Track of the Day: Re:O – Crimson Desire (2025)
Described as “Japancore”, Japanese/British metal band Re:O blends elements of metalcore, cyberpunk, J-pop, and dark-pop, entwining everything in a hypnotic, symphonic exploration of metal. Known for their confident presence, high-energy melodies, and profound lyricism, Re:O pushes the boundaries of metal music in the 21st century. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Crimson Desire’.
Following the well-received single ‘Violets’, ‘Crimson Desire’ sees Rio Suyama (vocals), James Wright (bass), James Stevens (drums), Jon Roberts (vocals and guitar), and Alex Carli (guitar) take a step away from glitchy chaos, meandering through the realm of melodic metal. While ‘Violets’ leaned toward a hard rock essence, ‘Crimson Desire’ kicks back with a heavier punch of industrial metal entwined in a gothic rush of music.
Produced by Rio Suyama and Simon Jackson, ‘Crimson Desire’ is a sophisticated form of gut-wrenching, high-energy rambunctiousness, yet this is not what stokes the musical embers in your heart. While there is a hard slap in the face with the pounding drums, bold bass and soaring guitars opting for tempestuous turmoil, the melodic vocals swim through with haunting, skin-chilling, breath-taking, soul-stirring whispers. You can feel the frustration and aggression of the instruments; however, somewhere in Suyama’s siren-like voice is also frustration, but calculated instead of chaotic.
The melody is a whirl of outstanding melodic metal, but it is the lyricism that enhances ‘Crimson Desire’s weightiness. Re:O explain:
“The song explores the realisation that what you have is not enough, even though you sacrificed most of your life to get where you are. The more you gain, the more it fuels an unending hunger to further advance your goals and ambitions.”
In addition to the single, Re:O released an official lyric video for ‘Crimson Desire’. You can view the video below and/or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Re:O on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, Bandcamp, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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This is amazing. Thank you so much!