Devolution is the latest hard-rock venture from metal lifers Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Vio-lence), Jon Howard (Threat Signal, Imonolith), Eric Tysor and Nate Beberdick. As the group get ready to drop their debut LP at the end of the month, they've brought out former Ill Niño/current Lions at the Gate frontman Christian Machado to howl out some backups on their perseverance-themed new single, "Victim of You."
The track finds vocalist Howard, who had previously performed alongside Wolbers in Arkea, "fighting the tides" that life presents us with a hearty, mid-range vibrato, as the rest of the band rumble through a mix of tom rolls and charged-up melodies. Machado's onboard with some low-growled howls, while metal producer Misstiq courses some feelings-stirring synth sounds into the anthem, as well.
You can hear for yourself via the lyric video up above.
"Collaborating with Christian Machado for this track was awesome," Howard said in a statement. "I had a few ideas going into the song, but I waited to hear what he came up with before jumping in because maybe it would be better. Once I heard his take on the song and the lyrics he was writing, I connected immediately and was able to dig in and fit my vocals in. It was amazing to hear his take on the song, and it really fueled more ideas to complete my end of collaboration. Also, how cool is it to have Misstiq play on the track as well? Sick!"
Guitarist Beberdick added: "It was such an honor working with Cristian Machado on 'Victim of You'! Ill Niño's Revolution Revolucion was such an influential album for me in my youth and is still part of the soundtrack to my life."
Devolution's Deceiver, Believer album is out June 28th through the band's own Close Encounter Records. The album was financed independently, with Beberdick selling off a vast and valuable range of Metallica collectibles to raise money for the group, which he said was a "worthwhile sacrifice."
In addition to the debut album, Devolution's music is set to appear in a horror movie called Devour. Directed by Scott Hansen, the sequel to 2017's The Forest Hills features genre staples including Shelly Duvall, Edward Furlong and Dee Wallace, and will also feature an on-screen appearance from Devolution's own Beberdick.
