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YOB Drummer Embarks on a New Ambient Journey: SEMANTRON Unveils Second Single
New SEMANTRON Single “Prisoner Of The Sun”
Known for his work within the doom metal scene for many years, YOB drummer Dave French has unveiled “Prisoner Of The Sun,” the second single from his new project SEMANTRON, a vehicle for his personal musical vision. Released alongside an accompanying visual piece, the track arrives as anticipation continues to build for the project's debut album, Secrets Of A Krummholz Heart.
A project French has been developing for a long time, SEMANTRON embraces a more introspective and atmospheric character, bringing together elements of ambient, folk, and post-rock rather than drawing directly from the artist’s metal roots. The core compositions for the album took shape in an isolated mountain cabin near Mount Adams in Washington State during 2023. Throughout the subsequent recording process, French handled all instruments and vocals himself.
Set for release on July 10 in both digital and vinyl formats, Secrets Of A Krummholz Heart is far more than a collection of traditional instrumental recordings. Sounds gathered from the natural world also play a significant role throughout the album. Bird calls, mountain winds, flowing water, and the acoustic textures of various natural environments form some of the fundamental building blocks of the sonic landscape French has created.
The new single, “Prisoner Of The Sun,” stands out through a theme centered on the illusions people create within their own minds and the dead ends that can emerge from ideas embraced without question. The accompanying visual piece, infused with psychedelic elements, further reinforces the track’s contemplative dimension.
With the album’s release, SEMANTRON will also make its way to the stage. Dave French will perform with a full band at the album release show in Seattle this July, while in August he will appear as a special guest on Steve Von Till’s concert dates, delivering solo SEMANTRON performances.
Throughout his musical career, French has worked not only with YOB but also with Brothers Of The Sonic Cloth and various projects involving Steve Von Till. He does not view SEMANTRON as a temporary side venture. According to the artist, this body of work represents the first major chapter of a creative process spanning nearly four decades, one that will continue to expand through future recordings in the years ahead.
https://semantron.bandcamp.com
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