Dawn Vally |

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 10, 2025

Toronto’s DAWN VALLY Unleash Jailhouse Rage with New Single “Graves” Off Forthcoming EP Out In 2026

L-R: Joe Bartolo (Drums), Antonio Bratta (Guitar), Zac Emmons (Vocals), Jeff Bartolo (Bass)

Photo Credit: Josh Vicente

Canadian deathcore outfit Dawn Vally has dropped their latest single, “Graves,” a punishing, raw track that marks a new chapter in the band’s evolution. Formed in 2007 by twin brothers Jeff (bass) and Joe Bartolo (drums), Dawn Vally has built a reputation for delivering aggressive, high-intensity music that blends metalcore and deathcore with fearless originality.

“Graves” is the second single from the band’s upcoming EP, slated for release in early 2026. It’s also the first recording to feature new vocalist Zac Emmons, formerly the guitarist of hardcore band Pound Of Flesh. Zac joined the band earlier this year, bringing a visceral lyrical style rooted in personal experience.

“Graves lyrically is a song about betrayal and the emotions that come with it. I went into a dark place in my mind to get the words,” says Zac.

Musically, “Graves” builds on the foundation laid by their previous album, “Blueprints of the 416,” but pushes the intensity even further. With punishing breakdowns and relentless energy, the track is already being hailed as Dawn Vally’s heaviest release to date.

The single’s artwork, created by Paul Padgett of Eightfold Visuals, features a horror-tinged jailhouse setting that perfectly complements the song’s themes of emotional confinement and rage.

Dawn Vally’s sound is a collaborative effort, shaped by the eclectic influences of its members. While metalcore and deathcore dominate, the band draws from jazz, classic rock, and hardcore to create a sonic landscape that’s both brutal and nuanced. Guitarist Antonio Bratta, a classically trained musician with a jazz background, adds a unique layer to the band’s dynamic compositions.

With plans to expand their reach across Canada in 2026, Dawn Vally is preparing for tours both out west and east. Their live shows promise the same raw energy and sonic devastation that fans have come to expect.

For fans of Whitechapel, Parkway Drive, BMTH, and Hatebreed, Dawn Vally is a band that doesn’t just play metal; they live it.

“Graves” is now streaming on all major platforms, along with its music video filmed and created by Brett and Hayley Wright, who have worked with other artists such as LÜZR, Seagrave, and CRUELINTENT.

Add to your Spotify playlist – https://ampl.ink/ezq3P

Music Video – https://youtu.be/xRxnMQq8xgU

More info: https://linktr.ee/Dawn_Vally

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EPK – Dawn Vally – Graves (single) (2025)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Parkway Drive, Lamb Of God, Cancer Bats, Volumes, Of Mice And Men

All Links: https://linktr.ee/Dawn_Vally

Single pre-save – https://ampl.ink/ezq3P

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[Download Single Cover | Download Single Lyrics]

Band: Dawn Vally
Single Title: Graves
Release Date: October 4, 2025
Distribution: IndiePool
Length: 2:45
Genres: Metalcore
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Single Credits:
• performed by: Dawn Vally
• written by: Dawn Vally
• Produced by: Eli Heineman
• Mixed by: Eli Heineman
• Mastered by: Eli Heineman
• Single Artwork: Eightfold Visuals
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

Band Line Up:
Vocals – Zac Emmons
Bass – Jeff Bartolo
Guitar – Antonio Bratta
Drums – Joe Bartolo

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About The Single Artwork:

Single art was done by Paul Padgett of Eightfold Visuals. It’s a jailhouse setting with horror-esque vibes, which we felt was necessary for a song like Graves.

About The Single:

Graves is a song about betrayal and the feelings that come with that experience. Musically, it follows a similar style to the previous album, Blueprints of the 416, but we feel it’s our heaviest song yet. Musically, it has high intensity with punishing breakdowns.

====================================================

FUN FACTS – STORY ANGLES:

1. A lot of Zac’s lyrics are based on personal experiences. He goes into and relives those emotions to convey the aggression he feels complements metal music so well.

2. With the music, we have been on a mission to challenge ourselves as musicians to take our performances to the next level.

3. Jeff (bass) and Joe (drums) are twins who started the band together.

4. All of Dawn Vally’s music has been produced by Eli Heinamen, the bassist of hardcore band HEAT.

5. Anton is a classically trained guitarist with heavy jazz influence. He also teaches guitar.

6. Zac (vocals) was the guitarist for popular hardcore band Pound Of Flesh

7. Dawn Vally’s first album, “The DVP,” was only available on burned CDs; they wouldn’t drop music online until the Just Please Her album in 2013

L-R: Joe Bartolo (Drums), Antonio Bratta (Guitar), Zac Emmons (Vocals), Jeff Bartolo (Bass)

Photo Credit: Josh Vicente

Formed in 2007 by twin brothers Jeff (bass) and Joe Bartolo (drums), Dawn Vally erupted from the underground with a mission to deliver metalcore that’s unapologetically aggressive, emotionally raw, and sonically punishing. What began as a DIY project—burning CDs of their debut album The DVP before releasing music online in 2013 with Just Please Her—has evolved into one of Canada’s most relentless metalcore acts.

The band’s sound is a collaborative effort, shaped by the diverse musical backgrounds of its members. While metalcore and deathcore are the backbone, influences range from Anton’s jazz guitar finesse to Zac and Joe’s love for classic rock and Jeff’s hardcore roots. This fusion creates a sonic identity that’s both familiar and fearlessly unique.

In early 2025, Dawn Vally welcomed Zac Emmons as their new lead vocalist. Formerly the guitarist of hardcore outfit Pound Of Flesh, Zac left the band in February to pursue vocals. Already close with the group, he joined for a jam session—and things clicked instantly. His emotionally charged lyrics, often drawn from personal experiences, dive into the darker corners of the psyche, giving fans something visceral to connect with.

Their upcoming EP, expected in early 2026, marks the first release with Zac on vocals. Featuring tracks like “Graves” and “Orange,” the record promises 5–6 songs of refined brutality. “Graves,” the second single, is a standout, lyrically drenched in betrayal and musically ferocious. Zac describes writing it by tapping into a dark place in his mind, and the result is the heaviest Dawn Vally song to date. It channels the intensity of their previous album Blueprints of the 416 while pushing their sound to new extremes.

Live, Dawn Vally is a full-throttle experience: punishing breakdowns, wild leads, and a wall of sound that leaves no one standing still. With plans to expand their brand Canada-wide, the band is gearing up for tours both out west and east in the coming year.

Influenced by heavyweights like Whitechapel, Parkway Drive, BMTH, Get The Shot, and Hatebreed, Dawn Vally continues to challenge themselves as musicians, pushing their performances and songwriting to the next level.

Discography:
2025 – Graves (single)
2025 – Orange (single)
2024 – Blueprints Of The 416 (EP)
2017 – Still Bleeding (EP)
2015 – Bleed Through Your Ears (single)
2013 – Just Pleaser (Album)

Shared Stage with: MyChildrenMyBride, BrokeNCYDE, The Bunny The Bear, Cryptopsy, Bodysnatcher

Tours and Festivals:
Carter Brown Memorial Fest(Newmarket, ON) 2025
Laura-Palooza 2025 (Toronto, ON)
WalterFest 2024 & 2025 (Toronto, ON)
Road To Arby’s Tour (2023)
Weekend Slaughter Tour (2025)

Artist endorsements:
Collision Drumsticks. Soultone Cymbals. InTune Guitar Picks.

Category: Dawn Vally

0 Toronto’s DAWN VALLY Unleash Jailhouse Rage with New Single “Graves” Off Forthcoming EP Out In 2026

0 EPK – Dawn Vally – Graves (single) (2025)