Published: April 22, 2026 · 10:55 PM EDT
Canadian progressive rock duo continue building their conceptual narrative with a new single tied to their upcoming studio album
Crown Lands have announced their new single “Blackstar”, the third track taken from their forthcoming studio album “Apocalypse”, scheduled for release on May 15, 2026.
The Canadian progressive rock duo continue to expand their conceptual and musical scope, presenting what is described as their most ambitious and fully realized work to date.
“Blackstar” introduces a central narrative element within the world of “Apocalypse”, focusing on the rise and fall of a key character within the album’s storyline.
Guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist Kevin Comeau explains the concept behind the track:
“Apocalypse is very much Blackstar’s story: his rise to power within the Syndicate, his violent victories over the Dragon Riders of Karagon, and the crushing loss of his family in the resulting civil war on his home planet.”
He further describes the song’s structure and tone:
“The song Blackstar reads like an old-western murder ballad like Marty Robbins’ Big Iron, only through a cosmic space-prog metal lens.”
“Apocalypse” represents a significant creative step forward for Crown Lands, marking a turning point in both production and artistic control.
Following their previous album “Rituals”, which was completed entirely in their home studio, the band embraced a more independent approach:
“That record gave us the confidence to realize we could make a Crown Lands album in our own space.”
Much of “Apocalypse” was written and recorded in the same environment the band has used since 2020, reinforcing a consistent and self-directed creative process.
To complement key moments within the album, the duo collaborated selectively with producers:
Nick Raskulinecz
David Bottrill
This approach allowed the band to retain creative control while enhancing the album’s sonic depth where needed.
TRACKLIST — “APOCALYPSE”
Proclamation I – 1:22
Foot Soldiers of the Syndicate – 4:20
Through The Looking Glass – 3:45
Blackstar – 4:00
The Fall – 4:31
The Revenants I – 5:29
Apocalypse – 19:01
FORMATS
Limited CD Edition
Gatefold Neon Yellow LP
Limited Gatefold Neon Green LP
Digital Album
LIVE — 2026 DATES
June 19 — Beaumont, AB — Beaumont Music Festival
July 4 — Miramichi, NB — New Maritime Music Festival
The band continues touring in support of the new material, following their recent Canadian headline run and building momentum ahead of the album’s release.
“Blackstar” expands the narrative and musical scope of “Apocalypse”, positioning the album as a conceptual and sonic milestone in Crown Lands’ evolution.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Watch “Blackstar” below:
