photos by Ryan Bardsley
The Chicago noise rock trio confronts mental health struggles on its latest single as a new 10-track album approaches through Reptilian Records.
Chicago noise rock trio Salvation have shared a video for “Depression,” one of the tracks from their upcoming fifth album, The Haunted, due October 16 through Reptilian Records.
The video premiered through The Sleeping Shaman and arrives during the lead-up to a 10-track record that continues Salvation’s combination of noise rock with elements of punk, alternative and Americana.
For guitarist and vocalist Jason Sipe, “Depression” focuses directly on the experience of living through a mental health struggle while emphasizing the possibility of making it through the worst moments.
“I really enjoyed leaning into the challenge of taking on what I felt was an honest depiction of the struggle that is depression… while navigating the truths and lies of getting through it,” Sipe said. “And that’s the important part… getting through it, telling others the madness will subside and you’ll be okay.”
Sipe also described the opportunity to approach the subject through the structure and intensity of a punk song, crediting his bandmates with helping shape the finished track.
“I also enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to express myself that way in the form of a punk song with two slammin’, badass band members to do it with, and help craft the explosion of sound it became,” he said.
The accompanying video was directed and produced by SWZ, with live videography handled by AJE Subsist Studio.
“The Sleeping Shaman” characterized the song as pairing Salvation’s amplified noise-rock approach with an examination of internal struggle, highlighting its punk and grunge elements alongside the trio’s heavier rhythm section.
The Haunted was recorded in Chicago across two locations. Taylor Hales recorded sessions at Electrical Audio, while Erik Rasmussen worked with the band at Palisade Studios and also handled mixing and mastering.
The album’s visual presentation includes a cover photograph by Ceyda Tekin, insert photography from Brian Santostefano and Arman Mabry, and a back cover photograph and layout by SWZ.
The record will follow Mock, Salvation’s 2022 album and first release through Reptilian Records. Before joining the label, the band released its first three full-lengths through Forge Again Records: Royal Fucks in 2015, Sore Loser in 2017 and Year Of The Fly in 2019.
Across that catalog, Salvation have operated as a three-piece built around Sipe on guitar and vocals, bassist Victor Riley and drummer Brian Wnukowski. Their music combines the abrasive foundation of noise rock with hooks and grunge-influenced melodic elements, a direction that continues into The Haunted.
Another track from the upcoming record, “Already Dead,” has also been made available ahead of the album’s release.
With The Haunted, Salvation are entering their second full-length cycle with Reptilian Records while extending a discography that now spans more than a decade. The band is also working on live dates in support of the album, with additional November and December performances reportedly in development, though specific dates have not yet been provided.
Album Information
Artist: Salvation
Album: The Haunted
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Label: Reptilian Records
Format: LP and digital
Tracks: 10
Pre-Order Information
Preorders for The Haunted are currently available through Reptilian Records and Bandcamp.
Band Lineup
Jason Sipe — Guitar/Vocals
Victor Riley — Bass
Brian Wnukowski — Drums
Production Credits
Recording: Taylor Hales at Electrical Audio; Erik Rasmussen at Palisade Studios
Mixing and Mastering: Erik Rasmussen
Cover Photo: Ceyda Tekin
Insert Photos: Brian Santostefano and Arman Mabry
Back Cover Photo and Layout: SWZ
“Depression” Video Director/Producer: SWZ
Live Videography: AJE Subsist Studio
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