The mysterious British masked rock act PRESIDENT — widely rumored to be fronted by Charlie Simpson of BUSTED and FIGHTSTAR fame — has announced the release of its debut EP, King Of Terrors, arriving September 26 via King Of Terrors/ADA.
The EP’s title draws from a Biblical reference, setting the tone for a collection of tracks that explore themes of darkness, religion, and death — the ultimate “maker to life.”
Alongside the announcement, PRESIDENT has shared the EP’s first single, “Rage,” a track that expands the band’s sonic palette by incorporating synth-driven, electronic textures into their heavy and cinematic soundscapes. Lyrically, “Rage” takes inspiration from Dylan Thomas’s iconic poem Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, offering a fierce reflection on defiance and mortality.
In an official statement, PRESIDENT explained the vision behind the EP: “King Of Terrors. The Inaugural EP. Forged in solitude. Shaped by memory. These are chapters drawn from the shadows we tend to sidestep — because facing them demands more than most are willing to give.
“PRESIDENT began as an attempt to confront the uncomfortable. To watch others embrace that confrontation has been quietly profound. There to be done. We press forward.”
Known for blending heavy music with electronic experimentation and cinematic atmospheres, PRESIDENT deliberately avoids traditional genre labels and public identities, focusing instead on the emotional weight of the music.
Speculation around the band’s lineup has intensified since eagle-eyed fans discovered that King Of Terrors Limited, a London-based company, lists Charles Robert Simpson as its director. Adding to the intrigue, Simpson previously appeared on the U.K. edition of The Masked Singer in 2023, performing under the Rhino disguise.
PRESIDENT made its live debut this past June on the Dogtooth Stage at Download Festival, delivering an enigmatic performance that featured shadowy visuals and a red neon-lit backdrop. The band is set to perform its first headlining show on July 30 at The Garage in London, following their much-talked-about festival appearance earlier this year.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.