Album Overview
Ceremony have officially confirmed the details of their seventh full‑length record, “Tell Me Your Dream”. The LP is slated for an August 7 release through Relapse, marking the band’s first new studio material since their recent Coachella appearances. According to a press statement, the new effort captures the group at their most expressive and expansive, while preserving the raw intensity that has defined their sound for more than twenty years.
In tandem with the announcement, the California‑based punk outfit unveiled its fresh single and accompanying video, “Death Destruction Mayhem.” The track follows the earlier release “Other Hells” and marks a return to a grittier punk‑hardcore sound while still weaving in post‑punk influences.
The record draws on the band’s deep roots in punk, hardcore, and post‑punk, and also nods to the politically charged ethos of anarcho‑punk pioneers such as Discharge and Crass. This combination results in an album that feels both nostalgic and forward‑looking, delivering aggressive riffs alongside reflective, melodic passages.
Production Details
A notable aspect of “Tell Me Your Dream” is the reunion with veteran producer John Reis, who previously collaborated with Ceremony on the 2015 album “The L‑Shaped Man”. Guitarist‑keyboardist Anthony Anzaldo explained that Reis became deeply immersed in the recording process, bringing a multi‑instrumentalist’s perspective that resonated with the entire band.
“John essentially joined the band for this one,” Anzaldo said. “We couldn’t respect him more as a guitarist, singer, or songwriter. He knows what it’s like to occupy every role in a group, so we gave him the keys to shape the record.”
This partnership has resulted in a production style that highlights the band’s dynamic range, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining the gritty energy that fans have come to expect.
Lyric Themes & Title Meaning
Vocalist Ross Farrar offered insight into the conceptual core of the album’s title, linking it to ideas of intimacy, vulnerability, and inspiration in an increasingly detached world.
“Tell me your dream in a time when intimacy and vulnerability seem neglected,” Farrar commented. “Tell me your dream when reciprocity has become a contract.”
These lyrics reflect the band’s ongoing exploration of personal and societal tensions, urging listeners to consider the importance of genuine connection amidst modern complexity.
Live Performance Context
The upcoming release follows Ceremony’s recent performances at Coachello, which further solidified their standing within the punk underground. The new material offers fans a chance to experience the band’s evolution while still honoring their foundational sound.
A standout preview track, “Death Destruction Mayhem”, provides a glimpse into the album’s balancing act between nostalgic aggression and contemporary experimentation. The song exemplifies the band’s ability to revisit their roots while pushing artistic boundaries forward.
Tracklist
The official tracklist for “Tell Me Your Dream” is as follows:
- “Prograde”
- “Other Hells”
- “Madness”
- “Dark Summer”
- “Deep Down Where I Belong”
- “Antenna”
- “Justify”
- “Death Destruction Mayhem”
- “10 Planets”
- “Paradise”
Band Profile & Visual Direction
Beyond his role as frontman, Ross Farrar has expanded his creative contributions to include visual and artistic direction. He made his directorial debut by co‑directing the music video for the single “Vanity Spawned by Fear” alongside photographer and creative director Nedda Afsari. This venture illustrates Farrar’s commitment to shaping the band’s overall aesthetic, further integrating the visual narrative with the auditory experience.
