Dead Icarus release debut album 'Zealot' today

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

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'

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.

Åskväder Release Energetic New Single "Zealot"

New Album, 'Fenix', Out March 25th!

Sweden’s Åskväder have released the fourth and final single from their upcoming sophomore album 'Fenix'. The new song, titled "Zealot”, is a punchy and direct track with a driving drum beat and electrifying melodies. The single is a true outburst of garage rock energy, recorded live in the studio.

Martin Gut from the band comments on the single:

”Zealot was a really tough one to record, definitely the song that took the most amount of takes to get right. The inspiration for writing the track came from listening to a podcast about the band Enforcer. To put it short, this track is Åskväder’s take on speed metal. The lyrics describe how life can change quickly for the little man depending on circumstances that are bigger than ourselves, and how we have to follow the rules of the system fanatically.”

Åskväder's sophomore studio album 'Fenix' will see a March 25th, 2022 release via The Sign Records.

Stream "Zealot" Here!

About Åskväder:

Electrifying Swedish rockers Åskväder make thunder and lightning through music. Well-balanced seasoning to the sound of the 90s Scandinavian rock scene mixed up with smoking hot riffs drenched in bluesy licks and catchy refrains. Adding thundering drum and bass groove with a topping consisting of elaborate vocal harmonies Åskväder is Swedish and can be translated into 'Thunderstorm'. That says it all. No fuss, just straight Rock N Roll.

Hailing from the west coast of Sweden, Åskväder released their debut EP ”Quick Fixes” in 2018. In 2020 the band joined forces with The Sign Records for the release of their debut, self-titled studio album. In 2022 Åskväder returned with their second full-length effort, ”Fenix”. The new album takes the Åskväder sound heard on the debut album to a new level. Mixed by Kalle Lilja & Per Stålberg (Welfare Sounds), which truly put an intense vibe to the album.

Åskväder was formed in 2018 and consists today of Kammo Olayvar with his lightning speed bass grooves, August Waernelius on drumrolls, Albin Sörensson on lead vocals, and Martin Gut bending guitar strings and singing harmonies. Look out for the band's sophomore album, 'Fenix', which will be released via The Sign Records in March 2022.

Connect with Åskväder:

https://www.facebook.com/askvaderband

https://www.instagram.com/askvaderband/

https://askvader.bandcamp.com/