Deflecting Ghosts‘ latest release, “Out of the Grave,” combines aggressive, melodic identity with heavy guitars, haunting synths, layered vocal harmonies, powerful screams, and a melodic chorus. These contrasts create a strong balance between weight and emotional expression, giving the song a story behind the music.

The song was written shortly before the songwriter had a heart attack and was diagnosed with serious heart failure, associated with a personal battle for life. It started as a song, but the songwriter fought to live and make music, and it became something else. The experience adds another emotional layer to the release’s intensity, making it feel like a testament to endurance and the drive to keep making things happen despite life’s biggest obstacles.

“Out of the Grave” was mixed and mastered by Bulletride Productions’ Dustin Ridder, capturing the heaviness and melody at the core of Deflecting Ghosts’ sound. It’s a song that is both musically and personally meaningful. It mixes heavy guitars, eerie synths, stacked vocals, and a huge chorus. If you’re into alternative metal and hard rock, this is a potent mix of heavy instruments and a story about overcoming real-life struggle.

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One Empty Toybox’s alt-rock pop release “Cyberstalking” tackles a hard subject with an unexpected lightness. The song addresses abuse enabled by technology and supports a cause that directly relates to its message. The band uses music to raise awareness, making the song about more than just the sound.

More importantly, 100% of the proceeds from “Cyberstalking” will go to Stop Stalking Us, tying the release to an effort to address the damage behind its subject. The song was built on a bed of instrumentals, then vocals and lead guitars were added to give it shape. That creative progression gives the track an identity rooted in musical development, bringing in different elements to support the overall direction.

The song’s lyrics address a serious issue, creating a contrast between the upbeat, fun feel the band describes and the message. One Empty Toybox is built on friendship and warm, inviting creative spaces. The two main band members, Rob Dreyer and Nicholas (Nick) Viltrakis, have a creative perspective on connectivity and environment that generates ideas. That sense of community adds another dimension to “Cyberstalking,” a record that uses its platform to raise awareness for a type of stalking made possible by technology.

The song uses music to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the subject matter. One Empty Toybox turns their creative collaboration into a real-world demonstration of support. The musical approach matters as much as the release’s purpose.

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