The roaring sounds of vintage metal blended with modern rock are on display throughout 'Hafnium' - the third release overall by the Pennsylvania-based outfit, Slik Helvetika, and their new video, for the lead-off single, "Wide."
"..And now the science paper: Hf/Hafnium is within a periodic element group of science that has some unique characteristics regarding molecular structure, occasional radioactivity and sorts of morphing states," explains Slik Helvetika's singer/guitarist Mikhall Myers. "It's discovery, and the studies of it's properties challenged Albert Einstein and top scientists to start thinking in new directions about alternate universes and incorporating further theorization on life and death states, and continually questioning, 'What is time?'
"The HAFNIUM concept also tied in with some overwhelming feelings I felt when I lost my father - [which is what the title track is about]. It seemed as though his energies were within me as much, or more than when he was alive, hence the mark we leave on time stays here strong even after we are gone. So, do we really go away at all, or are we still existing in each past moment individually and situations we created in this consciousness as we know it? Is that possibly what a ghost is? Do we really ever die or are we still existing in a different plane of consciousness and could this be what religion calls heaven? How's that for a heavy element?!"
Myers also offered to discuss the background of their new ass-kicking video clip.
"What is 'Wide' about? I was on some nutso sick adrenaline rush roller coaster, and I noticed most people were shitting their pants and had their eyes closed when it got to be too much, and I my eyes got wider open the crazier the ride got. Same is life. When you live on the edge there is a fine line between living at the max and capsizing. This song seemed to capture both the diabolical over the top energy as well as the whole catchy anthem motif. Shot at Mik's house, so he couldn't be late for the shoot!"
While Myers is the group's undisputed leader, he is joined in the band by two other rock steady musicians, bassist Kjell Benner and drummer Mark [Truk] Bennett, both of which provide a killer rhythm section to Myers' red hot guitar work.
Myers: "'Hafnium' really showcases the band with way more mature songwriting, and with more diversity - without sounding like a different band. It features different grooves, a broader selection of instrumentation, and more soul. The debut was a lot more like driving '80s metal melody and ripping guitars 24/7."
And how does Myers feel Slik Helvetika fit in with the modern metal scene?
"Slik Hel's music has that cool bottom-end groove and rhythm that a lot of the new metal features.but merges a lot of the melody from the '70s, '80s, and '90s that some people are starting to miss. We don't rap or cookie monster growl through all the verses and wait for the chorus for the hook...we're giving you melody and energy through the whole song."
This is especially evident on such standout tracks as "Burnt" and "Heal Me," while Myers has a few personal favorites.
"We have to really like the songs for them to be on the album to start with, so these are our favorite 10 out of 20. But if I have to pick some, "Money Tree," because it grabs you right away with hooks everywhere. It comes off a lot heavier and guttural when we play it live - it's about sex and if you are gonna be cheesy, this is the way to do it! "Hafnium" was a favorite right away - it is an epic song and gut wrenchingly emotional for me, since it's written about losing my father and it seems to translate to the listener as well. Also, fan reaction to "Reign" during the shows leads me to believe it is a favorite among listeners."
And it shouldn't be long until fans can experience Slik Helvetika live on a concert stage, as their plan for world domination is to play "As many festivals, tours, and shows as we can get." With the release of 'Hafnium,' Slik Helvetika gives this scientific structure a whole new meaning of heavy.
Confirmed track listing for 'Hafnium'
Misery
Money Tree
Heal Me
BurntYourself
Hafnium
Reign
Wide
Fremd Gehirn Fressen
Cadaver
King of Nowhere
For more information, visit:
www.myspace.com/slikhelvetika
www.slikhelvetika.com
Link to video for the track "Wide":
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFEkiTzNqSU
Link To I Tunes:
">http://www.apple.com/search/ipoditunes/?q=hafnium
Monday, November 9, 2009
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