Virginia-based metalcore band Age of Ruin have unleashed their second single, “The Ghosts We Carry,” from their forthcoming album Nothingman, set for release on October 17, 2025. The track, accompanied by a b-side non-album song, “Reflections,” and a music video directed by Pablo Van Winkle, delivers the band’s signature blend of relentless riffs, bone-crushing breakdowns, and an infectious vocal hook. Produced by Mike Schleibaum (Darkest Hour) at The Riff Dojo, mixed and mastered by Will Beasley at The Bakery, Nothingman promises to be their most ambitious work yet.
Watch the “The Ghosts We Carry” video:
Stream “The Ghosts We Carry” on Bandcamp or Spotify.
Stream “Reflections” on Bandcamp or Spotify.
Nothingman is a 10-track steamroller, crafted over two years with recordings at The Bakery Studio (Richmond, VA), Ivakota Studio (Washington, DC), and The Riff Dojo (Takoma Park, MD). The album weaves harmony and angst, drawing comparisons to In Flames, Soilwork, Killswitch Engage, and Gojira. After their 2019 EP Thieves marked a powerful return following a hiatus, Nothingman solidifies Age of Ruin’s evolution, blending their punk and thrash roots with new sonic depths. The single’s artwork, “Forest Mother” (oil on canvas by Zack Dunn), was adapted by Chris Smith of Grey Aria Design.
Track Listing:
- The Fixation
- Heavy Is the Crown
- Lost in Shadows
- The Traveler
- Nothingman
- An Awakening
- The Ghosts We Carry
- Promise Me
- Bleed for Better Days
- Lovesong
Formed in Fairfax, Virginia, in 1998, Age of Ruin built a cult following with early releases like The Opium Dead (1999, demo), Black Sands of the Hourglass (2000, reissued 2004), Autumn Lanterns EP (2002), and The Tides of Tragedy (2004). Known for their intense live shows, they’ve toured with Shadows Fall, Darkest Hour, and The Bled, and played Vans Warped Tour 2004. After a hiatus, their 2019 EP Thieves reignited their fire, followed by 2023-2024 East Coast shows with Black Flag, Madball, Jimmy’s Chicken Shack, and Anvil. Their current lineup—Benjamin Swan (vocals), Daniel Fleming (guitar), Christopher Fleming (bass), Casey Flanagan (guitar), and Hendrik Osinga (drums)—delivers a ferocious sound honed by decades of experience.
With Nothingman set to drop in October, Age of Ruin is poised to reclaim their place in the metalcore scene. Their recent single “Heavy Is the Crown” (April 2025) and its b-side “Holding On” already set the stage for their comeback. While no specific 2025 tour dates are listed, their recent performances suggest more live chaos is imminent.
Age of Ruin Lineup:
- Benjamin Swan – Vocals
- Daniel Fleming – Guitar
- Christopher Fleming – Bass
- Casey Flanagan – Guitar
- Hendrik Osinga – Drums
Follow Age of Ruin on ageofruin.org, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for updates. Nothingman will be available in all formats and on streaming platforms.