After archiving all social media posts, Heart Attack Man has made a monstrous return with two huge new singles, throwing punches at hot topics in our world. In anticipation of their upcoming Australian tour supporting Dear Seattle this May, their new album, Joyride the Pale Horse, will be out April 25, 2025.
Stream the singles "Laughing Without Smiling" and "Spit"
Frontman Eric Egan performs alongside Ty Sickels on guitar and Adam Paduch on drums. Grown out of punk and local scenes in Cleveland, Ohio, Heart Attack Man is priming the audience with new music and loads of new merch, too. For their upcoming fourth full-length album, Heart Attack Man is holding nothing back.
“Laughing Without Smiling” kicks straight in, slowing down to build suspense for the huge chorus, setting the tone for the new album. Co-written by Ryan Scott Graham of State Champs, this song brings out all the best punk-rock of both monoliths. Reminiscent of Heart Attack Man’s “Clown School," this song calls back to laughing while in reality going through tough times, using lots of unique layers and reverbs to make this connection in the bridge. This track is catchy, antagonistic, and a bit self-deprecating; it’s certainly self-aware.
Real life, but make it artificial / Gave up, and nothing's ever felt so simple
The bridge of "Laughing Without Smiling" begins to create a theme anticipated to continue in the new album. AI is a hot topic at the moment, questioning how artists will compete with artificially created artworks like songs and music. Egan covers this in the new lyrics in both of the new singles. The lyrics are clever and carry a heavy weight with this meaning. Egan's skillful use of his words can say a lot with very few words. Heart Attack Man is able to be optimistic about the worst topics and experiences, while at the same time accepting their fate; toying with life and death.
“Spit” makes the anticipation for more new music that much more enticing. Featuring funky bass riffs and aggressive drum beats, this song is designed for a live setting. Egan’s full-frontal vocals are easy to sing along with, while the instrumental constructs the beat perfect for a mosh pit. Taking their lyric writing up a notch was obvious and intentional here. Heart Attack Man are aware of the environment and audience they have, and they feel comfortable expressing these thoughts while bringing up issues they are passionate about. “Spit” is an immediate classic and essential Heart Attack Man song.
Kill me and replace me with a hologram / No one will ever know the difference
Eric Egan has been outward in his opposition to AI created works as a whole. This track calls out the idea of using the new software in music and the threat it has manufactured for creators and artists like himself. Although it appears energetic at the forefront, its sarcastic nature drives home why Heart Attack Man refuses to comply or conform. Always pushing their moral values to the top and staying true to themselves makes them a trustworthy band to lend your ear.
Following the release of Joyride the Pale Horse, Heart Attack Man is taking off to Australia to join Dear Seattle for a nationwide tour. But, more US shows are near in the future. Confirmed by Eric Egan, their annual performance titled “Hammy New Year” takes place on the last Saturday of the year. Hammy is the nickname of the Ohio-based trio, as dubbed by their fanbase. In 2024, they took over The Roxy in Lakewood, Ohio, alongside support from House of Wills, Suitor, and The Dirty Nill. Known for their public and outright support of undiscovered bands and giving them a kickstart into success, the band loves to give back. It's a sure fact that we will see more live shows from Heart Attack Man in the states in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled.
Joyride the Pale Horse is available for pre-save now. Heart Attack Man’s website is also decorated with new merch for the upcoming album. In addition to this, check out Evil Doer Inc. in which guitarist Adam Paduch hand-draws a handful of the designs for the company. Check out everything to know about Heart Attack Man and catch them at a show near you soon.
