Nova Riot drops sinister new Cabin in the Woods-inspired music video ‘Like I Meant It’

Rising Durant, Oklahoma alternative metal power trio Nova Riot has officially unveiled the captivating new music video for their single “Like I Meant It,” directed by the band’s own guitarist Orion. Bringing their signature blend of bubblegum alternative metal to a sinister setting, the band filmed the visual inside a rotten cabin set at an award-winning haunted house. The clip stars vocalist Nova Ray alongside Orion, delivering an intimate, high-impact aesthetic that perfectly matches the aggressive yet melodic energy of the track. Frontwoman Nova Ray explains that the song delves into the internal struggles of making difficult life choices, noting that walking away can often leave a lasting impression that helps a person find balance and peace, and it is the third music video from the band’s full-length album Blood, Lies & Lullabies, which was recently released on August 21, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

Nova Riot continues to disrupt the heavy music landscape with their defiant philosophy of making music with no apologies. Formed in 2024, the group consists of Nova Ray on vocals, Orion on bass, and Ares on lead guitar. The band bridges the heavy intensity of acts like Spiritbox, Bad Omens, and The Pretty Reckless with the catchy, bright pop sensibilities seen in artists like Poppy and Violent Vira. Rather than grinding through traditional local bar circuits, these seasoned musicians adopted a digital-first global strategy focused on top-tier production and cinematic visuals. Their sophisticated recorded output even features drum work from veteran musician Matt Thompson of King Diamond fame.

The concept behind “Like I Meant It” draws heavily from classic horror cinema and folklore. Orion cited the original Evil Dead films and the dark tale of Hansel and Gretel as primary visual influences. The production effortlessly weaves together authentic witchcraft motifs, traditional horror imagery, and the group’s distinct clowncore aesthetic. To heighten the unique presentation, Orion debuted a striking new toxic green and purple mask specifically for this shoot. The decision to restrict the cast to just Nova Ray and Orion created a concentrated atmosphere, allowing each camera movement and edit to carry significant weight while giving the song room to breathe. The result is a sharp visual piece that highlights the group’s knack for detailed world-building and uncompromising stylistic contrast.

Nova Riot continues to build momentum as one of the most intriguing modern acts in heavy music. Through their thematic focus on mental health, personal power, and spiritual alchemy, the trio creates an inviting atmosphere for fans seeking fresh evolution within the genre. The music video for “Like I Meant It” stands as another bold entry in their growing catalog, proving that heavy riffs and bright bubblegum flourishes can coexist seamlessly in modern metal.

Get the album Blood, Lies & Lullabies at this location.

Blood, Lies & Lullabies track listing
01.  Haunting Me
02.  Midnight Coven Crush
03.  Casket
04.  The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear)
05.  Like I Meant It
06.  Through The Storm
07.  Sorry Mom

The heavy music landscape often feels like a choice between two extremes: the jagged, unpolished chaos of the underground or the sanitized, predictable shine of the mainstream. Every so often, a band emerges that refuses to acknowledge the boundary at all. Nova Riot, a trio operating out of Durant, Oklahoma, is that disruption. With their debut full-length album, Blood, Lies & Lullabies, they have officially planted their flag in a territory they call bubblegum alternative metal. The album is a rare combination of commercial viability and uncompromising creative vision. It is a high-octane collision of grit and melody that feels both dangerously volatile and impeccably crafted. Produced by Braxton Henry and co-produced by Addison Ray and Paris Pipkin, the album boasts a cinematic depth that matches its conceptual ambition. The trio functions as a self-contained production powerhouse, prioritizing studio perfection and visual storytelling to create an immersive world for their listeners. Nova Riot is not just releasing a collection of songs; they are inviting the world into an immersive, rhythmic incantation. Altogether, the album contains seven tracks, including standouts like “The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear)”, “Midnight Coven Crush” and “Like I Meant It.” The album was recently released on August 21, 2026 via Eclipse Records.

In an era of predictable formulas and recycled aesthetics, NOVA RIOT emerges from Durant, Oklahoma, as a formidable disruption to the heavy music status quo. Operating under the defiant mantra of “Music with No Apologies,” the trio has rapidly carved out a niche within a self-defined sonic territory they describe as bubblegum alternative metal. Nova Riot is Nova Ray (vocals), Orion (bass guitar), Ares (lead guitar).