Matt Cory Announces New Lineup Ahead of Upcoming Album Hollow Sun

Matt Cory is stepping into 2026 with momentum, unveiling a powerful new lineup as he prepares to support the release of his forthcoming album, Hollow Sun.

The refreshed roster brings together a tight-knit group of high-caliber musicians. On drums is Craig Metruk, who has been performing with Cory for the past two years and whose playing is featured prominently throughout the new album. His hard-hitting, dynamic style has become a key component of Cory’s evolving sound.

Joining the fold is longtime studio collaborator Wes Lipischak on keyboards, guitars, and backing vocals. A true multi-instrumentalist, Lipischak has earned a reputation for being able to handle virtually anything placed in front of him. Cory has often joked, β€œWes is like my Bob Ezrin. He understands music theory better than I ever will, and he has perfect pitch. To put the cherry on top, he’s an amazing musician and an even more amazing guy to play with.”

Cory and Lipischak have shared the stage many times through their acoustic project Vertigo, along with numerous studio collaborations.

Rounding out the lineup is new bassist Tim Holm, another versatile multi-instrumentalist whose piano work approaches virtuoso level. His musical depth adds a fresh dimension to Cory’s live and studio sound.

β€œI feel like all the puzzle pieces are finally in place,” Cory says. β€œMy goal with this lineup was to make sure that I was playing with musicians who are way better than me to help elevate the music. If I’m the guy with the vision, these are the guys I trust to make it happen on stage or in the studio.”

To build anticipation for Hollow Sun, Cory plans to release a series of singles timed with each full moon. The first single, β€œSpark in the Sky,” arrives Friday, March 6 on all streaming platforms.

With a sharpened band and an ambitious rollout strategy, Cory’s next chapter is clearly aimed at burning brighter than ever.


Matt Cory Announces New Single

β€œSpark in The Sky” β€” Out March 6

Brandon, MB β€” Rising rock artist Matt Cory is set to release his powerful new single, β€œSpark in The Sky,” on all major streaming platforms on Friday, March 6. The track serves as the next preview of his forthcoming album Hollow Sun, scheduled for release later this year.

β€œSpark in The Sky” captures a deeply relatable moment of self-reflection β€” waking up one day and realizing life has quietly shifted beneath your feet. The song explores the disorienting feeling of wondering when things changed, whether time slipped away unnoticed, and what it means to adjust to a new perspective on life.

Musically, the single draws influence from the atmospheric weight and melodic edge of bands like Filter and Deftones, blending driving rock energy with a more accessible, wide-appeal sound. The result is one of Cory’s most commercially approachable releases to date while still maintaining the emotional authenticity his listeners have come to expect.

Adding further impact to the track, drummer Craig Metruk brings his signature touch, elevating the song through both powerful drum work and layered percussion that help drive the song to new heights.

A two-time Rock Band of the Year winner at the Manitoba Loud Music Awards, Cory continues to build momentum with each release. β€œSpark in The Sky” marks the first in a series of upcoming singles from Hollow Sun, with new music scheduled to roll out periodically over the coming months leading up to the full album launch.

Fans can stream β€œSpark in The Sky” on all major platforms beginning Friday, March 6.

About Matt Cory

Matt Cory is a Canadian rock artist and two-time Rock Band of the Year winner at the Manitoba Loud Music Awards, known for his reflective songwriting, dynamic guitar work and emotionally charged performances. His upcoming album Hollow Son continues his evolution toward a broader, more sonically expansive sound while staying rooted in modern rock intensity.

Media Contact:

Matt Cory

mattcorymusic@gmail.com

www.mattcorymusic.com


A collage of four musicians performing on stage, with text overlay announcing the rock band of the year winner at the Manitoba Loud Music Awards, thanking voters.

Matt Cory Wins Rock Band of the Year at the 2025 Manitoba Loud Music Awards

We’re beyond excited to share that Matt Cory took home Rock Band of the Year at the 2025 Manitoba Loud Music Awards, held at The Met in Winnipeg!

This night was unforgettable β€” the energy, the people, the celebration of loud, unapologetic music in Manitoba. To be recognized among so many incredible bands means the world to us.

A huge thank-you goes out to our fans, friends, and everyone who voted and came out to the shows this year. Your support is what keeps this dream alive.

We also want to give love to our brother Dane Neufeld and his partner Kendra Martinussen, who made the trip from Calgary to be there with us. Dane recorded the album and played a ton of shows with us this summer, so it was amazing to have him there for this win.

We couldn’t be prouder of what this band has built, and this award feels like a massive step forward.

Here’s to more music, more shows and keeping the volume up.

– Matt Cory

who is

matt cory?

Matt Cory is a powerhouse in Canadian rock, hailing from Brandon, Manitoba, delivering hard-hitting riffs, soaring melodies, and raw, unforgettable emotion. As the frontman of his self-titled project, he fuses the grit of ’90s grunge with modern hard rock, drawing inspiration from legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Three Days Grace to create music that’s both intensely personal and arena-ready anthems.

2025 was a landmark year, with Matt and his powerhouse bandβ€”Dane Neufeld on guitar and vocals, Ian Morris on bass and vocals, and Craig Metruk on drumsβ€”winning Rock Band of the Year at the Manitoba Loud Music Awards. The lineup has also recorded a full-length album, set for release in spring 2026, capturing the fire, energy and intensity of their live shows.

Beyond the stage, Matt inspires the next generation as a guitar teacher to over thirty students weekly, living by his mantra: β€œI don’t succeed unless you succeed.” Whether performing, recording, or teaching, Matt Cory is building a legacy of powerful, honest and electrifying rock music.