Progressive Latin metallers MANUEL has released the official music video for “Ladrón,” a powerful single from the acclaimed EP Parasite, available now through Wormholedeath Records.
Filmed at Grime Studios and produced in collaboration with Chuck Martin Productions, the video transforms the song’s themes of exploitation, greed, and resistance into a visually striking performance piece. Set against the raw industrial backdrop of Grime Studios, the video captures the intensity and emotion at the heart of the track while showcasing MANUEL’s distinctive blend of progressive metal, Latin influences, and cinematic storytelling.
“Ladrón” features a compelling guest vocal performance by Patrice Elizabeth Vigeant, whose haunting delivery adds emotional depth and urgency to the song’s message. The track was mixed and mastered by Evan Sammons, whose production brings clarity, power, and dynamic range to MANUEL’s expansive sound.
As part of Parasite, “Ladrón” continues MANUEL’s exploration of social inequality, resilience, and the human cost of systems built on exploitation. The music video pairs the band’s commanding performance with an immersive visual aesthetic, reinforcing the song’s themes through both sound and imagery.
The official music video for “Ladrón” is available now on YouTube, offering listeners a compelling visual companion to one of Parasite’s most emotionally charged tracks.
Progressive metal act MANUEL has joined NYC-based alternative prog-rock band The Phoenix Within and Central Virginia melodic metal outfit Ashes Reign for a multi-date East Coast tour billed as the Reign of the Phoenix Tour.
The Reign of the Phoenix Tour is not just a series of shows—it’s a surge of resistance, rebirth, and raw expression crashing through the East Coast. This tour brings together three distinct forces in modern heavy music—each with their own voice, each refusing to conform. From the emotionally explosive soundscapes of The Phoenix Within, to MANUEL’s genre-bending fusion of progressive metal and Latin fire, to Ashes Reign’s relentless melodic aggression—this lineup doesn’t just perform, it erupts.
Every night is designed to feel like a release—of pressure, of truth, of everything that’s been building beneath the surface. It’s loud, it’s vulnerable, it’s chaotic, and it’s real.
This is music for those who feel everything deeply. This is for the outsiders, the fighters, the ones rebuilding themselves from the ashes. The Phoenix doesn’t rise quietly—and neither does this tour.
The Lineup
The Phoenix Within is an independent NYC-based alternative prog-rock band that incorporates diverse elements and styles of rock into their soundscape. The band is fronted by Omar Feliciano and is backed by bassist Nick Narlis, guitarist John Narlis and drummer James Narlis. Their songs are emotionally charged, always walking a thin line between hard rock elements and heavy, felt vulnerability. Their themes explore topics such as resilience, perseverance, and the underdog mentality.
Ashes Reign is a melodic metal band from Central Virginia delivering a powerful blend of traditional metal with modern appeal. After releasing their debut EP, “Mountain Echoes” in 2022, they quickly followed up the following year with their thrashy reimagining of the classic Rolling Stones masterpiece, “Paint it Black”, entitled “Paint it Thrash”.The band signed with independent label Affiant Records (Dallas, TX) in mid-2023 and have been working on their debut album with Chris Dawson of Aphotic Studios (Kansas). Their newest release, ‘My Final Plea’, continues to delve deep into interpersonal conflict lyrically while the band relentlessly enforces the subject matter sonically.
Manuel: Born and raised in Los Angeles, Manuel Urgiles has forged a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary progressive metal. His band MANUEL merges intricate, virtuosic guitar work with authentic cultural influences, creating a sound that is both visceral and intellectually charged. Grammy Award winner Stacy Parrish calls MANUEL “a true musical revelation, pushing boundaries with genre-defying fusion and emotionally charged, virtuoso guitar performances.”Manuel has already established themselves as a formidable live force, performing at major New England festivals including All Roads and VICES Fest, with a relentless touring schedule across the Northeast. Their high-energy performances have captivated audiences across metal, punk, and alternative scenes alike, proving that authentic artistry transcends genre boundaries.
MANUEL is: Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar Jason Ingalls – Drums Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar DJKTF – Keys/Percussion
Tech-death guitarist and composer Matt Miller is gearing up to ignite stages across the USA this April with the launch of his 3 Shredders Tour, a high-octane, guitar-driven showcase featuring fellow shred titan Rene Benton and progressive Latin metal force Manuel Urgiles. Inspired by the spirit of legendary guitar tours like G3, this run brings together three elite players for a night of precision, speed, and boundary-pushing musicianship.
Representing the project MANUEL, Urgiles delivers a ferocious fusion of intricate metal riffing, percussive Latin rhythms, and emotionally charged instrumental storytelling. Born and raised in Los Angeles to a Peruvian family and now based in Maine, he blends cultural roots with modern technical mastery, creating a sound that is as powerful as it is purposeful. His performances are equal parts virtuosity and vision—lightning-fast runs, soaring melodic phrasing, and groove-driven intensity that proves instrumental music can speak just as loudly as lyrics.
Together, Miller, Benton, and Urgiles form a triple-threat lineup of technical command, creative fire, and unrelenting stage energy—three distinct voices united by one mission: to push the limits of the guitar and leave audiences leveled. For fans of technical mastery, explosive live energy, and next-level musicianship, this is a must-see performance.
The 3 Shredders Tour: 2026 Dates
Fans of technical mastery and explosive live energy can catch the tour at the following stops:
4/10 — Dallas, TX Reno’s Chop Shop Live 4/11 — Memphis, TN Hi-Tone Café 4/12 — Kansas City, MO SK8 Bar 4/13 — Chicago, IL Reggie’s Music Joint 4/15 — Minneapolis, MN Driftwood Charbar 4/16 — Sheboygan, WI Boheme 4/17 — Iowa City, IA Alley Cat 4/18 — Lincoln, NE Gray’s Keg 4/19 — Amarillo, TX Rockwell Event Center
MANUEL is: Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar Jason Ingalls – Drums Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar DJKTF – Keys/Percussion
Rising progressive Latin metal force MANUEL has released the official music video for their latest single, “Native Temple,” featuring a powerful guest performance by vocalist Ryan Reeves. The track is the second glimpse into the band’s highly anticipated EP, Parasite, set to arrive on February 27, 2026, via Wormholedeath Records.
“Native Temple” is a visceral exploration of emotional entropy, masterfully bridging the gap between celestial beauty and the grit of human decay. Featuring a haunting performance by Ryan Reeves, the track serves as a sonic meditation on the “Frostfire”, the paralyzing intersection of burning passion and the cold stasis of a dying connection.
The song gets deep into the pain of drifting apart, using words like “sutures” and “creases” to describe a relationship breaking at the seams. It’s a powerful look at isolation and how being away from someone can change your whole world, leaving you caught between the warmth of the past and the cold truth of the present.
The Evolution of Parasite
While “Native Temple” explores internal landscapes, the upcoming EP Parasite is a fierce outward confrontation of systemic rot. The record boldly challenges the oppressive grip of the wealthy elite, exposing the manipulative tactics used to divide society for corporate and political gain.
“Parasite is more than just a title; it’s a reflection of the parasitic forces at work in our society,” says project founder Manuel Urgiles. “We reject the idea of rulers or masters. This EP serves as a rallying cry to unite against the corrupt systems that exploit us. It’s a call to dismantle their control and build a future rooted in genuine change.”
Fans can experience the fearless evolution of progressive Latin metal by pre-saving the EP now.
MANUEL is: Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar Jason Ingalls – Drums Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar DJKTF – Keys/Percussion
Wormholedeath Records is proud to announce the signing of the most galvanizing force in modern progressive metal: MANUEL. Led by the visionary guitarist Manuel Urgiles, who fuses virtuosic technicality, infectious Latin rhythms, and an uncompromising socio-political edge, creating a sound that is both raw and utterly essential. Their EP “Parasite” will drop on 27 February 2026, via Wormholedeath.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Manuel Urgiles has forged a reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary progressive metal. His band MANUEL merges intricate, virtuosic guitar workwith authentic cultural influences, creating a sound that is both visceral and intellectually charged. Grammy Award winner Stacy Parrish calls MANUEL “a true musical revelation, pushing boundaries with genre-defying fusion and emotionally charged, virtuoso guitar performances.”
“Parasite”boldly confronts the oppressive grip of the wealthy elite who manipulate and divide us for their own gain. It exposes how those in power intentionally pit us against one another while continuing to grow richer and more dominant.
“We reject the idea of rulers or masters. Instead, this EP serves as a rallying cry to unite against the true enemies—the corrupt systems and individuals who exploit us. It’s a call to shift our focus toward dismantling their control and building a future rooted in genuine change,” states Manuel. “Parasite” is more than just a title; it’s a reflection of the parasitic forces at work in our society. I’m eager to hear your thoughts—what do you think of this message and direction?”
Featuring collaborations with guest vocalists, “PARASITE” showcases MANUEL’s ability to seamlessly blend crushing progressive metal with Latin percussion, socially conscious lyricism, and genre-defying experimentation. The EP explores themes of immigrant resilience and cultural pride while delivering unrelenting sonic intensity.
MANUEL has already established themselves as a formidable live force, performing at major New England festivals including All Roads and VICES Fest, with a relentless touring schedule across the Northeast. Their high-energy performances have captivated audiences across metal, punk, and alternative scenes alike, proving that authentic artistry transcends genre boundaries.
Tracklist
25% Gone
Native Temple Feat. Ryan Reeves
Sonido Robado: Crowns of Deception Feat. Ryan Raes
Sueños y Necesidades
Ladrón Feat. Patrice Elizabeth Vigeant
Greed’s Exodus
Get your first taste of “PARASITE” with the lyric video for “Ladrón” featuring Patrice Elizabeth Vigeant:
MANUEL is: Manuel Urgiles – Lead/Rhythm Guitar Jason Ingalls – Drums Thomas Hiscock – Bass Guitar Ryan Cummings – Rhythm Guitar DJKTF – Keys/Percussion
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