Hard rock outfit Ryder unveils their latest track, “One Eye Open,” lifted from their upcoming long player, Menagerie, slated to drop on January 31, 2025.
Talking about Menagerie, Ryder says, “‘Menagerie’ represents a bold new chapter for Ryder. Following a lineup change in January 2024, this is the first album to feature the band’s fresh dynamic and renewed creative energy. The record is a vivid tapestry of human experience, blending raw emotion with powerful instrumentation. Each track offers a unique lens into themes of struggle, triumph, and identity, reflecting Ryder’s evolution as artists. From blistering hard rock anthems to haunting melodies, ‘Menagerie’ showcases the band’s ability to tell stories that resonate deeply while delivering high-energy, unforgettable performances.”
Made up of James Ryder (vocals, guitar), Max Knight (lead guitar), Rod Viquez (bass), and Nick Bavaro (drums), Ryder has performed at Rocklahoma Festival and have also shared the stage with Ace Frehley, Bret Michaels, Ratt, LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Dokken, Skid Row, John 5, and Wednesday 13.
Ryder worked with Anthony Esposito, founding bassist of Lynch Mob and current bassist for Jake E. Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel, on their debut album Killer Karma, as well as the single “Lilan’s Lullaby” and the EP, Don’t Think Twice.
Renowned for their galvanizing live shows, Ryder has performed at Whisky a Go Go, The Chance Theater, Gramercy Theatre, Wellmont Theater, BergenPac, Webster Hall, and Stanhope House.
Ryder will be hitting the stages on January 15th, 2025 at Katie’s (Smithtown, NY), and February 1st, 2025 at Lucky 13 Saloon (Brooklyn, NY), and March 1st, 2025 – AMH (Amityville Music Hall).
“One Eye Open” rolls out on gentle, gleaming guitars, followed by the entry of a low-slung polyrhythmic beat. The guitars ramp up and then descend to an almost shimmering melody. As the music ebbs and rises, James Ryder’s powerful voice imbues the lyrics with wicked, rasping tones vaguely reminiscent of Ronnie James Dio and David Coverdale.
Knight’s guitar solo begins on slow, bluesy licks that elevate to bravura incandescence under perfect control. His touch and feel allow his guitar to simultaneously breathe and amaze listeners.
At once melodic, muscular, and raw, referring to “One Eye Open,” as excellent and superb still seems somehow an understatement.