Cursed Awakening Unleashes New Single “The Rift” From Upcoming Album Path Of The Soul

CURSED AWAKENING has released their new single, “The Rift,” taken from their upcoming album Path Of The Soul, due out August 2026.

“The Rift” jumps straight into the verse riff, a jumpy, chaotic and energetic thrashy riff that sets the pace immediately. After its relentless opening, the song suddenly slows into a more melodic bridge that opens into dual lead harmonies. The momentum builds again with a solo before dropping into a breakdown. The track then returns to the second verse riff at a faster tempo and closes with the chorus.

The structure mirrors the central theme of the song. It begins with speed and intensity, slows into reflection, and then surges forward again before breaking apart. The pacing reflects the internal fracture at the heart of the story.

“The Rift” represents a turning point in the narrative of Path Of The Soul. The concept character finds himself deep in the consequences of bad decisions and prolonged suffering. At this point he experiences a mental schism, realizing he must decide whether to continue on his path or attempt to repair the damage he has caused.

The rift itself is a mental dialogue. The character recognizes that the self deception in his life had become his “dominion,” a failed life he created and continued to defend. This realization is captured in the line that appears just before the breakdown: “I’ve burned my life to ash, I am my own demise, entombed in my own lies.”

During early development the band referred to the song as “The Riff.” Through several iterations of the track, the opening riff remained unchanged and ultimately became the foundation for the finished version.

“The Rift” will appear on Path Of The Soul, the upcoming full length album from CURSED AWAKENING, scheduled for release in August 2026.

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About CURSED AWAKENING

Formed in Chicago, Illinois in 2021, CURSED AWAKENING (formerly known as ARRHYTHMIA) delivers a thrashy death metal sound rooted in classic influences such as DEATH, BOLT THROWER, AT THE GATES, SLAYER, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, and SUFFOCATION. Their music combines old school riffing, melodic passages, neoclassical soloing, and introspective lyricism that goes beyond surface level extremity.

After reforming under the CURSED AWAKENING name in early 2026, the band solidified their creative identity and lineup. The current lineup consists of Abraham Verdin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Michael Nystrom Bala on lead guitar, Brady Dukart on bass and backing vocals, and Ronnie James Keough on drums.

Following their self released single "Rest In Chains" in August 2024 and notable live performances in Chicago and beyond, CURSED AWAKENING continues to sharpen their sound and vision. "Past Newtonium" stands as both a continuation and escalation, marking a darker and heavier chapter as the band moves toward their upcoming 2026 album.

CURSED AWAKENING is:

Abraham Verdin – Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals
Michael Nystrom Bala – Lead Guitar
Brady Dukart – Bass, Backing Vocals
Ronnie James Keough – Drums