Las Vegas punk rock trio Crimson Riot return with their most urgent and uncompromising single to date. “State Of Despair,” out February 20, is the second single from the band’s forthcoming full-length album Third Time’s A Charm, arriving March 20, 2026 via Leg Lamp Records.
Blistering, confrontational, and fueled by conviction, “State Of Despair” finds Crimson Riot channeling frustration and clarity into a fast, melodic punk anthem that refuses to sit quietly in the face of rising division. The band initially planned the song as a later single, but current events pushed them to release it now — unapologetically and without compromise.
“This track was originally scheduled to be our fourth single off ‘Third Time’s A Charm,’ but with what is happening in the United States currently, we could not sit by and stay silent,” the band explains. “For years we’ve watched hate and division be celebrated, and citizens’ rights trampled by those creating that division. We have a voice and we choose to use it. This is no longer about left or right — it’s about morals.”
“Our message is clear: we are against sexism, bigotry, racism, and fascism. If you believe in any of these things, we are not the band for you. Real change starts when real people run for office and take power back from corporations. We choose to stand on the right side of history, even if it costs us fans.”
Formed in 2017 and famously dubbed the “Punk Rock Partridge Family” by iHeartRadio’s Bobby Bones, Crimson Riot is made up of guitarist/vocalist Roxy Gunn, bassist/vocalist Chris Reject, and drummer Ryan J — Roxy’s father. Though officially a Las Vegas band, the trio has been playing together for over 15 years, creating a chemistry that’s both tight and explosive.
“State Of Despair” continues the momentum building toward Third Time’s A Charm, Crimson Riot’s most focused and fully realized album to date. The twelve-song LP balances blistering, confrontational punk with more melodic and reflective moments, featuring guest appearances from members of Buck-O-Nine and Lo(u)ser. The record also marks the band’s first-ever vinyl release.
Their previous single “Cross The Line” received early airplay on Rodney Bingenheimer’s show on Little Steven’s Underground Garage and on 92.3 KOMP’s Homegrown Show in Las Vegas, while New Noise Magazine praised the band as “rip-roaring punk with a driving energy that demonstrates the band’s fiery passion and precise delivery.”
“‘Third Time’s A Charm’ is our appropriately named third album and probably some of our best work,” says Roxy Gunn. “We really dug into the recording process and focused on achieving a big, full sound without going over the top. This is the album that stands out. Third time’s a charm.”
Upcoming Shows
March 20, 2026 – Grey Witch – Henderson, NV – Album Release Show – 8PM – 21+
Spring Tour – TBA
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