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Rhododendron sign to The Flenser and announce new album, Ascent Effort

03 March 2026, 16:06 | Written by Kayla Sandiford

Portland post-hardcore band Rhododendron have signed to The Flenser, announced their upcoming album Ascent Effort, and shared lead single "Firmament".

As the latest signing to The Flenser, Rhododendron join the likes of Chat Pile, Have A Nice Life, and more under the independent dark music label. Ascent Effort follows the band's 2021 release , Protozoan Battle Hymns, with opening track "Firmament" arriving as the first preview of the upcoming record.

Rhododendron first formed in 2019 while members Ezra Chong (guitar, vocals), Gage Walker (bass), and Noah Mortola (drums), were still in high school. They have since developed a sound which draws from the underground rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s, while incorporating elements of jazz, ambient, and progressive music. Written largely in sequence, Ascent Effort tracks a period of growth for the band defined by both instability and progress, leading to a heavier and more direct collection of songs.

Ascent Effort artwork

Ascent Effort

Ascent Effort tracklist

"Firmament"
"Like Spitting Out Copper"
"Stow"
"Family Photo"
"Within Crippling Light"

Ascent Effort is released on 15 May via The Flenser

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