-present and a renewed focus on immediacy and raw energy.

For Ben, 'Hex' represents the profound impact of music, offering solace and connection. Drummer Chris Robyn adds that the album carries an unstoppable momentum, charging forward with force and intention. Rooted in themes of personal struggle, authenticity, and resilience, 'Hex' stands as BLACK MAP’s most powerful and urgent release yet.

Pre-Order 'Hex' HERE

Having formed in 2014 from the bands Dredg, Far, and The Trophy Fire, BLACK MAP has generated critical acclaim from the press as well as their musician peers.

Pivoting around a nimble balance of post-hardcore, alternative, and hard rock, the trio of vocalist and bassist Ben Flanagan, guitarist Mark Engles, and drummer Chris Robyn convene, congregate, and commune to power up BLACK MAP. Their union teems with emotion and electricity—which the musicians harness to craft immediate and raucous anthems underscored by unpredictable musicality and undeniable hooks.

BLACK MAP are: 

Ben Flanagan - vocals, bass

Mark Engles - guitar

Chris Robyn - drums