From Dallas, Texas, Awaiting Abigail is quickly establishing themselves as one of the most intriguing new bands in the world of modern hard rock and metal. Starting in 2024, they have discovered a blend of raw emotion with heavy guitar, cinematic synth textures, and gripping melodic storytelling to develop a sound that strikes as hard emotionally as it does sonically. Their new single “Left Out” embodies everything they are as artists: brave, vulnerable, and unapologetically intense.
Awaiting Abigail consists of a cohesive yet unexpected set of performers that are truly wonderful together: Heather Hammonds (drums), James Smith (guitar), Laurie Barnett (bass), Mike Tolfa (guitar), and Kori Tolfa (keys), all connected through the powerful vocalist, Abigail Hill, who is the namesake of the group and the melodic heart of the ensemble. Heather, James, and Laurie were all in the same high school band together in the late '90s before they headed off to different parts of the world, and brought the instrumentation to life when they reunited and combined it with the father-daughter relationship of Mike and Kori. But it was only after James found Abigail in 2024 and learned she was an incredibly gifted singer and theatre performer was the true vision for the band was realized. Abigail’s vocal range, presence, and emotional delivery brought the band’s vision to life.
The song “Left Out” is a dark, heavy, cathartic release that confronts the painful truth of feeling rendered invisible, often ignored, misunderstood, and emotionally neglected. Stylistically, the song is heavily influenced by the beautiful melodies of artists such as Evanescence, The Pretty Reckless, Tool, Faith No More, and Metallica, and relies on down-tuned guitars, double-kick power, and a wall of atmospheric synths to elevate Abigail’s impassioned plea from darkness. “Left Out” was recorded at Empire Sound Studio in Dallas, TX, with producer Alex Gerst; markedly different than their first EP. The band opted for a fuller metal sound and pushed their technical envelope without sacrificing melody.
What resonates most about "Left Out" is not simply its heaviness, but rather its honesty. Abigail truly performs the song, rather than just sings it. Her voice cuts through the arrangement like a flare in the darkness, speaking to the emotional battles and challenges so many listeners face, often without giving voice to the struggle itself, a fact that is undeniably special. "Left Out" has already resonated strongly with audiences, especially in their live performance at the iconic Whisky a Go Go, where the single quickly became a fan favorite among the packed venue.
The momentum for Awaiting Abigail is only just beginning. The band has already begun prepping the emotional state and “B-side” release titled “Anxiety,” a power ballad that establishes the band’s versatility and their commitment to authentic and brave storytelling that acknowledges real battles within.
With electrifying chemistry as a live band and a never-before-seen dynamism to their lineup, Awaiting Abigail is emerging as a promising and fresh addition to the next generation of American hard rock. “Left Out” speaks volumes as a single by establishing and communicating that this band has something to say and they aren’t going anywhere.
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