Originally conceived as an experimental solo project by Converge frontman Jacob Bannon, Wear Your Wounds has since expanded into a full-fledged band also featuring Mike McKenzie (the Red Chord, Stomach Earth), Adam McGrath (Cave In, Nomad Stones), Sean Martin (Twitching Tongues, ex–Hatebreed) and Chris Maggio (ex–Trap Them, ex–Sleigh Bells). Following up 2017's WYW and Dunedevil, the band is gearing up to release Rust on the Gates of Heaven, Wear Your Wounds's first album properly written and recorded with this official lineup. The initial taste of the LP comes in the form of its title track, a slow-burning, atmosphere-soaked piece that arrives paired with a fittingly moody music video, directed Max Moore.
"In some ways Rust on the Gates of Heaven is the first proper Wear Your Wounds album," Bannon says of the LP, which is due July 12th and available for pre-order now. "Taking the idea from lo-fi project to fully realized band. All of the members worked together writing and editing the material. It is also features contributions from Ben Chisholm of Chelsea Wolfe and Gared O'Donnell of Planes Mistaken for Stars and Hawks & Doves.
"Since this lineup of the band was assembled, so much has happened within all of our lives. We weave much of that into this album, consciously and unconsciously. Specifically, the song 'Rust on the Gates of Heaven' is about personal pain and accepting it for what it is. That theme surfaces within much of the album — how it may paralyze us, but can also set us free.
"I like to think that every piece of creativity we put out into the world in reaction to it has the potential to make a pinhole into what we perceive as impenetrable darkness. The sum of those tiny holes can bring light and perspective to one's life. Maybe the noise we made here can be a beacon to others and help them in some way. Whether it by personally connecting with them or motivating them to put their own voice into the world. It's all a positive if it leads you to a way out of whatever you may be in."
Listen and watch above, and check out the cover art to Rust on the Gates of Heaven below, as well as Wear Your Wounds' upcoming dates.
Wear Your Wounds tour dates:
May 8 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar *
May 9 Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle *
May 10 Toledo, OH @ Ottawa Tavern *
May 11 Detroit, MI @ Sanctuary *
May 12 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop *
May 14 Richmond, VA @ Gallery 5 *
May 15 Baltimore, MD @ Metro Gallery *
May 16 Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge *
May 17 Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus *
May 18 Boston, MA @ Sonia *
May 26 Seattle, WA @ Highline ^
May 27 Portland, OR @ Tonic Lounge ^
May 28 San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop ^
May 29 Los Angeles, CA @ The Satellite ^
May 30 Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room ^
May 31 San Diego, CA @ Casbah
June 1 Mesa, AZ @ Underground ^
* w/ Uniform
^ w/ Author & Punisher, Xasthur
