Any Given Sin release their debut album, War Within, via Mascot Records on 4th August, with the track ‘Cold Bones’ out now as a single.
Inner struggle incites outward expression. Any Given Sin transfigure conflict into caustic and catchy hard rock. The Maryland quarter – Victor Ritchie (vocals), Mike Conner (guitar), Rich Stevenson (bass), and Mike Showalter (drums) – are said to encase these unrestrained emotions inside arena-size anthems with bold hooks and bludgeoning riffs.
Representing the emotional apex of the record, ‘Cold Bones’ leans on soft piano. These icy tones underscore a vulnerable yet vital vocal performance just before the distortion kicks back in underneath the refrain. As a military vet often faced with the horrible news of duty’s permanent scars, Richie dug deep inside himself for the lyrics. “I wrote it by myself on the piano,” he recalled. “I was in the military for seven years, and I had a lot of friends commit suicide. We lost too many of our buddies in Iraq and Afghanistan. This song is about those people, but it could be for anyone who has lost a friend under similar circumstances.”
Amassing nearly 20 million streams to date, buzzing at US radio, and building a devout fan base, the group perfected this pummelling and powerful style on their forthcoming Mascot Records debut. The band recently revealed the videos for ‘Still Sinking’ and ‘Calm Before The Storm’ from the album. In 2021, ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Insidious’ both cracked the Top 40 at Active Rock radio in addition to catapulting to #1 on SiriusXM, overtaking the fan-powered ‘Big’ Uns Countdown’.
Along the way, they have toured with Steel Panther, Crobot and Shaman’s Harvest, gracing festival stages and headline slots and building a formidable stage presence.
Produced by Chris Dawson, keyboards augment the verses’ cinematic scope as guitars power up an undeniable chant, “I’m making no apologies.” “It’s a song about perseverance,” said Ritchie. “You’re standing up to whatever’s in front of you.” Guitarist Conner added, “You’re not just surviving a traumatic experience though – You’re also becoming stronger because of it.”
On the title track, Richie’s arresting delivery echoes before the chorus issues a proclamation, “This is the war within.” “It’s a free speech song,” revealed Richie. Ramping up the momentum, sirens herald the onset of the roaring ‘House On Fire’. With a one-two punch of raw riffing and walloping bass, the momentum bleeds into another chantable chorus. “It’s about the condition of the world,” noted Conner. “It’s just getting worse and worse. The fire’s growing bigger. Will we ever be able to put it out?” “We’re all trapped in it,” agreed Richie.
Presenting a 360-degree vision, the album cover holds a special significance for the band as it pairs their respective star signs with a personal vice. “It essentially displays the Seven Deadly Sins,” Conner continued. “We’re admitting to the sin we struggle with on the cover. It speaks to our band name as well.”
By sharing their trials, tribulations, and triumphs, Any Given Sin ultimately offer a communal catharsis for fans to share. “When you listen to us, we hope you feel like you’re not alone,” said Richie. “No matter what you’re dealing with, the music shows a reminder that someone hears you.” “A lot of it may sound dark and depressing, but there’s a positive message,” Conner concludes. “Keep going.”
Tracks featured on the album are: ‘War Within’, ‘Calm Before the Storm’, ‘Another Life’, ‘Cold Bones’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Insidious’, ‘Ball And Chain’, ‘The Way I Say Goodbye’, ‘House On Fire’, ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Still Sinking’.
