Metal band LIONS AT THE GATE release into a new chapter with their new single “Burn The Candle”, accompanied by a visually striking video directed by Vicente Cordero. This marks the band’s first official release since signing with Reigning Phoenix Music, signaling a sharpened direction and a renewed creative fire as they build toward a massive 2026.
Watch “Burn The Candle”:
Stream the single: latg.rpm.link/burnthecandlePR
With searing guitars, a thunderous rhythm section, and Cristian Machado’s impassioned vocals, “Burn The Candle” delivers a potent call for unity in an age defined by division — a theme central to the band’s evolving identity.
Cristian Machado on “Burn The Candle”:
“Burn The Candle is a song about the divide being driven into our societies. Hatred is being normalized right in front of our eyes. No one is immune to it… divided we are like sheep waiting to be led to a slaughter. So proudly we wave the triple-edged sword driven into the side of humanity: greed, pride, lust. I know eventually we open our eyes, but for how much longer will we burn the candle at both ends?”
Reigning Phoenix Music co-founder Gerardo Martinez adds:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Lions at the Gate to the roster. Their deep-rooted legacy, fearless sound, and bold vision embody exactly the kind of creative force we’re proud to support. Their debut album showed what happens when raw emotion meets uncompromising craftsmanship, and we could not be more excited to help amplify what’s coming next.”
The signing marks a milestone in the band’s evolution, with “Burn The Candle” serving as the first spark of their ambitious new era and the opening shot of a powerful release cycle coming in 2026.
Adding to the momentum, LIONS AT THE GATE are currently on tour with the legendary DEATH ANGEL, delivering their ferocious live energy to stages across the U.S. and giving fans a first taste of their revitalized sound.
With a new label home, a blistering new single, and their sights set confidently on the future, LIONS AT THE GATE are poised to make 2026 their most defining year yet.
Tour Dates
- 12/5 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium
- 12/6 – Albany, NY – Empire Live
- 12/7 – Reading, PA – Reverb
- 12/10 – Dallas, TX – Southside Ballroom
- 12/11 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Midtown
- 12/12 – Corpus Christi, TX – House of Rock
- 12/13 – San Antonio, TX – Vibes
- 12/15 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
- 12/16 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole
- 12/17 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
Tickets available here.
Based in Los Angeles, LIONS AT THE GATE unites an accomplished lineup of veteran musicians:
- Cristian Machado (vocals; ex-ILL NIÑO)
- Diego Verduzco (rhythm guitar; ex-ILL NIÑO)
- Ahrue Luster (lead guitar; ex-MACHINE HEAD / ILL NIÑO)
- Josh Cuadra (drums / percussion)
They burst onto the scene with their debut single “Not Even Human”, which soared to #3 on the Apple Metal charts. Follow-up single “Bed of Nails” earned widespread acclaim and charted on Billboard, paving the way for their debut album The Excuses We Cannot Make (2023), which landed on the Billboard Top 100, Top New Artists, and Heatseekers charts.
Having toured with heavyweights like Lacuna Coil and Nita Strauss, the band continues to redefine their sonic identity with a blend of aggressive dynamics, compelling hooks, and emotionally charged performances. Machado’s vocals reach new heights, while Verduzco, Luster, and Cuadra deliver a layered, high-impact sound that pushes the band into bold new territory.
Connect with LIONS AT THE GATE