Nightwraith share new black ‘n’ roll anthem ‘The Candlelight’

Denver, CO’s NightWraith returns with a powerful new standalone single, “The Candlelight,” a hook-forward black n roll anthem that marks a bold sonic shift and a new chapter for the band. Alongside the release, NightWraith proudly announces the addition of Lauren Vieira (Dreadnought) as their full-time keyboard and synth player, further expanding the band’s dynamic soundscape.

Formed in 2016 by longtime friends Ben Pitts, Spy, and Igor, NightWraith emerged from Denver’s underground metal scene with a mission to break genre boundaries. With roots in technical death metal and a shared love for melodic Swedish metal, the band has evolved into a force of musical sophistication and emotional depth. Their sound? Melodic, melancholy, musical, unique, and thought-provoking.

Originally written during sessions for their previous album “Divergence,” “The Candlelight” didn’t quite fit the mold, so the band saved it for something special. The result is a mid-tempo, riff-heavy track that leans into classic heavy metal while retaining NightWraith’s signature blackened edge. With harmonized guitar leads, driving double bass, and evolving keyboard melodies, the song builds to a crescendo of instrumental harmony that begs for repeat listens.

Lyrically, “The Candlelight” is a romantic ode to a wild, creative era in frontman Ben Pitts’ life, specifically his time living in Denver’s legendary punk house, The Yellow Bordello. It’s a snapshot of youthful abandon, DIY shows, and fleeting romances, rendered with honesty and grit. Rather than indulging in nostalgia, the lyrics treat memory like postcards, personal, vivid, and emotionally resonant.

“It can be hard to take a leap of faith and think outside the box, but if an artist won’t take risks, then nothing new is ever going to happen. I hope listeners will understand our vision for ‘The Candlelight’ and are receptive to the risks we’ve taken by releasing a non-traditional sounding heavy metal song,” adds vocalist/guitarist Benjamin Pitts.

The single’s artwork, illustrated by Nate Burns (@revoltingworship), features an otherworldly woman conjuring Bacchanalian party magic. Done entirely in pen, the piece is rich in detail, especially in the hands and dagger, and evokes a dark, mystical energy. Rob Burelson completed the layout, making the final presentation a striking visual companion to the music.

The track was recorded at The Band Cave (Denver, CO) and mixed/mastered by Van Labrakis (NITE) in the Bay Area.

“The recording process was quick and easy, allowing everyone’s natural performances to shine. It was my third time engineering music with NightWraith, so we were all familiar with the process and each band member’s recording style. Because of our comfort level, we took a more creative and natural approach,” says Jacob St. Amand (bass, recording engineer).

While “The Candlelight” stands strong on its own, it’s also a harbinger of what’s to come. NightWraith is currently deep in the writing process for their fourth full-length album, which promises to be their darkest and most cohesive work yet. With a renewed collaborative energy and a lineup firing on all cylinders, fans can expect music that’s both emotionally resonant and musically daring.

For fans of Tribulation, Opeth, Mastodon, Kvelertak, and Ghost, NightWraith offers a fresh yet familiar take on heavy music, one that’s steeped in European melodic metal and driven by heartfelt storytelling.