Modern rock newcomers Bastion Rose are carving out a formidable place for themselves in the heavy music scene as they gear up to release their full-length album, Traces of Gold, on November 7th. This highly anticipated record was produced by three-time Grammy winner David Bottrill (known for his iconic work with Tool, Rush, and Godsmack), immediately raising expectations for the band’s sonic quality and dynamic range. The album boldly builds on the foundation laid by their debut EP, Fade To Blue, which garnered over a million streams and struck a chord with fans by exploring themes of resilience and personal struggle. With Traces of Gold, Bastion Rose is pushing their sound even further, blending the raw power and darkness of classic rock pioneers like Black Sabbath with the complex, shadowy edge of post-grunge icons such as Soundgarden and Tool. Ahead of the release, we spoke with the band about their creative process, influences, and what this new chapter means for them.
The Chrd Magazine’s Cameron Doherty sat down with the group to get a more in-depth view of their latest release.
CD: Traces of Gold builds on the themes you explored in Fade To Blue. How has your songwriting evolved since that debut EP?
A: Fade To Blue was fundamentally about processing immediate, raw grief and finding the resilience to rebuild after facing immense loss and personal hardship, including my cancer diagnosis. It was a search for the foundation of strength—the “bastion.” Traces of Gold is the philosophical realization of what that strength is built upon. The songwriting evolved from a necessity for emotional survival into an expansive artistic exploration. We allowed ourselves to be more musically complex, delving deeper into concept and narrative, resulting in tracks that are more dynamic, cinematic, and theatrically structured, pushing the blend of our influences further than ever before.
Q: Working with David Bottrill is huge! What was it like collaborating with a producer who’s shaped records for legends like Tool and Rush? How did this experience shape the songs and the sound?
CD: Collaborating with David Bottrill was transformative. He’s not just a legendary producer; he’s a true collaborator who understands texture and emotional intent. The experience forced us to elevate every part of our craft. David brings a surgical precision to the sound—he helped us strip away anything unnecessary to truly focus on the emotional core of each song, giving space for the light and shade we aim for. He refined the tension and release in tracks like “Atlas Slumbers” and ensured that the heaviness hits with a clean, powerful sonic depth, allowing the bluesy, soulful aspects of the vocals to collide beautifully with the dark, alt-metal chord progressions. He shaped the songs by helping us realize their fullest dynamic potential.
CD: Your sound has been described as a mix of classic rock and post-grunge. Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations, and how do they come through in this new album?
A: Our sound sits at that intersection of monumental classic rock and raw, intelligent post-grunge. The primary inspirations that shine through in Traces of Gold are definitely Black Sabbath for that heavy, foundational groove; Pink Floyd for the atmospheric, cinematic soundscapes; and Tool and Soundgarden for the rhythmic complexity, emotional intensity, and dynamic shifts. You can hear the monolithic riffs of Sabbath fused with the theatrical scope of Dark Side of the Moon in the larger arrangements, while the dark, bluesy vulnerability found in Chris Cornell’s work influences the vocal approach throughout the record.
CD: When people press play on Traces of Gold, what do you want them to walk away feeling? What do you want them to take from this album?
A: I want listeners to walk away feeling a sense of cathartic release and, ultimately, hope. Traces of Gold is about realizing that life is inherently valuable despite its fleeting nature. I want them to feel the permission to let go of the impossible weight they’ve been carrying, much like Atlas in our new single. It’s an album that says, “It’s hard, but it’s worth it.” We want them to take away the profound realization that resilience—the “bastion”—is built not just on raw strength, but on the courage to be vulnerable and embrace the beauty found in life’s fragility—the “rose.” It’s a journey from darkness back to light.
Album Review
Bastion Rose is here to tell a story, and if their debut album Traces of Gold is anything to go by, it’s a story worth listening to. Frontman Austin Frink delivers a powerful vocal performance that carries a seamless blend of grit and grace, channeling the emotional intensity of rock greats while carving out something distinctly their own. The record opens with “Atlas Summer,” a smart choice for an introduction that sets an expansive, urgent, and moving tone immediately. The masterful interplay between storytelling and intricate guitar work draws you in from the first verse, leaving you eager for what comes next. This momentum flows naturally into the pre-released single “Cinnamon Fire,” a track that not only strengthens the album’s sonic identity but visually ties everything together through its accompanying moody, cinematic video.
Across the album, Bastion Rose perfectly balances lyrical depth with intricate guitar and drum arrangements. As someone who usually leans toward pop, I found it surprisingly easy to sink into this soundscape, a testament to the band’s craftsmanship. They effectively bridge the gap between accessibility and authenticity, making heavier rock feel inviting rather than intimidating. The thoughtful inclusion of instrumental tracks provides welcome breathing space, seamlessly stitching the album together in a cohesive flow. By the time the final track fades out, one thing is clear: Bastion Rose aren’t just finding their voice; they’re defining it. If their EP, Fade To Blue, hinted at vast potential, Traces of Gold resoundingly confirms it. My personal standout was “Wild Honey,” a track with a chorus so infectious I caught myself humming, “gimme, gimme” hours later. Traces of Gold is a confident and compelling statement from a band still on the rise—a sharp reminder that rock still has stories to tell, and Bastion Rose is ready to tell theirs.
Article, Interview and Album Review by Cameron Doherty
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