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Riot Games introduces new virtual band "HEARTSTEEL" with reimagined League of Legends champions

Published: 17:49, 16 October 2023

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Riot Games

Riot Games introduces new virtual band "HEARTSTEEL"

In their most recent move, Riot Games, the renowned video game developer and publisher, has unveiled "HEARTSTEEL," a fresh virtual band starring reimagined versions of League of Legends champions.

This innovative Riot's project showcases a diverse cast of League of Legends characters: Ezreal as the vocalist, Kayn as the rapper and instrumentalist, Aphelios as the instrumentalist and songwriter, Yone as the producer, K'Sante as the co-leader and vocalist, and Sett as the co-leader and rapper.

"HEARTSTEEL" emerges as the latest addition from Riot Games Music (RGM), an entity celebrated for its pioneering role in virtual artistry and prior successes with acts like K/DA, Pentakill, True Damage, and more.

"HEARTSTEEL" represents a group of dynamic daredevils driven by unapologetic individuality and boundless creative expression. Their upcoming debut single, "PARANOIA," perfectly encapsulates "HEARTSTEEL's" character-forward songwriting and unrelenting energy.

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Release and Listening Experience

Fans eager to hear the "PARANOIA" music video can watch it on YouTube or listen to the track on major streaming platforms starting on Monday, October 23 at 8:00 AM PT.

Maria Egan, the Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games Entertainment, emphasizes the importance of Riot's virtual artists and their innovative contributions to the gaming community.

She states, "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."

Joining the Ranks of Musical Innovations

"HEARTSTEEL" joins the league of Riot's chart-topping virtual artists, who have ventured across various musical genres. Prior to "HEARTSTEEL," RGM introduced the record-breaking global pop sensation "K/DA," featuring League of Legends champions Ahri, Kai’Sa, Evelynn, and Akali.

This group's debut single "POP/STARS" received Platinum certification from the RIAA and became the most successful debut for a K-pop group in YouTube history, amassing over 560 million YouTube views. "HEARTSTEEL" follows the footsteps of the heavy metal band "Pentakill," with over 460 million monthly Spotify listeners and more than 200 million streams across digital service providers.

The presence of hip-hop in the virtual group "True Damage" has garnered over 165 million streams across DSPs. All three acts have performed live at the League of Legends World Championships over the years. The combined catalog of these virtual artists comprises over 750 songs, with over 10 billion streams across DSPs.

Diverse Collaborations with Renowned Artists

"HEARTSTEEL" is set to feature collaborations with esteemed artists from various music genres:

BAEKHYUN lends his voice as Ezreal, recognized as one of the top vocalists in K-pop, with multiple successful albums and a substantial global fanbase.
Cal Scruby, a Los Angeles-based rapper known for clever lyrics and quirky visuals.
ØZI, a versatile artist in the Mandarin music scene, lauded with numerous accolades, including nominations at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards.
Tobi Lou, a multi-talented artist fusing elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop to create irresistible melodies and undeniable impact on the contemporary music scene.