A new force has emerged from the shadows of the extreme metal underground. WICKED ONE, a black metal project formed by a collective of acclaimed death metal veterans, has officially unveiled its debut single and music video, "Kneel Before Lucifer," which premiered via Metal Injection on June 6, 2026.
Check it out here:
https://metalinjection.net/av/video-premiere/premiere-new-black-metal-band-wicked-one-release-menacing-single-kneel-before-lucifer
Drawing from decades of experience across some of metal's most respected acts, WICKED ONE unites musicians whose histories include work with Nile, The Black Dahlia Murder, Deeds of Flesh, Vital Remains, Arsis, Nevalra, Serpent of Gnosis, and more. The lineup features Scott Eames, known as "Wicked One," on guitars, vocals, and songwriting, alongside drummer Darren Cesca ("Agares") and bassist Maxwell Lavelle ("Malvernis").
The band's first offering, "Kneel Before Lucifer," serves as the opening chapter of their forthcoming debut album, Burn Thy Offering . Released symbolically on 6/6/26, the track introduces listeners to WICKED ONE's vision of uncompromising black metal, blending relentless aggression, sinister atmosphere, and anti-religious themes into a fierce sonic assault.
Metal Injection described the track as embracing "all things satanic," featuring an ominous chorus alongside obliterating blast beats, crushing gutturals, and feral screams. The premiere also highlighted the band's mission to bring a fresh yet authentic approach to extreme metal while remaining firmly rooted in black metal's darkest traditions.
According to founder and songwriter Scott Eames, the project has been years in the making.
"I used to play the Wicked One character in a previous band. After having a blast playing the character for years and many tours, it felt like Wicked One deserved its own voice. WICKED ONE isn't about reinventing the wheel. It's about stripping everything down to something direct and unapologetic: scathing black metal that simply drips with hatred."
Eames further explained why "Kneel Before Lucifer" was chosen as the band's debut statement.
"'Kneel Before Lucifer' was chosen as the first single because it captures the core DNA of Wicked One. The atmosphere, the aggression, and the themes that define the entity. It simply drips with hatred. It serves as the first chapter and the gateway into this world."
To bring the visual side of the project to life, WICKED ONE partnered with renowned production team Aimed & Framed, whose impressive portfolio includes work with Kerry King, Deicide, Suffocation, and Exodus. The resulting visual presentation delivers a dark and gothic aesthetic that complements the track's menacing atmosphere.
The project's visual identity extends beyond the music video. WICKED ONE's logo was crafted by legendary Belgian illustrator Christophe Szpajdel, widely known throughout the metal community as the "Lord of the Logos" for his iconic work with bands such as Emperor, Old Man's Child, Enthroned, and Borknagar.
While WICKED ONE is only now making its public debut, Eames revealed that the concept has existed in his creative world for years.
"What began as a persona slowly took on a life of its own, appearing in different artwork, concepts, and projects. Over time, it became clear that Wicked One was never meant to remain just a character. It demanded its own world, its own voice, and ultimately its own music."
The debut release has already generated strong interest among fans, with teaser footage accumulating more than 44,000 views prior to the video's official premiere. Additional singles and music videos have already been completed and are scheduled for release in the coming months as WICKED ONE builds momentum toward the full unveiling of Burn Thy Offering .
With future albums already in development and plans for worldwide live performances, WICKED ONE is positioning itself as a long-term creative endeavor rather than a one-off side project. For Eames, "Kneel Before Lucifer" represents a defining moment.
"For me, 'Kneel Before Lucifer' is more than simply the first song release. It's the moment Wicked One crosses the threshold, and the world gets to hear Wicked One in full form, staring back."
Watch the official music video for "Kneel Before Lucifer" here:
https://metaldevastationradio.com/thebeast/blog/29083/wicked-one-unleash-debut-single-kneel-before-lucifer-in-metal-injection-premiere?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=blogger
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