Panic Priest´s new album Once Wild is his sonic horizons — embracing glam, Italo disco, 80’s New Wave, and cinematic goth — while remaining rooted in the brooding emotional gravity that has defined his work from the start.
Panic Priest is the darkwave-centric project of Chicago-based “dark crooner” Jack Armondo — who channels death, sex, and doomed romance into haunting anthems for our turbulent times. Blending atmospheric synths, soaring guitars, dancefloor-driven beats, and commanding baritone vocals, Panic Priest crafts emotionally charged and infectious midnight melodies that stand at the forefront of the modern darkscene. Known for electrifying one-man performances that fuse hard rock energy with the pulse of danceable dark pop, Panic Priest delivers engaging live shows built on irresistible hooks and melodramatic intensity. Armondo has cultivated a deep and lasting connection with his growing fanbase, drawn to the raw emotional resonance and timeless allure of his music.
Underground staples like “Lonely City,” “She’s My Guy,” and his darkwave-meets-Italo-disco cover of “Self Control” have become essential dancefloor fare in goth clubs worldwide. Since his acclaimed self-titled debut, Armondo has toured and shared stages with influential acts including Light Asylum, Vision Video, ACTORS, and Twin Tribes, and has performed at major festivals such as Cold Waves, Dark Force Fest, Absolution, Terminus, and Verboden. His track “Nighthunter” was also featured on the soundtrack to James Wan’s hit horror film Malignant, further amplifying his cinematic reach.