Zahna is a hard rock force of nature who has passed through death itself — and it’s made her fearless.

On her power-packed 2023 album Stronger Than Death, this accomplished artist offered songs about overcoming a near-terminal bout with kidney failure. With “Defiler” fans have caught the first glimpse of the Zahna who has emerged on the other side: an artist who has no qualms about pursuing her purpose, despite personal hells.

“Everything bad has already happened. For once I’m not scared anymore,” the rock vocalist offers honestly. “I’ve lost everything so many times, nothing scares me or can hurt me. Suffering, like a mirror, shows us who we are, but faith and hope make a future of who we could be.”

Some of that loss she’s referring to comes not only in the form of health struggles, but deep personal betrayals and struggles within the industry itself. Fortunately, this chapter of her career is rooted on bedrock with XOVER Records, the imprint founded by Brian “Head” Welch.

She says, “The mutual trust, the enthusiasm for the art, the wonderful communication, and the attention to detail makes me feel XOVR is home. I’m extremely fortunate to be able to prove myself as a creative professional and a star player on a team like this.”

And it really is a team of all-stars behind Zahna as she prepares to launch a new album in 2026. Zahna and her husband Patrick Madsen are at the core of the creative team, crafting songs that outline in poignant detail the roads they’ve walked. Kellen McGregor (Memphis May Fire) is back in the producer and mix engineer role, a proven perfect collaborative fit after Stronger Than Death.  

“‘Defiler” sets the stage for one of the most spiritual albums I’ve ever written,” she explains. “It’s based off of a years-long dark period of my life that seemed to never end. It sets the stage for the crucible of the spiritual thematic war of the new album. Chaos and hopelessness really tried to have dominion over my life. “Defiler” represents the last stand against an overwhelming enemy, reiterating that peace with evil is impossible, but surrendering is also out of the question.”

That’s a message she hopes to pass along to listeners, many of whom have been drawn to Zahna over the years because of her blistering honesty about the overwhelming odds we can be up against. “I hope it gives people strength to resist against any oppositional force in their life that is wearing down their willpower to survive and thrive,” Zahna says. “The whole new album is an allegory of walking through your own personal hell.”

This unshrinking acknowledgement of the forces we face in this world have marked Zahna’s career since she first exploded onto the scene as vocalist of alt-rock group ILIA, and later through her debut solo album Red For War. Every ferocious vocal, from screams to keenly- honed melodies, is driven by the same spiritual urgency that imbues every area of Zahna’s personal calling. At this moment in her life, it’s clear: nothing can stop her now.

”When Brian agreed to lend his voice to the song it only intensified its emotional weight and impact. His vulnerable clean singing I imagine comes from his own unique life experiences and incredible story.  He brought so much grit and power to the screams, yet kept the dread and eeriness with his lower signature vocal fry. I believe he was the perfect vocal fit, regardless of our now-professional relationship.” – ZAHNA