Kingdom Collapse
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jim Arbogast
Hard rock band Kingdom Collapse will release their debut album ‘Survivor’ on 30th October 2026 on Mascot Records. We chatted to the band:
Who is in Kingdom Collapse, how did you meet and what do you play?
Jonathan Norris – vocals
Aaron Smith – bass
David Work – guitar
Gaston Flores – drums
What is your earliest musical memory?
Jonathan: Listening to my mother’s vinyls of Elvis Presley and The Beatles
When did you begin songwriting?
Jonathan: At the age of 11
You have your new album ‘Survivor’ released on 30th October 2026 on Mascot Records. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
Jonathan: I approached this album with the standard of every song being as strong as the main singles. Essentially every song could be a single. Big chorus, strong hooks, in your face.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
Jonathan: I wrote, produced, recorded, mixed, mastered this album in Texas along with the help of my production partner, David McGilvrey.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Jonathan:
Angry… Watch You Bleed, Who I Am. I’ve always dealt with my emotions through music, so writing these songs was very therapeutic.
Happiest… definitely Victorious and Burn. It’s a battlecry of personal strength and perseverance.
Reflective… Survivor, Blue Skies, More Than A Memory, Ripping Out The Heart.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Jonathan:
I challenged myself unlike any other release before but it really shaped up into something I’m very proud of.
Who designed the album artwork?
Jonathan:
Jason Catlett, he’s incredible at what he does.
One of the tracks is the title track single. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
Jonathan: Survivor is about looking back on struggles in life that make you stronger. Everyone has their personal story but the underlying message is still the same… Don’t give up.
The track is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
Jonathan: Capturing a heartfelt story of hope that inspires anyone watching to keep going in life. Kevin Kreusel of Kreuked Media directed it along with several of our other videos.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Jonathan:
New Braunfels, Texas.
Hot, Sunny, and Texas BBQ.
How do you look after your voices?
Jonathan:
Proper hydration and sleep is the biggest thing, especially on the road.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?
Jonathan: We’d like to get out there as soon as possible. European agents, hit us up!
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Jonathan: Inspiring and motivating others to live their life to the fullest. Also encouraging the crowd to let their emotions out. It’s a rock show and should be fun!
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Jonathan: Mark Tremonti of Creed, Alter Bridge. Adam Gontier of Three Days Grace. Musicians that are experts at their craft and write great songs.
What makes Kingdom Collapse happy and what makes you unhappy?
Jonathan: Being able to share our music with others and have a good time in the name of music is what really makes us happy. Being a positive force in our fans life.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Jim Arbogast
Kingdom Collapse’s debut album ‘Survivor’ is released on Friday 30th October 2026 on Mascot Records.
Pre-Save: https://lnk.to/kingdomcollapse
Pre-Order Orange Vinyl: https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/products/kingdom-collapse-survivor-orange-vinyl
Pre-Order CD: https://www.mascotlabelgroup.com/products/kingdom-collapse-survivor-cd
Official Website: https://www.kingdomcollapse.com/?mc_cid=35f9c7a112&mc_eid=a77190dc13
