Kittie, The Pretty Wild & Diamante Collaborate To Cover "The Unforgiven" For The Queen Of The Ring Official Soundtrack

The countdown is on for the theatrical and official soundtrack release of Queen Of The Ring, arriving in theaters and streaming platforms this Friday, March 7, 2025. In anticipation for the big day, Sumerian Records is pleased to release an emotionally gripping cover of Metallica's "The Unforgiven" by Kittie, The Pretty Wild, and Diamante from the soundtrack for the hotly-anticipated biopic. Queen Of The Ring chronicles the trailblazing journey of wrestling icon Mildred Burke, written and directed by Ash Avildsen and starring Emily Bett Rickards.

The track is available for streaming at the link HERE, and pre-order tickets to see 'Queen of The Ring' and celebrate International Women's Month when it opens in theaters HERE.

Queen of the Ring,’ written and directed by Ash Avildsen, brings to life the untold story of wrestling legend Mildred Burke, who shattered barriers in the 1930s–1950s to become the first million-dollar female athlete and headline arenas over male competitors in a time when women’s wrestling was outright banned across much of the U.S. 

The film stars Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow) in a career-defining role as Burke, alongside a stellar cast featuring Josh LucasWalton GogginsGavin CasalegnoTyler Posey, and Deborah Ann Woll, with pro wrestling stars KamilleToni StormTrinity Fatu, and Jim Cornette making appearances. 

With its March 7th release strategically set during for the weekend of International Women's Day, the film is an ode to inspirational, trailblazing women who defied the odds and forever changed their industries. Watch the official trailer for 'Queen of The RingHERE or below and pre-order your tickets to see if it in theaters HERE.

About Ash Avildsen and Sumerian

Ash Avildsen grew up in a single-parent household, never having met his father but knowing who he was and having his last name. He chose to pursue music first as an artist, touring in a band and teaching himself the business through a DIY lifestyle. Using all the knowledge he learned from the road, he started his own record label. Sumerian Records has now become one of the top independents in the world for rock and alternative music, with several Grammy nominations and record-setting Billboard chart metrics for the hard-rock genre. Sumerian Records recently celebrated a historic achievement with the first Grammy nomination in the history of the Recording Academy for a solo female artist in the “Best Metal Performance” category, featuring avant-garde singer Poppy.

Avildsen’s first feature film, American Satan, won several awards on the festival circuit before being distributed by Miramax. The film had a theatrical release and was subsequently picked up by Showtime, where it developed a growing cult following. Avildsen expanded on this success by writing and directing the limited series spin-off, "Paradise City ".

Kittie's 'Spit' Leopard Picture Disc

Featuring massive hits “Brackish” and “Charlotte,” KITTIE’s debut album Spit catapulted them to fame with heavy airplay and MTV exposure. They rocked stages at Ozzfest 2001 and SnoCore Festival and toured with Slipknot, Chevelle, and Suicidal Tendencies.

 

Spit debuted at #79 on the Billboard Top 200 and topped the Heatseekers Chart, staying on the Billboard Top 200 for 37 weeks and achieving Gold status with over 650,000 units sold.

GET IT HERE

KITTIE Release Long Awaited New Album 'Fire'; Drop New Music Video For Title Track

Kittie prove that they remain the undisputed Queens of Heavy Metal as they unleash their long-awaited seventh studio album, 'Fire', their first in thirteen years, out now via Sumerian Records. The album's release is highlighted by a brand new music video for furiously incendiary title track, "Fire". Fans can finally stream the album now HERE and watch the official music video below.

Speaking on the arrival of their new album, Kittie vocalist/guitarist, Morgan Lander shares

"We’ve gone from 0 to 100 within the last few years and it’s almost unfathomable that the culmination of all of our work, sacrifice, pain and triumph has finally come to fruition with the release of our 7th studio album, “Fire”.  We burn with more determination, focus and drive than ever, and hope that these elements resonate with every word, and can be heard in every note of this album. Fire is for you!"

Kittie sent the internet ablaze earlier this year when they announced their return with brand new music, in the form of blistering single, "Eyes Wide Open". They followed up with a second new single, "We Are Shadows", which is currently blazing its way up the Top 40 at Active Rock Radio, and the announcement of a very special run of exclusive headline shows across the US and Canada in April. A truly iconic live performance at Sick New World festival in Las Vegas set the scene for the announcement of the new album and release of third new single, "Vultures", followed by more show-stealing live performances at globally renowned US festivals Welcome To Rockville in Daytona, FL and Sonic Temple in Columbus, OH. They released fourth single, "One Foot In The Grave" in May, their final taste of the album before its release.

Early reviews unanimously suggest that 'Fire' has been well worth the wait. Here's what the press have been saying:

"Kittie have completed one of modern metal's great comebacks with Fire."

Metal Hammer

"Kittie did right by naming their new album Fire, as the band’s first LP in 13 years is an absolute scorcher."

Consequence

"Fire proves that the burning passion in Kittie is back, and when the smoke clears, a new, matured version of the band emerge forebodingly, ready to snatch the world in their claws once again."

Exclaim!

"The core of this album is straight, relentless metal, sometimes melodic but mostly powering through with sinew and vim"

Kerrang!

"This album proves that they haven’t just returned—they’ve evolved into a more powerful and polished version of themselves. It’s a masterclass in blending heaviness and melody, aggression and nuance."

Lotz Of Muzik

"Fire" is true to the band's original spirit, but also resolutely up to date. It's great to have them back."

Blabbermouth

"Fans of Kittie will positively love this record and those that haven’t listened much may find this to be the perfect starting point, as it shows a band that is older, wiser, but no less kick-ass than they were in their youth."

Metal Epidemic

The band's eagerly-anticipated, upcoming headline shows will see them perform in 5 cities across the US and Canada this July and August, giving fans a very special and rare chance to see the band play a full headline set that will include their new material as well as classic hits and some deep cuts not played live since the band's early days.

Each show will feature a different supporting line-up (full details below), ensuring a unique experience for Kittie fans in each city. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast, get yours from kittie.net

KITTIE

FIRE 2024

EXCLUSIVE HEADLINE SHOWS

July 12th - Toronto, ON - History w/ Vile Creature

July 19th - New York, NY - Palladium Times Square w/ Unearth, Within The Ruins and Stabbing

August 2nd - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 4th - Dallas, TX - The Studio at The Factory w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 23rd - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall w/ VCTMS and Conquer Divide



UPCOMING FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

July 6th - Quebec City, QC - Festival d'Été de Québec

August 24th - Jackson, MI - Havoc Festival

ABOUT KITTIE

When you discovered Canadian bashers, Kittie, has a direct influence on how you see them. For those that were on board from the beginning with the Spit album, released in 1999, Kittie was considered part of the nu-metal movement. Going into their later albums, In The Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011), the band had evolved into something far more sinister, and were viewed as a serious full-on metal outfit. Just as they seemed to be hitting their stride six albums into their career, however, Kittie slowly disappeared from the scene in the wake of touring for I've Failed You. The silence was eventually dubbed an "indefinite hiatus" by the band, broken only by a one-off hometown show in London, Ontario in 2017, and the release of the documentary, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, in 2018. Until now…

 

Thirteen years and 12.6 million career streams later, that silence has been broken in earnest. Vocalist and guitarist, Morgan Lander, drummer Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic maintain that Kittie did not break up because it is an ingrained part of their identity. The documentary and the one-off show in London were intended as a cap on everything, leaving a big question mark at what might happen down the road. Offers from promoters to do some shows in 2022 and 2023, including the sell-out, inaugural Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas, were enough to convince Kittie to dust off their instruments, resulting in a renewed interest in the band and a label deal with Sumerian Records

When they finally did gather as a unit, it was like putting on a pair of comfortable boots, with no need to break things in before getting down to business.It turns out that thirteen years away has seen the band develop growth in songwriting, arranging, lyrical content and vocal melodies, creating something monstrous and volatile. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), Kittiehave finally surfaced and unleashed 'Fire', their first new album in thirteen years via their new label home, Sumerian Records. With renewed fury and unfathomable sonic brutality, the new era of Kittie is well and truly upon us. 

Kittie are

Morgan Lander (vox/guitar)

Mercedes Lander (drums/backing vox)

Tara McLeod (guitar)

Ivy Vujic (bass)

KITTIE Announce Long-Awaited Album 'FIRE'; Drop New Single "Vultures"

The original Queens of Metal, Kittie have finally announced their highly-anticipated and long-awaited new studio album, 'Fire' today. The upcoming release is the band's first full-length in over 13 years and is set for release on Friday, June 21st via Sumerian Records. Heralding the exciting news is the release of brand new single "Vultures" and its accompanying music video featuring live footage of the band's main stage performance at this year's Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on April 27th. Pre-orders for the album are available now HERE. Stream "Vultures" HERE and watch the music video HERE below.

Speaking on today's album announcement and their latest single, Kittie vocalist/guitarist, Morgan Lander shares

"10 years ago, if someone would have told us that we would be releasing new Kittie music in 2024, we’d have dismissed them right away. It feels like something deeper than fate that’s brought us together again, allowing us to create something fearless and magical for you. We’ve worked incredibly hard over the past year, and surrounded ourselves with the ultimate dream team to make this album a reality. We cannot wait for you to lose yourselves in the passion and strength of ‘Fire’."

"Vultures is a bold musical declaration, signalling our new beginnings as a band. Vultures is a warning to those with hidden agendas, who thrive on deception. It’s a proclamation of breaking free of the chains of exploitation and a reckoning for those who pick at the bones of those who suffer in silence."

The new album, 'Fire', is available to pre-order now with a variety of merch bundles including exclusive vinyl colorways, t-shirts, a cassette tape, a sticker pack, guitar pick pack, laminate and two metal lunch box designs. Available bundles are as follows (each comes with a digital download of the album):

Fire CD Pack - T-Shirt & CD

Fire Vinyl Pack - T-Shirt & Vinyl

Fire Collector's Pack - T-Shirt, Lunchbox, CD, Cassette, Sticker Pack, Laminate

Fire Ultimate Pack - T-Shirt, Lunchbox, Cassette, Guitar Pick Pack, Laminate, Sticker Pack, Vinyl.

Pre-orders are available now from SumerianMerch.com

Kittie sent the internet ablaze earlier this year when they announced their return with brand new music, in the form of blistering single, "Eyes Wide Open". They followed up with a second new single, "We Are Shadows" and the announcement of a very special run of exclusive headline shows across the US and Canada last month, topped off with an incendiary live performance at Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.

The long-awaited headline shows will see the band perform in 5 cities across the US and Canada this July and August, giving fans a very special and rare chance to see the band play a full headline set that will include their new material as well as classic hits and some deep cuts not played live since the band's early days.

Each show will feature a different supporting line-up (full details below), ensuring a unique experience for Kittie fans in each city. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast, get yours from kittie.net

KITTIE

FIRE 2024

EXCLUSIVE HEADLINE SHOWS

July 12th - Toronto, ON - History w/ Vile Creature

July 19th - New York, NY - Palladium Times Square w/ Unearth, Within The Ruins and Stabbing

August 2nd - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 4th - Dallas, TX - The Studio at The Factory w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 23rd - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall w/ VCTMS and Conquer Divide



UPCOMING FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

May 10th - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville

May 18th - Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple

July 6th - Quebec City, QC - Festival d'Été de Québec

August 24th - Jackson, MI - Havoc Festival

ABOUT KITTIE

When you discovered Canadian bashers, Kittie, has a direct influence on how you see them. For those that were on board from the beginning with the Spit album, released in 1999, Kittie was considered part of the nu-metal movement. Going into their later albums, In The Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011), the band had evolved into something far more sinister, and were viewed as a serious full-on metal outfit. Just as they seemed to be hitting their stride six albums into their career, however, Kittie slowly disappeared from the scene in the wake of touring for I've Failed You. The silence was eventually dubbed an "indefinite hiatus" by the band, broken only by a one-off hometown show in London, Ontario in 2017, and the release of the documentary, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, in 2018. Until now…

 

Thirteen years later, that silence has been broken in earnest. Vocalist and guitarist, Morgan Lander, drummer Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic maintain that Kittie did not break up because it is an ingrained part of their identity. The documentary and the one-off show in London were intended as a cap on everything, leaving a big question mark at what might happen down the road. Offers from promoters to do some shows in 2022 and 2023, including the sell-out, inaugural Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas, were enough to convince Kittie to dust off their instruments, resulting in a renewed interest in the band and a label deal with Sumerian Records

When they finally did gather as a unit, it was like putting on a pair of comfortable boots, with no need to break things in before getting down to business.It turns out that thirteen years away has seen the band develop growth in songwriting, arranging, lyrical content and vocal melodies, creating something monstrous and volatile. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), Kittiehave finally surfaced and are poised to unleash 'Fire', their first new album in thirteen years via their new label home, Sumerian Records. With renewed fury and unfathomable sonic brutality, the new era of Kittie has begun. 

Kittie are

Morgan Lander (vox/guitar)

Mercedes Lander (drums/backing vox)

Tara McLeod (guitar)

Ivy Vujic (bass)

KITTIE Announce Exclusive Run of N. American Headline Shows This Summer

The original Queens of Metal, Kittie have announced an exclusive run of North American headline dates today. The long-awaited shows will see the band perform in 5 cities across the US and Canada this July and August, giving fans a very special and rare chance to see the band play a full headline set that will include their recently released singles "We Are Shadows" and "Eyes Wide Open" as well as classic hits and some deep cuts not played live since the band's early days.

Speaking on today's announcement, Kittie share

“We are absolutely thrilled to be headlining a handful of exclusive shows this summer in support of our forthcoming album. Expect a celebration of new and old material alike, spanning our 25 year career thus far. We are looking forward to playing some set list staples and bringing back some songs that we haven’t played live in decades! Although limited, look for more shows to be announced at a later date. We’ve missed you and we can’t wait to see you again!”

Each show will feature a different supporting line-up (full details below), ensuring a unique experience for Kittie fans in each city. Pre-sale tickets will be available starting at 10am local on Thursday, April 25th (for access codes be sure to follow Kittie on socials) with general on-sale beginning at 10am local on Friday, April 26th from kittie.net

 KITTIE

FIRE 2024

EXCLUSIVE HEADLINE SHOWS

July 12th - Toronto, ON - History w/ Vile Creature

July 19th - New York, NY - Palladium Times Square w/ Unearth, Within The Ruins and Stabbing

August 2nd - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 4th - Dallas, TX - The Studio at The Factory w/ Upon A Burning Body

August 23rd - Chicago, IL - Concord Music Hall w/ VCTMS and Conquer Divide

UPCOMING FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES

April 27th - Las Vegas, NV - Sick New World

May 10th - Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome To Rockville

May 18th - Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple

July 6th - Quebec City, QC - Festival d'Été de Québec

August 24th - Jackson, MI - Havoc Festival

Kittie sent the internet ablaze earlier this year when they announced their return with brand new music, their first in 13 years, in the form of blistering single, "Eyes Wide Open". They followed up with a second new single, "We Are Shadows" last month. With upcoming festival performances, the newly announced headline dates and much more to come from the band, the new era of Kittie is well and truly underway. Stay tuned for more on Kittie’s global metal domination coming soon!

ABOUT KITTIE

When you discovered Canadian bashers, Kittie, has a direct influence on how you see them. For those that were on board from the beginning with the Spit album, released in 1999, Kittie was considered part of the nu-metal movement. Going into their later albums, In The Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011), the band had evolved into something far more sinister, and were viewed as a serious full-on metal outfit. Just as they seemed to be hitting their stride six albums into their career, however, Kittie slowly disappeared from the scene in the wake of touring for I've Failed You. The silence was eventually dubbed an "indefinite hiatus" by the band, broken only by a one-off hometown show in London, Ontario in 2017, and the release of the documentary, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, in 2018. Until now…

 

Thirteen years later, that silence has been broken in earnest. Vocalist and guitarist, Morgan Lander, drummer Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic maintain that Kittie did not break up because it is an ingrained part of their identity. The documentary and the one-off show in London were intended as a cap on everything, leaving a big question mark at what might happen down the road. Offers from promoters to do some shows in 2022 and 2023, including the sell-out, inaugural Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas, were enough to convince Kittie to dust off their instruments, resulting in a renewed interest in the band and a label deal with Sumerian Records

When they finally did gather as a unit, it was like putting on a pair of comfortable boots, with no need to break things in before getting down to business.It turns out that thirteen years away has seen the band develop growth in songwriting, arranging, lyrical content and vocal melodies, creating something monstrous and volatile. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), Kittiehave finally surfaced and unleashed their first new singles, “Eyes Wide Open” and "We Are Shadows" via their new label home, Sumerian Records. With renewed fury and unfathomable sonic brutality, the new era of Kittie has begun. 

Kittie are

Morgan Lander (vox/guitar)

Mercedes Lander (drums/backing vox)

Tara McLeod (guitar)

Ivy Vujic (bass)

Kittie Embrace Darkness On New Single "We Are Shadows"

Glass-ceiling-shattering original Queens of Metal, Kittie are thrilled to announce the release of "We Are Shadows", a powerful follow-up to their explosive comeback single "Eyes Wide Open" released in February via new label home, Sumerian Records. The new track continues the band's triumphant return offering a further look into their musical evolution after a 13-year hiatus. Stream "We Are Shadows" HERE and watch the official music video Below.

"We Are Shadows" speaks to the fading certainty in a world shrouded by looming challenges and increasing division. Both a reflection and a reckoning—a compelling narrative crafted with the band's signature intensity and a profound lyrical depth "We Are Shadows is about the uncertainty of a future that we can no longer control. We have come to a critical place in life and in our world, and much like an eclipse overtaking the sun, we are losing the light," Kittie frontwoman and guitarist, Morgan Lander shares "The image of shadows slowly fading in the evening darkness, and the analogy of 'us' as shadows in the night really illustrates the possibility of slowly fading into oblivion. It is not a song of hope however, it’s a song of coming to terms with the damage we do and acceptance of our fate. We’ve let darkness take hold, and so we are resolved to fade in the night with it”

Kittie will play multiple North American Festivals this year, including Sick New World, Welcome To Rockville, Sonic Temple, Havoc Fest, and FEQ. Full information can be found HERE.

"We Are Shadows" is now available across all digital streaming platforms, and listeners are invited to experience the commanding presence that Kittie - completed by co-founder and drummer, Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic - has long been celebrated for. As they continue to write their next chapter, Kittie cement their status as true metal icons, never pulling any punches whilst boldly exploring the depths of their artistry.

Stay tuned for more on Kittie’s global metal domination coming soon!

KITTIE Credit Dante Dellamore

ABOUT KITTIE

When you discovered Canadian bashers, Kittie, has a direct influence on how you see them. For those that were on board from the beginning with the Spit album, released in 1999, Kittie was considered part of the nu-metal movement. Going into their later albums, In The Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011), the band had evolved into something far more sinister, and were viewed as a serious full-on metal outfit. Just as they seemed to be hitting their stride six albums into their career, however, Kittieslowly disappeared from the scene in the wake of touring for I've Failed You. The silence was eventually dubbed an "indefinite hiatus" by the band, broken only by a one-off hometown show in London, Ontario in 2017, and the release of the documentary, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, in 2018. Until now…

 

Thirteen years later, that silence has been broken in earnest. Vocalist and guitarist, Morgan Lander, drummer Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic maintain that Kittie did not break up because it is an ingrained part of their identity. The documentary and the one-off show in London were intended as a cap on everything, leaving a big question mark at what might happen down the road. Offers from promoters to do some shows in 2022 and 2023, including the sell-out, inaugural Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas, were enough to convince Kittie to dust off their instruments, resulting in a renewed interest in the band and a label deal with Sumerian Records

When they finally did gather as a unit, it was like putting on a pair of comfortable boots, with no need to break things in before getting down to business.It turns out that thirteen years away has seen the band develop growth in songwriting, arranging, lyrical content and vocal melodies, creating something monstrous and volatile. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), Kittie have finally surfaced and unleashed their first new single, “Eyes Wide Open” on Sumerian Records. With renewed fury and unfathomable sonic brutality, the new era of Kittie has begun. 

Kittie are

Morgan Lander (vox/guitar)

Mercedes Lander (drums/backing vox)

Tara McLeod (guitar)

Ivy Vujic (bass)

Kittie Return With First New Music In Thirteen Years & Announce Signing with Sumerian Records

In a monumental return that marks their first new music in thirteen years, glass-ceiling-shattering original Queens of Metal, Kittie have unveiled brand new single "Eyes Wide Open". The track is accompanied by a gloriously powerful, dark music video that perfectly captures the themes of the track. This significant milestone is made even more special as Kittie announce their signing with the world-renowned independent label, Sumerian Records. Stream “Eyes Wide OpenHERE and watch the official music video below. 

 

"Eyes Wide Open" is a powerful statement from a band that has not only shaped the landscape of heavy metal but also inspired a generation of musicians to break barriers and defy expectations. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), the single serves as a testament to Kittie's undiminished passion and creativity, offering fans a glimpse into their evolved sound while simultaneously staying true to the raw intensity that first catapulted them into the spotlight 25 years ago.

 

Morgan Lander, Kittie's co-founder and frontwoman, expressed her enthusiasm for the band's return and new partnership: "Sometimes, incredible opportunities present themselves in surprising ways. Just a few years ago we could have never imagined we would be getting ready to release new music as Kittie. We’ve been given what feels like a second life and are grateful to Ash and the Sumerian family for believing in us."

Sumerian Records Founder and CEO, Ash Avildsen adds: "Kittie are true female pioneers in heavy music that helped bring it into pop culture. They have been both influential in the studio and on the road, as I’ve had the privilege of working with them on touring years ago when they brought out Bring Me The Horizon, In This Moment and many other present day heavyweights as brand new opening acts. The ladies have now returned with what I believe is their greatest album since their debut that set the world ablaze. The attitude, grit and songwriting is all there and I am honored to once again be helping them unleash their talent to the masses."

Speaking on the inspiration behind the new single, Lander goes on to share, "Our first new material in 13 years, 'Eyes Wide Open' is a vision quest for truth. It is a torch lit in the darkness of ignorance to reveal one’s true motives. 'Eyes Wide Open' is a lesson in trust, betrayal, and ultimately the ability to see behind the curtain to reveal all. It was one of the first songs we wrote, coming together again after a long time away from creating, and I think you can really hear the fires reigniting in this track."

The music video for "Eyes Wide Open" is a visually stunning piece that perfectly complements the song's themes of enlightenment and revelation and takes the viewer on a journey through light and darkness, mirroring the band's own journey back to the forefront of metal music, where they belong. 

 

With the release of "Eyes Wide Open," which premiered on SiriusXM's Liquid Metal earlier this week, Kittie - completed by co-founder and drummer, Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic -  is not just making an epic return; they are reasserting themselves as one of modern metal’s most dominant, brutal forces. Fans old and new are invited to witness the band's resurgence, as they embark on this exciting new chapter with Sumerian Records.

Stay tuned for more on Kittie’s global metal domination coming soon!

ABOUT KITTIE

When you discovered Canadian bashers, Kittie, has a direct influence on how you see them. For those that were on board from the beginning with the Spit album, released in 1999, Kittie was considered part of the nu-metal movement. Going into their later albums, In The Black (2009) and I've Failed You (2011), the band had evolved into something far more sinister, and were viewed as a serious full-on metal outfit. Just as they seemed to be hitting their stride six albums into their career, however, Kittieslowly disappeared from the scene in the wake of touring for I've Failed You. The silence was eventually dubbed an "indefinite hiatus" by the band, broken only by a one-off hometown show in London, Ontario in 2017, and the release of the documentary, Kittie: Origins/Evolutions, in 2018. Until now…

 

Thirteen years later, that silence has been broken in earnest. Vocalist and guitarist, Morgan Lander, drummer Mercedes Lander, guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivy Vujic maintain that Kittie did not break up because it is an ingrained part of their identity. The documentary and the one-off show in London were intended as a cap on everything, leaving a big question mark at what might happen down the road. Offers from promoters to do some shows in 2022 and 2023, including the sell-out, inaugural Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas, were enough to convince Kittie to dust off their instruments, resulting in a renewed interest in the band and a label deal with Sumerian Records

When they finally did gather as a unit, it was like putting on a pair of comfortable boots, with no need to break things in before getting down to business.It turns out that thirteen years away has seen the band develop growth in songwriting, arranging, lyrical content and vocal melodies, creating something monstrous and volatile. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Alice In Chains, Korn), Kittie have finally surfaced and unleashed their first new single, “Eyes Wide Open” on Sumerian Records. With renewed fury and unfathomable sonic brutality, the new era of Kittie has begun. 

Kittie are

Morgan Lander (vox/guitar)

Mercedes Lander (drums/backing vox)

Tara McLeod (guitar)

Ivy Vujic (bass)

We Are PIGS Joins Forces With Morgan Lander Of KITTIE For Aggressive New Track “MOOT”

Hybrid Nu-Metal/Trap Project Is The Creation

Of South African-Born Producer/Songwriter/Artist Esjay Jones

Who Enlisted Lander For Powerhouse Female-Led Collaboration

Spewing With The Rage & Frustration Of Uncertain Times

Revolver premiered the explosive new video for “MOOT,” the latest offering from attention-grabbing music project We Are PIGS that enlisted dynamic vocalist Morgan Lander of Kittie for this fierce female-led collaboration that takes center stage on the track.

We Are PIGS is the brainchild of accomplished South African-born producer / songwriter / artist Esjay Jones who has worked behind the scenes with Krewella, Grey Daze, Billy Corgan and Brian “Head” Welch. With the We Are PIGS project, characterized with a pig-masked frontwoman, Jones steps into her own spotlight with a hybrid nu-metal/trap style that combines brutal riffs, brazen screams and ethereal melodies. After debuting with a cover of Slipknot’s “Duality” in 2020, followed by original single “Pulse Queen” in early 2021, We Are PIGS has found an incredible following and support through playlist placements on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music.

With “MOOT,” Jones and Lander are an unyielding duo that bring the venom to this new track spewing with all the rage and frustration of the past year, and taking aim at the environment that comes with being women in the music industry.

As Lander exclusively tells Revolver, “I feel like women supporting women in the music industry is something that we always need more of, and the fact that Esjay is a musician/writer/engineer and producer puts her in a class all by herself. 'MOOT' is unapologetic and angry, the voice of unbridled rage questioning everything in a very uncertain time. Lending my voice to be heard on this song is something I’m very proud of and hope that listeners enjoy it and fear it a bit, as much as I do.”

Jones further tells the magazine of how the collaboration came to be, after being inspired from watching the acclaimed Kittie: Origins/Evolutions career retrospective documentary. “Five minutes into it I was enamored and empowered. I was deeply fueled by the band's brazen tenacity, willingness to take risks, continuous forward momentum in the face of adversarial forces and their ability to level the playing field in a super male-dominated genre within a male-dominated industry. Literally, as soon as the documentary ended, I sent an unsolicited e-mail to Morgan asking if she would consider collaborating on this We Are PIGS single. Making music with Morgan has been a bucket list experience — she is the real deal and I feel honored and privileged to have had this opportunity to create with a hero!"

In addition to Kittie: Origins/Evolutions (now on Prime, Tubi TV & Bluray/DVD/CD digipack), the Kittie: Live at the London Music Hall 20th anniversary concert film is out now and can be found here. Lander is also part of Canadian melodic death metal group Karkaos that is currently working on a forthcoming as of yet untitled third full-length album set for a late 2021 release.

More We Are PIGS original tracks and collaborations will be coming soon.

About We Are PIGS/Esjay Jones

We Are PIGS is the alternative nu-metal/trap hybrid with brutal riffs, brazen screams and ethereal melodies created by South African born producer / songwriter / artist Esjay Jones. In the summer of 2020, We Are PIGS made its debut with a cover of Slipknot’s “Duality” and the first original single “Pulse Queen” followed at the tail end of the year that has boasted 15 additions to editorial playlists between Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music. Esjay Jones has been highlighted recently by the Recording Academy as well as recognized for solely producing the much-anticipated second LP for Grey Daze (Chester Bennington’s first band), matching his vocals with collaborations from Dave Navarro, Richard Patrick (Filter) and Bennington’s 9-year-old twin daughters, Lila and Lilly. Esjay has also worked with Sean Kingston, Jeffree Star, Olivia Holt, Escape The Fate, Mystery Skulls with Nile Rodgers and Brandy, Chester Rushing (Stranger Things), Alien Ant Farm, and many others. Esjay has had over a decade of success in the music industry: during the first part, she cemented herself as one of South Africa’s top rock vocalists fronting Durban-based band Stealing Love Jones. The band achieved mainstream success with four #1 Singles, as well as sharing the stage with major international acts like Fall Out Boy, Violent Femmes, Seether, Jimmy Eat World, and many more

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