GUIDES Explores Grief and Life’s Fragility on New Single “JUST TAKE ONE”
- Bradley PR & Marketing
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Pittsburgh heavy rock band releases its deeply personal new track on Friday, July 17
(PITTSBURGH, PA) JULY 17-2026 - GUIDES returns with the emotionally powerful new single “JUST TAKE ONE,” available now across all major digital platforms. Blending atmospheric post-hardcore, alternative metal, and raw emotional intensity, the track explores grief, loss, and the reality that one sudden day can change everything.
Inspired by the deaths of close friends, “JUST TAKE ONE” reflects on the lasting impact that unexpected loss can leave behind. Rather than focusing only on the pain of grief, the song also carries a broader reminder to value the people, moments, and experiences that make life meaningful before they are gone.
Musically, the track moves between vulnerability and aggression, pairing heavy guitars, layered melodies, and an emotionally direct vocal performance. The contrast mirrors the unpredictable nature of grief itself, where sadness, anger, reflection, and acceptance can often exist at the same time.
“‘JUST TAKE ONE’ is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written,” says GUIDES vocalist Jonathan Joseph. “I first began writing it when I was 16, after my best friend was killed in a car accident. Years later, one of the friends who helped me shape that original version passed away from an overdose, and his death brought me back to the song. Revisiting it was incredibly emotional, but it ultimately became a reminder that it only takes one moment to change your world forever. We hope it encourages people to cherish the time they have with those they love and never take it for granted.”
“JUST TAKE ONE” continues GUIDES’ collaboration with producer Zac “ZROKK” Diebels, known for his work with Simon Says, Key to Arson, and Automatic Static. Together, Diebels and the band have continued developing a sound that draws from the urgency of late-’90s and early-2000s heavy music while placing greater emphasis on atmosphere, dynamics, and emotionally grounded songwriting.
Featuring Jonathan Joseph on vocals, Tim Evans on drums, and Zach Hess on guitar and bass, GUIDES combines the textured heaviness of nu metal with the energy of post-hardcore and alternative rock. Influenced by artists including Deftones, Taproot, Staind, Finch, Thursday, and AFI, the band continues building a sound that feels nostalgic without being confined to the past.
GUIDES introduced its emotionally driven approach with the 2023 debut EP When Everything Reverses and has continued expanding its identity through a steady run of new material. The band has also built a strong reputation through its live performances, sharing stages with Sevendust, Taproot, Cold, Orgy, Attack Attack!, and Simon Says.
Following the recent releases “DRAIN” and “FAILURE/DEFINES,” “JUST TAKE ONE” reveals another side of GUIDES while maintaining the heaviness and emotional depth at the center of the project. The song stands as both a reflection on those who have been lost and a lasting reminder to never take life for granted.
“JUST TAKE ONE” will be available everywhere this Friday, July 17.
Learn more about GUIDES at www.guidesmusic.com
About GUIDES:
GUIDES is a modern hard rock band blending the textured aggression of nu metal with the emotional depth of post hardcore, delivering a sound built on heavy riffs, atmospheric layers, and melodic intensity. The band has quickly risen through the regional heavy scene, sharing stages with Sevendust, Taproot, Cold, Orgy, and Attack Attack! while building a reputation for raw, high energy live performances. With their debut EP "When Everything Reverses" and new material on the horizon for 2026, GUIDES continues to evolve into a more focused and emotionally driven force in heavy music.
Media Contact:
Bradley PR and Marketing
Bob Bradley
Press(at)BradleyPublicity(dot)com
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