X-EMPIRE fighting back its inner fears in tense, emotional and brand-new music video
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.
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
