These Wicked Rivers - New album "Fire And Folklore" out now

 These Wicked Rivers are releasing their third album, “Fire and Folklore,” via Fat Earth Records/Cargo Records. At the same time, their new single “Rise” is being released along with a music video directed by Conor Lee Butler and Andy Morahan.

Frontman John Hartwell states: “I am delighted that we can share Fire and Folklore with you now, an album about the importance of story telling, be it the stories that change the world, the stories that affect us on a personal level or the stories that keep memories alive. An album that started as a glimmer of an idea clothed in the mystic heritage of Britain here at home in Belper, and hopefully will reach new fans across the world. We’re very proud to deliver this, we hope you enjoy it.”

Fire and Folklore was recorded in the band's hometown of Belper, Derbyshire, which is also the home of their album co-producer, GRAMMY-award-winner Andy Sneap (Sabbat, Judas Priest, Saxon, Megadeth and more). The band have enjoyed celebrating local talent and history on this record, being inspired by the landscapes and folklore of the midlands and the British Isles. “Fire and Folklore is a hymn to the old tradition of sharing knowledge through stories, music and folklore. There’s something almost mystical about the way stories get passed down through generations, changing and evolving with every telling, but still keeping something of where they came from. Music and storytelling have always gone hand in hand, and with this album we wanted to carry that on in our own way, telling some of our own stories, keeping memories alive and exploring some of the things that have shaped us along the way.” states bassist Adam Brewell.

>> ORDER AND LISTEN TO “FIRE AND FOLKLORE” NOW <<

These Wicked Rivers also deliver new single "Rise" today with a video directed by Conor Lee Butler with a little help from legendary Music Video Director Andy Morahan, the man behind such iconic videos as "November Rain" and “Faith.

"When an esteemed director like Andy says he wants to be involved in a video for a song on your new album you say "Yes“ immediately", states guitarist Arran Day. “Conor, Andy and their team had a vision from the very start after connecting with the song "Rise" early on. Their ideas, enthusiasm and professionalism really pushed us to up our game on this shoot. They were constantly coming up with new ideas and imagery to enhance his vision. It was easy to see why Andy has worked with the very best over his incredible career and Conor is no slouch either having directed our previous video. They are a great combination”

The new single “Rise” is an upbeat instruction for feeling good and taking charge of your life, multi-instrumentalist Rich Wilson writes: “I wanted to write something with a positive message to try and uplift people in these troubled times. It’s basically saying we all need to come together and stop focusing on our differences when we are all fundamentally the same.”

John Hartwell reflects: “We’ve all been through dark times. It’s sometimes hard to get back up and get back on track when things go wrong, we wanted Rise to help people see a way forward.”

“Rise” is one of several tracks that address issues of mental health, Horse to Water confronts the reality of addiction, and how someone can only be helped once they are truly ready to receive that help. The record, which consists of ten tracks, started out as ideas while still touring Force Of Nature then ended up in Sneaps’ studio laying down the tracks for a month at his home in Belper. Together with producer Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows) and engineer Pete Newdeck (Steve Grimmett, Tony Martin, Paul Di'Anno) the band created Fire and Folkore. Singer John Hartwell: “Being local lads, it's been a real privilege to be able to record the album so close to home in beautiful Derbyshire, a stone's throw from where some of the songs were written, it’s been a great learning experience.”

Andy Sneap isn't the only Derbyshire talent on the record. Fellow Derby-born artist Kezia Gill - one of the leading voices in UK country music - guests on 'Sing Another Song', lending her voice to These Wicked Rivers' more Southern and Country leanings. Two of Derbyshire's biggest musical exports sharing a track is no small statement of local pride for These Wicked Rivers.

These Wicked Rivers are pleased to be able to announce they will be heading out through Europe next year for further Fire and Folklore tour dates across Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium. The band are going to be on the road a lot over the next year, and with a reputation for soulful-bordering-on-spiritual live performances it’s easy to see why so many of their shows are selling out including their album release show at Buxton Octagon Hall, October 10th. Building a devoted following across the UK and Europe affectionately known as the “Rivers Family” the good vibes are echoed in the friendship between band members themselves plus a desire to build a stage environment that’s welcoming to anyone and everyone, whether punk, alternative, young or old, able bodied or not. With the friendly vibe of your Nan's front room, everyone should feel comfortable at a These Wicked Rivers show. Armed with a bigger sound made for bigger stages and a rapidly growing “family” of fans, These Wicked Rivers are poised to reach new heights.

These Wicked Rivers Live 2027

• 29.01 - Vlissingen, De Piek - Netherlands
• 30.01 - Helmond, Cacaofabriek - Netherlands
• 31.01 - Woerden, Bredius - Netherlands
• 11.02 - Zoetermeer, Boerderij - The Netherlands
• 13.02 - Breda, Phoenix - The Netherlands

TICKETS 

The album is available in standard black vinyl, orange “Fire” vinyl, purple “Folklore” vinyl, picture disc and limited edition pressed flower vinyl. It is also available on CD, USB and on all streaming services including Bandcamp. Physical album copies and merch available at www.thesewickedrivers.com

Tracklist

1. The Healing
2. Horse to Water
3. Ain't No Smoke
4. Love to Love
5. Sing Another Song feat. Kezia Gill
6. Rise
7. Brother Oh Brother
8. Better Man
9. Woodland Queen
10. Stories