Elevate Records, through its guitar-focused imprint Virtuoso Records, is proud to announce the signing of Starbearer, the power metal project of American guitarist and content creator David McDaniel (known online as thedavidshreds). Starbearer’s self-titled debut EP will be released digitally on October 16, 2026.

Combining soaring melodies, virtuosic guitar work, and epic fantasy storytelling, Starbearer takes a deliberately varied and dynamic approach to songwriting. While rooted in the traditions of power metal, the project moves beyond its most familiar boundaries — blazing shred passages, progressive influences, heavier and darker moments, cinematic atmosphere, and expansive melodic writing combine into a sound that shifts from heroic and triumphant to aggressive and intricate without losing its identity.

Drawing inspiration from the grand storytelling and spectacle of bands such as Gloryhammer and Rhapsody, Starbearer takes a more musically diverse approach, with each song serving its own purpose within an evolving fantasy narrative.

Behind the project is David McDaniel, a professional guitarist and longtime online creator whose instrumental background brings a strong emphasis on technical playing and musicianship — though Starbearer as a whole remains centered on memorable songwriting and world-building rather than virtuosity for its own sake.

The four-track debut EP introduces the first chapter of Starbearer’s larger story, laying the foundation for a much bigger journey still to come.

More details — including the EP’s artwork — will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Follow Starbearer:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedavidshreds