Derev confront our technological addiction with their new single and animated video for Futile — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The debut release from the new Canadian power trio, Futile harnesses the intensity of metal with atmospheric progressive sounds, all while incorporating elements of their Arabic and Armenian heritage and a powerful lyrical message.
“Contrary to what one might assume when seeing the music video, it’s not meant to illustrate or predict our future as this ‘doomsday,’ ” says Syrian drummer and songwriter Michel Karakach. “We’re not predicting the future or saying that our species is going to be dominated by machines or overtaken by this advanced artificial intelligence.”
Adds Armenian guitarist and songwriter Armando Bablanian: “Rather, it’s about the present situation and how integrated we have become with this technology. We are so dependent on it that we hardly do any activity that does not involve us being behind a screen.”
Futile offers the first preview of Derev’s forthcoming EP Leap of Faith, which arrives April 23. “Musically, the album combines the energy and intensity of metal music with the atmospheric feel of old-school progressive rock music,” bassist Liam Horrigan explains. “It’s also filled with mellow sections and solos that trigger emotions and deliver the message of the EP, not only through melodies and lyrics, but also through a personal and intimate experience. There’s many peaks and troughs.”
Although Leap of Faith isn’t a concept album, the common theme is about seeing things from a different perspective. “And taking action to make a change,” Bablanian offers. “Each song aims to discuss a different topic, and we target numerous controversial ones — including social issues our community faces on a daily basis.”
Karakach expands: “It starts with a track that talks about questioning things that are culturally presumed as absolute truths: what is moral, what is taboo, the idea of going to war for peace, and so on … The album also discusses personal struggles and hurdles that bring us down, leaving us stumped and overwhelmed with doubt and remorse, rather than taking action and achieving what we set out to do. The overall experience of Leap of Faith delivers a message that every listener can relate to on some level, and be moved by.”
The road to Leap of Faith began a long time ago. Though Bablanian and Karakach met in high school in Kuwait, “we were unable to pursue the project at the time due to the circumstances of living in the Middle East.” Karakach received his dental degree in Syria before coming to Canada, drumming and songwriting along the way. Bablanian received an engineering degree from the University of Toronto while also part of metal band Till I Conquer, which released an EP and three singles. Horrigan — also a UofT engineering alum — used to be in the Ottawa’s Open Season, and released a solo alt-rock offering as @t_ii_f.
Watch Futile above, listen to the track below, and follow Derev on their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
