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President (band)

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President
President performing at the Tons of Rock festival in 2026.
President performing at the Tons of Rock festival in 2026.
Background information
OriginUnited Kingdom
Genres
Years active2025–present
LabelAtlantic[1]
Members
  • The President
  • Heist
  • Protest
  • Vice
Websitepresidentband.com
The President
Protest

President (stylised in all caps) are an anonymous English band formed in 2025,[2] who blend metalcore with electronica.[3] The band had released no music and were unknown until they were announced to play at that year's Download Festival, sparking speculation to their identity. Their frontman, the eponymous President, is described by Revolver as "silver-haired, wearing an eerie, not-quite-lifelike mask etched with deep wrinkles and radiating wax-figure unease".[4] They released their debut EP, King of Terrors, in 2025. Their debut studio album, Blood of Your Empire, was released on 4 September 2026.[5]

The band's current lineup consists of The President (vocals), Heist (guitarist), Protest (bassist) and Vice (drummer).[2]

History

[edit]

Beginnings and initial releases

[edit]

In an interview with Revolver, it was revealed that the band began as a solo project and later expanded into a full band.[4] Development of the project occurred over several years in complete secrecy until the band was announced as a performer at the 2025 Download Festival in February 2025,[4][6] confusing fans as no details were released as to who the band was and they had released no music.[7] Shortly afterward, the band created an Instagram page and started posting cryptic teasers.[8]

In April 2025, they released a teaser for a new song,[9][10] their debut single "In The Name of the Father", released on 15 May 2025.[11][12][13] The song was named "Tune of the Week" on BBC Radio 1 and they appeared on the cover of an issue of Rock Sound.[14][15] Speculation ran rampant on who the band was, as fans discovered ties to the band with several companies used by another masked band Sleep Token (who were headlining Download Festival that year) and using similar iconography to Crosses.[16][17][8] On May 21, they announced their first headlining show at The Garage in London. The show, which took place on July 30, sold out in less than 48 hours.[18][19] A second single, "Fearless", was released on 5 June 2025.[17][20] The band debuted at Download Festival 2025 in June 2025.[21][22] Their performance was praised by Kerrang! as an "absolute pandemonium from the off," and was favorably received by the crowd.[23] The band was later announced to open for Architects for several dates between December 2025 and January 2026.[24]

King of Terrors (2025)

[edit]

On 18 July 2025, the band announced their debut EP, King of Terrors, scheduled for release on 26 September, alongside the unveiling of its third single, "Rage".[25] The fourth single, "Destroy Me", followed on 4 September.[26] Shortly after, the band were announced as headliners for TakeDown Festival 2026, which took place at Portsmouth Guildhall on 4 April 2026.[27]

In an interview published on 17 September in Kerrang!, the band confirmed they were working on their debut studio album, which would further expand the narrative and mythology surrounding the President character.[28] Later that month, President were added to several major European festivals for 2026, including Slam Dunk Festival (23–24 May),[29] Nova Rock Festival (12 June),[30] Rock for People (13 June),[31] Tons of Rock (25–28 June),[32] and Copenhell (24–27 June).[33]

The band's rapid rise prompted speculation that President may be an industry plant.[34][35] The frontman dismissed the suggestion as "bewildering", stating that King of Terrors was self-produced, independently released, and promoted through grassroots support from friends and online communities, without involvement from a record label or major industry backing.[35]

The EP was released worldwide on 26 September,[36] accompanied by neon-styled visualizer videos for both "Dionysus" and "Conclave".[37][38] Following the EP's release, President announced a one-off Australian headline show which took place on 12 December, coinciding with their support tour alongside Architects.[39] The band were subsequently confirmed for an appearance at the Greenfield Festival (11–13 June).

On 28 October, President were announced as a supporting act, alongside Beartooth, on Bad Omens's 2026 North American arena tour,[40] which concluded on 27 March 2026 at the Oakland Arena.[41]

In a 24 November interview with Metal Hammer, President's frontman confirmed that the band has been working on their debut full-length album, with four songs already written.[42] He described the record as an evolution of their EP, expanding on its sound while retaining select elements from it.[42]

Signing to Atlantic and Blood of Your Empire (2026–present)

[edit]

On 11 February 2026, President teased a new single titled "Angel Wings",[43] which was released on 18 February alongside the announcement that the band had signed with Atlantic Records.[1] On 23 February, President was announced for Louder Than Life 2026, with their performance scheduled for 18 September.[44]

The following month, the band teased "Mercy",[45] which was released on 26 March.[46] Four days later, President announced their first North American headlining tour, beginning on 4 September in Nashville, Tennessee, and concluding on 14 October in Dallas, Texas, with support from Showing Teeth and Cenobia.[47] Of the 26 scheduled dates, 22 sold out within 24 hours of going on general sale.[48]

On 14 May, "Doom Loop" was announced as the band's next single.[49] It was released on 21 May alongside the announcement of President's debut studio album, Blood of Your Empire, scheduled for release on 4 September.[5] The following day, the band announced a headlining tour of the United Kingdom and Europe, beginning in Stockholm, Sweden, on 1 November and concluding in London, United Kingdom, on 24 November.[50]

On 23 July, President teased "Dark Heaven" as the album's next single,[51] before releasing it on 30 July.[52] On 21 August, the band announced their first Australian headlining tour, scheduled to run from 19 to 27 February 2027.[53]

On 28 August, it was revealed that Cenobia would no longer support President on the North American tour.[54] Blood of Your Empire was released on 4 September, the same day President began their North American headlining tour in Nashville, Tennessee.[55]

Musical style, themes, and imagery

[edit]

"This is not an anti-religious project, it's not an anti-government project, it's not an anti-politics project. It's about dealing with inner questions."

— The President on the band's purpose[28]
Official band logotype featuring a patriarchal cross.

The band's music has been described as metalcore,[3][56][57] with elements of alternative metal,[58] alternative pop, and electronica.[3] VICE described the band's post-metalcore style as "deeply compelling" and praised their songwriting style for being "refreshingly honest."[59]

President's work often explores themes of religion, mortality, and existential fear.[60] Their debut EP, King of Terrors, references the biblical figure associated with death, highlighting mortality as a central motif.[61]

The band's frontman has described the project as rooted in a personal crisis shaped by religion and loss, and has said, "I didn't want it to feel modern, I wanted it to feel like something else. We wanted to add an element of [...] discomfort, kind of in the way The Shining makes you uncomfortable. I wanted it to feel beautiful but unsettling."[4]

President live in 2026

While their identities remain concealed, multiple sources have suggested the masked lead vocalist is Charlie Simpson, co-lead vocalist and guitarist for Busted and former frontman for Fightstar.[62][63][64][65] The frontman has stated that their true identity is "not ever going to be acknowledged."[66]

The band incorporates political campaign themes into its public image and press releases. Fans are referred to as "citizens," live performances are presented as "rallies," promotional materials are referred to as "endorsements," music videos as "broadcasts," and fans are encouraged to "join the campaign" to receive updates.[67]

Comparison with Sleep Token

[edit]

Since President's debut in 2025, critics have frequently compared the band to Sleep Token, citing their shared use of anonymity, masks and a similarly theatrical presentation.[68][69] The comparison has been amplified by the fact that both acts share management under Future History.[70]

The band's frontman has rejected the parallels, describing the Sleep Token comparisons as "fucking lazy" and arguing that the similarities are largely superficial.[71]

Band members

[edit]
  • The President – lead vocals, production[35] (2025–present)
  • Heist – guitars (2025–present)
  • Protest – bass (2025–present)
  • Vice – drums (2025–present)

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
UK
[72]		 UK
Rock
[72]		 AUS
[73]		 AUT
[74]		 BEL
(FL)
[74]		 GER
[75]		 NLD
[74]		 NZ
[76]		 US
[77]
Blood of Your Empire 519182145763067

Extended plays

[edit]
Title EP details Peak chart positions
AUS
[78]
King of Terrors
  • Released: 26 September 2025
  • Label: King of Terrors / ADA
  • Formats: CD, DL, streaming
 25

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
UK
Sales
[72]		 UK
Rock
[72]		 UK
Down.
[72]		 UK
Indie
[72]		 US
Hard
Rock
[79]		 US
Main.
[80]		 US
Rock
Air.
[81]
"In the Name of the Father" 2025 52 19 50 41 14 — — King of Terrors (EP)
"Fearless" 71 37 68 — 24 — —
"Rage" 98 32 93 — — — —
"Destroy Me" 95 31 92 — 22 17 47
"Angel Wings" 2026 99 — 89 — 13 — — Blood of Your Empire
"Mercy" — — — — 15 — —
"Doom Loop" — — — — 8 — —
"Dark Heaven" — — — — 10 — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Other charted songs

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
NZ
Hot
[82]		 US
Hard
Rock
[83]
"Dionysus" 2025 —19 Blood of Your Empire
"Sleepwalker" 2026 402
"Pink Noise" —15
"White Devil" —25

Music videos

[edit]
Title Year Director(s) Album
"In the Name of the Father" 2025 Blindeye King of Terrors (EP)
"Fearless"
"Rage"
"Destroy Me"
"Angel Wings" 2026 B.K. Barone Blood of Your Empire
"Doom Loop" Zak Pinchin
"Dark Heaven" Unknown

Awards and nominations

[edit]

All awards and nominations listed should be in chronological order by the date they were nominated.

Year Award Nominee/work Title Result Ref.
2025 Nocturnal Awards "Destroy Me" Feels Are Reals Nominated [84]
"In The Name of the Father" Radio Song of the Year Nominated
President Masked Musician of the Year Nominated
Rock Sound Awards Best New Artist Won [85]
Drumeo Awards Vice Metal Drummer of The Year Nominated [86]
2026 Heavy Music Awards President Best Breakthrough Live Artist Nominated [87][88]
Best UK Breakthrough Band Won
MoreCore Music Awards "Doom Loop" Song of the Year Pending [89]

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 Adams, Gregory (18 February 2026). "Hear President Open a New Chapter With "Angel Wings"". Revolver. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
  2. 1 2 Schaffner, Lauryn (18 August 2025). "Now We Know What All the Members of President Are Called".
  3. 1 2 3 "President Unveiled: Decoding the Masked Metal Sensations". Rock News UK. 19 June 2025. President blended metalcore, alt-pop, and electronic
  4. 1 2 3 4 Adams, Gregory (21 July 2025). "President: The crisis of faith behind metal's new masked sensation".
  5. 1 2 Rogers, Jack (21 May 2026). "PRESIDENT Announce Debut Album 'BLOOD OF YOUR EMPIRE'". Rock Sound. Retrieved 21 May 2026.
  6. ↑ Duran, Anagricel (18 February 2025). "Download 2025: Rise Against, Hatebreed, Kids In Glass Houses lead 22 names added to line-up". NME.
  7. ↑ Rigotti, Alex (16 June 2025). "Watch the mysterious President make their debut at Download 2025". NME.
  8. 1 2 Petersen, Justice (15 May 2025). "What we know about President, rock's latest masked group". Melodic Magazine.
  9. ↑ "Unknown band President drop teaser ahead of next month's big reveal". Kerrang!. 2 April 2025.
  10. ↑ Dunworth, Liberty (3 April 2025). "Download 2025's mystery band PRESIDENT share teaser".
  11. ↑ "Masked Mystery Band President Releases First Single 'In The Name Of The Father'". Blabbermouth.net. 16 May 2025.
  12. ↑ "Hear mystery band President's debut song "In the Name of the Father"". Revolver. 15 May 2025.
  13. ↑ "A message from President: "We did not come to whisper. We came to build"". Kerrang!. 16 May 2025.
  14. ↑ Wilson-Taylor, James (22 May 2025). "President Is On The Cover Of Rock Sound". Rock Sound.
  15. ↑ "President: The Masked Band Taking Over Rock And Metal | RIOT". 25 May 2025.
  16. ↑ Childers, Chad (20 February 2025). "Who Are President - The Mysterious Band Just Added to the 2025 Download Festival?". Loudwire.
  17. 1 2 "See President singer unmask in video for new song "Fearless"". Revolver. 5 June 2025.
  18. ↑ "President announces (and sells out) Inaugural Headlining Rally all within 48 hours". Melodic Magazine. 21 May 2025.
  19. ↑ Schaffner, Lauryn (21 May 2025). "Masked Mystery Band President Announce First-Ever Headlining Show". Loudwire.
  20. ↑ "Watch the video for President's new single, Fearless". Kerrang!. 6 June 2025.
  21. ↑ Alderslade, Merlin (16 June 2025). "Watch latest masked metal sensations President play their first ever show at Download this past weekend". Louder Sound.
  22. ↑ Childers, Chad (16 June 2025). "Setlist + Video - Masked Mystery Band President Play First-Ever Show at Download 2025". Loudwire.
  23. ↑ Garner, Emily (15 June 2025). "What happened when President played Download Festival 2025". Kerrang!. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  24. ↑ Childers, Chad ChildersChad (30 June 2025). "Mystery Band President Book First-Ever Tour, Opening for Big Metalcore Band". Loudwire.
  25. ↑ Howell, Maddy (18 July 2025). "President Announce Debut EP 'King Of Terrors'".
  26. ↑ "Hear President deliver heart-stirring heaviness on new song "Destroy Me"". Revolver. 4 September 2025. Retrieved 4 September 2025.
  27. ↑ Garner, Emily (8 September 2025). "President announce first-ever festival headline slot at Takedown 2026". Kerrang!. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
  28. 1 2 Morton, Luke (17 September 2025). "President: "I've sat with these feelings for a long f*cking time… Writing these songs takes a lot out of me"". Kerrang!. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  29. ↑ Garner, Emily (24 September 2025). "Slam Dunk reveal Good Charlotte, Sublime, President and loads more in first 2026 announcement". Kerrang!. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  30. ↑ "Nova Rock 2026: Massive Lineup Drop Featuring Iron Maiden, Ice Nine Kills & More!". Impericon Magazine. Impericon. 23 September 2025. Retrieved 23 September 2025.
  31. ↑ Sophie, Anna (24 September 2025). "Rock For People 2026: First Wave of Bands, Headliners & Special Day Announcement". Impericon Magazine. Impericon. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  32. ↑ "Lineup complete with 11 new bands for Tons of Rock 2026". Tons of Rock. Retrieved 2 July 2026.
  33. ↑ "Twisted Sister Confirmed As Third Headliner For Copenhell 2026; Sepultura, Queensrÿche, Six Feet Under And More Added To Bill". BraveWords. 30 September 2025. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  34. ↑ Shah, Rishi (31 July 2025). "President live in London Garage review". NME. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
  35. 1 2 3 Garner, Emily (18 September 2025). "President respond to 'industry plant' comments: 'It couldn't be more DIY if it tried'". Kerrang!. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
  36. ↑ "President Release Dark and Powerful Debut EP 'King of Terrors', Set for Australian Tour with Architects". Noise11. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  37. ↑ "Dionysus (Visualizer)". YouTube. President. 25 September 2025. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  38. ↑ "Conclave (Visualizer)". YouTube. President. 25 September 2025. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
  39. ↑ McNamara, Lauren (1 October 2025). "President Announce One-Off Australian Show". Rolling Stone Australia. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  40. ↑ "Bad Omens and Beartooth Announce 2026 North American Arena Tour". The Rock Revival. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 28 October 2025.
  41. ↑ DeWald, Mike (28 March 2026). "REVIEW: Bad Omens cap biggest tour yet with Oakland Arena blowout". RIFF Magazine. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
  42. 1 2 Metal Hammer (24 November 2025). "Masked metal sensations President have written four songs for their debut album". Louder. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  43. ↑ Jack Rogers (12 February 2026). "PRESIDENT Teases New Track 'Angel Wings'". Rock Sound. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  44. ↑ "IRON MAIDEN, LIMP BIZKIT and TOOL to headline Louder Than Life 2026". Revolver. Retrieved 23 February 2026.
  45. ↑ "President: New Single "Mercy" Arriving Next Week". Impericon. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  46. ↑ Blabbermouth (26 March 2026). "Masked Mystery Band PRESIDENT Releases New Single 'Mercy'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  47. ↑ Childers, Chad ChildersChad (30 March 2026). "Masked Mystery Band President Announce First Ever North American Headline Tour". Loudwire. Retrieved 30 March 2026.
  48. ↑ Bell, Johnny (4 April 2026). "PRESIDENT's First North American Headline Tour Is Almost Completely Sold Out". Evvntly Press. Retrieved 5 April 2026.
  49. ↑ "President Tease "D O O M - L O O P" – A New Single Coming Next Week?". Impericon. Retrieved 15 May 2026.
  50. ↑ "PRESIDENT announce huge UK and Europe headline tour". Kerrang!. 22 May 2026. Retrieved 24 May 2026.
  51. ↑ "PRESIDENT Post Tease Of Their Upcoming New Single "Dark Heaven"". Theprp.com. 23 July 2026. Retrieved 28 July 2026.
  52. ↑ Tepper, Ned (30 July 2026). "PRESIDENT Explore Faith And Doubt On Powerful New Single 'Dark Heaven'". Blunt Magazine. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  53. ↑ "PRESIDENT Announce First Australian Headline Tour". Rolling Stone Australia. 21 August 2026. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  54. ↑ "CENOBIA drops off tour with PRESIDENT and SHOWING TEETH". lambgoat.com. 29 August 2026. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  55. ↑ Childers, Chad (4 September 2026). "Viral Masked Mystery Band President Release Debut Album - What Social Media Is Saying". Loudwire. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  56. ↑ "Watch latest masked metal sensations President play their first ever show at Download this past weekend". Louder Sound. 16 June 2025. the anonymous collective played a short but rabidly received set of polished modern metalcore
  57. ↑ Persad, Max (7 September 2026). "Kasabian battle with President for Number 1 album". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 September 2026.
  58. ↑ "Fans React to President Singer Revealing his Identity in new Music Video". Sinusoidal Music. 11 June 2025.
  59. ↑ Galiher, Stephen Andrew (20 February 2026). "New Music Friday: 5 Songs You Need to Hear This Week (2/20)". VICE. Retrieved 29 March 2026.
  60. ↑ Hobson, Rich (18 August 2025). ""I started crying when I came off-stage. It ****ing broke me!" An audience with President, metal's newest mysterious masked sensation". Metal Hammer. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  61. ↑ "President announce debut EP 'King of Terrors' with synth-heavy new song "Rage"". Revolver. 17 July 2025.
  62. ↑ Dunworth, Liberty (9 June 2025). "Is it really Charlie Simpson? Fans share theories after unmasking in new President video 'Fearless'". NME.
  63. ↑ Ambrosio, Isabella (17 May 2025). "Who Is President – And Where The Hell Did They Come From?". Metal Injection.
  64. ↑ "Masked Mystery Band President Releases First Single 'In The Name Of The Father'". Blabbermouth.net. 16 May 2025.
  65. ↑ Bowler, Derek; Badilini, Sara (21 July 2025). "Who's behind the presidential veil of masked band President?". Eurovision News. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
  66. ↑ "Rock Sound Issue #315: President". Rock Sound. United Kingdom: WhyNow. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  67. ↑ Bowler, Derek; Badilini, Sara (21 July 2025). "Who's behind the presidential veil". Spotlight. European Broadcasting Union. Retrieved 9 September 2025.
  68. ↑ "What happened when PRESIDENT played Download Festival 2025". Kerrang!. 15 June 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  69. ↑ "PRESIDENT – 'KING OF TERRORS' review". Punktastic. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  70. ↑ "President aren't an industry plant band, says the lead singer of President". Louder (Metal Hammer). 14 December 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  71. ↑ "President slam Sleep Token comparisons as "fucking lazy"". NME. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  72. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "President". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  73. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 14 September 2026. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  74. 1 2 3 "President – Blood of Your Empire". dutchcharts.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 13 September 2026.
  75. ↑ "Discographie von President". offiziellecharts.de (in German). Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  76. ↑ "Official Top 40 Albums". Recorded Music NZ. 11 September 2026. Retrieved 11 September 2026.
  77. ↑ "Billboard 200: Week of September 19, 2026". Billboard. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  78. ↑ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 6 October 2025. Retrieved 3 October 2025.
  79. ↑ Peaks on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs chart:
  80. ↑ "Mainstream Rock Airplay: Week of June 13, 2026". Billboard. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
  81. ↑ Peaks on the Rock & Alternative Airplay chart:
  82. ↑ "Hot 40 Singles". Recorded Music NZ. 11 September 2026. Retrieved 12 September 2026.
  83. ↑ "Hot Hard Rock Songs: Week of September 19, 2026". Billboard. 19 September 2026. Retrieved 15 September 2026.
  84. ↑ Awards, Nocturnal. "Nocturnal Awards". Nocturnal Awards. Retrieved 26 August 2026.
  85. ↑ Wilson-Taylor, James (7 November 2025). "PRESIDENT Wins Best New Artist Award Rock Sound Awards 2025". Rock Sound.
  86. ↑ "Drumeo Announces The Nominees For The 2025 Drumeo Awards". Drumming News Network. 17 December 2025. Retrieved 14 September 2026.
  87. ↑ "Heavy Music Awards 2026: Sleep Token, Architects, Turnstile & More as Finalists in the Voting". Impericon.
  88. ↑ "Heavy Music Awards 2026 Winners Announced". Heavy Music Awards.
  89. ↑ "MoreCore Music Awards 2026". MoreCore.de (in German).
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