RYDER | MENAGERIE

Released 31^st January 2025, Ryder’s ‘Menagerie’ is a raw and electrifying exploration of human emotion, deception, resilience, and redemption. The album has produced three singles prior to release. November’s ‘Southbound‘ was followed up by December release ‘Queen Viper’s Kiss‘, while January 10th saw ‘third and final single ‘One Eye Open‘ hit streaming platforms and radio.

The band’s second album weaves together stories of betrayal, self-discovery, and reckoning, encapsulating the highs and lows of life through a powerful blend of hard rock intensity and evocative lyricism.

From the venomous allure of Queen Viper’s Kiss to the aching regret of Eulogy, the defiant escape of Southbound, and the introspective battle of Heart of Stone, each track contributes to the album’s overarching theme – navigating the complexities of trust, loss, and transformation. The title track, Menagerie, serves as the album’s centerpiece, unraveling a journey through pride, manipulation, and eventual redemption, mirroring the chaos and beauty of life itself.

“This album isn’t just a collection of songs – it’s a statement. A battle cry for those who have fought, fallen, and risen again.”

With anthemic choruses, scorching guitar riffs, and thunderous rhythms, Menagerie captures the essence of Ryder’s signature sound—unapologetic, heartfelt, and deeply resonant. Every song offers a glimpse into a different corner of the emotional spectrum, making Menagerie a dynamic and immersive rock experience that lingers long after the final note fades.

TRACK BY TRACK

ONE EYE OPEN

A song of betrayal and retribution, One Eye Open captures the anguish of being deceived by someone once trusted. The lyrics weave a tale of shattered faith and the harsh realization that some wounds never fully heal. With a haunting chorus and a driving instrumental, the track delivers a powerful statement about resilience in the face of heartbreak.

QUEEN VIPER’S KISS

A venomous tale of seduction and danger, Queen Viper’s Kiss portrays a hypnotic femme fatale who lures her victims into a deadly trap. The song pulses with a dark and sultry energy, blending evocative lyrics with a hard-hitting groove. Its infectious melody and captivating storytelling make it an undeniable standout.

SOUTHBOUND

A high-octane anthem of escape and self-discovery, Southbound embodies the restless spirit of someone leaving their past behind to chase a new future. With roaring guitars and an electrifying chorus, the song captures the thrill of hitting the open road, making it an instant classic for those who crave freedom.

WITH LOVE

This track explores the illusion of romance and the painful realization that love can sometimes be nothing more than a mirage. With Love is both introspective and melancholic, blending poetic lyricism with soaring instrumentation. Its hypnotic repetition underscores the cyclical nature of broken relationships, making it a deeply emotional ride.

HEART OF STONE

A song of inner turmoil and self-reflection, Heart of Stone delves into the darkness of isolation and the struggle to break free from personal demons. The lyrics paint a picture of resilience, urging the listener to rise above despair and reclaim their strength. With its brooding yet powerful instrumentation, this track leaves a lasting impact.

WALK THE WIRE

An electrifying track that exudes raw energy, Walk the Wire captures the thrill of living on the edge. Fuelled by infectious riffs and anthemic choruses, the song celebrates the reckless spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Its adrenaline-pumping intensity makes it a perfect soundtrack for those who embrace the wild side of life.

FROM THE DARK

A gripping journey through pain and redemption, From the Dark explores themes of suffering, loss, and the search for salvation. The lyrics create a sense of longing for escape, while the music builds into a cathartic release. The song’s evocative atmosphere resonates with anyone who has battled their inner demons.

EULOGY

A deeply personal and sorrowful reflection, Eulogy mourns what was lost and what could have been. The song deals with grief, regret, and the burden of unspoken words. With its haunting melody and emotional intensity, it stands as one of Ryder’s most poignant and heartfelt tracks.

MENAGERIE

A grand and multi-layered composition, Menagerie unfolds as a conceptual piece exploring pride, deception, poison, and redemption. Its shifting dynamics and cinematic storytelling make it a tour de force of Ryder’s artistic vision. The song moves through different emotional landscapes, culminating in a powerful finale of triumph and rebirth.

IF IT WERE

A triumphant declaration of a life well-lived, If It Were embraces the idea of facing the end without regret. The lyrics convey a sense of fulfilment and closure, making it an uplifting anthem about giving everything to one’s passion. With its soaring melody and anthemic refrain, the song leaves the listener with a feeling of strength and clarity.

RYDER ARE

James Ryder – Vocals/Guitar
Max Knight – Lead Guitar
Rod Viquez – Bass Guitar
Nick Bavaro – Drums

Ryder is a hard rock band hailing from Queens, NY, blending the best of classic rock with a modern edge.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Ryder, the band draws inspiration from legendary rock acts while carving out their own distinct sound. On lead guitar, Max Knight delivers electrifying solos that pay homage to the greats but with a fresh, dynamic twist. The thundering backbone of Ryder comes from Rod Viquez on bass and Nick Bavaro on drums, whose tight, heavy grooves create the perfect foundation for the band’s explosive energy.

With influences ranging from classic rock’s timeless riffs and soaring melodies to the heavier, punchier sounds of modern rock, Ryder is a force to be reckoned with. Their music is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, appealing to fans of the old school while pushing the boundaries with a heavier, more aggressive sound.