Horror-Inspired Visual Unveiled Just in Time for the Spooky Season!
Debut Album "Zealot" Set to Haunt Audiences on October 31 via MNRK Heavy
Dead Icarus, the dynamic new trio created by the talented former lead vocalist of Atreyu, Alex Varkatzas, alongside the powerful Gabe Mangold from Enterprise Earth and the versatile Brandon Zackey, is making waves in the heavy music scene. They are thrilled to announce the release of their debut album, "Zealot." This eagerly awaited album, infused with dark themes and intense melodies, is set to drop on October 31, perfectly aligning with the creepy vibes of Halloween. Prepare for a sonic journey that promises to captivate and chill fans as it arrives via MNRK Heavy!
PRE-ORDER HERE.
Produced and co-written by Mangold, ZEALOT showcases an explosive fusion of intricate technical riffs and sprawling guitar solos that weave together seamlessly. The relentless onslaught of blast beats creates an intense atmosphere, while the diverse vocal styles—ranging from guttural growls to soaring melodies—add depth and urgency to the experience. This album is a masterclass in heavy music that captivates from start to finish.
"1 Million Days" is a notable highlight on Dead Icarus's album, ZEALOT, described by frontman Varkatzas as their closest attempt at a power ballad. Initially, when crafting the lyrics, he envisioned a narrative centered around failing another person and yearning for their forgiveness. However, as he immersed himself in the writing process, the perspective shifted to a more introspective first-person account. It evolved into a profound exploration of self-disappointment and the journey of self-forgiveness. Varkatzas reflects on the notion that sometimes our burdens are self-imposed, and ultimately, it is only up to us to lift them.
He elaborates on the accompanying music video, describing it as a playful nod to the late '80s horror genre. The video was shot in a haunted house in an 1800s building, adding an authentic spooky backdrop to the visuals.
Guitarist and producer Mangold adds, “Musically, ‘1 Million Days’ originated from our goal of producing an epic and emotionally charged metalcore 'power ballad,' as Alex mentioned. I’ve always been drawn to the guitar-centric sounds of the '80s, so I aimed to create a catchy, singable, harmonized lead for the chorus, which became the foundational element for the entire track. It’s important not to be misled by the term 'ballad,' as this composition intricately weaves in unexpected twists and turns that deviate from traditional emotional rock formats."
The synergy between vocalist Varkatzas, guitarist and producer Mangold, and drummer Brandon Zackey fosters a unique creative dynamic within Dead Icarus. This band truly thrives on the unwavering dedication exhibited by its members. Their artistic endeavors manifest in a meticulously executed blend of precisely structured technical riffs, virtuosic guitar solos, relentless blast beat drumming and powerful vocal performances.
Varkatzas, widely recognized as co-founder and original frontman of influential Southern California metalcore pioneer Atreyu, has earned his place in metal history. After two decades of remarkable achievements—featuring chart-topping success, the release of two Gold albums and several Gold singles, packed arenas around the globe, and immense critical acclaim—he ventured into a new artistic phase in 2020. This is where guitarist Gabe Mangold, celebrated for his work with Enterprise Earth, entered the picture. The two quickly formed a creative bond, which resulted in their collaboration on the EP titled Ad Infernum, set for release in 2024. This partnership has garnered significant attention, with outlets like Revolver asserting, "Fans of old-school Atreyu will enjoy."
In addition, Dead Icarus is gearing up for their inaugural tour this September, sharing the stage with Enterprise Earth and Nekrogoblikon. The band plans extensive touring worldwide, with more dates expected to roll out in 2025 and further into the future. Fans can look forward to an exciting journey ahead!
ZEALOT TRACK LISTING:
"THE UNCONQUERABLE"Â Â Â
"BEARING BURDENS AND SAVING SKIN"
"ZEALOT"
"1 MILLION DAYS"
"TEMPTATIONS KISS"Â Â Â
"FOUNTAINS OF DEATH"Â Â Â
"CASTING SPELLS"
"HELL OPENS ITS MOUTH"Â Â Â
"VADE RETRO SATANA"Â Â Â
"SECRETS IN THE DARK"Â Â Â
"BETRAYAL SHAPED DAGGERS"
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With a diverse catalog encompassing an impressive 65,000 music tracks, MNRK Music Group boasts a rich array of talent, including multiple GRAMMY award winners and an extensive collection of platinum-selling hits. This vast library reflects the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality music across various genres, ensuring it remains at the forefront of music innovation and artistry. Through strategic partnerships and a strong focus on artist development, MNRK continues solidifying its position as a critical player in the independent music sector.
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