Category: Dawn Vally

0 Alive and Kicking! Toronto’s DAWN VALLY Unleash Punishing “Kneecapper” Video For New EP “Near Death Experience” Out Now!

August 5, 2026
by Asher
· Dawn Vally · Music News

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – August 5, 2026

Alive and Kicking! Toronto’s DAWN VALLY Unleash Punishing “Kneecapper” Video For New EP “Near Death Experience” Out Now!

Recently coming off a crushing performance at Loud As Hell Open Air Festival in Drumheller, AB, where they tore through the stage alongside Fallujah, Crimson Shadows, Divinity, and more, Toronto’s Dawn Vally has dropped a ferocious new lyric video for “Kneecapper”, in support of the band’s brand‑new and third EP “Near Death Experience,” released July 31st, 2026, a milestone marking the rebirth of one of Canada’s most relentless metalcore acts.

Formed in 2007 by brothers Jeff and Joe Bartolo, Dawn Vally has spent nearly two decades forging a sound that’s raw, ferocious, intense, heavy, and brutal. What began as a DIY project burning CDs in their early days has evolved into a fully realized force, now rounded out by guitarist Antonio and new vocalist Zac Emmons, formerly of Pound Of Flesh.

“Kneecapper” is a blistering statement of betrayal, an explosive track aimed at a once‑trusted friend whose indecision and backstabbing cost everything. Musically, it’s one of Dawn Vally’s most punishing offerings to date, with high‑octane riffs, savage breakdowns, and Zac’s emotionally charged vocal delivery.

The lyric video amplifies the intensity, pairing the band’s signature brutality with stark, confrontational visuals that mirror the song’s themes of anger, loss, and retaliation.

Watch the lyric video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzZC9FWBTjE

The EP’s title reflects the band’s turbulent years from 2022–2024, an era of internal turmoil that nearly ended Dawn Vally entirely. Instead, the band emerged stronger, channeling the chaos into a record that blends every era of their sound, from the early “Just Please Her” EP’s hard‑rock roots to the ferocious metalcore/hardcore hybrid they’re known for today.

Lyrically, “Near Death Experience” is drenched in betrayal, emotional pain, and the psychological fallout of broken trust. Musically, it’s a full‑throttle assault, high‑octane intensity from start to finish.

“This EP is to signify that it was only a near-death experience and not a full-on death of the band,” adds vocalist Zac Emmons.

The band has already begun writing the follow‑up to “Near Death Experience”. Fans can expect even more music, more intensity, and more emotional depth as Dawn Vally continues to evolve.

Recommended for fans of Parkway Drive, Lamb Of God, Cancer Bats, and Suicide Silence, “Near Death Experience” is available at the following links:

Bandcamp – https://dawnvallyto.bandcamp.com/album/near-death-experience

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/7r4Y6txMc7q2IFCFouMKWR

Track Listing:
1. Orange – (2:30)
2. Pray For Me (2:39)
3. Kneecapper (2:50)
4. Second Hand Smoke (2:41)
5. Graves (2:44)

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

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Dawn Vally
• All songs written by: Dawn Vally
• Lyrics written by: Zac Emmons
• Produced by: Eli Heineman
• Mixed by: Eli Heineman
• Mastered by: Eli Heineman
• EP Artwork by: Zac Emmons
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

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

– 30 –

“Dawn Vally is bringing absolutely punishing music to the forefront of the Canadian music scene” – Kroniknoise Promotions

“Near Death Experience is gonna have audiences on the verge of death themselves with the mosh pits this music creates” – Pitborn Promotions
—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook – Asher Media PR News
Instagram – AsherMedia
Tweet – AsherMedia

0 EPK – Dawn Vally – Near Death Experience (2026)

August 4, 2026
by Asher
· Dawn Vally · EPKs

EPK – Dawn Vally – Near Death Experience (2026)

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

“Near Death Experience the title that came from the idea that the years 2022-2024 were an almost near-death experience of the band, as there was internal turmoil. This album is to signify that it was only a NEAR death experience and not a full-on death of the band.” – Dawn Vally

For fans of Parkway Drive, Lamb Of God, Cancer Bats, Volumes, Suicide Silence

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

Apple Music | Spotify

“Dawn Vally is bringing absolutely punishing music to the forefront of the Canadian music scene” – Kroniknoise Promotions

“Near Death Experience is gonna have audiences on the verge of death themselves with the mosh pits this music creates” – Pitborn Promotions

Band: Dawn Vally
Single Title: Near Death Experience
Release Date: July 31, 2026
Distribution: IndiePool
Genres: Metalcore
Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Track Listing:
1. Orange – (2:30)
2. Pray For Me (2:39)
3. Kneecapper (2:50)
4. Second Hand Smoke (2:41)
5. Graves (2:44)

EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Dawn Vally
• All songs written by: Dawn Vally
• Lyrics written by: Zac Emmons
• Produced by: Eli Heineman
• Mixed by: Eli Heineman
• Mastered by: Eli Heineman
• EP Artwork by: Zac Emmons
• Member of SOCAN
• Canadian Content (MAPL)

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

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

About the EP Artwork:

It’s a heart monitor screen showing a low heart rate of “Near death” with the band’s name as the patient name at the top.

About the EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

This record lyrically is all about betrayal from those closest to you and the feelings and thoughts that accompany that experience.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Orange: A friend had their ego blow up to the point they weren’t even recognizable anymore.

2. Pray For Me: your close friend abuses your trust to steal your spouse from you behind your back.

3. Kneecapper: a friend costs you everything you worked for based on their indecisive nature and blames all their issues after the fact on you.

4. Second Hand Smoke: uses smoking as a metaphor for a partner that abused you mentally and destroyed you, only to be angry when you persevered and overcame it all.

5. Graves: a goodbye to love that once was.

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

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, which 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.

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 third EP, “Near Death Experience,” out July 31st, 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:
2026 – Near Death Experience (EP)
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: Fallujah, Allegaeon, Summoning The Lich, Signs Of The Swarm, Bodysnatcher, BrokeNCYDE, The Bunny The Bear, Autumn Lies Buried, MyChildrenMyBride, BrokeNCYDE, The Bunny The Bear, Cryptopsy, Bodysnatcher

TOURS AND FESTIVALS YOU HAVE PERFORMED ON.
2026- Panda Fest – Ottawa, ON
2026 – Rye Fest – Brantford, ON
2026 – Loud As Hell Fest – Drumheller, AB
2026 – Heavy Fest – Toronto, ON
2026 – Alternative Waves Music Festival – Medicine Hat, AB
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.

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

October 10, 2025
by Asher
· Dawn Vally · Music News

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

– 30 –

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
Jon Asher – Music Publicist
#.514.581.5780
jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
Facebook – Asher Media PR News
Instagram – AsherMedia
Tweet – AsherMedia

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

October 1, 2025
by Asher
· Dawn Vally · EPKs

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

Apple Music | Spotify

[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

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

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.

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.

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.

Asher Media Relations Tweets

Tweets by AsherMedia

Asher Media Email Subscription

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address:

Join 2,164 other subscribers