L-R – Fernando del Valle III (Guitar and Backup Vocals), Ethan Walden (Vocals and Guitar), Ibrahim Jimenez (Bass), Not Pictured – Andrew Baird (Drums)
Photo Credit: Ibrahim Jimenez
Progressive metal outfit Exuvial is poised to make waves in the metal scene by announcing their debut concept album “The Hive Mind Chronicles Part I: Parasitica” set for release on November 22, 2024. This ambitious project marks the first installment of a planned trilogy, promising listeners an immersive journey through themes of science fiction, human nature, and our complex relationship with AI and technology.
The band’s lyrical content draws inspiration from various sources, including iconic science fiction films like Contact, Alien, and The Matrix, and video games such as Metroid. These influences have shaped Exuvial’s unique approach to storytelling, exploring themes of extraterrestrial intelligence, existential dilemmas, and the limits of human understanding. The band comments on what’s in store:
“We love concept albums, so we approached this project with intentionality, carefully considering which elements could be reintroduced in various forms to tie it all together. Additionally, we aimed to blend elements of progressive metal, black metal, and technical death metal, allowing the songs to dynamically ramp up or down. This approach lets the parts breathe, giving each musical passage the space to develop fully and resonate. By doing so, we create an ebb and flow within the tracks, providing intense, high-energy sections while also incorporating moments of calm and reflection. This contrast not only enhances the emotional impact of the music but also ensures that each element can be appreciated in its own right.”
Featuring 11 progressive tracks, the album includes overtures and interludes that provide moments of respite amidst the chaos. The songs are characterized by heavy compositions with a diverse array of riffs, twists, and turns. The ambitious and adventurous song structures intricately weave together to narrate the unfolding story. The music spans a dynamic spectrum, ranging from technical and djent-inspired riffs to introspective acoustic passages and everything in between.
Today, the band unveils their latest music video for the single “Autonomic Awakening”. The song marks a pivotal moment in the album’s story, offering a glimmer of hope and a chance to shift the tides of the conflict within its tale. Musically, the track aims to capture a somber yet hopeful mood, leading up to the album’s climax.
Guitarist Fernando del Valle III adds:
“Autonomic Awakening mirrors its lyrical journey with an introspective start featuring acoustic guitars and soft snare percussion, evoking beauty and contemplation. The mood shifts abruptly to a darker 5/8 passage, erupting into distortion and intense screams alongside double-picked tech death riffs.
Verses unfold with melodic double-picked guitars, alternating with breaks of beautiful clean vocal harmonies that convey the struggle against inner turmoil. The song progresses into expansive sections of big chords and locked-in grooves, showcasing a melodic guitar solo that reflects moments of clarity amidst chaos.
Evolution continues with groovy syncopated rhythms and atmospheric synths amidst odd-time signatures, followed by chunky riffs and dynamic drum fills that build to a satisfying groove. Piano and vocals enrich the composition, leading into melodic clean vocal harmonies over a groovy melodic progression, culminating in a poignant guitar solo and dual harmonies. The track concludes with gentle acoustics and piano, capturing the song’s journey through contrasting emotions.”
Watch and listen to the music video for “Autonomic Awakening” on The Circle Pit at https://youtu.be/8ZFWl4Cqt3c
Recommended for fans of The Faceless, Obscura, and Ne Obliviscaris, “The Hive Mind Chronicles Part I: Parasitica” is due out on November 22nd, 2024 and is available for pre-order at https://silentpendulumrecords.com/collections/exuvial
Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3A8ryOQ
Music Video – Hive Mind I: Convergent Evolution – https://youtu.be/mdzQCCXmCpI
Music Video – Necrotic Dissolution – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkEpjzRwv54
Music Video – Subterranean Swarm – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6etqw1BmHE
Track Listing:
1. Hive Mind: Overture (0:55)
2. Hive Mind I: Convergent Evolution (5:44)
3. Hive Mind II: Advent of Segmentation (7:54)
4. Hive Mind III: Neural Convolution (4:42)
5. Holometabolous (5:30)
6. Hypermanipulation 8:55)
7. Autonomic Awakening (6:46)
8. Parasitica (feat. Sanjay Kumar) 5:18)
9. Subterranean Swarm (feat. Ben Towles) (6:12)
10. Requiem for Ruin (1:06)
11. Necrotic Dissolution (feat. Ben Gassman and Kyle Chapman) (5:45)
Album Length: 58:45
More info: https://linktr.ee/exuvialmusic
