From Tragedy to Rebirth: Canada's ALTERSOUL Launches New Era with Reforged Single “Abandoned”

From Tragedy to Rebirth: Canada's ALTERSOUL Launches New Era with Reforged Single “Abandoned”

Canadian metal band Altersoul emerges with a renewed identity, a sharpened creative vision, and a deeply symbolic debut single, “Abandoned.” Formed by longtime collaborators James Close (Guitar/Vocals) and Graham Murphy (Guitar/Vocals), Altersoul rises from the decade‑long legacy of their previous project, Ominous Eclipse, carrying forward its spirit while forging a new path.
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The band is completed by Evan Ferguson (Bass) and Theo Konrad (Drums), both of whom join Altersoul as part of the group’s new era of collaboration, expanded musical depth, and fully self‑produced artistry.
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​Altersoul was formed after Ominous Eclipse’s momentum was halted during the 2020 lockdown. As live shows disappeared, members departed, and the band’s future became uncertain. The turning point came in 2022, when founding bassist Ryan Clements announced he would be stepping away, leading James and Graham to retire the Ominous Eclipse name with him.
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Unfortunately, tragedy struck in August 2024, when Ryan passed away. His loss reshaped the band’s direction entirely. Their final Ominous Eclipse performance became a memorial tribute and mental‑health fundraiser, and the new band name "Altersoul," derived from Alter Sol (“A New Sun”), was chosen to honour both Ryan’s memory and the band’s rebirth.
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Their debut single “Abandoned,” accompanied by a music video, is a complete re‑recording of one of the earliest compositions in the band’s catalogue. Originally written by Graham Murphy on a $75 acoustic guitar from Pete’s Music Exchange, the track first appeared on Ominous Eclipse’s debut album "End of Days" more than a decade ago.

Now, Altersoul delivers the song as it was always intended, featuring real orchestral performances recorded by the band and real drums performed by guest musician Andrew Poskus, the original drummer of Ominous Eclipse. The single benefits from modern production, mixing, and mastering handled entirely by the band, along with expanded arrangements that showcase their evolution. It’s a far more mature interpretation of a familiar piece. The contrast between the original “Abandoned” and this new version is striking: what once relied on guitars, bass, and programmed drums now unfolds with full string arrangements, broader dynamics, and meticulous production detail.

"This single is a re-recording of a very early track from the previous iteration of this band, under the name ‘Ominous Eclipse’. It comes from OE's debut album more than a decade ago, when studio quality wasn't as high. As a tribute to Ryan Clements, and as a treat for old fans of Ominous Eclipse, this song finally gets the treatment it deserves. We have multiple albums' worth of unreleased material, but chose to begin with this re‑imagined single from our past to show both where we came from and who we are now," says James Close.

Altersoul’s music moves fluidly across metal subgenres, death metal, tech‑death, thrash, black metal, folk/viking metal, progressive metal, and stoner/doom, while wearing its influences proudly. Fans of Death, Revocation, Gojira, Children of Bodom, and Opeth will find familiar elements woven into the band’s identity.
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​Altersoul is preparing to return to the stage in 2027, delivering a live experience that merges their dual‑vocal, dual‑guitar foundation from the Ominous Eclipse era with two defining new elements: a custom‑built, fully synchronized light show programmed by the band, and orchestral backing tracks performed on real instruments; violins, violas, cellos, and horns recorded by the members themselves.

Listen to “Abandoned” at the following links:

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBWhsc7uRWA​

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/track/0EaBnR0ukoISeGnnf2ymJT​

More info:

​https://www.altersoulband.com/​

​https://www.facebook.com/altersoulband​

​https://www.instagram.com/altersoul.band​

About: Altersoul is a four‑piece metal band from Brockville, Ontario, formed by James Close (Guitar/Vocals) and Graham Murphy (Guitar/Vocals) after more than a decade performing as Ominous Eclipse. Joined by Evan Ferguson (Bass) and Theo Konrad (Drums), the band blends death metal, progressive elements, orchestral arrangements, and diverse influences into a sound that is both volatile and deeply atmospheric. Altersoul is a spiritual continuation of Ominous Eclipse, reborn with a new name, a new vision, and a renewed dedication to creating meaningful, meticulously crafted music.

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