Track of the Day: XIII Doors - 'Lead The Way'

Hailing from the West coast of Ireland, XIII Doors are launching their new musical project with the debut single 'Lead The Way'.

The high energy punk-rock release is driven by powerful drums, echoing machine gun effects at some points, with grunge-heavy guitar and bass providing the perfect cushioning for lead singer and guitarist DJ O'Sullivan's epic rock vocals to soar. The uplifting piece is reminiscent of '80s/'90s rock, with power-ballad vocals coming through at points, to soften the track.

An epic guitar solo by the maestro O'Sullivan towards the end of the track is supported by his bandmates Pat 'Pablo' Byrne, Alex Sanchez, and Ed Hannigan.

Byrne takes command of the bass guitar, bringing a wealth of experience garnered through years of navigating the music industry, with Spanish drummer Sanchez de Orduna infusing the band's rhythm with his hard-hitting, theatrical playing style. Hannigan is a London native who embarked on his musical journey as an audio engineer at the esteemed Red Bus Studios in London's West End. Ed's production and mixing skills breathe life into XIII Doors' studio recordings, capturing the essence of their sound.

XIII Doors

According to frontman DJ: "'Lead The Way' is not merely a track; it's a declaration of intent, a reflection of XIII Doors' essence. The song serves as a prologue to our overarching mission: to encourage individuals across the globe to pursue lives of purpose and happiness. This debut single is just the opening stanza of XIII Doors' narrative. Our upcoming debut album, anticipated to arrive in March 2024, promises to be an anthology of our distinctive sound, illuminating the journey we're set to embark upon."

XIII Doors emerged from the vision of singer and multi-instrumentalist O'Sullivan. Hailing from Shannon, Co. Clare, surrounded by a musical family, DJ's musical endeavours have spanned various bands and theatrical productions, affording him the privilege of touring across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East. His dedication to his craft has garnered recognition, earning him an endorsement with Rotosound Strings.

With an unyielding passion for music, DJ informed Hot Press that he conceived XIII Doors with a purpose: to ignite inspiration in others, and encourage them to pursue their dreams. The musical essence of XIII Doors draws from a diverse spectrum of influences, melding the sounds of Alter Bridge, Tremonti, Alice in Chains, Daughtry, and Five Finger Death Punch to name a few. This fusion of hard rock and heavy metal is further enriched by DJ's affinity for traditional music, notably Irish, Arabic, and Hindustani traditions.

Check out the band's captivating music video for 'Lead The Way' below!