This powerful and confrontational album hits the hard truths!
Las Vegas punk trio Crimson Riot officially formed back in 2017, but they have been playing music together for over 15 years. The band are set to release their third full-length album ‘Third Time’s A Charm’ on 20th March 2026 via Leg Lamp Records. It will also be their first album to be released on vinyl.
The album has 12 tracks and features guest appearances from members of Buck-O-Nine and Lo(u)ser.
“‘Third Time’s A Charm’ is our appropriately named third album and the title is kind of an ode to our efforts to make this what it is, which is probably some of our best work,” says guitarist and vocalist Roxy Gunn. “We really dug into the recording process of this record and researched how best to achieve the sound we wanted. We were looking for that big, fill-your-entire-speaker sound without going too over the top. I think we definitely got it. This is the album that stands out. Third time’s a charm!”
Meet Crimson Riot:
Roxy Gunn – Vocals and guitar
Chris Reject – Bass and vocals
Ryan J – Drums
Crimson Riot released the lead single from the album ‘Cross The Line’ on 20th January 2026 with a music video. “Our first single ‘Cross The Line’ is an emotional spillover of years of being in the entertainment industry,” Gunn explains. “Trusting people you shouldn’t; taking advice from someone that pretends they have all the answers just to leave you in the dust… This song is what comes out when you’re tired of doing most of the backscratching and the favor is rarely returned. This is my ‘I made my own table’ moment.”
The music video was filmed and edited by Chris Reject and was shot in December 2025 at the home of renowned Las Vegas pyrotechnician Antonio Restivo. The lyrics “You fueled the fire that is taking this bridge down” inspired the band to surround themselves with real flames in the video:
The band released their second single ‘State Of Despair’ on 20th February 2026 with a lyric video. Because of events happening at the time, this pushed the band to release the single then rather than later, 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.”
What an incredible album this is! I love that both Roxy and Chris share the lead vocals, not a lot of bands do this, it’s very unique. One track could have Roxy on lead vocals, then another track could have Chris. It’s a fun surprise not knowing who’s going to sing what. The album itself is punchy and heavy, with some pop punk and lighter moments mixed in. It’s fast-paced, has catchy anthems, melodic, raw, and confrontational. Powerful and truthful lyrics, with a lot of emotion and passion. It’s an album that you don’t want to miss out on, it’s another favourite of mine this year so far too!
Main Photo Credit: STEPHY MUZIO / Z-ROCKR MAGAZINE
1. Third Time’s A Charm
2. Decades Past
3. Mold Age
4. Cross The Line
5. Cracks In Foundation
6. State Of Despair
7. Demons Disappear
8. Red Flag
9. Fear Monger
10. Here’s To You
11. My Story
12. Broken Neon Lights
ON PHYSICAL COPIES ONLY
13. My Story – Acoustic Version (bonus)
14. Girl Fight – Live from Fremont St (bonus)
15. Hurt – Live from Fremont St. (bonus)
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