LOS ANGELES – Kingdom Of Giants released “Respawn” on June 3, 2026, signaling a new era for the metalcore act with the introduction of bassist and vocalist JT Gutierrez.
The new single, “Respawn,” marks the first recording to feature new bassist and vocalist JT Gutierrez, who officially joined founding members Dana Willax, Truman Berlin, Max Bremer, and Julian Perez. Gutierrez replaced Jonny Reeves, who departed to join The Amity Affliction, initiating a significant lineup shift for the Californian metalcore band as they embark on a new chapter with SharpTone Records.
Gutierrez described joining the band as a personal turning point after 15 years, citing a smooth transition and strong connection with the members. Vocalist Dana Willax praised Gutierrez’s diverse vocal range, noting their complementary styles. The band is set to support Holding Absence on an Australian tour in August 2026, with more new music expected soon.
A Metaphor for Relapse and Renewal
Kingdom Of Giants’ “Respawn” employs a gaming metaphor to explore the desire for a fresh start, while critiquing the illusion of a clean slate from past mistakes. The track dissects the cyclical nature of unhealthy relationships, where individuals repeatedly allow untrustworthy partners back despite recognizing detrimental patterns, a concept further detailed in whisp.fm’s deep dive into “Respawn” by Kingdom Of Giants.
Vocalist Dana Willax confirmed the song “dives deep into a relationship that you know is wrong and unhealthy, yet you let that person back in for another chance.” The lyrics “Pushing me light years away, Pulling me, we’re tethered to our same mistakes” capture this internal conflict, highlighting the struggle to break free from counterfeit bonds. This new era for the band, with JT Gutierrez, allows for heightened emotional intensity.
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