NEWS RELEASE
Montreal, QC – April 16, 2026
SIEGE PERILOUS’ New Video “Ancient Rite” Is A Power Metal Quest To Conquer Fear and Destiny!
New Album “Becoming The Dragon” Out Now!
Album Guests Fabio Lione (Rhapsody, Angra) and Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance)
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L-R: Mark Girard (Drums) | Eric Fischer (Bass) | Shaughnessy McDaniel (Vocals) | Ryan Flanagan (Guitar) | Scott Hancock (Guitar)
Photographer Credit – Gii Astorga
Colorado power metal storytellers Siege Perilous have released the brand‑new lyric video for “Ancient Rite,” the second chapter in their sweeping 2026 concept album “Becoming the Dragon.” The track introduces listeners to the prophecy that binds the album’s protagonist, setting the stage for the epic, ten‑part saga that follows.
“Ancient Rite begins with a somber, almost foreboding tone. It’s the moment where the world of the prophecy opens up, and the listener steps into the story. It’s airy, it’s ominous, and it lays the foundation for everything that comes after,” says vocalist Shaughnessy McDaniel.
The lyric video arrives as the band continues to roll out material from “Becoming the Dragon,” following the acclaimed singles “As the Dragon Falls” (feat. Fabio Lione) and “Echoes of Home” ft. Kristin Starkey (Twilight Force, Temperance) and the album’s thunderous title track.
“Becoming the Dragon” is a fully realized narrative concept album chronicling the rise, fall, and transformation of the “Child of Prophecy.” “Ancient Rite” serves as the album’s first true narrative step after the orchestral overture, introducing the mythic forces that shape the hero’s destiny.
The track’s somber, spacious atmosphere, driven by a steady, commanding verse, reflects the uncertainty and weight of prophecy. It’s the calm before the storm that erupts in later tracks like “As the Dragon Falls,” “Chieftain,” and “Eschaton.”
Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Ancient Rite” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKSsUhIQt-E
Formed in Colorado by longtime friends and LARP companions Shaughnessy McDaniel (vocals), Scott Hancock (guitar), and Mark Girard (drums), Siege Perilous grew from a shared passion for fantasy storytelling and the electrifying inspiration of seeing Unleash the Archers live in 2021. Joined by Eric Fischer (bass) and later Ryan Flanagan, the band has evolved into a fully collaborative creative unit. Every track on “Becoming the Dragon” was shaped collectively, with each member contributing to the story beats, arrangements, and narrative flow. The result is a unified musical saga with each chapter standing strong as an individual song.
“We could not possibly be more excited to share Becoming the Dragon. This album represents our collective experience, skill, hopes, and dreams as musicians. Getting to collaborate with Fabio and Kristin, two artists who inspired us long before this band existed, has been surreal. We can’t wait for people to hear the full story,” adds McDaniel.
Epic, melodic, powerful, cinematic, and story‑driven, Siege Perilous is recommended for fans of Battle Beast, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Helloween, and Avantasia.
“Becoming the Dragon” (released March 27th) is available via Crunchtronic Records on all digital platforms, along with physical CD and Vinyl, plus merch at the following links:
CD + Vinyl (Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl in Draconic Red) – https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/album/2ij7lZIEXDFMn4I65Slc87
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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
More info: Siegemetal.com | Facebook.com/siegeband | Instagram.com/siegeperilousmetal | Tiktok.com/@siegemetal
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“Siege Perilous Unleashes a Dragon-Slaying Debut” – Westword Denver
“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
“For a debut, ‘Becoming The Dragon’ is a bold and confident statement… undeniably compelling, and a promising sign of greater things to come.” – Metal Rager 666
“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
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