Video game publisher and developer Riot Games has launched a new virtual band, Heartsteel. All band members of the new virtual band are reimaginings of popular League of Legends champions. Heartsteel is the latest virtual band from Riot Games Music. Previously, the studio has launched virtual artists Pentakill and True Damage, among others.
Heartsteel features Ezreal as a vocalist, Kayn as a rapper and instrumentalist, Aphelios as an instrumentalist and songwriter, Yone as a producer, K’Sante as co-leader and vocalist), and Sett as co-leader and rapper.
“Riot’s virtual artists have been some of the most innovative and beloved music moments for our players,” says Maria Egan, global head of music & events at Riot Games Entertainment. “The idea of an all-male band has long been speculated on by fans and we’re so excited to bring this fantasy to life. Heartsteel is a deep collaboration between all our talented in-house creative teams and some incredible new artists. The ethos of Heartsteel is a supergroup of musical soulmates greater than the sum of its parts – a philosophy that our community embodies every day through their dedication to our games.”
Riot Games describes the virtual band as a group of daredevils that aim to create their own path to success. The band draws inspiration from various genres and periods, resulting in a unique sound.
Previously, Riot Games Music launched the pop band K/DA, which features League of Legends champions Ahri, Kai’Sa, Evelynn and Akali. The band’s first single, “POP/STARS,” has gone Platinum with over 560 million YouTube views.
Likewise, the company’s virtual metal band Pentakill has more than 460 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
At the same time, its hip-hop group True Damage has been streamed over 165 million times across various platforms.
Heartsteel will collaborate with musical artists from various genres. K-pop artist Baekhyun will voice Ezreal, while rapper Cal Scruby will voice Kayn.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
