STONED JESUS Go Deeper and Darker on New Single “Under the Skin”

STONED JESUS are releasing new single "Under the Skin" alongside an official music video. Though packed with the band's reliable dose of heaviness, the progressive post-metal contained within "Under the Skin" shows them entering the darkest, most daring, and deeply moving territory of their 17-year career.

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"Our upcoming album trilogy started last year with Songs to Sun, which is a loud and heavy album that's big on choruses and meaty riffs," Sydorenko says. "'Under the Skin' begins our next phase in a somewhat similar fashion, but with a sinister twist. The fans of the very first SJ demo will recognize the influence of post-metal, which resurfaced after our tour last summer with the legendary Cult of Luna. But 'Under the Skin' is not a step back. It's darker, bolder and more introspective than anything the band has done before."

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On the surface, "Under the Skin" picks up right where STONED JESUS left off. The sinking anxiety that swallowed Songs to Sun gives way here to heavy breathing. And while catchy as ever, the song's weighty riff isn't the only dark force rattling inside Sydorenko's head. "I feel it, it's creeping in," he strains, backed by bassist Andrew Rodin, who adds some of the harshest vocals the band have ever pressed to wax.

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The video for "Under the Skin" was filmed while Stoned Jesus were recording in Cologne, Germany at Goblin Sound Studio with sound engineer Andy Rosczyk. Despite the song's bleary state of mind ("Promises to keep / I will never sleep"), the band never lose their glow. As drummer Yurii Ciel guides them through a proggy middle passage that leads deeper into the shadows, we catch a glimpse not only into their psyche but the shape of what's to come. "Sky glider, gone wilder / With the setting sun."

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"Under the Skin" was produced by Igor Sydorenko, recorded at Goblin Sound Studio in Cologne, Germany with sound engineer Andy Rosczyk, and mixed and mastered by Karl Daniel Lidén at Studio Tri-Lamb, Sweden. Artwork for Songs to Moon is by Vadym "Karaska" Karasiov, with photography by Kamil Parzychowski. The music video for "Under the Skin" was edited by Marco Menestrina.

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"Under the Skin" is available now on all digital platforms, with the music video streaming on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.