When it comes to bands that keep evolving while still hitting that emotional nerve with fans, From Ashes to New is one that continues to impress me time and time again. If you’re newer to the band, the current lineup brings together a mix of heavy rock, rap, and massive melodic hooks. There have been a few member changes over the years, but this who is currently present in 2026.

Matt Brandyberry – vocals, rap, and bass

Danny Case – lead vocals

Jimmy Bennett – guitar

Lance Dowdle – guitar

Maty Madiro – drums

Together they’ve built a sound that blends heavy riffs, hip-hop energy, and big emotional choruses, something that’s helped the band carve out their own lane in modern rock. Lately though, it feels like they’ve been leaning even harder into that darker side… and fans are definitely here for it.

One track that really shows that shift is Drag Me. It shows off a different side of Danny Case when he digs a little deeper into that darker vocal tone… and honestly, I absolutely LOVE it! The song went crazy across social media, and it really felt like the darker vibe longtime fans had been wanting to hear more of. The big question now is: does this give us a sneak peek at the tone of the next album? Man… I really hope so!

Recently, From Ashes to New released their brand-new single Die for You, giving fans another preview of their upcoming album Reflections, which drops April 17, 2026.This one dives deep into that moment when a relationship hits its breaking point, when you start asking yourself the hard question: Do you keep fighting for it… or walk away before you completely lose yourself?

According to Matt Brandyberry, the song captures the exhaustion of giving everything you have to someone who always seems to want more. Eventually, that moment of clarity hits, and you realize you’ve been slowly losing pieces of yourself trying to make something work. Co-vocalist Danny Case describes it as that frustrating feeling of bending over backwards in a relationship where nothing you do ever seems to be enough.

At its core, Die For You captures that painful realization that love shouldn’t require sacrificing who you are. It’s about recognizing the emotional toll of trying to please someone who keeps raising the bar. The song digs into the fallout of relationships fueled by control, desire, and guilt, and the internal struggle between holding on and finally letting go. And honestly… it hits hard. The emotion in the vocals paired with that massive chorus makes it one of those songs that sticks with you long after the first listen.

But before we wrap up this On Repeat, we’ve got to dive back into the archives for a song that’s been close to my heart for years,  one that never really leaves the rotation. Going back about 10+ years, Through It All is one of those tracks that leaves a lasting impression.

Released in 2015, the song is an emotional look at personal transformation, resilience, and finding meaning after the destruction of past relationships. It focuses on how difficult experiences shape who we become, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, but ultimately push us to move forward. This song is what made me drive 6 hours to see them live on two hours of sleep after working a 10 hour day the day prior. And honestly I try to make it a point to see them live EVERY CHANCE I GET!!!

And if you want to catch From Ashes to New the next time they roll through Missouri, honestly, I wouldn’t blame you one bit. Maybe I’ll see you at the show. They’ll be making a stop in St. Louis for Pointfest on May 16. For show details and ticket links, CLICK HERE.

If these tracks are any hint of what From Ashes to New has in store for the next album, we’re in for something special. Between the darker edge of Drag Me, the emotional weight of Die For You, and the staying power of Through It All, this band keeps proving why they stay on repeat for so many rock fans. And honestly… they’ll probably stay on mine for a long time to come.