Colorado power metal storytellers Siege Perilous have released the brand new lyric video for “Ancient Rite,” the second chapter in their sweeping 2026 concept album “Becoming the Dragon.” The track introduces listeners to the prophecy that binds the album’s protagonist, setting the stage for the epic, ten part saga that follows.
“Ancient Rite begins with a somber, almost foreboding tone. It’s the moment where the world of the prophecy opens up, and the listener steps into the story. It’s airy, it’s ominous, and it lays the foundation for everything that comes after,” says vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel.
The lyric video arrives as the band continues to roll out material from “Becoming the Dragon,” following the acclaimed singles “As the Dragon Falls” (feat. Fabio Lione) and “Echoes of Home” ft. Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) and the album’s thunderous title track.
“Becoming the Dragon” is a fully realized narrative concept album chronicling the rise, fall, and transformation of the “Child of Prophecy.” “Ancient Rite” serves as the album’s first true narrative step after the orchestral overture, introducing the mythic forces that shape the hero’s destiny.
The track’s somber, spacious atmosphere, driven by a steady, commanding verse, reflects the uncertainty and weight of prophecy. It’s the calm before the storm that erupts in later tracks like “As the Dragon Falls,” “Chieftain,” and “Eschaton.”
Formed in Colorado by longtime friends and LARP companions Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums), Siege Perilous grew from a shared passion for fantasy storytelling and the electrifying inspiration of seeing Unleash the Archers live in 2021. Joined by Eric Fischer (bass) and later Ryan Flanagan, the band has evolved into a fully collaborative creative unit. Every track on “Becoming the Dragon” was shaped collectively, with each member contributing to the story beats, arrangements, and narrative flow. The result is a unified musical saga with each chapter standing strong as an individual song.
“We could not possibly be more excited to share Becoming the Dragon. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians. Getting to collaborate with Fabio and Kristin, two artists who inspired us long before this band existed, has been surreal. We can’t wait for people to hear the full story,” adds McDaniel.
Epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story driven, Siege Perilous is recommended for fans of Battle Beast, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia.
“Becoming the Dragon” (released March 27th) is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:
CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl in Draconic Red) – https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon
