PRESS RELEASE:
Dreams Of Gray
In The Shadow Of The Storm
Independent
4 December 2026
DREAMS OF GRAY provides introspection and reflection through storm imagery and metaphors in the forthcoming EP, In The Shadow Of The Storm. Balancing extreme metal with captivating melodic elements, the tracks delve through tumultuous restless energy, personal grief and widespread injustice. In The Shadow Of The Storm will be released independently on December 4, 2026.
In The Shadow Of The Storm begins with "Edges of Thought." Lyrically, the track explores the mental turmoil that can be driven by our own fears. It focuses on how anxiety can overcome rational thought leading to a fractured state of mind despite there being no tangible threat.
Musically, "Edges of Thought" brings a collision of thrash and melodic death metal, and brief touches of melodic black metal, create a thunderous contrast against melodic hooks, cleaner vocals, and a soaring guitar solo. Project founder Luis Rivera comments on the musical arrangement: "The contrast between the aggressive vocals and more melodic passages reflects that internal struggle: the conflict between knowing that the fear may be irrational and still being unable to escape its grip."
The title track embodies the EP's melodic death metal identity, drawing from thrash, death, black, and doom metal. "At its core, Shadow of the Storm is about grief, loss, and the struggle to find meaning after life has been fundamentally changed." Rivera continues, "But the song is ultimately not about remaining trapped in that shadow. It is about learning to live with it. Recovery does not mean forgetting what happened or returning to the person we were before. It means finding a way to carry what we've lost while continuing forward."
"Shadow of the Storm" segues between frantic intensity and mid-tempo passages that provide moments of breathing room. The track's explosive introduction, thrashy foundation and driving main riff carry aggression while layered vocals and two melodic guitar solos give the song a broader, more emotional character.
The final track shifts from an introspective focus to an outward view. "Venas Abiertas," which translates to "Open Veins," is the heaviest offering on In The Shadow Of The Storm situated in the realms of classic death metal while retaining the melodic sensibility that is core to DREAMS OF GRAY's sound. Up- and mid-tempo rhythms are driven forward by death metal vocals which juxtapose against doomy melodies and an atmospheric darkness.
The lyrics in "Venas Abiertas" center around "injustice, exploitation, and the experience of vulnerable communities forced to endure circumstances that should never have become normal. Venas Abiertas—“Open Veins”—draws on the imagery of wounds that have never been allowed to heal." In this track, the storm is not an individual experience but a collective force fed through untenable circumstances. It reveals suffering and anger that manifests through visible tension when communities are pushed to the edge.
Written by Luis Rivera (guitar and vocals) and Jess Lai Mieritz (lead guitar), bass on In The Shadow Of The Storm was performed by Maria Kosma, with drums and percussion performed by Juan Cardenas.
Produced by DREAMS OF GRAY, In The Shadow Of The Storm was recorded at Bricktop Recording Chicago, IL. The album was mixed and mastered by Pete Grossman. Cover artwork for In The Shadow Of The Storm is by Athina Efthimiopoulou (@athena.ef).
About DREAMS OF GRAY:
DREAMS OF GRAY was devised by Chicago, IL, based musician and composer Luis Rivera (ABOLISHER) in 2022. In the following year, the project released their critically acclaimed debut EP The World After. DREAMS OF GRAY seeks to draw from the wealth and breadth of metal subgenres to create something distinctive and memorable. The project enables exploration of often dark themes notably, of loss, grief, personal struggles and the shadowy aspects of wider society.
The release of A Beginning in late 2025 saw DREAMS OF GRAY hone their sound further through a developed compositional style that doesn't restrict or confine their creativity. Inspiration is found in the likes of PARADISE LOST, AMORPHIS, IN FLAMES and DARK TRANQUILITY. DREAMS OF GRAY's music intentionally ebbs and flows dynamically, containing fierce riffs and high energy, as well as a deep focus on melodies and vocal delivery to produce something truly engaging and immersive.
Now preparing to unveil the EP In The Shadow Of The Storm on December 4, 2026, Luis Rivera is joined by guitarist Jess Lai Mieritz on compositional duties, bringing a further collaborative element to the project's sonic style. Revolving around developing imagery of storms and shadows, Rivera explains, "together, the songs explore different kinds of storms—those we experience within ourselves, those that life brings upon us, and those created by the world around us—and the shadows they leave behind."
Guest Musicians:
The lead guitar work on the new DREAMS OF GRAY EP is delivered by Berklee College of Music alumna Jess Lai Mieritz. With over 10 years of experience, Jess also lent her sharp composition skills to the music writing and tracked a series of blistering, memorable guitar solos for the project. In addition, she also produces her own boundary-pushing solo music: an innovative blend of lo-fi pop and heavy alternative textures. Her technical precision adds an extra layer of sophisticated intensity to the band's studio lineup for this release. Jess also commands a strong online following through her popular guitar videos, showcasing her skills as a guitarist and songwriter.
Behind the drums for DREAMS OF GRAY is veteran percussionist Juan Cardenas, a master of his craft with more than three decades of experience under his belt. Renowned for his technical precision and creative flair, Juan’s drumming is the backbone of multiple Chicago metal acts, including ABOLISHER (progressive/thrash/death metal), LEGACY BLACK, and ACRACY. Having frequently shared the stage and studio together in ABOLISHER, his innate chemistry with the project shines through on this melodic death metal EP, delivering an unrelenting and sophisticated rhythmic assault.
Maria Kosma is an accomplished UK-based session bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and the creative force behind the progressive metal project EMITY TRAP. Known for her technical precision and creative bass lines, Maria returns to anchor the rhythm section for DREAMS OF GRAY. Having performed on every single release to date, her distinct bass lines add a layer of depth to each song.
In The Shadow Of The Storm Track Listing:
1. Edges of Thought 4:14
2. Shadow of the Storm 5:08
3. Venas Abiertas 4:31
https://dreamsofgray.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dreamsofgray/