Pillars of a Twisted City was formed in 2020 by multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Johnny Stewart. Emerging from a foundation of black and thrash metal, the project has steadily evolved into a genre-defying force that embraces post-punk, gothic textures, and cinematic atmospheres. Following the introspective journey of their debut and the expansive sonic landscapes of Sentinel, the latest release, Brimstone Prophecies, marks yet another bold chapter.
Entirely written and recorded by Stewart, Brimstone Prophecies expands on the band’s signature sound while delving deeper into melodic tension and emotional intensity. Drawing influence from artists like Killing Joke, Echo & the Bunnymen, Tribulation, Psychedelic Furs, and The Jesus and Mary Chain, the EP is both an homage to darkwave roots and a step into unexplored sonic territory.
Stewart’s unique creative process—often set in remote and atmospheric locations—continues to shape the soul of the project.
Much like Sentinel, which was composed in Tofino, Canada and recorded in a floating studio off Clayoquot Sound, Brimstone Prophecies benefits from Stewart’s immersive, almost ritualistic approach to music-making. The results are haunting, layered, and deeply personal. The project also welcomes a visual expansion, with acclaimed cinematographer Jon Joffin (Emmy, ASC and American Music Video Award winner) and award-winning Mitchell Baxter set to direct the video for the upcoming single “False Prophet.” Known for his work on high-profile films and series, Joffin brings a cinematic gravity that mirrors the emotional and thematic depth of the music.
Mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Greg Mindorff, Brimstone Prophecies stands as a testament to Stewart’s uncompromising vision: to push boundaries, explore new sounds, and celebrate the freedom of pure artistic expression—far removed from commercial expectation
It was a pleasure to have this chat with Johnny on his new EP Brimstone Prophecy, Check out below and support this amazing musician.
Greetings from Metalheads Forever Magazine, how are you doing Johnny, Glad to have you back on another Interview with us?
Hello from Canada and thank you so much for having me back for an interview.
Your new EP Brimstone Prophecy was out on 11th Of July,would you like to tell me about the songwriting and making of the EP?
The music for the EP was written and recorded in Tofino British Columbia Canada. The three songs have a musical cinematic approach to the songwriting and the lyrical cohesiveness between the tracks.
The song False Prophet, it’s about individuals, losing touch with the natural world. Indoctrinated into systems unbeknownst to the individual only to lose their way with the balance and ideals of the world they live in. And then to oppose the status quo and find a way back to that harmony and balance that they stepped away from
Tracklist:
- False Prophet
- Brimstone Prophecies
- Sapphire
.
Was there a concept that goes behind the EP?
The concept for the listener is to present beautiful soundscapes with poetic lyrical observations. The song Brimstone Prophecies, it’s about putting blind faith into religious dogma. Which generally leads to unjust persecution of individuals that differs from my dogma. The song is about celebrating individual differences, which should be uniting humanity, not cracking it apart.
As always, another great cover artwork, would you like to speak on the them and work behind it?
https://www.instagram.com/marshalljamesto?igsh=MmFmZWs1eWFocWho
I’ve provided takes you right to Marshall’s page.
Marshall Jamesto, took that photograph on the cover of the EP .
He is a friend and an incredible photographer and painter. I feel so fortunate and honoured to work with him as his imagery matches perfectly with how I feel the songs sound. He is one of my favourite emerging photographers and painters.
A short EP with three songs False Prophets, Brimstone Prophecy & Sapphire, Great musical innovation with great experimentation and an awesome 3 tracked EP, how do you feel about the outcome of the EP?
Thank you very much for listening to that EP and I appreciate those comments. I’m very happy with the way it sounds. I believe in embodies the evolution of this project. Blending together, my favourite genres of music. If you took in Entombed and mixed it with Depeche Mode, My Bloody Valentine, Killing Joke, you have Pillars of a twisted city.
You released the official video for False Prophets, Can you tell me about the making of the vide and about the song?
Once again was so fortunate to work with Jon Joffin, Mitchell Baxter, Nathan Young to create this beautiful video. They are such professional professionals, and each one of those individuals mentioned are renowned in the field for cinematography and filmmaking. Jon Joffin directed the video. The metaphor association between cinematography and lyrics of the song match up perfectly.
As mentioned earlier in this interview, it depicts the loss of connection between self and the natural world
.Credits:
Jon Joffin , Director. Director of photography https://www.jonjoffinasc.com/
Mitchell Baxter , Co-Director of photography https://www.mitchellbaxter.com/
Nathan Young. Editor
Did you do something special on the release day?
On the release day I was doing quite a few interviews. But also took a moment to appreciate the hard work that went into making the video and the time crafting the songs.
Touring Plans?
Pillars has yet to tour as a band.
Over the last five months we have been rehearsing and I’ve pieced together a band of incredible musicians which I’ve given the songs even further excitement and life. It’s an ambitious project tour with because of the different musical styles contained on the different releases.
Pillars would be open to touring in the new year as the rehearsals are sounding great.
Formed in 2020 with 5 years, how has the road been for you so far?
These five years have been transformative not only for Pillars or me as an individual but for the entire world. We’ve all been through the pandemic and the post-pandemic, political turmoil.
For good or bad, this has been highly influential in the creative energy of writing songs with poetic observations of the above.
Would you like to share some highlights?
Being able to work with other talented individuals to present a collective of songs, but also photography painting videos, which celebrate freedom of expression.
Also grateful that thousands of people worldwide I’ve taken time to download or stream this music. This music is not contrived or dishonest. It comes to you with integrity, honesty, and vulnerability.
Finally any message for the fans?
Big, thank you to the fans out there that have been on this journey with me.
I’ve already started working on material for a full length album that would be released in the 2026
PILLARS OF A TWISTED CITY ONLINE:
Bandcamp // Instagram
