DEFYING DECAY

Thai metallers have given their nu metal influences a modern sheen

eMbracing THeir love for all things ‘nu’, in sophomore full-length Metamorphosis Thai misfits Defying Decay have penned an album that celebrates the past, while exploring the technically astute djent of the present, offset by plenty of emotive sprawl.

“When I was writing the album, I was going back to what I listened to growing up – stuff like Linkin Park and Deftones – and asking myself, ‘Why did I like it?’,” says vocalist Jay Poom Euarchukiati. “It just seems timeless, you know? You can say, ‘Oh, I’m gonna put on some Linkin Park or Korn’ and it still feels and sounds relevant today. Our first record was pretty much just guitars, drums and bass, so with this one I wanted to take things more to the next level in terms of the synths and electronica, to incorporate those influences.”

Exploding amongst a barrage of blastbeats, skittering electronica and pinched harmonics, opener The Repentance is reminiscent of Slipknot’s self-titled album, while the serenity of piano-led Crimson Butterfly and melancholic first single Ghost reveal a penchant for creating cinematic soundscapes.

With peers Crossfaith and Coldrain flying the Far Eastern flag, Jay hopes to follow suit. “It’s always been one of my dreams to make it out in the West with regards to music,” Jay reveals. “Seeing bands like those guys and Crystal Lake – these bands from Asia and Japan – being able to go out in Europe, the UK and the US and tour and make it a success… we want to do that! I don’t see any other bands from Thailand doing it right now – and we’re ready for it!”

METAMORPHOSIS IS OUT NOW