What a whirlwind these past seven months have been for melodic post-hardcore outfit Slaves. After releasing an acoustic six-track EP in January then suddenly parting ways with founding frontman Jonny Craig just hours before a European tour, the band looks like they have finally gotten back on their feet.
Fresh off a US tour with Blessthefall and Palisades, Slaves are welcoming in a new era by officially revealing their newest vocalist, Matt McAndrew formerly of NBC’s The Voice.
In part of ushering in a new era, Slaves have also just released their first new song since Johnny Craig’s departure. Titled “Heavier,” McAndrew describes the single as, “being trapped in a thought loop of worry, paranoia, and ultimately shame.”
McAndrew went on to add, “I have a hard time letting my demons go and when they start affecting relationships, I really feel down on myself. It’s like a physical weight. I never thought I’d be in another band. After all, being solo offers complete artistic control and freedom. It’s only now that I’ve realized how lonely I’ve been by myself. Working with such a tight-knit group is a blast and meeting other bands that show such love for each other makes me feel accepted in a way that I haven’t experienced before.”
Drummer Zack Baker also included, “Our new single came together so quickly. We all collaborate extremely well with each other and we feel that is represented in this new track. The song itself has a dark lyrical vibe encompassing everything Slaves has been about since our debut. Having Matt around has been a great time; he meshed well with us from the first day we met him. His extensive songwriting background, as well as his all-around musical knowledge, have been a huge asset in the studio. I know we’re all excited for this new chapter of Slaves.”
For your first glimpse into the future of Slaves, be sure to check out “Heavier” below. Afterward, for more from the band, head here.
