After celebrating 20 years since the inception ofAUTHOR & PUNISHERin 2024, founding composer, vocalist and mechanical engineer Tristan Shone embraces the projects broadest scope to-date withNocturnal Birding.

In addition to the strong and poignant messaging contained throughout the music, lyrics and artwork,Nocturnal Birdingsees Tristan Shone synergizing with an array of artists from across the globe like never before in his career. From the artwork, meticulously designed by French artistLucile Lejoly(Chat Pile, Roadburn Festival) to the mixing and mastering byWill Putney(Knocked Loose, Heriot,Body Count, Machine Head) to the musical guest appearances from FrancesFange, IndonesiasKuntari, and New York CitysMegan Oztrositsof Couch Slut, these outer creative inputs shinethroughout the work.

Shone has welcomed collaborators in the past, but guitarist Doug Sabolick (Ecstatic Vision, Plaque Marks, A Life Once Lost, etc.) is the first genuine bandmate inAUTHOR & PUNISHERcontributing creatively on guitar in ways that shape the persona ofNocturnal Birding, complementing Shone in melody and wrought tonal heft.

Removing himself from an artistic comfort zone proved fruitful inspiration. There is literal birdsong all overNocturnal Birding, and transposing those melodies and rhythms to guitar became the root of the material, representing a rare coming together of the natural world and mechanized sounds.

Format / LP
Released / 10/03/2025
Catalogue / RPE-75941
Barcode / 781676759415
Artist / Author & Punisher
Label / Relapse
Genre / Punk / Metal