Shrapnel unleashes powerful anthem ‘Guardian’ as a preview of upcoming album

11th April 2024 0 By Jon Deaux

Renowned UK metal titans, Shrapnel, have unleashed their latest single, ‘Guardian,’ as a preview of their highly anticipated album, In Gravity. Scheduled for release through Candlelight Records on the 31st May, this upcoming album promises to be a monumental addition to their discography.

Hailed by the band as their fiercest offering yet, the latest single ‘Guardian’ plunges into the profound depths of human strength amidst life’s most formidable trials. Positioned as a pivotal track on the forthcoming album In Gravity, ‘Guardian’ encapsulates a visceral fusion of tension and resolute determination. This contemporary metal masterpiece stands as a poignant tribute to individuals confronting adversity head-on.

Pre-order In Gravity here: https://shrapnel.lnk.to/InGravityAlbum

The band commented on the new single: “EXTREMITY / ANGER / SOUL SEARCHING – this was the formula for the most aggressive song Shrapnel has ever delivered.

“Born from tragedy, ‘Guardian’ seeks to understand how we cope with the hardest circumstances life throws at us. A centerpiece of the new album In Gravity, ‘Guardian’ evokes a sense of anxiety and determination with gritty, pounding verses giving in to a massive and explosive chorus vocal hook. This is a modern metal song for those affected by the tragedy.

“The last few years have been really tough for all members of Shrapnel with divorce, loss of loved ones, and complete life upheaval. The whole album has become based on the idea of coping strategies, self-reflection and dealing with anger, frustration, and sorrow. ‘Guardian’ is one of the most direct examples of this and hopefully, it speaks to people with as much gravitas as it has had on us through the writing and recording process.”

The latest release, In Gravity, signifies a profound rebirth and heralds a fresh era for Shrapnel. Drawing from their rich tapestry of experience and diverse influences, the album showcases the band’s peak in songwriting excellence. From intricate and intense compositions to Gojira-inspired powerful heaviness, and a newfound touch of contemporary melodic sophistication, Shrapnel skillfully navigates through uncharted musical territories, pushing boundaries and defying traditional genres.

Guitarist Chris Martin comments: “We’ve channeled every bit of suffering, devastation, and emotion that we’ve experienced in recent years. We’ve never been so confident about our own material.”

Under the expert guidance of acclaimed Swedish producer Jens Bogren (known for his work with Sepultura, Opeth, Amon Amarth, Ihsahn), and with notable contributions from Scott Kennedy (Bleed From Within) and contemporary shred virtuoso Bradley Hall, In Gravity showcases Shrapnel’s liberation from constraints that have hindered others, boldly asserting their rightful place on the British metal scene.

Continuing, Chris adds, “As an album, In Gravity really has a focus on how we all deal with problems of varying extremities. We wanted to take a look at how some of the solutions to our problems become problems in of themselves, be that addiction or anything else.

“It’s an album about how difficult it can be to face those problems many of us share. It was written during tragedy, and we’re rolling it out during some difficult times for us. While we don’t have the answers, we also realise that the ways we deal with issues is to create art, which in itself is a healer. We’ve really been holding the mirror up and exercising some demons on this one. It’s led to the best album we’ve ever written, and something we hope will connect other people far more deeply than anything we’ve released previously.”

Established in 2009, Shrapnel has relentlessly pursued a path of musical devastation. Having shared stages with iconic bands like Exodus, Sepultura, Death Angel, Suicidal Tendencies, Wolf, and Gama Bomb, and gracing the Bloodstock Festival stage three times, the band’s reputation precedes them. Their upcoming performance at the Barbeuk Metal Festival in France further solidifies their place in the metal scene. From the incendiary underground EP No Saviours to the critically acclaimed 2020 album Palace For The Insane, Shrapnel‘s evolution has been nothing short of meteoric, with a relentless drive that shows no signs of waning.