EPK – Siege Perilous – Becoming The Dragon (2026)
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“One of the big goals was to create a narrative concept album experience while also allowing each individual track to stand on its own, and while that was challenging, I think we accomplished that, so whether you are listening to the entire album or just revisiting a favorite track, audiences will find both experiences to be rich and fulfilling. This was a really cool and interesting writing experience, as we had contributions from every band member in the writing process. We started off in early 2024 by writing the larger story and determining what the different story beats for each track would be, and then people kind of chose which story beats they wanted to tackle. Each song had a kind of originator who put the basics of the track together on some level, and then we worked together to edit, revise, and flesh out the arrangements until we got something that really gelled and really told the story in interesting and dynamic ways.” – Siege Perilous – Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Band: Siege Perilous
Album Title: Becoming The Dragon
Release Date: March 27, 2026
Label: Crunchtronic Records
For fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Iron Maiden
Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Youtube.com/@siegeperilousmetal | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal
Apple Music | Spotify | Online Store – https://siegemetal.com/store
Siege Perilous Unleashes a Dragon-Slaying Debut – Westword Denver
“NoCo power metal battalion Siege Perilous lays out an epic fate-fighting campaign on new record, Becoming the Dragon, released independently via its own banner Crunchtronic Records on March 27. The LARP-loving five-piece’s first LP is its most immersive work to date, introducing a protagonist who is destined to slay an oppressive cosmic dragon. Spoiler: He defeats the nemesis by the third track, “As The Dragon Falls,” featuring former Rhapsody of Fire frontman Fabio Lione. But it’s what follows that makes Becoming the Dragon such a mind-bending metal journey for the child of prophecy. Siege Perilous brought in operatic singer Kristin Starkey (Temperance and Twilight Force) for somber ballad “Echoes of Home.” Vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel, bassist Eric Fischer, drummer Mark Girard, and guitarists Scott Hancock and Ryan Flanagan rally the hordes on “Chieftain” and “Eschaton,” but Becoming the Dragon is best experienced in one shot.” – Westword Denver – The Best New Music Releases of March 2026
“Colorado-based band Siege Perilous started their musical journey back in 2021. Since then, they have released two EPs and seven singles, all of which has led to their magnificently grandiose debut record called ‘Becoming The Dragon’. It is a wonderful concept album about the rise, fall, and metamorphosis of The Child Of Prophecy. He is a hero who must confront fate, tragedy, and his own transformation into a dragon. And the music aligns perfectly with the narrative. After a cool and building instrumental, the anthemic and galloping ‘Ancient Rite’ careens out of the gates! The band’s single, ‘As The Dragon Falls’, is next and is a fantastic and fist-pumping cut with Fabio Lione dueting with Shaughnessy McDaniel on vocals. We all know that Lione is an amazing singer, but McDaniel proves that he is equally adept at the mic as well. I also love the emotive ballad, ‘Echoes Of Home’, with McDaniel trading lines with the great Kristin Starkey (Temperance and Twilight Force). There’s a fine mix of Sabaton, Rhapsody Of Fire, Hammerfall, and Manowar (minus the cheesiness) in Siege Perilous’ sound. Guitarists Ryan Flanagan and Scott Hancock have an innate ability to create some memorable riffs and leads with emphasis on melody rather than shred. You’ll hear that in songs like ‘Chieftain’, the gripping title piece, and the lengthy and epic grand finale ‘Eschaton’. Siege Perilous, a group with a ton of talent and potential, have the chops to be major players in the epic metal field. They need to get out of Colorado and head over to Europe!” 10/10 – Powerplay Magazine
“Denver, CO power-metal storytellers Siege Perilous launch their full-length Becoming the Dragon, which stands as a genre-defining concept album for the modern era.” – New Noise Magazine
“The debut album from this Colorado band is another fine example of just taking what makes power metal and epic heavy metal work and putting your own spin to it all.. with the excellent production and two awesome guest spots from Fabio Leone and Kristen Starky to give this just a little more cred and you having an album that is for anyone who enjoys the likes of Blind Guardian, Rapsidity, Krilloan, and Evermore. Excellent. Excellent music.” – Heavy Debriefings
“Becoming the Dragon is an excellent album in its own right, and it shows an up-and-coming band making great strides towards becoming a force to be reckoned with. Siege Perilous already had me interested with their previous EP, but this album shows them maturing in their delivery, as well as fleshing out their songwriting and showing signs of the kind of epic, fantasy-themed storytelling they’re capable of. Musically, it’s a very solid album, mostly staying in epic heavy metal territory, with brief flashes of power metal, and while vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel is a tad unpolished at times, he makes up for it with power, energy and charisma in full supply. It’s obvious this is only the beginning for the band, and they have plenty of untapped potential, but it’s still a strong debut in its own right, and one I can easily recommend for fans of epic heavy metal and fantasy-themed power metal.” – My Global Mind Magazine
“With „Becoming The Dragon“ Siege Perilous follow in the big footsteps of bands like Avantasia, Iron Maiden and Blind Guardian. And the musicians do this extremely well. Great epic, sometimes bombastic sound, strong vocal direction and very good musicians make this debut extremely worth listening to.” – Keep On Rocking Mag
“This is epic Power Metal again, with driving drums and fast guitar solos.” – Metalheads Forever Mag
“The debut album from the epic, Colorado-based power metallers is a true journey from start to finish. From soaring melodies to insane harmonised guitars to the solid drumming and powerful vocals, it’s 44-minutes of grandiose heavy metal through and through! ‘As the Dragon Falls’ (feat. the awesome Fabio Lione) is a huge high point of the album, as is ’Chieftain’ and the epic closing track. It reminds me a lot of Fellowship or even Dragonforce, that epic huge power metal built more for its huge moments and soundscapes. The band are insanely good songwriters, and for this to be a debut album makes it feel like we have some truly special things to come in the next few years! They’re ones to watch, for sure! However, for now, this is an excellent release for anyone into the genre even a little bit!” – Overtone Magazine
“Siege Perilous puts all the notes in the right places and has the chops to be a player in the epic power metal arena… and Becoming the Dragon offers a glimpse of this band’s potential.” – The Metal Crypt
“orchestral power metal with a fine story” – FFM-Rock
“With ‘Becoming The Dragon’, Siege Perilous proves that they are ready for the bigger stage. For fans of Wind Rose, Hammerfall, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, and Iron Maiden, this is a must. This is power metal with heart, brains, and a sword in hand.” – Musika
“Becoming The Dragon is an ambitious work that combines epic heavy metal with orchestral elements. Siege Perilous show talent in songwriting and variety of arrangements… The mix of powerful vocals, triple guitar riffing and orchestral interjections makes the album interesting for fans of epic metal,” – MetalUnderground.at
““It’s certainly not a lack of ambition, this is a band that clearly sees itself as the natural successors to the true greats of fantasy-based power metal… Guest Fabio Lione… absolutely lays waste to all around him in the role of ‘The Dragon’ on As The Dragon Falls…. They deserve the highest praise for their commitment to the cause if nothing else.” – Sentinel Daily
“The 10 tracks keep you on the edge of your seat and even feature a collaboration with Fabio Lione, who deserves to be praised in every way… An album to enjoy!” – Nada Hay Bajo El Sol
““‘As the Dragon Falls’ is elevated to a completely different level…. The catchy melodies and gripping guitar work are among the highlights of the record…. With the melancholic dark ballad ‘Echoes of Home,’ the band proves their knack for atmospheric arrangements with depth… Kristin Starkey contributes female vocals that give the track a beautifully atmospheric dimension… The gripping, catchy anthem ‘Chieftan’ is another noteworthy and praiseworthy exception.” – Obliveon
“All the songs are catchy, well constructed and technically flawless” – Tempiduri
“Musically, this is a total love letter to the European masters. You can hear the DNA of Blind Guardian and Iron Maiden all over the place, especially in the way the guitars layer up. Having three guitarists isn’t just for show; they use that extra firepower to build some seriously big harmonies that actually stick in your brain. “Ancient Rite” and “Child Of Prophecy” are total anthems for the vest-wearing crowd, leaning heavily into that classic “Siegemetal” vibe they’ve been preaching. The playing is tight, and you can tell these guys actually like playing together instead of just mailing in parts from different states. The guest spots are a massive flex for a debut. Getting Fabio Lione on “As The Dragon Falls” is a total fanboy dream come true for Shaughnessy, and the track actually manages to bridge that gap between old-school Rhapsody and the band’s own heavier edge… Then you’ve got Kristin Starkey showing up on “Echoes Of Home,” which is a total 80s-style power ballad that manages to be emotional without becoming a total cringe-fest. It’s got a bit of that Meat Loaf or Avantasia drama that adds some flavor to the relentless double-bass drumming found elsewhere… “Becoming The Dragon” is a damn strong start for a band that clearly lives and breathes this genre. They aren’t hiding their influences; they’re wearing them like a suit of armor and heading straight for the front lines.” – Heavy Metal Darkness
Track Listing:
1. Overture (Instrumental) – (2:37)
2. Ancient Rite – (4:37)
3. As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – (4:33)
4. Child of Prophecy – (4:05)
5. Shattered Mirage – (4:07)
6. Chieftain – (4:03)
7. Cut Down – (3:01)
8. Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – (4:48)
9. Becoming the Dragon – (5:09)
10. Eschaton – (7:50)
Album Length: 44:54
Album Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Cody Martinez – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
• All songs written by:
Shaughnessy McDaniel
Scott Hancock
Cody Martinez
Ryan Flanagan
Eric Fischer
Mark Girard
• Produced by: Alex Carrillo
• Mixed by: Alex Carrillo
• Mastered by: Alex Carrillo
• Album Artwork by: Leighton Buxman
• Member of ASCAP
Album Band Line Up:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Cody Martinez – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
Live Band Line Up:
Shaughnessy McDaniel – Vocals
Scott Hancock – Guitar
Ryan Flanagan – Guitar
Eric Fischer – Bass and Violin
Mark Girard – Drums
=================================================
About The Album Artwork:
The album artwork, done by the amazingly talented Leighton Buxman, depicts the climax of the story where our titular hero finally becomes the dragon and seizes his destiny. We wanted a vibe that had a combination of dark and high fantasy, and Leighton did an amazing job capturing that vibe through this magical ritual where our hero is transformed. She also did a great job of incorporating small elements and nods for the other songs, like the banner of the “Chieftain” and the shards of the Crystalline dunes mentioned in “Shattered Mirage”. It’s such a tremendous encapsulation of the story we are telling and the vibe we are trying to cultivate on this new album.
About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):
“Becoming the Dragon” is a cinematic journey following the Child of Prophecy as he follows his path, then denies his destiny, and then slowly comes to realize that only by embracing it can he truly overcome it. This story takes twists and turns from the mysterious to the tragic, and we really wanted to reflect that musically with a wide variety of tones, emotions, and musical approaches. Each song is its own unique entity, but together they form something that we believe audiences will really find magical.
Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
Overture – We wanted to welcome people into the story and album with an overture that featured interestingly arranged snippets from the other songs. Since Ryan joined after the bulk of the core songwriting process, we wanted him to arrange this piece, and he did an amazing job. It really throws in a lot of flavors from the rest of the album while also keeping a unique identity, and it is a great way to ease audiences into the immersive world of “Becoming the Dragon”.
Ancient Rite – This song starts with a somber and mildly ominous intro as we take the audience into the world of the prophecy that engulfs our protagonist. It’s airy in a lot of parts with a strong driving verse, which helps to set the stage for the rest of the story.
As the Dragon Falls (feat. Fabio Lione) – This song is a dream come true for long-time Rhapsody and Fabio fan Shaughnessy. Musically, this song also attempts to combine Siege’s unique style with the power metal sound of classic Rhapsody. Fabio plays the dragon that the protagonist is sworn to slay and while this starts off as a classic fantasy tale, it takes a dark twist as Fabio’s dragon warns Shaughnessy’s knight that slaying him won’t free our protagonist but rather will keep him a prisoner of his own destiny. Starts off as an optimistic heroic tale that turns quite dark by the end.
Child of Prophecy – A very Iron Maiden-esque melody and guitar combination tells the story of the protagonist questioning whether his destiny will ever free him or anyone else, or if it’s simply a cage. A philosophical track about fate, freedom, and prophecy.
Shattered Mirage – Delving into a dark and heavy sound, this track shows our hero leaving the world he has known behind. His caravan is ambushed in a desert where the sands are constantly being struck by lightning, forming dunes of glass and encapsulating the bodies of the slain. Does the hero see his future? His past? Or simply the inevitability of death? Musically, this song features some interesting use of double-layered vocals that give off echoes of Hansi Kursch while still retaining Shaughnessy’s unique vocal quality.
Chieftain – Having survived the Crystalline dunes, our hero finds his way to the Infinite Steppe, a vast wasteland where warring tribes vie for control. There, he follows a mighty Chieftain to victory. When the Chieftain perishes, our hero seizes control and cuts a bloody swath through his enemies. This song’s fast driving rhythm, complex arrangement, and chanty chorus give it a unique spirit and one that we hope will get the audience’s blood pumping.
Cut Down – This is one of the most old-school and traditional heavy metal-sounding songs we may have ever done. Combining vibes from Judas Priest, Dio, and a hefty dose of Manowar, Cut Down is a high-octane track that finds our hero continuing his bloody campaign of conquest. Eventually, he realizes that all he’s become is a villain who can’t contribute anything to the world other than blood and death, and gives up his title of Chieftain to return home.
Echoes of Home (feat. Kristin Starkey) – This song musically is a nod to Jim Steinman/Meatloaf and also to Tobias Sammet and his work in Avantasia. This has some great 70s and 80s power ballad vibes, driven by piano and strong orchestration supporting killer vocals from Starkey and soaring leads from the guitar. This power ballad forms the “all is lost” moment of the album, where the protagonist returns home to find that his enemies have found it and put it to the torch and its people to the sword. Here, he encounters the Mystic (Twilight Force and Temperance vocalist Kristin Starkey), who reprimands our hero for leaving, but together they decide on a plan for our hero to seize his destiny, become the dragon, and fight the cosmic forces of destiny.
Becoming the Dragon – Having chosen to embrace his destiny to fight the one who made it, our hero summons magical forces to transform himself into the titular dragon. This song features thunderous drums, shredding solos, and a really killer bass interlude that builds the song towards its high-impact climax.
Eschaton – This sweeping narrative features a lot of different musical movements within as the hero battles the forces of destiny, shattering the universe in order to rebuild it as one free of fate. Inspired by songs like “And Then There Was Silence” by Blind Guardian, “The Scarecrow” by Avantasia, and “Fear of the Dark” by Iron Maiden, this song is an epic with a lot of pieces that flow seamlessly between each other, telling the story of the end of one cosmos and the dawn of a better one.
=============================================
BAND STORY ANGLES / FUN FACTS:
The Collaboration with Fabio: Shaughnessy has been a Rhapsody fan since he was 16, and so this collaboration is a dream 20 years in the making. When he wrote “As the Dragon Falls,” he had a long list of different vocalists he wanted to collaborate with, but Fabio was at the top of the list, and he didn’t even have to ask his second choice. He really appreciated Fabio’s warm and friendly attitude towards collaboration and thinks the results speak for themselves.
Kristin Starkey, from teacher to collaborator: Shortly after Shaughnessy saw Kristin filling in for Alesandro Conti during their tour with Gloryhammer in early 2024, he signed up for vocal lessons. He really appreciated the advice not just on singing, but on writing, marketing, and the business, and he really appreciates the friendship and rapport the two have built over the last two years. And she’s been a great support that he said has really helped him grow and feel confident in his vocal abilities far beyond what he could have imagined.
Echoes of Home: Shaughnessy wrote Echoes of Home during a pretty hard time for him personally. Shortly after his son was born, he lost a great deal of weight and had to be admitted to the NICU. The room was small, and there was only a couch for sleeping, so at night, Shaughnessy would go home while his wife stayed with their son. It was during these nights when everything seemed grim that he started writing “Echoes”. It really fuelled the sadness and sense of loss that became the core of “Echoes of Home”. Not to worry, though, his son is happy, healthy, and celebrates his second birthday in February of 2026.
Child of Prophecy: This song has an interesting history because the first draft was written long before any of the other tracks of the album, and was at least in a small way the inspiration for the main overarching story. However, when we recorded the version we had written in pre-production, something about the track was not clicking, and the song felt off. The problem was that we had already completed drum tracking, and going back to do more would have cost a lot of money and potentially thrown off our entire budget. In came Ryan, who, within just a day or two, had re-arranged the entire track with the stipulation that the original drums needed to stay intact. The result is a tighter and more on-point version of the song than had ever existed before, and it is a track we are incredibly proud of and excited to share with everyone.
Writing Process: Quite a few people outside of the band commented that our full-band collaborative writing process sounded crazy to them. And while some people originated certain key ideas or skeleton frames of the songs, ultimately, all of us had a hand in shaping each track. It had challenges and required people to really work on communicating, compromising, and collaborating, but in the end, the result is an album that has a lot of each member in its DNA, and that’s something really special.
=================================================
Left to Right: Mark Girard (Drums) | Eric Fischer (Bass) | Shaughnessy McDaniel (Vocals) | Ryan Flanagan (Guitar) | Scott Hancock (Guitar)
Photographer Credit – Gii Astorga
Forged in the fires of fantasy and history, Siege Perilous is a Colorado-based power metal band dedicated to telling stories as grand as the battles and legends that inspire them. Born from the camaraderie of live-action roleplay and a shared love of cooperative storytelling, the band was founded by Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums) after witnessing the electrifying performance of Unleash the Archers in Denver in 2021. Inspired to create their own epic soundscape, they soon recruited longtime collaborator Eric Fischer (bass), known for his work in Celtic folk band The Stubby Shillelaghs. In late 2024, the lineup expanded with the addition of Ryan Flanagan, solidifying the band’s roster as they embarked on their most ambitious project yet.
Siege Perilous crafts music that is epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story-driven. Their songs draw from both history and myth—whether chronicling the devastation of the Black Plague, the crossing of the Rubicon, or the slaying of dragons in tabletop and live-action roleplay adventures. Every track is designed as a chapter in a larger saga, blending thunderous riffs, soaring solos, and commanding vocals into immersive narratives that transport listeners into worlds of valor and imagination.
After releasing two EPs and various singles, in 2025, Siege Perilous began recording their debut full-length album, Becoming the Dragon, for release in 2026. A sweeping concept record that weaves a ten-part story across its tracks. The album balances the grandeur of a narrative arc with the individuality of standalone songs, offering fans both a cinematic journey and powerful single experiences. With contributions from every member, the writing process was deeply collaborative, each musician shaping different story beats before uniting them into a cohesive whole. Guest performances from artists like Fabio and Kristin Starkey further elevate the album’s scope and emotional resonance.
On stage, Siege Perilous delivers more than a concert; they create an immersive theatrical experience. Their live shows invite audiences into the worlds they sing about, combining high-energy performance with storytelling flair. Fans can expect not just music, but an adventure that blurs the line between stage and saga.
The band’s influences span the pantheon of heavy and power metal: Manowar, Battle Beast, Iron Maiden, Hammerfall, and Sabaton, alongside the symphonic grandeur of Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia. Siege Perilous channels these inspirations into a sound uniquely their own, rooted in classic heavy metal traditions but expanded with modern symphonic arrangements, dynamic vocal range, and cinematic scope.
With their evolving sound, collaborative spirit, and passion for storytelling, Siege Perilous stands ready to carve their place in the halls of power metal. Each song is a quest, each album a legend, and each performance an invitation to join the adventure.
Discography:
2022 – Betrayal of the Dracolich (EP)
2023 – Black Death (Single)
2023 – Blood Hallows (Single)
2023 – Ride the Leyline (Single)
2024 – Creation’s Call (EP)
2026 – Becoming The Dragon (LP)
Shared Stage with:
Seven Spires, Aether Realm, Judicator, Celestial Wizard, After Time Seizure, Starwraith, Oak, Ash, and Thorn, Signs of Tranquility, Fell Harvest
Festivals:
2024 – Mile High Power Fest
ashermediarelations.com 
Comments
Trackbacks & Pingbacks
No incoming links found yet.