Octavian Winters premieres William Faith-produced single ‘Hermine’
Octavian Winters (Photo by David Kruschke)
San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters has unveiled their new single “Hermine”, produced by William Faith and available digitally from August 12 via Stratis Capta Records. The track, first written for their debut album scheduled for early 2026, marks a return to the band’s harder-edged sound.
The single opens with a dense wall of sound and explores themes inspired by Hermann Hesse’s “Steppenwolf”, reflecting on the fragmented psyche and self-acceptance. Vocalist Ria Aursjoen says, “Hermine was wonderful to write and sing because it has a real no-holds-barred energy about it. I was also able to revisit some of my metal roots, in terms of vocal delivery, which was both fun and cathartic.”
Drummer Randy Gzebb described the track as “moving forward with unstoppable momentum”, while guitarist Stephan Salit explained, “I started out writing this as an homage to Geordie Walker (R.I.P.) but it took on a life of its own.”
“Hermine” was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago.
The band will perform at A Murder of Crows Festival in New York on August 30, sharing the bill with Pink Turns Blue, Vision Video, and Ritual Howls, and at Bar Sinister in Los Angeles on October 31 for the Ghostly Halloween Ball.
About Octavian Winters
Formed in San Francisco in 2022, Octavian Winters consists of guitarist Stephan Salit (Thrill of The Pull), drummer Randy Gzebb (Thrill of The Pull, Love Club), bassist Jay Denton, and vocalist/keyboardist Ria Aursjoen (AURSJOEN).
Their sound blends visceral post-punk with atmospheric textures, often drawing on urban narratives and nocturnal imagery. Their debut EP “The Line or Curve” (2023) launched them into the post-punk scene, followed by the Mark Pistel collaboration single “Nebula / Velveteen” (2024). Their debut album is slated for release in early 2026.
The band’s members have toured and collaborated with artists including Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Christian Death, Lords of the New Church, Savage Republic, The Frozen Autumn, and Black Tape for a Blue Girl.
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