Dead Icarus release debut album 'Zealot' today

October 31, 2024

Dead Icarus, the new band of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, have officially released their debut album ZEALOT today, October 31, via MNRK HEAVY.
Produced and co-written by Mangold, ZEALOT is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.
"Zealot is the culmination of our unyielding, fanatical belief. We set out to create a dynamic, multi-faceted record that incorporated everything we love about music. It's heavy, it's melodic, it's angry, it's hopeful, it has riffs and hooks but above all it's sincere and comes from purely from our heart and minds. No outside interference. We hope you connect with and enjoy the music as much as we do," says Varkatzas.
"'ZEALOT,' the title track, is our most out of the box song on the record. It definitely toys with a nu-metal vibe but with our own unique Dead Icarus spin. It’s about abandoning comprises and following your internal compass NO MATTER THE COST. It's also the final video we shot in the haunted house, a perfect fit for this time of year."

Dead Icarus leans on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly gets its wings from the undying commitment made by its members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals.
Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020. Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Share "1 Million Days" Video

October 16, 2024

Dead Icarus, the new band of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, recently announced their debut album ZEALOT. It will arrive October 31 via MNRK HEAVY. Pre-order it here. The band also wrapped its first tour with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon.

Produced and co-written by Mangold, ZEALOT is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.

Today, the band has shared the video for "1 MILLION DAYS." Watch it below. It is inspired by classic '80s horror films, so it arrives JUST in time for the creepy season.

"'1 Million Days' is as close as Dead Icarus gets to a power ballad on ZEALOT," explains Varkatzas. "When I first started writing the lyrics, I thought it was about failing someone else and seeking their forgiveness. As I finished the lyrics, it became more first person and about letting one's self down and forgiving one's self for mistakes made. Sometimes, the weight we bear is placed upon our own shoulders by ourselves and only we can remove it."

He finishes, "The video is sort of a tongue-in-cheek homage to late '80s horror, filmed inside a haunted house that is housed inside a haunted building from the 1800s."

Mangold furthers, "Musically, '1 Million Days came from the intention of creating an epic, powerful, catchy, and emotional metalcore 'power ballad,' as Alex stated. I'm a sucker for all guitar things from the '80s, so naturally a catchy, singable, harmonized lead in the chorus was the first thing written and it set the tone for the rest of the composition. Don't let the word 'ballad' fool you, though. This song has some unexpected twists and turns as well that aren't a part of your conventional emotional rock song."

Dead Icarus leans on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly gets its wings from the undying commitment made by its members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals.

Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020. Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."

Dead Icarus will also embark on their first tour this September with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon. All dates are below. More worldwide touring is planned for 2025 and beyond.

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:

MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists plus distributing premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. Its catalog across divisions consists of 65,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.

Dead Icarus announce debut album 'Zealot'

September 12, 2024

Dead Icarus , the new band of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, as well as Gabe Mangold of Enterprise Earth and Brandon Zackey, are thrilled to announce their debut album ZEALOT. It will arrive October 31 via MNRK HEAVY.
Produced and co-written by Mangold, ZEALOT is a precise and pummeling execution of airtight technical riffs, miles of solos, blast beat assault and battery, and screamed, growled, and sung vocals.
Today, the band has shared the video for the latest single "Bearing Burdens and Saving Skin."

The song (spin) kicks off with furious hardcore energy and evolves with guttural death growls and monster, chunky breakdowns.

"I couldn't be more excited and proud to shared our first full length album ZEALOT with the world," Varkatzas says. "To be a 'ZEALOT' means to be fanatical and uncompromisingly devoted to one's beliefs. A lot of emotion and energy went into its crafting. I worked very hard to step up my vocal performance and really committed to holding nothing back and trying new things in order to match the dynamic nature of the songs."

He continues, "We kick things off with 'Bearing Burdens and Saving Skin,' a fast, chaotic, catchy ripper. Lyrically, the song deals with dishonesty and unrelenting revenge. We match it with a dark and wild video by MyGoodEyeVisuals, which was shot in a cemetery inside a haunted house and serves as a precursor to the subsequent videos we have in the works. Be ready, we are just getting started..."
Dead Icarus leans on the uncanny creative union between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Gabe Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey. The band truly gets its wings from the undying commitment made by its members. The musicians pursue their artistry with a resolute sense of focus, manifesting in the precise execution of airtight technical riffs, virtuosic solos, blast beat assault and battery, and hard-hitting vocals.

Countless fans worldwide initially got to know Varkatzas as co-founder and original frontman for influential Southern California metalcore stalwarts Atreyu. After two decades earmarked by chart-shaking success, a pair of Gold albums and Gold singles, sold-out shows around the globe, and critical renown, he embarked on his next chapter in 2020. Enter Mangold. Celebrated as guitarist for Enterprise Earth, he and Alex instantly clicked and forged a musical partnership, yielding their 2024-released Ad infernum EP. Inciting critical applause, Revolver promised, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will definitely enjoy."

Dead Icarus will also embark on their first tour this September with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon. All dates are below. More worldwide touring is planned for 2025 and beyond.

NEW MUSIC: Dead Icarus 'Ad Infernum' EP out now

March 28, 2024

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, have shared a fourth single in the form of "Ad Infernum."
"Everyone loves the romanticized cliche of 'dying for what they believe in," says Varkatzas. "But death is the end of all things. Sometimes living with the consequences of one's actions can be more severe than death itself. Sometimes, simply persevering, in the face of constant adversity, is the victory. 'Ad Infernum' asks, 'Are you ready to live through what you believe in?'"
Today, Dead Icarus are also digitally releasing the Ad Infernum EP. It includes the four previously issued tracks and a killer Pantera cover

Dead Icarus previously shared the video for the single "Sellout." The track is a hyperkinetic slab of fast-paced, face-ripping metal with layered vocals and a pit-clearing breakdown. The song shows off a different side of the artist's musical personality. It hits hard, but it's also infused with a melody that just won't quit. Dead Icarus followed with the video for "The Vultures Circle," an equally brutal banger.

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Drops "Ad Infernum" EP + Video for Title Track

March 14, 2024

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, have shared a fourth single in the form of "Ad Infernum."

Watch the video, directed by Monte Legaspi, Below.

"Everyone loves the romanticized cliche of 'dying for what they believe in," says Varkatzas. "But death is the end of all things. Sometimes living with the consequences of one's actions can be more severe than death itself. Sometimes, simply persevering, in the face of constant adversity, is the victory. 'Ad Infernum' asks, 'Are you ready to live through what you believe in?'"

Dead Icarus are also digitally releasing the Ad Infernum EP. Get it here. It includes the four previously issues tracks and a killer Pantera cover.

ABOUT DEAD ICARUS:
DEAD ICARUS is Alex Varkatzas, founding vocalist of metalcore giants Atreyu, who have sold over 1 million records across two decades of his tenure. An uncompromising, brutal, impassioned, confessional assault, Alex's new musical vehicle Dead Icarus introduces itself to the world with the Ad Infernum EP via MNRK Heavy. Produced and co-written by Gabe Manfold of Enterprise Earth, Ad Infernum sounds both fresh and familiar for the legions of metalheads who revere the unapologetic aggression of Pantera or the dynamic metalcore of Killswitch Engage. The previously released singles have gotten love from Revolver, Loudwire, Blabbermouth, Metal Injection, Knotfest, and more so far.

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.

Watch 'So I Set My Self On Fire' from Dead Icarus

January 11, 2024

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, has shared the third single, titled "So I Set Myself on Fire.
"'So I Set Myself on Fire' is about finding inspiration in darkness," Varkatzas said. "It's about letting your inspiration consume you so fully that it changes you into something else — a driven, unstoppable force of nature."

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Share "So I Set Myself On Fire"

October 29, 2023

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, has shared the third single, titled "So I Set Myself on Fire." Listen below.

"'So I Set Myself on Fire' is about finding inspiration in darkness," Varkatzas said. "It's about letting your inspiration consume you so fully that it changes you into something else — a driven, unstoppable force of nature."

Dead Icarus previously shared the video for the new single "Sellout." Watch it here. The track is a hyperkinetic slab of fast-paced, face-ripping metal with layered vocals and a pit-clearing breakdown. The song shows off a different side of the artist's musical personality. It hits hard, but it's also infused with a melody that just won't quit. Dead Icarus followed with the video for "The Vultures Circle," an equally brutal banger. Watch it here.

A staple of Ozzfest in the mid-2000s with two gold albums and several gold singles, Atreyu is one of the defining bands of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, alongside groups like Avenged Sevenfold and Lamb Of God. Metalcore classics like The Curse and A Death-Grip on Yesterday were powered by Alex's distinctive scream.

The band is officially signed to MNRK Heavy, with more music on the way.

ABOUT MNRK MUSIC GROUP:
MNRK Music Group is one of the largest independent music companies in the world, with recording, music publishing, and management divisions operating in every major music market. MNRK is committed to discovering and guiding top music creators and artists and works with some of the greatest musical talent including The Lumineers and Pitbull, the music publishing catalog of Chuck Berry, plus premier music companies Dualtone Music Group and Last Gang. The company’s music department services Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning producers. Its catalog across divisions consists of 54,000 music tracks, including multiple GRAMMY winners and platinum-selling hits.

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Shares "The Vultures Circle" Video — WATCH

September 25, 2023

NEW PROJECT FEATURES FORMER ATREYU VOCALIST ALEX VARKATZAS

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, has shared the video for the new track "The Vultures Circle."

Watch it below.

"Hands down, this is the heaviest song I've ever been been involved with," Varkatzas says. "It's an 'F you' to the cancel culture that has infected society. 'Savior, Saint, Sinner, or Thief. Live long enough you'll die one of these.' It doesn't matter what's living inside you; it's just about what people wanna believe."

Dead Icarus previously shared the video for the new single "Sellout." Watch it here. The track is a hyperkinetic slab of fast-paced, face-ripping metal with layered vocals and a pit-clearing breakdown. The song shows off a different side of the artist's musical personality. It hits hard, but it's also infused with a melody that just won't quit.

A staple of Ozzfest in the mid-2000s with two gold albums, Atreyu is one of the defining bands of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, alongside groups like Avenged Sevenfold and Lamb Of God. Metalcore classics like The Curse and A Death-Grip on Yesterday were powered by Alex's distinctive scream.

The band has officially signed a worldwide deal with MNRK Heavy.

Dead Icarus, Feat. ex-Atreyu Singer Alex Varkatzas, Signs to MNRK HEAVY + Drops "Sellout" Video

August 12, 2023

Dead Icarus, the new project of former Atreyu lead vocalist and Gold-selling artist Alex Varkatzas, has officially signed a worldwide deal with MNRK Heavy.

To herald this exciting news, Dead Icarus have shared the video for the new single "Sellout." Watch it below.

The track is a hyperkinetic slab of fast-paced, face-ripping metal with layered vocals and a pit-clearing breakdown. The song shows off a different side of the artist's musical personality. It hits hard, but it's also infused with a melody that just won't quit.

This is the first taste of new music, with a full-length project slated for Spring 2024.

Scott Givens, MNRK’s SVP of Rock & Metal, says, "Alex's new project has our whole Heavy team excited. He has put together an incredible project with an amazing group of musicians."

Alex says, "I am beyond excited and grateful for DEAD ICARUS to be joining the MNRK Heavy family. MNRK understands my musical vision and has provided me with free reign over all aspects of my musical journey. I cannot wait to share what has been created as a result of this unadulterated trust. This is the most honest, painful, angry, and optimistic music I have ever created. This is my road to redemption and the truth."

A staple of Ozzfest in the mid-2000s with two gold albums, Atreyu is one of the defining bands of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal, alongside groups like Avenged Sevenfold and Lamb Of God. Metalcore classics like The Curse and A Death-Grip on Yesterday were powered by Alex's distinctive scream.