Gothic metallers New Years Day live at Thekla on 27 January 2025

Posted on: 14 Jan 2025

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The alternative gothic metallers New Years Day will be live at Thekla in Bristol on Monday 27 January 2025.

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New Years Day were born and bred in Anaheim, California, and have released five studio albums since their inception in 2005. Vocalist Ash Costello's fierce and iconic red/black image creates a striking, bold, and distinctive image, whilst guitarists Nikki Misery and Jeremy Valentyne's bring powerful guitar melodies, and Tommy Rockoff and Brandon Wolfe's bring harsh, foreboding breakdowns.

Having toured with the likes of In This Moment, Halestorm, Avatar, Ice Nine Kills, Motionless in White and more, New Years Day unleash anthems of discontent and empowerment, delivered with gothic flair and theatrical bombast. Saints and sinners, victims and victors. In sound and vision, New Years Day walk the line between darkness and light. The band’s duality comes to fruition on their new album Half Black Heart, an unrepentant and unashamed album championing discovery, from the darkest secrets to one’s inner strength. It’s a message destined to connect with those who struggle with self-acceptance and who fight to belong.

New Year's Day: A Band Shaping the Future of Rock and Alternative Music

New Year’s Day, the American rock band from Anaheim, California, has steadily carved a unique niche for themselves in the world of alternative and metal-infused rock. Known for their intense energy, captivating lyrics, and dynamic blend of heavy and melodic elements, they have become one of the most prominent names in the modern rock scene.

Origins and Formation

The band was formed in 2005 by lead vocalist Ash Costello. Early on, the lineup was fluid, with Costello being the only constant member. As the band’s sound began to evolve and mature, the lineup solidified, bringing in guitarist Chris L. Miller, drummer Tobin "Toby" Stenby, bassist Frank Aversa, and guitarist Zac Morris. Their early work was driven by a blend of punk rock, post-hardcore, and gothic influences, but as their sound matured, New Year’s Day began to experiment with more metal, industrial, and electronic elements, which helped them carve a distinctive sound.

Sound and Style

New Year’s Day’s music is characterized by its mix of heavy guitar riffs, intense drumming, and Ash Costello’s distinct vocals. Costello’s voice is one of the band’s trademarks, blending elements of pop sensibility with gritty, emotive energy. Her ability to seamlessly transition between soaring, melodic choruses and aggressive screams has become a defining feature of the band's sound.

While they initially drew from a variety of influences, ranging from punk rock to metalcore, the band's later work has embraced a more polished and radio-friendly style without sacrificing their edge. The introduction of electronic elements in their music, particularly on albums like "Unbreakable" (2015) and "Malevolence" (2019), shows their willingness to experiment and push boundaries within the rock genre.

Lyrically, New Year's Day delves into themes of personal empowerment, heartbreak, and overcoming adversity, with many songs exploring the emotional struggles of self-worth, defiance, and resilience. Costello’s lyrics have often resonated with fans, especially young listeners who find solidarity in her raw, confessional writing.

Notable Albums and Milestones

"Victim to Villain" (2013)

Released in 2013, Victim to Villain marked a turning point for New Year’s Day. The album introduced a heavier, more anthemic sound, with tracks like “Anger Overload” and “Everything You Love (Is Dead)” becoming fan favorites. The album also showcased a broader range of emotions and musical experimentation, solidifying the band's position in the alternative rock scene.

"Unbreakable" (2015)

Building upon the momentum from their previous work, Unbreakable featured a mix of heavy riffs and more polished, radio-friendly tracks. Singles like “Defame Me” and the title track “Unbreakable” garnered attention from both rock and mainstream audiences. The album also highlighted the band’s growing presence on the touring circuit, where their performances became known for their high energy and stage presence.

"Malevolence" (2019)

Malevolence, released in 2019, is often considered one of New Year’s Day’s most cohesive and experimental albums. The album blends metalcore, industrial, and even elements of goth rock, delivering a dark and brooding atmosphere throughout. Songs like “Shameless” and “Come For Me” stand out not only for their brutal intensity but also for their thoughtful, introspective lyrics. The band experimented with more electronic and industrial elements, creating a darker, more immersive sound. Malevolence earned critical praise for its innovative approach, showing the band’s ability to push their sound forward while maintaining their core identity.

Ash Costello: The Icon

Ash Costello, the band's frontwoman and primary lyricist, is a significant part of New Year's Day’s appeal. Known for her striking, multi-colored hair and punk-inspired style, she has become a symbol of empowerment and self-expression in the rock scene. Her unapologetic persona and strong stage presence have earned her a loyal following, with many fans admiring her resilience and authenticity.

Costello’s openness about mental health issues, struggles with self-doubt, and experiences of overcoming obstacles has made her an important figure in the rock and alternative scenes. She frequently engages with her fans through social media, offering a sense of camaraderie and support to her followers. Her voice, both literal and metaphorical, has resonated with many who view her as a role model.

Touring and Impact

New Year's Day’s live performances have become legendary in the rock community. The band has toured with some of the biggest names in rock, including In This Moment, Halestorm, and Motionless In White. Their intense live shows are a testament to their ability to connect with audiences, with Costello often leading the crowd in powerful, cathartic sing-alongs.

In addition to their own headlining tours, New Year’s Day has made appearances at some of the most prestigious rock festivals, including Vans Warped Tour and Download Festival, further cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in the alternative rock scene.

Looking to the Future

As of 2025, New Year’s Day continues to evolve and experiment with their sound. Fans eagerly anticipate the release of new music as the band hints at exploring even more diverse genres and themes in their future albums. Whether diving deeper into electronic elements or exploring new layers of their heavy rock roots, New Year’s Day has proven they are not afraid to push boundaries while staying true to their authentic selves.

With an ever-growing fan base and a commitment to their art, New Year’s Day is poised to remain a key player in the rock world for years to come. Their ability to blend aggression with melody, darkness with hope, and personal experience with universal themes ensures they will continue to resonate with listeners and inspire new generations of fans. As the band moves forward, one thing is certain: New Year’s Day is far from finished.

Conclusion

New Year’s Day’s rise to prominence within the rock scene is a testament to their talent, resilience, and ability to adapt to an ever-changing musical landscape. With each album, they’ve proven themselves to be not only a band to watch but also a force to be reckoned with. Their blend of catchy hooks, intense riffs, and powerful lyrics has earned them a dedicated fan base and a reputation for being one of the most exciting acts in modern rock music. Fans and newcomers alike will undoubtedly continue to follow New Year's Day as they forge ahead, unbreakable and unapologetically themselves.

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