With the arrival of the holiday season, contrasts become evident. For many, this is a time of joy—cherishing moments with loved ones, sharing traditions, and embracing the warmth of togetherness. However, while some revel in the comforts and privileges of the season, others face unimaginable struggles, striving to overcome hardships we may not even be able to imagine.
Under this captivating and thought-provoking premise, The Maze returns with a new and heartfelt offering that invites us to appreciate Christmas from a much deeper perspective, one that stays true to its original meaning. "December," their latest studio work, is a powerful yet painful reminder of the inequalities that exist in our society and the harsh realities many face—realities often overshadowed by consumerism and superficiality.
This time, the masterful trio reunites once again, featuring Sofie K. Flenskov on backing vocals, adding an extra layer of emotional depth alongside the performances of Johan Flenskov and Liam Espinosa. Together, they bring to life a masterful piece that tackles this complex theme with their signature essence. But don’t be fooled! "December" is neither a ballad nor a Christmas carol—it brims with incredible energy, leaning toward a heavy sound with even dark undertones.
The central theme of "December" starkly highlights how, in many parts of the world, Christmas is far from a time of celebration. Instead of pondering what the main dish for Christmas Eve dinner will be or which gift to choose for our family members, there are, unfortunately, some people struggling with things many of us take for granted—basic needs like food, shelter, health, and safety. Economic pressure, violence, political crises, and even personal battles create a bleak reality for those living on the fringes of social wellbeing.
"When society takes away the safety net for its people, we as individuals must help each other. I’m not here to preach about what to do regarding this situation with this new single; I just want to share the story that there are people struggling far more than we can imagine during this season."
Johan Flenskov - Musician & Composer
From a musical perspective, it's impossible not to highlight that The Maze has given their all in this new release. The inclusion of orchestral sections, which bring a cinematic atmosphere, blends perfectly with Johan's intense and dramatic guitar riffs. Additionally, the heart-wrenching and passionate vocal performances by Liam and Sofie not only bring this raw and realistic narrative to life, but will also provoke a definitive paradigm shift in the minds of listeners.
In this way, "December" is a wake-up call for all of us who enjoy stability—whether economic, emotional, or social—and often fail to appreciate or overlook it simply because we know we have it; it invites us to question not only our own comfort but also our values and shared responsibility as human beings.
This spectacular composition, far beyond its inherent musical beauty, offers an opportunity for deep reflection on the silent gap that separates us from one another. It is an invitation to empathy and collective action, where it is crucial for us as a society to act in solidarity to fill that universal void and bring visibility to what truly matters: the common well-being.
We extend a warm invitation to all our readers and listeners to take a moment to appreciate this wonderful new release that The Maze has brought to us. Furthermore, if you are one of those music enthusiasts who enjoys forms of art with profound meaning, The Maze's discography will surely resonate deeply with your senses. You can access it through the links below.