Beastwars, the acclaimed heavy metal band from Wellington, New Zealand, releases their fifth studio album, Tyranny of Distance, out now via Destroy Records / Universal.
Stream/Purchase Tyranny of Distance HERE
The latest single taken from the release is Beastwars’ interpretation of what frontman Matt Hyde dubs “Marlon Williams’ perfect slice of gothic South Island Americana”, ‘Dark Child’.
Listen To ‘Dark Child’ HERE
‘Dark Child’ originally made its debut on Marlon Williams’ self-titled 2015 album, marking a breakthrough moment in his career. Hyde shared his thoughts on the song, which has been given the complete Beastwars treatment, stating, “ Sometimes you will hear an artist and know this person has got it going on, you become a fan and follow their journey. However, when I heard this particular song from Marlon Williams, I thought he was on fire. The delivery, the lyrics, it all had a profound effect on me. This song was a pivotal moment for Marlon, from the underground to topping the charts, and he has really never looked back – his great tsunami to wash the past away and build new roads. Classic track, classic artist.”
Tyranny of Distance is a collection of songs sharing the common themes of despair, loneliness and existential frustration, plus a song recounting the story of an illicit drug-fueled party, albeit with a twist. Tyranny of Distance is also a covers album spanning 40 years’ of New Zealand music. The Gordons, Superette, Snapper, Marlon Williams, Children’s Hour, Nadia Reid, Julia Deans and The 3Ds all have their songs contorted and distorted, riffs extracted and mutated. These are powerful songs in their own right, but Tyranny of Distance gives them fiery new life to become something distinctly “Beastwars”.
Earlier this month, as part of the Tyranny Of Distance project, Beastwars unleashed a powerful reimagining of ‘We Light Fire’ by Julia Deans.
Beastwars Drummer Nathan Hickey, sat down with the iconic Julia Deans to discuss her thoughts on Beastwars’ reinterpretation of the track. Their conversation delves deep into the original inspiration behind the song.
Check out the chat between Nathan and Julia Deans as they explore the world of ‘We Light Fire’ and its transformation in the hands of Beastwars as they explore the world of ‘We Light Fire’ and its transformation in the hands of Beastwars:
PRAISE FOR TYRANNY OF DISTANCE
“’Waves’ feels both familiar and searingly fresh, amplifying the original song’s menace to epic proportions, fuel-injected with Beastwars’ unmistakable metallic heft and guest vocals by Julia Deans” – Undertheradar (Waves)
“I am a huge fan of Beastwars, and this song rips shit hard” – 95bFM, General Manager (Waves)
Song Of The Week – New Zealand Listener (Waves)
“Beastwars’ version bulks up the sleek, almost Chrome-like original, amplifying the song’s dystopian technological vision to awe-inspiring levels for our AI-spooked present” – Undertheradar (Identity)
“Beastwars Turn the Volume Up on a Beautiful Nadia Reid Song” – Rolling Stone (High And Lonely)
FROM THE ARTISTS
“I like what you did, it’s pretty big. You’ve really honoured the song but I knew that you would do a good job of it” – John Halvorsen (The Gordons)
“Sounds great – beasting the beast as the Bird Nest Roys used to say – and I like how you worked the riff from Slaughterhouse into it. And top marks for fitting the whole song into a radio friendly 3 1/2 minutes. Not that I expect radio would play it but you never know…” – Chris Matthews (Children’s Hour)
“I’m a huge fan and this has made my day” – Tim Moore (Dark Child songwriter)
“I really like it! inspired me to get back on my guitar after endless keyboard noodlings of late” – David Mulchahy (Superette)
“I love what you’ve done with the riff. That was so different but it makes perfect sense” – Julia Deans
“An unlikely choice, but a monster version of this unique song from the 3ds playlist. Beastwars always keeps sight of David Mitchell’s folk-infused melancholy while obeying their own riff. Awesome!” – Denise Roughan (3Ds)
