Melbourne-based metal outfit Gravemind join forces with legendary video game composer Mick Gordon on new single Failstate, off sophomore album ‘Introsphere‘ out this Friday August 2 via Greyscale Records.
Failstate is the final single to be pulled from the forthcoming album out this week and is an unrelenting stream of high octane riffs and metamorphosing screams blended with pulsating synths that have become synonymous with Mick Gordon’s sound design. Gordon is known for his work on video games Doom, Wolfenstein and Need For Speed among a long list of others, and was a main collaborator on Bring Me The Horizon’s Parasite Eve and subsequent EP ‘Post Human: Survival Horror’ in 2020. “It only seemed fitting to team up with the legendary Mick Gordon to unleash a violent soundscape for your listening pleasure,” tells the band.
Thematically following on from prior single Aloy, Failstate explores themes of perseverance and rebirth, and is a brutal assault on the senses. “The lyrics depict a relentless cycle of struggle and renewal, with strong references to our love for the Souls-Borne franchise,” tells the band. “The title itself, symbolises the inevitable failure that we cannot overcome, emphasising the enduring quest for triumph.”
The music video, produced, directed and edited by Steller Media (Bad Juju, To The Grave, The Omnific) sees the band enter into a first-person shooter simulation taking on monsters and demons, as controlled by Gordon himself.
Gravemind’s latest track joins Aloy, their mammoth May single F.E.A.R. featuring Polaris‘ Jamie Hails, >_TERMINAL and Death Touch on the ‘Introsphere’ track list. The album gives credit to Scottie Simpson (Alpha Wolf, Polaris) on production and Jeff Dunne (Make Them Suffer, Knocked Loose) for the mix and master.
‘Introsphere’ offers cathartic release in a world suffocating under the weight of despair, and acts as a beacon of hope in the darkness. The album urges listeners to look within and to open their eyes to the world inside, asking the questions: Can you find the balance between right and wrong? Love and hate? Real or make believe?
‘Introsphere’ is Gravemind’s sophomore album release, following 2019’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Conduit‘, which left many fans and critics eagerly awaiting the follow up, which is now set to land later this week.
Forming in 2015, Gravemind made a fierce impression early on with their unique hybrid blend of death metal and metalcore. Their music has remained characterised by masterful instrumental work, melancholic soundscapes, powerful vocals, word class production and clever selective use of electronic elements – complementing long-running themes of technology and dystopia.
Failstate feat. Mick Gordon is out now and streaming everywhere. ‘Introsphere’ will be available this Friday August 2 via Greyscale Records.
