| Sting | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | January 27, 2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 34:03 | |||
| Label | Out of Line | |||
| Producer | Courtney Ballard | |||
| Emarosa chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Sting | ||||
| ||||
Sting is the sixth studio album by American rock band Emarosa. It was released on January 27, 2023, through Out of Line Music and was produced by Courtney Ballard. The album is the band's first studio release with the label. [3] [4] [5]
On July 1, 2020, the band were reportedly dropped from their label, Hopeless Records, and by their management, Roc Nation, following allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced against vocalist, Bradley Walden. [6] On August 28, Walden denied the allegations made against him. [7] On March 9, 2021, the band announced on social media that they are working on new material for the album. [8]
On April 27, 2022, the band released their first new single in nearly three years, "Preach", along with a music video. It was also revealed that the band had reverted to a duo, now consisting entirely of Walden and White. [9] On July 6, the band unveiled a second single, "Attention". [10] On September 15, the band released their third single of the year, "Stay", and its corresponding music video. At the same time, they revealed the album itself, the album cover, the track list, and release date. [11] On November 11, two months before the album release, Emarosa released the fourth and final single "Again". [12]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Distorted Sound | 9/10 [1] |
| Ghost Cult | 7/10 [2] |
The album received positive reviews from critics. Shannon Eacups of Distorted Sound scored the album 9 out of 10 and said: "As a whole this record does exceptionally well by playing on the nostalgic aspect of the 80s with clear influence from Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears mixed with the modernity of artists like The 1975 and Charlie Puth and of course the obvious influence from synthwave as a whole. The guitar work displayed by White is impeccable, from catchy displays of lead hooks to emotionally driven solos that are few and far between but are impactful and memorable when there. Equally, the vocal display from Walden is stunning between the gritty soul of his deeper range and the feathery light high range he places throughout the record. Its only downfall are the short lived saxophone solos which have so much undelivered potential, yet that's a minor inconvenience compared to the record as a whole, which delivers more than it lacks." [1]
Ghost Cult gave the album 7 out of 10 and stated: "Overall, the album leans a bit too heavily on and crawls even further into their revamped Synthwave, the eighties sound. In moments, Walden's vocals blended too much and were too soft and mellow being paired with an already mellow track. Artist's are either condemned for staying too similar or for straying too far from their original sound, however, had the duo toed the line a touch more to make Sting really pack a punch, possibly with a new genre component, more than capable vocal acrobatics, or lyrical/instrumental juxtaposition, it could've rivaled Peach Club . The listener is still left a touch hungry." [2]
Adapted from Apple Music. [13]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Preach" | 3:29 |
| 2. | "Attention" | 3:21 |
| 3. | "Stay" | 3:51 |
| 4. | "Cinnamon" | 3:06 |
| 5. | "Forgiveness" | 2:23 |
| 6. | "INLA" | 3:25 |
| 7. | "Again" | 3:25 |
| 8. | "Woman" | 3:40 |
| 9. | "Rush" | 3:06 |
| 10. | "Danger" | 4:12 |
| Total length: | 34:03 | |
Credits adapted from Discogs. [14]
Emarosa
Additional musicians
Additional personnel
Pierce the Veil is an American rock band formed in San Diego, California, in 2006. It was founded by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes after the disbanding of Before Today, which formed out of the San Diego punk scene. Jaime Preciado and Tony Perry joined the group in 2007, on bass and lead guitar respectively.
Emarosa is an American rock band formed in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2006. The band currently consists of lead guitarist and founding member ER White and lead vocalist Bradley Walden, who joined the band in 2013. The group has undergone several line-up changes throughout its career, with lead guitarist ER White being the sole remaining founding member. Originally oriented towards post-hardcore and alternative rock, Emarosa has gravitated towards a more pop rock sound in recent years.
Hands Like Houses are an Australian rock band from Canberra. Formed in 2008, the group is currently signed to Hopeless Records and UNFD. Their debut album, Ground Dweller, was released on 13 March 2012, charting at number 141 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Their second album, Unimagine, was released on 23 July 2013, during their route on Warped Tour. The band's third album, Dissonants was released on 26 February 2016, followed by their fourth, Anon, on 12 October 2018.
Like Moths to Flames is an American metalcore band from Columbus, Ohio, formed in 2010 by former members of various bands, including Emarosa, Agraceful, the Crimson Armada, TerraFirma, and My Ticket Home. The band has released four studio albums and three EPs through Rise Records. The band's current line-up consists of lead vocalist Chris Roetter, guitarists Zach Pishney and Cody Cavanaugh, and drummer Roman Garcia. Roetter is the only member of the original line-up that remains in the band.
Lorna Shore is an American deathcore band formed in New Jersey in 2009. The group currently consists of lead guitarist Adam De Micco, drummer Austin Archey, rhythm guitarist Andrew O'Connor, vocalist Will Ramos, and bassist Michael Yager. The band is most known for their 2021 single "To the Hellfire". They have released four studio albums Psalms (2015), Flesh Coffin (2017), Immortal (2020), and Pain Remains (2022). The band has also released four EPs. No original members remain in the band.
Erra is an American progressive metalcore band from Birmingham, Alabama, formed in 2009. The band was named after the homonymous Akkadian god of war and plague. The band has released six studio albums and three EPs to date. Their latest album, titled Cure, was released on April 5, 2024. They have toured with bands such as As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, TesseracT, Born of Osiris, Ice Nine Kills, Glass Cloud, Within the Ruins, Bad Omens, I See Stars, and Texas in July.
Versus is the third studio album by American rock band Emarosa. The album was released on September 9, 2014 through Rise Records and was produced by Brian McTernan. It is the band's last album to be released on this label. It is also the first album to feature vocalist Bradley Walden and the last to feature rhythm guitarist Jonas Ladekjaer, bassist Will Sowers, and drummer Lukas Koszewski.
SWMRS, pronounced 'swimmers', are an American punk rock band formed in Piedmont, California in 2004 by Cole Becker and Joey Armstrong, with Becker's brother Max Becker joining only a few weeks afterwards. They drew on a mix of influences ranging from the Beach Boys to the Ramones to create their own brand of rock. The band added Travis Neumann in 2009, who later left in 2014 due to creative differences. The band released a demo and a string of EPs from 2008 to 2010. The band released their first album, Don't Be a Dick, on June 14, 2011. The band's second album, Lost at Seventeen, was released on June 11, 2013. They added Sebastian Mueller as the bassist in 2014. The band's third studio album, and their first under the name SWMRS after dropping their former name, Drive North, was released February 12, 2016, via Uncool Records. Drive North was later re-released after the band was signed to record label Fueled by Ramen on October 13, 2016.
Tilian Pearson, also known mononymously as Tilian, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer born in Clearwater, Florida. From 2012 to 2024, he was the third clean vocalist for the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance. Pearson began his music career as the lead vocalist and guitarist in the progressive rock band Tides of Man, releasing an extended play and two studio albums before leaving in 2010.
131 is the fourth studio album by American rock band Emarosa. The album was released on July 8, 2016 through Hopeless Records and was produced by Casey Bates. It is the band's first album to be released on this label. It is also the last album to feature founding keyboardist Jordan Stewart and the first to feature rhythm guitarist Matthew Marcellus, who has been touring with the band since 2014. The sculpture image featuring on the album cover and also on other merchandise to promote the album is made by artist Beth Cavener.
Too Close to Touch were an American rock band from Lexington, Kentucky, formed in 2013. They swiftly emerged onto the post-hardcore scene. Led by the frontman Keaton Pierce, the band garnered widespread acclaim for their adept musicianship and intricate arrangements, showcasing the technical prowess of each member.
Peach Club is the fifth studio album by American rock band Emarosa. The album was released on February 8, 2019, through Hopeless Records and was produced by Courtney Ballard. It serves as a follow-up to the band's fourth studio album, 131 (2016) and shows the band's venture towards pop, synth-pop, and pop rock elements, further departing from their early post-hardcore and alternative rock sound.
No Eternity in Gold is the fifth studio album by American metalcore band Like Moths to Flames. It was released on October 30, 2020, through UNFD. The album was produced by Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. It is the band's first studio release with the label. It is also their last album to feature original member and bassist Aaron Evans, who was fired from the band following allegations of sexual misconduct and mental abuse in 2023.
Tallah is an American heavy metal band from Pennsylvania. They are currently signed to Earache Records. The band consists of vocalist Justin Bonitz, lead guitarist Derrick Schneider, rhythm guitarist Alex Snowden and drummer Max Portnoy.
Closure is the ninth studio album by American metalcore band Attila. The album was released on July 23, 2021, a year after it was recorded. Rhythm guitarist Walter Adams and Tyler Kruckmeyer joined the band for this album, the latter replacing Bryan McClure, who was fired from the band following several rape and sexual misconduct allegations. Attila will be touring in support of the album from August to October.
Happier? is the fourth studio album by American progressive metalcore band Volumes. It was released on November 19, 2021 through Fearless Records. The album was produced by Raad Soudani, Daniel Braunstein and Max Schad.
Curse of Existence is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Miss May I. It was released on September 2, 2022, through SharpTone Records. It was the last album by the band to feature guitarists, B.J. Stead and Justin Aufdemkampe who left the band on 31 May 2024 It was produced by Will Putney.
In Stasis is the fourth studio album by British progressive metal band Monuments. It was released on 15 April 2022 through Century Media Records and was produced by Mick Gordon. It is the band's first release with vocalist Andy Cizek and the last with longtime bassist Adam Swan, and drummer Mike Malyan.
Mother is the seventh studio album by American metalcore band Veil of Maya. The album was released on May 12, 2023, through Sumerian Records was produced by Zach Jones.
Necromanteum is the ninth studio album by American deathcore band Carnifex. It was released on October 6, 2023, through Nuclear Blast. The album was produced by Jason Suecof, Scott Lewis and Shawn Cameron. This is the first album to feature lead guitarist Neal Tiemann.