+ New Video “Dark Desires” ft. Johnny Franco
Ottawa, ON progressive metal newcomers CANDOR ZEALOT continue their singles rollout with their third unveiled track and music video, “Dark Desires,” featuring guest vocals from Montreal musician Johnny Franco. The track appears on the band’s upcoming debut EP “Revolt!”, due out December 4, 2026.
Emerging from the creative evolution of former Wacken Metal Battle Canada champions The Slyde, Candor Zealot blends progressive rock, heavy metal, and infectious songwriting into a sound equally informed by Rush, Coheed & Cambria, Dream Theater, Billy Talent, and Megadeth. With “Dark Desires,” the band delivers one of its most melodic and accessible offerings to date while continuing to showcase the technical musicianship and thoughtful lyricism that have become defining traits of the project.
Musically, “Dark Desires” draws inspiration from progressive rock giants Rush and Coheed & Cambria, weaving together melodic dual-guitar arrangements, unconventional song structures, and a mid-tempo pop-rock sensibility.
“Lyrically, this song is an indirect conversation between two people with similar perspectives on interacting and arguing with others on social media platforms. The narrative hints at how this kind of behaviour is ultimately a futile experiment and a waste of one’s time,” explains vocalist and guitarist Nate Silva.
To further elevate the track, Candor Zealot enlisted Montreal vocalist Johnny Franco for a guest vocal appearance, bringing an additional dynamic element to the song’s conversational theme.
Accompanying the single is a lighthearted music video that trades dark subject matter for competitive fantasy. Shot at Danireon Cards & Games in Ottawa, the video follows the band members participating in a Magic: The Gathering tournament under various aliases while chaos unfolds around them.
The clip also features special appearances from Ottawa musicians Troy Huizinga (The Escape Society, Satellite Birdhouse), who performs bass in the video, and Matt Babineau, who appears on drums. The video was shot and directed by Ryan Stacey.
Watch and listen to “Dark Desires” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/
The band’s upcoming EP “Revolt!” showcases a wide spectrum of themes and influences, ranging from political commentary and social division to personal struggle, healing, and relationships. Throughout the release, Candor Zealot blends progressive musicianship with memorable hooks and modern hard-rock accessibility.
Candor Zealot is made up of seasoned musicians with deep roots in Canada’s metal scene, including former members of Annihilator and The Slyde. Frontman Nate Silva (vocals/guitar), formerly of The Slyde, is an international touring artist and academic researcher on chiptune music. Guitarist Chris Gagnon, based in Ottawa, is a versatile performer active in eight tribute bands covering acts from Queen to Rage Against the Machine. Drummer Dino Soares, a longtime collaborator with Silva since their teenage years, continues to freelance in Kingston’s music scene. On bass, Alberto Campuzano, formerly of Annihilator, also performs with Toronto’s Metallica tribute act Sandman. Collectively, the band brings decades of experience and a proven pedigree, highlighted by Silva, Soares, and Campuzano’s performance at Wacken Open Air in Germany after winning the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada with The Slyde.
With more material already being planned beyond the debut release, Candor Zealot is positioning itself as one of Ontario’s most promising new progressive metal voices.
Candor Zealot‘s influences span Rush, Billy Talent, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Coheed & Cambria, European metal, pop‑punk, video‑game music, J‑rock, and even K‑pop.
“Revolt!” is due out December 4, 2026 via Slyde Productions.
EP pre-save – https://candorzealot.bandcamp.
Music Video – Lie For Country – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Music Video – All For You – https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Track Listing:
1. Revolt! – 4:27
2. All For You – 4:15
3. Dark Desires (ft. Johnny Franco) – 5:25
4. Lie For Country – 3:29
5. Shed The Night – 4:16
6. Hollow (ft. Satellite Birdhouse) – 6:57
EP Length: 28:51
For more info:
Fun Facts – Story Angles:
1. The band name “Candor Zealot” was chosen because we wanted to convey the general intentions of our storytelling within the band name: “to be uncompromising in the pursuit of honesty and openness.”
2. Frontman Nate Silva and drummer Dino Soares have been playing music together since they were 14 years old.
3. Nate Silva, Dino Soares, and Alberto Campuzano were former members of the Toronto-based prog metal band THE SLYDE, which won the 2019 Wacken Metal Battle Canada competition and performed at Wacken Open Air in Germany.
4. Guitarist Chris Gagnon currently plays in 8 tribute bands.
5. Nate Silva wrote a thesis paper for his Master’s degree on chiptune artists who incorporate guitar playing into their music.
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