Unique Legion US Tour 2024 feat. Crown Magnetar, Extermination Dismemberment, Extortionist, Larcenia Roe & Atoll

Unique Leader Records have announced the line up for the 2024 iteration of their infamous Unique Legion US tour. Featuring an array of the finest and most brutal bands from the underworld of heavy music, the tour is a 'can't-miss' for those with their finger firmly planted on the pulse of the underground and is set to be one of *the* tours of the year. Headlining this year's run will be the unrelenting and rapidly rising force that is Crown Magnetar, joining them will be Extermination Dismemberment and Extortionist with Larcenia Roe and Atoll both playing select dates throughout the tour and local openers joining the bill in each city.

Tickets to this extravaganza of extreme went on sale Wednesday, August 21st from Uniqueleader.com. Full routing is below:

UNIQUE LEGION US TOUR 2024



Sat Nov 09 -Colorado Springs, CO -Black Sheep

Sun Nov 10 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban

Tue Nov 12 - Seattle, WA - Funhouse @ El Corazon

Wed Nov 13 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne

Fri Nov 15 - Sacramento, CA - Goldfield

Sat Nov 16 - Anaheim, CA - Chain Reaction

Sun Nov 17 - San Diego, CA - Soma Side Stage

Tue Nov 19 - Dallas, TX - RBC

Wed Nov 20 - San Antonio, TX - The Rock Box

Thu Nov 21 - Houston, TX - White Oak

Fri Nov 22 - New Orleans, LA - Parish @ HOB

Sun Nov 24 - West Palm, FL - Respectables

Mon Nov 25 - Orlando, FL - Conduit

Tue Nov 26 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar

Wed Nov 27 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade

Fri Nov 29 - Nashville, TN - The End

Sat Nov 30 - Columbia, SC - New Brookland Tavern

Sun Dec 01 - Greensboro, NC - Hangar 1819

Mon Dec 02 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club

Tue Dec 03 - Baltimore, MD - Metro

Wed Dec 04 - Mechanicsburg, PA - Lovedrafts

Thu Dec 05 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Neck Tie

Fri Dec 06 - Brooklyn, NY - Meadows

Sat Dec 07 - Hartford, CT - Webster

Sun Dec 08 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Upstairs

Tue Dec 10 - Syracuse, NY - Song & Dance

Wed Dec 11 - Buffalo, NY - Rec Room

Thu Dec 12 - Cleveland, OH - Jester’s Lounge

Fri Dec 13 - Indianapolis, IN - Hoosier Dome

Sat Dec 14 - Chicago, IL - Cobra Lounge

Sun Dec 15 - Detroit, MI - Sanctuary

Mon Dec 16 - St. Louis, MO - Red Flag

Tue Dec 17 - Kansas City, KS - Bottleneck

Unique Leader Records 

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Extortionist Release New Single + Music Video "When It All Goes Dark" via Unique Leader Records

Extortionist have today released their latest single "When It All Goes Dark" and the official video (via Unique Leader Records). The track can be found on the band's upcoming new album 'Devoid of Love & Light' set for release on Friday, May 17. Speaking about the inspiration behind today's release, the band shared:

“'When It All Goes Dark' is the conclusion of the upcoming full-length “Devoid of Love & Light”. 

The track is a middle finger pointed towards crooked practices, cliques, and individuals within the music industry and a metaphorical presentation of enduring & navigating a “hive-mind” mentality." 

Prior to today, Extortionist dropped the album title track "Devoid of Love & Light" along with the visual accompaniment. Stream "When It All Goes Dark" here and watch the music video below.

Band names go a long way in helping paint a figurative picture in the listener's mind of what to expect before one ever hits “play.” When it comes to Extortionist, you think crime—you think gritty, raw, merciless and unsavory and maybe, just maybe, a little sprinkling of suaveness. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest’s resident moshslingers, those premonitions from their name are exactly what you get. As a band who have proven themselves exemplary at styles of heavy music ranging from downtempo deathcore to grunge-tinted metal, Extortionist are more than just a jack-of-all-trades; they’re masters. Utilizing bold, roaring guitars overtop crushing, steamrolling percussion and vocals that run the gamut from guttural to grating, pitched singing and topped off with—you guessed it—a now-infamous dodgeball-smack snare, Extortionist have proven that not only are they incredible at what they do, they’re a band that the heavy scene just can’t go without.

Emerging from the relatively understated pastures and prairies of Coeur d’Alene in early 2013, to say Extortionist have been on a journey since their inception would be an understatement. With "The Black Sheep" instantly earning them notoriety with its combination of feral grooves and eviscerating breakdowns, Extortionist proved themselves early on as prodigal masters of all things punishingly heavy. As the band grew and gained more experience on the road in light of the success of their debut EP, their style and dynamic grew as well. After nearly four years of touring and writing, Extortionist would unleash 'The Decline' in 2017, a band that saw their breed of brutalizing deathcore hybridized with riff-heavy metalcore and more introspective lyrics that tackled suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 'The Decline' was met with immense critical praise and continued to open up larger opportunities for the Northwestern act, ultimately earning them multiple co-headlining tours from coast to coast, and a spot on Stay Sick Records, alongside other up-and-coming heavyweights like SPITE and Bodysnatcher. Barely a year and a half after their signing, the band announced their sophomore full-length release, 'Sever the Cord', which saw them experimenting with the inclusion of grunge and alternative influences, adding even more depth and grit to their dynamic. Their sophomore album earned them not only critical acclaim, but nationwide tours alongside The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Lorna Shore and First Blood. 'Sever the Cord' was followed shortly thereafter by an eponymous EP which saw them diving deeper into a more exploratory realm of metalcore, colliding ferocious riffs into moments of warm, nostalgic melody. While their self-titled release was widely heralded as the band’s strongest work to date, was declared their Swan Song, as in the weeks that followed towards the back-end of Summer 2019, Extortionist announced their dissolution.

That isn’t the end of Extortionist’s story, however. As 2019 gave way into 2020 and the chaotic months that followed, the heavy music community felt the band’s absence all too strongly. In the early months of 2021, Extortionist announced their return with a series of shows in Spokane, Washington alongside AVOID and Seconds Ago as well as a new single, “Once More in Torment”. Once more highlighting the seamless blend of raunchy aggression and groove-heavy catchiness that only Extortionist can provide, the band’s comeback track is a strong reminder of just how missed they were throughout their nearly two-year absence. Frontman and founding member Benjamin Hoagland states “This is the best place we’ve ever been in as a band...Extortionist lives, and we’re here to stay.” Indeed, with a full-length record in the works and a ferocious return to live performance already underway, it would seem that Exortionist’s relative break was only a brief moment with which to collect themselves before reasserting their dominance over the contemporary metalcore scene. - Connor Welsh

See the band across North America on the Angels & Villains Tour with Born of Osiris, Attila, Traitors, and Not Enough Space. For ticket information, please click here.

The Angels & Villains Tour USA 2024:

4/25 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

4/26 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

4/27 - Tampa, FL @ The Ritz

4/29 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theater

5/01 - Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock

5/03 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St. Collective

5/04 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

5/05 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

5/07 - Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater

5/08 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater

5/09 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

5/10 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

5/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

5/12 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

5/14 - Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom

5/15 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

5/17 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

5/18 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre

5/20 - St. Lous, MO @ Red Flag

5/21 - Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

5/22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

5/23 - Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theater

5/24 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II

5/25 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

5/26 - Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

Extortionist Unleash New Single + Music Video "Dissociate" via Unique Leader Records

Heavy metal mainstays Extortionist have today released their latest banger "Dissociate" and the accompanying visualizer (via Unique Leader Records). The track can be found on the band's forthcoming full-length album 'Devoid of Love & Light' out on Friday, May 18. Speaking about the track, vocalist Ben Hoagland shared:

"'Dissociate' has a self explanatory title in regards to the meaning of the song but it is a very real & honest representation of what I frequently struggle with on a daily basis. Not only does it touch base on the struggles of “dissociation” but also the effect that my way of being has had on my personal relationships & those around me."

Prior to today, the band released the titular album title track "Devoid of Love & Light". Stream "Dissociate" here, watch the visualizer below, and pre-save 'Devoid of Love & Light' here.

Extortionist are gearing up for their upcoming run with Born of Osiris, Attila, Traitors, and Not Enough Space on The Angels & Villains Tour kicking off on April 12. For ticket information, please click here.

The Angels & Villains Tour USA 2024:

4/12 - Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

4/13 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center

4/14 - Columbus, OH @ King of Clubs

4/15 - Buffalo, NY @ Iron Works

4/16 - New Kensington, PA @ Preserving Underground

4/18 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (Upstairs)

4/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Brooklyn Monarch

4/20 - Reading, PA @ Reverb

4/21 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

4/23 - Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry

4/24 - Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

4/25 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

4/26 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

4/27 - Tampa, FL @ The Ritz

4/29 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theater

5/01 - Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock

5/03 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St. Collective

5/04 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

5/05 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

5/07 - Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater

5/08 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater

5/09 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

5/10 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

5/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

5/12 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

5/14 - Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom

5/15 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

5/17 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

5/18 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre

5/20 - St. Lous, MO @ Red Flag

5/21 - Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

5/22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

5/23 - Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theater

5/24 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II

5/25 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

5/26 - Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

Band names go a long way in helping paint a figurative picture in the listener's mind of what to expect before one ever hits “play.” When it comes to Extortionist, you think crime—you think gritty, raw, merciless and unsavory and maybe, just maybe, a little sprinkling of suaveness. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest’s resident moshslingers, those premonitions from their name are exactly what you get. As a band who have proven themselves exemplary at styles of heavy music ranging from downtempo deathcore to grunge-tinted metal, Extortionist are more than just a jack-of-all-trades; they’re masters. Utilizing bold, roaring guitars overtop crushing, steamrolling percussion and vocals that run the gamut from guttural to grating, pitched singing and topped off with—you guessed it—a now-infamous dodgeball-smack snare, Extortionist have proven that not only are they incredible at what they do, they’re a band that the heavy scene just can’t go without.

Emerging from the relatively understated pastures and prairies of Coeur d’Alene in early 2013, to say Extortionist have been on a journey since their inception would be an understatement. With "The Black Sheep" instantly earning them notoriety with its combination of feral grooves and eviscerating breakdowns, Extortionist proved themselves early on as prodigal masters of all things punishingly heavy. As the band grew and gained more experience on the road in light of the success of their debut EP, their style and dynamic grew as well. After nearly four years of touring and writing, Extortionist would unleash 'The Decline' in 2017, a band that saw their breed of brutalizing deathcore hybridized with riff-heavy metalcore and more introspective lyrics that tackled suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 'The Decline' was met with immense critical praise and continued to open up larger opportunities for the Northwestern act, ultimately earning them multiple co-headlining tours from coast to coast, and a spot on Stay Sick Records, alongside other up-and-coming heavyweights like SPITE and Bodysnatcher. Barely a year and a half after their signing, the band announced their sophomore full-length release, 'Sever the Cord', which saw them experimenting with the inclusion of grunge and alternative influences, adding even more depth and grit to their dynamic. Their sophomore album earned them not only critical acclaim, but nationwide tours alongside The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Lorna Shore and First Blood. 'Sever the Cord' was followed shortly thereafter by an eponymous EP which saw them diving deeper into a more exploratory realm of metalcore, colliding ferocious riffs into moments of warm, nostalgic melody. While their self-titled release was widely heralded as the band’s strongest work to date, was declared their Swan Song, as in the weeks that followed towards the back-end of Summer 2019, Extortionist announced their dissolution.

That isn’t the end of Extortionist’s story, however. As 2019 gave way into 2020 and the chaotic months that followed, the heavy music community felt the band’s absence all too strongly. In the early months of 2021, Extortionist announced their return with a series of shows in Spokane, Washington alongside AVOID and Seconds Ago as well as a new single, “Once More in Torment”. Once more highlighting the seamless blend of raunchy aggression and groove-heavy catchiness that only Extortionist can provide, the band’s comeback track is a strong reminder of just how missed they were throughout their nearly two-year absence. Frontman and founding member Benjamin Hoagland states “This is the best place we’ve ever been in as a band...Extortionist lives, and we’re here to stay.” Indeed, with a full-length record in the works and a ferocious return to live performance already underway, it would seem that Exortionist’s relative break was only a brief moment with which to collect themselves before reasserting their dominance over the contemporary metalcore scene. - Connor Welsh

Extortionist Announce New Album 'Devoid of Love & Light' Out May 17 (via Unique Leader Records)

It's a great day for Extortionist fans! The band has today announced their new album 'Devoid of Love & Light' set for release on Friday, May 17, and dropped the official music video for the album's titular title track (via Unique Leader Records). Before today, Extortionist released their 'Devoid' EP (the precursor to the forthcoming full-length) which included tracks "Out of Touch", "A Grim Disconnect" and most recently released, "Drained of Life". Speaking on today's news, the band commented:

"We are proud to announce that we will be releasing our 3rd full-length record 'Devoid of Love & Light' via Unique Leader Records on 5/17/24.

Featuring tracks from our EP, ‘Devoid,’ this album coalesces themes of betrayal, mistrust, tragedy, dissociation, & identity crisis all into one cohesive expression."

Furthermore, Extortionist will also be hitting the stage across North America alongside Born of Osiris, Attila, Traitors, and Not Enough Space on The Angels & Villains Tour 2024 starting in April (ticket info here). Pre-save 'Devoid of Love & Light'here, watch the "Devoid of Love & Light" music video below, and keep 'em peeled for more Extortionistnews coming very soon.

The Angels & Villains Tour USA 2024:

4/12 - Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom

4/13 - Fort Wayne, IN @ Piere’s Entertainment Center

4/14 - Columbus, OH @ King of Clubs

4/15 - Buffalo, NY @ Iron Works

4/16 - New Kensington, PA @ Preserving Underground

4/18 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium (Upstairs)

4/19 - Brooklyn, NY @ The Brooklyn Monarch

4/20 - Reading, PA @ Reverb

4/21 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom

4/23 - Richmond, VA @ The Broadberry

4/24 - Charlotte, NC @ The Underground

4/25 - Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl

4/26 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse

4/27 - Tampa, FL @ The Ritz

4/29 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Varsity Theater

5/01 - Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock

5/03 - Oklahoma City, OK @ 89th St. Collective

5/04 - Austin, TX @ Come and Take It Live

5/05 - San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger

5/07 - Albuquerque, NM @ El Rey Theater

5/08 - Mesa, AZ @ Nile Theater

5/09 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

5/10 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

5/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ 1720

5/12 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

5/14 - Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom

5/15 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

5/17 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot

5/18 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre

5/20 - St. Lous, MO @ Red Flag

5/21 - Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre

5/22 - Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theater

5/23 - Davenport, IA @ Capitol Theater

5/24 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave II

5/25 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

5/26 - Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom

Band names go a long way in helping paint a figurative picture in the listener's mind of what to expect before one ever hits “play.” When it comes to Extortionist, you think crime—you think gritty, raw, merciless and unsavory and maybe, just maybe, a little sprinkling of suaveness. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest’s resident moshslingers, those premonitions from their name are exactly what you get. As a band who have proven themselves exemplary at styles of heavy music ranging from downtempo deathcore to grunge-tinted metal, Extortionist are more than just a jack-of-all-trades; they’re masters. Utilizing bold, roaring guitars overtop crushing, steamrolling percussion and vocals that run the gamut from guttural to grating, pitched singing and topped off with—you guessed it—a now-infamous dodgeball-smack snare, Extortionist have proven that not only are they incredible at what they do, they’re a band that the heavy scene just can’t go without.

Emerging from the relatively understated pastures and prairies of Coeur d’Alene in early 2013, to say Extortionist have been on a journey since their inception would be an understatement. With "The Black Sheep" instantly earning them notoriety with its combination of feral grooves and eviscerating breakdowns, Extortionist proved themselves early on as prodigal masters of all things punishingly heavy. As the band grew and gained more experience on the road in light of the success of their debut EP, their style and dynamic grew as well. After nearly four years of touring and writing, Extortionist would unleash 'The Decline' in 2017, a band that saw their breed of brutalizing deathcore hybridized with riff-heavy metalcore and more introspective lyrics that tackled suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 'The Decline' was met with immense critical praise and continued to open up larger opportunities for the Northwestern act, ultimately earning them multiple co-headlining tours from coast to coast, and a spot on Stay Sick Records, alongside other up-and-coming heavyweights like SPITE and Bodysnatcher. Barely a year and a half after their signing, the band announced their sophomore full-length release, 'Sever the Cord', which saw them experimenting with the inclusion of grunge and alternative influences, adding even more depth and grit to their dynamic. Their sophomore album earned them not only critical acclaim, but nationwide tours alongside The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Lorna Shore and First Blood. 'Sever the Cord' was followed shortly thereafter by an eponymous EP which saw them diving deeper into a more exploratory realm of metalcore, colliding ferocious riffs into moments of warm, nostalgic melody. While their self-titled release was widely heralded as the band’s strongest work to date, was declared their Swan Song, as in the weeks that followed towards the back-end of Summer 2019, Extortionist announced their dissolution.

That isn’t the end of Extortionist’s story, however. As 2019 gave way into 2020 and the chaotic months that followed, the heavy music community felt the band’s absence all too strongly. In the early months of 2021, Extortionist announced their return with a series of shows in Spokane, Washington alongside AVOID and Seconds Ago as well as a new single, “Once More in Torment”. Once more highlighting the seamless blend of raunchy aggression and groove-heavy catchiness that only Extortionist can provide, the band’s comeback track is a strong reminder of just how missed they were throughout their nearly two-year absence. Frontman and founding member Benjamin Hoagland states “This is the best place we’ve ever been in as a band...Extortionist lives, and we’re here to stay.” Indeed, with a full-length record in the works and a ferocious return to live performance already underway, it would seem that Exortionist’s relative break was only a brief moment with which to collect themselves before reasserting their dominance over the contemporary metalcore scene. - Connor Welsh

Extortionist Drops New Single "A Grim Disconnect" + Official Music Video (via Unique Leader Records)

Heavy metal mainstays Extortionist have released their latest track "A Grim Disconnect"and the accompanying music video today (via Unique Leader Records). Today's release can be found on the band's upcoming EP 'Devoid', out on Friday, December 1. Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, vocalist Ben Hoagland commented:

"'A Grim Disconnect' is about feeling "disconnected" from everyone and everything I've been involved with, including my own self. Referencing feelings of isolation, dissociation, and overall just feeling out of place. And also the state of confusion and internal conflict that follow with the subjects previously mentioned." 

Prior to today, the band announced having signed to their new label Unique Leader Records, and shared "Out of Touch" in celebration of the news. Stream "A Grim Disconnect" here, watch the music video below, and pre-save 'Devoid' here.

Band names go a long way in helping paint a figurative picture in the listener's mind of what to expect before one ever hits “play.” When it comes to Extortionist, you think crime—you think gritty, raw, merciless and unsavory and maybe, just maybe, a little sprinkling of suaveness. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest’s resident moshslingers, those premonitions from their name are exactly what you get. As a band who have proven themselves exemplary at styles of heavy music ranging from downtempo deathcore to grunge-tinted metal, Extortionist are more than just a jack-of-all-trades; they’re masters. Utilizing bold, roaring guitars overtop crushing, steamrolling percussion and vocals that run the gamut from guttural to grating, pitched singing and topped off with—you guessed it—a now-infamous dodgeball-smack snare, Extortionist have proven that not only are they incredible at what they do, they’re a band that the heavy scene just can’t go without.

Emerging from the relatively understated pastures and prairies of Coeur d’Alene in early 2013, to say Extortionist have been on a journey since their inception would be an understatement. With "The Black Sheep" instantly earning them notoriety with its combination of feral grooves and eviscerating breakdowns, Extortionist proved themselves early on as prodigal masters of all things punishingly heavy. As the band grew and gained more experience on the road in light of the success of their debut EP, their style and dynamic grew as well. After nearly four years of touring and writing, Extortionist would unleash 'The Decline' in 2017, a band that saw their breed of brutalizing deathcore hybridized with riff-heavy metalcore and more introspective lyrics that tackled suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 'The Decline' was met with immense critical praise and continued to open up larger opportunities for the Northwestern act, ultimately earning them multiple co-headlining tours from coast to coast, and a spot on Stay Sick Records, alongside other up-and-coming heavyweights like SPITE and Bodysnatcher. Barely a year and a half after their signing, the band announced their sophomore full-length release, 'Sever the Cord', which saw them experimenting with the inclusion of grunge and alternative influences, adding even more depth and grit to their dynamic. Their sophomore album earned them not only critical acclaim, but nationwide tours alongside The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Lorna Shore and First Blood. 'Sever the Cord' was followed shortly thereafter by an eponymous EP which saw them diving deeper into a more exploratory realm of metalcore, colliding ferocious riffs into moments of warm, nostalgic melody. While their self-titled release was widely heralded as the band’s strongest work to date, was declared their Swan Song, as in the weeks that followed towards the back-end of Summer 2019, Extortionist announced their dissolution.

That isn’t the end of Extortionist’s story, however. As 2019 gave way into 2020 and the chaotic months that followed, the heavy music community felt the band’s absence all too strongly. In the early months of 2021, Extortionist announced their return with a series of shows in Spokane, Washington alongside AVOID and Seconds Ago as well as a new single, “Once More in Torment”. Once more highlighting the seamless blend of raunchy aggression and groove-heavy catchiness that only Extortionist can provide, the band’s comeback track is a strong reminder of just how missed they were throughout their nearly two-year absence. Frontman and founding member Benjamin Hoagland states “This is the best place we’ve ever been in as a band...Extortionist lives, and we’re here to stay.” Indeed, with a full-length record in the works and a ferocious return to live performance already underway, it would seem that Exortionist’s relative break was only a brief moment with which to collect themselves before reasserting their dominance over the contemporary metalcore scene. - Connor Welsh

Photo Credit - Jordanne Chapman

Extortionist Announce Signing With Unique Leader Records And Announce New Upcoming EP 'Devoid' Out December 1

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, heavy metal mainstays Extortionist have today announced their new signing with Unique Leader Records. In celebration of the news, the band announced their first EP with the label 'Devoid' (set for release on Friday, December 1) and unleashed their new track "Out of Touch" with the official music video. Speaking on today's news, the band shared:

"Extortionist is excited to announce our signing to Unique Leader Records. We are ecstatic to work alongside Jamie and the team at ULR in this next chapter of the band's life. Devoid, our brand new EP, releases worldwide on December 1st, 2023.

Our leading single, "Out of Touch" is both literal and metaphorical in its lyrics, videography, and themes. The story depicts a person battling the 'Hivemind.' This character represents the internal, mental war between authenticity and compromise." 

Pre-save 'Devoid' here, stream "Out of Touch" here, and watch the music video below. Be sure to stay tuned for more Extortionist news coming very soon.

Band names go a long way in helping paint a figurative picture in the listener's mind of what to expect before one ever hits “play.” When it comes to Extortionist, you think crime—you think gritty, raw, merciless and unsavory and maybe, just maybe, a little sprinkling of suaveness. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest’s resident moshslingers, those premonitions from their name are exactly what you get. As a band who have proven themselves exemplary at styles of heavy music ranging from downtempo deathcore to grunge-tinted metal, Extortionist are more than just a jack-of-all-trades; they’re masters. Utilizing bold, roaring guitars overtop crushing, steamrolling percussion and vocals that run the gamut from guttural to grating, pitched singing and topped off with—you guessed it—a now-infamous dodgeball-smack snare, Extortionist have proven that not only are they incredible at what they do, they’re a band that the heavy scene just can’t go without.

Emerging from the relatively understated pastures and prairies of Coeur d’Alene in early 2013, to say Extortionist have been on a journey since their inception would be an understatement. With "The Black Sheep" instantly earning them notoriety with its combination of feral grooves and eviscerating breakdowns, Extortionist proved themselves early on as prodigal masters of all things punishingly heavy. As the band grew and gained more experience on the road in light of the success of their debut EP, their style and dynamic grew as well. After nearly four years of touring and writing, Extortionist would unleash 'The Decline' in 2017, a band that saw their breed of brutalizing deathcore hybridized with riff-heavy metalcore and more introspective lyrics that tackled suicidal ideation and substance abuse. 'The Decline' was met with immense critical praise and continued to open up larger opportunities for the Northwestern act, ultimately earning them multiple co-headlining tours from coast to coast, and a spot on Stay Sick Records, alongside other up-and-coming heavyweights like SPITE and Bodysnatcher. Barely a year and a half after their signing, the band announced their sophomore full-length release, 'Sever the Cord', which saw them experimenting with the inclusion of grunge and alternative influences, adding even more depth and grit to their dynamic. Their sophomore album earned them not only critical acclaim, but nationwide tours alongside The Browning, Betraying the Martyrs, Lorna Shore and First Blood. 'Sever the Cord' was followed shortly thereafter by an eponymous EP which saw them diving deeper into a more exploratory realm of metalcore, colliding ferocious riffs into moments of warm, nostalgic melody. While their self-titled release was widely heralded as the band’s strongest work to date, was declared their Swan Song, as in the weeks that followed towards the back-end of Summer 2019, Extortionist announced their dissolution.

That isn’t the end of Extortionist’s story, however. As 2019 gave way into 2020 and the chaotic months that followed, the heavy music community felt the band’s absence all too strongly. In the early months of 2021, Extortionist announced their return with a series of shows in Spokane, Washington alongside AVOID and Seconds Ago as well as a new single, “Once More in Torment”. Once more highlighting the seamless blend of raunchy aggression and groove-heavy catchiness that only Extortionist can provide, the band’s comeback track is a strong reminder of just how missed they were throughout their nearly two-year absence. Frontman and founding member Benjamin Hoagland states “This is the best place we’ve ever been in as a band...Extortionist lives, and we’re here to stay.” Indeed, with a full-length record in the works and a ferocious return to live performance already underway, it would seem that Exortionist’s relative break was only a brief moment with which to collect themselves before reasserting their dominance over the contemporary metalcore scene. - Connor Welsh

Photo Credit - Jordanne Chapman