Releasing their fourth studio album, Nemesis, this past September, Canadian prog rockers The Wring is inviting fans to enter the "Badlands" with their latest lyric video in support of the record.

Don Dewulf explains the track further: "Bad behaviour of major media outlets has given rise to powerful lower tier/social media that operate without any requirement for truth or decency; conflicting accounts, conspiracy theory, assertions without proof but presented as fact. It’s everywhere, but most obvious in the USA where almost every issue is dramatically polarized. Even the average semi-intelligent person doesn’t really know what to believe anymore. Musically, Badlands starts with a crushing bass riff leading into an angular verse and a very metal pre-chorus. The chorus is open and singable. I love the solo. It’s got some Lydian forms which has a ‘crooked major’ jazzy kind of vibe. Fun to play."

The Wring's fourth album, Nemesis, marks a significant step in the band’s journey, showcasing a more cohesive and refined sound that blends their heavy rock roots with progressive and jazz influences. With eight tracks spanning just over 40 minutes, Nemesis adds a new, technical twist to progressive metal.

Exploring themes of external and internal conflict, each song represents a different facet of our struggles. From the driving intensity of tracks like “Badlands” and “The Sword” to the melodic intricacy of “The Nail” and “Before I Disappear”, the album is a dynamic journey through the band’s musical and lyrical vision. Reggie Hache’s expanded role on vocals, bass, and keyboards brings a new depth to The Wring’s sound, while Dewulf’s guitar work continues to anchor the band’s heavy yet nuanced approach.

Throughout Nemesis, the playing is tight, precise, and yet still free-flowing. Each instrument complements the others and often provides a steady hand while the other players move in different directions. It's a metal album, a prog album, a rock album, or even a pseudo-jazz affair.

Don Dewulf comments: “Thematically, Nemesis speaks to conflict of all sorts. Musically, there is a similar conflict of musical styles. The central idea of every Wring album is to combine many genres in a single song, so while nothing is new, hopefully, the combination can seem fresh or different. For many listeners, even the most dedicated, certain musical stylings are an onerous listen – jazz, prog, even classical. The idea of Nemesis is to give the listener a way to enjoy odd times, peculiar harmony, and aggressive riffs without having to give up their soul to do it. The backbone of every song is firmly rooted in traditional hard rock so there is always something to grab onto.”

Tracklisting:

“Badlands”
“The Nail”
“Blur”
“The Sword”
“Before I Disappear”
“Welshrats”
“Dark Passenger”
“Nemesis”

"The Nail" video:

“The Sword” video: