A decade in the making, a new force emerges from the shadows. Winterlvst, the “orchestral darkwave” project led by Morgan Lander, has officially been unveiled, bringing together members of Kittie and Blackguard for a haunting new musical chapter.
The band’s debut album, Awakening, is set for release on April 3, 2026, with the first single, “Broken Lines”, now streaming as an atmospheric introduction to the project’s shadowy world.
A New Sound, Years in the Making
Described as “orchestral darkwave”, Winterlvst represents a significant evolution for Morgan Lander, known for her powerful presence in the metal scene. The project has reportedly been in development for over ten years, slowly taking shape into a fully realized artistic vision that blends cinematic textures, dark ambience, and emotional depth.
“Broken Lines” serves as the first ritual in this new era—an immersive, introspective track that hints at the sonic and thematic direction of Awakening. Ethereal layers, and a sense of mysticism define the release, signaling a departure from traditional metal while maintaining its emotional intensity.
Stream “Broken Lines” now and prepare for the full awakening on April 3.
The core lineup includes:
- Morgan Lander — Vocals
- Jonathan Lefrançois-Leduc — Keyboards/Synths
- Justine Ethier — Drums
The debut single also features songwriting contributions from Martine Bourque (ex-Vehemal), further expanding the project’s creative scope.
Lander’s history with Blackguard runs deep, having previously guested on their 2019 track “By My Hand” and collaborated with Ethier in the band Karkaos, making Winterlvst feel like a natural progression of long-standing musical connections.
Awakening promises to be more than just a debut, it’s a rebirth. A project forged in patience, experimentation, and artistic freedom, now ready to be revealed.
With “Broken Lines” setting the tone, Winterlvst invites listeners into a world where darkness and beauty intertwine, where every note feels intentional, and every atmosphere carries weight.