Smoulder Unveils New Track “Water Wars” Ahead of Upcoming Album
New Album Announcement
Decibel Magazine is excited to announce the release of a new track by Smoulder, the renowned heavy metal doom band, who are set to debut their latest album, Witch Wife In An Alien World, later this year. Grounded in classic heavy metal, Smoulder is pushing the boundaries of their sound by incorporating various influences, notably drawing from Greek black metal in this upcoming release.
About “Water Wars”
Lead singer Sarah Ann describes “Water Wars” as the album’s energetic opening track, stating,
Musical Influences
“You know how Judas Priest kicked off their masterpiece Stained Class with “Exciter,” then jolted into a bunch of ‘70s rock bangers? That’s kind of how we felt with starting the album on “Water Wars” (which people will understand far more clearly after hearing track two from the record). Musically, “Water Wars” is our most Judas Priestian, riff-laden, speed metal banger yet — with a dark, and frankly increasingly prescient, lyrical theme. It opens Witch Wife in an Alien World with a jolt, and isn’t necessarily representative of the album … although no song truly is. It’s a weird record.”
Lyrical Themes
Delving into the song’s themes, Sarah Ann elaborates,
“Water infrastructure is being intentionally targeted in the genocide in Palestine; the United States recently intentionally attacked a water desalination plant in Iran. We’ve seen conflicts over water arise in California, India, Ukraine, Bolivia, Egypt, Turkey, Florida and more. Nestle owns aquifers worldwide and convinced the World Water Council to remove water as a human right, instead designating it as a ‘human need,’ for fuck’s sake. Then you add AI data centers projected to be consuming the equivalent annual water needs of 1.3 billion people? We’re fucked, and it’s getting worse. It felt appropriate to address this growing crisis.”
Release Details
Witch Wife In An Alien World is set to be released on October 9, 2026, via Cruz Del Sur, available in CD, vinyl, and a special spectral purple vinyl edition.
Conclusion
As Smoulder prepares to release their new album, they continue to challenge the norms of heavy metal with their unique blend of sounds and thought-provoking themes. “Water Wars” serves as a powerful introduction to what promises to be a groundbreaking record, reflecting urgent societal issues through the lens of music.
FAQs
When is Smoulder’s new album released?
Smoulder’s new album, Witch Wife In An Alien World, is set to be released on October 9, 2026.
What are the main themes of “Water Wars”?
The song “Water Wars” addresses the global water crisis and its implications, touching on conflicts over water access and infrastructure in various regions around the world.
What musical influences can be heard in “Water Wars”?
“Water Wars” is influenced by classic heavy metal, particularly reminiscent of Judas Priest, while also incorporating elements of speed metal and Greek black metal.
How can fans purchase the new album?
The album will be available for purchase in CD, vinyl, and spectral purple vinyl formats through Cruz Del Sur.
