San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents ‘Saints Of Absolution’, a dark and rich teaser of their debut album, out in early 2026 via Stratis Capta Records. Marrying their hallmark ethereal sound with a classic death rock vibe, this dark and primal offering follows the lead track ‘Hermine’. Both singles accompanied by short films by Bay Area producer David Kruschke.
Guitarist Stephan Salit (Thrill of The Pull) channels his Eastern roots with a guitar motif that circles like a hypnotic dance, over a tribal groove by bassist Jay Denton and drummer Randy Gzebb (Thrill of The Pull, Love Club), which undulates below. Mesmerizing vocals by Ria Aursjoen (AURSJOEN) enter like temple incense wafting atop of the music – sinister and confessional, before building to a wild visceral delivery as the song builds to its intense ending.
“This song ‘Saints of Absolution’ is about false idols, on two levels. The broader level, and the one we most often think of when we think of the idea of false idols, is about people attaching to negative ideologies that subvert our better natures, and the toxic swamp that lies down that path. The other level is the individual, and the poison of envy, hatred and spreading gossip behind others’ backs — often serious lies that can be very damaging to people’s lives,” says Ria Aursjoen.
“This world is full of enough horror without adding to it; although the lyrics are a little darker than my usual style, the intent is to make people think, to urge us all to not lose sight of our common humanity.”
‘Saints of Absolution’ was produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by the iconic William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith & the Muse, Christian Death) at 13 Studio in Chicago.
“This is another one that I originally intended to go one way, but then went another. I had the two main themes with the dissonance I desired when William made a suggestion that turned into the break that Ria takes flight over! What a glorious din,” says guitarist Stephan Salit.
Drummer Randy Gzebb adds, “I’ve always been drawn to playing tom grooves that give the song a darker more primal feel”.
Formed in 2022, Octavian Winters profess a visceral ethereal sound with haunting textures, channeling half-remembered stories from an indifferent metropolis and lunar energy. This newest single confirms the band’s well-earned reputation for weaving multiple stylistic influences together into a sonic tapestry that is altogether unique and identifiably their own.
Now critically acclaimed, the band gained a solid reputation with their 2023 debut EP ‘The Line or Curve’, and 2024’s ‘Nebula / Velveteen’ collaboration with Mark Pistel (Consolidated, Meat Beat Manifesto), their tightly crafted songs running the gamut from the ethereal to the dark and driving. This new offering, ‘Hermine’, visits those harder edges.
Following their recent appearance at A Murder of Crows Festival in New York, West coast fans will now be treated to their performance at Bar Sinister in Los Angeles on October 31 for their legendary Ghostly Halloween Ball.
‘Saints of Absolution’ is out now, available everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. Tickets for their L.A. show can be ordered at https://octavianwinters.com/shows
CREDITS
Music written by Octavian Winters. Lyrics by Ria Aursjoen
Ria Aursjoen: Vocals / Keyboards
Stephan Salit: Guitars / Vocals
Randy Gzebb: Drums
Jay Denton: Bass
Recorded at OW Studios, San Francisco, CA
Produced, Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio, Chicago, IL
Released by Stratis Capta Records
Published by Flare and Bloom Music BMI
Artwork and layout by Henry Austin Lannan
Octavian Winters wordmark by Eric Olson
Video and artist photos by David Kruschke, except
Banner portrait by Katheleen Landino
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR