Sarah had the absolute pleasure of getting to speak with Johnny Stewart of Pillars of a Twisted City earlier this summer in regard to the band’s latest EP, “Brimstone Prophecies.” It’s been described as a bold, emotionally charged release that pushes their cinematic sound even further.
Mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Greg Mindorff, Brimstone Prophecies stands as a testament to Stewart’s uncompromising vision: to push boundaries, explore new sounds, and celebrate the freedom of pure artistic expression—far removed from commercial expectation.
The EP arrives on the heels of the powerful video for lead single “False Prophet”—a visual tour de force directed by acclaimed cinematographer Jon Joffin (Love on the Air, Alice) and Canadian Society of Cinematographers award-winner Mitchell Baxter. Together, they’ve created a moody, cinematic experience that mirrors the song’s apocalyptic tone and emotional gravity. With Joffin’s poetic visual storytelling and Baxter’s sharp directorial instinct, the video elevates “False Prophet” into a visceral meditation on loss, disconnection, and the search for meaning. As frontman Johnny Stewart explains, the track explores the fading connection to the natural world that often comes with adulthood—and the longing to return to something pure, uncorrupted, and real. “The natural world is always there,” Stewart reflects. “We just need to be willing to accept it—to let go of the status quo, ego, and the toxic environments we build around ourselves.”
Sarah – Congratulations on the new EP, “Brimstone Prophecies!” This EP comes off as extremely personal in terms of the songwriting. Did you experience a lot of growth during this writing process?
Johnny – The song writing process and the lyrics are very personal, But they’re also presented in a way that isn’t just about myself. It’s relating towards any human that feels a loss of connection with the natural world and or identity. I think any writer or musician or artist for that matter is always experiencing personal growth through the expression process. Feel fortunate to have a voice through the medium of music.
Sarah – The latest single, “False Prophet” is a prime example of this. Where did the inspiration for this come from?Johnny – The inspiration for this track is a broader assessment of the reality of humans, losing touch with the natural world, thus losing touch with themselves. As an adult, we can get so wrapped up in the most superficial things that at the end of the day are meaningless and have no value. This is about rediscovering the value in working in rhythm of our natural surroundings, . Taking time to breathe open your eyes and actually see the beauty that is around us . The tunnel vision of an urban life , often leads to disillusion. It’s about reconnecting with your community and the places you live.Quite often as we get older, we’re working against this natural world.
Sarah – How did you find it differ from “Sentinel,” your previous release? Any plans for a full LP?Johnny – There’s a common thread between all of the pillars releases, but I feel that on this latest EP there’s more of a cohesive direction between the songs. A tip of the hat to the many influences I have yet maintaining the integrity of the originality of these songs.
Sarah – What was it like getting to work with Greg Mindorff on this project?Johnny – I feel very fortunate to work with someone as talented as Greg. He breathes life into these songs. His production and mastering work is exceptional.
Sarah – Will there be any future plans for a tour? Johnny – Pillars has yet to venture out on tour. The recent being because of logistical challenges addressing all the different musical styles contained within our catalogue. But we do have an amazing lineup of musicians getting ready for a performance in Vancouver on September 6, at Green Auto Music. There is definitely talk of touring out in eastern Canada in the late spring of 2026. At which time we would love to go out to Atlantic Canada. If any of your readers would like to see us play in their town, please reach out to the band.
You can listen to “Brimstone Prophecies” now wherever you stream your music!
