Tower: Rising Through the Ranks of Heavy Metal

Introduction to Tower’s Journey

New York City’s Tower has made significant strides in the heavy metal scene, thanks in part to their electrifying live performances. Their sophomore album, Shock To The System, has played a crucial role in broadening their audience beyond their established NYC base. As they gear up for the release of their third full-length album, Let There Be Dark, in 2025, the band seems poised for even greater success. Today marks the premiere of their new track, “Iron Clad,” which follows the music video for the album opener “Under The Chapel.”

A Conversation with Sarabeth Linden

I had the opportunity to speak with lead vocalist Sarabeth Linden about the band’s evolution since their late 2021 resurgence, both through their music and live shows. Following their success in the US, Tower has even ventured to Europe, where they were met with enthusiastic acclaim, necessitating the use of Google Translate to navigate the praise. We discussed the NYC heavy metal scene, the loss of the iconic Saint Vitus Bar, and the invaluable guidance of producer Arthur Rizk, as well as the band’s deeper embrace of darker themes in their music. Read on to discover more about one of New York’s most vital bands; Tower is here to stay!

Reception of Shock To The System

What was the reception like for Shock To The System?

Sarabeth Linden: The album really broadened our fan base and made us more accessible to a wider audience of heavy metal listeners. The positive response was overwhelming.

Live Performances Following the Album

What was the live environment like after that album’s release?

The turnout was incredible, with so many fans showing up and singing along to our songs. It was an extremely humbling experience.

Favorite Shows During the Tour

What were some of your favorite shows you played in support of it?

I loved all the festivals we participated in, including Hells Heroes, Stormcrusher, Pyrenean Warriors, and Muskelrock. The energy at venues like the Bovine Sex Club in Toronto and Webster Hall in NYC was amazing. Touring with Exciter in 2023 and Mutoid Man in 2024 was an absolute blast as well!

International Acclaim

What was it like to receive such positive media responses beyond New York City?

We had to rely heavily on Google Translate for those reviews! It was fantastic to see our music appreciated across different cultures and borders.

The NYC Heavy Metal Scene

What is it like being part of the NYC scene, especially with so many bands around?

The NYC heavy metal scene is incredibly tight-knit. Saint Vitus, which we deeply miss, has been a cornerstone for many metal enthusiasts and has supported us throughout our journey. Their contributions to the community are immeasurable.

Recording Process for Let There Be Dark

What was the recording process like for Let There Be Dark? What was similar or different compared to previous recordings?

We recorded with Arthur Rizk from Eternal Champion/Sumerlands in Philadelphia, and working with him was a dream. He understood our vision without needing much direction. The experience was different from past recordings, particularly since I was balancing my job while staying in an Airbnb during the sessions, but it was much smoother thanks to Arthur’s expertise.

Album Art and Overall Concept

The album art this time seems different; were you aiming for a specific vibe or simplicity?

There’s always a vibe with TOWER. While the effect may appear simple, it truly aligns with our overarching concept.

Visuals for “Under The Chapel”

How did the video for “Under The Chapel” come about?

The album’s darker themes influenced our choice of visual direction. We needed someone who could capture this essence, and Eva Tusquets was the perfect match. She delivered artistically and did an incredible job.

About “Iron Clad”

Tell us about the track we’re premiering today, “Iron Clad.” What makes it stand out?

“Iron Clad” is an older song that we’ve been performing live for about a year. It carries a similar style to Shock To The System, with a straightforward and catchy structure while incorporating a few unexpected twists.

Future Plans and Live Dates

What do you have planned to support Let There Be Dark? What live dates are on the horizon?

We’re wrapping up our European tour shortly, which has been phenomenal. After that, we’ll shift our focus to the album release before hitting the road again. Our next US date is on March 26th at TV EYE with Satan, and fans can expect to see us back on tour later this year.

Final Thoughts

Is there anything else you would like to share?

We just want to express our gratitude to all our fans for their support on this journey. Heavy metal will always reign supreme!

Conclusion

Tower’s trajectory in the heavy metal world is on an exciting upward curve as they prepare for the release of Let There Be Dark. Their commitment to their craft and their fans is evident in every note they play. With the premiere of “Iron Clad” and a busy tour schedule ahead, it’s clear that Tower is a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene.

FAQs

When does Let There Be Dark release?

The album is set to release on March 21st via Cruz Del Sur Music.

Where can I listen to the new track “Iron Clad”?

You can find “Iron Clad” on all major streaming platforms as part of the album Let There Be Dark.

What other projects has Tower been involved with recently?

Tower has recently completed a successful European tour and has upcoming shows scheduled in the US, including a date with Satan.