Following their recent return with the explosive recent single ‘LOADED’, London based five-piece HMLTD today announce news of the upcoming release of their long-awaited debut album, West of Eden, due for release on 7th February 2020 via UK independent label Lucky Number.
The expansive, labyrinthine debut has been several years in the making; a daring collection of songs created to incite conversation about proposed new visions of masculinity, the decadence of western capitalism and the violence of insecurity and repression. Across its 15 tracks, the band’s artistic vision is realised in full technicolour, with all shades of their sonic palette used to create an album that is equal parts lush and abrasive. The album’s themes and overarching message is explored in detail below by frontman Henry Spychalski.
Alongside today’s announcement, HMLTD share the video for brand new single and album opener ‘The West Is Dead’, a dizzying rally call brought to life with the fuzz of a driving bassline, pulsing electronics and Spychalski’s sick croon. Its accompanying haunting visuals envisions a near-future Europe, plunged back into feudalism after total social and ecological collapse. Shot by Niall Trask, it continues the band’s run of thought provoking yet beautiful videos,
Of the track, Spychalski explains: “this is not dystopia, but a mirror up to late capitalism; where we are and where we’re headed. Sick dolphins lap at the tide, the insects have all dropped from the skies and the global economy enters free fall. Ecological catastrophe guaranteed. The West is dead. Atomised, alienated and apathetic…”
