The Brazilian band X-EMPIRE, which promotes a modern, complex and hybrid mix of Prog Metal, Groove Metal, Djent and Metalcore, shares a brand-new cathartic, tense and emotional music video for their latest single "My Demons" on
their YouTube channel, addressing the troubling and current issue of
the daily struggle against depression, suicide, drug addiction, and
other psychological illnesses.
Watch "My Demons (The Price Of Blood)" at https://youtu.be/8BbHoPMv0SM
The lyric theme of "My Demons" is a metaphor against
all kinds of wars, also including the daily battle against the inner
demons that haunt a great part of humanity.
Michel Villares, singer, producer and also responsible for the lyrics of "My Demons",
was initially influenced by the conflict in Ukraine and Russia,
creating an anti-war theme trying, in some way, to show solidarity with
the people of these countries, but as the theme developed other forms of
war were being addressed.
"Not only the war for territory, which is already something
unacceptable in today's world, but the fight against the ghosts of
depression and suicide were incorporated into the story", Michel comments. "Life
is already like a battlefield, an inner war, so it was a way to achieve
catharsis. The tip is always to forgive yourself for those you couldn't
save, as there are situations that the outcomes are not up to us. In
2013, my father was diagnosed with cancer, a strong and smart man,
healthy, vigorous, courageous, and with deep insights in life, a true
teacher in my life. His fight was hard, but he won. Only in the end he
lost the battle against himself, old and destructive habits claimed him
from living. "My Demons" tells the heavy, deep and lonely story of a
father in mourning for his daughter with drug addiction, people facing
themselves and faithfully showing the struggle against inner demons", he concludes.
The bass player Emerson Soares thinks "the sound of
"My Demons" is another step in the evolutionary process of X-Empire,
both in something even more complex, as in more captivating melodies. We
brought new elements, coming from other styles, and that helped us in
the maturation process of the band's musical identity. This music video
is one of the most amazing and impressive jobs we've ever done, and it
doesn't even seem like it took 19 days from recording to final editing!"
Andre Marques (guitar) also comments that "the song
in its initial conception talked about the dilemmas and conflicts of a
soldier sent to war. However, we realized that life is already like a
battlefield where we human beings are in a constant inner war with our
own demons".
About its sound, Andre concludes by saying that "it
became very current, with melodic lines, but without losing the
heaviness, inspired by bands like Gojira and Slipknot. After we recorded
our takes, we were anxious about the final result, because we knew it
would be a big reality shock! I remembered so many friends who had hard
struggles with depression. Remember your essence before it is too late,
because someone in the world loves you and will miss you. Don't be
ashamed or afraid to ask for help".
"My Demons" production was divided between studios and producers. The guitars, bass and vocals part were recorded at M&H Studio by Michel Villares, the drums at Studio 3 by Andre Luis and the final additional engineering by Ricky Franco.
"Participating in this process was a huge step in my journey. I am
greatly influenced by Michel Villares' work as a producer, and also as a
person, so I couldn't help but accept his invitation. As soon as I
heard the first recordings, I immediately got excited to be a part of it
and give my best on the drums with the X-Empire beasts. Everything was
very natural and professional, without forgetting the ease of
understanding of everyone's ideas and the potential of the sound in
question! The result, in my opinion, is easily comparable to the best in
the world in terms of production and sharp musicality! I'd like to
thank everyone involved immensely. About the video, I had no idea what
it would be like, and after watching it finished I ask myself 'how much
do we listen to each other? How much do we unconsciously - or not - deny
help when they really ask for our help? Too deep", said Andre Luis (drums/producer).
"Every life is important, every existence must be contemplated.
Every piece on the board is missed in some game, every loved one is
remembered", concluded Michel Villares.
X-Empire is in the midst of recording and finalizing their newest EP entitled "Catharsis", scheduled to be released in the first half of 2023. Stay tuned!
More Information:
Formed in 2012 in the city of Sao Paulo, X-EMPIRE aims to express their
sound in a contemporary way, using new and deep lyrical concepts that
combine with the melodies in total balance, pleasing much of the
audience appreciative of striking choruses and more progressive, modern
and heavy strands within Metal. With vocals that vary from melodic to
harsh, interspersed with ripped and guttural passages, foster a unique
sound based on well structured guitar riffs, technical bass and drums
with strong influences ranging from Groove Metal, Djent, Prog Metal and
even Metalcore.
Bringing hateful guttural vocals and melodies with a lot of
feeling, X-EMPIRE - since its formation - has never been afraid to
experiment, and now strongly exposes influences of bands like Meshuggah, Periphery, Trivium, Scar Synmetry, Mutiny Within, Symphony X, Nevermore, Dream Theater, Iced Earth, among others more modern and technical, with the intention of never limiting their art.
Discography:
"Fallen" (Single/2012)
"No Answers" (Single/2013)
"End Of Times" (EP/2014)
"Grief" (Album/2017)
"Hard To Breathe" (Single/2020)
"Paralyzed" (Single/2022)
"Paralyzed (Acoustic Sessions)" (Single/2022)
"My Demons" (Single/2022)
Line-Up:
Michel Villares - Vocals
Andre Silva - Guitar
Emerson Soares - Bass
Andre Luis - Drums
Listen to X-EMPIRE on:
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36JnwNM
Deezer: https://bit.ly/3Leyyde
Apple: https://apple.co/3IwIM6E
Bandcamp: https://xempireofficial.bandcamp.com
Youtube: www.youtube.com/xempireofficial
Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/xempireofficial
Instagram: www.instagram.com/xempire_official
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