This Friday, July 14, 2023, English thrash metal front-runners EVILE will celebrate the release of their brand new, sixth studio album and second Napalm Records release, “The Unknown”. With “The Unknown”, the four-piece proves that they are more than just a thrash band, churning out slower tempos with a heavier approach. In addition, melodic vocals meet serious, in-depth lyrical topics – ranging from depression, overcoming loss and recurring nightmares, self-esteem and image, to more personal themes like living with dementia, struggling through the music industry and even the concerns of becoming a new parent.
Their new single, “When Mortal Coils Shed”, doubles down on that stirring new side of EVILE while showcasing exceptional songwriting with haunting, deep and personal aspects. EVILE front-man OL Drake says: “The third single from ‘The Unknown’ is ‘When Mortal Coils Shed’. We haven’t done a ballad since ‘Tomb’ on the 2013 album ‘Skull’, and I only like to do them when it feels right; and this one felt very right. The song grew from the main clean riff and I felt the need to make something out of it. Once the lyrics needed writing, it became apparent that a subject close to me and the band would fit. This song is for everyone who has lost someone close to them and the struggles that come with the acceptance of losing them. Even years after they’ve left us, they’re still missed, and the longing to be back at a time when they were still with us or for them to be back with us now is prevalent in our everyday lives. Enjoy.”
“We’re really excited to start revealing the next page in the EVILE chapter”, says front-man OL Drake. “We’ve taken a completely different approach on this album and I looked inward for inspiration; I’ve opened myself up like I never thought I would. We’ve always been at 500mph, like on the previous album (‘Hell Unleashed‘) and this time around we felt we wanted to try the polar opposite – some slower-than-we’ve-ever-done tempos with more melodic vocal hooks, and give Adam some freedom on the leads/writing. I’ve been working on my vocals since diving in the deep end in 2021, and we’ve worked hard for 2 years on this, so I’m excited for everyone to hear the fruits of our labor. We’re really proud of what we’ve all accomplished with this album. This is the one I hope can catapult us to more ears and places we haven’t been before to play for people who are constantly asking us to play in their area.
On “The Unknown”, EVILE are more profound, personal and deep, while also proving heavier, stronger and more raucous than ever. Songs such as “The Unknown” showcase the band’s haunting elements and the stirring, “new” side of EVILE, balancing a dark, melodic and almost mesmerizing vibe with colossal, heavy riffage and thundering drums.
While EVILE still stays true to their explosive trademarks and roots, they leave nothing but a hammering new world of sound, building up to a stomping thrash manifesto. “The Unknown” unchains the rampant songwriting talent of these British thrash metal front-runners, proving that thrash does not always have to be fast-paced. It can also be in-your-face with outstanding musical skill, without fear of showing a still unknown facet of lyrical depth and an enthralling, versatile, brave modern metal sound!
“The Unknown” was recorded by Tim Vincent at Longwave Studios, Cardiff UK, and was produced, mixed and mastered by Chris Clancy at the same Longwave Studios.
“The Unknown” Artwork
“The Unknown” Track List:
1. The Unknown
2. The Mask We Wear
3. Monolith
4. When Mortal Coils Shed
5. Sleepless Eyes
6. Out of Sight
7. At Mirror’s Speech
8. Reap What You Sow
9. Beginning of the End
10. Balance of Time
“The Unknown” will be available in the following formats:
- 1 CD Digipak
- 1-LP Gatefold Black Vinyl
- Digipak + Shirt
- 1-LP Gatefold Crystal Clear
- 1-LP Gatefold Solid Red (UK only)
- Digital Album
