September 28, 2026

Ray Noir announces new EP ‘Against The Machine’ and UK/EU tour dates

Ray Noir - Against The Machine (cover)

Ray Noir announces new EP 'Against The Machine' and UK/EU tour dates

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(By our Norwegian correspondent Jan Ronald Stange) London-based artist Ray Noir returns this autumn with their most personal and unapologetic project yet — “Against The Machine”. Released on September 18th, this EP is described as “a darkly romantic and politically charged EP exploring love, loss, and defiance from the perspective of a queer person fighting to be seen”.

Produced by Jon Cass (Lake Malice, As Everything Unfolds, DeijuVHS), the EP blends industrial rock, goth, and electro-metal into a fever dream of raw emotion and grit. A highlight comes in the form of a searing guest appearance by Grammy-winning guitar legend Steve Stevens (Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, Top Gun Anthem), cementing the release as a bold sonic statement.

Ray Noir: “This EP is about trying to find love when you’ve always been told you don’t deserve it. As a queer person, especially coming from the black metal scene in Norway, it sometimes feels like you’re just  screaming into the void. This project is that scream — romantic, violent, tender, and angry all at once. This isn’t just for the goths, the outcasts, or the queers — but they’ll probably get it the most.”

A Deluxe Edition of ‘Against The Machine’ will follow in December 2025, featuring exclusive remixes by Tension Control, Verona on Venus, Junkie Kut, and Die Kur. Additionally, the EP will be released on vinyl and CD (release date TBA).

Ray Noir live dates

Ray Noir - Against The Machine (live-dates)

About Ray Noir

Ray Noir is a London-based alt-goth musician and performance artist originally from Oslo, Norway. His music blends influences from Norwegian black metal, industrial, and electronic acts like The Prodigy, Boy Harsher, and Nine Inch Nails, creating a dark, provocative sound.

Noir’s work is characterized by its theatrical intensity and exploration of themes like uncertainty and existential questioning.

Beyond music, Noir is known for his visually live performances, often incorporating elements of avant-garde aesthetics. He has also worked as a session musician and collaborated with artists across genres.

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