Brazilian modern prog / groove metal band X-Empire shares a brand-new cathartic, tense and emotional music video for their latest single "My Demons (The Price Of Blood)", addressing the troubling and current issue of the daily struggle against depression, suicide, drug addiction, and other psychological illnesses.
The lyrical theme of "My Demons (The Price Of Blood)" is a metaphor against all kinds of wars, also including the daily battle against the inner demons that haunt a great part of humanity.
Michel Villares, singer, producer and lyricist of "My Demons (The Price Of Blood)", was initially influenced by the conflict in Ukraine and Russia, creating an anti-war theme trying, in some way, to show solidarity with the people of these countries, but as the theme developed other forms of war were being addressed.
"Not only the war for territory, which is already something unacceptable in today's world, but the fight against the ghosts of depression and suicide were incorporated into the story," Michel comments. "Life is already like a battlefield, an inner war, so it was a way to achieve catharsis. The tip is always to forgive yourself for those you couldn't save, as there are situations that the outcomes are not up to us. In 2013, my father was diagnosed with cancer, a strong and smart man, healthy, vigorous, courageous, and with deep insights in life, a true teacher in my life. His fight was hard, but he won. Only in the end he lost the battle against himself, old and destructive habits claimed him from living. 'My Demons' tells the heavy, deep and lonely story of a father in mourning for his daughter with drug addiction, people facing themselves and faithfully showing the struggle against inner demons," he concludes.
Bassist Emerson Soares thinks, "The sound of 'My Demons' is another step in the evolutionary process of X-Empire, both in something even more complex, as in more captivating melodies. We brought new elements, coming from other styles, and that helped us in the maturation process of the band's musical identity. This music video is one of the most amazing and impressive jobs we've ever done, and it doesn't even seem like it took 19 days from recording to final editing!"
Guitarist Andre Marques also comments that, "The song in its initial conception talked about the dilemmas and conflicts of a soldier sent to war. However, we realized that life is already like a battlefield where we human beings are in a constant inner war with our own demons."
About its sound, Andre concludes by saying that, "It became very current, with melodic lines, but without losing the heaviness, inspired by bands like Gojira and Slipknot. After we recorded our takes, we were anxious about the final result, because we knew it would be a big reality shock! I remembered so many friends who had hard struggles with depression. Remember your essence before it is too late, because someone in the world loves you and will miss you. Don't be ashamed or afraid to ask for help."
"Every life is important, every existence must be contemplated. Every piece on the board is missed in some game, every loved one is remembered," concluded vocalist Michel Villares.
