Beginnings and initial releases
In an interview with Revolver, it was revealed that the band began as a solo project and later expanded into a full band. [4] Development of the project occurred over several years in complete secrecy until the band was announced as a performer at the 2025 Download Festival in February 2025, [4] [9] confusing fans as no details were released as to who the band was and they had released no music. [10] Shortly afterward, the band created an Instagram page and started posting cryptic teasers. [11]
In April 2025, they released a teaser for a new song, [12] [13] their debut single "In The Name of the Father", released on 15 May 2025. [14] [15] [16] The song was named "Tune of the Week" on BBC Radio 1 and they appeared on the cover of an issue of Rock Sound. [17] [18] Speculation ran rampant on who the band was, as fans discovered ties to the band with several companies used by another masked band Sleep Token (who were headlining Download Festival that year) and using similar iconography to Crosses. [19] [20] [11] On May 21, they announced their first headlining show at The Garage in London. The show, which took place on July 30, sold out in less than 48 hours. [21] [22] A second single, "Fearless", was released on 5 June 2025. [20] [23] The band debuted at Download Festival 2025 in June 2025. [24] [25] Their performance was praised by Kerrang! as an "absolute pandemonium from the off," and was favorably received by the crowd. [26] The band was later announced to open for Architects for several dates between December 2025 and January 2026. [27]
King of Terrors (2025)
On 18 July 2025, the band announced their debut EP, King of Terrors , scheduled for release on 26 September, alongside the unveiling of its third single, "Rage". [28] The fourth single, "Destroy Me", followed on 4 September. [29] Shortly after, the band were announced as headliners for TakeDown Festival 2026, set to take place at Portsmouth Guildhall in April 2026, with President scheduled to headline on Saturday, 4 April. [30]
In an interview published on 17 September in Kerrang! , the band confirmed they were working on their debut studio album, which would further expand the narrative and mythology surrounding the President character. [31] Later that month, President were added to several major European festivals for 2026, including Slam Dunk Festival (23–24 May), [32] Nova Rock Festival (12 June), [33] Rock for People (13 June), [34] and Copenhell (24–27 June). [35]
The band's rapid rise prompted speculation in parts of the music press that President may be an industry plant. [36] [37] The frontman dismissed the suggestion as "bewildering", stating that King of Terrors was self-produced, independently released, and promoted through grassroots support from friends and online communities, without involvement from a record label or major industry backing. [37]
The EP was released worldwide on 26 September, [38] accompanied by neon-styled visualizer videos for both "Dionysus" and "Conclave". [39] [40]
Following the EP's release, President announced a one-off Australian headline show scheduled for 12 December, coinciding with their support tour alongside Architects. [41] The band were subsequently confirmed for an appearance at the Greenfield Festival (11–13 June).
On 28 October, President were announced as a supporting act, alongside Beartooth, on Bad Omens's 2026 North American arena tour. [42]
On 7 November, President was announced as the winner of 2025 Rock Sound Award for Best New Artist. [43]
In a 24 November interview with Metal Hammer , President's frontman confirmed that the band has been working on their debut full-length album, with four songs already written. [44] He described the record as an evolution of their EP, expanding on its sound while retaining select elements from it. [44]
