International alternative metal and hard rock duo Lode Star have released their new album, Darkstar, on October 23, 2026. The project, consisting of Ireland-based vocalist and keyboardist Kate Glock and Canada-based guitarist and bassist Jensen Rodolfo, began collaborating remotely during the pandemic. Their latest record expands on their established melodic sound with heavier guitars, extreme vocals, and influences from early 2000s alternative metal, hard rock, and doom metal.

Darkstar marks a more collaborative approach to the duo’s songwriting and production, with both musicians contributing to the arrangements and overall musical direction. The album combines atmospheric passages, aggressive guitar work, and melodic vocals while exploring a heavier sound than their previous releases. Its development took longer than initially planned as the musicians continued experimenting with new ideas and refining their compositions.

The album follows an existing catalog of three full-length records and an EP, alongside a cover of Cryoshell’s “Creeping in My Soul,” which gained viral attention and introduced Lode Star to new listeners. Darkstar was mixed and mastered by Riccardo Pasini at Studio 73.

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