Los Angeles-based heavy rock ensemble floodlit bursts onto the global stage with their debut single, “AMa | အစ်မ”, a visceral blend of melodic hardcore and stadium-ready rock. With soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and poetic lyricism, the five-piece sets a new benchmark for cinematic heavy music, delivering both sonic power and emotional depth.
“AMa” is more than a song; it’s a narrative of loss, resilience, and remembrance. Frontman and lead composer Elijah Kellogg draws inspiration from his years living in northern Myanmar, where he helped build and support local communities. Following the 2021 military coup, Kellogg’s family was forced to evacuate, an experience that became the emotional core of Floodlit’s music. The song title, meaning “elder sister” in Burmese, reflects personal and collective mourning, honoring the loss of loved ones and civilians affected by conflict. In Kellogg’s words, “’ AMa’ tells the story of grief and injustice, but also the endurance of hope in dark times.”
Floodlit’s lineup, Kellogg on lead vocals and composition, Wil Jackson on guitar and clean vocals, Jin Wen “Candy” Zhang on bass and clean vocals, Ei Fan “Yvonne” Lee on lead guitar, and Kevin Pope on drums, creates a sound that is both expansive and intimate. The band’s combination of three vocalists, heavy yet melodic instrumentation, and emotionally charged arrangements results in a cinematic soundscape that resonates long after the final note fades. The production, overseen by Billboard chart-topper Stephen Rezza, with assistance from Grammy-nominated Luke Dimond and mixed/mastered by multi-award-winning Seth Munson, captures the intensity and nuance of their vision.
“AMa” showcases Floodlit’s mastery of dynamics, seamlessly shifting from crushing riffs to reflective, melodic passages. The song stands as a testament to the band’s commitment to storytelling through music, merging the raw energy of bands like Deftones, Bring Me the Horizon, and Spiritbox with a deeply personal and socially conscious narrative. Its fusion of melodic hooks, crushing post-hardcore aggression, and poignant lyricism marks Floodlit as a group capable of transcending genre boundaries while maintaining emotional authenticity.
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| Floodlit Emerges with “AMa”: A Cinematic Melodic Hardcore Anthem Inspired by Myanmar’s Struggle |
As the lead single from their upcoming album MiDaSu, set for spring 2026, “AMa” is both an introduction and a promise: floodlit is here to confront pain, honor resilience, and craft music that challenges, inspires, and unites. In doing so, they have carved a space in modern heavy music that is unapologetically human, artistically ambitious, and globally resonant.