Author & Punisher unveils crushing new single “Thrush” from upcoming album

Industrial-doom project Author & Punisher led by mechanical engineer and musician Tristan Shone, has released the official video for “Thrush,” a crushing new single from the upcoming album “Nocturnal Birding,” set to arrive October 3rd via Relapse Records.

The track draws direct inspiration from the song of the wood thrush bird. Shone crafted the arrangement by following the bird’s chord progression, aiming for a sound that evokes the emotional weight of melodic acts like Neurosis or Jesu.

The video combines gothic and medieval visuals with a distinct Elden Ring aesthetic, a collaboration between co-directors Lucile Lejoly and Arnaud Fournier. Lejoly also designed the album artwork, marking a nearly year-long creative partnership that shaped the album’s visual identity.

“Nocturnal Birding” is described as a deeply emotional and thematically charged work. It’s dedicated to those who have died attempting to cross the Mexico–USA border under the policy of “prevention by deterrence.” Shone’s involvement with Border Angels—volunteering on water-drop hikes in places like Jacumba—played a significant role in shaping the album’s tone. The natural surroundings and birdsong during these hikes served as both inspiration and a poignant backdrop to the humanitarian crisis he witnessed.

Unlike his previous solo-focused work, this album feels more like a band effort. Guitarist Doug Sabolick contributes richly to the guitar work, enhancing melody and weight. Additional collaborators include Fange, Kuntari, and Megan Oztrosits of Couch Slut. Mixing and mastering were handled by Will Putney, bringing sonic clarity and muscularity to the album.

1. Meadowlark
2. Titanis feat. Kuntari)
3. Mute Swan feat. Megan Oztrosits of Couch Slut
4. Black Storm Petrel feat. Fange
5. Titmouse
6. Titmice
7. Rook
8. Thrush