(By our Norwegian correspondent Jan Ronald Stange) For Ray Noir, the queer artist raised in Norway’s black metal scene, “Dead Valentine” is an industrial revenge anthem soaked in heartbreak and obsession: “Inspired by 90s/00s goth and industrial rock, the single dives into the haunting loop of toxic romance – where ghosting, betrayal, and lust bleed into a cycle of rage and desire.”

The track was written by Ray Noir and Madeleine Wood and produced by Jon Cass (As Everything Unfolds).

“It’s about being addicted to someone who’s already gone, about being haunted by someone who ghosted you—fantasizing about revenge, and still weirdly wanting them back”, Ray says. “It’s messy, it’s dark, it’s romantic. The track is drawing on that late 90s/00s industrial rock sound I love (think NIN, Manson, early Orgy). Messy, dramatic, and very me.”

The official music video was shot in a graffitied skate park beneath the overpasses of London’s Hackney Wick. Directed by Maximum Perou, it premieres July 3rd alongside the single.

“Dead Valentine” also marks the official announcement of Ray Noir’s new EP, “Against the Machine'”, out September 18th, 2025.

Catch Ray Noir live

• 20/09 – Kingston (UK) | The Fighting Cocks (With Pretty Addicted)
• 21/09 – London (UK) | The Dome (Supporting Die Krupps)
• 03/10 – Oslo (NO) | Revolver (With Pretty Addicted & Hell:Sector)

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 striking live performances, often incorporating elements of avant-garde aesthetics. He has also worked as a session musician and collaborated with artists across genres.

Jan Ronald Stange

Sometimes – when I’m not cooking, biking, listening to music or attending concerts, I write stuff for Side-Line.com. Mostly about Norwegian bands, but it’s been some Swedish, English, American, Danish, German and others too… 😉

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