Oklahoma alternative metal trio Nova Riot has released a new music video for “Like I Meant It,” expanding the promotional campaign surrounding its debut full-length album, Blood, Lies & Lullabies. The seven-track record was released August 21, 2026, through Eclipse Records, as the band seeks to build a broader audience with its self-described “bubblegum alternative metal” sound.
The Durant, Oklahoma-based group is positioning the new video as another step in a digital-first strategy built around polished studio production, distinctive visuals and online distribution rather than a conventional local touring approach.
‘Like I Meant It’ Video Takes Inspiration From Horror
The video for “Like I Meant It” was directed by Orion, a member of Nova Riot, and filmed inside a deteriorated cabin set at an award-winning haunted house. Vocalist Nova Ray and Orion appear in the production, which combines horror imagery with the colorful aesthetic that has become part of the band’s visual identity.
According to the band, the song focuses on the emotional difficulty involved in making major life decisions. Its themes address the consequences of walking away from challenging circumstances and the possibility of finding greater balance and peace afterward.
The visual concept draws on classic horror cinema and folklore. Orion cited the original Evil Dead films and the story of Hansel and Gretel among the project’s inspirations. Witchcraft imagery, horror elements and the band’s clowncore styling are incorporated throughout the production.
Orion also introduced a new toxic green and purple mask for the video. Limiting the on-screen cast to Nova Ray and Orion was intended to create a more concentrated visual presentation and give individual camera movements and edits greater prominence.
“Like I Meant It” is the third music video connected with Blood, Lies & Lullabies, continuing Nova Riot’s emphasis on pairing its recorded music with cinematic visual content.
Nova Riot Pursues a Digital-First Growth Strategy
Formed in 2024, Nova Riot consists of Nova Ray on vocals, Orion on bass and Ares on lead guitar. The group combines heavier alternative-metal elements with melodic pop influences, creating a style it describes as bubblegum alternative metal.
Rather than relying primarily on the traditional progression through local bar and club performances, the musicians have adopted a strategy centered on recorded production and digital exposure. That approach reflects the increasingly important role streaming platforms, social media and video content play in helping independent and emerging artists reach audiences beyond their home markets.
The band’s recorded material also features drum work from veteran musician Matt Thompson, known for his work with King Diamond.
Nova Riot’s music focuses on themes including mental health, personal empowerment and spiritual alchemy, while its visual identity uses contrasting imagery to distinguish the group in the crowded heavy-music market.
‘Blood, Lies & Lullabies’ Features Seven Tracks
Blood, Lies & Lullabies was produced by Braxton Henry and co-produced by Addison Ray and Paris Pipkin. The album contains seven songs: “Haunting Me,” “Midnight Coven Crush,” “Casket,” “The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear),” “Like I Meant It,” “Through The Storm” and “Sorry Mom.”
Several tracks have already served as key pieces of the band’s promotional campaign, including “The Altar (feat. The Bunny The Bear),” “Midnight Coven Crush” and “Like I Meant It.”
The combination of studio production, visual storytelling and a clearly defined musical identity underscores Nova Riot’s approach to building its brand in the modern independent music business. With Blood, Lies & Lullabies now released and the “Like I Meant It” video extending the album’s campaign, the Oklahoma trio is continuing its effort to carve out a distinctive position within contemporary alternative metal.
