Morningstar is a hard rock/metal band from Madison, WI, drawing influences from thrash metal, classic and modern hard rock, creating a unique and powerful theatrical symphonic melodic metal sound that is distinctly their own.

Soaring and cinematic, Morningstar is a symphonic melodic-metal band from Madison, WI that blends heavy riffs, sweeping melodies, and emotionally charged vocals into a high-energy, theatrical performance. Known for their genre-defying sound, they fuse thrash metal, classic, and modern hard rock into a powerful style uniquely their own—equal parts raw intensity and melodic progression.

Morningstar has carved out a niche in the Midwest music scene, defying early doubts that they were “too heavy” for rock and “too light” for metal. Their music bridges introspective emotion and anthemic choruses, while their live shows, complete with dramatic lighting, fog, and cinematic theatrics, immerse audiences in an unforgettable experience. Morningstar’s music dives into themes of resilience, self-discovery, and mental health, weaving stories of struggle, hope, and transformation. With lyrics that balance vulnerability and strength, their songs spark conversation around breaking stigma, embracing authenticity and finding light through darkness—all delivered with the intensity and passion of symphonic melodic metal.

They’ve performed at prominent festivals and venues including Rock Fest, Brat Fest, Northwoods Rock Rally, Monster Hall Fest and Rock-2-Stop (benefiting veterans), and have shared the stage with Taproot, Bobaflex, Smile Empty Soul, Gemini Syndrome, Royal Bliss, The Black Moods, September Mourning, Stitched Up Heart, Otherwise and more. Beyond the stage, the band fosters a fun, interactive fan community both online and in person.

Morningstar’s debut album Between Your World and Mine (2022) won Hard Rock/Metal Album of the Year at the 2023 Madison Area Music Awards. In 2024, they were finalists for multiple MAMA and WAMI awards, further cementing their reputation as a standout force in the region. In 2025 their single “Free” garnered national media play and remained on the top metal charts for 10 weeks from July-September 2025.

Origins
The band’s story began when vocalist Amber Swenor answered guitarist Brandon Pockat’s newspaper ad seeking a singer for a band. Soon after, Amber’s younger brother David joined as drummer—fulfilling Amber’s teenage challenge to him: “Learn how to play drums so we can start a band and tour the world together.” After years of lineup changes and evolution, Morningstar officially emerged in 2018 as a power trio.

Their first single, Bittersweet Lullaby, carried a message close to the band’s heart: sparking conversations around mental health and reducing stigma. “For too long, it’s been something people just don’t talk about,” Amber explains. “We hoped to change that, even in a small way.”

In 2023, David departed to focus on family, and the lineup solidified with drummer Zach Walton and bassist Ricky Staley, turning Morningstar into the powerful four-piece it is today.

With a deepening evolution of their sound and unique stage performance and an ever-growing fanbase, Morningstar continues to expand it’s reach and message, delivering music and performances that balance raw power with heart, forging lasting connections with their community.