Recommended Tracks: “Pure Leaf,” “Writing Goodbyes,” “Prove Me Wrong”
Artists You Might Like: sace6, Jutes, Amira Elfeky
Holywatr is quickly becoming one of the most exciting acts to watch in the modern metal scene. Originally starting in 2020 as a solo project, Holywatr later evolved into a full band. The up-and-coming group has just released their sophomore album, Deo Gratias, arriving at the perfect time as they prepare to head out as direct support for Architects’ Broken Mirror Tour from Apr. 28 through May 15.
TMRW Magazine calls Holywatr “a band that holds intention and chaos in the same hand. A band that seems to treat every project as an organism, not a product,” and that carries straight into this release. The religious themes throughout the album add another layer, exploring ideas of faith and doubt in a way that gives the record a heavier emotional weight. Deo Gratias feels like a step forward and it’s clear that this is just the start of something bigger.
The project opens with “Give Me a Show,” which was also the first single the band released last July. The track brings back the classic 2000s metal sound while still feeling fresh. The song begins with a haunting intro, repeating “revenge is sweet” in Latin, before exploding into something much more intense. “Give Me a Show” really showcases frontman Patrick’s vocal range as he switches between melodic singing and heavy vocals, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
One of my favorite tracks is easily “Pure Leaf.” It was the final single to be released, and ever since it dropped, I’ve found myself constantly coming back to it. The guitar is among the best on the album, and the vocals, especially in the post-chorus, are strong as well. The chorus adds to the feeling you can tell Holywatr was trying to convey, with lines like “I can feel my skin falling off the bone / Given too much, my body, my mind, and my soul / I’m a husk of who I been with a smile so fake.” The bridge has also been gaining a lot of attention from fans, featuring lines from the movie Heretic, adding a more thought-provoking concept to the song. If you’re new to Holywatr, “Pure Leaf” is the track I’d recommend starting with.
On the darker side, “Nightmares” and “Burn The Witch” both lean into a more haunting vibe. At first, “Nightmares” wasn’t a favorite for me, but once the beat drops, it really does start to hit. The harmonies stand out, adding a hauntingly beautiful layer to the song. It definitely gets more appealing with each listen. “Burn The Witch” continues with that eerie energy and helps tie this whole side of the record together.
“Are You There?” begins with an intro that fades in. This track took me a minute to get into at first, but it really grew on me. Just when you think it’s over, the energy completely shifts and suddenly bursts into something much heavier.
Then, the energy shifts completely with “Wake Up.” It slows things down with a piano intro and string elements that lend the track a sense of vulnerability. The overall vibe, the lyrics, and the vocals make the song feel much more emotional and significantly sadder than the others. Lines like “I haven’t been the same since you left” stand out the most, adding to the raw emotion that makes this track the vulnerable moment it is.
“Prove Me Wrong” brings even more energy to Deo Gratias. While it feels different from the other tracks, it still has that alternative metal sound that Holywatr fans love. Its intensity grabs your attention from the start. The lyrics, while catchy, still feel thoughtful with lines like “open your heart, does it beat or bleed?” and “show me who you are / show me the scars you try to hide … what are you scared for?” The cadence and the repetition of lyrics such as “look around, look around, look around” make this one of the album’s most memorable tracks.
“Hiding In Plain Sight” has a familiar feel, almost like it’s something you’ve heard before yet it still sounds entirely different. The bridge especially stands out as Holywatr takes on a church-inspired sound. Choral vocals and an organ fully lean into the album’s religious themes. Feeling like something that could be sung in a chapel, it adds an atmospheric moment to the album. With the record titled Deo Gratias (Latin for “thanks be to God”), this moment feels especially fitting, bringing the whole project full circle through religious sound. 
“Everyone Dies” once again stands out for its strong vocals and guitar work. This track is a dark and obsessive take on a love song, especially the outro with lines like “I’m sorry you all had to suffer / Everyone dies for her … Caught in her spell, I love her.” These lyrics give “Everyone Dies” an even more intense feeling. The outro really highlights Patrick’s vocals, which are beautiful and among the strongest on the record.
Another standout is “Writing Goodbyes,” specifically for its intensity and heavier vocal performance compared to the rest of the album. It leans into a genuine metal sound, making this one special for fans of the genre. Once again, the guitar work is incredible, with a strong solo leading into the final chorus, really elevating the track.
To close the album, “Without U [2026 remastered],” originally a collaboration with juuku, returns as a reworked rock version, naturally fitting into Deo Gratias. The song feels relatable and almost personal, with lines about still feeling like someone’s in your life even after they’re gone. It’s easy to see why “Without U” has become a fan favorite. It serves as a strong closer, ending the album on a reflective note.
Overall, Deo Gratias leans heavily into religious themes while showcasing Holywater’s incredible ability to blend heavy emotional weight with forceful metal production. Chandler Martin’s guitar work stands out throughout the record, adding a strong atmosphere and a nostalgic feeling to the project. With every listen, the album lingers and stays with you. It gets stronger and better over time, rather than feeling like a project that just disappears into the void. With Deo Gratias, Holywatr are proving themselves as one of the most exciting acts in the genre, signaling that this is only the beginning.
Stream Deo Gratias now.
Catch Holywater on tour with Architects this spring. After that, they’re taking things to Europe for a run of headline shows and a few festival appearances, including Slam Dunk Fest, Download Fest, and Rock For People. Later this year, they will be back in the US to perform at Louder Than Life, Aftershock, and Warped Tour Orlando.
Architects’ Broken Mirror tour dates (tickets here):
Apr 28 — Grand Theatre — Reno, NV
Apr 29 — House of Blues — Las Vegas, NV
May 2 — Revel — Albuquerque, NM
May 4 — Stubb’s — Austin, TX
May 5 — Concrete Street — Corpus Christi, TX
May 7 — Iron City — Birmingham, AL
May 8 — The Ritz — Raleigh, NC
May 12 — The Hawthorn — St. Louis, MO
May 14 — Eagles Ballroom — Milwaukee, WI
May 15 — Egyptian Room — Indianapolis, IN
Keep up with Holywatr: Website // Instagram // Spotify // TikTok // YouTube
