O.R.k's NEW SINGLE 'MASK BECOMES THE FACE' OUT NOW
O.R.k. are back today with ‘Mask Becomes The Face’, the third instalment in a recent string of exciting new single releases from the band. ‘Mask Becomes The Face’ follows ‘Blast of Silence’ and ‘PUTFP’ as O.R.k.’s final release of 2024 and paves the way for an exciting 2025.
Speaking on the new single, bassist Colin Edwin says “Mask Becomes The Face” is open to interpretation but is ultimately a song about personal identity and how it might take shape or change in difficult surroundings. Thematically, it does share some elements with “Pyre”, our very first song as O.R.k.”
The new song is accompanied by a haunting new animated video that embodies the uneasy, cathartic atmosphere of the track.
The track features a guest appearance from lauded guitarist and ex-touring member of Porcupine Tree John Wesley who provided the songs climatic guitar solo. Speaking on the collaboration, Edwin shared “Having spent years beside him in Porcupine Tree, I've long known what John Wesley is capable of as a guitarist when he gets a moment to shine, and it seemed Mask Becomes The Face was crying out for some sort of epic element to put the icing on the cake so to speak. So, we put two and two together and asked Wes to do his thing.
Fair to say he knocked it out of the park with his highly expressive and engaging guitar solo, which managed to surpass my expectations, and all of us in O.R.k. can't thank him enough.
We’re thrilled to have Wes as a guest on our latest single, we couldn’t be more grateful for his fantastic contribution.”
'Mask Becomes The Face' single artwork
O.R.k SHARE NEW SINGLE 'PUTFP'
O.R.k. are pleased to announce a short series of UK dates in May 2025 alongside UK cult favourites The Paradox Twin:
Thu 22 - SOUTHAMPTON, The 1865
Fri 23 - LONDON, The 229
Sat 24 - KIDDERMINSTER, 45 Live
Sun 25 - HUDDERSFIELD, The Parish
The new single from O.R.k (Colin Edwin, Pat Mastelotto, Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari & Carmelo Pipitone) is out today. The track is titled ‘PUTFP’ and is O.R.k’s second single in as many months, marking a renewed period of activity and creative resurgence from the band. Last month saw the band return with their colossal single and video ‘Blast of Silence’.
Speaking on the new single, the band shared “Why the acronym? It’s not a rare concession to the easily offended, but it instead highlights a feeling most, if not all of us, who have ever used any kind of telephone will relate to. Sometimes expressed as a desperate plea, at other times in response to a mere inconvenience, who hasn’t muttered this very same phrase under their breath or out loud at some point in life?”
Themes of abandonment, regret, anxiety, redemption and the inherent tension contained in those five letters are all explored with the accompanying lyric video, with the song and phrase reimagined as the soundtrack to a classic slice of mid 20th Century B Movie Film Noir-ish escapism.
‘PUTFP’ also contains a special guest appearance from drummer Alessandro Vagnoni who has stepped into the big shoes of O.R.k. drummer Pat Mastelotto, with logistical and schedule clashes keeping Pat away from his place behind the kit on recent live dates.
On the new appointment, songwriter and vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari shared “Alessandro has quite literally helped us keep the energy up, so we chose to document his contribution by offering him a new song on which to play and we are of course very pleased he accepted the offer.”
O.R.k RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘BLAST OF SILENCE’
Photo by 2B Photo Lab
O.R.k. kick off a fresh wave of activity today with their new single ‘Blast of Silence’. The first in a series of upcoming releases, ‘Blast of Silence’ draws on the heavier side of the band’s sonic identity, showcasing singer Lef’s powerful vocals at the forefront. An ambiguous, twisted ode to hidden depths and undiscovered possibilities, ‘Blast of Silence’ is accompanied by a stunning music video created by Lef.
“I consider that video a journey of self-discovery where an unforeseen strength emerges from within” the singer says. “I've always had a deep admiration for those who, in the face of overwhelming odds, manage to confront both external challenges and inner demons with unwavering determination. It's truly remarkable how, even when everything seems set against them, they find the strength to persevere, overcome, and ultimately succeed.” Check out the video below.
With the new single, guitarist Carmelo Pipitone demonstrates his ability to weave unique, expressive and memorable parts throughout, whilst Pat Mastelotto and Colin Edwin match the dynamism with both sensitivity and force on drums and bass respectively. The result is a captivating first bite at the upcoming and as yet un-named fifth album. Speaking about the new material, bassist Colin says “There’s no "filler" on O.R.k. albums, and in the past, we've often struggled to pick out or agree on the best tracks to highlight as singles. Subsequently we've often felt that certain album tracks don't always get the attention they deserve. Taking the time to allow some focus on each song as they emerge should allow for a better experience all round."
“Our songs lay us bare, showing exactly who we are. We often tuck personal messages into the lyrics—words that might be a bit tricky to suss out. But that’s alright, because it’s the music that really carries the weight of our emotions.” – Lef
The new single ‘Blast of Silence’ is the first in a series of upcoming O.R.k releases with a new album expected in 2025. Stay tuned for more info.
OUT NOW
The new album from ex-Porcupine Tree bassist Colin Edwin, award-winning composer/vocalist LEF, King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto, and Marta Sui Tubi’s Carmelo Pipitone.
The expansive and emotive, Screamnasium is O.R.k’s most essential album to date. Spontaneous yet intricately crafted, and perhaps the most concise statement of the band's sonic aims yet.
With the quartet having formed a strong creative bond over the course of three previous studio albums and with countless miles clocked up on tour, the highly anticipated follow up to 2019’s acclaimed Ramagehead has finally arrived. The pent up, derailed energies of O.R.k. have found a release with their gutsy, cathartic and striking new album Screamnasium.
Screamnasium is out now on CD / ltd ed green coloured vinyl LP/ black vinyl LP and digitally with orders available here.
The band have also announced a co-headine tour with Lizzard, taking place across Europe in April & May 2023. Tickets will be on sale here.
O.R.k. premiere their new single As I Leave
O.R.k., comprising celebrated Italian vocalist, producer, and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson's Pat Mastelotto (drums), ex-Porcupine Tree's Colin Edwin (bass) and Marta Sui Tubi's Carmelo Pipitone (guitars) have premiered the video for their new single “As I Leave”, their first new music since the release of the acclaimed 2019 album Ramagehead.
The new single “As I Leave” is the first foray into the band’s new album (the second on Kscope) which will be released later this year. It is accompanied by an otherworldly and dreamlike video from 3D-VR artist Chiara Orsi who has managed to match the song's expressive intensity in a highly imaginative visual display.
As I Leave was an obvious choice for a new first single/calling card for the band, containing all the sonic elements that make up O.R.k’s unique and inviting world. Lef’s powerful vocals, Carmelo Pipitone’s energetic riffing, Pat Mastelotto’s inventive rhythmic accompaniment and Colin Edwin’s distinctive bass tones all infuse the sound with a refreshed intensity and a new luminosity.
O.R.k bassist Colin Edwin states
“Lyrically, ‘As I Leave’ is an ambiguous contemplation on the inexplicable reasons for close personal bonds and human connections. It’s a song for anyone who ever desired deeper connections with another, but in some puzzling way, just couldn’t make it work. The profoundest differences are rarely geographical, as most of us have discovered over the last few years. There’s often an unknowable reason under the surface, did you blow your chance? …or did your dreams just get old?”
As I Leave will be available to stream and download HERE from Thursday 23rd June.
More news on O.R.k’s new album will be revealed soon.
RAMAGEHEAD
The 2019 Album
Featuring special guest vocalist System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian
Check out their Signals Erased EP featuring two new remixes
O.R.k., comprising some of contemporary music’s most revered artists, have combined their creative forces once again for a new studio album; their first for the ground-breaking UK label Kscope; O.R.k’s Ramagehead will be released on 22nd February 2019.
The band feature Italy’s celebrated vocalist, producer and award-winning film score composer Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari a.k.a LEF (lead vocals), King Crimson‘s Pat Mastelotto (drums), Porcupine Tree‘s Colin Edwin (bass), Marta Sui Tubi‘s Carmelo Pipitone (guitars); Ramageheadalso features a superstar collaboration in the form of Grammy Award-winner Serj Tankian of System of a Down, who is undoubtedly one of metal’s greatest and most renowned vocalists.
Penned following their headline European tour in support of their second album, 2017’s Soul of an Octopus; Ramagehead was forged from the band’s collective vision, unique influences and a multi-layered reflection of their powerful and engaging live experience. The result contains all the ingredients of a fiery O.R.k. performance with dark and heavy riffing, mesmeric atmospheres and lyrics that reveal the band’s bewilderment brought about by our modern world: a world of information overload, of uncertainty and post-truth messages.
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