EMSU Media
- Apr 6
- 3 min read

BLACK ABSINTHE Share New Single "Dead Queen"

BLACK ABSINTHE, the vanguards of Canada's contemporary heavy metal scene, proudly announce the release of their electrifying new single, "Dead Queen." Emerging from the depths of Toronto's most revered metal venues, this powerhouse trio has consistently pushed the boundaries of heavy metal with their blend of thunderous riffs, breakneck rhythms, and a modern technical finesse. Now, with this latest release, BLACK ABSINTHE taps into their rich, decade-long legacy while charting new territories in the heavy metal domain.

The band shares of the track: “A snapshot, a love letter, a moment in time - ‘Dead Queen’ represents us at our core, diving back to our Party Metal roots. Big hits, big choruses, and Hair Metal attitude reigns supreme.

With inspiration from VAN HALEN, 'Dead Queen’s' mission is to get your fist pumping and singing along with guilty pleasure. Taking notes from GUNS 'N ROSES ‘Nightrain’ and MOTLEY CRUE's ‘Wild Side’. Keep your virgin ears ‘peeled’ for the inspiration from W.A.S.P.’s ‘Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)’ and STEEL PANTHER’s… general attitude.

The lyrics reflect a metaphor of our 'Dead Queen'; the city’s loss of venues and scene (at a time), live energy, paired with the exploration of cutting our teeth, drugs, sex, loss, love, and how, as musicians, we need to fight to keep it all alive. The Chorus came about in a jam session, joking around, finishing each other's sentences, and running with it!”

And of the video they comment: "From the formative years in our downtown playground, through the crucible of a pandemic and venue closures, the video brings you on a journey through a whirlwind day and night of our beloved scene. Special thanks to director Dylan Weller for sticking it out on this video. This is an energetic uplifting Metal anthem for all true believers that say Heavy Metal will never die!”

About BLACK ABSINTHE:

Formed in the underground dungeons and dives of Toronto’s metal scene, BLACK ABSINTHE is a Canadian contemporary heavy metal band. Since 2011, BLACK ABSINTHE has performed, recorded, and reached new fans all over Canada. Presenting a mix of thrashing mosh pits and riff heavy anthems, their growing presence in the diverse heavy music scene, unifies classic metal grandeur, speed-demon rhythm sections, soaring solos, with modern technicality. Over the course of three EP’s and one LP, Early Signs of Denial (2016), BLACK ABSINTHE has continued to grow and experiment on its NWOBHM influences while maintaining the intensity of the contemporary heavy metal genre. The band draw influences from the likes of GOJIRA, MASTODON, SLAYER, and MOTÖRHEAD, to name a few.

In 2019, founders Jack Cerre and Kyle Scarlett proudly welcomed Fernando Villalobos (Ex-SLUDGEHAMMER) into the fold. BLACK ABSINTHE continues to carve their own path with performances across Canada and have brought new material to fans in Montreal, Newfoundland, and Toronto. Most recently opening for TOWER, FIREBREATHER, and WITCHROT.

In 2020, the band began laying the groundwork for their latest album On Earth or In Hell. In 2021 the band began pre-production demos with JC Sandoval (THE CROOKED, WE THE CROOKED). As producer, he oversaw the entire project, also engineering vocals and bass. In February 2022, the band engaged Juno-nominated producer Tyler Williams of Monolithic Productions (LINDSAY SCHOOLCRAFT, LUTHARO, SLUDGEHAMMER) to co-produce, engineer drums and guitar, and mix the album. The album is slated for release on March 27th, 2024.

Watch the video for the first single "On Earth or In Hell" here: https://youtu.be/dF2FQ4hBu3Q?si=YZ8PXNWRq5vuB3NO

BLACK ABSINTHE is:

Jack Cerre (Vocals/Guitar)

Kyle Scarlett (Bass)

Fernando Villalobos (Drums)

Single & Video Credits For "Dead Queen":

Directed by: Dylan Weller https://www.dylanweller.com/

Performed/Written by: Black Absinthe

Produced by: J.C. Sandoval

Co-Produced by: Tyler Williams

Mixed by: Tyler Williams (Monolithic Productions)

Mastered by: Lasse Lammert (LSD Studios)