About the Band

ABOUT THE BAND

Ghost Riff Riders is a heavy metal and power metal band born out of the chaos of 2020, when the world felt like it was unraveling. Amid lockdowns, societal upheaval, and a series of strange supernatural occurrences, this unlikely group of musicians and misfits came together in the most unexpected of ways. What began in a cramped garage quickly transformed into a unique sound that resonates with the uncanny and the unknown.

The Origin Story

It all started when Ryder “Riff” Mason, the band’s lead guitarist known for his electrifying riffs and cool composure, wandered into a local new age store looking for props to enhance the band’s stage presence. While flirting with Luna, the mysterious store clerk with an affinity for the occult, Ryder didn’t expect much beyond a brief chat. But Luna’s interest in the eerie vibes the band was creating led her to become a crucial part of their journey—not just as a roadie, but as a muse, confidante, and possibly something deeper with Ryder.

“I just wanted some cool crystals for the stage, maybe some incense,” Ryder recalls with a smirk. “Next thing I know, Luna’s at our rehearsal, and it’s like she’s always been with us. It was weird—but in a good way.”

The Band Members


Ryder “Riff” MasonLead Guitarist

“I’m in it for the music, man. The weirdness? That’s just part of the package now.”




Vera “Venom” CarterLead Vocalist

“Singing has always been my release, but with these guys, it’s something more. The world’s falling apart, and somehow, we’re turning that chaos into pure, unfiltered music.”

Jaxon “The Beast” KaneDrummer

  • “I’m waiting for the right girl, but until then, I’ll just keep pounding these drums. When I’m behind the kit, nothing else matters.”


Izzy “Blaze” RodriguezBassist

“People say my fingers are faster than lightning, but I’m just trying to keep up with the madness around us. Tina helps me keep my head on straight…most of the time.”


Nikki “Hex” HartKeyboardist

  • “There’s something about eerie melodies that just clicks. The music, the weird stuff—it’s all part of the same vibe. And Hammer keeps things interesting.”

The Crew and Support Team

Luna “Moonscar” MasonMystic and Ryder’s Shadow

  • “The first time I heard them play, it felt like they were casting a spell. I couldn’t walk away, and I didn’t want to. There’s power in what they do—something beyond the music.”


Tina “Raven” RoseBackup Singer and Gothic Muse

  • “I’ve been their biggest fan from the start, but being this close? It’s like a dream. And yeah, Izzy’s fingerwork—on the bass, of course—is something else.”


“Hammer” Joe K.- Roadie and Enforcer

“I’m the muscle, sure, but it’s more about keeping everyone safe—gear, people, whatever. Nikki keeps me on my toes in more ways than one.”

  • “Wrench” Sam CarterTech Genius and Supernatural Engineer (Producer and Special Effects)
    • “When you’re dealing with gear that’s halfway possessed, you need someone who knows their stuff. Plus, keeping Vera’s mic working is a priority…for lots of reasons.”

The Rise (and fall) of the Ghost Riff Riders

As they played underground clubs that defied shutdown orders and bars that couldn’t care less about the rules, Ghost Riff Riders began to make a name for themselves. The more they toured, the more strange occurrences seemed to follow—flickering lights, erratic equipment, and even the occasional unexplained presence at their shows. Instead of shying away, the band leaned into these eerie experiences, weaving them into their lyrics and sound.

“We’d be on stage, and the lights would start going nuts,” Jaxon laughs. “But the crowd loved it, so we just went with it.”

Their distinctive blend of heavy and power metal, coupled with lyrics that delve into the supernatural and surreal, struck a chord with fans. By the end of their first chaotic tour, Ghost Riff Riders had captured the attention of Obsidian Echoes Records – Due to their connection with ARJOPublishing.com, who signed them for a minimum of two albums: Metal Knights and Restricted Access.

The band had a brief tour with fellow newcomers – the Sirens of Sacrifice but after a failed tour following the arrest of many of the Sirens for various reasons, the GRR group were left without a contract and their first albums were held up from publication. Now with a reputation of “Do not sign” from most labels, the band is now working on their own studio, production solution and online only streaming and sales distribution.
They are based in South Dallas Texas and are currently renovating a defunct hotel that shut down in the late 2000’s into a living space and recording studio solution for themselves and other small and upcoming bands. “The Riffuge” is not open to the public, the construction is ongoing and the barricades around the hotel are there for security and privacy. Please do not trespass, the group will call the cops and it’s Texas and Izzy is usually carrying and we will protect ourselves and our equipment. (We love our fans but respect our property – catch us after a show and we will be happy to selfie and chat)

Where to Find Their Music

You can experience the haunting sounds of Ghost Riff Riders on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Rumble, and X.com. For the die-hard fans, bootleg copies of their earlier work—and perhaps a few sneak peeks of what’s to come—can be found on Bandcamp, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Qobuz and more.

As the band continues to embrace the chaos and the unknown, one thing is certain: the music is just the beginning. With each new track, Ghost Riff Riders prove that they’re not just a band—they’re a force of nature.
ALL Rights reserved – music, images, concept of rock opera novel mashup and book rights reserved. Music licenses available. Novel can be found here – (Amazon) https://a.co/d/1S0zvMH

From the Lone Star State and Beyond

Ghost Riff Riders are a Texas-based heavy groove metal band with a supernatural twist, hailing mostly from the Dallas area with a few out-of-state wildcards. Ryder “Riff” Mason, the band’s lead guitarist and de facto leader, and his sister Lily are Dallas natives. The band’s roadie “Hammer” Joe Kingston is also a Dallas local, with the rest of the crew scattered across Texas and beyond. Luna “Moonscar” Grey, Ryder’s mysterious companion and the band’s unofficial muse, hails from the misty coasts of Northern California.

Band Line-Up:

  • Ryder “Riff” Mason – Lead Guitarist: Known for his wild riffs and calm under pressure, Ryder’s charm is unmatched. He is not dead unofficially. It was not a stunt. His signature instrument is a custom-built ESP guitar, perfect for the shredding riffs that define the band’s sound. On the road, Ryder enjoys binge-watching Supernatural and tinkering with his guitar collection.
  • Vera “Venom” Carter – Lead Vocalist: Vera’s voice is so powerful it could summon storms. On stage and off, she’s fierce and untouchable, commanding respect wherever she goes. Though she can play nearly every instrument, Vera avoids the drums due to the damage they wreak on her sensitive ears. She often uses a custom Gibson acoustic guitar to work on new melodies when inspiration strikes.
  • Jaxon “The Beast” Kane – Drummer: A giant of a man whose drum solos shake the walls, Jaxon’s intensity matches his stature. When he’s not pounding the drums, he’s shredding on a PRS electric guitar, known for its bold tone. His solos have become a highlight of their shows, though he’s still waiting for “the right girl” to steal his heart.
  • Izzy “Blaze” Rodriguez – Bassist: With lightning-fast fingers and a zen-like focus, Izzy is the backbone of Ghost Riff Riders’ sound. He rocks a Fender Jazz Bass and holds down the groove with impeccable precision. Izzy’s calm demeanor is a perfect counterpoint to the gothic wildness of Tina “Raven” Rose, the band’s backup singer and his sneaky partner in crime (and romance). She loves his “fingerwork” on and off the stage.
  • Nikki “Hex” Hart – Keyboardist: Adding haunting melodies that give the band their supernatural edge, Nikki’s eerie keys are often the final layer to Ghost Riff Riders’ atmospheric sound. A wizard on both keyboards and guitar, she sometimes fills in on drums when Jaxon needs a breather. Her favorite instrument is a Roland Fantom synth, but she loves her Les Paul for those guitar-driven moments. When she’s not playing, she’s often found hanging out with Joe Kingston, the band’s “Hammer.”

Groupies and Roadies and Backup Vocals and Musicians:

  • Luna “Moonscar” Mason – Groupie, Occultist-in-Residence: Luna’s mysterious aura and love for the occult keep her by Ryder’s side at every gig. Despite Ryder’s light flirting, it’s becoming clear to everyone, including Luna herself, that the sparks between them are turning into something more. While she’s learning the keyboard, Luna is already a pretty solid acoustic guitarist, often joining the band in jam sessions.
  • Tina “Raven” Rose – Groupie, Backup Singer: The band’s biggest fan, Tina brings gothic flair and unwavering loyalty to the group. A skilled backup singer, she adds layers to Vera’s vocals when needed. Tina and Izzy have an unspoken (and often unnoticed) connection—they sneak off together for intimate moments, where she appreciates his “fingerwork” offstage just as much as his skills with the bass.
  • Joe “Hammer” K – Roadie, Muscle: The strong arm of the group, Joe handles the heavy lifting and isn’t afraid to throw a punch if necessary. He’s a Dallas native, like Ryder, and the two have a long history. Though primarily the band’s muscle, Joe can also shred on both acoustic and electric guitar when the mood strikes.
  • Sam “Wrench” Carter – Roadie, Tech Genius: Sam is the one who keeps all the band’s gear in top shape, whether it’s repairing instruments or rigging up their supernatural sound effects. He’s slowly learning the keyboard and loves spending time working on the computer, running the soundboard.

Lily Mason – Ryder’s Younger Sister: Lily is a new yet important addition to the Ghost Riff Riders’ world. A sweet but strong-willed young woman, she’s gradually being introduced to the supernatural side of life, thanks to Luna’s magic and Ryder’s music. Though she’s not directly involved in the band’s performances, her presence has brought a new warmth to the group, reminding Ryder of their roots. Lily supports the band in quieter ways, often helping with lyrics and ideas, and has a budding interest in photography, capturing moments of the band’s wild life on the road. She’s also taken a liking to acoustic guitar, following in her brother’s footsteps, and occasionally jams with the group in more intimate settings.

Band Favorites:

  • Favorite Movies: The band has a collective obsession with Supernatural and Mad Max: Fury Road. They can binge-watch both for hours while on the road between gigs. Ryder has a soft spot for The Crow, while Jaxon’s guilty pleasure is Pacific Rim.
  • Favorite Foods and Drinks: Tex-Mex is a staple for Ghost Riff Riders—Ryder, Vera, and Jaxon all swear by a good plate of fajitas. Izzy is all about spicy tacos, and Luna has a weakness for street corn. Nikki’s favorite drink is a Black Magic Margarita, while Ryder’s is a classic Jack and Coke, though he’s recently developed a taste for Luna’s lavender cocktails.

Signature Gear:

  • Ryder Mason: Custom-built ESP guitar, known for its fast neck and heavy tone, perfect for shredding.
  • Vera Carter: Gibson acoustic guitar and Shure SM58 microphone for her storm-bringing vocals.
  • Jaxon Kane: PRS electric guitar and his beloved Pearl Masters Maple drum kit, which he’s been playing since day one.
  • Izzy Rodriguez: Fender Jazz Bass, reliable and smooth for his fast playing style.
  • Nikki Hart: Roland Fantom synth for those haunting melodies, plus her Gibson Les Paul for when she needs to bring in the heavy riffs.

Lily Mason: Lily plays a Fender acoustic guitar for now, but she’s slowly exploring more instruments with the help of her brother Ryder and the band.

Together, Ghost Riff Riders create a sound that blends heavy metal with the ethereal, always pushing the boundaries of music and the supernatural, with Lily and Luna adding to the band’s emotional core.