Crushing Riffs and Raw Emotion: Ashes Awaken release new single “For You”

Ashes Awaken continues to carve out a powerful space in the metal scene, blending crushing heaviness with unfiltered vulnerability and deep spiritual conviction. Following the breakout success of their debut single “A Better Way,” the band returns with “For You,” a song that further defines their identity through massive sound, emotional intensity, and fearless honesty.

Driven by themes of repentance, grace, and renewal, “For You” showcases Ashes Awaken’s ability to translate faith into an aggressive yet deeply personal musical experience. Thunderous guitars, dynamic drumming, and soaring vocals create a soundscape where struggle and hope collide, setting the stage for a band unafraid to confront brokenness while pointing toward redemption.

In the interview below, the band opens up about the heart behind “For You,” reflecting on the personal struggles that inspired the song and how faith continues to shape their approach to heavy music. Ashes Awaken share insights into their songwriting process, the meaning behind some of the track’s most powerful lyrics, and what listeners can expect from their upcoming debut album Rise, offering an honest and compelling look into the message driving their music.

“For You”: https://open.spotify.com/intl-pt/album/0VTzd4rx3eNAruoB7hcvm5

What personal experience sparked the writing of “For You”? “For You” came from a very real place of brokenness and accountability. It was written during a season where I had to stop pretending I had everything under control and actually face who I’d become and the mistakes I’d made. There was a lot of wrestling—internally and spiritually—with guilt, temptation, and the weight of choices. The song started as a prayer before it ever became lyrics. It was me calling out to God honestly, without filters, asking for forgiveness and strength to move forward.

How does faith influence your songwriting process as a metal band? Faith isn’t something we layer on top of the music—it’s the foundation. Metal gives us the freedom to be raw and unguarded, and that’s where faith becomes most real. Our songwriting starts with truth: struggle, doubt, repentance, and redemption. We don’t write sermons; we write testimonies. The heaviness reflects the battles we face, and the faith reflects where our hope comes from.

What does the lyric “forgive me for what I’ve done” mean to you today? Today, that line is a reminder of humility. It’s not just about one moment or one failure—it’s about recognizing our ongoing need for grace. It keeps me grounded. Forgiveness isn’t something you graduate from; it’s something you continually live in. That lyric reminds me that no matter how far I’ve come, everything good in my life flows from mercy, not merit.

How do you translate spiritual themes into such a heavy, aggressive sound? Spiritual warfare is intense—it’s not quiet or gentle. Metal captures that reality better than almost any genre. The aggression represents the fight, the pressure, the chaos. Then melody and dynamics give space for surrender and hope. Heavy music allows us to express the full emotional spectrum of faith: anger, desperation, repentance, and ultimately victory.

What can listeners expect from the upcoming album Rise compared to this single? “For You” is one chapter of the story. Rise expands that journey—from the weight of sin and shame to redemption, renewal, and standing back up in faith. The album is heavier, more diverse, and more personal. You’ll hear moments of confrontation, worship, doubt, and resolve. If “For You” is the prayer, Rise is the transformation that follows.