Canadian metallers KITTIE have released “We Are Shadows”, a powerful follow-up to their explosive comeback single “Eyes Wide Open”, which was made available in February via new label home Sumerian Records
The new track continues the band’s triumphant return offering a further look into their musical evolution after a 13-year hiatus.
“We Are Shadows” speaks to the fading certainty in a world shrouded by looming challenges and increasing division. It is both a reflection and a reckoning — a compelling narrative crafted with the band’s signature intensity and a profound lyrical depth.
KITTIE guitarist/vocalist Morgan Lander said: “‘We Are Shadows’ is about the uncertainty of a future that we can no longer control. We have come to a critical place in life and in our world, and much like an eclipse overtaking the sun, we are losing the light.
“The image of shadows slowly fading in the evening darkness, and the analogy of ‘us’ as shadows in the night really illustrates the possibility of slowly fading into oblivion. It is not a song of hope however, it’s a song of coming to terms with the damage we do and acceptance of our fate. We’ve let darkness take hold, and so we are resolved to fade in the night with it.”
“We Are Shadows” and “Eyes Wide Open” will both appear on KITTIE‘s first album in 13 years, titled “Fire” and due later in 2024 via Sumerian Records.
Morgan told Metal Hammer magazine about the musical direction of KITTIE‘s upcoming LP: “There’s a lot of variety. I think the kind of variety that you will expect from KITTIE. If you listen to the production of ‘Eyes Wide Open’, that kind of visceral, raw, but very modern sound is prevalent throughout all of the songs. The songwriting is definitely next level.”
In November of last year, it surfaced that KITTIE was in the process of crafting a new studio album at Sienna Studios in Nashville, under the guidance of producer Nick Raskulinecz. Having relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville approximately 16 years ago, Raskulinecz boasts an impressive resume, having collaborated with renowned acts including RUSH, ALICE IN CHAINS, KORN, RISE AGAINST, HALESTORM, EVANESCENCE, SKID ROW, and DEFTONES.
Regarding the response to the band’s live return in 2022, Lander told Metal Hammer: “I just think that the world is ready for us now. A lot of the things that we were doing 25 years ago were still… I don’t want to say controversial, but they seemed so new. It definitely has a lot to do with a shift in thinking and acceptance and representation in the years since the very first time that KITTIE came out. Sometimes it just takes the world a bit of time to catch up and appreciate those things.”
At recent performances, the bandhas been showcasing a fresh track titled “Vultures“. The band made a notable return to the stage in September 2022, marking their first concert in five years at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival held at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.
The current lineup of KITTIE features guitarist Tara McLeod and bassist Ivana “Ivy” Vujic alongside Morgan and Mercedes Lander. Prior to their appearance at the Blue Ridge festival, KITTIE had last graced the stage during their reunion show at the London Music Hall in their hometown of London, Ontario, back in 2017. This performance commemorated the release of the band’s documentary “Kittie: Origins/Evolutions“.
Ivana “Ivy” Vujic became a member of KITTIE in 2008, contributing her bass talents to the band’s fifth studio album, “In The Black,” released in 2009. She continued her collaboration with KITTIE by writing and recording bass for their sixth album, “I’ve Failed You,” which came out in 2011.
In January 2022, KITTIE‘s original lineup—comprising Morgan, Mercedes, Fallon Bowman (guitar), and Tanya Candler (bass)—reunited for an online chat to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of their gold-certified debut album, “Spit.”