No one knows who PRESIDENT is. Yes, there are theories – and quite strong ones at that – but neither the vocalist, or the bands’, identities have been revealed. Instead of their identities, listeners are greeted with figures entrenched in political imagery. And it feels pointed, to have an anonymous, presidential band in a time where modern politics have never been so unstable. And that kind of anonymous and on-the-nose art is what attracts people.
Because we, as a population, are anonymous as a whole. People who are elected to be on stages are never anonymous – they can’t be.
And yet, even when PRESIDENT took to the stage for the second ever time this past weekend in London for their first headline show – which was sold out, mind you – the band was unidentifiable.
Donned in various masks of different shapes, vocalist President, drummer Vice, bassist Protest, guitarist Heist identities’ were obscured from people standing in front of them. And despite it being their second ever live performance, PRESIDENT performed a cover of Deftones‘ “Change (In The House of Flies)” and included their unreleased songs off the upcoming EP, all of which was met with rave reviews from UK publications Kerrang! and Rock Sound.
And while it can feel to some like it falls in line with similar trends of masked bands as of late, there’s something to be said about being able to remain anonymous in 2025. And why bands that base themselves off anonymity are skyrocketing before our very eyes. And the answer is really rather simple.
It’s because anonymity is what so many people crave – to not be known, to not have their lives monitored by the unknown online, to live as if there is no one watching.
So, it makes sense that anonymous bands have captured the attention of the general public. Regardless of the band’s sound, the idea that a band can be famous and be unknown is intriguing to listeners, after years of unfiltered and completely accessible information about anybody and everybody. This time period has quickly shaped a generation of listeners are used to being able to find out anything about any given artist at the very quick click of a button, yet they are now challenged and forced to either investigate, or accept the trickles of information offered to them.
And just unlike the status quo, PRESIDENT‘s information came in trickles.
It began in February, when photos of a silhouette in a dark hallway emerged, and even as more information was gently fed to the general public in the form of mere breadcrumbs, people were hooked before the band had even released music.
Once the silhouette was revealed to be a masked frontman by May of this year, the band announced and released their first single on the same day – a debut single which now has 8 million listens at the time of writing, “In The Name Of The Father.”
And there should be no doubt that a band so encased in political imagery and symbolism emerging the month after Trump started occupying office played a hand in attracting listeners.
People who were confused, angry, frustrated, resentful – all had a brand new, anonymous presidential icon to turn to. The unidentifiable nature of President allows for people to attach their own beliefs, and their own opinions to him, mentally making him into the political candidate they hoped for, emboldened by the fact that PRESIDENT‘s shows are referred to as rallies, they have a podium on stage with them, their first ever UK tour is known as the ‘Campaign Trail,’ and they address their fans as ‘citizens.’
People are looking for a leader, someone to follow. PRESIDENT emerged at a time where so many people’s faith was wavering.
So, it should come as no surprise that a band with three tracks, and just seven minutes of recorded studio music, have skyrocketed in the way that they have. They represent something the American people do not have at the moment – anonymity, and a presidential figure they can look up to. And while the band have said that they “never set out to lead. But when enough people walk beside you, it becomes a march. The Campaign Trail is for everyone who’s felt something stir inside them. Now is the time to raise your voice.”
The Campaign Trail is due to start at the beginning of next year, after the debut of PRESIDENT‘s inaugural EP, King Of Terrors. And it’s been reported that the EP addresses the fears of the common public at the moment, exploring the balance of light and darkness, religion, politics, and the ultimate guarantee of life – death. And in a time where all of that feels so certain, and uncertain, PRESIDENT‘s influence is very much welcomed. Because in their words, the EP was:
“Forged in solitude. Shaped by memory.
These are chapters drawn from the
shadows we tend to sidestep—
because facing them demands more
than most are willing to give.PRESIDENT began as an attempt to
confront the uncomfortable.
To watch others embrace that
confrontation has been quietly profound.
There is still work to be done.
We press forward”
People need someone to tell them to keep moving forward. And if it’s a masked band that people can latch to for security in uncertain political climates, so be it. PRESIDENT represent everything people wish they had: anonymity and the safety that comes with having a nameless president.
You can pre-order the King Of Terrors EP here, and check out the dates of PRESIDENT’s Campaign Trail below.
9th January 2026 – Les Étoiles @ Paris, France
10th January 2026 – Bitterzoet @ Amsterdam, Netherlands
11th January 2026 – Luxor @ Cologne, Germany
30th January 2026 – Exil @ Zurich, Switzerland
1st February 2026 – La Nau @ Barcelona, Spain
2nd February 2026 – Nazca @ Madrid, Spain
12th April 2026 – Academy @ Dublin, Ireland
14th April 2026 – O2 Ritz @ Manchester, United Kingdom
15th April 2026 – SWG3 TV Studio @ Glasgow, United Kingdom
17th April 2026 – Project House @ Leeds, United Kingdom
18th April 2026 – Electric Bristol @ Bristol, United Kingdom
20th April 2026 – UEA @ Norwich, United Kingdom
21st April 2026 – O2 Forum Kentish Town @ London, United Kingdom
