The genre-bending band Stray View just dropped a banger of a music video, and you might just see some familiar faces.

The pop-metal quartet from Dallas, Texas, has been on a steady path forward as of late. With the October release of their EP, Displace/Erase, they have proven themselves capable of writing some seriously catchy hits with loads of energy and no shortage of memorable riffs. We were pleasantly introduced to their music when guitarist/producer Brandon Rodriguez joined the Vola artist roster. Since then, it’s been an exciting journey to follow as their music continues to stack up some serious accolades and land on some of the most influential platforms and channels. Just a few days ago, the band shared a brand-new music video for their song “Wasteland,” that just so happened to feature two Vola instruments throughout its entirety. Needless to say, we were locked in from the get-go.

The visual starts off with a distant shot of the four members, with the silhouettes of a JZ FRO and Vasti 5 STM vaguely distinguishable. A crunchy riff begins to pave a clear path for what’s to come. Before you know it, the stillness is swept away in an instant with a bone-crushing intro. Spastic shots of each member enter and exit with an authoritative manner, and the lighting, set, and overall visual design serve as a powerful complement to this impeccably produced composition. As the verse enters, one notable element emerges as Rodriguez flaunts a haunting lead line on the JZ FRO, laying a chilling standard for the surrounding elements. Vocalist Dave Escamilla’s note choices for the melody prove his musical mindfulness, and the sound design from a production standpoint makes his vocals poignant and perfectly placed in the mix.

Pummeling their way into the chorus, drummer Lukas Vitullo makes way with a half-time groove that could split the ground. Paired with bassist Jake Lewis’s commanding bassline, an unbelievably impactful substructure appears. He is proudly featured playing the Vasti 5 STM bass, which is no stranger to the heavier side of music. The straining vocal melodies and driving power chords mesh together to create an unforgettable moment. After you hear it, we wish you the best of luck trying to sing anything else.

As they exit the chorus, that strapping riff from the intro enters once again, this time with additional sonic elements placed in tandem. The second verse is certainly a rung up from the first, with a shifting vocal structure and melody that elevate the tune further. A similar instrumental accompaniment resonates with familiarity, showing the band's innate ability for songwriting structure and flow. Suddenly, a punishing pre-chorus hits like a kick in the chest, leaving a short-winded mess of any listener brave enough to take it on. The antidote comes in the form of that captivating chorus once again, tapering into a compelling refrain. It hardly takes two full swings through to have this melody locked down, and at this point, we’re already planning on repeating that melody for the rest of the day. As the last line rings out, one can only suspect that the present relief is soon to be disrupted. A Korn-esque bridge quickly descends. If you placed your bets on chaos ensuing, proceed to the closest kiosk to claim your winnings.

An abysmally down-pitched guitar riff is reinforced by the Vasti’s immovable sub-frequency might. All the while, Escamilla is screaming with every fiber of his being, sending chills through every spine in the general vicinity. Just as you’re ready to beg for mercy, the band cuts into a piano-led palate cleanser. This break allows one last time to catch your breath before you repeat every word of the last chorus (which you obviously have memorized at this point). We’re honored to have such stellar musicians utilize our instruments in this masterfully performed song and video. If you’ve been sleeping on Stray View, now is a great time to wake up.

You can watch this epic music video in its entirety HERE.