NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – June 17, 2026
THE MOURNING Unveils New Members To Lineup Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime) and Alon Mei-Tal (Helion Prime, Nili Brosh)
+ New Video “If I Die I Die”
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L-R – Alex Nasla, Nanda Hayek, Jason Berlin, Jason Ashcraft, Alon Mei-Tal, Johnny Ray, Francesco Pinter.
Photo credit: Alex Nasla
Progressive metal collective The Mourning announces a major evolution in their lineup with the official addition of guitarist Jason Ashcraft (Helion Prime, Lunar, Planeswalker) and bassist Alon Mei‑Tal (Helion Prime, Levinia). Their arrival marks a pivotal moment for the band, expanding its sonic depth, technical range, and creative firepower as they enter their next chapter.
Ashcraft expresses his excitement about joining the fold:
“I’m super stoked to be coming on officially with The Mourning. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few of the members for a while, and everyone has been very welcoming. From a musical side, it’s been fun stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself to explore new avenues. I look forward to future adventures with The Mourning!”
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Mei‑Tal adds:
“It’s official! I’ve been a friend of the band for a couple of years now, helping out on shows, recordings, etc., but I’m very pleased to be one of the gang now. The Mourning is a great group of talented musicians and quality humans. The songs are proggy enough to be interesting, but catchy enough to be fun and memorable, and I can’t wait to join them in bringing listeners more epic tunes and top‑tier performances!”
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With both musicians now fully integrated, The Mourning steps into its most ambitious and musically dynamic era yet.
Alongside the lineup announcement, The Mourning recently unveiled their powerful new single and cinematic music video, “If I Die I Die.” The track introduces the band’s renewed sonic identity, heavier, darker, and more emotionally charged, while showcasing the expanded dual‑vocal dynamic between founding vocalist Johnny Ray and newly joined Brazilian co‑vocalist Nanda Hayek (OverAlive).
Built on the band’s signature blend of cinematic songwriting, progressive metal precision, and layered vocal interplay, the song confronts fear, existential dread, and the psychological exhaustion of living under its weight. Its core declaration, “I’m tired of all this fear, I’m done living in fear”, captures the track’s central theme of liberation through surrender.
Written by Francesco Pinter and Johnny Ray, and produced, mixed, and mastered by Alex Nasla (Edge of Paradise), the single blends intricate progressive elements with a more direct, modern heaviness. The band describes it as “a psychological and spiritual battle,” moving from dread into cathartic release.
The accompanying music video mirrors the emotional arc of the song. A woman is hunted by a mysterious figure of death, terrified at first, then increasingly resolute. She rides her motorcycle toward the confrontation she has avoided, only to discover that death was never the true enemy. Fear was.
“By facing it directly, she conquers the thing that had been ruling her,” says Johnny Ray.
The Mourning’s evolution follows a landmark year for the band. In 2025, they made their live debut aboard 70000 Tons of Metal, where Kerrang! hailed them as an “outrageously talented new prog collective” and praised their 3 a.m. debut as “one of the sets of the weekend.” They later performed at Prog on the Ranch 2025, further solidifying their rising status in the progressive metal world.
With the addition of Nanda Hayek and now Jason Ashcraft and Alon Mei‑Tal, The Mourning enters a new era, one defined by expanded musicianship, deeper emotional storytelling, and a sharpened modern metal edge.
Recommended for fans of Lacuna Coil, Amaranthe, Flyleaf, Disturbed, and Evanescence, watch and listen to the video for “If I Die I Die” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbms_iiHgAM
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/themourning/if-i-die-i-die
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Single and Live Band Lineup:
Nanda Hayek – Female Co-Vocalist
Johnny Ray – Male Co-Vocalist
Alex Nasla – Keyboards
Jason Berlin – Drums
Jason Ashcraft – Guitar
Alon Mei-Tal – Bass
Francesco Pinter – Lead Guitar
For more info: https://www.themourningmusic.com
About: Formed by vocalist and songwriter Johnny Ray, The Mourning was created to transform personal struggle, spiritual searching, and existential weight into emotionally immediate progressive metal. Their music blends soaring dual vocals, intricate musicianship, atmospheric tension, and deeply human lyrical themes. The band’s previous album, “Hush,” established them as a rising force in modern progressive metal, exploring anxiety, trauma, meaning, and inner transformation across its acclaimed tracklist.
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“The band blends mid to uptempo grooves while also introducing space and atmosphere in just the right places. Combining melody, technical/progressive musical elements, and harmony lead vocals, I feel this band caters to both musicians and non-musicians alike.” – Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche)
“The Mourning masterfully marries classic synth sounds, modern Haken-esque rhythms, and massive vocal hooks into a modern progressive package worthy of every fan’s undivided attention.” – Metal Injection
“In a world of clones, The Mourning is a true original and a breath of fresh air.” – Gear Gods
“With the release of “Hush”, the band continue to showcase their mastery to balance technical prowess with broader thematic appeal. The Mourning will most definitely make a big impact on the prog metal scene today and in the future.” – Metal Epidemic
“An impressive first album from a young band with room to grow. Fans of bands like Haken and Distrct 97 will enjoy this album. One to watch.” – Prog Radio
“Hush” a sensory treat that transcends the limits of perception.” – Roadie Metal
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