The Bad Wolf Team
- Aug 23
- 4 min read

Cory McComas releases new Hard Rock single 'Stand Up.': "A declaration of War Against our inner Demons "

Have you ever felt like things are going really well? Perhaps so well that it feels a bit strange? While this feeling seems to be common among people, we often associate it with the unpredictable nature of human existence and, without much complication, blame it on the natural course of things, you know... "the ups and downs of life." But little is said about that inner demon we all have inside, which in one way or another seeks to self-sabotage us at every challenge.

Under this captivating and gripping premise, Cory McComas, a talented multi-instrumentalist based in Cleveland, Ohio, has brought us his latest studio release "Stand Up."

With a relatively emerging musical career—his first release saw the light earlier this year in 2024, specifically on March 29 with “Project X Acoustic Session”—Cory's beginnings in music date back much further, to the year 2021 when he bought his first guitar. It was then that he began practicing without any musical background or previous studies and thus began learning music as an adult. However, he quickly acquired the necessary skill to start writing his first songs. Cory’s learning was accelerated by playing with other musicians at his local School of Rock where he formed close relationships with the instructors.

It was there that he realized he had an innate desire for musical composition. The greatest merit of this is that he did not follow the easiest path. On the contrary, he chose to develop a musical style that requires considerable technical and compositional complexity, such as post-hardcore, metal, and punk rock.

Indeed, it is already a challenging task to classify his creations within a single genre. “Project X Acoustic Session,” for example, showcases a completely experimental aura and perhaps a still inexperienced facet of his skill as a musician, which might even come across as “dissonant” to many ears. However, his follow-up release, simply titled as “Project X,” immediately reveals an incredible musical advancement and evolution. After just a few seconds of listening, you'll say, “Now we’re talking,” demonstrating not only his rapid development as an artist but also his versatility.

That’s why “Stand Up” represents a true milestone for Cory. It marks his first release with a superior production level, a polished performance, and a captivating theme. This track was professionally mixed and mastered by Fernando Lemus of FL Recordings, located in San Antonio, TX, who also played drums on the track. The collaboration between Cory and Lemus resulted in a perfect musical synergy, bringing the project to life with a refined, fresh and dynamic sound.

Furthermore, “Stand Up” signifies an even greater evolution from “Project X,” as Cory transitions from solely instrumental tracks to showcasing his vocals. This shift not only highlights his growth but also sets the stage for future releases that will feature more vocal and guitar-heavy music, promising an exciting new direction in his sound.

Track Analysis:

“Stand Up” makes its entrance with an emotional piano sequence, accompanied by a solitary percussion that emphasizes the snare drum hits. From the start, this percussion sets the energy and mood that the piece will deliver as it progresses, creating a completely effective build-up from the beginning. Just afterward, we are greeted by an explosion of sounds. All the instruments come in unison, and the sharp, aggressive tone sound of his electric guitar takes center stage.

Effortlessly transitioning from highly introspective verses to fervent choruses, “Stand Up” invites us to experience a true auditory odyssey, where dynamism is present in every chord and note. Its vivid fusion of sounds, blending elements of Post-Hardcore and Hard Rock with vocal lines reminiscent of punk rock music, makes this song a truly unique auditory amalgam, allowing fans of various rock genres to enjoy it from start to finish.

But it’s not just about the music, as Cory's musical greatness is also reflected in his lyrical prowess. Cory describes: “‘Stand Up is a hard rock song about standing up against the demons that are constantly fighting you, whether that’s relationship troubles, addiction, trouble with loved ones or even yourself.

Through this intricate theme, “Stand Up” immerses us in the struggles we all face in our daily lives, which are skillfully portrayed as “inner demons.” Its structure and compositional style allow listeners to experience each word as if it were addressed directly to them individually, as this song manages to delve into the listener's deepest thoughts. Utilizing innovative lyrical resources, a kind of conversation unfolds between Cory's fierce desire to fight, portrayed by his main vocals, and the background vocals that represent the demons residing inside. This approach creates a constant battle between the two, symbolizing the internal struggles we all endure and have experienced at some point of our lives. Ultimately, the main vocals prevail, symbolizing a decisive victory over the inner demons after a period of intense struggle. This deliberate design amplifies the song’s emotional depth, underscoring its powerful message of overcoming adversity.

Despite originating from Cory’s personal experiences, “Stand Up” offers a completely balanced experience, where each listener can relate according to their own internal battles. In this way, “Stand Up” faithfully reflects the strength we need in moments when we are consumed by fear, anger, and frustration, making Cory’s narrative resonate universally through every word as a helping hand in turbulent times, serving as an anthem of struggle and personal triumph.

But wait, that's not all… “Stand Up” also comes with its own music video!

As if the surprise weren’t enough, “Stand Up” also boasts an extraordinary music video that elevates Cory McComas’s vision to a new level. This striking visual accompaniment not only enhances the song’s narrative but also brings it to life, vividly illustrating the lyrics with each passing moment. The video features an enigmatic masked figure representing the inner demons that haunts the protagonist. In a powerful conclusion, the final scene shows the figure removing the mask, symbolizing a triumphant victory over these inner struggles and providing a poignant visual representation of the triumph over inner struggles.

If you’ve enjoyed “Stand Up,” we invite you to follow Cory McComas on his social media channels, which you can find in the links below. Don’t miss out on his latest news and upcoming releases!