Las Vegas screamo band Roman Candle has come out swinging with their debut album, Unadulterated out today on Sumerian Records. The blend of 2000s screamo with modern hardcore moves from their previous raw sound to a more polished, evolved, emotionally devastating weapon. Piper Ferrari’s dynamic range is an instrument of destruction on this album. From spoken-word style to high-pitched, shredded vocals, her growth as an artist has been nothing short of impressive. If Ferrari is the emotional fire of Roman Candle, Jonas Vece on guitar is the architect of the atmosphere. He is responsible for the serrated yet poetic sonic landscape that defines Unadulterated. In a genre like screamo, the rhythm section has to be incredibly tight to make the intentional “messiness” of the guitars work. Alex Dupuis (bass) and Sergio Lopez (drums) are the engine room that prevents Roman Candle’s “chaotic” sound from falling apart.
‘Blasphemous Act’, the first single released has quite the backstory. Named after a Magic: The Gathering Card, this song was a last-minute miracle that became the album’s opening statement and fan favorite. Ferrari explains the track:
“‘Blasphemous Act’ was the last song we wrote for the record, and it hit with such ferocity that it forced its way onto the album in the eleventh hour. The name came from a Magic: The Gathering card, but the song took on a life of its own — this unhinged, teeth-bared spiral of obsession and retribution. Lines like ‘your neck in my teeth is all that I need’ and ‘karma is owed, paid in full’ captured a darker, more primal side of the band that we didn’t even know we were still capable of tapping into. By the time it explodes into that repeated ‘run for your life’ refrain, it felt clear: the record wouldn’t be complete without this song.”
Unadulterated is more than just a debut album, it is a jagged, breathtaking exorcism that cements Roman Candle as standard-bearers for emotional hardcore. It’s a record that doesn’t just ask for your attention – it demands your empathy, leaving you bruised, breathless, and reaching for the repeat button.
Upcoming live dates:
24 April – Las Vegas- The Strat Hotel & Casino for Viva Thrash Vegas
12 May- Memphis, TN- Hernando’s Hideaway
13 May- Little Rock, AR- Revolution Music Room
15 May- St. Louis, MO- Blueberry Hill
16 May- Chicago, IL- Reggies
18 May- Indianapolis, IN- Atomic Bowl
19 May- Omaha, NE- The Waiting Room
21 May- Denver, CO- Marquis
22 May- Salt Lake City, UT- Urban Lounge
23 May- Henderson, NV- Grey Witch
Follow Roman Candle at Website | Instagram | Bandcamp