UK metal band, CAGE FIGHT – fronted by vocal powerhouse Rachel Aspe – have released a new single/video, "Oxygen."
Rachel Aspe explains,
“When your worries occupy all the space in your head, you’re navigating
through fog; every task, every move, feels like a challenge. 'Oxygen' is about a fight against time, when everything becomes overwhelming and suffocating.”
About the video, Aspe adds:
“The mask on the album cover is the radiotherapy mask my grandmother wore every day for her cancer treatment. It was moulded to her, and I'm now wearing it as she lives through me. The process was painful and exhausting. This is a symbol of strength, perseverance, and healing. It represents a cage you fight in, until you shed your skin
and are reborn. The mask also has specific meanings for each song on the album.
"In 'Oxygen', we wanted to portray the feelings of fear, oppression, and anxiety. To be locked in this cage, pushed down by its weight. The mask here is our own mind, and overwhelming thoughts, while seeing time passing by and being powerless.”
Watch the Music Video for "Oxygen" Below:
CAGE FIGHT will release their second studio album, ‘Exuvia,’ on May 1st via Spinefarm.
Recorded by Sam Bloor at Lower Lane Studios and mixed by Jim Pinder (Sleep Token, Malevolence), ‘Exuvia’ retains the raw, old school hardcore heart of CAGE FIGHT – vibrating with meaty grooves, pummelling rhythms, plus a wave of furious anger that feels like a punch to the gut. At the same time, it also explores more multi-layered terrains, atmospheres, and melodies, making CAGE FIGHT sound bigger, tighter, and more epic than ever before.
Throughout the 11 pieces of music, the band proves they aren’t afraid to experiment… and have a bit of fun. A case in point is "Pick Your Fighter," which features Julien Truchan from Benighted on guest vocals, and was inspired by a French pop song – "Et c'est parti…" by Nâdiya – though you’d never guess it from the song’s crushing heaviness.
The rest of the lyrics on ‘Exuvia’ are written by Rachel – the first time she has expressed herself in this way, and the results are deeply personal, taking in anxiety, assault, and having to deal with grief. The expansive final track, "Élégie," is about losing her grandfather, and the regret that can come from things left unsaid.
On "Pig," meanwhile, she calls out the creepy men who send women unsolicited messages online, while the title track was inspired by her grandmother, who is currently battling cancer, and helped Rachel write the song's lyrics.
In celebration of the forthcoming release of 'Exuvia,' CF will host a sold-out album release party on May 1st at legendary London dive bar, Blondie’s.
Radio City Beer Works is also brewing a new batch of “Pick Your Fighter” beer, which will be available on tap at the event.
Since their inception, the band has become known for their visceral, high-energy live performances; already, they’ve toured with acts such as Sepultura and Cromags, supported the likes of Napalm Death and Employed To Serve, and played numerous festivals, including Summer Breeze and Bloodstock.
CAGE FIGHT are:
Rachel Aspe - vocals
James Monteith - guitar
Will Horsman - bass
Nick Plews - drums