About
Damon Ryder, also stylized as R!DER, is a rock musician, singer, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the frontman and founding member of the groove metal band Razormade and the rock band Vein of Gold.
His guitar style blends pulsing, groove-driven riffs with expressive solos and experimental sonic textures. He also incorporates electronic elements, often producing distorted sounds and shaping noises into structured musical pieces. Damon's baritone voice serves as an instrument of its own, shifting from gritty intensity to deep emotion and blending elements of vulnerability and aggression. Born in Latvia, he currently resides in Germany, continuing his work in music while exploring new avenues for growth in his career.
November 22, 2024, marked the release of Vein of Gold's debut album, Strangers In This World. This album explores themes of disappointment, anger, and love through a dark, emotive, and playful blend of alternative rock, goth, blues, and folk. Featuring eight tracks, including a collaboration with singer Helene Navne, it is the first album of Damon Ryder's career, who is the main creative force behind Vein of Gold.
In 2025, Damon turned his focus to metal. Shortly after performing at the Munky Pride festival, Razormade's original debut single Heartbleed was released on July 25. Written and produced by Damon, Heartbleed features Fabio Alessandrini on drums — the same drummer who played on the Rebel Yell metal cover released on March 8, 2023.
Damon remained open to new opportunities that could contribute to his artistic growth and career development. In early 2025, this led him to join the new German industrial metal project Atomic Assassins as their lead singer. Throughout the year, the band focused on writing and developing their first material, culminating in the release of EP, Damage Control, on February 14, 2026. Damon also took part in the co-mixing process for the EP after the band expressed dissatisfaction with the initial studio sound. Following his revisions, the material was sent to a different studio for final mixing and mastering, resulting in a sound the band fully embraced.
Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances among some members and the inability to push the project further, Atomic Assassins has since gone on hiatus. Damon has since shifted his focus back to Razormade, with new music releases expected in the summer of 2026.
His most recent original and collaborative works are also shared through the Magic and Witchcraft Telegram channel and mailing list. It's a creative platform he founded to showcase his music, art, and merchandise.
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