Death Metal Act CURSED AWAKENING Explore Dissociation With "Dominion"

"Dominion" is the latest single release to land from CURSED AWAKENING and continues their narrative concept surrounding a fresh born soul navigating its new existence in a dystopian landscape. The track emerges early from the void ahead of the forthcoming full-length, Path Of A Soul, set to arrive later this year.

Thematically, "Dominion" delves into the darkness as the new soul contemplates ending its own life in order to escape the hellish realm in which it inhabits. However, it chooses to persevere and have 'dominion' over it's own future and ignore the path destiny has already built. Over the course of the track list, the fresh born soul stumbles through self-discovery and self-destruction.

"Dominion" brings a slow and burdensome pace with a dual-guitar harmony before erupting into a high-speed melodic, brutal onslaught. Drawing musical inspiration from AT THE GATES, CURSED AWAKENING play with dynamics and style across the track. A tremolo-picked black metal-esque bridge, intricate lead guitar solo and tremolo picking introduce further technical elements with a chaotic mood.

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.

With 2024 bringing notable live performances in Chicago and beyond, CURSED AWAKENING continues to sharpen their sound and vision. The band's latest release of singles including "Past Newtonium" and "The Rift", alongside the newest "Rest In Chains", are further testament to the band's 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

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Rogue Announce Papercut Recordings Signing + Drop New Track "Dominion" and Official Music Video

Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, progressive metalcore outfit Rogue have released their new track and music video "Dominion", via their new label home, Papercut Recordings. The dark, industrial-laced single speaks to the strong influence that various types of addiction can have over one's life. When asked about the song and signing, the band shared:

"‘Dominion’ is a song about the grip that different forms of addiction and temptations in life can have over us. While drugs are the most usual form of addiction, we kept the lyrics more open to interpretation so that it can apply to most vices whether that be sex, money, power, food, etc. We adamantly stand united with all of those who suffer from these afflictions, and want them to know they are not alone. We have been there ourselves in different forms, and we urge anyone struggling to reach out and take advantage of different resources whether that is calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP, dialing ‘988’ for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or texting TALK to 741741 to receive resources for what you may be going through.

We are so excited to finally put ‘Dominion’ out into the world. We know our fans have been waiting patiently, and we’re happy to have found a home with Papercut Recordings to finally help some new music see the light of day. ‘Dominion’ is the perfect hybrid song that takes all of our favorite parts of the old Rogue sound, and infuses the past 5 years of new influences that have inspired us. Thanks for being here with us in this new chapter, and we look forward to sharing more next year that delves further into these new sounds."

Stream "Dominion" at the link here, and watch the official music video below.

“dominion” - supreme authority; absolute ownership; possession of ability to wield force or influence

Four years removed from their last record ‘Phantom', Rogue returns with new single "Dominion" with a new message in tow. While loyal listeners of the band have grown to expect the scrutinization of political structures and metaphysical realities from vocalist Jansen Nunezatop pummeling riffs from guitarist Jeffrey Fisher, the progressive metalcore act have shifted into unchartered territory with "Dominion" to reflect on something different: themselves.

Following the introspective and somber tone on ‘Phantom’, the trilogy the band had crafted across their first three records was now complete. But all the time spent looking inward during a global pandemic took its toll, and the band decided to take a break until they felt a new message needed to be shared. Enter ‘Club Gore’ in January 2025, which introduced fans to the first change in direction with talks of hopelessness, apathy, and the human condition that can only be described as yearning to feel something among all the chaos of the world. Now with "Dominion", fans can get a deeper understanding of this darker path with the tackling of temptation and addiction.

Never ones to abandon the sound referred to as “face-shattering” and “hard-hitting” by The Noise, darker industrial elements and ambient soundscapes are further explored this time around, with more influence from film scores on display than ever before. These new sounds and inspirations stemmed from a disdain towards stoicism and complacency- both in the band’s musical and personal lives. With humble beginnings in rural Louisiana cities and eight years having passed since the debut single "Meta", Rogue acknowledges and embraces their roots, but refuses to remain trapped in motion, never doing the same thing twice. "Dominion" is evidence of this, and this display of vulnerability will only be further explored in the next chapter to come.

Rogue Is:

Jeffrey Fisher - Guitar

Jansen Nunez - Vocals

Thomas Scheltema - Drums

Gentry Lynn - Bass