New Zealand heavyweights Sidewinder ignite a new era with »Firelight«; new full-length album »Dominion« out in 2026!

Wellington, New Zealand based stoner metal band Sidewinder premiere new single and music video »Firelight«.

»Firelight« is the first single taken from Sidewinder’s third full-length album, »Dominion«, scheduled for release in early 2026.

Courtesy of Sheltered Life PR:

“Riff City. Equal parts hard rock and smoky stoner metal, »Talons« is practically made to destroy your speakers.” — Metal Injection

“The riffs are unstoppable, the vocals even more so. And the band makes it all sound so simple, so natural, fitting together so well yet including enough surprises and inventions it doesn’t get old fast.” — Angry Metal Guy

We’re thrilled to announce that ahead of the release of their new album »Dominion« in early 2026, New Zealand heavyweights Sidewinder return this month with »Firelight«, their most formidable, swagger-drenched, speaker-rattling statement to date.

Formed in Wellington in 2021, Sidewinder have carved a reputation for towering riffs, monolithic grooves, and a blues-drenched heaviness that has propelled them to the forefront of Aotearoa’s hard rock and stoner scene. Now, with »Firelight«, the band step boldly beyond their origins and herald the arrival of a darker, heavier, and more progressive sound.

Photo credit: Bradley SG

Off the back of their 2022 debut »Vines« and thunderous sophomore album »Talons«, Sidewinder’s rise has been fuelled by explosive live shows and sold-out support slots with international titans including Orange Goblin and Sasquatch. Their seismic stage presence has proven repeatedly that the band’s live ferocity translates with equal force in the studio.

Produced by Tiny Triumph Records and mastered by Will Borza (Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins), »Firelight« captures Sidewinder at full power, blending bone-dry stoner-doom swagger and swamp-soaked sound that is unmistakably their own.

Their third album »Dominion« will also usher in a new era with vocalist Jem Tupe, whose commanding presence joins guitarists Ben Sargent and Thomas Rousell, bassist Si Randall, and drummer Grant Lister, elevating the band to a new creative peak. Critics worldwide have already praised Sidewinder’s crushing evolution, calling their sound unstoppable, monumental, unique, powerful, and a gripping reflection of their artistic intent.Sidewinder stand ready to cement their status as one of the most electrifying heavy rock exports to emerge from New Zealand in recent years. Check out new single »Firelight« and keep your ears peeled for further developments.

Line-up:
Jem Tupe – Vocals
Ben Sargent – Lead Guitar
Thomas Rousell – Rhythm Guitar
Si Randall – Bass
Grant Lister – Drums

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well