Chasing Destiny: Symphonic Metal Band Sangriento Unveils New Comic Book Concept Album

Sangriento enters a new arc with as much flamboyance as you’d expect (Credit: Peegion Photography)

Valiant songscapes of symphonic metal. Stage outfits inspired by steampunk and goth garb. And comic book music videos that blend medieval fantasy with dystopian sci-fi. There’s an endearing and unflinching campiness to the craft of Sangriento, underground rebels who’ve stuck to their tale since forming in 2010. Where other bands fall short of carving out a defined identity, Sangriento has showmanship in spades, matching the exuberance of their majestic compositions that essentially resemble rock theatre. Following their Blood Pact album arc in 2019, the quintet is now launching a new chapter of fiction with a 2025-slated record, and they’ve started the rollout with a first single titled “Destiny”.

Reflecting the band’s penchant for ornate opuses, “Destiny” sufficiently checks the boxes of the Sangriento sound. The track is anchored by Candice de Rozario’s transcendent vocals that span operatic vibratos, throaty bursts and velvety harmonies. And surrounding this immaculate core is a web of instrumentation spinning synth arpeggios, string salvoes and thunderous drumwork, complete with guitars that spew svelte fretwork and combustible chords – with a J-rock-esque solo to boot.

Complementing the bravado of the music, the track’s marketing also teases the upcoming questline for Sangriento’s new album. Released as an animated lyric video, it reveals part of a concept album tied to the band’s own comic book saga which it published previously with Blood Pact. The “Destiny” MV marks the opening of the new Sangriento comic – with artwork done by band drummer Christal J. Kuna – with scenes of magic and science while featuring several band-affiliated Easter Eggs. Both the album and comic come together to form a full artistic package, with each chapter tied to a song for a uniquely Sangriento narrative. If we’re talking about creative expressions that go beyond the studio, Sangriento’s publicity is next-level.

But to fully experience the Sangriento effect, soaking up the energy they bring to their live gigs is crucial. And fortunately for Sangriento fans – or uninitiated new ones – they’re co-organising a show called Odyssey, featuring an ensemble of musicians delving in progressive and alternative rock genres. Happening on 21 September at Phil Studio, Odyssey features performances from Sangriento alongside Taledrops, M.Y.T.H, We The Villains, rathmock, VYLT and Falling Islands. It’s shaping up to be a concert of melodrama and mayhem, and an opportune chance to catch upcoming material from the Sangriento daredevils.

Listen to “Destiny” by Sangriento on Bandcamp or watch the animated lyric video. Follow Sangriento on Instagram to stay updated with their activities, and follow Odyssey Fest for more information on the event. This is a sponsored feature.