The Grammy-nominated, RIAA-gold-certified alternative metal ensemble RED is gearing up to unleash their first full-length studio album in three years, titled “Rated R,” on September 29 through RED Entertainment / The Fuel Music.
Today, the band has treated fans to their double-sided single, “Cold World” / “Minus It All.” The A-side, “Cold World,” carries a cautionary message from RED guitarist Anthony Armstrong, who not only produced the track but also co-wrote it alongside Breaking Benjamin’s Keith Wallen.
Anthony warns, “The track delves into our introspection when we’re burdened by the absence of someone or something that used to be part of our life. We may experience a newfound sense of self, but it’s essential to tread carefully in this newfound freedom. This world can sometimes push us into an even more challenging fall.”
Additionally, Anthony penned and produced “Minus It All,” a song that challenges us to strip away the external constructs of life so that our souls can flourish. He explains, “This world demands sacrifices, but it’s a choice whether we relinquish the things that poison us, granting us the opportunity to grow amidst the cacophony.”
RED’s signature blend of intricate instrumentation, impactful songwriting, impassioned performances, and deeply personal lyrics takes center stage on their eighth studio album, “Rated R.” This eagerly anticipated follow-up to 2020’s chart-topping “Declaration” (the first release on their independent label) grapples with a range of relevant and thought-provoking themes, all while addressing the ideological and interpersonal rifts, confrontations, and suffering prevalent in contemporary society.
Pre-order “Rated R” HERE.
“We’re examining how there’s almost no authentic human interaction and empathy anymore,” guitarist Anthony Armstrong explains. “People jump online to be and say whatever they want. They talk without listening, and it results in bullying and violence. Plus, we lose so much by focusing 24/7 on technology instead of stripping away everything that doesn’t matter and seeing how beautiful and healing it is to live with only what’s necessary.”
Bassist Randy Amstrong agrees: “Traditional family values and systems are broken and it’s causing chaos. Kids are forced to do active shooter drills at school, and it breaks our hearts. As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people, and we’re definitely seeing that. There’s also the notion that we learn by suffering and making the wrong decisions. As philosopher Meister Eckhartstated: ‘The soul does not grow by addition but by subtraction.’”
These sentiments influenced the sequencing and meta qualities of “Rated R”, as well as the album cover that represents the fake, almost plastic versions of humanity.
“It’s ‘Rated R’ for RED and we always try to be a bit provocative to get our audience thinking with how our records look and what they’re called,” says Randy.
Behind the scenes, “Rated R” is notable for two major change-ups: Anthonytaking over production duties from longtime partner Rob Graves and the addition of drummer Brian Medeiros officially joining the Armstrong brothers and inimitable singer Michael Barnes.
“Rob was busy with his solo project, so he gave us his blessing to try a different route,” Anthony reveals. “That said, we’ve absolutely kept the classic REDformula of symphonic elements, piano-driven atmospheres, heavy yet melodic guitarwork, and deep-seated and robustly delivered messages.”
This fall, and well into 2024, RED will be taking its hits, fan favorites and “Rated R” music on an extensive international tour. The first leg of the tour begins in the U.S. September 8 in Joliet, Illinois and traverses 25 cities across 16 states before wrapping up at The Masquerade in Atlanta November 19. Following a second string of U.S. dates in the winter/spring, RED is set to rock 135,000-plus Graspop Metal Meeting festival-goers from the main-stage in Belgium next summer with plans to hit additional festivals before traveling to 26 European cities in the fall of 2024.
“We released ‘Declaration’ a month after the pandemic shutdowns began, so we never got to properly tour it. With ‘Rated R’, we can. What’s really cool is that we’ll be headlining and offering the complete RED auditory and visual live experience for the first time in years!” exclaims Anthony.
With “Rated R”, RED delivers a visceral and valuable statement. “This is our chance to reach people and inspire them with our music and what we stand for. We want people to take responsibility for change,” sums up Randy.
