CORVIN is likely to be considered a supergroup, and if you ask me, it definitely is. The act features singer Davide from Italian melodic death-doom outfit SHORES OF NULL and Francesco from gore-grinders GUINEAPIG on guitar, who, eager to explore a different side of their creative journey, joined forces with Matteo from ME AND THAT MAN (among others) on bass. They were shortly afterward joined by Davide’s longtime friend and guitarist Gino, with whom he has shared and shaped his musical taste over the past two decades. Drummer Leopoldo from Italian sludge-doom metal act OTUS joined last, resulting in a pretty solid lineup. Channeling their undisputed love for gothic rock into the project took some time, but here we are with a two-song single, “Dead End Pyre,” released independently on March 20th, 2026, also available in physical copies, echoing the format of those classic CD singles from the ’90s.
“Dead End Pyre,” the band’s debut song, sinks into the shadowy depths shaped by THE SISTERS OF MERCY and FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, while a darker, heavier pulse channels the spirit of TYPE O NEGATIVE and THE 69 EYES.
The title alone carries a strong symbolic weight, further sharpened by the interplay between “dead empire” and “dead end pyre,” a clever lyrical twist that Davide shapes with his usual finesse. Structurally, the track follows a mid-tempo approach, led by a bass-driven foundation, with guitars adding both texture and melody, and drums maintaining a consistent, straightforward rhythm. Once the chorus locks in, you can’t help but sing along to “world on fire,” drawn in by the song’s sharp, unfiltered beauty. The visual impact of the music video adds another layer of depth, while keeping everything simple and honest.
The other track on the single is a cover of THE SMASHING PUMPKINS’ classic “Disarm,” originally released in 1993. Its inclusion comes as a welcome surprise, especially considering it stands among my all-time favorite songs, despite never fully connecting with the original vocal delivery (if you know, you know…).
Still, as much as the ’90s remain an endless source of nostalgia, “Disarm” is undeniably a composition whose fragile beauty has secured its timeless appeal, making it a particularly fitting choice for reinterpretation.
The band chose “Disarm” as their second single, drawn to what they describe as its “unique melancholy.” Originally stark and fragile and almost deliberately unfinished, the track offered an ideal foundation for a gothic rock reinterpretation. By introducing distorted guitars and a more defined drum presence, they push its emotional core into darker territory, reshaping it into something distinctly their own, an identity further reinforced by Davide’s vocal performance, whose depth and control bring added weight and emotional clarity to the track. The arrangement is further enriched by violin parts performed by Norwegian musician Sareeta, adding an extra layer of depth to the final result.
The music video, once again crafted by Underroom Studio, sharpens a pervasive sense of loss and discomfort, where what were once cherished memories now weigh heavily enough to be set alight and left behind. The images of the old man are juxtaposed with shots of the band performing, drawing the viewer in as if confronting them with an uneasy truth about our relationship with the past.
I cannot help but think that, in just 8:27 minutes, CORVIN have managed to leave a mark on many listeners with these two songs, gracefully carrying the weight of the years gone by, almost like sharing a quiet midlife crisis with a bitter smile on our faces… only far better dressed and with a much stronger soundtrack.
