A quick analysis of the current music scene reveals that metal has experienced a powerful resurgence in recent years. Not only has it brought back that bold and dynamic essence that has always characterized it, but new bands and artists have managed to renew it, taking it to unexpected horizons and even unexplored territories.
And yes, we must acknowledge that we chose the word "unexplored" deliberately, as metal was once a niche genre, limited to the most fervent fans who attended shows at the most underground clubs in the city and collected every piece of merchandise from their favorite bands. But now, metal is expanding in an imposing and unstoppable way, crossing borders and reaching new audiences. The recent appearance of Knocked Loose and Poppy on mainstream television are clear examples of this, after they rocked the stage of Jimmy Kimmel Live! just a month ago.
On the other hand, a series of hits brought by bands like Spiritbox, Bad Omens, and the resurgence of Bring Me The Horizon have undoubtedly laid the foundations for what seems to be a new and hopeful era for metal. However, what you are about to discover here is something that goes beyond any rule or norm.
In this context, one of the most exciting projects of the decade that we cannot overlook is "Hymns of the Unholy", a spectacular album that brings together the legends and icons of contemporary metal to establish itself as one of the most innovative and influential proposals in the genre in one of the most thrilling and cutting-edge ways possible, as this project merges music with the world of gaming. This is why we invite you to lay back on your seat, get comfortable, maybe grab a cup of coffee, and keep reading this article, because if you are a true metal lover and also a fan of video games, this is undoubtedly the discovery you’ve been waiting for.
Brought by Massive Monster, Devolver Digital, and Laced Records, this masterpiece features the participation of metal heavyweights such as Pick Up Goliath, Howard Jones (Light the Torch, ex-Killswitch Engage), Matthew K. Heafy (Trivium), Scott LePage and Clay Gober (Polyphia), Javier Reyes (Animals as Leaders), Josh Baines (Malevolence), Sean Long (While She Sleeps), and Mike Malyan (ex-Monuments), becoming the official soundtrack for one of the most acclaimed games of this year, "Cult of the Lamb", solidifying its place as a true milestone not only within the metal genre but also in the world of video games.
It is highly likely that you have already heard of this spectacular indie game developed in Australia by Melbourne Studio and Massive Monster, as it has already received excellent reception from both the public and specialized critics, not only for its dynamic gameplay that reminds us of 2010s classics like Castle Crashers and more recent titles like Have a Nice Death, but also for its dark aura and spectacular animation work.
'Cult of the Lamb: Hymns of the Unholy' features six extraordinary tracks, each accompanied by a music video with scenes from the game's central theme designed by Half Giant Animation Studios, offering an immersive audiovisual experience that serves as a metal reinterpretation of the award-winning soundtrack of River Boy, originally composed for the game. One of the most notable aspects of this release is how these talented musicians have achieved a kind of "artistic synergy", where they combine their talents symbiotically, infusing each track with a unique essence that also manages to respects the essence and melodic structure of its original counterpart.
It is worth noting that much of the soundtrack composed by River Boy unfolds in genres like chillhop and lo-fi hip hop, so bringing these wonderful compositions into a completely different genre and style has been a great challenge worthy of recognition.
Featured Track: "CULT"
CULT, the track that opens this magnificent album, marks an explosive start and is the first promotional single ahead of its official release on October 28, 2024. This song stands out for the unmistakable voice of Howard Jones, lead vocalist of the legendary band Killswitch Engage, who brings a nostalgic touch that will undoubtedly bring back some memories to those elder emo-kids.
But don't be fooled by its emotive start, as CULT also features one of the heaviest breakdowns in the entire soundtrack, sure to send chills down anyone's spine. This powerful track wouldn’t be the same without the outstanding collaborations of Sam George (Pick Up Goliath), Scott LePage (Polyphia), and Mike Malyan (ex-Monuments), who take the intensity of the instrumental work to another level.
With this magnificent project, metal not only proves its relevance but also its ability to reinvent itself and continue captivating new generations of listeners. The visionary alliance between Massive Monster, Devolver Digital, and Laced Records reaffirms that the future of the genre is filled with possibilities and promises to keep surprising with innovative proposals.