NEW SINGLE '' TEMPTATION '' OUT 8th JANUARY 2026

W: Mandy Morgan I: Felix Bartlett

London-based queer artist Ray Noir rings in 2026 with a visceral, high-stakes anthem that marks a significant turning point in both his life and career. "Temptation," set for release on January 8th, is far more than a standard alt-metal track; it is a raw exploration of the early stages of Noir’s sobriety journey. By weaving together the magnetic pull of self-destructive patterns with the sheer force of will required to break them, Noir creates a sonic landscape that is as emotionally vulnerable as it is sonically aggressive.

The track’s production, handled by Jon Cass and co-written with Tom Saint and Madeleine Wood, strikes a masterful balance between industrial grit and soaring melody. Driven by heavy electronic pulses and a wall of alt-metal intensity, "Temptation" feels like the physiological experience of a craving—tense, urgent, and overwhelming. A particularly poignant moment arrives in the second verse, where Noir shifts into his native Norwegian. This linguistic pivot adds a layer of deep-seated personal history and internal conflict, effectively capturing the feeling of a battle fought in the most private corners of one’s identity.

Accompanying the single is a live performance video directed by Jarod Parker, filmed at the legendary Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes. By opting for a live setting rather than a highly polished studio concept, Noir ensures the "unfiltered emotion" of the track remains the focal point. The video serves as a perfect visual companion to Noir’s own description of the song: the sound of someone who has achieved freedom but is still haunted by the "echo" of past demons. As the lead-off for a new creative era, "Temptation" positions Ray Noir as a vital, honest voice in the modern alternative scene.