PROGRESSIVE-METAL band Ilenkus have unveiled their new song 'Over The Fire, Under The Smoke', the video for which was shot on the streets of Galway city centre.
'Over The Fire, Under The Smoke' gives a good representation of the Ilenkus sound which satisfyingly balances the complexities of old school approaches to the metal – there are audible hints of Maiden/Slayer metal - with more contemporary metal, as well as dramatic climaxes, and quiet/loud dynamics.
The video features vocalist Chris Brennan performing the song between Williamsgate Street and High Street (you never know, you might spot yourself or someone you know along the way ).
“We shot the video in Galway on a busy day during the summer,” says guitarist/vocalist Josh Guyett. “It's one take from start to finish and follows Chris as he makes his way down Shop Street and through a performance of the song. The concept of the video is clear when paired with the lyrics. Chris performed the vocals as if he were onstage and I think his immersion in the song is what makes the video work."The song will feature on the Galway band's second album The Crossing which will be released on Monday September 15. It was mixed by These Arms Are Snakes’ Chris Common (Chelsea Wolfe, Pelican ) with cover art by James Sheridan. The release will be followed by live dates including the Róisín Dubh on Saturday September 20, as well as shows in Bristol, London, and Luxembourg, with more dates to be announced.
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“We feel the album is diverse and powerful, yet a more focused vision than our previous work,” says Josh. “It’s dramatic, dense, and engaging with an almost cinematic yet brutal approach to song writing. The LP feels like a much truer representation of where the band is right now, therefore we’re really excited to get on the road and perform these songs live.”
Ilenkus - Chris Brennan (guitar/vocals ), Sam Ellis (guitar/vocals ), Josh Guyett (guitar/vocals ), Rory Guyett (drums ), and Robin Van Der Klooster (bass ) – take their name from the Greek word 'Elenchus’.
“This is the central technique of the Socratic Method,” Josh explains, “which is essentially a form of debate where someone will refute another argument by proving the contrary of its conclusion.”
It is an idea that has seeped into the band's approach to crating music as well as the ideas they explore within their songs.
“We have three alternating lead singers and guitar players, and all three of us write the lyrics,” says Josh, “so the sound and atmosphere on each track can be completely different. But our lyrics definitely have a theme; an idea we touch on a lot is relinquishing the illusion of control, allowing the primal elements of human nature to come to the fore and to see where they guide the self.”
To listen to Ilenkus' music, see http://ilenkus.bandcamp.com.
