Stormbringer are back with a new single, ‘Energy’, arriving ahead of their new album Transcendence, out 4th September through Attic Records.
The five-piece, made up of Mike Stockley (vocals), Ashley Smith and Darren Caven-Quantrill (guitars), Barney Byron (bass) and Jon Paul Quantrill (drums), have shared some insight into a track that carries far more weight than its title might suggest.
“‘Energy’ is one of those songs that people will probably misinterpret at first,” the band explained. “The title, the pace and the intensity of the music can make it seem like it’s about someone who’s vibrant, confident and full of life. In reality, it’s quite the opposite.
“The song was inspired by someone going through an extremely difficult period, and much of what I wrote came from witnessing that experience firsthand. It was a deeply distressing situation that affected everyone around it, and the emotional weight of those events stayed with me long after. Out of respect for the people involved, I’ve never gone into the specifics, but the song comes from a very dark and very real place.
“What interests me most about ‘Energy’ is the contrast between its sound and its meaning. Musically, it’s urgent, driving and full of momentum, but beneath that is a story about turmoil, vulnerability and the impact of watching someone struggle. That tension between what you hear and what the song is actually saying is at the heart of what ‘Energy’ means to me.”
That push and pull runs through the whole record. “Every album captures a moment in time,” said Stockley. “Transcendence is about growth through adversity. It’s about recognising and accepting the darkness without allowing it to define you. The album confronts life’s struggles on both a personal and societal level, exploring the challenges we face as individuals while also reflecting on the world around us. These songs aren’t about offering easy answers. They’re about questioning, understanding and ultimately finding the strength to move forward.”
Transcendence was produced by Russ Russell (Napalm Death, The Wildhearts, New Model Army) and recorded at Parlour Studios in Kettering, Northamptonshire. It is available to order now.
Stormbringer UK tour dates
11th Sept, Roadmender, Northampton, plus Brightblack, Silence Mutant
12th Sept, The Old Wine Vaults, plus Brightblack, Silence Mutant
25th Sept, The Portland Arms, Cambridge, plus Planet Fatale, Brightblack
26th Sept, The Carlisle, Hastings, plus Planet Fatale, Silence Mutant
20th Nov, B2, Norwich, plus Black Transistor, Planet Fatale, Triggered Velocity
21st Nov, Percy’s Rock Café, Whitchurch, plus Planet Fatale, local support
27th Nov, The Cobblestones, Bridgwater, plus Metallised
28th Nov, Bears Cave, Bournemouth, plus Brightblack, Silence Mutant
Viking Skull UK tour, with Stormbringer as special guests
29th Nov, Cart & Horses, London
7th Dec, West End Centre, Aldershot
8th Dec, Billy Bootleggers, Nottingham
9th Dec, Star and Garter, Manchester
10th Dec, Bannermans, Edinburgh
11th Dec, The Underground, Bradford
