Home MusicBLACK SPIKES Drop New Single “ZELVAR” Plus Video

BLACK SPIKES Drop New Single “ZELVAR” Plus Video

by Amy Sciarretto
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Lithuanian progressive metal band BLACK SPIKES follow a dark path with the latest single from their upcoming album, Ydos (out August 28 via Napalm Records). “ZELVAR” portrays greed and thereby expands the record’s concept — an exploration of humanity’s vices. Featuring the only English lyrics on Ydos, the new song adds a special kind of accessibility to what is otherwise a heavy-hitting track, contrasting fiercely explosive energy with a gentle chorus. Raw rage and a haunting atmosphere fittingly show: Never close your eyes on BLACK SPIKES!

BLACK SPIKES about “ZELVAR”:
“This song tells the story of Zelvar, the demon of greed, as he steps into the human world. Within a magnificent palace, those consumed by endless ambition gather, chasing ever greater wealth, power, and status. Yet the more they gain, the deeper they fall into his trap—thirsty, and forever unsatisfied. Greed is a vice that leaves the soul imprisoned and alone the moment you ‘close your eyes’ and surrender to its temptation. No matter how much you possess, it will never be enough.”

Watch the Official Music Video for “ZELVAR” NOW!

Emerging from the shadows are BLACK SPIKES, bringing the darkness right along with them on their new album, Ydos, out August 28. The Lithuanian breakout band’s first release with Napalm Records, coming shortly after their nomination at their home country’s Grammy-comparable M.A.M.A. Music Awards, deals with the eponymous flaws of humanity, conceptually interwoven with modern progressive metal, serving as a complex mirror for us all.

The depth of its concept is reflected in every note of Ydos, from every heavy riff to every proggy twist. Leaning into electronic music while holding on firmly to their metal roots, the Lithuanian band creates a distinctive sound, alluringly dark and captivatingly heavy. BLACK SPIKES venture into gloominess, filling the void with spine-tingling philosophical thoughts and posing as Janus-faced companions on a fateful journey into the self in which every step should be taken with caution because a trap just might snap…

BLACK SPIKES about Ydos:
Ydos is a conceptual album — a dark fairytale about human vices. The idea was there from the very beginning and guided the entire songwriting process. Each vice has its own name and story, and many songs will be brought to life through music videos where these vices take shape. It was our first time creating a conceptual album, and we really enjoyed starting with an idea and expressing it through music.”

Get Your Copy Of Ydos NOW!

Initiating the story of Ydos is the eerie “PASAKA” (engl. fairy tale), an intro setting the mood with menacing ticking sounds growing into orchestrals and singer Agni’s high vocals layered with screams. A calming lullaby exploding into growls, thunderous blast beats, and elaborate guitar riffs, “MOTINA” (engl. mother) describes the birth of humankind’s vices and therefore serves as an exposition for the storytelling aspect. Throughout the ten songs of their second album, BLACK SPIKES explore the relationships with flaws we all carry within, devoting a song to each of them. “MELAS” (engl. lie) introduces trap beats and rap to the mix, all with an approach clearly rooted in modern metal with sophisticated progressive elements. “MARA,” investigating excessive curiosity, beautifully contrasts calmness and calamity, with the quintet allowing their different elements to breathe while still entwisting them persuasively. Following, “ZELVAR,” which features the album’s only English lyrics, and “REVANA” add endearing, highly recognizable riffs to Ydos, further opening the gates to the hauntingly beautiful realms BLACK SPIKES are unfolding as they delve into greed and revenge, respectively, the concepts personified in the form of demons. The raw rage evolves into carefully structured “APATIJA” (engl. apathy), whose futuristic intermezzi make for especially interesting headbanging rhythms throughout which Agni’s voice acts as a gentle guide. “AUREA” continues BLACK SPIKES’ cinematic approach in its depiction of pride, unleashing a storm of rapacious riffs and galloping drums, frequently broken up by halcyon parts, their cleverly placed tranquility conveying comfort in seemingly hopeless hazes. With pressing “SENAS DEMONAS” (engl. old demon), BLACK SPIKES free yet another hellish entity, before “DULKĖS” (engl. dust) picks up on the melodized cinematography, wrapping up this bleak exploration of what it means to be human.
YDOS TRACK LISTING:
“PASAKA”
“MOTINA”
“MELAS”
“MARA”
“ZELVAR”
“REVANA”
“APATIJA”
“AUREA”
“SENAS DEMONAS”
“DULKĖS”

Ydos will be available in the following formats:
 1 Vinyl Marbled White/Gold/Black, incl. signed autograph card (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
1 Vinyl Solid Gold
1 Digisleeve CD
Digital Album

1 Vinyl Marbled White/Gold/Black, incl. signed autograph card (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
BLACK SPIKES ARE:
Agni — Vocals
Yaga — Guitar, Electronic elements
Mazvis — Guitar
Sime — Bass Guitar
Titas — Drums
Atom Splitter PR | Website |  + posts

When it comes to publicity, media relations imaging, and marketing, Atom Splitter PR Principal and Founder Amy Sciarretto personifies dexterity, diligence, and devotion as she envisions and executes campaigns that don’t just impact tastemakers, but audiences worldwide.

Boundaries don’t exist for her initiatives. Sciaretto’s versatile ability to maneuver outside of expectations and elevate talent to new heights has been a cornerstone of the success of award-winning RIAA-certified juggernauts such as current clients Killswitch Engage, Falling In Reverse, Seether, Hatebreed, Helmet, Zeal & Ardor, Attila, Code Orange, and countless others. Following a storied tenure as an editor at CMJ, she became a fixture at Roadrunner Records before formally launching Atom Splitter PR in 2012. At Roadrunner, she operated point on campaigns for seminal albums such as Slipknot’s platinum-selling Billboard Top 200 #1 opus All Hope Is Gone, Korn’s GRAMMY® Award-nominated Korn III: Remember Who You Are, Killswitch Engage’s gold-selling The End of Heartache and As Daylight Dies, and more in addition to key releases from Meat Loaf, Rob Zombie, Stone Sour, Tommy Lee, and more.

Atom Splitter PR illuminates the scope of her vision. With a powerhouse roster spanning heavy metal, rock, alternative, indie, and pop, she continually lands high-profile placements across print, online, and television. Her drive and dedication remain unparalleled, adding a personalized fire and flare reflective of every artist’s individual needs. As the engine of Atom Splitter PR accompanied by a full staff of equally passionate PR impresarios, she continually raises the bar and redefines what publicity can be in the age of streaming and social media.

Outside of public relations, Amy remains staunchly devoted to her family and bulldog Higgins. She spends as much time as possible walking dogs at a local shelter, giving them a little extra love. In 2009, she co-authored the music industry survival guide Do The Devil’s Work for Him alongside Rick Florino. Expect her to make more history going forward…

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