Holy Wars – Shadow Work/Light Work
Pale Chord/Rise Records/BMG
9,0/10,0
Brief:
Los Angeles alternative metal powerhouse Holy Wars have officially unveiled their highly anticipated sophomore album, Shadow Work/Light Work, available now via Pale Chord/Rise Records/BMG.
Blending cinematic atmosphere, crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and emotionally raw lyricism, Shadow Work/Light Work marks the band’s most ambitious and deeply personal release to date. The album explores themes of grief, trauma, healing, personal transformation, and resilience while showcasing the dynamic evolution of Holy Wars’ signature sound.
Frontwoman Kat Leon describes the record as a deeply cathartic creative process inspired by years of personal loss and emotional recovery.
“The concept behind Shadow Work/Light Work is taking the grief and trauma of losing my parents ten years ago and confronting how deeply it still affects me. After losing my sister in 2024, it forced me back into darkness, but this time I chose to transform that pain into healing through music.”
Produced by guitarist Nicholas Perez, the album expands Holy Wars’ sonic identity with a seamless balance between the heaviest material of their career and some of their most melodic and emotionally vulnerable moments.
The release follows the success of the band’s acclaimed 2023 EP Cult Classic and arrives alongside the explosive new singles “Ceremony” and “Kill The Light,” both accompanied by visually striking music videos.
Musically, Shadow Work/Light Work fuses alternative metal, hard rock, electronic textures, cinematic production, and modern heavy music influences into a cohesive and emotionally charged listening experience.
Holy Wars have continued building momentum through major festival appearances and touring activity across the United States and Europe, including performances at Download Festival, Rock am Ring, Rock im Park, Rock For People, ShipRocked, and upcoming appearances on the 2026 Vans Warped Tour and Louder Than Life Festival.
With Shadow Work/Light Work, Holy Wars solidify themselves as one of the most emotionally compelling and forward-thinking acts in modern alternative heavy music.
[Edited Press Release]
Tracklist:
- O Death
- I Feel Everything
- Shadowalker
- Crucify
- Skin Deep
- I.F.O.Y.G.
- Proof of Existence
- Kill The Light
- Ceremony
- Everything You
- Holy Unholy
- Metamorphosis
Main Focus Tracks:
- I Feel Everything
- Crucify
- Ceremony
- Metamorphosis
Other Recommended Tracks:
- Shadowalker
- Skin Deep
- I.F.O.Y.G.
- Proof of Existence
- Kill The Light
- Everything You
Line-Up:
Kat Leon: Vocals
Nick Perez: Guitar
Matt Cohen: Bass
Johnny Tuosto: Drums
Comments:
Holy Wars delivers a strong album with Shadow Work/Light Work, skilfully blending pop and metal. The band further showcases its remarkable ability to craft heavy music that is both powerful and melodic.
Contacts:
Video:
Selected Discography:
Shadow Work/Light Work (2026)
Eat It Up Spit It Out (2020)
Photo credit: Ana Massard