08 April 2023 - 0 Comments

Achilles Complex is excited to release their debut EP Brand New World.

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“It’s been a long yet rewarding process putting this concept EP together. During the COVID lockdowns we decided to explore the consequences of striving toward a “brave new world” as outlined in ‘VICE’ and delve deeper into the blending of progressive metal with synthwave/vaporwave/darkwave genres. Synth based genres felt like the appropriate medium through which to express our perspective on the negative impacts of technology in the modern era, namely deeper depression, corporate servitude, antisocial tendencies and the alluring nature of social media. To that end we tracked the music ourselves in my home studio, experimenting with guitar layers, synth textures and analogue signal chains, all in the pursuit of a new and unique sound. We couldn’t be happier with the result” - Front man, Harley Flynn

The title Brand New World refers to the perversion of the ideal, our “brave new world” poisoned by corporate greed and new technology that could be used to lift the poor out of poverty and enlighten the masses turned into tools for profit and mass manipulation. The EP opens with Jack In, a song which paints a seductive picture of the digital realm. The narrative continues with the title track Brand New World, exploring these ideas as a thematic successor to previous single VICE. Euphoria paints an instrumental picture of our blissful naïveté as we float through this new digital world, only for Heartache to snatch us back with the realisation that we’ve paid the ultimate price for this utopian vision - our humanity.

Soon after welcoming new member Reece Gielen in early 2021 Achilles Complex began compiling what would become the Brand New World EP. As his first creative outing with AC, Reece’s taste influenced the lyrical and textural direction of the arrangements piloted by Jordan and Harley. Along with melodic guitar work and blistering solos. Self-recorded in Harley's home studio via a mixture of analogue gear courtesy of Wardrobe Studio NZ (@wardrobestudionz) and in-the-box plugins, the EP was entrusted to producer and electronic extraordinaire Caleb Bird (@biobird) whose dedication and attention to detail were invaluable to the project.

A concept nearly 2 years in gestation, Achilles Complex are beyond excited to present their musings on the themes presented in VICE. Incorporating synthesis and other new sonic colors into a palette rich in their brand of energetic, prog-inspired rock, AC present a fresh and more mature sound to accompany these thoughts - and we can’t wait for you to join us for the ride

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