Photo credit: Nick Karp
Held., featuring Douglas Robinson and Salvatore Mignano of The Sleeping alongside Josh Eppard of Coheed and Cambria, share their final pre-release single “KNIFEPOINT” FT. GRAHAM SAYLE OF HIGH VIS ahead of the release of their debut album, GREY (May 15, MNRK Heavy).
“This song has a lot of attitude, and that’s a big reason we wanted Graham from High Vis to be a part of it,” Robinson explains. “We’re all big fans of Graham and High Vis. When I wrote the pre-chorus, I envisioned this British attitude reminiscent of bands like Bloc Party and Test Icicles, and I wanted it to come from someone who could back the attitude up. Graham is the perfect example of someone who can back-up their words with action.”
Sayle adds: “I was proper excited to jump on and be a part of it. I’ve always loved the chaotic side of the post-hardcore spectrum. I love the difference in our accents and how it somehow makes sense.”
See Held. live at Elsewhere (Zone One) in Brooklyn, NY Saturday, April 18. Less than 10 tickets left!
“KNIFEPOINT” follows previously released singles “NEW YOUR ANTHEM” FT. FRANK IERO and “CONSTANT TENSION,” which drew praise from Revolver (“lightning-strike guitar… and thunderous drums”) and Kerrang! (“emotional” and “powerful”).
With the release of “KNIFEPOINT,” the band completes a three-part video series directed by Adam Thomson. Together, the clips form a short film, blending Held.’s visceral performance with a cast of interconnected characters, drawn toward the mysterious pyramid from the band’s logo.
Held. has also confirmed a date for their first live outing, playing Elsewhere in Brooklyn on April 18, with support from Common Sage. Tickets are available here. The trio also recently confirmed a June 18 date with Thrice and Hey Mercedes at Empire Live (Albany).
On GREY, Held. arrive as three veterans with nothing to prove. Recorded at The Animal Farm in Flemington, N.J. with producer Jon Markson (Drug Church, Drain, The Story So Far), the album hits with the urgency of a debut and the clarity of people who know exactly what they want to say.
“The album as a whole truly feels like it’s everything I have ever wanted to write in my time growing as a musician,” Robinson says. “This record has, in many ways, healed me… or, it’s at least trying to.”
