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September Mourning
September Mourning
September Mourning
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September Mourning is an American alternative metal band that incorporates a transmedia dark culture project created by Emily Lazar and Marc Silvestri.[2] The conceptual project was formed by frontwoman, vocalist, and screamer Emily Lazar in New York in 2009. The concept narrative created by Lazar and incorporated in the band and their performances, centers around the fictional story of a human-grim reaper hybrid named September, as she navigates the worlds of the living and the dead. The character's human-side possesses the empathy to give some human souls a second chance. The story is presented on different media platforms, including music, comic books, and live concerts. The comic books are published by Top Cow Productions Image Comics.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Marc Silvestri of Top Cow Productions became involved after Lazar pitched the idea of the band to him via Myspace. Together, they developed the world and storyline of September Mourning.[3] Lazar described the project:

"It's a storyline that has a musical component to it. An artistic component to it. The storyline is what holds it all together. The music is like the icing on the cake. It's very important of course, but it's the vehicle to tell the story."[4]

In early 2009, Lazar began focusing on the project's music. Together with guitarist and programmer Chris Egert and guitarist James Duran, Lazar began writing songs and figuring out the sound for September Mourning.[5] Lazar started traveling to Los Angeles in late 2010 and became the only constant member. At the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con, Top Cow Productions announced the creation of Marc Silvestri and September's concept story, September Mourning, whose preview story summary would be published that year in the first edition of their Holiday Special.[6][7] In late 2011, at San Diego Comic Con, MTV Geek[8] announced a partnership with Marc Silvestri and September to create webisodes based on the characters in the storyline September Mourning, as well as online comics and other media for their website, and David Hine signed on as writer for the series. The unfortunate cancellation of MTV Geek led to the webisodes never coming to fruition.

At the start of 2011, Egert and Lazar began self-producing an album containing the first demo songs written by the band. Melancholia was released on Repo Records exclusively in Germany on May 18, 2012, and features guest drummer Ryan Seaman of Falling in Reverse and bassist Phil Buckman of Filter. The album was mixed and mastered by Dave Ogilvie. On July 17, 2012, a demo of a new song, Before the Fall, co-written and produced by Sahaj Ticotin, and its music video, were featured in the TNA Wrestling commercial for their Hardcore Justice PPV August 2012. This single was released independently to the digital media outlets the following week and showcased the progression of the band's songwriting and move towards a more commercial sound. In September 2013 they played the Schecter Guitars party at the NAMM Show. Lazar continued to develop the look and theatricality of the band and to write new material for the project. They played some one-off shows in the California area while being shopped to labels.

In early 2014 the band was signed to Virgin Records and started writing and recording their US debut. In mid 2014 a new song premiered on CrypticRock called "Superhuman",[9] co-written by Kane Churko.[10] Later that year, the band premiered a new song, "Children of Fate", co-written by Sahaj Ticotin and produced by Howard Benson on Loudwire.[11] Sometime in 2015, their deal with Virgin Records was cut short because of the person that signed them into the label being terminated from his position.[12] On July 12, 2015, September Mourning launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the release of the first issue of a comic book connected to the project's storyline.[13] The campaign achieved its funding goal in under 72 hours.[14] In September, Loudwire premiered another track from their debut EP, Eye of the Storm.[15] The EP, mixed and produced by Sahaj Ticotin, was released on October 2, 2015, through T-Boy Records.

The comic titled A Murder of Reapers, was released in October 2015 through Top Cow Productions/Image Comics alongside Volume I, the band's first release in the US. The Front Row Report said, "all components of the project's impact present the sensation of strength and vitality. With such a unique method of storytelling and direct communication of passion, September Mourning have set themselves up for success with Volume 1".[16] Live-metal.net stated that "in less than 20 minutes, Volume I establishes September Mourning as one of the few truly unique acts active today. The title implies this is the only beginning, which is a promising, exciting thought."[17]

The band signed to Sumerian Records in March 2016, and released the music video for "Eye of the Storm".[18] The full-length album, Volume II produced by Sahaj Ticotin, was released on July 29, 2016, alongside the second issue of the comic. Lazar stated that "Volume II is a continuation of the first step in our journey which began with our self-released EP, Volume I and A Murder of Reapers, the first issue of our comic book. Volume II follows our hero, September Mourning's tale throughout the second issue of the comic book entitled, The Hand of Fate".[19] To promote the release, an animated lyric video for "Skin and Bones" premiered on Loudwire in July 2016.[20] Later in July the album released, being produced by Sahaj Ticotin and containing 12 tracks. In January 2017 the music video for "20 Below" was released.[21] The song peaked at number 39 on Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks.[22] The final single from the album "'Til You See Heaven" released in August.[23]

In 2018 the band released two new singles "Empire"[24] and "Glass Animals".[25] At some point in 2019 they became independent and began works on their second EP, Volume III. In July the band released the first single off of the EP, "Unholy", accompanied by a music video that was a complication of footage from the band's previous live performances.[26] The second single, "Hiding from Heaven" released in September accompanied with an animated music video representing September Mourning's comic book style.[27] In December, two days before the official release of the EP, the third song was revealed called "Overdose" with its music video.[28] The EP released on December 13, including four tracks. In April 2020 the band released the music video for "Madness".[29]

On October 3, 2020, the song, "Wake the Dead", was announced with the release date of December 11.[30] The song has been confirmed to be the first single from their new album, Volume IV.[31] On December 11 the song released as expected. Their new single "Kill This Love" was announced on January 25 with the release date of February 19,[32] after being teased the day before.[33]

Band members

[edit]

Current[34]

  • Emily "September Mourning" Lazar – lead vocals, keyboards (2009–present)
  • Rich Juzwick – guitars, backing vocals (2014–present), bass (2018–present)
  • Kyle Mayer – drums (2018–present)
  • Aaron Hoover – guitars (2020–present)

Former

  • Andrew Brown – bass (2009–2012)
  • James Duran – guitars, bass (2009–2012)
  • Chris Egert – guitars, bass, programming (2009–2012)
  • Nobuaki Hayashi – guitars (2012)
  • Steve Podgorski – guitars (2012–2013)
  • Xavier Moreux – guitars (2014–2015)
  • Skot Christ – bass, backing vocals (2012–2013)
  • Shawn Cameron – drums (2012–2013)
  • Tommy Joe Ratliff – bass (2014–2015)
  • Clayton Ryan – bass (2015)
  • Jeriah Eager – bass (2015–2016)
  • Andy DeCicco – bass (2016–2018)
  • Kyle Ort – guitars (2015–2017)
  • Josh Fresia – drums (2014–2018)
  • Patrick Romanelli – guitars, backing vocals (2017–2020), bass (2018–2020)

Timeline

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Main.[35] 		US
Heat.[36]
Melancholia — —
Volume II 20 19
Volume IV — —

EPs

[edit]
Title Details
Volume I
  • Released: October 2, 2015
  • Label: T-Boy Records, Mortem Media
  • Formats: CD, EP
Volume III
  • Released: December 13, 2019
  • Label: Mortem Media
  • Formats: CD, EP, Digital Download

Singles

[edit]
Title Year US
Main.[37] 		Album
"Lost Angels" 2012 — Melancholia
"Before the Fall" — Non-album single
"Stand by Me" 2015 — Volume I
"Children of Fate" —
"Eye of the Storm" 2016 40 Volume I/Volume II
"Skin and Bones" — Volume II
"20 Below" 2017 39
"'Til You See Heaven" —
"Empire" 2018 — Non-album single
"Glass Animals" —
"Unholy" 2019 — Volume III
"Hiding from Heaven" —
"Madness" —
"Overdose" —
"Wake The Dead" 2020 — Volume IV
"Kill This Love" 2021 —
"Falling Awake" —
"Dirty" 2022 —
"Mausoleum" —
"Guardian" —
"Stand Still" 2023 —
"Personally" —
"Empty —
"Shiver" —
"Rise (Oni Force Theme)" 2023 — Non-album single
"Gravedigger" 2023 — Non-album single
"Body Count" 2024 — Non-album single
"Before the Fall MMXXIV" 2024 — Non-album single
"Spit You Out" 2024 — Non-album single
"20 Below MMXXIV" 2024 — Non-album single
"Bitch" 2025 — Non-album single
"Hell Like Me" 2025 — Non-album single
"Bite Back" 2025 — Non-album single

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

September Mourning

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
September Mourning is an American band and transmedia project that integrates music, graphic novels, and live performances, centered on the narrative of , a half-human, half-reaper hybrid who battles to liberate innocent souls trapped in the realm of Mortem. The project was created by musician and vocalist , who portrays the titular character , and acclaimed artist , blending alternative metal/hardcore sound with a serialized comic storyline published by under the Top Cow imprint. In the story, , haunted by voices of the dead and guided by a mysterious and the entity known as Skullfly, selectively reaps the souls of the "worthless" while protecting others to resolve their unfinished business, such as exposing abusers or reuniting with lost loved ones; she ultimately forms an alliance called "The Trinity" with a resurrected murder victim and a blind girl who perceives only the deceased, fulfilling a to end the cycle of soul entrapment. The band's music directly ties into this lore, with albums and singles advancing the plot, starting from their debut full-length in 2012, followed by the EP Volume I in 2015, Volume II in 2016, and later releases like Volume IV (2023) distributed through Mortem Media, , and web3 platforms, with recent singles including "Bite Back" and "Hell Like Me" in 2025. Fronted by Lazar alongside a rotating lineup of musicians—including former members of bands like , 10 Years, and Sea of Treachery—September Mourning has toured extensively, performing at major festivals, comic conventions, and as openers for artists such as and Slipknot, while pioneering as the first female-fronted /metal act to sell NFTs, achieving notable rankings on platforms like . The live shows immerse audiences in the graphic novel's universe, with characters and themes from the enacted on stage to create a experience that expands the dark cultural fantasy across visual art, , and heavy music.

Concept and Development

Origins and Formation

September Mourning was formed in 2009 in as a transmedia project by , who serves as the vocalist and central figure portraying the character , and , co-creator and founder of . initially connected with online through , pitching her idea for a narrative that blended music and comics; , recognizing the potential, agreed to collaborate and contribute his expertise in graphic storytelling. The initial concept emerged from Lazar's vision of fusing music with storytelling, centered on a supernatural anti-heroine named , depicted as a grim reaper-human hybrid navigating themes of life, death, and redemption. Inspired by Lazar's lifelong passion for , theater, and heavy rock influences including , KISS, and , the project aimed to create an immersive experience where the music and narrative reinforced each other across platforms. During the early independent development phase, which spanned approximately five years of conceptualization, Lazar drew on her background in music production, songwriting, and performance—having transitioned from and theater training after an at age 20—to craft the project's sonic and theatrical elements. Silvestri provided comic expertise as a renowned artist and publisher, helping develop the story bible, character designs, and components through Top Cow, ensuring the visual narrative aligned with the musical themes. In 2014, September Mourning signed with and recorded an album produced by and mixed by ; however, the deal later fell through, and the album was not released, leading the project to continue independently.

Narrative and Characters

September Mourning is a transmedia project centered on its titular protagonist, a hybrid being born of human and grim reaper lineage, who defies the natural order of death to advocate for the redemption of lost souls. The core narrative follows September as she escapes the realm of Mortem—a shadowy plane where reapers confine souls—to collect the essences of the wicked, thereby granting innocent souls second chances at life through into new bodies. This ongoing serialized tale weaves themes of mortality, redemption, and the blurred boundaries between , portraying September's quest as a against predestined fate in a world governed by hierarchies. The story's antagonists, the malevolent Council of Reapers, enforce a rigid system of soul entrapment in Mortem, viewing September's interventions as a direct threat to their control. Key members of the Council include , who feeds on human emotions; Wraith, the most powerful reaper targeting malevolent souls; Shadou, a shadow-dwelling hunter; and Stitch, a manipulator of time and space. In opposition, September gathers companions as allies, including a resurrected woman who was once a victim and a capable of seeing only the deceased, forming a group known as to fulfill an ancient prophecy aimed at liberating trapped souls. These supporting characters embody the project's elements, providing emotional depth and collaborative strength to September's mission against the Council's oppressive regime. The plot evolves as a perpetual, open-ended saga, with each arc building on cliffhangers that mirror soul-collecting quests and epic confrontations between the realms of the living and the dead. Music releases serve as narrative chapters, dictating the storyline's progression and allowing September's character to morph in response to ongoing battles for redemption. portrays September in live performances, bringing the hybrid's spectral presence to the stage through immersive visuals and costuming.

Transmedia Expansions

September Mourning's transmedia expansions extend the project's core narrative of a human-reaper hybrid's quest for soul redemption into visual and interactive formats, beginning with the launch of the A Murder of Reapers in 2015. The inaugural issue was funded through a campaign initiated on July 12, 2015, which achieved its initial $25,000 goal in under 72 hours and unlocked subsequent stretch goals. This rapid success enabled the release of the comic alongside the band's debut EP Volume I in October 2015, marking the project's first major foray beyond . The graphic novel series is produced in collaboration with Top Cow Productions under Image Comics, featuring cover artwork and creative contributions from co-creator Marc Silvestri, known for his work on titles like Witchblade and The Darkness. Subsequent issues, including The Hand of Fate (2016) and Trinity (2017), and volumes tied to later albums, expand the storyline across multiple arcs, with writing by Emily Lazar and Mariah McCourt, and interior art by artists such as Sumeyye Kesgin. This partnership has resulted in collected editions, such as September Mourning: Complete Collection Volume 1, compiling early issues for broader accessibility. Transmedia integration further immerses audiences through elements like online webisodes and promotional teasers synchronized with album cycles, delivering narrative extensions in short-form video content. In 2017, Lazar announced plans for live-action webisodes produced by Riveting Entertainment, featuring distinct story arcs within the September Mourning universe to complement the comics and music. The project continues to evolve with ambitions for an , as expressed in interviews, potentially encompassing additional media formats to deepen the ongoing saga of September's battles against reapers and fate. The project saw a collected edition, September Mourning: Complete Collection Volume 1, released in 2019, compiling issues #1-4. Narrative progression continued with music releases, including Volume III in 2019 and Volume IV in 2023, distributed through and platforms.

Musical Style and Career

September Mourning's music is characterized by an sound incorporating gothic and industrial influences, with heavy riffs, atmospheric production, and melodic vocal elements delivered by . The lyrics are deeply intertwined with the project's narrative, often exploring themes of death, redemption, and the , blending hardcore intensity with cinematic orchestration to enhance the .

Early Releases and Signing

September Mourning's musical journey began with the independent release of their debut album, , on May 18, 2012, through Repo Records, limited to and serving as the project's first full embodiment of its transmedia concept through early demo tracks. The album featured eight songs, including "Go for the Throat" and "Love Is War," blending elements with narrative-driven lyrics that laid the groundwork for the band's storytelling approach. In early 2014, the band signed with , marking a significant step toward wider distribution and prompting the recording of material intended for a U.S. debut. This period saw the release of early singles like "Superhuman" on July 25, 2014, and "Children of Fate" in December 2014, both produced by and showcasing the band's evolving sound intertwined with thematic lyrics about fate and resilience. However, the Virgin deal fell through due to internal label changes, leading the band to independently release their EP Volume I on October 2, 2015, via T-Boy Records and Mortem Media. The six-track EP, including "The Sorrow" and "According to the Fates," expanded on the narrative elements from Melancholia while introducing heavier riffs and atmospheric production. Following the self-release of Volume I, September Mourning transitioned to in March 2016, a move that provided renewed promotional support and aligned with the project's growing transmedia scope, including ties to its comic book series. The signing facilitated strategies such as animated lyric videos for tracks like "Skin and Bones," which premiered in July 2016 to build anticipation for future releases and emphasize the band's cinematic storytelling.

Major Albums and Collaborations

September Mourning's debut full-length album under , Volume II, was released on July 29, 2016. Produced primarily by Sahaj Ticotin with contributions from , the 12-track record advanced the band's transmedia narrative, intertwining heavy rock elements with lore developed in with artist . The album achieved notable commercial traction, peaking at No. 19 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. Building on this foundation, the band issued the EP Volume III on December 13, 2019, independently via their Mortem Media imprint. This four-song release perpetuated the serialized album structure, featuring tracks such as "Unholy," "Hiding from Heaven," "Madness," and an uncensored version of "Overdose" to further the story of September's journey. The project continued with Volume IV, released on July 19, 2023, through . Comprising 10 tracks, including lead single "Wake the Dead," the album was produced by longtime collaborator Sahaj Ticotin and continues to blend cinematic soundscapes with thematic storytelling. Pre-release announcements and teasers highlighted new creative partnerships aimed at expanding the narrative's depth. Following Volume IV, September Mourning released the single "20 Below MMXXIV" in , a reimagined version advancing the lore. In , the band issued additional singles including "Hell Like Me," "Bitch," and "Bite Back," maintaining the gothic style while tying into the ongoing transmedia saga through distributions and NFTs. Throughout these releases, September Mourning has maintained key production collaborations with the team, notably Sahaj Ticotin, whose involvement underscores the albums' emphasis on immersive, story-driven compositions. Guest artists have contributed to select tracks, amplifying the gothic and industrial influences central to the band's sound.

Tours and Performances

September Mourning's live performances emphasize a theatrical style that immerses audiences in the project's transmedia narrative, with portraying the central character September in elaborate costumes and makeup that evoke a grim reaper aesthetic. Sets often incorporate visual storytelling elements, such as projected panels, spoken narrative interludes, and props that advance the plot of souls being collected and judged, creating a rock opera-like experience distinct from standard band shows. Since 2016, the project has maintained a touring presence focused on the , with over 80 documented shows that year alone, including supporting slots and promotional appearances tied to album releases. Venues have spanned , where the band is based, and the East Coast, alongside Midwest and West Coast dates, though full headlining tours remain selective to preserve production quality. A key example is the 2017 Blood, Lust, Death Tour, launched to support the Volume II album, which featured stops at venues like Hawthorne Theatre in , and Highline Ballroom in , blending high-energy metal sets with character-driven theatrics. In 2019, they conducted a U.S. tour alongside , starting at Fubar in , , and extending to multiple cities with immersive performances that highlighted the narrative arc. Festival appearances have provided opportunities for broader exposure, including Texas Mutiny in Fort Worth in 2016 and Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival in , in 2021, where the band's elaborate stage setup stood out amid larger lineups. They have also opened for prominent acts like , , Slipknot, and across U.S. and European dates, adapting their production to festival constraints while retaining core theatrical elements. The transmedia focus presents logistical challenges for extensive touring, as high-production visuals and character enactments require significant setup, leading to a preference for curated, impactful events over frequent road runs; this approach was exacerbated by the , which halted live activities entirely in 2020. Performances resumed in subsequent years, with 2024 shows at Angel City Music Hall in , and Photo City Music Hall in , prioritizing East Coast venues with the full immersive experience. As of 2025, the band has announced additional U.S. tour dates, including co-headlining stops in , , and , continuing to integrate recent singles into live sets.

Band Members

Current Members

The current lineup of September Mourning consists of four core members who handle both live performances and studio recordings, embodying the project's characters in its transmedia narrative. Emily serves as the lead vocalist and keyboardist, while also portraying the central character September and acting as the project's creator since its inception in 2009. Her contributions include shaping the overall sound through vocal melodies that blend with theatrical elements, drawing from influences in and storytelling to integrate music with the graphic novel series. Rich Juzwick plays guitars and bass, providing backing vocals, and joined in 2014 to enhance touring consistency following earlier lineup shifts. As a primary songwriter alongside Lazar, he influences the band's heavy riffs and atmospheric layers, informed by his background in from prior work with . Kyle Mayer has been the since , delivering the rhythmic drive essential to the band's intense live shows and album productions. His style, rooted in touring experience from 10 Years, adds dynamic grooves and complex fills that support the project's high-energy foundation. Aaron Hoover joined as guitarist in 2020, contributing dual-guitar textures that amplify the band's dark, aggressive sound. His influences from Sea of Treachery inform the harmonic depth and stage interplay, particularly in synchronized riffs during performances.

Former Members

September Mourning's early years featured several key contributors who shaped its initial sound before departing amid lineup shifts. Guitarist James Duran joined as a long-time friend of founder shortly after the project's inception in 2009, contributing to songwriting and recordings, including tracks on the 2012 Melancholia demos such as "" and "Always." Duran remained involved until around 2012, after which he pursued other endeavors. Guitarist and programmer Chris Egert was another foundational member, recruited through Lazar's vocal coach Melissa Cross in to collaborate on the project's music. Egert co-wrote several early songs, including those on , and supported the band's initial development until the period. His tenure ended with the broader lineup reconfiguration following the group's relocation from New York to in late 2010, which resulted in a complete overhaul leaving Lazar as the sole constant. During the independent phase from 2011 to 2016, the band relied on session musicians for live performances and recordings, including brief contributions from guitarist Nobuaki Hayashi in 2012 and guitarist Steve Podgorski from 2012 to 2013. These short-term roles provided flexibility as the project experimented with its transmedia narrative and sound. The frequent changes in the early lineup allowed September Mourning to refine its identity, transitioning from rotating personnel to a more stable configuration that facilitated its signing with in March 2016. This evolution paved the way for the current members' ongoing roles in performances and releases.

Discography

Studio Albums

September Mourning's debut studio , Melancholia, was released on May 18, 2012, through Repo Records as an independent European release. Self-produced by band founder along with collaborator Tommy Egert, the album features 10 tracks that mark the project's early musical foundation, recorded between 2009 and 2012. The production emphasizes raw elements with gothic undertones, showcasing Lazar's vocals and the band's initial songwriting. Track listing:
No.TitleLength
13:54
2A Place to Call Your Own3:00
3Always3:45
4Fallen3:44
5Love Is War (Romanticide)2:59
63:40
74:42
8Seal Your Fate3:16
9Beyond the Grave3:21
10Last Embrace3:15
The album did not achieve notable commercial charting but established the project's sonic identity. The band's second studio album, Volume II, arrived on July 29, 2016, via , marking their major-label debut. Produced primarily by Sahaj Ticotin at Sungod Rock Studios, with additional production by on select tracks, the 12-track release incorporates orchestral elements, including contributions from of on "Skin and Bones" and "Til You See Heaven." This production approach enhances the album's cinematic scope, blending heavy riffs with symphonic textures. The album debuted at number 19 on the Heatseekers Albums chart and number 20 on the Mainstream Rock Albums chart, selling 950 copies in its first week. Track listing:
No.TitleLengthNotes
1The Collection1:10
24:14
3Eye of the Storm3:00
4Before the Fall3:46
5Children of Fate4:27Additional production by
6Skin and Bones3:15Violin:
720 Below4:02
8Heart Can Hold3:55
93:21
10Live Like You're Alive3:35
11Stand by Me3:39
12Til You See Heaven4:23Violin:
Volume II received attention for its polished sound and integration of the project's narrative themes through music. Volume IV, the third studio , was released on July 19, 2023, through Mortem Media. Produced by Sahaj Ticotin, with mixing by Nick Scott and mastering by , the 10-track effort builds on prior releases with teased singles like "Wake the Dead" (December 2020) tying into the ongoing transmedia storyline. The production highlights dynamic shifts between aggressive metal and atmospheric passages, maintaining conceptual continuity. No major chart positions were reported for the album. :
No.TitleLength
1Wake the Dead3:47
2Guardian3:52
3Dirty3:48
4Falling Awake3:55
5Stand Still4:02
6Personally3:58
7Empty4:10
8Shiver3:45
94:05
103:56
The album continues the series' evolution, focusing on narrative-driven song structures.

Extended Plays

September Mourning's debut extended play, Volume I, marked their initial major release following early recording efforts under Virgin Records that ultimately did not yield a full album. Self-released on October 2, 2015, the EP comprises five tracks—"Angels to Dust," "Before the Fall," "Children of Fate," "Eye of the Storm," and "Stand by Me"—that introduce key elements of the band's transmedia narrative, intertwining music with the comic book storyline of September, a human-grim reaper hybrid fighting against soul-reaping forces. Produced by Sahaj Ticotin at Sungod Rock Studios, the EP's concise format facilitated rapid storytelling advancement, with tracks like "Eye of the Storm" serving as thematic anchors for the character's origin and internal conflict. The follow-up EP, Volume III, arrived on December 13, 2019, via Mortem Media, featuring six tracks in its limited edition packaging: "Empire," "Glass Animals," "Unholy," "Hiding from Heaven," "Madness," and "Overdose." This release bridged the narrative gap to the subsequent full-length Volume IV, incorporating experimental sonic elements—such as the atmospheric, genre-blending textures in "Glass Animals"—to deepen the lore of September's battles in the shadow realm of Mortem. The EP's emphasized swift execution to maintain momentum in the ongoing saga, with limited bundles offering exclusive pairings of the music and corresponding issues for immersive fan engagement.

Singles

September Mourning's singles often serve as lead promotions for their albums and EPs, frequently accompanied by music videos that tie into the band's transmedia narrative. The band's debut single, "Eye of the Storm", was released on September 18, 2015, as the lead track from their EP Volume I. A lyric video premiered in 2015 via Antihero Magazine, followed by the official music video on March 21, 2016, directed to highlight the supernatural storyline of the project. In , "20 Below" followed as a single from Volume II, with its official debuting on January 18, , emphasizing themes of resilience and darkness central to September Mourning's lore. The track was promoted through , including a available via the band's website. A re-recorded version, "20 Below MMXXIV", was issued on September 27, 2024. More recent releases include "Spit You Out" on September 6, 2024, as a standalone single under Mortem Media, with an official video premiering on September 13, 2024, showcasing intense visuals aligned with the band's evolving aesthetic. "Hell Like Me" arrived on July 8, 2025, promoted as one of their heaviest tracks yet, featuring a video on July 11, 2025, and available across streaming platforms. "Bitch", a cover of Meredith Brooks' song, was released on February 14, 2025, as a non-album single. "Bite Back" was released on October 3, 2025, as a non-album single, accompanied by a lyric video. Other notable singles encompass "Before the Fall MMXXIV" (2024), a reimagined version from earlier material, and "Gravedigger" (2023), both tied to ongoing narrative expansions without dedicated B-sides but often featured in live sets and comic tie-ins.

Reception and Influence

Critical Response

The debut EP, Volume I, released in , received favorable coverage in alternative music press, with reviewers emphasizing frontwoman Emily Lazar's vocal versatility and the project's narrative-driven approach to . Live Metal described it as a "thrilling introduction" to September Mourning's multimedia universe, praising the blend of heavy guitars, atmospheric electronics, and Lazar's "sweet melodic vocals punctuated by occasional bloodcurdling screams" that effectively draw listeners into the storyline of a human-reaper hybrid challenging fate. The outlet awarded the EP a 9/10 rating, highlighting its concise yet immersive six tracks as establishing a unique theatrical art project. Similarly, The Beat called it a "theatrical musical interpretation of a very loud ," noting Lazar's commanding presence in conveying themes of redemption through dynamic shifts from to aggression. September Mourning's 2016 full-length album Volume II earned widespread acclaim for its innovative fusion of concept album storytelling and metal elements, often tied to its accompanying graphic novel. Music Existence rated it 9.4/10, hailing it as a revival of the gothic rock opera format and commending how the 12 tracks deliver a "full and comprehensible story" of the protagonist's battle against supernatural forces, with versatile shifts from intense riffs to harmonious interludes. Cryptic Rock gave it 4 out of 5 stars, applauding the "high-gloss polished modern Metal/Rock production" influenced by acts like In This Moment and Korn, while noting the album's ability to maintain a melancholic atmosphere across its narrative arc. Dark Art Conspiracy echoed this, describing tracks like "The Collection" as "atmospheric, creepy and ambient," setting an ideal stage for the conceptual depth. The album's production, handled by Sahaj Ticotin and Howard Benson, was consistently praised for its clarity and power, enhancing the transmedia experience without overwhelming the thematic focus. While the project's originality drew praise, some reviews pointed to mixed reception regarding its accessibility, attributing limitations to the niche integration of lore that might alienate casual listeners. ReadJunk.com critiqued Volume II for music that "lacks identity, almost as if it’s an afterthought to the concept and theatrics," suggesting it primarily appeals to fans invested in the graphic novel's "murder of reapers" mythology rather than standing alone as straightforward metal. Despite such concerns, the acclaim for Lazar's performance and the work's thematic innovation remained prominent; Cryptic Rock likened her vocals to a "hybrid of and Tapping The Vein’s Heather Thompson-Mackintosh," with an "awesome range between clear vocal hook lines to distorted shouting" that anchors the story's emotional core. Music Existence further highlighted the thematic boldness, stating that September Mourning "has delivered a full and comprehensible story" by seamlessly adapting the graphic novel's into musically compelling form. Overall, these elements underscored the project's high production standards and creative ambition, even as its specialized theme prompted varied responses. Later releases continued to receive positive attention for advancing the and musical style. The 2020 EP Volume III and 2023 album Volume IV were praised for their lush soundscapes and emotional depth, with Devolution Magazine noting Volume IV as a "beautifully rendered" continuation of the story, blending with orchestral elements. Melodic Net called Volume IV the band's strongest release, commending its immersive universe and Lazar's character development. The 2025 single "Bite Back" was highlighted by The Mosh for its anthemic choruses and haunting atmosphere, reinforcing the project's enduring appeal in circles.

Cultural Impact

September Mourning has established itself as a pioneering force in transmedia music within the and metal genres, noted for integrating narratives with live performances and digital extensions, and as the first female-fronted act in the genre to successfully sell NFTs. Created by and with the full transmedia rollout in 2015, the project blends supernatural storytelling across music albums, graphic novels published by Top Cow/, and theatrical stage shows, redefining how engages audiences through multi-platform narratives. This innovative approach has been highlighted in alternative media as a groundbreaking model that shatters traditional band archetypes, drawing parallels to theatrical icons like and while advancing elements in contemporary rock. The project's dedicated fan has played a central role in its growth, actively engaging through initiatives and . In 2015 and 2017, September Mourning launched successful campaigns to fund its series, allowing fans to support the expansion of the storyline centered on the human-reaper hybrid character . This extends to digital realms, with over 950 collectors participating in NFT releases across eight platforms, including sold-out editions that offer exclusive access like VIP meet-and-greets. channels on , , and foster ongoing interaction, building a global following that resonates with the themes of redemption and supernatural conflict. Post-2015, September Mourning has influenced the intersection of fantasy and music by seamlessly merging metal's intensity with aesthetics, inspiring discussions on innovation in alternative scenes. Performances at comic cons, anime festivals, and tours alongside acts like and Slipknot have embedded the project within broader pop culture events, where its evolving narrative—designed to morph perpetually—encourages fan immersion in a shared fantasy . As of 2025, the project continues to expand with new tour dates announced alongside acts like and recent singles advancing the lore. Recognition in outlets underscores this impact, with features praising its open-ended storytelling and NFT integrations as forward-thinking contributions to transmedia art.

References

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