Ray Noir Announces New Album and International Tour

Ray Noir, the acclaimed alt-queer recording artist known for fusing industrial beats, electro-metal grit, and gothic edge, has revealed plans for a new studio album and an international tour set to begin later this year. The announcement marks a significant moment not only for Noir’s rapidly growing fanbase but also for queer representation within the alternative and heavy music scenes—a space where LGBTQ+ visibility has historically been limited .

Noir’s journey is one of transformation and resilience. Originally from Oslo, Ray Noir was immersed in Norway’s black metal scene before relocating to Paris and ultimately settling in London, where he has become a formidable force among emerging queer artists. His music and personal style—a self-described ‘gender-fuck’ aesthetic—challenge norms and create space for authenticity and rebellion .

“My journey through different cities and scenes has always been about finding places where I can live authentically as myself, and that’s reflected in my music,” Noir shared in a recent interview, emphasizing the importance of queer role models in alternative music .

The upcoming album, whose working title is yet to be disclosed, is expected to build on the success of Noir’s 2024 mixtape "Scorpio," which earned over 130,000 Spotify plays and earned the artist a place in the German Alternative Charts' Top 5 of . Critics have praised Noir’s work as “a thrilling journey” and “scintillating,” with outlets like Kerrang! highlighting his status as a trailblazer in London’s alt-goth scene .

Collaborations on past projects have included Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Stevens (Billy Idol) and producer KANGA, reflecting Noir’s commitment to crossing genre boundaries and working with influential figures in music . Stevens contributed guitars to the single “Razor Blade Romance,” a track Noir described as “about my journey being queer in the metal scene in Norway—feeling like an outsider and moving country to live authentically” .

The newly announced tour will span major cities across Europe and North America, with stops in Oslo, London, Berlin, Paris, and New York expected to feature sold-out performances . Noir’s commanding stage presence, known for both its visual artistry and raw emotional power, continues to attract diverse audiences and inspire queer and trans people in spaces where representation is still needed .

“Queer people who love rock and metal need relatable role models,” Noir emphasized, noting the lack of LGBTQ+ visibility on major stages despite incremental progress. “We need to show that queerness and rebellion are a force to be reckoned with” .

For many fans, Noir’s unapologetic embrace of queerness and gender nonconformity offers a much-needed counterpoint to the mainstream music industry. His work not only entertains but also challenges stereotypes and expands the definition of who can belong in the alternative scene .

Industry organizations such as Help Musicians UK have remarked on Noir’s impact, noting that he “is carving out a bold and much-needed space in the world of heavy music” . His visibility is especially important for young LGBTQ+ people seeking affirmation and community through music.

As Noir prepares to launch his new album and tour, he remains committed to using his platform to advocate for greater inclusion in music. “Things are better, but for queer people I don’t see a lot of changes yet,” Noir said, referencing the persistent gaps in representation on mainstream stages. “This can help people who grew up loving rock and metal and need to have relatable role models” .

Noir’s activism goes beyond music; his public persona and interviews consistently highlight the intersections of gender, sexuality, and artistry. By blending industrial, goth, and electro-metal influences, Noir offers a sound that echoes the lived experiences of many in the LGBTQ+ community .