Metallic hardcore heavyweights Fates Messenger release savage single / video 'They Walk Among Us'

Photo Credit: Scott Chalmers Photography

UK heavyweights Fates Messenger, comprised of members from renowned hardcore bands Romeo Must Die, Dishonour The Crown and Above All, have released a ferocious new single and video, 'They Walk Among Us'. 

Self-produced and recorded by guitarist Ron D, 'They Walk Among Us' emerges as a formidable track that exemplifies the band's hallmark intensity and unrefined energy. From the very first note, it offers an unyielding experience that captivates the listener. With its relentless onslaught of ferocious vocals, thunderous riffs, and monumental rhythms, this track serves as a profound testament to the band's artistic vision and intent. 

Watch the 'They Walk Among Us' video here: https://youtu.be/AGKftDw35dA

“This was the first tune that Ron actually wrote once we started together,” comments vocalist Tony Maddocks. “We wanted to make it just really hard hitting and catchy. I think there's a groove to it, but it’s also got a really haunting melodic part that works really well and gives it a little bit more depth and feeling.

“Lyrically, the idea that came to my head for this song – I'd watched the HBO Stephen King series The Outsider which starred Jason Bateman [Ozark]. The idea that was sitting in my head was how evil forces or malevolent spirits were jumping from person to person, almost in a supernatural way, and manifesting themselves. And it ties in with all the sh*t that is going on in the world and what is making people tick and act like they do. You've only got to pick your phone up or turn on the news and there's just some horrific thing going on in the world.”

The accompanying video was shot by acclaimed filmmaker and director Shaun Hodson (Loki Films), whose credits include Lorna Shore, Architects and Sleep Token, at a disused airbase outside Peterborough.

“It was actually filmed in an old RAF base called RAF Upwood in Cambridgeshire. I did a bit of research afterwards and it had the American Air Force in it, the British Air Force in it through the Second World War, so quite a cool lot of history,” he explains.

“Basically, it's a derelict base, all falling apart, you know, and it really suited the tune. Shaun nailed it from the vision we wanted – really aggressive looking, a lot of quick edits, and very disturbing.”

Fates Messenger made their major London debut this summer supporting earthtone9 on the avant-garde metallers’ comeback show, which, says Tony, was an incredible experience.

“That was a big step forward for us. It went really well. And it kind of felt like the old days – everything was very tight and confidence was flowing. So now we're just looking to get out and play as much as possible.”

And while the quartet have only been in existence since November 2023, releasing a number of low-key digital songs to date, the collective pedigree and legacy within the UK’s metal and hardcore scene is strong.

Ron was a member of hardcore/crossover crew Dishonour The Crown – he, bassist Paul Fletcher and drummer Will Romain also played in Romeo Must Die, the band formed by ex-Stampin’ Ground frontman Adam Frakes-Sime, who toured with the likes of Sylosis, Bury Tomorrow and Unearth.

In the mid-1990s Tony fronted Essex hardcore crew Above All. Signed to the legendary Roadrunner label (Slipknot, Machine Head, Trivium), the band released one revered album – produced by Alex Newport – and toured the UK and Europe relentlessly, including shows with Fear Factory, Pitchshifter as well as opening for nu-metal titans Korn at their London Astoria show in 1996.

Tony then went on to form Light Of The Morning who released music via acclaimed musician and author Ian Glasper’s label Blackfish Records.

Fates Messenger are not however reliving past glories, they’re a band ready to embrace the modern metal scene with a fresh focus and eye on the prize of getting out to as many metal fans as possible.

“For me personally, I just wanted to release the music that I am really proud of,” says Tony. “As much as I love what I've done with Above All, I really cringe when I listen to my delivery. I was kind of growing up in the headlights and developing my voice at the time and I didn't really get to a point where I was very happy with it. Whereas now that I've got older, it's definitely helped me to develop my vocal style.

“We've all fallen back in love with music since lockdown and sometimes you realise you do miss certain things in your life. I think I've taken what I had before and I've really learned to run with it. We're just trying to make it all work together, Fates Messenger has given us a new lease of life.”

For more information:
https://fatesmessenger.com/
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