Ruled By Raptors Tackle Burnout, Self-Doubt and Division on A Shadow That Never Moves

Fresh from their recent appearance at Derby’s Victoria Inn, Ruled By Raptors have a new release to spend some time with. Out now, A Shadow That Never Moves is an eight-track mini-album that expands the Newcastle quartet’s mix of post-hardcore, progressive influences and melodic vocals. Released on 2 October, it follows their earlier Silent Sound EP, with singles ‘Sleep Dep.’, ‘Rescissory’ and ‘Algebra (I’m On A Rage)’ offering different entry points into the record.

Behind those riffs are subjects that carry through into the band’s live performances. In their own track-by-track account, Ruled By Raptors describe ‘Sleep Dep.’ as drawing on their experiences of insomnia, while ‘Mancunian Japanese’ explores self-doubt and the anxiety that almost led singer and guitarist Chris Bradley to walk away from music. ‘Static Collapse’ addresses burnout, loneliness and recognising when the ways you unwind have become unhealthy. Following Bradley’s open discussion of his ADHD diagnosis at the Victoria Inn, those themes give listeners another way to connect with the person behind the microphone.

The record also looks outwards. ‘Rescissory’ challenges hostility towards migrants, with the band describing its central message as a reminder of their humanity. ‘Fiends’ takes aim at people who talk politics but decline to vote, while ‘Algebra (I’m On A Rage)’ channels the frustration of being gaslit. The latter also picked up a weekly spotlight on BBC Radio 1’s Introducing Rock programme, giving the release some welcome attention beyond the live circuit.

Having caught Ruled By Raptors in a small room, where the energy of their performance and the openness of their messages both made an impression, it is good to have a new record to explore afterwards. A Shadow That Never Moves offers an opportunity to get further into the subjects behind the songs, as well as the sound of a band continuing to develop.

A Shadow That Never Moves is available now. Find streaming options, music videos and more through Ruled By Raptors’ official links.

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