Although rock n’ roll and punky attitudes seemed to have fallen alongside CBGB’s, there are still artists resurrecting the spirit and energy of those golden years. One such band is Ryder, a hard rock quartet hailing from Queens, NY, blending the best of classic rock with a modern edge. They are announcing their forthcoming album Menagerie, to be released January 31, 2025. They’ve already dropped the single “Southbound” which has achieved 33k+ all-time streams since its release on November 8, 2024, and single/lyric video “Queen Viper’s Kiss” which premiered on V13.net and Ghost Cult Magazine. The bandwill be teasing out more high-octane material from the new LP. Alongside the upcoming releases, Ryder will be hitting the stages on December 14, 2024 at Lucky 13 Saloon (Brooklyn, NY), January 15th, 2025 at Katie’s (Smithtown, NY), and February 1st, 2025 at Lucky 13 Saloon (Brooklyn, NY).
“…driven by the swagger and rock n’ roll charm of frontman James Ryder. He’s well complemented by lead guitarist Max Knight, who doles out electrifying solos left and right. Combined together, it’s an energetic formula for balls-to-the-wall heavy rock n’ roll.”-V13.net
On Menagerie, Ryder reveals, “Menagerie represents a bold new chapter for Ryder. Following a lineup change in January 2024, this is the first album to feature the band’s fresh dynamic and renewed creative energy. The record is a vivid tapestry of human experience, blending raw emotion with powerful instrumentation. Each track offers a unique lens into themes of struggle, triumph, and identity, reflecting Ryder’s evolution as artists. From blistering hard rock anthems to haunting melodies, Menagerie showcases the band’s ability to tell stories that resonate deeply while delivering high-energy, unforgettable performances.”
Fronted by powerhouse vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Ryder, the band draws inspiration from legendary rock acts while carving out their own distinct sound. On lead guitar, Max Knight delivers electrifying solos that pay homage to the greats but with a fresh, dynamic twist. The thundering backbone of Ryder comes from Rod Viquez on bass and Nick Bavaro on drums, whose tight, heavy grooves create the perfect foundation for the band’s explosive energy.
Having performed at the prestigious Rocklahoma Festival in 2018, the group have also shared the stage with legendary acts including Ace Frehley, Bret Michaels, Ratt, LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Dokken, Skid Row, John 5, and Wednesday 13, and performed at iconic venues such as Whisky a Go Go, The Chance Theater, Gramercy Theatre, Wellmont Theater, BergenPac, Webster Hall and Stanhope House. Known for their electrifying live shows, Ryder has built a reputation for delivering high-energy performances alongside some of rock’s most celebrated names. Additionally, Ryder worked with Anthony Esposito, founding bassist of Lynch Mob and current bassist for Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, on their debut album Killer Karma, as well as the single Lilan’s Lullaby and the EP Don’t Think Twice.
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