Heartsteel prepare to get out the jungle and onto the stage with a 23 October with debut.
Riot Games just announced a new virtual idol group, and this time it’s all about the boys. Heartsteel is a new musical adventure for fully reimagined versions of popular League heroes, Ezreal (vocalist), Kayn (rapper, instrumentalist), Aphelios (instrumentalist, songwriter), Yone (producer), K’Sante (co-leader, vocalist), and Sett (co-leader, rapper). The reveal means that this budding group will debut with the single PARANOIA on 23 October 2023.
While you might be more inclined to think of KDA when League strikes up a chord or two, but this isn’t simply a follow on from the likes of Pentakill and True Damage. This sextet is a group of dynamic daredevils dedicated to unapologetic individuality and creative expression. Riot’s musical label describe their mission, ‘to blaze a path to success on their own terms.’
“Riot’s virtual artists have been some of the most innovative and beloved music moments for our players” said Maria Egan, Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games Entertainment. “The idea of an all-male band has long been speculated on by fans and we’re so excited to bring this fantasy to life. HEARTSTEEL is a deep collaboration between all our talented in-house creative teams and some incredible new artists. The ethos of HEARTSTEEL is a supergroup of musical soulmates greater than the sum of its parts – a philosophy that our community embodies every day through their dedication to our games.”
While Riot promise a group that pull on influences and ideas across modern music collectives and genres, I fully expect some KPOP inspiration. After the recent New Jeans collaboration on Gods, The virtual group includes musical contribution from EXO and SuperM member Baekhyun,Cal Scrubby, ØZI, and contemporary artist Toby Lou. It’s unlikely we will see Heartsteel popping up on a Metal: Hellsinger score any time soon. For fans eager to take a listen, you’ll be able to find out how Hearsteel sound over on the official Riot YouTube channel on 23 October.
