Hard rock’s newest wildcard is continuing his rapid rise. Kurt Deimer has released his latest single “Always There,” a gritty, twang-leaning rock track pulled from his upcoming sophomore album A Grog Is Born, due May 8 via Bald Man Records.
Where many of Deimer’s earlier songs leaned into darker, heavier territory, “Always There” shifts toward a country-tinged hard rock sound, pairing his distinctive low baritone with a more reflective lyrical theme. The song draws from Deimer’s own experiences with addiction and anxiety, ultimately landing on a message of resilience and the people who help pull us through difficult chapters.
“I went through a lot of trouble in my life,” Deimer said of the track. “But I had those core people that helped me get through those times and helped me grow as an individual. Without giving up hope on me, they were always there.”
A Grog Is Born was produced by five-time GRAMMY-winning producer Chris Lord-Alge, known for his work with bands like Green Day and Breaking Benjamin. Across its 12 tracks, the album reportedly moves between heavy modern rock, theatrical ballads, and cinematic storytelling, tying together Deimer’s work in both music and film.
The record’s concept also connects to Deimer’s on-screen alter ego Grog, a character featured in his upcoming horror comedy Scared to Death, which arrives in theaters March 13. The film stars horror veterans Lin Shaye and Bill Moseley and blends dark humor with classic slasher tropes.
The album has already previewed a few other directions from Deimer’s evolving sound. The track “In Deep,” which features Josh Todd, has been making the rounds at active rock radio, while another highlight reportedly includes a guest appearance from Geoff Tate on a reimagined version of the Queensrÿche classic “Silent Lucidity.” The album also includes a heavier reinterpretation of Phil Collins’s iconic “In the Air Tonight.”
Deimer’s path into rock music has been anything but typical. Originally from Cincinnati, he started playing in bands in his early twenties before stepping away from music to pursue business. Years later, he unexpectedly returned to the entertainment world through acting, appearing in Halloween alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and even sharing scenes tied to the legendary slasher villain Michael Myers.
That experience helped reignite his creative ambitions, leading to his official debut as a recording artist in 2021. His first full-length album, And So It Begins… (2025), featured collaborations with Phil X and began establishing Deimer’s theatrical brand of modern hard rock.
Along the way, Deimer’s band has shared stages with acts like Drowning Pool, Tesla, Skid Row, Buckcherry, Sebastian Bach, and Steel Panther. He’ll continue supporting the new album with select appearances this year, including a performance at WJRR’s Earthday Birthday festival in Orlando on March 21.
With new music, a film release, and a concept album tying both worlds together, Deimer is carving out a lane that merges theatrical rock and horror storytelling. If A Grog Is Born delivers on the promise of its early singles, 2026 could be the year his larger-than-life persona fully clicks with the rock audience.
