Corlyx reveal new single and video ‘The Holy Vampire’ where post-punk meets deathrock

Corlyx return with “The Holy Vampire,” a single and video built around a chimerical archfiend dreamed up by singer-songwriter Caitlin Stokes – part false god, part fallen angel, and every bit as seductive as it is menacing.

The character draws on a lifelong collision of interests for Stokes. “I got into Gothic Literature the same time I was in Bible school as a kid,” she explains. “Gothic imagery is riddled throughout religious text, artwork, and architecture of course, but these stories also have a lot of crossover in theme and philosophy. I imagine the Holy Vampire to be a false god or fallen angel, much like Lucifer, or the antichrist… The Holy Vampire is the father archetype meant to deceive and devour.” Stokes ties the song’s undead imagery to her own scrutiny of religious institutions, the wealth and power accumulated in the name of a faith that “actually favoured the poor” – a glamour, she says, that hides something far more insidious underneath.

Musically, the track sits at the crossroads of two eras of the band. “Stylistically The Holy Vampire is the one that’s closest to Purple Pain, our last record, and the new record — it’s a perfect blend of the two visions,” says guitarist/producer Brandon Ashley. “It’s got our classic Dark Wave verses and then we go full on Death Rock in the rest of the structure. It’s super danceable, and perhaps capable of creating a little mosh pit in the goth club. It’s also quite camp, which Corlyx is a huge fan of.”

The accompanying video, directed and edited by Caitlin, and shot by her and Sereina Winters with live footage filmed at Prague Gothic Treffen, brings Stokes‘ own interpretation of the fallen-angel character to screen.

“The Holy Vampire” is the fourth single from Corlyx‘s upcoming album The Crimson Tapes, following “More Anarchy” and “Your Heart In The Serpent’s Mouth.” 

Formed in Los Angeles in 2015 by singer-songwriter Caitlin Stokes and producer/guitarist Brandon Ashley, Corlyx relocated first to Berlin and then the UK, building a catalogue that has moved fluidly between industrial dark electro, 80s goth and post-punk, and darkwave. Now a full band with bassist Davide Rocco and drummer Flow Toulman, Corlyx are signed to Out Of Line Music alongside label mates including Till Lindemann and Aesthetic Perfection.

With “The Holy Vampire,” Corlyx conjure their most theatrical statement yet – equal parts haunting, seductive, and camp.

Corlyx are:
Caitlin Stokes – vocals, lyrics, melody, photography & artwork
Brandon Ashley – guitars, production
Davide Rocco – bass
Flow Toulman – drums