Let’s face it, life is not supposed to be comfortable; as humans, we are built to struggle. It is in our nature, whether we want to admit it or not, but it is through struggle that life is worth living.
This is perhaps a controversial statement in a modern world where we strive for convenience with technology and are taught that everything should always be sunshine and rainbows. Certainly a nice thought, the truth is, many times, the best rewards come from facing the darkness and fighting back. The sibling musical team of Stephanie & Paul O’Sullivan is no stranger to all of this. Been thrown through many loops; rather than give in, they choose to overcome various obstacles to keep their band, Greywind, going.
A story that began in a small town in Ireland, where there was no Rock scene, in 2014, they took the bull by the horns and decided to make their own way, finishing a song and putting it out for the world to hear. A very personal piece called “Afterthoughts” (which was inspired by the tragic suicide of their uncle in 2010), it garnered a positive reaction, resulting in Greywind signing a record deal.
Well on their way, Greywind’s sound was a mix of Alternative Rock and Pop Punk, with some dark undertones. Something evident on their 2017 album, Afterthoughts, the debut featuring an array of highly mature Heavy Rock songs that were haunting and emotional. An album that caught the attention of a growing fanbase, few knew that behind the scenes, Greywind were up against some major rough seas ahead.
Summarizing their wild tale, the band has stated that before the album was even released, they were told they were being dropped by the label, followed soon after by the collapse of support from their management and agent. Leaving them out in the cold with few places to turn, here they had a new record out, and no support to spread it around. Fortunately, through a growing interest in Greywind, many stood by their side as they fought like hell to retain the rights to Afterthoughts, vowing not to release any new music until doing so.
After three long years, the O’Sullivan siblings eventually won the battle and were ready to put out new music, doing so independently over the course of a couple of years, before the 2024 EP, Antidote. Moving forward through all the pain and frustration, the hard work paid off when Greywind inked a new deal with Frontier Label Group in early 2025. A plan to feature the band on the new imprint label, FLG, seemed like a good fit, and shortly after, they announced their long-overdue second album.
To be called Severed Heart City, it was teased throughout 2025 with tracks such as “Acid Rain,” “I.K.A.M.F.,” “Waterfall,” “Moon,” “Swerve,” and “Make Believe (L.O.V.E. ME).” Giving listeners a good sense of the direction the new music would take, the album was initially set for release on September 12, 2025, but just a day prior, the band regretfully announced a delay due to vinyl production issues. A mere bump in the road for a band that had already sustained so much, Severed Heat City will finally arrive digitally, on CD, and on vinyl on January 16, 2026.
Proof that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, if we can only see the forest full of trees, it is clear that every bit of hurt felt by Steph and Paul O’Sullivan comes pouring out with Severed Heart City. Consisting of 10 songs (6 of which were pre-released), the album features a mix of textures that cover a wide range of feelings.
Compared to Afterthoughts (which is now nearly a decade old), this new album feels slightly more sonically dynamic and upbeat. Also, heavier at times, this does not mean the album lacks dark qualities, because it does not. There just seems to be an uptick in energy in various moments. Feeling like a cathartic scream into the horizon after years of struggle, Steph’s voice reaches new heights, while the guitar melodies are stronger than ever from Paul. A feeling which is universal, some of the most striking moments arrive with “Swerve” and the outstanding “Let’s See If You Can Float.” Joined by the dramatic single “Waterfall,” you also have the more delicate “The Scarecrow” and the very beautiful “Moon.”
Overall, Greywind has produced a fantastic melodic album that lets their Pop Punk influences hang out a bit more than on Afterthoughts. The road Greywind traveled, which some may have dubbed futile, has found them refueled and cruising through Severed Heart City and beyond. That is why Cryptic Rock gives their inspiring story and this album 5 out of 5 stars.
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