Los Angeles-based The Dark have officially dropped their highly anticipated self-titled debut EP via Arising Empire, cementing their place as one of the most exciting new acts in rock. The band—formed by Craig Johns Jr. and Alan Ashby (Of Mice & Men)—delivers a haunting yet electrifying sound, drawing influence from Nine Inch Nails, White Zombie, Deftones, and Health. Stream, download:
https://arisingempire.com/thedarkep
The EP’s lead single, “Chemicals”, made waves upon release, premiering on BBC Radio 1’s Rock Show with Daniel P Carter and amassing over 400,000 Spotify streams in no time flat. Its apocalyptic love story, set against a crumbling world, resonated deeply with listeners and skyrocketed the band onto the 2025 Warped Tour while securing support slots with Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.
Following its success, “Slip Away” took things even darker, exploring self-destruction, addiction, and painful self-awareness. The track dominated active rock radio, earning rotation on SiriusXM Octane and other major stations across the U.S., proving The Dark’s music strikes a raw nerve.
To celebrate the EP’s release, The Dark will play their first-ever headline show on February 23, 2025, at The Echo in Los Angeles—a night that marked the beginning of a new era for the band.