Ohio-based heavy rockers, Valley Of The Sun, have shared their latest single, “The Whiskey Elf,” after signing to Heavy Psych Sounds Records. The new agreement will also see the band release of their sixth studio album, The Blacklight Session, on October 2nd. Catch the new track and more below.
Pre-order The Blacklight Session here: https://heavypsychsounds.com/
Valley of the Sun’s sixth studio album The Blacklight Sessions, is a deep dive into the sonic roots of the band who continues to defy genre norms. With tracks ranging from blues jam to psychedelic desert trip to driving stoner riffage, the band continues to demonstrate that their music knows no bounds, nor should it. Their new single “The Whiskey Elf” encapsulates this perfectly, channeling the spirit of Ten Years After and Grand Funk Railroad while retaining the modern heavy groove that has become the band’s signature.
The Blacklight Session tracklisting:
01 The Whiskey Elf
02 Low Not Slow
03 The Long Song
04 A Greater Meaning
05 Mountain
06 No Hope
Following the 2024 release of the acclaimed self-released Quintessence, their new album The Blacklight Sessions sees the band consisting of Ryan Ferrier (guitar, vocals), Chris Sweeney (bass) and Johnny Kathman (drums) embarking on a new chapter. This release marks their first for Heavy Psych Sounds and arrives as the band is fully locked into their powerful power-trio format and ready to spread the gospel of their high-octane riff-rock across Europe this fall.
The Blacklight Sessions Tour 2026
October:
02 Tabernas Desert Rock Fest
13 Morlenbach, DE Weiher
14 Osnabrück, DE Bastard Club
15 Jena, DE Kuba Jena
16 Dresden, DE Heavy Psych Sounds
17 Berlin, DE Heavy Psych Sounds
18 Warszawa, PL Chmury Club
19 Kraków, PL Klub Gwarek
21 Wien, AT Verein Forum Wien
22 Bratislava, SK Pink Whale
23 Pássau, DE Zauberberg
24 München, DE Backstage Klub
25 Freiburg im Breisgau, DE Artik
27 Annecy, FR La Coloc
29 Paris, FR Backstage by the Mill
30 Wasquehal, FR The Black Lab
31 Bruxelles, BE Temple Studios
November:
01 Eindhoven, NL The Jack
02 Breda, NL Mezz
03 Düsseldorf, DE Pitcher
04 Münster, DE Rare Guitar
05 Köln, DE Club Volta
06 Hanau, DE KultK1
07 Aachen, DE Musik Bunker
08 Kiel, DE Schaubude
10 Hamburg, DE Knust
11 Copenhagen, DK Stengade
12 Aalborg, DK 1000Fryd
13/11 Oslo, NO Vaterland Bar & Scene
14/11 Stockholm, SE Fuzztival
Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2010, Valley of the Sun has become one of the most respected names in modern heavy rock, combining thunderous, groove-driven riffs with soaring vocals and emotionally charged songwriting. Drawing inspiration from classic hard rock, desert rock, and grunge, the band has built an international following through relentless touring across North America and Europe, critically acclaimed releases, and a reputation for delivering powerful, high-energy live performances. Their catalog includes The Sayings of the Seers, Electric Talons of the Thunderhawk, Volume Rock, Old Gods, The Chariot, and the acclaimed 2024 release Quintessence, showcasing a band that continues to evolve while remaining true to its signature sound.
Today, Valley of the Sun is a three-piece consisting of Ryan Ferrier (guitar, lead vocals), the band’s founder and sole remaining original member (2010–present); Chris Sweeney (bass), who joined in 2018; and Johnny Kathman (drums), who joined during the band’s transition back to a power trio for the Quintessence era in 2023. Together, the trio continues to push the band’s sound forward with crushing riffs, dynamic musicianship, and an ever-changing tonality that continues to challenge the norms of the genre, while maintaining the unmistakeable sound of the band.
Valley Of The Sun is:
Ryan Ferrier – Guitar / vocals
Chris Sweeney – Bass
Johnny Kathman – Drums
Follow Valley Of The Sun:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPc5fwq3G/
https://valleyofthesun.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/valleyofthesunband