Prague-based gothic rock entity Cathedral In Flames is closing the chapter of their album Count To Nine. Released in September 2024, Count To Nine has received overwhelmingly positive reviews both in the Czech Republic and abroad. As a final nod to the album, Cathedral In Flames have now shared a remix of one of the album's key tracks, "The Gate", reworked by John Fryer under the title "The Gate (The Path) John Fryer Remix". John focused on the darker aspects of the song, which explores themes of addiction in the modern urban landscape, and gave it a haunting dance-floor edge.

At the same time, the band has been working with John on new material and preparing for live performances. To expand their sonic palette, the band of desperados has brought in drummer Barney Estrada, who will appear both on upcoming recordings and on stage during future live shows.

Barney Estrada comments: "Ever since my teenage years I've been addicted to gothic rock—after all, there aren't many drummers who'd name Dr. Avalanche as their hero. Ironically, I've never actually played in a 'full-blooded' gothic rock band—until now. Though my musical horizons have broadened with age, I'm thrilled to finally fulfill my youthful dream, and with the best gothic rock band around, no less. I've known Cathedral In Flames since the '90s and have always seen them as a phenomenon outside of time and space. Being part of this is both an honor and a huge motivation. I hope I can help raise the bar even higher".

In recent years, Cathedral In Flames have performed without a drummer, so perfecting the new material with live percussion will take a few more months.

Gatsby adds: "John's remix blew me away. He drew out the deepest darkness from the song and turned it into a dense essence of dark electronica. As for bringing in a live drummer—everyone knows that used to be a tough sell for me. But when I met Barney and he told me his drumming idol was Dr. Avalanche, I was instantly convinced. How could I say no? Plus, if we're planning to hit the stage, live drums will give the show exactly the kind of energy we need!" Link